EVENT:
VENUE:
LOCATION:
ATTENDANCE:
BEST VIEW:
L!GHTS OUT #19
MERCEDES-BENZ ARENA
SHANGHAI, CHINA
9, 756
Desktop 1920 x 1080
welcome to the show
[The previous scene slowly fades out, and then there is a moment of darkness. The Union Battleground logo slowly fades in and out in a rhythmic pulse synchronized with deep thuds of a heart beat. The view distorts and scratches out into darkness again. Then suddenly a countdown begins…]
... 5
... 4
... 3
... 2
... 1
♫
SO TURN THE LIGHTS OUT!
♫
[As "Lights Out" by Royal Blood kicks in to overdrive, we open up with a montage of some of the biggest moments in Union Battleground's short history. An explosion engulfs the screen as we transition to the arena.]
[Luke Knux and the Scumbag Society are finishing up one of their hit songs as the camera angles pan all throughout the arena. As Knux finishes off his solo and bringing the song to a close, a huge fireworks display ignites and lights up the entire arena like a supernova! We now finally venture over to the broadcast booth to start the show.]
Dante Reed - Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to L!GHTS OUT #19! I am your host “The Doctor” Dante Reed, alongside me is my partner Sebastian Riggs. We are live here in Shanghai, China at the Mercedes-Benz arena in front of 9,756 diehard fans!
Sebastian Riggs - I am pumped here tonight! Dante, this is it! This is the last L!GHTS OUT before we head out to India for the Crown of the King Cobra PPV! What all do we have in store for tonight?
Dante Reed - We've got a lot in store for you all at home. Tonight, we kick things off with a Trios match between Muramasa-kokka and Anton Chase, Axton Pierce, and Alex Kincaid. Muramasa-kokka has been a thorn in each of these men's sides on seperate occasions since the off-season, and tonight they collectively get their shot at the menacing group!
Sebastian Riggs - Also on deck, we have Johnny Vachon, who has been tormented by this hooded "Executioner" for several weeks now, who will take on Blake Archer. archer, as we can all declare by now, had nothing to do with Vachon's most recent attack, where the Executioner stole Archer's signature Silver Shot spear. This mysterious individual has been inside Vachon's head for awhile, and I'm not sure when it will end!
Dante Reed - After that, we have a bout scheduled for redemption. Elina Cartel will battle Alexander Devin, which both of these competitors lost their Battleground debut matches at the season two kickoff PPV, Relapse. One of these fighters will get back on track!
Sebastian Riggs - From there, we have the Patron Saintes of Sass and Class taking on Maggie Chamberlain and Conor Tate. Sass and Class have been very vocal as of late about their alleged mistreatment. They believe they should be main eventing, and tonight, well they get their chance to prove it!
Dante Reed - From there, we have Flash Kassidy taking on Viduus Morta. Kassidy has been the latest victim of Salvation in recent weeks, with the distraction that cost him his shot at the King Cobra Championship by the newest member Ragnarok. I'm curious to see if we will get a little more clarity.
Sebastian Riggs - Also, another member of Salvation, Tommy Crimson, will be battling Joe Stanton in singles competition. Crimson has been on a tear since his debut, but Stanton is looking to make a name for himself. This should be an exciting bout!
Dante Reed - In our headlining bout, we have Emery Layton defending her Trench War Championship against current number one contender Trixie in what is sure to bring the house down! Two high caliber competitors who have a great respect for one another, I can't wait to see this one!
Sebastian Riggs - And finally, our main event of the evening. Who will go on to main event Crown of the King Cobra for that highly touted incentive championship between Rodney Stillwater and Finn Whelan? These guys are new to season two and have a huge opportunity to make a big name for themselves tonight!
Dante Reed - All I know is I'm ready for the action! So with that, Mike, take it away!
Sebastian Riggs - Up next we will see a trios match up, Dante.
Dante Reed - That’s right! We will see Axton Pierce, Alex Kincaid, and Anton Chase take on Muramasa-Kokka!
Sebastian Riggs - We have seen Muramasa-kokka attack each of these men dating back to season one.
♫
“THE NEW REALITY” BY CODE ORANGE BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[Out from the woodwork comes Axton Pierce. Standing on the stage, he breathes in the atmosphere of the crowd, he wipes his hand down his face, then proceeding to walk towards the ring.]
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is a trios match and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, From Liverpool, England, Weighing in at 190 lbs… He is “The Bruiser from the Pool” Axton Pierce!
[Walking to one side of the ring, he climbs atop the apron and into the ring. He walks towards the nearest corner and climbs onto the turnbuckles, standing tall while looking out at the crowd. He lifts his arm, connecting the thumb and index finger into a circle, and holding the other fingers relaxed in the air. He comes down, as the music fades and awaits the ringing of the bell.]
Sebastian Riggs - Axton Pierce wants to get his hands on Kira Izumi and Muramasa-Kokka. He appears to be totally focused on the task at hand here tonight.
Mike Dempsey - Now Introducing, standing 6'2" and weighing in at 240 pounds, from Platinum Coast, “The Bullet King” Alex Kincaid!
[The pounding opening drums to Hands Like Houses "I Am" bring the audience up to their feet, turning towards the entrance for the now familiar music of The Bullet King. From the back, Alex Kincaid strides out staring up into the back of the arena. From behind him, his wife steps out to rest a hand on his shoulder. Kincaid grins a bit at the audience, whispering something to her we don’t quite catch before starting to head down to the ring. ]
Dante Reed - Kincaid has had success since joining Union Battleground. The Bullet King will look to continue that upswing here.
♫
YOU’RE ONE OF A THOUSAND VOICES!
IN MY HEAD, THEY ALL JUST THE SAME
IF MINE NEVER MADE A DIFFERENCE,
IT WON’T MAKE THE MEANING CHANGE!
♫
[By now, Kincaid has made his way to the ring. He makes a full lap of the ring, slapping hands with a few audience members that reach out to him. He pauses at the corner of the crowd barricade to stand on the timekeepers chair, planting one foot on the top of the barricade and staring up into the back of the building. Then, he suddenly pops backward and slides under the ropes to his feet. Alyssa takes her place on the floor near his corner as he walks across the ring and climbs to the top rope, staring out over the audience. He nods, seemingly satisfied with the support of his people, before he hops down to the floor and begins to warm up in his corner to await the start of the match.]
Sebastian Riggs - This team of Pierce, Chase, and Kincaid are utterly fascinating to me.
Dante Reed - Why’s that?
Sebastian Riggs - There are many styles that will mix it up in this match. I smell a show stealer.
Mike Dempsey - Now making his way to the ring, standing 5’9” and weighing in at 209 pounds, from Los Angeles, California, “The Wrestling God” Anton Chase!
♫
NIGHTFALL AND THE DAY BEGINS,
I NEED THE BRIGHT CITY LIGHTS AS I START TO DESCEND
♫
Dante Reed - Chase wants to get ahold of Izumi. They jumped him and Pierce after a contested battalions match a few weeks ago.
[As "How We Roll" by Hollywood Undead blasts over the PA system, white smoke fills the entrance and two people are seen behind the white smoke. The first person steps forward in front of the white smoke revealing "The Wrestling God" Anton Chase as the second person emerges behind him, which is his manager Chris Wood. Anton Chase makes his way down the ramp, with a cocky smile on his face and his arms out at the side with Chris Wood following behind him. Chase climbs in the ring and then climbs the second ropes and puts one hand up in the air, and stares off as he awaits his opponent while Chris Wood takes his position outside the ring.]
Sebastian Riggs - Chase can flat out wrestle. All three of these men can. Like I said before, this should be very interesting.
Mike Dempsey - Now making their way to the ring… The team of Kira Izumi, Jordan Rayburn and Rukia Matsuoka, Muramasa-Kokka!
♫
THEY SAY YOU WERE SMALL AND HELPLESS.
THEY SEE YOU AS JUST A CHILD.
SURPRISE WHEN THEY FIND OUT THAT A WARRIOR WILL SOON RUN WILD.
♫
Dante Reed - Here comes Muramasa-Kokka!
[Red and blue lights pulsate with the rhythm of the song as we pan across the crowd before resting on the stage. Jordan and Rukia walk out and stand out to the right side. Kira then comes out and stand in the middle before they all meet up in the middle of the stage and make a cut throat motion before throwing their hands up into an “X” shape. They make their way down the ramp before they circle the ring and slide in. They climb to the turnbuckles and look at the fans before meeting in the center of the ring where they make their signature pose.]
Sebastian Riggs - Muramasa-Kokka want to run Union Battleground. They are one impressive unit.
Dante Reed - I bet Salvation will have something to say about that before long.
Sebastian Riggs - That’s a safe bet, for sure. This match will be lucha libre trios match rules.
Dante Reed - If a legal woman or man hits the outside floor in any fashion then a partner can legally come into the match.
Sebastian Riggs - Regular tags also count which means the pace of this match could pick up quick. Chaos could ensue.
[The referee comes into the center of the ring and explains the rules of the trios match. Rukia and Kira walk to their corner as does Chase and Kincaid.]
Dante Reed - It appears Pierce and Jordan will start this one.
Sebastian Riggs - The referee calls for the bell!
[DING!]
[Pierce takes off at Rayburn, who he catches completely off guard! Axton catches Jordan with a bicycle kick! The violet shot sends Jordan through the ropes and he bounces off the apron. Pierce admires his work not realizing Rukia Matsuoka climbing the turnbuckle in the corner. After Rayburns feet touch the outside floor she’s now the legal woman. Axton turns around and catches a missile drop kick to the jaw! The much smaller Rukia wows the crowd with her high flying maneuver.]
Sebastian Riggs - Did you see that! I think Pierce forgot a new partner could come in when Jordan’s feet touched the floor.
Dante Reed - I bet he remembers now.
[Axton rolls out of the ring leading Anton Chase to bounce through the ropes! He snatches up Rukia by the hair of her head. Chase then leads her to his teams corner and slams her head into the top turnbuckle! The referee warns him about hair pulling as Anton turns around to grin at Jordan Rayburn, Matsuoka’s significant other.]
Dante Reed - Chase is taunting Jordan.
Sebastian Riggs - He has every right to in all honesty.
[Anton puts his foot against Rukia’s throat then pushes it flush against the turnbuckle. Chase holds onto the top rope for more leverage. The referee comes in and begins his count on Anton. He refuses to release the heel choke until a count of four. Kincaid reaches over and slaps Chase on the back.]
Sebastian Riggs - Wow, I don’t think Chase wanted that tag.
Dante Reed - Looks like The Bullet King doesn’t care.
[Chase pushes Kincaid which leads Alex to shove him right back! Chase backs up while holding up both hands. He glides through the ropes but in the exchange, Rukia rolled out of the ring! Kincaid realizes this but it's too late. Kira Izumi clotheslines Alex over the top rope and both men bounce off the apron and end up on the outside floor! Pierce bounces through the ropes and meets Rayburn in the center of the ring. Both men are fresh and immediately begin swapping punches with each other. Jordan gets the upper with a sharp elbow to the side of Axton’s head! Rayburn bends over to hoist Pierce up on his shoulders. Jordan then performs a fireman’s carry into a roundhouse kick! Axton hits the mat flat on his back. Rayburn hooks a leg!]
… One!
… Two!
Broken up by Anton Chase!
Dante Reed - Chase breaks up the pin. Now he’s pushing Axton out of the ring!
Sebastian Riggs - Anton takes the initiative, Dante.
[Rayburn comes up from behind Chase, who counters as Jordan reaches him with an overhead Pele’ kick! The shot sends Jordan to the mat and he quickly rolls out of the ring while Anton gives chase. He notices Kira Izumi enter the ring out of the corner of his eye. Chase turns toward him and takes off! Anton nails Izumi with a huge lariat! Then continues his forward momentum and heads for the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. Rukia Matsuoka catches Chase with a knee through the ropes as he reaches them! This stops him dead in his tracks. Kira sneaks up from behind Anton and quickly rolls him up in a pin!]
... One!
… Two!
… Broken up by Alex Kincaid!
Dante Reed - The Bullet King with the save! Kira Izumi nearly stole one.
Sebastian Riggs - The speed of this match is intense.
[Chase gets back to his feet near his corner as Kincaid gets back to the apron. Alex attempts to tag himself in but Anton turns around shaking his head. Izumi comes out of nowhere to hammer Chase from behind sending him into Kincaid, who tags himself in.]
Sebastian Riggs- Now The Bullet King is the legal man.
[Kira comes flying back in at Kincaid after the tag but he counters with a running head scissor take over! Izumi gets back to his feet quickly but The Bullet King comes in with a shinbreaker! Alex watches as Kira rolls out of the ring to recover and Rukia takes his place without hesitation. She hits the ring running and aims for a Yakuza kick on Alex as she reaches him! The shot catches him in the crotch instead of the head, however! The crowd winces but the referee was out of position and missed the actual shot. The ref realizes something happened and warns the Rukia Matsuoka.]
Dante Reed - Ouch! She was lucky the referee was out of position. That could have easily been a disqualification.
Sebastian Riggs - You gonna snitch?
Dante Reed - No.
[The low blow shot leaves Kincaid on both knees sucking air. Rukia follows up by twirling around alongside Alex for a brutal spinning back fist! Matsuoka takes down her larger opponent with the maneuver then hovers above him. The Bullet King appears to be in somewhat of a daze. Rukia draws her right leg back a bit then stomps Kincaid in the face! She then does it again then again. As the referee comes in for a break, she falls to the mat and lies down on top of Alex for a pin!]
… One!
… Kick out by Kincaid!
Dante Reed - Alex throws the smaller Matsuoka off of him!
Sebastian Riggs - Rukia proving here tonight she can hang with the best of them.
[Alex rolls out of the ring allows Pierce to come into the match. Matsuoka makes her way to her corner and tags in Jordan Rayburn!]
Sebastian Riggs - Tags made for both teams!
[Jordan goes for a clothesline on Axton but he counters by ducking leading Rayburn to bounce of the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. Pierce catches him on the return with a solid rip cord elbow strike! The shot stops Jordan dead in his tracks. Axton quickly follows up with a european uppercut! The violent lick takes Rayburn off his feet! He then attempts to roll out of the ring but Pierce catches him!]
Dante Reed - Jordan attempted to get out of the match and allow a partner to come in but the Bruiser from The Pool has other plans.
Sebastian Riggs - Pierce catches him and now he’s on the mat alongside Rayburn! What’s he thinking?
[Pierce applies the regal stretch to his fallen opponent!]
Sebastian Riggs - Jordan has nowhere to go! He can’t reach the ropes.]
Dante Reed - No he can’t! Rayburn is in real trouble right now.
[Jordan reaches out for the ropes but can’t quite reach. Pierce continues to apply pressure while Rayburn thrashes then digs into the mat with both elbows. He slowly begins to crawl toward the ropes slowly with Axton on his back.]
Dante Reed - He could tap!
Sebastian Riggs - Rayburn continues to dig into the mat! He’s so close…
[Jordan begins to fade. The referee moves out of the way just before Kira Izumi comes flying in out of nowhere from the top rope. He performs a wicked elbow drop right from halfway across the ring to the crown of Pierce’s back! The maneuver breaks up the submission hold. Rukia quickly dashes through the ropes while Izumi hurries back to his corner. Matsuoka carefully pushes Rayburn out of the ring allowing Kira to come into the match, now the legal man.]
Dante Reed - Muramasa-Kokka are really working like a well oiled machine right now. Izumi refuses to allow his team to lose this one.
[Axton tags in Kincaid, who glides through the ropes. He is met with a sharp kick to the gut from Kira! Izumi then hooks The Bullet King then hoists him up into the air. He drops him on his head for a wicked brainbuster! Kira immediately hooks a leg after hitting the mat.]
… One!
… Broken up by Anton Chase!
Sebastian Riggs - Chase breaks up the pin before the referee’s hand can hit the mat for a second time!
Dante Reed - Anton is quick and will do anything to win.
[Anton leaps back to his feet then nails Jordan with a right hook! Rayburn falls off the apron and Pierce comes flying in and clobbers Rukia off the apron too! Izumi gets to his feet then rolls out of the ring to quickly join his team out in front of the entrance ramp.]
Dante Reed - Pierce, Kincaid and Chase standing tall in the ring now. They have taken control of this one.
[The Bullet King, The Wrestling God, and The Bruiser from The Pool all look at one another. They then nod and take off across the ring in a full sprint. Kira, Rukia and Jordan all stand side by side on the outside of the ring checking on one another briefly and miss this development completely. Chase, Kincaid, and Pierce all perform a suicide dive over the top rope simultaneously! They take out all three members of Muramasa-Kokka!]
Sebastian Riggs - This team has taken over this match. They didn’t appear to click at first but now they are rolling.
[Rukia and Rayburn hit the ramp with real force and don’t move after impact. Kira shakes his head while on his hands and knees. The referee begins his count as Alex, Axton, and Anton surround Izumi. Alex grapples him up off the floor then situates Kira’s head between his legs. Kincaid then hoists Izumi high into the air while Chase and Pierce join for a triple powerbomb onto the steel ring steps! Izumi hits the floor in a pile. Anton then lifts up Kira and rolls him into the ring underneath the bottom rope. Axton rolls in behind him and quickly hooks a leg!]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
[DING! DING! DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here are your winners, Alex Kincaid, Anton Chase, and Axton Pierce!
Dante Reed - What a match! All three of these men wanted this win. Pierce wanted to pin Kira Izumi’s shoulders to the mat and does just that.
Sebastian Riggs - The trio had troubles in the early goings and wouldn’t work together at first. They finally meshed together and defeat an established team.
Dante Reed - What an effort on the part of Muramasa-Kokka! They have nothing to be ashamed of. I believe Kincaid, Chase, and Pierce should think about watching each other’s back after this display here tonight.
Sebastian Riggs - I agree with that. This is not over by a long shot. We’ll be right back, don’t touch that remote!
Rabid and on the Loose
[With what appears to be "hidden" cameras in the backstage area, they pan up behind a creature you may know him as the King of Canines. He brushes his hands through his long thick black hair and starts pulling on it aggressively while shouting in what sounds to be French. His torso rocks back and forth, he goes from anger to hysterical laughing the combination sounding like a chaotic thunder storm.]
Blake Archer - Réalisant mon espoir Je me lance, vers la gloire... vers la gloire!
[He let's his hair hang down in front of his face as his wife Mary-Jane hands him a cold bottle of water. Showing no emotion now that she is next to him. He takes a drink from it still not looking out from his dark curtain of hair. She hands him a bottle of water and notices he is not quite himself. She gets the sense that something is a little off evident in her body language tensing up.]
Mary-Jane - I know that you are worried about Blake...
Blake Archer - Worried? I am worried about me. Old Yeller... I wouldn't give nobody a chance to lock me in a corn corell. If that is what he wants...a rabid dog than I can give him that. Oh I can...
[He smiles and bites his bottom lip almost humming with a chuckle. She again seems to keep a distance, but inches closer and places her hand on his arm with a look of concern.]
Mary-Jane - You know I ran into...
[Before she can finish the thought she sees someone walking in their direction. His eyes look to her's and he whips his head around to see what she is looking at. A tomboyish female with long blonde hair approaches them, Blake pushes his hair up out of his eyes to look better. She is carrying a wicked baseball bat across her right shoulder with bits of glass smashes and glued into the tip along with nails that have been beaten and bent into it.]
Blake Archer - Josie?
[The big guy is barely able to squeak out as she walks right past them both. Is appears as if Blake has seen a ghost as he grows from shock to a cold and than angry look.]
Blake Archer - FINE! I don't need you!
[He looks at his wife gritting his teeth together hard.]
Blake Archer - These people want a bloodbath like my name is Cujo....then so be it. I didn't ask to be a part of this, but it appears that I am left with no choice. All I see tonight is an opponent that needs annihilated. People that need woken up! Who cares who he is friends with? What does it matter some shameless people appear to be after him?! You threaten my family I have NO LEASH! Gonna put me down, make you a widow, make the kids fatherless.... alright, I can play hard. People really shouldn't...PUSH....Crazy people....
Mary-Jane - Love you are not crazy.
Blake Archer - Oh? They laugh, I hear them.... they all laugh. I bet she is laughing. She'll see.... they will all see! Come on babe!
[He grabs her hand and jerks her off to gorilla position as the backstage cameras fade out.]
Dante Reed - Welcome back to the nineteenth edition of LIGHTSOUT!
Sebastian Riggs - We have a great match up next! We will see Blake Archer take on Johnny Vachon.
Dante Reed - Both men need a win here tonight so this should be one competitive match.
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing First, standing 6'9" and weighing in at 295 pounds, from Canton, Ohio, he is the GWP World Heavyweight Champion, “The King of Canines” Blake Archer!
♫
REACH OUT AND TOUCH FAITH
YOUR OWN, PERSON JESUS
SOMEONE TO HEAR YOUR PRAYERS
SOMEONE WHO CARES
YOUR OWN, PERSONAL JESUS
SOMEONE TO HEAR YOUR PRAYERS
SOMEONE WHO’S THERE
♫
Sebastian Riggs - Archer has been on somewhat of a losing streak as of late. He will look to bounce back against Johnny.
Dante Reed - Blake Archer competes at a high level all over the globe. He is one huge man.
Sebastian Riggs - That’s What She Said.
Dante Reed - What?
[Archer steps out from behind the entrance his beautiful fashion obsessed wife stepping out next to him. He holds his fist up above his head and she wraps her arms around his giving a heel poppin’ kiss. They then proceed to make his way towards the ring. One hand holding her's and the other He reaches his hands out to his sides touching fingertips with those stretching out to touch him.]
Sebastian Riggs - Archer has been champion in many different promotions throughout this world. Tonight he faces a pissed off Vachon, who needs a win.
♫
FEELING’S UNKNOWN AND YOU’RE ALL ALONE
FLESH AND BONE BY THE TELEPHONE
LIFT UP THE RECEIVER
I’LL MAKE YOU A BELIEVER
♫
[He stops and hits the steel rings steps with his fist than climbs them to the ring apron and stepping over the top rope into the ring after swiping his feet across the skirt of the ring. His charming smile is on his face while he poses for each side of the ring striking a reaction out of the fans.]
Dante Reed - Archer really knows how to make an entrance!
Mike Dempsey - And his opponent, standing 6'2" and weighing in at 205 pounds, from Spook City, representing Slaughterhouse Wrestling, “Gutter Trash” Johnny Vachon!
Sebastian Riggs - HERE’S JOHNNY!
♫
THEY WANNA SEE BLOOD, THEY WANNA SEE HATE
♫
[“America” By Deuce hits the airwaves as the lights begin to flash to a darkened green. Johnny comes walking out from the back with his custom Punk leather jacket, the words “Gutter Trash” written in green spray paint across the back. A half smoked cigarette hangs from his mouth as he stops at the top of the ramp and takes a deep drag before extending his two middle fingers towards the crowd. He pops the cancer stick back in his mouth before beginning down the ramp, shrugging off the shouts of the fans.]
Dante Reed - I won’t lie, Riggs… Archer nearly outweighs Johnny by a hundred pounds.
Sebastian Riggs - Not to mention, nearly a foot taller. Vachon always comes for a fight though. Blake will have all he wants and more in this one.
[Johnny comes to the ring as he takes another drag from the smoke and drops it on the ground before stomping it out with his boot. He slides into the ring and pops to his feet before walking to the farthest turnbuckle and hoping up. He eyes the crowd for a few seconds before flashing a single middle finger towards the fans. He hops down and ditches his jacket before propping himself down in a seated position in the corner, waiting for the bell.]
Sebastian Riggs - Johnny and Blake stand in their respected corners as the referee calls for the bell.
Dante Reed - Here. We. Go! This match is underway!
[DING!]
[Johnny walks toward Blake, who gets in a defensive position to counter but Vachon extends a hand out.]
Dante Reed - What is this? Johnny’s being nice, man.
Sebastian Riggs - Maybe’s he’s changed his ways, Dante.
[Archer looks down at his opponents extended right hand with real suspicion. Blake shrugs then reaches out and takes hold of Johnny’s hand. Vachon shakes it then pulls his larger opponent forward suddenly! He headbutts Archer as hard as he possibly can! The shot sends both men backwards! Johnny hits the mat flat on his ass while Archer shakes his head leaning up against the ropes.]
Sebastian Riggs - Both men are busted open! I’ve never seen both men bloodied by the first shot! Vachon busted his head open while simultaneously doing the same exact thing to Blake Archer. What a shot!
Dante Reed - That headbutt was pure brutality.
[Archer stands up then moves toward Johnny, who grins menacingly at his shocked opponent. Vachon rubs both of the men’s blood across his face to intimidate then hops up to both feet. Johnny takes off at Blake, who counters with a catch spinebuster! Archer then pins both of Johnny’s shoulders to the mat!]
… One
… Tw- Kick out!
Dante Reed - Kick out just before a count of two by Johnny Vachon! Both men are bleeding already and this one just started ladies and gentlemen!
[Johnny sits up after the kick out and begins to slingback solid elbow shots at the larger Archer! He connects with a one then another! Blake rolls away to defend giving Johnny the opportunity to get up. Vachon rushes over to his opponent, who turns into a throat cut chop from Gutter Trash! The crowd boos as Vachon follows up with a fameasser! He hooks the left leg of Blake Archer.]
… One!
… Kick out!
Sebastian Riggs - Kick out by Archer at one!
Dante Reed - That throat chop may have cut off Archer’s air supply!
[Blake rolls out of the ring to catch his breath, feeling the lingering effects of the throat chop still. The crafty veteran, Johnny, realizes this and gives chase. Vachon rolls out of the ring and catches Archer on one knee, desperately trying to free his closed airway. Johnny begins stomping his helpless opponent in the ribs!]
Sebastian Riggs - Look at Johnny go! He wants this one, Dante.
Dante Reed - He is in complete control of this one.
[Vachon whips Blake into the announcers table. He lands back first against it, facing out at Gutter Trash. Vachon then looks at the ring steps then back at Archer. He takes hold of Archer then whips him toward the steps! Blake counters by holding on then using a irish whip of his own sending Johnny into the ring steps shoulder first! The crowd pops.]
Dante Reed - Archer counters with an Irish whip which leads Johnny to crash and burn, literally.
Sebastian Riggs - Archer plays by the rules. Johnny doesn’t.
[Archer walks over to Vachon and lifts him up. He then carefully rolls Johnny into the ring then slides in underneath the bottom rope. He then pins Gutter Trash!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
[Archer follows up immediately after kick out by applying the Fujiwara armbar on Johnny before he can even react!]
Sebastian Riggs - Johnny manages to get a shoulder up to break the pin but Archer continues his offense with his version of the Fujiwara armbar.
Dante Reed - This could be it! Blake has the hold locked in and Vachon has nowhere to go!
[Archer continues to apply pressure to Johnny, who thrashes his legs and free arm about in every direction. He reaches with all he’s got for the bottom ropes but just simply cannot reach them.]
Dante Reed - Johnny is fading fast.
Sebastian Riggs - He’s reaching… so close..
[Vachon uses his free arm to pull himself forward while kicking his feet out to achieve the same. Finally he begins to move himself and the much larger Archer closer to the bottom ropes. Johnny lunges toward the bottom ropes with one last burst of energy…]
Sebastian Riggs - He’s got it!
Dante Reed - Vachon with a rope break.
[The referee stands up both men then sends them to opposite corners. He briefly checks on Johnny before resuming the match. Archer and Vachon meet in the center of the ring. Johnny catches Blake with a sudden nasty slap! The shot sends the larger wrestler back which leads Vachon to kick him in the gut. Archer bends over and Johnny delivers a picture perfect sit out jawbreaker!]
Dante Reed - Now Gutter Trash is taking it to Blake Archer!
Sebastian Riggs - He is picking up the pace.
[Archer stumbles to his feet. Vachon hits the ropes then slingshots himself back at Blake full speed! Archer takes off and catches Johnny with a violent superman punch! The shot sends Vachon through the ropes and he lands on the apron in a pile.]
Sebastian Riggs - What a counter!
Dante Reed - Archer uses yet another counter to halt Johnny’s momentum.
[Vachon uses the ropes to pull himself back to his feet while still on the apron. Blake comes over with his forehead still smeared with blood from the opening headbutt. Johnny breaths heavily as Archer hooks him over the top rope, looking for a vertical suplex. He goes to lift the dazed Johnny, who catches the bigger man with elbows to the side of the head! Blake releases his hold. Vachon follows up by shoving his larger opponent back then hops up on the top rope with cat like balance. He springboards off the rope and hits Blake with a huge flying forearm! Archer hits the mat!]
Dante Reed - Johnny needs to pin!
[Blake Archer gets to one knee leading Vachon nearly takes his head off with a super kick! Archer hits the mat and Johnny hooks a leg!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
Sebastian Riggs - Archer kicked out! I thought Johnny had him!
Dante Reed - Blake is resilient.
[Archer gets up in a daze while Johnny argues the count with the referee. Blake wipes the blood from his forehead. Vachon turns and notices Archer back on his feet. He charges at Blake, who counters with a back body drop! The crowd pops.]
Dante Reed - Another counter! Johnny isn’t the only one who showed up pissed and looking for a win here tonight, Riggs.
[Blake gets back to his feet and immediately follows up with a headlock! He twists to apply pressure then shuffles a bit to transition the headlock into a one handed bulldog! Archer then hooks a leg.]
… One!
… Kick out!
[Johnny rolls out of the ring while a look of frustration crosses the face of Blake Archer. He shakes his head while Vachon leaps back up on the apron out of Blake’s view. Johnny quickly climbs the turnbuckles from the apron. Archer turns around to find Vachon after a brief break in his concentration. As Archer turns around, Johnny leaps off the top rope for a diving crossbody!]
Sebastian Riggs - Johnny nails Blake with a diving crossbody!
Dante Reed - What’s Gutter Trash doing now!?
[Vachon begins begins to slam Blake’s head into the mat after positioning himself on top of the larger wrestlers chest! He continues to slam Archer’s head into the mat. Over and over until the referee threatens disqualification.]
Dante Reed - Johnny better watch it if he doesn’t want to get disqualified!
Sebastian Riggs - He doesn’t care. He just likes to fight.
[Blake shakes his head to gather himself after Johnny gets up off him. The crowd begins to stir behind the announcers table. The Executioner leaps over the security barrier out of nowhere!]
Sebastian Riggs - What is The Executioner doing here?
[Vachon notices him and takes his attention off Archer. Executioner leaps up on the apron and locks eyes with Johnny who walks over to him. Blake stumbles to his feet while holding the back of his head. The bloody large wrestler then turns all his ire toward Johnny, who is not paying any attention to Archer at this point. The Executioner points behind Johnny which leads Vachon to turn around just in time to catch a brutal spear! The maneuver from the much larger Blake nearly breaks Gutter Trash in two! Archer hooks a leg!]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
[DING! DING! DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, “The King of Canines” Blake Archer!
[Blake Archer raises his hand in victory after a hard fought bout. He looks over at his opponent, Johnny Vachon, who is sitting in the corner leaning into the turnbuckle clutching his stomach. Archer slowly climbs through the ropes and climbs up the ramp, but Vachon lays alone in the corner.]
Dante Reed - Ladies and Gentleman, Johnny Vachon, has once again been screwed by Salvation's Executioner.
Sebastian Riggs - This thorn in his side has seemingly gotten deeper every week. I'm not sure how much more he can take.
[Johnny Vachon extends his hand out of the ring, calling for a microphone. He rises to his feet, still clutching his stomach.]
Johnny Vachon - For the past month and a half, every single time I have stepped in this ring. That hooded freak from the land of misfit toys sticks his damn nose in my business. I understand I threaten Salvation; they know that the only way to take out men like Deveraux and I is to attack us from behind. They can't defeat us in the middle of this ring; they can't hang with us.
[He pauses to catch his breath.]
Johnny Vachon - I was going to let this go, I understand being afraid, but this piece of shit they call the Executioner has pushed me to my limit. So at Crown of King Cobra...how about you and me end this once and for all. You and me...one on one, if you’re man enough to show your face.
[The crowd, ever so creative begins to chant, "SHOW YOUR FACE! SHOW YOUR FACE! SHOW YOUR FACE!" BUM! BUM! A drum echoes through the arena as the lights go black. The titantron video fills with smoke. BUM! BUM!]
[The screen reads, " You want a FIGHT," BUM! BUM! The words transform, "You want a WAR," BUM! BUM! The smoke continues to swirl,"Johnny..." BUM! BUM! The word 'Johnny' remains on the screen as the smoke begins to clear on the titantron, "I ACCEPT!" The crowd erupts as the drum hits again.]
[Johnny stands in the middle of the ring behind The Executioner, motionless. Vachon sensing the attack turns on a dime a delivers a sharp elbow to the hooded figure, which falls to the mat as stiff as a board. Vachon grabs the robe and tugs on it, falling back to the mat was a mannequin. On its chest the words, "The Kingdom of Salvation Reigns," in red liquid, in the same material a handprint left on its face. Vachon stands. Still, only a look of total confusion remains as the lights begin to rise once more.]
Sebastian Riggs - Ladies and gentleman...it's official Johnny Vachon will take on Salvation's Executioner at Crown of the King Cobra!
Dante Reed - I am shook! We will finally see The Executioner inside a Union Battleground ring! Folks, stay tuned, as we have much more in store. Coming up next, we have Salvation’s Alexander Devin taking on Elina Cartel!
A Deal is a Deal
[The backstage area is alive with activity. There’s an electric excitement in the air which cannot be ignored. People come and go as the cameraman travels down the hallway and finally comes around the corner to find Elina Cartel leaning up against the wall with the man known as Handsome Tony accosting her.]
Handsome Tony - You’re going to get out there and you’re going to do just as I say. It’s in your contract. Clearly says ‘do as Tony says’. You signed it. It’s law.
[Elina sighs as she looks away from Tony, seemingly off into space.]
Handsome Tony - You took your meds, right?
[Elina nods as her eyes glass over - she glares at Tony.]
Elina Cartel - I’m going to do as you tell me. I’ll go out there and I’ll face Alexander Devin, but I still expect you to make good on your side of our little deal.
Handsome Tony - Rodney Shmodney. I really don’t care about him. Besides, he’s further off in la la land than you are. Why do you even care.
[Elina shows her frustration through bared teeth.]
Elina Cartel - A deal is a deal. Your opinion is meaningless.
[Tony’s shocked.]
Handsome Tony - That hurts Tony’s feelings. I’m like the Chewbacca to your Rey. The umm, Leon to your Matilda. I’m the guy who looks out for you. I can’t think of any other movies with similar plot lines.
Elina Cartel - What?
[Tony snaps his fingers.]
Handsome Tony - Man on fire. I’m Denzel and you’re that little blonde girl. Dakota something.
[Surprisingly, Elina takes Tony by the throat.]
Elina Cartel - Everything out of your mouth amounts to nonsense. You will see to it that I get what I want and in turn, you will get what you want.
[She releases Tony, who coughs and takes a moment to stifle tears.]
Handsome Tony - Also, [gasp], like that movie the Equalizer, I’m again Denzel, and you’re that cute little prostitute. You know [gasp] the one that played Hit-Girl in that movie. What was it called?
[Elina scoffs and walks away.]
Handsome Tony - Dumb ass?
[Elina ignores him as she continues to walk. Tony snaps his fingers.]
Handsome Tony - Kick Ass. That’s the movie.
[Cut.]
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, standing 6’2” and weighing in at 190 pounds, from New York City, New York, he is a member of Salvation, “The Prophet” Alexander Devin!
♫
I SEE A BAD MOON A-RISING
♫
[Lights turn on and off around the entrance at random intervals as "Bad Moon Rising" by Mourning Ritual starts up, playing over the speakers. The video package on the tron shows a book laying on a table, its pages fluttering in an unseen wind, blank. A rough hand appears on screen, laying on the fluttering pages of the book to stop them from moving as the camera pans up then. Alexander is standing there in his black t-shirt and off white slacks, lip synching to the following lyrics to the song.]
Dante Reed - Alexander Devin is making his way to the ring right now, and I’m sure he is focused on getting back on track after his debut loss. As we’re all aware, Salvation aren’t too keen on losses.
Sebastian Riggs - No doubt, Dante. “The Prophet” debuted at the season one finale pay-per-view Coup de Grâce by literally setting former Battleground competitor Xion Ben-Judah on fire! However, he got extinguished by Flash Kassidy at Relapse in that play-in bout for the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament.
♫
DON'T GO AROUND TONIGHT
WELL, IT'S BOUND TO TAKE YOUR LIFE
THERE'S A BAD MOON ON THE RISE
♫
[As he mouths the last line of the song, he turns his head to face the camera and slams the book shut as the lights go off in the arena, the music quietly humming in the background as smoke starts to pour out from the entrance slowly. Lights rise up and flicker around the entrance as the music picks up again, flickering in time with the drums and guitars as Alexander makes his way out from the back, carrying that same book in his hand. He bears no smile on his face, only a calm resolute look as he stops at the top of the entrance for a second, scanning the crowd before opening his arms wide and walking down the ramp, lowering them as he gets to the ring. He climbs the steps and gets in the ring, walking to the middle and posing the same way that he did at the beginning.]
Mike Dempsey - And his opponent, standing 5’5” and weighing in at 115 pounds, from Los Angeles, California, she is Elina Cartel!
♫
"MACHINES" by GIORGIO MORODER PLAYS
♫
[The lights in the arena turn down low. As the song begins to boom, Elina Cartel walks through the entrance and ignores the fans as she walks down the entrance ramp. Neon lights hit the audience and the ring in bright pinks, greens, yellows, and purples. The lights reflect off her chrome Xpert leather jacket every step she takes.]
Dante Reed - And now here comes Elina Cartel. She, like Devin, also lost her Union Battleground debut match at Relapse, to the man that’s headlining tonight in the last semifinals match of the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Rodney Stillwater.
Sebastian Riggs - That was a helluva fight, and I’m sure Cartel would like to have that one back, seeing as Stillwater has a chance tonight to go on to the finals. But this is a chance for Cartel to rebound and get herself re-established.
[She walks right to the ring apron and in a single bound, leaps up onto the apron. She unzips her leather jacket and lets it fall to the ground behind her before stepping into the ring.]
[She walks to the middle of the ring and extends her arms and her middle fingers before pulling them together to make a cross in front of her face. The music dies down as the lighting returns to normal as she makes her way to her corner to warm up for the upcoming bout.]
Dante Reed - Alright folks, our third match of the evening and both competitors are set in their corners.
Sebastian Riggs - It’s a battle for reclamation!
Dante Reed - The referee is calling for the bell and this match is underway!
[DING!]
[Tje bell sounds and both competitors immediately close in to the middle of the mat. Elina shuffles to the side to try and quickly get a better angle on Devin, but The Prophet simply uses his brute strength and swipes at her with and overhead right hook. Elina duck unders the errant swing and gets behind Devin with a waist Lock. Devin pops his hips out to break Cartel’s hold, and then rocks her with a back elbow. Elina stumbles back on her heels while Devin turns back to face her and begins delivery heavy haymakers left and right, backing her into a corner. Devin now goes to Irish whip Elina across the ring, but she’s able to use her wit to reverse the whip and Devin goes colliding into the opposite corner. Elina stays close behind, and darts across with a flying leg lariat into the corner! The crowd pops to their feet as Devin instantly drops face first to the canvas. Cartel now triangle springboards off of the middle ropes and crashes down with a piercing double foot stomp! Cartel rolls Devin over and hooks the leg for a cover!]
... One!
... Two!
... T—Kick out!
Dante Reed - A long two count for Devin but he manages to kick out!
Sebastian Riggs - Elina looks fired up here tonight! She’s certainly come prepared!
[Devin staggers back up to his feet while Elina continuously throws a combination of straight-on jabs and kicks to the head, body, and legs of Alexander. Devin manages to slowly fend off Elina’s attack and then stuns her with a heavy short range lariat that flips Cartel straight off her feet and down to the canvas. Devin drops a few heavy stomps to try and soften up Cartel, then drags her back up to her feet by her hair. Just as Elina gets to her feet, she jolts with a shot of adrenaline and grabs Devin by his long beard, and nightly-nights him with a double knee favebuster!]
Dante Reed - Holy shit! Supernova out of nowhere! Alexander Devin’s eyes just rolled to the back of his head!
Sebastian Riggs - I wonder if The Prophet knew this was coming!
Dante Reed - The crowd is going crazy for Elina Cartel as she’s honking the leg! This one’s over!
... One!
... Two!
... Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, Elina Cartel!
Dante Reed - Wow what a stunning victory by Elina Cartel here tonight.
Sebastian Riggs - She definitely caught Devin off guard and took full advantage of the situation. Impressive victory for her and now she’s on the upswing of getting back on track!
Dante Reed - Folks stick around as take a quick commercial break. When we return, we will see The Patron Saintes of Sass and Class take on the ragtag team of Maggie Chamberlain and Conor Tate! Stay tuned!
Climbing the Ladder
[The camera’s cut hard backstage to find Noah Reigner and Rumble Reyes marching through the hallways of the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Neither look happy, and both walk with a purpose. At the last L!GHTS OUT Event, they were once again on the losing end of a bad referee call which helped The Outliers keep the Battalion Championships. This time it wasn’t a missed foot on the ropes, but it was an illegal man securing a pinfall that should have never happened. Every time The Firing Squad had an opportunity, it seems the referee was used against them. The scowl on Rumble’s face is enough to send various stage hands and backstage workers running for the hills. Noah’s eyes were narrowed, and his general overall body language warned people not to fuck with him. They turned a sharp corner and found themselves in front of the room used as an office for the evening by Axel Graves. The Firing Squad stopped and Noah lifted his hand to knock - but instead Rumble pushed past Noah and hit the door so hard that it flew open, no turning of the handle necessary. Axel immediately looked up from his paperwork, watching the team walk through the door - which was a miracle that it remained on the hinges.]
Axel Graves - Jesus Christ! Who the fuck is busting in here like the damn police?!
[Axel popped up out of his chair in an impulsive reflex. His hand still rested under his desk, where a 9 mm Glock was stationed. Ever since Axel received that cryptic message that it was “Time to Collect”, he’s tried to keep off the radar, and stay well protected. His eyes finally focus in on the fuming duo, and decides to slowly sit back down in his chair at ease, for now.]
Axel Graves - Ahh, gentlemen, c’mon on in! To what do I owe the pleasure?
Noah Reigner - Twice now, Axel. TWICE your incompetent referees have blown our opportunity to win the Battalion Championships. Rumble and I have worked our asses off to get in this position that we’re in, and everytime we turn around to cash in - a referee screws us over. Is it your doing, is it The Outliers, or is it the level of stupidity we can expect for the rest of our stay here - Axel?
[Noah paused, but not long enough to give Axel a chance to retort.]
Noah Reigner - Make this right. Give us The Outliers again. I said it before; we’re never going away until we get a FAIR chance.
[Axel strokes his beard as Noah airs his grievances. His look of agreement and compliance paints the picture of his response.]
Axel Graves - I hear everything you’re saying, Noah, and I agree with you. It’s become quite evident that our officials seem to be incapable of handling the task of the Battalion division. That I will handle behind closed doors. But in the meantime, I feel like you guys should get your fair shot without a referee blundering it. So here’s what I’m going to do. I’ll give you guys The Outliers at Crown of the King Cobra, and to make sure a referee’s incompetence doesn’t influence the outcome, I’m going to make it a Ladder Match! No DQs, no tags, just the four of you inside that ring. Whoever can claim those titles high into the rafters walks out the Champs! What do you guys think?
[Noah turned back to look at Rumble. The two exchanged glances before Rumble nodded his head.]
Rumble Reyes - We think we're going to kill them.
Noah Reigner - Yeah, do it. Give us The Outliers in a Ladder Match.
[Axel would smirk at the challengers, nodding his head just slightly as if to signal the match was on. Rumble turned and left the room and Noah began to do the same, when Axel's voice stopped him.]
Axel Graves - But I’ll tell ya too, Noah. You may want to keep your eyes peeled on Sabina and OC. I heard they sent ya a message in New Zealand.
[Narrowing his eyes on Axel, Noah didn't say a word. He knew what he meant, and he knew exactly what that message was. Noah left the room completely, sending us to a commercial break.]
Commercial Break
The #1 source of news and rumors in our wrestling community! Follow on Twitter @BaumerReport
The Last Ronin
[The camera pans out into a long white hallway with a single desk at the end of it. Her Guardian is sitting at the end of the hallway at his own desk, reading a book on Bushido, not focusing on the current person approaching him. He finally notices, puts his book down and looks at the man who is now standing in front of him. Shaking his head, as he reaches back for the key that he has behind him.]
The Guardian - I don’t know how you keep going in there, I mean she keeps me at bay but that’s because she knows what happened the last time I entered, so good luck…
[The Guardian hands him the key, then directs him towards the door. The man shivers and makes his way over to the door, sticks the key in the door and turns it clockwise. The door instantly flies open and sucks the man inside of it with ease. Not sure how he’s going to land, the man curls up into a ball. As he falls, he begins smelling something sweet, reminiscent of cherry blossoms but at the same time he is unsure of the smell and once he hits the bottom of the drop, he slams down onto grass and rolls. He notices a woman in the distance with what looks like a knife sitting in front of her on the ground, as she seems to be praying or performing some sort of meditation. She has her face covered with a mask as the man steps in front of her.]
The Last Ronin - You know it is quite rude to sneak up on someone, right? This knife was to be the device that would bring upon my demise, oh so long ago. It did in fact bring upon my foretold ending but my spirit…my essence, somehow survived and transferred into another person. Thus, my physical body has died but here I am…still surviving. And you have invaded my world once more. I do not take kindly to invaders.
[She stands up and then disrobes revealing the armor she was wearing then she vanishes just as quickly as she had disrobed. The man looks around trying to figure out where she is going to appear next and then notices the tonto sitting on a bench in front of him, picking it up. She reappears behind him and slams his head down onto the bench, then draws her blade out.]
The Last Ronin - Only warriors get a death they deserve. You are a petty thief who picked up something that does not belong to you. I am the one who will dispense your judgment here and now, so be warned that most people feel nothing as death creeps upon them.
[She lifts her sword and the man closes his eyes, clenching his face and preparing for the worst. As she comes down with the blade on her down swing, the hand that had saved him last time from The Knight reaches through and pulls him out of the way. He is quickly dragged back through the door in which he entered through, as the Last Ronin chases him full speed with the door closing as she swings with all her might towards it as it fully closes and cuts her out of our sight, sending us back to the room from earlier with The Guardian sitting at his desk.]
The Guardian - Why do you anger her so? You know she’ll react like that if you touch her stuff and pry around, so do not, I repeat do not touch anything that belongs to her in there.
[The man runs out of the room screaming afraid of what had just transpired.]
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, standing 6'2" and weighing in at 225 pounds, from Boston, Massachusetts, Conor Tate!
♫
I'M A SAILOR PEG
AND I'VE LOST MY LEG
CLIMBING UP THE SAILS
I'VE LOST MY LEG!
♫
Sebastian Riggs - Welcome back to L!GHTS OUT #19 Presented by Union Battleground!
Dante Reed - Up next, we have a Battalion match. We will see Conor Tate team with Maggie Chamberlain to take on The Patron Saintes of Sass and Class.
Sebastian Riggs - Here comes Tate!
[As the instrumental blasts through the arena the lights dim, and several small spotlights come together on the stage forming a pool of silver light. A small explosion of silver sparks shoots up from the floor to the delight of the fans, and "C.T." Conor Tate steps through the curtain into the lights as the smoke lingers around him in the air. He doesn't smile or pose. His jaw is clenched, and his eyes blazing with intensity as he stares at the ring. He cranks his neck from side to side and rolls his shoulders as he bounces from foot to foot in anticipation before breaking for the ring in an all out sprint. The fans cheer as he bursts down the ramp to ringside and slides underneath the bottom rope and into the ring, sliding a few feet on the canvas before rolling to his feet.]
[He makes his way to the turnbuckle, grabbing the ropes and pulling on them powerfully. Satisfied with their sturdiness, he uses them to stretch out and wait for the match to begin.]
Dante Reed - Tate looks ready to go. He and Maggie will need to mesh well right away to compete against this team of Sass and Class.
♫
EIGHT O'CLOCK, MONDAY NIGHT AND I'M WAITIN'
TO FINALLY TALK TO A GIRL A LITTLE COOLER THAN ME
HER NAME IS NONA, SHE'S A ROCKER WITH A NOSE RING
SHE WEARS A TWO WAY, BUT I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHAT THAT MEANS
♫
Mike Dempsey - And his partner, standing 5'5" and weighing in at 122 pounds, from Manchester, England, Maggie Chamberlain!
[Maggie steps out and twirls with her arms out as the fans jump to their feet. She starts heading down to the ring with a slight skip in her step mouthing the lyrics to her own entrance song.]
♫
AND WHEN SHE WALKS
ALL THE WIND BLOWS AND THE ANGELS SING
SHE DOESN'T NOTICE ME
♫
Sebastian Riggs - Maggie has become a fan favorite since arriving here at Union Battleground.
Dante Reed - Chamberlain is being accompanied by her boyfriend, Carter Brexley.
[Maggie's bobbing her head side to side, her boyfriend Carter Brexley walking out to the ramp behind her at this point. Maggie's swinging her hair as her vivid red lipstick illuminates her plump lips and pearly whites. She's moving from the left side to the right side of the guard rails serenading the fans as Carter catches up to her, dragging her by the arm away from the male fans trying to reach out and touch her. Maggie's smile fades slightly as she hurries to the ring apron]
♫
CAUSE SHE'S WATCHIN' WRESTLING
CREAMIN' OVER TOUGH GUYS
LISTENING TO RAP METAL
TURNTABLES IN HER EYES
♫
Dante Reed - The Patron Saintes of Sass and Class are an experience tag team who have worked together for some time. While Conor and Maggie have never tagged in their careers here at Union Battleground.
Sebastian Riggs - Tate and Chamberlain are very talented in ring performers. They could work well or crash and burn. That’s why we're all here, Dante. To find out.
[On the apron, Maggie poses with her fingers pointed high in the air and her hips poised to one side. She backflips over the top rope sauntering around the ring, still mouthing the words to her entrance song]
♫
IT'S LIKE A BAD MOVIE
SHE'S LOOKIN' THROUGH ME
IF YOU WERE ME THEN YOU'D BE
SCREAMIN' "SOMEONE SHOOT ME"
AS I FAIL MISERABLY
TRYIN'A GET THE GIRL ALL THE BAD GUYS WANT
♫
[She tosses her jacket over the rope to Carter as her music starts to fade and she stands in the corner interacting with her fans behind her]
Mike Dempsey - And their opponents, weighting in at a combined 268 pounds, The Patrons of Saintes of Sass and Class, Oceane Jourdain and Sabina Sainte!
[Instrumental sirens and snare dream beat fill the P.A. system and immediately the lights dim down low. Everyone's attention turns to the stage, waiting for the arrival of Oceane Jourdain and Sabina Sainte. They know this because the video screen above the entrance way flickers on and showcases a video package for the two. This mix of sirens, snare drum pattern and techno-ish rhythm lasts a few seconds before Iggy Azalea's voice is heard.]
♫
FUCK LOVE, GIVE ME DIAMONDS.
FUCK LOVE, GIVE ME DIAMONDS.
♫
Dante Reed - Oceane and Sabina are one talented tag team. They want this one bad, Sebastian.
Sebastian Riggs - Great tag teams want every single match bad. These two are no different in that regard.
[On cue with the introduction of vocals, the girls make their appearance. They both walk out through the curtain, Oceane leading - high stepping a little as the lights flood down on her. Her arm is reached back and her fingers laced with Sabina's as she emerges, an extra sway in her step. The two beautiful women stop together in the centre of the spotlight, giving a little pose to the crowd. Oceane biting on her gloved index finger, and Sabina popping her hips in either direction sexually. This lasts a few short seconds before both smile and begin their descent down to the ring.]
Sebastian Riggs - Both women are fierce competitors between those ropes. Tate and Chamberlain will have their hands full here tonight.
Dante Reed - Indeed.
[The ring announcer does his introductions as they walk down, announcing "Oceane Jourdain" first, which is when Sabina points to her bestie. "and Sabina Sainte" is announced next, and Oceane returns the favor by pointing to her. After which, the two link hands again and continue their way down. Once at ringside, they turn and approach the nearest set of steps with Oceane still leading. They don't release hands until Oceane steps onto the apron. This is when they split, each going their opposite way. Sabina walks along the apron to mid-ring while Oceane enters from her side. Oceane walks through the ring, joining Sabina at the ropes again. Sabina lays across the middle rope, hooking a leg over the top and extending the other high in the air. Oceane climbs the ropes, one foot on the bottom rope while the other steps over the ropes and hooks over the top. She smiles that seductive smile of hers as she stares out into the crowd. They keep this pose a few brief moments before Oceane steps down and Sabina slips through the ropes completely. They meet up again in their corner, talking to each other and giggling at their opponent's expense.]
Dante Reed - Tate and Sainte will start this one.
Sebastian Riggs - The referee calls for the bell and we are underway!
[DING!]
[Tate immediately takes off at the unsuspecting Sabina! He tackles her to the mat then begins throwing punches down at her while using both knees to hold her down. Tate leaps back to his feet then as Sainte leans up, he kicks her directly in the face! Conor then drops down to pin both of Sainte’s shoulders to the mat!]
… One!
… Two!
… Broken up by Oceane Jourdain!
Dante Reed - Sabina is rescued at the last minute by her partner! Did you see that kick to the face?
Sebastian Riggs - Yes, it was brutal. Sabina now has a cut above her left eye. What a shot!
[Tate immediately goes after Sabina while Jourdain gets back to her corner. Tate reaches then bends over to pick her up only to be rolled up in a pin by Sainte!]
… One!
… Kickout by Conor Tate!
Dante Reed - Tate gets rolled up but manages to kick out. Sainte realizes now that she is bleeding and attempts to make a tag.
[The French Phenom reaches out for Sabina! Sainte extends her arm to make the tag! Tate chases after her only to meet The Iconic One at the ropes. Oceane catches him with a palm thrust strike! The sudden unexpected shot sends Conor back into the ropes! As he bounces off them, Maggie reaches out to slap his back! She then dashes through the ropes and gets caught with a kick to the gut out of nowhere! Jourdain then follows up with a nasty DDT! Oceane hooks Maggie’s right leg quickly.]
… One!
… Kick Out by Maggie Chamberlain!
Sebastian Riggs - Sass and Class continue to impress in the early goings.
Dante Reed - Maggie’s back up!
[Chamberlain gets back to her feet after kicking out at one. Jourdain rushes at Maggie only to be caught with an arm drag! Chamberlain uses the maneuver to toss Oceane into Maggie’s own corner. She hits back first against the turnbuckle leading Chamberlain to follow up with a splash in the corner! Before Jourdain can fall to the mat, Maggie catches her with a sharp chop across the chest! Dante and Sebastian both wince from the sound.]
Dante Reed - Did you hear that? Maggie is bringing the pain.
[Chamberlain follows up with a big knee to the gut. She then tosses Oceane through the ropes. She bounces off the apron then hits on the outside floor. Jourdain ends up on her back which leads Maggie to climb the corner turnbuckles back inside the ring until she reaches the top. She turns her back to her downed opponent on the outside of the ring then leaps off backwards! The moonsault is picture perfect but Jourdain lifts up both knees just before Chamberlain hits! The counter leaves Maggie rolling around on the outside holding her ribcage. The referee begins his count on both women.]
Sebastian Riggs - What a counter! They have to get back in the ring.
Dante Reed - The high risk maneuver crashed and burned out here in front of our announce table for Maggie Chamberlain. The referee’s count reaches three.
[Chamberlain and Oceane both stir then sit up as the referee’s count reaches four. Jourdain gets to her feet then rolls in the ring quickly to stop the count followed closely by Maggie Chamberlain! Both women make a dash for their respective corners.]
Dante Reed - Maggie tags in Conor Tate!
Sebastian Riggs - Oceane tags in Sabina Sainte!
[Tate glides through the ropes and takes off across the ring. Sabina comes in hot as well but gets caught with a solid right overhand punch! The shot sends Sainte to the mat but she rolls out of the ring to collect herself. Tate mocks her from inside the ring. She slides back in after rushing around the ring steps but Conor catches her in the center of the ring with a huge spinebuster! The maneuver shakes the entire ring. Tate gets back to his feet quickly then rushes over to the corner to wait for Sabina to get back to her feet. As she stands up and turns around in a slight daze, Conor takes off aiming for a spear to finish her off! Tate doesn’t realize Chamberlain slap his back and the referee acknowledge the pin. Just as Conor reaches Sainte, she lifts her knee up! She counters the spear with a knee to the face! Tate rolls underneath the bottom rope onto the apron in a complete daze.]
Sebastian Riggs - Did you see that? I thought Tate was about to put this one away.
Dante Reed - Sabina has no idea that Maggie is the legal woman now.
[Sainte notices Maggie out of the corner of her eye then turns and charges at her! Chamberlain shuffles her feet and catches Sabina with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown! Maggie follows up quickly by leaping to her feet then hitting Sainte with a double chest stomp! Chamberlain falls to the mat then hooks a leg after robbing her opponent of all the air!]
… One!
… Two!
… TH- Broken up by Jourdain!
Dante Reed - Maggie with a near pinfall victory. Almost…
Sebastian Riggs - They aren’t playing horseshoes, Dante. “Almost” means nothing here. Conor Tate is still out on the apron leaving a two on one scenario for Maggie.
[Frustration crosses the face of Maggie Chamberlain. Sabina touches her forehead and realizes she’s bleeding even worse now. She wrinkles her forehead with anger then turns to charge at her opponent. Chamberlain sits on one knee shaking her head with pure frustration. Sainte catches her out of nowhere with a beautiful shining wizard! Maggie ends up on her stomach leading to follow up by applying the muta lock!]
Sebastian Riggs - Ode to Prosper! She’s got it locked in!
Dante Reed - This could be it for Chamberlain with Conor still out. Now what is Oceane doing?!
[Jourdain slides through the ropes after her partner bridges the muta lock. She applies The Princess Lock to Maggie Chamberlain!]
Dante Reed - Savage Sass!
[Chamberlain taps the mat three times quickly! The referee calls for the bell.]
[DING! DING! DING!]
Sebastian Riggs - Maggie succumbs to Savage Sass. Her and Conor put on a valiant effort but not working together and a bit of inexperience together cost them.
Mike Dempsey - Here are your winners, The Patron Saintes of Sass and Class!
[Inside the ring, the two women continue to hold the brutal team maneuver on Maggie Chamberlain. She passes out from the pain but they do not release either hold after the referee attempts unsuccessfully to break the hold. Brexley yells his displeasure at the referee then commentators on the outside of the ring.]
Dante Reed - They are trying to injure Maggie!
Sebastian Riggs - Trying? They already have!
[A worried referee calls for the medical staff to come out as he continues to call for Oceane and Sabina to break the hold. The crowd watches on in horror as three members of the medical staff come rushing down the ramp to tend to Chamberlain.]
The Original Mean Girls
[The Patron Saintes of Sass & Class are celebrating their tag-team win over Maggie Chamberlain and Conor Tate when "Backstage Freestyle" by Kendrick Lamar begins to play...]
♫
MARTIN HAD A DREAM...
MARTIN HAD A DREAM...
KENDRICK HAVE A DREAM....
♫
[The fans turn their attention towards the entrance where the lights lit up a bright red.]
♫
ALL MY LIFE I WANT MONEY AND POWER
RESPECT MY MIND OR DIE FROM LEAD SHOWER
I PRAY MY DICK GET BIG AS THE EIFFEL TOWER
SO I CAN FUCK THE WORLD FOR 72 HOURS
♫
[As soon as the bass kicks in, out walks the originator of Ass, Class & Sass herself – Felix Hartley. The fans explode seeing the two-time GWC Empress Champion and former 4CW competitor flaunting the goods as she whips her vibrant red hair around. She slowly raises her arms in the air with her signature overconfident grin. Needless to say, her sudden presence was so explosive that she stole the fans' undivided attention.]
Dante Reed - Oh my god!
Sebastian Riggs - It’s... It’s... It’s Felix Hartley! Am I dreaming right now?
[Her slow and nonchalant saunter to the ring only emphasized why she was there; to make a point. She held out her hand once she got closer to the ring as she waited for a microphone. She slowly ascended up the steps and right between the ropes into the ring.]
Felix Hartley - Oh, hi...
[She laughs, emphasizing the fact that she of all people has to introduce herself to the two rookies in front of her.]
Felix Hartley - My name's Felix, and I'm a much, much bigger deal than you – literally. With that out of the way, though, I'd like to make something extremely clear...
[Felix held the microphone loosely with one hand, the other hand on her hip as she did a small circle around the Patron Saintes. She smirked.]
Felix Hartley - Yeah, just what I thought. No ass. No class. Wannabe sass. See gals, a little birdy told me that there were these two nobodies in Union Battleground that called themselves the uh, Patron Saintes of Sass and Class, and I thought to myself... Well, that's funny, because that sounds a lot like somebody's trying to steal my thunder.
[The fans began to cheer, but definitely not because they liked Felix – more because they knew Felix was going to deliver, and deliver mercilessly.]
Felix Hartley - I'm used to it, though... Half the twats in this business are clones of me. If I didn't come around when I did, doing what I do, saying what I say, these girls would be Googling new gimmicks every fucking day. So, you're welcome for basically giving you the foundation for your whole image, by the way – even though I don't recall getting a formal thank-you, buuuuut anyway...
[She tilts her head to the side.]
Felix Hartley - Here's what I'm thinking. And by 'here's what I'm thinking', I mean here's what's going to happen next for you. See, I'm not signing with Union Battleground - but I DID sign on to a one-time tag team match. You two, the Patron Saintes of Done-Before and Stolen Ideas because you're neither smart or original, versus me – Felix "Ass, Class and Sass" Hartley, trademarked – and a partner that I've been very careful to select. . .
Dante Reed - Felix just laid down a challenge!
Sebastian Riggs - But who is the partner she’s picked?
[Felix winks, the fans getting louder and louder, already knowing just who Felix chose for this special match-up.]
Felix Hartley - We have a longer history between us than the two of you have even been in the business. We may be love and hate, but nothing brings us closer than little butterface bitches impersonating us. I'd like to introduce you to my partner.
[Felix holds her hands out towards the entrance with a sly smirk as "Killing You Hoes" by Trina begins to play. The fans cheer as none other than Genevie Carlson makes her way out and walks down the ramp with a smirk on her face. She poses for the fans before nodding her head and climbing into the ring. She hugs Felix and kisses both her cheeks before asking for her own microphone. The Patron Saintes of Class and Sass seem shocked.]
​
♫
THE BADDEST BITCH IS BACK
I'M BACK PART 2, PART 2
I'M RELOADED AND I'M KILLIN' YOU HOES
♫
Dante Reed - Holy shit! That’s former 4CW XTV Champion Genevie Carlson!
Sebastian Riggs - Is this real life?! What is happening here?!
Genevie Carlson - Close your mouth, bitches. There aren't any dicks out here for you to suck.
[She laughs and looks over at Felix to share the laugh. She shakes her head.]
Genevie Carlson - This is how shit is gonna go. You see I shouldn't have to be here backing up Fel but I can't stand when bitches can't get their own brand. You two run around here acting like you're the end all and be all. That stops now. Because when me and Felix step into the ring to fight you two, you're gonna be brought down to earth and put in your place real quick by a team with actual Sass, and WAY more class.
[She tosses her microphone as Felix nods in delight, dropping hers as well. She runs over to Gen as the two embrace again, their arms around each other as they look towards Oceane and Sabina, eyeing them up and down with a knowing grin.]
Dante Reed - I can’t believe what we just saw out here, Bas! The Patron Saintes of Sass and Class has just been issued a monumental challenge!
Sebastian Riggs - This is insanity! Could we be seeing these four square up inside a Union Battleground ring?
Dante Reed - Well you heard Felix, she signed a “One Night Only” Match, so perhaps this takes place at Crown of the King Cobra! Folks, while we continue to try and process this breaking news, we’re ready to switch gears as we have Flash Kassidy versus Viduus Morta, next!
Never Shook
♫
THIS HOW YOU COOK UP SOME DOPE WITH NO POWDER
DON'T TURN ON THAT STOVE, JUST TURN THIS SHIT UP LOUDER
BLACK EDDIE BAUER, MASK ON MY FACE
LIKE I'M READY TO TAKE WHAT IS YOURS CAUSE IT'S OURS
Y'ALL STOLE MY STYLE, I SHIT ON YOU LIKE BOWELS
AND TAKE ALL YOUR PRINCESSES, BITCH, I AM BOWSER
FUCK SUPERPOWERS, I GOT THIS WEED
♫
[With lights flashing and a strobe light going off Flash Kassidy and Charlie Blooms make their way out to the stage. Flash in his signature coat and glasses. He bobs his head to the beat of the song before spinning around in a circle, a very cocky demeanor about him. He stops and faces the audience, slowly starting to slide his glasses down his nose as he looks over at Charlie, who gives him a determined grin. Flash licks his lips, before putting his arm around her shoulders, and beginning to head down to the ring. Flash was still vibing out to his own music, moving his head and free arm to the beat.]
♫
SAIL
UP OUT OF THE GHETTO
AWAY FROM THE MORNINGS WHERE SNOW IN THAT SHOVEL
SAIL
UP OUT OF THIS LEVEL
I'M TRYNA BE NUMBER ONE, WHY WOULD I SETTLE?
SAIL
♫
[As the pair approaches the ring, Flash hops on the apron, flipping over the top rope. He watches Charlie as she ascends up the steps, Flash holds the rope open for her, making sure to get a good view of dat booty as she slips inside of the ring. Instead of doing what he would usually do Flash calls for a microphone, he leans over the top rope and takes one from a staff member. Flash then returns to the center of the ring where Charlie is standing. Flash waits for his music to cut, and the fans to settle down. He then slowly reaches on hand up, removing his signature shades, handing them to Charlie. The Burner runs his hand through his hair, slicking it back and out of his face. He then brings the microphone up to his lips as he looks towards the entrance ramp.]
Flash Kassidy - Now I knows, I’m about to have a match with the oh so spookie-ookie Viduus Morta. But see.. I got some shit runnin’ through my head, got somethin’ on my chest that is eatin’ away at me… And yes I’m talkin’ about yo bitch ass, face mask, wanna be tough guy ma’ fuckin’ ass Ragnarok! I mean I understand why you did it, It’s pre obvious when you think about it. And it ain’t even got nothing to to with you Rags! You just a pawn in the machine that Salvation… And who runs that ish Nemesis!
[The crowd boos at the name, something that makes Flash Kassidy smirk. He runs his tongue over his bottom lip and glances at Charlie, who has her hand on his shoulder - as it showing him that she has his back. Flash then turns his attention back to the audience.]
Flash Kassidy - Nemesis! You ass was afraid for me to have that crown! You didn’t want none of Flash Kassidy! That’s why you sent that pussy boi to do ya’ work! You ain’t gotta admit it.. But I sees you homie, and from now on I’m gonna have eyes in the back of my—
[Just then the lights cut out as a loud SHHH is heard over the speakers. The Jumbo-tron lights up as Ragnarok is seen sitting indian style in a dark room. The only light coming from a circle of candles. Ragnarok' s head is down as he looks at the floor.]
Ragnarok - There was a man... who once... flew too close to the sun... he had hoped to prove that humans... could fly like the angels in heaven... but perhaps the devil had implanted the idea... You see... this man continued to fly through the air... until he felt the heat of the rays... his problem... he didn't know when to stop... or better yet... how...
Flash... you are said man... your mouth continues to run... it continues to release ignorance onto the sheep... the sheep that truly don't care for you... When will you learn to stop your flight?... I am no Pawn... I chose to come out... I chose to ruin your night of grandeur... Salvation's goals and mine just seemed to intertwine... one of those goals is eliminating the parasites that plague this very place... you stand alone...
These sheep did nothing as I laid you out... your beautiful girlfriend did nothing as I laid you out... NO ONE cares enough to do anything for you... You my friend... are flying directly into the sun... and I... I alone am enough to end your flight... I revel in the enjoyment... of watching you fall from the sky... making your descent back to the earth...
[Ragnarok tilts his head up and to the side.]
Ragnarok - Now... Flash... can you do it? Can you face your truth? I have my doubts... no one is ready for it... the truth... The One Truth... Ragnarok...
[The strange man raises a finger to the mouth area of his mask.]
Ragnarok - Shhhh...
[The lights cut back on as the Jumbo-tron returns to normal.]
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Currently in the ring, standing 5’10” and weighing in at 213 pounds, from Pontiac, Illinois, “The Burner” Flash Kassidy!
[The crowd erupts into cheers as Kassidy stands in his corner, bouncing in place and loosening up to stay warm.]
Mike Dempsey - And his opponent, standing 6’2” and weighing in at 195 pounds, from Parts Unknown, representing Salvation, Viduus Morta!
["Cry Little Sister” begins to play as the lights drop in the arena. Smoke and fog billows from below the stage rising higher and higher as the stage and ramp begin to light up in fire in a falling dominoes pattern. The faint shadow of Viduus Morta can be seen through the smoke.]
♫
LAST FIRE WILL RISE
BEHIND THOSE EYES
BLACK HOUSE WILL ROCK
BLIND BOYS DON'T LIE
♫
[The Smoke disappears to reveal Viduus entirely looking left and right scanning the crowd. As the music begins to pick up pace, Viduus starts to float his way to the ring.]
♫
CRY LITTLE SISTER
THOU SHALL NOT FALL
COME COME TO YOUR BROTHER
THOU SHALL NOT FEEL
♫
[Viduus slithers under the bottom rope and licks his lips, ready to feast, as he crawls to the middle of the ring. Viduus rises slowly and tilts his head left inquisitively like a curious dog as the lights come back on.]
Dante Reed - Not only is this man undefeated Bas, not only is this man in the War Horse Finals at Crown of the King Cobra, but Bas, this man Viduus Morta is also partly responsible for what Salvation did to Dick Devereaux and company back at Relapse!
Sebastian Riggs - He’s a scary, scary man Dante and I really hope Flash knows what he’s gotten himself into by continuously taunting Salvation on, they aren’t exactly the forgiving type!
Dante Reed - Flash Kassidy can exact the rev—
[Before the referee can even call for the bell to start the match or Dante can even finish his sentence, Flash lunges at Viduus looking obviously frustrated with how things have transpired with Salvation lately. Viduus was expecting Flash to act on emotion though, ducking underneath a wild attempt at a right hand.]
Dante Reed - We ain’t messing around, this match has kicked off early!
[DING!]
[Flash turns to face Viduus as the bell rings to start the match only to be caught in an attempt at a chokeslam from Viduus! Flash quickly begins to drive his elbow into the back of Viduus's head causing Viduus to release the chokehold. Flash now charges right at Viduus and connects with a huge flying forearm while Viduus was still trying to shake off those elbows to the back of the head. Flash continues to unleash forearm smash after forearm smash that eventually drives Viduus back into the corner. Flash then pushes Viduus' head back towards the crowd before he pulls his own hand back and connects with a big chest chop with the sound of the chop echoing throughout the arena and causing the fans to chime in with the obligatory “Woo”. ]
Dante Reed - What a nasty chop by Flash Kassidy!
Sebastian Riggs - Definitely going to leave a mark Dante!
[Flash continues his ongoing assault by keeping Viduus on the defensive as he begins kicking Viduus over and over again in the gut causing Viduus to eventually slump down to the ground up against the bottom turnbuckle as Flash’s kicks begin to turn into stomps directly into Viduus' chest. After a few stomps, Flash uses his knee and begins driving it against Viduus’ throat, tilting his head back against the turnbuckle. The referee comes in to break up the knee-to-the-throat choke as Flash let’s go, turns around and yells out at the crowd.]
Sebastian Riggs - Flash Kassidy has definitely had the upper hand for most of the early ongoing of this match, Dante!
Dante Reed - You knew Flash would be fired up for this Bas, we spoke about it earlier and you know he’s seeking redemption for what Ragnarok did!
[As Flash continues to play towards the crowd, Viduus rolls underneath the bottom rope to the outside of the ring to catch his breath, but Flash takes notices and doesn’t look like he’s going to give Viduus much time to recover. Flash stalks his prey, watching as Viduus slowly begins to climb back up to his feet, still clutching his throat. Flash then sees his opportunity as he bounces off of the rope and charges towards the ropes where Viduus is now standing and jumps over the top rope and attempts a senton but Viduus catches him in mid air and in one full motion, spins and uses Flash’s own momentum to powerbomb Flash directly into the barricade!]
Dante Reed - Jesus Christ! Viduus just used Flash’s own momentum to powerbomb him into the barricade!
Sebastian Riggs - That may just change the course of this match Dante!
Dante Reed - Never mind match, that may have ended his career!
[With Flash slumped up against the barricade and not really moving while Charlie screams on in horror, Viduus is to his feet, cracking a sinister smile and moving in on the downed Flash with brutal kicks to Flash’s head, one after the other slamming the back of Flash’s skull into the barricade. Viduus grabs Flash by the hair, pulling him closely to his own face and yells at Flash, asking him if he’s scared yet.]
Sebastian Riggs - Flash looks totally out of it Dante!
[Viduus now brings Flash to his feet and drags him towards the ring. Viduus props Flash up onto the apron and follows him onto the apron himself. Viduus sets Flash up into a suplex position but as he lifts Flash up, he turns and tosses him into the ring, flat down onto his stomach. Viduus then comes back into the ring, bounces off of the ropes and drops a huge leg drop onto the back of Flash’s head. Viduus now rolls Flash over, casually puts his weight across Flash’s chest, not even hooking a leg as the referee beings the count.]
One…
Two…
KICKOUT!
Dante Reed - Flash kicks out at two and a half!
[Viduus cracks a sadistic grin as Flash rolls over onto his back, clutching his gut from the front suplex into the ring still. Flash keeps rolling over though until he rolls under the bottom rope and to the outside of the ring with Viduus climbing out of the ring behind him. Flash begins to start crawling towards the steel steps before Viduus steps in front of him to cut him off. Flash looks up at Viduus while he's on all fours as Viduus still has the sadistic grin painted across his face. Viduus lifts a hurt Flash up to his feet by the back of his neck and gets Flash ready for what looks like a suplex attempt into the ring apron but Flash manages to land onto the apron on his feet! Viduus gets up, taken back by Flash’s ability to counter while Flash turns around and springboards off the second rope back towards Viduus, hitting him with a huge somersault!]
Dante Reed - It looked as if Viduus had this match going in his favor but what a showing of agility by Flash Kassidy!
Sebastian Riggs - And what a move that springboard somersault was all the way from the apron, down to the outside onto Viduus!
[Flash takes a moment to gather himself after getting to his feet and then begins to quickly stomp away at Viduus a few times while he's lying on the outside. Flash backs up a few steps, waits for Viduus to sit up and then runs and nails Viduus with a double front dropkick that sends Viduus’ head bouncing off of the floor! Flash wastes no time and tosses Viduus back into the ring after quickly bringing him to his feet. Flash climbs up onto the ring apron and waits for Viduus to get back up, when he does Flash springboards from the top rope, lands on Viduus’ shoulders and hurricanrana’s Viduus down to the mat! Flash then quickly scrambles over and covers Viduus, hooking the leg!]
One…
Two…
KICKOUT!
Dante Reed - Viduus kicks out at two!
Sebastian Riggs - As agile as that move was, it’s going to take more then that to keep Viduus down for a three count!
[Flash now is on his knees, taking a moment to catch his breath and then gets back up to his feet bringing Viduus up with him. As Flash clutches Viduus’ head, Viduus begins throwing elbows of his own this time to Flash’s gut, each one causing Flash to loosen his grip more and more until he finally lets go. Viduus now bounces off of the ropes as Flash stops clutching his gut to attempt a Spinning Back Heel kick which Viduus ducks, continuing towards the opposite ropes, bouncing back off of them and as Flash turns around, Viduus leaps and spears Kassidy, sending him flying through the middle ropes and back down to the outside!]
Dante Reed - These guys are going back out there again!
Sebastian Riggs - I guess a squared circle just cant contain the hatred these two have developed for each other in such a short time!
[Viduus is quick to slide to the outside and pick Flash back up to his feet. Viduus holds him by the hair, takes a few running steps and tosses Flash back first into the steel steps, causing the top step to dislodge from the bottom as Charlie once again screams towards Flash as he clutches his back in agony. Viduus points towards Charlie causing her to back away and run towards the other side of the ring. Viduus focuses back on Flash, picking him back up to his feet and looking to toss him into the ring post but Flash reverses, instead sending Viduus face first into the ring post! Viduus does go down though as he stumbles backwards into a waiting Flash Kassidy who drives Viduus down to the floor with a leaping Reverse STO!]
Dante Reed - What a thunderous reverse STO by Flash Kassidy!
Sebastian Riggs - I don’t care who or what you are Dante! That had to hurt!
[Flash now sees the opportunity to finish Viduus off and picks him up to his feet, quickly rolling him into the ring and then following in after him. As Viduus lays on the mat, Flash makes his way to the turnbuckle and begins climbing it until he gets to the top.]
Dante Reed - Is Flash looking for the Juicy Lucy here?
[Just then the lights begin to flicker until the arena goes completely dark. After a few moments a red spotlight falls upon Flash, lighting him up while another red spotlight appears, though this one is placed upon the turnbuckle directly across the ring from Flash, lighting up Ragnarok, the newest member of Salvation who is standing upwards on the second rope. As cameras flash throughout the arena, the lights come back on and we see that the ring is surrounded by dozens of fans wearing Ragnarok masks, all looking up towards Flash Kassidy!]
Dante Reed - What in the hell!?!
Sebastian Riggs - Ragnarok has somewhat of a cult following of fans that he refers as “Ragdolls” who wear his mask and will follow him to the ends of the earth and back Dante! It seems as though they’ve taken to Flash as well!
[Flash jumps down off of the top turnbuckle and begins looking around him at the “Ragdolls” in confusion as Ragnarok continues staring at him from his original position, not moving in the slightest. In the meantime, Viduus is back up to his feet, comes up from behind Flash and hits him with The Awakening! Viduus makes the cover as Ragnarok and the “Ragdolls” look on!]
... One!
... Two!
... Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, Viduus Morta!
Dante Reed - That damned Ragnarok! Salvation have screwed Flash over again!
[As the referee goes to raise Viduus’ hand he pulls it away and signals towards Ragnarok who hops down and the two begin stomping away viciously at Flash who can only try and curl up to avoid any major damage as Charlie screams at the referee to do something to help Flash.]
Sebastian Riggs - These two are clearly sending a message to Flash!
[After what seems like forever, Ragnarok and Viduus seemed to be pleased with their mudhole stomping on Flash and turn their backs, raising their arms as “Cry Little Sister” begins but Charlie has gone fishing under the ring and pulled out a steel chair. She gets Flash’s attention and slides it in towards him. Flash begins getting up with the chair in hand to which both Viduus and Ragnarok take notice, scurrying out of the ring but Ragnarok says something to one of his “Ragdolls” who instructs the whole group to jump onto the ring apron as Ragnarok and Viduus look on from the entrance ramp. Flash encourages them to enter the ring and as they do, Flash begins taking out each “Ragdoll”, one by one with his steel chair until there are nothing but bodies lying in the ring on the apron and on the outside of the ring.]
Dante Reed - Flash is showing Ragnarok and Salvation that even if they have the numbers, he’s not backing down!
[Flash signals for both Viduus and Ragnarok to come back down to the ring but they both smile and blow him off, satisfied with what they’ve done as they begin to head towards the back. We cut back to the ring where Charlie has now entered, frantically looking over Flash to see if he’s okay.]
Global Open Challenge
Dante Reed - A voice in my headset just informed me that we have Savannah Skye standing by backstage right now.
Sebastian Riggs - Go ahead, Savannah.
[The camera shot goes from the two commentators to the backstage area where Skye stands directly in front of a camera.]
Savannah Skye - Thank you, Sebastian and Dante. I have here with me Tommy Crimson!
[Crimson walks into the shot. The two are standing in front of a huge Crown of the King Cobra tournament poster.]
Savannah Skye - Crimson, since arriving here at Union Battleground you have been undefeated thus far. You are a former decorated champion and appear to be climbing the ladder quickly here. Who will you face at the Pay Per View next month?
[Tommy looks back at the poster and grins slightly. He figures out quickly this poster being here was a calculated move on Skye’s part. He slowly turns to face the camera with a look of disgust across his face. Skye takes a step back in fear.]
Tommy Crimson - I know what you are doing. You think I will lose my shit because I don’t have an opponent yet? How could The Fury not be booked on the biggest wrestling show in March? I am not falling for it. I will face any man or woman in this world.
Savannah Skye - Care to elaborate further? That’s a bit vague.
Tommy Crimson - Union Battleground is the place where dream matches can happen. People in other companies can come here and settle any beef. After I destroy the wannabe street fighter tonight, I will need an opponent for the March PPV. So I issue an open challenge to anyone in this world. Anyone.. who believes down deep they got it like I got it. I think the entire roster is scared shitless of me. Good. That’s smart.
[Savannah holds the mic up to Tommy’s face as he replies. She then returns it back to hers.]
Savannah Skye - You will fight anyone? From any promotion?
[Crimson snatches the microphone from Skye then pushes her out of the camera’s wide shot.]
Tommy Crimson - No more questions, bitch! I didn’t stutter and I hate repeating myself like those assholes in the locker room do constantly.. Listen carefully... I will wrestle anyone from anywhere at Crown of the King Cobra Pay Per View. This is a global challenge. If you think you can beat a thirteen time world champion… Then come fucking do it. I Dare You.
[Crimson throws the mic at Savannah then walks out of the shot. The cameras return back to Sebastian and Dante at the announcer’s table.]
Dante Reed - Tommy Crimson just made a global challenge.
Sebastian Riggs - That could be a mistake but Crimson is one of the most confident wrestlers I have seen in some time.
Dante Reed - Indeed, and he gets his chance to show it next as he’s set to take on Joe Stanton!
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, standing 6’1” and weighing in at 235 pounds, from Chicago, Illinois, he is the IJPW Death Crown Champion, “The Scarlet Speedster” Joe Stanton!
♫
I WEAR MY SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT
SO I CAN SO I CAN
WATCH YOU WEAVE THEN BREATHE YOUR STORY LINES
AND I WEAR MY SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT
SO I CAN SO I CAN
KEEP TRACK OF THE VISIONS IN MY EYES
♫
Dante Reed - The Scarlet Speedster, Joe Stanton taking on The Fury, Tommy Crimson. Both of these guys are very talented in that ring in their own right. Joe defeated Blake Archer and then had a strong showing against Viduus Morta, but came up short. He looks to rebound by picking up the win tonight.
Sebastian Riggs - Both men have a point that they want to prove I would say that it is almost getting personal between Joe and Salvation, but... I don't spread fake news Dante.
Dante Reed - Well one thing that isn’t fake news, we have received word, that at Crown of the King Cobra, Joe Stanton will be taking on CWC Sentinel Regional Television Champion Michael Hayden!
Sebastian Riggs - That’s exciting news, Dante! Both of those guys have a lot of history between them, and if I’m not mistaken, this will be their first encounter in singles competition! A phenomenal place to square off, of I say so myself!
[The thumping of the song and the darkening of the house lights cue the fans to put their hands together, clapping along with the tune as a blinding stage light creates a massive glare that blinds those in attendance and at home watching. When the stage light dims and some spotlights cast on the stage, Joe Stanton is there standing with his signature pair of sunglasses on. He looks out at the fans and he pumps his fist a few times in rhythm with the song before he heads for the ring and enters it quickly. Throwing his jacket to the side, Joe circles the ring pointing to the fans in attendance before he shadow boxes in his corner, waiting for the tune to end.]
Dante Reed - This guy has great in ring ability and really seems to connect with fans. Something far different from his opponent Tommy Crimson.
Sebastian Riggs - He just doesn't connect with Tommy. In fact here he comes, just look how little he seems to care about that athletic ability you were talking up for Joe Stanton. Tommy Crimson is an excellent high flyer, striker, and technician; don't let his lyrical dialect fool you into thinking otherwise.
♫
LUX AETERNA BY MEGARAPTOR BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[A piano can be heard throughout. As it picks up speed, violins come in to compliment. Darkness consumes the arena suddenly then slowly a crimson red haze spills in. “Lux Aeterna” by Megaraptor blasts throughout. The piece of music made famous by Clint Mansell is covered to perfection by the metal instrumental band. Tommy Crimson suddenly struts out across the stage to roaring boos. One of the most hated men in the business of professional wrestling has arrived. Tommy adjusts his infamous human skin and face jacket. The leather shines in the red glow. The song picks up speed as the heavy guitars of Megaraptor come in. Crimson stops at the top of the ramp and holds both arms out from his body. He basks in the negative response.]
Mike Dempsey - And his opponent, standing 6'2” and weighing in tonight at 173 pounds, from Detroit, Michigan, “The Fury” Tommy Crimson!
[Crimson walks down the ramp knocking signs out of fans hands as he does so. The fans relentlessly boo him for this. Tommy walks by the announce table, carefully he slowly drags three fingers from his left hand across the table top. He then slides in the ring then leaps back to his feet. Crimson holds both arms out from his body then spins to further taunt the crowd. The lights come back on as The Fury waits for the bell to sound.]
Dante Reed - It appears everyone is ready. The referee is calling for the bell! This match is underway!
[DING!]
[The bell sounds and Joe quickly grabs a hold of Crimson around the waist and positions himself in a belly to back. Crimson grabs Joe by the head before he is able to toss him to the mat and drops down causing Joe's chin to bounce off his shoulder. Tommy gets up first, but Joe is shaking off the effects of the jawbreaker. As he stands up Tommy meets him with a discus back elbow, only Joe swiftly ducks and kicks his legs under Tommy Crimson's sweeping his feet out from under him. Tommy hits the mat and Joe kicks missing as Tommy rolled out of the way and got up to his feet. Joe pushes himself up running aggressively at him the two of them locking arms in a collar and elbow.]
Dante Reed - It looks like Stanton might have the strength advantage as Tommy is inching closer to the corner.
Sebastian Riggs - I am not so sure that is the case.
[Tommy lets his body loosen and Joe falls forward as Crimson dodges out of the way sending him face first into the corner. Tommy rushed into the ropes and back at Joe extending his right arm out hitting Joe in the chest with a Clothesline sandwich into the corner. Crimson continues the assault striking Joe heavily while keeping him trapped in the corner each shot delivered faster and harder than the last one.]
Dante Reed - This is the reason Tommy Crimson is called the Fury I would say delivering precise strikes in the corner on Joe Stanton.
Sebastian Riggs - Joe is doing his best to defend these blows though putting his hands up. I guess he isn't as bad as I thought.
[Joe gets enough of an opening as Tommy seems to lose a little steam and shoves Crimson away from him creating some separation. Tommy charges at him again, but Joe at the last second catches him with a belly to belly catch suplex. He gets Tommy down, but is unable to capitalize right away as he takes a few seconds to catch his breath. He lines Tommy up and goes to swing a strong right jab, but Crimson gets his arm up to block him. Joe ducks a retaliation punch and this time is able to swing around Tommy's back to deliver a German suplex!]
Dante Reed - Joe's resilience is shining through right now as he somehow finds more in the tank to stop Tommy Crimson's offensive onslaught.
Sebastian Riggs - Don't count Tommy out though he has amazing willpower to survive. I am not even sure he can withstand suplex after suplex though.
[Joe keeps his eyes on Tommy as he rolls over and gets back up to his feet Joe rushing hard into him with his hands locked together colliding into Crimson using a polish hammer. Crimson is knocked back down, and Joe Stanton continues his offense with a stomp and punch to the rib-cage area. Crimson rolls to his stomach to prevent further damage, so Joe picks him up from behind flipping him over his head and delivering another German suplex! Joe stands up his body language feeding energy into the crowd as they seem enthralled by him having Crimson on the defensive. As he stands Crimson up, Joe delivers a knee to Tommy's stomach and than he grabs him around the shoulders and smashes him backwards with a Russian Leg Sweep. With Crimson down Joe stands back up quickly he rushes towards the ropes going into them and gaining momentum to hit Crimson with a senton splash. Stanton hooks one of Crimson's legs.]
.. One!
.. Tw— Kick Out!
Dante Reed - Not over yet, Joe and Crimson are still going back and forth with Joe having the upper-hand right now.
Sebastian Riggs - His street fighter abilities are working well for him at the moment as have those suplexes.
[Joe strikes Crimson and lifts him back up Crimson attempting a belly to belly, but Tommy won't have it. He stomps on Joe's foot and Joe lets go of him with the pain shooting from his foot up his leg. Crimson than shoves Stanton backwards and causes him to stumble into the Referee! The man in stripes goes down hitting his head off the bottom turnbuckle and getting disoriented. Joe looks back at first to make sure the guy is ok and Tommy makes him pay for his compassion charging him and the two of them again colliding with the Ref. This causes Joe to become off balanced and Crimson is able to lock his arms under his tapping his forehead against Joe's while backing him out of the corner. Joe is cut the more the blunt headbutts connect and the liquid splashes onto Tommy's thick skull. He captures Joe's left arm using it to drag him down to the mat. Tommy wraps his hands around Joe's head, but Joe manages to gets his free hand between his forehead and Tommy's hands. As Tommy arches back and the pain travels down Joe's spine he fights through it shouting out with frustration and pain trying to break the hold. Tommy has the look of a killer on his face as the Chinese people start to grow disgusted by Tommy's behavior right now.]
Dante Reed - I think the Ref might need assistance?
Sebastian Riggs - Just the Ref? Joe is cut and I think Tommy is like a shark right now smelling that blood. Even if the move is not fully locked in Joe is going to get wore out trying to break it.
[Joe wobbles around, but Crimson keeps him on his stomach. Using all his might to push off with his legs to his side and than over top of Tommy. He has his shoulder's pinned to the mat, but Crimson doesn't release the submission hold as the Ref seems to still be out. In the far corner he is recuperating, the fans pointing frantically telling him to look at Joe! He stumbles and turns around seeing Joe with Crimson's shoulders awkwardly on the mat, he drops down next to them and counts.]
.. One!
.. Two
… Kick Out!
Dante Reed - Tommy let go of his hold to be able to kick out. He doesn't look very happy at all Sebastian.
Sebastian Riggs - I would say not, Oh! What a nasty looking boot scuff he just gave Stanton. That will open the cut up a little more if I am not mistaken.
[Tommy is slowing this down now mocking Joe to get into his head continuing to shove him down with his boot. He grabs Joe only for Joe to deliver a stunning right jab! Tommy goes down and Joe falls in the opposite way. The Ref looks from one to another neither men seeming able to get right back up.]
… One!
Dante Reed - The referee has begun his count on both men.
… Two!
[Crimson shakes his head on the floor and starts to roll around slowly. Stanton blinks while looking up at the rafter lights and grits his teeth together as he struggles to sit up.]
… Three!
Dante Reed - I think this shows just how much this match is effecting both of these competitors inside that ring ladies and gentlemen.
[Joe is on his knees and looks across the ring as Crimson does the same with his back to him. Stanton stands to stop the count a bit uneven at first. He turns Tommy around, but Crimson was waiting for him he grabs Stanton by the back of the head and hits a sit out face buster!]
Sebastian Riggs - MindFucked! I think it has to be over, Crimson likes to hit that 630 splash after this Dante, things do not appear good for Stanton.
Dante Reed - No indeed Sebastian that sit out face buster caught him very flush.
[Tommy has trouble at first standing up, but natural instinct takes over as he uses the ropes to find his feet and than climbs up the corner turnbuckles. Crimson seems a bit shaky at first, but looks down at Stanton before he dives into his 630 splash. Crimson rolls over onto Stanton as he listens to the Ref's hand count him to the mat.]
.. One!
.. Two!
… Kick Out!
Dante Reed - Stanton kicks out of the GodBooked ll.
Sebastian Riggs - I have no idea how he managed to do it, but Stanton kicked out of that finishing manuever, but Tommy is not impressed at all.
[Crimson gets up looking furious, he doesn't give Joe a change to sit fully up before he dashes in his direction stricking his sharp knee into Stanton's already cut forehead. Crimson is running off of adrenaline again and able to climb the turnbuckle faster this time. He doesn't hesitate as he delivers a lung crushing High Angle Senton and hooks Stanton's leg fully.]
.. One!
.. Two!
… Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner, “The Fury” Tommy Crimson!
Dante Reed - The Night Terror plus the GodBooked and Crimson manages to seal the deal against Joe Stanton. Tommy has to give props to his opponent for that bout.
Sebastian Riggs - He is the winner he doesn't have to do anything but bask in his own victory. I never doubted him for a second, I never did.
Dante Reed - Folks, we are down to two matches left in the evening. Coming up, we have Emery Layton set to defend the Trench War Championship against current #1 contender Trixie!
The Revenant
[We find ourselves watching the aftermath of an awe-inspiring contest between the combatants Joe Stanton and Tommy Crimson. However, in the energy of the excitement of the night, the legion vast of Union Battleground faithful would be caught off guard when, suddenly, the lights would dim and then completely cut out. They would remain out for eerily long, raising the dismay and puzzled demeanor of the microcosm that would be the Union Battleground Universe. As the fans begin to drone, creating an uneasy din, the P.A. system would tear through...]
BONG!
[Silence. Uneasiness. Concern. Puzzlement.]
BONG!
[What is this? What's going on?]
BONG!
[And with this, drums and base guitar would rupture eardrums, swiftly followed by an extremely well known and renowned electric guitar riff belong to none other than Kirk Hammett. The lights would begin to flicker rapidly, hopefully nobody in attendance would be epileptic. As the lights continue to flash, the stage would be engulfed in fog. After a moment of the Metallica song playing, everyone's eyes would be glued to the stage. The chugging riffs of rhythm guitar and slow but powerful drumming would soon be accompanied by the grungy vocals of James Hetfield.]
♫
MAKE HIS FIGHT ON THE HILL IN THE EARLY DAY!
CONSTANT CHILL, DEEP INSIDE!
SHOUTING GUN, ON THEY RUN THROUGH THE ENDLESS GRAY!
ON THEY FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHT, YES, BUT WHO'S TO SAY?
FOR A HILL, MEN WOULD KILL -- WHY? THEY DO NOT KNOW!
STIFFENED WOUNDS TEST THEIR PRIDE!
MEN OF FIVE, STILL ALIVE THROUGH THE RAGING GLOW!
GONE INSANE FROM THE PAIN THAT THEY SURELY KNOW!
♫
...
♫
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS!
♫
[Legendary rock anthem "For Whom the Bell Tolls," of Metallica fame, would punt kick its way through the P.A. system as a man in his early thirties steps through the entrance curtain from Gorilla and onto the stage, up to his knees in fog. He dons an expensive black suit, complete with black accessories and even a black shirt. A dark red tie would adorn his chest, accented by a silver tie clip. His hair is unkempt and he looks to have no interest in games at the moment. Impatiently, BRIAN CHURCH struts down the entrance ramp, his eyes panning around the arena as he composes his thoughts at the last minute. Upon reaching ringside, he would step up the steel stairs, wiping the bottom of his dress shoes on the steel before stepping across the apron and climbing into the ring between the middle and top ropes.]
[Arrogantly, he would amble to the ropes nearest the timekeeper, where he'd reach between the middle and top ropes, aggressively demanding two microphones. When a ringside attendant hands them to him, he nods his thank you in a subtle capacity before turning to the primary production camera, his left hand holding the second microphone low and his right hand lifting the microphone to his own lips, prepared to address the Union Battleground crowd for the first time.]
Brian Church - Part of me wants to stand here before you people and tell you all my name is Brian Church... But there is not a single person in this audience who shouldn't already know that. Y'see, every single person worth their salt in this entire business knows the name Brian Church, and, more importantly? They fear the name Brian Church.
[Boos rain down upon the Universal Wrestling Association Hall-of-Famer.]
Brian Church - I wanted... Wanted to come out here and offer each and every single one of you, whether you're sitting behind the barricade, sweating and vile, or in an air-conditioned office in the back, jaded and full of avarice, or even sitting in your dressing room, biding the time and biting your fingernails as you await your unceremonious but permanent end... I wanted to offer each and every one of you the once in a lifetime opportunity... An opportunity to stay out of our way.
[Church smirks cockily as his confidence oozes from his pores, the boos doing their best to saturate the atmosphere with contempt.]
Brian Church - For the past six months, I've had the opportunity to pass on my wisdom to another competitor who has all of the makings of a legend. There will be those who stand here in this very ring and try to delude you into believing that he is anything other than a personification of the last chapters of Revelations... There will be those who stand here before you and attempt to discredit the accolades my protegé has accrued in his short, but undisputedly historical career... And there will be those who stand here before you trying to mislead you people into thinking that your favorite member of this roster is safe, that they're somehow, someway better than Kai Stevens... But each and every single one of those people won't stand here before you for very long... Because if you're -- miraculously -- still breathing when Kai has finished with you, you sure as Hell won't be standing.
[He explains, a disturbing calm in his facial expressions and a steadiness in his clenched fists, both of which would be wrapped around a microphone's hilt like a sword or dagger. ]
Brian Church - Now that we have our warnings out of the way, it comes time that I address what are guarantees written in the blood of the last forty people who dared try to get in the way of Kai Stevens' rise to glory. Y'see, ladies and gentlemen, Kai Stevens has no illusions as to what this company is and the so-called talent it brings to the table. And y'know what? He's not afraid of a single person this company has deluded itself into thinking it boasts. In fact, it doesn't matter who you put in front of him, because he will bring them to their knees... And if they can't bring themselves to do the right thing, the smart thing and surrender then and there? Then Kai Stevens will do what I spent my entire career doing... He will break every ounce of spirit you have... He will usurp every fiber of your being that ever dared think it stood a chance against the Inevitable... He will beat you down and destroy any hope, any desperate plea you'd cried into the void, hoping, begging for a mercy I'm telling you right now... Will. Not. Come. And if you don't believe me? Why don't you ask the man himself... A man who should need no introduction... The undisputed greatest wrestler on the planet... The Envoy of the End... And your future Union Battleground Champion... Kai... Stevens!
♫
ARE YOU STILL LOST TONIGHT,
LIVING BUT DEAD INSIDE?
THIS IS THE PROCLAMATION!
THIS IS THE CALL TO RISE!
♫
[As "White Knuckles" by Alter Bridge superkicks through the P.A. system, the fans would descend into a chorus of jeers. Soon enough, to their chagrin, the entrance stage would become enveloped by fog, a light flashing rapidly across the entirety of the stage. As the fog becomes thicker, the lights in the entire arena cut out for a brief moment. When they return in sync with a shift in the theme song, the fog would slightly dissipate, revealing a man standing on the stage with his back to the ring, head slightly bowed. He'd sport a sleeveless black hoodie with the hood over his head, black Nike trunks with a steel blue waistline, black knee pads, black boots with steel blue laces, tread, and trim, a black elbow pad on his right elbow, and a black Nike compression sleeve with elbow padding on his left arm. The sleeve would be adorned by steel blue designs with the words "From Hell's Heart, I Stab at Thee" written on it. He'd, too, sport black tape around both wrists, wrapping around the thumb joint. As the guitars in the song become more potent and Myles Kennedy's angelic vocals graces your ears, the man would spin around, and KAI STEVENS would then throw both hands high over his head, placing the points of his thumbs together and the points of his index fingers as well, all fingers rigid and straight in a triangular shape, essentially a delta. As he does so, it sets off an assembly of blue pyrotechnics on the stage on either side of him. A moment in this pose passes before he slowly lowers and separates his hands, clenching his ring and pinkie fingers in whilst extending the rest in the shape of a gun. When he gesticulates firing both guns, one last launch of pyrotechnics would be sent into the air. Smirking arrogantly, he would toss his hands back, knocking back his hood to reveal a black headband and a black pair of Aviator sunglasses. He'd then amble imperiously down the ramp and towards the ring. Once he reaches ringside, he'd arrogantly scale up the steel stairs, then strutting to the middle of the apron with his inside hand clutching the top rope. After a moment of glaring out upon the legion vast of Union Underground faithful, he would place his other hand on the top rope and slingshot up and over, landing with a soft thud in the ring. He'd nod his head confidently as Brian hands him the second microphone and grins evilly. The Shanghai crowd would erupt with boos as the former SupremePRO Universal Champion lifts the microphone to his lips.]
Kai Stevens - Well, Shanghai? I hate to burst your bubble here, but nobody cares if you like me. Nobody cares if you love me or even hate me, because at the end of the night, when the night is upon us, the sun has set, and the dust has settled? Your opinions mean about as much to me as the sheep's does to the lion. Y'see, for the past year and a half, I've travelled far and wide to try to find someone-- anyone who is even remotely close to being able to stand toe-to-toe with me for long enough for it to even look competitive. I've wrestled the so-called best this world had to offer in an aging, decrepit promotion, and I've wrestled those considered to be this industry's diamonds in the rough... I've beaten down Goliaths and massacred Davids... And I have enjoyed every minute of it.
[The malicious hiss in Kai's diction would be emphasized even further when the Envoy of the End refuses to allow the capacity crowd's jeers impede him from continuing to run his mouth.]
Kai Stevens - I've seen your Aces... Your Monsters... I've beaten greater men than this company has EVER employed and I did it with ease... And, what-- ANY of you think that your favorite combatants, let alone yourselves could EVER last the night with their limbs intact and their blood still in their veins? The delusions of grandeur that this company and all the companies like it have instilled in you people is EMBARRASSING! I would sooner sit here and rip my still-beating heart out of my chest and stomp it into this canvas like it's Dick Devereaux's skull than ever believe for a second that there is a man, woman, or child in this company... This business... THIS PLANET that could beat Kai Stevens.
[The Terror of Long Island's words would slice through the air like an executioner's axe swinging down through the neck of a medieval criminal.]
Kai Stevens - Now, I'm not gonna' sit here and drone on and on and on about how incapable everyone in this company is at being on my level... I'd much rather just let my actions in the coming weeks speak SO LOUD that you're deaf to my words... So, until then? I thought I'd be a nice guy and offer anyone who is listening, watching, whatever... To do themselves an immense favor... I'm offering salvation... I'm offering freedom... And above aaaalllll else? I'm offering survival... Because in a world where Darwinism is the way of life? There is NOBODY that is fitter to survive than Kai Stevens... Which makes this survival of the sickest... And there is nobody sicker than Kai Stevens. And since the day I stepped foot in the ring for the first time in twenty sixteen? nobody has been able to survive Kai Stevens... Because, like Kai Stevens wearing the company's premier championship? Your death is certified and guaranteed the second you get in my way... From that day a little over a year and a half ago, not one person has been able to stop me... I have steamrolled through each and every competitor that's been fed to the wolves that are my fists... I've been methodical and calculated in the decimation and annihilation of every company I've been in's champions... And I've taken such great joy in kicking everyone's teeth down their throats and listening to that wonderful sound of their neck snapping as I drive their thick skulls through the dirt I plan to force their families to pay to bury them under.
[Stevens lowers the microphone briefly to wet his lips and breathe in through his nostrils, trying to maintain his composure to the best of his ability while he continues to verbally skewer every single person in the company.]
Kai Stevens - You'll find that I'm not one to talk when I could, instead, act, ladies and gentlemen... And you'll find that your favorite combatants and the best this company has to offer? It just. Won't. Be. Enough. So for guys like Nemesis, who wear their championships with dishonor and in a way that makes me sick... And for this quaint little way of life you people have grown so complacent in in this so-called Battleground? The End is Nigh!
[With this, both Kai and his mentor would drop their microphones, allowing Myles Kennedy's voice to fill our ears with joy again in his potent vocalizing for Kai's theme, "White Knuckles." The fans do their best to overpower the P.A.'s broadcast of the heavy hitting track, but to no avail, and they are forced to boo and jeer into the ether as the nineteenth edition of L!GHTS OUT heads to commercial, fading to black.]
Commercial Break
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Union Battleground Trench War Championship! Introducing first, standing 5’6” and weighing in a 135 pounds, from Anywhere and Everywhere, representing the XWA, she is the REIGNING, DEFENDING, UNDISPUTED Trench War Champion, “The Worst of the Pavees” Emery Layton!
♫
IT DOESN'T HURT ME - YOU WANNA FEEL HOW IT FEELS?
YOU WANNA KNOW? KNOW THAT IT DOESN'T HURT ME?
YOU WANNA HEAR ABOUT THE DEAL I'M MAKING?
♫
[As "Running Up That Hill" by The Feud hits the PA system and light explodes to life, the excitement hits the air. The Worst of the Pavees herself- wearing her leather jacket and beanie over her gear and her Trench War Championship around her waist- emerges from behind the curtain, clearly impressed with the amount of people who have turned out. She's nodding her head, holding her arms out as she struts down the ramp and swaying her head to the beat of her entrance theme, her eyes closed. She's lost in the moment, there's nowhere else she'd rather be right now.]
Dante Reed - Well, in an unusual twist, our champion Emery Layton takes the stage.
Sebastian Riggs - Emery herself is an unusual twist. But, it’s what kept her the reigning Trench War Champion for almost one full calendar year!
Dante Reed - Right you are, Bas. On February 26th, 2017, Emery Layton captured the Trench War Championship at our first pay-per-view Battle of Los Angeles. If she can successfully defend tonight, she will hit That one year mark!
Sebastian Riggs - It’s crazy to think how this company has progressed in one year’s time. So many competitors have come and gone, but Emery has been around, since day one.
[Once she reaches the bottom of the ramp, she unclips her title from around her waist- holding it one hand as she pulls her beanie off and thrusts it into her pocket with the other, skating up the steel steps and climbing the turnbuckle. As the fans cheer, Em lifts the Trench War Championship into the air for all to see. Ooh, she's chuffed to even hold it in her hands. Once the eccentric Irish traveller has spent enough time up there, Emery leaps down from the top rope and into the ring, transitioning from that into probably the most graceful, crisp forward-roll you've ever seen. Once she's in there, she runs to the rope right behind her bouncing off it as she drops to her knees and skids forwards, as all the lights drop except a single spotlight on her and the lights from cell phone cameras as her upperbody falls backwards and she holds the Trench War Championship up in the air with both arms right up. After a few moments of just simply listening to the cheers, she flips onto her front and crawls into her corner, removing her jacket and dumping the battered old thing to the outside as she sits down, legs flat out with the title now draped over her knees, waiting for the match to begin.]
Mike Dempsey - And her opponent, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 131 pounds, from Las Vegas, Nevada, “The Prime Girl” Trixie!
♫
I'M ON MY SECOND DRINK BUT I'VE HAD A FEW BEFORE
♫
[Trixie comes out of the curtain with a pair of sunglasses on for the entrance along with a denim waistcoat on. She poses at her side as she removes the sunglasses from her eyes. Next she lets the waistcoat fall off her as it slides off her arms. Trixie then walks down to the ring with a confident smirk to her. Then she is blasted in the back with a chair shot! It is Kimitsu Zombie standing behind her and reeling again for another shot. She swings the chair down hard on Trixie’s back.]
Dante Reed - Holy shit! It’s Kimitsu Zombie, What is she doing?!
Sebastian Riggs - She’s beating the hell outta Trixie, that’s what she is doing! But why?!
[Trixie screams in agony. Kimitsu puts her foot on Trixie’s head and pushes down, on her neck. Officials come from the back and get her off as the referee in the ring holds Emery Layton back. Kimitsu takes the chair and swings wildly at the officials and they back off. Kimitsu dashes for Trixie and knocks her out with a chair assisted elbow drop to the head. She gets up and opens the chair next to Trixie, then sits on it. She screams something loudly, then an arena crew member rushes over and hands her a microphone.]
Kimitsu Zombie - EMERY! Do you remember me?! I bet you do. I was one of your challengers. I was one of those that you defeated to keep that Trench War Title on your waist. You probably thought that it was one and done with me. Just another challenge and another defense. Well you don’t know me because I remembered that match and worse, I remembered that shame I had when I lost. I’ve had enough of that in my short time fighting, so I am taking every shot that comes my way to redeem myself. I’m working my way back properly. I don’t give a damn about that masked man that follows you around everywhere you go. It doesn’t matter if he is working for you or not, but this time you’re not even going to get the chance to defend that belt. I’ve developed a bit of an obsession on my time away.
[Trixie begins to stir and catches Kimitsu’s attention. Kimitsu gets up and throws the chair at her and the officials rush to get cover Trixie up and protect her.]
Kimitsu Zombie - Trixie does not deserve this shot. She hasn’t earned it like I did before, and like I will do now. That is why I came all the way to Shanghai, China to show her what she deserves. I came here to show you what I am capable of doing for that title. I came to show them. Axton Pierce, Alex Kincaid, and Viduus Morta don’t get to lick the scum off of my boot. They don’t get their shot at the War Horse Championship. That is mine just like you are mine, bitch. Just like the Trench War Championship that I will cash in on once I defeat the three. So keep on looking ahead of you. Go ahead and try to stake your own claim in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament. While you try to grow your name and become a dual champion in Union Battleground, I will be lurking behind you to steal your world from under your nose. Remember me, Emery. Remember this.
[The throws the microphone towards the ring where a fuming Emery Layton paces back and forth. She holds her Trench War Title above her head and glares at Kimitsu Zombie as she nods, and retreats to the back.]
Sebastian Riggs - Well folks, this is it! I have been looking forward to this match all night!
Dante Reed - Riggs is riled up over this one! We will see Finn Whelan take on Rodney Stillwater for a chance to headline the next PPV, Crown of the King Cobra.
Sebastian Riggs - The winner will face Emery Layton in the main event of that pay per view for the new King Cobra Championship. Whoever holds that title can cash it in ANYTIME, ANYWHERE for a Union Battleground Championship Match! The stakes are high!
Mike Dempsey - The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is a semifinals match in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament. Introducing First, standing 6'3" and weighing in at 245 pounds, from Manhattan, New York, “The Pathfinder” Rodney Stillwater!
♫
WHERE WE WERE, KINDA THING
BETCHA CRAWL, ALL ALONE
♫
Dante Reed - Stillwater has looked strong here in season two. He wants that belt.
Sebastian Riggs - So does Whelan. Both of these men are respected wrestlers throughout the world. We are in for a real treat here tonight.
[On the stage, there is a collection of purple smoke forming; the camera pans around the entire set catching the mystifying sight. Twinkles of light inside the approaching fog highlight the appearance of a silhouette, who sits cross-legged on the ground. The stage gets dyed in the nighttime atmosphere as “I. CRAWL” by Childish Gambino continues through its chorus. As Gambino’s lyrics flow, the figure stands up, drawing their hands against the metal until they are up to a full stance.]
Sebastian Riggs - Finn always comes for a fight but he may meet his match here tonight.
Dante Reed - Stillwater thrives on being the very best. He is one driven individual.
[Out of the smoke comes Rodney Stillwater, brandishing his hand to clear a cloud. He marches down the ramp, with the tail end of his black coat. His methodology is like his personality, serene…ethereal. As he makes it to the end of the ramp, he lowers down to the ground. He rubs the ground, feeling his fingers and arching back up. Rodney hits the ring and stands up slowly. Walking around in the atmospheric star field, Rodney takes his stance on the top turnbuckle, giving the world once over before getting ready for war.]
Mike Dempsey - Now making his way to the ring, standing 6'4" and weighing in at 202 pounds, from Seattle, Washington, “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.]
Dante Reed - Whelan continues to impress here at Union Battleground or anywhere he wrestles for that matter. He has his eye on the prize and his focus is laser sharp.
Sebastian Riggs - We have a PPV caliber match on L!GHTS OUT #19, Ladies and Gentlemen!
♫
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.]
Sebastian Riggs - Finn just oozes confidence. Stillwater doesn’t look impressed. That could be a calculated mistake on his part.
Dante Reed - Rodney knows what lies ahead. Both of these men know the stakes of this match. Winner moves on while the loser watches the main event from the back next month.
[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.]
Sebastian Riggs - Whelan and Stillwater are called to the center of the ring for the referee to explain the rules of the match up.
Dante Reed - He calls for the bell! We are underway!
[DING!]
[Whelan and Stillwater begin to circle each other. They inch closer to each other while doing this. Finally they lock up in the center of the ring! Rodney gets the upper hand with a knee to Finn’s ribcage! Stillwater irish whips Whelan into the ropes then hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. Both men bounce off the ropes then come barrelling at one another. Stillwater hits a flying forearm to take Finn off his feet! Whelan pops back up while Rodney hits the ropes once more then aims for Finn once again. He catches Whelan with a sling blade!]
Sebastian Riggs - Rodney Stillwater is in control early on.
Dante Reed - Never count out Finn. Ever.
[Whelan bounces back up now with real rage. He catches Stillwater off guard with a flurry of punches. A right hook, followed by a left jab! Rodney halts his offense to protect from the shots. Finn continues to push Stillwater to the corner. Finally Stillwater finds himself on the defensive leaning against the turnbuckle in the corner. Whelan hits him with a brutal backhand chop! The violent lick causes the front row to wince a bit.]
Dante Reed - What a shot!
[Finn continues to soften up Rodney with backhand chops in the corner. Whelan then climbs up on the middle turnbuckle to mount his opponent in the corner. He then begins to hammer Rodney in the face from above. The crowd counts along as Whelan hammers his opponent in the face. After the count reaches ten, Finn hops back down then hoists Rodney up onto the top turnbuckle in a seated position.]
Sebastian Riggs - What is he thinking?
Dante Reed - Go big or go home.
[Whelan gets Rodney positioned on the top turnbuckle then leaps up to perform a picture perfect top rope frankensteiner! The maneuver leaves Stillwater in a pile in the center of the ring! Finn quickly hooks a leg!]
… One!
… Kick out!
[Stillwater gets a shoulder up while shaking his head, no.]
Dante Reed - Kick out! Rodney says no he will not be beaten.
Sebastian Riggs - I don’t think Finn agrees with that.
[Finn gets back to his feet quickly. Stillwater struggles a bit but manages to get to one knee. Whelan comes flying in with a shining wizard! The maneuver takes Rodney off his feet completely. Whelan then rushes over to the turnbuckle to follow up. He climbs up to the top turnbuckle then turns around to face out at Stillwater, who is out on his back. Finn leaps off looking for a double foot stomp but Rodney rolls out of harm's way! Whelan hits the mat flat on his feet but stoves up his right knee! He limps a bit after the landing but then immediately focuses back on Stillwater, who grapples him up suddenly! Rodney went completely unnoticed creeping up on his opponent. Stillwater hooks Finn for a scoop slam piledriver to halt his momentum quickly.]
Dante Reed - The missed double foot stomp cost Finn Whelan in that exchange.
Sebastian Riggs - That piledriver drove Whelan’s head into the mat. Let’s look at the replay on that one. Finn may have injured his knee as well.
[Whelan gets back to his feet with a slight limp. Rodney continues his offense with a running corkscrew elbow! Stillwater gets back to his feet before Finn leading him to grapple up Whelan. Rodney hoists Whelan high into the air then takes off across the ring! The running liger bomb shakes the entire ring after the violent impact. Stillwater holds his opponent down after landing in a pin!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
Dante Reed - Finn Whelan stays alive!
Sebastian Riggs - He gets a shoulder up at the last possible second. Wow, what a match! I told you, Dante!
Dante Reed - That you did. These two men are going to war here tonight.
[Whelan rolls out of the ring after the kick out. He falls off the apron and out onto the outside floor. Rodney watches from inside the ring as Finn stands up in a daze. He falls back against the announcers table then uses it to hold himself up. Stillwater watches on then rushes over to the corner. He quickly climbs the turnbuckle then watches as Whelan leans back on the table almost inviting what’s coming.]
Sebastian Riggs - What’s Rodney thinking here!?
Dante Reed - He’s thinking.. I want to headline the next Union Battleground PPV against Emery Layton.
Sebastian Riggs - Touche’.
[Rodney leaps off the top rope as camera flashes capture the moment forever. Stillwater flies through the air at Whelan for what seems like forever. Just before he hits the frog splash however, Finn moves out of the way! Stillwater crashes and burns through the announce table while Dante and Sebastian scatter.]
Dante Reed - Wow! Rodney Stillwater just took a high risk that did not pay off. Now we have lost another table, Riggs.
Sebastian Riggs - Collateral damage. Stillwater has not moved and the referee has begun his count.
[Whelan moved out of the way but now sits up on one knee still in somewhat of a daze. Stillwater has yet to move after crashing through the announcer’s table. The referee count reaches two as the crowd goes wild.]
Crowd - 这太棒了!
[Whelan staggers to his feet still favoring his injured knee. Rodney stirs as the referee’s count reaches four. Finn rolls into the ring to break the count on himself while Stillwater begins a slow crawl toward the ring.]
Sebastian Riggs - Both of these men have fought like crazy thus far.
[The referee counts five as Rodney staggers to his feet then hits against the apron. He gets up on the apron then rolls underneath the bottom rope to halt the referees count.]
Dante Reed - I thought for sure that Stillwater would be counted out. He went through our announce table from the top turnbuckle after being baited by Finn Whelan.
Sebastian Riggs - If Finn was playing possum against our table that was a brilliant veteran move on his part. Crafty. I like it.
[Finn walks over to Stillwater then ties him up for a kneebar! Rodney comes to life suddenly as the pain sets in. Whelan applies more pressure to get his opponent to tap but Stillwater refuses.]
Dante Reed - The knee bar! Whelan uses this maneuver better than anyone in the business. Will we see Stillwater tap?
[Rodney thrashes around on the mat reaching for the bottom ropes. Whelan continues to apply more and more pressure. He is willing to break Stillwater’s leg for all that’s at stake here tonight. Rodney scoots himself toward the ropes slowly. He reaches with everything he has got with no luck. Stillwater holds both hands to his face then drops his right hand to the mat as if he is about to give up and tap.]
Sebastian Riggs - He’s gonna tap…
[Stillwater scoots a bit more then reaches out with both hands for the bottom ropes. He closes both of his eyes then strains his arms out as far as possible hoping and praying to feel the safety of the bottom rope…]
Dante Reed - He’s got it!
[Rodney grasps hold of the bottom rope with both hands leading the referee to rush in to break the hold. Whelan releases it immediately and goes to a corner. Stillwater uses the ropes to pull himself up and now has a limp of his own after enduring the knee bar for such an extended period of time.]
Sebastian Riggs - What a match! Stillwater is still in this one!
Dante Reed - Here comes Whelan!
[Finn charges in after the referee resumes action. Rodney bends over slightly to counter by picking up his charging opponent on his shoulders as Finn reaches Stillwater! Rodney then performs a fireman’s carry neckbreaker!]
Dante Reed - What a counter!
[Rodney follows up by hoisting up his dazed opponent. He then irish whips Finn into the ropes. Whelan comes flying back to catch a discus lariat! Stillwater quickly gets back to Finn and lifts him up from behind to lock in a sleeper!]
Sebastian Riggs - Reflection! That’s it!
[Stillwater locks in his version of the sleeper! Rodney and Whelan are facing the entrance ramp while locked together and that’s how Stillwater spots Tony Chu! Elina Cartel’s manager wonders down the ramp getting the attention of the crowd. Just before Finn can tap out, Rodney releases the hold!]
Dante Reed - Why did he release that hold!?! He had it won!
Sebastian Riggs - Looks like we've got company, that’s why. We have a used car salesman on the apron.
Dante Reed - What is Tony Chu doing out here!?
[Tony laughs after Stillwater releases the sleeper hold then stands up. Rodney asks Chu what he is doing out here but gets no reply. Whelan is in shock that his opponent released the sleeper for no apparent reason. Finn notices that his opponent is arguing with Tony Chu, who is standing on the apron still.]
Dante Reed - The referee needs to get him out of here.
Sebastian Riggs - Whelan is up!
[Whelan sneaks up from behind his opponent and Chu grins at this sight. Rodney notices Chu’s eyes wander behind him which leads him to begin to turn but Tony acts as if he is getting in the ring! This causes Rodney to come at Tony Chu and Whelan snatches up Stillwater from behind! Finn hooks his unsuspecting opponent with a pumphandle lift that drops into a reverse STO!]
Sebastian Riggs - Revelation 6:4!!!
Dante Reed - Whelan hooks a leg!
... One!
... Two!
... Three!
[DING DING DING!]
Mike Dempsey - Here is your winner and advancing to the finals of the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, “The Seattle Saint” Finn Whelan!
Dante Reed - Whelan has done it! With a little help from Tony Chu but nevertheless he will move on to the finals of the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament!
Sebastian Riggs - What a match! These fans loved it. Whelan will move on to headline the next PPV against Emery Layton. That match will be all time great in my opinion. Unbelievable match! But I gotta ask Dante, why the bell was Chu out here?
Dante Reed - I wish I could tell you, Bas, but there’s no telling what that man was out here for. Folks, that’s all the time we have here tonight. The countdown starts now as we make our way to New Delhi, India at the Indira Gandhi Arena! Good night!
