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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 15:10:54 GMT -6
The lights come up in the Staples Center and the crowd is cheering, waiting for the opening of the show. However, there is no music and the EXOScreen remains blank. The cheers of the crowd turn to murmurs of confusion as the silence extends far longer than it should. Suddenly, a stagehand comes out, followed closely by Jimmy Riley. Stagehand: Listen, Mr. Riley, everything’s set up in there - or at least, I think it is - but your tech intern, Ginny Jameson? She’s kind of, um… missing. Jimmy Riley: ...What do you mean missing? Stagehand: She’s not up in the booth where she should be. It’s empty, but we can’t get into the computers. She got into the system somehow and managed to lock everyone out. We can’t access anything. Jimmy Riley: ...So we have no show until we find Ginny, that’s what you’re telling me? Stagehand: Yessir, pretty much. Suddenly, a video starts playing on the EXOScreen. Filmed earlier in the day, it features Ginny sitting alone in the center of the squared circle, the arena empty around her. All she has is a plastic cup, which she starts using to perform the audition scene from Pitch Perfect. I got my ticket for the long way round
Two bottles of whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I’m leaving tomorrow, what’dya say?
When I’m gone, when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me by my hair
You’re gonna miss me everywhere
Oh you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
I got my ticket for the long way round
The one with the prettiest of views
It’s got mountains it’s got rivers it’s got sights to give you shivers
And it sure would be prettier with you
When I’m gone, when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me by my hair
You’re gonna miss me everywhere
Oh you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
When I’m gone, when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me by my walk
You’re gonna miss me when I talk, oh
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone… With her song concluded, Ginny looks up at the camera. Ginny Jameson: You know, I do a lot for this company. I pull all nighters to make sure that everything runs smoothly on show days. I hang lights, I run mic wires, I inspect all the equipment to ensure that it’s up and running. I monitor our social media presence and run data metrics to help expand our fan base. And I edit in real time to keep everything on track and in compliance. But all I seem to get in return is bullying and threats to be taken to some farm Aries Reed may or may not actually have. I’m sick of it. So this is what happens when you’ve gotten on the techie girl’s last nerve. You see exactly what happens when I’m not here. I’m not like you guys, I can’t fight for respect out in the ring, which means I have to use the only power I have - to shut everything down and make my voice heard for once. The screen goes dark once more, and a pattern of green numbers, letters, and symbols appear on it. The instrumental track to MC Lars’ “Space Game” starts playing as Ginny comes out from backstage, dressed all in black - combat boots, skinny jeans, and a tank top overlaid with a long leather duster. Sunglasses cover her eyes and her hair is pulled back. She grins and waves to the crowd as she runs down the ramp toward the ring. Once she gets there, she climbs the steps and enters over the middle rope, meeting Jimmy and the stagehand in the center of the ring. She gestures for the microphone and Jimmy hands it over, an amused look on his face. Ginny Jameson: Let this be a message to everyone, from the directors of this company to the wrestling talent. When it comes to this stuff, I am the One. I am Neo. Without me, you don’t get shows. This is more than just my job. This is my passion. While you guys are out here in the ring throwing down everything you have, I’m doing the same up there. So if you don’t like that sometimes I have to put you on a delay and bleep out what you’ve said? Keep it to your damn self because making sure we don’t get fined and creating a great show is my way of protecting EXODUS. And remember this: what I did tonight, locking the computers up in the booth? That’s child’s play compared to what will happen if you test me again. I can erase your entire digital footprint. I can make it look like you never even existed. No official records, nothing. And if you don’t believe me? Just go ahead and try it. Jimmy takes the other mic from the stagehand, who ducks under the ropes and leaves the two of them alone in the ring. Jimmy Riley: Are you finished? Ginny Jameson: Yeah, pretty much. I’ve said everything I wanted to say. By the way? Coming out here with my own theme music was awesome! I can see why you guys get such a thrill out of it. Jimmy Riley: “Ginny, can we get the show started now?” Ginny Jameson: Oh right! Yeah, hang on one sec. Ginny pulls her phone and a stylus out of her pocket and starts tapping the screen quickly. A few moments later, she picks her head up and raises the mic once more. Ginny Jameson: All right, the booth is unlocked and we’re good to go! So I guess without any further delay, welcome everyone to Dead in Hollywood! Jimmy and Ginny exit the ring to uproarious cheers from the crowd as the event gets under way. There's fireworks! There's a light show! THERE'S "DEAD IN HOLLYWOOD" BY THE MURDERDOLLS! The crowd goes crazy as we pan around the arena, and there's Dick and Seth! Dick Morosi: Folks, welcome to the first EXODUS iPPV of 2015! I'm Dick Morosi, my partner is Seth Ericson, and we are here live at the Staples Center for Dead In Hollywood! We've got ten huge matches and every title is on the line, culminating with the main event where Chris Strike makes his V1 Defense of the EXODUS Pro World Title against Abby Park! Seth Ericson: It's V1 Defense attempts all across the board, Dick! Christian Kane puts the International Title up against Justin Brooks and former champ Lexy Chapel, Chandler Scott defends the San Diego Bay Title against Shozo Arino, and TROUBLE kicks off their second reign against the tag team of GRENDEL and Aries Reed, Uncensored! Dick Morosi: And we've got other huge grudge matches for you! Zack Lifer faces Adrien Cochrane, Angela Jameson meets Devan Whitmore, and the entity known as mara will meet Fiona Collins in what the two have vowed on Twitter will be a bloodbath! Not to mention Andreas Lasiewicz has his first match in EXODUS since losing the World Title almost nine months ago when he meets the same man he lost the title to, Johnny Cannon! Seth Ericson: Let's not forget the finals of (R)Evolution Wrestling's Top of the Class tournament! A golden ticket to the main roster is waiting for either Shinji Uchikawa or Anastasia Starling by the end of the night! But first, let's kick things off with the Call Your Shot holder and the first graduate of the RW Dojo! It's The Masked Salaryman to meet Black Jones next! As the EXOScreen lights up for the introduction of the next participant, what follows is an obviously green-screened image of a desert, with a strange looking pod slowly being opened to reveal a figure dressed in what looks like an elaborate witch outfit. The figure is, additionally, wearing a mask to make the "witch" look like someone known to and loathed by all of the EXODUS faithful. "Not" Zack Lifer: AHHHHH! AFTER TWO WEEKS, I'M FREE! IT'S TIME TO CONQUER EXODUS BECAUSE I HAVE A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT EVEN IF IT TOTALLY ISN'T! The scene fades away from that to an a mockup of a set that should be very familiar to most of the crowd that actually watches EXODUS programming. In the laboratory/headquarters looking building, a robot scurries around. It looks very similar to a certain robot well-known to most fans of America's first sentai program, with the exception of long, platinum hair. Seymour-5: AY-YA-YAY-YA-YAI! Inside of the giant tube is the gigantic superimposed face of the Director of EXODUS Pro, Jimmy Riley. He shakes his head, and speaks, his digitized-sounding voice booming over the speakers. Rileydon: SEYMOUR! LIFER'S ESCAPED! RECRUIT US A TEAM OF SALARYMEN WITH GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES(TM)! With that pronouncement, the EXOScreen fades out, and the full version of the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers song hits the Staples Center speakers, sending children of the 90s into flashbacks about Dragon Daggers and the aid of a certain Pink Ranger in helping them through puberty. They've got a power and a force that you've never seen before! They've got the ability to morph and to even up the score! From behind the curtain burst out four, for lack of a better term, Salarymen Rangers. Representing the colors Yellow, Pink, Black, and Blue, they may or may not be members of the (R)evolution Dojo, and if they are, I'm certainly not telling you who's who. That's for the dirt sheets to figure out later, after all! No one can ever take them down! The power lies on their siiiiiiiiiiiii-eeee-iiiii-eeee-iii-eee-iii-eee-iii-ee-iiiiiiiide! Just as the chorus hits, the final, and most portly ranger comes sprinting out from the back! Dressed in all red, and clutching the Call Your Shot attache case, there's only one man it can be, and he makes it official as he takes off his helmet to reveal the mask of THE MASKED SALARYMAN! Go Go Power Rangers! Go Go Power Rangers! Go Go Power Rangers! Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers! The Salaryman leads his Rangers to the ring, and as one, they slide into the squared circle. Posing heroically for the crowd, they break into a display of martial arts. Some of them are better than the others - though the Salaryman is notably worse than all of the rest. As the music fades away, the Salaryman thanks and bows to all of his other Rangers, who take their leave and head back up the ramp, high-fiving fans along the aisle as they go. With the pomp and circumstance done, the Salaryman is ready to get down to the business of the evening. The feed suddenly cuts backstage, where we see Black Jones marching through the hallways of the Staples Center, wearing a long white boxing rope with “Half Man - Half Amazing” plastered in black on the back. Hanging from around the Philadelphian’s neck is a small drum, which he plays as he navigates the backstage area. Black Jones: THE CHAMP IS HERE! Shouts the exuberant kid from West Philly as he bangs the drum five times, his antics garnering attention from the onlookers. Black Jones: Ladies and gentleman the heavyweight champion of being cooler than a fan, flyer than a parakeet, and too dope for these civilians is HERE! The former (R)evolution star bangs the drum once again, continuing to play the tune Muhammad Ali made famous, as he’s clearly playing homage to the great boxer whose life was brought to life by none other than the Fresh Prince - another West Philly native, although not as great as the one currently on the screen. Black Jones: The champion of being faster than Christian Kane running to a mountain of cocaine, the champion of being faster than old man Jimmy Riley running to the medicine cabinet for some painkillers after he read 50 Shades of Grey and tried to get 50 shades of nasty with his wife but blew his back out and had to retire, and the champion of being faster than a somebody driving in my hood in a fancy car is HERE! Jones laughs at his own obnoxiousness as presses forward through Staples Center, while staff, fans, and anyone lucky enough to be backstage during his spectacle nod and vibe to the music instrumentation overshadowing by his ridiculousness. Black Jones: The champion of being uncrowned (R)evolution Wrestling Champions who were graduated to the EXODUS Roster and made Shozo Arino catch the fade two weeks ago in the Main Event, and is going to watch him catch an even worse from Chandler Scott later on tonight is HERE. Finally, Jones reaches the curtains, and bangs the drum one final time as a small group of supporters has formed behind him. Black Jones: Ladies and gentleman, the champion is HERE… and the future has ARRIVED! The feed cuts back to ringside, as the tron suddenly flickers to life, showing highlights of Black Jones’ young career as “The Champ is Here” by Jadakiss hits the PA system. The lights somewhat dim whilst smoke begins to rise via the ventilators. David Zinkus: And his opponent, from West Philadelphia, PA, weighing in at two hundred and ten pounds... BLACK! JONESSSSSS! Niggas know the champ is in here
He took it from crack to rap, now he put out two anthems a year
And I just wanna rock for a century
And then chase the book wit the documentary
If you can't do nothing other than flow
Life's a bitch like the mother from blow, lets go
Don't make me put your heart on your lap
Fuck ridin a beat nigga, I parallel park on a track
Hop out looking crispy, fresh and new
In a six but it's a BM and its Pepsi blue
And I don't know you
But I know a man becomes a man from all the shit that he go through
Y'all ain't fuckin wit Jason
After I cash in there's really no justification
Of how I'm gon change tha game
So don't get outta line cause this little nine will change your frame
Motherfucka, ahaBlack Jones breaks through the layer of smoke, his long white gown draping the floor, as he stands with folded arms, nodding to the lyrics begin blared through Staples Center. With a large and ecstatic grin on his face the Philadelphian proceeds to Ali Shuffle at the top of the ramp before finally making his way down to the ring, moving through the sides of screaming fans as he advances to ringside making numerous boxing actions and shadow punches as if he warming himself up for a bout. The champ is here
The champ is here
The champ is here
The champ is here Jones charges up the stairs with the speed of light, his hooded gown swaying back and forth like a cape in the air behind him as he leaps over the top rope and into the ring. The lights suddenly go back to full strength as Black removes his gown and lets it drop to his feet. His hands are strapped with white tape, while he wears white and black boxing style ring shorts with “OG Black Jones” running along the waistline, with a long pair of black nike boxing shoes. As a ring attendant pulls his gown under the bottom rope, Jones turns to the corner and begins firing a rapid succession of jabs and right crosses, showing his hands as they say in a demonstration of his boxing tutelage as a former participant of the Silver Gloves Tournament. Finally, with a slick smile Jones turns around, focusing his attention on The Masked Salaryman as his theme music dies down. Seth Ericson: These guys both look as ready as they'll ever be - there's the bell! Salaryman beckons for his opponent to make the first move, his fists up. Jones approaches slowly, but keeps a small distance. Salaryman steps in, but dips away as Jones grabs for him. He steps in and lands a right hook to the side of his opponent's head. Jones blocks a second punch, but eats a knee strike to the midsection. He bends forward and Salaryman rocks him with a European Uppercut. Jones staggers back into the ropes. The wily ring-veteran, out of the two, follows up quickly, charging in - but his powerful opponent greets him with a thunderous chop to the chest, putting his full weight into it. Salaryman goes down to the mat, stunned. Dick Morosi: The Masked Salaryman was working smart - but sometimes there's not much to be done about a blow like that! Seth Ericson: I know The Masked Salaryman hasn’t been wrestling since the Stone Age -but how did he not see that one coming?! Jones bends forward to retrieve his opponent, but Salaryman rolls him up into a small package! Referee Chris Dawson is caught a bit off-guard at the suddenness of the pin, hesitating for just a split second before diving into position. ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! Jones kicks out convincingly, but Salaryman immediately locks him into a rear chin-lock to keep him grounded. Salaryman rears back, his knee jammed into his opponent's spine. Jones shouts out in pain as he tries to rock free of the hold. After a few long moments, he reaches up and manages to grab Salaryman around the head. He pulls him over to the mat and applies a chinlock of his own! Jones nearly pulls his opponent's head off, pushing with his knee for leverage. Salaryman shouts out, his head bent back at a sickening angle. Salaryman reaches blindly with his arms, before using his weight to rock away from his opponent's knee. He is able to get onto his knees, but Jones still has the chinlock applies. Salaryman uses his right arm to sweep out his opponent's leg, and Jones crashes to the mat. Salaryman races to his feet and uses the ropes to springboard onto his fallen opponent with splash - but Jones is nowhere to be found! Salaryman crashes into the canvas and scrambles back to his feet. Jones comes charging in, catching his dazed opponent with leaping shoulder block! Salaryman’s feet swing out and he goes flying to the mat, landing at a weird angle on his side. Salaryman shows the damage as he slowly rises to his feet. Jones is there to nail him with a headbutt, before scooping Salaryman up across his shoulder. Jones takes two big steps before delivering a Powerslam for the pin! ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! Salaryman kicks out, but is slow to get back to his feet. Dick Morosi: I would have to think that Black Jones will be able to use his strength and stamina to combat his opponent’s advantage! Seth Ericson: Does the Masked Salaryman have the gas left in the tank? Jones rears back and delivers another big chop to the chest of his rising opponent. Salaryman winces as he absorbs the blow, but he keeps his footing. Jones delivers another huge chop across the chest, and Salaryman staggers a bit. A third big shot has Salaryman leans in the ropes. As Jones approaches, Salaryman strikes out with a nasty chop of his own. His surprised opponent nearly leaves his feet as Salaryman rears back his arm to deliver a second shot. The crowd responds loudly, cheering Salaryman on as he loads back his arm for a third chop. Before he can fire it off, Jones clubs him with an overhead forearm shot between the eyes. Salaryman falls to one knee, but uses the ropes to get to his feet. He turns to meet his charging opponent and dips down - thrusting himself up to send Jones over the top with a back-body drop! Jones is able to grab the top rope on the way over, landing safely on the apron. Salaryman notices and dives forward with a dropkick to the knee! Jones loses his footing and tumbles to the floor. Salaryman gets to his feet and starts to follow his opponent out. Dawson shouts for him to stop. Salaryman looks around to the crowd, who roar with approval as he steps through the ropes. Jones is getting to his feet on the floor, and Salaryman takes off down the apron - diving down, hooking his opponent, and taking him to the floor with a Diving Hurricanrana! The crowd explodes, applauding loudly as both men stay down at ringside. Dick Morosi: The Masked Salaryman, certainly showing that he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve! Seth Ericson: That was a pretty risky trick, Dick! Both men are on their hands and knees at ringside as Referee Chris Dawson begins his count. ONE.. TWO.. THREE.. Jones crawls toward the apron and Salaryman crawls toward the guard rail. Jones gets to his feet first, but leans on the apron for a moment to clear the cobwebs. FOUR.. FIVE.. SIX.. As Jones turns around, he is surprised by another big chop from The Masked Salaryman. He leans back on the apron and Salaryman delivers another. SEVEN.. EIGHT.. NINE.. Jones clubs Salaryman with a forearm, dazing him momentarily. He grabs Salaryman and throws him into the guard rail. Salaryman takes the blow head-first and crumples down to the floor. TEN.. ELEVEN… TWELVE… Jones rolls himself into the ring and goes to his corner to recharge as Chris Dawson continues his count on the fallen Salaryman. THIRTEEN.. FOURTEEN.. FIFTEEN.. Dick Morosi: Both men are fighting valiantly, I’m sure this capacity crowd doesn’t want to see it end with a count out! SEVENTEEN.. EIGHTEEN.. NINETEEN.. Seth Ericson: The Masked Salaryman is on his feet, but he’s definitely looking worse for wear! I wonder if those knees will carry him fast enough to break the count! Salaryman staggers forward and rolls himself into the ring to beat the count. As soon as he does, Jones catches him with a kick to the head. Jones delivers a hard forearm to the head of his rising opponent, but Salaryman absorbs it and pushes to his feet. Jones clubs him again and whips him into the ropes. Salaryman bounces back and right into a Military Press! Jones makes a quick cover. ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! Salaryman kicks out and rolls onto his side. Jones gives him a boot to the head, and then stalks him as he slowly begins to get to his feet. A weary Salaryman stand upright, and Jones swoops in to lock in a Bearhug! Salaryman leans over onto his opponent, fighting the hold - but cannot free himself. He leans forward for a moment, before pushing up straight to get more air. Jones pushes himself in closer, increasing the pressure and eating up some leverage. Salaryman struggles to stay in the fight, but refuses to quit as he leans heavily on his opponent. Dick Morosi: I wonder if The Masked Salaryman can find a way out of this before the lights go out! Seth Ericson: If it wouldn‘t cost me my job, I’d bet you $100 that it’s over right here! His right arm draped over his opponent’s head, Salaryman locks his fingers and grips Jones hard. He digs deep and is able to twist himself free, while pulling his opponent’s head up. Salaryman drops down - neckbreaker! Salaryman crawls to the corner and leans against the turnbuckles to catch his breath. Jones gets to his feet, feeling the effects of a stiff neck. Before he can get himself together, Salaryman nails the recovering Jones with a Spinning Backfist! Jones stumbles sideways into the ropes, falling forward with his chest draped over the middle rope. Salaryman consults the crowd before stomping over to Jones and draping his knee across his opponent’s back - choking him on the ropes. The crowd roars with approval until Salaryman breaks the hold at the count of 4. He steps back and pumps himself up as Jones gets up to his feet. He steps in, clubbing Jones with a devastating chop to the chest, landing amidst several purple handprints from earlier. Jones stumbles back into the corner and Salaryman follows close behind. He throws all his weight behind another big chop before whipping his opponent into the opposite corner. Salaryman raises his arm to the crowd before charging in. He jumps up, grabs Jones, and takes him over with a Monkey Flip! Jones gets to his feet and catches a textbook dropkick under the chin via The Masked Salaryman. Jones goes down to the mat and Salaryman leans back into the ropes. He raises his arm to the crowd, who show their encouragement as he ascends the turnbuckles. Dick Morosi: The Masked Salaryman is climbing to the top rope - I believe he is going for SALARYMAN SUPER SPLASH! Seth Ericson: Black Jones is on his feet- he’s too late! Jones charges forward, shoving his opponent’s foot and causing him to slip. The crowd groans as Salaryman crotches himself on the top turnbuckle. Jones takes advantage quickly, climbing up the turnbuckle to hit POETIC JUSTICE to the head of the Salaryman, who crumples and falls from his perch on the turnbuckle as Black turns him over for the cover! ONE! TWO! THREE! Both men stay down on the mat for a moment, but Jones gets to his feet to have his hand raised. He looks around with satisfaction as the official word is given. David Zinkus: The winner of this match, Black Jones!! WINNER: Black JonesDick Morosi: The Masked Salaryman proved that he still has what it takes to be a fierce competitor in the ring - but Black Jones walks away the winner tonight! Seth Ericson: I’ll admit it was a hard fought victory… Black Jones throws his hands in the air in celebration as he climbs the top turnbuckle to the ovation of the crowd. However the Salaryman is slow to his feet as he holds the back of his head in the middle of the ring. Black looks over his shoulder and hops down from the turnbuckle as Salaryman offers out his hand in a mutual respect. Dick Morosi: And what a classy move here… Black looks down at the extended gesture with a smirk only for it be replaced by a smile as the two share a hearty handshake in the middle of the ring. Dick Morosi: Folks, these two seemingly have formed an alliance based on their recent promos, referring to it as the EXODUS Vanguard. The two of them seem prepared to face anyone and everyone who dares threaten EXODUS again. Based on this match, I'd say we're in good hands. Seth Ericson: LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME. Dick Morosi: Say what you will, but it's possible, Seth. Now let's head backstage! |
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 15:15:32 GMT -6
We go backstage and in a candle lit dressing room rests a woman sitting with her legs folded, a black lantern in front of her. As the previous show, a woman is brushing her hair, but unlike Brianna Singer from two weeks ago, this time a nameless woman brushes the hair of "the entity" mara. mara: They say that dreams come to the City of Angels to die, my poppet. On a night where I can take my match anywhere and do anything, I wonder if her dream will die before mine? The nameless stranger smiles serenely as she continues to brush mara's hair. nameless stranger: Of course they will, mother. She is not as loving as you. At the end of the day, love conquers all and all she will feel is the darkness in her heart. She will be left in the shadows, lonely... Always lonely. mara: I've spent weeks aching for tonight, poppet. I've counted down the hours and minutes until tonight, and now it's here. Tonight, there's going to be blood. Tonight, there won't be a game to play or a chance for fairy tale endings. Tonight, there will only be love. There will only be death...and tonight, The Allmother path will be washed with the blood of a Seraph. Tonight, we see if she is worthy of sharing the name I long to have again. nameless stranger: Blood is red... Red like love. I would enjoy to see the crimson trail of pure love. I... I... The stranger pauses in mid stroke, her eyes glazing over. She peers off into space, a blank expression on her face. nameless stranger: There are so many trying to run amok here. She gazes off for a few more seconds before blinking. She resumes the brushing of mara's hair as though nothing had happened. nameless stranger: Would you be terribly displeased if she were? She could be another one to love, couldn't she mother? The girl sighs and closes her eyes, leaning back as if she was resting against the stranger and thinking for a moment. mara: if she wants the name I was born into, then she needs to prove she is worthy of it. Marrying my brother mine and destroying the monster he once was makes her no more worthy of being a royal than a commoner lucking into marrying a noble. nameless stranger: ah, but what if you could turn her into a monster? mara: oh, but darling...that's the plan. With that, mara offers a serene and somehow disturbing smile as we cut back to Dick and Seth. Dick Morosi: I really don't like what The Allmother seems to be thinking, Seth. Seth Ericson: If she thinks she can make a monster out of Fiona Collins, I'm hoping she's got a better plan than just irritating The Stardust Seraph. Fiona has faced many people who have tried to get her to break, and they've all failed! Dick Morosi: It's a dark future on the horizon for Fiona Collins, but there's hope for the future! Tonight, the EXODUS roster grows by one with the finals of the Top of the Class tournament! Anastasia Starling meets Shinji Uchikawa...next! The lights in the arena black out, the crowd erupting as there's suddenly just a small blue dot on the EXOScreen. Suddenly, it starts to move, leaving a light trail behind it as it goes before suddenly, the opening sounds of "The Grid" by Daft Punk starts to play. As the line keeps moving, more and more lines start to pop up as a voiceover starts. The grid, a digital frontier...I tried to picture clusters of information as they move through the computer. What did they look like? Ships? Motorcycles? Were the circuits like freeways? I kept dreaming of a world I thought I would never see, and then one day...I got in...The lines keep coming and moving at a quicker pace as we slowly pull out as all the lines begin to form, everything starting to look like the wireframe of a 3D render all as we start to recognize the face and structure of the athlete it's composing. Shinji Uchikawa. "The Grid continues to play as the crowd sees a blue light come up from the bottom of the stage, a platform slowly rotating and rising as it brings a form with blue digital lines painted on via the beauty of flourescent body paint! As the song fades out, a new song kicks in...the remix of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" done by EXODUS' official band, The Glitch Mob! I'm gonna fight 'em off
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Taking their time, right behind my back
And I'm talkin' to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
Behind a cigarette
And the message comin' from my eyes says leave it alone... And as the beat drops, the lights quickly come to light, Shinji Uchikawa standing at center stage! The lights continue to pulse at the heavy beat as Shinji looks out at the crowd, taking a deep breath before he slowly starts to walk down as the heavy beat disappears again to once again go into the second verse. David Zinkus: INTRODUCING FIRST....FROM JAPAN....UCHIKAWA, SHINNNNNNNNNNNJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! Don't wanna hear about it
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone knows about it
From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
And if I catch it comin' back my way
I'm gonna serve it to you
And that ain't what you want to hear
But that's what I'll do
And the feeling coming from my bones says find a home... And once again, the beat kicks in, and Shinji hits the ringside area, slapping hands with a bunch of fans, all before stopping by the front row area where several of the Section B kids managed to score seats, all before hugging his friends who have started a "UCH-I-KA-WA!" chant for him before he slowly hops up to the apron before stepping into the ring and rolling to a knee before spreading his arms wide as a light shines down on him as the crowd erupts! Dick Morosi: Shinji Uchikawa has been tearing up (R)Evolution for the better part of a year, Seth, and he's got a chance to return to the main roster tonight. Seth Ericson: Even so, Anastasia Starling proved she's not just the kind of girl you can squish anymore! She just won the GFC Invitational tournament a few weeks ago, and she's possibly one of the most difficult people Shinji could meet in the finals! The big screen comes to life as a karaoke video pops up and the song ‘Let It Go’ from the Disney movie ‘Frozen’ begins to play. The crowd, remarkably, begin to sing along with the tune as it plays out. The lights in the arena turn to an icy blue, with fake snow blowing out from the back to create a little winter wonderland. From behind the curtain suddenly bursts ‘The Little Songbird’ Anastasia Starling, dressed as if she has literally come out of the movie itself with matching attire and a blond wig and tiara. In her hands is a bag of fake snow, which she throws out into the crowd like confetti as she gleefully sings along to the song whilst skipping and jumping down the ramp. She circles the ring, a great beaming grin upon her face, looking a little overwhelmed by the amazing ovation for her. She circles the ring, pausing in front of Section B to plant a kiss on a beautiful brunette in the front row, quite obviously her girlfriend. She takes off her wig and puts it on the lady’s head, before turning and rolling into the ring. She does a cartwheel and then raises her hands in the air in peace signs as the crowd begin screaming ‘Bird is the Word’. As her music dies down, she stands in her corner applauding the sold out crowd as she readies herself for this huge matchup. Dick Morosi: The fans seem to be split right down the middle in this one! Many of the fans remember Shinji from his original run in EXODUS, but there are a lot of fans supporting the California girl here tonight. Seth Ericson: This match represents the future of EXODUS Pro, and is arguably the biggest match in their careers. A place on the main roster beckons for the winner! Ana and Shinji meet up in the middle of the ring, exchanging a few pleasantries before the match. The fans applaud as the pair of them shake hands, a rare sign of sportsmanship in the cut throat world of EXODUS Pro. The bell rings and the crowd are on their feet in anticipation for this match between two of Revo’s biggest favourites. Dick Morosi: Great sportsmanship right there. Seth Ericson: Will Shinji return to the top? Or will Bird be the word? They begin to circle one another then lock into a traditional tie-up, Shinji quickly gaining the upper hand with his superior size and strength. He backs Ana into the ropes, then whips her across. He ducks down as she flips over him. Sprinting back in his direction, it is now his turn to leap over. She bounces right back into a Monkey Flip from Shinji, but with her amazing agility lands on her feet again and keeps on going. She returns once more to be met with a quick arm drag from Shinji, then another, then another. Shinji tries a fourth, but reverses it into one of her own, then a second, then a third! They both then go for a dropkick at the same time, kicking each other’s feet before landing down and facing each other in a stalemate. The crowd roars on in approval. Dick Morosi: This is going to be close and fast! Seth Ericson: Neither has the upper hand just yet, and I feel that is going to continue right until the very end. They circle once more, but Ana ducks the tie-up attempt, thinking better of it. She gets Shinji in a waistlock, but the Man from Japan elbows his way out. Ana backs off a second, only to be pushed into the corner, bouncing out into a Saint Walker Bomb from Shinji! ONE TWO But Ana rolls out and into a pin of her own, grabbing Shinji’s legs. ONE TWO Shinji manages to roll out, and chops Ana down. Starling bounces back up and is met with more hard chops that back her into the corner. Each and every chop is met with a ‘WOO’ from the crowd, one after another. He whips her into the opposite turnbuckle, which she hits with a thud. Shinji charges in, but Ana flips right over him and lands on top in an innovative Cannonball, as Shinji rolls out of the ring to regroup. Dick Morosi: A wonderful counter there that has the audience on their feet! Seth Ericson: And half of them are still singing ‘Let It Go’! Wait! Ana just rolled out of the ring, what is she doing! The crowd goes absolutely wild as Ana dives through the turnbuckles, nailing an amazing Triple T DDT on the outside that has Shinji rolling around clutching his neck. She wastes no time, rolling back into the ring and sprinting to the ropes as soon as she sees Shinji rising. Dick Morosi: Amazing Tornado DDT from Ana Starling, so innovative. Seth Ericson: But look out! The Songbird is about to fly! A marvelous over the top rope somersault plancha from the GFC Invitational winner, that has the whole audience on their feet. She takes a nervous little bow, before picking Shinji up and rolling him into the ring. She attempts to make the pinfall. ONE TWO But Shinji still has a lot in him, and he kicks out at two. She pulls him back up, but with a few well-placed gut punches he breaks free, whipping her to the ropes and sending her back to the canvas with a nice clothesline. He keeps her down with a couple of lightening quick elbow drops, and an attempted cover. ONE TWO Ana kicks out, but is kept down with a tight chin lock. He keeps it in play for a few moments, trying to keep the faster and more agile Starling in place. Dick Morosi: Smart move from the more experienced Shinji, keep the Songbird grounded. Seth Ericson: But it won’t be for long, she’s fighting her way up already. As she begins to fight her way up, he throws her to the ropes. She charges as he throws a wild clothesline that she ducks, and she springboards right back at him from the second rope. Dick Morosi: SOUL CALIBER! Seth Ericson: HOW? HE WAS READY AND WAITING FOR HER! THAT WAS HUGE! ONE TWO NO! Ana is still in the game, even after that beautiful counter into the Soul Caliber. Shinji shakes his head, then sits in wait for Ana to rise, then charges her down and floors her with a ferocious Wide Awake. ONE TWO THR- Not quite. Ana is showing a huge amount of resilience and determination, even against The Sentinel’s strongest offence. Shinji questions the referee, but quickly goes back on the offence, pulling Ana up and hitting a few chops then a Northern Lights Suplex. He doesn’t go for the pin, instead he pulls her up and hits a Butterfly suplex, followed quickly and promptly by a side suplex. Dick Morosi: Quick succession of suplexes there from Shinji, all of them expertly delivered. Seth Ericson: These two certainly don’t look like rookies. They both look the real deal here tonight! He then calls for the end, signalling for another Wide Awake, lying in wait for the groggy Starling to stand. As she does, he charges in but she drops him to the floor with a drop toe hold that slams his throat onto the middle rope. She then sprints towards him and hits a 619 to send him flying back into the centre of the ring. Using the top rope to springboard herself over, she pulls Shinji right down, slamming his head into the mat with the BTB! And she signals that she is heading to the top rope. Dick Morosi: This is it! This is your chance Ana! Seth Ericson: No one has kicked out of this one! It’s the move that won her the GFC Invitational over in FRONTIER! Ana perches herself on the top, sizing up her prey, then leaps off with a beautiful Phoenix Splash! Dick Morosi: OH MY GOD! Seth Ericson: Shinji with the knees up! Shinji did get his knees up, knocking the wind out of Ana. She’s bounced right up, clutching her stomach and Shinji takes his chance. Dick Morosi: There’s the Tsunami German! Seth Ericson: Is this it? ONE TWO THREE! Seth Ericson: And it is all over! Ana tried to kick out with all she had, but she was just a moment too late. Shinji raises his arms in celebration, as Ana looks on in despair. Before the ref can even raise Shinji’s arms, Ana shows another act of sportsmanship by shaking Shinji’s hand and leading the crowd in giving him a round of applause. The crowd are on their feet for both competitors. WINNER: Shinji Uchikawa"Seven Nation Army" begins to play again as Shinji comes to his knees, tears visibly welling in his eyes at realizing he's finally achieved his number one goal. The crowd begins to shower him in cheers. Dick Morosi: HE HAS DONE IT! THE SENTINEL RETURNS TO EXODUS PRO! After a year of voluntary removal from the main roster to polish his skills, Shinji Uchikawa has won and now has earned the right to return to EXODUS Pro! Seth Ericson: Give credit to him and Anastasia! Both of them came out swinging and proved tonight they are MORE than ready for the big time! Dick Morosi: There can be no doubt of that, the both of them are the future of this business. And it's a bright one for us al-oh no. Dick's mood change reflects that of the crowd, their overwhelming cheers turning to boos as "Seven Nation Army" fades into "Anti-Gravity" as the leader of the REVOLUTION, Shozo Arino, appears on top of the ramp. He simply stands there for a moment looking at the man in the ring, a smile coming onto his face before he starts down the ramp. He stops at the foot of the ring to pull a microphone from his hoodie pocket before sliding into the ring. He steps in front of Shinji, facing him, before bringing the mic up to his mouth. Shozo Arino: Congratulations, Shinji. I always knew you'd be the one standing tall at the end of this. He looks out at the crowd that has mostly fallen silent to listen to whatever he has to say, a look of annoyance coming to his face. Shozo Arino: Oi! Don't let me get in the way! Your hero and mine has just gotten back onto the main roster! SHINJI UCHIKAWA JUST WON THE TOP OF THE CLASS TOURNAMENT! SHOW SOME APPRECIATION! The crowd begins, perhaps surprisingly given who's pushed them to it, begin cheering again for Shinji, who just looks on at the crowd of people showing him love with a mixture of awe and happiness. Shozo claps along with them, hyping them towards even higher levels of cheering. It's only once it begins to calm down that Shozo speaks again. Shozo Arino: Look at them, Shinji! They love you! They see in you what I see in you. They look up to you. To them you're a hero...and they listen to you. Shinji seems uncertain of what Shozo's getting at, as he continues to speak. Shozo Arino: This entire time, since the Autumn Effect 2, I've said that I just want people to listen to what I have to say. That's because I know. I know if they just listen to what I have to say, listen to my stories, they'll understand why Evolution is the true path. But they don't listen, Shinji. Maybe because they know, that if they actually pay attention to it, that their peaceful world will be shattered and they'll have to accept that wrestling is stagnating. The why isn't important, what's important is that they just don't listen. Indeed, the only people that so far have actually taken the time to listen to me is my comrades in the REVOLUTION...and you, Shinji. Shinji seems to realize where this is going, taking a deep breath in preparation for something the crowd's still not sure of what it is yet. Shozo Arino: At the last (R)Evolution show, I finally got what I wanted. My best friend sat down, and he actually listened to me. I told him everything... He turns to look in the camera a moment, a smirk playing across his features. Shozo Arino: And that means everything, Ryoma.... He turns back to facing the crowd. Shozo Arino: And now, in front of all of you, you people that hold him as a hero in your hearts, I'll ask you something, Shinji. Because they might not listen to me, but they'll listen to their hero, won't they? He extends the microphone to Shinji, who reaches a hand out to take it, drawing it back to himself. For a moment, he simply looks down at the canvas, gathering his thoughts, before lifting the microphone up to his mouth. Shinji Uchikawa: It is true. I did...listen to you, and what you had to tell me. It was...much overdue. I admit that when you told me these things, I found them.... He pauses, trying to find the words, wincing as he says them. Shinji Uchikawa: ...hard to believe. Shozo's face falls, his body seeming to go rigid as he stares at Shinji. Shinji quickly holds his hands up. Shinji Uchikawa: But! I do not believe you would lie to me. Shozo's body relaxes as he noticeably breathes a sigh of relief. Shinji Uchikawa: So, if I take that into account...then it means that I think, hearing of everything you went through that shaped you into who you are now, that started your revolution... He pauses a moment leaving everyone, including Shozo, uncertain of his next words. Shinji smiles. Shinji Uchikawa: I am proud to call you my brother. He drops the microphone and extends his hand to Shozo. The crowd begins to boo this as Shozo, a grin splitting his face, forgoes the handshake to instead embrace the taller man. The hug lasts a few moments before it's broken, Shozo taking Shinji's hand and raising it. Seth Ericson: I think Shinji Uchikawa just joined the REVOLUTION! Dick Morosi: My God. I...I think you're right, Seth. After months of uncertainty, Shozo's gotten his wish. Gen2 is reunited on the main roster, under the banner of REVOLUTION! Seth Ericson: This is a monumental moment for the group, it'll be even harder for people to ignore their message now. Dick Morosi: That might just be the case, Seth. Only time will tell what the ramifications of this will be. Let's leave them to celebrate, and head backstage. We fade to backstage on the image of the best friends, Shozo Arino and Shinji Uchikawa, standing together. We find ourselves in the locker room of one Justin Brooks, the same man who will challenge for the Exodus Pro International Championship along with Lexy Chapel against the current Champion, Christian Kane. He sits in silence with his large left hand extended as one of his trainers carefully wraps athletic tape around his hand and wrist up to his mid-forearm. Tom Matheny steps into the locker room with a camera looking over his right shoulder as Justin doesn't even bother to acknowledge Tom, his mind on one thing and one thing only. The Exodus Pro International Championship. Tom Matheny: Justin, you think we can get a word with you before you match tonight? Trainer: Com'n now...you see the man trying to get his mind right, not now will ya'? Justin Brooks: It's alright, Cookie...what do you want Tom? Tom Matheny: "Your feelings about Kane and Lexy. There's been some serious venom slung around in the past weeks, do you harbor ill-will towards them? Justin Brooks: No, I don't hate Christian Kane nor do I hate Lexy Chapel...but I do pity those fools. But I will destroy any man, woman, or child who dares to think that I don't belong here. Tom Matheny: Okay, Justin, I have to ask...what's your prediction for the night's fight? Justin Brooks: Prediction? Tom Matheny: Yes, sir...a prediction. Justin looks up into the eyes of Matheny, a snarl appearing on his lips as one word summed it up perfectly. Justin Brooks: PAIN. |
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 15:23:20 GMT -6
With that, we're back to Dick and Seth. Dick Morosi: Justin Brooks looking dead focused on tonight. Seth Ericson: Say what you will, but I have a distinct feeling both Lexy Chapel and Christian Kane are in for some serious problems tonight. Dick Morosi: There's some issues there, but there's a dispute tonight if it's the biggest grudge in the building...especially if you're Angela Jameson. The head trainer of the (R)Evolution Dojo has been accused by a couple of students of being harsh and humiliating them, and it's caused some problems for The Fallen Angel. Now, she gets a chance to put one of her accusers in place when she meets REVOLUTION's Devan Whitmore...next! The arena goes completely black, not a thing can be seen. The dramatic opening vocals from the ever so familiar "Duel of the Fates" echoes loudly across the arena. A door slides open and a light shines from below the floor, revealing a hooded, robed figure rising from beneath. As she rises, she slowly holds her arms out. The music switches to the first of the horns, blaring their fanfare, rising and falling in pitch and making sounds of promise. A trail of flames from the stage to the end of the ramp appear and grow slightly higher as The Mistress of the Sith herself, Devan Whitmore, rises from below, head bowed, arms wide out. As the music hits, it's not the John Williams orchestra as expected. Instead, a harder, metal guitar version begins to play, led by the haunting wail of a violin. Devan begins to make her way slowly down to the ring, hands clasped under the long sleeves of her robes, head bowed as if praying. She glides slowly down the ramp, pausing as she reaches the end. She drops to her knees and remains there for a few moments, eyes closed. David Zinkus: Hailing from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, she is... the Mistress of the Sith... DEVAAAAAAAAN WHITMOOOOOOORE Devan brings her hands up quickly and quite simultaneously, the flames go out as the lights return. Devan walks up to the ring and stares up for a moment. She holds out her arms and tips her head back... And very slowly begins to rise off the ground. Her head remains tipped back as she floats into the ring. Everyone who isn't in awe is looking above for the wires or cables supporting her right now. Devan lands in the ring and lowers her arms, opening her eyes and grinning devilishly. She undoes the ties of her robe and allows it to slide slowly off her shoulders and down her body, revealing a Darth Vader replica chest piece. Her tights are as short as possibly allowed. She holds her arms out before smiling and bowing as the music stops. She looks towards the stage, rubbing her hands together and bouncing from foot to foot in anticipation. [[The fans in the arena are eagerly anticipating the next thing to happen when all of a sudden, the lights are cut off sharply, causing the fans to murmur among them as to what is happening. As they continue to wonder, a solitary guitar riff echoes throughout the arena, furthering the confusion of those in attendance. As the riff keeps playing, the clash of a bass guitar and the beat of drums chime in, and red spotlights begin to pulsate in perfect sync with the beat of the music. While this is going on, the eerie voice of Tom Araya breaks through, reaching the audience.]] "An unforeseen future nestled somewhere in time. Unsuspecting victims, no warnings, no signs. Judgment day the second coming arrives. Before you see the light you must DIE!!!" [[As soon as the final word is uttered, the loud crash of the drums and guitar signal a brilliant white light to take over the arena, truly kicking off “South of Heaven” by Slayer. Once the light fades out, it has been replaced by blood red lights. Spotlights frame the aisle and begin to pulse with the music. A few seconds pass and out from behind the curtains emerges ‘The Fallen Angel’ Angela Jameson. She steps out onto the stage, clad in her purple and black entrance robe, the hood coming down to just below her eyebrows. Her crystal blue eyes show little emotion as she stands there, surveying the scene for a moment before moving slowly down the aisle, the fans showering her with a loud chorus of boos. Her arms remain at her sides as her laser-like gaze remains focused on the ring as she climbs the steps slowly. She stands on the apron, with her back resting slightly on the ropes and glances to her right and left before reaching up with her right hand and yanking back the hood. As soon as she yanks the hood back, the lights slowly return to normal. Angela then steps through the bottom and middle ropes. Standing up tall in the ring, she quickly undoes her robe and hands it to the stagehand before slowly pacing around the ring as her music starts to fade out.]] As the bell sounds, Jameson and Whitmore circle each other, sizing each other. Whitmore’s lips curl into a devilish grin. She stops in her tracks and flips her hair over her shoulder, preening about in Jameson’s face. Jameson rolls her eyes and strikes, taking Whitmore down with a Lou Thesz Press. Whitmore doesn't have time to defend herself and shrieks wildly as Jameson switches between slaps and punches. The ref taps Jameson on the shoulder and begins counting to five. As Jameson releases Whitmore, the Mistress of the Sith kicks up her legs wraps them around the Fallen Angel's torso and squeezes tightly. Jameson screams, trying frantically to force the boa constrictor grip of Whitmore's to release. Whitmore squeezes tighter, attempting to reach forward to grab Jameson by the throat. Jameson scouts Whitmore's intentions and grabs a hold of Whitmore's wrists and pulls. Whitmore shrieks and attempts to pull away, but Jameson has a firm grip and it only stretches Whitmore dangerously. Whitmore shrieks louder and her legs release their vice grip on Jameson. Jameson rolls away clutching her ribs slightly. Whitmore crawls away frantically and sits in the ring corner, staring wide eyed at Jameson. Dick Ericson: Whitmore making some rookie mistakes right now. She's giving Jameson time to recover instead of following up! As if hearing this observation, Whitmore leaps up and throws herself on top of Jameson, punching viciously. Jameson yells out, trying to maneuver out of her predicament. Whitmore grabs Jameson by the hair and begins slamming her head into the mat. She smiles watching Jameson's head bouncing off the mat. The ref interjects himself and starts counting for Whitmore to knock off what she's doing. 1 2 3 4 Whitmore stops at four, but not for long. As soon as the ref is on his feet, she grabs Jameson's hair and begins bouncing her head off the mat again. The ref drops down and begins counting loudly again, more aggressively this time. Whitmore releases on four and backs away slightly. Jameson attempts to slide away but Whitmore lunges again, grabbing for Jameson's ankle. Jameson instinctively kicks her other foot up and catches Whitmore square in the jaw with her heel. Jameson shakes off the pain and capitalizes, crawling over and trapping Whitmore in a figure-four leg lock. Whitmore shrieks loudly, punching the mat, the ropes, and finally Jameson's legs. Jameson doesn't release her hold, shaking her body and adding pressure. The ref starts asking Whitmore if she's ready to quit, which she is not of course. Dick Morosi: Devan Whitmore appears to be in dire straits here. Jameson has that figure four locked on tight and seems immune to Whitmore's blows to her knees and thighs. Seth Ericson: I love a good scissoring... Whitmore Is screaming bloody murder at this point, now clawing at her hair and face. She flips her torso half way and reaches desperately for the ropes. She scoots her bottom minutely, little by little. But she's too far away and Jameson manages to put her weight down while applying pressure. Whitmore begins rocking from side to side, building momentum until finally, she manages to flip Jameson over and reverse the pressure of the hold! Jameson immediately releases and crawls away. Seth Ericson: A very smart move by the rookie, most likely a page taken straight out of her mentors book, the very woman she's fighting! Whitmore has rolled out of the ring, rubbing and kneading her legs frantically. She attempts to rise to her feet, but she is forced to grasp the padded guardrail for support. In her attempts to rise, she doesn't notice Jameson also getting to her feet in the ring. The veteran scouts her prey and with a sudden burst of strength, runs towards the opposite side ropes. Bouncing off them and gaining momentum, she takes a mighty leap, landing on the middle rope. Using her momentum, she bounces right to the top rope and spreading her arms out wide, cross body's Whitmore! Whitmore is slammed into the ring barrier, her head bouncing off the padding hard. Jameson rolls away, clutching her ribs in agony. Dick Morosi: They call her the Fallen Angel, but she was soaring like she had wings just then! A gutsy move by the veteran, but at what cost?! Seth Ericson: The ref is counting, and neither woman has gotten up yet. Jameson might have done herself more harm than good with that cross body to Whitmore. Jameson rises slowly and looks up groggily. She hears the ref call for five, so she rolls quickly back into the ring. The ref stops the count and Jameson rolls back out. She heads over to Whitmore, who is crawling around , grabbing the back of her neck and shaking off the cobwebs. James grabs her roughly by the head and forces Whitmore to her feet, Whitmore reaches up, desperately scratching at Jameson's hands. Jameson walks her back over to the barricade and mercilessly bounces her face right off the barrier. The closest fans roar with approval. Before Whitmore has a chance to breath, Jameson has grabbed her by the hair again. She forces her up and walking her over, bounces her head off the ring steps. Dick Morosi: Signs of frustration from the veteran as she bounces Whitmore's head around like a basketball off any surface she can find! Seth Ericson: Jameson seems intent on teaching her former student a hard lesson on biting the hand that feeds. Jameson walks away from Whitmore briefly to roll into the ring to stop the count once more. She walks back over to where she left Whitmore, only to find that Whitmore has disappeared. Jameson looks perplexed and walks to one corner, peaking around. Not there. She heads back to the other corner, and she's not there either. Jameson looks even more mystified until she sees the ring apron disheveled in unusual way. She tiptoes over and reaching out slowly, grabs the apron. She pulls it up quickly, only to find that Whitmore is NOT there. Jameson jumps back up, yelling in confusion... Until Whitmore comes from behind with a blow to the head! Seth Ericson: That was downright sneaky of Whitmore just now! I can't say I don't entirely disapprove. Dick Morosi: Whitmore starting to show signs of life now! Indeed, it would appear that Whitmore has regained some of her momentum and energy. She hurries back over to where she reappeared from and crawls back under the ring slightly. She reemerges a few moments later... Holding two replica Lightsabers in her hands. The crowd goes nuts as Whitmore begins to stalk Jameson. She looks up and notices that ref is at the count of eight. Her eyes widen and she rolls into the ring and quickly rolling back out with the count broken. Dick Morosi: I can't quite believe my eyes right now. Devan Whitmore loves her Star Wars, we know... But she just pulled Lightsabers out from under the ring! Seth Ericson: Always full of surprises, that one. I bet she a freak! Whitmore is twirling the Lightsabers in her hands like nunchucks, waiting for Jameson to turn. Jameson gets to her knees, rubbing her head before noticing Whitmore's shadow creeping from behind. She turns quickly and pauses, narrowing her eyes when she notices what Whitmore is holding. Whitmore grins and drops the blue one at the ground before Jameson's knees. The ref, confused and astounded by what he is witnessing, stops counting. Jameson reaches out tentatively and takes the Lightsaber in her hands. Whitmore grins wolfishly and takes a step backwards. Jameson gets to her feet and raises the weapon in her hands out in front of her. Whitmore touches her lightsaber to Jameson and the two begin to duel. The crowd absolutely eats this up as Whitmore and Jameson have an actual Lightsaber duel all around the ring. Jameson bullies Whitmore into the announce table, but Whitmore deftly jumps up and lands neatly on the table. The two continue to fight, Whitmore walking across the tables, knocking over water bottles and kicking around papers. When they reach the end of the table, they continue to clash lightsabers, much to the joy and amusement of the crowd. THIS IS AWESOME!
THIS IS AWESOME!
THIS IS AWESOME!Whitmore, refusing to be trapped up top, flips off the table and dashes towards the ring. Jameson chases her, and attempts a lower leg blow as Whitmore tries to rush up the ring steps. Whitmore senses it coming and turns quickly to block and the two hold the pose for a few moments, Lightsabers clashed in a battle of the wills. Dick Morosi I still can’t even believe I’m watching this right now! The crowd is right, this IS awesome! Seth Ericson: Only thing better than a lightsaber fight is two hot women having a lightsaber fight. Suddenly, in a flash, Whitmore releases her lightsaber and kicks Jameson square in the stomach, sending her flying off the ring stairs and crashing into the steel of the ramp. The crowd roars in disapproval quite loudly as Whitmore takes a moment to breathe. She looks on at Jameson rolling around and grinning as the ref begins to count. 1… 2… 3.... Whitmore walks over to the ropes and leaning across them, begins shouting mocking taunts towards the Fallen Angel. 4… 5… Whitmore waves her off and walks around the ring, throwing her arms up for the fans, declaring herself the early victor. They shout back their disapproval. 6… 7…. Jameson is stirring now, and she has crawled over to the ring apron. She grabs at it and pulls herself up, vaguely aware of the ref as he continues his count. 8… She stares at Whitmore intently, eyes ablaze with a fury that hasn’t been seen until now. 9.... Whitmore is already bowing immodestly, pointing back towards Jameson, completely unaware that Jameson has just rolled back into the ring! The crowd lets out a deafening roar of approval. Whitmore, thinking its for her, looks legitimately surprised. She listens for the bell and her music, but when neither hit, she turns to harass the ref… ONLY TO GET CAUGHT BY JAMESON WITH THE END OF DAYS! The crowd goes absolutely wild as Jameson goes for the cover! 1… 2… NO! Whitmore gets the shoulder up right in the knick of time! Jameson punches the mat in frustration but quickly begins to follow up with a series of kicks up and down Whitmore’s body. Whitmore is stumbling and sizing her up, comes in strong with an enziguri, sending Whitmore crashing to the mat! Jameson throws her arms up and lets out a primal war scream, one that the crowd is more than happy to reciprocate. Jameson points towards the top ropes, signalling for the Bittersweet Serenade. Dick Morosi: Jameson quickly reclaiming the momentum here and signalling for her most famous of signatures. Whitmore is in a world of trouble, Seth! Seth Ericson: I don’t know if the rookie has enough left in her tank to take out the Fallen Angel! Jameson climbs to the top rope and sets herself up carefully. With another scream, she flies and flips through the air for the Bittersweet Serenade… only to be met with knees by Whitmore! Jameson rolls away in pain as Whitmore drags herself over to the ropes. Seth Ericson: Whitmore acting on pure instinct just then! If Jameson had hit, no doubt this match would have been over! Whitmore is attempting to pull herself up, but Jameson is a little faster. Jameson lunges for Whitmore, hoping to spear her right out of the ring. But Whitmore sees it coming and whirls away, sending Jameson flying between the ropes and crashing head first into the announcers table! Her neck snaps slightly as it bounces sickeningly off the table. Jameson crumbles as Whitmore falls back to her ass on the mat. Whitmore looks over her shoulder and sees Jameson lying there, possibly unconscious. She rolls out of the ring and on unsteady feet, walks over to Jameson. She grabs her by the hair and slams her head into the table again, causing the crowd to boo loudly. She ignores them and rolls Jameson on top of the announcers table. Whitmore walks back towards the ring and rolls in, breaking up the referee counts. She looks out at Jameson almost blankly before looking towards the ring corner. She looks back towards Jameson, then back to the ring corner. Dick Morosi: I don’t know what exactly Whitmore has in mind here, but judging from the look on her face, it can’t be good! Whitmore walks her way over to the ring corner and begins climbing the ropes. Her eyes are glowing bright orange as she steadies herself at the top and looks down on Jameson for a long moment… then signals the Jedi Mind Trick! The crowd is stunned in disbelief, watching in horror to see if A: Whitmore can actually cross that distance and/or B: If Jameson will move in time! Seth Ericson: Lawd in heaven, Whitmore is going for her Jedi Mind Trick finisher! There’s no way, she’ll never make it from there! Dick Morosi: Don’t do this, Devan! Angela has family, children, people that care about her! It’s not worth it! Whitmore, having finally reached her center of balance, leaps high into the air and to everyones slack-jawed surprise, nails the most beautiful Jedi Mind Trick splash the world has ever seen and will probably never see again! It sends both Jameson and Whitmore through the announcers table to the floor, both of them seemingly knocked out. 1… 2… 3… 4… 5… Dick Morosi: I can’t believe this! In desperation, Whitmore pulled out all the stops to take her former mentor out! Seth Ericson: Yeah, but was it worth it? Whitmore doesn’t look any closer to getting up than Jameson and the ref is over half done his count! 6… 7… 8.... 9… Neither woman moves so much as an eyelash. 10!!! The bell sounds and the crowd begins to erupt into boos. The ref motions for Zinkus to call it. David Zinkus: This match has ended in a double count-out! WINNER: Double Count OutDick Morosi: Whitmore dug deep to come up with something to keep her former teacher down, but in the end, she put both of them out! Seth Ericson: When these two women finally come to, neither one of them is going to be pleased with the decision. I get the feeling this issue is far from resolved. Dick Morosi: Not by a long shot! The med-staff has come running out by this time with two gurneys. Different teams begin working on Jameson and Whitmore. However, GRENDEL is now making his way down the ramp and he forcefully pushes his way through the trainers and medical team. He leans over Whitmore and talks to her softly for a few moments. Her eyes flutter open and she nods, attempting to sit up. GRENDEL rises slightly and grabbing onto Whitmore’s arms, manages to pull his friend up with him. He throws her arm over his shoulder and wrapping his around her waist, begins to walk her back up the ramp. He’s whispering to her the entire way, but Whitmore is still seeing stars and merely nods. Meanwhile, Jameson has also come to and is waving off the gurney the medical unit is trying to talk her into getting on. She gets herself to her feet, earning her a standing ovation from the crowd. She begins making her way to the back, baring her teeth in obvious pain and frustration as the camera fades out. And once again, we're backstage with Tom Matheny...but this time, with Aries Reed. Tom Matheny: Aries...are we really going to do this again? Aries nods his head once again, a piece of silver duct tape covering his mouth as he holds a black pen in one hand and stack of index cards in the other. Tom sighs audibly as he slowly shakes his head, before reaching up and pinches the bridge of his nose. Tom Matheny: I’m going to really regret this but whatever...let’s have it, Aries. With an approving moan escaping from behind the tape, Aries begins to scribble down on the index card before handing off to Tom. Tom Matheny: "Thank you for once again giving a voice to voiceless, it seems that despite my apologizes last week they didn’t go over as well as I intended them too, so hopefully at Dead in Hollywood, I can make amends, starting with you, Tom."Tom Matheny: With me? Well, Aries that’s a big move and I accept your apology wholeheartedly. Scribbling once again, he hands Tom another index card which immediately wipes the smile from his face. Tom Matheny: “...easy white boy, take a break from those mayonnaise sandwiches and realize that I’m only doing this because if I don’t Jonathan Collins and his lackeys will try to hit me in the wallet since they can’t get anyone else to beat me. But I’m sorry that you’re nothing more but a penis in a suit holding a microphone and while I’m at it, I bet you have sex only in missionary position and sleep in separate beds at home, don’t you?”Tom sighed once again and shakes his head slowly. Tom Matheny: I’m not going to dignify with a response. Aries only shrugs as he scribbles down on another index card. Tom Matheny: “Well, I did try to apologize so there’s that...secondly I would like to apologize to Miss Radio Shack who’s in the back with her hand over the censor button wanting nothing more but to cut this segment short. I’ve been advised to leave her alone and don’t direct anything towards her for the remainder of my career since she’s not considered ‘combatant’ in these festivities. So to Lady Best Buy sitting in the back, calm your tits...you’re officially in the clear.”Dropping the index card, Tom smirks as he looks over at Aries with disapproving scowl. Tom Matheny: You know that’s nothing going to over well at all, right? Aries shrugs his shoulders for a moment and scribbles down on another index card. Tom Matheny: "What are they going to do to me? Zack Lifer chokes out a chick in the middle of the ring and they don’t fire him, suspend him, or fire him...what are they gonna do to me? Send Andreas after me? I’ll put his cripple ass back in a wheelchair for real this time. But this isn’t about Megatron in the back or anyone else, this is about UNCENSORED taking the Exodus Pro Tag Team Championships.”Tom Matheny: Finally..something of substance. Well, speaking of that, you and GRENDEL stand to across the ring from the two-time Exodus Tag Team Champions in Trouble, what’s the game plan tonight? Scribble-Scribble-Scribble-Pass. Tom Matheny: "Gameplan? Gameplan? The game plan has been all along is to assert our dominance and show why UNCENSORED and Revolution is for real. We aren’t fly by night like everyone wants to think, we for real...and after tonight, we are going to be known as Champions."Tom Matheny: Feeling arrogant is a bit premature, don’t you think? Aries smirks underneath the tape as he looks up at Tom and writes on the index card without taking his eyes off of him. He passes the card off forcefully into Tom’s hand. Tom Matheny: "Premature? The only thing Premature is you, you Two-Pump Chump. GRENDEL and I have been down since Day 1 and we will show you and every other doubt, hater, critic, and naysayer out there that we aren’t just about business...we are for real."Tossing the stack of index cards in the air, Aries storms off leaving Tom in a shower of blank index cards as they fall back to the ground. |
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 15:32:51 GMT -6
Dick Morosi: Aries Reed is still not making many friends. Seth Ericson: You know Aries has to be watching the main event with interest. If Abby Park wins the World Title tonight, he might have a case for asking for a title shot. Dick Morosi: Entirely possible, but he's got a shot at gold tonight! It's Uncensored meeting the two-time Tag Team Champions TROUBLE, and it's next! David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following match is a Tornado Tag Team Match, and it is for the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Championship! Introducing first... WIKKY WAH WAH... WIKKY WIKKY WAH.. WIKKY WAH WIKKY WILD WILD WEST! As the word West is spoken, pyros erupt from each side of the entranceway, as the team of Uncensored, GRENDEL and Aries, enters the arena. “Wild Wild West” by Will Smith featuring Kool Mo Dee and Dru Hill continues to play, as the pair stand at the top of the ramp, surveying the arena. Aries is dressed as James West, complete with black cowboy hat, black suit with waistcoat, and one hell of a grin across his face. GRENDEL, next to him, is dressed as Artemus Gordon, dressed in a similar style to Aries but without the cowboy hat, a much more garish waistcoat, and his every present face paint. Aries lets out a wild whoop, then the pair start off down the ramp. GRENDEL ignores all the fans as he goes, whilst Aries exchanges insults with members of the crowd. Aries runs up the ring steps, whilst GRENDEL just steps up onto the apron. The pair enter the ring at the same time, Aries entering with a twist, whilst GRENDEL simply pushes down the top ropes and steps in. David Zinkus: Our challengers, weighing in at a combined weight of 535lbs and representing REVOLUTION... the team of Aries Reed and GRENDEL... they are UNCENSORED! GRENDEL stands in the centre of the ring, and lets out a huge roar, after which Aries leaps up onto his back, and starts pumping his fist, all the while smiling his massive wide grin. He hops off his partner’s back, and the pair head to their corner, beginning to strip down to their ring gear as the music fades out. David Zinkus: And now, introducing their opponents... With no more noise than just the roar of the crowd, Wulf Erikssen and Steve Lenton come out from the back, both dressed identically in plain black suits, white shirts, black ties, black fedoras and sunglasses, their titles hung over their shoulders. They stand at the top of the ramp, looking kind of awkward, as they wait for the crowd to quieten down. Seth Ericson: Oh great. What have these idiots got planned? Wulf looks over to a band that has quickly been assembled to the side of the entranceway during the Uncensored entrance, and looks once more to the front. Both him and Steve pull microphones out from inside their jackets, and with a shrug, Steve lifts his to his mouth. Steve Lenton: One. Two. One Two Three Four. The band strikes up, playing "Everybody Needs Somebody," as Steve and Wulf both begin to walk band and forth on the stage at the top of the ramp, perfectly emulating the Blues Brothers. The horns erupt in a flourish, and with a little jiggling hop, Wulf brings his microphone to his mouth, speaking over the top of the band. Wulf Erikssen: We’re so glad to see so many of you lovely people here tonight. We would especially like to welcome all the representatives of EXODUS’ San Diego community who have chosen to join us here in the Staples Center at this time. We certainly hope you all enjoy the match, and remember people that no matter who you are, and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there’s still some things that make us all the same. The crowd roars in response. Wulf Erikssen: You, me, them, everybody. Everybody! Steve cuts in, and starts singing, as the pair start dancing their way down the aisle. Steve Lenton: Everybody needs somebody! The audience starts clapping along with the beat, as the pair continue to dance and sing. Steve Lenton: Everybody needs somebody to love! The pair hi-five each other about half way down the ramp. Steve Lenton: Someone to love. Wulf Erikssen: Someone to love. Steve Lenton: Sweetheart to miss. Wulf Erikssen: Sweetheart to miss. Steve Lenton: Sugar to kiss. Wulf Erikssen: Sugar to kiss. Steve stops, and starts pointing out random people in the crowd during the next part. Steve Lenton: I need you, you, you. I need you, you, you. I need you, you, you. In the morning! Wulf Erikssen: You, you, you! Steve Lenton: When my soul’s on fire! Wulf Erikssen: You, you, you! Wulf pulls a harmonica out his jacket pocket, and electric slides up to Steve, playing into his mic during the next part. Steve Lenton: Sometimes I feel... I feel a little sad inside. When my baby mistreats me... I never, never, never find a place to hide, I need you! The crowd continues to cheer and clap as the band enters an instrumental, and the pair continues to dance to the ring. David Zinkus takes this opportunity to announce the pair, keeping, partly, in rhythm with the song. David Zinkus: Weighing in at a combined weight of 437lbs, they are the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions... “Big L” Steve Lenton... “Barroom Hero” Wulf Erikssen... they are TROUBLE! The pair reach the ring, and in tandem hop up onto the apron, and step through the ropes, with Steve bringing the mic back to his mouth as he does so. Steve Lenton: Sometimes I feel... I feel a little sad inside. When my baby mistreats me... I never, never, never find a place to hide, I need you, you, you! The audience starts singing along loudly, as Wulf and Steve hold their mics out to them. Audience: I need you, you, you! I need you, you, you! I need you, you, you! Wulf brings his mic back to his lips, speaking over the top of the music and the crowd as they continue singing. Wulf Erikssen: You know people, when you do find that special somebody, you gotta hold that man, hold that woman! Love him, please him, squeeze her please her, signify your feelings with every gentle caress, because it’s so important to have that special somebody to hold, to miss, to squeeze and please! The crowd continue to repeat the You, You, You refrain. Steve Lenton: EVERYBODY! NEEDS SOMEBODY! EVERYBODY! NEEDS SOMEBODY TO LOVE! SOMEONE TO LOVE! SWEETHEART TO MISS! SUGAR TO KISS! The pair both begin singing in tandem, dancing around the ring, pointing to the crowd, to the referee, to the announcers, the technical team, Uncensored, everybody. Steve Lenton & Wulf Erikssen: I NEED YOU, YOU, YOU! I NEED YOU, YOU, YOU! I NEED YOU, YOU, YOU! I NEED YOU, YOU, YOU! IN THE MORNIN’! WHEN MY SOULS ON FIRE! WHEN THERE AIN’T NO-ONE AROUND! I NEED YOU, YOU, YOU! I NEED YOU! I NEED YOU! GIRL, I NEED YOU, YOU, YOU! OOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I NEED YOU! The band stops with this note, with the two members of TROUBLE on their knees, arms stretched, the audience cheering in response, before the bash out the ending, as the pair stand up, slapping each other on the back, tossing their microphones out to the technicians, and retreat to their corner, removing their jackets, hats and glasses. In the opposite corner, Uncensored have stripped down to their shirts and slacks, and watch as TROUBLE do the same. Dick Morosi: WOW! That was certainly something! Who’d have thought the Big L had such a voice! Seth Ericson: I... well... Yeah, OK. That was certainly something. Dick Morosi: All jollity aside Seth, this is a huge match. Uncensored get their opportunity to increase REVOLUTION’s impact on EXODUS, and Wulf finally gets his hands on the former Coyote! Seth Ericson: GRENDEL, Dick. His name is GRENDEL. Aries and he have both proven themselves more than capable the past few weeks! The champs have got one hell of a fight on their hands here! Chris Dawson summons the two teams to the centre, and explains the rules of the match to each of them. Aries stands opposite Wulf, and GRENDEL stands opposite Steve. Dick Morosi: So just explain to everyone at home Seth what’s different about a Tornado match. Seth Ericson: They’re not idiots Dick. I don’t think I need to, but as you asked, in a tornado match all four people fight at the same time, there’s no tagging in and out. Also, there’s no count out, but people can’t leave the arena. All falls still need to happen in the ring. Dick Morosi: Interesting. I wonder why Uncensored requested this type of match? Seth Ericson: You’re a regular chatty Cathy today, aren’t you? Chris Dawson steps back, and calls for the bell. The two pairs look at each other for just a second or two more, before all four charge forward, Aries going for Wulf, GRENDEL for Steve. The tag champs just take the advantage, surprising the young guns by going for hard strikes rather than locking up, Wulf taking Aries off balance with a stiff kick to the midsection whilst Steve takes GRENDEL off balance with a fast series of Body Blows. GRENDEL and Aries fight back, but it’s limited by the aggression of the two veterans, as they both work the younger men into opposite corners. Wulf starts to stomp Aries down in the corner, whilst Steve repeatedly starts driving his shoulder into GRENDEL’s stomach, breaking him down. With Aries on the floor, Wulf dives on top, and starts unleashing with lefts and rights, whilst GRENDEL has managed to push Steve off, escaping from the corner, but only just, as Lenton returns, and starts unleashing again, before pushing GRENDEL into the ropes. Dick Morosi: TROUBLE are on fire here tonight, Dick! Both of these men have had trouble apart over the last few weeks, but here, tonight, they’re truly back on form, fighting together, and showing everyone exactly why they’re champions. Seth Ericson: This isn’t wrestling, Dick. This is a brawl, plain and simple. They were lucky catching Uncensored off guard, but they need to keep that offense up. Steve whips GRENDEL, using the ropes for added momentum, and turns, waiting his return. Steve looks to be going for a Spinebuster, but is caught completely by surprise as GRENDEL hits him with a Face Full Of Boot! Seth Ericson: And that’s exactly why these kids are dangerous, Dick! Massive Running Big Boot from GRENDEL taking Big L straight out of his boots their Dick! Not seeing what’s happened behind him, Wulf hauls Aries up to his feet, and whips him to the opposite corner, chasing straight behind him. Aries, however, hops up as he approaches the corner, catching the top ropes with his hands and vaulting backwards, letting Wulf pass underneath him. As his feet touch the mat, he quickly locks the confused Wulf in a waist lock, and hoists him straight over with a Release German Suplex, Wulf landing hard in the middle of the ring. Dick Morosi: And like that, the momentum is reversed Seth, with Uncensored now seemingly in control of this match up. GRENDEL, having stood by a moment to allow Aries to hit his suplex, goes after the still downed Lenton, laying into the recumbent figure with some hard stomps. As he does so, Aries grabs one of Wulf’s legs, and signalling to the crowd, slowly rolls Wulf onto his stomach, before falling back with the leg under his arm, locking in a Single Leg Boston Crab. GRENDEL stops attacking Steve, and looks at Aries and Wulf. With a sick grin, he runs to the ropes, and as he comes back hits a Pointed Elbow Drop to the back of Wulf’s head, causing the Brit’s head to bounce off the canvas. Aries releases the hold, and watches as GRENDEL rolls his former mentor over for a quick pin. ONE Wulf kicks out with ease. Dick Morosi: A sloppy cover there from GRENDEL. Not only that, but you’re not going to get a quick pin like that over a champion. Seth Ericson: It’s all part of a game plan, Dick. Every kickout is another bit of energy your opponent can’t use against you. As Aries gets upright, he’s taken out by a Running Shoulder Block from Lenton, bursting in seemingly from nowhere. Aries goes flying into the ringpost, with Lenton next making a beeline for GRENDEL as he also starts to get upright, hammering on him with Clubbing Forearms, trying to keep him disoriented as he gets upright. He manhandles the larger man into the corner, and starts ramming a shoulder into his midsection, as Wulf gets upright and joins in the assault with a series of Body Blows, both men swapping to stomps as GRENDEL falls to a seated position. Wulf glances over to Aries, and seeing him beginning to get upright, peels off the intercept him, only to be taken by surprise by an Elbow Strike. Aries follows up with another, only to be taken surprise by a quick headbutt from Wulf, as Lenton relents in his assault on GRENDEL, and turns to see Aries stagger back. Steve jogs over to join Wulf, as both men whip Aries to the opposite corner. Wulf immediately follows, hitting a Running Jumping Headbutt to Aries in the corner, peeling off as Steve follows up with a colossal Corner Spear. Wulf jogs back to the corner they started, as Steve whips Aries back towards it, and is clocked by Wulf bursting out of the corner with a Falcon Punch! Dick Morosi: OVERTIME! Trouble with that big combo, Aries has to be seeing stars! Wulf follows up with a pin, as Steve cuts off GRENDEL with a series of stomps to cut the interference. ONE TW- Kickout! Aries manages to wriggle a shoulder free and up, and Chris Dawson calls Wulf up and off the fallen Reed. He quickly sets to work on GRENDEL, who Lenton has laid out on the mat, descending on him with a flurry of fists, pounding him down on the mat. Both Erikssen and Lenton step back, allowing GRENDEL to start to climb upright. Steve and Wulf each grab an arm, pulling GRENDEL to the centre of the ring, before hooking him up and hitting him with a Double Snap Suplex. With GRENDEL down, they both look to Aries, and nod. They pick him up, and both whip him into the ropes. Wulf bends over as Steve positions himself behind, and Wulf sends Aries flying with a Back Body Drop! Dick Morosi: I think Aries is about to suffer a Hangover Seth! Seth Ericson: Your puns are almost as bad as Wulf’s. Aries flips over, landing on the Big L’s shoulder. Before Steve can follow up with the Powerbomb, however, Reed flips himself back, taking Lenton up and over with a huge Huracanrana! Seth Ericson: YES! That’s why Aries Reed is the future of this business, Dick. Wulf turns, and seeing what has happened, goes after Aries, giving him a quick Soccer Kick to the head before he can start to get up. He turns back to recommence his assault on GRENDEL, only for GRENDEL to be there, ready, in his face. Dick Morosi: This is it! The two former Coyotes, face to face. GRENDEL moves first, clamping a massive fist around Wulf’s throat. He looks about, seemingly ready to go for a CHOKESLAM!, only for Steve to get back up, only to get a massive fist clamped around his neck too. He looks for a moment to gauge the weight of the men in his hands. Dick Morosi: You... you can’t be serious. He can’t possibly... With a roar, GRENDEL surges forward, pushing both men into the ring ropes. With a second road, he lifts both men up, and quickly throws them down, over the top rope and to the outside. Seth Ericson: DOUBLE CHOKESLAM! UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPES! JUST HOW STRONG IS GRENDEL? Both members of TROUBLE start to get up, aiding themselves, as Aries joins GRENDEL by the ropes. He points to both of TROUBLE outside, and GRENDEL just nods. Aries run to the far ropes, and as he returns leaps up, GRENDEL catching him with a Military Press, stalling it for just a second before launching his friend to the outside with a massive Diving Crossbody, taking down both Lenton and Erikssen! Seth Ericson: This man is a machine! Aries slows gets upright, as both TROUBLE members lay flat on the arena floor, both dazed from the assault, as GRENDEL steps over the top rope, moving to join his partner on the outside. Aries, standing upright, whoops aloud, his arms held wide, as GRENDEL steps up to join him, and the crowd boos. Both men close in on their opponents, GRENDEL taking the dazed Lenton as Aries takes Erikssen, and both running them to the apron, sliding them back into the ring under the bottom rope, following in straight behind them. Aries manhandles Wulf into one of the far corners, as GRENDEL slams Steve into the near one diagonally opposite. Aries unleashes a series of Kicks all to Wulf’s midsection, whilst GRENDEL lets loose with a big combo of Body Blows and Knee Strikes to the winded Lenton. Pausing a moment, both members of Uncensored look to each other, and with a nod, break off from their opponents, charging at each other. Aries weaves past GRENDEL as the two men slip past each other, Aries connecting to Lenton with a Flying Calf Kick, whilst GRENDEL catches Wulf with a massive Lariat, lifting him clean off his feet. Pausing and looking to each other again, they repeat the feat, with GRENDEL hitting Lenton with a hard Lariat, whilst Aries mixes it up with a Double Knee Strike to the cornered Wulf, the impact causing him to fall to the mat. Steve staggers out of the corner, only to receive a kick to the midsection from GRENDEL, who quickly forces him between his legs, as Aries hops out to the outside. Dick Morosi: Oh what the hell are they doing now? GRENDEL lifts Steve aloft into a Powerbomb, as Aries springboards off the top rope, hitting Lenton with a Springboard Clothesline as GRENDEL follows up with the Powerbomb! Seth Ericson: I have it under good authority that that move is known as “Hit ‘Em High”. Dick Morosi: Whose authority? Seth Ericson: That’s for me to know, Dick. You just worry about calling the match. Aries gets upright, seeing Wulf starting to get to his feet as he does so. He responds with a quick Corkscrew Dropkick, catching Wulf under the chin, and causing to fall to the mat like a fallen tree. Aries points for GRENDEL to climb the turnbuckle. After only a moment’s hesitation, he starts to do so. Dick Morosi: THIS IS TOO FAR! HE’S 300LBS FOR GOD’S SAKE! GRENDEL gets to the top, with Aries laying a couple of stomps to Wulf for good measure. GRENDEL pauses a moment, getting his balance, looking out to the crowd as they draw to some kind of hush. Closing his eyes, GRENDEL launches himself back and over with a picture perfect Moonsault, landing his full weight across Erikssen’s chest. Seth Ericson: I HOPE YOU GOT YOUR TICKETS DICK, BECAUSE TONIGHT WE FLY AIR GRENDEL! Dick Morosi: That massive moonsault, that he calls Air GRENDEL, you rarely see even smaller men pull off such a perfect moonsault. Wulf’s got to be in a world of hurt now. GRENDEL hooks the leg. ONE TWO Lenton dives in to break the pin with a Forearm! Aries was already celebrating, and Lenton stole the break! Wulf uses the distraction to roll out of the ring! Lenton staggers to his feet, only for a now enraged Aries to take it to him with a series of Chops and Forearm Strikes forcing him back, only for Lenton to suddenly push Aries off him and into the ring ropes. Reed rebounds off, and as Lenton drops for the Back Body Drop, vaults over him, going for the Sunset Flip. Lenton manages to keep upright though, regardless of Reed’s tugging at his legs trying to get his to fall fown. Dick Morosi: Lenton’s certainly a man you could never accuse of missing leg day. Lenton bends down to grab Aries by the hair, only for GRENDEL to rebound off the ropes, and take Steve down with another Face Full Of Boot! Aries quickly capitalises, flipping Steve over, and up to a seated position, before locking in the Dragon Sleeper! Seth Ericson: THIS IS IT, DICK! Aries has that lethal Dragon Sleeper locked in, and with Wulf stuck on the outside, Lenton can’t hold on long, surely? Wulf runs to the ring, but GRENDEL is up, and standing guard. Frustrated, Wulf dashes around the ring, trying to find a way in. He quickly leaps up to the apron, and GRENDEL goes for him, only for Wulf to hop back off, grabbing a hold of GRENDEL’s head as he does so, and catching him with a Hangman! GRENDEL staggers back, clutching at his throat, as Wulf climbs back to the apron. Thinking quick, he springboards with the top rope, diving onto Aries with a Springboard Lariat, freeing Lenton from the hold. Dick Morosi: That’s the resourcefulness of experience there, Seth. Wulf went somewhere where he wasn’t comfortable to get the job done. Seth Ericson: So an old dog did a new trick. Big woop. Wulf is quickly back to his feet, but as he turns, he runs into GRENDEL, who wraps his hand around Erikssen’s neck, before hitting him with a CHOKESLAM! He turns to face Lenton, who bursts out of nowhere with a BLITZ!!!! Dick Morosi: Chokeslams! Spears! This is descending into well dressed anarchy! All four mean are laid out on the mat. Wulf takes the opportunity to roll out of the ring. Aries and GRENDEL are both dazed, whilst Steve is struggling to fight air into his lungs from the Dragon Sleeper. Slowly, Steve gets up to a seated position, before continuing to standing. Outside, Wulf gets a hand on the apron, as he slowly starts to stand. Steve gets up, and ignoring the two downed Uncensored members, goes to check on Wulf, tapping at his hand to see how with it he is. Wulf is largely out of it though. Deciding to plough on, Steve surveys his options, before deciding to focus on Aries. He lifts Reed up, and slams him into the corner, following up with a series of shoulder strikes to the solar plexus, followed by some big Forearms. He stops as Aries hits the mat, seated, to raise his arms to the crowd, smiling as they cheer in response. He continues his assault on Aries, starting to lay into him with Stomps, not realising that GRENDEL has gotten to his feet. Slowly, the big man stalks Lenton, before grabbing him by the shoulder and spinning him round, laying straight in with a Back Elbow. He follows up with an Elbow Strike, only for Steve to push him back. Lenton follows up with a charge, only for GRENDEL to reverse it, beginning a Tilt-A-Whirl. Steve reverse that, however, twisting out of the move and landing on his feet behind the big man, before crouching low and shoving GRENDEL with all of his might into Aries in the corner, causing GRENDEL to crush Aries just as he manages to get back up to his feet. GRENDEL looks down at what he’s done, and slowly turns to face Lenton, only to catch a quick Shoulderblock to the midsection as he does, doubling him over. Lenton goes straight to the ropes, bouncing off and going for the 3:00, only for GRENDEL to catching him, his hand wrapped around Lenton’s throat. He’s about to hoist him up, when Wulf Erikssen dives off the top rope, with a Diving Falcon Punch, catching GRENDEL to the side of the head, and sending him reeling out of the ring through the ropes. Dick Morosi: WHAT A FALCON PUNCH! Wulf flying off the top rope with the biggest Falcon Punch of his life! Lenton follows GRENDEL to the outside, as Wulf slowly gets up, shaking some feeling back into his hand. He turns, straight into a Jumping Clothesline from Aries Reed! Aries follows up with a swift series of Soccer Kicks to the fallen Barroom Hero. Outside, Steve Lenton has got GRENDEL back upright, and whipped him into the barricade! GRENDEL staggers forward from the impact, straight into a Game Changer from Lenton! Dick Morosi: Huge clothesline from Lenton there! He’s got the upper edge here on the outside. Seth Ericson: But it’s in the ring what matters Dick, and my boy Aries is firmly in control there. Aries lifts Wulf up to his feet, only to take him straight back down with a T-Bone Suplex. He hauls Wulf back up, grabbing a handful of Mohican as he does so, as Steve simultaneously hoists GRENDEL up on the outside. Both Aries and Steve whip their opponents, Aries sending Wulf into the corner, whilst Steve sends GRENDEL crashing into the ring steps. Dick Morosi: Lenton effectively using the environment there to try and cut down the threat of the big man. Seth Ericson: This isn’t a hardcore match, Dick. Lenton is just pushing boundaries because he knows he’s unable to beat GRENDEL in a straight match. With a nod, both Aries and Steve charge their respective opponents. Aries going for a big Jumping Clothesline gets totally taken by surprise as Wulf bursts out of the corner with a Falcon Punch, taking him straight down to the mat. On the outside, Lenton has leapt up, going for a modified 3:00, only for GRENDEL to step aside at the last moment, catching Steve and boosting his momentum, the Big L’s face being driven hard into the ringpost above the steps. Dick Morosi: OH MY GOD! Lenton’s head driven hard into the unprotected side of the ring post. Seth Ericson: Hey, GRENDEL was just using the environment, isn’t that how you say it Dick? In the ring, Wulf has gathered up the dazed Aries, and bent him over between his legs, pulling his arms through his legs. Dick Morosi: I think Wulf is looking to end it in the ring. Seth Ericson: I think GRENDEL is looking to end it outside the ring. As Wulf lifts Aries up, GRENDEL picks up the barely conscious Steve Lenton in a Karelin Lift, wrenching the gut as he does so. Wulf hits the Barroom Bomb, as GRENDEL just looks at him, sick smile on his face. Dick Morosi: BARROOM BOMB! The champs are going to retain. ONE Wulf looks about the ring, and spots GRENDEL with Steve in the Karelin Lift on the outside. TWO Wulf breaks the pin himself, pushing Aries off of him, and running to the corner where GRENDEL and Steve are. As he gets there, GRENDEL hoists and spins with Steve, kneeling down and driving Lenton down head first into the steel steps. Seth Ericson: SOME KIND OF HATE! GRENDEL with that huge Karelin Lift Piledriver, straight to the ring steps! Dick Morosi: Lenton’s gone! He can’t even be conscious anymore. Wulf is mortified. Wulf starts shouting at GRENDEL, over the corner post, to step away from Steve, to get up and in the ring with him. As he shouts, GRENDEL just smiles his sick smile, as Aries Reed comes up behind Wulf, and grabbing him around the waist, rams him hard into the turnbuckle. GRENDEL picks Lenton up by the tights, the barely conscious Steve offering no resistance as GRENDEL rolls him into the ring, whilst Aries rolls backwards with Wulf in the waist lock. Aries follows through into a massive Bridging German Suplex, as GRENDEL slides into the ring, and places his massive boot square on Lenton’s chest, as Aries holds on for the pin. Chris Dawson hits the mat, and starts simultaneously counting with both hands. ONE TWO THREE! Dick Morosi: I can’t believe this Seth. Not only have TROUBLE lost the titles, but I think Lenton may be seriously hurt. David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen, your winners, and NEW EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions... Aries Reed and GRENDEL... UNCENSORED! WINNER (and NEW EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions): UncensoredSeth Ericson: The kids got the job done, just like they said they were going to do, and all within the rules of the match. What’s wrong with that Dick? Dick Morosi: It’s just..., wait Wulf is up... The timekeeper has just handed the belts to Chris Dawson, as Wulf has got up. Aries is holding GRENDEL’s hand aloft, as the two men stand in the middle of the ring, triumphant. With a roar, he charges forward, taking Aries down with a Clothesline to the back of the head. As GRENDEL turns, he starts unleashing lefts and rights, only for the big man to respond in kind, pummeling the tired Brit. The referee calls for the bell, and the EMTs start coming from out the back, accompanied by Adrien Cochrane, Naiser King, Caleb Storm, as well as Darius Reed and Devan Whitmore of all people. Wulf kicks GRENDEL in the gut, doubling him over. He runs to the ropes, and comes back, going for a Falcon Punch, only for GRENDEL to reach out with a hand, wrapping his hand around Wulf’s throat. He drags the Barroom Hero up close to him, and whispers something into his face, before shoving him backwards hard into the direction of Steve. Wulf starts to recommence his attack, but GRENDEL just points to the downed figure of Lenton. Wulf, seemingly seeing sense, stops, and tends to his fallen friend. GRENDEL helps Aries up, holding him back from attacking Wulf, and calling for Dawson to hand them their belts. Dawson gingerly does so, with Aries snapping the belt from his hand, and GRENDEL taking his, less forcefully, but still firmly. The crowd start to boo as they hold the belts aloft. Aries’ face transforms from scowl to smile, and the pair of Uncensored leave the ring, meeting up with their REVOLUTION Unit mates. Darius lifts his little brother aloft in his arms, whilst Devan gives GRENDEL a big hug. The foursome start to leave ringside, leaving the carnage and chaos in the ring behind them. Adrien tries to pull Wulf away from Steve, only for Erikssen to lash out hard, punching him hard in the face, asserting that he’s not leaving his side until he’s in the right care. Adrien gives Wulf a “What the hell”, as Naiser and Caleb stand back. Dick Morosi: Sad scenes after that excellent match, folks, as Wulf Erikssen’s grief for his teammate’s health seemed to get the better of him. Seth Ericson: The man’s an animal, Dick, and we just saw his true face. We’re going to go backstage now, whilst we get this mess in the ring cleared up.
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 15:35:25 GMT -6
The feed cuts to a scene of what appears to be the Staples Center. Inside seated in a steel chair is none other than Mr. EXODUS, Johnny Cannon. The Brit is dressed to turn heads as usual, in a three piece suit complimented with gator shoes and a Royal Oak Offshore Diver. The setting around him is empty and dark as he has chosen to shoot this piece when no one is around. Johnny Cannon: Two years… that’s how long this place has been home to me. I’ve been through it all, too. I’m talking about going through hell and high water, going through the valley of the shadow of death, through the fire and everything that lies in between inside these ropes… these four steel posts. Mr. EXODUS pauses for a moment, pulling a cigarette from his pocket which he lights and takes a puff from. Johnny Cannon: Just in case you’ve been living under a bloody rock for the last two weeks, you know that tonight is my final match as a member of this roster. I’ve been forced out. Sent packing by a man who has his head too far up his ass to see that there’s never been a bigger star than me. And there hasn’t. Since the first show in access television in the graveyard slot I’ve been the best at what I do. Whether that’s between the ropes, on commentary, or cutting a shoot. I’ve unapologetically been the cream of the crop here. The Englishman takes another pull as he looks out at the empty arena. Johnny Cannon: Since Absent Are The Saints I’ve been asking myself, why? Why Johnny? Why do you do it? When I lost the World Championship I took a step back, and I found myself questioning what I’m doing here every fortnight. For a while I didn’t have the slightest idea. For a while I mailed in matches, gave half efforts, and just wasn’t really invested. I don’t even know what I’m doing right now. Shit. Excuse my language, but fuck it. We’re on PPV. If this is indeed my curtain call, then I’m going to go out in style. I’m going to go out on my terms. I’m going to go out getting some things off my chest. Cannon takes another puff from the cancer stick, and he contemplates his thoughts. Johnny Cannon: I think it was Steve Lenton who first said that I’ve never cared about this company. And then that sentiment was shared by Andreas Lasiewicz this weekend. That’s rubbish. Normally when I’m slandered in such a fashion I’d get hype, I’d leap out of my chair, get pissed off, yell and scream… but you see, I’m not doing that tonight. I don’t want to. It’s not even that I’m feeling like I don’t have it anymore to fight the good fight or defend myself, it’s something way past that. Johnny continues to enjoy the calming effects of the nicotine, as he blows another cloud of smoke into the air. Johnny Cannon: When EXODUS first started it inspired me. It was the bees knees. I would know, I was there. Remember? When we first opened our doors I had so much energy, so much vigor, so much determination to prove myself and prove my worth in a business that I was relatively new to. I was already in my physical prime, and not long removed from Hollywood, and even less removed from yearly slobber knockers inside the Octagon. But in these last few months I’ve just felt… removed. Not physically, but mentally. It’s taken me a long time to come to grips with what that means, but I think I finally understand why and I’m going to tell the world tonight. He nods, as he folds one leg over the other and leans back in his seat. Johnny Cannon: I’m sick of this bullshit. I’m sick of the politics. I’m sick of working harder than anyone else and getting nowhere because so many obstacles have been placed in front of me to keep me at start. I’m tired of having to go the extra mile again and again to not be given an inch. I’m tired of men like Christian Kane coming into EXODUS and pretending like they’re the best thing since sliced bread because they’re friends with the suits and ties which means that every time he screws up they stretch out a safety net to catch him. I’m tired of people like him living off the glory he had five or ten years ago in companies that have long folded. I’m tired of people like Chris Strike coming into my company, thinking he has the right to look down on me as if he didn’t reach the top of the mountain because the powers that be placed him there. He’s a guy who’s never worked for anything in EXODUS. Everything was handed to him because he blew the Director behind the scenes, and waved a Sekigun flag. You don’t know what busting your ass means. Maybe you did a decade ago, but you don’t know what it means to get your hands dirty. The only time they’ve seen dirt is when they’re running through that dirty Brazilian hair of yours. The British Mamba scoffs and shakes his head. Johnny Cannon: Listen, because I’m going to tell you the ugly truth about EXODUS, a truth that those wankers in the back are either too blind to see, or too scared to acknowledge. And many who have left this company for what they perceive to be greener pastures will agree with what I have to say. EXODUS is just like high school. You only get noticed, you only get respect if you’re in the ‘in crowd’. It’s all a popularity contest. If you’re apart of the clique - you know the clique run by Jonathan Collins who is the biggest egomaniac I have ever seen, just like the Queen Bee at the lunch table, well you’re living the life. The funny thing about Jonathan is that he only keeps people around him who kiss his ass, who tell him how great he is and how important he is to professional wrestling. If you don’t see his point of view, then you’re an idiot. Then you don’t know anything about this business. Then you’re shown the front door. That’s right. Unless you’re apart of his entourage, you’re a second class citizen. A short change hero. Ask Dom Harter. Ask Erin Daniels. Ask Griffin Hawkins. Ask Anna Molly. Ask Brandon Banks. Ask Brett Sands. Ask any of the names that you heard of that are currently making a name for themselves on the independent scene but couldn’t seem to get any traction in this company. Cannon chuckles slightly as he takes another slow pull. Johnny Cannon: Ask them why they left, and are never coming back and they’ll all tell you the same thing - politics. They’ll tell you that they were never given a chance to succeed. And it’s the truth, because they weren't. Just like me. And no, I’m not bitching and moaning as so many of you dense blokes like to point out. I’m simply disgruntled. I’m simply fed up. I’m simply sick of being told I haven’t done enough to prove myself in a company that I wasn’t meant to be anything in, yet a company that I built. Look at my track record, look at my resume, look at the greatest matches in EXODUS history and you’ll see that I was apart of them. Win or loss. You’ll see that what I’ve been saying for the last year, and what I’ve known for the last two… that I’m the best. EXODUS has risen to the top because I carried it there. I’ve set the standard here. My work in and outside of this ring have revolutionized this company. So many of your favorite stars have said that they came to EXODUS for the competition, but it was ME who upped the ante. I transformed this company into a game of oneupmanship with my ability to wrestle anywhere on the card, and have the best match ON the card. I could wrestle ANY opponent, and I could carry them to GREATNESS. And they dare ask me to run gauntlets and jump through hoops to prove my worth? A scowl growls on Englishman’s mug as he finishes his cigarette, tossing the bud onto the canvas. Johnny Cannon: Jonathan Collins told me that I’m the greatest story of wasted potential, and I find that interesting. Wasted potential. Let’s look at the roster, let’s look at the people who the Saint of Violence claims I’m not as good as. Hell, we’ll include retired stars too. Guys like Steve Lenton who can’t get out of the shadow of their Tag Team Partner, a guy I’ve knocked out twice proving that he’s got hard muscles but a soft head. There’s guys like Justin Brooks, who left EXODUS what THREE times, and was hyped up like some world beater each time he came back, only to end up beating his dick at the bottom of the totem pole while he watched the world pass him by. What about Angela Jameson. How many matches has she won? I can count them on my finger, and they have a nerve to make her a trainer down in developmental. I weep for those kids. Heather Halliwell. She got lucky one night against Adrien Cochrane, but what was she ever good at but sleeping with World Champions? But hey, when you’ve got a talent you’ve gotta use it right? Johnny wipes a fake tear from his eye whilst he rubs his chin, pondering his next train of thought. Johnny Cannon: How about Jimmy Riley? The Risen Star faded and fallen to be chained to a desk, because he couldn’t hang anymore. Don’t tell me it was the bad back, or maybe it was. Maybe your back broke all the times you tried to hold this company on your shoulders like I did, only to find out that you weren’t in my league. Same for Seymour Almasy, another stooge in a cheap suit who thinks he can pass judgement on me after I kicked his teeth in. You enjoy pushing those papers though Mr. Magister, because God knows you never pushed the ratings up your entire time here. Dragons Unleashed. Their talent didn’t travel across the pond it seems. Chandler Scott, a guy who got ran out of town last Summer after his own stablemate humbled him, and showed him that being a big fish in a small pond over inflated his sense of self-importance. And he still doesn’t impress me. Well that’s not true. At least you get to bang Savannah Taylor. You might not be that good a wrestler, but game recognizes game and you pulled yourself some fine tail. Cannon gestures like he’s tipping his cap off before continuing. Johnny Cannon: Abby Park. I’m not going to sit here and pretend like she didn’t make me quit at The Autumn Effect 2. I’m not going to sit here and pretend like she didn’t beat me back at March Of War in 2012. But I’m also not going to sit here and pretend like she’s better than me because she’s suddenly found out how to win. Congratulations, love. I’ve been waiting for you to step out of my shadow and make a name for yourself for two years now. Because for the last two years all you’ve been is a charity case, a doormat, a stepping stone, and a curtain jerker. Enjoy your spotlight, it’ll last as long as the dike haircut you’re sporting - which isn’t very long. The British Mamba shrugs his shoulder nonchalantly. Johnny Cannon: Every name I’ve mentioned, Jonathan has had the audacity to say that they’re better than me. That they’re better wrestlers than me. I guess accomplishing absolutely fucking NOTHING makes them better than a guy who has done it ALL in EXODUS. Wasted potential… a greater waste of potential than Kliff Ulysses right, Jonathan? I’m so much of a disappointment and a waste of potential that I’ve climbed out of the fucking gutter, and out of the fucking basement to be a fucking TRIPLE CROWN Champion. You know why I bring that Triple Crown up all the time, folks? It’s because it’s only been done by two other people, two people that are talked about like Gods in this company, like the ELITE in this company. They’re Fiona Collins and Andreas Lasiewicz. They’re the only two people in this company who can say that they’re on my level and I’d entertain the notion because they’ve been to where I’ve been. They’ve seen what I’ve seen. They’ve tasted the top of the mountain. But you know the difference between the three of us? Those two don’t have to constantly fight for respect. Unlike me their talent is constantly acknowledged. Why is that? Well it’s simple. Mr. EXODUS looks right into the camera, as he continues his candid speech. Johnny Cannon: It’s because unlike them I don’t pretend to be anything other than what I am for the sake of good publicity. And what I am is a man who only cares about himself. No. I don’t pretend to give a damn about any of you people, because I don’t. I don’t care about a single one of you wankers who paid thirty or forty dollars for your ticket tonight, or you idiots at home who paid sixty for the PPV stream, and if you did I’m going to tell you that you got ripped off because this PPV ain’t shit to bat home about. Nobody wants to see some masked buffoon and the usual stereotyped joke of a black wrestler in the opener. Nobody wants to see Chandler Scott and Shozo Arino wrestle in a San Diego Bay Championship match that was thrown together, and has absolutely no hype for it outside of me mentioning it right now. Just like nobody wants to see TROUBLE and Uncensored fight for supremacy in a DEAD Tag Division for titles that haven’t meant shit since they were held, and NEVER lost I might add by the Short Change Heroes. The International Title match will be a bathroom break. Zack Lifer is a joke and Adrien Cochrane is the most dull, boring, and uninteresting professional wrestling ALIVE. I’d literally rather watch paint dry, or sniff paint for that matter than watch him wrestle and I use that term loosely. Fiona Collins is fighting someone else who wants to wage war with EXODUS. We’ve all seen that movie before. And the little bit of publicity the World Title has gotten is a direct result of my involvement with the two people participating in it and if you disagree, you’re a dumbass. There’s no need to beat around the bush there. Cannon sits forward in the chair now, unfolding his legs as he looks out into the empty bleachers. Johnny Cannon: If you can’t put two and two together then let me point out the obvious. The real Main Event, the only match worth seeing tonight is my match. Whether it’s because it’s my curtain call, or whether it’s to see me get my supposed just desserts, my match is the only one EVERYONE has been talking about, and the one EVERYONE will have their eyes glued to. That’s because I’m the biggest star in EXODUS. That’s because I AM EXODUS. I’m the most important figure in this company. I’m whole damn show. For two years I’ve pushed the arrow. I’ve turned heads. I’ve gotten people talking. I’ve wrestled five star matches, countless classics, I’ve put on jaw-dropping performance, after jaw-dropping performance be that on one leg, with a concussion, or hopped up on Belvedere and strippers. It’s because nobody can touch me. I’m a maverick. I AM marquee. Countless wrestlers have begged to get a piece of me, have dreamed of wrestling me in hopes of measuring their skill against mine because I’m the measuring stick. You’re NOBODY in this company until you wrestle Johnny Cannon. You’re NOBODY in this company until you beat Johnny Cannon. And even after that you’ll likely still be a NOBODY because a win over Johnny Cannon is so much of a big deal that people start to expect things from you, and the pressure of proving that it wasn’t a fluke is so great that it literally breaks people’s careers. Cannon nods, as he once again surveys the arena, looking up at the ceiling lights now. Johnny Cannon: I’m the real Ace of EXODUS. Everything I touch turns to gold or fades to dust at my whim. And you can go ahead and try to disregard what I’ve said. But before you try to argue take a moment to actually listen to what I’ve said. And I mean actually listen... whatever you need to do, if you’ve gotta sit down in the dark with a beer then you do it. You rewind this tape, and you listen to everything I’ve said… because once you do you’ll see that this whole time I’ve been saying nothing but the truth, because I am the truth, and you should be on your knees kissing my feet and begging for me to find a way to stick around. The Englishman cracks a cocksure grin now as he removes his sunglasses from the breast pocket of his fine tailored suit - this one from Armani. Johnny Cannon: I’m an EXODUS Original. I’ve appeared on more shows than anyone in the company. The only time I’ve missed an episode is due to an injury, and I don’t mean those fake injuries Fiona gets every time she leaves the company for a few months to plot on how she and Jonathan are going to force feed her down our throats some more when the smart fans are more than sick of her. I’m talking about a legitimate injury like a torn MCL that almost ended my career. An injury I rushed back from to get back to my home, a home I’ve been forced out of by my tyrant of a landlord. Jonathan, you never wanted me here, and for two years you’ve been praying and hoping that every time I failed I’d throw in the towel, but I never did, did I? That’s because I’m a man, and the last real man in professional wrestling. It’s because I’m not a pussy, I’m not a pussy like you. The type of pussy who throws his friends to the wolves when the people who have a vendetta against you come for YOUR head, and yours alone I might add because I remember distinctly… I remember distinctly how Christum Furor promised to end his crusade if you walked away from EXODUS. We could’ve avoided a war but you said no. You said no because you’re a glory hog. You think you are professional wrestling, but you’re just everything that I HATE about professional wrestling and for calling you out on being a hypocrite I’ve been sent packing. And you know what, I happily accept my pink slip. Johnny gives a thumbs up as he scoffs softly. Johnny Cannon: I happily accept it because for two years I’ve been trying… for two years I’ve tried to succeed to spite you, thinking that one day it would get you to get your head up out of your ass so you can see how one of a kind I am. It’s funny, it’s funny that so many companies have already been ringing my cell, begging for a sit down, offering contracts to me because they can see that I’m one of if not the best wrestler alive today. They acknowledge my greatness, something you and EXODUS never did and for so long I’ve been bitter over that fact. But tonight, tonight I’m here to say that you can keep your fucking praise because I don’t want it. I don’t need it. Even if I did I couldn’t get it anyway and everyone knows it. Everyone here in Staples Center knows it from the wannabes in the back, to the people in the stands blowing their paychecks just so they can vindicate their lives by living vicariously through ME. They know that regardless of what happens tonight, regardless if I beat Andreas Lasiewicz or lose to him it won’t change my image in your eyes. And that’s fine. Cannon stands up from his chair now, exiting the ring as he slowly makes his way up the ramp. Johnny Cannon: It’s fine because when I walk out this arena tonight, I’ll know that I achieved the only thing that matters in this business. In this company. When I walk out of this building and hop in my limousine to my hotel suite to pop bottles of champagne with foreign models and blow more money than I can count… I’ll know that my name is in the record books, in the places where it can’t be torn down, or put through the mud. That’s because I’ve built a legacy in this company and for that I’m going to be immortalized in history. And you know the funny thing about history right? It only remembers the winners and unlike every single loser that will be in this arena tonight… The British Mamba slides on his Rayban wayfarers as he turns his back to the camera. Johnny Cannon: I’m a winner. And walks through the curtain, as the camera pans around the empty arena before the scene fades to Dick and Seth. Dick Morosi: Strong words from Johnny Cannon. Seth Ericson: Hopefully he's got the strength to back it up and end Andreas Lasiewicz tonight. Dick Morosi: We'll get those answers later tonight, but coming up next is a San Diego Bay Title match! Chandler Scott makes his V1 Defense against Shozo Arino next! The crowd falls into booing as "Anti-Gravity" by Lindsey Sterling hits and the leader of the REVOLUTION steps out onto the stage. He first looks out at the crowd, and their negative reaction to him, shaking his head in disappointment. He then looks up at the ceiling and beyond, looking up for a few moments before nodding and setting off down the ramp. David Zinkus: From Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, weighing in tonight at 205lbs....SHOZOOOOOOOOOOO ARINOOOOOOOOOO! He steps onto the ring apron and looks up at the sky again for a moment before stepping into the ring, rapidly turning to face the entire crowd before coming to a stop in the corner. He slowly undoes the hoodie he was wearing and ditches it, ready for his match to begin. Dick Morosi: Shozo Arino has said that the platform to tell his message is taking the San Diego Bay Title, and now tonight he's got that opportunity! Seth Ericson: Yeah, but to get that opportunity, he's got to get past one of the best in the business...and he's the champ! The sound of an organ plays throughout the arena. The lighting in the arena slowly switches to an orange hue, causing the fans to quickly shift their attention to the entrance way. As "Perfect Strangers" by Deep Purple kicks in, the crowd leaps to their feet to cheer the man that's about to walk out. At around the 30 second mark, Chandler Scott bursts through the curtain as the crowd shows its support with cheers, applause and various shrieks of excitement! David Zinkus: AND HIS OPPONENT! He is the reigning and defending EXODUS Pro San Diego Bay Champion! He is from Hayannis Port, Massachusetts, and he weighs in at 245 pounds! HE REPRESENTS THE GODFATHERS OF WRESTLING....CHAAAAAAAAANDLERRRRRRR SCOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT! As Chandler makes his way to the ring, he throws up both index fingers in the air as he swaggers his way to the ring. After climbing up onto the apron, Chandler steps through the ropes, springboards up onto the second ropes and poses once more, basking in his glory. The bell rings and this one is underway. Both men approach the center of the ring and enter a collar-and-elbow tie-up of which Chandler easily takes advantage and transitions the setup into a side headlock. He struggles on the hold for a moment before Shozo pushes him off and into the ropes, Chandler comes back and knocks Shozo down with a stiff shoulderblock! Dick Morosi: Ouch, what impact by the San Diego Bay Champion! Seth Ericson: For sure Dick Morosi, I don’t really know why Shozo would have gone into that situation with Chandler, he gives up close to eighty pounds to his opponent! Shozo quickly rolls over and shakes his head for a second, realizing that ‘Oh, hey, that ain’t gonna work’. He sees Chandler walk closer to him but he stands up and throws a punch, but Chandler catches it, then picks him up and drops him with a quick scoop slam! Chandler then runs to the ropes and comes back, he jumps, dropping a big knee across Shozo’s face…it connects! Chandler goes for a quick cover off the lateral press. ONE! TW-KICKOUT! Shozo kicks out at one and a half! He realizes he needs to get his head back in this game if he wants to win that title tonight, he knows he needs a different plan of attack! Shozo rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope to think something up. Dick Morosi: This is smart, the challenger is trying to get his bearings straight. Seth Ericson: I agree, too many times the new guy will run in with a full head of steam and not think straight. And it costs him the match. But Shozo is trying to play things smart. Shozo after a moment hops up on the apron and Chandler walks over to him, but Shozo reaches out and guillotines the champion off the rope! Chandler staggers back and Shozo rolls in behind him. Shozo kicks Chandler hard on his leg once. Then does it again, Chandler howls in pain from such a hard shot. Shozo goes for a third kick but Chandler catches it, as if to say “Oh no, no, no” but Shozo brings his other foot up and knocks the champion square in the chest with a third fierce kick, sending the champion crashing to the mat on his back! Shozo goes for a quick cover, but the veteran champion quickly powers out before one! But Shozo is quick to continue the offense as he climbs on top of him and starts raining down some brutal punches on Chandler, who has a hard time covering up from this offense! The official starts to admonish Shozo for his vicious use of those closed fists and threatens to start a count, but Shozo moves off of him before he can count. Chandler slowly tries to stand after getting the sense knocked out of him by those brutal, brutal shots while Shozo is up and goes to the ring apron. He waits for Chandler to get up, then he jumps onto the second rope and springboards off into a flying clothesline! But Chandler catches him in a trapping position, and delivers a trio of headbutts to Shozo! Shozo is dazed from the shots, Chandler picks him up from the waist, Gutwrench Suplex connects on the challenger! Seth Ericson: Ouch that looked brutal! Dick Morosi: You said it, I’m glad I’m not in that ring! Chandler smiles a half-grin as he watches Shozo writhe on the mat from that huge slam, he picks him up and wraps his arm over Shozo’s chest, completing the abdominal stretch submission! Chandler pulls on Shozo as he yelps in pain, then Chandler uses his free right hand to rain down some extra pressure from those shots on Shozo’s ribs! The shots are stiff and brutal. Dick Morosi: This is smart by the champion! Seth Ericson: Agreed Dick, I can’t fault the champion here. The official asks Shozo if he wants to submit but Shozo yelps again then shakes his head no! He’s a fighter and he is determined to win that belt! Shozo wrenches his body, but Chandler isn’t letting go, so in a last-ditch effort Shozo stomps Chandler’s foot, the distraction causes the champ to loosen his grip on the powerful hold and Shozo is able to slip out! Chandler looks up, Shozo looks dead into his eyes and nails a lightning-quick spin kick that sends the champ doubling over in pain! Shozo takes advantage, grabbing Chandler and taking him over in a beautiful vertical suplex, floating over into a pinfall! ONE! TWO! THR-KICKOUT! Dick Morosi: Hey, now the challenger is getting there! Seth Ericson: Yeah the champion almost became a former champion after that sequence! Shozo pounds the mat in mild frustration, he thought that float over could have snuck in the back door there! Chandler rolls around the mat, clearly disoriented from that suplex, Shozo climbs the turnbuckle, perched like a Gargoyle, watching his prey. Chandler finally stands up and Shozo jumps off, diving spear connecting! …Or at least it would have, but Chandler grabs him, hoists him onto his shoulders and drops his challenger with a vicious Powerslam! Chandler covers. ONE! TWO! Kick out just barely by Shozo! Now it’s the champion’s turn to display a little emotion, Chandler pounds the mat in frustration, he’s ready for this match to end with a successful title defense! Chandler gets to his feet before his opponent though and calls for his specialty: The Piledriver! He stalks Shozo, awaiting him to get up. Shozo finally does and Chandler grabs him, puts him in position…but no! Shozo won’t go! Instead he rolls through, hooking Chandler in a Victory Roll! ONE! TWO! Chandler manages to beat the pinning combination! Dick Morosi: Wow this match has been so back and forth! Seth Ericson: I agree with you , I don’t know who will win…but it’s very clear that the two of them want it equally! Both men get to their feet, as they are both looking exhausted. Shozo grabs Chandler, as he does, Chandler pulls his arm back, and lands a brutal Heart Punch, which knocks Shozo off his feet onto the mat. Chandler grabs Shozo around his head pulling him back up. Chandler pulls his arm back around, and nails him with another Heart Punch. Chandler The bell rings and this one is underway. Both men approach the center of the ring and enter a collar-and-elbow tie-up of which Chandler easily takes advantage and transitions the setup into a side headlock. He struggles on the hold for a moment before Shozo pushes him off and into the ropes, Chandler comes back and knocks Shozo down with a stiff shoulderblock! Dick Morosi: Ouch, what impact by the last hard man! Seth Ericson: For sure Dick Morosi, I don’t really know why Shozo would have gone into that situation with Chandler, he gives up a few pounds to his opponent! Shozo quickly rolls over and shakes his head for a second, realizing that “Oh, hey, that ain’t gonna work”. He sees Chandler walk closer to him but he stands up and throws a punch, but Chandler catches it, then picks him up and drops him with a quick scoop slam! Chandler then runs to the ropes and comes back, he jumps, dropping a big knee across Shozo’s face…it connects! Chandler goes for a quick cover off the lateral press. ONE! Shozo kicks out at one and a half! He realizes he needs to get his head back in this game if he wants to win that title tonight, he knows he needs a different plan of attack! Shozo rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope to think something up. Dick Morosi: This is smart, the challenger is trying to get his bearings straight. Seth Ericson: I agree, too many times the new guy will run in with a full head of steam and not think straight. And it costs him the match. But Shozo is trying to play things smart. Shozo after a moment hops up on the apron and Chandler walks over to him, but Shozo reaches out and guillotines the champion off the rope! Chandler staggers back and Shozo rolls in behind him. Shozo kicks Chandler hard on his leg once. Then does it again, Chandler howls in pain from such a hard shot. Shozo goes for a third kick but Chandler catches it, as if to say “Oh no no no” but Shozo brings his other foot up and knocks the champion square in the chest with a third fierce kick, sending the champion crashing to the mat on his back! Shozo goes for a quick cover, but the veteran champion quickly powers out before one! But Shozo is quick to continue the offense as he climbs on top of him and starts raining down some brutal, MMA style punches on Chandler, who has a hard time covering up from this offense! The official starts to admonish Shozo for his vicious use of those closed fists and threatens to start a count, but Shozo moves off of him before he can count. Chandler slowly tries to stand after getting the sense knocked out of him by those brutal, brutal shots while Shozo is up and goes to the ring apron. He waits for Chandler to get up, then he jumps onto the second rope and springboards off into a flying clothesline! But Chandler catches him in a trapping position, and delivers a trio of headbutts to Shozo! Shozo is dazed from the shots, Chandler picks him up from the waist, Gutwrench Suplex connects on the challenger! Seth Ericson: Ouch that looked brutal! Dick Morosi: You said it, I’m glad I’m not in that ring! Chandler smiles a half-grin as he watches Shozo writhe on the mat from that huge slam, he picks him up and wraps his arm over Shozo’s chest, completing the abdominal stretch submission! Chandler pulls on Shozo as he yelps in pain, then Chandler uses his free right hand to rain down some extra pressure from those shots on Shozo’s ribs! The shots are stiff and brutal. Dick Morosi: This is smart by the champion, it’s well-documented the challenger has had multiple rib injuries. Seth Ericson: Agreed Dick, I can’t fault the champion here. I’d do the same thing. It’s like a bull’s-eye. The official asks Shozo if he wants to submit but Shozo yelps again then shakes his head no! He’s a fighter and he is determined to win that belt! Shozo wrenches his body, but Chandler isn’t letting go, so in a last-ditch effort Shozo stomps Chandler’s foot, the distraction causes the champ to loosen his grip on the powerful hold and Shozo is able to slip out! Chandler looks up, Shozo looks dead into his eyes and nails a lightning-quick spin kick that sends the champ doubling over in pain! Shozo takes advantage, grabbing Chandler and taking him over in a beautiful vertical suplex, floating over into a pinfall! ONE! TWO! The champion kicks out at two and a half! Dick Morosi: Hey, now the challenger is getting there! Seth Ericson: Yeah the champion almost became a former champion after that sequence! Shozo pounds the mat in mild frustration, he thought that float over could have snuck in the back door there! Chandler rolls around the mat, clearly disoriented from that suplex, Shozo climbs the turnbuckle, perched like a Gargoyle, watching his prey. Chandler finally stands up and Shozo jumps off, diving spear connecting! …Or at least it would have, but Chandler grabs him, hoists him onto his shoulders and drops his challenger with a vicious Powerslam! Chandler covers. ONE! TWO! Kick out just barely by Shozo! Now it’s the champion’s turn to display a little emotion, Chandler pounds the mat in frustration, he’s ready for this match to end with a successful title defense! Chandler gets to his feet before his opponent though and calls for his specialty: The Piledriver! He stalks Shozo, awaiting him to get up. Shozo finally does and Chandler grabs him, puts him in position…but no! Shozo won’t go! Instead he rolls through, hooking Chandler in a Victory Roll! ONE! TWO! TH-NOOOOOO! Chandler manages to beat the pinning combination! Dick Morosi: Wow this match has been so back and forth! Seth Ericson: I agree with you Dick Morosi, I don’t know who will win…but it’s very clear that the two of them want it equally! Both men get to their feet, as they are both looking exhausted. Shozo grabs Chandler, as he does, Chandler pulls his arm back, and lands a brutal Heart Punch, which knocks Shozo off his feet onto the mat. Chandler grabs Shozo around his head pulling him back up as he looks around the Staples Arena before hitting the HARVARD HAMMER! Chandler drops down over Shozo covering him! ONE.. TWO.. THREE! David Zinkus: The winner of this match and STILL the Exodus Pro San Diego Bay Champion…Chandler Scott!!! Dick Morosi: What a match!! Seth Ericson: I am so glad I was able to witness this match! WINNER (and STILL San Diego Bay Champion): Chandler ScottDick Morosi: Say what you will about Chandler Scott, but the man continues to prove why time and time again, people have labeled him the future...but with the stars of tomorrow in the spotlight tonight in EXODUS...the future may have just arrived! Seth Ericson: Dick, Shozo gave it his all, but the look on his face still reads elation. I have a distinct feeling the loss doesn't matter, because he may still have Shinji Uchikawa at his side. Dick Morosi: While Shozo gathers himself, let's take a few moments and show you a special video put together about a man in the next match. It's a year in review for The Big...Bad...Brooks! The screen starts with an overhead shot of Justin Brooks standing in the middle of the empty ring in the Staple Arena. His taped hands on his waist as the hood of his grey sweatshirt is pulled up over his head only showing the chiseled and square jaw of the man call the Monster. Slowly Justin reaches up with a single hand pulling his hood back with a single motion as Mobb Deep's Shook Ones Part II pours into the scene. Son, they shook... 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks scared to death, scared to look they shook 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks scared to death, scared to look [The Downfall of Us All][The clip of Justin Brooks driving the former Exodus Pro World Champion, Adrien Cochrane into the mat with the Hook 'n Ladder] livin' the live that of diamonds and guns there's numerous ways you can choose to earn funds...earn funds some of 'em get shot, locked down and turn nuns cowardly hearts end straight up shook ones...shook ones he ain't a crook son, he's just a shook one...shook one
[Absent Are The Saints][The Crucible][The Monster continues to terrorize the Crucible...] [Punching Devil-Killer out of the ring..] [..clothesling the former World Champion before delivering a Hook 'n Ladder to Collins outside of the ring.] Son, they shook... 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks scared to death and scared to look (he's just a shook one) they shook... 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks scared to death and scared to look (we live the live that of diamonds) [Ascendancy][..Justin Brooks leaps from the top rope with Zack Lifer on his shoulders, crashing through the near table as it disintegrates into hundreds of wooden shards.] they shook... 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks scared to death and scared to look they shook... 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks, crooks..
livin' the live that of diamonds and guns there's numerous ways you can choose to earn funds...earn funds but some of 'em get shot, locked down and turn nuns cowardly hearts end straight up shook ones...shook ones he ain't a crook son, he's just a shook one...shook one [Long Way Down][Lifer goes for a Forced Suicide with barbed wire wrapped around his knee..] [...but Justin is waiting and drives Lifers own knee into his face with Patron Saint, busting Lifer wide open.] Yeah, yeah, yeah To all the villains and a hundred dollar billas To real brothers who ain't got no dealings G-yeah, the whole Bridge, Queens get the money 41st side (he's just a shook one) keepin' it real (you know) Queens get the money...
[The Autumn Effect][Being pushed off from a failed Texas Cloverleaf, Angela Jameson bounces off the ropes before being sent end over end by The Reminder by a lunging Justin Brooks.] they shook... 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks scared to death and scared to look they shook... 'cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks, crooks.. We fade back to Justin bouncing slightly on balls of his feet, his large ham-sized fist in front of his face in a fighting position as the scene goes to black to show the monster is ready for battle in Los Angeles... |
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 15:46:07 GMT -6
The cameras come back into focus on the arena, panning the crowds for a moment before "Lollipop" by Framing Hanley starts up to a loud, very negative reception from the fans. Devan Whitmore comes strolling out, grinning from ear to ear. She takes her time getting to the ring, intentionally riling up the fans further. She climbs the ring stairs and sidles her way between the ropes, motioning for Zinkus to relinquish his mic. Once its in her hands, she dismisses him from the ring and begins speaking, completely ignoring the boos of the fans. Devan Whitmore: You knoooow... I really don't expect you people to understand why I do what I do. Why I take the actions I take, why I believe what I believe. But it's okay, truly. This is why I was put here by my brothers and sisters of the Sith. I am here to expand your minds, help you to see just what you're missing right before your very eyes. There is so much more out there than you could ever begin to imagine and I have been tasked to open you up to it all. But as it is with everything, only the strong survive. Only those who have the will and the mind to accept that this species is ignorant, TRULY ignorant to what the universe is and what there is still to behold... Only then will your mind clear, begin to cleanse itself of its preconceived notion of what it believes to be reality and the impossible... I have taken this in, I have absorbed the message of a religion older than any we know, by a group of beings that hold more power than any monarch, tyranist, warleader, so on and so on could NEVER have. The crowd hasn't quieted for a moment, but Devan doesn't seem to notice. Talking of the Force and the Sith has made her a bit rapturous. She closes her eyes and a smile forms on her face. She lifts the mic back to her mouth. Devan Whitmore: I hear you jeering. You jest about me, cast a sharp tongue about me because you don't understand. I forgive you all because in time, evolution will take its course and those who remain will be where I am now, experiencing complete and utter freedom and with that comes total bliss and great power. Devan stands smiling with her eyes shut and silent for several long moments. The fans begin chanting. BITCH YOU’RE CRAZY
BITCH YOU’RE CRAZYDick Morosi: The crowd making no qualms about what they think of Whitmore and her ideals. Seth Ericson: Can you blame them? She's taken being a fan of a film franchise just a tad too far. Are we sure Devan hasn't completely lost her marbles? The fans continue their ruckus. Devan slowly opens her eyes. They've changed from their normal dark brown to that fiery orange. Devan Whitmore: But there are the stubborn few who refuse to see reason. Who I have allowed inside, shown my every self to and still won't accept this for truth. One very in particular... One who should support my EVERY decision, EVERY action. One who should never question my motives or reasons, just trust in the fact that I know what I'm doing. That I am BEYOND the realms of what this planet has deemed "reality". Devan narrows her eyes and looks pointedly towards the curtain. Devan Whitmore: Let's not prolong this any further, darling. You know I'm talking about you, Simon, so just come on out. Devan puts her hands on her hips and taps her foot as she waits. It takes a few moments for there to be any response - almost as if the man in question is asking as if he’s actually allowed to walk out on an EXODUS iPPV in spite of being a student without a match. Finally, Simon Raines emerges from behind the curtain. He almost panics at first at the sheer size of the Staples Center, at the number of fans there. Wearing an RW t-shirt and a pair of jeans, he looks like a deer in the headlights as he begins his walk to the ring. Dick Morosi: That may be the most terrified looking man I’ve seen walk down an EXODUS aisle, Seth. Seth Ericson: Yeah, I was going to say he should be happier, given that he’s sleeping with Devan, but a: I don’t know how long that’s going to last, and b: his girlfriend actually believes she’s a Sith. Even though the crowd’s not a fan of Devan by any stretch, they pick up on Simon’s demeanor immediately, the smartasses in attendance breaking into their own chant. “YOU’RE IN TROUBLE!” *clap clap clapclapclap!*
“YOU’RE IN TROUBLE!” *clap clap clapclapclap!*
“YOU’RE IN TROUBLE!” *clap clap clapclapclap!*The Artist of War mouths a sad-sounding “it looks like that, doesn’t it,” to one fan along the aisle, his shoulders slouched forward, and generally looking reasonably miserable. There’s also the matter that he doesn’t have a microphone of his own, because, well, he doesn’t know he’s supposed to have one for times like this. Slowly, Simon climbs the ring steps, and enters the ring. Realizing that he doesn’t have a microphone, an intrepid techie grabs one, and rolls it into the ring, where it lands at Simon’s feet. Shooting a glance that looks anything but grateful to said techie, Raines begins to speak. Of course, he forgets to turn the microphone on, so he has to start again a moment later. Simon Raines: Here I am, Devan. Did...we really need to do this out here? There’s more people here than I’ve ever seen in one place in my life! Devan Whitmore: Aw, baby. Wasn't it you who said we should be more open and public about things? Welp... Devan spreads her arms out and motions towards the crowd. Simon is momentarily flabbergasted. He looks from her, to the crowd, and then back to her again. He nods his head, sheepishly, conceding the point to her. Simon Raines: I did. So, let’s talk, then. Go ahead. Devan Whitmore: I have been very patient with you. I've been MORE than fair. Time and again, I chose you over my brothers. I asked them to play nice when they would rip you apart. They made efforts to include you even when you wanted, for my sake. I know it hasn't been easy, but I have done my part to make our relationship as smooth and as easy as possible. So my question and problem is simply this: why haven't you done the same for me? Why has your- Devan pauses to spit the next few words out with as much poison as possible. Devan Whitmore: -best friend had complete free reign to run her mouth about me. It took you HOW LONG to finally balls up and tell her off? And you weren't even doing it for me, you were doing it because she brought you into it. She USED you, exploited your friendship just to get under my skin. Devan shakes her head. Devan Whitmore: That doesn't sound like such a good, reliable friend Simon. Meanwhile, I've been such a good girl. I turned the other cheek when she would use you against me. I refused to play into her game because I figured I was being unfair acting so jealous before. I decided to step back, keep my mouth shut. But that just... Wasn't enough, was it? Everything I do is still wrong. You still question why I do what I do. You claim that you trust me with my friends, so why wouldn't you trust me when it comes to EXODUS and what I'm doing here with my brothers? It takes Simon a long moment to respond. He paces back and forth in the ring, each of Devan’s words hitting him in a different way. Finally, after enduring it all, he raises the microphone to his lips. Simon Raines: Let’s go back to the beginning, I guess, because if we’re going to do this, that’s where this all starts. You and I met one another before I knew there was such a thing as a REVOLUTION. I had no idea what I’d gotten myself into, and I met a woman who told me that maybe, just maybe, I was in the wrong line of work. Instead of sending me running in the opposite direction, that motivated me. It made me want to get to know her better, and one thing led to another, and that’s the story of how I started dating a beautiful, talented woman by the name of Devan Whitmore. Dick Morosi: I...think it’s a little late for earning sucking up points. Seth Ericson: I don’t think he knows that. Simon is, best I can tell, not the sharpest of all knives in the drawer. Dick Morosi: He’s more of a spoon, really. I don’t know what that means, but it sounds appropriate, somehow. Simon Raines: And things were great for a while! And as you laid out your list of grievances to me...I did notice one tiny little thing. No, I’m not happy with Vivienne dragging me into your fight. And yes, if you must know? I’ve told her to cool it on a handful of occasions, but you see, she’s the vengeful type. I wonder why...oh, wait, I know why! It’s because you wrapped a steel chair around her head. You forgot that little tidbit of information earlier. If the look on Devan’s face is any indication, that tidbit was intentionally left out, and not meant to be brought up by a supposed-to-be-grovelling Simon. Simon Raines: But let’s get to the point. You and I - and why I don’t trust you. Fact is, Devan? I DO trust you. I trust YOU completely. Dark Lady of the Sith, or Heather Halliwell’s disciple - none of that MATTERS to me. If it was just you? I’d follow you to the ends of the Earth. But it’s not. This stopped being about just me and just you the second you walked out on the Autumn Effect 2 alongside your comrades in arms and made the world take notice. Seth Ericson: Simon...this is going in a direction you do not want it to go. Trust me, kid. PLEASE! Simon Raines: I’ve sat here for months and months and watched what being a member of REVOLUTION has done to you. I’ve kept my mouth shut, because you know what? It’s none of my damned business who you hang out with. I trust you - even if that trust isn’t reciprocated. But I’ll be honest, your friends worry me for a reason a Hell of a lot more serious than some misguided belief that my best friend is going to somehow magically try to lure me away from you. While listening to Simon, Devan does something that’s just baaaarely picked up by the camera. Her right hand, open at her side, closes into a fist, and remains clenched. Simon Raines: Evolve or Die. It’s your motto now. The motto of the REVOLUTION, a group that believes this sport’s sick and decrepit, and needs change. You know what? You’re probably right. It is, and it does, but this whole Evolve or Die thing? I’ve got a problem with that. Evolution isn’t about survival of the fittest. It’s not about what Charles Darwin wrote a couple hundred years ago. It’s about being better as people. It’s about taking care of the sick and the old, who might not have made it otherwise, because it’s the right, humane thing to do! As Raines continues speaking, jeers rain down from the capacity crowd. These boos, that Simon thinks are for his efforts to inject humanity into PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING, are in fact because the REVOLUTION, whom he is currently discussing in negative terms, are making their way down the aisle. Shozo Arino, Aries Reed, and GRENDEL all move silently. Devan sees them - and nods quietly, the three members of the group moving to separate sides of the ring, as if preparing to cut off Simon’s inevitable escape. Dick Morosi: He...has no idea the rest of REVOLUTION is surrounding him, does he? Seth Ericson: ...not a Goddamned clue, Dick. Right now, that woman in the ring is all he sees, and he’s honest to God trying to make this better. God bless him. Simon Raines: I can’t say I’ve known you for years, Devan. I can’t come out here with all of the romantic cliches I really want to say, but I can say one thing that I know for a fact. You’re better than this. If you want to be the Mistress of the Sith? That’s fine! I’ll follow you to the ends of the Earth! This isn’t about me being a goody-goody, I promise! I WANT the REVOLUTION to live up to its motto! But it’s just not! Watch the shows! ALL OF YOU are better than what you’re showing! You’re better than gang-attacking exhausted men at the Autumn Effect 2! You’re better than trying to rules lawyer that RPG obsessed guy in charge of things! You’re better than harassing beleaguered tech employees! Each reference only makes one of the men on the ring apron madder - with the notable exception of Shozo Arino, whose face remains largely impassive as he observes the lover’s quarrel. Simon Raines: Devan...I...I… Simon pauses, and catches a glimpse of giant face-painted man out of the corner of his eye. He sees GRENDEL standing there, the former Coyote grinning a malevolent grin, as if just waiting for his opportunity to finally, finally beat the high holy Hell out of Simon. He turns 180 degrees the other way to see Aries Reed. There’s no microphone on him, but he says something to Simon - it’s probably profane, and because it’s iPPV, he can say it and it’s ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT OKAY. Turning behind him, he sees Shozo Arino, completing the stable’s compliment. He looks from Devan to the group, and swallows. Hard. The microphone dangles from his fingers, and he looks very, very small indeed. Dick Morosi: ...this is not going to end well. Seth Ericson: That may be your understatement of the evening, unless you say something like “Andreas Lasiewicz is a little mad at Zack Lifer.” Simon Raines: ...yooooou’re about to break up with me, aren’t you? The Dark Lady of the Sith nods, a wicked grin playing on her lips. The nod, likely, wasn’t even really necessary, as thousands of people let out a simultaneous “oooooooooh.” Simon drops the microphone, a loud feedback sound echoing throughout the arena. Clearly not wanting to be here any more, he turns to leave, opting to head towards the side of the ring occupied by one Shozo Arino, seeing the erstwhile leader of REVOLUTION as perhaps the person most likely to let him pass. If he DOES think that, though, he’s greatly disappointed when Arino shakes his head, holding his ground on the ring apron. Simon backs away, perhaps only now realizing that he’s well and truly surrounded. So, you’re Simon Raines. Your girlfriend has just broken up with you without so much as a word on live internet PPV, and you’re surrounded by her friends, all of whom dislike you. DO YOU: A: Go take a swing at the big giant guy, because you hate his guts too, and you’ll get in one shot before you die? B: Drop to your knees and plead for Devan’s mercy, lest she and her friends annihilate you? C: Run for your life and hope they don’t catch you? D: Begin sobbing piteously for the world to see? If you follow Twitter closely, I think you know the answer. If nothing else, at least Simon stoops down to pick up the microphone as tears begin to fall from his eyes. He also at least holds the microphone far enough away from his mouth that most of the sounds of sobbing aren’t picked up. It takes a good thirty seconds for Simon to finally look up again after wiping tears from his reddened eyes. As he looks from Devan Whitmore to the remainder of the group, he realizes that he’s not getting out unscathed. And so, he decides to do perhaps the most insane thing one could possibly do in this particular situation: quote OBI-WAN KENOBI to a self-proclaimed Sith. Simon Raines: ...if you strike me down, Devan, I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine. There is a gasp from the crowd as they watch Devan breathlessly. Devan tips her head slightly, taking a step backwards from her weeping former lover. She shakes her head, her face impassive for a moment. Her hand reaches out slowly, she stretches her entire arm out before Simon as if reaching out for him. Devan Whitmore: I find your lack of faith disturbing. She drops her arm and the mic, her other arm still outstretched. With a simple twist of her wrist, her face contorts in heartbreak and rage. At first, it doesn't appear that anything is happening. Until Simon's hands reach up and grabs at his neck. His eyes pop out in horror as he begins to gag, as if being choked by an invisible pair of hands. There is a rumbling gasp from the crowd as they witness with their own eyes that Devan Whitmore is indeed Force Choking Simon Raines! Seth Ericson: Am I... Is this? Dick Morosi: There's no way... Is she...? Seth Ericson: She's Force Choking him, Dick! She's just... Devan is Force Choking Simon! The grins on the other members of REVOLUTION brim with nothing but humor and approval, ESPECIALLY from GRENDEL and Aries. Raines falls to his knees, clutching at his throat, eyes still wide, trying to pry invisible fingers off of his throat. After long, uncomfortable moments, Devan finally releases the choke, and Simon slumps to the mat, face-first, sucking in big gasps of air. The Dark Lady of the Sith looks down imperiously at Raines, then gestures to her stablemates. Devan Whitmore: You are part of the Rebel Alliance, and a traitor. TAKE HIM AWAY!The words are barely out of her mouth when GRENDEL steps over the top rope. He comes in at a blindside angle, driving his huge right boot into the temple of Raines! The Second Class student crumbles under the vicious assault, and GRENDEL wastes no time. He palms Raines’ head, and puts both of his hands under Simon’s arms. Popping Raines in the air like a child, GRENDEL powerbombs him in half on the way down, completing the EXTINCTION EVENT! Dick Morosi: GOOD LORD! GRENDEL just folded him in half! Raines never saw the giant coming! Seth Ericson: He probably should have. I mean, he IS surrounded, but… Aries Reed: You know you done fuck'd up, right? Aries slowly climbs into the ring with a large grin on his as the crowds boos seems to intensify as the Exodus’ Blackest Son makes his presence felt. Stepping over the fallen Simon Raines, Aries grabs the defensive man, clamping on the Dragon Sleeper, pulling back slightly so that he faces Devan as Aries only smiles. Aries Reed: You did this, white boy! I really wanted to like you, kid...I really wanted to like you! With a laugh, Aries releases the hold standing above Simon as he strikes a pose for all to see in the middle of the ring. Seth Ericson: I have this feeling that he’s not finished. And he wasn’t by a long shot. Reaching down, he grabs Simon’s waist and bringing him to his feet before lifting him over his head in a German Suplex with rollover… Seth Ericson: #ZEROFU… Dick Morosi: iPPV or not...you still can’t say that! Completing the roll over, he drops Simon on the back of his head with a release German Suplex. Standing to his feet once again, Aries is still smiles as he looks over at his tag team partner in GRENDEL, both men sharing a solid fist bump. As the group continues to celebrate, it’s nobody’s surprise that the missing piece of REVOLUTION finally makes his appearance…the winner of the Top of the Class tournament earlier tonight, the one Shozo had been waiting to come around, and here he is…”The Sentinel” Shinji Uchikawa. As he continues to walk out, Tom Higashikata runs out after him, pleading for him not to do this, not to go join Shozo after all this while Shinji looks at the carnage in the ring. Seth Ericson: I think Simon’s evening just went from bad to worse. Dick Morosi: Again? Shinji Uchikawa steps slowly into the ring, grabbing a microphone as he looks out at all the people around him. Sighing, he slowly helps Simon to his feet, practically dusting him off before he looks around. Shinji Uchikawa: Young man, I do not know you. I do not understand why you have caused such anger, but I do know one thing...I know that REVOLUTION is a family. REVOLUTION has one goal, and we are all to play our part in that goal. Some were meant to evolve, and some were meant to fall by the wayside. Simon seems to be almost pleading at this point to make the beating stop at Shinji, and Shinji grabs him by the neck, the two of them touching foreheads before Shinji brings the microphone to his lips again. Shinji Uchikawa: I can promise you one thing, Simon Raines...this will end as quick as I can allow it. Shinji looks at Simon, helping him stand up as he remains wobbly. Shinji Uchikawa: Tonight, my brother said to me that he needed people to listen to me. He said that the fans would listen to what I had to say about REVOLUTION. Tonight, I make the message clear for all. I am proud of my brother Shozo for being willing to stand up for what’s right. I am proud of Shozo for walking his own path. I am proud of him for standing up for what he believes in. Shinji nods at his brother, looking around at the remaining group as he seemingly starts to scowl at the remainder of them. Shinji Uchikawa: And after what I see here, I realize that I must strike a blow for evolution. Tonight...Shinji Uchikawa evolves….INTO A HERO. With that, Shinji hoists Simon up as if he’s putting him into electric chair position, all before he launches Raines at the REVOLUTION members, helping Simon attack the party as he joins him before looking at Shozo, all while Raines does his best to brawl with the members, even if he is struggling with him and Shinji now against the entire group. Shinji Uchikawa: THIS IS NO REVOLUTION! IT IS A SHAM, BROTHER! AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY BROTHER, BUT YOU LEAD A FALSE CHARGE! As long as you lead that charge, I will stand against you and these people who pervert your mission! I have listened to you brother, and now you will listen to me! You have let anger and hatred cloud you! You have chosen rage over hope! And as long as you allow them to dictate the way your story ends, I will not stand with you! There will be no Gen2. There will be no REVOLUTION. THERE WILL ONLY BE HOPE, SHOZO! I am sorry, but you chose your path. Now I choose mine! Shozo’s eyes go very wide as Shinji’s words come out, his body seeming to go limp as he falls against the ropes, staring at Shinji as he betrays him. Seth Ericson: SHINJI HAS TURNED HIS BACK ON REVOLUTION, HE’S GOING TO TRY AND SAVE SIMON! Dick Morosi: Yes, but Uchikawa’s one man! There are FOUR members of REVOLUTION in there! Three if you don’t count the comatose looking Shozo Arino, but it’s still three on one! Simon Raines is toe-tagged! Reed and GRENDEL double-team the newest member of the EXODUS roster as Shozo Arino looks on, his eyes wide, seemingly torn between ordering them to stop or sanctioning the ongoing assault. The Dark Lady of the Sith, meanwhile, looks down at her ex-boyfriend with anger in her eyes. With a shake of her head, she steps outside the ring, retrieving a steel chair as Uchikawa gamely does his best to fight back against Reed and GRENDEL - a battle that perhaps no one in wrestling is suited to winning alone. Seth Ericson: Devan’s got a steel chair, and I don’t like where this is going! Devan carefully opens the chair, just enough to slip Raines’ right ankle inside of it. Closing it over the ankle, she backs into the corner, slowly ascending to the second, and then the top turnbuckle. Dick Morosi: She’s going to break his ankle! For the love of God, can we get some security out here? Someone? Anyone? This is ridiculous! A huge roar comes up from the crowd, as three figures charge down the rampway. Fans of (R)evolution Wrestling can recognize the threesome immediately. Damon Alexander and Anna Giovanna slide into the ring, side by side, Giovanna throwing herself at the monolithic GRENDEL with a lunging sidekick to the solar plexus, while Alexander throws a series of boxing jabs at Reed after prying him off of Shinji Uchikawa. The final piece of the puzzle goes flying directly at Devan. Seeing her perched on the top rope, Mistress Vivi climbs up to the apron, and charges, both hands pushing Whitmore off the top rope, sending the REVOLUTIONary careening into the barricade at ringside, just barely getting her hands up in time to block some of the impact. Seth Ericson: (R)evolution Wrestling is here! Dick Morosi: They’re sure as Hell not security, but they’re all friends of Raines, and I’d wager they couldn’t sit by and watch this any longer! Seth Ericson: I don’t know what it says about Simon that one of his friends hit him in the dick two weeks ago, but in this situation, I don’t think I’d be too choosy! GRENDEL pushes Giovanna off of him, and charges, looking to take her head off with a huge boot to the face, but Anna ducks, leaving GRENDEL to crotch himself on the top rope! Damon Alexander runs over, and throws a huge looping hook to the body, before working the big guy’s midsection over with him crotched on the top rope. Finally, a resurgent Shinji Uchikawa gets back to his feet, and runs straight for GRENDEL, executing a huge lariat that finally sends the monster of REVOLUTION to the floor! Dick Morosi: They got rid of GRENDEL! Uchikawa’s back on his feet - and now it’s four on four! The odds are even, and I don’t think REVOLUTION likes what it sees! On the floor, Vivi pounds away at Devan, whose hands go up in self defense - and to rake Vivi’s eyes. It allows Devan to take the advantage back, and the two engage in vicious warfare on the floor, bouncing one another’s heads off the barricade to winces from the Staples Center front row fans. Seth Ericson: These eight people are gonna tear one another apart! You’re right, Dick! We need security! We need security right damn now! Aries Reed jumps Damon Alexander from behind, ramming him into the turnbuckle. He turns to do the same to Giovanna, but Shozo Arino suddenly snaps out of his near catatonic trance, and gestures to a veritable phalanx of security belatedly advancing on the ring, looking like they want to make up for lost time. Reed nods, reluctantly, and takes his leave of the ring. GRENDEL, too, spots the order for retreat, walking over to where Devan and Vivi continue their brawl on the floor. It takes GRENDEL bodily CARRYING the Dark Lady of the Sith away from the voodoo practitioner to actually stop that fight, as REVOLUTION make their way to the back as the ring fills up with security. Dick Morosi: I’ve never seen anything like this in my life! Our Director of Quality Control must be enraged right now! With the ring secured and the fight over, a small team of paramedics can finally make their way down the aisle with a gurney for one Simon Raines, still face-down and dead to the world amidst all the chaos. As the medical team begins to check on his condition, the current EXODUS roster member and the three (R)W students compare notes, discussing with one another several things - REVOLUTION, Uchikawa’s decision, and the condition of the man being helped. From the back comes Tom Higashikata, who strafes circles around the group, yelling happily at his friend, before leaping onto Shinji’s back, shouting into the camera. Tom Higashikata: MY NIGGUH MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE! SHINJI UCHIKAWA, HERO OF THE PEOPLE, SAYIN’ FUCK THE REVOLUTION! BASED EMPIRE 4 LIIIIIIIIIIIIFE! Seth Ericson: This...yeah, if I’m Almasy, I’m firing my security for starters. This was a setup, plain and simple. That kid’s lucky a lot worse didn’t happen to him, honestly. And the ramifications of this for EXODUS, (R)W...I don’t even know. Dick Morosi: The one thing we DO know, though, is that Shinji Uchikawa will NOT stand with the REVOLUTION! He will stand on his own two feet, and when Simon Raines wakes up, he owes that man a thank you. Shinji may well have saved his young career here tonight. Simon is strapped onto the gurney a moment later, which is then carried onto the waiting stretcher. With Raines secured, the four in the ring take their leave as well, walking with the stretcher up the aisleway. Seymour Almasy’s face pokes out from behind the curtain, even paler than usual. A moment later, it disappears, leaving what happens once the stretcher and its honor guard disappear to their imagination of the crowd. Dick Morosi: While we recover from that, you have to wonder what the repercussions are going to be in the coming weeks for Shinji Uchikawa. Seth Ericson: It's not going to be pretty, Dick. Shinji just put a huge target on his chest, and given the tenuous relationship he had with most of REVOLUTION...that man is an island. Dick Morosi: It's every man for himself in this business, Shinji knows that...just like it's every man or woman for themselves in our next match! Christian Kane defends the International Title in a triple threat match against Justin Brooks and Lexy Chapel...next!  The screens come to life and we see Lexy Chapel standing in the window of a house looking out. She’s dressed in a chequered unbuttoned shirt with a black t-shirt underneath. She begins taking off the shirt as we cut to a shot of Nate Chapel, standing presumably in the opposite window, holding a camera. Behind him on a screen we see Lexy still removing her shirt as the iconic song “American Beauty” by Thomas Newman plays in the background. We continue watching Nate as we see Lexy on the screen behind him beginning to take off her t-shirt. We cut back to Lexy as she pulls the shirt up over her head and stares back across. We focus in on her as she takes the hair-tie out of her hair and lets it down. We cut back to Nate with the camera to see him focused on the camera and the picture in the background zooming in. We see Lexy on the screen reaching behind to unhook her bra. She begins taking off her bra, but just as we’re about to see everything we cut back to the arena. The song abruptly ends as “Cynics and Critics” by Icon For Hire hits the PA system. “We’re not cynics; we just don’t believe a word you say
We’re not critics, we just hate it all anyway” As the music continues blaring Lexy Chapel walks out on to the stage with a grin on her face. She points at herself and seems to ask if they wanted to see something more before smiling cheekily and beginning to head to the ring. . T H E . C H A P E L . S H O W . As she walks down the ramp we see red petals falling from the ceiling and Lexy stops and twirls around before scooping some up and holding them against her chest playfully. “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” Lexy throws down the rose petals and runs down the remaining distance to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope before popping back to her feet again. She climbs up on the turnbuckles, holding up her arms for a moment to pose for the fans before blowing a kiss out to them and stepping up to the top rope, flipping over and landing on her feet in the ring before readying herself for the match. David Zinkus: Introducing first, currently in the ring, from London, England by way of Anaheim, California, weighing one hundred sixteen pounds, she is the former EXODUS Pro International Champion, this is LEXY CHAPEL! Dick Morosi: There she is, the former International Champion! Lexy Chapel has earned her rematch, the fans have demanded it, and the crowd is excited to see her hold her own against the Monster and the Drifter! Seth Ericson: It's been a rough couple of months for Lexy Chapel, but she can kick off her sophomore campaign in EXODUS with a massive victory tonight! She starts to prepare for the match all before she begins to hear something over the PA System with the rest of the audience... Voiceover: And with the local Exodus Pro News, Justin Brooks with a triumphant comeback...but tonight... Don't call it a comeback
I been here for years
Rockin my peers and puttin suckas in fear
Makin the tears rain down like a MON-soon
Listen to the bass go BOOM
Explosion, overpowerin
Over the competition, I'm towerin
Wreckin shop, when I drop these lyrics that'll make you call the cops
Don't you dare stare, you betta move
Don't ever compare
Me to the rest that'll all get sliced and diced
Competition's payin the price David Zinkus: Now coming to the ring...hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee...standing at 6'4" and 267 pounds, he is Justin Brooks! I'm gonna knock you out [HUUUH!!!]
Mama said knock you out [HUUUH!!!] [From the curtains, comes the Monster by the Bay, the man known as the Big Bad Brooks wearing a black silk robe with white trim, flanked by an entourage of trainers and cornermen, all wearing Adidas jogging suits of the same color scheme. The hood to the silk robe is over his head only showing the chiseled chin of the International Title contender as the boos from the Los Angeles crowd doesn’t phase him in the least bit] Shadow boxin when I heard you on the radio [HUUUH!!!]
I just don't know
What made you forget that I was raw?
But now I got a new tour
I'm goin insane, startin the hurricane, releasin pain
Lettin you know that you can't gain, I maintain
Unless ya say my name
Rippin, killin
Diggin and drillin a hole
Pass the Ol' Gold [The walk to the ring is slow and methodical as they reach the corner of the Exodus Pro Ring. One of the trainers reach up pulling back the hood as his trademark mohawk is properly cut and trim. The robe is pulled from his large frame as he climbs into the ring before his entourage make their way backstage.] I'm gonna knock you out [HUUUH!!!]
Mama said knock you out [HUUUH!!!] Dick Morosi: Justin Brooks looks prepared, Seth. Seth Ericson: If you think he does, let's see what the Champ has planned! The EXO Screen comes to life to the sight of the International Champion sat in his locker room, beside him his title belt. Hunched over, Christian Kane has a towel over his head, listening to his close friend and mentor Samuel Talbot whose sat across from him wearing a three-piece suit. It seems we’ve joined them mid conversation. Samuel Talbot: Two other individuals out there tonight. They’re trying to take that from you, you know. That title belt. They’re trying to take what’s yours. What you worked for. What you bled for. They’re going to try and get rid of you, Christian. Are you going to let them do that? Christian Kane: No. Talbot leans forward, cupping his ear. Samuel Talbot: Hm? What was that? Couldn’t hear you. Are you going to let them do that!? Christian Kane: No! Kane rips the towel from his head and throws it aside before standing up, grabbing his title before he does so. Christian Kane: You know what? I’m not leaving...I’m not leaving. I’M NOT FUCKING LEAVING! The Handsome Drifter straps his championship belt across his chest in a seatbelt like fashion before he begins to pace back and forth in front of Talbot as he continues. Christian Kane: EXODUS Pro is MY home! They’re gonna need the WHOLE FUCKING ROSTER to come take me outta here! I AIN’T GOING NOWHERE! FUCK THEM! Kane stands nose to nose with Talbot and begins to beat his the championship belt on his chest. Hmm hmm hmm. Hmm hmm hmm. Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmm Hmm Hmm. Talbot then begins to join in. Hmm hmm hmm. Hmm hmm hmm. Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmm Hmm Hmm. A knock comes at the door, and without breaking rhythm Christian Kane rips open the door and steps out, continuing to hum with Talbot doing the same behind them as they make their way to the curtain. Hmm hmm hmm. Hmm hmm hmm. Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmmm Hmm Hmm Hmm. By the time Christian Kane has reached the curtain he nods towards his lawyer, begins to hum louder as the crowd in attendance at the Staples Center begins to join in. The Handsome Drifter makes his way onto the stage, beating and humming along with the fans until an instrumental version of Black Skinhead by Kanye West kicks in. He continues to beat his belt with a clench fist until abruptly stopping in time with the end of the song, the lights going out as he does so. SHOT THROUGH THE HEART, AND YOU'RE TO BLAME DARLING YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME! The guitars and drums of the timeless Bon Jovi classic kick in throughout the arena as Christian Kane stands on the stage. Red, white and pink lights focus on the Canadian Sensation and flash rapidly, drawing attention to him whilst smoke pours across the entranceway. Holding his arms out in a ‘T’, the lights begin to illuminate his silhouette as David Zinkus speaks. David Zinkus: And introducing your reigning and defending EXODUS Pro International Champion...THE HANDSOME DRIFTER...THE CANADIAN SENSATION....THE WOLF OF THE RIMAAAAAAAAAC, CHRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIISTIAAAAAANNNNN.....KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANE! With a smirk Christian Kane pats the International Championship which is strapped across his chest akin to a seat belt before making his way down to the ring. As he struts he acknowledges certain fans with his merch, a few who wield signs, even going as far as to slap some of their hands before slowly coming to a stop at ringside. From the apron The Handsome Drifter climbs the turnbuckle, his left foot standing on the second rope while his right is on the top rope. He then lowers his jacket, allowing it to slide off of his body and to the floor before unstrapping his title belt, holding it down to his side. Kane takes a moment to looks across the arena, even taking time to shout ‘#STUDLIFE’ into the camera just by ringside. Christian then takes the belt in both hands and raises it high into the air, inciting an overwhelming response of cheers from the fans in attendance. After hopping down into the ring Kane runs across to the diagonally opposite turnbuckle, blowing a kiss to the crowd whilst raising his belt into the air again as high pitched cheers rain out from the female contingent of the die-hard EXODUS Pro faithful (mostly). As the music slowly fades, Kane jumps down backwards into the ring, handing his belt to David Zinkus before walking to his corner and preparing for the match ahead. Dick Morosi: It’s time for three way action for the Exodus Pro International Championship. Seth Ericson: Justin Brooks and Lexy Chapel earned this match and here we are, odds aren’t in favor of the champion here…but if I was a betting man, I’d take Kane. The three start in the ring, as Chapel and Brooks move towards Kane. Kane charges after the two, ducking under a double clothesline and bouncing off the ropes, drilling both Chapel and Brooks with a clotheslines, taking them both to the mat. Kane is on the offensive, kicking hard at the fallen Chapel a couple of times, before turning to the rising Brooks, catching him with a quick swinging neck-breaker. Kane pulls Chapel to her feet, but is met with a couple quick rights to the midsection, followed by an overhead arm drag. Kane is back to his feet quickly, moving towards Chapel, who catches Kane with a snap belly to belly suplex. Seth Ericson: Some quick action in the early going. Chapel's back to her feet, and she moves to the rising Kane, who cuts her off with a shoulder to the ribs. Chapel doubles over, and Kane takes her to the mat with a hard DDT. Kane is back on his feet, but is met by a hard boot from Brooks, doubling him over. Brooks catches him with a quick Double Arm DDT, spiking Kane hard into the mat. He's back to his feet, and stomps a couple of times on the fallen champion. Brooks pulls Kane to his feet quickly, driving a couple of hard knees into his midsection, before taking him overhead with a butterfly suplex. Dick Morosi: Justin Brooks outweighs everyone in this match by a wide margin, look for him to use that size to his advantage. Brooks moves back to his feet, and is met from behind by a hard elbow to the back of the head. He turns around, and is met by a couple hard kicks to the ribs from Chapel, who bounces off the ropes and drills Brooks with a bicycle kick, sending him back against the ropes. Chapel drills him with a couple hard roundhouse kicks to the head, and then follows up with a spinning back kick, sending Brooks to the mat. Seth Ericson: Brooks also lacks the quickness of the other two in this match. Chapel moves to the rising Kane, cutting him off with a toe kick, taking him to the mat with an arm drag. Chapel's back on her feet, waiting for Kane to rise, catching him with another arm drag. She holds on, locking in an armbar on Kane, who fights towards the ropes, getting a foot on and breaking the hold. Chapel's back to her feet and waiting for Kane to rise, when she's caught from behind by a back suplex from Brooks. Brooks turns to the rising Kane, crouching a moment, before dropping him to the mat with a back suplex. Seth Ericson: Justin Brooks, clearing house! Brooks rises to his feet, as he does Chapel runs at Brooks catching him with a roundhouse kick, which stuns him. Chapel jumps up dropping him down with a backstabber. Brooks lies on the mat grimacing in pain, as Chapel rises to her feet. She runs at Christian nailing him with a stiff forearm strike, which stuns him. She grabs him around sending him into the ropes. Chapel runs at Christian, as he runs back at her. Chapel goes for a kick to the stomach, but Christian catches her leg. She stands hopping on one leg. Dick Morosi: Christian Kane catches Lexy Chapel before she could land that kick! Seth Ericson: Kane had Lexy well scouted! Christian throws her leg down, and leans over lifting Chapel onto his shoulders. Chapel tries to fight Christian, but he drops her down with a spinning back elbow. Chapel lays on the mat, as Christian turns he gets nailed with a clothesline from Brooks! Christian stumbles back, as Brooks lands a stiff punch, which staggers Christian back even more. Brooks pulls Christian toward him sending him down with a standing spinebuster. Brooks goes for the pin, as Chris Dawson counts ONE… TWO… Chapel breaks up the count. They both rise to their feet, as they do Chapel lands a slap across the face of Brooks. He looks at her, and moves toward her, as he does, Chapel catches him with a stiff European upper cut, which stuns Brooks as Chapel follows up with a kick that drills him flush into his stomach, which doubles him over. Chapel connects with a bicycle kick, which sends Brooks down to the mat once again. Christian finally reaches his feet and turns, as he does Chapel runs at him. She runs at Christian, but gets sent down with a drop toe hold, which plants Chapel face first into the mat. Dick Morosi: Lexy Chapel had other plans than meeting the mat face first! Seth Ericson: I’m sure that was never her intentions! Christian pulls Chapel off the mat, he nails her with a pair of forearm strikes, which land flush into her face. He grabs her around her head, and lifts Chapel up sending her down with a snap suplex. Christian rises to his feet, he pulls Chapel off the mat, as he does Brooks nails him across his back with a double ax handle knocking Christian into the ropes. Brooks pushes Christian through the ropes out to the ring apron. Brooks turns, as he does Chapel catches him with a leg lariat sending him down to the mat. Dick Morosi: Justin Brooks didn’t see that coming! Chapel steps back, as Brooks rises to his feet, as he does. Chapel runs at him, but Brooks dodges out of the way. Chapel turns, and gets kicked flush in her stomach, which doubles Chapel over. Brooks pulls Chapel towards him. He lifts her up, and sends her down with the HOOK ‘N LADDER! Brooks covers her, Chris Dawson counts ONE.. TWO.. THR... Kane pulls Brooks out of the ring to the floor. Christian nails him with a pair of European upper cuts. Christian kicks Brooks in his stomach, and drops him onto the floor with a swigging neck-breaker. Christian slides back into the ring, as Chapel is ready for him. She runs at him, and nails Christian with a running forearm strike. She backs up, and runs at Christian, but he catches her, and plants her down with a facebreaker into the mat. Christian rises to his feet, he pulls Chapel off the mat. Christian jumps up, and plants Chapel with the STKO! Christian covers her, Chris Dawson counts ONE.. TWO.. ….. Brooks breaks up the count. Brooks grabs Christian throwing him into the corner into the ring post. Christian leans across the turnbuckles with his shoulder in the ring post. Brooks turns, he grabs Chapel off the mat landing in a pair of stiff punches, which cause her to stumble. Brooks grabs her sending Chapel into the corner. He runs in at her, but Chapel moves out of the way. Brooks turns, as Chapel plants him down with the UNION JACK ATTACK! Chapel rolls him over, as Chris Dawson counts ONE… TWO… .. KICKOUT! Dick Morosi: I thought that was it! Seth Ericson: I did too! Chapel rises to her feet, as Brooks lies on the mat. She turns, as Christian moves from the corner. She runs at him, and nails him with a clothesline in the corner. She backs up moving back across the ring into the opposite corner. Chapel runs at him, but Christian moves out of the way, as Chapel slams into the corner hard. Christian steps back, as he does, Brooks sets his eyes on Christian. Brooks charges at Christian nailing him with a running knee lift that knocks him down and out of the ring! Lexy slowly gets to his feet, as she does Brooks runs at her, laying in wait and cocks his large right arm back as he heaves his large body forward being all of Big Bad Brooks with him. Seth Ericson: THE REMINDER! Dick Morosi: Sweet Dear Lord in Heaven, Lexy Chapel has been turned inside out. ONE.. TWO.. THR…. Dick Morosi: So close! We almost had a new International Champion there! Seth Ericson: Christian Kane wants to win this match tonight, he’s going to do anything to make sure that it happens! Christian pulls Justin out of the ring, driving him back first into the guard rail as he climbs back into the ring as Chapel runs at him with a running kick to the face, which staggers him. Christian stumbles back, as Chapel leans him over. Chapel runs at Christian, and goes for the Critical Review, but Christian manages to dodges out of the way. Christian grabs Chapel off guard taking her into the roll up as he does, getting a bit generous with the tights as Chris Dawson Counts! ONE.. TWO.. THREE! David Zinkus: The winner and STILL the Exodus International Champion…Christian Kane!! Taking the title away from Chris Dawson, Kane throws his arms in the arm as Lexy sits up on her knees, her head hung down low in disbelief as Justin Brooks sits out of the ring, letting the face of a man disappointed and frustrated show through as he climbs to his feet making his way back towards the locker rooms as Christian Kane climbs to the top turnbuckle with the International Title on his right shoulder for all to see. WINNER (and STILL International Champion): Christian KaneDick Morosi: Christian Kane has pulled it off! Seth Ericson: Christian Kane has looked like a man reborn since his return to EXODUS nine months ago, and it's not hard to see that he has something to prove in his heart! Now the International Champion is proving why people once referred to him as the best in the world...and he might just be again! Dick Morosi: For now, the Wolf of the RIMAC is celebrating, and we'll head backstage! The scene is the lockerroom of one Mr. EXODUS, as the The British Mamba sits silently in a steel chair, his eyes fixated upon the bottle of Grey Goose in his left hand. Removing the cap from his French distilled vodka, Cannon raises the bottle to his lips and bobs his head back to allow the clean and smooth poison to find a home in his belly. He chugs for a few seconds, taking it straight to the head without a pause, before finally relenting due to the burning sensation in the back of his throat. Upon twisting the cap back on, he places the bottle beside his custom leather ring boots - the ones with JC printed on the heels. After taking a second to compose himself, Johnny looks into the camera. Johnny Cannon: Tonight, in my final match in EXODUS Pro, I step into the ring to go one on one against Andreas Lasiewicz. Now, earlier in the show you might have seen a pre-recorded promo, or a shoot as we call it, where I made a few harsh comments about EXODUS, and about a few people - all true I should say. But I only briefly mentioned The Morning Star, which does not do him enough justice because there’s no arguing the fact that Andreas Lasiewicz is a living legend. He’s one of the greatest of all time. He’s one of the best to have ever stepped foot in this company. And when he hangs up his boots he may go down as one of the greatest ever. Mr. EXODUS leans back in his seat, and produces a cigar from a box of Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado. He slowly lights it with the flick of a lighter, and takes a deep and satisfying inhale before blowing it back out into the air. Johnny Cannon: And that’s exactly why I’ve chosen to this moment, minutes before our showdown to do this. Understand something. This bloody vignette, this isn’t me taking the opportunity to talk myself up, or to make ridiculous guarantees, or talk about who’s going to win tonight. Right now I’m simply a man who put this company on the map, giving his last message on the eve of what will be the greatest professional wrestling match in history before he leaves that same company. You know, the last time we were in the ring together Lasiewicz, everyone knows what happened. We tore the house down. Regardless if you were less than a hundred percent, you put on one of best performances of the year, and we wrestled a showstopper that could only be expected coming from two men who are the best in the world at their desired profession. But I want to say something right now as we head toward our third one on one showdown. I want to say that I found some of your recent comments, interesting to say the least. I know when you said that you didn’t hate me that you weren't just blowing smoke, or saying something meaningless because a guy like you chooses his words carefully so I know when you said it, you meant it. I just dont understand why. Cannon puffs on the cigar once again as he looks up at the ceiling. Johnny Cannon: I guess I don’t understand because I hate you. I fucking hate you, Andreas. I hate your fucking guts, and it’s not out of jealousy of your accomplishments, or your stature. I hate you for one fucking reason. It’s the fact that you think you’re better than everyone. Like you’re the ninth wonder of the world or something. Its in the way that you walk, how you carry yourself, how you talk to us, that self-absorbed, holier-than-thou tone of voice like everyones beneath you. Like your shit doesn’t stink - and don’t for a second think I’m a hypocrite because I know my shit stinks. I just know the turd I put in the crapper smells better than everyone elses because unlike everyone else what comes out of my ass is gold. But I digress. You see Andreas, I was peeved when you went on your tangent, and admitted that I was the better man nine months ago, because I already knew that. Anyone outside of you and Jonathan’s after school club already knew that. We already knew that I was better than you nine months ago. We already knew that it wasn’t my fault that Christum Furor beat you like a tired cliche because YOU were the one who decided to fight. Your pride made you go out there in that Main Event. That pride made you defend the EXODUS World Championship. And your pride is what got you knocked out and I’m going to tell you something, Las. Cannon takes another long drag of nicotine and continues. Johnny Cannon: We could’ve postponed that match til’ you were healthy. We could’ve cancelled it because I didn’t want to win that way. I did not want to win my FIRST World Championship that way. I wanted to wrestle you at one hundred percent so that we could give each other our best and see who would leave the MAN when it was all said and done. No. I didn’t want to wrestle half a man. But you know something. I’ve come to realize that you getting beat down before hand had nothing to do with it. Because deep down, you and I both know that you really are HALF a fucking man. You think you’re untouchable, and indivisible, but in reality it’s YOU who can’t measure up to EVERYONE else because you’re a fucking sorry excuse for a human being. And listen cameraman, if you say one more fucking word about me fucking cursing I’m going to break your fucking neck. I’ll fucking cuss as many times as I fucking want cause this is MY last fucking night in EXODUS, and I’m not just MR. FUCKING EXODUS but I fucking AM EXODUS, and I do what the fuck I want. And if the adults here who brought their children are upset with me dropping F bombs, well fuck them. They shouldn’t have brought them here anyway because it’s Monday and it’s a school night, and lord knows those kids need their rest so they can have a fighting chance, because they shouldn’t have to fail their test tomorrow because their parents wanted to see a winner like me so they could feel like they mattered. It’s a shame that your sons and daughters are going to grow up to work eighty hours a week for seven dollars and fifty cents just like YOU. The angered Brit shakes his head in disgust, before smoking on his cigar again to calm himself down. Johnny Cannon: No Lasiewicz. Don’t you dare admit that I was better than you nine months ago, not after you’ve spent every day since pretending like I don’t exist, like my accomplishments mean nothing, like I didn’t knock you the fuck out and TAKE that World Title from you. No, you don’t get to do that now. No, we’re not going to erase every word of hatred, and shade you’ve spoke about me. No. I’m shoving every single one of them down your throat, you bloody cocksucker. Tonight, I’m not here to prove that I’m better than you, because I already know I am. Before you got here I was blazing trails in this company, and when you got here you tried to stifle me, tried to suffocate me, but I rose from underneath your fucking sense of entitlement and superiority to take my seat at the big boy table despite you and your colleagues telling me that I don’t deserve to be here. But I’m here, Lasiewicz. I started from the bottom, but I’m here sitting across from you. And right now, I want you to look into my fucking eyes. The British Mamba stares daggers into the camera. Johnny Cannon: These are the eyes of a man who is not coming to wrestle you, tonight. Because I don’t don’t need to. We already know who the better wrestler is. I proved that nine months ago, remember? I know I’m the better wrestler because I’ve only been in this business for four years, and in this company for two, and in that time I’ve become so great that I can walk into any city, any country, any continent, and people will know who the fuck I am. That’s because I’m a household name. I’m a brand. I made a name for myself Las, and that’s the same name that you’ve tried to tarnish for nine months. It’s the same name that you spit on, threw dirt on, dragged through the mud, and used as toilet tissue. And that’s why this is personal. That’s why I’m coming just to fight, and I don’t give a damn about who gets their arm raised at the end of the night. I just want to end your career. I want to make sure that you can NEVER utter another word of contempt or derision at anyone again. I want to make sure that you can NEVER stand up on your pedestal and look down at everyone… look down at me like I’m an ant because I’m not. I’m JOHNNY CANNON AND I USED TO BE THE EXODUS WORLD CHAMPION! The Englishman stomps out his cigar and stands tall before the camera. Johnny Cannon: And I’m going to remind the world of that tonight. I’m going to remind you that nine months ago I proved that I could touch your greatness. Now almost a year later, I only want to make sure that you can never be great again because I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you leave in an ambulance. I’m going to beat you so badly that you wont be able to recognize yourself, that you’ll be so much of a shell of what you used to be that it’ll kill Heather Halliwell worse than the crabs Zero McHannon gave her and the terminal illness coursing through body. Listen Heather, when I’m done curing EXODUS of its Lasiewicz problem, if you want I can cure you too because I’ve got the only vaccine you’ll need right here. The Triple Crown Champion grabs at his crotch as his usual cocksure grin manifests on his face. Johnny Cannon: And you’re from Texas, so I know you like a mouth load. You’ll just have to be patient, because before you can taste what a real man's like I’m going to have to pull my John Thomas out of Lasiewicz’s throat because tonight he’s going to be choking on that and every bit of crow I can muster until he croaks. But before you die Las, before your legend dies you’re going to know something. You’re going to know what I know, what these people know, what everyone watching on their illegally downloaded streams know, and more importantly, what Jonathan Collins knows even though he doesn’t want to admit it. The Brit leans down to grab his bottle of Grey Goose, removing the cap before downing it until the last drop. Johnny Cannon: And that’s that there’s no EXODUS, without MR. EXODUS. With that, we go back to ringside. |
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 15:47:49 GMT -6
Dick Morosi: Johnny Cannon continues his tirades, and I'm starting to wonder if he realizes the hole he's digging. Seth Ericson: Who cares? It's his last night! It's a damn shame it is, but if he's going out, the man is going out swinging. The camera pans around the sold out arena, with many a fan trying their hardest to grab the cameraman’s attention and have the rare honor to mouth “Hi. Mom! I’m on TV!” towards the screen for the folks back home. As soon as the commentators are ready, the production team in the back switches the feed, so it portrays Dick and Seth. Dick Morosi: Ladies and gentleman, if you’re just joining us we’d like to thank you for into EXODUS presentation of Dead In Hollywood from the Staples Center, here in Los Angeles, California. Seth Ericson: And what a show it’s been, Dick. We saw Black Jones and The Masked Salaryman open things up with a hot contest. Chandler Scott retained the San Diego Bay Championship against Shozo Arino. And Christian Kane was able to outlast Lexy Chapel and Justin Brooks to hold onto the International Championship. Dick Morosi: Yes, but our next contest is one we’ve been anticipating since April of last year. A rematch of an EXODUS World Championship bout, and a rubber match in what has become a rivalry of sorts between two men who hate each other. Seth Ericson: I’ve got that big fight feeling, Dick. I’ve got goosebumps. It’s time for Cannon Las III. The lights in the Staples Center slowly begin to go out, not the usual fade, but each light seems to go out individually as a crack of thunder booms out, each one accompanied by a violent flicker of lightning. The crowd gasps in awe, each and every one of them standing to attention with their arms in the air, screaming out in anticipation at what they are going to witness. Those that have lighters let their flames dance in the darkness as the final lights in the arena finally go out. All is quiet. Dick Morosi: It’s all gone quiet. Far too quiet. Seth Ericson: I don’t like this, Dick! The big screen lights up as footage begins to play, and the harrowing orchestra theme of Howard Shore plays out, booming in the background. Smoke billows out from the behind the curtain, thick and white creating a blanket of cloud that pours down the ramp and towards the ring. The cloud grows thicker, filling the ring itself on mass and spilling out into the crowd. Then there is a figure. Nêbâbîtham Magânanê
Nêtabdam dâur-ad The venomous lyrics ring out in the Black Tongue of Mordor as the first figure appears on the ramp, tall, black robed and fierce. It slowly steps out as fear begins to take hold of the audience, this Dark Marshall pointing his steel sword out towards the crowd. He is closely followed by another figure, The Betrayer staring out towards those in attendance from under its black hood. These two make their way down the ramp, weapons in hand as they stand apart facing each other. Nêpâm nêd abârat-aglar Two more closely follow, the Undying and the Shadow Lord, both black cloaked and ferocious, marching down the ramp way with swords in hand almost in prayer. They join the previous two as the music plays on, side by side with one another upon the ramp way. The smoke continues to blow out of the entrance way as two more join, the Dwimmerlaik and The Tainted. They pause for a moment, pointing their sharpened blades into the crowd until they join the rest of the Nazgûl. îdô Nidir nênâkham
Bârî'n Katharâd As the crowd roars on in approval to the collection of Ring Wraiths. The is another crack of thunder, the lightning flashing around viciously to illuminate both the crowd and the gathering of the Ulairi. Another two join the group as the terrifying music comes to a close, The Knight of Umbar and Khamûl the Easterling. They join the others, all of them standing across from each other as they begin to chant in loud, low and booming voices that fill the arena, echoing off of the walls. We renounce our Maker BONG! There is the loud ringing of a single bell, as the first of these Nazgûl l lifts their sword in the air. BONG! And a second. They continue to shout out their words, a translation of from the Black Tongue. BONG!We cleave to the darkness.
We take unto ourselves the power and glory. BONG! The fourth sword rises as the Ring Wraiths are seemingly creating an archway with their twisted and demented weaponry. BONG! And the fifth sword rises into the heavens as there is a rustling of wind and the haze of smoke intensifies. BONG! Behold! We are the Nine,
The Lords of Unending Life. BONG! The Nazgul stamp their feet as they finish their speech. BONG! And all returns to darkness as the last of the Ring Wraiths raises their sword in the air, There is utter silence, not even the crowd utters a single word in anticipation of what is going to happen next. Dick Morosi: Eight bells have sounded for each of these Ring Wraiths that have formed a terrifying archway on the way to the ring. This has to be one of the weirdest sight I have ever seen in my broadcasting career. Seth Ericson: Hey, Dick… I thought there were NINE Nazgul? Where’s the last one? BONG! The swirling violins of the San Francisco Symphony orchestra blast out from the P.A system, accompanied by the brutal sound of Metallica, as the orchestral version of ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ rings out in the Staples Center. Wild, flashing strobe lights circle around the audience as the smoke blasts out into the crowd, a roaring crowd who chant along with the lyrics. Make his fight on the hill in the early day
Constant chill deep inside
Shouting gun, on they run through the endless grey
On they fight, for the right, yes but who's to say? Dick Morosi: I think your answer is on its way, Seth! He’s been hinting at this entrance for the past few weeks! Seth Ericson: Why couldn’t he follow Wulf’s advice and go for being a Hobbit? It would make me less jumpy! For a hill men would kill why? They do not know
Stiffened wounds test their pride
Men of five, still alive through the raging glow
Gone insane from this pain that they surely know David Zinkus:Coming down to the ring, from Krakow, Poland… Weighing in at two hundred and fifty seven pounds… “The Polish Spirit”, “The Morning Star”, “THE WITCH KING OF ANGMAR”… ANDREAAAAAAASSSSS…. LASSSSSIEEEEEWWWWIIIICCCZ!!! The crowd let out another devastating roar as in rode the Lord of the Nazgûl! A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. Clad in black, a spiked crown upon his head, he rides down on a mighty black steed, staring out into the gasping audience, a wicked Morgul blade in one hand, a spiked Morning Star in the other. The Lord of the Nazgûl, guides his horse down the ramp way under the archway that no enemy ever dares pass. For whom the bell tolls
Time marches on
For whom the bell tolls The Witch King of Angmar continues his ride under the archway, each set of swords dropping as he passes underneath them. As he passes by the final set, he carefully dismounts into the sea of fog. He takes a few steps forward, his armoured and cloaked head staring out into the wild Los Angeles crowd. Take a look to the sky just before you die
It is the last time you will Will
Will Will As the final ‘Will’ rings out, he drops the blade down to the ground, followed by the Morning Star, both of them disappearing into the white smoke. He then takes his time, climbing the stairs as he takes off the helmet and enters the squared circle. He paces to the centre of the ring, head bowed in thought. Blackened roar massive roar fills the crumbling sky
Shattered goal fills his soul with a ruthless cry
Stranger now, are his eyes, to this mystery
He hears the silence so loud MOTHERFUCKER! As he removes the robe, he lets it fall down to mat below as the crowd goes wild, letting out a deafening ‘HO-LY SHIT’ chant as they see what is revealed. Crack of dawn, all is gone except the will to be
Now they will see what will be, blinded eyes to see He stands there in a mocking crucifix pose, his fists clenched as he lets out a deafening and bloodcurdling roar of defiance. Andreas Lasiewicz stands there, in a special made ring gear. White tights with a dark and bloody Morning Star on one side, and bitter and twisted sword on the other. His face his covered in war paint, white with various shades of grey to show the Witch King in his true form. His hair is dyed grey and his entire torso is painted up grey and white, blue veins creeping out like the lightning flashes that have accompanied his entrance. He glares out into the crowd, a sly and sickening smirk upon his face and his eyes burn like an unholy inferno. For whom the bell tolls
Time marches on
For whom the bell tolls Dick Morosi: There were nine Nazgul, nine Nazgul to represent nine years, NINE WHOLE YEARS that Andreas Lasiewicz has been undefeated on pay per view. But is this the night that the Witch King falls? Seth Ericson: This could well be the night! A moment passes as the ever buzzing EXODUS fans remain in their seats in a quiet hush, only for that humming to be broken due to commotion in the stands. Multiple spotlights focus on various unidentified men pushing through the stands until they hop over the barricade. They are about ten or fifteen, all dressed to the nines and all holding what appear to be replica semi-automatic rifles. They converge in the middle of the ramp, pointing their weapons at the entryway, as if they’re waiting for someone to emerge. The titantron flickers, revealing a lavish office, filled with tv monitors, chairs, a desk and a large red carpet in what appears to be a recreated scene from the movie Scarface. Inside the office we see a figure, dressed in a suit who watches the footage on the screen, footage of what appears to be ringside, evidenced by shot of the gunmen on the ramp. With his back to the audience, we can here the figure addressing the world in a British accent. ”You want to play games, okay, I play with you…” Grabbing a massive gun off a table, the figure begins to turn around. ”I play with you… come on.” The figure reveals himself to be none other than Mr. EXODUS, Johnny Cannon, as he stares into the camera. ”Okay you wanna play rough? Okay!" Cocked and loaded, The British Mamba looks into the camera with fierce determination. ”SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND!” The tron suddenly shuts off, as well as the lights in the arena, filling Staples Center with complete darkness. After a brief moment to build suspense, a MASSIVE explosion erupts at the entrance tunnel. The lights suddenly flash back on, and the audience feast their eyes on the carnage at ringside. Gunman after guman lie strewn across the arena floor, as if they had been all blown away by some big gun. The crow buzzes and chirps at the sight, and in response to the brilliant pyrotechnic display they just witnessed. “Cry” by Rick Ross suddenly blasts through the sound system washing over the EXODUS faithful as the attention of everyone in the Staples Center turns toward the entrance ramp. The excited fans begin throwing their negative energy as they await the arrival of the second competitor in the contest. Lord forgive me for my sins,
But may I strike down an get vengeance,
Murder my homeboy, Why you doin like that,
Niggas getting churched up, Time for the get back,
Found him last night, four shots in his back,
no leads to the case, Triple C's will handle that, Just bought a new swo?
In the streets im sworn,
Its time for the murder ride, all on board,
Give me them sticks, s-k, s-k's, m-11's The titantron flickers back to life to show the words "MR. EXODUS" before fading away to show 'Johnny Cannon' in a yellow font. The screen fades away to display many clips of The British Mamba wrestling whilst switching to footage of his many exploits - hotel parties, limousine rides, gambling, womanizing etc. When tha hammer fall,
Dats for the trigger pull,
Another maggot falls,
Split down in beu ?
What do witness's witness?,
Plus we handle my biznesss,
Another clip of snitches,
While they looking at bitches,
Feel like im brainwashed,
To finally ?
Caught 8 bodys in four weeks im on fire,
Cuz I want you to cry,
Im killin your gleam,
Im sending your team,
They killin for me, The curtains ruffle at the top of the entrance ramp, and out comes the EXODUS Original, Johnny Cannon. He receives a loud chorus of boos, as he stands dawned in a black blazer from Paul Smith which is merely draped over his shoulders as opposed to being worn, with a rose resting in the breast pocket. Underneath the expensive coat, The British Mamba is bare chested, while he dawns MMA style shorts with a camouflage color scene. In the hands of the Londoner is a Colt AR-15, with grenade launcher. Following him is his manager, Quinn Goodrich, who wears a three piece suit as usual. David Zinkus: And his opponent. Being accompanied to the ring by Quinn Goodrich, from London, England, standing at six foot, three inches tall and weighing in at two hundred and forty five pounds. He is the self proclaimed ‘Greatest Man That Ever Lived’, 'Cinderella Man' and the ‘British Mamba'; Ladies and gentlemen... this is #MrEXODUS.... Johnny! CANNON! Seth Ericson: What an entrance. What a man. This is Johnny Cannon, in his final match in the company and boy is he going out like a star. Dick Morosi: A very cinematic entrance, to say the least. However, will be going out like Tony Montana did? That's the question, and if you ask Andreas Lasiewicz the answer is yes. Just like saddom Hussein,
Just offered your head,
Its on my camera phone,
You cant picture me dead,
Am I christian or muslim,
Or just addicted to husslin,
My daddy don't love me,
Mama fightin an fussin,
Now im choppin the rocks,
Niggas pockets on sow ell,
Man im pimpin them hoes,
Givin the new pistols to hoes,
Graduated from ?
Rappin for waves of people, Cannon walks down the ramp, stepping over the carcasses of the gunman whilst he points his gun at the crowd and fires pretend shots at the audience on either side of him, all the while Quinn Goodrich marches behind him, flipping a one fingered salute to the fans. Johnny reaches the stairs and climbs them in a rhythm, each foot hitting the steel at the right time, his blazer flapping in the air behind him. When he ascends the stairs completely, he slowly removes his blazer letting it drop to his feet before entering the ring. As he steps through middle and top ropes he carries his momentum into a Shawn Michaels-esque spin, before positioning himself carefully in the middle. Holding the Colt AR-15, Cannon points it right at Andreas Lasiewicz Ya I want you to cry , ya look at me cookin that ether,
Rollin down your block, 3 deep , got my pistol in my lap,
See me underneath the sink,
I aint come to die, I aint come to talk , boy I came to see you cry,
Let me see you off,
Now cry, cry, cry, cry,cry, nigga cry, cry, cry, Cannon continues to stand in the middle of the ring as the music dies down and the chanting of the crowd quietens. MR. EXODUS slowly backs away to the corner, handing the gun to Goodrich who whispers some pre-match tactics into his ear. From there, Johnny slowly walks tward the ropes, hooking his arms back on them before bouncing several times, beginning his mental preparations and prerequisites as Quinn drops down from the apron. Dick Morosi: Lets get to the tale of the tape here. Both Johnny Cannon and Andreas Lasiewicz are Triple Crown Champions. Both captured the Tag Team, International, and World Titles. Of course, The Morning Star lost the the EXODUS World Championship in his V2 Defense against Cannon. That was nine months ago. Both competitors have since evolved, and have gone in different paths. Seth Ericson: Andreas Lasiewicz hasn't wrestled a match since that night in April. He's had this rematch penciled for a long time so you know he'll be game tonight. As for Cannon, well this is his final match in the company after being dismissed by Director Jonathan Collins during the week. This is an important match for both guys, and my money is on Cannon. Dick Morosi: Your money isn't good, Seth. Besides, Andreas Lasiewicz has bested Johnny both in tag action, and in singles competition. Seth Ericson: Yeah, but he's 1-1 when they've gone one on one, Dick. That's all that matters. Tonight, one of them is about to be 1-2, and I can't wait to see who. Andreas Lasiewicz, the man with a well documented truculent, belligerent disposition, approaches Johnny Cannon until the two combustible elements stand eye to eye. The British Mamba doesn't waste any time in running off at the mouth, edging The Morning Star as he almost begs and pleads for the veteran to take a shot at him. Before any fireworks can transpire, senior official Brian Lowery steps in and separates them, putting the proverbial wedge between them before calling for the bell. As the bell chimes thrice, Lasiewicz and Cannon begin circling around the ring, going over the strategies and gameplans once last time before they cautiously advance toward one another. Seth Ericson: And here we go! And just like that, the two rivals and mortal enemies lock up for the first time in the contest signaling the official start to one of the most highly anticipated matchups in recent history; the crowd hits a fever pitch, cheering tumultuously for favorite. Unfortunately, fans of The Morning Star are quickly quieted, as their guy doesn’t seem to be having the best time of it due to The British Mamba using his exuberance and determination to outmuscle his heavier foe, pushing him unwillingly into the turnbuckle. Johnny Cannon presses his forearm hard into Lasiewicz’s jaw, and runs off at the mouth whilst he uses it to hold him at bay until referee Brian Lowery’s count reaches his earlobes. At four the Triple Crown Champion innocently throws his arms into the air, seemingly agreeing to the clean break. But the gestures lasts all but two seconds as the Englishman acquaints his fellow European with a thick concentration of mucous that blasts him in the face. Andreas, calmly removes the substance from his facial features, as Cannon steps back with a loud chuckle to draw the ire of the fans - but he isn’t laughing long as Las’ disposition sharply changes as he bursts out of the corner like a pitbull off it’s leash, charging at the debonair douchebag. However, Cannon keeps his wits about him and quickly hides behind the zebra clad official, using him as a human shield to put some distance between he and the mad that wants to rip his head off. Dick Morosi: A COMPLETE, and utter show of disrespect from Johnny Cannon. That’s the sort of behavior that has lead to his impending dismissal from EXODUS. Seth Ericson: Mr. EXODUS knows Lasiewicz can’t stand him. He’s trying to piss him off and use that emotion to get The Morning Star off his game - that’s genius! The audience doesn’t like this one one bit as they let know Cannon exactly how they feel, booing loudly. Not that Mr. EXODUS gives a damn, mind. It does, however, distract him for a split second as he steps back to greet the crowd with the vulgar British two finger salute. This gives Lasiewicz a window of opportunity as he shoves the ref aside and charges forward with a Polish Hammer. But Johnny has seen enough matches of his opponent’s matches to know that the successful landing of such a move could spell his doom, and quickly circumvents the attack. Andreas quickly spins around in pursuit, and steps into a collar and elbow tie as both men lock up in the middle of the ring, arms entwined. They engage in a fierce tug of war, with both competitors trying to push against each other. They seem even at first, but eventually the returning Polishian fresh off a six month hiatus wins out, and the brash Brit finds himself being driven back into the corner. The rugged veteran pushes his arms into Cannon’s collar, keeping him subdued. Leaving one arm near his foe’s neck, Las cocks back with his left elbow as he measures Cannon up for his first show. Johnny desperately tries to wriggle free, but that forearm to the neck prevents him from doing so, leaving him open to a vicious show clean across the bridge of his nasus. The shot reverberates throughout Staples Center, although it’s unclear whether it’s actually the hit itself or the sound of the Brit’s nose breaking. Another elbow comes in. And then a third, sending the Englishman’s head snapping back with each thunderous shot. His eyes already show signs of not being quite there after the precise strikes, but before too many, he’s granted a reprieve of sorts. After a good dozen elbows, Lasiewicz takes hold from underneath Johnny’s underarm, his other grabbing a handful of the British Mamba’s trunks as he takes a couple steps away from the turnbuckle - then uses the momentum to toss Cannon clear over his shoulder, driving him into the center of the ring to loud cheers. Seth Ericson: Good Lord! Andreas just unloaded on Mr. EXODUS right there. He doesn’t even care about wrestling the man. He just wants to punch him in the face. Dick Morosi: And that strategy seems to be working. Woe to the fool that pisses off an already volatile Morning Star. He doesn’t need much provoking to go on a rampage, and you can bet Cannon is regretting poking the bear. Lasiewicz’s aggressive approach has him all out of sorts. With Mr. EXODUS trying to regather his bearings, Andreas resets himself in the corner, one hand on the ropes to build up his run as he waits for the moment his victim starts to rise, as Cannon struggles up to one knee whilst he shakes those blows out of his head. The Morning Star closes the gap in the blink of an eye, and before Johnny even knows what happened his head is snapping back from the mat, while Las sits on top of him in a full mount to drive a stiff forearm into his visage… and then another one, and then ANOTHER one. There seems to be no other option for the stunned Brit than to kick and squirm as much as he can to create an opening, or possible defense against his enemies barrage. The flailing causes Andreas to raise his body off of the Londoner momentarily, which gives the self proclaimed “Greatest Man That Ever Lived” a chance to wriggle free, something he does without hesitation. At the urge of Quinn Goodrich, Cannon rolls under the bottom rope to the safety and sanctuary of the outside, while The Morning Star pulls at his hair in anger and frustration in response to his opponent’s cowardice, before immediately giving chase. Dick Morosi: Despite all the jawing Cannon did for two weeks, he doesn’t look like he wants any piece of Lasiewicz. Look at him running for the hills. Seth Ericson: Oh come on, Dick. Try not to be so one sided. Mr. EXODUS is simply trying to get a breather and regroup. Dick Morosi: You call that regrouping? The bastard has his tail between his legs, and he’s leaving a yellow streak on the floor of the Staples Center. Seth Ericson: That’s fine. They needed a new paint job anyway. Johnny stumbles away in the most delirious of fashions, not looking back as he and Goodrich begin hightailing it from ringside, deciding it better to go out like a coward than in a bodybag. The act garners loud boos from the fans, who jeer Cannon for not fighting like a man. Not like he cares though, evidenced by the flagging gesture he makes as he dismisses the opinions of the EXODUS lifeblood. However, there’s one man he can’t ignore, a man that isn’t about sit back and let Johnny head for the exit. As The British Mamba marches up the ramp, he is oblivious to the fact that The Morning Star is hunting him down and is only a few strides in his rear view. Those few strides are quickly burned by the predacious Polishian as he leaps like a viper with the venom to boot, dropping Cannon to the steel ramp from a clubbing forearm to the head whilst Goodrich disperses to secure his own safety. Andreas wastes no time in mounting the Brit once again, laying into the back of his head with elbows strikes; the aforementioned strikes forcing Brian Lowery to forego his ten count to warn Lasiewicz of an impending disqualification if he doesn’t relent. The former World Champion does concede, only to grab Cannon around the head and pull him up to his feet before launching him hard into the unforgiving metal security barrier. Mr. EXODUS howls in pain as his back takes the brunt of the impact, his face contorting in response to the pain traveling through his spinal vertebrae. His once wincing face is suddenly rearranged with a VIOLENT forearm, dropping Johnny to the floor, leaving him open to a mudhole stomping as Las relentlessly drives his boot into his nemesis’ chest and breadbasket. Dick Morosi: Andreas Lasiewicz is beating the living hell out of Johnny Cannon and this crowd is going wild at the sight of it. He’s being taught a lesson in respect right now, Seth. Seth Ericson: Brian Lowery needs to do his job. Las is clearly out of his mind, and he’s just allowing that madman to wreak havoc like Kobe in a motel room. He needs to get this under control before things get any more out of hand. Dick Morosi: Oh you stop it, Seth. Cannon is getting exactly what he deserves - an attitude adjustment. Seth Ericson: Yeah, courtesy of a man who needs anger management therapy. I guess life is funny that way. Cannon lies wincing against the metal barrier, looking up with glassy eyes at the man who is tearing him a new one. With one final stomp, the Krakow Buzzsaw ceases his assault just for a moment, long enough to acknowledge the ten count being administered against him. Hoisting the former shell of what used to be The British Mamba up to stand, Lasiewicz slowly strides over to the ring, half-dragging his near-dead opponent along with him. As they reach the ring apron, Andreas brings things to an abrupt halt, before rocking his foe with a European Uppercut which causes further quiets the usually loquacious Brit as collapses across the apron. Las takes the time to roll into the ring for all of a half second before sliding back out to the arena floor - it may not be long, but more than anything it forces Brian Lowery to restart the count. Or so we thought, as The Morning Star shoots the official a murderous glare that lets him known counting the Polishian out is not in his best interests. The referee noticeably stalls before restarting the count, fearing the rampage of the savage staring daggers at him. Meanwhile, the energy of the crowd hasn’t dropped a single bit, their volume remaining vociferous since the opening salvo, and the last thing they want to do is calm down as it seems their hero is feeding off of their exuberance. Focusing his attention back on his rival, going back on the attack as he grabs Cannon by the head before slamming it into the ring apron several times. Dick Morosi: At this rate we may need a ref stoppage. I’ve never seen a fight this one sided in all of my years in this business. Seth Ericson: The fans here tonight can’t say the same. They get to watch the Lakers get trashed every night. This is just another night at Staples Center for them. The spectators pop loudly after ever “THUD” sound as Cannon’s cranium continuously bounces off of the apron. The Polishian looks around for a moment, acknowledging the support from the fans, before his attention is grabbed by an approach figure - Quinn Goodrich. Lasiewicz relinquishes his grip of Johnny’s head for a moment as he takes a step toward his foe’s dastardly manager. Quinn immediately recoils in fear, backpedaling a few paces in haste to deter Andreas from coming any closer. However, the Brit’s intrusion created a window of opportunity for his client to convalesce. Once The Morning Star turns toward him, The British Mamba strikes, as he quickly lifts his hands up, before vindictively grinding his fingers into Lasie’s facial features. After cowardly, and spitefully racking the living legend’s eyes, Johnny doubles him over with a well placed knee to the solar plexus. Seizing the moment, Mr. EXODUS grabs the bent of veteran by his hair and the scruff of his ring tights before stepping forward and launching his opponent into the set of steel ring steps with an almighty, and unforgiving clatter. The audience gasps at the sight, as Andreas’ head both awkwardly jerks as it clashes against the steel, and causes the sound of car crash to echo throughout the spectrum. Seth Ericson: LORD! Lord have mercy what a collision that was, Dick. Cannon has just turned this match around. Dick Morosi: Yeah, and off the distraction from Quinn Goodrich. I knew that slimy S.O.B. would play a factor in things tonight, and he’s finally playing his part. Cannon sits up on all fours, and breathes a sigh of relief due to the fact that he’s still in one piece despite being beaten to a pulp since the opening bell. With a cocksure grin on his sweaty mug he crawls over to the ring steps, peering at the carnage like a curious child who wants to see if there’s greener pastures on the other side of a white picket fence. He sees the form of Andreas Lasiewicz lying motionless, and the image causes the smirk on his face to grow wider. Slowly, he lifts himself up to a standing position and takes the opportunity to gloat drawing the booing of the crowd. As he listens to the negativity in the air, his mind illuminates with an idea. Putting said thought into action, the Brit slowly drags his opponent to his feet, whilst he begins to backtrack up the steel stairs. Johnny wraps arm around Las’ head, trapping him in a front facelock as he hooks one of the Polishian’s arms behind his neck. He pauses for a brief moment, looking out at the crowd who watch in anticipation, knowing something nefarious is in the works, intimated by sick grin plastered on the British Mamba’s countenance. Finally, with a loud cry Cannon lifts The Morning Star into the air, before dropping down to spike the grizzled veteran’s cranium into the canvas with the - Seth Ericson: CANNON DRIVER II. CANNON DRIVER II ONTO THE STEEL STAIRS! Dick Morosi: GOOD LORD! Andreas’ carcass collapses onto the cold floor where he is left staring up at the ceiling while his adversary lies on the stairs, groaning in pain due to the maneuver taking a toll on him as well. While he rests, he hears the count of the referee in the background. FOUR! Cannon slowly leans up off the stairs, and steps down with a grimace, clutching at the swell of his back. FIVE! Johnny turns around to sneer down at Lasiewicz who remains spread eagled and visibly unconscious, and slowly begins to pull him up. SIX! Andreas is pulled to where he stands straight up, and Cannon immediately places a hand on the back of the Polishian’s neck. The British Mamba then traps Las’ legs with his own and sweeps Andreas forward, performing a Drop Toe Hold that makes the vet’s face smash into the side of the ring apron. SEVEN! Goodrich cheers and applauds as Cannon gets up, then pulls Lasiewicz with him. EIGHT! Lasiewicz’s hair and waist are grabbed as he is thrown under the bottom rope and into the ring, Johnny following immediately after. Dick Morosi: Lasie looks hurt bad. I think he’s been busted open after getting dropped face-first onto the steel steps. Seth Ericson: Johnny Cannon promised to beat him to a bloody pulp, he promised to end Las’ career tonight. At this rate he may just do it. Dick Morosi: I’ve never counted The Morning Star out before, but damn he looks out of it. He may have a concussion, Seth. Seth Ericson: May? Oh, I can more than guarantee he’s got one. Hell, he probably just had his neck broken in two places. Cannon is hell bent on sending him home in an ambulance, and he might just get his wish. Cannon takes a moment to recuperate, a narcissistic smile sits on his chops as he buries the air deep into his lungs, the bout seemingly well within his grasp. The Morning Star finally shows signs of life, as he slowly slithers away from his tormentor, crawling on his chest toward the corner. As Lasiewicz turns over to lean his back against the turnbuckle padding, Brian Lowery strides over to check on him. As his head rests against one of the pads Las looks up into the official’s eyes; the veteran has the look of a man who has absolutely no idea where he is, ending any speculation that he may have suffered a concussion as his bell has been visibly rung, and is STILL ringing. The official is completely conflicted, not sure whether to stop the match or allow it to continue to protect The Morning Star’s pride. However, the decision is taken out of his hands as he’s suddenly pushed aside by the British Mamba who proceeds to wash Andreas’ bloody face with the side of his boot again and again, showing absolutely no remorse. Finally, the official pulls him back, both subduing and rebuking the former World Champion, admonishing him to give lay off Lasiewicz. The referee’s demands are met with a cold shoulder as Cannon once again pushes him aside before charging forward with a knee - and said knee CLASHES into the Krakow native's visage, smashing it in. Dick Morosi: Johnny Cannon’s fighting a defenseless man right now, and he could care the hell less. He’s a sorry excuse for a human being, I’m glad he’s found his way out of the company. Seth Ericson: You think he cares about how this looks, Dick? Don’t be stupid. This is personal for him. Mr. EXODUS feels that Andreas Lasiewicz came into his company and was undeservingly given the keys to the car he built from scratch. He’s punishing Lasiewicz for that. He's forcing him to acknowledge his greatness. Andreas’ eyes become even more weak as Cannon bends down to grab a handful of his black hair, drawing the scorn of Brian Lowery for the tactic. Upon being coerced to his feet, The Morning Star is trapped in the corner, as The British Mamba turns around to sandwich him between his frame and the turnbuckle. From there, the Englishman proceeds to unload on his foe’s cranium with back elbows from every direction. Right. Left. Right. Left. Right. Left. Again. And Again. His onslaught targeted at former World Champ’s temples succeeds in leaving Lasiewicz even more punch drunk as he is left somewhat slumped in the corner, only held up by the turnbuckle and the his opponent’s frame as it is driven into his chest. With a Schadenfreude-filled smirk, Cannon steps forward a few feet, before leaping back and swinging his leg overhead, cracking his opponent in the side of the head with a blistering Enzuigiri. Lasie’s head is left askew following the collision between cranium and ring boot, whilst the deliver of the debilitating strike is already on his feet and marching to the diagonal corner. The Triple Crown Champion clutches the ring rope, and flashes a sly grin, before launching himself across the ring. Once he’s within striking distance the Londoner bends his right arm swinging it into his opponent’s chin with a thunderous impact, as he lays into Lasiewicz with a high speed European Uppercut. Andreas stumbles out of the corner from the point of impact, then falls face first to the canvas without the slightest bit of protest. The Britton wastes no time in vying for a pinfall, as he flops down to the canvas to roll his adversary over into a lateral press. Seth Ericson: What a vicious combination of strikes from the greatest striker in the game today. Las is on dream street, Dick. Dick Morosi: And here’s the count! “ONE!”
“TWO!”
“THR - NO!” Andreas defies the law of human body, shooting his shoulder off the canvas, much to the light of the EXODUS faithful. There’s an initial display of frustration on the face of the Englishman, but that scowl turns to a vindictive grin as he salivates at the thought of dishing out more punishment. Cannon springs to his feet and plants his boot into The Morning Star’s crimson mask, then lifts the leg higher and delivers a harder stomp. Insistent on exerting his physicals superiority over his opponent, Johnny viciously steps on his rival’s throat, and proceeds to blatantly choke him until Brian Lowery’s five count forces him to relent. At four the Britton ceases his disrespectful, and underhanded gesture, and leans back onto the ropes with a grin on his face as his eyes glance between his opponent, and the crowd. The audience begin a “Lasie” chant in a desperate attempt to will the legend to his feet, only to see Cannon lend a helping hand as he pulls his opponent up by the hair, fire building in his eyes as he prepares to continue his assault. The British Mamba lets his adversary stand up straight and stagger in place for a moment, before he delivers a knee strike to the midsection. As the Polishian doubles over the Britton mightily swings and bends his elbow, the outcropping of bone crashing into the veteran’s already softened cranium. His vision is immediately blurred even further as his braincase attempts to assimilate the damage, his knees buckling from the crushing force behind the elbow strike until he ultimately falls into the ropes. Dick Morosi: I’ve seen enough, Seth. I don’t need to be a referee to know when a man is no longer in any condition to compete. We all know Andreas won’t quit, it’s not in his DNA, but at this point as an official you have to protect the athlete because Johnny Cannon is not going to let up. Johnny Cannon is going to keep targeting that head until he causes irreversible damage. Seth Ericson: This is a fight, Dick. This is what these fans wanted, and it’s what both these superstars wanted. They don’t like each other. They don’t respect each other. Coming in their goals were to kill the other man and they've succeeded. Dick Morosi: Yeah, but when a fight becomes increasingly one-sided it ceases to be a fight and turns into a mugging. That’s what this is, Seth. Cannon is trying to permanently disfigure The Morning Star. Seth Ericson: Well in that case I hope he kept that wheelchair, because it’s looking like he’s going to need it for real this time. The British Mamba quickly Las’ arms and wraps them around the top and middle ropes, trapping him in the cables in a fashion that mirrors a crucifixion as a sinister thought races through his brain about how to torture his victim. The proverbial light-bulb illuminates, the Englishman having formulated the perfect plan of attack - one he fully intends to carry out. Grappling his foe around the head, Cannon swings his arm with tremendous vigor, beaning The Morning Star with a STIFF European Uppercut with an audible ruckus. He follows up with a SECOND, a THIRD, a FOURTH, a FIFTH, and finally a SIXTH, Lasiewicz collapsing to all fours as his brain is left scrambled by the malicious strikes. Dazed and befuddled, the veteran kneels up, only to receive a THUNDEROUS kick to the side of the head, courtesy of a Reverse Roundhouse that wires his eyes shut with a force that knocks him over onto the canvas while Cannon leans back into the ropes for a moment to gather himself. Goodrich immediately climbs onto the apron and gives his client some words of encouragement, as he is wholeheartedly impressed by his performance. Meanwhile, Andreas Lasiewicz begins crawling to the other side of the squared circle. Seth Ericson: Cannon is getting some last second advice from Goodrich there. Their gameplan has come together perfectly, and now they’re looking to apply the finishing touches. Dick Morosi: As if anything that man ever has to say is worth hearing. Seth Ericson: Hey, at least you won’t have to hear him anymore after tonight which is a shame. We won’t get to hear Quinn boast about his client DOMINATING the Morning Star on live television. Dick Morosi: Well, at least there’s a silver lining. “HIT HIM IN THE HEAD AGAIN!” is the last bit of encouragement given by Quinn Goodrich as he slaps Cannon on the shoulder and hops down from the apron. The Morning Star begins pulling himself up on the far ropes while Cannon patiently waits for the window to strike to present itself. The British Mamba shakes his right leg, loosening it up, knowing that one well placed strike to the head will end this match once and for all. Lasiewicz pulls himself to his feet and leans on the ring cables for a second, then the instant he begins to turn around into the corner Johnny dashes toward him. Once he is within kicking range, Cannon swings his foot up for a massive Big Boot… but hits nothing but air. Las has enough wherewithal to duck and is now crouched underneath the Britton, getting himself into a perfect squatting position as he lifts Cannon up onto his shoulders before falling back to drive his foe face first into the turnbuckle padding. With Johnny slumped on the turnbuckle Las turns around, then proceeds to step onto the bottom rope, and with the Englishman still on his shoulders Las grabs his legs to secure him in the Electric Chair. Dick Morosi: What’s Andreas doing here? This is dangerous place for both men as they sit at the top of the mountain. Seth Ericson: I have no idea but it can only end badly, that’s for sure. The Californian’s go quiet with anticipation and confusion, eager to see what’s about to transpire before them yet equally unaware of the Morning Star’s intentions. All quickly becomes clear as Lasiewicz presses up on Cannon’s legs, lifting him off his shoulders and into the air. Whilst reclining back, he catches The British mamba, quickly applying a rear waistlock. The two polarizing combatants come crashing down from the top rope, and pancake to the canvas with a resounding thud. The Polishian immediately goes spread-eagle upon landing, contrary to his fellow Triple Crown Champion, whom folds up like an accordion from the bone-crushing collision with the canvas. The once silent arena becomes awakened, with everyone standing on their feet with a bedlam of cheers and a unanimous chant that conveys their shock and appreciation. “HOLY SHIT!”
“HOLY SHIT!”
“HOLY SHIT!”
“HOLY SHIT!” Dick Morosi: JUTRZENKA’S WRATH FROM THE TOP ROPE! Listen to this crowd! I cannot believe what I just saw, Seth! Seth Ericson: They’re dead. They’re both dead. HOLY… Dick what did I just see? Dick Morosi: You just saw Andreas Lasiewicz prove once again to the world that he IS one of the greatest wrestlers alive. Both men are down, and the roof has just been blown off of Staples Center. Seth Ericson: That was insane. Cannon’s body unfolds, as he transitions to a completely supine position to stare up at the ceiling lights, which are the only thing stopping him from slumping into a comatose state. The shooting pain from the innovative German Suplex sweeps through his body, leaving the British Mamba in a temporary state of paralysis. A few feet away, Andreas Lasiewicz is on his back, clutching his head as the effects of having it battered throughout the match were just amplified tenfold from it bouncing off the canvas after such a long fall. Trying his best to ignore this, Andreas slowly crawls over to the fallen Britton, and hooks his right leg to initiate the pinfall. ”ONE!”
“TWO!”
“THREE - NO!” Cannon pushes his right shoulder off the canvas, drawing a loud and frustrated moan from the Los Angeles crowd, while Quinn Goodrich remains at ringside, jumping and pumping his fists in the air with glee as Johnny survives that seemingly match ending maneuver to keep himself alive in this epic encounter. Andreas sits up, glaring at the Brian Lowery as he explains that the Brit broke the fall. After nodding in a reluctant understanding, Lasiewicz forces himself to a stand, albeit barely. Slowly but surely, the Londoner is right behind him, and after a few seconds of inactivity both men are on their feet, and turn toward each other. The Egomaniacal Englishman throws a huge chop into Las’ chest, inciting a “WOO!” chant from the crowd. The veteran stumbles back, then immediately answers with a forearm smash to huge cheers from the fans. Cannon’s head falls back, and he turns to the side. After a moment to shake off the cobwebs, he comes back in retaliation with a European Uppercut. The Britton’s reply is received poorly by the fans, who send their boos and their negativity to the former World Champion. The two men go through the motions of trading forearms for uppecuts, almost as if they have nothing left in them to initiate another form of combat. Though a sound striker himself, Lasiewicz’s ability pales in comparison to his counterpart’s, as the MMA veteran of ten years wins the exchange. All it takes is one slip of the wrist, and Andreas is left vulnerable. Taking advantage of his foe’s open posture, Cannon scores with his most devastating European Uppercut of the night. The Morning Star staggers into the ropes, with the cables keeping him upright despite his body wanting him to go down. Johnny grabs a hold of Las’ arm - both upper and lower, and slingshots him to the opposite set of ropes. As he rebounds, Andreas notices Johnny lower his stance, and quickly halts his momentum in time to take advantage. Before he’s aware that he made a mistake, Cannon is paying for it as Las underhooks both arms before lifting him off the canvas to float him over into a Butterfly Suplex. Dick Morosi: Lunatic High! Andreas has Cannon’s number now. He knew EXACTLY what The British Mamba had planned, and he countered. Seth Ericson: The old bastard’s running on instinct alone, but damn he’s turning this match on it’s head. Las with the lateral press! And’s here’s Brian Lowery with the count! ”ONE!”
“TWO!”
“THREE - NO KICKOUT!” Once again, Cannon convulses his whole body once to halt the pin. Andreas rolls off of his opponent and then both wrestlers struggle to get to their feet with Las getting there first. That allows him to beat Johnny to the punch, as he takes the Britton down with a hard Clothesline. In need of a second helping, the British Mamba stands back up only to be sent back down with another Clothesline. With the wind knocked out of him, Johnny stumbles to a stand before seeking refuge in the corner. Bad idea. With the ring cut off from him, the ex-World Champion finds himself cornered like a rat as Lasiewicz comes charging in with a corner Clothesline. The force wakes up Andreas’ animalistic side, as he wipes away the blood and sweat that has coagulated on his face and begins to unload on his adversary. The Morning Star pummels the Englishman in the ribs and stomach, leaving the Londoner immobile. Taking a grip of his adversary’s arm now, Las whips Cannon hard into the opposite corner. The Brit bounces off the turnbuckle padding, and careens forward - RIGHT INTO THE POLISH HAMMER! Seth Ericson: POW! Right in the kisser! Dick Morosi: POLISH HAMMER! POLISH HAMMER! The momentum causes Andreas to run forward to the other side of the ring, but he has a new found energy coursing through his veins. The member of The Godfathers of Wrestling spins around, staring cold-bloodedly at Cannon’s unmoving body. Not giving away any time to savour the moment, he goes as fast as he can on all fours before hooking the Britton’s leg. ”ONE! TWO!-” Dick Morosi: He kicked out! I can’t believe it, and neither can Andreas. Seth Ericson: Love him or hate him, Johnny Cannon has a fighting spirit that is rivaled by few. He’s absorbed an enormous amount of punishment, but he’s still alive and kicking. That's why he's Mr. EXODUS. Sensing that he’s closing in on victory, The Morning Star gets up and beats his chest, drawing huge cheers from the fans in attendance. His eyes are squinted, as he has Cannon in his crosshairs, watching as the battered brawler slowly gets to his feet. Johnny eventually turns around, and is met with a stiff shot to the jaw which rocks his world. Andreas hits him again, and again, and AGAIN; it’s an obvious attempt to knock some respect into the Englishman before he sends him packing from EXODUS for good. Cannon tries to send something back, but Andreas ducks and makes a beeline for the ropes. As Lasiewicz rebounds, Cannon quickly crouches down, before planting his hands on the Polishian’s breadbasket and exploiting his momentum against him. The British Mamba springs up, the explosion of his hips channeling enough strength and leverage necessary for him to fling the near two hundred and sixty pounder into the electric filled atmosphere. As he freefalls, the English Assassin shuffled in his position, before raising his leg and firing a vile kick - Seth Ericson: CARDIAC ARREST! Right into Lasie’s chest, breaking his sternum in two as he collapses to his knees. Andreas is left gasping for air, his mouth agape as his lungs feel like they’ve been collapsed. Taking a kickboxing stance now, The British Mamba proceeds to fire off shoot kicks into The Morning Star’s chest in rapid succession while the audience counts along, not in support of the kicker but merely for the fact that they have an opportunity to contribute to the contest. “ONE!”
“TWO!”
“THREE!”
“FOUR!”
“FIVE!”
“SIX!” Lasiewicz remains on his knees, winded, and seemingly begging to be put out of his misery. The deliver of the malevolent kicks simply glares at him, until his disposition changes. With a stroke of ego he smiles, realizing that he’s in the driver’s seat and moment’s away from placing only the third blemish on his opponent’s singles record in EXODUS. But of course, Johnny would be Johnny unless he rubbed in the fact that he’s on his way to victory. Garnering loud boos from the spectators, Cannon taunts Andreas with a crotch chop, before shuffling his feet back into his kickboxing stance. With a swinging of the hips he lifts his leg for a Roundhouse - however, the wary Polishian has anticipated the move, as he moves out of the way, ending up behind his foe. With haste The Morning Star gets underneath the Brit, and quickly lifts him onto his shoulders in an Argentine Backbreaker Rack. In one fluid motion he tosses The British Mamba off his shoulders and throws his legs from underneath himself, falling onto his stomach and driving the former World Champion down with a Reverse DDT before the two combatants land on the canvas amidst a nearly unanimous cheer from the crowd. Dick Morosi: UNFORGETTABLE FIRE! UNFORGETTABLE FIRE OUT OF NOWHERE! IT’S OVER! ANDREAS LASIEWICZ HAS DONE IT! Seth Ericson: Unbelievable. As the cheers continue, Andreas simply lies in the position he is in, only having to wait a mere moment for Brian Lowery to begin counting. Quinn Goodrich, however, is able to grab his client’s foot and pull his leg totally straight, getting it under the bottom rope. ”ONE!” Quinn Goodrich: HIS FOOT’S UNDER THE ROPE! ”TWO!” Lowery turns to see Cannon’s foot indeed under the bottom rope, then stops the count and points at the very appendage. An amount of booing that equals the cheers heard upon delivery of The Morning Star’s finishing maneuver ensue, and rightfully so. Grinning from ear to ear, Goodrich turns around to provoke the crowd. Unbeknownst to him, Andreas Lasiewicz sits on his knees and glares at him. Having had enough of Quinn’s shenanigans, the veteran climbs to his feet and leans over the ropes, reaching down to get grab the manager of Team Cannon by the head to loud cheers. Quinn flails like a caught fish as he is pulled onto the apron and turns around. Brian Lowery stands behind Lasiewicz, and desperately tries to dislodge him from the suit and tie he has and handful of. Meanwhile, Johnny Cannon has come to, and sees the commotion. Thinking quickly, the British Mamba quickly shoves the referee into Lasiewicz, who then collides with Goodrich sending the manager flying off the apron and spilling to the floor. Seemingly having butted heads with Quinn, Las dizzily turns around - right into a low blow as the Englishman throws an arm up between his legs. As Andreas doubles over with his energy completely drained, Cannon quickly scrambles to his feet and swings his leg in a semi-circular motion. His boot impinges on the cranium of his adversary, and The Morning Star turns around from the force of the impact, then simply falls on his face. Seth Ericson: ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Dick Morosi: Once again, that greasy nosed prick Quinn Goodrich inserted himself into this match, and now Johnny is three seconds away from leaving EXODUS with a HUGE win. Seth Ericson: What a kick to the head. Andreas is out of it, and the referee is coming to. Dick Morosi: Cannon’s going to steal this match. As if he couldn’t sink any lower. He had his manager buying him time every time he was in trouble, and now he pulls this. Such a class act. Cannon falls from the pain he is under as he looks toward Andreas Lasiewicz, knowing that all he has to do is pin him and he’ll become the biggest and most coveted free agent in professional wrestling. The Morning Star for all intents and purposes appears knocked out cold, unconscious, and possibly unable to feel the shockwaves of pain being driven through his cerebral cortex. Pining in weakness, the Triple Crown Champion drop to his knees and begins crawling in his foe’s direction. Cannon takes a deep breath, and rolls Las’ deadweight over before collapsing onto his chest. Wholeheartedly convinced that he has won, he doesn’t even bother to hook a leg, simply resting on his opponent to perform a pinfall. Having fully regained his bearings, Brian Lowery slowly begins the count. ”ONE!”
“TWO!” Driven by instinct alone, the living legend and Godfather of Wrestling throws a shoulder up. The crowd immediately rises to its feet in a show of cheers. Disheartened and in disbelief, Cannon simply rolls onto his back, with eyes widened in frustration. With hands cupped around his head The British Mamba stares up at the lights, unable to fathom how The Morning Star was still coherent, let alone not defeated. Dick Morosi: HE KICKED OUT! Seth Ericson: How… HOW? How is Andreas Lasiewicz doing this? Dick Morosi: I can’t even give you an answer, Seth. I don’t know myself. Whatevers driving The Morning Star to keep fighting is the same thing that has made him a living legend in this business. That much I know. And now Johnny Cannon is left wondering what he has to do to beat him. Seth Ericson: Both men vowed to bring the best out of the other. They wanted to put on one for the ages, and it’s safe to say we’re witnessing just that. Listen to this crowd. ”THIS IS AWE-SOME!”
*CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*
”THIS IS AWE-SOME!”
*CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*Cannon rolls onto his chest and slams his fists into the canvas out of anger and frustration. From a push up position he lifts himself up to his knees and looks down at Andreas’ carcass. Johnny’s teeth are bared, as he seethes his frustration and runs his fingers across his head in a crazed, frantic manner. As his thoughts begin to filter, The British Mamba returns to a stand and slowly backs into the corner. With a murderous expression on his face the Englishman slowly removes the brace on his surgically repaired left knee. With a stamping of the feet he further riles up the crowd, half cheering due to the spirit of competition, while the rest boo with the hopes of breaking the Brit’s focus. But he can’t be removed from his current trance, as he continues to tune up the band for his final number in the company. He stamps his feet again, and again, shaking the canvas and causing The Morning Star to stir. Andreas’ body shrivels with every motion, as he slowly lifts up onto all fours, his head hanging down as he stares at the canvas. Suddenly, as Cannon readies to charge the Polishian’s head snaps up to reveal an almost demonic, animalistic look in his eyes. Like a man possessed The Morning Star cries out in a fiendish howl, the bellow of the beast of sorts which sends a shiver of fear through Cannon’s body. “YOU’RE GONNA DIE, BOY!” Shouts The Morning Star, causing the crowd to explode, and inciting the British Mamba into motion. Johnny Cannon charges like a locomotive, while Andreas Lasiewicz suddenly runs on all fours like a mad dog; the former looking The Birmingham Screwdriver, the latter looking to put an end to things in the most brutalist of fashions. However, only one man will succeed as they draw closer. Lasiewicz suddenly leaps into the air, just as Cannon begins to take flight for his Busaiku Knee Kick. The two warriors collide in mid air, with The Morning Star tackling the Triple Crown Champion out of the sky; they land on the canvas, with Andreas sitting on Johnny’s chest in a full mount. Before the MMA specialist can get his guard up the Krakow Killer begins his assault, unloading on his foe’s face with wild forearms and elbows. One after the other. Each one STIFF and VIOLENT. Each strike echoes through the arena, as faint cracks can be heard as the blood steadily begins to flow from Cannon’s nostrils. Appearing to have snapped, appearing to have gone into some other dimension, Lasiewicz continues to send FOREARM and ELBOW after FOREARM and ELBOW until his arm becomes painted in the warm crimson fluid pouring out of his foe’s broken nose. The ground and pound continues even after Johnny Cannon’s frame goes limp, Andreas only relenting until the sound of the ring bell brings him back to reality. *DING! DING! DING!* Andreas slides off of Cannon’s lifeless body as the ring bell chimes thrice. He rests his head on the mat, unblinking, and unmoving, save for the his chest heaving due to his hyperventilation. David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentleman, your winner via TKO…. The Morning Star… ANDREAS LASIEWICZ! WINNER: Andreas LasiewiczAs "Time" hits the PA system, the bloodied, and battered Morning Star climbs to his feet. The battle weary veteran stands over Mr. EXODUS as Brian Lowery holds his arm high in the air to incredible fanfare from the EXODUS faithful. Dick Morosi: Andreas Lasiewicz is the victor tonight, in what was one of the most hard hitting, jaw dropping, intense contests in EXODUS history. Neither one of these men will be the same after something like that. Seth Ericson: And the story, Dick. How ironic that Johnny Cannon spent the whole match targeting Lasie's head in an attempt to concuss him, in an attempt to knock him out. But at the end it Lasiewicz who struck the KO blow. What a match. Dick Morosi: That was certainly a performance for the ages, and as Andreas celebrates his victory let's head backstage. We cut backstage moments before she's set to go to the ring, and quickly hiding her special costume underneath a big hoodie is Fiona Collins, who is approached by Tom Matheny. Tom Matheny: Fiona! A couple words for you before your match tonight against mara! You have to have some worries and concerns over what's about to happen out there, with The Allmother promising a bloodbath. Fiona is shadowboxing in the back as Tom makes his way over, her eyes lifting to peer at him even though her hood is pulled low over her head. Fiona Collins: I'm not worried about anything, Tom. In fact, I'm more ready for this than I have been for anything in my career. She wants a bloodbath? I'm going to give the bitch a bloodbath like she's never seen before. I've said it once and I'll say it again: Nobody messes with my family. Tom Matheny: But have you planned for the idea that maybe...just maybe...she might actually be your sister in law? Fiona Collins: I have planned for it and my answer still stands. She wants to mess with MY family? She's getting her ass beat. Tom Matheny: It's falls count anywhere tonight, and you're no stranger to that. Last year at The Autumn Effect, you had that against Jerry Matthews...what's your strategy for this one? Fiona Collins: Honestly, Tom? I don't have a strategy for this match tonight. I'm just going to go out there and do what I do best and I'm going to make sure to put an end to mara and her little minions. She tells me to "Reach for the Dead?" She should take her own advice tonight. Tom Matheny: And one last thing, Fiona...you've been on a tear lately. You knocked off Sally Talfourd, you've been hard to top. Do you think winning tonight slingshots you back into contention for the World Title? Fiona looks over at Tom before she chuckles, her head shaking as a grin curves on her lips. Fiona Collins: What do you think, Tom? Tom Matheny: I think that you'd have a good argument for a title shot. Fiona Collins: And you'd be absolutely correct. It's time for me to earn back my shot and get to the top. But first? I have some demons to slay. Tom Matheny: Thanks for your time, Fiona. Fiona Collins: Thank you, Tom. Grinning, she goes back to shadowboxing before walking off camera for her match. And with that, we're off again.
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 16:01:39 GMT -6
The camera cuts to one of the backstage areas of the Staples Center, where Ruby Tyler sits cross-legged on the floor surrounded by old leather-bound books and a handful of stakes. She appears to be reading from one of the books, looking up at the camera after a few moments. Ruby Tyler: You know, they say that into every generation, a slayer is born. One girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. She is the Slayer. Closing the book, Ruby stands with her hands on her hips. In an olive green tank top and baggy black cargo pants, her hands wrapped with white tape, she looks ready to take on just about anything that dares to get in her way. Ruby Tyler: It’s only been a couple weeks since I first showed up here, but unlike last time when I was fighting my way into a meeting with the Powers that Be, tonight I’m here, waiting on my first chance to enter the ring here with EXODUS. And be assured, I’m not just sitting idly by. When my time comes, I will face the darkness within this company. I will be there to solve mysteries, to exorcise demons, and to stand alongside those who will fight the pestilence of evil. That’s my purpose here tonight and every night going forward. Ruby grabs one of the stakes and holds it in her hand, testing the weight of it. It’s not much more than a broken-off chair leg, but she swings it a few times and twirls it around in her hand, catching it in front of her with a grin. Ruby Tyler: I’m the Slayer, bitches, and it looks like EXODUS Pro is going to be my Hellmouth. So all you creepy, weird things that go bump in the night? Keep a lookout for Ruby Tyler, cause I’m on the hunt and I’m not going to stop until my mission here is done. And with that, we're back to Dick and Seth. Dick Morosi: Ruby Tyler has made her intentions known in EXODUS! Seth Ericson: She's also terrifying. Dick Morosi: More terrifying than mara? Seth Ericson: Toss up. Dick Morosi: While you make up your mind, know that mara will be meeting Fiona Collins next! The bell rings to prepare everyone for the next match, when suddenly... And suddenly, with the arena now wrapped in darkness, a video now plays on the EXOScreen... Suddenly, "Reach for the Dead" by Boards of Canada starts to play as what seems to be someone crawling from an extended EXOScreen that got larger during the duration of the video being played continues to draw closer, an emotionless Audrey Lloris holding out a black lantern as the music plays, all before the head tilts. A kabuki mask rests on the face of the woman now clearly known as "mara" as she slowly gets up in her entrance gear to a negative reaction from the crowd. Listening to them, she takes a deep breath and slowly starts to walk to the ring with Audrey in tow, along with a second companion, the stranger that seems to tweet with her. David Zinkus: Introducing first, from Anaheim, California...she is the entity known as...mara! The music continues to play as she guides both Audrey and the stranger to her corner, each of them holding a lantern on each side of the steel steps to light the way for mara while she steps up and into the ring, remaining in her corner as she slowly removes her robe, ring gear revealed as she then proceeds to simply sit in her corner, legs folded as she waits. Dick Morosi: I know a lot of people doubt mara tonight, but...she seems to have done an excellent job getting into the head of Fiona Collins, something nobody has done quite like her. Seth Ericson: Neither Christum Furor or Sally Talfourd have put Fiona Collins this off balan--- Seth is cut off when a ringing phone is heard all across the arena. The camera remains on Dick and Seth as they realize it's the phone sitting on their commentary table. Uneasy at why this is happening, Seth slowly picks up the phone and listens before you can hear the voice over the PA System that has now stopped playing Mara's theme in favor of a familiar voice. The voice of Fiona Collins. Fiona Collins (V/O): I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you're looking for championships, I can tell you I don't have a title... but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over the past couple of years in my career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you leave my husband and stepdaughter alone now, that will be the end of it - I will not look for you, I will not pursue you... but if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you... and I will kill you. And with that...a click. And then a shotgun blast right into the heavy part of "The Howling" by Within Temptation! And suddenly, at the entrance stage, a barbed wire baseball bat strapped to her back as she looks down at the ring....FIONA COLLINS! We've been seeing what you wanted, got us cornered right now
Fallen asleep from our vanity, might cost us our lives
I hear they're getting closer
Their howls are sending chills down my spine
And time is running out now
They're coming down the hills from behind David Zinkus: AND HER OPPONENT....FROM PORTLAAAAAAAAAAANDIA! SHE IS THE STARDUST SERAPH....FIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONAAAAAAAA COLLLLLLLINNNNNSSSSSSSSSS! When we start killing
It's all coming down right now
From the nightmare we've created,
I want to be awakened somehow
When we start killing it all will be falling down
From the Hell that we're in
All we are is fading away
When we start killing... Fiona starts to walk to the ring with some gusto and purpose, and it doesn't take Mara long to meet her halfway, the two of them starting to brawl outside the ring, each of them trading blows! The two don't make it look pretty, it starts to get pretty violent as soon as Fiona starts to take control before reaching back and grabbing the bat, clubbing it across the back of The Allmother! Mara begins to step away, wincing in pain from the barbed wire, all before she turns around, RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK FROM THE STARDUST SERAPH! She sends Mara flying back into the ring apron from the side facing the entrance! Fiona comes charging in after dropping the bat, Mara ducking and trying to give her a back body drop into the ring, only for Fiona to handstand and bounce off the ropes, falling back down and dropping Mara with a DDT! She gets back up and the crowd is firmly behind The Stardust Seraph as she begins to lift up Mara and whip her towards the steel steps, sending Mara flying over them as Fiona looks irate, going after her. Dick Morosi: Fiona's been aggressive in the past, but she's never looked this ready for violence! Seth Ericson: The Allmother said she had a legacy of violence to live up to with the family name, and I think Fiona's proving tonight she can shed some blood like any other Collins family member! Fiona waits for Mara to lean back against the guardrail before charging in, giving her a step up enzuigiri before ramming Mara face first into a ring post before tossing her into the ring, referee Katie Hanneman finally calling for the bell as Fiona tries to slide in and go for the kill early, but as she charges in for a Shinigami, Mara ducks and instantly picks the leg and goes for an ankle hold, looking to instantly clip Fiona! Mara begins to wrench as Fiona screams, quickly getting to the ropes and forcing Mara to break the hold at four. Mara gets up and grabs Fiona by the hair, all before she whips her to the corner, charging in with a huge step up shining wizard herself, bringing Fiona out with a bulldog before she quickly goes to lock in a Koji Clutch of her own! Mara's variation, known as "Reach for the Dead" is being attempted, but Fiona starts to try to struggle out of it, quickly her catching Mara's leg over her shoulder as she tries to roll up Mara! ONE! TWO! MARA KICKS OUT AND ROLLS TO HER FEET, DROPPING FIONA QUICKLY WITH AN AXE KICK! Fiona hits the ground and Mara quickly pulls up Fiona by the hair before putting her in a position...STANDING SHIRANUI! Mara sits up and looks almost like she's finally smiling as she grabs Fiona again and starts to try to once again for the Reach for the Dead as she realizes Fi has been beaten enough for a more successful attempt. She starts to cinch it, but Fiona again scurries to the ropes. As she tries to kick Mara away, The Allmother responds by yanking Fiona away from the ropes and dropping her with a STO! She gets up and she instantly goes to start choking Fiona, and the cameras can clearly hear Mara screaming. mara: WHERE'S YOUR BLOOD, SERAPH? WHERE'S YOUR RAGE? WHERE'S YOUR VIOLENCE, FIONA?! She breaks the hold at four as she slowly starts to leave the ring, brushing off admonishment from Hanneman before digging under the table, producing a few tools of her own, reaching for a table and a kendo stick. Mara leaves the table set up on the outside of the ring before she grabs the kendo stick and goes back into the ring and waits for Fiona to get up, all before driving it over the head of Fiona, quickly rearing back and doing it again. Mara practically screams in a primal manner before grabbing Fiona's arm, whipping her but holding tight onto the arm before doing a wraparound and dropping her with a reverse STO! Mara sits up and she goes over to her corner, taking the lanterns from Audrey and the stranger before she goes over to the table, she practically snarls as she breaks them over the table, letting the fluid inside spread across the table. Dick Morosi: She's not... Seth Ericson: OH I THINK SHE IS! Mara reaches into Audrey's pocket from her blazer before pulling her closer and giving her a deep kiss of appreciation before ripping her face away and revealing what she pulled from Audrey...a matchbook. The Allmother lights the matches before throwing them onto the table and setting it on fire, smirking as she crawls back into the ring, looking to stalk Fiona. Knowing her time is limited before the fire burns out, she grabs The Stardust Seraph and pulls her over to the ropes, starting to look to send her over, but Fiona blocks the suplex attempt as Mara stands on the apron! Mara continues to hammer Fiona, looking to send her over, but Fiona blocks an attempt...DELIVERING A SHINIGAMI OUT OF NOWHERE TO SEND MARA FLYING OFF THE APRON AND THROUGH THE BURNING TABLE! The crowd erupts as the remnants of burning wood and Mara remain as Fiona springboards up to the ropes and leaps off to nail a shooting star press onto Mara, clutching her ribs as people are finally there to extinguish the flames! Meanwhile, Katie Hanneman is unsure of what to do, but she proceeds to stop the count! Dick Morosi: Katie Hanneman is being awfully liberal with the rules tonight. Seth Ericson: Do you wanna tell Fiona Collins or mara they didn't get what they wanted out of this? The truth is, these two won't stop, even if a count out got them that far. Fiona slowly starts to get to her feet, falling onto her ass as she sits down, realizing she has a fallen mara on the ground before she slowly starts to crawl back towards the ramp to grab the barbed wire baseball bat she had brought to ringside with her, grabbing it as she slowly starts to crawl back toward mara, getting slowly to her feet...BEFORE DRIVING IT INTO MARA'S CHEST! She continues to hammer down the barbed wire covered end of the bat onto Mara's chest before Audrey flings herself over mara to protect her, an action she had never even done for Daisuke Iwakuma. Fiona looks down, stunned for a moment, before tossing the bat aside as she looks on, mara moving Audrey aside and spewing up black mist in the face of the Stardust Seraph! Mara slowly starts to get up and goes for the bat, taking a deep breath before she starts to rake the barbed wire across the face of Fiona. mara: LET'S MAKE YOU UGLY ON THE OUTSIDE TOO! She continues to grate the barbed wire over Fiona's face, finally flinging it aside, but the damage is done as Fiona has begun to bleed, all before mara grabs Fiona and whips her hard to the ringpost face first, Fiona hitting the ground with a thud in a sick manner as Mara looks down, practically sneering before she goes over and grabs the former World Champion...the full nelson....DANSE MACABRE INTO THE POST! Dick Morosi: SHE IS SADISTIC! Seth Ericson: She warned Fiona! She flat out said this was going to be a war, and here it is! The Allmother is prepared to destroy Fiona Collins and be the first person to send her packing from EXODUS! Mara quickly grabs Fiona and throws her into the ring, rolling her towards the center before climbing into the ring and grabbing Fiona to her feet! She quickly sets Fiona in position, going for The Hollow, but as she attempts the Ranhei, Fiona elbows her off and as Mara seems unsettled, Mara is surprised as she turns her face into blue mist of her own! Dick Morosi: TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME! Seth Ericson: Kind of hard to one up someone who seems to be in your family tree, huh? The Allmother remains blinded all as Fiona quickly grabs her, nailing the Soul Caliber as she leaves the ring, reaching over and going over to David Zinkus, urging him to move. Zinkus does and she gives him the thumb's up, stealing his chair as she goes over to Mara once she's back in the ring! She tosses Mara the chair and nails a huge kick, sending a chair into mara's face and sending her flying out of the ring. Audrey and the stranger instantly go over to check on mara, and as the trio gather, Fiona decides to run the ropes before running over and leaping over with a no hands plancha that sends the trio flying! Fiona kips up and instantly leaps up and hits a standing shooting star, before hooking a leg! Dick Morosi: Don't forget, it's falls count anywhere! Katie Hanneman leaves the ring and goes to make the count! ONE! TWO! TH-KICKOUT! Fiona looks frustrated, but she starts battling Mara up the ramp, starting to head to the stage. The two seemingly have a lot of frustration and animosity at this point, leading to Fiona nailing mara with a rolling elbow to the face! AND ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! SHE HAS GONE CRAZY AND SHE STARTS NAILING RAPID FIRE ELBOWS TO THE FACE OF THE ALLMOTHER! MARA LOOKS OUT ON HER FEET BEFORE THE PALM STRIKE! THE DROPSAULT! AND AS MARA REMAINS ON ONE KNEE, FIONA STEPS BACK AND CHARGES FORWARD, NAILING A RUNNING VARIATION OF THE LAST STAR TO THE RIGHT! Mara is now bleeding as she rolls onto the ramp as Fiona grabs mara's arms...UNDERTOW! SHE'S LOCKED IN THE UNDERTOW ON THE ALLMOTHER, AND MARA IS SCREAMING! Dick Morosi: FIONA COLLINS HAS LOCKED IT IN! That Undertow has been dangerous since she revealed it almost a year ago, and she's got it cinched in on this ghoul! Seth Ericson: She better keep that thing locked in even more than she ever has, because mara's pain threshold tonight has seemingly been rather high! mara is indeed trying to continue to drag Fiona closer to the stage, but it's clear that mara is fading with her locked in that submission. Out of desperation, she tries to stand up and starts swinging Fiona, SLAMMING HER AGAINST THE STEEL STAGE! Fiona breaks the hold and both women remain on the ground, exhausted as Fiona tries to get up, looking sore! Fiona crawls towards the light set up towards the stage as she starts unplugging one of the lights on stage, quickly mouthing "SORRY, GINNY!" towards a camera as she picks up the light....SLAMMING IT INTO MARA'S FACE! THE SPARKS FLY AND THE GLASS OF THE LIGHTBULB SHATTERS AS MARA IS STRUGGLING WITH THE LIGHT AND HEAT! The Allmother is stumbling around as Fiona looks to put her away, charging toward her, BUT MARA GRABS HER AS SHE TURNS AROUND AND SHE LEAPS OFF THE STAGE WITH A SITOUT POWE--NO! FIONA TURNS IT INTO A HURRICANRANA, AND THE TWO GO INTO A HUGE STACK OF CRATES! THE TWO ARE DOWN AND OUT! THE TWO ARE NOT MOVING! Katie Hanneman is not just checking on the competitors, but given her long standing friendship with Fiona, she seems unsure...AND SHE CALLS FOR THE BELL! She's quickly throwing up the signal to bring out medics as the two lay there, mara rolling over as she looks to cradle Fiona....and then she speaks. mara: Welcome to the family...sister... Mara rolls back onto her back, the two of them seemingly completely out of things tonight as medics come to check on them both. WINNER: No ContestDick Morosi: Seth...we just watched some elaborate violence here. Those two have some serious issues out, and I think Mara just confirmed what we all knew all along. That is indeed the long lost Mara Collins, and she's itching to destroy Fiona. Seth Ericson: The Collins family, you and I know it well. The penchant for violence runs deep in Jon, their brother Robbie, their twin brothers Corey and NOTHING, and it runs deep in Mara. What we're seeing here is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. The only thing we can take solace in is that it's only contained to the two of them. Dick Morosi: Someone's going to get badly hurt before this is over, Seth. We need to go backstage and not think about this. We go backstage, and Heather Halliwell is prowling backstage, dressed elaborately and flamboyantly in a hot pink leopard print dress, pink feather boa and a crazy pink, wide brimmed hat. There's a bounce in her step and she's bobbing her head as she searches for a victim... Ahem, interviewee. As luck would have it, she turns the corner and happens upon Wulf Erikssen, seemingly beating the hell out of a vending machine. Heather grins devilishly and flounces on over, her silver stilettos clacking along the concrete floor. Heather Halliwell: It's Heather Halliwell here, giving you the live, exclusive look for tonight's faaaaaaabulous EXODUS event, Dead In Hollywood! And lookie what we have here, friends and fans! I found myself a Wulf! Heather spins on her heel and sticks her mic right in Wulf's face. Heather Halliwell: Wulf, darling, why don't you give us the word of the day?! Wulf turns suddenly, frustrated look painted across his face. He steps back a moment, looking Heather up and down. Almost angrily, he starts speaking. Wulf Erikssen: You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? Heather's eyes widen slightly as she looks around with unnecessary dramatics. Heather Halliwell: I must be talkin' to you! You're the only one here! She grins widely, bouncing on the balls of her feet. She looks up at Wulf expectantly, as if waiting for him to grin with her. He sighs, rubbing at his forehead as he does so. Wulf Erikssen: I ain’t in the mood, darlin’. Why don’t you go find one of the Pretty Boys or something. Heather's flamboyant mood drops and her face becomes serious. She removes her big hat and drops it on the floor beside her, shaking out her golden locks. Heather Halliwell: Hey, what's up? You look like something is gnawing at you. Wulf leans against the battered vending machine. Wulf Erikssen: What, no. I, no. Hmm. Fine. Look, these past couple of months, they’ve been hard. The end of G&M and HATE, everything was meant to be better, you know? Nothing’s changed. You’ve got REVOLUTION running around, pushing things too far, like what that idiot did to Steve earlier. I don’t care that that’s supposedly in the rules of the match, that’s someone’s bloody livelihood at stake there. They wouldn’t let me go to the hospital with him, Hev. They wouldn’t let me… Plus, you’ve got idiots like Lifer running around, wrecking whatever… Sorry. Wulf looks down. Heather's eyes narrow at the mention of Zack Lifer. She clears her throat and puts a tentative hand on his shoulder. Heather Halliwell: Sadly, we live in a world where the monsters are never fully slayed. Like the hydra, when we cut off one head, two more grow back. It's a vicious cycle... And sometimes the demons just won't die. Heather nibbles on her lower lip thoughtfully. Then she gives Wulf a sad, half smile. Heather Halliwell: I'm a bit envious of anyone who is able to get their hands on Lifer. Wulf Erikssen: I don’t know Heather. They keep on talking about making an example of them, and then they don’t do anything. It’s all talk Heather. That’s all there ever this, is talk. Wulf looks back to his feet again. Wulf Erikssen: You know why I came here, Hev? To EXODUS, I mean? I came here because Collins asked. He had a job that needed doing, and he figured I’d be the only one who’d do it. And I did that job. Didn’t I do that job well? Didn’t I deserve time to be… something else? To be who I wanted to be? To do what I wanted to do. He sighs. Wulf Erikssen: I could even have opened that Burrito bar. But it’s gone now. I was brought into this company to do one thing, Heather. One bloody thing. And maybe it’s time I stop fighting that. Lifer, GRENDEL, REVOLUTION, all of them, they’re animals. Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets. Wulf turns, and just starts to walk away. He stops a moment, and looks back over his shoulder to his friend. Wulf Erikssen: Now I see it clearly. My whole life is pointed in one direction. I see that now. There never has been any choice for me. Wulf turns away from Heather once more, and heads off down the corridor, alone. Heather turns back to the camera and shrugs helplessly, motioning for them to switch off. |
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 16:11:49 GMT -6
Dick Morosi: Wulf Erikssen doesn't seem quite right in the wake of what happened to Steve Lenton. Seth Ericson: Wulf has lost it, and we need to get him reeled in before someone gets seriously hurt. Dick Morosi: To be honest, I think someone's going to get seriously hurt tonight in this match, when Zack Lifer meets Adrien Cochrane...next! The intoxicating sound of silence corrupts the regular broadcast, idle chatter echoing from the front row all the way to the nosebleed section. They speculate what's going on, their eyes wandering the arena itself while they discuss things with their boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, kids, or the like. They wonder to themselves why the show was stopped, why everything was put to a screeching halt. Without any fanfare, without any of the pomp and circumstance, the camera finally sees someone moving amongst the crowd. Unfortunately, it's simply an older gentleman walking up the steps to head to the bathroom. Still, the camera searches, trying desperately to find an answer to why the production team hasn't played any music, hadn't changed the lights aside from the default Dead In Hollywood scenery. That's when they heard their answer - a voice heard straight from the crowd itself. Zack Lifer: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention? Static clicked into place a microsecond after he finished speaking, the unique tone of a black and gold bullhorn with the Matthews Enterprise logo plastered neatly on the side. He lacked a microphone, lacked the music to go along with his entrance, but still held strong as he approached the ring from the top of the stairs, passing the old gentleman with a cocky grin on his face. The idle chatter grew louder, the only sounds that could be heard whilst the camera was aimed at him, his eyes wide open as he held the custom bullhorn to his lips. Zack Lifer: Let me ask you something... Are you having fun yet, Los Angeles?! The crowd finally grows louder, their intense voices resoundingly cheering as a response. The man behind the voice cuts them off, his hand swiping at the air in front of him like a cat. Zack Lifer: All these movie references are great, aren't they? The production values, the laughs, the emotion! Classic, something that'll live on in the annals of EXODUS history for decades to come, I'm sure. And what about me? I won't get any of those amenities, will I? I won't get to come out to special music, I won't get the same treatment as everyone else did since I'm out the door tomorrow, right? I don't get to have my fun. And since I don't get to have my fun, neither do you. The crowd boo and jeer the outsider, the man who's contract will be null and void this time next Monday. Zack Lifer: So, here's what I was thinking. I brought my own equipment, custom made, and that way EXODUS brass can't turn the goddamn thing off before I'm finished, understand? I'm taking over the broadcast on my terms. And on my terms, I'd like to tell you all something, something that needs telling on one of the grandest stages EXODUS can offer. The crowd openly displayed their displeasure, shouting obscenities to him, which ultimately were heard by the cameras. Lifer strutted down the stairs and towards the ring gradually as he spoke, letting go of the button every time he paused so he didn't waste the battery life. Zack Lifer: This ain't gonna be the last time you see Zack Lifer, oh no. I already found a way to make the best out of this little vacation of mine, don't you worry one bit. I can't disclose anything yet, of course. I can't ruin the surprise. I mean, where's the fun in that? A smirk rises to his lips again, the crowd watching helplessly as more intoxicating silence overtakes them, their idle chatter almost nonexistent as they listen up to see what he has to say, most standing up so they could get a better view of the madman getting closer to approaching the barricade that separated them and the ring itself. Zack Lifer: All I can tell you is simple — You're not safe. None of you. So, a little friendly advice? Watch your back. There's some truly insane people out there, everyone. And you just never know what's gonna happen next. With that, Lifer climbs the barricade and nears the ring, hearing the round of boos encircling him as he holds up the bullhorn one last time, pointing it to the rafters to scream at the top of his lungs for all to hear. Zack Lifer: Adrien Cochrane! Get out here so I can make an example out of a former EXODUS World Champion, why don't you?! After the arena goes dark and quiet, the brass introduction to the Indiana Jones theme song begins to blare on the PA system. Seth Ericson: Hang on a moment, I think Harrison Ford is about to come to the ring and wrestle! Dick Morosi: It’s not Harrison Ford, Seth. Seth Ericson: I see someone wearing a brown hat and jacket. Does he have a whip too? Harrison Ford has a whip! Dick Morosi: That’s Adrien Cochrane! Adrien Cochrane appears on the ramp to the cheers as the EXO-Screen shows various clips from the Indiana Jones series. As stated previously by Seth Ericson, Adrien came dressed for the part, wearing the attire of the protagonist from the series, including Indy’s trademark hat and his whip. David Zinkus: And from New Orleans, Louisiana, weighing in at 190 pounds…he is the Dropkick King…ADRIEN COCHRANE!!!!! After jogging down to the ring and poorly attempting to use the whip, Adrien begins to shed his Indy costume as he was wearing his wrestling attire underneath it. With Lifer in the ring, he begins to stare down his opponent, all before Dan Arnouil calls both Cochrane and Lifer to the centre of the ring to explain the rules. Dick Morosi: Here we are ladies and gentlemen. Zack Lifer has been on a path of anarchy and chaos the last few months, striking out at those few who considered him a friend, as well as his enemies. Tonight, in what Jonathan Collins promises is Lifer’s last EXODUS match, he faces The Dropkick King. Seth Ericson: God only knows why Cochrane gets this honour, but it doesn’t matter. Win or lose, after tonight, Lifer’s gone. And everyone will breathe a sigh of relief. Dick Morosi: As one last hurrah, Zack gets one final No DQ match, and Adrien gets to try and get some measure of revenge on the man who attacked him a few short weeks ago. Arnouil steps back from the pair, and calls for the bell. Hot off the blocks, Lifer charges forward, grabbing hold of Cochrane whilst simultaneous loosing a couple of blows to Adrien’s kidney, and charging him into the corner. Adrien doesn’t give in without a fight however, and getting a boot to the middle turnbuckle manages to push himself out of the corner, and in turn push Zack into the ropes. The pair roll up the ropes, each clutching the other, trying to gain some semblance of an advantage. Eventually, Lifer breaks the deadlock with a quick stamp to Cochrane’s foot, followed by positioning him into a Headlock, quickly wrenching back on the neck for extra pressure. Adrien, knowing he can’t afford to lose any strength fighting even a simple submission, grabs hold of Zack and runs him into the ropes, using the extra rebounding force to whip him across the ring. Dick Morosi: Things seem relatively civil so far, neither man quite able to get the upper hand. Seth Ericson: On a good day, this pair would be a solid match. Adrien’s been fighting a decline in form recently though, and Lifer is anything but stable right now. It could really go either way. Lifer goes running, and comes back off the ropes into a huge Dropkick, straight to the chin. Dick Morosi: Textbook Dropkick there from the Dropkick King. Maybe the added heat for this match will give him the push he needs to get back on form. Cochrane goes in for the cover, which Lifer kicks out of before Arnouil can even start the count. Seth Ericson: I don’t know, going for a pin that early? Doesn’t sound like he’s back on form to me. Dick Morosi: He knows what he’s doing Seth. Every pin Lifer has to break is another bit of energy he can’t use against Adrien offensively. He knows what he’s doing. Adrien gets up, as Zack quickly gets to his knees. Before he can get any further up, Cochrane cuts him off, with a quick Shoot Kick to the chest. The crowd cheers as the impact of the blow echoes around the arena. He quickly follows up with a quick Flipping Neckbreaker, leaping over Lifer and bringing him crashing to the mat. He rolls over for another pin. ONE Kickout! Adrien quickly hops off, but before he can continue his assault Lifer quickly starts rolling, all the way across the ring and out under the ring ropes. He lands on his feet, and steps back a little, obviously trying to regain his composure. Adrien eyes him up, and sets off running into the far ropes, before rebounding back and sliding under the bottom rope with a Baseball Slide, only for Lifer to duck out of the way! As Cochrane lands on his feet, Lifer rises up and hits him straight in the gut with a Knee Lift. He quickly hooks up the winded Cochrane, and sets him up for a Suplex. As he lifts though, Adrien folds himself up in half, connecting with a Knee Strike to Lifer’s head, causing Zack to drop him. Adrien lands on his feet, and quickly takes the dazed Lifer and rams him face first into the ring post. Lifer staggers back, and as he groggily turns around, is met with a Lightning Strike! Dick Morosi: Superkick from Adrien straight to Lifer’s face. Zack just can’t seem to get going here. Adrien quickly pulls Zack up to his feet, grabbing both a handful of hair and tights, and slides him in under the top ropes. He takes a moment to hi-five a random fan at ringside, and slides in behind him, going straight for the pin in the ring. ONE TWO Kickout! Lifer kicks out again, and Adrien gets straight back to work, taking Lifer by the head and guiding him up to upright, before taking him straight back down with a Fisherman Suplex, bridging and holding on for the pin. ONE TWO Kickout! Seth Ericson: Adrien needs to learn that he’s not going to get a result unless he puts in the legwork. You’re not going to take out a man like Lifer through this kind of attrition. Adrien sits Lifer up, and quickly hops over him, connecting with a Forward Somersault Cutter. Leaving Lifer groaning on the mat, Adrien hops back up, and steps back a moment, considering his strategy. After a moment of two, he makes his decision and locks in an Armbar. Wrenching the arm, Lifer is suddenly spurred back to life, as Dan Arnouil drops beside him to check on him. Sternly, he shakes his head, refusing to submit. Spurred on, Adrien wrenches harder, pulling the arm further back in its socket. Slowly, almost instinctively, Lifer crawls to the bottom rope, and eventually reaches it, grabbing hold with his free hand. Adrien just wrenches all the harder though. Dick Morosi: It’s a No DQ match, Adrien doesn’t have to break the hold! Lifer’s got no option here! With obvious pain, Zack manages to get one leg out under the bottom rope, and then the other. Getting both feet on the floor, he manages to step about a bit. Adrien doesn’t realise what’s happened, until Zack uses his new purchase to suddenly twist his body, release a flurry of punches straight into Adrien’s face with his free hand, forcing him to relinquish the hold. Lifer steps back forcing the blood back into his left arm, as Adrien gets upright, and starts taunting Lifer over the top rope. With a sudden burst of energy, Lifer charges forward, taking hold of one of Adrien’s feet, yanking it hard and causing Lifer to topple backwards. Lifer holds onto the boot, and pulls Cochrane partly out of the ring, under the bottom rope. He drags him along the apron to the ring post, where he holds Adrien’s leg out against it, his knee in line with the post. With a sick smile on the face, he drives his boot into Adrien’s knee with a modified Big Boot, driving it hard into the post. Seth Ericson: That was sick! Adrien’s knee went straight into the uncovered steel. Lifer slides into the ring behind Adrien, and taking hold of the same leg, drags him out into the middle of the ring, and with an almighty roar lifts him high, before slamming Cochrane’s knee hard into the mat. Adrien cries out in pain, as Adrien quickly bundles him up in a Jack-Knife, going for the pin. ONE TWO Kickout! Lifer gets up, taking Adrien’s leg in one hand as he does. Adrien quickly gets up, on his other foot, trying to counter any potential leglock. Lifer starts yanking the leg, trying to take Adrien off balance, only to be taken off guard as Adrien counters with an Enzuigiri! Adrien staggers forward to capitalise, but Zack quickly hits with a Drop Toehold, bringing Adrien crashing back down to the mat. Zack quickly takes hold of the damaged leg, and yanking hard, wrenches it hard out of socket. He looks to repeat the manoeuvre, but Adrien resists the yank, and after a second kicks out, hitting Zack hard in the stomach. As Zack staggers back, Adrien gets uneasily back to his feet, and as Lifer comes for him barrels out with a punch, straight to Lifer’s face. Undeterred, Lifer barrels back with one of his own, causing Adrien to come back with another. Dick Morosi: Both men just exchanging punches now in the centre of the ring. Adrien manages to break the flow with a fast flurry of punches, knocking Zack out of rhythm. Adrien winds up for a massive punch, but Lifer quickly pre-empts it with a Kick to Cochrane’s injured knee, doubling Adrien up in pain, as Zack lets out a primal roar, and charges forward. He goes for the Forced Suicide, but Adrien dodges it, and as Lifer turns, he connects with another Lightning Strike, taking Lifer off of his feet! Adrien goes to follow up with the pin! ONE TWO TH- Kickout! Seth Ericson: So close! Oh my god, I just realised I’m actually cheering on Adrien Cochrane to win. I feel dirty. Adrien just sits on the mat, in a state of disbelief, as Lifer starts to get back up. Lifer’s back on his feet, but groggy, staggering back and forth, and stumbles back into the corner as Lifer get’s back up to his feet. Adrien charges in and connects with a Clothesline. He quickly locks up Lifer in a Headlock, and runs out of the corner with a Bulldog, only for Lifer to reverse it, hitting a kick to the back of Cochrane’s damaged knee, and following straight up with a True Madness. Dick Morosi: TRUE MADNESS! That massive Swinging Leg Hook Belly-to-Back Suplex has put the brakes on Cochrane’s momentum. Seth Ericson: I think that took everything Lifer had though. Both men now laid out on the floor. Zack starts shaking his head viciously, trying to get himself together. He sees Adrien beginning to stir, and start unleashing hard kicks straight to Adrien’s head, whilst still on the floor himself, and following up with rolling him up for the pin. ONE TWO T- Kickout! Zack, face a mask of rage, barely acknowledges the call, and just grabs Adrien by the head, pulling him upright. Holding Cochrane by the head, he drives his knee into his face with a Knee Lift, once, twice, three times, all the while backing him up into the corner. In the corner, he continues, hitting him for a fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh time, as Cochrane’s legs finally buckle, and he falls to the floor. Lifer doesn’t let up, transitioning to stomps, as he repeatedly introduces the sole of his boot to Adrien Cochrane’s face. As Adrien’s face starts to bleed under the repeated impact, Lifer stops, and instead drops to the mat, and rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope. Dick Morosi: Wait, what’s he doing now? Where’s he going? Why’s he coming over here? Zack charges at the announce table, causing Dick to quickly get out of his seat and back away. Zack Lifer: Thank Dick old buddy old pal! Zack grabs Morosi’s recently vacated chair, and after closing it gives a quick slam of it to the top of the announce table, before running to the ring, sick smile on his face. Seth Ericson: This doesn’t bode well. Dick Morosi: Not only that, but now I have to stand. Seth Ericson: Priorities Dick. Adrien’s in a world of hurt, and now Lifer’s armed. This doesn’t look promising for the Dropkick King. Zack slides into the ring, chair in hand, and straight off lifts it over head and brings it crashing down into Cochrane’s knee. Adrien doubles up in pain, only to be caught under the chin as Adrien swings the chair up in an uppercut motion. Dick Morosi: My God, I think that may have re-arranged Adrien’s jaw. Adrien, now bleeding from both the forehead and the chin, barely reacts as Lifer grabs a handful of hair, and drags him upright. He drops the chair on the mat, and follows up with a Double Arm DDT, dropping Adrien headfirst to the chair. Sick smirk implying that he’s not done, he takes up the chair, and steps to the ring ropes, taunting the crowd with the chair as they rain boos down on him. He takes his chair, and smacks it on the mat a few times, as he shouts for Adrien to get upright. Dazed, groggy and bloody, Adrien begins to stir, slowly getting to all fours. Zack charges in just as he gets up onto his knees, and connects with a Forced Suicide with the chair, straight to Adrien’s face, knocking over and onto his ass, stunned. Dick Morosi: That massive Knee Strike, delivered through the chair, Adrien’s done. Lifer just has to go for the pin. Seth Ericson: But he’s not. Lifer, still holding onto the chair, runs into the ropes Adrien is facing, rebounding back, and hitting a modified version of the Dead Air, using the Chair in place of his elbow. Dick Morosi: DEAD AIR! Or at least a variant of it, a massive Sliding Chair Strike, and Adrien’s got to be out for the count. Resting the chair on Adrien’s face, Zack then lays on it, putting all his weight there, as pushes down on Cochrane’s chest for the pinfall. ONE TWO THREE!!! David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of this bout, ZACK LIFER! WINNER: Zack LiferDick Morosi: That’s it ladies and gentlemen. Lifer wins the match, in brutal fashion. Seth Ericson: At least that’s the last we’ll see of him. Pity his last match was a win, but... Wait, what’s he doing now? Zack Lifer has pushed Dan Arnouil away as he’s tried to lift his arm, and waving his chair, chases him out of the ring. Next, he turns back to the recumbent form of Adrien, and with some skill weaves Adrien’s injured leg into chair, placing the knee square in the mechanism. Dick Morosi: Oh come on, this is sick. This is over! Someone has to stop him. With a roar, Zack stamps on the chair back with his full weight, scissoring the mechanism around Adrien’s knee, causing unknown damage to the joint. Quickly freeing his chair back up, Zack brings it to the head of the now conscious Adrien. Taking it on edge, he drives it like a knife into the chest of Adrien, beating out any last remnants of fight from him. Satisfied he has him at his mercy, he repeats the feat from before, this time placing the mechanism over Cochrane’s throat. Seth Ericson: Oh come on! Sure, I don’t like Cochrane, but this is going too far. With a look unlike any other on this earth, Zack begins leaning on the chair back with his foot, squeezing the mechanism over Adrien’s throat. Realising what’s happening, he starts cooking and grasping at the air, but is unable to do anything about it. Dick Morosi: This is sick, someone has to sto- wait what the hell? As Seth speaks, a hooded figure leaps the barricade behind him, stepping announce table and making a bee line for the ring. Seth Ericson: I have no idea Dick, but he’s armed. The figure, wearing denim jeans and plain black hooded sweatshirt, has a chain wrapped around one hand, and wields what appears to be a pool cue in the other. Dick Morosi: Wait, I think I recognise that weapon choice. The crowd cheers as the figure slides into the ring, prompting Lifer to look to the distraction, only to be knocked reeling as he receives a pool cues with two hands across his face. He staggers back, looking to address his attacker, but the assault continues, with the cue being swung into his ribs as he brings his hands up to protect his face, with his assailant swinging round and driving the cue into the ribs on the opposite side, causing Lifer to drop to his knees, winded. The assailant winds up for a massive overhead strike, bringing the pool cue down hard straight over the top of Lifer’s head, causing it to break in two on impact. Seth Ericson: Ow, I think Lifer will have felt that one. Zack Lifer winces in pain, and brings his hand to his head, bring it away with blood on it, as the viscous fluid starts to flow freely from somewhere on his head. Driven into a rage, he awkwardly gets to his feet, and charges his attacked, only to be taken by surprise as Wulf Erikssen’s head bursts out from inside of his hood, connecting hard with the bridge of Lifer’s nose, causing a geyser of blood to erupt from the nostrils. Dick Morosi: I knew I recognised those weapons from somewhere. Wulf Erikssen here to perform the save. Seth Ericson: Um, he’s saved Cochrane, Dick. Why isn’t he stopping? As Lifer staggers back, Wulf charges forward, and delivers a Falcon Punch to Lifer’s busted nose with his chain wrapped fist! Lifer drops to the deck like he’s been shot. Wulf stops, and raises his chain wrapped fist high in the air. Some of the crowd cheer, but most have been shocked to some kind of silence by his display of brutality. With a determined look on his ace, he unwraps a length of the chain from his fist, and whips it down on the fallen Lifer’s chest. Lifer screams in pain as the steel chain makes impact, and tries to roll away, only to get whipped once more. Seth Ericson: Zack’s getting whipped like a government mule, Dick! Dick Morosi: What does that even mean? Oh, what’s next? Wulf has allowed Zack to start to climb to his knees. Stepping behind him, he swings the length of chain at Lifer’s neck, the length of steel wrapping entirely around Zack’s neck before Wulf grabs hold of the other end with his free hand, and starts to pull hard on the ends, throttling the life out of Zack as he desperately gets his hands up to the chain, trying to free some space to his airway. Keeping hold of the chain, Wulf stamps hard on Lifer’s back, driving out what little air remains from his lungs, and causing him to fall face first to the mat. Wulf holds on longer, with Zack slowly turning purple, with Wulf pulling back against his boot on Lifer’s back. Seth Ericson: If he’s not careful, Lifer’s head will pop straight off! After a final yank, Wulf release hold of one end of the chain, letting Lifer fall forward to the mat, unconscious at best. Wulf angrily pulls at the chain, viciously pulling it from around Lifer’s neck, the metal grinding into the throat and neck as it unravels. He stands a moment, both at both Adrien struggling for air, still clutching at his throat, and Lifer, lifeless on the mat. He looks up at the mat, and sees the (R)Evolution security team and EMTs beginning to assemble. Shaking his head, he steps over Lifer, giving him one last stamp to the head as he does so, before climbing out of the ring under the top rope. He quickly pulls his hood back up over his head, and once more leaps the barricade, the stunned crowd silently parting for him as he dashes through them, and out of sight. Dick Morosi: I, I don’t even... Seth Ericson: We’re going to cut to some backstage feeds whilst we... yeah.
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 19, 2015 16:27:40 GMT -6
It's been a hell of a night folks, we've had a lot of great moments and matches, and it's clearly Jimmy Riley is sitting in his office, going over things for the night. With Jonathan Collins working deeper behind the scenes in previous years and Nicholas Gray incapacitated, Riley is running the show solo. Seemingly comfortable in his chair, his peace is suddenly disturbed by the arrival of the last person he wanted to see. Harvey Q. Birdman: 'EY JIMBO! We got a bit of a problem to talk about! Jimmy Riley: Can it wait until later? Harvey Q. Birdman: Afraid not, Jimbo. It's pretty bad here. Jimmy Riley: Oh god. Harvey Q. Birdman: So I can't help but remind you guys we gave away The Autumn Effect 2 for free! On top of that, we funneled a bunch of money into this pay per view, and we've been trying to keep ticket prices down so our usual crowd and then some can come to the arena for these past couple shows! Jimmy Riley: All of this sounds accurate. Harvey Q. Birdman: And we just paid to make sure we're all going to Japan. Jimmy Riley: You're astute there, Harv. Harvey Q. Birdman: We're also all almost broke. Jimmy Riley: ....what. Harvey Q. Birdman: Jimbo, look at all the money we've spent! We've spent more than we're making. Thankfully we covered it with the surplus. Thankfully, I've got a solution. Jimmy Riley: What's that? Harvey Q. Birdman: We've got to go back to the RIMAC. Jimmy ponders this for a moment, rubbing his chin as he thinks about it. Jimmy Riley: So that's it? Harvey Q. Birdman: That's it. Jimmy Riley: That's not the worst solution I've heard. Harvey Q. Birdman: It was that or we turn into a drug smuggling cartel, which would then give me more work, and more legal work means that I'll have a raging bo-- Jimmy Riley: I think we'll just go back to the RIMAC, Harvey. Thanks. Harvey Q. Birdman: You got it, boss! Harvey salutes Riley as Jimmy sighs, leaning back in his chair as we cut back to Dick and Seth. Dick Morosi: It’s been a Hell of an evening here at the Staples Center, full of pomp, circumstance, and tremendous action, but up next, it’s the one we’ve all been waiting for. Seth Ericson: Just a few short months ago, Chris Strike, with help from virtually the entire EXODUS and Revolution Wrestling rosters, overcame the united might of Chuck Matthews, HATE, and Gods & Monsters to bury Christum Furor alive and win the EXODUS Pro World Championship. Earlier that very evening, Abby Park buried perhaps the longest running rivalry in EXODUS by making Johnny Cannon say two words, five letters: “I Quit.” Dick Morosi: In doing so, Abby made herself number one contender to the title Chris Strike holds. Abby Park wrestled in the first match in EXODUS history, on December 16, 2012 - over two years ago. Her last - and until now, only - shot at the title that she challenges for tonight was against Fiona Collins on March 10, 2013. That match went to a no-contest due to the interference of LEGION, and that fact alone shows you just how long it’s been since Abby’s gotten a shot at the biggest prize we have to offer. She’s an EXODUS original, and even Johnny Cannon, a man who DESPISES her these days, recently said on Twitter that it’s essentially a joke that she hasn’t gotten another title shot by now, and I’d have to be inclined to agree with that sentiment. Seth Ericson: Abby Park defeated Angela Jameson and Zack Lifer, only to fall to the chicanery of Aries Reed on our last broadcast. On that same show, though, Abby delivered a statement to Chris Strike - she’s coming to take his title. She’s not coming here to be his V1 defense, and when she hit the Gourd-Head on the World Champion and picked that title belt up, she served notice to the world. To most of the EXODUS faithful, Park may well be the underdog tonight - but that is a position from which she has done some of her best work in this company. If Chris Strike has the temerity to underestimate the Seoul Train, he’s walking out of the Staples Center fifteen pounds lighter. It’s that simple. Dick Morosi: The chances of Chris underestimating Abby are zero, Seth. He’s in the form of a lifetime. Strike’s run a crazy gauntlet since the Autumn Effect 2, defeating Justin Brooks, Lexy Chapel, and Johnny Cannon back to back to back. That’s a good CAREER for lesser competitors. Autumn Effect 2 marked the end of his own, over year long odyssey to get back into the World Title picture, and he is going to do everything in his power tonight to not have that dream ended at the first hurdle. Seth Ericson: Tonight, there’s no blood feud. There’s no battle for the heart and soul of EXODUS. There’s just two competitors, Abby Park and Chris Strike, who want to determine who this company’s standard bearer is going to be as we continue into a bright 2015. This has all the makings of a classic, friends, so let’s go up to our ring announcer, Mr. David Zinkus, for the particulars of our main event! The lights dim to near-darkness in the Staples Center. A video starts to play on the monitors; a silent close-up shot of a green colored bottle of alcohol is shown. A hand grabs the bottle and gives it a spin. Inside, the alcohol swirls like a tornado. Cut to black as Hangul characters for 'Abby Park' slide into frame, with her name spelled out in English underneath the characters. The bottle returns and is held sideways as an elbow collides with the base of the bottle. Another cut to black as the sounds of the bottle being opened play; more Hangul characters, this time with 'An Exodus Pro Production' written underneath them. The video resumes with the opened bottle of alcohol, focused on the neck. Two fingers spread in a wide-V shape thrust forward, the bottle neck colliding with the skin in-between the spread fingers; the contact causes sprinkled droplets of alcohol to splash out of the bottle. Another fade to black as the sounds of liquor being poured plays. The Hangul characters this time have 'DEAD IN HOLLYWOOD' written underneath in a red font. When the video comes back up, it shows Abby Park holding a shot glass of soju; she shoots it down in one go, then chases it by popping the top of can of beer and drinking. As the video ends, the funky-jazzy sounds of 'Red Car Boogie' by Michael Gibbs begins to play. And as the boogie continues, a lone figure appears on the stage, wearing a brown collared shirt with the buttons undone to reveal the white undershirt underneath. Inspector 'Soju' Park stands at the ready, a white bandage over her right eyebrow, a toothpick in her mouth, a gun in her hand and a baby cradled in her free hand.. Her face is covered in freshly dried cuts and scrapes. In front of her is a wheeled stretcher. Chewing on the toothpick, 'Soju' Park takes a look out at the crowd, who are giving a warm reception to the Inspector, and starts her descent towards the destination when - An explosion rocks the house. An eruption of pyro behind 'Soju' Park causes the police officer to dive onto the stretcher as the jazzy beats are replaced with the tense beats of "MOTORCADE" also by Michael Gibbs. Park is on her non-baby holding side as the stretcher begins rolling down the ramp. The music picks up its tense stride as Park aims the guns skyward; a pull of the trigger causes an explosion of pyro to erupt just past where the stretcher had rolled. These pyrotechnics also come with the sound of a gun firing straight out of a '92 Hong Kong action flick, as well as the sound of glass shattering as if a body had been thrown through it. The stretcher continues its descent, with 'Soju' Park continuing to fire at non-existent targets, each pull of the trigger resulting in the chaotic explosion of pyro and glass. The stretcher reaches its destination, colliding with the ring. 'Soju' gets to her feet, standing atop the device used for hospital purposes. As she stands, she looks out at the crowd again right before spitting her toothpick onto the floor below. 'Soju' steps off the stretcher and hands the swaddled baby, with cotton in his ears, to a couple in the front row. Her work complete, Inspector Park walks towards the ring, and does a short lap, letting her index finger glide along the apron until she stops, smiles, and climbs the steps her finger led her to. 'Soju' then continues to climb onto the turnbuckle, giving a final look out at the crowd. Park again aims her weapon as she jumps from the top rope into the ring. In mid-air she squeezes the trigger and at the ramp is an explosion of pyro as if a hospital had just been blown to bits with C4. Inspector 'Soju' Park lands on her side and quickly scrambles to her feet. The gun gets tossed aside along with the collared shirt, discarding both as the music, and thus the big case, comes to a definitive close. Dick Morosi: She looks ready, folks. Abby Park standing in the middle of the ring, awaiting her opposition in what has to be the biggest match of her career. Seth Ericson: Absolutely, Dick. And she has two big weapons in the tank that she can use to win that championship - we saw the Gourd-Head, that jumping superkick, on EXPRO on FX #28. She hit Strike flush with it, and if she can do that tonight, we’re looking at a new champion. She also has the Cropduster, a fireman’s carry facebuster - and lest you think she can’t hit it on Chris Strike, a man nearly one-hundred pounds heavier than her, you might want to think again, because Abby packs a surprising amount of power into her 5’5”, 118 lbs. Either of her biggest weapons are fair game tonight against the War Machine, and either is fully capable of ending his title reign. Dick Morosi: Speaking of ‘him,’ though, here comes our champion. [CHAMPION’S ENTRANCE] Dick Morosi: And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the standard-bearer of EXODUS. Seth Ericson: And he’s proving it week in and week out, too. Tonight, though, he’s got to prove it once again, and with his beloved championship on the line. Dick Morosi: Strike has two primary weapons that he uses to end contests. The Narukami is a double knee facebreaker, and it can come out of practically nowhere. It has put down a HUGE list of the best this company has to offer. The Relampago is a full-nelson Lungblower, a move that can drive the air from an opponent and work the back of an injured foe. And if all else fails, we’ve seen the Ultima WEAPON - and even after seeing it, I still can’t describe it. The ever dapper David Zinkus stands resplendent in his tux, commanding the center of the ring with his usual aplomb. David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, this contest is scheduled for one fall, with a sixty minute time limit, and it is YOUR main event of the evening, for the EXODUS PRO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! When the bell rings, the woman in charge of the action is EXODUS Senior Official, Katie Hanneman! As the camera zooms in on Miss Hanneman (a helpful chyron pointing her out for those watching on iPPV), her ubiquitous sock puppet happily chats in the direction of some front row fans - but soon enough, even Katie will also be all business. David Zinkus: And now, the participants! Introducing first, in the corner to my right! She comes to us from Nashville, Tennessee! She stands five feet, five inches tall, and weighs in at one-hundred and eighteen pounds! She is the challenger...ladies and gentlemen...THIS IS THE SEOUL TRAAAAAAIIIIIIIIN…..ABBBBYYYYY PAAAAAARK! The challenger raises a fist in the air to acknowledge the roar from the capacity crowd in the Staples Center. A moment later, she’s back in her corner, stretching out, limbering up, and getting ready for the fight of her life. David Zinkus: And, her opponent! Zinkus lets the moment breathe for a moment, getting another quick roar out of the crowd, before continuing on with his introductions. David Zinkus: In the corner to my left, he stands five feet, eleven inches tall, and weighs in at two-hundred and fifteen pounds! Coming to us from Denver, Colorado, by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil, tonight, he makes his FIRST defense of the championship that he earned at the Autumn Effect 2 by ending the New Age of Christum Furor! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the EXODUS Pro World Champion...THE WAR MACHINE...CHRIISSSSSS SSSTRRRRIIIIIKE! The World Champion steps forward and raises his title high overhead with both hands, before letting the belt fall to his shoulder as Katie beckons both champion and challenger forward for their final instructions. She asks Strike for the title belt, and he obliges. Hannemann shows the title to Abby, who looks at it for a long, long moment, before smiling and nodding her head, allowing Katie to raise the belt high overhead for all to see. Dick Morosi: Anything else before Katie sounds the bell, Seth? Seth Ericson: They say styles make fights - and I think that’s going to make this one Hell of a fight. Abby Park is going to hit Chris Strike in the mouth. There’s no other way to say it - that’s who she is, and the skillset thats he brings to the table. Strike’s more than willing to trade blows, but he’s a technical striker. Park has technical training, but I’ve got to think she wants to make this a fight and get Strike out of the mindset of clapping on holds. IF she can turn this into a brawl, I like the challenger’s chances. If Strike resists temptation and takes Abby off her feet, I think the champion retains. The official of record asks both competitors if they’re ready to go, standing mere feet away from one another. Both champion and challenger nod, and so Katie turns to the timekeeper. After handing him the belt, she signals for the start of the main event. With the belt safely secured at the timekeeper’s table, the bell rings. *DING DING DING!*Dick Morosi: And we’re-- At the bell, Strike lunges forward immediately. He tanks the pawing palm strike that Abby Park throws out to test the distance, leaping in the air and hooking his hands behind the head of the challenger, falling back to DRIVE both knees into the challenger’s face with the move that has dropped dozens in Strike’s illustrious career. Seth Ericson: NARUKAMI! STRIKE GOT IT! HE GOT ALL OF IT! The War Machine quickly rolls Abby Park off of his knees to her back, and makes the cover, cinching the leg tightly. Dick Morosi: This thing may be over ten seconds in! ONE! TWO! THR--NO! SHOULDER UP! Seth Ericson: Two! Two only! Park got the shoulder up, but she’s got to be wondering what on Earth just happened! Strike’s come out hyper aggressive from the opening bell, and Park’s more tentative start almost cost her this match! Strike’s aggression continues, as he pulls Abby back up to her feet. He locks in a half-nelson, Park able to fight off the other arm for several seconds as she drives towards the ropes, but Chris gets the other half-nelson in, completing the full-nelson. Dick Morosi: This looks like Relampago - and if he hits it, the move name will be accurate, as this match will be over, lightning-fast! Park, though, leaps in the air before Chris can drive backwards, planting both of her feet on the top rope, and driving backwards. She lands on top of Strike’s chest, driving the wind from him and breaking his grip. This allows Abby to roll backwards and free herself. On hands and knees, Abby carefully watches as Chris Strike gets back to his feet. Once he’s a hair shy of vertical, she lunges, leaping in the air to plant the sole of her boot on the War Machine’s jaw! Seth Ericson: The Seoul Train countered! Relampago rolled through into the Gourd-Head! It is Park’s turn to make her cover, cinching a leg deep, and trying to get as much of her weight over Strike’s shoulders as possible. ONE! TWO! THR--NO! SHOULDER! Dick Morosi: Strike gets the shoulder up! Both competitors have dodged major, MAJOR bullets, and we’re barely a minute into the contest! Abby Park returns to her feet after the kickout, wearing a slightly sheepish, but no less intense look on her face. Perhaps seeing what Strike’s haste to follow up nearly cost him, she takes a few steps back, holding a line in the center of the ring. Chris is to his knees moments later, wearing a similar look on his face. Seth Ericson: Both were SO close, the champion to retaining his title, and the challenger to winning it! Park motions for the Brazilian to bring it on, the smile on her face only deepening. It’s an invitation that the World Champion is more than happy to accept, and he pops up to his feet, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully, as the pair begin to circle one another. Dick Morosi: What we’ve just seen illustrated quite clearly just how quick this match can end! Both competitors have big weapons that can come from virtually nowhere and need very little space to execute. Abby and Chris lock up, neither champion nor challenger giving any quarter. After several moments of struggle, they break the tie up, and circle once more. Each looks for an opening, before Strike spins on a dime, a rolling kesagiri chop catching Abby in the chest, and knocking her back a step. Chris pounces, a big Mongolian chop knocking Park back into the corner. The War Machine doesn’t let up, executing a pair of sharp European uppercuts as Katie moves in to get the break, one that Strike gives. Rubbing her jaw, Park comes out of the corner, determination written all over her face. Seth Ericson: Let’s not forget that Chris Strike is one heck of a, well, striker as well. He’s more technically proficient than Abby, and throws a bigger variety, but he can definitely fight Park - as long as he doesn’t let the Korean-American challenger turn this into her sort of fight. Strike motions for Abby to bring on the fight, and she obliges - shooting a crude double-leg takedown and mounting the World Champion! Chris tries to cover up as Abby begins to throw hands, straights, hooks, and hammerfists trying to find their way through the champion’s defenses, two big hammerfists bouncing off his forehead as Katie steps in. Abby, too, gives the clean break, but she gestures to the capacity crowd as she does so. The Staples Center gives her an approving roar, and Chris Strike is back on his feet moments later to continue the fight. Dick Morosi: He is, but I really do think his best chance is to out-wrestle the Seoul Train. The War Machine feints in, and ducks underneath a Park strike to grab a rear waistlock. Dodging side to side as Park tries to back elbow her way out of the predicament, Strike lifts her bodily in the air, taking her down to the canvas. The World Champion holds the position, reaching one arm up to half-nelson the challenger. Park reaches up with her other hand to try and stop the lock, but Strike uses his half-nelson grip and the single-armed waistlock to hoist Abby back up. Seth Ericson: Strike’s gonna try and suplex her out of the half-nelson! The champion pops his hips, and Abby goes flying head over heels. There’s too much force, though, and Park executes a perfect four point landing, on hands and knees, and charges the War Machine. One problem - Strike pivots on a heel, and knocks the challenger into next week with a SHOTEI to the butt of the jaw! Dick Morosi: Good LORD! Seth Ericson: Abby got caught! Strike saw her coming out of the corner of his eye, and DRILLED her with the palm to the chin! Strike wastes no time going for the cover, hooking one of Abby’s legs. ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! Dick Morosi: Solid two count for the War Machine. This is what he has to do. He needs to wear Abby down, grind away relentlessly. If he can use his size and technique advantage, I think there’s a damned good chance of him retaining tonight. The crowd shows its appreciation for both grapplers as Strike lifts Abby to her feet. Butterflying both arms, he lifts her in the air and then lets her fall, extending his knee to complete the double-underhook backbreaker! As Abby groans in pain, Chris grabs hold of both of Park’s legs, trying to twist her over for an elevated Boston Crab. Park wants no part of this, though, leaning forward and grabbing hold of both of Chris’ ankles to make turning her over harder. Chris gives up on the attempt - by simply taking both legs and pushing them down, hard, causing Abby to land stomach-first on the mat. With the challenger down, Strike sees his chance, clapping on a tight Fujiwara armbar. Seth Ericson: Strike mixing up his submission attempts here in the early going. I don’t think he expects to beat Abby with this - but it DOES let him make her carry his weight and potentially give her another angle of attack to worry about as the match goes on. Their positioning is close enough to the ropes that Park can simply stretch out a leg and get it on the bottom strand. Strike gives the break immediately, but stays on Abby, dragging his challenger to the middle of the ring. Park surges to her knees, and fires off a pair of sharp strikes to the abdomen, doubling the champion over. Abby grabs a front facelock, looking for a DDT, but Strike shifts his weight to block. The War Machine wraps both arms around her waist, and lifts up, bridging back with a textbook Northern Lights Suplex! ONE! TWO! NO! SHOULDER UP! Dick Morosi: Chris is wrestling an EXCELLENT bout so far - the exception of getting Gourd-Headed being notable. He’s got Abby off guard, and he’s been able to impose his will on this matchup. Strike Irish whips Park into the far corner, and follows her in. Leaving his feet, he looks for the spinwheel kick, but Abby manages to quickly slip out to the apron, leaving Strike to land in an awkward heap in the corner! Abby quickly climbs the turnbuckle, taking careful aim as Chris works his way back up. Once he does, Abby leaps, landing astride Strike’s shoulders and driving him down to the mat with the seated senton! She hooks both legs, leaning forward to try and hold him down for three. Seth Ericson: Nashville Shores! Park hit the seated senton! ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! Dick Morosi: But Park can turn the tide just that fast, folks! Strike doesn’t get a moment’s respite in this contest. Strike is up quickly after the kickout, but so is Abby. Park ducks down and scoops the champion up on her shoulders in a fireman’s carry. Seth Ericson: Cropduster! The challenger’s looking for her trump card! Dick Morosi: And, as advertised, she can sure as Hell get Chris Strike up for it! Struggling on her shoulders, the War Machine manages to slip down and behind Abby. Before the challenger can react, Strike hooks a full nelson, and pops his hips, executing a picture-perfect Dragon suplex, landing Park high on her shoulders and neck. Seth Ericson: Strike’s holding the bridge! And THAT, of course, means Katie has to drop to count. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! SHOULDER UP! Chris Strike, though, rolls WITH the risen shoulder, keeping the full nelson locked in, and using his size advantage to drag Abby back to her feet on the roll-through. Dick Morosi: Strike’s holding on! This is ROLLING Dragon suplexes! I don’t know if Park’s neck can take another; Chris almost folded it in half on the first one! The World Champion tightens the hold, to ensure that he has a good grip, and then takes Park up and over again! This time, the bridge isn’t perfect, and he has to adjust to keep it, pushing back to make sure both of Abby’s shoulders are down. ONE! TWO! THR-NOOOOOO! Strike can only nod, and roll through once more, pulling an increasingly dead-weight Park up for one more bite at the apple. Seth Ericson: Remember, folks, Strike weighs almost two times what Abby does! If Park can’t stop Strike from executing these suplexes, Chris can just do this ALL NIGHT until she’s unconscious and can’t kick out! Strike looks for the third Dragon suplex, but Park raises her arms vertical and drops straight down! She hooks her legs under Chris’ armpits, and grabs the ankles, rolling forward to trap the champion in a pinning cradle! ONE! TWO! THR--NO! STRIKE KICKS FREE! Dick Morosi: Park almost just snatched victory from the jaws of defeat! She went dead-weight on Strike, made him use more of his energy, maybe lulled him into a false sense of security! Seth Ericson: She’s in a bad way, though. She’s gonna need to capitalize on this! Put together a flurry, because Strike’s been able to use his power edge to great effect thus far. Both champion and challenger return to a vertical base. Strike headhunts with a big roundhouse kick, that Park deftly ducks. Stepping in close to close the distance between them, she hoists Strike up on her shoulders again. Wincing, she pushes the lower body of the EXODUS Pro World Champion off, then grabs his head with both hands, using it to drive Strike face first into the canvas! Dick Morosi: CROPDUSTER! Park got her move! Abby rolls Strike over to his back. Grabbing hold of the War Machine’s leg, she pulls back, rolling her weight over the shoulders, as many in the Staples Center count along with possible history. ONE! TWO! THR--NOOOO! TWO POINT NINE! Seth Ericson: Strike kicked out! The War Machine’s survived the Cropduster! Coupled with the Gourd-Head from earlier...he’s taken both of Abby’s best shots and lived to tell the tale! Park looks at Katie - who holds up two fingers. Rather than get frustrated, though, Abby simply measures the champion as he makes his way up to his knees. Kicking isn’t usually the Seoul Train’s game, but she lights up the chest of the champion with some stiff shots. She follows up with two, stinging knife-edge chops that echo throughout the Staples Center and draw some strong “ooh”s. Dick Morosi: Abby’s opening up the arsenal now! The Gourd-Head and Cropduster may be her finishers, but it’s her hands that have brought her to the dance, and she’s letting them go on the champion of the world! She adds her elbows, too, throwing a straight elbow smash to the face that snaps Strike’s head back. Front facelocking the kneeling Strike, Abby drops down, executing a quick short DDT that spikes Strike on the crown of his head! Chris’ body flops over to the side, and Park moves quickly to execute another cover. ONE! TWO! THR--NO! SHOULDER UP! Seth Ericson: Park’s pressing now with everything she’s got! Strike tries to shake out the cobwebs, but Abby is on him, stomping away at the champion. She uses the flat of her boot, driving it right into Strike’s sternum, then his stomach. She follows with three quick, hard stomps to the face, before backing up to measure Strike once more. Dick Morosi: I think she wants the Gourd-Head again! If she lands it clean, she can knock Chris Strike clean out and negate any chance of a kickout! The World Champion crawls towards Abby, on his belly. Park looks at him curiously - but if nothing else, it prevents her from being able to execute the Gourd-Head cleanly. Strike reaches Abby, grabbing onto her knee pads, trying to pull himself back up. In the moment of confusion that buys him, Strike surges to his feet and leaps. Park realizes what he has in mind, too late, and she eats both knees to the jaw, courtesy of Strike’s falling double-knee jawbreaker! The impact sends Abby Park almost airborne, into the ropes, half of her body leaning over the top rope, threatening to fall out of the ring. Until, that is, Chris Strike dives to grab hold of one of Park’s boots, dragging her back into the squared circle. Once again, Strike hooks a full nelson, but this time, he leaps, planting both of his knees into the small of Abby’s back as he falls, impaling the challenger on the way down! Seth Ericson: STRIKE GOT THE NARUKAMI, RIGHT INTO THE RELAMPAGO! THE WORLD CHAMPION HIT HIS TWO KILLSHOTS BACK TO BACK! Park’s body rolls off of Strike’s knees to the canvas, as the World Champion slowly sits up. Chris rolls Abby over, cradling the leg tightly, waiting for the sweet, sweet sound of three slaps of hand on mat to end the evening. Dick Morosi: Strike’s done it! ONE! TWO! THRE--NO! FOOT ON THE ROPE! Seth Ericson: Not yet he’s not! Park got her boot on the bottom rope! Chris Strike looks up to see the offending boot - and promptly grabs it, hooking BOTH legs this time! ONE! TWO! THR--NO! SHOULDER UP BY THE SEOUL TRAIN! Dick Morosi: PARK’S STILL KICKING! She survived two pinfall attempts off of Strike’s one-two punch! Seth Ericson: And Chris Strike looks like he’s seen a ghost! I think he’d have bet his life on the Narukami-Relampago combination being enough to make his first defense a successful one! Chris can’t take time to mope, though. All he can do is pick himself up and go forward. WIth Park still in a bad way, the EXODUS World Champion makes his way out to the ring apron. Slowly but steadily, he ascends to the top rope. Dick Morosi: What does our champion have in mind from up top? Seth Ericson: He throws a hell of a missile dropkick, but he’s got to get moving! Abby Park is -- --somehow, someway, on her feet. Wobbly as heck, but on her feet nonetheless. And before Strike can realize what’s happened, she lunges forward and drills him with an open palm in the stomach that knocks the air out of the War Machine. Seth Ericson: Park nailed Strike in the gut with that big palm strike! She’s going up after him! Indeed, the Nashville native climbs the turnbuckle, catching Chris in the face with a hard right hand. Strike retaliates with a punch of his own, and both champion and challenger exchange blows with one hand, while trying to hold on with their other. Dick Morosi: If anyone falls, that could be the match! These two have already been waging war for almost fifteen minutes! Strike eats a short backfist from the challenger, which sends him reeling. Abby, meanwhile steps all the way up to the top rope, ducking her head underneath the arm of the EXODUS World Champion. Gritting her teeth, Abby picks him up, hoisting him in a fireman’s carry, as the crowd promptly goes ballistic. Seth Ericson: No way! No chance! She can’t possibly keep her balance like this! Dick Morosi: I don’t think she even has room for it! She...this is Cropduster position, but… As Park struggles with Strike on her shoulders, she spins around as she steps off the turnbuckle. With her 180 degree spin, she’s able to push Strike’s lower body off of her shoulders, grabbing hold of the champion’s head and driving it down into the canvas with the facebuster to a HUGE roar from the EXODUS faithful! Seth Ericson: SHE GOT IT! I DON’T KNOW HOW! Dick Morosi: THE CROPDUSTER! TOP ROPE CROPDUSTER! CHRIS STRIKE JUST GOT DRILLED! Operating on adrenaline, Park blocks out the pain from her own landing, and crawls over to Chris. She rolls Strike over, and hooks the leg, cinching it tightly with both hands. Seth Ericson: NEW CHAMPION! ONE! TWO! THRE--NO!! Dick Morosi: NO! Not yet, at least! Katie’s saying two! Strike got his shoulder up, but how, I have no goddamned clue! Seth Ericson: Abby’s in SHOCK! She can’t believe it - Hell, *I* can’t believe it! Strike was dead to rights! The look on Abby’s face remains astonished, but she grimly pulls herself back to her feet, measuring Strike as his hands claw at the mat, desperately, gamely trying to get himself back up. Dick Morosi: She’s circling for the kill now! One more move, Abby! One more move, and Strike’s done for! By the time Strike is on a knee, Park stops circling. She comes from the side, to try and avoid detection, leaping in the air and extending her leg down at an angle, looking to take Chris’ head off and secure her first world title. Seth Ericson: GOURD-HE-- A desperate Strike lunges, raising both hands, and catching Abby’s foot! Park is too stunned to react, as Strike yanks - HARD. The big pull takes Abby’s other leg out from under her, landing her flat on her stomach. Chris continues to pull backwards, dragging her to center ring. The War Machine crosses her legs, and then steps over, kneeling over her and locking both arms around her, hands locked under the chin, to complete the STF! Dick Morosi: LUMINAIRE CLUTCH! This has been a match of counter-moves, and the World Champion may have just checkmated his challenger! Park reaches around, clawing at the hands around her chin, trying even to pry the fingers apart as Chris cranks back on the submission hold. She manages to loosen one of Strike’s hands, and throws a SHARP back elbow that catches him square on the bridge of the nose. It stuns the War Machine, and Abby wastes no time, crawling forward towards the sanctity of the ropes. Strike, though, still has the leg grapevine, and though Park manages to drag him forward, he’s able to use it as leverage to re-apply the crossface. Seth Ericson: Abby bought herself a few moments, but they may be just that - moments! Dick Morosi: Park got closer to the ropes, though! She’s not in the middle of the ring, now, so the ropes are a viable option to save herself! Seth Ericson: Not with the way Strike’s cranking down on that! Abby Park has given him everything he could ask for, and then some! The Clutch is his way out of LA with the title intact! Abby’s fingernails dig into the canvas, scratching and clawing to try and drag herself the shorter distance towards the ropes. Chris leans on her harder, trying to prevent her from making it, until finally, Abby’s fingertips land on the bottom rope, and Katie is right there, to put the count on Strike. To his credit, he breaks immediately, leaving a pained Abby to try and suck in oxygen as she rolls out to the apron. Dick Morosi: SO close! Strike almost had it, but Abby is just REFUSING to die tonight! Seth Ericson: So is our champion, though. Both Abby Park and Chris Strike letting everything out of the playbooks here in the main event of Dead in Hollywood! Strike racks his brain for something to deal with the South Korean, as Park pulls herself up with the aid of the ropes, pain written all over her face. Finally, grimly, Chris steps out to the apron, throwing a quick, sharp knee to the gut that doubles Park over and draws an audible gasp from the challenger. Dick Morosi: I don’t like this a damn bit, Seth. Seth Ericson: These two have thrown the kitchen sink at one another, so I wouldn’t be-- ‘ The War Machine hooks a front facelock, and cradles Abby’s left leg. A moment later, he has his hands locked, as front row fans gasp in unison, realizing what the World Champion’s looking for. Dick Morosi: You can’t be serious… Seth Ericson: Strike’s gonna lay the hammer down! And if he DOES, I don’t think Thor himself would be getting up from it! The move in question, of course, is Mjolnir, Strike’s spinning Fisherman’s DDT. He elevates Park, and spins around, DRIVING the challenger head-first into the ring apron! Strike’s own back bounces off the edge of the ring as he delivers the move, and he screams in agony as his body falls off the apron to the mats at ringside, right alongside his now non-moving challenger. Dick Morosi: They’re done! They’re both done! Seth Ericson: That LANDING! I...you might be right, Dick. Park’s head just bounced off the hardest part of the ring...but to deliver that move, Strike had to angle himself awkwardly! That ring apron just almost broke him in half on his landing! Katie Hannemann, meanwhile, looks at the scene with concern. By the book official or not, there’s no way she wants Dead in Hollywood’s main event to end on a double countout. At the same time, though, with that landing...both competitors might well be in serious need of medical attention. The only way to find out? Do her job. “ONE!” Dick Morosi: Katie’s putting the count on both champion and challenger here! “TWO!” The World Champion is the only competitor moving, as he struggles to get himself into something resembling a coherent position. He crawls towards the ring stairs, and then turns around, sitting up and propping himself against the steps, agony on his face. “THREE!” Seth Ericson: Look at the look on Strike’s face, folks! That man is in in more pain that I can possibly imagine right now! “FOUR!” Abby Park, meanwhile, is still motionless, face-down in a heap on the protective mats, dead to the world. Strike grimaces, trying to stand up with the steps for help. “FIVE!” Dick Morosi: If Strike can get back in the ring, he’s got this thing won! Seth Ericson: That’s true -- but he also may already have retained his title! Strike keeps the World Championship on a double countout! I’ve got to wonder if that played into his thought process with that HUGE gamble on the apron! “SIX!” Dick Morosi: I’d be inclined to say no to that, Seth. Abby’s pushed him to the limit - I think he thought he HAD to do something big like that to put her away - and it may well have done just that! “SEVEN!” Chris Strike gingerly rolls in under the bottom rope, practically crawling to the center of the ring. When he gets there, he forces himself to stand, a roar erupting from his throat. He’s hurt, possibly seriously, but the War Machine is on his feet, ready for however much longer this might last. “EIGHT!” According to Katie’s count, that’s about two more seconds. Seth Ericson: Well, whatever the case, Chris Strike’s about to retain the World Championship! Dick Morosi: And it took just about everything in perhaps the most impressive arsenal in EXODUS to do it, too! Abby Park is quadruple tough. “NINE!” A huge, bellicose roar goes up from the EXODUS faithful. But it’s not to celebrate Chris Strike’s successful V1 defense. No, it’s to laud the fact that Abby Park, EXODUS’ own overcomer of the odds, forgotten about by even the company’s own commentary team, quietly and successfully rolling back into the ring at the count of nine, to the astonishment of everyone. Especially Katie Hannemann. And especially, especially Chris Strike, who for a moment bears a look on his face that makes it look like Martians just landed in the middle of the ring and challenged him to a World Championship match. Seth Ericson: ...that woman is not human, folks. Dick Morosi: ABBY PARK IS ALIVE! SHE WILL NOT GIVE UP! SHE WILL NOT GIVE IN! Seth Ericson: And her beating the count changes things IMMENSELY! Chris Strike’s back may be GONE! He’s trying not to let Park see, but how long can he hide that piece of information from the Seoul Train? As Park pulls herself to her feet, the War Machine takes a deep breath, and charges. Seeing a woozy Abby who just barely survived getting dropped on her skull on the apron, he wants to end things - now. Strike leaps, going to press both of his knees to Abby’s chin, looking for the Narukami, but this time, Abby manages to grab on to the top rope with both of her hands. Her strength helps her block, and Chris can’t take her over, leading to the World Champion falling to the mat, flat on his back, another yell of pain that he can’t hide escaping his throat. Park’s ears perk right up - as she grabs both of Strike’s legs, and flips over with an uncharacteristic bridging pinning predicament! Dick Morosi: Narukami denied! Strike’s shoulders are down! Abby’s got the weight stacked just right! ONE! TWO! THREE-NOOOOOO~! Seth Ericson: Shoulder’s up! Strike squeaked it up at the eleventh hour, but if you notice, he ROLLED it up! He couldn’t get the strength to kick out! It’s not a fact lost on the challenger, either, who quickly makes her way up to the second turnbuckle on the inside, clasping her hands together. She pays careful attention as Strike rolls over to his stomach, to make it easier for him to pull himself up to his feet with the injury. Unfortunately for the War Machine, this plays right into Park’s hopes. Abby flies off the top ropes, driving her hands into the small of Strike’s back with a big double-axehandle! She wastes no time, rolling Strike over to his back, and cinching the leg deep, stacking her slight weight over the champion’s shoulders. ONE! TWO! THR--NO! KICKOUT! Strike, this time, is forced to actually kick out of the pinfall. He grits his teeth even as he does, clutching his fists in pain. Dick Morosi: How bad off is Strike right now? Seth Ericson: I...honestly don’t know! He’s hurt, we know that much for sure. It could be “just” back spasms or the muscle knotting up on him - I say “just,” but either of those makes trying to wrestle a match pure Hell. Dick Morosi: Abby’s got to be hurting too, though. Since she ate that SICK spinning fisherman’s DDT on the apron, she’s kept things more basic than usual - that rollup off the Narukami attempt excepted. Seth Ericson: I don’t know if that’s a symbol of her being hurt, or of her being smart. She KNOWS Strike’s hurt! She just has to unlock the combination that puts Chris Strike down for a count of three or makes him submit - which is easier said than done, of course! Chris works his way over to the corner, pulling himself up with the ropes. Abby, meanwhile, can’t help but allow herself a tight grin. Dick Morosi: Challenger stalking champion here! Strike doesn’t see her, which is bad, bad news for the War Machine. As Strike gets up, Abby breaks for the buckles at a dead run. She leaves the ground, one knee raised in the air, looking to drive the Seoul Train into the battered back of the World Champion. At the last possible moment, though, Strike drops down to the seat of his pants, leaving Abby’s knee to fly overhead and drive into the top turnbuckle! Abby falls to the canvas, clutching at the injured knee, as Chris Strike looks on, seeing his chance. Seth Ericson: The Seoul Train’s been derailed! Park’s knee bounced off the turnbuckle - and folks, that’s solid steel under that cute thin padding. It’s Park’s turn to grit her teeth in pain and gamely struggle her way back up, hobbling around as best she can. Strike closes his eyes momentarily, trying to force himself to block out the pain as he crawls over to Abby and grabs hold of the bad leg. Park hops around on the good wheel, trying to get enough balance to throw an enzuigiri. Too late, though, as Chris Strike winces and torques his body to twist and wrench at Park’s knee with a vicious Dragon Screw Leg Whip! Dick Morosi: Strike’s found his opening, and he’s attacking it furiously! Seth Ericson: This might be his last chance! Park KNOWS the back’s hurt! She knows Strike’s in utter agony - Chris needs to end this before Abby can get back to work on the bullseye on the small of the World Champion’s back! Strike immediately makes his way over to Park’s body, and seizes hold of the good leg. Stepping over and around it, he quickly manages to apply the time-honored figure-four leglock, using the bent leg to apply the pressure on the straight, injured leg. Dick Morosi: It’s the figure-four! This is where Strike’s technical edge comes into play - Park doesn’t have the submission stylings to punish the back of the champion, so she has to strike away! That CAN work, but Chris Strike has the figure four in the dead center of the ring! Abby’s first, instinctual counter is a hard, right hand to the face of the World Champion. Strike moves to lean back, but as he does so, he groans, realizing that staying out of the reach of the brawler also taxes his back. Strike leans all the way back, cranking on the hold for all he’s got, in an effort to keep his back in better shape. ONE! TWO! And at almost the last moment, he realizes that his shoulders are down on the canvas, and he promptly sits back up. This, naturally, brings him into the range of a hurt Abby Park, who lashes out with a left hand to the face. This time, Strike grimaces, but plants one hand behind him on the mat, using the other to crank the figure-four, and dares her to hit him again. She obliges, another straight left to the face that snaps Strike’s head back, but he shakes his head in defiance, and cranks harder! Park’s hands go into her hair, tugging at it in agony, and her shoulders fall to the mat. Just as she was for Strike, Katie is right there to count. ONE! TWO! THR--NO! SHOULDER UP! Seth Ericson: Chris Strike’s punishing the knee! Abby Park’s screaming in pain in the middle of the ring! Park tries to roll the move over, but Strike’s braced hand gives him stability, even if it means he can’t crank quite as hard on the ankle to put more pressure on the lock of the figure-four. With no other recourse, and the agony of the figure-four setting in, Abby Park sets her jaw, and sits straight up. She fires off a thrust to the throat of the War Machine, who winces, but does not give in. A double slap to the chest follows, as does an elbow smash to the bridge of the nose, and yet the World Champion continues to take it, continues to absorb the punishment. Finally, a desperate Park feints left, but goes right, driving a straight backfist into Strike’s temple. The blow knocks him loopy enough for Park to seize the moment, reaching down to untangle their legs as best she can, pulling herself free of the figure four. Abby scoots backwards on her backside, her face a mask of pain, not yet wanting to test her knee. Dick Morosi: Abby’s in a bad way now as well! Both competitors just trying to survive here! Both champion and challenger trying to persevere as best they can. Park pulls herself to her feet, hobbling around a bit on the injured leg. As Abby shakes the leg out, Chris Strike shakes the cobwebs out and gets back to his own feet. With laserlike focus, he moves in. This time, he grabs hold of the good leg, forcing Abby to stand on only the bad one - and promptly her leg buckles, the challenger falling to the canvas. Seth Ericson: She can’t put much weight on that leg! This is it! Strike’s dragging her back to the center! Indeed, the War Machine drags her by the good leg right back to the center of the ring. Once again, he looks for the figure-four, but as he stoops to complete it, Abby grabs hold of the head, rolling him up with an inside cradle! ONE! TWO! THREE! Strike’s body comes lunging free of the pinning predicament a moment later - a second too late. As his body comes to rest, looking up at the bright lights of the Staples Center, he knows its over - as does the crowd, which rewards the competitors with a huge ovation, section after section of the stadium standing as the bell sounds. *DING DING DING!Dick Morosi: She got him! We’ve got a new World Champion, folks! Seth Ericson: That was her last chance! Her VERY last chance! If Strike got the figure-four back on, this thing was over, but the brawler had the inside cradle in her bag of tricks, and its earned her the thing she’s waited almost TWO YEARS to have in her possession! Katie goes to the side of the ring, where the timekeeper hands her the EXODUS Pro World Championship. Chris Strike can’t even look, the exhausted former champion covering his face with his hands, too tired to do a whole Hell of a lot else. The irony isn’t lost on him - after being the man to end the New Age and bury Christum Furor, his own era as champion lasted a scant two months. Heavy, indeed, is the head that wears the crown. Abby Park looks on wide-eyed Katie Hannemann hands her the championship that she worked so very hard for. Park’s knee still gives her problems, even as she drapes the belt over her shoulder, so that with the help of Katie and the ring ropes, she can stand to have her hand raised. All that’s left? Just David Zinkus’ final announcement of the evening, which he has to scream over the din of EXODUS fans cheering an incredible contest - and the roar of the Park Marks in attendance, who have finally seen their favorite climb the mountain. David Zinkus: Your winner of this contest, at a time of twenty-eight minutes, fifty-seven seconds….and NEW EXODUS PRO WORLD CHAMPION...ABBBBYYYYYY PAAAARRRKK! WINNER (and NEW EXODUS Pro World Champion): Abby ParkDick Morosi: For almost a full half hour, Chris Strike and Abby Park went to war - and it’s less than a second at the very death that separates the two! But on this night, Abby Park was the better competitor! A little under two months short of two years since Abby’s last opportunity at this belt, she holds the EXODUS Pro World Championship high over her head! She does just that for several seconds. After basking in that moment, Abby limps her way to the center of the ring. By now, she simply holds the title, looking down at it, at a name plate that reads “CHRIS STRIKE,” but one that will, after tonight, read “ABBY PARK.” Seth Ericson: I don’t know how many people thought she had it in her! She’s been here since the beginning! She wrestled this company’s FIRST MATCH! She has scratched and clawed her way to the top of EXODUS. She has EARNED every single opportunity she’s gotten, and now, she’s the champion! She’s the best in this sport, the crown jewel of this locker room! By the time Abby Park rises to her feet, the EXODUS Pro World Championship belt placed back over her shoulder, she realizes that she’s not alone. Standing there with her is her opponent, the former champion, Chris Strike. Strike is in obvious pain, and one look at the man’s face tells the whole story - of love and loss, of ambition and defeat. After a heartbeat, the War Machine extends his hand, to a huge roar from the capacity crowd. In spite of their words, and even Strike’s own doubts about the end of the match, Park doesn’t hesitate. She reaches out and accepts the handshake, the two competitors falling into a quick embrace. What they say to each other is for their own ears only. With that done, Chris Strike nods his head, and begins to stagger his way over to the ropes. Slowly, very slowly, he crouches down, and rolls out to the floor. With his feet underneath him, he begins the long, lonely walk up the ramp - disappointed, but with his head held high. Dick Morosi: That, right there, is one Hell of a man. He’s hurting, both physically and in the pit of his guts right now, but he offered his hand to the new champion. That’s a Hell of a competitor, and Chris Strike has nothing to be ashamed of tonight. Seth Ericson: That was as hard a fight, as tough a match as I’ve seen in EXODUS. Abby Park and Chris Strike have set the standard for 2015, and the rest of the best locker room on planet Earth has a Hell of a lot to live up to. Strike disappears behind the curtain. Only then, as the confetti begins to fall from the ceiling of the Staples Center, does the music hit. Not the music from tonight’s special entrance, but the song that is as synonymous with Abby Park as any other piece of music is to its user in EXODUS - “Maw Maw Song” by Joy Formidable. As the confetti rains down, with her music playing, only then does Abby let herself pump a fist in the air. Only then does it all truly feel real - the title belt on her shoulder that so many pundits and so many “experts” thought that she would never hold. She takes it down from her shoulder, and straps it around her waist, reaching down to fasten the belt behind her. Dick Morosi: I don’t know what else there is to say, folks. Abby Park survived thirty minutes of Hell with one of the best wrestlers walking God’s green Earth, and she walked out the new EXODUS Pro World Champion! For Seth Ericson, I’m Dick Morosi! We’ll see you in two weeks for EXPRO on FX #29 and the start of the Park Era! GOODNIGHT, EVERYONE! The scene cuts to copyright with Park still celebrating as she holds the World Title. |
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Post by EXODUS Office on Jan 20, 2015 0:27:24 GMT -6
We cut to the exterior of the Staples Center as it seems like everyone's leaving for the night. People are exiting the building and as we see the parking lot, we see a man in a long jacket walking through it as we hear "Don't You (Forget About Me" by Simple Minds plays...all while we see Carey Dean walking toward the camera. Nodding in approval as he thinks about tonight's events, Carey raises his fist to the air, pumping it in approval as we freeze on that image and we go to copyright!
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