HYBRID Heatstroke 2023

Slowly, the lighting inside the arena dims until there is only darkness. The steady playing of guitars begins to resonate throughout and draws the attention of the fans. The vocals of Chris Daughtry set the mood with “Heavy is The Crown” by Daughtry.


A red spotlight shines on the entrance stage and reveals Nathaniel Dixon. It reflects off the Hybrid rEvolution Iron Heart and the Splat Network MultiUniversal Championships wrapped around his waist. His fan reception is a mixture of cheers and boos, but there is a newfound respect for him.


Your Lord of Charisma chuckles softly 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.


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.


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. Detaching the belts from around his waist, he raises them up high to showcase his hard work and dedication. Recognition and respect surround him and he is glowing with gold.



Bernadette Olson: Well, there’s no need for us to say anything with that intro!

Jacob Frankel: Mr. Nathaniel Dixon is suited up in his ring attire. He’s ready to defend his MultiUniversal Championship, but… I don’t think anyone has accepted the challenge!

It’s thought-provoking to be certain. Within the ring, Nathaniel rests his Iron Heart Championship across his left shoulder. He continues to hold the MultiUniversal Championship in his right hand while he kindly asks Spirit Montego for the microphone. She’s a little confused, but she hands it over to him and receives a polite kiss on her hand in return. As the young lady blushes, Nathaniel smiles and raises the microphone to speak.

Nathaniel Dixon: Good evening, Atlanta.

That definitely receives a pop from the crowd! He chuckles softly and nods.

Nathaniel Dixon: It feels like forever since the last time I was here. Perhaps it’s because I was absent from the twenty-third episode of Vanguard, but still… Some of you may have noticed on the twenty-second episode that I was summoned by Mr. Aloysius Marcus Vance the Fourth.

Of course, there are some cheers for the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of the company.

Nathaniel Dixon: As for the reasons behind the summoning, well, I do not kiss and tell. However, it must’ve been confusing when the official card for Heatstroke was finalized for the world to see.

The Hybrid rEvolution Iron Heart Championship was not set to be defended.

Why? Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question. That is up to Vance the Fourth. Please do not misunderstand. In the near future, I will be defending the Iron Heart Championship. That’s why I issued the open challenge for the Splat Network MultiUniversal Championship. I want to prove myself worthy of being on the Iron Throne. I want to prove to the world that I am a fighting champion.

They say it’s harder to stay on top of the mountain than it is to climb it. Well… I want to take that myth and disprove it. Sadly, even with all the time since the announcement of Heatstroke, no one has stepped up. A free opportunity to fight me for such prestigious gold?

Upon saying this, he raises the MultiUniversal Championship high up in his right hand. The fans are shouting out for someone to accept the challenge!

Nathaniel Dixon: Come on… Try to take it from me -- if you can.

Initially, there was no response. Only the sound of the fans bustling with eagerness. Nathaniel’s display of the gold does not falter in the slightest. He holds it up high and stares at the entrance stage, watching, waiting. . . then the lights go dim, almost black. Upon the screen, a rushing road at night, cracked, broken, lined with stone, dust, and bone. In the background, a low rumble that sounds almost too real to be piped in…

…and then, “Hardwired” by Metallica plays from the PA system!

Jacob Frankel: Hey, wait a minute. Isn’t that…?

Bernadette Olson: Ain’t no way! YES!

Jacob Frankel: Oh, HELL no! This WON’T be a good night for Mr. Dixon!

A single headlight shines from beneath the stage opening, and the lights start glaring, all directed towards the stage as, of all people, Forge rides out onto said stage on a modded 2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200, laden in the colors and insignia of the Chrome Dragons MC! Jeans and boots are his war attire, his kutte worn with pride and dark shades masking his sharp stare, he sits at the top of the ramp, gunning the engine and staring right at Dixon and his title!


Roaring down the ramp, Forge makes a skillful lap around the ring, still making noise before coming around to the foot of the ramp and parking the bike. His shaded eyes remain on Nathaniel, who stares impassively though without fear, as he pulls on a pair of fingerless black gloves with padded knuckles. Sunglasses and kutte are removed, placed neatly on the seat of the Harley before Forge grabs the middle rope and pulls himself onto the apron before stepping between the top and middle rope. In the process, “Hardwired” fades out.

Bernadette Olson: Oh, YES, sir! This is how you start off a hot night… with a hot fight!

Jacob Frankel: Do I need to douse you in ice water, woman?! And also, we don’t know that Forge is out here to fight!

Bernadette Olson: That won’t save me, Jacob! Also, I’ll clobber you if you even think about it! Both the idea of splashing me and ruining my happiness at seeing this granite-chiseled hoss doing some damage!

Jacob Frankel: Sheesh, fine!

The moment Trenton enters the ring, the nearby camera catches Nathaniel visibly swallowing -- and yet for some reason, he’s smiling. In no time at all, Trenton closes the distance between the two, slowly and with purpose, and towers over Nathaniel. Any normal human being would’ve backed off immediately, but The Lord refuses to budge. Forge narrows his eyes before calmly gesturing for the stick. Nathaniel, without question, hands it over and Forge brings it up.

Forge: Challenge accepted.

Bernadette Olson: & Jacob Frankel: WHAT?!

Mic.
Drop.

The fans are absolutely CRAZY about it! For a moment, Bernadette and Jacob are speechless! The corners of Nathaniel’s lips curl up to form a delightful smirk. Coldly, Trenton glares down at him. Entering the ring, referee Zach Young cautiously yet assertively separates the Champion and the Challenger to opposite sides of the ring. Finally, Zach looks to Spirit and nods.

Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for-

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Spirit Montego: -and it is for the Splat Network MultiUniversal Championship! Introducing first, the challenger: from Metairie, Louisiana-

At this point, Spirit is paused with surprising gentleness by Forge. He leans down, says a few words, then leans up again. Spirit, nodding once, resumes her introduction.

Spirit Montego: Ahem! Hailing from Metairie, Louisiana and weighing in at 266 pounds… this is the Martyr Machine-

Not all the fans are happy that Forge is here, in part because they’re starting to come around on Nathaniel. But damn if that old name doesn’t bring back memories of past ass-stompings!

Spirit Montego: FORGE!

There’s no gesture in response, though. Forge is looking only at Nathaniel. Devoid of anger. Without any evidence of desiring pain and suffering. His game face, perhaps. But many of us know better! Most of the fans roar with cheers for the CSO, though, even those he does not respond. His only motion is to crack his knuckles on each hand once, staring at them and not Nathaniel for a moment. After a moment, Spirit continues.

Spirit Montego: And his opponent! From London, England, he weighs in at 175 pounds… he is the reigning AND defending Splat Network MultiUniversal Champion, “The Intellectual Evolution” NATHANIEL DIXON!

There’s a balanced level of cheers and boos for the Lord as he raises the championship belt he’s set to defend in just a few seconds. After another moment, Nathaniel relinquishes the gold in his possession and allows the referee to hand them over to a ringside official. There’s no attempt at a handshake between the two. Once the referee signals for the bell--

DING! DING! DING!

--the MultiUniversal Championship match is underway! Instinctively, Trenton looks to grab Nathaniel, but he side-steps out of the way and strikes back with quick shots. Trenton blocks some of them with his arms before Nathaniel unleashes a spin kick, but Trenton catches his right leg! The larger man throws Nathaniel to the side, but the dexterous man rolls the landing and makes room between himself and Trenton. Trenton rushes Nathaniel and connects with a heavy punch across the face. While Nathaniel staggers back, he suddenly stops himself… and chuckles.

Nathaniel Dixon: Good. You hit harder than the Old Bastard.

Bernadette Olson: This isn’t the time to mix your daddy issues with humor, Nate!

Jacob Frankel: I don’t know, Bernadette. Maybe this is sort of… cathartic for Mr. Dixon?

Mitchell narrows his eyes at Dixon. The two meet up in the center of the ring and Dixon beckons Mitchell. Soon enough, they lock up with a collar-and-elbow tie-up, and while Mitchell easily begins to overpower Dixon, Dixon manipulates the momentum and takes Mitchell onto the mat with a Japanese arm drag. Dixon looks for a quick double footstomp, but Mitchell rolls out of the way and gets to his feet. Dixon rushes forward and connects with a dropkick that sends Mitchell to the ropes. However, Mitchell uses that momentum to rebound and clothesline Dixon with such force, Dixon flips and hits the mat hard! The fans cheer as Mitchell seizes Dixon by his throat and holds him up. Gritting his teeth, Dixon gasps for a moment before he plants the soles of his boots into Mitchell’s chest and forces him to let go. Dixon manages to stay on his feet, Mitchell charges him for another clothesline, but Dixon limbos under that tree branch of a tattooed arm and balances himself. Mitchell stops in his tracks and slowly turns around, narrowing his eyes at Dixon who coughs a weak laugh. The showcase draws a round of applause from the fans!

Bernadette Olson: Okay, this… is pretty impressive. Forge would’ve destroyed most men by now.

Jacob Frankel: Well, Bernadette, Nathaniel’s not like most men. He’s a double champ!

Bernadette Olson: He may not be for long, Jacob!

It is difficult to tell whether sarcasm is intended, but Forge actually gives Nathaniel a slow clap. ONE clap. Then it’s time for blood. Forge puts his dukes up, perhaps calling back to one of his numerous prison terms and scrapping in the yard. Jabs and hooks are flung Nathaniel’s way but he deftly evades most of them, and parries most of the remainder. He nails a few shots of his own in the process; rabbit punches aimed at the floating ribs, but still enough to sting. But Forge still herds Nathaniel into a corner of the ring, driving a rough knee into the Lord’s midsection, taking much of his air away. Another one follows before Forge takes a step back and puts his boot up against Nathaniel’s throat, applying considerable pressure! Dixon’s face darkens a bit as Forge holds the position up to the count of four, sending Zach Young scurrying with a single glare!

Bernadette Olson: Truly, do you think Zach would dare disqualify someone who not only keeps him safe but probably signs his checks a few times a year?

Jacob Frankel: Yeah, I do. Because I’m betting Mr. Vance would be very angry with Forge if he stepped across the line he’s supposed to enforce. That’d be hypocritical and Forge might be a lot of disagreeable things--

Bernadette Olson: You take that back!

Jacob sighs as Forge turns back to Nathaniel and eats a series of hard chops to the chest and kicks to the bread basket!

Jacob Frankel: --but he’s not a hypocrite!

Bernadette Olson: Fine. I’ll give you that one.

Your Lord of Charisma is backing up the Martyr Machine, getting him at the ropes and Irish whipping him… or trying to! Forge puts on the brakes and yanks Nathaniel towards him! Dixon narrowly ducks the short-arm clothesline and hits a dropkick to the back, staggering the big man! Forge whips around with a backfist, though, and sends Dixon spinning! He catches himself on the ropes, though, and when Forge barrels in, Dixon is able to elevate him over the top rope, sending all two hundred sixty-six pounds to the mat-covered concrete--

Jacob Frankel: Oh. Balls.

--where he lands on his feet!

Bernadette Olson: Agile, too! Delicious!

Nathaniel swiftly steps out of reach of Forge, unwilling to get tripped up or take the fight anywhere that Forge could get creative. The young veteran, as wily physically as he is mentally, instead waits as Zach starts up a ten-count. But the young referee barely reaches two before Forge pulls himself back on the apron and into the ring. He cracks his neck once and starts stalking Dixon again. Dixon switches to boxing style, as Forge had, and peppers him with more shots. Much like Nathaniel himself did, though, Forge weathers it well, though with less finesse, and shoves Nathaniel into the ropes before hitting them himself. A Piston Kick is loaded up but Dixon goes beneath! A series of Gentleman’s Hooks connect, mixed with forearm smashes as, again, the Chrome Dragons’ President is backed up by the MultiUniversal Champion! A sling blade brings Forge to the mat, but he’s up rather quickly… and Dixon is ready with a bridged German suplex!

ONE!

KICK-OUT!

Nathaniel is all but chucked off Forge, who gets to his feet with an evil glint in his eyes!

Jacob Frankel: Jumpin’ Jiminy Christmas! He damn well shot-putted Dixon!

Bernadette Olson: Looks like meat’s back on the menu, boys!

Forge has clearly had enough of this shit, and Nathaniel can smell the rage. But he stays on the attack, throwing kicks to the ribs and even a few knee strikes, again backing Forge into the ropes. For a moment, it looks like the big man’s age is showing. Until Nathaniel comes flying at him for a big forearm shot -- and not only is he caught, but he’s shoved to the mat as though he’d just run into a giant pinball bumper! Forge’s Recoil spinebuster variation leaves Nathaniel wide-eyed and gasping on the mat, but not for long. Forge drags him up, or at least one of his legs, and in a scary show of strength, he heaves London’s Master Manipulator up and over to the canvas as though he were Loki in the grip of the Hulk! Then the big bastard does it again! Deciding against a third for whatever reason lies in that thick skull of his, Forge pulls Nate properly to his feet, then drapes him over his shoulder and runs half the length of the ring for a powerslam, going immediately into a pin attempt!

ONE!

TW-NO!

KICK-OUT!

The fans gasp almost collectively; Nathaniel didn’t kick out as forcefully as Forge, but he damn sure did it almost as fast, and after much worse impacts!

Bernadette Olson: He’s a lot more durable than he looks! I’m very impressed!

Jacob Frankel: If he keeps taking hits like that, though, they’re gonna revoke his organ donor card!

Bernadette Olson: Speak for yourself! Hulk Smash!

Dixon is definitely still in this. Forge delivers a hard Irish whip, intending to have Nathaniel smash into the buckles, but Dixon instead slips through the ropes and surprises the charging Forge with a slingshot bulldog! Stunned more than damaged, Forge is wide open and Nathaniel changes his approach, looking to lessen the power game by hitting a double knee armbreaker on Forge’s right arm! A few kicks to that same arm has Forge backstepping a bit, but Dixon is the one smelling blood now, snaring the Martyr Machine’s arm and endeavoring to put on the Horror & Bliss!

Jacob Frankel: Very smart by Dixon here, Bernadette! One less arm means a lot less damage capability!

Bernadette Olson: It’ll take more than that, Jakey! They call him the “Martyr Machine” for a reason!

Nathaniel comes close to locking it in, but Forge rams him against the buckles once, twice, and forces a break! Still, there’s some damage done, but it’s hard to tell if he’s hurting or just pissed! The Lord wants another go with it, but Forge goozles him with the left paw, hoisting him up one-handed with ease and driving him head-and-shoulders-first to the mat with a hellacious chokeslam! Nathaniel bounces off the canvas and Forge mounts him, alternating with rights and lefts, though Dixon only allows a few of these before managing to kick Forge away, very much aiming for the right arm again! Snarling, Forge backs up, but only long enough for Dixon to get vertical. From there, it’s a shoulder charge into the corner and some pointy elbow shots to the jaw! Dixon weathers this like a true champion, staying on his feet and beckoning for more. Seeing this, Forge dares to shake his head and barely, just for a moment, crack the smallest of smiles. But then it’s a growl of anger and he snatches Nathaniel by the right wing, sending him into the ropes and lining up what looks like a Chrome Bomb!

Bernadette Olson: Yes, that! Make it his last ride, Forge!

Jacob Frankel: Wait! Nathaniel had it scouted! He slid out of the ring!

Bernadette Olson: Damn that wormy little genius!

Forge is… irked… that he didn’t get to plant Nathaniel. But he’s quick to also exit the ring and go after the Lord with great hunger! Detecting this, Nathaniel backpedals and circles the ring to evade Forge’s advances. Without even looking back, Nathaniel rolls himself back into the ring and stands up. Growling, Forge grabs ahold of the top rope and pulls himself up onto the apron. Just as he begins to climb back into the ring, Nathaniel playfully-- or perhaps mockingly-- blows a kiss to the older man who narrows his eyes.

Bernadette Olson: Hey! He’s only into women -- like me! Back off!

Jacob Frankel: Oi… Would you give it a rest? You’re starting to look desperate.

Forge is back in the ring with a smooth transition and he charges Nathaniel. The Intellectual Evolution ducks underneath the discus elbow smash, rebounds against the ropes, and strikes the back of Forge’s right knee with Blood in the Darkness! Normally, that’s a headshot, but this time…! The force of the impact actually causes the CSO to fall down on his left knee, clutching at his right with a yell of frustration more than pain. Nathaniel keeps himself out of swinging distance in case Trenton attempts to physically lash out. As Trenton slowly forces himself to his feet, Your Lord of Charisma moves with fluid dexterity and plants the Martyr Machine with The London Eye (Front Flip DDT)! The fans are shocked, most certainly impressed by Nathaniel’s skills as he covers Forge and hooks the leg. Referee Zach Young moves in and makes the count!

ONE!

TWO!

THR--

Bernadette Olson: Oh, thank God! My sexy eye candy kicked out…

Jacob Frankel: Jesus, take the wheel! The Blood in the Darkness to the back of Mr. Mitchell’s right knee -- what a smart move!

There’s a burst of cheers from the fans who are excited to see the match continue! Nathaniel takes a moment to rise up and simply breathe. As he leans against the top rope, the referee checks on Forge. Pounding a fist into the mat, Forge rises up and stares right at Nathaniel as his name would imply: like a machine. The earth-colored eyes of the Intellectual Evolution widen out of disbelief. Flexing a muscle or seven, Forge approaches while noticeably slowed. Nathaniel takes his chance and charges, aiming right for that knee again, wanting to take apart Forge a piece at a time! It’s Forge who goes low, though, and scoops Nathaniel up at waist-level as one might a child! The Lord’s eyes widen, then they straight-up roll back, as during his quick descent Forge lunges in with a headbutt to the center of Nate’s brow!

Bernadette Olson: Christ Almighty! Head-On Collision! How are EITHER of them still conscious?!

Because even Forge wavers slightly after that. But Dixon got it worse, with a faint trickle of blood coming from his brow!

Jacob Frankel: Now I’m questioning whether Samoans have the hardest skulls in wrestling for real, or if it’s these two maniacs!

Glassy-eyed, Nathaniel offers no resistance to Forge as he’s put on his back and covered with a lateral press!

ONE!

TWO!

SHOULDER UP!

The ref moves to check on Dixon, not noticing the blood at first but Forge says hell with that! He brushes Young away about as gently as you’ll get from the man. Zach backs off in a hurry and Forge sits Nathaniel up on the mat, looming behind him. Spreading his arms wide, he lets it sink in for a moment for those who know… then clamps one hand to each side of Nathaniel’s head and squeezes down as though he were trying to crush a melon! Dixon is woken up in a hurry, clarity coming back to his eyes and a grimace of pain, tinged ever-so-faintly with worry, emerges as he grasps for Forge’s wrists, trying to break this grip!

Jacob Frankel: The 1,000 Screams! He’s put away a number of foes with this one, Bernadette! You might just get your wish!

Bernadette Olson: And while I would love that, I don’t necessarily want to see Dixon’s head pop like a grape! Seriously, this is already making him bleed more!

Jacob Frankel: Was that a word… against Forge?!

Bernadette Olson: I will strike you!

Despite the pain, though, every check by the official has Nathaniel steadfastly refusing to give up! Forge… it almost looks as if he doesn’t care, though! He picks Dixon up by the head and drives him back down, tailbone-first, a time or two, keeping that grip tight! But nothing will make Dixon quit! When he’s back on the mat, he throws his leg overhead, leaning back with it to get the right arc, and cracks Forge in the mouth! Surprised, Forge lets go as blood dribbles from his lower lip and Nathaniel, not even thinking about it, bursts forward with the Evolutionary Imperative (European Uppercut)!

Bernadette Olson: Damn that little limey shit!

And where this would usually spell the end without fail? Nathaniel just drops to the canvas, as does Forge, and neither man moves for several moments, long enough for Zach Young to start a count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

Nathaniel stirs slightly, instinctively rolling onto his stomach. He makes the crawl over to Forge, who is only just now opening his eyes and working to sit up…

FIVE!

SIX!

But a new count starts as Nathaniel puts an arm across Forge’s chest!

Bernadette Olson: Absolutely not!

Jacob Frankel: I don’t know… it took him several seconds just to get over there!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-NO!

SHOULDER UP AT TWO AND A HALF!

Bernadette Olson: My heart, for crying out loud!

Nathaniel lies to the side, wide-eyed, as Forge turns onto his side, half-checking his jaw, half-trying to get to his feet! Dixon’s knockout shot may very well have ended the match right there if not for the effects of 1,000 Screams… and everyone in the State Farm Arena knows it! Nathaniel is up before Forge and has a new fire in his gut, realizing how close he was to putting away the Martyr Machine. Shaking his head with a glower on his handsome features, Nathaniel attacks before Forge is upright, taking another tack on his break-the-big-man-down strategy with the So Very Sinful pentagram choke! Of all things, it’s this that snaps Forge back to the waking world and in the second before Dixon’s hands lock, Forge powers out! Nathaniel backs off several steps, endeavoring to maintain his cool, but Forge isn’t having THAT! He charges towards Nathaniel and extends the arm only for Dixon to duck out of the way! But the way Forge comes to a complete stop half a moment later, on top of the nasty little he manifests, shows that that was meant to happen. Dixon pauses before turning, already having a counter in mind, but freezes for half a second when-

Forge: Harder than the Old Man, motherfucker?!

-and in the other half-second, Forge blasts a turning Dixon with the Piston Kick! The blow turns Nathaniel for a loop, but it also requires a pause due to Forge’s attacked knee after the fact.

Forge: Next time you see the bastard, tell him bitches raise bitches!

The fans layer on some hate there, but Forge doesn’t give a hot-buttered fuck! He’s not done, though, and pulls a wobbly Nathaniel up to his feet, sending him into the ropes and finally nailing the Chrome Bomb! The spinning over-the-knee backbreaker lands as flush as it ever had, and the sight of it is enough to get a roar out of the Hot-Lanta crowd once again! Forge gestures that this is over and moves to pin Dixon with the far leg hooked tight!

Bernadette Olson: Good night, sweet prince!

Jacob Frankel: Nathaniel might be down to one title in less than four seconds…!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE?!

NO! THE SHOULDER IS UP AT TWO-AND-NINE-TENTHS!

Immediately, there’s static from the announcers’ table, and it looks like Bernadette has lost her headset… and given how she’s standing and swearing like an angry sailor, that’s probably for the best!

Jacob Frankel: I’m gonna have to go to church Sunday for just sitting next to this madwoman!

Forge, though? He just stares at Nathaniel as if to say “Y’all see this shit?!” while shaking his head. Pushing his sweat-soaked hair back and wiping more blood from his mouth, he nods and gets to his feet, dragging a nearly-limp Nathaniel up to his feet. Bernadette seems to get her headset back in order-

Bernadette Olson: -will beat that little runt referee to within an inch of his life!

Jacob Frankel: Oh, good. It still works.

Bernadette Olson: Quiet down, junior, or you’re next!

-while Forge gets Nathaniel up on his shoulders for a torture rack! The backbreaker variation has Dixon’s spine bent in a very unnatural way, yet even with this, there’s no quit in him! Almost fifteen seconds, no, twenty, and he refuses to surrender! Elbowing his way out of Forge’s grip, one of those shots spiking Forge in the nose, Dixon gets down and somehow musters the ups to hit Blood in the Darkness again, this time to the head, and for the second time in a minute right to the proboscis of the Martyr Machine! Nathaniel backs into the ropes, unwilling to waste his last drops of adrenaline on wasted motion, and loads up the Evolutionary Imperative-

-ONLY TO RUN INTO A SECOND CHROME BOMB WITH AN EXTRA SPIN!

Jacob Frankel: Okay, that has GOT to be it! Nathaniel is amazing, but… but TWO Chrome Bombs?!

A guttural, primal roar emits from Forge, who drops down for the pin, near leg hooked, putting every ounce into holding the champ down!

Bernadette Olson: Stay down and live, Dixon!

Referee in position!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE?!

…

NO! DIXON GETS A FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!

Bernadette Olson: I… what… HOW?!

Jacob Frankel: A genie? A high-level D&D spell?! The fucking Dragon Balls?! I don’t know!

Forge wants fucking answers, too, but there’s none to be had! Zach shows him two fingers, from a safe distance, of course, and Forge, again wiping blood from his face, just gives up on composure! Standing and putting the boots to Dixon, again threatened with disqualification from a fledgling referee, snatches up Dixon and snarls into his face, both men bloody and sweating:

Forge: You’re a tough kill, kid!

Before sending him into the ropes! The Chrome Bomb is lined up and Nathaniel, barely upright-

-PUMPS HIS LEGS AND PUTS EVERY OUNCE OF ENERGY INTO AN EVOLUTIONARY IMPERATIVE!

The place erupts for half a second -- until they realize that Forge is still on his fucking feet!

Bernadette Olson: & Jacob Frankel: BULLSHIT!

But there it is! A stunned Dixon, a wobbly-yet-vertical Forge! And the Lord lets all pretense drop, lets the desperation show. Then he grits down and fires off ANOTHER Evolutionary Imperative!

Nathaniel Dixon: ENOUGH!

THEN he grabs Forge as he rebounds off the ropes, the only thing that kept him from falling, and delivers The Reaper’s Bloody Scythe (Single Lifting Underhook DDT)! Spiked into the mat, Forge isn’t allowed a moment to respond as Nathaniel gets into a lateral press, hooking the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE?!

…

THREE!

…WITH A SHOULDER COMING UP A HALF-SECOND TOO LATE!

DING! DING! DING!

Bernadette Olson: Un-be-fucking-lieveable!

Jacob Frankel: The sonofabitch did it!

Forge knew it was too late, but instinct kicked in. That shoulder motion was the only move he made until the announcement was already being made!

Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… and STILL the Splat Network MultiUniversal Champion… NATHANIEL DIXON!

Dixon isn’t sure if he should leave the ring or not, or wait for his title, or get his arm raised. Honestly, he’s not sure he can get up off his knees at this point. Zach hands over the title and raises his arm regardless, though… and in that moment, Dixon springs up, looking around as though expecting a sneak attack!

Except…

Bernadette Olson: Wait, where the hell is Forge going?!

Jacob Frankel: Umm… I don’t know?

He’s moving, albeit real goddamn slow and careful-like, in actuality limping a bit, over to his Harley. Forge stands there for a moment, trance-like, and takes off the gloves. He applies the shades and the kutte and fires up the hog. Pulling properly to the foot of the ramp, he turns to a staring Nathaniel and briefly inclines his chin toward the champion before roaring up the ramp and into the backstage area.

Bernadette Olson: I guess Dixon earned a little respect, maybe? I’m not gonna put words in the big fella’s mouth…

Jacob Frankel: Me either!

Bernadette Olson: So, let’s leave off that and call it what it is: one hell of a defense for the Lord of Charisma tonight. If you don’t got any respect for this guy, you best fucking get some. He got mine.

Jacob Frankel: Same here! And a hell of a way to start off Heatstroke!

Fog starts to slowly fill the entrance area as the intro to “Save Yourself” by Stabbing Westward starts up. Pale green lights illuminate the fog as “The Beggar King” Eddy Todd steps out from the back. He looks out over the crowd with a smirk on his face.


Spirit Montego: "Coming to the ring, from Los Angeles California, weighing in at two hundred and seventy pounds, "The Beggar King" Eddy TODD!!"

Eddy starts to stroll towards the ring. He occasionally gives random high fives to random fans, mostly the older adults that would have known him from before. He makes his way to the ring at his own pace glancing around at the ring, the crowd, the arena, just generally taking in the environment. He makes his way towards the far set of ring steps. He leans against the guard rail as she shoots a look towards the timekeeper and then the announcers.


He climbs the steps rapidly and walks along the apron. He steps through the ropes and moves to one of the corners. He climbs to the second rope and holds a fist up in the air as he looks out to the crowd. He then hops down and prepares for the match to start.

Bernadette Olson: "The veteran in this match, Eddy Todd is looking to educate Noah Ortega here tonight!"

Jacob Frankel: "Word is that Todd feels that Ortega is just another upstart with a big ego and a sense of entitlement. I think Ortega is going to want to prove the Beggar King wrong!"

The lights dim down as the big screen lights up with the spelling of a single word.


"Afraid of Us" by Jonwayne rolls in through the arena as Noah Ortega steps out from the back. He is joined by fellow Lost Members, Anton Palmer and Gio Moriello.

Spirit Montego: "Coming from Quebec, Canada! He is "The Leader of the Lost" NOAH ORTEGA!"

The Leader and his fellow members of The Lost, move towards the ring. Noah makes eye contact with Eddy Todd as they hit ringside. Anton and Gio take both left and right of the ringside as they round the corners. Noah climbs the apron, never letting his eyes leave his opponent already in the ring. Stepping through the ropes, the younger of the two competitors is ready to do battle.

Jacob Frankel: I don't know who looks more ready! One of these men who stand tall!

Bernadette Olson: Usually there is a winner and a loser but I don't believe either man will stand tall without some wear and tear! This should be exciting!

Jacob Frankel: They could swerve us both and get counted out, disqualified or find themselves unable to get up for a ten count.

Bernadette Olson: That just means that these two put on a show!

Racing across the ring before the bell even rings, Noah Ortega leaps up like he wants to hit a Stinger Splash but Eddy Todd side steps the attempt. Noah crashes chest against the turnbuckles, spins out of the corner and is scooped up and whipped sideways with a snapping Powerslam.

Gio Moriello pops up on the ring apron as Eddy goes right into a pin attempt. Before the referee can drop and make the count, Eddy pushes off Noah and gets to his feet hollering at Gio nearby. Eddy steps into a haymaker connecting with Gio and sending him flying back off the apron and falling to ringside.

Jacob Frankel: The Beggar King is handling his business early in this match!

Bernadette Olson: Yes but the Lost has numbers and eventually those numbers can play against you, Eddy Todd better keep eyes in the back of his head.

Placing his focus back to his opponent, Eddy reaches down and grabs Noah to bring him to his feet. Noah bursts out of Eddy's grasp and drills The Beggar King with a solid forearm to the face. A second lands and it stumbles Todd back. Another connects and Noah Ortega has Eddy Todd wobbling from the shots!

Breaking off into the opposite direction, Noah hits the far ropes, springing from them to gain speed as he hurries back to Eddy, leaping up into a twisting spin and connecting with a Wheel Kick to the Beggar King's face! Both men hit the canvas but Noah is sliding as he pushes back to his feet with quickness.

Noah wastes no time as his opponent lays on his back. He races adjacent to Todd, rushing into the ropes and rocketing from them as he returns to Eddy, jumps, flips forward and comes down with a front flip leg drop that plants down across Eddy Todd's chest. Noah reaches and pulls Eddy's right leg up and goes for a pin.


Back to his feet, Noah Ortega stomps a foot and begins to wave for Eddy as he starts to stir and rise from the canvas. Ortega slides sideways, arches and shoots a foot up with a Superkick. Eddy ducks it, Noah spins and turns around, meeting a vicious Clothesline by Eddy Todd.

Slapping on his back, Noah springs back to his feet and is met with another clothesline that again puts him on the mat. Eddy kicks down into Noah as he tries to get up. Stomping away at Ortega, Eddy puts his heel to Noah's face. The Leader of the Lost grabs his face and rolls out of the ring under the bottom ropes.

Bernadette Olson: One on One, I think Eddy Todd has the experience and right now, it's showing! Keeping Noah grounded and on the defense is a veteran move!

From behind Eddy, outside the ring, Gio once again climbs up onto the ring apron. The referee turns and begins arguing with Gio as Eddy climbs out of the ropes near the entrance ramp where Noah is located. As Eddy drops down at ringside, he is rushed from behind by Anton who plows over him with a Reverse Clothesline that was more like a Baseball Bat crashing against his back.

Anton rips Eddy up, lifting him into what seems like a Powerbomb but Eddy slips free, lands on his feet, pulls Anton in closely, falls back, slapping Anton with a beautiful Flatliner!

Jacob Frankel: Kingdom Come! Eddy Todd just blasted Anton Palmer with Kingdom Come at ringside!

The audience was eating it up! The referee turns and sees the chaos forming on the other side of the ring and leaves Gio to take control. Immediately, he begins the count.


Eddy was up and Noah was rising to join him. Swinging to club Noah, Eddy's shot gets blocked. Noah drives a knee into Eddy's midsection, holding his right hand before leaping up onto the apron, running it in three steps before shooting off the apron, wrapping his legs around Eddy's head and going for a Hurricanrana but Eddy holds on. Noah's eyes bulge open wide as Eddy lifts Noah and Powerbombs him over the edge of the apron! Noah arches back as he cries out in pain from the landing!!


Eddy doesn't let Noah crumble to the floor but instead turns him around and rolls him back inside the ring. Reaching up to grab the middle ropes, Eddy drags himself in after Noah.

Bernadette Olson: Eddy has this match going in his favor! This might be a disappointing night for Noah Ortega!

Jacob Frankel: You can say that again! Did you hear that cry from Ortega as his spine came down over the apron? Golly, that hurt!

Pushing off of one knee to stand, Eddy Todd helps Noah to his and you can see him aching in the back as he tries to stand on his own. Todd pulls Noah's head down into a front face headlock, lifting his arm behind his own head before snapping Noah up and over with a Suplex just to add more to Noah's back.

The Beggar King looks proud of himself as he gets back up and watches as Noah rolls onto his stomach, a hand reaching back to hold his aching pain. Eddy snaps forward, dropping a knee into the back of Noah and again, the scream of pain is heard as Ortega rolls and flops around a bit.

Bernadette Olson: I think Eddy is enjoying this, enjoying the torture and pain of Noah Ortega!

Jacob Frankel: I know, it's great isn't it?!

Bernadette Olson: Beat him. Defeat him but there is no cause for torturing and belittling your opponent…

Jacob Frankel: What? This is Professional Wrestling! Where you talk shit and gain from other people's misfortune! Plus... It's Pay-Per-View!

Looking to send a message and finish his opponent or at least do more damage. The Beggar King gets Noah up and lifts him into a Fireman's Carry. Signaling for one of his Signature Moves, the crowd was on their feet. On the swing to connect with the neckbreaker part of the move, Noah slips free and lands behind Eddy.

Shoving Eddy away to get some room, Noah was ready. As Eddy twirls around to recapture what was lost, he is stiffened with a Superkick from Noah Ortega! The execution hurts Ortega as well though as he grabs at his back and falls into the ropes nearby. Eddy wobbles in place as if he had little bitty tweety birds circling above his head.

Whipping himself off the ropes, Noah spins back and drills a stunned Eddy to the midsection with a Spinning Back Kick. Eddy doubles over, bent forward, gassed. Noah takes a deep breath and leaps up in place, throwing himself backwards and going for his Pele Kick but misses as Eddy pulls back.

His foot slapping hard against the canvas, Noah drops to his knees. Before he can bring up his hands, the side of his face is planted with a Knee from Eddy! Spit flies from Noah's mouth as he twists away from Eddy before collapsing onto the canvas. Dropping down, Eddy shoves Noah onto his back before laying across him for a pin.


Jacob Frankel: Ohhhh! I really thought he had it there!

Both men are on the canvas. Eddy reaches for the ropes as he pulls himself to his feet. Noah, turned over, was trying to crawl but going nowhere as Eddy casually walks along the side of him and drops an elbow right into the small back of Noah Ortega.

Bernadette Olson: You have to give it to Eddy. A veteran in the business and he is doing what you must do when facing someone faster, someone who likes to fly and puts the risk in high risk.. You keep them grounded!

Jacob Frankel: Wings clipped, will Noah be able to fly if he keeps getting beaten to the back?

Lifting Noah as he stood up himself, Eddy Todd drags his opponent to the nearest corner. Putting Noah's back against the turnbuckles, Eddy cocked back and chopped into Noah's chest. The chop sparked a second wing in Noah, woke him up, adrenaline shot! Eddy goes to chop a second time but Noah throws his head forward and blasts Eddy with a headbutt that surprises him.

Propping himself up onto the top turnbuckle in a swift jump. Noah Ortega stands and looks to shoot into flight but Eddy charges forward and slumps Noah back to a sitting on the turnbuckle. Eddy slides back and shoots forward, crashing a big upper hand to Noah, slumping the younger opponent even move.

Gio flies up onto the ring apron to intervene but Eddy turns and clocks him, sending him back to the ringside floor once again. He begins to climb up in front of Noah, standing on the bottom turnbuckle, Eddy lifts a limp Noah over his shoulders into a Fireman's Carry. Stepping higher, onto the middle turnbuckle, Eddy had Noah setup for his Avalanche Samoan Drop. A move he called 'Fall From Grace' and he goes for it, throwing himself off the turnbuckle with Noah Ortega draped across his shoulders, looking, waiting for impact!

As they crash into the canvas, Noah Ortega creates an eruption in the audience as he counters the Avalanche Samoan Drop into a Crucifix Roll Up! The referee, almost unprepared, drops to the canvas, slapping as he gets down.


Jacob Frankel: Ho ho hoo! That was close! Did you see that counter?

Bernadette Olson: Todd was going for his 'Fall From Grace' and Noah just flipped the script! Very nice! Almost stole the victory!

Both men scramble to their feet. Noah kicks at Eddy with a toe kick to the midsection. Bending Eddy over, Noah takes a few steps in a rush, leaps up looking to secure the win with his 'Lost Souls' Curb Stomp. Eddy slides out of the way as Noah stomps down into the canvas. Eddy scurries up from behind, lifting Noah into an Electric Chair position before sitting down and face planting Noah into the canvas with force! Rolling him onto his back and securing the pin.


Bernadette Olson: The Beggar King did it! He used his experience and took control of this match and grabbed a victory!

Shoving Noah away after the win, Eddy pushes to his feet. Gio and Anton slide into the ring and instead of choosing to fight, Eddy falls to the canvas and rolls from the ring. Smiling at the members of the Lost as he makes his way to the entrance ramp and his victory is made official.

Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… EDDY TODD!

Strike 2 Kill look torn between going after Eddy and tending to their leader, but it’s Noah that holds them back, shaking his head as if to say “not now”. Eddy remains at the top of the ramp, arms raised as the fans cheer him on. Meanwhile, the Lost stare coldly at the night’s victor, a sure sign that this isn’t over.

Bernadette Olson: They’re not done yet. And numbers aren’t on Eddy’s side.

Jacob Frankel: Well, he’s not exactly a lone wolf. Remember how he stepped up for the Frontline once upon a time? I’m sure there’d be some like-minded souls willing to back him up if needs arise.

Bernadette Olson: You’re probably right. But the Lost are relentless.

Spirit Montego: Our next match tonight at Heatstroke is set for-

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Spirit Montego: -and it is for the Global Tag Team Championships!

"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 the fans.

Spirit Montego: Introducing first, the challengers! Hailing from Space, at a combined weight of 206 pounds-

Bernadette Olson: Is she really taking that joke ser-

Jacob Frankel: It’s scientific fact!

Spirit Montego: -Aiden Morrow and Captain Cosmo… THE CALINAUTS!

Once the two reach the ring, Marino slides under the bottom rope and begins to shadowbox in the center of the ring while Cosmo is on the outside continuing to hand out the posters. Once he is satisfied with the amount of posters handed out, he proceeds to climb into the ring and shuffles over to Marino and begins trying to copy Marino's shadowboxing, almost hitting him by accident as "Spaceman" fades out.

Bernadette Olson: Zero pounds. Honestly.

Jacob Frankel: Just turn your brain off for a minute and enjoy what’s happening, Bernadette! These guys are talented and entertaining! What more could you want?!

Bernadette Olson: Don’t open that can of worms, Jacob. I like them fine. Let’s leave it at that.

Spirit Montego: And now, introducing the champions!

“Let the Sparks Fly” by Thousand Foot Krutch starts up and the light start strobing as Lorenzo Merrick makes their way out onto the ramp before turning and giving the cue to the Global Tag Team Champions, Samantha Tolson and Gigi Nova! The ladies come out in matching gear this evening, belts held up high as the fans cheer them on! They stop at the top of the ramp, flanking Lorenzo as glittering pyro rains down behind them!

Spirit Montego: Accompanied to the ring by Lorenzo Merrick, competing tonight at a combined weight of 285 pounds-

Jacob Frankel: They outweigh the challengers?!

Bernadette Olson: Goddammit, Jacob!

Spirit Montego: -they are the reigning AND defending HYBRID Global Tag Team Champions… SAMANTHA TOLSON AND GIGI NOVA!

Both ladies move along the retaining wall, greeting the fans on their way to the ring before leaping to the apron and ascending to the top turnbuckles, holding the titles up high. Dropping down to the inside of the ring, they meet the challengers mid-ring and all four shake hands in a sign of mutual respect before Sam and Gigi hand the belts over and move to their corner. The Calinauts do the same and Senior Official Butch Ward holds the belts up for the world to see.

Bernadette Olson: Experience and guts versus chemistry and unpredictability. On paper, that makes for a hell of a match.

Jacob Frankel: You never know what the Calinauts are gonna pull next, and their divergent styles make them a treat to watch. Sam and Gigi are more straightforward, but throughout their time as a team Sam has helped Gigi improve and Gigi, in turn, has given Sam her own boost. They’ve made each other better.

Bernadette Olson: And as you see, both sides respect one another. But when that bell rings, it’s time to throw down.

Jacob Frankel: I can’t wait!


Gigi starts things off against Aiden and right off the challenger brings Gigi down and tries to keep her grounded. No slouch as a technician and with coaching from her partner, Gigi is able to counter out of Aiden’s hammerlock but he’s right back with a crossface, constantly countering her counters until she powers up and hits a backdrop to break his grip… except it doesn’t! Gigi bridges it into a pin, but Aiden is like a bulldog, clamping down again and once more turning it into a tight crossface! Gigi gets a foot over the bottom rope, though, and breaks things up! Aiden breaks clean and backs up a few steps, watching cannily as Gigi returns to her corner, Sam giving her some quick input. Gigi considers tagging out, but shakes it off and motions at Aiden to come in again. Aiden goes low this time, looking to take her out at the legs, but a quick yoshi tonic from Gigi puts him in a real spot!


The kick-out comes with a touch of desperation on Aiden’s part, with him backing off a bit wide-eyed. Gigi, feeling a bit flush, shows him and Cosmo two fingers held just a little bit apart while Sam applauds her partner’s efforts. Even Cosmo applauds it while a smile and a nod appears on Aiden.

Bernadette Olson: Like I said: Sam has been good for Gigi!

Jacob Frankel: She snapped that bad boy off quick, too! Nice move!

Now it’s Aiden looking to lock up again and this time we get a straight collar-and-elbow. Gigi with the go-behind, trying to heave Aiden to the mat. Aiden puts on the brakes, counters, and goes for a German on Gigi, who flips out of it! Gigi goes for a zig-zag and brings Aiden down but he quickly shoves her away from a lateral press, kipping up and almost taking her head off with a low spin kick! Gigi probably lost a hair or two ducking out of the way, but drops Aiden with a leg sweep! Another pin is quickly stymied and Aiden counters into a crucifix-style pin which Gigi shimmies out of! Both are up to their feet and they go for a dropkick at the same time, landing and kipping up again, face-to-face mid-ring as the crowd strongly reacts to the exchange!

Bernadette Olson: Look at these kids go!

Jacob Frankel: We are! Can’t you tell?!

Aiden goes for a clothesline that Gigi ducks, but it was a ploy as he turns and attempts a hiptoss on her. She blocks it and goes for one of her own, but he counters out and armdrags her to the mat! She’s up fast, charging in with a high knee to knock him into the ropes! Aiden rebounds, again counters out of her hiptoss and goes for another armdrag… but Gigi literally twists in midair and lands on her feet, nailing a shocked Aiden with ¡Mas Tequila!


Aiden kicks out again and slides out of the ring, just a little discombobulated from Gigi’s assault! Cosmo drops down to converse with his partner as Gigi, with surprising patience, paces back and forth like an anxious prizefighter, waiting for her opponent to return. Sam eggs on the fan reaction for her partner.

Bernadette Olson: Gigi’s on fire tonight, ladies and gentleman! I don’t know what got into her, but I’m glad to see it!

Jacob Frankel: You and everyone else! Even Aiden doesn’t know what to make of it at this point, and that’s a shocker!

Bernadette Olson: He’s damn sharp. Don’t count him out yet.

Aiden rolls back in, but instead of engaging, he tags in Cosmo. And right off the bat, he moves to curse Gigi! Gigi, looking left, then right, puts a hand to her heart and backs towards the ropes, afflicted!

Jacob Frankel: Did… did it actually work?!

She makes her way along the top strand, one hand on the rope, one clutching her chest… all the way to her corner… before shaking it off and tagging in Samantha Tolson!

Bernadette Olson: Nope!

Entering the ring for the first time, the Pretty Little Murder Machine, perhaps playfully and perhaps not, mocks the curse of Captain Cosmo! So Cosmo throws more oomph into it and seems to put it on Sam this time! She staggers forward a little bit, holding her head as Aiden and Gigi look on from their respective corners. Even the fans are a bit concerned… until Sam darts in with a boot to the midsection and a snap suplex to bring a shocked Cosmo to the mat hard! She floats over into a pin attempt!


But Cosmo breaks out, rolling from the ring and staring at his hands in shock! Sam, though, isn’t as patient as her partner. She rolls outside and grabs Cosmo by the neck and waist, hurling him back into the ring and following after him. He’s up first, putting in some stomps, but Sam shoves him off. Into the ropes, he rebounds with a clothesline attempt but Sam swings up on his shoulders for a crucifix! Bringing him down, Cosmo somehow rolls backwards further and comes up with Sam on his shoulders! Surprised at his own athleticism, and unsure of how to proceed, Cosmo starts up an airplane spin!

Jacob Frankel: How old-school can you get?!

Bernadette Olson: I guess the idea of dropping her on her head was too much for him?!

Jacob Frankel: It’ll sure make her dizzy! That’s going for the head too, kinda!

Bernadette Olson: Inspector Gadget would have trouble reaching far enough for that one, kid…

After a good ten or so revolutions, both Cosmo AND Sam are dizzy as all-get-out! Dropped on her feet, Sam is wobbly but trying to shake it off. Cosmo, though, looks almost okay with it, grasping at the “little birdies” fluttering around his head! Sam winds up for a right hand at the nearest semi-solid object, that being Cosmo, but the painted man blocks the shot ninja-like and gives Tolson a two-fingered eye poke, sending her to the mat to the surprise of all! That impact knocks some of the woozy out of her, though, and she quickly rolls Cosmo up for two! Shaken out of his own dizzy spell a second too late, Cosmo charges in and Sam tosses him over the top with a big belly-to-belly-overhead suplex! Staggering to her corner, she tags in Gigi, who goes to the top rope! Aiden, moving to assist his partner, does not see this and soon The Calinauts are wiped out with a wicked Kamikaze from Nova!

She quickly brings Cosmo back into the ring and continues the battle, delivering a solid bridged German for two! Cosmo worms his way out but he has no one to tag! Gigi goes for a second but Cosmo flips out of it and goes for a sleeper! Gigi backs him into the corner and blind-tags Sam before snapmaring Cosmo to the mat! Sam backs up onto the second rope and drops a knee, going for a pin, again getting two! Aiden makes it back to the Calinauts corner and Cosmo again goes for a tag but Sam isn’t having it! She snags the arm and arches Cosmo over with a Northern Lights suplex!


Jacob Frankel: Cosmo catching fire here, fans! Can he hold out against this onslaught?!

Bernadette Olson: I don’t think so, Jacob! Hence his desperation to bring in Aiden!

Sam wants more suplexes, but gets stunned by a surprise jawbreaker! Cosmo is able to get to his feet, but he’s on jelly legs. That works to his advantage when Sam lunges at him with a jumping knee but gets caught up in the ropes when Cosmo stumbles back to the mat! Not even experience can counter sheer dumb luck sometimes! But with someone like Cosmo, you can never tell what’s luck and what’s his wild nature! He starts making his way to the corner as Sam frees herself and makes the charge… but the tag is made! Aiden slingshots over the top with a shoulder to Sam, then hits a sliding dropkick to knock Gigi off the apron! Tolson is already up and ready to go but Aiden escapes a back suplex and hits a backstabber, stunning Tolson! A head-and-arm suplex follows and Aiden folds up Tolson!


Nova lays into Aiden, hitting a reverse DDT but falling victim to an off-balance Cosmo sailing in with a crossbody from the top! The two non-legal participants are rolling around having a scuffle as Aiden and Sam try to get to their feet. Aiden is up first and a couple European uppercuts land, sending Tolson to the corner! He winds up for a running version but a drop toe hold has him eating turnbuckle! Sam takes advantage and seats him on the top rope, going up and setting herself for a super German! Aiden, though, flips out of it! Sam comes down a bit hard and Aiden moves to take advantage, hitting a lifting double-underhook facebuster! With Sam down and both Cosmo and Gigi outside the ring, Aiden starts looking for the Cracked Gem when two figures come over the barricade and lay out both Nova and Cosmo!

Jacob Frankel: Now what the hell’s going on there?!

Bernadette Olson: The Daughters of Darkness! What do they think they’re doing?!

Butch is unaware of the infraction on the outside, but there’s no missing the blatant assault on Aiden! Coming in from behind him while he’s locked on to Sam, Lana and Jamie lay him out and put the boots to him, prompting Butch to immediately call for the bell!


But that doesn’t stop them from their assault! And when Sam spots the interaction, she moves to attack before the numbers catch up to her! But thanks to not double-tapping, Jamie is soon set upon by a flying Cosmo and a chair-wielding Gigi lunges for Lana! A few stiff whacks have the Daughters scrambling, backed up by Ashe, but the damage is seemingly done, with the fans booing the hell out of them!

Bernadette Olson: Damn those two wenches!

Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of the match… THE CALINAUTS! But as a result of disqualification, STILL the Global Tag Team Champions… SAMANTHA TOLSON AND GIGI NOVA!

Bernadette Olson: A fun match ruined by two glory-grabbing witches! Honestly!

Jacob Frankel: I’m not surprised in the least, Bernadette! Don’t think either the Calinauts or the champions will forget it, though!

Bernadette Olson: I sure as hell hope not!

Champions and challengers, battered and worn, turn to one another and, as the match started so it ends. They shake hands and the challengers give the champions the ring despite being the victors.

Spirit Montego: The following match is set for one fall and it is for the Hybrid rEvolution Vanguard Championship!


The lights in the arena shine all around the arena, shining all colors of the rainbow as “Quick” Sandra Moore runs out onto the stage, a huge smile on her face as she waves to the crowd. She stands at the top of the ramp, bouncing on her heels, her smile quickly dropping into a determined smirk.

With a hop in her step, Sandra takes off down the ramp with a confident stride. She makes sure to reach out and interact with everyone at ringside, taking special attention to the kids reaching out to her. She greets every fan with a huge smile and excited energy as she passes by, making sure everyone gets recognition.


After meeting with everyone she can, Moore stands at ringside in front of the ring. She takes a deep breath and a running start, sliding in under the bottom rope before rolling onto her back and kipping up and letting out a roar of excitement. She jumps up onto the second turnbuckle and waves into the crowd again along with a huge smile.

After hopping down, Sandy takes to her corner and removes her tiara, handing it down to an aide at ringside before straightening up and resuming her last-minute warm ups before her match begins.

Spirit Montego: Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California and weighing in at 100 pounds… “Quick” SANDRA MOORE!

Bernadette Olson: This young lady has made quite the impression in a very short amount of time.

Jacob Frankel: Yes she has and now she has the chance to make an even bigger one against the Vanguard Champion!

Bernadette Olson: This will be quite the test.

Jacob Frankel: We’re gonna see what everybody is made of tonight!

The bridge of "Physical" by Dua Lipa hits the PA system and Cordelia Clark steps through the curtains, instantly drawing some strong cheers from the crowd. She starts to walk down the ramp, obviously confident in her abilities. She has a smile on her face as she gets to the ring, obviously enjoying whatever reaction she's getting from the fans. When she enters the ring, she finally acknowledges the fans with a further smile and a blown kiss, which only serves to incite them to cheer her louder. Cordelia starts to focus on her match and the song fades.

Spirit Montego: And her opponent, from Brooklyn, New York and weighing in at 125 pounds, she is the current, reigning and defending Hybrid rEvolution Vanguard Champion… CORDELIA CLARK!

Bernadette Olson: The champion is here!

Jacob Frankel: And she’s gonna be tested tonight herself!

Bernadette Olson: Every defense is a test but this one’s gonna be especially interesting.

Jacob Frankel: The speed factor is gonna be insane!


Cordelia and Sandra lock-up in a traditional collar and elbow tie-up. Cordelia starts to overpower Sandra and the smaller woman jumps up into an attempt at a sunset flip. Cordelia grabs the ropes and holds on to block the flip. Sandra slides through and then runs across the ring. She rebounds back and Cordelia catches her not far from the ropes with a wicked discus lariat that almost takes Sandra out of her boots. Cordelia leans down for the cover. Sandra grabs her for an inside cradle.


Sandra rolls away and jumps up onto the middle rope for a springboard moonsault. Cordelia barely stands up before Sandra crashes onto her. Cordelia tries to catch her but Sandra slides down into a reverse DDT. Sandra hooks the leg.


Sandra gets up and runs to the corner. As she quickly scales the turnbuckles. Cordelia gets to her feet. Sandra jumps off for a whis[er in the wind and Cordelia walks out of the way. Sandra crashes to the mat and writhes in pain from the impact. Cordelia runs over to her and rolls her over into a cradle.


Bernadette Olson: They are going for the gusto tonight!

Jacob Frankel: Sandra needs to in order to prove she can be champion. Cordelia needs to in order to prove she’s no joke!

Bernadette Olson: I think they’re both doing a helluva job of proving exactly that on both counts.

Jacob Frankel: That they are, that they are.

Corelia looks to take a rear chinlock but Sandra gst her feet underneath to establish her vertical base. She stands up, Cordelia going with it and maintaining a grip. Cordelia runs to the ropes and comes off for a springboard bulldog. Sandra hits hard and Cordelia rolls her over for a cover.


The two competitors both start to get up, Cordelia going way faster and way more energetically than Sandra. Cordelia grabs Sandra by the hair and Sandra executes a standing switch into an O’Connor roll.


Sandra is propelled forward and runs across the ring. She rebounds off the far ropes and comes back for a spinning heel kick that flattens Cordelia. Sandra gets up and goes to the top for Going Under. She lands it perfectly and covers.


Bernadette Olson: The challenger was so close right there!

Jacob Frankel: Yeah, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Bernadette Olson: If that had been either of those, Cordelia wouldn’t be getting up right now.

Jacob Frankel: No she would not be and we would have a new champion!

Sandra gets up and runs to the corner again. She jumps into a springboard triple jump moonsault. Cordelia staggers up and gets caught with the move that smashes her right back down to the mat. Sandra goes up top and tries for Clock Strikes Midnight. Cordelia moves and Sandra crashes to the mat. Cordelia gets up and hits a sitout facebuster. She covers.


The two slowly stagger up. The crowd cheers them on as they step as if they’re stuck in mud. Cordelia hits a right hand on Sandra. Sandra recoils and then fires back. The two start trading, Cordelia, Sandra, Cordelia, Sandra. Cordelia falls back against the ropes and jumps up into the Slayer Driver. Sandra hits hard and Cordelia covers.


Spirit Montego: Here is your winner… and STILL Vanguard Champion... CORDELIA CLARK!

Bernadette Olson: Cordelia got her after what felt like a fight for the ages!

Jacob Frankel: They brought it tonight as if their lives depended on it.

Bernadette Olson: There’s an argument that it did.

Spirit Montego: Up next is the Final Punishment Match! In this match, the participants will be connected via a chain and collars, each wielding a leather strap! The only ways to win are pinfall, submission or knockout!

Bernadette Olson: A match Katie Simmons got to pick after her cheap win over Alexis Lemon on Vanguard!

Clips of the aforementioned are shown, with Damian doing his part to assist in his wife’s inaugural victory. Clearly, neither commentator thinks much of this. Especially Jacob.

Jacob Frankel: If you’re gonna pick a fight, be prepared to fight on your own! Winning didn’t prove anything for Katie other than she’s an opportunist!

Bernadette Olson: And, of course, with no disqualification, this doesn’t look good at all for Alexis.

Jacob Frankel: I’ll take heat for it, but y’know what? It’ll make me happy just to see her get lit up with that strap if she butts in like we know she will!

There’s a pause, then the loud guitars and drums of KISS' "Freak" fill the arena as the lights begin to flash yellow and purple


The music plays for a few moments until Alexis Lemon appears from the curtain, walking out onto the stage with a confidant smile plastered on her face. She looks at all the fans cheering for her for a few moments before beginning her stride to the ring.

Spirit Montego: Introducing first, from Avatar Country and weighing in at 125 pounds… the Rascal Witch… ALEXIS LEMON!

On her way down the ramp, Lexi makes an effort to interact with as many fans at ringside as possible, whether it be high fives or taking pictures, going all around the ring before climbing onto the apron.


Once on the apron, Lexi wipes her feet before climbing through the ropes, stomping to the middle of the ring and throwing up the devil's horns and smirking while looking down the camera in front of her.

After standing like this for a couple seconds, Lemon takes to her corner, tossing her hat down to ringside, shedding her jacket and doing the same with it. She then turns her attention to the ring as she prepares for her match.

Jacob Frankel: She’s either crazy or fearless. Probably both. That’s the only way you’d willingly catch me in the ring with the behemoth that’s coming.

Bernadette Olson: She’s also gutsy and tough. She might just find a way. But damn what a mountain to have to climb…

Spirit Montego: And introducing her opponent!

The lights in the arena go out as the piecing alarms of the song blare. The spotlights at the top of the ramp glow red as the music slowly begins to kick in. The lights illuminate the silhouette of a woman.


Suddenly a much larger figure steps into the light, becoming illuminated from behind as well.


The heavy music kicks in as the arena lights come up again, The pair of Katie and Damian Simmons are revealed. Katie wears a devious smirk as she stares into the camera while her husband, towering over her, glares directly at the ring.

Spirit Montego: Accompanied to the ring by Katie Simmons… from Sin City, standing 7’2” and weighing in at 292 pounds… he is the Colossus… DAMIAN SIMMONS!


The couple begin walking toward the ring. Damian remains focused on the ring while his wife hangs by the sides of the ramp, taunting the fans as she passes by. Fans shout things at the pair but neither seem affected by it. Damian remains transfixed on his goal and Katie just giggles and waves.

Finally they make it to ringside. Katie walks around the side while Damian climbs up onto the ring apron and easily steps over the top rope. Katie lays on her side, taunting the fans some more while giving them a show. After a few seconds she crawls in backward on her hands and knees, meeting up with her husband in the middle of the ring where he is standing, towering over her.


Katie winks into the camera before hopping to her feet. She circles around Damian and removes his vest for him while he continues to stare deep into viewer. Finally, Damian takes to his corner and focuses on the upcoming match as his wife exits the ring. Simmons is seething in his corner, itching to start the fight.

Bernadette Olson: Everything about him is scary as hell for everyone NOT named Katie Simmons.

Jacob Frankel: You know those people with big, slavering, raging Rottweilers who tell you “oh, he won’t bite!” when you recoil? That’s what this reminds me of.

Bernadette Olson: Way too apt, Jacob.

Jacob Frankel: If he humped your leg, he’d tear it in two-

Bernadette Olson: Jesus Christ, kid!

Jacob Frankel: ...yeah, that one got away from me! Sorry!

Once the music fades, referee Zach Young, backed up by security, goes about attaching the collar to Alexis. The other one, however, is left to Katie for obvious reasons. The chain, a twenty-foot length, is already attached. As this goes on, each one is handed a wide leather strap. Alexis snaps hers between her hands with a twisted smile while Damian stares at his before turning a glare on Alexis. Once the task is done, security leaves the ring and Zach calls for the bell…


…and Alexis launches herself like a coiled spring, lacing into Damian with her strap, starting at the midsection but then just lashing away without regard for where she strikes so long as she makes an impact. Katie is screeching in fury as Damian is slowly backed into the ropes, but the shots seem to be pissing him off more than hurting him! By the time he comes out of it, it is with a roar as he shoves Alexis backwards. She stays upright and charges again, but a big boot puts her on her back, with several stomps keeping her there. Katie’s tone changes entirely while Damian, not caring a whit about his own weapon, palms the face of Alexis to pick her up off the mat before chucking her into the turnbuckles! His charge meets boot, though, and Alexis comes off the second rope, clotheslining Damian with the strap!

But the big man doesn’t go down!

As stunned as the rest, Alexis lays in more strap shots before jumping and wrapping that leather around Damian’s neck! Pulling him to the corner, having to boot him low to make him more amiable to the idea, she backs up onto the top turnbuckle and comes off with a strap-assisted blockbuster, bringing the monster down hard! She pounces atop him for a pin!


Bernadette Olson: I… honestly saw that coming!

Jacob Frankel: His power is unreal!

Perhaps Alexis did too, for there’s no pause in her when she takes up the strap again and starts laying into Damian once again! But like HYBRID’s answer to Doomsday, the shots don’t seem to have an effect! His hand shoots up as Alexis goes for a leather-wrapped fist drop, catching her around the throat! Coming to his feet, he hoists her up for a chokeslam, but that leather-enhanced fist blasts his brow a few times and she’s dropped! A dropkick to the knee staggers him, but her next charge meets a hard shoulder, sending her down. Deciding that he’s finally ready to return the earlier punishment, Damian brings his strap to bear. He kicks Alexis over onto her stomach and puts his boot on the back of her head before lining up her back with harsh marks thanks to the slashing blows from his own strap. It’s a small wonder that the woman’s not bleeding by the time he’s done, ending with a stomp to the head before unceremoniously turning her back over and cockily pinning her with a boot on her chest!


It’s Damian’s turn for surprise now as Alexis still has plenty of vigor! She ducks under a wild swing and tries to tackle Damian into the ropes, but clubbing shots to the back drop her to her knees. She’s hung up on the second rope, giving Katie time to talk smack, but Alexis snatches her by the hair, leading to a shriek that only ends when a running knee from Damian makes Alexis let go! Shoved against the ropes after being stood up, Damian delivers a straight headbutt, but Alexis laughs in his face! His hackles most definitely raised, Damian takes a running start and looks to boot Alexis right out of the ring-

Bernadette Olson: A slick move from Alexis! The big man’s hung up!

Jacob Frankel: But for how long? And what’s she gonna-

She’s gonna lay into his chest with that strap while doing her utmost to brace him over the top rope by that chain holding them together! She gets in several good shots, laying it in harder every time Katie yells for her to stop, till she simply can’t hold the 300-pounder in place anymore. Alexis is pleased with herself, as she should be, but Damian is apoplectic! Grabbing the chain, he yanks Alexis over the top rope with it and slams her into the steps! A strap shot smacks only steel as she scurries between Damian’s legs. It takes a few moments for him to realize what happened, and the same goes for a now-pleading Katie, but Alexis knows EXACTLY what’s what! She tightens her grip on the chain and, after a sidekick to knock down an interfering Katie, she yanks up for all she’s worth!

Jacob Frankel: Agh, no! It hurts!

Bernadette Olson: Seriously?!

Jacob Frankel: When one guy takes it to the crotch, Bernie, we ALL feel it!

And like Lay’s chips, one ain’t enough! Alexis does it a few more times before she’s done, then lays into Damian with the strap again while he’s trying to catch his breath again. Katie, back to her feet, leaps on Alexis’s back, trying to help the Colossus! But, to the delight of many, Alexis drags her into the ring, shoves her into the ropes and proceeds to take the strap to her backside! Many a hoot and holler from the crowd at this, and some from color commentary as well!

Jacob Frankel: All of a sudden I feel a LOT better!

Bernadette Olson: I’d have your head if I didn’t already feel that that little wench deserved it! So give her hell, Alexis!

And boy does she! Damian, however, recovers and re-enters the ring! Alexis sees him just in time, giving Katie a chance to scurry away with a hand to her rump! Strap shots mean less than nothing to Damian, who grabs Alexis around the neck with both hands, shoving her hard into the turnbuckles! A running splash immediately follows, knocking the wind out of her. Damian gets up on the top rope, taking a seat and wrapping the chain around Lemon’s neck! He physically lifts her off the mat, holding her up as the combination of chain and collar slowly cuts off her air supply! It’s hard to watch, but even harder to experience. Alexis has several moments of being unable to do more than sway and flail… but she finally gets a foot hooked over the top rope! A moment to brace herself and she springs off the top strand, hitting a hurricanrana that brings Damian down hard! The impact has him hurting, and her own lack of oxygen for that long leaves her slow to respond as well! Referee Zach Young checks them, then starts making the count!


Jacob Frankel: What a move! But if both of them get counted out…

Bernadette Olson: Then this was for nothing. So one of them needs to get off their ass!

Damian is the first to stir, perhaps unsurprisingly given his stamina and the yelling of his wife. Alexis, however, isn’t far behind.


Damian has had enough. The moment he’s vertical, he’s looking for the Skyfall! Alexis comes alive as she’s going up, snatching hold of the chain. Metal-assisted punches let her break Damian’s grip, and bust him open, before he can send her to the mat with fury! Dropped, she lands unsteadily on her feet and tries to keep up the onslaught, looking like a cuter Little Mac as she sends flying punches to the chest, chin and jaw of Damian, not aiming so much as just trying to hit something! Damian swats her away after a fashion, but Alexis takes a different approach, whipping him with the chain instead of the strap!

Bernadette Olson: That’s gotta hurt even Damian! She’d better not stop!

She has no intention of it! But Damian is still worked up from the attack on Katie, and he powers through the chain shots like the Juggernaut he is, spearing the 125-pound Alexis like a linebacker through a mannequin! The impact sends Alexis’s head snapping back and Damian immediately goes for a cover!


Jacob Frankel: WOW! How did she kick out of that?!

The whole world wants to know. Damian doesn’t care. Connecting with the Bad Beat, Damian mounts Alexis and, taking a cue from her, he chains up his fist and starts firing off hard rights to the head! It only takes moments for Alexis to begin bleeding herself and the referee can do nothing about it! Alexis goes to her only recourse, which is another shot to the nethers-

Jacob Frankel: Criminy, not again!

-but she has to hit it twice just due to Damian’s sheer rage! And even then, he still winds up for another right hand, but Alexis is out of the way and his metal fist hits canvas instead! The impact seems to hurt the big man more than expected and Alexis, quickly wrapping her boot in chain, starts kicking the shit out of that hand and arm! Katie is pounding on the mat, trying to will Damian back into it as he swats Lemon away with a left-handed hit! Knocked into the ropes, Alexis comes back with a chain-enhanced Heartburn to the kneeling Damian! She goes for the pin!


Alexis shoves the big man into the buckles, hitting a second Heartburn from short range to knock him into a seated position! From there, it’s Funeral Derangements and another pin attempt!


Bernadette Olson: The bastard is inhuman!

Alexis is feeling the same way, but refuses to give up! Wiping sweat and blood out of her face, she pulls on the chain after loosing it from her leg, pulling Damian forward to set up the Gloomy Sunday! But a back body drop counters it, leaving her on her back mid-ring. Damian is clearly groggy now, but he’s shaking it off! Alexis is back up on her feet perhaps quicker than expected, but she’s grabbed for Hellfire! Damian hoists her up and spikes her into the mat with authority… and would have gone for the pin if Katie didn’t demand another helping, shoving a chair into the ring to give a better landing pad! Damian, smiling in a twisted way, hoists Alexis up a second time-

Jacob Frankel: This is gonna be it!

Bernadette Olson: For the match and maybe Lemon’s HYBRID career!

-BUT ALEXIS LASHES OUT AND KICKS DAMIAN RIGHT IN THE NOSE! The shot leaves the monster reeling and he slackens his grip! Alexis drops down and boots Damian in the gut with a hard kick, then spikes him onto that same chair with the Lemondrop!

Jacob Frankel: What a counter! Get him, Alexis!


Alexis and the rest of the world want to know!

Bernadette Olson: In-fucking-human! No other way!

Jacob Frankel: Christ, what more can she do?!

In the midst of a near-coronary on Katie’s part, Alexis gets a twisted look of her own. Damian, semi-conscious and bleeding hard on the chair, is starting to push himself up and Alexis gets on the big man’s back with strap and chain in hand, wrapping both around the big man’s neck and wrenching back with everything she’s got left! Damian gets to his feet even with the woman on his back and the lack of air, trying to throw her off… but even backing her into the buckles doesn’t work! She pushes away from them and comes down mid-ring, now beneath Damian, still latched on like a rabid koala! Damian, eyes rolling back, starts fading despite Katie’s exhortations! The referee raises the arm once, twice… thrice! And it’s over!


Spirit Montego: The winner of the match via knockout… ALEXIS LEMON!

Katie is in awe on the outside as Alexis, almost entirely spent, unravels herself from both her opponent and the collar, rolling right out of the ring in the process. Zach Young goes to raise her arm but ends up just having to help her to her feet as the trainers come out.

Bernadette Olson: What a war!

Jacob Frankel: There’s your lesson to the locker room: don’t ever underestimate Alexis Lemon!

Bernadette Olson: And don’t think you can stand up to Damian Simmons without guts under guts!

Jacob Frankel: She beat him, but it took everything she had and then some… and he won’t forget it! He’ll be even more dangerous now!

Alexis acknowledges the cheers while Katie, in the ring now, is demanding assistance for her Colossus, with several trainers coming down as fast as they can!

“Predator” by Primal Fear hits and Stephanie Kenyon comes marching through the curtain. She throws up the metal horns and then marches to the ring, ready to go and enjoying every second of it.

Bernadette Olson: Tonight is a night that I’m sure Steph will never forget.

Jacob Frankel: You’re exactly right Bernadette, she’s getting the opportunity to compete for the greatest championship in this industry tonight, a chance of a lifetime.

As Stephanie marches around the ring, the fans popping as she throws up her metal horns, the cheers immediately cease to exist as the lights completely turn to darkness. A solo gold light shining directly onto the center of the stage in front of the gorilla curtain. A simple shot of white and gold exploding pyro as “Mud to Gold” by Upchurch hits the PA system. The crowd immediately turning its course of cheering Stephanie and booing the current Global Heavyweight Champion. It doesn’t take long for our champion to appear under the gold light, the title in hand as he embraces the chorus of boos from the crowd. Sporting new gear, the black has been turned in for pure white, the designs down his legs of his long trunks even in white which the lights reflect off of. Each step he takes, his eyes stay fixed on the challenger in the ring. Mouthing off to her in inaudible tones as the boo’s are louder and louder as he gets to the ring.

As he steps on the apron the lights have fully come back on, the music still playing as he steps between the ropes. His hand holding the title as he slaps it on the mat at the feet of Steph who does not back down. Causing Senior Official Butch Grant to step between the two. A cocky grin on the champions face as he lifts the title back up before sauntering over to the far corner.

Spirit Montego: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time for our MAIN EVENT! This match is set for-

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Spirit Montego: -and it is for the HYBRID Global Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, by way of Asheville, North Carolina, weighing in at 150 pounds… the Wildcat… STEPHANIE KENYON!

The crowd pops once again as Steph stays glued on her target for the night. Adopting the wildcat like mentality, she’s bouncing in the corner and just anticipating the match to begin.

Spirit Montego: And now, from Grand Rapids Michigan, weighing in at 255 pounds, he is the reigning AND defending Global Heavyweight Champion… The Epitome of Perfection… DUKE ANDREWS!

The crowd again booing our champion as he holds the title up in the air with his right fist. Dangling the leather and gold out towards the center of the ring as Butch Grant takes the title and folds the straps to the center, holding it high in the air before walking over and handing it to Spirit Montego as the bell sounds.


Bernadette Olson: A match we have been waiting for, hell for weeks, Jacob. Someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to the bully and take a shot at something most could only dream about.

Jacob Frankel: I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I’m torn tonight. My head is saying that there’s no way that Duke walks out of here without the title, but my heart just hopes that the underdog can pull this off.

Steph wasted little time in going on the attack. Charging out of her corner like a caged bull and the shoot opened. She quickly jumped across the ring and attempted a collar and neck tie up, only to get shoved back to her starting point by the champion. Again she charged the center of the ring and attempted to try her luck at a feat of strength. The champion humored her attempt as the arms became outstretched, and as the champion began to toy with his prey, Steph rolled into a hip check and a quick bulldog to take Duke to the mat. She wrestled the veteran to the mat and had him in a headlock, but that just made Duke quickly reverse into a leg scissor. Stephanie quickly slipped out and kipped up to her feet much to the applause of the crowd.

Bernadette Olson: Stephanie Kenyon has done a great job in the opening couple of minutes to take her study of the champion and this sport. She’s keeping herself safe and yet a couple of quick moves that I don’t think Duke expected.

Jacob Frankel: You're spot-on Bernadette. Duke looks a little razzled in the opening moments.

Duke rolled out of the ring, not in a display of arrogance, but instead just clapped in the direction of the ring. Running his hand through his beard before hopping back onto the apron, only to catch a modified version of a splash as she bounced off the ropes and turned as she launched at Duke. Knocking him not just off of the apron, but into the barrier. Her momentum carried her back across the ring and back as she launched through the ropes with a tope suicida that launched Duke back into the barrier again. She fired right back up to her feet as she let out a scream of passion to the cheers of the crowd.

Bernadette Olson: Don’t waste time, baby!

Jacob Frankel: She has to realize that she needs the champion back in the ring in order to have any shot at taking the title from him.

In that moment it clicked and she grabbed Duke by the head and trunks and lifted him and rolled him back to the ring. Sliding in as she attempted a quick pin, only for Duke to counter with a schoolboy.


Steph rolled out as Duke could do nothing more than flash a smirk in her direction as he pointed to his head, reminding her that he was smarter in the ring. This fired Stephanie up as she quickly got to her feet and attacked again. A quick strike with a knee to the chest that knocked Duke backwards. She jumped back to her feet and hit the ropes and connected with a baseball slide-esque drop kick to the face of Andrews before making a quick cover.


Butch stopped the count as Duke laid his hand on the bottom rope.

Bernadette Olson: She will never out-wrestle him on the mat.

Jacob Frankel: Again, you’re spot-on. She needs to attack with quick strikes. Stay on the attack, Steph!

Frustration hit for a moment as she looked at the referee and slapped her hands together three times. Obviously upset that Duke knew where the ropes were. She hopped up on her feet and again, worked the champion over. She pulled his head up, before using a lot of energy to lift his body up. He was wise to make himself nothing but deadweight. She then hooked her arm around his head and swung her legs up, before dropping back and hitting The Dreaming. She popped back up to her feet as Duke was face down on the mat. She once again motioned for the crowd as she moved back towards the corner. The champion was beginning to push to his feet, slowly but surely before he got back up. The crowd once again cheering as they thought this was it. Steph went for the Kiss Off, but as she launched the superkick, Duke caught her leg. He hooked her thigh and twisted and hit a modified dragon leg takedown.

Bernadette Olson: I don’t like the looks of this!

Jacob Frankel: Damnit!

It was a quick and painful takedown for Steph as Duke immediately seized control of the match. It wasn’t going to end quickly as he popped back up to his feet. Grabbing at her foot as he pulled her body towards the middle of the ring. She tried to get to her feet, but Duke was quick to strike. A running sliding elbow as Steph began pushing up to her feet, knocked her back down in the middle of the ring. As she attempted to get up, her leg was tender. Duke again got up to his feet and launched off of the ropes to hit a sliding drop kick to the upper back of the challenger. Duke raised his hand in the air as he flipped the crowd off, egging on more boos.

Jacob Frankel: You don’t always have to be the asshole, asshole!

Duke taunted the crowd, as if he didn’t care about the match at hand. He walked around shouting obscenities to the crowd as the challenger was slowly stirring in the middle of the ring. She shook her head slowly, working the cobwebs out as Duke saw her. He turned the hand gesture around. First the middle finger, second, the gun.

He hit the ropes again, bouncing off the ropes at full speed to connect with the KillShot! His knee connected with the back of Stephanie’s skull and knocked her back flat to the mat. As he kipped back to his feet, he wasted little time to grab Stephanie by her long hair. Pulling up as he hoisted her on his shoulders.

Bernadette Olson: I fear the worst right now.

Jacob Frankel: There's a put in my stomach. This isn’t what any of us wanted.

A simple turn as he adjusted the challenger, dropping Stephanie once again on the back of her head in the center of the ring with The Andrews Effect. Rolling her over and lazily covering her.


The crowd gasped only to realize that it was Duke that lifted her head and shoulders off the mat. He pushed his palm against her face and pushed her head back down against the mat as he jumped to his feet and made his way to the corner and quickly hopped to the top rope. He looked down at Stephanie Kenyon as he stood on the top rope, and launched his body across the ring. Hitting a Swanton Bomb perfectly across the body of the challenger before hooking a leg.


Duke leaned forward, one arm over his ribs and the other in the air.


Spirit Montego: Here is your winner and STILL the HYBRID Global Heavyweight Champion… DUKE ANDREWS!

Duke stood on his feet as “Mud to Gold” once again played throughout the PA System. Taking the title from Butch as he celebrated in the ring, standing over the body of Stephanie Kenyon.

Bernadette Olson: I absolutely hate it for this girl. She had the chance to compete and compete she did! She can learn a lot from this opportunity, moving forward.

Jacob Frankel: It wouldn’t be as bad, but he feels the need to just stand over her and celebrate, that’s nothing more than rubbing salt in the wound.

Before the introductions begin for the final match of the night, the fans are treated to a most interesting experience:

The ring, stable and stationary all night long, suddenly starts… shifting toward the direction of the stage! The murmurs of wonder abound, but the best is yet to come! The floor opens up and, through that opening, an identical ring rises through immediately adjacent to the original… except it just keeps going up! Several feet above the first ring, to be exact, which has further curiosity percolating about the Atlanta fans! Once it stops, right at the level of the top turnbuckle of the first ring on its platform, a pair of cages come down, one for each ring, secured in place swiftly by skilled techs who came down attached to the damn cages themselves! They finish up in a hurry and remove themselves from the area!

Bernadette Olson: This is definitely new to me, Jacob, and I’ve been covering this business a LONG damn time! Two rings isn’t new, but an elevated ring?

Jacob Frankel: And with what these people are capable of? Don’t think they won’t get wild with what they try to pull off… especially with cages!

Bernadette Olson: I don’t think they’ll take it TOO far. They’re crazy, not stupid.

Jacob Frankel: What’s the difference?

Bernadette Olson: The insurance premiums.

The fans barely have time to get acclimated to the changes when Spirit Montego stands up, ready to make the announcements!

Spirit Montego: The following contest is the main event of the evening and it is the Face The Heat match! Two teams of five will start with one person in the ring, all clothes inside the shark cages by the entranceway. After the first period, a new competitor will enter. The teams will then alternate members until all ten entrants have made it inside the big cage. Only then may a team gain a fall to win the match. Falls can be either pinfall or submission.

A sound like a didgeridoo starts up and signals the beginning of Slipknot’s “All Out Life” kicks in. Halo, Rain, Chi Chi Sanada, Jane Harper and Brittany Williams walk wearing matching t-shirts that read “Gutter Ballet” on the front with “We Are Not Your Kind!” across the back. The song rages on until the chants of “We Are not Your Kind!” starts up and the crowd follows along as Gutter Ballet pump their fists and cry out in unison.


Rain, Halo and Jane step into the left shark cage. Chi Chi grabs Brittany points at the cage and the rings and sends her down the aisle to the cage. Chi Chi steps into the shark cage next to her stablemates while Brittany makes her way to the ring, ready to go and ready to prove herself.

Spirit Montego: Introducing team number one, Halo, Rain, Jane Harper, Chiaki Sanada and Brittany Williams… GUTTER BALLET!

Bernadette Olson: This team is ready to fight.

Jacob Frankel: And we can see that Brittany is gonna start.

Bernadette Olson: Chi Chi all but ordered her to.

Jacob Frankel: Brittany didn’t exact;y look like she was objecting.

An unsettling aura begins to descend over the arena, as the lights go out and the opening moments of I Prevail’s “Bow Down” begins to play. Eventually the build up is cut into by the shrieking vocals of Eric Vanlerberghe:


Suddenly, the lights cut and a funky bassline starts up. Faith No More’s “We Care A Lot” bring the lights to life as the Queens of Chaos, Jessi Ozborne, Super Tiger, Mikaela Callaway and Jessie Robinson make their way out.

Bernadette Olson: They’re still one short.

Jacob Frankel: I thought the Honorary Queen was gonna take the spot?

Bernadette Olson: Well, there’s only four here right now I guess we’ll have to wait and see IF they have a fifth.

Jacob Frankel: If they don’t, that could be disastrous against Gutter Ballet!

Jessi Ozborne nods to her teammates as they step into the shark cage on the right. She turns and marches to the big cage, ready to start the festivities with Brittany.

Spirit Montego: And their opponents, Jessi Ozborne, Jessie Robinson, Super Tiger and Mikaela Callaway… THe QUEENS OF CHAOS!

Bernadette Olson: There;s only four Queens!

Jacob Frankel: Who’s the fifth?

Bernadette Olson: Is there a fifth?

Jacob Frankel: I… don’t know…


Brittany runs away to the edge of where the two rings come together like a demented layer cake. Jessi Ozborne watches, glaring as Brittany tries to scramble away from her up to the second ring. Jessi comes running across the ring and tries to stop her, grabbing at Brittany’s left leg. Brittany kicks down, trying to shake her loose. Jessi eats one to the face and loses her grip. Brittany pulls herself up to the second ring. Jessi looks up as Brittany starts talking down at her. Jessi starts climbing up after her. Brittany backs up away from the edge as Jessi climbs up and starts to come up into the second ring. Brittany gets a running start and jumps over the edge. Jessi watches in disbelief as Brittany flies by her. Brittany glides through the air and lands in a roll on the mat of the first ring, the crowd momentarily silenced by the grace shown. Jessi glares down, now even more visibly upset than she already was.

Bernadette Olson: I’d call this a pathetic display of cowardice if it wasn’t also kind of a genius strategy on Brittany’s part.

Jacob Frankel: Do what now?

Bernadette Olson: She’s staying away from the obviously antagonized opponent… and annoying her even more as she goes. And she knows if she puts this in the deep freeze long enough, they’ll get a two on one advantage because of her wife’s victory over Jessi on the last Vanguard show. Diabolically delicious!

Jacob Frankel: I… can’t believe she’s gonna get away with this…

Brittany looks up at Jessi and smirks cruelly. Breathing heavily, Jessi points and then jumps at Brittany. Brittany rolls away from where Jessi is about to land and pops up near the second ring again. As Brittany starts scrambling up again, Jessi charges her. Jessi grabs ahold of Brittany as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: We know this is a Gutter Ballet member, who’s coming to save B-Brat’s ass from the Jessi asskicking she richly deserves?

Jacob Frankel: Any of them would likely do that given it’ll be two on one.

Bernadette Olson: Who's it gonna be?

Jacob Frankel: The door’s opening… it’s… it’s…

The Gutter Ballet shark cage door opens and Jane “The Hammer” Harper comes roaring out. She rushes down to the cage door and climbs up to Face The Heat. Jessi releases her grip on Brittany and turns to face Jane as she comes in. Jessi charges and jumps into a Thesz press. She starts pounding away on the Philadelphia street urchin, looking for any bit of damage she can do before the numbers catch up with her. Brittany drops down and runs over, hitting a running knee strike to the back of Jessi, knocking her off of Jane on impact. Jane gets up and grabs Jessi. The larger woman runs Jessi face first into the cage wall. Jessi snaps back and Brittany hits a backstabber as Jessi recoils off the steel. Jane drops an elbow. Brittany moves in and she and Jane start putting the boots to Jessi. Jane pushes Brittany back a little and drags Jessi up by the hair. Jane scoops Jessi up and launches her like a javelin. Jesi crashes face first into the cage wall like a human lawn dart. She crashes down, landing across the ropes against the steel.

Bernadette Olson: The bloodletting starts as Jessi Ozborne is busted wide open!

Jacob Frankel: It’s two on one, no one should be surprised that Jessi’s getting it bad.

Bernadette Olson: I mean, she’s a street-tough in many ways herself!

Jacob Frankel: Not the way most of Gutter Ballet are.

Brittany runs over and hits another nasty running knee strike the small of Jessi’s back, smashing her against the steel again. Jane follows in with a heavy lariat as Jessi starts to bounce up more vertical. Her head bounces off the steel again. Jessi slumps to the mat, a bloody mess as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: Here comes some help for Jessi!

Jacob Frankel: Or more chum for the sharks already out there for Gutter Ballet!

Bernadette Olson: Who will it be?

Jacob Frankel: They better hope whoever it is does better than just running into a two on one!

The Queens of Chaos shark cage door opens and Super Tiger races into the aisle, hurrying to the big cage door. Brittany comes over to meet her by the door and Super Tiger hits a shotgun dropkick to the door that slams it into Brittany;s face. Brittany snaps back and falls into Jane, knocking her to knee in the process. Super Tiger runs into the cage and hits another shotgun dropkick to the back of Jane knocking her face first onto the mat. Super Tiger runs over to the edge of the second ring and climbs up the elevated area, pulling herself over the edge onto the second mat. She gets up, runs back and then turns, running for a tope con hilo off the second ring into the first and crashing herself down into both Jane and Brittany. They both go down hard as Super Tiger jumps up to her feet, the crowd losing its collective mind.


Super Tiger goes over to the edge of the second ring again and starts climbing up. She pulls herself onto her perch above all again and nods to herself as Brttany and Jane both start to get up. Super Tiger steps back and runs for a shooting star press off the second ring. She lummets down and crashes onto Brittany, knocking her down hard again.


Bernadette Olson: Super Tiger is living up to her name as a superhero tonight!

Jacob Frankel: The Queens desperately needed this!

Bernadette Olson: She might have flipped the advantage all by herself!

Jacob Frankel: If she can keep this up, she may very well have!

Super Tiger gets to her feet and starts trading punches with Jane. They go back and forth for a second before Jessi gets up to her knees behind the larger woman and drills Jane from behind with a low blow. Jane’s eyes go wide as she staggers forward from the hit just as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: Here’ll come the next Gutter Ballet member!

Jacob Frankel: I can’t believe we’re actually gonna have to say they need one too!

Bernadette Olson: Super Tiger flipped the momentum switch!

Jacob Frankel: Now we’ll see how it goes with this one.

The Gutter Ballet shark cage door opens and Chi Chi Sanada blows by everybody. She goes rushing towards the big cage and runs through the door into the ring. She nails Jessi in the face with a knee of her own and then faces off with Super Tiger in the middle of the ring. The two Japanese women glare at each other and start throwing down on each other like each shot is the one that will win life for the other. They trade shots, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi. They both draw blood as they go, continuing to trade the stiffest strikes anyone has ever seen, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi, Tiger, Chi Chi. Brittany comes over and tackles Jessi as she starts to get up. Jane gets up and she and Brittany start putting the boots to Jessi.

Bernadette Olson: The Queens are starting to see the pendulum swing back now.

Jacob Frankel: Chi Chi and Tiggy are beating the dog out of each other. You can even see the blood coming out of Tiggy’s mask!

Bernadette Olson: Meanwhile, Jessi Ozborne is almost leading by being the sacrificial lamb for her team.

Jacob Frankel: I mean, it might work.

Brittany and Jane drag Jessi up and run Jessi into the cage wall again. Chi Chi and Tiger continue to batter each other even as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: Here comes more help for the Queens!

Jacob Frankel: Will it actually help?

Bernadette Olson: Last time, it turned the tide for a while.

Jacob Frankel: So how long will this one last?

The Queens’ shark cage door opens and Mikaela roars out and hustles down to the big cage, and flips a ring skirt up. She pulls a couple of kendo sticks out and heads up the step into the cage. She drops the second kendo stick and swings the first into Jane. The stick strikes her in the face. Jane falls back into the corner and Mikaela turns to blast Brittany in the face. Mikaela nails Jane over the head again and again until Jane collapses to the mat. Brittany grabs the second stick and comes over, crossing ticks with Mikaela as if they are dueling knights. Mikaela ducks a shot and then blasts Brittany in the face. Brittany goes down bleeding from the face next to the now equally bloody Jane. Mikaela cracks Chi Chi in the back. She turns to hit somebody else.

Bernadette Olson: Mikaela wasn’t going into that hornet’s nest without some big-time swatters!

Jacob Frankel: Just wearing out the Gutter Ballet out like they owe ‘em money! Don’t cross a Callaway!

Bernadette Olson: But we’re still waiting to see if the Queens have a fifth!

Jacob Frankel: The eleventh hour is fast approaching!

Chi Chi gets loose from Super Tiger and hits a running knee to the back of Mikaela knocking her down. Mikaela loses her grip on the kendo stick and Chi Chi grabs it. Super Tiger goes and picks up the second one and the two start dueling as well. Super Tiger knocks the one from Chi Chi loose and then blasts the blue-haired japanese woman in the face with it. Chi Chi goes down as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: Damn near everyone in there is bleeding now and we’re about to get another one!

Jacob Frankel: Well, we know it’s Gutter Ballet and an Annis Twin.

Bernadette Olson: Which one?

Jacob Frankel: We’re about to find out!

The Gutter Ballet shark cage door opens and Rain makes her way out and hurries down the entryway. Rain goes up through the door to the big cage. Mikaela gets up to meet her and Rain scoops her up for a big spinebuster. Super Tiger runs in and Rain catches her for a big spinebuster. Jessi gets up and throws a punch, connecting with Rain’s chest. Rain grimaces as Jessi punches her in the chest again. Rain catches the first and pulls Jessi into a ripcord knee strike. Jessi goes down hard onto all fours. Rain rushes past her, rebounds off the ropes and comes back for the Hard Rain running knee. Jessi goes down like she’s been shot. Super Tiger gets up and Rain gets her for a powerbomb.

Bernadette Olson: Rain is running roughshod on the Queens!

Jacob Frankel: She is one of the biggest competitors in this match.

Bernadette Olson: And to think there’s another one waiting in there too!

Jacob Frankel: The Cute Bean is gonna need to be a superhero too!

Rain runs around the ring and hits consecutive lariats on Super Tiger and Mikaela. Jane, Chi Chi and Brittany move in to help start a beatdown on the two. The four members of the Gutter Ballet team put the boots to them as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: We know absolutely who this one is!

Jacob Frankel: Queen Bean to the rescue!

Bernadette Olson: They can hope!

Jacob Frankel: It had better work!

The Queens of Chaos shark cage opens for the last time and Jessie Robinson comes running to the ring. She rushes into the big cage, grabs the kendo tick on her way in and blasts Brittany with it. She moves in and blasts Rain and then Jane. Chi Chi tries to charge her and Jessie catches her coming in, full bore in the face. Rain staggers up and Jessie nails her. Jessie makes the rounds, hitting every Gutter Ballet team member in rapid succession before holding the stick up like excalibur, the crowd cheering her on raucously.

Bernadette Olson: Jessie Robinson is wailing on anything that moves!

Jacob Frankel: I didn’t know she had it in her!

Bernadette Olson: Apparently she does if her team needs her!

Jacob Frankel: Good God Almighty!

Jessie brings the stick back down and goes around Gutter Ballet’s team again before breaking the stick over Brittany’s back. Brittany goes down, crying out in pain as Jessi, Super Tiger and Mikaela make it back to their feet. Rain, Chi Chi and Jane crawl to the ropes and start to pull themselves up as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: Here comes the last competitor we know for sure is here!

Jacob Frankel: Do we even know if the Queens HAVE a fifth?

Bernadette Olson: No, we do not.

Jacob Frankel: So Halo could be it…

The Gutter Ballet shark cage door opens for the last time tonight and Halo comes roaring out. She looks into the cage and sees the seven bloody faces and the one Cute Bean looking at each other. The other eight start fighting as Halo makes her way into the big cage. Jessie is spun around by Rain and Halo hits her with Black 13. The Twins pull Jessie up and run her face first into the cage. Jessie hits hard and bounces back as Chi Chi and Super Tiger fight their way back to the second ring. They both climb up and get over the edge into the elevated second ring. The two get up and start fighting all over again, trading stiff shots as the crowd cheers them on wildly. Brittany and Jessi trade shots. Mikaela and Jane trade shots. The Twins pull Jessi up and ram her into the wall.

Bernadette Olson: Now the only one not bleeding is Halo!

Jacob Frankel: How long will that last?

Bernadette Olson: Depends on if there is a fifth Queen.

Jacob Frankel: Yeah, I guess that’s true.

Brittany and Jessi pull themselves up to the elevated ring as well and start trading all over again up there next to the still fighting Chi Chi and Super Tiger. Mikaela knocks Jane down and the Twins come over to get her. They throw Mikaela into the cage wall next to Jessie as the clock begins to count down.


The buzzer sounds for the next entrant.

Bernadette Olson: So…who is it?

Jacob Frankel: Is there anyone?

Bernadette Olson: The Queens better hope so!

Jacob Frankel: They definitely need somebody… anybody!

The crowd watches in anticipation as nothing happens. The fights continue inside the big cage. Suddenly, Ollie the Honorary Queen comes walking out. He stops a few steps in front of the entryway and then points to the curtain with both hands. The opening to “Candy Girl” by New Edition begins to play through the PA system. The crowd murmurs at the strange song. Suddenly, the crowd explodes as Lollie Pop comes running out smiling all around.

Bernadette Olson: She’s pink again!

Jacob Frankel: It’s LOLLIE POP!

Lollie Pop makes her way to the door and makes her way into the cage. She jumps in and this seems to re-energize Mikaela and Jessie. All ten competitors get fighting, pairing off evenly. Lollie Pop grabs the second kendo stick and starts wrapping it in red tape, making it into a giant candy cane. As Mikaela and Jessie pir off with the Twins, Jessi throws Brittany down off the upper level. She jumps off and crashes herself into Jane. Lollie Pop takes her big candy cane stick and smashes it over Brittany’s head. Brittany goes down hard and Lollie Pop covers her.


Bernadette Olson: Lollie Pop did it!

Jacob Frankel: I… I can’t believe she…

Bernadette Olson: Lollie Pop comes back and trunks the tide of a hellacious fight!

Jacob Frankel: That was insane!

Spirit Montego: Here are your winners, THE QUEENS OF CHAOS!

It’s a slick bloody mess. In both rings! The Gutter Ballet is laid out and the Queens, though battered and bloody themselves, still stand tall with their arms in the air! Heatstroke thus comes to a close on that image with the HYBRID rEvolution logo flashing on screen before we fade to black!