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EVENT:

VENUE:

LOCATION:

ATTENDANCE:

BEST VIEW:

L!GHTS OUT #29

TD Arena

Charleston, South Carolina

5,100

Desktop 1920 x 1080

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WELCOME TO THE SHOW

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[As the feed goes live from Charleston, South Carolina, the TD Arena is packed tight. Fifty-one hundred fans cheering in anticipation of the return of Union Battleground. They didn't wait long before Dallas Moore was rocking the arena.]

 

♫

FINE KENTUCKY BOURBON AND A DOUBLE-SHOT OF COCAINE,

LITTLE BIT OF SMOKE AND A LOT OF GASOLINE.

SAD OLD SONG FROM A RUSTY OLD SIX STRING;

NINETY-THOUSAND MILES ON A TWO-THOUSAND ROAD KING.

I WAS BORN TO RUN. I WAS BORN TO TRAVEL.

ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE, “RAISIN’ HELL AND SLINGIN’ GRAVEL.”

♫

 

[“Fat” Saul Swinechop idled out onto the stage with his pipe dangling from his smile. His boots are tucked under his denim overalls, black shirt under the straps and a black, leather duster that hit him at the knees over top of all of it. His beard is trimmed and clean and his hair is stuffed up into his fedora. With a microphone in hand, he headed down the ramp.]

 

FAT SAUL

Union Battleground is back and we are live in Charleston, y'all!

 

[The crowd cheered as Saul talked to them, shaking hands and kissing babies, on his way down the ramp.]

 

FAT SAUL

We are streamin’ LIVE to a worldwide audience, exclusively on the Battleground Network.

 

[At ringside, Saul made a full trip around the ring as he continued.]

 

FAT SAUL

Did y'all happen to see Relapse two weeks ago?

 

THE CROWD

HELL YEAH!

 

FAT SAUL

What an amazin’ show it was in London.

 

[At the table set up for him in the far corner, Saul removed and draped his duster on his chair before he unloaded the pockets of his bibs. A notepad, two bottles of water and a Ziploc bag that had fallen loose between the two waters. He was quick to return the bag to his pocket before he took his seat.]

 

FAT SAUL

Folks, Elena DeDraca rose from the fires of Hell, leavin’ the former love of her life… the father of her child… y'all, she caught him on fire and left him to the brimstones. She survived an explosive inferno, lettin’ go of near everythin’ ever important to her, except the Union Battleground War Horse Championship.

 

[The crowd cheered as Saul took a breath.]

 

FAT SAUL

Alex Kincaid returned to Union Battleground promisin’ a less-tempered, better focused go at it this THIRD season. Tonight, right here in South Carolina, he will challenge Elena for the War Horse title.

 

[While the crowd excitedly reacted, Saul took a long drag from his pipe and sent a puff of smoke above his head.]

 

FAT SAUL

The Crown of the King Cobra is underway and, while we got four qualifiers for y'all tonight, four have already advanced into the quarterfinals. Mikey Svarro defeated Danny Colt to advance. He will take on Kaelan Laughlin whom, despite havin’ recently battled her old man in a deathmatch, got a close victory over Robina Hood to claim her quarterfinal spot.

 

[A mixed reaction from the crowd, some seemed to like both while others clearly didn't like one or the other.]

 

FAT SAUL

If any of battles at Relapse rivaled the brutality of the main event, Lisa Seldon set her own nose to defeat James Edwards and advance, y'all.

 

[Saul winced and then, he paused briefly for a “FRANK-EN-STEIN” chant. While they cheered, he took a sip of water.]

 

FAT SAUL

And, if anyone had any doubts about Finn Whelan this season, he erased them at Relapse with his victory over Fallon Lockheart to advance. Like a madman possessed to win, Whelan is back, y'all.

 

[The Relapse II highlights wrapped up on the screen above the stage to an awesome ovation.]

 

FAT SAUL

Remember, Relapse Two is available On-Demand on Battleground Network. Be sure to follow @BattlegroundNet on Twitter for all of the excitin’ Season Three action, includin’ tonight's show.

 

[Saul paused for the graphical plug to fade.]

 

FAT SAUL

And, what a show it's fixin’ to be as Datura will face Maverick; he had to qualify, winnin’ a three-way at Relapse, to be in this King Cobra qualifier y'all gonna see tonight. Flash Kassidy returns to take on newcomer Karnivall. And, Will Neilson will face off with the only Mummy that Ol´ Saul knows to be wrasslin’. That's right, Umi gonna bring Inaros to the ring to attempt to qualify for the King Cobra.

 

[Saul allows some time for all of that to sink in while he takes another swig.]

 

FAT SAUL

In the main event tonight, our final Crown of the King Cobra qualifier will see Heathen Jones face off against AJ Morales. While I have been told Heathen has yet to arrive, The Revolution is in the buildin’, y'all, and he will be out here lookin’ to advance.

 

[The fans to chant and cheer in anticipation.]

 

FAT SAUL

Before the Crown of the King Cobra qualifiers and the War Horse title battle, we have a contest between two of Union Battleground's newest signings. A clash of styles as Isa Amos steps in the ring with El Landerson.

 

[Saul waits for the battle's promotional graphic to fade and transition to his next plug.]

 

FAT SAUL

Before we get to the action though, don't y'all forget to follow Union underscore Battle on Twitter for all of the Crown of the King Cobra and Season Three updates. Let's go to Mike Dempsey standin’ by in the ring.

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MIKE DEMPSEY

The following battle is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, standing 5’10” and weighing in at 140 pounds, from Long Island, New York, she is Isa Amos!

 

♫

SEE I BELIEVE IN MONEY, POWER, AND RESPECT.

FIRST YOU GET THE MONEY.

THEN YOU GET THE MUTHAFUCKIN, POWER.

AFTER YOU GET THE FUCKIN' POWER MUTHAFUCKAS WILL RESPECT YOU.

♫

 

[The arena lights dim as a dark red strobe light focuses on the age. "Money Power Respect" hits the airwaves. The stage fills up with smoke as Isa Amos makes her way through the curtains. She poses at the top of the stage before walking quickly down the aisle towards the ring. Isa pauses at ringside before climbing into the ring. She takes a look around before she climbs through the ropes. Isa makes her way toward the near corner and stretches as the music fades and the lights go back to normal.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And her opponent, standing 5’2” and weighing in at 160 pounds, from San Jose, California, he is El Landerson!

 

♫

HERE COMES THE BOOM!

♫

 

[When his music starts playing he walks out on stage and kneels down on one knee and prays. He gets up and points to the Fans in Pyro fireworks burst open and switch to the other side of the stage in does the same thing in after he was done he slowly walks down the ramp in slaps some little kids high fives and he stops and stares at the kid in hands him his Luchdor Mask to him and heads straight towards the ring and hops on the turnbuckle and pose both fingers in mid air and walks to the other side turnbuckle in does the same thing middle finger in the air in he gets down and waits for the battle to begin.]

 

FAT SAUL

Now, she may give up twenty pounds, but look how Isa towers the man from San Jose.

 

[Amos bounces on her toes in her own corner while Landerson squats with both arms raised up, grasping onto the top rope in his corner. Everyone waited for the bell to sound. In the meantime, the referee checked with both competitors to make sure they were ready for the bout to begin; however, just as he was about to signal for the bell, an unrecognized man hopped the rail and slid into the ring.]

 

FAT SAUL

Wait a minute now, there's a fan in the ring, y'all.

 

[For a only moment there was slight hesitation before the man turned and charged, full speed, directly at El Landerson. Before Landerson could really figure out what was happening, a big boot collided with his jaw.]

 

FAT SAUL with the CROWD

OH!

 

FAT SAUL

Landerson back-first into the corner. Hard. And now, he's flat on his face in there. Wait, what is she fixin’ to do...

 

[With Landerson prone on the mat, Isa Amos wasn't going to wait around to suffer the same fate. She charged from behind and cracked the unknown assailant with a forearm. He stumbled forward a bit and then rubbed the back of his head.]

 

FAT SAUL

No effect whatsoever. Only seems thrilled by it, don't he? Where the Hell's security?

 

[The attacker spun quickly, connecting with a ripcord elbow.]

 

FAT SAUL

Right on the button! She's out cold!

 

[Concern, awe and somewhat disbelief silenced all in attendance, except Saul. Like a lion over prey, the attacker paced between his fallen victims.]

 

FAT SAUL

He ain't finished and security may not make it out here before he is.

 

[The figure grabbed the back of Landerson's mask and pulled him to his feet. Then, drawing back his own head he proceeded to bash Landerson with repeated headbutts. Landerson could no longer hold his own weight, crumpling to one knee before being hoisted up high into the air and launched over the top rope to the floor.]

 

FAT SAUL

Alright, alright now. We need some security and medical staff out here now. Oh no…

 

[As if on cue, Amos woozily got back up and he turned his attention to her. Patiently he stalked her as she found an unsteady base.]

 

FAT SAUL

Clearly, she's in trouble in there. Will anyone stop this?

 

[Then, he wrapped his left arm around her head and hopped up to wrap both legs around the waistline of her long figure. Leaning back, he brought her down with malicious violence.]

 

FAT SAUL

DAMN! No idea what to call that, other than painful.

 

[He rolled Amos over and stood up. Pointing at Dempsey, he demanded that the match be called.]

 

FAT SAUL

Well… he ain't talkin’ to me.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

L… Ladies and Gentlemen. This battle has been declared a No Contest!

CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO

[Before Dempsey could say anything the attacker stormed over to him and ripped the microphone out of his hands before shoving him out of the ring. Back and forth he paced with the mic in his right hand, while his left hand ran over his smooth, bald head. After moments of silence passed with him simply pacing back and forth he finally stopped and brought the microphone to his lips.]

 

KAVEN DRELL

My name… is Kaven Drell. And I have sat back for too long and watched people… insignificant little ants… tredge their way out to this ring with the thought that they could be the next big thing. All of the hope in the world that maybe, just maybe, they could be the best this business has ever seen. And nobody has the heart to tell them that it’s never going to happen. Nobody has the courage to stand up and say no. Stop it. You. Aren’t. Good. Enough.

 

[Slowly his hand drifted from the top of his head down to his mouth where his lips pursed, pulling at the corner of his lips as the audience continued to listen, not really sure what the newcomer was trying to get them to understand.]

 

KAVEN DRELL

But that all changes tonight. This is the moment that years from now you all will look back upon and say that that was the night that things changed. That was the night when the status quo was finally challenged. That is the night when Drell came to the Battleground… and nothing was ever the same again. It was the night when the wheat finally started to be separated from the chaff. The night when the purification of Union Battleground began.

 

[Stepping toward the nearby ropes, Kaven leaned his body weight against them and pointed directly into the camera that was focused on him.]

 

KAVEN DRELL

And there is no better representation of the status quo in this company than the so called Fist of Hydra herself, Elena DeDraca. The bell tolls for you, my lady. The times when you could get away with toying with the father of your child are gone. The times when you could skate by against the sort of trash that I disposed of with ease are over.

 

[Drell gestures toward the fallen El Landerson outside of the ring.]

 

KAVEN DRELL

It is time for the War Horse to be put down. Let us see how the Lady of Death responds when the world screams for me to…

 

[His face twisting into a snarl, Kaven stares directly into the camera as the tone of his voice suddenly has a growly edge to it.]

 

KAVEN DRELL

Kill!

 

[A pause, just for a beat.]

 

KAVEN DRELL

Drell!

 

[Another pause, this one a bit quicker.]

 

KAVEN DRELL

Kill!

 

[Tossing the microphone over his head, Kaven Drell dropped down to his back and rolled himself out of the ring as “Human” by Hellyeah echoed throughout the building. Slowly he moved around the ring, taking a moment to pause and stare down at El Landerson in disappointment before moving the rest of the way around the ring where he began to head back toward the backstage area.]

 

FAT SAUL

Can't say I agree with his method of goin’ about it, but what a statement by Kraven Drell. The Fist of Hydra will certainly have somethin’ to say about this and Ol´ Saul don't see her lettin’ him wait too long.

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[Kraven Drell makes his exit, the cameras lose him in the crowd. Finally, medical and administrative personnel rush down to the ring.]

 

FAT SAUL

It's chaos already, y'all. Now, while they clear the ring, let me tell ya somethin’; for those that follow Battleground Network, y'all know that Union GP has a big fight comin’ up in South Dakota on January 19.

 

[Saul flips his notepad and continues.]

 

FAT SAUL

Some excitin’ action in store as Takeshi Kato challenges Lightweight Champion, Jordan Parker-Kane. Ol´ Saul remembers managin’ against Kane in the wrasslin’ ring, great kid with awesome potential and he's showin’ it in the cage. I wish him nothin’ but the best.

 

[With the ring clear, Mike Dempsey takes his place in the ring.]

 

FAT SAUL

Looks like Dempsey is ready for the next match. I sure hope them two are okay.

​

MIKE DEMPSEY

The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Opening Round Match! Introducing first, standing 5’11” and weighing in at 192 pounds, from Wexford, Ireland, representing the AWF, he is “The Iconic Prince” Maverick!

 

♫
INCEPTION (JUNKIE XL REMIX) BY HANZ ZIMMER

BEGINS TO PLAY
♫


[The arena fills to black, as the beat kicks in the lights flicker to the beat, slowly bringing light to the arena. Then, the beat drops and all the lights shine a bright red as out from the curtain is Maverick with his arms stretched out and a smirk on his face as he looks out into the crowd. He makes his way down to ringside and ignores all the hands reaching out to him, as he makes his way to ringside, he walks around the ring before climbing up to the apron and looking out to the crowd and sticking his middle finger up to them. He climbs into the ring and stands directly in the middle with the spotlight shining down, looking out to the crowd.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, standing 5’7” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from Tampa, Florida, she is Datura!

[The arena turns black. On the screen, scenes of post-apocalyptic landscapes haunt the darkness. Over the speakers, an eerie synth pad sets the mood as a deep, raspy voice begins speaking:]


♫
THE CAR’S ON FIRE
AND THERE'S NO DRIVER AT THE WHEEL
AND THE SEWERS ARE ALL MUDDIED
WITH A THOUSAND LONELY SUICIDES
AND A DARK WIND BLOWS
♫


[A chorus of strings play a melancholic tune as a pale spotlight settles at the top of the ramp. There, it falls on Datura, dressed in a pair of tight, dark jeans and a black hoodie. She stops at the top of the ramp and stares out into the darkness of the crowd and sea of jeers that flood her way.]
 

FAT SAUL

Not only is this young gal a former champion and tag team champion, she's been undefeated since returnin’ in Season Two.

 
[Elizabeth trudges down the ramp, and the light follow.. The silhouette of hands reaching out to grab her can be seen on the outskirts of the light. Datura ignores them as she climbs up the steps.]

​

FAT SAUL

Datura and Regan Street have nearly torn Supreme Championship Wrestling apart recently.


[The strings slow. Datura stands upon the apron, cracks her neck, and enters under the top rope. She makes her way to the corner and unzips her hoodie. She extends her arms outward and rolls her neck, casting her gaze to the sky as her hoodie slides off her arms.]

 

[DING!]

 

[The bell sounds and this match is officially underway. Datura and Maverick take their time getting things started as they circle around the ring for a bit. Maverick goes to strike first, trying to tie up]

 

FAT SAUL

She ducked around behind him. There's a hammerlock...

 

[She wrenches up high between the shoulder blades and Maverick winded as he dances around on his tiptoes. Datura then changes her level and picks him up and drops him with hard backdrop. She continues to hang on to his arm and position herself to lock in a kimura!]

 

FAT SAUL

He knows he's in danger here, there's a flip. Pressure's off and he's quick to make an escape.

 

[Both competitors get back to their feet and bull rush one another to tie up. Maverick and Datura struggle back and forth, looking to gain any sort of control before Datura snaps Maverick’s head down and gets him in a front headlock.]

 

FAT SAUL

She's cinched in tight on him now.

 

[Maverick struggles to break free from Datura’s grasp, doing anything he can but Datura has him locked in tight. She picks her moment and reaches down to hook a leg. In one fluid motion, Datura drops her hips and arches back and rocks Maverick with a fisherman buster! She hangs on to the leg for a cover and the ref rushes over for the count!]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

Had the referee been in position there, she may have just advanced.

 

[Maverick stays in the game with a good timed kick out and Datura goes back to the drawing board. She gets to her feet first and drag Maverick up with her. Just as he stands up, he breaks free from her grasp and lands a brutal European uppercut! Datura stumbles back from the impact and Maverick races in with a spinning heel kick.]

 

FAT SAUL

Whoa!

 

[Saul and the front row all duck with Datura in the background. As Maverick turns around, she drops him with a clothesline. The Iconic Prince narrowly ducks under to avoid the strike and decides to run the ropes.]

 

FAT SAUL

Here he comes!

 

[Maverick bounces off and, on the return, he gets met with Datura who catches him in a flying armbar! Datura wrenches back while Maverick is kicking and fighting to escape! Maverick uses all of his strength to inch towards the ropes, and eventually he grabs them for a rope break.]

 

FAT SAUL

He got it! She's got to let him go...

 

[Datura hangs on for a few extra seconds while the referee pleads with her to let off. She finally releases her hold but not before letting Maverick know she’s got him in her crosshairs. Datura hits a back handspring to get back on her feet and starts raining down stomps on the grounded Maverick.]

 

FAT SAUL

Those ain't kicks, y'all, she's gonna stomp the piss right out of… she's pickin’ him up now.

 

[Maverick is in a total daze, she stares deeply in his eyes. With a grin slowly forming, she grabs him and Irish whips him across the ring. Maverick bounces off and on the return Datura connects with a devastating discus lariat.]

 

FAT SAUL

Ol´ Saul'd been on his ass right there. Datura has Maverick reeling.

 

[Maverick stumbles back on his heels, trying to stay on his feet. He springs back off the ropes and as he stumbles forward, Datura catches him and tosses him into the nearest turnbuckle with the Lady Death!]

 

FAT SAUL

A beautifully executed overhead belly-to-belly has Maverick in another dimension.

 

[Datura looks to finally put him away and end the misery. She grabs him by the hair and stuffs him between her legs. She then picks him up and carries him to the center of the ring before dropping him head first with the Thorn-Apple Driver! Maverick’s eyes roll in the back of his head as the package piledriver completely demolished him. Datura seductively crawls her way on top of him and makes the cover!]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Three!

 

FAT SAUL

And, just like that folks...

 

[DING DING DING!]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Datura!

 

[Datura takes her win and heads up the ramp. While Maverick gathers himself and makes his exit.]

 

FAT SAUL

Datura has advanced, but what a challenge ahead of her in the quarterfinals as she will face Lisa Seldon.

STATE OF THE UNION

[The lights in the TD Arena slowly dim and the big screen lights up to see Gunnar Graves via satellite sitting behind his desk in a very political fashion. The crowd pops to see the boss man, as he always brings some big news with his appearances. As the crowd begins to die down, Gunnar begins to give his statement.]

GUNNAR GRAVES
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to start off first by thanking you all for coming out tonight in Charleston, South Carolina for L!GHTS OUT #29!

[A big cheap pop roar of cheers from the crowd erupts before setting back down.]

GUNNAR GRAVES
Tonight we finish the opening round of the King Cobra Tournament, and move one step closer to finding out who will become the next King Cobra Champion. But I want to talk about what we witnessed in our opening bout. Tonight I saw something that I have been dying to see in the Battleground. Someone who doesn’t sit idly by waiting for their name to be called upon for an opportunity. We saw a man by the name of Kraven Drell come in here and make a statement!

[A mixed reaction of cheers and jeers takeover the building for the man who shook things up in the opening moments of the show.]

GUNNAR GRAVES
He didn’t sit idly by and just be happy to be here. No, he came in here and made an impression people will be talking about! And quite frankly, I couldn’t help but take notice. So in two weeks, Kaven will get his match against the winner of Elena DeDraca and Alex Kincaid at L!GHTS OUT #30! ... That is, if neither DeDraca or Kincaid decide to cash in the War Horse Championship for that shot at the trench War Championship...

[Gunnar pauses for a moment and takes a sip out of the skull shaped tumbler that had been synonymous with his missing brother Axel. He clears his throat before continuing.]

GUNNAR GRAVES
And since we’re on the subject of making statements, championships, and L!GHTS OUT #30, I have another thing to say... Now I know the talk of the town here in Union Battleground is this Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, where the winner holds the stakes of getting a Union Battleground Title shot anytime, anywhere. But that doesn’t mean our champion Alyssa Daniels has to sit idly by waiting for a challenger from the tournament. Oh no, in fact I’ve found a challenger for her. Someone who has been a part of the Battleground since season one. Someone who has been a decorated and dominating force here. Someone who DEMANDS the best from her opposition... I’m talking about our current Trench War Champion, Kimitsu Zombie!

[The crowd explodes into cheers after hearing the announcement and a unanimous “Zombie” chant breaks out.]

GUNNAR GRAVES
At L!GHTS OUT #30, Alyssa Daniels will put her championship on the line against Kimitsu Zombie! Thank you all for giving me your time, enjoy the rest of your show!

[The feed cuts just as Gunnar hoists up the skull shaped tumbler another time and gives a toast to the crowd watching. With Gunnar Graves gone from the big screen, the cameras pan the crowd from several angles then all converge on Saul taking a drink.]

 

FAT SAUL

We sat here and watched it y'all and, whether ya like it or not, Kraven Drell took his shot tonight. It paid off in the form of a title shot. The Boss made an executive decision, he will challenge the War Horse Champion at the next Lights Out, but that wasn't all…

 

[Saul pauses for the rekindling “Zombie” chant.]

 

FAT SAUL

...that's right, Kimitsu Zombie, our Trench War Champion will challenge Union Battleground Champion, Alyssa Daniels.

 

[Saul pauses for the cheers.]

 

FAT SAUL

Remember to keep up with the action as it unfolds, follow Union underscore Battle (@Union_Battle) on Twitter. Don't go anywhere, we'll be right back.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

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GOOD CALL

[Backstage, we find “The Revolution” A.J. Morales leaning back on a wall. Rather unusually, he doesn’t even seem to know he’s being filmed, as he’s completely engrossed in talking to someone on his cell phone.]

A.J. MORALES

...no, yeah, they’ve got posters of you with the title backstage and everything. Sort of an ‘eyes on the prize’ thing for all of us in the tournament, yadidamsayin’?

[As he listens to the reply from the other end, he looks up at the wall in front of him. Sure enough, there’s Emery Layton, standing in the middle of the ring, holding that King Cobra Championship belt high in the air with pride.]

A.J. MORALES

‘Course they did! C’mon, they wouldn’t forget you that fast…

[Emery starts listing off...something, it’s not quite clear from here, and A.J. nods along with each item on that list.]

A.J. MORALES

...yeah...uh-huh...good to have that too...you’re watching the show, right?

[A couple seconds later, A.J.’s eyebrows rise in surprise.]

A.J. MORALES

What? For real?

[A.J. looks to his left, sees us, and waves before he gets back to his conversation, where he’s now hearing something...unpleasant.]

A.J. MORALES

Did Comet...yeah...OK...yeah, that’s not a surprise. Of course he does that now. Worst cat ever.

[A moment while we wait for him to respond to Emery.]

A.J. MORALES

Yeah, I can do that.
 

[Another moment’s pause, and then…]

A.J. MORALES

A’right, I’ll text you when I’m on, just to be sure. Love you, cielito.

[A.J. makes a kissing sound before hanging up the call. He puts the phone back in his pocket, and slowly, he walks up to that poster of his wife holding up that title. He puts his hand up on the front plate of the belt, presses his forehead against her face, and closes his eyes, visualizing the place he hopes this tournament’s road will lead him…]

​

[At ringside, Saul puffs on his pipe as he watches along with fifty-one hundred of his closest friends in South Carolina.]

 

FAT SAUL

What a legacy! Miss Emery enshrined in the tradition around here and it's really somethin’ to see the respect here tonight, even better seein’ honor and love. Morales and Miss Emery recently returnin’ from their honeymoon.

 

[Saul applauds, the cheering crowd drowns him out momentarily.]

 

FAT SAUL

Ol´ Saul could probably pen Morales’ career biography, what an amazin’ success to have watched unfold, but gonna get some time to talk about him more later. AJ will come out here to face Heathen Jones in the MAIN EVENT!

 

[Mixed chants and cheers fill the arena, the “REVO-LUTION!” being the odds on favorite.]

 

FAT SAUL

Both lookin’ to advance in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament. Both ready to blaze their way like Miss Emery last year. And, to my knowledge, Heathen still hasn't showed up yet.

 

[The fans cheer and chant for Emery Layton, now with a hyphenated Morales. They cheered for AJ too.]

 

FAT SAUL

Time's a tickin’ and the show is gonna roll on. Mike is ready to get this next battle started. Let's go to the ring.

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MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Opening Round Match! Introducing first, standing Taller than a Step Ladder and weighing in at 200 Barrels of Monkeys, from The Carnival Grounds, he is “The Oddity” Karnivall!

 

♫
"INSTANT MAJOR FELONY" BY THE GODDAMN GALLOWS

BEGINS TO PLAY
♫


[The screen cuts to a few images of a broken down Carnival and quick shots of Karnivall before the music begins. After the intro plays out we see Karnivall make his way from the back, chuckling as he looks around at the crowd. He comes to the edge of the ramp as he spreads his arms out to the sides and twists his hands back as he turns his head to the side with a Devilish grin across his painted on face. He does a quick spin as he eyes the camera. Karnivall slithers down the ramp, chuckling and playing to the crowds fear.]

 

FAT SAUL

Let's hope Karnivall has a better debut than those two in our opener.


[Karnivall comes to the edge of the ring where he rolls in under the ropes and gets to his rear end. He begins rocking back and forth as he continues to chuckle over and over again. He stands up and begins circling the ring, looking out at the crowd. He finally finds a corner and slumps into it, laughing with a demoralized chuckle as he awaits for his opponent.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 5’10” and weighing in at 213 pounds, from Pontiac, Illinois, he is “The Burner” Flash Kassidy!

 

♫
ONE PILL MAKES YOU LARGER AND
ONE PILL MAKES YOU SMALL AND
THE ONES THAT MOTHER GIVES YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING AT ALL
GO CHASING RABBITS
♫


[With lights flashing and a strobe light going off Flash Kassidy and Charlie Bloom 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. ]


♫
CHASING RABBITS PLAYING MADDEN IN A JASON MASK
TAKE A DAB TO THE FORSAKEN LAND
WAVING A MASON FLAG (MASON FLAG)
I'M JUST TALKIN' HELLA GIBBERISH
AND THAT'S NOT A REFERENCE TO EAZY... LIL' BITCH
SO TAKE A HIKE AND PUT ACID TABS IN YOUR MAXI PADS
♫


[As they gets closer to the ring Flash slows his step, looking out at the audience one more time, seemingly brushing their reactions off like it was a chip on his shoulder. Flash gets a running start, leaving Charlie behind as he jumps into the ring showing off this athleticism in the process. Pausing for a moment inside the ring, he waits for Charlie to walk up the ring steps and opens the ropes up for her. As soon as she is in the ring he then runs over to the turnbuckle and climbs up to the second rope, He gazes out over the audience, before letting out a slight giggle in his not so sober fashion. He then points out into the crowd at random before placing one foot on the top rope, and back flipping off, landing directly on his feet.  As soon as he does land however, he quickly rolls over into whatever corner Charlie has stationed herself at. Flash gives her a quick kiss on the lips before removing his jacket, and sitting back in the corner. Waiting till the very last second to remove his shades.]

 

FAT SAUL

♫ Close your eyes gal, look inside gal, let the sound… ♫ did anyone else experience that? Ol´ Saul is floatin’ and didn't even make contact… yet…

 

[DING!]

 

FAT SAUL

Me and this kid have to talk later… here we go.

 

[The bell sounds to get this matchup officially underway. Both Kassidy and Karnivall circle around towards the center of the ring while keeping a close eye on one another. The two come crashing in and lock horns with a collar and elbow tie. Flash tries to overpower his opponent with an arm wrench, but Karnivall has none of it and reverse it the hold, putting Flash in his place with the wrench. Karnivall begins hammering down with elbows on Flash’s shoulder, which causes Kassidy to make a quick escape, cartwheeling out of the pressure. Flash keeps a hold of Karnivall’s wrist.]

 

FAT SAUL

Kassidy whips the carny to the ropes.

 

[Karnivall bounces off the ropes and, on the return, Flash times up a perfect springboard clothesline that levels Karnivall to the mat. Flash kips up back to his feet while Karnivall forcefully stumbles back up to his. Flash throws a few sharp elbows to keep his opponent in a fog, backing him up against the ropes. Flash goes to Irish whip his opponent once again, but this time, Karnivall reverses it and sends Kassidy across the ring.]

 

FAT SAUL

Kassidy off of the ropes… wild clothesline from Karnivall...

 

[Kassidy narrowly evades the impact and continues running the ropes. Flash ricochets off the other side and The Oddity tries to connect with a spinning elbow, but Flash dodges that one too! Flash bounces off the ropes for a third time, and on the return he catches Karnivall with a tilt-a-whirl stunner and the crowd explodes into cheers with the beautiful acrobatic move. The Burner rolls on top on his opponent and hooks a leg to make a cover.]

 

… One!

 

… Tw—Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL and THE CROWD

NO!

 

FAT SAUL

Karni kicked out with a fury! Both on their feet now.

 

[Karnivall gets nose-to-nose with Kassidy with a look of rage flooding his face. However, Flash doesn’t look intimidated in the slightest and shoves Karnivall. The Oddity comes back in with a soaring knife-edge chop across Kassidy’s chest that echoes throughout the building. The crowd winces in audible agony but this just ignites Flash into unleashing a combination of jabs and leg kicks!]

 

FAT SAUL

Lit him up and now, Flash is stingin’ him!

 

[Kassidy finishes the flurry off with a brutal jumping knee that lands square between the eyes and Karnivall stumbles back on his heels and catches himself on the ropes. While Karnivall is in a total daze, Flash plays up the crowd and they are fully behind him now. Karnivall tries to capitalize on Flash’s inattentiveness and rushes towards him.]

 

FAT SAUL

Ah now, don't get caught up with them… that's her job...

 

[Kassidy notices him in the corner of his glazed over eyes and catches Karnivall with a sit out jawbreaker! Karnivall is wobbly on his feet and Kassidy quickly runs the ropes. He bounces off one side, rushes to the other and delivers a springboard reverse DDT and spikes Karnivall on the back in his head! Flash pounces on top once again for a cover!]

 

FAT SAUL and THE CROWD

… One! … Two!

 

FAT SAUL

… NO! He kicked out!

 

[Flash Kassidy looks a bit stunned. He gets to his feet, looking a bit frustrated, but cooler heads prevail as he looks to realign his chakra. Kassidy grabs Karnivall by his red spiked hair and pulls him up to his feet. Karnivall points up to the ceiling to distract Kassidy long enough to stomp on his toes! Flash reels back, but not before Karnivall gouges at his eyes! The dirty tactics release the boo birds on him, but they only seem to fuel him.]

 

FAT SAUL

Even Ol´ Saul know better than to back a Karni in a pinch.

 

[While Kassidy remains blinded from the eye gouge, Karnivall steps in and grabs Kassidy by the head. He looks like he’s about to go for a headbutt, but instead begins gnawing on his forehead!]

 

FAT SAUL

Damn! Ain't never been bit by one though.

 

[The crowd is disgusted by the maneuver and the referee tries to step in and put a stop to it.]

 

FAT SAUL

Karnivall is EATING… THAT… MAN'S... FACE!

 

[The refere finally pries him off of Flash and gives him a verbal lashing, but Karnivall doesn’t seem affected by the threats.]

 

FAT SAUL

Normally, the referees around here are a bit relaxed, but there are limits, y'all.

 

[Kassidy stumbles around, clenching his face which is now beginning to bleed a steady stream and Karnivall stalks close from behind.]

 

FAT SAUL

Look here, that purdy gal ringside is completely freaked out. That was… no, no, don't...

 

[The Oddity grabs him by the mouth with a double fish hook and once again the crowd erupts into even louder boos. Karnivall is eating it all up, letting out a sinister cackle while Kassidy tries to escape.]

 

FAT SAUL

Karni is now hecklin’ that poor gal with that maniacal… now, he's draggin’ Flash around in there by the face.

 

[Before the referee can intervene once again, Karnivall drops his hips and throws Kassidy back with a fish hook belly-to-back suplex! The Oddity can’t contain himself as he points with hysterical laughter. Karnivall then runs over and lands a heavy leg drop on the back of Kassidy’s neck. Karnivall rolls him over to his back and makes a cover.]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

Now he is after the official!

 

[Karnivall can’t believe the kickout and storms the ref with a verbal beatdown. The ref doesn’t back off on his two count, which further angers him. Karnivall finally directs his attention back to Kassidy who remains on the ground. Karnivall stands over top of Kassidy as he rakes his back and then throws in some liver punches for good measure. Karnivall stoops down and, again, puts Kassidy in a double fish hook, wrenching back in a camel clutch! Kassidy yells out in pain but refuses to give in.]

 

FAT SAUL

As heavily influenced as this kid is, I can feel his pain and Ol´ Saul was chill before now.

 

[While Flash yells in agony in the ring, Saul taps out his pipe and retrieves from his pocket, the baggy he had mistakenly dropped earlier. Right there at ringside, his only concern for the young man howling in the ring, he packed some fresh Hogsbreath into his pipe. He lit up, took the green hit and held the pipe up as an offering gesture before returning it to his crooked yellow grin.]

 

FAT SAUL

Get out of that, Boy!

 

[Charlie slaps the apron in rhythm on the outside, getting the crowd in a frenzied-tempo of claps and cheers. Saul also gets in on it, stamping his feet.]

 

FAT SAUL

That's the way!

 

[Slowly, Kassidy begins to get a rush of adrenaline with the fans cheering him on, and begins fighting his way to his feet. Karnivall tries to hold on, but Kassidy surges on and finally stands tall. Karnivall still has a hold of him, but is in a vulnerable spot. In quick desperation, Karnivall falls back with the fish hooks still latched and drops Kassidy with a backstabber! Karnivall pops up to one knee as he soaks in as the roaring cheers turns to jeers. He peeks over to the corner and decides to make the climb.]

 

FAT SAUL

Karni goin’ to the top now.

 

[Karnivall slowly makes his way up to the top of the turnbuckle, and with that signature sinister grin, spreads his arms out wide and begins to walk across the top rope. With each step, he hams it up going overboard with the theatrics of keeping his balance.]

 

FAT SAUL

Never known a Karni to perform in the circus, but he's got some skills...

 

[This showboating allows Kassidy enough time to regain his wits and see Karnivall making the move. Kassidy springs into action and rushes towards the turnbuckle.]

 

FAT SAUL

Kassidy is up!

 

[Kassidy launches himself up with a triangle springboard in the corner and catapults towards Karnivall. In one fluid motion, Flash Kassidy catches Karnivall and drops him hard to the canvas with a top rope facebuster that completely rocks Karnivall!]

 

FAT SAUL

That's his move, Trippin’ the Rift, and they are both down…

 

[Both remained motionless on the mat. The crowd is cheering on The Burner as he finally begins to crawl his way over to The Oddity. Kassidy tosses an arm over his opponent and the ref drops down to make the count!]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Thre—Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

Took too much time to capitalize there...

 

[The crowd gasps thinking Kassidy had just sealed the deal, but Karnivall spoiled the moment with the dangerously close kick out. Both men continue to lay on the mat though, breathing heavy as the crowd begins a chant for The Burner. Kassidy struggles to get back to his feet, and Karnivall follows close behind. Finally both men stand toe-to-toe and start trading blows. Back and forth, Kassidy and Karnivall connects but don’t crack.]

 

FAT SAUL

Throwin’ fists now. Karni ducked that one and he's got Kassidy in a hammerlock...

 

[Karnivall goes for the Twisted Grin hammerlock short range lariat, but Kassidy ducks it and runs the ropes!]

 

FAT SAUL

WHEW!

 

[On the return, Kassidy connects with his step up DDT! The Koopa Drop impales Karnivall into the canvas and Kassidy immediately crawls over towards the nearest turnbuckle.]

 

FAT SAUL

She's got`em loud and completely behind her man now. Go on now... get up there...

 

[Flash struggles as he climbs all the way to the high rent district and the fans in attendance are losing their minds!]

 

[Kassidy finally makes it to the top, and plays up the crowd, gesturing toking a spliff of the devil’s lettuce. Kassidy then flicks the imaginary roach to Saul before flying high in the air with the shooting star leg drop! The Juicy Lucy connects and Kassidy quickly rolls his opponent up, hooking the leg for the cover!]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Three!

 

[DING DING DING!]

 

FAT SAUL

Influential, maybe. Influenced? As sure as he's advancin’ in the tournament.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, “The Burner” Flash Kassidy!

 

FAT SAUL

Man, what a trip!

 

[Saul stands with the rest of his friends clapping while Flash and Charlie head up the ramp. While Karnivall collects his marbles and then makes his exit, the fans boo him out.]

 

FAT SAUL

Flash Kassidy will face Finn Whelan in the quarterfinals of the King Cobra Tournament. We ain't slowin’ down a bit, y'all; we got anoth...

DAVID VS GOLIATH

MIKEY SVARRO
“I knew it would be you, Kae.”

[The Charleston crowd goes silent, following a single sentence. The previous banter of between those in the audience fell to a hush. There was no music or loud interrupting to stop them, so some continued talking as if they were at intermission, or waiting for the next exciting thing to happen. Fellow crowd members hushed them quiet, especially when “The Voice of Wrestling, Mikey Svarro, walked out onto the ramp holding a microphone. Mikey wasn’t going to be doing any sort of wrestling tonight, decked out in a fancier attire. That of a dark blue suit, complete with a gold watch upon his right wrist. He stood on the ramp for a moment, looking out into the crowd, before moving on as if speaking to Kaelan directly.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“OH - is that cool? Are you chill? Can I call you Kae, or is that only something your friends call you? I just figured I’m about to get real with you so I might as well keep things light, because it keeps the mood up, you know? Keeping with that honest spirit, we always knew it was going to be you, didn’t we? And by we I mean anyone with half a brain, knew you were going to advance in your first round.”

[He looked around at the crowd, raising his elbows and his eyebrows, urging them to agree with him by nod of head, or even vocally.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“On the other hand, people probably weren’t too sure about me, I’d imagine. Some name that sounds vaguely familiar to some, up against some other name that sounds vaguely familiar to some. Sure, people here in the Battleground may remember my name and know what to expect, but where have I REALLY been outside of here in the last few years?”

[He looked up and to the right, as if he was thinking. YES we all know what everyone was thinking, but we’re not even to talk about irrelevant ass things, and Svarro definitely isn’t going to be the first of the night. He intentionally leaves it out.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“...anywhere worth mentioning, of course.”

[He smirks, looking around to the Charleston crowd sheepishly, garnering his first laugh. It’s here that he takes his first steps down the ramp, and continues walking, microphone in hand.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“I’m sure to many, our matchup seems like a real David and Goliath situation, doesn’t it? And yes, I know that’s cliche but you know what?? PEOPLE are cliche.”

[He points at several different people along the rampway down the ring, gathering a few boos in the process, though you’d more than likely also find people agreeing.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“Look at you, you’re Queen of your own little mountain over here riding into 2019, at least that’s how it seems to people on social media, of course. You’ve gathered such a following this last year specifically, whereas I’ll admit my own has probably swindled. Besides, when you get right down to the root of things, you’re more of a traditional wrestler than I’ve ever been. I’m positive people think you’re just going to stomp me into the ground with your giant Goliath feet. You’ve done mighty well for yourself Kaelan Laughlin, I can’t deny that.”

[He paused for a moment, reaching the bottom of the ring, turning to the right and taking his first step up the steel steps. Mikey turns to the crowd, still addressing them as if they were Laughlin herself, mainly because he knew she’d hear this.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“But what I can deny, is that you’d EVEERRR beat me.”

[Mikey chuckled, shaking his head from side-to-side, as South Carolina gathered up a few more boos to throws Svarro’s way.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“I’m not quite sure if you know who I am Kae, but if you do then you know better than to consider yourself safe in this Crown of the King Cobra tournament. Ask around in certain circles and you’ll find I have a reputation. I may not be as modern as some of these participants, but I’m damn sure my reputation is there and it won’t take you long to find it. You’d know that I’m not very fond of giving in to others, by any means necessary. Now some of those out there use that phrase and they don’t really MEAN it. But me? I MEAN it, Kae. By any means necessary. My lust for attention and success knows no bounds!”

[He laughed out loud, rather damn loudly actually, before trotting up the last few stairs, ducking under the second rope and placing both feet onto the canvas.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“I’ve been in plenty of these little shindigs before, these tournament types. I could take you back, metaphorically of course, to Rebel Wrestling Federation when I won the very first Rebel Pride Championship tournament. How about Bare Bones Wrestling where FIRST I won the Network Championship tournament, THEN the annual Bad to the Bone tournament before I cashed in and won that damn belt too!”

[Mikey took a moment to brush his shoulder off, congratulating himself on jobs well done that had long since been...DONE. His smile was brightly, rather proud of himself as it looked. It’s another few seconds before he continues, now pacing inside the ring.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“The ONLY tournament I ever stumbled in was right at the end in a damn fluke win by UB’s favorite junkie wannabe - Finn Whelan. Even Whelan knows deep down that he could never really touch me, the same way his wife couldn’t STOP touching me.”

[LOOOUUDDD boos from the crowd as Mikey’s extremely disgraceful comment towards Finn’s deceased wife hits their eardrums. Mikey shrugs, knowing it to be true and not giving a damn about how these fans view him or his version of the truth.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“So the way I see it...YOU’RE more of the David, and I’M more of the Goliath. YOU’RE the one that’s standing at a disadvantage here Kae, whether you choose to believe me or not. I’m done hearing about the Kaelan’s, the Lisa’s, the Finn’s - because the frontrunner for anyone smart enough is Mikey Svarro, without a doubt! I’ve done it time and time again, while the only thing that changed were the names and faces. You’re just another name at the end of the day, Kae. Just another face that thinks they’re going to knock me off my block. You don’t have what it takes, you never did, and you never will. The Crown of the King Cobra belongs to the Voice of Wrestling!”

[Svarro’s facial expression was something Union Battleground hadn’t seen before. Sure, he’d managed to go 3-0 since first signing his contract back in season one, skating by. BUT Union hadn’t quite seen him...struggle, and the various faces he had in times of trouble. He knew he’d need a way out of this one, he’d have to think on his toes, and that alone excited him.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“So enjoy these next two weeks, sit up on that high horse you’ve built, with your Kings Road Championship over your shoulder, keep thinking you’re Goliath. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter which one you call me, because either way you’re going to fall…”

[He reached a hand into his pocket, pulling out his signature shades, and threw them onto his face. He put on his scummiest grin, before announcing into the camera.]

MIKEY SVARRO
“Listen hard!”

[Korn’s “Got the Life” poured through the PA system, as Mikey dropped the microphone in the middle of the ring, and began his way up the ramp to a barricade of boos. Back at ringside, merrily sending smoke clouds into the rafters, Saul cracks open his second bottle of water.]

 

FAT SAUL

What a matchup already in the quarterfinals. They're really comin’ together tonight, this David versus Goliath match, between Svarro and Kaelan bein’ one of them. And, we already know that the winner of that match will face the winner of Finn Whelan and Flash Kassidy in the semi-finals.

 

[Saul allows that to sink in as he takes a drink and flips to the next page of his notes.]

 

FAT SAUL

And, unless someone else has a statement to make… … ...we are about to meet the only Mummy in professional wrestling. Let's go to Mike "Drop" Dempsey in the ring!

LO29_Inaros-vs-Neilson.png

MIKE DEMPSEY

The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Opening Round Match! Introducing first, standing 6’2” and weighing in at 217 pounds, from the West Midlands, England, representing PW NEO, he is “The Great British Meme” Will Neilson!


['Hopelessly Hopeful' sounds around the arena as it takes a while for Will Neilson to emerge from the back, coming out when the song kicks in near the sixteenth second or so. Will makes his way out, arms down at his side and a grin on his face as he takes an opportunity to observe the arena and crowd.]


♫

STARING EYES WIDE OPEN GAZING INTO NOTHING, RUNNING IN PLACE AGAIN
GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS, IN AND OUT AS THE OCEANS, REPEATING
NUMB TO THE SILENCE, TO THE ABSENCE OF EMOTION, THE SUM OF THE SCRIPT
NOTHING BUT A CLICK IN THE ROTATION.
♫


[After a bit of waiting, he finally starts a walk down the ramp with a more focused expression on his face, getting down towards the apron before raising his arms outwards and proceeding to now make his way up the steel steps, stopping when on the apron to raise his arms out once again on the apron.]
 

FAT SAUL

In addition to the Crown of the King Cobra, Will is also competin’ in the Heaven or He'll tournament for Pro Wrestling NEO.


[Neilson climbs into the ring and hops about before scaling the nearest turnbuckle and zipping his leather jacket down, slowly removing it and holding it outwards so his chest and them abs are viewable. He doesn't stay up there long though, throwing his jacket over his shoulder and walking to the center of the ring attempting to hype up the crowd a bit more. Eventually walking towards another corner and propping himself up on the top rope, sitting down and awaiting for whatever comes next.]

 

FAT SAUL

Now, much like the rest of us, Will awaits the arrival of Inaros...

 

[The lights in the arena dim, sometimes flickering; a low fog begins to roll out from the entryway. As "The Last Ritual" by RhoCassio begins to play, Umi steps out and into view.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, standing 7’ tall and weighing in at 375 pounds, from The Valley of The Kings, Egypt, accompanied by Umi, he is Inaros!

 

♫

"THE LAST RITUAL" BY RHOCASSIO

BEGINS TO PLAY

♫

 

[Clutched beneath one arm is an ancient tome--the Book of the Dead--and behind her stands the towering figure of Inaros. As the beat picks up she stops and turns back to him, pointing a finger toward the ring. Inaros doesn't nod or otherwise acknowledge her... he simply complies, stoic as he begins to march forward.]
 

FAT SAUL

To all it would appear, the undead has arrived. And, Umi is clearly in control…


[Upon reaching the ring, Inaros halts. Umi steps in front of the massive creature, who lowers his head... and Umi takes a moment to remove his Egyptian headdress. After she moves out of his way, Inaros reaches up and grabs the ropes, pulling himself onto the apron before stepping over the top rope. He paces only briefly, walking the ring with authority and a barely restrained rage. Will stares the monster down from across the ring as the referee calls for the bell!]

 

FAT SAUL

Ya got to wonder what is goin’ through Will's mind right now.

 

[DING!]

 

FAT SAUL

If it were one of my guys back in the day, even though they were monstrous, Ol´ Saul'd have pulled them. Let's see how Will handles an actual monster...

 

[Neilson takes off at the monster full speed ahead! Inaros shifts his feet and lowers his body to meet the charging Will to counter with a ring rattling spinebuster! The violent maneuver robs all the wind from Neilson’s lungs.]

 

FAT SAUL

That's where good ringside management would have been effective. Ya just don't do that...

 

[Inaros gets back to his feet. Will rolls over quickly then staggers to one knee. Neilson gets to both feet as the mummy takes off at him! Will takes off then drop kicks Inaros in the right knee cap with both feet! The shot causes Inaros to fall face first on top of Will!]

 

… One!

 

… Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

Inaros is up to one knee now and...

 

[Will leaps to both feet in a single bound from his back. He plants his right heel to dig in then spins around with his left foot to hit flush against The Mummy’s face! The shot can be heard throughout but Inaros does not go down!]

 

FAT SAUL

Man, he just kicked the taste out of his mouth, but no, Inaros is still on one knee...

 

[Neilson hits the ropes to propel himself at the monster only to be caught by the throat by Inaros!]

 

FAT SAUL

Inaros caught him at full-speed while... on his knee.

 

[The Great British Meme is held in place by a man more than twice his size. Inaros rises slowly to both feet then swiftly lifts his opponent high into the air by his throat! The ring shakes from the impact of the violent chokeslam.]

 

FAT SAUL

No way he's gettin’ up from that, but Inaros rises!

 

[Umi holds up the book on the outside while Inaros reaches down to hoist Will up. Neilson counters with an elbow shot! Then another!]

 

FAT SAUL

Will is fightin’ back, y'all.

 

[Inaros falls back a bit giving Will a slight opening. Neilson gets to his feet then runs toward the corner! He climbs up on the middle turnbuckle then leaps off and onto a stunned Inaros’ back! Will locks in a sleeper hold while dangling off the seven-footer's back!]

 

FAT SAUL

Oh, Will's latched on for the ride now, y'all.

 

[Inaros shakes and thrashes back at Will with little to no success. Neilson locks the sleeper in then holds on for dear life. The Mummy takes off across the ring suddenly then falls straight back to squash Will on the mat beneath his near four-hundred pound frame!]

 

FAT SAUL

Inaros tryin’ to shake the, um, cobwebs loose.

 

[Will staggers to both feet and lunges at the monster only to catch a big boot! The shot sends the smaller Neilson into the ropes! The seven-footer then charges full speed at Will! Neilson waits patiently until Inaros is close before pulling the ropes down! The Mummy stumbles then falls over the ropes and bounces off the apron! He spills out onto the outside floor alongside Umi.]

 

FAT SAUL

Go nuts, y'all, but the Mummy is on the rise.

 

[Inaros rises to one knee. He looks up at Umi, who points at Neilson. Neilson remains by the ropes eating up the response from the crowd. Inaros nods at his handler then stands up and reaches beneath the bottom rope to grasp hold of both Will’s feet! He trips up The Great British Meme, leading him to fall face first! Inaros then yanks at Neilson’s feet to drag him to the outside of the ring. Umi watches close as the seven-footer picks Will up on his shoulder then takes off running at the security barrier!]

 

FAT SAUL

Now, look out! Move…

 

[The crowd watches as Inaros heaves his opponent at the barrier!]

 

FAT SAUL

BACK UP!

 

[Will flies through the air but misses the barrier only to land inside the timekeepers box!]

 

FAT SAUL

Watch it Mike! Shit's flyin’ everywhere!

 

[Inaros ignores the boos that rain down. He walks toward the time keepers box slowly. The mummy carefully approaches and just as he reaches the edge to see where Neilson landed, Will pops up with the bell and slings it directly at Inaros! The bell bounces off the monsters skull leaving a seeping gash!]

 

[DING!]

 

FAT SAUL

And, no, Ol´ Saul aint sayin’ that...

 

[The bell echoes throughout while Will leaps up on the security barrier that surrounds the secluded timekeeper’s area. Neilson springboards off at the larger Inaros, doubled-over for a picture perfect alley-oop facebuster. The maneuver wows the crowd and shocks Umi! Laughing, Saul fist-bumps the nearby fans mockingly.]

 

FAT SAUL

Will just rang the monster's bell with that one!

 

[Will gets back to his feet then quickly rolls underneath the bottom rope and on into the ring. Umi holds the book high into the air again and the mummy suddenly rises! Neilson seems a bit disheartened by this, but calls for the monster to bring it on from inside the ring.]

 

FAT SAUL

Umi is screamin’ for Will's destruction. I mean, can't hear her over all y'all, but…

 

[Inaros stands and quickly rolls back into the squared circle! Neilson meets him with sharp stomps! The crowd pops while Will stomps at the larger wrestler with all he’s got.]

 

FAT SAUL

Inaros rollin’ back out, gettin’ some space on the outside.

 

[He ends up facing away from the ring to catch his bearings. Will hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring then slingshots himself, full speed ahead, directly at a unsuspecting Inaros on the outside! Umi screams out leading the mummy to turn around just as Will takes flight! He dives over the top rope doing a complete front flip out of the ring! Neilson lands on the shoulders on Inaros in a seated position facing the monster! The mummy slightly bends his knees from the weight of his opponent hitting both shoulders but does not fall! A collective gasp hushes the crowd.]

 

FAT SAUL

Oh, this ain't gonna be purdy.

 

[Will’s eyes widen.]

 

FAT SAUL

And, he knows it…

 

[The monster takes off for the apron, holding Neilson up, setup only for a powerbomb! He slams Will down across the apron back first with pure brutality! The entire crowd explodes in boos.]

 

FAT SAUL

He doesn't give a shit, y'all… look there, he just tossed Will up on the apron.

 

[Inaros rolls Will into the ring.]

 

FAT SAUL

Like he's nothin’.

 

[Neilson thrashes on the mat clutching at his back. The mummy walks up the ring steps slowly never taking his eyes off Will.]

 

FAT SAUL

Come on, Will!

 

[Neilson manages to somehow get up on one knee.]

 

FAT SAUL

This Mummy has got to his feet every time Will's knocked him on his ass. Get up!

 

[Will stands up as Inaros slowly glides through the ropes.]

 

FAT SAUL

He's comin’!

 

[Will takes off suddenly and catches Inaros on the jaw whilst coming through the ropes with a big time one leg drop kick! The shot sends the mummy to the mat in a daze. The crowd pops as Neilson scoops up a leg!]

 

FAT SAUL

There ya go!

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

…  Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

Inaros just tossed Will off… and...

 

[The Great British Meme landed on his feet. Umi thrusts the book high above her head with great might and Inaros stands immediately. Neilson comes charging in, but catches a kick to the midsection from the mummy! This causes Will to bend over and Inaros quickly scoops him up into a pump handle slam into a pin! The force of the slam causes people of all ages to wince. Saul pushed against his seat back across the ring.]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Three!

 

FAT SAUL

Will ain't movin’, y'all.

 

[DING DING DING!]

 

[Umi carefully walks up the ring steps while the referee comes in to hold up Inaros hand in victory, but the mummy does not allow this. Inaros forehead continues to bleed as he is declared the winner of this one.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Inaros!

 

FAT SAUL

Inaros will face the winner of tonight's main event in the quarterfinals of the Crown of the King Cobra. When we get back, Elena DeDraca will battle Alex Kincaid and her Union Battleground War Horse gonna be on the line.

READY

[Backstage, just a few short minutes before her husband will head to the ring to face off against the War Horse Champion, Alyssa Kincaid nervously fidgets with her fingers beside intrepid Union Battleground Interviewer Savannah Skye in front of a locker room door. While Alyssa is clearly a bundle of nervous, Savannah faces the camera with a wide and easy smile.]

SAVANNAH SKYE
Ladies and gentlemen, I am backstage here at Lights Out with the manager of tonight's contender to the War Horse Championship. Alyssa, not only is this Alex's first match in Union Battleground in more than six months but it's a match against some dangerous competition in Elena DeDraca. What do you have to say about tonight's title match?

[Alyssa follows the fake-it-till-you-make-it strategy. She forces a smile, shuts her eyes and takes a deep breath to compose herself. When she opens her eyes the smile is more genuine.]

ALYSSA KINCAID
Okay, so the first thing I want to say? It's great to see you again Savannah. It's great to be be back here in Union Battleground. It's great to be back in my favorite wrestling company, seeing some of my best friends again...and yeah. It's great that on his first night back Alex has a title opportunity. You know, he's been hitting the gym hard. He's been working to get back to using some offense from the very beginning of his career, stuff he's been perfecting for years. If Elena thinks she's ready? She's in for a surprise. This is the best possible version of Alex. And it's going to be enough for him to win the championship.

[Savannah nods, but then she seems a bit hesitant to ask her next question. She manages to get it out with an apologetic little shrug.]

SAVANNAH SKYE
I mean, how can you say that after Alex's own comments last week? Last week he said he wasn't sure if he even deserved the title shot. It's not too often you see a championship challenger express that sort of doubt. Are you sure he's ready tonight?

[Just as she's finishing her sentence the locker room door Alyssa is standing in front of opens. Alex Kincaid is dressed in his ring gear, with his entrance vest half pulled on when he spots the interviewer. He raises an eyebrow to his wife and steps out beside her. He shakes his head and chuckles.]

ALEX KINCAID
Ready? Is that what I heard you say, Savannah? Is Alyssa sure I'm ready? I mean, I sure hell hope so. Because like I've been saying ever since Relapse Elena DeDraca is something special. If I stand a chance at taking that title from her tonight, I am going to have to wrestle the match of my life. 'The Match of your Life' is one hell of a thing to ask from a man on his first night back, isn't it?

[He grins a bit and looks to his wife, who makes a puzzled face back at him before he turns to Savannah to continue.]

ALEX KINCAID
I said that I wasn't sure if I deserved another opportunity because I walked out of this company. I walked out after a match of the year candidate against Owen Gonsalves...where I lost. Then the next week, I nearly killed myself out there fighting Emery Layton. And yeah, I lost again. Same week, over in XWA I had one HELL of a fight against Kaida Kagome. Lost that too. So those were three absolutely devastating losses. And after that, you've got to be honest with yourself. You've got to take some time to reset. So when you've been gone this long, when you come back after three loses and they give you a title shot when you come back how do you prove that you deserve it? Simple. You put on the match of your life.

[He turns to face the camera directly, his expression hardening as he directs his words directly to his opponent.]

ALEX KINCAID
Lights up. Curtains open. You and I put all the talk aside. Way I hear it, you didn't like some of the things I had to say about you. I said I wasn't sure about you as champion, said I was worried about what I saw you do to Riddle at Relapse. And I meant it. I've got a vision for this place. A perfect version of Union Battleground that I spend every day I'm here trying to make a reality. And maybe you're the first roadblock to that. But I run through roadblocks. I charge through obstacles. I'm going to do it again tonight. I'm going to reward this companies faith in me, I'm going to prove all the fans that never give up on me that I'm worth it. If there's one thing that's become clear while we get ready for this contest? It's that you don't know me. You might think you do, but you don't. And maybe I don't know you. But I know wrestling. I know championships. And I know Union Battleground.

[He zips the vest up and shrugs, turning toward the hallway and staring toward the ring before he offers some final words.]

ALEX KINCAID
Yeah. Yeah, I'm ready. I hope Elena is ready too.

[He heads off down the hallway. Alyssa grins at Savannah and then follows after a moment later with renewed confidence. We're left with a slightly amused looking Savannah before we fade away.]

COMMERCIAL BREAK

570X324_KC.png

NOT ON MY WATCH

[The audience was greeted by the usual stoic expression on Elena DeDraca’s face, whom was obviously sitting inside her locker room. She was looking down at her worn out ring boots, playing with one of her black locks. Lazily she looked up towards the camera guy, nodding.]


THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
Everyone that knows me longer than a minute, knows two things for sure: One, it is really hard to push my buttons. Two, if you manage to do so, you better be ready for the backlash. I will give all of you the chance to figure out what it is for, Alex Kincaid. Don’t get me wrong pal, but I hardly seen someone shoveling their own hole so deep. Not only are you arrogant as fuck, but I also have to doubt your intelligence. You parade around like you have done anything relevant in UNION BATTLEGROUND. Like anyone knows what the name Alex Kincaid stands for. But let me help you and for that matter the audience. Delusion. That is the only thing that waits for you at the end of the tunnel. You will write history tonight at Lights Out, but not in the way you hope.

[Elena was looking at the War Horse title that was resting in front of her. A delicate smile covering her face.]

​

THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
You think you have me all figured out. Excuse me, me and my little black heart. The truth is you haven’t even scratched on the surface, darling. You are out here trying to talk a big game, but when it's time to back it up? You run. Because that is what your kind does. You don’t get what you want? You stomp your foot. You can’t get the job done? You blame everyone but yourself. It doesn’t bother me if you like my appearance and what I represent, boy. I have heard that way too often to give the slightest fuck. If you wanna tickle me then hit me with some facts. But that very well not go in your favour, huh? I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, which is something I do for every opponent. Unfortunately the moment you opened your mouth, you screwed yourself out of that.

[The typical husky laughter escaped her. Elena looked at her own reflection in one of the windows, licking over her lips.]

​

THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I have been nothing but straight since entering UNION BATTLEGROUND. I didn’t try to lead the fans on. I didn’t present myself as someone that I am not. Which is why I tell you this Alex, get a reality check. This business is too fast living to bother with maggots that make false assumptions and half hearted promises. You wanna end my reign? You think that you are man enough for that, right? I hate to disappoint you. At Relapse II I stood in the ring with one of the best competitors. Leave our personal history aside and you still have someone that acts on pure instinct. And he couldn’t beat me. Some might say he let me have it, but I know Cyrus Riddle a lot better than most. I saw the look in his eyes, he hadn’t given up. He just couldn’t go on. Two very different things. So I say again, you think you are better than this man? Or Alyssa Daniels?

[She rolled her eyes looking somewhat disgusted.]

​

THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
You have been given a chance, Alex. No mistake, you didn’t earn shit -- but I am the last person that will deny a challenger. But you are by no means the caliber that is worthy to hold the War Horse title. Don’t like my words, too bad. You tried to start a war that you weren’t ready for, not in the slightest. It’s a fact that I am a fair fighter. I don’t need to cheat to win and neither do I use unnecessary violence in regular matches. But it’s a real struggle right now to not just bash in your skull. I don’t get mad because someone tries to passively aggressively insults me, but I have zero tolerance for stupidity. So tonight I will show you why they call me the Fist of Hydra. Why I am indeed undefeated in this illustrious company. I will not just beat you, Alex, that would be too easy. I will come for your throat and show you what monsters are really made of.

[There was a knock on the door before one of the stage workers peeked inside. He tipped against his clock three times before vanishing again. Elena DeDraca gracefully rose from her chair and grabbed her title. With a confident smile she walked towards the door. A laughter was heard as the scene faded to black.]

LO29_DeDraca-vs-Kincaid.png

FAT SAUL

The War Horse Champion is on her way out here, but first, let's meet her challenger. Mike...

 

MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Union Battleground War Horse Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, standing 5’11” and weighing in at 230 pounds, from Bearing, Alberta, Canada, he is “The Bullet King” Alex Kincaid!

 

[The grinding opening notes to Hands like Houses "I Am" come over the speakers and the lights dim, with blue and white spotlights surfing over the heads of the people in the audience. From the back, Alyssa Kincaid is the first through the curtain. She stands at the top of the aisle and shouts out to the people, before raising her hand and pointing toward the back. A moment later, Alex Kincaid whips through the curtain. He stands at the top of the ramp and slowly walks to one side, staring up to the audience before making his way back the other way. He then throws out a bunch and storms toward the ring, with Alyssa slapping hands with the people as they reach out for them.]


♫
YOU'RE ONE OF A THOUSAND VOICES,
IN MY HEAD THEY ALL JUST SOUND THE SAME.
IF MINE NEVER MADE A DIFFERENCE,
IT WON'T MAKE THE MEANING CHANGE!
♫


[By now they’ve reached ringside. He completes a full lap of the ring, slapping hands with a few people while he nervously stares at the ring. Then he suddenly darts away from the crowd, leaping onto the apron and holding himself against the ropes. He stands and slips inside, watching his wife take position in his corner as he hops up to the middle buckle. He raises one hand high in the air - envisioning that mythical brass ring floating above his head - before he hops down and pulls off the leather vest he wears. He tosses it to his wife with a playful wink and then warming up against the ropes.]

 

FAT SAUL

Kincaid comin’ back tonight, big opportunity. Much like his last match here in June. He gotta chance to grab the War Horse title, basically, from the very beginning this season.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, standing 5’8” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from London, England, she is the reigning, defending, undefeated, undisputed, Union Battleground War Horse Champion, “The Fist of Hydra” Elena DeDraca!

 

♫
THE GLORY OF A NATION DIES
THE SYMBOL OF THIS WAR IS COMING
A WARNING MEANT TO SAVE OUR LIVES FROM
F.E.A.R.'S RELIGION
♫


[There are some cheers when the curtain is flung back and a dour, yet supremely confident Elena DeDraca makes her way onto the stage. Her title hanging gracefully over her left shoulder, while her fingertips softly ran over it. She took a moment on top of the stage before lifting it high over her head.]

 

FAT SAUL

Her challenger has a history for blowin’ some big opportunities and she knows it.

[As the fog begins to clear and the lights pulsate in tune to the music, Elena looks to her left, and then to her right as she absorbs the general atmosphere she is receiving. The pale queen nods, and she appears to smile while she makes her way down the ramp.]

 

FAT SAUL

She has no concern comin’ down here tonight, well aware, Alex Kincaid has to beat her. Ain't no two ways about it.

[Several hands reach out for Elena's acknowledgement as she heads toward the ring, however she coldly ignores each and every one of them. Once at ringside, she leaps up onto the apron and there are some boo’s as she throws her hand up, pointing directly at the crowd, before she elegantly steps between the top and middle rope. Making her way to the middle of the ring to show off her title once more before handing over to the official. She simply throws back her head and laughs at the referee's suggestion of a weapon check. As her theme music slowly fades out, Lady DeDraca throws up her taunt once more and then she confidently stares daggers into Kincaid, handing the title belt to the referee.]

 

FAT SAUL

There's the prize, y'all, but really, this is a test and, next week, another waits.
 

[The referee holds the War Horse Championship high into the air whilst standing between the contender and champion.]

 

FAT SAUL

One of these two here gonna be challenged by Kraven Drell at the next Lights Out.

 

[The referee gives the title to a ring hand then calls for the bell!]

 

FAT SAUL

Buckle in, y'all...

 

[DING!]

 

FAT SAUL

...here we go!

 

[The champion and her challenger lock up in the center of the ring. Kincaid uses his size advantage and easily overpowers the champion, swallowing her up. Elena struggles to wiggle and she flails her arms about, leading The Bullet King to end up behind her. Alex tries to get control of her arms but she reaches up behind her head to wrap both limbs around the neck of Kincaid! The ensuing jawbreaker bounces the challenger back in a bit of a daze.]

 

FAT SAUL

She rocked him!

 

[DeDraca follows up, hitting the ropes directly in front of her. Elena then slingshots herself back at Kincaid, who catches her with a solid kick to the chest to counter! The champion hits the mat as does Alex, who hooks a leg!]

 

… One!

 

FAT SAUL

He's got her leg!

 

…  Kick out!

 

[The kick out causes Alyssa to hit the apron on the outside to push Alex on. Kincaid hears the support and quickly gets back to his feet before Elena.]

 

FAT SAUL

He's up, the Champion's winded.

 

[She tries to catch her breath while Alex quickly hooks her for a fisherman’s suplex then he bridges into a pin!]

 

… One!

 

FAT SAUL

Another quick…

 

…  Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

...no, y'all, he's gonna hafta work a bit harder than that.

 

[DeDraca kicks out at one again! Kincaid gets back to one knee. Elena sits up and Alex reaches to get ahold of her but she counters with a headbutt! Then another!]

 

FAT SAUL

She put him on his ass.

 

[Alex falls back flat on his bottom while the champion rises to both feet.]

 

FAT SAUL

Just about the only spot Ol´ Saul ever saw a gal head bash a fella was the bar. I'm tellin’ y'all, there's nothin’ like bein’ here live… he's up and she's waitin’...

 

[Kincaid takes off at Elena leading her to counter with a running knee lift!]

 

FAT SAUL

Got her knee deep in his midsection.

 

[The Bullet King bends completely over attempting to catch his breath after the sharp knee shot! DeDraca hits the ropes to build up speed to catch her opponent in the side of the head with another solid violent hit! The shot sends Kincaid to the mat flat on his back.

 

FAT SAUL

Oh, man, somebody catch his head!

 

[Elena hits the mat alongside her opponent then scoops up his left leg to push both shoulders flush against the mat!]

 

FAT SAUL

She's got him pinned...

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

No! And, oh, he really wants this one...

 

[Kincaid rolls out of the ring after kick out. Alyssa rushes over to him immediately. Elena watches from inside the ring. Slowly, she slips through the ropes and out onto the apron.]

 

FAT SAUL

Elena's on the hunt now...

 

[Alex stands up then regains his focus. A fan in the front row looks directly at him over Alyssa’s right shoulder then screams out.]

 

RANDOM FAN

Watch out!

 

[Kincaid swings around to see DeDraca somersault off the apron to senton bomb him and Alyssa!]

 

FAT SAUL

And, that there is Union Battleground!

 

[The crowd pops loud for the move. They chant and cheer variations before, in unison, “THIS-IS AWE-SOME!” Both slam hard on the outside floor with a sickening thud. Kincaid raises up, only to shake his head and fall backward; laid out, flat on the floor. DeDraca rolls over on her stomach to failing to push herself up.]

 

FAT SAUL

His purdy wife is out cold.

 

[Alex shakes his head to catch his bearings, only to realize that Alyssa was taken down in the exchange. He quickly crawls over to her while Elena slowly pushes herself up off the outside floor. Kincaid turns around just in time to see DeDraca stagger to her feet. Alex leaps up off one knee then dashes at his opponent full of anger!]

 

FAT SAUL

A woman scorned is one thing, y'all; a man protecting his bride, the title be damned at this point.

 

[Kincaid nails Elena with a huge European uppercut! The shot buckles the champion, but Kincaid whips her into the ring from the outside. The Fist of Hydra rolls in underneath the bottom rope while Alex leaps up on the apron.]

 

FAT SAUL

The Champion is gettin’ up and her challenger got her in the crosshairs out there on the apron.

 

[Elena slowly gets back to her feet while Kincaid stands on the apron gripping the top rope tightly in each hand. He leaps up onto it just as DeDraca turns around, then springboards forward for a crowd pleasing flying forearm smash!]

 

FAT SAUL

They are both out flat over there in the corner. I gotta take a drink!

 

[Kincaid gets back to his feet and pulls at DeDraca’s left arm to position her to his liking.]

 

FAT SAUL

He settin’ her up here...

 

[The Bullet King then heads for the corner and climbs the turnbuckles like a man on a mission.]

 

FAT SAUL

…`cause she exactly where he's wantin’ her.

 

[He leaps off and the shot … ...slows... to show the flickering camera lights slightly before ...back to real time to show DeDraca roll out of the way! Kincaid hits hard flat on his belly!]

 

FAT SAUL

Them big ol´ boys do them belly flops out on the Lake back home… yep… they take all ya breathe at once.

 

[Alex struggles on the mat while Elena comes alive to rile up the crowd.]

 

FAT SAUL

That hurt him, y'all.

 

[Kincaid gets up on both knees only to be caught for a kimura lock by the champion! The Bullet King’s eyes widen after realizing the trouble he’s in!]

 

FAT SAUL

Like he can see it gettin’ further out of reach.

 

[The referee comes in close looking for a tap.]

 

FAT SAUL

Elena's cinchin’ it in on him…

 

[DeDraca continues to apply pressure while Kincaid uses his free hand to dig into the mat. The larger Alex uses his upper body strength to slowly drag his and Elena’s body weight toward the ropes.]

 

FAT SAUL

… and, Kincaid is clawin’. The fight to overcome, that's the battle playin’ out right here in front of us.

 

[Kincaid debates on giving in from the pain when he hears someone beat on the apron. Elena and he both look over, Alyssa is back up on the outside!]

 

FAT SAUL

He wants it and his wife wants it for him…

 

[She beats on the apron to rally her man on while DeDraca works to put the pressure on. Kincaid lunges one last time and gets hold of a handful of bottom rope this time! The referee rushes in to break the hold to Elena’s utter disgust.]

 

FAT SAUL

She absolutely does not wanna let go of him.

 

[The referee is forced to break the hold and stand both wrestlers back up.]

 

FAT SAUL

For those of y'all just tunin’ in, these two been goin’ quite awhile now… they're spent!

 

[Alex and DeDraca both meet in the center of the ring with Kincaid nailing the champion with a back hand chop! The echo causes even Saul to wince slightly on commentary!]

 

FAT SAUL

Y-OUCH!

 

[Elena counters with her own back hand chop! A small red handprint is left after the violent chop!]

 

FAT SAUL

She's got some fire of her own.

 

[Alex kicks DeDraca in the gut causing her to double-over slightly before cradling her up!]

 

FAT SAUL

He’s looking for a fireman’s carry Michinoku driver…

 

[BUT ...Elena slides off his back then shoves Alex forward! The War Horse Champion then reaches up and pulls her opponent back toward her from behind for a wicked pulldown backbreaker over her extended knee cap!]

 

FAT SAUL

His eyes just blanked, y'all!

 

[Alyssa continues to smack the apron on the outside.]

 

FAT SAUL and THE CROWD

LET'S… GO … AL ...EX!

 

[He rolls over with Elena now out of his line of sight. Alex pushes himself up using his elbows while facing his wife on the outside of the ring. DeDraca comes out of nowhere with a curb stomp from behind! To Alyssa's horror, the champion drives The Bullet King’s face into the mat without mercy!]

 

FAT SAUL

That right there was the kill shot to his opportunity here tonight.

 

[Elena mocks Alyssa a moment before dropping alongside Alex to scoop up a leg!]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Three!

 

FAT SAUL

Like salt to a wound.

 

[DING DING DING!]

 

FAT SAUL

She's doesn't care about terrorizin’ that young woman.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Here is your winner, AND STILL Union Battleground War Horse Champion, “The Fist of Hydra” Elena DeDraca!

 

FAT SAUL

With all she's left in that ring, likely ain't thinkin’ much of it at all.

 

[The referee retrieves the championship belt from a ring hand on the apron before holding up Elena’s right hand.]

 

FAT SAUL

That belt and droppin’ all that challenge her is her mission… her purpose in that ring.

 

[She takes the championship in her left and holds it up high above her head.]

 

FAT SAUL

Thus far, she's had war with her former old man in Hell; and tonight, she successfully defended her title. Too bad for Alex Kincaid.

​

[The cameras converge on Saul at ringside. He is now drinking from a flask that he returns to the chest pocket of his bibs.]

 

FAT SAUL

So, there ya have it, Kraven Drell will challenge the Elena DeDraca on our next Lights Out for the Union Battleground War Horse Championship.

 

[The crowd cheers in wild anticipation as the events of the opening match and Kraven Drell's arrival replayed.]

 

FAT SAUL

It's time for the main event, our final King Cobra qualifier, y'all. The winner will face Inaros in the quarterfinals. And, as far as I know, only one of the competitors are in the building...

CAME WITH A PURPOSE

[The clang of a rolling chain link pounded out of the speakers silencing the Old Man. And then, another. Then, another. Until, one after the next, the chain links were dragging quickly over the heads of thousands. The arena lighting dimmed slowly to fluttering reds and yellows. On the stage, flames burned straight up in columns. Large billows of smoke rolled from under the stage and ramp and rose up into the rafters. Well before Zac Brown Band rocked from the speakers, they were booing. “Heavy Is the Head” ushered out the Godless Heathen from the South.]

 

♫

BLACK DOG DRINKS FROM THE WATER,

TRY'NA COOL HIS TONGUE.

LIKE THE KING, HE FINDS NO PEACE.

HIS WORK IS NEVER DONE

♫

 

[Heathen Jones stepped out from behind the curtain, slowly he advanced across the stage with a stutter in his step. He stopped at the top of the stage with a sinister grin in his beard. Even after being struck in the shoulder with an empty paper cup, he instigated them. Making them wait until he raised the Mossy Oak mudjug in his right hand and spitting a long, sticky wad from his lip.]

 

FAT SAUL

He'd of had to drive non-stop from George Washington Hospital to be here right now!

 

[His Red Wings are planted; they're also rumored to be steel-toed, but who reads the wrestling rags these days, right? The pant legs of his dusty, stained Wranglers are open worn and torn. He's ripped the arms off, but he's wearing an AJ Morales “RAWEST WRESTLER ALIVE” t-shirt. Wrapped once around his left wrist and held tight in his grip, the links of a logging chain that trailed off behind the curtain.]

 

FAT SAUL

Hang on, y'all!

 

[With all of his power, he yanked on the chain.]

 

FAT SAUL

It doesn't matter how many times Ol´ Saul's seen him do it. Never easy watchin’ this...

 

[Hickey was jerked through the curtain. She stumbled, but kept her balance. Frail and filthy. She herself and her clothes. Her flip-flops looked as if she had walked them to nothing. A pair of frayed and dirty Daisy Dukes paired with what was left of a shirt; the neck, arms and bottom had been ripped away, exposing her shoulders, collar bones and midriff.]

 

♫

MADMAN, BLOOD ON THE ALTAR,

THE QUEEN WILL HAVE HIS HEAD.

HIS SOUL WILL SHAKE THEM RATTLIN’ CHAINS

LONG AFTER HE'S DEAD

♫

 

[She fought, but he dragged her down the ramp. The production truck had to cut off the flames on the stage with the showering hailstorm of garbage. As they got to ringside, he gestured with a nod. She put up flack, so he wrapped his end of the chain around the ring post and used the leverage to pull her close enough. He restrained her with a lock from his pocket and flopped up onto the apron. He rolled into the ring under the bottom rope and then, to one knee and up. Nice and slow, he rises to his feet.]

 

♫

NO FOOL KNOWS HIS TROUBLE,

HIGH UPON HIS THRONE.

LOVED BY FEW AND JUDGED BY MANY,

HE BEARS THAT WEIGHT ALONE.

♫

 

[Right in the center of the ring; there was no need to fetch a microphone, he pulled one from his back pocket. And, he let hang opposite his spit cup while they littered the ring with trash. Then, he raised it to his lips.]

 

HEATHEN JONES

Funny, ain't it…

 

[Heathen laughed under his breath.]

 

HEATHEN JONES

...jus’ `cause ol´ Lonestar, Alan Envy, put duh-Heathen in-uh `merg`cy room ev'ry-un forgettin’...

 

[Heathen's beady black eyes were unforgiving. The shiner on the left, crooked nose and gashed bottom lip only made him look more sinister.]

 

HEATHEN JONES

...jus’ like dis match right here, duh-Heathen won.

 

[Heathen crosses the ring to the corner and removes his hat.]

 

HEATHEN JONES

Meh didn't drive all`way here tuh do nothin’ else. Time tuh sacrifice ya Revolution in meh Arena o'War!

 

[Jones drops the microphone to a squeal of feedback as he simultaneously hangs his hat on the post. Mike Dempsey has to bend over to pick up the microphone in order to announce Heathen's opponent.]

LO29_Morales-vs-Jones.png

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Opening Round Match!

 

♫

“ALRIGHT, STOP, STOP, HOLD ON, HOLD ON, HOLD ON—

JUST LET ME GO, I’M ON MY OWN, A ROLLING STONE AND I’M IN THE ZONE…”

♫


[After a brief interrupting voice clip, “Rolling Stone” by Falling Reverse hits the PA. As that happens, the lighting near the entrance turns gold, and vapor starts hissing out of the fog machines.]


♫

“DON’T LET ME FALL, JUST LET ME KNOW WHEN WE’LL…”
♫


[A.J. Morales emerges with his head down, his eyes closed, and his fist raised in the air.]


♫

“...MAKE IT…”

♫


[A.J. opens his eyes and looks up.]


♫

“LET’S GOOOOO!”

♫


[A.J. screams the words right on time with the music, bringing his raised fist down so he can start thrashing about and playing air guitar. He keeps this up until the first verse comes in, at which point he starts walking to the ring and giving fist bumps and high-fives to anyone in the crowd who reaches towards him.]

MIKE DEMPSEY
Introducing first, standing 6’ even and weighing in at 187 pounds, from San Francisco, California, he is “The Revolution” AJ Morales!

 

[As the second chorus hits, A.J. climbs onto the apron and vaults himself over the top rope with a somersault. He pops up to his feet and gives a clenched fist salute to the side of the crowd facing the entrance ramp. He repeats this salute on all four sides of the ring, ending with the side facing the hard cam. For this last one, he looks directly into the camera, and after he drops the salute, he mouths “Mírame” before turning to his corner, taking off his jacket and beanie, draping both objects over the ring post, and limbering up for the battle.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, currently standing in the ring, standing 6’ even and weighing in at 205 pounds, from The Deepest Circle of Hell, he is Heathen Jones!

 

FAT SAUL

This is it folks. The last quarterfinalist about to advance, right here...

 

[DING!]

 

FAT SAUL

...there's the bell!

 

[The two men lock up in the center of the ring in a grapple for supremacy! They swing each other from side to side with either having success getting the advantage. Suddenly, Jones spits tobacco juice in the face of Morales!]

 

FAT SAUL

He couldn't get an advantage, so he took it.

 

[The crowd groans at the replay in slow motion while Heathen follows up with a right jab! Then a left hook to the jaw of The Revolution. Morales wipes the thick sticky spit from his eyes just before Jones whips him into the ropes! AJ slingshots back at Jones full speed ahead. Heathen attempts a clothesline but  Morales ducks it then hits the ropes on the opposite side. Jones turns around just in time to catch a hurricanrana from Morales!]

 

FAT SAUL

The current four-time co-holder of the BGDF Yin Yang Championship just put Heathen down hard!

 

[Heathen gets back to his feet slowly while Morales leaps up then charges! Jones counters with a military press slam! The Heathen scoops up a leg!]

 

FAT SAUL

Heathen hooks the meg here for...

 

… One!

 

… Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

They're both back up here...

 

[Morales catches The Heathen with a sling blade then continues his momentum into the corner!]

 

FAT SAUL

AJ is in control, comin’ out of the corner here.

 

[AJ leaps up on the middle turnbuckle then quickly scales to the top! He turns around just in time to catch Jones standing back up. When Heathen turns around to face Morales, the Revolution leaps off to perform a blockbuster! Morales quickly hooks a leg!]

 

… One!

 

… Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

Barely a one here in the early goin’, they each have an attempt ...way too early, but in this business...

 

[Morales gets back up then walks over to Jones, who is now sitting up after kicking out. Heathen notices the referee is out of position. When AJ walks over and bends to get ahold of Jones, he reaches up and pokes both of Morales eyes!]

 

FAT SAUL

Again, there he shows ya, there ain't no easy advantage too low. The referee didn't see what we did, but I think it's purdy clear.

 

[AJ rabs at his eyes, stumbling backward and falling through the ropes. He bounces off the apron and crashes to the floor.]

 

FAT SAUL

Yeah fella, ya got a better chance talkin’ I bricks...

 

[The referee gets up in Heathen’s face to scold him with his back to Morales, who sits up on the outside floor. Hickey comes over to check on AJ which enrages Jones.]

 

FAT SAUL

She gonna have him good and pissed.

 

[Heathen walks over to the ropes leading Morales to leap up on the apron to perform an overhead kick to the skull of Jones!]

 

FAT SAUL

And, distracted just enough.

 

[The accurate shot sends The Heathen back while AJ leaps up on the top rope then springboards off at his opponent! Jones ducks the aerial maneuver completely but Morales lands on his feet! He turns around to catch a kick to the gut from Heathen, who then lifts up AJ high into the air looking for a delayed vertical suplex.]

 

FAT SAUL

If ya cant stomach him draggin’ this little gal down here and chainin’ her up, look away if ya can.

 

[Jones yells for Hickey to watch while Morales drops a knee down on Heathen!]

 

FAT SAUL

Scratch that, y'all! AJ's fightin’ back!

 

[Then another! Jones loses grip and AJ turns the vertical suplex into a crowd pleasing DDT! Morales quickly pulls up a leg!]

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Kick out!

 

FAT SAUL

AJ is up and pullin’ Heathen to his feet.

 

[AJ irish whips Jones into the ropes and, on the return, Heathen counters with a beautiful rolling lariat! The crowd boos as Heathen gets back to his feet first. Morales staggers up leading Jones to scoop him up into a fireman’s carry sitout side slam! The maneuver takes the air from The Revolution’s lungs and he desperately tries to regain his ability to breath while Jones lurks.]

 

FAT SAUL

AJ is pushin’ himself up…

 

[And, Heathen drops down alongside him, locking on a crippler crossface!]

 

FAT SAUL

Miss Emery, if ya watchin’, he needs that energy.

 

[The crowd erupts in boos while Morales reaches out for the ropes. Hickey hides her eyes while Jones pulls back with all his might attempting to break AJ into two seperate pieces.]

 

FAT SAUL

Oh, come on get it… all ya gotta do is...

 

[Morales reaches, stretches and wills for the bottom rope but misses with each desperate swipe. AJ’s extended hand is mere centimeters from the rope but Jones tries to pull him further into the ring!]

 

FAT SAUL

Heathen is takin’ him back out in the center, just wrenchin’ back on that arm.

 

[The referee comes in to watch for a tap but Morales refuses! The crowd grows with anticipation as AJ lunges forward to grasp hold of the bottom rope!]

 

FAT SAUL

He got it!

 

[The referee rushes in to break the hold but Jones refuses to release it. The ref begins his count with Heathen doing more damage to Morales by each passing second. Jones finally releases his hold at a count of four.]

 

FAT SAUL

He ain't gonna risk losin’ here tonight if he can control it. AJ looks wrecked in there.

 

[The crowd boos Jones wildly as he argues with the referee while making his way to the corner. Morales continues to lie on the mat, flat on his back. Heathen quickly scales the turnbuckles in the corner closest to The Revolution. AJ leaps to his feet just as Jones takes flight and jumps up to catch Heathen in mid air for a sick codebreaker! The crowd explodes!]

 

FAT SAUL

Out of nowhere, AJ has changed the momentum… but at what cost?

 

[The crowd pleasing counter took so much from each man. AJ struggles to get back to his feet while Jones hasn’t moved. Morales crawls slowly toward his opponent, who sits up! AJ gets to his feet just as Heathen falls into the corner. Morales picks up real speed before driving a knee into the already bruised face of his opponent! He then raises a fist to rile the crowd even further.]

 

FAT SAUL

They are rallied behind the man competin’ in this tournament in his wife's honor!

 

[AJ walks across the ring from Jones, who is still slumped over in the corner.]

 

FAT SAUL

The Revolution will not be sacrificed tonight!

 

[The Revolution then takes off back at his dazed opponent in the corner again! This time his aim is a spear but Heathen moves out of the way at the last possible moment, causing Morales to fly through the ropes and into the ring post shoulder first!]

 

FAT SAUL

Oh! No! That's like puttin’ blood on the water.

 

[AJ hits the canvas in real pain. Jones rolls out of the ring while Morales ends up with his head underneath the bottom rope and out onto the apron with his body still inside the squared circle. Jones gets to his feet on the outside then notices the precarious position AJ finds himself in.]

 

FAT SAUL

And, Heathen's got scent of it.

 

[Heathen comes running alongside the ring to drop the point of his elbow into the adam's apple of The Revolution! Morales clutches his throat after the vicious shot.]

 

FAT SAUL

Vicious shot there. Now, whats he gonna do...

 

[Hickey is standing at the ring steps when Jones takes hold of her chain! He pulls the chain out from the ringpost then wraps the slack around AJ’s neck! Morales struggles on the apron while the referee rushes in to break it up! He threatens to disqualify Heathen, who could care less. The referee begins another count and once more, Jones continues to choke AJ until a very late count of four.]

 

FAT SAUL

Heathen's got AJ on the apron and ...OH! A hard knee rocks Heathen.

 

[Then another vicious knee that sends The Heathen back allowing AJ to roll back into the ring and catch his breath after nearly having the life choked out of him.]

 

FAT SAUL

AJ gonna hafta pull it together here...

 

[Heathen releases the chain allowing Hickey more freedom before rolling back into the ring. AJ gets up and fires himself to spear Jones, but Heathen somehow turns it into a DDT! Heathen hooks a leg quickly!]

 

… One!

 

… Kick out!

 

[Morales kicks out then quickly staggers to his feet with his airway now returning to normal after being choked with a chain.]

 

FAT SAUL

Morales startin’ to get his wind here.

 

[Heathen gets up soon after and charges at AJ looking for a clothesline, but Morales ducks it and grapples Jones up for a beautiful exploder suplex!]

 

FAT SAUL

Alright, ya got him down now. Gotta keep him there for three!

 

[The crowd gets riled as Morales follows up by rushing to the closest corner. AJ scales the turnbuckles then waits patiently for Heathen to stand up then begins to turn toward him before leaping off! Morales is looking for a crossbody but Jones ducks it causing AJ to crash and burn on the mat.]

 

FAT SAUL

He dropped out of the way at the last second!

 

[Heathen gets to his feet and walks over to his dazed opponent, taking hold of a handful of AJ’s hair!]

 

FAT SAUL

He's draggin’ that man to the center of the ring by his hair.

 

[Heathen screams for Hickey to watch from the outside. Morales reaches and takes hold of Jones left foot and pulls it out from under Heathen! Jones falls to the mat flat on his back while Morales reaches his feet to perform a standing moonsault on his fallen opponent!]

 

FAT SAUL

Again, AJ takes this one back from Heathen, what a back and forth battle we are experiencin’, y'all.

 

[Jones rolls over to hold his ribs while The Revolution staggers over to the corner. He slowly climbs up on the middle turnbuckle to boost himself on up to the top.]

 

FAT SAUL

It is pandemonium! Morales is perched on the top rope...

 

[The crowd is at a fever pitch when he turns around to face out before kissing his left ring finger. AJ takes flight after Jones staggers up, still hunching over! Morales hits him with a top rope diving cutter!

 

FAT SAUL

He got him with the maneuver made famous by Miss Emery, that's The Prikasa!

 

[AJ hooks a leg with authority, sending dust from Heathen's dirty jeans into the air.]

 

FAT SAUL

AJ's got the cover!

 

… One!

 

… Two!

 

… Three!

 

FAT SAUL

And, like his wife did this time last year, AJ Morales advances to the quarterfinals, y'all.

 

[DING DING DING!]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Here is your winner, and advancing to the Quarterfinals in the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, “The Revolution” AJ Morales!

 

[The referee comes in to hold his hand high into the air. Morales takes it all in while the crowd goes crazy.]

 

FAT SAUL

Heathen's unchainin’ Hickey and headin’ up the ramp. AJ celebratin’ with Inaros waitin’ for him in the next match.

 

[The crowd continues to cheer as AJ makes his exit.]

 

FAT SAUL

The Crown of the King Cobra quarterfinals are set. Kraven Drell gets a War Horse title shot. Alyssa Daniels will put her Championship on the line against Kimitsu Zombie. All of this and more, next time we see all y'all right here on the Battleground Network.

 

[The cameras focused on Saul.]

 

FAT SAUL

Until then, this is Ol´ Saul askin’ y'all to have fun, but be safe out there. Follow me on Twitter @RingsideKingpin. We'll see y'all in two week in Philly!

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