Post by Aloysius Marcus Vance IV on Oct 18, 2023 23:31:44 GMT -6
HYBRID Presents: Fall of Man 2023!
Live from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee
Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 at 5pm
Gates open at 4pm
Official Theme: "When I'm Gone" by Dirty Honey
OPENING SEGMENT
Be The Difference
Be The Difference
We cut to the inside of the Queens of Chaos locker room, wherein we see Jessi Ozborne, getting herself ready for her upcoming match. She slips on her boots, tying the laces as she muses. People tend to believe when a competitor does this, it’s directed towards the camera, and the people watching her through the footage. Instead her musings go straight to the person behind it. She often feels she needs the warmth of human presence around her in times like these.
Jessi Ozborne: Y’know, I’ve been in this business for five years. Five years. Doesn’t seem that long for anyone else, but for me that constituted nearly my entire teenage life. Five years is a hell of a long time when they’re made up of you actively growing in this business. You learn and retain a lot of information that even some of the veterans might not even know. I’ll give you just one today, and it’s one that I usually tell everyone I train at SCRAP: ‘Be the difference between wrist tape and wagyu.’
Jessi pauses for a moment no doubt letting confusion set in with the cameraperson. Anyone would be confused at that comparison, in fairness. But you can tell that Jessi wanted that confusion to set in. Almost as if it’s part of the script for her.
Jessi Ozborne: ‘What does that mean?’, you might be asking. Well, I guess I’ll give you more insight. Let me take you back somewhere around the realm of 2020. I was 16 going on 17, just back after the worst injury of my career to date. Wanted to hit the ground running. Wanted to be better than ever, possibly the best. In order to do that, though, you gotta be trained by the best. So I met this guy, a big British fellow. Chain-smoked on the daily, but could still go like no one’s business. Voice sounded like gravel hitting a chalkboard, but it only made the words he said that much more significant.
Jessi mocks a British accent for most of this next part. It’s a terrible one, but enough to get the message across.
Jessi Ozborne: I asked him if he could help me out. First question he asked me was ‘Why do people pay to see you, love?’ I answered. Told him people wanna see me because of this, that, and the other. I forgot what I said. It was largely unimportant. What was important is what he said when I answered. He said ‘Right, that’s all well and good, love. But that doesn’t answer my question. I asked you why people PAY to see you. Not why people WANT to see you, right?’
Jessi finishes tying her laces, before covering her boots with a pair of shiny gold kickpads.
Jessi Ozborne: I was confused, and he could tell. So he follows it up by saying ‘Listen, I really WANT a new roll of wrist tape, right? But I ain’t going outta my way to pay for it. I can just go through all the boy’s bags and get me-self a handful without spending a penny. Because stuff like that’s a dime a dozen. Now, a beautiful, medium-rare wagyu steak? That’s something I would pay out the nose for, I would.’
Ironically enough, at this point in the story, Jessi pulls out her wrist tape, beginning to wrap it around her left hand.
Jessi Ozborne: It took me a long time to finally let that lesson manifest itself, but to this day, I still haven’t forgotten it. It’s a philosophy I’ve carried with me my entire career. People can speculate in whatever way they want over how I got the position I am today. You can say it’s the fans, but I was thriving when they hated me. You can say it’s politics, yet I can name every match I’ve had to go through to get to where I wanted to go. There are absolutely no excuses for how I got here. I got here by doing nothing less than being absolutely exceptional in damn near everything I do, and that’s on facts.
Jessi begins wrapping up her right hand now.
Jessi Ozborne: But I’m not saying a damn thing that Matt Knox doesn’t already know. Truth is, he’s probably listening to the words that I’m saying right now and feeling seen. Fact of the matter is, whether you’ve been in this business for decades or only half of one, you don’t get to points like this without being absolutely exceptional. In a world full of wrist tape, The Raven and I are the wagyu, as silly as that sounds without context.
Jessi gets to her feet and stretches as she gives her final words.
Jessi Ozborne: So what do you get when you have a showdown between two wagyus? Well, that’s a five-star meal for two. Except only one of us is eating, and I guaran-damn-tee you, that I’m a hell of a lot hungrier tonight than you, Knox. That’s not a threat, that’s a promise. And when the future Path of Destiny Tournament Winner promises, she damn well delivers. See you out there, Matty boy, you’re welcome.
Jessi quickly leaves the locker room as we fade.
MATCH ONE
Grudge Match
Singles/One Fall
Kimo vs. Josh Woodrum
Grudge Match
Singles/One Fall
Kimo vs. Josh Woodrum
Spirit Montego: Our first contest tonight at Fall of Man is a Grudge Match set for one fall!
“Uprise” by Kingdom Collapse starts to play. The lights cut and the camera zooms in on the stage as a film countdown plays on the screen, when the music hits, the stage lights flash as Kimo comes to the stage. He does a bit of shadow boxing to warm up and plays to the crowd. He quickly does a throat slitting gesture with his thumb and engages with the audience as he walks down the ramp. He enters the ring and mounts a turnbuckle and hypes up the crowd some more before waiting for the match to start.
Spirit Montego: Introducing first… from Honolulu, Hawai'i, and weighing in at 280 pounds… The Savage… KIMO!
Bernadette Olson: Opening things up tonight with what should be a pretty heated match between these two long-time… enemies? Friends? What exactly are they, Jacob?
Jacob Frankel: I haven’t the foggiest idea. They obviously go way back with one another. And Kimo is the aggressor of the two.
"Spoilin' For a Fight" by AC/DC plays, the arena darkens. Orange strobe lights flash throughout the arena as the curtain parts and out walks Josh Woodrum wearing his ring gear, with one of his specially designed T-shirts on. Woodrum walks to the middle of the ramp, stops, surveys the crowd and then holds up both arms in the "rock on" hand sign as pyros explode behind him. He saunters to the apron, jumps up and cockily hops over the ropes and lands in the ring.
Spirit Montego: And his opponent! From Lexington, Kentucky and weighing in at 265 pounds… Mr. Impressive… JOSH WOODRUM!
He walks to the center of the ring and with great flourish rips off his shirt. He tosses the remains into the crowd and cups his hand to his ear, hitting all four sides of the ring before striking a double bicep pose in the center of the ring. Woodrum climbs the nearest turnbuckle, he flashes another "rock on" hand sign and steps down as his music fades.
Jacob Frankel: However deep the beef goes between these two, it’s two big, mean fellas about to duke it out, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Bernadette Olson: I suppose we can agree on that point. Zach Young might have his hands full in there tonight.
Jacob Frankel: Nah, he’ll be fine.
DING! DING! DING!
Kimo is the aggressor from the start, attacking Josh immediately at the bell and driving him chest-first into the buckles. He throws some forearms shots to the lower back to soften Josh up, then gets a running start for a leaping knee. Josh dodges to the side, causing Kimo to smash into the turnbuckles. A German suplex dumps Kimo on his head and Josh celebrates, but the Islander is up in a hurry, booting Josh when he turns around and hitting a DDT.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
TWO!
NO!
Josh isn’t ready to go down, though, and powers out. He’s quick enough to get back to his feet, but a knee to the head from Kimo keeps him lowered a bit, cutting away the height advantage temporarily. Kimo hits a swinging neckbreaker then lines up for the False Crack Medevac but Josh spears him out of it and goes for a pin of his own.
ONE!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
Bernadette Olson: Both guys want to put this match in the rear view in a hurry.
Jacob Frankel: Can’t say I blame them there; Josh probably feels that he has more interesting things to do and Kimo wants things settled.
That’s Gotta Hurt from Josh drives Kimo into the mat, but he fights out of the Tribute to Flair, kicking Josh away the first time. On the second, he pulls Josh into an inside cradle but the larger man breaks free before the referee can count. Resorting to brawling again, Kimo lays in a series of rights and lefts, following up with a head kick that knocks Josh into the ropes, which are all that keep him from hitting the mat. He charges out from there with a clothesline but Kimo ducks this and throws a second head kick, this time to the back of the skull. Josh drops to his knees and Kimo lines up a running attack but Josh springs to his feet and counters with a belly-to-belly.
Jacob Frankel: Kimo almost got bounced out of the ring there. How’s Josh gonna follow up?
Bernadette Olson: He should stick to the power game and batter Kimo until he’s out of stamina… but that’s hard with someone from the Pacific. They have a reputation for toughness.
Kimo proves that a bit when a clothesline sends him into the ropes rather than knocking him down. A second charge from Josh ends with a spinebuster and Kimo mounts him, laying in shots before Zach Young’s count reaches for. Kimo reluctantly relents on his attack, but when he pulls Josh up, it’s just for a clinch so that he can lay in knee strikes. Again the referee pokes his nose in but this time Kimo intimidates him into backing off. That lets Josh make a comeback, though, nailing a discus punch before scooping Kimo up on his shoulders for the most old-school of moves: the airplane spin!
Bernadette Olson: The last time I saw someone legit use that move was before you were born, Jakey!
Jacob Frankel: I dunno if I should feel young or if you should feel-
Bernadette Olson: I dare you to finish that thought!
Dizzy before all is said and done, Kimo is put back down on his feet, wobbling. Josh, though, isn’t much better off, but he’s aware enough to drill Kimo with another clothesline, this one knocking him down. He follows up with two more, then a big boot that sends Kimo spiraling… but not down. A leaping knee halts Josh’s charge, but Josh is proving relentless. Kimo resorts to a stun gun, dropping Josh throat-first over the top rope. False Crack Medevac connects, but it takes a second to knock Josh off his feet. Kimo drops down to make the pin:
ONE!
TWO!
…
THREE!
TWO!
…
THREE!
Bernadette Olson: Was that three?!
Jacob Frankel: Josh’s shoulder came up just half a moment too late! There’s a surprise!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match… KIMO!
And he doesn’t wait around to have his arm raised, either. Kimo slides out of the ring and heads backstage without a single look back at Josh, who’s slowly coming around after the hard strikes from his opponent.
Bernadette Olson: Seems like this one has been put to bed. But where do they go from here, I wonder?
Jacob Frankel: Well, they’re fighters; I’m sure they’ll look for someone else to beat on. First ones to cross their path would be my guess.
Bernadette Olson: Some people enjoy living that way. I’m not one to judge.
Winner: Kimo
Result: Pinfall at 8:19 (False Crack Medevac)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
For Shame!
For Shame!
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is standing just outside of Gorilla Position in her wrestling gear.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Tonight is the night and the excitement for tonight is palpable. It is the night that I have wanted ever since I signed my Hybrid Wrestling contract. The desire is there and the preparation has been completed now it is time to get the championship I have had my eyes on since day one. I obviously have my work cut out for me tonight considering I have to step into the ring with not only Cordelia but Griffin, as well. So it isn’t the slam duck I’d like it to be but hey I’ll take what I can get in this case.
Tiffany looks off into the distance for a moment.
Tiffany Lynn Page: But can you imagine though at the end of the night after Duke successfully retains his Global Championship tonight that I come into the ring so Duke and I can celebrate together with our championships in hand. It’ll be spectacular! But I know, I know all of you are thinking that I shouldn’t get ahead of myself considering who I am stepping into the ring with in just a little bit. Griffin has done a whole hell of a lot in his career and I didn’t beat him during our one on one match several weeks ago. But he can’t say that he beat me either and that is why we are in the position we are in. Then there is the champion Cordelia Clark. Without a doubt a great competitor and a great champion but she is a champion who hasn’t defended the prestigious Vanguard Championship since July. You’ve only defended the Vanguard Championship only once since June, Cordelia. Tsk, tsk! For shame, Cordelia. For shame!
Tiffany smiles devilishly.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Or should I be impressed, Cordelia? Damn girl two championship defenses in four months.
Tiffany starts clapping.
Tiffany Lynn Page: Yeah, that’s impressive! Do your things girl but your time will end in just a little bit because it’ll be my time to defend the Vanguard Championship once every sixty days.
Tiffany pauses for a moment.
Tiffany Lynn Page: On the other hand, I would probably be strung up and lynched for doing that. So when I come out of the ring tonight with the Vanguard Championship I’ll elevate this championship to the level it should be. I’ll elevate to the level that Duke and I are on. So Griff and Cordelia can rest assured they’ll get a fight they have never experienced before. A fight where they’ll come up short.
Tiffany walks into the Gorilla Position.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Second Chance
A Second Chance
We go to the back where Griffin is pacing back and forth, just moments away from the match. In between pacing he begins to speak.
Griffin Hawkins: ...we're finally here. Fall of Man. For the last few months I've been fighting my way to get back to where I was. Last time I was here... HYBRID unfortunately locked it's doors. When I saw that they reopened..I didn't think of coming back. I figured it was time for me to move on and let the newer talent shine. But Aloysius Marcus Vance called me and wanted to do business... he had seen me light up the HYBRID ring in the past and wanted me to be part of history again. I shook the hands with a lot of the talent... some I knew, some I had yet to meet. And they welcomed me back into the halls of HYBRID. And now...here I am in my first title match. One of the more important titles in this company. I don't know if I'll get another chance at this... so I have to make it count.
He looks towards the camera.
Griffin Hawkins: Tiffany Lynn Page... as I live and breathe. We have been getting to know one another in the last few months haven't we? We both made our intentions known and staked our claim to the Vanguard Title. Once we fought in that ring...we were determined to find out who the true number one contender is. I guess you can say we both were so evenly matched that we both became the number one contender. You seem to have had your eyes on that prize even before I got here. You're willing to step on anyone just to get to that gold...that's actually kind of admirable, you know what you want and you're willing to do everything to get it. At this point..you want that title so bad you can taste it. That itself... makes you even more dangerous.
He leans against the wall.
Griffin Hawkins: You were right when you spoke about me weeks ago. The both of us have traveled the world fighting to prove why we are the best in the industry today. You want that title to cement yourself as the best that HYBRID has to offer. I want it to resume my legacy in HYBRID and to prove once more that I am indeed everything I say I am. The two of us know that title will put us on the map..but only one of us will walk out with it. And this time... there will be no count outs, no controversy, no excuses. If it's down to you and me... I will do everything to make sure I leave with belt in my hands.
He begins walking towards the camera man as he backs up, keeping him in view.
Griffin Hawkins: I can even remember the times that your sister Summer had battled with me...and like her, you have that same drive to be the best and win at all costs. I guess it runs in the family. But while there is still respect between us... I am not letting that cloud my judgement. I had been away from HYBRID for far too long. The last time I held gold here in this company... it folded before my reign could really begin. I promised myself the next title that I win... that I would have a dominant reign... even if I have to go through someone I respect. Within moments... we're gonna see who really is the true champion.
His expression then turns serious.
Griffin Hawkins: And then... there's Cordelia Clark. The champion... the main attraction... the one who has all the gold. I must say, Cordy... you have indeed come a long way. You have proven to everyone in this company that you deserve that title by fighting night after night after night. I know you've had your share of detractors the last few months... but the truth is you earned that title. You didn't get it by kissing anyone's ass... nor were you protected since you won it. You've beaten everybody who stepped up to challenge you. That's the kind of champion that I want to face. Someone who fights... someone makes no excuses... someone who doesn't duck threats to their reign like we've all seen in the past. I consider it an honor to step in the ring with you tonight.
A smile comes across his face.
Griffin Hawkins: A two time Vanguard Champion... that itself is not an easy feat. You had to build your legacy in HYBRID from the ground up. But like all empires throughout history... all it takes is one man to bring it all down. I've been in the ring with everybody you can think of... and a lot of the time when they had titles...I often left with it. It's true Cordelia... I have a habit of taking belts. I collect belts like kids collect Pokemon... but I know it won't be easy taking that from you. When we met face to face... I saw it in your eyes that you want to do everything in your power to walk out tonight still the Champion. And frankly... I'm counting on that.
He takes off his shades, showing his eyes for the first time.
Griffin Hawkins: I know lately you're tired of people looking at you as some kind of pushover... someone that they can just step over to get to the top. But the last thing I see you as Cordy... is a pushover. A long time ago I was like you. I had people think that I was some kind of easy task, some kind of stepping stone. I went through the same avenues you did..I was even in Sin City Wrestling just like you. Like Tiffany, we both have a lot in common...except for one thing. You have a championship... I don't. I don't want you to hand it to me, I want to work for it. Whenever I set a goal, I do my damndest to complete it. It doesn't matter if its you... it doesn't matter if it's Tiffany. Somebody's gonna get rocked!
He puts his shades back on and walks off.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Brighter Than The Brightest Star
Brighter Than The Brightest Star
The show cuts to the vanguard Champion in Cordelia Clark as she has plenty to think about. She still doesn’t seem to be too thrilled about the situation that she finds herself in, but obviously, she’s looking to make the most of it. This optimism is keeping her going as she begins to speak.
Cordelia Clark: I’ll be the first to admit it. If a match like this was on my plate a year ago, I probably would’ve buckled under the pressure. But now, after being in Hybrid for a damn long time? No, I’m not going to buckle. I already know that going into this match, this is going to be the toughest Vanguard title match I’ve ever had. Yes, this is going to be tougher than my recent championship defense against Sandra Moore. This will be a tougher battle then when I won the championship from Javier Duran the first time. This is going to be tougher than all the battles that I had with Aleki Kokoa. Though I will also admit that when it comes to luck, or lack of it, this might be the worst stroke of luck that I’ve had when it comes to the Vanguard Championship. Remember… it was supposed to be only one of Griffin Hawkins or Tiffany Page and it ended up being both of them due to a situation out of my control.
So, I want to pose a question or two to both of them.
Do you truly believe that you deserve to be the Vanguard Champion? Do you truly believe that you can beat me?
For one, while you both were having your battle, I was beating another champion in the main event of a Vanguard episode… Nathaniel Dixon in this instance… in what was absolutely the most hard fought win of my career.
You couldn’t even defeat each other, so how the hell are either of you going to beat me? That’s the reality of the situation that you both need to be thinking about. I’m not trying to come off as if I’m bragging so much, but I know what I am in this business. I’ve certainly grown into one of the better prodigies that Hybrid has had on its roster over the last year or so. I am definitely someone with a bunch of main event potential. I’ve already made history being the only two time Vanguard Champion.
I’ve been blessed with the unique distinction of having six overall championships to my name before I even hit the age of 25.
Hell, in my first company, I was even blessed with the ability to win a world championship at the age of 22.
Cordelia takes a pause for a bit before she continues.
Cordelia Clark: Hell, let’s be real honest with each other. You’re both on the tail end of your careers a this stage of your life while I’m only turning 25 next month. Granted, you’re both still at or near peak form, but that doesn’t mean I am going to sit back and die while one of you takes this from me because I am going to do everything in my power to ensure that I don’t lose this championship. I especially don’t want to lose it to someone like Tiffany lynn Page. Tiffany, for all of your talent, your ego gets in the way. You think the world nerds to revolve around you. I get that in our early twenties, girls like us have an ego problem and think like that. In fact, that was me when I first started. The big difference is that as I worked my way up the ladder, I grew out of it and you didn’t.
I still think that you wanted to come after my title because you must have thought that I’d be the weakest and the easiest champion to beat. I wouldn’t be shocked. But regardless, I’m not going to sit back and lose my championship to someone that is essentially what I would’ve grow up to be later in my career if I never snapped out of the attitude that I had when I first broke in here.
Now as for you, Griffin. Look, the kind words that I said to you a while back in the locker room area are words that I meant. If it’s not me tonight, I want it to be you. But I don’t have time for friendships or alliances in this match. I’m not going to be your stepping stone to another moment of glory in your long, decorated career. The odds may be stacked against me here, but that hasn’t stopped me before and it sure as hell isn’t about to happen again.
I’ve always felt, since I won this title the first time, that I’ve got one of the brightest futures in this company if not the brightest. My win over Dixon solidified that belief… and when I find a way to win this match tonight and REMAIN the Vanguard Champion… that belief will be solidified… perhaps for good!
Cordelia makes her exit at this point before the scene cuts out entirely.
MATCH TWO
Vanguard Championship Match
Triple Threat/One Fall
Tiffany Lynn Page vs. Griffin Hawkins vs. Cordelia Clark (C)
Vanguard Championship Match
Triple Threat/One Fall
Tiffany Lynn Page vs. Griffin Hawkins vs. Cordelia Clark (C)
With the first contest out of the way, the fans are starting to get pumped, and considering the next bout, that’s hardly surprising!
Spirit Montego: Our next match tonight is a triple threat set for-
Crowd: One fall!
Spirit Montego: -and it is for the Vanguard Championship!
“Started to Make it Hot” by Iggy Azalea, Feat. Cardi B, Nicki Minaj & Nicole Wray begins to play throughout the arena to a chorus of boos. Tiffany casually makes her way through the curtains with a cocky smile on her face and her arms raised to her sides.
Spirit Montego: Introducing the first challenger: from New York City and weighing in at 125 pounds… Too Sexy… TIFFANY LYNN PAGE!
As she walks down the aisle she taunts the audience. Tiffany gets to ringside and walks up the ringside stairs. She looks over at the referee and motions for the referee to open the ropes for her. Once the referee opens the ropes for her, Tiffany enters the ring and twirls in the center of the ring.
Jacob Frankel: So, how much you wanna bet that she demanded to come out before anyone else so she could be referred to as “first”?
Bernadette Olson: No bet.
Jacob Frankel: I’d probably say the same! Poking aside, Tiffany seems pretty capable in the ring, but she’s so caught up in image and everything else. If she’d just focus-
Bernadette Olson: Head against a wall, Jacob. That attitude has served her for a long time and it isn’t going to change. As long as she’s got the spotlight, I think she’s happy.
Spirit Montego: And introducing challenger number two-
The sounds of a keyboard fill the air as the crowd comes unglued. The arena fades dark and focuses the lone spotlight on a young man on stage, one arm raised in the air with the devil horn signal in hand. "Separate Ways" by Journey picks up as Griffin Hawkins comes down the ramp.
Spirit Montego: -from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and weighing in at 227 pounds… The Jukebox Hero… GRIFFIN HAWKINS!
The crowd is cheering, singing along to the song as he makes his way down, high fiving a few fans on his way to the ring. As soon as he steps up on the stairs he steps between the ropes. He gets on the turnbuckles and raises the devil horns in the air, pumping the crowd. He gets off the ropes and leaves the ring. He takes off his silver aviator shades and puts them on an excited young fan who looks happy to receive them. He smiles patting him on the head before getting back in the ring. He takes off his Leather jacket and paces, waiting for the match to begin.
Jacob Frankel: The crowd loves this guy and it’s not hard to see why!
Bernadette Olson: He knows how to get them on their feet and keep them there with his work in the ring. Good as he is, though, tonight is gonna be a tall task.
Jacob Frankel: No doubt about that. Not only because he has to contend with Tiffany Lynn Page, but also the champion, one of the toughest folks in HYBRID!
Bernadette Olson: Speaking of…
The bridge of "Physical" by Dua Lipa hits the PA system and Cordelia Clark steps through the curtains, instantly drawing some strong cheers from the crowd.
Spirit Montego: And introducing the champion! Hailing from Brooklyn, New York and weighing in at 125 pounds, she is the reigning AND defending HYBRID Vanguard Champion… The Doll Slayer… CORDELIA CLARK!
She starts to walk down the ramp, obviously confident in her abilities. She has a smile on her face as she gets to the ring, obviously enjoying whatever reaction she's getting from the fans. When she enters the ring, she finally acknowledges the fans with a further smile and a blown kiss, which only serves to incite them to cheer her louder. Cordelia starts to focus on her match and the song fades.
Bernadette Olson: A two-time champion and, as you said, Jakey, one of the toughest people in HYBRID. She’s faced down a lot of challenges since arriving here.
Jacob Frankel: Especially in the middle of that ring! Yet she almost always finds a way to come out with the win.
Bernadette Olson: And there's a good reason for that. Griffin has shown the respect due, while Tiffany has not, but neither has truly tangled with Cordelia until now. This should be an amazing match.
DING! DING! DING!
No sooner does the bell ring than does Tiffany simply leave the ring and drop down to the floor. Griffin and Cordelia look at each other, then at her, as Tiffany gestures for them to go at it and not to mind her. Of course, the HYBRID Nation gives her all kinds of hell for this but she brushes them off. Nodding in silent agreement, Cordelia and Griffin leave the ring and before Tiffany is aware of it, thanks to the distraction of the fans, she’s surrounded! She tries to play Switzerland in the midst of the danger, then dives for the ring only for each leg to be grabbed by one of her opponents, yanking her forcefully back out to the floor!
Jacob Frankel: Hey, that’s a square on my bingo card! “Tiffany Tries to Escape”! Woo-hoo!
Bernadette Olson: And how come I didn’t get one of those?
Jacob Frankel: Don’t sweat it! I got you one, too!
Bernadette Olson: And look at that! I’ve got three spots filled already!
Announcer banter aside, Tiffany is having trouble outside the ring as Cordelia and Griffin each take an arm and whip her into the ringside barrier! Tiffany retorts with a slap to the face of the champion, which has Griffin backing off a bit, palms raised! Cordelia tongues the inside of her cheek a little, then turns back to Tiffany and proffers her OTHER cheek for a shot! Incensed, Tiffany obliges and Cordelia comes back with a fist to the jaw! The shot drops Tiffany and riles up the fans before Cordelia, more than a little irritated with the disrespect, rolls Tiffany back into the ring! She follows and blasts Tiffany with Educated! Referee Kara Tarantino makes the count!
ONE!
TWO!
NO! GRIFFIN BREAKS IT UP!
TWO!
NO! GRIFFIN BREAKS IT UP!
Cordelia stares incredulously at Griffin, who shrugs and motions at his waist. Shrugging, Cordelia pulls up a groggy Tiffany and hurls her out of the ring before squaring up with Griffin! The two lock-up and Griffin gets the advantage through strength, but Cordelia reverses and backs him into the corner. She lays in some chops on the Jukebox Hero, the fans torn on who to cheer for. Delivering a textbook vertical suplex out of the corner, Cordelia floats over into a pin attempt on Griff-
ONE!
TW-NO!
TW-NO!
-but he’s quick to break out. An Irish whip is reversed and Griffin hits an excellently-placed dropkick, sending the champion down. He lines up the Shot in the Dark, but Cordelia leaves the ring before he can strike, showing that she has her opponent well-scouted! Tiffany, still lurking on the outside, uses this opportunity to pounce, grabbing and shoving Cordelia into the ring post! Getting a handful of Cordelia’s hair, Tiffany looks to bounce her face off the steps a few times, incensed at her treatment thus far!
Jacob Frankel: And that seems to be what it takes! Get Tiffany riled up enough and she starts doing damage!
Bernadette Olson: Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but that’s the sort of thing she needs to learn to control so that she can turn it on whenever she wants! She’s sure as hell doing it right now, though!
Jacob Frankel: Cordelia blocks another hit and elbows her way out, though! And what’s Griff doing?!
Griffin, not about to be left out of the fun, runs up the turnbuckles and dives onto both champion and challenger, wiping them out on the floor to the delight of the HYBRID Nation! Tiffany gets the least of it and she’s up almost before Griffin, laying in some boots and trying to send him into the ring apron painfully! Griffin blocks this and laces into her with a wicked chop across the chest! Tiffany shrieks something about Griff watching his aim but his response is another chop, leading her to retort with manicured nails to the eyes of her fellow challenger!
Bernadette Olson: It’s probably fortunate for her that there’s not much in the way of rules in this match!
Bouncing his head off the barricade, and taking a moment to taunt the fans by pulling his head back by the hair and showing them his dazed expression, Tiffany rolls Griff into the ring and follows after, dropping a hard elbow between the shoulders before mounting him and throwing some hard forearm shots to the back of the head. The ire of the fand is music to her ears and she pulls Griff up, hitting a reverse DDT before going for a pin of her own!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
TWO!
NO!
Jacob Frankel: Not quite enough to shut Griff down, Bernadette, but Tiffany doesn’t seem bothered by that!
Bernadette Olson: It’s focus, Jakey. When you strip away all else, there’s a fighter in Tiffany. Problem is? She forgets she has that in her.
Not right now, though. She whips Griff into the buckles and charges in for a big splash, but takes a moment too long winding up! Griff moves aside and is able to hit a neckbreaker on Too Sexy, dropping her to the canvas! She holds her head, but has little time to wallow in pain as Griffin stays on the attack, delivering a Glam Slam!
ONE!
TW-NO!
CORDELIA IN TO BREAK THINGS UP THIS TIME!
TW-NO!
CORDELIA IN TO BREAK THINGS UP THIS TIME!
The champion is indeed back in the game, hitting a perfect German suplex on Griff, then dragging Tiffany up and hitting one on her that drives her into Griffin! Not usually one to head to the top rope, Cordelia does just that, facing the fans for a moment before hitting a lovely floating moonsault down onto both of her challengers!
Jacob Frankel: Big move from Cordelia! She knows full well everything that’s at stake tonight… not just her title!
Tiffany seems to take the worst of it, though Griffin is left clutching his ribs. He pulls himself to his feet via the ropes while Cordelia lights Tiffany up with a barrage of alternating open-hand and knife-edge chops! No doubt Tiffany’s chest is red as hell under her gear, but while the shots hurt, they also wake her up! She lunges in with a headbutt, a dangerously low boot to the belt line, then grabs Cordelia by the hair and yanks her down to the mat! She’s got something mean in mind for the downed champion, but gets cut off by a Griffin spear that hits her from the broadside!
Bernadette Olson: Not so much a save as it is clearing the way for himself there, I think!
Jacob Frankel: Something tells me that Griffin would be fine losing tonight so long as Cordelia retained!
Bernadette Olson: That doesn’t sound farfetched at all!
Now it’s Griffin laying in the straight rights on Tiffany, who scrambles to try and get out of reach! It takes a low blow to do it, though, not that Tiffany minds the infraction! She puts the boots to Griffin but here comes Cordelia to attack from the side, driving Tiffany into the buckles! Lowering in some clubbing forearms to the back of the champion, slowing her a bit, Tiffany changes over to axe-handle shots, trying to beat down Cordelia! Forcing her way out of the predicament, Cordelia hits a few shoulders to the midsection before setting Tiffany up on the top rope! Climbing up for a superplex, Cordelia’s eyes widen as Griff wants in on the fun, sneaking in beneath the champion! The superlex is enhanced by a powerbomb from the Jukebox Hero, adding velocity as the Doll Slayer and Too Sexy are driven into the canvas, leaving all three laying!
Jacob Frankel: Nothin’ like a good, old-fashioned Tower of Doom!
Eventually they rise, roughly around the same moment, each up on their knees mid-ring. Tiffany lashes out with a chop to the chest of Cordelia, who responds with one to the chest of Griffin! And so the circle goes with all three chopping away before Tiffany gets the better of it, alternating between champion and fellow challenger and cackling about it!
Bernadette Olson: Of course she’s loving this! That woman is all kinds of trouble!
Jacob Frankel: The looks on the faces of Griffin and Cordelia, though!
It seems after a point that Tiffany isn’t putting as much piss and vinegar into her strikes as she could, more showing off than actually blasting her opponents! Cordelia and Griffin, much as they had at the beginning, share a look with one another reminiscent of Jules and Vincent in Pulp Fiction before punching Tiffany almost simultaneously! The alternating shots keep Tiffany from fighting back, but a shriek makes them stop as she yells at both!
Tiffany Lynn Page: What the hell did I do?!
That query makes the champion and challenger pause… then strike Tiffany with simultaneous shots, each one tagging a side of her head and knocking her to the canvas!
Bernadette Olson: Well… ask a stupid question!
Jacob Frankel: The kids call that f-
Bernadette Olson: -around and find out, yes! There’s kids watching, Jacob!
And now the double-team is on again, with fists and feet raining down on a desperate Tiffany! A double-suplex and double back body drop follow before Griffin hits the Shot in the Dark on Tiffany! He drops down to make the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
CORDELIA BREAKS IT UP!
TWO!
CORDELIA BREAKS IT UP!
Griffin knows exactly why the champ broke it up, yet can’t help the look of incredulity that leaps to his face! He lines up to give Cordelia the same, but the Doll Slayer attacks first, nailing a short-range Busaiku knee on the Jukebox Hero! Educated follows and Cordelia makes a cover of her own, leg hooked!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NO!
TIFFANY IS ABLE TO DISRUPT THE PIN!
TWO!
TH-NO!
TIFFANY IS ABLE TO DISRUPT THE PIN!
Cordelia is shoved off Griff after an elbow is dropped on the back of her head! Tiffany quickly takes her place, hooking both legs!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NO!
GRIFFIN GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
TWO!
TH-NO!
GRIFFIN GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Pounding the mat, Tiffany allows her frustration out, turning on the still-groggy Cordelia and hitting the PAWG before pinning the champion!
ONE!
TWO
THR-NO!
GRIFF THROWS HIMSELF IN TO BREAK IT UP!
TWO
THR-NO!
GRIFF THROWS HIMSELF IN TO BREAK IT UP!
Jacob Frankel: Back and forth, back and forth!
Bernadette Olson: None of these three are willing to give an inch tonight! Especially the champion!
The break-up has Tiffany turning fully on Griffin, hitting a pair of kicks to the gut and a jumping knee strike that straightens up but doesn’t knock down Griffin! The Prima Donna, though, does the trick and Griffin slumps to the mat! Tiffany is feeling it, lining up her fellow challenger for Sex in the City! Griff is up and Tiffany coils… but Cordelia is up, too! She sees as Tiffany hits her finisher on Griff, leaving him laying… then strikes with Educated to the back of the head! Tiffany falls atop Griff, but Cordelia pulls her away and moves to pin Griffin instead!
ONE!
TWO
THR-NO!
GRIFFIN GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPES!
TWO
THR-NO!
GRIFFIN GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPES!
Trying not to give in to frustration, Cordelia moves in on Tiffany instead, going for the pin there!
ONE!
TWO
THRE-NO!
TIFFANY’S SHOULDER GOES UP AT THE LAST MOMENT!
TWO
THRE-NO!
TIFFANY’S SHOULDER GOES UP AT THE LAST MOMENT!
Cordelia, taking a moment, gets back to her feet, turning her attention back to Griffin! He’s up, but he’s shaky… and she moves in for another Educated! Griffin ducks down just in the nick, bringing Cordelia up into the air and driving her down with a powerbomb! A breakdancing leg drop follows to get the fans riled, but that also gives Tiffany time to come around! The Prima Donna is narrowly ducked and Griffin responds with the Glam Slam! He heads up to the top rope and… STAGE DIVE! He lands a leg hard across the chest of Tiffany and moves in for the cover!
ONE!
TWO
THREE?!
…
NO!
TWO
THREE?!
…
NO!
Cordelia sees her moment and moves in, driving Griffin away from Tiffany with a shotgun dropkick that sends him into the buckles! From there, it’s the Sound of Silence on Tiffany!
Bernadette Olson: Cordelia’s pet submission! I don’t think Tiffany has it in her to break out of this one, Jakey!
Jacob Frankel: I think you’re right! She’s holding on somehow, though!
Doing his best to shake it off, Griffin half-falls, half-lunges into Cordelia, driving an elbow into the side of her head and breaking up the submission before Tiffany can give it up! All three are running on fumes at this point, and Griffin moves in on Tiffany instead of Cordelia! Grabbing the other challenger around the waist, Griffin looks to put her down only for Cordelia to attach herself to Griff! The battle to see who gets put down first is on and Tiffany rears back with her right arm, trying to spike Griff with All Eyes On Me! But the Jukebox Hero moves his head and that elbow drills Cordelia in the face!
Bernadette Olson: What a shot! Talk about dodging a bullet!
Jacob Frankel: Wicked elbow strike from Tiffany there, but she nailed the champion instead of Griffin!
Bernadette Olson: I don’t think she cares too much!
Tiffany flips out of a German attempt by Griff, but walks right into Shot in the Dark! A second one is evaded by Cordelia! Desperation sit-out facebuster on Griffin! Cordelia winds up for the Educated! Shot in the Dark connects instead! Griffin half-falls onto the champion for the pin attempt, managing to hook the far leg!
ONE!
TWO
THREE?!
…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO
THREE?!
…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Jacob Frankel: New champion!
Tiffany had tried to break it up, but wasn’t able to get there in time! Griffin rolls away from Cordelia, breathing heavily as Kara Tarantino gestures for the championship to present it to the new champion!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… and the NEW Vanguard Champion… GRIFFIN HAWKINS!
“Separate Ways” starts up as the new champ starts to come around, sitting up against the ropes and blinking in slight disbelief as the title is handed over. He has his arm raised and manages, after a moment, to get to his feet. Tiffany rolls out of the ring, disappointment and frustration showing all over her face. Meanwhile, Cordelia is slowly coming out of her momentary discombobulation…
Bernadette Olson: A big win for Griffin Hawkins, who’s quickly reminding folks of just how good he can be!
Jacob Frankel: No shade on the others, though! The former champion and the other challenger really laid it in! It could have gone either way!
Bernadette Olson: I don’t disagree with that, but there can be only one, and tonight, that’s Griffin Hawkins!
Jacob Frankel: It’s gonna be one hell of an after-party!
Winner: Griffin Hawkins (New Champion)
Result: Pinfall at 18:16 (Shot in the Dark)
RINGSIDE SEGMENT
The Forgotten God
The Forgotten God
Cordelia, back on her feet now, brushes past the official and walks straight up to the new champion. Words are exchanged, but in the roar of the fans we can’t hear exactly what’s said. An embrace is shared, though, and Griffin’s arm is raised by the former champion, who seemingly just wanted to show her respect. The former two-time Vanguard Champion gestures to the fans, who respond very kindly to the lady who they’d enjoyed cheering for as champion up until now, before giving the ring to the new champ!
Bernadette Olson: Cordelia handled it classy. There was nothing screwy about that match and she handled it like a champ.
Jacob Frankel: Former champ, but all the same. You don’t see that much.
Bernadette Olson: And now, Griffin is almost back to where he was when the old HYBRID finished: wearing gold! I wonder who will-
"No Church in the Wild" by Jay-Z & Kanye West feat. Frank Ocean & The Dream starts to play, though, cutting off Bernadette! Griffin, the title over his shoulder, turns to face the stage at this interruption, the fans already starting to rumble!
Jacob Frankel: Wait a minute… I recognize that song!
A spotlight shines down on the center of the stage and a moment later out walks another former Vanguard Champion in Aleki Kekoa!
Jacob Frankel: It is! The Samoan God of War has made his return!
Walking to the top of the ramp, Aleki has locked in on the new champion, motioning to his waist to indicate that he wants the very strap that Griffin has just won! And in response, Griff holds up the title high, to which Aleki nods.
Bernadette Olson: Guess we know who the first opponent is going to be! And unlike some people, he has a legit claim to a shot!
Jacob Frankel: I can’t wait!
MATCH THREE
Path of Destiny Singles Tournament Finals
Singles/One Fall
Jessi Ozborne vs. Matthew Knox
Path of Destiny Singles Tournament Finals
Singles/One Fall
Jessi Ozborne vs. Matthew Knox
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for-
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Spirit Montego: -and it is the Path of Destiny Singles Final! Introducing first, from Monterey, California, he weighs in at two hundred forty-four pounds… He is Matthew “The Raven” Knox!
The arena’s lights cut out and a single raven cries out. This singular raven is soon joined by another, then another until the cries of an entire unkindness resonate from the sound system. Suddenly, it’s broken by "Hell Broke Luce" by Tom Waits cutting through, the lights coming up to a dull blue as a single white strobe light pulses in time to the song's percussion.
"I had a good home, but I left.
I had a good home, but I left, right, left.
That big fucking bomb made me deaf, deaf,
A Humvee mechanic put his Kevlar on wrong.
I guarantee you'll meet up with a suicide bomb.
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!"
I had a good home, but I left, right, left.
That big fucking bomb made me deaf, deaf,
A Humvee mechanic put his Kevlar on wrong.
I guarantee you'll meet up with a suicide bomb.
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!"
Standing in the middle of that pulsing light upon the entrance stage, Matthew Knox was adorned in his ring gear and a sleeveless hoodie, arms outstretched like a bird in flight.
"Big fucking ditches in the middle of the road,
You pay a hundred dollars just for fillin' in the hole.
Listen to the general every goddamn word,
How many ways can you polish up a turd?
Left, right, left, left, right,
Left, right…
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!"
You pay a hundred dollars just for fillin' in the hole.
Listen to the general every goddamn word,
How many ways can you polish up a turd?
Left, right, left, left, right,
Left, right…
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!"
He pivots on a heel and begins making his way to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and picking a corner to charge and leap upon to scream the audience into a frenzy! He takes a lap around the ring before kneeling in a corner and patiently waiting for what comes next.
"How is it that the only ones responsible for making this mess
Got their sorry asses stapled to a goddamn desk?
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!
Left, right, left…"
Got their sorry asses stapled to a goddamn desk?
Hell broke luce!
Hell broke luce!
Left, right, left…"
Jacob Frankel: A veteran of the old school, Matthew Knox is a force to be reckoned with. He believes Jessi Ozborne’s path to destiny ends with him!
Bernadette Olson: Are you one of his children, Jakey?
Jacob Frankel: W-what? No! My biological parents have already been proven.
Bernadette Olson: I had to ask. This old man is the father of at least nine children and probably a lot more!
Jacob Frankel: Well… you’re not wrong.
Spirit Montego: And his opponent! From Montreal, Quebec, Canada, she weighs in at one hundred twenty-one pounds… She is “La Reina Asesina” Jessi Ozborne!
The lights to the arena go out, with "Black Sheep" beginning to build up over the speakers. The fans murmur with intrigue until the song takes off and lights jump, flashing over who we can obviously see as Jessi Ozborne. The song begins properly as Ozborne steps up center stage, the lights perfectly capturing her Miles Morales-inspired gear for tonight.
“Hello again, friend of a friend
I knew you when
Our common goal was waiting for
The world to end”
Ozborne steps down the ramp as the music continues to blare behind her, mouthing along to all the words as she hands out high fives and “Too Sweets”. She makes it to the ring, stepping up the ring steps and to the top rope, and throwing up the “Too Sweet” as the chorus goes off.
“I’ll send you my love on a wire
Lift you up every time, everyone ooh
Pulls away, ohh, from you”
Jessi dismounts into the ring off those words, spinning around with her arms outstretched before dropping to her knees on the mat! She gestures to the fans on the mat, before quickly climbing to her feet and stepping up to the second rope, throwing up the QoC’s “Too Sweet” gesture as she does. She backs up into the corner, getting ready for the match as the music fades.
Bernadette Olson: There she is, the Leading Lady of the Queens of Chaos! She’s won so many championships since her professional debut. Can you believe she’s still technically a rookie?!
Jacob Frankel: With all of her accomplishments, it is hard to believe, B. This won’t be the first time she’s faced Knox either. They’ve crossed paths in Pro Wrestling Valor for the Disavowed Championship and she retained it!
Bernadette Olson: Don’t omit the fact that ol’ Knox was hit by a golf cart driven by a maniac!
Jacob Frankel: I-I was getting to that! Even though she’s going into this bout with the flu, Ms. Ozborne is ready to go!
Once both finalists are in the ring, Matt Knox rises to his feet and approaches Jessi Ozborne. He extends his right out to her and offers a smile. Seeing this, Jessi smiles and reaches out to take his hand -- when Matt pulls his hand away and turns on his heel away from her! The fans boo Matt’s blatant disrespect. Jessi narrows her eyes and shouts “Hey Knox!” As soon as Matt turns around to face her, she pops him one across the face! The fans burst into cheers! Referee Kara Tarantino’s eyes widen and she immediately signals for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Knox takes a step back from the blow, closes his ocean-colored eyes, and smirks. He sends a knife-edge chop toward her, but Ozbore blocks and counters with stiff shots. Her strong style in combination with her dexterity gives her a hit-and-run strategy, nailing Knox with stiff shots and evading when he attempts to seize her. Knox grits his teeth and switches up his strategy, throwing calculated kicks at Ozborne. While she’s able to block some of the kicks, the rest of them hit her hard and cause her to stagger back. Knox rushes her, but Ozborne side steps out of the way and counters with a few stiff kicks of her own. Knox is faster than he looks, able to dodge a few of the kicks while enduring the rest. He pivots on his left foot and launches a kick. Strangely enough, she does the same, and the soles of their shoes make an impact! Knox and Ozborne swing their right legs back and they move into their fighting stances. The showcase of their wrestling styles is applauded by the fans, though most of them cheer for Ozborne!
Bernadette Olson: The fans are coming around on Jessi again. Talent really is all that’s required sometimes.
Jacob Frankel: Plus it’s pretty easy to hate Knox, considering…
Jessi and Matt look across the ring at each other. Almost at the same time, they both smirk… at least until the poor girl has to sneeze into her elbow! He can’t help but laugh. Jessi huffs and yet despite this, her initiative is higher when she uses her speed to strike at Matt. He’s on the defensive, blocking some of her attacks with great effort. Just as a shotei to his chest sends Matt staggering, Jessi executes BAE-Blade --
-- except Matt takes a step back and catches Jessi’s right foot! With a smirk, he throws her right leg down, causing her to hiss, and suddenly the Raven captures her with his signature Avalanche Exploder Suplex! While most of the fans boo, some of them applaud his technical prowess, watching as he goes for the cover and hooks the leg.
ONE!
JESSI OZBORNE KICKS OUT!
Bernadette Olson: Nah, there was no way it was going to be that easy.
Jacob Frankel: Still, Knox has the advantage now. His experience is shining.
Rising up, Knox looks at the referee and casually shrugs. Tarantino isn’t sure what to make of that gesture, watching Knox reach down and pull Ozborne to her feet. Finally, he has the advantage in the match, therefore expanding upon his technical prowess. Spinning behind Ozborne, Knox locks his arms around her waist and sends her onto the mat with a German suplex, follows up with a northern lights suplex, and then connects with a bridging fisherman’s suplex!
ONE!
OZBORNE KICKS OUT!
The fans are happy to see Ozborne’s resilience. Despite his age, Knox is pretty quick to his feet. He brings Ozbore to stand up and blasts her with Muay Thai Plum and Knee Strikes! Ozborne is forced into a stunned status, perhaps seeing stars, yet she remains on her feet. Raising an eyebrow, Knox grabs ahold of her right arm, and Irish whips her toward the ropes. Ozborne bounces off of them and Knox goes for a running high knee -- only somehow, Ozborne ducks underneath! Their height difference is clear, the fans watching her rebound against the opposite ropes and planting his ribs with a dropkick. Knox coughs and falls down on one knee, all the while Ozborne gets to her feet. Seeing his prone position, La Reina Asesina bolts and drives him face-first onto the mat with Bitch-Craft!
Bernadette Olson: C-c-c-c-combo breaker!
Jacob Frankel: Calm your killer instinct down, B. Though I’ll say that Bitch-Craft was clean as hell!
Knox is DEFINITELY seeing stars. Ozborne doesn’t hesitate to turn him over and cover him, hooking the leg!
ONE!
MATT KNOX KICKS OUT!
Naturally, the fans boo, though some of them applaud Matt’s never-give-up willpower. Jessi looks up to Kara, scoffs, and holds up three fingers. Kara shakes her head and returns with a peace sign -- two fingers. Shaking her head, Jessi takes a moment to catch her breath and watch Matt slowly get to his feet. Once he’s in position, Jessi connects with rapid-fire stiff shots to his body. Matt is staggering from the harsh blows and he ends up in one of the corners. Jessi grins, backpedals to the opposing corners, and runs forward, looking for the Human Hand Grenade--!
NO!
Somehow, Matt dodges at the last second, and Jessi crashes HARD against the turnbuckles! The fans are on their feet in shock and awe. Jessi plops onto the mat like an accordion, while Matt stalks his prey from his vantage point. Slowly, she gets to her feet, and the Patriarch of the Knox Family chains together The Mercy, the Murder!
Bernadette Olson: Out of nowhere with The Mercy, the Murder! The Queen of Queens is in serious trouble!
Jacob Frankel: The Raven is looking to end the match via submission! Can he do it?
Jolted by the precarious position, Ozborne struggles and attempts to wriggle her way out. This is the submission Knox used to make her fellow Queen of Chaos, Lollie Pop, tap out. Once again, Knox has the size advantage and he keeps the chokehold locked in. The fans are rallying behind Ozborne, though the diehard Knox fans are rooting for him. Tarantino asks Ozborne if she wishes to give up. Despite her pain, Ozborne shoots her a glare. How dare she!? Ozborne pushes her left foot off the mat and the fans see what she’s trying to do. Knox narrows her eyes and keeps holding on, hoping she’ll simply fade. “Tap out, kid! I don’t want you to pass out!” However, after a couple more attempts for the leverage, Ozborne manages to roll them over, relieving the pressure around her neck, and she grabs the bottom rope!
Bernadette Olson: Tap out DENIED!
Jacob Frankel: Wow! There’s no stopping Ms. Ozborne. She’s still in this!
The fans are hollering! Tarantino acknowledges this and begins to count--
ONE!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE-
At the last possible second, Knox releases Ozborne who is coughing and gasping for air. Of course, the fans boo his cold yet strategic decision. Tarantino is quick to warn him, but he simply brushes her off and focuses on Ozborne. He moves in close and aggressively throws knee strikes into her ribs, forcing oxygen out of her lungs. Rising up, he pulls Ozborne onto her feet and backhands her! The crowd boos the disrespect! Ozborne staggers back, almost losing her balance, yet she remains on her feet. Knox shakes his head before he rebounds himself against the ropes and looks for Little Drop of Poison -- except Ozborne manages to use her short height and duck underneath! Knox’s momentum is too high and he falls over the top rope -- only he’s holding onto the top rope!
With a smirk, he surprises everyone by skinning the cat and getting back in the ring. His showboating, however, gets him into trouble as the Queen of Queens snaps at him with Bangarang! The fans cheer with anticipation, while Knox is rocked. Somehow, he stays on his feet. Ozborne? She simply grins and unleashes God’s Revolver on the Old Bird!
Bernadette Olson: Little Miss Impossible has officially made her victory possible!
Jacob Frankel: God, that kick is resonating throughout the arena! There’s no way Knox is getting up from that!
The impact resonates and the fans are eating it up! They watch as Knox falls into an unbalanced stage. Ozborne is quick to go for the cover and hook the leg!
ONE!
NO! SOMEHOW MATT KNOX GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Bernadette Olson: & Jacob Frankel: WHAT?!
The commentary team can’t believe it! The fans can’t believe it! Most of all, Jessi can’t believe it! She glares at Kara and yells that it’s a three. Alas, Kara shakes her head and officiates it’s a two. Jessi’s shock turns into frustration as she stands up and stomps on Matt’s chest! Kara scolds her -- only for Jessi to scream in her face and force her to back off. Taking a couple of steps back, Jessi narrows her eyes on Matt who’s slowly trying to get to his feet. The moment he’s standing, she looks for Brannigan’s Law--!
No! Matt calculates this, firmly plants his feet on the mat, and raises his arms to block the kick! Jessi’s eyes widen for the briefest moment before she’s suddenly pushed backward. This allows Matt enough space to surprise her with Wrath of the Raven! Instantly, Jessi is knocked off her feet and collapses on the mat. Honed in on his weakened prey, one-half of the Suplex Cops pulls her up to her feet -- and across his shoulders. The fans helplessly watch as he drives her Into the Void and goes for the cover, hooking the leg!
Jacob Frankel: INTO THE VOID!
Bernadette Olson: That’s it. Game over, Queenie.
ONE!
TWO!
…
JESSI OZBORNE GETS HER SHOULDER UP!
Bernadette Olson: Holy shit!
Jacob Frankel: You’ve got to be kidding me!
The fans burst into cheers with renewed vigor! Knox shakes his head in disbelief. He checks with Tarantino and she confirms the two-count. Knox scowls a bit and rises up, bringing Ozborne up with him. He drives knee strikes against her ribs, causing her to double over, and he sharply uppercuts her. It effectively stuns her, giving him the opportunity to climb the turnbuckles closest to her. He perches like a raven in the nest and balances himself into a standing position.
Matt Knox: Quote the Raven…
Crowd: NEVERMORE!
The diehard fans of the Raven complete the line as he takes flight for Nevermore…!
JESSI OZBORNE EVADES AND COUNTERS WITH BAE-BLADE! The fans are absolutely CRAZY about it! Matt Knox nearly loses his balance and falls down to his knees. From behind, Little Miss Impossible shadows him and lashes out with the Hidden Blade, forcing Knox to fall forward with a thud! She follows through with mounted elbows to the back of his neck in rapid succession, unleashing You’re Fucking Done! After five excruciating seconds, the referee tells her to relinquish the blows. Jessi withdraws, the second wind carrying her to pin Knox and hook the leg. The fans count along with the referee!
ONE!
TWO!
…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the Path of Destiny Singles Final… “La Reina Asesina” JESSI OZBORNE!
Jacob Frankel: That. was. INSANE. The Path of Destiny Singles Tournament is finally over and Ms. Jessi Ozbore has emerged victorious!
Bernadette Olson: It’s pretty impressive to defeat someone with as much experience as Matt Knox! Sorry, old man. You’re. Fucking. Done.
Jacob Frankel: Aren’t you around his age, Bernadette?
Bernadette Olson: Shut the hell up, Jakey!
As “Black Sheep” by Metric ft. Brie Larson plays from the PA system, the fans are cheering and applauding Jessi Ozborne! It takes her a moment to pick herself up and shake off the cobwebs. The second wind has settled down, but she’s still so excited! Referee Kara Tarantino raises Jessi’s hand in victory and the Queen of Queens allows it -- for now. Meanwhile, Matt Knox is slowly beginning to stir, his right hand instinctively moving to the back of his neck. His free hand clenches into a fist and slams down on the mat but only once. Jessi takes note of this and walks over to him. He rolls over onto his back and looks up at her. To the surprise of everyone, or perhaps no one, Knox raises his left hand and flips her off with a half-smirk. The fans begin to boo, but Jessi simply laughs -- and she flips him off in return! Knox chuckles softly before he slowly rolls himself out of the ring, his hand still on the back of his neck. He might have to see a chiropractor. Jessi smirks, watches him go, and indulges in the celebration of her victory. Finally, she’s earned the respect of the HYBRID rEvolution fans.
Winner: Jessi Ozborne
Result: Pinfall at 21:44 (You’re Fucking Done)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
A Challenge for Experts
A Challenge for Experts
“Good evening, everyone.”
In the darkness, Your Lord of Charisma’s voice resonates softly. There’s a familiar static that connects to audio distortion while he continues to speak.
“Would you kindly turn on the light?”
He seems to address the fans and the viewers at home. It’s strange, but right on cue, a single light shines on an old wooden stool that holds up a strange-looking electronic device. This is recognized as the early 60s audio recorder from BioShock. No one has seen it since Best Served Cold in January 2023 when Nathaniel was recording a promo against Stephanie Kenyon.
Nathaniel Dixon: This morning, I took a moment to look over the past.
{STATIC}
…honestly, I hate doing that…
{STATIC}
But I focused on my return to HYBRID. I have evolved with the rEvolution. I wonder, I wonder… Do you wonder what I wonder? Have you noticed my pay-per-view record?[/i]
A knowing little chuckle softly resonates from the antique.
Nathaniel Dixon: I am undefeated. Best Served Cold, Stormfront, and Heatstroke -- I’ve emerged victorious. Twice against Ms. Stephanie Kenyon and once against Forge himself, Mr. Trenton Mitchell. April showers brought May flowers and I ended the month with three championships.
{STATIC}
The Styx Corporation Orcus Champion.
{STATIC}
The HYBRID rEvolution Iron Heart Champion.
{STATIC}
The Splat Network MultiUniversal Champion.
{STATIC}
It is as Miss T1ck3t said: I am the Breakout Star of 2023. The Most Improved of 2023. From bloody rags to bloody riches!
One can hear the genuine pride and joy in his voice. There’s even the brief sound of a sniff -- or perhaps a sniffle! -- before he laughs wholeheartedly.
Nathaniel Dixon: There’s no denying my success. Anyone who tries either lives under a rock or they’re an ignorant fool. It took ten years to finally earn the glory I’ve fought so hard for… and I won every single championship clean. No cheating. No dirty tactics. No outside interference. Just me and my skills.
Yes, it’s true I was never able to defend the Orcus Championship. Unfortunately, the Styx Corporation shut its doors before I had the chance.
Yes, it’s true I successfully defended the MultiUniversal Championship twice before I had to relinquish the gold. However, that hasn’t discouraged me in the slightest. If anything, I’m motivated.
Yes, it’s true I haven’t defended the Iron Heart Championship…
{STATIC}
But I will tonight.
{STATIC}
Finally, I have my first-ever challenger.
Her name is Iida Matsuda, the Emerald Queen.
A cute nickname for one so young. As always, I’ve done my research. Matsuda-san was trained by Shinsuke Kaito-sama. She is in the same generation as Ayu Megumi-san, one of the best New Frontier Wrestling United States Champions. One of Ayu’s sisters, Maki Megumi-san, is actually Matsuda-san’s sensei. It’s clear the Megumi Sisters inspired her to travel to America to become a full-fledged professional wrestler.
Oh, and on top of that? We’re both trained in the same fighting style: Mixed Martial Arts. Although she relies on speedy strikes and I lean on technical wrestling, we both have a love for submission holds. It’s one thing to pin your opponent. It’s a completely different thing to make them tap out. That’s why…
Suddenly, the single light goes out and there’s the sound of static. Then… silence.
“Matsuda-san, hitotsu jōken o dashite okitai nodesuga.”
(I wish to offer a stipulation, Matsuda-san.)
When the light turns back on, the Intellectual Evolution stands there with an elegant posture. Dressed to the nines in a full Armani suit and a black silk top hat, the corners of his lips curl up into a smile.
Nathaniel Dixon: A submission match for the HYBRID rEvolution Iron Heart Championship. No pinfalls. You can only win via submission. That’s not to say we can’t use our entire arsenal. I want us to perform to the best of our abilities. I do hope you accept, Matsuda-san.
He politely tips his hat and releases a sigh. There’s a shift in his facial features and his intensity begins to reveal itself.
Nathaniel Dixon: Maybe you’re wondering… if I will be able to focus on you, Matsuda-san. Especially when Ollie Maverick is hunting me down for his righteous vengeance.
He clenches his fists at his sides and there’s a slight tremble in his body language. After a few seconds, he’s able to compose himself.
Nathaniel Dixon: Worry not, my dear. You will have my undivided attention. When the final bell rings and the winner is declared by Spirit Montego, then and only then will I set my sights on my former nephew-in-law. I know Ami won’t like it, but I have no choice. There’s no going back. Only forward.
Until then…?
A sad smile forms on the Lord’s face. The light goes out and comes back on -- except Nathaniel is no longer there. Neither is the setup. It’s simply an empty void.
MATCH FOUR
Iron Heart Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Iida Matsuda vs. Nathaniel Dixon (C)
Iron Heart Championship Match
Singles/One Fall
Iida Matsuda vs. Nathaniel Dixon (C)
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for--
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Spirit Montego: --and it is for the HYBRID rEvolution Iron Heart Championship! Introducing first, the challenger! From Mine, Yamaguchi, Japan, she weighs in at one hundred fifty-four pounds… She is “The Emerald Queen”... IIDA MATSUDA!
"MIRAI TICKET" by Aqours plays out throughout the arena before Iida Matsuda emerges through the curtains and onto the stage! Embracing the cheers and applause of the fans, she points to them and shouts “Kanpai!” with a bright smile on her youthful face.
"Hikari ni narou mirai wo terashitai!
Kagayaki wa kokoro kara afuredasu yo!"
Kagayaki wa kokoro kara afuredasu yo!"
As the Emerald Queen slowly walks down the ramp, she waves to her fans on the way to the ring. She slides into the ring and stands up before spreading her arms out to pose for the fans. Embracing the cheers, she then walks into her corner and waits patiently.
Jacob Frankel: Talk about second bouts! Like Ozborne versus Knox, this won’t be the first time Ms. Iida Matsuda and Mr. Nathaniel Dixon have faced each other.
Bernadette Olson: Last time, ol’ Nate triumphed over Iida. This time? The Iron Heart Championship is on the line. I’m sure she’s prepared for this since becoming the number one contender!
Jacob Frankel: I really like cheering for the underdog, Bernadette. You just want to root for her!
Bernadette Olson: Iida’s gotta be careful, Jacob. Even though he only has the Iron Heart Championship now, that’s only going to make Nathaniel tougher to beat!
Spirit Montego: And her opponent! From London, England, he weighs in at one hundred seventy-five pounds… He is the reigning AND defending Iron Heart Champion, “Your Lord of Charisma”... NATHANIEL DIXON!
Slowly, the lighting inside the arena dims until there is only darkness. The steady playing of guitars begins to resonate throughout and draws the attention of the fans. The vocals of Chris Daughtry set the mood with “Heavy is The Crown” by Daughtry.
“Never needed any reason
To find deliverance…”
To find deliverance…”
A red spotlight shines on the entrance stage and reveals Nathaniel Dixon. It reflects off the Hybrid rEvolution Iron Heart Championship wrapped around his waist. His fan reception is a mixture of cheers and boos, but there is a newfound respect for him.
“Like a cancer running through my veins, oh.
That's never going to give in…”
That's never going to give in…”
Your Lord of Charisma chuckles softly and saunters his way toward the rings. When a few fans reach out, Nathaniel actually tags them and makes his way around the battle arena, the spotlight following him with every step he takes. His earth-colored eyes are focused on the ring itself.
“See them march like lambs to the slaughter,
Toy soldiers lined up on the altar!”
Toy soldiers lined up on the altar!”
Nathaniel ascends the steel steps, enters the ring between the ropes, and gauges the fans. A smile forms across his face before the spotlight goes out.
“I was never meant to drink that water,
And they'll remember me when I'm underground. . .”
And they'll remember me when I'm underground. . .”
The fans stir in anticipation as red pyros shoot from all four corners of the ring! The normal lighting returns and Nathaniel takes a bow in the center of the ring with a confident smirk. Detaching the championship belt from around his waist, he raises it up high to showcase his hard work and dedication. Recognition and respect surround him and he is glowing with gold.
“Heavy is the crown!
Never falter, never let them bleed you out!
I'll be still standing when thеy try to bring my castle down!
I'll never bow down, hеavy is the crown!
Heavy is the crown, heavy is the crown. (Oh!)
Heavy is the crown!”
Never falter, never let them bleed you out!
I'll be still standing when thеy try to bring my castle down!
I'll never bow down, hеavy is the crown!
Heavy is the crown, heavy is the crown. (Oh!)
Heavy is the crown!”
Bernadette Olson: It’s like he said. Anybody who tries to deny his success either lives under a rock or they’re an ignorant fool. Three titles -- all within the month of May!
Jacob Frankel: For a while now, he’s claimed to be THE Iron Heart. Tonight, he finally has the chance to prove it.
Bernadette Olson: Dixon has one-up on Matsuda. She’s already facing an uphill battle.
Jacob Frankel: That may be true, but she’s determined to end his reign before it begins!
Nathaniel hands the Iron Heart Championship to referee Zach Young. Zach raises it high into the air, displaying what’s at stake. Seeing Nathaniel, Iida Matsuda bounces up and down, ready to go. Nathaniel notices this and chuckles softly before he requests a microphone. Curiously, a ringside official extends a live one for Zach to collect, and then he hands it over to the Iron Heart Champion. The Challenger is a little confused, but she decides to listen.
Nathaniel Dixon: Matsuda-san, watashi no puromōshon o mimashita ka?
(Did you see my promo, Matsuda-san?)
Iida is pleasantly surprised to hear Nathaniel speak fluent Japanese. To answer his question, she smiles and nods. He returns the smile and follows up.
Nathaniel Dixon: Sono jōken o ukeiremasu ka?
(Do you accept the stipulation?
Like a gentleman, he holds out the mic for her to speak into. She doesn’t hesitate to answer.
Iida Matsuda: Hai, Nasanieru-san, uketamawarimasu.
(Yes, Nathaniel-san, I accept.)
Bernadette Olson: I’ve got an audio translator and it’s pretty on-point. This is officially a submission match for the title!
Jacob Frankel: Wow! They both specialize in submission holds. Everyone’s excited about it!
Hyped up, the fans cheer and watch Nathaniel nod, handing over the microphone. The referee then gives it back to the ringside official and watches Nathaniel and Iida politely bow to one another. Zach is happy to see this and so he signals for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Once the bell rings, the Champion and the Challenger take a couple of steps back and move into their ready stances. Iida kickstarts with speed on her side, throwing rights and lefts at Nathaniel who’s dodging and blocking the best he can. She tries to pounce, but he catches her and launches her with an over-the-shoulder throw -- yet she lands on her feet! With a bounce, she comes back with a series of kicks, catching him with a couple of nice hits. Taking a step back, Nathaniel feigns a low kick, which Iida sidesteps, and he seizes her right arm, planting her on the mat with a Japanese arm drag. He attempts to go for a kneebar, but she kicks him off and rolls backward. She attempts a double footstomp, but he sideways rolls out of the way and gets to his feet. Immediately, he raises his arms to block most of her rabbit punches, then fights back with gentleman’s hooks, mixing in his brawler skill. Like him, Iida is able to block most of them and she performs a backflip kick. Somehow, Nathaniel’s able to Matrix evade this, and soon enough, the two return to their original fighting positions.
The fans are eating up the showcase with cheers and applause! It brings a smile to Nathaniel and Iida’s faces before they re-engage. Nathaniel moves in to attack, but Iida is able to dodge every hit. He blinks and attempts to swing with a right hook, but once again she’s evasive. Narrowing his earth-colored eyes, he tries to rush in and grapple her, and yet she slips away, unleashing quick jabs he can’t block! Nathaniel staggers, taken aback with widened eyes, and Iida runs forward. He’s able to grab ahold of her and send her towards the ropes with an Irish whip. He looks for a discus elbow on her way back, but the Emerald Queen ducks underneath, bounces off the opposite ropes, and nails him with Dead Silence! Once Nathaniel falls onto the mat, Iida turns him over, and she latches onto his right ankle, applying an ankle lock!
Bernadette Olson: That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Dead Silence right into the ankle lock!
Jacob Frankel: You know what, Bernadette? I think Matsuda outsmarted Dixon with that speed boost. She was holding back until that very moment!
The fans eagerly look on as Dixon lets out a yell of shock and pain. What a reversal from Best Served Cold! Young checks with him, but Dixon shakes his head and begins to drag himself and Matsuda toward the ropes. She attempts to keep him in place by torquing the hold, causing him to yell out. Once again, Young checks on him. Once again, Dixon refuses. He manages to drag them far enough to grab the bottom rope.
ROPE BREAK!
Before Young can even begin to count, Matsuda releases Dixon’s ankle and steps back. Dixon takes a moment to favor his right ankle and hisses.
Count-outs are irrelevant in a submission match. The referee simply keeps an eye on the two. Matsuda quickly steps out onto the ring apron as Dixon uses the ropes as leverage to pull himself up. He takes a deep breath and turns around, trying not to apply too much pressure on his ankle -- when suddenly, the Shining Starlight drives him onto the mat HARD with Destiny! The fans rise to their feet, cheering Matsuda on as she swiftly takes hold of his left arm and locks in the Kimura!
Bernadette Olson: God damn, Iida isn’t slowing down in the slightest!
Jacob Frankel: Destiny right into the Kimura? She’s weakening Nathaniel by targeting different body parts!
The armbar is locked in tight and Nathaniel releases a yell of agony. The Champion is in the center of the ring and he’s in trouble! With a smile on the Challenger’s face, Iida tries to keep him grounded. Zach moves to check on Nathaniel, but he’s still too stubborn to give up. The fans are on their feet and they begin to chant.
Crowd: Let’s go, Matsuda! Let’s go, Dixon! Let’s go, Matsuda! Let’s go, Dixon! Let’s go, Matsuda! Let’s go, Dixon!
Nathaniel shakes his head and begins to repeat the process of dragging them towards the ropes. It’s more difficult with the Kimura than the ankle lock, however, and Iida knows it. The longer he’s in this precarious position, the more it hurts. Still, he shakes his head at the referee and keeps going until he seizes the bottom rope.
ROPE BREAK!
Once again, Iida releases Nathaniel without Zach’s count. She watches as Nathaniel rolls out of the ring and attempts to keep the weight off his right ankle. His right hand moves to his pain-stricken left arm and he carefully rolls his shoulder. Looking back in the ring, he exhales and begins to climb up onto the ring apron. Iida’s fast to approach, throwing out her Aftershock -- except Nathaniel catches her fist! The nearby camera’s mic catches her cute “Eep!” before he clocks her with a sharp elbow shot to the temple. This stuns Iida long enough for London’s Master Manipulator to leap up and perform a springboard version of The London Eye! The fans love it, roaring with cheers and applause, while Iida sees stars spinning around her head. Nathaniel stares at the ceiling lights for a little clarity before he turns over and seizes Iida in Horror & Bliss!
Bernadette Olson: Hot damn! There was no predicting that smooth transition!
Jacob Frankel: The London Eye right into Horror & Bliss! Finally, Mr. Dixon has the advantage, and Matsuda-san’s in a bad situation!
Painstakingly, Matsuda screams, ensnared by one of Dixon’s devastating submission holds. As it is one of his signatures, he has perfected it, torquing the armlock. When Matsuda yells out, Young’s quick to check on her. The pain is clear in her bright eyes and yet she shakes her head in refusal to surrender. In the excruciating seconds, there’s a moment where her free hand looks like it’s going to tap… But instead, she balls it into a fist and slams down on the mat! She uses her lower body strength to push them towards the ropes and she manages to place her right foot over the bottom rope.
ROPE BREAK!
Just like Matsuda, Dixon releases her before the start of Young’s count. He even moves in close to check on her. Looking up at him, Matsuda nods, and the two begin to rise up. There’s a considerable amount of respect between the two and the fans enjoy it. Once they’re on their feet, Dixon rushes Matsuda before she can blink, bringing her onto the mat with a double-leg takedown. Rather than perform a frontal submission, he spins over so he’s behind her and he seizes her in a crucifix hold. She cries out as he throws down crucifix elbows and her legs start to kick. Young checks on the situation, watching Matsuda writhe in pain. Still, she won’t give up, suddenly planting the soles of her footwear on the mat and arching herself up. This weakens Dixon’s hold on her and she’s able to escape!
Wisely, Matsuda rolls out of the ring to give herself room to breathe. Her arms are hurting, her right one even worse than before. Dixon takes a moment to roll his left shoulder and massage his left arm, perhaps trying to shake off the pain and numbness. Almost a minute later, the Intellectual Evolution leans over the top rope and checks on Matsuda.
Nathaniel Dixon: Daijōbudesuka?
(Are you okay?)
Of course, the nearby camera’s mic picks up the question. The Kawaii Kick-Artist looks up at him and grins.
Iida Matsuda: Hai! Sāikō!
(Yes! Let’s go!)
Dixon smiles and takes a couple of steps, allowing Matsuda to roll back into the ring.
Bernadette Olson: I’ll be honest, Jacob. I really appreciate the good sportsmanship between these two.
Jacob Frankel: I feel the same way, Bernadette! It sounds like the fans agree.
In fact, the fans show their appreciation with a round of applause. Dixon and Matsuda engage in close-quarters combat, throwing rights and lefts. He’s able to catch her with a knife-edge chop that staggers her and he quickly backpedals. Running forward, Dixon seeks out Uncharismatic, but she moves out of the way! He halts the momentum, but a misstep on his right foot sends a jolt of pain to his ankle. It gives Matsuda the opportunity to perform a modified Judo throw that leaves him in a seated position. She caters to the fans who watch her drive a shin kick to his back!
Crowd: Ohhh!
Dixon grimaces from the shot, but she doesn’t let up, nailing him with another shin kick!
Crowd: Ohhh!!
The impact forces Dixon’s back to arch in pain. Slowly, he pushes down on his palms and gets himself onto one knee. However, Matsuda is backing up to gain some distance between them. Before Dixon realizes what’s going on, the Emerald Queen levels him with a resonating Tick, Tock, Boom!!
Crowd: OHHH!
Like an accordion, the Lord folds over and crumbles onto the mat. Matsuda’s quick to capitalize on the situation, capturing his left arm and forcing on--
Jacob Frankel: HONOR OF PAIN!
Bernadette Olson: With all of the damage Natey-boy’s left arm has suffered? Yeah, fuck that. Ladies and estrogents, we’re gonna have a new Iron Heart Champ!
Nathaniel. is. writhing. Inside No Man’s Land, the moment his left arm is ensnared by Honor of Pain, he’s unable to contain the scream of pain! Alerted by this, Zach moves in close to check the status of the Champion. Yet despite the pain, Nathaniel will not surrender. Iida says something in Japanese that the cameras’ mics aren’t able to pick up, but it sounds like a question. Shaking his head, Nathaniel responds with “Īe… Īe!” The referee stands by and watches Iida torque the armbar, eliciting another scream from Nathaniel!
Ever since she exposed this vulnerability, Iida has used it to her advantage. The Challenger is shining in the lights of the arena as she keeps the hold on tight. Again, the referee has to present Nathaniel with the option to give up for the sake of his physical health. Though she’d never do it, it almost seems like Iida could hyperextend or break his arm! Still, he refuses to tap out, slamming his fist down on the mat to try and invigorate himself. He starts to drag them towards the ropes through the incredible pressure on his left arm. The fans have been pretty even in their support of both submission experts, but some of them have begun to rally behind the Iron Heart Champion. Your Lord of Charisma bites down on his lower lip hard enough to split the skin and draw blood. With a burst of adrenaline, he manages to pull them both close enough to the ropes where he can place his left foot on the bottom one.
ROPE BREAK!
Bernadette Olson: How?! Just… how?! Anyone else would’ve tapped out at this point
Jacob Frankel: Sheer willpower, Bernadette! T-that’s the only way Mr. Dixon could’ve done it!
The shock and awe overcome everyone watching. Matsuda can’t believe it, releasing Dixon’s arm out of surprise. While she falls backward to simply breathe, Young checks on Dixon who’s a crumpled mess with a split lip. Clutching his left arm, he’s forced to lay there and work on his recovery. Young looks at both competitors and simply nods. After what feels like an eternity, Matsuda begins to rise to her feet, while Dixon uses the ropes as leverage to painfully drag himself up. The Shining Starlight actually waits until the Leading Man is standing up straight. While the fans applaud this, Matsuda reaches out and Irish whips Dixon -- using his right arm to launch him. He bounces back, and she staggers him with a punch-kick combo. Everyone watches in anticipation as Matsuda shifts into a dangerous stance. The Kawaii Kick-Artist doesn’t hesitate, putting all of her strength into TKO--!
NO! Nathaniel Dixon falls to his knees, allowing her fierce kick to swing above his head! Iida Matsuda forcibly halts her own momentum and she turns around -- right into Evolutionary Imperative from Nathaniel’s kneeling position! The fans can’t believe it! The unpredictability of Your Lord of Charisma shocks Iida who collapses onto the mat. On his hands and knees, Nathaniel whispers “I’m sorry” to Iida before he crawls forward, grabs ahold of her, and forces her into--
Jacob Frankel: SO VERY SINFUL!
Bernadette Olson: After the out-of-nowhere Evolutionary Imperative?! I don’t even think Iida knows where the hell she is anymore!
Bernadette has a point. Even the fans see the Emerald Queen is fading. It’s bittersweet sorrow to the Intellectual Evolution, but he keeps the SVS locked in. Young checks on Matsuda whose last-ditch effort is to struggle. However, the stunning effect of the Evolutionary Imperative has left her weak, and yet she still won’t tap out. Instead…? She becomes faint. Upon realization, Young shakes his head and signals for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: Ladies and gentlemen, Iida Matsuda is unable to continue. Therefore, your winner of the match… and STILL the HYBRID rEvolution Iron Heart Champion! “Your Lord of Charisma” NATHANIEL DIXON!
Bernadette Olson: Un. Be. Lievable! What a submission match!
Jacob Frankel: Matsuda-san simply could not keep going, but she didn’t tap out! I don’t think anyone’s been able to resist tapping out to Dixon’s So Very Sinful. Kudos to the First Challenger! Kudos to the Iron Heart Champion!
The second the bell rings, Nathaniel Dixon frees Iida Matsuda from the clutches of So Very Sinful. Before referee Zach Young can even check on her, Nathaniel is already doing this while favoring his left arm. “Heavy is the Crown” by Daughtry plays from the PA system and yet the Iron Heart Champion is more concerned about Matsuda-san’s condition. After a few more worrying seconds, she slowly opens her eyes and looks up at Dixon and Young. They both ask her if she’s going to be okay. She answers with a weak smile and a thumbs up. While Nathaniel carefully helps Iida to her feet, the referee collects the Iron Heart Championship from the ringside official and presents it to the gold bearer. Nathaniel smiles, grabs the championship belt with his right hand, and places Iida’s left hand on it. She’s taken aback, but she helps him hold up the title, and the fans applaud them! Nathaniel’s left hand gestures to her, encouraging the fans to cheer for her. Iida smiles and returns the favor, gesturing for the fans to cheer for him. She releases the Iron Heart Championship for him to hold up with both hands and cautiously exits the ring. He watches her go before finally allowing himself to celebrate.
Bernadette Olson: The HYBRID fans are pretty damn lucky. Two back-to-back amazing matches!
Jacob Frankel: Yet the Fall of Man continues on! Up next is the Final Match of JMD’s Open Challenge Tour when he faces THE God of Ascension, Damon Cross!
Winner: Nathaniel Dixon (Still Champion)
Result: Knockout at 19:33 (Evolutionary Imperative)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
No Such Thing As Control
We find a man sitting in a room covered in pictures of Nathaniel Dixon’s face. Closer inspection shows that several measured lines have been drawn on many of the pictures as if measurements and notes are being taken on Dixon’s facial structure, a model skull sits next to a pen and a ruler with several markings being made on the skull.
The figure turns to face the camera and his face has been censored from this broadcast. He seems to be picking at his fingernails with the blade of a utility knife.
Ollie Maverick.
Ollie Maverick: The Fall of Man? How could I not get booked on a show called The Fall of Man? Considering how far I have fallen from Humanity. That’s easy marketing, folks. And who couldn’t market a handsome face like this?
Ollie takes a moment to frame his face with his hands. A face that we can’t see.
Ollie Maverick: There were seven dehumanizing words I was told by an orderly who likely doesn’t even remember me when they were keeping me in the Whacko Basket… as my phone was being confiscated for the first time… those words I am now imparting upon dear Nathaniel.
A pause as Ollie wants these words to have their proper weight.
Ollie Maverick: ‘Control is being taken away from you.’
A pause as Ollie seems to be… shaking at how those words initially made him feel. He takes a few shaky breaths as he relives the moment.
Ollie Maverick: Can you imagine how those words felt? After I had lost everything else? I wish you didn’t have to imagine. I wish that every terrible thing that ever happened to me… could happen to you. I wish I had the credibility to convince all of your loved ones that you’re far too dangerous to be around. I wish they’d fill you with medicine and put you in a place they tell you is ‘safe’... and then when you were holding your last crumb of hope and control in the palm of your hand… I want to snatch it away and tell you maybe you’ll get it back if you behave yourself in a very very condescending tone. Like you’re a naughty little child.
Ollie shakes his head.
Ollie Maverick: I kept my face hidden so the kids couldn’t see and you stole that from me as well. Hell, I even told you FLAT OUT that I don’t like being called by my birth name anymore and you can’t even respect that. It’s always ‘Oliver Oliver Oliver’ and you probably don’t even realize the subconscious reason that you do it is you can’t STAND to see me have even a shred of control in my own life. That’s all I want. At every turn you take and you take and you take and you take from me. When everything is gone and I have absolutely NOTHING left to give, then you tell me it’s my fault things are like this. You should really go into politics.
Ollie chuckles at his own little joke. The camera starts zooming out gradually. Ollie seems to be seated under some stairs in the arena. A nice little hidden spot for him to camp out and do whatever the hell he does.
Ollie Maverick: You busy yourself with all these other little distractions, Nathaniel. I think I’ve been nothing but patient as you’ve done so.
The camera continues to zoom out.
Ollie Maverick: But my patience is wearing thiiiiiiiiiin.
Ollie pops out the blade on his utility knife one more time.
Ollie Maverick: You’ve had your chance to take me seriously… but like I said.
The camera zooms out to show Maximillian Dixon, Nathaniel’s younger brother and manager, lying in a heap on the floor. Semi-conscious, he’s moving a little bit, but he’s clearly been hit hard.
Ollie Maverick: Control is being taken away from you.
Ollie grabs a handful of Maximillian’s hair and lifts his head up so the camera can see his face… and then he uses his utility knife to give him just a little teeny cut on his forehead.
Ollie Maverick: Crazy how much just a little nick will bleed, huh?
Ollie uses his hand to wipe up the crimson that begins flowing down the face of Maximillian… and he palms his own face, covering it in Dixon’s blood.
Ollie Maverick: Can you really be mad, Nathaniel? I’m giving you everything you ever wanted. It was SO IMPORTANT to you some time ago that everyone saw me as some unstable maniac. Well, you finally got your wish. You don’t have to be the Monster anymore. I’ll do it, Papa Frankenstein. It’s everything you ever wanted. I’m everything you ever wanted. IT’S SO NICE TO BE WANTED AGAIN.
Ollie spares a moment to put some gauze and a band-aid on Maximilian's forehead before he stands.
Ollie Maverick: I ain’t hard to find, Nate.
Ollie walks off-camera, leaving Maximilian’s weakened form on the floor, and the scene suddenly cuts to black.
MATCH FIVE
Open Challenge Tour: Final Match
Singles/One Fall
Damon Cross vs. Javier Mateo Duran
Open Challenge Tour: Final Match
Singles/One Fall
Damon Cross vs. Javier Mateo Duran
Spirit Montego: The following match is set for one fall!
The fans shout it out along with Spirit, anticipation having built well for this contest with so much leading up to it. The cameras briefly cut to the announce table before the competitors make their entrances.
Bernadette Olson: This match has been a long time coming, Jacob. Not only is it Javier Mateo Duran’s final match, but it’s also the rubber match between him and Damon Cross.
Jacob Frankel: Those two have really been going at it for years, haven’t they?
Bernadette Olson: More than a few. They’ve gone from love to hate a number of times and it’s clear that they’ve brought out the best in one another.
Jacob Frankel: And if I recall, last time around, Javier took the NFW World Heavyweight Championship off of Damon!
Bernadette Olson: Ending a historic reign and one hell of an amazing run for Cross, yes.
Jacob Frankel: Then I can’t wait to see what happens in mere moments!
From there, the cameras shift to the stage and the HYBRID-Tron. The arena dims considerably, with the lights around the screen and stage going completely dark. There are some flashes in the crowd, some lit-up cell phones to try and break through the manufactured murk, but there is nothing to see at all once the big screen goes black as well. A few moments of silence commences, followed by the haunting guitars of the classic Black Sabbath song "God is Dead?" hauntingly emanating through the arena’s PA system. Smoke starts to billow from the stage at the top of the ramp and a single, murky spotlight shines down on a darkened figure standing there. Ozzy Osbourne's voice, every bit as haunting as the music behind it, starts singing as the figure, revealed as Damon Cross, starts making his way down the ramp.
Spirit Montego: Introducing first… from Lacombe, Louisiana and weighing in at 224 pounds… The Unforgiven… DAMON CROSS!
At first it’s hard to make out in the low lights and fog, but Cross is wearing a variation of his old Crossroads mask, along with his ring jacket and hat from his Crusade days when he was known as the God of Ascension in HYBRID! The fans pick up on this immediately and aren’t happy with being reminded of what Cross once was around here. Damon, though, soaks up that reaction as he moves down the ramp at his own pace!
Jacob Frankel: If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that Damon came out like that on purpose, just to rile these people up!
Bernadette Olson: And the HYBRID Nation is letting him know what they think of it! But I’d put twenty bucks on him smiling under that mask right now!
Jacob Frankel: It’s kinda sick if you ask me!
Reaching the ring without so much as a glance to the crowd at large, he looks left, then right, then grabs the ropes and hauls himself up onto the apron, stepping between the ropes and moving to the center of the ring in front of the hard camera. Taking off the hat, he tosses it out of the ring before pulling the mask off, revealing a smirk beneath it. Turning his back to the camera, the Cross symbol is visible on the jacket with the words “Cross Aeternum” above and below it. He shrugs out of this and tosses it into the corner along with his cane before facing the camera again, getting a more serious look on. He backs into the corner, standing in front of the buckles and cracking his knuckles, eyes on the stage, not once acknowledging the fervor of the fans.
Bernadette Olson: Maybe he figures someone has to be the bad guy tonight, so why not him?
Jacob Frankel: It’s still rotten, stoking those old, bad memories!
The lights come back on for a few moments and the fans gradually calm, only to come unglued moments later!
Spirit Montego: And now, introducing his opponent!
"NIB" by Ugly Kid Joe begins to play, and a spotlight shines on a pane of glass featuring the tarot of "La Muerte". As soon as the drums and guitar kick in, the glass shatters, and Javier Mateo Duran steps through.
Spirit Montego: Residing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and weighing in at 235 pounds, he is the Mexican Reaper… JAVIER MATOE DURAN!
An ever present, cocky smirk on his face, he looks around the arena… and is clearly moved a bit by the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the HYBRID Nation! Spreading his arms wide, he walks straight down the ramp to the stairs, kneeling and crossing himself before climbing them quickly and stepping in between the top and middle ropes.
Jacob Frankel: Not that the man doesn’t deserve the love, but these people are really laying it on thick! Clearly they want him to go out stomping Damon’s head in!
Bernadette Olson: He’s proven that he can do just that, too, Jacob. But something tells me that that won’t be an easy task. Remember: these two know each other extremely well.
Jacob Frankel: Javier has the power advantage for sure, and on top of that, the man doesn’t feel pain! Damon is faster and more technically sound, though, and both these guys can fight dirty if necessary!
Bernadette Olson: Get ready, folks! Especially if you haven’t seen these two go to town on one another before!
Javier makes his way to the side facing the hardcam, grinning directly into the camera before flipping it the bird, mouthing "that's right, motherfucker", before turning away. He removes his vest, tossing it out of the ring… but instead of leaning in the corner like usual, he steps to the middle of the ring, as does Damon, both men going almost nose-to-nose as Kara Tarantino tries to keep the fight from starting before the bell! What’s more, both men are wearing rather twisted smiles as they stare at one another!
Bernadette Olson: Kara better just ring that bell! These two are pumped!
Briefly explaining the rules, Kara does indeed quickly call for the bell-
DING! DING! DING!
-before straight-up getting out of the line of fire! Javier and Cross do immediately go nose-to-nose, then head-to-head, pushing against one another before Damon is forced back a step. Javier laughs out loud as Damon just grins at him in response. Javier holds out a fist and Damon knocks his knuckles against it before the two lock up tightly mid-ring! Both men widen their base, muscles bunching up as they press back and forth, neither giving ground for several moments before Javier starts forcing Damon back, eventually backing him into the turnbuckles. Kara’s count gets to two and Javier breaks clean, giving Damon a condescending pat on the cheek as he does so. Damon stares incredulously at Javier who laughs it off!
Bernadette Olson: Javier is the first to show some attitude here, Jacob. I don’t think it’s wise to push Damon like that.
Jacob Frankel: Damon’s the one who came out here cocky and riling people up! Javier is just showing him that he’s not rattled!
Eventually, Damon just nods and motions for Javier to lock up with him again. This time, Damon executes a go-behind and muscles Javier to the mat, transitioning to a rear mount and going for the Father’s Sin! Javier is quick to break loose and roll away as Damon crouches down and holds his thumb and forefinger a fraction of an inch apart to taunt Javier! The fans don’t think much of this, nor does Javier, but he stands back up and dusts off his shoulder as if to tell Damon that that shit don’t mean nothin’ to him!
For the first time the two men lock up and this time Javier backs Damon into the ropes before shooting him off to the other side of the ring. Javier meets him mid-ring with a shoulderblock but somehow Damon keeps his footing. Javier immediately whips around with the Cosecha de Almas, though, knocking Cross for a full loop and dropping down to make a pin attempt!
Bernadette Olson: Holy crap, what a hit! This one might be over right now!
Jacob Frankel: That’d sure teach Cross a lesson!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
KICK-OUT BY CROSS!
TWO!
NO!
KICK-OUT BY CROSS!
Javier doesn’t look one bit bothered by the kick-out, clearly figuring that that wouldn’t be enough to take Damon down early on! In fact, he looks happy about it! He grabs a seated Damon by the chin and drives the point of his elbow down at the top of Damon’s head, before taking a knee and throwing some wicked crossface shots much to the delight of the Memphis fans! A battered Damon is pulled up by the hair and Javier sets up a backdrop… with Damon flipping out of it! He shoves Javier forward into the ropes and delivers a running knee to the spine, right between the shoulders! The wind is knocked out of Javier and Cross is able to turn him around and deliver a Greco-Roman Throw before attempting a pin of his own!
ONE!
TW-NO!
JAVIER KICKS OUT!
TW-NO!
JAVIER KICKS OUT!
Damon immediately goes for a chinlock, clamping down tight and, when the referee isn’t looking, puts his feet on the ropes for extra leverage! The fans are all over this, but Kara never looks over in time to spot the infraction, no matter how much noise the fans make!
Bernadette Olson: Good grief… how blatant can you get?
Jacob Frankel: He’s trolling everyone!
And he knows it. But Javier isn’t having that mess and fights his way to his feet, elbowing out of Damon’s grip or at least making the attempt; Damon’s response is to grab Javier by the hair and blast him with a kneelift before grabbing him by the head and hitting a reverse neckbreaker, bringing the former Runaway Train back down to the mat hard! Then it’s right back to that chinlock, though this time away from the ropes. Javier works his way around, changing his position enough to get the leverage to put Damon in a pinning predicament!
ONE!
TWO!
TWO!
But Cross forces the issue and puts the hold right back on, shifting his body back into a dominant position. Javier has had about enough, though, and powers his way up, taking Cross up into the air with him and chucking him with a jackknife powerbomb! Damon lands hard, his head bouncing off the canvas, leaving him seeing double! Both the Javiers before him land a hard boot to the midsection, followed by a hard kick to the chest to straighten Damon up! His arms windmill a bit as he tries to keep his balance but Javier is already in motion, getting momentum and clotheslining Damon right over the top rope and to the floor! The fans are heaping the hate onto Cross but Javier has other plans: a big suicide dive that rams Damon into the ringside barricade, leaving him briefly crumpled up on the floor at ringside! Jaiver slaps the hands of a few fans, doing so while standing on Damon’s throat!
Bernadette Olson: Hard to believe these two men were sharing a meal and drinks together a couple weeks ago! They look like they hate each other right about now!
Jacob Frankel: You said they bring out the best in one another, but this looks like the worst! Javier’s as mean as Damon out there right now! The difference is that the HYBRID Nation loves it when it’s Javier!
Kara Tarantino continues her ten count while Javier puts the boots to Cross-
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
-and Javier is fully cognizant of it. Around seven, he rolls into the ring to break the count, then goes right back out to deal with Cross! Cross, however, hits a drop toe hold after Javier whips him into the steps and charges, causing Javier to smash face-first into the steel himself! It’s a surprise that the Mexican Reaper isn’t bleeding from that impact, but the Unforgiven thinks that’s a fluke and grabs Javier by the hair, bouncing his head off every damn step before bouncing his head off the mat-covered concrete-
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
-before it’s Damon who breaks the count! Getting up onto the apron, he crouches down, waiting on a wobbly Javier to get to his feet… then he charges! Damon commits to a leap off the apron and Javier catches him, delivering a hellacious spinebuster right there on the floor! Damon’s back arches up in pain but Javier isn’t buying that for a moment! It definitely hurt, but there’s not gonna be compassion from the former Vanguard Champion! Javier picks Damon up around the waist, driving him back-first into the ring post before rolling him into the ring!
Jacob Frankel: I bet you Damon is regretting trying to be the bad guy now!
Bernadette Olson: First of all, he isn’t trying to do that. And secondly… yeah, he’s probably regretting it a bit!
Jacob Frankel: That spinebuster to the floor made ME wince! And I don’t even like the guy!
Back in the ring, Javier heaves Damon into the corner and lays into him with some wicked chops, reddening the chest of the Unforgiven! Javier quiets the crowd for a moment before winding up the last one and just smashing his palm against Damon’s chest! The blow seems to take the air from Damon, who’s on his hands and knees after the fact, leading Javier to hitting a big jumping stomp to the back of Damon! From there, he picks Cross up and sits him on the top rope, laying in a few more chops before Cross nails a closed fist as Javier ascends the ropes! The shot doesn’t slow the big man down, but Cross keeps driving them down, trying to stave off whatever Javier has in mind! The former Runaway Train is thinking superplex, but the former God of Ascension blocks it by grabbing the top ropes! A few body shots help to break Javier’s grip and Damon goes for-
Bernadette Olson: Sunset flip bomb attempt by Damon… but Javier holds on to the top rope!
Damon gives it a few pulls but Javier is going nowhere, letting go with his right hand and firing a few downward shots into Damon’s face! Cross is left reeling but he has enough sense to knock Javier off his perch, causing Javier to come down in the ring, his face smacking into the turnbuckle! He lands on his feet, though, and as he feels Damon lurking, wanting the Father’s Sin again, he cracks Cross with a hard elbow to the jaw!
Jacob Frankel: Twice now that he’s fought off Damon’s pet submission! These guys really do know each other well!
Bernadette Olson: And it looks like Javier wants a spear now! That’ll put Damon on his ass for sure!
Javier gets into position and charges right at Cross… who raises a knee to catch Javier in the face! The hit bloodies Javier’s nose, but the Mexican Reaper responds with a headbutt, not feeling the pain one bit! Damon returns with one of his own and all of a sudden we have a slugfest in the middle of Memphis! Damon’s throwing bombs and so is Javier, but Damon’s the only one feeling them! He’s backed into the ropes but reverses an Irish whip only to have it reversed on him! He slides between the legs of Javier as Javier goes for a big boot and comes up behind him, kicking the legs of the Mexican Reaper! A backfist from Javier is narrowly ducked and Cross shoves him hard into the ropes before catching him with the White Thunder Bomb! Cross holds on for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
KICK-OUT BY DURAN!
TWO!
NO!
KICK-OUT BY DURAN!
Sitting up post-pin, Javier is met by a running kick to the back from Damon, who hits the ropes and delivers a basement dropkick to the chest! Prone on the mat, Duran has no time to process the situation before Damon leaps to the second rope and delivers a beautiful corkscrew moonsault, again going for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
T-NO!
JAVIER KICKS OUT AGAIN!
TWO!
T-NO!
JAVIER KICKS OUT AGAIN!
Jacob Frankel: Damon has the advantage now it looks like, and he’s throwing it all at Javier!
Bernadette Olson: He knows that if Javier gets a head of steam, he won’t stop him again! Now it’s a matter of stamina on both sides: can Damon keep up this pace and can Javier weather it?!
At this point, Damon isn’t willing to let up for a moment. He pulls Javier to his feet, looking for Weight of the World, but Javier fights his way out, delivering a series of headbutts this time to rock Cross! It’s enough to break things loose and Javier sends him into the buckles, immediately spearing him just as Cross lands in the corner! A second one drives yet more air out of Cross and puts Javier back in the driver’s seat. This time, the superplex comes off without a hitch and Javier goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NO!
DAMON IS ABLE TO KICK OUT!
TWO!
TH-NO!
DAMON IS ABLE TO KICK OUT!
A chokeslam backbreaker follows, leaving Cross writhing in pain as Javier looks to the turnbuckles again… and this time climbs them himself! Throwing a fist up in the air, he gets a roar from the fans before coming off with a HUGE elbow, driving it right into the heart of Cross!
Jacob Frankel: That’s gotta be it for Cross! But Javier wants a little something more!
And that something has to be the Cosecha de Almas! Javier is backed off a few steps, watching as Cross slowly gets up to his feet. However, a half-second in time, Damon sees the move coming and drops down, rolling out of the ring, much to the disdain of the fans!
Bernadette Olson: Smart move by Cross, like it or not – and what a shot there!
Jacob Frankel: Right on the damn button!
Javier wound up for another suicide dive but Cross is able to catch him with a superkick, leaving Javier hanging on the middle rope! Climbing to the apron, showing the wear and tear of this war, Cross hits a running kick to the chest of Javier! Backing up onto the second rope, he leg drops Javier on the apron before rolling him back into the ring! Cross now, standing in the middle of the apron, wants to put this match away… and he means to do it with the White Redemption! Leaping to the top rope, he springs off into the swanton bomb and JAVIER GETS THE KNEES UP!
Bernadette Olson: That’s Javier’s opening to put this away!
Damon is groaning in pain, a hand to his back as Javier shakes off the damage. He hooks Damon up for the ¡Muere Muere Muere!, delivering two of the vertical suplexes… but Damon blocks the third somehow! A second attempt! Another block! A few fists to the midsection soften Cross up and Javier scoops him up for the final suplex… but Cross twists and lands behind Javier instead of hitting the mat! He hoists the unprepared Javier up!
WEIGHT OF THE WORLD!
Jacob Frankel: Crap! It might be Javier who’s done now!
Signaling that that’s it, Cross goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-NO!
JAVIER THROWS THE SHOULDER UP!
TWO!
THRE-NO!
JAVIER THROWS THE SHOULDER UP!
Damon sits back in shock, Kara Tarantino showing him two fingers instead of the desired three! Not having expected Javier kicking out of his pet finisher has put Damon in a shocked state! He shakes it off as best he can, pulling Javier up by the head and throwing a few kicks to the chest before delivering a lungblower! Javier is still on his feet, but that’s fine with Damon who, for the third time, tries to lock on the Father’s Sin! This time he gets it closer than ever, but Javier grabs the arms of his long-time adversary, both men struggling to have their way! Damon does get it locked in but his grip is tenuous at best! Javier backs him into the corner once, twice, three times and he’s in danger of letting go! Javier means to do it again but Damon somehow puts on the brakes and yanks Javier away from the ropes, suplexing him out of the submission with authority!
Bernadette Olson: Godkiller!
Jacob Frankel: Shit… that landing didn’t look good for Javier! Is this it?!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! DURAN GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPES!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! DURAN GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPES!
Rolling off Javier, Damon is flat on his back next to his old friend and adversary. Both men are breathing heavily, Javier smeared with the blood from his busted nose. On closer inspection, the repeated headbutts from earlier cut Damon above the eye, though not as much as Javier. Both men are slow to get to their feet, Kara’s count reaching five before they properly stir. Javier, shockingly, is up just before Damon, winding up and delivering the Cosecha de Almas to the barely-vertical Unforgiven! Cross goes down hard and Javier drapes an arm over his chest!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! DAMON GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE JUST IN TIME!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! DAMON GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE JUST IN TIME!
Bernadette Olson: These two… what’s it gonna take?!
Javier wonders the same, but he seems to have an idea. He gets Damon by the arm and whips him into the buckles with all his might! Damon hits back-first and recoils into the air, hitting the mat. Javier, getting back to his feet, hits a shotgun dropkick to again smash Damon into the buckles, but is up quicker this time, heading up to the top rope with Cross in tow! Both men are standing on the top and it looks like…
Jacob Frankel: Wait, is Javier gonna hit Cross with his own finisher?! That would be awesome!
Bernadette Olson: Certainly looks like that’s the plan, but Damon is fighting back!
The two men slug it out on top for several moments, the blows coming slow but heavy, each one threatening to send one or both men from the top rope to the floor! Somehow they evade that fate, though, and Damon ducks a big right from Javier and tries to set up Weight of the World himself! Javier breaks out of this and sets up for a BIG superplex but Cross likewise breaks out, actually locking on Father’s Sin!
Jacob Frankel: How the hell is he gonna – oh, hell!
Cross kicks the legs from under Javier, sitting on the top rope and holding up the heavier man for as long as he can muster… but Kara’s count forces him to break at four! Javier, dropped to the canvas, lands on his feet somehow but Cross isn’t letting it go! He leaps off for a tornado DDT… and JAVIER CATCHES HIM! DEADLIFT BRAINBUSTER FROM JAVIER!
Bernadette Olson: What power from Javier! But he’s gotta capitalize!
Able to get back up somehow, thanks to the move spending some of Javier’s precious remaining stamina as well, Damon falls back into the buckles as Javier staggers up. He might not feel pain, but his body is rejecting him all the same. He lines up a big spear AND DAMON SIDESTEPS! Javier goes shoulder-first into the ringpost and Damon, almost out of juice, pulls him from between the ropes and spikes him with Weight of the World!
Jacob Frankel: Damn it, that might be all!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! JAVIER’S SHOULDER IS UP AT TWO AND NINE-TENTHS!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! JAVIER’S SHOULDER IS UP AT TWO AND NINE-TENTHS!
Bernadette Olson: HOW?!
Jacob Frankel: Cross wants to know the same thing!
Grabbing Javier by the head, Damon bounces it off the canvas and claws at his own face for a moment in sheer frustration and rage. Looking at the corner, he pulls Javier in that direction, battling all the way as even in his weakened state Javier keeps on fighting back. Damon ascends to the top, intending to bring Javier with, but Javier knocks his legs from under him, leaving Damon in a painful and precarious position! Back to the top, Javier winds up that wicked lariat of his but Damon scoops him up after narrowly ducking the hit! A pause, one moment or perhaps two…
…AND IT’S WEIGHT OF THE WORLD FROM THE TOP ROPE!
Javier bounces from the impact, as does Damon, who is just able to drape himself across Javier’s chest!
Bernadette Olson: Is that all?!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
THREE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
THREE!
Jacob Frankel: I’ll be damned if he didn’t pull it off! I hate it but… what a match!
DING! DING! DING!
Spirit Montego: And the winner of the match… DAMON CROSS!
The fans damn sure aren’t fond of the outcome, either! Neither man is moving much as Kara moves in to check on them. Damon is at least able to sit up, having his arm raised as he watches Javier come around. Both men, drenched in sweat and bleeding, sit and stare at each other on the canvas, communicating seemingly without words. The fans, while not pleased that Cross won, are still showing some respect for the effort of both men.
Cross, pulling himself up with the ropes as Javier does the same, steps in towards his old friend and, much as they had at the start of the match, they go head-to-head!
Bernadette Olson: They’re not gonna fight again, are they?!
Far from it. Damon raises Javier’s arm and the two embrace mid-ring, and even the haters can’t help but enjoy the moment. From there, Damon and Javier share words before Cross leaves the ring, giving Javier his moment rather than celebrating his own win.
Jacob Frankel: Huh… guess I gotta give him credit now, huh?
Bernadette Olson: I don’t care either way, and I’m sure Damon doesn’t, either. All I know is we saw an awesome match and it was an amazing way for Javier to end his HYBRID tenure.
Jacob Frankel: Gonna miss seeing him kick ass, but we wish him all the best! I’m betting Damon does, too.
Bernadette Olson: That goes without saying.
Winner: Damon Cross
Result: Pinfall at 24:28 (Weight of the World)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Summon the Violence
Summon the Violence
“...Max… Max! Please talk to me…”
The perspective cuts to the backstage area, in particular, the medical room where Maximilian Dixon is lying on a bed. While he is conscious, it’s clear he’s still hurting from Ollie Maverick’s wrath. His eyes seem to barely be able to focus on his older brother, Nathaniel Dixon, who is trying to communicate with him. The Medic is attempting to proceed with the check-up.
The Medic: Mr. Dixon, please… Your brother may have a concussion.
The entirety of Your Lord of Charisma’s body tenses up. That is NOT something he wanted to hear. Slowly, he seems to fall into a trance as he softly speaks with vindication.
Nathaniel Dixon: ...I’m going to kill him… I’m going to kill him… I’m going to bloody kill him…
Everyone knows he’s talking about the Manic Marvel. The Medic is suddenly uncomfortable with Nathaniel’s threat upon Ollie’s life before she hears a soft groan from Maximilian.
Maximilian Dixon: Uhhh… N-Nathan…?
His voice snaps Nathaniel out of that vindictive trance. Taking a seat next to the bed, the Elder Dixon reaches down and gently yet firmly takes one of Maximilian’s hands in his.
Nathaniel Dixon: I’m right here, Max… Please allow the good doctor to proceed.
Seeing the change in personality, the Medic sighs softly and continues the check-up on the other side of the bed.
The Medic: Try to keep your eyes open.
She uses a handheld medical tool to shine a light on Maximilian’s eyes and carefully examine them. The Younger Dixon Brother’s eyes reflectively squint, but he tries his best.
Maximilian Dixon: The light… is so… bright…
Nathaniel’s earth-colored eyes soften as the Medic tends to his brother. Unfortunately, now more than ever, he’s struggling between the Lord…
...and the Monster.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
All That Matters
All That Matters
Backstage, the camera finds the members of Natural Resources, Rain and GoGo, standing by a door. Rain is just smiling at her partner’s seemingly boundless enthusiasm and excitement.
GoGo: Rainie, Rainie, Rainie… it's a big one tonight!!! We get to get in the ring with Freakshow!!!! It’s gonna be so COOL!!!
Rain nods in amusement.
Rain: Yeah, we do, Goldi.
GoGo starts bouncing up and down.
GoGo: And we’re basically home too! We’re in Tennessee!!! Only four hours from Tullahoma!!
Rain can't help but smile.
Rain: The Colonel and your Mama said they was comin’.
GoGo's eyes go even wider in excitement.
GoGo: Really??? This is gonna be so AWESOME!!!
Rain: Path of Destiny done brought us home, Goldi. Now we go out there and do the thing!
GoGo: LET’S GO!!!!
GoGo hurries through the door with Rain right behind.
Rain: Oh this is gonna be good.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
One Word Says It All
One Word Says It All
The scene opens on a well-lit outdoor stage. A podium stands front and center of the stage and each of the wings are adorned with black banners depicting a red F and a yellow S. The sky overhead is early dusk. The oranges and reds of the sunset mixing with the blues of the sky provide an intense and beautiful backdrop. A moderate sized crowd is gathered in front of the stage awaiting the event to begin.
The sound of hollow footsteps can be heard on the wooden stage filling the empty stage. The shot zooms in to find Derrick Vayden, clad in an all black suit with a wine red tie approaching the podium. He positions himself behind it and adjusts the microphone to his lips.
Derrick Vayden: Finally… It’s all come down to this. Eight teams walking the Path of Destiny have been whittled down to just two. The Natural Resources, Rain and GoGo and FREAKSHOW, Alexis Lemon and myself.
The autumn wind blows through The Wanderer’s hair as he continues on.
Derrick Vayden: Now, before this tournament started, not many would have expected a seemingly random team of Alexis and myself to make it all the way to the finals but that’s because those people do not see what we see. Despite not having any experience as a team before this tournament started, it feels like we’ve been doing this since birth. And that is because she and I are kindred spirits.We have the same mindset, the same goals and the same passion to achieve those goals.[/font]
The crowd gives Vayden a respectful round of applause, causing the former Red King to grow a small smile.
Derrick Vayden: Lexi and I don’t have the history that our opponents have. We didn’t come up in the business together like they did. But what we do have is familiarity. We’ve faced similar upbringings with similar obstacles. And that’s why we united. We understand that we aren’t the only two people on earth who have been seen as the black sheep in whatever community we found ourselves in. There are countless kids out there just like us who need to know that being different, being the odd one out, isn't a bad thing. And that if you tune out the noise and put in the work, you’ll prove every single one of your doubters wrong.
The crowd once again applauds the Wanderer. Vayden nods along as he looks out at all of the people taking in and appreciating his message. It takes a few moments for the crowd to calm down before he can continue.
Derrick Vayden: I have been wandering along the Journey to Nowhere all of my life. And now, alongside The Rascal Witch and the rest of those proud to call themselves Freaks, that journey will lead us down the Path of Destiny![/font]
A roar of cheers and applause rain down from the crowd listening to Vayden’s words. As the crowd cheers, Alexis Lemon, clad in all black, dress, shoes, gloves and makeup, makes her way out onto the stage next to her tag team partner. Once the crowd settles back down into silence, The Teenage Witch leans into the microphone and clears her throat before speaking…
Alexis Lemon: Memes.
The crowd bursts into cheers again, louder than before as the scene slowly fades out.
MATCH SIX
Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament Finals
Tag Team/One Fall
Natural Resources vs. Freakshow
Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament Finals
Tag Team/One Fall
Natural Resources vs. Freakshow
With one half the tournament complete, it’s now time for the second half to finish. Spirit Montego stands in the middle of the ring-
DING! DING! DING!
-as the bell rings, preparing to announce the participants for the Path of Destiny Tag Tournament’s finals!
Spirit Montego: Our next match is the finals of the Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament, a match set for one fall with the winners being able to choose an opportunity at either the Unity or Global Tag Team Championships!
Bernadette Olson: And we’ve got a taste of both the old HYBRID and the new here in these two teams!
Jacob Frankel: I wouldn’t necessarily call Natural Resources old, but Freakshow is definitely part of the new breed of teams! This one’s gonna be fast-paced and intense!
Bernadette Olson: Just the way both these teams like it!
There’s a brief pause, then the happy keyboard intro of Van Halen’s “Dreams” starts up as the arena is bathed in blue. At the 0:30 mark, the sounds of jets flying overhead starts the song in earnest and Natural Resources, GoGo and Rain, make their way through the entryway all smiles. Lines of pyro shoot off from beneath the stage in time with the jets, giving GoGo a bit of a start, but she smiles and brushes it off!
Spirit Montego: Introducing first… from Tullahoma, Tennessee and competing tonight at a combined weight of 244 pounds, the team of GoGo and Rain… NATURAL RESOURCES!
They greet the fans on their way down the ramp, making an extra lap around ringside to meet as many as possible! Ascending to the apron, both ladies ascend the turnbuckles and sing along with the theme as the fans join in! Dropping down into the ring, they move to one of the corners, ready to get the match going!
Bernadette Olson: There’s precious few folks in wrestling, not just in HYBRID, who people can’t say a bad thing about, but Natural Resources are people of that sort!
Jacob Frankel: They just bring so much positive energy to their matches! But once that bell rings, they can get it done, too!
Bernadette Olson: It’s no wonder people love them. Their opponents are growing a following too, though, and that makes me think that the HYBRID Nation might be split down the middle on this one!
Jacob Frankel: And don’t think Freakshow doesn’t know that! But they gotta remember that they’re facing a prolific duo in GoGo and Rain! Former champions, too!
There’s a pause as the music fades out…
Spirit Montego: And now, introducing their opponents!
The lights go out as Ice Nine Kills’ “Freak Flag” begins playing. Red and yellow lights slowly strobe in and out, picking up speed little by little as the music plays. The cameras pan all over the arena, quickly and repeatedly switching between shots.
"We're taught to be like them
Taught to know our place
We kept the pace but we're done pretending
A faultline through their fairy tale endings…
They tried to sell us on convenience and conformity
Those aren’t the measures of the man that I want to be
Rise up if you agree…"
Taught to know our place
We kept the pace but we're done pretending
A faultline through their fairy tale endings…
They tried to sell us on convenience and conformity
Those aren’t the measures of the man that I want to be
Rise up if you agree…"
Suddenly the shot switches to a closeup of a gas mask under a spotlight. The shot zooms out to reveal a second masked figure, this one resembling a scary clown with red swirls on the cheeks.
"And let your Freak Flags fly
We're all messed up inside
And forced to act like everything's all right
Wave those Freak Flags high
Rejected 'til we die
To hell with tomorrow
Just let your Freak Flags fly tonight!"
We're all messed up inside
And forced to act like everything's all right
Wave those Freak Flags high
Rejected 'til we die
To hell with tomorrow
Just let your Freak Flags fly tonight!"
The lights come up as the team begins walking down the ramp. The taller of the pair remains focused on the path ahead of them while the clown-masked one erratically moves around their partner and interacts with the fans.
Spirit Montego: From Avatar Country, wrestling at a total weight of 356 pounds… the team of “Screaming Darkness” Alexis Lemon and “The Wanderer” Derrick Vayden… FREAKSHOW!
As their names are announced, the pair remove their masks to reveal their smiles. Derrick’s mask resembles a movie villain while Lexi’s is more eccentric, sticking her tongue out as she does so. The pair split off at the ring. Derrick going to the left, Lexi to the right. They climb up onto the ring apron and turn to look out into the crowd, they each mouth the words to their song as the fans in the crowd sing it back to them.
Jacob Frankel: They sure know how to make an entrance, don’t they?!
Bernadette Olson: Considering they have most of the HYBRID Nation flying their freak flags, I’m inclined to agree!
Jacob Frankel: Don’t let all that fool you, though, fans! Freakshow has a flair for showmanship, but they can scrap like all hell between the bells!
Bernadette Olson: And if you’ve not seen them or Natural Resources in action before, better strap in!
The two teams stare at one another from across the ring, with Freakshow sizing up their younger, brighter opponents while Natural Resources try to make some sense of what they’ve seen and are seeing. But to a person, all four look coiled and ready. Senior Official Butch Ward gets the signal from both sides that they’re ready and calls for the match to start! Alexis and GoGo start things off for their teams, circling one another as the fans keep ‘em pumped before finally locking up in the center! Size and strength are on the side of Alexis, but GoGo is still able to get her off her feet by going for the legs, slipping behind her. An elbow is dropped on Lemon’s back and GoGo goes into a chinlock! Alexis works her way up and shoots GoGo into the ropes, with the two women countering one another before Alexis is able to snatch GoGo out of the air with a powerslam!
A pin only gets one, though, as not even that level of impact is gonna shake GoGo in the early going. A whip into the buckles, however, does slow her and allows Alexis to tag in Derrick for a quick double-suplex and double-elbow, with Derrick going for another pin himself.
ONE!
TW-NO!
TW-NO!
Bernadette Olson: No way GoGo is going down that fast or that easy, but Freakshow is doing the right thing keeping her isolated.
Jacob Frankel: For as long as they can, at least. She’s more slippery than a greased-up Scottish arm wrestler!
Bernadette Olson: Goin’ off the rails way too quick!
GoGo is swift to get up to her feet despite Derrick’s grip, but her attempt to make a tag is stalled when he keeps hold of her arm, yanking her back into a short-arm clothesline. GoGo swings up behind him, though, attempting a crucifix! Not having the weight to pull the big man down, GoGo finds herself swung around for a side slam, but she literally swings up and around Derrick’s arm, bringing him down with a modified armbreaker! Derrick’s quick to rise but a snapping hurricanrana sends him into the second rope and GoGo takes a running leap, hitting a hesitation dropkick between the shoulders! Derrick recoils off the ropes and GoGo rolls him up with a schoolgirl!
ONE!
KICK-OUT!
KICK-OUT!
GoGo kips up but almost has her head taken off by a Psychotopia! She drops prone to avoid it and Derrick lands on his feet, also just avoiding Street Justice! Her speed is on full display as she hits a sling blade on the off-balance Derrick, giving herself just enough time to tag in Rain!
Bernadette Olson: And here comes the power of Natural Resources!
Jacob Frankel: I don’t think she’ll be overpowering Derrick, but Rain can definitely hold her own, right?
A big boot to the chest sends Derrick hard into the ropes and from there Rain locks in for a vertical suplex, but Derrick twists out and boots Rain in the guts before hitting the Vicious Cycle and tagging in Alexis! Poetry in Motion connects and Alexis wraps Rain up with La Magistral!
ONE!
RAIN KICKS OUT!
RAIN KICKS OUT!
Alexis is quick to hit a running neckbreaker, followed up by the Sourball for another pin attempt!
ONE!
TW-NO!
ANOTHER QUICK KICK-OUT!
TW-NO!
ANOTHER QUICK KICK-OUT!
Rain is slowing a bit with the constant assault, but a missed Heartburn gives her the opening she needs: she ducks under Alexis’s leg, propping it up on her shoulder and locking her arms around Alexis before heaving her over with a big capture suplex! Alexis bounces hard but springs back up to her feet, running right into a big discus elbow from Rain! The blow knocks Alexis into the ropes and on her return she takes a boot to the midsection followed with a double-underhook suplex from Rain, leading to a pin!
ONE!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
Bernadette Olson: Rain takes over on Alexis, but Alexis is showing her own staying power!
Jacob Frankel: Now here’s GoGo in off the tag! What do they have in store for Alexis?!
It starts with a big vertical suplex from Rain as GoGo ascends to the top rope, leading to the Rocket Launcher! The big assisted splash sees GoGo land flush across the chest and midsection of Alexis, upon whom she hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
DERRICK BREAKS UP THE PIN!
TWO!
DERRICK BREAKS UP THE PIN!
GoGo bounces up, ready to go off on Derrick, but Rain charges back in and just like that we have a donnybrook in the middle of Memphis! Rain and Derrick duke it out while Alexis renews her attack on GoGo, leading to a chop battle that has the crowd wooing until they’re out of breath! Derrick is able to dump Rain out of the ring but she pulls him along for the ride! Alexis, her attention momentarily taken by this, gets ejected by GoGo, who bounds to the middle rope, across the corner to the top rope, then hops with her back to the floor and hits a twisting moonsault onto the pile!
Jacob Frankel: Lookit that little lady fly!
Bernadette Olson: Stunning agility! I don’t think Freakshow was ready for that at all!
Jacob Frankel: Rain almost wasn’t ready for it!
GoGo is gestured away by Rain, who helps her roll Alexis back into the ring before going on the attack against Derrick again! Leaping to the apron, GoGo moves to springboard onto Alexis, but she ducks and GoGo has to land in a roll so as not to damage herself! GoGo whirls around to resume the attack, but Alexis grabs hold of her before she can react, landing The Deadlights and bridging it into a pin attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
GoGo is able to break out handily, but a Heartburn from Alexis puts her right back down and Alexis immediately goes for one of GoGo’s legs, trying to slow down the near-manic young star! She slaps on a kneebar and grapevines the leg, trying to keep GoGo grounded though it only works for so long before GoGo starts pulling them both towards the ropes! Derrick, still on the outside but having broken away from Rain, reaches under the ropes to grab Alexis’s hand, pulling her and GoGo away from the ropes instead, giving his partner a not-legal assist! This, however, brings Rain charging around the corner to collide with The Wanderer, sending him sprawling, with that distraction giving GoGo an opening to break out, kicking at Alexis with her other leg!
Bernadette Olson: Looks like that shot caught Alexis right in the face, Jacob! And GoGo is free!
Jacob Frankel: But did that kneebar do some damage to her?!
At first it doesn’t seem that way; GoGo kips up and nails a basement dropkick on Alexis as she’s leaned up on the bottom rope! Pulling the Rascal Witch to her feet, GoGo moves to Irish whip her only to be countered, with Alexis kicking GoGo’s leg from under her, leaving the youngster groaning in pain!
Bernadette Olson: Looks like you have your answer, Jacob!
Alexis pounces on this, tagging in Derrick as he gets back up on the apron, having left Rain lying after a running powerslam on the floor! GoGo, on the other hand, has no way out as Freakshow takes over with skillful double-teaming. A Doomsday Device-
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NO!
TWO!
TH-NO!
-almost spells the end, but GoGo musters the strength to get the shoulder up! Derrick hoists her up on his shoulders with ease, and a Death Valley driver puts GoGo in further danger. Ducking a clothesline, GoGo hits a back kick, but a kick to the midsection is caught… with Derrick ducking an enzuigiri attempt, leaving GoGo in a precarious position! Derrick shoves her leg upwards, trying to dump her on her face, but GoGo flips out of the move! She lands unsteadily thanks to her attacked stem, but she’s still able to dive between Derrick’s legs when he moves in to attack! He gets hold of her while she’s barely an inch from Rain’s fingertips, though, just managing to keep the bigger half of Natural Resources out of the ring! Derrick yanks backwards, pulling GoGo into a big release German… but again she lands on her feet! This time, though, she immediately falls back, unable to keep her balance!
Jacob Frankel: Oh, this isn’t good for Natural Resources! GoGo is the speed of the team and if she can’t get around-!
It doesn’t stop her from trying, though! Derrick shoves her into the corner, but his charge is met with a boot to the mush… then two boots on another charge! GoGo leaps over Derrick as he comes in a third time, the Wanderer crashing head-first into the middle buckle! Knowing he’s only temporarily evaded, GoGo starts pulling herself along the ropes, half-crawling, to reach Rain and tag her in! But, again, Derrick is able to catch her before she can reach! This time, though, Rain is sick of waiting! A swinging kick over GoGo’s head catches Derrick upside his, and that gives GoGo the means to tag in her eager partner!
Bernadette Olson: And here comes Rain! She looks ready to mess someone up!
Jacob Frankel: After watching her partner get torn down?! I’ll bet!
Derrick is the first to catch it, taking a spinning kick to the head that sends him into the ropes, allowing Rain to take him the rest of the way down with a big spear! Derrick rolls to the ropes as Alexis comes in to defend her partner, leading to a chop-fest between her and Rain! The women blast one another in the chest with repeated shots before Rain gets in a few unanswered hits, allowing her to hit a bridging fisherwoman’s suplex on Alexis… just in time for Derrick to come in and stomp Rain’s midsection, leading a still-hurting GoGo to rejoin the fray!
Bernadette Olson: And we’re back to another big brawl! Butch Ward is having a hell of a time trying to keep order in there!
GoGo pounces on Alexis, with the two women rolling around and exchanging shots on the canvas while Derrick gets a grip on Rain, going for Facing Dawn before Rain elbows her way out of his grip! A stiff back elbow catches Derrick in the nose and Rain snares him in a hangwoman’s neckbreaker! Alexis rolls away from GoGo and out of the ring as Rain points out the ropes, calling for Rushing Waters on Derrick! Rain and GoGo line up and…
Jacob Frankel: Alexis grabbed the leg of GoGo! Rain hits the clothesline but without GoGo hitting the leg-
Bernadette Olson: Facing Dawn on Rain! And they’re the legal participants!
Derrick moves in to pin Rain as Alexis drags GoGo out of the ring to keep her from interfering!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! RAIN GETS THE SHOULDER UP JUST BEFORE THREE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
NO! RAIN GETS THE SHOULDER UP JUST BEFORE THREE!
Jacob Frankel: How’d she kick out of that?!
Bernadette Olson: That’s what Derrick wants to know right now!
The big man seems rather shocked himself, but rather than wallowing in the feeling, he pulls the tall blonde up and winds up the Journey to Nowhere! Rain grabs him before he cinches in his grip, though, surprising him with a snapmare driver! GoGo and Alexis bring their battle back to the ring and GoGo is able to break away, signaling Rain before giving a drop toe hold to Alexis at which point Rain hits a cutter on the falling Alexis! Derrick gets back to his feet and immediately Natural Resources hits Rushing Waters on him, GoGo half stumbling into her half of it but still landing enough to help bring Derrick down!
Rain moves in for the cover as GoGo tries to keep Alexis from interfering!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Jacob Frankel: And Natural Resources pulls off a big win!
Spirit Montego: And the winners of the Path of Destiny Tag Team Tournament… NATURAL RESOURCES!
Bernadette Olson: Freakshow hung with them to the very end, so major props for Derrick and Alexis tonight!
There’s certainly some frustration on the faces of Freakshow, but they don’t go in for an attack at this point. Alexis sticks to making sure Derrick is well, sitting him up off the match as, on the outside, Rain helps GoGo stay upright as their arms are raised.
Jacob Frankel: Now the question is this: which tag titles will they go for?
Bernadette Olson: I think a lot of that may have to do with how things pan out tonight. If Royal Couple retains, then I could see Natural Resources challenging them.
Jacob Frankel: And likewise, if the Daughters of Darkness become champs, Natural Resources might want a piece of them.
Bernadette Olson: And speaking of those matches, they’re coming up soon!
Winners: Natural Resources
Result: Pinfall at 16:38 (Rushing Waters)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Just Breathe
Just Breathe
We open up inside of the Queens of Chaos locker room where we see Jessie Robinson pacing around with Mikaela Callaway standing there, watching her as she finishes getting ready for their big Unity Championship match coming up.
Jessie Robinson: We have to win this… I need this win so much. It’s been a year since I debuted and so far, it’s been very slow and very tough for me. I need something good to happen here tonight.
Mikaela’s in the middle of her warm up as Jessie speaks before the young woman finally stops what she’s doing and steps in to block Jessie’s path and catch her by the shoulders.
Mikaela Callaway: Hey, hey, honey. Breathe. Deep breaths. Listen to me. We got this, okay? I know it ain’t been easy for everyone here, you especially, but I got a good feeling about tonight. We’ve been training hard, studying those two since even before we got this match. Stick to our strategy and do our thing. No getting cold feet now that we’re this close, got me?
Mikaela talks firm but gentle and empathetically to her tag team partner and, frankly, her best friend, as she squeezes her shoulders. Jessie stops her pacing, feeling her best friend’s hands on her shoulders as she nods her head. Her eyes catch Mikaela’s as you can see a little more confidence in her expression.
Jessie Robinson: Y-Yyeah. We’ve both beat the pretend queen before. We were made for this moment, to share something like this together. It’s been me and you since we stepped foot into Hybrid. Nobody has been able to come between us and nobody ever will. Tonight is our night and tonight, we do something we had talked about at length, become tag team champions.
Smiling, Mikaela claps Jessie on the shoulders and gives her a shake.
Mikaela Callaway: That’s what I’m talking about, Bean! That’s the mindset you gotta have, darlin’! Duplex Royale’s got this in the bag and we’re bringing more gold to the Queens of Chaos!
The two girls clasp hands and Mikaela gives her friend a hug before turning more serious.
Mikaela Callaway: So hey… you hear anything more from that pig headed brother of yours?
At just the mention of her brother, Jessie’s expression turns even angrier and frustrated.
Jessie Robinson: No… I don’t know what his problem is. It’s not my fault he’s a jelly belly meanie head that has anger issues and people don’t like him like people like me. I know what I’m gonna do tonight though, I’m going to be picturing his stupid face every time I punch Bianca or her little lackey. He needs a punch in the face, honestly and I’d kinda like to be the one to do it sooner rather than later.
There’s a laugh from the crowd at just how adorable Jessie’s anger is as Mikaela straightens her stance and makes a “whoa” face, looking at the camera then back to her friend.
Mikaela Callaway: Well, I ain’t gonna disagree with you there, honey. Hey, that’s a good idea! Like Adam Sandler in Waterboy! As if Bianca and Honey don’t make you wanna punch them enough. Like I said, we got this, darlin’. Number one contenders walking in. Hashtag “And New” Unity Champions walking out. That sounds mighty fine, don’t it? Then after that, we’ll see if we can’t get Eddy and Charlie to buy us celebratory sundaes!
Jessie Robinson: Sundaes and new stuffies! And I have this really cute new outfit I wanna get. Maybe we can convince them to take us shopping as a reward!
Jessie’s eyes lit up with a big smile on her face as you could see the excitement at the possibility. She gave Mikaela a quick hug and nodded her head.
Jessie Robinson: But first, let’s go out there and take care of business and show the world what true Queens actually look like!
Mikaela lets out a hoot and high fives Jessie.
Mikaela Callaway: That’s the spirit, Bean! Time to deal a Royal Flush and make them hussies fold like a bad hand! C’mon, let’s go find Ollie and handle business!
Duplex Royale grab their entrance gear and go bouncing, excitedly out of the locker room.
MATCH SEVEN
Unity Championship Match
Tag Team/One Fall
Duplex Royale vs. Royal Couple (C)
Unity Championship Match
Tag Team/One Fall
Duplex Royale vs. Royal Couple (C)
Spirit Montego: Our next match tonight at Fall of Man is set for one fall and it is for the Unity Championships!
The Pride version of the Queens of Chaos logo lights up the titan tron as the intro to "Wings Of A Butterfly" by His Infernal Majesty flows from the speakers. A pair of playing cards appears layered over one another to form the same logo. The cards separate revealing two separate QoC cards before flipping around to show the face sides, revealing Mikaela and Jessie's visages in place of the usual representation of the Queen seen on a deck. As the drums kick in, the words "DUPLEX ROYALE" appear on screen.
”♫Heaven ablaze in our eyes
We're standing still in time
The blood on our hands is the wine
We offer as sacrifice♫”
We're standing still in time
The blood on our hands is the wine
We offer as sacrifice♫”
As the lyrics begin, Jessie Robinson and Mikaela Callaway walk out onto the stage, using the energy of the song to amp up the fans. Joining them is Honorary Queen, Ollie The Peanut Man, rolling his arms in a sort of dance to the music. Near the end of the verse, they come to the center of the stage where Mikaela strikes her gun pose. In front of her, Jessie crouches down and makes the "uwu" fingers with a mischievous (yet still adorable) smile on her face as she tilts her head. At the end, Mikaela "shoots" her "guns" as Jessie pops up into a leap as stage pyro goes off on both sides and they make their approach towards the ring.
Spirit Montego: Introducing first… the challengers! Representing the Queens of Chaos and competing at a combined weight of 270 pounds… Jessie Robinson and Mikaela Callaway… DUPLEX ROYALE!
”♫Come on and show them your love
Rip out the wings of a butterfly
For your soul, my love
Rip out the wings of a butterfly
For your soul♫”
Rip out the wings of a butterfly
For your soul, my love
Rip out the wings of a butterfly
For your soul♫”
Duplex Royale move down the ramp with Jessie, Mikaela and Ollie slapping hands and/or throwing Too Sweets with the front row. They reach ringside and Jessie lays prone on the apron, happily kicking her legs with the music. She makes the "uwu" fingers again before throwing the horns with a winky face. Mikaela climbs the turnbuckle and makes the gun pose again. She "shoots" again then "blows the smoke" to the camera before hopping down. The whole time, Ollie's at ringside, hyping the girls up to the crowd. Duplex Royale then finds their corner where they remove their entrance gear and hand it to Ollie. He takes them, gives both girls a hug and gives them some final words of encouragement as they prepare for the match.
Bernadette Olson: The fans love these two and it’s not hard to see why.
Jacob Frankel: And even if you didn’t understand, upon seeing their opponents, you’d cheer them too by default!
Bernadette Olson: Keep this professional, Jacob. I know those two rub you wrong, but-
Jacob Frankel: Two? Oh, there’s more than that in that stuck-up brigade!
There’s a brief lull as Duplex Royale’s theme fades, then…
Spirit Montego: And now, introducing the champions!
The sound of royal trumpets can be heard as the lights dim and turn a violet hue as “Bad Bitch” by Bebe Rexha hits over the public address system. As the fans greet the sound with loud boos, first out was Simple Simon dressed in a nice suit, nervously waving. Within a few moments, none other than Queen Bianca Davis arrives, joined by Princess Honey Rydel with Summer and their bodyguard, Carnifex, in their wake along with several helmeted figures dressed as soldiers, recent converts to Bianca’s cause!
Spirit Montego: Accompanied by Carnifex, Simple Simon, Summer, and their faithful retainers, hailing from their Royal Palace in Malibu, California, wrestling at a combined weight of 263 pounds… they are the reigning AND defending HYBRID Unity Champions… Queen Bianca Davis and Princess Honey Rydel… THE ROYAL COUPLE!
The Queen, in her royal robe, also wears her large, blackened crown. Honey’s is slightly less extravagant, but her attire is just as on-point. Both pose smugly at the top of the ramp, Bianca waving her scepter dismissively at the fans while Honey waves arrogantly. Both royals start to make their way down to the ring, Simon singing their praises while Carnifex warns off the unwashed masses with his harsh glare and the retainers move in a half-circle before the royals to ward off any undesired advances. Meanwhile, Summer tries to make herself as unobtrusive as possible. The group reaches the ring and has the ropes held for them to enter. The titles are worn around their waist beneath the robes and are carefully handed over to Simple Simon as the rest of the entourage all but surround the squared circle.
Jacob Frankel: They’ve practically got an army around them! How is that even allowed?!
Bernadette Olson: You’d have to ask AMV. Bianca and Honey would tell you it’s because they’re royal champions or some-such and need the protection from any haters.
Jacob Frankel: I usually agree with the boss on most things, but this? It just isn’t fair!
DING! DING! DING!
The bell is called for and after some discussion, Jessie is set to start things off for Duplex Royale while the champions are represented by Honey. Surprising their opponents, Jessie attacks in a hurry, charging Honey and driving her into a neutral corner, throwing body shots and chops alternately, keeping Honey from reliably defending themselves for a time. Simple Simon tries to yell at Jessie and slap the canvas in frustration, but this only leads to Jessie stomping on his hand which gets an unintentionally comical response that the crowd eats up!
Jacob Frankel: Ha! That’ll teach him!
Bernadette Olson: Don’t know if I’d try that on Carnifex, but it’s certainly enough to get Simon out of their hair! And the HYBRID Nation loves it!
Simon reels, practically running and crying to Carnifex, who shoots Jessie a glare. The big man gets up on the apron but Referee Zach Young, swallowing back his own fear, steps up and tells the monstrous bodyguard to get back down on the floor before he’s ejected! Meanwhile, Jessie hits a beautiful snap suplex out of the corner and floats over into a pin attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
TWO!
KICK-OUT!
Immediately Honey is looking to tag in the queen, but Jessie puts a stop to that, waistlocking Honey from behind. Elbowing her way free, Honey hits an awesome spinning backfist on Jessie, leaving the Queen Bean reeling. Honey dropkicks their legs from under them, then hits a running dropkick to the head, making her own cover on Jessie!
ONE!
TW-NO!
TW-NO!
Honey immediately clamps on a chinlock on the mat, trying to put her feet on the ropes for leverage only to have Mikaela come around and knock them loose despite having to push through some of Bianca’s army on the outside! The move distracts Honey enough for Jessie to get to their feet and punch their way out of Honey’s grip! Simon berates Mikaela for interfering behind the wall of flesh that is Carnifex, but Mikaela fakes at him like she’s gonna charge and Simon hides completely! Going back to her corner in time to get a tag, Mikaela enters the ring, joining Jessie in a quick beatdown of Honey before Duplex Royale goes into a superkick frenzy, leaving Honey to topple over as Jessie quickly leaves the ring! Mikaela moves to cover!
ONE!
TWO!
BIANCA BREAKS UP THE PIN!
TWO!
BIANCA BREAKS UP THE PIN!
Bernadette Olson: And Bianca stepping in to save the match and the titles!
Jacob Frankel: Shocked she didn’t send one of her cronies first! Perish forbid she get her hands dirty!
Bernadette Olson: You gotta let it go, kid.
Jacob Frankel: I ain’t Elsa, Bernadette! There’s no letting anything go!
Mikaela isn’t having that, though, and she snatches Bianca by the hair before she can leave the ring! Bianca rips free, leaving some golden strands between Mikaela’s fingers, and cold-cocks the former Iron Heart Champion right between the eyes! Stunned, Mikaela is schoolgirled by Honey!
ONE!
TWO!
NO! KICK-OUT!
TWO!
NO! KICK-OUT!
Honey grabs Mikaela by the head, throwing some knees to the chest and midsection before hitting a DDT and tagging in Bianca. Irritated at having to get her hands dirty, Bianca kicks Mikaela out of Honey’s grip and lays the boots to her, stomping and kicking away before hurling her out of the ring! Zach Young is immediately on her case and Bianca takes full advantage, making him stay there as her entourage starts curb-stomping Mikaela! Jessie makes a save after a moment or two, but the damage is done, and it’s all they can do to get Mikaela back in the ring before they’re swarmed, too!
Bernadette Olson: Come on, Young! Turn the hell around already!
But it’s too late at this point, Bianca turns back to deal with Mikaela, weakened from the assault, just as the entourage backs off from Jessie! With no one to tag, Mikaela is at the mercy of the champions, with Honey and Bianca tagging back and forth to deal out as much punishment as possible. A big double-superplex is what caps off the two-way beatdown, with both Honey and Bianca putting a boot to the throat of Mikaela as they cockily parade-wave to the crowd, drawing an intense storm of boos down upon themselves!
Jacob Frankel: Argh! They just have to rub it in, don’t they?!
Bernadette Olson: Look, Jakey, like it or not, that’s what they do. And it’s part of the reason they’re champions right now: because they don’t care about anyone but themselves.
Jacob Frankel: I really hate it when you’re right sometimes…
Bernadette Olson: Me too, kid.
Bianca is legal now, still taking liberties with Mikaela. She whips the rookie into the buckles and charges in for a big kick, but Mikaela ducks at the last moment! Bianca has her leg propped up on the buckles and Mikaela backs up onto the bottom rope, using the leverage to get Bianca on her shoulders for a modified powerbomb! Driven hard into the mat, Bianca’s head bounces off the canvas and Mikaela hurries to make a pin!
ONE!
TWO!
T-NO!
SIMON PUTS BIANCA’S LEG ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
TWO!
T-NO!
SIMON PUTS BIANCA’S LEG ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
What looks like it could have been the end for the Royal Couple is stymied by Simon’s antics! Mikaela, unable to control her anger, throws Bianca aside and vaults over the top rope, smashing into Simon and knocking him hard to the floor! Semi-conscious, Simon finds himself in big trouble, wrapped in a Boston Crab! Carnifex moves into intervene but Jessie shows up with a chair, whacking him several times across the back and actually staggering him! Honey, thinking better of getting involved, instead works on getting the Queen back to her feet! Zach Young, though, has had enough!
Jacob Frankel: That’s it, Zach! Give ‘em what’s what!
Pointing out both the limping Simon and the snarling Carnifex, Zach ejects them from ringside! Carnifex roars in rage and Simon, still hiding behind the big, bearded monster, shouts his own weak threats! But the truly apoplectic one is Bianca, who spins the referee around and screams in his face, poking him in the chest with a manicured finger! Zach, though, points out the referee’s badge on his striped shirt and yells right back, threatening the champion with the end of the match if she doesn’t back off! Honey tries to let cooler heads prevail, but isn’t having much luck! And as Carnifex half-drags Simon up the ramp with him, Duplex Royale attacks from behind! Bianca is knocked to her hands and knees, then hurled over the top rope, right into the arms of the half-dozen “soldiers” of her entourage!
Bernadette Olson: This might very well be the opening that Duplex Royale needs, Jacob! We might see new champions tonight!
Honey, left alone with Jessie and Mikaela, tries to beg off, but the Queens of Chaos aren’t having it! They boot her in the midsection, then tilt her head back and measure her before nailing a double-superkick! Mikaela scoops up and drills down Honey, leading Jessie to come sailing in with the double-stop, capping off the team’s Lady Luck finisher!
Jacob Frankel: Hurry and pin her, Mikaela! Make this happen!
Jessie is shocked to be yanked out of the ring by the entourage on the outside as Mikaela hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
BIANCA DISRUPTS THE PIN AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT!
TWO!
THREE?!
…
BIANCA DISRUPTS THE PIN AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT!
Jacob Frankel: Oh, goddammit!
Bernadette Olson: Couldn’t have cut that ANY closer! And Bianca knows it!
Bianca rakes the eyes of Mikaela fiercely before grabbing her by the hair and bouncing her head off the canvas several times! Woozy, Mikaela still fights back, laying in multiple kicks to the leg and midsection of Bianca, following with a pump kick that knocks the Queen into the ropes! Mikaela scoops Bianca up for Mikalea’s Way but Honey attacks from behind to save her partner, hitting Honey Glazed to the back of Mikaela! Dropped to her knees, Mikaela still fights up and forearms Honey in the jaw before lining up a stunner! But Bianca stops this with the Red Bottom Shot! On the outside, Jessie is fighting their way out of the crowd, but they still manage to stop her from getting into the ring before the Royals can land the Oath of Fealty! Honey moves in for the pin as Bianca stands over her!
ONE!
TWO!
…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
…
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
The boos rain down hard at the sound of the bell! Jessie finally breaks away from the entourage and makes a beeline for both Honey and Bianca, who bail from the ring in a hurry, snatching their championships in the process! She checks on Mikaela but moves to grab the chair from before when she sees Carnifex and Simon coming back down the ramp!
Spirit Montego: Your winners… and STILL the Unity Champions… THE ROYAL COUPLE!
Jacob Frankel: Damn the lot of them!
Bernadette Olson: It was straight-up numbers this time around, Jacob. Even the most ardent fans of the Royal Couple can’t deny that. They’d be ex-champions without their followers!
Jacob Frankel: Exactly! And that’s not right! Mikaela might be hurt and I’d be shocked if Jessie weren’t!
Hurt or not, both look furious and more than ready to continue the fight, but even they can’t hope to wade through the wall of humanity between them and the Royal Couple! Bianca and Honey back up the ramp, titles held high and crowns shining, looking smug as hell!
Winners: Royal Couple (Still Champions)
Result: Pinfall at 14:55 (Oath of Fealty)
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Royal Riot Act
Royal Riot Act
After a short promo hyping up the sixth season of HYBRID, the cameras take us inside the office of Aloysius Marcus Vance IV, flanked by his Chief of Security and right-hand in Forge and Forge’s own second, Becca Maguire. For perhaps the first time ever, Aloysius looks purely furious, sitting behind his desk and glaring at the people standing in front of it. Forge, as ever, is a tower of muscle and fury, staring down the others while Becca, despite looking neutral herself, seems coiled and ready to leap if the need arises.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: -seems to me that those crowns are making your heads swell a bit too much, Bianca! What the HELL was all that out there?
Queen Bianca Davis: FIRST of all, that’s QUEEN-
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: At this point, it’s fucking MUD, young lady!
Queen Bianca Davis: How dare you! CARNIFEX!
The massive bodyguard stomps forward and immediately Becca takes a sidestep closer to AMV while Forge walks right up to the huge, bearded beast. Carnifex is at least three or four inches taller than Forge, and probably outweighs him by a good 50 pounds, but the Martyr Machine is out of fucks at this very moment.
Forge: Go ahead. Make a move. Give me a fucking reason.
Carnifex growls like a low beast and Forge’s response is to grin, both men flexing a muscle or eleven, daring the other to jump. But Honey is somehow able to calm down Carnifex and make him back off. Forge, however, does not move; a threatening gesture has already been made. He’s going to make sure nothing comes of it. Bianca, incensed, is still shouted into silence for the moment.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You and your group made a mockery of that match on one of our biggest shows of the year. And while I’m all for some chaos to spice things up and get more eyes on the show, there ARE limits and YOU crossed them.
Princess Honey Rydel: And what, exactly, do you think you’re going to do about it? Queen Bianca rules all of HYBRID! You can’t do anything about that!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Heh… hahaha!
AMV straight up laughing is not the response anyone expected. Honey looks surprised and more than a little irked. Bianca, meanwhile, is red-faced and furious!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You might call yourself a queen and wear a pretty crown, Bianca, but what you and your mini-me don’t seem to understand is that in HYBRID, I’m the goddamn Emperor! My word is what makes the HYBRID Nation go ‘round and not only CAN I do something about this, I WILL!
At this point, Simple Simon dares to poke his head around Carnifex and retort!
Simple Simon: Now you see here-
Forge cuts him off with an outright growl, leaving Simon to squeak and retreat out of sight. AMV has trouble holding back more laughter, but manages somehow.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: At Vanguard #30, you WILL defend those Unity Championships again and you’ll do it in a steel cage with all your little cronies barred from ringside. And if you even think of trying to sneak someone in to give you a hand? I’ll strip you of the titles.
Bianca can hold her tongue no longer!
Queen Bianca Davis: You can’t DO that!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I got news for you, sister: I DID it! Now get out of my office! You’ll find out who your opponents are at Vanguard #29! I suggest that you start preparing!
Fuming, Bianca wants to retort further but, in a rare moment, decides not to. Instead she firmly gestures for Honey and the others to follow her out of the office. However, the Princess lingers long enough for a retort:
Princess Honey Rydel: You’re going to regret defying us, Vance!
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I seriously doubt that. Run along.
Snorting, Honey turns and hurries after the rest, shutting the door behind her. Only when the door is shut do Forge and Becca come out of attack mode, with Forge turning to AMV.
Forge: They’ll be looking for blood after this.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Probably. But if they don’t like it, they can run off to some other company and get pissed on. When it comes to people like them, you have to put them in their place in a hurry before they start thinking they run things. Otherwise, trouble always follows. You know that even better than me.
Glancing towards the door, then Becca, Forge returns his attention to AMV and shrugs.
Forge: Guilty.
Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: That said, I have a meeting to attend to. I’m sure I can trust you two to handle things for a bit?
Forge: 100%.
Nodding, AMV rises and leaves the office as the cameras cut back to the announce table.
Jacob Frankel: Good on the boss for making things right! I expect it’ll be Duplex Royale that gets the match!
Bernadette Olson: Maybe, but don’t forget that Natural Resources could decide to go against the Royal Couple, too.
Jacob Frankel: Hey, either is worlds better than those two monarchists!
Bernadette Olson: Easy, kid. Save that energy for the next matches!
VIDEO SEGMENT
What It All Comes Down To
What It All Comes Down To
A vignette begins to roll, showing archive footage of a young Risa Lemon in the ring during her early days as the masked “Super Tiger.” Serene music plays as she is shown soaring off the top rope with “Flight of the Tiger” and scoring the pinfall.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Ring Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner…SUPEEEEEEEER…TIGEEEEEEER!!!!
More footage of her budding career continues to roll as the voice of Risa Lemon is heard in a voiceover before we see the world renowned joshi sitting in a dark interview room as she speaks.
Risa Lemon: Being a wrestler? It’s in my blood. My father as a promoter. My mother as the star. This is my destiny, and I will be the absolute best.
From there, the footage changes to a smaller, more rundown venue as a young, significantly less tattooed Chi Chi Sanada comes walking through the curtain and towards the ring.
Ring Announcer: She is…The Roppongi Kitsune…SANADAAAAAAAAAA…CHIAKIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!
The footage cuts to the match where Chi Chi is seen zipping and flying circles around her opponent in the ring. As this plays, Chi Chi’s voice takes over the narration and we see her, also, sitting in a dark room, with subtitles translating for her Japanese.
Chiaki Sanada: Pro wrestling is all I ever wanted to do, growing up. Even if my mother and father never approved. They hated how much I idolized my uncle…
As she says this, archive footage shows Chi Chi’s uncle, “Mad Dog” Jubei Sanada in a bigger venue, in the middle of a violent deathmatch. Standing on the top turnbuckle, he fixes his flight goggles to his face, throws the middle fingers to his grounded opponent, who’s laying underneath a bundle of light tubes and hits a high Frog Splash for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Ring Announcer: Here is your winner…
As Jubei’s victory is announced, the shot fades back to Chi Chi’s match shown earlier. The teenage girl stands, covered in blood, as her arm is raised.
Ring Announcer: ...SANADAAAAAA…CHIAKIIIIIIII!!
The footage continues to go back and forth between moments in Risa Lemon and Chi Chi Sanada’s careers, gradually becoming more recent as they play.
Risa Lemon: I left Japan. I left the comfort of my father’s company to spread the love of Japanese lucharesu to the world.
Chiaki Sanada: I lost the sanctuary of my family home for my dream…but I never gave up.
Fast forward to the resurgence of HYBRID rEvolution as shots intercut between Risa and Chi Chi, with Jane Harper as the 2 Broke Chickz, making their first appearances in the large, jam packed All State Arena to thunderous receptions from the crowd. Quick cuts of some of their shining moments roll as the crowd eats up every bit.
Sitting in her chair, Chi Chi scoffs and shakes her head.
Chiaki Sanada: Good things never last, though…do they?
Vanguard #13 - 02/01/2023
The tone of music changes from relaxing, nostalgic and happy to darker and foreboding as Chi Chi and Risa are shown entering the ring for their match. Highlight spots roll, bringing us to the moment where Chi Chi is seen prying a tooth from Risa’s mouth and getting disqualified.
Chiaki Sanada: I’m not perfect… Never said I was. I get a little…over excited at times…
We see Chi Chi running up the ramp with a tooth clutched in her bloody hand as Risa holds a hand to her bleeding mouth, watching her go with a confused look in her eyes.
Risa Lemon: I was shocked. I didn’t think she’d actually pull my tooth out, ya know? But i know how confusing things can get when English isn’t your first language. But I honestly thought someone would have explained it better to her than I could.
Chiaki Sanada: Maybe I do get a little crazy… Maybe I misunderstand how things work here.
Vanguard #14 - 02/15/2023
Footage is shown of Chi Chi doing the same thing to Jessie Robinson in the catering area.
Then attempting to do the same to a referee at Vanguard #15 - 03/01/2023…
Then to Mikaela Callaway backstage at Vanguard #17 - 03/29/2023…
Risa Lemon: One misunderstanding. That’s one thing, you know? But she just kept doing the same thing. Over and over and over! Look!
Risa pulls her cheek to the side, showing the gap in the back of her teeth where Chiaki had pulled out one of her molars.
Risa Lemon: I was one of the people who loved Cheech more than anything, you know? But how am I supposed to just… let this go?
Cut to Chi Chi in her seat where she chuckles and shakes her head, shrugging her shoulders.
Chiaki Sanada: I guess Ticket was right…
She goes serious, cold even, staring into the camera as she leans forward.
Chiaki Sanada: Sometimes…friendships just never last….
Stormfront PPV
♫♫Midnight approaches are you awake?♫♫
♫♫I heard the Devil, he was calling your name!♫♫
♫♫Your soul is empty, your lives are is cheap!♫♫
♫♫You're selling murder while you're praying for peace!♫♫
♫♫I heard the Devil, he was calling your name!♫♫
♫♫Your soul is empty, your lives are is cheap!♫♫
♫♫You're selling murder while you're praying for peace!♫♫
The ominous music suddenly changes to that of Parkway Drive’s “Devil’s Calling” as the Cage of Survival is shown around the ring with the Queens of Chaos making their entrance. A brief glimpse is shown of Chi Chi and Jane Harper standing on the ramp as the crowd gasps, seeing Dokueki step through the curtain and the three charge the ring, coming to clash with Risa, Jessie and Mikaela. All of the high spots are shown, resulting in numerous broken tables, shattered glass, the cage wall falling as Jane throws Jessie into it. Chi Chi blasts Mikaela with the hot sauce mist, then hits the finish on Risa, hooking for the pin.
Chi Chi shrugs again and drops her hands in her lap.
Chiaki Sanada: It could have been over there but noooooo…you wanted to keep on going, didn’t you?!
Vanguard #19 - 05/10/2023
Natural Resources & Chi Chi versus Risa, Jessie and Jessi Ozborne rolls, specifically on the moment where GoGo is accidentally knocked off of the turnbuckle, injuring her knee.
♫♫I don't think you want it, I want you to see!♫♫
♫♫The time these children wanted something to say!♫♫
♫♫You, you can't see it, you, you can't talk it!♫♫
♫♫When you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything!♫♫
♫♫The time these children wanted something to say!♫♫
♫♫You, you can't see it, you, you can't talk it!♫♫
♫♫When you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything!♫♫
Risa Lemon: Clearly GoGo’s fall was an accident, but then Chi Chi goes crazy, going off about how we hurt someone on purpose. Tell me how any of this makes sense. Please. I’d love to hear it.
♫♫We're fighting fire with gasoline!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning for all to see!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning for all to see!♫♫
Heatstroke PPV
The cage is seen lowering down over the double rings before clips are shown of the Feel The Heat Match. 2 Broke Chickz, Rain, Halo and Brittney Williams in place of GoGo versus Risa, Ozborne, Bean, Mikaela and a returning Lolli in a brutal war that leaves almost everyone covered in blood before the Queens of Chaos are seen standing victorious over the defeated Gutter Ballet.
Chiaki Sanada: I was even willing to let things go there. Lick my wounds. Over and done.
♫♫We're fighting fire with gasoline!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning!♫♫
♫♫This is a warning!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning!♫♫
♫♫This is a warning!♫♫
Chi Chi scoffs and shakes her head again.
Chiaki Sanada: But guess who kept knocking?
♫♫THE DEVIL’S CALLING!♫♫
Vanguard #24 - 08/09/2023
A black screen, then the guitar drop after the chorus as the footage resumes with Chi Chi and Risa brawling backstage by the RV, just throwing bombs on each other. Risa’s nose is broken before security pulls a rabid looking Chi Chi back.
Risa Lemon: All I wanted to do was apologize. I wanted to fix the damage that had been caused between me and Cheech. But it seems like all she was interested in was continuing the fight. A fight that could have been avoided if she’d have just let me say I was sorry.
Chi Chi leans back in her chair, laughing, half out of her mind, clapping her hands.
Chiaki Sanada: You said you came to make amends, but then after you caught an ass beating that you deserved, you and your prodigal friend from your Trash Panda days decide let’s bring up my struggles again… And you thought I was going to just ignore that?!
Vanguard #25 - 08/23/2023
“Devil’s Calling” continues to blast as Risa is seen backstage in an interview with Grace Savoy. Chi Chi comes pouncing on her out of nowhere and these two are at it again. Punches fly, tables and chairs get knocked over. Risa mounts Chi Chi and lands a shot that leaves the blue haired woman shrieking in agony as blood spurts from her face from under her hands.[/i]
Chiaki Sanada: I get it… Blood for blood?
She motions with a finger at her scarred septum and nods, half shrugging.
Chiaki Sanada: I get it. But bitch…if you thought that meant we were done?
She just smiles and shakes her head.
Vanguard #27 - 09/27/2023
They’re in the ring again with microphones and Chi Chi, wearing her custom face guard, just slaps Risa across the cheek, only for Risa to throw her mic down and tackles her to the mat. Fists are flying again as security rushes in, trying to pull them apart.
Risa Lemon: I retaliated in a moment of short sighted anger. It was clear I felt terrible and I wanted to make things right. So I made the decision to run down when the girls were in a no-win situation, and what happened? Chi Chi freaking snaps. Then we meet in the ring to talk again, and we started to fight.
Risa grits her teeth, leaning forward with a sharp exhalation of breath.
Risa Lemon: I dropped an ultimatum. I challenged her to one of the most dangerous matches I could think of to put an end to this.
Risa Lemon: YOU AND ME BITCH! EXPLODING BARBED WIRE MASSACRE AT FALL OF MAN!
Risa spikes the mic, backing up, rage on her face. As the crowd gasps in shock, Chiaki suddenly scrambles forward, slipping past Forge. He runs to catch her but she only goes far as ringside to snatch up the microphone where it bounced out to the floor. She backs away from the giant of a man, lifting the mic up with a crazed smile on her bandaged, bruised face.
Chiaki Sanada: DAT HOW YOU WANNA DO DIS?!
She laughs, almost crazily into the mic as her eyes go wide like a feral animal.
Chiaki Sanada: YOU’RE! ON!
At this point, Chi Chi’s in her chair, practically hysterical.
Chiaki Sanada: You want me in a match that Japan - our fucking country - put on the map in this industry? A match that I’ve seen my uncle in so many, I’ve lost count. You like to tout about how you’re the Hardcore Tiger. I’m about to formally introduce you to the Deathmatch Kitsune. I will bleed buckets of my own blood just to bleed you dry and shut your fucking mouth along with every other goddamn “King and Queen” or “Lord and Lady” that like to walk around, acting like people like me “just aren’t good enough.”
Risa Lemon: Japanese wrestling is in both of our blood. Blood that is going to pour all over and around the ring. The Deathmatch Kitsune? What is a fox to a tiger, Chi Chi? And I already told you. No Kings. No Queens. My wife and all of my friends. This is between you and me. And I’m going to end it. Definitively. You and me, Chi Chi? This match is going to end it. Even if I end up in the hospital, or never wrestling again, I am going to end this.
A series of Risa and Chi Chi’s more brutal matches in their careers is played, showing them both covered in blood, pieces of glass sticking out of their skin, their gear torn and stained completely red.
♫♫We're fighting fire with gasoline!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning for all to see!♫♫
♫♫We're fighting fire with gasoline!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning for all to see!♫♫
♫♫We're fighting fire with gasoline!♫♫
♫♫We'll leave the bridges burning!♫♫
Chiaki Sanada: It doesn’t matter who loses… It doesn’t matter wins…
Risa Lemon: We might both end up in the hospital, after this.
Chiaki Sanada: I don’t even care if one of both of us leaves Memphis in a motherfucking body bag!
Risa Lemon: At Fall Of Man?
Chiaki Sanada: You…
Risa Lemon: Are…
Chiaki Sanada: & Risa Lemon: Done!
♫♫This is a warning!♫♫
♫♫The Devil’s calling…♫♫
♫♫The Devil’s calling…♫♫
The screen splits down the middle with half of Risa and Chi Chi’s faces on either side, merged together, reminiscent of the promotion poster as the song abruptly stops and the vignette fades to black.
