THE CROWNING II RESULTS
Feb 20, 2022 17:56:49 GMT -5
gothmother, Ratball Slade, and 2 more like this
Post by Project: Honor on Feb 20, 2022 17:56:49 GMT -5
PURSUIT OF THE RING: 3-Point Battle Royal
The live video from North Brother Island appeared on the teletron, starting with Paul Quinton standing outside the ring. He explained that the Battle Royal was a special chance for the Pursuit Of The Ring contestants to earn extra points, while getting a bit of Crowning main-roster limelight. Explained that there would be a sliding scale placed on the eliminations during the battle royal, for points. The first three to be eliminated, would actually LOSE a point in their POTR standings, while the following three would see no change in points. The three after that would get a one point addition, while second and third place in the battle royal…would give them a plus two. And the winner, a nice healthy three point addition to their POTR score.
The bell rang and we quickly saw everyone go crazy…with exception of Kit Darling, who was sitting out of this due to her pregnancy. Jobber Joe was almost eliminated, but Lena Soulas managed to eliminate herself and serve as a way to protect Joe’s feet from hitting the outside. With his elimination held off by landing on Lena’s back, he was able to crawl back into the ring. Omar King was the next to be eliminated, but it was due to the combined effort of Hudson and Brunhilde. Hailey Storm was the final elimination of the Negative-One-Point group, as she pushed Hated R out of the way of a Kobra clothesline, sending the young fan over the ropes.
Although it didn’t help much as Hated R was sent over the ropes shortly after, by Brunhilde…quickly followed by Jobber Joe, who was tossed out of the ring by Hudson. But Hudson gloated a little too long, with Jasiah Andrew Scott knocking him over the ropes with a well timed dropkick. And just like that, everyone still in the ring was going to get additional points.
Cooler TJ was eliminated next, by Tibbagu. Then Jasiah by Chelsea Kennedy. Brunhilde charged after Tibbagu, who had made his way over to Chelsea and was flirting, but he grabbed the rope and dropped to the ground…causing Leichenberg to run into Chelsea Kennedy and send them both flying over the pulled down ropes. Brunhilde landed first, giving her one point and Chelsea two points.
While Tibbagu stared down at Chelsea, who was bent over, trying to fix her shoes…Jakeem Kobra took advantage of it by grabbing the clown by the hair and whipping him over the top rope for the win.
WINNER: Jakeem “The King” Kobra
The scene opens in a darkened room, as the soft haunting song of ‘Angels’ by Sarah McLachlan softly swells in the background the appearance of Giovanni and Calliope would be shown. A heavy solemn look on their faces, they raised their heads towards the camera.
GIOVANNI: In these past weeks we have tried to bring joy and art to the people of Project Honor.
A light appeared and revealed Johnny Levy, with an equally somber and burdened look on his face.
JOHNNY LEVY: But despite all of my... I mean our attempts at tearing down the barriers that separate us, it has become clear to us that many would seek to pull us all apart rather than bring us together.
Finally, Sonya Benson was revealed from the darkness, as she was dressed in as perfect a dress a classy woman such as her would pick for such an occasion.
SONYA BENSON: Our efforts to bring change to this rotten sport has found us ostracized by the pro-wrestling cancel culture that exists within Project: Honour, its vile fan base and its entire corrupt executive office.
The screen would cut to another scene, where an anonymous individual’s visage was obscured by expert camera technique.
”LARRY L”: These three great people have spent their time, energy, and money to bring a little bit of happiness into people’s lives, including my own miserable existence before I met them… But when people found out, they violently attacked me for merely associating with those three saints!
After the first testimony, it would cut to the oversized and jacked up silhouette of the next.
”BARLON M”: …
A message would scroll at the bottom of the screen explaining that this victim was merely too stunned and emotional to tell their traumatic experience to the world. Eventually with the swelling of the maudlin soundtrack in the background the scene would return to Sonya Benson standing in a mockup of a prison cell.
SONYA BENSON: In my eternal grace and diplomatic spirit, I tried to explain my reservations and findings about the company and this business to the management of Project Honour, but instead of listening to my issues they proceeded to treat me like a criminal, even having used their influence to make the Stockton Police Department arrest me in broad daylight in an attempt to silence me and assassinate my credibility.
We’d return to Johnny Levy, sitting in a synagogue in deep religious contemplation.
JOHNNY LEVY: When I explained the rampant anti-semetic attitudes levied towards me and my family, I tried to speak up against that unwarranted and unbridled racism and hatred. But rather than hearing me out, they have forced me into a Battle Royal I do not wish to fight, even forcing me to potentially face my good friend Sonya Benson, in a clear attempt to punish me for speaking my mind!
Now the scene would switch to the Giovanni Penthouse where Giovanni and Calliope sat silently, with Calliope drinking silently from a mug of peach tea.
GIOVANNI: For over a month now me and my beautiful muse Calliope have been terrorized by this delusional woman Lexi Gold, who I can only assume has severe undiagnosed mental issues, if not some really messed up sexual obsessions with me. And whenever I tried to make it clear I have no interest in this woman or her mad ravings, she continued to try and force me to face her in a match. Rather than getting this woman the help she needed, and protecting me, my beautiful muse, and my friends from this woman’s dangerous attitudes, they have forced me to face this woman tonight in a one on one match.
Wiping away a few strained tears, Calliope would raise her head towards the camera.
CALLIOPE: I just try to help Giovanni, because nobody understands his tender soul as well as I do. But rather than listen to my words, Lexi Gold has only become more dangerous as time went on… I… I… I don’t know how long this torture must go on for.
Being unable to hold back the floodgates, Giovanni was quick to try and console his muse in her moment of fragile emotion. A handwave at the camera making it clear that the scene had to end, but it made sure to linger for just a few more seconds before finally switching back to the darkened room with the three stars all lined up.
JOHNNY LEVY: Ordinarily, we’d grace everyone with our amazing presence by turning our entrances into a celebration of class and dignity as we continue to fight hatred and bigotry. But even we have our limits, our breaking points.
GIOVANNI: That is why we have decided to not hold a festive entrance tonight like the people have been waiting and craving for, in protest against these gross injustices that we have been victim of.
SONYA BENSON: It’s time we stand up to the clear hatred this vile industry encourages, and I hope everyone will stand strong with us in these trying times, as we try our best to bring some light into everyone’s lives.
GIOVANNI: But unlike what these people would try to do, to have us cower in terror, we will not give up on our goals of making this ‘wrestling’ business into the artistic haven it can become.
SONYA BENSON: We will not be quiet.
JOHNNY LEVY: We will not be blind to injustices.
GIOVANNI: And we will never give in.
Fade to black.
DISCLAIMER: This message was paid for by the Sonya Benson truth commission.
There is a pause, the viewers likely believing that this obscene display of oblivious self-absorption and toxic levels of obnoxiousness is over.
Until the scene opens back up on a live-action recreation of the Last Supper. Various hobos, orphans and drug addicts have been paid below minimum wage to play the parts of the various jobbers sitting and squabbling and eating around the table.
As for the starring role - Jesus Christ himself - well, who better to play that part than Johnny Levy?
His arms held wide as if accepting the wayward souls of the lost and damned back into the wam, loving embrace of the Lord, Johnny Levy smiles as the camera zooms in on him and his stupid robes, or whatever Jesus wore in that painting.
JOHNNY LEVY: Ladies and Gentlemen. My heart is heavy today, as I regretfully inform you that Indy Darling - that crippled bitch - has yet to cave into our deman-... err… has yet to fully commit to following Johnny Levy’s Roadmap To A Better Future.
Pressing his palms together in prayer and grabbing a turkey leg from the assembled feast that the hobos and orphans are eyeing hungrily, he munches on it as he sits back in the comfy, Biblical chair behind him.
JOHNNY LEVY: Mmm. Good stuff. Anyway, we’ve got some new deman-... ummm… suggestions toward a better future. They are as follows:
Jason Long is hereby banned from undergoing plastic surgery to change his appearance. It’s been like 3 times in the last year, I think? That’s too much, and it sets an unrealistic standard for the youth watching at home. Shame on you, Jason. Or Nigel. Whatever you’re going by these days. Plus I’m sure it’s very confusing for the fine graphics team who has to put together match cards and posters and stuff.
Every move, theme song, and new wrestler on the roster must be personally vetted by Giovanni - or as you may know him, G-Unit - to ensure only artists of merit are promoted in this company.
Once a month - at minimum - a Jewish wrestler within Project: Honor must be granted a title shot (of their choosing so I - errr, they - don’t have to fight Havoc, or some other psychopath like that), as Management’s way of righting all the wrongs done to my people over the centuries.
Adam Ekaterin must step down from his position as Director of Operations; in addition, we require Sonya Benson to oversee a Corporate Reconciliation Commission aimed at destroyin- errr, FIXING, wrestling’s toxic culture.
Having entirely consumed the meat on the bone between words, Levy tosses what remains of the turkey leg over his shoulder. Before it even hits the ground, the assorted ‘extras’ are already swarming after it, starving after hours spent on this set with absolutely no catering provided.
JOHNNY LEVY: Have a blessed day, y’all. And remember, what would Levy do?
Fade to black again, for real this time.
HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen…here to perform the theme song for The Crowning…please welcome Atreyu and Jacoby Shaddix!!!
The camera's focus on the live band on the entrance stage as they begin to play, while images of tonight’s competitors flash across the Honor Tron above them…
♫ Watch out
Or you won't even see me coming
Hands up
I'm aiming high
Not missing nothing
Sit down
Before you end up starting something ♫
The three men who have defined the Gatekeeper Championship begin the video, as we see Earl Boyde, Angelo Caito, and Henry Lee Hyde all holding the title above their heads. From there, we see the recent interactions between Giovanni and Lexi Gold, from their backstage encounters, match interference, and the game of cat-and-mouse in the midst of a six person tag match…
♫ They don't know what they can't see
And they don't know bout you and me
They all live in misery
Oh no
But we don't ♫
From there we see the sinister smile of Casanova English, whose reign as Warrior Rising Champion rivals that of Emmanuelle herself. Tonight he may face his most difficult title defense yet, as LeeAnn Morgan’s early success on Proving Ground is highlighted. Video clips of The Gypsy Rose are followed by clips of Betsy Galagher, who came within a hair’s length of dethroning English just two weeks ago. Finally, this round of clips ends with the demented Douglas Crane, who has clawed and scratched for his shot at the Warrior Rising Title since his debut in November…
♫ We're untouchable
We're untouchable
We're untouchable
We're untouchable ♫
The ongoing saga between Jason Long, Alyssa Grace, and Savannah Sunshine follows soon after, from Jason capturing the Ascension Championship and his entity-fueled actions, to Savannah’s betrayal as she joins the True Society. Caught in the middle is Alyssa Grace, who has her own things to prove as she strives to earn her first taste of Project: Honor gold…
♫ Watch out
Now that I've got your attention
Hands up
I'm stealing moments of perfection
Sit down
So come and witness my ascension ♫
The Tyrant’s Crown is next to be shown on the screen, a prize that has earned its two previous winners a run with the Legacy gold. A few of the twenty-one participants in this year’s match are briefly highlighted on the playing cards they have drawn prior to the event. Archimedes J. Manson appears on the Ace of Clubs…Mikey Hero on the King of Diamonds…and a mysterious silhouette is on the Joker Wild Card. We see Havoc execute his Giga Drill Break, Yuriko Toyama hit the Holy Diver, and Officer Greyfield uses his Right to Remain Silent. Stella Jade fantasizes about Brandon Hendrix on horseback, Johnny Levy protests, and Michael Bishop scowls at the camera…
♫ They don't know what they can't see
And they don't know bout you and me
They all live in misery
Oh no
But we don't ♫
Since her return in the fall, Elena DeDraca has struggled to find her footing in the new landscape of Fallout, due in part to the machinations of Arik Holt and his True Society. The Honor Tron shows us her controversial loss to Slade Castle due to the interference of Holt and Syndicate, leading to her move to Proving Ground and Adam Ekaterin announcing Elena and Arik going one-on-one. The disgust on Holt’s face is palatable as Elena grins while considering her opportunity at redemption…
♫ We're untouchable
We're untouchable
We're untouchable
We're untouchable ♫
Arata Asakura shocked the world when he dethroned Ozymandias, only for another shockwave to follow two weeks later when Emmanuelle took the belt for herself. We see both of those championship victories, followed by Arata’s blindside assault on The Platinum Standard and the pull-apart brawl that took place just two weeks ago. With a long and storied history between them, the Grand Championship is almost an afterthought in the war for respect that awaits them…
♫ They don't know what they can't see
And they don't know bout you and me
They all live in misery
Oh no
But we don't ♫
The True Society. Big Drip Worldwide. And The KaVengers? For months these stables have fought in individual battles and a war of words, culminating in True Society’s decimation of both teams on the last Proving Ground. The video package for tonight’s main event would not be complete without highlighting the recent dissension within Arik Holt’s True Society, the diverse personalities at play within Lil’ Petey’s alliance of Big Drippers, and the power of friendship displayed by Percival Burque’s band of rejects. Tonight they finally meet in a battle of stable supremacy as the Wargames cage is shown…
♫ We're untouchable
We're untouchable
We're untouchable
We're untouchable ♫
As the video package and Atreyu’s ‘Untouchable’ fade away, pyrotechnics erupt around the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the home of Project: Honor’s second edition of The Crowning! The fans are going wild with their cheers, and many of them are waving their signs into the air…
“ACKNOWLEDGE THE BLADELINE”
“GUNS DON’T KILL PEOPLE, MICHAEL BISHOP DOES”
“I’M CRANE’S 8TH PERSONALITY”
“I WANT JASON TO POSSESS ME”
“BILLY STOLE MY OTHER SIGN”
“MY LIL’ PETEY RETIRED 20 YEARS AGO”
Normally, we would go directly to the ringside announce team to welcome the viewers at home to the show, but instead, Holly Perez is in the ring to make an opening announcement…
HOLLY PEREZ: To kick off tonight's event… please welcome… the former Grand Champion… the heartbeat of Proving Ground… The Straight Shooter... MARK HUNTER!!!
“Feel Invincible” by Skillet suddenly sounds throughout the building and the crowd erupt into an undeniably positive response. After a few seconds' pause Mark Hunter strolls out onto the ramp area, he smirks in a self-satisfied and confident manner at the reaction from the fans and begins his walk down to the ring. Over his right shoulder is rather shockingly the Legacy Championship Belt!!!
TREY BOOKER: Holy shit… what a way to kick off the show!
J.T. PRICE: What a response from these fans… also why is he carrying the Legacy Belt to the ring?
TREY BOOKER: I’d assume we are about to find out.
Mark acknowledges quite a few fans with fist bumps as he wanders down the ramp, he continues to receive the great crowd response as he ascends the ring steps. He enters between the middle and top ropes and instantly wanders over to the far corner, Hunter climbs up and poses for the crowd whilst taking in the response from the fans. He soon steps down to the canvas and takes the mic from Holly Perez. Eventually the crowd cools down…
MARK HUNTER: Damn, you haven’t forgotten me!!
The crowd again pops huge as Mark smiles.
MARK HUNTER: I’ve missed this but as much as I’d love to soak this moment in, I really have a couple of things I need to say before the stars in the back entertain the hell out of you all. The first thing I wish to talk about is my health condition, as is commonly known, a few months ago I was told my career was over, I was told to give this up.
The crowd boo and then break out into a “one more match” chant.
MARK HUNTER: Wrestling was always my dream and I’ll never give up on it, despite being told not to, despite having a family at home and other commitments in life. I’ll never give up on either Project Honor or that dream, every day I work seriously fucking hard, for a fair while I’ve been getting closer and closer to meeting the required threshold to compete again… I love all of this and for that reason… I’m here to tell the world… as of earlier this week… I cleared that threshold… I WILL WRESTLE AGAIN!!!
A monumental “Hunter” chant now fills the arena.
TREY BOOKER: HOLY SHIT!!!
J.T. PRICE: Oh man, get the fuck in, that’s amazing news.
Mark takes a breath to compose himself before going on.
MARK HUNTER: In my absence though things have happened around here that need addressing, first and foremost is the matter of this belt on my shoulder. For the record, I believe Ozymandias has been a great champion and will be again IF he’s innocent of the accusations he must now fight. However, due to the arrest and the unfortunate situation, which is clearly beyond the control of those in Project Honor, he is no longer Legacy Champion. Based on that, after long discussions with Adam Ekaterin, it has been agreed I will look after this belt and keep it away from the hands of people we can’t trust until a new champion is crowned. When that process happens, time will tell I guess. Just know, I’m not out here parading as a champion, maybe it will be mine one day but for now unfortunately not.
Mark takes another deep breath before going on.
MARK HUNTER: The second thing I wish to address is a little less business and a little more personal. In the world of professional wrestling you meet many people you can respect, some you may like a little, but it’s damn rare to make friends. I respect most of that roster in the back, I like about five or six of them, however I’ve become friends with one!!
The crowd starts an “Indy” chant and Mark nods.
MARK HUNTER: Exactly… Indy Darling is likely the only friend I have other than my long time buddy Adam Ekaterin associated with Project Honor. Now I may be cleared to wrestle again but that’s not relevant to this, because right now I want a fight… for that reason and because I know a certain someone is backstage and I KNOW that person will be watching me right now… KURTIS FUCKING SLAYNE… GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!!!
J.T. PRICE: Oh man… you think Kurtis will answer?
TREY BOOKER: No idea…
“Chop Suey (Covered in the style of Ghost)” by Anthony Vincent hits and without much time waiting, Kurtis Slayne strolls out onto the ramp smirking.
KURTIS SLAYNE: Markus… Markus… Markus… your presence and challenge fail to surprise me. I also haven’t forgotten what you did when I faced Tara Fenix. Based on that, the fight you want… you’ve got it!!!
The crowd begins to rumble.
KURTIS SLAYNE: But not now!!
MARK HUNTER: Why? Left your balls at home?
KURTIS SLAYNE: I’ll not rise to your insults, I do things on my terms, we will fight, we will even fight tonight… BUT I’ll come out here and pick when… see you later when I end you the same way I did that pathetic friend of yours.
MARK HUNTER: I have the ability to fucking destroy you, and you’d better believe I’ll use it!!
Kurtis throws up a middle finger in the direction of Hunter before leaving the stage, and the show cuts to a commercial as Mark stares back at the departing Slayne.
The following sponsorship spot is played on the Honor Tron for the fans in the arena while also running for the fine folks watching on The Project: Honor streaming app (for only $9.99 a month!)
EARL BOYDE: Hey boy! Need a little beef? Need a little spice? Snap into a Slim Jim! Ooooooh yeah, boy!
It's The Running Gag….
Have you ever heard of the man that can't be killed?
He was electrocuted.
He was sent to Hell.
He was shot.
But he keeps…
Coming…..
Back…
The Crowning II arena, The Wells Fargo Center fogs up as on the ramp is the figure of an unknown human being before a black out then green and purple lights, spinning around the entire arena.
“What doesn’t kill you, simply makes you stranger!”
“Let’s put a smile on that face!”
"I got a blade with your name on it. And you got a heart with my name on it, and I plan to strike the blade in your... heart."
"EARL, Hyde…."
"WELCOME TO THE RUNNING GAG!!!!"
The lights go out once again, Suddenly, a guitar solo rips through the PA System.
"SAY IT TO MY FACE!"
Another guitar solo follows.
"SOON ENOUGH I'LL FIND YOU IN THE DARK BEHIND YOU I'LL BE WAITING!"
Pyro blasts on the stage before "Say It To My Face" by Downstait kicks in as the purple and green lights shine in the smoke as a man with his back to the crowd before spinning around, and it's Angelo Caito, but his face is painted. White paint on his face, black paint on his mouth and cheekbones, and a demented smile on his face. A black jacket covers his naked upper half as he wears torn jeans and Nike Revolution 5s on his feet. He stumbles down the ramp before running to the steel steps. Angelo sits on the steps as he is announced.
CLARA OLSON: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the ring, the "Killer" Angelo Caito!"
Angelo stands up and tosses his arms up, confetti shooting out from his jacket sleeves before he speed walks the steps and jumps over the top rope. He runs to the ropes and jumps on them, staring into the camera as an evil smirk appears on his face. He jumps off the ropes and takes his jacket off, tossing it to the floor below as Angelo's body is covered in black and red markings as he awaits his prey.
"Word Up" by THE BOSSHOSS hits and the fans know what's gonna come when this theme hits, a good ol' brawl! Earl comes from the back and walks to the ring and winds his arms and moves his neck left to right. Earl stops and pours some beer on some lucky bystander. Earl rolls into the ring and waits for his opponent.
The lights go down. 'He Who Flees the Light' by Calabrese kicks in and thrums through the venue as red-orange strobes flicker across the stage in time with the music.
Broken/
Perverted/
Corrupted/
From the back, Henry Lee Hyde emerges, head bowed. He almost blends into the shadows, in his all-black ring attire, but no shadow moves as quickly as him. No shadows have the shimmer of a title belt around their waist like he does. He comes to stand at the top of the ramp, head remaining down, but his scowl deep enough to be seen under the spotlight that now focuses on him.
In our mind, body, and form/
A spiral of hatred, keep burnin'/
To savage my soul/
He rises his head in time for the chorus, eyes wild, face twisting, sneering. He gives his face, chest, a few slaps that leave a red shade to his skin, draw shouts of determination from him, before he descends the ramp towards the ring.
He who flees from the light/
Knows the true pain/
Blames all those who loved/
Blames the world and/
Henry leans into the ropes, letting them strain, and gives a mighty roar that can still be heard over the explosive music. He remains there, lets his gaze skim over the crowd and towards his opponent/the ramp. Eyes locked on his target, Henry shifts into his corner. He removes the title belt from around his waist, handing it over to the referee, and warms up in preparation for his match as his music fades out.
DING DING DING!
As soon as the bell rings, it's high paced action as all three men meet in the center of the ring. Earl Boyde is the first to fire off with forearms to both of his opponents. One after another after another, alternating between both opponents. Boyde whips off the ropes closest to him, charging forward with the momentum as he attempts to nail Henry Lee Hyde with a Big Boot to the jaw. But, Hyde counters the move and catches the boot before it can even hit him.
ALARA ADAMS: Wow! Talk about reflexes, look how the champ just caught the boot of Boyde!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Would you expect anything less from the man?
Hyde tugs hard on the leg of Boyde and sends him face first into the canvas with the momentum. Meanwhile, Angelo Caito is back in action as he nails Hyde with Double Axehandles to the back of the head. Caito picks Hyde off of the canvas and nails him with a Back Suplex, right into a Neckbreaker. Caito quickly hooks the leg as he goes for a pin, yelling at the referee.
ONE!
TWOO!
ALARA ADAMS: Ooh, no dice there for Caito... and boy, does he look less than pleased with that result.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Who cares if the man is pleased or not? He's a member of True Society! He deserves nothing!
The referee holds up two fingers, indicating that Caito had only gotten a two count. As Caito and Hyde slowly make it to their knees, Hyde looks like he has fire in his eyes. The two begin exchanging forearms as they slowly get to their feet. Hyde comes out on top of the encounter, trading forearms for palm strikes before sending Caito across the ring with a wicked German Suplex! Hyde lets out a loud battle cry as he slaps his own hand against his chest, all fired up and ready to hand it to his opponents.
Hyde charges towards Boyde, who catches him and sends him to the canvas with a Back Body Drop. The momentum shifts once more as Boyde looks to capture the Gatekeeper Championship once more. Boyde wastes little time in firing off strike combinations to Hyde who is now backed into a corner of the ring. Boyde tosses Hyde onto one of his shoulders, charging towards the opposite corner, where he slams Hyde back first into the turnbuckle. Keeping a hold of Hyde, he charges towards the center of the ring, where he drives Hyde back first into the canvas before hooking the leg.
Before the referee can even begin to count, Caito comes charging in with a boot to the temple of Boyde. Hyde gets some breathing room as Caito sets his sights on Boyde. Caito stomps on Boyde, not letting up on his attack as he berates him for getting in his way. Meanwhile, everyone has taken their eyes off of Hyde who is already back to his feet and pissed off. With Caito and Boyde trading blows on the turnbuckle, Hyde has snuck up beneath them and lifted them both off of the turnbuckle with pure strength. Hyde sends the pair towards the center of the ring, dropping them hard as his own knees buckle.
ALARA ADAMS: Oh. My. God! Unbelievable strength shown by our champ here tonight. He is not holding back any punches!
KAYDEN ELLIS: What a beautiful moment it was. But, all three men are down! Anything is fair game here.
Hyde is back to his feet, wasting no time in capitalizing on the moment. Hyde delivers a sharp Headbutt to Boyde who is oncoming in his direction. The sharp CRACK sound echoing in the air momentarily as Hyde has his sights set. Hyde pops Boyde into the air, catching him with ease, before sending him right into the turnbuckle! A sickening thud as the Buckle Bomb connects, leaving Boyde laid out in the corner of the ring. Hyde looks to continue laying into him, but Caito is back on his heels!
Caito sneaks up behind, locking in a tight Sleeper Hold on the champion. Hyde barely puts up a struggle as the pair fall to the canvas. Caito shows no signs of relinquishing that hold he has on Hyde as he tightens the hold. But, Caito lacks that ring awareness as he's too close to the ropes. Allowing Hyde to reach out just barely with his fingertips to touch the ropes. Caito keeps the hold only until just before the five count, backing off as Hyde takes a moment to suck in large gasps of air.
ALARA ADAMS: None of these men are letting up here, Kayden! This match is absolutely amazing. You can see the pure determination from all of them.
KAYDEN ELLIS: But, only one of them can- JESUS!
With Caito focused on arguing with the referee, Hyde decides it's a good time to take him out of the picture. Hyde wastes little time in cashing in on Caito's moment of weakness, taking advantage as he nails Caito with a Pop-Up Powerbomb! Long Live lays Caito out as Hyde drags him from the canvas and dumps him to the outside mats. Hyde's attention focuses on the dazed Boyde who is slowly coming to his senses, but Hyde is already signaling for the end.
Hyde drags Boyde out of the corner and right into the center of the ring. Hooking both arms of Boyde, Hyde sets him up for the H2O! Double Underhook Piledriver connects a moment later and Hyde hooks the leg for a secure pin. As Caito attempts to get into the ring, the referee begins another count.
ONE!
TWOO!
THREEE!
DING! DING! DING!
The bell tolls twice as Hyde shoves himself away from Boyde, leaving a frustrated Caito on the ring apron as Hyde is handed his championship by the referee.
CLARA OLSON: Here is your winner AND STILL Gatekeeper Champion... HENRY LEE HHHYYYDDDEEE!
Earlier in the evening…
To say it’s been a while would have been the underestimation of the year. Sure, she had been around those halls when carrying the LEGACY championship. But that didn’t mean she ever felt as part of the Proving Ground roster. Ever since signing a contract with Project Honor she called Fallout her homebase. But that was then and this was now. After a lucky coincidence Elena DeDraca now once again carried the colour blue.
Like every other show she had decided to be at the arena earlier than the rest. It was like a bad habit she just couldn’t shake off. But maybe it was not that bad after all. She simply did enjoy the silence. Walking through the hallways without anyone running around. It was like the so-called calm before the storm. Behind her she heard her stable colleagues of HYDRA quietly chatting. But that was no bother. If anything, it was comforting.
ELENA DEDRACA: Almost feels like old times.
She said just as quietly, more or less speaking to herself. They had just reached another corner when the whole group came to an abrupt halt. Only a few inches away from them stood Adam Ekaterin, chatting with one of the staff workers. Elena in her not so shy nature changed directions, walking straight towards him.
ELENA DEDRACA: Thank you.
She said, this time her voice was definitely louder than before. She wanted the man to hear her. The moment he took his attention away from the worker, he found a smiling Elena DeDraca. Adam naturally returns the expression with a smile of his own.
ADAM EKATERIN: If you’re thanking me for the trade to Proving Ground then you are very much welcome, if you’re thanking me for the match against Mr. Holt, again you are very much welcome. Anything else then I’m lost.
ELENA DEDRACA: And what about thanking you in general? The past months weren't too glamorous for me. And while I was doing my best to keep up the facade, it was hard.
The other girls nodded in agreement. Lara was giving Adam an intensive look.
ELENA DEDRACA: But if I must decide what to thank you for, then it's the match. This man tried to belittle me, shame me and break my spirit. And all that while hiding behind a group of leeches.
Adam nods slightly in agreement.
ADAM EKATERIN: You are one of this company's brightest talents, that talent needs to be both acknowledged and appreciated. You also need to know, people did see and understand what was going on, in fact a very good friend of mine was adamant I do the right thing to save you from the awful situation thrown at you. He mentioned the match idea after seeing what Syndicate and Holt did to you, he wished he could do more due to his respect for you. That and his hatred of Fallout’s general manager of course.
Elena seemed to think for a moment. A lot of the things just said kept her guessing, but she wasn't ready to ask questions yet.
ELENA DEDRACA: It surprises me that anyone seems to respect me in this company. Since I did return, it really didn't feel that way. But you may wanna thank that friend of yours in my name as well. And hating on Arik? I guess I owe him a huge gift basket for that.
This time the whole group laughed out loud. All of HYDRA still was focused on Adam.
ADAM EKATERIN: The issue really I guess is that he hasn’t been here to help, or even capable. I’m sure though he will appreciate your thanks, he’s here tonight though… It's Mark Hunter!!
Adam smirks and starts to walk away before calling back.
ADAM EKATERIN: From Mark and myself… kick that useless bastard's head in please!!
Elena and the rest of the girls looked at him with honest surprise. They looked after him for a good while, till he was almost out of sight.
ELENA DEDRACA: Not what I expected, but I must admit- I like it.
She was probably mostly talking to herself but still loud enough for the group and the viewer to hear her loud and clear.
HOLLY PEREZ:: Standing at 5’4” tall and weighing in at 125 pounds… hailing from Los Angeles, California… LEEEEXIIIIIIIII GOOOOOOOOOOOLDDDDDD!
“5 out of 6” by Dessa plays and Lexi Gold appears from behind the curtain to some thunderous cheers from the crowd. She slowly makes her way down the ramp and gazes out at the crowd, then claps a few fans hands before climbing the steps with a strut and enters the ring through the bottom rope. Once inside the ring, she stands in the middle, taunting the crowd. When she is finally satisfied with her grandstanding, she turns her focus to the entrance stage, impatiently awaiting her opponent's arrival as her music begins to die down.
With the smooth sultry tones of Madonna's Vogue filling the air, the crowd turn their heads towards the entrance ramp. With a show of vivid colours and elaborate designs we eventually see the appearance of Giovanni strutting onto the stage with his muse hanging on his arm.
They only take in the atmosphere for a short while as Giovanni twiddles locks of his own hair between his fingers, and they move their way down the ramp.
HOLLY PEREZ: Making his way to the ring, accompanied by his 'One True Muse' Calliope, hailing from the beautiful art capital of Firenze, Italy. It's none other than Giovanni!
With the excessive elaborate announcement of his presence behind them, Giovanni helps Calliope get seated on the top turnbuckle. Leaning back himself letting Calliope massage the shoulders of the tortured artist as they await the start of proceedings.
DING! DING! DING!
Lexi steps towards the center of the ring, all business as Giovanni lifts one index finger at her; he takes a few additional moments to bask in the adulation of Calliope and his loving fans before waving his muse off and finally turning to face his opponent. Lexi looks none too impressed, narrowing her eyes and glaring at the disrespectful artist.
Striding forward, Giovanni extends one hand to offer a handshake; a gesture that is met by skepticism from Lexi... until she finally seems to relent, extending a hand that is immediately grasped by her opponent. They shake for a split second, before Giovanni lunges forward to plant a knee in Lexi’s stomach; an attack that breaks the handshake and sends her stumbling back.
Rather than press the advantage, Giovanni simply raises both hands into the air and lazily turns to bow at the audience. Lexi stomps towards him while his back is still turned, and he turns back towards her just in time to be sent sprawling backwards with a shove to the chest.
J.T. PRICE: Just listen to that crowd! Sounds like they’re happy to see Lexi finally lay hands on that smug son of a-
TREY BOOKER: Hey now JT, we’re supposed to be professionals! Let’s keep it clean!
Giovanni scoots back into the corner, but Lexi doesn’t pursue; she gestures for her opponent to get back to his feet, which he does hesitantly by pulling himself up with the ropes. Taking a moment to brush his shoulders and knees off, Giovanni steps back towards Lexi and lifts one hand into the air.
Accepting this invitation for a test of strength, Lexi intertwines one hand in Giovanni’s. Before they can lock up with their other hands, there is a sizeable chorus of boos from the audience as Johnny Levy comes rushing down the entrance ramp with a steel chair.
This captures the attention of the referee, who steps away from the pair of wrestlers to try and prevent Levy from sliding into the ring to interfere. However, it appears that was never his intention, as the actor runs around ringside to unfold the chair and take a seat at the commentary desk. He even brought his own headset.
JOHNNY LEVY: HELLO SPORTS FANS, AND WELCOME TO SUNDAY NIGHT WRESTLING!!!!
J.T. PRICE: Jesus...
TREY BOOKER: ...Christ.
Meanwhile, Giovanni - taking advantage of the temporary distraction Levy’s arrival caused - reaches forward with his free hand to rake Lexi’s eyes. The referee turns back to the match seconds after, as Lexi staggers back. This time, Giovanni doesn’t pause to work the crowd, stepping forward with a boot to the stomach that doubles Lexi over.
JOHNNY LEVY: Look at that form on my boy G-Unit; you won’t see that kind of skill and grace anywhere else on this goddamn roster!
J.T. PRICE: Who keeps inviting you out here?!
JOHNNY LEVY: LISTEN UP TJ, YOU BETTER START TREATING ME WITH THE RESPECT OWED TO A FELLOW BROADCASTER!
J.T. PRICE: It’s JT, not TJ…
JOHNNY LEVY: WHO ASKED?!?!
TREY BOOKER: Can we just watch the match, fellas…?
JOHNNY LEVY: Keep a handle on your partner, Trey! I won’t stand for being corrected in such an insulting manner!
Trapping her neck under his arm, Giovanni looks ready to execute a DDT; but before he can fall back, Lexi grabs hold of his legs; she lifts Giovanni up and tosses him over her, the man landing back-first on the canvas.
Lexi takes off running into the opposite ropes, rebounding towards Giovanni and planting a dropkick into his spine just as he finishes sitting up.
TREY BOOKER: Lexi isn’t even giving Giovanni a chance to recover!
JOHNNY LEVY: This woman better relax before someone gets hurt. It doesn’t even look like she can afford a decent dye-job, how’s she going to afford a lawsuit?
J.T. PRICE: Pretty sure she’s a natural blonde, Johnny.
JOHNNY LEVY: Oh yeah? Prove it!
Both competitors back on their feet, they move into a lock-up position and begin to struggle for the upper hand. After some back-and-forth, Giovanni manages to place Lexi in a side headlock; it only lasts for a moment, as Lexi counters by dropping him to the mat with a back suplex.
TREY BOOKER: An excellent counter by Lexi Gold!
J.T. PRICE: It seems like she’s got Giovanni’s number here, no wonder he keeps resorting to underhanded tactics!
JOHNNY LEVY: Underhanded? Let’s try and keep it above board, okay TJ? Leave your anti-Italian bias at the door.
Lexi stands back up briefly, before her opponent trips her up with his own legs and brings her down to the canvas - face-first - to join him. Giovanni quickly scrambles to place her in an ankle lock before she’s able to recover, just barely managing to lock it in.
JOHNNY LEVY: WHAT A MANEUVER!
J.T. PRICE: ...a simple ankle lock?
JOHNNY LEVY: Okay, LISTEN UP you motherf-
TREY BOOKER: Guys, guys! Please, can we just commentate the match…?
JOHNNY LEVY: I’ll allow it. For now.
Despite the wrenching and twisting of her ankle, Lexi refuses to tap out… as the referee drops down to look for any signs of her conceding the match, Lexi instead begins to slowly crawl along the mat towards the nearest set of ropes.
Giovanni attempts to pull her back towards the center of the ring, but she manages to reach out at the last moment and grab the ropes with both hands to prevent him from dragging her away. The referee begins to signal to Giovanni to break the hold, but he refuses to do so.
J.T. PRICE: Look at this shameful behaviour from Giovanni!
TREY BOOKER: Despicable!
JOHNNY LEVY: First off, keep my man G-Unit’s name out of your mouths, alright? You’re talking about an ARTIST. I don’t expect you peasants to understand a man of his caliber.
The official - after failing to pry Giovanni off of his opponent - threatens him with disqualification, which finally gets the artist to release the hold and back away. As Lexi recovers from the damage done to her ankle and slowly pulls herself back to her feet, Giovanni accepts a bottle of San Pelligrino from Calliope, who passes it to him from ringside.
TREY BOOKER: What a disrespectful display!
JOHNNY LEVY: Hashtag Style Points.
Sipping the carbonated mineral water calmly, Giovanni dumps the rest of it over his head before tossing the empty bottle disdainfully into the crowd. Calliope shouts and points behind Giovanni, trying to warn him about Lexi who has fully recovered and waits for him to turn around.
The warning goes unnoticed by Giovanni, who casually wheels back around to face Lexi just as she rushes forward to hit him with a lariat. As soon as he hits the mat, wincing in pain and clutching at his neck, Giovanni begins to roll towards the ropes quicker than Lexi can stomp after him.
J.T. PRICE: He’s running?! What a coward!
JOHNNY LEVY: Get out of there, G-Unit! That woman is a psychopath! It’s not worth it!
Sliding under the bottom rope, he tries to regain his composure with the assistance of Calliope, who runs up to him and begins to pet his hair as she whispers soothing reassurances into his ear.
Unfortunately for them, Lexi is in no mood to allow her opponent a second to breathe; she runs up to the nearest corner and climbs the turnbuckle, before leaping out of the ring to flatten them both with a diving crossbody.
JOHNNY LEVY: WHAT THE HELL IS THIS OUTLAW MUD SHOW BULLSHIT?! DOES THIS WOMAN THINK WE’RE ON FALLOUT?!
TREY BOOKER: Well, technically this IS a cross-brand Premium Live Eve-
JOHNNY LEVY: WOW, JUST STOP TALKING OKAY?!
The ref starts the ten-count as the trio lay motionless at ringside.
ONE!!
TWO!!
Lexi is the first on her feet, pulling Giovanni up by the hair as Calliope groans on the ringside mats. The Gold Standard is about to toss her opponent back into the ring, when Giovanni interrupts with an open-handed slap that strikes Lexi on the side of the face. It angers her more than causing any actual damage, but it's enough to momentarily shock her into loosening her grip on Giovanni’s hair.
THREE!!
Breaking free from Lexi’s hold on him, Giovanni begins to stumble back up the entrance ramp as his valet Calliope uses the ringsteps to pull herself back to a standing position. Lexi follows after Giovanni, catching up to him about mid-way up the ramp and beginning to pepper him with strikes using her fists, elbows, and knees.
FOUR!!
J.T. PRICE: Looks like Giovanni is no match for Lexi in a straight contest; she’s not letting him get a single hit in here!
JOHNNY LEVY: Okay, I’m sick and tired of this GODDAMN BIAS, okay?! This might fly over on the other brand, but y’all should know better!
J.T. PRICE: I think EVERYONE is sick and tired of you being here, Levy! Nobody asked you to come commentate this match, nobody asked for half-hour segments from you and Giovanni every show, you’re just taking up time damnit!
JOHNNY LEVY: WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?!?! HAVEN'T MY PEOPLE SUFFERED ENOUGH?!
FIVE!!
Levy and J.T. start scuffling at the commentary desk, standing up and shouting at each other; there’s even some back-and-forth shoving between the pair. The commotion is so loud and disruptive that it actually captures the ref’s attention. Stopping the count, he turns away from Lexi and Gio - still fighting on the ramp - to tell the squabbling Levy and JT to calm down.
While the official’s attention is stolen for the moment, Calliope runs up the ramp and taps Lexi on the shoulder as she dominates Giovanni with forearms and elbow strikes... Lexi turns to face Giovanni’s muse, who distracts her for a few more seconds by smiling and waving obliviously at Lexi.
This serves to give Giovanni the time necessary to recover; and when Lexi finally dismisses Calliope with a frown and wave of her hand before turning around to face her opponent, Giovanni is waiting to double her over with a boot to the stomach.
The referee finally turns away from J.T. and Levy to resume the count, having missed Calliope’s interference outside the ring.
SIX!!
TREY BOOKER: Good job, you idiots! Your distraction may have cost Lexi the match.
JOHNNY LEVY: Not my fault, and also she deserved it.
SEVEN!!
J.T. PRICE: Can we get some security out here to remove this man?!
JOHNNY LEVY: NO, DON’T! I’LL BE GOOD!
EIGHT!!
As a security team appears from backstage and walks down the ramp to collect Johnny Levy and escort him away from the commentary desk - or die trying - they pass by Giovanni and Lexi just as the man executes a perfect Cutter on his opponent. She hits the ramp face-first, laying still as Giovanni quickly scrambles back to his feet and - after a split-second spent checking to make sure Calliope is okay - runs back into the ring just in time to slide back under the rope before...
NINE!!
TEN!!!
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ:: Your winner by count-out... GIOOOOOVAAAAANNNIIIIIIIII!!!
Levy cheers wildly and throws his arms in the air even as he’s ushered away from the commentary desk and up the ramp to the backstage area. As he passes Lexi, the woman manages to stagger back to her feet and stare daggers at the gloating, victorious form of Giovanni back in the ring.
After the bell rang, Giovanni would sneer at his fallen opponent, getting back to his feet quickly. Calliope is quick to join him by offering him something to drink as Giovanni avoided elaborate celebrations for a more sedate moment of respite after Lexi Gold pushed him to the very limits of his wrestling abilities.
J.T. PRICE: Giovanni once and for all shuts up all the doubters by making short work of Lexi Gold!
TREY BOOKER: What are you on about? Lexi Gold had his number all match and he needed cheap tactics to turn the tables. Besides, he's clearly sucking air like he just ran the most hellacious marathon in his life!
J.T. PRICE: He's sucking the sweet honeyed air of success, also... Shut up, Giovanni wants to say something I think!
Having ordered Calliope to take the microphone from Holly Perez, Giovanni would take a few last deep breaths of air as he first shot his gaze towards his opponent.
GIOVANNI: If anybody here thinks that I will show my appreciation to Lexi Gold for giving me a 'honest match', for getting the best out of me, for delivering some sort of great 'wrestling match' to all of you, you're dead wrong because all that was proven in this futile exercise is that a 'wrestler' like her cannot ever measure up to a true artist like me!
Smiling devilishly, he offers a half-hearted salute to Lexi Gold as she is approached by ringside aides; she waves them off, pointing at Giovanni as she scowls, before turning to walk backstage as the man continues his post-match showboating.
GIOVANNI: But I must thank you for one thing, for giving me the inspiration to defeat you and your reign of terror once and for all. Because that move I beat you with is called 'The Midas Touch', for unlike you Lexi, everything my brilliance touches turns to gold!
The crowd would boo in unrelenting vitriol at Giovanni's final swipe after which he chose to immediately lapse his attention away from his former opponent and instead stared straight at the camera looking to make new ones.
GIOVANNI: I'm not here to 'wrestle', the fact I had to show this ugly side of me means that I have too much work that has to be happen before I can be happy, because I'm here to bring art, and I'm here to make this rotten company something a connoisseur can look out and proudly wipe away a tear of happiness at how beautiful it can be.
Running a hand through his slick sweat-covered head of hair, he'd take a few more breaths to control his heart beat and keep himself from fully stammering his way through what he had to say like some lesser competitors would probably do.
GIOVANNI: Thanks to my beautiful, brilliant, and benevolent ally Sonya Benson; I have not one, but two title shots for the Warrior Rising title. That means I am the most deserving person to fight for that title, and I don't care if Casanova retains tonight or if any of the other three pretenders will walk out with the gold, I want a title shot, and I figure that I can cash in these two shots to get a one on one match with whoever walks out with the gold later tonight on a Proving Ground episode of my choosing.
Letting in a deep breath, he shared a smile with Calliope before staring a hole into the hard camera.
GIOVANNI: I'll be waiting. It's time this company truly sees the depth of my artistic brilliance!
Under a chorus of boos Giovanni would get up on the turnbuckle and celebrate his victory together with the one person that'd appreciate it the most, Calliope. And in that moment of victory, none of the blind and misguided hatred could reach his ears.
TREY BOOKER: A big challenge called out by Giovanni, to put both his title shots on the line to get the Warrior Rising champion one on one!
J.T. PRICE: He's shooting his shot, and he's not going to wait for it like they've made him up to this point! His artistical dominance will shake this company to its core!
TREY BOOKER: Sure it will, but let's quickly go backstage for a second in preparation of our next match, which will be for that very same title!
Walking through the backstage area of the venue are Savannah Sunshine and Billy Bennett, getting quite a few odd glances from the crew members they pass.
Billy sort of half-covers her face whenever they walk by somebody, clearly embarrassed by the fact that Savannah is holding her hand and refusing to let go, despite the Floridian’s half-hearted efforts to wrench her arm away. Eventually, she just gives up and accepts that it’s happening, despite the damage it’s surely causing to her reputation.
They are mid-conversation, which continues thusly.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: I mean, it’s kind of hard to explain. Did you watch that movie ‘Infinity War’ I recommended? That should help you understand all this.
BILLY BENNETT: Naw. Well, I tried, but I kept fallin’ asleep like 10 minutes in. Somethin’ ‘bout other worlds, I got that much. I’m just sayin’ y’all are best to not focus on that shit. Keep your eyes on the prize: that greasy motherfucker’s throat. Ain’t gotta be more complex than that, y’know?
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Yeah, you’re right, it doesn’t really matter where he came from, all I’ve got to do is bea-
As they turn a corner and open a door into a semi-public section of the arena, Billy suddenly pulls her hand away from Savannah’s and holds out one arm to stop her movement. Her eyes fixate on a small group of squealing, excited fans; they are assembled around Lil Petey, who stands with a black marker in his hand. He signs photos, shirts, CDs and breasts (male and female cuz my mans don’t discriminate) in his never ending crusade to keep his fans happy, grinning and nodding at the outpouring of love he’s receiving.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Oh god, not this loser.
That comment is enough to tear Billy’s attention off the object of her unspoken admiration and affection, wheeling around to stare daggers at Savannah.
BILLY BENNETT: I’m sorry, what the FUCK did ya say?!
This reaction alone is enough to tip Billy’s hand, and a look of realization crosses over Savannah’s face as she puts two and two together... which is soon replaced by an expression of disgust and disbelief.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: No. Way. Billy, are you really thirsting ov-
BILLY BENNETT: Just... just don’t, okay? Listen, it’s almost time for your match, maybe ya best go get ready? I’ll be cheerin’ ya on back here, don’t worry. Ya got this, girl.
There’s a pause, as Savannah looks like she wants to press the issue a bit more, eyes still moving between Billy and Petey in the distance (who has taken no notice of them). Like she’s trying to figure out what kind of cursed, one-sided romance her friend has dreamed up in that bizarre head of hers.
Eventually, she just shrugs and leans in to hug Billy tightly, before turning and heading back towards the locker room - or some other, saner place - to prepare for the Ascension Championship match.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: ...good luck.
Once Savannah is fully out of sight, Billy places her palm in front of her mouth and breaths into it to check her breath. It’s not great, but it’s about as good as it’s going to get. Running one hand through her greasy mass of hair in a futile effort to doll herself up a bit, she eventually steels herself and begins to stride towards Petey and his fans.
Meanwhile, Petey seems to have caught the scent of something; he finishes signing the latest autograph and sniffs the air, still not noticing the approaching crackhead.
LIL PETEY: Something smells fishy around here... was Savannah just here?
Yes, Petey. She was. So accurate. So brave.
BILLY BENNETT: So ya showed up, huh? Glad to see it, Petey.
The thick Everglades drawl captures Petey’s attention, as well as that of the assembled autograph-seeking fans. They begin to walk away as soon as they take note of who that voice belongs to.
Petey lifts one palm up towards Billy as she stomps towards him, apparently trying to defuse the situation.
LIL PETEY: Ayo, chill, save it for the main event!
Despite his words, Billy keeps advancing as the crowd of fans finish scattering away, making room for the fist-fight that’s about to unfold.
LIL PETEY: Sheeeeesh. Alright, if you want to catch these hands early, be my guest.
Taking off his sunglasses and placing them into the pocket of his pimping paisley shirt, Petey squares up, ready to send Billy’s dumb ass to the Shadow Realm.
But rather than lunge at him with violent intentions, she stops a few feet away, sheepishly avoiding eye contact with the best rapper in the world.
BILLY BENNETT: Listen, I uh... since, y’know... this match, and all...
With a deep sigh of exasperation and rapidly reddening cheeks, Billy reaches one hand down the front of her shirt to fish around for something. Eventually, she pulls out a small photograph, folded-up into a square.
Unfolding it to reveal a shirtless photo of Lil Petey from some ill-conceived Soundcloud advertising campaign, she holds it out towards the rapper with hands that tremble excitedly. The picture itself is oddly sticky and moist, not to mention frayed and picked-at. It looks very well-used.
As she extends the photograph, she speaks in an abnormally loud, nervous, almost squeaky voice, clearly unable to restrain her inner fangirl in the face of the Drip God.
BILLY BENNETT: CANIGETYOURAUTOGRAPH?!?!
Petey blinks hard; once, twice, three times, a dumbfounded look of shock on his face at this unexpected turn. Eventually, he shakes his head - his beautiful, majestic, life-giving hair fluttering through the air as he does so - and uncaps the Sharpie he’d been using to sign the fans’ merch.
LIL PETEY: ...girl, you crazy.
We come back to ringside as "Sick Like Me" by In This Moment comes to an end with LeeAnn Morgan ready in the ring awaiting her opponents.
"Hurt" by Johnny Cash begins to play and after a few seconds Douglas Crane comes out the back and heads down the ramp, at a steady pace, emotionless, his piercing blue eyes focused on the ring and his opponent within it. He slides under the bottom rope and crawls on his fists while on his knees, slithering first towards the ref to freak him out and then towards his opponent. He then slithers back towards a corner where he just sits, waiting for the beginning of the match.
“Hurt” is suddenly interrupted by "Dusted" by Astroid Boys, as Betsy walks out with her robe on, taking her place in the middle of the ramp, where she stretches her arms to either side and lets the robe fall slightly down her back, exposing her shoulders but still being mostly worn. As she starts walking to the ring, she alternates between pointing at herself and at the crowd, her confidence only second to how much she appreciates the fans. She enters the ring and takes her place in one of the vacant corners waiting for the final challenger to make his way down the aisle.
The lights go dim as the eerie voice of a former member of the notorious Manson Family rings through the arena.
"yeah, I
remember her saying:
I'm already dead... I'm already dead... I'm
already dead..."
The lights flicker revealing Casanova English on the stage as the voice continues.
"You're going to get up and scream. I'm
already dead... I'm already dead... I'm already dead..."
You're
going to get up and-
Burn an x in your head."
The lights turn back on as Casanova English takes a long drag off his already lit cigarette, his leather jacket hung loosely over his shoulders, championship wrapped around his waist catching light. He scowls at the crowd before Bash Daddy slowly walks from behind the curtains to join him - the towering man shirtless, wearing black jeans and a leather mask.
English and Bash Daddy look at one another and smirk before walking down the ramp slowly. English stops to blow smoke in the general direction of some fans. Bash Daddy walks over to the corner between the guard rails and the ring. English pulls the title off his waist and puts it on his shoulder. To the disdain of the crowd Casanova casually pushes his cigarette into the face of the title - putting it out, twisting slow. English slowly struts up the steps onto the ring apron. He hangs his jacket on the turnbuckle before stepping through the second rope. English stands in the far corner, his arms resting over the ropes.
HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a Fatal Four Way match for the Warrior Rising Championship! First, hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. She is the Gypsy Rose, LeeAnn Morgan!
LeeAnn steps forward and raises her arms to a chorus of boos before stepping back into her corner.
HOLLY PEREZ: Next, hailing from a place that cannot be determined. This is Douglas Crane!
Crane stays seated in his corner of the ring staring across at the current champion, staring at the man unblinking, not wanting to take his eyes off his target.
HOLLY PEREZ: And our third competitor, hailing from Manchester, England, Betsy Gallagher!
Betsy takes a step forward and fully removes her robe as she waves to the crowd which gives her the warmest reception of the four.
HOLLY PEREZ: Finally, hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is your Warrior Rising Champion… Casanovaaaaaaa Englishhhh!!!
English steps forward and holds the title up while he devilishly smiles at his three opponents. The referee steps forward and hesitantly takes the title from English before holding it up, displaying it for the crowd. The referee takes the belt to ringside to hand it over to the timekeeper when Bash Daddy takes the title holding it himself for the match. All four competitors ready themselves in their corners as the ref calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Right out the gate LeeAnn charges across the ring towards Betsy but is taken off her feet by Crane who takes her off guard, nailing her with a wicked European uppercut.
TREY BOOKER: And this match is already underway with Crane and LeeAnn getting the action started quickly.
J.T. PRICE: Leave it to that freak, Crane, to already attempt to make this match a bloodbath.
Crane follows LeeAnn as she rolls to the edge of the ring, allowing Betsy and Casanova to lock up on the opposite side of the ring.The two are evenly matched until Casanova transitions into a wrist lock. He twists the wrist then hits an arm drag on Gallagher while keeping a hold of the wrist. Betsy gets back to her feet and pulls Casanova’s arm over her head, reversing the wrist lock into a wrist lock of her own. Betsy attempts to pull English in for the Queen’s Lariat but he ducks under and wraps her up for a German suplex! While the two are down Crane is working LeeAnn in the corner of the ring sending multiple shots into the midsection of the Gypsy Rose. Crane then lifts LeeAnn to the top rope in a seated position while she clutches at her abdomen.
TREY BOOKER: It looks as though Crane is taking things high-risk early!
J.T. PRICE: We’ll see if that pays off for him.
Crane climbs the turnbuckle to the middle rope and wraps LeeAnn’s arm around his head and grabs her tights at the waist. He lifts her into the air looking for that top rope brainbuster but she begins to knee his head knocking him off balance. It doesn’t work however as he falls backwards bringing her with him to hit a giant top rope superplex! LeeAnn rolls out of the ring while Crane attempts to recover. Meanwhile English and Betsy have gotten to their feet and are trading shots. Betsy pushes English back and charges forward looking for a lariat but he counters by jumping onto her shoulders and sending her outside with a hurricanrana.
English and Crane get to their feet at the same time, pulling themselves up with the ropes on opposite sides of the ring. The two turn to face each other and both stop and stare at one another. Crane remains emotionless as he watches English bounce off the ropes and begin walking to the center. English raises his arms as he smiles at his opponent. He begins to speak but the camera can’t pick up the sound. Crane walks forward leaving only an inch of separation between the two. English laughs in Crane’s face who doesn’t respond kindly, grabbing the smaller man and tossing him with an overhead belly to belly suplex.
On the outside Betsy and LeeAnn have recovered. LeeAnn runs around the ring and hits Betsy with a step up enziguri. Gallagher falls backward into the steel ring steps. LeeAnn follows up with a running kick attempting to sandwich Betsy between her foot and the steps. Betsy dodges out of the way leaving Morgan to kick the bare steps. Morgan stumbles backward trying to not put pressure on the leg that kicked the steps. Betsy gets to her feet and hits a series of European uppercuts then finishes the combination with a lariat taking Morgan to the ringside floor. Betsy picks LeeAnn off the ground and rolls her into the ring, following shortly after.
TREY BOOKER: Once again, all four competitors are in the ring!
J.T. PRICE: That’s unfortunate, I was enjoying the close up view of Betsy and LeeAnn fighting.
All four competitors get to their feet, Betsy going after LeeAnn and Crane keeping his offense up on English. Betsy pushes LeeAnn into the corner belly first and hits her with the Nightmaker, leaving her groggy in the corner. Crane pushes English into the opposite corner of Morgan and whips him across the ring. Betsy moves out of the way as Casanova reacts promptly by nailing Morgan with a shining wizard to the back of the head. LeeAnn crumples to the ground as Besty hooks English’s arms, driving him to the mat with the Fairytale Ending, double underhook sitout facebuster. She rolls him over for the pin attempt.
TREY BOOKER: Betsy trying to get a quick pin over the champion!
ONE!
TW-
Crane makes the save as he pulls Titania off Cas by her hair.
J.T. PRICE: I don’t think that would’ve been enough, but Douglas Crane isn’t taking any chances.
Crane throws Gallagher across the ring with a release suplex. Betsy grits her teeth and gets back to her feet while Doug approaches her with murderous intent. Lady Gallagher kicks Crane in the gut and quickly scrambles to the corner where she climbs to the middle rope and springs off landing a diving leg drop bulldog! She takes the opportunity to lock in the Regal Stretch! With Cas and LeeAnn down this could be her chance! Crane thrashes around with his free arm as Betsy pulls back as far as she can on the arm trap cross-legged STF. Crane scratches and claws at Gallagher’s arm but she refuses to let go.
TREY BOOKER: Once again, Lady Gallagher is trying to end it! Can she make Crane tap out?
J.T. PRICE: Hold that thought Trey, I think I see someone stirring on the other side of the ring.
The ref checks on Crane who is holding out for dear life. Crane begins to slowly fade, still having bursts of life. Finally Casanova sprints in from nowhere and hits Betsy with a flying forearm, breaking the hold. Casanova mounts Crane now and begins to unload with a flurry of forearms to his face taking advantage of the downed man. Crane reaches up and begins to claw at Cas’s face, succeeding in getting the champion off himself. Betsy is getting back to her feet about the same time as LeeAnn who both pick English and Crane up to their feet respectively. LeeAnn quickly drops Crane with a reverse snap DDT then runs to the corner, jumping off hitting a beautiful asai moonsault. Meanwhile Betsy sets English up for the Queen’s Lariat once again. This time it connects! Casanova is taken off his feet by the short arm lariat!
English bounces off the ground and lands himself into a seated position. Gallagher runs to the ropes to spring off for extra momentum before hitting the Regal Knee! She goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THR- KICKOUT!
English is able to withstand the offense barely getting his shoulder off the mat. It looks as though Betsy is calling for the finish as she slowly lifts English once more but is interrupted by LeeAnn who strikes her in the back of the neck then drops Betsy with a snap DDT into the chest of Crane. Cas stumbles into the corner and props himself up by the turnbuckle while he regains his footing. LeeAnn takes notice of the champion and charges into the corner where he catches her with a drop toe hold into the bottom turnbuckle. Morgan grabs her nose as blood begins to slowly leak out from it. English smiles at his injured opponent and rakes at the nose smearing blood across her face. Crane and Betsy begin to climb back to their feet while this is happening. Betsy has her focus on the corner where English continues his offensive on LeeAnn but Crane has other ideas as he lifts Betsy onto his shoulder to her surprise and charges into the corner, dropping her face first with a snake-eyes. Crane quickly gets behind her and locks in the standing cobra clutch lovingly referred to by his victims as Release Me!
English takes notice of what is happening but instead of breaking up the hold he lifts Morgan to her feet and locks in a submission of his own, the Silence of the Lamb!
TREY BOOKER: Crane locked in the cobra clutch but Casanova has a submission of his own!
J.T. PRICE: That sick modified triangle choke! Neither man is releasing their hold!
Betsy valiantly fights back not wanting to give into the hold while Crane stares dead into the eyes of English. English doesn’t give in either though, staring straight back to the intimidating man. LeeAnn begins to fade desperately reaching for one of the ropes but is just out of range. While Betsy continues to fight on refusing to give, the referee checks on Leeann whose arm begins to fall as she slowly fades from consciousness. It looks as though Betsy may be about to tap as Crane begins to shake her violently trying to submit her before English can submit LeeAnn when the referee calls for the bell.
TREY BOOKER: What happened?! Both men had submissions locked in?!
J.T. PRICE: Wait a minute! Look at LeeAnn! She’s out!
DING! DING! DING!
Both competitors keep their holds locked in as they stare at each other, English smiling at the psychotic looking man while Crane simply remains mostly emotionless with slight twinges of anger.
HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner by knockout… and still Warrior Rising Champion… Casanovaaaaaaaa Englishhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
English releases his hold after the referee begins to pry him off the Gypsy Rose. He slides out of the ring where he is given the Warrior Rising Championship by Bash Daddy. English and Crane continue to stare at one another as English backs his way up the ramp and Crane continues to try and make Betsy tap to release the hold. Finally the referee begins to tear Crane away but he then turns his attention to the referee instead locking the hold on him now. Betsy falls to the mat and rolls to the edge of the ring where medical staff begin to check up on her. Immediately after being put into the cobra clutch himself, the referee begins to tap out trying desperately to get out of the hold. Crane throws the official to the mat and walks out of the ring leaving multiple bodies in the ring behind him.
