Francesca De La Cruz
(EAW intro plays.)
(RECAP: Footage of last weekend’s Reasonable Doubt is shown. We begin the recap with highlights of the fatal-4-way match to determine the number one contender for the Answers World Championship. It highlights four of the hungriest talents on Showdown vying for victory. It goes to the closing parts of the match with Shane Gates and Ryan Wilson on top of the turnbuckle, it leads to Shaker pushing both men off and them going crashing onto a table. Harlow Reichert and Shaker are the two remaining Elitists in the ring as they face off. The match concludes with Harlow locking in Les Miserables on Shaker until he can’t take the move anymore and submitting.)
(RECAP CONTINUES: The recap continues with highlights of Xander Payne and Darkane and their last-minute stipulation change, which happens to be a deathmatch. The gruesome nature of both Elitists is highlighted. There, we’re amazed that Xander is hanging with Darkane in his own match well. The match concludes with Xander connecting with an Open Face Surgery, Darkane’s own move to get the biggest victory of his career.)
(RECAP CONTINUES: We fast forward to the PURE Championship Match with Jake Smith, Mark Michaels, and Santo Muerte. For it being a pure wrestling match, Mark manages to find a way to bend the rules and get the referee out of the way. For the closing of the match, we see Jake connect with Broken Wings on Mark. Santo tries to get to the ring in time but finds himself too late. The last shot is of Jake raising his title up in the air as Mark and Santo look angry and defeated.)
(RECAP CONTINUES: Highlights of The ILLIONAIRES taking on Jamie O’Hara and Cameron Ella Ava are shown. We see a fun and competitive tag team match. Especially, the biggest spot of the match — Jamie almost penalty kicking Jennipurr, but Cameron stopped him in his tracks. As the two bicker like a ..well…married couple, Chris Elite takes advantage by connecting with a Box Office Smash on Jamie. Cameron connects with an In Excelsis on Chris. But, Ahren Fournier takes advantage of the situation and connects with a Protect Ya Neck on Cameron to get the victory for The ILLIONAIRES.)
(RECAP CONTINUES: Footage of the Hell in a Cell main event with Mr. DEDEDE and Amber Keys is seen. The hell that these two put each other for the sake of calling themselves Answers World Champion is worrying to viewers at home. Spots like Amber breaking her thumb, trying to escape the handcuffs to spearing DEDEDE off the top of the cell. At the closing part of the match, we see Amber trying to get DEDEDE back to his feet, but DEDEDE manages to sidestep before connecting with the MK Driver on Amber on the Equalizer before retaining his championship and ending the career of Amber Keys. :mjcry:)
(RECAP CONTINUES: Heavenly Hell and Lucas Johnson and Lance Blackfyre are seen. The competitive match between the four Elitists is seen. Lance’s dominance and Lucas’ sneakiness is seen. Heavenly Hell’s chemistry and unity are displayed. The closing part of the match with Constance Blevins managing to get Lance in the CTO and having the bigger man pass out and retain the titles is seen. Constance raising her belt to Raven Roberts, who raises the Universal Women’s Championship is seen.)
(LAST NIGHT: Showdown’s Constance Blevins goes up against the Universal Women’s Champion and Voltage’s Raven Roberts with the title on the line. Highlights of the competitive bout are seen. We see the series of near fall and it’s obvious that there’s a bit of bad blood between these women. Constance manages to connect with the LionessFire! Before Constance can get the pin, The ILLIONAIRES make their presence known, which throws Constance off guard. Minerva makes her way to the ring before connecting with a Lou Thesz press on Chris. Ahren manages to pull Minerva away from his partner, but Minerva slaps the shit out of him. Soon enough, the number’s game gets the best of Minerva and Constance is left deciding on whether to win the title and settle this issue that she’s had with Raven or help her partner out. Constance turns around as Raven connects with a Talon and Raven’s Wings to retain. Knowing that the business is unfinished, Constance and Raven look at each other as The ILLIONAIRES put down Constance as well. The recap ends with The ILLIONAIRES standing tall as a medical personal check on Heavenly Hell.)
(Recap ends.)
(It’s a cold open for this edition of Showdown. It heads straight to the arena with the crowd cheering and getting their signs up for the camera.)
(SCREEN BAR — SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA!)
(“Money and the Power” by Kid Ink plays throughout the arena as Chris Elite and Ahren Fournier in lavish fur coats make their way down to the ring. Chris Elite is sipping Hennessy asking the chicks at ringside if they want any. One hot blond in a white tube top obliged and Chris pours some down her throat, and on her shirt. The shirt turns see-through, and Chris gives her a wink before making his way down to the ring. Ahren keeps his pace carrying Jennipurr on a custom cat throne that he spent $5,000 dollars on, but he pays no mind to balance his cappuccino on the throne.)
Deadprez: Well here come The ILLIONAIRES! I’m sure they’re feeling pretty proud of themselves tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: Why what happened??
Eve: Are – are you kidding?
Gavin Kirkland: OF COURSE I’M KIDDING! The ILLIONAIRES made their presence known at Wicked Games and stopped any and all hope of Constance Blevins having anything halfway near a decent looking career!
Eve: Wouldn’t take it that far, but The ILLIONAIRES did cost Constance Blevins a chance to become the Universal Women’s Champion. They put their mark on that night and I’ve sure left a sour taste in many people’s mouths!
(A replay of last night’s Wicked Games is seen. Footage of the Universal Women’s Championship Match between Raven Roberts and Showdown’s own Constance Blevins is seen. Constance connects with Lionessfire on Raven Roberts. Before Constance can go for the pin, The ILLIONAIRES make their presence as they go down the ramp to get a closer look of the match. Minerva makes her way to the ring from the back. She connects with a Lou Thesz press on Chris before Ahren gets ahold of her. Minerva slaps the shit out of Ahren, but soon after, the number’s game becomes too much for Minerva and The ILLIONAIRES connect with Put It On Ice on Minerva. Thus, distracting Constance and Raven capitalizing and retaining. Post-match, The ILLIONAIRES beat down Constance the same way as they did Minerva. Replay ends with The ILLIONAIRES standing tall.)
Gavin Kirkland: Naw they left a sweet taste in my mouth. All savory and delicious… what the fuck they put in your mouth? You probably didn’t get the same thing as everyone else because they don’t like you.
Deadprez: What are you even saying?
(Chris Elite rolls in the ring with the bottle of Henny and Ahren Fournier lifts the bottom rope for Jennipurr so she can get in easily. Chris gets two microphones and hands one to Ahren, and the boos rain down on them.)
Chris Elite: Yo, what the fuck is this shit? Why y’all hating? Get off our dicks, damn. All this shit-talking on us, and for what? Because we took down your little hero Jamie
O’Hara? Because his slut valet Cumeron Ella Ava couldn’t help him at all? Y’all have this mystique over the name Jamie O’Hara, but I think it’s time y’all come down to Earth. That dude can be beaten, especially when it comes to facing the ILLIONAIRES. He can’t beat me, he can’t beat Ahren, and us put together? Issa wrap.
Ahren Fournier: And, we proved once and for all that Jamie O’Hara was the sole reason that Team Showdown lost. Jamie trash, woat “leader”, the only thing he led us to was a big old loss and sadness. First, he abandons his cat niece, then he tried to blame us for losing like… how rude. You’re not a leader, you’re not a captain, and you def were the main reason we lost at Territorial Invasion. Mmmm, yes; how does that taste Jamie? Yeah, you like the taste of Ahren giving you a defeat? You seem to do it a lot, so you must love it. Oooh 2-1? A losing record? Look at your sad little face with those big old crocodile tears… OMG you’re so sad, and pathetic I can’t even with you. I CANNOT! And to think you would’ve been Jennipurr legal guardian if I “died” lolz as if I’d ever.
Chris Elite: And, I hope you realize you shouldn’t go putting those fake ass tits into Jamie’s business all the damn time, Cumeron. First, you make him your own personal bitch emasculating him in front of the whole damn world, and then, you fail miserably after making a whole big scene. If you’re gonna talk all that shit, how the fuck you not even gonna show up for the fight? I get you’re used to laying flat on your back for three seconds every night, but damn show up at least.
Ahren Fournier: Ha, three seconds because Jamie can’t hold his semen during sex. That’s good shit, my brother. But yeah Cameron, forgot you exist, to be honest. But you know what that night proved most of all? Other than Jamie and Cams relationship being a sham, as they’re a terrible team. Which probably means they’re a terrible love relationship too. Do I need to go back to the Jamie only bangs for three seconds defense? Do you know what’s going to happen to those two? Once all the wrasslin is gone, once all the cameras are gone, and once the road is gone.. so does the dynamic of the relationship, which means the spark will be gone. Bye-bye Jamie Ella Ava goodbye Cameron Ella O’Hara. Sure you can say this was “just a tag team match” but no sir, I see it for what it really was, a break in the shield. Trash relationship.
Chris Elite: Like, what the fuck these two even gonna do now? They just lost a match that isn’t a title match? What a gut punch! That must be a big hit to the ego because neither of those dumbasses is used to not wrestling title matches at FPV’s let alone nontitle matches. Call the cops, they must be on suicide watch. Like for real, y’all should keep yo eyes peeled to Twitter because soon to trending is: #RIPJAMIEANDCAM. A suicide love pact how sad, but romantic. God damn, they ain’t shit. Bet Jamie takes another one of his little breaks again, and Cam takes one of her little breaks again, and they quit. Until an opportunity arises and they can jump right back in, cuz that’s the kind of lazy people they are. Always looking for shortcuts, always just looking for the headline to grab and stay relevant. But only if it benefits them by making them look like the sympathetic good guys. Sad pieces of trash.
Ahren Fournier: They’re liars and manipulators. They have been outed as this. All of you fanboys eat it all up too. But, I hope that with the evidence we’ve presented to you, you can finally start seeing the truth. Now, no more talk about Jamie, and if he was a good captain or not. He wasn’t; case closed. And next time I see him? I’m gonna throw my Cappiccuno in his dumb stupid face. But once more, what else did we prove? That the ILLIONAIRES are without a question, the best tag team in EAW. We are without question on the verge of becoming the Tag Team Champions, so my advice to all of you: get on the ILLINIONARE bandwagon, get your ticket, and join the fun. You won’t regret your decision! I mean, we got Jennipurr, you can’t pet her or anything, but you can have the pleasure in knowing that you’re on the same side as her so… yeah, relish that shit. Can anyone deny us? No. They cannot, and will not. We are no challengers for the titles, we are the rightful owners. The Heavenly Hell girls have needed to prove that they are worthy defending their titles against us, not the other way around. What an honor for them that they’re finally gonna get their shot at the GOATs. Because they honestly can’t say that they’re actual champions, until they defend against a reputable tag team, and there isn’t any in this company, except us.. SOOOOOOOO.
Chris Elite: Ay, chances are you didn’t watch Wicked Games because ya boys weren’t scheduled to appear, but guess what? We made our presence known and did the damn thing. Those dumb bitches, don’t know which one it was, but neither one deserved a damn title match. First of all, they don’t even deserve the titles they have now, so to see them trying to add more gold to they shit? Naw, not gonna happen on our watch.
Ahren Fournier: Jennipurr was distraught during the night in question. She was hissing, spitting hairballs, she was upset. Why? Why would such a queen of a cat be so upset when she has the life that any cat would dream over? One answer: Heavenly Hell. She can’t eat, she can’t sleep and she can’t get that cat dick that she seems to get on the reg… because Heavenly Hell shouldn’t be tag champs, but then they let Constance challenge for another title? Hmmmmm… hmmmmmm sad to be honest.
Chris Elite: It is sad. It’s sad that the Champions, and I use that term lightly, are getting other opportunities when they aren’t even worthy of facing us. We are the premier tag team in EAW, and soon enough, you will all see the plan all come to fruition. We are on the fast track to both becoming Triple Crown champions, a distinction only available for the GOATS of EAW, like Ahren and myself.
Ahren Fournier: What Heavenly Hell has experienced from our well-pampered hands is only the beginning. They will continue to get these hooves until we rip those titles from their worthless unkempt hands. There’s a fine line between the goats and the woats, and let me be clear — Heavenly Hell, are no goats. You guys wanna have a laugh? Just go back and watch Wicked Games, go back and watch the ILLIONAIRES woop Heavenly Hell’s ass.
Chris Elite: Ight so check this out, we go out to a Voltage FPV, we go ruin a match that doesn’t concern us, they try to get revenge on us because they feel like they’re owed, and we STILL whoop that ass. Like come on man, you really think this is a challenge to us? Two future Hall of Famers versus two goth bitches that ain’t seen the sun since they busted out the pussy? Fuck that. Those bottom-dwelling hoes been running scared because they know they can’t handle this smoke. They know they don’t even deserve to have us as their opponents. That’s why those dumbass bitches ain’t never came looking for us. Shit, we faced them once before and we got that W. I’d say imma pour some of this henny out for the death of Heavenly Hell but that shit would be a waste of this good shit so uh fuck that
Ahren Fournier: And, I would pour my cappuccino out for your deaths but I have too much respect for the Capp, and none for you so. But hey, have no fear I hear Dracula is looking for girls on Tinder so y’all have a chance with your dream man. Here’s the deal it’s been like… six months or something since I last held a title, and Jennipurr has had enough. As everyone knows Road to Redemption is my FPV, I never lose at it. So, with that being said, with the titles on the line, it seems as though you two are pretty… as Jamie O’Hara would say may he Rest In Peace… Fooked.
Chris Elite: Ahren, my man, Road to Redemption has always been your event. But, it’s also the same event that I won this.
(From the back of his pocket, Chris Elite pulls out his Gawd Contract and waves it highly and proudly.)
Chris Elite: The ILLIONAIRES versus Heavenly Hell is apparently the “money match” at the moment and there’s no way that we gonna have an FPV without the must-see tag team. Via the power of the Gawd Contract, Heavenly Hell has no other choice, but to face us at Road to Redemption for the Unified Tag Team Championships!
(The crowd pops for the announcement made!)
Ahren Fournier: Omg, is the match official? :eyes:
Chris Elite: It is now. Can’t out rule a Gawd Contract.
Ahren Fournier: That’s so cool. Use it again.
Chris Elite: Hmm… :thinking: Since I’m in the mood to give myself shit. I will not only become a Unified Tag Team Champion with you; via the power of the Gawd Contract, I am the first man to announce his entry in the Answers World Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber Match at Road to Redemption!
(The crowd boos at that announcement. The crowd doesn’t believe that Chris Elite has done anything to earn himself in the match.)
Chris Elite: You think that I’m gonna EARN my way in the match? :mjlol: That will never be me. That’s what separates me from the rest of the bozos in the back. And, this is what separates Ahren and me from those Heavenly Hoes…
(The crowd is seen cheering as The ILLIONAIRES believe that those cheers are for them. The two men are oblivious to those who are standing behind them. Ahren Fournier and Chris Elite get turned around — )
Gavin Kirkland: MINERVA SPRAYS THE DARK ONTO CHRIS ELITE’S EYES!!!!
Eve: CONSTANCE BLEVINS NAILS AHREN FOURNIER’S STOMACH WITH THE TOP OF THE STEEL CHAIR BEFORE BASHING THE CHAIR ON THE GOAT’S BACK!!!!!! AHREN DROPS DOWN TO HIS KNEES AS JENNIPURR IS SCURRYING AWAY FROM THE RING!!!!! CONSTANCE GETS THE STEEL CHAIR AND RAISES IT ABOVE HER HEAD AGAIN — SHE JUST BASHED THE STEEL CHAIR ONTO AHREN’S BACK AGAIN!!!
Deadprez: Meanwhile, Minerva is stalking Chris Elite as he gets to his feet!!!
Gavin Kirkland: MINERVA JUST STOPPED CHRIS ELITE FROM FINDING HIS WAY BACK TO HIS FEET BEFORE KICKING HIM BETWEEN THE LEGS! CHRIS IS HOLDING HIS LITTLE BALLS AS HE DROPS DOWN! MINERVA REACHES TO HER BACK POCKET AND PULLS OUT THAT GYPSY CHAIN! SHE USED THIS GYPSY CHAIN ON LUCAS JOHNSON TWO WEEKS AGO! MINERVA JUST STRUCK CHRIS’ FACE FIRST WITH THE GYPSY CHAIN! MINERVA STRIKES CHRIS’ FACE WITH THE CHAIN AGAIN! CHRIS IS TRYING TO AVOID THOSE HITS WITH THE GYPSY CHAIN, BUT MINERVA IS GETTING EACH SHOT IN! CHRIS ELITE MANAGES TO ROLL HIMSELF OUT OF THE RING AND TRY TO RECOVER!
Eve: He’s leaving Ahren Fournier in the ring with those two!!! :lupe:
Deadprez: CONSTANCE BLEVINS GETS A GOOD HOLD OF AHREN FOURNIER BEFORE CONNECTING WITH LIONESSFIRE ON THE GOAT!!!!!
Eve: Minerva brings a table inside the ring! Minerva was out of the ring for a moment as she managed to find a table! Heavenly Hell begins to set up the table before connecting with putting Ahren Fournier on top of the table! Minerva manages to connect with some stiff punches in order to make sure that Ahren doesn’t move out of the way!
Gavin Kirkland: Minerva is on planted on the top rope! It seems like she’s going for Hell’s Bells! The Arabian Press on Ahren Fournier!!!
Deadprez: Chris Elite manages to pull Ahren Fournier out of the table and roll him to the outside! He manages to save his partner on time! Both members of Heavenly Hell stand tall in the moment! Will this be the same vision at Road to Redemption?
(“No More” by Disturbed plays as Constance Blevins and Minerva look at The ILLIONAIRES who are walking backwards and up the ramp. There may be a sense of fear and concern in their eyes at the moment. Heavenly Hell got the upper hand tonight and let them know that they aren’t anyone that they should be messing with.)
Eve: It seems like tonight, The ILLIONAIRES got a taste of their own medicine. However, they won’t be able to escape like that at Road to Redemption! Heavenly Hell gets their match with The ILLIONAIRES and nothing is going to stop them!
Gavin Kirkland: Chris Elite gonna face Heavenly Hell and be in the Answers World Championship Chamber Match? If this doesn’t make him live up to the name SK, I’m not sure what will. :lupe:(Commercial break for Wicked Games. Relive the entire event on the EAW Network!)
(Showdown returns from the commercial break as we see Heavenly Hell — Constance Blevins and Minerva walking backstage. The two women got a bit of revenge over The ILLIONAIRES about what happened at Wicked Games last night. These two got a bit of the frustration that had been building up for about a month. The crowd in the arena is heard giving the Unified Tag Team Champions a mixed reaction. The two women begin to talk as they walk.)
Minerva: I don’t know about you, Constance, but it felt so fucking good to knock those cunts down their pedestal. They thought that they would be able to get away with the attack last night. Those two had the nerve to go into one of the most important matches of your entire career and put the spotlight on them. No one is going to be talking about you and your performance. Instead, when people look back at the Universal Women’s Championship Match, everyone’s minds will go to The ILLIONAIRES. Those two made a competitive bout be an afterthought by their presence. That’s not okay, Constance. I know, you keep assuring me that it’s fine, but it’s not fine. It’s what people have tried to do with us since the beginning of our EAW careers. They’ve done everything in their power to push the Barbies and Divas of this company at the expense of us. The ILLIONAIRES may not be women, but they’re not different from the Barbies and Divas that I’ve told you about. They have Jenny Punk’s seal of approval. They are being hyped of being the hottest new tag team in EAW. Thanks to the Gawd Contract, The ILLIONAIRES are facing us for the Unified Tag Team Championships and —
Constance Blevins: Minnie, before we move forward to The ILLIONAIRES and Road to Redemption, I needed to air my grievances from last night.
(The two women stop walking.)
Minerva: Connie, you have nothing to feel bad about.
Constance Blevins: I should have done something when The ILLIONAIRES took you down. I should have thrown the match and helped you out. Instead, I just looked at you getting slaughtered and I found myself being so torn. I was caught between the idea of proving to Raven that I wasn’t longer the scared little cub from our days on Empire and the idea that I needed to get my hands on The ILLIONAIRES and show them that we’re the team to beat in this company. I don’t want you believing that I don’t care about you or Heavenly Hell, but it makes me sick to my stomach that I let these ego-driven buffoons throw me off my game. That’s not the impression that I want to get across to any of my opponents.
Minerva: Do you know what I said to you before going into your title match?
Constance Blevins: Win at any cost?
Minerva: Exactly, Constance. Win at any cost. I thought by me eliminating The ILLIONAIRES, it would provide you with less stress because there’s no doubt that those two would have stuck their noses in business that doesn’t concern them. If I needed to handle those two on my own, it was something that I was going to do. I didn’t want you to worry about The ILLIONAIRES on the most important night of your career. I wanted you to focus on winning and bringing the title to Heavenly Hell. I would have been unhappy if you threw this match away. If it meant that you could have won, I would have died for you.
Constance Blevins: I would die for you, Minnie. I’m sorry that I couldn’t get the job done last night.
Minerva: You’ll get another championship opportunity, eventually. We’re always looking for ways to add more gold to our team, but we need to focus on Road to Redemption now. We get our opportunity to face The ILLIONAIRES and show them that they have nothing on us at all. From how things turned out for them, they should understand who they’re stepping into the ring against.
Constance Blevins: Seems like Jenny Punk will need to find a new pet project after we’ve disposed of them at Road to Redemption.
Minerva: But first, I think I have a few ideas on how to mess with them.
(Minerva puts an arm over Constance Blevins.)
Minerva: So, this is what I was thinking …
(Minerva begins to tell her ideas to Constance Blevins as they walk away from the scene. It’s unclear what ideas Minerva has, but it makes everyone guess. It fades back to ringside.)
(“Pure Water” by Skepta hits as Dray Gontana walks out to some boos from the crowd. He scans the crowd before walking to the ring with a determined look on his face.)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SET FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST…FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED POUNDS…DDRAAY FFFONNTTAANNNAA!!!!
Deadprez: A guy I just can’t wait to see more of. He’s got an impressive win under his belt already and just think…he’s only 22 years old! The future is bright for this guy!
(Pure Water” comes to a stop as “Therapy Session” by NF blares the arena speakers.)
Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT…FROM QUEENS, NEW YORK, WEIGHING IN T TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN POUNDS….”DEUCES”…..VVVVIICCTTOORRR JJOONNNEESS!!
Eve: Another guy you just can’t wait to see more of. He’s got the look and for sure think he has the skillset. He can get things rolling for himself with a win tonight!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Deadprez: And here we go, both men step to the center of the ring and right out of the gate Dray hits the headbutt to Victor sending Victor into the corner holding his head! Dray charges at Victor but Victor gets his legs up and stops Dray in his tracks! Victor kicks Dray in the midsection now and is hammering at the back of Dray! Victor lifts up Dray in a powerslam position but Dray slips out from behind Victor and pushes Victor to the ropes and Victor runs right into a a hard elbow shot from Dray!!
Eve: Victor using great ring awareness though rolling to the apron avoiding the cover and Dray not wasting any time here as he goes over and grabs Victor by his head but Victor slaps Dray’s hands away and grabs ahold of Drays’s hair!! Victor drops down from the apron to the floor causing Dray to slingshot off the rope! Victor slides back into the ring quickly here and he’s waiting for Dray to turn around…Dray is holding his throat from what happened a second ago and Victor…SUPERKICK!! BUT NO DRAY CAUGHT THE FOOT! DRAY SMIRKS AT VICTOR BEFORE DELIVERING THE DRAGON SCREW TO VICTOR’S ELEVATED LEG!
Deadprez: Victor is pulling himself up with the ropes and Dray charges at him again! Splash in the corner connects on Victor! Dray follows this up by connecting with the running bulldog out of the corner!! Dray is feeling it here and now going for the Moonstomp….but Victor moves out of the way but Dray changed gears and landed on his feet! As Dray is standing full upward Victor connects with a superkick right to the chin of Dray! Victor covers Dray!
OONNE!!!!
TTTWWOO!!!!
TTHREE-
Gavin Kirkland: DRAY GETS THE SHOULDER UP! Victor rises Dray up to his feet and is setting up for something here but Dray escapes the grasp of Victor and runs fulls team to the ropes and rebounds but Victor catches him…belly to back suplex from Victor! Victor is back up to his feet now…he’s stomping away at the grounded Dray!! The referee manages to step in and get some separation! BUT ONLY FOR A SECOND AS VICTOR WALKS TO DRAY BUT DRAY GRABS VICTOR BY THE ARM AND TAKES HIM DOWN TO THE MAT!! CROSSFACE IS LOCKED IN! VICTOR MAY HAVE TO TAP!
Eve: HE’S CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE ROPES THOUGH! HE’S REACHING WITH EVERYTHING HE’S GOT!! HE’S GOT THE ROPES CAUSING A ROPE BREAK!
Eve: Dray now gets and walks to the feet of Victor! THE ANKLE LOCK!! BUT VICTOR RIGHT AWAY ROLLS THROUGH AND REVERSES IT AND NOW BOTH MEN ARE UP AND DRAY GOES FOR THE CLOTHESLINE BUT CITOR DUCKS IT AND CONNECTS WITH A JUMPING NECKBREAKER! HE COVERS!
OOONNEE!!
TTWWOO!!!
TTHHREE-
Gavin Kirkland: DRAY KICKS OUT AGAIN! Victor is up now and picks Dray up off the mat and places him on his shoulders…but Dray is hanging on to the ropes for dear life next to him! Victor eventually drops him and then walks into a superkick to the midsection!! DISASTER KICK FROM DRAY!! IS THIS IT?!
OONNNE!!!!
TTWWO!!!
TTHHREEE!!!
Eve: NO!! I THOUGHT FOR SURE THAT WOULD BE IT!! VICTOR STAYS ALIVE! DRAY PICKS HIM UP AND KICKS HIM IN THE MIDSECTION BUT VICTOR COUNTERS WITH A BACK BODY DROP! VICTOR IS LOOKING TO FINISH THIS! HE CHARGES AT DRAY NOW…SUPERKICK FROM DRAY! VICTOR NEVER SAW IT COMING AND NOW DRAY ROLLS HIM ON HIS STOMACH AND GOES TO THE TOP ROPE QUICKLY…..RAPTURE KILLER CONNECTS!! THE COVER!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Pure Water” hits as Dray stands and gets his hand raised,)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER……DDRRAAYYY FFFFONNTAANNAA!!!!!
Deadprez: Great win for this young man! His stock is rising fast and I can’t be any more thrilled for him!
(Dray exits the ring and his theme fades as Victor stands in the ring just scanning the crowd with his hands on his hips.)
Eve: Good fight by this man, he just needs to put in the extra–WAIT WHAT THE HELL?!
(Lance Blackfyre slide sin the ring behind him.)
Gavin Kirkland: THAT’S LANCE BLACKFYRE! WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING?! SHATTERED JOY!!! HE PICKS UP VICTOR AND PLACES HIM BETWEEN HIS LEGS AND NOW HAS HIM UP…FEARS ORIGIN!!! LANCE MAKING A STATEMENT RIGHT NOW!!
(Lance raises his hands in the air as “Old Town Road” hits and Lance throws his hands in the air and roars. The scene fade elsewhere.)
(The scene fades into Shaker Jones warming up backstage before his match against Petey Asdee. Shaker is doing some arm stretches and seems focused on his match next. The crowd in the arena is heard giving a positive reaction for the Canadian Wolf, who is minding his own business.)
???: There he is!
(A female’s voice is heard off-camera. A moment later, Angela Grant, Shane Gates’ wife gets in the camera shot. The crowd instantly gives her heat off-screen. Shane is behind his wife before stopping and getting into the face of Shaker. Shaker keeps a calm demeanor while Shane looks like he wants to beat the shit out of Shaker.)
Angela Grant: By the obvious look on Shane’s face, you can tell that he’s not happy at all. The fact that Shane isn’t the one facing Mr. DEDEDE for the Answers World Championship is a fucking joke. There is no one that is hungrier than to make a statement than Shane. He’s someone that constantly puts in the work and the fact that he’s not getting the recognition that he deserves is a slap to the face.
Shaker Jones: Okay, and?
Shane Gates: You’re the reason why I’m not facing Mr. DEDEDE for the Answers World Championship. If it wasn’t for you pushing me off the top turnbuckle and crashing onto the announcer’s table, I would be the winner of the match. Perhaps, I could have stopped you from embarrassing yourself like you always do. It must have sucked to tap out to Harlow Reichert like a fucking bitch.
Shaker Jones: Why are you pointing the finger at me? I saw an opening to get you and Ryan out of the equation and I took it. If that was me and Ryan up that top turnbuckle, are you going to claim that you wouldn’t have taken the opportunity to push us off? It seems hypercritical, Shane; but I played the smarter game at Reasonable Doubt. Sure, I tapped out, but Harlow is nothing to underestimate. She’s one of the toughest Elitists on this brand and there’s no doubt that she’s going to give Mr. DEDEDE the fight of his life. I survived to compete another day. I’ll get another big opportunity like that again. It stings to lose, but I’m not going to give up. I am going to continue climbing and proving that the Canadian Wolf isn’t someone to mess within the ring.
(Shane Gates opens his mouth to respond — )
???: — I’ve defeated the Canadian Wolf.
(A familiar voice appears off camera and cuts Shane Gates off. A moment later, Ryan Wilson walks into the camera shot with a smug look on his face. The camera boos at the presence of Ryan. The sound of Ryan’s voice sounds confident as he interjects himself in the confrontation between Shaker Jones and Shane Gates.)
Ryan Wilson: I’m also defeated The Fucking Dynasty of Showdown. I like to claim that I’m responsible for Shane’s downfall on Showdown. Just like I plan to continue adding onto that downfall by getting my second victory over him.
(Ryan Wilson looks to his right and sees Shane Gates giving him a death glare. Ryan turns his attention to Shane.)
Ryan Wilson: Oh, I didn’t see you there, Shane. It’s almost like you weren’t on my radar. It seems like you’re placing the blame on your failure on poor Shaker, but really, your focus should be on me tonight. You should be strategizing on what you need to do in order to defeat me. But guess what? That’s not going to happen. Just like you have two victories over Shaker, I am looking to get my second victory over you. I am still not over what you did to me on Showdown two weeks ago, I guess, I underestimated you and your mean streak, but I’m not looking to make that same mistake going into our match tonight.
Shane Gates: I’m still not over what you did to me, but most importantly, what you did to Angela. You really didn’t need to bring her into this situation. She doesn’t need me to fight her battles. I bet Angela can fuck you up right now, but I’m not going to have her waste her time on someone that’s spineless to fight their own battles. I mean, getting your heavy to do your talking at Reasonable Doubt? I could say that I expected better from you, but it’s not very nice of me to lie. If you want me to be truthful, I think you’re an utter disgrace to professional wrestling and I believe it’s fucking time for someone to wipe that smug look of your face and it doesn’t matter if you bring your buddies to the ring or not, I’ll fuck them up as well.
(Shane Gates looks at Shaker Jones.)
Shane Gates: I’ll fuck you up if I have to either.
???: I’LL FUCK UP THE THREE OF YOU WITHOUT BREAKING A FUCKING SWEAT!!!
(Shaker Jones, Shane Gates, Angela Grant, and Ryan Wilson are all taken off guard by the powerful voice off-camera. Seconds later, Lance Blackfyre walks into the camera shot, looking as intimidating as ever. With the impact that he made in the post-match with Dray Fontana and Victor Jones, he is someone that the four other people in the conversation do not want to piss off.)
Lance Blackfyre: Are the three of you having a dick measuring contest and you don’t even include me and my giant dick? I can fuck up the three of you with minimal energy.
(Lance Blackfyre turns his attention to Angela Grant, looking at her up and down. Angela has a guarded presence to her now, almost intimidated and concern with what Lance is capable of doing to her.)
Lance Blackfyre: And with all the energy I saved up, I’ll bend you over, spread your cheeks apart and insert my giant dick into your tight little asshole —
Ryan Wilson: — WE ARE NOT DOING THIS SHIT RIGHT NOW!!!
Shane Gates: Talk about my wife again and I’ll embarrass you harder than Constance Blevins did at Reasonable Doubt.
Lance Blackfyre: Man, my dick gets harder just thinking of Constance’s legs wrapped around my neck. I can tell that she likes it rough. You all should know that I like the kinky shit and that was the only reason that I lost at Reasonable Doubt. It’s because I didn’t want her to release the hold. I would have rather passed out because I love being choked.
Angela Grant: Does all the shit that comes out of your mouth sexual? Can you be like a normal human being and not be such a creep?
Shaker Jones: Yeah, some of the things you say can be a bit extensive.
Lance Blackfyre: Too fucking bad. I am one-hundred percent real and raw. Just like I’m going to go raw on Angela and I’m going to make Shane watch. He’s nothing more than a little boy who believes that he can stand toe-to-toe with a man like myself. None of you are man enough to stand up to me in the ring. Look at me — there is no man in this locker room that can compare to my size and strength. No one should deny my pure superiority on Showdown. You manage to piss me off and I will reign chaos like it was a golden shower on your girl. Constantly, you guys spew the same bullshit and no one is going to buy it. Yeah, I fell short in conquering the Tag Team Championships, but I never found myself pinned or submitted like Shaker Jones over here. I never find myself choking underneath the pressure of facing main event talent like Ryan Wilson and despite the losses, I never allow myself to go downhill like our pal Shane over here. You can build yourselves up to seem invincible, but you are not Lance Blackfyre.
Ryan Wilson: You are so ridiculous.
(After that response, the four men and Angela break into heated arguments amongst each other. It’s unclear what these Elitists are arguing about, but the EAW Universe in the arena is heard cheering of these arguments. It’s just fun to see the fire out of these competitors.)
???: OKAY, THAT’S ENOUGH!!!
(The group of Elitists stops talking as Jenny Punk’s voice echoes throughout the hallway. The fans in the arena don’t shower the General Manager with the love that Captain Charisma probably gets on Voltage, but her presence does get everyone to shut up and listen to her. Jenny doesn’t look to be in the mood for any bullshit.)
Jenny Punk: I’m not in the mood to hear any arguing or bitching this week. I’m doing everything in my power to run and show and make it THE brand in EAW. With Road to Redemption in three weeks, it seems like the chances of you getting on the card are slim.
(Every Elitist sighs and groan at that announcement. Each individual in this group is more than excited to have something going for them as the year ends for them; however, just the possibility of these two not being on the Road to Redemption card seems discouraging.)
Jenny Punk: Look, I’ll try to see what I can do to make things happen, I know that you too will find yourself on the go-home show. Sure, it’s not as significant and FPV worthy, but the opportunities on the line are important. All of you are familiar with the King of Elite tournament?
(All the Elitists shake their heads.)
Jenny Punk: Those who qualify for the Extreme Elimination Chamber will have a spot in the King of Elite Tournament and have the opportunity to represent Showdown at King of Elite in February.
(The crowd pops for that announcement!)
Jenny Punk: Unfortunately, my chamber qualifiers are booked and there isn’t a spot for any of you. However, you’re all being considered for a spot in the tournament. Since at least four of you are here, I might as well announce this here before rounding up the others after the show.
Jenny Punk: The go-home show will have a couple of matches and the winners advance for the King of Elite tournament which will begin after Road to Redemption. You are all hungry for an opportunity and make something happen. I’m going to give you guys a chance to qualify for this tournament. Next week, I’ll announce some of the matches, but I’m using tonight to look at the competition and see who’s deserving of an opportunity to qualify for the King of Elite tournament.
Ryan Wilson: I’m always in need of a bit of competition, Jenny. I’ll play your game, but you’re going to see me as the Showdown representative at King of Elite when the time comes.
Shane Gates: You representing Showdown? :mjlol: Because a member of The Score representing their brand turned out so well last year.
Shaker Jones: Hey! Jason did the best he could! Not fair that they tried to hold us down!
Lance Blackfyre: You asswipes are going down. Showdown needs a king. Not jesters.
Shane Gates: Say that to my face, you pussy —
(Before Shane Gates could get into a fistfight with Lance Blackfyre, his wife Angela Grant pushes him away from the scene. The three other men in the conversation look back in confusion as Lance has a sinister glare to his face before fading to ringside.)
(As the lights dim, ‘Dog Face Boy’ by Motorhead starts to play throughout the arena. Petey Asdee slowly walks out from the back and heads to the ring, looking around at the screaming fans, smirking some, yet ready to face his challenger, Asdee slides into the ring and stands there scoping out the arena….)
Gina Romano: The following contest is scheduled for ONE Fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Gina Romana: Introducing first, hailing from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and weighing in at 209 pounds, “The Dog Faced Boy” PETEY ASDEE!!!!!!!”
(The crowd cheers, some boo as he leans against the turnbuckle, flipping his glasses up and staring right at the entranceway.)
Deaprez: Newcomer, Petey Asdee and we have heard a lot about this guy. He looks focused, prepared and a little arrogant.
Eve: You must show a little confidence when in the EAW and especially Showdown. A bit of a lone wolf I would say, I guess that is irony considering he is facing the Canadian Wolf.
Gavin Kirkland: It’s a dog eat dog world here on Showdown tonight.
(“Love it Loud” by Kiss kicks off as the crowd cheers, the howling of a wolf sounds throughout the arena before Shaker Jones walks out, priming his mustache and beard. Focused on the ring, he makes his way, interacting with some fans never keeping his eyes off Gates and Wilson.)
Gina Romano: And his opponent hailing from Inglis, Manitoba! Weighing in at 238 pounds! He is “THE CANADIAN WOLF” SHAKER JONES!
(The crowd cheers as Shaker gets to the ring, he rolls in and stand in the middle, looking over at his opponent. Petey Asdee, in the corner. He nods as the crowd roars.)
Deadprez: Here is the man that came so close to getting an Answers World Championship shot at Reasonable Doubt. That is fresh on the mind Shaker Jones and he looks to bounce back against the newcomer tonight.
Eve: And you have to cheer for this guy, he almost had it and showed hos tough he is. He cannot sleep on Petey Asdee though, this man is looking to make a splash now and imagine a win over Shaker Jones who was seconds away from getting a World Title match would raise his stock immediately.
Gavin Kirkland: I don’t think this guy cares.
(The referee checks on both men before calling for the start of the match….)
(DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!)
(Petey and Shaker circle the ring, locking up as the fans cheer.)
Deadprez: Here we go, a lock up by Shaker and Asdee, the newcomer quickly drops to a knee for leverage, getting behind Shaker and taking him down to the mats, he walks over his back and head in a show of disrespect!
Eve: Petey is telling Shaker, I am not impressed.
Gavin Kirkland: I like that, showing Shaker that he doesn’t sweat him no matter how in his first match. Shaker gets back up and he is not happy, the two go to lock up again but forearm smash by Asdee, and another, whipping Shaker across the ropes but the Wolf reverses, Asdee springs back into a powerslam! Shaker caught him and he rolls out of the ring.
Eve: Trying to regroup here, smart plan by Asdee though he needs to watch the referee’s count.
(The referee starts to count, 1…2….3….)
Deadprez: Shaker ain’t waiting! He’s going right after Asdee, picking him up the blonde locks and lifting him on the apron but Asdee wraps his arms around Shaker dropping him next first on the ropes! Asdee follows with a rolling Cannonball on Shaker!
Eve: Asdee is both methodical and quick! He follows with a leg drop! Going for the cover!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!!
Deadprez: Shaker Jones kicks out with authority! He’s going to have to do a lot more than that dawg to keep Shaker Jones down! Asdee picking up Jones by the hair, a couple of forearms before whipping him into the corner, he follows through, NO! Shaker with a big boot and thunderous clothesline out of the corner taking Asdee down!
Gavin Kirkland: I think Asdee got a little too cocky and though he had this match in hand, you can’t trust a big hairy guy from Canada that thinks he’s a Wolf!
Eve: Whether you love or hate Jones, he was a hairpin away from challenging Mr. DEDEDE for the Answers World Championship! Shaker with a huge Elbow drop! He gets up, runs against the ropes and a splash! He goes for the cover!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!!
Eve: Asdee kicks out and the newcomer showing some resiliency here.
Gavin Kirkland: Think about the war-torn part of the world he comes from; you have to be tough if you’re from there and Shaker Jones knows that. Shaker grabs Asdee pulling him to his feet, Shaker with a Pumphandle slam! No! Asdee falls behind him, Shaker turns and SNIPER ALLEY! A thumb to the eye followed by a Stunner and Shaker is down!
Deadprez: That came outta nowhere! Asdee is looking to score a major upset here! Grabbing Shaker he turns the bigger man around into a GERMAN SUPLEX! THAT WAS PRETTY AND WE COULD HAVE AN UPSET HERE!
ONE!!!!
TWO!!!!
THR…..
Eve: SHAKER KICKS OUT AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND! PETEY DOESN’T STOP! LOCKING UP SHAKER AFTER SITTING HIM UP WITH A DAMASCUS LOCK! SHAKER HAS NOWHERE TO GO, WE MIGHT GET ANOTHER TAP!
Gavin Kirkland: Can you imagine tapping out two weeks in a row! That would shake Shaker to his core!
Deadprez: That was bad, dawg.
Gavin Kirkland: OH, COME ON! LOOK AT SHAKER! THE REFEREE IS ASKING HIM TO QUIT!
Eve: He can’t! Not after all the hard work to get to this point! Come on Shaker! Come on! Wait…. He is starts to get to his knees! Listen to the crowd!
Crowd: SHAKER! SHAKER! SHAKER!
Deaprez: They are behind him and he is starting to feel it here! SHAKER IS GETTING TO HIS FEET! PETEY ASDEE CAN’T BELIEVE IT, STILL LOCKED ON SHAKER’S BACK AND HE RAMS BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! ASDEE HOLDS ON THOUGH AS SHAKER FALLS WITH A BACKPACK STUNNER!
Eve: WHAT A COUNTER! SHAKER IS HURT THOUGH! HE IS SLOWLY GETTING UP!
Gavin Kirkland: Shaker found a way to release the hold and now, wait… Shaker runs at Petey as he gets to his feet into CANADIAN CLOTHESLINE! HE ISN’T DONE! HE PICKS UP PETEY ASDEE AND HITS THE GONZO BOMB! COVERING ASDEE! THIS ONE IS OVER!
ONE!!!!!
TWO!!!!!
THREE…..
Deadprez: PETEY ASDEE KICKS OUT AT THE LAST SECOND! SHAKER CAN’T BELIEVE IT! BUT HE AIN’T WASTING ANY TIME! ASDEE IS TO HIS FEET! SHAKER SIGNALING FOR GIVE EM’ THE BOOT! HE RUNS AT ASDEE BUT PETEY DUCKS! SHAKER STUMBLES, HE TURNS INTO A DDT! NO! SHAKER FLIPS ASDEE OVER BUT HE LANDS ON HIS FEET!
Eve: SHAKER SEES IT HE HITS THE 87’! THE CUTTER CAME OUT OF NOWHERE! THAT SHOULD BE IT!
Gavin Kirkland: HE CAUGHT ASDEE BUT WAIT! SHAKER JONES AIN’T DONE! HE LOCKS IN CASEY JONES! THE ANACONDA VICE! SHAKE IS HOWLING! THE CROWD IS HOWLING! ASDEE IS HOWLING IN PAIN! HE’S NOT TAPPING!
Eve: THAT MAN IS FIGHTING WITH EVERYTHING HE HAS BUT SHAKER HAS IT LOCKED! ASDEE IS TRYING TO DESPERATELY DO ANYTHING HE IS TRYING TO REACH THE ROPES!
Deadprez: THIS MAN IS TOUGH AND HE ISN’T….. HE IS TAPPING! HE IS TAPPING!
(DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!)
(Shaker Jones releases the hold as Asdee quickly rolls out of the ring and slams the mat in anger, holding his neck and shoulders.)
Gina Romano: THE WINNER OF THE MATCH…. SHAKKKKKERRRRR JJJJOOOOONNNNNEEEESSSS!
(“Love it Loud” by Kiss plays throughout the arena as Shaker gets up and gingerly has his arm raised, looking at Asdee who stares daggers at him from the floor. He stands and starts to make his way to the back continuously staring at Shaker Jones who nods in respect and enjoys the cheers from the crowd)
Eve: Big win for Shaker Jones and that is how you bounce back from a heartbreaker but take nothing away from Petey Asdee, that is one tough hombre and he has a big future in the EAW!
Deadprez: He does but tonight belonged to Shaker, that man came to fight! Congrats Shaker Jones!
Gavin Kirkland: Okay… okay…. He came did it, awesome…. Can we see Minerva again?
Eve: You are impossible.
(Shaker rocks out with the fans as they cheer him on, howling….)
(Showdown returns from break and cuts to the backstage area. A Showdown blue backdrop is seen and sitting in front of it, all casual and relaxed, is the EAW PURE Champion, Jake Smith. Jake is dressed in jeans and his own t-shirt, and his PURE Championship is draped across his shoulder. Standing beside him is his best friend and Drake King’s number one fan, Sierra Bradford. Sierra wears skinny jeans with rips in the knees and a vintage My Chemical Romance shirt. The two best friends exchange smiles and Jake starts speaking.)
Jake Smith: So Sierra, tell me. What did you think of my championship defense at Reasonable Doubt?
Sierra Bradford: I think it was pretty impressive. Did you think it was impressive, Jake?
Jake Smith: I thought it was extremely impressive. Do you want to know why it was so impressive?
Sierra Bradford: I have a hunch as to why it was so impressive, but why don’t you go ahead and tell me, and heck, tell everyone else why it was so impressive.
(Jake raises an eyebrow.)
Jake Smith: Did you really just say ‘heck’?
Sierra Bradford: :lupe: Drake might be watching.
Jake Smith: :skip:!!!!
Sierra Bradford: :mjgrin: So anyways. Are you going to tell us all why your PURE Championship defense was like the most impressive defense of all time?
Jake Smith: Right, so at Reasonable Doubt not only did I defend my championship successfully, I did so against not one, but two other opponents. When is the last time the PURE Championship was defended under those conditions? Has it ever been defended under those conditions? Mark Michaels and Santo Muerte put up a fight, and I’ll give them that. I didn’t walk into the match thinking it would be easy to win. I know how hard I fought in order to get this belt, and believe me, I know people are going to come at me with guns blazing. The target on my back is only going to get bigger, especially as I continue to reign as champion. This belt symbolizes that I am the best pure wrestler in this company, and unlike the prior champion who doesn’t deserve to have his name said again, I don’t have to hit people with chairs and attack referees in order to get the job done inside the ring. Granted, my past isn’t EXACTLY squeaky clean, but that’s neither here nor there :mjgrin:. The fact is, I have all the confidence in the world now moving forward with this title. I needed that defense, if for nothing else but to prove to myself that I’m the man meant to restore this championship to what it’s supposed to be. The former champion destroyed the credibility of this belt with his impure defenses and that’s not what the PURE Championship is about. It’s about being the best damn pure wrestler in the company, and it’s hard to argue my claim to that after Reasonable Doubt.
(Sierra nods her head in agreement, which makes Jake’s grin turn even more arrogant.)
Jake Smith: Now, Road to Redemption is coming up and as of now, I don’t have an opponent. Everyone’s attention has been focused on the Answers World Championship and who’s going to be inside the Extreme Elimination Chamber. I’ve worked hard to get this PURE Championship and I’ll be damned if I get lost in the shuffle while everyone scrambles and tries to get themselves noticed for a chamber spot. I get people want world championship opportunities, but as far as I’m concerned, this is the top belt on Showdown thanks to who’s holding it and what it means to professional wrestling as a whole. I’m going to be a fighting champion, so there will be a PURE Championship defense come Road to Redemption. It doesn’t matter to me who Jenny Punk places in the ring against me, or who wants to step up. I will be the best pure wrestler inside that ring and I’m going to have my hand raised in victory.
(The sound of a female clearing her throat can be heard, and that diverts Jake and Sierra’s attention to the left. The camera shot widens and the number one contender to the Answers World Championship, Harlow Reichert, strolls into the scene. She’s dressed in gear and a zip up hoodie, and she can’t help but shake her head at Jake.)
Harlow Reichert: Sorry, I just happened to be passing by and heard you boasting about being the best pure wrestler on the roster.
(Jake has stood up now and he makes sure to pat the PURE Championship that is on his shoulder. The gesture is not lost on Harlow, considering that’s the belt she failed to win just a couple of months ago.)
Jake Smith: Well, I did win this championship and prove it, now didn’t I?
Harlow Reichert: I suppose you did, and that’s not something I’ll stand here and argue. You managed to do what I couldn’t and wanted to do at Territorial Invasion and that was end the awful title reign of Mark Michaels. He was an actual disgrace to that belt, and I was glad to see him get knocked off his high horseback at Battle of Egypt. But I’ll be honest with you, Jake. If he had issued that open challenge for any other event besides one that didn’t allow intergender wrestling, I would have been the first person to step up to the plate. I KNOW that when it comes to the technical aspect of this sport I’m untouchable. It’s hard to find someone who can legitimately go toe-to-toe with me in terms of pure skill. I know my worth and it’s only a matter of time before I’m recognized as the best pure wrestler in the world. Trust me, if I didn’t have a match later on tonight, I would see if you wanted to put your money where your mouth is. Maybe after I take the Answers World Championship off of Mr. DEDEDE later on tonight when I officially challenge him for that belt, people will open their eyes and see that Miss No Fucks Given really is as good as she says she is.
(Harlow’s quiet confidence was on display as usual. Jake let out a low chuckle.)
Jake Smith: Defeating Mr. DEDEDE and taking the Answers World Championship from him isn’t going to prove anything for you. If you did manage to win it, you would go straight into a chamber and into a situation that you have said numerous times isn’t something that you favor. You despise hardcore matches and the use of weapons because it takes away from what you say you love about this sport, which is the one on one PURE nature of it. I can tell you this, Harlow. There’s not going to be a lot of wrestling going on inside an ‘extreme’ elimination chamber and I almost find it insulting that someone who brags about being more intelligent than everyone else on the roster believes her worth will be proven if she becomes a world champion. This PURE Championship is what you’ve always had your eyes on since coming to Showdown, and you know that you’re only ever going to feel validated if you win it because of what it represents. But hey, go win that Answers World Championship, girl. Go to Road to Redemption and try to defend it a barbaric hardcore match where people are going to bludgeon one another with whatever weapon they can get their hands on. You got this.
(Jake’s condescending tone prompts Harlow to smile sweetly.)
Harlow Reichert: I’ve absolutely got this, and who knows Jake? Maybe a champion versus champion match will be in our future and I’ll finally do what I’ve always set out to and that is defeat the PURE Champion.
(Harlow flashes Jake a grin and heads off, but Jake has one last comment for Harlow before she’s out of earshot.)
Jake Smith: Don’t choke on this opportunity then, Lo. Your past history and Jax Walker both confirm you’re good at that.
(Harlow continues to walk but she head the comment loud and clear. The last thing the camera sees is Harlow holding her middle finger up, as Jake and Sierra laugh it off.)
(Showdown cuts to commercial break.)
(Commercial for Anchorage, Alaska. It’s somehow warmer than other parts of the country right now.)
(Showdown returns from commercial break to Gina Romano inside the ring.)
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an Extreme Elimination Chamber qualifier and is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(“Young and Bitter” by Hot Tag Media hits as Lucas Johnson walks out with his crown on his head and scepter in his hands. Albert Hitchman follows close behind.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first, making his way to the ring from Atlanta, Georgia… weighing in at 205 pounds… LUCAS JOHNSON!!
Eve: Johnson came up short at Reasonable Doubt when Constance Blevins forced a submission from Lance Blackfyre. He hoped to walk out as a Tag team champion but left empty handed.
Gavin Kirkland: EMPTY HANDED? This man is still the Emperor! Hail him in all his glory!
Deadprez: I don’t know what the hell you been smokin but I know it’s some good shit because you outta your damn mind.
(Lucas slides into the ring as Hitchman steps to the corner. “It Follows” by Cain Hill hits as Xander Payne walks out onto the stage with his eyes focused on the ring.)
Gina Romano: And his opponent, making his way to the ring from Toronto, Ontario, Canada… weighing in at… an indeterminate amount of pounds… XANDER PAYNE!!
Deadprez: Big bad Xander is here and after putting Darkane on the shelf alongside Myles, you know his mean streak is just getting started!
Gavin Kirkland: Xander’s titties are bigger than yours I think, Eve.
Eve: I’m filing a sexual harassment claim against you.
(Xander slides into the ring and steps into his corner. The referee calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: Both men looking to stake their claim for the Extreme Elimination Chamber here tonight… AND LUCAS CHARGES AT XANDER!
Deadprez: RIGHT INTO A POP UP POWERBOMB!! LAST SEDATION!! XANDER HAS THE COVER!
Ref: ONEEEEEEEEEE! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gina Romano: Here is your winner… XANDER PAYNE!
Deadprez: Xander Payne is moving on to challenge for the Answers World Championship at Road to Redemption and—
Eve: XANDER BEATING THE HELL OUT OF LUCAS JOHNSON! HITCHMAN SCREAMING FOR HIM TO STOP! XANDER HAS LUCAS BY THE HEAD! XANDER PULLING JOHNSON UP! AND LIFTING JOHNSON ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! XANDER PAYNE PLACES JOHNSON ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND BEGINS TO CLIMB UP HIMSELF!
Gavin Kirkland: WATCH OUT! THE RING WILL TIP OVER FROM THAT WEIGHT!
Deadprez: JOHNSON IN DANGER! PAYNE ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE WITH HIM! PAYNE PULLS JOHNSON INTO POSITION! FACING TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING! THOSE STEEL STEPS BENEATH THEM! WHAT THE FUCK?
Eve: PAYNEKILLER!! XANDER JUST DROVE JOHNSON FROM THE TOP ROPE ONTO THE STEEL STEPS ON THE OUTSIDE WITH THE PACKAGE PILEDRIVER! LUCAS MAY BE DEAD! XANDER UP AND MOVING AWAY BUT JOHNSON NOT MOVING!
Albert Hitchman (off-mic): NOOOOOOO!
Eve: Hitchman now moving over to the lifeless body of Lucas Johnson! Xander already walking away with a smirk on his face at yet another life taken! Hitchman dropping down next to his client! Cradling him in his lap!
Albert Hitchman (off-mic): MY BABY BOY! MY PRECIOUS BABY BOY!
Gavin Kirkland: 😥 No father should ever outlive his own son…
Albert Hitchman (off-mic): THEY DID THIS TO MY PRECIOUS BABY BOY! WHYYYYYYYY?
Eve: Umm… Gav… you know they’re not—
Gavin Kirkland: SHUT UP, TINY TITS! We just saw the fall of an empire and Hitchman is mourning the loss of his son! Show some damn respect!
Eve: …This place does not pay me enough.
(The shot closes on Albert cradling Lucas Johnson in his arms.)
(Commercial for Custom Crowns. Do you wanna pretend to be royalty on television? Order your crown today!)
( “Castle” by Halsey plays, evoking a huge ovation from The SAP Center as Harlow Reichert walks out to the stage dressed to compete. )
Gina Romano: Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome… HAAARRRRLOOOOOOOOOOOOW RRRRRREEIIICCHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERTTT!!!
Eve: Following yet another successful FPV showing against all odds, Harlow Reichert has re-inserted herself into a championship picture – this time for a much taller task than I doubt even she expected to face at this point of Season 13.
Deadprez: A mixture of hard work and a little bit of good fortune has brought her this far, she made good of the opportunity given to her by being randomly selected among the Showdown roster and placed in the Fatal 4 Way match to determine who comes in tonight to challenge for the Answers World Championship. Normally going into a match against DEDEDE the predominant discussion is about the odds and how well someone will fare against him; but I don’t know about y’all, I haven’t heard too much about that!
Gavin Kirkland: That’s because our juicy and succulent little success story has what a lot of female wrestlers don’t have – a high in ring IQ! She’s not going to try to overpower the almighty Gawd, or out-box Gawd, she’s not going to rush in like a fool just to get blown the fuck out the way Felix Hartley did, or gas herself out the way Kassidy Heart did, or play (albeit hot) cat and mouse games like Minerva. She is a cerebral competitor, and I look forward to seeing her test The Gawd!
Eve: It looks like Harlow’s ready right here and now to do just that, the floor is officially hers, let’s hear what she has to say.
( “Castle” dies down, and Harlow Reichert continues to receive a major positive response from the audience. Harlow looks around nodding her head, and brushes her hair back before lifting the microphone up to her lips. )
Harlow Reichert: You’re all too kind, but you should save your applause for AFTER I win the Answers World Championship.
( That draws a thunderous pop. The San Jose audience would love nothing more than for DEDEDE to drop his title after the heinous behavior he has displayed not just at Reasonable Doubt, but throughout the duration of his Answers World Championship reign of terror. )
Harlow Reichert: There is somebody however who I wanna take a second to recognize. Which is not something I normally do but it is something I feel is necessary tonight more than ever. At Reasonable Doubt eight nights ago we saw someone’s career, someone’s entire livelihood come to an unfortunate end inside a Hell in a Cell match for the books. That somebody of course being Amber Keys. And I know Amber didn’t return to be some locker room leader, I know she wasn’t here to be a fan favorite, she definitely never planned on being some heroic figure. But one of the many things I’ve picked up from my mentor Xavier Williams was a deep respect for history, and for the legacies of those who brought a sport like wrestling to the level that it’s at currently.
Was I best buddies with Amber Keys? No. Did I like Amber as a person? Not really. Do I respect what Amber has given to a sport that I’ve truly grown to love over the last year? You’re absolutely right I do. Before any of us girls had contracts with guaranteed money, and opportunities at World Heavyweight Championships, that woman was paying the way, and if that money hungry chauvinist piece of shit for an Answers World Champion isn’t going to acknowledge that, then I will. I don’t know if you’re watching this right now Amber, but if you are I don’t have much else to say to you.. other than thank you.
Crowd: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap: THANK YOU AMBER! :clap:
Harlow Reichert: Thank you, and I’ve got it from here. I know my history well enough to never repeat the mistakes from the past. That includes the mistakes of the very recent past, made by all of the Elitists who tried and failed to take that Answers World Title from DEDEDE’s hands. The mistakes have been glaring in every single title defense he’s had, including his most recent one against Amber Keys. The problem is everybody thinks to take that Answers World Title from Mr. DEDEDE you’ve got to destroy Mr. DEDEDE. I know better than that. I know that’s doing nothing more than playing his game. You aren’t going to take that title from DDD’s grubby hands by destroying him, you’re going to have to dismantle him. Fighting fire against a fire breathing dragon is a recipe for a disaster. It would be no different than trying to overpower Lance Blackfyre, or enter some striking fest with Shane Gates. Men who granted aren’t anywhere near on DDD’s level, but men who just like DDD probably believes himself, all thought they could write me off for various reasons. And I showed them up.
Do you know how I know DEDEDE is walking in with the same mindset? Because the man hasn’t said a word about me. He hasn’t acknowledged me, meaning he doesn’t know his enemy. Big mistake. A failure to acknowledge your enemy isn’t all that different from failing to acknowledge history. You can’t beat an enemy that you don’t know, but I know as much as there is to know about you without being one of the interchangeable ring rats who sleep with you. I know how good you are DDD, and I’m here to tell you right now that I don’t give a damn. I don’t fear you, Harlow Reichert fears absolutely no man. So why don’t you get the hell out here right now “boss” and let’s make this official!
( Harlow drops her mic, and is challenging Mr. DEDEDE to arrive while The SAP Center cheers on. )
Eve: San Jose is fired up!!! And so is Harlow Reichert!!! Answers World Championship on the line!!!
( “Let It Go” by A$AP Ferg hits, prompting a thunderous mixed ovation from the crowd. )
Deadprez: IT’S SHOWTIME!!!
( The smoke billows through the curtain, and Harlow Reichert paces in the ring, visibly reflecting the adrenaline coursing through her. The music continues for a moment, and much to the chagrin of the audience, Kassidy Heart walks out to the stage sans her husband, Mr. DEDEDE. Kassidy has a microphone in hand and has a rather unimpressed look on her face. Harlow’s look appears to be even less impressed, as neither woman is happy to see the other. “Let It Go” dies down, and the audience gives Kassidy a mixed reaction. )
Kassidy Heart: Hello, Harlow. What’s wrong, expecting somebody else?
Harlow Reichert: Nah, was just gonna send for the cleaning crew. Didn’t know we had a rat infestation.
Kassidy Heart: Oh love, spare me won’t you? It’s all become so tiresome. Are we really going to resort to strawman slut shaming attempts, like you didn’t blow Xavier Williams just to get him to sit next to your plump little ass on the elliptical bikes and train you how to “wrestle”? He’s clearly done a piss poor job in grooming you considering you couldn’t even get the job done against Mark Michaels at Territorial Invasion, are we really supposed to believe you would hold a candle to my babycake?
Harlow Reichert: You know I could sit here and go back and forth with you to single out each others setbacks, but the tedious piss racing isn’t my style. If you would kindly wheel out that geriatric limp oldhead to this ring so I can kick his ass and take his title, that would be greatly appreciated.
Kassidy Heart: Harlow hunny, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you aren’t facing Ryan tonight. Ryan’s not even here this evening.
( Crowd gives off thunderous boos. )
Kassidy Heart: He’s currently sidelined from tonight’s show due to Load Management.
Eve & Deadprez: Load Management :skip: ???
Gavin Kirkland: Not Load Management :noah: !!!
Harlow Reichert: What the hell is Load Management?
Kassidy Heart: It’s when athletes who are superior to you in every way imaginable get a break from carrying the entire franchise on their back, the way Ryan has done for Showdown from the very start of the season. My love isn’t going to jump at the beckon call of some third rate bottom rung Elitist barely even on his radar. We’re talking about historically the hardest working man in sports and entertainment. He has an empire to run, several businesses to promote, a Gawdly fitness routine to uphold, and a sold out nation-wide Gawdverbs LIVE!™ tour. Not to mention being an absolutely amazing father to his children and partner to me which is a full-time job in of itself. So no, he has nothing to say to you or about you at the present time, and beating three career failures for a “tallest midget” consolation prize doesn’t make you a true contender. It just makes you the next lamb lined up to the slaughter.
And you want to know something else Harlow? You can come out here and sing the praises of Amber Keys all you like, but that bitch wouldn’t have squat and pissed on fire to put you out. The only thing she cared about was herself, which I can respect, but the simple fact of the matter is she failed. You can sit here and champion failures all you want. But for somebody who claims to respect the history, I would have hoped you’d bother to look back at your own mentor, Xavier Williams when he attempted to challenge Ryan for his spot on the throne. How did that work out for him? Oh, that’s right, the same way every major opportunity has ever worked out for you. A collosial fucking failure.
Harlow Reichert: Your pathetic mind game attempts are white noise and nothing more, I hope you understand that. Again you can clutch at straws until the cows come home and bring up individual failures to validate yourself and the man who forced marriage on you. That isn’t a valid argument. I could just as easily bring up his setbacks, like when he took a tasing right in the ‘nads and screamed “I QUIT I QUIIIIIT” like a neutered little cuck. Or like when Astraea Jordan made you her little bitch at Manifest Destiny and gave you the same tired old plot point to incessantly gripe about for the duration of your career since then. Somebody should have taught you how to get the fuck over shit, pardon my language, and more importantly little miss priviledged, how to get the fuck over yourself. But y’know what? I can be the one to teach you that valuable lesson right here, right now if you’d like. 🙂
( Crowd cheers. Kassidy stares a hole right through Harlow, only for Harlow to lean over the ropes and continue. )
Harlow Reichert: Unless you’re too busy helping Ryan with his “Load Management”, I’m sure it’s awfully difficult managing his loads.
Kassidy Heart: You know something you disgusting greasy pale cunt, you have a big fucking mouth you know that? You could stand to lose a few fucking pounds anyway, so maybe I’ll come and shut that mouth of yours for you right now, for good.
( Kassidy Heart drops the mic and she marches down the ramp. Harlow readies herself for action. The audience is becoming unglued. )
Eve: I HAVE A FEELING WE JUST SAW THE MAULER COME LOOSE! KASSIDY HEART MARCHES DOWN THE AISLE AND HARLOW REICHERT DECIDES SCREW IT, I’LL MEET YOU HALFWAY! HARLOW AND KASSIDY COME TO BLOWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RAMP! LAYING INTO EACH OTHER WITH FEROCIOUS CLOSED FIST SHOTS! HOCKEY STYLE CONSECUTIVE STRIKES DELIVERED AT THE SAME TIME! AND HARLOW RIPS KASSIDY TO THE FLOOR WITH A HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN, BOTH LADIES SCRAPPING ON THE GROUND NOW!
Gavin Kirkland: HOOOOLY SHIT WE ARE BOUND TO SEE A TITTY COME LOOSE! KASSIDY LOOKS READY TO BUST OUT OF THAT TOP!
Deadprez: KASSIDY KICKS HARLOW OFF OF HER, THE TWO LADIES SCRAMBLE UP, KASSIDY SINKS HER SHOULDER BLADE INTO HARLOW’S MIDSECTION AND DRIVES HER SPINE FIRST AGAINST THE APRON! KASSIDY PUMMELS HARLOW WITH CLOSED FIST SHOTS, HARLOW CAN BARELY COVER UP! RIGHTS AND LEFTS UNCONTESTED FROM KASSIDY, SWINGING AWAY FASTER THAN I CAN EVEN COUNT EM!
Eve: KASSIDY RIPS HARLOW BY THE LOCKS AND SENDS HER OVER TO THE BARRICADE, SENDING HARLOW CRASHING INTO THE BARRICADE!!! KASSIDY TAKES HARLOW BY THE HEAD AND BASHES HER FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST! NO, HARLOW BLOCKS IT, AND BASHES KASSIDY’S FACE AGAINST THE POST! WHAT A THUD, KASSIDY WAS JUST SENT SMACKING TEMPLE FIRST AGAINST THE LED RING POST! MIND YOU SHE’S GOT A HISTORY OF CONCUSSION ISSUES! HARLOW CHUCKS KASSIDY UNDERNEATH THE ROPES AND BACK INTO THE RING! ONLY TO FOLLOW KASSIDY IN –
Gavin Kirkland: SPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEARRRR!!! KASSIDY DRILLS THROUGH HARLOW REICHERT WITH THE SPEAR!!!
( Kassidy Heart is on all fours holding her head, and she smacks her hands against the canvas before rolling out of the ring snarling and nearly foaming at the mouth. Kassidy rips up the skirt of the ring apron. )
Deadprez: NO…
Gavin Kirkland: OH DEAR LORD.
Eve: KASSIDY’S GOT THE EQUALIZER!!! KASSIDY HEART HAS THE EQUALIZER IN HAND!!!
Deadprez: THIS HAS GONE WAY TOO FAR!!!
Eve: KASSIDY HEART SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING, STALKING HER PREY WHO IS RECOVERING AFTER SHE WAS CAUGHT WITH A THUNDEROUS SPEAR! AND KASSIDY HEART LOOKS DOWN AT THAT MONSTROSITY THAT HAS SEVERELY SHORTENED AS WELL AS ENDED CAREER AFTER CAREER, BEFORE REFOCUSING HER SIGHTS ON HER TARGET… HARLOW REICHERT HAS NO IDEA WHAT’S ABOUT TO HIT HER. KASSIDY REARS BACK WITH THE GUITAR FILLED WITH NAILS, THUMBTACKS AND SHARDS OF GLASS………..
Gavin Kirkland: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!!
Deadprez: RUNNING DOUBLE FOOTSTOMP TO THE STANDING KASSIDY!!! HARLOW TAKES KASSIDY DOWN, AND MOUNTS OVER HER WITH PUNCHES!
( The crowd boos as multiple referees run out to the ring, accompanied by Jenny Punk. Jenny herself removes The Equalizer from the equation, keeping it in her own safe hands. Kassidy and Harlow continue to remain at each other’s throats, with a strand of Harlow’s hair still caught in Kassidy’s clutches. )
Gavin Kirkland: I know I was a bit excited to see these two get it on, but this got way too close for comfort way too fast! THEY JUST MET and they wanted to kill each other!
Eve: The last thing you want to do is mouth off to The Mauler, but if we’re being entirely honest, Harlow Reichert is a woman motivated by many things. But fear isn’t one of them!
Deadprez: Harlow Reichert is willing to make some dangerous enemies to get what she wants. Somebody like me who came up in the wild wild west days can appreciate that level of gumption, but we see how it turned out for Amber Keys.
( “Castle” by Halsey plays on the sound system, as Kassidy Heart is detained by two referees and two members of arena security, while Harlow Reichert is in the ring restrained by two officials. The trash talking commences from both parties, with neither side willing to back down. )
(Commercial break for House of Glass. Relive the moment where a Mexican wins a World Championship on the EAW Network now!! ?????? )
(The camera fades back to the area as “PEOPLE=SHIT” by Slipknot plays. Shane Gates wastes little time stepping out onto the stage to a cacophony of jeers. He slowly walks down the aisle ignoring the fans lashing out at him along the ramp.)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL! INTRODUCING FIRST! FROM HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA! WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN POUNDS! HE IS “THE DYNASTY OF SHOWDOWN”!!! SHANE! GGGGGAAAAAAAATTTTTTEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!
Deadprez: It’s remarkable that Shane Gates is able to be here tonight after both he and his opponent tonight Ryan Wilson were buried beneath that rubble. They took an almighty amount of punishment in the Fatal Four way match last week but it doesn’t seem like it was ever going to stop Shane!
Eve: A win tonight would be a great way to bounce back from that loss! Both men should most definitely be hurting right about now but I have to say, as you said, it doesn’t look like Shane is showing any signs of the hell he went through!
(“PEOPLE=SHIT” by Slipknot dies down before being replaced by “My Way” by Limp Bizkit. The jeering continues as Ryan Wilson walks onto the stage, immediately taunting the crowd. He wastes little time heading towards the ring and as he gets closer, he turns his attention to Shane Gates.)
Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT! FROM MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA! WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED AND TWELVE POUNDS! HE IS THE “AGENT OF CHAOS”! RYAN! WWWWWIIIIILLLLLSSSSSOOOOONNNNN!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: I still can’t believe what we saw from these two! These two really got stuck into it and took each other out in spectacular fashion; it set the tone for the entire night and we have tonight’s match to see who the better man really is!
Eve: Neither man might not have an opportunity to face Mr. DEDEDE for the Answers World Championship but at the very least tonight could be a great first step towards staking a claim for another chance at a later date. Who knows, we could see the winner tonight get a chance to enter the Elimination Chamber in just a few weeks time!
(Both men settle in their respective corners as the referee calls for the bell!)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Deadprez: Important match here tonight for both men; a great chance to bounce back from the disappointing defeat at Reasonable Doubt. Ryan is the first to step into the middle of the ring and Shane follows, both men lock up in a collar and elbow tie up but Shane manages to gain the upper hand, dropping into the side headlock! But Ryan backs up against the ropes before pushing off and away from Shane sending Shane racing across the side of the ring! Shane bounces off the ropes and comes firing back but Ryan with enough wherewithal to duck beneath the lariat attempt! Ryan Wilson hits the ropes but SHANE CUTS HIM OFF WITH THE JAPANESE ARM DRAG! Ryan sent back down to the canvas and Shane immediately capitalizes on the opportunity with a wrist lock and wrapping the arm around the back of Ryan Wilson.
Eve: Frustrating position, grounded to the canvas with very little wiggle room. Shane cinching that wrist lock in a little deeper with each attempt Ryan makes to escape but he can’t stay down for too long, can’t allow himself to have that arm, from the wrist right up to the shoulder, manipulated at will by Shane Gates.
Gavin Kirkland: What excellence by Shane! :wow: The longer Ryan Wilson is grounded in this position the better!
Deadprez: Ryan does realise the peril of the situation and begins to try to fight back to a vertical base. Shane trying to keep that arm wrapped behind the back but Ryan is doing a great job at rising to at the very least a knee, giving himself some room to be able to spin out. Shane cinches the hold in a little deeper but Ryan shoots back to his feet and steps out, able to get the arm away from the back. Ryan tries to twist out but Shane with a kick to the back of the knee! Ryan drops to the canvas and kips back up to his feet, finally able to rid the pressure on the wrist and obtain wrist control himself! But Shane quickly responds with a kick to the midsection and follows it right up with the stiff forearm to the jaw!
Eve: Ryan Wilson rocked once again as Shane connects with a dropkick! Both boots connecting flush on the jaw sending Ryan back down to the canvas! Shane quickly scrambles into the pin with both legs hooked!
Ref: OOONNNNEEEE!!! TTTTWWW–
Gavin Kirkland: Ryan gets the shoulder up before the count of two count! Ryan tries to shoot back to his feet but Shane is there to meet him with a waist lock; both arms wrapped around the waist and looking to connect with a german suplex! But Ryan blocks it with his leg and fires away with a back elbow! Connecting right on the jaw, almost to the throat, Shane’s grip lessons as Ryan takes his chance to escape! But Shane has a fistful of tights and pulls Ryan back in and connects with a big high angle German Suplex! Dropping Ryan Wilson on the back of the neck and once again Shane goes into the pin!
Ref: OOONNNNEEEE!!! TTTTWWWOOOO!!!
Eve: Another kickout from Ryan Wilson! Man, Ryan hasn’t been able to get into this match at all thus far! Everything is going Shane Gates’ way and he’s remaining calm after these two kickouts.
Deadprez: Shane drags Ryan back to his feet but Ryan connects with a fist right to the ribs! He follows it up with a second and then a third! Trying to strip the breath right out of Shane Gates who certainly feels the effects of it as he stumbles back into the ropes. Shane comes charging back towards Ryan who stops him in his tracks with a stiff lariat! Taking Shane down to the canvas but Shane races back to his feet. Shane swings for a lariat himself but Ryan ducks and floats behind! Shane tries to desperately maneuver out of the grip of Ryan Wilson but Ryan spins him around and connects with a swinging neckbreaker! Driving Shane right back to the canvas and Shane shoots up clutching the left side of his neck and shoulder area! But Ryan pushes him back down to the canvas for the pin!
Ref: OOONNNNEEEE!!! TTTTWWWOOOO!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Kickout but Ryan doesn’t waste any more than a second! Immediately racing back to his feet, he darts towards the ropes and comes crashing back down with a Flashing Elbow! Ryan again makes the cover!
Ref: OOONNNNEEEE!!! TTTTWWWOOOO!!!
Eve: And again Shane kicks out at the count of two! Ryan Wilson might have just gained the momentum in this contest but that cocky, arrogant grin on his face might just suggest he’s letting it get the best of him! Ryan slowly drags Shane back to his feet, connectings with a straight left hook before following it up with a second. Shane tries to fight back with a punch of his own but Ryan steps aside before connecting with a knee right to the midsection! Shane doubles over clutching both ribs and coughing, spitting on the canvas as he feels the wind leave his lungs; a vicious knee taking its toll right away as Ryan relishes in the upper hand gained.
Deadprez: Ryan backs Shane up against the ropes before Irish whipping him across to the other side of the ring. Shane comes darting back and Ryan connects with a calf kick! Right back down to the canvas goes Shane Gates as Ryan drops into his third cover.
Ref: OOONNNNEEEE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: SHANE KICKS OUT AT ONE! Ryan looks up at the referee in disbelief but Shane Gates just dug down deep enough to kick out so quickly in the pin. And Ryan again out of frustration hooks the legs again!
Ref: OOONNNNEEEE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: And AGAIN Shane kicks out at a count of one! Shane sits up but Ryan blasts him with a forearm connecting across the forehead, dropping Shane Gates back down. Now with a series of left and right forearms and elbows, growing increasingly more and more sloppy with every blow. The frustration beginning to boil over on Ryan Wilson who is showing signs of desperation; a desperation to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on such a rare opportunity just last week at Reasonable Doubt.
Eve: The self belief that Ryan Wilson hold is no surprise to anyone but a win here tonight is something he feels is a necessity. He couldn’t beat Harlow heading into it and we saw what happened when the emotions boiled over post match and to compound it he couldn’t beat her in the four way. String of losses does nothing to benefit your mentality, especially when it involves such a pivotal moment in your career!
Deadprez: Ryan contemplating his options, slowly gets back to his feet but backs towards the corner. His eyes locked on Shane who slowly rises back to his, weary eyed as he tries to collect his wherewithal. Ryan backs up to the second turnbuckle and waits for Shane Gates. Shane finally reaches his feet as he turns to face Ryan! TORNADO DDT OF DEATH! NO! SHANE WITH THE CORE STRENGTH TO POP RYAN WILSON UP AND HE NAILS HIM WITH A PELE KICK! A DESPERATION MOVE IN A MOMENT OF DESPERATION! BOTH MEN COLLAPSE TO THE CANVAS!
Gavin Kirkland: WOW! What a remarkable counter from Shane Gates! Ryan Wilson down on the canvas stunned, Shane Gates exhausted, barely able to collect his breath! This match has come to a standstill as both men are stirring just a bit more with each passing moment! Both men rise to a knee and meet face to face, just off the middle of the ring. Ryan tries to fire away with a clenched fist but Shane blocks it and immediately collects with a forearm. Ryan shakes off the effects of the forearm and connects with an open palm strike! Flush on the jaw! Shane fires back with a slap across the face, Ryan responds with a fist!
Eve: Now it’s both men to their feet! Left from Ryan! Left from Shane! Left from Ryan! Left from Shane! LEFT FROM RYAN! LEFT FROM SHANE! RYAN! SHANE! RYAN! SHANE! RYAN! SHANE! RYAN! SHANE! RYAN– NO! SHANE DUCKS BENEATH AND CHARGES TOWARDS THE ROPES! BUT RYAN TAKES OFF AFTER HIM! SHANE TURNS BACK BUT RYAN RACES PAST HIM, BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH A NORTHERN LARIAT! BUT SHANE DOESN’T GO DOWN! SHANE MAINTAINS HIS VERTICAL BASE BUT STRUGGLES WITH THE BALANCE!
Deadprez: AND RIGHT NOW RYAN REALISES HE HAS SHANE! SHANE BARELY ABLE TO STAND AND RYAN SIGNALS FOR THE END! HE CHARGES TOWARDS SHANE GATES! SUPERMAN PUNCH! NO! SHANE PULLS THE REFEREE IN BETWEEN HIM AND RYAN! RYAN MANAGES TO CATCH HIMSELF FROM CONNECTING WITH THE REFEREE!
Gavin Kirkland: Shane is using the referee as a shield between himself and Ryan Wilson! Ryan trying to get past the referee and Shane shoves the referee aside– KICK RIGHT TO THE GROIN! SHANE CONNECTS WITH A PUNT RIGHT TO THE GROIN AS THE REFEREE FALTERS TO THE CANVAS! THE FAMILY JEWELS OF RYAN WILSON WERE JUST ABSOLUTELY SHATTERED WITH A KICK. NOT AN INCH TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT!
Eve: DISGUSTING ACTIONS FROM SHANE GATES! HE PULLS RYAN IN AND HOISTS HIM UP! LEGS CROSSED! SHANE PAUSES FOR A MOMENT WITH A SINISTER GRIN ON HIS FACE! CALIFORNIA DESTRUCTION!!! THE CROSS LEGGED SAMOAN DRIVER! DRIVING RYAN WILSON DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS EMPHATICALLY! RIGHT INTO THE COVER WITH BOTH LEGS HOOKED!
Ref: OOONNNNEEEE!!! TTTTWWWOOOO!!! TTTTHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Eve: DAMN IT!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“PEOPLE=SHIT” by Slipknot hits as Shane Gates rises to his feet to a chorus of boos from the crowd. He has his hand raised in victory by the referee who knows no better of the situation. Shane gloats to the crowd, enjoying the negative reaction.)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…SSSSSHHHAAAANNNNEEEEE GGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: I might not be the biggest Ryan Wilson fan but you really do hate to see it! Shane Gates stooping to any low possible to get a win here tonight! The referee should have seen it! He shouldn’t have made that call!
Deadprez: Say whatever you want about it, fact of the matter is Shane Gates bounces back with the victory and Ryan Wilson is left to try and pick up the pieces of a disappointing and frustrating few weeks!
(Shane stands in the ring celebrating as Ryan rests up against the barricade, dejected at the defeat and drives his fist into the padded cover as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(SCREEN BAR — EARLIER THIS WEEK.)
(The camera fades back to a shot over Los Angeles with a setting sun. The scene fades over to the backyard of Cameron Ella Ava and Jamie O’Hara. The pair sit by a small bonfire, side by side with a glass of wine in hand. Cameron takes a deep breath as she sinks into Jamie’s arm.)
Jamie O’Hara: It’s moments like that make it all worth it.
Cameron Ella Ava: We really needed the week off. Needed this kind of clarity and to refocus. When was the last time we just did this?
Jamie O’Hara: I still wish you would have let me punt the cat off the apron.
(Cameron chuckles as she digs her elbow into Jamie’s rib cage for bringing the topic back up.)
Cameron Ella Ava: We’ve gone over this too many times already; we would have lost the PETA sponsorship…
Jamie O’Hara: Why does it matter? PETA are terrible, they blamed Australian Jesus for his own death and–
Cameron Ella Ava: Hold up, did you just call Steve Irwin Australian Jesus?
Jamie O’Hara: Yes and am I wrong? Look, point is, fuck PETA and if you had just let me punt that cat into the crowd we would have won.
(Cameron pulls away from Jamie and stares right at him.)
Cameron Ella Ava: Are you really going to blame me?
Jamie O’Hara: Well–
Cameron Ella Ava: No, It’s not my fault. You wanted to kick a cat, maybe YOU shouldn’t have been distracted and we wouldn’t have lost. I saved you and EAW from a PR nightmare, I saved you – US EVEN – hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. Maybe you shouldn’t have been DISTRACTED in the first place in wanting to kick a poor, innocent cat.
(Jamie groans as he realises he doesn’t have anything of a comeback.)
Jamie O’Hara: Fine.
Cameron Ella Ava: YES! ANOTHER POINT FOR ME AND STILL NONE FOR YOU!
(Cameron waves a finger in Jamie’s face as he looks off into the distance, trying to seem uninterested and unbothered by it.)
Jamie O’Hara: Look, the point is fuck The ILLIONAIRES. If nothing else, we can at least be proud of the fact that we threw them in the fucking sea. We can put Reasonable Doubt behind us and move forward without having to subject ourselves to their bullshit or even the bullshit of anyone else. But I guess that begs the question, where do we go next?
(Cameron reaches towards the table and grabs the bottle of wine. She tops her glass up before topping up Jamie’s. She repositions against his arm and looks at the bonfire crackling. Its embers reaching well and truly into the sky.)
Cameron Ella Ava: I’ve been thinking about it…ever since Territorial Invasion. I don’t want the Universal Women’s World Championship, I don’t even know if I ever wanted it really. I want the Answers World Championship. It’s the one title that I haven’t won, that one accolade that I’ve just never been able to achieve and it feels like now more than ever that I’m something less without it. I should have had the history of being the first woman to win a male’s World Championship and I’m…well I’m just tired. Tired of waiting. I’m going to Road to Redemption and I’m going into the Elimination Chamber match. There’s nothing else for me to do, nothing else I can do; I’m going to win the chamber and I’m finally going to win that one title that’s eluded me for what has felt like a lifetime.
(Cameron pauses for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts.)
Cameron Ella Ava: I just. It’s been hanging over my head for years. At times it’s all that I’ve thought about and I’ve always had people expecting me to win it. What if I’m a disappointment in their eyes? I don’t want–
(Jamie kisses Cameron on top of her head.)
Jamie O’Hara: I know…I know how important it is to you, how much it would mean to win it. There’s nobody in this company more deserving than you are, nobody who has worked harder for long, who is so overdue it…
(Jamie pauses.)
Jamie O’Hara: But….
Cameron Ella Ava: But you want the same thing, don’t you?
(Jamie sighs as he sinks into the lounge. A disappointed look appears on Cameron’s face as she takes a sip of the wine.)
Jamie O’Hara: I…I can’t keep running.
Cameron Ella Ava: Who said you were running?
Jamie O’Hara: It’s easier to tell you who hasn’t than it is to list off everyone who said I have been. All I keep hearing is I’m running and I’m running and I’m running. That I’m not the same guy that used to be World Champion, I’m just an imitation of something I used to be. The only way I can silence those people is to win the Answers World Championship. I shouldn’t care, I really shouldn’t, but…when I look at everything I’ve done this year, everything since coming back, nothing has silenced those critics. That’s…that’s on one hand. On the other, I still can’t get over not being there for you this time last year.
Cameron Ella Ava: You need to stop beating yourself up over it.
Jamie O’Hara: I can’t stop. And I could have at the very least put that to the back of my mind at Pain For Pride if…
(Jamie raises his hand up, closing two fingertips close to signify how close he was to winning the Answers World Championship at Pain For Pride. Visible frustration washes over him.)
Jamie O’Hara: And now…now it’s about trying to rid me of that guilt and it’s trying to beat him and it’s trying to silence critics. In a perfect world, I can help you achieve your goal, your dream. I can silence the guilt I have, I can prove I can beat Mr. DEDEDE and silence all those critics. But that perfect world just isn’t possible. I have to walk into that chamber and I have to win it…
Cameron Ella Ava: But that would mean taking the Answers World Championship away from me.
Jamie O’Hara: Cameron…I…
(The cracking of the bonfire is the only sound that can be heard as the two pause for a brief moment.)
Cameron Ella Ava: So we both need to be in the same match…
Jamie O’Hara: Beat the same person…
Cameron Ella Ava: Win the same championship…
Jamie O’Hara: I guess so…
(The brief and awkward silence returns and hangs over the couple before Jamie runs his hand up the side of Cameron’s arm.)
Cameron Ella Ava: We’ve been here before, you know. This is important, for both of us and I can’t stop you from chasing your goals in this business, just like I know you can’t stop me. I always have your back…
Jamie O’Hara: Yeah, I know and I will always have your’s. The last thing I wanted to do was stop you from achieving it. That and I just hoped I was never going to have to fight you again.
Cameron Ella Ava: Why? Because you know I would BEAT you?
Jamie O’Hara: Beat me? :mjlol: Like Pain For Pride? Territorial Invasion?
Cameron Ella Ava: I hate you…
Jamie O’Hara: Connect Four? Pool? Uno?
Cameron Ella Ava: So, so much.
(Cameron’s serious tone cracks and she laughs as Jamie smiles himself. The camera pulls back as the sun sets and the embers from the bonfire fly into the air before fading to black.)
(Commercial promoting Road to Redemption and the Extreme Elimination Chamber Match.)
( “Just Cos’ You Got The Power” by Motorhead blares over the PA system, and Mark Michaels walks out to the stage with a malcontented look about him. )
( DING! DING! DING! )
Ring Announcer: The following contest is the final EXTREME ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH OF THE EVENING, and will be scheduled for ONE FALL!!! Introducing first… from Minneapolis, Minnesota weighing in at 240 POOOUNNNNDSSS… MAAAAAAAAAAARKKKKK MIIICCHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAELS!!!
Deadprez: It’s not gonna be a popular opinion, especially since like most others this guy ain’t exactly my cup of tea, but Mark Michaels is proving night after night that he is deserving of being at the very least a contender for the World Championship the way he comes out here and brings it the way he brings it.
Gavin Kirkland: Fuck him! – I mean yes, of course, Michaels had been proving himself, what a performance he had at Battle of Egypt, and Reasonable Doubt was a career night for him as well now wasn’t it?
Eve: Gavin’s sarcasm and the very apparent character flaws about Mark Michaels aside, there’s no denying he’s at the best he’s ever been. In the ten years I’ve been in EAW I’ve seen guys just like Michaels look like they have potential only to be snuffed out. Michaels, however, has continued to chip away at carve out a skill set as well as get together a noteworthy stride for himself. Tonight he enters what won’t be an easy battle at all for the chance to compete for the biggest title in the game. If he is worthy of being a contender, tonight will be the night he proves it – and earns it!
( ‘War’ by Dance With The Dead plays and Santo Muerte walks out through the billowing smoke, to continue his entrance with a menacing look in his eyes. )
Gina Romano: Introducing his opponent… from Death Valley, California, weighing in at 200 POOOOUNNNNDSSS.. SANNNNTOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MMMUUUERRRRRTEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Now this is a guy who I can get behind! I know what you’re all thinking, a weird scary guy in a mask, thousand-yard stare in his eyes, talks about death a lot; but if you don’t have Santo Muerte as somebody to watch with the performances he’s put on lately, you’re an utter fool!
Deadprez: I’m with you there Gavin, the last thing that you want to do is sleep on Santo Muerte, especially if you’re going against him in the ring the way Mark Michaels is tonight. This guy has been showing out and forcing people to put respect on his name. That’s why he’s in such a big match tonight against a tenured opponent for a high stakes opportunity.
Eve: And a major opportunity it would be for somebody as dark and twisted as Santo Muerte to be able to compete in the Extreme Elimination Chamber. It wouldn’t surprise me if he felt right at home in such a hellish environment.
( DING! DING! DING! )
Deadprez: AND IN A HICCUP Mark Michaels and Santo Muerte explode out of the gate rushing at each other like bulls in a pen, Michaels blasts him over the head with a double ax handle! No Santo ducks under the clubbing fists rebounds off the ropes, MICHAELS WITH A ROUNDHOUSE TO THE CHEST! Ducked under by Santo, and he springboards off the ropes this time with a SPRINGBOARD ARMDRAG! Sending Mark Michaels tumbling and rolling over to the corner! Santo Muerte comes right after him with a RUNNING CORNER DROPKICK! He sprints all the way to the opposite corner, charges right back! ANOTHER RUNNING CORNER DROPKICK! Repeats the process, comes barreling back across the ring with a THIRD CORNER DROPKICK! RECKLESS ABANDON! Muerte sprints back and forth across the ring again with a fourth RUNNING DROPKICK! PUTTING HIS ALL INTO THOSE DAMN! SANTO UP AND RUNNING AGAIN –
Gavin Kirkland: ANOTHER RUNNING DROPKICK! SANTO MUERTE IS LOOKING LIKE A MOSQUITO AT A GAY PRIDE CONVENTION IN ATLANTA! UNSTOPPABLE!!!
Deadprez & Eve: ….
Eve: Aaaanyways, that last one sent Michaels tumbling through the corner ropes and out to ringside, Michaels is on one knee just caught totally off guard by the speed and velocity of Muerte – a man who he met just one week ago at Reasonable Doubt. But Muerte is showing this audience that he’s full of surprises.
Gavin Kirkland: It’s why people find him so damned intriguing Eve! Santo Muerte adds an element like no other here on Showdown, and we’re SEEING THAT NOW AS SANTO CHARGES OVER TO THE ROPES RIGHT WHERE MARK MICHAELS IS RECOVERING FOR A SPRINGBOARD HILO!!! MICHAELS MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! AND SANTO BACKFLIPS OFF THE ROPES, FAKING MICHAELS OUT!
Deadprez: He’s getting into Michaels’ head, and you can see the expression of anger on Mark’s face, it seems to be working. Michaels rushes into the ring perhaps foolishly, because Santo is teeing off on him with stomps just after sliding under the bottom rope. Santo takes him up by the nape of the neck, Michaels fires away a couple of clubbing strikes to the stomach. Santo fires back with a shoot kick, sending Michaels hobbling to the corner! Santo charges at him now, RUNNING FOREARM STRIKE TO THE SIDE OF THE FACE! Irish whip into the opposite corner! Michaels reverses the whip sending Santo away instead, and chases right after him! Santo uses the corner to spring his body over and behind the oncoming Mark Michaels, and he takes Michaels out of the corner with a wheelbarrow pin!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Eve: Michaels rolls through it into one of his own!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Deadprez: Kick out by Santo! Santo Muerte nips right up, into a CLOTHESLINE BY MICHAELS! NO HE DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! Michaels turns around! HIP TOSS! Michaels holds his ground, and delivers a shot right to the ribs! A boot to the gut for good measure, and he follows up with a European uppercut to the face of his doubled over opponent! That sends Santo stumbling back into the ropes, only for Michaels to pounce on that opportunity for another kick straight into the ribs again! Michaels stops Muerte from falling through the ropes, and applies a rope-assisted arm wrench, forcing the official to get involved.
Ref: Get him out of the ropes Mark! Let’s go! 1! 2! 3! 4!
Gavin Kirkland: And a defiant Mark Michaels backs away before repeating stomps into the midsection in a flurry! Michaels pulls him out of the ropes and slings him over his shoulder, looking to take him over to the turnbuckle, but Santo slithers down Michaels’ back and attempts to catch him with a ROLL UP! BY THE TIGHTS NO LESS! Michaels manages to stand his ground against the lighter opponent, and clubs a couple of blows to the skull! Michaels turns Santo over and SCRAPES HIS FACE against the canvas, and a STOMP TO THE HEAD! Santo clutches his face and rolls away in pain, scrambling to the apron. You can see it in his eyes! Michaels knows an opening when he sees it! Michaels runs the ropes, and charges over to Muerte looking for something! SANTO MUERTE YANKS DOWN THE RING ROPES HOWEVER, SENDING MICHAELS TUMBLING TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR RIGHT IN FRONT OF US! MARK MICHAELS SCRAMBLES UP TO HIS FEET! OH MY!!!! SPRINGBOARD CORKSCREW CROSSBODY OFF THE APRON!!! TAKING MARK MICHAELS BACK DOWN!!!
Eve: A picture perfect takedown of Mark Michaels, no pun intended! That was highlight reel worthy; and Muerte appears to be a little slow on the recovery, favoring his midsection a little bit, but he’s winning over this San Jose audience who definitely didn’t have any bad preconceived notions to begin with. Muerte takes Michaels back into the ring, Michaels scrambles over to the other side perhaps looking for a quick escape – but Muerte catches him by the boot and yanks him just before he can crawl underneath the ropes! Michaels staggers up, Santo presses him back against the ring ropes…. looks around the audience……..
Santo Muerte (off-mic): SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Eve: THUNDEROUS!!!!! OPEN HAND CHOP!!!!!
Deadprez: Just brutal.
Eve: He hit him SO HARD! Michaels collapses to his bottom, and a KICK SMASHING THE TOE END OF HIS BOOT INTO MARK MICHAELS’ LIPS! Santo Muerte has the propensity to pull the gloves off and switch from pure athleticism to pure brutality at the drop of a hat, and we’re seeing that on display, as Muerte smashes the knee right against Mark Michaels’ face while he’s leaned back in a seated position against the nearest corner turnbuckle. The official is counting away, and Muerte shoots the referee a deadly glare before delivering mudhole stomps into the cornered, defenseless Mark Michaels! Muerte keeps the proverbial boot on Michaels’ neck, by keeping his actual boot pressed into Michaels’ face. Michaels is trying to use his hands to rip Muerte’s boot away, and somehow he ends up squirming his way out of it and rolling through the bottom and middle rope in order to drop down to ringside. MUERTE WITH A ROPE ASSISTED SWINGING DROPKICK taking Michaels off his feet! Mark Michaels is taking a long time to recover, but Santo Muerte has his deadly sights set on the recovering Mark Michaels…. before running the ropes again!!! CHARGING BACK!!! SUICIDE DIVE!!!
Deadprez: MICHAELS CAUGHT HIM WITH A JUMPING ROLLING ELBOW ACROSS THE HEAD! THAT LEAVES SANTO MUERTE HUNG UP TO DRY OVER THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND MICHAELS QUICKLY SPRINGS UP TO THE APRON AND RUSHES AT MUERTE! SWINGING NECKBREAKER!!! RIGHT INTO THE APRON, WITH A HUGE THUD! Santo Muerte is leaning damn near off the apron, but Michaels picked a hell of a spot and you got to chalk that up to the undeniable in ring IQ he possesses! Michaels rips Muerte back into the ring by his arm and covers him with the hook of both legs!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!!! TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Gavin Kirkland: KICK OUT BY SANTO! It’ll take more from the Lethal Injection to put down the Saint of Death, after all it’s hard to beat a man who has death on his side! Mark Michaels stands over Santo Muerte with a nasty scowl on his face before delivering a fist drop to the face! Now a clubbing ax handle to the back of the head! Elbow drop right to the back of the neck! He rebounds off the ropes… LOW DROPKICK right into the presumably sore ribs again! Santo Muerte rolls around favoring his middle torso. Michaels attempts to hoist Santo up from behind, but Santo fires off a couple of shots of his own despite the lack of leverage. This prompts Michaels to fire back with brutal elbow strikes to the shoulders, and one into the side of the neck, keeping Santo grounded. He adds to that with a nerve hold, standing over his opponent with a firm, clasped hold right into the nerve area where he just damaged with a nasty elbow strike. Michaels is at the very least trying to keep the match at a favorable pace for himself. Muerte is doing his best to turn out of it, forcing Michaels to follow him around… oh there’s a HARD CLOSED FIST SHOT STRAIGHT TO THE HEAD! The referee wasn’t a fan of that, but Michaels couldn’t give less of a damn if he tried! Michaels hoists Muerte up to his shoulders! Muerte struggling, trying as he might to get out of it! GUTBUSTER FROM MICHAELS!!! JUST MORE PUNISHMENT BEING ADDED TO THE MIDSECTION!
Eve: And it’s a wise strategy being employed effectively by The Guerrilla himself. Michaels drops right over Muerte for the cover!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!!! TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Eve: Shoulder up by Santo Muerte! Michaels wastes little time in applying a bear hug from the floor, making sure to posit himself from a place of leverage while continually applying the pressure where it’ll hurt the most. Deadprez I’m sure you know exactly what it’s like to have to wrestle a match with bruised ribs.
Deadprez: Every wrestler at some point incurs damage to the midsection area, it’s one of the most painful things to move from regardless of your style. That torso area is where your core is, core strength is so vital just to perform in the squared circle – especially when you rely on your agility and your ability to manipulate your own weight against your opponents like Santo Muerte. Mark Michaels clearly did his homework and I’ll give him credit for that because Santo Muerte has been brought into his ballpark!
Gavin Kirkland: I hate when you ex wrestlers exclude me from your ex-wrestler talk :mjcry:
Eve: Gavin pls. Forget bruised ribs, when was the last time you’ve even done a situp?
Gavin Kirkland: I’ll have you know I was an all star in the 10-year-olds Tae Kwon Do tournament, my spinning backfists were absolutely deadly! I knocked one kid out so bad they had to sit me out in fear of jeopardizing the entire event just because of how scared all of the other 10-year-olds were to even compete with me! At least that’s what my mommy says.
Eve: Not sure spinning back fists are legal in Tae Kwon Do tournaments, especially for 10-year-olds, but nevertheless. Michaels has been given a fight just to keep the firm bear hug applied to Santo Muerte. Santo has managed to will himself to his feet, forcing Michaels to improvise and convert into an abdominal stretch. The SAP Center is actually forming a slow “clap” to will Santo Muerte back into the match, which is clearly getting under the skin of Michaels! Michaels telling the audience to “stop clapping”, which only provokes them to clap even louder! Michaels batters some clubbing fists into the ribs!!! Muerte manages to catch Michaels’ wrist, Michaels spins around and takes Muerte onto his shoulders with a crucifix backslide!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!!! TWO-
Deadprez: MICHAELS TRANSITIONS THROUGH, NOW LOOKING FOR “THE LIBERATION HAS BEGUN” LEBELL LOCK!!! But not the best time and place for that, Santo is right in front of the ropes and all he has to do is reach his arm out to grab it! Which is exactly what he does! The referee is ordering Mark to release that hold, but Michaels instead decides to use his own legs to try and push off the bottom ropes and roll the Lebell Lock closer to the center of the ring! BUT SANTO MANAGES TO SLING MICHAELS OFF OF HIM MID-ROLL! Mark Michaels is up to his feet, rushes for a low clothesline! SANTO WITH THE COMBAT ROLL EVASION! Michaels turns around! INSIDE OUT ARMDRAG!!! Michaels scrambling for the recovery, SANTO REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES! RUNNING HURRICANRANA! MICHAELS HAPPENS UPON THE RING ROPES, LEANING AGAINST THEM, AND SANTO MUERTE SNATCHES HIM BY THE WRIST, SPRINGS UP TO TIGHTROPE ACROSS THE ROPES…. INTO A WEST COAST POP!!! DRAWING A HUGE POP FROM THIS WEST COAST AUDIENCE, REF SLIDES DOWN TO THE MAT!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEEEEE!!! TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO-
Eve: KICK OUT BY MICHAELS! Michaels and Muerte both panting, clawing up to their feet, with Michaels actually beating Santo Muerte to the punch in terms of recovery time! MICHAELS EXPLODES WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE TO TAKE SANTO MUERTE OUT OF THE RING! MUERTE DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX SENDS MICHAELS INTO THE BACK OF HIS HEAD!!! Michaels is on both knees, OH, CLOCKED BY ROLLING GAMENGIRI! AND MUERTE APPLIES A DOUBLE UNDERHOOK…
Gavin Kirkland: OH BOY, SANTO MUERTE LOOKING TO PUT AN END TO THIS RIGHT NOW WITH THE PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!!! HE CALLS THAT “THE FINAL BREATH”!!!
Eve: But the heavier, taller Mark Michaels dug deep inside of him to counter out of that with a BACK BODY DROP! Santo Muerte manages to stick the landing! He careens off of the ropes in front of him and attempts to level Michaels with a SLINGBLADE!!! MICHAELS CUTS HIM OFF WITH THE BIG BOOT, STOPPING THAT FEROCIOUS ONCOMING OFFENSE WITH AUTHORITY! Michaels drops to a knee for a bit and takes some time to regain his bearings, but he ‘snaps’ back into focus and takes Muerte up from the floor to attempt a SNAP SUPLEX INTO THE POWERSLAM! ….. NOT SO FAST! MUERTE TAKES THE SPLIT SECOND OPPORTUNITY TO COUNTER WITH A SATELLITE DDT!!! MUERTE DOING ALL HE CAN TO ROLL MICHAELS OVER, HOOK OF THE LEG, THIS COULD BE IT!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Deadprez: Michaels with a defiant shoulder up! Santo Muerte is sucking the wind right now, I mean just look at him, he is feeling the effects of that targeted attack from Mark Michaels earlier. But he is coming at Mark Michaels from every conceivable angle, and it looks like he’s got another method of attack in mind as you can see him perching himself up to the middle turnbuckle, looking down at the recovering former PURE Champion from above. Michaels clearly has no idea where he’s at, you can tell he got his bell rung by that explosive DDT! He’s just managed to pull himself back up and MUERTE DIVES OFF THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE FOR THE DIVING VERSION OF THE DEATH VALLEY DESTROYER!!!! DIVING FRONT FLIP PILEDRIVER!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT SANTO’S HAVING TROUBLE FLIPPING FORWARD! MICHAELS ENDS UP HOISTING HIM AND SLAMMING HIM INTO THAT VERY SAME CORNER WITH THE ALABAMA SLAMMA!!!! ROLLS OVER SANTO NOW WITH A COVER!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEEE!!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! THRRRRRR-
Eve: KICK OUT! Intuitive counter from the former champion, capitalizing off of the opening that he himself created. With all of the punishment Santo Muerte took to the midsection, something had to give eventually. Muerte couldn’t muscle himself and his opponent up for the Death Valley Destroyer, a move that requires a ton of core strength, and Michaels capitalized on that well, but it doesn’t look like he’s letting up one bit! Michaels takes the legs and is going for a FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK!!! HUFFING, PUFFING, TAKING HIS TIME, BUT MAKING SURE THAT HE GETS IT — MUERTE USES HIS LEG STRENGTH TO SEND MARK MICHAELS FLYING FORWARD INTO THE RING POST, SHOULDER TO STEEL!!!
Deadprez: Not so fast! Michaels manages to catch himself right before he can collide into the post! Michaels uses his hands to stop the impact, and somehow Santo Muerte is already up and has Michaels caught in a rear waist lock!!! Michaels thrusts himself out of the corner frantically, sending SANTO MUERTE CRASHING AGAINST THE REFEREE INADVERTENTLY! THE REF TUMBLES TO THE MAT, BUT SANTO STILL HAS THE REAR WAISTLOCK APPLIED! STANDING SWITCH BY MICHAELS! LOW BLOW!!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL!!!
Eve: SANTO MUERTE JUST HIT A CLUBBING UPPERCUT TO THE GROIN FROM BEHIND, BRINGING SANTO DOWN TO ALL FOURS! THIS AUDIENCE IS ABSOLUTELY LIVID, AND THE REFEREE DIDN’T EVEN SEE A THING! MARK MICHAELS REBOUNDS OFF OF THE ROPES! DOWNFALL!!!! DRILLING SANTO MUERTE’S FACE INTO THE CANVAS WITH THE CURB STOMP!!!! FOLLOWED BY THE COVER! NOT THIS WAY!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
( DING! DING! DING! )
( “Just Cos’ You Got The Power” by Motorhead hits once more, and Mark Michaels takes a brief moment to recover and lick his wounds before standing up and getting his arm raised by the official.)
Gina Romano: Here is your winner and advancing into the Extreme Elimination Chamber… MMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRKKK MIIICHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEELLLLLLLSSS!!!
Eve: By hook or by crook as the idiom goes, Mark Michaels STEALS a spot in the Extreme Elimination Chamber to compete for the Answers World Championship at this year’s Road To Redemption! You talk about a victory unbecoming of a former PURE Champion!
Gavin Kirkland: Gah, I really hate to say it, but that was a hell of a performance from Mark Michaels!
Deadprez: You know I believe in getting yours by any means, but Mark Michaels didn’t prove he was the better man tonight. Not even close if you ask me.
Gavin Kirkland: Nor was he here to do such a thing! If ANYBODY’S a Mark Michaels fan, it isn’t me, but the guy had a strategy and most importantly he had an objective! He was going to come in here, look for a weakness and exploit it. He did that! He was going to bring this match down to his pace. He did that! And most importantly he came to get a spot in the Extreme Elimination Chamber AND by proxy the King of Elite tournament, and again, he did that!
( Mark Michaels continues to celebrate his victory on the ramp, ignoring the hatred he is receiving from the audience. )
Gavin Kirkland: With the announcement of Jenny Punk made earlier tonight, this man right here has the opportunity to go on to Road to Redemption, become Answers World Champion, and enter the new decade competing for the coveted King of Elite crown! Can you imagine if February rolls around and it’s Mark Michaels as the Answers World Champion AND King of Elite?!
Eve: PLEASE do not speak that into existence. It was already a long, winding, nightmarish reign as PURE Champion. I don’t think I can survive King Michaels. Just no way.
Deadprez: That’s all the time we have on Showdown! Signing off for Gavin Kirkland and Eve, I am Deadprez! Goodnight!
(The last shot is of Mark Michaels celebrating his victory and gesturing for the Answers World Championship on his waste. The camera fades to black.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
