Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Jul 6, 2022 15:11:12 GMT -6
Episode #0: Change the World
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
OPENING SEGMENT
The Big Welcome
“Danger Zone” by No Resolve feat. State of Mine kicks off hard, showing clips of the entire HYBRID roster, with special focus on those participating in the Global Heavyweight Tournament before moving on to the Global Tag Team Tournament. No expense has been spared to welcome the fans and wrestlers alike back to HYBRID to join the rEvolution, and it shows as the curtains before the state drop to show No Resolve and State of Mine actually in the house, playing out the opening theme live! The fans get a big kick out of this and both bands are playing to the hilt! The montage continues as, down the ramp, comes the commentary team: Bernadette Olson, Jacob Frankel and Spirit Montego, each heading to their respective places at ringside!
Following suit is the new CEO and Owner of HYBRID, Aloysius Marcus Vance IV, followed by the imposing Trenton Mitchell, both coming to the top of the stage as the themes come to a big finish!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Vanguard #0! Before we kick things off, how about a big hand for No Resolve and State of Mine for playing this show into existence tonight!
Both bands get just that, taking their bows from their respective sides of the stage. While Trenton stands with his arms folded, AMV gives everyone time to get it out of their system before lifting the stick again.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Tonight, four of eight of the first-round matches for the Global Heavyweight Tournament shall take place, as well as two triple-threat matches to decide who moves forward in the Global Tag Team Tournament! But that’s far from all!
He glances back at Trenton, who just barely shakes his head. AMV shrugs and stays on the mic.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Our double main event will start with six-person tag action as Katie Anderson, Cassandra Baumer and Samantha Tolson team up to face the tandem of Super Tiger, Jessie Robinson and Bianca Davis!
The reactions clearly tell those watching what the HYBRID Nation thinks of each star, with Bianca getting a heady dose of hate, while Tolson and Tiger seem to get the most cheers. AMV, again, lets the crowd get it all out before continuing.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And beyond that, Mikaela Callaway makes her debut against a dominant force from HYBRID’s previous incarnation: Duke Andrews!
They’ve not forgotten Duke, and he gets even more boos and epithets than Bianca does, while Mikaela is already feeling some support. AMV twirls the microphone a bit as Trenton leans down to whisper something to him. The well-dressed, fourth-generation lawyer nods and brings up the mic one more time.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: So keep your eyes on this ring, because we’re starting things off in a large way tonight! Referee! Find your way to the ring as we kick off the rEvolution proper!
“Sharp Dressed Man” plays AMV and, by extension, Mitchell, off-stage as cameras turn to the announcers’ table.
Bernadettle Olson: Welcome to Vanguard, HYBRID Nation! The boss has set is up, so what say we get right to the action?!
Jacob Frankel: First match of the Global Heavyweight Tournament, ladies, gentlemen and everyone in between! Spirit Montego, take it away!
The lady in question is already in the ring as the bell tolls-
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
-and brings her microphone up to announce the first of four first-round matches!
Spirit Montego: The following match is set for one fall and is a first-round match in the Global Heavyweight Tournament!
As the opening guitar riffs of "Tears Don't Fall" blares out of the speakers in the arena, the lights go dim... then Tyler Fucking Matthews bursts out through the curtain at the twenty-four second mark and looks out over the crowd. As he starts down the entrance ramp, Spirit Montego makes their introduction.
Spirit Montego: Introducing first… from Asheville, North Carolina and weighing in at 218 pounds… TYLER MATTHEWS!
Bernadettle Olson: Little hesitation on Spirit’s part there?
Jacob Frankel: Yeah, I think so! I mean he’s not just Tyler Matthews, is he? He’s Tyler Fu-
Bernadettle Olson: That’ll be enough of that, young man! There’s words you can’t say on television, you know!
After the announcer finishes their introduction, Tyler climbs up the steps and climbs the outside of the ropes, posing on the second rope for a second, before hopping inside the ring, throwing his hoodie to the outside and waiting for the match to begin.
Jacob Frankel: Okay, okay! Regardless of all that, Tyler cuts a pretty imposing figure, wouldn’t you say?
Bernadettle Olson: Where he’s from, you get all types, all shapes and sizes. I’ll reserve judgment until I see what he can do in the ring.
Jacob Frankel: Probably wise, considering his opponent tonight…
The music fades out and Spirit brings up the stick.
Spirit Montego: And introducing his opponent…
“Afraid of Us” by Jonwayne starts up, with a trio of men coming out onto the ramp, to a person looking imposing and intense.
Spirit Montego: ...accompanied by The Lost, from Quebec, Canada and weighing in at 186 pounds… the Leader of the Lost… NOAH ORTEGA!
Anton Palmer and Gio Moriello remain on the ramp, but keep a close eye on Noah Ortega as he makes his way to the squared circle. Tyler Matthews is watching closely as well, though referee Zach Young makes sure to stay between Matthews and Ortega so that the match doesn’t start prematurely. Noah steps between the ropes and locks in on Tyler Fuckin’ Matthews, his expression stoic. Tyler smirks back at him, cracking his knuckles.
Bernadettle Olson: Noah is leaving his friends up top, huh? He gets a little respect for that. We’ll see if it stays that way.
Jacob Frankel: He’s clearly confident if social media is anything to go by. That can see you through a lot.
Bernadettle Olson: Until confidence becomes arrogance, anyway. Let’s see what happens.
Spirit leaves the ring and…
MATCH ONE
Global Heavyweight Tournament: First Round Match
Tyler Matthews vs. Noah Ortega
Right off the bat Tyler looks to use his greater size and strength to bully the smaller, quicker Noah. He charges Ortega, aiming a big boot at his head, but Ortega charges under him and hits the far ropes with a springboard, catching Tyler across the face with a big dropkick just as he turns around! Noah pounces on him for a pin attempt but Tyler throws him off and quickly starts to rise, though he takes a few stiff kicks to the ribs en route. Hitting the ropes again, Noah sails into a flying lariat but Tyler ducks it, showing surprising agility. Noah corrects in midair, rolling up to his feet but taking a wicked clothesline from Tyler that brings him down hard. Tyler, too, goes for a lateral press but like himself, Noah throws himself free at one. He casts a glance at the ramp where Anton and Gio remain, then pulls Noah up by the hair, whipping him hard into the buckles. Charging right after, Noah is given no time to react before Tyler rams a shoulder into his midsection, sending the air whooshing out of him forcefully. Throwing a couple more, Tyler backs into the far buckles, shouting “Off With His Head” before bull-rushing Noah! At the last moment, Noah slides between the ropes and lands on the apron! Tyler stops himself from crashing into the buckles, albeit just barely, allowing Noah to swing up and kick him in the side of the head!
Throwing a shoulder between the ropes, Noah is able to make Tyler back off and re-enter the ring, but Matthews charges a second time! Noah vault to the top rope and backflips over Tyler’s head, bolting forward and nailing the single-leg dropkick to rock Matthews, landing him back-and-shoulders first against the buckles! Noah looks to put him on top and deliver his patented avalanche Frankensteiner, but a couple headbutts from Tyler causes Noah to stagger, with a big forearm knocking him hard to the canvas! Tyler considers a high-risk move but in the end drops down to the mat instead, waving off the boos from the HYBRID Nation. He pulls Noah up by the head and shoves him hard into the buckles, catching him on his return for a release belly-to-belly suplex that sends Ortega soaring. He comes up to his feet quickly enough, does the Leader of the Lost, only for a charging Tyler to bury his shoulder into Noah’s midsection and ram him into the buckles, following by hoisting him up over his shoulder and delivering a running powerslam, getting a near-fall.
Still, despite the punishment, Noah is hanging tough with the larger man, his expression rarely changing. He chops his way out of trouble and evades a clothesline from Tyler by turning it into a crucifix, bringing Tyler down for a quick near-fall. Surprised more than hurt by the maneuver, Tyler is a second slower to react and Noah uses that moment to grab Tyler by the head and kick off the ropes for a modified tornado DDT, earning another near-fall. Noah hits the ropes and Tyler goes for a back body drop but Ortega lands on his feet and delivers a dropkick to the back of Tyler’s leg. Taken to a knee, Tyler is momentarily defenseless and Noah charges him yet again, this time seeking a hurricanrana DDT… but Tyler puts on the brakes, muscling up the smaller Noah and spiking him mercilessly to the mat with the Nail in the Coffin (Barry White Driver)! Noah appears to land awkwardly and Tyler motions that that’s it before covering with the leg hooked… only for Noah to kick out at two-and-a-half! Referee Zach Young is briefly confronted over this by Tyler but confirms that it was only two! Tyler knows he has it in hand, though, and seeks The Death Of You (Psycho Driver) to end things! Noah reacts when he feels himself about to be hoisted, blasting Tyler with a closed-fist that lands too close to the eye! Reeling, Tyler’s problems are exacerbated by a single-leg facebreaker! Still on his feet, he whips out a discus clothesline but Noah ducks, attacking the back of the leg a second time and following up with a quick Lost Souls (Curb Stomp) to smash Tyler into the mat! Noah hooks both legs into the back press, and Tyler’s shoulder comes up just half a moment after the count of three!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match, moving on to the quarterfinals of the tournament… NOAH ORTEGA!
Noah quickly rolls from the ring as Tyler, hurting but vertical in a hurry regardless, lunges for him. Frustration shows on the face of Matthews but he keeps his cool and does not pursue Ortega even before Anton and Gio move down the ramp to congratulate their leader. As they stand at the middle of the ramp, though, #3 and #4 appear at the top of the stage! They look to Tyler, as if awaiting instructions, but after a moment he waves them off.
Not today, it seems… but perhaps soon…
Jacob Frankel: A solid match to open things up with Noah Ortega advancing! But Tyler made him earn every inch!
Bernadettle Olson: Noah kept his cool… that’s probably the only reason that he didn’t fall to Tyler’s viciousness. Did you SEE that head-first landing that Noah had? Not a lot of mercy in Tyler. If I’m him, I’m sticking to that approach and maybe stepping things up.
Jacob Frankel: You almost sound bloodthirsty, Bernadette…
Bernadettle Olson: Just calling it like I see it, dear. And I’d bet that Tyler’s time hunting for gold isn’t done if the rumors about some of our future title matches are any indication…
Winner: Noah Ortega
Result: Pinfall at 12:13 (Lost Souls)
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT: HONEY RYDEL
Trying Counts, Right?
With the words of “earlier today” flashing in its high tech manner along the bottom of the screen, both Honey and Summer arrive at the State Farm Arena where the latter of the two stops and looks the building over with a fresh smile plastered across her face. Honey, after taking a few steps forward, notices and turns back to her valet.
Honey Rydel: What are you doing?
Summer Holly Madison: Taking it all in.
The maid exclaims as she rushes up to Honey with the sort of speed that anyone else would be checking her for a nosebleed.
Summer Holly Madison: Aren't you excited, Miss. Honey? It's been so long since we've come to an arena for a competitive reason! For you it must be doubly nice since when Mistress returned she chose...
Summer looks down licking her lips a little while Honey really pictures the maid with a bloody nose right about now. Feeling the tension is gone herself, however, Summer is back to smiles hoping to cheer her one sided rival.
Summer Holly Madison: I'm sure you're very excited, Miss. Honey.
Honey Rydel: Yes.
Comes the dry response.
Honey Rydel: That's why I signed back up. That's why we're here early.
As the level of self determination grows, Honey faces the arena once more with a clenched fist.
Honey Rydel: I'm going to win this tournament, become a champion, and do it all on my first night back.
Summer applauds showing a great deal of hope for the would-be champion.
Summer Holly Madison: And after such a long time since you last competed! Miss. Honey, that would truly be an astonishing statement to make!
Honey's fist opens up knowing that Summer isn't once more trying to point out how Katalina last picked the maid over her but is focusing beyond that. Or tries.
Summer Holly Madison: I'm sorry, Miss. Honey. I know one title isn't going to close the gap between the two of us.
She's getting it wrong.
Summer Holly Madison: But believe me when I say this, Miss. Honey, winning this title will definitely be a step toward bringing us closer together. Perhaps as friends?
Honey once more closes up her fist rubbing her thumb along her index finger a few times while biting her tongue. Once she's reached a silent fifteen, the blond competitor simply starts forward leaving Summer to quickly chase after her.
Summer Holly Madison: I'll practice my cheers while you warm up!
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT: DARCY GRAVES
More Than Ready
The cameraman walks along the backstage corridors, as he approaches a tall man, standing there talking with a woman. Darcy looks over and nods at the cameraman, as Ciaran looks at him. Ciaran stands up, then adjusts the shirt he was wearing, handing something to Darcy. Darcy takes it from him, smirking, placing the chain around the back of her neck, then staring at the camera.
Ciaran Page: Tonight is the momentous occasion where my daughter makes her HYBRID debut. She gets her chance to prove herself as one of the top Superstars against Iida Matsuda. Tonight, is a chance to redeem herself as well, to move forward to her first ever, ever world title.
Darcy pounds her fists as she looks intensely at the cameraman. Ciaran smiled a bit, looking down at the cameraman resting his arm on the cameraman as he moved off the camera, looking at his daughter.
Ciaran Page: That’s where we truly stand though. Here’s the facts, this woman is a premier athlete, and five feet of absolute fury. What she lacks in height, she makes up for in strength, and intensity in this ring. She has been training for this moment that is upcoming for weeks.
Ciaran then steps back in front of the camera. He steps to the side of his daughter, then she looks at the cameraman. He stepped back as Darcy stepped forward to him. She then turns to her father, then turns back.
Darcy Graves: Tonight is all about the World Title, getting past the first round. After that, it’s about the focus to push forward through everyone who dares step into my way. There was a nickname I had in Europe, and across the UK, I am known as the Reaper. The reaper always collects on her souls. Iida, you will be the first of the souls I collect in Hybrid, anyone else in block A, I suggest you watch because you might be next!
Darcy then pushes past the cameraman. Ciaran shrugs then follows her in tow, as he catches up to her walking next to her. He talks about some strategy with her. She puts her hand up and gives him a high five. The camera cuts away to the ring.
Spirit Montego: The following match is set for one fall and is a first-round match of the Global Heavyweight Tournament! Introducing first, from Okinawa, Japan and weighing in at 128 pounds… The Supreme of Submission… ILDA MATSUDA!
"Starless Sky" by LadyBaby hits the arena and Ilda walks out with a smile, confidence on her face as she looks around the arena. She slowly walks to the ring before sliding up onto the ring apron, raising her hand up high. Entering the ring, she moves to a corner and waits for the introduction of her opponent…
Bernadettle Olson: Heard a bit about this young lady. Don’t be fooled by that smile: she hits hard and fast in the ring.
Jacob Frankel: Mixing MMA and wrestling will do that for sure. But the woman she’s facing tonight is no pushover.
Bernadettle Olson: We may be in for a Frye/Takayama type of battle here. I’d love to see that, personally.
Spirit Montego: And introducing her opponent…
The lights go out in the arena. The screen starts to slowly flicker, as a music box is heard throughout the arena. The lightning then cracks across the screen, the music box is seen on the screen cracked in half. “Artemis” begins playing, as green and yellow spotlights shine on the middle of the stage. A man in a long trench coat comes out first, stepping through the spotlight. He moves over to the left, as Darcy is seen stepping out into the light, looking out at the fans smiling a bit. She then poses as her father claps. The lights come on, and Darcy begins her walk down the ramp. She grips the chain around her neck, then looks out at the fans scoffing at them, as she passes them up. The music starts to pick up, as Darcy makes it to the bottom.
Spirit Montego: ...led to the ring by Ciaran Page, from Dublin, Ireland and weighing in at 126 pounds… DARCY GRAVES!
Darcy then looks into the ring, before she moves over to the stairs she slaps the mat, then turns towards the stairs with her father still in tow. She climbs up onto the apron looking out, then her father holds the ropes open for her, she climbs through them. She then flexes for the fans once more.
Darcy then turns around smiling at her father. She backs into a corner sitting down as her father moves to that corner to stand with her. She then passes him the chain, then stands up, lifting herself on the ropes, watching her opponent.
Bernadettle Olson: Family at her side, Darcy looks more than ready for a fight tonight. The similar builds and styles on this one is gonna make it hard to call.
Jacob Frankel: Not for me. Darcy is smiling at Ilda like she’s something tasty in a bakery.
Bernadettle Olson: She probably hasn’t seen a carb in years, Jacob. But I see your point. Meanwhile, Ilda is cool and collected. But both of them look ready to uncork like a shaken soda.
Jacob Frankel: And I can’t wait!
MATCH TWO
Global Heavyweight Tournament: First Round Match
Ilda Matsuda vs. Darcy Graves
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
There’s a feeling-out process to start, both Darcy and Ilda being cautious to begin with. They tease locking fingers a few times, but break away before either can confirm a grip. When they finally go for a collar-and-elbow, it turns into a battle of power and from the start Darcy seems to have the advantage in that category. She shoves Ilda back hard, sending her to the mat, though the Supreme of Submission rolls up to her feet almost immediately. Now she’s the one cracking a smile, which Darcy returns while motioning for another lock-up. Ilda obliges but quickly armdrags Darcy to the mat and clamps on an armbar! Darcy locks her hands to keep a full extension at bay and powers her way up, bringing Ilda up for a powerbomb before the Okinawa native rolls forward and turns it into a modified sunset flip! Darcy kicks out at one, then kips up to her feet, only for Ilda to do the same! Darcy moves in with a hard forearm to the jaw, and eats one in return, the two women starting to pepper one another with stiff shots as the fans immediately get into the brawl that’s starting between these two young ladies! Ciaran is shouting advice from Darcy’s corner and she’s able to get a few unanswered shots in. She goes for a spinning back elbow and Ilda ducks it, returning with a uraken that Darcy ducks in the same fashion! The two fire off a few right hands but it ends in a stalemate, with neither going down till they both think clothesline and take one another down simultaneously!
Ciaran’s pounding on the mat wakes Darcy up from her temporary discombobulation. Of course, it also shakes some life back into Ilda inadvertently and the two women sit up at about the same time, shooting one another a look. There’s an unspoken understanding there and the two rise at the same time, never looking away. Darcy offers a hand to Ilda who, after a moment’s hesitation, takes it. It proves to be a lure, though, as Darcy yanks Ilda forward and right into a short-arm clothesline that leaves the Supreme of Submission on her back. The Irish-born Graves laughs at the hilarity of it all, though she’s the only one who finds it funny. She pulls Ilda up by that same arm, wrenching the hell out of it once, then twice, before bringing it down and grinding the point of her elbow into the bicep. Referee Kara Tarantino asks Ilda if she wants to give it up but Ilda isn’t having it, reversing the wrench and nailing a ripcord elbow to the jaw that rocks Darcy! Grabbing Darcy by the back of the head, Ilda delivers a series of forearms to the jaw, then grabs the arm for an Irish whip. She yanks Darcy back in instead, though, and blasts her with a high knee to the jaw, knocking the blonde down! A quick two-count is earned on the pin before Darcy again goes for the right arm of Ilda, trapping her in a cross armbreaker! Ilda keeps her hands locked for a moment, but Darcy forces them loose. Ilda twists and finds a way out of Darcy’s grip, stomping on her opponent’s arm, causing Darcy to roll from the ring and converse with Ciaran, the referee keeping Ilda from following.
Ilda charges in, faking a dive and finding amusement in Darcy leaping back to defend herself. The Irishwoman is irked now, rolling into the ring and going right for Ilda! The women both have one another by the head in short order, trying to turn one another’s faces into the hamburger with repeated fists! Kara Tarantino tries to separate them but she almost takes a lick herself, the fans on her case about it, even:
”Let them fight! Let them fight!”
Darcy seems to get the better of it after a barrage of fists, knocking Ilda around with a roaring elbow and taking advantage of her position to deliver a Grave Keeper (Bridging Dragon Suplex) for a near-fall! The head-first landing leaves Ilda loopy but she still defends herself, despite being staggered further by a well-timed Walking the Dead (Running High Knee) that drops her to a knee! Darcy goes for the head, delivering a hard DDT before making another pin attempt, again getting only two. Ilda is pulled back up but throws off Darcy’s grip, striking with a headbutt hard enough to rock BOTH women. Darcy shakes it off and actually demands another! Ilda gives her just that, dropping Darcy to a knee, perhaps not expecting the offer to be taken! A Dead From Above (Shining Wizard) follows for a near-fall by Ilda, though it is hard to hook the leg well with her assaulted limb. Darcy takes advantage of this, blasting Ilda in the bicep with a kick, then shoving her into the buckles shoulder-first. Another Grave Keeper is attempted but Ilda quickly turns it into a roll-up for a quick two-count. Ilda rolls backwards as Darcy leaps to her feet and is already in motion by the time Darcy turns, delivering Uzaino no Shine (Kinshasa) flush to the side of the skull! Darcy goes down and Ilda goes for the pin, using both arms to hook the leg! Ciaran tries to break things up, but Kara Tarantino’s hand comes down for three just as he reaches into the ring, bringing an end to the hard-fought battle!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match, moving on to the quarterfinals of the tournament… ILDA MATSUDA!
Ciaran is in the ring moments later but Ilda, having her arm raised, doesn’t turn tail for a moment. She stares right back at the big man who, rather than going after her, decides to check on Darcy. Darcy is coming around slowly but surely, a hand to her head as Ilda leaves the ring, celebrating her victory with a few of the ringside fans.
Bernadettle Olson: A close one there. These two beat the dog out of one another, just like I thought.
Jacob Frankel: I’m very open to a round two!
Bernadettle Olson: Smart money says Darcy wants one, too. She put a hurt on Ilda and came within a hair of putting this away.
Winner: Ilda Matsuda
Result: Pinfall at 13:39 (Uzaino no Shine)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT: EDDY TODD AND MIKAELA CALLAWAY
Love and Loyalty
We cut backstage to the locker room shared by Eddy Todd and Mikaela Calaway. The couple is preparing for the matches tonight. Eddy is taping his hands and wrists, the last step of his prep. He watches Mikaela as he tightly wraps the tape around his wrist.
Eddy Todd: You’ll do great out there tonight. Try not to get stuck in your own head. It’s just another match.
Not far off from Eddy, the young Mikaela stands with one leg extended, boot planted against the wall as she tilts her toes off the wall but leans into it, static stretching her hamstring. The young woman looks focused and ready, despite the heavy exhale she lets out that may betray a bit of nerves getting to her. She brings her foot down and bounces on her toes, already in her ring gear, albeit with a HYBRID rEvolution tee over her top.
Mikaela Callaway: It’s more than that though, ain’t it? Me and Duke are on the headline. I can’t make any mistakes…
She is and it’s showing, even as she goes into dynamic stretching, trying to focus on her breathing. Eddy secures the tape onto his wrist and tosses the roll into an open bag. He stands up and walks over to Mikaela. He places his hands on her shoulders softly and starts to rub them.
Eddy Todd: Hey, relax. You’re overthinking it. Just think of it as just another match. You just need to go out there and do what you do. The train of thought you are on now, will just backfire on you.
Eddy leans down and looks at Mikaela.
Eddy Todd: You ain’t the only one with the jittery nerves right now either.
Here, Mikaela smirks and looks up at Eddy. She seems calmer now after his encouraging words; her hands coming up to rest over his on her shoulders and squeezing.
Mikaela Callaway: I know you got this, though. Everyone in their right mind does. You just gotta reclaim your throne.
She smiles up at him with her own words of encouragement before looking down and playfully poking him in the abs.
Mikaela Callaway: And your crown. Beggar King.
Mikaela lifts her eyes back up to Eddy with a tiny giggle. He couldn’t help but smile at her words.
Eddy Todd: That’s just the privilege of age. Every single person who has ever wrestled was nervous their first match. Doesn’t matter where in the night it happened to fall.
He could tell she was about to protest and held a finger to her lips.
Eddy Todd: Yes, even Ashe was. But the secret that we all keep with that one is we all wished we weren’t. You got a fountain of talent and energy in you. And you’re damned fast when you want to be. Focus on you. You know you better than anyone. Play to your strengths.
Eddy couldn’t help but offer a playful smirk as he stood up straight to his full height.
Eddy Todd: Go out there and show them why The Beggar King chose you to be his Princess.
His eyes lowered to meet hers, that smirk, though playful, softened into a grin. Mikaela visibly relaxes more, finding more confidence from the Beggar King’s words as her arms go around him and she leans into him.
Mikaela Callaway: Yours always. You’ll be proud of me, no matter what?
She asks, looking back up at him after having had her head rest on his chest. He took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead.
Eddy Todd: Already am proud of you. Nothing you do out in that ring would ever change that. Win or lose I’m still proud. You’ll still be the tough-as-nails new kid at the end of the night. Ain’t no one able to take that away from you.
Eddy wraps his arms around Mikaela and gives her a tight hug. Mikaela visibly melts a little from the gesture and stands up on her tiptoes to steal a smooch right off of Eddy’s lips.
Mikaela Callaway: That’s all I need to hear, baby.
He takes a step back and stretched out his arms one last time. He smiles at Mikaela.
Eddy Todd: Always here for a good peptalk babe. Now, I’ll be back in a few. Got a tournament to advance in.
He shoots her a wink and heads out of the locker room. He disappears down the hall towards the gorilla position in preparation for his match, while the camera turns its attention to the ring.
Spirit Montego: Our next match tonight is a first-round match in the Global Heavyweight Tournament and is set for one fall!
Bernadettle Olson: Two matches so far tonight, Jacob, and already we can be assured that Mr. Vance has an eye for talent.
Jacob Frankel: Without question. Ilda and Darcy threw down like a couple angry tigresses while Noah and Tyler was an excellent battle of speed versus strength. But now we have something… a bit more disparate, you might say?
Bernadettle Olson: A grizzled veteran looking for another hurrah to cap off his career on a high note and a young rookie with a forceful personality wanting to make her mark. Yes, disparate works.
Jacob Frankel: That’s kind of a harsh assessment of Eddy Todd, wouldn’t you say?
Bernadettle Olson: Honesty is the best policy, Jacob.
Spirit Montego: Introducing first…
Fog starts to slowly fill the entrance area as the intro to “Save Yourself” by Stabbing Westward starts up. Pale green lights illuminate the fog as “The Beggar King” Eddy Todd steps out from the back. He looks out over the crowd with a smirk on his face.
“I know your life is empty
And you hate to face this world alone
So you're searching for an angel
Someone who can make you whole
I cannot save you
I can't even save myself
So just save yourself”
Spirit Montego: ...from Los Angeles, California and weighing in at 270 pounds… The Beggar King… EDDY TODD!
Eddy starts to stroll towards the ring. He occasionally gives random high fives to random fans, mostly the older adults that would have known him from before. He makes his way to the ring at his own pace glancing around at the ring, the crowd, the arena, just generally taking in the environment. He makes his way towards the far set of ring steps. He leans against the guard rail as she shoots a look towards the timekeeper and then the announcers.
“I know that you've been damaged
Your soul has suffered such abuse
But I am not your savior
I am just as fucked as you
(I am just as fucked as you)
I cannot save you
I can't even save myself
So just save yourself”
He climbs the steps rapidly and walks along the apron. He steps through the ropes and moves to one of the corners. He climbs to the second rope and holds a fist up in the air as he looks out to the crowd. He then hops down and prepares for the match to start.
Bernadettle Olson: Experienced, powerful, intense… all good adjectives for this man.
Jacob Frankel: As is said on one of my favorite shows, an expert with a rock will always beat a novice with a throwing knife… or something to that effect.
Bernadettle Olson: Your point?
Jacob Frankel: Eddy has probably forgotten more than most know about wrestling. Experience cannot be understated.
Bernadettle Olson: Fair assessment. Provided the body can keep up with the mind and spirit.
Spirit Montego: And introducing his opponent!
“Volver a comenzar“ by Café Tacvba starts up and, along with it, the lights fade out but not to complete darkness as things are replaced with light glitter. When the song reaches its opening apex, Honey Rydel comes out in as dignified a manner as she can muster with Summer following close behind dressed in her Victorian-era maid uniform.
Spirit Montego: Accompanied to the ring by Summer Holly Madison… from Malibu, California and weighing in at 133 pounds… PRINCESS HONEY RYDEL!
Every so often, Honey checks behind her to make certain Summer is still following along with her before the two part for the competitor to enter the ring. Once inside, Honey brings her hands up in self-celebration only long enough until she sees Summer applauding her. At which point, Honey dusts her cheeks and looks around the arena as her music fades and lights come back up.
Bernadettle Olson: The only question in my head… is how long will it take for this young lady, Honey Rydel, and Bianca Davis, to clash over their supposed royal status?
Jacob Frankel: Clash? Or find a common bond? I mean… Queen is higher than Princess, right? So maybe Bianca will see Honey as a possible student?
Bernadettle Olson: Fair point. And a scary one. Honey is very new to the wrestling business, and she has a tall task before her tonight. That much is certain.
Jacob Frankel: Eddy doesn’t look very impressed to start with. But that may change!
MATCH THREE
Global Heavyweight Tournament: First Round Match
Eddy Todd vs. Honey Rydel
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Honey looks a little wary of locking up with the larger Eddy, who in contrast is very patiently waiting, cracking his knuckles in anticipation. They finally get around to it, and Eddy easily pushes Honey back into the buckles and breaks cleanly when Zach Young calls for it. Honey looks slightly confused at first, but steps in again when Eddy motions for her to bring it on. Another lock-up, another push to the buckles. Honey, this time, manages to get behind Eddy and, unsure for a moment, leaps up onto his back like a spider monkey, trying to clamp on a sleeper. Eddy is confused at first until the hold is locked in, more so about just what Honey was trying to do than anything else. Unable to pry her fingers loose, Eddy reaches back and grabs her by the head, snapmaring her to the mat firmly. Rather than capitalizing, though, he steps back a bit to see what she’ll do, crouching down to watch. Summer, from the outside, claps and cheers on Honey, who needs a moment to get back to her feet. As she does so, Eddy is right there, backing her into the ropes and Irish whipping her to the far side. She ducks a clothesline, then slides between his legs when he attempts a big boot, coming up behind him and once more going for that sleeper, clinging like a koala to the larger man! This time, she smartly keeps herself moving enough to evade his grip, forcing Eddy to back her into the turnbuckles a few times to shake her loose!
Slumping against the buckles, Honey still has the awareness to sense that Eddy is coming, getting out of the way of his charge. A dropkick to the center of his back sends him chest-first to the buckles. Eddy turns against them, just in time for Honey to run up to the second rope and drop down with an axe-handle on the big man! She snags the arm and seeks to whip him across the ring but Eddy puts on the brakes, reverses, then yanks her right into a big clothesline! The blow knocks Honey for a loop and she lands hard, causing Summer’s hands to go to her mouth in shock on the outside. Shaking off the big blow from Honey, Eddy drops an elbow to the chest and moves into a lateral press, getting a two-count from Zach Young. Bringing Honey back to her feet by the head, Eddy hurls her into the buckles and charges in, but Honey evades a second time. She goes to the well again, looking for that big falling axe-handle, but Eddy turns and grabs her out of the air, shaking her a bit before twisting and planting her with a modified belly-to-belly suplex, getting another near-fall.
To her credit, Honey does not falter, even if the damage is slowing her. She forces her shoulder up and rolls out of the ring, being consoled briefly by Summer, who also tries to get her head back into it when Honey briefly scans the audience for… someone? It isn’t clear who. Eddy keeps his distance and waits for Honey to return to the ring, motioning for them to lock up again. Honey fakes one and gets behind Eddy again, throwing some forearms at the base of his back. The Beggar King winces a little, staggering a few steps forward. Honey gets a running start and throws an elbow to the same spot, dealing further damage. Another charge sees Eddy sidestep her, though, snagging her by the arm and hitting a knee to the midsection of the Princess. She’s sent into the ropes and shoulderblocked to the mat before being picked up over his shoulders and spiked with the Execution (Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker)! Even then, though, Honey still gets the shoulder up before three, and from the look on Eddy’s face, he’s a bit impressed. Honey is shaking it off, shoving away from Eddy when he pulls her up and then going for the leg with hard kicks, trying to chop the big fellow down. There’s no lack of fight in the young lady, and even after a stiff forearm shiver knocks her into the ropes, she just rebounds forward and tries to tackle the leg! This time she manages to bring Eddy down to a knee, but she’s wobbly herself after trading a few more shots from the mostly-vertical Beggar King. Surprising him with a short-range knee to the face, Honey seems to get more fire back and hits the ropes, looking for a big move to take Eddy all the way down! With surprising alacrity, Eddy lunges out of his kneeling position and blasts Honey with a boot to the jaw moments after she rebounds off the ropes! Stunned by the blow, she’s spun around but miraculously still on her feet… until Eddy lands the Kingdom Come (Flatliner) and gets the one-two-three!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match, moving on to the quarterfinals of the tournament… EDDY TODD!
Summer is concerned enough to get into the ring, though she is somewhat wary of Eddy. Zach Young raises the winners hand and Eddy, after a moment, offers Honey a hand up. She’s uncertain, as is Summer, but accepts the gesture. Eddy takes it no further than that, other than to offer the young woman a small bit of applause before leaving the ring. Honey looks as though she isn’t sure how to take that, though it seems as well that the fans are giving her a bit of love, too, which she finally acknowledges.
Bernadettle Olson: Eddy puts down Honey to move on, but he didn’t have an easy time of it.
Jacob Frankel: The young lady definitely impressed tonight. Whether or not she’ll let that go to her head remains to be seen.
Winner: Eddy Todd
Result: Pinfall at 8:27 (Kingdom Come)
After the commercial break, Vanguard returns right to the ring with the lovely Spirit Montego!
Spirit Montego: And now for our final first-round Global Heavyweight Tournament match of the evening, set for one fall! Introducing first…
Red, silver, and blue lights wave throughout the arena as the opening to "Zombie" by Bad Wolves begins. As the song slowly began picking up, Rob walked out to the stage with Kaede right beside him. The woman stood by him, a confident grin on her face as she looked at her client who had a vest on that was a mix of the American and Marine Corps flags.
Spirit Montego: ...accompanied by Kaede Tanabe… from Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at 226 pounds… the Devil Guard… ROBERT MARINO!
He stood there for a minute, doing nothing until the chorus of the song began playing. At the start of the chorus, he unzips his vest then lets out a loud "Oorah!" He began making his way down the ramp, high fiving the fans as he did, Kaede still right beside him. Once he reached the ring, he climbed to the apron and held the top and middle ropes open, allowing Kaede to enter the ring first then he followed behind her. Once he was in the ring, he slid the vest off and handed it to Kaede before holding the ropes open for her again to allow her to exit the ring. He began stretching and warming up for the match once she was safely out.
Bernadettle Olson: A former Marine and security guard turned wrestler, and a capable one at that. There’s plenty to like about this young man.
Jacob Frankel: That’s for sure. Plus his previous vocations will no doubt aid him in the ring. He’s already making a name for himself on NFW’s Trauma brand and is looking forward to doing the same here in HYBRID!
Bernadettle Olson: His opponent, on the other hand…
Spirit Montego: And now, introducing his opponent!
Ministry's “N.W.O.” starts thundering out the PA systems as dry ice billows up like smoke from the stage floor as Clayton Kane makes his way out from the back. He stands there on the stage for a moment, soaking in the fans' hate and giving it right back. Then he slowly makes his way down toward the ring.
Spirit Montego: Hailing from The Badlands, weighing in at 230 pounds… he is The Radical… CLAYTON KANE!
He glares at the occasional fan, even spitting at their feet. Arriving at ringside, Clayton ascends the ring steps and walks along the apron a bit before turning back toward the fans, glaring daggers at them for a moment before ducking through the ropes into the ring. He steps toward his corner, shaking out his wrists as the music fades and the lights return to normal.
Bernadettle Olson: ...he has made no bones about what he wants or how he means to get it. Just look at his treatment of the fans at the press conference if you doubt it.
Jacob Frankel: Some would call it unerring focus, unfaltering honesty. But no man is an island. And the people you step on to reach the top are the same ones you’ll run into on the way back down.
Bernadettle Olson: And no matter who you are, you will eventually go back down. Still, Clayton is very talented in the ring, so he does have that going for him.
MATCH FOUR
Global Heavyweight Tournament: First Round Match
Robert Marino vs. Clayton Kane
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Clayton wastes no time bursting forward and rocking the young Robert with a forearm shot to the jaw! Staggered, then knocked into the ropes, Robert isn’t given any time to retaliate as Clayton keeps laying in the stiff blows. Whipped to the ropes, Robert is caught with a roaring elbow from Kane that takes him to a knee but not down. The effects are clear, though, with the former solider trying to shake the cobwebs loose as Clayton glowers at him. Rebounding off the ropes, Kane aims a kick at the face of Marino, who rolls forward and hits the ropes, knocking Clayton down with a wicked clothesline! Hanging on the ropes on the far end, Robert looks to smack some sense into himself as Kaede hurriedly goes from cheering him on to trying to point out a stalking Clayton behind him. Clayton waist-locks Robert but eats a pair of elbows to the jaw for his trouble. A third spins Robert around when Clayton ducks, allowing the Radical to deliver an inverted atomic drop followed by a bridging Northern Lights suplex for two. Robert kicks out quickly and springs to his feet with surprising quickness, laying into the stalking Clayton with a few hard chops before whipping him across the ring. Clayton ducks the clothesline this time, coming back around with a Yakuza kick that Robert narrowly side steps. Clayton falls prey to a warmed-up Robert now, assaulted by the young man’s Chain of Command (Striking Combination) and being sent to the mat hard, where Robert makes a pin attempt for one!
Agitation is building in Clayton, who stops a second onslaught from Robert with a fierce rake to the eyes, sending him hard into the buckles and following with a high knee to the jaw for good measure! From there, Clayton winds up to deliver several hard, rapid-fire chops to the chest of the former Marine, leaving him to stagger forward, clutching the reddened part of his body. Clayton mocks this before grabbing Marino by the hair and yanking him backwards, sending his knee to the back of Marino’s skull and then going for a lateral press that nets him two. Kane glares at the official but Senior Referee Butch Grant is unflappable. Shrugging it off, Clayton drags Marino up and takes him over with a snap suplex, floating over into a mount and firing off straight right hands to the head of Robert. After a couple of these, Butch Grant starts counting, with Clayton only relenting at four… only to start up again! Threats of disqualification are the only thing that make Clayton stop for real, but in that moment of jawing with the senior referee Robert is able to reverse things, grinding a couple forearm shots toward the jaw of Clayton before, in a moment of no self-control, grabbing him by the head and just bouncing it off the canvas a few times! Robert comes out of it quickly enough, but Clayton is seeing triple as a result, having no answer for being pulled to his feet and spike almost immediately by Robert’s Midnight Meeting (Dirty Deeds) for a close near-fall! Robert keeps up the onslaught, dragging Clayton to the ropes and rolling out of the ring, positioning his opponent to where his head is hanging off the apron and driving the point of his elbow into Clayton’s chest a few times! A running kick to the head follows before Robert turns to the crowd, feeding off their cheers and returning the favor!
Rolling back into the ring, Clayton is feeling the effects of this new onslaught, rolling from the ring again when he spots Robert returning, seemingly not ready to take on the wound-up former Marine! Robert follows despite the entreaties of Butch Grant, and Clayton meanwhile stalks Kaede on the outside! Robert speeds up his pursuit but Clayton smartly moves aside, nearly causing Marino to collide with his lovely manager! He stops short, though, and that’s what Clayton is waiting for, grabbing him by the head and yanking him backwards so he goes head-and-shoulders-first into the ringside steps! The impact make a nasty noise and the kick to the head that follows only exacerbates the vicarious suffering of the fans! Clayton forcefully rolls Robert back into the ring, warning off a worried Kaede with a fierce stare before entering himself. He puts the boots to Robert, again prompting Butch Grant to warn him about his tactics. Clayton brushes this off, sitting Robert up and pasting him with a kick to the back before charging in with a running knee! But Robert lays back to dodge it and kips up to his feet, albeit unsteadily, utilizing a back body drop to put a stop to Clayton’s barrage! Clayton is up quick but a trio of running clotheslines send him back down for a moment, broken up only by a hard Irish whip to the buckles! Robert is fired up again and the fans are at his back as he charges in with a hard shoulder to the midsection of the Radical! The fans want another and they… almost get it!
Clayton leaps over the charging Robert, who goes shoulder-first into the middle buckle, then leaps off and lands in a roll, coming up to his feet and turning on a dime, immediately driving a running knee into the spine of Robert! A release German suplex follows and Clayton gets a sick grin on his face as he stalks his opponent. Robert fights his way up, the soldier in him unwilling to quit, but another release German makes it harder to repeat the act. A third is in the works but a hard elbow again grants Robert respite. He turns and grabs Clayton literally by the ears and blasts him with a headbutt, following with an STO for a near-fall. Clayton, having expected it to be in the bag, is slow to react as Robert hits the ropes and takes him down with a sling blade before heading to the top rope! It is slow going getting to the top thanks to the vicious attacks from Clayton, and that gives the Radical time to join his adversary in the high-rent district! The two trade punches up top, an exchange Robert gets the better of as he sends Clayton off the ropes! Kane lands on his feet, though, and kicks the ropes hard, causing Robert to lose his footing and crotch himself on the top buckle! Grabbing Marino by the head, Clayton draws him out a bit and spikes him with an elevated DDT, quickly following up with the FTW (Twisting Fisherman’s Neckbreaker) for the win!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And your winner, advancing to the quarterfinals… CLAYTON KANE!
Having none of this celebration bullshit, having gotten what he wanted, Clayton jerks his arm away from the referee and leaves the ring, throwing a fist in the air as he backs up the ramp. Robert is clutching his head a bit, dragging himself to the bottom rope as Kaede checks on him, quite concerned. The sight of this pleases the Radical, who mocks them from the stage before heading through the curtains. Thankfully in the eyes of the fans as well as Kaede, Robert is able to leave the ring under his own power, acknowledging the fans as he slowly heads up the ramp with Kaede.
Bernadettle Olson: Clayton was ruthless in this match, Jacob. That is not a man someone would willingly want to cross.
Jacob Frankel: Despite their respective experience levels, Robert more than held his own. I thought he had Kane a few times there!
Bernadettle Olson: Well, he’ll have his chances in the future, no doubt. Mr. Vance is all about opportunity, after all, and he has to like what he saw in Marino tonight.
Winner: Clayton Kane
Result: Pinfall at 11:46 (FTW)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT: KATIE ANDERSON AND CASS BAUMER
None For Me, Thanks!
The scene opens up to Grace Savoy standing backstage with Katie Anderson, Katie is wearing her purple ring attire and she has a huge smile on her face.
Grace Savoy: I am backstage with "The Beautiful One" Katie Anderson, Katie I gotta say, you seem like you're glowing.
Katie smiles again and nods.
Katie Anderson: I'm in my hometown, in the main event of the return of HYBRID, why wouldn't I be? I am excited to be able to perform in front of my hometown crowd.
Grace Savoy: You team up with two people you know very well, Samantha Tolson and Cass Baumer, against the team of Super Tiger, Jessi Robinson, and Bianca Davis, three very tough competitors. Do you think the three of you can work together?
Katie chuckles softly
Katie Anderson: You could definitely say I know them both well, I mean I was married to Sam, and we held tag team gold in another promotion. And I've known Cass for a long time, I think the three of us will work together just fine.
Grace Savoy: There appears to be some tension between you and Cass over social media recently over the Vanguard Championship ladder match, the two of you traded barbs, is it going to affect your team work?
Katie's smile disappears, she presses her lips together and sighs before speaking.
Katie Anderson: Yes, Cass and I have had our disagreements, but that won't affect tonight. Look, we are both competitive people, we both want the same thing, only one of us can have it. But as far as tonight goes, we will work together, whatever happens in the future does not matter tonight
With that, a familiar New Zealand accented voice is heard off-screen.
Cass Baumer: That’s right! All we’ve gotta do is keep our heads on a swivel for Bianca’s tricks, make sure Super Tiger stays grounded, and take advantage of Jessi Robinson’s inexperience.
Cass Baumer walks towards Katie with a smile. Katie clears her throat and nods toward Cass.
Cass Baumer: Just remember not to get too emotional, alright? They’ll feed on that. Take advantage. Then before you know it, you’re rolled into a schoolgirl pin one, two, three.
Katie smirks and rolls her eyes.
Katie Anderson: How about you don't give me any ‘pointers’ ok? How about you just go out there and not screw up? That would be good."
Grace steps to the side as she can feel the tension between them starting to grow.
Cass Baumer: Hey, I’m just trying to help! It’s one of your key weaknesses I’ve put down in my notebook, so I figured it’d be best to bring it to your attention. So you can minimize the problem as much as possible. I’d want you to do the same for me.
Katie licks her lips and steps a little closer to Cass.
Katie Anderson: Baumer, I'm gonna tell you this one time… don't worry about me, I know what I'm doing. I don't need your advice, I'm good ok? Just listen to Sam and me. We've both held titles, I'm not a rookie. I don't need you telling me what to do, got it?
Grace tries to step in, but she is ignored as Katie and Cass glare at each other. After a pause, Cass flashes a half-hearted smirk that hides her sadness and takes a step back.
Cass Baumer: Got it.
Bumer walks away with her head down. Katie turns toward Grace.
Katie Anderson: You got anymore questions?
Grace shakes her head no, Katie clears her throat again and walks off as the camera fades to black, Vanguard going to a brief commercial before returning to the arena proper.
Spirit Montego: Our next match is set for one fall and is a quarterfinal match in the Global Tag Team Tournament! The winning team will advance to the semifinals and be allowed to choose the stipulation in their match while the team that takes the fall will be eliminated!
Bernadettle Olson: Which means the team not involved in the decision moves on as well, but at a disadvantage.
Jacob Frankel: That should lights some fires under their butts to take the ‘W’ shouldn’t it?
Spirit Montego: Introducing team number one!
“Finished I Ain’t” by Ghostpoet starts up and The Lost come out onto the stage, followed by their leader, Noah Ortega. The Mammoth Among Men, Anton Palmer, and his partner, the Trailblazer, Gio Moriello, are an imposing tandem who definitely have their game faces on as they approach the ring.
Spirit Montego: Led to the ring by Noah Ortega, from the Way of the Lost and competing at a combined weight of 430 pounds… Anton Palmer and Gio Moriello… THE LOST!
The two men enter the ring, Noah Ortega remaining on the outside. Both ascend the buckles, staring out at the masses before locking on one another and nodding, dropping down and moving to a single corner, bouncing about and facing the stage.
Bernadettle Olson: Not a lot of frills here: just power, speed and ability, looking for a fight and advancement.
Jacob Frankel: Palmer is just a beast of a dude, and Moriello looks like a coiled spring, waiting to unleash on the first person in his path!
Bernadettle Olson: Which is what I think is smart to expect here…
Spirit Montego: Now… introducing team number two!
The lights dim in the arena as silver and purple spotlights shine down on the stage. As “Cries of the Crusaders” begins, Lluvia Cane and Jonna Austin step out onto the stage and into the spots, purple and silver lights pulsing down the sides of the ramp and flashing throughout the arena. The pair began amping up along with their music as Harper Lee joins them on the stage. Harper begins clapping for the pair who nod at each other.
Spirit Montego: Approaching the ring, accompanied by Harper Lee and weighing in at a combined 256 pounds… the team of Jonna Austin and Lluiva Cane… THE FRONTLINE!
Jonna and Lluvia fist bump one another before they strut down to the ring, laser focused as they walk past the members of the audience on their way to the ring.
Jacob Frankel: Talk about on-point: these two young ladies are just oozing intensity!
Lluvia climbs onto the apron as Jonna climbs the steps behind her. Lluvia turns to the crowd with a smirk before skinning the cat over the top rope as Jonna winks and throws a middle finger towards the camera. Harper stays in the center of the ring, the grin never leaving her face as she claps for the women.
Bernadettle Olson: Could do with a little more class, though…
Jonna and Lluvia nod to each other, slapping hands twice before fist bumping one another and turn as Alexa exits the ring, ready to start the match.
Jacob Frankel: Maybe they’re just caught up in the moment?
Bernadettle Olson: Perhaps. But that’s the sort of disrespect that can bite someone in the ass.
Spirit Montego: And now, introducing team number three!
The lights go out plunging the arena into Darkness. “Tiptoe Through The Tulips” by Tiny Tim starts to fill the arena.
"Tiptoe through the window
By the window, that is where I'll be
Come tiptoe through the tulips with me
Oh, tiptoe from the garden
By the garden of the willow tree
And tiptoe through the tulips with me”
The arena lights come back up and the Bisque Dolls are standing in the ring. They both smile creepily, and in unison. Then they move to their corner and prepare for the match. The sudden appearance has Spirit Montego scrambling a bit to get out of the ring, creeped out by the young duo. The Lost look slightly taken aback themselves, while the Frontline stare and whisper at one another curiously.
Spirit Montego: Ah… ahem! Accompanied by Charlie Grace… from, er, Under the Stairs? At a combined weight of 230 pounds… THE BISQUE DOLLS!
Jacob Frankel: Creepy!
Bernadettle Olson: Those two certainly give me the willies. Looks like their opponents feel the same to varying degrees. Even poor Spirit bolted when they appeared like that.
Jacob Frankel: There’s definitely an appeal to them, but I’d be worried about getting too close. But The Lost and the Frontline have no choice, because it’s time for action!
MATCH FIVE
Global Tag Team Tournament: Quarterfinal Match
The Lost vs. The Frontline vs. The Bisque Dolls
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
It’s Jonna Austin and Gio Moriello starting things off here, with anyone capable of being tagged by anyone else. The Dolls remain on the apron, staring almost lewdly at their opponents as Jonna and Gio lock up. The quicker half of the Lost quickly brings Jonna down with a waistlock but the proficient Gamer Punk twists out and puts Gio in a hammerlock on the mat. Twisting out and kipping up to his feet, Gio has his legs swept from under him and Jonna makes a pin attempt that doesn’t get to one. Gio kicks out, leaps over another leg sweep and drops into a front facelock on Jonna, gripping tight until she reaches the ropes with a foot, forcing a break. Gio holds on till three, then lets go, backing up. Jonna is back up quickly, too, only to watch as Gio tags in Anton Palmer. The massive man steps into the ring and tries to stare a hole through Jonna who, showing no fear, locks up with him in a collar-and-elbow… only to be shoved forcefully to the mat!
Jonna immediately goes for the legs after ducking a clothesline, trying to chop the Mammoth Among Men down. She slows him, but gets shoved away and almost beheaded with a clothesline that this time hits its mark. Jonna clutches her neck, tagging in Lluvia and charging Anton in tandem! They manage to bull-rush him into the buckles, throwing boots to his midsection, using every bit of that eight seconds before referee Zach Young demands that Austin leave the ring! But Lluvia tags her right back in, each of them taking an arm to whip Anton toward the far corner! The big man puts on the brakes, though, and yanks the two women together! Jonna and Lluvia evade a collision and tag Anton with a double-superkick! A boot to the midsection sets him up for a double-DDT and Jonna quickly makes a pin attempt as Lluvia leaves the ring, barely managing a two before being thrown off by Anton! The big man is up quickly before he stiffens briefly and looks over one broad shoulder: Cathryn Sallow of the Bisque Dolls has tagged herself in!
Zach Young, though wary, directs Anton to leave the ring as the big man glares at the tiny woman… a glare that she all but ignores. She saunters up to Jonna Austin, who narrows her stare and motions for a lock-up. Cathryn shakes her head cheerily, though, suddenly bolting forward to try and clothesline the Gamer Punk down! Jonna ducks and whirls on Cathryn, snaring her for a German suplex! Cathryn flips back and lands on her feet, with Kathryn blind-tagging herself in while Jonna is focused on Cathryn. A running dropkick to the back sends Jonna into the ropes and Cathryn delivers a spinning heel kick to the back of the head, allowing her twin to follow up with a neck snap on the top rope as she vaults over, grabbing Jonna’s head on the way down! Slithering back in, Kathryn ascends to the top rope and sails off in Austin’s direction… but she’s caught and whipped to the mat with a wicked powerslam, leaving both women down on the canvas! The Lost look on with some concern as both Kathryn and Jonna try to get to their respective partners, which Jonna does first, bringing Lluvia back in! Cathryn is tagged as well, but Lluvia is already in motion, blasting Cathryn with a flying forearm that sends her to the floor before she can enter the ring! Kathryn is pulled up by Lluvia and spiked with an atomic drop, followed by a backcracker, while Cathryn tries to get back into the mix and Jonna takes a much-needed breather!
Lluvia takes the fight to Kathryn further after a near-fall, but has to halt her progress for a moment to keep Gio or Anton from tagging themselves in! However, that one moment is enough for the Doll, who catches Lluvia dangerously low with a kick before tipping her head back with a finger to the chin and delivering a hard slap, followed by a headbutt and a DDT! Looking right at The Lost, Kathryn blows them a creepy little kiss, but gets rolled up into a schoolgirl by Lluvia! She’s out at one, but backs up quickly, spotting Cathryn rolling in! Leaving the ring, Lluvia momentarily forgets that Cathryn is the legal Doll, being reminded thanks to a hair-pull slam! Dragged up by those same locks, Cathryn shoves Lluvia into the corner of The Lost, taunting them with a curling finger! Anton takes that taunt, tagging himself in and looming over the tiny Doll like a veritable monolith of humanity! But instead of attacking, Cathryn runs a fingertip along the chiseled abs of Palmer, leaving the Mammoth Among Men not quite sure of what to do about it! Cathryn smirks and backs away, forcefully tagging in Jonna Austin, though, and cackling in amusement!
Jonna, however, is less than pleased! She blasts Cathryn in the back of the head with a forearm shot, then whips her toward her corner with enough force to make Cathryn collide with Kathryn, sending both to the floor! Referee Zach Young admonishes her, but Jonna is already making a beeline for Anton, hitting a forearm to the big man’s chest and following up with a few more! Palmer is staggered briefly, but soon grabs Jonna by the head with both hands and lifts her off the mat, keeping her in the air before just chucking her to the mat ruthlessly! For the first time, the Dolls actually look perturbed, rising to the apron again in unison, staring hard at Jonna! Anton tags in Gio, who hits an assisted crossbody on Jonna, though the pin is broken up by Lluvia, leading to a brawl! Anton is back in the ring in short order, but is caught by another double-superkick from the Frontline! Gio goes after Jonna, hitting a snapping back suplex but finding himself running afoul of Lluvia, with whom he grapples into the corner! A charging Anton breaks this up, but hits his own partner! The Frontline heaves Gio up for a backdrop, landing him hard in the center of the ring, before going for alternating chops on the massive Palmer! He shoves his way out of the corner and goozles both women only for them to manage, after a try or two, to send him over the top rope! A double back elbow stuns Gio and the Frontline sets up for Poetry in Motion! Jonna whips Gio into the buckles and Jonna backs into the far corner… but the Dolls trip her up before she can charge in! Jonna, too late realizing something is amiss, finds herself cradled by Gio for a near-fall as Anton slides back into the ring while, on the outside, Lluvia is battered by the Dolls! Jonna, left to fend for herself while the referee is distracted, falls to Feed Them To The Lost (Pop-Up Powerbomb/450 Splash Combo) and is pinned by Gio!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And your winners, heading into the semifinals of the tournament… THE LOST!
The Dolls take their leave along with Charlie Grace, seemingly pleased with the result of the match. Lluvia and Jonna, however, are livid! Harper Lee is right there with them, threats send back and forth between the Frontline and the Dolls as Noah celebrates The Lost’s victory!
Bernadettle Olson: A sacrifice play lets The Lost pick up the win and the advantage for the next round!
Jacob Frankel: It almost doesn’t make sense, but depending on how you look at it, that was smart of the Dolls there!
Bernadettle Olson: Was it, though? They’re already making enemies around here, Jacob. And the Frontline aren’t known for their level heads.
Jacob Frankel: But The Lost are. And that might mean big trouble for the rest of the teams in the tournament!
Winners: The Lost
Result: Pinfall at 15:56 (Feed Them To The Lost)
BACKSTGE SEGMENT: 2 BROKE CHICKS
A Special Kind of Kooky
We open up in the parking lot earlier in the day, it’s fairly empty minus the rental cars of some of the talent and staff working the event. Suddenly, we hear the squealing of tires as from the entrance, we see an RV come speeding in, barely missing the first car by just about a foot, and the next, as the RV swerves through the lot, speeding towards the camera, squealing to a halt as the door comes flying open and Jane Harper is seen sprinting out of the RV, leaning up against it, breathing heavily, eyes wide like she had seen death more than once.
Jane Harper: God damnit, Cheech, who the hell taught you how to drive again?!
At that moment, Chiaki Sanada comes leaping out of the RV off the steps and lands in an overdramatic squat before coming up with a little hop and snaps her fingers.
Chiaki Sanada: TEXAS!
Jane Harper: God, I’m never letting you drive again. We somehow almost hit three parked cars, a fire hydrant, four pedestrians, a food truck which somehow, you ended up with a taco out of, and five bikers. All within four blocks of here!
Jane stands up straight, looking down at Chiaki, arms crossed over her chest, but just looking at the blue haired, little gremlin and the smile on her face, immediately causes Jane to smile.
Jane Harper: I swear, you’re a lunatic.
Chiaki just stands there with a big, impish toothy grin on her face, watching Jane. As she does, she tugs on the ends of her Kyubey hat (from Puella Magi Madoka Magica) causing the ears on the hat itself to flap up and down. Very much akin to the Gif she often uses on social media. After a moment, she reaches out an arm with her index finger and just…taps Jane on the nose.
Chiaki Sanada: BOOP!
And with that, Jane fully breaks and just laughs, pulling Chiaki into a big hug and kisses her on the top of the head.
Jane Harper: God, I can’t stay mad at you. But we gotta get focused now. It’s felt like forever since we had gold around our waists and that’s gotta change starting tonight. We gotta remind the world why 2 Broke Chicks are taking the tag team scene over and why we’ve been champions everywhere we been at.
Chiaki flaps the ears on her hat again.
Chiaki Sanada: Cuz 2 Bee Cee ichiban! WWA, BWF! All Jane-chan and Chi Chi do is fakkin win! We take over XWF and HYBRID next!
She stops for a second and seems to remember something Jane said, reaching into the pocket on the thigh of her baggy cargo jeans and pulls out a wad of tin foil. Chiaki picks the denim lint off the wrapping before peeling back the foil to reveal a taco that looks like it’s been beaten with a mallet. She shrugs and chomps down as much of it as she can fit in her mouth, resulting in the tiny joshi chewing on the bite with cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk. She turns to Jane and sticks the taco right up to her mouth, talking with her mouth full.
Chiaki Sanada: Resswin Fuwl? (Wrestling fuel)
Jane Harper: Yeah, you’ll need to fuel up so we can kick the asses of two other teams and take one of them out of this tournament. Natural Resources, now, we know you two been around the block for a little bit, especially here in HYBRID, holdin gold and doin top team shit wherever you go. Hell, Halo is like a damn sister to us, givin’ us a place to crash when we needed one. We know just how good they are, but I hate to break it to ya two, we’re just that much better. We fight with respect and all with people when they ain’t done nothin to us, but I’m sure you two have seen what happens when we get pissed off. It don’t end well for the people opposite us.
Jane looks at Chiaki, still chewing on that taco that has to be cold and just disgusting at this point and grins.
Jane Harper: Cheech here, when she’s angry, she’s like a damn spider monkey, clawing and scratching, maybe even poppin a couple of tooths out of some poor motherfucker.
Chiaki’s just done shoving the other half of the taco into her mouth when she hears this and her head snaps to Jane. She then snaps towards the camera, wide eyed and crazy like…with cheeks like a chipmunk.
Chiaki Sanada: CHI CHI PAWP TWEEFIES!!
Getting amped up, she wads up the empty tin foil into a ball and whiffs it off camera. We hear a soft smack and a backstage attendant shouting in protest. Chiaki tugs her eyelid down with her pinky and gives a muffled “Bleeeeegggghhh” before she starts patting her pockets. On her jeans, her Shieldmaidens kutte. Everywhere. Jane grins, almost eviley as she watches Chiaki so desperately try to find her bottle opener.
Jane Harper: And La Non Pardonne, we don’t know much about the two of you, but you’re just another obstacle in our way to gettin to the top of the mountain here in HYBRID and we ain’t gonna let y’all stop us. Hell, maybe you two will be the ones I let Cheech pop a few tooths out of. What do you think, Cheech?
In the process of Jane talking, Chiaki remembers she’s got her bottle opener on a chain around her neck and brings it out to hang freely into view. She pats her pockets a bit more until apparently finding something and reaches into the front pocket of her flannel under her kutte. Chi Chi procures…wait for it…a pixie stick? Red from the looks of it. Probably Strawberry. Without missing a beat, Chiaki snaps the packet of powdered candy in half and…sticks the open ends right up her nose. Before Jane or anyone else can do or say anything to stop her, a loud nasally inhaling is heard as the Roppongi Kitsune snorts the candy powder right up through her nose. Her head snaps back with residue underneath her nostrils, resembling…well, you get the idea. Chiaki quivers, shakes and trembles and we’re not sure if it’s from some odd sort of sugar rush or because she literally consumed a pixie stick in a way they were never intended to be consumed. Regardless, Chiaki lets out a shrieking yell that echoes throughout the backstage area of the arena.
Chiaki Sanada: KyyyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!! COME AND GET EEEEETTTTT!!!!!!!
Her wild eyes lock directly onto the camera as she looks damn near ravenous now.
Chiaki Sanada: DA KITSUNE…IZZ REEEEAAADDY!!!!!!!
Without warning, Chiaki goes sprinting down the hallway towards the locker rooms. Jane looks right into the camera, a sadistic grin on her face.
Jane Harper: Y’all are fucked now.
Jane gives a wink and goes sprinting past the camera, heading off in the direction of Chiaki.
Jane Harper: Chiaki Sanada, you get back here this instant!
And with that, the screen goes black.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT: NATURAL RESOURCES
Back Home!
The camera opens on the very eager and excited faces of Natural Resources, Rain and GoGo, standing in a hallway, almost bouncing off the walls in anticipation.
GoGo: RAINIE!!!! RAINIE!!!! IT’S HERE!!!!
Rain nods enthusiastically.
Rain: Yeah, it is, Goldi. We done come back home because HYBRID’s reopened! Tonight we get to help bring it back from the dead!
GoGo starts bouncing with enthusiasm.
GoGo: This is gonna be so COOOL!!!!!
Rain nods, just as enthusiastic.
Rain: Ain’t it? We get to step in the ring with La Non Pardonné and 2BC!!!
GoGo is suddenly even more excited than before!
GoGo: I can’t wait! I can’t WAIT! I love getting to see Jane and Chi Chi and I can’t wait to get in the ring with them! It’s gonna be too AWESOME!!!!
Rain nods, a knowing smile on her face.
Rain: And Jessi and Kayla… gonna be a Harper sammich between Kayla and the Hammer!
GoGo’s eyes go wide at the realization.
GoGo: OH!!! It really is!!!
Rain nods.
Rain: Come on, Goldi, we got us a homecomin’ to make!
GoGo bounces up and down, clapping as she goes.
GoGo: This is so COOL!!!!
Cameras cut a moment later to the ring, where Spirit Montego stands ready with microphone in hand.
Spirit Montego: The following contest is a quarterfinal match in the Global Tag Team Tournament! Introducing team number one!
The happy keyboard intro of Van Halen’s “Dreams” starts up as the arena is bathed in blue. At the 0:30 mark, the sounds of jets flying overhead start the song in earnest and Natural Resources, GoGo and Rain, make their way through the entryway all smiles. They greet the fans and then quickly make their way to the ring, making sure to wipe their feet before they enter.
Spirit Montego: From Tullahoma, Tennessee, competing at a combined weight of 244 pounds… Rain and GoGo… NATURAL RESOURCES!
Bernadettle Olson: One of the most prolific teams in the original incarnation of HYBRID are back again and looking to reclaim the throne!
Jacob Frankel: There’s a lot of talent and energy behind those smiles, folks! Keep your eyes on these two!
Spirit Montego: Now, introducing team number two!
”Ikura ikura ikura ore no kachi wa ikura!
Run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up!
Ikura ikura ikura ore no kachi wa ikura!
Run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up!”
ANARCHY's "Run It Up" comes on over the PA system as the arena lights dim down, bringing all attention to the lighting on and around the stage. Everyone’s attention is on the entrance curtain when, all of a sudden, an air horn like the one heard from a fire engine BLASTS through the arena. From the side of the stage, a tricked out RV painted white with neon blue accents rolls up. As the opening refrain with Skits Vicious begins, the side door flies open and out comes the 2 Broke Chicks. In name only, of course! There’s some visible laughs of amusement as Jane then turns towards the stage and tries to look serious as she approaches the ramp. On the opposite side of the mood spectrum, Chiaki Sanada gives their ride an adoring pat before scurrying to catch up with her tag team partner.
Spirit Montego: From… where the money’s at? Er, competing at a combined weight of 235 pounds… Jane Harper and Chi Chi Sanada… 2 BROKE CHICKS!
As the two make their way down the ramp, Jane’s attempt to stay serious is all but lost once Chiaki moves in front of her, just goofing off and throwing random signs at the camera in sync with their music. As the chorus plays, Chiaki starts singing along. The strength of the duo finally breaks into laughter at the little one’s antics and the pair continue towards the ring. Once they reach ringside, Jane comes in behind Chiaki and lifts the crazy little Joshi up onto her shoulders. She makes a lap around the ring itself while Chiaki’s waving her arms from side to side over her head, trying to get the fans to join in. They do, for the most part. Chiaki hops off of Jane’s shoulders and onto the apron. She’s back to throwing thuggish little hand signals as Jane climbs onto the apron. Jane climbs into the ring and stands behind Chiaki who is still doing her thing as they both throw up their actual, personal team gesture. Chiaki finally gets into the ring and the two of them move to their corner, removing their entrance gear and getting in a bit of last minute extra stretching as they get ready for their match.
Bernadettle Olson: Quite the pair, these two. If unpredictability alone won matches, they’d have gold to spare.
Jacob Frankel: I’m not sure what to make of them just yet, but it seems like their opponents are entertained! Whether that’s a good thing or not…
Bernadettle Olson: We’ll find out.
Spirit Montego: And now, the final team!
“Sex Metal Barbie” by In This Moment starts to play, heralding the arrival of Jessi Ozborne and Kayla Harper. They make their way down to the ring with their eyes on their opponents, not sparing a glance for the fans or anyone else.
Spirit Montego: From Detroit, Michigan and weighing in at 223 pounds… Jessi Ozborne and Kayla Harper… LA NON PARDONNE!
Rolling into the ring, they in turn try to stare down each set of opponents before backing into their own corner, chatting quietly with one another as they await the bell.
Bernadettle Olson: All business, these two, in contrast to their opponents.
Jacob Frankel: That approach worked for The Lost, so… maybe it’ll work for them, too?
MATCH SIX
Global Tag Team Tournament: Quarterfinal Match
Natural Resources vs. 2 Broke Chicks vs. La Non Pardonné
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
The high-energy GoGo starts off with Chi Chi Sanada after the bell rings, and the former wastes no time charging her opponent, locking up and making a tour of the ring as the young women neither break the hold nor find advantage in strength or leverage. GoGo hoists Chi Chi up but is brought down with a headlock takedown, though she’s quick to extricate herself from Chi Chi’s grip. Chi Chi kips up and almost takes GoGo’s head off with a kick, only for GoGo to go for a German! Chi Chi lands on her feet, however, and goes for a tiger suplex of her own! GoGo lands hard but still kicks out of the bridged pin before two, bending backwards to evade a spin kick from Chi Chi! Running up the ropes, Sanada lands a moonsault press for another a quick two-count, but GoGo surprises her with a spinebuster of all things when she charges in, getting a quick pin of her own! Both women are up at the same time and the fans are eating it up. Even their opponents on the other side of the ring look marginally impressed! GoGo grins, but tags in Rain even as Chi Chi brings in Jane, allowing the more powerful halves of their respective teams to face off!
Jane goes right at Rain, clocking her with a right hand and backing her into the ropes before shooting her off! A shoulderblock ends in a stalemate but Rain, ever polite, gestures for Jane to try again! She does, double-speed, and staggers the taller woman back a bit! Is the third time the charm? Not quite, for Rain nails a big boot, dropping Harper to the mat! Pulled up by the hair, Jane is put back down with a scoop slam and hit with a leg drop before a lateral press earns a two-count from Kara Tarantino. Jane, dragged up to her feet, hits an elbow to the midsection, then one to the jaw of Rain, stunning the larger woman long enough for a swinging neckbreaker! Chi Chi is tagged back in and runs right at her partner, leading to a wheelbarrow facebuster on Chi Chi that has her driving her elbows into Rain! A pin attempt follows for two and Chi Chi tags Jane back in, though their shenanigans are stopped by a double-clothesline from Rain, who drives herself down to the mat to make sure both of the Broke Chicks hit canvas! Back on her feet, Rain shakes it off, but finds herself tagged by Jessi Ozborne! Jessi shoos her out of the way and starts to go at Jane, attacking from behind with clubbing shots to the back! Jane, as with Rain, elbows her way out, but follows up with a trio of chops to Jessi’s chest! Jessi looks to return the favor, but her swing is ducked and Jane scoops her up for a Blue Thunder bomb and a quick pin for two!
Jessi counters out of Jane’s grip with a jawbreaker, though, and tags in Kayla in time for Jane to be victimized by a tandem powerbomb, leading to Kayla making another pin attempt for two. GoGo and Rain are already eager to get back in, while Chi Chi is constantly trying to reach out for Jane to get back in the fight. Kayla scrupulously keeps Jane away from either corner, quick-tagging with Jessi to wear down the Hammer. Chasing the Dragon is attempted, but Jane rolls away, leaving La Non Pardonne to almost smash into one another. The legal Jessi is snared for a German, but escapes, shoving Jane forward… which unfortunately leads to Kayla being speared to the mat! Jessi snares Jane by the hair but takes a jawbreaker herself, leaving both of La Non Pardonne down and Jane open to tag herself out! She makes her way inexorably, but slowly, to the corner of the Broke Chicks, getting fingertips away from tagging in Chi Chi before being pulled back by Jessi! An enzuigiri puts a stop to the blockage and with that the Razorblade Lollipop is back in, leaping to the top rope and hitting a corkscrew crossbody to bring Kayla down! Jessi is back, whipping Chi Chi into the corner though Sanada counters out, running up the ropes and flipping back and over Jessi’s head! Whipping Jessi into the far corner allows Rain to tag herself back in, and a hard Yakuza sends Jessi down, clearing a path to Chi Chi!
Already heading for the ropes when Jessi rolls out of the ring, Chi Chi soars towards Rain but is caught and sent overhead with a HUGE belly-to-belly release suplex! Kayla checks on Jessi on the outside as Jane calls for Chi Chi to get back up, which she does! She slides between the legs of Rain and practically climbs up the taller woman, seating herself on her shoulders! Rain tries to shake her off, reaching out enough for GoGo to tag in without Chi Chi seeing! Jane sees it, though, and calls out to her partner as she attempts a poison rana on the larger Rain! Rain grabs the legs, though, leaving Sanada in a precarious position for a running front dropkick by GoGo! Sent spinning to the mat, Chi Chi is a bit wobbly and GoGo takes advantage with a big headscissors takedown which sends Chi Chi skidding toward La Non Pardonne’s corner! Kayla tags herself in here but GoGo whips around with a European uppercut and the charging Kayla hits the mat hard! Jessi comes in after but a hurricanrana brings her down as well! GoGo backs into the ropes, measuring Kayla as Rain gets the sign for Rushing Waters (Fall of Man)! Jane, however, tags GoGo as she’s about to take off and Jessi is able to clothesline Rain out of the ring, going over the top with her! Chi Chi is able to get back up on the apron. GoGo, a bit confused as to what happened, having barely felt the tag, finds herself in a brawl with Harper! Kayla, coming to after the attack from GoGo, attacks with a knee to the back as Jane sends GoGo from the ring, knocking Harper into the ropes… just in reach of Chi Chi for another blind tag! With the rest of the field tended to, Jane is able to weather Kayla’s attacks long enough to hit a ripcord elbow and get Kayla up on her shoulders for the Pay Day (Elevated Destroyer) from Chi Chi! Jane stands over her partner’s pin attempt to ward off interference, Kara Tarantino able to count to three as a result!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And your winners, heading into the semifinals of the tournament… 2 BROKE CHICKS!
Outside the ring, but halfway in, Rain looks a bit frustrated and GoGo herself is temporarily crestfallen at the result… yet both still applaud the winners. La Non Pardonne, however, refuses to be that gracious, with Jessi helping Kayla out of the ring and heading up the ramp without so much as a look back. The manic Chi Chi is ecstatic and Jane can’t help but smile as they have their arms raised in victory!
Bernadettle Olson: A fast-paced, wild contest from the start, with something of a surprise win for 2 Broke Chicks tonight!
Jacob Frankel: Considering the talent of both Natural Resources and La Non Pardonne, it’s definitely a feather for their hats! But I wonder who they’ll face in the next round?!
Bernadettle Olson: You can bet that whoever it is… they’d better be ready for chaos!
Winners: 2 Broke Chicks
Result: Pinfall at 12:33 (Pay Day)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT: JESSIE ROBINSON
That Wrestling Thing
We open up backstage where we see Jessie Robinson in the hallway. They’re in their Tifa cosplay, pacing back and forth, head down, almost in their own little world. They don’t notice Grace Savoy walking up behind them as the interviewer taps Jessie on the shoulder. Jessie lets out a squeal and jumps, quickly turning around, hands raised before they notice who’s standing there.
Jessie Robinson: Holy moley, Grace, you scared the bejeezus out of me!
Grace Savoy: Oh, sorry… I just wanted to get your thoughts on your big debut trios match tonight.
Jessie Robinson: Oh… yeah, that thing, the wrestling that I’m supposed to do tonight!
Grace Savoy: You didn’t forget did you?
Jessie chuckles and runs their hand through the black wig atop their head and shakes their head.
Jessie Robinson: Of course not! How could I forget about the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever had to do in my entire life! Coming out to Uncle Andy and Aunt Issy made me less nervous than this match!
Grace can’t help but giggle a little bit at the comment as she looks at Jessie and just smiles at them.
Grace Savoy: Well, tonight has the chance to be something truly special for you. How do you feel about your partners tonight, “The Queen” Bianca Davis and Super Tiger?
Jessie Robinson: Well, Super Tiger, she’s like an idol of mine. She’s not the biggest or the strongest, but she has the heart of a warrior and champion. I fell in love with her the first time I saw her in NFW. I knew she was a person someone like me could look up to and strive to be like. Bianca though… I mean, she’s kinda pretty in a rich girl kinda way. I don’t like how stuck-up she is though, like her poo doesn’t stink or something.
Jessie and Grace both chuckle a little bit at that last bit.
Jessie Robinson: But, she’s been in this business for quite a while now and has been successful at that, so she must be doing something right, but that’s not the way I want to be. I want to be that role model for kids and adults alike who are trying to find themselves, to find their confidence to be who they were truly meant to be. I want to be like Super Tiger, no fear, all heart, and leaving it out in the ring with each and every match.
Grace Savoy: What about your opponents? They’re all top tier competitors in their own right.
Jessie nervously chuckles as their hand runs through their hair once again.
Jessie Robinson: Yeah… Cass Baumer, Sam Tolson, and Katie Anderson… three tough ladies. Cass, I’ve been watching ever since she joined NFW and she has heart and a drive to never give up. Sure, she’s never been one to stay on one side of anything, but that doesn’t make her any less of a fantastic wrestler when that bell rings. I know my big sis don’t get along with Cass anymore, but I still respect her. Katie Anderson, another veteran of this sport who has done so much in her time in wrestling that it’ll be an honor to be in the ring with her. And Sam Tolson, probably the most frightening of the three. Have you ever seen her throw people around with those suplexes of hers?
Grace Savoy: I have and it looks like they hurt a lot.
Jessie Robinson: Exactly! And I’m sure she can toss me around the ring like a little bean rag doll! That makes me nervous, but what I’m really nervous about is not messing up and totally tripping on the ropes during my entrance or slipping off the top rope when I go for a move or just making a big fool of myself in front of Uncle Andy, Aunt Issy, Morggy, Charlie, my new friend Makaela, and all my other awesome new friends who support me and cheer me on.
Grace Savoy: I’m sure you’re going to be fine, Jessie. You’ve trained for this moment.
Grace extends a hand and pats Jessie on the back who smiles.
Jessie Robinson: Thanks, Grace! I’m just super duper nervous and excited and so full of energy right now! I can’t wait to start my journey and bring all of you along for the ride!
Jessie smiles and holds up a peace sign while sticking out their tongue as the camera cuts out. When the promo for Vanguard #1 ends, it's time for the next match!
Bernadettle Olson: And with that, it’s time to look to the ring for the first of two main events, starting with a big six-person tag team match!
Jacob Frankel: With one heck of an odd-couple pairing on one side! Bianca Davis doesn’t get along with anyone unwilling to lick her boots, figuratively and literally! But I don’t see Super Tiger or Jessie Robinson agreeing to such a thing!
Bernadettle Olson: It’s an attitude that will only cause her problems, but don’t dare tell her that. On the other side of things, it isn’t all roses with Tolson, Anderson and Baumer, either. There’s some none-too-slight strife among that threesome.
Jacob Frankel: But, reasonably speaking, they’re on the same side of the philosophical fence. So let’s send it up to Spirit Montego so we can get this battle rolling!
Cameras do indeed cut to the ring where Spirit prepares to announce the participants.
Spirit Montego: The following is a tag match set for one fall! Introducing first, from right here in Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 147 pounds… the Beautiful One… KATIE ANDERSON!
“Waitin’ For You” by Demi Lovato plays as Katie Anderson steps onto the entrance way, she confidently strolls to the ring, breaking her usual methods by meeting the hands of her fans, who are giving the young lady a proper hometown welcome! She climbs the steps and stands on the ring apron, she smirks before stepping through the ropes. She stands in the middle of the ring soaking in the boos and few cheers. She walks to the corner and leans against the ropes as she waits for her opponents and partners, eager to get started.
Bernadettle Olson: Her first HYBRID match right here at home. It has to feel good for this former champion.
Jacob Frankel: Without a doubt. Katie has been through a lot and wants HYBRID to be a fresh start.
Spirit Montego: And introducing her partner…
“As the vocals of “Smooth Sailing” by Queens Of The Stone Age bursts through the crackling arena speakers, the crowd stands to their feet when a blue spotlight beams down at the entryway. The camera descends to gradually reveal Cass Baumer. The old-school brawler struts down the aisle in a blue leather jacket over her ring gear until she nears the center of the clearing. She spins and steps backward, spreading her arms to unashamedly show off the glossy “#Baumer” emblem at the back of her distressed coat.
Spirit Montego: From Karori, Wellington, New Zealand, weighing in at 141 pounds… the Headliner… CASS BAUMER!
"Smooth Sailing" continues while Baumer's lips form a triumphant smirk, her head turned to the side 'til she leisurely twirls back when she nears the apron. She stops at the steel steps to survey the crowd with a smile. She follows it up by sliding into the ring. The palpable cheers grow in intensity as she bounces back to her feet and mounts the ropes, raising her fist with pride as she answers the visceral reaction of the crowd with a guttural shout of her own! Then, she dismounts.
Bernadettle Olson: Another young veteran welcomed to HYBRID, this young lady is talented both in the ring and as a journalist… but she can definitely be polarizing. Some of the issues lurking beneath the surface in this match center around her, no doubt.
Jacob Frankel: But, much like Katie Anderson, Cass is working on righting the ship. And that should earn some respect.
Spirit Montego: And their partner…
“Let the Sparks Fly” by Thousand Foot Krutch starts up and the crowd erupts for the appearance of the Pretty Little Murder Machine, Sam Tolson! She already has her game face on as she makes her way down the ramp, slapping a few hands before rolling into the ring and joining her partners.
Spirit Montego: ...from Jefferson City, Missouri and weighing in at 160 pounds… the Hardcore Queen of Suplex Nation… SAMANTHA TOLSON!
The three women meet up in the corner and knock fists, though there’s a bit of tentativity between Katie and Sam. Cass does her best to smooth this over and, in the end, all three seem to be on the same page and ready to go.
Bernadettle Olson: A multiple-time world champion who has worked in many a promotion, Samantha is the sort of talent that the rookies need to set them on the right path. Say what you will about her attitude…
Jacob Frankel: Because there’s no shortage of haters!
Bernadettle Olson: ...but Samantha backs up her harsh words with action.
Jacob Frankel: And if you doubt her, just watch!
Spirit Montego: And now, introducing their opponents! First…
As the heavy metal cover of "Eye of the Tiger" begins, rainbow colored pyro erupts from the front of the stage, and Super Tiger comes flying up seemingly from underneath. She grins into the camera, throwing up a peace sign next to her face and winking for the crowd before making her way down the ramp. She high fives every fan she can, pausing at the bottom to take a picture with a young member of the crowd before giving them a replica of the mask she's wearing.
Spirit Montego: ...from Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at 125 pounds… the Diminutive Dynamo… SUPER TIGER!
She then runs around the ring, continuing to slap palms with every hand stuck out over the barricade. When she's made a full circuit, she doesn't slow, leaping to slide into the ring on her stomach before going straight into a somersault and then leaping to her feet. As she lands, she hits a deep dab, pyro blasting from the corner posts before she rises back up, winking again at the camera with a pair of finger guns before backing into her corner.
Bernadettle Olson: As far as I’m concerned, if you can watch this young woman and not get excited, wrestling ain’t for you.
Jacob Frankel: High energy, high spirits, high-flying… Super Tiger is a joy to watch!
Spirit Montego: And her partner…
“Fist Bump” by Nathan Sharpe feat. Andrew Stein begins to play as the lights dance around the arena and Jessie comes running out of the entrance and onto the stage full of energy. They run across the stage, getting the crowd fired up. They leap in the air, smiling widely before starting to run down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans on one side before running back up the other side doing the same thing.
Spirit Montego: ...from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and weighing in at 145 pounds… JESSIE ROBINSON!
They then run back down the ramp and around the ring, soaking everything in from the crowd before they hop up onto the ring apron, sitting there for a second before leaping up and over the top rope, landing with a superhero landing in the ring smiling and getting back up and heading to their corner.
Bernadettle Olson: This one is an interesting young person, Jacob. Incredibly new to the business and, for those who follow them on social media, quite nervous about tonight!
Jacob Frankel: I was always told that nervousness is natural, that it’ll keep you careful. Once Jessie gets comfortable, they’ll do just fine, I bet!
Spirit Montego: And their partner…
Bernadettle Olson: Oh, here comes trouble…
The sound of royal trumpets can be heard as the lights dim and turn a violet hue as “Bad Bitch” by Bebe Rexha hits over the public address system. As the fans greet the sound with loud boos, Simple Simon comes out dressed in a nice suit, looking nervous, waving. Out from the back within a few moments is none other than Queen Bianca Davis herself wearing her royal robe, her gear giving off the Evil-Queen-from-Snow-White vibes, and a large blackened crown. She poses smugly with both arms out holding her black and purple scepter. After a few moments, she gives them her royal wave as she saunters down with Simple Simon staying a few feet back, soaking in the negative reaction, looking disgusted at all the disrespectful peasants around her.
Spirit Montego: ...accompanied by Simple Simon, from Malibu, California and weighing in at 125 pounds, she is the self-proclaimed Queen of HYBRID…
Jacob Frankel: I think I just saw her grimace at that!
Spirit Montego: ...BIANCA DAVIS!
The Malicious Queen saunters down some more as Simon yells for them to show some respect, and to All Hail the Queen of HYBRID. Simon makes his way up the steel steps followed by the Queen herself, demanding the ref lower the ropes for them, which they do. First Simon enters the ring getting everyone out of the way so the Queen can make her royal entrance. Raising her arms high in the air with her scepter in her right hand as the boos overtake the arena. Placing her arms down she hands Simon her scepter who moves it to the corner, as she then orders her simp to undo her robe for her which he does. The Queen then shows off her body, and attire for all the booing fans as she twirls around a bit before taking the time to do her Royal Wave for them as she makes her way to the corner. Taking off her crown and handing it to Simon, as the Queen taunts the fans a bit, taking a look at her nails before saying something to Simon who takes the time to fan her as she tries not to stand too close to her partners.
Bernadettle Olson: This woman reeks of a bad attitude. Unfortunately, some of it IS warranted. She’s a prolific champion in this business.
Jacob Frankel: That doesn’t exactly give someone the right to look down on people. She’s not even acknowledging her partners, for crying out loud!
Bernadettle Olson: If you expected her to, you’re not much sharper than ol’ Simple Simon up there.
MATCH SEVEN
Six-Person Tag Team Match / One Fall
Katie Anderson, Cass Baumer & Samantha Tolson vs. Super Tiger, Jessie Robinson & Bianca Davis
After a little prodding, Cass talks her side into a quick game of rock-paper-scissors, leading to Sam starting things off for her side. In the other corner, Bianca keeps snubbing her partners, heading to the apron to leave it to Tiger and Jessie to decide who starts. Tiger pats Jessie’s shoulder and sends her to the apron as well, deciding to start for her side. That done, the bell rings…
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
…and we’re off! The two veterans circle one another in the middle of the ring, eventually locking up. Sam has the strength advantage but Tiger quickly gets behind her and brings Tolson down to the mat with a waistlock, transitioning to a front facelock in short order. Twisting free, Sam comes up with Tiger in a hammerlock, evading the masked woman’s grasp and attempted snapmare counter. Sam drives Tiger shoulder-first into the buckles but takes a hard kick to the midsection from Tiger, leading to a second-rope blockbuster for a quick pin attempt! Bianca looks disgusted on the apron while Jessie endeavors to cheer Tiger on. Tiger snares Sam in a headlock, countering out of a back suplex with a headlock takedown. Sam is up fast, though, trying another back suplex. Tiger flips out of it, though, landing on her feet… but running right into a big belly-to-belly overhead release suplex from Tolson! Hurled across the ring to her corner, Tiger contemplates what to do when, out of nowhere, Jessie tags themselves in!
Sam looks halfway amused while Bianca checks her nails and Tiger gives the rookie an “are you sure?” look. Assuring Tiger that they will be fine, Jessie moves to lock up with Sam, who brings her over and down with a firewoman’s carry, snaring Jessie in a chinlock. It takes a moment, but Jessie fights their way up, elbowing out of Sam’s grip but getting grabbed for a German suplex. They counter out, landing on their feet, and drive a front dropkick between Sam’s shoudlerblades! Stumbling forward, Sam finds herself in her team’s corner and accepts Cass Baumer’s offer of a tag. Baumer enters and squares off with Jessie, locking up with them after a bit. Cass’s experience serves her as she’s able to trap Jessie in an arm wringer and keep them there. It takes latching on to the top rope and flipping out, countering Cass’s grip, for Jessie to make some headway. They give Cass’s arm a few good twists and even run up the ropes, leaping over Baumer’s head and sending her flying with a stylish armdrag! Jessie seems amazed to have pulled it off, their confidence slowly building… that is, until Bianca tags herself in, leaving Jessie looking just a little dejected! Tiger glares at Bianca, who smirks, but once Davis is in the ring and hiptossed all to hell by Baumer, she seems to console Jessie, bringing back their smile again.
Bianca, rolling from the ring after the third hiptoss, stomps her foot and yells… at Baumer, at the fans, at Simon… at everyone! Cass finds this super amusing and goes to the ropes, only for Bianca to grab her by the foot and trip her up, pulling her out of the ring! Shoving Baumer into the barricade, she then lifts the Headliner up and drops her chest-first on the barrier, taunting the fans in the process! Simon works to distract the referee a bit as Bianca takes her liberties, interrupting the count among other things! Bianca sends Cass toward the steps, but Baumer leaps onto them and turns, coming off with a clothesline to Davis! The Queen goes for her scepter… but suddenly finds herself surrounded by Katie and Sam! Referee Kara Tarantino breaks this up, forcing Bianca to re-enter the ring, which she does along with Cass, ramming a thumb into the woman’s eye before blind-tagging Jessie back in, stepping out onto the apron!
Jessie gets in, slow to capitalize on the dirty tactics of the Queen, and Cass takes advantage of the hesitation to Irish whip Jessie into the ropes… but Jessie reverses! Cass, however, comes back with the State of the Art (Spear Dropped into a Lifting Side Slam), putting Jessie down and getting a near-fall! Jessie is still loaded with plenty of fight, but Cass gets hold of the arm again and uses that grip to drag them over to the corner where Katie Anderson is eager to get the tag! The hometown lady is brought in and she quickly takes over on Jessie’s arm, bringing the newbie up and over with a half-nelson suplex and clamping on a seated armbar, wearing Jessie down! Tiger is cheering on Jessie from the corner but Bianca couldn’t care less! Jessie tries to make a tag but Katie keeps her at bay… just not enough! Tiger is able to blind-tag herself in when Jessie gets close enough and an Irish whip is stopped by the youngster hooking their arms on the top rope! Katie is stalled by this, only to take a superkick from Tiger… followed by one from Jessie, then a double-dropkick from both! Jessie scurries from the ring so Tiger can make the pin, but she only gets a near-fall!
Katie is whipped into the opposing team’s corner and Bianca uses this moment to get in some cheap shots before Tiger can follow up! Tiger warns Bianca off, leaving the Queen looking affronted as Tiger and Jessie resort to quick tags, trying to wear Katie down! But the Beautiful One elbows her way out of the corner and builds momentum, knocking Bianca off the apron where her fall is broken by Simple Simon! Dividing her barrage of strikes between Tiger and Jessie, she soon knocks Jessie off the apron as well and takes over on Tiger, bringing her to the middle of the ring, hitting a double-arm DDT for a near-fall! Tiger is still fighting back, but Bianca is incensed and enters the ring unbidden to attack Katie! Tiger tries to stave this off but Bianca shoves her aside and keeps up the attack! This brings Sam in, blasting Bianca with a boot to the gut followed by the Beautiful Oblivion Rendezvous (Cross Rhodes), sending Bianca rolling out of the ring! Jessie, loyal to her partner at least for the night, attacks Sam from the air with a crossbody, then leaps to the ropes with a hold of the Suplex Machine, delivering Together Forever (Tornado DDT) just before Cass Baumer slips back in! Sam rolls out under the ropes and Baumer strikes from the rear with Tangled Web (Schoolgirl into Grapevine Leglock) on the suddenly-squirming Jessie! Tiger, however, helps out her partner with the Flight of the Tiger (Rotating Frog Splash) to Cass! Katie recovers at this point and looks to decimate Tiger with Bad Street Blues (Curb Stomp) only for Tiger to roll aside! The luchadora delivers a snap Family Legacy (Standing Shiranui) and backs into her corner, ready for Katie to rise so she can deliver the finish… only for Bianca to strike her own partner, Tiger! Jessie has had enough, yanking Bianca off the apron and tagging in as Tiger reels from Bianca’s scepter shot! Jessie charges right at Katie, seeking a tornado kick, but the Beautiful One has recovered by this point, and catches Jessie in mid-move, powerbombing them to the mat and delivering Bad Street Blues for the three-count and win!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And your winners, the team of KATIE ANDERSON, CASS BAUMER AND SAM TOLSON!
Bianca is fuming, pointing threateningly at Tiger and the downed Jessie while backing up the ramp, allowing Simon to “hold her back”. Tiger is furious at Davis but is more concerned with making sure Jessie is all right. Outside the ring, Katie has her arms raised by Cass and Sam, the threesome quite satisfied with their first wins in HYBRID!
Bernadettle Olson: Bianca just couldn’t keep her damn cool! I’d like to say that her, Tiger and Jessie had it in the bag before that little tantrum!
Jacob Frankel: You can’t face down a team like Katie, Cass and Sam without being absolutely on your game. But credit to Tiger and Bianca and especially Jessie for making a good show of it!
Bernadettle Olson: That young person, Jessie… they have a future here. So long as they don’t pal around with thots like Bianca!
Jacob Frankel: I sure hope she doesn’t hear that on replay…
Bernadettle Olson: Let her. I call it like I see it.
Winners: Katie Anderson, Cass Baumer & Sam Tolson
Result: Pinfall at 19:43 (Bad Street Blues)
With the final commercial break of the night over, it's time for the second main event!
Spirit Montego: And now, for our second main event of the evening: a one-on-one encounter set for one fall!
Bernadettle Olson: A classic David & Goliath encounter, not unlike the earlier tournament bout between Eddy Todd and Honey Rydel.
Jacob Frankel: Except that Eddy is hardly the hardass that Duke Andrews is!
Bernadettle Olson: Mikaela, however, may have a bit less experience than Honey. She is a fast learner, though, so I am told. I would never say that she has no chance against anyone, but…
Jacob Frankel: ...but as any longtime fan of HYBRID knows, Duke Andrews isn’t someone you give an inch to!
Spirit Montego: Introducing first…
The opening riff to We’re Wolves’ cover of Avenged Sevenfold’s “Unholy Confessions” comes on over the PA as the stage lights dim, replaced with flashing strobes. As the intro builds, the lights go off more frantically until the first verse starts. Right on the opening lyrics, Mikaela Callaway comes bursting through the curtain, giving her fist a single pump through the air as she yells under the booming music.
Spirit Montego: ...from Virginia Beach, Virginia and weighing in at 125 pounds… MIKAELA CALLAWAY!
Bernadettle Olson: Mikaela was one of the first to sign with HYBRID. We all know about her connections with Luther Callaway and Eddy Todd, but now it’s time to see what she can do in the ring.
Jacob Frankel: Potential is all well and good, but they’re not just throwing her into the deep end tonight… they’re throwing her in with concrete shoes!
Bernadettle Olson: Hmph. Nice analogy.
Spirit Montego: And her opponent…
“Can’t Be Touched” by Roy Jones, Jr. starts up and the fans seem as if they cannot wait to heap boos on Duke Andrews! The Epitome of Perfection strides to the top of the ramp and it’s as if he never left: the fury he elicits to go along with the power and arrogance he exudes is all still there in spades. He starts down the ramp, staring a hole through Mikaela as he approaches the ring.
Spirit Montego: ...from Grand Rapids, Michigan and weighing in at 275 pounds, he is the Epitome of Perfection… DUKE ANDREWS!
Rolling in under the bottom rope, he strides right up to Mikaela, getting in her face… well… close enough to it, anyway. She’s staring more at his chest than anything else, but the young woman doesn’t turn a hair. Smirking, Duke turns from her to taunt the fans, throwing his fists into the air as if victory is already his before moving to the neutral corner, almost leering at Callaway on the other side of the ring. Butch Grant makes sure to stay between the two until the bell rings.
Bernadettle Olson: Already playing the intimidation game. Nothing has changed with this joker.
Jacob Frankel: Mikaela isn’t falling for it. Good on her.
Bernadettle Olson: Not openly, at least. We should be thankful just for that. Inside, I bet her guts are full of moths.
Jacob Frankel: Mine sure as hell would be!
MATCH EIGHT
Singles / One Fall
Mikaela Callaway vs. Duke Andrews
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
The bell tolls, but Duke just hangs out in the corner, staring at Mikaela as if he’s trying to figure out who she thinks she is. Mikaela to her credit is loosened up and when the bell rings she comes forward. Duke, though, holds his ground. She looks back and forth at the people, all still heaping hate on the American Rebel, and shrugs her shoulders before just… sitting down cross-legged in the middle of the ring! Duke lifts a brow as Mikaela hides a yawn behind the back of her hand, not even looking at Andrews! Duke seems to know what she’s doing, and if it were almost anyone else, he would let it slide… but not some fresh fish! The big man lunges forward and aims a football-style kick at her chest, only for Mikaela to lie back and, when Duke stumbles past, kip up to her feet! Andrews turns right into a dropkick from Mikaela! Then a second! And a third! Back against the ropes, Duke is about to be wondering where all that came from when Mikaela grabs his arm and attempts an Irish whip… only to be yanked forward and sent over the top rope herself! But the youngster lands on her feet on the apron, blasting Duke in the back of the head with a forearm shot! He takes a step forward and Mikaela leaps to the top rope, sailing off for a big bulldog on the Epitome of Perfection, riding his skull to the canvas! She quickly pounces on him for a pin attempt, but gets HURLED off the big man with barely a one-count!
The throw-off practically puts her on her feet, though, and she charges the ropes, ducking a big lariat from Duke before leaping to the second rope and leaping toward the big man for a hurricanrana! Duke puts the halt to this, though, and powerbombs the hell out of her, leaving her sprawled on the mat! Wiping the back of his hand across his mouth with a snarl… then a sadistic grin! He pulls Mikaela up by the hair, brushing off Senior Referee Butch Grant’s concerns, and hair-mares her to the mat before driving a knee into her back and wrenching back on both arms! He stretches Mikaela, barking back at the loud fans while Butch constantly checks on Mikaela, seeing if she wants to call it quits! Duke switches to a tight chinlock after several moments, keeping his knee grinding into Mikaela’s spine and clearly taunting her though the microphones don’t pick up what’s being said… which is probably for the best. Mikaela twists out of his grip and backs off as Duke slowly rises to his feet. They lock up collar-and-elbow style, but Duke shoves Mikaela down rudely and forcefully. She’s back up after rolling backwards, throwing a hard boot to his midsection and leaping to crack him with a forearm shot or two, Little Mac style! Duke’s expression is priceless, as though he wonders if the young woman is serious. Then her third shot catches him in the teeth and, well… Duke’s had enough of her cheek! He snatches her by the throat mid-jump and though Mikaela pounds on that massive forearm, it doesn’t keep Andrews from chokeslamming her almost through the canvas! He puts a boot on her chest and demands a count, only for Mikaela to kick out just after one!
Duke drops a pair of huge elbows to the chest of Mikaela before picking her up and whipping her into the buckles with such force that she faceplants from the recoil. Even as she’s pushing herself up, though, Duke is there with a kick to the ribs and a huge choke toss that sends her almost fully across the ring, followed by a charge that pastes her against the far buckles. Duke pulls her forward by the chin, then drops a headbutt on her that leaves her slumped to the mat. This time, his cover is a bit more… proper. Yet Mikaela kicks out at two, leaving Andrews laughing and shaking his head, asking the fans in the front row if they “believe the temerity of this bitch?” before dragging her up again and doing a little trash-talking. He shoves her into the buckles and steps up onto the second rope, laying in some right hands before Mikaela finds a way to slip out between Duke’s legs… and hit him with a Cheeky Nandos kick! Wobbly on the second rope, Duke reels as Mikaela delivers a second such kick before getting under him again and managing with a mighty shove to powerbomb him to the mat! She folds him up with a jackknife cover, but the count is again cut very short as Duke powers out barely after the two-count! Mikaela, though, seems to be feeling it now, peppering Duke with kicks to the back after he sits up, then hitting a running knee to the back of the head for another quick two-count. At about this point, the fans start up some cheering as Eddy Todd comes out onto the stage, unbeknownst to either Duke or Mikaela.
Mikaela is feeding off the energy, stalking Duke as he gets to his feet with help from the ropes, almost frothing in rage. Mikaela comes at him with an aerial assault, hitting a springboard forearm to keep him on defense. Duke lifts his leg for a big boot out of the corner, but Mikaela slides under it and comes up behind him, backing up onto the second rope. When Duke whips around, she leaps… but finds herself caught by the big man! He powers her into a suplex position, and taunts the house by doing a few squats with her on his shoulders before dropping her back to the mat! Grabbing her by the throat with both hands, fully ignoring Butch Grant’s warnings, Duke chucks Mikaela up, hitting her with a brutal clothesline as she comes back down. The attack has Eddy wincing and he takes a step forward. The reaction gets Duke’s attention and he spots his fellow Global Heavyweight hopeful, breaking into a grin. He points at Mikaela as if to ask Eddy if that’s what’s bothering him, then puts his sole to the forehead of Mikaela and twists brutally, doing it a second time in case the first one didn’t take! Eddy’s jaw sets, but he stays where he is, arms folded across his chest. Not finding him fun anymore, Duke takes the fight to Mikaela a little more, making sport of her with his Red, White & Blue Combo (AJ Styles Striking Combination) and going for the pin… only for her to kick out at two-and-a-half. Duke shoves her head roughly against the mat and pulls her to her feet, sending her into the ropes and loading up a back body drop. Mikaela stops short and kicks him in the face, then lowers a few hard elbows to the back of the neck before aiming another running knee at his temple! Duke leans up to evade this and Mikaela narrowly escapes another chokeslam, landing behind Duke and trying to kick out his right leg! She staggers him, and even ducks a backhand blow from Andrews before landing a dropkick to the same leg! When she gets a running start, though, she opens herself up for a short spear from Andrews and has to put a foot on the ropes to break the pin!
Eddy is clearly cheering for Mikaela, applauding her efforts even as Duke continues to lower the boom, shoving her into the buckles and foot-choking her for as much of the five-count as he can get away with. Sending her to the far corner, he follows her in with a hard clothesline, then a second Red, White & Blue Combination. Now, though, he wants the Andrews Effect (One-Winged Angel). Eddy takes a few steps down the ramp, and Duke pauses to glance his way. Snorting, he turns back to Mikaela who, somehow, finds the strength to drop down and yank Duke forward by the waist, sending him face-first into the second buckle! From there, she heads out onto the apron, slingshotting back in when Duke is up for a big DDT… only for Duke to toss her away! She lands on her feet and blocks a clothesline with her forearms, driving a couple of them into his midsection before kicking the knee to bring him down a little… and kicking OFF the knee for a modified shining wizard! Duke reels backwards and Mikaela hurriedly makes the pin, using both arms to hook Duke’s massive leg… only for a kick out at two! Desperation is starting to set in and Duke takes advantage of Mikaela’s rush to end things. The rookie heads up to the top rope, kicking Duke away when he tries to follow her up, but her leap ends with her getting caught on his shoulders! She punches her way down, hitting the ropes… and running right into the Andrews Effect (One-Winged Angel)! That, however, isn’t enough for Andrews, who hits a second one before making the pin with the leg hooked, staring right at Eddy Todd as Butch Grant counts to three!
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And your winner… DUKE ANDREWS!
Post-match, Duke tries to egg Eddy on a little more, putting his foot on Mikaela’s head, daring him to do something about it. Eddy is at the bottom of the ramp by this point, but Mikaela shoves the boot away herself, slowly rolling from the ring and to the floor, landing on her side. Eddy would offer a hand, but she would get up on her own… and need to be kept from stumbling over. Butch Grant raises Duke’s arm, but the Epitome of Perfection hardly seems to care. He has made his point. Eddy, putting himself between Mikaela and Duke, makes it clear that he ‘sees’ Andrews. Duke dares him to come get some, but Eddy instead leads Mikaela up the ramp.
Bernadettle Olson: That seriously added some heat to the Global Heavyweight Tournament if these two clash in the middle of it.
Jacob Frankel: Which they just might! Duke is one person in HYBRID who could stand face-to-face with Eddy, figuratively and literally speaking!
Bernadettle Olson: That’s a war I’d like to see. As for Mikaela, she handled herself with aplomb tonight. She’s still pretty green, but she has guts and fortitude. I’d say she’s got a good shot at some gold of her own.
Jacob Frankel: With newcomers like her and Jessie leading the way, I’d say youth’s gonna find itself served here in HYBRID! And that's all the time we have for tonight, folks! We'll see you in two weeks at Vanguard #1!
Winner: Duke Andrews
Result: Pinfall at 21:02 (Andrews Effect)
