(EAW Intro plays…)
(RECAP–Last week, Saturday Night Showdown returned home as the show took place from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The opening contest involved the team of Donovan Duke and Adam Lucas defeating Jon Kelton and Amir Yusuf. After the match, guest commentator Impact locked eyes with Adam before leaving through the crowd. Backstage, Kyra Phillips interviews Kassidy Heart who talks about the return of the Jaded Hearts, the injuries at King of Elite before saying that she is going to go into the Grand Rampage match and win because nobody can match up to her. The next match has the Nyx in her debut match defeating Lucas Johnson in singles action. After the match, Jack Ripley is seen attacking Donovan Duke from behind and leaving him out before Adam Lucas and security sent Jack away before he goes to Kennedy Street’s office, who is pleased with his work.)
(The recap plays on as Hans Grayson wins a special Grand Rampage Preview Over the Top Rope challenge match also involving Harley Lewis, Major Scotty Connor and Drake Armstrong. Backstage, Veena Adams and Ashlynn Quinn are backstage talking with Ashlynn wanting to be Veena’s official tag team partner and Veena really considering that as a possibility. The next match has Chris Elite defeating Ashlynn Quinn. After the match, National Elite Veena Adams attacks Chris Elite from behind and leaves him down. Backstage, Mikaela Street has a sitdown interview with Dominion. Ryan and Xander talk about where they see themselves in the tag team division along with why they chose to side with Ms. Extreme against Devolution.)
(The recap continues as Ms. Extreme defeats Lexi by submission. After the match, Pandora takes out Ms. Extreme with repeated steel chair shots. Backstage, Richard Tracie P.I. continues his investigation of who attacked Kassidy Heart by interrogating Ashlynn Quinn and Veena Adams, The main event of the evening has Holly Arrow and Harper Lee along with Ryan Joseph Wilson and Xander Payne. POTARA, defeating Answers World Champion Jake Smith and Alex Myers after Alex leaves the ring and leaves Jake alone. Alex and Jake are glaring at each other as the recap ends…)
(“Brick Wall” by A Day to Remember starts playing throughout the arena and the crowd immediately starts cheering wildly as they know that another exciting edition of Saturday Night Showdown. Tonight, Showdown is taking place from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! The camera scans across this sold out crowd. Many of the fans are holding their colorful, creative, and clever signs either supporting their favorites or ridiculing the Elitists they hate. After a minute of scanning throughout the entire arena and catching the crowd, the camera settles at the commentary table where Deadprez, Eve, and Gavin Kirkland are sitting and more than ready to call all of tonight’s Showdown action.)
Deadprez: We are ONE WEEK away from the Grand Rampage event and things are only getting hotter from here. This is SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN! We are in the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am Deadprez and along with Eve and Gavin Kirkland, we will be calling the action here tonight. Are you guys ready for the Showdown action?
Eve: I am very excited. This is the last Showdown before Grand Rampage and I can feel that things are only going to get hotter from here.
Gavin Kirkland: WOOOOOOOOO! I love the action Showdown provides because WE WRESTLE!!!! Oh this is going to be a great Showdown I can just feel it. Like the fact that Richard Tracie P.I. is back again with some more interrogations to find out who attacked Kassidy Heart.
Eve: We have also just found that Impact is here tonight and Impact is calling out the King of Elite, Adam Lucas. They have a match at Grand Rampage, so it’s anybody’s guess as to what Impact is going to say.
Deadprez: We also saw Pandora Paisley in the back and you have to believe this saga between her and Ms. Extreme is far from over. Will Pandora have anything to say? We will find out tonight!
Eve: We also have two special flashback matches to last year’s Grand Rampage. The first is Harper Lee facing Ximena Velazquez for the Specialist’s Championship. The other match involves TLA defending the Answers World Championship against Adam Lucas. They were red hot matches and it will be great to see them again.
Deadprez: It’s nice to revisit last year’s Grand Rampage, but tonight will be the final face to face meeting between Answers World Champion Jake Smith and his challenger Alex Myers. Things have been tumultuous between the two since Reasonable Doubt, so who knows what will happen tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: IT’S TIME FOR THE MATCHES!! I LOVE THIS PART OF THE SHOW! Even though we are on the road to Grand Rampage, we still have a few Showdown exclusive matches. Like this one because WE HAVE ANOTHER DEBUT TONIGHT ON SHOWDOWN!! Tonight we witness the debut of the man who calls himself “The Moneymaker”. Michael Machina will be in action against the competitor who won her debut last week in Nyx. Who will leave undefeated? That’s tonight.
Eve: Also tonight, we have a little interbranded action. It’s Showdown vs. Voltage as we see the return to Showdown of Voltage’s James Ranger as he takes on Showdown’s Lucas Johnson. Who will leave with a little brand superiority? We will find out tonight.
Deadprez: That’s not the only Interbrand match we have on the card. We have another Showdown vs. Voltage match as Showdown’s Komatsu Ogawa takes on Voltage’s Mercer McKay. Who will get some momentum with a victory tonight? That will be later, but right now let’s send it to Gina Romano to start all the Showdown action…. Wait a second…. We have something going on in the backstage area! I am getting word that there is some chaos, and we are getting a cameraman over there right now as it seems like all hell has broken loose!
Eve: Yeah, I am hearing something has broken out and we have cameramen over there now!
Gavin Kirkland: What is going…..
(The camera footage cuts to the backstage area where suddenly Donovan Duke is seen slugging it out with Jack Ripley.)
Deadprez: DONOVAN DUKE AND JACK RIPLEY ARE BEATING THE HELL OUT OF EACH OTHER IN THE BACKSTAGE AREA! DUKE GRABS JACK RIPLEY AND THROWS HIM INTO THE STEEL LOADING DOCK DOOR! BUT…. WAIT…. DRAKE ARMSTRONG HAS JUMPED DONOVAN DUKE FROMN BEHIND AND WE HAVE A DONNYBROOK HERE!
Eve: THREE PARTICIPANTS FROM THE GRAND RAMPAGE ARE IN A BRAWL BUIT WE KNOW THE BAD BLOOD BETWEEN DONOVAN DUKE AND JACK RIPLEY! AFTER WHAT JACK DID TO HIM LAST WEEK, I DON’T BLAME DONOVAN DUKE BUT WHY DRAKE ARMSTRONG!
Gavin Kirkland: KENNEDY STREET! THAT IS WHY! HE IS REPRESENTING HER AND LOOK! HE IS HELPING JACK RIPLEY!
(Drake Armstrong starts pummeling Donovan Duke behind his back, Duke starts to fall forward when suddenly Hans Grayson jumps on one of the production carts and flies across on top of Drake as the crowd erupts in cheers.)
Eve: HANS GRAYSON FLEW IN OUT OF NOWHERE ON TOP OF DRAKE ARMSTRONG! HE IS LAYING SOME FISTS ON DRAKE ARMSTRONG! BUT THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND! JACK IS BACK UP AND HE TACKLES DONOVAN DOWN! HERE COMES MAJOR MICHAEL SCOTT CONNOR AND ROBERTO DE LA ROSA.
Gavin Kirkland: IT SEEMS LIKE ALL THE GRAND RAMPAGE PARTICIPANTS ARE GE3TTING INVOLVED IN THIS BRAWL! LUCAS JOHNSON IS NOW THROWN HIS HAT IN AFTER EVERYONE ELSE HAS JOINED…. NO! HE WAS JUST CUT OFF BY HARLEY LEWIS AND WE HAVE ABSOLUTE CHAOS IN THE BACKSTAGE AREA AS THE CROWD IS ABSOLUTELY GOING NUTS!
Deadprez: HARLEY LEWIS HAS MADE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN AN BOTH HE AND LUCAS JOHNSON, FORMER MATES ARE GOING AT IT! THE GRAND RAMPAGE HAS A FUNNY WAY OF CONTROLLING THE ACTIONS OF THE ROSTER! ALL HELL IS BREAKING LOSE AND I AM BEING TOLD THAT WE ARE GOING TO CUT TO THE OFFICES OF THE SHOWDOWN MANAGER, KENNEDY STREET!
(The camera pans to Kennedy Street’s office as she watches the melee go on, turning to Heidi Huxley.)
Kennedy Street: Get security and stop this mess, honey.
Heidi Huxley: On my way.
(Heidi quickly leaves and closes the door behind her. Within seconds security and officials starts to swarm the others who have broken out with the Grand Rampage right around the corner. Behind Kennedy the door opens back up.)
Kennedy Street: That was quick, honey good job and…
(But as Kennedy turns around, she is face to face with Kassidy Heart.)
Kennedy Street: Hello Kassidy, I guess you didn’t want to join in the fracas down there, honey?
Kassidy Heart: It’s beneath me. You know why I am here.
Kennedy Street: Right, well we are doing everything within out power to find out who did this to you at Reasonable Doubt, there is missing camera footage which we have not been able to locate, good thing is you are cleared for the Grand Rampage, that is exciting and….
(Kassidy cuts her off.)
Kassidy Heart: Cut the crap, Kennedy. You have until Fighting Spirit to figure out who the hell did this to me, because if you don’t? I will not be responsible for the rest of this roster.
Kennedy Street: Not to sound like a negative Nancy here honey but investigations do take time and who is to say that it was a member of Showdown? Look, Kennie knows….
Kassidy Heart: Save me the third person rhetoric.
Kennedy Street: Fine, listen to me closely. I know that you are mad, that you’re looking for revenge and all that is duly noted, but you need to trust the police and the Private Investigator that we hired to take care of this.
(Kassidy grabs Kennedy by the blouse and throws her against the wall much to Kennedy’s surprise.)
Kassidy Heart: I am losing patience Kennedy and if you think I’m some lackey here or on your side, you have another thing coming, I am on MY side. So what I suggest is that you do get control of this, because I will walk out and win the Grand Rampage, then I will call MY shot and in that time, I better see this investigation end with a suspect in hand before I tear their head off.
(Kennedy clears her throat.)
Kennedy Street: Right….
(Kennedy grabs Kassidy’s hands and pries them away from her blouse, fixing it.)
Kennedy Street: First, I know you are the boss’s wife, but he hired me to run Showdown, I would appreciate it if you didn’t touch me again since I have done nothing but treat you with the utmost respect. I understand that you are a bit upset about what happened a month ago, just know we are working diligently in order to find the perpetrator or perpetrators who did this. Now, if you will excuse me honey, I have a show to run tonight and you should go relax, I hear we have a wonderful catering menu tonight.
Kassidy Heart: Don’t test me, Kennedy.
Kennedy Street: I would never think of it.
(Kassidy Heart turns and walks off slamming the door, Kennedy’s smile suddenly turns into a scowl as she takes a deep breath and mutters under her lips.)
Kennedy Street: Don’t test me either…. Bitch.
(The camera slowly fades back to the ring and Gina Romano, who is ready to announce the opening match..)
(‘Mount Sinai by $uicideboy$ plays through the arena as Nyx comes out to boos. She’s not paying much attention, but rather playing into their game and mocking them. Nyx walks down the ramp as she enters the ring, looking at the announcer and circling it, posing.)
Gina Romano: THIS MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL WITH A TWENTY MINUTE TIME LIMIT, INTRODUCING FIRST, FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, THE HONOURED ONE— NYX!
(‘Position of Power’ by 50 Cent plays as Michael Machina walks out to the crowd who doesn’t really know him. He’s making his presence known with pyro, showing how much of a big deal he could possibly be. Nyx stares him down, but Michael looks back at her, confident as he enters the ring.)
Gina Romano: AND HER OPPONENT, FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK— THE MONEYMAKER, MICHAEL MACHINA!
DING! DING! DING!
Gavin Kirkland: Coming off a victory against Lucas Johnson, we have Nyx! She’s showed great strength against one of EAW’s most technical talents, and now it’s time for her to show if she can apply that same power against a man who’s just making his EAW debut in Michael Machina! Both of them are circling the ring, and Nyx is using speed and strategy to her advantage here as she rolls and turns around, slapping Machina in the back of the head! Machina just takes that shot, as Nyx comes in with a sweep! Machina still stands, as his legs are insanely strong!
Eve: Nyx kips up and she goes for a kick to his ribs! Machina steps in as he closes the gap, hugging her tightly and throwing her over his head for a Belly to back suplex! Machina just took control of this match, and this is looking to be quite the show for the newbie! Michael is prowling and waiting to pounce, as Nxy tries to come in with a dropkick! It connects! Michael staggers back, Nyx goes again but no! Michael comes in and he takes her down with a shoulder tackle! Machina is basking in the jeers from the crowd!
Deadprez: Nyx has clearly found herself in deep dark waters tonight, and this is starting to seem like a match that she might have found her equal in! Machina pulls her up and he’s looking to use his strength even more tonight! This doesn’t seem like something Nyx is all too familiar with, as her previous opponent was more of a striker and kickboxer! Michael puts her in a Gorilla Press and holy hell is this man strong! Michael throws her down, and Nyx is literally being ragdolled so far in this match!
Gavin Kirkland: Michael is trying to figure out where Nyx’s limits are early on in this match, and this might prove to be in his favour! Maybe he’s not just all brawn, and he has some brains in that head of his! Michael jumps up and he drives down his elbow into her for a massive elbow drop! Nyx is out, and Michael begins going at her with a ground and pound! Clearly, he’s not in the mood to play any games. He just wants to fight right here, right now. Michael and Nyx are looking to fight it out, but it seems like only one person’s gameplan is working right now!
Eve: And now Nyx manages to push Michael off her! Michael rushes in and he’s looking for another tackle, but Nyx ducks under and sends her closed fist into his stomach for a body shot! It seems like Michael felt that, and he’s not that indestructible after all! Michael raises his hands up to block a kick, but it comes through anyways! He’s forced to drop it, and Nyx comes in with another kick that takes Michael out! Michael is backed up against the ropes, and Nyx unloads a combination of strikes that makes Michael panic!
Deadprez: His inexperience really starting to show here, as he shouldn’t be panicking! Instinct kicks in, and he shoves her away with force! Nyx rolls back and comes in, but Michael pulls down the ropes and sends Nyx flying over— NO! Nyx takes a step back and feints, before kicking Michael in the face and taunting him! Clearly, she wasn’t going to fall for that, and Michael was a bit too slow in pulling as well! Nyx pulls his head and sends her knee to the back of his head! Michael is down, and Nyx is going for the cover!
OOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
Gavin Kirkland: NO! Machina kicks out and Nyx is surprised! The bigger they are, the harder they fall— or so she thought. Nyx pulls him up again, but Machina comes in with devastating body shots that brings Nyx down to a knee! Machina lifts her up with ease and throws her overhead again for another Belly to Back Suplex! Both Machina and Nyx have put in a considerable amount of offense early on, and Nyx knows that she cannot outpower a man this size! Machina turns around, and he sends a right hook into her jaw, as she’s backed up against the ropes! Now it’s Machina’s turn to start unloading! Machina keeps coming in again and again, and there’s nothing Nyx can do to stop it!
Eve: Machina has her backed up against the ropes, and Nyx is trying to clinch and push back, but no! Machina pushes her back again and he sends an elbow into her face! Nyx is getting severely overpowered and destroyed right now, and this is not looking very good for her! At this point, we may have a very successful debut for Michael Machina here! Nyx just might’ve found the person to ruin the start to her EAW Career, and in all honesty— she should’ve seen this coming. Michael is hungry, and Nyx lost some of that edge the moment Machina showed her what he was about. Nyx rushes in, but no! Michael lifts her up and sends her flying with a Pop-up powerbomb! So far, this has been all Machina as Nyx does not have any answer! Could this lead into an early victory for the Moneymaker?
Deadprez: And somehow, someway, Nyx is still fighting! She gets up right after the powerbomb and sends a boot into Michael’s knee! Michael limps for a bit but he takes her down again with the double axe handle! Nyx ducks it, however, as she attacks the back of the same knee she previously struck! She might’ve been playing the long game and it’s starting to pay off! Perhaps she wanted to wear Michael’s legs down before she begun attacking them, and those are his main source of power here! Michael is down to one knee, and Nyx comes running as she sends a soccer kick to his nose! Michael is stunned, and Nyx might go for the cover but no! Michael shoves her off as he rolls and proceeds to go into his own pin!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Gavin Kirkland: NO! Nyx kicks out! That seemed like less of her getting knocked out than more of Machina being a hard man to get off you! He’s 230 pounds of just pure muscle, and if he was on top of me, boy oh boy would I have a hard time getting out of there either! It seems as if Nyx is fighting with every last fiber of her being, as Nyx is starting to roll here! Nyx comes in and she hits him with the HOLY GHOST! That’s a move out of desperation as Machida’s nose is in for its usual Saturday beating if he’s making that much money! Machina takes it, but his strong neck means he isn’t going to fall back that easily! Nyx knows she has to try again, and she does so— but Michael dodges it!
Eve: Nyx turns around, but Michael is right there! Boom! What a clothesline from the new elitist! He calls that the Money Shot, as Michael just took Nyx out! He just flipped her over himself, and so far this has been a match that both of them are starting to find either painful or joyful! Michael came into this match with the mindset that he needed to win, while Nyx was more confident in her abilities! Now, we’re really starting to find out who needed this the most! Nyx is trying to survive, while Michael is thriving! Doesn’t seem like they’re both having similar feelings with this match so far! It will definitely take a lot from Nyx to turn it around here!
Deadprez: Michael is pouncing around! If he wants to, he could finish it right here! He’s trying to lift her up for the .50 cal, or the Sit-out Powerbomb! No! Nyx jumps over his head and she tries to hit him with a kick! Machina staggers back, as Nyx goes for another punch to his jaw, Machina is eating these shots and Nyx runs the ropes– but Machina is right there! SPEAR! THE BULLET FROM HELL just took Nyx out with ease and now Machina is going for the cover yet again! He might have it! He might just have her beat right here!
OOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!
THRE—
Gavin Kirkland: And yet, somehow, someway— NYX STILL KICKS OUT! That came as a shock, considering just how strong Machina is! That must feel like a freight train hitting you right in the stomach, and Nyx just took that shot like it was nothing! Maybe I’m exaggerating, but not a lot of people can survive that! Even when she’s losing, she still finds a way to put up a fight and surprise us! Machina is starting to get a bit tired, and Nyx gets up! She slaps Machina in the face once, and then proceeds to hit him with a superkick! The superkick just took out Machina, as he staggers back, but clearly he’s not all there!
Eve: Could she have it here? She’s trying, and she rebounds off the ropes— INERTIA! The Bicycle Kick connects and that’s it! He’s out! This man is out and this is about to get very bad for him really quickly! His cardio is starting to fail him, and maybe Nyx should take advantage of this! Nyx wraps her arms around his waist, and she lifts him up for a German Suplex! She’s bridging too, and his shoulders are down! The referee is looking for the count, as Nyx might have a victory comeback! What strength!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO—
Deadprez: No! Machina kicks out at the count of two as Nyx is shocked! She gave it all she had and yet, Machina is still fighting! Nyx tries to stand up but she’s exhausted everything in her! Nyx goes for a Lou Thesz Press and pins him down, but Machina uses everything he can to lift her up and proceed to take her down with a spinebuster! Nyx is still standing! Machina goes for a right hook, and somehow Nyx is still upright! She’s taking these blows, but it doesn’t seem like she’s returning anything of her own! Machina sends another blow to her face, but no! Nyx blocks it and returns fire with her own shot! So far, this match has surprised us, as Nyx is looking like she might actually pull out the victory here tonight! This is starting to look like it’s a match that she might win!
Gavin Kirkland: NYX IS GOING AT IT! Machina has no response! Nyx is throwing hands! Lefts, rights and uppercuts as Machina is starting to bruise! Nyx is coming in with knife edge chops to his chest as it seems like Machina might have awoken a beast inside of her! Perhaps this was not the plan he intended, and this might be something he might regret later on! Nyx throws Machina aside, and she’s going for another one! Nyx is going for another Inertia kick, and it hits! Machina is down! The bicycle kick plants Machina down and Nyx goes for the cover! Can she do it?
OOOOOOONNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—
Eve: No! Machina kicks out and it’s starting to look like it’ll take more! Nyx is going for another kick, and Machina is dazed! He looks like he has zero idea where he is right now! Nyx rebounds off the ropes, but Machina comes in with a SPEAR! The spear justs hits Nyx right in the abdomen as she’s out! Machina is stomping his feet, he can feel it! He picks Nyx up by the hair and he’s landing devastating headbutts! Nyx pushes him away, but Machina goes in for another heavy hook to her jaw! Now he’s going for chop after chop, as he pushes her to the side! He’s barging her insides with his shoulder, and he then lifts her up! Oh, man— he’s going for it— THE .50 CAL! SIT OUT POWERBOMB CONNECTS AND NYX IS OUT! HE’S GOING FOR THE COVER!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
DING! DING! DING!
Gina Romano: And your winner, the Moneymaker, Michael Machina!
(‘Position of Power’ by 50 Cent plays through the arena as Michael walks out of the ring through the entrance ramp. The crowd boos him as Machina doesn’t care. He just raises his middle finger up in the air, as it is blurred and he leaves. Nyx is tended to by medical, showing how much damage Machina really left on her, but she slowly tries to push them away, angry at the result.)
[GRAND RAMPAGE 2022 REWIND]
(The camera then goes over to the ring where Gina Romano is seen with a smile on her face and a microphone in her hand, ready to announce the first match on hand here tonight!)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SET FOR….
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Gina Romano: AND IT IS FOR THE EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
(“Recreant” by Chelsea Grin plays as Ximena Velasquez arrives heading out from the backstage area, getting a mixed reaction from the crowd. You can see the determination on her face, having been waiting for this opportunity for a while now, as she then begins to make her way down the ramp and towards the ring.)
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST…THE CHALLENGER….FROM EL PASO, TEXAS….WEIGHING IN AT 180 POUNDS…..XIIMMMENNNNNAAAA VEELLASSSQUUEEZZZZ!!!!!
Deadprez: Just look at the determination on Ximena Velasquez’s face here tonight. Ever since she arrived, she’s been on the come up. And even though there have been bumps in the road, we all know it’s only a matter of before she gets what she’s desired and becomes Champion. The question remains though, will tonight be that night? She came up just shy at Road to Redemption which was her last title venture; it didn’t help that some outside forces stopped her from contending for the Specialists Championship.
Eve: But knowing the history between these two people and everything that specifically Ximena has had to go through since the two of them crossed paths at King of Elite, the feeling is different tonight. If there’s anybody on this roster I have a strong feeling of dethroning Harper, it’s this woman, and she’s ready.
Gavin Kirkland: You know, women who are taller than me… man…
(“Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart plays as the crowd right away boos. Harper Lee walks out with the Specialists Championship around her waist, smirking arrogantly at the negative reaction, and taking it in while keeping laser focused on Ximena who is already standing in the ring.)
Gina Romano: AND HER OPPONENT….FROM CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA….WEIGHING IN AT 118 POUNDS…SHE IS THE REIGNING EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPION……HAARRPPEERRR LEEEEE!!!!!!
Deadprez: On the other hand, we have Harper Lee, who has had a lot going for her. From her lengthy run as Specialists Champion which started at the tail end of 2021, to the Iconic Cup Tournament where she has a perfect record so far.
Eve: As much as Ximena would love to get her way, this is not going to be easy to overcome in the slightest. We’ve heard what she’s said about Ximena, and now it’s time to see if she can back it up, which she most likely can.
(Harper hands the title to the referee before he holds it up for the world to see, before ringing the bell.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Eve: AND HERE WE GO! This Specialists Championship match is underway as both Harper and Ximena circle the ring, and then they both lock up in a collar and elbow tie-up! And Ximena overwhelms Harper as she uses her strength and shoves Harper back!
Deadprez: And the Specialists Champion rolls out of the ring as Ximena rolls her eyes. Harper was looking to take Ximena down with some technical wrestling and use her speed and small size to her advantage, but it seems like Ximena had other plans. Harper has her hand up, telling Ximena to hold on a second before she slowly steps on the apron.
Harper Lee: (Off-Mic) BACK UP!
Gavin Kirkland: Soccer mom starting the match her way. And Ximena backs away and motions to Harper to step inside as she does. Harper gingerly steps back in the ring as they both step forward to the center of the ring.. AND HARPER TAKES A SWING AT XIMENA! BUT XIMENA DUCKS AND PICKS UP HARPER AND DRIVES HER BACK FIRST INTO THE CORNER AND GRABS HER BY THE FACE BUT HARPER DUCKS HER HEAD UNDER THE TOP TURNBUCKLE TRYING TO PLAY KEEP AWAY AS THE REFEREE STEPS IN AND FORCES XIMENA TO STEP BACK!
Deadprez: And Harper takes that one second to her advantage and delivers a hard forearm to the face of Ximena! That caught Ximena off guard as she falls back a few feet, and Harper runs and delivers a dropkick to the kneecap of Ximena! HARPER THEN RUNS OFF THE ROPE AND DRIVES THE KNEE INTO THE BACK OF THE HEAD TAKING DOWN XIMENA! It’s Harper with all the momentum in the early goings of this Specialists Championship match!
Crowd: BOOOOO!!!!!!!
Harper Lee: (Off-Mic) WHY THANK YOU!
Gavin Kirkland: :skip:
Eve: Harper, as always, not letting the crowd get into her head.
Deadprez: And Harper picks up Ximena by the hair, before Ximena delivers a shot to the midsection! Ximena tries to free herself from her grip, but Harper with one swift motion doubles down on her grip of the head and she repeatedly drives the knee into Ximena’s face! And then one more drops Ximena down, and Harper takes this chance to go to the top rope, what is she thinking here?! Ximena stands up and turns around ias Harper stands high and balances herself on the top rope –
Eve: XIMENA VELASQUEZ OUT OF NOWHERE RUNS AND HITS A BIG BOOT KNOCKING HARPER OFF THE TOP ROPE TO THE OUTSIDE FLOOR! Harper just landed HARD on the back of her head as she holds it in serious pain ringside as Ximena checks her nose for blood inside the ring after those many kicks to the face. Ximena looks over the top rope down at Harper, and gives a little grin.
Deadprez: Ximena steps out of the ring as Harper pulls herself up using the barricade, AND
LOOK OUT!!! XIMENA RUNS AND SPEARS HARPER THROUGH THE BARRICADE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: NOT QUITE! HARPER JUST SIDESTEPPED AND XIMENA GOES SHOULDER FIRST THROUGH THE BARRICADE!!! THE ACTION IS FAST AND THE FURIOUS IN THIS MATCH SO FAR!
(An instant replay is shown of an irate Ximena Velasquez running forward at full speed, before Harper Lee moves out of the way leaving Ximena to collide against the barricade shoulder-first with a sickening thud and a look of pain on her face.)
Deadprez: Harper has that look on her face as if her life just flashed before her eyes. Harper as quick as she can picks up and rolls Ximena back inside the ring and goes for the first cover in this match!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!!!!
Deadprez: KICK OUT FROM THE CHALLENGER! And Harper is right back on the attack though as she mounts on top of Ximena, and delivers several right hands before raining down elbow drops as Ximena tries covering up. Harper stands up and grabs the injured shoulder of Ximena, and she stomps on it! After that…SHE LEAPS AND STOMPS ON THE SHOULDER OF XIMENA AGAIN! Harper is doing it with a smile on her face as well.
Eve: Harper showing no mercy, doing whatever it takes to keep this title reign going even longer. And now Harper..she leaps at Ximena as she’s on a knee going for a roll-up! BUT XIMENA ROLLS THROUGH UP TO HER FEET HOLDING HARPER AS HARPER HAS THAT LOOK OF FEAR ON HER FACE AS SHE TRIES TO FIGHT OUT OF IT! BUT SHE CAN’T AS XIMENA HITS A RUNNING SAMOAN DROP! Ximena buys herself a little bit of time now as she scatters
over to the corner and stirs to her feet.
Deadprez: Both women stand at the opposite corner of one another, and here comes Ximena with a full head of steam- BUT HARPER LEAPFROGS OVER TOP OF HER INTO A SUNSET FLIP PIN!!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Oh, XIMENA REVERSES IT INTO A PIN OF HER OWN!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Deadprez: KICK OUT FROM THE CHAMPION, AND BOTH WOMEN RACE TO THEIR FEET, AND XIMENA ALMOST TURNS HARPER INSIDE OUT WITH THAT CLOTHESLINE!! THE
CROWD ERUPTED AT THAT! XIMENA NOW IN COMPLETE CONTROL AS THE TIDE TURNS AGAIN IN THIS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH!
Eve: AND XIMENA PICKS UP HARPER LEE IN HER SIGNATURE BEARHUG! XIMENA IS SQUEEZING THE ABSOLUTE BREATH OUT OF HARPER AS HARPER IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A WAY OUT OF THIS! HARPER IS STRUGGLING TO BREATH! XIMENA BEGINS SWINGING HER RAPIDLY BACK AND FORTH, AND I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE OF IT HARPER CAN STAND. WHAT IS SHE GOING TO DO?! BUT OH NO…
Deadprez: HARPER LEE I THINK GOT A THUMB TO THE EYE OF XIMENA! THE REFEREE DIDN’T SEE IT AND CAUSED CAUSED XIMENA TO LET LOOSE OF HER GRIP OF THE BEARHUG! Harper now tries to catch her breath before Ximena turns around holding her eye, and Harper delivers a step up enzuigiri kick to the side of the head stunning Ximena! AND HARPER MIGHT BE LOOKING TO END THIS ONE –
Gavin Kirkland: XIMENA TURNS AROUND, AND HARPER LEE GOES FOR THE “DRAGON FIST!!!” THE RIGHT HOOK – BUT NO! XIMENA CATCHES HER FIST…AND UH OH, A LOOK OF PAIN COMES ACROSS THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONS FACE! XIMENA IS SQUEEZING HARPER’S HAND TO DEATH!!! AND THEN IN ONE SWIFT MOTION, XIMENA PICKS HER UP IN A POWERSLAM POSITION, BUT HARPER SLIPS OUT FROM BEHIND – AND UH OH!!
Eve: HOUSE OF BALLOONS!!!!!!! THE BACKSTABBER ON XIMENA!!!
Deadprez: HARPER REACHES FOR XIMENA TO GO FOR THE COVER, BUT XIMENA USES HER RING AWARENESS AND ROLLS OUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING, AS HARPER LETS OUT A SCREAM IN FRUSTRATION!
Gavin Kirkland: The soccer mom seems angry. :mjlol:
Eve: Harper gets back to her feet now, wondering what to do next in this match. Ximena is weakened and she knows that AND UH OH, HARPER LEE RUNS OFF THE ROPES AND….TOPE CON HILO!!!!!
Deadprez: WHAT?! XIMENA USES HER STRENGTH ADVANTAGE AND CATCHES HER ON HER SHOULDER, AND SHE’S WALKING WITH HER….AND XIMENA POWERBOMBS XIMENA RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF THE RING APRON!!
Gavin Kirkland: Soccer mom took a risk and it didn’t pay off, paying big time for it. Ximena now is the one who smells blood in the water as she picks Harper up and throws her back inside the ring. Ximena climbs up the apron and ascends up the top rope next to her. Ximena stands tall, and…THE ELBOW DROP RIGHT TO THE HEART OF HARPER!! XIMENA HITS IT AND GOES FOR THE COVER HOPING TO WIN HER FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP!!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEE!!!!!
Eve: THE KICKOUT FROM HARPER LEE! Ximena knows she can’t let it get in her head or overthink anything Ximena now slowly grabs Harper by the head looking for her next move in this match, and Harper pushes her away creating some distance before Harper ducks a clothesline and pulls her in and delivers a ripcord knee strike! The knee strike causes Ximena to stumble backwards into the corner, and now it’s Harper’s chance!
Deadprez: HARPER RUNS AND DRIVES BOTH OF HER KNEES INTO THE CHEST OF XIMENA IN THE CORNER, ABD SHE FOLLOWS IT WITH A MONKEY FLIP TO THE CENTER OF THE RING….BUT XIMENA LANDS ON HER FEET SOMEHOW!! HARPER IS UNAWARE AS SHE TURNS AROUND –
Gavin Kirkland: AND XIMENA CONNECTS WITH THE “SPEAR!!!!” THE COVER!!!! SHE’S GOT IT!!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEE!!!!
Deadprez: HARPER LEE KICKS OUT AGAIN!! Ximena doesn’t let it phase her as she stands up and begins to stalk Harper as she is slowly rising to her feet. XIMENA IS GOING FOR THE “XV”! THE ONE ARMED POWERBOMB – BUT HARPER LEE IS TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF IT!
Eve: WHILE IN THE AIR, HARPER SOMEHOW TRANSITIONED INTO A HURRICANRANA, AND XIMENA HITS FACE FIRST INTO THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE! Ximena is a sitting duck there and Harper knocks it as she runs to the opposite corner and charges….AND SHE DRIVES HER KNEE INTO THE BACK OF XIMENA’S HEAD IN THE CORNER!! COULD XIMENA BE IN SOME TROUBLE HERE?
Deadprez: Harper turns her around and delivers a right hand before lifting her up on the top rope! This is extremely risky here as she goes up top with her! :lupe:
Gavin Kirkland: Two women on top. :drakelike:
Eve: ANYWAYS, Harper is trying to set up for a superplex here, but Ximena once again uses her strength advantage to her benefit, not allowing it to happen. AND A HEADBUTT FROM XIMENA!! A RIGHT HAND FROM HARPER! BOTH WOMEN BATTLING FOR CONTROL ON THE TOP ROPE RIGHT NOW!
Deadprez: FOREARM SHOT BY FIREARM SHOT FROM HARPER NOW! HARPER LOOKS LIKE SHE’S THE ONE WHOSE GAINES CONTROL BACK…AND OH MY GOD!!! A HURRICANRANA FROM THE TOP ROPE TAKES OUT XIMENA!
Eve: HARPER DOESN’T STOP THERE AND XIMENA QUICKLY SPRINGS BACK UP TO HER FEET… BUT RIGHT INTO THE “DRAGON PUNCHHH!!!”THE RIGHT HOOK KNOCKS DOWN XIMENA AS HARPER DROPS DOWN TO MAKE THE COVER AND RETAIN HER TITLE!!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT XIMENA STAYS ALIVE!
Deadprez: Harper thinks of what to do next, and she looks up to the top as she rolls underneath the bottom rope and begins to climb up the top turnbuckle, what is she thinking? HARPER LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE GOING FOR THE DIVING SENTON –
Eve: BUT XIMENA GOT THE KNEES UP AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!! AND HOLD ON A SECOND, SHE RIGHT AWAY TRANSITIONS INTO A CALF CRUSHER SUBMISSION!!!! XIMENA WRENCHING BACK ON THAT LEG AS HARPER LEE SCREAMS IN PAIN, TRYING TO REACH OUT FOR THE ROPES A FEW FEET AWAY FROM HER, BUT CAN SHE MAKE IT?
Gavin Kirkland: Soccer mom has her hand out…BUT XIMENA PULLS AND APPLIES EVEN MORE PRESSURE! HARPER IS ALMOST PULLING HER HAIR OUT NOT WANTING TO TAP OUT, AND SHE TRIES REACHING OUT FOR THE ROPES ONE LAST TIME –
Deadprez: AND OUT OF ADRENALINE SHE STRETCHES HER BODY OUT JUST ENOUGH TO GRAB THE ROPE AND FORCE XIMENA TO BREAK THE HOLD! Ximena stands and grabs her feet, quickly dragging her back to the center of the ring, but Harper pushes her away with her feet, and both charge at one another once more….AND HARPER SIDESTEPS SENDING XIMENA INTO THE CORNER AND –
Eve: THE INSIDE CRADLE FROM HARPER!!!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOO!!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!
Deadprez: HARPER’S HOLDING THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!!
….
…..
Eve: THE REFEREE SPOTS IT!!! HARPER LEE STANDS UP AND GETS IN THE REFEREE’S FACE NOW! I’M SO CONFUSED, BECAUSE HARPER USUALLY ISN’T THE ONE TO PULL SOMETHING LIKE THAT!
Harper Lee: (Off-Mic) DO YOUR JO –
Gavin Kirkland: THIS TIME IT’S XIMENA!! XIMENA ROLLS UP HARPER FROM BEHIND!!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Eve: HARPER LEE ESCAPES OUT OF IT!! BOTH WOMEN ARE UP, AND HARPER DUCKS A CLOTHESLINE, AND SHE SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE SECOND ROPE – AND SHE CONNECTS WITH THE CUTTER!! HARPER LEE THOUGH DOESN’T GO FOR THE COVER, KNOWING IT’S LIKELY GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN THAT, AND OH MY GOD, LOOK –
Deadprez: SHE TRANSITIONS INTO A CALF CRUSHER OF HER OWN!!! THE “DEVIL’S FRUIT!!!!” HARPER HAS XIMENA DEAD TO RIGHTS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!! XIMENA HAD THIS LOCKED IN ON HARPER EARLIER, AND NOW SHE’S RETURNING THE FAVOR! IS XIMENA GOING TO SUBMIT HERE?!
Eve: XIMENA TRYING TO USE HER STRENGTH TO DRAG HERSELF TO THE ROPES, BUT IS HAVING LITTLE TO NO LUCK, AND HARPER APPLIES THE MAXIMUM PRESSURE! I THINK XIMENA IS GOING TO TAP AS SHE RAISES ONE HAND –
Gavin Kirkland: HOLY SHIT!! XIMENA GRABS AHOLD OF HARPER’S HEAD TO HER SIDE AND REPEATEDLY SLAMS THE BACK OF HER HEAD INTO THE MAT CAUSING HER TO BREAK THE HOLD!! Both women throwing everything they have at one another here tonight, all to be called the Specialists Champion.
Eve: After several seconds now, both women make their way up to their feet gingerly, both favoring the leg that was locked in on each others calf crushers, AND A FOREARM FROM HARPER! A FOREARM STRIKE FROM XIMENA! BOTH WOMEN EXCHANGING SHOTS WITH EACH OTHER BACK AND FORTH!! AND A HEADBUTT OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES DOWN HARPER AND SHE ROLLS UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE! Ximena reaches over the top rope and grabs her by the head –
Deadprez: ANOTHER FOREARM TO THE FACE FROM HARPER LEE!! XIMENA DROPS DOWN TO A KNEE BEFORE – HARPER LEE CONNECTS WITH A SLINGSHOT SPEAR!! THE COVER AGAIN!!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Eve: KICKOUT AGAIN FROM THE CHALLENGER!! Harper pounds the mat showing a sign of frustration.
Deadprez: Harper…SHE GRABS THE ARMS OF THE GROUNDED XIMENA! SHE LOOKS TO BE GOING FOR “SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR!!!”
Gavin Kirkland: NOPE!! XIMENA SLIDES FROM UNDERNEATH HARPER’S LEGS AND STANDS FACING HER BACK…AND SHE PICKS HER UP IN A REVERSE FIREMAN’S CARRY-
Deadprez: A LEAPING BACKBREAKER!!! ONE OF XIMENA’S SIGNATURE MOVES IN HER ARSENAL, AND SHE’S NOT DONE!!!! SHE QUICKLY PICKS HARPER UP AND PUTS HER IN POSITION AND LIFTS HER UP –
Eve: “XV!!!!!!” THE ONE ARMED POWERBOMB!!! XIMENA VELASQUEZ HOOKS THE INSIDE LEG! WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!!!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!
….
….
Eve: NO WAY!!!! THE REFEREE SEES HARPER’S LEG UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE! WHAT RING AWARENESS FROM THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION THAT JUST SAVED HER REIGN FOR NOW!!
Deadprez: Ximena can’t believe it because she was sure she had the title won there as I’m pretty sure all of us did. The million dollar question is, was that her best shot?
Gavin Kirkland: We’re about to find out as Ximena picks up the lifeless body of Harper and looks to go for”XV” again!!! AND OH MY –
Eve: BACK BODY DROP FROM HARPER BEFORE SHE COLLAPSES BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!! That might have took everything out of Harper to just escape that and save herself and her title for the moment. Both women are down and both are exhausted to all hell, who wants it more?
Deadprez: After several moments now, Harper is stirring to her feet as Ximena slowly pulls herself up in the corner, AND HARPER WITH PERHAPS HER LAST BURST OF ENERGY RUNS AND DELIVERS A RUNNING DROPKICK TO THE FACE OF XIMENA IN THE CORNER! SHE RUNS TO THE OPPOSITE ROPES AND HITS THE RUNNING DROPKICK A SECOND TIME, AND THEN…A THIRD TIME!! XIMENA MIGHT BE IN SOME REALLY DEEP TROUBLE HERE –
Eve: BUT XIMENA OUT OF DESPERATION RUNS AND SPEARS HARPER THROUGH THE SECOND ROPES AND THEY BOTH GO CRASHING TO THE FLOOR! Harper looked like she was about to put the finishing touches on this title defense, and Ximena went into desperation mode to save herself, and for the time being, it worked. Both stir to their feet on the outside, and Harper grabs her by the head…BUT A VICIOUS HEADBUTT SENDS HARPER BACKWARDS ONTO THE GERMAN ANNOUNCE TABLE!! AND XIMENA WALKS OVER AND REPEATEDLY USES HER HEAD AS A BATTERING RAM AGAINST HARPER’S WHO IS OUT ON THAT TABLE!
Gavin Kirkland: Oh no….XIMENA QUICKLY CLIMBS UP THE APRON AND GOES TO THE TOP ROPE! THIS FAR INTO THE MATCH, IT’S EITHER A HIT OR MISS. YOU MISS, YOU MIGHT AS WELL KISS THIS MATCH GOODBYE, BUT SHE’S GOING FOR IT ANYWAY. HARPER STILL HASN’T MOVED!!
Eve: AND SHE LEAPS AND GOES FOR HER SIGNATURE ELBOW DROP THROUGH THE TABLE –
Deadprez: NOBODY HOME!!!!! :damn:
Gavin Kirkland: Soccer mom woke up and got out of the way at the last possible split second as Ximena goes through the German announce table. I think Ximena’s chances may have just gone up in smoke.
German Announcers: OH MEIN GOTT, WILLST DU MICH VERSPRECHEN!!!!
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Deadprez: Harper looks at Ximena’s unconscious body, and sees how much pain she’s in herself, and it looks like she’s heading back towards the ring. She’s going to play it smart health and strategy wise and go for the count out win and keep the title.
FOUR!!
FIVE!!
(Harper Lee rolls back into the ring very slowly.)
SIX!!
Crowd: BOOOOOO!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: As we can all tell the crowd doesn’t like it one bit, but I don’t think she cares at all. The soccer mom is all about strategy, kinda like how she tapped the other week immediately to save energy. She’s been through hell and a win is a win. Ximena still hasn’t moved.
SEVEN!!
(Ximena twitches in the announce desk rubble showing signs of movement.)
EIGHT!!
Eve: SHE’S OUT OF THE RUBBLE, BUT SHE’S STILL A WAYS FROM THE RING!!!
NINE!!!
TEN!!!
….
Eve: HARPER LEE RETAINS THE TITLE!!
Deadprez: NO!!!!! A RANDOM.BURST OF ADRENALINE HIT XIMENA AND SHE JUST BARELY MAKES IT BACK IN THE RING! HARPER LEE LITERALLY CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!
Eve: HARPER LOOKS LIKE SHE’S HAD ENOUGH OF THIS AS SHE APPROACHES THE LIFELESS BODY OF XIMENA AND GRABS BOTH OF THE ARMS….SHE’S GOING FOR “SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR” –
Deadprez: IT CONNECTS!!!!!! THE EXHAUSTED HARPER LEE TAKES A FEW SECONDS BEFORE FLIPPING XIMENA ON HER BACK AND SHE HAS THE COVER FOR THE WIN!!!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREE!!!!!!!!!
…
….
…..
Deadprez: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?!?! XIMENA JUST BARELY AND I MEAN BARELY GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!!! HARPER LEE IS IN ABSOLUTE DISBELIEF!!!
Eve: An exhausted Harper lays next to the lifeless Ximena holding her head, wondering what else she has to do in order to finally put Ximena away for good. We asked earlier if it was the million dollar question if Ximena hit Harper with her best shot. Both have taken everything and more, and are still fighting, but now we gotta ask if it’s the other way around. Harper stands and looks around before looking back down at her opponent, and UH OH! SHE DROPS DOWN TO THE MAT AND IS LOOKING TO LOCK IN THE “FOLDABODY” FROM THE GROUND!!! THIS IS HARPER’S SUBMISSION THAT WILL FOR SURE PUT THE MATCH AWAY –
Deadprez: XIMENA KNOWS THAT AND STILL HAS SOME FIGHT LEFT IN HER THOUGH, BECAUSE SHE’S FIGHTING WITH WHAT STRENGTH SHE HAS LEFT TO NOT LET IT HAPPEN! HARPER CAN’T EXACTLY DO IT, AND…XIMENA ROLLS THROUGH AND BOTH TRY GETTING TO THEIR FEET, BUT HARPER IS A BIT QUICKER AND RUNS WITH A KNEE, BUT SHE RUNS RIGHT INTO A SPINEBUSTER OUT OF NOWHERE!!! ONCE AGAIN IN THIS MATCH, BOTH WOMEN ARE DOWN.
Gavin Kirkland: Several moments later, both women crawl in opposite directions, and slowly begins pulling themselves up with the ring ropes, and both turn around to face each other…AND HARPER LEE CHARGES AND LOOKS TO CONNECT WITH “THE DRAGON FIST” RIGHT HAND –
Deadprez: BUT INSTEAD SHE RUNS RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT!!! NOW IT’S HARPER WHO MIGHT BE IN SOME SERIOUS TROUBLE!! AND XIMENA RUNS OFF THE ROPES WITH PERHAPS HER LAST GASP…AND SHE GOES FOR HER “SPEAR” –
Eve: OH NO!! HARPER LEE REVERSED IT AND TURNED IT INTO A SPINNING TORNADO DDT SPIKING XIMENA’S HEAD INTO THE MAT! Both woman making the other work for anything they do in this match not willing to give an inch. Now, what is in the mind of Harper to try and put this match away?
Gavin Kirkland: I think she may be going for a kill shot to make a statement because she’s stalking Ximena like a predator does its prey, and Ximena is finally up to her feet, AND HARPER LEE GOES FOR “HOUSE OF BALLOONS –
Eve: THE BACKSTABBE – NO!!! XIMENA HOLDS ON TO THE ROPES FOR DEAR LIFE SAVING HERSELF AS HARPER FALLS BACK FIRST TO THE MAT AND XIMENA RIGHT AWAY DELIVERS A JUMPING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST!!! HARPER ONCE AGAIN IS GASPING FOR AIR AS XIMENA SLOWLY REACHES BOTH OF HER FEET.
Deadprez: XIMENA REACHES DOWN AND GRABS HARPER BY THE HEAD, LOOKING HER DEAD IN THE EYE! XIMENA IS LOOKING TO END THIS RIGHT NOW…BUT HARPER SLAPS HER HANDS AWAY…AND A ROUNDHOUSE KICK OUT OF NOWHERE! XIMENA DROPS DOWN TO A KNEE AND ONCE MORE HARPER RUNS OFF THE ROPES…AND SHE HITS A SHINING WIZARD RIGHT TO THE FACE!! …NOW WHAT IS HARPER DOING?!
Eve: HARPER GOES UP TOP ONCE MORE, AND SHE’S GOING FOR HER DIVING SENTON – XIMENA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AND NOBODY IS HOME!! I ASSUMED HARPER THOUGHT SHE HAD TO BE SURE BEFORE GOING FIR THE PIN, BUT XIMENA STILL ISN’T DOWN AND OUT YET! Harper slowly comes back to her feet holding her midsection –
Deadprez: HARPER TURNS AROUND, AND XIMENA GOES FOR HER SPEAR…
Eve: BUT HARPER SEES IT AND SIDE STEPS IT AT THE LAST SECOND!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT XIMENA RUNS OFF THE OPPOSITE ROPES EVEN FASTER…..AND BEFORE HARPER CAN KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING, XIMENA HITS HER WITH HER VICIOUS SPEAR NEARLY SLICING HER IN HALF!!
Deadprez: SHE ISN’T DONE YET AS SHE GRABS HARPER AND LIFTS HER UP INTO ‘XV’! THE ONE ARM POWERBOMB CONNECTS!!! XIMENA HOOKS THE LEG!!! DO WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION?!?
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!!
…
….
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
( “Recreant” by Chelsea Grin plays as the crowd absolutely roars into a thunderous reaction. Ximena Velasquez gets up to a kneeling position, exhausted, but at a loss of words.)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…AND THE NEEWWWWWW EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPION……XIIMMMENNNNAAA VEEELLLASSSQQUUEEZZZZZ!!!!!
(The referee hands Ximena the Specialists Championship before raising her hand.)
Deadprez: WOW! Ximena has done it, she has knocked off Harper Lee and is the new Specialists Champion, and what a way she earned it tonight too.
Eve: Loss for words, an amazing match between two competitors who showed just how much they wanted to call themselves the Specialists Champion, and tonight Ximena wanted it just a little bit more. Harper had a great reign and there’s so much she can look forward to, but now, we’re in the era of Ximena! Congratulations once again!
(The final shot is of Ximena Velasquez celebrating her championship victory, while Harper sits against the barricade outside, disappointed with her head down.)
(A commercial is shown for Ronan Malosi’s ghostwriting services. Wanna know why he did so good this week? :mjgrin:)
(Cut to a commercial Break)
( We’re situated backstage in the Wells Fargo Center as if fades back from a commercial break. This edition of Saturday Night Showdown is live from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Kyra Phillips is on camera and earns a cheap pop from the attending crowd tonight. She has a microphone in hand and she’s stood next to— “The Hellcat” herself, Pandora Paisley! We’ve seen Pandora get right stuck into Showdown since making her return, feuding with none other than Ms. Extreme! The Blackpool native has aligned herself with names like Amir Yusuf and Jon Kelton since returning, forming Devolution! What’s clear is tonight’s crowd aren’t quite as appreciative of Pandora as they are of Kyra! Jeers ring out, but Pandora’s flicks a brow up and rolls her eyes. As they simmer down, Showdown’s resident interviewer raises the microphone to her lips and begins to address the crowd.)
Kyra Phillips: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time is Pandora Paisley who— alongside Amir Yusuf and Jon Kelton, we will see, face-off against Ms. Extreme and the team of Dominion at Grand Rampage! Pandora, it didn’t take you too long to get settled into the Showdown landscape since making your return. How are you feeling after your eight-month layoff and are the team of Devolution confident ahead of what is a big match for you at Grand Rampage?
Pandora Paisley: I’ll be honest, Kyra. Wrestling is all I’ve ever known, so getting injured and sitting at home watching the business pass me by was difficult. Of course, I needed the surgery on me shoulder and I feel better than ever coming back. But all of that momentum, all of the tips and tricks and knowledge that I had before being put on the shelf? Gone, just like that. In the click of me fingers, I was out and I had to rebuild me-self. This company is the biggest company in the world and I couldn’t just waltz on back in here without a plan. I knew I had to do something huge to put myself back on the map and let bitches know that Pandora Paisley isn’t someone to underestimate. Fortunately for me, things lined up and well, here I am.
Pandora Paisley: I had to watch Showdown wither away. As difficult as it is to imagine given the nostalgia attached— Hurricane Hawk was a cancer. Showdown was falling behind as Dynasty and Voltage were building show-on-show, so for me it was hard to watch knowing there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. This business means a lot to me. I don’t like to see it in dark days, where Hurricane Hawk was making all of the wrong decisions, decisions that could’ve put Showdown at the very top instead of it lagging behind the rest of the competition. So when Kennedy Street replaced Hurricane Hawk, when that vision was installed and people rebelled, I knew when I came back I needed to be a catalyst for change.
Pandora Paisley: Kennedy Street has a plan in mind. She has taken Showdown from the slums and she’s rebuilding the brand into something amazing. I’m happy to assist her in achieving that vision because I want to wrestle for somebody who cares about this sport as much as I do! Grand Rampage is a big match, sure. But Amir, Jon and I? We’re a proper team. We may not have the experience or that much time fighting alongside each other, but we share the same vision and we’re going to see through that vision. So I worry for our opposition at Grand Rampage because when all is said and done—
( Pandora’s words trail off, as clapping can be heard in the transmission. It grows louder and louder until the camera pans over— It’s Ms. Extreme! These two women have been having issues of late, just take last week as an example of this! Issues is putting it lightly, Pandora Paisley took a steel chair to Ms. Extreme last week and left her laid out! Of course, they’re scheduled to face off at Grand Rampage as a part of that aforementioned six-man tag team match. But perhaps, we’ll be getting some action before then. Ms. Extreme saunters into the shot with that unmatched swagger of hers. Kyra Phillips takes a step back— if this face-off does break out into trouble, she’ll want to avoid being in the crosshairs! )
Ms. Extreme: Everybody put your hands together and give a big round of applause for Pandora! So emotional! You wore your heart on your sleeve there, now tell me— how many times did you practice giving that speech in front of the mirror before you came to work today?
Pandora Paisley: Wow, you’re bloody hilarious Camille. You just can’t keep away from me, can you? But if you want to talk about people being fake, love then perhaps you should look closer to home. Unlike some people, I’m in this business for the right reasons. Maybe you dislike women like me-self and Kennedy so much because you know ultimately, our vision is right for Showdown?
( Both Ms. Extreme and Pandora Paisley take steps towards one another. They’re in each other’s faces and there seems to be no sign of backing down from either woman! Fortunately for the backstage equipment surrounding them— which would’ve undeniably been utilized to some extent if a brawl were to break out, an unlikely hero comes in for the save. It’s Heidi Huxley! Who jams her arm between the two women and prevents a situation from escalating. )
Heidi Huxley: That’s enough, ladies. And by that I mean both of you. You two just cannot keep your hands off one another and I don’t know what has gotten into you! This isn’t law of the jungle around here. You can’t keep antagonizing and one-upping each other freely. They’ll have repercussions. So let’s save it for Grand Rampage, okay? Please? Lets save this little feud for the in-ring action, not involving poor Kyra here in your little psyche-out moments.
Ms. Extreme: This situation is so adorable. Heidi, you just /happened/ to be here! No doubt waiting in the wings as you know I could hand out an ass-beating to Pandora at any time. It’d be warranted after what she did to me last week! But that’s cool. You play favorites, because at Grand Rampage, Pandora? Your Mommy won’t be around to stop you getting what’s coming.
Pandora Paisley: I seem to recall you getting handed an arse-beating just last week. Heidi wasn’t around then, and yet you were left… Oh, that’s right. Broken and laid out, wailing on the floor. You’ll get left staring at the ceiling again at Grand Rampage. Then you’ll have no excuses, hell, I’m hoping it’ll be an ankle-breaking performance!
Ms. Extreme: I’d love to see you try it. But make sure you’re looking me in the eyes when you swing— not when my back is turned like the disgusting rat you are. Because then you’ll see, everyone will see, that we are in different stratospheres entirely. You’re nothing compared to my talent Pandora. You can speak about heart, but you haven’t bled for this company and for those fans like I have.
Pandora Paisley: You don’t get it, do you? I’m the future. What me-self, Amir and Jon are doing is ushering in the future and keeping talent like you out of Keenedy’s business. Because you’re trying to stop her ushering in change, you’re scared you’ll lose your spot. I’ve already told you bitch, I’m the NEW Ms. Extreme! And when that ankle gives out on you again, I’ll be there to take your spot, win championships and push you into retirement. You should’ve never come back to Elite Answers Wrestling and I’ll show you that at Grand Rampage.
( Camille smiles, unleashing a right hook for the ages that shoots through Heidi’s guard and cracks Pandora on the sweet spot. The Blackpool-born Englishwoman goes down like a shot, Camille instead of pouncing however places hands behind her back, turning to Heidi and offering a soft smile. Pandora shoots back to her feet, running forward and swinging— but Heidi Huxley is there to stop her. Camille taunts Pandora, waving and begging her to take a swing. But Heidi is able to stop her in her tracks! Ms. Extreme saunters off, leaving an incensed Pandora to turn to Heidi, hot-headed and demanding answers. )
Pandora Paisley: Why the hell did you get in my way? I would have flattened her and taken care of business tonight had you not intervened.
Heidi Huxley: Remember the plan, Pandora. We can’t afford to risk it. Kennedy has a vision and everyone has a part to play in that vision, remember? It wouldn’t have been good for Grand Rampage had you and Ms. Extreme got into it tonight— I’m sure you could have taken her on and beaten her to a pulp, but it isn’t worth the risk.
( Pandora takes some time to reflect on Heidi’s words. She nods, clutching at her jaw following that immense punch from the woman she’ll be facing at Grand Rampage. Slowly, she and Heidi begin to walk off, leaving Kyra Phillips to emerge from the shadows looking a little perplexed. We hear Heidi and Pandora speaking but as they walk, the audio fades. Soon enough, Kyra sends us back to ringside as our next match is set to begin momentarily with Gina Romano ready to make the announcement.)
Gina Romano: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is a Showdown versus Voltage Showcase with a twenty-minute time limit, and is scheduled FOR!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(“Ready To Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. plays over the sound system of … as The Wrestling Machine makes his way to the ring with a look of focus and confidence on his face. )
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST! Representing Showdown! From Long Island, New York! Weighing in at 204.5 pounds! LUCAAAAAAAAAS JOHNSOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!
Deadprez: Here is a man who oughta be super demotivated right now, having won only a single match this entire season but he hasn’t been deterred whatsoever despite losses and shortcomings! That is truly admirable!
Gavin Kirkland: Or incredibly stupid! I mean we saw people snap, give up or just leave for less than the struggles that Johnson has gone through and he’s still around! Maybe he’s a masochist but we have to give it to him he always stayed true to himself.
Eve: Lucas only won one match this season, and last week he lost against Nyx who was on her Showdown debut. Will tonight be victory number two for Lucas or just another loss? We’re going to find out soon.
(Track 11 : 狂気の蛇眼 (Snake Eyes Of Madness) plays over the sound system as The Black Mamba is making his way to the ring under the boos from the crowd. Both men are heels but James being from Voltage makes him the outsider to the eyes of the fans.)
Gina Romano: ANNND HIS OPPONENT! Representing Voltage! From London, England! Weighing in at 243 pounds! JAAAAAAAAMES RANGEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRR!!!!!
Deadprez: The returning Black Mamba had left the company for some time but returned last week and faced former IDOL-GUN member Miku Sakai in a match he ended up losing but he did fend well for himself.
Gavin Kirkland: He had a good match against the loudmouth former Idol star but she was too strong for him in the end as she picked up the win. Now, James didn’t say much this week, in fact he didn’t talk at all but that takes nothing out of the man and the challenges he poses to Lucas Johnson.
Eve: He has a good chance to get a win under his best on his second outing since he returned. The question is will he make bank tonight? We’re about to find out!
( Ding! Ding! Ding! )
Deadprez: AND HERE WE GO! This match is officially underway! This is a showcase between talent between Saturday Night Showdown and Sunday Night Voltage folks and this should be an interesting match-up between two veterans looking for a win!
Gavin Kirkland: Both men are eying each other and trying to grapple the other into a headlock but it takes a while as they are quick to counter the other until James manages to move himself into a takedown and attempts a roll-up but Lucas moves to block the attempt going for one of his own! Also thwarted by Ranger!
Eve: James moves to a mounted position with Lucas who has his legs wrapped around the waist of James, blocking the elbows thrown down his way these two are mat technicians so you can expect action on the mat during this bout for sure!
Deadprez: Lucas attempts some leg scissors but Ranger is looking to counter with a stretch muffler yet Lucas blocks it and sends both men to the ropes! The official orders separation and both men part ways. James to his feet followed by Lucas who rolled away from Ranger and both men are at a standstill early on in this match.
Gavin Kirkland: The two veterans circles around each other before attempting to go for a clinch, Ranger attempts a wristlock, parried by Lucas who tries for one of his own but is reversed by James who has the armlock in from behind Johnson now. Lucas tries to turn the tide and manages to get James to his knees with a drop-toe hold breaking the lock and then sweeps Ranger’s legs forcing him on his face!
Eve: Johnson moves with a waist lock behind Ranger both men on the mat with Lucas trying to gain control as he quickly moves to a half-guard headlock trying to keep Ranger pinned down but Ranger being nimble manages to bounce and hop his way into being on top of Lucas but sadly Johnson’s legs are in the ropes so the official is ordering separation.
Deadprez: Yet Ranger goes back on the mat offense trying for a move that is evaded by Lucas TRYING TO CONVERT IT INTO AN ANKLE LOCK BUT RANGER SNAKES HIMSELF OUT OF DODGE! Grabbing the ropes as the official counts Lucas who let go at two.
Gavin Kirkland: Both men go back to their feet, and a clinch ensues that ends up with James going for a double leg takedown and then a headlock that Lucas is trying to get out of. LUCAS ROLLS AND GETS JAMES IN A ROLL-UP!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: RANGER LIFTS THE SHOULDER UP FREEING HIMSELF! He moves back into the headlock having kept Lucas around his arm trying to hold him more securely this time with more pressure!
Eve: Both men are slowly moving to their feet with Ranger still holding onto Johnson who pushes Ranger into the ropes hoping the bounce will break the hold but James the clever fox holds on and brings Johnson to the ground with him using his weight.
Deadprez: Ranger doesn’t let go, holding on but Johnson gets up while throwing punches to the ribs of Ranger as the two go to the ropes. This time James let go of Lucas before bouncing to the other ropes and heading back that way! SHOULDER BLOCK BY RANGER looking down on his opponent like he was some rookie!
Gavin Kirkland: He then quickly dashes to the ropes who hits the deck expecting Ranger to hop over him BUT JAMES STOMPS ON ONE OF HIS HANDS!!! We can hear Lucas yell in pain from here folks! And Ranger keeps pressing with his bootheel on the hand of Johnson!
Gavin Kirkland: Ranger lets go of Lucas who is moving away from him yet Ranger doesn’t give him time to recover as he grabs him by the head and leg while Lucas was getting up AND SENDS HIM OVERHEAD WITH SUPLEX!!
Eve: Ranger quickly goes for a cover but Lucas kicks out before the referee can make it to one! Ranger trying to maintain control early on as he goes for a head grapple maneuver from behind Lucas who’s trying to pry his opponent’s hands away. Ranger transitions into a head screw but Lucas manages to get free!
Deadprez: Ranger whips Johnson into the ropes and he ducks an attempt at a clothesline going under James’ arm and turns to NAIL HIM WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Ranger is railing AND LUCAS FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A SHINING WIZARD!!
Gavin Kirkland: Ranger stumbles to the ropes behind him bouncing back towards the ring while Lucas goes to the opposite side gaining velocity AND TAKING DOWN RANGER WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE!!
Eve: Lucas looking to gain control of the match as he picks up James and swings him up with a neck breaker before moving to a half-mount position to throw in punches atop James’ head! The official orders Lucas to move away from James and he does so a few moments later he picks up Ranger and slams him down after scooping him up. Ranger is holding his back as Lucas riles up the crowd but he gets booed.
Deadprez: Lucas doesn’t seem to care much as he goes to the nearest second rope and delivers a perfectly executed elbow drop from there landing on James’ chest!
Gavin Kirkland: Johnson with a cover!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: And Ranger kicks out! James isn’t going to give a win to Lucas without a fight and this match keeps on!
Eve: Lucas throws an elbow down on the sternum of James before moving quickly up and going to the ropes. Rolling into a senton he then quickly gets up and flips into a STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! It lands on James and Johnson goes for a cover YET Ranger kicks before the official can start counting!
Deadprez: Johnson glances towards the official before looking down on James and goes for an arm triangle in an attempt to get Ranger to submit but the veteran moved a foot quickly to a rope he was nearby and the official orders Lucas to part away. He grabs one of James’ legs dragging him to the center of the ring AND APPLIES THE CROSSFACE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: HE PRAYED JAMES OFF THE ROPE AND GOT HIM IN A CROSSFACE AND RANGER IS STRUGGLING!! FLAILING ARMS HIS LEGS AS WELL AS HE TRIES TO FEND OFF THE PAIN AND POWERS HIS WAY TO THE ROPES!! WILL H-HE DOES! HE GRABS ONTO THE ROPE HAVING CARRIED JOHNSON ON HIS BACK! Lucas looks annoyed at his failed attempt to end the match as he then lets go of his opponent before the referee orders him to.
Eve: James is trying to get back to his feet but Lucas denies him with a leg sweep and a series of kicks to the ribs with the fans don’t approve of. Johnson doesn’t care as he THEN gets Ranger to move up and sends him into the ropes. Boot to the stomach stuns James WHO GOES DOWN WITH A BELLY TO BELLY SUPLES! Lucas quickly back to his feet and waits for James to get up, stalking him, AND THEN SENDS HIM FLYING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!
Deadprez: Ranger is now on the floor holding the back of his neck from the pain and Lucas is vertical once again, moving to grab at Ranger’s legs HE SETS HIM UP FOR THE ANKLE LOCK!! THE ANKLE LOCK IS IN BUT RANGERS MANAGES TO TURN ON HIS BACK LIKE A SNAKE AND KICK AT LUCAS’ Face! Johnson letting go is an opportunity for James to get back into the game and he goes to his feet! Drop toe hold to Lucas before throwing some elbows and send Johnson to the ropes who ducks under Ranger’s arm AND GOES FOR A COQUINA CLUTCH!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT A SUBMISSION MANOEUVER BY LUCAS WHO IS TRYING TO DRAG JAMES DOWN BUT RANGER BACKS HIMSELF INTO A CORNER CRASHING JOHNSON BETWEEN HIMSELF AND THE CORNER! James moves forward stumbling a bit BUT LUCAS GOES BEHIND HIM AND SENDS HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX!!!
Eve: Smart play from Johnson who played quickly ad acted against James who now is in further trouble after that suplex. Ranger is dragged to the center of the ring and Lucas quickly heads to a corner hopping on the top. He waits a moment, Ranger doesn’t move AND LUCAS GOES AIRBORNE WITH A 450 SPLASH THAT LANDS!!! HE GOES FOR A COVER!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: RANGER WITH THE SHOULDER UP!!!
Deadprez: Johnson is still on the offensive now as he forces Ranger to his feet, he goes to throw left and then a few jabs BUT RANGER BLOCKS AND THROWS A FEW KNIFE EDGE CHOPS TO LUCAS!! AND THEN A CROSS CHOP SENT JOHNSON TO THE ROPES AND HIS BACK EXPOSED TO RANGER WHO DRIVES A DOUBLE AX HANDLE TO THE SPINE OF HIS OPPONENT!!
Gavin Kirkland: Ranger on the offensive now and will be looking to make the most out of this opportunity as he turns Johnson around pressing him against the rope before whipping him to the opposite one AND DRIVE HIM DOWN WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!
Eve: Ranger quickly grabs at Lucas’ head puts it over his head AND GOES DOWN WITH A JAWBREAKER!! HE THEN FOLLOWS WITH A HIGH KNEE THAT SENDS JOHNSON PEDALING BACKWARDS AND INTO THE ROPES! Ranger dashes forward AND CLOTHESLINES LUCAS OVER THE TOP ROPES AND ON THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!!!
Deadprez: Ranger goes to chase down Lucas who’s on his feet right now AND HE SMACKS HIS FACE ON THE APRON! Ouch! That’s always the hardest part of the ring AND HE THEN THROWS JOHNSON AGAINST THE BARRICADE!! Ranger is on the attack now as he charges at Lucas DRIVING A KNEE TO HIS FACE BEFORE STOMPING A MUDHOLE IN JOHNSON AGAINST THE RAILING!!
Gavin Kirkland: He picks up Lucas looking to whip him against a corner BUT LUCAS REVERSES AND RANGER SMACKS AGAINST THE POST GOING TO HIS KNEES!! This could be an opportunity for Johnson to resume control of this match going for a kick but is blocked by Ranger who throws a knee to the midsection AND SENDS JOHNSON DOWN WITH A DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER TO THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!!
Eve: The official warned the two men to resume fighting inside the ring and James responded by sending Lucas inside the ring. He slides in himself soon after and goes behind Lucas, holding him by the waist he goes for a crisp snap suplex that lands on Johnson’s back perfectly!
Deadprez: Kicks to the ribs of Johnson from Ranger who then forces Lucas to his feet only to bring him down again with a reverse Russian leg sweep! Down goes, Johnson who is trying to get up and get’s a kick to the gut for his effort by Ranger WHO GRABS HIS HEAD AND DRIVES IT TO THE MAT WITH A DDT!! Cover from Ranger!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: And Johnson lifts the shoulder up at two! Close one but not enough for Ranger who is looking for his first win since returning to the promotion but Lucas has other plans at least for now. Ranger with a sidestep high kick getting Johnson to his feet and the Emperor of Violence is now on his knees BUT NOT FOR NOW AS RANGER GOES BEHIND HIM AND SENDS HIM FLYING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX OF HIS OWN!!
Gavin Kirkland: A commanding German by Ranger who repeats the maneuver this time sending Lucas against the corner! He is trying to outdo what Lucas did to him earlier though to be fair, the two men do share some similarities in terms of moveset so this was bound to happen.
Eve: Ranger kicks Johnson against the corner before hopping on the second ropes and begins to unload on his opponent with hard fists! The crowd begins to count along!
James Ranger: SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Eve: The crowd isn’t happy that Ranger just ordered silence! He doesn’t even finish the count AS HE SUDDENLY GRABS AS LUCAS’ HEAD AND THROWS HIMSELF INTO A BULLDOG FROM THE SECOND ROPE! LUCAS LANDS HARD ON THE FLOOR much to the delight of his opponent who is already on his feet.
Deadprez: Ranger maintains control over the match at this point as he sends Johnson into the ropes after he got him vertical. Ranger hops over Lucas who ducks now. Into the ropes goes Lucas WHO GETS TAGGED BY A JUMPING SPINNING SOLE KICK!
Gavin Kirkland: Johnson to his knees as Ranger moves to set Johnson up for a double underhood backbreaker AND IT CONNECTS!! Lucas in trouble now as he is set up for a vertical suplex piledriver AND HE GETS SPIKED!!! COVER BY RANGER!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: And Johnson kicks out just before the third count! James is a bit baffled, looking at the official who confirms he has a two count and nothing else. Ranger back to his feet moves Johnson along with him and throws a knee to his stomach! He is signaling his intention, we’re about to witness the Final Execution the Axe Kick he goes to the ropes after throwing a mule kick to Johnson.
Eve: THE SCISOR KICK IS BLOCKED BY JOHNSON!! RANGER IS HOPPING ON ONE LEG AS HE THEN GETS SPUN AROUND AND LUCAS NAILS HIM TO THE GROUND WITH THE BLUEPRING! THE RKO CONNECTED AND RANGER IS DOWN!! JOHNSON PICKS UP RANGER WHO IS BARELY STANDING ON HIS FEET! He goes to the ropes!
Deadprez: KILLSWITCH!!! THE CLAYMORE CONNECTS AND JAMES RANGER LOOKS OUT COLD!!!!! LUCAS HOOKS BOTH LEGS!! WILL THIS BE ENOUGH???????
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
( DING! DING!! DING!!! )
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen the winner of this match: LUCAAAAAAS JOHNSOOOOOONNNN!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Well screw me sideways! Lucas Johnson FINALLY HAS A SECOND WIN THIS SEASON!!!!
Deadprez: And a deserved one as well! James brought up his A-game tonight but the Wrestling Machine was just too much for him in the end. Ranger had a shot, he came close a few times but Lucas got the better of him.
Eve: We are sure that James will bounce back on Voltage but tonight the win belongs to our Showdown representative! Congratulations Lucas Johnson!
(Lucas is seen celebrating as the scene slowly fades to a commercial break.)
(The scene cuts to a side office after the commercial break, away from the noise of the arena. In said office we see Richard Tracie P.I. sat behind a desk looking perhaps even more thoughtful than ever, The camera pans, to show Devolution. Amir Yusef, Jon Kelton, and Pandora Paisley, all sat opposite him.)
Pandora Paisley: So, come on then mate, get on with it. We are busy people.
Jon Kelton: Why are we here anyway, everyone knows that we are Team Kennedy, so I don’t see why we are being interrogated.
Richard Tracie P.I.: It is my duty to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted, with no stone left unturned. I promised that to Ms. Street, and I will make good on that promise. Friends or not.
Amir Yusef: You’re wasting your time.
Pandora Paisley: Yeah, stop being a DICK.
(Devolution all look at each other and start chuckling amongst themselves.)
Richard Tracie P.I.: This is no laughing matter I assure you
Jon Kelton: No, it’s not. We hope just as much as you do that the person who did this is caught. What’s laughable is that you think we are suspects.
Richard Tracie P.I.: Everyone is a suspect until I declare otherwise. That is my job.
Amir Yusef: Alright Columbo… get on with it then
(Richard turns to Amir, regarding him suspiciously which for a moment takes the smile of Amir’s face, but not for long.)
Richard Tracie P.I.: So, Amir is it?
Amir Yusef: Yeah, what of it.
Richard Tracie P.I.: Well, from what I have observed, you seem more than capable of doing something like this to get what you want.
Amir Yusef: You reckon, huh?
Richard Tracie P.I.: In my educated opinion yes, I do.
Pandora Paisley: Dude thinks he’s educated, love.
Jon Kelton: Where did they find this guy? Dicks are us?
Pandora Paisley: Good one mate.
(Richard ignores them and continues.)
Richard Tracie P.I.: Prove me wrong.
Amir Yusef: That’s simple enough. For starters, I may be back now, but at the time I wasn’t even in the building when this happened. And even if I was here, why would I even do that?
Richard Tracie P.I.: Your friends with Adam Lucas are you not?
Amir Yusef: Err… I’ll get back to you on that. You should really keep up with present events you know, you might learn something. Anyway, I was brought back to add depth to the talent pool, why would I want to pick a fight with Kassidy Heart. I’m not stupid, and she isn’t an enemy, at least not yet. The fact you even thought it in that puny little brain of yours is laughable.
(Richard regards the comments thoughtfully before turning to Jon Kelton.)
Jon Kelton: I suggest you take that look off your face before you open your mouth.
(Richard gulps, but doesn’t know what look he is even giving Jon.)
Richard Tracie P.I.: What about you? You were here that night weren’t you?
Jon Kelton: Yeah, I was.
Richard Tracie P.I.: Do you have anyone who could corroborate your whereabouts?
Jon Kelton: Yeah, her for starters.
(The camera points to where Jon is motioning, and towards Londyn sat out of shot.)
Londyn Zelaya: Yeah, he was with me. All night.
Jon Kelton: And anyway, it would be a waste of my time. Yeah, I want some attention on me. I want to be respected for who I am. But I’m not a fool and besides, Londyn would never be down with that.
Londyn Zelaya: No, I wouldn’t. Kassidy isn’t our enemy, at least not now and besides, she is a much better ally.
Richard Tracie P.I.: I see
Jon Kelton: So yeah, just like with Amir, and just like with Pandora, when it comes to Devolution you are barking up the wrong tree. We want to change this company, and Kassidy is the ideal person to help us with that.
(Richard nods his head, agreeing with the sentiment. Jon and Amir certainly didn’t seem to have the motive he believes, but that didn’t mean that the third member of the group wasn’t more than capable, and finally he turns his attention to Pandora, who waves sarcastically at him.)
Pandora Paisley: Aww, best till last mate?
(She smirks at him, Dick shaking his head.)
Richard Tracie P.I.: I don’t like that smirk. It leads me to believe that you could be the vindictive kind of individual I could be looking for.
Pandora Paisley: Oh yeah, for sure love. I’m exactly the kind of bitch that would do something like that. Anyone that crossed me, I would take care of them in a heartbeat, and I am certainly not above smashing a brick over the head of anyone.
Richard Tracie P.I.: FINALLY!!! An admission of guilt.
(Pandora just laughs and turns to Amir and Jon)
Pandora Paisley: Can you believe this tosser?
Richard Tracie P.I.: What is a ‘tosser’?
Pandora Paisley: Look it up. Basically, no, it isn’t admission of guilt, and you thinking so, makes you the biggest tosser in the world. Yeah, I’m guilty of being capable of such a dastardly act. Guilty as charged. But I wouldn’t do it to Kassidy because she is one of the good guys, at least for now. Ms. Extreme… now your talking, I would have smashed an entire building on that twat, but Kassidy. Nah.
(Dick sighs, these were obviously not his guys, and once again he had hit a roadblock in his investigations and come up short.)
Richard Tracie P.I.: Fine, get out of here.
Jon Kelton: Gladly.
(Devolution all leave the office, leaving Richard alone with his thoughts. Frustration fills his face, and once again he hadn’t found the person who did this. And even more frustrating, he didn’t seem even a little bit closer to doing so.)
(GRAND RAMPAGE 2022 REWIND)
(The camera cuts to Gina Romano in the ring.)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Gina Romano: AND IS FOR THE EAW ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!
(‘You Know My Name by Chris Cornell plays to a thunderous ovation from the EAW audience, damn near blowing the roof off the place for this hometown reception for Adam Lucas, who steps out on the stage smirking before beginning his stride down to the ring.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first! Hailing out of New York City, New York, weighing in at 231…HE IS THE NEXT LEVEL…ADAM LUCAS!!
Eve: Here’s the Next Level, looking to reach exactly that with a win here tonight.
Deadprez: But the question is: can he? Does Adam Lucas have what it takes to walk out victorious here?
Eve: If you ask me, I say he does, we’ve seen this man go toe-to-toe with the best of em, and it feels like it’s almost inevitable for him to walk out World Champ one day. Perhaps today could be that.
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac is next to play, but the reaction is far more harsh, barely any fans looking to root for TLA against Adam. Mostly wanting to see their hometown boy win. But The Answers World Champion makes his way out in style with a lowrider, and not letting the crowd affect him, more so getting why they’re hostile on this night.)
Gina Romano: And his opponent! Residing out of the Poon Palace in Miami, Florida, weighing in at 210 pounds…HE IS THE EAW ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION…LA PANTERA SEXUAL…TLA!!
Gavin Kirkland: Always a treat to see TLA!
Deadprez: Especially at the level he performs, we’re always bound to see a great match outta him, and tonight will be no different.
Eve: But for someone the caliber of TLA, is he prepared for the threat he faces in Adam Lucas?
(TLA tosses his hat into the crowd, but a fan sends it right back, tossing it ringside after catching it, slightly to the amusement of TLA.)
TLA: Oh, damn, so it’s like that?
(TLA shrugs before staring down at Adam Lucas in the opposite corner as the referee signals for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: There’s the bell, and our Answers World Title match is underway, the atmosphere in this place already electric.
Crowd: ADAM LUCAS! ADAMS LUCAS! ADAM LUCAS!
Deadprez: Welp, the fans are making it no secret who they’re firmly behind here, and it’s not often you see TLA outmatched in terms of crowd reaction, but I don’t expect it to rattle him much. End of the day, it’s not about being liked, it’s about defending your title.
Eve: Yeah, but crowd reaction can be vital for some performers, especially those who feed off it, Adam Lucas being one of em. We know he appreciates every person who chants his name, and doesn’t wanna disappoint them, or himself tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: FUCK HIS CROWD REACTION! THE GUY IS MARRYING BETHANY BLUE! HE MUST BE STOPPED!
Eve + Deadprez: :dahell:
Gavin Kirkland: My bad.
Eve: …Anyways, both competitors circle each other before engaging a knucklelock in the center of the ring. TLA gets the early advantage over his challenger with an arm wringer, now connecting with repeated shoulder blocks while having control of that wrist before twisting the arm again to transition with a fireman’s carry takedown!
Deadprez: TLA’s quick to tack on a grounded side headlock, but Adam’s just as quick, perhaps even quicker to escape with a headscissors that TLA kicks out of! Both men scramble back to their feet, and stare each other down, realizing that they’ve come to a stalemate thus far.
TLA: Damn, homie, I see you. :mjgrin:
Eve: Nice to see TLA keeping a level head, not really getting frustrated, knowing it’s early on, and there’s still plenty of room to figure your opponent out here. He’s champion for a reason, but to bring matters back to the match, both competitors lock up in the center of the ring, an approach we’re more used to here, but TLA once again gets the advantage with a standing side headlock.
Deadprez: He’s really wrenching on it, and the fans are not happy, but regardless, TLA transitions to a hammerlock, now back to the side headlock, this time a takedown! But previous events repeat themselves as Adam utilizes a headscissors to escape, forcing the champion to kick out, and hurry back to his feet. Both Adam and TLA stare from the respective corners they’ve picked themselves up in, and begin to inch out slowly, locking up in the center of ring again.
Eve: TLA wrings the arm of Lucas, and yanks on it a few times before wringing it again, but Adams counters with an arm wringer of his own! TLA scores some forearms to the face of Lucas, trying to free himself, but Adams shrugs it off, the grip barely loosening. TLA switches the approach, and goes for a kick to the midsection, but Adam catches the boot, and trips TLA down to the canvas for a SHARPSHOOTER! LUCAS LOC-
Deadprez: The fans’ volume was amping up there, knowing that to be a signature move of Adam, but TLA shoved Lucas away with both feet, and rushes back to his feet, narrowly avoiding a fatal move there.
Eve: And you can see TLA’s expression switch to something a bit more serious, he’s aware of the threat Adam Lucas can pose to that title, but the two lock up, still in early goings of this thing, and TLA gets the advantage with another standing side headlock, keeping control of Adam Lucas for a while in the center of the ring.
Deadprez: Lucas bounces TLA off the ropes to escape, AND ATTEMPTS A HIP TOSS! But Honor Bomb is countered as TLA front flips on his feet, and the champion starts to get a bit more aggressive in his approach, closing the distance between him and Lucas as he marches over for another collar and elbow tie-up!
Gavin Kirkland: TLA goes behind Adam Lucas for a rear waistlock… but seriously, what does Bethany Blue see in this guy?
Eve: Adam is trying to pry those hands of TLA apart, and does! Managing to move behind now for a rear waistlock takedown! ADAM QUICKLY SHOOTS THE HALF FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
T-
Deadprez: Only one count as TLA powers out, and both men are immediately back to their feet, ADAM KNOCKS TLA DOWN WITH A RIGHT HAND, AND TLA SCRAMBLES BACK UP!
Eve: Lucas brings him down to the canvas with a side headlock takedown, and TLA tries to take a page out of Adam’s playbook with a headscissors to escape, but Lucas fends it off, keeping that headlock strapped in tight. Can’t say this is what I expected, thought the pace would quicken a bit, but right now, Adam is relying on that technical wrestling ability to back him here against TLA.
Deadprez: And clearly has kept finishing this thing off in the back of his mind, evident when going for both the Honor Bomb and Lucas Lock early on, but the champ is too fresh for that. And right now begins powering back to a vertical base, trying to bounce Lucas off the ropes! But Adam skids to a halt in the center of the ring, dropping down to a knee, and bringing TLA down to one with him in that side headlock, which has remained tight throughout all this!
Eve: TLA powers back to his feet again, and starts to deliver forearms to the ribcage of Adam, effectively breaking that grip, and allowing him to rebound his opponent off the ropes!
Deadprez: OOH! Adam came back with a shoulder tackle, and the back of TLA’s head hit hard on the canvas.
Eve: TLA jolts up, clutching at the back of it, but Adam Lucas lunges into a rear chinlock, making sure to really wear down his opponent here.
Deadprez: TLA tries fighting back to a vertical base, but once doing so, Lucas takes him down with a side headlock, forcing TLA to fight back to vertical positioning again. All this exerts energy, and that’s exactly what Adam Lucas wants, but TLA starts to deliver forearm shots the ribs again, and Adam’s grip starts to loosen, not break.
Eve: Lucas gets rebounded off the ropes, and TLA goes for a hip toss! However, Adam blocks it, planting his feet, and trying to reverse with a hip toss of his own! But TLA shows off that impressive athleticism by landing on his feet again, BUT IT WAS A TRAP THIS TIME, AND ADAM SHORT-ARMED HIM RIGHT INTO A CLOTHESLINE, DAMN NEAR TAKING THE HEAD OFF OF TLA! Cover is made, hook of the leg!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!
Deadprez: You hear this crowd counting along with the referee, they really wanna see a title change here tonight, but TLA prevents that from happening with a strong kickout. TLA sits up, but gets once again caught in the rear chinlock, and that has to frustrate the performer, along with wearing them down, because this is a spot you don’t wanna be in, having just about no control.
Eve: Whether it frustrates TLA, whether it tires out TLA, or whether it does both, Adam Lucas continues to have a downright perfect game plan if that is the case. …But TLA fights back to his feet, delivering back elbows to the midsection, loosening the grip of Adam enough for him to slip out, and leans Lucas up against the ropes for an Irish whip!
Deadprez: DROPKICK! Adam ran right into a dropkick, clutching at his mouth and nose area while seated afterwards. BUT TLA RUNS OFF THE ROPES FOR A SLIDING SINGLE LEG DROPKICK TO THE SIDE OF LUCAS’ HEAD, POSSIBLY HITTING THE EAR! …Adam wisely rolls away, creating separation from his opposition, and picks himself up in the corner.
Eve: TLA connects with a knife edge chop, echoing throughout the arena, really riling the crowd up as Adam pushes past him to gingerly make his way outta the corner. But not for long as TLA grabs Adam’s head, and slams him face first off the top turnbuckle in the opposite corner. And now connecting with more knife edge chops.
Deadprez: Lucas tried to push past TLA to stagger outta the corner, but the champion pushes back him back into said corner, connecting with more knife edge chops, soon cracking Adams
Lucas with a forearm before whipping him to the opposite corner. TLA CHARGES IN!!
Eve: BUT ADAM GETS THE BOOT UP, STAGGERING TLA BACK, AND CHARGES INTO HIM WITH ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE! Again, Adam Lucas is quick into the cover, having that leg hooked tight!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO-
Gavin Kirkland: Not even a two count this time as TLA kicks out.
Deadprez: Adam Lucas is quicker back to his feet than TLA, who’s still trying to knock some cobwebs out of his head. But TLA gets leaned up against the ropes before whipped off- NO! Reverses last minute, sending Adam instead, and reminiscent of earlier, he gets taken down with a shoulder tackle! Lucas runs off the ropes again, and knocks TLA back down with another shoulder tackle!
Eve: Adam rebounds off the ropes for a third time, but TLA has him scouted, rolling onto his belly, forcing Adam to leap over, AND TLA SPRINGS BACK TO HIS FEET FO- oh, we don’t find out as Adam Lucas hangs on to the top rope, refusing to run right into the arms of TLA. But if Adam Lucas isn’t gonna come to TLA, TLA’S GONNA COME TO HIM AS HE CHARGES IN!
Deadprez: HOWEVER, ADAM SENDS TLA UP AND OVER HIS SHOULDER, ATTEMPTING TO DUMP HIM TO THE OUTSIDE! BUT TLA CATCHES HIMSELF ON THE APRON, AND ADAM TAKES A WILD SWING, WHICH CAUSES TLA TO DROP OFF, AND DRAG ADAM UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE BY HIS FEET! Lucas gets sent back first into the barricade, clearly wincing in pain after that one.
Eve: But TLA rolls him back in, and shortly follows himself. Adam pulls himself up in the corner, but TLA comes in with stomps in the corner before connecting with forearm strikes! But one really just rocks Adam Lucas that extra bit, dropping him down to one knee, but TLA stands him up for knife edge chops in that corner now. Adam Lucas got a taste of these earlier, and it wasn’t pleasant.
Deadprez: You can see Adam’s chest beginning to redden like raw meat, but TLA snapmares him outta that corner for a DOUBLE BOOT SCRAPE! Adam sits up, clutching at his forehead, but TLA grabs him by the head, and slams him face first off the top turnbuckle. TLA wants more knife edge chops-
Eve: BUT ADAM LUCAS DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND STARTS TO TAG HIM WITH SOME OF HIS OWN! The crowd starts to rile themselves back up for Lucas, and TLA comes stumbling out of the corner. Adam begins connecting with right hand punches, and tries for another side headlock, but TLA quickly rebounds Adam off the ropes!
Deadprez: Drop down by the champion, and TLA tries for a leapfrog, BUT ADAM CATCHES HIM IN MID AIR FOR A SPINEBUSTER, NO DOUBT RATTLING THE SPINE OF TLA AS HE GOES FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THH-
Eve: KICKOUT! And Adam Lucas almost had him right there it seems, just tells you how much the element of surprise can help out, not to mention, the explosiveness Adam had on that spinebuster. But putting that aside, he’s back up, and helps TLA to his feet as well, pinning the champion up in the corner for an Irish whip to the opposite one. AND ADAM COMES IN WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK!
Deadprez: TLA’S STUNNED, AND ADAM TAKES ADVANTAGE WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX ON HIS GROGGY OPPONENT, BRIDGING IT FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHH-
Deadprez: TLA kicks out, and holds the back of his neck in pain, evidently getting dumped high on it. Adam Lucas thinks to himself while knelt on the canvas, what does he have to do next? But Adam starts to measure TLA up while he regains a vertical base, hoisting him up for a FALLAWAY SLAM! BUT ADAM ISNT DONE, RUSHING BACK TO HIS FEET FOR A RUNNING SHOOTING STAR PRESS ONTO A DOWNED TLA, HOOKING THE LEG AFTERWARD!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRRR-
Eve: Adam has had a flurry of explosive offense, but it’s still not enough to put away TLA, yet at least. However, to say he isn’t in peril would be a lie.
Gavin Kirkland: If you’re expecting Adam Lucas to walk outta this with an easy victory, you’re expecting wrong as Adam is up against the man who ended Kassidy Heart’s tremendously boring Title reign, which I still thank him for by the way. :blessed:
Eve: :wow:
Deadprez: Adam Lucas stands TLA up, and scores with a right hand, but TLA fires back with an open handed chop! ANOTHER RIGHT HAND! BUT TLA WITH ANOTHER OPEN HANDED CHOP! Right hand punch by Adam Lucas stuns TLA, WHO COMES BACK WITH FOREARM SMASHES TO THE HEAD, DIFFERING WITH BOTH ARMS!
Eve: Lucas reels back up against the ropes, and gets Irish whipped off, BUT ADAM REVERSES, SENDING TLA INSTEAD FOR A BACK BODY DROP! TLA writhes in pain on the canvas after that high bit of elevation. Adam Lucas moves into the cover!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Deadprez: One thing is: you can see Adam Lucas’ urgency, he isn’t here to have a five star match, he’s here to walk out as champion, and constant pins will bring him one step closer to that. Because kicking out expends energy, and TLA’s been forced to use lots of it lately. But Adam Lucas gets to one knee while TLA gets to all fours, and is hooked up for a suplex by Lucas, who helps TLA back to his feet.
Eve: SUPLE- NO! TLA SLIPS OUT THE BACK FOR AN INVERTED FRONT FACELOCK BACKBREAKER SPUN INTO AN ELBOW DROP! TLA kneels on the canvas, trying to catch his breath after that, leaving him unable to capitalize as Adam rolls away, picking himself up from all fours with assistance from the ropes. TLA approaches as Adam stands up, BUT EATS A BACK ELBOW FOR HIS TROUBLES!
Deadprez: And TLA smashes his elbow into the face of Lucas as payback! KICK TO THE GUT BY ADAM! And he tries to follow that up with a right hand, but TLA ducks underneath, backing Adam up against the ropes with repeated knife edge chops to the chest! Irish whip- but there’s a reversal by Lucas, AND TLA COMES OFF THE ROPES WITH A HURRICANRANA!
Eve: Both competitors are back to their feet, TLA a bit quicker than Adam, who’s favoring his back. AND TLA CHARGES IN, WHO FEINTS A FRONT KICK, AND CATCHES ADAM WITH A SPINNING BACK ELBOW! THE CHALLENGER’S ON WOBBLY LEGS, AND TLA TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A BRAINBUSTER, PLANTING HIM IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Deadprez: TLA starts his ascension to the top rope, and Adam better move quick.
Eve: We know TLA is very comfortable off the ground, and can drop devastating offense from anywhere. …420!!! SHOOTING STAR PRESS CONNECTS! BUT SHOCKINGLY, TLA DOESNT GO FOR THE COVER AS ADAM LUCAS ROLLS TO HIS SIDE!
Gavin Kirkland: That’s odd, don’t understand the decision making behind that. :lupe:
Deadprez: I think TLA wants to definitively finish this one off here, and starts to pull a prone Adam up into a powerbomb position it seems. If I were to guess, maybe the Mexican Destroyer!
Eve: But Adam has it scouted, dropping down to a knee, and forcing TLA to power him back up into position. BUT ADAM TWIRLS OUT OF THIS PREDICAMENT, GOING FOR ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE, BUT TLA DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT, TRYING TO SCORE A FAST ONE HERE WITH A BACKSLIDE!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Deadprez: TWO COUNT! AND BOTH COMPETITORS ARE BACK UP! TLA GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN, WHICH ADAM DUCKS UNDERNEATH ALSO, AND REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES BEHIND TLA FOR A CROSSBODY! BUT THE CHAMPION WISELY FALLS FLAT BACK ON THE MAT TO AVOID IT, SO ADAM WINDS UP HITTING NO ONE!
Eve: Lucas rolls out of the ring, clutching at his abdominal region, possibly cracking a few ribs there as he landed pretty hard on them.
(TLA surveys the situation, and sees Adam hurt on the outside, showing his plan worked.)
TLA: :lick:
Deadprez: The gears are starting to turn in the head of TLA, who watches Adam pick himself up using the barricade. You can see the fans willing him on, telling Adam to get up, BUT HES ABOUT TO GO BACK DOWN AS TLA SOARS THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!
Eve: BUT TLA GOT CAUGHT IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY BY LUCAS, WHO EYES THE RINGPOST! ALTHOUGH, TLA SLIPS OUT BEHIND ADAM, AND SENDS HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!
Deadprez: TLA can breathe a sigh of relief as he sends Adam Lucas back into the ring for a cover!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!
Deadprez: Adam kicks out, sitting himself up, BUT TLA PUTS HIM RIGHT BACK DOWN WITH A KICK TO THE CHEST! Lucas rolls over to a prone position before moving to all fours. TLA takes advantage with a kick to the shoulder that went into the steel steps, grabs the now kneeling Adam into a hammerlock.
Eve: OOH! HE JUST SENT ADAM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! TLA wraps Adam’s arm around the top rope, and places his foot on the middle for leverage as he yanks on it. Referee is gonna have no choice but to intervene.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
Deadprez: TLA releases at the count of three, perhaps getting the top caught up in inflicting damage on his opponent, he blocked out the referee’s count.
Eve: But this is very smart on TLA’s end, softening up that arm for a possible Crossed Paths attempt later on. Could we be seeing Adam tap out? …the referee pulls TLA away from Adam, who stumbles out of that corner favoring the shoulder. BUT TLA SENDS HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST NOW AFTER BEING FREE FROM THE REFEREE’S SCOLDING!
(The crowd’s booing intensifies, not liking to see their hometown hero picked apart like this.)
Deadprez: Lucas falls through the middle rope, and to the outside, heavily wincing in pain, showing just how much agony he’s in. But he needs to snap out of it quick, because the referee’s count has just begun.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
Eve: Adam Lucas gets to a knee with help from the ring skirt, but TLA, who isn’t gonna be content winning by countout, brings Lucas up to the apron, grabbing him by the hair. TLA wrenches the arm of Adam before pulling him in through the middle rope, and drops repeated elbows on that shoulder after wringing it.
Deadprez: Adam falls to a knee, BUT TLA STANDS HIM BACK UP FOR A DOUBLE KNEE ARMBREAKER! Adam is rolling in agony, AND TLA TAKES THIS TIME TO CONNECT WITH CROSSED PATHS! THE CROSS ARMBREAKER IS LOCKED IN! NOWHERE TO GO FOR LUCAS, WHOS IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Gavin Kirkland: He’s trying to use those legs, and hands to reach, but it’s serving no use right about now. I think Adam’s gonna tap out, and how embarrassing would that be in his hometown?!
Eve: THE CROWD IS RALLYING BEHIND ADAM LUCAS, NOW MORE THAN EVER, WANTING HIM TO BREAK OUT OF THIS THING! HOWEVER, ADAM RAISES THAT HAND, HES GONNA TAP OUT I THINK!
Deadprez: NO! ADAM GETS TO BOTH FEET, STACKING UP TLA FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Eve: NO! TLA realizes what was happening, and inches his shoulder up off the mat, forcing Adam to change approaches, LIFTING TLA SLIGHTLY OFF THE MAT, AND PLANTING HIM WITH A POWERBOMB TO BREAK THE HOLD! Adam slams his fist into the injured arm, trying to pump some life back into it, and runs off the ropes for an elbow drop! But he misses as TLA last second moves out of the way, doing further damage to Adam Lucas.
Deadprez: Adam slowly gets back to his feet, meanwhile, TLA beats him to the punch by just a bit, backing Adam up against the ropes with a hard forearm, and attempting an Irish whip off the ropes after! Adam reverses, and sends TLA instead! Lucas ducks down, hoping to have a repeat of earlier with the back body drop! BUT TLA STOPS HIMSELF SHORT FOR A PENALTY KICK RIGHT TO THE SHOULDER!
Eve: TLA RUNS OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF LUCAS, BUT FOR WHAT- WE DONT KNOW AS ADAM CATCHES TLA WITH A DROPKICK! The champ is quickly back to his feet though, AND GETS PUT DOWN WITH ANOTHER DROPKICK! But TLA remains persistent, almost running off of instinct at this point as he again gets back to his instantly. DISCUS PUNCH PUTS TLA ON SPAGHETTI LEGS, AND TAKES ADVANTAGE WITH AN IRISH WHIP OFF THE ROPES!
Deadprez: HONOR BOMB! ADAM LUCAS CAUGHT TLA WITH THE HONOR BOMB! HIP TOSS INTO A CRADLE PILEDRIVER! But Adam Lucas isn’t gonna call it a day just yet, and similar to TLA earlier, wants to be sure that his opponent is done, now lining him up.
Gavin Kirkland: TLA might not wanna turn around.
Deadprez: TLA got knocked loopy with that piledriver, you can see he’s swinging at air before turning around to face Adam Lucas, WHO TRIES FOR A SHORT-ARM POP-UP POWERBOMB!
Eve: BUT TLA MANAGES TO COUNTER, LEAPING RIGHT OVER THE HEAD OF LUCAS, HAVING SOME FIGHT LEFT IN HIM! ADAM TURNS AROUND, AND ALMOST GETS CAUGHT WITH THE SWAG SHOT, BUT DUCKS UNDER THE PIMP HAND SLAP BY TLA, SHOVING HIM INTO THE ROPES FOR LEVEL UP TO FINALLY CONNECT!
Deadprez: Yeah, but it put a lot of pressure on the injured shoulder of Lucas, causing there to be some hesitation before he tries for the pinfall after nursing said shoulder.
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE-
Eve: AND AS A RESULT, TLA EXPLODES OUT OF THE COVER! Much to the chagrin of everybody in this arena, especially Adam Lucas, who simply can only shake his head, but not in complete disbelief, realizing the caliber of opponent TLA is.
Deadprez: Adam has gotta keep pressing forward, and press forward he does, grabbing TLA by the head, and back of his tights, sending him out through the middle rope. And did you hear the smack when TLA’s body hit the outside. Speaking of, TLA is sprawled out, and doesn’t look to have much of any fight left in him right now. But regardless, Adam heads out through the middle rope, picking up a limp TLA, and driving him back first into the apron.
Eve: That certainly brought some life back into TLA, who has a look of pain etched across his face, but it’s not about to be wiped off anytime soon as Adam Lucas lifts him up off the floor, almost in position for something like a spinebuster. But from there, HE DRIVES TLA BACK FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST ALSO! …Adam Lucas rolls TLA back in, hooking the leg for a cover now!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
TH-
Deadprez: TLA gets the shoulder up, and Adam Lucas stands him up in a front facelock.
Eve: Look at Adam, targeting himself a body part now, that being TLA’s back, delivering clubbing blows. Adam tries for that suplex now, and TLA is doing his best to block it, planting his feet in the center of the ring. BUT ADAM GETS HIM UP ANYWAYS, WHAT A RAW SHOWING OF POWER! Adam’s quickly into the cover after that!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Deadprez: Kickout at two by TLA, and Adam Lucas straps on a rear chinlock, driving that knee between the shoulder blades.
Eve: Adam wrenches back, and similar to TLA, if he keeps up this targeting of the back, that’ll make his sharpshooter even more dangerous.
Deadprez: TLA starts to fight back to his feet, and backs Adam up into the corner, gonna force a break here.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! F-
Eve: Adam relinquishes TLA from his grasp, AND THE CHAMPION OPPORTUNISTICALLY CONNECTS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! We’ve seen plenty of those this match up already, and TLA simply starts to pummel Adam Lucas with punches to the head, sinking him in that corner before Irish whipping him into the opposite corner!
Deadprez: BUT ADAM LUCAS COUNTERS, AND WHIPS TLA INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD! CAUSING THE CHAMPION TO GO UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE, WIPING OUT ON THE OUTSIDE! Realizing that he can’t win the title by count out, Adam exits the ring once catching a quick breather, barely slowing down in this contest, and rolls TLA back into the ring.
Eve: The champion slowly starts to pick himself up off the mat, not knowing that Adam Lucas is on the apron behind him. TLA turns around, AND GETS TAGGED WITH A SPRINGBOARD FOREARM SMASH! BEAUTIFUL IN RING OFFENSE BY ADAM LUCAS, WHO HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEE-
Deadprez: TLA POPS THE SHOULDER UP! You can sense an air of frustration now with Adam Lucas, but he stands the dazed champion up, and bounces him face first off the top turnbuckle, lifting him up there afterwards.
Gavin Kirkland: I think we’re gonna see a superplex.
Eve: For once in your life, Gavin, you are correct as Adam Lucas climbs to the middle rope, hooking TLA up for the suplex now.
Deadprez: BUT THE LATIN ASSASSIN STARTS TO FIGHT BACK WITH SHOTS TO THE RIB CAGE BEFORE SLAMMING ADAM’S HEAD REPEATEDLY ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE TIL HES DOUBLED OVER! LOOK OF INTENSITY IN THE EYES OF TLA AS HE PEELS ADAM LUCAS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPES WITH AN AVALANCHE SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!
Eve: But TLA leans back against the bottom turnbuckle, too exhausted to even make a cover here as Adam Lucas rolls halfway across the ring, nicely creating distance.
Deadprez: No surprise he’s exhausted, a move like that can take a lot out of you, but it’s worth it. Because as you can see, Adam Lucas is hurt, and hurt bad off of that.
Eve: So much so, neither competitor can take advantage right now.
Deadprez: …takes em a while, but both competitors are finally beginning to stir. TLA pulls himself up in the corner, meanwhile, Adam pulls himself up to all fours in the center of the ring. Being on his feet first, TLA heads over to maintain the upper hand.
Eve: BUT THERE’S ADAM LUCAS WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN, AND HES GONNA TRY FOR THAT SHARPSHOOTER, BUT TLA FIRMLY KICKS HIM AWAY, AND THE BACK OF ADAM’S HEAD WHIPLASHED HARD!
Deadprez: The challenger rolls out to the apron,and uses the ropes to pick himself up. BUT KEEP YOUR EYES ON TLA, WHO BARRELS INTO ADAM WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE, AND OOH!
Gavin Kirkland: ADAM CAME FLYING FACE FIRST INTO OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE COVER! :damn:
Eve: And now he’s laid out right in front of us. TLA starts to formulate a game plan, and it might be one with cruel intentions on the mind as he exits the ring, dislodging the steel steps, and removing the top one of the bottom.
Deadprez: That’s the same steel steps Adam Lucas went shoulder first into earlier, creating a new target for TLA during this matchup.
Eve: Well, they’re about to pay dividends again as TLA brings Adam up on the bottom step, putting him in position for a powerbomb. But we both know what he has planned here, and that’s the Mexican Destroyer off that elevated area onto the floor, which has very thin padding, mind you. …TLA FLIPS FOR THE MEXICAN DESTROYER!
Deadprez: NO! ADAM LUCAS BACK BODY DROPPED HIM OVERHEAD, AND THAT BACK OF TLA GETS PUT THROUGH MORE PUNISHMENT!
Eve: The champion writhes in pain on the floor as Adam Lucas rolls back into the ring, and back out, smartly restarting the referee’s count.
Deadprez: Adam Lucas leans up against the barricade now, simply stalking TLA while catching his breath, somewhat exhausted from a match this long, and hard hitting. I mean, just look at the chest of Adam Lucas, you’ll see some battle scars right there.
Eve: Adam starts to drive that shoulder into the barricade, and something we didn’t address was if it came out of place during all that limb damage TLA was doing, especially on the cross armbreaker, which can put anyone on the shelf if done right.
Deadprez: TLA starts to pick himself up using our announce table, BUT HERE COMES ADAM LUCAS TO CHARGE IN!
Gavin Kirkland: LOOK OUT! :krabs:
(The commentary team clear out the way as Adam Lucas spears TLA over the announce table.)
Eve: OH MY GOD! ADAM LUCAS JUST SPEARED TLA OVER OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE, AND NOW JUST MOUNTING HIM WITH PUNCHES BEHIND IT!
Deadprez: ITS IN TIMES LIKE THIS YOU START TO SEE THE TRUE VICIOUS NATURE OF SOMEONE COME OUT, AND RIGHT NOW, ADAM LUCAS IS KICKING INTO SECOND GEAR!
Eve: Adam rises off of TLA, and taunts that the crowd stand up! Gonna guess that means the match’ll be over soon if Lucas has his way, sliding TLA back into the ring. AND THERE IT IS! THE LUCAS LOCK! THE LUCAS LOCK IS CINCHED IN! TLA HAS NOWHERE TO GO IN THAT SHARPSHOOTER!
Deadprez: YOU CAN SEE THE CHAMPION START TO PANIC, WHICH IS A RARE SIGHT! BUT THAT HAND OF TLA IS RAISED, AND WE COULD BE SEEING HIM TAP OUT RIGHT HERE!
Eve: AND IF TLA IS HAVING ANY DOUBTS, ADAM LUCAS FURTHER WRENCHES BACK ON THAT SHARPSHOOTER THE FARTHEST HE CAN! DETERMINATION ETCHED ACROSS THE FACE!
Deadprez: NOT GONNA BE BEATEN THIS EASILY, TLA RISES OFF THE MAT, AND BEGINS TO CRAWL OVER TO THE ROPES! ADAM’S HOLD IS STARTING TO COME APART OF BIT HERE, AND HE FALLS TO A KNEE THANKS TO TLA’S CONTINUOUS FIGHT!
Eve: BUT THE HOLD IS CINCHED BACK IN RIGHT BEFORE TLA COULD GRAB ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE! ADAM LUCAS IS BACK TO WRENCHING TIGHTLY ON IT, AND TLA LOOKS LIKE HES GONNA FADE POSSIBILITY!
Deadprez: EITHER WAY, YOU CAN TAP OUT, YOU CAN PASS OUT, THE TITLE IS GONE!
Eve: NO! TLA MAKES A LAST MINUTE LUNGE FOR THE BOTTOM ROPE, AND NOW ADAMS WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO BREAK THE HOLD, OR SIGN AWAY HIS ANSWER WORLD TITLE DREAMS HERE!!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
Deadprez: Adam Lucas finally breaks off of TLA, who looks to be about out of it right now, having that hand rested on the bottom rope while prone.
Eve: Adam Lucas reigns down on the back of TLA with stomps, but the referee pulls him away, admonishing him for the action, but emotions are running high, aggression is starting to pour out.
Deadprez: We’re far from the technical wrestling we saw at the beginning as now Adam Lucas lines up TLA, who picks himself up using the ropes, back to his opponent, no idea what’s coming next as he turns around into a KICK TO THE GUT! ADAM HOISTS HIM UP FOR A POWER- NO! IT GOT REVERSED INTO THE MEXICAN DESTROYER! ADAM GOT SPIKED RIGHT ON HIS HEAD!
Gavin Kirkland: It’s over! TLA has this won!
Eve: All he needs to do is crawl over, and place that hand across the chest, which he does! Adam’s done!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!
….
….
….
Deadprez: SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY, ADAM LUCAS KICKS OUT! TLA certainly didn’t expect that, and felt as if he had the match won right there. But you can’t get frustrated in a situation like this, you already gotta be back on the opposition. Abs TLA thinks to himself on what’s next, but look at Adam Lucas, who tried pulling himself up using the ropes as we’ve seen him do before, but didn’t have the energy too, just hanging himself up on the middle rope.
Eve: TLA sees his opponent draped on the middle rope, and might’ve just gotten his next plan of attack already, rebounding off the opposite set of ropes! FOR A TIGER FEINT KICK, AKA THE 305! BUT ADAM LUCAS DUCKS DOWN IN TIME TO AVOID IT! TLA STOPS HIMSELF IN THE RING, AND TURNS AROUND TO WANDER RIGHT INTO THE LEVEL UP! POP-UP POWERBOMB CONNECTS AGAIN, AND ADAM FALLS INTO THE COVER, BARELY HOOKING THE INSIDE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!
Deadprez: FOOT ON THE ROPE! TLA GOT HIS FOOT ON THE ROPE! And Adam Lucas starts to pound the mat in frustration, knowing that was it, if he’d had just hooked the outside leg, he’d probably be standing here right now as the Answers World Champion.
Eve: But the longer a match gets, sometimes the sloppier you can get at times, and Adam made a clear miscalculation, but I don’t think a slip up like that’s gonna happen again. If one of these men are hit with the other’s move again, I’m not sure if there’ll be much resilency left to kickout.
Deadprez: Adam Lucas clears the hair out of his face, and you can see the fired up expression as TLA finds himself in the corner, trying to get his wits about him. BUT ADAM LUCAS CHARGES IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE, AND RUNS TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER TO BUILD MOMENTUM FOR ANOTHER! AND ANO- NO!
Eve: TLA CAME OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Expending all the energy he had for that one as now both he and Adam are down. TLA prone on the canvas, and Adam sprawled out. If TLA could, now would be the perfect time for a pin.
Deadprez: …both competitors start to slowly regain vertical positioning once more, grabbing onto the back of each other’s heads as they do. AND ADAM LUCAS CONNECTS WITH A RIGHT!
Crowd: YAY!
Deadprez: TLA FIRES BACK WITH A FOREARM!
Crowd: BOO!
Eve: SUPERKICK BY ADAM LUCAS, BUT AFTER STAGGERING BACK, TLA LANDS THE SAME! Adam Lucas is glazed over, BUT STILL THROWS ANOTHER RIGHT HAND SHOT TO THE SKULL! FOREARM BY TLA! SHOT TO THE UNPROTECTED BODY BY ADAM LUCAS!
Deadprez: ELBOW SMASH BY TLA! AND ADAM HITS ANOTHER PUNCH! BOTH MEN RUN OFF THE OPPOSITE SET OF ROPES TO EACH OTHER, AND COLLIDE WITH A DOUBLE CROSSBODY!
Eve: TLA and Adam Lucas just got the wind taken out of both their sails, and after getting it back, crawl over toward one another.
Deadprez: Both their heads begin to rest on each other’s shoulder, using their opponent’s body and momentum to get back to their feet. ADAM LUCAS LANDS A HARD SLAP ACROSS THE FACE OF TLA, AND I THINK THAT FIRED HIM UP!
Eve: SWAG SHOT! TLA WITH A PIMP SLAP ACROSS THE FACE OF ADAM, TALK ABOUT A WAY TO ONE UP! BUT LUCAS HITS TLA WITH A PIMP SLAP OF HIS OWN, AND THE TWO BEGIN TO EXCHANGE JUST SLAPS IN GENERAL!
Deadprez: TLA GETS THE UPPER HAND IN SAID EXCHANGE, HITTING ADAM FROM BOTH SIDES, DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO COVER UP! AND LUCAS EXPLODES WITH A STEP-UP ENZIGURI TO REGAIN CONTROL!
Eve: THE MOMENTUM OF TLA HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY HALTED AS ADAM WHIPS HIM INTO THE CORNER, CHARGING IN RIGHT AFTER! BUT TLA GOES UP AND OVER- OR SHOULD I SAY TRIED TO, BUT ADAM CAUGHT HIM ON HIS SHOULDER, AND WALKS WITH TLA TO THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Deadprez: BUT TLA! TLA SPUN OUT WITH A TILT-A-WHIRL DDT, SPIKING ADAM LUCAS ON HIS HEAD!
Eve: TLA rolls Adam over onto his back, but isn’t looking for the cover, and goes to climb up the top rope, back facing his opponent. If I were to guess, we’re on the verge of seeing Burnout. But- wait, TLA repositions himself to face Adam Lucas on the top rope, seeing that Lucas was stirring, and didn’t wanna leave himself in a vulnerable position like that.
Deadprez: TLA OFF THE TOP WITH A DRAGONRANA! …BUT ADAM LUCAS HOLDS HIM IN PLACE, AND POWERS TLA BACK UP IN POSITION FOR A POWERBOMB! LEVEL UP!
Eve: MIGHTA SPOKE A BIT TOO SOON THERE, PARTNER, AS TLA COUNTERS WITH A HURRICANRANA, HOOKING BOTH LEGS IN THE COVER!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRRRR-
Deadprez: Adam is quickly back to his feet after that, and TLA only gets up to a knee. Lucas grabs the shoulder of his opponent, BUT TLA COMES OUTTA NOWHERE WITH THE CARTEL KICK! THE PELE KICK DROPS ADAM LUCAS, AND PUTS HIM IN DROP ZONE DISTANCE FOR THE BURNOUT! TLA stomps down on the chest of Lucas before ascending to the top rope…
Eve: BURNOUT! THE CORKSCREW 360 SENTON CONNECTS, AND TLA HOOKS THE OUTSIDE LEG!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
(Foot on the ropes)
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gina Romano: HERE’S YOUR WINNER…AND STILL THE EAW ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION…TLA!!
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac plays to a mixed reaction from the crowd, mostly booing, but a small margin able to cheer after witnessing such a great match between these two, and seeing TLA score the hard fought victory. TLA sits himself up on the mat, and is handed his Championship, which he raises high after being helped to his feet by the ref.)
Eve: TLA has retained his Answers World Championship!
Deadprez: But Showdown’s main event match for Pain for Pride is still subject to change with the Grand Rampage match coming.
Eve: Yeah, will we see Impact keep his spot? Or will it go to someone else on the Showdown roster?
Gavin Kirkland: MY MONEY’S ON LIMMY MONAGHAN! LET’S RUN IT BACK! TLA GOT LUCKY!
Eve: :wow:
(While posing on the turnbuckle with his Title, the replay for the match shows up, and what’s caught this time round is Adam Lucas having his free foot on the middle rope due to TLA hooking the pin too deep, and Adam tries bringing this to the referee’s attention angrily, the two going back-and-forth.)
Deadprez: Guys, Adam might have a legitimate gripe here, seeing the footage back, he indeed did have his foot on the middle rope.
Eve: I guess the excitement caused us to miss it.
(The marginal crowd reaction even turns to boo, everyone flocking to the side of Adam Lucas, going as far to throw trash in the ring, feeling as if he got screwed. TLA steps off the middle rope, and turns around to interject between Lucas and the referee.)
Eve: Looks like Adam is explaining to TLA what really went down.
Deadprez: Adam kicks the bottom rope in frustration, and you can see TLA clearly trying to appease things. He had the same clue as the rest of us, which is none.
Eve: If that’s enough to see a rematch between the two, I wouldn’t be mad.
(TLA extends his hand to Lucas, trying to smooth things over, but after taking a long glance at it, Adam simply turns around and starts to walk away, but he stops. Looking down at the floor, Adam Lucas takes a deep breath, knowing he was cheated, knowing that he was pinned. He looks up at his hometown folks who cheer him with a standing ovation. He nods and turns to TLA, the two of them glaring at each other but TLA still has his hand out for the shake.)
Deadprez: What is Adam going to do? He has to be so damn disappointed right now, this was his hometown, the Main Event of Night one, it was his chance and the referee is refusing to look at the replay, even though he saw TLA’s foot earlier!
Eve: That’s the worst part! That Adam Lucas was not really pinned! His foot was on the rope and this match should have continued. Look at Adam, he is turning to the referee is pleading with him.
(The referee holds up three, a dejected Adam again turns back, pacing a little as TLA continues to have his hand out to shake it. Adam Lucas looks at it, then walks up to TLA one more time and he grabs his hand and shakes it. The crowd erupts in cheers….)
Gavin Kirkland: ADAM LUCAS SHOWING SPORTSMANSHIP AND CLASS! My Bromance’s are getting along and this is a good day to be in the EAW! Adam is the future and I know that his time will come!
Eve: There is no doubt about it! Adam Lucas will be a World Champion and it may not be this season but it sure as hell could be the next!
(Adam nods and starts to walk out, TLA looks at the crowd and bows as they really love their hometown boy. Adam steps out of the ring and is on the apron ready to drop to the floor but looks at the crowd one more time and nods…)
Eve: What an ovation Adam Lucas is seeing here tonight and we really love to see this from two great competitors…..
Deadprez:….. OH MY GAWD IT’S THE BUCKSHOT LARIAT ON TLA!!!! WHAT THE HELL!!!! ADAM LUCAS CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND LAID OUT TLA AND LOOK AT THE REFERE! HE LOOKS STUNNED AND ADAM GRABS THE REFEREE AND UP IN THE AIR THE NEXT LEVEL HE JUST LAID OUT THE REFEREE! HE JUST DESTROYED THE OFFICIAL TOO!
(The crowd is stunned but they still cheer the hometown hero on as Adam looks down at the World Championship, he picks it up and looks at TLA who is stirring on the ground….)
Adam Lucas: (Off Mic) This isn’t over!
(Adam takes one last glance at the Answers World Championship before dropping it on TLA. He looks at the crowd and shakes in anger as they continue to cheer for him.)
Eve: I AM COMPLETELY STUNNED! ADAM LUCAS LOST TONIGHT UNFORTUNATELY BY A REFEREE MISTAKE BUT THIS WAS NOT THE WAY TO ANSWER BACK!
Deadprez: You know… I don’t blame him for being upset but Adam Lucas will have to face the consequences for his actions!
Gavin Kirkland: Nooooooo! Not like this!
Deadprez: Adam Lucas….. Damn it! Just made a statement but TLA is STILL the Answers
World Champion!
Gavin Kirkland: WHY ADAM!?!?! WHY!?!?!
(Adam continues to look down at TLA and the downed referee as officials come running out to check on both as he raises his arms and the hometown crowd continues to cheer as the camera fades to black.)
(It cuts to a commercial break Ad of the Grand Rampage match.)
(As Showdown returns from Commercial, M3tamorphosis” by Playboi Carti ft Kid Cudi hits over the PA system, and an emerald light centers on Impact as he stands with his back turned in a Jesus pose)
Deadprez: It looks like one of the most decorated Elitists in our history is about to make his way to the ring, and you can bet he has something to say to Adam Lucas.
(Impact turns, and fist bumps, the crowd booing as he does which brings a smirk to his face. He walks down to the ring, engaging with any fans who dare cross him, before sliding under the bottom rope, and taking a mic from one of the crew. He holds up his hand, and the music fades, allowing us to hear the boos filling the arena.)
Impact: Thank you for that warm welcome… guessing you would rather it be Adam ‘Vanilla’ Lucas out here right now huh?
(The place erupts, Impact nodding his head with a smirk on his face.)
Impact: Man, you guys are really gluttons for punishment ain’t you? I’m not surprised this is Philly after all. By show of hands, who has the Philly Brain Cell today?
(More boos, but there are some cheers, Philadelphia is known for its ‘different’ views.)
Eve: Impact once again getting involved with the fans.
Gavin Kirkland: He’s a showman, and since when has he cared about opinions anyway.
Impact: I mean, let’s face it… I don’t know how many times I have faced Adam Lucas; I try to forget how many times I have had to demean myself. But I know how many times I have dominated him… it’s EVERY SINGLE TIME. Elimination Chamber from last year, I told him how he would be one of the first to be gone, and he was. Dia Del Diablo, I promised him that he would learn a valuable lesson, and if you ask him right now, he will agree that he most certainly did. Even in the Elimination Chamber of Season 16, he will tell a tale of me only winning because Kennedy Street could have him clogging up the main event. But if you watch back the match, you will see quite clearly who was in the ascendancy. It’s nothing new Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s almost magical, the hold I have over EAW’s greatest ‘hope’ to bring some semblance of order to the Blue brand. Again, by a show of hands, how many people here right now truly believe Adam will be able to stop me from being in the main event of Pain for Pride when I inevitably humble him AGAIN at Grand Rampage?
(He doesn’t give them time to put up their hands, although a lot certainly do, though he ignores them.)
Impact: That’s right, you got it. No one truly believes that he can stop me. Just like when I claim my place, rendering his fluke King of Elite victory worthless, I will then win back MY Answers World Championship on the grandest stage of them all. I’m not saying this to be an asshole, I’m saying this because it’s fact. Fact that every single one of you knows is the truth. Including Adam Lucas. So Adam, I know you are in the back, biting your nails and fretting about your inevitable demise, so why don’t you just come out here right now and we put to bed all the nonsense and you accept that I AM better than you in every single way. Let Bethany take the reins at Pain for Pride, I think it is more than obvious that she is more capable of bringing home the bacon than you are.
(Impact turns to the entrance way, as a ‘Next Level’ chant breaks out.)
Impact: Come on Adam, don’t be scared now. You’re adoring fans request your presence, you wouldn’t let them down… AGAIN, would you?
Deadprez: Impact calling out Adam Lucas…
Eve: If Adam has any smarts, he stays in the back.
Gavin Kirkland: Come on Adam, get out here and show Impact what you are made of
(The camera pans back to Impact who is shaking his head.)
Impact: I knew it. Adam Lucas is a cow…
(‘You know my Name’ hits over the PA system, the place erupting in noise.)
Deadprez: Here we go…
Gavin Kirkland: YES!!!!
(Adam Lucas appears on the staging and immediately without hesitation starts making his way down the ramp. Impact smirks, as if he knew Adam wouldn’t be able to resist the bait.)
Eve: Adam walking down with a purpose, he’s had enough of Impact’s taunting.
(Adam slides under the bottom rope, Impact backing off as he walks past him, glaring at him before taking a mic. Now Adam’s music fades, and the arena hushes down, wanting to hear what Adam has to say.)
Impact: Good of you to join…
Adam Lucas: SHUT THE HELL UP!!!
(The arena goes mental at this show of strength from Adam, Impact a little taken aback.)
Adam Lucas: You know what sunshine, I’m sick of playing this song and dance with you. It’s boring. Boring having to listen to you ‘claim’ that you have had my number these last two seasons. Yes, you beat me in the Elimination Chamber back in Season 15. Yes, you burnt me to a crisp at Dia Del Diablo. But at that point, I promised things were going to change, and they have. A count out victory may have meant nothing to you, but it was everything to me. The Elimination Chamber this season I DID have you, not matter how much you want to cover that fact up. And at Grand Rampage Impact, I am SO happy that I accepted your challenge. Because at that event I am going to put you in the box marked ‘DONE’ once and for all.
(Impact listens intently, lifting the mic as Adam pauses.)
Impact: You’ve always been a decent talker Adam, I won’t take that away from you. You’ve always been able to talk a good game, but have never backed it up. You may not have seen, but I did a poll…
Adam Lucas: I saw it
Impact: Then you’ll know that no one expects you to win Adam. Not at Grand Rampage, nor at Pain for Pride when I’m involved.
Adam Lucas: I saw it, Impact, and I didn’t ignore what I was seeing. I saw those hands, just like I can feel those feelings right now. They don’t just want me to beat you this time Karl. They don’t just believe I can beat you. No, they EXPECT me to beat you, and go on to defeat either Alex Myers or Jake Smith at Pain for Pride. You’re ignorant to that, it doesn’t change it.
Impact: Look Adam, you’re a decent wrestler. No question. You’ve had some decent matches in your time. I can accept that. But there is one undeniable truth here. You are not and will never be the equal of Karl Impact. And you need to get used to that fact.
Adam Lucas: Is that right?
Impact: It is, and you know it.
Adam Lucas: Then, I guess there is nothing more to say.
Impact: Nah, be a good boy now and run along.
(Adam turns, the crowd starting to boo.)
Gavin Kirkland: Is he leaving?
Eve: It looks like it
Deadprez: Nothing more to say… he’s just going to wait till grand Rampage is seems.
(Adam stops, looking out at the crowd, a smile now forming on his face as he turns around.)
Adam Lucas: Oh, I’m sorry I forgot. I do have one more thing to say.
Impact: Get it over with.
(Adam walks up to Impact, his eyes narrowed.)
Adam Lucas: Go to hell
(Adam smashes the microphone into Impact’s face, Impact staggering backwards and Adam laying into him with a flurry of punches and kicks which have Impact reeling and on the ropes. Adam takes a couple of steps back, and then clotheslines them both over the top rope.)
Deadprez: Lucas with no regards for himself… someone get out here all hell is breaking loose.
(Adam reaches under the apron for a chair, but Impact is on him, and slams him backwards into the announce table, Adam’s spine taking the full force. Impact then picks up the chair but as he lifts it, Adam kicks him in the gut causing him to drop the weapon. Adam then lifts him and falls backwards, Impact suplexed onto the arena floor.)
Eve: These two are going to kill each other
Gavin Kirkland: It’s great isn’t it?
(Adam picks up Impact, and brings down a couple of forearms on the back of his neck, before grabbing his arm and sending him into the ring post with a clatter heard around the arena. Adam then stalks him, and runs forwards, straight into an instinctive big boot from Impact, levelling Adam on the arena floor.)
Deadprez: This is bedlam… but here comes security.
(As Impact pulls Adam up to his feet, Adam drops a headbutt right on the bridge of Impact’s nose, busting it open to the delight of the crowd. The two then start throwing huge bombs at each other, both of them refusing to go down. Finally, the officials manage to pull them apart, the fans letting their thoughts known.)
Crowd: LET THEM FIGHT. LET THEM FIGHT.
(The officials have no intention of letting that happen however.)
Deadprez: True feeling in this match, neither individual likes each other. Grand Rampage is going to be defining for both.
Eve: Neither man giving an inch here tonight. Exactly the way it should be
Gavin Kirkland: Exactly. ADAM WATCH OUT!!!
(Impact releases himself from security, and Impact sucker punches Adam in the back of the head, before then diving and driving his forearm into the back of Adam’s knee, taking him to the floor. Impact then wastes no time locking in the Walls of Impact, the fans booing from the rafter.)
Deadprez: Adam in the Walls… he’s trying to break free, but he can’t.
Eve: The official trying to pry Impact off, but he won’t let go.
Deadprez: Impact doing all that he can to weaken Adam for Grand Rampage.
(Adam continues to fight it, but Impact is relentless, the pain etched on Adam’s face. Finally, and thankfully, the official manages to get him off Adam, who for a moment cannot move. Impact is led away, and he has no problem with that, the damage already done.)
Deadprez: Look at Impact’s face… he knows that he’s done.
Eve: He’s laid down a marker, just like I said he would.
(Impact walks backwards up the ramp, the officials forcing him to go, the smile refusing to leave his face.)
Gavin Kirkland: Adam fought in the Walls, but has Impact done significant damage with Grand Rampage only a week away?
Deadprez: You have to say Gavin, I think he has. Impact showing everyone how desperate he is to get to Pain for Pride and compete for the Answers World Championship.
(The camera pans back to Adam, who is now on his feet but holding his back in agony. But it isn’t an expression of pain on his face, but more one of anger. The camera focuses on that anger, as we cut away from ringside to an ad for Fighting Spirit.)
( Showdown returns from a commercial break, and Gina Romano is standing in the middle of the ring with a big smile on her face. Suddenly, ‘Run’ by Zeal & Ardor echoes throughout the arena as Mercer McKay makes his entrance. His imposing presence is felt as he walks out, looking as threatening as ever with his serious expression as Mercer is determined to take out Ogawa and add another win to his record. He shakes his head and confidently strides towards the ring, ready for the main event. )
Gina Romano: YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL! INTRODUCING FIRST!… REPRESENTING VOLTAGE!…. FROM SACRED HEART, MINNESOTA!… WEIGHING IN AT 265 POUNDS!… ‘THE MASTODON’ !!!!!… MERCERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!… MCKAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: :oh: Is he related to Jake Mercer?
Eve: I’m sure that’s not even a question you’re supposed to ask because if he’s related to Jake Mercer, I’m sure Jake wouldn’t even work here. He would work somewhere else where his presence would be more fitting. :lupe:
Gavin Kirkland: :lupe:
Eve: Anyway, Mercer McKay has been around here for a little while and he’s also the man who has faced numerous opponents during his entire tenure with EAW. Tonight, he comes to our brand as Voltage’s emissary, aiming to earn the brand the recognition it deserves.
( Mercer enters the ring and begins removing his entrance gear as ‘Get Going’ by Muddy Apes plays throughout the arena. Komatsu Ogawa emerges with a broad smile on his face, looking at Mercer who appears angry and ready to destroy him. Despite Mercer’s demeanor, Ogawa remains composed and proceeds confidently toward the ring, knowing that he is the main event for Showdown tonight. )
Gavin Kirkland: AND HIS OPPONENT!… REPRESENTING SHOWDOWN!… FROM TOKYO, JAPAN!… WEIGHING IN AT 258 POUNDS!… HE IS ‘THE DRUNKEN HEEL KING’!!!… KOMATSUUUUUUUUUUUUU OGAWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Making his way to the ring now is our very own Showdown representative, Komatsu Ogawa! With the stakes high, I have no doubt that Ogawa is laser-focused on this match and determined to secure a victory for our brand!
Eve: Ogawa has been a mainstay in Showdown for quite some time since his return, but maybe… tonight’s main event could be the turning point in his career and elevate him to new heights.
( DING DING DING! )
Gavin Kirkland: Two big men from two different brands come across each other here tonight in the main event of Showdown. Komatsu Ogawa represents us, Showdown, and here is Mercer McKay, a long way from Voltage, looking to bring pride to his homegrown brand. Ogawa and Mercer meet each other in the middle of the ring, and now both men get this match underway with a collar and elbow tie-up!
Deadprez: Ogawa doesn’t wait any longer before quickly going behind, seizing Mercer’s head, and bringing him down to the ground with a headlock takedown. But Mercer quickly pulls himself out of there before coming back to his feet. Ogawa pops back to his feet too, before Mercer catches him and drops him to the ground with a quick armdrag!
Eve: Both men rise to their feet in unison, and charge at each other with thunderous lariats colliding in midrun! Mercer goes behind, seizing Ogawa’s wrist, and attempts to decapitate him with a Ripcord Lariat! Ogawa anticipates the move and slips out, quickly maneuvering behind Mercer in an instant… ATTEMPTS TO HOIST HIM UP FOR A BRIDGING HIGH-ANGLE GERMAN SUPLEX!
Gavin Kirkland: Mercer isn’t letting that happen that easily as he strikes Ogawa on the side of his head with a powerful right elbow, aiming to weaken his opponent and limit his movement. Mercer keeps his right elbow moving towards Ogawa’s face, and then disengages. Mercer quickly lands a vicious headbutt on Ogawa, and then quickly steps back… RUSHING IN TO WASH OGAWA’S FACE WITH A BIG BOOT WHILE HIS OPPONENT KNEELS ON THE GROUND!
Deadprez: Ogawa rolls out of harm’s way, and exits the ring, shaking his head as he walks away from his opponent. Mercer misses his target, leaning against the ropes as he closely watches Ogawa’s movements. Ogawa gradually rolls back into the ring, and MERCER CHARGES IN QUICKLY, ATTEMPTING TO TAKE HIM DOWN ONCE AGAIN BUT OGAWA IS ONE STEP AHEAD AS HE TRIPS MERCER’S LEG AND EXPERTLY MANEUVERS INTO A SUBMISSION HOLD ON HIS OPPONENT’S LEG! HE LOOKS FOR A CROSS-LEGGED HEEL HOOK THERE!
Eve: Mercer doesn’t let that happen too soon, as he uses his free leg to stomp relentlessly on Ogawa’s face, attempting to break free from the submission hold. Ogawa hangs on tightly, but the situation becomes increasingly dire for him as Mercer’s stomps become more and more brutal!
Gavin Kirkland: Ogawa is forced to release Mercer’s leg, and he rolls towards the corner, using the second rope to pull himself back up to his feet. Mercer follows in pursuit, walking towards Ogawa as he stands in the corner…. A BIG MEATY SLAPPING CLOTHESLINE AT THE CORNER ON OGAWA BY MERCER MCKAY!
Deadprez: That’s a huge one there, I can tell.
Gavin Kirkland: Ayo?
Eve: Don’t even “Ayo” like we have not heard what you have said before. Now, Mercer grabs Ogawa by his wrist and pulls him out of the corner, grabbing him by his neck this time and dropping him to the ground with a snapmare…. QUICKLY RUNS TOWARDS THE ROPES, BOUNCING OFF AND GOING FOR A SLIDING LARIAT, TAKING DOWN OGAWA, WHO IS NOW IN A SEATED POSITION!
Gavin Kirkland: IT CONNECTS- NO IT’S NOT! OGAWA CATCHES AND TURNS MERCER INTO A ROLL-UP! MERCER HITS NOTHING!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
…..
Gavin Kirkland: MERCER MCKAY KICKS OUT! COME ON, OGAWA! DO IT FOR US! Both men scramble to their feet with McKay hunting for a decisive lariat, but Ogawa evades and secures a hold, HOISTING HIM HIGH AND SPIKING HIM TO THE MAT WITH A LIFTING DOUBLE UNDERHOOK DDT! Mercer is grounded this time, but Ogawa recognizes that a pinfall attempt won’t suffice. He crawls methodically towards the turnbuckle while Mercer clutches his aching head and struggles to rise to his feet. Ogawa plants his foot on the middle rope and ascends to the top turnbuckle, while Mercer continues to laboriously rise to his feet…..
Eve: Ogawa gains his balance while on the top… FLYING OFF THE TOP CORNER AND CONNECTING MERCER WITH A MOONSAULT PRESS! WHAT A WONDERFUL MOONSAULT PRESS BY OGAWA!
Deadprez: Mercer is quickly taken down before he can even mount a counterattack or regain his footing. Ogawa unleashes a torrent of offense, and it’s clear that he still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Ogawa drops to his knees, then rises smoothly to his feet, backing himself into the corner and patiently awaiting Mercer’s return to verticality.
Gavin Kirkland: Mercer takes a lot of time to come back right here after going through those moves that Ogawa just took from him. Ogawa is coming hard against him and it isn’t really easy for Mercer to handle, especially when he’s out here trying to find out what it feels like to wrestle in the brand that represents professional wrestling the most! Mercer finally reaches both feet and now… OGAWA RUNS OUT OF THE CORNER, LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH A RUNNING KNEE LIFT RIGHT TO MERCER’S STOMACH!
Eve: MERCER SENDS OGAWA FLYING TO THE AIR… A POP-UP GUTBUSTER RIGHT ON THE TARGET! Ogawa immediately stumbles back away from Mercer once he fails to connect the knee to his opponent’s gut and instead becomes the one that gets connected by a knee. Mercer runs in… GRABS OGAWA BY HIS NECK, AND PLANTS HIM TO THE GROUND WITH A MASSIVE CHOKESLAM THAT MAKES US FEEL LIKE WE JUST WENT THROUGH AN EARTHQUAKE!
Deadprez: Ogawa is being taken down this time and its Voltage player, Mercer Mckay, who is firing back at the representation of our brand, Showdown, such as Komatsu Ogawa! This is not looking really good for us but there is still a little hope that Ogawa can do at least one good thing that makes people believe in him once again. As Mercer McKay rises to his feet, Ogawa remains grounded on the mat and this is a good chance for him to get his payback for what Ogawa did to him earlier!
Gavin Kirkland: Don’t root against him, Prez! We should be backing one of the top Japanese wrestlers we have here in Elite Answers Wrestling like Komatsu Ogawa! Ogawa drags himself towards the ropes in front of him, while Mercer confidently strides toward him. He hauls Ogawa up from the mat, aiming to regain control of the match….. Mercer lifts Ogawa off the ground and MICHINOKU DRIVER plants him on the mat!
Eve: Mercer doesn’t go for the pin as he stands up and begins to pace around Ogawa, who is still prone on the mat, writhing in pain after taking the Michinoku Driver. Mercer charges towards Ogawa and seizes his head, wrapping his arm around it in a deep side headlock to take control of the match.
Deadprez: I have a feeling that the pace of this match is about to shift from a brutal brawl to old-school technical wrestling. Ogawa finds himself trapped in a side headlock, but he refuses to stay down, slowly rising to his feet despite Mercer’s grip on his head. Ogawa attempts to take Mercer down by grabbing hold of his legs, and he succeeds, but his head remains trapped in the headlock.
Gavin Kirkland: Mercer quickly releases the hold, causing Ogawa to throw a punch in his direction, but Mercer dodges it by moving his head to the side, causing Ogawa to punch the mat instead. Mercer uses this opportunity to grab Ogawa’s arm, backing himself to his knees and twisting his arm but Ogawa responds quickly by seizing Mercer with his free arm and locking him in a Triangle Choke submission hold!
Eve: Mercer pushes himself forward and attempts to counter Ogawa with a roll-up pin, but Ogawa kicks out just before the referee can make the count. Mercer rolls out of the way and rushes towards Ogawa, but OGAWA SHOVES THE REFEREE ASIDE AND CATCHES MERCER WITH A SNEAKY EYE POKE!… JUMPING IN FOR A TILT-A-WHIRL HEADSCISSORS…. INTO A SMALL PACKAGE ROLL-UP! THE REFEREE TURNS BACK AROUND AND STARTS THE COUNT!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
…..
THRE-
Deadprez: MERCER MCKAY WITH A KICK OUT BEFORE THE COUNT OF THREE! Mercer holds his eyes in agony after Ogawa’s finger connects with his eyes, temporarily blinding him. Ogawa seizes the opportunity and steps in, grabbing Mercer and hurling him toward the ropes. Mercer bounces off the ropes… OGAWA CATCHES HIM WITH A STIFF OPEN-HANDED PALM STRIKE TO THE FACE! OGAWA FOLLOWS UP WITH A SPINNING BACKFIST AND A ROUNDHOUSE KICK… THEN A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO MERCER WHILE MERCER IS ON BOTH KNEES! ‘HAPPY HOUR 5 COMBO’ TAKES OUT MERCER MCKAY!
Gavin Kirkland: Ogawa manages to pull out such an amazing combo there against his opponent, but he isn’t done yet! Ogawa looks for more while Mercer seems to still be reeling from the combo. Ogawa picks Mercer off the ground like a ragdoll once again and tries to set him up, but Mercer immediately falls to both knees right before Ogawa can start doing anything with him!
Eve: Ogawa shakes his head in disappointment and feels annoyed that he has to do this with Mercer McKay of all people. That’s just his thought there. Ogawa pulls Mercer back to his feet using his long beard and lifts him onto his shoulders while he’s at it… SETTING UP FOR ‘BLOODY MARY’ ! FIREMAN’S CARRY DROPPED INTO A DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER!
Deadprez: Mercer is awake! The monster that Ogawa was trying to slay is back in the match once again! Mercer notices that he’s in danger and tries to get out of there as soon as possible, wiggling and causing Ogawa to have a hard time taking him down on his own!
Gavin Kirkland: Mercer manages to land on both feet and quickly grabs Ogawa while standing behind him. He pushes him forward and tries to turn Ogawa inside out with a Ripcord Lariat, BUT OGAWA DUCKS UNDER JUST IN TIME, GRABBING HIM ON HIS OWN AND LOOKING FOR HIS OWN VERSION OF THE RIPCORD LARIAT, SUCH AS ‘IRISH COFFEE’ !!!
Eve: A HEADBUTT STOPS OGAWA! Mercer turns back around to face Ogawa, but he stops his action right away with a headbutt connecting to his head, making Ogawa fall to both knees, holding his head and trying to clear out his confusion, but Mercer quickly hoists Ogawa onto his shoulders…. DEADEYE! A KNEELING BACK TO BELLY PILEDRIVER DRIVES OGAWA TO THE GROUND!
Deadprez: Ogawa just got sent all the way up to heaven with the kneeling back to belly piledriver executed by Mercer! Somehow, Mercer opts not to go for the pin despite the perfect opportunity as he grabs the middle rope and pulls himself back to his feet while Ogawa remains down and out. Mercer walks over to Ogawa and hoists him up once again….. ‘INFERNAL BOMB’ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A SPINNING GANZO BOMB TAKING OGAWA OUT AGAIN! NOW MERCER GOES FOR A COVER! THIS MIGHT BE IT!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
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TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
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THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Gavin Kirkland: KOMATSU OGAWA KICKS OUT TO MAKE A SAVE! OGAWA DISPLAYS IMMENSE RESILIENCE AS HE ENDURES ONE OF MERCER’S SIGNATURE MOVES AND SOMEHOW MANAGES TO STAY IN THE MATCH! HE REFUSES TO GIVE UP AND CONTINUES TO BATTLE ON FOR THE SAKE OF THE FANS!
Crowd: WE WRESTLE! WE WRESTLE! WE WRESTLE! WE WRESTLE! WE WRESTLE!
Eve: Mercer is getting really frustrated while the crowd is becoming more hyped up for Ogawa as we have never seen before. Normally, Ogawa is always hated by the EAW Universe, but the effort he is putting in to win this match tonight shows that he wants to do it for the brand! He wants to do it for us, and that makes us start to believe that Ogawa isn’t here to be disappointed like he always is! This is what he wants to do!
Gavin Kirkland: I don’t disagree with you at all, Eve. I’ve been Ogawa’s biggest fan since day one, and I know that one day, the tide is going to turn all around for him. It’s getting started right now because Ogawa is about to show that he’s not one to be underestimated anymore. He’s a threat to the world, and this match is going to be the beginning of the Komatsu Ogawa era that he’s always talked about for this whole entire time! Mercer hoists Ogawa up in the air, attempting to deliver yet another ‘Infernal Bomb’!
Deadprez: Ogawa quickly shoves Mercer aside and executes a Jumping High Kick, attempting to decapitate him Mercer trying to capitalize on the situation, but before he can make a move, OGAWA SNEAKS UP FROM BEHIND AND FLOORS HIM WITH A HOOK KICK IN COMBINATION! Mercer is still standing his ground, trying to resist, despite the barrage of kicks that he just took but, Ogawa is not backing down… STEPS IN AGAIN AND LANDS A MASSIVE ROLLING ELBOW SMASH TO THE BACK OF MERCER’S HEAD, BRINGING HIM DOWN TO BOTH KNEES FOR GOOD THIS TIME!
Eve: Mercer is down on his knees and now Ogawa starts charging, darting towards the ropes. While Mercer holds the back of his head, trying to come back again, Ogawa forces him to stay down with A HUGE JUMPING RUNNING KNEE STRIKE, TAKING HIM OUT FOR GOOD! Mercer is down but Ogawa doesn’t seem to be done with his opponent just yet. He picks Mercer off the ground while rising to both feet with him, and now, getting him upon his shoulder this time, he looks for a payback as Ogawa runs forward…. ‘THE HIGHBALL’ DROPS MERCER DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS! DOUBLE HAMMERLOCK INVERTED BELLY TO BACK MAT SLAM TAKES OUT OGAWA! NOW OGAWA GOES FOR A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
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TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
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THREEEEEEE-
Gavin Kirkland: MERCER MCKAY KICKS OUT AT THE LAST SECOND!
Eve: WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! OGAWA DOESN’T WAIT ANY LONGER AND, RIGHT AFTER MERCER KICKS OUT, HE SEIZES HIM AND LOCKS HIM UP WITH ‘ALCOHOL POISONING’! A BULLDOG CHOKE IS APPLIED, AND NOW, MERCER IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE! OGAWA IS DETERMINED TO CHOKE HIM OUT WITHOUT GIVING HIM A BREAK AT ALL! HE GIVES IT HIS ALL TO BEAT MERCER RIGHT NOW AND MAKE SURE THAT HE CAN DO THIS FOR OUR BRAND!
Eve: DESPITE MERCER’S ATTEMPTS TO CATCH HIS BREATH, IT’S REALLY HARD FOR HIM RIGHT NOW! THE REFEREE CHECKS TO SEE IF MERCER IS GIVING UP OR NOT. MERCER TRIES TO CRAWL TOWARDS THE ROPE, BUT OGAWA LEANS BACKWARD, MAKING IT MUCH WORSE FOR MERCER TO LIVE UP TO HIS POTENTIAL AND WIN THE MATCH!
Deadprez: I can feel that Ogawa is trying so hard to win this match against Mercer McKay, and I’m confident that this match will keep on going until he secures the victory for our brand and for his own career. Ogawa’s career has suffered nothing but a ton of losses, but tonight, he wants to make this moment the damn time he finally breathes new life into his career as a victor of the match! Ogawa keeps the hold locked up tightly as Mercer struggles to breathe and survive! The referee keeps asking if he’s going to give up, but Mercer shows no sign and keeps making his way toward the bottom rope right in front of Mercer’s eyes.
Gavin Kirkland: Mercer’s right hand is just about to touch the rope, but Ogawa drags him back away from the bottom rope right before he can get his hand on it. Now, Ogawa picks Mercer off the ground, TRYING TO GO FOR A DRAGON SUPLEX AS HE UNDERHOOKS BOTH ARMS UNDER MERCER’S ARMPITS BUT MERCER MANAGES TO LIFT HIMSELF AND DROPS TO THE SIDE OF OGAWA. HE THEN MOVES BEHIND QUICKLY, GRABS HIM, AND FINALLY CONNECTS WITH A RIPCORD LARIAT!
Eve: Ogawa is down again, and Mercer is still on his feet with his right hand holding onto Ogawa’s wrist tightly! Mercer isn’t letting go of Ogawa this time if he wants to stay and fight! He picks him up off the ground while Ogawa is still not fully recovered!…
Deadprez: MERCER CHARGES AND LOOKS FOR ANOTHER LARIAT, BUT OGAWA DUCKS UNDER AND CONNECTS WITH A SHOULDER THRUST RIGHT INTO MERCER’S GUT, SLOWING HIM DOWN!… LIFTING MERCER OFF THE GROUND AND GOING FOR A SPINNING URANAGE SLAM!
Gavin Kirkland: Mercer is making it tricky for his opponent as he lands on the side of Ogawa again. This time, he turns Ogawa around and quickly takes him down with AN EXPLODER SUPLEX, making sure that Ogawa suffers from it! Ogawa is taken down once again, and he’s still looking very out of it, just like when he took the ripcord lariat from Mercer!
Eve: Mercer is back on his feet again, with Ogawa lying on the ground. He has the upper hand once again and is determined to win this match for Voltage. Mercer steps towards his opponent and picks him up off the ground…. HE SEIZES OGAWA AND SETS HIM UP FOR HIS THE ‘HALL OF ATONEMENT.’ WHICH OWN VERSION OF THE TIGER DRIVER 91 AND IT’S GOING TO LEAD TO A FLURRY OF CRAZY MOVES!
Deadprez: OGAWA MANAGES TO WRIGGLE OUT OF MERCER’S GRASP AND QUICKLY TWISTS HIS ARM BEFORE DELIVERING A SHARP YAKUZA KICK TO HIS OPPONENT’S FACE, SENDING HIM CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT JUST AS MERCER WAS ABOUT TO SEAL HIS FATE!
Gavin Kirkland: MERCER IS FINALLY TAKEN DOWN, AND OGAWA SEIZES THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HIS MOVE AGAINST HIS OPPONENT FROM THE RIVAL BRAND. IT LOOKS LIKE HE’S ABOUT TO SECURE THE VICTORY FOR OUR BRAND JUST AS I PREDICTED! OGAWA QUICKLY PICKS MERCER UP FROM THE MAT, AND THIS TIME…
Gavin Kirkland: OGAWA TAKES CONTROL OF MERCER LIKE A PUPPET ON STRINGS AND DRIVES HIM DOWN WITH AN OVER-THE-SHOULDER REVERSE PILEDRIVER… BUT MERCER STRUGGLES OUT, KICKS TO THE GUT…. TIGER DRIVER 91 DROPS OGAWA TO THE GROUND!!!!!!!!!…. PUSHES HIM TO BOTH KNEES AND A GIANT SWING CONNECTS!…. FOLLOWS UP WITH AN ELBOW DROP! THAT’S IT! MERCER GOES FOR A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
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TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
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THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
( DING DING DING! )
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER!…. MERCER MCKAY!
Gavin Kirkland: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: Well, that was undoubtedly an impressive main event showcased here on Showdown. Congratulations are in order for Mercer McKay for his victory over one of our talented competitors, which no doubt restores pride to his own brand. Poor Ogawa.
Deadprez: I think both men did great here, brother. I love what they brought to the table today, and it fits the concept that we’re all just here to wrestle because Showdown only represents us to wrestle and give what the fans always want.
Gavin Kirkland: u right… BUT OGAWA SHOULD HAVE WON THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
( ‘Run’ by Zeal & Ardor plays as Mercer rolls off Ogawa’s body and comes back to his feet to celebrate his victory over Ogawa, while Ogawa rolls to the outside. The final shot displays Ogawa looking back to Mercer and seeming pissed about his loss before holding down his head and slowly making his way to the back, while Mercer celebrates his victory in the middle of the ring before the scene fades into a the last commercial break of the night. )
(The camera returns to ringside as “Pressure” by Paramore starts playing and the crowd goes absolutely wild with cheers as Alex Myers enters the arena. Following closely by Alex is Alex’s friend Willow Archara. Alex takes a look throughout the arena before they head to the ring. )
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen, accompanied to the ring by Willow Archara. Please welcome, “THE GUARDIAN ANGEL” ALEX MYERS!
Deadprez: Welcome back to Showdown and now we are graced with the presence of Alex Myers and you have to believe they have something on their mind regarding last week and everything that has been happening the last few weeks.
Eve: Last week, Alex had enough of the runaround that Jake was giving them last week so Alex gave Jake a taste of his own medicine by leaving Jake behind at the end of the match leading to the defeat at the hands of Potara.
Gavin Kirkland: But it could also lead to the biggest win of Alex’s career as they are one week away from possibly becoming the Answers World Champion. Did last week’s stunt give Alex an edge in the head games department who knows?
(Alex holds the ropes open for Willow as they enter the ring and Alex quickly follows. Alex grabs a microphone from Gina as their entrance music fades off.)
Alex Myers: Ever since winning at Reasonable Doubt, I have come to the realization that I am so close to realizing one of the biggest dreams of my life and that is becoming World Champion in Elite Answers Wrestling.
(The crowd cheers louder showing their support. Alex takes a moment to acknowledge the crowd’s support before continuing.)
Alex Myers: To realize that dream at Grand Rampage would mean the absolute world to me. I mean words almost can’t describe what winning would mean to me.
Alex Myers: Especially with the journey I have had during my time in EAW. Even to this day, I still feel immense guilt for costing Hurricane Hawk his job as General Manager of Showdown. But I can say without a shadow of a doubt…
Alex: …That every moment I have had over the years has helped mature me to the person I am today. Inside the ring and out. I have learned from both the wins AND the losses of my career and it’s those learning experiences that I believe helped get me to this point.
(Alex takes a deep breath as Willows gives them a pat on their shoulder showing support before they continue.)
Alex Myers: That’s because ever since I signed my contract to come to EAW and become an Elitist and even more now… All I ever wanted to do was to get the chance to show the entire world that I can be at the very top of the mountain of EAW.
Alex Myers: I get my golden opportunity at Grand Rampage as I look to become the next ANSWERS… WORLD… CHAMP—
(Before they could finish, Alex is cut off by “WAR” by grandson. The crowd gives a positive, but not as positive as usual reaction for the Answers World Champion Jake Smith. He has the championship belt on his shoulder as he heads right to the ring.)
Gavin Kirkland: Things are about to pick up right now because here comes the Champion. You have to believe there is something on his mind.
Eve: Without a doubt, one of those things is Alex leaving Jake to get double teamed by POTARA. We might witness a fight between champion and challenger one week before their title match at Grand Rampage.
Deadprez: Jake wants to put extra emphasis that he isn’t losing the Answers World Championship anytime soon and wants to make Alex Myers the next victim. We’re about to find out what the champ has to say in just a few seconds.
(Jake stays outside the ring and also grabs a microphone from Gina as well as their entrance music fades off.)
Jake Smith: You want to know something, Alex? After hearing all that emotion and conviction in your voice, you reminded me of somebody. You reminded me of ME. But there is a difference between you and me.
(Alex gives Jake a look wondering what Jake’s reason could be. Jake has a smirk on his face before he continues.)
Jake Smith: The difference between us is that I actually made it to the top of the mountain. I made it and my story has an ending. Yours? Your story will never have the ending that you are wanting. Your story will forever be told, Alex, without that happy ending.
(The crowd gives a mixed reaction to those remarks. Jake now enters the ring and steps right up to Alex before continuing.)
Jake Smith: You know what else? You should be ashamed of yourself for that little stunt you pulled last week.
(Alex has a look of bewilderment on their face after hearing that remark from Jake.)
Alex Myers: What world are you living in? The only reason I did what I did was because of the crap you pulled. Or did you forget the fact that you didn’t tag in and left me to the wolves THE ENTIRE MATCH!!
(Jake rolls his eyes after hearing that remark thinking that Alex is being dramatic.)
Jake Smith: Oh come on. Will you stop being such a baby? You had it coming anyway. Or did you somehow forget when you put me through a table after we signed the contract and put your hands on my title.
(Alex looks close to losing their temper but Willow keeps them from attacking Jake. That reaction puts a mischievous grin on his face. After seeing that, Alex gets a smirk on their face.)
Alex Myers: Don’t be pulling that crap with me. If anybody gets the blame for who started all this stuff and it certainly isn’t me. IT WAS YOU!!
Jake Smith: What? Me? I have no idea what you are talking about.
Alex Myers: Stop playing innocent, Champ. You came and helped me from Amir’s attack and what did you do after that? You attacked me and left me lying in the ring.
(The amusement in Jake’s face is completely gone and is replaced with a look of strictly business.)
Jake Smith: Alright, Junior, this back and forth bull crap has been fun, but it’s gone on for long enough and now it’s time to get to business.
(Jake gets even more in Alex’s face, takes his title belt off of his shoulder and raises the Answers World Championship high in the air.)
Jake Smith: You see this title? Good. Because I want you to take a very nice look at it because this is as close as you are EVER going to get to this as long as I am holding the Answers World Championship.
(Jake locks eyes with Alex and they are glaring at each other.)
Jake Smith: Do I make myself clear?
Alex Myers: Crystal.
(Alex looks to turn away, but instead, they turn back around and swing the microphone to clock Jake in the head, but Jake ducks and scrambles out of the ring. In the process, he dropped the title belt and left it in the ring.)
Gavin Kirkland: What a back fighter Alex is. How could they do that to our illustrious Answers World Champion?
Deadprez: Because they are tired of being talked down to. They have had enough and they are fighting back. Now look in the ring.
(Alex walks over to the title belt that Jake dropped and picks it up off the mat. After a few seconds of looking at the title, they hold the title high in the air to loud cheers from the crowd. Jake is on the floor absolutely livid that Alex has his title belt again.)
Gavin Kirkland: Hey! What are you doing? That is not yours! Put that down and give it back to Jake. It’s his!
Deadprez: It very well could be theirs if they win at Grand Rampage. We will find out next week if Alex can realize their dream.
Eve: Ladies and gentlemen, will this be the omen for Jake Smith at Grand Rampage? Will be bear witness to a new Answers World Champion? Or did Alex Myers sign their death warrant with this last stunt? And will the winner of the Grand Rampage match be a member of the Showdown roster?
Deadprez: We will certainly find out next week as we head to Grand Rampage. Ladies and gentlemen, we are out of time. For Gavin Kirkland and Eve, I am Deadprez and we will see you all at the Grand Rampage. Goodnight, everybody!
(The final shot shows Alex Myers still holding the Answers World Championship high in the air as Jake is looking at Alex from the bottom of the entrance ramp with anger filling his eyes that Alex has the audacity to do something like that as the shot fades to black.)
(EAW Logo Buzzes…)
