Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Nov 9, 2022 1:24:36 GMT -6
Episode #8: Fight for the Right
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
Calling on an Old Friend
We fade in on the interior of a bar, the dance floor of which is packed with humanity as they all face the stage. A DJ is positioned to the far left of the stage, playing music as Gigi Nova can be seen on the stage with a microphone in hand and several blue beaded necklaces hanging from her neck. On the twin screens behind her, we see the lyrics to No Doubt’s “Just a Girl” scroll as Gigi is belting out the vocals to the delight of the crowd.
♪Oh I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
Oh I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum there's no comparison
Oh, I've had it up to!
Oh, I've had it up to!!
Oh, I've had it up to here ♪
What I've become is so burdensome
Oh I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum there's no comparison
Oh, I've had it up to!
Oh, I've had it up to!!
Oh, I've had it up to here ♪
As the song ends, Gigi takes a moment to soak up the cheers from the crowd, then offers a deep bow. As she stands back up, she acknowledges the HYBRID camera crew and gestures for one of the cameramen to approach the stage.
Gigi Nova: Welcome, everyone to my home away from home, where instead of slinging fists, I sling drinks...
From the other side of the dance floor, a single female voice interrupts...
Voice in the Crowd: Best damn drinks in Atlanta!
Gigi lowers her head, blushing, as a smile forms on her face. She looks back out toward the source of the voice, points in acknowledgment, then continues.
Gigi Nova: I don’t have THAT big of an ego, but I won’t turn down the compliment, so thanks for that! But as I was saying, I’d like to welcome all the HYBRID fans – whether they’re watching from the arena or from the comfort of their living rooms – to The Bar With No Name! And yes, that’s LITERALLY what it’s called. The only time I ask questions is when I think you’ve had a little too much to drink.
The crowd laughs.
Gigi Nova: Why am I here and not at the arena? Well, because Mr. Vance decided Jessi Ozborne and I needed some time to cool off after what happened the last time we were in the same ring.
The cheers turn to a chorus of boos as Gigi holds out her hands in an effort to get the audience to chill out.
Gigi Nova: Now, I’ll admit that things got a little carried away, but rather than pitch a fit, I’ve decided to make the most of my time off and pull an extra shift here. After all, it beats sitting at home, am I right?
More cheers erupt as Gigi holds out the microphone in their direction, an enthusiastic smile plastered on her face.
Gigi Nova: But here’s where things get interesting, folks. The boss over at HYBRID has decided that at the next show, we get to pick the other’s opponent, and whomever has the best time gets to pick the stipulation for our showdown at Best Served Cold.
She pauses as another wave of cheers echo throughout the bar.
Gigi Nova: And that’s fine with me, because as we all know, drinks are always better when they’re cold! But getting back to the business at hand, I’d been thinking of who I would pick to stand for me against Jessi...
Her eyes narrow as she scans the crowd, a tight-lipped smirk on her face.
Gigi Nova: But then I realized just how much – or rather how LITTLE – I actually talk to any of the other wrestlers I work with. Which brings me to ask myself: who on earth could I possibly trust enough to take Jessi on in my name?
The people in the audience begin talking over each other, with several voices calling out phrases such as “I’ll do it!” or “Pick me, Gigi!” Gigi scans the room, but then locks eyes on one person in particular.
Gigi Nova: I appreciate the offers, folks, but don’t get ahead of me. You see, when you’re as green – yeah, I said it – as I am, you don’t have a lot of friends in the business. I haven’t had the time to develop the camaraderie that some of the others get to enjoy. So I have to go back to a time when I actually DID have people I could trust. And after a few phone calls, I finally found just the right girl for the job...
She points out in the direction of the voice from earlier as a spotlight takes aim on a hooded figure sitting at a table.
Gigi Nova: Come on up, my friend!
The figure makes a path through the crowd, slowly making their way to the stage. Eventually, the figure makes it up to the stage, standing beside Gigi. The loose-fitting clothing conceals the figure’s build, but the long blonde hair spilling from beneath the hoodie – as well as the bright red lipstick – indicates that the figure standing beside Gigi is a woman. Gigi drapes an arm over the woman’s shoulder and smiles.
Gigi Nova: This lady and I go back to when I first started training. We lost contact for a while, but when I found out she was practically my next door neighbor, I knew I had to get in touch, if for nothing else but to catch up and talk about old times! Thankfully, her schedule was free, so she decided to help an old friend out. So the time has come to peel back the hoodie and show the world who’ll be stepping into the ring with Jessi Ozborne. Say hello to my old friend, Marnie McPherren.
The woman throws back the hoodie and lets a wave of platinum blonde locks spill over her shoulders. A piercing pair of brown eyes scan the crowd, then the woman turns toward Gigi, gesturing for the microphone.
Marnie McPherren: When I heard about Gigi’s little predicament, I knew I had to step up and throw my hat into the ring. And I’m more than happy to do it. I’ve been watching, and this whole thing has gotten out of control!
The crowd roars in agreement as Gigi nods her head.
Marnie McPherren: Well, that bullshit is about to come to an end, and I’m happy to have a hand in how this plays out.
Marnie McPherren: Now Jessi, I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, but I’ve seen what you’re capable of. I’m confident enough in my own abilities to be able to go toe-to-toe with you, so when we meet up, you’d best be ready to throw down.I know I will!
Marnie hands the microphone back to Gigi, moving aside so that Gigi can once again take center stage.
Gigi Nova: It may be a while before you and I can settle this mess, Jessi, but one way or another, I WILL close this chapter and finally be able to move forward. I’ll – scratch that – WE...
She gestures toward Marnie, nodding her head, a gesture that Marnie returns.
Gigi Nova: We’ll see you soon! Now who wants some of these shot glass necklaces!?
The scene begins to fade out as Gigi pulls the strands of blue beaded necklaces from around her neck, tossing them out into the crowd’s outstretched hands.
MATCH ONE
Singles/One Fall
Cass Baumer vs. Luke Marshall
DING! DING! DING!
Cass comes in looking focused, taking it right to Luke Marshall though without the fury that one would expect. Instead, she systematically takes him down one shot a time, laying in chops, forearms and kicks while pushing through Luke’s physical retorts. A Bleeding Edge (Instep Drive Penalty Kick) strikes flush and seems to damage Luke considerably from the way he holds his jaw. Referee Kara Tarantino asks if he wants to keep fighting and gets brushed off. Cass, locked in on her opponent, avoids a charge by hitting a drop toe hold to send Luke throat-first over the bottom rope. A running dropkick, finished by Cass sliding through the ropes to land on her feet outside the ring, further puts Luke in trouble, with a superkick exacerbating things considerably. Back in the ring, Cass puts the match to bed with the Fact Check (Somersault Reverse DDT), getting the one-two-three in short order.
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winner of the match… CASS BAUMER!
She gets her arm raised, does Cass, but she wastes no time showboating, instead leaving the ring and heading backstage.
Bernadette Olson: An all-business, no-distractions Cass Baumer puts Luke Marshall down hard tonight, folks. This is just a taste of what she can do when she’s all-in on her business.
Jacob Frankel: Looks like Marshall is hurt pretty bad, too, though I don’t think that was intentional on Cass’s part. Still, referee’s calling for the trainers to come down…
Winner: Cass Baumer
Result: Pinfall at 3:37 (Fact Check)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Proper Concern from an Unlikely Source
Cameras cut to the office of Aloysius Marcus Vance IV, looking his dapper best while sitting behind his desk, with the massive Trenton “Forge” Mitchell ever at his side. Sitting across from the boss-man is the former Vanguard Champion, Katie Anderson, looking more than a little irritated at the situation. We cannot hear yet what is being said, but based on Katie’s body language and the serious expression AMV is wearing, we can assume that not all is well.
Bernadette Olson: Welcome back to the show, fans. If you’re just tuning in, things have already started hot tonight and it doesn’t look like they’ll calm down any time soon.
Jacob Frankel: For the moment I’m more interested in what’s going on here. Katie made some pretty heated comments on social media over the last few weeks and now, well…
Bernadette Olson: ...now she’s been called into the principal’s office, so to speak.
Microphones cut on as the cameras get a little closer, giving us insight into what exactly is being said.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: ...need to realize that while I understand the thrust of the comments, it doesn’t change the fact that they were uncalled for. We have standards here, Katie. You know that.
Katie Anderson: Look, can we just get to the point? I have a match to get ready for.
Which is true, but the tone Katie puts on is unsettling. Trenton seems mostly detached until Katie snaps off like that. Aloysius can sense this and gestures slightly with one hand, which oddly enough seems to have Trenton calm again. For the moment.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I don’t appreciate the tone, but you’re right. However, before you go…
A business card from all appearances is taken from within AMV’s desk and slid along the table towards Katie. She stares at it, incredulous… and that attitude becomes more so when she reads what’s on said card. We cannot see it from this angle, but the effect is instant and intense.
Katie Anderson: Are you fucking serious?!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Consider it. If you take some time to calm down and think it over, I think you’ll see that this is the best idea. We want the best you have here, Katie… the same attitude and fire that made you the first-ever Vanguard champion. Unlike some companies out there, I give a damn about the people who work for me. So while it might piss you off, maybe that’s a good thing. Finish off what you have to do tonight, then go talk it over with your wife or whoever. I’m willing to bet that they’ll tell you the same.
She looks ready to lash out again, her fingers prepared to crush the card… but after taking a slow breath, Katie irritably acquiesces to at least taking the card, stuffing it in her pocket.
Katie Anderson: Fine. No promises. though.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Of course. Good luck tonight.
Katie rises and departs without a word, leaving AMV to lean back in his chair and breathe out something resembling a sigh of relief. Trenton simply rolls his eyes and takes out his phone, making a call as the cameras cut back to the announce table.
Jacob Frankel: Is it just me, or is it weird having someone like Mr. Vance saying they care about something or someone?
Bernadette Olson: Did you really just say that on the air, Jacob?!
Quickly holding up his hands in a gesture of peace, the young commentator tries to explain himself.
Jacob Frankel: I’m just saying! Most people say that and they don’t believe a word of it! But it’s like… I wanna believe this guy!
Bernadette Olson: Phrasing, kid. But I see your point. The only way to know for sure is to watch and listen, I guess. But seriously… no more threatening heart attacks tonight, all right? My doctor is already pissed about my blood pressure…
Cameras cut away as the next match is about to start…
MATCH TWO
Singles/One Fall
Tyler Matthews vs. Darcy Graves
DING! DING! DING!
Things start off violently, with Darcy immediately drawing referee Zach Young’s ire by striking Tyler in the throat, then blatantly going for the eyes. She grinds him down to the mat with some effort, putting on a blatant choke and even fish-hooking him as the official counts. Only at four-and-a-half does she relent, Ciaran on the outside boosting her up as she blasts Tyler in the temple with a running knee, getting an early two-count as a result. Tyler makes a brief comeback, catching Darcy mid-charge and shoving her to the mat with a spinebuster, but he’s slow to go for the cover and Darcy pulls him into an inside cradle for two, turning it into another choke, this time of the rear naked variety, after he kicks out. Tyler gets a leg over the bottom rope in response but, once again, Darcy hangs on till nearly getting disqualified.
Zach is on Darcy’s case again, drawing Ciaran’s ire though Darcy outright ignores it. She goes after Tyler again despite getting warned back. Tyler springs up, though, and grabs her around the throat before chucking her into the buckles! A running clothesline adds more pain and a big biel sends Graves sailing across the ring! She lands hard but still has the wherewithal to get out of the way of Tyler’s charge! He stops himself, but Darcy grabs him before he can properly react, delivering a forward STO that smashes Tyler’s head against the bottom buckle! From there, is the Grave Vice Cross (Anaconda Cross Lock) to draw the submission and the win!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… DARCY GRAVES!
Darcy shoves Tyler out of the ring beneath the ropes, ready to go after him before Ciaran’s for-once calming influence gets her to think again. She doesn’t allow her arm to be raised, though, bailing from the ring along with Ciaran and heading backstage.
Bernadette Olson: She doesn’t get paid by the hour, does she?
Jacob Frankel: That was straight-up decimation. And I’d say that it was a message to Mikaela Callaway as well…
Winner: Darcy Graves
Result: Submission at 4:41 (Grace Vice Cross)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Denial is Unwelcome
The scene cuts backstage. The challenger for the Vanguard Championship, Blake Mason, is standing in the section of the arena where all the interviews are conducted. There is no interviewer in sight. Only him. He gazes with purpose into the camera. No smile is cracked. The man is purely business. He clears his throat before he ultimately speaks.
Blake Mason: “To be frank I wasn’t expecting this opportunity. To a lot of you out there, I am some guy who has only won one match against a certified ham-and-egger. Not exactly the esteemed resume required to challenge for the Vanguard Championship. Hell. I am along the lines of agreeing with you, my win-loss record in Hybrid is nothing to brag about. However, by becoming the Vanguard Champion I have the chance to turn my fortunes around. Make all of you forget that I have one win to my name. By beating a seven foot tall beast of a man, you’d have to put some respect on my name. That includes you as well, Robert.”
Blake scoffs.
Blake Mason: “I felt completely disrespected. Who are you to deny me? I don’t see any of the other veterans backstage in our very locker room extending their hand to guide you to the promised land. You are young. Naturally there are areas of this sport you don’t know yet. I was younger and naive too. Believe me, I understand. Every young person believes their path is the way, take it from me, the path you are on leads to ruin. One way or another you’ll come to grips with the reality that my advice will save you years of frustration. Why go about things the hard way when there is a man here on the roster who is willing to show you... the way!”
Blake pauses, allowing what he just said to marinate to the people watching him speak.
Blake Mason: “Robert... I cordially invite you to the ring tonight. Bring a notebook. A fountain pen. A pencil. Hell, bring a tablet for all I care, as long as you sit under the learning tree, watching for yourself how a man as esteemed as me becomes champion. Our current champion is tall and looks unstoppable. As I said on Twitter, work smarter, not harder. I expect you at ringside, Rob. Thanks for coming to my coronation as Hybrid’s new.... Van. Guard. Champion.”
Blake flashes a supremely confident smile as the scene fades to black.
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
You Are Not Worthy!
“Bad Bitch” by Bebe Rexha hits over the public address system as the fans boo loudly as the lights dim and a lone spotlight forms over the entrance ramp. As coming out from the back is Simple Simon, Summer, and Princess Honey Rydel first, followed by the Ironheart champion and “Queen” of HYBRID herself, Bianca Davis. She has a massive smirk as the boos get even louder. She stands in the center of the entrance ramp, raising her arms proudly along with her scepter as the vicious Queen soon makes her way down the ring, soaking in the negative reaction, taking the time to taunt the fans as she stays away from their outstretched hands. She is flanked by her entourage, who all proclaim her virtue as she makes her way toward the ring.
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: IOnce again…We are joined by this b…
Bernadette Olson: Calm down, we are professional; though I get it. I don’t like this or her at all.
Jacob Frankel: Well, she just drives me crazy, especially after the last show!
First, Summer and Simon hold the ropes as Princess Honey Rydel climbs up the steel steps and enters the ring, and soon following her is the arrogant Queen, who enters the ring, raising her arms high in the air, soaking in the boos from the fans. She then takes her belt from around her waist and raises it smugly high before placing it on her shoulder as Simon procures her a golden rhinestone microphone. She holds it in her hand as elegantly as she did last show. As the music cuts and the boos overtake the arena, The Queen soon blesses the fans with her voice.
Queen Bianca Davis: Once again, I am here gracing you ungrateful peasants with my presence, and once again, I am treated with disrespect after the last Iron Heart Challenge, in which I successfully defended my championship in a hard-fought contest and my opponent bent the knee as they should.
The boos only get louder, as Bianca says smugly.
Queen Bianca Davis: Shut up, all of you; your Queen is speaking, and when your Queen speaks, you will listen. Now, this whole week I was looking up and down as a Royal Iron Heart Championship challenge was set to take place here tonight, and trust me, and there are so few who deserve a title match with me. I am genuinely the Iron Heart of this company and the unsung hero!
The boos get even louder as Summer, Simon, and The Princess claps loudly for The Queen. The haughty Malibu native soon begins to speak in the same arrogant accented tone over the boos.
Queen Bianca Davis: Time and time again, I have proven myself, and all I get is disrespect, and quite frankly, I have decided that there is only so much I can give as your Queen and Monarch of HYBRID.
The Queen pauses before placing the microphone to her lips as she says.
Queen Bianca Davis: I have decided that tonight none of you are worthy of an Iron Heart Royal Challenge! Not a single one of you. But I have given you the greatest gift of all here tonight; that is a moment to worship me!
Bianca poses smugly as Simon and Honey Rydel proclaim the virtue of the Queen.
Princess Honey Rydel: All hail QUEEN BIANCA!
Simple Simon: Worship your majesty and our Queen right now! All Hail The Queen of HYBRID!
The fans, of course, refuse and boo even louder, which causes a look of disgust to appear on the face of Queen Bianca Davis. Who then places a microphone up to her lips as she says in a demanding voice.
Queen Bianca Davis: Now, you may all do a one simple little thing BEND THE KNEE!
Soon Bad Bitch by Bebe Rexha hits over the public address system as The Queen gives Simple Simon back her microphone. She poses proudly in the center of the ring with her Ironheart Championship, as the fans boo loudly as the scene ends with the focus on the smug Ironheart Champion.
MATCH THREE
Tag Team/One Fall
2 Broke Chicks & Natural Resources vs. Alessandra Diaz, Ilda Matsuda & First Class
DING! DING! DING!
Things start hard and fast with 2BC and Natural Resources hitting the ring like a hurricane. Immediately, GoGo and Rain take out First Class, sending them to the floor with dropkicks and hitting stereo dives to flatten them in front of the announce table. Meanwhile, Jane and Chi Chi tangle with Alessandra and Ilda respectively, Chi Chi’s manic attack putting the well-trained Ilda on defense almost immediately, while Jane’s controlled fury has Alessandra all but cowering against the turnbuckles! Chi Chi and Jane try to whip the two into one another, but Matsuda ducks Alessandra’s approach and hits a front dropkick to send Jane into the buckles hard! Alessandra goes for a crossbody but Chi Chi catches her and the momentum takes them to the outside! GoGo and Rain are keeping the pressure on First Class, Rain holding them both by the neck as GoGo runs up the steps and along the apron for a corkscrew crossbody, sending both to the mat (and almost Rain, too, before she dodges aside last moment)!
Chi Chi and Alessandra land hard, taking them out of the fight briefly. Zach Young isn’t even trying to take control of this, mostly letting all eight ladies hammer it out! Ilda goes for the eyes, then chops the throat of Jane, trying to create some distance. The Snake Bite (Rear Naked Choke) goes on after a charge by Jane eats buckles, but Jane slams her back-first into the buckles a few times, loosening Ilda’s grip enough to hit a hair-mare, snapping Ilda to the mat. Chi Chi rolls in at this point, or tries to, but Alessandra pulls her back out! Chi Chi is sent into the steps, then the announce table, and a frustrated Alessandra grabs a chair to put a stamp on her felonious assault! But before she can take a swing, Natural Resources drops her with Rushing Waters (Fall of Man), allowing Chi Chi to get back into the ring! Ilda, wanting Uzaino no Shine (Kinshasa) gets waylaid by the returning Chi Chi, and from there it’s Gas Money (Meltzer Driver) to put Matsuda down for the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners… the team of NATURAL RESOURCES AND 2 BROKE CHICKS!
With their opponents sent scrambling, Jane goes to the ropes and demands the microphone from Spirit, who hands it over willingly. Marching back to the middle of the ring, it’s clear that the Broke Chick has something to say. Joined by Chi Chi, GoGo and Rain, it seems that this is a collective message!
Bernadette Olson: These young ladies have something to say, and I bet I know what it’s about.
Jacob Frankel: Especially after that little bombshell last time! Let’s hear it!
Winner: 2 Broke Chicks & Natural Resources
Result: Pinfall at 8:29 (Gas Money)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
No Fair Warning
Cutting off their own theme…
Jane Harper: Yo, Bisque Dolls! You done got our attention so now it’s ‘bout time y’all paid us some. So shut up and listen up!
…Jane Harper gets right down to business. Chi Chi is right there behind her, pacing back and forth while never taking her eyes off the camera, while GoGo and Rain flank the Broke Chicks, clearly keeping their eyes open for another sneak attack!
Jane Harper: Ain’t no one gonna say this business is clean, but where we’re from?
She indicates her friends and partner, all of whom nod firmly and enthusiastically, Chi Chi snarling at the camera a little as she pounds her palm with her fist, ready for another fight.
Jane Harper: That kinda shit you been pullin’? It don’t wash! If y’all wanted a fight, all you had to do was ask. Now? There ain’t no askin’. Now we’re gonna light those narrow asses up! And for that matter, you can even bring your punk friends along and we’ll stomp the hell outta THEM, too!
The fans are definitely all over this idea, and Jane eggs them on heartily. Chi Chi is in no mood or state to talk, so Jane hands the mic off to Rain, who steps forward while Harper works on trying to center her agitated partner.
Rain: We’re all about having a good time, in and out of the ring. But there’s a point where even good girls like us got limits. What you Sallows been doing the last few shows? It’s not cool. Jane’s got it right on the money: where we come from, it’s ground for a butt-whippin’.
Even GoGo is less than sparkly about the matter, and it surprises even her partner when she asks for the microphone.
GoGo: We could’ve been friends. But now? I’m sorry to say that we gotta get a little mean. It’s just how we were brought up.
Simple and to the point. GoGo hands the stick off to Jane to finish the message.
Jane Harper: So here’s how it goes, Bisque Dolls: you got two choices. Either you scare up your thugs and meet us in the ring, four-on-four, and we can settle this like ladies and whatever the hell y’all are?
All of a sudden, Chi Chi snatches the mic!
Chi Chi Sanada: Or we MAKE YOU!
Throwing down the stick, inciting a bit of static, Chi Chi has to be held back a bit by Jane as “Run It Up” starts to play again. Harper manages to chill her partner out at least enough to get her out of the ring and head backstage, flanked by GoGo and Rain. Cameras cut to the announce table immediately after.
Jacob Frankel: Sounds like the Bisque Dolls done kicked a hornet’s nest and got themselves into a heap of trouble!
Bernadette Olson: They knew what they were doing, Jacob. Don’t doubt that for a moment. Question is… what are they going to do in response?
Jacob Frankel: Whatever it is, I’m betting that the Broke Chicks and Natural Resources are gonna be ready!
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
We Enjoy Watching You Fail
The scene opens on a dimly lit dance club, a woman with long black hair is on stage, dancing for a moderate crowd of excited and clearly inebriated men, some of whom are tossing bills onto the stage for her to collect.
After about a minute of this, the music comes to an end and the woman ceases her dancing, getting on her hands and knees to collect the money at her feet. It’s at this moment an especially drunk man hops up on stage and begins moving towards the dancer, holding his arms out to try and get ahold of her. He doesn’t get far, however, before a giant of a man, also with long black hair, cuts him off and runs into him at full force with a headbutt. The drunk falls to the ground, clearly already out. The guard grabs the drunk by his shirt, carrying him by his collar, lifting him into the air, and tossing him off the stage in the direction of a table.
The man stops in mid air as a pause symbol appears in the middle of the screen, stopping the whole scene. It’s here that the voice of Katie Simmons can be heard.
Katie Simmons: Whoa! Did you see that? That guy got some distance! Sorry, I can’t show what happens next. Legality and all that lame ass stuff. Aww look at me!
An orange circle is drawn around the dancer, who wears a sinister smile while she watches the drunk get tossed like a stone by the giant security guard.
Katie Simmons: I was such a good dancer. I miss those days. Don’t really miss the hair, though. The orange is such an improvement. Where was I? Oh! Right! I figured I’d take you down memory lane and show you what Damian and I did before this whole wrestling thing started. As you can see, I was always drawing attention and Damian was always throwing fools around for his own amusement. We haven’t really changed much. But when how we are makes us more than enough money to live like royalty, why should we have to? We’re perfect as is! Y’know what? Screw it. Watch!
The video resumes playing, allowing the airborn man to finish his flight, flying through the table, instantly shattering it, covering the man and the immediate area in beer and food. Damian steps off the stage and over to the man, pulling him up in a headlock, and walking him towards the exit, ramming his head hard into the door before opening it and roughly tossing the man out.
Katie Simmons: Ooooo! Ouch Town, population you, bro!
After a short bout of giggling, Katie finally gets back on track.
Katie Simmons: Look, what I’m getting at here is that Damian has always been what some people would call “aggressive”. It’s not some heightened character quirk or whatever. This has always been him. His top priority is defending the things he loves, be it me or his Vanguard title. Fuck with me or that title and nobody will be able to stop my dear husband. But don’t take that as me trying to stop you. Please, shoot your shot and see what happens! You’ll definitely regret it, but I’ll love it! If you think you can do what everyone else has failed to do, I want you to try! But yeah, only because I want to see you fail.
…
Katie Simmons: Oh! I mean… Um… Something about hard work and the next man up and… all that blindly optimistic stuff that failures use to inspire each other. Keep doing that. It’s more fun when you realize that none of it is true! I mean… it’s all true, Mr. Kane. Please do say all of these things. Keep working hard and keep trying against Damian. Over and over. Until you can’t stand anymore. Certainly not just to amuse me. That’s for absolute sure. You can’t see me right now but I assure you I am not winking suggestively. Nor am I visibly nodding my head “yes”.
A short length of silence fills the air before Katie concludes.
Katie Simmons: Anyway… *ahem* Hey! Let’s watch Damian deck that poor bastard again!
The video rewinds to the point of the initial confrontation and plays again. Damian headbutts the drunk, only for the video to rewind and play that moment again. This repeats over and over, the video bringing Katie to a point of uncontrollable laughter until the scene fades to black.
MATCH FOUR
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Blake Mason vs. Damian Simmons (C)
DING! DING! DING!
As soon as the bell rings, Blake Mason leaves the ring. Damian Simmons lifts a brow in question, then moves to go after Mason, though Senior Referee Butch Ward keeps him from doing so, much to Katie’s chagrin. On the outside, Blake is reading Robert Marino, who seconded him to the ring, the Riot Act, in no small terms telling the young man that he should be watching very closely what happens. Damian circumvents the referee after a bit and reaches over the ropes, grabbing Blake by the head and literally lifting him up onto the apron, showing off his ungodly strength. Blake, still held by the hair, grabs Damian by the head and drops down, snapping the champion’s neck over the top rope. This buys him time to get back into the ring and chop block Damian, dropping him to a knee after a second hit and allowing Blake to hit a kneeling DDT for a one-count. Damian all but throws Mason off, but the veteran uses that momentum to land on his feet, delivering a running kick to the side of Damian’s head. Shrugging it off, Damian is back on his feet, swinging furiously at Blake who manages to avoid most of the shots. He’s still backed into a corner, though, and Simmons charges only to go chest-first into the buckles. Blake steps up onto the second rope and grabs the back of Damian’s head again, this time for a modified hangman’s neckbreaker, this time earning a very fast two-count before an angry champion forces his way out of the pin attempt.
Robert looks on from the outside, truly paying attention. Blake glances back to make sure of this, but turns right into the massive arm of Damian as he’s hoisted up for a throw-style uranage, driving Blake to the mat harshly. He rolls out of the ring again, but this time Damian is able to follow, stepping over the ropes before dropping down to the floor. Blake stays on the other side of Robert, making the young man an unwilling meat shield. Damian, however, doesn’t take the bait and simply walks around Robert. However Blake is already getting back into the ring and a baseball slide keeps Damian from following. Still, that only pisses the champion off. He forces his way back into the ring, goozling Blake from over the top rope before stepping over it and back into the ring… only for Blake to kick the ropes and put the champion in discomfort! A second such move draws the referee’s ire but Blake isn’t bothered by that. He brings Damian into the ring and delivers a jumping single-knee facebreaker, stunning the big man. Mason’s Ambition (Three Corner Knees into a Running Bulldog) but only gets two. Keeping his cool, Blake is able to hit a Declaration of Intent (Rope-Hung DDT) as well, but still only manages two… even though the counts get a bit longer each time.
Going for the eyes after Damian makes a comeback, clobbering Blake with heavy forearm shots and a nasty-looking kneelift, Blake tries to get a breather. However, Damian literally grabs Blake by the ear to pull him back between the ropes, nailing a belly-to-belly overhead suplex that throws Mason almost the full length of the ring. Damian is starting to feel it now, and surprisingly some of the fans are getting behind him as well, which is new to the champion. A running facewash in the corner leaves Blake discombobulated, but a second ends with Blake hanging Damian up on the ropes again! This gets under Katie’s skin and she gets up on the apron to tell Mason about it! Blake backs off, bringing Damian with him as he points out Katie’s “interference” in the match! Butch reads Katie her rights, agitating the young lady and prolonging the distraction! Blake points at Robert and demands that he step in for the assist! Marino is resistant to this but after a lot of prodding, and perhaps some insults, Robert finally relents and gets up on the ropes, intending to sail off at Damian as Blake holds him. He heads off the top for a spinning heel kick, but Damian wrenches away and Marino nails Blake instead! Sliding out of the ring quickly, Robert curses to himself as Katie, seeing what happened, drops down to the floor again! Blake is stunned and Damian, taking advantage, delivers the Skyfall (JBL Bomb) for the one-two-three, retaining the championship!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… and STILL the Vanguard Champion… DAMIAN SIMMONS!
The big man is angry, wanting to go after Blake as he rolls out of the ring, but Katie calms him down somehow. She hands over the title and Damian’s arm is raised. Meanwhile, on the outside, Blake is furious at Robert who, after taking the verbal lashing, shoves Blake to the floor and walks off!
Bernadette Olson: Looks like Marino has had enough of Blake’s “advice”!
Jacob Frankel: He didn’t want to interfere in the first place, but Mason forced the issue! The shame of it is that Blake almost had the match won on his own!
Bernadette Olson: It was a rare moment of Damian Simmons looking vulnerable, but I think Blake’s ego got the best of him here!
Winner: Damian Simmons (Still Champion)
Result: Pinfall at 10:01 (Skyfall)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
The Best is on Tap
Backstage at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Jonna Austin, and Lluvia Cane, along with Harper Lee, were standing together. The Frontline was set for main event action later in the evening. The only problem with that? They didn’t have a partner to round out the trio that they needed to have.
Harper Lee: If y’all would have let me, I would have helped find someone for tonight!
Jonna Austin: You didn’t need extra on your plate with just coming back.
Lluvia looked between her two friends and rubbed her eyes for a second. Jonna had been very iffy about Harper even being there that evening, but Harper felt like she was ready to get back to work, something the Cherokee Rose wouldn’t argue with her on.
Lluvia Cane: Look, y’all can argue about that later. The fact of the matter is that we are without a partner for tonight. We need to find someone.
Before any of the ladies could say anything else, they heard someone clearing their throat from behind them. They were surprised to see Eddy Todd standing there, the Global Heavyweight championship draped across his shoulder. He looked at the group for a second, not saying anything at first.
Eddy Todd: Don’t worry about it, ladies. You’ve got a partner for tonight.
Eddy nodded at the group before he walked off, and Lluvia and Harper high-fived while Jonna looked a little more at ease for the main event later in the evening.
MATCH FIVE
Singles/One Fall
Mikaela Callway vs. Katie Anderson
DING! DING! DING!
The chip on Katie’s shoulder is monstrous, and she barely waits for the first toll of the bell to rush Mikaela, who meets her head on with the two women locking up tight in the center of the ring! The veteran and former Vanguard Champion pushes fiercely against the younger, fresher Mikaela, who gives right back. Muscles tense and bunch, both women broadening their stance, trying to get the other to give. Finally, out of frustration, Katie breaks the collar-and-elbow and slaps the ever-lovin’ out of Mikaela! Head knocked to the side, Mikaela laughs and tongues the inside of her cheek before getting right in Anderson’s face and not asking for, but DEMANDING another, sticking out her other cheek to taunt Katie! Incensed, Katie gives Mikaela what she demands and Mikaela responds by spearing Katie to the mat, leading to a roll-around slugfest that eventually takes them out of the ring to the floor! But the hard landing from under the ropes doesn’t stop them as they swap positions and let the fists and forearms fly! Referee Kara Tarantino eventually has to leave the ring to break up these two hellcats but almost gets swarmed herself trying to keep them apart! Threatened with disqualification, Katie barely relents but Mikaela, for now having the cooler head, rolls back into the ring… and draws a figurative “line in the sand”, verbally daring Katie to come get her!
Not to be challenged, Katie gets back into the ring and shoves Mikaela into the ropes! Mikaela comes back with a big forearm shot but Katie returns with a headbutt and a right hand to send Mikaela to the mat! She immediately goes for Bad Street Blues (Jumping Curb Stomp) but Mikaela smartly rolls out of the way! A leghook back suplex drops Katie on her head and now she’s the one scrambling as Mikaela tries to end things quickly with Mikaela’s Way (Michinoku Driver II)! Anderson lands behind Callaway, though, and shoves her away! A forearm to the back arches Mikaela up and Katie grabs her by the head, delivering a second headbutt, this one to the back of the skull, before twisting her into a ripcord lariat for a two-count! Mikaela gets pulled back up, but reverses an Irish whip into the buckles! She charges after Katie, who boots her in the jaw and follows up with a butterfly suplex for another near-fall! Still by the buckles, Katie tries to snare Mikaela in a German, clearly meaning to drive her into the buckles, but Mikaela blocks once… twice… and finally elbows her way out of Katie’s grip! Katie goes for the hair and Mikaela responds with a big spinning backfist, following up with a snap suplex! Leaping to the second rope, Mikaela lands with a big leg drop, but Katie kicks out at two!
Mikaela sends her into the ropes after pulling Katie up, but Katie ducks a spin kick and kicks Mikaela’s other leg out from under her. She goes for the Beautiful Dream (Texas Cloverleaf) but Mikaela gets to the ropes before it can be locked, kicking Katie away. A hard knee to the midsection stuns Mikaela, but a clothesline is narrowly-avoided, allowing Mikaela to hit her Slingshot DDT for another near-fall! The fans seem to be on Mikaela’s side as once again she looks for Mikaela’s Way! She scoops Katie up but the former champion turns it into a reverse DDT for a long two-count! Backing up several steps, Katie likewise wants to end things with her Bad Street Blues, but Mikaela charges her as she goes to the air, delivering a leaping clothesline that sends Katie down hard and leaves Mikaela with an opening! Heading up top, she sails into her 450 Splash and gets the clean three-count!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… MIKAELA CALLAWAY!
After the bell, Katie is insistent that her shoulder went up before three, but Kara Tarantino is adamant that it was not! It looks like there’s going to be another flare-up as Katie backs the referee into the corner, dismissive of the official’s attempts to smooth things over, and threatens violence! Mikaela comes over to break this up and Katie rears back to swing but, after a moment, decides against it and leaves the ring, kicking the steps out of frustration before heading up the ramp. Mikaela looks after her, concerned yet eager for more of a fit, while Kara raises the victor’s arm.
Bernadette Olson: That almost got nasty. Whatever Mr. Vance suggested to her… either it made things worse or she seriously needs to consider it.
Jacob Frankel: Maybe both? Katie seems to be on a bit of a slide and it isn’t going to get any better unless she takes control of her career again!
Bernadette Olson: Maybe she needs time off.
Winner: Mikaela Callaway
Result: Pinfall at 16:11 (450 Splash)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Casing the Yard
Back in the catering area, cameras spot Trenton Mitchell once again, this time partaking of some coffee… a large cup of it with no cream or sugar to speak of. With beverage in hand, he turns to leave the table without a word, folks naturally parting from his path if they find themselves in it. However, as he's about to leave the room, something... or someone, rather... grabs his attention. Over a sip from the Styrofoam cup he spots another man who is likewise parting the human waters like a jacked-up, dusky Moses. He feels Forge's stare and immediately returns it. Immediately the tension in the room starts to creep up as the two of them lock on and, step by step, approach one another until they're face-to-face.
Or close enough, anyway. Forge has a few inches and perhaps 30 or 40 pounds on the other guy, but that doesn't matter one whit to either. It's akin to two huge dogs getting their first look at one another and sizing up the situation. The man doesn't speak for a moment. Hands come up, pulling back the hood of the leather jacket, revealing the graying hair and beard of Javier Mateo Duran! The Hispanic superstar looks the man up and down, his trademark smirk on his face.
Javier Mateo Duran: Forge.
Trenton Mitchell: Train. Thought I heard an engine roarin'
So they know one another. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Trenton Mitchell: Decided sitting behind a desk wasn't enough?
Javier's smirk falters a bit, and he shakes his head.
Javier Mateo Duran: Nah. That ain't me anymore. And bein' a GM is great. But there's red tape and shit when it comes to gettin in the ring. I just wanna fight, ya dig?
Trenton Mitchell: At least in your case, it's that fuckin' simple. You want to step in and fight, no one's tellin' your ass no.
Definitely some bitterness in Forge's tone there, not directed toward Javier, but at the business in general. He downs another gulp of the bullet-melting coffee before gesturing with the half-empty cup toward Javier.
Trenton Mitchell: Well, you're in the right fuckin' place. No shortage of people here who need their asses kicked in. You'll keep busy.
The Hispanic superstar nods, popping his knuckles and looking around catering.
Javier Mateo Duran: That's what I like to hear. I already signed. Ain't gotta sell it to me further. Plus I got a few friends that work here. Couple of their kids, too.
Trenton Mitchell: Lookin' forward to seeing your work up close.
In a rare gesture, Forge offers his fist to Javier.
Javier Mateo Duran: Oh, you know me. It'll be up close no matter who I'm standing across from.
Javier returns the fist bump.
Javier Mateo Duran: By the way? That coffee tastes like shit.
He laughs, shaking his head.
Trenton Mitchell: If it keeps me awake and interested that's all the fuck I need out of it.
Though he does chuckle quietly at the comment, inclining his chin toward Javier...
Trenton Mitchell: See you around.
...before taking his leave.
Javier Mateo Duran: Yup. Peace.
Javier pulls up the hood of his jacket, heading in the opposite direction.
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
Moving Down the Line
“I have nothing more to say to a coward who talks big but can’t do anything without attacking people from behind.”
The camera comes into focus. Somewhere in Michigan with the backdrop nothing more than the nearly bare trees. The sun glistened over the trees as the wind blew silently. The few leaves rustled on the branches as they hung on for dear life.
Duke Andrews came into the view of the camera. A black hooded sweatshirt with nothing more than the Carhartt script down the sleeve. A couple of gold chains peeking through the collar of the hoody.
Duke Andrews: “I could call your ass a hypocrite, but you’ll find a loophole and try to justify your logic. You’ll turn around and tell me that I’m still the bad guy. That I’m not worthy of getting in the ring with you. The problem with what you will say, is that it’s all bullshit Eddy. I know it. Tiff knows it. You know it. Your little ugly ass dog of a girl knows it. The people that show up to the show knows it. Management knows it. Everyone knows it.”
The smirk that shows on Duke's face is one that HYBRID of past and present have come to see time and time again.
Duke Andrews: “But I’ll play the bad guy if it makes you feel better about your justifications. Hell, dig up the precious renditions of this company. I have zero problems being the bad guy. You are cornered there Eddy. You have nowhere to turn because there is only one person that is staring you down. The one person that you’re deathly afraid of getting back into the ring with, ain’t that true, boy?”
Duke moved his hand up and combed through his beard as he hopped onto the back of his truck. Sitting down on the tailgate as he looked back into the camera.
Duke Andrews: “See Eddy, you’re safe for another week. I ain’t in Atlanta this week. The money doesn’t show, I don’t show. It’s simple logic. You don’t have to look over your shoulder or wonder where I’m hiding. But understand that after this week, you’re back to being the target. You are in the crosshairs and I won’t be afraid to pull the trigger. When I get you in my sight…it’s game over. I’m taking my title and discarding your body in the trash where it belongs.”
Duke flashed a wink into the camera.
Duke Andrews: “And speaking of trash. Samantha…”
A simple clap from The Epitome of Perfection.
Duke Andrews: “Samantha Tolson, you’re the next one on the list. See I told Eddy that anything he could do I would do…and better. That brings you into the picture. And I know it’s been a while, but you did push the little Burger King to the brink. And look at this…a first in a lifetime match. You and me. One on one. This isn’t me asking if you want the match. Get on twitter after tonight’s show and just say yes. Don’t tag me. Don’t do anything. One simple tweet. One simple word. I’ll give you your five minutes of fame on the next card.”
The scene fades to black.
MAIN EVENT
Global Tag Team Championship: Number One Contender Match
Tag Team/One Fall
Noah Ortega & The Lost vs. The Frontline & Eddy Todd
DING! DING! DING!
All six start brawling from the start, with Eddy locking in on Noah while The Frontline and The Lost pair off. A charge by Anton towards both Lluvia and Jonna goes awry when they low-bridge him out of the ring, and a charging Gio gets heaved over by both women, leaving him to land on his partner on the floor! Noah, still slugging it out with Eddy, backs him off with a shot to the throat, but soon finds himself surrounded by all three opponents. The beatdown is on with a flying attack by Noah getting turned into a chokeslam by Eddy. He’s pulled out of the ring by Anton and Gio, who take liberties while Lluvia and Jonna have their way with Noah. Butch Grant is having no luck calming things down, as Jonna and Lluvia nail a Shining Wizard/Shoot Kick combination on Noah, nearly getting the pin right then and there. Gio, however, breaks things up with a springboard dive and finally some order is restored. Still outside the ring, Butch manages to break up Anton and Eddy, getting them to their corners, while Gio takes over on Jonna in-ring, everyone else in their corners now.
Quick tags by The Lost let them keep the pressure on Jonna. She’s sent to The Lost’s corner, but elbows her way out of trouble, blasting Gio and Noah in the jaw before narrowly avoiding a charge from Anton. She leaps on his back for a sleeper, having the big man wobbly, but a blind tag by Noah, followed by a springboard dropkick, knocks Jonna to the mat for a near-fall. Attempts to tag Eddy or Lluvia are stymied by Noah charging into their corner, knocking the latter off the apron and taunting Eddy into trying to come in after him. The tactic works despite Eddy’s experience, and Lluvia trying to slide in for revenge doesn’t help, either. The pressure is still put on Jonna, mostly in the form of slams and clubbing blows by the massive Anton. Sending her into the ropes, Jonna is able to stop herself and Anton’s big boot is evaded, leaving him hung up on the top rope! Jonna almost makes the tag to Lluvia, but Gio tags himself in and snatches her by the leg, keeping her from making it that last inch. Balanced on one foot, Jonna still ducks a clothesline by Gio, grabbing him by the head for a neckbreaker! Lluvia is tagged in shortly after and goes to town on Gio, starting with a big belly-to-belly suplex. Anton has freed himself and comes in to assist, which brings in Eddy, causing things to break down again!
Noah picks his spot at this point, blind-tagging Gio and slinking into the ring, stalking the on-fire Lluvia! A Lost Hope (Springboard Roundhouse Kick) sends her to the mat and Butch drops down to count only for Eddy to break things up! Anton attacks after this and Eddy is just able to send him over the ropes before Gio attacks from behind with some leg kicks! The Lost home in on Eddy once again, but Jonna makes the save, barreling into Gio and sending him out of the ring through the ropes! Anton takes a swipe at her, but she muscles the big man up and hits a Manhattan drop! Noah charges at her, spearing her to the mat as Eddy goes toe-to-toe with Anton once again, clotheslining him over the top rope… then delivering a jumping knee to send him all the way to the floor! Gio pulls him out of the ring, but with Anton down on the outside, it’s still Jonna and Lluvia in the ring with Noah! Lost Souls (Curb Stomp) is avoided by Lluvia just in the nick of time and Jonna hits a German suplex to stun Noah! From there, Secret Horizon (Spear/Frog Splash Combination) puts Noah down for three as Eddy keeps the rest of The Lost busy!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Your winners… the team of EDDY TODD, and the NEW number one contenders to the Global Tag Team Championships… THE FRONTLINE!
Gio and Anton are quick to get Noah out of the ring after the pinfall, with Eddy rolling back in to join his partners just in case a sneak attack is attempted. Jonna and Lluvia have their arms raised, along with Eddy, while the champions back up the ramp, glaring daggers at The Frontline from a safe distance!
Bernadette Olson: And a big win for these two young ladies puts them in line for another title shot!
Jacob Frankel: Can’t keep a good team down, Bernadette! And thankfully they found a solid partner to have their backs in the process!
Bernadette Olson: Can’t do much better than the undefeated Global Heavyweight Champion in that regard! However, that’s all for this show, folks! See you in two weeks for Vanguard #9!
Winner: The Frontline & Eddy Todd
Result: Pinfall at 15:15 (Secret Horizon)