Fight Grid
(EAW intro plays.)
(The scenery slowly set upon a lonely and unkept castle in the distance, it looked like it was almost going to collapse upon itself with broken down parts of it laying around the field, torn up flags of the previous rulers of the castle, it was a mess. A man in shining knight armor mounted on his horse galloped slowly closer and closer to the castle, with his army following close to him, a familiar army of knights in silver armor, the Knights of the Blue Cross and Shield. They were led by only one man, Adam Lucas, as he focused on reading a letter that he had on his hands, it was from Bethany, who couldn’t be there with him due to fighting a more brutal and personal battle elsewhere.)
(He let out a small sigh and put the letter inside of his armor and close to his heart, as he and his knights entered deeper into the castle. It was there that they found what they were looking for. In the middle of the room, stood a beautiful looking throne covered in gold and all the most valuable jewels in existence. They said that the one who took hold on that throne would receive unlimited power and have the ability to rule all over EAW. But just as Adam got closer, he stopped as he heard a lot of noise coming from all sides. They had company.)
(Through four entrances entered other armies, first it was one clad in black and yellow, but it looked more like a parade than an army, as Serenity Valdez on the front, with her commanders Sierra Bradford and Mei Sasaki by her side, entered in the most pompous way they could, with the subjects behind her throwing a celebration and already calling for an assured victory.)
(In another entrance, an army of soldiers wearing basketball jerseys over their armor pushed through without a problem, being led by Bronson Daniels and looking focused toward his goal, his legacy on the line in this last game…well, battle.)
(Another army arrived clad in orange and green, this time being led by Holly Arrow and her second-in-command Harper Lee, the two of them wearing Potara Earrings for the occasion and their army having various artifacts from famous anime, were they real or they were just props? They weren’t even sure, but they looked cool as hell using them.)
(And finally, through the last entrance, one man without an army behind him accompanying him, walked in wearing red and black knight armor, the man being revealed as none other than Drake King who only had a cool and dead look in his eyes, not looking towards anyone else and simply looking at the throne.)
(It was a stand-off of the ages as each and every leader of the army wanted the throne for themselves, either for good, for personal gain, for nefarious needs or for simply pure destruction. It was completely quiet and everyone stood there in silence, just waiting…and waiting…until someone delivered the first strike.)
(The anticipation was cut short as the scene was slowly transitioned into the inside of the Roger’s Arena, a couple of hours to go before the show, that was still being slowly filled up with fans coming in and taking their seats. The camera panned over to the Showdown commentary team of Eve, Deadprez and Gavin Kirkland, the three of them being up in the rafters and looking over the ring as Eve spoke up first.)
Eve: Welcome everyone the official King of Elite Kickoff Special! We are very excited for the show tonight as it will be one of the most exciting Marquee Events of 2023 with two nights packed full of incredible action that we are simply dying to see!
Deadprez: You took the words right out of my mouth, Eve. And that is why-
Gavin Kirkland: WOOOOOO, THIS WEEKEND IS MY GOAT’S FIRST DEFENSE! That is what we have to take from this entire show! I am so excited to see Limmy in action successfully defend his championship and show why he earned the nickname of Limommy :blessed:
Deadprez: Limmy isn’t even on Showdown.
Gavin Kirkland: Hey, as the number one Limmy stan, my praises and love go beyond any brand.
Deadprez: Man, if this dude is already starting this early…
Eve: Don’t worry about it Deadprez, I’ll keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t say anything stupid. Continue.
Deadprez: Right, where was I…As I was saying, that is why between all the commentary teams we are going to run down the King of Elite card for you and remind you how massive it is going to be. We have Ryan Wilson and Xander Payne going up against The Ice Aces to prove who is the better team to challenge for the Unified Tag Team Championships! A rivalry for the ages between two titans, with Kassidy Heart going up against Ms. Extreme! And of course the Specialists Championship being on the line with Lexi fighting against ARIA in a Pure Rules Match!
Eve: As well as the Showdown title matches, with the longest reigning National Elite Champion Donovan Duke defending his championship against Veena Adams, while the Answers World Championship is on the line when Jake Smith tries to prove himself against Impact! While we have Showdown’s own Holly Arrow and Adam Lucas fighting for the Empress of Elite and King of Elite respectively, we are very much rooting for them here!
Deadprez: Let’s not waste anymore time and let’s cut right to the Dynasty team!
Gavin Kirkland: WOOO, GO LIMMY-
(They quickly cut over to the Dynasty commentary team of Stew-O, Flannery McCoy and Jake Mercer who were standing at ringside.)
Stew-O: Thank you guys, good to see everyone tuning in for this unprecedented kickoff special! I am Stew-O accompanied here by Flannery and Jake, here to continue the run-down of the King of Elite matches!
Flannery McCoy: Some exciting matches from Showdown’s side have already been named, but from Dynasty’s side here we have incredible and jaw-dropping contests that we can’t wait to see!
Jake Mercer: Here at Dynasty, we bring to the table the most exciting matches of all time, especially for such a prestigious event like King of Elite! Did you know this Marquee Event is a 500 year old wrestling tradition that started in medieval times between kingdoms to prove who is the most elite ruler? That is why it is called King of Elite!
Flannery McCoy: What?! Wrestling didn’t even exist back then!
Jake Mercer: And you weren’t even born back then Flannery! How do you know what is the truth and what isn’t, huh? :usure:
Flannery McCoy: You weren’t born either at that time!
Jake Mercer: Agree to disagree!
Flannery McCoy: Ugh, whatever, let’s talk about the matches! We have Hall of Famer Cameron Ella Ava teaming up with Milli Banks to go against Sierra Bradford and Mei Sasaki as well as a triple threat between Sheridan Muller, Harper Lee and Madison Kaline! The Unified Tag Team Championships are on the line as Soul Food Sunday defend against the Off-Brand Amphetamines and the team of Nick Hart and Shane Gates.
Stew-O: And let’s not forget either about the New Breed Championship match, Ruler facing off against Caroline! The Interwire Championship on the line with Joso fighting Amir Yusuf and the World Heavyweight Championship is being defended as former Insurgency members clash against each other, Limmy Monaghan versus Maxwell! And of course, we have to mention Dynasty’s own Serenity Valdez and Bronson Daniels are in the Empress of Elite and King of Elite finals. We are behind them and rooting for them to win too!
Jake Mercer: Not for Bronson I am not, HE IS A FRAUD!
Flannery McCoy: Oh whoops, look at the time, we have to switch to Voltage! See you guys!
Jake Mercer: WAIT, I AM NOT DONE YET-
(Just as that was said, it quickly transitioned to the commentary desk as the Voltage commentary team composed of James Peters, Rich Russillo and Persephone were talking to each other.)
Persephone: Seriously Rich, I don’t know how long I can keep this act up, it is such a pain in the- OH, UH- HI! It already switched to us? What a surprise! Ignore everything that I said before, I was simply talking about…unicorns…and rainbows, and how Disney is such a great company! 😁
Rich Russillo: Yeah, we weren’t talking smack about anything or saying anything bad, we promise! :mjgrin:
James Peters: I was just busy here on my phone.
Rich Russillo: Right, let’s finish off that rundown, shall we? Here from Voltage’s side we have great matches to talk about too! Kicking off the Kickoff Special in just a matter of moments, the 24/7 Contract and two unnamed opportunities will be on the line in the ‘Scaffold of Opportunity Match’! Theron Nikolas will be going up against Yhwach O’Hara, as well as the Hardcore Championship finally making his return to Marquee Events and it is being defended with Hikari Kanno facing off against Halsey Neel.
James Peters: And finally we have incredibly important and personal title matches, the Universal Women’s Championship being defended with Sienna Jade fighting Dr. Bethany Blue, and the EAW Championship being on the line with Minerva defending it against Myles and TLA. We also have Drake King fighting in the King of Elite finals!
(The three of them stayed quiet for a few seconds.)
James Peters: Do we have to say we are rooting for him?
Rich Russillo: I am not doing it.
Persephone: Nope.
James Peters: Well, we are very much rooting for Voltage to win here! I hope everyone watching is just as thrilled as we are to experience this incredibly special show, so let’s get started!
(The camera pans into the arena to see a large, unstable scaffold in the middle of the ring. Above the platform are two briefcases hanging, and the 24/7 Contract. All competitors Candice Blair, Sierra Everett, Korey Gaines, Trish Edwardson, Kylie Grace, Samael, Daryl Kinkade, and Mercer McKay are in the ring ready, looking up at the tall scaffold.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is the SCAFFOLD OF OPPORTUNITY MATCH!!!!
(The crowd cheers, and the referee signals for the bell.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: AND THIS ONE IS UNDERWAY! All seven competitors circle around the scaffold in the middle of the ring, waiting for somebody to – AND CHAOS HAS ENSUED AS EVERYONE IS GOING AT IT! IT’S HARD TO TELL WHAT’S TRULY GOING ON!
Persephone: Don’t we all love a little chaos? :mjgrin:
Rich Russillo: Kylie clotheslines Gaines over the top rope as everyone slides under and the brawls ensues outside. But look…Candice pulls Sierra away from the bunch and the two slip into the ring! The two members of Team Eden look to try taking advantage of the rest of the field not paying attention. Sierra begins to climb the scaffold as Candice tries to keep a lookout before trying to climb the other side herself! They are the only two in the ring!
James Peters: But before Sierra could reach the platform, Daryl Kinkade slides in and pulls her down by the foot as she lands face first on the mat! Candice was too late in stopping him as she charges towards him – AND DARYL SENDS CANDICE FLYING OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE OUTSIDE RIGHT ON TOP OF MERCER AND TRISH WHO WERE IN A BATTLE ON THE OUTSIDE! And now Daryl is alone in the ring as Sierra is on both knees holding her face in some pain – AND THEN HE RUNS AND DELIVERS A DROPKICK TO THE FACE AS SIERRA ROLLS OUT OF THE RING! And now Daryl is alone in the ring as he looks up high at the scaffold!
Rich Russillo: Daryl was about to climb up the scaffold, but he saw Samael enter the ring, and he goes to clothesline him, but Samael grabs him by the throat…And then runs him backwards over the top rope! AND THEN KYLIE RUNS AND TAKES OUT DARYL WITH A SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE SECOND ROPE! Some teamwork there from Samael and Kylie as Samael turns around and begins to ascend up the scaffold!
Persephone: BUT GAINES IS BACK IN THE RING! And then Gaines pulls him by the leg as he falls off the scaffold and then to one knee. Gaines backs up and looks to delivers a superkick to the face….BUT SAMAEL STANDS UP AND GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT AND LIFTS HIM UP HIGH – AND THEN WALKS HIM OVER TO THE ROPES AND DROPS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE RIGHT ON HIS BACK! Samael is dominating in the early goings as he turns around once more…AND UH OH! SAMAEL AND MERCER MCKAY STAND FACE TO FACE! :lupe:
James Peters: Things are about to get serious here. Both of them stare at one another before running towards each other, inadvertently locking up as they have a struggle for power! Mercer looks to have the upper hand as he backs Samael up in the corner…THEN A FOREARM FROM SAMAEL! SAMAEL RUNS OFF THE ROPES…BUT THEN MERCER COMPLETELY TRUCKS SAMAEL AS SAMAEL DROPS TO THE MAT AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING! Mercer is fired up having gotten the momentum – BUT THEN FROM BEHIND KYLIE DELIVERS A CHOP BLOCK TO THE BACK OF THE KNEE! KYLIE RUNS OFF THE ROPES AND DELIVERS A BULLDOG AS KYLIE RUNS OVER TO THE CORNER AND CLIMBS UP HIGH! WHAT DOES SHE HAVE IN MIND?
Rich Russillo: BUT BEFORE WE COULD FIND OUT, CANDICE POPS ON THE APRON AND SHOVES KYLIE OFF THE TOP TO THE OUTSIDE AS SHE HITS THE BARRICADE SHOULDER FIRST!! Sierra pops up on the apron beside her and then she goes up top looking to pick up the pieces…AND THE FROG SPLASH ON TOP OF SAMAEL! More teamwork from Team Eden as Candice steps in the ring as Samael stands back up….AND THEN A DOUBLE DROPKICK FROM SIERRA AND CANDICE THAT DRIVES SAMAEL THROUGH THE SECOND ROPE TO THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!!
James Peters: Sierra and Candice then turn to go climb up the sides of the scaffold, and they’re almost on top of the platform –
Persephone: LOOK OUT!! DARYL SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE AND DELIVERS A FRONT DROPKICK TO THE SCAFFOLD!!! THE SCAFFOLD SHAKES ENOUGH TO MAKE CANDICE AND SIERRA FALL OFF BOTH SIDES! That was enough to get the job done as Daryl stabilizes the scaffold…AND THEN RUNS AT CANDICE SITTING IN THE CORNER AND DRIVES BOTH KNEES INTO THE FACE! HE RUNS TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER AND DOES THE SAME TO SIERRA!! Daryl begins to climb the scaffold now as the ring is clear!
James Peters: HERE COMES KOREY GAINES WHO SPRINGBOARDS AND HITS THE DROPKICK TO DARYL’S BACK…AND THEN DARYL FALLS OFF OF THE SCAFFOLD! Action is fast and furious already as we await the first person to even reach the platform. Gaines picks Daryl up…and then throws him shoulder first into the steel post through the second turnbuckle! Gaines is proud of his work as he turns back around –
Rich Russillo: TRISH EDWARDSON DROPS HIM WITH A SUPERKICK! And then in comes Mercer! CHOP BLOCK TO THE FRONT KNEECAP BY TRISH! Mercer is down as she runs off the ropes and delivers a running dropkick! Trish takes this opportunity to begin her climb up the scaffold. Mercer is coming to and Trish realizes that as she tries to hurry….and Mercer begins to climb the other side! Trish realizes that she may have just made a huge mistake as she’s trapped with Mercer alone on top of the scaffold :lupe:
Persephone: TRISH TRIES TO STRIKE FIRST BUT MERCER SLAMS HER DOWN ON THE PLATFORM WITH A SPINEBUSTER….AND FOLLOWS IT UP WITH THE SPLASH RIGHT ON TOP OF HER AND THE SCAFFOLD JUST RAPIDLY SHAKED! Trish looks to be completely out of it as Mercer picks her up, AND UH OH! MERCER PICKS HER UP BY THE THROAT AND LIFTS HER UP!!! THEY ARE ALMOST 15 FEET HIGH –
*CRACK!*
Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!!! MERCER CHOKESLAMS TRISH OFF THE TOP OF THE SCAFFOLD FROM IN THE RING ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!!! YOU COULD JUST HEAR ABOUT ALMOST EVERY BONE IN TRISH’S BODY BREAK!!!! :damn:
Persephone: :mjlit:…..I MEAN…HOW SAD!
(Instant replay of the chokeslam from over 15 feet in the air as Trish landed flat on her back before flipping back to see Trish being strapped to a stretcher and wheeled out of the arena.)
James Peters: Medical personnel immediately rush ringside to help Trish and get her out of here, and hey if you’re a competitor in this match, that’s good news because now that’s one less person you have to worry about and your odds just went up. and meanwhile back on top of the scaffold…..MERCER MCKAY REACHES UP FOR ONE OF THE BRIEFCASES!!! HE’S GOT IT!!
Rich Russillo: LOOK!!! SIERRA AND CANDICE ARE BOTH UP AND THEY BOTH BEGIN SHAKING THE UNSTABLE SCAFFOLD AS HARD AS THEY CAN!! THAT MANAGES TO GET MERCER TO LOSE HIS BALANCE ON THE PLATFORM SAVING ONE OF THE CASES FOR AS OF THIS MOMENT, AND SIERRA QUICKLY USES THIS WINDOW TO CLIMB UP HER SIDE TO THE PLATFORM!!
James Peters: Mercer is trying to stand up, but Sierra is already at the top with him before he does, and then Sierra drives the knee into his head, and then puts him in a sleeper hold…AND CANDICE HAS CLIMBED UP FROM HER SIDE, AND NOW IT LOOKS TO BE A TWO ON ONE ADVANTAGE ON THE PLATFORM AND MERCER IS IN BIG TROUBLE! Sierra and Candice begin to stomp the life out of Mercer….before they both kick him off and he rolls off the platform back down to the ring below! SIERRA AND CANDICE GIVE A SMILE AS THEY BOTH REACH UP FOR A BRIEFCASE –
Persephone: OH NO!!!! DARYL AND SAMAEL ARE BACK IN THE RING….AND THEY BOTH USE ALL OF THEIR STRENGTH TO TIP THE UNSTABLE SCAFFOLD OVER JUST ENOUGH AS BOTH SIERRA AND CANDICE FALL OFF OF IT AND FALL….AND THEY LAND AND TAKE OUT OUT BOTH GAINES AND KYLIE ON THE OUTSIDE!!! :damn:!!!!
Jane’s Peters: Candice and Sierra better thank the lucky stars that Kylie and Gaines were there because that would have likely been career changing if they hit the ground. And now Daryl and Samael look at one another – AND THEY BEGIN TO BRAWL GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH ONE ANOTHER EXCHANGING SHOTS!! Daryl looks to have the upper hand as Samael swings, but Daryl ducks before hitting an enziguri kick to the side of the head!! DARYL THEN RUNS AND DELIVERS A SHINING WIZARD TO THE BACK OF SAMAEL’S HEAD!! Daryl looks to have the ring all to himself here as he looks up high at the scaffold!
Rich Russillo: But that wasn’t enough to keep the big man down as Samael us rising back to his feet, AND THEN DARYL CHARGES AT HIM…BUT SAMAEL CATCHES HIM IN THE “DEATH ROW!!!” THE MANDIBLE CLAW IS LOCKED IN ON DARYL!!! Samael has it applied for several seconds before letting go and picking Daryl up and tossing him to the outside through the second rope. The monster looks up as he begins his ascent to the top of the scaffold with nobody in sight to stop him! Samael is about to reach the top of the platform to retain his contract which is what we all likely expect –
Persephone: BUT CANDICE HAS CRAWLED BACK INSIDE THE RING AND HAS AHOLD OF HIM BY THE FOOT! Samael is trying to kick her hand away, and he finally does as he reaches the platform, but Candice is trying to climb up to stop him! Sanael stands up looking down on Candice who has reached the top – AND HE STEPS ON HER FINGERS AS HARD AS POSSIBLE!! Candice still hasn’t fallen yet. :lupe:
James Peters: HE DOES IT AGAIN…BUT SHE MOVES HER HAND THIS TIME, AND DROPS HIM WITH A LEG SWEEP! This allows Candice to reach the top of the platform as she quickly tries to go and unhook the 24/7 contract!! BUT SAMAEL GRABS AHOLD OF HER BY THE THROAT FROM THE GROUND! SAMAEL STANDS UP AND HAS CANDICE BY HER THROAT AND WALKS HER TOWARDS THE EDGE….HE’S NOT THINKING OF DOING THE SAME THING OF WHAT HAPPENED TO TRISH EARLIER!! OH NO!!!
Rich Russillo: CANDICE LOW BLOWS SAMAEL!!! Candice prolly just saved her career right there as they both drop down on the platform, with Candice looking as if her life just flashed before her eyes. AND LOOK!! Daryl, Mercer, Sierra, Kylie, and Gaines are all back in the ring and slowly begin to climb the scaffold in five different directions! Candice knows that danger is approaching as she quickly measures Samael up –
Persephone: CANDICE DELIVERS THE SPINNING WHEEL KICK THAT TAKES DOWN SAMAEL!!! CANDICE SEES EVERYONE COMING UP ON THE PLATFORM AND QUICKLY REACHES UP AND GOES TO UNHOOK THE FIRST BRIEFCASE!!!
James Peters: BUT SHE’S NOT QUICK ENOUGH AS GAINES IS ON THE SCAFFOLD AND KNOCKS HER DOWN FROM THE BACK OF THE HEAD BEFORE BEGINNING TO STOMP AWAY AT HER! Everyone else has now reached the top platform and it is absolutely crowded up there which we know won’t end up well! :lupe: :lupe: :lupe:
Rich Russillo: IT’S A FREE FOR ALL ON THE PLATFORM AS THEY ALL BEGIN TO GO AT IT! THE PLATFORM IS SHAKING AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! Gaines looks to have the upper hand on Sierra as he delivers a high knee strike across the bridge of the nose, AND THEN CHARGES – BUT SIERRA REVERSES AND DELIVERS A HIP TOSS ON GAINES AS GAINS FALLS OFF THE PLATFORM DOWN TO THE RING MAT!! Meanwhile on the other side, Daryl and Kylie are going back and firth with the other…AND A ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM KYLIE AS DARYL IS TEETERING ON THE EDGE OF THE PLATFORM TRYING HIS BEST TO KEEP HIS BALANCE!!
James Peters: AND THEN KYLIE RUNS LOOKING TO KNOCK HIM OFF, BUT DARYL STOPS HER IN HER TRACKS WITH A FOREARM, AND THEN DARYL PULLS KYLIE IN AND DROPS HER WITH A RIPCORD KNEE TO THE JAW – BUT LOOK OUT!!!!!
*METALLIC THUD!*
RIch Russillo: SIERRA RUNS OUT OF NOWHERE AT DARYL AND DELIVERS A SHOT WITH HER DIAMOND STUDDED BRASS KNUCKLES THAT KNOCKS DARYL OFF THE PLATFORM!! SIERRA IS ON A TEAR RIGHT NOW!
James Peters: WHAT?! DARYL GRABBED HER ARM AT THE LAST SECOND AND DRAGS HER DOWN WITH HIM AS BOTH DARYL AND SIERRA CRASH AND BURN ON THE RING MAT BELOW!!!
Persephone: And then there were three on top of the platform. Kylie walks over to Candice and begins to hammer away at her back….but Candice pushes her away trying to fight back, AND THEN KYLIE RUNS AT HER, BUT CANDICE CATCHES HER IN A REVERSE STO! Candice stands and quickly tries to reach up for one of the prizes – BUT THIS TIME IT’S MERCER WHO DOESN’T LET IT HAPPEN AS HE STANDS AND PUTS CANDICE IN A SLEEPER FROM BEHIND!! CANDICE QUICKLY ROLLS FORWARD CAUSING MERCER TO ROLLS BACK UP TO HIS FEET – AND CANDICE RUNS LOOKING TO SPEAR HIM….BUT MERCER SIDESTEPS IT AND SENDS CANDICE OFF THE PLATFORM!!
James Peters: WHOA!!!! CANDICE GRABBED THE LEDGE ON THE WAY DOWN, AND NOW MERCER LOOKS DOWN ON HER – AND STOMPS ON BOTH HANDS FINGERS AND CANDICE FALLS DOWN TO THE MAT BELOW!!! AND THEN MERCER EYES THE 24/7 CONTRACT!!!!
Rich Russillo: KYLIE IS BACK IN IT AS SHE RUNS AND TAKES MERCER DOWN WITH A NECKBREAKER STOPPING HIM FROM UNHOOKING THE CONTRACT! Kylie quickly tries to get Mercer back up – BUT MERCER USES HIS POWER AND THE DUCKS DOWN AND LIFTS KYLIE UP FOR A BACK BODY DROP – AND IT SENDS KYLIE OFF THE PLATFORM AND SHE LANDS RIGHT ON TOP OF CANDICE ON THE MAT BELOW! THERE’S NOTHING STOPPING MERCER NOW –
James Peters: BUT THE CONTRACT HOLDER SAMAEL DELIVERS SHOTS TO THE RIBS AS MERCER WAS TRYING TO UNHOOK THE CONTRACT! AND THEN SAMAEL GETS TO A VERTICAL BASE AND BOTH GUYS ARE GOING AT IT ON THE TOP OF THE SCAFFOLD!!!
Persephone: Why don’t they both just unhook a prize and stop fighting? :skip:
James Peters: I don’t think Samael is willing to risk losing his contract knowing what he could do to any Champion he chooses! AND THEN A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION FROM MERCER! He night have the upper hand here as these two monster are going back and forth in a very dangerous situation….HE PLACES HIM BETWEEN THE LEGS AND HOOKS THE ARMS GOING FOR “HELL OF ATONEMENT!!”
Rich Russillo: SAMAEL SPINS OUT OF IT – AND THEN DELIVERS A HEADBUTT! MERCER FALLS DOWN TO A KNEE AND LOOKS LIKE HE DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE ON WHERE HE IS! SAMAEL GRABS HIS HEAD….”RIP”!!!! SAMAEL SPIKES HIS HEAD RIGHT INTO THE PLATFORM! Samael stands above the motionless Mercer and then looks down at all his competition in the ring not moving…AND THEN HE REACHES UP FOR HIS 24/7 CONTRACT!!
James Peters: HE’S GOT IT!!! SAMAEL RETAINS HIS CONTRACT!!!!
Bella Braxton: The winner of the first Unique Opportunity….AND STILL the 27/7 Contract Holder…. SAAAAAMMMAAEEELLLLLL!!!!
(Samael holds his contract up high on the top of the scaffold before climbing halfway down and leaping off.)
James Peters: And it’s Samael who is our first winner of the night, and he chose to protect his contract. Smart decision, and now we have two more to go.
(Before Samael leaves, he drage Kylie Grace up. He looks at her for a few seconds before walking off, and it’s clear to Kylie after a few seconds that he helped her because of Michael.)
Rich Russillo: Kylie is up and she’s feeling pumped up now as she runs…AND DELIVERS A LEAPING SPLASH IN THE CORNER ON SIERRA! Kylie turns around and targets Candice and runs and delivers a step up knee strike to the face before clotheslining her out of the ring. Kylie Grace has all of the momentum right now as she now targets Daryl and she goes for another splash in the corner…BUT NOBODY HOME! Daryl goes for a superkick, but she catches the leg! She flips Daryl backwards…but he landed on his feet, AND KYLIE WAS WAITING FOR THAT AS SHE DELIVERS HER “POWER PUNCH” TO THE FACE OF DARYL!! Kylie has ALL of the momentum right now.
James Peters: Kylie eyes the tall scaffold…BUT BEFORE SHE COULD CLIMB, GAINES LEAPS THROUGH THE SECOND ROPE AND SPIKES HER HEAD INTO THE MAT WITH A SLINGSHOT TORNADO DDT!! Gaines came out of nowhere as he kicks Kylie under the ropes and out of the ring and he begins his climb….BUT MERCER PULLS HIM OFF THE SCAFFOLD BY THE TIGHTS AND PICKS HIM UP IN A POWERSLAM POSITION, BUT GAINES SLIPS OUT FROM BEHIND AND DRIVES MERCER FACE FIRST INTO A SCAFFOLD BAR! AND THEN FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A BACKSTABBER! Gaines takes the big guy out and then takes a quick scan of his surroundings before looking up at the briefcases!
Rich Russillo: CANDICE SLIDES BACK INSIDE THE RING AND RUNS UP ON THE SCAFFOLD AND GRABS GAINES FOOT! Gaines is trying to kick her away bit is having g no luck and both of them are on the scaffold together and are exchanging right hands…AND THEN CANDICE DRIVES HIS FACE RIGHT INTO THE STEEL AS GAINES SLIPS DOWNWARDS AS CANDICE TRIES TO CONTINUE HER CLIMB UPWARD, BUT NOW IT’S GAINES WHO HAS HER FOOT THIS TIME, AND THEY ARE BATTLING AGAIN! AND WHAT THE?!?
Persephone: A REVERSE HURRICANRANA FROM THE SIDE OF THE SCAFFOLD FROM GAINES ON CANDICE AS SHE LANDS FACE FIRST ON THE MAT!!! Gaines may have done some damage to himself there in the process as he crawls over to the scaffold and tries to make the climb once more!
James Peters: Gaines is almost on the platform – BUT LOOK!!!! KYLIE IS BACK IN AND SHE FLIES IN OUT OF NOWHERE FROM THE TOP ROPE DELIVERING A DROP KICKING TO THE BACK OF KOREY!…AND THAT CAUSES HIM TO LOSE HIS BALANCE AND FALL FROM THE SIDE OF THE SCAFFOLD AND WE’RE RIGHT BACK AT SQUARE ONE!
Rich Russillo: Sierra slides back in the ring right behind Kylie – AND SHE GRABS HER BY A HANDFUL OF THE HAIR FROM BEHIND AND GOES FOR A REVERSE DDT, BUT KYLIE REVERSES IT BY DRIVING THE KNEE INTO HER FACE! Sierra is stunned here as Kylie looks to take advantage…AND SHE GOES FOR A LEAPING CLOTHESLINE, BUT SIERRA SIDE STEPS IT AND THEN BENDS HER DOWN ONCE MORE – “THE APHRODITE’S KISS” ROLLING CUTTER ON KYLIE!!! Kylie is out as Sierra shakes the cobwebs out and looks to begin her climb up to the top, but wait…she’s checking on Candice who’s down next to her before she does?
James Peters: And Sierra helps Candice up and they are talking strategy. Of course they wanna team up and perhaps both win the briefcases. Sierra sees Mercer stirring on the outside and she goes up to the top rope – AND SHE LEAPS GOING FOR THE CROSSBODY… BUT MERCER CATCHES HER IN MID AIR!! WHAT IS MERCER GOING TO DO?
Persephone: CANDICE DELIVERS A SUICIDE DIVE ON MERCER SAVING SIERRA! Both women dust themselves up before picking Mercer up together – AND THEY TOSS HIM RIGHT INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! Candice and Sierra are cleaning house as they slide back in and both begin to climb up the scaffold! BOTH SIERRA AND CANDICE ARE ON THE PLATFORM AND REACH UP FOR THE BRIEFCASES…
Rich Russillo: BUT LOOK OUT!!!!! DARYL LIKE HE WAS SPIDER MAN LEAPS ONTO THE SCAFFOLD! That alone was enough for both women to lose their balance on the top, and then Daryl is on the platform – BUT BOTH WOMEN BEGIN STOMPING THE ABSOLUTE LIFE OUT OF HIM TO GET HIM TO DROP DOWN BUT IT DOESN’T WORK AS HE CRAWLS ON TOP! Daryl tries to get to a vertical base while he’s being double tested by Sierra and Candice…AND HE TRIES TO FIGHT BACK WITH BACK HANDED ELBOWS AND FOREARM SHOTS TO BOTH OF THEM!
James Peters: DARYL MANAGES TO KNOCK SIERRA BACKWARDS AND DELIVERS A RIGHT HAND TO CANDICE WHO IS NOW TEETERING ON THE EDGE OF THE PLATFORM –
*METALLIC THUD!*
Persephone: :francis: THE BRASS KNUCKLES COME INTO PLAY AGAIN AS SIERRA USES THEM AT THE BACK OF DARYL’S HEAD…AND DARYL IS OUT COMPLETELY COLD GUYS!
James Peters: Sierra and Candice pick up what seems like the dead weight of Daryl, AND SIERRA TOSSES HIM AT CANDICE AS SHE LEAPS UP – “COLORS OF THE WIND!!” CANDICE SPIKES HIM INTO THE PLATFORM WITH HER TORNADO DDT! Candice then tries to roll him off the scaffold, but Daryl is just barely holding on by a thread of strength.
Sierra Everett: (off mic) Get him up!
Rich Russillo: Daryl can barely move and it looks like Sierra and Candice are going to enjoy this moment before grabbing the briefcases. Candice picks Daryl up and has to hold him upwards as once again..Sierra brings out the diamond studded brass knuckles. AND THEN SIERRA HITS DARYL RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH THEM!!!!!
James Peters: WAIT!!!!! DARYL MOVED HIS HEAD AT THE LAST SECOND AND SIERRA CONNECTED WITH CANDICE INSTEAD WHO WAS HOLDING HIM UPWARD!!! SIERRA JUST KNOCKED CANDICE OFF OF THE ENTIRE SCAFFOLD AS SHE LANDS BACK FIRST IN THE RING BELOW!!! :damn:!!!
Persephone: Sierra is in disbelief over what just transpired. She turns around to face Daryl…AND AN ENZIGURI KICK THAT STUNS SIERRA! And now…DARYL PICKS UP THOSE BRASS KNUCKLES – AND THEN USES THEM TO THE FACE OF SIERRA AND THEN FOLLOWS IT UP WITH HIS “HAIL TO THE VICTOR” PUMPHANDLE PILEDRIVER AS SIERRA LIES ON EDGE OF THE PLATFORM!! The crowd is erupting here…as Daryl kicks her off the platform as she falls to the ring mat below! DARYL LOOKS UP AT THAT BRIEFCASE….AND HE UNHOOKS IT!!!!
Bella Braxton: The winner of the second Unique Opportunity…DARRRYYLLLL KIIINNKKAADDDEEEE!!!!
(The crowd erupts as Daryl stares at the briefcase before tossing the knuckles down to the unconscious Sierra. He climbs down from the scaffold carefully before exiting the ring and holds the briefcase up on his way up the ramp celebrating his win, slapping hands with some fans.)
Rich Russillo: And now there is only one Unique Opportunity briefcases left! Sierra and Candice decided to work together to make sure both got it, but it backfired miserably as Daryl took advantage. Now, who will join him and Samael as the third winner?
James Peters: The entire rest of the field is down, and now we finally see some movement from Gaines who has pulled himself up in the corner. He looks around and sees nobody is around that there is one briefcase left, and he goes to climb the scaffold – BUT MERCER IS BACK IN AND HE GOES UNDERNEATH GAINES AND PULLS HIM AWAY FROM THE SCAFFOLD AND HAS HIM IN A POWERBOMB POSITION….AND THROWS HIM IN THE CORNER FOR A BUCKLE BOMB!!! AND HERE COMES KYLIE WHO DELIVERS A RUNNING SPRINGBOARD ENZIGURI KICK TO THE HEAD OF MERCER!! Mercer is down as Kylie goes up to the top – AND THEN DELIVERS HER “FAR FROM GRACE” SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!
Rich Russillo: AND IT DOESN’T CONNECT AS MERCER MOVED OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SPLIT SECOND!! Kylie took a huge risk and that may have just cost her…AND MEANWHILE LOOK ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE SCAFFOLD!!!
James Peters: Everybody is unaware that Candice is slowly getting there to the platform!! GAINES SHAKES THE COBWEBS OUT AND FINALLY NOTICES AND IMMEDIATELY GOES OVER AND AGGRESSIVELY SHAKES THE UNSTABLE SCAFFOLD AS MUCH AS HE CAN, AND CANDICE CAN’T HOLD HER GRIP! Candice slips back down – AND GAINES WAS WAITING ON HIM WITH A SUPERKICK! AND THEN HE HITS HIS “DENOTATION KICK”!!! CANDICE MAY JUST BE OUT FOR THE REST OF THIS MATCH AND THIS JUST MAY BE GAINES DEFINING MOMENT OF HIS CAREER!
Persephone: Gaines is almost at the top of the platform..AND HE IS! GAINES LOOKS AT THAT LAST BRIEFCASE AND HE HAS A HAND ON IT –
James Peters: THE SCAFFOLD IS SHAKING!! MERCER IS BACK AND IS DOING EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO STOP THIS! Gaines falls on his knees and Mercer takes this as his chance as he quickly ascends up to the platform and meets Korey there who is trying to fight him off, but isn’t having too much luck…AND THEN KYLIE IS CLIMBING UP THE OTHER SIDE! GAINES CAN’T FIGHT THEM BOTH OFF, AND NOW ALL THREE ARE ON THE TOP PLATFORM! MERCER IS BEATING DOWN GAINES NEAR THE LEDGE…BUT LOOK!! KYLIE IS BEING LOWKEY AND IS UNHOOKING THE BRIEFCASE!!
Rich Russillo: NOT SNEAKY ENOUGH AS MERCER TURNS AROUND AND SWINGS, BUT SHE DUCKS AND THEN DELIVERS A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT RIGHT TO THE JAW!! AND THEN HE RESPONDS BACK WITH A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION BEFORE HAMMERING AWAY AT THE BACK! AND UH OH! MERCER HAS KYLIE BY THE THROAT!! WILL SHE SUFFER THE SAME FATE AS TRISH DID EARLIER BY HIS HANDS?! :lupe:
Persephone: GAINES JUMPS ON HIM FROM BEHIND AND LOCKS IN THE SLEEPER!!
Rich Russillo: GAINES LOOKS TO BE HAVING HIM FADING…AND GAINES TRIES TO UNHOOK THE BRIEFCASE WHILE ON MERCER’S BACK –
..
James Peters: BUT MERCER PULLS HIM AWAY AND THEN WALKS TOWARDS THE LEDGE WITH GAINES SLEEPER STILL LOCKED IN….AND OH MY GOD!!!! MERCER JUST FLIPPED KOREY OVER HIS BACK AND FLIPPED KOREY OFF THE SCAFFOLD DOWN TO THE MAT!! GAINES LANDED HARD ON THE BACK OF HIS HEAD THERE AND MERCER MIGHT JUST WIN THIS THING!!
Rich Russillo: AND MERCER REACH UP AND UNHOOKS THE LAST BRIEFCASE!!!!
James Peters: BUT KYLIE HITS THE CHOP BLOCK TO THE BACK OF THE KNEE STOPPING HIM! KYLIE HAS HER HAND ON THE CASE – HEADBUTT FROM MERCER!! KYLIE DOESN’T LOOK LIKE SHE HAS MUCH LEFT…AND MERCER USES HIS STRENGTH ADVANTAGE AND THROWS KYLIE OFF OF THE SCAFFOLD AND KYLIE BOUNCES FACE FIRST OFF THE TOP ROPE!! THERE’S NOBODY ELSE IN SIGHT…AND MERCER REACHES UP AND UNHOOKS THE LAST BRIEFCASE! –
..
…
Rich Russillo: LOOK!! LOOK!! CANDICE JUST POPPED UP ON THE SCAFFOLD PLATFORM BEHIND MERCER AND HE’S COMPLETELY UNAWARE!! ITS ALMOST AS IF SHE WAS HIDING LYING IN WAIT WAITING FOR THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO STRIKE…AND THEN CANDICE BLAIR RUNS UP BEHIND HIM AND SNATCHES THE BRIEFCASE OUT OF HIS GRIP – CANDICE SMACKS MERCER IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THE BRIEFCASE!! AND THEN CANDICE UNHOOKS IT!!!! SHE’S GOT IT!!!!
(Ding Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: The winner of the third Unique Opportunity….CAAANNNNDDDIIICCCEEE BLLAAIIIRRRRR!!!!!
(‘Rhapsody in Pink’ by Stela Cole plays as Candice celebrates with the briefcase on the scaffold platform. She quickly gets down and goes to help her Team Eden partner who is still out cold from what happened not too long ago with Daryl. They leave the ring together as Candice holds the briefcases up high.)
James Peters: Man what a sneaky way to win, but she earned it here tonight as she and everyone else put everything they had out the line here tonight. But congratulations goes to Samael, Daryl Kinkade, and Candice Blair who has her second straight win in this match at this event!
Rich Russillo: We look forward to hearing just what these Unique Opportunities are! These are always such interesting matches and I have no doubt that the opportunities that come out of this will be just as interesting.
James Peters: What a great match. I’m sure everyone in this match will need some time to recover, though. This was brutal.
(King of Elite fades away from ringside.)
(The camera would fade into the backstage area, as Kyra Phillips is seen standing in the frame, a Showdown branded King Of Elite Microphone in hand. She has a smile on her face, as she looks into the camera and brings it up to her lips.)
Kyra Phillips: What a night that we have had so far at King Of Elite, and we’re only just getting started! But right now, I would like to bring in my guest at this time, they are one who were able to make it to the quarter finals of the King Of Elite tournament for the Showdown bracket, they are the Guardian Angel!!! My guest at this time; Alex Myers!!!
(Suddenly, Alex Myers would walk into a frame, a vague smile on their face as they would lean up against the crates that are behind them. They look towards Kyra Phillips, wearing a casual clothing as they rub their neck, still favoring it from their match weeks ago against Adam Lucas.)
Kyra Phillips: Thank you for joining, Alex!
Alex Myers: Thank you for having me, Kyra. Ask away.
Kyra Phillips: As we all know, a couple of short weeks ago you fell to Adam Lucas in the King Of Elite tournament quarter finals. Is there any update on how you have been feeling since then, but mentally and physically?
Alex Myers: I’m starting to feel better, I’m starting to feel better. It was a rough past couple of weeks; ARIA has felt bad about the whole throw in the towel thing, but I told her not to worry about it, there’s no need for her to feel upset about it anymore. I am going to use the loss to Adam as a way to push myself further, and as a way to better myself more than ever before. It has been a rough road, getting to there, and falling back down to here, but it’s not going to keep me down. Not for long. Mentally, I’m doing better. Physically, I am starting to improve, but when you’re like me you’re always kind of in pain with the type of risks that I tend to take. The strain in my neck is starting to heal, and I understand that it is going to be a slow process to it, but it won’t keep me away from competing at all.
Kyra Phillips: On the topic of the King Of Elite tournament, I have to ask; who are your picks as to who is going to win both the King Of Elite, as well as the Empress Of Elite Tournaments?
Alex Myers: This is a tough one! When it comes to the Empress Of Elite tournament, both Serenity Valdez and Holly Arrow are two very talented individuals, and I know this from experience by being in the ring against both of them on separate occasions. Serenity Valdez isn’t someone to overlook, but at the same time she’s the one to do the overlooking. I can see the overconfidence costing her in the end. In the end, I have to go with my good friend and of course Showdown represent + New Zealand counterpart: Holly Arrow. :wow:
Alex Myers: As for the King Of Elite tournament, it’s the same deal. Drake King, Bronson Daniels, and Adam Lucas – all generational talents who should be given their flowers, even though one of them doesn’t deserve those flowers because of how evil they really are! But that’s besides the point. I haven’t had the chance to be in the ring with Bronson Daniels before, but I have with both Drake King and Adam Lucas, on three different occasions with Adam in fact. This may just be my brand bias kicking in, but I truly believe that Adam is going all the way, and he’s going to win the King Of Elite tournament… and shove it to Kennedy Street in the process, but don’t let her know that I said that. :lupe:
Kyra Phillips: :drakelike:
Kyra Phillips: Final question! As we all know, a very kewt, romantic relationship between yourself and ARIA has clearly started to grow since the beginning of the year. We have seen it develop, and I have to ask; with ARIA’s first defense of the Specialist Championship, going up against Lexi in a Pure Rules match, do you have any thoughts about it? How do you feel about her chances in the Championship match, and do you think she will be able to overcome this challenge that is presented in front of her?
Alex Myers: Is this even a question? Of course I do! If there is one thing that is well known between us two, it’s that we will always believe in each other, and that will never change. I was so happy the night that she won the Specialist Championship, and I am proud that she has gotten as far as she has. Is Lexi a challenge? Yes, there is no doubt about that. She has gotten better since she has come back, and I am sure that at the end of the night, they are going to tear the house down in the Pure Rules match. Lexi is going to be a tough challenge, but if one thing is for sure, it’s that I am always going to believe in the love of my life. No matter what challenge is placed in front of her, I believe in her that she can overcome it; and this won’t be any different.
(Alex looks directly into the camera.)
Alex Myers: I believe in you, love. You got this.
Kyra Phillips: :wow:!! Love is in the air!
(Alex Myers would push themself off of the crate, looking towards Kyra Phillips as a soft giggle escaped their lips. As they are stretching themself out after leaning against the crates, suddenly a mysterious woman, the one who has been a constant occurrence being seen in Alex’s matches and/or segments walks behind them. She has purple hair, and is wearing very casual clothing, but that is all that is revealed as Alex catches their eye on her. She gives a simple wave, before walking away, Kyra not noticing.)
Kyra Phillips: Well thank you for joining me here tonight, Alex! Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for your neck, and we can’t wait to see you back in the ring!
Alex Myers: The pleasure is all mine.
(Kyra Phillips would hold the microphone down, as she waves at the Camera, it fading out from there.)
(‘Prices’ by Lil Uzi Vert doesn’t hit, but rather mellows up into a more eerie fashion. It’s obvious the song was slightly remixed to fit Ruler’s daring entrance. The song is mellowed up not by artificial means, but by several members of the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Their voices accompany Ruler as he makes his entrance out of the set stage, and proceeds down the long ramp. From here, the voices fade, as Ruler breathes in the atmosphere of darkness. The song then hits, as he waits amidst the sight of dark, opaque fog. Ruler prays in the corner, before lifting his head up just in time for his opponent to arrive.)
Stephie Love: THIS MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL, AND IS FOR THE NEW BREED CHAMPIONSHIP! INTRODUCING FIRST, FROM THE RESERVED, IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, HE IS LITERALLY HIM, RULER!
Jake Mercer: I think he’s gonna retain. Look at the entrance! You don’t sing with a choir to—
(Ruler turns his head towards Jake, shushing him, as he continues to enjoy the entrance.)
(‘Complete Collapse’ by Sleeping with Sirens replaces the fading ‘Prices’, as the choir is nowhere to be seen. Ruler turns his head to see Caroline patiently walking down the ramp, and Caroline makes eye contact with him as he does so. She continues this eye contact as she walks into the ring, making the first move by inching closer towards Ruler, who simply stands up and pushes back with his own stare. Caroline takes a few steps back and heads into her corner, where she continues the same serious demeanor as she warms up.)
Jake Mercer: Can I speak now? Great. Caroline is definitely going to become the new champion. She has the skills, the talent and everything needed to become our New Breed Champion here tonight.
Flannery McCoy: Jeez, maybe she needs to shush you as well for you to get rid of your bias for once. Caroline has shown that she can be a champion, putting out great displays each week and slowly showing Ruler just how merciless she can be when it comes to it.
Stew-O: Correct, Flannery! Whether she can beat Ruler or not is a matter of preparation, and she looks very well prepared in this match! She’s showing no fear into Ruler’s eyes!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Flannery McCoy: Oh. The match has started, but neither Caroline nor Ruler are choosing to move. Ruler is just keeping his cool, staring into her soul as he inhales deeply. Caroline replies with a stare of her own, and the two of them circle the ring! It doesn’t seem like either of them look very interested to engage in brutal combat just yet!
Jake Mercer: Are they gonna fight or what?
Stew-O: Caroline patiently waits, and Ruler decides to go for the first blow! Ruler comes in with a high side kick, and Caroline simply dodges it by stepping to the side! She really has learned from her previous match with Ruler, huh?
Flannery McCoy: She sure has! Her first match involved her being more naive and stupid, which led to her loss! Caroline is being more careful this time around, and Ruler is showing no emotion in regards to her improvement! Caroline is right behind Ruler, and he spins around for a backfist, but no! She ducks it and sends her open palm into Ruler’s jaw!
Jake Mercer: That didn’t do much, but she left absolutely meant to do that strictly to disrespect Ruler! And look, Caroline’s red handprint mark is there! Showcasing how much anger and vigor was trailing that slap across the face of Ruler, What the hell is Caroline thinking, man! Irritating Ruler is the absolute LAST thing you want to do here!
Flannery McCoy: Ruler grabs Caroline by the neck, and he pulls her in, sending a knee flying straight into her stomach! Ruler looks down on her, showing no sign of any emotion or response! Ruler picks her up by her ring gear, and he hooks under her arms for a Snap Dragon Suplex! Caroline might be in trouble here!
Jake Mercer: Ruler is approaching her, as Caroline tries to get up! Caroline uses the ropes as leverage, but Ruler sends several kicks to her ribs! He slightly crouches, and hits an open palm strike on her left side! He’s not going for the liver shot just yet! Caroline still felt that, though, and she’s down on one knee! Good heavens, just how brutal are these people?
Stew-O: You’ve seen them already and you’re still wondering? I don’t blame you. Ruler seems to show less mercy, even if that’s impossible considering his lack of such! Caroline pulls herself up, and she’s met with a left hook—
Flannery McCoy: NO! She slips away just in time, and she ducks under as she sends her elbow into Ruler’s left side! It’s an eye for an eye this time around, and she will not let him get the better of her in their rematch! Ruler staggers back, and Caroline uses this opportunity to send a kick into his right side again, causing his body to lean slightly to the right!
Jake Mercer: She turns him around, and she lifts him up over her head for a Northern Lights Suplex! Ruler is down back first on the mat, and Caroline simply kips up! What the hell? Caroline kips up, and Ruler simply lifts his back off the mat, getting into a sitting position!
Stew-O: Caroline tries to send a running knee into his face, but Ruler moves his head to the side and uses his cupped hand to attack her the front of her foot, causing her to fall over and lose balance! She manages to break her fall, but Ruler takes advantage of her position and drives his foot through the back of her neck, causing Caroline to kiss the mat again!”
Flannery McCoy: And Ruler stretches his arms around, as he puts his foot on Caroline’s traps! He wants to beat her right here, and the question is, will he? He has shown great brutality early on, but is it enough to finish the Queen of Shadows?
Referee: OOOOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!
Referee: TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
Referee: THRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE—-
Jake Mercer: No! Caroline manages to get her hand up in the most stable way possible, and Ruler looks down, partly shocked! He knew this match might be longer than this, but he didn’t expect how high her pain tolerance is this time around! Ruler lifts his foot off her, and he tries to kick her to roll, but no! Caroline grabs his ankle and pulls him back first onto the mat, sending HIM into it!
Stew-O: Caroline doesn’t seem to be in pain from that stomp, and she pulls Ruler’s legs closer, rolling her foot back and kicking the knee! Ruler’s high pain tolerance is causing him to be more detached from his own injuries, and maybe this might cost him! She places Ruler in the corner turnbuckle, before stomping his head in with her left foot!
Flannery McCoy: She runs off, and sends her full body into Ruler’s head with a Running Cannonball Senton! Ruler was caught off guard by that, and now, it’s Caroline looking for the cover here! She wants to put Ruler away as best as she can! She puts her foot on Ruler’s neck as well!
Referee: OOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!
Referee: TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO—
Jake Mercer: No! Ruler simply lifts his head off the ground and Caroline is forced to lift her foot up as well! He’s a strong man, and Caroline tries to swing, but Ruler blocks the attack and drives his elbow into Caroline’s nose! Ruler just shocked her there, and simply put, Caroline needs to rethink this strategy! Caroline tries to go for a sweep, but Ruler lifts his foot up and simply ducks himself underneath, lifting her up for a German Suplex!
Stew-O: And Caroline got tossed like a ragdoll, Ruler kips up as well, and he turns to move towards Caroline! He grabs her by the hair, and he applies a Crossface Chickenwing! He slightly keeps her back lifted up, and he presses his knee against her spine! Caroline is inching to tap here, but she knows she can’t let Ruler have the satisfaction of winning!
Flannery McCoy: The referee is checking in on her, and Caroline seems to still be in the fight! It seems like Ruler is slightly getting more manic here, and I’m not completely sure if this is playing to his advantage or his weakness! At this point, I’m just as confused as everybody else is! Caroline feels his hand slip, and she takes advantage of this by rolling him over and getting herself free!
Jake Mercer: Ruler’s facial expressions are starting to change, as his schizophrenia is slowly peeking through! He slaps himself a few times to get it out of his head, and eventually, he just snaps!
Ruler: (off-mic) Please, shut the hell up. I’m done with you trying to ruin my chances. I’m done with you holding me back. It’s time to turn you into a weapon.
Stew-O: Caroline sends a left hook into his face, but Ruler ate it! He turns his head towards her, and floors with a heavy headbutt! Caroline staggers back, and Ruler quickly snaps into a Roundhouse Kick, sending Caroline down on the mat! He’s on a rampage, and he unleashes a combo! The Dark Fury!
Flannery McCoy: KNEE TO THE GUT! That starts it off, as he unleashes a barrage of strikes, putting more emphasis on those that attack her body! He pulls her into position, and drops her head first onto the mat with the Will of Nicholas! The Will of Nicholas puts her head down into the mat hard, and that DDT was snappy and powerful! Ruler simply keeps the head locked in, as he lifts her high up in the air for a Brain Buster! He’s walking around the ring now, his arms stretched outside!
Ruler: I AM HIM! I am ending this chapter for good, and I’m taking Caroline’s career along with it!
(Caroline turns her head towards Ruler, who has visibly given his opponent enough room to walk around and recover.)
Caroline: You talk too much.
Jake Mercer: Ruler turns his head, and he’s met with a Backflip DDT! The Backflip DDT just took him out, and Ruler is stunned! Caroline holds her neck in pain, as she looks down on him! Ruler tried to go for Caroline’s neck, now it’s her turn to go after his legs! She pulls Ruler closer to the ropes, as she lifts his leg up and leaps off the second rope, and turns into a much more powerful kick to the knee! That one sounded like a gunshot!
Stew-O: She pulls the knee in, and she has it locked! The heel hook is latched in, and Ruler’s knee is starting to peer through his pain tolerance! Ruler is trying to reach for the ropes, but Caroline isn’t letting him do so! Caroline is laughing while she does this, in the same way that she laughed before she turned into the Queen of Shadows!
Flannery McCoy: I know I’m not supposed to be creeped out by it, as it’s an innocent laugh— but it creeps me the hell out. I can’t watch this. Caroline lifts her body off, and she bends Ruler’s knees inward, as she stomps on it! Ruler felt that from a mile away, and now it’s Caroline’s turn to do some showmanship around the ring! Caroline is doing some cheerleading, and she’s trying to get in Ruler’s head!
Ruler: I’m not a failure, damn it. I will win. I will become the leader and lead this forsaken company into the light. This woman will not defeat me! She will not defeat me! I am the Revolutionizer!
Jake Mercer: Caroline turns around, only to be met with a dastardly sounding Busaiku knee to her temple! Ruler wants to make her experience pain in every part of her body, but mainly going after her neck area! Ruler places his foot on her throat, and he’s trying to stop her breathing in the way he knows how! Somebody is bound to die in this ring, and if that does happen, I won’t be all that surprised!
Stew-O: Ruler doesn’t pull any force here, but neither does Caroline! She uses her strength to lift the foot up as she pulls Ruler in for a Dragon Screw! He’s down, and she leaps off the top rope for a moonsault! Ruler is stunned, and it’s Caroline going for the cover! Can she put Ruler away right here? For good, at that?
Referee: OOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
Referee: TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO—
Flannery McCoy: And Ruler gets up again! Caroline pushes him back on the mat and repeatedly sends punches flying into his temple! She rolls him over, and she pulls his wrists back as she presses against Ruler’s back from an upward position! Ruler is groaning in agony, and Caroline is holding no punches back in her quest to make him suffer! Ruler gets his long legs against the rope, and referee has to start the count! Caroline lets go!
Jake Mercer: But after a split second, she sends a kick into Ruler’s back, and proceeds to throw him outside of the ring! Ruler is right next to the French commentary table, and Caroline runs off the ropes into a suicide dive! No! THE NO ESCAPE CONNECTS AND SHE DROPS RULER’S HEAD ON THE GROUND! THE DDT JUST FLOORED HIM! Caroline puts him on the commentary table, and she goes up top! Will she hit him with the 450 Splash?
Stew-O: SHE LEAPS OFF, AND THE 450 SPLASH CONNECTS, NO! IT DOESN’T! Ruler managed to slide in the nick of time, and Caroline was sent crashing down onto the table! Ruler turns around, and he slams Caroline’s head against the barricade! He runs off the opposite barricade, and sends both knees into her face for a Meteora! Caroline might’ve made a dent in the barricade using her head!
Flannery McCoy: And Ruler rolls back inside the ring, looking to catch his breath! Can he put Caroline away by DQ? The referee is going for the count here, and it’s a matter of will for the Queen of Shadows! Does she have the will to continue this match and fight through the pain? The referee begins the count now, and Caroline doesn’t seem like she’s completely out of it! Caroline comes closer to the ring at the count of SIX!
Jake Mercer: SEVEN— NO! CAROLINE ROLLS INTO THE RING, AND RULER IS STUNNED! He thought he had her out there, and it doesn’t seem like that’s the case! Ruler shakes his head, and he goads Caroline on for a fight! He wants a war here, and this match has been a back-and-forth! It’s time for both competitors to show absolute violence!
Stew-O: Caroline and Ruler come closer, and they’re tangling up! Ruler pushes her with his strength, and he uses his length to outbox Caroline, sending bare-knuckle punches slamming and flying into her face! Caroline is getting destroyed from all directions, and Ruler sweeps her off her feet and tries to send a punch down—
Flannery McCoy: No! Caroline gets up and she kips her way into a clothesline which catches Ruler off guard! Ruler is down and Caroline is ready to continue her onslaught! Ruler pushes Caroline into the ropes out of nowhere, and yet, Caroline takes the brunt but is still fighting! Caroline sends a knee into his gut, and Ruler is crouching! She gets up on the air, but Ruler follows her, she pulls Ruler in, and is she looking for it?
Jake Mercer: Why is she looking towards our table? Please no. You already destroyed one, don’t destroy ours, please…
Stew-O: She lifts Ruler up into a powerslam position, and she leaps off into a Moonsault, slamming Ruler down onto the commentary table! Jake, your phone was still on there!
Flannery McCoy: RIP.
Jake Mercer: At least I won’t have to delete my search history.
Flannery McCoy: :woah: This is still a PG show, Jake.
Stew-O: Ruler and Caroline just broke the commentary table, and Caroline just tossed you your broken iPhone 14! Caroline tosses Ruler back inside the ring, and she’s going for the cover! Can she put him away with that big move? If she does, this might be the end of the line for the Monarch of Agony!
Referee: OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Referee: TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Stew-O: Can she put him away?
Flannery McCoy: NO! Ruler kicks out just in the nick of time, and Caroline is disappointed! She really thought she had Ruler that time around, but it doesn’t seem like that’s enough to make him pay! Ruler knows he’s in trouble here! Caroline goes off, and she just proceeds to ground and pound him!
Jake Mercer: Ruler manages to grab her by the throat and he’s crushing it! Ruler rolls her over, and the referee is trying to check on Caroline! Caroline manages to pull herself up, but in the process the referee is accidentally hit with an elbow! Caroline’s instincts lead her to try and check on the referee, showing that unlike Ruler, she’s not completely merciless!
Stew-O: But no! Ruler pulls her around and she’s sprayed with black mist! Ruler still held that grudge for Caroline trying to put black paint on him, a symbol of her blaming Ruler for her new demeanour! Caroline is shocked by this, and she’s sent stumbling into the referee, who, this time around, isn’t cared for by Caroline! Caroline turns towards Ruler, and she kicks him in the gut!
Flannery McCoy: Is it possible that Ruler may be regretting doing such a thing? I know it could be the case. Ruler walks towards Caroline, but Caroline ducks underneath, grabs him with an underhook and lifts him on her back for a Gory Special! She’s stretching his spine out, and this is not good for Ruler at all! Caroline has some insane strength here!
Jake Mercer: Ruler might have messed up spraying that black mist in her face. That was not a good idea in the least bit, and that may have changed the course of this match! Caroline is way stronger after he did that! Ruler drops off, and he sends a kick into Caroline’s thigh!
Stew-O: Caroline takes it, and yet, she manages to send a kick of her own! Caroline has made a comeback here, and Ruler might’ve just shot himself in the foot! She grabs Ruler’s head, and she slams it on the turnbuckle! Caroline wraps her arm around Ruler’s head, and quite literally, this could be it!
Flannery McCoy: Ruler is trying to fight out of it, but no! Caroline kicks the foot back and she drives his head into the mat! Ruler just got sent first down onto the mat with a headlock driver! A SONG OF FIRE AND ICE CONNECTS, AND RULER’S HEAD JUST GOT SPLIT APART LIKE A RAGDOLL! AND SHE PUSHES HIM ONTO THE MAT! SHE GOES FOR THE COVER!
Referee: OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
Referee: TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephie Love: AND YOUR WINNER, AND NEWWWW NEW BREED CHAMPION, THE QUEEN OF SHADOWS, CAROLINE!
(Caroline looks down on a downed Ruler, before turning to the crowd. She looks back down on him again as she pulls his head to face her, speaking.)
Caroline: You tried when I was weak, and you succeeded. Now? Not anymore.
(Caroline then has her hand raised, as she takes the New Breed Championship and the arena slowly goes dimmer. A spotlight forms onto her as Caroline walks out through the entrance ramp, leaving Ruler down and beat up in the middle of the ring.)
Jake Mercer: What a comeback win. Ruler showed out, beating Caroline and almost winning, but Caroline won the war. She ultimately showed Ruler a taste of his own medicine, and came out on top. What a night and day difference from the Caroline we once knew.
Flannery McCoy: I’m surprised you’re still complimenting her after she smashed your iPhone 14 into bits.
Jake Mercer: Oh, that wasn’t mine, Flannery. It was yours.
(Jake takes out his perfectly fine iPhone 14, as he hands Flannery her own. It turns out he swapped the casings earlier to make Flannery think she’s had a laugh.)
Flannery McCoy: You nasty mother-
(Camera fades elsewhere before transitioning to the next match)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!
Bella Braxton: And it is a PURE RULES match for the EAW Specialists Championship!!!
( “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers hits to cheers from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first the challenger… from Detroit, Michigan weighing in at 117 pounds she is “THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUN” LEXIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(The crowd goes wild for Lexi as she makes her way to the ring and is all smiles. She’s clearly confident tonight, and more important looks more ready than ever to win her first Championship in EAW, that being the Specialists Championship.)
Rich Russillo: Tonight could be a great night for Lexi as she looks to become the EAW Specialists Champion! She has acknowledged this match as the biggest match of her career and it is a real dream scenario for her tonight if she was to be successful.
(Lexi stands up on the apron and poses before entering the ring. Lexi stands up on the top turnbuckle soaking in the admiration of the fans as she prepares for the match. She is clearly all business here tonight as the smile on her face becomes more of a look of focus.)
James Peters: This is ARIA’s first defense and there is a stereotype that the first defense is always the easiest. But that is not truly the case. Sometimes the first defense can weed out an unworthy champion. Someone who has only won the belt off a fluke victory and isn’t capable of actually defending it. Could that be ARIA’s fate here tonight? Lexi sure hopes so!
Rich Russillo: It is worth noting that Lexi has indeed defeated ARIA in the past. So she does have what it takes to get the job done. But the difference is that the title was not in the picture back then. It is now and that could really make all the difference!
(‘MEGITSUNE’ by BABYMETAL hits as the crowd erupts into loud cheers.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent from Chandler, Arizona weighing in at 110 pounds she is “The Sacred Detective” and she is the reigning and defending EAW Specialists Champion… ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
(ARIA makes her way out to the ring to a standing ovation from the audience as she carries her Specialists Championship on her shoulder. ARIA is coming out to the ring alone but she clearly has the support of the fans who are all cheering her on. Lexi is even shown smiling in the ring, clearly a fan of ARIA as well despite having to face her here tonight.)
James Peters: The Ice Aces wisely are not at ringside as per the stipulations for a Pure Rules match. Even if it was allowed however, I’m sure ARIA would not want this match to end thanks to interference, even if that interference helped her.
Rich Russillo: As we said before this is ARIA’s first title defense. And despite her popularity there are some backstage who believe she is a fluke champion. Tonight she has a chance to prove all of the haters and doubters wrong!
James Peters: Or she could prove them right. That would really be disappointing for her but that is exactly what Lexi is out here to make happen.
Rich Russillo: ARIA has shown that she is capable of persevering even when things get the hardest and she can push herself to accomplish her dreams. Tonight she has a chance to show the whole EAW Universe that she is a champion to be reckoned with on par or even above all of the others!
(The referee is shown holding the EAW Specialists Championship as the competitors gather closely to hear the Pure Rules Match explained to them as well as the audience as the referee takes a microphone.
Referee: I must remind you all that this is a Pure Rules match! That means you each get three rope breaks! No closed-fist punches to the face! If you are counted out with a lengthened 20 count or if you are disqualified you will lose the match. The title can change hands via disqualification! No outside interference will be allowed! I want a good clean match ladies! Now before this match begins I must demand that you both shake hands!
(ARIA and Lexi immediately shake hands in the ring as the referee takes the microphone and the Specialists Championship out of the ring. The referee then calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Well the rules of this match have been explained and we are going to be getting a nice clean contest. ARIA and Lexi shake hands in the ring as it looks like they are going to be abiding by their personal codes of honor and ethics going into this thing. That means we are going to get a true winner without any shenanigans possibly tainting it. This match is underway as ARIA and Lexi are each in their opposite corners. Lexi looks extremely eager to get going as she stretches off the ropes and enters back into the ring circling around it. ARIA just cooly paces around her as they eventually lock up in the center of the ring! And ARIA yanks on the arm of Lexi pulling her in and wrapping the arms around the head of her opponent. Aria with the hammer lock applied but Lexi breaks free grabbing the arm of Aria and twisting her around into a standing armbar of her own.
James Peters: Aria manages to break free by grabbing the arm of Lexi and wrenching that backwards as these two opponents are fighting for position with these basic submission holds. Basic yet effective! Lexi snatches and wrenches on the arm of Aria but Aria leaps forward and down to the mat and rolls through back up to her knees. Aria whips her boot around kicking her arm free of the grasp of Lexi! Aria grabs the arm of Lexi but Lexi reaches for the wrist of Aria yanking her down into a Wristlock! Aria pulls Lexi in towards her getting her arms around her head and applying a Front Facelock! But Lexi wisely immediately pulls her head free of that move knowing it is a bit more dangerous than the other holds employed here so far in this showcase of the fundamental pure wrestling.
Persephone: Truly the most enlightening type of wrestling to watch. :wow:
Rich Russillo: Lexi grabs the wrist of Aria wrenching it around backwards but Aria spins around out of it pulling Lexi in and hooks her around the head! DDT! No! Lexi spins out of it grabbing the arm and yanking it around behind the back of Aria. Aria wrenches forward but Lexi maintains control with a hard elbow drop across the shoulder of Aria while continuing to wrench the arm. Aria spins around in a pirouette managing to free her arm before rushing and shoving Lexi back up against the ropes. Through the momentum Aria twirls around spinning her arm free and then connecting out of nowhere with a Spinning Back Elbow rocking Lexi in the face. Lexi collapses on hands and knees as it looks like Aria has hit the first big blow of this matchup! Lexi pulls herself up in the corner as Aria advances in. Aria with a series of hard back chops to the chest as Lexi takes some damage in the corner.
James Peters: ARIA whips Lexi out of the corner and sends her across the ring to the opposite side. Aria charges in but Lexi grabs the top of the ropes and uses it to propel herself upwards and back landing behind Aria! Lexi then rolls across the ring and runs the ropes leaping off the middle rope and comes flying backwards with a Springboard Spinning Back Elbow of her own! But she misses! Aria moves out of the way as that really could have been lights out for her in the early goings of this match! Aria turns around with a leaping Shoulder Tackle to Lexi! No! Lexi grabs the arm and twists Aria around in midair taking her down to the mat. She grabs onto her arm wrenching it tightly. Aria in a seated position now on the mat as Lexi has her wrist captured tightly and appears to be in full control. Lexi down to one knee to get a tightened angle on the lock before standing up and driving her knee hard into the back of Aria! But Aria uses this as an opportunity to force herself up and shoves Lexi back into the ropes as the referee calls for the break!
Persephone: Maybe the referee should just disqualify her. This is supposed to be Pure wrestling rules! Not some outlaw mudshow!
Rich Russillo: It’s just a standard rule… and Aria is breaking up as per the referee’s request so there is no need to call off such a great match for a reason such as that. Aria breaks for a moment before returning to the corner to clobber Lexi hard across the face and back. Hard clubbing blows not that Aria has a power advantage or anything but she is giving all her force behind it and Lexi is taking a beating. Aria whips Lexi across the ring but Lexi grabs the arm of Aria and reverses it sending her to the opposite side of the ring. Aria collides back first into the turnbuckle paddings. Lexi comes charging in with a Running Clothesline! No! Aria ducks beneath just as Lexi gets into the corner and throws her up into the air! Lexi goes flying over the top rope! No! Lexi lands on the apron and immediately bounces off the hardest part of the ring and bounces right back over the top rope and into the ring!
James Peters: Lexi connects with a Spinning Back Chop to the chest of Aria. But Aria got her elbow up and Lexi chopped her elbow instead! Lexi falls backwards holding her arm in pain as Aria grabs the head of Lexi wrestling her into a headlock and then taking her down to the mat with a Snapmare Takedown. The headlock is applied and Lexi’s shoulders are on the mat! The referee slides into position to make the count!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: Kickout by Lexi! Aria keeps the headlock applied but Lexi now aware to keep her shoulders up off the mat. Lexi considers moving her legs over to the ropes but decides not to waste a rope break on that. Lexi manages to maneuver her legs up and around Aria and is ultimately able to kick her off her arms! Aria is down as Lexi twists the legs around trying to turn her over into a Sharpshooter or similar maneuver but we won’t know for sure as Aria manages to kick Lexi away from her and then scurries back to her feet. Aria charges in at Lexi who sweeps the leg and grabs the Ankle twisting her over into an Ankle Lock! But Aria manages to power out of it without using the ropes and both competitors are back up and lock up in the ring! No! Aria with a hard forearm shot to the face knocking Lexi down to the mat. Aria then climbs on top of the back of Lexi and applies a Surfboard onto her opponent! That looks very painful!
James Peters: Aria briefly releases the hold in order to punch Lexi hard across the top of her skull. The referee with a warning to ARIA. Closed-fist punches to the face are not legal under Pure Rules! The referee is saying ARIA will be disqualified if she does that again! AND SHE CAN LOSE THE TITLE ON A DQ SO WATCH OUT ARIA! Lexi may have no choice but to reach the ropes and use a rope break here in this match! Lexi reaches out for the ropes… but Aria with a hard clobbering blow to the face! And a series of hard forearms to the back of the neck and Lexi is out cold. Aria rocking Lexi here with some real damage and not even allowing her to use her rope break. Lexi tries to power back up to her feet as soon as she comes back to. But Aria with repeated strikes to the back of the spine. Lexi manages to power up but Aria kicks her hard sending her flipping over and landing on her back. Aria off the ropes… GUILLOTINE LEG DROP CONNECTS!!!! ARIA SLIDES INTO THE COVER!!!
Persephone: Could this be it???? *crosses fingers under desk*
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: No! The kickout by Lexi very quickly! Aria wraps the legs around the neck of Lexi and is choking her out! Aria trying to squeeze Lexi’s head between her legs and this could just pop her skull if Aria can apply enough pressure! No way Lexi is able to think straight while trapped in a hold like this! Lexi struggling pulling with her arms trying to break free as she manages to spin around to her hands and knees! Lexi tries to flip upwards and over into a bridge like position but Aria with a hard shot to the face sends her reeling backwards. Lexi lands on her hands and knees and begins jumping back and forth trying to free her head from the grasp of Aria! She manages to get enough twist on her neck to break free but that might have jerked her neck a bit and it looks painful! But Lexi ignores it and immediately follows up with a Baseball Slide right into the skull of Aria!
James Peters: Aria takes all of it as she rolls away and the champion pulls herself up in the corner! Here comes Lexi now with a running Splash into the corner and she gets all of it! Lexi grabs the leg of Aria and yanks her downwards in the ring and applies an STF! The STF is applies as Lexi has Aria trapped and Aria may have no choice but to tap out and we could have a brand new champion! But Aria manages to break free and Lexi quickly maneuvers herself in front of Aria grabbing the legs of her opponent from behind while bringing the knee up around to the front of Aria’s face. This submission hold looks pretty monstrous as Lexi is trying to rip Aria apart and Aria screams out in pain but manages to break free from the somewhat awkward hold that was never destined to last very long. Aria shoves Lexi backwards as both competitors are back up in the ring.
Rich Russillo: Lexi charges in at Aria with a Running Clothesline… but Aria ducks under it going around behind Lexi and locking in a Sleeper Hold! But Lexi manages to kick the leg of Aria causing her to let go dropping her. Lexi collapses down to the mat as Aria grabs her and yanks her back up… but Lexi grabs the arm of Aria and tosses her with a sudden Arm Drag! Aria quickly back up but Lexi with a Running Shoulder Tackle dropping Aria back down to the mat once more!
James Peters: Aria back up as Lexi is building up momentum!!! And Lexi with a Running Clotheesline sending Aria spinning wildly out of control! Aria favoring her arms and legs which have been done damage so far in this match from the technical wrestling and submissions that we have seen thus far. Lexi helps Aria back up and whips her across the ring… but Aria reverses the Irish Whip! Lexi comes back across the ring… ARIA WITH A BIG LARIAT!!! No! Lexi ducks beneath and runs across the ring! Lexi comes charging back across the ring and grabs the head of Aria and yanks her down into a Codebreaker!!!! Lexi gets all of it! Lexi into the cover and this match could be over!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Rich Russillo: Aria with the kickout! Lexi right back on her as Lexi drives her boot down hard into the gut of Aria. Lexi yanks Aria back up and kicks her again in the gut before hooking the arm!!! Suplex incoming! No wait! Aria manages to pull herself back down to her feet avoiding the momentum of the Suplex! But Aria isn’t stopping there! Aria uses the momentum to reverse the Suplex instead pulling Lexi backwards and slamming her backwards on her back on the mat! Aria gets all of that Suplex and that backfired spectacularly on Lexi! Aria slides into the cover!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
James Peters: Lexi gets the shoulder up! And this match has been back and forth so far and somehow both of them have all of their rope breaks! Aria slowly helps Lexi back up and then goes to grab her by the arm. But Aria hesitates for a moment and that is all the time Lexi needs to hit a rising knee lift to the gut of her opponent. Lexi grabs the head of Aria and yanks her down with a Snapmare Takedown to the mat! But Aria rolls through it locking her legs around the head of Lexi! But Lexi immediately flips over onto her back on top of Aria and hooks the arms as both competitors are contorted up on top of each other! Aria relaxes her legs causing Lexi to fall on top of her crushing her like a pancake but freeing both of them from that torturous contraption. Aria sits up holding her head in pain as Lexi rolls to her feet quickly and connects with a Running Dropkick coming off the ropes and driving her feet right into the chest of Aria knocking her flat on her back!
Persephone: Wow what a sequence! You just have to love this old school pure technical wrestling! Notice how each move no matter how mundane it may seem has a purpose! They are slowly and methodically wearing each other down with a variety of standard and basic wrestling maneuvers, rest holds, and submissions. This is really what we all paid to see! It is what everyone loves and wants to see! I know I do! Lets have more of that! Serve me up thirty more minutes of this match please and thank you!!! 😃
Rich Russillo: Aria suddenly rolls away out of the ring to the floor. That might have been a smart move there as Aria had just lost that sequence of moves and now needs to catch her breath and find a way to rebound. Good idea to get out of there before Lexi can capitalize and this kind of thinking is why Aria is the Specialists Champion at the moment. But that might not be for much longer as Lexi runs the ropes-
James Peters: AND A SUICIDE DIVE BETWEEN THE ROPES!!! LEXI GETS ALL OF IT AS SHE DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES LIKE A MISSILE CONNECTING TO THE BODY OF ARIA THROWING HER BACK UP AGAINST THE BARRICADE AT RINGSIDE! WHAT A MANEUVER!
Rich Russillo: Both competitors are down and out here on the outside of the ring as the referee begins the count!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT!
James Peters: Both competitors back up on the outside of the ring as Lexi connects with a series of back chops and a hard knee to the gut of Aria before throwing her back into the ring! Did you know in a Pure Rules match the title can change hands via disqualification or count-out? ARIA has to be careful here!
Persephone: NINE! TEN!
Rich Russillo: No! Both competitors make it back into the ring before the ten count! Another Pure Rules fact is that referees employ a twenty count instead of the normal ten count. So it wasn’t really close at all there… Aria back in first followed by Lexi who springs over the top rope with a Senton crashing down back first right atop the gut of Aria! Lexi building some momentum now as she runs the ropes and comes back with a Leaping Elbow Drop right across the sternum of her opponent! The cover by the challenger as she looks to put the champion away!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
James Peters: And the kickout by ARIA! Lexi is unable to finish the champion off there as Aria pulls herself up in the corner. Lexi grabs the arm and whips her across the ring to the opposite corner. Lexi charges in… but Aria puts her boot up on the middle turnbuckle stopping her in her tracks and turns around and connects with a Spinning Back Elbow to the face of Lexi! Lexi goes staggering back having run right into that one there. Lexi comes back towards Aria in the turnbuckle but Aria leaps up to the top rope and flips over Lexi! She grabs Lexi from behind and rolls her up into a pinning combination! No! Lexi rolls through! Lexi swings around with a Buzzsaw Kick but Aria ducks beneath it. Both competitors back up now as Aria catches Lexi suddenly with a hard knee to the gut!
Rich Russillo: Aria grabs Lexi around the neck and connects with a Spinning Neckbreaker dropping her to the mat! Quick cover! No wait! Aria appears to be limping! One of those moves of another that we have seen in this match must have tweaked the leg. Someone is going to have to figure out what did that on the rewatch. Aria gingerly now on one leg helps her opponent back up to her feet. But Lexi retaliates with a kick to the gut! I’m not sure that Lexi is aware of the limping of Aria but that would probably be a smart move to target that more!
James Peters: Both competitors back up as Lexi yanks Aria down with an Arm Drag! But Aria rolls through it and grabs the arms of Lexi and connects with a big Double Underhook Facebuster! This could be the end of the road! Aria with the cover!
Persephone: Will the champion retain?!?!? If a champion retains it is kind of like nothing changes. So it is almost like we never had the match at all. But we are having the match and of course that makes a lot of sense to me. 💯
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: And the kickout! Neither one of them have been able to put the other away! The resilience! The drive is strong to become the EAW Specialists Champion! It really is one of the most prestigious titles in EAW and they will fight tooth and nail to get it or keep it! Both competitors are now laid out on the mat looking exhausted. They might not have much left in the tank and this match could be nearing the end point.
Persephone: No. NO! PLEASE GOD NO!
Rich Russillo: Both competitors are slowly back up and it looks like Lexi is somehow the first to get back up! Aria is down on her knees as Aria delivers a series of well placed kicks to her chest as Aria is fully at her mercy! Lexi reels back with a hard Running Bicycle Kick to the head flattening Aria down to the mat! Lexi grabs the arm of Aria and whips her across the ring but Aria reverses it! Lexi flies across the ring before returning with a Spinning Back Elbow! Lexi then spins around into a rushing Forearm Strike knocking Aria down! And Aria might be out cold from those strikes as Lexi follows up by climbing up to the middle rope and playing to the crowd. Lexi flies off with a Flying Elbow Smash and gets all of it planting her elbow right to Aria’s chest crushing her! Aria is deceased! Lexi might have this match here as she slides into the cover!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: Kickout by Aria! The champ stays alive! Lexi is favoring her arm and shoulder here as she struggled to keep the leg hooked during that cover and that might have cost her. Lexi back up as she grabs the arm of Aria and whips her across the ring! Aria manages to use her arms to stop herself from going face first into the corner. But Lexi leaps over the top rope to the apron and grabs her hair from behind bashing her face into the turnbuckle padding anyway! Lexi then swings back over the top rope into the ring and connects with a Spinning Kick to the gut sending Aria back first into the turnbuckle and Aria is in trouble now! Aria staggers out of the turnbuckle as she steps towards Lexi who bends downwards using her shoulders instead of her arms in order to lift Aria up onto her shoulders!!! Lexi has her in position… FIREMAN’S CARRY TAKEDOWN CONNECTS!!! But wait what the…
Rich Russillo: ARIA just got back up from the Fireman’s Carry Takedown! She got up ike it didn’t affect her at all! What the this woman is not human! ARIA is operating on pure instinct here her body is doing things it shouldn’t normally be allowed to do! ARIA with a deranged smile on her face as she points to her jaw! She yells at Lexi to hit her!
ARIA: (off-mic) Give it your best shot!!!
James Peters: And Lexi does! Lexi hauls off with a hard forearm to the face! Aria just smiles before hauling back and hitting a forearm of her own on Lexi! Lexi realizes that Aria hit her harder and she can’t have that. So Lexi retaliates with a forearm of her own nearly breaking Aria’s entire jaw! These two are going back and forth in a contest of strength and who will be the first to just get severe brain damage and collapse in the ring?
Persephone: Let’s find out!
Rich Russillo: ARIA! LEXI! ARIA! LEXI! ARIA! LEXI! LEXI! LEXI! LEXI!
James Peters: Lexi gains the advantage here bashing in ARIA’s brains with repeated forearms until ARIA just collapses in the ring! Aria falls down into a snow angel like position on the mat as Lexi falls backwards into the corner from the exhaustion of her victory in this striking battle! This crowd is going off just completely losing it as they have begun to believe. They thought that victory was assured for ARIA but Lexi is showing that ARIA actually can be defeated! There could indeed be a brand new Specialists Champion right here in Vancouver! Lexi looks out at the crowd cheering her on and she knows now what she must do! Lexi begins to slowly make that ascent! ARIA has not moved one inch! She is completely unconscious in the ring and if Lexi had managed to pin her instead of falling backwards into the turnbuckle this thing would likely be over! But Lexi is going to make sure ARIA stays down for the count this time! Lexi is on her way to greatness!
Rich Russillo: Lexi climbs her way up to the top rope! The crowd is on their feet! Lexi is standing tall on the top rope as she measures the distance from herself to ARIA! Here is comes! LEXI INCOMING!!!
James Peters: THE HEART STOPPER!!!! LEXI GETS ALL OF IT FROM THE TOP ROPE AND THIS MATCH IS OVER!
Persephone: THIS MATCH IS OVER! THIS MATCH IS OVER! COUNT IT REF! COUNT IT!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: …
Referee: ………….
Referee: …………………………. !
Rich Russillo: The kickout from ARIA! The crowd cannot believe it! How did ARIA survive that? That was an absolutely stunning and perfect Moonsault from Lexi and she may have put the last she had into that! Both of these competitors are down and out in the middle of the ring not moving at all but how did ARIA manage to get the shoulder up? ARIA’s resilience is truly on display in this match and we are seeing signs of the future greatness that all the greatest competitors in this business have had on full display here tonight from the EAW Specialists Champion!!! The referee now beginning the count and this could end in a draw! What will even happen to the championship then?
James Peters: Calm down Rich. You know this as well as I do. In the case of a draw the champion will retain! That would be a crushing blow to not just Lexi who will walk away empty handed… but to ARIA as well who will walk out of this arena knowing she is still the champion but really in name only as she was unable to actually defeat Lexi!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE!
Rich Russillo: Both competitors are beginning to stir! But there is only one second left! They are screwed!
Persephone: This is a very long second.
James Peters: They both suddenly get up at the last second before the count! The match continues!
Persephone: 😃
Rich Russillo: Both competitors meet in the middle of the ring and begin to throw open hand punches at each other in slow motion. They don’t have much left in the tank! This match has not been super flashy but you can see just how much even the fundamentals if properly applied can wear out your opponent! They have been stretched and pulled in all sorts of ways tonight and will for sure for sure be sore tomorrow!
James Peters: Lexi connects with a Backspin Kick to the head of ARIA! But it was too slow and ARIA was able to easily duck beneath! ARIA with a Superkick out of nowhere but Lexi catches the leg! Lexi shoves ARIA back up against the ropes but ARIA bounces off and connects with a Codebreaker taking Lexi down! ARIA with a Standing Moonsault connecting right on top of Lexi! But she is unable to go to the cover instead grabbing onto her damaged ribs in pain rolling across the ring. Both competitors are back up… ARIA OUT OF NOWHERE!!! ZIRCON CUTTER! ZIRCON CUTTER! OUTTA NOWHERE! ARIA SLIDES INTO THE COVER!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: The kickout by Lexi! Her quest to become champion continues! ARIA realizing she has to get mean now as she rolls over on top of Lexi and begins to mash in her face with open palm strikes. ARIA is just straight up smashing Lexi’s face and Lexi eventually tosses ARIA off her! Lexi rolls back up to her feet… AND LEXI CONNECTS WITH A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE! Reminiscent of ARIA’s own J4A Lexi just slammed her knee at full speed into ARIA’s skull and Lexi now looking to capitalize!
James Peters: Lexi grabs the arm of ARIA and wrenches her around! Lexi applies the “Aria” of Expertise!!! Lexi has ARIA’s head locked in and she is trapped in this submission! Lexi doesn’t really know any submissions of her own so she had to think outside the box to get one applied on ARIA and she did the first thing that came to mind by mimicking her opponent!
Persephone: ARIA TAPS OUT! ARIA TAPS OUT! NEW CHAMP! NEW CHAMP!
Persephone: DING! DING! DING!
Persephone: And here is your winner… and NEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPION… LEXIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: And here comes Rex McAllister riding down to the ring on a silver horse his smile sparkling off the lights as he-
Rich Russillo: I think we lost Persephone because she has somehow traveled into an alternate universe. The submission hold is still applied and ARIA hasn’t tapped out. :wtf:
James Peters: ARIA reaching out towards the ropes! Can she get there! Lexi has this thing in tight! Imagine the humiliation if ARIA loses this match to her own submission!
Persephone: The Ice Aces might disown her if she loses like this. Just straight up kick her out.
Rich Russillo: Well I am not sure I would go that far… but ARIA is close to the ropes! She reaches out…
James Peters: ARIA GETS TO THE ROPES!!! SHE GETS A FINGER ON THE ROPES AND THAT IS THE FIRST ROPE BREAK OF THIS MATCH! SHE ONLY HAS TWO LEFT!!! THE REFEREE FORCING THE BREAK NOW!
Persephone: She isn’t releasing it! Disqualify her!
Rich Russillo: Yes she is! Lexi releases the hold and rolls back up to her feet. ARIA grabs Lexi and yanks her down all of a sudden into a Small Package!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: But Lexi grabs onto the ropes forcing the break! Lexi using up one of her own rope breaks to prevent ARIA from stealing it! We went most of the match without these rope breaks coming into play but now they are being used fast and furiously!
Rich Russillo: ARIA releases the Small Package as Lexi immediately gets back up! ARIA sweeps the leg and drops Lexi on her face! ARIA locks on the “Aria” of Expertise! She is showing Lexi how it is done! But Lexi is already in the ropes when ARIA applied that hold and is clinging on for dear life. I guess that counts as another rope break and Lexi has only one left! She had best use it wisely!
James Peters: ARIA lets go of the hold as both competitors are back up! ARIA with a hard back chop to the chest of Lexi sending her backwards into the corner. ARIA charges in but Lexi grabs her by the head and drops her down face first onto her knee! ARIA staggers backwards as Lexi goes in… FOH CONNECTS!!! LEXI GETS THE FOH!!!
Persephone: That stands for Frick Outta Here. So calm down Disney it is going to be alright.
James Peters: It’s not going to be alright for ARIA however! Lexi into the cover and this match has to be over!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: But ARIA gets her foot on the ropes! Another rope break used as they are both now down to one!!!!
James Peters: These competitors just living life close to the ropes knowing it is their only savior at this point in the match. They barely have the energy to continue fighting but even the ropes won’t save them much longer!
Rich Russillo: Lexi now helping ARIA back up to the corner! Lexi lights up ARIA with chops in the corner. Lexi lifting ARIA up now onto the top rope and begins punching at her! Lexi climbs up to the middle rope as well in dangerous territory. She hooks the arm possibly looking for a Superplex here! But ARIA fights her off! ARIA slams her skull into the head of Lexi! ARIA busting her forehead open as blood begins to form on her brow from the impact of those headbutts! Those things will shorten your career that’s for sure!
James Peters: ARIA with repeated headbutts sending Lexi flying off the top rope and landing in the center of the ring! ARIA perched up on the top rope and what does she have planned here! ARIA standing tall before taking the leap of faith!
Rich Russillo: 2TF!!! ARIA CONNECTS WITH THE SPIRAL TAP OFF THE TOP ROPE AND WHAT AN ATHLETIC MANEUVER!!!
James Peters: ARIA GOT ALL OF IT! ARIA HITS THE 2TF AND SHE SLIDES INTO THE COVER!!! LEXI STILL HAS THAT LAST ROPE BREAK, BUT SHE’S TOO FAR FROM THE ROPES TO USE IT!!!! THIS IS IT!!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner…. AND STILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL the EAW Specialists Champion…. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!
( ‘DESTINY’ by Saori Yoshida hits as the crowd erupts into cheers for the retaining champion. )
James Peters: ARIA has done it! She has retained the gold here tonight in one hell of a title defense! ARIA putting the entire division on notice that she is a Specialists Champion who is not one to be messed with!
Rich Russillo: Great technical performance from these competitors here tonight. For anyone doubting if these two can actually wrestle this should silence any of the doubters! They got all of that substance not just that flash!
Persephone: I do wonder if the match would have been improved if there had been more barbed wire present however.
James Peters: :comeagain:
(The EAW Specialists Championship is taken from the timekeeper and brought into the ring for ARIA to hold. ARIA begins to celebrate in the ring barely able to even hold up the championship belt which weighs about half what she does.)
Rich Russillo: WAIT LOOK OUT! LEXI IS BACK UP! LEXI WITH AN ANGRY LOOK ON HER FACE AS SHE GRABS ARIA FROM BEHIND!!!
James Peters: LEXI WHIPS ARIA AROUND AND ARIA DROPS THE CHAMPIONSHIP TO THE MAT IN SURPRISE! WHAT THE-
Rich Russillo: LEXI EXTENDS HER HAND TO ARIA!!! LEXI SHOWING RESPECT TO THE CHAMPION AS SHE PUTS OUT HER HAND FOR A HANDSHAKE!!!
Persephone: But can ARIA be trusted?!?!
James Peters: It turns out that it was pretty obvious she could be as ARIA immediately shakes the hand of Lexi before raising her arm up in the air and pointing to the former challenger. ARIA showing a lot of respect to the challenger here tonight. Lexi picks up the championship belt!
Persephone: Oh no she’s stealing it!
Rich Russillo: Lexi puts the championship back onto the shoulder of ARIA and pats her on the back before rolling out of the ring and making her way up the ramp. Lexi is clearly disappointed but these fans appreciate that she is handling it with all class!
(The crowd gives a standing ovation for Lexi who bows on top of the stage before heading to the back. ARIA then climbs to the top rope and raises the championship belt in the air.)
James Peters: CAN ANYONE END THE AGE OF ARIA!?!?
(The camera fades into a commercial for Mountain Dew Pitch Black.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: AND IS FOR THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP!
(‘Seek and Destroy’ by Metallica plays to a negative reaction from fans, who realize what Halsey Neel winning means, and don’t like it one bit. Halsey Neel walks out to the stage, and when she walks out it’s clear that she’s not focused on the reaction of the crowd whatsoever. Neel begins to walk down to the ring focused, being flanked by Team Eden, who all show full support… except for Ronan Malosi, who hasn’t warmed up to Neel like the others. As Halsey continues walking down the ramp, Bella Braxton begins to speak.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Birmingham, England, weighing in at 140 pounds, accompanied to the ring by Team Eden…SHE IS THE RIPPER…HALSEY NEEL!
James Peters: Halsey is focused, and that’s what she needs to be in order to topple Hikari Kanno.
Rich Russillo: Hikari isn’t gonna give that title up without a fight, but Halsey isn’t gonna go down without one either.
James Peters: She has a lot riding on this, competing for both herself and New Eden, who have a lot riding on this, wanting that title rustled from around the waist of Kanno.
(‘As Long As I Love’ TK from Ling Tosite Sigure plays to a positive reaction from fans, and Hikari walks out onto the stage, looking equally focused as Neel, locking eyes with her opponent and all members of Team Eden in the ring before raising her title high to pyro, showing absolutely no intimidation from being outnumbered. Halsey is waiting for Hikari Kanno to get in the ring, and as Hikari gets closer to the ring she appears to be confident, showing that she’s ready for whatever Halsey and Team Eden have to offer in this match.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent! Hailing out of Okinawa, Japan, weighing in at 121 pounds…SHE IS THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION…HIKARI KANNO!!
Persephone: If Halsey fails tonight, Team Eden better get used to this Championship being defended on the marquee.
James Peters: Hey, kudos to Hikari for making this happen. She wants her title reign to be special, and this is a great first step towards doing so.
Rich Russillo: Hey, we still don’t know what Eden thinks of this all, but Team Eden better make sure she doesn’t find out.
(Hikari hands her title off to the referee, who raises it high, showing what these two are fighting over before signaling the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: The bell has rung, and as right now, Team Eden remain in their position ringside, which is good. I’m hoping this remains a nice, clean fight.
Rich Russillo: This is a hardcore match, nothing about this will be clean.
James Peters: True, so I’ll use the word fair. I hope this fight is fair.
Persephone: You and me both, James. I sure wouldn’t want these competitors to go all out in terms of hurting each other. :troll:
James Peters: Somehow, I find that hard to believe-
Rich Russillo: OOH! SORRY TO INTERRUPT, JAMES, BUT WE ARE OFF TO THE RACES AS BOTH COMPETITORS CHARGE ONE ANOTHER IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, AND ARE ENGAGING IN A HOCKEY FIGHT, TRADING RIGHT HANDS WITH ONE ANOTHER!
James Peters: A HARDCORE MATCH HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT CATCH-AS-CATCH-CAN STYLE, ITS BEEN ABOUT TWO COMPETITORS TRYING TO OUT VIOLENT THE OTHER, AND KEEP THEM DOWN LONG ENOUGH FOR A THREE! ALTHOUGH, I IMAGINE THATS EASIER SAID THAN DONE, SEEING AS HIKARI HAS NO PLANS OF LOSING HER CHAMPIONSHIP ANYTIME SOON! BUT THIS IS HALSEY’S FIRST BIG OPPORTUNITY ON A GRAND STAGE, AND I DONT THINK SHE’LL LOOK TO MAKE ANY LESS THAN AN IMPACT!
Rich Russillo: SPEAKING OF, HALSEY LOOKS TO BE WINNING THE EXCHANGE WITH HIKARI, BEGINNING TO HAMMER HER WITH FOREARMS, MOMENTARILY STUNNING THE OPPONENT! BUT HIKARI BATTLES BACK, DELIVERING FOREARMS OF HER OWN, AND BACKING HALSEY TO THE CORNER AS SHE CONTINUES TO PRESS FORWARD!
James Peters: HALSEY FIGHTS OUT OF IT WITH FOREARMS, BACKING HIKARI TO THE CENTER OF THE RING! NEEL WANTS ANOTHER FOREARM, BUT KANNO INTERRUPTS WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN, AND PROCEEDS TO REIGN WITH PUNCHES!
Rich Russillo: HALSEY SHOVES HIKARI OFF, AND RUSHES BACK TO HER FEET, USING THE ROPES FOR ASSISTANCE! HIKARI CHARGES IN, UNRELENTING IN HER ASSAULT! BUT HALSEY SIDESTEPS WHATEVER HIKARI HAD PLANNED, AND SENDS HER UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Persephone: WOW! With catlike agility, Hikari catches herself on the apron, unbeknownst to Halsey Neel, who doubles over, catching her breath after such a high intensity start! 😲
James Peters: Halsey stands herself upright, AND GETS GRABBED INTO A HANGMAN NECKBREAKER FROM THE APRON, DROPPING HALSEY NECK FIRST ACROSS THE TOP ROPE! Halsey collapses down to all fours, for sure having whiplash, and clutches the back of her neck.
Rich Russillo: Once she’s up to both knees, Hikari reaches over the top rope, pulling Halsey up by the hair. Neel turns around, and breaks free, CATCHING HIKARI OFF GUARD WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Hikari falls to the ringside area, landing on all fours. From there, Halsey makes a grave mistake, turning her back on the opponent, and looking as if she’s gonna run off the ropes for a suicide dive of sorts.
James Peters: HIKARI MAKES HER PAY FOR IT THOUGH, PULLING HALSEY TO THE OUTSIDE BY HER ANKLE, AND WHIPS HER BACK FIRST INTO A CORNER OF THE BARRICADE! Halsey winces in pain, but Hikari doesn’t appear to be done as she marches over, keeping eyes on Team Eden, who are at bay for now, watching as Halsey gets sent shoulder first into ANOTHER corner of the barricade by Hikari!
Persephone: :yikes: Halsey hit hard!
Rich Russillo: Neel goes down to all fours, and is trying to crawl away from Kanno, hoping to create some semblance of separation. But Hikari in hot pursuit, standing Halsey back up, EATING A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION FOR HER TROUBLES! HALSEY TRIES WHIPPING HIKARI INTO A BARRICADE CORNER NOW, BUT KANNO REVERSES AT THE LAST MINUTE, SENDING HALSEY BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE A SECOND TIME!
James Peters: The wheels begin to turn in Hikari’s head as she sees Halsey is vulnerable, favoring her back as she winces in pain. But whatever thoughts she having gets interrupted by Candice Blair, who appeared as she was gonna attack Hikari from behind, but backed off once Kanno turned around. Team Eden are already playing mind games, but Hikari refocuses herself back on Halsey, and builds a full head of steam!
Rich Russillo: OOH! SHE RAN RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM HALSEY, WHO WAS BOUGHT JUST ENOUGH TIME TO RECOVER BY CANDICE BLAIR’S DISTRACTION! Hikari staggers back, and Halsey charges in! BUT MAKES THE SAME MISTAKE AS HER OPPONENT, RUNNING RIGHT INTO A SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX ON THE OUTSIDE! Halsey rolls through to a knee, and gets rolled back into the by Hikari.
James Peters: A dazed Halsey gets to her feet, almost out of instinct, but gets leaned up against the ropes for an irish whip! KITCHEN SINK BY HIKARI! Halsey sits back up, favoring her abdomen, but in turn leaves her back unguarded from a PENALTY KICK TO THE SPINE BY KANNO AS WELL! Hikari lays Halsey flat for a cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Persephone: Only a count two count, meaning there’ll “unfortunately” be more violence inflicted! :demon_mask:
Rich Russillo: Hikari stands Halsey back to a vertical base, but lives to regret it as Neel fights back with a knee to the abdomen, doubling Hikari over. HALSEY RUNS TOWARD THE ROP- NO! HIKARI PULLS HER IN BY THE BACK OF HER TRUNKS! Rear waistlock by Hikari, but Halsey reverses out of it with a snapmare! Hikari rolls through to all fours, holding her back as she crawls over to the corner, using it for assistance in getting back to her feet.
James Peters: Halsey runs in- but Hikari gets her boot up, staggering Neel briefly as Hikari hops to the middle rope, seating herself on the top turnbuckle before pulling Halsey in for a tornado DDT possibly. BUT HALSEY SLIPS OUT OF IT BEFORE PUSHING HIKARI TO THE OUTSIDE!
Persephone: Hikari hit back first on the apron before landing back first on the outside, you could see the back of her neck have a rough landing also as she clutches it, writhing around in pain!
Rich Russillo: Halsey has a sadistic smile on her face, happy with what just transpired. Candice and Sierra are ecstatic about what went down as well, even Ronan, who makes it known to the world he doesn’t like Halsey, but that defeat he suffered at the hands of Hikari Kanno must be fresh in his mind still, given he’s applauding. Halsey looks to capitalize as she exits to the outside, rolling Hikari back into the ring before following.
James Peters: Hikari gets to her feet quickly, and staggers over to the corner, still clutching the back of her neck. She’s in defense mode right about now, similar to Halsey Neel a while ago, doing anything she can to create space. But similar to Hikari, Halsey isn’t gonna allow her opponent to get much breathing room, seating her down in the corner with stomps before pressing her boot up against the neck of Hikari Kanno.
Rich Russillo: Usually, the referee would employ a five count at this very moment, but there’s no rules. Halsey is free to do whatever she wants, and is benefitting greatly because of it. Halsey finally relents, and pulls Hikari back to her feet by the arm, WHIPPING HER HARD STERNUM FIRST INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER!
James Peters: Hikari collapses supine on the mat, and begins writhing in pain as she clutches her chest area. The referee checks on Kanno, who is coughing, possibly having gotten all the wind knocked out of her lungs. Halsey tells the referee to back off, and proceeds to grab Hikari by the head, pulling her up to both knees. Halsey slaps her opponent around a bit, almost toying with her, knowing she’s in complete control right about now.
Rich Russillo: Halsey backs away from Hikari slightly before going to deliver a bicycle kick! BUT HIKARI CATCHES THE BOOT, AND HOLDS ON TO IT AS SHE GETS TO A VERTICAL BASE! …SPINNING BACK ELBOW PUTS HALSEY ON WOBBLY LEGS, AND A STRAIGHT ELBOW STRIKE FROM HIKARI SENDS HER TUMBLING OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!
James Peters: However, Hikari can’t capitalize right away as she goes down to a knee, catching her breath, something getting sent sternum first into the top turnbuckle may have severely impacted.
Persephone: Unfortunately, if you can’t breathe, you can’t fight.
James Peters: Wait! Did you guys see that?
Persephone: See what?
James Peters: Sierra just grabbed the Hardcore Championship from the timekeeper’s area, and slid it over to a kneeling Halsey, who was still attempting to recover off that elbow strike from Hikari.
Rich Russillo: Speaking of, I don’t think she’s aware of what just happened, she was too busy catching her breath to notice. Halsey isn’t making it easy for Hikari to see either, keeping her back to the opponent, doing a nice job at hiding the championship.
James Peters: Hikari goes out to the apron, and lines Halsey up as she slowly gets to her feet before building steam! HIKARI FLIES OFF THE APRON, BUT RIGHT INTO A BELT SHOT FROM HALSEY, WHO CAUGHT HER RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES! Hikari appears to be out of it as Halsey briefly taunts with the Hardcore Title belt, believing it to already be her’s before she hands it back off those in the timekeeper’s area.
Rich Russillo: Hikari begins to stir, barely getting up to all fours, and Halsey grabs the back of her head, slamming Hikari face first off the apron! Hikari can barely stand, but gets rolled back into the ring by Halsey. With the champion dazed, Halsey is like a predator stalking its prey, watching as Hikari gets up to all fours while the referee checks on her.
James Peters: Hikari shakes her head at the referee asking to call things off, but from behind, Halsey grabs Hikari in a rear waistlock, and stands her up in the center of the ring. Hikari fights out of it with back elbows on Halsey, and attempts to run off the ropes in front of her, but Hikari employs a tool out of her opponent’s playbook, reeling Hikari in by the back of her belt, AND KANNO FACEPLANTS ONTO THE CANVAS OFF A HALF AND HALF SUPLEX BY HALSEY!
Rich Russillo: Hikari rolls out of the ring, and bounces on the outside as she lands prone. Hikari is rocked, and has been that way ever since Halsey caught her in between the eyes with her own championship.
Persephone: The referee is back to checking on Hikari. He CAN call this match off if he feels she can’t properly defend herself. 😒
Rich Russillo: Meanwhile, Halsey does some digging, and finds a trash can underneath the ring. She walks over to Hikari, who’s up on all fours, and grabs her by the chin, bringing Hikari up to both knees. …HALSEY WITH A TRASH CAN SHOT TO THE FOREHEAD OF HIKARI! Kanno comes close to collapsing back down to the ringside floor, but Halsey stops her from doing so, bringing Hikari back up to both knees.
James Peters: Kanno is glossed over, and to make matters worse, Halsey is placing that trash can over her head. HALSEY SCREAMS BEFORE DELIVERING A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE TRASH CAN, PUTTING A MAJOR DENT IN IT AS HIKARI TIPS OVER ONTO HER SIDE, BARELY MOVING FROM THAT KICK!
Rich Russillo: Halsey walks over to the steel steps, and shoves the top one off from the bottom. Neel grabs hold of the bottom step, and drags it over, leaning its side up against the LED apron, which faces our ramp area. She’s already laying the groundwork for something. What? I don’t know.
Persephone: Halsey does some more digging under the ring, and pulls out two steel chairs. :mjlit:
James Peters: All the while, Hikari Kanno has yet to move, and Halsey grabs her by the ankle, pulling her out from inside the trash can, and mounts Hikari, hitting square in the foreheads with right hands. Hikari can’t even get her hands up, still reeling from the roundhouse kick that she suffered from Neel, who seems just about unrelenting when it comes those right hands!
Rich Russillo: Hikari could legitimately be out of it now as Halsey rolls her back into the ring.
James Peters: You might’ve spoke too soon there, Rich. Somehow, someway, Hikari manages to stay in this thing, having some form of consciousness, albeit barely after the punishment she’s recently taken. Neel slides into the ring, and takes the role of a predator that is stalking its prey.
Persephone: Halsey has a steel chair, and watches as Hikari gets up to all fours BEFORE CRACKING HER ACROSS THE BACK WITH THE CHAIR!
Rich Russillo: Hikari collapses back down to the canvas, but finds herself getting up to all fours once again, AND IS WHACKED ACROSS THE BACK WITH THAT STEEL CHAIR A SECOND TIME! Hikari showcases that fighting spirit within her, powering back to all fours, and getting a THIRD CHAIR SHOT TO THE BACK!
James Peters: Halsey uses one hand to grab the chin of a downed Kanno, and pull her up to both knees. She’s looking to have a repeat of that trash can as she raises the steel chair high in the air, BUT HIKARI POPS UP FROM HER KNEES TO BOTH FEET, AND TAGS HALSEY WITH A JUMPING HIGH KNEE! SHE CAUGHT HER UNDERNEATH THE CHIN!
Rich Russillo: Halsey staggers back to the corner, dropping the steel chair, and as they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure as Hikari grabs hold of that steel chair, and props it up in the center of the ring.
James Peters: Hikari heads to the opposite corner of Halsey, AND BUILDS A FULL HEAD OF STEAM, LEAPING OFF THE STEEL CHAIR FOR MOMENTUM AS SHE BULLDOZES INTO HALSEY WITH A CORNER FLYING FOREARM SMASH!
Rich Russillo: Halsey comes close to collapsing, but Hikari keeps her standing, and brings Neel over to the steel chair. …KANNO SUPER BUSTER! HIKARI KANNO PLANTED HALSEY BACK FIRST ACROSS THE SEAT OF THE CHAIR WITH A GUTWRENCH RELEASE POWERBOMB, A VARIATION OF HER USUAL SIT OUT! NEEL WRITHES IN PAIN ON THE CANVAS, AND HIKARI GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: HALSEY KICKS OUT! BUT HIKARI TRANSITIONS INTO A CROSS ARMBREAKER ON THE SAME ARM THAT HALSEY USED TO KICKOUT, AND CONTINUES TO PUT TORQUE ON IT AS SHE WRENCHES BACK FURTHER AND FURTHER!
Rich Russillo: HIKARI COULD VERY WELL HYPEREXTEND THE ARM OF HER OPPONENT! THE CROSS ARMBREAKER ISNT NOTHING TO PLAY WITH, AND HALSEY REALIZES THAT, QUICKLY SQUIRMING OVER TO THE ROPES, AND GRABBING HOLD OF THE BOTTOM ONE! BUT THIS ISNT A TRADITIONAL MATCH, USUALLY, THAT WOULD FORCE A ROPE BREAK! BUT NOT TODAY, HIKARI CAN KEEP THAT HOLD TACKED ON LONG AS SHE WANTS!
James Peters: HALSEY IS SCREAMING IN PAIN, BUT USES THE BOTTOM ROPE TO PULL HERSELF TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING! Halsey is on her knees, favoring the arm, but Hikari follows her out of the ring, and grabs a steel chair from underneath it!
Rich Russillo: Hikari props it up, and sits Halsey down BEFORE DELIVERING A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST! HIKARI ISNT DONE, AND SCORES WITH A SECOND ONE! Halsey appears to be stunned, and Hikari grabs the trash can which was used on her earlier, and is the one to place it over Halsey’s head now. Hikari goes to the apron, and lines her opponent before building momentum, AND LEAPING OFF THE APRON WITH A FLYING KNEE INTO THE TRASH CAN!
James Peters: HIKARI HIT WITH SO MUCH FORCE, IT TIPPED THE CHAIR ON ITS BACK! However, Kanno didn’t come out of that collision without some damage herself as she favors that knee, writhing around in pain. Halsey shows feint signs of life, removing that trash can from on top of her head, and rolls over to a prone position on the outside. Team Eden are trying to tell Halsey to get back up, but I don’t think she can. Better yet, I don’t think she can hear them.
Persephone: Halsey is definitely rocked at this time, her eyes are probably ringing, but that doesn’t mean the action will stop.
Rich Russillo: No, Hikari grabs hold of her, and rolls Halsey Neel back into the ring. Neel is trying to come to, and while she does, Hikari starts to do a little digging underneath the ring herself, and pulls out a TABLE! No, TWO tables, which make the crowd here in the Rogers Arena very happy.
James Peters: Our fans love tables, but the question is: who is going through said tables?
Rich Russillo: I’m sure we’re about to find out very, very soon. But as of right now, Hikari slides one table inside the ring with Halsey, and sets up the other one ringside. Shockingly, Hikari isn’t done digging, going to another side of the ring, and goes back into the well, finding herself a LADDER! Hikari goes to slide it into the ring, BUT HALSEY INTERJECTS HERSELF BACK INTO THE FRAY WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE INTO THE LADDER, KNOCKING HIKARI BACK INTO OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE!
James Peters: Halsey pulls the ladder inside the ring, and props it up in the corner before heading to the outside, and retrieving Hikari Kanno, who gets rolled back into the ring. Neel gets on the apron, BUT HIKARI RUSHES BACK TO HER FEET, AND CHARGES HALSEY WITH A FOREARM SMASH! Halsey came close to getting knocked off the apron, but held on to the top rope with her fingertips.
Rich Russillo: Hikari has her opponent stunned, and grabs hold of Halsey’s hair as she climbs to the middle rope, pulling Halsey up to the top turnbuckle as she does so. Hikari hooks Neel up for a superplex, and… SHE HITS IT, LANDING ON THAT TABLE SHE SLID INTO THE RING EARLIER! NEITHER COMPETITOR CAME OUT OF THAT EXCHANGE WELL AS EVEN HIKARI IS WRITHING IN PAIN, CLUTCHING AT HER BACK, WHICH MIGHT HAVE SPLINTERS IN IT AS THE TWO PUT A CRACK INTO THE TABLE!
Persephone: Finally, Hikari manages to recover, so that she can make the cover on Neel!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHH-
James Peters: Only a two! It might’ve been a three, that is if Hikari was able to make the cover right away. Regardless, Halsey Neel manages to stay in this thing, and Team Eden can breathe a sigh of relief on the outside.
Rich Russillo: Oh… as Halsey Neel rolls off the table, you can see a small laceration on her back, having some blood seep out. The referee tends to Halsey, who affirms that she can still go. Hikari hobbles over, holding her back, and grabs the hair of Halsey, pulling her up to a knee. Hikari cocks her head back, eyeing that ladder which Halsey propped up in the corner, and grabs the back of her head, WHIPPING HALSEY INTO THE LADD- NO! HALSEY REVERSED LAST MINUTE, AND ATTEMPTED TO SEND HIKARI INTO THE LADDER!
James Peters: BUT HIKARI BROUGHT HER MOMENTUM TO A HALT RIGHT BEFORE IMPACT, AND BACKPEDALED INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX, GETTING DUMPED HIGH ON HER NECK AND SHOULDERS! Hikari writhes in pain, and meanwhile, Halsey goes to the corner opposite to the ladder, stalking, and daring Hikari to get up.
Persephone: I wonder what Neel has planned.
Rich Russillo: I know it isn’t good, that’s for certain. Hikari has no idea the intentions of Neel, given Kanno has her back turned as she gets to a vertical base before turning around. HALSEY CHARGES IN! SHE WENT FOR THE SPEAR, BUT HIKARI HAD IT SCOUTED, POSSIBLY WAS PLAYING POSSUM, AND LEAPFROGGED OVER IT!
James Peters: HALSEY CAME CLOSE TO COLLIDING WITH THE TABLE ONCE MORE, BUT BROUGHT HERSELF TO A SCREECHING HALT, SIMILAR TO HIKARI! HALSEY TURNS AROUND, AND GETS A KICK TO THE GUT FOR HER TROUBLES! NEEL IS DOUBLED OVER, AND HIKARI PLANS TO END THINGS WITH ALLELUIA! BUT HALSEY FLOATS OVER BEHIND HIKARI, AND SENDS HER UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Rich Russillo: Halsey follows her to the outside, and stands Hikari back up, grabbing hold of her wrist, AND IRISH WHIPPING HER- REVERSED! HIKARI REVERSED, AND IRISH WHIPPED HALSEY INTO THE RINGPOST INSTEAD! NEEL CAME CLOSE TO CRASHING FACE FIRST, BUT MANAGED TO REDIRECT HERSELF, SO THAT ONLY HER SHOULDER CAUGHT THE RINGPOST!
Persephone: Ouch!
James Peters: Halsey goes down, favoring said shoulder as she winces in pain, but I’ll admit, that was a smart move on her end. Why go face first into the ringpost, possibly risking getting busted open, or knocked loopy. However, it somewhat works in Hikari’s favor, we know she likes to target body parts with her moves, and the shoulder is one of them.
Rich Russillo: Hikari grabs a handful of hair, and pulls Halsey up to all fours, and proceeds to start dragging her along as she walks over to the bottom step, which was leaned up against the apron by Neel earlier. Hikari places Halsey’s head down on the step, and presses her boot down on the side of Neel’s head, keeping it in position before raising her foot high, and going to stomp Halsey’s head! IF SHE DOES THIS, THAT’LL SANDWICH HALSEY’S HEAD BETWEEN HIKARI’S BOOT AND THE UNFORGIVING STEEL STEPS!
Persephone: I CANT WATCH… 🫣
James Peters: THANKFULLY, HALSEY GETS HER HEAD OUT OF THE WAY! BUT SHE GRABS THE ANKLE OF HIKARI, AND PULLS HER LEG OUT FROM UNDER HER, CAUSING KANNO TO FACEPLANT ON THE STEEL STEPS! Hikari plops onto her side, and appears to be glossed over, as you’d expect watching that. I’d be surprised if Kanno knew where she was right now.
Rich Russillo: Candice comes over, and crouches down by a kneeling Halsey, checking on her condition, which doesn’t appear to be far off from Hikari’s as Halsey looks pretty dazed herself. Granted, she’s been through a grueling match, and has dished out just as much as she’s been given.
James Peters: I can’t say for certain, but it looks as if Halsey told Candice she’s got this, as Blair backs off, and allows Halsey to go to work, which she does, grabbing the wrist of Kanno, and beginning to drag her. That’s 121 pounds of dead weight she’s lugging around, but finds herself in front of our spanish announce table. Halsey removes the table cover, and SLAMS IT DOWN ON HIKARI’S TORSO BEFORE TOSSING IT OFF TO THE SIDE!
Rich Russillo: Halsey rips out the TV monitors, but keeps one in hand as she stalks Kanno, who’s up on all fours. …finally, she elevates herself to a vertical base, but might wish she’d have stayed down as HALSEY BOUNCES THAT MONITOR OFF HER SKULL! HIKARI CAN BARELY STAND, AND IS ON PUT ON WOBBLY LEGS BY NEEL, WHO DROPS THE MONITOR, AND PROCEEDS TO BOUNCE HIKARI FACE FIRST OFF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE SHE CLEARED!
James Peters: Halsey lays Hikari prone on the spanish announce table, and hops on the table herself afterward, looking around to the booing fans before looking straight down at Kanno’s limp body. Halsey has a look of pure intensity in her eyes, feeling as if the title is coming closer and closer to her.
Persephone: She did already have it in her hands earlier.
Rich Russillo: True, but not as the official holder. If Halsey’s plan turns out to be a success, I imagine that’ll change.
James Peters: Hikari begins to stir, powering up to all fours, but you can tell it’s taking a lot of her to keep fighting. She just got bounced face first off the steel steps, then cracked in her skull with the TV monitor. How much more punishment can Hikari take?
Rich Russillo: Halsey helps Hikari to her feet, but places Kanno’s head between her legs. HIKARI CAN BARELY KEEP HER FOOTING, AND HALSEY STARTS TO SET UP FOR THE FALL! IF THAT PILEDRIVER LANDS, THAT MIGHT BE THE DEATH NOTE, THAT MIGHT BE THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN FOR HIKARI KANNO! SHES ALREADY TAKEN THE STEEL STEPS, SHES ALREADY TAKEN THE MONITOR, IF SHE TAKES THING, I FIND IT FAR FETCHED TO BELIEVE SHE’LL RECOVER! …THE FALL CONN-
James Peters: BACK BODY DROP! HIKARI JUST BACK BODY DROPPED HALSEY THROUGH OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE!
Persephone: :skip: That, I did not prepare for!
James Peters: ALTHOUGH, IT MAY HAVE BEEN A FINAL BURST OF ENERGY ON HIKARI’S PART, WHO IMMEDIATELY COLLAPSED ON THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE AFTERWARDS, LEAVING HER UNABLE TO CAPITALIZE OFF HALSEY, WHO IS SPRAWLED OUT IN FRONT OF US, SHOWING BARELY ANY SIGNS OF LIFE!
Crowd: HOLY **BLEEP!** HOLY **BLEEP!** HOLY **BLEEP**
Rich Russillo: Holy bleep is right! Both competitors are putting it all on the line in order to walk out of this thing with their hand raised in victory.
James Peters: You said walk out of this thing, James. If these two aren’t careful, they might have to be stretched out of this arena.
Persephone: Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that. :lupe:
Rich Russillo: Wait! Both competitors are showing signs of life as Hikari Kanno has rolled off the table, and Halsey begins crawling out of the rubble. Both women are crawling towards the ring, and whoever can get there, or even to their feet first will have a major advantage.
James Peters: Neither have that clear cut advantage just yet as they both slide into the ring at the same time, and are both slow in getting back to their feet. But they make it there at the same time also, AND HALSEY SWINGS WILDLY FOR A RIGHT HAND! BUT HIKARI CATCHES THE ARM, AND GOES FOR BRIGHTSTAR! THE HIGH ANGLE URANGE SL- ELBOW! HALSEY ELBOWS HER WAY OUT OF THE MANEUVER!
Rich Russillo: HIKARI IS DOUBLED OVER, AND GETS PULLED INTO A SNAP PILEDRIVER! THE FALL CONNECTS! BUT IM NOT SURE IF HALSEY GOT ALL OF IT!
James Peters: NEEL SHOOTS THE HALF ON HIKARI, AND HOOKS THE OUTSIDE LEG FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Persephone: NEW CHAMP!
James Peters: NOT QUITE AS HIKARI GETS THE SHOULDER UP AT 2.999!! HALSEY’S FACE SAYS IT ALL! SHE CANT BELIEVE HIKARI KICKED OUT, AND I THINK HER FRUSTRATION HAS REACHED PEAK AS SHE POUNDS THE MAT IN ANGER! DOUBT HAS TO START CREEPING IN!
Rich Russillo: No, I don’t see doubt in Halsey’s eyes anymore, I see wheels beginning to spin. Already, she has a backup plan in mind, and begins to roll Kanno out to the apron. Halsey gets on the apron herself, and places Hikari’s head between her legs for the piledriver. And unfortunately, I think I’m starting to get an idea of what Halsey Neel has in store for Kanno.
James Peters: Remember, Hikari set up that table ringside, and its about to be an action regr- NO! HIKARI SHOVES HALSEY BACK INTO THE LED RINGPOST! HALSEY WINCES IN PAIN, AND STAGGERS FORWARD INTO KANNO, WHO PROCEEDS TO WRAP HER IN A GUILLOTINE! BUT HIKARI CINCHES THE HOLD IN DEEPER, WRAPPING HER LEGS AROUND THE WAIST OF NEEL!
Rich Russillo: HALSEY FLAILS HER ARMS AROUND, BUT THE FIGHT WITHIN HER BEGINS TO DIE DOWN BEFORE SHE COLLAPSES DOWN INTO THE TABLE, PUTTING HERSELF AND HIKARI THROUGH!
Persephone: Hikari winces, but it ultimately seems like Halsey got the worst of that as Hikari pushes her off from on top of her.
James Peters: That Guillotine almost acted like a DDT, and look at Neel, who has a cut on her forehead now.
(The screen turns to black and white, and the doctors, along with Team Eden proceed to flank a downed Neel. The doctors begin cleaning Neel up with a towel as the crowd boos this action, unhappy to see the match interrupted somewhat.)
Rich Russillo: Hikari crawls away from Halsey, and goes searching underneath the ring, pulling out a steel chain! Hikari slides it in the ring, and leans forward on the apron, clutching at her back.
James Peters: Hikari hobbles over to Halsey, who the medics seem just about done with, and rolls her back into the ring. Halsey Neel gets to all fours, and Hikari slides back in the ring herself, grabbing hold of that steel chain she brought into the ring, and wrapping it around her fist.
Rich Russillo: Hikari uses her other hand to grab a handful of hair, and pull Halsey up to a knee. Hikari raises her chained fist high, BUT HALSEY USES THAT BELT ON HIKARI’S TIGHTS FOR LEVERAGE, PULLING HER FACE FIRST INTO THE RUNG OF A LADDER!
(Halsey yells something at Sierra on the outside, and she goes under the ring herself, digging out a black bag, and sliding it in the ring to Halsey, who crawls over to it.)
James Peters: Uh-oh. Team Eden have not minded sticking their nose in affairs every now and again, and Sierra just slid a black bag into the ring, which she loosens to reveal THUMBTACKS!
Persephone: :mjgrinmask:
Rich Russillo: Ronan felt the wrath of these thumbtacks by Halsey, they’re how she got this opportunity in the first place, and is going back to what works as she tosses the bag to the side, and pulls Hikari up to her feet, placing her head between her legs for The Fall!
James Peters: HALSEY TRIES GETTING HIKARI UP, BUT HIKARI CONTINUES TO BLOCK IT, HOLDING HER WEIGHT DOWN BEFORE TWIRLING OUT OF THE PILEDRIVER ATTEMPT, AND PULLING NEEL INTO BRIGHTSTAR! BUT HALSEY SHIFTS THE MOMENTUM, BEING THE ONE TO PLANT HIKARI ON THE THUMBTACKS INSTEAD WITH A URANAGE SLAM!
Rich Russillo: Halsey stumbles back into the corner, and watches as Hikari sits up in pain, thumbtacks sticking out her back! Kanno rises to a knee, and Halsey charges in!
James Peters: NEEL WENT FOR A CLOTHESLINE, BUT HIKARI TRAPPED THE ARM, AND SPIKED HALSEY ON THE TACKS WITH A DDT! HIKARI MAKES THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: OOH! TEAM EDEN! I WAS WONDERING WHEN THEY’D INTERJECT THEMSELVES IN THIS CONTEST PAST PASSING HALSEY OBJECTS HERE AND THERE! CANDICE AND SIERRA JUST PULLED HIKARI OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE, GRABBING AN ANKLE EACH! SHE LANDED WITH A HARD THUD ON THE OUTSIDE, HITTING BACK FIRST! AND ALL OF TEAM EDEN ARE PUTTING THE BOOTS TO HIKARI!
James Peters: HALSEY STARTS TO COME TO, ALBEIT BARELY, AND THEY ROLL HIKARI BACK INTO THE RING FOR HALSEY TO FINISH THE JOB!
Persephone: Halsey gets up to a kneel, and pulls Hikari into position for a piledriver!
Rich Russillo: BUT HIKARI STARTS TO STRUGGLE, AND BACK BODY DROPS HALSEY OVER THE TOP ROPE, CLEARING OUT CANDICE AND SIERRA! RONAN MANAGED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND JUST WATCHES AS HIKARI CLIMBS TO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, DIVING ON CANDICE, SIERRA, AND HALSEY WITH A CROSSBODY AS ALL WOMEN GOT TO THEIR FEET!
Rich Russillo; NEEL GETS QUICKLY SLID INTO THE RING BY HIKARI, WHO SLIDES BACK IN AFTERWARD, WALKING RIGHT INTO THE FALL!!!!!! THE FALL CONNECTS, AND NOW HALSEY NEEL QUICKLY HOOKS THE LEGS!!!! TEAM EDEN GAVE THE DISTRACTION NEEDED, AS HALSEY NEEL IS ABOUT TO WIN THE HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!
OOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHHHRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
James Peters: WAIT…?
Rich Russillo: WHAT!?
James Peters: RONAN MALOSI JUST GOT IN THE RING AND PULLED HALSEY OFF OF HIKARI!!! THIS TIME RONAN IS THE TEAM EDEN MEMBER MAKING HIS PRESENCE FELT, BUT IT’S NOT TO HELP HALSEY, IT’S TO RUIN HER CHANCES OF BECOMING HARDCORE CHAMPION!!!!
Halsey Neel: (off-mic) WHAT ARE YOU DOING???
Ronan Malosi: (off-mic) You can fool them, but you can’t fool me! You’re not one of us!
Halsey Neel: (off-mic) Really? You’re doing this right now!?
Ronan Malosi: (off-mic) You don’t care about Team Eden, so you’re not taking that Hardcore Championship.
Halsey Neel: (off-mic) You can’t be serious.. I don’t have time for this.
James Peters: Halsey Neel pushes past Ronan Malosi and goes to pull Hikari Kanno back up to finish the job, but that was a lot of time wasted! Ronan clearly still has his problems with Halsey Neel despite not liking Hikari Kanno, and somehow it appears that Halsey is the worse of two evils to him here!
Rich Russillo: Halsey lifts Hikari Kanno up onto her shoulders, and it looks like she realized that after all that time wasted a pinfall wouldn’t have won her the match! She needs one more big move to put Hikari Kanno away, and this might just be it! FIREMAN’S CARRY ROUNDHOUSE KICK, BLOOD ON THE LEAVES-
James Peters: HIKARI DUCKED UNDERNEATH THE KICK, EFFECTIVELY AVOIDING BLOOD ON THE LEAVES!!!! RONAN MALOSI BOUGHT HIKARI KANNO TIME SO HALSEY COULDN’T WIN THE HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP, AND NOW A KICK TO THE GUT ALLOWS KANNO TO SCORE WITH ALLELUIA!
Rich Russillo: THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB CONNECTS ON THE THUMBTACKS, AND HIKARI ROLLS OVER FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERES YOUR WINNERR… AND STILL EAW HARDCORE CHAMPIONN… HIKARI KANNO!!
(‘As Long As I Love’ TK from Ling Tosite Sigure blares throughout the arena to a thunderous reaction from fans, who are happy to see Hikari come out the victor from such a grueling contest. Kanno sluggishly sits up, and stumbles to her feet, getting handed her Hardcore Championship back by the referee, who raises her hand in victory.)
Persephone: What a match!
James Peters: You took the words right about my mouth. What a match between these two women, who left it all in the ring! Hikari had a lot riding on this, its her first singles defense as a champion, and she more than delivered.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, but we can’t just ignore how it ended! Ronan Malosi screwed Halsey Neel over! He saw what Candice and Sierra did for Halsey and copied them with the intention of ruining Halsey’s chances!
James Peters: I’m honestly conflicted when it comes to that. Team Eden definitely played a part in this match for Halsey, but in the end Ronan Malosi, a member of the group, is what cost her. It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here.
Rich Russillo: I agree. Despite the interferences, Halsey was a great challenge for Hikari Kanno. But that was just her first defense, after that, what other obstacles could Hikari have coming her way?
(Hikari climbs to the middle rope, and raises her title high in the air before doubling over, still feeling the effects from the match as she drops off the middle rope, and goes to leave the ring. Candice Blair and Sierra Everett have made it back to their feet, and are confused as they see Halsey Neel laid out and Ronan Malosi just watching on. They go to tend to her as the camera fades elsewhere.)
James Peters: That wraps up our kickoff special for King of Elite! Thanks for tuning in! Join us momentarily on Disney Plus where the action continues!
(EAW Logo Buzzes)
