EXPRO On FX #18

We come back from commercial with just some simple words.

"No introductions are needed."

As the cameras faded into the scene, a recognizable gruff voice can be heard from the corridors backstage; reverberating as the man finished his sentence. A chuckle is then heard and the camera panned over to the figure, standing in front of an Exodus Pro backdrop is the newest addition to the Exodus Pro Wrestling roster, Joey Edwards. With a smirk plastered on his face, and his hands behind his back he approached the camera. Dressed in his usual wrestling attire however with a hood slung over his head.

Joey Edwards: You people know who I am. I've wrestled across the globe. Japan, Germany, the UK, Mexico. The biggest arenas in the world, I've been there. I'm a twelve time world heavyweight champion. I've defeated some of the greatest men to ever step into the four sided ring. But as I'm approaching the end of my illustrious career.. it's time to go back to my roots, the independent circuit.

Once he finished his sentence Edwards paused and ran his fingers of his right hand through his dark brown hair, contemplating what to say next before licking his dry lips and engaging with the camera.

Joey Edwards: The independent circuit is where it all began. And it's where it will all end for Joey Edwards. Pro Wrestling FRONTIER, Legacy Wrestling and EXODUS Pro. Three of the biggest in my opinion independent companies out there. Over the next few months, you'll see the last chapter of Joey Edwards. What I plan to do here for the next few months is accomplish everything and anything I can, to embed my name in this company's history. But of course, there is a main aim to all of this. A main aim that many people also share with me. The EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight Championship. But I understand that I may not get my chance before others..

He clears his throat before continuing.

Joey Edwards: But WHEN I do, and I will, I'll take the opportunity with both hands and show you why Joey Edwards is one of the greatest superstars in the world. But until then, I'll have to settle with the title of a "show opener", which really does confuse me because for most of my career I've been the complete opposite. But it doesn't matter. What matters is that I end my career here on a high.. with the world heavyweight championship draped on my shoulder.. with my face as the cover of this company.. with my legacy forever remaining legendary.

We cut from this back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: Some harsh words there from Joey Edwards, Seth.

Seth Ericson: What the hell is it with people who think they're slumming it in EXODUS? We may not be in the Garden, but this is the most competitive company in all of the world! Joey Edwards better learn nice and quick that reputations don't mean a thing in EXODUS, and even the best in other places may not be the best here.

Dick Morosi: A fair point, especially knowing that his first test is against two of the best in EXODUS! Joey Edwards teams up with David Cross to meet the Short Change Heroes next!

TAG TEAM MATCH
SHORT CHANGE HEROES (Abby Park & Johnny Cannon) VS. DAVID CROSS & JOEY EDWARDS

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, the next match is a tag team match, scheduled for one fall. Introducing first...

The lights go dim and a slight strobe effect begins as the crowd buzzes a bit.


#DESTROY#


'S*kt It Up' by (hed) PE screams over the PA as the crowd cheers Cross. As the song continues, Cross walks out on the entrance ramp to a pop as he raises his black-gloved fist to the air as he comes to the ring. While making his way to the ring, Cross slaps a few outstretched hands at ringside, but mostly he's focused on the ring, whether it's the squared circle itself or his opponent inside.

Before stepping into the ring, David kisses the small cross around his neck, before sliding off his leather jacket and removing the cross and entering the ring.

David Zinkus: Weighing in at 269lbs, fighting out of Oil City, Pennsylvania... DAVID CROSS... And next, introducing his partner...

The cameras transfer to the entrance ramp as the lights in the arena begin to dim down and all the spectators eyes are glued to it. Suddenly playing through the sound system is "Flowing" by "311", and an outbreak of mixed reactions begin to reverberate through the arena as emerging through the curtains is the spokesman of a generation, Joey Edwards.

With a grin from ear to ear, Edwards raises both of his arms up in the air as he stands on the top of the entrance ramp dressed in his usual wrestling attire consisting black and white wrestling shorts, white wrist tape, black laced up boots and a hoodie with the hood slung over his head. He begins to make his way to the ring, with one fist up in the air he arrogantly ignores high five attempts from the audience members in the front row.

He jumps onto the apron and enters the ring before hoisting himself up onto the turnbuckle, his smug arrogant face instantly turns into a stern serious face as he takes off his hoodie and throws it towards the audience, jumping down from the turnbuckle. He then walks over to his designated corner as his theme song slowly fades out and the lights in the arena begin to restore light.

David Zinkus: Fighting out of Detroit, Michigan, and weighing in at 225lbs, he is JOEY EDWARDS! And now, introducing their opponents...

Suddenly, the entrance tunnel is fixed with a bright yellow spotlight, while the arena lights dim down as the blaring chords of "Supernaut" by Black Sabbath slam into its rhythmic bellow throughout the depths of the arena, inciting an instant and vociferous reaction from the EXODUS faithful.

The tron screen comes to life playing the Brit's entrance video, a collection of fantastic performances accumulated over his experiences. As soon as Cannon's silhouette becomes visible in the entrance tunnel David Zinkus begins the formal introduction.

David Zinkus: Making his way to the ring.



On demand, energetically bursting through the entrance tunnel is none other than Johnny Cannon. The EXPRO Original, the greatest showman in professional wrestling stops and poses on the entrance stage to soak in the adulation. Wearing his MMA style tights in yellow and purple and his #MrEXODUS track jacket in black, both with numerous insignias and designs sewn over them in purple, Johnny stares out at the excited audience through a pair of white SUPER sunglasses. The Brit surveys the capacity crowd, Johnny can't help but grin from ear to ear before running up and down the entrance stage, playing up to the audience.

David Zinkus: Accompanied by Quinn Goodrich he weighs in tonight at two hundred and forty pounds, and hails from London, England. He is MR. EXODUS... JOHNNYYYY CANNON!!!!

With Goodrich walking ahead Cannon begins sauntering down the entrance ramp, slapping the hands of excited fans that shove their arms out in his direction. Coming down the middle of the ramp, he slows his pace to a stop, posing on location. He playfully points out a finger gun gesture at the crowd, playing up to the patrons before removing his two hundred dollar sunglasses and handing them to one lucky kid in the front row.



He quickly runs up the ring steps before slipping into the ring with relative ease. Continuing with his momentum, Johnny spins to the middle of the ring before coming to a stop right in front of the camera. Cannon points at the camera, mouthing "Daddy's Home" to the audience at home as he slides out of his jacket with suaveness before handing his entrance gear to the referee, who then hands it to Goodrich on the outside.



From there, Johnny slowly backs into the ropes, hooking his arms back on them before bouncing several times, apparently limbering up while Goodrich looks on from ringside; with his theme fading out, #MrEXODUS gets himself focused to hopefully put on another one of his classic performances.

The lights in the arena dim to just below total black as a soft, lilting tune from a traditional zither gently plays throughout the sound system. The figure of Abby Park stands in front of the entryway, her back facing the crowd. A light shines on the symbol emblazoned on the back of her attire. The zither fades as a roaring drum kicks in.



"Maw Maw Song" by The Joy Formidable blasts through the arena as the lights come up. Abby turns around and thrusts both fists into the air, her mouth open in a shout that is all but drowned out by the music.



Abby brings her fists down but looks at her right arm for a mere moment. After looking at the arm, she lightly slaps her cheeks three times and proceeds to walk down the ramp, her eyes focused intently on the ring. Though her eyes remain forward, she averts them as she slaps a few hands with the fans, grinning ear to ear.



Using the steps to get to the apron, Abby steps into the ring and stands in the center. Abby lifts her left palm in front of her chest. Quickly she hits her palm with her right fist. Once. Twice. Three times. After the third time she raises her right fist skyward, again her mouth letting out a yell.



Before dropping her fist, she points towards a random section of the crowd and gives a thumbs up, listening for the reaction. She drops her fist and walks towards a corner and waits, eyes towards her opponent, as the music dies down until the zither plays briefly before coming to an end.

David Zinkus: And his partner, tipping the scales at 118lbs and hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, she is ABBY PARK, and together, they are the SHORT... CHANGE... HEROES!!!

Dick Morosi: The Short Change Heroes are back, and looking to show these two newcomers a rough welcome.

Seth Ericson: Whatever. They need to get on with entertaining me.

The bell rings, with Abby and Joey leaving the ring, leaving Johnny and David to start it up. David backs away a little, weary of the multiple time champion, whilst Johnny claps to the crowd, trying to get them all behind him. He reaches out with a hand, fingers twiddling. Cross timidly reciprocates, tentatively reaching out to Cannon’s outstretched hand. As their hands are about to touch, David kicks out, and catches Johhny in the gut with a toe kick, following up with a rapid series of Forearm Clubs to the back, gradually driving Johnny down onto the mat. Once Cannon’s down, Cross gets to his feet, shouting and trying to get the crowd behind him, to a mixed response.

Dick Morosi: David Cross hitting thick and fast there, and trying to sway the crowd to his side from the remarkably loyal Cannon camp.

Johnny gets back to his feet, favouring his back as he does, only for David to take his wrist as he stands, and apply an Arm Wrench. Cross twists the arm, applying more pressure, but Cannon doesn’t give. Fighting back, Johnny tries to regain control. Suddenly, he raises one hand straight up in the air. Cross’ gaze follows it, not sure what to expect. Cannon brings his hand back to face level, Cross’ gaze following all the while. With a martial arts style grunt, he drives the hand into the nook of his own arm, causing it to bend. Using the extra purchase he gains, he quickly spins, untwisting his arm whilst keep a hold of David’s wrist. With almost imperceptible speed, Johhny slips behind his back, spins in front of him, grabs an arm and takes him down with an Arm Drag.

Seth Ericson: What the... what the hell was that? What just happened there?

Dick Morosi: Johnny showing some of the skills that you gain in becoming a former world champion Seth.

Johnny keeps a lock on David’s wrist, and gets straight back to his feet, dragging him up with him. He runs, and springboards, taking Cross down with a Springboard Arm Drag, sending him sliding out of the ring. Johnny gets to his feet, but before he has a chance to celebrate, Joey is in the ring, and catches him from behind with a Forearm. A couple of strikes, and he hits the ropes. Rebounding back, he goes for a Spear, but Johnny falls back, bringing his feet up and sending him flying out of the ring with a no-handed Monkey Flip, rolling through onto his feet as David catches Joey, helping him land on his feet. Joey abruptly brushes Cross off of him, as Cannon runs to the ropes himself, but as he comes back the men separate, leaving only the barrier. Cannon sees this, slamming on the brakes, and coming to a stop just short of the ring ropes. The referee orders Cross back into the ring, as Johnny makes his way to his corner and tags in Abby.Park vaults the ring rope, and watches Cross as he circumnavigates the ring with Edwards. She steps back and lets David back in, where he promptly tags Joey in, much to his partner’s surprise. The new pair begin to circle each other around the ring, before meeting in the middle, locking up collar and elbow. Abby takes the advantage, throwing her arm up and slipping behind, locking in a waist lock. Joey drops down a bit, pushing Abby’s arms away, before spinning behind her and locking in a waist lock of his own.Park fights back, pushing down with her arms, until she’s able to slip her arms into the waist lock. Straining, she forces Joey’s arms out before grabbing his wrist, and spinning out into an Arm Wrench. Edwards rolls forward, untwisting his arm and grabbing Abby’s wrist, before wrapping his legs around her ankles and tripping her, bring her down to the mat. Straight away, he pounces, spinning around on her back and locking in a Reverse Headlock. Park starts fighting back immediately, climbing up to all fours, before spinning out, the momentum sending Joey facefirst into the mat. She quickly grabs his arm, and locks in a Hammerlock. She starts to lift him to his feet, keeping his arm twisted behind his back. As he gets upright, he suddenly reaches up with his free arm, getting her in an Inverted Facelock, before dropping down, catching her with a Snapmare. He quickly gets behind her, pulls her up to a seated position and locks in a Facelock. Abby struggles against the hold, fighting her way up to standing, as Joey converts the hold into a Headlock.

Dick Morosi: An excellent display of technique in the ring here, from both Edwards and Park.

Abby drives her foot into the nook of Joey’s knee, forcing him down to the mat, before slipping out and applying another Hammerlock. She pulls Edwards up to a vertical base, before slipping in front of him, using the momentum to whip him. He reverse it, sending Abby into the ropes. She comes back, and ducks his attempt at a Clothesline, before coming back off the opposite ropes and taking him down with a Seoul Train. She holds on for the pin.

ONE

TWO

Kickout! Joey kicks free, and immediately starts crawling back to David. Shaking out the cobwebs, Abby quickly grabs him before he has the opportunity to tag out, whipping him into the Short Change Heroes’s corner, quickly following up with a Shoulder Block. Johnny steps aside, as Abby hooks Joey up, with Cannon tagging himself in on Park’s shoulder. Abby hits Joey with an STO, with Johnny immediately following up with a Slingshot Double Foot Stomp as Park climbs out of the ring. Johnny steps back as Abby flies over the top rope with a Slingshot Senton, rolling out as Johnny connects with a Soccer Kick to the recumbent Edwards.

Seth Ericson: Wait, is Johnny legal? Is it Abby? I’ve lost track.

Johnny pulls Joey to his feet, hanging him up on the ropes, delivering a few Knife Edge Chop, before whipping him into the opposite ropes. Joey grabs hold of the ropes though, stopping himself from rebounding back. Johnny charges at him, only for him to drop down, sending Cannon over the top rope with a Back Body Drop. Cannon displays his agility, and lands on the apron. Joey immediately turns, before driving his shoulder into Johnny’s stomach. Taking a big breath, he dives over the top rope, going for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb to the outside. Johnny holds on to the rope though, resisting the move, as Joey lands on her feet. Reaffirming his grip, Johnny jumps up, slipping from Joey’s grip, driving both feet into his chest with a Double Foot Stomp, right into the edge of the apron. Joey staggers into the ropes as Cannon vaults the ropes into the ring, runs into the opposite ropes, rebounds back, and slides out under the ropes with a Babeball Slide, driving Joey into the barrier.

Seth Ericson: Now that, I’ll admit, was alright. Cannon’s a goddamned ninja.

David climbs straight into the ring, and runs into the ropes as well, rebounding back as Cannon gets to his feet and slides under the ropes with a Baseball Slide of his own, keeping hold of the bottom rope as he does to stop himself sliding all the way out, planting Cannon square in the chest. He quickly gets to his feet, raising both hands aloft in triumph as he does so. He’s so busy celebrating the move, he doesn’t notice Park climb into the ring. She slowly walks behind him, suddenly grabbing him by the groin and the waist of his pants, before charging him forward and dumping him over the top rope.

Seth Ericson: Whatever happened to wrestling happening in the ring, Dick? What the hell is Park up to?

Park starts stamping the mat, getting the crowd behind her, whilst the referee asks her to leave the ring. Still encouraging the crowd, she runs into the ropes, only for Joey to spring up from under the ring apron and grab her foot, sending her crashing into the mat.

Seth Ericson: And where the hell did Joey come from?

Dick Morosi: I think he must have crawled under the ring during all the distractions.

He pulls her, by her leg, out of the ring a bit, before spinning her around on the mat and catching her in the head with a Dropkick. As she pulls back into the ring, she turns, trying to get to her feet, only to be met by a Diving Clothesline from David, who has climbed to the top rope from out of the ring. Abby rolls right out of the ring, as Johnny climbs back in. Joey has climbed in to, and he intercepts Johnny with a Spinning Heel Kicks as he goes for David, leaving him sprawled on the mat. Joey and David stand in the ring, exchanging a cool look as Johnny reels on the mat. The referee orders Cross out of the ring, but he only manages to get a boot out of the ring as Joey tags him in officially. David grudgingly accepts the tag, as Edwards exaggerates the injuries his picked up as he climbs out between the top and middle rope. Cross helps the winded Cannon to his feet, before whipping him into Edwards & Cross’s corner. He drives a couple of boots into Johnny’s gut, causing him to sag down, sitting on the middle turnbuckle. Taking hold of Johnny’s wrist, Cross viciously hauls him out of the corner, laying him flat out as he does so with a Short-Arm Clothesline. Cross follows up with a series of hard stomps, before dragging Johnny up to his feet, taking him straight back down with a Spinebuster. He quickly stamps on his face, gloating to Abby in the corner as she does so. He taunts Cannon, shouting for him to get back to his feet, slapping him about the head as he slowly starts to climb up. He lashes out with a quick slap of his own, catching David by surprise, and causing him to stagger. As Cross comes back, Cannon lashes out again, this time with a Forearm, knocking him off balance. In retaliation, Cross stumbles forward and hits him suddenly with a Lariat.

Dick Morosi: Just as Johnny starts to build some momentum, David slams on the brakes.

Shaking his head, and seemingly groggy, he pulls Johnny back up to his feet, before taking him down with a Brainbuster. He goes for a pin.

ONE

TWO

Kickout!

Dick Morosi: How the hell did Johnny pull that off?

Seth Ericson: He must be running on fumes. He should just give up!

Joey starts calling for the tag now. David, still not impressed from his earlier action, fobs him off. Instead, he quickly locks a Headlock on Johnny, stopping him from moving anywhere near his corner. He pulls him up, and hooks him up for another Brainbuster. As Cross lifts though, Cannon turns, twisting free and landing on his feet behind her, albeit with a stagger. David turns, and shouts for Cannon to come at him. Groggily, Johnny gets up and charges forward, ducking into a forward roll under David’s wild Clothesline, before springing up and getting in the tag to Park.

Dick Morosi: And here comes Abby Park. You know she’s got to be itching to lay a beat down.

Abby vaults over the ropes, straight into the face of David, hitting him with a rapid flurry of chops to the chest, forcing him into the corner. She whips him across the ring, but he counters, using his weight advantage to send her into the corner. He charges after her, but Abby forces herself up on the top rope, into a half handstand before vaulting backwards over the charging Cross. Meanwhile, Edwards has hit the ring, and as she lands he locks him up in a Full Nelson. Cross turns and sees this, and charges the tied up Abby, only for her to duck out of the hold, resulting in Cross taking Edwards down with a massive Lariat. Park charges into the ropes, and as she rebounds back catches David with a reverse Headlock, leaping up and taking Joey down and out of the ring with a Dropkick and using the momentum from that to take Cross down with a Tornado DDT. She picks her straight up, and drives him into the ropes before whipping her across the ring. He reverses though, and hits her with a Shoulder Block against the ropes, leaving her hung up. He runs back into the ropes for momentum, and comes back with a clothesline, only for Abby to duck it, and slip behind him with a waist lock, flowing into a German Suplex. Cross rolls through, and staggers into the ropes. Abby climbs back to her feet, and spying Cross in the corner signals to Cannon, hitting him with a Seoul Train in the corner, causing Cross to stagger out into the ring. Johnny has climbed into the ring, on the opposite side of David to Abby.

Seth Ericson: What’re Abby and Johhny going for here?

Nodding to one another, both Abby and Johnny charge at the groggy Cross, Johnny connecting with his Roundhouse Kick as Abby simultaneously connects with the Gourd-Head!

Dick Morosi: Good God, that must have caved Cross’ skull in!

Johnny makes a move towards Joey to head him off, but Joey has already jumped off the apron, hands held up, making no move to assist his team mate, as Abby hooks the now unconscious Cross’ leg.

ONE

TWO

THREE!

David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen, your winners of this match by way of pinfall... Abby Park and Johnny Cannon... THE SHORT! CHANGE! HEROES!

The two partners celebrate in the middle of the ring, Johnny hoisting Abby up high.

Dick Morosi: A hard fought victory for the Heroes tonight. Edwards & Cross brought them to the edge.

Seth Ericson: That team didn’t even last its first match. Joey Edwards is just no team player.

WINNER: SHORT CHANGE HEROES

Park and Cannon continue to celebrate as we fade off to commercial.

As we come back from the commercial break, our cameras are situated in front of the door leading to the trainer’s room. It is here where we find ace reporter Tom Matheny standing in front of the semi open door with a microphone in hand. Drawing in a sharp breath, Tom gently pushes on the door, opening it up all the way and steps inside. The room is almost empty, save for one trainer who is busy on the opposite side of the room, and the person Tom was looking for. Sitting on one of the two tables the trainers use, still dressed in her ring gear is none other than Angela Jameson. Her right hand is holding a bag of ice against the back of her head as the left props her upright. Her attention is on the floor in front of her as Tom gently clears his throat.

Tom Matheny: Angela? I was hoping I could have a moment of your time regarding what happened at the end of your match.

Angela says nothing, but she turns her gaze up from the floor to look at Tom. Her crystal blue eyes don’t even begin to show how much what happened at the end of her match was affecting her. Clearing her throat, she begins to speak.

Angela Jameson: What do you want?

Tom Matheny: Well, I was hoping I could get your reaction as to how your match ended and the aftermath.

Angela drops the ice pack down on the table beside her and slowly begins to rub her temples with her now free right hand.

Angela Jameson: You want my thoughts? There isn’t enough time in the world to get ALL of my thoughts. Plus I’m pretty sure I would exhaust both EXODUS and FX’s budget as far as the censors are concerned.

Tom Matheny: I’m sure out of everyone who saw what happened, you are the most shocked that your own cousin would attack you the way that she did.

Angela Jameson: You THINK? No. I was TOTALLY expecting to have my cousin, the person who has been the closest thing to a sister that I have had, to hit me upside the head with my trademark weapon and cost me my chance at the San Diego Bay championship.

She says as she rolls her eyes, her frustration reaching a breaking point.

Angela Jameson: You want to know what I think of this whole mess Tom? I think it’s a load of crap. The fact that Cleon Gray was somehow able to get to my cousin and manipulate her so that she turned against me is complete and utter crap. Being betrayed like that by family…..that is a whole other level of hurt. What happened out there had changed everything.

Tom Matheny: How so?

Angela Jameson: It means that I’ll have to watch my back even closer now. It means that I’ll have to take a long, hard look at those who I let into my inner circle. But most of all…..

She slowly slides herself off of the table and stands in front of Tom. She pauses herself, gathering her thoughts, before proceeding with her statement, her voice falters slightly.

Angela Jameson: It means I’m going to have to find a new maid of honor before August.

Tom Matheny: Any thoughts about her new alliance with Cleon Gray?

Angela Jameson: All I will say is that Cleon Gray is going to wish he never came here. I don’t care whose brother he is. He’s going to pay for what he has done.

With that, Angela turns and walks slowly out of the room as the cameras head back to the ringside area and the start of the next match.

Dick Morosi: Angela Jameson looks absolutely crestfallen.

Seth Ericson: When the bonds between family break in pro wrestling, it's sad to see the effects. Cleon Gray scored a massive psychological coup over Angela Jameson, and Angela has bigger problems now...the vengeance of her own cousin, Brianna Singer.

Dick Morosi: I don't even think she'll take time to appreciate her long time rival being put into the ring with the debuting second generation star, Jessica Lasiewicz! Jess makes her debut against Samantha Raine...next!

NORMAL MATCH
JESSICA LASIEWICZ VS. SAMANTHA RAINE



“Wait” by ZOEGirl begins to play over the PA system. The Global Tron flashes to life as the phrase “Last Jones Standing” appears on the screen followed by the name “Jessica Lasiewicz.” A modest cheer erupts from the fans as Jessica Lasiewicz steps out onto the stage.



Jessica raises her arms high into the air. After the pyro is over, she begins to make her way down towards the ring, looking determined, her eyes tense as they gaze towards the ring.



David Zinkus: Now coming to the ring, hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. She is Jessica Lasiewicz!



She steps up on the steel steps and then steps over to the middle of the ring apron where she poses once more for the fans to loud cheers. She then steps through the ropes and steps to the center of the ring as the music dies down.

Dick Morosi: And once again we have a Lasiewicz in an EXODUS Pro ring.

Seth Ericson: Jessica Lasiewicz, the daughter of former World Champion Andreas Lasiewicz is looking to impress here in her EXODUS debut.

Dick Morosi: But she’s going to definitely have her hands full with Samantha Raine, who took Abby Park to the limits at the last show.

The arena suddenly goes darkens which stuns all the fans in to a hushed silence as they don’t know what to expect. The crowd just continues to be silent as the stage crew in charge of the lighting starts to simulate the look of lightning flashing within the arena as the sound system starts to broadcast the sound of a rain storm as white and blue confetti start falling like rain on both sides of the entrance. The sound of the rain storm is momentarily broken up by the sound of Samantha Raine saying… “No rain on this parade…” which is followed by “Sick and tired of hearin' all these people talk about, What's the deal with this pop life and when is it gonna fade out?” as the large screen comes to life showing Samantha standing out in a pretty looking field when all of the sudden she’s caught in a downpour.



As the video continues to play Sam to stand in the field with out running for cover. Instead, she looks up at the sky allowing the rain to pelt her face as she raises both of her arms up and for a quick moment several times the footage flips to Sam doing that same motion, but to hold up either the GDW Heavyweight title and half of the tag titles or the GDW Undisputed titles. The fans in the building some start cheering while the others start booing wildly as N*Sync’s “Pop” continues to blast through the speakers.



When Sam finally steps out from behind the curtain she is not alone as she is joined by Ashley Chase as the video changes once again, but this time it starts to show clips from her greatest matches with Angela Jameson, Feature Presentation, and Jasmine. The cheering actually gets just a little bit louder as the former GDW Undisputed Champion as she stands at the top of the entrance ramp right in the center of the confetti falling around her in her "Supergirl" themed attired that's even adorned with a red cape that falls just to her lower back and Ashley who is seemingly dressed up as "Lois Lane". Sam smiles widely as she starts to make her way down to the ring.



Sam alternates between the left and right side of the ring as she stops to take pictures with the fans, sign a few autographs, and for the younger fans giving a kiss on the cheek.



Once she reaches the ring she walks over to the ring stairs and then jaunts up them on to the apron. She moves over to the center of the apron where she looks at all the fans with a smile on her face before she enters the ring, but she stops when she is just half way in to the ring. During that slight pause in her entering the ring she wiggles her ass very much to the male fan‘s delight. Once she is in the ring she walks around the ring a bit doing her best to blow kisses out to all of the fans with both of her hands, but the sheer number of fans makes it impossible.



Though the fans just continue to cheer her attention turns from them as she starts to stretch herself out a little bit more to get ready for her match, but not before allowing Ashley to remove her cape from her shoulders.

Dick Morosi: You know that Samantha Raine has got to be ready for this match. Some would say she let a golden opportunity slip through her fingers last show against Abby Park.

Seth Ericson: Samantha certainly had Abby on the ropes quite a few times, but she just wasn’t able to finish her off. Let’s see if her luck fares any differently with the debuting Lasiewicz.

DING DING DING!

The two ladies circle one another and then lock up. Samantha quickly gains the upperhand, putting Jessica into a hammerlock. Jessica reverses it however, swinging her body around and putting Samantha into a hammerlock of her own. Samantha rapidly shoots an elbow back, catching Jessica in the side of the head and causing her to lose her grip. Samantha then spins behind Jessica, grabbing her into a waist lock. Jessica reaches down, grabbing hold of Samantha's wrists and slowly breaks from her grasp. She torques her body, twisting Samantha's arm in the process, wrenching it, and shoots off a snapping kick that keels Samantha over. Jessica then follows that up with a stinging right that sends Samantha stumbling away.

Seth Ericson: Ouch, hard right hand right there by little Lasie.

Dick Morosi: Little Lasie Seth? Really?

Jessica stays on the offensive, stalking behind her and backing her into the ropes. She attempts to whip Sam across the ring, but Samantha reverses the attempt, sending Jessica steaming towards the ropes instead. As Jessica rebounds, she is met by a hard running forearm that sends her to the mat. She doesn't stay there long however as Samantha quickly yanks her back to her feet and sets her up in a suplex position. She connects with a beautiful snap suplex, rolling through it to go for a pin on the young Lasiewicz.

Dick Morosi: Beautiful snap suplex there. Raine looking to end this party early.

Seth Ericson: Ha, I see what you did right there.

“ONE!”

“TWO!””

Seth Ericson: No! Jessica with the kickout. It’s going to take much more than that to keep her down I can tell you that much.

Samantha bounces back to her feet and pulls Jessica to a vertical base. She delivers a quick forearm, staggering Jessica back and then grabs a hold of her, guiding her to the nearest corner and roughly pushing her against the turnbuckle. She drives a knee to Jessica's gut, bending her over, but then quickly straightens her up with a stinging chop to the chest, drawing a “whoooo” from the crowd.

Dick Morosi: I think I just saw a piece of skin fly to the third row after that chop.

Samantha rears back and delivers another stinging chop, before whipping Jessica to the opposite corner and chasing after her. Before she crashes into the turnbuckle however, Jessica catches herself and hoists herself up into the air. As Samantha runs by underneath her, Jessica drops down and grabs her with a sunset flip. She then flips forward, grabbing hold of Samantha’s legs and Jacknifes the pin.

Dick Morosi: Jessica has her!

“One!”

“Two!”

Seth Ericson: No, Samantha able to muscle out.

Both ladies scramble to their feet. Samantha charges attempting a lariat, but Jessica ducks underneath it, and storms towards the ropes. She bounces off of them and heads back full steam towards Samantha who instinctively leaps into the air and catches Jessica with a picture perfect drop kick! Samantha climbs back to her feet, and watches as Jessica writhes around the ring holding her mouth. She stomps over to the fallen Lasiewicz and yanks her by the head, lifting her to a vertical base. She dips down, grabbing Jessica by the waist and looks to go for a northern lights suplex, but Jessica drives her elbow right into Samantha’s head staggering her. She steps back and drives a knee right into Samantha’s head, the impact spinning her around and sending her reeling. Jessica then bursts forward, rushing past Samantha and springboards off the ropes, flying back and catching The Simply Stunning Supergirl with a Springboard Reverse DDT which draws a nice reaction from the crowd. Jessica then goes for a cover, hooking the leg.

Seth Ericson: Big move right there by Jessica! Can she put Samantha away?

“One!”

“Two!”

Dick Morosi: Thre-- She got her? No! No! Samantha Raine is able to get her shoulder up at the last fraction of a second. Both of these ladies are giving it their all tonight.

Jessica springs to her feet, backing into the corner, her eyes locked in on the downed Raine. Samantha groggily gets to a knee, and Jessica beckons for her to stand up. As soon as Raine is back on her feet, Jessica surges forward looking to connect with her “Our Lady Peace” Bicycle kick. Samantha spies the move and pivots out of the way, Jessica’s foot hardly missing her face. Samantha runs up behind Jessica when she lands and nails her with the “Carpet Munching Finale”. She then rolls Jessica over for the pin.

Seth Ericson: Lasiewicz missing with the bicycle kick, and it left her in a vulnerable spot. This one might be over.

“One!”

“Two”

Dick Morosi: Thre--- No!! Jessica got a shoulder up!

Seth Ericson: I thought Samantha had her there, Dick. Samantha does too!

Samantha shakes her head in disbelief, believing she had the match won. She looks at Chris Dawson, who assures her that it was only a two count. She climbs to her feet and reaches down, getting ready to lift Jessica up to her feet, when all of a sudden she’s taken down with a small package!

Dick Morosi: Small Package by Jessica Lasiewicz, can she pull off the victory!

“One!”

“Two!”

Dick Morosi: Raine gets her shoulder up.

Seth Ericson: Jessica almost stole one right there, Dick.

Samantha Raine is able to muscle out once again in the nick of time. Both women rush to their feet. Jessica storms forward, but gets met with a boot. Samantha snatches her into a double underhook position, looking to connect with the Down Pour! Jessica frees one of her arms and pulls away, only to be met with a forearm. Samantha pushes forward, backing Jessica into the ropes. She goes to whip her across the ring, but Jessica reverses it and tries to shoot Samantha into the ropes. Samantha grounds herself into the mat, and roars back looking to connect with a short arm clothesline, but Jessica thinks quickly and ducks underneath it. She then launches into the air, connecting plush with a pele kick that puts Samantha onto the mat.

Dick Morosi: Pele Kick!

Seth Ericson: Jessica needs to pin her, what is she doing?

Jessica rolls away, creating some space as Samantha holds her jaw on the mat. Samantha gradually climbs to her feet, turning to look for Jessica. Jessica sprints forward towards her and leaps up, connecting with Our Lady of Sorrows to a monstrous ovation. She reaches forward and hooks the leg.

Dick Morosi: WHAT A MOVE!!!

“One!

“Two!”

“Three!”

"Wait" starts to play again, and the crowd gives polite applause for the successful debut of Jessica Lasiewicz!

WINNER: Jessica Lasiewicz

Dick Morosi: Huge victory for the debuting Jessica Lasiewicz!

Seth Ericson: I gotta be honest...I didn't think Baby Eagle could do it, but she did it. And Sam Raine is starting to look like she's having problems staying afloat here.

Dick Morosi: We'll see if Sam can get herself back on track in the near future, but in the meantime, we'll be back after this!

We come back from commercial, and it's confirmed! July 21st, 2014 in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan...



LIVE ON iPPV!

Dick Morosi: Ascendency is starting to shape up to be a hell of a show, Seth! We already know Fiona Collins will be meeting Christum Furor for the World Title, but we have no idea what else is next!

Seth Ericson: Actually, I've just received word that based on her debut victory, Jessica Lasiewicz will be meeting Savannah Taylor for the San Diego Bay Title at Ascendency!

Dick Morosi: Hopefully we'll see more big announcements tonight and over the next few weeks, but we've got a big match coming next! Zack Lifer will meet Chuck Matthews next! Let's go to David Zinkus!

NORMAL MATCH
CHUCK MATTHEWS VS. ZACK LIFER

The heavy bridge of "Brains" erupts through the speakers as spotlights race across the crowd. Chuck Matthews steps out onto the stage, looking around at the people in attendance. He smiles, taking in the reaction of the fans. Casually, Chuck begins his walk towards the ring.

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for ONE FALL! Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at two hundred and twenty-five pounds: CHUCK!!! MATTHEWS!!!

He moves calmly, but quickly, making no effort to interact with fans until he reaches the apron. At this point, he climbs up, leaning with his back against the ropes, looking out at the crowd. He winks, and steps between the ropes before climbing one of the corners. He raises his arms in his signature horns before hopping down. He rolls his wrists and neck, waiting for the match to begin.

David Zinkus: And his opponent…

A brief flash of silence passes through the arena as the stage is beamed on by gold and white lights, the bulbs dimming slightly. Heroic hues floated over the entryway, the ramp and of course the audience, audible cheers as they hear the words of "Alive in the Lights" by Memphis May Fire boom through the speakers signifying one man and one man only.

From the beginning, I knew I was different.
I embraced it, but you didn't.
Your normal life, 9-5, it's just not for me.
I need to feel alive!

As the lights of gold and white beam down against the crowd, searching up the stairs and to the cheap seats, they notice a familiar silhouette. A pop from the fans resurfacing, signs of various positive remarks stretching across the ocean of 'Lifer Addicts' as well as a few anomaly signs that don't fit in with the others. Adorn in a white sweatshirt with his signature demented smiley face logo on the back, he makes his way down the stairs, high fiving a couple people on his way down.

David Zinkus: From Newark, New Jersey...weighing in at two hundred and two pounds: ZACK LIFER!!!!

Don't you see the minds that have changed?
Do you see the lives that have been saved?
Don't you care to see the difference I've made?
Listen closely, the highways call my name.
Don't you see this is my everything?

Lifer's slow, methodical walking gives way to sprinting, his legs moving him towards the ring down the nearly endless row of stairs before Lifer hops the leather barricade, a running jump that could only be considered impressive, a hint of confidence in the way he moved at a slowed down pace once more towards the steel steps. His eyes dart to the entrance way as he trudges up the few stairs, not looking away as he watches the curtain for just a couple seconds. As he gets to the top of the steps, his eyes dart across the arena, stunned by the crowd reaction. The audience gets louder as he climbs the turnbuckle, a triumphant fist rising as high as he could, a laugh exiting his lips as a single golden colored firework shot diagonally on the stage, the location of its starting point mirroring the top turnbuckle he resided on as it screeched loudly as it cut across the arena air, another pop from the crowd.

Don't you care to see the difference I've made?

The camera zoomed out from the scene of Zack's arm raised with the firework shooting by swiftly in the background and watches as he gets on the outside apron again. He quickly hops the top rope effortlessly in one movement, his eyes searching the excited crowd as a smirk crosses his face. The sounds fade mid-lyric as he rests in his corner, looking anxiously at the referee and back at the Chuck Matthews waiting for this match to begin.

Dick Morosi: These two men are looking to pick up a win after two weeks ago both were on the receiving end of losses in their own right.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, if you think about it, two losses in a row…? You’re climbing out of a pretty big hole if you ask me.

Lifer and Matthews circle the ring as the bell signals for this match to begin. They lock-up tightly, not giving an inch for one another to get the upperhand. Matthews begins to back Lifer up into the ropes, the referee orders them to break. Slowly, but surely, Chuck disengages and backs away slowly, flashing a cocky smirk as Lifer looks at him and comes back at him. They lock up one more, but this time, Lifer grabs Matthews by his right wrist, twists it, and then puts him in a hammerlock. Chuck Matthews begins to try and relieve some of the pressure on his shoulder and elbow. As he tries to get out of it, Lifer, a bit quicker flings him cross the ring with a snapping arm drag. Chuck stands up, another arm drag; Back on his feet, another--nope, Chuck is half way out of the ring and a focused Zack Lifer is ready to pounce. Chuck orders the referee to get him back, and the ref obliges, telling Lifer to let the “Smartest Man in Wrestling” get back inside.


Lifer waves Chuck back into the ring, Matthews cautious looks for another tie-up. Lifer looks to engage, but a swift boot to his mid-section ends that little show of grappling. Some of the fans don’t like that display of treachery, but to Matthews it’s all apart of the game...HIS game. Matthews takes Lifer up by his chin, Chuck measures the shot and cracks Lifer on the bridge of his nose with a very effective elbow strike. Lifer stumbles back and is slumped slightly in the corner, feeling on his nose to make sure it’s not, well, BROKEN. Lifer blinks a few times and Matthews doesn’t let up, he kicks him in the mid-section again, taking the air out of the former International Champion. Matthews takes Lifer out of the corner, then snaps him down with a sharp vertical suplex. Matthews floats over for the pin…

ONE!

A quick kickout from Lifer!

Dick Morosi: Chuck’s been very impressive, but last week didn’t really go in his favor.

Seth Ericson: You can say that again. If he wants to show people he can bounce back from a loss, he’s gonna have to take Zack Lifer down, quick and effective.

Dick Morosi: The gameplan for “The Smartest Man in Wrestling”!

Matthews picks Lifer up by his feet, he whips him off into the ropes. Lifer comes back and Matthews goes for a running clothesline. Lifer ducks underneath and hits the ropes behind Matthews. Lifer goes for an attack, but Matthews, like the genius he likes to proclaim himself, hits a very technically sound drop toehold. Zack’s face bounces off of the mat, and this leaves Chuck to hit the ropes, and place a boot right in the jaw of Zack as he tries to stand up. Lifer falls back and Chuck goes for yet another cover.

ONE!

TWO!!

Shoulder up!

Dick Morosi: Chuck is taking Zack to task, not letting him breath!

Seth Ericson: He just needs to STAY on him and not let Lifer get in his offense. Otherwise, his face is going to be going home with a few Japanese girls.

Dick Morosi: I don’t think Chuck would mind having a piece of his face going home with one of these ladies tonight.

Seth Ericson: Y’know, you’re probably right, Zack would be doing him a favor.

Chuck doesn’t let up on the assault, he brings the hurt Zack Lifer up to his feet. He places another hard elbow cross his jawline to keep the uncanny Lifer dazed. Matthews whips him into the corner behind him. Zack hits the turnbuckle hard, Chuck runs at him and goes for a running elbow; But Zack ducks out of the way of this attack. Chuck gets nothing but turnbuckle and turns around. What he receives next is a running dropkick right to his face. He drops down in the corner holding his mouth with both hands. Lifer doesn’t stop there, he hits the adjacent ropes and slams a boot into the jaw of Matthews with a facewash. The crowd gives a sound of approval from Lifer’s show of quick and stiff offense. Chuck is dazed and Lifer drags him out of the corner for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!

Kickout!!

Lifer decides that he CANNOT let Matthews get a breather. He snaps Chuck down with a snapmare and then begins to hit the ropes. He goes for a boot, but Chuck moves out of the way. Zack turns around to see Matthews up and runs at him again. Matthews then runs pass Lifer and hits the opposite side of the ropes. Zack leaps into the air dodging Matthew’s attack, and causing Chuck to hit the ropes in front of Lifer. Matthews comes back, and with a leap Lifer goes for a flying clothesline which connects! Chuck sits up, wincing in pain and Lifer stands up and lets out a shout. The fans of Japan are loving this show of passion!!

Seth Ericson: Told ya, once Lifer goes super quacky he’s on a whole ‘nother level.

Dick Morosi: Zack has changed this match around, and he looks to capitalize on this moment of success!!

Lifer picks a groggy Matthews up slowly, Chuck breaks free and then smashes an elbow into Lifer’s face. Lifer answers with an elbow of his own. Chuck comes back and this time his elbow shot echoes through the arena. Lifer stumbles back, but lets out a shout and smacks another elbow into Chuck’s jaw. Another elbow from Lifer, and another, and another, Lifer is FIRED UP!! He hits the ropes behind him, only to come back and be met with a spinning wheel kick that catches Lifer right on the bridge of the nose!! Chuck makes the cover!!

ONE!

TWO!!

T--Kickout at two!!!

Chuck looks at the referee and holds up three with an agitated glare in his eyes.

Dick Morosi: Matthews bounces back and dims Zack’s fiery comeback.

Seth Ericson: Pretty smart, but what am I saying he’s the “SMARTEST MAN in WRESTLING”, of course that move was smart.

Dick Morosi: Could you please stop saying it like that?

Seth Ericson: You love it.

Now that Chuck as a second wind, he begins to stand back up. He rubs his jaw a bit and then picks Lifer up by the back of his neck. Begins to place some sharp and deadly accurate knees into Lifer’s chest. Each shot causes Lifer to grunt in pain. Chuck backs Lifer up into the ropes and continues this knee onslaught until the referee orders him to back up. ONE...TWO...THREE...FOUR...Chuck lets go of his Muay Thai plum and Lifer drops to all fours holding his body as the stinging impact of Chuck’s strikes seem to be a little too much for him. Chuck grabs Lifer up by his head again. He gets Zack into a hangman’s clutch then falls down finishing off the neckbreaker. Lifer goes down and Chuck goes for another pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

Dick Morosi: And another nearfall from Chuck Matthews!

Seth Ericson: All these pinfalls and Chuck’s got to be thinking what he’s gonna have to do to put Lifer out in this match...

Dick Morosi: Zack is a tenacious one, he doesn’t like to stay down for too long.

Seth Ericson: Yeah and that’s what pisses Chuck off…

Chuck slicks his hair back and begins to analyse the best way of finishing Lifer off. Chuck begins to pick Zack up from behind, clutching him around the waist. Chuck is looking for that German suplex, but Zack smartly, and surprisingly coherently, sandbags. Chuck tries again, and Zack continues to become dead weight. Chuck smashes forearms into Zack’s neck. Chuck FLINGS him, but Zack flips and lands on his feet! He grasps Chuck into a Regalplex position, spins and whips Chuck down with True Madness!! Zack drops down for a cover!

Dick Morosi: TRUE MADNESS!!

Seth Ericson: And the pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE--Matthews gets a shoulder up!!

Dick Morosi: From the way Chuck landed it looked like this was a done deal.

Seth Ericson: PLEASE, the Smartest Man in Wrestling doesn’t just go down like that!!

Dick Morosi: Is this going to turn into a thing…?

Seth Ericson: Already is!!!

Dick Morosi: Seems we can’t hear each because these fans are going crazy!!

Seth Ericson: Gotta love Japan Dick!!!

The Japanese fans cheer, showing their immersion of this matchup. Zack stands up, and begins to feel it, he gets the Japanese fans behind him and BEGS for Matthews to stand up. Zack waits and continues to wait, Chuck is on his knees and Zack runs at him going for Forced Suicide! Chuck ducks, runs at the ropes and as Zack turns around goes for Hollywood Impact, but Zack sidesteps and Chuck begins to hurdle into the turnbuckle. However, Chuck smartly stops his momentum and turns back to see a flying Zack Lifer elbow smash! Chuck then gets placed underneath Zack’s arm and Zack begins to set him up for Fraudian Slip! However, Chuck blocks the suplex transition two times. He gets Zack into his clinch and places a knee square on Zack’s nose. This pops Zack’s head up, and Chuck with a great show of athleticism, hits Zack with a stiff enzugiri!! Zack drops and Chuck crawls over for the pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE--NO a kickout!

Seth Ericson: Almost got it!!

Dick Morosi: Almost, but Lifer is still ALIVE in this match…!

The fans of Japan are rooting for these two men. Chuck decides that he wants to end this. He begins to try and get Zack’s legs and is looking for his version of The Sharpshooter, “Cryptic Cross”. But before he can lock it in, ZACK ROLLS HIM UP!!

ONE!

TWO!!


….



THREE--KICKOUT!!!!

The fans let out a cheer as Chuck and Zack are down on the ground and trying to stand up. Chuck and Zack look at one another and crawl towards each other. Chuck hits him with an elbow, Zack answers back, Chuck with another, Zack with another; They begin to make their way to their feet, still trading blows. Chuck manages to get the upperhand and hits Zack into the ropes. Chuck then runs and clotheslines Zack out of the ring. Zack lands on his feet on the outside and holds onto his chest feeling the pain. Chuck then seizes the opportunity to run into the ropes and come back for a suicide dive, but Zack sees this, leaps and smacks Chuck in the face with a standing dropkick!!! The fans are in a frenzy over a highly momentum shifting move!!

Dick Morosi: What a dropkick!!

Seth Ericson: Jesus, caught’em right in the mush!

Zack slides into the ring and gets onto the middle turnbuckle he waits for Chuck to come back towards him. As Chuck stands and turns towards Zack, he watches Zack soar as he goes for a tornado DDT; but Chuck stops Zack’s momentum midair. Chuck launches Zack over head with a hard exploder suplex!! Chuck sees his opportunity. He gets into a corner and beacons Lifer to his feet, he wants to end this!! Chuck RUNS at Zack as he stands, but Zack quickly runs and smashes his knee into Chuck’s face. Chuck drops to his knees, groggy and out of it…

Lifer waits, his body shaking with anticipation. He runs and goes for Forced Suicide, but Chuck ducks this knee strike and runs into with his pedal on the gas at full throttle. As Zack turns around it’s too late and he gets turned inside out with Hollywood Impact!! Zack is torn in half and Chuck crawls over to make the cover!

Seth Ericson: He’s got it!!

Dick Morosi: Hollywood Impact!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

David Zinkus: HERE IS YOUR WINNER, CHUCK MATTHEWS!!!

Chuck Matthews stands up, as the referee holds his arm up in the air. He gives a cocky smirk, but winces come as the last shot shows Chuck standing in the ring while the referee checks on Zack who’s holding his ribs.

WINNER: Chuck Matthews

Dick Morosi: Chuck Matthews looks like he stole one!

Seth Ericson: Stole one? He outsmarted Zack Lifer, but that isn't exactly rocket science! He picked up a huge victory, and Chuck is starting to build serious momentum to make a case for a title shot of any kind.

Dick Morosi: Fair point, Seth! Right now, we need to take a commercial break, but coming up right after this, Fiona Collins meets Justin Brooks one on one!

We come back from commercial with huge news! Based on his performance tonight, Justin Brooks will meet Christian Kane one on one!

Dick Morosi: What a huge announcement! Justin Brooks and Christian Kane in a battle of titans!

Seth Ericson: It's Stud Life against a Hard Knock one, and both men look to make the most of that opportunity!

Dick Morosi: But before we focus on next week, we've got a huge match coming up in mere moments! Jonathan Collins and Chandler Scott have been making successful defenses of the GFC Tag Team Titles in EXODUS Pro, and they look to make their third one as the team newly christened as Dangerous Minds meets Laurel Anne Hardy and Evangelista, the Dragons Unleashed...NEXT!

GFC TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
DANGEROUS MINDS (Jonathan Collins & Chandler Scott, GFC Tag Team Champions) VS. DRAGONS UNLEASHED (Laurel Anne Hardy & Evangelista)

The lights dim as the opening pulse of "Broken Glass" by The Crystal Method begins as up on the EXOScreen the logo of the Godfathers of Wrestling begins to reveal through a fade. Around the :30 second mark, strobes pulse around the entrance way, and Chandler Scott and Jonathan Collins emerge not long after!

David Zinkus: The following contest is for the GFC Tag Team Titles and is scheduled for one fall! Coming down the aisle, at a total combined weight of 467 pounds, they represent the Godfathers of Wrestling...they are the team of Chandler Scott and Jonathan Collins...DANGEROUS MINDS!

Seth Ericson: Here they are, Dick. I don't think these guys can ever be beaten for these straps, you realize that?

Dick Morosi: Don't be so quick to make assumptions, Seth. FRONTIER must be pretty antsy to get back their gold to their own company, and the guy's they're up against are far from pushovers.

Chandler continues to march toward the ring, a rather egotistical grin on his face as Collins remains stoic on his walk toward the ring, slapping hands with a couple of fans on the way in. Scott walks up the steps into the ring as Collins takes his traditional hop up, cleaning off his feet on the apron before stepping in. Each man climbs a turnbuckle to gesture to the crowd, the crowd responding depending on whether it's Chandler or Jon they got with the appropriate reaction. After a moment, the pair head to their corner, leaving the duo to talk some last minute strategy as they wait, each of them removing their entrance attire.

Multicoloured spotlights swirl around the entranceway as the martial-sounding intro to Glass Candy's "Candy Castle" comes across the PA. As the beat kicks in Laurel Anne Hardy bursts through the curtain, cavorting energetically and twisting a feather boa around like a dancing partner. A moment later Evangelista walks through and stands beside Laurel, placing her hands on her hips as she surveys the auditorium with a smile.

David Zinkus: From the United Kingdom, at a combined weight of two hundred and eighty-one pounds and representing The Asylum...

Seth Ericson: You were right, Dick. These two do look impressive! And the crowd looks to be loving it! I don't normally trust your judgement, you know. But I made an exception.

The two young women share a good luck hug, then start down the aisle and head in opposite directions when they reach the bottom - Evangelista focused on the task ahead and absently tagging a few outstretched hands, Hardy dancing back and forth and interacting with the fans much more with hugs, high fives and handshakes. After completing a circuit of the ringside area they regroup and Evangelista slides under the bottom rope while Laurel leaps over her onto the apron, and somersaults over the top rope. They run up opposite turnbuckles and pose, then drop and repeat their actions in the other two corners. Hardy throws her boa into the crowd, prompting a scrum to catch it.

David Zinkus: They are "The Prodigal Daughter" Evangelista and "The Living, Breathing Installation Event Of The Millennium" Laurel Anne Hardy... DRAAAAGOOONS... UNLEASHED!

They both moonsault down to standing positions in the centre of the ring. Laurel takes a deep, theatrical bow while Evangelista crosses herself and warms up in her respective corner, her eyes darting at their opponents as the song still continues to play.

Dick Morosi: Wait, what's this?

Jon Collins approached Dragons Unleashed, the music dying down as he met them both in the middle of the ring. He offered out his hand, good sportsmanship conduct overflowing the Japanese architecture as the crowd went on to cheer. Hardy shook the hand first after a pause, followed by Evangelista, her handshake a bit angrier than the first, her grip firm. A handshake nonetheless, they split up again to their respective sides, the match about to begin.

The bell sounds and Jon Collins circles his opponent, the flashy Laurel Anne Hardy standing her ground. As the director reaches over towards Hardy, she counters the grapple easily with a sudden, unorthodox cartwheel to the side, hitting a pele kick to the side of Collins' head in a flawless combo that really got people's attention! The crowd popped for Hardy, watching as Jon quickly got to his feet regardless, more impressed than injured.

Seth Ericson: Whoa, what a move! Did you see that, Dick?

Dick Morosi: We're starting this match off right, believe me

Jon follows it up with a quicker than light tiger suplex, flipping her over his head with ease. As if trying to show her that a veteran knows how to handle himself, he lifts her up to a seated position and smacks his elbow into her temple, Hardy getting up shortly after. It was a fast paced match already, the two standing opposite each other again as if the match had just begun, both on opposite corners of the ring. On the same wavelength, they both scurried to their own corners, crossing each other's paths to smack their partner's hands, a sure fire display of two tag team specialists battling it out for the edge.

The new bout begins with the fresh Chandler Scott going for a textbook dropkick towards Evangelista, yet it was clear she had stepped aside, letting Chandler slip up and get back to his feet quickly again. Before Chandler had time to pick up another move, he was nailed with a powerful chop block followed by a quick European uppercut as he tried to get to his feet, an intense look across her face.

Dick Morosi: This match is definitely fast paced to say the least and it looks like the Dragons Unleashed, to everyone's surprise, have quickly gotten the upper hand.

Seth Ericson: To everyone's surprise? You're forgetting something. Dragons Unleashed are one of the best tag teams in FRONTIER history, dare I say one of the best tag teams still in existence. Their chemistry is right there for everyone to see! No duh they'd have the upper hand!

Dick Morosi: I can't argue with you there.

With an Irish whip, Chandler tosses Evangelista towards the ropes, bending down to quickly land a catapult, letting her flip over his back and onto the mat, followed by a running forearm smash as she gets back to her feet, planting her onto the mat harshly, her head bouncing on the canvas. Chandler quickly taunts his opponent, generating a response from the crowd before landing a jumping elbow drop from a standing position towards her heart. And again! And again! The crowd pops louder, watching the competitive match play out before their eyes, the Harvard graduate plopping down to the mat to land a pin, Evangelista's leg in the air.

ONE…

TWO—

KICK OUT! She pushes him off of her, quickly managing to land a victory roll to go for the pin without him realizing what was happening!

ONE—

And a kickout, followed by a roundhouse legsweep to knock her adversary off his feet once more, running towards the ropes and landing an elbow drop of her own. Walking towards her corner, she tags in Hardy once again, slapping her friend's hand and getting to her position, it was Laurel's turn to face off against an already tired Chandler Scott, landing an impressive cartwheel roundoff into a sudden dropkick, Chandler's face getting smashed as he flopped back down and rolling to a prone position, a move that caused the crowd to drop their jaws and look on with awe. She flipped her opponent over once again, landing a rolling thunder onto her opponent and going for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

THR—

With that, Chandler tries to reach for his partner, Jon Collins' hand out, but instead was pulled away by his foot, Chandler landing a heavy kick to Laurel's face to get her hands off of him, giving him space. With that, he scurried to his side, tagging in Jon Collins to enter the ring, a sudden running motion followed by a harsh spinning heel kick that sent his opponent to the ground, her face to the Japanese rafters. The director of EXODUS measured her up, readying himself for his signature shining wizard, sprinting towards Hardy as she suddenly sat up looking his way - a bad decision!

Dick Morosi: Parallax Shock! It's done!

Jon Collins smiles for the crowd, the cheers raining down on him heavily as they watch with bated breath, the Sekigun leader taunting his opponent with his hand to try to get her to get to her feet, the crowd all knowing what was next!

Seth Ericson: He's going for the ZERO Hour! Thanks for playing, Dragons Unleashed! Jon Collins will be happy to give you a nice parting gift!

With Laurel Anne Hardy making her way to her feet in a daze, Jon Collins ran towards her at breakneck speed, spinning with his fist clenched as he waited for the move to connect, the crowd watching in awe. No! Hardy ducked out of the way, sidestepping the move completely before anyone knew what was happening! Already doubled over from the spin, Laurel pulls Jon down, wrapping his arms towards his chest in a straitjacket, preparing him for what would surely call for the end of this match!

Dick Morosi: Flower Plower Mk. III! Terror From—

That's when Jon Collins used all his strength to flip Hardy over her head for a counter, his arms let free! Unfortunately for him, Laurel landed on her feet! Without any pause or any hesitation, the vet flowed his next movements into landing a powerful OMEGA-16, squeezing her neck with his legs! She tried to break free, tried to push his legs away or reach for the ropes, but lacked the strength needed, finally opting to reluctantly tap out in the middle of that ring, the crowd going wild! "Broken Glass" by The Crystal Method starts again, and Collins slams his hand on the mat, celebrating his victory upon Laurel's tap out!

David Zinkus: HERE ARE YOUR WINNERS, AND STILL GFC TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS...JONATHAN COLLINS AND CHANDLER SCOTT, DANGEROUS MINDS!

WINNERS (and STILL GFC Tag Team Champions): Dangerous Minds

"Broken Glass" continues to play as Chandler grabs both titles from the referee, Jon starting to relinquish the hold on Laurel. Standing up and receiving his prize from Chandler, the two men tap belts and nod, celebrating for a moment as Evangelista starts to check on her partner. With Chandler looking to celebrate, Jon tells his friend to hold up for a second as he goes over to Laurel and Evangelista, nodding. The duo look on at him, and although Chandler has no interest it seems in shaking hands with the pair, Collins has no qualms about showing good sportsmanship, extending his hand to the pair. The two seem apprehensive at first, and Collins raises his eyebrow, assuring them that the gesture is sincere. The duo finally relent and each of them slap Jon's hand, showing respect before they begin to leave the ring---BUT ONLY TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE WAY AS THE NINTH GATE COME TO ATTACK JONATHAN COLLINS! HATE is in full force as Akashi, Daisuke, and Kameron come to attack Jonathan Collins with Chandler instantly starting to help his partner out by trying to help fight them off. Noticing the commotion in the ring, Laurel and Evangelista come back into the ring to start pushing Kam, Daisuke, and Akashi away from Jon & Chandler. Evangelista spins Chase round so he's facing her, then throws up her arms.

Evangelista: What the hell, Kam!?

He says nothing in reply... he just clubs her with a right forearm to the temple, knocking her down. Hardy snarls in rage as her best friend is floored, and pounces forward spearing Chase off his feet! Chase and Hardy roll over and over, trading harsh strikes. As the four once opponents now work together to fight off HATE, it seems like they've cleared the ring for now of the threat, leaving the four of them to stare down the three HATE members as we go to commercial.

We come back with a huge announcement for Ascendency! As part of the next show's Road to Ascendency, Kerry Windsor meets Sally Talfourd!

Dick Morosi: DID YOU SEE THAT?! It's a battle of two people who have a track record as being immensely successful in Survive and Conquer meeting up, when Kerry Windsor meets Sally Talfourd one on one!

Seth Ericson: The road for both Windsor and Talfourd since their arrivals at Absent Are the Saints hasn't been easy, and now their paths will cross in two weeks!

Dick Morosi: Sally's gonna have to forget about hearing about that now, because she's got the undefeated Lexy Chapel in non title action...next!

NORMAL MATCH
LEXY CHAPEL (EXODUS Pro International Champion) VS. SALLY TALFOURD

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit.

As the spotlights flash across the stage and the video screens come to life, “Cynics and Critics” by Icon For Hire hits the PA system.



As the music continues blaring, Lexy Chapel walks out on to the stage carrying with her a camera-phone, along with the EXODUS Pro International Title. She walks to the left of the stage, filming the fans cheering, and then to the right of the stage, filming more fans cheering wildly before turning the camera around on herself and can be seen mouthing the word 'wow' in to the camera. After listening to the crowd reaction a moment longer she around and poses on the stage.


David Zinkus: Introducing first! Hailing from North London, England, standing at five foot-four inches tall and weighing in at one hundred and fourteen pounds. She is the undefeated EXODUS International Champion; Lexy! CHAPEL!

As the music continues to play she begins to make her way down to the ring, filming the fans as she walks past them and posing with a few of them, holding the camera out in front of herself as she leans back in to a group of the fans. As the chorus of the song begins she slides into the ring and climbs up on to the turnbuckles, filming the fans again with her phone.

“Oh this is all we know
Oh tragic and miserable
We’re not cynics; we just don’t believe a word you say
We’re not critics, we just hate it all anyway
Oh this is all we’ve got
Oh we do what we’ve been taught
We’re not cynics; we just don’t believe a word you say
We’re not critics, we just hate it all anyway”

She leaps down from the turnbuckles and walks to the middle of the ring before spinning around and turning the phone back on herself again, kissing the lens of the camera and then putting it in to her pocket. She removes her ring jacket and slips it over to the ring attendant before jumping back on to the turnbuckles again and posing, then flipping off backwards and standing in her corner, readying herself for the match.

Dick Morosi: You can feel the intensity in the air, Seth. I’ve been looking forward to this contest for two weeks now and I’m very excited that it’s finally here. We’re about to see an instant classic between two of the best wrestlers in the world.

Seth Ericson: Possibly. Some people are still hesitant to give the International Champion that high a level of respect. She dyed her hair red though, Dick. That definitely changes things for me.

Dick Morosi: Should I even ask, Seth?

Seth Ericson: I love a good redbone. That’s all.

The lights die down, the crowd of fans enveloped in a darkness pierced just by a spotlight shining onto the stage. 'Normal People' by Arcade Fire kicks in across the PA, and the crowd jumping up to their feet with the guitar rift. Despite their hatred for the wrestler that's about to come down, they still hangover the railings and stretch themselves just to get a better look. A pair of officials, trying to hide themselves in the darkness, rush up to the curtain to the back and hold it aside for the coming of 'The Last Magician'.



Then, on cue, into the spotlight steps the beautiful Sally Talfourd, much to the chagrin of the Exodus fans. The boos drown out the music for the moment, looking out to the fans with a tilted head and wide eyes. She runs her hand down the side of her face then points to the ring before she walks down, mumbling a few words to herself as she goes.

David Zinkus: And her opponent! From Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, standing at five foot eleven inches tall, and weighing in tonight at one hundred and forty-five pounds! She is The Last Magician; Sally! TALFOURD!



At the edge of the ring, 'The Last Magician' rolls under the ropes then, on her knees, slowly lifts her head to stare out into the dark that still surrounds the crowd. She slowly reaches up for the rope, then pulls herself up slowly, this time the lights fading back in with her. Looking out at the crowd, this time with a pained look on her face, she climbs up the turnbuckle and lets out an ear-peircing yell.

I've never really ever met a normal person (...like you)
How do you do?

With a satisfied smile, and as her music fades out, Sally, slowly turns on the top rope and seats herself on the turnbuckle, waiting for her opponent as she occasionally mutters to herself, the occasional laugh and smile making it all the more disturbing.

Seth Ericson: Man, Sally has taken the term ‘crazy chicks’ to a whole new level. I haven’t decided yet whether I find her hotter, or utterly terrifying.

Dick Morosi: Well, the Sekigun finds her to be traitorous, and her recent back and forth exchanges with the Collins Family over social media aren't doing her any favors with the lockeroom.

Seth Ericson: Most of those losers backstage are just jealous, and if you ask Christum Furor, they just don’t have open minds. That’s basically what Sal-Tal thinks of Lexy Chapel, Dick. They’ve both started off their EXPRO careers in almost the same fashion but according to Sally, the International Champion is being lied to by her heroes.

Dick Morosi: That’s a matter of opinion. The fact is, Chapel is the International Champion and one of our brightest stars, and Sally will be given everything she can handle and more tonight.

*DING! DING! DING*

As the bell chimes thrice both competitors begin circling around the ring; racing through both their minds is a number of strategies and tactics that they wish to implement on the other. With that in mind, Sal-Tal looks to seize control first, making repeated attempts to engage in a collar and elbow-tie up which she intends to turn into an advantageous overtaking. However, the spry and agile Chapel does her best to dodge those attempts, playing defense early as she looks to try and stay distanced enough to stay out of the strapping Talfourd’s reach but close enough to strike back in retaliation. This tactic proves successful, as Lexy greets her adversary with a swift kick to the shin or hamstring each time she advances forward, forcing The Last Magician to retreat into the ropes and rethink her game plan.

Dick Morosi: Lexy has become accustomed to fighting at a disadvantage, Seth. She’s looking to fight from afar right now, and it’s working.

Seth Ericson: Yeah but for how long? She’s in there wrestling like Sally has some contagious skin disease or something. Maybe she does. I don’t know.

Dick Morosi: If that were even remotely true, Dr. Kuller would’ve stopped this match already, Seth.

Seth Ericson: If you honestly think that, then you don’t know Dr. Kuller very well, Dick.

Having contemplated long enough, Sal-Tal cautiously inches back into the center of the squared circle, protruding her hand out in an effort to influence a knuckle lock. Chapel, just as careful, follows suit as their fingers collide and entwine. Talfourd, having the obvious strength and size advantage, uses every facet of her near six inch frame to reduce her smaller adversary to her knees. Never one to submit to pressure, the Londoner springs back to her feet and quickly plunges a boot into the former Tag Champ’s solar plexus. The kick creates a window of opportunity for the International Champion to exploit, as she quickly relinquishes the hold whilst Sal-Tal doubles over before grasping her nearest arm. The media starlet immediately steps under the captured appendage with an arm wrench, then maliciously bends the wrist upward to dangerously hyperextend her foe’s arm. Talfourd winces in agony, the tendons in her aforementioned limb feeling as if they are being ripped right from their sockets as her arm is stretched in a fashion that it was not anatomically designed for. Just as quickly as she applied the armbar does Chapel change course, reeling her nemesis in whilst releasing her arm in one fluid motion before applying a standing headlock.

Sally keeps her composure, despite the immediate stifling of the flow of blood to her brain. Thinking quickly, the well-traveled vet leans into the ropes, using the cables to build up momentum which allows her to escape her predicament as she shoves the Featherweight forward. Chapel rebounds off the opposite ring cables, then ducks a Clothesline before making a bee-line for the next set of ropes. The second rebound sees her lower her shoulders, forcing Sally to take evasive measures as she flourishes her athleticism by leaping into the air right over her adversary – Chapel maintaining her momentum as she leans into the ropes for a third consecutive time. The friction and elasticity of the cables sends her charging forward, however, she lands right into Talfourd’s embrace. The former Turk reaches around her foe’s body and lifts the International Champion up in a Tilt-A-Whirl, only for Chapel to counter with an Arm Drag that sends the near six footer somersaulting to the canvas.

Dick Morosi: What an incredible exchange from both competitors. That was a great display of chain wrestling, and it’s clear that both these gals intend to show the other just how skilled they are.

Seth Ericson: Well of course, Dick. Do you pay attention to their promos? They have a level of respect for one another despite their affiliates. You didn’t honestly think you’d see anything other than two great wrestlers on their ‘A’ game did you?

Dick Morosi: No I didn’t. Though, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Sally tonight. She’s become quite the enigma since joining Gods & Monsters. EXODUS has yet to figure her out.

Seth Ericson: The same can be said about Lexy, Dick. That just means one of these girls is about to have their smoke and mirrors game foiled.

Both competitors scramble to their feet now, with Sal-Tal immediately lunging at Chapel only to receive a Japanese Arm drag for her troubles. She hasn’t quite had enough though, as she climbs back to her feet and charges in for a second helping, and repeats for a third time to complete the full course meal as Lexy exploits her foe’s momentum to fling the Korean to the canvas. Looking to keep firm control of the contest and increase the pace, Lexy quickly pulls Talfourd up to her feet and presses into her before using the ropes to give herself momentum for an Irish Whip. Proving to have enough wherewithal for a counter, The Last Magician turns the move on her adversary, sending the Londoner to the opposite set of ropes like she was shot out of a cannon. As the aerialist rebounds, the former Tag Champ goes for a wild forearm, but the elusive Chapel dodges and charges forward for the original set of ropes. She rebounds a second time then dives at Talfourd’s strapping foundation, twisting her body in mid-air whilst jutting out her legs. The International Champion is unable to chop down the large Korean Bamboo, as the crafty veteran catches her around the upper legs with a timely and effective counter. Showing off her deceptive strength for a female athlete, The Last Magician lifts Chapel off the canvas with a Wheelbarrow – but Lexy uses the momentum to reach back with her arm, escaping the hold and scooping her arm around Sal-Tal’s head in one fluid motion before falling forward to bring both their bodies down with a brilliant Bulldog. As soon as Talfourd’s head bounces off the mat, Lexy rolls her over and tries for a quick pin.

Seth Ericson: That happened so fast I don’t even know what went down, Dick!

Dick Morosi: Sally just went down, Seth. Face first right into the canvas that is. What a move from Chapel, and here’s the cover!

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

Talfourd quickly kicks out of the pin attempt, and slowly climbs to her feet. She desperately tries to shake the cobwebs, knowing she must find some way to turn things around before Chapel can pick up any more momentum. Speaking of whom, Lexy bides her time, and as soon as Sally turns around she rushes forward and throws a beautiful Dropkick right into her cerebral cortex. With her adversary seemingly out cold, Chapel turns to face a section of the crowd before smiling and heading over to the turnbuckle, quickly hopping onto the second set of pads. The audience chirps and cheers as Lexy raises her arms and lifts herself to the apex of the corner, sneering down at Talfourd who slowly begins to stir. Dazed and bewildered, Sally gradually regains a vertical base – unbeknownst to her, the International Champion stalks her from the top rope, patiently waiting for the Korean to turn around so that she can make her descent. The former Tag Champ unknowingly obliges, prompting Lexy to take to the skies as she gracefully leaps down off the top turnbuckle. Either having eyes in the back of her head, or a sixth sense, Talfourd suddenly leaps into the air with a Spinning Heel Kick, catching Chapel in mid-air as her boot clashes straight into the Londoners visage. Lying supinely, Sally breathes slowly as she stares up at the house lights, knowing she just dodged a bullet, but more importantly, realizes that she has finally put herself in the driver’s seat for the first time in the match. Bearing that in mind, she slowly crawls onto Chapel’s inanimate carcass and hooks her legs for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

Lexy shows her tenacity, proving there’s plenty of fight left in her despite having her face rearranged as she kicks out before three. The anger in The Last Magician’s eyes is visibly burning as she anticipated victory, confusing her train of thought as she maps the scene. Choosing her best option, Talfourd slowly lifts Chapel up to a seated position, then encircles her legs around the fan-favorite’s head before pulling her down into a Neck Scissors. There’s a look of calm, and calculating focus in those eyes now, as Sally thrashes and gyrates like a shark with its prey captured in its jaw as she asserts more and more pressure on the chokehold, tightly compressing her foe’s throat with her thighs. Lexy frantically slaps her legs on the canvas; the International Champion’s desperation increases by the second as she slithers and slides ever so closer to the ropes which hold her freedom. The Brit’s blood flow slows as she tenses the muscles in her neck, the oxygen deprivation to her head setting in with each passing moment she remains Sal-Tal’s captive. The undefeated Featherweight’s face glows with a bright red pigmentation while a vein in her forehead begins to manifest whilst she scrambles, kicks, and tears at the mat. Finally, Talfourd can’t keep the flailing fish away from salvation any longer and her countenance tears with frustration as Chapel hooks her feet around the bottom ropes. The villain continues to use her legs to mimic boa constrictors, as she blatantly ignores Chris Dawson’s hands sliding off her frame as he pushes and calls for separation. At four the striped official eventually gets his way as Talfourd sets Chapel loose.

Seth Ericson: It was all Lexy Chapel in the first five minutes of this one, Dick. Her momentum had risen like a hot air balloon, but now Sal-Tal has taken the air right out of her – literally!

Dick Morosi: Indeed, Talfourd has slowed things down here. Usually a speed demon herself, she’s opting to wear Lexy down and it seems to be working out for her. That and manipulating the rules as she sees fit. That always helps.

Seth Ericson: She’s got til’ five, Dick! Cut her some slack.

Dick Morosi: She’s a member of Gods & Monsters now, Seth. I don’t think it’s physically possible for me to do so.

Sally watches her opponent finally grab the ropes and lean on them, desperately trying to recover. The vicious and vindictive Talfourd quickly pounces on the International Champion, sadistically pushing her throat against the bottom rope with both hands. Dawson shouts “Get her off the ropes,” but his order falls on deaf ears. He’s forced to count, and the Korean eventually lets up at four before climbing to her feet, allowing the winded Chapel to slide under the bottom rope. Looking to maintain her stranglehold on the match, Sal-Tal climbs out of the ring and quickly grabs Chapel around the head before dragging her forward so that she lies chest first across the apron and halfway out of the ring. From there, Talfourd begins unloading on her with malicious forearms to the face. Twice in rapid succession, once more with full coil retraction – releasing the International Champion from her grasp, finally finishing by dropping an elbow down on the second gen star’s cranium. With Lexy incapacitated, Talfourd climbs back onto the apron, backpedaling all the way to the nearest turnbuckle as she gets her foe in her crosshairs. After a brief moment Sally suddenly charges along the apron, quickly leaping into the air and outstretching her leg before plummeting down to drop her full one hundred and forty-five pound frame across the back of her opponent’s neck with a Guillotine Leg Drop. As Talfourd lands on her feet, Chapel slides off the apron and lifelessly crashes to the floor in a sweaty heap of battered human carcass. With her foe writhing in tremendous pain on the floor, Sally outstretches her arms in the G&M crucifix, garnering loud boos and jeers from the crowd.

Dick Morosi: Lexy Chapel is in dire straits right now, Seth. Sally continues to up the ante, continues to put the pressure on. She hasn’t looked back since overcoming the International Champion’s opening match onslaught to put herself firmly in the driver’s seat.

Seth Ericson: I’m starting to think Sally is going to reach the finish line, Dick. It looks like the destination was always the same no matter who’s driving.

Dick Morosi: Don’t count Lexy out just yet, Seth. We’ve seen her come back from tough times before. She’s made a name for herself because of it.

Seth Ericson: Well she’d better find a way to turn this around soon or Nate Chapel will be playing Strip World Cup by himself.

Aiming to finish things off now, the former Tag Champ lifts Chapel’s deadweight off the floor and tosses her into the ring before sliding in herself and quickly going for the cover. She executes a lateral press and hooks the far leg as Chris Dawson slides into position.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

Chapel raises a shoulder just in time to break the count. With no frustration evident on Talfourd’s face, Sally is back on the attack as she lays into her younger and less experienced foe with vicious forearms, while cradling Chapel’s head with her free hand to ensure that every blow hits it’s intended target with precision. Once The Last Magician is satisfied with her work and Lexy is reeling from the painful blows, Sal-Tal gets back up to her feet and backs into the nearest turnbuckle, quickly ascending the second set of pads before leaping off with her elbows in front of her. Lexy is unable to register her flying foe in time, and thus is helpless to avoid the collision of elbow into her cranium, as the brunt of Sally’s said bones are driven right into her forehead. The International Champion squirms under the pressure of nearly one hundred and fifty pounds crashing into her frail head, but can go nowhere as Talfourd performs another later press, once again hooking the far leg.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

Chapel once again raises a shoulder up to break the count. Now showing signs of disgruntlement, Sally quickly slaps on a Reverse Chinlock. Talfourd leans back, adding additional pressure that she hopes will be enough to get Chapel to submit. Chapel fades quickly, her eyes rolling to the back of her head and shutting; the undefeated International Champion is seemingly on the cusp of suffering her first defeat as she drifts into a comatose state. Chris Dawson stares at Lexy’s feeble state, and is brought into action when Sally screams “CHECK HER!” The referee quickly lifts up the Londoner’s arm and drops it as the fans chant “ONE!” in unison. After checking for any signs of humanity, Dawson hoists the arm up once again, dropping it to get the same result, much to Sal-Tal’s delight. ”TWO!”. A wide smile manifests on Sally’s visage as she looks down at the woman she’s about to vanquish in a few seconds. Dawson lifts the arm up for a third and final time, and the fans in the arena stand up in anticipation – they’re either about to see their hero be beaten for the first time in her career, or they’re going to witness a great comeback. Fortunately for them it is the latter as Chapel stops her palm from hitting the mat for a third time, much to Sally’s surprise and dismay.

Dick Morosi: There’s still some fight left in her, Seth! That willpower, that never quit – never say never attitude, that’s the reason she’s become one of the best wrestlers in the world!

Chapel’s arm begins to shake, and not long after, the rest of her once weakened body begins to follow. The tremors coerce her to clamber her way up slowly, further flustering Talfourd with her incredible show of tenacity and fortitude. Once she is on her feet, she begins to fight her way out of the hold, stabbing elbows into her foe’s breadbasket. One, two, and then a third until she is finally liberated. Immediately looking to build up momentum, Chapel turns to make a run for the ropes, but just as she heads off Sally reaches out to grab a handful of hair, using it to maliciously swing her down to the canvas. The Last Magician immediately receives an earful for the blatant underhanded move – however, she could care less about Dawson’s admonishment as she looks to capitalize. Taking a deep breath, Talfourd backs up into the corner, slowly ascending the top turnbuckle. Just as she sits on the very top, Chapel suddenly comes to life, springing to her feet before leaping into the air. She gets tremendous hang time, enough of which to drive her feet out and plant them into Sal-Tal’s chest, sending her falling off the top rope with a Dropkick that sends her crashing to the floor rather unceremoniously.

With a rush of adrenaline surging through her body, Chapel pushes herself up from the canvas. She watches as Talfourd struggles to get up for a moment, realizing that time is of the essence and that she has been presented with a perfect opportunity. After taking a brief moment to catch her breath, the International Champion quickly grabs onto the top cable, using it to swing herself out of the ring and onto the middle rope before exploiting the ropes’ elasticity to launch herself into the air. Sally can only watch as Chapel is hurled toward her, the fans looking on in a state of shock and awe as the Featherweight scores with the Asiai Moonsault. Both competitors lie in a heap on the padded floor, sprawling amidst cheers from the exuberant masses in attendance. A single, unanimous chant slowly commences, as "THIS IS AWESOME" floods Hakata Star Lanes, echoing around in a vast tumult of noise and sound. Both Chapel and Talfourd remain inert, their ravaged bodies almost broken asunder from the fall – that is until the crowd pleaser springs to a vertical base, tossing her arms in the air wildly to further throw the crowd into a frenzy.

Seth Ericson: These Japs are losing it, Dick. Listen to this arena! Lexy Chapel has turned this match on it’s head.

Dick Morosi: Lexy has reached her second wind and that third gear, and she’s about to show Sally and everyone here why she’s the International Champion and this company’s fastest rising star!

With her opponent writhing in pain on the floor, Lexy shoots a glance out over the waves upon waves of adoring fans that were now voicing their support. Talfourd is hoisted to her feet, groggily going along with the non-verbal commands of her assailant without protest. Lexy slowly drags her to the ring, gradually rolling her deadweight back inside the squared circle before pulling herself up onto the apron. Lexy slowly creaks up, using the ring ropes to pull herself up to a vertical base. Lexy stares down at her foe’s lifeless carcass, then looks over at the crowd that has been vivified by her daredevil offense. Sensing that she could be one move away from getting another huge victory over G&M, Chapel leaps onto the top ring cable and launches herself into the air. She flourishes her aerial dexterity in an attempt at Crash Landing, but it is not in the cards as Talfourd comes to in time to avoid the Senton. As gravity rips her from the sky, Chapel comes down to the canvas – however, instead of flopping onto her back she rolls through. Both competitors scramble to a stand now, with Lexy charging for the ropes, bouncing off in a dash straight at Sally. Talfourd throws a Clothesline, but Chapel dodges it. In the blink of an eye, the sleek, nimble, fleet of foot Londoner leaps onto the middle rope, then springboards back to turn and swing her leg across her body, blasting the former Tag Team Champion in the face with her trademark Roundhouse Kick.

Dick Morosi: DENTAL CHECK! Sally may be out unconscious, Seth!

Seth Ericson: I hope she’s got a trick up her sleeve for doing a makeshift facelift because Lexy just gave her the ‘Why So Serious’! Good Lord what a Roundhouse! You can count on one thing now, Dick.

Dick Morosi: Yeah, what’s that Seth?

Seth Ericson: Kliff Ulysses won’t be hitting on her any time soon, not until she sees a plastic surgeon.

With Sally seemingly out cold on the canvas, Lexy quickly climbs onto her for the lateral press, hooking the leg for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO!”

The Last Magician jerks her leg out of Chapel’s grip, and the International Champion flops to the mat, unable to maintain her level of tenacity and energy. Both competitors lay inert on the canvas, staring glassy and weary eyed at the ceiling. As they try to find the will to continue, dueling chants in their honor build up in the venue.

”LEXY-CHA-PEL!”
SALLY TAL-FOURD!”
”LEXY-CHA-PEL!”
SALLY TAL-FOURD!”

Seth Ericson: This crowd is split, Dick. Hate Sally all you want, she’s come to play tonight.

Dick Morosi: As has Lexy. They spoke of their similarities Seth, and we’re seeing that right now. Neither one of them is willing to give in to the pain. They want this so badly. What a match we’re witnessing.

Rolling up to her knees, Chapel is the first to stir, whilst Talfourd turns onto her front. Back on her feet now, the International Champion tries to build up off the crowd’s energy. Looking to build up momentum, Lexy runs to the ropes, bouncing off to get a head of steam as she aims right for Sal-Tal. A few steps later and she takes to the air, hopping upwards and extending her legs, crashing down onto the back of her foe’s head with a Leg Drop. Talfourd’s body heaves for a moment from the move, but that doesn’t stop Chapel. She climbs back to her feet and runs to the ropes again for a second one! Sal-Tal is still too stunned and debilitated to do anything about it. The second Leg Drop seems to rouse the Korean up again, probably due more to survival instinct than anything. That said, she still struggles to rise up even to all fours. Seeing this, Lexy knows she has to keep the advantage at all costs. Her prey is in the perfect position for her to make one last dash, trying to put the match away now. She rebounds off the ropes, then swings her leg for a kick – however, she gets nothing but air as Sally has enough wits to straighten up onto her knees, moving her head out of the way right before the moment of impact. The International Champion’s momentum leaves her off balance, but before she can tumble forward her entire body is pulled back by the rim of her tights; Sally drags her down with a School Boy Pin, keeping her grip of the tights as she stacks her rival onto her shoulders looking to steal the victory.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

Sal-Tal’s sneaky pin attempt is thwarted as Lexy kicks out, sending both of them rolling back away from the other. Both wrestlers try to get back to a stand so they can get the first punch, but, whether due to an adrenaline boost or natural speed, Sally is the quickest out of the blocks. The split-advantage gives her time to take a running start, as she leaps gracefully into the air. She flies through the electricity in the atmosphere, Sally contorting her body so that she has one leg outstretched across the path of her adversary. Her leg crunches against Lexy’s cheek, before both women fall to the ground in a mess of battered, and bruised bodies due to the impact of the Running Leg Lariat. The only movement comes from Sally rolling over to hook Chapel’s legs for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

And again, another kick out from Chapel, but The Last Magician is not deterred. Already with access to the neck region of her opponent, Sally sets to work. Grabbing her up into her clutches, she pulls the Featherweight into a Front Facelock. With the International Champion at her mercy, she drags her forward on her hands and knees. With her free hand, Sally swipes a wisp of hair from her sweaty face. Then, with all the venom and malice she can muster, the former Tag Team Champion drops the Youtube Star to the mat with LASSO. The Facebreaker DDT leaves Chapel seemingly unconscious, as Sally rolls her over and goes for yet another pin!

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR- NO!”

Another kickout! Driven by unfathomable will and determination, Lexy refuses to stay down. The crowd immediately rises to it’s feet in a shower of cheers. Sally simply rolls onto her back, staring out into space in visible disbelief.

Dick Morosi: SHE KICKED OUT! LEXY KICKED OUT!

Seth Ericson: I can’t believe it. Sally can’t believe it!

Dick Morosi: Lexy Chapel refuses to stay down. What an incredible display of moxie and grit. Sally Talfourd is finding out what the International Champion is made out of.

Seth Ericson: Sugar, spice, and more backbone than we’ve got combined.

Sally gets up to one knee, then pushes herself to a vertical base and stumbles toward the ropes. With Lexy motionless in the center of the ring, the crazy Korean leans against the top rope with her arm dangling out of the ring. She realizes she needs to put things away, now. She frantically rubs her palms across her face, trying to capture an idea, or spark of imagination from the air. Then it hits her. She looks back over her shoulder, realizing that Chapel is still lying sprawled on the canvas, and in the perfect striking distance for her aerial assault. Without another moment’s hesitation, Sal-Tal pulls herself up onto the middle rope before leaping back with a Springboard Moonsault. Either playing possum, or coming to at the eleventh hour, the International Champion moves out of the way. Talfourd lands on her two feet, whilst Lexy scrambles to hers and immediately goes on the attack. However, Sally stops her in her tracks with a swift kick to the midsection, then lifts her up for a Powerbomb - a sharp contrast to her usual repertoire but perhaps out of desperation as nothing else seems to be working to finally put out Lexy’s fire. This won’t do either. Lexy counters with a Sitout Facebuster, planting Sally face first into the canvas to a chorus of cheers.

Dick Morosi: CRITICAL REVIEW!

Seth Ericson: Ebert & Roeper just gave that 5 stars outta 5. And you know what’s next, Dick!

With the crowd going crazy Lexy staggers to her feet, stumbling to the corner before slowly making her ascent to the very top. Facing the sold out crowd, Chapel sits still for a moment drawing more cheers and more energy from the crowd as she prepares for the most electrifying move in EXODUS today. Without another moment’s hesitation, the International Champion leaps into the air, soaring like an eagle swooping down to attack it’s prey as she flies toward her destination - Sally Talfourd. However, turnabout is fair play as Talfourd tumble rolls out of the landing zone, dodging the Social Distortion. Ever the athlete, Lexy demonstrates her unreal body control to land on her feet, though she does so awkwardly. She immediately grabs at her knee, grimacing in agony as she gingerly holds her appendage, the agonizing pain alerting her that she may have tweaked it a bit. Sensing this, Sally immediately climbs to her and slips behind the hobbling Chapel, pulling her down with a roll up.

”ONE!”

With the referee out of position, Sally lifts her legs onto the middle rope for added leverage, the crowd booing and desperately trying to get the official’s attention to alert him of what’s transipring.

Dick Morosi: She’s got her foot on the ropes!

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

Seth Ericson: SHE DID IT! The streak is over!

The bell rings thrice as “Normal Person” by Arcade Fire rumbles onto the P.A. system. Not looking to stick around, Sally immediately rolls out out the ring and backpedals up the ramp to a loud and unanimous chorus of boos and jeers. Sal-Tal looks back inside the ring, a sly smile on her visage as she taps the side of her head, whilst Lexy stares up at her, realizing what just happened.

WINNER: Sally Talfourd

The camera cuts backstage where we see the EXODUS World Champion, Christum Furor storming down one of the many corridors in the arena, until he ventures into the hallway connected, his motions quickly being picked up by the cameraman placed there. In his hands is his Thumbtack Chair, one of his more extreme weapons that he uses when his problems escalate. He slams the weapon into the nearby wall, a loud “CRACK” sound reverberating through the aisle as a result. The veins in his skull manifest from beneath his flesh, obviously seething, and fuming over what happened earlier in the show at the hands of Zack Lifer. The madman’s eyes dart from side to side frantically as he continues to swing his steel equalizer around, catching not but air with his blind, crazed swipes. Someone’s footfalls become audible, catching his attention as he sharply turns around, his iconic piece of furniture being cocked back in the ready in the process. The paranoid champion finds nobody worth bloodening, only Tom Matheny, who raises his arms in fear and defense, whilst flinching, his eyes bulging with visible dread as his body trembles with that same fear. Furor takes a deep breath, lowering the chair to the side as he grabs the EXPRO personality by the collar, getting right into his face.

Christum Furor: You want an exclusive, Tom?

Matheny, caught like a deer in the headlights just stares at Furor, his disposition intimating that the cat has indeed got his tongue and that he has no answer for the sociopath's inquiry. Christum releases Matheny, shoving him back violently. Having had his feathers ruffled to say the least, Matheny attempts to gauge at what’s got the World Champion in such a volatile state.

Tom Matheny: Is this about Zack Lifer?

The World Champion ignores graves, turning to the wall and lightly banging his head against the hard surface. He continues to do so for a second, a third, and fourth time before groaning to acknowledge his self-imposed distress. Instead of ramming his cranium into the unforgiving structure he drives a fist into it, before gingerly planting his head along it, resting it there for a moment. Matheny just looks on, holding an EXODUS microphone in his hand in a desperate attempt to not toil himself due to his consternation. After a couple of seconds Christum pulls away, titled his head back, his black locks flying to the back of his neck like Fabio. He turns back to the interviewer, approaching him with haste, sliding the top of the chair along the floor whilst doing so.

Christum Furor: Earlier tonight Nick Kramer sent me a message, and it was well received. I want- I just want to send him a reply is all, Tom. Do you understand? We’re playing a little game and he’s not following the rules. When people deviate from my plan well… that puts me on edge. It makes me a little anger, a little exasperated. And now, now I’ve got all this pent up rage and anger and… and… I JUST NEED TO UNLEASH IT ON SOMEONE! HOW ABOUT YOU, TOM?!

Tom backpedals in an effort to protect himself, not taking the glare being shot in his direction lightly. Furor cackles, panting heavily as he as he removes some hair from his face with his chair.

Christum Furor: Nick Kramer, I’ve been waiting for you to do something like this. I’ve been waiting for you to show some backbone. I’ve been waiting for you to show your true self, not the man hiding behind inherency and false morality. No, I’m talking about the man whose jealousy of Zero McHannon drove him insane. I’m talking about the man who tried to murder Brytain, who tried to murder every member of the Sekigun last year. I’m talking about the Nick Kramer who is driven but his insatiable desire to hurt people to make himself feel more secure. Release your insecurities… release your inhibitions… take off your shackles… LETS RUN FREE IN MY ASYLUM NICK!

Furor freezes for a second, cackling even louder now as the expression on his countenance becomes more crazed and demonic by the minute. He takes a deep breath, beginning to ponder as his hyperventilation subsides for a moment.

Christum Furor: But understand, Nick. Understand that you can’t win this game. Jon, WEAPON, Fiona, none of you are safe. You think you’re all so unstoppable, unbreakable… you think you’re BULLETPROOF. But you’re not… and it’s clear. It’s so clear to me like the morning sky, like the sun setting in the east and rising in the west. You have more weaknesses than you’re letting on. I know them. I’ve seen them with my all seeing eyes. How could I not? How could I allow you to have visiting hours in my MADHOUSE, and not watch? Maggie Rourke, Nate Chapel, Jimmy Riley, little Madison, Rosalyn Darling, Black Jones, these parasitic tapeworms in the stands, the guy in the concession booth, the janitor, EVERY SINGLE LIVING CREATURE THAT IS NOT APART OF MY CONGREGATION! They’re the ones you fight for… the ones you fight to hide who you really are from. FALSE HEROES! But I’ll show them, I’ll show them the truth, won’t I Fiona?

The madman hisses his frustration, taking a huff out of rage before trying to compose himself, his teeth bared and gritted in a bitter scowl, his eyes squinted, demonstrating his grim demeanor.

Christum Furor: You can’t hide the truth from me. NO. NO YOU CAN’T. Not these eyes. These eyes are open. ALL THREE! My absolute intellect, my foresight, they allow me to see through facades. They allow me to manipulate time and space as I see fit. And you all have no idea… you have NO idea what I’ve got up my sleeve. Ascendancy… well I’ve already ascended haven’t I? I’ve ascended, and now I transcend. There were TEN plagues in ancient Egypt. There’s only ONE plague in EXODUS.. and you’re looking at him. And no I’m not taking your first born sons. I’m not turning your rivers or your wine to blood. I merely am the MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH… and at THIS party… the SEIKIGUN DOESN’T LEAVE ALIVE. NO… We’re all going to die and receive absolution through everlasting pain. Sally and Savannah have already poured the cups filled with cyanide. At Ascendancy… this company is going to drink until the very last breath…

The camera closes in on the madman who brandishes his chair over his shoulder before swinging it down to the floor.

Christum Furor: And then the Hammer of Dawn will drop on your heads.

And with that, we're off to commercial.