Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Apr 26, 2023 23:38:56 GMT -6
Episode #18: A New Light
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
MATCH ONE
Tag Team/One Fall
Natural Resources vs. First Class
Tag Team/One Fall
Natural Resources vs. First Class
DING! DING! DING!
Right away, it is clear that GoGo and Rain aren’t in the house tonight for fun and games. They hit the ring like a hurricane, charging and taking down First Class in tandem. Rain sends Charli over the top rope with a big boot, sending the woman careening to the floor with authority. The landing sees her hit the announce table, even, almost creating a nasty spill. Meanwhile, GoGo pastes Jami with hard kicks before shoving her hard into the turnbuckles, back-first, and snapping off a belly-to-belly suplex. Rain is already out on the apron by now, all but ignoring Charli, who’s still trying to get vertical again. GoGo tags in her partner and a double-flapjack leaves Jami contorted on the mat, with Rain hiptossing GoGo onto her for a modified senton. GoGo leaves the ring, only to be grabbed by Charli. A football kick to the grill backs her off, though, and GoGo sails into a running somersault senton off the apron as Rain hits a double-handed choke bomb that Jami miraculously kicks out of. However, after a tag to GoGo, Natural Resources hits Rushing Waters, putting this one in the books.
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winners of the match… NATURAL RESOURCES!
They have their arms raised, but Rain and GoGo don’t stick around to celebrate. It isn’t that they’re angry or the like; they still smile at the fans and meet their hands as they head up the ramp, but clearly their minds are 100% on business this evening.
Bernadette Olson: Another side of these HYBRID Originals, perhaps? They just made a mess of First Class tonight.
Jacob Frankel: And in a hurry, too. Maybe it was a message, Bernadette? A reminder of just what these two young ladies can do?
Winner: Natural Resources
Result: Pinfall at 2:33 (Rushing Waters)
Result: Pinfall at 2:33 (Rushing Waters)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Proving Her Heart
Proving Her Heart
Following the opening match, the cameras find Iron Heart Champion, Mikaela Callaway, backstage. She’s still in her street clothes, carrying her championship on her shoulder. The young woman still sports some cuts and bruises from the brutal match she took part in at Stormfront. There’s even a bandaid on her forehead still. The fans watching begin to murmur curiously as she comes to stand in front of the door to Aloysius Marcus Vance IV’s office. She knocks on the door, taking a deep breath as she waits for admittance.
Aloysius Marcus Vance: Come in.
On his word, Mikaela opens the door, stepping into the office …and it’s about what one would expect to see: Aloysius behind his desk, going over papers and shifting his attention to and from his laptop. Forge stands behind him, leaning against the wall with a cup of coffee in hand, sipping from it intermittently while watching the boss work. Of course, when the Iron Heart Champion comes in, the big fellow’s attention shifts and he offers a nod to her before turning back to the efforts of Mr. Vance.
Aloysius Marcus Vance: Miss Callaway. You should be taking it easy. Something I can do for you?
She smiles just slightly, shifting the belt on her shoulder.
Mikaela Callaway: Thank you, Mr. Vance. I feel great though, really. Couple of scrapes to heal up but other than that…
She let her trail off speak for her, opting to get straight to the point.
Mikaela Callaway: Sir, you know I’m not one to make demands…
She pauses again, catching herself. Poor choice of words.
Mikaela Callaway: Sorry. I’m not one to even ask for much. I do my job…I bust ass - pardon my language - …and I take things in stride.
Mikaela looks at the title on her shoulder, her eyes lingering for a long moment, then back to the owner of HYBRID.
Mikaela Callaway: Stormfront was a rough night for me. It was a rough night for the Queens of Chaos. It was a rough night for Eddy. I said from the beginning when I won this championship that I wasn’t gonna be the type to come out of the dark and attack the champion from behind for an easy pass at the top title…
She sighs, clutching the belt on her shoulder tighter as she slides it off and holds it in both hands, folding the straps underneath. Mikaela’s eyes drop to the center plate.
Mikaela Callaway: Being the Iron Heart Champion has meant the world to me. Almost as much as being the Global Heavyweight Champion meant to Eddy. Stormfront was a series of losses that we need to come back from, one way or another. I’ve spent the past couple weeks staring. Half of it, staring at this title. The other half staring at myself in the mirror, realizing how I feel about that night and asking myself what I was gonna do about it.
She lifts her eyes to Mr. Vance and takes a deep breath.
Mikaela Callaway: That’s why I’ve decided what I wanna do. From this point on, I’m no longer the Iron Heart Champion.
She reaches forward and respectfully places the beautiful piece of metal and leather upon the man’s desk and steps back, lifting her chin to stand tall and proud, despite the nervousness in her eyes.
Mikaela Callaway: I wanna challenge Duke Andrews to the Global Heavyweight Championship. And…I’d like to do that tonight, sir. Please. I got my gear. I feel ready to go. I talked with the medical team and my personal doctor. I’m cleared to compete. All this needs is your okay. Please, Mr. Vance. Let me do this.
AMV listens without interruption, folding his hands atop the scattered paperwork. He nods where appropriate, but does not speak until Mikaela has finished. Even before that, he turns to look at Forge, either seeking opinion or approval. Forge stares at the title for a moment, then shifts his attention to Mikaela. A trace of a smile sneaks out for a moment and he nods slightly. Then it’s back to AMV, who returns his full attention to Mikaela.
Aloysius Marcus Vance: If that’s what you want, I see no reason to deny you. The rules are pretty straightforward after all. And since you’ve gone through all the proper channels… we’ll just go ahead and consider this match on.
Taking the title, AMV neatly folds it and lies it down on the desk.
Aloysius Marcus Vance: Tonight, one-on-one, Duke Andrews will defend his newly-won Global Heavyweight Championship against Mikaela Callaway, one-on-one.
Rising to his feet, AMV offers his hand to the young lady.
Aloysius Marcus Vance: I wish you good luck.
Mikaela’s shoulders drop some as the nervous tension in her body releases. A sigh of relief as she smiles. Looks like there might be tears forming in her eyes as she accepts Mr. Vance’s hand and shakes it. Something says she’s doing this for more than just herself, the Queens and Eddy.
Mikaela Callaway: Thank you, Mr. Vance! This means more to me than I can put into words.
Aloysius Marcus Vance: Happy to be of service. Go out there and take your shot, kid. You’ll find a great many eyes very interested in what happens.
Forge nods once in agreement, but mostly remains silent. Mikaela smiles, both to Vance and Forge.
Mikaela Callaway: I will, sir. Thank you again.
With a little nod, she turns and steps out of the office, closing the door. Mikaela pauses for a moment, looking up above her. A single tear runs down her cheek.
Mikaela Callaway: This is for you…
She looks back ahead of her, wiping that tear away as she departs down the hallway…
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Go Get ‘Em, Kid!
Go Get ‘Em, Kid!
We cut backstage, where we see one half of the Global Tag Team Champions, Gigi Nova, walking down the hallway in her ring gear, her title belt draped over her shoulder. Beside her is her agent, Lorenzo Merrick, clad in a gray suit, his eyes hidden behind a pair of sunglasses. As they walk, Lorenzo notices that Gigi keeps glancing at her title and smiling.
Lorenzo Merrick: You’ve had a couple weeks to let it sink in, yet…
Gigi looks up at Lorenzo, blushing slightly as she lets out a nervous laugh.
Gigi Nova: It still doesn’t feel real, ya know? Even when I’m staring right at it…
He pats the newly-minted champion on the shoulder, then takes his sunglasses and slips them into an inner jacket pocket.
Lorenzo Merrick: Believe it, kid! You worked hard, and you’ve earned the right to call yourself a champion. Now, it’s time to show the world WHY you’re a champion!
Though the tone in his voice is encouraging, Gigi’s brow furrows as she again turns her gaze to the center plate of her title.
Gigi Nova: It wasn’t just me, though. Sam was the one that scored the pin.
Lorenzo nods his head.
Lorenzo Merrick: Nevertheless, it was a team effort. I still think it’s a good thing that you’re paired up with someone who has a lot of in-ring experience.
Gigi’s eyes grow wide as she nods her head in acknowledgement and sighs.
Gigi Nova: You’re telling me. I mean, it’s one thing to study my opponents’ past matches, but having a partner that has dealt with them enough times to have a solid grip on what they’re capable of.
Hearing the determination in her voice, Lorenzo stops in his tracks. Gigi gets one step ahead before she notices that he’s stopped, then turns to see him smirking and shaking his head as he stands with his hands on his hips.
Lorenzo Merrick: Why am I here again?
Gigi smiles.
Gigi Nova: Because I need someone to help me keep my head on straight… and help me stay focused when I’m training.
Lorenzo nods his head.
Lorenzo Merrick: Okay, so long as I’m actually doing SOME good around here. Seems like you do a decent job on your own; you just lack a little confidence at times.
He gestures down the corridor as they resume their walk. But his words prompt Gigi to tilt her head to the side as she looks at him curiously.
Gigi Nova: You really think so?
Lorenzo holds out a hand, tilting it back and forth.
Lorenzo Merrick: Eh… only a little. But don’t worry… after all, this bad boy right here…
He stops again. This time, Gigi doesn’t go any further. Lorenzo pats Gigi’s championship belt right in the center plate, locking eyes with his client.
Lorenzo Merrick: Is proof that you’ve got what it takes.
Gigi’s eyes light up, prompting a big smile to spread across her face.
Gigi Nova: Thanks, Lorenzo… for everything.
Lorenzo shakes his head slightly.
Lorenzo Merrick: Don’t mention it, kid. Now, don’t you need to meet up with your partner to discuss some last minute things before the match?
Gigi Nova: Yeah, in fact…
She gestures toward a clearing up ahead, where a cluster of backstage staff can be seen walking in various directions… and among the crowd is Gigl’s tag team partner.
Lorenzo Merrick: Say no more; I’ll leave you to it, then. I’ll meet up with you after you get back.
Gigi nods as Lorenzo turns to head back the way they came.
Gigi Nova: Sounds good.
They begin to go off in opposite directions, but Lorenzo stops after a couple of paces to cast a final glance over his right shoulder.
Lorenzo Merrick: Oh, and one last thing… the next time you see me scarfing down doughnuts, if you want one, just grab one! I didn’t really expect to eat that whole box by myself, you know…
He continues walking away. Gigi looks ahead, but before she moves forward, she turns her gaze in Lorenzo’s direction and smiles. The scene cuts away as her smile turns into a low, soft chuckle.
MATCH TWO
Non-Title
Tag Team/One Fall
Royal Couple vs. Samantha Tolson & Gigi Nova
Non-Title
Tag Team/One Fall
Royal Couple vs. Samantha Tolson & Gigi Nova
DING! DING! DING!
Gigi starts off against Honey and right off the bat lays out the Sisterhood Champion when she lays a slap on the Global Tag Champ! Gigi is having none of the attitude and her glare, her march, has Honey rolling out of the ring and claiming that the right hand got her in the eye! Referee Zach Young starts the ten-count regardless, drawing the ire of both Bianca and Simple Simon, the latter of which checks Honey several times before Honey finally rolls back in the ring. It’s a fake-out, though, and when Gigi goes to grab her, Honey slides out and trips Gigi by grabbing her ankle! The match goes to the outside and Gigi fights off Honey, laying in some hard chops, heard all the way in the cheap seats, before Bianca drops down to make it two-on-one! But Zach Young doesn’t get to call Bianca on that before Sam Tolson comes around to make the fight even! Bianca, glaring, backs off as Gigi rolls Honey into the ring and blasts her with a knee, followed by a DDT, for a near-fall! Honey kicks out hard, though, and ducks a clothesline from Gigi before delivering a flying shoulder, knocking Nova into the ropes! A forearm to the jaw lands before Honey forces Gigi into her team’s corner, tagging in Bianca for the double-team! The Royal Couple lays the boots to Gigi with quick tags, but when they start trying to choke Nova out, Tolson has had enough! Her attempt to break this up, though, only garners the attention of Zach Young, allowing the Royal Couple to continue their punishment on Sam’s partner with impunity!
Gigi fights back as best she can, but each attempt to reach Sam is cut off by Bianca and Honey, their chemistry as a team and old school tactics shining through despite the experience advantage held by Tolson and Nova. Twisting out of an attempted swinging neckbreaker, Gigi hits On The Rocks, dropping Bianca and leaving both women on the mat! The crowd urges the young rookie on, prompting her to start making the crawl towards Tolson while Bianca, fueled by anger, starts making her way to her own corner! She slaps Honey’s hand and Honey charges Gigi, grabbing her when she’s only inches away from Sam’s own hand! With a tight grip on Gigi’s leg, Honey starts trying to reel her into the Royal Couple’s corner but settling for spinning her around and ducking a roundhouse attempt from Nova! Honey Glazed is narrowly ducked as Honey finds herself right in front of Tolson, who slaps the taste outta her mouth! Left reeling, Honey is dropped by another On The Rocks and Gigi makes the hot tag! Tolson comes in hot, laying out Honey with a pair of clotheslines and hitting a running front dropkick on Bianca that sends the self-proclaimed Queen of HYBRID to the floor, wiping out Simple Simon in the process! Tolson follows up on Honey, cinching her in and delivering a trio of snap suplexes, floating over on the last one for a pin attempt, which is broken up at the last moment by Bianca! Heavy shots from the illegal Bianca leads to a Queen’s Makeover, but her having to be hustled out of the ring by Zach Young means that Sam has time to gather enough energy to kick out of Honey’s pin attempt at two, leaving the Sisterhood Champions supremely frustrated!
Samantha fights back against Honey’s desperate assault, even putting Bianca down with a hard right hand when she comes charging in! But Simple Simon yanks Gigi off the apron, distracting Tolson and allowing the Royal Couple to double-team Sam behind the referee’s back!
Zach Young, though, nips this in the bud and sends Simple Simon packing! Infuriated by this, the Royal Couple takes it out on Sam, delivering a hellacious combo of Bianca’s Coronation following Honey’s Blind Sight! Samantha drops hard and Honey pounces for the cover as Bianca scrambles out of the ring… but Gigi comes off the top, crashing down with an elbow to the back of Honey’s head, breaking things up! Bianca bursts into attack Gigi and things degenerate into a four-way brawl, with the Global Tag Team champions sending the Sisterhood Champions out of the ring in tandem before both get a running start and sail over the top rope, wiping out the Royals on the floor! Samantha rolls Honey back into the ring as Gigi and Bianca slug it out on the outside, with Samantha landing the Victory Drop Alpha on Honey! Bianca, raking the eyes of Gigi, is able to put Honey’s foot on the ropes, breaking up the pin, and sending Gigi into the steps when she attacks again! Sam swipes at Bianca but gets rolled up by Honey for a very close two! Gigi, sending Bianca into the ring post, quickly dives into the ring and gives the two women a push, leading to Samantha being on top of that roll-up, locking her grip and managing to keep Honey’s shoulder’s down for Zach Young to count three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winners of the match… SAMANTHA TOLSON AND GIGI NOVA!
Bianca isn’t having this, though, and she attacks after the bell, focusing on Gigi! But soon Sam joins the battle again and sends her would-be attacker from behind, Honey, into her partner! The collision allows the Global Tag Team Champions to send their opponents out of the ring, whereupon Carnifex gets between the two teams as though daring Sam and Gigi to try that again! Bianca and Honey, staying behind the mountain of muscle and beard, shout threats at the Global Tag Champs, snatching their own belts and holding them up high as they back up the ramp!
Bernadette Olson: For tonight, at least, Samantha and Gigi proved themselves to be the superior champions… but dare I say it, the Royal Couple impressed me! That tandem finisher almost put Tolson down for the count!
Jacob Frankel: I hate giving those two brats any credit, but I gotta admit that you’re right. Every time they’re in the ring, they get better as a team.
Bernadette Olson: See, you can be mature about them.
Jacob Frankel: No matter how much I don’t want to!
Winner: Samantha Tolson & Gigi Nova
Result: Pinfall at 14:33 (Reverse Roll-Up)
Result: Pinfall at 14:33 (Reverse Roll-Up)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Divine Future
A Divine Future
The HYBRID cameras go backstage to the locker room of the new Vanguard Champion, the Samoan War Machine, Aleki Kekoa. The champion is dressed for action as he sits forward with the championship belt in his hands. Aleki’s face is hidden by his long black strands of hair.
Aleki Kekoa: I have said from the very beginning that I would be the inevitable in HYBRID rEvolution. Since debuting in HYBRID late last year, my only loss has come at the hands of then-Global Heavyweight Champion Eddy Todd, and even then I took Eddy to the limit.
The Vanguard Champion allows the audience to ponder his accomplishments.
Aleki Kekoa: When I was relegated to the pre-show, I made an example of Brody Slater and rectified the oversight and called my shot for this Vanguard Championship. And despite our boss’ disciplinary actions for getting Cordelia Clark’s attention, I went into Stormfront with one mission in mind and I succeeded. I proved to Cordelia, AMV, and HYBRID Nation that the Samoan War Machine is the present and future of this company. Vanguard Champion now; Global Champion soon enough. It is inevitable. It is my destiny. It is my divine right.
Aleki chuckles with a sinister edge.
Aleki Kekoa: Tonight, I make my first defense of my Vanguard Championship against Alexis Lemon. I can respect your spunk, Alexis, as I know you’re already championship material in another promotion. But this is HYBRID rEvolution, not some bingo hall gathering of has-beens and never-weres. In HYBRID, Vanguard is my battlefield and I am a war machine. I don’t take you lightly but I will just have to show you how far you still have to go to reach the upper echelons of HYBRID rEvolution.
The Samoan War Machine pats the Vanguard Championship.
Aleki Kekoa: This championship isn’t going anywhere until I’m ready. I am a god of war. The beginning and the end; the alpha and the omega. I am the peace-keeper and the doom-bringer. When I step into the ring, I am no longer human. I become a killing machine. I no longer feel mercy or regret or compassion. I bathe in the blood of my enemies and all fear me. I am the ultimate weapon. I am admired yet misunderstood. I am made for war and I will not be denied.
Aleki slowly stands up.
Aleki Kekoa: I am the HYBRID Vanguard Champion. I know you want what I have, Alexis. But tonight the only things I can give you are the fight of your life and the bitter taste of defeat. Learn to accept the inevitable. It will save you a lot of disappointment. See you soon, casualty of war.
The Vanguard Champion walks out the camera shot and towards his title defense.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Champion’s Fire
A Champion’s Fire
Frustration? Sadness? Anger? A combination of the above? When the camera comes on Cordelia Clark, the audience isn’t sure how she’s going to end up feeling coming of of the unfortunate loss of the Vanguard Championship. She definitely isn’t happy and she’s not making an effort to hide such unhappiness. Still, she knows that the words that are about to be expressed and how she handles it in this moment are going to be a defining test for her… one that she can’t afford to fail. She knows this wholeheartedly as she begins to express her thoughts.
Cordelia Clark:In the prior version of Hybrid, my cousin Arabella Madison was the Pinnacle Champion. She lost that championship to a woman named Reya Serra. Cue so many of you saying “WHO?” and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you. That’s not a knock on Reya Serra at all, but she didn’t necessarily have a memorable title reign. Look, I am no fan of my cousin, but I will acknowledge her ability. When she was actually on her game, she was a hell of a wrestler that SHOULD’VE been a world champion but never was because she held herself back with her own stupidity. The night she lost the title to Reya was an example of that… and she went on a downward spiral from there. She acted as if she was never Pinnacle Champion at all. Rather than try to get the title back, she went on this ‘world title or nothing’ kick. She was at a crossroads… and needless to say that she took the wrong road. You’re wondering what any of this has to do with Stormfront. Well, it’s real simple. After Stormfront, I’m at that same crossroads.
Cordelia takes a pause as she begins to think about the crossroads she finds herself in.
Cordelia Clark:Because as much as I don’t like to admit it, I have to acknowledge that I lost a title to someone that I WILL admit was better than me on one particular night, but I know in my heart isn’t better than me as a whole. I will acknowledge that, but I’m NOT going to acknowledge the new Vanguard Champion as my superior or whatever the hell he wants me to acknowledge him as. I also know in my hear that I am just as capable of challenging for any of the other Hybrid singles championships too… even the big one itself. Though, I’m not in a rush to go for the big one right now. But still… I face the same question that my cousin faced: to go for what was just lost and truly prove that I am better than the person that beat me for it… or to try and reach for another pinnacle. I’m not going to stand here and pretend that this was a difficult decision for me to make because honestly, it really wasn’t.
At the end of the day? Why the HELL should I just walk away from that Vanguard Championship and let Aleki Kekoa have the last word? HELL NO that’s not going to happen. He started this when he assaulted me in the first place, and I am NOT going to let him finish this. I’m not going to make the wrong choice that my cousin made. I’m not going to tuck my tail between my legs, run away, pretend that I was never Vanguard Champion and act like none of it ever happened! I am NOT going to let that bastard be the winner in the grand scheme of things. Some will call it stubborn and some will think that I’m just ‘acting out’ again, but if you remember… after the frustration that I dealt with at the start of the year, I managed to pull through all of the adversity and become the Vanguard Champion in the first place.
Being the Vanguard Champion sure as hell meant a lot to me because with that title, I really proved that I could hang with some of the best and the brightest this company has to offer. It’s not going to end the way it did at Stormfront. I’m going to battle like hell and do whatever it is that I need to do to get that title back and let that bastard know that he doesn’t just get to pick on me and bring me down for his own amusement. It wasn’t personal when this started? But hey, if he wants to run up the damn score and try to act like he’s better than me, then NOW it’s personal!
I don’t give a crap about what Stormfront might say… you can be better than me for one night and I can accept that… but you, Aleki… you are NOT better than me and I AM going to prove it by the time this is over and by the time I get that title back from you. Believe me, NOBODY is going to be a bigger cheerleader for your title reign than me… but only because I want to be the one that ends it!
And I damn sure will, you can bet on that… even if… God forbid… I’ve got to dig deeper into my soul… even deep into places I do NOT want to go to…
Consider that a warning champ…
Cordelia walks away having shown she hasn’t lost any fire in her at all and then the scene fades out.
MATCH THREE
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Alexis Lemon vs. Aleki Kekoa (C)
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Alexis Lemon vs. Aleki Kekoa (C)
Aleki starts things off by holding up his Vanguard Champion, making sure Alexis gets an eyeful of it while making it clear that the belt isn’t going anywhere. Not one to be intimidated, Alexis just makes a face and dares to lay a hand on the belt, prompting Aleki to snatch it back, looking affronted. Handing it off to Butch Ward, Aleki gives Alexis a warning look to which she grins, both backing into their corners as the Senior Official calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Immediately Aleki lays on the power game, bullying Alexis into the corner and pie-facing her to show his dominance, following up with a few hard chops and a big spinning forearm to rock the Rascal Witch! He backs off, talking noise and spreads his arms out as though daring her to take a shot! Alexis, nodding slowly, just sticks her tongue out at Aleki, ducking under his anger-fueled clothesline and shoving him into the buckles chest-first! Stunned, the champion is struck with a few hard forearm shots to the small of the back, followed by one to the back of the head, the combination ended with a springboard dropkick to the back! Alexis backs off a few steps, comically wipes the sweat from her brow and makes the same pose that Aleki did moments ago! The champ is back up in short order and another lock-up ends with Alexis shoved to the mat! She rolls with the impact and is back on her feet, narrowly ducking a big boot but taking a hard elbow to the jaw before Aleki scoops her up and powerslams her to the mat, covering for a quick two!
Lemon kicks out, though Aleki wraps her into a tight chinlock, talking shit all the while. It’s tight enough that Lemon’s reaction has Butch checking the champion’s grip and, eventually, starting the five-count when it starts cutting off the challenger’s air! Aleki has words for the official at that point, but Alexis makes him pay for turning away, rolling him up for a one-count! Surprised more than damaged, Aleki is in a rush to get back off the mat and in his haste he eats a Heartburn! Knocked back but not down, Aleki is bull-rushed into the corner and hit with a few shoulders before Alexis goes for the Acidic Blitz! The knee hits true but Kekoa tosses her away as she goes for the bulldog! She turns quickly, bending backwards to avoid the champ’s lariat, but that leads to him dropping an elbow on her midsection as she’s bent back, dropping her and leading to another two-count! Aleki has had enough at this point, Irish whipping Alexis into the buckles before setting her on the top rope, throwing a few chops at her chest! He climbs up with her, thinking superplex, but Alexis fights him off, kicking him off the buckles! He charges in and she leaps, landing behind him in a roll and hitting the ropes! Heartburn is avoided and the Superman Punch connects! Another near-fall but Lemon gets her shoulders up! She low-bridges Aleki, sending him to the outside… but he lands on his feet! She stomps on his hand when he reaches for her and hits the ropes, going for the Sourball!
Wiping out the champion, Alexis is pumped up by adrenaline and the fans! She pulls Aleki up and shoves him stomach-first into the apron before rolling him into the ring! She’s about to follow when, from behind, someone blasts her in the back of the head with what looks like a blackjack or nightstick! Alexis goes down hard as the hooded figure jumps the barricade and throws back their hood, revealing the attacker as Katie Simmons! In a hurry, before referee Butch Ward can see what has happened, Katie rolls a barely-conscious Alexis into the ring. Aleki, not caring about what went down, pounces on the challenger, delivering My Divine Right for the pin and the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winner of the match, and STILL the Vanguard Champion… ALEKI KEKOA!
Standing up from behind the barricade again, Katie looks on with smug satisfaction before turning and sauntering off, the fans heaping boos on both her AND the champion! Aleki, to his credit, looks irritated by the goings-on, but he’s more than happy to keep being champion, holding his title up high!
Bernadette Olson: These two really need to settle things! Frankly, Katie getting physical like this was a bad idea in my opinion!
Jacob Frankel: You know she’ll just go back to hiding behind Damian, meaning Alexis has to go through him to get to her! Just don’t expect the Rascal Witch to take this lying down!
Winner: Aleki Kekoa (Still Champion)
Result: Pinfall at 10:12 (My Divine Right)
Result: Pinfall at 10:12 (My Divine Right)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Feelings? We Don’t Do That Here…
Feelings? We Don’t Do That Here…
“Please be aware”
The words echoed throughout the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
“The voice in your he-he-head is a threat”
The spoken words came to a halt as the entire arena went pitch black.
*Tick Tick*
A single pure white light hit the stage to reveal the new Global Heavyweight Champion standing with his back to the crowd. The championship belt in his right hand held up in the air as “Paranoid (Crash and Burn)” by Pop Evil began playing. The song was a custom edit for the HYBRID Superstar.
His name etched across the tron in white, red and blue circled around it before the video package began playing. Slowly the champion turned around to the crowd. Still mixed signals from the sold out crowd. He held the title in the air as he slowly made his way down the ramp.
“I pushed you out to keep it inside
The voice in my head is a threat
I lie awake, still wondering why
The voice in my head is a threat”
The voice in my head is a threat
I lie awake, still wondering why
The voice in my head is a threat”
Duke hopped onto the edge of the ring. Throwing the title over his shoulder as he stepped into the ring. He made the walk to the far side of the ring as he climbed to the middle turnbuckle. Taking in the crowd as he once again raised the title in the air. Leaning forward as he snagged a microphone from Spirit Montego before he jumped back into the middle of the ring.
Dressed casually, he traded the boots in for a pair of classic red, white, and black Jordan 1’s, black jeans, a white sleeveless shirt that has the signature 3 on it with Dale Earnhardt’s signature, and a red Bass Pro Shops hat. He tossed the title over his shoulder once again.
Duke Andrews: When I signed the contract to come to HYBRID, to come back to HYBRID and to do what I do best, I knew there was one thing that I had to do. One item on the bucket list when I stepped foot back into this company. June fifteen of twenty twenty two. It took damn near ten months to get back to my throne at the top of this goddamn company… ten months of proving night in and night out that I’m not just talking words when I tell you that I am the best in not just this company but the best in this industry…and for ten months I was shut out. Never given my chance. Never given my shot to take care of that spoiled little piece of trash Eddy Todd. Ten months of coming out here and doing what I do best and finally there was no keeping me away…and what happened then..
A brief pause as Duke finally looked up from his glare down towards his feet. His eyes pierced through the camera as he stared intently for a moment.
Duke Andrews: And when I took this title from him and I regained my rightful place at the top, I promised before and I’ll promise again, I won’t be the same piece of shit that he was. I won’t be the same coward that Eddy Todd was. I will be here every single night and I will defend this championship at every turn…
“Adrenalize me…”
It was at that point that Duke was cut off when “Adrenalize” by In This Moment plays and the State Farm Arena goes wild as Mikaela Callaway makes her second appearance of the evening. Still in her casual clothes but, obviously, now lacking the Iron Heart Championship she once carried so proudly. She pauses on the stage just for a moment before coming down the ramp to the ring. Mikaela comes up the steps, gets into the ring and walks right up against Duke, scowling up at the man as her music blares on for a moment longer.
She turns and goes to retrieve a second microphone as the music finally fades out. She stands at the distance from Duke and lifts it up, nodding her head.
Mikaela Callaway: You done, Duke? You done spouting your bullshit to these people like they wanna hear it? You done walking around here week in and week out like your shit don’t stink? I used to look up to you when I was coming up. I used to watch you. I watched your war just a few years ago with Ursula Von Rossbach. I CHEERED for you every time you came out to this ring, looking to put her on her ass. When I signed my contract to come up here off of the independent circuit, I said “dang, this is the place Duke Andrews used to wrestle, that’s pretty awesome.
She lowers the mic, shaking her head as she starts to pace back and forth, trying to put her thoughts into words. Mikaela brushes her jacket sleeve under her nose, still fighting emotions from earlier. She composes herself, though, and turns back to Duke, lifting the mic up again.
Mikaela Callaway: Then I got to get in the ring with you. What should have been one of the highlights of my career. A defining moment. Now, it was defining. I ain’t gonna take that away. Credit where it’s due. You’re one of the best to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots, Duke. But as far as a highlight? Something I’d like to look back on fondly and talk about how I got to wrestle one of my childhood favorites? That experience was disappointing. I realized just how much of a lack of respect you have for anyone in a ring that ain’t you. I realized, as the weeks went on and you started targeting Eddy, just how much of…
There’s another pause as she tries to decide on a phrase to use and shrugs, giving up on anything fancy.
Mikaela Callaway: I realized just how much of an asshole you really are, Duke. Hell, you remind me of Bianca Davis with a few extra parts, if I’m being honest.
The crowd “Ohhhhhhhhhh’s” and Mikaela just looks around, shrugging her shoulders. What else did they want her to say?
Mikaela Callaway: The bottom line, Duke, is while I’ll always have respect for what you can do in a ring, my respect for you as a human being got dropped a few pegs and if I’m being honest? The Global Heavyweight Championship deserves to be carried by better. That’s why I turned the Iron Heart Championship in to Mr. Vance just a little while ago. That’s why I’m out here now. That’s why later tonight, when we’re out here, dressed to throw down, I’m gonna do my damnedest to show you how a real champion oughta conduct themselves, when I make your big ass the shortest reigning champion in HYBRID history!
She drops her arm and just glares at him.
While Mikaela had been going on, Duke had casually, nonchalantly, walked towards the corner. Hopping up on the top turnbuckle as he took a seat. The title over his shoulder as he flipped the microphone in his right hand. A nod here, eye roll there, just waiting for her to be done.
Duke Andrews: Mikaela, let’s be honest with ourselves here. We’ve done this song and dance before and you remember what happened, don’t you?
Duke flipped the microphone in his right hand again as he nodded up to the screen as it replayed the end of the first main event in this rendition of HYBRID.
*DING!* *DING!* *DING!*
Spirit Montego: And your winner… DUKE ANDREWS!
Post-match, Duke tries to egg Eddy on a little more, putting his foot on Mikaela’s head, daring him to do something about it. Eddy is at the bottom of the ramp by this point, but Mikaela shoves the boot away herself, slowly rolling from the ring and to the floor, landing on her side. Eddy would offer a hand, but she would get up on her own… and need to be kept from stumbling over. Butch Grant raises Duke’s arm, but the Epitome of Perfection hardly seems to care. He has made his point. Eddy, putting himself between Mikaela and Duke, makes it clear that he ‘sees’ Andrews. Duke dares him to come get some, but Eddy instead leads Mikaela up the ramp.
Duke Andrews: I’m glad you think I give a rat's ass that you respect me. I’m glad that you think I care really about anything that came out of your mouth. To be honest, if you think what happened then was something to sulk about, tonight is a different animal.
Duke hopped off the turnbuckle and casually walked towards her. Mouthing something off of the microphone as he held the title up over her head.
Duke Andrews: I just kicked the shit out of your daddy to take his one prized possession away. And I know you’re mentally a little crazy normally, but after your dad hightailing it to a dirt nap…
The crowd began its chorus of boos as Duke just offered a smirk in her direction.
Duke Andrews: I’ll have no problem putting you back in your place. I’ll send you not just to the back of the line, but to the fiery depths of hell and you can tell your father all about the time you got your ass kicked by the best goddamn wrestler in the world.
With that Duke raised his left hand and dropped the microphone in the middle of the ring. Mikaela stands there in absolute shock at what just came out of his mouth and as soon as Duke turns to leave the ring, the Brat Queen pounds the handle of the microphone into the back of his head and pounces on him like a wild, rapid animal. The State Farm Arena goes NUTS as her arms come flying in wild haymakers. Duke manages to easily shove her off away from him and motions for her to come and get her some more but as MIkaela charges him, a swarm of security guards rush in and catch Mikaela, holding her back. A few more security guards stand in front of Duke, ushering him to head towards the back and the show fades to a commercial with Mikaela Callaway, tears streaming down her face, SCREAMING threats at the Global Heavyweight Champion.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Don’t Screw With the Queen (of Chaos)!
Don’t Screw With the Queen (of Chaos)!
We cut the locker room following the last match, the usually buzzing room of competitors getting ready for their matches for the night is replaced with emptiness and utter silence, save for one person. That person being Jessi Ozborne, who’s sat in her usual position on the bench, simply wrapping her hands in tape.
Jessi Ozborne: You know…despite what my general personality may tell you, there’s actually a lot I’m able to put up with. You don’t stay in a business like this for as long as I have without learning to have thick skin. Do I tend to get riled up at times? Yeah. But who doesn’t? When you look across the Hall of Fame of this business, you’ll see a bunch of asshole’s with anger issues. That’s what makes you endearing, and I’m certainly no different to that breed.
Jessi stops wrapping her tape for a moment, almost as though she’s more focused on her own musings than her pre-match preparation.
Jessi Ozborne: But there’s one thing I’m not down with? It’s the lessening of things I’ve worked hard for, chief among those being the Queens of Chaos. Nearly a year ago, I established the QoC as the faction to beat today. And so far that statement’s held water, if I’m being perfectly honest. Look at any company in this industry today and you’ll likely see a woman with an armband seated at the champ’s table. But with that success comes a few setbacks.
Jessi continues to wrap her wrist tape as she continues.
Jessi Ozborne: Whether it be the threat of us having to disband earlier in the year, one of our founding members turning their back on us, or rival factions thinking they can put a permanent end to us. I can’t lie when I say that our reputation has taken a bit of a hit this year, and Stormfront was just another example of that.
Jessi finishes with her wrist tape, now focusing on getting her jacket situated as she continues to speak.
Jessi Ozborne: Two weeks ago, in Cage of Survival, Gutter Ballet took my girls to the limit and sent them packing with scars to boot. I know my silence on the matter has been a bit…odd coming from me. After all, I’m not shy to give my opinion on things at any particular moment. But I wanted to leave my girls to handle this on their own. Kaela? Bean? Tiggy? They’re big girls. They don’t need me. That was until I saw what went down in that goddamn cage.
Jessi slams her locker door shut, the hinges nearly buckling from the impact. Her next words have a bit of spice to them, as though she’s holding back a bit of venom.
Jessi Ozborne: Like I said, there’s a lot I’m able to put up with…but that ain’t it. Now Gutter Ballet have gotten themselves into quite the predicament, because now this has become a situation that has necessitated my involvement. And all of you are about to learn that once the Queen of Queens gets her hands into QoC business, it tends not to end well for anyone.
Jessi throws her QoC letterman jacket on.
Jessi Ozborne: So here I am, not even 24 hours after having the fight of my life against Kasey Kash, with 12 stitches lining my head, to go one-on-one with Captain Cosmo. And I don’t have a problem with Captain Cosmo, I actually quite like him. But I need him to understand that I am entering this match with the sole intention of making an example out of him. I’m entering this match with the hope that Gutter Ballet is watching. Tonight, I’m gonna show you all why you don’t fuck with the Queens of Chaos. That’s not a threat, that’s a promise. And when the Queen of Queens promises? Heh…you best believe she delivers.
Jessi pops on her sunglasses before finishing off.
Jessi Ozborne: You’re. Fucking. Welcome.
Jessi walks off as we fade.
MATCH FOUR
Singles/One Fall
Jessi Ozborne vs. Captain Cosmo
Singles/One Fall
Jessi Ozborne vs. Captain Cosmo
DING! DING! DING!
The two, being fans of one another, shake hands to start things off before locking up. Cosmo seems to be taking things a little more seriously than usual, with Aiden Marino cheering him on from outside the ring. Jessi quickly takes him down and keeps him down, though, starting with a knee bar before shifting to a bodyscissors and finally a chinlock, turning Cosmo’s attempts to wriggle free to get him stuck in a new way. He does slither out of her grip after a fashion, though, getting up to his feet. True to her words earlier in the evening, Jessi stays on the offensive, not giving the superhero a chance to catch his breath. A BAE-Blade sends him down hard, but only for a quick two-count. Jessi lays in a series of kicks, and most of them connect, though Cosmo IS able to block a few. Still, he’s backed into the buckles and in response climbs up and drops down on the apron, running to the other side and leaping up THOSE turnbuckles before sailing off at Jessi, who narrowly avoids the cross body! Cosmo seems to land hard, but he springs right back up and almost nails the Cosmo Kick, but Jessi counters it and hits a bridged German suplex for a near-fall!
Cosmo weathers the attacks from Jessi and keeps on coming, which seems to frustrate the Queen of Chaos. She evades a charge after taking a hard Irish whip into the buckles and nails a Bangarang that seems to make Cosmo’s eyes roll back… and yet, he has the sense to grab the bottom rope when Jessi goes for the pin. Aiden is trying to give his partner advice but the punishment is starting to wear on the fellow; a back body drop and a neckbreaker let him back Jessi off a bit, but she escapes his powerslam and hits a backcracker that leaves him in considerable pain. Another German, release-style, follows and Jessi looks to put the match away. The Parallax is attempted but Cosmo escapes before the drop, hitting the Cosmo Kick! It’s a close near-fall, but Ozborne is able to escape the pin attempt and taunt Cosmo into trying it again! Hung up on the top rope when Jessi moves aside, a springboard hurricanrana sends him to the mat and Disenchanted keeps him there for the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… JESSI OZBORNE!
Bernadette Olson: Jessi wanted this one over yesterday, and for good reason considering she was coming off such a brutal match elsewhere.
Jacob Frankel: Cosmo gave her a good fight at least, but a motivated Jessi Ozborne is hard to stop!
Winner: Jessi Ozborne
Result: Pinfall at 8:49 (Disenchanted)
Result: Pinfall at 8:49 (Disenchanted)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Coming Up at Vanguard #19…
Coming Up at Vanguard #19…
Post-commercial, Vanguard is back and the cameras are on the announce table.
Bernadette Olson: Tonight has been a wild ride so far, fans! Not only are we mere minutes away from an impromptu Global Heavyweight Championship match-
Jacob Frankel: Owing to Mikaela Callaway cashing in her Iron Heart Championship!
Bernadette Olson: -but said champion came out here and, for lack of a better term, gave a tasteless tirade against his challenger and her recently-departed family members.
Bernadette looks pretty disgusted with that… even more so than usual. Jacob is shaking his head in awe of the situation himself. Bernadette takes off her glasses and gestures toward the camera with them.
Bernadette Olson: Straight up? I get that in this business you gotta take any advantage that you can get, and there’s not a lot that isn’t fair game. But Duke? What you said tonight was out of line, big fella. So to hell with being fair and unbiased: I hope Mikaela kicks your tail in and takes that title off you tonight so you can learn a little humility.
Jacob looks impressed by his colleague’s statement, nodding and turning to the camera himself to compound on it.
Jacob Frankel: It might get me slapped in the mouth, but y’know what? I’ll take that. You’re a big bully, Duke, and I hope she slaps the taste out of your mouth. Twice.
With that done, the two get professional again… or make the effort.
Bernadette Olson: We also have word from the office of Mr. Vance that, as a result of Mikaela relinquishing the title, there will be two matches at Vanguard #19, the winners of which will compete one-on-one at Vanguard #20 to decide the new champion.
Jacob Frankel: And those four stars are… Stephanie Kenyon, Laura Pinkerton, Nathaniel Dixon and Jessie Robinson!
All four show up on the big screen, though word on who will face who is non-existent. Seems like the man in charge is looking to make this a surprise!
Bernadette Olson: Also, we’ll have Javier Mateo Duran in action for his Open Challenge. Someone’s gonna step up and take that fight, no doubt, and I can’t wait to see who it is!
Jacob Frankel: You and me both, though it’ll be a shame when he’s all said and done; the guy always brings an entertaining fight!
Bernadette Olson: Also… hm.
Jacob Frankel: Something up, Bernie?
Bernadette Olson: Mr. Vance has issued a statement saying that the person who, and he put this in quotes himself, “won” the Stormfront Superbrawl, is required to show themselves and reveal their identity at Vanguard #19! Boss is putting his foot down all sorts of places tonight!
Jacob Frankel: Sounds like a show not to be missed!
MATCH FIVE
Global Heavyweight Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Mikaela Callaway vs. Duke Andrews (C)
Global Heavyweight Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Mikaela Callaway vs. Duke Andrews (C)
DING! DING! DING!
The bell rings and this match is underway as Callaway stares intently at Andrews from the corner. Andrews watches her from his corner with a taunting grin on his face. They’ve been here before and it did not bode well for Mikaela Callaway. Andrews steps out first and calls her over.
Duke Andrews: C’mon kid! You been brushing up?
Callaway steps out to meet him and the two come to meet in the center of the ring with Andrews looming over a full head taller than her. Andrews shakes his head and laughs at the whole situation. Little babygirl trying to recapture what he took from her man. Andrews pie faces her back and the crowd boos. He just laughs again and Callaway huffs in anger, glaring at him; not liking that she’s being seen as insignificant. Andrews sees this look and he feigns shock.
Duke Andrews: Awww, did that piss you off, Bubbles? Huh? What’re you gonna do about it? Huh?! What’re you gonna do—
He doesn’t finish his words before Callaway BLASTS him across the jaw with a stiff forearm strike! Andrews leans back and blinks a few times from the shot then looks at Callaway. Now she’s the one goading him on with a fire in her eyes, calling him forward.
Mikaela Callaway: C’mon, Duke!! C’mon!! Bring that shit!!
Jacob Frankel: She just knocked the taste out of the champion’s mouth, Bernie!
Bernadette Olson: Mikaela’s looking fired up but she might wanna mind her strategy. You don’t wanna get Duke Andrews too upset!
Andrews rubs his jaw and nods back at her and the two start circling up in the ring. They lockup, collar and elbow, fighting for that first advantage until, after a moment, Andrews just SHOVES Callaway back. She falls back on her ass and rolls backwards from the force, leaning back against the ropes. Andrews dares her to get up and come get some. Tiffany Lynn Page, at ringside, stands behind Callaway and taunts her that she’s acting above her station and it’s not gonna end well for her. Callaway takes a swipe through the ropes trying to strike Tiffany but she misses. Tiffany chides her for even trying to touch her. Callaway stands up and starts yelling at her to fuck off and stay out of the match and that’s when Andrews moves in like a hunter on unsuspecting prey. He bullrushes Callaway against the ropes and starts laying into her with forearms and hammer strikes. When the ref yells for the break, Andrews whips her across the ring and rushes in. Callaway comes off the ropes and ducks a running clothesline. Neither of them stop as they hit the ropes again and come back to the center. This time, Andrews just straight shoulder blocks her and knocks her down to the mat like a bull slamming into a child. Callaway starts trying to get up and Andrews reaches down to help her, delivering a Gutwrench Backbreaker across his knee. Callaway cries out in pain as she hits the mat again and Andrews covers, shaking his head.
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Andrews sits back on his knees and shakes his head again as if Callaway’s lost her mind. He grabs her by her hair and pulls her up.
Duke Andrews: Alright, short stack, let’s go.
He ignores the ref’s warning and rocks Callaway with a stiff right hand, sending her staggering back into the corner. He continues punishing her with knees and forearms in the corner until the ref starts counting to five. Andrews snatches her by the wrist and goes for an Irish Whip but instead of letting her go, he yanks her right back in for a T-Bone suplex, driving her back into the mat. Andrews covers again.
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
The crowd pops for Callaway as she refuses to accept defeat. Andrews shrugs his hands over at Tiffany Lynn Page, wondering what this little girl’s problem is. He pulls her up again and this time, tucks her head down and snaps her up, just powerbombing her down into the mat. He shrugs his hands out to the side, looking down at Callaway as if to ask her if she’s done. Callaway starts trying to get up. Andrews grabs her by the wrist and just pulls her up with no effort before whipping her to the ropes again. He goes for a Discus Lariat, looking to fully take her head off but she ducks down again. He spins back around and looks to intercept her off of the rebound but Callaway hits the ropes with a handspring and comes back with a flying Pele Kick right to the face of Andrews! Callaway pops up and sees Andrews holding his head, staggering. She runs off the ropes again and hits a flying forearm. Andrews staggers some more! Crowd’s starting to get louder. She runs off the ropes and hits another forearm! Andrews staggers even more! Callaway runs, hits the ropes and comes back with her signature Somersault Dropkick! Andrews staggers, falls back and slips right through the ropes, landing on the floor. He makes it to his feet quickly but he’s looking in the ring at Callaway with a look of shock. Where the hell did she find that fire? Tiffany Lynn Page comes around the ring to hype Andrews up, telling him not to let this little brat get him shaken up. He’s stronger than her! He’s better than her! He’s—wait, nevermind that shit! Here comes Callaway with a Corkscrew Plancha over the top rope taking them both down to the floor! Callaway quickly pulls Andrews up and gets him back in the ring, crawling in after him for a cover.
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Callaway doesn’t waste time as she picks Andrews up but he bats her arms away and clocks her with a right hand. Callaway staggers but she clocks him back! Andrews looks at her, a bit taken aback and rocks her again. Callaway sways backwards and leans in with another strike of her own. An intergender David and Goliath exchange as Callaway and Andrews start trading shots back and forth. The crowd starts a “BOO” - “YEAH” chant as Andrews and Callaway just stand there, blasting each other back and forth. Andrews switches up the game and steps in with a knee lift to the midsection. He goes for a Vertical Suplex but Callaway brings a knee down upon his head, wraps her hands around the back and swings down right into a double knee jawbreaker! She runs past him, comes off the ropes and spikes Andrews with a Tornado DDT for another cover!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Callaway grabs her hair and looks frustrated but she stays on the offensive, moving to the corner. She climbs up and calls for the 450 Splash. Before she can jump, though, Tiffany Lynn Page climbs up onto the apron next to her, yelling for Andrews to look out. Aggravated, Callaway boots her off of the apron and sends her down! This has given Andrews enough time, however, to run up and shove Callaway’s foot off, causing her to fall down onto the turnbuckle. Andrews climbs up, looking for a Superplex but Callaway fights against it, punching him in the ribs and stomach. Andrews answers with a shot across the head and Callaway hits him back right across the jaw. Andrews hits her back but Callaway answers right back with another stiff right to the jaw. Before Andrews can answer back, she hits him again. And again. And again! Andrews falls back, slipping and ends up crotching himself on the top rope. Callaway drops down to her feet, sees the position he’s in and hits a Springboard Roundhouse Kick to the chest, knocking him down off of the rope and onto the mat. He’s starting to get up at a reasonable pace, though, so Callaway knows she needs to act fast. He won’t be down long enough for the 450. She isn’t gonna lift him up for Mikaela’s Way. What’s she gonna do?! She climbs out onto the apron and grabs the ropes. She slaps the “VALKYRIE” band on her arm and points to the sky, starting to roll her arm with that band on it.
Tiffany Lynn Page gets up again and grabs Callaway’s foot to slow her down but Callaway shoves her back off, even harder this time. Callaway turns back to Andrews and readies her arm. She springboards off of the top rope, looking for “Mjolnir” (Phenomenal Forearm) in tribute to her recently deceased stepmother, Robi “Valkyrie” Sorrensen!! Andrews is on his feet and he sees her coming down. He springs up off of his feet to meet her on her descent and DRIVES a knee up into her jaw for “KillShot” (V-Trigger)!!! Callaway’s head snaps back and she crumples down into a corner, resting her head against the turnbuckle. Andrews staggers back, shaking his head in disbelief at this kid. He measures up, backing away to get a distance and comes running in to deliver a second and more proper “KillShot”!!! Callaway’s head is violently rocked against the turnbuckle and Andrews pulls her out to the center of the ring, lifting her up into an Electric Chair carry on his shoulders. “ANDREWS EFFECT” (One Winged Angel)!!!!! Andrews holds the leg for a cover!!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Here is your winner and STILL HYBRID Global Heavyweight Champion! The American Rebel, Duke Andrews!!
Bernadette Olson: Duke Andrews tallies off his first defense of the Global Heavyweight Title at the expense of Mikaela Callaway!
Jacob Frankel: That little girl brought the fight to him, though, Bernie!
Bernadette Olson: She sure did! Take nothing away from her. She had so many reasons for asking for this match tonight but in the end result, there he stands. STILL your Global Heavyweight Champion, ladies and gentlemen! Duke Andrews!
Tiffany Lynn Page joins the champion in the ring as he celebrates while Mikaela Callaway staggers out of the ring, trying to find her balance and walks up the ramp towards backstage, shaking her head as she looks up towards the sky. With tears in her eyes, she mouths “I’m sorry” and keeps walking; the look of failure evident on her face.
Winner:Duke Andrews (Still Champion)
Result: Pinfall at 18:46 (Andrews Effect)
Result: Pinfall at 18:46 (Andrews Effect)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Uncertainty
Uncertainty
Back in the office of the Owner and CEO, the man himself is standing at the wall, staring at a portrait recently placed there. We say such because it has never been seen on camera despite many intrusions on the boss-man’s space. Hands folded behind him, AMV seems to be scrutinizing the piece in great detail: the image of a man and woman, classically-attired, the painting looking rather impressive in these days of AI art and what-not. Leaned against the far wall, arms folded across his broad chest, Forge is staring at Aloysius, half-irritated, half-disbelieving.
Forge: You’re actually giving that fucking fop a shot? Do I need to remind you of the shit he’s tried to pull up to this point? Or did some money change hands that I don’t know about?
AMV pauses in his study and glances slightly over his shoulder. His look is best described as reproving.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I spoke with him earlier tonight. He made a heartfelt case for why he should have the opportunity to be the next champion. I saw no reason to deny him.
He turns back to the painting.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: That’s all there is to it.
Forge’s brow elevates and his jaw sets just slightly. The response isn’t pleasing.
Forge: I think that’s a mistake.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Duly noted.
Forge: Don’t you fuckin’ dismiss me like that, Vance. You know good and well that I’m right-
Sighing, Aloysius pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to maintain.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I know that you have a grudge against him after what happened between him and Stephanie. I know that family gets you riled up. I also know that your mind hasn’t been on business at all, even when you were out there refereeing the match a couple weeks ago. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’ve got things to deal with that you’ve been ignoring. And it is affecting your work AND your judgment.
A dressing-down? Forge pushes slowly off the wall, lowering his arms to his sides. Aloysius immediately tenses up but does not move otherwise.
Forge: You got somethin’ to say?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I just said it. But let me say this, too: you need a break-
Forge: The hell I do.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: -and you’re going to take one. I don’t want to see you anywhere near this building until Vanguard #20. Go home and settle things. If not for you, then for your kids.
Forge: They’re adults. They’re fine.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Oh? Did they tell you that? Because otherwise, I call bullshit. This isn’t a request, Trenton; this is what’s gonna be. Whether you like it or not, you know I’m right. And you know no one else has the fortitude to tell you this for fear of getting their skull caved in. So go handle business. Relax. Come back in a month.
Silent for a few moments, Forge finally responds.
Forge: And just leave you here for some jackass to try and get their licks in when I’m not around to scare the life outta them?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: It’s handled. Trust me.
Shrugging, Forge turns and leaves without another word, though it’s clear that he’s very reluctant to do so. When the door closes behind him, AMV lets out the breath he’d been holding, his hand going to his heart.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Thought he was gonna knock my head off for a moment…
Gathering himself, he reaches up to touch the painting’s frame for a moment, then reaches for his phone, making a call.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: It’s me. Let’s have a chat after the show, okay? The usual place.
And the scene fades to black…
MAIN EVENT
Singles/One Fall
Nathaniel Dixon vs. Damian Simmons
Singles/One Fall
Nathaniel Dixon vs. Damian Simmons
DING! DING! DING!
Katie is already yelling and cheering on her husband as he tries to stare down Nathaniel. On the other side of the ring, a calm and focused Dixon sizes up the former Vanguard Champion, looking just a little bit cautious and concerned. Taking this as a hint of fear, Damian approaches Nathaniel with violent intent but Dixon stays out of his reach. He throws a few kicks to the legs, Facing a Big Man Strategy 101, but Damian looks utterly unbothered. He takes a massive swipe at Nathaniel, who responds with a leaping forearm to the jaw, then another one. A few hard chops to the broad chest of the Juggernaut land as well, but Damian’s response is to grab Nathaniel by the face and shove him backwards to the mat! Flexing like the beast he is, Damian looms over Nathaniel, who calmly rolls out of the ring to collect himself. Damian moves to pursue but Nathaniel quickly gets back into the ring, dropping a knee to the head and then the shoulders of Damian as he, too, returns to the squared circle. The blows don’t keep Simmons down for long, nor does the running dropkick while he’s still rising. A second one, aimed for the midsection, sends him into the ropes, but he recoils with a hellacious shoulder tackle that knocks Nathaniel for a loop. A scoop slam is attempted, but Dixon escapes and lands more kicks, followed by a jumping knee to the back. Damian staggers forward, yet turns just in time to paste Dixon with a rough clothesline, sending him back down and causing his eyes to glaze over a bit.
Damian takes over fully, much to Katie’s delight, dropping Nathaniel throat-first over the ropes and pasting him with a big boot, sending him to the mat. Dragged up by the hair, Nathaniel is hurled into the corner but avoids a charge, again attacking the legs of his massive opponent. Another big swipe is avoided and Nathaniel makes some headway, rocking Damian with a running double-knee to the chest, then a springboard lungblower. He goes for the pin, but it barely makes it past one before he’s hurled off the monstrous Juggernaut! Shocked, but not so much that he forgets himself, Nathaniel starts laying in kicks and stomps, ever dropping a few hammer fists on the big fellow and stomping the arm. The latter seems to get Dixon somewhere and he wraps the right arm of Simmons around the middle rope, wrenching on it before laying in a few kicks and knee strikes. Damian moves to shove him away, but Nathaniel uses that opportunity to apply Horror & Bliss! For a few moments the hold is effective, but Damian just powers Dixon up and powerbombs him to the mat ruthlessly, getting a two-count off the follow-up pin!
Trying to shake it off, Dixon really isn’t given time to recover. He attempts to elbow his way out of Damian’s grip and does so, but only gets away before he’s yanked back in with a hard knee driven dangerously close to the waistline. It takes some air out of him and a chokeslam follows for another near-fall. Sent into the buckles, Nathaniel eats a big splash and finds himself set up for the Skyfall! He punches his way out of the hold, but his modified sunset flip ends with a pissed-off Damian grabbing him around the throat with both hands and deadlifting him into the air for a modified Hellfire! There’s a shriek from outside the ring, though, which draws the big man’s attention: Alexis Lemon returns the favor from earlier in the evening, grabbing Katie by the hair and heaving her into the barricade roughly! Tossed into the timekeeper’s area, Katie is semi-conscious as Alexis talks a whole lotta trash! She backs from the spot and finds herself grabbed by the hair and picked up and onto the apron by Damian! Referee Kara Tarantino gets involved, warning Damian to let Alexis go, but she drops down instead, hanging up Damian on the top rope and stunning the big man briefly! Nathaniel, forgotten for just a couple seconds, leaps into action, delivering the Evolutionary Imperative to the back of Damian’s head! Knocked chest-first into the buckles, Damian turns around in time to take a second one, this time with a running, leaping start! The big man shockingly tumbles to the mat at Dixon pounces on for the cover, which goes all the way to three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… NATHANIEL DIXON!
Damian throws the shoulder up a half-second too late, but Nathaniel is already outside the ring, his arm raised in victory! The big man is incensed, looking around for Alexis and Nathaniel both, wanting to right this the only way he knows how!
Bernadette Olson: A big win for Nathaniel Dixon tonight, figuratively and literally! But give a bit of an assist to Alexis Lemon!
Jacob Frankel: Hell no! Katie Simmons cost her the Vanguard Championship earlier tonight! This is just evening the score! But where’d she go?!
Bernadette Olson: Wait, there she is! And she’s got hardware!
Having rolled into the ring behind the fuming Damian, Alexis is wielding a steel chair, and when the Juggernaut turns around, she smashes him across the dome full-force! It doesn’t take him down, but Simmons is on his knees… and a running shot with the chair puts him the rest of the way down! Alexis throws the chair down, already backing off and out of the ring as Kara Tarantino tries to warn her from more actions! Nathaniel looks on, half-amused, but still celebrating his win! His hands are raised and Alexis, walking by, gives him a high-five outta nowhere, leaving him confused and amused!
Jacob Frankel: Hah! Alexis has guts! You gotta love that!
Bernadette Olson: But there’ll be a retort for this, Jacob! Everyone ought to know that! I hope Alexis is ready for that!
Jacob Frankel: I know I am! But we’re out of time, folks! See you in two weeks for Vanguard #19!
Winner: Nathaniel Dixon
Result: Pinfall at 12:24 (Evolutionary Imperative)
Result: Pinfall at 12:24 (Evolutionary Imperative)
