----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âDominmania is running wild, BROTHER!â
----------------------------------------------------------
Terri Morasco: I still can't believe Andrew Jacobsen is the 2017 winner of the roulette.
Vasco Dias: that was one of many surprises that we saw last week in the roulette. If you still haven't watched it....what are you waiting for? My favorite part was when the-
{âREGRETS I'VE HAD MINE!â}{All of a sudden the the chorus of Full of Regrets by Danko Jones starts playing over the speakers and Steve Awesome comes stepping out from behind the curtain to a chorus of cheers from the crowd.}Vasco Dias: UGH! I HATE when he interrupts me like that.
Terri Morasco: Well somebody had to get you to stop talking Vasco and why not have that someone be none other than the Face of the Franchise, and of course the number one entrant into the Roulete match.
{Steve Awesome stands in the middle of the ring, with a microphone in hand, and the music dies and the fan cheers sort of fade out and pulls the microphone up to his lips.}Steve Awesome: âNow I don't like to come out here and rock the boat.....but if I don't get some answers then I'm going to flip the whole thing over and were all going to drown.â
{Steve starts pacing around the ring.}Steve Awesome: Last week at the Roulette, something happened......and if you don't know what I'm talking about, if you haven't seen it, why don't you check out these amazing clips.â
{He says sarcastically as he points to the Imperitron. It shows clips of Steve Awesome standing in the ring at High Stakes as entrant number one. Then Lord Dominicus showing up as number two and Steve's angry and confused reaction. Highlights of their war throughout their time in the Roulette and even some after the fact on their way up the ramp.}Vasco Dias: I don't understand why Steve is so upset right now, I don't think he's ever even met this Lord Dominicus guy until Sunday. What's his beef?
Terri Morasco: You can't honestly expect me to believe that isn't Rob Diamond?
Vasco Dias: You have to because according to my sources Rob was actually sighted in a Buffalo Wild Wings in Greenwich, watching the Roulette!
Terri Morasco: Oh please.
{Steve Awesome watches the tron until the clips end and just shakes his head.}Steve Awesome: I've seen all the internet memes all week, all the jokes and the fun that everybody has been having with this whole....
{He looks into the camera and does a hard air quote.}Steve Awesome: ...Lord Dominicus....thing and it was a funny joke but you know I think it's already ran it's course. But I refuse to play along anymore, see I know that Lord Dominicus is Rob Diamond. The same Rob Diamond that made my life a living hell for the better part of a year, and the same Rob Diamond that I sent packing from IWF forever.
{He runs a palm through his hair.}Steve Awesome: That means that you don't get to come back in a dumb mask and act like an idiot and try to insult mine and everyone's intelligence. So I think you should get out here and apologize to me and all these people....
{Steve Awesome waits in the ring when suddenly the arena starts to flash in green lighting to the beat of âReal Americanâ as Steve rolls his eyes so far back in his head that they nearly fall into the back of his skull. Lord Dominicus in green wrestling paints with red lightening running up and down the sides of it comes marching out onto the ramp playing air guitar, the fans cheering for him. }Vasco Dias: I donât believe it! Lord Dominicus is here tonight!
Terri Morasco: I canât believe youâre actually playing along with this.
Vasco Dias: Playing along with what!? Thatâs the masked miscreant of mayhem! Lord Dominicus!!!
{ Lord Dominicusâ long beard pokes out from under his mask as he begins to wave his hands and cup his ears to the roar of the crowd. They can hardly contain themselves as LD makes his way down the ramp toward Steve Awesome in the ring. Dominicus stomps on the bottom step and continues to bob his head as Steve just stands there getting incredibly annoyed as Lord Dominicus takes his time. Dominicus takes two more big steps before making an exaggerated step into the ring. He waves his hand and cups his the ear of his mask again as Steve just shakes his head. }Steve Awesome: Can you stop the bullshit, Rob-
{ Lord Dominicus holds up a single index finger against the lips of Steve Awesome and wags it back and forth as the crowd roars. He reaches to the back of his tights and pulls out his own microphone. }Lord Dominicus: LOOK HERE BROTHER!!!
{ The crowd pops huge for Dominicus. }Lord Dominicus: I donât know who this Rob Diamond guy is, DUDE!!! But I do know he sounds like a pretty hip cat, BROTHER!!! But if youâve got a problem with me, well, Iâm standing right here, BROTHER!!!
{ Steve just shakes his head at him as he takes a step back. }Steve Awesome: You canât be serious right nowâŠ
Lord Dominicus: Iâm about as serious as your spray tan, DUDE!!!
{ The crowd pops again. }Vasco Dias: This is awesome.
Terri Morasco: This is absolutely the most insane thing I have ever seen on Sacrifice.
Steve Awesome: Look Rob-
Lord Dominicus: I already told you BROTHER!!! Iâm not this Rob Diamond cat, DUDE!!! I am the main Dominaniac, Lord Dominicus and I am RUNNINâ WILD UP AND DOWN IMPERIAL WRESTLING BROTHER!!! You may have momentarily side tracked me BROTHER by interfering in my run in the Roulette but DOMINANIA is a force of NATURE, DUDE!!!
{ Steve seems completely dumbfounded. He shakes his head and takes a big deep breath.}Steve Awesome: Rob....
{Lord Dominicus doesnât answer and just taunts with the crowd.}Steve Awesome: Rob!
{Again Lord Dominicus doesnât respond. Steve grits his teeth}Steve Awesome: Lord Dominicus.
Lord Dominicus: Yes, BROTHER!?
{Awesome mutters some curse words under his breath.}Steve Awesome: I'm not stupid. Maybe I beat you too bad back at Metamorphosis, but I know and everyone else in this arena knows that you are Rob Diamond. YOU ARE ROB DIAMOND!
{Dominicus huffs and puffs under the mask and puts his hand on his hip.}Lord Dominicus: You know something DUDE, you are really starting to get on my nerves with this Rob Diamond BS brother.
{Awesome face palms and then glares at Dominicus.}Steve Awesome: Alright that's it. This is how you want to play it Rob? Fine. You won't admit it yourself, then I'm going to rip that stupid mask off your face and prove it's you.
{Steve Awesome starts walking toward Lord Dominicus with bad intentions but Dominicus holds up his index finger.}Lord Dominicus: I wouldn't do that, brother.
{Steve just sneers at him and gets in his face.}Steve Awesome: Oh yeah? What are you gonna do?
{Dominicus smirks from underneath the mask.}Lord Dominicus: Run. Wild. On. YOU!!!!
Steve Awesome: Huh?
{Steve is confused again but he notices Dominicus move and Steve throws a punch and lands a couple but then Lord Dominicus starts huffing and puffing and shaking his head and absorbing the punches. Steve looks surprised and alarmed that his punches are having no effect on the masked man.}Vasco Dias: Lord Dominicus is starting to feel the Dominmania! I can feel it too.
Terri Morasco: I'm not sure what's going on, and I'm not sure Iâd understand it if I did.
{Awesome throws a few more punches and Dominicus just shakes his head and points at Steve dramatically. Awesome see's the point and he hesitates for a second and then throws a punch that Dominicus blocks and he hits a strike of his own. Dominicus blocks another punch and lands a punch. Then he lands another punch and another punch and another before he irish whips Steve into the ropes and he jams a big boot directly into the Face of the Franchise and Steve goes stumbling back from the middle of the ring to the ropes, flips over the top rope and flops around like a penny landing on a flat table on the floor below.}Vasco Dias: Did you see the power behind Dominmania!?
Terri Morasco: I have to admit that was impressive. But what the hell is going on here? Is that really Rob Diamond or what?
Vasco Dias: No Terri, he's not Rob Diamond. But he sure showed jerks like Steve Awesome that he won't be taking no crap just because he's new. Dominmania is running wild, Terri! Can you feel it?â
Terri Morasco: You know what....I think I can.
{Steve Awesome sits on the ramp, dazed and confused and holding his jaw, as Real American starts to play over the speaker and Lord Dominicus plays air guitar and cups his ear toward the crowd and posing for them as we fade off into commercial.}----------------------------------------------------------
TAG TEAM MATCH
The Renegades vs The Lost Boys
----------------------------------------------------------
{We come back from a commercial for The Viewer's Choice PPV happening in 3 weeks at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, where we can see Dean Coulter of The Lost Boy's and Will Fenell of The Renegades holding each others heads with their left hands while throwing hard rights at each other over and over and over.}Vasco Dias: Welcome back fans, and it looks like The Lost Boys and The Renegades couldn't wait to get their match started as Will and Dean have started a backstage brawl.
Terri Morasco: Watch out!
{Dean goes to toss Will face first into a production truck but Will reverses it at the last second sending the Aussie face first into his intended target. Will steps back and crouches a bit waiting for Dean to stumble back towards him, as soon as Dean turns around Will lifts him up onto his shoulders.}Vasco Dias: No! Not the Ode to Angle on the concrete!
{Before Will can finish the move Chris comes soaring into the scene out of no where to connect with a flying drive by kick square to Dean's jaw before Will slams him down on the concrete with his version of the Angle Slam with a loud thud.}Vasco Dias: These THUGS might have broken Dean in half what's wrong with them!?
Terri Morasco: For all we know Dean started this fight.
Vasco Dias: Dean handles his business in the ring, not in the street like these two THUGS!
{The two brothers are slow to get up also as they took a bit of damage from hitting the concrete themselves, just as Chris is to one knee he's greeted by a trash can crashing down on his head with a loud THUD}Vasco Dias: There he is! There's Sam with the equalizer!
{Sam Braxton the other half of The Lost Boys has a metal trash can in hand, he raises it up high above his head and crashes it down over Will's head this time completely folding the trashcan in half over it. Both Chris and Will get to their feet quickly and retreat backwards as a bunch of officials and security come running in to break up the fight.}Will Fenell: Fuckboy started dis shit I just ended it!
Sam Braxton: I'll end you trailer park boy!
{Sam tosses the trashcan at The Renegades as they make their exit, Sam kneels down to check on his tag partner.}Terri Morasco: I guess this match is not happening tonight.
Vasco Dias: I doubt this is far from over between these two teams however.
Terri Morasco: Oh far from it.
----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Dorian Hawkhurst vs Johnny Gillmen
----------------------------------------------------------
{ The arena is filled with a quiet ticking noise. As it gets faster, it turns into an electronic whirling noise. Finally the guitar kicks in and Dorian Hawkhurst walks out from the back. He looks around at the audience while the weight of the lyrics hits him. }Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... âThe Demon of Sobrietyâ... DORIAN HAWKHURST!!!
{ Hawkhurst begins walking down to the ring, slapping a few hands along the way despite not taking his eyes off of the ring. He gets to the apron and slides in, making his way to the corner, awaiting the start of the match. }Terri Morasco: Dorian Hawkhurst has hit a bit of a snag lately, but he looks to right the ship against JJ tonight!
Vasco Dias: This is gonna be easy...
{ Cannons shooting jets of water blast high into the air as Charm City Devils' "Unstoppable" begins to play. A lone blue spotlight appears on-stage as Johnny Gillmen steps in from behind the curtain, sporting aqua blue, olive green, and silver tights with matching boots and tassels and a T-shirt bearing the logo of his alma mater. Carrying his multi-colored surfboard with him, Johnny passes through, high-fiving fans along the way before sliding his longboard underneath the ring and hopping in to wait for his opponent. }Vasco Dias: I can't believe this guy actually kicked Bob Pooler out of the Roulette!
Terri Morasco: 'Ey, give him credit for making his return after reaggravating a nagging injury in his back.
Vasco Dias: Pffft...yeah, and I like his clean-shaven look.
Terri Morasco: Will you stop!?!
[DING!]
{ The sound of the bell prompts both gentlemen to lock up in the center of the ring, but Johnny quickly realizes that he's a bit outmatched in the weight department--by nearly 100 pounds--yet he tries to send him reeling to the ropes with some martial arts rights and lefts. The plan works, but for a brief period of time as JJ tries to send his opponent into the ropes. He finds himself being sent for the ride, however, on the reversal; Gillmen bounces off the strands and into a surprisingly athletic dropkick from Hawkhurst, followed by a second! Johnny shakes his head on the deck, trying to shake off the cobbies...but Dorian grits his teeth before yanking him to his feet and spiking him with a running powerslam from the corner. A standing ledrop later, and Hawkhurst goes for the pin... }1...!
2...!!
NOPE!!!
{ Hawkhurst grumbles for a second before going back to work on the smaller Gillmen, who--to his credit no less--holds his own against his much larger rival's clubbing blows to the back of the cranium. JJ is unceremoniously chucked over the top rope and onto the floor, and Hawkhurst decides to get a little aggressive and follow him out. }Vasco Dias: Here we go!
Referee: ONE...TWO...!!
Terri Morasco: Both guys are right for the pickings.
{ Dorian follows up with a elbow smash as Johnny lies prone on the floor; after being kicked twice in the ribs, Hawkhurst tries to send Gillmen crashing into the steel steps...only to wind up reversed! Now it's Hawkhurst who smacks shoulder first into the steps as JJ breathes a sigh of relief before hopping back into the ring and calling for Dorian to get back in. }Referee: THREE...FOUR..FIVE...!!!
{ Johnny pounds his chest, leading cheers as Dorian pulls himself through the ropes and back into the squared circle...where he's immediately pounced on with right and left hands and kicks to the schnozz and ribs! Now it's Hawkhurst who's staggering into the corner before being shot into the strands; Dorian bounces off, and JJ is right there with a dropkick of his own--along with a second! Johnny lets out a fierce battle cry as Hawkhurst gets to his feet--but the Islander alum is right there with a shocking vertical suplex that stuns the big fella on the mat! }Terri Morasco: OH!!!
Vasco Dias: Uhhhh...whoa? Didn't expect that kind of power from Johnny-boy over there...
{ Gillmen, knowing what he wants to do, charges toward the third rope and flies off, nailing Dorian with a high missile dropkick before going for the pin... }1...!
2...!!
KICKOUT!!!
{ Johnny nods his head and continues the attack, planting a solid right hand in his opponent's skull before executing an Irish whip. Hawkhurst bounces off the ropes, ducks underneath a clothesline, and lashes out with a decapitating clothesline of his own that flanks JJ and sends crashing to the mat. Dorian pulls Johnny back to his feet, bounces him off the top strand in a bit of strength, and powerbombs him like a rag doll! }Vasco Dias: NOW Gillmen's playin' with power!
Terri Morasco: Shouldn't Dorian follow up here?
Vasco Dias: Mehhhh...he's just buyin' a l'il time.
{ Dorian plays to the crowd for a moment or two, taking in the 50-50 reaction as he looks down upon JJ with fire in his eyes as the latter seemingly lies motionless on the deck. Yet as Dorian tries to go for the pin, Johnny catches him and instantly places his opponent in a kimura lock much to the fans' delight! }Vasco Dias: ZOINKS!!!
Terri Morasco: The submission's locked in! That's what happens when you try to get cute and buy time in a ring!
{ Dorian Hawkhurst isn't going anywhere. He's firmly locked into the submission hold, and Johnny Gillmen continues to apply the pressure. It soon becomes clear that Hawkhurst has no choice but to tap out, which he does so--prompting the man in stripes to call for the bell. }Terri Morasco: Ballgame!
[DING-DING-DING!!!]
{ "Unstoppable" plays once more as Johnny lets go of the hold, but he doesn't celebrate the victory. Instead, he looks up at the ceiling and points heavenward, mouthing the words "love ya Uncle Johnny" before making his exit. }----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âFinal FarewellâŠâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{ "I am immortal, I'll never fade away.. I'm a legacy living on far beyond the grave." }Vasco Dias: Well, rumors have been circulating abound as to what this could be about. The man called Falcon has been scarce lately, even before facing Spike Kane in a pretty ridiculously ill advised unsanctioned match.
Terri Morasco: It was unsanctioned, clearly he knew what he was doing.
Vasco Dias: My point exactly. Stupid.
Terri Morasco: Stupid? Or honorable, he was trying to help his friend.
Vasco Dias: There are no friends in this business.
{ "Immortal" by Eve to Adam plays, and Falcon emerges from behind the curtain. The typical pop is subdued, because he's in street clothes and rumors have been flying about what he might have to say. }Vasco Dias: I don't see his sassy little mouthpiece.
Terri Morasco: She has a name you know.
Vasco Dias: Of course she does, I'm aware of what it is, but I can't be insulting that way.
Terri Morasco: .....You boggle the mind sometimes.
{ Falcon slides into the ring, stopping for a long moment just to look out at the crowd. He moved over, reaching towards the table, asking for a microphone. Handed one, he moves to a turnbuckle and sits on it. }Falcon: ....A while ago, I made a vow not to speak. Well, clearly I'm breaking that. The purpose behind it was that words didn't matter, that I had nothing to say until I proved to myself that I could still do it. That I could still come here, fight and entertain as I always had. Clearly, I didn't win the title, but if you know me that was never what it was about, just a simple goal. However, there comes a time when principle, isn't enough. Where a human body will simply give out, and refuse to workâŠ
{ He pauses for a moment, clearly getting a little choked with emotion. The crowd starts a 'Thank you, Kyle' chant, sensing what's coming. After a while, he motions for them to quiet so he can continue. }Falcon: I know what you're all thinking and I wish that I didn't have to be out here like this but as much as it pains me to say, I have some news that you might not like...
{ Before Falcon can utter another word the lights in the arena go dark and a low tone starts to play like a heart beat slowly getting longer. The crowd buzzes in anticipation as thousands of cell phones light up in the darkness. }Vasco Dias: What the hell...? Who interrupts a damn retirement speech?
Terri Morasco: Assuming that's what this was... maybe someone who doesn't like Falcon?
Vasco Dias: ....Thank you captain obvious.
{ The Imperitron lights up with static for several long moments before flashes of matches past begin to flash in between. Still images of Falcon flying off cages, crashing through tables, flames and barbed wire and blood with a low subdued laughter rising behind it as the song becomes more clear, the orchestra version of Gateways by Dimmu Borgir. }"You think you can just walk away?"
{ Lightening seems to flash in the arena as the song really starts to kick into gear and a frozen image of the blood covered man called God standing over Falcon from a match more than a decade old takes over the screen. Falcon looks out around the ring as dozens of torches light up illuminated the painted faces of the followers of Savior X. }Terri Morasco: Wait... that's?
Vasco Dias: GOD HAS COME BACK TO IWF!!!! ANGEL BLAKE IS BACK!!!!
Terri Morasco: And⊠And he wants one more match with FalconâŠ
{ The frozen image of Blake standing over Falcon melts away to an image of the man called God sitting on a throne of skulls surrounded by more painted face torch bearers. His black eyes slowly look up as he speaks without his lips moving. }âI told you a very long time agoâŠâ
{ Falcon looks prepared for a fight as the torch bearers move up onto the apron, their flames getting ever closer. }âONLY ONE OF US WALKS AWAY!!!â
{ Each of the several dozen torches suddenly explode into flaming pyres that seem to go all the way up to the ceiling as Falcon and the rest of the crowd shields their eyes. When the flames finally die down the arena is plunged back into darkness. }Vasco Dias: I donât believe this! God, Angel Blake has returned to IWF!!!
Terri Morasco: And he wants the Immortal, Falcon!!!
{ The arena is suddenly a glow as the Imperitron lights up with the words âNIGHT OF THE IMMORTALSâ as Falcon looks on now complete alone in the ring⊠}Vasco Dias: Lord...? Who the.. Oh...
Terri Morasco: Oh what?
Vasco Dias: There's only one person who calls himself God around here.. and I believe.. he's calling him out.. on the biggest show of the year.
{Falcon drops the microphone, taking a moment to wipe some of the gunk off his face. He stares at the date left on the tron, and exhales slowly, as if resigned to fate. Then it cuts to commercial.}----------------------------------------------------------
ROULETTE FALLOUT
SINGLES MATCH
Devlin Raine vs Nighthawk
----------------------------------------------------------
Alison Valance: âThis next contest is scheduled for 1 fall with a 60-minute time limit or television time remaining.â
{The Lights Darken as the Into of "OMEN" start to play, whilst the beat picks up Devlin emerges from the crowd wearing his jacket and the Guy Fawkes mask , the Destiny Dealer steps up on the guard railing slowly as he slips off the mask and slides under the bottom rope to salute at the crowd waving his hands to the music as if conducting an orchestra and then turns to keep eyes about him.}Alison Valance: âIntroducing first, from Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at 210 poundsâŠ. âThe Destiny Dealerâ Devlin Raine!â
{As the ring announcer moves to a neutral corner the lights in the sold-out arena dim for just a moment as the opening strains of "I Remember (Spartan X Intro)" by Tristam boom out over the sound speakers, as Nighthawk walks to the ring confidently shaking hands with the crowd as he does so. Climbing up on the outside of the 2nd and 3rd turnbuckles the "Wrestling Machine" exhorts the crowd to make more and more noise before climbing into the ring and submitting himself to be checked out by the referee.}Alison Valance: âAnd his opponent, from the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at 185 poundsâŠ. âThe Master of 1000 HoldsââŠ.. âThe Wrestling Machineâ Nighthawk!â
{As Nighthawk and Devlin Raine stand in the center of the ring, all of the history between both men immediately coming back to the forefront of everyoneâs minds, the referee quickly rings the bell to start the match as both men stand in the center of the ring before Devlin Raine extends his hand out for a handshake. Glancing down at it Nighthawk shocks the crowd by slapping it away and telling his opponent âAfterâ not once but twice before putting in an Irish-flag mouthpiece, to which he gets a small nod of understanding as both men continue to stare holes through each other before they agree to some form of a dĂ©tente and start the match with a knuckle lock as they jockey for position with each man blocking a step-through attempt from the other as Nighthawk looks to go after the left arm and Devlin Raine looks to do the same with a cravate before they each mutually let go of the knuckle lock and go right into a collar-and-elbow lockup. Continuing to jockey for position against each other they each find themselves tied in the ropes and let go immediately, both men seeming to want to keep this sporting. Moving back into the center of the ring Nighthawk waits for Devlin Raine to get off the ropes before attempting an ankle pick which he sees coming and counters into a jackknife cradle for a 1-count which the Chicagoan reverses into one of his own for another 1-count before both men stare holes at each other from a kneeling position almost simultaneously as the crowd roars in approval. Staring holes through each other both men remain on their knees as they stretch out their wrists and hands before pulling themselves up to their feet and immediately going back to the collar-and-elbow lockup as they again push against each other until they again find the ropes and this time are forced to be separated from each other by the referee. Removing the topknot that keeps his long hair out of his face the âWrestling Machineâ takes a moment to think of what he wants to do next before raising his left arm for a knuckle lock challenge which the âDestiny Dealerâ responds to wordlessly by accepting the challenge as they jockey for position against each other until they fall through the ropes and continue to push against each other looking for a significant offensive advantage. Finally realizing that they are on the outside of the ring both men slowly, and tentatively, let go of the knuckle lock and roll back into the ring, the wheels noticeably turning as each man is trying to think of what they need to do next.} Terri Morasco: âThese are perhaps the two most complete jr. heavyweights in the world today. They can wrestle on the mat; fly, brawl, and each has shown a penchant for hard-hitting offense if they need it. This is going to be a classic, and that is showing even now as they are feeling each other out in the early going.â
Vasco Dias: âYou canât talk about the Nighthawk-Devlin Raine series without mentioning their shared hometown. These are two guys who live in the same city, and have heard of each other for the vast majority of their careers. In a lot of ways, this match is the final skirmish in a gym war that has gone on and on since they arrived in the IWF.â
{Standing in the center of the ring, his ice-blue eyes remaining focused on the man opposite him, Nighthawk waits for Devlin before immediately going to another collar-and-elbow lockup and trying to use his quickness to execute a standing switch which he is able to get before attempting a standing surfboard which Devlin quickly counters and somehow is able to spin through into a standing cravate which Nighthawk smoothly counters out of as both men again stand at the ready. Keeping a small but noticeable smirk on his face Devlin leans against the ropes for a moment before stepping into the center of the ring and quickly goes back to the collar-and-elbow lockup before using a standing switch himself as he tries to go for a full nelson, which Nighthawk sees coming and drops down into a prawn hold for a quick 1-count before Devlin reverses into one of his own that also gets a 1-count as they each seem to realize they are each at something of a stalemate. Stretching out against the 2nd rope, the smirk on Devlinâs face now almost completely gone, the âDestiny Dealerâ pulls himself up to his feet slowly as he begins to work out what he wants to do next before deciding to roll to the floor to give himself some much-needed time to think. Pacing around the ringside area, his eyes coolly focused on his opponent, Devlin finally slides into the ring on the count of 9 and goes right back to the collar-and-elbow lockup and executes a standing switch right into an attempt at a waistlock takeover only for Nighthawk to see it coming and counter right out into an attempt at a European wristlock which quickly draws Devlin to the ropes as he does not want to give the âWrestling Machineâ any chance whatsoever to focus his attention on the left arm. Leaning against the bottom rope, carefully studying his opponent to see if he can find any seams upon which to focus, Devlin again rolls to the floor to give himself some time to think as the crowd begins to buzz softly, but noticeably, in disapproval over this particular tactic. Deciding to make a move to cut this off at the pass Nighthawk gets a running start and feints as if going for a slingshot plancha only to do a gorgeous back flip right into the center of the ring, before the âMan of 1000 Holdsâ beckons Devlin into the ring with him.} Terri Morasco: âIn all of Nighthawkâs major matches in IWF, there has been one thing weâve seen him do above everything else. He dictates the pace. His matches, whether he wins or loses them, have always gone exactly the way he wants them to go. Tonight, against an opponent who is seeing him for the 3rd time, we are seeing someone finally dictating the pace to him.â
Vasco Dias: âand for a lot of wrestlers, especially the younger ones on the roster with not a lot of ring time, seeing someone try and go after one of the core planks of your strategy might disrupt your entire offense. I think though, for Nighthawk, weâll see more of what we saw him do just a minute ago. Feints to open up Devlin and make him think about taking the lead, which is of course what Nighthawk wants him to do.â
{Rolling back into the ring carefully, Devlin tentatively goes for a knuckle lock only for Nighthawk to spin through before both hands are even locked together right through into an armbar which he turns into a wristlock with his trademark practiced smoothness. Yanking tightly on the hold as Devlin tries to find a way out Devlin wriggles himself into position to step through the wristlock and then step all the way back around into a cravate which he quickly takes over into a lying variation which looks enough like a pin that the referee comes over to check to see if the shoulders of Nighthawk are on the mat. Signaling no pin Devlin nonetheless continues to hold onto the cravate, again drawing the referee over to check on whether or not a pin is taking place, switching the grip up to a chinlock as Nighthawk sits up slowly and then explodes into a seated switch where he can get a hammerlock going only for Devlin to slide forwards towards the ropes and then use that change in momentum to slip out of danger and attempt a snapmare takeover only for Nighthawk to see it coming and keep hold of the left arm. Getting to his feet slowly Devlin attempts a cartwheel while still in the wristlock but canât get the escape that he might have wanted, causing him to attempt a duck-under which he gets just enough of to attempt a legsweep cradle from that position which gets a quick 1-count before Nighthawk reverses it into one of his own which also gets a 1-count. Pulling themselves up to their feet in more or less the same motion both men immediately go for the knuckle lock only for Devlin to quickly drop down into an ankle pick right through into a toe-and-ankle hold which Nighthawk counters right into an inside cradle for a quick 1-count before the âDestiny Dealerâ reverses that into a cradle of his own which also gets a 1-count before both men fire seated dropkicks from their knees at more or less the exact same moment. Shaking out his left arm for the first time all match Devlin goes back to the collar-and-elbow lockup and this time bulrushes Nighthawk to the corner and all the way up onto the 2nd turnbuckle, letting go mere moments before the refereeâs count gets to 5. But as he turns to inform the referee he intends on playing fair the âWrestling Machineâ sees the opening and quickly locks in a hanging armbar, letting go on the count of 4 before quickly scrambling to hook in a Jim Breaks Special as Devlin quickly grabs the nearest set of ropes before again rolling to the floor and shaking out his left arm as the crowd chants âLetâs go Nighthawkâ louder and louder. Crouching inside the ring, his eyes never leaving the left arm of his opponent, Nighthawk waits for Devlin to step back in the ring before the âMan of 1000 Holdsâ raises his left hand above his head in a test of strength challenge.} Terri Morasco: âWeâre seeing a lot of feeling out, and a lot of attempts at pins from both men. You get the sense that each one of them realizes just how important this match is, and that they want to get the win without having to expend the energy that they know they may have to.â
Vasco Dias: âIt took, perhaps, longer than we might have expected but Nighthawk found the opening to attack the left arm. If he can stay on it he might get that big win heâs looking for.â
{Looking at Nighthawk with one eyebrow raised, as if he canât think that this is a strategy that is going to work, Devlin nonetheless takes the test of strength only to have it spun through into a top wristlock takeover right through into a wristlock. Barring the arm using the point of his knee right on the shoulder Nighthawk smoothly and coolly begins to turn and rotate the left wrist of Devlin counter-clockwise, finally placing his thumb directly in the middle of the palm while pulling back on the wrist to get as much torque and pressure on the hold as he can. Grunting in pain as his left arm is being thoroughly worked over Devlin now begins to try and escape this hold before whatever damage is being done becomes permanent, quickly attempting to go for a counter headscissors from this position but finding it blocked by Nighthawk who simply leans his head away from the attempt and begins to twist and rotate the left wrist again as he appears to have found the opening. Applying a figure-seven grip to the wristlock the âWrestling Machineâ canât get much more play on the hold as Devlin finally reaches out to grab the ropes which immediately causes Nighthawk to mumble angrily to himself in Gaelic but nonetheless lets go of the hold. Sitting down on the mat wincing in pain Devlin never sees Nighthawk go right back after the left arm, applying a stepover wristlock as he continues to go to work on the left arm before Devlin somehow finds an opening to roll through and attempt a side headlock. However, as he tries to finish the hold his left arm is entirely too weakened allowing Nighthawk to simply slide through and attempt to go for a Windy City Stretch, which forces the âDestiny Dealerâ to again grab for the ropes and this time roll to the floor to prevent Nighthawk from getting his hands on him. Coming back into the ring slowly Devlin shakes out his left arm and again goes for the collar-and-elbow lockup and again pushes Nighthawk to the corner where he again sees the opening for the hanging armbar and goes for it, letting go on the count of 4. However, as the âMan of 1000 Holdsâ drops to the floor he hits the small of his back on the hard edge of the ring apron, causing him to wince noticeably.} Terri Morasco: âAnd already, we are seeing this hold-for-hold match take its effect on both men. Devlin has had his arm worked on, and we just saw Nighthawk hit his back on the ring apron. Throughout his career, Nighthawk has had a history of back troubles but thatâs not the only reason why itâs important, Vasco.â
Vasco Dias: âThatâs right, Terri. As it happens, the two big offensive weapons in Nighthawkâs arsenal require the back. The Hangmanâs Clutch requires him to be able to bridge up to really torque on the hold, and the Orange Crush means he needs to hold his man up long enough to lift from the suplex into the powerbomb. If he canât do either of those things, he doesnât have the big guns necessary to win this match.â
{Rolling back into the ring, stretching his back out against the bottom rope, Nighthawk immediately goes into a collar-and-elbow lockup only to be caught with a standing switch right into a standing surfboard, Devlin digging his right knee into the lower back as he has clearly picked up on the injury his opponent suffered. Shaking his head no when the referee asks him if he wants to submit Nighthawk grits his teeth and tries to look for a way out of this hold, finally dropping down to hit a quick rolling wrist snap which he rolls through into an inverted cross-legged crucifix that gets a long 2-count, only for Devlin to counter that right through into a bow-and-arrow as he again tries to focus his attention on the back. Shaking his finger no when the referee comes over to see if he wants to quit the âWrestling Machineâ now begins to find a workaround to the situation that he finds himself in, reaching for Devlinâs left hand and slowly prying away at the fingers until he can get himself in a position where he can break the grip and quickly drops down into a lateral press that gets a quick 1-count as he clearly does not want to stay in this match any longer than is necessary. Getting back to their feet carefully, each man showing the tentativeness and signs of fatigue that you might expect to see in such a physical and evenly matched bout, they stare at each other cautiously before Devlin throws the first strike of the match in the form of a hard knife-edge chop to the chest which lands with a sharp thud. Looking down at his chest and then back up at the âDestiny Dealerâ Nighthawk simply asks him if he no longer wants to wrestle anymore and then proceeds to lay into him with a torrent of knife-edge chops of his own until Devlin decides to break for daylight, only to be followed out by an aggressive Nighthawk. But as he tries to walk his larger opponent down Devlin shows his own facility for setting traps and lands a massive forearm strike on the way in, before rolling back in the ring only for Nighthawk to pull him out and land a counter European uppercut in response before both men begin trading European uppercuts until the âMan of 1000 Holdsâ ends that particular argument with an enzuigiri to the left arm using the edge of the ring apron as a stepping-off point.} Terri Morasco: âThis match has been hold-for-hold up until right now. And right now, we are seeing these two world-class technicians trade heavy hands as though they are plodding heavyweights.â
Vasco Dias: âWhen we spoke to Devlin Raine, he told us that Nighthawk hits harder than you might expect him to. He has such a strong reputation as a technical wrestler that people ignore he really can, legitimately, wrestle any style he needs to.â
{Rolling Devlin back in the ring Nighthawk signals for a springboard frankensteiner, only to be guided right into a pendulum backbreaker from Devlin who quickly covers and shoots something of a death glare at the official when told the count only got 2. Deciding to keep the pressure on Devlin turns Nighthawk over onto his stomach and then slingshots in with a senton bomb to the lower back. Picking Nighthawk up Devlin lands a hard overhand chop to the chest followed by a tight European uppercut that sends him careening into the ropes where he is caught coming off with a gorgeous belly-to-belly suplex that gets a long 2-count. Picking him up again Devlin again fires Nighthawk into the ropes who this time is able to counter with a gorgeous standing dropkick. Straigthening up slowly, his entire body clearly quite stiff, Nighthawk nonetheless attempts a handspring elbow only to be caught into a lifting belly-to-back suplex. Writhing around in pain the âDestiny Dealerâ picks up his man and plants him with a gorgeous brainbuster, quickly covering and getting yet another 2-count and this time muttering obscenities to himself. Picking Nighthawk up again Devlin this time throws him into the ropes and hits him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and again goes for the cover, and again only gets a count of 2. Deciding a submission attempt might be a better use of his time Devlin quickly snares the âWrestling Machineâ in a standing octopus hold, forcing him to carry the entirety of Devlinâs 210-pound frame on a lower back that has already taken some damage. Staggering towards the ropes as best he can Nighthawk somehow manages to reach out and hook onto the middle strand of rope and force a break of the hold, before falling more or less exhausted through the middle rope and onto the apron where he is desperately trying to get both his bearings and some much-needed oxygen back into his lungs. Seeing the opening Devlin attempts to springboard out with a double stomp to the stomach, only to be caught with an alley-oop that causes him to bang his left forearm hard on the ring apron. And as Devlin recoils in pain, holding his left arm as if it had been stabbed by Excalibur, the âMan of 1000 Holdsâ sees his opening and marshals just enough of a 2nd wind to hit a running Superior Football kick first to the shoulder and then another one high on the chest before collapsing on the ring apron again as the sold-out crowd roars in raucuous approval.} Terri Morasco: âAnd once again, one more time, Nighthawkâs tremendous powers of recuperation again on display. We say it every time we see him. There might be no man on the IWF roster who can take a beating and recover from it as quickly as Nighthawk.â
Vasco Dias: âInterestingly, Nighthawk still had it within himself to target that first penalty kick to the left shoulder. He noticed Devlin fell and hit his forearm on the ring apron. Itâs very difficult to target the forearm in any offensive strike, but you can attack the shoulder so thatâs what he did.â
{Crawling back into the ring on his hands and knees, pulling himself up to his feet as best he can with his back in the shape that it is in, Nighthawk takes one look at the situation in front of him and attempts an outside-in frankensteiner which he is able to hit. Rolling Devlin into the ring Nighthawk slowly climbs up to the top turnbuckle and signals for a shooting star press.} {But as Nighthawk sets up for the shooting star press Devlin stands up and sweeps Nighthawkâs legs out from him at the last moment, causing him to bounce backwards off the top turnbuckle and land back-first into the ring. pulling himself up to his feet, holding his lower back, Nighthawk is easy prey for the No Fate which crumples him up as if shot at close-range with a bazooka. Covering as tightly as he can with his weakened left arm Devlin collapses against the bottom rope when the referee is able to give him the 3-count.}----------------------------------------------------------
TAG TEAM MATCH
Cable Arcane and Noah Field vs The Bueno Club
----------------------------------------------------------
{ The arena lights dim to a low hue as a golden spot light shines on the stage, the opening to Trivium's "Villainy Thrives" begins to play as the golden light strobes to the piano. Once the song kicks into gear Zasshu comes exploding out from the stage with a burst of pyro and cheers from the crowd. He lands in a crouched position and looks all around before standing up and holding his fists high up over his head. The house lights dim slightly as the words âOLĂâ appear on the screen. The fans begin chanting along with the music as El GrandĂ© Malo bursts out from behind the curtain. He stomps his way out to the center of the stage, bouncing up and down in time with the music. He hops up and down to his music making his way up to Zasshu. The two fist bump before taking off down the ramp toward the ring and sliding in under the bottom rope. They both hop up to their feet and take to a corner each, Zasshu with his first up and Malo clapping in the direction of the crowd and hyping them up. }Vasco Dias: You know, one day Zasshu is going to step into a ring with Malo against the wrong team and realize the huge mistake he made leaving the House of Howlett.
Terri Morasco: If it means the difference between heaven and hell then Iâm sure heâs happy with his choice.
Vasco Dias: Weâll see because heâs stepping into the ring with the head of the house, Noah Field and you know he wonât be coming to the ring without some back up incase Cable decides to try something stupid.
Terri Morasco: Try something stupid? Like turn Laura Howlett against him and steal the Imperial Championship?
Vasco Dias: Donât hate the player, hate the game,Terri.
Terri Morasco: That makes absolutely no sense in the context of our conversation.
{ The lights go black and then the arena is suddenly bathed in gold tinted light. A voice over hits the public address system. âThe Crown Prince, The Saviourâ. Then as the opening riffs of âA Cut Aboveâ queues up the words âAdidas Presents: Noah Fieldâ flash across the screen. A loud explosion goes off as "A Cut Above" queues up. Noah Field steps into the arena with a smirk on his face, Laura Howlett and Morgan Kennedy at his side, trailed by Noah's hired muscle, Mark Mercer and the newest member of the House of Howlett, Tannis 
. Together the lot of them march to the ring while Noah takes in the boos of the crowd. As they come to ringside Noah pauses, flips his hair back, making sure it's perfection. Then he climbs up on the apron goes to the turnbuckle where he scales it. Noah opens up his gold and green hooded cloak/jacket to show his bare stomach and chest and starts runs his hands down his chest to his abs and mouths the words "perfection" before hopping off the turnbuckle into the ring, leaning against the ropes. }Vasco Dias: The Head of the House, the Crown Prince, the Saviour! Noah Field! He is the rightful Imperial Champion, the only man worthy of leading Imperial Wrestling into the next decade!
Terri Morasco: You say that but without the men and women around Noah Field he wouldnât be where he is right now. Heâd be nowhere near the top of the roster!
Vasco Dias: Noah Field on his worst day, WORST DAY! Is still better than 99 percent of this roster!
Terri Morasco: Weâll see if you still feel that way once heâs in the ring with three men who canât stand him.
Vasco Dias: Itâs a tag team match, Cable would be a fool to betray him again!
Terri Morasco: You are absolutely delusional.
{ The lights in the arena dim and strobe red as "Long live the Chiefâ by Jidenna begins to play. }****as fighting over rings
****as wanna be the King, but
Long Live the Chief
For a li' ol' thang lil' boys bang bang
Long Live the Chief
****as fighting over rings
****as wanna be the king, but
Long Live the Chief
Now watch pretty mama while I slang my cane
Long Live the Chief
Uh
{ As the song kicks into gear Cable Arcane marches out onto the ramp with his head bowed and fists clenched, he stands at the center of the stage with a spot light shining down on him in the darkness. Finally Cable rolls his head to crack his neck and starts to make his way down the ramp with a determined look on his face, completely ignoring the crowd. As he reaches the steps he climbs up, taking his time before climbing into the ring one leg at a time. He marches to the center of the ring and throws both fists up into the air to a mix reaction from the crowd. }Terri Morasco: Cable Arcane is true to his word, he is not wearing the Imperial Championship.
Vasco Dias: Good because he isnât the rightful champion.
Terri Morasco: Cable won the belt back as fairly as Noah won it from him but he refuses to carry the belt with him until he feats Noah soundly.
Vasco Dias: Which will never, ever, ever happen.
Terri Morasco: You better hope so that way you can keep that precious little safe space of bullshit secure in your head.
Vasco Dias: I really donât like you.
{ Zasshu and Malo look ready to go as they are discussing strategy, Zasshu looks like heâs going to start things for his team. On the opposite side of the ring we find Noah Field on the arena floor with Mark Mercer and Tannis to either side of him. Laura stands proudly behind the grouping with her arms folded over her chest. Cable Arcane stands in his corner of the ring and just glares coldly out at Noah Field. }Terri Morasco: This team up between bitter enemies is already off to a bad start. Noah Field is all but taunting Cable with his entourage.
Vasco Dias: That is the new House of Howlett, improved and better than ever. Laura cut the fat away and shaped the group around the prodigal son that is Noah Field!
Terri Morasco: I canât wait to see your face when someone finally puts Noah in his place.
Vasco Dias: Well it sure as hell isnât going to be tonight against the Bueno Club and that chump, Cable Arcane.
{ Noah gestures for Cable to move along so he can climb up onto the apron. Cable draws a long deep breath before turning around to face his former partner in the House of Howlett, Zasshu. The two stare long and hard across the ring at each other as Noah slowly pulls himself up onto the apron with a large smirk on his face. }Terri Morasco: Here we go! Tag Team Action! The Bueno Club takes on the team of Cable Arcane and Noah Field!
Vasco Dias: And now we watch as The House of Howlett once again reigns supreme!!!
{ The referee calls for the ball and Zasshu moves out of his corner sizing up Cable Arcane but Cable just stands there stock still. Noah starts jawing off telling him to do his job, get in there, fight him, Cable draws another long breath as he nods at Zasshu before whipping around like a tornado and cracking Noah right upside his head with a devastating spinning back fist that sends him flying off the apron and into the arms of Mercer and !!! }Vasco Dias: What the hell is he doing!?
Terri Morasco: Exactly what he wants!!!
Vasco Dias: No! This is a tag team match! Cable canât do this!
Terri Morasco: Then get in there and tell Cable!
{ Field pushes himself away from and Mercer as Laura screams at them to get in there and destroy Cable. and Mercer climb up onto the apron as Cable stands ready for a fight but Zasshu and Malo quickly join him ready to go. Field paces back and forth on the floor as he looks at Laura and screams at her âTHIS ISNâT WHAT WE AGREED ON!â }Terri Morasco: The new House of Howlett isnât ready for the fight they are about to pick with Cable Arcane and the Bueno Club!
Vasco Dias: The House could destroy them if they wanted to!
Terri Morasco: Then why are they just standing there!?
{ Cable is begging and Mercer to get into the ring as Noah Field essentially storms his way around the ring, he screams for Mercer to follow him and Mark drops down off the apron following Noah and Morgan Kennedy. Laura looks on with a pissed off look in her eye as she whistles for to drop down as well. Cable is still begging for all of them to get into the ring as the House slowly regroups on the ramp. Field pointing at Arcane making the belt motion as we head to commercial break. }----------------------------------------------------------
IRON MAIDEN QUALIFIER
SINGLES MATCH
Astrid Hall w/ Emma Danielson vs Kate Steele w/ Shea O'Hara
----------------------------------------------------------
{Monster by Paramore begins to blare all across the sound system and as it does Kate Steele, along with her friend Shea OâHara, begins to emerge from the back curtain. Kate has a huge smile on her face as she stares at the roaring crowd who are all cheering her on. She begins to sprint down the aisle as she claps the hands of outstretched fans, Shea following behind her.}Alison Valance: The following contest is an Iron Maiden qualifying match, and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, being accompanied by Shea OâHara, from Berkshire, England, weighing in at 110 pounds, she is the Siren, Kate Steele!
Terri Morasco: Kate Steele refocusing herself on success coming into this match, and a win here would vault her right back into the conversation in the Diamonds Division.
Vasco Dias: The Iron Maiden is one of those matches that can make you in a heartbeat, and Kateâs going to need everything she has to get herself back into that conversation
{Kate finally makes it to the ring and she quickly runs up the ring steps as she grabs the turnbuckle as hard as she can. She immediately leapfrogs over the ropes and bounces about before she points at the crowd cheering her on. She closes her eyes placing a single finger over her lips offering the Shhhh sound which all the fans follow in. She takes her place in the corner afterwards waiting for the match to begin.}Terri Morasco: From a familiar face, we turn to a much-anticipated debut here tonight!
{The arena is filled with blue and green light as Square Hammer begins to play, evoking colors of the sea or the forest. As the music intensifies, Lights shine down to reveal Astrid entering through the crowd, huge smile on her face as she descends towards the ring, carrying a viking-style shield as she approaches. She interacts with the crowd, laughing with them and allowing some of them to take selfies with her, giving high-fives and fist bumps all the way down. Her manager, Emma Danielson, walks behind her, smiling and interacting with the crowd as well, though not in as show-stealing a way.}Alison Valance: Being accompanied to the ring by Emma Danielson, from Trondheim, Norway, weighing in tonight at 185 pounds, she is the Valkyrie, Astrid Hall!
Terri Morasco: One of the hottest prospects to come out of IWFâs developmental division in years, Astrid Hall is looking to make the leap to the roster in a big way tonight by qualifying for the Iron Maiden!
Vasco Dias: With a former Womenâs Champion like Emma Danielson taking a personal hand in her training, anticipations are high. And look at the size of her! I think sheâs taller than most of the men!
{Before leaving the crowd, Astrid hands the shield to a young girl declaring âAnyone can be a hero - welcome to the Shield Wall, Sister!â. She leaps into the ring, pumped up and beaming after one last fist bump with Emma, jumping onto the ropes with a triumphant fist in the air taking in the crowdâs cheers before eventually settling into her corner, still brimming with energy.}Terri Morasco: The present and the future are colliding, here tonight on Sacrifice! Letâs go!
{The bell rings, and the two women close with each other. Astrid strides boldly into the middle of the ring, extending her hand for a handshake. Kate eyes it suspiciously, but slowly, hesitantly reaches out, taking the offered hand and shaking it. Astrid nods with a smile on her face, pumping the handshake once more before breaking and circling with Kate. They shoot in for a lock-up, and Kate rolls underneath Astrid, delivering a quick low kick to the taller womanâs knee! Kate follows up with a spinning heel kick to Astridâs gut, and hits the ropes, but the Norsewoman hasnât doubled over, and when Kate springboards off the ropes with a crossbody sheâs met midair with a thunderous Superman punch! Astrid throws her fist in the air to the cheers of the crowd before clapping her hands, beckoning Kate to her feet.}Terri Morasco: Astrid Hall just took those kicks from Kate Steele like they were nothing and cut her out of the air with a beautiful Superman punch! Did you see her fly?
Vasco Dias: She got impressive height, sure, but itâs just one punch! Calm down!
Terri Morasco: Delivered right, one punch can end a match!
{Kate gets to her feet, shaking her head as Astrid nods to her. The two women close again, and Kate spins behind Astrid, trying to grab her into a rear waistlock. She barely manages to get her hands around the larger womanâs waist, and tries to lift her for a German suplex! Kate struggles heavily, and Astrid shifts her weight with each pull, glancing back with a quizzical look on her face. Kate lets go, leaping up into a forearm shot between Astridâs shoulderblades. Astrid stumbles forward, and Kate delivers another pair of swift kicks to Astridâs leg, causing the big woman to drop to one knee. Kate hops to the apron, springboarding in with a missile dropkick to Astrid! Kate covers!
ONE!
TWO!
Astrid kicks out forcefully! She shakes her leg out, pushing herself back up to her feet with a grin on her face as Shea OâHara shouts encouragement to Kate.}Terri Morasco: It looks like Astrid is having fun out there!
Vasco Dias: Sheâs having fun in the middle of a fight. Great plan there. Did they swap size for smarts with that one?
{Kate shakes her head, taking a deep breath, and delivers another roundhouse kick to Astrid. The bigger woman lets out a cry of fury, though, and shakes her head, grinning ear-to-ear. Kate delivers another one, but this one only snaps Astridâs head back for a moment before she locks eyes again, shouting in Norwegian. Emma pounds the mat at ringside, a grin on her face, as Astrid stands to her full height again, staring down at Kate. Kate shakes her head, delivering a quick thrust kick to Astridâs gut to stagger her, and goes to the apron again. Kate leaps in, looking for a flying clotheslineâŠONLY TO BE CAUGHT OUT OF THE AIR BY THE THROAT! Astridâs hand wraps itself around Kateâs throat, and she hoists her high into the air, hanging as if in zero gravity for a moment before being drilled into the canvas with the WINTERâS GRIP chokeslam! Astrid covers!
ONE!
TWO!
Kate rolls her shoulder up! Astrid nods, shouting down at Kate as she stands. âGOOD! Show me more! Show me your warriorâs spirit!â}Terri Morasco: What a hellacious chokeslam from Astrid Hall! She nearly put Kate Steele through the mat there!
Vasco Dias: She sent her for a ride, and we were a second from seeing a world-shaking debut from one of the most titanic women Iâve ever seen. Sheâs just soâŠtall!
Terri Morasco: Didnât your mother tell you itâs not polite to stare, Vasco?
Vasco Dias: Didnât your mother tell you to shut up, Terri?
{Kate gets to her feet slowly, staggering on uneasy legs, and Astrid hooks her into a front facelock, beckoning for the end. As she lifts her into suplex position, though, Kate kicks her legs, shifting her weight enough to float over and deliver a massive neckbreaker! Astrid hits the mat hard, clutching at the base of her neck as Kate rolls to her feet. Kate shakes her head, coughing and clutching her back, but she has enough in the tank to run to the turnbuckle, climbing it and measuring the rising Astrid. Kate puts her finger to her lips, shushing the crowd, and they fall silent as Astrid slowly gets back to her feet.}Terri Morasco: Could we be hearing Silence is Golden here? Astrid Hall is in position!
Vasco Dias: Kate could be playing spoiler. All it takes is one big move, right Terri?
{As Kate dives down at Astrid, though, Astrid spins to one side, letting Kate crash into the mat! Kate leaps up to her feet, clutching her back, and Astrid charges in, looking for the SHIELD BASH! No! Kate ducks under the move, delivering a quick low dropkick to Astridâs knee on the rebound! Kate lets out a shriek of anger, and she hits the ropes, looking for her signature float-over DDT, but Astrid pushes her feet underneath her and leaps up, meeting her midair with a massive SPEAR! Astrid snaps Kate down into the mat, and leaps to her feet with a war cry, one reciprocated by the crowd. The taller woman hauls Kate to her feet, pulling her into suplex position again, and hauls her up before slamming her down into the mat with the MJOLNIR! Astrid hooks both legs, posturing as she makes the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! âSquare Hammerâ hits the PA, and Emma throws her fists up as Shea shakes her head in disappointment.}Alison Valance: Here is your winner, Astrid Hall!
Terri Morasco: What a debut! Astrid Hall makes a huge impact by defeating the former Shieldmaiden, and sheâs punched her ticket to the Iron Maiden!
Vasco Dias: One hell of a debut here, and I must give her respect, she looked like a complete force of nature. Astrid Hall could be the woman to watch going forward.
{Astrid rolls out of the ring, leaning against the barricade and celebrating with the fans as Emma joins her. The two women high-five each other, as on the other side of the ring Shea OâHara tries to console Kate Steele. Astrid and Emma leap the barricade again, leaving through the crowd as Kate and Shea walk back up the ramp, Kate limping slowly and Astrid wincing as she limps along.}----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
Andrew Jacobsen Roulette Ceremony
----------------------------------------------------------
{The crowd buzzes with a murmuring anticipation, but their murmurs turn to a roar of excitement as "Unbreakable" hits the PA and Andrew Jacobsen walks out on stage, wearing jeans and a brand-new T-shirt that simply says "ALWAYS RISING" across the front. His grin is practically coast to coast as he looks around at the crowd, twirling a microphone in his hand and walking down the ramp.}Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 2017 Roulette, Andrew Jacobsen!
Terri Morasco: After the grueling Man of Steel Championship match he had with Spike Kane, nobody expected Andrew Jacobsen to be able to compete in the Roulette, let alone win it all, but he shocked the world last Sunday with a tenacious performance.
Vasco Dias: Some people come from behind. Andrew came from the popcorn stand.
{Andrew hops up on the apron, still grinning, and looks around at the crowd, shaking his head and laughing to himself slightly before stepping through the ropes. He walks to the middle of the ring, taking a deep breath, and spins the microphone in his hand again before raising it to his mouth. The crowd cheers again, and Andrew lowers the mic for a second, laughing again before pulling it back up.}Andrew Jacobsen: They gave me this time to have a celebration, but...you guys have known me for a long time now. I'm not really a guy for a lot of over-the-top celebrating. But hey, if they're going to give me some time to be out here with you, then I'm not going to pass it up.
{The crowd cheers again for this, and Andrew pauses for a moment. The crowd's cheers melt into a loud "YOU DE-SERVE IT!" chant, and Andrew covers his mouth again, looking down at the mat.}Terri Morasco: The IWF fans, showing their love for Andrew Jacobsen here tonight in Grand Rapids!
Vasco Dias: You want to talk about guys like Noah Field having ego? He's just out here to hear them praise him!
Terri Morasco: Let him have his moment, Vasco!
{Andrew finally looks back up again, tears beginning to form in his eyes as he pulls the microphone back up again. He laughs slightly, nodding and taking a deep breath as he speaks again.}Andrew Jacobsen: God, I love you all. The Roulette was...well, I didn't do everything I set out to do. Spike Kane is still the Man of Steel Champion.
{The crowd boos viciously at the mention of the God of Xtreme, but Andrew waves them off, nodding.}Andrew Jacobsen: I know. I know. But he didn't put me down. He didn't put me out, not how he wanted to. And the Roulette...
{A grin spreads across Andrew's face again, and he turns, pointing at the Night of the Immortals sign hanging from the rafters as the crowd roars its approval. He turns back, conviction flowing from his voice as he plays to the crowd.}Andrew Jacobsen: I got to get in there, fight alongside my tag team partner and friend Nighthawk, fight alongside my FATHER, a day I never DREAMED would come, and at the end of it all, I stopped the God of Steel in his tracks! I survived everything he had, and now?! Now I've got a date with destiny! May 28th! Columbus, Ohio! Night of the Immortals! I don't care if the Champion is Cable Arcane, or Noah Field, or even Spike Kane! Whoever walks out of Detroit with that title, mark that date down on your calendar, because that is your LAST DAY as Imperial Champion!
{The crowd explodes, a loud "AN-DREW!" chant flaring up as Andrew looks down the hard camera, eyes drilling deep into the lens. He slowly steps forward, leaning over the ropes, his grin melting into a hard stare as he raises the microphone one last time.}Andrew Jacobsen: Nothing is going to stop me. This is what I've wanted ever since IWF opened its doors, this is what I've fought for ever since I almost threw my career down the drain. I have fought, and bled, and given everything for this opportunity, and it will NOT go to waste. I...WE...are going to show the world that we...are...unbreakable.
{The crowd erupts in another wave of cheers as Andrew drops the microphone behind him, rocking back and playing to the crowd as "Unbreakable" plays. Andrew cracks his neck, climbing the turnbuckle and riling the crowd up as they cheer him on.}Terri Morasco: A bold statement of intent from the North Star, and you have to think that whoever the Imperial Champion ends up being, they're going to be feeling the pressure!
Vasco Dias: I may not like how he does things, but I have to acknowledge that Andrew Jacobsen, as he proved at the Roulette, is one of the most athletically and technically gifted wrestlers in this company. One thing is for sure: at Night of the Immortals, the Imperial Title match is going to be one hell of a war.
{Andrew rolls out of the ring, high-fiving fans and interacting with the crowd as he makes his way around the ring and back up the ramp, the roar of the crowd never dulling as he walks.}
. Together the lot of them march to the ring while Noah takes in the boos of the crowd. As they come to ringside Noah pauses, flips his hair back, making sure it's perfection. Then he climbs up on the apron goes to the turnbuckle where he scales it. Noah opens up his gold and green hooded cloak/jacket to show his bare stomach and chest and starts runs his hands down his chest to his abs and mouths the words "perfection" before hopping off the turnbuckle into the ring, leaning against the ropes. }
Well howdy there pardner.