Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Oct 28, 2022 15:48:29 GMT -6
Episode #7: Proving a Point
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
MATCH ONE
Non-Title
Tag Team/One Fall
10th Street Kings vs. The Lost w/Noah Ortega
DING! DING! DING!
The 10th Street Kings drill Gio Moriello, knocking him into the corner against the turnbuckles. Anton Palmer drops both Kings with a massive double lariat. Palmer grabs Ricky Turbo and throws him into the next corner and he bounces off face first. Mikey the Wrench staggers up and Palmer gives him a nasty spinebuster. Palmer goes to cover Mikey with one foot.
ONE!
TWO!
RICKY TURBO MAKES THE SAVE!
Ricky tries to pound Palmer from behind but Palmer just stands there like he can’t decide if he should be amused, annoyed, astonished at the chutzpah or pleased that the game isn't over. Gio Moriello runs over and clubs Ricky in the back. Palmer turns and hits a wicked discus clothesline that almost turns Ricky inside out. Palmer tosses Mikey the Wrench over the top to the floor before grabbing Ricky and giving him an Irish whip. Moriello ascends the turnbuckles as Ricky comes back and Palmer hits a pop-up powerbomb. Moriello comes off for a 450 to finish Feed Them To The Lost.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners… the HYBRID Global Tag Team Champions… THE LOST!
Noah Ortega enters the ring with the championships, handing them over after Gio and Anton dispose of the, figuratively speaking, carcasses of the 10th Street Kings. Raising the arms of hsi charges has the HYBRID Nation booing, but Noah is showing nothing but pride while The Lost stoically hold their belts up high!
Bernadette Olson: The Lost could have ended that match any time they wanted; Noah just wanted the crowd to see the champs play with their food!
Jacob Frankel: I mean… they call that finisher Feed Them to The Lost, so…
Bernadette Olson: I walked right into that one.
Jacob Frankel: You did! Bottom line: this was sheer dominance. It doesn’t look like anyone is going to step up and challenge these two any time soon-
But before Ortega can get anything out, the Frontline come charging into the ring from backstage! The Lost turn to meet them and the brawl is on! The have the drop on the champs and, rather than force a bad situation, Noah distracts the Frontline to give Gio and Anton a chance to get out of the ring and to the locker room!
Winners: The Lost
Result: Pinfall at 2:28 (Feed Them to the Lost)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Straightforward Message
Samantha Tolson: So, I want to try and keep this short and to the point…
Samantha Tolson stands outside her locker room, dressed in some of her PLMM apparel, with her bag on wheels behind her.
Samantha Tolson: I get it, Robert. You want to, at once, try and be magnanimous while trying to get inside my head. It's cute, really. But despite the time we spent together on the set of Ghost Fighter Boone, you didn't take much time to get to know me.
Samantha smirks, leaning her back on the door.
Samantha Tolson: That's your fault, your failure. I am what I am. I am all those things you've heard, yet so very much more. I am a bitch. I can be difficult. I can be hard to get along with. But inside that ring, Robert? I'm one of the best in the world. Eight World Championships, including the one inside my bag. Countless other titles.
Samantha looks down at her bag for a moment.
Samantha Tolson: But there's one I'm hunting down, one that's missing from this bag. I'll be carrying the Hybrid Global Championship, whether I have to go through Eddy Todd for it, or someone else. Who holds it when I get my shot isn't the worry right now. It's earning that opportunity. For you, what this means is you'll get the best version of me here tonight."
The Missouri River Amazon. The Hardcore Queen of Suplex Nation.
The Pretty Little Murder Machine.
I can't afford a setback right now, Robert. So I need to go through you.
Samantha turns and pushes open the door slightly, then looks at the camera.
Samantha Tolson: That means I'll do anything I need to, within the rules, to make that happen. Sorry, not sorry.
Tonight you learn that it wasn't just Officer Barnes that was higher on the food chain than Officer Pike. Art, in this case, certainly does imitate life.
Samantha ends her soliloquy by smiling, then entering her locker room.
MATCH TWO
Singles/One Fall
Cordelia Clark vs. Stephanie Kenyon
DING! DING! DING!
Clark and Kenyon lock-up and jockey around, each looking for the opening for the early advantage but neither one really finding it. Kenyon tries to use her apparent power advantage but Clark manages to keep moving enough to match her move for move. Clark steps in and goes for a Fujiwara armbar takedown. Kenyon spins into a backfist and Clark spins so much from the force of impact that she turns into a discus clothesline almost by accident. Kenyon goes down and Clark covers.
ONE!
TWO!
KENYON KICKS OUT!
Kenyon tries to get a cradle but Clark rolls through. They bounce off the ropes and both release their grips. The two get to their feet and start throwing haymakers on each other. They pound away, each drawing blood until Kenyon gets a knee to the gut and then hits the Dreaming. She covers.
ONE!
TWO!
CLARK KICKS OUT!
Kenyon gets on top and starts to rain punches down. Clark quickly rolls Kenyon forward and executes a standing switch as they both get up. Clark runs Kenyon into an O’Connor roll.
ONE!
TWO!
KENYON KICKS OUT!
Clark is propelled into the ropes and bounces back into the Empress of Thunder.
ONE!
TWO!
CLARK KICKS OUT!
They get up and Clark hits a sitout facebuster.
ONE!
TWO!
KENYON KICKS OUT!
They fight around the ring, both starting to feel the fatigue setting in. Kenyon knocks Clark down and goes up top, looking for Leaf on the Wind. As the crowd shrieks, “Watch me soar!” Kenyon leaps off into the phoenix splash only for Clark to catch her for a Diamond Cutter.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
KENYON GETS A SHOULDER UP!
The two manage to get back to their feet and Clark gets a springboard bulldog.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
KENYON JUST BARELY GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Clark backs up and sets to go for a big running knee. As she comes in, Kenyon screams, “STILL TASTES LIKE TIMBALAND BOOT, BITCH!” and hits the Brogue Kick.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
CLARK GETS A SHOULDER UP!
The two both crawl away before pulling themselves up on the ropes. They start to exchange punches with Kenyon staggered. Clark looks for another and Kenyon turns in desperation for the Kiss Off. Clark goes down and Kenyon falls into the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… STEPHANIE KENYON!
Kenyon and Clark both take what seems like forever to move. The referee raises Kenyon’s hand and she pulls herself up to her knees. Clark does the same and the two shake hands as the crowd cheers them both on.
Bernadette Olson: An excellent back-and-forth battle here, Jacob. Stephanie earned a much-needed win and Cordelia looked great even in defeat. Can’t ask for more than that.
Jacob Frankel: Agreed, but I’m still wondering what the signing of Nathaniel Dixon is going to do for Stephanie. Seems like there’s some history there.
Bernadette Olson: That man never met a microphone he wouldn’t molest. For now, let Stephanie have her moment.
Winner: Stephanie Kenyon
Result: Pinfall at 11:49 (Kiss-Off)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Friendly Advice?
Backstage in the arena, Robert Marino was pacing back and forth in front of the locker room door, talking to someone on his cell. Of course, only his end of the conversation could be heard.
Robert Marino: I can’t thank you enough, again, for watching Addy while Kaede came back to Atlanta for Vanguard, Lluvia. I don’t want to have to make her deal with the major time change any more than I have to.
Robert paused, presumably to listen to what was being said by Lluvia Cane on the other end of the line.
Robert Marino: Well still, thank you. I know she’ll behave well for you, she loves her Auntie Llu. Well, we should be back Friday that way I have a couple of days to deal with the jetlag and finish pre-
Robert cut himself off when he saw Blake Mason walk up to him, causing Marino to raise an eyebrow.
Robert Marino: Yeah…I gotta go, Lluv. Thanks again. Bye.
Hanging up the phone, Marino looked at Blake, a questioning look on his face.
Robert Marino: Is there something you needed from me, Blake?
Blake doesn’t say a word, allowing the tension to build between him and Robert. Once a few short seconds have passed, he finally speaks.
Blake Mason: As a matter of fact, there is.
Again he doesn’t get straight to the point, being somewhat meticulous about what his intentions are. He rests one of his hands on Robert’s shoulder.
Blake Mason: I’ve been wrestling off and on for over ten years. I was where you were once, the young, charismatic, good looking upstart looking to sink his teeth into what professional wrestling has to offer. Our match weeks ago got me thinking about that epic speech from John F Kennedy. The one where he said it’s not what this country can do for you, it’s what you can do for your country. Well. It’s not what professional wrestling can do for me, it’s about what I can do for the business. And what I want to do is be the man who ensures you are the future of the sport.
Robert looked at the other man’s hand on his shoulder then the man himself. He lifted the man’s hand off of him and stepped to the side slightly, giving him a look.
Robert Marino: What you can do for the business? Involving my future?
Marino had repeated the words, making sure he had heard Blake right. He crossed his arms and shook his head for a second.
Robert Marino: No offense but I’ve seen how you work, so I’ll pass on involvement from you in my career. I may be a rookie, but I know that there’s no real reward in taking advantage of whatever situation could give me an easy win.
Blake’s eyes narrow as if he’s staring a hole through Robert.
Blake Mason: You realize I didn’t need to be here tonight! If it wasn’t for Harper’s insistence, I would be at home, with her, after all she’s been through. So I would be a bit more grateful that I am going out of my way to give you a piece of veteran advice... for starters, these assholes in the locker room will not hesitate to eat you alive. You would benefit from having an ally like me!
Blake closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath. Reopening his eyes his face softens.
Blake Mason: Sorry. It has been a rough couple weeks. Little on edge. I wish I could head over to NFW to wrap my hands around that bastard's throat. But I promised I’d stay out of it. Sorry for snapping like that. I best be on my way.
Robert’s stance loosened up a bit when Harper was mentioned. Through Lluvia, he knew the Austin sisters and Harper as well and knew what had happened to the woman.
Robert Marino: I’ve known Harper and them for a while…she’s tough. Not something easy to see a loved one going through, but she’ll get through it. And Jonna will make sure the asshole is properly dealt with, trust me.
Marino rubbed his face for a second before he sighed.
Robert Marino: Look. I appreciate the offer, really. But when it comes to how we handle things in this business, our styles are completely different. I’d rather handle things cleanly and know that I gave it my everything out there. If that leaves me to being eaten alive, as you put it, then so be it. Now I have to meet up with Kaede and go deal with Tolson. Thanks for the advice though…as a rookie, I appreciate it. But I’ll show that my way, my style is just as effective.
Robert gave Blake a little nod before he turned to walk off. He paused for a second and looked back at the man.
Robert Marino: Give Harper my best.
With that, Robert turned around again and began walking down the hall to find his manager/girlfriend, leaving Blake to do whatever he was going to do for the rest of the evening.
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Royal Iron Heart Challenge, Part I
The sound of royal trumpets can be heard as the lights dim and turn a violet hue. “Bad Bitch” by Bebe Rexha hits over the public address system. As the fans greet the sound with loud boos, first out was Simple Simon, dressed in a nice suit, looking nervous and waving. Out from the back within a few moments after is none other than Queen Bianca Davis herself wearing her royal robe. Her gear giving off the Evil Queen from Snow White vibes, along with her 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 and Princess Honey Rydel staying a few feet back, soaking in the negative reaction and looking disgusted at all the disrespectful peasants around her.
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen… please welcome to the ring, accompanied by Princess Honey Rydel, Summer and Simple Simon… the reigning HYBRID Iron Heart Champion and your royal highness… the benevolent and beautiful… QUEEN BIANCA DAVIS!
Jacob Frankel: I swear to God…
Bernadette Olson: What?
Jacob Frankel: Spirit better be getting a HELL of a bonus for that spiel!
The malicious Queen saunters down some more as Simon yells for the crowd to show some respect, and to hail the Queen of HYBRID. Simon makes his way up the steel steps followed by Princess Honey and the Queen herself. Simon demands the referee 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 booing overtakes the arena even more so. Lowering her arms, she hands Simon her scepter, 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.
Jacob Frankel: She’s really milking it tonight. I get that winning a championship is a big deal, but all I can think of is the circumstances of her victory and just how much of a… a… BRAT she is!
Bernadette Olson: You gotta rein that in, kid. We’re professionals here.
Jacob Frankel: You’re right. I’m sorry. And I’m trying… I really am.
Bernadette Olson: I don’t like her, either. You’re not alone.
Taking off her crown and handing it to Simon, the Queen taunts the fans a bit more, gazing at her nails before saying something to Simon who takes the time to fan her as she awaits her opponent, Princess Honey moving about, demanding more respect and adulation for her Queen.
“Bad Bitch” fades out and Simple Simon produces a golden, rhinestone-studded microphone for his Queen, who takes it and holds it like a glass of fine wine. The Iron Heart Championship shines from around her waist as she gives the fans a moment to silence themselves before blessing them with her voice.
Queen Bianca Davis: That’s right, peons… worship me! Your Queen commands it!
Supplied with basic mics, Simon and Honey fiercely exhort their Queen’s virtues as well… ad nauseum.
Princess Honey Rydel: All hail Queen Bianca!
Simple Simon: Hail her royal highness!
The fans do no such thing, but Bianca soaks up the hate as though it were love and adulation.
Queen Bianca Davis: Tonight you, and the HYBRID locker room, shall be graced with a golden opportunity! I shall allow one member of the roster to challenge me for my Iron Heart Championship! Because I am a just and loving queen who gives back to the peasantry… whether they deserve it or not!
That’s a surefire way to get more hate, but Bianca clearly doesn’t see it that way.
Queen Bianca Davis: However, no current champions will be allowed to face me… and neither will Super Tiger, even if she were able!
Now the hate shakes the rafters and nothing, not Simon or Honey or anything else, can make it stop. Bianca, however, talks over it all, not caring that she has people ready to riot!
Queen Bianca Davis: That goes for that wormy little snot, Jessie Robinson, too! You aren’t worthy of this title! None of you are! But… I am a just and giving monarch! So let’s see who answers the challenge tonight!
Honey and Simon leave the ring, standing in front of it facing the ramp, waiting to see who arrives. A few moments later, a haughty-but-nervous Ingrid Valencia comes out to the strains of Lady Gaga’s “Applause”. Bianca smirks, stepping back and handing over title and bedazzled microphone as she prepares for her match!
Bernadette Olson: Looks like we have a challenger. I don’t like her chances, though.
Jacob Frankel: I’m just gonna sit here and hope for a miracle.
OPEN CHALLENGE
Iron Heart Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Ingrid Valencia vs. Bianca Davis (C)
The Queen awaits the person taking her up on the open challenge, preening in the ring as Ingrid Valencia approaches… but before the woman can get into the ring, she’s waylaid by Honey Rydel and sent hard into the steps! Even Simple Simon gets in a few weak boots before helping Princess Honey roll Ingrid into the ring. Referee Kara Tarantino looks disgusted, but acquiesces when Bianca demands that the bell be rung!
DING! DING! DING!
Sauntering over to Ingrid, Bianca holds her by the hair and proceeds to give her a royal haranguing! Ingrid throws a few punches to the midsection, refusing to go down without a fight, but a knee to the jaw leaves her prone! Disgusted by her opponent’s utter temerity, Bianca puts them on their knees and blasts them with the Coronation (Shining Wizard) for the academic three-count!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Your winner… and STILL the Iron Heart Champion… QUEEN BIANCA DAVIS!
And to rub it in, the Queen demands that Honey and Simon enter the ring, restraining and forcing Ingrid to kiss Bianca’s boot while she holds up the title!
Bernadette Olson: Gee, how’d we guess it’d end up like that?
Jacob Frankel: I just hate that woman, Bernadette! She’s such a… a…
Bernadette Olson: ...a word you can’t say on television. I know.
Winner: Bianca Davis (Still Champion)
Result: Pinfall at 1:03 (Coronation)
MATCH THREE
Singles/One Fall
Robert Marino vs. Samantha Tolson
Before the match gets underway, Robert approaches Samantha and extends his hand. The fans get into a minor tizzy over this while, on the outside, Kaede urges her charge on. Samantha seems a little taken aback, but returns the gesture and steps back after. Robert nods, clapping a little as Senior Referee Butch Grant calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
The two lock up and Robert twists Sam into a hammerlock. She counters out and puts Robert into an arm wringer, which he likewise counters into a second hammerlock before snaring Sam in a headlock. An attempt to shoot Robert into the ropes fails as he hangs on tightly, bringing Tolson to the mat with a takeover. Tolson rises quickly, elbowing her way out and using a snapmare to bring Robert to the mat, cinching on a chinlock immediately. It takes some doing but soon he’s back to his feet again, getting Samantha up on his shoulders. He spins her off for a TKO but the veteran turns it into a stylish armdrag, sending Marino to the mat! A second one follows quickly after, followed by a HIGH hiptoss that brings Robert down hard! Samantha goes right back to the chinlock, then switches positions so that she might grind her knee into Robert’s spine! But Marino again fights up, trying a snapmare of his own only for Samantha to land on her feet! She turns and charges but Robert thinks quickly and hits a Japanese-style armdrag, sending a surprised Tolson to the mat! He goes in for a waistlock and Tolson counters out, grabbing Robert for a German! Flipping out and landing on his feet! He goes for a hook kick which is barely ducked by Tolson, who goes low for a spear! Robert gets a knee up, stunning Samantha, and hits a beautiful bridged Northern Lights suplex!
ONE…
TWO…
KICK-OUT!
Shaking her head, trying to clear the cobwebs, Samantha gets to her feet and fights out of a suplex attempt by Robert, booting him in the guts and hitting a DDT. She kips up to her feet after, driving a knee into the stomach of a charging Marino and hitting a snap suplex! She pops her hips, holding on and rising up with Robert still in her grip, hitting two more snap suplexes and floating over on the third for a pin attempt of her own!
ONE…
TWO…
KICK-OUT BY MARINO!
Samantha keeps up the pressure, lifting Marino up and putting him on the turnbuckles, thinking superplex. Feeling danger incoming, Robert lowers a few desperate elbows to the back and shoulders of Sam, trying to slow down the Hardcore Queen of Suplex Nation! But Tolson is relentless and keeps right on rising! It isn’t until Robert gets vulgar, tossing a few headbutts, that Samantha is slowed enough for him to counter out! He flips over her and tries a sunset bomb but Samantha determinedly holds on to the top rope! Punched in the top of the head, Robert lets go of Tolson, but hits the second rope for an enzuigiri-style kick that blasts Tolson in the ribs! With a second springboard, Robert leaps up, grabs Tolson’s head, and drives her down with a springboard neckbreaker! Both hit the mat hard and it takes several moments for Marino to roll over and drape an arm across Sam’s chest!
ONE…
TWO…
THR-NO!
FOOT ON THE ROPES!
Tolson’s ring awareness saves her but Robert is still up first. A release German dumps Tolson on her head but takes plenty out of Marino. Independence Doom (Punt Kick) is loaded up but Samantha evades it! A Nightfall (Katahajime Suplex) follows and Samantha follows up with a variation of her Ode to Mexico (Twisting Somersault Splash) connects in the form of a twisting senton on the prone Marino! She hooks the far leg!
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-NO!
SHOULDER UP!
Marino, however, powers out of the pin! Samantha is showing some wear and tear but keeps up the fight, loading up a pair of Germans, but the hat trick is blocked by Robert! He goes behind Tolson, but his own German is turned into a Victory roll! Tolson quickly breaks out of the pin only for Robert to nail a short-range Independence Doom! Samantha’s eyes roll back in her head and she falls back as Robert pounces for the pin attempt!
ONE…
TWO…
THREE?!
NO! THE SHOULDER IS UP!
Holding up three fingers, Robert is clearly shocked and frustrated at that shot not keeping Tolson down! But he centers himself, nodding and getting back to business. Fatigue is setting in for both but Marino relentlessly tries to finish Tolson off. He whips her into the buckles and follows with a clothesline, but eats a boot to the mush! A second attempt almost ends the same way, but he catches Tolson’s legs and shoves them down, going low with a shoulder thrust! A second one lands just the same and he scoops Tolson up in the same motion, trying a variation of the Oklahoma Stampede! But on the third run at the buckles, Samantha slips down and shoves Robert into the post! Hitting his head on the unforgiving metal, Marino backs out in a daze! He has the wherewithal still to counter out of the Beautiful Oblivion Rendezvous (Cross Rhodes), but Samantha counters the counter, delivering the Victory Drop Alpha (Trapper Keeper Bomb) and getting the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match… SAMANTHA TOLSON!
It looks as though Robert’s shoulder went up, but it was half a moment after the third slap of the mat. He pulls himself up via the ropes, looking frustrated at the outcome. Not toward Samantha or the referee, but himself. Tolson seems to spot this and looks on for a moment before going over and, as Robert had done at the start, offering her hand. Skill recognizing skill, guts recognizing guts. Robert stares at the hand for a moment, then shakes it. The two briefly embrace before Robert leaves the ring, heading to the back with Kaede at his side.
Bernadette Olson: To some people it’s hokey, but I think more matches like this should end that way.
Jacob Frankel: Ya won’t find me arguing! Samantha can be a total hardass; you only need to see her Twitter to know that. But she gives respect when it’s earned. And it damn sure was today.
Bernadette Olson: Smart money says that Blake Mason will have an earful for Robert in the back… in the form of several “I told you so” comments.
Jacob Frankel: Yeah, you’re probably right.
Winner: Samantha Tolson
Result: Pinfall at 16:15 (Victory Drop Alpha)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Best Served Cold
In his backstage office, Aloysius Marcus Vance IV stands by in front of his desk, with Trenton Mitchell standing next to him, thick arms folded. And the boss-man gets right down to business.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Fall of Man showed what HYBRID could do in this new incarnation. And so, on December 28th, we’ll have our second pay-per-view, Best Served Cold, at which every championship will be on the line!
A touch of that wicked smile appears, but AMV keeps his cool.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And stay tuned, folks, because there’ll be more information to come about this event very soon!
With that, the camera cuts away.
MATCH FOUR
Tag Team/One Fall
Bisque Dolls vs. Katie Anderson & Cass Baumer
DING! DING! DING!
The Bisque Dolls rush Baumer and shove Anderson through the ropes onto the apron. The twins then take turns working over Baumer in their corner while Anderson stands in her corner just shaking her head in apparent disgust. The Bisque Dolls hit a rolling double leg slam. Cathryn covers while Kathryn steps out.
ONE!
TWO!
BAUMER KICKS OUT!
The twins keep taking turns until Baumer catches Kathryn for an inside cradle.
ONE!
TWO!
KATHRYN KICKS OUT!
Baumer tries to get away and the Bisque Dolls cut her off causing Anderson to shake her head and scream at her to get it going here. The Dolls work her over until Baumer fights her way free and staggers over to make the tag. Anderson gives Baumer a shove out of the way on her way to knocking both Dolls down with clotheslines. Anderson drills the both again before walking over to Baumer and telling her that’s how you do it. Anderson walks back over and goes for a cover on Cathryn after hitting a double arm ddt.
ONE!
TWO!
KATHRYN BREAKS IT UP!
Anderson gets up and hits a ripcord lariat on Kathryn. She walks over and starts yelling at Baumer who stands up and waves at the Bisque Dolls saying the creepy-looking twins are just good competitors. Anderson waves off the idea and tells Baumer it’s just on her and Baumer slaps Anderson for it. Kathryn runs over and knocks Baumer down while Cathryn gets An angry Anderson in a O’Connor roll.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winners… THE BISQUE DOLLS!
Halfway up the ramp, Cass turns around long enough to see the result of the match, then scoffs and turns to keep on walking. Katie rolls out of the ring, holding her head and catching her breath. She turns in time to see Cass at the top of the ramp, though, and anger overtakes pain as she makes a beeline for Baumer!
Bernadette Olson: And here we go! Katie wants her a piece of Cass for that shot during the match!
Jacob Frankel: You mean the one that happened when Katie couldn’t keep her attitude in check and her mind on business?!
Cass isn’t going anywhere, turning to face the charging Katie… but before they can collide, security swarms out of the backstage area, getting between the two women! Eight well-muscled, rough-looking bruisers form a wall of flesh between Baumer and Anderson, not letting them get at one another with a minimum of contact. And out there with them is the HYBRID CSO, Trenton Mitchell!
Bernadette Olson: No brawl tonight, it looks like! But that ain’t stopping these two from trying!
Jacob Frankel: This needs to be settled before things get really bad! Security can’t be around them every moment! At least the Bisque Dolls seem to be enjoying the view!
That they are, the Sallow Sisters looking on with amused expressions alongside their manager, Charlie Grace. She grabs a microphone from Spirit Montego and prepares to address the crowd as security finally gets Baumer and Anderson backstage!
Winners: The Bisque Dolls
Result: Pinfall at 6:03 (O'Connor Roll)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Message Sent
Charlie Grace climbs the ring steps and enters the ring with her clients, the Bisque Dolls, as their eerie music continues to play. In their hand is a mic. After a moment the music dies down and Charlie raises the mic.
Charlie Grace: Once again the Bisque Dolls show exactly why they are a team to not take lightly. A team that is unified beyond any others. Their bond is deeper than anyone else on this, or any, roster.
The crowd would offer a mixed reaction to Charlie’s little speech.
Charlie Grace: I know you are all thinking that these recent attacks from hooded, black-cloaked figures have been the Dolls. But it has not been. Physical attacks are not their style. That does not mean they were not done in their name,
The crowd gives a negative reaction to that announcement.
Charlie Grace: They were hired by me. They were used to send a message. One that would get through certain thick skulls and be memorable to others. Those are over, for now. But do not think that the Dolls are done. They are only just beginning in HYBRID. They will show everyone here exactly who they are. Why all of you should fear them. I will give credit, at least one of you is smart enough to fear them. Do keep a watchful eye out. You never know what shadows the Dolls will lurk in…
Sallow Twins: Through shadow to the edge of night…
The Dolls sing out the line in a haunting melody. They grin eerily in unison as their music starts back up. All three then leave the ring.
MATCH FIVE
Singles/One Fall
Duke Andrews vs. Aiden Morrow
With both competitors in the ring, Aiden is taking a moment to acknowledge the fans cheering for him when Duke charges over, leaping to the second rope and grabbing Morrow around the waist for a BIG German suplex that tosses Morrow nearly the full length of the ring! The referee is immediately on Duke’s ass for this, but the American Rebel pays it no mind. He just stands and stares at Aiden, who’s trying to figure out where the bus is that landed on him! After a few moments, Zach Young checks on Aiden, asking if he wants to go… to which Aiden demands that the bell be rung! Duke grins evilly as Zach motions for the bell-
DING! DING! DING!
-at which point he rushes Aiden in the corner, throwing body shots and a few headbutts to rock the Aerialist of Tomorrow! Aiden has no answer at first, even taking a Red, White and Blue Combo (AJ Styles Striking Combination) in the process. Duke backs off a few steps and charges in for a big boot but Morrow is able to slip away between the top and middle rope! With Andrews hung up, Aiden desperately throws hard kicks at the calf and hamstring of Duke’s extended leg, then a jumping forearm to the jaw! Duke frees himself, but Aiden is already up top, hitting a blockbuster and floating over into a pin!
ONE…
TW-NO!
KICK-OUT!
Duke shoves Aiden off and gets back to his feet, finding his right leg to be a bit tender! Aiden goes back to forearm shots and shoot-style kicks to the leg before he’s shoved away by a hand to the face! Rebounding off the buckles, Aiden leaps at Duke, delivering a no-bounce tornado DDT to the Top Heel! He follows with a running Shooting Star Press and goes for the pin again!
ONE…
KICK-OUT!
But the powerhouse Andrews still makes it a quick attempt! He bursts up with a clothesline as Aiden charges in, knocking the smaller man for a flip and causing him to nearly land right on his head! Grabbing him around the throat with both hands, Duke chucks Aiden into the corner and stalks after him, albeit slowly, booting him in the guts a few times before blasting him with a headbutt! Aiden tries to chop his way out but Duke shoves him back into the corner and rams a knee into the bread basket! Aiden is perched on the top rope and Duke sets up for something nasty, perhaps a superplex, but Aiden manages to punch his way free! Andrews staggers backwards and Aiden leaps at him but must turn it into a roll as Andrews lunges forward and under the aerial assault! Morrow rushes Duke while his back is turned, but a wicked elbow catches Morrow right in the jaw, seemingly knocking him out! Eddy Todd, the Global Heavyweight Champion, flanked by Mikaela Callaway, comes out onto the stage as Duke moves to pin Aiden, hooking the leg!
ONE…
TWO…
TH-NO!
AIDEN GETS A HAND ON THE ROPES!
Shrugging this off, Duke pulls Aiden up by the hair and shoves him into the ropes, shoulderblocking him down to the mat. Grabbing him by the arm, Duke pulls him up a second time and delivers a short-arm clothesline, then a ripcord elbow before finishing with a Crossroads (Leghook Reverse DDT) and a tight lateral press!
ONE…
TWO…
THREE?!
NO!
THE SHOULDER GOES UP AT SEVEN-EIGHTHS!
Aiden shoves Duke away as he gets to his feet, but the effort is a weak one… enough to make Duke laugh it off. A drop toe hold catches the American Rebel by surprise, though, and Aiden utilizes well a sudden burst of adrenaline, hitting a running dropkick to the back of Duke! Slingshotting over the top rope, Aiden drops a leg across the neck and shoulders of Andrews, following with a running dropkick on the floor to the apron, knocking Duke back into the ring! Aiden, feeling it again, heads up to the top rope for the Blyzzard (Shooting Star Press) but Duke lunges to his feet and hits the ropes, causing Aiden to lose his balance! Though he doesn’t fall, Aiden is staggered and Duke hits that superplex from the top rope, Aiden landing harshly on his back! Eddy Todd makes his way down the ramp at this point, Duke spotting him and talking a little shit as Aiden stirs. Reaching between Duke’s legs, Aiden manages to roll the big man up!
ONE…
TWO…
TH-NO!
KICK-OUT!
The pin attempt stuns more than hurts Andrews, who swipes hard at the tired-out Aiden. Morrow swings up on Duke’s back for a crucifix which Duke promptly powers out of… but Morrow turns it into a hurricanrana driver!
ONE..
TWO…
THR-NO!
SHOULDER UP!
Eddy is smirking on the outside as Aiden dodges a charge, sending Duke into the buckles chest-first and hitting a sit-out jawbreaker! Aiden goes for the No-Fly Zone (Double-Underhook Piledriver) but cannot lift up Duke’s weight! Another sit-out jawbreaker, followed by an enzuigiri, takes Duke down and for a second time Aiden seeks the Blyzzard! Duke rolls towards the ropes and Aiden waits, leaping onto the big man’s shoulders for a headscissors takedown… but Duke puts on the brakes! Grasping Aiden’s legs, Duke swings him so that his head smacks hard into the top turnbuckle before delivering an inverted powerbomb, sending Aiden to the mat chest and face first! He gives Eddy the finger at this point, to which the champion does not react, and locks in the Goodnight Now! (Gogoplata) on Aiden, who passes out rather than tapping out, giving Duke the victory!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match… DUKE ANDREWS!
Bernadette Olson: Duke putting on a dominant display this evening… but let it not be said that Aiden didn’t make the big bastard work for it. That kid’s got some fire in him and then some.
Jacob Frankel: Definitely. Never met a challenge he wouldn’t face head-on. Just look at his match with Eddy Todd at Fall of Man if you don’t believe it!
Duke celebrates his victory rather impressively, booting Aiden out of the ring. Eddy has seen enough, though, and enters the ring himself. Duke has his back to the champion, but tellingly, Eddy does not attack. He waits till Duke turns around and gets eye-to-eye with the American Rebel! Two bad dudes stare one another down in the middle of the ring and the fans are on edge, wanting a fight! Duke points at Aiden on the floor, indicating that he did it better than Eddy and could DO that to Eddy if he chose! Eddy stands stone silent, though, meaningfully looking at his title before looking back at Duke!
Bernadette Olson: Something’s brewing here, Jacob! Duke is owed a receipt for cheap-shotting Eddy two weeks ago!
Jacob Frankel: And Eddy looks ready for a fight!
At that point, Trenton Mitchell comes out on the stage with his security team in tow, but as they reach the bottom of the ramp, the man called Forge holds them back for some reason!
Jacob Frankel: Security is here but… is Forge playing wait-and-see with this situation?!
Bernadette Olson: You know the boss man loves his ratings, Jacob! I’m betting they’re just out here to make sure too much isn’t given away for free!
If Eddy knows security is there, he makes no motion. Duke sees them, but there’s nary a fuck to be found. Impatient, Andrews shoves Eddy, who rebounds off the ropes and retaliates with a big right hand! There’s a brief slug-out in the ring before Duke goes for the eyes! Eddy reels, but seems to be playing possum! He deftly avoids Duke’s KillShot (V-Trigger) and delivers Kingdom Come (Flatliner)! Only at this point, as Eddy is leaving the ring to join Mikaela, does Forge and his security approach. They simply get between the ring and the ramp as the champion heads up it. Duke, sitting up after a moment, rubs his jaw and laughs a little at the wall of humanity between him and Eddy.
Jacob Frankel: Definitely a warning from Eddy Todd! But Duke doesn’t seem to care that much!
Bernadette Olson: A man like Duke isn’t going to show pain or weakness. But he’ll claim that Eddy did just that, I’d wager.
Jacob Frankel: Eddy took his shot and made his point, I say!
Winner: Duke Andrews
Result: Knockout at 18:39 (Goodnight Now!)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Second Chance at a First Impression
We cut backstage to the dressing room of Gigi Nova, where the young rookie is standing with her foot on a chair, her boot laces hanging open. Her long blonde hair falls in a thin veil in front of her face, but despite that, we can still see that she’s biting her lower lip as she begins tightening her laces. Her agent Lorenzo Merrick is standing by as always, looking on.
Lorenzo Merrick: Well, kiddo, how do you feel? Are you ready for tonight?
Gigi continues tightening her laces, but tosses her hair out of the way to look at him, an unsure expression on her face.
Gigi Nova: I was ready the last time; it didn’t stop things from becoming a giant cluster…
Lorenzo pulls up a chair in front of her, flipping it around so that he can straddle it, folding his arms on the back of the chair. Gigi glances at him, arching her eyebrow as if to say “Seriously? Who still does that?”
Lorenzo Merrick: You can’t let that get to you. You just have to push forward and move on to the next thing. But at least you’re not flying blindly into your match this time. You have a better feel for your opponent. And this time, you get to focus on just one person.
Gigi finishes with her laces, turning to the mirror on the wall to give her gear one final once-over before her match. In the mirror, Lorenzo can see that the look of uncertainty is still etched on her face.
Gigi Nova: At least there’s that.
Lorenzo stands up, scraping the feet of the chair against the floor. The sound causes Gigi to grimace for a moment before she reaches toward the hook beside the mirror to grab her ring jacket. She pauses for a moment, then opts to forego the jacket, shaking her head as she puts it back on the hook.
Lorenzo Merrick: You don’t sound that enthusiastic. I would’ve thought you would be a bit more excited about the one-on-one.
She sighs.
Gigi Nova: I think it’s just more that no matter how much I try to put it behind me and move on, I just can’t keep thinking about what happened last time.
Lorenzo shakes his head as he walks up to stand beside her.
Lorenzo Merrick: I’m not going to keep repeating myself, Gigi. Let it go and focus. Do you think that she’s not going to capitalize on the slightest misstep from you if you give her the chance?
Gigi Nova: Well, then...
She adjusts the straps of her top before whipping around to face him. She slaps her hands against her sides, then nods her head and manages a bit of a smile.
Gigi Nova: I’ll just have to make sure she doesn’t get the opportunity, now won’t I?
Lorenzo nods his head.
Lorenzo Merrick: Not the full confidence I was hoping for, but it’s better than nothing. Remember. You got here on your own merits, not because you knew the right people. Just stay focused, and keep looking toward that finish line.
He puts a hand on her shoulder, using his other hand to visualize the proverbial “finish line.” Gigi shoots him a glance, then looks straight ahead.
Gigi Nova: Right… stay focused. In the end, all I want is to find out one way or another which one of us is the better wrestler; me or Jessi.
With everything in place, Gigi begins warming up for her match, bouncing in place as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other.
Lorenzo Merrick: I mean, I know who I’ve got my money on…
Lorenzo’s words leave his face with a smug expression as they both let out a low chuckle. Gigi shakes her head at him, but can’t help but smile.
Gigi Nova: I think you might be a little bit biased, Lorenzo...
Lorenzo shrugs his shoulders.
Lorenzo Merrick: Okay… maybe a little. Now go out there and do the thing!
Gigi stares at him in disbelief at his words, but this quickly fades into a look of appreciation as she nods.
Gigi Nova: You got it. Just one thing before I head out there?
Lorenzo Merrick: What’s that?
Gigi Nova: I never want to hear you say “do the thing” ever again!
Lorenzo bursts into laughter, prompting Gigi to join in.
Lorenzo Merrick: You got it. Felt weird saying that, anyway.
Gigi giggles before heading out through the door. The scene fades out as the door closes behind her.
MATCH SIX
Singles/One Fall
Gigi Nova vs. Jessi Ozborne
DING! DING! DING!
The match is barely underway before Jessi is right up in Gigi’s face, nose to nose with her, talking high levels of trash! To her credit, Gigi works to keep her cool, but a shove backwards makes her pause. She rebounds off the ropes and gets right back in Jessi’s face, that cool exterior starting to crack. Another shove results in a hard slap across Jessi’s face! Recoiling, Jessi comes back with a slap of her own! Those hands soon turn to fists, though, with Gigi and Jessi uncorking on each other ferociously! Twice does referee Kara Tarantino try to get between them and twice she’s brushed off! Gigi ducks a right hand after a fashion and tackles Jessi to the mat, mounting her to deliver a few forearm shots, but nails to the eyes make Gigi recoil and Jessi is able to scramble to her feet! A running kick to the face sends Gigi into the ropes and Jessi takes that opportunity to charge full-force, hitting a crossbody that sends both women through the ropes and to the floor!
Both women land hard, but are up with a quickness! Jessi grabs Gigi by the hair but gets shoved back into the ring steps! Despite the impact, Jessi comes roaring back with a discus elbow, knocking Gigi to her hands and knees! Grabbed by hair and gear, Gigi is thrown into the apron ribs-first, leaving her gasping for air! Kara Tarantino tries to get the two women back in the ring but her pleas fall on deaf ears! Jessi whips Gigi back into the ringside barricade, then sends her into the ring beneath the ropes! The trash talking starts before Jessi is even back in the squared circle herself, grabbing Gigi by the arm and roughly pulling her to her feet! BAE-Blade (Ripcord Spinning Heel Kick) is loaded up but Gigi counters with the Jägerbomb (Sitout Facebuster), bouncing Jessi’s nose off the canvas! It’s back to the mount, with more forearm shots, but Jessi reverses and starts ramming the back of Gigi’s head into the mat! And, once more, the frustrated referee has no luck getting these ladies to play fair!
Gigi fights her way up after a dangerously low knee, sending Jessi into the buckles with a hard Irish whip! After bouncing Jessi’s head off the top pad several times, Ozborne elbows out of the predicament and turns it around on Nova! But it comes back down to the fists, both rolling along the ropes to the next corner! You wouldn’t dare call it a catfight for the weight of these shots, but it’s damn sure not wrestling, either! Kara Tarantino tries one last time to break them up, but after getting physically shoved down by both women, she has had enough and calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has ruled this match a no-contest!
Bernadette Olson: These two are just not gonna take it anymore! Both of them feel like they got something to prove and aren’t gonna let the other get ahead!
Jacob Frankel: Hey, I’m fine with it! It’s too bad the referee wasn’t!
Winner: No Contest
Result: 8:17 (Referee Decision)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
For the Dollars
The Owner and CEO of HYBRID comes out sans his music, Forge following but continuing down to the ring himself to break up Gigi’s and Jessi’s brawl. He’s quickly followed by his security team, but it is indeed Forge that gets between the two women, keeping them apart without putting hands on them. Gigi is frustrated once again but Jessi is positively apoplectic. AMV IV starts approaching ringside, shaking his head.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: An impressive young talent on her way up and a well-trained young superstar… and neither of you has won even two matches into your HYBRID tenure? Something is wrong with this picture.
Finally, with the aid of his men (and women), Forge keeps the two apart. AMV IV still stays outside the ring, though; no sense tempting someone into doing something foolish, right?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And in my opinion, it’s motivation. So here’s what happens now: Gigi Nova, Jessi Ozborne… the two of you are taking Vanguard #8 off. And during that little vacation, I want the two of you to think very hard about how this ends. Because clearly just scrapping in the ring isn’t gonna do it. At Vanguard #9, each of you will face an opponent of the other’s choosing. It can be someone from HYBRID, non-champion of course, or someone from outside the company so long as they’re willing to sign a contract for one night at least. And whoever wins their match the fastest gets to pick how you two throw down at… how about… Best Served Cold?
The fans seem to be into this… and for that matter, so does Gigi and Jessi, who are now hurling threats instead of punches! AMV IV smirks a little in satisfaction.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I figured that would get your attention. So… think on that, okay? Security, see these two ladies backstage and make sure they leave peacefully and separately.
Naturally, they move to do just that, with Forge directing traffic.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Every Time, It Gets Harder
The scene opens on a tight closeup of the Vanguard championship belt. The shot zooms out to reveal the title belt being held by the fiery redhead, Katie Simmons. The shot continues to zoom out to reveal Katie’s Juggernaut husband, the Vanguard Champion, Damian.
Katie Simmons: Hello, fans of HYBRID! My name is…
She smiles an arrogant smile.
Katie Simmons: Who am I kidding? You know who I am, you know who he is! The Juggernaut, The Colossus, the man who obliterated two incredible wrestlers to win this very title like it was no problem at all! The very man who then defended this title against Luke Marshall with very little trouble. This man! Is already the most dominant Vanguard champion in HYBRID.
The faintest of grins crosses Damian’s face.
Katie Simmons: Now I know you all have been DYING to hear from us, and I’m so so sorry!
The Siren gives a cute pout before it breaks down into a giggle.
Katie Simmons: See, we’ve been busy these last few weeks. First it was celebrating my hubby’s big win, then I had some fun at a new dance club, then Damian had to take care of some business with some old friends!
She makes air quotes around the word “friends”.
Katie Simmons: And now we’re here! Just in time for Damian’s next defense against Mr. Clayton Kane! A man who showed a lot of promise at the beginning of the revolution, but has kinda fallen off since then. Isn’t that right, Clayton? I guess some people just fall flat when it comes to big fights. Win with no issue all up until you’re in that championship match. Then you fall flat on your face! Eddy Todd can confirm that, seeing as The Radical has dropped two to that guy!
A vicious laugh burts out of the redhead. It lasts for a few seconds before she regains her composure and continues on.
Katie Simmons: With all due respect to our Global Heavyweight champion, I have to tell you, Mr. Kane, that my Damian won’t be any easier of a challenge than Mr. Todd. This isn’t any sort of rebound for you, some easy victory to make up for your previous losses. But I’m sure you knew that once you saw your name across from Damian’s, right? No, you’re going to have to do something that not one person has done to this day. And that is pin The Colossus or make him submit.
Katie brings the title belt up to her face, exhales, and uses her shirt to rub the plate, leaving it shining.
Katie Simmons: Mr. Kane, You are impressive. I’m not going to lie and say you aren’t. Damian doesn’t take anyone lightly and you’re no exception. Lucky for you, my hubby’s only become more dedicated to his craft of pounding his opponents into the dirt now that he has a title to defend!
She giggles, sounding innocent with just a twinge of sinister.
Katie Simmons: Seeing Damian defending that title so feverishly almost reminds me of when he’d do the same for me at the club we worked at… God save you if you ever tried touching me… And God help you if you ever step up to try and take this baby from him…
Katie steps around her husband, disappearing behind his back. She wraps the belt around his waist and fastens it into place before coming back around and standing on her tiptoes, giving Damian cue to lean down and allow his wife to kiss him on the cheek.
Katie Simmons: So, Mr. Kane, I hope you’re ready for what’s coming tonight. Because in a few short moments, Damian is going to defend his baby as if it were literally keeping him alive! I would do everything I can to get out of this one early. Because if not, he’s going to make you wish you never crawled out of “Access Denied”.
She giggles and gives a small wave.
Katie Simmons: See you out there!
The scene slowly fades, the angry scowl of Damian and the mischievous smile of Katie remaining until the scene goes completely to black.
MAIN EVENT
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Clayton Kane vs. Damian Simmons (C)
DING! DING! DING!
Clayton is immediately in the face, or rather chest, of Damian, who glowers at the Radical as he’s lambasted with a vicious verbal tirade! When there’s no reaction from the Juggernaut, Clayton starts laying into the champ’s broad chest with hard chops, going off his feet a time or two to paste the big man with forearms to the jaw! Backing the champion into the ropes, Clayton seeks to shoot Damian off with an Irish whip but the champ puts on the brakes! Yanked forward, Clayton barely ducks a big clothesline, turning and throwing rabbit punches to the back and kidneys of the champion, trying to wear him down while staying out of reach. A second attempt at an Irish whip connects, sending Simmons into the ropes. A leaping shoulderblock connects, but Clayton is the one knocked back, though he stays on his feet. It must have been like ramming into a wall but Kane is still at it, throwing more chops and forearms as Katie Simmons shouts at her husband from the outside. The blows seem to be having an effect now, as the first couple minutes has seen Clayton bash away at the Vanguard Champion mercilessly! After hitting a big haymaker off the ropes, shockingly one that doesn’t knock Damian down, Clayton backs up onto the second rope and leaps off at Damian… who catches him with a hand around the throat, glaring at him before spiking Clayton into the mat with a Hellfire (Chokeslam)! He goes to a knee and puts one hand across Clayton’s chest!
ONE…
TWO…
KICK-OUT!
The Radical forces the hand away and rolls aside, trying to get up before Damian pursues. But the monster stays right where he is, watching as Clayton gets up and prepares another attack. Clayton charges, evading a big boot by sliding between the legs of Simmons, coming up behind him and rebounding off the ropes to deliver a jumping knee to the spine of the Juggernaut! Damian stumbles forward a step or two, and a second shot has him knocked into the ropes, draped over the top strand! Katie is on that side of the ring, exhorting her champion to snap out of it. Clayton yells at her to get out of the way as he runs at Damian, but the Juggernaut turns and again scoops up his onrushing attacker, delivering a Royal Flush (Thrust Spinebuster) that visibly knocks the wind out of Kane! Damian stomps over and puts a foot on Kane’s chest…
ONE…
TW-NO!
KICK-OUT!
…but the Radical isn’t having that! He grabs the leg and tries to wrench on it and the ankle, wanting to bring the big man off his feet! Damian staggers, stumbles… but grabs the ropes to keep himself vertical! He kicks away Clayton but has to be careful putting weight on the leg for a few moments. Clayton sees the opening and goes for some kicks on that same leg, then a chop block! Damian is down to a knee and Clayton charges again, hitting a beautiful running swinging DDT and going for the pin!
ONE…
KICK-OUT WITH AUTHORITY!
For the first time, Clayton looks shocked! But, as he’s nearly thrown to his feet, he’s able to come right back at Damian, lowering some hard kicks to the ribs and a few stiff shots to the head. Yet Damian inexorably makes the rise to his feet! Clayton taunts Katie into getting on the apron, which draws the ire of Senior Official Butch Grant! While he goes over to deal with Katie, Clayton hits not one, but TWO low blows to the Colossus! Katie’s frustration is paramount as she tries to point this out as Damian is in dire straits! With Butch occupied, Clayton taunts Damian before lining him up for the Gearlock (Sleeper Choke)! But before Clayton can get hold of the massive champion, Noah Ortega vaults the railing and slides into the ring. Clayton, unaware that the man is there, is blasted in the back of the head with Lost Hope (Springboard Roundhouse Kick) by Ortega, who just as smoothly slides out of the ring undetected! Clayton, knocked into Damian, is out on his feet and Katie, seeing this, drops down to the floor while keeping a steady eye on Ortega! Noah leaps over the railing again as Damian turns, furious at the double-infraction, delivers a triple-Skyfall (JBL Bomb) on Kane, folding him up for a pin!
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… and STILL the Vanguard Champion… DAMIAN SIMMONS!
Slipping back into the crowd unseen, Noah Ortega makes his departure, though he stops on the steps of the grandstand, turning to look back down at the ring. Clayton Kane is coming around and it doesn’t take him long to spot Ortega. Putting two and two together, the Radical gets up to his feet and heads over the guardrail to give chase, but Ortega quickly disappears into the throngs of fans!
Bernadette Olson: Noah Ortega letting Clayton Kane know that what went down at Fall of Man is not forgotten!
Jacob Frankel: A fight between these two could get damn ugly! But only once Noah finishes playing his mind games!
Meanwhile, in the ring, Katie is handing over the Vanguard Championship to her Juggernaut, who holds it up high with a violent glower on his face. Katie, on the other hand, looks pleased as punch with the result, either not knowing or not caring about the interference from Noah Ortega!
Bernadette Olson: And still this massive bruiser dominates everyone he gets into the ring with! There might not be anyone in HYBRID who can stop him!
Jacob Frankel: And if that’s truly the case, look out everyone! But that’s all the time we have for Vanguard! We’ll see you again in two weeks!
Winner: Damian Simmons
Result: Pinfall at 11:12 (Skyfall)
