Vanguard #17 (03/29/23)

---

Past the opening montage, the music quickly changes to “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ-Top, leading to the arrival of Aloysius Marcus Vance on the stage, backed up by Forge. The owner and CEO doesn’t seem to be in a particularly pleasant mood this evening, taking out a microphone and gesturing sharply for the music to be cut off.

Bernadette Olson: Looks like the boss-man is having regrets about letting the show be out of his hands last time.

Jacob Frankel: Considering what went down, I’m not surprised. A big ol’ mess was left by a couple folks. But I figure he’s gonna address it right now.

And that’s exactly what AMV means to do.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: In terms of ratings and revenue, Vanguard #16 was a success. Good matches, lots of intrigue and all that stuff. However, in almost every other facet…

He pauses for a moment, then continues.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: ...let’s just say that it’ll be a cold day in hell before the Royal Couple gets to be in charge of anything around here ever again.

The fans seem just fine with this, booing the hell out of the mere mention of Bianca Davis and Honey Rydel!

Bernadette Olson: Something the world can agree on, I think!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Everyone who works for me knows that my door is open. You got something to talk about? Bring it to my attention. We’ll work it out. But if you’re expecting me to respond to tantrums, uncalled-for violence and other such bullshit? Well, I’m going to… but the response isn’t something you’re going to like. And if I’m having a particularly rough day, I’m going to let my friend here handle it-

Forge scowls angrily and AMV nods in his direction.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: -and that never works out well for anyone. Some people take issue with that, naturally, but those people don’t pay the bills around here. NO ONE is above consequences. And the sooner folks learn that, the sooner they can focus on what’s important:

He gestures sharply towards the ring. The message is sent and the fans react positively yet again.

Jacob Frankel: Now that I can get behind!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And considering the kind of show we have coming with Stormfront? I want my locker room competing at 110% so that you good people get your money’s worth.

AMV gives the fans time to calm a little; it is not often that we see him so serious and down-to-business, although we certainly know that part of him exists. Forge, as ever, stands by with arms folded, the key to AMV’s ability to do business without fear of reprisal.

Bernadette Olson: I think the fans are as fed up with some folks around here as AMV is. But I appreciate that he’s not trying to take the easy way out by giving them the boot.

Jacob Frankel: There’s certainly people you could make a case for tossing, but I think he’d rather see them get theirs in the ring, cause that’s what wrestling is all about.

Bernadette Olson: Preach that.

After a few moments, the boss-man brings up the stick again.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Now, where it concerns Bianca Davis, I will deal with her and hers privately. Frankly, the less attention they get, the better.

Jacob Frankel: I hear THAT!

Bernadette Olson: Where’s the lie?

AMV lets a small smirk escape.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: However, there’s someone else on the roster who decided to take ill-advised action, then called me out by name. Someone with all the talent in the world, but no head for how the business side of wrestling is handled. So I’m going to nip this here and now: Aleki Kekoa, would you please join us?

It’s only a few moments later when “No Church in the Wild” kicks up and the Samoan War Machine makes his appearance.

Jacob Frankel: All the credit in the world for guts and self-confidence for this man, but I don’t think AMV is wrong in what he says about him.

Bernadette Olson: There’s a right way and a wrong way, Jacob. Maybe I’m a little jaded in some ways, but Aleki comes off as a little self-destructive. Let’s see how this goes.

Aleki enters the ring. Forge’s eyes don’t move from the Samoan War Machine as he walks up to AMV, who gestures for Spirit Montego to hand the young man a microphone without turning a hair.

Aleki Kekoa: What took you so long, Aloysius?

Aleki glares at Forge momentarily before shifting his attention to his employer and smirking confidently.

Aleki Kekoa: I was beginning to think you didn’t care for Cordelia Clark and were just going to let me go about my business of taking the Vanguard Championship by force. We both know having me as a champion is best for business.

Aleki’s sanctimonious smirk returns as he allows his boss to respond.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: First of all, you can call me Mr. Vance. Secondly, I have several more important things to deal with this evening, so I’m going to cut right to the chase.

Jacob Frankel: Uh-oh.

Bernadette Olson: Sounds like Aleki struck a nerve…

The boss stares coolly at Kekoa for a moment before responding.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You want a shot at the Vanguard Champion? So be it. You’ll get that opportunity at Stormfront… unless for some reason Cordelia loses tonight to Jessi Ozborne. In which case, you’ll just face off with Clark without the title on the line.

The Samoan War Machine looks ready to interrupt, but AMV doesn’t give him the chance.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And if you’re thinking of sticking your nose into that match in order to ensure the current champion stays champion? Don’t. Unless you like the idea of suspension without pay. Keep that in mind before you go thinking there aren’t consequences around here.

And with that said, “Sharp Dressed Man” starts up again and AMV leaves the ring along with Forge, leaving a seething Aleki still there, staring after them with a scowl!

Jacob Frankel: Guess that’s that, huh? Someone finally irritated the boss to the point that he put his down.

Bernadette Olson: Better him laying down the law than having Forge lay someone out, not that that isn’t enjoyable to watch…

---

Melissa Tasman: Big decisions are coming around. Being new here, I guess you can say I'm the frog in boiling water. I know I need to get out and do whats best for me. But when I say get out I mean get out there and show what I can do. I had an amazing time here a few weeks ago and I'm ready to do it again. If you haven't hears, I'm pretty much the hottest rookie commodity out there right now. So of course Alexis Lemon is on my radar. Someone who came in just as hoy and makes all the right moves. So of course this had to happen and its gappening tonight. What do I think? I think I'm ready to make a Lemon feel sour. Everything is linin up. It's time to put on a show everyone. I know you're all ready. We'll see if Alexis is too.

Fade.



Vanguard cuts backstage where Katie and Damian Simmons are found talking to one another. Katie wears a frantic, angry look on her face. She’s using her hands while she speaks, smacking one into another, mimicking an explosion, and pointing further down the hall in a throwing motion. Damian, meanwhile, nods along as he appears ready to run through a wall for his wife, who ceases her speech once she notices the cameraman approach. She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms as the camera reaches her

Katie Simmons: Do you mind? My husband and I are going over business for Stormfront. Y’know what? It’s fine. Because we have a lot to say to you too. See, it feels like my husband and I have been forgotten about. Not by management, of course, because they understand and appreciate the talent they have in Damian.

She points a perfectly manicured, black nail painted finger at the camera.

Katie Simmons: I mean forgotten by you. The people who always think they know everything somehow forget The Colossus is the longest reigning Vanguard champion in the history of this company. Nearly one hundred days making the Vanguard championship THE championship, leaving his opponents as mere skids on the pavement as he went. And yet… when Javy got LUCKY… Suddenly he was the talk of the town. He was the flavor of the month. And what does he do with this newfound exposure? He undoes all the work my husband did for that title in record time. A month and a half is all he could muster before he lost it. It’s pathetic.

The redheaded siren blows a stray strand of hair out of her face before continuing.

Katie Simmons: And then there's Demos! What’s his problem, anyway? Damian costs him ONE match that he was probably going to lose anyway and suddenly he has a bone to pick with the Juggernaut.

She leans in close and cups a hand around the side of her mouth to whisper.

Katie Simmons: I think that anger might be due to the same reason he has such a muscular body.

She leans back with a light giggle.

Katie Simmons: But that’s beside the point! Point is that now The boys are fighting with my hubby and, thanks to Javy, they don’t even have anything to fight for! Now all it is is violence for the sake of violence.

She puts a finger on her chin, feigning thought.

Katie Simmons: I suppose it’s fitting. Damian does love violence. It’s clear the other two do too since they want to continue playing their parts in a war they cannot win. Only difference is that Damian can actually sustain himself in it. Javy might be able to survive for a while, but just because you don’t feel pain doesn’t mean your body can hold up when in painful situations. Eventually your back will give out or your head will crack open. And you’d better realize Damian will be the man who will push you to that point.

A small grin grows on her face, her annoyance clearly passing.

Katie Simmons: And Demos… Poor poor Demos. You and your Wish.com Katie Simmons are only in this situation because Damian decided to give you a little bit of shine by beating your ass along with Javy’s. I could say I feel bad for you, but I don’t even think you’re aware of what you’re in for. If the actions of your own manager go over your head, I don’t think you’ll even realize when Damian drops you on your head, stacks Javy on top of you, and gets his arm raised in victory. Once that happens, you’ll be back to doing whatever big meatheads do when they can’t get booked on the show. I wouldn’t know, that couldn’t be us.

She lets out another giggle, but it’s cut off by something off camera. Her expression suddenly goes from amused to angry. After a few moments, Alexis Lemon comes into shot from behind the camera, shoulder-barging into Katie, momentarily knocking her off balance. This sets Damian off, sneering as he forcefully shoves the Rascal Witch back., causing her to smirk and get into Damian’s face, who of course doesn’t back down. Katie screams at Lemon. It seems the two sides are going to come to blows until a group of security guards force their way in between them, holding Lemon and Damian back. Lemon, still with a cocky smile on her face, holds her hands up in surrender as the two are separated.

Alexis Lemon: I’ll be seeing you soon, big boy. Good luck at Stormfront, and make sure to keep that on a leash!

She points to Katie as she says the last part. This sends Katie into hysterics again, fighting against the security guards and screaming obscenities at the teenage witch, who is already walking away as the shot fades out.

---

The scene opens backstage, where the Royal Couple arrives at the arena with Simple Simon, Summer, and Carnifex behind them. The duo is still in foul moods over what happened at Vanguard 16, As they are dressed to the nines wearing expensive dresses, with the Princess wearing a red dress with red high heel pumps. And a gold tiara, as Bianca has an expensive purple dress and matching heels with a giant crown on her head; she looks around, looking disgusted at her surroundings. She looked toward the cameras, then at Simon as they looked around.

Queen Bianca Davis: Ugh, no matter how often I come here, this dump always manages to displease your Queen.

The fans boo at the statement, as The Queen rolls her eyes as she continues.

Queen Bianca Davis: I don’t know what displeases me having to see all of these lowly wretches, commoners, and ugly disgusting people in attendance, the smell that envelopes this dump, or that we have a boss that despite what he stated last week had continued time and time again to play favorites against me but isn’t deal with most bosses in this profession. They claim to be fair but do business with their ego.

The boos only grow louder, and as the Queen and her entourage continue to walk, several staff members maintain a level of distance from the unstable Queen. Honey Rydel soon pipes up, speaking.

Princess Honey Rydel: What about me losing my shot to be Vanguard Champion? That was a travesty then, that giant monster; now, is jumping the line?! I deserve to be Vanguard Champion because it hasn’t happened yet! The fact you were robbed of your IronHeart Title again?!

Queen Bianca puts a hand on the frustrated Princess's shoulder as Summer pipes up.

Summer: Well, honestly, it was a fair match…

The Queen, not wanting to hear anything, raises her hand as she yells in a disgusted tone.

Queen Bianca Davis: SHUT UP! Honey, get her in line; yes, the last show was a travesty for the Royal Couple, and honestly, I figured it all out after our talk, and no longer am I asking, no longer am I going to be the benevolent Queen you have been dealing with. No, none of you deserve that, none of you deserve us, but you need us without us; it’d be all AMV’s little cronies all the time, and no one wants to see that. So tonight will be a night of statements; AMV will have his one, but so will we.

Honey shoots a dirty look at Summer, who pipes down, clearly not wanting to make things worse for herself.

Princess Honey Rydel: I will deal with her later, but right now is about what will happen; yes, they will, and we will be watching, isn’t that right, Queen? I mean, the true rulers of Hybrid shall pay very close attention.

Queen Bianca Davis: Yes, and make sure you do the right thing and give me what I WANT! Give Honey what she wants! Restitution, because if we don’t get it, their will be consequences severe consequences. I hold the throne, and now I will be enforcing royal justice by any means necessary.


Bianca, and Honey eye the camera with dangerous intentions, as they stop, and Bianca moves closer to her hired muscle pointing to him, and showing him off a bit as she says in a posh tone.

Queen Bianca Davis: This man here, this is my executioner you disrespect the crown you deal with him, a man who comes from the streets of Croatia, a true monster in every single sense of the word. A man who left the “life” via my money, meaning quite simply he’s loyal to me, and hes loyal to the crown. All I need to do is simply snap my fingers, and whoever dares to stand in front of us will end up in a hospital bed quite simple, really. So tonight, AMV, make this good, and don’t worry, maybe we will be giving a demonstration of what happens when the crown is disrespected someone will bend the knee tonight!

Honey begins to pipe up, but the Queen motions for her and the rest of them to follow her to their locker room as they go, Carnifex sees the camera and puts his massive hand over it, covering and pushing it as the scene fades to black.



The lights in the entire arena come to a pitch black as a single white light shines to the center of the stage.


The intro to “Waking Lions” by Pop Evil picks up as the crowd actually begins to cheer as Duke Andrews emerges from behind the gorilla curtain. Wearing a black mesh trucker hat that was on backwards, as he turned around, the front was dark khaki in color with the American Flag imprint made out of deer tracks and antlers. His shirt, an older ICWA t-shirt that had Christian Michaels on the front with “The Southern Heartthrob” written across the back. His right hand held onto a plain microphone as he spun back around and made his way down the ramp.

He did not revel in the fact that the crowd was cheering for him. It seemed as if there was a lesser of two evils, it would be the default setting for the upcoming match in which he would be more of the fan favorite.

He hopped onto the ring apron, wiping his brown Lucchese boots on the apron before stepping into the ring. He walked across the ring and hopped onto the second turnbuckle and raised his right fist into the air as the music slowly faded. As he hopped off the corner turnbuckle, the single white light followed him to the center of the ring.

Duke Andrews: Let it be known that tonight, yet again your courageous champion couldn’t be bothered to show up. Let it be known that the last show before the biggest fight of his life, he couldn’t manage to make it here to Atlanta…

The crowd; as if on cue, erupted at the mention of their town. A brief pause was had as Duke lowered the microphone for a moment. Raising his left hand to quiet the crowd down.

Duke Andrews: Edward, let me make this brief statement that I think you should tune into. This fight you and I are going to have, is going to be one of the hardest things you’re ever going to go through. I know that you’re all high and mighty about being the best that this company has, that no one is on your level, and we will touch on that in a bit, but right now you better understand that when I tell you that you need to dig down deep…

With his free hand he placed it on his chest, open palm to chest and then pushed down.

Duke Andrews: And when you think you found the bottom, you need to dig even deeper if you think that you have enough to put me away. When I came back to HYBRID I had one goal in mind. Screaming from the mountain tops to everyone that would listen and to those that didn’t give a single shit, I said I was coming for my title. The one thing that would make me whole. And I came up short.

Another pause as the crowd actually again cheered his honesty and self realization. Clapping coming from the crowd as he lowered the microphone for a moment. Again, raising his left hand.

Duke Andrews: It takes a real man to admit his defeats, something you’re going to have to cross here soon, but you were the better guy that night.

Duke held up his hand at that moment.

Duke Andrews: That night. That. Night. Not any other night, but that night. And then I switched it up. I took on everyone that you beat, and I beat them. Quicker. Easier. And why? Because I’m better than you. And yet the scared little portion of your brain couldn’t comprehend that and just admit it, instead you stood behind your little insecurities and denied any chance I had. And you kicked the can down the road one show at a time. And then when you’re faced with the reality that I put your shoulders down on the mat for a full three count, could you admit that? Absolutely not. Right into the book of excuses. Wrestling 101 for those of you at home, a chicken shit heel will play a card in which the excuse of it being someone else’s fault is the first card you play. And then a little switcheroo at the last Vanguard and you won. Hit me with Kingdom Come and pinned me to the mat for the one… two… three.

Duke held up three fingers but shrugged it off.

Duke Andrews: Had the money fight not been made already, you would’ve been standing out here to open the show right now claiming I ain’t worthy. Because you’re scared Eddy. You have been scared shitless since you won that title, knowing there was a day I’d get my rematch. That’s why you sidestepped me for Bianca. There’s nothing wrong with Bianca, hell in a previous life, I’d have given her the best three minutes of her life, but the Queen is not the Epitome of Perfection. You knew that. You took the easy way out. But you’re cornered now Edward. There is no escaping the spot you’re in now. And at Stormfront, you can’t escape me. You can’t hide anymore. You’ve got two weeks to prepare for the rest of your career. This isn’t going to be easy for you Eddy. I know this is the last thing you want to hear, but spend your time wisely, and hold onto that title while you can. Because at Stormfront, I’m coming for my property and putting everyone else on notice.

Making his way back up the ramp after leaving the microphone in the ring, the fans are in a bit of an uproar about Duke’s message…

---

Vanguard Champion Cordelia Clark is sitting on a trainer’s bed and she’s wincing, clutching the back of her head for the most part as it’s obvious that she’s still reeling quite a bit from what took place two weeks ago at the hands of Aleki Kokoa. Beyond that though, she holds her championship with her, even if it’s more clutching it at this point, and she keeps as composed as she can as she begins to speak.

Cordelia Clark:I was definitely happy to have retained my Vanguard Championship against Honey Rydell, let me get that part out of the way right now. That’s two defenses in the books and that’s something to be proud of because I do want to be a fighting champion. BUT, of course, what happened AFTER is something that I am peeved about.

Cordelia takes a pause as she reflects on the post match assault by Aleki.

Cordelia Clark:A cowardly, ridiculous assault of you ask me. Now, I get that Aleki staked his claim to the Vanguard Championship and that is perfectly fine with me. I know that this is just a business deal for him because if Honey Rydell had defeated me, he would’ve done the exact same thing to her. It’s not personal against ME, or at least that’s what I would like to think, but when you pull that type of crap against me, you’re darn right I am going to take it personal because that’s not what I stand for. I didn’t begin my career as a fan favorite when I was acting like a snob that was better than everyone, I will admit that. But even during that part of my career, I still never stooped as low as he did because unlike him? I have class. I have the heart. I have the dignity. These are traits that a coward like him could never have whatsoever! He wants to play it off that ‘oh I warned you’. Sure. You did. He staked his claim like he said. But to do THAT to me after my match? There’s no need for it. Someone like him as the Vanguard Champion wouldn’t go so well or him because he has to step up and retain the title against someone every single Vanguard episode and to be able to do what I am doing now, you have to have grit, determination and endurance and I know that he wouldn’t have any of those three.

And all of this because he got offended over being on a preshow… goodness gracious. Yes, I admit that I have had my moments where I’ve had my outbursts here, but I never stooped to THAT level! But you know what, Aleki. You get to sit back and you get to watch how a true Vanguard Champion does it. I know going into this thing, I am not necessarily the odds on favorite, but when I won this title in the first place, I definitely wasn’t.

Cordelia takes a pause as she reflects on her title victory and transitions her focus to the challenge ahead.

Cordelia Clark:It’s hard not to miss Jessi Ozbourne considering that she is everywhere and all of that. I don’t need to really talk about what she’s capable of. She generally does a pretty good job of that herself, but I will admit, when you put in ring ability aside and all of that, she is a bigger name than I am, but that’s not going to stop me. Inside of that ring, she might have accomplished much for someone her age, but I know that I’ve got the grit and the determination to beat her. She will be the toughest of the three defenses so far, I will give her that. But if there is any doubt about me being a hundred percent coming off of that brutal, vicious, unnecessary assault that could’ve altered my career if I wasn’t so lucky, then I’m about to erase that doubt. Jessi, you might come into this thing thinking that I am easy pickings because of two weeks ago, but the way I see it? That’s the attitude I WOULD want you to come in with. I don’t need you to like me or even respect me, Jessi. However you feel, that is cool with me. But at the end of the day, while you have a long, bright future, I’m going to make sure you recognize that I do as well.

Which I will, when I retain this title.

And Aleki, you couldn’t finish me two weeks ago… and you better hope you get your shot because when you do… I’ll be sure to make it your ONLY one as long as I’M the one holding the Vanguard title. This may not have been personal for you, but for me? That’s exactly what you made it.

Cordelia slides off the trainer’s bed and maintains her determination. She makes her exit from the trainer’s room and then the scene fades.



We open on the HYBRID Global heavyweight Champion Eddy Todd’s face. The shot zooms out slowly revealing that he is sitting on a makeshift throne. As the shot pulls back until the entire throne and Eddy are in the frame it is seen that he is sitting in some sort of vacant lot.

Eddy Todd: The time has come, Duke. The showdown you’ve been begging for since I whooped you for this title months ago. By the time you stand across from me it’ll have been over eight months since I showed you that you ain’t the end all, be all. Eight Months of the Beggar King standing tall in HYBRID. Longer than some thought I would last.

Eddy chuckles mirthlessly.

Eddy Todd: I’ve stood tall against all those who would steal my crown. Those that would usurp the Beggar King. You are the next in line, Duke. You want a round two, one on one. I’m willing to grant you that. I’m willing to let you learn, again, firsthand why I am the Global Heavyweight Champion.

Eddy reaches down and pulls up the aforementioned title belt and drapes it over a shoulder.

Eddy Todd: You’ve done every stupid ass thing you could think of to get my attention. I defended my title and you just had to pick a fight with them. You had to try and send some message to me using someone I beat. I get that I’m the top, the pinnacle, the Beggar King. But Duke, my dude, do you really want to be me that bad? I’m thankful you’re a fan, truly I am. But you might want to relax, Stan. Keep it up and Eminem will write a song about you.

Another emotionless chuckle.

Eddy Todd: Sorry, Duke. This match will be your final shot so long as I hold this title. I’m sick of pathetic fanboys nipping at my heels wanting to get Daddy’s attention. Well, you got it now, Son. What are you going to do? You gonna stand there and shit yourself realizing the situation you’ve gotten yourself into? Or are you gonna try again? Try and overcome your idol, your hero. Which is it, Duke? No help this time. No one to back you up and give you the hand you need to beat me. Tick-tock, Duke. Tick Tock.

Eddy leans forward and puts his elbows on his knees. He lowers his head and rests it in his hands.

Eddy Todd: Heavy is the Head that wears the Crown.

He then sat back in thought. His gaze bores into the camera as the scene fades.

---

Backstage, the camera finds Stephanie “Wildcat” Kenyon standing alone in an empty room.

Stephanie Kenyon: January 4th, 2023…

She leans back against the wall.

Stephanie Kenyon: Best Served Cold, my first ever pay-per-view appearance. I fought Nathaniel Dixon like I was riding in a dirt bike race. I took chances because I knew I had to. Here was a man who had way more experience than me. He has way more skill than I do in submissions. I knew if I was even going to have the “good showing” I had to do more than just stand there and hope I could throw fists with him.

Leaning back off the wall, Stephanie glares into the camera.

Stephanie Kenyon: No, I had to ride that edge between controlled chaos and disaster if I wanted to show I could survive against you, Mr. Dixon.

She pauses to nod slowly, grimly.

Stephanie Kenyon: And then you decided to make a point of injuring me so that when that match was over, you walked out the winner and I didn’t walk out at all and, in fact, did not walk again for over a month. You took away my ability to wrestle, to ride, to play football, to do a lot of the things I do with my family. You made damn sure that everyone knew you did it and that I and everyone else you had done that to were property warned…

Shaking her head in disgust, Stephanie

Stephanie Kenyon: Which is what makes it particularly galling that you now want people to cry for the bad man!

Looking dead into the camera’s lens, the Wildcat looks like she almost wants to tear the thing apart in her outrage.

Stephanie Kenyon: Really? You went to NFW, got a main event with the current world champ[ thee and a man who has been world champ and because you didn’t win and told a sob story before the match about your poor sister, that we should all feel bad for YOU?

She shakes her head just enough so that anyone watching can get the ideas she’s putting down here.

Stephanie Kenyon: No sir, all you did with that was prove you still can’t just get out of your own damn way when it matters most! You have no patience and you were in such a hurry to prove yourself, you tried to use your dead sister to paint over your own feelings of inadequacy due to the fact that your daddy didn’t give you the love, affection and attention he should have! And on top of that, you tried to take away the only daddy little Leina Rael has left!

Taking a step forward, Stephanie stares incredulously into the camera.

Stephanie Kenyon: What in the hell is wrong with you? That poor girl has lost her mama and her daddy and now you wanna take away her Pops so that you can try and convince yourself that you’re not a bad guy because somebody else might have done something bad before too?

She points accusingly into the camera.

Stephanie Kenyon: How DARE you mention your sister’s name in the same statement as you try to destroy that little girl’s life! What’s next, you gonna look at Amelia and Anthony and little Serah and try to tell them that their mamas ain’t worth a damn because they ain’t kissed your ass properly? All you do by doing that is take a piss on your poor sister’s name by associating it with a stank skunk’s ass like that!

Her hand falls but her level of rage does not.

Stephanie Kenyon: You wanna make it up to Caleigh? You wanna make it up to Leina? You wanna prove yourself beyond bein’ the joke you already seem to think you is now? Then pull your head out of your ass, find that drive you showed you had before, quit whinin’ and let’s get ridin’ ‘cause if you don’t, losin’ to me is gonna be the least of your worries! Stop cryin’ about shit that’s already happened and that you can’t control, or that bad man is all you’re ever gonna be! I will be damned if I’m lettin’ you take anything else from me and I ain’t lettin’ you take nothin’ from them either! It’s time to quit cryin’ and get to fightin’!

---

After a commercial break, the show returns and the cameras are centered on the announcer’s table, where Bernadette and Jacob sit ready to address the fans!

Bernadette Olson: Welcome back, fans! With our next major event, Stormfront, being only two weeks away, it’s time to discuss the matches set to go down!

Jacob Frankel: That’s right, and we’ll go ahead and start with the biggest one: the match for the Global Heavyweight Championship!

A brief montage is shown of the altercations, both verbal and physical, between the champion, Eddy Todd, and the challenger, Duke Andrews. The two have gone at one another in various matches leading up to this point, and now they clash over the biggest title in the company!

Bernadette Olson: Duke has been the only person to ever defeat Eddy Todd. That alone puts him ahead of the rest. But that has also motivated Eddy something fierce. This one’s gonna be a knock-down, drag-out war.

Jacob Frankel: My kind of fight! Which takes us to another big title match with a few surprising participants!

This time it’s the Global Tag Team Championships up for grabs, with champions The Frontline facing off in a Fatal Four-Way against the Daughters of Darkness, the Calinauts and the surprise team of Samantha Tolson and Gigi Nova! Each team is highlighted, including clips from the four-way at the previous Vanguard which saw Jonna Austin triumph over Lana Corvin, Aiden Marino and Gigi Nova, giving her team momentum going into Stormfront!

Bernadette Olson: We’ve seen an influx of new teams lately, so what better way to showcase them than with a four-way match?

Jacob Frankel: The Frontline has been pretty dominant, but given the rules of this match, things could turn against them in a hurry. But if any team is up to the challenge, it’s them!

Bernadette Olson: Word is that the boss is setting up a new set of tag titles to be decided at Stormfront as well. I wonder who we’ll see vie for those?

Jacob Frankel: Only time will tell!

Next up are a pair of grudge matches, starting with a triple threat match pitting Javier Mateo Duran, Demos and Damian Simmons against one another. Three of the biggest and most dangerous warriors in HYBRID clashing for dominance! And, in a steel cage, Nathaniel Dixon and Stephanie Kenyon settle things once and for all, with Forge serving as special referee!

Bernadette Olson: Big hosses doing big hoss things never fails to get my attention, Jacob! Javier was the one to knock off Damian but the Colossus saw to it that Javier’s reign would not last as long as his own! Demos found his way into the mix trying to make a statement and now they’re gonna clash to see who’s the baddest!

Jacob Frankel: But where it comes to Dixon and Kenyon, there’s some real hate there.

Bernadette Olson: There always is when you mess with family. Hence Forge’s involvement to make sure things don’t get out of hand like they did at Best Served Cold.

Jacob Frankel: Nathaniel Dixon is NOT happy about that, let me assure you.

Bernadette Olson: And there may be even more matches added this evening, so don’t go anywhere!



Before anyone can stop it, Javier Mateo Duran leaps on Demos and the brawl is on! Despite having been in a brutal match mere moments ago, Javier is powered by adrenaline and rains down blows on Demos! The monster fights back, though, neither man giving an inch as they toss heavy shots at one another! Zach Young, perhaps foolishly, tries to get between them but Demos tosses him aside as though he’s nothing!

Jacob Frankel: This is getting bad in a hurry! Someone better get security out here!

A few do come running down, Forge among them, but the CSO stops them at the bottom of the ramp. He gestures for two of them to fetch the referee, but the remaining four stay put, as does the big man himself! As to Javier and Demos, they’re blind to anything but each other, and the shots are only getting more brutal! Demos shoves Javier into the ring post and suddenly Javier is opened up! Demos lets out a roar and comes barreling in-

Bernadette Olson: Here he comes!

Jacob Frankel: Look out!

-but Javier drops down and trips the muscular man, causing him to smash head-first into the barricade around the timekeeper’s area! Demos is woozy and Javier, grabbing the top of the steel steps, charges in to smash the cold, unforgiving metal into the head of Demos! Now he’s bleeding as well, but that’s not enough for Javier! The security team looks to Forge again, who still doesn’t give them the signal.

Jacob Frankel: Forge is fine letting these two fight! What’s up with that?!

Bernadette Olson: Demos stuck his nose in the match and now he’s getting his receipt! That’d be my guess!

Jacob Frankel: Which makes an odd sort of sense when you think about it! Javier has things in hand, right? Why interfere?

Driving the steps into the back of Demos a few times, Javier finally decides to put the monster away, scooping him and slamming him through the timekeeper’s table and chair! The wooden table practically explodes from the impact and Javier snatches up the bent chair, perhaps considering keeping up the punishment, only for Forge to step in and take the chair. The two men lock eyes for a few moments and Javier, getting his temper under control, leaves without incident. Trainers come down to check on Demos as Forge’s security stays at hand, the CSO escorting Duran to the back.

---

“...brother, please. Talk to me…”

When the camera regards the source of a voice with a soft British accent, they’re surprised to see Maximilian Dixon, Nathaniel’s younger brother and business manager. He’s standing outside of a closed door with his brother’s nameplate. The gentleman in his late thirties seems uneasy.

Maximilian Dixon: Last week, you called me and told me you wanted to meet me here for the seventeenth Vanguard of Hybrid rEvolution. Even though you weren’t booked to compete, you wished to speak to everyone. Now that we’re here…? You lock yourself away.

There is no answer from beyond the door. It’s completely uncertain whether Nathaniel is even listening to his younger brother or not. There’s no way to switch to his perspective.

Maximilian Dixon: I… I understand you are distraught from losing in the main event of New Frontier Wrestling’s March Mayhem this past Saturday. I watched your performance, Nathaniel, and you fought hard. Our brother-in-law, Jack, is right. The only reason why Kai Morgan retained his Undisputed Championship was because of outside interference from Miss Nova Joaquin. Without her, you had a better chance of winning. You simply needed to knock Mr. Damon Debaillion off the ladder. How the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match ended… was not your fault.

Still no response. Maximilian takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

Maximilian Dixon: Pro Wrestling Excellence closing its doors for the second time… was not your fault either. That was completely out of your control. You had no power over Ms. Ophelia Knight’s executive decision. What you did have power over, however… were your words. The world listened to what you recorded prior to March Mayhem. I completely understand your reasoning. A promise I never knew you made to our older sister, Caleigh… It is no wonder why winning a championship is so important to you.

A weak smile crosses his face for a brief moment before he shakes his head.

Maximilian Dixon: However… I cannot agree with certain words you shared about Mr. Debaillion. There’s no mistake that he is a villain. That much is true… His hypocrisy speaks for him. What upset me was the involvement of his daughter. You exposed her trauma, losing her biological father to a cold-blooded murderer, and even compared her stepfather to that awful man… Surely you heard Miss Stephanie Kenyon’s words by now? She had some particularly nasty things to say and while I disagree with some of it, she… made a point. There was no need to create an internal conflict between Little Miss Rael and Mr. Debaillion. At the same time, you were trying to honor Caleigh and Henri…? That is unacceptable, Nathaniel. Say what you wish about Mr. Debaillion, but leave the poor girl out of this. She is innocent…

Once again, there is no word beyond the closed door. Nothing, not even a sound. Maximilian’s lips curl into a frown and he hangs his head.

Maximilian Dixon: While you are not booked to compete tonight, you are booked to compete this Saturday against Ms. Cherry Addams. She wants a fight out of you. My brother, please… you cannot give up. It is as you’ve said -- you have fought for years. I know you can keep going. This is not the end!

Before he can say another word, the door suddenly opens. The camera pans back and reveals Nathaniel leaning against the wall next to the door. He had been listening this entire time. Maximilian looks up and watches him slowly step out of the room -- with his belongings in tow.

Maximilian Dixon: Nathaniel…?

Nathaniel Dixon: If I cannot win a single championship by the 1st of June…?

The camera’s focus centers on the Dixon Brothers. Nathaniel slowly raises his head to look upon his younger brother, his earth-colored eyes stained with dried tears.

Nathaniel Dixon: ...I will retire from professional wrestling. Never to return.

Maximilian’s eyes widened. He simply cannot believe what his older brother just said! As Nathaniel walks away and Maximilian reluctantly follows after him, the fans watching from the HYBRID Tron are stunned into silence. Not even Bernadette Olson and Jacob Frankel have the words.

---

The cameras cut back to ringside as the commentary team prepares for the main event.

Bernadette Olson: Welcome back to ringside, ladies and gentlemen! Strong words by Nathaniel Dixon, and now, buckle up for our ma– What’s wrong, Jacob?

Jacob Frankel: Bernie, I’m getting word of something going on in the back! Can we get some cameras back there?

Bernadette Olson: What’s going on?

Jacob Frankel: I don’t know! Someone give us a feed!

The cameras jump backstage to the cameraman rushing down the hall. Viewers immediately recognize Chiaki Sanada and Mikaela Callaway in a scuffle. Chiaki’s got Mikaela by the jaw with her fist, clutching her bottle opener, halfway jammed into her mouth but Mikaela has Chiaki by the wrist, trying to pry her arm away.

Mikaela Callaway: Urghk!! Grghtt thg frrk offmgh!!

Chiaki Sanada: Hold still!! Chi Chi get teefie!!

Jacob Frankel: Oh no, she’s at it again!!

Bernadette Olson: I thought she learned her lesson from Forge!

The two continue to struggle with Chiaki getting Mikaela in a headlock when suddenly, Risa Saito and Jessie Robinson run up and both of them grab hold of The Roppongi Kitsune to pull her off. Mikaela gets free but Chiaki struggles against the two trying to restrain her.

Risa Saito: Chi Chi! Calm down! Ochitsuke! Ochitsuke!!

Chiaki Sanada: Oi! Tebanasu! Get off Chi Chi!

The struggle continues when, next comes Jane Harper, running into the fray!

Jane Harper: HEY!!!! GET THE FUCK OFF HER!!

Jane rips Jessie Robinson away and sends them to the floor. She spins right around and socks Risa square in the face with a full on punch! Chiaki turns around and instinctively starts scrapping with Risa. Mikaela grabs Jane, spinning her around and rocks her with a right hand. Jane clips her right back with one and the two start trading blows. Jane catches Mikaela around the head and starts throwing knees to the midsection. Jessie Robinson finds their footing and jumps on Jane’s back, trying to lock on a Rear Naked Choke and ends up hanging onto Jane’s back with her legs around her waist. Jane gasps for breath and steps backwards from Mikaela, slamming Jessie into the wall behind them. Jane snaps forward, flipping Jessie over onto the floor. She raises a boot to stomp and Mikaela tackles her into a stack of boxes. Meanwhile Chiaki and Risa are still throwing Strong Style forearms on each other.

Voice: HEY!!!!

A booming voice echoes through the hallway and a massive form comes rushing into frame, pulling Mikaela and Jane apart. The figure is quickly recognized as Trenton “Forge” Mitchell, Chief of Security.

Forge: Y’all knock it the fuck off!!

He gets Jane and Mikaela apart and shoots them both a glare before rushing over and grabs Chiaki up around the waist, slinging the kicking and screaming girl over his shoulder. Risa backs off with her fists up as Forge comes and plops Chiaki down right beside Jane. The massive man puts himself between the 2 Broke Chickz and the three Queens of Chaos members. Both sides look like they’re ready to lunge in again but Forge holds his arms out.

Forge: I SAID ENOUGH, GODDAMN IT!!

His booming voice stops all five in their tracks as Risa and Mikaela help Jessie up. Forge snarls angrily at the lot of them before beginning to direct traffic. First the Queens.

Forge: You three! Back to your locker rooms!

Then to 2 Broke Chicks.

Forge: And you two! Y’all wanna fight so bad? You got a match coming up right now! Get your asses out there! And don’t either of you try to get cute either!

With the situation defused, for the most part, Jane and Chiaki back off with the bigger of the two slapping her girlfriend and partner in the chest and starting towards Gorilla.

Jane Harper: C’mon, Cheech. Let’s get the fuck outta here.

Chiaki backpedals a couple steps, before letting out a piercing shriek and kicks a stack of equipment crates. She storms off after Jane, leaving Forge with the Queens of Chaos. Risa throws her hands up, looking absolutely flabbergasted at what just unfolded.

Risa Saito: What is wrong with you?!

Before turning to her teammates.

Risa Saito: You two okay?

Jessie rubs their back and butt with a pout on their face and meekly nods. Mikaela holds her jaw, nodding and shrugging as she just stares down the hall where 2BC went, looking just as confused as Risa and Jessie do.

Bernadette Olson: I can’t imagine Mr. Vance is gonna be happy about this.

Jacob Frankel: Something’s gotta give here.

The two commentators continue discussing the matter as ANARCHY ft. MIYACHI “Run It Up” comes on over the PA, signaling the in-ring arrival of 2 Broke Chicks…