EVENT:
VENUE:
LOCATION:
ATTENDANCE:
BEST VIEW:
Relapse II: Baptized by Fire
Royal Albert Hall
London, England
5,272
Desktop 1920 x 1080
In the Battleground Network Prelim Bout, A brutal affair between Malcolm Dred-King, Maverick, and Konrad Raab got the crowd hyped up for the night. Everyone left everything out there in the ring to prove that they belong in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament. However, only one would advance. Each competitor had their moments in the spotlight where they looked to take control and run with it. But in the end, it was Maverick who prevailed after hitting MDK with his trademark Storm of The Prince to secure the pinfall and officially enter the Tournament.
​
Winner: Maverick via pinfall (Storm of The Prince) in 13:20
welcome to the show
“It’s Time to Collect.”
[The opening montage begins with Axel Graves receiving the mysterious note after Burning Hammer, and a shot of his facial expression revealing pure panic. We then transition to a quick cut compilation of the epic trilogy between The Outliers and The Firing Squad; ending with their brutal ladder match at Crown of the King Cobra. Transition to the end of that night where Nemesis and Salvation beat down SHIDO, resulting in Axel Graves and Elysium Pro President Finale declaring war on Salvation. The final clip shows Emery Layton hoisting the King Cobra Championship high in the air in celebration.]
[Then the montage slows down, showing a masked man and his sidekick discussing business with Axel Graves, and said Masked Mercenary continuously interfering in Emery Layton’s Trench War Title defenses. The masked man finally reveals himself to be former Warped Wrestling legend and current UGWC star Rogan MacLean. Intermittently, clips of Kimitsu Zombie dominating her opposition and hoisting the War Horse Title above her head. The final shot showing Layton, MacLean, and Zombie all in the ring together, and finishing off with Zombie draping the Trench War Title over her shoulder.
[The montage picks back up in tempo, showcasing the brutal affairs during the Guerrilla Warfare. One after another, competitors being eliminated, most notably by Finn Whelan. The final shot showing Alyssa Daniels scoring the final pinfall over the iron man Finn Whelan. Then a heated stare down between Dick Devereaux and Nemesis, a blood feud culminating for a year finally ends in a Slaughterhouse Match. The bloody contest ends with Devereaux tossing Nemesis onto some overhanging meat hooks and then celebrating his second reign as Union Battleground Champion. But before he could even soak it all in, Emery Layton flies in with The Prikasa. The top rope diving cutter catches The Butcher off guard and the crowd explodes as she hands her King Cobra Title off to the referee and shocks the world, capturing the Union Battleground Title!]
[The next scene opens in Axel Graves’ office where his door flies open to reveal the man we all now know as Gunnar Graves. Gunnar is there to collect his debt but Axel isn’t able to pay his older brother due to plummeting ratings and gate numbers. Gunnar takes matters into his own hands, shooting his brother and claiming that “This is my Battleground Now.”]
[Cut to a shot with Emery Layton, Dick Devereaux, Alyssa Daniels, Nemesis, and new acting Owner and Promoter Gunnar Graves inside the ring together, and Gunnar announcing a fatal four way bout at the season finale Coup de Grâce. From there, we see several quick cuts of each individual battling it out in singles competition, and finally a steel cage lowering down into a ring at Madison Square Garden. Layton, Devereaux, and Daniels remain in action and punishing each other with every ounce of energy they have. The final shot shows Alyssa Daniels holding the Union Battleground Championship on top of the steel cage as we slowly fade to black.]
[As the feed went live inside of the Royal Albert Hall, more than fifty-five hundred were jam-packed inside and they were rocking on their feet to an energetic beat thumping under deep bass. With Oh the Larceny shaking the arena at it's very foundation, it was truly “About to Get Crazy”. As the song played through the first verse, promising historical change to begin right now, the cameras swept and panned over the crowd. When the chorus kicked in, “Fat” Saul Swinechop stepped out onto the stage. The old man spun around once then waved his outstretched arms up into the air, encouraging the red-hot crowd with a huge smile.]
♫
IT'S ABOUT TO GET CRAZY,
IT'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN!
IT'S ABOUT TO GET CRAZY,
IT'S ABOUT TO GET LOUD!
♫
[Saul made his way down the ramp, shaking hands and kissing babies, smoking his pipe as he went. At ringside he went a full lap around the ring, talking with those in the front row before stopping at the table that had been set up for him. From his pockets he retrieved a bottle of water, a yellow ruled-tablet and a microphone. He adjusted his bib-overalls and took a seat.]
FAT SAUL
Welcome, y'all! Call me Saul, I am here in the Royal Albert Hall with more than fifty-five hundred and we are ready to experience the start of Union Battleground's third season!
[While Saul continued, the cameras swept over the attendance as they cheered wildly in anticipation.]
FAT SAUL
Boy, oh boy, what a show Relapse two is gonna be with the Crown of the King Cobra gettin’ started tonight with four qualifying matches.
[The fans cheer and chant for their favorite talent, old and new.]
FAT SAUL
The After Dark Champion, Lisa Seldon, be takin’ on IJPW Strong Crown Champion, James Edwards, either of these two could win it all. Robina Hood lookin’ to capitalize on any lingerin’ injuries that might be naggin’ at Kaelan Laughlin followin’ that deathmatch with her old man.
[Saul paused to take a drink and glance at his notes.]
FAT SAUL
Danny Colt gonna return after a pretty decent go last year. Colt be facin’ that outspoken Mikey Svarro who be fixin’ to make a real statement this season. And, Finn Whelan…
[Saul had to pause to allow the crowd to cheer for the returning Whelan.]
FAT SAUL
...yep! Finn is back and lookin’ to make this season the one he takes that big ol´ opportunity and makes it his. Finally? That is, if Fallon Lockhart doesn't take the chance for herself.
[After flipping the first page of the notepad, Saul continues.]
FAT SAUL
Ya know, I thought I saw this man do a retirement tour over the summer, but I guess we gonna see the debut of Michael Kelly against long-standin’ Battleground star Kira Izumi! Excitin’, but that is not all, `cause we just might burn this buildin’ down tonight!
[The decibel level stressed the very seams of the building as the crowd grew anxious.]
FAT SAUL
Surrounded by brimstone and the fires of Hell, Cy Riddle will answer for his indiscretions and come face to face with Elena DeDraca in the MAIN EVENT, right here, TONIGHT!
[As they cheered and chanted, Saul turned over his shoulder and high-fived a fan in the front row.]
FAT SAUL
Ol’ Saul is ready, are all y'all ready?
[POP!]
state of the union
[The concert hall plummets to a dark and unsettling pitch as soft and faint tones chime and buzz on the PA system. The fans in attendance are at a steady lull, waiting in anticipation for the night officially begin. Intermittent strobes of white light flash at seemingly random locations around the building.]
♫
THERE’S A RECKONING A’COMING
AND IT BURNS BEYOND THE GRAVE
THERE’S LEAD INSIDE MY BELLY
CAUSE MY SOUL HAS LOST ITS WAY
OH LAZARUS, HOW DID YOUR DEBTS GET PAID?
OH LAZARUS, WERE YOU SO AFRAID?
♫
[As the first verse of “Blood on my Name” by The Brothers Bright comes in, the towering Gunnar Graves walks out to the main stage. A thunderous pop from the crowd amplifies as the bossman stands tall, soaking in the view. Finally, he begins to ruggedly walk down the aisle. The unrelenting look across his face shows he’s here for business as usual. Gunnar walks up the steel steps to ensure he doesn’t wrinkle his custom suit and enters the ring. As he enters, the arena lights come back on and the music slowly fades out. Gunnar pulls a microphone out from his back pocket and for a moment stares into the crowd as they wait with bated breath.]
GUNNAR GRAVES
Ladies and gentlemen, the Battleground is back! It feels great to be here once again at the Royal Albert Hall to officially kickoff Season 3! Tonight is a special night, where we begin the process of crowning a new King Cobra Champion. I’m sure you all remember last season the magnitude this title holds, where Emery Layton won the title and then shocked the world to finally capture the Union Battleground Championship at Guerrilla Warfare.
It was one of, if not, the biggest highlights of 2018 and now we get to do it all over again. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for many of these competitors here tonight. It’s a chance to have that guaranteed title shot at anytime, any place. It’s an achievement that hoists someone’s name alongside the Union Battleground Champion with every discussion. It keeps the best of the Battleground on their toes at every corner until they’re finally ready to strike!
Tonight is also a special night as we begin a new era of the Battleground. I stand before all of you here tonight and can honestly say that I am beyond honored to have the types of warriors as champions; and the hungry, determined contenders nipping at their heels on our roster, looking to dethrone them. Our champion Alyssa Daniels signifies a changing of the old guard. No more staples like Emery Layton, no more Dick Devereaux, and best of all, no more Salvation. No more face painted piss babies packing their diaper bags and leaving. No more holding championships hostage and hiding in the shadows.
Alyssa rid the stale main event scene at the end of season 2, and has led the charge to a fresh new look and attitude. Our Trench War Champion Kimitsu Zombie is the personification of a fighter’s champion. Never one to back down from any challenger, and someone who DEMANDS their opponent’s best when squaring up with her. Kimi’s sole purpose of returning last season was to avenge her loss to Emery Layton. She won one of the four horsemen medallions, won the War Horse Championship, and then cashed in to end Layton’s time in the Trench War Title picture once and for all. Her only loss last season came at the hands of Finn Whelan, but she avenged that loss too, and recaptured the Trench War Title at the season finale Coup de Grâce. Our War Horse Champion Elena DeDraca continues to walk around unbeaten and is set to defend her title for a fifth consecutive time, against her ex-husband Cyrus Riddle tonight in the main event in an Inferno Match!
It’s a dawning of a new day in Union Battleground. It’s a rebirth, and tonight, we’re getting Baptized by Fire!
[Gunnar drops the mic and the collision echoes a loud audible thud as his music hits once again. The crowd erupts into cheers and are ready to get this night started.]
​
FAT SAUL
What an honor it is to sit here with all y'all and watch this. What a ride it has been to get here, not just for Ol´ Saul, but for everyone that's gonna step through that curtain tonight. Season three has started and it's time to dig into the action!
[Saul gave a nod to the ring announcer, Mike Dempsey, who was standing in the center of the ring ready to introduce the first competitors of the very first match of the season.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, standing 6’4” and weighing in at 235 pounds, from Mt. Sinai, New York, representing RAW Graps Gym, making his Union Battleground debut, he is Michael Kelly!
♫
WELL I SUFFER LOOONG
THROUGH ILL AND WOE
DONE SO MANY WRONGS
I DON’T EVEN KNOW
♫
[Michael bursts through the curtains with a giant smile on his face, standing upon the stage as he looks out into the sea of fans. With a crank of his neck, he starts to slowly make his way down to the ramp whilst spreading his arms out to slap the outstretched hands of the crowd. As he makes it toward ringside, MK scans the ring before slowly circling it clockwise. As he slowly but surely makes his way to the right side of the ring, he hops onto the ring apron and poses with his tongue sticking out and his right arm stretched with a thumbs down. He then steps through the ropes and starts to peel off his T-shirt, balling it up and tossing it into the crowd as he backpedals into the center of the ring, raising a fist up high as his music starts to fade.]
FAT SAUL
Ol’ Saul remembers this guy when he was the Sixth City Champion, doesn't look like retirement was too hard on him.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 6’ even and weighing in at 200 pounds, from Shinhidaka, Hokkaido, Japan, representing the AWF, he is Kira Izumi!
♫
UCHIAKERARENAI DARE MO SHINIRARENAI DARE MO KARE MO...
♫
[Kira comes out from the back along with Kirito shortly following him. He makes an “X” sign with his arms as he starts singing along with the song. Kira walks down the ramp way slapping hands with his fans and walking around the ring.]
[Kira slaps the steps as he makes up the steps, through the ropes, and up onto the middle rope. He stands tall and makes an “X” again with his arms before he looks around at the fans. He repeats this process at the other three corners before he walks to the middle of the ring and takes off his Oni mask. He spits out his blood mist before he turns around and points towards the logo on the back of his jacket. After that he walks to his corner where he waits for the match to start.]
FAT SAUL
Boy, let me tell ya, there's about a dozen or more people takin’ a big sigh of relief over Kira facin’ Kelly here tonight instead of chasin’ that Crown.
[DING!]
[The bell sounds and the crowd gets on their feet for the opening bout. Kelly and Izumi slowly close the distance towards the center of the ring and circle around to keep each other on their toes. Both men lock horns in a collar and elbow tie, and Kelly overpowers his opponent and twists him into an arm wrench. Kira tries to connect with several back elbows but each time Kelly dodges them and then counters with a stiff elbow to the back of the head. Kira looks to be growing frustrated and Kelly seizes the opportunity to change levels and drop him with a chop block in the back of the knee. Kira drops and Kelly quickly springs back up and delivers a monster knee to the temple in one fluid motion!]
FAT SAUL with THE CROWD
OH!
FAT SAUL
Kelly just took his head off there and now he is pullin’ him back up. Irish whip...
[Kira hangs on and reverses it, sending Kelly across the ring. Kelly bounces off the ropes and Kira launches a clothesline, but Michael ducks under. Kelly on the rebound comes back and plants Izumi with a float over DDT! Kelly quickly rolls Kira over to his back.]
FAT SAUL
The leg is hooked for the cover...
… One!
…. Tw—Kick out!
[Kira Izumi kicks out with fire and fury. The two climb to their feet and Kira begins unloading a flurry combo of shoot kicks and jabs while Kelly tries to fend them off. Kira is able to land some cleans shots and slowly backs Kelly into a corner. Kira now switches gears and delivers some punishing elbows and Kelly is in a fog. Kira grabs his arm and goes to Irish whip him across the ring, but Kelly holds on to reverse the whip and catches Izumi with a pummeling European uppercut! Kira stumbles around to stay on his feet and Kelly stays on the attack, launching himself with No Doubt! The discus elbow to the back of Kira’s neck drops him to the canvas.]
FAT SAUL
Listen here, these fans soundin’ like twenty-thousand right now!
[Michael Kelly pounds his chest and strategizes his next move. MK grabs Izumi by the hair and goes to pull him up to his feet, but on the way up, Kira equalizes the playing field with a low blow! Kelly topples to his knees and Kira gets to his feet with a sinister grin across his face. The crowd quickly turns on him as he taunts the fans in the front row before hammering away on Kelly with some more stiff jabs to the face. Kira then yanks Kelly up to his feet and slams him face first into the nearest turnbuckle. From there, Kira flips Kelly around and is scratching and clawing at Kelly’s eyes, trying to gouge them out while the referee pleads with him and tries to pry him off.]
FAT SAUL
Openin’ match of the season here, lets see how the referee handles this...
[Kira ignores the demands, and eventually shoves the ref away and goes back to Kelly, this time launching several brutal elbows. Kira then whips Kelly across the ring, he smashes into the opposite turnbuckle and ricochets off. Kira then catches him off the rebound with the Weight of My Pride, planting Michael Kelly in the center of the ring and Kira rolls him over and hooks the leg for a cover!]
FAT SAUL
Spinning waterwheel facebuster and the cover...
… One!
… Two!
… Th—Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Whew! Kira is not too happy about that count...
[Kira pounds his fists against the canvas in anger and argues with the ref. Obviously to no use, Kira eventually turns his attention back to Kelly and hoists the two back up to their feet. Kira throws a couple short jabs before Irish whipping Kelly back into the turnbuckle. He follows close behind but Kelly manages to stop himself on the ropes and leapfrog over the charging Izumi.]
FAT SAUL
Izumi just smashed into the corner and...
[Kelly stalks his opponent and as soon as Kira turns around, he gets wrecked with a bicycle knee to the dome! Kira stumbles back into the corner, but then fires back out with a Yakuza kick! Michael Kelly ducks it! Kelly grabs Kira from behind and spins him back around with a ripcord headbutt! Izumi ducks The Beheading! Kelly stumbles forward and Kira Izumi launches himself in the air for a Pele kick, but Kelly dodges that one too! Kira quickly tries to get back to his feet, but as soon as he gets on all fours, Michael Kelly rocks him with Just for Britt! The spinning heel kick drops Izumi like a ton of bricks and Kelly falls on top of him for the cover!]
… One!
… Two!
… Thre—Kick out!
[The crowd gasps at the sight of Kira Izumi kicking out and Michael Kelly looks stunned. Undeterred, Kelly shakes it off and pops back to his feet and lays the boot to Kira several times. After softening up his opponent, Kelly picks Kira back up to his feet, and starts firing off knife edge chops to the chest. Each smack echoes throughout the building and the crowd and Saul audibly wince in unison. Kelly backs Izumi up on the ropes and then goes to Irish whip him across the ring. Kira holds on once again and reverses the whip. But wait, Kelly counters the whip back and catches Izumi with a duck under! Michael Kelly lifts Kira with a uranage and plants Kira with a backbreaker over the knee! Kelly transitions back to the feet and overhooks the head and lifts for a vertical suplex and boom! The Desti-knee! The vertical suplex lungblower nearly snaps Kira in two! Kelly rolls on top and hooks the leg for the cover!]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
He had to fight to get`er done, y'all, but...
[DING DING DING!]
FAT SAUL
...Michael Kelly has made a successful debut here tonight.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, Michael Kelly!
FAT SAUL
While Kelly celebrates his win here in the Royal Albert Hall, let me thank the staff here for graciously hostin’ us tonight and invitin’ Ol´ Saul to a century's old tradition last night, Birmingham Royal Ballet's “The Nutcracker”.
[The crowd continues to cheer as Michael Kelly makes his exit. The cameras soon converge on Saul as he cups his ear and listens.]
FAT SAUL
I am being told that cameras have found Mikey Svarro backstage…
see ya around
[It had been quite some time since the name Mikey Svarro had echoed through these backstage halls of Union Battleground. He went undefeated in season one, before again becoming more of a mouth for The Firing Squad, than a fist. Not like he was ever more of a fist than a mouth to begin with, but you get the picture. He’s decked out in his usual suit in time, though in true Svarro fashion he manages to still look drunk and disheveled. His hair is nothing but messy waves, combined with his five o’clock shadow that looks more like five o’ clock. He tightens up his tie a little bit, thinking that’s all he needs to complete his look, before turning to a stagehand.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Hey babycakes, what’s shakin?”
STAGEHAND
“Umm...just doing my job here, sir.”
[Mikey chuckled a little, brushing his hair back and pretending like it was fixed.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Oh, I know I’m on the show and you’re just working your little fingers back here, but you don’t have to call me sir. Call me Mikey...or better yet, call me Daddy.”
[The girl made a strange face at him, taking his original greeting as a possible difference in where someone was raised, but now realizing he was just a slimeball.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“How’s about you come out to the ring with me, and then we blow this popsicle stand? Maybe you’ll blow another popsicle…”
[Her eyes shot wide, nervously laughing and looking around, finding nobody.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Don’t give me that goddamn look! You’re not going to find anyone better than me, Sugartits! Not with an ass like that, I was throwing you a bone, I mighty BIG bone if I do say so myself. You should show a little gratitude!”
UNKNOWN
“Feeding on some stagehand now, Svarro? Come on, bro; leave the girl alone. You and I both know that the only girl for you is one of the ones you employ.”
[The stagehand and Mikey both turn to find themselves staring at the body in which the disembodied voice belonged to. With an arched eyebrow, Finn Whelan appeared as the camera drew back. Mikey rolled his eyes and scoffed.]
FINN WHELAN
“Run along now, before Svarro tries to dig himself into a bigger hole than he was in before.”
[Nodding quickly, the stagehand hurriedly ran away from the scene, her clipboard held tight to her chest. Mikey watches as she disappears and then turns to Finn, throwing a hand up in the air and pinching his fingers together.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“What was that?! I was this close.”
FINN WHELAN
“You know that look that happens when people are nervous and they don’t want to tell people off, so they just stand there completely at a loss for words? Yeah. It was kind of like watching her get hit on by her dad. You’ve really gotta start hitting your age group, dude.”
MIKEY SVARRO
“Isn’t that a little AGEIST of you there, Finn? Love is love and all that shit, right?”
[Mikey acted offended, though a closer look obviously would have proven him just finding a way to turn it around on Finn. His facial expression changed suddenly.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Anyway, how’s the wife?”
GASP.
MIKEY SVARRO
“Oh yeah... nevermind. You know Finn, I never reached out in support, maybe I should take you out for a night on the town, get ourselves some hot babes and all. Well, mine would be hot, and yours would be the less attractive friend, but everyone’s got one of those. You can be my less attractive friend, right?”
[Mikey placed a hand upon Finn’s shoulder like they were old chums. True, they’d known each other for quite a while now, but the status of their ‘friendship’ would forever remain a giant question mark. However, Finn turned his head and looked semi-inquisitively at the placement of Mikey’s hand.]
FINN WHELAN
“What are you doing out of the old people’s home, Svarro?”
[Svarro made a ‘tch’ sound as he clicked his tongue against his teeth. Super disappointed.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Thought I’d try my hand at this little tournament that Union Battleground has got going on. After all...I did make this place my stomping grounds for a bit.”
FINN WHELAN
“Is that right?”
MIKEY SVARRO
“Oh yeah. Season one was my time. Season two went a little—“
FINN WHELAN
“Flat?”
MIKEY SVARRO
“Well, my boys seemed to do their damnedest but in the end, it was better for them both.”
FINN WHELAN
“Yeah. Reigner has done spectacularly. Reyes as well. And you...well...you know.”
[Finn leaned in just a bit and lifted his own hand, patting Mikey’s shoulder lightly.]
FINN WHELAN
“You showed your face again when the time was right. Maybe it is for you. Maybe it’s time you hung up your spurs...you never know. But hey, remember the last time we were in a competition at the same time?”
[Another pat on his shoulder.]
FINN WHELAN
“Good times, Mikey. Good times.”
[Mikey smiled back, his eyes cutting like knives though.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Yes, I do remember that, in a place that’s known to have more controversies than our current president, no doubt that tournament was one of them.”
[First he rolled his eyes, before they shot a little wider, nodding his head to Finn. Mikey reached up, patting Finn’s hand that had just patted him on the shoulder.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Nevertheless, I’ve taken the time I needed to recharge, I’m more than ready for the Crown of the King Cobra tournament. Though, I know your career has been a little…shaky...as of late. Hopefully you’ll be able to defeat your own opponents and make it to the semi-finals where we’d have a chance against each other…”
[Somewhere off in the distance the ‘shade’ sound was ringing every time these two spoke to each other. Why did it always seem like these two were seconds away from having one of those old school WWF backstage brawls?]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Oh don’t you worry Svarro, I’ll be there. Just make sure it’s you I’m standing across the ring from, and not someone like Danny Colt.”
[Whelan extended his hand out to Svarro, and Mikey took it, the pair of them obviously squeezing a bit too hard on the other’s hand.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“I’ll be sure to see you there, Finn.”
[The two continued to stare each other down, having the fakest smiles ever, and trying hard not to throw down hard. But there was history there, too much history, and a longstanding game of cat and mouse. Who was the cat and who was the mouse seemed to change, or they both thought themselves to be the cat. One thing was certain, if they managed to find themselves in the ring, it’d be nothing less than explosive.
[Fade out.]
[Back in the arena, Saul is discussing the possibilities, a match in the making?]
FAT SAUL
Now, if those two somehow find their way to one another in this tournament, what a great we'd have in store, y'all.
[Saul grabs his tablet and flips another page.]
FAT SAUL
Remember, y'all can keep up with the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament and all of Union Battleground on Twitter, just go on and follow Union underscore Battle (@Union_Battle).
[The Crown of the King Cobra brackets flash along with the Twitter handle.]
FAT SAUL
Speakin’ of the Crown of the King Cobra, let's get to the first Opening Rund Match…
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Opening Round Match! Introducing first, standing 5’11” and weighing in at 185 pounds, from Las Vegas, Nevada, he is Mikey Svarro!
♫
HATE, SOMETHING, SOMETIME, SOMEWAY, SOMETHING KICK OFF THE FOR ME
SOMETHING, INSIDE
I’LL NEVER EVER FOLLOW
SO GIVE ME SOMETHING THAT IS FOR REAL
I’LL NEVER EVER FOLLOW
♫
[From seemingly out of nowhere the beginning small drum of "Got the Life" by Korn plays over the PA and people already know who it is. Immediately after the instrumental starts and the crowd fills the place with boos. From behind the black curtain, first comes the humongous Rumble Reyes, shades on and his arms crossed. Stoic as ever. He stands at the top for a few seconds before Mikey Svarro joins him. He's got his signature shades on and a smirk across his face. He takes in the heat, before starting down the ramp. Rumble walks a little behind him, until they get up to the ring. Rumble hops up onto the apron, holding the rope down as Mikey walks up the steel steps. He ducks under the raised top rope and steps into the squared circle.]
FAT SAUL
Oh that Mikey is a sharp, ain't he? Looks good, has that silver tongue and he brings protection.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 5’10” and weighing in at 210 pounds, from Dodge City, Kansas, he is Danny Colt!
♫
CARRY ON MY WAYWARD SON
THERE'LL BE PEACE WHEN YOU ARE DONE
♫
[As the rock ballad kicks in, the crowd rise up to watch the stage, and from the back out steps Danny Colt! Colt is stretching his arms as he steps out of the back, but he stops after a few paces to throw both hands in the air, acknowledging the fans that are responding to him. Danny walks forward a few more steps and then jogs forward, hopping up onto the apron, before he jogs across to the turnbuckle. Climbing up on the outside, he throws both fists high in the air to applause from the crowd, before jumping off and into the ring. Stripping off his singlet, Colt dashes over and tosses it to the crowd, before he moves to his corner and continues his stretches, getting ready for the battle to follow.]
FAT SAUL
Colt started last season with this same umph, can he carry it all the way this year, we about to find out.
[DING!]
[Colt and Svarro meet in the center of the ring with Danny reaching out to shake before the start. Mikey makes him pay with a solid shot to the forehead! Colt stumbles back a bit shocked by Svarro’s total lack of respect.]
FAT SAUL
Y'all think Danny would know better than that.
[Colt takes off at Mikey, who takes off as well but nails Danny with a crossbody pin out of nowhere!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
`Cause it nearly cost him right off the cuff.
[Svarro gets to his feet then taunts Danny about the near pin fall. Colt leaps to his feet then rushes at Mikey for a slingblade! The solid shot takes Svarro completely off his feet! Mikey gets up to one knee leading Danny to come in behind for a chin lock! He twists Mikey’s head leading the crowd to pop.]
FAT SAUL
And, quick as a hiccup, he takes control.
[Mikey reaches up with both legs to snatch up Danny Colt’s head! As the two fall forward, Svarro uses the momentum to roll up Colt in a pin then holds the tights for further bracing!]
… One!
… Kick out!
[Colt kicks out then rolls away from Mikey, who hits the mat with frustration then shoots the Dodge City Dynamo a sinister sly grin. Danny takes off at Mikey full speed ahead but Svarro ducks it then counters with a beautiful hangman’s neckbreaker! The crowd continues to boo.]
FAT SAUL
This one is gonna be fast and furious, y'all.
[Mikey continues to push the gas while his opponent staggers back to his feet. Svarro hits the ropes in order to sling shot himself at Danny! Mikey hits a spear then quickly pulls both legs of his opponent for a pin!]
… One!
… Kick out!
[Colt leaps to his feet after the kick out to catch Svarro still on one knee! Danny hooks Mikey for a picture perfect DDT! Svarro rolls over on his back while Danny gets back up to his feet then hits the ropes to build up some speed. He whips himself directly at Mikey for a violent double foot stomp! Colt hooks a leg quickly!]
… One!
Kick out!
[Svarro rises up just as Danny does for a vicious headbutt! Mikey then headbutt’s Colt again with even more force! The shot sends Danny back to the mat while Svarro rises to both feet! Colt staggers up to both feet right before Mikey bulldogs him from behind! The Dodge City Dynamo is in a daze but Mikey does not relent. Svarro begins to stomp down on Danny, who tries in vain to cover up. He tries to stomp the life out of Colt while all the time riling the crowd further.]
FAT SAUL
Nothin’ like a slick talker walkin’ a mudhole dry in ya favorite guy and tellin’ ya all about it. They are givin’ in Hell for it.
[Mikey eats it up then continues his assault on the Dodge City Kid. Danny counters his grapple attempt however with a solid elbow to the ribs! Svarro hits one knee leading Colt to hook him for a northern lights suplex!]
… One!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Another quick attempt and now...
[Mikey quickly rolls out of the ring leading Danny to give chase. As Colt reaches the ropes, Mikey reaches in to pull at his heels! Svarro then leaps up on the apron quickly to take hold of Danny’s head then leaps off the apron while still holding on to Danny! Colt’s throat bounces off the top rope then slingshots him back! He ends up rolling around the ring holding his neck with both hands. Danny desperately tries to catch his breath while Mikey locks his gaze on the Dodge City Kid from outside the ring. He climbs the ring steps slowly; then, glides through the middle and top ropes.]
FAT SAUL
Svarro creepin’ and stalkin’, just waitin’ for Colt to get up.
[Danny gets to his feet then turns around to face the approaching Mikey Svarro! Mikey and Colt grapple in the center of the ring with Svarro using a knee to gain the upper hand! Danny relents which allows Mikey to apply a side headlock! Colt fights this by digging in his heels then pushing Mikey toward the corner fast from behind! Svarro holds the headlock on then hits the corner with both feet to bounce around while still holding on to the Dodge City Kid for a beautiful “Signing Off”. The maneuver drives Danny’s face into the mat with real violent force!]
FAT SAUL
Hooks the leg!
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
Svarro is the first to advance, y'all.
[DING! DING! DING!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Mikey Svarro!
[Leaving Danny Colt in the ring, Mikey Svarro celebrates his win with Rumble Reyes as they taunt and tease their way up the ramp. Colt shakes the loss and waves to the crowd for a POP. At ringside, Saul watches with everyone else as the ring is cleared.]
FAT SAUL
There is nothin’ like experiencin’ this live folks, the emotion is overwhelmin’ and we are only two matches in. For those streamin’ us live, thank you for watchin’ along.
[Saul waves while puffing smoke into the air from his pipe.]
FAT SAUL
Remember, if y'all can't get tickets to join us in the buildin’, live and on-demand streams are available exclusively on Battleground Network. Be sure to keep up with the network on Twitter as well, just follow at BattlegroundNet (@BattlegroundNet).
[A promotional graphic displayed briefly helping Saul put over the Twitter handle.]
FAT SAUL
Pretty sure we are fixin’ to get into our next ma…
osaka open challenge
[The Royal Albert Hall goes dark and sits still. Chills run downspines. Hairs raise on arms and the back of necks. Then “The Saints Are Coming” by Skids eases in to break the edgy silence.]
♫
I CRIED TO MY DADDY ON THE TELEPHONE
HOW LONG NOW
UNTIL THE CLOUDS UNROLL AND YOU COME HOME
THE LINE WENT
BUT THE SHADOWS STILL REMAIN SINCE YOUR DESCENT
YOUR DESCENT
♫
[White strobe lights flash to the drum beat and then the guitars kick in. The strobes stay synced with the drum as the music intensifies. The music is loud enough to shake the building. People can feel it in their chest, complimenting their anticipation.]
♫
I CRIED TO MY DADDY ON THE TELEPHONE
HOW LONG NOW
UNTIL THE CLOUDS UNROLL AND YOU COME HOME
THE LINE WENT
BUT THE SHADOWS STILL REMAIN SINCE YOUR DESCENT
YOUR DESCENT
♫
[The strobes go nuts along with the drums.]
♫
THE SAINTS ARE COMING
THE SAINTS ARE COMING
♫
FAT SAUL
I guess instead, we are gonna be joined by the Osaka Rebels...
[Masatake Kawamata and Hanako Takeuchi appear side-by-side in the entryway and the crowd roars for Osaka Rebels. They're both wearing sunglasses and black leather biker jackets. Kawamata has black jeans. Takeuchi wears black jean shorts and purple stockings. Kawamata has the Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight Championship and Union Battleground Battalion Championship belts over his right shoulder. In his right hand is a bottle of Fuller's ESB. Takeuchi has her Battalion belt on the right shoulder and the IJPW Shoot Crown Championship over her left.]
FAT SAUL
Highly decorated. Extremely violent. Here they come.
♫
I SAY NO MATTER HOW I TRY
I REALIZE THERE'S NO REPLY
♫
FAT SAUL
As they make their way to the ring, let me tell ya, Kawamata recently defended the Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight title against King Cobra competitor AJ Morales.
[Kawamata and Takeuchi confidently stride toward the ring with broad shoulders – like punk rock marauders ready to conquer the world together – as strobes continue to flash.]
FAT SAUL
If ya keep up with Battleground Network, ya know that both have kept busy since last season. Takeuchi continues to prove herself with Union GP...
[Kawamata hangs his two belts on the top rope, finishes his bottle, then hands that to a ringside attendant. He digs out another Fuller's ESB from inside his coat, pries the cap off with his teeth, and spits it in the air. The cap lands on the canvas and bounces onto the apron.]
FAT SAUL
She's scheduled to defend her Iron Japan Shoot Crown title against UGP Lightweight Champion Jordan Parker-Kane. Be sure to watch After Dark's Maishuu Minagoroshi on January 6 to see this rematch from Union GP 4.
[“The Saints Are Coming” fades out as both Rebels receive microphones from ringside attendants. The English crowd is a mash-up of noise.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
London! How the fuck are you mad cunts?!
[The crowd gives a hearty “waheeeeey!”]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
We just flew in from Tokyo after working Ryogoku Kokugikan last night and fuck me do I appreciate this lovely fuel!
[Kawamata takes a swig from his bottle before continuing.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
Last time I was here, AJ Morales ran me over with a fucking rental car. Was a good fight but hoping I feel better than last time on the plane ride outta here. I'm feeling fucking good right now!
[Kawamata raises his beer to elicit cheers and stops just before taking a swig.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
Got a Fuller's ESB. They make it here in London! I'm a firm believer that when ya go somewhere, mother fucker, do as the Roman's do! Thankfully you brew some good shit out here!
[The King of Violence takes a swig as the fans cheer.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
We've traveled the world and London is definitely a place we would like to get back to more often. Or England in general, really. We could wrestle in Manchester!
[The crowd boos. Takeuchi grins, knowing what she's doing.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
You guys don't like REBELLION Pro? They're in Manchester!
[The fans pop for the Mancunian wrestling company.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
We could go to Scotland...
[The fans boo.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
… and do Evolution Wrestling!
[The fans cheer.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Fuck Scotland!
[The fans cheer.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
Whoa!
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Yeah! Fuck Lisa Seldon!
[The fans boo.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
Easy!
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Were they booing me for saying “fuck Lisa Seldon” or cheering because I said it?
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
I think they were booing you!
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Now, now. We do wish the best of luck to the After Dark Champion. She's fighting the IJPW Strong Crown Champion tonight.
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
Yamashi Promotions represented here in London!
[Kawamata wasn't going for a cheap pop, but gets one anyway.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Fuck yeah, dude!
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
But let's get down to business. Business is what we know how to fucking do! Hanako and I, man, we've been damn busy since we beat The Outliers for the Union Battleground Battalion Championships in September. We've been doing our own shit. We haven't teamed much until we did a “pre-season” this month to get ready to defend our Battalion title belts. And we heard the fucking hype!
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
There's been rumblings in some corners of the wrestling world. Some say Osaka Rebels are THE team in professional wrestling.
[The fans cheer for their Battalion Champions.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
There's some good fucking teams out there. We've heard some interesting arguments. Some in support. Some against us. What's fucking great is that we didn't even make that claim. There's mother fuckers saying that shit for us.
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
But it makes sense, right? The Outliers were considered by many to be the greatest team in this industry when we had that epic trilogy. Then we won the finale. It's not too hard to come up with a reasonable argument to support our case.
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
So there's two things I wanna talk about tonight. We'll get to the Battalion belts and back to talking up our team and shit. I just wanna hit on the Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight Championship real quick! You mother fuckers wanna see that shit defended in Union Battleground, right?!
[The fans pop as Kawamata takes the moment to swig from his bottle.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
Whether I still hold the belt or I'm just helping with the booking, I'll tell ya right now that the Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight Championship WILL be defended in this company in Season 3!
[Fans cheer again.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
I gotta talk more about it with Graves but he's wanted that belt defended in Union Battleground ever since it became a thing! I don't think he'll mind if I say it WILL be defended in Union Battleground! One way or another, whether it's this match I'm putting together against Keegan Ryan or some other shit, even if I'm not the champion, I want that fucking belt defended in this fucking ring! You want that fucking belt defended in this fucking ring! We're gonna make that fucking shit happen in Season 3!
[The fans roar for Kawamata as he whoops it up, playing to them while drinking his beer.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
You also want to see the Battalion Championship defended in this ring. Correct?
[The fans continue to cheer.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Let it be known that he's Masatake Kawamata – The King of Violence, the Man of Punk Rock Ultraviolence. I'm Hanako Takeuchi – The Black Rose, the most dangerous striker in the world. We're Osaka Rebels from the world famous Filth Parade! We're the Union Battleground Battalion Champions and we're now taking a page from our good friends – The Outliers. Grin and Corrupts knew that champions don't have to chase anybody. That's why they came out in Chicago and offered an open challenge. They said, “Here we are! See if you can take our belts!” We just happened to be in the building to answer the call and the first chapter of a tag team saga was written.
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
We're out here to offer our own open challenge!
[The fans get excited, eager to see where this goes.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Anyone interested can come out right now and interrupt us for an impromptu match or respond later. Established teams, makeshift teams. It doesn't matter.
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
Bring out Chelsea or Arsenal or whoever the fuck! Fucking Spurs, man! Crystal Palace! I don't give a fuck! Get Man City or Liverpool on a train down here and we'll thump their asses too!
[The fans shout in a mixture of enthusiasm and vitriol over football.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Bring on all the teams. We are fighting champions. Tell Graves you want to throw down with Osaka Rebels for the Battalion Championship!
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
He'll line ya up and we'll fuckin' knock ya down!
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
It doesn't look like anybody's coming out for an impromptu match. That's shitty. I wanted to have a moment in London like the one we had with The Outliers in Chicago. But we know there's teams who want what we have. It's just a matter of stepping up to the challenge.
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
We're issuing a challenge to the world and to ourselves! We're gonna fucking push ourselves to be the fucking best! We're taking these fucking Battalion Championship belts to the next level in Season 3! You're gonna wanna see this shit! But until then...
[Kawamata necks the bottle.]
HANAKO TAKEUCHI
Uh oh!
[Kawamata shatters the emptied bottle over his head.]
MASATAKE KAWAMATA
London! Let's fucking have it!
[Kawamata drops the microphone. “The Saints Are Coming” plays again as Kawamata fires up the crowd with a little bit of blood running down his face.]
FAT SAUL
There ya are, the Battalion Champions throwin’ out an open challenge to, um, anyone and everyone. And, Kawamata promisin’ to defend his Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight Championship right here in Season Three!
[While Kawamata and Takeuchi make their exit, Saul stands with the rest of the crowd and applauds the open challenges. Taking a seat he wondered aloud.]
FAT SAUL
Did Ol´ Saul hear that wiley Keegan Ryan mentioned? Guess we'll have to stay tuned. We'll be right back.
commercial break
ghost
[The camera brings us back to ringside where, for the first time in several months, Alex Kincaid stands inside a Union Battleground ring. The crowd buzzes with anticipation, the lights are dim and the camera being so close to it gives the whole thing a distinctly intimate feel. The Bullet King smiles as a fan in the audience shouts his name and he gives them a nod. When he goes to speak, there’s a tiny chant for him that seems to catch him by surprise. He steps back from the ropes and moves the microphone from his mouth. He’s overcome with it all. It’s a harder speech to give than he thought it would be. Alex wipes a hand over his mouth and sighs.]
ALEX KINCAID
There comes a time in every man’s life when he has to take a good, long look at himself. There comes a time in his life when he has to take stock of who he is, stock of what he’s done. He’s got to take what my therapist would call a…’personal inventory’. And you’d think that I would be mighty happy with myself after the 2018 I had. Now, maybe I didn’t win the championships I wanted. Maybe I didn’t become the franchise player in this company I wanted...but I had the kind of fights a man can be proud of. You look at the months I spent tearing Kira up, or the absolute classic I had against Owen Gonsalves and you know that I come out here to put on a show like no one else. And you’d think that would be enough right? Enough to get my name out there, enough to put some money in my pocket, enough to make me something special. But it wasn’t. And throughout my life, whenever I’ve had these feelings well up I’ve always thought it was just because I wasn’t having the professional success I wanted. But over the last few months it’s become pretty clear it’s something different.
[He heads over to the corner and rests his elbows on the top turnbuckle, considering his next words for a second, before he shrugs.]
ALEX KINCAID
Hell, this might seem like a weird place to go for a wrestling promo but I guess I’m just going to come out and say it: A few months ago I walked out of this company with the old ‘lost my smile’ excuse. Told people that this shit just wasn’t fun anymore. And when I walked out of here, my darling wife made sure the next place I walked into was a doctors office. And I sat there, and this doctor asked me to explain what was going on in my head. And I laid it out there for him. All of it. The pounding in my head, the thing in my gut that claws and scratches to get out, the absolutely mind breaking anxiety that pounds in me every day and how the only time I ever feel free is when I’m...here.
[He points to the canvas. He holds the microphone in place and stares down, taking a deep breath.]
ALEX KINCAID
I’ve spent so much of my life trying to run from this thing, trying to stop myself from admitting that it’s real and when I’m not trying to admit that it’s a real feeling I do everything else in the world to stop myself from admitting that what’s going on with me is a frightfully common thing. You know, how can I be anxiety? I’m living my dream, I’m married to the woman I love and I’m doing my dream job. How can it be depression? I’m not sad, I’m not down, no what I get is a rage deep down in my gut that tells me to just walk out that door when I’m angry. A rage that tells me that I need to-
[Some of the fans in the front row have started cheering at this admission. He catches it and shakes his head, walking toward the ropes and shaking his head.]
ALEX KINCAID
Nah, see, I appreciate that. I do. I love that you guys are on my side but this isn’t that. This isn’t some guy out here telling you that he’s pissed off and he isn’t going to take it anymore. This isn’t me telling you I’m going to rip DeDraca or Riddle’s head off to get the belt. This is something different. This is me trying to be, well, real in a way that few people are. Because anger has never been the answer to my problems no matter how right it feels. This place has given me every opportunity, and I rewarded by walking away from it every time I didn’t get my way. This shot at L!GHTS OUT? You know how I feel about this shot at the first L!GHTS OUT of 2019? The truth is, I’m not sure I deserve it. The me of the last few months - if I’m being honest, and I’m accepting that this thing is about more than what you can do bell to bell? - he doesn’t deserve that shot. And it doesn’t bring me any pride to say that, it doesn’t excite me to say it because I’ve given this kind of speech before. I don’t want to be that guy anymore. I don’t want to be that guy who steals the show, who puts on the best match of the night and all of you go home saying that I deserve to be in the main event. Because I don’t.
[He heads back to the middle of the ring and shrugs.]
ALEX KINCAID
It is what it is. Alex Kincaid doesn’t deserve to be in main events right now, Alex Kincaid doesn’t deserve to be in Crown of the King Cobra and Alex Kincaid probably doesn’t deserve a War Horse Championship shot. I’m not blind to it, this company is doing me a favor by letting me have this opportunity. But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to take advantage of it, that doesn’t change the fact that the best way for me to show you all what kind of wrestler I can really be is by winning that belt and having the kind of title run I’ve always dreamed of. Because there’s people like me in that crowd, people who struggle with the same stuff in their head I’ve got in mine. People who have to get up every day and fight the good fight just to stop themselves from laying there and letting themselves die. People who know what it’s like to hate how hard it is just to get up in the morning, and know what it is to hate that they didn’t manage to do it at the end of the day. I want to show those people that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I want to show you that you can be something different when you want to be. That you can always, always, always push forward even when you think you can’t. Always.
[He punches up that last word with a defiant point to the camera.]
ALEX KINCAID
By the end of this season, I am going to become the face of this company. By the end of this season, you’re going to see my face on the posters. You’re going to see gold around this waist. You’re going to see the main event player I know I can be. Not because I deserve it, but because I’m finally in the headspace to earn it. I’m going to claw up the ladder, rung by rung, until my fingers bleed. There’s no more giving up, no more moving backward. Maybe I haven’t been the man I wanted to be here. I haven’t been the champion I saw myself as...but I’m still here. Watching. Waiting. Just going on. I want to do more than just be another old wrestler haunting these halls. I want to be more than the Ghost of the Battleground. It starts at L!GHTS OUT, it starts against the winner of the Warhorse Championship match. Tonight? I’ll be watching. I’ll be seeing who I take the first steps against. And maybe, I have no right to ask this but I will anyway: Put it all out there tonight. Don’t disappoint me.
[With that, “I Am” cues up on the speakers and the audience cheers the comeback of one of Union Battlegrounds most loved stars. Kincaid is left in the ring, looking out on his people before he heads to the ropes to leave the ring.]
​
FAT SAUL
Sorry, y'all, I just kinda sat here and took all of that in. Nothin’ like raw emotion to welcome ya back. It's good to see Kincaid again, will keepin’ lid on his anger help or expose a vulnerability? Looks like Dempsey is ready...
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 148 pounds, from Sherwood Forest, she is “The Emo Princess” Robina Hood!
♫
HEH HEH HEH NOW!
♫
FAT SAUL
The current FSW Champion gonna give the Crown of the King Cobra a go here tonight.
[“Enemy” by Blue Stahli (FAM Mix) blasts into the arena, accompanied with a momentary flash of bright light, immediately cause incredibly loud cheers from the English men and women here tonight as red petals rain down from the ceiling of the arena. A purple-haired lady comes through the black curtains with an English flag proudly draped over her shoulders and, instantly knowing that she is Robina Hood, the people in attendance begins to cheer for her even louder.]
FAT SAUL
It's rainin’ lilacs in the Royal Albert Hall! Here comes Robina Hood!
The forest-dweller throws her arms up high in the air, her forefingers pointing out towards the sky. This opens up the flag, revealing her military-styled red dress - with a translucent portion in the front of the skirt - to the cameras and generates a lot of wolf whistles from the men and lesbians in attendance, before confidently beginning to walk down the ramp, high-fiving and interacting with the odd person in attendance while doing so.]
FAT SAUL
Is Sherwood Forest somewhere around here? Sure ain't nowhere near Harmony Lake, let me tell ya.
[She doesn't waste any time in getting to ringside, up the ring steps and onto the ring apron. But instead of immediately entering the ring Miss Hood partly sat down on the middle rope and glanced towards the crowd, giving them all a proud smile before entering the ring. Shortly after entering the ring Robina spreads the English flag out and does a full 360 spin before throwing said flag into the crowd, electing an even louder yet positive response from the people in attendance tonight.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, representing 4CW, she is Kaelan Laughlin!
♫
WARRIOR!
♫
[The beginning beat for “Warrior” By Dead By April begins to play as Kaelan Laughlin appears on the main stage with unanimous cheers from the crowd. She stands on the top of the ramp soaking it all up and possibly showing off her battle scars from her recent highly acclaimed Deathmatch with husband Bryan Laughlin. She begins to speed walk her way down the ramp, slapping outstretched hands along the way.]
FAT SAUL
If it weren't so early in this thing, if there weren't so many other competitors yet to go, this here'd be Ol´ Saul's pick.
[Kaelan stops at the bottom of the ramp and bounces on her feet before taking off at a run to slide under the ropes. Sliding into the ring and rising up off her knees, flipping her long hair back as she does. Walking to the ropes to lean over them and throw her hands in the air to pose before hopping off as the music fades out and she begins to pace and stretch getting ready for the match.]
FAT SAUL
That poor soul in stripes there charged with controllin’ this one.
[DING!]
[The bell sounds and this bout is officially underway. Both women are cautious to strike early, and opt to circle around towards the center of the ring. Kaelan is showing obvious signs of wear and tear from her 4CW Deathmatch just days ago and her Union GP bout just days prior to that. Laughlin limps around to keep herself moving and Hood takes the opportunity to throw some stiff leg kicks and severely slow Laughlin down. The smack from each kick echoes throughout the building and Kaelan tries to defend herself, but Hood then switches up and starts throwing straight jabs.]
FAT SAUL
Maybe Ol´ Saul spoke too soon earlier. Robina is lightin’ Kaelan up in there.
[Hood backs Kaelan up against the ropes, then Irish whips her across the ring. On the return, Hood nails Laughlin with a snap scoop powerslam and immediately begins clawing at her face. Kaelan works up to her base and back to her feet with Hood draped around her head and shoulders. Kaelan hooks the head and plants Robina with a swinging neckbreaker to level the playing field now. Kaelan circles around and gets a top full-mount position over Hood, and puts her MMA prowess on display with a barrage of heavy hammerfists and elbows!]
FAT SAUL
Forget the lilacs, it's rainin’ black and blue bombs
[Robina Hood powers her way off of her back and bridges up to get back to her feet. She pops her hips out and escapes Laughlin’s grasp and turns to deliver a monster European uppercut and Kaelan stumbles back against the ropes. Robina once again grabs Laughlin and slings her across the ring. Back on the return, Robina executes a textbook discus double axe handle smash and Laughlin hits the mat. Robina then drops on top for a cover!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Even nursin’ some wounds, Kaelan's not gonna go down that easily.
[Laughlin kicks out and shows just how much grit she has! The two make it back to their feet as the crowd cheers on, and Kaelan gets the upper hand with a nice straight jab combo. Robina tried to counter back, but Laughlin dodges them and now looks to be getting on a roll. Kaelan continues the rain of strikes before launching Robina with an Irish whip. Robina reverses the whip and sends Laughlin flying. On the return, Robina picks Laughlin up, looking to go for a sidewalk slam, but Kaelan drives through with her momentum and catches Hood with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors!]
FAT SAUL
Kaelan turned her upside-down and inside-out there, can she capitalize?
[Hood stumbles to get back on her feet, all the while Kaelan runs the ropes and catches her with a brutal running knee lift! Robina flops back down to the canvas and Laughlin continues running the ropes! She springboards off the middle rope and catches Hood with a moonsault! Laughlin now hooks the leg for a cover!]
… One!
… Tw—Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Nope! The Emo Princess kicks out with authority and now, she's face to face with the Deathmatch Bride!
[The two exchange punches back and forth with neither gaining any advantage. The crowd is amped up as both continue the beat down until Hood connects with a spinning back fist. Kaelan eats it and stumbles back and Robina rushes in with a double axe handle across her back. Robina tosses Kaelan back into the corner and starts stomping away at Laughlin’s midsection. Kaelan collapses into the corner and Robina sees the opportunity and backpedals a few steps before rushing in for one of her patented butt bumps.]
FAT SAUL
Robina takin’ to the air with a spin and… NO! Kaelan moved, sendin’ Hood crashin’ into the turnbuckles!
[Kaelan slowly pulls herself up to her feet using the ropes as leverage while Robina is clenching her back on one knee in the corner. Laughlin finally gets up and drags Robina out from the corner. She tries to Irish whip her across the ring but Robina plants her foot down and stops her in her tracks. Kaelan launches a knife edge chop and tries again with the Irish whip, but again Robina plants her foot. Kaelan throws a knee in the midsection and tries for a third time, but Robina plants her foot again and this time counters with a ripcord clothesline! But Kaelan ducks the clothesline, and has Robina wrapped around and trapped in her arm and bridges back with a punishing exploder suplex!]
FAT SAUL
Both down and both gaspin’ for air.
[The crowd roars into cheers while both women lay motionless on the mat. Kaelan is first to make a move as she once again climbs her way up to her feet using the ropes for leverage. Kaelan doesn’t stop there as she continues to climb up the turnbuckle now! She finally makes it to the top and lets out a ferocious battle cry before catapulting herself off the top rope and come crashing down with a swan dive headbutt! Kaelan connects and the impact ricochets her off the canvas and both women are down for the count again!]
FAT SAUL
What a move! What a headbutt! They are both down again. Can't really blame the referee for lettin’ this one go here… Kaelan's movin’, y'all!
[Kaelan is beginning to bleed after reopening one of her many battle wounds but she presses on, crawling over to make a cover!]
… One!
… Two!
… Thre—Kick out!
FAT SAUL
NO WAY! She kicked out!
[Somehow, Robina Hood kicks out from the flying head butt and the crowd is going crazy! Kaelan sits up with a thousand yard blank stare with blood dripping down her face. Undeterred, Kaelan struggles her way up and drags Robina to her feet. Just as they stand tall, Robina rocks Kaelan with a head hurt of her own, and Kaelan stumbles back into the corner. Robina takes a few steps back and rushes in for another butt bump. Just as she gets within range, Kaelan darts out and plants Hood with a super kick! Robina is in another dimension as Kaelan quickly grabs her head and races up the corner and hits the Price Paid!]
FAT SAUL
The Shiranui out of the corner drops Robina! Kaelan quick to hook the leg!
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
That's it. It's over...
[DING DING DING!]
FAT SAUL
Laughlin advances, but in what condition?
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Kaelan Laughlin!
[Robina Hood makes her exit, disappointed. Kaelan Laughlin raises her hand as she leans on the ropes. Medical and administrative personnel rush the ring. Laughlin refuses their assistance and eventually walks out on her own.]
FAT SAUL
While the officials clear the ring here, lets see what Savannah Skye is up to backstage.
Another Great Show Again by Lisa Seldon
[We jump to the back and land alongside Savannah Skye, who appears to be fishing for scoops. There’s a brief and only slightly awkward couple of seconds before a second party passes across the screen.]
SAVANNAH SKYE
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m backstage with Lisa Seldon ahead of her Crown of the King Cobra match with James Edwards.
[Savannah has to throw out an arm to catch Lisa Seldon, who otherwise was just going to walk right through. She turns on a dime though and beams the second she realises there’s a camera in her face.]
LISA SELDON
Hi mum! I’m on TV! I’m just kidding, she won’t watch this. Not really her thing. Anyway, how can I help ye?
[Savannah politely ignores her and fires into her questions.]
SAVANNAH SKYE
Ahead of your match tonight James Edwards attempted to downplay your intentions for this tournament. What are you thoughts on that?
[She’s got quite a few, but she decides to combine the majority of them into a shrug.]
LISA SELDON
I don’t begrudge Edwards coming out to try and downplay me. I mean that’s the game. I stack up my points, he stacks up his and history gets to decide which one of us is right. I just hope he hasn’t bought too hard into his own rhetoric, because if he thinks I’m just here for a kick about, then he’s in for a rough afternoon.
[Savannah goes to speak up but Lisa cuts through her.]
LISA SELDON
I’m not here just making up the numbers. I’m thinning them out. That starts tonight. Then we’re marching on to round two, confident as ever.
[Evidently she doesn’t have much else to say tonight, considering that her next move is to pluck the microphone out of Savannah’s hand and take it with her as she heads out of shot. Savannah looks confused. She needed that.]
[Back in the arena, Saul is watching on with his new-found friends in the front row. Smoking his pipe and taking small swigs of water, he listens to the younger looking of the bunch.]
FAT SAUL
Thanks, Savanna! Now, from what Ol´ Saul is bein’ told out here, Lisa has a lot to stack up following last night's End of the Year Awards comin’ into this match.
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Opening Round Match! Introducing first, standing 5’9” and weighing in at 204 pounds, from Lexington, Kentucky, representing the FGA, he is “The Burning Heart” James Edwards!
♫
I’M FEELING THE WAY THAT I’M FEELING MYSELF..
FUCK EVERYONE ELSE.
GOTTA REMEMBER THAT NOBODY IS BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE, HERE..
♫
[James Edwards steps out onto the stage. The Burning Heart receives mixed reviews from the battleground faithful. Edwards focus is unwavering as he walks down the steel ramp quickly. He slides into the ring and ends up on his feet. The crowd continues while he watches the entrance ramp for his opponent.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from Glasgow, Scotland, she is Lisa Seldon!
♫
I’M NOT AFRAID OF STANDING STILL
I’M JUST AFRAID OF BEING BORED
I’M NOT AFRAID OF SPEAKING MY MIND
I’M JUST AFRAID OF BEING IGNORED
♫
[“Fear of Dying” blasts out over the speakers; a thunderous flurry that soon draws Lisa out to the stage. Lisa steps out, drops to her knees and throws both arms out at her sides, pulling some applause from the crowd.]
[Lisa pops back up and saunters down to the ring, beaming a smile as she takes her time with it. Never breaking her stride she hops up onto the apron, leans back to shoot a wink into the nearest camera and then hops up over the ropes.]
[She lands with her arms out stretched and does a little spin for good measure. She then takes her corner and hops up for a seat on the top turnbuckle.]
[The referee comes in to explain the rules of the match up to both competitors. The two wrestlers bump fists leading the ref to call for the bell.]
FAT SAUL
Look at the staggerin’ difference here; I mean, three inches ain't much, but paired with more than seventy pounds, Lisa gotta fight here tonight, y'all.
[DING!]
[Lisa rushes at Edwards full speed! He catches her with a vicious spinning backfist right on the jaw to counter! The sudden shot sends her two steps back. Lisa reaches up to gently touch her now busted bottom lip. Edwards rushes back in only to be cut off by a barrage of sharp muay thai shots! One after another from Frankenstein until James has to cover up from the onslaught. Edwards locks up with Seldon to halt the offensive fury. James manages to hook Lisa with a tiger suplex!]
FAT SAUL
Oh! He thought he had her there. Look at the veteran at work, rollin’ to the outside, breakin’ his momentum.
[James hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring then slingshots back across straight for Lisa Seldon! He dives over the top rope in a crude suicide dive but Lisa ducks it completely! James Edwards takes a bad spill on the outside of the ring.]
[Lisa takes hold of Edwards by the back of his neck. She leads him slowly back toward the ring but he comes back to half way there and takes hold of Lisa’s right wrist! James then irish whips his opponent directly into the ringpost face first! Lisa hits a knee with her nose now a bloody mess. Seldon touches her face with both hands to realize she’s busted open. A sly grin crosses Lisa Frankenstein’s bloody face as she turns slowly to face her opponent.]
FAT SAUL
Nothin’ but air and the mat. She's got him now...
[Seldon stumbles to her feet then reaches up with both hands and sets her own nose while never taking her eyes off of James Edwards, who watches on in complete disbelief. Lisa stumbles over the security barrier next to a steel folding chair when James rushes at her! Seldon shuffles her feet to duck the incoming shot then drop toe holds James face first into the steel chair just behind her! The crowd winces at the violent lick.]
FAT SAUL
Both of them are down on the outside. The referee lettin’ it be, there is a lot at stake for both. They're both movin’ around now...
[Edwards and Seldon both crawl back toward the ring with Lisa rolling underneath the bottom rope to break the count. James gets to the apron then rolls in. Lisa continues to bleed while Edwards is still on his back recovering from eating the chair on the outside just moments prior. Lisa leaves droplets of blood on the canvas as she walks toward the corner. She begins to untie the top turnbuckle to further rile up the crowd.]
FAT SAUL
Oh, Buddy! She up to no good here.
[James watches from his back while Seldon tears off the top turnbuckle cushion in the corner then tosses it out into the crowd. She then turns her wild gaze back to Edwards. The Burning Heart waits until Seldon comes over then bends to grapple him up to strike! He rolls Lisa up in a quick pin!]
FAT SAUL
He `possumed her!
… One!
… Counter!
[Seldon counters by rocking her body weight suddenly to end up back on top of James for a pin of her own that she then bridges!]
FAT SAUL
She rolled it!
… One!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Neither one of them could hold the other down. And, they're both back up...
[Seldon aims for a spinning heel kick but Edwards ducks it and catches her with a neckbreaker to counter! Lisa bounces back up only to be hooked for a vertical suplex! James holds her high into the air to show his superior strength, but it backfires! Lisa nails him with a knee to the face from upside down, leading Edwards to drop her completely! James recovers from the unorthodox counter to take hold of Lisa’s left wrist then attempts to irish whip her into the exposed turnbuckle! Frankenstein counters by holding on to irish whip Edwards into the corner at the last possible moment! James hits the exposed turnbuckle head first! The sharp steel leaves a gash across the top of his head.]
FAT SAUL
They are both bleeding and the referee is gettin’ on Seldon.
[Her focus is solely on James Edwards now. He rolls out of the ring and falls off the end of the apron. Lisa gives chase and as soon as she hits the outside floor, James catches her with a vicious right hook! He follows up with a left uppercut that nearly buckles Lisa Frankenstein.]
FAT SAUL
Yuck! That clot of blood just flew three or four rows deep, damn!
[The Burning Heart quickly rolls Seldon back into the ring then rolls in right behind her. Lisa gets to her feet to face down her bloody opponent, who’s still dazed a bit from the exposed turnbuckle shot he took prior. Seldon catches him with a spinning heel kick then whips him toward the exposed corner again! James catches himself in the corner then springs back at a charging Seldon for a picture perfect springboard enziguri! He hooks a leg after hitting the mat alongside Frankenstein! Saul and the crowd count with the referee.]
.. One!
.. Two!
… Kick out!
[Lisa kicks out then rolls to her feet. Saul and the crowd collectively catch their breath. Edwards pushes himself up off the mat then charges at his bloody female opponent full speed ahead! Frankenstein counters by ducking the charge and latching onto James’s back! She then performs a crucifix driver that she transitions into a pin!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[Edwards rolls over after kicking out and locks in a crossface on Seldon! She thrashes about but he locks it in tight as he possibly can. James pulls back as if attempting to rip Lisa Frankenstein's head off! The shot of the two bloody wrestlers locked in the maneuver captivates the entire crowd. The mat has blood stains all over now from these two and with Edwards pulling back on the already sore face of Seldon, she continues to reach out for the bottom rope in vain.]
FAT SAUL
Edwards keeps tightenin’ up and Lisa keeps stretchin’ for that bottom rope.
[Lisa reaches out as far as she can. Mere inches from the bottom rope she tries to lunge with little success. Edwards continues to apply pressure as both bleed through it all. Lisa appears to fade leading the referee to come in close to check. He carefully lifts up Seldon’s right arm then drops in on the mat. James continues to apply pressure as the referee lifts her arm up a second time... Once again it bounces on off the mat like dead weight.]
FAT SAUL
Hold on, y'all...
[The referee lifts her right hand up off the mat for the final time. He drops it, leading gravity to pull it fast toward the mat. Saul and the entire attendance rise to their feet with widened eyes and breath held. And, at the last possible moment, Lisa Frankenstein comes alive! She stops her hand about one inch from the canvas then lunges and the blood between the two allows her to swing forward just enough to grasp hold of the bottom rope! The ref comes in to break the crossface.]
FAT SAUL
Try as he might, she found a way and now, Edwards has to let Seldon go.
[James comes up from behind Lisa after the break, who is catching her breath against the ropes! He takes hold of her from behind but the slick blood between them causes this task to be more difficult. Lisa slides her arms up to grab hold of Edwards head from behind then performs a sit out jawbreaker! The crowd erupts at the counter. Lisa continues her momentum by clutching The Burning Heart close for Muay-Thai clinch knee strikes! Edwards catches three in succession before falling face first on the mat. James staggers up on to both knees only to catch Lisa’s signature roundhouse kick! She hooks a leg quickly!]
FAT SAUL
She's got him!
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
And, that will do it.
[DING! DING! DING!]
FAT SAUL
A bloodied and battered Lisa Seldon has qualified for the Crown of the King Cobra.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Lisa Seldon!
[James Edwards wastes no time making his exit. Lisa Frankenstein briefly celebrates, wiping blood from her face.]
FAT SAUL
Hey, we will be right back follo… okay, hang on, y'all; we are gonna go backstage...
he returns
[Backstage, the camera is focused in on a small table; atop it rests a single candle, dimly lighting only a fraction of the room... and a book, black, decorated with gold and embedded symbols. The markings resemble hieroglyphics, scarabs, and other ancient Egyptian imagery. The view only lingers on this for a moment, slowly panning up to reveal a woman.]
[She looks... at least partially Japanese, though her very tan skin and golden eyes may cast some doubt. Sporting a rather tight suit and some truly gaudy jewelry, she steps out of the darkness, running her black fingernails across the surface of the book.]
UMI
Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Umi. Though not a wrestler myself, I have what you might call a... an invested interest in the business. I have scoured the four corners of the world, seeking the greatest talent pro wrestling has to offer. After much deliberation and research, I have concluded that such athletes lie here... in Union Battleground.
[She smiles only a little, the candlelight dancing off her face.]
UMI
The performances that have gone on thus far have only reassured me--this place was the correct choice. A nexus, where the mightiest warriors of the modern era congregate and wage their respective wars. You have all risen, and proved yourselves on the field of battle. You have impressed the people, and become a spectacle unmatched by any others. You, members of the Union Battleground roster, have ascended to the highest heights expected... of mortal men.
[The smile, gradually, spreads into something more malicious. The light seems to hit her face a bit differently, the pretenses fading as the smirk widens.]
UMI
And that is all you are, is it not? Human. Short lived. Frail. You are the best of the mundane--you have achieved every last inch that spray tans, steroids and gym memberships can afford your meager flesh. You flit about your insignificant little lives, taking photos of coffees, typing in all caps about politics... but you are the best. Destined, or perhaps doomed, to retire and inevitably die, leaving a memory if you can muster it. The very best that humanity, in all its pathetic stature, has to offer.
[She leans her head back. Her seething glare never leaves the viewer.]
UMI
I chose Union Battleground because, housed within its walls, are you lot--the best of humankind. What I bring to this company, what I unleash upon each and every one of you is something older, something bigger, something more profound than that. I could make a demonstration of him at any company in the world, but I want more than just a show.
[She pauses, briefly.]
UMI
I want your peak performers to lie at his feet. I want this inane society to see that their best does not measure up--that their greatest warriors, their top talent, cannot ever compare. Too long has this business been free of wonder, lacking the supernatural element. I have brought it back, Union Battleground. It has returned. He... has returned, and soon, you will do more than fall to him. You will kneel. You will take to your collective knee... in respect, in worship, in fear, it matters not why, but you will kneel. Both before myself...
[One figure emerges from the shadows behind her. He's absolutely massive, easily seven feet in height and towering over the woman speaking. As he draws nearer, more details are bathed in the candle's glow--rotted flesh, faded gold, tattered bandages. He is a monster, heaving, with clenched teeth and a barely restrained rage in his eyes.]
UMI
...And Inaros.
[The creature lets loose a bestial roar, the camera visibly shaking as the war cry echoes forth.]
[The scene cuts away abruptly.]
commercial break
arena o' war
[The loud clanging of dragged chain links silenced the clamor of more than fifty-five hundred people. The quickening tempo brought them to their feet, attention on the entrance and then, just as quickly, it stopped. Even without actual flames around the entrance, the lighting in the Royal Albert Hall enhanced the rising billows of smoke with fluttering reds and oranges. A broken opening riff ripped over deep and distorted bass before Zac Brown Band's “Heavy Is the Head” rocked from the speakers. One of Chris Cornell's last vocals ushered out the Godless Heathen from the South.]
[Heathen Jones stepped out from behind the curtain and stopped dead at the top of the ramp. In a pair of Red Wings tucked under the legs of a pair of worn and stained Wranglers, he stood there; he had a red bandana wrapped around the collar of a short-sleeved, black button up. From under his straw orchard-hat, tucked deep in the tight black curlies of his “grizzly”, a soulless set of black beady eyes were locked on the ring. As the song kicked into the chorus, he made them wait as he brought the Mossy Oak mudjug in his right hand to his lips. The long sticky tail of his tobacco dropped down into the thick bear on his chin. Not the first crusty bit to have done so either, likely not the last. Around his left wrist and wound through the grip of his fist, the links of a heavy log chain that trailed off behind the curtain.]
[Thus far, having done all of his promotion on the US east coast, besides the fact that this is his first appearance in the UK, he hadn't provoked the reaction he had hoped for. To this crowd, he appeared nothing more than a filthy man with a crusty beard and a bad habit. No sooner had he jerked the chain however, the entire building raged with passionate and furious hatred.]
​
FAT SAUL
Nephew or not, Ol´ Saul will never condone his actions with that lil’ gal.
[Stumbling and falling over herself, Hickey was yanked through the curtain. Tiny isn't a small enough word. She could super-size her fries or should any way. She scurried to get her flip-flop back on, she had nearly walked right through them. Newspaper thin. She was filthy and her clothing was disgusting. A stained pair of torn and frayed Daisy Dukes and a soiled shirt; or, what was left of it after the neck, arms and bottom was ripped from it. The chain wrapped once around her waist and, for now any way, rested snug on the bones of her bruised hips. A Master-Lock secured it tight.]
[With her flip-flop on, Hickey crawled to her feet and caught up to Heathen. She could be heard pleading with him to turn around, begging him to enjoy the sights of London with her instead; she insisted, “No one has to get hurt tonight!” All, for nothing. Her pleas fell on deaf ears as he brushed her aside. Like the Americans, the UK fans showered him in garbage all the way to the ring. When she fell behind and the chain went taunt, he yanked with all of his power. At ringside, she obeyed his bark to remain by the ring steps while he flopped up onto the apron and rolled in under the bottom rope. Walking on his knees to the corner, he unwound the chain from his hand and wrapped it once around the ring post. With a second lock from the chest pocket of his shirt, he restrained her to the ring.]
[Using the middle rope on each side of the turnbuckle, Heathen pushed himself to his feet. He kicked empty trays and paper cups about the mat as he crossed the ring, demanding a microphone. Taking the center of the ring, he reveled in their contempt for several minutes before raising the microphone to his lips.]
HEATHEN JONES
Funny, ain't it…
[Heathen's voice came from his chest, a rumbling resonation in a muttered volume.]
HEATHEN JONES
...y'all wanna boo an´throw trash `cause ya thinkin´ ya know meh.
[To compensate the clear language barrier, condescension flooded his tone.]
HEATHEN JONES
If'n all ya know is dat meh dragged dat Bitch down tuh duh-ring `ere an´dats dat…
[Those blank eyes rolled up into his skull as he drew a chest filling breath, leaving them hanging; momentarily, any way.]
HEATHEN JONES
...naw. Y'all don't know meh. An´, meh gets it; don't un´erstan´ it, but meh gets it. Tell meh, wha´ sense it makin´ askin´ meh tuh fly `ere an´ sell ya uh-match happenin´ weeks from now an´ nowheres near `ere…
[Raising the left side of his thick black mane, Heathen smirked. Slowly he shook his head side to side. Smug.]
HEATHEN JONES
Y'all know meh `ponent, Mistah Honeymoon. He so set on bein´ in uh-final, he lookin´ right on past duh-Heathen. Y'all cheerin´ `im, no doubt in meh mind. Jus´ `member, y'all don't know meh. Tell ya what doe, ask any redneck, white trash, blue-collar wrasslin´ fan back home who wanna win dis Cobra Crown duh most; dey gonna choke tuh spit it out, but dey gonna say, “duh-Heathen.”
[Unlike the fervent passion of the American fans, he didn't have to speak over the sold-out crowd surrounding him.]
HEATHEN JONES
So, tuh Hell wit´ AJ Morales. He wanna work out `is career in uh-tribute tuh`is wifey's legacy. Not startin´ on duh-Heathen's shoulders. Hell nah.
[Heathen slowly starts pacing a step or two to each side. If they were going to allow it, he was taking advantage of it.]
HEATHEN JONES
Go on ya honeymoon. Celebrate y'all's new life t´gether. Come on back wit´ all ya social hype an´ duh-Heathen gonna get`cha back tuh`er side real quick like. Mmhmmm.
[Dead stop. The focus had to slightly backtrack as he took the center of the ring once more.]
HEATHEN JONES
`Cause meh duh-un been sellin´ out duh-big houses back home. Up an´ down dat east coast, lettin´ `em know meh chasin´ dat Cobra Crown. Doin´ it while puttin´ uh-hurtin´ on dis “legend” Texan. Meh `ere to rep Mil-len-ni-um.
[He had announced that he would be representing Millennium Wrestling on their show a week before Christmas. He had to sound out “Millennium” as he had stammered and mutilated it until recently.]
HEATHEN JONES
Ain't lookin’ past ya, AJ; nah, ah´dis point meh lookin´ through ya. Gots no bones `bout knockin´ ol´ Finn out in uh-final. Seldon…
[He gulped hard into the microphone with a deviant half-smile and perverse overtone.]
HEATHEN JONES
...oh, tuh gets meh hands on-`er. Mmhmmm. Dat Kaelen's `nother un meh like tuh wrap meh chain `round. Jus´ drippin´ in golden ops, ain't `er? Mmhmmm.
[Grasping his chin, Heathen rubbed his beard through his fingers. Clearly, something had his mind, but he was quickly back on track and the UK crowd hung on his every word.]
HEATHEN JONES
Mikey might talk better dan meh, but in`ere, meh rather hand ol´ Colt `nother big loss. Pfth… meh can stand out `ere all night, go on an´ on `bout dis, dat an´ who an´ when jus´ like AJ wanna tweet.
[Heathen stopped, his stare pierced the lense, his expression was about half-demented.]
HEATHEN JONES
Honest? Dunno an´ it don't matter. Dey wanna send Ralph Kramden out `ere first, so be it. Meh gonna make an `xample o`im. Gonna let all y'all know, dis be duh-Battleground of duh-Heathen, meh own Arena o`War. Meh gonna bruise ya. Meh gonna break ya. Meh gonna beat ya.
[His right hand high above his head he held up a finger for each count.]
HEATHEN JONES
Un! Two! Dree! Cobra Crown. Duh-Big Throne o´meh choosin´. An´, kiss meh ring. Too bad for ya limey bunch `ere gonna hafta stream dat shit
tuh see it.
[Heathen tossed the microphone to the right, through the ropes. He was done. Unlike the fans in the States, they had forgotten all about the little girl chained to the ring. He spilled his entire speal on the stick and they ate it up. Until he returned to the corner and unlocked the chain. Only then did they boo him as he dragged her back up the ramp and disappeared behind the curtain.]
​
FAT SAUL
We will have to wait until the Union returns to the States to see Heathen and AJ, but the qualifiers are about to wrap up here in London. Let's go back to the ring.
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Opening Round Match! Introducing first, standing 6’4” and weighing in at 202 pounds, from Seattle, Washington, representing Union Battleground, he is “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. He begins stepping down the stairs at a brisk pace, high-fiving a couple fans as he makes his way down to the ring.]
FAT SAUL
Will he make this his year? Will Season Three be his? Here comes Finn through the people!
[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, choosing a few choice words to share with them. He drops down from it, and pulls off his vest as he heads to the his place against the turnbuckle, leaning into it as his music fades out.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 4’11” and weighing in at 115 pounds, from Los Angeles, California, she is Fallon Lockhart!
♫
FLIPPING UP THE LIGHT TRYING TO SURVIVE THIS ENDLESS FIGHT
IF YOU SHOOT THEM DOWN, WE CAN MAKE IT RIGHT, WE'LL MAKE IT RIGHT
AND THEY LIGHT THE SKY AS THEY MULTIPLY, THEY MULTIPLY
NO MATTER WHAT THEY TRY, THEY WON'T TAKE AWAY OUR WILL TO FIGHT
♫
[“Lionhearted” by Porter Robinson hits throughout causing the crowd to cheer wildly. Fallon does not take her eyes off of Finn as she approaches the ring. Laser focus leads Whelan to roll his eyes which angers Fallon as she approaches the ring. The crowd goes wild eager to see this match. Lockhart walks up the steel ring steps then glides through the middle and bottom ropes swiftly. Whelan stands in the opposite corner awaiting the match to begin. Lockhart plays up the crowd inside the ring before choosing the corner directly across from Finn. The referee comes in to explain the rules of the match up personally before calling for the bell.]
FAT SAUL
I have seen a few of her matches on the road, never seen her in one with such weight though.
[DING!]
[Fallon extends both fists out at Finn, who comes in with a discus clothesline! The sudden violent shot turns Lockhart inside out. Whelan follows up with a knee shot to his smaller opponent as she gets to her knees. The Seattle Saint then irish whips Fallon from her knees into the rope with real speed! Lockhart hits the ropes full speed then bounces off and right back at Finn, who goes for a clothesline but misses! Lockhart slides between his legs at the last possible moment! This leads Finn to slouch over a bit as he spins around. Whelan gets nailed just as he turns with an overhead pele kick from Fallon! The crowd pops.]
FAT SAUL
Don't blink, folks.
[The counter sends Whelan down to one knee. Lockhart races to the corner and climbs up quickly to the top turnbuckle. Fallon leaps off just as Finn gets back to his feet and turns to face her! Flyin’ Fallon nearly tornado DDT’s Whelan out of his wrestling boots! She quickly hooks a leg!]
… One!
… Tw-Kick out!
FAT SAUL
She spiked him, not near enough to keep him down though.
[Whelan kicks out then quickly rolls out of the ring. Lockhart rolls out on the opposite side. She comes around the side of the ring to face Finn! Whelan takes off at Fallon and catches her with a solid forearm smash! The shot sends the smaller superstar to the floor in a pile. Finn quickly follows up by pulling Lockhart back to her feet then irish whips her toward the security barrier! Fallon hits the barrier full speed then bounces off violently. She ends up laid out on the outside floor. Finn looks at his opponent then over at the steel ring steps.]
FAT SAUL
Don't tell me he's gonna...
[Whelan walks slowly over to the ring steps. Finn carefully removes the top step then sits it alongside the bottom before returning his wild gaze back toward Lockhart. The Seattle Saint then charges at Fallon, who has made it to a seated position. Whelan catches her in the face with a vicious knee that sends her head back into the barrier! The crowd boos as Finn stands his dazed opponent up once more.]
FAT SAUL
Finn rolls in to break the count and he's back after her.
[Finn finds Lockhart stirring with a swollen right eye from the previous knee to the face. Fallon russian leg sweeps Whelan suddenly to pull his feet out from underneath him! Lockhart then stands up to take hold of the back of Finn’s head before she swiftly slams him face first into the steel ring steps! Whelan ends up laid out face down on the steps while Fallon looks over at the ring steps that Finn had previously set aside. Whelan doesn’t move as Lockhart lifts up the top ring step. She has a difficult time but manages to hoist it up. She slowly turns to hover above Finn, who is laid out on the bottom steel step.]
FAT SAUL
Oh man! Oh man! I'm tellin’ ya, I never imagined this...
[Lockhart suddenly drops the ring step onto Finn’s head essentially sandwiching his head between the two ring steps with real force! The crowd awe’s in complete shock. The referee scold’s her from inside the ring.]
FAT SAUL
Stripes is yellin’ at her, but that look on her face right there, she just realized she can't win on the outside.
[Fallon pushes with all her might to get Finn up to the apron.]
FAT SAUL
It took her some work and she is just about spent, but she got him back ON the ring.
[Lockhart then rolls back into the ring to pull up at Finn in vain. Whelan comes to a bit and rolls into the ring in a daze. Lockhart hooks a leg but Whelan counters somehow with an inside cradle!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
No idea how he did it, but he couldn't hold onto her.
[Whelan falls back to the mat after the amazing pin counter. Finn may be concussed, but continues to fight in a blurry daze. Lockhart taunts the Seattle Saint by pointing at her own heart to imply Finn has lost his for this business. Whelan snarls then leaps up to his feet only stumbling slightly now. Fallon charges believing she can take the larger opponent down with a spear but Whelan catches her with his version of the gogoplata! The referee comes in close to watch for a tap as desperation washes over Fallon Lockhart.]
FAT SAUL
She's strugglin’ and screamin’ now. Betcha she's wishin’ he hadn't blown all that energy on the outside.
[Whelan appears off still from the sadistic ring step shot from earlier. Finn buys himself time with this hold and hopes to tap her out right now. Lockhart has other plans and kicks out with her feet! The two are close to the ropes, but Whelan applies even more pressure to the fan favorite with subtle glee.]
FAT SAUL
If she can stretch… that… leg… she may get away from this madman.
[Lockhart hooks the bottom rope with her right foot which leads the referee to come in to break the hold. Whelan releases it immediately. Finn stands up slowly while Fallon favors her neck then uses the ropes to pull herself up. She takes off at Whelan full speed ahead and catches him with a beautiful hurricanrana! The move wows the crowd leading her to bounce back to her feet with her neck still in pain. Lockhart continues her momentum by rolling Whelan over then stepping over his back. She takes hold of his right leg to apply a single leg boston crab!]
FAT SAUL
Here's a submission hold of her own!
[Finn can only peer slightly over his right shoulder to see his smaller opponent bending him like a pretzel on the mat. She leans back as far as possible to apply the most pressure possible. Finn reaches over his head as far back as he can to grasp hold of Lockhart by the hair of her head! Whelan then pulls as the two become entangled in a ball of pain. Fallon sits even further back leading Finn to pull forward with all his might! She releases the hold leading Whelan to release his hold on her. Finn has a handful of hair in each hand when the two face each other down again!]
FAT SAUL
Not textbook, but an effective and unorthodox way to break that hold.
[Whelan catches a charging Fallon with a solid kasagiri chop! Then follows up with another! The second leaves a cut above the right eye of Fallon Lockhart. Whelan then takes hold of Lockhart’s shoulder with his left hand to pull her in close for a solid right hook! The shot sends her to the mat in a seated position in the corner. Whelan backs off then aims his ire at his opponent in the corner in the form of a beautiful shining wizard! Whelan goes for a quick pin after Lockhart hits the mat!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Fallon is back up and the frustration is buildin’. Every time he thinks he has this one, she kicks out.
[Whelan gets up then goes for Fallon, who drops to the mat to catch him with a dragon screw! Finn gets to one knee quickly leading Lockhart to perform a perfect arm wrench leg drop! The larger Whelan gets rolled up into a pin!]
… One!
… Two!
… Th-Kick out!
[The crowd is in complete disbelief. Saul's jaw drops wide open. Lockhart rolls back to her feet while Finn's expression reads shock after being nearly defeated just moments before. He turns around to be caught in a snapmare by Fallon! She uses his body weight to flip him over then hits the ropes to build momentum for a drop kick! The shot causes the crowd to pop!]
FAT SAUL
Finn is up to one knee, that's a swinging neckbreaker from Lockhart!
[She then heads for the corner closest to her opponent full speed! She climbs up on the turnbuckle and calls for her signature aerial maneuver to get the crowd going strong in her favor. Whelan is laid out flat on his back while Fallon perches herself on the top turnbuckle. She dives off looking for a corkscrew shooting star and performs it in the air flawlessly. Finn rolls out of the way at the last possible second leading Lockhart to crash and burn!]
FAT SAUL
He moved! Oh!
[Whelan stumbles to his feet with a potential concussion then watches from behind as Fallon Lockhart lifts herself up on the mat with her elbows. She then gets both her knees beneath her as Finn charges in! Whelan catches Fallon on the back of the head with a vicious curb stomp! Lockhart goes stiff on the mat while Finn drops down to hook her right leg!]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
If anyone doubts Finn's desire this season, watch this one back on-demand.
[DING! DING! DING!]
FAT SAUL
With a vehement will to advance, Finn has.
[The referee helps Finn to his feet then raises his arm high into the air in victory.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, "The Seattle Saint" Finn Whelan!
FAT SAUL
While Finn makes his exit, he joins Mikey Svarro, Kaelan Laughlin and Lisa Seldon in the quarterfinals. We have four more qualifiers two weeks from now in North Carolina before the quarterfinal matches are set.
[A graphic showing the updated brackets appears briefly before the feed cuts backstage.]
my battleground
[The Union Battleground War Horse Champion, Elena DeDraca, was found standing backstage. She was currently facetiming her daughter, a smile plastered over her face. That was until the cameras found her and she put her phone down. In a graceful manner she fixed her hair, putting the title over her shoulder. Her greenish eyes focused on it for a few seconds before she began to speak.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I have received a lot of questions in the past weeks surrounding this upcoming match. Some people seemed rather worried, others thrilled. But there was one concern that all of them shared. Can you withstand the pressure? Do you know how to put your personal feelings aside? I was asking myself the same question. Over and over again. For the past months it was constantly on my mind and the answer wasn't decided till last week. I can. But that doesn’t mean that I will. I have stated that in the past and some of you might remember it. My emotions make me strong. While others feel weakened, I feel motivated. This is personal and I wouldn’t dare to say anything else.
[She rolled her neck several times waiting for it to crack. Some sort of relief filled her body hearing that noise.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I want it all. I never been the type that settled for second best. Of course at the end of the day this is still a wrestling match, but for me this is vendetta at its finest. For too long I have been biting my tongue. I betrayed myself and the people in my life. I accepted things that I shouldn’t have accepted in the first place. But that is life and sometimes you have to deal with it your own way. What some fail to see though is that the tables have turned. This is my home. And when someone steps in here thinking they can take what belongs to me, they will have to answer. No matter who they are or what they mean to me. No mistake about that, Cyrus. There was a time you meant the world to me. Which brought us into this dilemma in the first place. There never was any equality between you and me. I didn’t see it back then, no matter how hard people pointed it out, but I see it now. Obviously I need to be ripped apart to find my own strength. Or to use it correctly.
[A dangerous grin formed on her face.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
You had everything and you still weren’t satisfied. But that is the story of your life, right? You always want more, no matter the cost. I could ask why you been so silent the past weeks, but I know the answer. I know how busy it is to provide a life for a soon to be mother. I know the struggle of getting everything ready. But you signed up for something and that means you will hold up your end of the deal. Even if I must force you to. And maybe when everything is said and done we can move on. I don’t know it. We had a bond that was strong but you still managed to cut it through. Love is patient they told me. But sometimes love isn’t enough. And neither is every wishful thinking a woman can do. You wanted the best of me. You wanted to enjoy my pitch black soul. And I granted you that wish. Don’t disappoint me, Cyrus. Because either way I will cut into you deep.
[The grin now turned into a full grown smile. She licked over her dark red lips, nibbling on her bottom lip afterwards.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I am a pretty toy. I am a loyal mate. I am a passionate lover. But you threw all of that away. For what? I guess we all know the answer. You know it better than most, what I do -- I do a hundred percent. Tonight we battle for my War Horse title. But we also battle about the last bit of love I have left for you. Something rare. I don’t grant second chances, yet I have given you more than that. Be a man, Cyrus. Fight me like you have never fought anyone before. All cliches aside. For a decade you called yourself the Impaler, never aware that it would be my hand that puts a pale into your rotten heart. War isn’t pretty, Cyrus. And we both know you have been through battles. Plenty of them. But you don’t know anything about war and how it leaves you bleeding. My name is war and I am coming for you.
[Elena was interrupted with someone appearing behind the camera guy. Lara Chambers. The audience went nuts for a few moments. She stepped aside to greet her friend.]
THE LADY OF CHAMBERS | LARA CHAMBERS
Ready for the biopsy, Elena?
[She looked at her somewhat puzzled.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
What?
THE LADY OF CHAMBERS | LARA CHAMBERS
Aren’t you going to cut out a big piece of rotten flesh tonight? Some say it smells ten miles against the wind.
[She put one of her hands on her hips trying to remain serious.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
Call it what you want, Lara. Tonight will be a bloodbath like the world hasn’t seen before. And not everyone will have the fun they came for. But that's the best about being the War Horse champion. This is my battleground and I don’t give a fuck about what everyone wants.
[Elena three times clapped on her title before she started to walk off.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen it's time for the Main Event of the evening! The following battle is an Inferno Match and it's for the Union Battleground Warhorse Championship! A win only coming by way of setting your opponent on fire! Introducing first, the challenger, standing 6'3" and weighing in at 230 pounds, from New York City by way of London, England, he is the 4CW Tag Team Champion, "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?
YOU WANT MY VOICE FROM ME?
YOU CAN HAVE IT, JUST KNOW
I SOUND LIKE THIS BECAUSE THE DEVIL HAS MY THROAT
♫
[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. Cyrus approaches the ring with a confidence in his steps, accompanied only by the subtle hints of a methodical approach as if to be zeroed in on a victim.]
♫
BITCH! I AM THE POWERS THAT BE!
I AM CHRIST CRUCIFIED ON THE T!
I AM THE ALPHA!
AND THE OMEGA!
♫
[Cyrus’ ascends the middle outside turnbuckle as the chorus begins to play, pulling the bandana from his face and throwing the hood backward only to mouth the next part in imitation of the lyrics.]
♫
I'M THE MESSIAH, THE GNASHING OF TEETH
NO ONE MEETS DEATH UNTIL THEY SEE ME!
I AM THE ALPHA! AND THE OMEGA!
♫
[His trademark smirk followed by a tongue glide along his bottom lip can be seen as he looks around the arena and jumps down to climb between the top and middle ropes. In the middle of the ring, he removes his vest slowly to reveal his heavily tattooed body and physique, not without that always evident bit of arrogance. He tosses the jacket over to the ring attendant and stands in the corner calmly, awaiting.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 5’8” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from London, England, she is your Union Battleground War Horse Champion, "The Fist of Hydra" Elena DeDraca!
♫
THE GLORY OF A NATION DIES
THE SYMBOL OF THIS WAR IS COMING
A WARNING MEANT TO SAVE OUR LIVES FROM
F.E.A.R.'S RELIGION
♫
[There are some cheers when the curtain is flung back and a dour, yet supremely confident Elena DeDraca makes her way onto the stage. Her title hanging gracefully over her left shoulder, while her fingertips softly run over it. She takes a moment on top of the stage before lifting it high over her head.]
[As the fog begins to clear and the lights pulsate in tune to the music, Elena looks to her left, and then to her right as she absorbs the general atmosphere she is receiving. The pale queen nods, and she appears to smile while she makes her way down the ramp.]
[Several hands reach out for Elena's acknowledgement as she heads toward the ring, however she coldly ignores each and every one of them. Once at ringside, she leaps up onto the apron and there are some boo’s as she throws her hand up, pointing directly at the crowd, before she elegantly steps between the top and middle rope. Making her way to the middle of the ring to show off her title once more before handing over to the official. She simply throws back her head and laughs at the referee's suggestion of a weapon check. As her theme music slowly fades out, Lady DeDraca throws up her taunt once more and then she confidently stares daggers at Riddle.]
[The Impaler stands across the ring from The Fist of Hydra while the referee stands outside next to a long bar along the apron. The bar goes all the way around the ring. The ref strikes a match leading the bar to ignite. The flames snake around the entire ring with the flames nearly licking the bottom rope. The entire ring is now surrounded by fire as the bell sounds throughout!]
[DING!]
FAT SAUL
These two have waited long enough, here we go...
[The flames illuminate the faces of both wrestlers as they begin to circle one another. Lady DeDraca strikes first but Riddle counters with a leg sweep that causes Elena to fall face first toward the fire! She can feel the heat on her face before she flips over then hops up to her feet to face Cyrus.]
FAT SAUL
That is some heat, y'all. Ol´ Saul gonna need more water out here.
[Cyrus shoots her a sly grin after nearly tripping her face first into the fire. DeDraca comes in firing with fists causing Riddle to step back then cover up! The Impaler suddenly counters with a solid European uppercut! Then another! Cyrus nearly knocks Elena off her feet with a third decisive uppercut, but cradles her up into a fireman’s carry that Cy transitions into a neckbreaker!]
FAT SAUL
Three unabated shots and he's dropped her on her neck.
[Riddle bends over to lift up Lady DeDraca, but she kicks him in the face from flat on her back! She then sweeps Cyrus's feet out from underneath him! Riddle rolls over to push himself up, but Elena is already back to her feet! She hooks his legs quickly then falls back to wrap both arms around Riddle’s head for a picture perfect Muta lock! She locks it in near the ropes, but no referee would dare step inside the ring of fire. Cyrus’ face is right at the flames leading DeDraca to fall a bit back to further push Riddle’s face closer to the fire!]
FAT SAUL
She is searin’ his face, look at them eyebrows turnin’ up, y'all.
[The crowd is caught up in the action while the heat on Cyrus face becomes near unbearable. He suddenly rocks to his left then quick to his right to flip the two wrestlers with Cy ending up on top of Elena to break to the hold. The Fist of Hydra hits the ropes after reaching her feet to slingshot herself back at a recovering Riddle! Flames crack into the air as the ropes snap her back. Cyrus counters with a huge spinebuster that causes the flames to draft up high above the ring from the impact!]
FAT SAUL
Get down! Damn!
[Riddle leaps back to his feet to approach his former lover with pure malicious intent. He takes hold of the back of her head then slowly drags her toward the flames on the apron. Elena fights at him, but the spinebuster robbed her lungs of all their air. Cyrus pulls DeDraca by her hair closer and closer to the flames. DeDraca catches her breath just as Riddle positions himself directly behind her to force her face first into the flames. He shoves Elena’s head toward the fire, yearning to hear the searing flesh sound of her face changing forever.]
FAT SAUL
Now, they say, “What's good for the goose,” but come on!
[Elena throws her head back suddenly to bust Cyrus in the face! The shot sends The Impaler back into a seated position in the ring. Riddle gets up then makes a mad dive at his ex, who counters with a kick to the gut! Cyrus bends over while DeDraca shifts her feet to put Riddle between the fire and herself. She catches him with a solid jawbreaker! The maneuver bounces Cyrus through the ropes and fire! He lands on the outside floor with the crowd going crazy throughout!]
FAT SAUL
The belt is hers to lose. Followin’ him wouldn't be...
[Elena stands tall in the ring of fire while her opponent Riddle now gets to both knees on the outside floor. Not even a small burn after the short tumble through the ropes. He searches beneath the ring for something just out of Elena’s sight.]
FAT SAUL
Where's he goin’?
[Riddle comes up with two kendo sticks from beneath the ring of fire! He stands up then takes hold of both sticks in one hand to walk over to a fan at the security barrier. The male fan is hiding a large of bottle of liquor made by The English Whiskey Company. Cy “confiscates” the bottle from the now agitated fan. Riddle turns back around while simultaneously ripping the lid off the liquor bottle with his teeth. DeDraca watches on as he takes a swig after removing the cap then gets close to the apron at the fire to spit it at Elena! The liquor turns into a ball of fire as it crosses the flames on the apron leading DeDraca to take a step back from the small fireball coming her way!]
FAT SAUL
Well, that'll heat things up even more. Stand ya ground, Darlin'.
[Riddle then takes another big swig to spit at Lady DeDraca that turns into another fireball. Cyrus leaps up on the apron just barely missing the flames to get up on the middle rope before bouncing on over and back into the ring of fire. Elena is on guard while Cy tosses one of the two kendo sticks at her feet. Riddle tosses the bottle of liquor at Elena but she ducks and it breaks on the turnbuckle just behind her! She doesn’t realize this was a methodical ploy so Cyrus could swarm her with his own kendo stick! Riddle catches Elena across her shoulder blades solid with the kendo stick!]
FAT SAUL
He's got her down on her knee.
[Cyrus winds back looking to end this one right now but DeDraca reaches down to find her own kendo stick and brings it up between Cyrus’s legs with all she has got! The shot to his manhood robs Riddle of all his air. He drops his kendo stick then falls to both knees while Elena uses her kendo stick to get back to her feet slowly. DeDraca then takes a swipe at The Impaler from behind and connects with the back of his head! He lands face first into the shards of glass from the liquor bottle!]
FAT SAUL
I reckon this may be the only time Hell actually contains the fury of a woman scorned...
[Elena looks down at her former lover with rage filled eyes. She gets down to push Cyrus into the flames, but he reaches back to grapple her with a headlock. Riddle pulls her down on the mat alongside him with cuts across his face from the shattered bottle. He then attempts to rub DeDraca’s face into the shards but she continues to struggle. Finally The Impaler uses his weight advantage to push his ex’s face into the broken glass! She wiggles herself free from him after the pieces leave small cuts on the left side of her face. The Fist of Hydra attempts to put distance between herself and Cyrus with little success.]
FAT SAUL
I don't know if y'all can hear it, but the glass is crunchin’ under their hands and knees in there.
[Cyrus punches at Elena from his knees and nails her in the side of the head! She shakes her head after the violent shot then hits him flush in the mouth with a sharp right elbow! The two swap blows from their knees with neither giving an inch.]
FAT SAUL
Uh oh, she's noticed…
[Elena notices a kendo stick nearby that has fallen across the burners on the apron. The end of the stick suddenly catches on fire leading her to headbutt Riddle suddenly then lunge for it! The wide shot overhead turns to slow motion as Lady DeDraca rises to both feet swinging the kendo stick around with one end on fire! The shot returns to normal as she winds up. Riddle searches around and locates the other kendo stick. DeDraca comes flying in swinging wide with the end ablaze! Riddle blocks the attempt by holding the other kendo stick up with both hands! Elena smacks the other stick causing embers to fly off and hit Cy in the face from the impact being mere inches from his face.]
FAT SAUL
Have any of ya ever smelt burnin’ flesh?
[DeDraca winds up again to swing the fiery kendo stick at her former lover’s head!]
FAT SAUL
Whoa!
[Riddle catches it! The flames burn him slightly as he pulls the stick closer to pull Elena in for a short arm clothesline! The flaming kendo stick hits the canvas then continues to burn. Cyrus quickly follows up with a big knee drop down onto Elena. Then another! Blood drips from his face as he stares blankly down at the former of love of his life momentarily before dropping a third and decisive knee drop! Riddle quickly grapples up Elena to hook her for a brainbuster!]
FAT SAUL
Elena is down and there is about to be a really big prob...
[The wet spot in the corner where the liquor broke earlier catches fire from the kendo stick that’s on fire. This causes the bottom rope to catch ablaze. The rope burns in two quickly then snaps loose from the turnbuckle. Cyrus notices this and walks over to the burning rope and stomps out the fire where it burned in two. He then yanks the other end over the fire to burn it off so he is left with a section of the now destroyed bottom rope.]
FAT SAUL
Everything is fair in love and war, Cy is about to show us.
[Riddle walks over slow to Elena, now carrying the piece of the bottom rope. DeDraca gets up on her knees and The Impaler wraps the rope around her throat! He wraps it twice then rolls it over for a tight lock. The Fist of Hydra’s eyes widen as Riddle pulls at the end of the rope on his back to hoist up his ex off the mat essentially hanging her on his back! Cyrus backs up a tad with the superstars back to back with Riddle pulling more slack in to further hang the shorter DeDraca across his shoulder blades. The crowd goes crazy as the ring catches on fire completely in the corner where the liquor bottle broke prior.]
FAT SAUL
All Hell had broken loose here in the UK!
[Riddle backs up attempting to catch the heels of Elena on fire to end this one. DeDraca holds her feet up away from the flames while clutching in pure desperation at the rope wrapped tightly around her throat!]
FAT SAUL
The ring is on fire and he ain't lettin’ up. I can see the blood vessels swellin’’ in her eyes. Come on...
[Cyrus continues with small children in the crowd now openly weeping with real concern. The flames lick around the ring now from the small blaze still burning where the whiskey soaked the canvas. DeDraca suddenly uses all her strength to hold onto the rope and pull herself up and over Cy! She ends up directly in front of him gasping for air leading him to drop the rope. She picks up the slack and wraps it around his throat! Now they are tied by the piece of bottom rope and they swing one another around holding onto each end. Both wrestlers are illuminated by the fire all around. Lady DeDraca suddenly falls to the mat pulling at the slack and causing Riddle to hit face first on the mat with real force!]
FAT SAUL
Let's just call that the Inferno Drop.
[As Riddle attempts to stand, Elena catches him from behind with a violent front drop kick! The shot sends him back to his hands and knees. DeDraca then catches him with a solid knee to the side of the head! The shot dazes the veteran slightly. Cyrus looks up at a woman who he loved unconditionally, but now the fiery rage in her eyes leaves him remorseful. Riddle ends up hovering in the corner on fire from the alcohol. What remains of the bottom rope is now on fire as the flames rise all the way around to illuminate the blood all over Elena’s face for Cyrus. DeDraca quickly retrieves the kendo stick that’s still on fire from the canvas in the corner. Riddle extends both arms out to accept his fate. The two former lovers lock eyes inside the ring of fire one last time.]
CYRUS RIDDLE
DO IT!
[Riddle’s wild eyes widen as the flaming kendo stick smacks him in the side of the head to throw embers everywhere! The crowd and Saul collectively gasp as Cyrus hits his hands and knees. Elena mouths something before she stomps Riddles face into the fire with a violent curb stomp! Cyrus ignites in flames leading the fire brigade to rush in to put him out quickly as the bell rings!]
[DING! DING! DING!]
FAT SAUL
It's over...
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, AND STILL Union Battleground War Horse Champion, "The Fist of Hydra" Elena DeDraca!
FAT SAUL
...she's got her redemption.
[Riddle gets hit with a fire extinguisher quickly. Three other fire brigade members put out the ring before the entire hall catches on fire. The referee comes in to hand Elena her title. He holds her arm high in victory as her music hits. The crowd is still on their feet after the display by these two.]
FAT SAUL
For everyone here in London, what a night. For everyone backstage, there is ya Union Battleground War Horse Champion. We'll see all y'all two weeks from now in North Carolina. Until then, keep up with us on Twitter. G'night, y'all.
