Vanguard #28 (10/04/23)

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We cut to the backstage in the interview area, where we see Grace Savoy standing by.

Grace Savoy: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time… Jessi Ozborne.

Jessi Ozborne strolls out from the corner of the frame, joining Grace on set.

Grace Savoy: Ms. Ozborne…

Jessi Ozborne: You can call me Jessi, Grace. The fuck do I look like? A middle school teacher?

Grace Savoy: Jessi, normally the reaction you receive from a crowd is quite positive. But over the past several weeks, you’ve been something of a polarizing figure here in HYBRID. Do you have any insight on why that is?

Jessi Ozborne: I’m not an idiot, Grace. I know exactly why a lot of people out there don’t like me. When I pulled out of that stupid-ass dick measuring contest between HYBRID and FCW, it was seen as me “fucking over the fans”. That I “did the fans dirty” with my decision. But the real fans of MINE understand that shit like this with me ain’t new. Hell, if I had decided to go through with that match, that right there would be fucking over the fans. Because then it would be me betraying their trust. Because they know I don’t get down with tribalism, and the only type of person who wouldn’t understand that is a tribalist. And I’m not here to cater to them. Simple as that.

Grace Savoy: Do you have respect for any of HYBRID’s fans?

Jessi Ozborne: Maybe I need to clarify myself. I have respect for all the fans, regardless of the product that their fans off. Me not being willing to jump on the grenade for that logo doesn’t change that. For the most part, I’ll show up for the company, I‘ll get my checks from the company, I’ll win my championships in the company. Nothing more, nothing less. If the fans around here love me for it? Cool. If they don’t? Then I guess I’m just not here to entertain you. I’m sure one of the many others around here will serve your needs for poor taste. No skin off my back.

Grace Savoy: Well, it seems as though it isn’t just the fans who’s ire you’ve gained, but some of the locker room. Abigail Lindsay had some choice words for you last week before your match, a lot of them being a harsh examination of your character. Care to comment?

Jessi Ozborne: What’s there to comment about? Tell me, Grace: Do you believe Abi was lying when she made her comments?

Grace Savoy: In the interest of journalistic integrity, I’ll decline to answer.

Jessi Ozborne: Gracie, you could have just saved your breath by saying ‘No, she wasn’t.’ Which is a shame, because I’d be inclined to agree with you. I get it. My ambitions, my drive, my hunger… it leads me to do some not so savory things. From my best friends to people I wish I could personally put six feet underground. I come at them all with the same intensity when it comes to getting mine, and sometimes that can make people uncomfortable. But I hope if nothing else it proves just how willing I am, and just how good I am. Now Abi can call me anything she wants, but inferior to her ain’t one of em.

Grace Savoy: Well that was the last show, so let me ask you about tonight. Matt Knox takes on Lollie Pop to decide who will face you in the finals of the Path of Destiny Tournament. Who do you prefer to see across the ring from you at Fall of Man?

Jessi Ozborne: In all honesty, I can live with either one of them being there. I have a tremendous respect for both of them. Matt Knox and I fought a while back in Pro Wrestling Valor with gold on the line. I got the win over him there, but it all came down to interference. I want that redemption. Meanwhile, if Lollie is the one standing across the ring from me, I hope she understands that I’m taking it easy on her. I’m assuming she’s seen what happened at Zion’s Invasion: Toronto. The type of intensity I’ll bring when something huge is on the line. If I were Lollie right now, I’d be asking myself: ‘If she’s willing to do that to her best friend, what would she do to me?’

A beat before Jessi answers herself.

Jessi Ozborne: A lot. Quite a lot. Don’t get it twisted. There’s still a lot of love between the two of us. I’ll be the first to shake your hand after the match is over if you win. But I’m also not gonna let you get there that easy. That’s not a threat, that’s a promise. And when I make a promise, I sure as fuck deliver.

Jessi and Grace stand there in silence for a moment, seemingly in anticipation of Jessi’s closing catchphrase. However, she oddly doesn’t go for it. Instead opting to say:

Jessi Ozborne: That it? We done?

Grace Savoy: Yeah, I guess so.

Jessi Ozborne: Cool.

Jessi begins to walk off.

Grace Savoy: Well everyone that was Jessi Ozborne. I’m Grace Savoy and—

Jessi Ozborne (off-screen): Shut the fuck up.

Grace stands there with a look of annoyance after the harsh interruption as we fade.



Backstage, the camera finds the members of Natural Resources, Rain and GoGo, standing together near a monitor where they watch everything going on in the ring tonight.

GoGo: This is so cool! We get to watch 2BC and Freakshow and then we get to watch everything else too!

Rain nods her agreement.

Rain: Ain’t cool, Goldi? Not only do we get to watch for free but they actually pay us for it!

GoGo starts giggling excitedly.

GoGo: It’s too awesome, Rainie! Jane and Chi Chi are just too much fun! And Derrick and Alexis Lemon look like it’d be fun too!

Rain nods.

Rain: Yeah, though Alexis and Chi Chi are not gonna be fun for each other the way Cheech and Alexis’s wife been fightin’. This is gonna kick so much ass!

GoGo stars bouncing.

GoGo: Can we start now?

Rain can only smile.

Rain: I mean, we’re here so whenever the show gets back rollin’.

GoGo starts clapping.

GoGo: LET’S GO!



Inside Matt Knox’s locker room, he rotates his left shoulder once, then twice, then a third time in the opposite direction before arching his back. There’s a series of audible pops bouncing off the concrete soon joined by a relieved sigh before he bends forward, seemingly folding in half as he latches onto his toes. Straightening back up, he feels a presence enter the room before seeing it and simply remarks.

Matt Knox: Here to waste more time?

“Is that what you believe this is?”

Suddenly looming over him is a woman in a black lace halter dress, a pair of black stiletto heels, and dangerous long legs. In her left hand, Chelsea Pryce rests a hefty-looking wooden baseball bat over her shoulder.

Chelsea Pryce: You can give me one of two things, Knox. Blood or answers. What’s it going to be?

Rather straightforward. Her right hand moves to tuck a few strands of her blonde hair behind her ear before setting it back at her side. [TAG]

Matt Knox: The fact that you feel entitled to either seems like a pretty good summary of… well, you, doesn’t it?

He stands to his full height but makes no move to intimidate his visitor. Instead, he leans against the lockers and slowly crosses his arms, gaze leveled on her.

Matt Knox: It didn’t work out. She’s taking it harder than me. The End.

Chelsea Pryce: Because you hurt her, didn’t you?

Her jade-colored eyes glare into his ocean-colored eyes. Despite the height difference between the two, she stands her ground.

Chelsea Pryce: You cheated on Xaria… didn’t you?

Her tone of voice darkens and her stance becomes slightly more intense. She tightens her grip on the bat before moving it from her shoulder, aiming it at his face instead. With all the measured disinterest of a housecat, he lifts his index and middle finger to nudge the bat a centimeter away while answering.

Matt Knox: Whatever…

...or whomever…

…I did or didn't do is of no concern to you. Frankly, Xaria is a grown woman and she doesn't need the debris orbiting her to fight her battles.

He pushes off the lockers, leaning down and resting his damp, mussed-up hair on the bat’s cool surface.

Matt Knox: Now unless you're going to give me what I want with this bat…? You can go now.

The audacity! The self-destructive behavior! Chelsea narrows her eyes when Matthew willingly offers her blood. She takes a step back, her feet planted in the left-handed batter’s position, and she swings in one fluid motion--

“Mom, stop!”

--SLAM!

Stepping into the camera’s view is a brunette woman with widened topaz blue eyes. Hardcore fans recognize her as Rosalyn Fernandes, the daughter of Chelsea Pryce and “The Eternal Bastard” Jack Darling. After a moment of quiet intensity, she lets out a sigh.

Rosalyn Fernandes: Oh, thank God…

Her mother halted the baseball bat inches from the right side of Matthew’s head by slamming it against the locker behind him. He eyes the impact and lets out a breathless chuckle.

Matt Knox: Every goddamn time…

He kneels, momentarily looking more like an old man than any kind of athlete as he chokes back a pained noise. He lifts the Adidas bag he's had since the Bush Administration over his shoulder and eyes Chelsea.

Matt Knox: Tease.

Chelsea Pryce: Asshole.

With so little regard for the second swing, perhaps a pinch of hope that the hit would come, he gingerly steps around her and departs from his locker room, not even settling his gaze upon his savior. Rosalyn steps aside, allowing the older gentleman to leave, and she bites down on her lower lip.

Rosalyn Fernandes: Mom, there was no need for that. Why…?

Chelsea Pryce: I wanted to be wrong about him, Rosalyn… But once again, I’m right.

When her daughter has no more words, Chelsea once again rests the bat across her left shoulder before she leaves. Rosalyn watches her mother go with a sigh before she pulls a necklace from underneath the collar of her red blouse. There’s a rainbow charm attached to it.

Rosalyn Fernandes: You can’t be gone forever, Xaria… Please come back. Please…

Clutching the charm in her right hand, Rosalyn turns and heads out the door, a stray tear falling down from her left cheek. Two weeks after her mysterious disappearance, surely everyone is wondering…




“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page and the Global Heavyweight Champion, Duke Andrews, are walking into the Smoothie King Center hand and hand while Duke has the HYBRID Global Championship belt over his left shoulder.

Tiffany Lynn Page: Well, aren’t you all in for a treat tonight because all of you get to see your favorite couple together in the wrestling ring tonight. We get to step into the ring against two formidable opponents. Two guys that have done a thing or two inside a whole lot of wrestling rings. There is no doubt about that so you can bet your asses that Duke and I will be ready because we always are.

Tiffany looks at Duke and as they smile at each other.

Tiffany Lynn Page: I for one am excited to step into the ring with Griffin once again because our last match several weeks ago obviously didn’t solve anything. And as well know we are destined to meet up once again at Fall of Man as we both challenge for the Vanguard Championship. Like me, Griff, I know you deeply yearn for this championship too. Not just because I want to be a champion here in HYBRID just like my man is. It is about me and what I want for my career. I have been all over the world wrestling some of the best wrestlers in the world and I have beaten a whole hell of a lot of them. But I have come here to HYBRID Wrestling to solidify my wrestling career. To be able to throw my name in the best of the best of this industry not just because I am dating a phenomenal wrestler and a hell of a man. Not just because I am the sister of great wrestlers but because I cannot only hold my own inside any ring but I thrive inside of any wrestling ring. So when Griffin, Cordelia, and I step into the ring at Fall of Man I am going to be more than prepared to get my flowers when I get the opportunity to become the Vanguard Championship. Just like Duke and I will do tonight when we remind all of you that we are the ones who truly run HYBRID wrestling.

Duke and Tiffany stop in their tracks.

Tiffany Lynn Page: It doesn’t matter if we are in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, or right here in New Orleans both Duke and I have shown the world we will do whatever we need to come out victorious. Just like we will tonight, just like I did on Sunday, Griff…

Tiffany winks at the camera.

Tiffany Lynn Page: And just like each of us will do at Fall of Man when both Duke and I walk out with HYBRID Wrestling gold in our possession.

Tiffany and Duke devilishly smile and walk away.



Status has its privileges. The restaurant is upscale and the atmosphere is bordering on austere. On a nearby stage, a lady in a sparkling red gown sings beautifully in French as a trio of gentlemen play a soothing melody on the piano, saxophone, and violin. Servers are dressed with the appropriate amount of class and most of the patrons have that old money, or crime lord, look to them. Off at one of the corner tables, though, is where the focus goes. Javier Mateo Duran sits on one side of the table, and on the other is Damon Cross. Both men are dressed well this evening, something of a change for Javier but something which is old hat for Damon. The so-called Godkiller sips an eighteen-year-old bourbon garnished with cherry and lemon while Javier nurses his own drink, the two men waiting for their meal while chatting more amicably than most folks would consider them capable of.

Damon Cross: So this is really it, then? You’re stepping away after this match?

Javier has made it clear that that’s the case before. Damon, perhaps, is just now finally coming to grips with the fact.

Javier Mateo Duran: This is gonna be the last one in HYBRID. Then I got one last piece of unfinished business I gotta wrap up somewhere else. But this? This is gonna be the last one for Javier Mateo Duran, yeah.

There's no trouble in the eyes of the large Hispanic man, dressed in his white suit and boots with a red collared shirt underneath that has the top two buttons undone. He lifts the glass of tequila, downs the contents, and motions to the waiter, who nods and walks toward the bar.

Javier Mateo Duran: It could only be you, hermano. This retirement tour bullshit? Only one way it was gonna end in that ring. There was no way I was leaving my boots in the ring without fighting you one last time.

Damon Cross: You deserve having your last match being against the man who brought the best out of you, and who you pushed to greater heights. Our pride and reputations demand it. The fans demand it. They might still hate me in HYBRID-

He pauses, finishing off the rest of his bourbon, which is replenished along with Javier’s tequila promptly.

Damon Cross: -but that is what it is, y’know? This is about respect and a lot more. By the time this match is over, no one’s gonna forget your name or mine.

Javier simply nods, taking a sip from the newly poured drink.

Javier Mateo Duran: Wrapping up the move to Cali already. Sold the Colorado house for twice what I spent to build it. Can't beat that.

He suddenly laughs, slapping the table hard enough that people turn to look. But as always, Duran is unperturbed by the annoyed glares of these people. Not after all he'd been through.

Javier Mateo Duran: Listen to me. Talking about flipping houses and moving to California. Some people heard that? They'd think I ain't the man I used to be.

Damon chuckles a little and lifts his glass in his friend’s direction.

Damon Cross: Who cares what they think? You’re putting wrestling behind you and you’re building a new life elsewhere. You’re doing it your way, on your terms. If that pisses them off, it’s because they don’t have the guts to do it themselves. They’re comfortably numb and can’t bear the thought of change. Hell, even I’M thinking about life after wrestling more these days.

Probably surprising, considering, but Damon had never been the sort to go into anything without a plan. And having a child changes a lot.

Javier Mateo Duran: Fuck em.

JMD shrugs, sitting back in his chair, tapping the table with two fingers in a rhythm.

Javier Mateo Duran: Thinking about possibly starting a lil’ familia. Settle down and do my thing at SCRAP. It'll be anything but boring. Training the next generation, ya dig?

Damon Cross: Sounds fulfilling to me. I don’t know what comes after wrestling yet in my case. Could always go back to the firm, I suppose. But crunching numbers all day… not all that fulfilling, you know?

Javier snorts, taking another pull from his drink.

Javier Mateo Duran: I can't see it. You behind a computer all day? Nah. Fuck that.

JMD sighs, shaking his head. Damon laughs a little.

Damon Cross: Don’t knock it. Accounting helped me get into wrestling and taught me how to invest so that when the time comes, my family isn’t wanting.

Javier had a point, though. Damon knew that.

Javier Mateo Duran: All seriousness though. I'm gonna put everything I got into this. Not looking to cause any lasting damage. But I'm not ready to go out on an L, ya feel me?

Damon Cross: Good. Because unless you’re going in for the kill, you don’t have a chance. This is Legendary difficulty, brother. Nothing new to you, I’m sure, but even so…

He leaves it at that. Javier returns the nod, finishing his drink as the waiter arrives with the food they ordered.

Javier Mateo Duran: Ain't nothing new. Especially from you. But you know me. I don't do anything half-assed. This fight is gonna be one of the hardest matches you've ever had in your entire career.

Damon Cross: Good. That’s all a man could ask for.

The meal is set down before them and the two old friends dig in as the scene draws back and fades to black.

---

Vanguard Champion Cordelia Clark is walking backstage, largely minding her own business. She is, however, in a great mood following her win over Nathaniel Dixon but she’s still a bit tense knowing that there’s still a big defense to come. It gets a bit more awkward for her when she suddenly runs into Griffin Hawkins…

Griffin Hawkins: Easy easy… I come in peace. I’m just about to head down to the ring for my match.

Cordelia Clark: Right, sorry. I’ve been kind of on edge lately. I’m just coming off that big main event and all the pressure I had to deal with there…

Griffin Hawkins: I understand. I can see why your defenses have been up, but it doesn’t take away what you’ve done. I saw that match with Nathaniel and quite honestly that was awesome, it could’ve gone either way. I know now more than ever I got a long night ahead of me at Fall of Man.

Cordelia absorbs what she just heard before she responds.

Cordelia Clark: How do you think I feel considering I knew I was going to have a tough title defense one way or another only to end up with, for lack of a better term, a double whammy at the end of it? Yeah, it’s going to be a long night ahead for me too.

Griffin Hawkins: It will be for all three of us involved. You, me, and Tiffany. And tonight I’m looking to give her a taste of what’s to come at Fall of Man. But I just don’t want there to be any bad blood between us after the event. Unlike your previous opponents I’m not looking to use your family or your private life or anything outside the ring against you because I respect you and where you brought yourself to get that title.

He taps it.

Griffin Hawkins: But make no mistake… I’ll do whatever I can to leave with the gold..and I expect any less from you.

Cordelia Clark: Right. Of course not. Anything less from me would be doing my title a disservice. At least with you, I know what to expect. At least I won’t have other people on this roster talking down to me like I’m some kind of child or some kind of pushover. I swear, sometimes being 24 is a curse… honestly.

He gives a small laugh.

Griffin Hawkins: I would give anything to be your age again. But the only thing you can do from here on is not give credence to the words of those who are trying to bring you down. The last thing you want to do is give them all the power. If being in this business for over a decade has taught me anything..it’s that you have to stop caring about what people think of you and worry more about what you think of you. You’re champion because you’ve earned it..and nobody can take that away from you. That is why I am looking forward to this Triple Threat.

Cordelia doesn’t respond too quickly, thinking about how to react to this.

Cordelia Clark: Right, I’m looking forward to it too and it’s true what you’re saying. I shouldn’t take too much stock in the opinions of other people. Yeah, it feels like I constantly have to prove people wrong but I often do nonetheless. It’s the nature of the business. I may not have issues with you, but as mentioned before… every wrestler for themselves. So as far as tonight goes? Best of luck with your match. I mean that sincerely. But when that triple threat comes? It’s going to be a whole different sentiment which I know you, of all people, would be able to understand.

He gives an understanding nod to her.

Griffin Hawkins: I wouldn’t want it any other way. You are indeed one of the best champions in the company today and you have more than proven that you’re a fighting champion. But at Fall of Man, I am looking to do whatever it takes to win..even if I have to go through you..or Tiffany Lynn Page. In speaking of which… its show time. Seeya in the Triple Threat.

He gives her a nod before walking off. She looks on at one of her opponents at Fall Of Man, knowing it’s going to be a major title defense.



“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 thunderous ovation from the sold out crowd with their Global Tag Team Championships proudly displayed over their shoulders as they begin to make their way down the ramp.

Bernadette Olson: And listen to these fans at the appearance of our Global Tag Team Champions, Jacob!

Jacob Frankel: And speaking of appearance, both appear to be dressed to impress.

And indeed they are as Captain Cosmo is wearing a dark blue suit covered in various designs of space related structures such as planets, stars, galaxies and spaceships while Aiden Marino is wearing a dark gray suit with a plain black turtleneck and the arms of his blazer folded up his arms and he’s also wearing black shades.

Bernadette Olson: Almost a month ago at Vanguard episode twenty six in a rematch from Heatstroke, The Calinauts defeated Samantha Tolson and Gigi Nova to become the brand new Global Tag Team Champions.

Jacob Frankel: In a match that the former champions asked for nonetheless after their first match at Heatstroke was ruined by the Daughters of Darkness, a team that I am sure The Calinauts will address at some point tonight after they became the number one contenders on our last broadcast.

Once the duo reach the bottom of the ramp, they make their way up the steel steps and climb through the ropes and into the ring before calling for some microphones and they are handed one each as “Spaceman” fades out. The champions look out and around at the sold out crowd who are still on their feet and cheering wildly for them before Cosmo and Marino look at one another and the championships over their shoulders and they smile.

Captain Cosmo: We did it, friend Aiden! And it would appear that these wonderful humans love the fact that we are standing here as the NEW Global Tag Team Champions!

Once again, the fans pop loudly for the fan favorites standing in the ring. Aiden adjusted the championship belt on his shoulder and gave a little nod as he grinned.

Aiden Marino: That we did, Cap! We set out into the match with a goal, and we left with having fulfilled it!

Marino looked around at the fans, a huge smile of adoration and thanks on his face before he turned back to his tag team partner.

Aiden Marino: When I broke out from the independent scene, I certainly didn’t expect to have my first title within the first year of it. And that’s thanks to you, Cap, and our fans.

Captain Cosmo: And Captain Cosmo did not expect his very first title win to be with his good and extremely talented friend, Aiden Marino!

The Captain motions towards his fellow Calinaut as he turns to the fans and encourages them to get hyped for him.

Captain Cosmo: But of course! As what occurs when you become a champion, friend Aiden! This is when, how you humans say, the hard work begins! And we already have our first challengers waiting!

The joyful smile fell from Aiden’s face at the mention of their challengers. He nodded a little before raising the microphone again.

Aiden Marino: That we do… the Daughters of Darkness. The very team that cost us in our initial attempt at winning the Global Tag Team Championships.

Aiden rubbed his chin for a second then shook his head.

Aiden Marino: Congratulations again on your win. Now while I guess we should remain unbiased, I was hoping the two of you would win. We do have some unfinished business to take care of.

Cosmo nods as he places his free hand onto his tag team partner's shoulder.

Captain Cosmo: We are both hoping you two would win, Darkness Daughters! Because while Captain Cosmo and friend Aiden here enjoy putting smiles on the faces of these wonderful fans of ours! We do not take kindly to Emu Federation sympathizers like you! And we are owed a chance at revenge against the two of you!

The Captain does his best to put on an intimidating and angry face while glaring into the camera while Marino manages to stop himself from bursting out with laughter and when the Captain turns to face him, the duo shrug.

Captain Cosmo: Well, friend Aiden! Captain Cosmo believes we have sent a terrifying message to the Darkness Daughters that is sure to have them quaking in their boots! So we shall take our leave and let you wonderful fans enjoy the rest of the show!

The champions then hand their microphones back to the ringside crew as “Spaceman” blasts out of the PA system and they make their exit and head up the ramp to the back as we cut elsewhere.

---

After a brief break hyping up Fall of Man, Vanguard returns with “Sharp Dressed Man” playing and Aloysius Marcus Vance IV in the ring. He soaks in the NOLA reaction for a few moments before cutting off the music and lifting the stick.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between… in two weeks, Fall of Man will be taking place at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, and we have a hell of a show for you! So what do you say we run that down, eh?

Giving his queue to the HYBRID-Tron, match graphics come up as they’re announced!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: First and foremost, the finals of the Path of Destiny Tournaments will take place! In the Singles Tournament, Matthew Knox will go one-on-one with Jessi Ozborne-

Fans are coming around on Jessi Ozborne, based on their reactions, but Knox gets some nasty hate based on the rumors of his infidelities that have been swirling on Twitter…

Bernadette Olson: Knox made a bit of a mess of Lollie Pop earlier tonight, and Jessi had a hard-fought win over Abigail Lindsay two weeks ago. This one could go either way.

Jacob Frankel: I’m leaning towards Knox. There’s no substitute for experience. And a mean streak helps, too!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: -and in the Tag Team Tournament, Freakshow will go two-on-two with Natural Resources!

Big reactions for both teams there, as Natural Resources are favorites of the HYBRID Nation while Freakshow has been quickly making a name for themselves.

Bernadette Olson: I really wanna pull for Natural Resources on this one, but Freakshow has done a lot to prove themselves up to this point.

Jacob Frankel: I wouldn’t necessarily call two matches a lot, but singly both Alexis and Derrick were impressive before now. So… who knows, right? I’m not betting against Rain and Gogo, though!

AMV gives the fans some time to soak that in, then gestures to the screen again!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: But what’s a big show like this without some violent, uncontrolled chaos?! We’ve got that times two at Fall of Man, as Kimo and Josh Woodrum settle their differences in a big grudge match-

Something that has flown somewhat under the radar of late, though fans have been taking notice regardless…

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: -and what’s sure to be perhaps one of the most violent spectacles in either incarnation of HYBRID’s history as Super Tiger and Chiaki Sanada face off in an Exploding Barbed Wire Massacre Match!

That one, though, has the people screaming!

Bernadette Olson: Kimo and Woodrum have some heat behind them, that’s true, but Risa and Chi Chi? Those girls are gonna try to kill each other. Maybe literally.

Jacob Frankel: That won’t be a match for the faint of heart or stomach, I’ll promise you that much.

Smirking at the camera, AMV chuckles.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And trust me: you don’t wanna know what it cost me to get the permits for that battle!

Some good-natured laughter from the HYBRID Nation before AMV carries on with the card announcements.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Title matches, you say? Why, we have those, too! Five of them, in fact! First up, Cordelia Clark will defend the Vanguard Championship against both Griffin Hawkins and Tiffany Lynn Page in a triple threat match! Nathaniel Dixon will put his Iron Heart Championship on the line against Iida Matsuda! And, in the main event, the Global Heavyweight Championship will be on the line with Duke Andrews defending against Damian Simmons!

Bernadette Olson: And if there’s ever been a bigger threat to Duke’s reign, I haven’t seen it! He’s got a monster of an opponent this time, Jakey!

Jacob Frankel: Somehow, I’m feeling that Duke will get the win, though. Same as with Knox, experience is a big deal. And I think some folks have forgotten that Duke has backup!

Bernadette Olson: What, Tiffany Lynn Page? If I’m her, I’m staying out of this match for sure!

Jacob Frankel: As to Nathaniel and Iida, Nate’s gonna have a fight on his hands. Iida is tough as they come and can probably match him in pure wrestling.

Bernadette Olson: She may be the better fighter, too. But Nathaniel isn’t the type to go down easy.

Jacob Frankel: That’s fair. Just ask him if you don’t believe it. As to the triple threat… wow… I really don’t know how to call that one!

Bernadette Olson: Cordelia has been a dominant champion, but Griffin Hawkins… I mean, like you said: experience wins matches. Still, against someone as conniving as Tiffany Lynn Page, I think it’s fair to say that Cordy’s reign is in jeopardy!

Two matches to go, and AMV is eager to announce them!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And for the Unity Championships, Royal Couple will defend against Duplex Royale, while the new Global Tag Team Champions, the Calinauts, defend against the Daughters of Darkness!

The images come up one by one, with the fan reaction as one might expect: Duplex Royale and the Calinauts get love, while the DOD and the Royal Couple are… less than favored!

Jacob Frankel: You ain’t gotta ask me about these, Bernadette. Calinauts and Duplex Royale. No further comment.

Bernadette Olson: Glad to see you can be professional about it. But I’m not gonna sit and underestimate the DOD. They’re dangerous AND motivated.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And I would be remiss if I didn’t put a little shine on one more match! Javier Mateo Duran has been taking on challenges en route to finishing his career in grand style, and HYBRID has been honored to have him on our roster. And for his final match, he has tapped none other than the Godkiller, Damon Cross, as his final opponent… a match that will take place at Fall of Man as well!

Quite the roar from the fans, though most remember Damon less than favorably, and as such most of the love expressed is for the former Runaway Train!

Jacob Frankel: Word is that these two met up earlier this week to hash things out a bit. Rumor is that they decided on a stipulation for the match, too. I wonder what it is?

Bernadette Olson: Whatever it is, this match is gonna be a showstopper. There’s opponents, there’s enemies, and then there’s wrestlers that not only improve you, but define you. Neither Javier nor Damon would have reached the levels they have without one another. So this one… you’re gonna wanna watch!

With the matches announced, AMV takes a bow and takes his leave, “When I’m Gone” by Dirty Honey, the theme for Fall of Man, plays as the show’s logo flashes on the big screen!



The camera opens on Stephanie “Wildcat” Kenyon standing in the interview area seemingly ready to go for her match tonight.

Stephanie Kenyon: So here we go. I get to race with another big gun here tonight.

She nods excitedly, pointing to the floor as she does so while maintaining eye contact with the camera’s lens.

Stephanie Kenyon: Main event, the former World Champion, The Beggar King…

She almost laughs in acknowledgment.

Stephanie Kenyon: I know I’m not technically ready for this yet.

Looking slightly to the right, Stephanie grins.

Stephanie Kenyon: Hell, I’ve faced two other champions here in my first year and I’ve lost to both of them but that don’t mean it’s time to hang my head and complain.

She looks back into the lens and nods firmly.

Stephanie Kenyon: I’m a damn rookie and I’ve already been in the ring twice with the Iron Heart Champion and I earned his respect inside a steel cage. I’ve been in the ring with the World Champion and made people take notice that it took him more than two minutes and just his finish to beat me!

She points to herself for emphasis.

Stephanie Kenyon: And now I get in the ring with Eddy Todd, a respected and decorated champion that ain’t nobody can take anything away from without bein’ delusional or lyin’ out they ass!

He moves the point to direct it towards the floor forcefully.

Stephanie Kenyon: My name is Stephanie Kenyon and I aim to make everyone keep takin’ notice until I’m worthy of sayin’ I belong in my family of world champions both in Arsenal and the Kingdom.

She nods determinedly.

Stephanie Kenyon: Someday I WILL be able to stand here and say “Behold” but for right now, I’m gonna run my race my way and see how far I can get!

Stepping forward, Stephanie makes her own close-up.

Stephanie Kenyon: Mister Todd, I will see you presently!