Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Jan 18, 2023 0:56:43 GMT -6
Episode #12: New Reasons to Fight
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Unavoidable Consequences
Unavoidable Consequences
The opening montage of Vanguard runs on high energy tonight, with the clips updated to show new champions and new historic moments in the company’s second coming. Cameras pan the crowd afterward as “Danger Zone” by No Resolve continues to play, but soon the focus is back on the stage as “Danger Zone” gives way to “Sharp-Dressed Man” by ZZ Top! Aloysius Marcus Vance IV walks out to a fair amount of cheers from the fans, followed by the Chief Security Officer, Trenton “Forge” Mitchell!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the HYBRID CEO, Aloysius Marcus Vance IV, and the HYBRID CSO, Trenton Mitchell!
Usually wearing a broad smile, AMV is under no such state tonight. The man looks severe as he makes his way down the ramp. Trenton follows after, entering the ring after AMV and taking a stand behind him with his thick arms folded across a broad chest. AMV asks for and accepts the microphone from Spirit, holding the ropes for her as she leaves the ring.
Bernadette Olson: Welcome to Vanguard #12, fans! We’ve got a packed show tonight, but we’re starting things off with a message from the boss-man and, perhaps, his brick shithouse of a security executive!
Jacob Frankel: Forge looks like four brick shithouses stacked on top of one another! But it’s AMV that has me concerned tonight, Bernadette. He doesn’t look pleased.
Bernadette Olson: With good reason, too, considering some of what went down at Best Served Cold. Perhaps we’ll find out exactly what’s on his mind here in a few moments.
“Sharp-Dressed Man” fades out and AMV is back to the middle of the ring, microphone in hand as he gathers himself. Forge is practically a statue as Vance finally draws in a slow breath and brings up the stick.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Perhaps it’s my relative inexperience showing-
An odd start from the confident owner…
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: -but it seems to me that this business lends itself already to settling issues in the ring without the need to get barbaric. You walk that aisle to applause or hate, you face off with your adversary, you fight until one of you gets the win and… that should be enough. Combat has been settling things for millennia. Professional wrestling is, admittedly, pretty homogenized when it comes to how far we can reasonably go, but it still gets the job done. For most folks, anyway. But there’s always going to be someone who takes things too far for no good reason.
Forge noticeably stiffens up, his muscles bunching even though the man himself barely moves. His jaw and shoulders set and a snarl forms on his face. AMV doesn’t see this, but it is clear he senses it.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: There’s no mistake in who I’m talking about here, so let’s get down to it. Nathaniel Dixon?
Another slow intake of breath, a moment to hold it… then an exhale.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You took things too far. What’s worse, you had no call to do so. I don’t like being the bad guy here, even if it’s warranted; just isn’t in my nature despite what I do for a living.
AMV smirks just slightly, finding humor in his own comment even if some don’t immediately get it.
Jacob Frankel: Funny coming from a guy who spent many an hour in the courtroom defending people who should have probably gotten the chair-
Bernadette Olson: You don’t want to continue that line of thought, kid. At least not with Forge standing right friggin’ there.
Jacob Frankel: ...yeah, you’re probably right.
Bernadette Olson: Mr. Vance, either. Might sue you for slander. And I doubt you could find anyone skilled enough to win THAT case.
Jacob Frankel: That’s for damn sure!
Commentary aside, AMV shrugs and brings up the mic again after a mild reaction from the fans, most of them rather unhappy with the actions of Mr. Dixon.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: The world, and more importantly the HYBRID Nation, know what you did. You know what you did, too, Mr. Dixon, and as of Best Served Cold, you know the result. However, that is not going to be the end of it. See, Stephanie Kenyon is going to recover fully, according to doctors, and when she’s ready to step into the ring again, you two are going to fight again. And when that happens, you’re going to get yours, sir. One way or another.
Strong words, and enough to get a bit of a “KEN-YON!” chant going amongst the Atlanta fans, too! AMV’s smile is back, and it’s brimming, perhaps overflowing, with confidence.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: How can I say this so cavalierly, you must be wondering? Well…
He’s about to explain, but instead he holds the microphone over his shoulder, at which point Forge takes it and steps forward. It’s a wonder that the glare in his eyes doesn’t freeze the camera when it focuses on him. His breathing is heard first, deep and heavy, before he unleashes his wrath-of-God voice.
Trenton Mitchell: Dixon, you FUCKED UP!
The resounding “OHHHHH!” from the fans says it all. Forge ratchets it back a bit, but there’s nothing in his voice but anger.
Trenton Mitchell: Someone as smart as you claim to be should know better than to fuck with family. Yet you walked your happy ass into this ring and tried to tear Stephanie’s leg off… and why? Because words hurt? Because daddy didn’t hug you enough? Spill the fuckin’ mystery, you limey wanker, because the world’s dyin’ to know! Hell, I’M dyin’ to know! But don’t go misunderstandin’, ‘cause I don’t give a hot buttered fuck about your feelings! Nah, I want to know your reasons why so that I know PRECISELY how much hell I’m rainin’ down on your scrawny ass!
Clearly, the HYBRID Nation wants some blood, too! AMV keeps his expression carefully neutral, but there’s still a shadow of a smile tugging at his lips, something he can’t help.
Bernadette Olson: As amazing as that sounded, I think we all know that there’s a limit to what Forge can do in his current capacity…
Jacob Frankel: Which is a damn shame, cause I wouldn’t mind seeing him put Dixon on his ass several times for what happened at Best Served Cold!
A replay of the end of the match in question shows, with Nathaniel blatantly snapping the ankle of Stephanie, leaving EMTs and trainers rushing in to get her out of the ring and to a medical center.
Bernadette Olson: According to reports, she’s going to make a full recovery, which is a relief.
Jacob Frankel: Not soon enough, though. Not for the fans and damn sure not for Forge!
Though he takes a moment to settle, it does not do much good; Forge is still in a fury.
Trenton Mitchell: Stephanie Kenyon is family to me, Dixon. If I had my way, I’d be on my hog, hunting your ass down right now. You’d end up chained to the back and dragged down nine miles of bad road before I stomped your skull into paste and fed whatever was left of you to my dogs. And if you doubt that for even half a second, then you don’t know who the FUCK I am.
Even AMV winces at that one.
Trenton Mitchell: But life doesn’t work out that simply. I don’t get my fucking way, and you’d best thank your lucky goddamn stars for that. But what Mr. Vance said? It’s gonna happen: you and Stephanie, in a rematch, the moment she says the word. And what happened at Best Served Cold will NOT be repeated. Why? ‘Cause I’m gonna be the referee for that little brawl, motherfucker. And twenty bucks-
He digs into his pocket and comes up with a crisp, clean Andrew Jackson.
Trenton Mitchell: -says karma’s gonna eat you alive.
Dropping the money nonchalantly on the mat, Forge turns and hands the mic to AMV before leaving the ring. The boss gives it a moment, then turns back to the camera himself.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Now, then, with that out of the way, it’s time to get to the business of tonight! Tonight, Laura Pinkerton and the Calinauts make their in-ring debuts for HYBRID, and the new Vanguard Champion, Javier Mateo Duran, has his first title defense! Aiden Morrow and Demos will battle over the final briefcase from the Seasons’ Beatings match and, in our main event, our other champions, Eddy Todd, Mikaela Callaway and The Frontline, will face off against Duke Andrews, Damian Simmons and the Daughters of Darkness! So let’s get to it!
“Sharp-Dressed Man” plays AMV up the ramp and to the backstage area, while the cameras turn back to the commentary team.
Jacob Frankel: Man… talk about an intense way to open up the show!
Bernadette Olson: Don’t think for a moment that someone as classy, talented and verbose as Nathaniel Dixon won’t have a retort to this, but for tonight we have other action to get to!
Jacob Frankel: So let’s send it to the back where we’re set to hear from Laura Pinkerton!
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
It’s Hard To Be Happy
We cut to an empty State Farm Arena where we see Laura Pinkerton sitting on the ring apron with her back resting against the turnbuckle. Dressed in a pair of white sneakers, a pair of plain black leggings and a plain black tank top with her blonde hair tied up into a ponytail, she pays no mind to the camera at all as it slowly gets closer to her.
Laura Pinkerton: Well here I am. Back where I started my professional wrestling career. And back then I was a very different person, much like HYBRID was a very different company.
She locks her fingers together on her lap.
Laura Pinkerton: Gone is the bright pink hair. The bright coloured ring gear. The smile. The candy. No more “Golly gumdrops!”. This is who I am now… because it honestly became way too tiring trying to constantly be happy in a world full of hatred and negativity.
Lifting her left leg up, she bends her knee so her left foot is resting on the apron.
Laura Pinkerton: During my time away, I realized something else about myself. I realized that I am capable of being a singles champion. And I plan on proving that now that I’m back here in HYBRID. Show that I am capable of more than just holding gold as part of a team. And of course to do that… I need to obtain victories.
Pinkerton now finally switches her gaze towards the camera.
Laura Pinkerton: Which brings me to my first opponent here in HYBRID, “The Headliner” Cass Baumer. A woman who has been in this business for a long time. A woman who can be and has been quite a controversial figure throughout her career. A woman who, given her background as a journalist, would be expected to always be the type to research whoever she is stepping into the ring with.
The young blonde smirks slightly.
Laura Pinkerton: Thing is… I can’t help but shake the feeling that due to her lack of talk about tonight’s match with me, and believe you me… I know all too well that she likes to talk and hear the sound of her own voice. I can’t help but feel like she’s going into this match underestimating me. I can’t help but feel like she thinks that tonight is just going to be a cake walk. She seems perfectly capable of talking about other things going on in her professional life, and yet hasn’t said a word about tonight’s match against me.
Pinkerton shrugs.
Laura Pinkerton: Maybe I’ve got it all wrong. Maybe I’m mistaking her silence for disrespect and she is taking me seriously. So seriously that she’s busting her ass in the gym to get herself ready for me. But I also know she has no issue with disrespecting those who she is up against. Sometimes she even disrespects people for no reason other than to get a rise from them. To get people talking about her. Because truthfully? That’s all she’s good for. Getting people talking about her.
The young English woman lets out a sigh.
Laura Pinkerton: Now, I’m not going to sit here and guarantee victory tonight, because that’s something a fool does. But one thing that I can promise is this… after tonight? Nobody will underestimate what I am capable of doing.
Pinkerton then turns her attention away from the camera as it slowly pans away from her and we cut back to ringside.
MATCH ONE
Singles/One Fall
Laura Pinkerton vs. Cass Baumer
Singles/One Fall
Laura Pinkerton vs. Cass Baumer
DING! DING! DING!
Pinkerton and Baumer meet each other in the middle of the ring. Pinkerton looks to lo up but Baumer starts picking her apart with punches, boxing her way so that the former “Lollie Pop” is seemingly caught off guard. Baumer nails her with a good one and then hits the Red Card. Pinkerton goes down and Baumer covers her.
ONE!
TWO!
PINKERTON KICKS OUT!
TWO!
PINKERTON KICKS OUT!
Baumer looks to hook Pinkerton for a cradle but gets reversed ito a rolling cradle by Pinkerton.
ONE!
TWO!
BAUMER KICKS OUT!
TWO!
BAUMER KICKS OUT!
Pinkerton tries ro get Baumer in an O’Connor roll but Bauer executes a standing switch and then hits a bridging German suplex.
ONE!
TWO!
PINKERTON KICKS OUT!
TWO!
PINKERTON KICKS OUT!
Baumer gets to her feet and Pinkerton hits a flurry of forearms and kicks followed by repeated head butts that nearly put Baumer down. Pinkerton hits a big lariat and then covers Baumer.
ONE!
TWO!
BAUMER KICKS OUT!
TWO!
BAUMER KICKS OUT!
The two get up and start slugging it out, each tagging the other with everything they have. Pinkerton goes for a big kick that Baumer catches and tries to reverse into a suplex. Pinkerton hits an elbow strike and then a spinning back fist that knocks Baumer a little silly. Pinkerton gets her foot up and hits the Crushed Spirits. She covers.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… LAURA PINKERTON!
Bernadette Olson: Quite the debut win for the former Lollie Pop!
Jacob Frankel: Careful, Bernadette… I don’t think she even likes hearing that name anymore. But definitely an impressive win on her part tonight!
Winner: Laura Pinkerton
Result: Pinfall at 7:16 (Crushed Spirits)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Strategy is Everything!
We cut backstage to find Captain Cosmo and Aiden Marino, The Calinauts, standing in front of a HYBRID rEvolution backdrop talking amongst themselves until Cosmo notices that they are live and his eyes go wide as he waves awkwardly into the camera.
Captain Cosmo: Ah yes! Hello Cosmonauts! Captain Cosmo and Aiden Marino here! The most out of this world tag team in the history of the wrestling, The Calinauts!
Marino then waves and smiles into the camera as well.
Captain Cosmo: Tonight we shall be doing the wrestling against the tag team known as The Lost! Captain Cosmo still has no idea how we are supposed to be able to wrestle a tag team that is lost… but perhaps they will be found before our match?! Who knows!
The Captain shrugs as he turns his attention to Marino and places a hand on his shoulder.
Captain Cosmo: Now, friend Aiden! Just in case our opponents do end up being found before our match tonight! Captain Cosmo tasked his good friend, Cameraman Jeff, to collect research on both Anton Palmer and Gio Moriello so we can study them!
Marino nods before Cosmo turns his attention to Cameraman Jeff behind the camera.
Captain Cosmo: Cameraman Jeff?! If you please?!
Cameraman Jeff then hands Cosmo a large stack of papers that the Captain stares at before looking back up to Cameraman Jeff.
Captain Cosmo: Captain Cosmo asked you to collect research on our opponents for tonight! Not give him a copy of War & Peace! We don’t have enough time to read this!
Cosmo then tosses the stack of papers behind him which is followed by a comedic crashing sound as the duo begin to walk off camera.
Captain Cosmo: Okay so! New strategy!
And with that, we cut elsewhere before we’re able to hear The Calinauts strategy.
MATCH TWO
Tag Team/One Fall
The Calinauts vs. The Lost
Tag Team/One Fall
The Calinauts vs. The Lost
DING! DING! DING!
Captain Cosmo walks out and goes to shake hands with Anton Palmer. As he does so, he turns as his partner calls him and inadvertently nails Palmer in the face. Cosmo turns again and head butts Palmer in the gut. Palmer doubles over and Cosmo, still unaware of any of this, trips and falls into a takedown that lands Palmer hard on the mat, flat on his back.
ONE!
TWO!
PALMER KICKS OUT!
TWO!
PALMER KICKS OUT!
Cosmo is launched so that he lands over by the corner of the Lost. Palmer gets up and runs his knee into the side of Cosmo’s head. Palmer makes the tag to Giovanni Moriello. Moriello comes in and gets a rolling cradle on Cosmo.
ONE!
TWO!
COSMO REVERSES TRYING TO KICK OUT!
ONE!
TWO!
MORIELLO KICKS OUT!
TWO!
COSMO REVERSES TRYING TO KICK OUT!
ONE!
TWO!
MORIELLO KICKS OUT!
Moriello tags Palmer back in and executes an inverted atomic drop. Palmer runs by, rebounds off the ropes and comes back for a big lariat that flattens Cosmo. Palmer covers.
ONE!
TWO!
COSMO KICKS OUT!
TWO!
COSMO KICKS OUT!
Cosmo inadvertently thumbs Palmer in the eye as he kicks out and Palmer rolls over to tag in Moriello. Cosmo goes to stand up and accidentally catches Moreiello coming in for a drop toehold. Cosmo rolls over and tags in Aiden Marino. Marino gets sMoriello for an O’Connor roll.
ONE!
TWO!
MORIELLO KICKS OUT!
TWO!
MORIELLO KICKS OUT!
Cosmo gets turned around and goes over to ask Palmer if he’s seen the Cosmic Pug. Palmer tries to club him with a clothesline that Cosmo never sees coming and ducks only because he goes to fix something on his tights. He stands up and catches Palmer with a head butt under the chin that sends the big man flying off the apron to the floor. Cosmo turns around and catches an onrushing Moriello, elevating him more in an act of trying to stand himself up properly than anything else. Marino runs to the other side and catches Moriello for Entering Hyperspace. Marino covers Moriello.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winners of the match… THE CALINAUTS!
Bernadette Olson: Two debuts, two victories, this time for the eccentric team of The Calinauts!
Jacob Frankel: Beating dominant former champions is no joke! Congratulations on the win, guys!
Winners: The Calinauts
Result: Pinfall at 9:11 (Entering Hyperspace)
MATCH THREE
Battle for the Seasons’ Beatings Briefcase
Singles/One Fall
Demos vs. Aiden Morrow
Battle for the Seasons’ Beatings Briefcase
Singles/One Fall
Demos vs. Aiden Morrow
Aiden Morrow has a more intense look about him as he paces back and forth in the ring, staring at the stage while “Bury a Lie” continues to play in the background. It’s a different sort of visual for the Aerialist of Tomorrow, who tends to keep things light on the regular.
Bernadette Olson: Aiden has been a textbook example of someone with all the tools who ends up in bad situations through little to no fault of his own.
Jacob Frankel: It looked like things were turning around in the Seasons’ Beatings match, too, before Demos inserted himself. The big man is already making an impact and, word is, he looks at Aiden as little more than a speed bump.
Bernadette Olson: I respect the new guy’s size and skill, but Aiden shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“Number of the Beast” starts up and Demos, along with Zoi, makes his way down to the ring… but he’s met by a sudden somersault suicida by Aiden, wiping him out as Zoi scrambles for cover! Zach Young hurriedly calls for the bell-
DING! DING! DING!
-to get the match underway as Aiden starts putting the boots to Demos, mixing in some axe-handle blows and clubbing forearm shots to try and keep the big man down! Zoi yells at Aiden to try and distract but he brushes off her presence, hitting a spectacular Asai moonsault off the barricade and onto the big man! Demos, though, still makes his inexorable rise, weathering a barrage of kicks and chops before Aiden goes airborne again, choosing that moment to launch himself at the smaller man, spearing the utter hell out of him on the ringside floor! Zach is trying not to resort to a ten-count, but has little choice as a battered but ready Demos rolls into the ring and stares at a downed and hurting Aiden as the count begins!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
Zoi cheers on the now-pacing Demos, who looks like he wants nothing more than to get out of the ring and keep up the carnage, but instead smartly remains within the ropes. Aiden is starting to rise, backed up by the cheering fans, but it’s clear that his ribs took a hell of a hit!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
And just before nine, Aiden rolls into the ring, saving himself from a count-out! Demos, half-snarling and half-grinning, pulls Aiden up by the hair and grabs him around the throat with both hands before lifting and chucking him into the turnbuckles! Blasting Aiden with a running clothesline, Demos backs off for another one but Aiden slips between the ropes and hits a swinging kick to back the big man off! He’s noticeably slowed, and the shot clearly only stunned Demos temporarily, but it’s enough to let Aiden get to the top rope! He leaps off at the monster, who ducks and runs under to avoid the attack! Aiden lands on his feet, but the shock sends a bolt of pain through his back and midsection! Demos grabs him from behind and delivers a harsh pumphandle fallaway slam, going for a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
TWO!
NO!
Aiden stays in the fight, avoiding a big boot and kicking Demos in the back of the thigh! A big right hand is ducked and Aiden throws more chops and kicks, once more trying to bring the big man low! He whips Demos into the buckles and barrels in after him, hitting a well-placed shotgun dropkick to the chest! He lands hard, though, and Demos shakes it off in time for a second-rope shoulderblock to Morrow, knocking him for a loop on the mat! Aiden rolls out to the apron before a pin attempt can be made, though, and surprises Demos with a modified stunner against the top rope when Demos grabs at him! A slingshot DDT spikes the big man and Aiden goes up top for the Blyzzard! Demos rolls towards the ropes to avoid this, prompting Aiden to come off with a double-stomp to the chest instead! Back up, he hits a corner shining wizard on Demos, then winds up for a second only for Demos to try to back body drop him over the buckles and to the floor! Aiden lands lithely on the top rope, though, and delivers a twisting moonsault press right into a pin attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-!
NO! KICK-OUT BY DEMOS!
TWO!
TH-!
NO! KICK-OUT BY DEMOS!
Demos still has the power to throw Aiden off, and a hard knee to the midsection exacerbates Aiden’s already-hurt ribs! He scoops Aiden up for the Ancient Slam but Morrow is able to slip off Demos’ shoulder and ram him chest-first into the buckles! Running past him and leaping to the top rope, he sails off with a Flying Morrow Smash! Demos is up quickly but perhaps TOO quickly, leaving him a little wobbly! A rebound belly-to-belly overhead suplex ends with Morrow landing on his feet, shockingly, and he drives a double-knee into the big man’s back, sending him throat-first into the ropes! Aiden grabs him ‘round the leg and rolls him up from behind!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE?!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match… AIDEN MORROW!
Zoi is apoplectic on the outside and Demos is up quickly after the pin, having been just a half-second too late kicking out! Aiden has to scramble to avoid the big man’s clutches, snatching the briefcase off the timekeeper’s table en route! Demos wants to go after him but for some reason Zoi is able to stop him, whispering something into his ear that, for the moment, calms the beast down.
Bernadette Olson: Aiden snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat there, Jacob! I thought the big man had a mostly clear road after that spear!
Jacob Frankel: Once again: never underestimate this young man!
Winner: Aiden Morrow
Result: Pinfall at 8:37 (Roll-Up)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
The Curious Case(s) of Best Served Cold!
The Curious Case(s) of Best Served Cold!
After a commercial break, the show returns and, once again, Aloysius Marcus Vance is in the ring with Trenton Mitchell at his side. This time, though, they’re joined by the four winners of the Seasons’ Beatings match: Duke Andrews, Samantha Tolson, Honey Rydel and Aiden Morrow! Each of the four cases are on a separate dais in the ring, still locked tight as AMV stands front and center.
Bernadette Olson: Time to see what each of these stars are carrying out of that brutal cage match two weeks ago, Jacob! What are you betting on?
Jacob Frankel: Well, I’m sure there’s a title shot or two, but beyond that… no idea! And that’s part of the fun!
Samantha is standing in front of the first case, and it’s to this one that AMV steps forward, Forge remaining where he is and keeping an eye on an impatient-looking Duke Andrews. Going to the first case, he takes a key out of his pocket and unlocks it, allowing Samantha to make the reveal of the prize herself… and it’s a contract for a singles championship match of the holder’s choice!
Jacob Frankel: Probably the prize everyone was hoping to be on the inside there, wouldn’t you say, Bernadette?
Bernadette Olson: The look on Duke Andrews’ face tells that tale! He does NOT look pleased!
His, however, is the third case in line. Next up is Honey Rydel’s case. As with Samantha, AMV unlocks it and lets the holder do the reveal… and the prize is control over an entire episode of Vanguard!
Bernadette Olson: Oh, THAT’S not good… not for us, anyway! You just know that Bianca Davis is gonna have some heavy influence on what happens THAT night!
Jacob Frankel: Remind me to call in sick!
Bernadette Olson: Remind me to keep some alcohol under the table…
Honey smirks with satisfaction at this prize, clearly thinking what everyone else is thinking, but with far less negativity about it! Duke is the next in line, but he takes the key out of AMV’s hand, drawing a raised brow from the boss and a step in his direction from Forge… but Duke ignores both and unlocks the case himself, revealing something called a Reversal Contract! Duke takes it out of the case and looks it over, busting out a rather wicked grin before putting it back into the case and taking both with him!
Jacob Frankel: A… Reversal Contract? What does that even mean?!
Bernadette Olson: Doesn’t look like we’re getting an explanation any time soon, Jacob! And now it’s on to the last case!
The one that Aiden Morrow won mere minutes ago, in fact… which holds inside a contract for a tag title opportunity! Perhaps not what Aiden would have chosen, but it’s still an opportunity at gold, for which the young man is pleased enough!
Jacob Frankel: And there we have it, fans! There’s certain to be some fallout from all of this, but I’m betting it’ll be a blast!
Bernadette Olson: And with that, it’s back to Vanguard!
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Prepare for War
The ‘Tron lights up, showing Javier Mateo Duran walking into frame, the Vanguard Championship over his shoulder, reading something out of a folder. He strokes his chin, nodding his head as his eyes scan the document.
Javier Mateo Duran: Noah Ortega, huh? Lotta accolades here, for sure.
The man formerly known as Tren Descarrilado tosses the folder onto the bench in his locker room, taking a seat next to it.
Javier Mateo Duran: I can respect that. You a hard hittin’, high flyin’ motherfucker, and I can respect it.
He smirks, leaning forward, elbows on his knees.
Javier Mateo Duran: Question for you, Noah, is can you earn that respect? I realize I ain’t been here that long, but I'mma be honest. When the boss man hit me up and told me I was defending my Vanguard Championship against a man named Noah Ortega? My first reaction was ‘who the fuck is Noah Ortega’?
JMD shrugs, sitting back in his position, shaking his head.
Javier Mateo Duran: Look, it ain’t me tryin’ to be an asshole. That ain’t me no more. But I didn’t have any idea who the fuck you were. So I did something I ain’t exactly known for. Research. Handful of titles. Leader of your own group. The Lost, right?”
Duran nods, scratching his chin.
Javier Mateo Duran: But I noticed something else, too. See, you always coming down to the ring with ya boys. Nothing wrong with that. Y’all like a family, right? That’s cool. Real cool. I don’t come to the ring with nobody. Not anymore. When we get into that ring, it’s gonna be you and me. I ain’t concernin’ myself with them.
Javier’s expression gets hard, and his licks his lips, clenching and unclenching his fists.
Javier Mateo Duran: Unless they give me a reason to. I took down the biggest motherfucker on this roster. Earned this championship in a fucking war. Unless you coming to fight a war, Noah, you ain’t takin’ it away. And if ya boys do decide they wanna get involved, I’ll put all three of you motherfuckers in the dirt, and STILL walk away the motherfucking Vanguard Champion.
JMD shrugs, holding his hands up with a smirk.
\Javier Mateo Duran: So the ball is in your court, Ortega. You earned this shot. You got a chance to capitalize on it. Take down a man most don’t wanna see standing across from ‘em. Earn my respect. Show me what you can do. Fight like it’s your last match ever and leave it all in the ring. Because if you don’t? Well… it won’t end well for you. I can promise you that much.
“NIB” can be heard playing from the hallway, and Javier stands up, adjusting the Vanguard title on his shoulder.
Javier Mateo Duran: See you soon, motherfucker.
MATCH FOUR
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Noah Ortega vs. Javier Mateo Duran (C)
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Noah Ortega vs. Javier Mateo Duran (C)
DING! DING! DING!
The match gets underway in a hurry with Noah taking over as the aggressor, laying in a bevy of strikes to the new champion, managing to back him into the corner and even get up on the buckles himself to deliver a series of straight rights to the head of Duran! The count gets up to six before Javier grabs Noah’s legs and chucks him to the mat, spinebuster-style! The landing rocks Noah, but he has it in him to kick out of the pin attempt. Javier drops him with a clothesline afterward, keeping hold of the arm and pulling him into a second one! Noah is unsteady but still escapes a suplex attempt, landing behind the champion and delivering a backcracker for a quick two-count. Javier rolls out of the pin, though, and is back up and on Noah before the leader of The Lost can react, shoulder-rushing him into the corner and laying into him with some wicked chops. Noah goes for the eyes and backs up onto the second rope as Javier staggers away, briefly swinging at air. He charges in and Noah backflips over him, hitting a running single-leg dropkick that leaves Javier colliding in a sitting position with the turnbuckles! The landing jars him, but he’s still able to kick out of the resultant pin attempt!
A kneeling DDT leads to a running punt to the ribs and from there, Noah seems to put the champion away with Lost Souls, but Javier moves out of the way! A hard boot doubles up the challenger and a chokeslam backbreaker almost ends things, but Noah is able to get the shoulder up! The Lost come down to the ring, and that distraction lets Noah get the upper hand again! He sails off the top rope… but is caught by Javier, effortlessly hoisted up into a military press before he’s chucked at Gio and Anton! Javier stands back at this, daring the challenger to get back into the ring! Gio and Anton get Noah back up and he comes in to continue the fight, with some hard rights flying from both sides! Javier is sent through the ropes and to the floor, where The Lost approach while Noah distracts the referee! Javier, however, is ready for the assault! A spear obliterates Gio and Anton gets hold of Javier only to be backed off with a hard elbow followed by the Cosecha de Almas! Javier rolls back into the ring and spears Noah as well, sending him down hard! The Cosecha de Almas connects and it’s the one-two-three for the champion!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… and STILL the Vanguard Champion… JAVIER MATEO DURAN!
Javier holds the belt up high, making sure the world sees that he walked in, and is walking out, with the gold! Noah rolls out of the ring, collecting himself along with The Lost as they head backstage!
Bernadette Olson: A strong first defense for Javier!
Jacob Frankel: It’ll be tough to match what Damian Simmons did, but he’s got a good shot!
Winner: Javier Mateo Duran (Still Champion)
Result: Pinfall at 10:11 (Cosecha de Almas)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Push and Shove
Push and Shove
Cordelia Clark is not in a happy mood when the show cuts to her. She’s looking like there is some frustration going on as she remembers what had happened two weeks ago. Cordelia does the best that she can to think through some stuff before she begins to express her thoughts.
Cordelia Clark: Two weeks ago… I don’t even know where I want to begin with that at the moment. It was an opportunity to take home a potential opportunity to start off 2023 on a high note. It could’ve been a chance to really show that I’m ready to take that next step up the ladder that I’ve been wanting to do around here for some time and to show people that I’m not just some pretty face taking up roster space that everyone can just take lightly and take as a free win or a stepping stone win. In fact, I’ll even go a step further and say that it should’ve been. But was it? Well…
Cordelia pauses to let out a sigh.
Cordelia Clark: You don’t see me with a briefcase, do you? See, leaving that match empty handed was one thing. But that’s not even the worst of it. Hell, I don’t even know WHAT’S worse: the fact that I basically handed someone the last briefcase or WHO got to benefit from my own mistake. Look, I’m not the kind of person that lets one match get them down for too long… or at least not generally… but it definitely says something when it’s been two weeks and I’m STILL angry about it. For a moment, I was even wondering if some words that I said going into that match were words that should be taken back or if they were words that I should double down on. But after a while, the more I thought about it the more I realized that taking back what I said is only going to make things worse for me in the long run so do I take back anything I said? I don’t. Perhaps I could’ve worded it a bit differently, but besides that? No. Why should I take it back? I’m not a coward. Hell, let me be real honest here. I can’t stand people in this business that only care about the destination and not the journey. I can’t stand people that appear to be all about the titles, the glory and literally nothing else. You know, it’s one thing if you can’t take criticism and feel the need to defend yourself against just about EVERYTHING because OH LORD… you’ve got such a thin, fragile self-esteem that basically, you either have to be praised to the high heavens or have nothing said about you at all…
Which, you know… check yourself with that self-absorbed, bull…
It’s another thing to be hypocritical. It’s another thing to make excuses when you lose a match to all but try to put a stain on someone else’s victory just to feel better about yourself and yet, when you, yourself, are the benefit of what was essentially someone else’s mistake, you act like you actually DID something.
It makes me absolutely freaking sick… honestly… because it was someone that I PROVED that I can beat, having done it already. Give it until tomorrow night. By then, I’m sure there will be this five tweet manifesto with me tagged in it talking about how I’m wrong about this, and that, and everything and how all I’m doing is “whining” and yawn, snore, same old BULL.
Cordelia pauses and rolls her eyes.
Cordelia Clark: So yeah, if you were expecting me to take anything back? No. That was never happening. I doubled down because I know what I believe in, I know what I’m all about and I know that I can be, have been and will always be BETTER than what I just described. I don’t need a briefcase to prove that. I just need another round with what I described… WHO I just described above… and I WILL prove that and maybe THEN they’ll have some respect for me and NOT make another friggin’ excuse and actually ACCEPT their defeat this time without trying to muddy it with asterisks, excuses or what have you.
There won’t be a “You won, BUT…” next time. I’m rectifying that mistake and when I do? I think you’ll get the message that I didn’t come here to be a pushover to ANYONE!
Cordelia leaves the scene, largely doing the best that she can to contain her anger as the scene fades out.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
The Champions Speak
We cut to see the Global Heavyweight Champion Eddy Todd, the Iron Heart Champion Mikaela Callaway, and the Global Tag Team Champions The Frontline standing together. They are dressed and ready for their main event match tonight, their respective titles slung over their shoulders. Eddy strokes his beard for a moment before speaking.
Eddy Todd: Tonight we are in a Champion’s Showcase match alongside the Frontline. I’ve been in this business long enough to know what this means. You got the champions on one side and those with aspirations for their titles on the other. Even if that wasn’t the case, it would be kind of obvious given that the petulant child is on the opposite team.
Eddy pauses for a moment.
Eddy Todd: I have no idea why Mr. Vance gives into his incessant whining and crying. Ever since I proved that he ain’t the top here in HYBRID anymore all he has done is whine and cry to get his way. He’s attacked me, he’s gone after those I’ve beaten. He’s done everything in his power to try and get my attention. To get me to give him what he wants. Well, little man, you ain’t gonna get it from me. Tonight will just be another reason why you don’t deserve to be in the same company as me, let alone ring.
Beside him, Mikaela smirks, suppressing a giggle before she picks up where Eddy left off.
Mikaela Callaway: There’s a lot of that going on around here lately: the whining and crying. We’ve got a word for people like that. We call them…Brats. There’s a bunch in this industry. There’s a few in this company even. I ain’t gonna name them. Ain’t gonna give them the attention or the recognition they want but if what I just said chaps anyone’s ass in this arena, then y’all might wanna lace that fucking shoe up. Lately, all Eddy and I’ve been hearing is “I deserve this. It’s my time for that.” You want something so bad? Crying, bitching, moaning, complaining, and stamping y’alls feet ain’t gonna get y’all nowhere good. I ain’t gone to Mr. Vance about a single loss since I been here and I never had the gall to demand anything from him, neither. I did exactly what I said I was gonna do when I first walked through these doors. I buckled down, I been kicking ass, I been taking names, and just six months into wrestling on national tv, lookie here.
She takes the Iron Heart Title from her shoulder and holds it out in front of the camera before setting it back in place.
Mikaela Callaway: I got the most sought-after championship in HYBRID right behind the Global Heavyweight Title itself. It’s a golden ticket to a shot at that title–
She turns and points to the championship over Eddy’s shoulder, then looks back to the camera.
Mikaela Callaway: --pretty much whenever the holder wants. A shortcut for lazy ass sons of bitches who want everything handed to them on a silver platter. I got this bitch locked down and whichever one of y’all thinks it’s a free meal ticket to the top, y’all better remember that I ain’t the same little sweetheart that first walked into the locker room here. I learned from my mistakes real quick. Y’all bitches wanna come in playing checkers when Eddy and I are playing chess, and when it comes to that, there’s just one thing to remember: a Queen is always the most dangerous when she’s protecting her King.
Mikaela snorts and throws up the Queens of Chaos hand gesture, going silent. Eddy just smirks and chuckles.
Eddy Todd: To the others in this match. Damian, you’re a big fucker. Good for you. Ain’t the first nor the last big fucker I’ve come across. All you got is your size. That’s easy enough to take away. I do hope you bring more to this match than that. Because, honestly, being so one-dimensional ain’t gonna get you far. The way to stop you is easy and nowhere near a secret.
A pause.
Eddy Todd: Lana and Jamie. Look kiddos, this ain’t anything personal. You both know this is just business. But don’t think for a single moment that Mikaela or I will go easy on you just because we are friends. I don’t pull punches for anyone and I don’t want you to either. Though knowing you, Lana, I know you won’t.
Lluvia and Jonna had stood back a little with Harper, having no issues with Eddy and Mikaela speaking first. Jonna knew that Lluv was a touch apprehensive going into the match as it was due to Jamie being one of the people on the other side, but they had spoken about it. Harper remained back while the Global Tag Team champs stepped up.
Jonna Austin: You would think that after being embarrassed multiple times, a person would learn to leave well enough alone. I guess Duke isn’t done having his ass handed to him by Eddy, though. Some people never learn, but we’re more than happy to aid in his lesson tonight.
Lluvia nodded along as she listened to her friend before a smile crossed her face.
Lluvia Cane: Now Damian, you were an impressive champion…there’s no denying that by any means, but mi hermano put an end to your reign at Best Served Cold. Tonight, we’re going to add another loss to your record.
Pausing for a moment, Lluvia glanced back at Harper then at Jonna, both of whom nodded at the Cherokee Rose before Jonna stepped up to speak again.
Jonna Austin: Lana and Jamie…two very formidable women to go against whether it be in singles or team action. I have to say that I’ve wondered how it would go if we were to meet in the ring. We never got the chance to previously, so I’m looking forward to it happening tonight. There’s no doubt that the two of you are extremely skilled, and we’re looking forward to testing those skills against our own.
At this point, Harper stepped up and put an arm around Lluvia and Jonna, grinning at her two friends and clients before looking at Eddy and Mikaela, nodding at them for a moment before she spoke.
Harper Lee: And the better team will prevail tonight. The champions will shine bright and stand tall as the winners when it’s all said and done.
With that the four champions walk off to finish preparing for their match tonight.
MAIN EVENT
Championship Showcase
Tag Team/One Fall
Duke Andrews, Damian Simmons & Daughters of Darkness vs. Eddy Todd, Mikaela Callaway & The Frontline
Championship Showcase
Tag Team/One Fall
Duke Andrews, Damian Simmons & Daughters of Darkness vs. Eddy Todd, Mikaela Callaway & The Frontline
DING! DING! DING!
It’s a big ol’ brawl to start things off, kicked into gear by a very angry Damian Simmons looking to tear through everyone on the opposing team! He goes for Eddy Todd to start with, slugging it out with the champ, but he gets forced back! A running dropkick from Mikaela staggers him and a double-clothesline from The Frontline sends him over the top… but the big man lands on his feet! The Daughters use this time to take advantage on The Frontline while Duke clobbers Mikaela with a clothesline to the back of the head, drawing the ire of Eddy! The two veterans slug it out now as Damian pulls Mikaela out of the ring to lay on a beating while Lana, Jamie, Lluvia and Jonna pair off outside the ring! Senior Official Butch Ward is barely keeping control of the goings-on, but since there’s at least one pair going at it in the ring, the outside fighting is mostly allowed to continue!
Meanwhile, in the ring, Duke and Eddy are throwing bombs with neither man giving an inch! A shot to the throat stalls Eddy’s office and Duke blasts him with a knee, but an inverted atomic drop is blocked and Eddy whips Duke into the buckles, following up with a clothesline! He sends Duke into the buckles again but a boot knocks Eddy back, allowing Duke to hit a leaping shoulder for the knockdown and a one-count! By this time, Damian is back up on the apron and Duke sends Eddy to the corner before tagging in the big man… except Mikaela yanks him off the apron before that can happen! Damian gives chase and that distraction lets Eddy plant Duke with a high-angle German suplex for a very brief two-count! The Daughters and The Frontline continue to battle it out, with their fight making its way back into the ring! Lana delivers a stun gun to Jonna before teaming with Jamie for a double-brainbuster on Lluvia! At that point, Mikaela slides into the ring with Damian on her heels! Eddy leapfrogs the Iron Heart Champion, moving to spear Damian but only succeeding in knocking the big man against the ropes! He goes for a chokeslam on Eddy, but the champ breaks free and sends Damian over with a powerslam! Eddy comes back up, barely evading a pump kick from Duke and going for a suplex, only for the Daughters to attack from behind!
But here comes The Frontline! Lana and Jamie are set to collide, after which the tag champs forcefully bring about a meeting of the minds while Ashe looks on in frustration! Damian, however, has flat-out had it! He barrels back into the fight, and is immediately set upon by Eddy, who gets thrown down with a vicious spinebuster! Jonna is met with a chokeslam and Lluvia, getting a few shots in at first, is sent up and over with a huge back body drop! Cue Mikaela to leap off the top with a dropkick to the center of Damian’s spine, knocking the Colossus forward! But he turns around and almost takes her out of her boots with a clothesline! Eddy moves to roll the big fellow up and manages for a short two before Damian fights his way out! His focus is now on the champion as Duke looks on with a chuckle! But Eddy fights his way out of trouble, sending Damian into the ropes and pasting him with a clothesline, then another, then a discus elbow that takes him to a knee! Once more, the Frontline send him to the outside with a big clothesline, but that opens them up for an assault from the Daughters, who dump Jonna and bring Lluvia down with the Balefire! Mikaela and Eddy team up to eject the Daughters, but immediately after Mikaela shoves Eddy aside as Duke comes in with the Andrews Effect, knocking Mikaela senseless! Eddy unleashes on Duke, hitting Kingdom Come, but before he can make the pin, Damian returns and hits the Skyfall twice-over! Mikaela goes for the save and manages to tackle Damian through the ropes, but Eddy’s still in there with Duke, who hits the still-rising Eddy with the Andrews Effect, scoring the shocking three-count!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winners… the team of the DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS, DAMIAN SIMMONS & DUKE ANDREWS!
People are in shock at the result, the champions having been downed by this chaotic mix of evil and brutality in the ring, but Duke Andrews is soaking it up! Damian looks ready to lay out just about anyone else and the Daughters are rightfully pleased with their own performance! The Frontline are checking on Mikaela and Eddy, making sure they aren’t jumped while the winners celebrate!
Bernadette Olson: What an insane match! Eddy Todd just got handed his first loss on top of all that!
Jacob Frankel: You know we’ll never hear the end of this one, Bernadette! Tune in next time for Vanguard #13 to see what comes of all this, fans!
Winner: Duke Andrews, Damian Simmons & Daughters of Darkness
Result: Pinfall at 13:59 (Andrews Effect)