Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Dec 21, 2022 2:13:59 GMT -6
Episode #11: Cold, Hard Truth
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
MATCH ONE
Singles/One Fall
Demos vs. Alessandra Diaz
Singles/One Fall
Demos vs. Alessandra Diaz
Alessandra looks a little wary about getting into the ring with this monster, but Demos’s manager, Zoi, doesn’t give her time to think about it, grabbing and hurling Diaz in under the bottom rope…
DING! DING! DING!
…where Demos immediately takes charge of the situation. He bodily picks Alessandra off the mat before she can rise on her own, draping her over his shoulder and ramming her back-first into the turnbuckles…then charging to the other side of the ring to do it again before slamming her down with a powerslam! Demos makes a pin attempt, but Diaz shockingly kicks out at two. Shrugging his shoulders, Demos rises and grabs Diaz by the throat, chucking her into the corner and charging in with a clothesline. She narrowly avoids this and lays in some leg kicks as well as a few kicks to the midsection and ribs. Pie-faced down, Alessandra is right back up, running and leaping at Demos, going for what appears to be a monkey flip. But he simply stands there to counter, throwing Alessandra to the mat mercilessly. He lets her get back up, but then grabs her by the arm and whips her into the ropes, catching her on her return for the Mythbuster (Double A Spinebuster) to get the academic one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winner of the match… DEMOS!
Zoi quickly joins her charge in the ring, pushing Diaz out under the ropes and raising the big man’s arm. For Demos, this was much too easy; the Beast wants more and says as much to the camera before leaving the ring with Zoi!
Bernadette Olson: Giving me Aleki Kekoa vibes here, Jacob.
Jacob Frankel: With a dash of Javier Mateo Duran, wouldn’t you say?
Bernadette Olson: The battle practically writes itself. But I want to see more of what this fella can do before I go calling myself a fan.
Winner: Demos
Result: Pinfall at 1:21 (Mythbuster)
Result: Pinfall at 1:21 (Mythbuster)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Someone Talked
Someone Talked
A camera, from a safe distance and around a corner, catches sight of HYBRID’s CSO, Trenton Mitchell, on the phone. The hallway is otherwise empty and knowing the guy, it’s probably by design. His body language denotes frustration and violent intent, even if his voice is quiet and strikingly calm.
Not so quiet, of course, that we cannot hear his side of the conversation.
Trenton Mitchell: ...better start making some sense, Vice. The fuck do you mean the deal’s off?
A pause, then…
Trenton Mitchell: Un-fucking-acceptable! This was supposed to square the damn books for years! Wait, what?!
His voice drops even lower as the cameraman tries to adjust the focus to see more of Trenton.
Trenton Mitchell: That ain’t fuckin’ funny, Vice. Yeah, I know you’re not fucking joking. Don’t quote the goddamn charter to me; I wrote half the damn thing.
And just like that, Trenton turns and smashes the thousand-dollar phone against the wall, leaving it a cracked, mangled mess on the floor. Then he drives his heel into it, ensuring that no Geek Squad alive is gonna be able to save it. Leaning against the wall with his palms pressed against the painted concrete, Trenton stares at the remnants of the phone before walking off.
Bernadette Olson: I want to know what that was about… but I don’t. Plausible deniability and all that.
Jacob Frankel: It sure ain’t HYBRID business. That being said, I hope no one tries to do something stupid tonight. Our Chief of Security is clearly in a mood.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Be Ready for Anything
We cut backstage, where we see Gigi Nova and her agent, Lorenzo Merrick walking down a hallway. Merrick is clad in a grey suit with a black shirt and tie, while Gigi is already in her ring gear. Gigi is muttering to herself, and as Lorenzo turns to look at her in an effort to make out what she’s saying, he notices a look of uncertainty on her face.
Lorenzo Merrick: Kid, what’s eating you?
He puts a hand on her shoulder, prompting Gigi to turn to face him as they stop in their tracks.
Gigi Nova: Nothing, Lorenzo. It’s just that I...
Scoffing, Lorenzo smirks and shakes his head.
Lorenzo Merrick: Don’t tell me you’re nervous about tonight, Gigi...
Annoyed at the interruption, Gigi throws her hands onto her hips and frowns.
Gigi Nova: Well, if you’d let me finish.
Merrick holds up his hands in an apologetic gesture, taking a step back.
Lorenzo Merrick: Sorry, sorry! My bad; go ahead.
Gigi’s nostrils flare as she lets out a huff. Clearing her throat, she continues.
Gigi Nova: Indeed. Anyway, what I was gonna say is that I don’t usually do tag team matches, let alone a three-on-three. I’m not so worried about Robert Marino; he seems willing to work for the good of the team. I’m just concerned that Jessie Robinson is going to be conflicted about going against one of their own.
Lorenzo nods his head.
Lorenzo Merrick: Understandable, but it’s all part of the nature of the business. You must be prepared to face whoever stands across the ring from you… be they your worst enemy or your best friend.
Those last two words seem to hit Gigi like a punch in the gut as she stares at him as if he had dealt her a mortal wound. Immediately, Lorenzo realizes what he just said, and straightens his tie. His expression fades into one that says “open mouth, insert foot.”
Lorenzo Merrick: I know; poor choice of words. But the idea remains the same. Regardless of who is standing on the other side, you give them everything you have, otherwise, you’re doing both you AND your opponent – and in this case, your partners – a huge disservice. Granted, I think the people on the other side have their own issues to worry about.
Gigi slowly nods her head.
Gigi Nova: You know what? You’re absolutely right! No one on my team has given me a reason not to trust them, so I’ve really got nothing to worry about. I just need to get out there and pull my weight as far as my team goes.
Gigi turns and resumes the walk down the hallway, with Lorenzo quickly keeping pace.
Lorenzo Merrick: You sure that’s the only thing bugging you?
Gigi Nova: Well, the fact that I still don’t know what Jessi has in mind for Best Served Cold...
Lorenzo Merrick: All that means is that you need to be ready for anything.
She suddenly stops, causing Lorenzo to accidentally come into contact with her shoulder. It wasn’t enough to cause any injury; just an awkward exchange of glances and mutual expressions of “oops” on both of their faces.
Gigi Nova: “Be ready for anything…” even if it’s something that would grossly tip the balance in Jessi’s favor...
Lorenzo nods.
Lorenzo Merrick: She does have the advantage in that respect, yes.
Gigi Nova: Well, then… I’ll have to make sure she sees that I can take whatever she throws at me. Starting with tonight!
Gigi stares ahead, a determined smile growing on her face as Lorenzo pats her on the shoulder.
Lorenzo Merrick: Atta girl! Now get out there and show them what you’re made of!
Gigi smirks as she tugs on the bottom edges of her ring jacket.
Gigi Nova: I do that every time I step out there, Enzo...
Gigi doesn’t even wait for a response; she walks off, stopping only after a few steps as she realizes what she just called him. She tilts her head with a puzzled expression on her face as she silently repeats the last word she said.
Quickly, she shrugs it off and continues, but not before shooting a quick side-eye to the left, as if subtly trying to see if she could catch his reaction in her peripheral vision without making it obvious. Pushing the thought out of her mind, she makes the rest of the walk alone as the scene fades out.
MATCH TWO
Tag Team/One Fall
Robert Marino, Gigi Nova & Jessie Robinson vs. Blake Mason, Jessi Ozborne & Bianca Davis
DING! DING! DING!
The match begins with teammates Jessi Ozborne and Bianca Davis arguing over which one of them should start the match while on the opposite side of the ring, it’s agreed that the young upstart Jessie Robinson will start for their team. As soon as Ozborne realizes this, she happily allows Davis to start and exits the ring, finally allowing this match to properly get under way.
Robinson and Davis circle one another to start and as Robinson lunges towards Davis to lock up, the self-proclaimed Queen turns around and slaps Ozborne on the chest which the official signals as a tag. Davis smirks at an angry Ozborne as they switch places as the two members of the Queens of Chaos find themselves starting this thing off against each other.
Robinson and Ozborne lock up in the center of the ring and Ozborne quickly locks Robinson into a side headlock before hitting her with a judo hip toss and keeps the headlock cinched in. Robinson manages to kip themselves up, forcing the hold to be broken and the two find themselves locking eyes with one another again, both nodding to one another out of respect.
It’s at this point where either due to boredom or just wanting to take advantage that Davis climbs into the ring and clobbers Robinson in the back of the head with a forearm which ultimately brings Gigi Nova in and Ozborne notices this and goes after her. Blake Mason then climbs into the ring which prompts Robert Marino to do the same and those two end up going at it as well forcing the official to throw the match out as he has lost complete control of this match up.
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen... as a result of the double disqualification... the referee has deemed this match a no contest!
All six competitors continue going at one another, not caring about the fact that the match is over as Marino clotheslines Mason over the top rope and then climbs out of the ring after him as the two men fight their way up the ramp to the back.
Bernadette Olson: Well that match didn't last very long! All this of these competitors pure straight hate each other, Jacob!
Jacob Frankel: And they don't seem to care that the match is over either! Marino and Mason have fought their way out of here while Ozborne and Nova are still going at it while Robinson and Davis are also tearing into each other!
Winner: N/A
Result: Referee Stoppage at 6:26
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Queens in Threes!
Queens in Threes!
Bernadette Olson: And these four are STILL going at it, Jacob! We need some order out here!
Jacob Frankel: Don’t look at me, Bernadette! I don’t-- wait, who is that?!
Suddenly the camera switches to show a petite hooded figure wearing a face mask hopping the barricade carrying a black aluminium baseball bat. All we can tell about this unknown individual is that they’re female and they have long blonde hair as she rolls into the ring and smashes the bat into the back of Bianca Davis.
Bernadette Olson: Well whoever this is, they just took out Bianca Davis!
Jacob Frankel: Who is she?!
After a brief pause, the unknown assailant then turns around and smashes the bat into the back of Gigi Nova too which causes even more confusion.
Bernadette Olson: She just took out Gigi Nova too!
Jacob Frankel: Is she another Queen of Chaos or something?!
Both Robinson and Ozborne stare at the blonde assailant in utter confusion as the unknown woman then drops the bat and pulls down her face mask and pulls back the hood to reveal that it’s Laura Pinkerton, the woman formerly known as Lollie Pop!
Bernadette Olson: It is another Queen of Chaos! It’s Laura Pinkerton!
Jacob Frankel: This is insane! The Queens of Chaos contingent here in HYBRID just got bigger and more dangerous!
Ozborne grins and then begins laughing before embracing Pinkerton while Robinson looks at the bat on the floor, looking a little unsure before Ozborne grabs both Pinkerton’s and Robinson’s wrists and raises them high in the air as we cut elsewhere.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Proud Statement
Backstage we see Lana Corvin and Jamie Emmerson, the Daughters of Darkness, along with their manager, Ashe Corvin. The team looks ready for their match tonight, though Lana has a bandage over one of her eyebrows. The results of her match in London just a day before. Ashe smirks and chuckles.
Ashe Corvin: At Vanguard nine the Daughters of Darkness made their debut. A team like no other. It’s only a matter of time before they hold tag team gold here in HYBRID. But first, they have their match tonight.
Ashe rubs his hands together.
Ashe Corvin: We’ve seen you around, Natural Resources. We also know that you and your friends are dealing with The Bisque Dolls. I know Charlie will keep them out of this match, for as long as it goes. Charlie and I go way back. Just keep your friends away and everything will be fine.
Ashe pauses for a moment.
Ashe Corvin: Tonight is going to be another example. Another showing of just why the Daughters of Darkness are the greatest tag team in the business. Please, Natural Resources, bring everything you’ve got and ignore the distractions. If you don’t, it’ll be over before you know it.
Ashe gives a wink as both Lana and Jamie chuckle. The trio then walk out of frame.
MATCH THREE
Tag Team/One Fall
Daughters of Darkness vs. Natural Resources
Tag Team/One Fall
Daughters of Darkness vs. Natural Resources
GoGo and Rain look rightfully concerned before the match starts, each looking over their shoulders as though expecting trouble, given their recent issues with the Bisque Dolls. Before the bell tolls for the march to start, however, 2 Broke Chicks come out onto the ramp. They meet the gazes of Natural Resources, the four women having an understanding. The Daughters don’t think much of this, but as Jane and Chi Chi remain on the ramp, there’s not much they can do to question it. Referee Zach Young calls for the bell…
DING! DING! DING!
…and the battle gets underway with Lana squaring off against GoGo to start. GoGo frustrates her opponent with her speed, evading Lana’s strikes and taking her down with waistlocks and headlocks. GoGo shows off her understated chain wrestling, keeping Lana grounded and flustered with her skills. A few hard shots to the ribs let Lana break free once she’s on her feet again, though, and a shoulderblock knocks GoGo to the mat. Lana hits the ropes again, with GoGo ducking a clothesline and leapfrogging another charge. She attempts this a second time and Lana catches her over her shoulder, slamming her to the mat before tagging Jamie. The Daughters hit a double-knee, then a double-suplex before Lana leaves the ring. GoGo attempts to make a tag but Jamie keeps her away from Rain, hitting a scoop slam and a leg drop before attempting a pin. It’s a quick two and GoGo kicks out, again going for the tag. She hits an enzuigiri and almost makes it over before Jamie tags Lana back in, allowing her to break things up. GoGo is able to send Lana into her corner, though, knocking Jamie off the apron (though she lands on her feet) and make the tag to Rain.
A big boot sends Lana down and Jamie comes charging right into a back body drop. Rain cleans house on the daughters before tagging GoGo back in, letting her get a running start before hoisting her up military-style and sending her into a somersault senton on the Daughters outside the ring! Zach Young backs off Natural Resources, but the fans are already hyped as Ashe quickly calms things down between his charges on the outside, talking strategy before sending them back into the ring. GoGo tags Rain back in and she locks up with Lana before she goes for the eyes, tagging in Jamie so the two can double-team the larger woman. A double-clothesline is enough to knock Rain down and the Daughters hit a beautiful Phat Ass Con-Chair-To (Tandem Hip Attack) that almost keeps Rain down for three. Lana and Jamie keep up the quick tags, with some chicanery, though Rain almost breaks away… first with a big belly-to-belly on Jaime and then with a sit-out chokeslam on Lana. But the other is always there to break it up! A spinebuster from Lana almost puts Rain down for three, but GoGo breaks up the pin!
This is the opening that Rain was looking for; she reverses an Irish whip, sending Lana chest-first into the buckles near Jamie. Jamie tags in and Rain brings her down with a drop toe hold, going for the tag! Jamie catches the leg, but Rain wrenches free and brings in GoGo! Coming off the top rope with a high crossbody, GoGo wipes out Jamie before hitting a running dropkick on Lana to send her to the floor! With Rain still in the ring, Natural Resources looks for Rushing Waters (Fall of Man) only for a pair of hooded figures to try breaking things up! 2BC springs into action, though, and take out the attacks, sending them scrambling and chasing them into the crowd before they can interfere with the match! Lana uses this moment to sneak in a blind tag and roll up GoGo, but a running knee from Rain sends her to the canvas! Jamie is right there to assist, but GoGo is back up, too, and a modified Rocket Launcher from Natural Resources sends Jamie into Lana, taking out both Daughters! Rushing Waters connects on Lana and that’s all!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winners… NATURAL RESOURCES!
Ashe is apoplectic about the result, as are Jamie and Lana, but they decide against starting another fight as 2BC returns from having sent the would-be attackers scurrying. They stand alongside Natural Resources as the DOD head to the back.
Bernadette Olson: Strong win for Natural Resources here tonight, showing why they’re one of the top teams out there.
Jacob Frankel: Indeed, but the Daughters showed their considerable skills and teamwork, too. Wouldn't be surprised to see either team going for gold soon.
Winners: Natural Resources
Result: Pinfall at 10:09 (Rushing Waters)
Result: Pinfall at 10:09 (Rushing Waters)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
The Final Details
The Final Details
Back in the office of the owner of HYBRID, Aloysius Marcus Vance IV is going over some information with Trenton Mitchell. The big man is still ill-at-ease, but he’s paying attention and offering input on the matter. Seems that the card for Best Served Cold is nearly finalized…
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: So… Jessi Ozborne has this wild idea where she gets to change the rules of the match on the fly as she sees fit…
Trenton Mitchell: And you’re rolling with it?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: It amuses me.
Trenton rolls his eyes, palms pressed down on the desk as he looks over the material before him, most of it displayed on AMV’s laptop, the screen of which is naturally turned away from the camera.
Trenton Mitchell: So what about the title that Queen Brat gave up? Needs to be on someone.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I thought about that. And seeing as how Darcy and Mikaela are looking to settle things with their so-called rubber match, I thought I’d make it interesting and put the title up for grabs between ‘em!
The big man almost smiles. Almost.
Trenton Mitchell: Good call. Graves and Callaway for the Iron Heart belt.
He points at the screen.
Trenton Mitchell: And you settled on some prizes for the Seasons’ Beatings Match?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Yeah, but…
The lawyer-turned-owner swivels in his chair, looking at his long-time client and friend.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: ...you gonna tell me what went down with that phone call earlier? One of the crew freaked out, seeing your mangled phone spread all over the hallway. I’d like you to explain.
Trenton looks right at the camera for a moment… well, glaring, more like.
Trenton Mitchell: Not here. Not now.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You realize they called me before they called you, right?
Trenton Mitchell: I’d be shocked if they didn’t.
Shrugging, AMV turns back to the screen.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: But yeah… seems like everything’s put together. Just a matter of who comes out on top in the main event, right? Either Samantha or Damian are going on to defend against Javier. That’ll get some eyes on the product. I wonder if that’s enough, though.
Folding his arms, Trenton nods.
Trenton Mitchell: More than. Time to see what kinda trouble they can get up to.
Nodding with a grin, AMV gets back to work with Trenton remaining nearby.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Money Talks
When we return to the show after a commercial break, the picture is of the back of the building. A lone service door rolling up along the tracks. Slowly the headlights appear, the bright white lights shut off as a black Silverado pulls inside of the back of the State Farm Arena. The limo tinted windows keep the driver a secret to those who would be tuning in for the first time to HYBRID television.
”I’m not afraid of the boogeyman, instead I look at him like he's a friend. There’s not a monster out there in the world, that’s scarier than the one that’s within.”
The music is heard before the engine is killed. The door opens to a chorus of boo’s. The person behind the wheel is finally revealed as Duke Andrews. Dressed as he has been of late. His head was covered in his dirty khaki colored Carhartt hat. Wearing a moss green hooded sweatshirt with the Carhartt logo down the left arm. His boots clicked off the concrete floor as he stuck his tattooed hands inside of his pocket after closing the door.
Not a word was spoken as he walked inside of the arena. The backstage crew all stepped out of his way as he walked up towards the double door. Pulling out his right hand as he grabbed the handle and pulled open.
Everyone that had social media knew why he was here, and the lone reason he was here. The look on his face was stoic at best. His beard was as neat as it could be. The door slammed shut behind him as he looked at the wall and then proceeded down the hallway.
Jacob Frankel: Well we know why he’s here Bernadette, I’m curious if Mr. Vance has good news for Duke.
Bernadette Olson: I’m sure that if it wasn’t good news, he wouldn’t want him in the arena. I’m sure that we are going to be in a world of hell if he doesn’t get his way.
Duke stopped at the door that read “Aloysius Marcus Vance IV”. With a deep breath, he pushed the door in, hearing the click as it opened. Looking around at AMV and Trenton Mitchell. He walked in just enough to hear the door close behind him. Seeing a chair open opposite of the desk as he walked over and took a seat.
Duke Andrews: You made me come to Atlanta for this. So let’s not beat around the bush.
Duke kicked his feet up on the desk. His Lucchese boots resting on the edge of AMV’s desk, as he crossed his legs and leaned back in the chair.
Duke Andrews: Actually, let me start.
He looked at Trenton, sizing the big man up. Trenton merely stared back in silence. Smirking, Duke cleared his throat and cocked his head to the side and stared at Aloysius.
Duke Andrews: I came back here for one reason, and that was to put this company back on the map. Where it was before that dipshit Donovan stuck his nose in it and made it his farewell venue. A company that I busted my ass to elevate to the likes of every other promotion I have worked for. A place that I could be proud of, and we were really fucking close. And then bush league bullshit from your champion who’s afraid of a challenge, Tolson not doing as instructed, it all really just makes it hard to do what you need me to do. I’m tired of being the one calling out your champion, and then right out from under me, Bianca tried to weasel her way into the top of the card? And you allow it?
It was at that point that AMV went to speak up before Duke raised his hand up. Drawing an amused chuckle from the owner of the company.
Duke Andrews: So why do I want to stay around? Why do I want to play second fiddle to a guy that really can’t even hold my fucking gear bag? But let’s be clear and put all of our cards on the table…
At this point Duke dropped his feet from the desk and leaned forward.
Duke Andrews: Let’s not take this as an ultimatum, but as a way for you to make more money. I’m not here to just walk away, but I’m here to make sure you’re going to do what you know you need to do. So…what is it that you wanted to talk about?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Oh? You’re done now?
AMV leans forward a little, folding his hands atop the desk.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Firstly, Bianca Davis used the Iron Heart Championship as it was intended: to get a title shot. There’s nothing foul about how she did it… just about the woman herself. Did she take an opportunity from someone to do so? Perhaps. More than one person, in fact. So you’re not the only one with the right to be affronted here. Try to keep that in mind. As to the rest?
He leans back in his chair, the seat creaking just slightly, and looks up at Trenton. The tattooed man glances at Duke quietly, then leans down to say something in AMV’s ear. The owner nods, whispers back, then grins slightly.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You peeled the right banana talking about money. You versus Eddy would put a lot of that in everyone’s pocket. That is, if he gets past Bianca and Jessie Robinson at Best Served Cold. I know you though, Duke: you won’t be satisfied just to wait around. And you should know by now that I don’t just hand out opportunities. So that’s why I’m going to put you into the Seasons’ Beatings Match at Best Served Cold. You’ll get to kick a prodigious amount of ass and at the same time prove to me that you mean it where it comes to giving your all to become champion and, of course, make some extra green. For now, though, you have a fight in front of you tonight, so… good luck out there. Let’s chat again in a few weeks.
Duke rolls his eyes and shrugs, getting up and leaving the office without a word. AMV glances up at Trenton again after Duke leaves, as if expecting the CSO to have something to say. But Trenton doesn’t. And the scene fades out.
MATCH FOUR
Singles/One Fall
Duke Andrews vs. Javier Mateo Duran
Singles/One Fall
Duke Andrews vs. Javier Mateo Duran
DING! DING! DING!
The two big men circle one another a few times before locking up, with Duke stepping in to hit a hard forearm to the jaw. Javier is turned aside, but comes back with a grin and one of his own. And just like that, they’re trading heavy shots until Andrews gets the better of it and sends Javier into the ropes, throwing a hard shoulder against Javier’s chest. But Javier doesn’t budge, instead hitting the ropes himself and throwing the same shot at Duke! Duke likewise doesn’t do any more than take a step back, retorting with a grin and a right hand! More stiff shots are thrown and even a double-clothesline doesn’t drop either man! The fans are getting into the stalemate a bit, but Duke and Javier both back off, sizing one another up. The American Rebel and the Mexican Reaper stalk one another a bit, seemingly trying to decide how to approach things. They lock-up a second time and Duke goes for the arm, using his grip to flip Javier to the mat and put on an armbar. He follows by driving the knee into the arm, but Javier takes a few opportunities to throw fists on Duke, trying to break out. Both men get to their feet and Javier reverses an Irish whip, looking for a back body drop. Duke surprisingly lands on his feet and tries a belly-to-back suplex! Javier flips out and lands on his feet, attempting a German himself, but both men end up at the ropes and brawl further, the fight taking them both out of the ring!
Javier whips Duke into the announce table, but Duke charges back into him, driving Javier into the apron! Both end up sent against the steps, but the brawl continues with both men just slugging the hell out of one another! Duke finally takes Javier off his feet with a back body drop that sends him over the barricade and into the front row, but Javier is back up and comes off the barricade with a flying clothesline that sends Duke down as well! The wear is starting to show a little, but both men get back into the ring and keep the fight going with Javier slipping out of an over-the-shoulder powerslam to hit Duke with one of the snapping variety for a two-count! A vertical suplex is attempted by Javier, but Duke stonewalls him and hits a throwing spinebuster for a two-count of his own! Mounted punches follow but Duke is quickly kicked away! Javier is back on his feet, sending Duke into the ropes before the two clash with another simultaneous clothesline, this time knocking both men down!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, they aren’t slow to get back up. Duke goes for a scoop slam but Javier nearly turns it into a reverse DDT. Duke powers out and hits an invented atomic drop but Javier returns with a jawbreaker! Duke scoops Javier up for a Death Valley driver but Javier elbows his way out! Javier goes for a fisherman’s buster but Duke fights free and hits a forearm to the back of the head! Javier fires back a retort and, once again, both men fight outside the ring! This time, the brawl takes them between the ramp and the barricade, all the way to the backstage area! Referee Kara Tarantino, when they don’t come back, has no choice but to call it a double-countout!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, both Javier Mateo Duran and Duke Andrews have been counted out!
Cameras catch up with them backstage, though, as the fight is taking them closer to the merchandise and concessions area! Fans part as the two men battle their way through, but they don’t get far before Forge and his security separate them! Naturally, the fans would like them to keep going at it, but the dozen or so guards make sure that doesn’t happen for the fans’ own good!
Bernadette Olson: Goodness… I can’t remember the last time I saw a brawl like that! Neither man gave an inch!
Jacob Frankel: Hey, I wouldn’t mind seeing more! Let ‘em scrap, I say!
Winner: N/A
Result: Double-Countout at 9:22
Result: Double-Countout at 9:22
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Elementary!
Elementary!
We cut to the outside of the State Farm Arena with the camera focused on a bush in the distance, it rustles a little before suddenly two heads pop up out of it, those heads belong to Captain Cosmo and Aiden Marino who proceed to exit the bush and it is evident from their attires that Cosmo is dressed as Sherlock Holmes and Marino is dressed as Dr. Watson. With a magnifying glass in hand, Cosmo makes his way towards the arena looking at the floor through the magnifying glass as Marino follows behind him.
Aiden Marino: Any luck findin’ the Cosmic Pug there yet Sherlock Cosmo, old chap?
Cosmo just stares at Marino over putting on a terrible English accent.
Captain Cosmo: Never do that again, Dr. Marino! But to answer your question?! No! There is no sign of the Cosmic Pug yet! However Captain Cosmo senses that we are close!
Marino points over to the State Farm Arena.
Aiden Marino: Perhaps we could try there?
Cosmo glances over to the arena and then back to his partner and then nods in agreement before the duo make their way over and enter the building. After a few moments, and what appeared to be a time fast forwarding by about twenty minutes, Cosmo and Marino exit the building looking at one another in bewilderment.
Captain Cosmo: What in the Emu just happened in there, Dr. Marino?!
Aiden Marino: I think we went into this building looking for the Cosmic Pug and then somehow left being signed to the HYBRID rEvolution roster…
Cosmo removes a bubble pipe from his cloak and begins to puff away on it a few times.
Captain Cosmo: Very peculiar! Oh well!
Cosmo then begins to shuffle away off camera as Marino just shrugs before beginning to follow him as we cut elsewhere.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
First Name Basis
Grace Savoy is seen walking down a hallway of the State Farm Arena. She and her cameraman approach the giant Damian Simmons as he prepares for his upcoming match. As she approaches, Simmons locks his glaring eyes on her.
Grace Savoy: Damian, I was wondering if I could get your thoughts on your Vanguard title defense in a few moments. How are you preparing for another tough challenge?
As expected, The Colossus doesn’t respond, Nevertheless, the interviewer tries another question.
Grace Savoy: How about Best Served Cold? If you retain tonight, you will be facing Javier Mateo Duran, a man that cannot feel pain. How will your bruising style match up with someone of his caliber?
Simmons’ nostrils flare in response. There's a moment of quiet until the sound of someone clearing their throat comes from off screen. The camera turns to reveal Damian’s wife Katie standing there, her arms folded across her chest as she gives Savoy a dirty look.
Grace Savoy: Um… Hello, Mrs-
Katie Simmons: Hi. What are you doing?
Grace Savoy: I just want to get Damian’s thoughts on-
The Siren once again cuts Savoy off.
Katie Simmons: He has better things to do than talk to the likes of you. Frankly I do too but one of us has to and he has a match to get ready for. So you want our thoughts? Fine.
Simmons sighs and pushes her fiery orange hair out of her face.
Katie Simmons: Tonight is going to go down exactly how every night has gone since Damian stepped foot in a HYBRID ring. He is going to brutalize Samantha Tolson like he has everyone else. He will defend his Vanguard title while continuing to establish why he is the premier champion this company has to offer. Tolson will do her best. Put her best foot forward, give it her greatest effort and blah blah blah…
She rolls her eyes.
Katie Simmons: Fact is that Damian will toss her onto the pile of bodies he’s left in his wake. He doesn’t care about how long someone’s been in the ring, or what they’ve accomplished in that time. He’ll break a billion-time world champion the exact same as he would someone stepping into a ring for the first time.
Katie turns to look directly into the camera now.
Katie Simmons: Don’t believe me, Sam? Ask Brody Slater about how my hubby just about crushed his skull under his giant boots. Maybe ask the other Katie when he ripped the title from her unconscious hands. Or maybe Cass Baumer, the one who was brave enough to try her hand against him twice!
She lets out a mischievous giggle before continuing.
Katie Simmons: They all felt Damian’s power as he cracked the floor using their backs. You will be no different. I promise you that.
The redhead turns to join her husband before remembering something, turning back towards the camera with a sly grin.
Katie Simmons: Oh… right. How could I forget Mr. JMD? The man who’s the latest to stick his nose into Damian’s business and stake his claim to a title that will NEVER belong to him. Javy, can I call you Javy?
She giggles and shrugs nonchalantly.
Katie Simmons: Javy, we know what you’re about. We know what you can do. And it is with no bias whatsoever that I say you would have better luck going for the Global Heavyweight or Iron Heart championships. Because the Vanguard title is and always will be on lock.
The Siren grabs up the Vanguard championship from the road case her husband is warming up next to and drapes it over her shoulder.
Katie Simmons: Mr. Duran, we all know you can’t feel pain. But that doesn’t really matter, because nobody feels pain when they’re unconscious, so you’re no different than any of Damian’s opponents. Be sure to tune in to his match with Ms. Tolson to see what I’m talking about.
The smaller Simmons walks behind her husband and straps the Vanguard title around his waist, coming around in front of him as he leans down to kiss her. He then takes her hand as the pair begins to walk toward gorilla position. But not before Katie turns around and waves to the camera as they walk away.
MAIN EVENT
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Samantha Tolson vs. Damian Simmons (C)
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Samantha Tolson vs. Damian Simmons (C)
DING! DING! DING!
Samantha plays it smart from the beginning, attacking Damian’s legs to try and slow him down while staying out of reach. Having dealt with this strategy before, Damian is better at defending himself from the assault, but a running knee to the chest and a DDT put him down for two in the early going. A one-handed mug sends Samantha rolling away, but she’s back on her feet in a hurry, leaping to the still-kneeling Damian’s shoulders and attempting a headscissors takedown. Damian puts on the brakes, though, and hits a modified facebuster for a near-fall, knocking some of the fight out of the Suplex Machine. Taking over, Damian manhandles the multiple-time former World Champion, hurling her into the buckles and hitting some hard knees and clotheslines to wear her down. A charge into the buckles ends with Damian hitting chest-first, though, and a backstabber further wears him down. Samantha hits a reverse DDT for a two-count, but Damian still throws her off with authority despite being slowed.
Tolson is determined, though, and keeps laying into Simmons, keeping the Vanguard Champion on defense. It seems as though every big move ends with Samantha either countering or escaping and Damian’s frustration is mounting more and more, to the point where Senior Official Butch Ward has to step in more than once to warn the champion with threats of disqualification. Relief comes, albeit briefly, with a big chokeslam from the Juggernaut, putting the Suplex Machine down for two. When the shoulder gets thrown up, Damian picks her up by the throat and hits a second chokeslam, this time in the manner of a buckle bomb! The maneuver leaves Samantha in considerable pain, but she snaps Damian’s neck over the top rope as she drops to the floor, buying herself some time. Katie tries to yell at Tolson, but gets blown off as Samantha gets back on the apron, hitting a swinging kick and a springboard bulldog to drive Damian down, getting a longer two-count from her efforts.
Her stamina is holding out and Damian is steadily slowing down. The Beautiful Oblivion Rendezvous (Cross Rhodes) is countered, but a Mind Your Head (Running V-Trigger) connects for a very long two-count! The fans are starting to get behind Tolson as she stalks the Juggernaut, the champion very slow to get to their feet. Tolson charges and Damian elevates her over the top rope, only for Tolson to land on the apron! A leaping forearm to the back of the head sends Damian staggering forward and from there Samantha again springs off the top rope, landing on Damian’s back and locking in a rear naked choke! The big man staggers, then drops to a knee, and it looks like he’s fading! A resounding crack shakes Samantha loose, though, and Butch Ward calls for the bell as Katie lands another shot to Tolson’s back with a steel chair!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: You winner as a result of a disqualification… SAMANTHA TOLSON!
Katie throws down the chair, yelling at Tolson before checking on Damian. The champion, however, isn’t ready to call it a night! He grabs Tolson and pulls her up by the hair, setting up for the Skyfall (JBL Bomb)! But at that moment, “NIB” by Ugly Kid Joe hits and Javier Mateo Duran charges to the ring! He slides in as Damian and Katie leave in a hurry, getting between them and Tolson, his eyes locked on the champion!
Bernadette Olson: Tolson came within an eyelash of putting Damian down tonight, but Katie had to stick her dyed hair in the match!
Jacob Frankel: It looks like Damian wanted to try and take Tolson out, too, but the next challenger said hell with that! And good on him for it!
Damian backs up the ramp, title in hand, glaring along with Katie at Javier who, after a fashion, checks on Samantha. The Suplex Machine gets up on her own, though, but has to quickly dodge aside as Damian has charged back into the ring! He levels Javier with a big boot before turning to Katie, who demands that Javier be “put down proper”!
Bernadette Olson: Now what the hell is this?!
Jacob Frankel: It looks like Damian wants the Skyfall on Javier now… but he broke free!
That he did! Landing behind Damian, Javier backs into the ropes and charges, spearing Damian down with authority! Javier bellows something at Damian as he struggles to get to his feet, Katie looking all sorts of concerned! Javier winds up for his patented Cosecha de Almas (Discus Lariat), but Katie gets Damian out of the way just in time! However, they forget about the title and Javier leans down to pick it up, staring at the gold before tossing it unceremoniously to Damian and telling him in no uncertain terms that it’s gonna be his at Best Served Cold!
Bernadette Olson: Statement made by Javier! That match is gonna be a war!
Jacob Frankel: And I can’t wait to experience it!
Winner: Samantha Tolson
Result: Disqualification at 13:10
Result: Disqualification at 13:10
ENDING SEGMENT
Learn to Regret
Learn to Regret
From the aftermath of the Main Event, we crossfade to show the HYBRID Global Heavyweight Champion, Eddy Todd, reclining on a chair. He has said title draped over one of his shoulders. He looks into the camera for a moment. As if he is looking at everyone watching, weighing those in his ‘kingdom.’
Eddy Todd: I’ve had a lot of people asking me about my thoughts on things that have been going on lately. Bianca and Jessie’s little thing that I’ve gotten dragged into. Duke and his childish ultimatum.
Eddy chuckles mirthlessly.
Eddy Todd: All the woes of a King. But I handle the issues that threaten me, mine, and my kingdom. Jessie, I’m proud of you, kiddo. You’ve stuck to your guns, gotten up after every fall, and pushed on. Your perseverance has paid off. You are in the Main Event of Best Served Cold with a chance to win the big one.
A pause.
Eddy Todd: If it were against anyone else, I’d be the loudest one cheering you on. But, it’s against me. You got heart, kid. More heart than ninety percent of the business. I expect you to bring everything you got and make this match the best of the night. But I ain’t gonna go easy on you. I know I’m close friends with Charlie, and you and Mikaela are practically best friends. It would be insulting to you to hold back. So I ain’t. I’m treating you like an equal. Because to me, the champ, you are. You deserve to be here just as much as Bianca. Now, speaking of that little brat.
Eddy tilts his head from side to side, audibly cracking his neck.
Eddy Todd: Veruca, I get it. I understand where you are coming from. I’ve seen it a million times. A scared little girl that lashes out, seeking attention. Hoping that no one notices all the insecurities you are trying desperately to hide. I can tell your parents never had the backbone, or even care, to tell you no. An arrogant little child that never mentally grew up.
A shake of the champion’s head.
Eddy Todd: Don’t worry, Veruca. I’ll do what your parents never could. I’ll put you in your place. If you ever get ideas to get out of it? I’ll be right there to remind you where you belong. Enjoy your chance. Your moment in the HYBRID spotlight. You ain’t got what it takes to take this title from me. Jessie stands a better chance than you do. But, you have your chance nonetheless.
A pause.
Eddy Todd: Your last one.
Eddy clears his throat and adjusts the title. He looks back into the camera, intensely.
Eddy Todd: Now I know everyone wants to know what my thoughts were about Duke’s little tantrum. Well, I know he is the lazy type, the one that wants things just handed to him because he said so. That ain’t me. I do my research on those making noise in my direction. The squeaky wheel and that. So I know all about you. About the epic-level temper tantrums you can throw. If you were a baby they might be cute. But for you, Duke, they are just sad. Like you.
A pause.
Eddy Todd: Make all the ultimatums you want. Cry and whine, and scream until you are blue in the face. I don’t care. You, and everyone else here, seem to think this is my first time with a title. My first time being hunted by an entire roster.This ain’t my first rodeo. I knew what I was getting into when I got this title. You’ll get your shot, don’t worry. But you gotta, ya know, do something to prove you deserve it. What have you done since I denied you this belt the first time? Played with the children, came sniffin after my scraps? You want something, you gotta act right. Be a good boy and you’ll get your reward. Though I know you’ll regret it. They always do.
Eddy sits back and waves his hand at the camera. The scene slowly fades out, bringing an end to the show.