Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Sept 14, 2022 15:25:51 GMT -6
Episode #5: Before the Fall
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
OPENING SEGMENT
A Painful Statement
To the tune of No Resolve’s “Danger Zone”, HYBRID Vanguard starts off with a bang! However, mere moments after the cameras cut to the announce table-
Bernadette Olson: Ah… ladies and gentlemen, we’re getting reports of something going on backstage, it sounds like trouble! Can we get some cameras back there?!
Jacob Frankel: Trouble in wrestling? Naw!
Bernadette Olson: Enough out of you. Come on, let’s get some cameras backstage!
The feed jumps to the back where a couple of referees are trying to break up a skirmish as the camera moves in fast to catch what’s going on. A handful of HYBRID roster members are standing by, trying not to get in the way of anyone attempting to intervene. Some are even cheering on what appears to be a fight between two women, clinging onto each other’s clothing and swinging wild fists at each other.
Bernadette Olson: Hey wait a minute! That’s… that’s Darcy Graves and Mikaela Callaway!
Jacob Frankel: Can’t say I’m surprised to see these two going at it!
Bernadette Olson: Well security needs to get in here and break this up!
Jacob Frankel: I disagree! LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!
Fists fly back and forth between the two women before Mikaela breaks free of Darcy’s clutches and catches her with a hard forearm right in the jaw. Darcy stumbles back and Mikaela keeps laying into her, over and over!
Mikaela Callaway: GOD! DAMN! FUCKING! BITCH!
She slings a word with each forearm as she drives Darcy back against a wall, starting to lay into her relentlessly until Darcy reaches out and digs her fingers into Mikaela’s eyes. Mikaela screams and backs off, grabbing at her face but Darcy stays on the counter attack. She wraps her hands around the back of Mikaela’s neck and starts driving knees into her midsection, knocking the wind out of her before grabbing her by the hair and SLAMS her face into the wall!
Bernadette Olson: Someone’s gotta stop this, now!
Darcy slams Mikaela’s head into the wall again and then a third time before forcing her to bend down and drives a knee into her ribs again. Darcy backs off but she’s not finished as she waves for people to get out of her way and picks up an extra steel chair leaning against a wall. She brandishes it at the referees to get them out of her way and as Mikaela makes it up onto her feet, Darcy cracks her over the back with it. Mikaela goes down and Darcy brings down another shot to the woman! And another! And another! And ano–but someone just out of frame grabs the chair and rips it effortlessly out of Darcy’s hands as she brings it up. She spins around, fuming, about to get up in the face of who dared to interfere when she stops and her eyes go wide.
Bernadette Olson: Hel~lo, trouble!
With one hand on the metal furniture, Trenton “Forge” Mitchell yanks the chair out of Darcy’s hand and sends it clattering to the floor. Darcy looks the big man up and down for a moment… but it’s Ciaran Page, Darcy’s father, who gets in the CSO’s face.
Jacob Frankel: Whoa, bad idea!
Ciaran Page: What the hell do you think you’re doing?!
Forge, staring Ciaran in the eye, gestures with one hand. A moment later a half-dozen of his hard-assed, criminal-element security team steps in between the two women… with two of them breaking off to get between Forge and Ciaran.
Trenton Mitchell: My job. You better start fucking doing yours too, old man. You feel me?
Bernadette Olson: Shots fired, eh? Come on, take a swing, Ciaran! I want to see this big fella in action!
Thinking better of retorting after a moment, though, Ciaran holds his hands up in a gesture of peace and gathers up Darcy, who throws a glare Forge’s way before leaving with her father. Bernadette is left disappointed while Darcy is still shaking with the adrenaline rush of a balls-to-the-wall fight. Mikaela, on the other hand, is favoring her shoulder. There’s nothing resembling concern on Forge’s face as he looks at the young woman, but still…
Trenton Mitchell: Take her to the trainer’s room. And don’t fucking touch her, got it?!
This gets an odd look from the security team, and a moderate look of gratitude from Mikaela herself, as the half-dozen security guards form a protective ring around Mikaela, letting her move at her own pace to the trainer’s room.
Jacob Frankel: Thank goodness our security is actually worth a damn! I’ll admit that I was concerned when I saw who Mr. Mitchell hired, but they take orders well and are pretty effective.
Bernadette Olson: Let’s just hope that Mikaela is all right.
MATCH ONE
Tag Team/One Fall
Natural Resources vs. First Class
DING! DING! DING!
The match starts off with GoGo of Natural Resources and Jami of First Class in the ring. Jami’s impatiently waiting to get things going and GoGo’s just happy to be there. Charlie’s on the apron, clapping, demanding the crowd get behind her partner for support but the crowd just boos the hell out of her. GoGo looks around and throws her hands up in the air. The crowd cheers. She points to Jami and the crowd boos. She points back to herself and the crowd cheers once more. This goes on for a hot minute while Jami yells at the crowd to shut up but that just makes them boo louder. Finally, she’s had enough and when GoGo’s in the middle of pointing to herself, Jami blindsides her with a running forearm to the back of the head, taking her down. She starts laying the boots to her and GoGo starts crawling towards her corner, looking for a tag but before hers and Rain’s hands touch, Jami yanks her back by the foot and slams her knee into the canvas! She rolls GoGo over for a pin, taunting Rain the whole time.
ONE!
TW–
GOGO KICKS OUT!
TW–
GOGO KICKS OUT!
Jami slaps the mat and tells the ref to count faster but the official just sticks two fingers up for her troubles. She picks GoGo up and whips her violently into the far corner, quickly following up with a running knee lift then proceeds to chop away at her. Charlie comes over on the apron and locks her hands around GoGo’s jaw, holding her in place as Jami lays into her stomach with boots. The ref starts counting and makes it to four before Charlie throws her hands up and Jami steps back, giving the same motion. During this pause in the offense, GoGo hops up onto the middle turnbuckle and jumps off, spiking Jami with a Tornado DDT. She hooks the leg for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!
CHARLIE STICKS JAMI’S FOOT ON THE ROPES!
TWO!
CHARLIE STICKS JAMI’S FOOT ON THE ROPES!
The referee warns Charlie to get back on the apron but he still has to break the pin. From Natural Resource’s side, Rain shakes her head, looking more and more annoyed. GoGo picks Jami up but Jami rakes her eyes and knees her in the ribs again. She irish whips GoGo across the ring but as GoGo bounces off the ropes, Rain tags her on the back. The ref sees it. Jami doesn’t. She just hits GoGo with a Drop Toe Hold, planting her face in the mat. She picks GoGo up by the hair and pulls her over to tag in Charlie. Charlie tags and enters the ring and the two start stomping a mudhole into GoGo in the corner. The referee’s trying to get them to let GoGo out of the ring and for Jami to get out but neither of them see Rain walking over with a sour expression on her face, even as she looms up behind First Class. The ref sees Rain standing there and jumps back. Jami and Charlie get that feeling like something’s behind them. They slowly turn around and their eyes go wide just before Rain grabs them by the hair and knocks their heads together! Jami drops to the mat and rolls out to the floor. Rain whips Charlie across the ring into another corner, giving GoGo the window she needs to finally get out of the ring. Charlie comes out of the corner, red hot at Rain and runs right into a big boot that drops her to the mat before she knows what hit her. Rain picks Charlie up by the head. Charlie swats her hands away and blasts her with a forearm. Rain’s head snaps to the side and she slowly turns to stare Charlie dead in the eyes, pushing her blonde hair back. Charlie’s eyes go wide as she backs up with her hands out, apologetically. Rain rubs her jaw, looks at her hand and nods as if to say “that was a good one” before blasting Charlie right in the face with one of her own. Charlie staggers back against the ropes and back into Rain who lifts her up into a Vertical Suplex. Rain gets up to her feet and measures up as Charlie rolls over, comes up onto her knees and—
Crowd: OHHHHHHHHHH!!!
–goes the crowd as Rain nearly knocks her head off with a superkick with an audible smack heard up in the nosebleed section. Rain picks her up again and tags GoGo back into the match, giving her the signal to get across the ring. GoGo hops in over the ropes and adorably cartwheels her way into the opposite corner as Rain positions Charlie in between them.
Jacob Frankel: Uh-oh, look out!
Bernadette Olson: RUSHING WATERS!
Rain and GoGo take Charlie down with authority and GoGo makes the cover as Rain stands between her and where Jami is trying to get back in the ring.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Here are your winners, by pinfall, Rain and GoGo… NATURAL RESOURCES!
Van Halen’s “Dreams” plays over the PA system as Charlie rolls out of the ring and Natural Resources celebrate their win with Rain checking on GoGo despite her partner never losing that overtly energetic demeanor. They won, they had fun. She’s happy!
Bernadette Olson: It looked like First Class were getting some traction there at first but Natural Resources had something to say about that!
Jacob Frankel: Can you believe what Rain did to Charlie and Jami? That was uncalled for!
Bernadette Olson: And putting the boots to GoGo like they did wasn’t? Tit for tat, Jacob!
Winners: Natural Resources
Result: Pinfall at 7:28 (Rushing Waters)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Nerves: Not the Same as Fear
The show cuts to a slightly nervous, yet confident Cordelia Clark as she’s in the locker room. Her match with Ilda Matsuda is coming up shortly and there’s no doubt that this is absolutely on her mind. After processing things, she begins to talk about the challenge ahead.
Cordelia Clark: So, I’m not going to sugar coat this. My second match here in HYBRID is going to be so much tougher than my first. Ilda Matsuda is one hell of a competitor and someone that prides themselves on being a submission specialist as she does is certainly not someone to take lightly. In fact, if someone came up to me and told me that I’d be seen as the Vegas underdog, I can practically believe it. I know Ilda has hit a bit of a hard patch in recent times. Losing to Noah Ortega and being bounced from that tournament had to have stung and then to lose to Tyler Matthews in the fashion that she did, that had to hurt too. She’s coming into this thing incredibly angry I bet. I suppose this is the part where I should play the role of the ‘scared little princess’ just because I’m blonde and pretty and went to this fancy Ivy League school and I am not someone that you would consider a wrestler at first glance, right?
Cordelia playfully rolls her eyes at this suggestion.
Cordelia Clark: That’s where anyone that would think of such a ridiculous concept would be very wrong. I’m not just some stereotypical ‘Ivy League princess’. Maybe I came into the business that way, I’ll be the first to admit that, but if you think that I’m just someone to take out your anger on or that I’m just someone that you can feast on because I’m ‘so scared’ of you, then you’re going to be in for a huge awakening here. I may not “look” like someone that a wrestler of your caliber may take seriously on the surface, but I busted my ass just like most that came into this business. I didn’t get into this business by being found in a modeling catalog… and I damn sure didn’t get into this business because my cousin was a wrestler. I started from the bottom, I worked my way up and yeah, there was a point where I fell on harder times earlier this year with my own sister betraying me and making my life hell for months, but it was through that adversity where I learned what this business was truly about.
It was going through that, where I feel like I finally cut my teeth and learned how to be the best professional wrestler I can be. You think I can’t hang with you when you look at me? Do you not take me seriously? Maybe that explains why you’ve been so silent from the word go… if it’s not the burst ego from your losses lately that’s the case anyway. Girl, I put a wrestler that shall not be named around these parts on the shelf by way of a hardcore match, I’ve got it in me to adapt to any situation against any opponent at any time even if it’s outside of my comfort zone. This year, I have become a true student of the game! That’s what makes me driven and that’s what gives me the confidence to know that I am one of the best young, wrestlers in the world. I shed the label of ‘typical rich girl’ and became RESPECTED in places like 5BW and SCU… and I’m going to accomplish the same here too.
Beating you? It’s going to go a hell of a long way to earning that respect and earning my keep around here. I may surprise some people by beating you, but what’s important is that beating you won’t come as a surprise to me because what I’ve been through so far in my young career has helped me build the wrestler I am growing into… and I know in my heart she’s going to be one hell of a wrestler when that growth is complete…
Cordelia maintains her confident determination as she heads out of the locker room and the scene fades to black.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
The Rightful Champion
The scene opens up live from the private locker room of Queen Bianca Davis. The cameras spot the Queen sitting on her throne, looking at her trademark mirror and admiring her royal reflection as she is dressed to the nines in purple and black royal garb with her trademark tall black crown on her head. As the evil Queen soon begins to speak in her British accented tone.
Queen Bianca Davis: Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the rightful Iron Heart Champion, the rightful Queen of HYBRID, the true star whose name is on everyone’s lips? That is me, Queen Bianca Davis. I know you all must be sad that I haven’t been wrestling in the past two shows. You’re not worthy of seeing me in person or in the ring.
The Queen shrugs her shoulders, clearly smug about the break she has been receiving; as the Queen of HYBRID, she deserves some rest and relaxation. The smug Malibu native soon begins speaking again in the same posh accent.
Queen Bianca Davis: See, Honey and myself, the last time we stepped foot in that dump of an arena and performed in front of you ungrateful peasants, we won our tag team match against Cosmic Rainbow Kitties. Or whatever they wanna call themselves, Super Tiger and Jessie. We showed them that royalty will always prevail. Is that right?
Soon Simple Simon appears out of nowhere on his knees as he takes the gloved hand of the Queen and kisses the ring on it to show his loyalty to her. As Simon speaks, wearing a suit that matches the garb of the Queen.
Simple Simon: Yes, my Queen, none deserves victory more than you. They will soon face penance for stealing your rightful victory in that tournament against that rodent Mikela, and it should be you as the face of the company.
The Queen smirks, pleased with the answer, as Simon keeps his bow right in front of his Queen. The regal blonde looks directly toward the camera with disgust on her face as she speaks directly into the camera.
Queen Bianca Davis: You remember my royal command, don’t you, Super Tiger? Make sure that the belt is polished because I want to see my royal reflection. Well, that still stands. I want to know what you will do when you once again disappoint your fans, your family, and your loved ones all at the same time. When you lose the belt to the big evil Queen you’ve always wanted to slay since you started three years ago, the woman who you in your mind is everything you believe so strongly against, and you give these cretins false hope, hope I will extinguish soon enough. There won’t be anything you can do about it.
Bianca lets out a light cackle, amused by her own words, as Simon soon looks up speaking.
Simple Simon: What about tonight, my Queen? Not that they deserve it all, but they earn for your royal presence; they need it. Two weeks away, they are already acting out, thinking they have any say in how things are run.
The Queen looks down at Simon with an evil smirk before looking at the camera and mirror as she says.
Queen Bianca Davis: I’d say don’t tempt me, but you’re so right they believe just because I took a royal vacation that there, the rightful ruler of HYBRID, won’t be around. Well, tonight, we show them why those thoughts are true folly and that they only have one choice: to bend the knee to the Queen of HYBRID Queen Bianca Davis, the queen of house Davis, and the first of my name and future Iron Heart Champion.
Queen Bianca lets out an arrogant, evil-sounding cackle as Simon soon proclaims loudly.
Simple Simon: ALL HAIL THE TRUE QUEEN OF HYBRID! ALL HAIL QUEEN BIANCA DAVIS!
Bianca continues her cackle along with Simon; what do they have in mind for tonight? All that is for sure is it can’t be good for anyone but the Queen. The scene fades to black before returning to the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Fall of Man Looms!
Vanguard returns from a commercial break and in the ring is Aloysius Marcus Vance IV, microphone in hand, looking out at the cheering masses as “Sharp-Dressed Man” plays in the background, though it starts to fade a few moments later.
Jacob Frankel: Welcome back, fans! We’re being graced with the presence of HYBRID’s Owner and CEO right now, and word is he’s gonna lay out some of the action we’re gonna experience at the first pay-per-view of the new era: Fall of Man!
Bernadette Olson: Which will be taking place two weeks from tonight right here at the State Farm Center in Atlanta!
Giving it a few more moments once the music is silenced, AMV brings up the stick. The man’s firing on all cylinders tonight!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: HYBRID Nation… can you FEEL it?! It’s that TIME, ladies and gentlemen! Six shows into the new era and already the world has HYBRID on its lips and the seeds of the rEvolution are being planted! And in just a fortnight, we’re bringing you the first-ever Fall of Man pay-per-view!
More cheers from the masses, including a “HYBRID” chant. Once more, AMV gives them time to get it all out, then starts talking anew.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And headlining that show will be our Global Heavyweight Champion, Eddy Todd, defending the belt against the high-flying sensation known as Aiden Morrow! Morrow beat two game veterans in the form of Sam Tolson and Duke Andrews to get this opportunity and I have little doubt that he’ll make the most of it when he takes on the Beggar King!
That won’t be all, though! Because as of the number one contender’s match a few weeks ago, the Frotnline will be getting a crack at the Global Tag Team Championships held by The Lost! Our tag team division is small, but there’s a LOT of talent there, and I know I’m looking forward to this match as I’m sure you all are as well! On top of that, we’ll have six-person tag team action when Duke Andrews teams up with Clayton Kane and Noah Ortega to take on the team of Sam Tolson and Natural Resources!
Still getting positives, AMV lowers the stick again. The man knows how to work with the crowd, no doubt.
Jacob Frankel: Card’s already pretty stacked, ain’t it?!
Bernadette Olson: Damn right it is!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Also, especially after the brawl earlier in the night, Darcy Graves and Mikaela Callaway will be going one-on-one… provided Miss Callaway is cleared, that is.
There’s a hint of concern there, but AMV presses on.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And if that weren’t enough for you, the Iron Heart and Vanguard championships will also be on the line, meaning you’ll get to see the amazing Super Tiger in action, as well as either Katie Anderson or Cass Baumer! And really, what’s not to love about that?! Damian Simmons, that ginormous rapscallion, will also be in action, too! But… that’s two weeks from now! Tonight, we have a LOT more action to come!
And with that, “Sharp-Dressed Man” plays AMV out of the ring and up the ramp before the cameras cut back to Bernadette and Jacob.
Jacob Frankel: Damian Simmons still scares me a little! But Super Tiger is always a joy to experience!
Bernadette Olson: I’m wondering if there’ll even be anything left of Katie or Cass after they throw down tonight! There’s no love lost there, you know! But like the man said: there’s a lot more action coming! So let’s get to it!
MATCH TWO
Singles/One Fall
Cordelia Clark vs. Ilda Matsuda
DING! DING! DING!
Ilda comes into the ring with a chip on her shoulder; right away she goes after Cordelia, lighting her up with hard forearm shots, seeming to focus most of her aim on the head. Cordelia is put on the defensive right away and has to start covering up as she’s inexorably backed into the buckles. Referee Kara Tarantino gets in there, warning Ilda about her tactics, but it only stalls the assault for a moment. Still, that’s enough to let Cordelia fire back with some right hands. Ilda is backed up, but charges right in again. Two boots to the face from Clark sends her packing a second time, and a busaiku knee gets Clark a quick two-count. Ilda kicks out with authority, though, and pulls Cordelia into something resembling a guillotine. Smartly flipping over Ilda after a few moments of trying to squirm free, Cordelia puts the submission artist in a pinning predicament, forcing her to break the hold. Back on her feet, Cordelia aims a football kick at Ilda’s chest, but her leg is caught. Spun around, she’s grabbed by Ilda for what looks like the Endless Dream (Dragon Sleeper), but grabs the ropes before Ilda can cinch it in. A knee to the back follows, stunning Clark as Kara has to warn Ilda about cheap shots. Ilda brushes this off and waistlocks Cordelia, going for a German suplex. Clark hangs on determinedly, elbowing her way out of Ilda’s grip but taking a headbutt to the back of the skull for her efforts. The German happens the second time, but Clark lands on her feet, armdragging Ilda to the mat and transitioning quickly into a Fujiwara armbar. On the other end of a submission for once, Ilda twists and turns her way out, but not without some effort and pain. Grabbing the hair of Clark lets her get another headbutt in before she hits a DDT for a near-fall.
Ilda backs off a few steps, charging in with a knee when Cordelia is semi-vertical but Clark turns it into a schoolgirl roll-up for a quick two-count. A hard kick to the chest stuns her, though, and Ilda flips into a jackknife cover for another two-count. Cordelia nearly traps Ilda in the Sound of Silence (Figure-Four Neck Lock) as a counter but Ilda is able to twist out and flip into another pinning predicament, getting another two-count. Cordelia bridges up and turns it into a backslide for yet another near-fall and is able to defend against another Ilda charge with a back body drop. Matsuda is up quickly, though, hitting the ropes and leveling Cordelia with a leaping clothesline. Exiting to the apron, Ilda follows this with a Last Call (Buckshot Lariat), literally knocking Cordelia for a loop and getting a very close two-count for her efforts. Ilda isn’t one to get frustrated, but her attacks get noticeably sharper the more Cordelia fights back. A second attempt at Endless Dream is made but Cordelia kicks off the ropes, turning it into something resembling Sliced Bread #2 for a near-fall of her own. The match is wearing on both women, yet Cordelia seems to be getting the worst of it. A hard whip into the corner drops her to her hands and knees, and Ilda winds up the Uzaino no Shine (Kinshasa) to put things away. Clark falls to the side rather than dodges, and in her enthusiasm Ilda blasts the turnbuckle with her knee instead of Clark’s head! Cordelia rolls up Ilda yet again, this time for a very close two. Ilda is back up with a hard shot to the jaw, then another, before backing up to set up the Uzaino no Shine a second time. Cordelia surprises her with a drop toe hold, though, and the recoil leads Ilda right into the Educated (Spinning Double Knee) to the heart, allowing Cordelia to record the three-count!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… CORDELIA CLARK!
Clark leaves the ring quickly as Ilda is back up a moment later and wanting another piece of her! Cordelia gets her arm raised, though, and doesn’t overstay her welcome, deciding to celebrate backstage!
Bernadette Olson: Ilda’s in a bit of a rut, it seems… she had a strong start, but something’s happened since then. Another win for Cordelia, though, who’s getting on a roll!
Jacob Frankel: I’m liking her upside for sure. And Ilda will bounce back. Just you wait.
Winner: Cordelia Clark
Result: Pinfall at 9:03 (Educated)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
My Hero
We open up inside of the locker room. They’re up, pacing around, fidgeting with their shirt, mumbling to themselves as they trip over a chair in the middle of the room, stumbling and catching themselves just before they’re about to fall to the ground. They stand up, straightening out their clothes, brushing some hair out of their face and taking a deep breath.
Jessie Robinson: Tonight is maybe… no, definitely is the biggest match of my career so far. I can’t believe that it’s actually happening too. I can’t believe I actually get to wrestle Stacy Jones tonight!
Jessie squeals loudly in excitement as they jump up and down in place before doing their best to calm down.
Jessie Robinson: You shocked me and you shocked everyone in HYBRID when you came out a couple of weeks ago and came down to the ring and shared it with me. That alone, that was one of the highlight of my career so far. Just getting to be in a ring with you, that alone is super duper amazing, Miss Stacy. You’re one of the best in this business and you’ve never once sacrificed who you are as a person and for that, I have all the respect ever for you. That’s exactly how I wanna be in this world and in this business. I wanna be who I really am and never, ever compromise who I am.
Jessie finally takes a seat in the chair, grabbing their bag and reaching down into it, pulling a picture out and looking at it. It looks like it’s from a couple of years ago and it’s a picture of Stacy posing with someone, someone who looks like Jessie, but slightly pudgier than they are now.
Jessie Robinson: See this, this was the day I got to actually meet one of my heroes. Aunty Issy invited me backstage to a Trauma when I was visiting her in Chicago and I got to meet you, Miss Stacy. When I met you here, I didn’t know who I was, what I was, or what I wanted to be. You, though, you were still super duper sweet, taking a little bit of time to talk and take a picture with me and that… that meant the world to me. Over that time, I figured myself out, got myself into shape and started my own journey to this moment here, getting to face one of my biggest inspirations and heroes.
Jessie smiles as they place the picture back in their bag and stand back up.
Jessie Robinson: Nobody, not even Bianca Davis can spoil tonight for me. Tonight is too big, too important, and too unbelievable to be ruined. It doesn’t matter if I win or lose, because the experience and just the chance to wrestle Stacy freakin Jones is a chance of a lifetime for me. Tonight, I’m walkin down to that ring, head held high, being confident and ready to kick some butt and at the end of the day, share a super awesome Fist Bump with my hero!
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
The Only Way
The scene opens with the Leader of the Lost Generation, Noah Ortega; standing in front of a Vanguard logo'd backdrop, alongside him his followers and stablemates of The Lost - the current HYBRID Global Tag Team Champions, Anton Palmer and Gio Moriello. They're showing off their championship belts which are draped on their shoulders, and Ortega acknowledges their success, nodding his head acceptingly towards them before turning back to face the camera.
Noah Ortega: I remember when my mother used to say to me that I wouldn't amount to anything. She said that I was the scum of the world, the real dirt stuck in the gravel. Those words stuck with me and ever since then I've worn them, almost like a badge of honor, like a trophy. I tell people that I am the scum of the world, I tell people that I am human trash personified because ladies and gentlemen, that's exactly what I am... that's exactly, what we are. We were told, that we would never amount to anything. We were told, that we weren't good enough to be with the other kids. We were told, that it was pointless for us to chase our dreams and be who we really wanted to be, because nobody actually gets to live that in reality... yet here we are, proving the doubters and nay-sayers wrong, as always... because that's the only way we know. We've risen from the ashes, like a phoenix and now, we're ready to stamp our mark and raise our flag, as The Lost - the liberators of HYBRID, ready to elevate this promotion and strap it to the stratosphere, as the ultimate aces - the true prime time players of this promotion. And we're only just getting started...
He rubs his hand through his goatee, allowing a smirk to plaster over his lips as the camera tilts down to unveil his CU:LT Classic Championship belt buckled around his waist. The camera-man turns around, to reveal the usual numerous masked members, all unknown followers of the lost - all taking a knee as they look up at their leader Ortega, who's smile has already turned into a sickening grin, stretching from one ear to the other.
Noah Ortega: The revolution, is only half complete.
Ortega pauses, his signature smirking plastering onto his lip.
Noah Ortega: I told you that Anton Palmer... The Mammoth Among Man and Gio Moriello, The Global Trailblazer - would walk out as the inaugural HYBRID Global Tag Team Champions, and look what happened? Like I said then, this wasn't by accident, they were mean't to be there - winning those championships, and they done so in a clinical manner. And now, it is their duty to represent the tag team division as the standard, the pinnacle - the best. Whilst other teams roam around as pretenders, seeking validation and clarity, this team right here have been too busy getting the job done. They're dumbfounded as to how we managed to get it done, puzzled as to why were able to surge through the tag team tournament with ease, and the answer to that is simple... they haven't realized it yet, because they choose to ignore it. They follow another path, aimlessly wandering as lost souls in this world... oblivious to it... first, the have to acknowledge what they truly are... because them you'll realize that following the way of The Lost, is the only way.
The Lost say back to him in unison;
The Lost: And soon the world will know!
Noah Ortega: That The Lost are ahead of the times. Everybody else is lagging on behind us, but like I said... the revolution, isn't complete. I failed to capture the Global Heavyweight Championship and ever since then, I've been quiet... I haven't been my normal self, coming out here and addressing the masses - because truth be told, that loss burned... I got all so close, yet still so far from reaching my goal and that fact alone, it kills me day in and day out... but my time, will come, the revolution, will take place and it will be televised and when it is, the world will know,
The Lost interject:
The Lost: And soon, the world will know!
Noah Ortega: That Noah Ortega; the leader of the lost generation - is the man to lead HYBRID as the ultimate ace.
He rubs his hands together in excitement, once again allowing his sadistic smirk to plaster over his lips.
Noah Ortega: Tonight, we're planting the seeds, showing you a glimmer of hows things could be, how they deserve to be... Jabali Desmond and the 10th Street Kings are going to be used as examples tonight, for the rest of the roster - as a warning message. It doesn't matter how big you are or how technically skilled you think you are... none of that matters when you step in the ring with us. What matters is what you're willing to do and sacrifice in order to get things done, what lengths you're willing to go to ensure victory... I'm all about putting on classics and clinics for the ages, but tonight - isn't gonna be no classic, or critically acclaimed thriller. Tonight, we feast and remind everybody in that locker room, why the way of The Lost, is the only way.
Ortega smirks arrogantly as Moriello and Palmer pump themselves up in the background, with the scene gradually fading to black.
MATCH THREE
Special Attraction Match
Singles/One Fall
Jessie Robinson vs. Stacy Jones
DING! DING! DING!
As expected, the contest begins with a handshake prior to a lock-up. Stacy’s many years in the business lets her take control with ease, snaring Jessie in a hammerlock, then transitioning into a side headlock before bringing her opponent down to the mat. Jessie scrambles, getting back to their feet and shooting Stacy into the ropes, but a shoulderblock puts them back down. Stacy hits the ropes a second time and leaps over Jessie, who kips up and leapfrogs Stacy. A hiptoss is blocked, a counter is attempted, the counter is blocked and Jessie succeeds in taking Stacy to the mat! Excitement reigns for a moment and Jessie almost forgets to follow up, dropping a quick elbow to the chest of Stacy before attempting a pin, getting a one-count. Stacy is back up quickly, applauding her young opponent. They lock up a second time and Stacy more quickly takes Jessie down to the mat, trapping them in a headscissors. Jessie handstands their way out, hitting a basement dropkick and their standing moonsault for a quick two-count. Stacy avoids a second elbow drop and goes back to the headscissors, trying to wear Jessie down. Jessie escapes a second time but, quick as a cat, Stacy sweeps the legs and runs Jessie through multiple quick pinning combinations, discombobulating her young opponent and delivering a German suplex, followed by a shining wizard, for a near-fall.
To Jessie’s credit, Stacy’s stepping up of the pace prompts them to push harder themselves. Jessie is Irish whipped into the ropes, but slips between the top and middle strands to avoid a charge from Stacy, who stops herself before colliding with the buckles. A swinging kick is ducked and Stacy is able to heave the slight frame of Jessie onto her shoulders… but Jessie counters a buckle bomb attempt with a hurricanrana, hooking the legs upon landing for a close two-count! Stacy kicks out and whips around, turning right as Jessie is barreling in with a busaiku knee, knocking the veteran into the buckles! Jessie, feeling more pumped than ever, grabs the head of Jones and signals to the crowd, stepping up on the buckles to deliver Together Forever (Tornado DDT) but Stacy throws them off! Landing on their feet, Jessie stays in motion, hitting a dropkick that knocks Stacy against the buckles again! Rolling back and up to their feet, Jessie charges yet again but Stacy comes bursting out of the corner with the Bat-Hammer (Jumping Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick), laying Jessie out hard! Stacy goes for the pin!
ONE…
TWO…
THR-NO!
SHOULDER UP!
Jessie shocks the crowd AND Stacy by breaking out of the pin! Considering how many opponents Stacy finished with that very move, the awe is well-deserved! Stacy looks on and can’t help a small smile at her friend’s guts, but a match is a match! Jessie is pulled up and a brainbuster is delivered, followed by her own standing moonsault, for another near-fall! Jessie refuses to give up, though, and Stacy’s attempt at another German suplex ends with Jessie landing, albeit unsteadily, on their feet! A front dropkick sends Stacy into the ropes and Jessie takes off with all the energy they can muster, hitting the far ropes and sailing in with a big elbow to the back of the draped Jones! Stacy backs off the ropes, still on her knees, and Jessie hits her running forearm right to the back of Stacy’s skull! It looks like the former HYBRID Grand Champion is out and Jessie pounces on her for a cover!
ONE…
TWO…
THREE?!
NO! STACY GETS A HAND ON THE ROPES!
It was so close they could taste it, but Jessie keeps their head straight, getting up and bringing Stacy up with them. A vertical suplex is attempted once, twice, three times… but Stacy blocks every attempt! Hoisting the smaller person up, Stacy goes for a slingshot suplex but Jessie is able to twist and land on their feet, leaping to the second rope and grabbing Stacy by the head as they leap back, hitting a modified Russian leg sweep! Another two-count follows but the pin was more reflex on Jessie’s part: they want to properly finish this! Stacy is whipped into the buckles and takes another dropkick to set up Jessie’s Together Forever, but Jones’ veteran instincts kick in and she grabs the ropes with both hands, causing the over-enthusiastic Jessie to fall back and land on her head hard! Stacy backs up onto the top rope as Jessie slowly rises, foggy from the impact, and the veteran sails off to deliver the RWYA (Eclipse) on the weathered Jessie, before pinning them for the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match… STACY JONES!
Stacy, breathing heavily, turns to look at Jessie, who is still on their back on the mat. Turning as she rises, Stacy offers Jessie a hand up but Jessie is able to rise on her own. The friends give the fans a feel-good moment with Jessie raising Stacy’s arm and the two sharing an embrace in the middle of the ring as “Unbreakable” by Kingdom Collapse plays.
Bernadette Olson: Just goes to show that you don’t have to hate someone to have a great match with them!
Jacob Frankel: And that friends can throw down when they feel like it with no hard feelings! Jessie was doing some of her best work tonight but Stacy is… well… Stacy!
Bernadette Olson: Truly, there’s no better way you could have worded that. Stacy’s in a class of her own. Jessie hung tough, though, and that says a lot about that young person’s tenacity and potential.
Jacob Frankel: I really hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Stacy here in the new HYBRID!
Winner: Stacy Jones
Result: Pinfall at 15:11 (RWYA)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Hearts of Iron, Souls of Stone
The good times are not meant to last, though. As Stacy and Jessie take one last bow, the Royal Couple, with Simple Simon in their wake, charge the ring! Bianca Davis has a chair in hand and she waffles Stacy across the back, leading to Honey Rydel chucking her over the top rope and to the floor! Jessie immediately moves to help, but Simon grabs them by the legs and trips them up, leaving them as easy prey for the self-proclaimed Queen of HYBRID and her new partner! Noticeably absent is Summer, perhaps for predictable reasons, as Honey and Bianca put the boots to Jessie!
Jacob Frankel: Now what’s THIS happy horsecrap?! Jessie and Stacy were having a well-deserved moment but here comes the Burger Queen and her tagalongs to ruin everything!
Bernadette Olson: ...the Burger Queen?!
Jacob Frankel: I said what I said!
Simple Simon cheers on Davis and Rydel from outside the ring, but cheers turn to shrieks of warning as the crowd explodes into cheers! Super Tiger charges the ring and leaps to the apron, then the top rope, before sailing off with a big lariat that knocks Honey to the mat! Bianca whips around only to get blasted with a big superkick by the Iron Heart Champion, much to the HYBRID Nation’s delight!
Jacob Frankel: Yeah! Get ‘em, Tiger!
Bernadette Olson: The Iron Heart Champion just bailed out her friends, but the numbers aren’t on her side!
A point proven when Simon scrambles into the ring and latches on to Tiger’s legs, wrapping both arms around them and holding on for dear life! Her dropped title is picked up by Honey, who blasts the champion across the face with it!
Jacob Frankel: That… that little…!
Bernadette Olson: Go on, kid! We’re not exactly censored here!
Jacob Frankel: ...brat!
Bernadette Olson: Points for trying.
Bianca is coming around by this point and now the focus has come upon Tiger by the Royal Couple! Stacy rolls back into the ring but gets stalled by Simon wielding the chair! Funnily enough, the shot to the back only irritates Stacy, but a double-flatliner from Rydel and Davis puts her down much more effectively! By this point, Jessie is back up, staggering but vertical, and they throw their all into spearing Simon down to the mat! Snatching up the chair, she smacks it on the canvas, fueled by adrenaline that overrides the pain, yelling at both Bianca and Honey! Their attention taken off Stacy and Tiger, the Royal couple share a glance before converging on Jessie, only to see that they have that chair at the ready!
Bernadette Olson: Kid, you best get out of there! This isn’t a fight you want!
Jacob Frankel: Like they’d leave their friends at the mercy of these three?!
Bernadette Olson: Yeah, exactly! Three!
Because there’s Simple Simon yet again, trying to sneak in and be useful! Jessie feels him there, though, and when his hand reaches out, she stomps right on it, leaving the crowd in stitches and Simon yelping in pain like a whipped puppy! He rolls out of the ring, leaving a furious Honey and Bianca to continue advancing… failing to see Tiger and Stacy back on their feet behind them!
Jacob Frankel: Smells like karma!
Jessie, leaning on the chair now with the cutest smile suddenly, has the Royal Couple pausing for a moment. Realization hits just before Tiger grabs Bianca and Stacy grabs Honey, delivering simultaneous headbutts, then hard clotheslines to bring the Royal Couple down! Jessie hits the ropes as Stacy and Tiger stack the pair up, letting the youngster hit a beautiful standing moonsault! Simon quickly moves to help his employers out of the ring at that point, but Tiger, Stacy and Jessie seem to have made their point! The Royal Couple heads up the ramp, shouting threats while the three ladies in the ring soak in the moment!
Bernadette Olson: I hardly think this is the last we’ll see of these two sides clashing, but it does this heart good to see Tiger and Jessie coming out on top!
MATCH FOUR
Tag Team/One Fall
Noah Ortega & The Lost vs. Jabali Desmond & 10th Street Kings
Noah leads the lost down to the ring, but halfway down the ramp sends them to the ring alone. They charge in hard, dropping the tag belts en route and all but demolishing the Kings brutally. Anton and Gio put their mix of power and speed to use, crushing Mikey and Ricky. Jabali Desmond, having been outside the ring, rolls in quickly and starts to impose his will on the Global Tag Team Champions until Noah Ortega makes his entrance, heading to the top rope and sailing in with a missile dropkick! Jabali is staggered and sent over the top rope by Gio and Anton before Noah demands that referee Butch Grant ring the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
With the early assault out of the way, The Lost take over on the Kings as Butch Grant tries to get control. Eventually everyone is forced to tag in and out, but Gio and Anton keep things on their side with quick tags and brutal beatings. Mikey and Ricky do their best to fight back, actually managing to bring the monstrous Jabali into the ring. For a short time, the giant African beats back the assault from Gio and Anton, but he gets clipped by Noah from outside the ring, allowing the tag champions to lay in a further beating, using a double-suplex to send Jabali crashing to the mat. Ricky tags in as Jabali rolls out, trying to make the save, but he gets sent into his partner, knocking Mikey not only to the floor, but right into Jabali as well. A springboard moonsault outside the ring by Noah leaves the ring to Anton and Gio, who deliver Feed Them To The Lost (Pop-Up Powerbomb/450 Splash combination) on Ricky to finish the match.
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winners… THE LOST!
Pure domination is on display as the Lost tear apart their opponents. Noah, Gio and Anton stand tall in the middle of the ring as the fans shower them with boos and disdain… none of which seems to mind to the victors.
Bernadette Olson: Not a trio you want to get on the bad side of, that’s for sure. Even massive Jabali Desmond couldn’t stand against them for long.
Jacob Frankel: There’s a reason they’re tag champs, and that’s part of it. Plus, they have Noah Ortega pulling their strings… and he’s an evil genius!
Winners: The Lost
Result: Pinfall at 3:49 (Feed Them To The Lost)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
The Sound of Strength
Vanguard cuts to backstage in front of a locker room door. The door immediately opens to reveal The Siren, Katie Simmons. The redhead gives a devious smile as she walks out into the hallway, followed by her Colossus, The Juggernaut, Damian Simmons, dressed in his ring gear. The giant has to duck slightly to fit under the doorway.
Katie Simmons: Hey! I know exactly why you’re here. You’re here to capture Damian’s intense freakout upon finding out he isn’t booked to compete tonight. Right?
The cameraman stays quiet as they slowly pan over to the giant, his face remains stoic and unmoving. Slowly the camera pans back to his smaller wife.
Katie Simmons: Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but there’s no freakout to be had! See, Damian here really took his talk with Mr. Vance to heart. He let bossman’s words sink in and take hold. And so there will be no backstage meltdown, no dismantling of noname help. He’s calm! He’s patient! He’s picking his battles. He’s being patient…
Her grin grows into a full, devilish smile.
Katie Simmons: He’s focused! He has a goal.
She cups a hand to her ear and listens for a moment-
Katie Simmons: You hear that?
-before giggling mischievously.
Katie Simmons: That’s the sound of nobody being surprised about my beautiful husband growing as a person! No, Damian is just choosing his actions more carefully, just like the boss suggested! And believe me… He has chosen what he does next very carefully… What are his plans? Well… I guess you’ll just have to keep watching to find out, won't you?
Katie bites the tip of her fingernail innocently as the camera slowly pans from her to her giant husband, whose face is in stark contrast to his wife’s. His is angry and malicious. He stares hard for a few moments before he suddenly turns and storms down the hall. The camera abruptly turns back to the redhead Simmons, who physically holds the camera on her.
Katie Simmons: I guess we’re gonna go. See you out there!
She blows a kiss before running off to follow her husband.
MATCH FIVE
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Cass Baumer vs. Katie Anderson (C)
Things get intense in a hurry as Katie gets in Cass’s face the moment she hands off the title. Their altercation during the ladder match several weeks ago is still fresh on the champion’s mind and the scar, while now bereft of stitches, has not healed entirely. Cass tries to smooth things over as best she can, not wanting this match to be about revenge or the like, but when Katie shoves her, she shoves right back. A slap follows from Anderson, and the rebuke is returned in kind from Baumer, leading referee Kara Tarantino to quickly call for the bell-
DING! DING! DING!
-just as Katie and Cass start slugging it out mid-ring. Right hands are thrown hard, with Katie getting in a few unanswered shots before Cass nails her with a couple of forearms. She tilts Katie’s chin back and lights her chest up with a hard chop, yelling something at her that has Katie make a rather rude gesture in response. Another vicious chop follows from the Headliner, who has had more than enough, but Katie responds with a headbutt and a hard clothesline, bringing Cass down to the mat. No pin attempt is made, though, as Katie first puts the boots to Baumer, then mounts her to deliver some closed fists. Cass shoves her off before the referee can get involved and actually monkey flips the charging champion, landing Katie hard on her back mid-ring. Cass is back up, measuring the champion, runs in for a Bleeding Edge (Penalty Kick) to the jaw of Katie… dangerous close to the still-healing wound. Cass covers for a near-fall and backs off after Katie kicks out. The champion gets back up slowly, wiping a bit of blood from the corner of her mouth. For a split-second, Cass looks concerned, but that ends when Anderson charges. Cass sidesteps, sending Katie into the ropes, but her clothesline is countered by Katie, who turns it into a ripcord lariat by snaring the outstretched arm after ducking the blow. She makes a pin attempt of her own for a quick two-count.
Cass is pulled to her feet by the hair, and Katie whips her into the buckles. A lot of vitriol goes into Katie’s charge, but Baumer moves at the last moment and Anderson goes chest-first into the padded metal. Cass wraps her in the Tangled Web (Schoolgirl Roll-Up into Grapevine Leglock) but Katie is able to pull herself to the ropes to break it up. Slowed by the maneuver, Katie is further ground down by some hard kicks to the hamstring. Cass picks her up for a shinbreaker, but Katie twists out and turns it into a modified falling reverse STO for a quick two-count. Cass comes up fiery but Katie, still a bit off-balance, stops her with a hard right followed by a double-arm DDT for another near-fall. Cass is at this point slowed some, but still fights back when Katie goes for a short-arm clothesline, pulling the champion over into a crucifix for a quick two-count then nailing a swinging DDT for another near-fall! Cass is rolling a bit now and Katie, determined thought she is, is still hurting. The two women clash again mid-ring when the fans suddenly go bonkers, though, as someone vaults the railing and slides into the ring! Champion and challenger barely have time to see what the fuss is about when Damian Simmons lays them both out with a clothesline! Kara Tarantino, as shocked as anyone else, has no choice but to call for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: As a result of outside interference, this match has been deemed a no-contest!
Winner: N/A
Result: No Contest at 10:36
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
A Large Statement
Duly wondering just what in the hell hit them, Katie and Cass come around slowly as the seething Colossus stands glaring down at them! Egged on by his manager, Katie Simmons, Damian grabs both champion and challenger by the throat as they get to their feet!
Bernadette Olson: Now what’s this about?! I thought these two were warned to behave!
Jacob Frankel: No offense, Bernadette, but how exactly do you presume to order around a man that big and mean?!
Rearing back, Damian grabs both women around the throat, looking to do something heinous! Katie and Cass lay in some kicks and knock his hands away after some effort, though, forgetting their beef in the interest of self-preservation! The big fellow is staggered, but a double-dropkick barely budges him! A double-team assault allows the champion and challenger to send the big fellow over the top with a forceful tandem clothesline… but Damian lands on his feet outside the ring!
Bernadette Olson: Ladies, you might wanna turn around…
Cass tries to use this moment to talk some sense into Katie, but the champion isn’t having it. Due to this argument, neither woman sees an angry Damian returning to the ring… and once more he grabs them both by the throat, this time succeeding in delivering stereo chokeslams to Baumer and Anderson! Katie Simmons enters the ring, literally clapping her hands with glee as Damian stands tall among the human wreckage!
Jacob Frankel: Good grief! There’s gonna be repercussions for this, I’d wager! But, again, how do you tell a man like that what to do?!
Bernadette Olson: We might be about to find out…
“Sharp-Dressed Man” starts to play, leading to the arrival of a concerned-looking Aloysius Marcus Vance IV, flanked by Trenton Mitchell. He looks over the carnage from the relative safety of the stage and shakes his head with a sigh as the theme fades out.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I suppose in some small way this is my fault. I told you to put your energy into patience and forethought, but… that’s just not your way, is it, Mr. Simmons?
The Colossus, and Katie for that matter, glare at Aloysius from the ring. Forge cracks a very small smile as AMV shrugs a bit and continues.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You’ve given me an idea, though. See, I was hoping that putting the Vanguard Championship on the line this evening would spur some… activity… from Anderson and Baumer, here, but they seem reluctant to really go all-out, even with gold on the line. But I’m willing to bet that at Fall of Man, when that title is defended in a Triple Threat, adding you to the mix, they’ll be a little more intent on stepping up.
Jacob Frankel: Katie’s gonna have to defend against Baumer AND Damian Simmons at Fall of Man?! That’s not fair!
Bernadette Olson: No, but it makes an odd sort of sense. I mean, Damian will have a proper challenge and it will make sure Katie and Cass have real reason to fight.
Clearly, the Simmons couple likes this idea. Cass… not so much. She gawks at AMV as if to ask what the hell he’s thinking while Anderson, clutching her title, turns from the ring to her opponents, clearly ill-at-ease about the idea.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: So… good luck to all three of you. I have no doubt that this will settle things once and for all.
“Sharp-Dressed Man” plays AMV and Forge off the stage as the camera lingers on the champion and challengers in the ring and at the ringside area…
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Determination Amidst Suffering
After a brief commercial break, the cameras return backstage to the locker rooms where we see Mikaela Callaway back on her feet - so to speak that is. Technically, she’s sitting down on a bench with an ice pack held to her neck. The look on her face is anything but content. Rather, she’s absolutely seething as she just stares ahead of her. Beside her, the Global Heavyweight Champion, Eddy Todd sits with an arm around her as Mikaela just stares ahead, fuming silently.
Doctor: Mikaela? How are you feeling? Any better?
Mikaela Callaway: ...
Mikaela says nothing as the doctor comes into frame beside her. Eddy looks up at the man, just shaking his head in a silent request to give her some space. The doctor is insistent on doing his job, however, as he tries to at least get an answer out of the young woman.
Doctor: Mikaela, does it still hu—
Mikaela Callaway: JUST GET AWAY FROM ME!
Mikaela suddenly shrieks out, snapping at the doctor. Her reaction even startles Eddy who leans back for a second as his girlfriend glares up at the medical professional who’s still got his arm hovering at her shoulder.
Mikaela Callaway: DON’T TOUCH ME!
The doctor draws his hand back and holds both of his up in surrender. Eddy gently puts an arm back around her shoulders and has her lean against him.
Eddy Todd: Hey, hey. Babygirl. It’s alright. It’s gonna be fine, okay?
Mikaela slowly looks beside her at Eddy now, still fuming. Rage burning in her eyes. She breathes through her teeth, seething even harder now.
Mikaela Callaway: I wanna leave.
Eddy nods, rubbing her arm.
Eddy Todd: Alright, no problem. I’ll take you back to the hotel. C’mon, baby.
With Eddy’s help, Mikaela stands from the bench, wincing as she moves. Eddy waves off anyone who tries to step in and assist as he walks Mikaela out of the locker room with the cameras cutting away once they’re out of frame.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Slow Start
Aiden Morrow is heading down the hall towards the gorilla area, ready for his match with Alessandra Diaz. He notices the camera following him and he glances over at it with a smile and nod.
Aiden Morrow: It’s time to go out there and keep this momentum going. A lot of people didn’t expect me to get where I’m at, hell, neither did I. My start here wasn’t great, but I was given a chance and I didn’t let it go by.
He nodded.
Aiden Morrow: Now it’s time to show Alessandra Diaz that I belong here. That I earned this by winning two intense matches in one night. And now I’ll carry that momentum into my battle with the Beggar King, Eddy Todd. But first, I’ll show Diaz how it’s done. Let’s get it.
The Aerialist of Tomorrow nodded and headed off for his match.
MAIN EVENT
Singles/One Fall
Alessandra Diaz vs. Aiden Morrow
DING! DING! DING!
Diaz comes in hot, trying to take Aiden off-balance with kicks and chops, succeeding in backing him into the corner. A springboard hurricanrana follows and Aiden seems a bit surprised at her tenacity, enough so that she’s able to Irish whip him. The number one contender slides beneath her spinning clothesline and kips up to his feet, surprising her when she turns with a back kick to the midsection. When she’s doubled up, he follows up with a Pele kick for a quick two-count. Now it’s Diaz’s turn to go for a ride, eating a back body drop and a jumping leg drop but still kicking out of the resultant pin. She goes for the eyes the moment she has an opening and kicks the leg out from under Aiden, dropping him to a knee. Following up with her float-over DDT for a two-count of her own, Diaz turns her focus to Aiden’s neck, trying to soften him up for the Paseo Salvaje. A chinlock is eventually turned into a crossface but Aiden slowly powers up to his feet and nails a back suplex to create some separation.
Not so easily shaken off, Diaz is back as Aiden gets to his feet, keeping up the pressure by literally leaping on his back and clamping on a sleeper. Two rams into the buckles back-first doesn’t shake Diaz loose and Aiden starts to fade a bit. The referee’s questions of giving up, though, are met with firm denial and Morrow shakes off Diaz with a sit-out jawbreaker, leaving her clutching her chin. From there, a brainbuster and running shooting star press get him a near-fall, but Diaz rolls from the ring to catch a breather. Aiden leaves to follow despite the official’s protest only to be briefly detained by Xavier Flores stepping in his way. No contact is made, but the distraction is enough to give Diaz an opening to run off the apron and nail a spinning headscissors to bring Aiden down, slinging him nearly into the barricade. With effort, Diaz rolls him back into the ring and goes for a pin, but only gets a two-count.
Hitting the ropes as Aiden gets back up, Diaz completes a double-springboard, landing on Aiden’s shoulders, but finds herself powerbombed to the mat with authority. Backing into the ropes with a shake of his head, Aiden takes a moment to catch his breath while Xavier tries to will Alessandra back up. She gets there, but finds herself taken over with a Tiger suplex from Aiden, who bridges into a pinning combination for two. A pair of clotheslines follow and Diaz is feeling the pressure from Morrow, finally avoiding a charge by dropping down and holding the ropes, trying to get Morrow to send themselves to the floor. Landing agilely on the apron, though, Aiden leaps to the top and sails off for the Flying Morrow Smash (Phenomenal Forearm). Knocked down by the shot, Diaz comes up somewhat loopy and walks right into a boot from Morrow, who follows up with the No Fly Zone (Double-Underhook Piledriver) for the three-count.
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… AIDEN MORROW!
The young man is pretty exultant about his win, having a hard-fought contest with a game Diaz!
Bernadette Olson: The youngster is heading into Fall of Man with some momentum, but will that be enough?
Jacob Frankel: Eddy Todd has yet to suffer a loss here in HYBRID, and he’s the big champ around these parts. I think Aiden has a pretty good shot, but he’ll have to be at his best and more!
Winners: Aiden Morrow
Result: Pinfall at 13:12 (No-Fly Zone)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
The Final Pieces
“Bury A Lie” by Rain City Drive blares over the PA system as Aiden Morrow is announced as the winner of the main event match. His hand is raised by the referee but AIden soon asks for a mic. When he gets it, he raises it up to his mouth and begins to talk.
Aiden Morrow: What a feeling. Another win in the books and now? There’s one thing left, and that’s to fight The Beggar King, Eddy Todd. The Global Heavyweight Champion. Damn. A few weeks ago, nobody saw me in this position, did they? But all of you? You never stopped believing in me.
Morrow pointed out to the crowd to a huge pop.
Aiden Morrow: I was given an opportunity to earn my way back into this and I didn’t let it pass me by. I beat several talented people to get into the main event with Sam Tolson and Duke Andrews a couple of weeks ago. I have to admit, it felt good getting a win back on Duke.
Aiden grinned as the crowd popped.
Aiden Morrow: There’s a reason I’m going to be fighting Eddy though, it’s because of the way Samantha and Duke act. Both of them act like entitled children and that they should have things handed to them based on their accomplishments. I will say this, at least Duke doesn’t pretend to be a good person. Samantha? She acts like she’s the main character of the story, the ultimate good guy… But she’s actually the villain. Always has been.
He chuckles and shakes his head.
Aiden Morrow: Those two though? They weren’t prepared for me to happen. They weren’t ready for a wildcard to be added to that main event number one contender match. But on the same night of that match? I survived a brutal match to just get a chance, one last chance… And I didn’t let it slip. People can say what they want but I earned this and I was able to push through thanks to you, the fans, and most importantly, my two young sons. You all inspire me.
He nodded confidently before he looked into the camera.
Aiden Morrow: Eddy Todd, you and I? We respect each other. I’m hoping this match will be clean and we put on a show for the world to see. But I’ll have my eyes on Mikaela Callaway, I won’t fall for any b.s. Whatever you two bring my way? I’ll be ready. Bet on that.
Aiden’s celebration continues for the good of one and all, with the cameras eventually turning to the announcers once again.
Bernadette Olson: That’s all for Vanguard, fans! With us now firmly on the road to Fall of Man, let’s run down the card… with some new additions made just a bit earlier tonight by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV!
Graphics of Darcy Graves and Mikaela Callaway show on the big screen over the stage, with the bout marketed as a grudge match.
Jacob Frankel: First up will be Darcy versus Mikaela, and after tonight, this one might get pretty rough. These two do NOT like each other, and violence spilled over something fierce during a backstage confrontation earlier in the evening!
Bernadette Olson: Knowing Mikaela, even if she’s hurt she’s going to want to fight. Whether that’s wise or not… we’ll see. Maybe Eddy Todd can talk some sense into her.
The next graphic has Katie Anderson in the center, holding her Vanguard Championship, flanked by Cass Baumer and Damian Simmons, with Katie Simmons at his side… the Vanguard Championship Triple Threat!
Jacob Frankel: In my opinion, Katie and Cass better work things out before September 28th… otherwise, Damian Simmons might gobble them up!
Bernadette Olson: The big man has been on a tear around here. It will take a Herculean effort to bring him down. But neither Cass nor Katie are short on guts. Perhaps they can settle things and deal with him as well. Time will tell.
The following match shows The Lost, flanked by Noah Ortega, standing across from The Frontline, joined by Harper Lee. The Global Heavyweight Champions will be making their first defense at Fall of Man!
Jacob Frankel: The Frontline bowed out relatively early in the tournament but have bounced back well! Now they’re taking a crack at the champs for the gold!
Bernadette Olson: If it goes even a little like it did earlier tonight, though, the Frontline might be food for these dangerous characters…
Next up, Duke Andrews, Clayton Kane and Noah Ortega are posted opposite Natural Resources and Sam Tolson for a big six-person tag match!
Jacob Frankel: A lot of talent in this match… and a lot of dangerous minds. Natural Resources is always an amazing team and few can match Tolson’s skill, but there’s a lot of mean beef across from them at Fall of Man!
Bernadette Olson: Duke, Clayton and Noah won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to get the job done. My concern is whether GoGo and Rain can match that killer instinct. That might be the key.
The newest match added to the card is up next, pitting Super Tiger and her Iron Heart Championship against both Bianca Davis and Jessie Anderson, with Honey Rydel and Simple Simon in the former’s corner!
Jacob Frankel: This one’s gonna get crazy! Jessie and Tiger are known to be close, but with gold on the line… I wonder if Jessie has it in them to fight full-out against Tiger? I mean… against the Burger Queen, that’ll be no problem!
Bernadette Olson: Gonna ride that into the dirt, eh, kid? Jokes aside, Tiger is someone you absolutely can’t sleep on… but Bianca has been at this for a long time and no one has stopped her or shut her up yet. I can’t pick a winner here.
And at last, the Global Heavyweight Championship match, with Eddy Todd defending against Aiden Morrow!
Jacob Frankel: Aiden is stepping up for this one, but it’s a tall task even for the best of the best.
Bernadette Olson: The Beggar King is champion for a reason. That may be cliche, but it’s true. Can Aiden topple him? Maybe. But my money is on Eddy Todd.
And with that said, the logo for Fall of Man appears on screen as the show ends!
