Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Jun 8, 2023 0:06:57 GMT -6
Episode #21: The Road to Hell
Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
OPENING SEGMENT
Realistic Chaos
Realistic Chaos
We cut back to ringside as "Spaceman" by The Killers begins to play through the PA system and as the song kicks in, The Calinauts burst out onto the stage to a huge pop from the fans in attendance. Aiden Marino then begins to make his way down the ramp, slapping fans hands on the way while Captain Cosmo is handing out missing posters for the Cosmic Pug to them.
Bernadette Olson: Well here come the brand new number one contenders to the Global Tag Team Championships, Jacob.
Jacob Frankel: It’ll be interesting to hear what they have to say to the champs!
As the two reach the bottom of the ramp, Marino slides under the bottom rope and begins to shadowbox in the middle of the ring while Cosmo continues to hand out the posters on the outside. Once the Captain is satisfied with the amount of posters he’s given out, he asks for a couple of microphones and is handed them before he makes his way up the steel steps and climbs through the ropes. Cosmo slowly and gingerly shuffles his way towards his tag team partner as he tries to hand one of the microphones to him while also trying not to get accidentally hit by one of the punches Marino is throwing which gets a howl of laughter from the fans in attendance.
Bernadette Olson: Cosmo trying to avoid getting struck accidentally by Aiden here and the fans are in hysterics!
Jacob Frankel: The Calinauts really are an unusually entertaining tag team, Bernadette.
Marino eventually stops shadowboxing and takes the microphone that Cosmo has offered him and “Spaceman” fades out as the Captain taps his own microphone to check if it’s working, which gets another laugh from the fans.
Captain Cosmo: Ah yes! He--AHHH!
Cosmo covers his ears and grimaces in pain.
Captain Cosmo: Son of an Emu, this device is loud!
Aiden grimaced a little as well then raised his microphone to talk to the good Captain.
Aiden Marino: Microphones tend to be a little loud sometimes, Cap. It’s part of why we use them when we do interviews and such.
He lowered the mic for a second, chuckling a little along with the fans. The silent as of late young wrestler waited for the chuckles to quiet down a little before he raised the microphone again.
Aiden Marino: Now then… how’re we all doing tonight?!
Marino paused again, listening to the cheers from the crowd. He nodded a little before looking at Cosmo.
Aiden Marino: Sounds like we’ve got a great audience tonight, Captain.
Captain Cosmo: Why yes, friend Aiden! It does appear that the Cosmonauts are in full attendance tonight!
Another big cheer from the fans.
Captain Cosmo: Now! It is time to get down to the business! Two weeks ago… The Calinauts were successful in their battle to become the number one contenders to the Revolution of HYBRID’s Global Championships of the Tag Team!
The fans yet again cheer wildly as Cosmo and Marino nod.
Captain Cosmo: And the current holders of those very championship belts are quite the formidable team indeed!
Aiden Marino: Gigi Nova and Samantha Tolson…certainly a foreboding pair for anyone. They took down two of the women that trained me in order to win the Global Tag Team Championships in the first place, along with us and 1 other team.
Aiden paused and nodded along with the crowd as the fans booed over that match’s outcome. While he agreed with them, he wasn’t going to outwardly really say anything about it.
Aiden Marino: I know, I know… not everyone likes what happened, but the fact of the matter is that it did happen. However, the good Captain and I have a chance to change it.
The Captain nods in agreement.
Captain Cosmo: We do! The Calinauts have the opportunity to become the greatest tag team in the universe! We are just one more victory away from becoming exactly that!
Marino nodded in agreement as he listened to Cosmo.
Aiden Marino: Exactly! One win, and we can bring the tag titles home to The Calinauts and the amazing Cosmonauts. But that one win won’t come easy to us by any means.
The young wrestler paused for another moment before he continued.
Aiden Marino: One win… that’s all that stands between us and our names being in Hybrid’s history forever.
Captain Cosmo: Well then! Captain Cosmo believes we have said all that we have to say so… goodbye and… DON’T TRUST EMUS!
“Spaceman” then blasts out of the PA system as Cosmo passes the microphone back to the ring announcer before waving out to the fans. The Calinauts then exit the ring with the Captain continuing to wave out at the fans as we cut elsewhere.
MATCH ONE
Singles/One Fall
Brittany Murphy vs. Ingrid Valencia
Singles/One Fall
Brittany Murphy vs. Ingrid Valencia
DING! DING! DING!
The introduction of Ingrid Valencia is received negatively by the fans. Of course, she has no care for those she deems beneath her. However, she does take a moment to eye the Iron Throne that’s yet to be moved after the Iron Heart Champion’s coronation. This doesn’t mean the introduction of Brittany Williams is any better. The fans aren’t crazy about her either. Brittany moves around the Iron Throne and eyes it with a grin. She enjoys the hate from the fans and spreads her arms to “embrace” it. Meanwhile, Ingrid narrows her eyes. Once Brittany enters the ring, Ingrid rushes forward and tackles Brittany onto the mat!
Quickly, the referee signals for the bell and the match is officially underway. Ingrid throws down rights and lefts, but Brittany is bright and raises her arms to block some of the shots. Soon, she kicks Ingrid off and rises up. When Ingrid attempts to rush her, Brittany sidesteps and pulls the top rope down, sending Ingrid up and over! Once Ingrid hits the padded flooring, Brittany ascends to the nearby corner and stalks Ingrid. As soon as Ingrid is back to her feet, Brittany takes flight with a shooting star press that crushes Ingrid!
It’s quite a surprise to the fans, though some of them recognize B-Brat as the third-generation daughter of Crystal Hilton and Todd Williams. The hardcore fans are well aware of her skill set. While the referee checks on them from inside the ring, on the outside, Brittany is already on her feet. She boasts to the crowd who respond with boos. Brittany’s quick to pull Ingrid to her feet and roll her back inside the squared circle. She goes for the cover -- albeit arrogantly -- yet Ingrid kicks out at two. With a scoff, Brittany rises to her feet and pulls Ingrid up with her. To her surprise, Ingrid rakes her eyes and temporarily blinds her!
The fans boo while Ingrid levels Brittany with a handspring elbow. Once Britany falls onto the mat, Ingrid follows up with her signature Cartwheel Leg Drop! Her arrogance rises to the surface as she plants a boot on Brittany’s abdomen and demands the referee count. The count is made, but Brittany kicks out at two! Growling, Ingrid drags Brittany to her feet -- by her hair! -- and slaps her across the face. She attempts a second slap, but Brittany catches her right wrist, and Irish whips her toward the ropes. Once Ingrid bounces back, Brittany blasts her with “Boom, Headshot!” (Roundhouse Kick to the Temple)! Ingrid is dropped like a sack of potatoes and Brittany doesn’t hesitate to scale the turnbuckles. Balancing on the top, Brittany takes flight and sends Ingrid to “Hollywood Hills” (Frog Splash)! The Princess of Hilton covers Ingrid, hooks the leg, and scores the three count!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… BRITTANY MUPRHY!
Bernadette Olson: Well, I’ll be damned. Little Miss Williams scores a win in her HYBRID rEvolution debut.
Jacob Frankel: Oh, we probably won’t hear the end of this, but I guess she’s earned the right to brag!
Even as “We R Who We R” by Ke$ha plays, Brittany Williams doesn’t allow the referee to lay a finger on her. Instead, she raises her own arms in victory and, cocky on her part, motions with her hands around her waist. A claim to pursue championship gold in HYBRID? While the referee checks on Ingrid Valencia, Brittany scoffs and makes her way out of the ring and down the steel steps. She soaks in the booing from the fans and makes her way up the ramp, slowing down before the Iron Throne. With an arrogant smirk, she takes a seat on the throne, crosses her legs, and mockingly waves her left hand like a queen!
Jacob Frankel: Oh, I don’t think Mr. Dixon is going to like that!
Bernadette Olson: Somehow, Jacob, he’ll find it amusing. I think Brittany should be careful, though!
Winners: Brittany Murphy
Result: Pinfall at 10:07 (Hollywood Hills)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Return of the… Heroes?
Return of the… Heroes?
The shot opens on the tar pavement in the parking lot of the State Farm Arena. The shot is filled with just vehicles parked in the background. That is, until a pair of giant legs walk into frame. The figure stands in front of the camera for a few moments before a second, much smaller, high heel clad set walks in front. The shot slowly zooms out and pans up to reveal Katie and Damian Simmons. The Juggernaut, as usual, wears a face of constant seething hatred while his small wife wears one of mischievous glee. As soon as their faces are revealed, boos of the crowd can be heard.
Katie Simmons: Ladies and gentlemen, your beautiful and dangerous heroes have returned again! Everything is going to be okay!
She giggles to herself before continuing.
Katie Simmons: It’s been a while since you’ve seen us on your screen, hasn’t it? Well that isn’t our fault. See, apparently people had a bit of a problem with how my husband handled that little pest Alexis Lemon.
The Siren spits after she says the witch’s name. Her smile twists into a sneer.
Katie Simmons: I mean, it’s not our fault. She kept sticking her nose where it didn’t belong! Damian and I just had to teach her a lesson that parents just don’t teach their kids anymore! And unfortunately for her, she’s an adult now which means the discipline can be much more severe.
And just like that her smile reappears.
Katie Simmons: Hopefully that beating you got finally beat some sense into that thick head of yours. Hopefully now you know to not bring a plastic butter knife to a fight with Godzilla. Or better yet, to not pick a fight with him in the first place. I hope you enjoy your time on the sidelines. Because now my husband will be able to show you exactly what it takes to be a professional wrestler in this company. Not magic. Not snarky comments. But pure, unadulterated brutality. Being unafraid to drop your opponents on their head and then stomp their skull!
Katie becomes visually more and more agitated as she continues. But once she finishes rambling, she takes a breath and relaxes. A smile appears once again instead.
Katie Simmons: Now that that’s out of the way… Onto more pressing matters… Mr. Ortega. Clearly you’re no stranger to big challenges. You were in the tournament to crown the first ever Global champion! Aaaaand you failed. Oh! But then you were Javier Mateo Duran’s first challenger for the Vanguard championship after he got lucky against my husband! And then you failed. Again.
Katie looks up to her husband, who is still staring into the camera, unmoving.
Katie Simmons: Seems like failure is a running theme for Mr. Ortega.
She looks back into the camera
Katie Simmons: But that’s a good thing! That means he’s used to the feeling of losing and getting beaten. Maybe he’ll handle it better than-
She’s suddenly drowned out by the sound of a loud car revving its engine in the distance. The sound doesn’t seem to phase the couple.
Katie Simmons: So, Mr. Ortega, I hope you were watching when they had to scrape Alexis Lemon off the floor like a pancake from a pan. I hope you learn where she failed and put up a little more of a fight than she did. Because it’s no fun when there’s no fight. Good luck. And I mean that, too. Good luck. It won’t save you at all, but maybe that empty gesture will keep the boss from suspending us after Damian stomps him…
She looks off as she speaks but once she finishes her speech, she looks back into the camera.
Katie Simmons: Make sure that last part gets cut out. Thanks!
Simmons takes her husband’s hand into her’s and leads him out of shot, the sound of a door opening and closing moments later can be heard.
The scene lingers for a few moments, the sound of an engine humming is heard again, getting louder and louder as a yellow car pulls into the lot…
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Eat the Rich
Eat the Rich
The cameras turn back to the employee parking area of the State Farm Arena where a mixed reaction is given from the crowd when they see the familiar RV belonging to the 2 Broke Chickz within the Gutter Ballet. The first sign of anyone the camera finds is the group’s residential loose cannon Chiaki Sanada. As the cameraman rounds past the open RV door and initially spots her, the employee manning it even steps back as a precaution. She doesn’t seem to notice him, however, or perhaps she just doesn’t care. She just sits there on the steps to the RV with the door open, phone in her hand, earbuds in her ears. Her music’s loud enough it can almost be heard as she idly moves her thumb along her screen every couple of seconds in a pattern; a lit cigarette hanging from the corner of her lips. Suddenly, a screech of joy goes from just off camera. The camera swings over to see an excited Amy “Rain” Annis coming into view. As she comes up to the edge of the RV, a second nearly identical-looking woman walks up and nods to her.
Rain: HAYJO!!!
Rain jumps into the arms of her twin sister, Haylie Jo “Halo” Annis.
Halo: Ames.
Rain smiles broadly at her sister.
Rain: You came! You came! You came!
Halo almost laughs before raising her hand to try and calm her twin.
Halo: You might wanna watch it with that phrase around Cheech…
It takes a moment but Chi Chi finally notices the activity out of her peripheral and looks up. Seeing Halo, she taps a button on her phone to pause her music and removes the earbuds as she stands from the steps she’s seated on and slips her phone in her pocket.
Chiaki Sanada: Genki, Halo-chan?
What’s up, Halo?
She gives her Gutter Ballet sister a fist bump before plucking her cigarette from her lips and blows out the smoke away from the twins.
Chiaki Sanada: Oi! Jane-chan!
Halo: Yo, Hammer! We got some woodsheddin’ to do!
Inside of the RV sounds of things clattering around are heard and mumbling before the familiar voice of Jane Harper is heard.
Jane Harper: Where the fuck's my Timbs at?! Cheech, you seen my Timbs?!
Chiaki leans back from where she’s sitting to look inside the RV. She looks one way, then the next before reaching over and her hand comes back with a single Timberland Boot.
Chiaki Sanada: Oi!
She chucks it across the inside of the RV. Obviously nobody sees where it goes, but there’s the sound of something flattering and glass breaking. Chi Chi makes a tense “oh shit” face before looking for the other one but her face tells viewers that it’s nowhere in sight until she looks ahead of her. That is to say, outside the RV and in the parking lot. Her eyes squint and she leans forward before she gets up from the steps and goes running past the camera, off into the enclosed parking lot….
Halo: Oh fuck…
Rain: I think it’s just a shoe.
Halo nods to her sister.
Halo: Yeah, I know but any time Cheech gets runnin’ and excited like that, there’s a chance.
Rain: A chance of what?
Halo: Things we ain’t talkin’ about in front of other people.
Cursing can be heard inside of the RV as the clattering continues before a loud crash is heard.
Jane Harper: Sonofabitch! That was the good bowl. Cheech, you seen my other Timb? I can't shove it up rich bitch ass if I can't find it!
A few seconds later, bated breath is heard as Chi Chi comes running back into frame, carrying another Timberland Boot in hand. She steps up onto the RV steps–
Chiaki Sanada: Oi! Found boot!
–and she lets it rip again. KRRSSSHHH!! Something else breaks and Chi Chi flinches, making another face and backs down out of the RV.
Rain: Um…
Halo shakes her head.
Halo: Don’t ask, we probably don’t wanna know and if it was important we’ll hear in a sec when Hammer start bein’ pissed off at somethin’.
There's more cursing and mumbling going on in the RV before finally, we see Jane Harper hopping into view, trying to get her second Timberland boot on as she hops down the steps to meet the other three. She looks at Rain, then at Halo, then back at Rain before looking at Chiaki.
Jane Harper: When did the twins get here?
Chiaki Sanada: Rainie been here! Haylo just get!
Halo: Y’all think I was gonna leave ya alone with B-Brat? I know better than to leave my wife unsupervised like that with y’all. That’d be askin’ for some shit to happen.
Rain looks on confused.
Rain: It would?
Halo nods knowingly. Chi Chi also looks her way with a look like “really?”
Halo: You’ve met B-Brat, how long do you think it would take her before Cheech wants to pop all her teefies and feed them back to her?
Rain nods back.
Rain: Point.
Jane Harper: Hell, Cheech and me will take all that anger out on Rich Bitch and her little squawk box of a sidekick, ain't that right, baby?
Jane grins as she puts her arm around Chiaki's shoulders, pulling her in tight. The reminder of their opponents tonight wipes the smile right off of Chiaki’s face and she pinches the bridge of her nose.
Chiaki Sanada: Chi Chi sick of these bishes! Fakk’em! Make example. Break one Queen, send message to others.
Rain: Least y’all won’t have to worry about bein’ outnumbered no more.
Jane grins, looking at the twins and nodding her head.
Jane Harper: Damn right. Ain't nobody dumb enough to fuck with all of us. Hell, Rich Bitch knows what happens when you fuck with The Gutter Ballet.
Halo starts singing.
Halo: It's a gutter ballet
Just a menagerie
Still the orchestra plays
On a dark and lonely night
To a distant fading light
As she’s singing, Chiaki’s counting on her fingers of both hands. She comes to five on one hand and four on the other before looking up at the twins and holding up the hand with only four fingers.
Chiaki Sanada: Five and four. We still down one!
Halo shrugs.
Halo: We’ll think of somethin’, don’t worry.
Rain frowns in confusion.
Rain: Are we not tellin’ her?
Chiaki frowns for a moment and turns towards the twins, carefully slipping out from Jane’s arm to look at the sisters.
Chiaki Sanada: Tell what?
Halo: B-Brat’s here.
Jane: Are you serious right now?!
Jane looks at the twins, slightly annoyed before she looks at Chiaki, holding onto her, knowing what was probably about to happen. For once, Chiaki doesn’t even say anything. She just looks between the twins and Jane, slowly starting to shake her head in disbelief.
Rain looks at her sister slightly worried.
Rain: Was that a secret?
Jane Harper: Do you really think it's the smartest idea? Shit, the girl doesn't know when to shut the fuck up and I'll be damned if I have to bail her ass outta trouble.
Chiaki runs her hands down her face, hissing under her breath. It takes her a second before she appears to be calmed down, finally.
Chiaki Sanada: FAAAAKKKK!!!!! WHY?!
She throws her hands up at Halo and Rain.
Chiaki Sanada: WHY?!
Halo: Tell me you wouldn’t enjoy getting to order her around on TV…
Chiaki Sanada: Be nice if she listen! That B-Brat problem! Stupid bish never listen! Prospect. Gutter Ballet. She no listen!
Jane looks at Chiaki with a grin on her face before giving her a squeeze.
Jane Harper: Then we'll make her listen.
Halo: Y’all can certainly try.
Rain frowns in more confusion.
Rain: You can’t make her listen? You’re her wife and her VP ain’t you?
Halo shrugs.
Halo: Depends on what day it is.
Chiaki throws her hands up to ask for silence from everyone. She squeezes Jane’s hand on her shoulder then looks directly to Halo. Before she speaks, she looks at Rain.
Chiaki Sanada: She Prospect. She not Maiden yet.
She looks back to Halo then.
Chiaki Sanada: She want join Gutter Ballet?
Halo: She’s been begging since we made it.
Chiaki snorts as she gives Jane a look, then back to Halo.
Chiaki Sanada: She want join? She want this?
She turns and thumbs to the logo on the back of her Gutter Ballet jacket, then turns back to face the team.
Chiaki Sanada: Then she fall in line. Same out there.
Chiaki points off, indicating outside of the arena, away from the business.
Chiaki Sanada: Same in here.
Then points to the floor beneath them. Without another word, Chiaki shakes her head, half in disbelief, half in disgust at the idea as she makes her way off through the parking lot, storming towards Gorilla.
Jane Harper: Well, guess we got a couple rich bitches to go beat up. Wish us luck.
Jane grins at the twins before she turns to take off after Chiaki. Halo shrugs.
Halo: Well, that went better than it had any right to.
Rain nods.
Rain: You think B-Brat’ll think so too?
Halo shrugs.
Halo: Spose we’ll see.
MATCH TWO
Non-Title
Tag Team/One Fall
2 Broke Chicks vs. Royal Couple
Non-Title
Tag Team/One Fall
2 Broke Chicks vs. Royal Couple
For starters, before this match even officially begins, Queen Bianca Davis and Princess Honey Rydel are making sure Simple Simon and Carnifex are remaining there at ringside when, all of a sudden, Chiaki Sanada and Jane Harper come rushing across the ring and jump right on the Royal Couple, throwing wild shots. It’s an all out brawl and Atlanta’s going nuts for it! Simon and Carnifex protest their Queen and Princess’ opponents' antics while the referee tries to get some sense of order underway. Eventually, Bianca Davis is sent tumbling from the ring and out to the floor and the referee is able to get Chiaki Sanada out onto the apron so the match can actually begin. In spite of this, Davis is already yelling from ringside.
Queen Bianca Davis: DISQUALIFICATION!! DISQUALIFICATION!!
DING! DING! DING!
But instead, this one’s underway as Jane Harper puts the boots to Honey Rydel, stomping the Princess into the mat with a sense of savagery and extreme prejudice that seems like there’s an old bone to pick here. Davis continues shouting from the Royal Couple’s corner for the referee to stop this profound brutality as Harper pulls Rydel up by the hair, throws Davis the middle finger.
Jane Harper: Fuck you, you stupid bitch!
And sends Rydel reeling into 2BC’s corner with a sickening impact. Harper comes charging in with a running corner splash, knocking the wind out of Rydel. Harper tags in Sanada who promptly slingshots over the top rope, into the ring and starts throwing kicks to the midsection of Rydel. The referee steps in when she starts throwing closed fists but backs off as Sanada screams at him to get away from her. Sanada rolls Rydel down across the mat, right in the center, hits the ropes and comes rushing in with a sliding (and shrieking) lariat and a cover.
ONE!
TWO!
TWO!
But Rydel manages to get a shoulder up and Sanada starts taunting her to get to her feet., shoving her head with her foot and taunting in Japanese. She slaps Rydel across the back of the head, grabs her by the hair and yanks her down to the mat. The referee warns her again and Sanada feigns a lunge, causing him to jump back. At that point, Simple Simon scrambles up onto the apron and begins to chide Sanada for her treatment of the Princess. Sanada gets right up in his face and starts jaw jacking with him in Japanese. Simon quickly stops his own yammering, at a complete loss at what she’s saying. It’s given Rydel the window, however, to tag in Davis who hurries in behind Sanada - unable to hear Harper trying to warn her - and yank the woman down to the mat with her own hair pulling mat slam. The referee shouts at Simon to get off the apron as Davis immediately grabs one of Sanada’s legs and starts laying kicks into the back of her knee to take away one of her main sources of offense. She then steps around and throws on a Figure Four Leglock and arches her hips up to put as much pressure on it as possible. Sanada screams in pain as Harper extends her arm out, looking for a tag to get her out of that situation but they’re too far apart. Sanada slumps flat on the mat, trying to catch her breath from the struggling but that puts her shoulders down.
ONE!
TWO!
TWO!
She lifts a shoulder up and curses the referee before trying to get out of the hold again. Davis laughs, mockingly, taunting Harper to try and come help her friend. Eventually it works to the point that Harper starts to get in the ring but the referee starts warning her back. At this point, Sanada makes it to the ropes and grabs on but the referee doesn’t see it. Davis tries to pull the two of them back with her hands but Sanada has a tight grip on the rope until Carnifex comes over and literally just muscles her hands off of the ropes and the two are right back in the center. Sanada looks like she’s about to give in when Harper starts shouting instructions for something from the corner. Sanada hears it and suddenly starts shifting her weight, managing to flip herself and Davis over and now the pressure’s on the Queen B’s knees! Davis screams and reaches for Rydel in their corner now while Sanada arches her hips down into the mat to apply more pressure. Finally, Davis manages to roll them back over but breaks the hold for the submission, leaving both women clutching their legs now. Rydel reaches in for a tag, as does Harper. Davis makes the tag to Rydel first and Simon jumps up onto the apron, hooting and hollering in celebration but the referee starts to yell at him to get his ass down again. He doesn’t see Carnifex coming around the corner to 2BC’s side to yank Harper off the apron, down to the floor and level her with a big lariat, leaving Sanada unable to tag out. Now it’s Rydel’s turn for some payback as she rushes in and pulls Sanada up into a DDT setup, planting her skull right into the mat. She follows right up with a falling knee drop, then hits the ropes and comes back over and jumps up for an elbow drop, nailing all of them right on the money and gets the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
TWO!
Sanada thrashes out of the pin with what energy she can muster. Rydel picks her back up and starts feeding her elbows and slaps. Sanada’s starting to look rocked even more but a moment into Rydel’s barrage, Sanada responds back with a chop across the chest. Rydel winces and kicks Sanada in her tender leg, causing her to stumble. Rydel hits the ropes and Sanada braces her good leg and throws her tender leg right up into a Superkick that takes them both down to the mat. Davis starts screaming for Rydel to get up while Harper reaches in for a tag again. Sanada drags herself over just as Rydel starts getting up to her feet. She doesn’t see Sanada get the tag and when she turns around, here comes Harper with a clothesline! Davis starts to get into the ring but Harper catches her between the ropes with a running knee lift. She turns around as Rydel gets back up and nails her with a Spear, violently snapping her down to the mat again. Harper picks her up and hits a picture perfect Fisherman Suplex but holds onto Rydel, rolling up to her feet again with her. She hooks the leg again and lifts her up across her shoulders, delivering a Samoan Drop. Harper goes for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
TWO!
But Rydel kicks out and Harper gets to her feet again, waiting for Rydel to start rising as she steps back into a neutral corner and starts setting up for “K.O Bitch” before she can start to rush forward, though, Simon comes over and grabs one of her feet, keeping her there. The referee, meanwhile is trying to get Davis off the apron again and he doesn’t see Carnifex up on the apron at his back now, grabbing Jane by the throat and starting to slam her back against the turnbuckle like a human sized rag doll. Once he sees Rydel on her feet, he shoves Harper towards her and Rydel hits the “Bitch Maker” (Falcon Arrow). The referee sees the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
TH–
TWO!
TH–
But it’s broken up by Sanada just at the last second and the Royal Couple’s corner is furious! Sanada rolls back out to the floor where she’s intercepted by Carnifex and thrown into the barricade. The referee hears the impact and sees the situation, pointing a finger at Carnifex and motions to throw him from ringside. Simon argues in defense of Carnifex and, well, the referee throws him from ringside too! Atlanta’s left cheering for a moment despite 2BC still being on the downward slope in the match as Rydel tags Davis back in. Davis starts putting the boots to Harper again and picks her up to her feet. She runs her off the ropes, and hits the drop down. Harper hops over her, hits the ropes again. Davis goes for the leapfrog but Harper, instead of ducking under, dives right in and Spears Davis out of midair!!!! Davis goes down!!! Harper’s up!!!! “K.O Bitch” (Kinshasa Knee Strike)!! Cover!!
ONE!
TWO!
TWO!
Broken up by Rydel! She grabs Harper by the ponytail and viciously runs her face first into the middle turnbuckle before dragging Davis over to their corner. She hops out onto the apron, tags herself in and gets back into the ring. Harper picks herself up, shaking the stars out. She starts to stumble out of the corner which just so happens to be her team’s and Sanada’s able to get a blind tag in on the apron as Harper goes stumbling out into the center again. Rydel charges in and nails Harper with “Honey Glazed” (Ruinning Polish Hammer)! She goes for the cover but the referee starts telling her Harper isn’t the legal woman in the match. Rydel argues with the referee to the point where he actually points behind her yelling that Sanada’s the legal opponent. Rydel turns around right into a low superkick to the knee before Sanada comes off the ropes with a Bome Ye kneestrike - “BomaShakaLak”!! Instead of going for a pin, however, Sanada’s absolutely fuming and she digs her hand into her pants pocket and pulls a set of needle nose pliers out where she starts to try and get a hold of one of Rydel’s teeth! The referee tries to stop her but Sanada shoves him away and keeps trying to literally pry a tooth out of Rydel’s mouth. The referee calls for the bell and this one’s over!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winners of this match, as a result of a Disqualification, The Royal Couple!
Meanwhile, Sanada’s still trying to get that tooth out when Davis tries to rush Sanada to get her off of Rydel but Harper intercepts her and the two start brawling. Carnifex then comes running back down to the ring and gets in fast enough to pull Sanada off of Rydel before she can get that tooth out. Sanada drops the pliers as Carnifex seizes her by the throat for a chokeslam but then Rain and Halo of the Gutter Ballet come running down to save their teammates as Harper is now in a two on one against Rydel and Davis. The Annis Twins come in swinging a steel chair and a baseball bat which sends Carnifex sliding out of the ring and pulling the Royal Couple out with him, more concerned with keeping them out of harm’s way than anything. Davis and Rydel arrogantly celebrate their victory - a win being a win in their eyes while the Gutter Ballet regroup inside the ring.
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winners of the match as a result of disqualification… the ROYAL COUPLE!
Bernadette Olson: The Royal Couple almost got it bad tonight, but their massive bodyguard saved their hides! I know that’s gotta rile you up, Jacob…
Jacob Frankel: Hey, I’m just happy to see them scurrying! No complaints here!
Winners: Royal Couple
Result: Disqualification at 12:37
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
Finally… “Your Grace”
Finally… “Your Grace”
Bernadette Olson: Welcome back to Vanguard!
Jacob Frankel: Tonight has been, and will likely continue to be, pretty crazy!
Bernadette Olson: No doubt about it. We’re mere weeks away from the next pay-per-view, Heatstroke! So, uh, speaking of crazy… What the hell is on the stage?
Jacob Frankel: Actually, I was about to ask you the same question, B!
Bernadette Olson: Watch it, kid. I’m not Bianca Davis -- thank God.
Upon the entrance stage of the State Farm Arena, a large black sheet is covering a strangely-shaped object. As the fans look on with sheer curiosity, the lighting of the arena slowly dims into darkness. The steady playing of guitars begins to resonate throughout and draws everyone’s attention. The vocals of Chris Daughtry set the mood with “Heavy is The Crown” by Daughtry.
“Never needed any reason
To find deliverance…”
To find deliverance…”
A red spotlight shines on the entrance and reveals Nathaniel Dixon. He’s dressed to the nines and tailored for royalty. Strangely, his championship belts are absent. His fan reception is a mixture of cheers and boos, but there is a newfound respect for him.
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the H YBRID Iron Heart Champion… “Your Lord of Charisma” Nathaniel Dixon!
“Like a cancer running through my veins, oh.
That's never going to give in…”
That's never going to give in…”
He chuckles softly, moves around the concealed mystery, and saunters his way toward the rings. When a few fans reach out, Nathaniel actually tags them and makes his way around the battle arena, the spotlight following him with every step he takes. His earth-colored eyes are focused on the ring itself.
“See them march like lambs to the slaughter,
Toy soldiers lined up on the altar!”
Toy soldiers lined up on the altar!”
Nathaniel ascends the steel steps, enters the ring between the ropes, and he gauges the fans. A smile forms across his face before the spotlight goes out.
“I was never meant to drink that water,
And they'll remember me when I'm underground. . .”
And they'll remember me when I'm underground. . .”
The fans stir in anticipation as red pyros shoot from all four corners of the ring! The normal lighting returns and Nathaniel takes a bow in the center of the ring with a confident smirk. Even without the gold, he is glowing with pride.
“Heavy is the crown!
Never falter, never let them bleed you out!
I'll be still standing when thеy try to bring my castle down!
I'll never bow down, hеavy is the crown!
Never falter, never let them bleed you out!
I'll be still standing when thеy try to bring my castle down!
I'll never bow down, hеavy is the crown!
Heavy is the crown, heavy is the crown. (Oh!)
Heavy is the crown!”
Heavy is the crown!”
Bernadette Olson: Well, that was a little dramatic…
Jacob Frankel: I don’t know, Olson. I thought it was pretty cool! But where are his titles?
For a moment, Nathaniel gauges the crowd who are split in the middle in terms of positive and negative reactions. Upon closer inspection, the cuffs of his sleeves are custom-made differently. One shows off the colors of rainbow pride. The other focuses on pink, yellow, and light blue -- the colors of pansexual pride. This draws more cheers from the fans! Spirit can’t help but smile at this while she extends the microphone to him. Turning to her, Nathaniel smiles and politely accepts it. He allows a moment for her to exit the ring and the fans to settle down.
Nathaniel Dixon: Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, and every lovely soul in between. Cheers to Pride Month.
Such a positive reception for someone who, normally, doesn’t receive it. Of course, there are some boos from the crowd. Nathaniel regards them and smirks.
Nathaniel Dixon: May it be excruciatingly uncomfortable for the homophobes.
There’s a wave of cheers that overwhelms the boos. Clearly, HYBRID rEvolution is pro-equality. Love is love! A smile crosses Nathaniel’s face before he continues.
Nathaniel Dixon: Do you like my new music? It was used to introduce me at the Splat Network’s final event, the Calamity Chamber. “Heavy is the Crown.” Rather accurate, don’t you think? Now I know some of you are wondering… Where is my gold? Well, I thought it was appropriate to begin Vanguard with… a coronation of sorts.
It draws a mixture of reactions from the crowd. Most of them didn’t enjoy the Queen’s Coronation -- Bianca Davis was far from a favorite. Nathaniel chuckles softly.
Nathaniel Dixon: Fear not. I believe some of you will actually enjoy this one. Behold…
He gestures with his free hand and suddenly, the large sheet begins to rise above, pulled up by wires almost invisible to the naked eye.
Bernadette Olson: Holy shit, is that…?
Jacob Frankel: The Iron Throne from Game of Thrones!?
Some of the fans are absolutely crazy about it! It’s quite the replica, so close to the real thing, and what’s even better? Held up by different blades are the Intellectual Evolution’s titles!
The Styx Corporation Orcus Championship.
The HYBRID rEvolution Iron Heart Championship.
The Splat Network MultiUniversal Championship.
Bernadette Olson: Okay, that is impressive. In his on-and-off wrestling career of ten years, Mr. Dixon never held a single title…
Jacob Frankel: ...then within the last month, he wins THREE of them. His victories? CLEAN!
There is NO denying his newfound greatness. Anyone who tries is a blind fool. Nathaniel swore upon glory, violence, blood, and gold. He fulfilled his promise to his late older sister, Caleigh Dixon-Kennedy. He smiles before he exits the ring and begins to slowly ascend the ramp.
Nathaniel Dixon: I, Nathaniel Elijah-Alexander Dixon, First of His Name, King of the Andals…
The diehard Game of Thrones fans are nerding out!
Nathaniel Dixon: ...the Styx Corporation Orcus Champion, the HYBRID rEvolution Iron Heart Champion, the Splat Network MultiUniversal Champion, the Intellectual Evolution, London’s Master Manipulator…
Halfway up the ramp, it is known: He has truly earned this.
Nathaniel Dixon: ...the Breaker of Bones, the Lord, the Monster, and, of course, Your Lord of Charisma…
He deserves this. After an emotional moment, he takes a deep breath and reaches the Iron Throne. He takes his rightful place, rests his left arm, and crosses his legs. The microphone in his right hand is held up and he pauses to simply listen to the cheers.
Nathaniel Dixon: ...have only just begun to fight. All challengers, feel free to come forth but know this.
I’ll never bow down.
A new promise. It is one the fans support, cheers and applause all around as “Heavy is the Crown” resonates once again. Nathaniel sits back and smiles with confidence as the flash photography continues to go off. Even in valor, there is a certain peace to him.
All hail His Grace.
Long may he reign.
Long may he reign.
IN-RING SEGMENT
The King is Dead, Long Live the King
The King is Dead, Long Live the King
Oretga swirls the microphone round his finger, sitting in the middle of the ring, crossed legged with his eyes firmly fixated on the microphone. He licks his dry lips before opening them.
Noah Ortega: I am… a leader. The Leader of The Lost, but I return alone. Anton Palmer and Gio Moriello, they’re lost to the past now, they’re gone… and Strike 2 Kill, they have their own agendas, which align with mine, but still, I am alone. But this is a road I was always meant to do by myself, because I am the chosen one. The one who is destined to be at the very pinnacle of this industry, the standard bearer, the benchmark. I.. Am. Him.
He pauses, as boos echo around the arena and he smirks, shaking his head sideways in dismay.
Noah Ortega: But as we already know, there’s already false prophets proclaiming themselves to be kings…. and since my return, I’ve been waiting… biding my time, waiting for the right opportunity to call out the man they call, ‘The Beggar King’...
The crowd suddenly burst into cheers. They continued to cheer as the aforementioned Beggar King stepped out from the back with a mic in hand.
Eddy Todd: You need to slow your roll. You ain’t all that. At least not yet. Funny to me you forget that we faced off once before. It was a three on three match. But I can understand. Gettin beat that bad would make someone want to forget.
Noah Ortega: Oh Eddy, I haven’t forgotten. But those were days of the past, we’re living in the now, and now… The King must fall. There’s a new king
Eddy Todd: You know how many times I’ve heard that, kid? It’s old and played out. If all you have is the same talent as before and played out lines, I ain’t gonna waste my time with you. But if you really want to be embarrassed, you can be.
Todd drops the mic as his theme plays through the sound system, leaving Ortega speechless with a smirk on his face as The Beggars King stares down at him.
MATCH THREE
Singles/One Fall
Noah Ortega vs. Damian Simmons
Singles/One Fall
Noah Ortega vs. Damian Simmons
DING! DING! DING!
Noah is cautious to start against the monstrous Damian, throwing kicks at the legs to try to slow the big man down. Damian has been in this spot too many times, though, and grabs Noah by the head, his palm literally covering Noah’s face, and shoves him into the buckles. A corner clothesline follows this, then a hellacious Biel that lands Noah on the other side of the ring. He leaves the ring to break up the momentum but Damian is right after him, with Zach Young having no luck warning off the Juggernaut. Damian lays out Noah with a big boot and rolls him back into the ring as Katie cheers him on, but Noah drops an elbow on Damian as he rolls back in, landing some clubbing blows and even Lost Souls, but Damian grabs the bottom rope just in time to break up the pin. From there, Noah dropkicks Damian into the buckles and hits a running double-knee. A springboard hurricanrana is attempted but Damian spikes him with a sit-out powerbomb, leaving both men down for a few moments.
From the crowd emerges Alexis Lemon, looking on from ringside. This gets a reaction, but does not pull Damian or Katie’s attention from the match. A Royal Flush gets Damian a near-fall but Lost Hope, first to the face, then to the back of the head, lets Noah stave off further punishment briefly. He goes for Lost Souls again but Damian rolls out of the way, setting up the Skyfall. Leaping atop the barricade, she launches herself onto Katie, creating chaos at ringside as she attacks Damian’s wife and manager! Noah takes full advantage of this, or attempts to, but Damian snatches him out of the sky for a Hellfire. Reaching over the ropes, Damian swipes at Alexis and is able to pull Katie up onto the apron and briefly out of reach. Noah, recovering, charges Damian from behind and knocks him into Katie, who lands right in Lexi’s clutches while Noah rolls up the stunned Damian for the shocking one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… NOAH ORTEGA!
Bernadette Olson: Alexis making her presence known and costing Damian the match by attacking his wife!
Jacob Frankel: That rabbit better run! Damian is furious! Noah is smartly getting out of Dodge himself!
Simmons does indeed leave the ring, looking to go after Alexis, who quickly gets out of reach and disappears into the crowd, leaving a furious couple glaring after her at ringside!
Winners: Noah Ortega
Result: Pinfall at 8:44 (Roll-Up)
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
Taking Something Away
Taking Something Away
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is in the living room of the Caroline Astor Suite of the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. She grabs a hotel room key card and slides it into her purse. Tiffany walks to the hotel room door, opens the door, and exits the suite. Tiffany begins walking down the hallway and halfway her walk down the hallway she hears her room door shut.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Are all of you ready?
Tiffany gets to the elevator and presses the down button.
Tiffany Lynn Page: I don’t know. I really can’t think that any of you are.
The elevator doors open and Tiffany enters the elevator. The doors shut and the elevator proceeds to descend.
Tiffany Lynn Page: I have been sitting back and seeing all the happenings in HYBRID Wrestling since I have officially come on board with the company several weeks ago and man I have got to admit their spoils are for the taking. Just look at what Duke and Bianca have done thus since arriving in HYBRID.
The elevator doors open and Tiffany walks out into the lobby of the St. Regis hotel.
Tiffany Lynn Page: I know all of you haters will always bring up the heat that Duke and Bianca have. They’re both world class athletes and there is nothing less than the number one spot that satisfies us. So the fact they bump heads is normal.
Tiffany walks out of the lobby’s front entrance. She sees Duke Andrews over at the valet stand. They lock eyes and Tiffany walks over to Duke. They give each other a quick kiss and Duke puts his arm around Tiffany.
Tiffany Lynn Page: I have most things I want in life but the thing I want that I don’t currently have is HYBRID Wrestling championship gold. More specifically the HYBRID Wrestling Vanguard Championship. The current champion would have you believe he is one half of the greatest wrestling couple of all time. The audacity of such an idea because the entire world knows that honor belongs to Duke and myself. So since they want to take something from Duke and I it is my duty to take something of his. Rest assured, champ, I’ll be seeing you real soon.
A red 1969 Ford Mustang is driven up to the valet station. A valet hops out of the car and Duke gets into the driver’s seat while another valet opens the passenger door for Tiffany. Both car doors are shut and the car drives off.
MATCH FOUR
Singles/One Fall
Javier Mateo Duran vs. Jason Dillinger
Singles/One Fall
Javier Mateo Duran vs. Jason Dillinger
DING! DING! DING!
Duran looks his opponent up and down for a moment after the bell tolls, with Dillinger flexing to show off his impressive musculature. Leaning against the ropes, Duran gestures as if to say “get a load of this guy” before clearly asking him if he’s done. Jason, suffering the jab with a smirk, makes a rather rude gesture towards Duran before they lock up. The collar-and-elbow becomes a test of strength and Dillinger is actually able to back Duran into the ropes. When he breaks from it, he flexes right in Duran’s face and catches a fist to the jaw for his efforts. Dillinger fires back which leads to a brief slugfest with the two men drilling one another in the face with hard right hands. Jason has the power, but Javier’s inability to feel pain once again lets him keep it up with more vigor. Soon his blows are landing unanswered and Jason is bullied all the way across the ring. A thumb to the eye breaks this up and he scoops Javier up on his shoulders, but a sharp elbow to the jaw, then another, lets Javier get free. The former Vanguard Champion now scoops up his challenger over the shoulder for a powerslam. Jason breaks free and shoves Javier into the buckles, but his charge is met with a back elbow and followed with a boot to the midsection and a powerbomb before Javier leans back against the buckles, catching his breath with a chuckle.
Jason is out of the way before a pin can happen, though, blocking a rush from Javier with a knee to the midsection. A delayed vertical suplex follows, with one arm flexed briefly to show off his power before Jason drops Javier to the mat. He gets a one-count and puts the boots to Javier in response, hitting the ropes and coming back with a flexing elbow to the heart, leading to another one-count. Pulling Javier up, another knee connects, followed by a forearm uppercut. Javier fires back with a pair of chops, but a second uppercut and a jumping elbow to the head stun Javier long enough for Jason to scoop him up for a high-angle belly-to-back suplex, bridging into a pin attempt for two. Duran comes up and drills Jason with a pump kick when he takes too long to press the advantage. The blow doesn’t knock Jason down but rather into the ropes, and he comes in with a lariat to likewise send Duran into the ropes. The stunner from Duran is blocked, but Dillinger’s neckbreaker is reversed and Duran is able to paste him with a headbutt! Cosecha de Almas is narrowly avoided and Dillinger locks up the arms for a full-nelson slam! Javier breaks loose and surprises Dillinger by flipping out of a German suplex attempt! A shot the back of the head stuns Jason, who finds himself trapped in Javier’s Agarre de la Muerte which forces a tap after several moments!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner… JAVIER MATEO DURAN!
Bernadette Olson: The open challenges continue and Javier racks up another win. Dillinger put up a hell of a fight, though. And what a load of muscles…
Jacob Frankel: Oh come on, Bernadette! Be professional! Another win for Javier as he will no doubt be seeking another challenger in a few weeks!
Winners: Javier Mateo Duran
Result: Submission at 9:13 (Agarre de la Muerte)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Beyond Just Gold
Just prior to her second rematch against Aleki Kekoa, Cordelia Clark is in the locker room and she’s really thinking long and hard about what is to come. She remembers how this whole thing started as well as where things have gone for her since and while it hasn’t always been peachy keen, Cordelia is still more or less in a positive mood nonetheless. She relives the moment that she pinned him two weeks ago before she begins to express her thoughts.
Cordelia Clark: Since the moment that Aleki Kokoa decides to assault me following a defense of the Vanguard Championship, there has definite frustration and there has been a moment of doubt or two along the way. I will be the first to admit that. But, two weeks ago? I feel like that was the turning point. Aleki and I have both changed quite a bit since the first one on one encounter that we had on Stormfront. If I were to ask you who was going to be the bolder, more outspoken of the two as things went along, I am sure most of you would’ve said the current Vanguard Champion and I don’t blame anyone for that. But the thing is, that hasn’t been the case. I can’t speak for Aleki or where he’s been lately.
I can’t speak for the fact that when this whole thing started, he was someone carrying all of the fire in the world to try and be successful running his mouth all over the place and then ever since I pinned him two weeks ago, he’s been nothing more than a ghost. Though, I can’t say that it was me pinning him two weeks ago that caused this sudden silence from someone who had all the confidence and arrogance in the world when this thing started between us. I mean, he was starting to show some red flags in the days leading up to it…
Cordelia pauses and has a bit of a shrug before she continues on.
Cordelia Clark: The Vanguard Championship is one thing, Aleki but the fact of the matter is, this thing between us? For me? It goes beyond the championship. Winning the championship back from you is only part of the story but for me? This is definitely about pride and honor. I was PROUD to be the Vanguard Champion. I was thrilled to be defending that championship and then someone like you comes along and wants to take that joy away from me? For what? Your self-absorbed ego throwing a temper tantrum over the fact that they were booked on a preshow? I never deserved that post-match assault from you that started this whole thing but since that’s the way you’ve been wanting to play it from day one then I can honestly say I’ve never ruled out having to resort to other places within me that I’d rather not go into if necessary if that’s what it takes to avenge my own pride.
How much pride am I trying to avenge here? Well, let me just paint the picture for you. Stormfront was a heart crusher. I admit that. It stung the hell out of me. I felt like, for a moment, I failed myself. It felt like you got away with that assault. I didn’t feel much better a month ago when I got my rematch and you brought your little friend over to help you but two weeks ago? I was beginning to feel so much better because pinning you in that tag team match all but shows that I CAN beat you, that I WILL beat you and that I’m about to become a two time Vanguard Champion that’s going to defend that title valiantly again.
Maybe you are beginning to sense it too. It might even explain why you haven’t been in the public eye so much lately. Maybe you’re starting to doubt yourself. Maybe you’re realizing that I’m not as easy pickings as you thought you were going to be. You figured that once you took the title from me, that I was just going to take it lying down and move along but that was never going to happen.
I was never going to let YOU have that kind of power over me. I win it all back, Aleki… the title, the part of my pride you tried so hard to hold hostage… and when this is all over? You may even begin to regret ever trying me….
Cordelia narrows her eyes with anger a bit as she heads out of the scene, determined to regain that Vanguard Championship that she coveted so much when she had the title previously.
MAIN EVENT
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Cordelia Clark vs. Aleki Kekoa (C)
Vanguard Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Cordelia Clark vs. Aleki Kekoa (C)
DING! DING! DING!
Cordelia’s frustration from her interactions with Aleki have her charging the champion the moment the bell rings and more than once Senior Official Butch Ward has to get between them to break things up before a disqualification is drawn. Despite the barrage of striking offense from the Doll Slayer, Aleki seems to be laughing to himself each time Cordelia is hustled back. When she strikes true with a Busaiku knee into the corner, though, the champion is rocked. Emboldened, Cordelia goes for another only to have the Samoan God of War charge like a bullet, spearing her out of the air and taking her to the canvas for a two-count. Now it’s the champion who goes on the attack, mounting the challenger and peppering her with straight fists. When Butch tries to break things up, Aleki almost shoves him. Getting in the referee’s face, Aleki argues with him about who’s in charge and falls prey to a roll-up from Clark, which gets a two-count. She loads up Educated but Aleki rolls out of the ring. A baseball slide is avoided, but Aleki’s attempt to send Cordelia into the barricade is turned into a ripcord elbow, followed by her shouldering him in the midsection, driving him back-first into the apron before rolling him into the ring.
Another pin is attempted and the champion again kicks out at two. A shot to the chin rocks Cordelia and Aleki hoists her up with a waistlock, drilling her into the turnbuckles and throwing a few more shoulders for good measure. He gets a bit of distance and charges, with Cordelia leap-frogging him, leaving the champion to ram said shoulder into the ring post. A victory roll gets the challenger two and she goes for a running kick to the chest that leads to Aleki rolling her up for two. He rolls his shoulder a bit, wincing, and again goes for a spear as Clark gets to her feet. It connects well, but Kekoa comes down with a growl of pain, holding his shoulder. The referee goes to check on it but gets brushed off. Cordelia, trying to catch her breath, is pulled up by the hair and sent into the buckles again, but she catches Kekoa with a kick to the jaw when he charges, setting up a springboard bulldog for two. Educated is lined up again and connects, but the impact takes Aleki near the ropes and allows him to break the pin. He goozles Clark, who vaults over the top rope to break the grip, further exacerbating the shoulder injury. She quickly gets back into the ring, ducking a lariat and armdragging Kekoa to the mat, leading into a Fujiwara armbar! Having a hold of the hurt shoulder, Clark has Kekoa in trouble with the ropes nowhere near within reach! When she wrenches up hard on the move, Kekoa suddenly taps out hard, much to the surprise of everyone, including Cordelia! She releases the hold after a moment and Butch calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Your winner… and the NEW Vanguard Champion… CORDELIA CLARK!
Bernadette Olson: And Cordelia becomes a two-time Vanguard Champion! A smart move going for the shoulder he struck earlier in the match!
Jacob Frankel: The pain had to be excruciating for Aleki to tap out like that! In any other state, he’d power out somehow! This might be bad…
Bernadette Olson: The show isn’t over though, folks! We’ll have a message from, of all people, the Global Heavyweight Champion, in just a few moments!
Winners: Cordelia Clark (New Champion)
Result: Submission at 10:18 (Fujiwara Armbar)
ENDING SEGMENT
The Savior Speaks
The Savior Speaks
The single white spotlight flickers to gold as “Mud to Gold” begins to play on the PA system. A simple record scratch hits as the lights dim in the entire arena before a simple white pyro hits the stage. Once the single spotlight comes back, our HYBRID Global Heavyweight Champion is standing with his back to the crowd.
Bernadette Olson: And here I thought we could get through this entire episode with this egomaniacal, self-centered, piece of trash.
Jacob Frankel: I was hoping for the same, but he is living up to his promise of being here every night as champion.
Duke had pulled the back of the title open from behind his back, raising the title high in the air in his right hand before turning around to face the crowd. To hear the chorus of boos raining down on him as he strutted down the ramp towards the ring. Stopping at the sight of a young child reaching over the barricade towards The Epitome of Perfection. Duke held the title up for the kid, but just far enough he couldn’t touch before pulling it away.
Bernadette Olson: I’m telling you this guy is a smug piece of garbage and I’m appalled that he is the face of this company.
He smirked in the face of the child before turning and hopping onto the ring apron. Wiping his shoes on the edge before stepping into the ring.
Dressed like a million dollars. Sporting a pair of khaki dress slacks, a pair of Dior Jordan 1’s and a simple black button down as he tossed the title over his shoulder. He leaned down and grabbed a microphone.
Duke Andrews: Once again, your savior, HYBRID, your savior has entered the building.
Lowering the microphone to embrace the negativity being poured his way from the crowd.
Duke Andrews: I have promised you all, you will always see me. You will always be blessed by your Global Heavyweight Champion. Something that the last piece of shit couldn’t bother to do. Something that had to be pulled out of him, and yet y’all hate me.
More boo’s come screaming into the ring from the crowd.
Duke Andrews: And you want to see me. You want to hear what I have to say. You want me to talk about the next challenger for my title. And when I say you, I mean Aloysius Marcus Vance, Trenton Mitchell, Jayson Perez, Latoya Crask and Elizabeth Grey. That group right there begs for me to come out to this ring and provide you worthless chumps my valuable time. They want me to hype up a match that quite frankly isn’t deserving of being on the next major show. And that isn’t because of your champion, that isn’t because of your savior, it’s because of my competition. So I’ll give you my thoughts on…
Duke paused as he reached down into his front left pocket. Pulling out his iPhone as he looked at the screen.
Duke Andrews: Oh, Stephanie Kenyon.
A roll of the eyes and shrug of the shoulders.
Duke Andrews: I forgot already. That’s where you are on my radar. At the bottom. There’s a pile of names at the bottom and then this realllllly long gap, before you find yours truly.
A cocky and arrogant point to himself as he looks into the camera.
Duke Andrews: But I’ll give you my thoughts on Stephanie Kenyon. Just to appease management…
Duke lowers the microphone for a moment, before tossing it over his right shoulder as “Mud to Gold” once again plays on the PA system. Duke holds the title high in the air with his right hand as the credits roll on the screen before he steps out of the ring.
