Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Aug 23, 2023 21:13:51 GMT -6
Episode #25: Savagery in the South
Live from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 at 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
OPENING SEGMENT
Time to Play
Time to Play
We kick off Vanguard #25 already in the ring. Abigial “Serenity” Lindsay is sitting in the corner as lyrics to her music “Wreck Havoc” is slowly winding down. She has a microphone in her hand. The song reaches its conclusion. Once the music stops, Abigail brings the microphone closer to her lips.
Abigail Lindsay: Spoiler alert... my presence here tonight confirms my career is still kicking.
She pauses. A smirk forms on her face. Some fans cheer while others boos. Not loud boos, but enough to show there is a natural schism within the audience.
Abigail Lindsay: In case you missed it, last night in Japan, I was forced to compete under a career versus career mandate. There was a very real chance my match with Idia wasn’t going to take place as advertised. Your girl overcame all odds. I was about a second away from piledriving Sylvia onto a bed of nails. Who in their right mind brainstorms a scenario like that? Clearly, I’ve never been in my right mind. Done an expert job of keeping that part of myself at bay. Beauty is, I don’t need to anymore.
Abigail giggles as whatever cheers she received prior are drowned out by the increasing disapproval of what she’s implying.
Abigail Lindsay: Last night I felt more alive in a way -- in a wrestling context-- than I had not in MONTHS. 2023 has been a year of me going through the motions. Trying my best to abide by a certain set of rules. Why? To give off this perception I am somewhat noble? A good sportsman? Not like everyone else? Fundamentally I am not like everyone else. My mind works in mysterious calculated ways. I locked a part of me in a cage. I was so used to following someone else's lead. No one forced me. I did what I had to because that’s what I felt was required to maintain a status quo. Thanks to my now former best friend, well friend, we didn’t know each other well enough to be besties, anywho, I don’t need to follow the rules anymore. I create my own. For you wonderful fans of HYBRID and to my loyal fans who are tuning in due to my association with NFW... when I tell you this is MY world now, I mean it. Love or hate me, welcome to Serenity’s World. Iida.
Get your butt out here so we can play.
Abigail tosses the microphone to the floor patiently waiting for her Path to Destiny match to begin.
MATCH ONE
Path of Destiny Singles Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Singles/One Fall
Iida Matsuda vs. Abigail Lindsay
Path of Destiny Singles Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Singles/One Fall
Iida Matsuda vs. Abigail Lindsay
DING! DING! DING!
The two women lock up and Abigail is the first to gain the advantage, forcing Iida back into the corner. She feigns a clean break, then goes for the eyes rather ruthlessly, trying to dig her fingers in. Iida manages to keep Abigail from doing so, but this opens her up for a stiff shot to the jaw and several chops. Referee Zach Young warns Abigail off about such tactics and she again feigns acquiescence… before going into a blatant choke until the count of four! It’s all great fun for Abigail, it seems, but Iida has had enough! While Abigail is distracted by the referee’s admonishments, she forcefully switches places with Abigail, doing some heavy chopping of her own! The Emerald Queen lights up Abigail something fierce, the woman’s smile going away along with her breath as it’s smacked right out of her lungs! Dragging her out of the corner, Iida boots her in the midsection and hits a snap suplex, floating over for a pin that gets a one-count!
Abigail is shaken still, despite the fast kick-out, and it gets worse as Iida tries to put on Honor of Pain! The woman known as Serenity scrambles for the ropes, throwing her all into get out before Iida gets her fully locked in, and she does just that! Abigail rolls from the ring, shaking out her arm while still looking oddly amused. This doesn’t last, as Iida follows her to the floor against the referee’s instructions, whipping Abigail around and landing some hard forearm shots. A charging attack turns things around for Abigail, though, as she’s able to trip Iida and have her go face-first against the steps! The landing is harsh as evidenced from a wound over Iida’s eye that has already begun to bleed. This gives Abigail something else to smile about and she starts laying in hard right hands directed at that very spot, punctuating the barrage with a DDT on the floor before rolling Iida back into the ring. A pin attempt only gets two, but Abigail just moves to a tight chinlock, trying to squeeze the breath out of the Emerald Queen.
Iida is a fighter, though, and gets to her feet in short order. She elbows her way out of Abigail’s grip and fires off some right hands, but Abigail goes for the eyes again before Irish-whipping Iida into the ropes. A clothesline is ducked and the Emerald Queen retorts with a hangwoman’s neckbreaker! Wiping her hand across her face gets some of the blood off, but Iida is clearly weakened. Abigail is stinging from the neckbreaker, though, and the Emerald Queen tries to put her away. An Aftershock followed by Dead Silence almost gets the win, but Abigail gets a foot on the ropes. Iida has to be drawn off after going to a four-count with some pummeling of her own, perhaps trying to open her opponent up in her rage. Abigail again rolls from the ring and, again, Iida moves to follow her! This time, though, it’s to send Abigail right back in as Iida is not willing to risk another hard landing. Destiny is narrowly avoided and The Serene Kick knocks her to her hands and knees! Taking a Ride follows, but Iida gets the shoulder up at two! Abigail, still enjoying the damage done, resorts to pummeling that wound again and even trying to bite the Emerald Queen to make things worse! The referee gets involved at that point, trying to force the women apart, and Abigail uses that moment to land a cheap shot over the referee’s head, punching Iida right in the eye beneath the wound! Left reeling, Iida swings wildly and almost connects with another Aftershock. Abigail, however, evades this and hits a single-knee facebreaker before landing Serenity Now and getting the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner, advancing to the semifinals… ABIGAIL LINDSAY!
It isn’t enough, though! Like a shark smelling blood, Abigail goes after Iida further, pounding away at the wound inflicted earlier on! But when Zach Young can’t get Abigail to relent, Becca Maguire along with a couple security personnel charges the ring and breaks things up! Abigail squares up with them, but cackles and leaves before things get violent! Young checks on Iida post-match, but the Emerald Queen pushes him aside and gets up on her own, albeit unsteadily.
Bernadette Olson: Iida is tough as they come and to her, this isn’t over!
That’s very much the truth as she wants to leave the ring and go after Abigail, but security isn’t having it. They mean to escort her to the trainer’s room and, rather than make things worse, Iida grudgingly allows this.
Jacob Frankel: Looks like they got her to see sense, but this new side of Abigail is dangerous.
Bernadette Olson: More so than I think we’ve seen in anyone here, Jacob. There’s violence and then there’s sadism. Abigail has crossed that line.
Jacob Frankel: And smashed it with a heavy object. Look out to whoever faces her next.
Winner: Abigail Linsday
Result: Pinfall at 11:12 (Serenity Now)
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
Spoilers
Spoilers
A dimly lit room comes into frame as you see a silhouette sitting in a high back chair. Smoke pillows from his face as the lights come brighter and there sits Alan Envy legs crossed pulling his cigar down from his lips. He obviously was not at the building tonight for Vanguard. But he seemed pretty relaxed. He looks up to the camera as he picks up a glass that seemed to be holding tea or bourbon in a glass.
Alan Envy: No matter where I have gone… I have been a champion. I have always become one of the trademarks of any association and there's a reason why. The reason is guys like me only come around once in a blue moon. And that's not something an arrogant asshole just says. But I am one of the rare breeds. Intelligence, athleticism, tenacity, and drive. I live this business, I breathe this business, everything I have is because of this business. Hell even my fiancee is because of our connection to this… business.
It's funny the older you get, and I'm not that old in normal male years, the more you think about legacy. But I'm getting pro wrestling old because I started at 15 years old and I don't want to be one of those guys in his 50s, even though I am a long way from that, that has to hang around beyond their expiration date. I've made a lot of money in this business. I continue because I love this, and that makes me a rare breed.
Envy draws on his cigar puffing smoke in the air.
Alan Envy: The old Alan Envy would have come up with some kind of excuse or blame something or someone else for losing to Griffin Hawkins last week, but I am not going to do that. I am eventually going to run into him again because we will both be on a title hunt, and when that happens trust me the outcome will be different, with all due respect. It will only be a matter of time.
But until then? I'm going to put in the work, show everyone in HYBRID that I am a rare breed, a once in a blue moon professional wrestler. It's only a matter of time until I reach the pinnacle here in HYBRID, and no one, and that means no one is going to get in my way.
Envy picks up his drink and finishes it, before standing up looking into the camera one last time.
Alan Envy: Consider that a spoiler.
Envy smiles and walks off camera.
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
Golden Aspirations
Golden Aspirations
Grace Savoy is sitting across the dining room table of “Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page in the Uptown Suite of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Grace Savoy: It is a pleasure to be able to sit down with you, Tiffany.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Yes, it is a pleasure, Grace.
Grace Savoy: Let’s dive right into it then. In just a couple of days you will be stepping back into the ring with Matthew Knox.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Granted that Matthew and I don’t have an extensive history we have crossed paths before and even faced off against each other while in 1MW.
Grace Savoy: This time you two will be facing off in the opening round of the Path to Destiny tournament.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Indeed we will and I am sure Matthew has his eyes on facing Duke for the Global Championship if he were to win this tournament.
Grace Savoy: Are you saying you are only in this tournament to prevent people from challenging Duke for the Global Championship?
Tiffany Lynn Page: Not at all, Grace, preventing undeserved people from going after the Global Championship would merely be a perk. I am in this tournament to win it for myself. Like I have been saying since I signed with HYBRID Wrestling is that I want that Vanguard Championship that Cordelia Clark has in her possession.
Grace Savoy: Yes, you have stated several times you have got your eyes on the Vanguard Championship. Why is that?
Tiffany Lynn Page: I mean, why not? The Vanguard Championship is the very backbone of this company. Not too mention that Cordelia has run relatively unopposed for the last couple of months since she won the Vanguard Championship. Once I win this Path to Destiny Championship that'll soon change.
Grace Savoy: In order to do it you first have to get by Matthew Knox though.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Far be it from me to guarantee a victory especially over someone as credentialed as Matthew but as you may have seen I have always believed in myself. My ego has always been healthy. But it is time for me to take my flowers for myself. We all saw that I was the one to score the victory in the eight man tag team match a couple weeks ago and my run of success will continue. Because I plan on standing next to Duke as we both hold our very own HYBRID Championship.
MATCH TWO
Path of Destiny Singles Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Singles/One Fall
Matthew Knox vs. Tiffany Lynn Page
Path of Destiny Singles Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Singles/One Fall
Matthew Knox vs. Tiffany Lynn Page
DING! DING! DING!
Knox and Page lock-up in a collar and elbow and Page throws her legs up get a crucifix on her veteran opponent. Knox goes down and over onto his shoulders.
ONE!
TWO!
KNOX KICKS OUT!
TWO!
KNOX KICKS OUT!
He starts to get up but Page hits the Prima Donna from behind. Knox goes down hard and Page jumps into a rolling cradle.
ONE!
TWO!
KNOX KICKS OUT!
TWO!
KNOX KICKS OUT!
Page kicks him on the mat, Stomping him low even as the referee warns her. She shrugs and then goes into the PAWG, pulling the tights for added leverage.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
KNOX GETS A SHOULDER UP!
TWO!
THR-NO!
KNOX GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Page sits up frustrated and looking like she might even have a tantrum. Knox grabs her for a backslide.
ONE!
TWO!
PAGE KICKS OUT!
TWO!
PAGE KICKS OUT!
The two get up and Knox gets an O’Connor roll.
ONE!
TWO!
PAGE KICKS OUT!
TWO!
PAGE KICKS OUT!
Page hits the Prima Donna to the front. Knox goes down and Page covers with her feet on the ropes.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
KNOX GETS A SHOULDER UP!
TWO!
THR-NO!
KNOX GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Page pounds the mat in frustration. The two get back to their feet and Knox hits Into The Void. He covers.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner, advancing to the semifinals… MATTHEW KNOX!
Bernadette Olson: Methinks Tiffany got a little too cocky in this one. Against a veteran like Knox, that’s not something you can afford to do.
Jacob Frankel: Not at all. And she’s good enough not to need to be sneaky, attitude aside. But Knox seems to be on another level.
Bernadette Olson: I wonder now who he’ll be facing in the next round… but we won’t know till Vanguard #26.
Winner: Matthew Knox
Result: Pinfall at 7:26 (Into the Void)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
It Just Never Stops
It Just Never Stops
We go backstage to the interview area where Grace Savoy stands with “The Super Tiger” Risa Lemon. Grace, always the sweetheart interviewer, is all smiles as she greets the fans in attendance and viewers at home.
Grace Savoy: Hello, everyone! Grace Savoy here! I’m standing with the Super Tiger of the Queens of Chaos, Risa Lemon. Hello Risa!
Risa grins and waves at the camera before turning and smiling brightly at Grace.
Risa Lemon: Hi Grace! It's so great to be here!
Her eyes aren't black anymore, and she's out of the protective face mask, but she does still have a healing cut on the bridge of her nose.
Risa Lemon: How've you been?
Grace perks up at the inquiry and smiles.
Grace Savoy: Oh! Well I’m doing well, thanks. But I want to talk about you and how you’re doing, especially in recent weeks. First off, I see you’re out of the protective faceguard. How’s uhhh…?
She waves her finger around her own nose.
Grace Savoy: How is everything?
Risa giggles, tapping both sides of her nose.
Risa Lemon: All healed up, for the most part, although Alexis says I have a little wheeze in my sleep. Gotta remember to get some of those nose strip thingies!
She grins, looking up at Grace.
Risa Lemon: But I am completely cleared to compete!
A look of joy and relief on Grace’s face as she claps lightly against her hand holding the mic.
Grace Savoy: Wonderful! I’m sure all of your fans are excited to hear that news.
The interviewer’s face turns more serious as she continues.
Grace Savoy: Risa, next, I’d like to talk a little bit about recent weeks. That is to say the last episode of Vanguard and the ensuing conversations between you and Chiaki Sanada. Now, to your credit, you’ve attempted to make peace, break bread, let bygones be bygones but things still seem heated between the two of you.
She offers the mic over again for Risa to answer into. The Super Tiger sighs deeply.
Risa Lemon: Look Grace. I did everything I could. I even approached her on her own home turf, and you saw what happened!
She points to her face before continuing.
Risa Lemon: That little gremlin had to go and hit me with real life karate!
Sympathetic to the situation, Grace nods somberly, bringing the microphone back.
Grace Savoy: Something we all saw, unfortunately, and the exchange on social media was almost just as bad as—
Voice: ORRAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
Grace Savoy: OHMIGOD!!!!!
Grace screams and jumps back as Chiaki Sanada comes slamming into Risa, tackling her against the wall!!
Grace Savoy: Help!! Somebody help!!
Chiaki Sanada: ONNA!!!! KUSO ONNA!!!!!
Chiaki goes into full attack mode, blasting Risa across the face with a series of right hands, one after the other, just unloading on her like a woman possessed. Lemon covers up the best she can. When there's the slightest break in her strikes, Risa drives a knee up into Chiaki's stomach before tossing her away to give herself some space.
Risa Lemon: You just can't help yourself, can you?!
Chiaki staggers back, almost losing her balance but just as Risa finishes her words, the rabid woman comes charging right back in–
Chiaki Sanada: WATASHI WA ANATA O MECHAKUCHA NI KOROSHIMASU!!!!!
– and tackles Risa against the interview table behind her, sending papers and bottles of water scattering all over the floor as she rains down another storm of wild punches. Risa plants her feet under Chiaki's stomach, launching her backwards and into the wall.
Risa Lemon: MAZU KIMI O KOROSU YO!
She slides off the table, mounting Chi Chi before beginning to reign down forearm shots.
Risa Lemon: I! Just! Wanted! To! End! This!
Chiaki lies under Risa, taking the shots but something happens after the shot with “Wanted” as Chiaki’s head snaps to the side and from that point, she starts screaming bloody [/i][/b]murder[/b][/i]. She throws her hands up over her face and turns her head to the side as a copious amount of blood spews out from between her fingers, covering her hands. Risa stumbles backwards off of Chiaki, a slight look of horror on her face. She looks down at her forearm, and pulls something out of it. Chi Chi's septum ring. Chiaki makes no effort to get up. Rather, as soon as Risa’s off of her, she curls up into a fetal position and continues covering her face with blood drizzling onto the floor like a strain of strawberry syrup.
Grace Savoy: Can we get some help over here already?! For God’s sake!!
Backstage attendants are already rushing onto the scene to tend to the woman on the floor while others check with Risa to make sure she’s alright and what happened. Chiaki is sat up but she refuses to pull her hands away until the head doctor is kneeling in front of her.
Doctor: Chi Chi, let me see. I need to look at it. Let me help.
Bloodsoaked, trembling hands come away from her tear streaked face, showing the extent of the damage as Chiaki’s septum has been torn from the ring piercing being ripped out. Her entire mouth, chin, neck, all covered in blood. Risa tries to come closer, clearly feeling bad about what's happened. She goes to speak, but security intervenes, pulling her back to keep them separated.
Risa Lemon: What are you doing?! I want to check on Chi Chi!
Security refuses to comply, pulling the Super Tiger back again. The Doctor looks over his shoulder, shaking his head.
Doctor: I can’t treat this here. She needs to go to a hospital. Now! Get that damn camera out of here!
Awestruck at what just happened, Grace Savoy places a hand of reassurance on Risa’s arm as she looks into the camera.
Grace Savoy: Jacob. Bernadette. Back to you!
The cameras cut back to ringside where Bernadette Olson and Jacob Frankel sit just absolutely horrified and speechless.
PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT
Embrace It
Embrace It
The room is dark. There’s a red light far off in the distance just barely reflecting off the shiny walls. Somewhere off screen, indiscernible whispering can be heard. It gets louder and louder until a bright spotlight bursts to life right in front of the camera, filling the shot with life. That is, until two figures walk into the light’s path. The pair just stands there, not saying a word. Shrouded in shadows, it’s impossible to tell who the pair is until they begin speaking.
Derrick Vayden: Are you listening to the whispering?
Alexis Lemon: Is it sinking in? ‘Cause it’s-
The audio distorts as she says the next word
Alexis Lemon: S̴͔̰͇͎̹̓Į̸̮̬̮́̏͂͝C̷̛̛͔͜K̶̛̠̺͈̅͂͘Ë̴̬͖͈̦̙̾̊͝N̷̝͙̜̮̺͗̂I̵͎͇̖͋̈́̒̽͘N̵̺͔̈͆̈G̵̙̀̓̃̕
The light finally fades enough to reveal the faces of the pair… Sort of. It’s revealed that they are both wearing masks. Vayden is wearing his usual gas mask, while Lexi is wearing one resembling a clown with Jigsaw-like red swirls on the cheeks.
Alexis Lemon: They’re talking. And they’re talking about you.
The shots suddenly begin bouncing around and rapidly switching positions.
CREEPY
LOSER
FREAK
Derrick Vayden: They’re going to say it. Regardless of what you do, regardless of what you say, you won’t be able to escape it…
The shot zooms in on Lexi’s masked face. She tilts her head, the twisted face of the clown mask staring into the viewer’s soul.
Alexis Lemon: So why hide it? Embrace the darkness… Embrace the chaos… Embrace…
Both of them speak in unison as the audio distorts again.
Alexis Lemon & Derrick Vayden: F̵̤͂̓R̶͉͐E̸͈͗͗A̸̲͓̞̓͘K̸͕͈̺͈͌̀̒̏ͅS̵̡͖̱̻̣͗͝Ĥ̴̲͓͔͚̌͜Ő̶̪͉ͅW̵̠̣̦͊̽͠
The shot quickly fades to static before cutting to black.
MATCH THREE
Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Tag Team/One Fall
Strike 2 Kill vs. Freakshow
Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Tag Team/One Fall
Strike 2 Kill vs. Freakshow
DING! DING! DING!
It’s Liam from S2K and Derrick from Freakshow to start things off. Alexis yells support from the corner as the two young men lock up and jockey for position. With the clear size and weight advantage, Derrick is able to power Liam into the ropes and shoot him off to the far side. Liam ducks a clothesline and a back elbow, leaping to the second rope and turning into a nice springboard dropkick. Derrick staggers back and Liam tags in Miles, the two men hitting a double-hiptoss and a pop-up double-roundhouse, leaving Derrick on his hands and knees. Miles rolls him up as Liam leaves the ring, but Derrick powers out at one. Miles is back up, throwing some football style kicks to the back, the third one getting a running start. A basement dropkick follows but, again, Derrick kicks out at one. Miles tags in Liam and they start putting the boots to Derrick, but Alexis has seen enough! She vaults to the top rope and sails off with a crossbody into both members of S2K! They catch her, but the distraction has let Derrick get back up, and a dropkick from the big man sends both Liam and Miles to the mat, with Derrick getting Miles out of the ring so Alexis’s pin of Liam can be counted!
ONE!
TW-NO!
KICK-OUT!
TW-NO!
KICK-OUT!
Alexis clamps on a chinlock to buy time, bringing her body upwards into something resembling a handstand a few times to add more pressure to her grip, but Liam isn’t about to tap out. He eventually gets up and elbows his way out of Alexis’s grip, then yanks her to the mat by the hair when she attempts to hit the ropes! Dropping an elbow to the heart, then another, Liam moves to tag in Miles and the double-teaming is back on, with a corner dropkick/corner stomp combination putting Alexis in trouble. She comes within a fingertip of tagging Derrick back in, but a German suplex from Miles puts an end to that! But Alexis flips out of that maneuver and scrambles between Miles’s legs to attempt the tag again! A high-angle back suplex dumps her on her head and shoulders, though, and Miles goes for the pin himself!
ONE!
TWO!
NO! SHOULDER UP!
TWO!
NO! SHOULDER UP!
Miles clamps on a chinlock of his own after the fact, but throws in some crossface shots after Alexis breaks out. Derrick wants nothing more than to get in there and help, but every attempt is stymied by the divide-and-conquer tactics of S2K. Quick tags keep Alexis from making any headway and shifty tactics and attacks only aggravate Derrick, forcing Referee Kara Tarantino to take her eyes off S2K, allowing them to act with impunity! However, Alexis is no stranger to dirty tactics, and she holds off another German attempt, this time from Liam, by throwing a low back kick between the uprights! A superkick sends him into the buckles and Alexis goes for the tag, but a blind tag from Miles lets him get in there and grab her… only for her to rear back with her head and catch him in the nose! A superkick catches him under the chin and Miles staggers, sways… and falls head-first into the groin area of his partner! With both members of S2K temporarily out of commission, Alexis leaps to her corner to make the tag to Derrick!
The crowd loves it when Derrick tears into the ring, hitting a hard shoulderblock that sends Miles sprawling! Liam is, albeit gingerly, back on his feet but his charge ends with him shoulder-checked into the buckles back-first, with Derrick throwing a few more shoulders before hitting a belly-to-belly overhead suplex that sends Liam halfway across the ring! Miles attacks from behind and Derrick turns his attention again, slugging it out with Miles before sending him into the ropes and hitting Into the Void! Liam attacks from behind, taking out the knee and yelling at Miles to get back up, the two going after Derrick with Early Onset Alzheimers! Alexis isn’t having that, though, and hits a top-rope dropkick on Liam, sending him through the ropes and to the floor! She attacks Miles as well, but takes a spinebuster for her efforts! It’s still enough time for Derrick to load up a Psychotopia, though, knocking Miles to the mat! From there, Alexis leaves the ring for the formal tag and Freakshow hits Icarus Syndrome on Miles! Alexis moves into the cover as a baseball dropkick from Derrick sends Liam away from the apron, allowing Alexis’s pin to get a count of three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners, advancing to the semifinals… FREAKSHOW!
“Freak Flag” by Ice Nine Kills kicks up as Freakshow has their arms raised! Liam pulls a woozy Miles from the ring as Strike 2 Kill regroups, heading up the ramp.
Bernadette Olson: A victorious debut for this new team tonight, and against a very game Strike 2 Kill!
Jacob Frankel: Admittedly, I wasn’t sure what to think when they made this team official… but I like ‘em!
Bernadette Olson: And in two weeks, we’ll have the rest of the quarter final matches, seeing who each singles star and tag team will be facing!
Jacob Frankel: I can’t wait!
Winners: Freakshow
Result: Pinfall at 10:37 (Icarus Syndrome)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
This is For Real
This is For Real
Cameras go to the hallway where Griffin Hawkins is casually leaning against the wall..dressed in red leather pants and a "Hellfire Club" T-Shirt and black fingerless gloves. He notices the camera man and smiles.
Griffin Hawkins: I must say… that was one hell of a time I had on the last Vanguard. The people of HYBRID welcomed me back into the fold and let me know that they have not forgotten the Jukebox Hero. I also want to take this time to give a shoutout to one Alan Envy. He brought it in our match and it could've gone either way. Anytime he wants a rematch with me, I'll sign on the dotted line and make it happen. I'm sure if he plays his cards right..he'll be a champion here in HYBRID. But the question is...where do I go from here?
He takes off his aviator shades.
Griffin Hawkins: Well… at this point the sky's the limit for me in HYBRID. I see a few old faces..and a few new ones. Like I said before..I'm not a nostalgia act… I'm not somebody who's here to recapture my glory days. I left things unfinished in my last run in HYBRID… and I'm here to right the wrongs from before. I'm starting from the bottom and working my way to the top. It doesn't matter who steps up… somebody's gonna get rocked!
He walks further down the hall, but stops as he notices a poster on the wall of Cordelia Clark holding the Vanguard Title. A sly devilish smile comes across his face as he walks away.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
How To And How NOT To
How To And How NOT To
”So you already have a replacement for Jessi, then?”
AMV and Forge are in the former’s office, with Aloysius sipping from a navy-colored mug of coffee while Forge takes his from a basic Styrofoam cup. The big man nods once, leaving it at that. Expecting more of an explanation, Aloysius presses the issue.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You do realize that that could have been handled better, right? Tossing her for a tweet? She didn’t even bother to tag us in it. Why even go to that extent?
It isn’t that he sounds irritated, just… well, he sounds disappointed. Except Forge isn’t having it. The big man takes another draw of coffee before finally turning his attention to AMV.
Forge: Did you put me in charge of the team?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Yes.
Forge: And you did that while trusting my judgment, right?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Also yes.
Forge: Then what’re you bellyachin’ for?
Sighing, AMV puts his mug down and rubs his fingertips into his eyes a little, trying to choose his words properly. Not so much worried about pissing Forge off as he is trying to make his point without coming off like an asshole, AMV takes another breath and responds.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Because the way you handled it was unprofessional. Yes, Ozborne was running her mouth-
Forge: She took herself off the damn team, Vance. You saw the tweets the same as the rest of the world. I’m not wastin’ time or space with someone who doesn’t give a fuck to be there. She’s in the goddamn tournament, too, ain’t she? What’s the fucking problem?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: -do you even have a replacement in mind? The show’s less than a month away-
Forge: Moe Renhuan.
That makes Vance pause for a few moments. He strokes his shaven chin, mutters to himself a little, then shrugs and nods.
Forge: So stop stressing.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Fine, fine.
Except AMV doesn’t really think it’s fine. But there’s nothing to be done about it now, right?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Next time, though? Save it for the cameras. If someone wants to throw a fit about their placement instead of handling it properly, call them to the ring and do it in front of the world. Not on social media.
Forge: Ratings and money?
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Ratings and money.
Polishing off his coffee, Forge tosses the empty cup into a wastebasket after crumpling it in his hands.
Forge: Probably be even more ratings if they mouth off and I smash them up a bit, but-
AMV is about to deny that, but Forge catches it before he can.
Forge: -I know, I know. Christ, man, I get it.
With a relieved yet exasperated nod, AMV responds in silence and the two move on as the cameras cut to the announce table outside the ring.
Bernadette Olson: And just like that, Moe Renhuan takes the place of Jessi Ozborne on Team HYBRID!
Jacob Frankel: That could have been handled better on both sides, but this way Moe gets a chance to shine and Jessi can put their focus on the tournament.
Bernadette Olson: Could have been handled better? That’s an understatement.
Jacob Frankel: Maybe, but let’s not dig that hole…
MATCH FOUR
Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Tag Team/One Fall
The Sovereign vs. First Class
Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Tag Team/One Fall
The Sovereign vs. First Class
DING! DING! DING!
First Class knocks both Xaria and Chelsea from the ring and then prances around as if it proves their obvious dominance. Xaria and Chelsea stand up on the floor and glance at each other. They nod knowingly to the two women in the ring and then dive back in. First Class turned around to meet them coming in and the Sovereign hit matching clotheslines on both members of First Class. They hit Concussion Central on Hilton knocking her on her ass so hard she bounces all the way out of the ring under the bottom rope. Charli Queen jumps on Xaria and gets kicked off. Chelsea grabs Charli and hits a powerbomb. Xaria goes up top and Chelsea launches her off into Fly, Angel, Fly. Xaria hits hard but rolls off the cover. The two move into position and give her the Final Ruling. Xaria jumps on the cover as Chelsea moves to make sure Hilton cannot make the save.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winners, advancing to the semifinals… THE SOVEREIGN!
Bernadette Olson: Sudden and certain. Think Xaria and Chelsea took out some frustration on First Class tonight?
Jacob Frankel: I think they could have ended this even faster if they wanted to…
Bernadette Olson: Sounds like a yes.
Jacob Frankel: An emphatic one.
Winners: The Sovereign
Result: Pinfall at 4:04 (Final Ruling)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Bend the Knee
Bend the Knee
A long-stretch limo arrives at the sold-out Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The fans are unsure whose limo it is; it's a long white stretch limo rolls royce one by the looks of it, whoever limo it is, is traveling in style. The limo stops as paparazzi soon surround the limo as they await to see who is arriving; a red carpet is placed neatly for the arrival, soon the limo driver pops out and heads toward the door as he opens the door steps first Princess Honey Rydell with a black lavish gown her trademark tiara, she looks regal as can be with her Unity title on her shoulder, soon she steps out as everyone is awaiting the arrival of the Queen herself, and soon she arrives looking dashing in a gold gown of her own with a massive gold crown on her head, and matching scepter, her unity title is on her shoulder as well. She raises her arms smugly, looking like true Hollywood Royalty. Before giving a haughty wave with a smile as she turns to Honey, saying in a loud, brash tone.
Queen Bianca Davis: Look at all these peasants here to see their Unity Champions, Queen Bianca Davis and Princess Honey Rydell. I know I know, yes, we are here! I know you may all be sad that we don’t have a match tonight after our amazing main event, but we will be here to watch the show; after all, the Unity Champions want to see if there is worthy competition to face us, not that we don’t mind the vacation though.
Princess Honey Rydel: How right you are, Queen, and it is high time we get the respect we deserve around here after our amazing performance in the main event last Vanguard; you’d have thought that they would want us on Team HYBRID being the best tag team in this company right? But no, instead, we are on the sidelines yet again?!
Bianca nodded, shaking it in disgust, as she said in a bitchy tone.
Queen Bianca Davis: Of course, again, AMV has never wanted to give us the credit we are so due in this company, nor have any of these cretins in the back; instead, they want to praise all of the same troglodytes that pollute this company from its past, I mean how many times do we need to see Jukebox zero, Griffin Hawkins? So tired of seeing him follow me like some creepy stalker; it's gross. I don’t deserve that! I am the upper crest of society, and he is the festering boil on society’s ass. Or how about Gutter Ballet vs. Queens of Chaos? Need I say “blegh” yet there was no room for us why? Because no one was worthy to face us quite simply. We are the creme of the crop.
Honey smiled proudly as she said.
Princess Honey Rydel: I know, but something is missing, and I am unsure what? I mean, we have the Unity titles, the limo, the Life of Luxury, even Summer and Simon to handle the things beneath us, but we need more, something greater, something like….
Bianca soon had an evil smirk on her face, she knew what she was talking about, and it was brilliant, and the Queen, as always, had a plan to set it all in motion for them, every last bit. No one would take what the Royal Couple had built, the Unity Division.
Queen Bianca Davis: An army that will do what we say, when we say, but who shall be the first to join this army? Who will swear fealty to your Queen and Princess and join our glorious cause?
Bianca said aloud to where a huge crowd was gathered; most booed at this prospect heavily, enraged Honey.
Princess Honey Rydel: Oh shut up! You all know you would love the honor of bowing to your Queen and Princess. SO I DEMAND YOU ALL SHOW US SOME RESPECT NOW! I am sick of this.
However, Bianca remains calm as a wistful smile pears over her lips.
Queen Bianca Davis: Darling, I think we have found one; there is no need to be upset, plus most of these people are rabble; they will fall in line soon enough anyway. So you, yes you over there with the red shirt on.
Bianca pointed out with her gloved hand, and soon an overweight man with his stomach hanging over his belt line came forward; the fans boo this loudly, not wanting to see anyone bend the knee.
Queen Bianca Davis: Now, what is your name, my royal subject?
Man in Red Shirt: My name is Trevor.
Princess Honey Rydel: It doesn’t matter; now you have a choice before one will lead to the same humiliation you have felt your whole life, the other a chance to serve the most gracious and honorable Queen in all of HYBRID.
The Queen clears her throat, getting the hint Honey says.
Princess Honey Rydel: The only Queen of HYBRID, the most beautiful, classy, and benevolent Queen, Queen Bianca Davis.
The Queen soon looks at the overweight man, and motioning for him, he bends the knee, getting down and bowing before the haughty Malibu native, who raises her hand and scepter high in the air in victory, the first person to bend the knee. As the scene then fades to black the last image with a big smile on the face of Bianca Davis.
MATCH FIVE
Singles/One Fall
Ximena Navarro vs. Alicia Flaherty
Singles/One Fall
Ximena Navarro vs. Alicia Flaherty
DING! DING! DING!
There’s a lock-up to start, but Ximena quickly shoves Alicia to the canvas, the force of it rolling her to the ropes. Alicia is up quick but is off-balance. She narrowly ducks a charge from Ximena, rolling forward under her outstretched arm, but Alicia rises only to turn into a springboard crossbody from Ximena! The move brings both women down and Ximena gets a quick two-count on Alicia. Alicia’s chest is lit up by a few chops from Ximena, who Irish whips her across the ring. Alicia slides between Ximena’s legs and leaps onto her shoulders when Ximena whips around. The hurricanrana is quickly stalled, though, turned into a powerbomb when Ximena hoists the smaller woman back up with ease. A running knee smashes Alicia back down to the mat and a slingshot leg drop gets Ximena another two-count. Alicia tries more than once to mount a comeback but it isn’t in the cards. Whether it’s Ximena’s power or her speed, she has an answer for the young star. A quick series of kicks to the legs and ribs give Alicia a brief opening, but her charge finds her right in Ximena’s clutches. From there, the Guerrera Bomb finishes things.
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match… XIMENA NAVARRO!
Ximena has her arm raised as “Psycho Circus” by KISS starts up again, but she seems rather ambivalent about the whole thing. Her attention is on Alicia for a moment, but then she simply leaves the ring, marching backstage without a word or gesture.
Bernadette Olson: Clearly a lady that doesn’t get paid by the hour. Show up, wreck someone, leave. I can get behind that.
Jacob Frankel: It’ll keep future opponents on their toes, too. But I’m curious as to what she’s all about, too.
Bernadette Olson: Probably better to watch than ask in this case…
Winner: Ximena Navarro
Result: Pinfall at 4:15 (Guerrera Bomb)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Second Chances
We cut backstage to the locker room to find Aiden Marino shadowboxing when his tag team partner, Captain Cosmo appears on camera beside him.
Captain Cosmo: Good news, friend Aiden!
Marino stops shadowboxing and turns his attention to Cosmo.
Aiden Marino: What’s up, Cap?
Captain Cosmo: Captain Cosmo has just come from the office of friend Aloysius Marcus Vance the Fourth and he informed Captain Cosmo that we are to receive another championship match against friends Gigi and Samantha upon their request!
Marino nods.
Aiden Marino: Good. We just have to hope that the Daughters of Darkness don’t show their faces again and screw us over like they did last time.
Now it’s the Captain’s turn to nod.
Captain Cosmo: Indeed! Now let’s talk strategy!
Cosmo then places his arm around Marino and the two disappear off camera as we cut elsewhere.
MATCH SIX
Singles/One Fall
Damian Simmons vs. Noah Ortega
Singles/One Fall
Damian Simmons vs. Noah Ortega
DING! DING! DING!
Not much has been seen or heard pertaining to Damian since Heatstroke, but he comes into this match with a hell of a chip on his shoulder. Noah immediately vacates the ring, sensing the rage in the big man, but he can only stay beyond the ring for so long before he has to break the count. Damian is not in a patient mood, though, and eventually leaves the ring to chase after Noah. Noah slides into the ring after a revolution around the ringside area, and hits a sliding dropkick to Damian as he rolls back in. Dropping hammer-like blows to the back of the head and shoulders and alternately laying in kicks and stomps, Noah does his utmost to keep the Colossus down, but Damian inexorably rises and, after brushing off the assault, smashes Noah with a headbutt! Staggering backwards, Noah falls into the ropes and rebounds, hitting a low dropkick to the big man’s knee! Damian staggers and Noah keeps up the pressure, hitting Lost Hope to the back of Damian’s head! Dropped to a knee, Damian is grabbed for a swinging DDT but Noah is shoved back! A spear almost takes the leader of The Lost out of his boots, and a Bad Beat follows for a two-count!
For a moment the world can see Damian needing to shake off Noah’s assault, but it’s quickly back to the business of domination. He choke-tosses Noah into the buckles and hits a running knee, but his second attempt at such hits nothing but cushioned metal. A springboard backstabber from Noah seems to do some damage, with Damian holding the ropes to keep himself from toppling over. A slingshot elbow drop from Noah takes him to the mat, though… and the resultant pin attempt only gets one! Noah, briefly looking concerned, goes back to the knee struck earlier and stomps away at it before grabbing the leg. Twists, stomps, knee drops… they’re all driven into that wheel before Damian kicks him off with the good leg. Noah goes back-first into the buckles, but hits a rolling knee drop on that leg again just because! Another pin attempt is made and this time Noah gets two, but he’s still chucked off with authority!
Katie cheers her monster on, but not in the usual screechy, annoying way. She wants Damian to destroy Noah and Noah isn’t about to let that happen. Getting Damian back to his feet, Noah hits the TRIFECTA, which sends Damian into the ropes again. The big man comes off with a lariat attempt but Noah swings up into a crucifix position, trying to pull the big man over! And with Damian’s leg giving him trouble, Noah almost pulls this off! But he’s dropped face-first on the top turnbuckle instead! Damian scoops him up and sets him on the top rope, blasting him with a huge right hand before delivering Angels Fall, drilling Noah into the mat! The pin attempt still only gets two, though, and Damian is getting frustrated with Noah’s obstinance!
Hellfire is loaded up but Noah slips out, landing behind Damian and waistlocking him! A German simply isn’t happening, but the real purpose is staying out of Damian’s grip! Damian tries to force Noah back into the buckles but Noah gets out of the way and Damian slams himself against the thinly-covered steel! It’s just enough to shake him a bit and Noah takes advantage with a top-rope blockbuster, bringing the big man to the mat! From there, though, it’s back up top and only Katie’s yelled warning gets Damian out of the way before Noah hits For The Lost! Noah appears to jam up his knee a little but still rolls under a big boot and hits a single-leg dropkick to Damian’s back. Another Lost Hope barely misses owning to the jammed knee and Damian snatches Noah up and over his shoulder! Noah slips out of the powerslam, kicks the knee and charges again! But it’s right into a pair of Skyfalls and Damian gets the one-two-three!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And your winner… DAMIAN SIMMONS!
The big man looks more than ready to lay into Noah further, and into his associates when they charge the ring to stop that very act! But Katie talks him out of engaging with him, again showing a more calculating side. Damian, perhaps seeing sense or just not wanting to bother at all, leaves the ring with Katie and they head up the ramp as The Lost checks on their leader.
Bernadette Olson: Definitely a change in tactics from Damian and Katie since Heatstroke. But it’s not a bad thing. A calculating monster is a dangerous monster..
Jacob Frankel: Where does he go from here, though? That’s what I wanna know.
Winner: Damian Simmons
Result: Pinfall at 13:04 (Skyfall)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Thin Line Between Fighter and Feral
A Thin Line Between Fighter and Feral
The scene opens up in a dark room somewhere in the belly of the arena. A quick glance around the room, we find a figure sitting in the corner, tapping a barbed wire wrapped wooden baseball bat on the floor, the sound echoing around the room. The way the room is lit, the figure is mostly in shadows, but as we see the figure lift their head, we see it is Emma Douglas, the self proclaimed Goddess of War. She keeps tapping the bat on the concrete floor a few more times before she begins to speak.
Emma Douglas: It's no secret I came to HYBRID for one reason. To make Jason Cashe's life miserable. And to that end, I've been successful. I mean, look at him second guessing his surroundings as of late. Why? Because he doesn't know when I plan on striking.
She chuckles to herself as she begins spinning the bat, just fiddling with it absentmindedly.
Emma Douglas: But as an agent of chaos, I won't be satisfied with just causing one person a bit of grief. I like spreading my brand of violence over a wide array of people. Hence why you saw me catching the eye of Forge and the like to represent HYBRID for Breaking Boundaries. It gives me a chance to inflict pain and suffering on a whole new roster of people. Including my own flesh and flood in my niece, Eden Sterling.
Emma nods as a smile creeps on her face.
Emma Douglas: Eden, you know I'm proud of what you've done in your career so far and I know you're looking forward to getting in the ring with me in an official capacity. You're cut from the same cloth as me and you're raring for that fight, but make no bones about it, it's not going to be the honor you have built up in your head. Once I step into that ring, all family relations are thrown out the window. I go into feral mode and make no promises that I won't unleash hell on you as well. When I step into a ring, I'm out for blood, period. Just because I trained you a bit, don't think I will go easy on you...
She coughs to herself, turning the bat upside down and admiring the barbs on the barbed wire coiled about the bat.
Emma Douglas: As it pertains to tonight? I can't tell you I'm exactly familiar with anybody in the ring, be it my opponents nor my tag partners. But that doesn't really change my mission statement. It doesn't change my game plan in the least. Like I said before, I'm going to be out for blood. If somebody thinks they can step up to me, I'd like to see them try. I welcome the fight, but don't expect respect and honor. That's for dorks and nerds. now y'all can try and keep up, but if not, I will maul you.
Emma glares at the camera.
Emma Douglas: As for my tag partners in this ordeal? I have just one thing to say to y'all. Stay out of my way and we'll get along just fine. I won't go out of my way to hurt you, but trust me, I won't lose any sleep either. Like I said, I like bring a bit of mayhem to the place. I think y'all could use a little more anarchy around here.
We hear Emma begin to give a full-on belly laugh as the scene fades.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Determined to Maintain
Determined to Maintain
Vanguard Champion Cordelia Clark is in the back and she’s got her championship with her. She’s in good spirits as is usually the case, but with a looming main event, she knows that a portion of the spotlight is definitely going to be on her on this night. She’s taking it all in stride as she begins to speak her mind.
Cordelia Clark:It was quite a while ago when I was in a main event match with Eddy Todd and I gave it everything I had. Unfortunately, I came out of the losing end of it. But really? There's no shame in that. I was facing someone on top of his game. But, I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t thought about that match whatsoever since then. At the time, I was still coming onto my own as a professional wrestler and I was still finding my feet in Hybrid. Fast forward months later and yes, there has been plenty of changes. I’ve been the Vanguard Champion twice. I’m feeling like I am progressing to the top of my game. But at the same time, even with all of the progress that I’ve made, I still can’t stop thinking about it because tonight? For the first time since that match against Eddy Todd, I am in the main event of a Vanguard show…
I mean… it IS fitting that the Vanguard Champion IS in the main event of a Vanguard show… especially since I’m standing here wondering who is going to step up and challenge me next.
Cordelia takes a bit of a pause as she thinks about her opponents.
Cordelia Clark:It could very well be one of my opponents and hey, regardless of who it is, it’s a challenge I would welcome. Ollie Maverick is obviously a name that speaks for itself. You’ve got Emma Douglas who is not only a former world champion in one of her former companies but who is on Team Hybrid when it comes to that whole showdown with FCW and from what I’ve seen of Moe? He definitely seems like he is someone that is formidable. On the surface, the detractor might say that I may be in ove rmy head with this one considering my limited main event experience here as well as the fact that I haven’t faced the biggest names TOO often… or they’ll just be lame and point to my relative ‘youth and inexperience’... or they might even grasp at straws saying that my two partners are likely not two people I would hang out with. And maybe that’s a little true. I mean, you have an Ivy Leaguer like me who generally minds her own business and isn’t the most sociable person on earth as far as making friends is concerned… I admit that. And then Duplex Royale… I’ve heard that people like me shouldn’t be hanging out with people that look like them because they look like ‘rejects’ or some other shallow excuse…
Thank god I am not a person that thinks like that… anymore.
Thank god I don’t judge people based on how they look. Because I look at my partners and I see a team that very well could be the best tag team in this whole company and the three of us as a unit? We may be not just three of the brightest up and comers in this company, but also the entire business.
With Mikaela being a former Iron Heart Champion, I really like our chances.
This is a chance for the three of us to REALLY cut our teeth and prove ourselves.
And for me personally? This is a match where I can really prove that I can handle the main event spotlight. Not like I didn’t the previous time, but that loss in that main event match against Eddy Todd is really driving me tonight because I know in my heart I have everything that it takes to really be a breakthrough wrestler. I’ve done so much for someone my age already, more than most 24 year olds have, for sure. But I’m not going to stop at what I’ve already done and there will come a point where I won’t stop at the Vanguard Championship. So as far as my opponents are concerned? Tough competition! But I know we can do this.
And me personally?
I know I can and will continue to prove that I’ve got what it takes!
Cordelia’s composure is definitely strong as she makes her exit from the scene and the scene fades out.
MAIN EVENT
Tag Team/One Fall
Cordelia Clark & Duplex Royale vs. Ollie Maverick, Moe Renhuan and Emma Douglas
Tag Team/One Fall
Cordelia Clark & Duplex Royale vs. Ollie Maverick, Moe Renhuan and Emma Douglas
The pairings are a touch on the odd side, but they certainly get a reaction. Ollie, Moe, and Emma enter the match second, arriving at the ring and moving to the far corner. However, before the match starts, “Ready or Not” by The Fugees starts up and Emma’s expression becomes a snarl as Jason Cashe starts making his way down to ringside… holding the most ginormous bag of popcorn you ever saw! He hops the railing upon getting to the ringside area and slapping a few hands, taking a seat in the front row and flashing a ticket for everyone to see! Emma wants to go after him immediately but somehow Senior Official Butch Ward talks her out of it and manages to keep her in the ring as he calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
The Vanguard Champion, Cordelia Clark, starts things off against the newest member of Team HYBRID, Moe Renhuan. The Steel City Ronin goes in hard, breaking out of the lock-up with some hard knees to the midsection, backing Cordelia into the ropes and laying in a hard chop before Irish-whipping her across the ring. Cordelia returns with ferocity, hitting a Busaiku knee that knocks Moe to the canvas! Cordelia immediately goes for Sound of Silence but Moe rolls out to the apron. Cordelia presses the attack and pulls Moe up, but a shoulder to the midsection followed by a kick from between the ropes, backs Clark off. Springboarding off the top, Moe hits a wicked Codebreaker, one that has Duplex Royale looking to come in and break up the pin, but Cordelia kicks out at two. Moe clamps on to the arm, twisting and battering the shoulder and bicep. Being shoved into the buckles a time or two lessens Moe’s grip and she’s armdragged to the mat before a hard kick lands between the shoulders. Cordelia tags in Jessie, who delivers a rolling neck snap and goes for a pin of their own though Moe kicks out at two. A tornado kick is narrowly avoided and Moe hits a capture suplex, dropping Jessie hard on their head. They’re still able to avoid Tastes Like Timbaland Boot, but a spinebuster puts Jessie on their back as Moe tags in Emma.
The bruiser comes into the ring amidst hollers from ringside, with Jason Cashe throwing popcorn towards the ring. Emma snarls, but keeps her mind on business, picking Jessie up with ease and chucking them into the buckles. A charge misses but Jessie’s attempt at a schoolgirl roll-up is met with a hard stomp in retort. She’s sent into the ropes and manages to get a blind tag to Mikaela. Jessie slides between the legs of Emma and comes up with a dropkick to the back, sending Emma stumbling forward, sending her into a sidekick from Mikaela… but the big woman is still on her feet! Duplex Royale exchanges glances before coming at Emma as one! She breaks through the double-clothesline, though, and knocks both of them down before turning and berating Cashe from the ring! Cashe feigns innocence, though, while Jessie and Mikaela kip up to their feet! Emma turns around, right into Bingo Bango Bongo, with Jessie and Mikaela tossing superkick after superkick until a double-shot finally knocks Emma down! Jessie leaves the ring and Mikaela pounces on Emma, but gets thrown off just after one!
Back on her feet, Mikaela drops the leg across Emma’s throat and goes for a pin again, yet is thrown off again. Emma regains her feet and shrugs off a rolling forearm from Mikaela before waistlocking her and driving her back-first into the buckles. A few shoulders are thrown, then a spinebuster drills Mikaela into the mat. Facial Reconstruction is narrowly escaped and Mikaela goes to make a tag but gets snatched by the hair and almost dragged to the other side as Emma tags in Ollie, all but shoving the former Iron Heart Champion at him! Ollie whips Mikaela hard into the buckles and immediately delivers the Face Loosener, going for the pin. It gets to two before Mikaela gets the shoulder up, with Jessie moving in to break things up regardless. Ollie shoots Jessie a look before turning back to Mikaela, who pulls him into an inside cradle for two! Rolling to the apron, Mikaela goes for the slingshot DDT but Ollie holds on, turning it briefly into a guillotine choke! Mikaela breaks out of this and goes for a reverse DDT, moving to tag Jessie back in. Duplex Royale have a go at Ollie briefly, with a sweep/somersault dropkick combination taking him down for another two. Jessie goes to whip Ollie into the buckles but is reversed and she finds herself in the other team’s corner. Ollie backs off after being warned by the official, but that opens things up for Emma to batter Jessie in the corner while Butch Ward’s back is turned, with Moe taking a few liberties herself!
Cordelia isn’t having this, though, and storms over to the other side of the ring, yanking Emma off the apron and cracking her good with a forearm to the jaw! The brawl is quickly on as Moe jumps on Cordelia and Mikaela comes around for the save! Ollie, unaware for a moment that this is going on, turns around expecting to lay into Jessie, but they’ve backed up onto the second turnbuckle and are coming off with a missile dropkick! Ollie goes down, but he’s back up fast, only to get elevated with some effort over the top rope to the floor, landing in the midst of the brawl already going on! Ascending to the top rope, Jessie throws caution to the wind with a beautiful moonsault, wiping out everyone! Jessie and Ollie are still legal, and Jessie rolls him back into the ring, following and hitting Together Forever! Moe slides back in before Jessie can make the pin, though, nailing a Tailed Beast Bomb on Jessie! Mikaela is right there to help her partner and catches Moe with Mikaela’s Way! Emma, though, makes her presence painfully known with the Douglas Devastation Driver! Cordelia, coming up behind the monstrous Douglas, and whips her around, scoring with Educated after a hard shot to the jaw! Ollie, back up by this point, snatches up Cordelia for a Face Eraser! Each side is wiped out and this is the point when Cashe gets on his feet, throwing more popcorn and generally being an annoyance. Emma has had enough and rolls out of the ring, but security is there on the same side of the wall as Cashe to stop things from escalating! Ollie, somehow back up, hits the Face Eraser on Jessie as well, going for a pin that’s narrowly broken up by Mikaela! The Royal Flush connects on Ollie but Moe looks to break things up, leading Cordelia to send her out of the ring so that Jessie can make a pin! Emma, realizing that things have gone south, tears away from her argument and moves to break up the pin, but the hand hits for three before she can get into the ring!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: The winners of the match… CORDELIA CLARK AND DUPLEX ROYALE!
Moe pounds the canvas once in frustration before just turning around and leaving, while a furious Emma looks to take out her ire on Duplex Royale! Jessie and Mikaela, though, leave the ring before she can do so, with Cordelia following after them, all three having their arms raised outside the ring!
Bernadette Olson: Well, there was a big deal raised about Jason Cashe possibly interfering in this, but he didn't... at least not directly. But the story is Cordelia Clark and Duplex Royale walking off with the win!
Jacob Frankel: Yeah, but you just know this is gonna make things even spicier between Cashe and Douglas!
Bernadette Olson: But that's all the time we have this week, fans! Next time, at Vanguard #26, we're gonna have us a Vanguard Championship number one contender match and a rematch from Heatstroke for the Global Tag Team Championships!
Jacob Frankel: And we'll also have the remaining quarterfinal matches in the Path of Destiny Tournaments, plus more! See you there when Vanguard comes to the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida!
Winners: Cordelia Clark & Duplex Royale
Result: Pinfall at 18:09 (Royal Flush)
