EVENT:
VENUE:
LOCATION:
CAPACITY:
BEST VIEW:
COUP DE GRACE
Madison Square Garden
New York, New York
18, 500
Desktop 1920 x 1080
WelcOme tO the shOw
[At the conclusion of the opening montage, we transition to a captivating aerial view of the ring, with a gray canvas and blue event logo in the center. A breathtaking pyrotechnics display ignites all through the arena to encapsulate an all round intoxicating aura. Luke Knux and the Scumbag Society are ripping through one of their singles from their newest album “Insomnia” as camera angles pan throughout the crowd.]
[The Scumbag Society finish off with an epic finale as we switch gears over to the broadcast booth to see the voices of Union Battleground.]
Dante Reed - Ladies and gentlemen, we are live on the Battleground Network here at Madison Square Garden in New York City in front of a tumultuous crowd of 13,456 and this is Coup de Grâce! As always, I am your host Dante Reed and alongside me is my commentary colleague Sebastian Riggs. Bas, this is it brother, the final blow, the last hurrah, the —
Sebastian Riggs - The kill shot! We’ve gone through eight months to get to this point. We’ve seen a lot competitors come and go in the Battleground, but those that are here tonight have reached the destination to this brutal journey; however it’s still not over yet! Tonight we have nine matches scheduled with seven Championships on the line, and three of them aren’t even under the Battleground banner!
Dante Reed - That’s right, Bas. Tonight, we’ve got SSS Goddess of Sakura Champion Fukushima Zombie, GWP World Heavyweight Champion Blake Archer, and Seattle Pro Heavyweight Champion Hammerstein all putting their coveted titles on the line.
Sebastian Riggs - Fukushima is going up against fellow SSS competitor Hannah Rockford in a bout I’m sure will deliver and help bring a fresh new audience to their company.
Dante Reed - And while this isn’t Blake Archer’s first defense of his fallen company’s top prize, it’s without a doubt the most meaningful this season. Archer is finally stepping toe-to-toe against his former mentor Levinator. These two have got a long and tumultuous history that has reached a breaking point and both of these guys have been at each other’s throats since L!GHTS OUT #24.
Sebastian Riggs - And finally, the Seattle Pro Champion Hammerstein will be defending his title against “The Son of Seattle” Damien Miri. What started out as a simple exhibition bout escalated to Hammerstein putting his Seattle Pro Heavyweight Championship on the line!
Dante Reed - Speaking of exhibition bouts, two weeks ago, the newest member of the Battleground Datura laid out an open challenge to get herself on the card tonight. The Badd Breed leader Erik Holland shockingly answered the call, and we will open the show with those two setting the tempo.
Sebastian Riggs - We’ve also got Elena DeDraca attempting to go for a fourth consecutive successful defend for her War Horse Championship as she takes in Caden Walker.
Dante Reed - And Speaking of the War Horse Title, tonight there will be a 10 man open invite battle royal, and the winner earns a shot at the title in season three.
Sebastian Riggs - Can’t wait to see who all shows up for that one! But speaking of showing up, about a month ago, The Osaka Rebels showed up in Chicago and threw down in an impromptu match against The Outliers that ended in a draw. Tonight they have their rematch in a New York Street Fight where it’s Tornado rules and falls count anywhere!
Dante Reed - And Speaking of rematches, Finn Whelan will be defending his Trench War Title tonight against the woman who he defeated to earn the strap, Kimitsu Zombie. Both of these competitors truly embrace what the title has become known for, and that’s to fight anyone, anytime, any place!
Sebastian Riggs - The place is here at Madison Square Garden! Finally our main event of the evening, a triple threat steel cage match for the Union Battleground Championship! Emery Layton defends her title against Guerrilla Warfare winner Alyssa Daniels and former two-time Battleground Champ Dick Devereaux. Three of the biggest stars Union has to offer will settle the score once and for all after months of heated singles battles. It’s sure to be a night to remember, Dante, so let’s get it rolling!
Dante Reed - That’s the smartest thing I’ve ever heard you say! With that, let’s toss it over to our hype man Mike Dempsey. Mike, take it away brother!
The season finale's opening contest featured the returning Datura coming back for another bout, this time facing off against the man that answered her open challenge, the leader of Badd Breed, Erik Holland. The beginning of the match was slow paced, as Holland was cautious to initiate any attacks and Datura was simply playing mind games. Once they finally decided to throw down, Datura was very methodical in her approach, baiting Holland in and countering every attack. Every counter attack she targeted his neck, shoulders, and lower back, in a sense to chop down the 6'6" brute to her level.
​
Once Datura was thoroughly inside Holland's head, she began delivering her own offensive attack, and continued zeroing in on the back. With lightning fast shoot kicks and straight jabs, Datura kept Holland guessing at every turn. At one point, Datura started openly mocking the big man, and eventually she left herself wide open for a quick burst of action from the Badd Breed leader. Holland quickly used his size to toss Datura around with a few power moves, but this just jarred Datura back to reality that this is her match to lose.
She refocused and changed up her strategy, now targeting the shoulders with numerous submissions holds. Holland however was able to break free from every sub, but the damage was done. He tried a desperation move by catching Datura with a fireman's carry, but his shoulders and back had been worked over so effectively, that he couldn't stand to finish it off, leaving Datura wide open to rally back. She continued her isolated attacks, which eventually left her to clamp Holland in her signature Moonflower submission, and Holland eventually tapped out to give Datura a solid 2-0 record to cap off the season.
​
Winner: Datura via submission (Moonflower — Cattle Mutilation) in 08:40
gates Of hell
Dante Reed - Earlier today as excitement was building up outside Madison Square Garden patrons walked about taking opportunities where able to meet their favorite members of the Union Battleground roster.
Sebastian Riggs - The people unable to move onto the digital age perhaps. A lot of people were in the back getting ready for their matches tonight at COUP DE GRACE.
Dante Reed - Take a look of one particular encounter that we have caught on film.
[Fans are gathered outside the arena awaiting the doors to open so they can find their seats for the action. All the excitement has sparked some conversations on who people are hoping to see tonight like Elena and Finn. While others were discussing outcomes of matches, but their conversation is halted when they see Blake and Josie selling t-shirts from the trunk of a car. The two men approach.]
"Blake, dude you gotta beat Levinator tonight!"
"Yeah after what he did to you Josie, I would crush his skull!"
[Blake laughs leaning back on his fold out chair. He folds his arms across his chest and presses his lips from side to side.]
Blake Archer - Would you though? Would you really? How you going to do that?
[There is amusement in his voice ready to hear how this average Joe, albeit at 6'9", is going to crush a Goliath like Levinator's skull.]
"Dude! Come on! You got to work him over enough to get him to the outside and smash his head off the steps and barricade!"
"Yeah!"
[Blake looks around people want to get into Madison Square Garden. A few kids point at him and Josie sitting there trying to drag his mother over.]
Blake Archer - Enthusiastic, believe me fellas, I am not letting Levinator walk out of this building tonight.
[Another guy wearing a Levinator shirt comes up screaming at Blake is going down tonight. Which gets the other two arguing with this meathead. A woman comes up to buy a Josie shirt and gives the guys a weird look.]
[Finally Josie hollers for them to shut the hell up and they all go silent and turn to her.]
Josie Pleasure - Y'all are giving me a headache. Blake is going to defend my honor where I failed to do so with him and he's going beat the shit of that over inflated egomaniac Levinator. Now if you ain't buying merch then get lost! You… yeah you with the camera? Who the hell said that it was ok to film us? You better fork over some money…. HeY! HEY DON’T YOU RUN FROM ME!
Sebastian Riggs - Yikes!
Dante Reed - That was the scene earlier today just outside the arena and I gotta say it's nice that Blake and Josie are emerging themselves with the fans and really giving them the full experience. I think they could work on diplomacy a little. I am told we have standing by The man who will defend his GWP World Heavyweight title against a Levinator. Take it away Savannah.
[The scene cuts to Savannah Skye standing next to the GWP World Heavyweight champion, Blake Archer, with the shiny championship hanging over his left shoulder. On his right is Union Batleground's reporter Savannah Skye and his long time tag team partner Josie Pleasure.]
Savannah Skye - Thanks for joining me Blake. Let's go back to two weeks ago when you last battle Levinator and you were injured. After going through the glass and having your eye compromised how is that going to affect you tonight?
[Blake takes a deep breath looking to Josie and then Savannah.]
Blake Archer - First off that was rude to thank me for being here and totally ignore Josie like that. Shame on you Savannah. Second off you get glass removed from your pupil, it's been very painful. I had a few surgeries and am right back to business. Out there tonight all that is doing is fueling me up. I had to put this championship on the line just to get Levinator to stop taking cheap shots and actually stand toe to toe with me in that ring. I am on pins and needles, this is my one shot to get him where I want him.
Savannah Skye - I apologize..
Josie Pleasure - Really? I think you blatantly ignored me cuz you're more focused on Blake. When really this a team effort all the so this should be about both us.
[Blake leans forward and whispers to her.]
Blake Archer - You are doing great, remember positive thoughts.
Savannah Skye - Yes of course, my mistake. Josie last week you stepped in the ring with Levinator with the intention of defending Blake's honor, but failed to do so. How did that make you feel?
Josie looks at Blake who covers his mouth with his free hand suppressing a smile. She then looks at Savannah with a sneer.
Josie Pleasure - Your daughter was just murdered how do you feel? You reporters are all the same! I'm pissed beyond words. I mean yes I went out there guns blazing and wanted that win so bad I could taste it. I promised to get that victory and I failed. So what now I'm a nobody cuz I couldn't get the job done? Hell I think you should be impressed that I had the balls to try! How does that make you feel?!
[Josie is riled and Blake tries to calm her as he turns back to Savannah with a few comments of his own.]
Blake Archer - Typical you media people always looking for ratings and you don't care who you have to hurt to get there. Contrary to common believe psychos have feelings. That's something Levinator has been stabbing at trying so-so hard. He's went after people here and there and I stood by shaking my head. Then he came after me and I felt that instinct of flight of fight kick in. Now... well now he's messed with family. Tonight it ends.
Savannah Skye - Does that mean that you will be going out there together tonight?
Josie Pleasure - Family sticks together and supports. So if Blake wants me by his side, guess where my ass is gonna be?
[Josie gives Blake a bored look as she slaps his title. Kinda like a wrap it up thing.]
Blake Archer - OH! Damn right she is going out there. Levinator better watch himself because mud is thicker than blood...or whatever. I am not some marvel or DC dude I can’t come up with snazzy catch phrases from thin air. I am about to enter the Gates of Hell, I got better..
[He says walking off continuing to ramble on to himself. Savannah stands there dumbfounded by that closing statement as Blake turns to leave. Josie hits the microphone out of Savannah's hand.]
Josie Pleasure - Bitch!
[She catches up to Blake and jumps up and down beside him hitting the title on his shoulder as though getting his head in the game and what it all means to them. As Savannah shrugs as though saying what was the point in that?]
In the second contest of the night, the student/mentor type relationship between Blake Archer and Levinator has turned a dark and bitter turn in recent months. Whether you believe Archer's or Lev's side of the story, one thing that is undeniable is that the two finally square off after constant interference and ambush attacks. Levinator's attacks were so brutal, that Archer was rushed to the hospital with an orbital fracture that sidelined him for months. Not like it needed much persuasion, but Archer baited Lev into this match by putting his GWP World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
​
Levinator came out to the ring to a chorus of boos, but he ate every bit of it up. Archer came out with reconciled friend Josie Pleasure to an unusual ovation. When the two finally met in the ring, a deathly stare-down between the two built the intensity to staggering levels. The two big men finally snapped and like a train wreck, the 6'9" and 7'2" barbarians immediately came swinging for the fences. This may have been the first time Archer was the smaller competitor, and it showed early on. Levinator was able to handle The King of Canines with ease, however Blake never backed down for one second.
​
As the match continued on, The Australian Sensation took a commanding lead in the match, and it quickly looked like Archer was simply over-matched by his former mentor. That is, until Josie Pleasure decided to take matters into her own hands. Josie slid into the ring with a steel chair and walloped Lev upside the head several times until a wide gash surfaced on the hairline of Levinator. Though this bought some time for Archer to regroup, it only further angered Levinator, and he directed his full attention to Josie from here. Like just a few weeks ago, Lev completely manhandled Pleasure, and finished it off with a military press toss from the outside that saw Josie launched all the way into the crowd! This side fight was enough for Blake to wait in the wings and picks his spot and impales Levinator with his Silver Shot power spear! Archer sealed the deal from here to earn a pinfall victory over his former mentor.
​
Winner: Blake Archer via pinfall (Silver Shot — Spear) in 13:02
Twist Of Fate
[Elena DeDraca has been caught watching the show via a huge monitor backstage. The last match had just come to an end as she started to walk. The War Horse title resting over her shoulder. Here and there she greeted a few staff workers, but mostly lost in her own thoughts.]
[Knowing her match was next she walked towards the entrance area, scanning over the busy scene. People were busy making sure that nothing went wrong. Sometimes they screamed orders at each other -- in foreign languages. Elena took her title and looked at it for a long moment before putting it over an empty chair. She was stretching for a few moments before she heard a well known voice behind her.]
UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN
Looking as fabulous as always, love.
[She whirled around and immediately was hit by surprise. In front of her stood none other than Cyrus Riddle. Probably one of the last people she imagined to see here tonight. There was an amused grin on his face. Her expression was as calm as always.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
Look at what the cat dragged in. Just joking. But I haven’t expected you to be here tonight. Or did you mention it and I forgot?
THE IMPALER | CYRUS RIDDLE
Surprise mainly. It's a big night, I figured I would attend and show my support again. It's been a long, odd road. And now, things need to normalize for us.
[He glances around the hallway, noticing her championship next to them over the empty chair.]
THE IMPALER | CYRUS RIDDLE
We are way beyond me asking if you are prepared. So, how well will you retain?
[For a moment she looked at him. In the same intensive manner as a predator would look at its next meal. It was probably hard to understand for outsiders, but that was how they operated. In a graceful manner she bended towards her title, putting it back over her shoulder.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I could give you a whole speech about the subject, but you have heard it before. I guess to a degree I have to thank you for where I am today. I don’t grief over the past anymore, Cyrus. If anything it made me angrier and better. Caden Walker? Big dude. But there are territories where size truly does not matter.
[There was a small giggle coming from her end.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I have warned him. And you know better than most that I never send out empty threats. I make promises and I keep them. So tonight for one more time I will send a little reminder why, under no circumstances, you shouldn’t ever underestimate me. But since we are talking business, congratulations are in order. Right?
[Cy nods a few times, smiling.]
THE IMPALER | CYRUS RIDDLE
Bad Company, yes. Still somewhat unbelievable, but I love every second of reliving the night. It was as if I had officially arrived in a grand way. Thank you. Just wanting to make sure those who are proud, stay proud. And I'm pleased to see you doing better, using it to make positives.
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
Nothing to worry about, dear. I go down, I get back up. Maybe that is the way my life will always be and I accept it. But through every up and down you learn a little something.
[She was interrupted when one of the stage workers called her name. Reminding her that it was game time in five minutes. Elena took a deep breath before smiling at her opposite. She took a few steps closer and much to his surprise placed a small kiss on his cheek. When she pulled back her smile was still there, but different.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I wish you good luck, Cyrus.
[He looked somewhat puzzled.]
THE IMPALER | CYRUS RIDDLE
For what, Elena?
[The Fist of Hydra had already walked a few steps but turned around another time.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
We both know what, silly butt.
[A loud laughter was heard all through the hallway when she walked further away.]
Our third contest and second championship fight of night saw undefeated War Horse Champion Elena DeDraca defend her title for a fourth consecutive time in as many events against the towering Caden Walker. Just weeks earlier, Walker was unable to put away Kimitsu Zombie for a shot at the Trench War Championship, but as a consolation and a need of an opponent for the Lady of Death, Walker was awarded a title shot and a shot at redemption here tonight.
​
The match started out with Caden Walker using his tremendous size advantage in his favor, powering through any offensive strikes Elena tried to deliver. Walker was able to control the tempo of the match, which is something Elena is typically known for. Elena was able to picks spots here and there, but couldn't mount a solid string of attacks.
​
Instead of putting Elena away for good, Caden at one point looked to be soaking in the the crowd's chorus of boos and veering off course, which was ultimately a grave mistake. His lapse in attention allowed Elena to develop a solid countering offense, which picked apart Caden's power and used to her advantage. Elena continued on until she was able to wrap Walker up in her signature octopus submission hold, which Caden had no choice but to give up.
​
Winner: Elena DeDraca via submission (The Fist of Hydra — Octopus Hold) in 11:34
cOmmercial bReak
UGP #1 is coming to you live only on the Battleground Network Saturday September 15th at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois. For the latest news, check out @Union_GP on Twitter!
Mike Dempsey - The following battle is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the SSS Goddess of Sakura Championship! Introducing first, the challenger standing 5’4” and weighing in at 165 pounds, from Wexford Town, Co. Wexford, Ireland, Hanna Rockford!
♫
THE DAY IS MY ENEMY
THE NIGHT MY FAVE
♫
[The arena goes black as the intro to “The Day Is My Enemy” starts as the lights flash to the beat of the song, once the song picks up the lights come back on to show Hanna Rockford walks out with a smile as she lets out a roaring scream to pump her up. She walks to the ring, hitting the hands of every fan she can get to. She stands in front of the ring and observes it before entering it by sliding under the bottom rope. She gets up and heads over to the ropes and stretches her arms out saying “LET’S GO!”]
Dante Riggs - Our next match is another One Night Only match here on Coup de Grace. We’ll be seeing the hard hitting action from Japanese joshi promotion, Sakura Shoujo Stampede.
Sebastian Riggs - And what action we’ll be seeing Dante! We have their World champion, the Goddess of Sakura, Fukushima Zombie taking on a young rookie in SSS Hana Rockford in the biggest match of her career.
Mike Dempsey - And her opponent, standing 5’5” and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Okuma-machi, Fukushima, Japan, she is the reigning, defending, undisputed SSS Goddess of Sakura, Fukushima Zombie!
♫
MESHI KUUNA BY INU BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[Smoke starts coming up from the ground as the music plays. Fukushima Zombie comes out from the back with the Goddess of Sakura title around her waist. She has a life sized upper arm in her mouth as well before she takes it and raises it up in the air. She makes her way down to the ring before she spins around the center and stops, staring at the camera as she raises her title high in the air and blood oozes from her mouth as she gives a creepy smile to her opponent.]
Dante Riggs - Alright folks, looks like we have both competitors squared away in their corners and the crowd is on their feet for this one! The referee checks off with each competitor one last time and he calls for the bell! This match is underway!
[DING!]
[The bell rings as the two competitors stare each other down from their respected sides of the ring. Fukushima extends her hand in respect of her opponent as is the custom among those in SSS and Hanna accepts the hand shake before tying up in a test of strength. Hanna gets the advantage from this exchange and goes on to lock in a headlock before throwing Zombie into the ropes and lifting her up in an attempted powerslam.]
[Fukushima lands on her feet as well as manages to turn the exchange into a head scissors. Hanna rolls over onto her feet and hits the standing Fuku with a lariat turning her inside out. She goes for a cover but only gets a one count from it. Hanna gets Fuku up and throws her into the corner before rushing her. Fuku slides out of the way and hits her with a pele kick knocking Hanna back into the corner herself.]
[Fuku runs from one side to the other and hits Hanna with an enzugiri. No room for a breather though as Fuku already messures up Hanna for a superkick. She goes for it, but gets caught by the rookie. Hanna catches her other leg as well and now Fuku is sitting atop Hanna’s shoulders. Hanna drops her on her back before lifting her back up and lifting her even higher for a last ride powerbomb.]
Dante Riggs - Queen’s Arrow from Hanna Rockford!
Sebastian Riggs - And the pin!
... One!
... Two!
... Kick out!
[Hanna looks shocked as Fukushima kicks out of her signature move. Hanna gets up and starts kicking Fuku a bit before she starts trying to rile herself up with the crowds help. She may of taken a bit too much time playing up to the crowd though as Fuku goes to hit her with a forearm and then another. She throws Hanna out of the ring before psyching herself up. Off the ropes she goes and she goes to hit a springboard moonsault footstomp on Hanna on the outside of the ring.]
Dante Riggs - Holy shit! What a move we’ve seen from Fukushima Zombie!
Sebastian Riggs - She did say she wanted to impress Kimitsu who’s watching in the back Dante and if this doesn’t impress i don’t know what will!
Dante Riggs - And lest not forget the strength of Hanna Rockford! These two are surely showing the best they have and more tonight!
[The two are seen brawling on the outside of the ring after we cut back to the action. The two start exchanging chops and slaps to each other before Hanna suplexes Fuku over the barricade and into the front row. After a short while of fighting outside the two get back into the ring. Hanna gets Fuku up and hits her with another suplex. She picks her up and irish whips her into the ropes, Hanna goes for a tilt-a-whirl move of some sort, but Fuku continues to flip and goes for a move herself. Hanna flips over and lands on her feet as well and hits her tilt-a-whirl powerslam she calls the Turn Around The World. She then goes for a pin.]
... One!
... Two!
... Kick out!
[Fuku kicks out of the pin attempt and manages to get up to her feet. She starts to yell and scream as her fans chant her name and she gets her fighting spirit back up. Her and Hanna start hitting massive strikes on each other. Lefts and rights chops and kicks from each other. A heavy left kick staggers Hanna before she comes back herself and hits Fuku with a roaring elbow. She knocks Fuku down and goes to the top.]
[Hanna jumps off to hit a body splash from the top but eats the sole of Fukushima Zombie’s boot from a surprised superkick outta nowhere. Hanna goes down hard on her back before Fukushima pops up and signals for the end of the match. She goes onto the apron before springboarding off the ropes and hits a springboard 630 Senton.]
Dante Riggs - A springboard version of Fukushima Zombie’s Jisatsu Sakuru!
... One!
... Two!
... Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, AND STILL SSS Goddess of Sakura, Fukushima Zombie!
[Fukushima Zombie gets her title and raises it high in the air as she clutches her back and starts to breath heavy. She offers a hand to her opponent and she accepts, showing respect from both competitors.]
Mike Dempsey - The following battle is scheduled for one fall, and it is a One Night Only Match for the Seattle Pro Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, standing 6’2” and weighing in at 219 pounds, from Seattle, Washington, representing King’s Road, “The Son of Seattle” Damien Miri!
♫
HAVE YOU GOT COLOR IN YOUR CHEEKS
DO YIU EVER GET THE FEELING THAT YOU CAN’T SHIFT THE TIDE
THAT STICKS AROUND LIKE SOMETHING’S IN YOUR TEETH
♫
[The opening riff of “Do I Wanna Know” by Arctic Monkeys slowly begins to build along with a simple bit demanding four count drum beat. Right as the first verse begins to play, “The Son of Seattle” himself, Damien Miri appears on the main stage. The crowd instantly boo at the sight of the decorated leader of The Conglomerate as he soaks it all in while both hands are raised high in the air. Miri struts down the aisle, taunting and baiting fans along the way down to ringside. Miri ascends the steel steps while peeling off his leather jacket revealing a tattered Conglomerate shirt. Miri steps into the ring and takes his shirt off and fakes out the fans in the first few rows like he’s about to toss his shirt out to them, only to give them the finger as a consolation. Dame then bounces in place and loosens up his shoulders as he awaits his opponent.]
Dante Reed -Damien Miri is making his Battleground debut tonight in fantastic fashion, with a title shot for a different company! Quite an impressive stipulation at stake. The Son of Seattle has the potential to win the Seattle Pro Heavyweight Title And take it back home.
Sebastian Riggs - Miri has been in this business for nearly a decade now, and he’s been a big time contender everywhere he’s been. He’s the leader of The Conglomerate, a world renowned group that has taken this industry by storm. He’s won numerous singles and tag team championships along the way, so he’s well aware of what’s at stake here tonight.
Mike Dempsey - And his opponent, accompanied by Reese Kennedy, standing 6’2” and weighing in at 242 pounds, from Los Olivos, California, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Seattle Pro Heavyweight Champion, “The American Monster” Hammerstein!
♫
LOOK OUT!
WHEN I GET TO THE BOTTOM
I GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THE SLIDE
AND I STOP AND TURN AND I GO FOR A RIDE
AND I GET TO THE BOTTOM AND I SEE YOU AGAIN!
YEAH YEAH YEAH!
♫
[Helter Skelter by Zombie/Manson blares from the arena’s PA system and the crowd reacts with a roar as Hammerstein slowly steps through the curtain, Seattle Pro Heavyweight Championship Title around his waist. Hammerstein is followed by his manager, Reese Kennedy. He stops at the top of the stage, drinking in the boos of the crowd, a huge sarcastic grin on his face. He waves his hands towards himself, inviting the crowd to get louder. Kennedy pats him on the back, and Hammerstein finally makes his way to the ring, stopping only to smirk and shake his head at the fans. He walks up the ring steps, wipes his boots on the apron, then hands the title belt to Kennedy. Kennedy holds the ropes open, and The American Monster climbs in the ring. As soon as he’s in the ring he runs as hard as he can into the turnbuckles, then turns and runs across the ring, slamming into the opposite corner. Hammerstein run to the corner to his left, climbs to the middle rope, and raises his arms in the air. He goes to the opposite corner, repeating the gesture and taking in the jeers of the crowd.]
Dante Reed -And now here comes the Champion, Jacob Hammerstein! Tonight will be his fourth One Night Only bout here in Union Battleground, so it’s safe to say he’s no stranger to these terms.
Sebastian Riggs - He was part of the very first One Night Only Match in season one, which he came out victorious. From there however, Hammy has been in a bit of a rut. He took on Johnny Vachon during the Battleground’s offseason showing Burning Hammer, and came up just short. Then he took on Anna Mathews which the two have had a storied history together, which he again fell short of the win. Tonight he’s got a chance to right the ship and defend his prized possession.
Dante Reed -Alright folks, looks like we have both competitors squared away in their corners. Our referee for this contest is Franklin Dean. He checks off with each man one last time and calls for the bell! This match is underway!
[DING!]
[Hammerstein and Miri sprint to the center of the ring. Both men throw swift stiff punches into the side of the others face. Dean screams for the two men to stop with the closed fists but the two men do not heed the ref’s warning. The punches become stiffer, Hammerstein gets the upper hand as he places Miri into a vicious side headlock. Hammerstein wrenches on the neck, twisting it to unnatural directions. Miri throws Hammerstein against the ropes and throws another swift punch to the face, forcing Hammerstein to the ground. Hammerstein shoots off the mat to face Miri. Franklin Dean is screaming at both men as they glare into one another’s eyes. Miri has a cut over his head and Hammerstein has a gash on the side of his cheek.]
Dante Reed -No sign of respect early on in their bout, Bas.
Sebastian Riggs - Both of these guys better be careful, they’re fighting under Seattle Pro’s rule book tonight.
[The two men go back to the fists, throwing them violently into each other’s face. Hammerstein throws Miri against the ropes and hits a vicious standing clothesline on the return. Miri grabs Hammerstein’s legs and pulls him to the ground. Miri leaps off the canvas and drives his elbow into the back of Hammerstein’s neck. Miri attempts to pick up Hammerstein, but Hammerstein is ready. Hammerstein grabs the leg of Miri and twists him into a leg drag takedown. Hammerstein attempts to lock in a knee bar, but Miri is quick to punch the bigger man off of him. With another swift kick to the face, Hammerstein relinquishes Miri’s leg. Miri and Hammerstein get back to their feet. Miri goes for a brutal haymaker, but Hammerstein ducks the punch and steps behind Miri and hits an overhead belly-to-back suplex.]
Dante Reed - Hammerstein is executing his bigger frame to perfection with that textbook suplex!
Sebastian Riggs - Both 6’2”, but The American Monster has got about twenty pounds on Miri and it shows with his ability to control the tempo of the match early in this one.
.
[Hammerstein, quick to capitalize, picks Miri up and hits him with a short range clothesline. Hammerstein goes for the pin.]
… One!
... Kick Out!
[Miri shoots off the ground and throws a swift uppercut that connects perfectly under the chin of Hammerstein. Miri jumps off the mat and grabs the staggering Hammerstein, lifting him in to a snap suplex. Miri shoots up and runs the ropes as Hammerstein gets to a knee, and the Seattle Pro Champ is quickly met with a bicycle kick to the temple. Miri drops down and hooks the leg for the pin.]
… One!
... Tw— Kick out!
[Hammerstein snaps and jumps to his feet, kicking Miri in the head. Hammerstein straddles Miri and begins to rain punches into the side of the head of Damien Miri. The ref screams at Hammerstein as he begins to count. Hammerstein, irritated leaps off Miri and gets into the face of the ref.]
Dante Reed - Looks like Hammerstein isn’t too thrilled with the ref right now, almost restricting his offensive attack.
Sebastian Riggs - You don’t typically see the refs get involved with very much in the Battleground, but when another promotion’s title is on the line, they try to honor their code as much as possible. Hammerstein is out of line on this one.
[As Hammerstein grunts in frustration, Miri seizes the opportunity to attack Hammerstein with a clubbing elbow to the back of the neck. The crowd boos Miri as he takes the underhanded approach of ambushing someone with their back turned, but it only fuels him. Miri picks up Hammerstein and launches his trademark Conglomerate Kick! Hammerstein stumbles back on his heels while hunkered over clenching his jaw. Miri then runs the ropes and on the return drops ‘Stein with float over DDT! Damien pounces on top for a cover.]
… One!
… Two!
… Th—Kick out!
[Miri picks up Hammerstein and throws him back into the turnbuckle. He runs to the other end and rushes back in with a chop block to the back of Hammerstein’s knee. Miri picks up Hammerstein propping him back in the corner and runs to the other end of the ring for a second chop block. Miri charges, but Hammerstein knew what was coming and leap frogs over the ropes, and Miri goes catapulting into the ring post. Miri hits with a forceful thud that echoes throughout the arena.]
Dante Reed - Damien was looking to mount a solid offensive attack but Hammerstein was able to counter and now the tables have quickly turned.
Sebastian Riggs - The American Monster senses what was coming and was able to snub it. Miri has got to keep the Champ guessing.
[Hammerstein grabs Miri’s arm and wrenches it over the ropes. The ref begins his standard four count, and Hammerstein breaks the hold. Hammerstein grabs Miri and pulls him to the outside. The ref screams at the wrestlers to get back in the ring. Hammerstein throws Miri into the stairs who hits with a booming thud. The ref begins his standing ten count.]
Dante Reed - Both men are now in the outside and the ref has begun a standing ten count.
Sebastian Riggs - That’s something you don’t see in the Battleground, as Gunnar Graves always instructs his officials to let the competitors fight it out and let the bout unfold wherever and however it may be. But again, this is for the Seattle Pro Heavyweight Championship.
[Hammerstein starts spouting off at the ref to stop his count, but the ref doesn’t oblige and continues on. But Miri, ever the opportunist, regroups himself and leaps up and hits Hammerstein from behind with another devastating Conglomerate Kick. Miri looks to have gone off the deep end as he begins jawing off to a fan in the front row wearing a Hammerstein shirt. Miri finally snaps and shoves the fan back into the second row, while stealing his chair in the process. Miri walks over and lays into Hammerstein with a shattering chair shot to the back. The ref orders Miri to stop but he doesn’t listen. Instead he rests back and clocks Hammerstein over the head. The ref gives one final warning, and Miri decides to stop and hand the chair over to the ref. Just as the ref is about to grab the chair, Miri fakes him out, mocks him, then smashes the chair across Hammerstein’s back for a third time. The ref has had enough as he screams at the timekeeper to ring the bell!]
[DING DING DING!]
Dante Reed - Wha—Are you serious right now?
Sebastian Riggs - The official warned Miri several times but he just didn’t listen. His ego just cost him a huge opportunity there!
[Miri turns to the referee screaming at him, but he is busy telling Dempsey to announce the end of the match. Hammerstein, who is up to his feet at this point, clinching his back is starring perplexed at the referee as well.]
Mike Dempsey - Due to a disqualification, here is your winner, AND STILL Seattle Pro Heavyweight Champion, “The American Monster” Hammerstein!
[The crowd boos at the referee, but he shrugs it off, knowing he did his job following orders. On the outside Miri throws the ring steps and begins to throw fans out of chairs as he storms through the arena. Hammerstein, while looking relieved that he is retained his title, has a look of disappointment as he makes his way to the back.]
Dante Reed - Alright folks, we are geared up for our Open Invite Battle Royal for a shot of the War Horse Championship in season three. With us right now is none other than the undefeated, undisputed, reigning War Horse Champion herself, Elena DeDraca!
Sebastian Riggs - So Miss DeDraca, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company here now?
Elena DeDraca - Well Sebastian, I just thought it would be a good idea to come out here and scout my future opponent. You can never be too prepared when you’ve got gold and people are chasing after you in every direction. But don’t worry, I’m just here as a spectator, you boys go ahead and don’t let me interfere in your work.
Dante Reed - Easier said than done! But with that, let’s toss it over to Mike Dempsey standing in the ring at this time to get this battle royal off the ground.
Mike Dempsey - The following battle is a 10-competitor over-the-top rope battle royal for a season 3 shot at the Union Battleground War Horse Championship! Coming in at number one, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from Salford, England, representing Rose City Academy, Molly Barnes!
♫
SLIP INSIDE THE EYE OF YOUR MIND
DON’T YOU KNOW YOU MIGHT FIND
A BETTER PLACE TO PLAY
♫
[Molly comes out to the stage and she takes her sweet time before walking down the ramp. She surveys the crowd, holding her hand above her eyes to shield them from the lights, and she checks to see the faces of those she's going to be putting her body on the line for. She then slowly starts walking towards the ring, clapping hands and hopping along on the rhythm of her music, but she makes sure to get in before the climax. As the Gallaghers go 'OOOOH', she hops on the nearest turnbuckles, spreading her arms, soaking it in with true delight.]
Dante Reed - Alright folks, our first contestant tonight in this open invite battle royal is Molly Barnes. She’s representing the Rose City Academy and is looking for a shot at glory here in Union Battleground.
Sebastian Riggs - She’s a new to the scene at just 19 years old, but if she happens to win this whole thing, and at the number one spot, it would skyrocket her popularity to the moon! Can you imagine?!
Mike Dempsey - And now coming in at number two, standing 6’ even and weighing in at 218 pounds, from Vienna, Austria, representing the XWA, “The Plague Doctor” Adam Fenric!
♫
NEW WORLD SYMPHONY- 4TH MOVEMENT BY DVORAK
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[Imposing strings fill the air, as Dvorak's "New World Symphony - 4th Movement" echoes through the arena. As it begins to pick up and come to life, the lights blink in perfect timing with the percussion. As those horns play away, Adam Fenric steps through the curtain with his hands behind his back and a stern glare, as he takes a look at the audience he has for the evening. That music carries on as the Plague Doctor begins to walk down the ramp.]
Dante Reed - Oh my god, is this really happening right now? The Plague Doctor has returned to Union Battleground!
Sebastian Riggs - Fenric has made a name for himself in XWA and IYHWF, but he’s no stranger to the Battleground either. Last season, he teamed up with our Union Battleground Champion Emery Layton in the inaugural Battalion Championships Tournament. Made it to the semifinals before falling to the eventual champs The Outliers. He’s back now looking for a chance to get to the War Horse Title, very intriguing!
[As Fenric reaches the end of the ramp, he turns on his heel and strides up the steps, holding the bottom of his Victorian-era cloak up so that he does not tread in it. Calmly, he wipes his feet on the apron, taking a few seconds to process the moment before he steps into the ring. Finally, unhooking his cloak and folding it neatly, he hands it to a member of the crew outside, pacing back and forth in his corner. He's here, he's ready and his plan is about to unfold.]
Dante Reed - Alright folks, here we are ready for action. Both of our starting competitors are geared up and ready to get this started!
Sebastian Riggs - I’m pumped, Dante! Let’s get it!
Dante Reed - A quick rundown before we get rolling. Eliminations are only by throwing your opponent over the top rope and having both feet hit the outside. A new competitor will enter the match every 90 seconds until ten have been called and only one left remaining inside the ring! All of our referees are in attendance for this match to ensure a clean elimination, and our Senior Official Bruce O’Neal is calling for the bell! This match is underway!
[DING!]
[As soon as the bell rings, Molly darts across the ring ready to attack. Fenric is quick to duck a clothesline attempt and wraps Molly in a waist lock. Molly fires off a few back elbows to break free of the hold and pivots around and gets Fenric in a waist lock. The Plague Doctor tried throwing ‘bows but Molly sniffed it out and dodged each shot. She picks her spot perfectly and drops her level and tosses Fenric back with an unbelievable German suplex! Fenric springs back to his feet with a look of confusion as Molly again races towards him. Molly lunges with a crossbody, but Fenric senses it and catches her in midair. Fenric then positions himself and throws Molly with a fallaway slam over the top rope! The crowd gasps but Barnes is able to hang on to the ropes and making a save on the apron. She pulls herself back up and catches Fenric with a shoulder check to the gut and then she sunset flips back into the ring. As the action continues, the crowd begins to countdown with the timer on the jumbotron.]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - Coming in at number three, standing 6’6” and weighing in at 270 pounds, from Washington D.C., representing The Lord, Rev T.C.!
♫
I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE SCARED THEY’RE GON’ DIE
A COUPLE OF THEM THINKING THEY’LL BE LIVIN’ IN THE SKY
BUT WHILE I’M HERE LIVIN’ MAN I GOTTA ASK WHY
WHAT AM I HERE FO’ I GOTTA FIGURE OUT
♫
[The crowd comes to their feet as the big man, Reverend Thomas Cromartie appears on the main stage. Wearing his signature visitation stole around his neck, he peers out into the crowd then straight down the ramp to the ring. Rev TC bows his head slightly and does the Sign of the Cross Trinity gesture before sliding off his stole and racing down the ramp.]
Dante Reed - And a new entrant coming to the ring, the one and only Rev TC!
Sebastian Riggs - He’s a man of The Lord, Dante. His mission is to spread the word of God, one powerslam at a time!
[Rev finally reaches the ring and slides headfirst under the bottom rope. Like a freight train, he levels Molly Barnes first with a discus forearm smash. Next he paces over to Fenric and lays The Plague Doctor out with another discus forearm smash. Rev walks back over to Molly, picks her up by the hair, and drops her with a running powerbomb into the nearest turnbuckle. Rev lays a few boots to the midsection, effectively neutralizing Barnes in the corner. Rev turns to face Fenric who’s back to his feet and they collide like two raging bulls! Fenric tries with all his might to twist Rev into a wrist lock, but Rev is quick to counter with a thundering judo-style hip toss! The impact shakes the ring and dazes Fenric momentarily, but now he’s in his element and quickly gator rolls to his front and flips over to lock Rev into a Last Chancery! While Fenric holds on, the crowd begin to chant the countdown.]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - Coming in at number four, standing 5’9” and weighing in at 178 pounds, from Wrexham, Wales, representing Union GP, “Demon Queen” Aeron Roberts!
♫
ON TO BATTLE
WE ARE THE HUNTERS
RED AS FIRE
CRIMSON BOW AND ARROW
♫
[As “Crimson Bow and Arrow” by Epica begins to play over the PA system, Aeron Roberts slowly emerges onto the main stage. Decked out in an ice blue ensemble topped off with an exquisite crown with devil horns protruding to the skies. Roberts slowly makes her way down the aisle while completely ignoring the front row crowd.]
Dante Reed - Well how do you like that? Aeron Roberts has entered the Open Invite Rumble! I’m not sure this is such a good idea to jump into a ring with multiple competitors just days before you MMA debut in Union GP!
Sebastian Riggs - That’s for her to decide, Dante. She’s obviously a tough competitor who can work both inside the ring and inside the cage. How epic would it be for her to win this shot at the War Horse Title and then go on to win the Union GP Light Heavyweight Championship?
[As she makes it to ringside, she disrobes her cape and crown and slides into the ring to engage in the action. She is immediately greeted by a recuperated Molly Barnes and the two trade off blows back and forth. Aeron is able to parry several jabs and begins a steady attack of strikes. Aeron backs Molly up into a corner then fires off several knife edge chops that get a resounding response from the crowd. On the ground, Rev is able to break free from the submission hold from Fenric and the two stand upright. Rev retaliates with some heavy haymakers that backs Fenric up into the opposite corner of Molly. Both Rev and Aeron see the situation, and both simultaneously Irish whip their opponents, causing Fenric and Barnes to collide with devastating force. Rev and Aeron both grin and meet each other in the center and give a respectful handshake. But just as they are about to release their grip, Rev holds on and floors Aeron with a short range lariat! Rev is now the lone man standing as the crowd begins counting down the timer.]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - Coming in at number five, standing 4’6” and weighing in at 112 pounds, from Seville, Spain, Reventón!
[The crowd pops as the man believed to be a reincarnated fighting bull emerges onto the main stage. Reventón throws his signature bull horn gesture and begins pawing the ground like a bull. He then charges down the aisle towards the ring.]
Dante Reed - Former CWL Caribbean Heavyweight Champion Reventón is in at number five!
Sebastian Riggs - You know, what this guy lacks in size he more than makes up for in will and determination! Like you said, a former Heavyweight Champion, he knows the ins and outs of the ring and he ain’t afraid to throw down!
[Reventón continues rushing down the aisle and springs up and slides into the ring. Only he and the two foot taller Rev TC stand in the ring. Reventón rushes at Rev and baseball slides between his legs. He continues running the ropes and comes flying in at Rev and counters a sidewalk slam attempt from Rev with a double back flip and transitions into a tilt-a-whirl not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times around and sends Rev barreling over into the corner with a finishing headscissors takedown! The incredible acrobatic display riles the crowd up as Rev lies in the corner. Molly now charges in, but Reventón catches her with a dropkick to the knee. Molly buckled to her knees and Reventón springboards off the bottom rope up to the middle rope and comes soaring in with a flying bulldog onto Molly! Reventón springs back up and celebrates with the crowd as he climbs up on the middle rope. Molly gets back to her feet and rushes in with a monster clothesline, but Reventón ducks it and pulls the top rope down with him, sending Molly over the top rope and spilling out to ringside!]
Mike Dempsey - Molly Barnes has been eliminated!
Dante Reed - How do you like that?! Reventón right out of the gate gets the first elimination of the bout!
Sebastian Riggs - I told you, Dante! This guy believes he’s a reincarnated bull from a lifetime ago. Whether or not that is true, he proves that he has the fighting spirit!
[Reventón now shifts his attention to Rev TC who is still leaned over and sitting in the corner. Reventón backpedals a few steps then begins pawing at the canvas. He rushes in and collides into Rev TC with his signature Buckin’ Bronco bronco buster! The crowd is eating it up as Reventón continues bouncing off of Rev, until Rev catches him and locks his arms around him. Rev stands to his feet with Reventón sitting on his shoulders in a powerbombs position. The crowd gasps as Rev heads over to the ropes and powerbombs Reventón outside of the ring. But wait! Reventón holds on and hits an impossible hurricanrana that catapults Rev over the top rope and out to ringside while Reventón holds onto the ropes for dear life!]
Mike Dempsey - Rev TC has been eliminated!
Dante Reed - Two eliminations for Reventón right now! He’s cleaning house!
[Just as Rev realizes what had just happened and starts storming off through the crowd, the fans begins their countdown for the next entrant!]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - Coming in at number six, standing 6’4” and weighing in at 245 pounds, from Ruggsville, Texas, representing Death Trip Wrestling, “Cactus” Jack Bronson!
[The heavy guitar and thick drum beat hits as the lights begin to flash violently. Suddenly we hear the sound of Ivan Moody's voice as he screams the first lyric!]
♫
BRING IT!
♫
[The curtains part as the beat picks up. Cactus Jack Bronson comes onto the stage with a purpose as he paces across from one side to the other. He comes to the edge of the ramp before throwing a fist and letting out a primal scream. He ignores the fans as he continues down to the ring. He comes to the end of the ramp as he pushes past the camera and slides in before popping up to his feet.]
Dante Reed - Oh boy! Here comes a deathmatch machine in “Cactus” Jack Bronson!
Sebastian Riggs - Things are about to go from bad to worse!
[As Bronson slides into the ring, Reventón diverts his attention from Aeron and Adam to the incoming Jack Bronson. CJB stands tall without moving a muscle as Reventón again begins pawing at the canvas and making his bull horn gesture. Reventón rushes in towards Bronson and launches himself in with his finishing Gore, but as Bronson backpedals into the ropes to absorb the blow, he is able to catch Reventón in midair! Bronson slides Reventón down and holds onto him by the legs. The DTW product then begins swinging Reventón around like an olympic hammer throw! Bronson spins around and pummels Aeron Roberts and she goes flying over the top rope and crash lands onto the outside!]
Mike Dempsey - Aeron Roberts has been eliminated!
Dante Reed - Bas, have you ever seen such a thing?!
Sebastian Riggs - How much of a badass do you have to be to hit a motherfucker with another motherfucker?! This is insane! I’ve seen barbed wire bats, flaming tables, steel chairs, staple guns and more… but this? This is a first for me and I’m loving every minute of it!
[Bronson now begins spinning over towards Fenric who is staggering back to his feet. Before Bronson can smack Fenric with Reventón, The Plague Doctor changes levels and sweeps the leg of Bronson, causing him to drop Reventón in the process. Reventón and Fenric now begin double teaming Bronson with stomps, and soon the countdown begins again!]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - Coming in at number seven, standing 5’4” and weighing in at 125 pounds, from Staten Island, New York, Annie Zellor!
♫
FALLING FROM THE SKY
THEY’RE CAST OUT FROM THE HEAVEN’S LIGHT
DRENCHING THE SOIL WITH BLOOD
BAPTIZED IN THE FIRE HOLE
♫
[The sounds of “Devil’s Bleeding Crown” by Volbeat begins to play throughout the arena as the crowd immediately begin to boo. The lights go down; red spotlights flashing on the entrance ramp, keeping in time with music before the vocals finally kick in. Zellor emerges from behind the curtain, her back facing the ring. She stands with her arms held out to either side, spinning on her heel to suddenly face the ring. With a smirk on her face, Annie begins her slow approach down the aisle.]
Dante Reed - She’s back! Annie Zellor is back in the Battleground! Coming in at lucky number seven! Back at Guerrilla Warfare, Zellor made her debut in Union Battleground and took Kimitsu Zombie, who was defending Trench War Championship, to the edge of defeat in a highly competitive and contested bout.
Sebastian Riggs - She nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets, but she’s back for more, Dante! She wants some Union Battleground gold! What a great journey for her if she wins this battle royal here tonight!
[Some diehard Annie-maniacs reach out for the high five, and for those fans Annie happily obliges. But the majority continue booing the crow as she struts down the aisle. Zellor leaps up onto the apron, taking another moment to look out across the crowd before she flips backwards over the top rope to enter the ring.]
[Annie stares down Fenric before grabbing his attention and racing towards him. Annie flips around with a tilt-a-whirl and bounces high up in the air and then plants Fenric with a spectacular satellite DDT! Annie pops back to her feet and notices from the corner of her eye Cactus Jack Bronson rushing in. She perfectly times a 540 kick she calls Sparkle Princess Special, in honor of Marissa Kane. Form there, she looks around, scoping the field and sees Reventón in the opposite corner, once again pawing at the canvas. He charges in and dives in for the Gore, but Annie leap frogs him and he goes crashing into the post! With Reventón laid out, seated in the corner, Annie now runs across to the opposite side of the ring, and races in with her trademark Sparklebutt butt bump! The crowd is eating it up with everyone laid out, but Annie doesn’t have much time to celebrate as the crowd begins to count down the clock.]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - Coming in at number eight, standing 6’1” and weighing in at 190 pounds, from The Creature Feature Odditorium, he is “The Face Painted Freakazoid” REDЯUM!
♫
"INSTANT MAJOR FELONY" BY THE GODDAMN GALLOWS
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[REDЯUM rides out from the back with a great big smile across his lips. He is sat upon a tiny tricycle that has an array of colorful balloons tied to the handle. He waves out to the crowd as he laughs and honks the tiny clown horn on the tricycle. He then takes a big push and begins rolling to the ring, smiling like a happy kid on the way there.]
[REDЯUM makes it to the ring before he stops and takes the balloons and the horn off of the tricycle before walking around the ring, handing balloons to little kids and slapping hands.]
[Just as he hands off the last balloon, out from the crowd comes Johnny Vachon with a vicious chair shot to the head!]
Dante Reed - What the..? What the hell is going on here?!
Sebastian Riggs - It’s Johnny Vachon! The Gutter Trash just jumped out from the crowd and floored REDЯUM! But I thought Vachon was banished from the Battleground because of his “Title vs Career” match against Finn Whelan at War of the Worlds!
Dante Reed - Well that was when Axel Graves was in control. This is Gunnar Graves’ Battleground now, apparently he’s been given amnesty. This is insane right now, who else is going to make their way out here tonight?
[With REDЯUM sawing logs in the aisle, Vachon now seemingly takes his place in the rumble and heads towards the ring. With a chair still in hand, he slides into the ring and immediately swings for the fences and lays out Annie Zellor. Fenric tries to step in, but gets met with the flat side of the chair. Reventón charges in, but just like the last two, he meets a similar fate and gets smacked upside the head with the steel chair. While all of this chaos is unfolding, Bronson rolls out of the ring from under the bottom rope, and decides to level the playing field and grabs a steel chair for himself from under the ring. He creeps back in, and while Vachon is busy playing to the crowd on his return to the Battleground, Bronson ambushes from behind and decks Vachon in the back of the head! The green spiked mohawk warrior hits the mat and without hesitation, Bronson unleashes on him. The attack becomes so brutal, the chair actually breaks in pieces as Bronson continues to beat down Vachon. Fenric finally comes back to his senses and catches Bronson off guard with a rear naked choke and incapacitates CJB. While Fenric locks Bronson down, Vachon continues to lie face first in the mat and Annie and Reventón slowly get to their feet. Before they can fully stand, the crowd begins counting down once more.]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - Coming in at number nine, standing 5’10” and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Miami, Florida, representing the Dogs of War, “The Demoness” Maki!
[The lights go out, a loud sound like a giant heartbeat sounds every second, the lights flash around the arena, then a red spotlight hits the entrance way as Halestorms's Sick Individual hits. The light hits Maki with her back to the audience she is on her hands and knees, she slowly crawls her way the ring.]
♫
WELL YOU THINK THAT YOU KNOW WHAT I AM BUT YOU DON’T
CAUSE YOU SAY WHAT YOU CAN’T AND DO WHAT YOU WON’T
I LIKE IT LOUD, WEAR IT PROUD, LIKE A CROWN UPON MY HEAD
I’LL ALWAYS BE THIS WAY, TIL THE DAY THAT I’M DEAD
♫
[she slowly crawls to the ring, with her hair down to her shoulders, her white face paint, with scribbles on her body of "Help". She crawls to the ring and slides under the bottom rope, ready to pounce.]
Dante Reed - And here comes a member of the infamous Dogs of War, The Demoness, Maki!
Sebastian Riggs - This is getting interesting now, Dante! Maki and Elena are, or at least were, friends but things have been a little strange since Maki joined the DoW. DeDraca was screwed out of the Fenris Championship in Omega Academy in a rumble match by several members of the DoW. Elena, are you two still tight?
Elena DeDraca - No comment.
[Back in the ring, Maki enters and a tornado brawl ensues with Maki, Annie, and Reventón all swinging haymakers at each other. From a distance, Vachon finally comes to and gets to his feet, and delivers a nasty boot to the face of Adam Fenric. Vachon walks over to the scrum and joins in, taking out Reventón in the process with his Spit Take superkick. Vachon picks Reventón up in a military press, and tosses him over the top rope as he crashes into the barricade!]
Mike Dempsey - Reventón has been eliminated!
[Back to the action, Fenric gets back to his feet and throws jabs at Vachon for a little payback. Bronson finally is back to his feet after catching his breath and attacks Fenric from behind, now allowing both Vachon and Bronson to double team Fenric. Maki and Annie are trading blows on the other end, and then finally the crowd begins chanting the final countdown!]
… Five!
… Four!
… Three!
… Two!
… One!
BUZZ!
Mike Dempsey - And finally, coming in at number ten, standing 6’3” and weighing in at 230 pounds, from New York City, New York by way of London, England, he is one half of the 4CW Tag Team Champions, Omerta, he is “The Archetype”, “The Impaler” Cyrus Riddle!
[Lights within the arena are killed as static fills the sound system and “Alpha and Omega” by King 810 begins to play subsequently.]
♫
WELCOME TO THE TRUTH
GOD MADE ME IN HIS IMAGE
WHO THE FUCK MADE YOU?
♫
[From behind the curtain, Cyrus Riddle emerges. With a black bandana wrapped around his face and a Kylla custom hooded leather vest decorated in blood splatter with two switchblades going through his initials designed on the back, he stands firm and examines the crowd with all to be seen on his face being his gaze. He holds up two fingers to the crowd with his arms outstretched before making his walk to the ring.]
Dante Reed - What the fuck is this?! 4CW Tag Team Champion Cyrus Riddle is in the building! I cannot believe this!
Sebastian Riggs - If you thoughts things were awkward with Maki’s entrance into this match, I’m afraid to even fathom the tension with Elena right now!
[Cyrus approaches the ring with a confidence in his steps, accompanied only by the subtle hints of methodical approach as if to be zeroed in on a victim. He glances over at Elena DeDraca sitting next to the commentary desk and gives a slight smirk and wink while Elena is visibly fuming. Then without warning, Riddle slides into the ring and officially enters the rumble.]
[Cyrus jumps into the fray with Maki and Annie while Vachon and Bronson continue doubling up on Fenric. The Plague Doctor has taken quite a beating and cannot defend himself at this point. Vachon and Bronson then out of nowhere double chokeslam Fenric out of the ring!]
Mike Dempsey - Adam Fenric has been eliminated!
[With Fenric gone, Vachon and Bronson seem to have formed a team and now go after Annie while Maki and Riddle continue trading off blows. Just like Fenric, Annie meets a similar fate as the two bigger men deliver a beatdown that’s hard to watch, and toss Zellor out with another double chokeslam!]
Mike Dempsey - Annie Zellor has been eliminated!
[Now down to the final four, Maki and Riddle get bombarded by Vachon and Bronson with a devastating ambush. The crowd has completely turned on these two who are now looking to be in total unison. Vachon takes Maki and drops her with a Snap Single Underhook Front Facelock Drop he calls Demonomania while Bronson rocks Riddle with an exploder suplex in the corner he calls the Trash Compactor. Johnny rushes over to the opposite of the ring and taunts the crowd as the boos rain down on the two. And just as quick a partnership was built, a partnership was broken as Bronson ambushes Vachon with his knockout forearm smash! The impact was so powerful, that both men dump over the top rope and on to the outside!]
Mike Dempsey - Johnny Vachon and Cactus Jack Bronson have been eliminated!
Dante Reed - Can you believe that? Bronson just turned on Vachon after eliminating several competitors together and it cost him the match!
Sebastian Riggs - Karma is real, and it’s a bitch, Dante! I ain’t even sorry for him, he let greed get in the way and it ruined his opportunity for a War Horse Title match!
[Down to the final two. The last two to enter the match are fittingly the last two remaining. Riddle and Maki make their way to the center of the ring and like a jolt of electricity, the two fire off shots back and forth! Riddle gets the upper hand using his brute strength and whips Maki across the ring. On the return, Maki gets floored with a spinning heel kick and Riddle now runs the ropes. On the return he drops a heavy knee drop onto Maki’s face. Riddle pops back up and hits her again with a knee drop. He pops back up once more and for a third and final time, crashes down with another knee drop. Maki now looks to be cut on the forehead from the blunt trauma of the knees, but she staggers her way back up to her feet. Riddle and Maki lock horns with a collar and elbow tie up and Riddle Irish whips Maki again, but this time Maki reverses it and send Riddle running the ropes. On the return, Maki flatlines The Impaler with her signature Makihouse kick and Riddle is down and eyes rolled back. Instead of keeping the pressure on Riddle, Maki walks over across the ring and begins spouting off insults to Elena at ringside. This becomes a grave mistake for Maki, as it gives Riddle plenty of time to refocus and get to his feet. While Maki still has her back turned, Riddle comes flying with a hard lariat to the back of Maki’s head! Just like Bronson and Vachon, both Maki and Riddle tumble over the top ropes, however they both manage to hang on to the rope! Both competitors now dangling on the ropes next to each other, the two start throwing kicks at each other in an attempt to lose their grip and make the plunge. Neither one gives an inch, with visible bruising forming on each one’s ribs. Finally, Elena has seen enough and decides to slide into the ring! The crowd roars with excitement as Elena helps Maki up onto the apron and clamps down on Riddle’s fingertips. Elena milks the reaction from the crowd as she looks to break Riddle’s grip, but then turns to Maki still on the apron and rocks her with her signature Lights Out jawbreaker! Maki is stunned and in a total blinded fog, falls backwards like a California Redwood tree and crashes to the outside!]
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, “The Archetype”, “The Impaler” Cyrus Riddle!
Dante Reed - What?! WHAT?! What is this?
Sebastian Riggs - Elena DeDraca just helped her ex-husband Cyrus Riddle win the battle royal! But why?!
Dante Reed - A shot at payback, perhaps?
[With a ghostly blank expression on his face, Riddle pulls himself up onto the apron and cannot register what has just happened. Elena gives no explanation to her actions, she just simply rolls out of the ring and grabs her title from the commentary desk. She holds it up high in the direction of Riddle, and points back and forth to herself and Riddle.]
Dante Reed - Folks, I don’t know what all of this means, other than the fact that Elena DeDraca essentially handed the win to Riddle, and now Cyrus has a guaranteed shot at the War Horse Championship against his ex-wife.
Sebastian Riggs - Maybe he wasn’t paying enough alimony, maybe she wants some revenge. All I know is I cannot wait to see this one unfold!
Dante Reed - Folks, we have to take a short station identification break. But when we return, we still have The Outliers defending the Battalion titles, Finn Whelan defending the Trench War title, and Emery Layton defending the Union Battleground title. Don’t go anywhere!
cOmmercial bReak
[The ring has been set up with 25 light tubes on the ropes of two sides, a gusset plate board on the canvas, framed bodega storefront windows in two corners with food and beverage signs, and a trash can with a kendo stick poking out and certainly other weapons inside. At the bottom of the entry ramp is a bodega shelf stacked with various items.]
Mike Dempsey – The following battle is a New York Street Fight set for one fall contested under falls count anywhere tornado rules, and is for the Union Battleground Battalion Championships! Introducing first, the challengers, representing Death Trip Wrestling, they are the team of Masatake Kawamata and Hanako Takeuchi, Osaka Rebels!
♫
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
♫
["Midnight Violence Rock 'N' Roll" by Guitar Wolf blares and the crowd roars. A yellow NYC cab rolls out, driven by Masatake Kawamata with Hanako Takeuchi in the passenger's seat. Kawamata, with a cigarette hanging from his lips, honks the horn as Takeuchi waves out the window like she's in a parade.]
Dante Reed – I'm not sure if either of those two are licensed to drive in this country!
Sebastian Riggs – After seeing how much Kawamata drinks, I don't think he should be driving at all!
[Kawamata parks the cab in front of the shelf and pops the trunk. Both Rebels step out and go to the trunk, high-fiving fans along the way.
Takeuchi has the the IJPW Shoot Crown Championship belt in her right hand. Her all-black wardrobe is made up with a Filth Parade t-shirt, short jeans, boots, knee pads, and kick pads – the latter two having a sleeve over them.
Kawamata has the Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight Championship in his right hand and the KAMIKAZE Pro Omake Championship in the left. He wears an unzipped leather jacket with a Teengenerate shirt underneath, jeans, knee pads, and boots – all in black just like Takeuchi.
Kawamata throws both belts over his left shoulder and opens the trunk. He allows Takeuchi to reach in first and she picks out a heavy chain. Kawamata takes out a hockey stick and raises it in the air to cheers from the crowd, then two continue to the ring.]
Dante Reed – It's the end of a trilogy tonight. It started in June when Osaka Rebels said they wanted to come back here to Union Battleground to specifically fight The Outliers whether they had gold or not. Light Out #27 was in Chicago – the hometown of HeWhoCorrupts. There was a big in-ring homecoming and Osaka Rebels showed up. They had an impromptu match that ended in the first time limit draw this company has seen. Part 2 happened on Yamashi Promotion's After Dark: Totsuzen Kougeki in Tokyo. The Outliers won to unify the DTW Tornado Rules titles with the After Dark Fusion titles.
Sebastian Riggs – But Gunnar Graves saw the money in a third match! Osaka Rebels said those first two were instant classics and they were right! It's even bigger than ever here at the world's most famous arena for the Battalion Championship!
Dante Reed – And there's a lot of mutual respect between these two teams. Osaka Rebels say The Outliers are the best team in the world and that many will still call them that regardless of the result tonight, whereas this match could make Kawamata and Takeuchi on the tag scene.
Sebastian Riggs – They might be friends outside the ring, but you wouldn't think that seeing what these teams put each other through!
Mike Dempsey – And their opponent, they are the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Battleground Battalion Champions, the team of Sawtooth Grin and HeWhoCorrupts, The Outliers!
[The house lights come down and the audience can't help but rise to their feet. Lighters pop up everywhere, the flames flickering in the darkness like neurons firing in the brain. They're joined by the neon glow of hundreds of cell phone screens hoisted into the air, emitting soft halos of light that further illuminate the arena. Excited murmurs ripple through the crowd amidst dissonant waves of ambient fuzz. It sounds like crackling arcs of electricity climbing up a giant Jacob's Ladder. After a gradual build in its intensity and the addition of low-frequency rumbles...
The building is suddenly flooded by a vivid rush of colors. A macabre clash of contrasting hues: lush magenta and candy blue. A rich, heavily saturated lighting scheme reminiscent of Mario Bava or Dario Argento stains the arena. As the crowd basks in the swirl of light, the towering video monitor slowly fades in with images that are trapped in limbo between feelings and reality. A kind of cinematic petri dish with a thematic fixation on dystopian nightmares and hostile extraterrestrial encounters. They attempt to put you in the desert of your consciousness while it writhes within the meat sack that is your body. We’re not talking screensaver fodder here, either--imagine blackened veins being tugged from some sickly creature’s neck wound and you’ll get an idea of the eye candy on display. Why not a human figure that looks primordial and evolutionarily incomplete ascending through an almost blinding inferno to either enlightenment, release, damnation or maybe all three. The crowd stands there with the images glowing in their eyes. Stendhal Syndrome. A visual bludgeoning that is dreamlike, unsettling and mysterious.
Then, without warning, the music hits and the PA system practically detonates.]
♫
“IT CAME FROM OVER THERE” BY THE RED CHORD BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[Incinerating, razor-sharp sheets of sound reignite the entire audience who erupt with cheers as the music heaves back and forth between groove and fury effortlessly. Relentlessly. The barrage of bowel-churning death metal grind builds up to a powder keg-like crescendo when the synth finally explodes into a psychedelic moog pattern courtesy of Sigh’s Mirai Kawashima.
In that instant, a lone spotlight catches The Outliers cutting through the haze of fog and echo. They’re submerged in blue and red light, more shadow than flesh. Exuding a playful menace they prowl toward the ring, wading through the sea of people clutching at them and patting them on the back.
One by one, The Outliers hop over the fence and roll into the ring. We can now see they have the Battalion Championship belts around their waists. They circle along the ropes with an ominous eye-of-the-storm calm until Sawtooth Grin starts contorting his rail-thin body into a series of strange, unnerving positions--his spindly silhouette seems downright inhuman. HeWhoCorrupts is twisting and twitching in front of the digital images, his bony shoulders undulating in the shadows, creeping out of the dark. By the end, they're entangled around the ring post like a pair of raw nerves and coursing with current like a frayed wire. The Outliers stare into the camera with the focus of a dagger plowing its way through thick heavy walls. The Kubrick stare. A look known to sour wells and make women barren. A look that would burn right through you. Gasoline rainbows and road flares.]
Dante Reed – The Outliers come to New York after two rough nights in Tokyo this past week in Death Trip Wrestling. They each lost a singles match on Tokyo Gore Noir 10: Psycho Symphony, Night 1 on the Battleground Network. Then they lost the Yamashi Promotions Unified Team Championship the next night against Dick Devereaux and Lobo the Clown.
Sebastian Riggs – Corrupts had a fireball lit in his face. How's he out here right now?! But it's very unusual to see these guys have a bad stretch. Actually, I don't think they've ever had a bad stretch. They might lose but they normally bounce back.
Dante Reed – You know what they say, Bas. The Outliers don't lose. They learn.
Sebastian Riggs – Well let's see what they learned in Tokyo and if they can apply that here at Madison Square Garden.
Dante Reed – Everyone's in the ring. There's two referees because it's falls count anywhere and the action could split up. Grin has a handful of light tubes. Corrupts with that kendo stick!
Sebastian Riggs – Here we go!
[DING!]
[Duels chants ring throughout the air, the crowd split in allegiances. The teams cock their weapons back and meet in the center of the ring.
Takeuchi lashes the chain at Grin, then gets tubes shattered on her head. She whips him with the chain again but gets the end of a broken tube stabbed in her face and Grin gets her to one knee.
Meanwhile, HWC beats Kawamata to the punch and cracks him in the ribs with the kendo stick to double him over. HWC bends the stick over his back but Kawamata responds by lifting the blade end of the hockey stick into the Chicago native's crotch. He then hits the ropes and takes out HWC with a brutal cross check to the jaw and falls on HWC, raining punches on top.]
Dante Reed – Whoa!
Sebastian Riggs – Kawamata would have earned himself an ejection if this was the NHL!
Dante Reed – But this isn't a Rangers game! It's a street fight and now Grin whips a bloodied Takeuchi to the ropes. The Black Rose ducks a clothesline, twists, and takes him down with an STO! Early cover...
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
Sebastian Riggs – This is the third deathmatch they're all in this week. Who knows? Could get lucky with one of these pin attempts considering how banged up everyone is in there.
[Takeuchi stomps on Grin while Kawamata whips HWC into the turnbuckles. The man of Punk Rock Ultraviolence runs up but eats two feet to the face that causes him to stumble back. HWC plants his feet on the middle rope and then knocks Kawamata down with a missile dropkick. Takeuchi runs at him when he's on one knee and HWC ducks a boot to the face. Grin scrambles to his feet to get behind HWC, who lifts Takeuchi when she turns around with a flapjack and Grin brings her down into a double knee facebuster – the Shatter Machine double team. Grin hooks a leg on Takeuchi.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[HWC pushes Kawamata into a corner and puts the boots to him. Meanwhile, Grin shoves Takeuchi in the opposite corner and does the same to her. They turn to look at each other to make sure they're on the same page before whipping the Rebels toward each other. However, Kawamata and Takeuchi hook arms, go in a circle, and run back to the corners they came from. Takeuchi knocks Grin into the turnbuckles with a running single leg drop kick and unleashes Muay Thai kicks to the midsection. Kawamata splashes HWC into the pads and throws some fiery right hands to the face. Both Rebels then take a light tube, break it over the head of who they're working on, and then cut the jagged ends along their foreheads.]
Dante Reed – Osaka Rebels are both on the same page, doing the same things to one of The Outliers!
Sebastian Riggs – I don't think they're even thinking about it, but they've been together for fourteen years and I believe they've lived together for close to half of that? They probably mimic each other without noticing all the time.
[Takeuchi looks to the opposite corner and sees Kawamata drop to all fours and wave her on. Takeuchi sprints across the ring with lightning speed, jumps off Kawamata's back, and smashes into HWC's face with a Hanuman Thayarn (Muay Thai flying knee). Kawamata runs to the other corner and Takeuchi does the same to Grin, rattling his head. HWC runs across the ring and shotgun dropkicks Kawamata into Takeuchi. Grin saw it coming and was able to turn out of the corner, making it where Takeuchi got crushed into the turnbuckles. Grin takes a light tube off the ropes and breaks it over Kawamata's head. HWC brings Kawamata out of the corner into a drop toe hold, then walks on his back. Grin breaks another tube over Takeuchi's head and slashes her forehead before dumping her out of the ring.
With Kawamata on his own, HWC lifts him up into a wheelbarrow suplex and Grin is there behind him to complete the double team with a backstabber. HWC hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[The Outliers stomp on Kawamata together until HWC goes to get one of the bodega storefront windows. Takeuchi climbs onto the apron and springboards back into the ring, catching Grin with a Ultra Hurricanrana. She has him on his shoulders and the legs are hooked.]
… One!
… Two!
[HWC kicks Takeuchi in the face to get her off Grin. He then stands over her, raises the shop window over his head, throws it down and shatters it on her upper back and the back of her head. Glass scatters all over the canvas and Takeuchi rolls in it. HWC rolls her on her back and hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Two!
[Kawamata whacks HWC in the back of the head with the kendo stick to break the count. He swings it into Grin's ribs to double him over, then knocks him down with a crack over the head. He goes back and forth in beating The Outliers down, allowing Takeuchi to get up and grab two light tubes that she breaks over HWC's head. She then gets behind a kneeling HWC and cuts his forehead with the broken end. As that happens, Kawamata uses the kendo stick to execute a White Russian Leg Sweep and hooks a leg on Grin.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[Takeuchi slaps HWC hard across the face, Thai clinches his head, and yanks his head down into a knee that knocks him down. As Kawamata kicks Grin out of the ring and takes tubes off the ropes, Takeuchi covers HWC.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[At ringside, Kawamata lords over a kneeling Grin with a light tube in each hand and two others on the apron. He breaks one over Grin's head, then the other. He then grabs the other two with both hands and shatters them over Grin's head before throwing him into the railing.]
[In the ring, Takeuchi dumps out the trash can. A few empty beer bottles, a laptop, a few carpet strips, and a basketball fall out. The basketball bounces and rolls to a corner. Takeuchi slams the trash can on HWC's head to knock him down, then throws it down on his chest. Kawamata rolls into the ring and stomps on him while Takeuchi gets the laptop. Kawamata props HWC up on his feet and Takeuchi smashes it over his head. Kawamata turns him, knees him in the gut, then hits a lifting double arm DDT. With arms still hooked, he rolls to his right to sit HWC up so Takeuchi can connect with a penalty kick to the chest off the ropes.]
Dante Reed – Osaka Rebels have control. HeWhoCorrupts is taking a lot of punishment in there and isn't even getting in some punches. Now Kawamata and Takeuchi kick him as he's down.
Sebastian Riggs – But here's Grin on the apron! What's he up to?
[Takeuchi looks up but is too late to react when Grin catches her with a springboard blockbuster. Kawamata tries to connect with Hanzoku Kougeki (Rolling Lariat) when Grin gets to his feet but it's scouted. Grin ducks under and moves behind Kawamata, who turns around into a double knee facebuster. Stumbling back and stunned on his feet, Kawamata is then knocked down when HWC springs up and does a short run up with just enough power behind a shotgun dropkick. HWC then gets up to help Grin beat Takeuchi down to one knee. They have to pick up the intensity when she starts punching back but The Black Rose is soon grabbed from both sides and thrown head-first between the top and middle ropes through the light tubes as she spills to ringside.]
[Kawamata emerges with a bottle and swings it at HWC, who ducks. Grin kicks Kawamata in the gut, causing him to drop the bottle. HWC gets behind and lifts Kawamata for a side suplex. Grin gets behind for a neckbreaker to assist in a double team. HWC gets Kawamata back up, taking him closer to the middle of the ring but also near a corner while Grin grabs the basketball out of the corner. HWC body slams Kawamata, lifts his legs up, then spreads them open. Grin is now on the top rope. He jumps off and slam dunks the basketball into Kawamata's crotch.]
Dante Reed – Sawtooth Grin with a slam dunk fit for MSG!
Sebastian Riggs – Patrick Ewing would be proud!
[HWC hooks a leg on Kawamata.]
… One!
… Two!
… Takeuchi dives past Grin to break the count!
[But Grin breaks a bottle over the back of her head for those efforts. HWC is up on his feet now, punching Takeuchi as Grin drags the gusset plate board to a corner where HWC meets him, bringing Takeuchi over. HWC delivers some hammer blows across Takeuchi's back as Grin plucks three light tubes off the ropes and climbs to the top rope. HWC puts Takeuchi's head between his legs, wraps his arms around her waist, and lifts her up. Grin comes off the top rope and smashes the tubes on Takeuchi as HWC powerbombs her on the gusset plates. HWC folds her on her shoulders, turning the powerbomb into a pin.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[The Outliers get just a few kicks on Takeuchi before stepping to the outside. They look around the ride and slide out a table, eliciting cheers. They set it up and then take a ladder out from under the ring, standing it up by the table.
Kawamata rolls out of the ring with the hockey stick and spears it into HWC's gut, then Grin's. He brings it down over the back of the latter. HWC eyes him from behind but is knocked into the table by a baseball slide from Takeuchi. Kawamata spears HWC with the blade end as Takeuchi pushes HWC onto the table on his back. Takeuchi pops Grin with a superkick on the jaw as Kawamata drops the stick and climbs up the ladder. Takeuchi punches HWC below to make sure he stays put. Kawamata is now up on the very top.]
Dante Reed – Kawamata is going high risk!
Sebastian Riggs – He's not the most graceful flier, Dante! He's looking wobbly up there!
[Kawamata leaps with a diving elbow smash that connects, putting him and HWC through the table.]
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
[Kawamata covers.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[Takeuchi pulled the other bodega storefront window out of the ring and is on the ring apron, measuring Grin up. She takes a few steps and tosses it down to Grin, who catches it. Takeuchi jumps off the apron and shatters it in his face with a double foot stomp. Takeuchi covers.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[Kawamata leads HWC over to the shelf by the back of the neck but takes an elbow to the stomach. HWC snatches a Pringles can and smashes it in Kawamata's face, breaking it open at the side and spilling crumbs.
Takeuchi shoves Grin into the apron and tags him with well-placed body punches and elbows to the face.
HWC takes a bottle opener off the shelf and stabs a kneeling Kawamata in the head over and over. When satisfied with the crimson mask Kawamata is wearing at this point, HWC powerbombs Kawamata into the railing.
Takeuchi heads over to give Kawamata some assistance and HWC sees her coming. Takeuchi closes in with a Muay Thai stance. She sends a wave of punches that fluster HWC, then swings a rib-crushing fight foot. HWC goes down just a few feet from the cab. Takeuchi covers.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out at 2.9!
Dante Reed – Takeuchi's one of the world's deadliest strikers and we just got a look at what Holly McIntyre will deal with in the Union GP octagon next weekend back in Chicago!
Sebastian Riggs – Black Rose, Osaka Rebel, Kamagasaki Killer, Muay Thai Murder Momma. Whatever you want to call her, that's one bad lady.
[Osaka Rebels join together in throwing HWC into the driver's side door of the cab. Grin whacks Takeuchi across the upper back with the hockey stick, then spears Kawamata in the stomach with it. HWC opens the cab door, grabs a doubled over Kawamata by the back of the head, then slams it in the car door. Grin shoulder tackles the car door, crushing Kawamata's skull even more. HWC shoves Kawamata onto his back and hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Two!
[Takeuchi dives to break the count. Grin is right there to punch The Black Rose and throw her head through a backseat window on the driver's side. Grin punches at Takeuchi as she rolls on the car over to the trunk. HWC, looking at Takeuchi, is then caught off guard by Kawamata's deft backslide.]
… One!
… Two!
Grin breaks the count.
Dante Reed – The Backslide Genius almost nicked another victory from out of nowhere!
Sebastian Riggs – He's pulled many victories out from the jaws of defeat with that move and Sawtooth Grin just saved Corrupts from joining the long line of backslide victims.
[HWC bangs Kawamata's head off the cab hood and shoves him onto it, joining him up there to stomp him.
Grin takes Takeuchi over to the shelf and rummages around to find some BBQ skewers. He sticks one of them in Takeuchi's head, twisting it to make sure it stays. Takeuchi almost goes to one knee but fires off two stiff rights to the midsection. She snatches the skewers from Grin and violently stabs the handful into his crown. Once she twists them firmly into place, she knocks him down with a Thai clinch knee to the face.
Back over on the cab, HWC has Kawamata on the roof. Kawamata rallies off a series of forearms that has HWC reeling, then doubles him over with a kick to the gut. Kawamata gets his arms around HWC's waist, lifts him vertically, then crunches his neck hard on the steel with a jumping piledriver. Kawamata covers.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out at 2.9!
[Takeuchi tries whipping Grin into the ladder but it gets reversed and she crashes into the steel instead. Grin gets tough and rips the skewers out of his head before pursuing Takeuchi, kicking her on the floor before pushing her back into the ring.
Kawamata drags HWC off the roof and leads him to the shelf, throwing him right into the back and knocking the whole thing over.
In the ring, Grin wraps the heavy chain around the throat of a kneeling Takeuchi and pulls back from behind. Kawamata slides into the ring, snatching a carpet strip as he gets to his feet, then hooks Grin's nostrils with his fingers to pull him away. Kawamata hits him between the eyes with a carpet strip and then snap suplexes him onto the ones laying on the ground behind him. Kawamata floats over for a cover.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[Kawamata peels Grin off the canvas only to quickly slam him on the trash can with Shouten (Vertical Suplex Side Slam). He rolls him off the crumpled steel and hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Two!
…. Kick out!
Dante Reed – Sawtooth Grin just kicked out of Shouten!
Sebastian Riggs – The Outliers didn't get this far for nothing! Their will to win is strong and two proud men like them don't want to get swept this week!
[Takeuchi yanks the skewer out of her head when she's on one knee, then looks up to see Kawamata hold Grin up for her with arms locked behind. Takeuchi works the body with lefts and rights, starting slow and then busting out a rapid combo. Takeuchi then hits the ropes and Kawamata steps out of the way, leaving Grin to get mowed down by a Busaki Knee Kick. Takeuchi hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[HWC pushes the ladder into the ring and slides in. He brings it up with him and throws it at the Rebels, who catch it. HWC takes them both out with a running shotgun dropkick. Grin covers Takeuchi.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[HWC stands up the ladder in a corner as Grin dumps Takeuchi out of the ring. HWC drags the gusset plate board closer to the ladder and Grin brings Kawamata over. HWC is the one who lifts him up and Grin assists in a spike powerbomb on the gusset plates. Grin then ascends the ladder with his back facing the ring. HWC stomps on Kawamata to keep him laying on the gusset plates. The crowd is on their feet as Grin makes it up to the very top. HWC sees Takeuchi roll back into the ring and goes to deal with her as Grin jumps off the ladder for an imploding 450 but Kawamata rolls out of the way.]
Dante Reed – Oh my god! Sawtooth Grin bit the dust on that one!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Sebastian Riggs – Look out!
[Takeuchi got by HWC. She streaks past a kneeling Grin, who has punctures all over his front side as is writhing in pain, and hits the ropes. Takeuchi blasts him with a penalty kick to the face that knocks him on his back and jumps at HWC with a flurry of lefts and rights. Kawamata throws an arm over Grin.]
… One!
… Two!
… HWC barely breaks the count!
[Takeuchi stands HWC up and throws a few forearms before whipping him to the ropes. She tries for a high Muay Thai kick to the head but HWC ducks and runs underneath. Takeuchi follows through on the kick but quickly turns again to hit the ropes just as HWC does on the other side. They run back at each other and Takeuchi snaps off a tilt-a-whirl DDT, then gets HWC back up in a fluid motion and folds him with the Black Rose Driver (Small Package Piledriver).]
… One!
… Two!
… Grin dives just in time to make the save!
[Kawamata turns Grin around, hoping to break a bottle on his head. Grin ducks and runs under. Kawamata turns into a boot to the gut and Grin hits him with the Thumbsucker (Stunner). Grin gets to one knee and Takeuchi breaks a bottle over his head. She then hits the ropes but Grin pops up to take her off her feet with a wild lariat from out of nowhere. HWC follows with a jumping back elbow drop on Takeuchi, then hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[Even though it's been a few moments, Grin pushes Kawamata onto his back to see if he can still capitalize on the Thumbsucker with a pin attempt.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[HWC throws Takeuchi into a corner, breaks a tube on her head, then stabs it into her head.
Grin agonizingly gets Kawamata onto his feet, boots him in the gut, and tries for the Thumbsucker again but Kawamata slips his head out and turns it into the Rager Major (Saito Suplex) on the gusset plate board.]
Dante Reed – Major Rajor! That's Silas SUBHUMAN'S finisher! Kawamata's great friends with Silas! They're in Filth Parade and he just used Silas' finisher! He manages to roll over for a cover...
… One!
… Two!
… HWC breaks the count!
[Kawamata is right back on his feet throwing rights and lefts. HWC is spurred on to do the same and the two men go tumbling through the ropes to ringside, taking their fight out there. The crowd is whipped up by their sudden burst of life at this point in the match.
Back in the ring, Grin is slowly getting back to his feet and Takeuchi measures him up from a corner. Grin turns around and Takeuchi takes big strides, sneaking up on him to connect with Yamanote-sen (Reverse Roundhouse Kick). Takeuchi pushes the gusset plate board out of the way and drags Grin closer to the ladder before climbing up with her back facing the ring.
At ringside, Kawamata punches HWC against the apron and goes to throw his head into the rails but it's reversed. HWC throws Kawamata's face hard into the steel instead, but falls back into the railing, clearly exhausted.
In the ring, Takeuchi is up on the very top of the ladder. She leaps with graceful hang time, hoping to land Over The Moon (Moonsault Double Foot Stomp from the top rope) but Grin moves out of the way. Takeuchi stumbles back a bit when she lands but stays on her feet. HWC slides into the ring and comes at her just as she has a moment to look up. She tries a hurricanrana but HWC wraps his arms around her waist, holding her upside down. He then turns to his right, takes a few steps, and drops her hard on the gusset plates with Disasterpeace (Ganso Bomb). He covers.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kawamata brings the kendo stick down over HWC's back to break the count!
[Kawamata sends HWC to the ropes and drills him on the rebound with a Hanzoku Kougeki (Rolling Lariat) that takes Corrupts off his feet. Kawamata covers.]
… One!
… Two!
… Grin breaks the count!
[Grin pulls Kawamata off and into a single leg bulldog on some carpet strips. He rolls Kawamata onto his back and hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Two!
… Takeuchi breaks the count with a stomp to the lower back!
[Takeuchi bends down, wraps her arms around Grin's waists, and deadlifts him into a bridging German suplex. The Black Rose rolls back into a Prawn Hold pin.]
… One!
… Two!
… HWC dives to break the count even as Kawamata dives at him to try blocking him!
Sebastian Riggs – This is incredible!
Dante Reed – These teams refuse to go away! Osaka Rebels don't want to end this trilogy without a win! The Outliers don't want to get swept this week and lose the only belts they have left! And oh my, listen to this crowd and their appreciation!
Sebastian Riggs – Two of the greatest – maybe even the greatest – teams in the world in the world's most famous arena! This moment isn't lost on anyone!
[Takeuchi folds the ladder and drives it into HWC's face to knock him down. She uses the ropes as leverage to stomp him.
Meanwhile, Kawamata throws Grin between the middle and top rope and through some of the last light tubes that remained. Grin spills out onto the ringside floor. Kawamata then calls Takeuchi over to follow him.]
Dante Reed – By the way, we've just past the first match in length of time.
Sebastian Riggs – After everything these four have been through – not just in this match but in this week – I can't believe they're still going like this.
[Osaka Rebels stand on each side of Grin and lead him up the entryway and back to the cab. They throw him hard into the front before pushing him onto the hood. The Rebels climb up there and punch him as they bring him up. Kawamata then grabs Grin by the back of the head and puts his head between his legs. He then starts hooking the arms.]
Dante Reed – Oh my...! This...?! Are they...?!
Sebastian Riggs – Kawamata's going for the biggest weapon in his arsenal here!
[Kawamata lifts Grin upside down. Takeuchi, at his right side, grabs Grin and spikes the Kamagasaki Crash (Tiger Driver '91) through the windshield.]
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
[HWC hurriedly staggers up the ramp with whatever he has left in him, but Takeuchi jumps off the hood to go meet him with stinging punches as Kawamata covers Grin on the hood.]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey – Here are your winners AND NEW Union Battleground Battalion Champions, Osaka Rebels!
​
[The crowd explodes into pandemonium as soon as the referee makes the final three count. A mixture of cheers, boos, and all-around jaw-dropping disbelief sends shock waves throughout the building to near deafening volumes. Event crew members rush up the ramp to hand the belts to the referee as he holds up the hands of the bloodied and bruised new Battalion Champs. In a foggy daze, Kawamata and Takeuchi gradually realize that they have finally conquered a task that seemed so unlikely and embrace together with a celebratory hug.]
​
Dante Reed - Bas, I am absolutely stunned right now! I don't believe what I am seeing!
​
Sebastian Riggs - Believe it, Dante! The Osaka Rebels are new Battalion Champions! What an absolute war we just witnessed. Kawamata and Takeuchi just went to hell and back, and took from there those Battalion Beauts!
​
[Takeuchi buckles her title around her waist while Kawamata tosses his over his shoulder. After a moment of soaking in the now unanimous resounding cheers from the crowd, Kawamata helps Grin up off of the car through the shrapnal of broken glass and Hanako helps 'Crupts up to his feet. All four members stand staggering, looking like victims of a cheesy slasher film, and simultaneously raise each other arms high in the air, showing a debt of graditutde and respect with one another.]
​
Dante Reed - These two teams have an uncommon, yet great deal of respect with each other. I can't say that there is anybody, singles or tags, that could go to war on three occassions in such brutal fashion, and still walk away from it all as friends.
​
Sebastian Riggs - These four are a different breed. Cut from the same cloth, they know the meaning of leaving it all out there in the ring, or in this case anywhere in the building! It's great to see sportsmanship like this, even in such a bloody manner. My hats off to all four of these warriors here tonight, these guys just blew the roof off this joint!
nOt alONe
[No tickets were sold up here. These are the nosebleeds, the highest section for seating. Still, Alyssa Daniels can look down at the event, the ring, the crowd, the decorations for the biggest show of the year for Union Battleground. In a short time, she’ll be down in that ring herself, competing for the biggest prize on the biggest stage. And she’s ready, already dressed in her ring gear in anticipation for the monumental match. She looks more contemplative than anxious or excited. The crowd cheers when they see her on the big screen, and they all start scanning the top area of the arena to locate her. Still, due to the small microphone attached to her shirt, she is heard clearly, and throughout the arena.]
Alyssa Daniels - My entire career leads to this one night.
[The crowd cheers her on, beginning to chant “INFINITY, INFINITY, INFINITY!” She smiles as she stares at the ring.]
Alyssa Daniels - And y’know what? I’ve been wrong for months now. All this time, I kept saying I’ve been walking this road alone, that I’ve battled Salvation and the rest of the roster on my own, but I haven’t. Not by a long shot. All of you, the Battleground fans, have been supporting me since I first walked through that curtain.
[The fans explode into cheers at their acknowledgement.]
Alyssa Daniels - Times when I was down, when opponents thought they had me dead to rights but I stormed back and won, that wasn’t just me. That was the energy you filled me with. Your passion and excitement for this sport makes my adrenaline spike even when I think I’ve given everything I’ve got. You give me more!
[She pauses to let them again erupt in cheers.]
Alyssa Daniels - Tonight? Tonight, we’ve got our biggest task in front of us yet. Dick Devereaux and Emery Layton are guaranteed shoo-ins to make the Union Battleground hall of fame, if one ever exists. And in one match, the stakes higher than they’ve ever been, I have to beat both to become your new Union Battleground Champion. It’s not going to be easy - far from it - but I know that I’ve got a lot of you behind me. That gives me confidence. It gives me that fire I know I’ll need to emerge victorious. So what’ya say, Madison Square Garden?! Are we gonna take home that Union Battleground Championship tonight?!
[The crowd absolutely explodes into deafening screams.]
Alyssa Daniels - Then let’s do it! Let’s stand tall despite it all!
[Alyssa stands and turns, walking toward the exit of the nosebleed section as her image fades from the big screen.]
Mike Dempsey - The following battle is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Union Battleground Trench War Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, standing 5’5” and weighing in at 125 pounds, from Kimitsu, Japan, representing the 4CW, “Little Yokai” Kimitsu Zombie!
[Number Girl's Tattoo Ari blares out and yellow and red lights flash around all over the arena as the guitar riff starts and mingles with the mixed reaction from the fans.]
♫
"MIGIKATA!
IREZUMI!
AGEKATA!
ZANZOU!"
♫
[Kimitsu Zombie darts out of the entrance way in her bosozoku uniform carrying a bottle of shochu. Kimitsu drinks from the shochu bottle as she struts to the ring as she takes in the crowds reaction of cheers and jeers. She grins and climbs a turnbuckle bobbing to the music.]
♫
"MIGIKATA!
IREZUMI!
AGEKATA!
ZANZOU!"
♫
[She takes a long chug of shochu and screams in satisfaction with her tongue out. She jumps down into the ring to wait while sipping from her shochu bottle.]
Dante Reed - We’ve spoke on several occasions about how dominant Kimitsu Zombie has been this season. She had an unblemished record up until she faced off against Finn Whelan. If I know Kimitsu, she probably wants revenge on Whelan more than the title itself!
Sebastian Riggs - Kimi is certainly a determined warrior who is very goal oriented. She gives everything she has with every fight, and expects the same, no, demands the same from her opponent. Her main drive at the beginning of season two was the extract revenge on Emery Layton, so there’s no reason not to believe she has that same mentality tonight. I’m expecting to see her leave it all out there
Mike Dempsey - And her opponent, standing 6’4” and weighing in at 202 pounds, from Seattle, Washington, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Battleground Trench War Champion, “The Seattle Saint” Finn Whelan!
[The lights dim in the arena and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The guitar riff opening that carries throughout the rest of Asking Alexandria's "The Black" breaks out and brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed.]
♫
BURY ME, JUST LEAVE ME TO SLEEP IN THE DIRT
FINISH ME, I'M FLOATING AWAY
THERE'S A DEMON STARING STRAIGHT THROUGH YOUR EYES
AM I WASTING MY TIME?
THERE'S SOMETHING STIRRING INSIDE OF ME
♫
[Just before the first line of the song, Finn Whelan has appeared not from the curtain, but from one of the visitor's entrances. He stops at the top of the steps for a moment, a slight smirk on his face as he glances at the people around him. The shiny Trench War Championship he carries glints in the dark light, and he holds it securely on his shoulder. He begins stepping down the stairs at a brisk pace, high-fiving a couple fans as he makes his way down to the ring.]
Dante Reed - And with a grand entrance, here comes the Trench War Champion Finn Whelan. The theme of season two for The Seattle Saint has been one that has constantly ended in heartbreak. He debuted as an entrant in the King Cobra Tournament, making it all the way to the finals where he came up just short against Emery Layton. Fast forward to July, he entered Guerrilla Warfare at the number five spot, broke the record of eliminations, yet was the last man eliminated by the winner Alyssa Daniels.
Sebastian Riggs - I know it was tough to watch him come so close to superstardom in his first year in the Battleground, but he did get some restitution when Gunnar Graves took over. Graves scheduled Whelan and Zombie on the first show he was in control of, and Whelan seized the opportunity and defeated Zombie en route to earning the Trench War Title.
[At the barrier, he slings himself over and slides immediately underneath the bottom rope and leaps to his feet in the center of the ring. He heads directly for the ropes in front of him, and hops up onto the bottom one, bouncing slightly as he looks back at the crowd, that sardonic grin on his face as he raises his championship high in the air for all to see. He drops down from it, and hands the championship belt to the referee before pulling off his vest and heading to the his place against the turnbuckle, leaning into it as his music fades out.]
Dante Reed - Alright folks, it’s the rematch between Finn Whelan and Kimitsu Zombie. Two fierce competitors who are known for their aggressive nature and take no prisoners attitude.
Sebastian Riggs - This is sure to be a war!
Dante Reed - Both competitors are squared away in their respective corners, and without warning the referee is calling for the bell! This match is underway!
[DING!]
[Whelan and Zombie waste no time and bull rush each other. Zombie throws a heavy right hand then Whelan returns with a heavy right of his own. The two trade punches back and forth, then Whelan picks up the pace and lays in continuous blows to Zombie. Finn Whelan continues his assault and backs Kimitsu Zombie into the turnbuckle with his punches. The Seattle Saint is still not letting up, and Zombie finally drops to the floor, hanging on to the ropes to stay up. The crowd is fired up from the fast action as Finn Whelan taunts Zombie, then rushes and drills her with a jumping knee to the face!]
[Kimitsu ricochets from the impact and drops to her knees, and crawls towards the ropes to pick herself up. Whelan is still dropping heavy blows down on Zombie. Finn picks Zombie off from the ropes and Irish whips her across the ring. "The Seattle Saint" follows not far behind and quickly catches Zombie with a leaping clothesline, flipping her onto her back. Zombie tries to get back up, but Whelan then springs off the ropes to hit a sliding forearm smash into Kimitsu. The Trench War Champion now gets a top mounts and continues to lay punches into her! Whelan finally steps off and beats his chest as the crowd reacts with a roar of cheers!]
Dante Reed - Finn Whelan is firing on all cylinders right out of the gate, Bas! He’s in total control!
Sebastian Riggs - You know Kimitsu always wants to bring out the best her opponents have to offer, and right now Whelan is delivering!
[Finn Whelan looks back to Kimitsu Zombie as she tries to get up, but Whelan drops her again, this time with the Seattle Terror curb stomp and goes for a cover!]
... One!
... Two!
... Th—Kick out!
[Whelan slams the mat in frustration, but continues on the attack. Finn grabs Kimitsu and picks her up to her feet. Zombie breaks free of Whelan's grasp, and counters with a stiff shotei shot right on the button! Zombie follows with a low left kick to the knee, then a left shotei shot, and then a front kick to the gut. Zombie puts Whelan in a front face lock and begins firing off a flurry of jabs to the face! Whelan soon tries to protect his face while firing off jabs of his own to Kimitsu’s ribs. Whelan is able to break free from the face lock and before he has a chance to mount any sort of offense, Kimitsu steps up and plants Whelan with a standing Frankensteiner and the ring shakes from the collision! Kimitsu gets to her feet and runs the ropes and crashes into Finn with a springboard moonsault! Zombie hooks the leg for a cover!]
... One!
... Two!
... Kick out!
[Kimitsu quickly mounts Whelan and starts dropping heavy fists in rapid succession. After the flurry, Kimitsu Zombie pulls Whelan back up, hooks the leg and then overhooks the arm and head for a Plum Stretch! Zombie sinks it in right and Whelan is trying to fight his way out of it. Finn Whelan rolls back and forth to try and knock Zombie off her balance, but Zombie stays steady. Whelan finally tries to reach for the rope, but it's just out of reach! Whelan squirms around as he realizes he's in trouble. Then, with sheer will, Whelan somehow manages to stand straight up with Kimitsu still holding on to the submission. Whelan starts backpedaling and sandwiches Zombie in the turnbuckle and breaks free of the hold!]
Dante Reed - Look at the determination and willpower of Finn Whelan right there!
Sebastian Riggs - He looked like he had no escape there but his amazing ring awareness allowed him to figure a way to break free from Zombie’s grasps!
[Both competitors ate out from the corner and lock up. Kimitsu goes on the offensive and whips Whelan, but Whelan reverses it and sends Kimitsu into the ropes. On the return Kimitsu Zombie goes for a cross body, but Whelan catches her in the air, and drops her with a fall away slam! Kimitsu rolls out of the ring and down to the ground while Finn Whelan plays to the crowd. Whelan stalks Zombie until she gets back to her feet, and Whelan starts running the ropes and catches Zombie with a diving Senton over the top rope sending both competitors crashing into the barricades!]
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Dante Reed - Unbelievable! Finn Whelan takes it to the air!
Sebastian Riggs - Amazing athleticism by the The Seattle Saint! It’s not often you see a stunt like this coming from Finn. It just shows the lengths he’s willing to go to defend that Trench War Title!
[The referee inside doesn’t even bother attempting to initiate a count out, and just watches on as the two slowly stagger to their feet. Whelan makes it to his feet first, and lays several forearm smashes to the back of the head of Zombie. Whelan takes the back of the head and drives Zombie head first into the corner post and the impact echoes throughout the arena. Whelan now picks Zombie up and drops her down with a scoop slam, then climbs up the nearby steps. Whelan slowly walks the apron back to Zombie who is still down on the ground, and Whelan sizes her up for a moment. Finn Whelan, facing Zombie, springs off the middle rope from the apron and comes crashing down with a double foot stomp, but Kimitsu Zombie rolls out at the last second and clutches Whelan's leg! Zombie rolls back over Whelan and has him secured in a half Boston Crab!]
Dante Reed - A narrow escape by Kimi to stay alive in this one!
Sebastian Riggs - She continues to work the back over with these submissions which is a smart move to try and immobilize Finn.
[Zombie finally lets off of Whelan when she sees the ref trying to direct the traffic back inside the ring. Zombie picks Whelan up off the ground and rolls him into the ring. Zombie shows a cut on her forehead after taking that bump to the post. Zombie slides inside and picks Whelan up by the hair. Zombie now whips Whelan across the ring and goes for a closeline but Whelan ducks. Whelan on the return comes back and drives Zombie down with a sling blade!]
[Zombie comes back up to her feet but looks disoriented. Whelan takes advantage and scoops her up and drops her with an inverted lungblower! Whelan gets riled up and shakes the ropes in the corner. He awaits again for Zombie to get to her feet. As she does, Whelan goes for a discus lariet but Kimitsu Zombie ducks! Zombie grabs Whelan by the midsection looking for a German Suplex. Whelan blocks the attempt with his leg, breaks free and rotates around Zombie and delivers a German Suplex! Whelan hangs on, and delivers another! Again Whelan hangs on, and goes for a third and final release German Suplex! But that was all the opening Zombie needed as she carries the momentum and lands on her feet. Before Whelan can fully stand back up, Zombie levels him with a rolling Savate kick! Whelan sways around to try and keep his footing while hunkered over, and Zombie bounces off the rope and flatlines Whelan with her signature axe kick! Kimi drops down and hooks both legs while applying all of her weight onto Whelan’s chest for the cover!]
Dante Reed - Banzai God Kick out of nowhere!
Sebastian Riggs - Kimi’s got the cover!
Dante Reed - This one’s over!
... One!
... Two!
... Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, AND NEW Union Battleground Trench War Champion, “Little Yokai” Kimitsu Zombie!
[The crowd explodes in resounding cheers as Kimi shoots up to her knees and celebrates ecstatically with the referee holding her hand up high in victory. Kimi struggles to get to her feet, but once she does the official awards her with the Trench War Championship.]
Dante Reed - Two time, two time Trench War Champion! Incredible performance by the both of them, I hate to see either of these two lose.
Sebastian Riggs - It was a hard fought battle for the both of them and they each stepped out of their comfort zone to risk it all for victory. Tonight, Kimitsu was the better competitor, congrats to the new champ!
[Blood from her forehead dried and stained and the Trench War title draped over her shoulder, it paints a perfect picture of the hard work put in by Kimitsu Zombie throughout the entire season. Zombie steps up on the turnbuckle to celebrate with the crowd throwing out deuces. Whelan by now has realized what has happened and his crouched over in the opposite corner with his face buried in his hands in complete disarray.]
Full CiRcle
[The corridors backstage at Madison Square Garden. The walls are full of pictures. Windows to the past. Events that have taken place in days gone by, emanating from this very building. But there's one specific picture down at the bottom of the corridor that we need to see. But don't worry- we're following someone down there.]
EMERY LAYTON:
Wanted to take a few seconds just before I went out there tonight to come have a look on this corridor. Wanna show you a thing.
[We follow the reigning and defending Union Battleground Champion Emery Layton, dressed in full ring-gear, her title around her waist. Her footsteps echo as we hear the cheers and whoops from the crowd in the distance. Emery walks past all of the pictures until she gets to her destination. Stood in front of it, she looks up, her hands on her hips.]
[The label on the picture reads "XWA Legends - November 2016". It is a collection of ringside shots from across the event.]
EMERY LAYTON:
Last time I was here. Look, there I am! Can you see?
[She points to a small picture in the corner. A giant, caged structure surrounds the ring, but scaling it is Emery herself- lip busted open, look of determination on her face.]
EMERY LAYTON:
That night, I remember it well, man. See this is where everything started. This building we in right here. This was where the world saw this dirty, no-good Pavee for the first time. Feels like a lifetime ago. I remember coming back after beating Chris Novak- blood dripping outta my mouth, tears streaming down my little cheeks. Then, XWA owner Bella Quinn comes up to me and she's impressed. She goes “I hear you want more work outside-a XWA. Well I just got done talking to a dude called Graves and do I have the place for you…”
[Em looks up with a proud smile.]
EMERY LAYTON:
When I started, I was tryna be all grumpy and tough and a little bit rough round the edges...but then I came here. I went ‘fuck it’, and I was all bar fights and dancing and kayaking through Lincoln Memorial pool! I got to be Me here in Union Battleground after being told for so long that nobody wanted to see that. I got to be Emery Layton.
[In the background, we hear footsteps. They sound distinctly like the sound of heels clicking onto a hard floor. Moving slowly into our view is none other than Amy Taylor- Emery's manager, as well as the manager for the likes of A.J. Morales and Austin Carter, and in the past, Diamond Jack Sabbath. Looking very prim and proper, she slides her hands into the pocket of her suit jacket, looking up at the picture.]
AMY TAYLOR:
Taking a second?
EMERY LAYTON:
Yeah. Just kinda looking back.
​
AMY TAYLOR:
I thought your whole thing was ‘always forward’.
EMERY LAYTON:
How do you know you're going forward if you don't know what's moving past you?
AMY TAYLOR:
Very wise.
EMERY LAYTON:
Yeah, I'm a genius.
AMY TAYLOR:
Let's not go too far.
EMERY LAYTON:
You're lucky I wouldn't mess with you.
[Amy smiles. There's a pause before Em turns to her.]
EMERY LAYTON:
There's this whole thing here ‘rep where you step’. People think it's about representing your home promotion and stuff but that was never what it meant to me. It was about stepping into that ring and representing yourself, know what I mean? About being true to yourself. Wrestling is fulla people going out there with gimmicks and shtick, but I never did that. I’ve always been just me. And Union's a place where you can do that. Being Emery Layton is a difficult job some days, but someone's gotta do it and doing it how I did got me to the top of this place. It’s why Kimitsu Zombie and Alyssa Daniels and Dick Devereux are so successful- they're just themselves. No one's gotta be a gimmick here. Everyone just has to be the best version of themselves that they can be. I hope I've done that.
AMY TAYLOR:
Emery, by just being you, you did in a year something that takes others entire lives to do. Sure, you got yourself into trouble and there were injuries and rivalries, but just by simply being Emery Layton, you rose above it. You had ups and downs, but you persevered each and every time. Just by being...you. Anyway, let's not dawdle, its main event time. That title needs defending.
[Em stays still, nodding her head.]
AMY TAYLOR:
Emery Layton, it's time to go.
[Buckling her Union Battleground Championship around her waist, Em takes a deep breath.]
EMERY LAYTON:
Right then. Cracking. Lets go catch that horizon, Em…
[And the Worst of the Pavees fades into the night, as always with a twinkle in her eye and a will to defend.]
Mike Dempsey - Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the main event of the evening! The following battle is scheduled for one fall, and it is a triple threat steel cage match for the Union Battleground Championship! Introducing first, standing 6’3” and weighing in at 243 pounds, from Washington DC, representing Tide of Blood, “The Butcher” Dick Devereaux!
♫
YOU FUCKING BLEED NOW
♫
["Everyone Bleeds Now" By Hatebreed suddenly hits and the lights begin to flash violently to the beat. The ramp puts out smoke as red lasers begin to strobe around the arena. Dick Devereaux comes out from the back through the smoke with an irritated look spread across his face and a water bottle in hand. He looks around before he begins to nod his head to the beat and begins to pour the water bottle over his head. He tosses the water bottle into the audience as he continues to nod his head to the beat. He begins to bend over as he holds his bald head. He then violently starts to bang his head as he begins to punch himself over and over again. Dick then flips his wet head up and raises his fists before lowering them and beginning down the ramp. Dick is now at the end of the ramp as he runs and hops up onto the apron. He looks around before spewing off a few hateful words before stepping into the ring through the ropes. Dick walks over to the farthest turnbuckle and steps to the second rope. He looks around and then bends down and starts to head bang, letting water from his head soak the crowd below. He then flips his head up and raises his fists slowly before hoping down. Dick walks over to the ropes and steps on the middle one with his right leg and the bottom one with his left as he bounces on the ropes, staring at the crowd. His music dies down as Dick ditches his leather jacket and waits in the corner, pacing back and forth.]
Dante Reed - For Dick Devereaux, season two is probably one he would like to get past in a hurry and build on to a better future. He spent most of the year battling Salvation, and at Guerrilla Warfare, was finally able to slay the dragon and take down Nemesis.
Sebastian Riggs - His moment in the spotlight was short lived though, Dante. Emery Layton seized the moment and cashed in her King Cobra Championship at the most opportune time right after Devereaux went to war in a Slaughterhouse Match. Since then, Devereaux has made it his mission to be the one who takes back the Union Battleground Title from Emery. He’s dismantled just about every title defense Emery has had since then, but tonight everything is brought to the table in the epic finale.
Mike Dempsey - Introducing second, standing 5’8” and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she is “The Heart of Infinity” Alyssa Daniels!
♫
AM I BRAVE ENOUGH? AM I STRONG ENOUGH?
TO FOLLOW THE DESIRE THAT BURNS FROM WITHIN
TO PUSH AWAY MY FEAR, TO STAND WHERE I'M AFRAID
I AM THROUGH WITH THIS, 'CAUSE I AM MORE THAN THIS
♫
[The lights dim as 'I Am The Fire' by Halestorm plays throughout the arena. Magenta spotlights spin through the crowd with the rhythm of the music. Alyssa Daniels steps out onto the ramp to roaring cheers from the crowd! She smiles and waves in appreciation of their adoration. Her eyes then lock on the ring as her demeanor changes from pleased and happy to intense and focused. She marches down the ramp and leaps up onto the apron then over the top rope displaying her quickness and agility. She then climbs the turnbuckle as the chorus hits, pumping her fist to the words.]
♫
I AM THE FIRE!
♫
[The crowd sings along with Alyssa to the rhythm of her pumping fist. She hops down from the turnbuckle and pulls the top rope to stretch in preparation for the coming match.]
Dante Reed - I know by now I sounds like a broken record talking about Alyssa Daniels, but it can’t be understated how dominate she has been since debuting in the Battleground. With every opposition, she has met head-on with commanding persistence and determination.
Sebastian Riggs - No doubt about it, Dante. The only blemish she has on her impressive record is a War Horse Title match she had with three other competitors. And if you want to get technical, she didn’t lose, Elena DeDraca just seized the opportunity to take out Joe Stanton. However, later that night, Daniels went on to win Guerrilla Warfare to guarantee her spot here tonight. In the months leading up to this fight, she has spoke openly about a “changing of the old guard”. She hasn’t been subtle about Emery and Dick, as she put it, being “part-timers”, and that her time is now to restore the honor and nobility that this company deserves. Certainly a fierce approach about the task at hand, I’m anxious to see whether or not she backs up those claims.
Mike Dempsey - And finally, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Anywhere and Everywhere, representing the XWA, she is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Battleground Champion, “The Worst of the Pavees” Emery Layton!
♫
IT DOESN'T HURT ME - YOU WANNA FEEL HOW IT FEELS?
YOU WANNA KNOW? KNOW THAT IT DOESN'T HURT ME?
YOU WANNA HEAR ABOUT THE DEAL I'M MAKING?
♫
[As "Running Up That Hill" by The Feud hits the PA system and light explodes to life, the excitement hits the air. The Worst of the Pavees herself- wearing her leather jacket and beanie over her gear and her Union Battleground Championship around her waist- emerges from behind the curtain, clearly impressed with the amount of people who have turned out. She's nodding her head, holding her arms out as she struts down the ramp and swaying her head to the beat of her entrance theme, her eyes closed. She's lost in the moment, there's nowhere else she'd rather be right now.]
Dante Reed - And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The former Trench War Champion, King Cobra Champion, and now Union Battleground Champion Emery Layton! Emery has talked about being here since day one, and from the get go, she has been an integral part of the growing successes of the Battleground. From her 404 days as Trench War Champion, successfully defending it a record seven times, to where she’s at now, on top of the mountain. The She-King as she’s recently called herself, has finally broke through and carries the company on her shoulders.
Sebastian Riggs - Only thing I would disagree with you on that, Dante, is that I believe she has carried this company on her shoulders SINCE DAY ONE. Any time she makes an appearance in the Battleground, the crowd goes absolutely ape shit over her. She’s world renowned, and has taken Union Battleground titles with her wherever she goes, and on a couple occasions, defended them on foreign territory! No doubt in my mind that she is the face of the company; the franchise player; the measuring stick here. Tonight, on the biggest stage in Union Battleground, in the World’s Most Famous Arena, in the city that never sleeps, Emery Layton is “The Best of the Battleground” and “The Worst of the Pavees”.
[Once she reaches the bottom of the ramp, she unclips her title from around her waist- holding it one hand as she pulls her beanie off and thrusts it into her pocket with the other, skating up the steel steps and climbing the turnbuckle. As the fans cheer, Em lifts the Union Battleground Championship into the air for all to see. Ooh, she's chuffed to even hold it in her hands. Once the eccentric Irish traveller has spent enough time up there, Emery leaps down from the top rope and into the ring, transitioning from that into probably the most graceful, crisp forward-roll you've ever seen. Once she's in there, she runs to the rope right behind her bouncing off it as she drops to her knees and skids forwards, as all the lights drop except a single spotlight on her and the lights from cell phone cameras as her upper body falls backwards and she holds the Union Battleground Championship up in the air with both arms right up. After a few moments of just simply listening to the cheers, she flips onto her front and crawls into her corner, removing her jacket and dumping the battered old thing to the outside as she sits down, legs flat out with the title now draped over her knees, waiting for the match to begin.
[The cameras come back showing the 20 foot high steel cage engulfing the entire ring and the outside perimeter of the ringside area.]
Dante Reed - Just listen to the frenzy here in Madison Square Garden! This is a match that culminates the entire season. These are the biggest competitors the Battleground has ever see. Our referee for this main event cage match is Senior Official Bruce O’Neal, and he calls for the bell! This match is underway!
[DING!]
[The three competitors are in their own corners at the sound of the bell. Their eyes move from one another with the crowds voices rising into a battle of chants.]
LAY-TON! DEV-ER-EAUX!
LET’S GO DANIELS!
LAY-TON! DEV-ER-EAUX!
LET’S GO DANIELS!
LAY-TON! DEV-ER-EAUX!
LET’S GO DANIELS!
[Pushed on by the energy of the roaring fans, the three step closer to the center of the ring. Each in their fighting stances, staring from one to another looking for someone not to be ready. The anticipation grows in this imitation of a 3 way Mexican standoff. Dick strikes Alyssa with a back elbow. His elbow bounces off her jaw and he clenches his fist striking at Emery. She ducks. Dick turns around grabbing for her only to get a dropkick in the chest. Dick’s center of balance is thrown off as he falls to the mat. Before Emery can capitalize on downing the powerhouse, Alyssa pulls on her arm. Emery is turns around, Alyssa kicks her giving a shot to the body. As Emery hunches forward, Alyssa swiftly strikes with a European uppercut!]
[Dick Devereaux is back up, he wraps Emery up from behind pulling her back over his head with a German suplex. Keeping his vertical base, Emery is tossed over Dick’s head like a sack of potatoes. Alyssa doesn’t waste time hitting him with a few consecutive forearm shots. Dick pulls his arms up, taking a couple forearms to the face. He pushes hard on Alyssa shoving her off of him. Dick rushes at Alyssa hitting her like a runaway train with a clothesline. She hits the mat stunned for a few seconds leaving Dick standing alone in the center of the ring.]
Dante Reed - Quite an intense start of the match here, Bas. But it’s looking like Devereaux is taking the charge.
Sebastian Riggs - Layton and Daniels have similar offensive attacks, typically using their speed and aerial prowess, while Devereaux is taking control with his superior size and strength. He’s definitely the X factor in this one who’s not afraid to get hardcore and barbaric.
[Dick looks around seeing Emery roll out of the ring, and he chases after her. Emery takes a moment to get her composure when she feels Devereaux grab a handful of her hair. Emery grabs a hold of Dick’s arms as he lifts her up by her fiery locks. Emery kicks her legs using her upper body strength to alleviate the weight on her hair. She looks up at him getting a clear shot at him. She lifts herself enough kicking her foot into the top of his skull. The modified Pale kick hits right on target and Dick drops Emery.]
[Alyssa punches Dick in the lower back, wincing for a split second he whirls around smashing his left forearm into her head. Quickly he hits another and another firing off like his arm is a semi-automatic. Dick lifts Alyssa up above his head walking her to the edge of the ring. Alyssa looks up shaking her head as it dawns on her what he plans to do. She tightly grabs onto his wrist and kicks her legs to get down, but Dick tosses her through the air. Alyssa hits the steel cage face first before falling to the outside floor.]
Dante Reed - Did you see that?! The Butcher just threw Alyssa Daniels like a dart!
Sebastian Riggs - He’s off to a great start here, Dante. Controlling the tempo and utilizing his strength against two smaller competitors.
[Emery’s wheels are turning having just watched Alyssa fly through the air like a spear. As she looks up into the ring, Dick’s large intimidating presence greets her. He motions for her to get back in the ring. Emery jumps up on the apron watching him like a hawk. Dick charges at her only for Emery to hop down out of his way. He gets tangled up in the ropes grabbing for her. Emery thinks quickly jumping up and pulling his head and throat across the middle rope. Dick gets slingshot backwards, choking from the impact on his windpipe.]
[Emery gets back up on the ring apron moving from side to side to plant her feet perfectly. She pulls on the top rope while jumping up. Her feet bounce her off the top rope, she flips herself into a 450 splash her body colliding hard onto Devereaux. She holds her ribs the seconds bleeding by as she does. Emery forces herself back up to her feet watching Dick roll over to his stomach. She backs off him her pressure applied to her ribs being withdrawn. Emery only has a small opening bull rushing him striking her knee into the side of his head!]
Dante Reed - Eat the Music!
Sebastian Riggs - The Butcher just got knocked silly! Emery is hooking the leg for a cover!
... One!
... Two!
... Kickout!
[As Dick shoves his shoulder up, Alyssa slides back into the ring, taking a running dive over top of Emery to simultaneously break up the count. The fans cheer seeing Alyssa back in the fight! Showing she’s regained her wind, Alyssa pulls Emery up into a Muy Thai clinch, she snaps Emery’s head down and rocks her with a knee. Emery is hit right between the eyes and her vision going double for a few fleeting seconds. She holds her face backing up against the ropes while Alyssa charges. Alyssa jumps up hitting Emery with a spinning heel kick! Emery’s toppled over the top rope to the outside floor. Alyssa turns her head locking onto the turnbuckle, she walks over climbing up them. Emery moves on the outside sore from the hard fall, but still mobile.
Right as she is about to jump, from behind her Dick shoves Alyssa off the top rope and she falls flat to the outside.]
[As Devereaux steps out of the ring, Emery hits him, grabbing him around the head and throwing him towards the steel mesh, but Dick blocks it with his foot. He delivers an elbow to her midsection and rakes his hand across her face and eyes. Emery lets go of him and her instincts kick in to protect her sight. Dick grabs her around the back of the neck and slams her into the steel cage. It rattles throughout the arena on impact.]
Dante Reed - Devereaux continues his dominating offense, and has really targeted Emery so far in this match.
Sebastian Riggs - It’s no secret that he wants Emery to be the one that takes the fall in order to get the Union Battleground Title back. He wants payback from her King Cobra cash in. Emery took it as an opportunity, and Devereaux took it as a personal attack.
[Turning his attention now to Alyssa Daniels, she is pulling herself up using the cage as he bounces her face off the steel mesh. Before she sees what is happening, Dick presses his thumbs into her eye sockets, trying to gouge them out! A rebellion starts to happen in the crowd as more people become sympathetic to Alyssa for this dirty tactic. Alyssa with a stroke of desperation, kicks the side of Dick’s knee causing him to buckle under pressure. She grabs his head pulling him down on her knees as she lets herself fall to the ground with a code breaker!]
Dante Reed - Amnesia! Outta nowhere Daniels just rocks The Butcher with her signature move!
Sebastian Riggs - She’s been great at pulling this move out of nowhere, but they’re outside of the ring! Now I want to see how she gets all 243 pounds of that dead weight back in to make a pinfall attempt, Dante.
[Realizing she still has to get Dick in the ring for a pin, Alyssa turns her attention towards Emery. Quickly she grabs her, but Emery puts up resistance each struggling in a tie up for better leverage. Alyssa strikes Emery in the abs with a knee and then again. Emery wraps her arms over Alyssa’s arms locking their bodies closer together to avoid another knee strike. Madison Square Garden is alive with positivity raining out of the crowd for each woman. Emery gets the power leverage shoving Alyssa back into the cage, and Daniels tosses Emery back up against the cage in response. Getting some separation, Alyssa looks up going into a full sprint. She jumps up aiming a Superman Punch at Emery. With cat like reflexes, Emery dodges out of the way and Alyssa’s fist connects with the metal fencing. The pain swarms her fast as she grips tightly to her hand. Emery pulls her up and slides her into the ring.]
[Dick is finally up on his hands and knees, still feeling the effects of Amnesia. Emery looks from him to Alyssa seeming unsure which to go for. As Dick gives himself a good boot to get to his feet, Emery meets him with a forearm smash! Striking him with a left and a right over and over, Dick pulls his arms up to block his head. Emery throws a low kick to the knee, catching Dick by surprise and dropping his guard all at once. Emery follows up by rotating around rapidly into a discus elbow. Her elbow cracks off The Butcher’s jaw. She pushes him down hooking his arms behind his back with his head tucked under her arm. Emery pulls up looking for a double underhook DDT, but Dick overpowers her and launches her with a back body toss off the cage.]
Dante Reed - What a counter! Emery tried to soften Devereaux up a bit, but his superior strength is still too much for her.
Sebastian Riggs - She can’t expect to outmuscle The Butcher. She needs to try on her speed to work him over.
[The fans begin to boo Devereaux, but he just soaks it all in. Alyssa Daniels watches Devereaux taunting the crowd from in the ring and uses the time to find her way to the top turnbuckle closest to them. Alyssa effortlessly flies off the turnbuckle into a shooting star press! Dick looks up suddenly realizing she is there mid air as she falls down onto him like a meteor. He tenses up bending his knees as her body lands on him but he manages to catch her. Quickly shifting her weight around, Alyssa pulls her body downward in a Hurricanrana motion, but Dick still manages to hold on to her. He lifts her back up while running like a locamotive. He puts on the breaks and tosses Alyssa into the cage with a powerbomb. Daniels crashes into the cage with such force that the steel mesh collapses under her and she spills out to the concrete floor outside the cage!]
Dante Reed - Holy shit! Alyssa Daniels goes flying through the cage to the outside and Dick Devereaux is on a rampage right now!
Sebastian Riggs - He looks bound and determined to become the first three-time Union Battleground Champ! He’s in his element right now, taking full advantage of the cage.
[Emery is breathing heavily while on a knee and wipes a bit of blood from her nose before pushing herself up. Keeping her head low, she rushes at Devereaux shouting a battle cry to get his attention. He turns as she leaps up hitting her Cloudbusting hip attack and now Devereaux spills to the outside along with Daniels. The Worst of the Pavees follows suit and emerges from the opening in the cage wall looking fired up. She pulls Alyssa up, her back facing her, and delivers a reverse atomic drop, then follows up with a Bulldog. Alyssa’s face smashes off the damaged steel frame. Emery stands up turning to Dick as he is in the middle of returning to his feet. She hops up giving him a dropkick to the back. Realizing she is standing alone, Emery looks up to the top of the cage. Ruffles from the fans grow about what she is thinking as Emery starts to ascend the structure.]
Dante Reed - Emery Layton is climbing the cage! What on earth is she thinking?
Sebastian Riggs - She’s climbing that mountain, Dante. Leave it all out there Em!
[Dick doesn’t take long to shake off the dropkick and returns to his feet before Alyssa. He looks up as Emery is nearly halfway up right now. He reaches up grasping at the laces of her boots before he decides to climb up himself. Emery picks up her pace with a sense of urgency. She stomps on his fingers as he reaches her. Then kicks him in the forehead, but instead he grabs her foot and trips her. He pulls himself up to the ceiling of the cage with her. Tension gets thicker as the fans are forced now to watch this one with their heads gazing up. Dick swings at Emery but she back flips under his clothesline, and into a Step Up Enziguri for her Rolling the Ball signature. Dick ducks down as her leg swings over him, he grabs her from behind and thrust her backwards with a German suplex into the center of the cage ceiling!]
[The top shakes as their weight crashes down. From the floor, Alyssa is back up, she sees her opponents on top of the structure and braces herself to ascend to the party. She reaches the top, just as Dick is sitting up. Alyssa charges quickly at him, connecting with a shining wizard! Her knee smashes off his face slamming him back into the cage. Alyssa moves to Emery and delivers a stiff kick to her chest, knocking the wind right out of her. She desperately grabs Alyssa’s leg and whips her down to the steel mesh with a dragon screw. Alyssa gets back to her feet fast, but Emery grabs her around the waist for a belly-to-belly suplex. Alyssa swings her arm, nearly hitting Emery with a forearm, but Emery ducks it and now the two are repositioned into a belly-to-back setup, Emery delivers a German suplex on Alyssa slamming her body on top of Devereaux.]
Dante Reed - All three of them are in dangerous territory, Bas. I’m not sure the top of the cage can hold all of them.
Sebastian Riggs - It’s No Man’s Land up there, Dante. Something catastrophic is bound to happen!
[Emery is on one knee catching her breath, Dick pushes Alyssa off him while coughing in between breaths and Alyssa is clutching her back. Emery pulls Daniels back to her feet and hits a knife edge chop across the chest. Emery scoops her up and tosses her on top of Devereaux once more with a body slam. The ceiling of the structure drops with the frame staying intact keeping it from completely collapsing. Emery falls to one knee as gravity takes over, she gets back to her feet as does Alyssa. Layton strikes Daniels with a forearm as the roof of the cage looks to sag a bit more.]
Dante Reed - I don’t think that roof is going to hold them up much longer, Bas. There’s just too much weight up there.
Sebastian Riggs - No doubt they need to get the hell off from there!
[Alyssa fires back at Emery with a forearm of her own, she stikes with another and.... Emery blocks the hat trick, striking back with a low kick. Dick Devereaux is back to his feet and blindsides them with a powerful double jumping clothesline! The cage ceiling bows even more from the weight piled on. Dick stands Emery up, and gives her a violent headbutt. Emery drops to her knees from the direct hit, Dick picks her up holding her across his chest. Alyssa pushes herself to her feet behind the two and charges in with a Spinning heel kick across Devereaux’s face. He falls backwards still holding Emery, and the two land center of the bowed roof, causing the fencing to finally snap! Both Layton and Devereaux freefall down to the ring below and bounce off the canvas on impact. Alyssa was able to grab a hold of the peeled mesh before facing the same fate. Alyssa pulls herself back up to the top of the cage as people in MSG start to rumble about what she is doing. Looking down at the ring where Emery and Dick are laid out, her eyes light up, and Thr Heart of Infinity jumps, hitting a Frog Splash onto Emery!]
Dante Reed - Oh my god! Alyssa Daniels just wrecked the Champ with a death defying frog splash from the top of the cage!
Sebastian Riggs - Daniels just sacrificed her own well-being in order to inflict maximum pain to Emery! Incredible!
[Their bodies collide and Alyssa bounces back from the hit. As all three contenders are out on the mat the fans look on stunned into silent. As the seconds elapse the crowd slowly rumble into a chant.]
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
[Alyssa looks up from the mat pulling herself slowly with one arm and then the other crawling slowly towards Emery. She pulls Emery over onto her back covering her for the pin.]
... One!
... Two!
... Thr—Break! Devereaux breaks the pinfall!
Dante Reed - I think Alyssa had that one in the bag if not for The Butcher.
Sebastian Riggs - It’s tough enough to face one of these competitors in a singles match, but put them together in a triple threat? Their ring awareness is revered as some of the best in the business.
[The three are in a pile, aching and wailing in pain. Dick finally pushes Alyssa off of him and grabs Emery by the hair. He tosses her down to the ring face first bouncing off the canvas. She holds her face as Dick goes to pick her back up, but Emery jabs him in his battered ribs. All three are now in their feet and Emery dropkicks Devereaux right into the arms of Alyssa and she hits him with a Backstabber! Alyssa springs to her feet only for Emery to catch her with a quick rollup pin.]
... One!
... Two!
... Kickout!
[Alyssa pushes Emery off with force and the two are back on their feet. Alyssa charges and Emery ducks a clothesline, and counters with an Enziguri. With one person down, Emery pushes herself back up and her eyes lock on The Butcher.]
Dante Reed - Layton goes for a clever rollup pin but it’s not enough to catch Daniels off guard.
[Emery gives a slight grin as she stands up charging at Devereaux and launches into another Cloudbusting hip attack. Dick gets knocked back but catches himself on the ropes. Emery charges at him again, but Dick back body toss her over the top rope. She lands on the ring apron with perfect agility grabbing the back of his head jabbing him with a clenched fist. Dick stumbles backwards leading Emery to springboard off the ropes into a Forearm Smash!]
[Alyssa comes up from behind Emery, grabbing her by the back of the shirt and tosses her through the ropes. Alyssa dashes back over to Dick, hopping over him and into a Springboard moonsault off the middle rope. Daniels comes crashing down and hooks the leg for the cover.]
... One!
... Two!
... Thre—Kickout!
Dante Reed - It’s been a busy back and forth between the three thus far, but it looks like Daniels is working on some steady offense.
Sebastian Riggs - Smart move on her to isolate The Butcher by tossing Emery out of the ring so she can focus on one competitor. But you’re right, no one has taken command in this bout, it’s anyone’s to take!
[Devereaux sits up with a look of rage on his face, and powers back up. Daniels quickly jumps on his back, tangling her arms around him to apply a sleeper hold. Dick trashes her around, keeping Alyssa clinging onto him for dear life. Dick’s face starts to turn red from the loss of oxygen. He begins back peddling and slams Alyssa hard into the turnbuckles. She loses her grip giving him the freedom to breath. She punches him and Dick retaliates back with an even harder punch. Emery enters back into the ring seeing them intertwined in a brawl, she charges them hitting them both with a Running Crossbody!]
[Looking fired up, Emery grabs Alyssa from behind hitting a Dragon Suplex. She once more has Dick in her sights. Before Dick can make it back to his feet, Emery rushes him and launches a hard Busaiku Knee Attack—Eat the Music! Instinctively Emery continues running through the attack, ducking her head down slipping between the middle and top rope and climbs up the turnbuckles from the apron. Devereaux shakes the cobwebs off then forces himself upright. He stands to his feet and Emery sets off like a cannon going for The Prikasa! Devereaux manages to catch her out of the corner of his eye and thwarts her chance at ending this bout by catching her in a backpack position!]
Dante Reed - Oh no! Layton tried to end this one but Devereaux has got her right in his grasps for The Pipebomb!
Sebastian Riggs - His isn’t good for Emery. It doesn’t look like she has the strength to break free!
[Dick’s attention is drawn behind him where Alyssa has quickly ascended the top rope. She dives towards him performing a top rope diving Amnesia! Emery’s jaw bounces off Dick’s shoulder while his skull is smashed off Alyssa’s knees. Like an explosion, Layton and Devereaux go flying in opposite directions. Alyssa rolls over top of the Champ for the cover!]
... One!
... Two!
... Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, AND NEW Union Battleground Champion, “The Heart of Infinity” Alyssa Daniels!
[The crowd explodes into pandemonium after the Amnesia/Pipebomb combination. In almost perfect unison, the fans chant Alyssa’s name as she is handed the title. Daniels looks to be completely baffled at the feat she just accomplished as she stares deeply into the freshly minted Championship.]
Dante Reed - I don’t believe this! Alyssa Daniels is the new Union Battleground Champion! She set her sights for greatness, and achieved it here tonight.
Sebastian Riggs - Amazing effort by all three of these competitors, but my hats off to Alyssa. She has become known as an ultimate opportunist, and once again she proves it again and will now walk out of here tonight in Madison Square Garden as THE Union Battleground Champion! She made a promise and kept her word tonight, the Battleground will surely have a great ambassador leading into season three!
[As her emotions begin to settle in and what has just transpired begins to register, Alyssa clips on the title around her waist and darts out through the broken cage wall. She then flies up the cage, perches on the top, and raises the title high in the air to celebrate along with the fans. Not long after, there are some rumblings happening on the main stage as we see someone walking through the entrance set.]
Dante Reed - Who could that be...?
Sebastian Riggs - Is that..?
Dante Reed - It is! It’s SHIDO!
[SHIDO walks to the center of the main stage and nonchalantly greets the audience. As he strolls onto the stage, lackadaisical in presence and body language, he fully presents himself onto the stage, standing at the edge with his head titled to the side. He stands perfectly still and takes in the aura of the building. SHIDO then looks out to Alyssa who is still standing high atop the cage. The awkward, almost friendly tension between the two brings the house down and the crowd is in absolute pandemonium as the feed slowly fades out.]
tO be cOntinued
