Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Nov 24, 2022 13:23:46 GMT -6
Episode #9: Long Time Coming
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Best Served Cold
HYBRID Vanguard kicks off hard with the good fans of the HYBRID Nation making some noise. “Danger Zone” quickly gives way to “Sharp-Dressed Man” though as Aloysius Marcus Vance makes his entrance, stopping at the top of the ramp. The boss-man is all smiles, taking a bow before gesturing for the music to be shut off. He pauses to take in the view.
Bernadette Olson: Welcome to Vanguard, ladies and gentlemen! We’re just over a month away from Best Served Cold and things are getting wilder every show!
Jacob Frankel: Rumor is that the boss has a surprise in store for that show! Maybe that’s why he’s out here tonight?
Twirling the mic, AMV brings it up close and gets down to business.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Ladies and gentlemen, the holidays are upon us and I’m in the mood for giving!
Bernadette Olson: So does that mean we’re getting a raise?
The fans are into it, obviously curious as to what’s going on.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And with our winter pay-per-view, Best Served Cold, coming up, I thought it might be a good time to put some gifts up for grabs in something I like to call… the Seasons Beatings Match!
The name alone is hokey, yet interesting. AMV lets the fans soak up the idea of what that could possibly mean before explaining.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: What we’ll have is a nice, big, sturdy steel cage, loaded with weapons and other goodies… and also some well-wrapped gifts in the form of four briefcases!
Jacob Frankel: Hey, I like where this is going!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And each of those cases will have a different prize, such as an open contract for the match of the owner’s choosing… any time, anywhere against anyone! Another one will even let the owner take my job for the night and run a Vanguard! Can you imagine?!
They certainly can, and the fans are all over it!
Jacob Frankel: Oh, you KNOW someone’s gonna abuse that!
Bernadette Olson: Well, wouldn’t you?!
Working up the fans, AMV continues on after a moment.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And everyone not otherwise occupied on that show will have the opportunity to take part in this match to earn one of those prizes or something as yet unrevealed! And now, with that on everyone’s minds, it’s time to start the show!
It’s “Danger Zone” that starts up again as AMV takes his leave, the cameras cutting back to the announce table.
Bernadette Olson: Sounds like Mr. Vance likes the idea of inviting chaos! I wonder what the other prizes will be?
Jacob Frankel: Whatever they are, there’ll be a wild fight going on trying to get them! But let’s get to the first of two big debuts tonight in our first match!
MATCH ONE
Singles/One Fall
Javier Mateo Duran vs. Brody Slater
Brody comes down with a chip on his shoulder, yelling at the camera about how he’s tired of being everyone’s whipping boy, and that this “fresh fish” coming to the ring had better show him some proper respect, or his first night will be his last! “NIB” by Ugly Kid Joe hits at that moment and Javier Mateo Duran heads out onto the stage! Brody, still outside the ring, turns and charges at the big man only to be speared halfway to hell, which sends him rolling right back down the ramp! Javier, without missing a beat, gets up and drags Brody to the ring, throwing him in and demanding that referee Butch Grant ring the bell! He acquiesces…
DING! DING! DING!
…and Javier yanks Brody right into the Cosecha de Almas (Discus Lariat)! Butch checks on Brody and calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Your winner… JAVIER MATEO DURAN!
Laughing off Brody Slater, Javier leaves the ring, still chuckling as he slaps a few hands on his way up the ramp! As for Slater, the man’s flat-out unconscious!
Bernadette Olson: Impact made. Point taken. If you thought just because he’s been behind a desk for a while that he’s lost his will to fight, well…
Jacob Frankel: If they still think that, they’re being ignorant!
Winner: Javier Mateo Duran
Result: Knockout at 0:07 (Cosecha de Almas)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Dynasties
We cut backstage after the opening contest to show a living legend in the wrestling industry, Ashe Corvin. He is dressed to perfection as she stands there smiling devilishly at the camera. After a moment he chuckles and speaks.
Ashe Corvin: Dynasties are something that takes planning and extreme levels of foresight to create. When I started my career well over twenty years ago I wanted to make a name for myself. Write my few pages in the history books. It wasn’t until the birth of my daughter, my second child, that I knew there was the potential to be so much more. Tonight, the Corvin Dynasty arrives in HYBRID. Tonight we grace all of you with our presence. Our greatness shall show everyone in the company what peak wrestling perfection is. That starts with the debut of my Daughter and future daughter-in-law. The Daughters of Darkness.
Lana Corvin and Jamie Emmerson walk into the frame from opposite sides of the frame. They stand side by side in front of Ashe. He places a hand on each of their shoulders.
Ashe Corvin: I could stand here and go on and on about what these two are capable of. But I think it would be fitting for them to do that.
He gives Lana a little pat on the shoulder.
Lana Corvin: You all have some idea of what we bring to HYBRID. Just look at your Global Heavyweight Champion. Eddy has long been a friend and ally. Hell, he’s practically family. He came in, over twice the age of a good chunk of the HYBRID roster, and took the top title. Simply because he wanted to do it. Now you have Jamie, who we all know I refer to affectionately as Little Sister, and myself in your tag team division. We were XiX’s first and longest reigning Tag Team Champions. We still would be if there hadn’t been a contract issue with myself and them. Just let that settle in your minds. It took me leaving the company for the Daughters of Darkness to lose those tag titles. Just imagine what we will do here in HYBRID.
Ashe chuckles and nods. He then gives Jamie a pat on her shoulder. Beside her, Jamie Emmerson stands with ice in her eyes. Traces of KT tape can be seen from over the back of her neck under her black entrance robe.
Jamie Emmerson: Wherever we may roam, we the Daughters of Darkness conquer. Whomever we stand across the field from, we the Daughters of Darkness pay tribute to the Goddess. Let our actions in XiX stand as credence. Whether it be the tag team division…
She glances down at something offscreen below her before lifting it into frame. Jamie rests her newly won XiX Weekend Warriors Title over one shoulder. Her mouth twitches, almost smirking but not quite.
Jamie Emmerson: ...or any division, truly. Wherever we are, it comes down to only a matter of time before we take it all. The Daughters of Darkness - The Corvin Dynasty - have been granted favor of divine proportions. We cannot be stopped. We will not be stopped.
Ashe was nodding in agreeance with everything Jamie was saying. He then gave a look at both of them and then at the camera.
Ashe Corvin: Tonight is the night. Tonight everything in HYBRID shall change. Because tonight, we will Let.
Lana Corvin: Darkness.
Jamie Emmerson: Reign!
All three give a smirk to the camera. They then walk out of frame towards the ring.
MATCH TWO
Tag Team/One Fall
Daughters of Darkness vs. First Class
DING! DING! DING!
First Class clearly doesn’t know what to make of the Daughters of Darkness, but they learn quickly. The overwhelming power of Lana Corvin sends Jami sailing out of the ring thanks to a brutal kick and running clothesline sending her flying over the ropes. Charli is soon to follow and Lana, after a running start from Jamie, hurls her partner over the ropes for a corkscrew body press that wipes out First Class in short order! Lana leaves the ring, pressing Jami and chucking her into the third row! Charli, though, attacks from behind but gets headbutted before she’s shoved into the ring again! Off-balance, Charli turns around only to get belted by Jamie’s Athame (Hook Kick)! Lana rolls back in, and from there it’s right into the Balefire (Spinebuster/Leg Lariat) combination to put Charli away in short order!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winners of the match… THE DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS!
Ashe Corvin joins his charges in the ring, raising their arms as the young women show their dominance in no uncertain terms!
Bernadette Olson: Sparing any cliches, these two young ladies just kicked a lot of ass in a little time.
Jacob Frankel: And I’m betting that they've already got eyes on the tag title match tonight!
Bernadette Olson: That goes without saying.
Winner: Daughters of Darkness
Result: Pinfall at 2:12 (Balefire)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Your Lord (Finally) Speaks
Bernadette Olson: Well, ladies and gents, this Vanguard is pretty impressive so far!
Jacob Frankel: We’ve had two debut matches so far. JMD and the Daughters of Darkness are making waves. I’m curious to see what’s next!
Soon enough, their curiosity is answered with a big surprise. As the lights of the arena fade and acoustic instruments resonate throughout, the flashes of the cameras are the only illumination in the dark. Then a red spotlight shines on the stage and Nathaniel Dixon has made his presence known. Dressed to the nines in formal wear, he smiles when the lead vocals of Michael Barnes set the mood with “Breathe Into Me (Remix Acústica)” by Red.
“And this is how it feels when I ignore the words you spoke to me
And this is where I lose myself when I keep running away from you!”
His fan reception is that of mixed reactions, although some of the fans take special exception to him in deep admiration. Knowing this, he chuckles softly and saunters down the ramp.
“And this is who I am when, when I don't know myself anymore
And this is what I choose when it's all left up to me…”
The Intellectual Evolution extends his right hand to a lady in the audience who accepts it and, like a gentleman, he kisses her hand. While she fangirls, he makes his way around the ring, the red spotlight following him with every step. His earth-colored eyes are focused on the ring itself. Nathaniel ascends the steel steps, enters the ring between the ropes, and he gauges the fans. A sadistic smile forms across his face before the spotlight goes out, leaving everyone in the dark.
“Breathe your life into me, I can't feel you
I'm falling... falling faster
Breathe your life into me, I still need you
I'm falling… falling, breathe into me! Breathe into me!
(BREATHE!)”
The fans stir in anticipation as red pyros shoot from all four corners of the ring. The lights immediately come back on and Nathaniel takes a bow in the center of the ring with a confident smirk.
“And this is how it feels when I ignore the words you spoke to me
And this is where I lose myself when I keep running away from you!”
And this is where I lose myself when I keep running away from you!”
His fan reception is that of mixed reactions, although some of the fans take special exception to him in deep admiration. Knowing this, he chuckles softly and saunters down the ramp.
Jacob Frankel: Whoa! I don’t think Nathaniel Dixon was scheduled to appear tonight!
“And this is who I am when, when I don't know myself anymore
And this is what I choose when it's all left up to me…”
Bernadette Olson: He wasn’t, but you know what…? It’s about time. We’ve been waiting to hear from Mr. Dixon.
The Intellectual Evolution extends his right hand to a lady in the audience who accepts it and, like a gentleman, he kisses her hand. While she fangirls, he makes his way around the ring, the red spotlight following him with every step. His earth-colored eyes are focused on the ring itself. Nathaniel ascends the steel steps, enters the ring between the ropes, and he gauges the fans. A sadistic smile forms across his face before the spotlight goes out, leaving everyone in the dark.
“Breathe your life into me, I can't feel you
I'm falling... falling faster
Breathe your life into me, I still need you
I'm falling… falling, breathe into me! Breathe into me!
(BREATHE!)”
I'm falling... falling faster
Breathe your life into me, I still need you
I'm falling… falling, breathe into me! Breathe into me!
(BREATHE!)”
The fans stir in anticipation as red pyros shoot from all four corners of the ring. The lights immediately come back on and Nathaniel takes a bow in the center of the ring with a confident smirk. The mixture of boos and cheers continues to resonate within the arena. A ringside official kindly offers Nathaniel a microphone before he can ask for one. He smiles politely and accepts it, raising it to his lips… However, before he can say a word, the PA system is taken over by a theme: “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar!
Jacob Frankel: Uh… what’s going on now? Why are the 10th Street Kings coming out?
Bernadette Olson: I have no idea, but Mr. Dixon looks pissed the hell off!
It may be a bit of an exaggeration. Nathaniel does look irritated, however, and he narrows his eyes as Ricky Turbo and Mikey the Wrench make their way onto the stage. As always, they’re accompanied by their manager, Cherry, but she also has a microphone with her! The fans cheer for the 10th Street Kings before they quiet down to let Cherry speak. The music fades soon after.
Cherry: Hey, Atlanta! How y’all doin’ tonight?
Naturally, this receives a pop! Nathaniel is not impressed nor is he happy. He stares at the three on the stage while Cherry continues.
Cherry: Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Nate, but my boys are a little restless. They’ve been waiting for a good match and, well… I’m sure Mr. Vance won’t mind if we make an open challenge to any tag team here in the Big Peach.
There are some cheers from the fans. Ricky and Mikey are hyping them up! However, Nathaniel raises his mic and speaks up before Cherry can continue.
Nathaniel Dixon: I’m sorry, Miss Cherry, but… interrupting someone is rude. Even more so when you’re trying to take the spotlight away from them.
This receives a mixture of boos and cheers. It’s undeniable that Nathaniel has a point. While Ricky and Mikey glare at him, Cherry raises her hands.
Cherry: You’re right, hun. I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you! If you can find someone to partner with…
Nathaniel Dixon: Oh, I don’t need a partner, Miss Cherry. I can take on your boys on my own.
Rather bold! He’s not even dressed to compete! Ricky and Mikey aren’t too happy about the insulting quip, but Cherry narrows her eyes. She makes a gesture with her free hand and a referee emerges from behind the curtains.
Cherry: You might regret that, Nate.
The fans are pretty hyped about this new addition to the ninth Vanguard! However, Nathaniel doesn’t say a word. He just smiles, relieves himself of his suit jacket, and beckons Ricky and Mikey.
Bernadette Olson: I have a bad feeling about this…
Jacob Frankel: Why? It’s a handicap match! I think Nathaniel’s in over his head!
MATCH TWO-AND-A-HALF
One-on-Tag/One Fall
Nathaniel Dixon vs. 10th Street Kings
DING! DING! DING!
As soon as the 10th Street Kings enter the ring, Nathaniel throws his suit jacket in a perfect motion that temporarily blinds Ricky. Mikey charges Nathaniel, but Nathaniel catches him with a roaring elbow to halt his momentum. He backhands Mikey before driving him onto the mat with a clothesline. Ricky tosses the suit jacket off of him at last and tackles Nathaniel onto the mat. Even with the soft thud, Nathaniel smirks and blocks any shots Ricky makes. The referee tries to get Ricky to back off, but Nathaniel turns them over and jabs him with stiff shots that resonate! Standing of his own free will, Nathaniel keeps Ricky grounded with a double footstomp.
Dixon keeps control of the match for a short amount of time, taking on the Kings at the same time. He is caught off guard by the sudden Double Dropkick signature move from Ricky and Mikey! Mikey goes for the pin, but Dixon kicks out and forces him off. While it takes a moment for Dixon to recover, the 10th Street Kings take advantage of the situation and attack without relenting. Dixon grits his teeth before he catches THEM off guard with a double clothesline after the Irish whip to the ropes. Cherry’s yelling at Ricky and Mikey from the outside, the fans rallying behind them. This doesn’t bother Dixon in the slightest as he hits Ricky with a series of gentlemen’s hooks, lefts and rights at different strengths and speeds. Mikey tries to stop the assault -- only for Dixon to halt him with a throat chop! Mikey staggers back with a cough and a gasp.
The referee warns Nathaniel of the viciousness, but the Intellectual Evolution shrugs. He then lashes out at Mikey with “Uncharismatic” (Mafia Kick)! As soon as Mikey falls, however, Ricky attacks Nathaniel from behind before he can think about the pin attempt. Even then Dixon back elbows Ricky, sends him to the ropes with an Irish whip of his own, and drives him onto the mat with “Blood in the Darkness” (Shining Wizard)! He takes a step back to simply breathe and stalk the 10th Street Kings. Aware of the danger, Cherry tries to warn Ricky and Mikey, but as soon as they get up… It’s too late. Nathaniel blasts them each with “Evolutionary Imperative” (European Uppercut)! Ricky falls onto the mat, but before Mikey can go down, Dixon seizes him and tosses him into the air -- hitting him with another “Evolutionary Imperative” in mid-air! Mikey crashes onto the mat with a resounding THUD before the London native pins him for the three-count!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the match… “The Intellectual Evolution” NATHANIEL DIXON!
Bernadette Olson: And just like that, Nathaniel Dixon scores a victory over the 10th Street Kings!
Jacob Frankel: H-how?! He wasn’t dressed to compete and he was in a two-on-one situation…
Bernadette Olson: Hold that thought, Jacob! What’s going on in the ring?
After the referee raises Nathaniel’s hand in victory, London’s Master Manipulator pulls away and sends Mikey’s barely conscious form out of the ring with a baseball slide. Cherry’s right there to check on him, while Nathaniel directs his attention to Ricky who’s beginning to stir. There’s a devious smirk on Nathaniel’s face as he shadows Ricky and forces him into a Fujiwara armbar. The referee tries to pry him off, but not only does Nathaniel not let go… He seizes Ricky’s left hand and begins to turn it in a way the wrist is not supposed to! The fans look on in shock and horror as Ricky SCREAMS! There’s a disturbing SNAP!
Nathaniel Dixon has broken Richard Marvin’s wrist!!
Jacob Frankel: OH MY GOD!
Bernadette Olson: That… THAT’S the bad feeling I had!
Cherry screams out of pure fright! Michael Covell is barely conscious as it is! Even after Nathaniel releases him, Richard is screaming, painfully clutching at his broken wrist! Immediately, security -- led by Trenton Mitchell -- rush down to the ring. Dixon chuckles before he rolls out of the ring, simply allowing them to enter and form a wall between him and the 10th Street Kings. Narrowing his eyes, Forge rolls out of the ring and stares down Your Lord of Charisma who smiles, turns, and leaves through the crowd who are stunned into silence. No one has the words.
No one.
Winner: Nathaniel Dixon
Result: Pinfall at 2:58 (Evolutionary Imperative)
Result: Pinfall at 2:58 (Evolutionary Imperative)
MATCH THREE
Global Tag Team Championship Match
Tag Team/One Fall
The Frontline vs. The Lost (C)
DING! DING! DING!
Palmer and Moriello crash into Cane and Austin, knocking Austin into the corner where she bounces off the turnbuckles and crashes to the mat. Palmer kicks her and sends her to the floor before he and his partner start working over Cane. Palmer hits a big spinebuster and Moriello drops a leg off the top before going for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
CANE KICKS OUT!
The Lost work Cane over some more and then hit a double clothesline. The Lost hit an assisted crossbody and Moriello holds for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
CANE REVERSES INTO A CRADLE!
ONE!
TWO!
MORIELLO KICKS OUT!
Palmer comes in and the Lost go for a big double team smash. Cane slumps down, almost inadvertently saving herself as she falls out of the way and Palmer runs Moriello over. Cane makes the tag to Austin and the tattooed woman comes in like the Tasmanian Devil, hitting anything that moves. She knocks Palmer down and then cracks the disoriented Moriello. Palmer starts up but Autin catches him with a shotgun dropkick that hits at just the right angle to knock the big off his balance and send him tumbling through the ropes to the floor. Palmer climbs up to the apron and Austin rops onto all fours allowing Cane to rush over and hit poetry in motion that sends Palmer flying off the apron and crashing into the barricade. They hit a double DDT on Moriello and Austin covers.
ONE!
TWO!
MORIELLO GETS A SHOULDER UP!
The Frontline work Moriello over for a brief flurry before hitting the G2 Rose. Cane covers.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners… and the NEW Global Tag Team Champions… THE FRONTLINE!
The titles are held up by by The Frontline as The Lost roll to the outside of the ring, trying to figure out what went wrong and where! The HYBRID Nation, meanwhile, heap their praise on the new champions, who soak it right up!
Bernadette Olson: And just like that we have new tag champs!
Jacob Frankel: Always felt like just a matter of time before these ladies took the straps, and that time is now!
Bernadette Olson: Don’t bet on The Lost just letting this lie, though! They’ll be back for another shot!
Winner: The Frontline (New Champions)
Result: Pinfall at 8:28 (G2 Rose)
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
A Girl’s Gotta Have SOME Secrets!
We cut to the parking lot, where we see Gigi Nova and her friend, Marnie McPherren, dressed in matching pink tracksuits, moving away from their car, their gear bags slung over their shoulders as they converse amongst themselves.
*CHIRP, CHIRP*
From behind them, a car alarm engages as Lorenzo Merrick moves up behind the two women, tucking his phone into his jacket pocket.
Lorenzo Merrick: Well, ladies, big night tonight!
A wide-eyed Marnie lets out a loud sigh.
Marnie McPherren: You’re not kidding! This will be the biggest crowd I’ve ever wrestled in front of.
Lorenzo smirks as he slips ahead of the girls to open one of the doors leading into the building. Gigi and Marnie each pass through the door, giving him a silent nod of appreciation for his gesture.
Lorenzo Merrick: Ha! No pressure, kid...
Marnie turns to look at him, her expression reading “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Marnie McPherren: Nah, no pressure at all!
Gigi pats Marnie on the shoulder, shaking her head.
Gigi Nova: You’ll be just fine, Marnie. It’s just like the indies in a way. Once that bell rings, all you think about is what’s happening in the ring. All you have to focus on tonight is getting out there and having... “fun.”
The last word leaves Gigi’s lips as she arches her eyebrow and throws up air quotes. She then playfully elbows Marnie in the side. Marnie simply smiles.
Marnie McPherren: What about you, Gigi? Any idea what kind of match you’re gonna pick if you win?
Lorenzo shrugs, feigning indignation.
Lorenzo Merrick: What do you mean “IF”? You mean “WHEN!”
Gigi tilts her head slightly as her brow furrows a little.
Gigi Nova: Nothing wrong with being cautious, Lorenzo. After all, there are a lot of variables to consider.
Lorenzo Merrick: You didn’t answer her question, though.
Gigi lets out a mischievous giggle.
Gigi Nova: Oh, I’ve got a few ideas...
Marnie locks her gaze onto Gigi’s face, expectantly staring at her.
Marnie McPherren: Such as…?
Gigi begins to tap her finger against her chin as if contemplating her options.
Gigi Nova: Well, I could...
Gigi opens her mouth as if to finish her sentence but quickly stops herself, smirking as she glances back and forth between Lorenzo and Marnie.
Lorenzo Merrick: Yeah?
Gigi Nova: Or I could...
She pauses again, much to Marnie’s aggravation. Lorenzo merely chuckles.
Marnie McPherren: UGH!
Gigi Nova: What? I’ve gotta keep SOME things to myself.
Marnie shakes her head and grumbles to herself.
Marnie McPherren: You’re impossible...
Gigi Nova: Relax, Marnie… I’ll fill you in once we get to the dressing room. Don’t want to risk certain things being picked up by the wrong ears, if you know what I mean.
Lorenzo Merrick: There you have it. All will be revealed in due time.
Letting out a huff, Marnie pouts a little.
Marnie McPherren: Aww, not even a hint?
Gigi Nova: Surely you can handle waiting a couple more minutes, can’t you?
Marnie groans and rolls her eyes as the trio continue their walk toward the dressing room. The conversation trails off as the scene fades out.
MATCH FOUR
Countdown Challenge
Singles/One Fall
Gigi Nova vs. ?
Gigi awaits her opponent in the ring, and the mystery is soon dispelled: "Big Flip" by Talilo feat. JayRThaBarber, Taryn, & Swiggle Mandela hits the speakers and Zara Ivory, the Zion Gateway Champion, makes her way out onto the stage!
Bernadette Olson: A powerful choice by Jessi Ozborne here! And, for those who don’t know, this is also the young lady who inherited the Runaway Train moniker from Javier Mateo Duran!
Jacob Frankel: She certainly looks like a wild one, doesn’t she? Gigi doesn’t look like she knows how to react, but she damn sure knows she’s in for a fight!
Zara hands off the title upon reaching the ring, getting right in Gigi’s face, prompting referee Kara Tarantino to back her up until the bell is properly rung! Zara only does so reluctantly, making it clear through gestures that she means to mess Gigi up something fierce! Seeing this might be the only moment for it, Kara calls for the bell…
DING! DING! DING!
…and we’re underway! Zara charges the moment the bell rings and Gigi locks up with her, the two women jockeying back and forth for an advantage until Gigi headlocks Zara to the mat, wrenching back tightly on the simple maneuver. Zara goes for the hair and eyes, trying to get free, but Gigi leans out of reach. Zara folds her up for a quick two-count, but Gigi forces her way back down… only to have Zara scrape and claw again! Losing her temper for a moment, Gigi drives an elbow down against the top of Zara’s head, then grinds her forearm across the bridge of the woman’s nose, forcing the referee to intervene.
The women are separated, but that doesn’t last long. Zara charges past the ref, bull-rushing Gigi into the corner and throwing a few shoulders to the midsection. A running dropkick to the chest leads to another quick two-count, but Gigi counters another charge with a hiptoss right into the buckles! Zara lands on her head, but still manages to fight her way out of Gigi’s grip, hitting a spinning heel kick and a sit-out chokeslam for a near-fall. Size and strength, as well as a reckless style, work for Zara and she keeps Gigi on defense, playing for time as the person who wins their match fastest gets to pick the Best Served Cold stipulation. Gigi catches on, though, and starts up a series of kicks, her Shots! Shots! Shots! Combination!
Zara fights out of the corner, though Gigi ducks the clothesline and hits a neckbreaker for a near-fall of her own. The Brass Monkey (Springboard Roundhouse) is narrowly avoided and Zara’s Northern Lights suplex is good enough for two, but Gigi keeps coming back. A Sling Blade takes Gigi out of a charge, but she counters the pin with a grapevine that nearly holds Zara down for three! That counter discombobulates the Gateway Champion and Nova is able to hit her own variation of the move, On The Rocks, for a close two! A thumb to the eye and a sit-out facebuster gets Zara another near-fall but Gigi determinedly comes back, sliding between Zara’s legs to counter a big roundhouse kick and this time connecting with Brass Monkey to the back of the head for the three-count!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… GIGI NOVA!
Zara is livid, lunging at Gigi, who escapes the ring before she can make good on her attack! She heads up the ramp, turning halfway to see the time for the match shown on the HYBRID-Tron!
Bernadette Olson: Considering she didn’t even know who she’d be facing, that’s a pretty good time! She just has to hope that Jessi can’t beat her own opponent faster!
Jacob Frankel: Jessi’s a wicked one, though. I wouldn’t put it past her to get it done no matter what it takes!
Winner: Gigi Nova
Result: Pinfall at 9:09 (Brass Monkey)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
New Pool, Old Threats
Royal trumpets hit over the public address system as the lights dim, and all that is heard is “All Hail Queen Bianca Davis”, “Bad Bitch” by Bebe Rexha, begins to play as the fans boo loudly at the music of the current Iron Heart Champion. As the lights have a violet hue, a lone spotlight forms at the entrance ramp where we see Princess Honey Rydell and Simple Simon on either side walking into view with a royal strut is none other than the Iron Heart Champion and Queen of HYBRID herself, Bianca Davis; the fans react with loud boos. She raises her arms high in the air, clad in her royal robe with her massive black crown and matching scepter in hand. She soaks in the adverse reaction.
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, the one true Ironheart of HYBRID, and your royal highness… the benevolent and beautiful… QUEEN BIANCA DAVIS!
Jacob Frankel: Again, with this nonsense!
Bernadette Olson: I know, this is completely crazy. She is making a spectacle of herself time and time again!
Bianca then saunters down to the ramp, followed closely by her entourage, as Simon yells about showing respect to the Queen of HYBRID and how the fans should give thanks to her, which they don’t do. As she finds a fan at ringside and yells at them while pointing down to bend the knee, which they do as Bianca smugly smirks before going on her way.
Jacob Frankel: Oh lord, now she's demanding the fans bend the knee. What a brat she is!
Bernadette Olson: She's more than that, but we must remain professional despite how hard she makes it.
First, Simon makes his way around with a bottle of disinfectant, disinfecting the apron and stairs before climbing up and opening the ropes for the Princess who enters the ring. As the Queen then ascends the stairs and enters the ring as she poses proudly, soaking in the boos, raising her Ironheart championship high in the air, allowing the whole world to see it before placing it back on her shoulder as Simon grabs Bianca’s golden microphone which she grabs from him, holding it like a wine glass in her hand. As her music cuts, the Queen waits for the fans to quiet down, and her smug voice is soon heard all over the arena.
Queen Bianca Davis: I am here to demand that all of you lowly Atlanta losers and peons WORSHIP ME!
The fans boo loudly, showing what they think of the Queen; however, Princess Honey Rydell and Simon clap, showering praise onto the Queen of HYBRID, as the Queen soaks in the hostile reaction as if it was admiration and applause.
Queen Bianca Davis: Once again, I am here gracing you morons with my presence, and once again, I remain unappreciated by the entire roster of peasants who hate me despite all that attention I bring to this place, the money I bring, all of you for all that I do every single week and being the highlight of your Wednesday yet again! And, on Give Thanks to Bianca Month nonetheless!
Bernadette Olson: Is this girl serious?!
Jacob Frankel: We both know the answer to that.
Queen Bianca Davis: So, despite the lack of respect I am getting, I am doing my Royal Iron Heart open challenge: again, no current champions can challenge me… or former!
The fans boo this loudly as Bianca looks annoyed for a moment but calms down, smirking at the reference to Super Tiger, and speaks in her posh smug, accented tone.
Queen Bianca Davis: And as a matter of fact, let’s just take the locker room out of the equation entirely! You fans all talk so big… maybe one of YOU would like to take a shot! So whoever it may be, get ready to do one thing after I again retain this lovely belt on my shoulder. You will quite simply Bend the Knee to your Queen. Now, hurry up and get out here so I can get out of this dump.
Bianca hands back her microphone as she smugly eyes the screen, not caring who will answer her challenge. As she takes off her velvet gloves, revealing her well-manicured hands, she peers at her nails as Simon holds her belt in front of her letting her get a good look at herself. Much to the surprise of many, someone jumps the barricade to answer the challenge! The figure is a small one, and they also have Simple Simon and Honey Rydel blocking their path!
Bernadette Olson: I don’t know who this kid is, but…
Jacob Frankel: They’ve got some guts!
Simon lunges first but he’s grabbed by the head and belt loops, slung into the ringside barrier like a sack of potatoes! Honey charges in next, arm outstretched for a clothesline, but the hooded fan ducks and, when Honey whips around, smashes her with a running front dropkick that sends the Princess crashing into Simon and leaving both out on the floor!
Bernadette Olson: Wait a second!
Jacob Frankel: No waiting! I wanna see this person get their hands on Bianca!
The hooded fan rolls into the ring and the referee gives them a weird look before moving to call for the bell… but he doesn’t get the chance! Bianca has the referee by the hand, demanding that this be all canceled! The fan isn’t having it, though, and tackles Bianca to the mat, laying in fists to the Queen’s face! They’re pulled back by the referee and almost hit them, but they stop, giving Bianca a chance to escape with the title! The fan charges the ropes but can’t get to the queen in time! Flanked by Simon and Honey, Bianca backs up the ramp, pointing and making threats… until the fan tosses back their hood!
Bernadette Olson: Jessie Robinson! They’re back!
Jacob Frankel: And it’s wonderful to see! Clearly they haven't forgotten Bianca and what she did!
Bernadette Olson: Now maybe she can shut that beauty pageant brat up for good!
Jessie eats up the cheers a bit, but doesn’t take their eyes off of Bianca Davis! The Royal Couple and Simple Simon can’t believe their eyes, though Bianca quickly goes from fearful to furious!
MATCH FIVE
Countdown Challenge
Singles/One Fall
Jessi Ozborne vs. ?
Contrary to Gigi, Jessi seems less than bothered about who her adversary could be. Though it does get a reaction out of her when “Raise Your Glass” by Pink hits and the towering Marnie McPherren comes striding down to the ring. She towers over Ozborne after entering the ring, flashing a grin at the suddenly-determined Queen of Chaos. Referee Zach Young, making sure the two aren’t gonna jump the gun, quickly calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Jessi goes for the legs immediately, trying to stay out of the brawler’s grip. It works for a time, but a particularly nasty swipe connects and Jessi is reeling. A few moments later, a pump kick sends her sailing over the ropes to the floor! Marnie leans on the ropes, waving at Jessi from the ring with that same grin! Jessi, inflamed, tries to talk her into facing her on the outside but, when Young won’t let the tall blonde do that, Jessi grabs her by the leg and trips her, pulling her out beneath the bottom rope! She bangs the back of the knee off the apron, then shoves Marnie into the steps back-first! A punt kick is stalled by Zach trying to get both women back in the ring, to which Jessi finally relents. Marnie is rolled in first and Jessi hits her with a running kick to the ribs. Slowly getting to her feet anyway, Marnie is able to hoist up a charging Jessi, letting her free-fall to the mat for a painful landing!
Marnie goes for Facetime (Double-Underhook DDT) but Jessi powers her way out, a double-leg bringing Marnie down for a flurry of fists! However, her own training lets Marnie switch spots with Jessi! The blonde does her level best to pulp the hell out of Ozborne, but the referee puts a stop to it and Jessi uses that moment to grab and twist the arm, clamping on a modified armbar! Marnie, however, grins and lifts Jessi up with that one arm, much to Jessi’s wide-eyed wonder! A shot to the eye, though, makes Marnie let go and a BAE-ngarang (Savate Kick) knocks Marnie into the buckles hard! Jessi blatantly chokes her for a few moments, then springboards off the second rope with a kick to the chest! She runs up Marnie for a monkey flip but the powerhouse puts on the brakes and drills Jessi with a powerbomb for a very close near-fall! Jessi feigns being hurt for a moment, using that to sucker Marnie in for another shot to the eye, followed by a kick to the side of the leg again! From there, it’s Disenchanted (House Call) to give Jessi the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winner of the match… JESSI OZBORNE!
Kicking the proverbial dirt on Marnie, Jessi leaves the ring, breaking into a wide smirk when the time is shown up on the big screen!
Bernadette Olson: And just like that, Jessi Ozborne gets to pick the type of match she and Gigi Nova will have at Best Served Cold!
Jacob Frankel: And you just know it’s gonna be brutal!
Winner: Jessi Ozborne
Result: Pinfall at 7:35 (Disenchanted)
MATCH SIX
Fatal Four-Way/One Fall
Duke Andrews vs. Aiden Morrow vs. Samantha Tolson vs. Cordelia Clark
DING! DING! DING!
Duke drills everybody in rapid succession, throwing Aiden and Cordelia from the ring as he goes. He knocks Sam down and then covers her.
ONE!
TWO!
AIDEN FLIES IN WITH A LEG DROP OFF THE TOP TO BREAK IT UP!
Duke rolls away clutching at his head as Aiden goes o the cover on Sam. Cordelia coes in and rolls him into a cradle off of Sam.
ONE!
TWO!
DUKE BREAKS IT UP!
Sam suplexes Duke out of his boots. She then hits suplexes on Aiden and then on Cordelia a well. Duke gets up, looking angry and Sam hits bridging one on him for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
AIDEN & CORDELIA BOTH MAKE THE SAVE!
Duke shoves everybody off and starts slamming everybody, eventually trying for a cover on Aiden. Sam deadlift suplexes Duke off of him. Sam and Aiden knock Duke out of the ring onto the apron. Sam turns and suplexes Aiden out of his boots. Cordelia tries for a German suplex on Sam but Sam reverses it.
ONE!
TWO!
AIDEN BREAKS IT UP!
Duke nails Sam from behind. As he tries to come into the ring, Aiden tackles him back out onto the apron. Cordelia rolls up Sam.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… CORDELIA CLARK!
Cordelia seems as surprised as anyone, including Samantha, who rolls over and gets up in a hurry, demanding to know if that was really a three-count! The referee confirms that it is… but has to leave the ring to try and break up Aiden and Duke as their brawl continues!
Bernadette Olson: A wild match comes to a wild conclusion! Cordelia finds her moment and gets a pin on Samantha Tolson!
Jacob Frankel: And Duke and Aiden are just laying into one another still! Seems like there’s still bad blood there!
Bernadette Olson: And it looks to me like Sam Tolson wants to settle this… soon!
Winner: Cordelia Clark
Result: Pinfall at 10:16 (Roll-Up)
MAIN EVENT
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Robert Marino vs. Damian Simmons (C)
DING! DING! DING!
Robert approaches Damian tentatively, feigning a lock-up before throwing a hard kick to the right thigh. The hit barely seems to affect the champion, but several more both anger and frustrate the big man. He makes some hard swipes but only comes close to tagging Robert. Empowered by this, Robert steps up his assault, hitting a dropkick to the right knee and another to the head of Damian, who still won’t go down! Backing up onto the second rope, Robert sails off… right into Damian’s grip! A chokeslam follows and Robert rolls from the ring, back arched in pain. Damian follows and Robert quickly rolls back inside, dropping a leg across the back of the champion’s neck when he re-enters. Independence Doom (Punt Kick) follows and Robert pins for a one-count.
Right about here Damian decides that he has had enough. Swatting away a dropkick, Damian grabs Robert by the throat with both hands and chucks him into the corner, following with a big splash! Back to Robert’s chest, Damian throws a few hard alternating back elbows, then turns around and hits a right hand that sends Robert to the mat! The challenger rolls out of the ring while Katie continues cheering on her champion. Blake Mason makes his way down the ramp now, keeping his distance from Robert but clearly still agitated with his would-be protege, standing with arms folded as Robert rolls back into the ring.
A running knee cracks Robert in the temple, almost sending him out of the ring again, but he catches himself on the apron. A missed big boot by Damian hangs him up over the top strand and Robert lands a few hard kicks to the hamstring before springboarding off the top rope with a blockbuster, bringing Damian down! A quick two-count follows and there’s concern on the face of Katie as, with Damian still down, Robert backs up onto the top rope and hits the Devil Dog Death (Coup de Grace) right between the shoulders of the champion! Damian smashes into the mat hard and Robert forces him over onto his back, going for the pin!
ONE…
TWO…
TH-NO!
BLAKE PULLS THE REFEREE OUT OF THE RING!
Looking around, Robert centers in on what happened, the referee giving Blake the Riot Act on the outside! Anger gets the better of Marino, who rolls out of the ring and gives Blake the Drone Drop (A-Town Down) on the floor! Rolling back into the ring, he looks for the same move on Damian! Damian rises, turns… and nails a wicked forearm to the jaw, staggering Robert back into the ropes! From there, Skyfall (JBL Bomb) connects and Zach Young counts to three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winner of the match… and STILL the Vanguard Champion… DAMIAN SIMMONS!
Blake, just getting to his feet on the floor, looks into the ring with a smirk, sarcastically applauding as Robert tries to regain his bearings! Katie joins Damian in the ring, title in hand, as Zach Young raises the champ’s hand in victory!
Bernadette Olson: Another successful defense for Damian, but once more, there had to be shenanigans!
Jacob Frankel: Blake and Robert need to settle things between them one way or another! Otherwise, neither is going to get ahead!
Winner: Damian Simmons (Still Champion)
Result: Pinfall at 12:11 (Skyfall)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
What It’s All About
A brawl starts on the outside of the ring almost immediately, with Robert Marino and Blake Mason teeing off on each other! Security comes charging down, led by Forge, quickly breaking up the fight and seeing the two to the backstage area! Damian looks on with undisguised amusement, Katie extolling his successes to the cheering masses… as “NIB” by Ugly Kid Joe starts playing!
Jacob Frankel: What’s this now?!
Bernadette Olson: Javier Mateo Duran! What’s he out here for?!
The man formerly known as the Runaway Train comes out onto the stage as security is trying to keep Marino and Mason from clobbering each other, stopping at the top of the ramp. Both men break away from security, tossing right hands at one another until they nearly collide with Javier!
And the big man’s response is to clothesline both men to the floor, the HYBRID Nation erupting at the sight!
Bernadette Olson: Get in his way, get run down!
Both men are left lying until security gets hold of them and continues hustling them to the back, this time with far less trouble! Javier and Forge lock eyes for a moment, sharing a nod, before Javier turns and continues his walk down to the ring!
Jacob Frankel: Looks like he wants a word with the Vanguard Champion, Bernadette!
Bernadette Olson: A word? This guy? The only way he talks is with his fists!
But that is indeed Javier’s intentions! He rolls under the ropes and walks right up to Damian, the title now draped over his shoulder! Katie, at his side, looks between Javier and Damian, then gestures to her Colossus as if to say “you think you got a shot at THIS?!”. Javier glances at the girl, smirks, then turns right back to Damian.
And, reaching out, he slaps the title over the shoulder of the Juggernaut hard!
Jacob Frankel: Message sent!
Damian, looking this newcomer up and down, cracks a small grin and holds the title up high, getting chest-to-chest with Javier! Neither man breaks eye contact, nor do the fans looking on!
Bernadette Olson: Looks like Damian has his next challenger, fans! And it’s a doozy!
Jacob Frankel: They’ll tear one another, AND the ring, apart! But will AMV sign the match? We’ll find out in two weeks at the next Vanguard!
Fade to black on Damian and Javier standing nose to nose, Katie hovering behind them!
