Post by EXODUS Office on Aug 10, 2015 11:52:16 GMT -6
August 10th, 2015
San Diego, CA
We open to a shot of the cheering, excited EXODUS crowd as “Beyond Monday” by the Glitch Mob plays. We pan over this throbbing EXO crowd, taking in the sight of all these excited fans, as we come over to Dick and Seth at the booth.
Dick Morosi: Hello fans and welcome to the 36th edition of ExPro on FX!
Seth Ericson: 36 more than I thought I’d get through without getting fired!
Dick Morosi: Small wonders. We’ve got a big show tonight for you, fans. Not only is the world title on the line, Chris Strike defending against Black Jones, but also our other champions are gonig to face off against one another!
Seth Ericson: SHOZO, Ruby, and Savannah in one ring! That’s not going to end badly for someone!
Dick Morosi: There is literally no chill in that match.
Seth Ericson: ...aren’t you a little old to be using a term like chill?
Dick Morosi: ...but first! We’re going to be hearing from EXODUS Owner, Nicholas Gray! Considering what happened at the end of Battle Without Honor or Humanity II, I think we’re all wanting to hear from him.
Seth Ericson: I dunno what an Imperium is but hopefully someone who cares will get answers.
Dick Morosi: Well we’ll hopefully get them now.
“Rocket Dive” by hide begins to play, only for it to seemingly glitch out. The audio scratches, warps, and finally is cut out in favor of “The War Rages On” by From The Cradle To The Rave, as Nicholas Gray steps onto the stage. The owner of EXODUS is dressed in a suit and tie, stark contrast to the casual way of dressing he had before. Hands clutched behind his back, he makes his way down the ramp as his new entrance music continues to play.
Nicholas Gray: Hello everyone. Welcome to ExPro on FX 36. The first to be held under the watchful eye of the Imperium.
The crowd reaction is uncertain, to say the least. Gray just smiles.
Nicholas Gray: I understand. You’re all still confused by what you saw two weeks ago. So, in fairness to you all, I will explain. And I will start by putting it bluntly. These past two and a half years...we completely failed to keep EXODUS safe.
He pauses a moment to let that bluntness sink in, fans looking among themselves confused.
Nicholas Gray: I know, I know. In the end we would rise up. We’d unite as one Seikigun, and fight back the forces of evil! Be it LEGION, HATE, or Gods & Monsters, we’d save EXODUS in the end. But in letting it get to the point that it needed that uniting, that joining together, it signified that we failed. We failed to actually keep this company safe! Sure, we’d save it from ruin at the last possible moment, but why did we let it get to this point? Please, imagine something for me. Imagine what would happen if, the moment Daisuke Iwakuma made clear he was going to become a threat that would last years, he was taken down. He was driven into the mat until he could never get into an EXODUS ring again. Could you imagine that? A first year without a LEGION to fight. A second year without a HATE to fight.
Nicholas Gray: And just imagine. What if the moment Magnus Gunner, before he’s even thought of Christum Furor, made clear that he would be the biggest threat we’ve ever seen...we took him down. We brutalized him, we beat him, until he never comes into a ring again. Could you imagine that? A Year Two with no Gods & Monsters, without that desperate fear that came into all our hearts as they became more and more powerful. What would those first two years be like, if we took care of all our problems BEFORE they turned into problems, BEFORE they became threats, BEFORE they tried to destroy this company?
He shakes his head.
Nicholas Gray: We’ll never know what those first two years could have been like, but I know they would have been better than two years of endless conflict. And the Seikigun, as good as they are at saving the day at the last moment, is still a failure. Because they are reactionary. They wait until Legion, HATE, and Gods & Monsters exist, THEN they fight. They save EXODUS, but they don’t keep it safe. The only way to keep EXODUS safe is to be proactive. When you see a potential threat, you crush it. You crush it before it turns into a Daisuke, a Furor. To prevent another Legion, another G&M, you can’t rely on a Seikigun. You instead have to rely on something harder, more ready. An Imperium. When I realized that, even I struggled with it. For weeks I thought there had to be another way. A way that didn’t require these methods. I wanted to believe that the way we had things would work, that we could be protected. And then…
He briefly goes silent, looking down for a moment. When he speaks again, his tone is different. Sadder.
Nicholas Gray: Do you remember the first show of this year? ExPro on FX 28. I’m sure you all do. It was the show that ended with Zack Lifer bashing his knee into my head because I was going to tear up the contract extension I made up for him. I was out of it for about a day because of that, I didn’t really come to until the Wednesday after. Do you know what the first thing I heard, the first thing I saw, when I came to? My wife, Yumie, sat next to my bed, crying. She was terrified that the knee strike would have some consequence for me, that I might not be right when, if even, I woke up.
His free hand clutches tight at this memory.
Nicholas Gray: I had a lot of time to think, in that hospital bed, as they checked me out for signs of concussion. I thought of her crying face so much, heard the crying in my dreams. I thought of Heather, who had been put through a similar thing so close before mine, also by Lifer. I never wanted to see that again. I never wanted anyone that had anything to do with our company to feel that kind of terror, of not being sure if the person they cared for would be themselves again after a malicious act from someone else. And as time’s gone on, that feeling only grew, as more were subjected to that. Anastasia Starling, Destiny Starshine, Tom Higashikata, Mattias Jepsen.
He faces the camera with a look of determination that many have never seen before on the face of Nicholas Gray.
Nicholas Gray: They’re why this Imperium exists. And this Imperium will protect EXODUS, no matter what, no matter who. That is our purpose, and this is our vow. You will never see another Gods and Monsters here again. That, I will promise you all.
The crowd murmurs amongst themselves, excitedly, and Gray smiles.
Nicholas Gray: Now then, now that I’ve explained myself...why don’t I move onto even better news?
The crowd pops at this, and Gray nods.
Nicholas Gray: Fantastic. Now, I’ve been doing some thinking lately. About the EXODUS World title, and who should be the next one in line, who should be getting the shot at Welcome to Oblivion. And I’ve been thinking about people who are worthy. People worthy of shots, yes, but also people worthy of performing for that belt in front of YOU. Because you deserve amazing shows for that belt, considering currently we’ll have to sit through another Autumn Effect headlined by Christum Furor…
He paused, as a mysterious grin came to his face.
Nicholas Gray: Well, that’s if what I have planned for Furor doesn’t succeed. And I’m certain it shall, of course, but still...you deserve to see these matches either way. So, I am proud to announce that someone incredibly worthy will be getting a world title shot at Welcome Oblivion! A man that has toiled in this business, bled for this business, given this business everything for far longer than EXODUS has existed. And yet, despite all these years of service, can you believe that this man has not even once received a shot at any world title? I didn’t realize that until recently, and that fact shocked me. And I felt it only right to reward him for everything he’s done for wrestling with this. So I am proud to announce that, at Welcome Oblivion, whoever holds the world title will defend against Beowulf!
The crowd reaction is decidedly mixed, although many seem surprised to hear about the fact of Beowulf never having a world title shot before. While many have at some point cheered for the one time Bar Room Hero, hero of the people, his recent return to Beowulf has divided people.
Nicholas Gray: And, beyond that...there is someone else who’s case for a world title shot is completely undeniable. The woman who has gone, what, five months or so now without a loss? In EXODUS that’s almost impossible to achieve, with the level of talent here. Though, I suppose I should expect nothing less of our ‘Ace.’
Another mixed reaction from the crowd, Fiona’s recent behavior alienating a fair share of her fans, though those loyal still remain and are heard.
Nicholas Gray: I know Mr. Riley has been clamoring for her to receive her rightful shot for quite some time now, and I agree with him. Fiona deserves a world title shot, without a doubt. So let me go ahead and set this in stone. The first PPV of our fourth year. Whoever is world champ, whether it be Strike, Ruby, Savannah, SHOZO, Beowulf, or even Furor. At that first PPV of Year Four, they will meet Fiona Collins for the EXODUS World Title!
The crowd, regardless of how they feel now about Fiona, pop at how big a match that would be.
Nicholas Gray: For Year Four, whoever the world champ is will face their biggest challenge straight away. And now, with all of that out of the way, I think it’s time for me to depart this ring, and allow the show to begin. It’s a big night tonight, and I’m just as excited as you all are to see what happens. Thank you for supporting EXODUS, and please look forward to what’s coming, it’ll be even more impressive! Good night, enjoy the show!
“The War Rages On” begins to play again as the crowd cheers, the leader of the Imperium bowing to the crowd before exiting the ring and walking up the ramp, giving a final wave before he disappears behind the curtain, and the camera cuts back to Dick and Seth.
Dick Morosi: Well, we certainly got our answers. A passionate speech from Nicholas Gray there.
Seth Ericson: Who knew he had that in him! This is a side of the guy who signs my checks I’ve never seen before.
Dick Morosi: It’s a new day in EXODUS, Seth, so surprises abound.
Seth Ericson: What a time to be here.
Dick Morosi: Indeed. So, let’s get right to the action with our opening match!
Seth Ericson: I don’t know what it is.
Dick Morosi: ...I’m not sure either, actually. Let me just check really quick…
A long, long pause as Dick’s face goes into slack.
Dick Morosi: We’re opening with...a juggalo.
Seth Ericson: ...this *BLEEP*ing company, I swear to God...
REGULAR MATCH
KEVIN HARDAWAY vs. WICKED J
The sound of a man walking comes over the PA system, as the crowd draws silent. There's the sound of a demonic breathing, when suddenly the lights go out, and a voice says...
"Abaddon"
A strobe light goes off at the entrance of the arena, where Wicked J stands, emotionless. As Boondox begins to sing he begins to walk at a medium pace to the ring, only illuminated by the strobe light. When he makes it to the ring the lights come up, staring daggers through the fool who faces him. Suddenly, the lights go out, and fading back up after 10 seconds, illuminating Wicked J in the centre of the ring.
The lights in the arena black out as a flashing image comes onto the EXOScreen...
As lights come up Kevin Hardaway stands in the middle of the ring as the bell sounds and he immediately begins to get to work as Hardaway runs at Wicked J hitting him with stiff European upper cut. Hardaway sends Wicked J into the ropes, he runs at him hitting him with a leaping clothesline. Hardaway pulls Wicked J to his feet and he grabs him around his head pulling him up. Hardaway holds Wicked J up in a suplex position, he drops him down with a stalling suplex.
Dick Morosi:: Kevin Hardaway has come out on fire!
Seth Ericson:: Kevin means business here tonight and that’s bad new for the clown!
Hardaway pulls Wicked J to his feet, he grabs him around his arm taking Wicked J over with a hard hip toss. Wicked J stumbles to his feet and as he does Hardaway hits him with a dropkick that sends him down to the mat. Hardaway steps back across the ring, as Wicked J gets to his feet Hardaway runs at him hitting him with a running high knee.
Dick Morosi:: That knee nearly sent Wicked J out of the ring!
Seth Ericson:: It was devastating.
Hardaway pulls Wicked J to his feet, he leans over pulling up, and drops him down with the END OF HEARTACHE to mercifully put an end to this one-sided affair. Hardaway covers him, D’Artis Johnson counts…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE...thank God for that.
David Zinkus: The winner of this match Kevin Hardaway!!
WINNER: Kevin Hardaway
Dick Morosi:: Kevin Hardaway with the win...
Seth Ericson:: That was a message sender...I don’t think the clown will be back after this.
Dick Morosi:: I think you're right. Let's head backstage.
The camera cuts from the ringside view at the end of Wicked J and Kevin Hardaway's opening match to the backstage area where Tom Matheny is standing at the ready and next to him the towering body of debuting Ex-Pro wrestler 'Gifted' DeMarcus Gresham. He stands next to Matheny somewhat rigid wearing his black singlet with red color starts in accent over his singlet he wears a pair of expensive jeans with a belt around his waist. The belt buckle clips to the middle a shining gold circle outlined by star with the word 'PRIDE' in the middle clear to see. DeMarcus looks down toward Matheny as he addresses the public. The Ex-Pro crowd gives a mixed reaction to the superstar of boos and cheers not exactly knowing how to receive him yet.
Tom Matheny: I'm standing here with one of Ex-Pro's newest talent looking to debut here in the next match tonight. His name is DeMarcus Gresham and---
DeMarcus Gresham: --Gifted.
The interruption stops Tom from his introduction.
Tom Matheny: Excuse me.
DeMarcus Gresham: You forgot the entirely of my time. My name is 'Gifted' DeMarcus Gresham.
Tom Matheny: I...well ok. Excuse me for that.
DeMarcus Gresham: It's no problem. Many people slip at the realization that it is more than just a 'ring name' or 'nickname'. It is a name that has been given to me from a young age. A name that I have lived by. Everything I have done and applied myself to I have done quite well in. There haven't been many challenges that I have encountered and not been able to master. Therefore, I was deemed gifted by my peers, by my elders, by whoever knew me well. There are those that think it is a stroke of ego but truly it is a testament to the man I am. I didn't pick up the name one day strolling through the park. It was given to me.
Tom Matheny: And tonight you are to debut against one of Ex-Pro's most mentally unstable in Zack Lifer. What are your thoughts coming in being officially a part of the EXODUS Pro banner?
DeMarcus Gresham: A new beginning. A clean path to enhance upon. I have my reputation with some. Others believe they don't know me at all. These are fallacies of the highest form but I gladly allow them to make their claims. I address those that feel this way and my new circle of co-workers with this belt right here.
The camera centers in on the enlarged belt buckle with the word 'PRIDE' across the middle.
DeMarcus Gresham: Previously, I was one of the best representations of PRIDE Pro Wrestling the world has ever come to witness and due to the mishandling schemes of management I was cheated out of a platform never titled to me. I come to EXODUS knowing I am still a champion uncrowned and this belt is my minor representation of this fact. A subtle notion with no need for diamonds or rubies. Just...my pride.
The camera zooms out more getting the full impressive frame of Gresham as well as Matheny holding the mic near him.
DeMarcus Gresham: I am what I have and what I always have had is my pride. This...is what made me able to walk away from such a substandard place to a better position and platform. So as I stand here prepared and ready to engage in the physical chess with one Zack Lifer I proposition him as well as the rest of the EXODUS roster to take a look at an impressive man and attempt to take that one thing he's always had, Pride. I came into the Honor Cup tournament with it and although it didn't end with my hand holding the cup I still have it. I come into EXODUS with no alliances, no preferences. Only to give the people my work ethic, my dedication, the profession of my pride.
Gresham pauses for a minute before his face becoming slightly more serious but still remaining the levelhead calm.
DeMarcus Gresham: Zack Lifer, I dare you to take my pride. The rest of you. I challenge you to challenge me. That is of course what I am here for but take note---what I will do to Zack Lifer can easily happen to you. It has nothing to do with his subpar in ring skill, his lacking logic, or his ignorance to detail. Even the strongest and most capable can meet the same faith if they are without intelligence and dedication. Against a Gifted man you must be firing at the optimum level. Every function of your heart and mind at it highest. IF, you are not...you will not be capable of taking my pride or the win. In truth, anything less that your best...
And won't be able to function any part of your body as normal for quite sometime...watch and consider yourselves enlightened.
DeMarcus sneers at the camera view for just a second before walking out of the camera view to start his last minute preparations for his match.
Tom Matheny: Lifer versus the debuting Gresham coming up shortly after this commercial break.
