Post by Staff on Apr 2, 2017 8:27:24 GMT -5
KASSANDRAH: …and so, in light of recent developments, it comes with great sadness that I must step down from my duties on this board, and relinquish my post as Chief Operating Officer of the Alpha Wrestling Empire.
A murmur among this small group of people felt weightier than it would have had she announced this to the AWE faithful in an in-ring segment. Since she assumed the role of COO, several more key investors had been elected to the AWE’s Board of Directors: Alexey Ivanovich, a Russian toymaker tycoon famous for his work popularizing matryoshka dolls in Paraguay; Qin Hunag-Di, a Chinese controller of unnamed conglomerates and wielder of much of the wealth in the old kingdom; and Dave Zord, founder of Goliath industries, the first megaconglomerate to make fully functioning transformable kaiju. It was to those ears Kassandrah felt the need to add,
KASSANDRAH: Temporarily.
Silent and stone-faced was all she found staring back at her. Under the breath of someone in that room was, 'until the charges clear'. This and their otherwise non-reaction was a reaction, as far as she could tell. Winning them over had become the latest side-quest. Of course, the always inspiring and encouraging hopeful gaze of Thirteen seated by herself to Kass’ left heartened her.
THIRTEEN: D-did you really hit Erica Bragg, Kass?
Kass lowered her eyes. Thirteen’s was a question loaded with concern and empathy that refused to see Kass as anything but innocent, the other three were in this for the return and could be swayed in either direction based on fact or whim. If Kass lost their support, it would shuttle AWE back into another upheaval. She inhaled sharply.
KASSANDRAH: I blacked out.
…: Drugs. I knew it.
Kass sighed and directed her attention to Francis Ford Cuppola seated on the opposite side of the table with his entourage in tow; Mister Mississaugi, the eternally silent syrup purveyor standing stoically behind Francis’ chair, a French Mime Assassin on either side looking imposing in spite of one of the mimes bearing in a shoulder a sling. Rodney P, his assitant, sat beside Francis bemused, if not outright annoyed, at his employer’s consistent ignorance.
MR. SMITH: This is only temporary while an investigation is underway, and I feel Kassandrah needs a break to get herself together before the Board makes a final decision.
The speaker that embodied the missing owner of the AWE was on the projection screen behind Kass.
MR. SMITH: In the interim, we’ll have to determine a General Manager.
And thus, the unintended consequences of whatever transpired in Kass’ office at Massacre 10 hit the AWE. The power outages had rendered it impossible to obtain closed-circuit footage of the altercation between Erica Bragg and Kassandrah. It was Kass’ word against Erica’s in a pending lawsuit the Board wished to keep quiet from the public. Kass didn’t bother sticking around to see the ensuing argument play out. She needed to get away from that building, from the acronym: AWE, for a little while. She went to find Tony.
And that was last week.
Thirteen strode though the upper floor hallway of the AWE Headquarters with the portable speaker embodying Mr. Smith tucked under her arm full of exuberance and smiles at the office workers she passed. She was in full-on elevator pitch mode.
THIRTEEN: I’ve been wrestling since you were sill a blueprint!
MR. SMITH: I’m not actually just a speaker, my identity is actually--
THIRTEEN: Duh! But look, I know this business. I know how it’s run behind the scenes, and in front of the scenes, or whatever, Mr. S.. You just GOTTA give me a crack at General Manager-ing! Hi, Clark.
She passed the desk of assistant Clark on her way to Kass’ office. Clark had already witnessed enough oddity in his short time with the company to know to restrain himself from overreacting at a potentially interesting impending disaster.
CLARK: Hi, Ms. Thirteen. You may not want to just barge in to that office because—
Thirteen stopped at the double frosted glass doors and turned to Clark with a snicker.
THIRTEEN: Cause of the “ghosts”?
She juggled the portable Mr. Smith Speaker as she did the scare quotes.
CLARK: No, it’s—
THIRTEEN: Oh, lawlz, Clark. I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.
Thirteen smiled at Clark smarmily then entered into the office dut-da-dut-ing the Ray Parker Jr. Ghostbusters theme. Clark cringed and waited for the reaction. He could hear her through the door,
THIRTEEN: Oh my gawd, no! NO!! NOT YOU!!
Inside Thirteen stood ready to drop the speaker and run as she eyed the sight at Kass’ desk incredulously.
…: I’m afraid, so.
Thirteen’s reaction turned glum.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Acting General Manager Francis Ford Cuppola, Esquire, at your service.
He was full of pride and dapper as always, sitting at the desk looking professional and busy, his fingers typing away on the desk with a big, shit-eating grin as he stared at Thirteen and gloated.
THIRTEEN: Please tell me this isn’t real. Please tell me it’s not. Mr. Smith, you’re not seriously allowing this?
MR. SMITH: I—
Francis smirked winningly as he pressed his finger on the intercom and leaned in to speak.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rashid, Hosni, Sanbir, can you three bring me those TPS Reports, please? Thanks.
He leaned off the intercom and sat back with an ever-increasing gloat in Thirteen’s direction.
THIRTEEN: No! You can’t! That’s my job.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: TooOoOoo late.
He sung, before leaning towards, resting his hand next to his mouth in an aside and whispered to her.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: It’s just an audition. Don’t tell anyone.
He gave an exaggerated wink at her and leaned back folding his hands behind his head like he’d just fooled the world. Officiously, Mr. Smith blared out of the speaker under Thirteen’s arm.
MR. SMITH: Are you making new hires? I wasn’t aware we’d hired anyone by those names?
Francis straightened in his chair, and straightened his shirt.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Not yet.
More exaggerated winking at a flabbergasted Thirteen.
MR. SMITH: Then who are you talking to?
Francis looked to one side blankly, presumably considering an answer. Through the frosted glass peeked a curious Clark wondering the same thing whenever Francis used the intercom connected directly to his desk asking for a Rashid, Hosni or Sanbir. Then Francis shifted into full-on campaign mode.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: You see, as General Manager, I would hire foreign workers to do twice the work of home-grown workers for less than half the wage, if any wage at all. Then, if there occurs some sort of scandal or problem, barring the standard flogging or whipping, I can just blame them for whatever went wrong and the company, and I, get away scott free.
Francis smiled, proud of himself.
THIRTEEN: Isn’t that slavery…?
Francis rolled his eyes.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: You liberals always want to attach labels to things. It's smart business, ‘teen. Why pay for something when I can get it for free? It's what any decent, god-fearing General Manger would do. And you know what? It’s the American Way.
MR. SMITH: I think what you’re proposing is illegal, Francis.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Says who?
MR. SMITH: Labor laws.
Francis stared in blank consideration a moment.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Well, it was Rashid’s idea. He's a terrorist.
Francis considered a moment before clicking his pen and crossing out Rashid's name from a list he had on the edge of his desk.
THIRTEEN: You just said there is no Rashid.
Francis eyed Thirteen for help, like she were his ally throwing him under the bus.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: *Glares* I said it was an audition, ‘teen. Have my back here!
MR. SMITH: Okay, so, what have you been up to since you’ve assumed the role General Manager?
Francis blankly stared into space and made a mulling sound. Thirteen frowned at Francis as she set the portable speaker down on his desk and lifted a box to look at it’s face. He wasn’t about to steal this job out from under her so easily.
THIRTEEN: What’s this?
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Aw, man. It's so good! I’ve been binge watching that all week.
THIRTEEN: Meavis… Bacon… Teaches… Typing?
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: That’s a hell of a show.
THIRTEEN: Francis, this is a typing tutor.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Is that the genre all the kids are watching these days? This really is the golden age of television.
Thirteen had heard enough.
THIRTEEN: Mr. Smith, you’re not SERIOUSLY considering him for this job, are you?
MR. SMITH: It can't be any worse than--
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: I’ll have you know that I HAVE been doing something. I have been laying out plans and I fully intend to address the crowd at this upcoming Mass on Sunday to let them know what’s going to be happening at the next couple of services.
THIRTEEN: Just to be sure, you know it’s not Mass, but Massacre, right?
She nodded hoping to, at least, help him along here. Francis stared blankly into space and mulled this new revelation before brightening.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Even better!
Francis excitedly pressed the intercom talk button.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rashid, cancel my cassock fitting.
He leaned back proudly once more and smiled to Thirteen and the speaker. Thirteen frowned, unwilling to point out that Francis had just fired the imaginary Rsashid.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Just saved the company more money. This company is in great hands, Mr. Smith. Wait till you see all I have planned.
Thirteen glared. She couldn’t believe she was about to be passed up again. Francis smirked whimsically.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: 'Teen, since you don't have anything else to do, you wanna stick around and watch the next episode of Windows 95 with your acting GM Francis? I'll let you sit in my lap.
A moment of Thirteen watching Francis pat his lap with a wag of his eyebrows before she felt her heart sinking. Francis held up the box Windows 95 and wagged his eyebrows even more suggestively. She quickly lowered to eye level with the speaker, like pleading on bended knee.
THIRTEEN: Please, please, please, please don’t let him have this job.
MR. SMITH: Well—
Windows booted up with it’s trademark boot-up song.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: I'm loving this soundtrack.
Thirteen was ready to cry. She could almost hear Mr. Smith weighing the options. Francis was rapt as he watched the windows 95 load screen materialize into his desktrop, and Thirteen knew this was a battle she’d likely not win.
A murmur among this small group of people felt weightier than it would have had she announced this to the AWE faithful in an in-ring segment. Since she assumed the role of COO, several more key investors had been elected to the AWE’s Board of Directors: Alexey Ivanovich, a Russian toymaker tycoon famous for his work popularizing matryoshka dolls in Paraguay; Qin Hunag-Di, a Chinese controller of unnamed conglomerates and wielder of much of the wealth in the old kingdom; and Dave Zord, founder of Goliath industries, the first megaconglomerate to make fully functioning transformable kaiju. It was to those ears Kassandrah felt the need to add,
KASSANDRAH: Temporarily.
Silent and stone-faced was all she found staring back at her. Under the breath of someone in that room was, 'until the charges clear'. This and their otherwise non-reaction was a reaction, as far as she could tell. Winning them over had become the latest side-quest. Of course, the always inspiring and encouraging hopeful gaze of Thirteen seated by herself to Kass’ left heartened her.
THIRTEEN: D-did you really hit Erica Bragg, Kass?
Kass lowered her eyes. Thirteen’s was a question loaded with concern and empathy that refused to see Kass as anything but innocent, the other three were in this for the return and could be swayed in either direction based on fact or whim. If Kass lost their support, it would shuttle AWE back into another upheaval. She inhaled sharply.
KASSANDRAH: I blacked out.
…: Drugs. I knew it.
Kass sighed and directed her attention to Francis Ford Cuppola seated on the opposite side of the table with his entourage in tow; Mister Mississaugi, the eternally silent syrup purveyor standing stoically behind Francis’ chair, a French Mime Assassin on either side looking imposing in spite of one of the mimes bearing in a shoulder a sling. Rodney P, his assitant, sat beside Francis bemused, if not outright annoyed, at his employer’s consistent ignorance.
MR. SMITH: This is only temporary while an investigation is underway, and I feel Kassandrah needs a break to get herself together before the Board makes a final decision.
The speaker that embodied the missing owner of the AWE was on the projection screen behind Kass.
MR. SMITH: In the interim, we’ll have to determine a General Manager.
And thus, the unintended consequences of whatever transpired in Kass’ office at Massacre 10 hit the AWE. The power outages had rendered it impossible to obtain closed-circuit footage of the altercation between Erica Bragg and Kassandrah. It was Kass’ word against Erica’s in a pending lawsuit the Board wished to keep quiet from the public. Kass didn’t bother sticking around to see the ensuing argument play out. She needed to get away from that building, from the acronym: AWE, for a little while. She went to find Tony.
And that was last week.
Earlier This week
Thirteen strode though the upper floor hallway of the AWE Headquarters with the portable speaker embodying Mr. Smith tucked under her arm full of exuberance and smiles at the office workers she passed. She was in full-on elevator pitch mode.
THIRTEEN: I’ve been wrestling since you were sill a blueprint!
MR. SMITH: I’m not actually just a speaker, my identity is actually--
THIRTEEN: Duh! But look, I know this business. I know how it’s run behind the scenes, and in front of the scenes, or whatever, Mr. S.. You just GOTTA give me a crack at General Manager-ing! Hi, Clark.
She passed the desk of assistant Clark on her way to Kass’ office. Clark had already witnessed enough oddity in his short time with the company to know to restrain himself from overreacting at a potentially interesting impending disaster.
CLARK: Hi, Ms. Thirteen. You may not want to just barge in to that office because—
Thirteen stopped at the double frosted glass doors and turned to Clark with a snicker.
THIRTEEN: Cause of the “ghosts”?
She juggled the portable Mr. Smith Speaker as she did the scare quotes.
CLARK: No, it’s—
THIRTEEN: Oh, lawlz, Clark. I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.
Thirteen smiled at Clark smarmily then entered into the office dut-da-dut-ing the Ray Parker Jr. Ghostbusters theme. Clark cringed and waited for the reaction. He could hear her through the door,
THIRTEEN: Oh my gawd, no! NO!! NOT YOU!!
Inside Thirteen stood ready to drop the speaker and run as she eyed the sight at Kass’ desk incredulously.
…: I’m afraid, so.
Thirteen’s reaction turned glum.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Acting General Manager Francis Ford Cuppola, Esquire, at your service.
He was full of pride and dapper as always, sitting at the desk looking professional and busy, his fingers typing away on the desk with a big, shit-eating grin as he stared at Thirteen and gloated.
THIRTEEN: Please tell me this isn’t real. Please tell me it’s not. Mr. Smith, you’re not seriously allowing this?
MR. SMITH: I—
Francis smirked winningly as he pressed his finger on the intercom and leaned in to speak.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rashid, Hosni, Sanbir, can you three bring me those TPS Reports, please? Thanks.
He leaned off the intercom and sat back with an ever-increasing gloat in Thirteen’s direction.
THIRTEEN: No! You can’t! That’s my job.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: TooOoOoo late.
He sung, before leaning towards, resting his hand next to his mouth in an aside and whispered to her.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: It’s just an audition. Don’t tell anyone.
He gave an exaggerated wink at her and leaned back folding his hands behind his head like he’d just fooled the world. Officiously, Mr. Smith blared out of the speaker under Thirteen’s arm.
MR. SMITH: Are you making new hires? I wasn’t aware we’d hired anyone by those names?
Francis straightened in his chair, and straightened his shirt.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Not yet.
More exaggerated winking at a flabbergasted Thirteen.
MR. SMITH: Then who are you talking to?
Francis looked to one side blankly, presumably considering an answer. Through the frosted glass peeked a curious Clark wondering the same thing whenever Francis used the intercom connected directly to his desk asking for a Rashid, Hosni or Sanbir. Then Francis shifted into full-on campaign mode.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: You see, as General Manager, I would hire foreign workers to do twice the work of home-grown workers for less than half the wage, if any wage at all. Then, if there occurs some sort of scandal or problem, barring the standard flogging or whipping, I can just blame them for whatever went wrong and the company, and I, get away scott free.
Francis smiled, proud of himself.
THIRTEEN: Isn’t that slavery…?
Francis rolled his eyes.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: You liberals always want to attach labels to things. It's smart business, ‘teen. Why pay for something when I can get it for free? It's what any decent, god-fearing General Manger would do. And you know what? It’s the American Way.
MR. SMITH: I think what you’re proposing is illegal, Francis.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Says who?
MR. SMITH: Labor laws.
Francis stared in blank consideration a moment.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Well, it was Rashid’s idea. He's a terrorist.
Francis considered a moment before clicking his pen and crossing out Rashid's name from a list he had on the edge of his desk.
THIRTEEN: You just said there is no Rashid.
Francis eyed Thirteen for help, like she were his ally throwing him under the bus.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: *Glares* I said it was an audition, ‘teen. Have my back here!
MR. SMITH: Okay, so, what have you been up to since you’ve assumed the role General Manager?
Francis blankly stared into space and made a mulling sound. Thirteen frowned at Francis as she set the portable speaker down on his desk and lifted a box to look at it’s face. He wasn’t about to steal this job out from under her so easily.
THIRTEEN: What’s this?
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Aw, man. It's so good! I’ve been binge watching that all week.
THIRTEEN: Meavis… Bacon… Teaches… Typing?
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: That’s a hell of a show.
THIRTEEN: Francis, this is a typing tutor.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Is that the genre all the kids are watching these days? This really is the golden age of television.
Thirteen had heard enough.
THIRTEEN: Mr. Smith, you’re not SERIOUSLY considering him for this job, are you?
MR. SMITH: It can't be any worse than--
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: I’ll have you know that I HAVE been doing something. I have been laying out plans and I fully intend to address the crowd at this upcoming Mass on Sunday to let them know what’s going to be happening at the next couple of services.
THIRTEEN: Just to be sure, you know it’s not Mass, but Massacre, right?
She nodded hoping to, at least, help him along here. Francis stared blankly into space and mulled this new revelation before brightening.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Even better!
Francis excitedly pressed the intercom talk button.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rashid, cancel my cassock fitting.
He leaned back proudly once more and smiled to Thirteen and the speaker. Thirteen frowned, unwilling to point out that Francis had just fired the imaginary Rsashid.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Just saved the company more money. This company is in great hands, Mr. Smith. Wait till you see all I have planned.
Thirteen glared. She couldn’t believe she was about to be passed up again. Francis smirked whimsically.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: 'Teen, since you don't have anything else to do, you wanna stick around and watch the next episode of Windows 95 with your acting GM Francis? I'll let you sit in my lap.
A moment of Thirteen watching Francis pat his lap with a wag of his eyebrows before she felt her heart sinking. Francis held up the box Windows 95 and wagged his eyebrows even more suggestively. She quickly lowered to eye level with the speaker, like pleading on bended knee.
THIRTEEN: Please, please, please, please don’t let him have this job.
MR. SMITH: Well—
Windows booted up with it’s trademark boot-up song.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: I'm loving this soundtrack.
Thirteen was ready to cry. She could almost hear Mr. Smith weighing the options. Francis was rapt as he watched the windows 95 load screen materialize into his desktrop, and Thirteen knew this was a battle she’d likely not win.
From high overhead live in the Denny Sanford Premier Center the AWE camera feed pans over a loud and wild crowd as “Swerve City” by the Deftones rocks us all into the mood for another AWE Massacre Event. The camera cuts to a ground-level view of cheering fans clamoring at the guard rail as the obligatory signage is held up to catch the eye of fans watching at home.
Bobby Franchise is MY Father, Benny!
DON’T TAKE NO FLAX, BINDY!
I HACKED HUBERT’S PHONE!
POWDERPUFF PACE’S FACE! (NOTHING RHYMES WITH CAROLINE, SRY!)
#BLACKPOWERRANGERLIVESMATTER TOO, COSMO!!
I’VE NEVER HEARD OF ROLLO’S ALL WRESTLING KORNER PODCAST BUT I LOVE JERKY JERKY!
And the camera cuts to a wide shot of the announce table where the ever stunning Nina Applebaum is all smiles, and beside her Brad Stokes has his feet up soaking in the crowd before sitting up at attention when Nina starts in.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Welcome welcome, one and all, to this new edition of another AWE Massacre! With me as always is Brad Stokes, and I am Nina Applebaum!
BRAD STOKES: Tell them how it’s going to be a great show, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: It is!
BRAD STOKES: I know, that’s why I said that. It’s also the same thing you say every show.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Because every show IS a great show, Bradley. And this is no exception. We have the Paramount Champion, Aaron Pace, set to square off in a rematch against the Killer Queen herself, Caroline O’Hara Burchill.
BRAD STOKES: Tell them how it’s the fans who will win in a quality matchup like that, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: I get the impression you’re mocking me, Bradley?
BRAD STOKES: When am I not? Not this time, however! I’ve made the mistake of predicting these things in the past and my prognosticatory missteps have led to often catastrophic mid-sentence heel turns, so I’m going to avoid that tonight and just safely predict that the fans will win. Saves me the trouble of keeping track of my alignment.
NINA APPLEBAUM: O…. kay. Fair enough.
BRAD STOKES: It’s gonna be the fans who win when Hubert Smalls takes on your MVP and mine, Ana Hayden tonight, Nina. Heard it here first.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Glad you’re making a difference, Bradley. We’ve got so much more lined up as former Paramount Champion Dom DiBona tries to stall a losing skid against one of the brighter up and coming lights in the Alpha Wrestling Empire’s Paramount Division in Cosmo Cooper. Definitely a difficult task for either men to overcome!
Brad leans in and whispers confidently,
BRAD STOKES: The fans are gonna win it, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Yes! Okay. Thank you. We get it.
BRAD STOKES: I don’t think you do. I have graphs ready if you want me to show my work. I have filled ten pages of foolscap.
NINA APPLEBAUM: That won’t be necessary, Bradley. Where was I…?
BRAD STOKES: All the matches. There’s too many soon-to-be highlights, Nina. These fans are going to be doing so much winning tonight they’re going to get TIRED of winning, am I right?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Right. Ignore Bradley. I wrote that down. It all culminates tonight with the main event that’s sure to blow the roof off the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
BRAD STOKES: I believe the fans have actually lost when you ignored me, Nina. My… prediction has failed… are the walls closing in on me, or what?
Nina soldiers on, visibly irritated.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Champion versus Champion, title for title. Ketsuekigata Z will square off against the Resilience Champion, Dare Clemmens and his new partner, and new signing to the AWE, JJ Young.
BRAD STOKES: Nina… the fans can’t win title matches. That’s TWICE now my predictions have failed. I have the graphs and everything, though. What the hell is happening? Is any of this real? Am I real?
NINA APPLEBAUM: With you? Who knows anymore. While Bradley undergoes a mid-opening segment existential crisis we can add on the complication that, with Gen Now in the building, and their antics with the audio-visual setup last show, it's going to be difficult to discern what's real, so perhaps you have a point.
Some sort of modified version of Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child song kicks in on the speaker, and the crowd is on it’s feet.
NINA APPLEBAUM: We’re going to start things off, however, with some words from our newly crowned ACTING General Manager, Francis Ford Cuppola.
The guitar descends to this hip, New World Order, version of the classic song. At some point, an awesome echoed voice echoes: Francis Ford Cuppola. And all eyes are on the entryway awaiting the arrival of the ephemeral bearded one familiar to AWE fans the world over.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Of course, last Massacre, in a stunning development, it appears as though Chief Operating Officer Kassandrah struck Erica Bragg, the manager for Ana Hayden, Bryan Williams and JJ Young, and has removed herself from active duty until further notice.
The wicked music keeps playing. But no Francis emerges.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Uhm… so, in her stead, it appears Francis Ford Cuppola, a noteworthy film director and producer with minimal wrestling experience has taken her place.
The music keeps jamming out those Jimi licks hip-hopified with “Francis Ford Cuppola” sounded out. The crowd is growing impatient.
BRAD STOKES: Where the hell is he?
NINA APPLEBAUM: I’m sure I don’t know.
The music keeps rocking! The anticipation is getting annoying.
BRAD STOKES: Maybe he’s still in wardrobe?
Inexplicably, the AlphaTron lights up to Francis Ford Cuppola presiding in the center of a wrestling ring amid a roar of the crowd.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Oh… okay… I guess this will be a video announcement…
Francis walks the ring comfortably and confidently. He has a microphone in his hand, a set of cue cards in the other, and in the center of the ring stand two tough-looking French Mime Assassins, one with his arm in a sling.
BRAD STOKES: Nina, where the hell is he right now? He’s in a wrestling ring with fans and junk, but he’s not in the wrestling ring right in front of us. What gives? Is this an April Fool's joke?
NINA APPLEBAUM: I'm sure I don't know.
BRAD STOKES: The fans can’t take another L, Nina. It’ll cripple their career.
The music, which was playing out of sync in the video with the same song playing here in the Denny Sanford Premier Center finally die. The crowd wherever Francis is sounds roughly the same as the one here, live, with Nina and Brad.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Hello, North Dakota!!!
The crowd boos in the Denny Sanford Premier Center. It boos wherever Francis is, as well. He narrows his eyes to view the words on his cue card more closely then has an epiphany.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Oh. Sorry. SOUTH DAKOTTTAAAA!!!! MAKE SOME NOISE!
Here in the Denny Sanford Center the crowd obliges! The cheers clash with the boos wherever Francis is. Sweat is starting to bead down Francis’ forehead.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: What the hell is going on here, where am I?
He squints at some sign out of view of the camera and reads aloud.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: The… Lauger… Dalsholl… Sports Arena in Reykjavik... Iceland....
The crowd pops in the video. Here, live, everyone is quite confused. Francis stares at the sign in oblivious contemplation. Moments pass as he appears to be processing the fact he's in the wrong arena, in the wrong city, in the wrong country entirely.
BRAD STOKES: Wah, wah, wahhhhhh.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Hang on! He gets it!
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: I’m glad to have finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of bringing the Alpha Wrestling Empire to… Iceland…
The crowd in the video cheers. Here, once again, is confusion.
BRAD STOKES: No he doesn't, Nina. Unless he's doing one of those 'Rep where ya Step' things. Like... he does know we’re here and he’s not, right?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Have you met this man?
BRAD STOKES: A fair point.
As Brad and Nina have clarified the dubious quality of Francis' level of awareness, a ringhand has climbed onto the apron to speak with Francis. We can hear what is said through the microphone.
RINGHAND: This is a Wrestling Gladiator Champions show…
Francis blinks and eyes the man without missing a beat.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Oh. Right. The WGC.
He looks to the mimes who shrug uncomfortably back at him. He handkerchiefs some sweat from his forehead. He awkwardly flips through his cue cards for some hint as to how to proceed.
BRAD STOKES: Francie done went to the wrong damn wrestling show!
No one running that show is quite sure what to do. Francis regains his confidence, holds his hand up to wave help off, and continues.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Exactly. I have some huge announcements to make for the AWE. That's why I'm here.
The crowd in the LaugerdalSholl Sports Arena boo. Francis wipes more sweat from his forehead.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: As the new General Manager, I’ve laid out the agenda for the next couple of shows leading up to whatever the hell it is that I’ve got planned which I’d know had I written it down like ‘Teen suggested I should but didn’t because I was too busy watching that new Norton Antivirus show. But that’s not important right now. What’s important is that we’re going to finally establish the pecking order in the AWE.
More boos from the local crowd.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: That’s right! For too long the AWE ship has been steered by short-sighted morons. With me at the helm, I’ve booked all the AWE superstars in number 1 contendership matches till that thing I was supposed to write down happens. Whatever that is. Now listen carefully… the matchups are as follows.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Through the ridiculous tirade, it looks like we’re about to get some actually important information about upcoming matchups!
Francis looks at his cue cards and smirks wisely out at the increasingly confused crowd, proud of his slyness. He reads.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rocko’s Modern Life will be facing off against Samurai Jack. That'll be a good one. The Rugrats will be taking on the Secret World of Alex Mack. That one will be lit. Johnny Bravo’s gonna have his hands full as he faces Ren and Stimpy in a handicap match--
BRAD STOKES: What the hell… he’s reading from the list of shows that used to be on the Nickolodeon Network! This has gotta be an April Fools joke, right?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Again, have you ever met this man?
BRAD STOKES: Again, fair point.
The crowd in both arenas boos. Francis looks uncomfortable. He flips the cards upside down and squints. Sweat beads down his brow as he tries to figure out how to regain the crowd. The feed cuts back to the announce table with Nina removing her hand from ear after speaking to the Audio Visual team.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Sorry about that fans, our feed from Iceland cut.
BRAD STOKES: Conveniently.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Well, it’s his first day as GM.
BRAD STOKES: The fans have categorically lost though, Nina. We all have. Minutes of our lives! To that specimen!
NINA APPLEBAUM: We’ll make up for it! As, you can see, we’re about to start in with some wrestling action. If you look in the ring, Caroline Burchill has already made her way down to ringside for our opening match!
BRAD STOKES: Thank Burchill! We’re saved!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Welcome welcome, one and all, to this new edition of another AWE Massacre! With me as always is Brad Stokes, and I am Nina Applebaum!
BRAD STOKES: Tell them how it’s going to be a great show, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: It is!
BRAD STOKES: I know, that’s why I said that. It’s also the same thing you say every show.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Because every show IS a great show, Bradley. And this is no exception. We have the Paramount Champion, Aaron Pace, set to square off in a rematch against the Killer Queen herself, Caroline O’Hara Burchill.
BRAD STOKES: Tell them how it’s the fans who will win in a quality matchup like that, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: I get the impression you’re mocking me, Bradley?
BRAD STOKES: When am I not? Not this time, however! I’ve made the mistake of predicting these things in the past and my prognosticatory missteps have led to often catastrophic mid-sentence heel turns, so I’m going to avoid that tonight and just safely predict that the fans will win. Saves me the trouble of keeping track of my alignment.
NINA APPLEBAUM: O…. kay. Fair enough.
BRAD STOKES: It’s gonna be the fans who win when Hubert Smalls takes on your MVP and mine, Ana Hayden tonight, Nina. Heard it here first.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Glad you’re making a difference, Bradley. We’ve got so much more lined up as former Paramount Champion Dom DiBona tries to stall a losing skid against one of the brighter up and coming lights in the Alpha Wrestling Empire’s Paramount Division in Cosmo Cooper. Definitely a difficult task for either men to overcome!
Brad leans in and whispers confidently,
BRAD STOKES: The fans are gonna win it, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Yes! Okay. Thank you. We get it.
BRAD STOKES: I don’t think you do. I have graphs ready if you want me to show my work. I have filled ten pages of foolscap.
NINA APPLEBAUM: That won’t be necessary, Bradley. Where was I…?
BRAD STOKES: All the matches. There’s too many soon-to-be highlights, Nina. These fans are going to be doing so much winning tonight they’re going to get TIRED of winning, am I right?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Right. Ignore Bradley. I wrote that down. It all culminates tonight with the main event that’s sure to blow the roof off the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
BRAD STOKES: I believe the fans have actually lost when you ignored me, Nina. My… prediction has failed… are the walls closing in on me, or what?
Nina soldiers on, visibly irritated.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Champion versus Champion, title for title. Ketsuekigata Z will square off against the Resilience Champion, Dare Clemmens and his new partner, and new signing to the AWE, JJ Young.
BRAD STOKES: Nina… the fans can’t win title matches. That’s TWICE now my predictions have failed. I have the graphs and everything, though. What the hell is happening? Is any of this real? Am I real?
NINA APPLEBAUM: With you? Who knows anymore. While Bradley undergoes a mid-opening segment existential crisis we can add on the complication that, with Gen Now in the building, and their antics with the audio-visual setup last show, it's going to be difficult to discern what's real, so perhaps you have a point.
Some sort of modified version of Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child song kicks in on the speaker, and the crowd is on it’s feet.
NINA APPLEBAUM: We’re going to start things off, however, with some words from our newly crowned ACTING General Manager, Francis Ford Cuppola.
The guitar descends to this hip, New World Order, version of the classic song. At some point, an awesome echoed voice echoes: Francis Ford Cuppola. And all eyes are on the entryway awaiting the arrival of the ephemeral bearded one familiar to AWE fans the world over.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Of course, last Massacre, in a stunning development, it appears as though Chief Operating Officer Kassandrah struck Erica Bragg, the manager for Ana Hayden, Bryan Williams and JJ Young, and has removed herself from active duty until further notice.
The wicked music keeps playing. But no Francis emerges.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Uhm… so, in her stead, it appears Francis Ford Cuppola, a noteworthy film director and producer with minimal wrestling experience has taken her place.
The music keeps jamming out those Jimi licks hip-hopified with “Francis Ford Cuppola” sounded out. The crowd is growing impatient.
BRAD STOKES: Where the hell is he?
NINA APPLEBAUM: I’m sure I don’t know.
The music keeps rocking! The anticipation is getting annoying.
BRAD STOKES: Maybe he’s still in wardrobe?
Inexplicably, the AlphaTron lights up to Francis Ford Cuppola presiding in the center of a wrestling ring amid a roar of the crowd.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Oh… okay… I guess this will be a video announcement…
Francis walks the ring comfortably and confidently. He has a microphone in his hand, a set of cue cards in the other, and in the center of the ring stand two tough-looking French Mime Assassins, one with his arm in a sling.
BRAD STOKES: Nina, where the hell is he right now? He’s in a wrestling ring with fans and junk, but he’s not in the wrestling ring right in front of us. What gives? Is this an April Fool's joke?
NINA APPLEBAUM: I'm sure I don't know.
BRAD STOKES: The fans can’t take another L, Nina. It’ll cripple their career.
The music, which was playing out of sync in the video with the same song playing here in the Denny Sanford Premier Center finally die. The crowd wherever Francis is sounds roughly the same as the one here, live, with Nina and Brad.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Hello, North Dakota!!!
The crowd boos in the Denny Sanford Premier Center. It boos wherever Francis is, as well. He narrows his eyes to view the words on his cue card more closely then has an epiphany.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Oh. Sorry. SOUTH DAKOTTTAAAA!!!! MAKE SOME NOISE!
Here in the Denny Sanford Center the crowd obliges! The cheers clash with the boos wherever Francis is. Sweat is starting to bead down Francis’ forehead.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: What the hell is going on here, where am I?
He squints at some sign out of view of the camera and reads aloud.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: The… Lauger… Dalsholl… Sports Arena in Reykjavik... Iceland....
The crowd pops in the video. Here, live, everyone is quite confused. Francis stares at the sign in oblivious contemplation. Moments pass as he appears to be processing the fact he's in the wrong arena, in the wrong city, in the wrong country entirely.
BRAD STOKES: Wah, wah, wahhhhhh.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Hang on! He gets it!
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: I’m glad to have finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of bringing the Alpha Wrestling Empire to… Iceland…
The crowd in the video cheers. Here, once again, is confusion.
BRAD STOKES: No he doesn't, Nina. Unless he's doing one of those 'Rep where ya Step' things. Like... he does know we’re here and he’s not, right?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Have you met this man?
BRAD STOKES: A fair point.
As Brad and Nina have clarified the dubious quality of Francis' level of awareness, a ringhand has climbed onto the apron to speak with Francis. We can hear what is said through the microphone.
RINGHAND: This is a Wrestling Gladiator Champions show…
Francis blinks and eyes the man without missing a beat.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Oh. Right. The WGC.
He looks to the mimes who shrug uncomfortably back at him. He handkerchiefs some sweat from his forehead. He awkwardly flips through his cue cards for some hint as to how to proceed.
BRAD STOKES: Francie done went to the wrong damn wrestling show!
No one running that show is quite sure what to do. Francis regains his confidence, holds his hand up to wave help off, and continues.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Exactly. I have some huge announcements to make for the AWE. That's why I'm here.
The crowd in the LaugerdalSholl Sports Arena boo. Francis wipes more sweat from his forehead.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: As the new General Manager, I’ve laid out the agenda for the next couple of shows leading up to whatever the hell it is that I’ve got planned which I’d know had I written it down like ‘Teen suggested I should but didn’t because I was too busy watching that new Norton Antivirus show. But that’s not important right now. What’s important is that we’re going to finally establish the pecking order in the AWE.
More boos from the local crowd.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: That’s right! For too long the AWE ship has been steered by short-sighted morons. With me at the helm, I’ve booked all the AWE superstars in number 1 contendership matches till that thing I was supposed to write down happens. Whatever that is. Now listen carefully… the matchups are as follows.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Through the ridiculous tirade, it looks like we’re about to get some actually important information about upcoming matchups!
Francis looks at his cue cards and smirks wisely out at the increasingly confused crowd, proud of his slyness. He reads.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rocko’s Modern Life will be facing off against Samurai Jack. That'll be a good one. The Rugrats will be taking on the Secret World of Alex Mack. That one will be lit. Johnny Bravo’s gonna have his hands full as he faces Ren and Stimpy in a handicap match--
BRAD STOKES: What the hell… he’s reading from the list of shows that used to be on the Nickolodeon Network! This has gotta be an April Fools joke, right?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Again, have you ever met this man?
BRAD STOKES: Again, fair point.
The crowd in both arenas boos. Francis looks uncomfortable. He flips the cards upside down and squints. Sweat beads down his brow as he tries to figure out how to regain the crowd. The feed cuts back to the announce table with Nina removing her hand from ear after speaking to the Audio Visual team.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Sorry about that fans, our feed from Iceland cut.
BRAD STOKES: Conveniently.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Well, it’s his first day as GM.
BRAD STOKES: The fans have categorically lost though, Nina. We all have. Minutes of our lives! To that specimen!
NINA APPLEBAUM: We’ll make up for it! As, you can see, we’re about to start in with some wrestling action. If you look in the ring, Caroline Burchill has already made her way down to ringside for our opening match!
BRAD STOKES: Thank Burchill! We’re saved!
Caroline O'Hara Burchill VS. Aaron Pace (c)
Caroline O’Hara Burchill leans in her corner watching Aaron Pace make his way down the ramp with the Paramount Championship around his waist to the tune of “More Than You Can Chew” by Corroded. When he reaches ringside he scales the steps two at a time and leaps over the top rope to land inside the ring, blowing his whistle annoyingly in Caroline’s direction. The woman doesn’t seem rattled by it, and so he yanks the Paramount Championship free and raises it above his head to a torrid of boo’s.
NINA APPLEBAUM: You have to wonder what’s going through the minds of these two competitors right now. For Aaron Pace, the lone notch in his loss column comes from that woman right there, Caroline O’Hara Burchill. For Caroline, with her struggling to find her feet here in the AWE, she now has to overcome Pace mountain once more, and if she does it’s assured she’ll be challenging for that title sooner rather than later!
Just as Marshal Douglas is about to announce the Champion, Caroline Burchill tears across the ring and drives a stiff elbow right into Aarons face, knocking him back into the closest corner and causing Theo Refano to quickly call for the bell.
BRAD STOKES: She was clearly thinking about smashing Pace’s face in!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Quick attack by Caroline Burchill! And we’re underway!
DING! DING! DING!
Douglas quickly exits the ring as Caroline drives in two more forearms into Aaron Pace before switching up to a succession of rapid-fire kicks right to the temple. Pace drops to a seated position from the impact, and Burchill breaks away from him just long enough to get a stuttering sprint and nails him square in the chest with a falling drop kick, crushing him in the corner.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Strong offense out of the gate for Caroline Burchill! She came to play tonight!
Pace clutches his chest, slides to the outside, and stumbles along the ring apron to try and put some distance between him and his assailant. Caroline, however, is relentless as she steps up and grabs the top rope and springboards herself up and over to land on an unsuspecting champion with a crossbody that takes both competitors to the concrete floor. Caroline mounts Pace, and starts hammering directly down into the man’s face as The Ref starts the count.
1….
2….
BRAD STOKES: I love when she gets that look in her eye like she’s going to kill someone.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace may be in trouble!
Burchill finally comes to a stop, and it’s obvious to see that Pace has been busted open as she drags him to his feet. She takes a handful of wrist and whips him hard towards the steel steps, and he steam rolls towards them only to throw his boot out to stop himself.
3….
Caroline’s face scrunches at seeing this, and rushes in right behind to follow up on her attack. Just as she reaches Aaron, however, he quickly spins around, catches her in a scoop, and swings her around with a snap powerslam that ends with her spine striking the steps.
NINA APPLEBAUM: OHHHH! Nice unexpected reversal by Aaron Pace!
BRAD STOKES: So long spine. She didn’t need that if I’m to bed her, anyway.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Glad to see you’re looking on the bright side.
BRAD STOKES: Always!
4….
5….
Aaron wipes blood from his eyes as he grabs Burchill by a fistful of hair, and yanks her up off the steel. He leads her over to the steel guardrail, and drives her face first directly into it. Caroline’s head bounces off the steel, and she clutches at her skull as she stumbles towards the ring.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace is NOT taking it easy on Caroline Burchill. This is very easily payback for their last singles encounter.
BRAD STOKES: The one where Caroline Burchill utilized chemical warfare to defeat Aaron and nearly melted his face off?
6….
7….
Pace gets a handful of tights before shoving Caroline under the bottom rope before following her back into the ring. He sneers down at her as Refano warns him about keeping the action in the ring.
BRAD STOKES: Look at that. Why is everyone always giving Theo Refano a hard time? No other Referee would do their jobs like he does.
NINA APPLEBAUM: I think that’s actually the complaint against him.
BRAD STOKES: Whiners, one and all.
Caroline slowly gets to her feet as Aaron measures her, and once she’s vertical, he takes off into a sprint, nailing her with a running knee that sends her hurtling back to the canvas. He immediately drops an elbow and when he lands blows on his whistle, hops up, does it again, and on the third time remains down for a lax cover.
1…
2…
NINA APPLEBAUM: Burchill Kicks out at two!
Pace gabs at The Ref for a minute in displeasure, then grabs Caroline up, and tosses her off the ropes. On her way back he swings with a clothesline which she ducks, and manages to avoid a back elbow on her second pass. On her way back, Aaron drops his head for a back body drop, but Caroline rolls across his back to land behind him instead. Her left foot flashes out catching Pace behind the knee, dropping him to a kneeling position, just before hooking him into a sleeper hold.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace is in trouble! Caroline’s got the sleeper hold locked in!
BRAD STOKES: Would be a good time for some of those patented Gen Now theatrics to kick in for Pace.
NINA APPLEBAUM: He’s not working with them.
BRAD STOKES: You never know, do you?
Aaron swats at the air in surprise, pushing back up to his feet. Caroline leaps up and wraps her legs around his waist as well, putting even more pressure into the sleeper. Pace stumbles around the ring trying to grab for the ropes, but every time he gets close, she yanks back even harder preventing the opportunity. After a few seconds of this, Aaron drops back down to one knee, and eventually down into a seated position.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace is fading!
Theo checks with Aaron to see if he wants to give up, but he gets no response, which prompts him to check his arm. He lifts it by the wrist, and then lets it loose only for it to drop to his lap.
1…
He checks it one more time.
2…
NINA APPLEBAUM: Only one more time, and this one is over!
Theo lifts the arm one more time, and just as it’s about to dip, a second life enters Aaron Pace’s body, and he starts rocking back and forth to try and get himself back up to his feet.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Pace is still in this!
BRAD STOKES: Barely!
Somehow, he even manages to get the whistle into his mouth, and with each push he rings out loudly.
BRAD STOKES: Oh for the love of crumbcake, there’s that DAMN Whistle again!
Finally, both competitors are vertical, Burchill still holding on with everything she’s got. Pace drives an elbow into her midsection, then another, and another that breaks the hold. Pace continues the assault by driving right hands into Caroline’s jaw, knocking her back towards the ropes.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Stirring comeback taking place as Aaron Pace is fighting back against the potent assault from Caroline Burchill!
Pace takes a few steps back, and rushes with a running clothesline that sends Burchill right up and over the top rope to tumble to the concrete below. He slips through the ropes to the ring apron as Caroline manages her way to her feet, and he measures her with the point of his elbow before stepping off the ring apron and driving it right down into the back of her skull. Burchill slaps the floor once more, but Pace gives her no time before pulling her back up to her feet. Before The Ref could start a count he tosses Caroline back in, but maintains control of her body, keeping her head and shoulders laying on the edge of the ring apron. After a few steps back, he charges forward, throwing his boot out in front of him to crash into the side of her head. Caroline recoils and rolls into the center of the ring as Pace slips in and goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Thre-
NINA APPLEBAUM: KICK OUT! Just barely!
Pace comes up with a frustrated look on his face, and jerks Burchill up to her feet by the hair of the head. He looks out at the crowd and blows his whistle arrogantly, before pushing the woman’s head between his legs and hooking her arms in the pedigree position.
NINA APPLEBAUM: It looks like Pace is about to go for The Change of Pace, but he’s doing some showboating here, which could be a mistake.
As if the commentators had been taking fortune-telling lessons from Kassandrah, Burchill manages to unhook her arms, drop to her knees, and uppercuts Aaron Pace right in his privates. Pace’s eyes bulge as he grabs at his nether regions, and then comically falls into a seated position. Caroline gets to her feet, backs into the ropes, and then launches forward, damn near taking his head with a knee to the face.
NINA APPLEBAUM: OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! Caroline with the cover!
1…
2…
Thre-
Aaron Pace barely gets the shoulder off the mat, and it’s Caroline’s turn to run her mouth at Refano about a slow count. She turns back to Aaron pace who has made it over to his stomach and into the pushup position. Caroline stalks over and drives her knee into Pace’s back, driving him down into the canvas, and laces her fingers under her chin before rocking back into a modified camel clutch.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Another submission hold by Caroline Burchill! This is where she’s lethal!
BRAD STOKES: Hasn’t been so far in this match!
Pace writhes on the mat, trying to reach back and get an unsuccessful hold onto Caroline O’Hara Burchill while The Ref hovers over him to hear the submission. The much larger man puts fists to canvas, and begins dragging himself towards the ropes, with Caroline in tow. Just as he’s about to reach the bottom rope for the break, Caroline lets loose of the hold, hops up, and reigns stomps down into Pace’s midsection.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Some noticeable frustration creeping in for Caroline Burchill.
BRAD STOKES: She’s beaten Pace before. She can do it again!
Despite the barrage of kicks, Aaron manages to use the ropes to get himself to his feet, and Caroline switches from kicks to elbow shots to the temple. Finally, she hooks him around the wrist, and sends him to the far side. Just as he’s coming back, Caroline goes for a spinning wheel kick, but Pace ducks it, leaving her to land on the canvas without a target. When she gets to her feet, she turns around only to walk into an STO backbreaker from the Paramount Champion. Instead of letting her go, however, he lifts her back up, and with a blow of his whistle doles out three more back breakers.
NINA APPLEBAUM: THE WHISTLEBLOWER! Pace is going for the cover!
1…
2…
THREe-
At the very last possible nanosecond Caroline’s shoulder slips off the canvas, and Theo Refano nearly has a seizure to keep his hand from striking the mat.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Close call!
Pace is up quickly, clutching at his back in pain and frustration while he backs The Ref all the way into the corner in protest. The jawing continues, leaving Caroline enough time to get to her feet as well, clutching at her back and cursing in pain. When Pace finally realizes his opponent is back up, he charges right for her only for Caroline to leap into the air, hook her legs around his neck, and then take him over in a poisoned frankensteiner.
NINA APPLEBAUM: IMPENDING OVERTHROW!! This one has got to be over!
BRAD STOKES: It’s been a barn-burner so far!
Both competitors lay on the mat, nearly spent after such a grueling matchup. It’s Caroline who stirs first, slowly but surely crawling her way over to Aaron Pace. With an act of desperation she allows her arm to drape over Aaron’s chest, and The Ref drops for the count.
1…
2…
THREe-
NINA APPLEBAUM: It’s over, folks….no…WAIT! Refano is saying that Pace got the shoulder up!
BRAD STOKES: That slimy bastard!
Caroline is shaky on her way back to her feet, and her back is in obvious pain as she tries to coax Pace back to his. Without warning Pace reaches up and hooks Burchill around the neck, pulling her down into a small package pin!
1…
2…
THRE-
NINA APPLEBAUM: Another close call there for Aaron Pace!
BRAD STOKES: He’s hanging onto that championship reign of his as haphazardly as the last guy!
Burchill worms her way out before The Ref’s hand can hit the mat, and both competitors get to their feet about the same time. Pace, however, is a little more sluggish, giving Caroline enough time to capitalize by leaping up to closest ropes, and springboarding to catch the Paramount Champion with her finisher. Pace, however, manages to get his boot up, striking Caroline right in the midsection on her way down. She lands with a stutter step, clutching her stomach, when Pace spins her around, tucks her head, and drives her head into the canvas with a sit out pedigree.
NINA APPLEBAUM: CHANGE OF PACE! And he’s hooked the leg for a cover!
1…
2…
3!!!
DING! DING! DING!
The bell sounds and Aaron falls back to suck in some much needed air. When he’s finally recovered, he pulls himself up with his whistle in his mouth, and the air is filled with annoying shrieks as “More Than You Can Chew” by Corroded blasts onto the speakers.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: And here is your winner, The Paramount Champion, AARON PACE!!!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Heart-stopping match there by those competitors.
BRAD STOKES: They’re not tied one a piece!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Indeed they are! Not the result Caroline wanted, but you can bet there’s more energy and effort where this match came from for Caroline.
BRAD STOKES: Undoubtedly!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Let’s go backstage, fight fans while the ring crew sets the ring up for the next match.
NINA APPLEBAUM: You have to wonder what’s going through the minds of these two competitors right now. For Aaron Pace, the lone notch in his loss column comes from that woman right there, Caroline O’Hara Burchill. For Caroline, with her struggling to find her feet here in the AWE, she now has to overcome Pace mountain once more, and if she does it’s assured she’ll be challenging for that title sooner rather than later!
Just as Marshal Douglas is about to announce the Champion, Caroline Burchill tears across the ring and drives a stiff elbow right into Aarons face, knocking him back into the closest corner and causing Theo Refano to quickly call for the bell.
BRAD STOKES: She was clearly thinking about smashing Pace’s face in!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Quick attack by Caroline Burchill! And we’re underway!
DING! DING! DING!
Douglas quickly exits the ring as Caroline drives in two more forearms into Aaron Pace before switching up to a succession of rapid-fire kicks right to the temple. Pace drops to a seated position from the impact, and Burchill breaks away from him just long enough to get a stuttering sprint and nails him square in the chest with a falling drop kick, crushing him in the corner.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Strong offense out of the gate for Caroline Burchill! She came to play tonight!
Pace clutches his chest, slides to the outside, and stumbles along the ring apron to try and put some distance between him and his assailant. Caroline, however, is relentless as she steps up and grabs the top rope and springboards herself up and over to land on an unsuspecting champion with a crossbody that takes both competitors to the concrete floor. Caroline mounts Pace, and starts hammering directly down into the man’s face as The Ref starts the count.
1….
2….
BRAD STOKES: I love when she gets that look in her eye like she’s going to kill someone.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace may be in trouble!
Burchill finally comes to a stop, and it’s obvious to see that Pace has been busted open as she drags him to his feet. She takes a handful of wrist and whips him hard towards the steel steps, and he steam rolls towards them only to throw his boot out to stop himself.
3….
Caroline’s face scrunches at seeing this, and rushes in right behind to follow up on her attack. Just as she reaches Aaron, however, he quickly spins around, catches her in a scoop, and swings her around with a snap powerslam that ends with her spine striking the steps.
NINA APPLEBAUM: OHHHH! Nice unexpected reversal by Aaron Pace!
BRAD STOKES: So long spine. She didn’t need that if I’m to bed her, anyway.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Glad to see you’re looking on the bright side.
BRAD STOKES: Always!
4….
5….
Aaron wipes blood from his eyes as he grabs Burchill by a fistful of hair, and yanks her up off the steel. He leads her over to the steel guardrail, and drives her face first directly into it. Caroline’s head bounces off the steel, and she clutches at her skull as she stumbles towards the ring.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace is NOT taking it easy on Caroline Burchill. This is very easily payback for their last singles encounter.
BRAD STOKES: The one where Caroline Burchill utilized chemical warfare to defeat Aaron and nearly melted his face off?
6….
7….
Pace gets a handful of tights before shoving Caroline under the bottom rope before following her back into the ring. He sneers down at her as Refano warns him about keeping the action in the ring.
BRAD STOKES: Look at that. Why is everyone always giving Theo Refano a hard time? No other Referee would do their jobs like he does.
NINA APPLEBAUM: I think that’s actually the complaint against him.
BRAD STOKES: Whiners, one and all.
Caroline slowly gets to her feet as Aaron measures her, and once she’s vertical, he takes off into a sprint, nailing her with a running knee that sends her hurtling back to the canvas. He immediately drops an elbow and when he lands blows on his whistle, hops up, does it again, and on the third time remains down for a lax cover.
1…
2…
NINA APPLEBAUM: Burchill Kicks out at two!
Pace gabs at The Ref for a minute in displeasure, then grabs Caroline up, and tosses her off the ropes. On her way back he swings with a clothesline which she ducks, and manages to avoid a back elbow on her second pass. On her way back, Aaron drops his head for a back body drop, but Caroline rolls across his back to land behind him instead. Her left foot flashes out catching Pace behind the knee, dropping him to a kneeling position, just before hooking him into a sleeper hold.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace is in trouble! Caroline’s got the sleeper hold locked in!
BRAD STOKES: Would be a good time for some of those patented Gen Now theatrics to kick in for Pace.
NINA APPLEBAUM: He’s not working with them.
BRAD STOKES: You never know, do you?
Aaron swats at the air in surprise, pushing back up to his feet. Caroline leaps up and wraps her legs around his waist as well, putting even more pressure into the sleeper. Pace stumbles around the ring trying to grab for the ropes, but every time he gets close, she yanks back even harder preventing the opportunity. After a few seconds of this, Aaron drops back down to one knee, and eventually down into a seated position.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Aaron Pace is fading!
Theo checks with Aaron to see if he wants to give up, but he gets no response, which prompts him to check his arm. He lifts it by the wrist, and then lets it loose only for it to drop to his lap.
1…
He checks it one more time.
2…
NINA APPLEBAUM: Only one more time, and this one is over!
Theo lifts the arm one more time, and just as it’s about to dip, a second life enters Aaron Pace’s body, and he starts rocking back and forth to try and get himself back up to his feet.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Pace is still in this!
BRAD STOKES: Barely!
Somehow, he even manages to get the whistle into his mouth, and with each push he rings out loudly.
BRAD STOKES: Oh for the love of crumbcake, there’s that DAMN Whistle again!
Finally, both competitors are vertical, Burchill still holding on with everything she’s got. Pace drives an elbow into her midsection, then another, and another that breaks the hold. Pace continues the assault by driving right hands into Caroline’s jaw, knocking her back towards the ropes.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Stirring comeback taking place as Aaron Pace is fighting back against the potent assault from Caroline Burchill!
Pace takes a few steps back, and rushes with a running clothesline that sends Burchill right up and over the top rope to tumble to the concrete below. He slips through the ropes to the ring apron as Caroline manages her way to her feet, and he measures her with the point of his elbow before stepping off the ring apron and driving it right down into the back of her skull. Burchill slaps the floor once more, but Pace gives her no time before pulling her back up to her feet. Before The Ref could start a count he tosses Caroline back in, but maintains control of her body, keeping her head and shoulders laying on the edge of the ring apron. After a few steps back, he charges forward, throwing his boot out in front of him to crash into the side of her head. Caroline recoils and rolls into the center of the ring as Pace slips in and goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Thre-
NINA APPLEBAUM: KICK OUT! Just barely!
Pace comes up with a frustrated look on his face, and jerks Burchill up to her feet by the hair of the head. He looks out at the crowd and blows his whistle arrogantly, before pushing the woman’s head between his legs and hooking her arms in the pedigree position.
NINA APPLEBAUM: It looks like Pace is about to go for The Change of Pace, but he’s doing some showboating here, which could be a mistake.
As if the commentators had been taking fortune-telling lessons from Kassandrah, Burchill manages to unhook her arms, drop to her knees, and uppercuts Aaron Pace right in his privates. Pace’s eyes bulge as he grabs at his nether regions, and then comically falls into a seated position. Caroline gets to her feet, backs into the ropes, and then launches forward, damn near taking his head with a knee to the face.
NINA APPLEBAUM: OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! Caroline with the cover!
1…
2…
Thre-
Aaron Pace barely gets the shoulder off the mat, and it’s Caroline’s turn to run her mouth at Refano about a slow count. She turns back to Aaron pace who has made it over to his stomach and into the pushup position. Caroline stalks over and drives her knee into Pace’s back, driving him down into the canvas, and laces her fingers under her chin before rocking back into a modified camel clutch.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Another submission hold by Caroline Burchill! This is where she’s lethal!
BRAD STOKES: Hasn’t been so far in this match!
Pace writhes on the mat, trying to reach back and get an unsuccessful hold onto Caroline O’Hara Burchill while The Ref hovers over him to hear the submission. The much larger man puts fists to canvas, and begins dragging himself towards the ropes, with Caroline in tow. Just as he’s about to reach the bottom rope for the break, Caroline lets loose of the hold, hops up, and reigns stomps down into Pace’s midsection.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Some noticeable frustration creeping in for Caroline Burchill.
BRAD STOKES: She’s beaten Pace before. She can do it again!
Despite the barrage of kicks, Aaron manages to use the ropes to get himself to his feet, and Caroline switches from kicks to elbow shots to the temple. Finally, she hooks him around the wrist, and sends him to the far side. Just as he’s coming back, Caroline goes for a spinning wheel kick, but Pace ducks it, leaving her to land on the canvas without a target. When she gets to her feet, she turns around only to walk into an STO backbreaker from the Paramount Champion. Instead of letting her go, however, he lifts her back up, and with a blow of his whistle doles out three more back breakers.
NINA APPLEBAUM: THE WHISTLEBLOWER! Pace is going for the cover!
1…
2…
THREe-
At the very last possible nanosecond Caroline’s shoulder slips off the canvas, and Theo Refano nearly has a seizure to keep his hand from striking the mat.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Close call!
Pace is up quickly, clutching at his back in pain and frustration while he backs The Ref all the way into the corner in protest. The jawing continues, leaving Caroline enough time to get to her feet as well, clutching at her back and cursing in pain. When Pace finally realizes his opponent is back up, he charges right for her only for Caroline to leap into the air, hook her legs around his neck, and then take him over in a poisoned frankensteiner.
NINA APPLEBAUM: IMPENDING OVERTHROW!! This one has got to be over!
BRAD STOKES: It’s been a barn-burner so far!
Both competitors lay on the mat, nearly spent after such a grueling matchup. It’s Caroline who stirs first, slowly but surely crawling her way over to Aaron Pace. With an act of desperation she allows her arm to drape over Aaron’s chest, and The Ref drops for the count.
1…
2…
THREe-
NINA APPLEBAUM: It’s over, folks….no…WAIT! Refano is saying that Pace got the shoulder up!
BRAD STOKES: That slimy bastard!
Caroline is shaky on her way back to her feet, and her back is in obvious pain as she tries to coax Pace back to his. Without warning Pace reaches up and hooks Burchill around the neck, pulling her down into a small package pin!
1…
2…
THRE-
NINA APPLEBAUM: Another close call there for Aaron Pace!
BRAD STOKES: He’s hanging onto that championship reign of his as haphazardly as the last guy!
Burchill worms her way out before The Ref’s hand can hit the mat, and both competitors get to their feet about the same time. Pace, however, is a little more sluggish, giving Caroline enough time to capitalize by leaping up to closest ropes, and springboarding to catch the Paramount Champion with her finisher. Pace, however, manages to get his boot up, striking Caroline right in the midsection on her way down. She lands with a stutter step, clutching her stomach, when Pace spins her around, tucks her head, and drives her head into the canvas with a sit out pedigree.
NINA APPLEBAUM: CHANGE OF PACE! And he’s hooked the leg for a cover!
1…
2…
3!!!
DING! DING! DING!
The bell sounds and Aaron falls back to suck in some much needed air. When he’s finally recovered, he pulls himself up with his whistle in his mouth, and the air is filled with annoying shrieks as “More Than You Can Chew” by Corroded blasts onto the speakers.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: And here is your winner, The Paramount Champion, AARON PACE!!!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Heart-stopping match there by those competitors.
BRAD STOKES: They’re not tied one a piece!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Indeed they are! Not the result Caroline wanted, but you can bet there’s more energy and effort where this match came from for Caroline.
BRAD STOKES: Undoubtedly!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Let’s go backstage, fight fans while the ring crew sets the ring up for the next match.
The camera finds itself the innards of Denny Sanford Premier Center where, in a corner of a lockerroom, Dexter Severin sits backwards in a folding chair. The bearded man is dressed for war: Black boots and tights, a sleeveless shirt with the logo of "Fuck-A-Bitch-Up Industries" on the front. Blue grey eyes show no emotion and he stares at something in his hand. A picture. Four people in the picture, three others including himself. He has his arm around a short, voluptuous woman. Standing tall behind him is a man with a wild beard and even more wild eyes. And, cool cockiness personified, Benny Stevens. The four people stand before a condo in Dallas, Texas, the sign a door reading "Swag Central Ver2"
Dexter stares at the picture in silence.
He then folds it up, places it in a black duffel bag next to him, and closes his eyes.
Dexter stares at the picture in silence.
He then folds it up, places it in a black duffel bag next to him, and closes his eyes.
Tornado Desendacdenado VS. Akragth
NINA APPLEBAUM: And we’re back fight fans where, standing in the ring are the monster known as Akragth, and newcomer, former Lagniappe Champion—
BRAD STOKES: I think you mean the Florida’s Finest Championship, isn’t it Nina?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Now, maybe. Prior to that, it was held with esteem by Tornado Desencadenado until underhanded tactics on the part of Tommy Stone saw that decades old antique shift hands into the defacer known as Tommy Stone.
BRAD STOKES: Strong words, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Tornado worked hard to win that title, and even harder to raise awareness of it. It’s more his than some guy who knows how to use a coffee mug.
DING! DING! DING!
BRAD STOKES: Well, if he can get past Fraggle Rock maybe he can get a rematch, huh?
Inside the ring. Akragth doesn’t stand much taller than TD and as he goes to muscle in on the Fundamental Elemental and aims for a grapple, TD has swung under Akragth’s arms and planted him with a sudden bridging german suplex right into a pin!
ONe!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Quick offense but nothing doing as Akragth kicks out!
Akragth is on one knee, eyeing TD as the Spin Doctor is on his feet challenging Akragth to match him. Slowly, the Destroyer climbs to his feet and does quite the opposite, instead sliding a gloved hand along the ring ropes and moving to circle the ring as TD eyes him down.
NINA APPLEBAUM: It’s never easy to ascertain precisely what Akragth is up to in that ring, or what his next move is.
BRAD STOKES: Sure it is. He’s luring TD to his certain doom.
Tornado balks initially at rushing Akragth who slowly moves around the edges of the ring near the ropes before he does indeed charge only for Akragth to stun him with a sudden shoulder thrust to the midsection that stops TD dead in his tracks then Akragth follows it up with a hard-hitting spinebuster that rattles the ring boards!
NINA APPLEBAUM: A lot of power and authority there!
Akragth grips TD’s head and raises it enough to pound some visceral strikes that rock the Rookie before Akragth pulls him back to his feet and slams him right back down with a sitout scoop slam piledriver! Ak holds onto the leg for a pin!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Not sure who kicked out there. Tornado kicked out, but Ak didn’t seem intent on keeping that pin attempt.
BRAD STOKES: Akragth is toying with the kid. It’s easy as that. This is a man with more years of experience in a ring than that kid has letters in his name.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Definitely a lot to overcome!
Ak pulls Tornado up to his feet and swiftly slams him back down with a forceful lariat hard enough to nearly knock TD’s head off! Akragth presses his advantage by dropping an elbow down into TD’s spine before shifting his weight and wrenching back powerfully on TD’s neck with a modified crossface he uses to drag TD back to his feet and pull TD back into a belly-to-back clutch but the Spin Doctor does just that and spins his way out of the clutch and delivers a responsive kick to Ak’s midsection before PLANTING him to the canvas with a spinning neckbreaker!
NINA APPLEBAUM: And the crowd is back in this as Tornado Desencadenado pries himself out of the hot water Akragth looked to be sticking him in!
BRAD STOKES: Like… a lobster or something? What the hell are you talking about? Are you on the same stuff Cuppola’s on?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Sometimes, when I show up to work with you, I wish, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: Don’t diss me in front of the fans, Nina. They don’t like it when we fight.
Tornado is sluggish but attempting to be quick to his feet as Ak rises to one knee and meets TD headon, wrenching his arm almost out of his socket before slamming TD into his shoulder repeatedly! The crowd almost loses its gusto as TD stumbles backward clutching his arm and Akragth rises to his full height only to be met by an impactful discus double backhand chop that slams The Destroyer back down to the canvas! And that fires the crowd up alongside Tornado Desencadenado as he bounds off the ropes and spins into an elbow drop that shudders the ring and Akragth as he goes for a sudden cover!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Still nothing doing there. But the sudden surge of energy from Tornado Desencadenado means he’s still in this thing.
BRAD STOKES: For now. Until Akragth unleashes the flying monkeys or whatever else he’s got in that seemingly unlimited bag of tricks of his.
TD tries to grab hold of Ak to drag him back to his feet, but Akragth slips free and delivers a throat thrust strike for the trouble that staggers and winds TD. Akragth steps in only for TD to surprise him by swinging an errant punch for Akragth who ducks it and sends another shoulder thrust into TD’s midsection before setting TD onto his shoulders then SLAMS him down with a muscle buster!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Dear god! The Ravager! Out of nowhere!
BRAD STOKES: It’s over. He’s not getting up after something like that.
Akragth makes the confident cover.
1…
2…
THREe!
Tornado Desencadenado stuns the crowd and Akragth as he just barely pushes his shoulder off the canvas before The Ref can complete the three count!
NINA APPLEBAUM: So close! Impressive kickout by TD and Akragth does NOT look happy about it!
BRAD STOKES: Gonna set them monkeys loose now, I bet!
Akragth rises to one knee and glares at The Ref who rises to his own feet and lifts his arms defensively as Akragth towers over him and gets into his face. The crowd is clearly working up TD who is sluggish, in pain, and staggering to all fours as Akragth threatens Theo Refano wordless with violence.
BRAD STOKES: KILL HIM ALREADY! BUT SAVE HIS GLASSES!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Are you for real right now?
BRAD STOKES: Might be a collector’s item, Nina!
The fans can spot it as Akragth raises an arm ready to strike Theo Refano and Tornado Desencadenado is on his feet behind him catching a second wind. Akragth reads the crowd and turns in time for Tornado to catch him and SLAM him into the canvas with a ranhei into a cradle pin!!
NINA APPLEBAUM: There’s the cover! Tornado’s got him!
1..
2…
THR—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive kickout by Akragth!
BRAD STOKES: I don’t think Tornado Dessert there knows what’s he up against if he thought that would work.
Tornado is still sluggish, Akragth’s offense enough to wind even a seasoned competitor but he still drags himself to his feet, towing Ak up with him where he slams a knee into Akragth’s chest before quickly spinning Akragth back down to the canvas with an arm drag into an armbar!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Center of the ring!
BRAD STOKES: It’s nearly impossible to know if any of what’s just happened has actually HURT Akragth though.
Indeed, the masked man isn’t entirely struggling, but isn’t entirely not struggling as Tornado leverages the armbar! The strength of Akragth is on display, however, as he powers upwards with Tornado still on his arm!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive strength by Akragth! Tornado has doled out a lot of punishment already tonight! It’s got to be disheartening to watch Akragth powering out of this!
BRAD STOKES: I told you. Akragth is invincible.
NINA APPLEBAUM: That’s actually the first time you’ve said that.
BRAD STOKES: It won’t be the last.
TD is quick to relinquish his hold of Akragth before any damage can be done, but Akragth is definitely back on his feet, although visibly favoring his arm as TD climbs to his feet. Too slow, unfortunately, for him as Akragth grips him with anger and whips him for the ropes! TD on the rebound surprises Akragth by leaping up for a tornado DDT but Akragth powerfully pushes TD backwards before he can fire away sending TD stumbling. Akragth moves forward and lifts a big boot but Tornado’s agility is on display as he ducks beneath it and winds up behind Akragth bouncing off the ropes! As the big man spins to follow up he is met by a sudden running corkscrew forearm smash! The crowd erupts as the strikes ploughs into Akragth and fells him unexpectedly! Tornado stumbles down into a pin!
1…
2..
3!!
DING! DING! DING!
“Blow Me Away” By Breaking Benjamin kicks in as Tornado gasps for air and stumbles back to his feet in time for The Ref to raise his arm in the air.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: Here is your winner…. TORNADO… DESENCADENADOOOOOOOO!
The crowd pops as Akragth angrily, and silently rolls from the ring as Tornado celebrates.
BRAD STOKES: See? Again. I should have damn well said the fans would win. Where the hell was Gen Now there?
NINA APPLEBAUM: They haven’t seemed to factor in too heavily to this show, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: They could have saved Akragth! Aren’t they in cahoots?
NINA APPLEBAUM: I don’t think so, Bradley. It’s entirely possible whatever happened last show was some sort of unrelated distraction.
BRAD STOKES: Well that’s shitty. I wanted to see Gen Now kill everyone!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Maybe next time. For now, we’ll cut backstage to check in on Hunter Storms and Hanzo Kirigaya.
BRAD STOKES: I think you mean the Florida’s Finest Championship, isn’t it Nina?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Now, maybe. Prior to that, it was held with esteem by Tornado Desencadenado until underhanded tactics on the part of Tommy Stone saw that decades old antique shift hands into the defacer known as Tommy Stone.
BRAD STOKES: Strong words, Nina.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Tornado worked hard to win that title, and even harder to raise awareness of it. It’s more his than some guy who knows how to use a coffee mug.
DING! DING! DING!
BRAD STOKES: Well, if he can get past Fraggle Rock maybe he can get a rematch, huh?
Inside the ring. Akragth doesn’t stand much taller than TD and as he goes to muscle in on the Fundamental Elemental and aims for a grapple, TD has swung under Akragth’s arms and planted him with a sudden bridging german suplex right into a pin!
ONe!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Quick offense but nothing doing as Akragth kicks out!
Akragth is on one knee, eyeing TD as the Spin Doctor is on his feet challenging Akragth to match him. Slowly, the Destroyer climbs to his feet and does quite the opposite, instead sliding a gloved hand along the ring ropes and moving to circle the ring as TD eyes him down.
NINA APPLEBAUM: It’s never easy to ascertain precisely what Akragth is up to in that ring, or what his next move is.
BRAD STOKES: Sure it is. He’s luring TD to his certain doom.
Tornado balks initially at rushing Akragth who slowly moves around the edges of the ring near the ropes before he does indeed charge only for Akragth to stun him with a sudden shoulder thrust to the midsection that stops TD dead in his tracks then Akragth follows it up with a hard-hitting spinebuster that rattles the ring boards!
NINA APPLEBAUM: A lot of power and authority there!
Akragth grips TD’s head and raises it enough to pound some visceral strikes that rock the Rookie before Akragth pulls him back to his feet and slams him right back down with a sitout scoop slam piledriver! Ak holds onto the leg for a pin!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Not sure who kicked out there. Tornado kicked out, but Ak didn’t seem intent on keeping that pin attempt.
BRAD STOKES: Akragth is toying with the kid. It’s easy as that. This is a man with more years of experience in a ring than that kid has letters in his name.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Definitely a lot to overcome!
Ak pulls Tornado up to his feet and swiftly slams him back down with a forceful lariat hard enough to nearly knock TD’s head off! Akragth presses his advantage by dropping an elbow down into TD’s spine before shifting his weight and wrenching back powerfully on TD’s neck with a modified crossface he uses to drag TD back to his feet and pull TD back into a belly-to-back clutch but the Spin Doctor does just that and spins his way out of the clutch and delivers a responsive kick to Ak’s midsection before PLANTING him to the canvas with a spinning neckbreaker!
NINA APPLEBAUM: And the crowd is back in this as Tornado Desencadenado pries himself out of the hot water Akragth looked to be sticking him in!
BRAD STOKES: Like… a lobster or something? What the hell are you talking about? Are you on the same stuff Cuppola’s on?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Sometimes, when I show up to work with you, I wish, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: Don’t diss me in front of the fans, Nina. They don’t like it when we fight.
Tornado is sluggish but attempting to be quick to his feet as Ak rises to one knee and meets TD headon, wrenching his arm almost out of his socket before slamming TD into his shoulder repeatedly! The crowd almost loses its gusto as TD stumbles backward clutching his arm and Akragth rises to his full height only to be met by an impactful discus double backhand chop that slams The Destroyer back down to the canvas! And that fires the crowd up alongside Tornado Desencadenado as he bounds off the ropes and spins into an elbow drop that shudders the ring and Akragth as he goes for a sudden cover!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Still nothing doing there. But the sudden surge of energy from Tornado Desencadenado means he’s still in this thing.
BRAD STOKES: For now. Until Akragth unleashes the flying monkeys or whatever else he’s got in that seemingly unlimited bag of tricks of his.
TD tries to grab hold of Ak to drag him back to his feet, but Akragth slips free and delivers a throat thrust strike for the trouble that staggers and winds TD. Akragth steps in only for TD to surprise him by swinging an errant punch for Akragth who ducks it and sends another shoulder thrust into TD’s midsection before setting TD onto his shoulders then SLAMS him down with a muscle buster!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Dear god! The Ravager! Out of nowhere!
BRAD STOKES: It’s over. He’s not getting up after something like that.
Akragth makes the confident cover.
1…
2…
THREe!
Tornado Desencadenado stuns the crowd and Akragth as he just barely pushes his shoulder off the canvas before The Ref can complete the three count!
NINA APPLEBAUM: So close! Impressive kickout by TD and Akragth does NOT look happy about it!
BRAD STOKES: Gonna set them monkeys loose now, I bet!
Akragth rises to one knee and glares at The Ref who rises to his own feet and lifts his arms defensively as Akragth towers over him and gets into his face. The crowd is clearly working up TD who is sluggish, in pain, and staggering to all fours as Akragth threatens Theo Refano wordless with violence.
BRAD STOKES: KILL HIM ALREADY! BUT SAVE HIS GLASSES!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Are you for real right now?
BRAD STOKES: Might be a collector’s item, Nina!
The fans can spot it as Akragth raises an arm ready to strike Theo Refano and Tornado Desencadenado is on his feet behind him catching a second wind. Akragth reads the crowd and turns in time for Tornado to catch him and SLAM him into the canvas with a ranhei into a cradle pin!!
NINA APPLEBAUM: There’s the cover! Tornado’s got him!
1..
2…
THR—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive kickout by Akragth!
BRAD STOKES: I don’t think Tornado Dessert there knows what’s he up against if he thought that would work.
Tornado is still sluggish, Akragth’s offense enough to wind even a seasoned competitor but he still drags himself to his feet, towing Ak up with him where he slams a knee into Akragth’s chest before quickly spinning Akragth back down to the canvas with an arm drag into an armbar!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Center of the ring!
BRAD STOKES: It’s nearly impossible to know if any of what’s just happened has actually HURT Akragth though.
Indeed, the masked man isn’t entirely struggling, but isn’t entirely not struggling as Tornado leverages the armbar! The strength of Akragth is on display, however, as he powers upwards with Tornado still on his arm!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive strength by Akragth! Tornado has doled out a lot of punishment already tonight! It’s got to be disheartening to watch Akragth powering out of this!
BRAD STOKES: I told you. Akragth is invincible.
NINA APPLEBAUM: That’s actually the first time you’ve said that.
BRAD STOKES: It won’t be the last.
TD is quick to relinquish his hold of Akragth before any damage can be done, but Akragth is definitely back on his feet, although visibly favoring his arm as TD climbs to his feet. Too slow, unfortunately, for him as Akragth grips him with anger and whips him for the ropes! TD on the rebound surprises Akragth by leaping up for a tornado DDT but Akragth powerfully pushes TD backwards before he can fire away sending TD stumbling. Akragth moves forward and lifts a big boot but Tornado’s agility is on display as he ducks beneath it and winds up behind Akragth bouncing off the ropes! As the big man spins to follow up he is met by a sudden running corkscrew forearm smash! The crowd erupts as the strikes ploughs into Akragth and fells him unexpectedly! Tornado stumbles down into a pin!
1…
2..
3!!
DING! DING! DING!
“Blow Me Away” By Breaking Benjamin kicks in as Tornado gasps for air and stumbles back to his feet in time for The Ref to raise his arm in the air.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: Here is your winner…. TORNADO… DESENCADENADOOOOOOOO!
The crowd pops as Akragth angrily, and silently rolls from the ring as Tornado celebrates.
BRAD STOKES: See? Again. I should have damn well said the fans would win. Where the hell was Gen Now there?
NINA APPLEBAUM: They haven’t seemed to factor in too heavily to this show, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: They could have saved Akragth! Aren’t they in cahoots?
NINA APPLEBAUM: I don’t think so, Bradley. It’s entirely possible whatever happened last show was some sort of unrelated distraction.
BRAD STOKES: Well that’s shitty. I wanted to see Gen Now kill everyone!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Maybe next time. For now, we’ll cut backstage to check in on Hunter Storms and Hanzo Kirigaya.
Moving to backstage, the camera shows Hanzo Kirigaya walking down the corridor, apparently all geared up for the match against Ronnie Harris. Pausing, he takes a few moments to throw a couple of shadow punches before continuing down. Before he's able to move past an intersection of corridors, he's stopped by Sasha Sloane.
SASHA SLOANE: Hanzo, the past several weeks between you and Storms and have been relatively.......uneasy to say the least. Is there any idea of how you guys mend the rift in your team?
HANZO KIRIGAYA: Well to be honest, I think it's possible, but then again I don----
Before he can finish his sentence, Storms comes barreling into the shot and shoulder blocks Hanzo down to the floor as Sasha scrambles to safety.
BRAD STOKES: What are the odds, you think, that Hunter was actually aiming for Sasha Sloane?
Not stopping his momentum, Storms starts to repeatedly stomp at the spine of the Dragon before finishing it with a high leaping knee drop right to the base of it.
BRAD STOKES: Cause if he was he's completely missing Sasha right now. Hunter's aim is terrible!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Good lord somebody stop this! He'll cripple Hanzo!
Continuing with the assault, Storms swiftly picks up the nearly unconscious Hanzo and soundly whips him into the nearby wall before charging him again with a full on body attack, sandwiching him in between the wall and Storms, who follows it up with several more knee lifts to the stomach before tossing him to the side, where Hanzo trips over a conveniently placed table. Storms menacingly eyes the table as he lays into Hanzo's ribs with another swift kick.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Seriously, where the hell is security?! This is madness!
BRAD STOKES: It's a dog-eat-dog backstage world, Nina.
Picking up the grounded table, Storms props it up against the wall as Hanzo weakly tries to crawl away at this point, but he's ultimately stopped and stunned by another snap kick to the head. Lifting him up, Storms sets Hanzo up as he continues to the eye the table. Hoisting Hanzo up into a crucifix, he takes two steps forward before tossing the small masked wrestler crashing through the table as he lands awkwardly, almost folding up like an accordion.
BRAD STOKES: OH MAN! I can't believe this is happening!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Neither can I !
BRAD STOKES: It's my greatest dreams realized! Someone is FINALLY dying!
Seemingly satisfied with the job now done, Storms kicks at the body one last time before walking out of the frame as Hanzo continues to lie there motionless.
BRAD STOKES: Well then, I think it's obvious who's facing Ronnie Harris tonight then.
SASHA SLOANE: Hanzo, the past several weeks between you and Storms and have been relatively.......uneasy to say the least. Is there any idea of how you guys mend the rift in your team?
HANZO KIRIGAYA: Well to be honest, I think it's possible, but then again I don----
Before he can finish his sentence, Storms comes barreling into the shot and shoulder blocks Hanzo down to the floor as Sasha scrambles to safety.
BRAD STOKES: What are the odds, you think, that Hunter was actually aiming for Sasha Sloane?
Not stopping his momentum, Storms starts to repeatedly stomp at the spine of the Dragon before finishing it with a high leaping knee drop right to the base of it.
BRAD STOKES: Cause if he was he's completely missing Sasha right now. Hunter's aim is terrible!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Good lord somebody stop this! He'll cripple Hanzo!
Continuing with the assault, Storms swiftly picks up the nearly unconscious Hanzo and soundly whips him into the nearby wall before charging him again with a full on body attack, sandwiching him in between the wall and Storms, who follows it up with several more knee lifts to the stomach before tossing him to the side, where Hanzo trips over a conveniently placed table. Storms menacingly eyes the table as he lays into Hanzo's ribs with another swift kick.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Seriously, where the hell is security?! This is madness!
BRAD STOKES: It's a dog-eat-dog backstage world, Nina.
Picking up the grounded table, Storms props it up against the wall as Hanzo weakly tries to crawl away at this point, but he's ultimately stopped and stunned by another snap kick to the head. Lifting him up, Storms sets Hanzo up as he continues to the eye the table. Hoisting Hanzo up into a crucifix, he takes two steps forward before tossing the small masked wrestler crashing through the table as he lands awkwardly, almost folding up like an accordion.
BRAD STOKES: OH MAN! I can't believe this is happening!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Neither can I !
BRAD STOKES: It's my greatest dreams realized! Someone is FINALLY dying!
Seemingly satisfied with the job now done, Storms kicks at the body one last time before walking out of the frame as Hanzo continues to lie there motionless.
BRAD STOKES: Well then, I think it's obvious who's facing Ronnie Harris tonight then.
Ronnie Harris VS. Hunter Storms
The lights nearly go dark as the electronic beat of "Lost in the Echo" by Linkin Park starts to play and a spotlight appears on Hunter Storms who walks out onto the stage. He idly stands for a few seconds before shaking his head around and proceeding to walk down the ramp as the rap verse kicks in.
BRAD STOKES: Damn. Was kind of hoping that segment was all a dream.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Regrettably none of this is a dream, Bradley. And while we may have just witnessed the end of Blue Impulse, it appears Hunter Storms remains to fight on.
He keeps his cold, piercing stare on the ring, where, inside is a stretched and equally determined Ronnie Harris unphased by Hunter’s entrance. Hunter reaches the ring and leaps up onto the apron and enters the ring before staring out at the crowd only to retreat into a corner, waiting for the match to start.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Hunter Storms is fired up from the backstage altercation. Ronnie Harris could be in trouble in that ring against a man with the violent tendencies of Hunter Storms!
BRAD STOKES: I’m not so sure. This is that rare match in which both competitors have routinely gotten shit on by upper management, Nina. Ronnie got booked in a match against Hanzo, presumably he TRAINED for Hanzo Kirigaya, he’s getting Hunter Storms, and it’s all management’s fault.
NINA APPLEBAUM: I hardly think that’s management’s fault. Hunter and Hanzo formed their tag team of their own free will, and literally just ended it without help from anyone.
BRAD STOKES: Except Sasha Sloane, Nina. She’s got management stooge written all over her.
NINA APPLEBAUM: And Ronnie Harris is just starting out in the AWE, I don’t think he feasibly CAN claim a slight from management just yet. How was anyone supposed to know who would show up when Blue Impulse has been at one another’s throats since they formed?
BRAD STOKES: You’re right. I say we kill Sasha Sloane.
DING! DING! DING!
Inside the ring, Hunter Storms and Ronnie Harris circle one another aggressively. Hunter Storms, the larger man, rushes Ronnie for a tie-up that Ronnie is all too willing to oblige, even powering back against Hunter Storms momentum enough to give Hunter pause before Ronnie frees an arm and slams a European upper cut into Hunter’s jaw that staggers him backwards. And Ronnie maintains that sudden offense, unleashing a chain of right and left hooks to back Storms into the corner before getting some room and hauling off a massive punt into Storm’s chest that almost sends the 5 year veteran up and over the ropes! But Ronnie catches him and irish whips him across the ring and charges in after him and slams another European uppercut into Hunter with enough force to drop him entirely into the corner. Ronnie snidely stalks away from the downed Hunter Storms with a smarmy grin.
BRAD STOKES: This kid’s got chutzpah!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Ronnie Harris has definitely came to play tonight. Hunter Storms is going to have to recover fast if he wants to remain in this contest.
Ronnie returns to Hunter before he can climb to his feet and stomps down onto the chest of Hunter with increased ferocity before Ronnie reaches down to drag Hunter up to his feet. Hunter surprises Ronnie with a sudden headbutt and then a shoulder thrust that staggers Harris and gives Hunter a chance to shake loose the previous assault. Ronnie rushes Hunter but finds himself flattened by a big boot to the jaw that lets Hunter make his exit from the corner while Ronnie rolls under the ropes and to the outside to check his jaw.
NINA APPLEBAUM: And like that, Hunter Storms proves precisely why they call him the mercenary of destruction.
BRAD STOKES: These two are tough, Nina. Not going to be easy for one of them to be vicious without being matched by the other. If Hanzo were here, though? He’d be dead. And I’d finally be happy.
1!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Theo Refano starting in with the count on Ronnie Harris.
BRAD STOKES: I wish Akragth had killed him last match, Nina. The more I see him and his stupid striped shirt, the angrier I get. I’m like a bull when it sees red, but in this case it’s stripes. And I hate Theo's face.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Incredibly eloquent, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: Sic Semper Refano! How's that for eloquent?
Ronnie Harris carefully steps back onto the ring apron before the count can continue, as Hunter Storms has found his way to the other side of the ring to roll his jaw and limber up, giving Ronnie an opening to climb back inside the ring.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Rather gentlemanly conduct there by Hunter Storms.
BRAD STOKES: He’s a man for all seasons, Nina.
Hunter charges Ronnie and aims a lariat for Harris’ head, but Ronnie ducks the lariat and turns into a sudden, stop-on-a-dime kick to the midsection from Hunter Storms followed by a sitout facebuster into a cover by Hunter Storms!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive agility there by Hunter Storms!
Hunter grips Ronnie Harris by the neck and drags him to his feet, slinging one arm over his shoulder for a suplex setup but before Hunter can get Ronnie off the ground Ronnie stalls the suplex and slams another European uppercut into Storms that knocks him out of the clutch! Ronnie quickly cinches on the dragon suplex and drops Hunter backwards and bridges into a pin!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Nicely done by Ronnie Harris!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Kickout by Hunter Storms!
Ronnie angrily lifts up to a knee, Hunter Storms rolls to one side and tries to rise to his feet, but Ronnie unleashes a strong downward fist that stuns Hunter. Then another, and another before Ronnie arrogantly spits out his mouthguard and grabs hold of Hunter Storms’ hand, about to take a vicious bit before Hunter wheels around, removes his hand from Ronnie’s grasp before any damage can be done and hauls off a double legged kick into Harris’ jaw that sends Ronnie stumbling backwards off-balance.
BRAD STOKES: Probably shouldn’t have spit out that mouthguard.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Hunter Storms with a keen reversal is back on his feet!
With Ronnie stumbling, hunter rushes him and slams him into the turnbuckles with a reverse STO that gets the crowd riled up! Hunter gives himself some room before slamming a lifting knee into Ronnie Harris that stuns Harris in the corner. Hunter takes immediate advantage to drape Ronnie onto his shoulders and move into the center ring with the inverted death valley driver setup!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Not a good place for Ronnie Harris to be! Hunter Storms doesn’t pull this move out too often, if it’s what I think it is.
BRAD STOKES: He’s going to make a statement.
As Hunter balances Ronnie on his shoulders about to drop him but Ronnie slides off Hunters back and slams a kick into his back to stagger Hunter into the ropes! Hunter recovers quickly and rushes Ronnie Harris who slams a lifting knee into Hunter’s jaw that lifts Storms upwards! In in a smooth motion Ronnie Harris SLAMS Hunter Storms back down with a curb stomp!
NINA APPLEBAUM: THE KRAY KILLER!!
Ronnie Harris slams a side kick into Hunter before dropping to his knees and rolling Hunter over for the cover!
1…
2..
3!!
DING! DING! DING!
BRAD STOKES: Well that came out of nowhere.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: Here is your winner…. Ronnie… HARRRRIIIIISSS!
“10,000 Hours” by TRC kicks in as Ronnie Harris refuses to let Theo Refano lift his arm. Instead Ronnie kicks his mouthguard from the ring with a snicker and rolls out on his way up the ramp.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Big win there for Ronnie Harris.
BRAD STOKES: I don’t think that’s at all how Hunter Storms expected that to go.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Not very likely. We’ll take you backstage fans, where it sounds like American Tommy is—
BRAD STOKES: Being a superstar, no doubt.
NINA APPLEBAUM: You could say that…
BRAD STOKES: Damn. Was kind of hoping that segment was all a dream.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Regrettably none of this is a dream, Bradley. And while we may have just witnessed the end of Blue Impulse, it appears Hunter Storms remains to fight on.
He keeps his cold, piercing stare on the ring, where, inside is a stretched and equally determined Ronnie Harris unphased by Hunter’s entrance. Hunter reaches the ring and leaps up onto the apron and enters the ring before staring out at the crowd only to retreat into a corner, waiting for the match to start.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Hunter Storms is fired up from the backstage altercation. Ronnie Harris could be in trouble in that ring against a man with the violent tendencies of Hunter Storms!
BRAD STOKES: I’m not so sure. This is that rare match in which both competitors have routinely gotten shit on by upper management, Nina. Ronnie got booked in a match against Hanzo, presumably he TRAINED for Hanzo Kirigaya, he’s getting Hunter Storms, and it’s all management’s fault.
NINA APPLEBAUM: I hardly think that’s management’s fault. Hunter and Hanzo formed their tag team of their own free will, and literally just ended it without help from anyone.
BRAD STOKES: Except Sasha Sloane, Nina. She’s got management stooge written all over her.
NINA APPLEBAUM: And Ronnie Harris is just starting out in the AWE, I don’t think he feasibly CAN claim a slight from management just yet. How was anyone supposed to know who would show up when Blue Impulse has been at one another’s throats since they formed?
BRAD STOKES: You’re right. I say we kill Sasha Sloane.
DING! DING! DING!
Inside the ring, Hunter Storms and Ronnie Harris circle one another aggressively. Hunter Storms, the larger man, rushes Ronnie for a tie-up that Ronnie is all too willing to oblige, even powering back against Hunter Storms momentum enough to give Hunter pause before Ronnie frees an arm and slams a European upper cut into Hunter’s jaw that staggers him backwards. And Ronnie maintains that sudden offense, unleashing a chain of right and left hooks to back Storms into the corner before getting some room and hauling off a massive punt into Storm’s chest that almost sends the 5 year veteran up and over the ropes! But Ronnie catches him and irish whips him across the ring and charges in after him and slams another European uppercut into Hunter with enough force to drop him entirely into the corner. Ronnie snidely stalks away from the downed Hunter Storms with a smarmy grin.
BRAD STOKES: This kid’s got chutzpah!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Ronnie Harris has definitely came to play tonight. Hunter Storms is going to have to recover fast if he wants to remain in this contest.
Ronnie returns to Hunter before he can climb to his feet and stomps down onto the chest of Hunter with increased ferocity before Ronnie reaches down to drag Hunter up to his feet. Hunter surprises Ronnie with a sudden headbutt and then a shoulder thrust that staggers Harris and gives Hunter a chance to shake loose the previous assault. Ronnie rushes Hunter but finds himself flattened by a big boot to the jaw that lets Hunter make his exit from the corner while Ronnie rolls under the ropes and to the outside to check his jaw.
NINA APPLEBAUM: And like that, Hunter Storms proves precisely why they call him the mercenary of destruction.
BRAD STOKES: These two are tough, Nina. Not going to be easy for one of them to be vicious without being matched by the other. If Hanzo were here, though? He’d be dead. And I’d finally be happy.
1!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Theo Refano starting in with the count on Ronnie Harris.
BRAD STOKES: I wish Akragth had killed him last match, Nina. The more I see him and his stupid striped shirt, the angrier I get. I’m like a bull when it sees red, but in this case it’s stripes. And I hate Theo's face.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Incredibly eloquent, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: Sic Semper Refano! How's that for eloquent?
Ronnie Harris carefully steps back onto the ring apron before the count can continue, as Hunter Storms has found his way to the other side of the ring to roll his jaw and limber up, giving Ronnie an opening to climb back inside the ring.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Rather gentlemanly conduct there by Hunter Storms.
BRAD STOKES: He’s a man for all seasons, Nina.
Hunter charges Ronnie and aims a lariat for Harris’ head, but Ronnie ducks the lariat and turns into a sudden, stop-on-a-dime kick to the midsection from Hunter Storms followed by a sitout facebuster into a cover by Hunter Storms!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive agility there by Hunter Storms!
Hunter grips Ronnie Harris by the neck and drags him to his feet, slinging one arm over his shoulder for a suplex setup but before Hunter can get Ronnie off the ground Ronnie stalls the suplex and slams another European uppercut into Storms that knocks him out of the clutch! Ronnie quickly cinches on the dragon suplex and drops Hunter backwards and bridges into a pin!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Nicely done by Ronnie Harris!
1…
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Kickout by Hunter Storms!
Ronnie angrily lifts up to a knee, Hunter Storms rolls to one side and tries to rise to his feet, but Ronnie unleashes a strong downward fist that stuns Hunter. Then another, and another before Ronnie arrogantly spits out his mouthguard and grabs hold of Hunter Storms’ hand, about to take a vicious bit before Hunter wheels around, removes his hand from Ronnie’s grasp before any damage can be done and hauls off a double legged kick into Harris’ jaw that sends Ronnie stumbling backwards off-balance.
BRAD STOKES: Probably shouldn’t have spit out that mouthguard.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Hunter Storms with a keen reversal is back on his feet!
With Ronnie stumbling, hunter rushes him and slams him into the turnbuckles with a reverse STO that gets the crowd riled up! Hunter gives himself some room before slamming a lifting knee into Ronnie Harris that stuns Harris in the corner. Hunter takes immediate advantage to drape Ronnie onto his shoulders and move into the center ring with the inverted death valley driver setup!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Not a good place for Ronnie Harris to be! Hunter Storms doesn’t pull this move out too often, if it’s what I think it is.
BRAD STOKES: He’s going to make a statement.
As Hunter balances Ronnie on his shoulders about to drop him but Ronnie slides off Hunters back and slams a kick into his back to stagger Hunter into the ropes! Hunter recovers quickly and rushes Ronnie Harris who slams a lifting knee into Hunter’s jaw that lifts Storms upwards! In in a smooth motion Ronnie Harris SLAMS Hunter Storms back down with a curb stomp!
NINA APPLEBAUM: THE KRAY KILLER!!
Ronnie Harris slams a side kick into Hunter before dropping to his knees and rolling Hunter over for the cover!
1…
2..
3!!
DING! DING! DING!
BRAD STOKES: Well that came out of nowhere.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: Here is your winner…. Ronnie… HARRRRIIIIISSS!
“10,000 Hours” by TRC kicks in as Ronnie Harris refuses to let Theo Refano lift his arm. Instead Ronnie kicks his mouthguard from the ring with a snicker and rolls out on his way up the ramp.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Big win there for Ronnie Harris.
BRAD STOKES: I don’t think that’s at all how Hunter Storms expected that to go.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Not very likely. We’ll take you backstage fans, where it sounds like American Tommy is—
BRAD STOKES: Being a superstar, no doubt.
NINA APPLEBAUM: You could say that…
American Tommy is walking the halls of AWE and comes across people watching his match with Kimitsu Zombie. They keep rewatching the part where American Tommy rides her like a bull instead of continuing to go on offense. American Tommy walks by and they are all delighted.
FAN #1: Hip Toss for life man!
FAN #2: That was disgraceful what you did in the ring. You should be ashamed of yourself.
American Tommy isn’t smiling anymore. He gets up in the face of the person and he couldn’t be older than 16. Sinister Minister walks up and grabs American Tommy. He looks at the two boys and points in the opposite direction.
SINISTER MINISTER: You boys need to get to walking.
The boys nod and walk away leaving Sinister Minister and American Tommy. Tommy throws his water bottle down the hallway and it barely misses the boy that pissed Tommy off. The kid yells which brings Dominic Lawson out of his room and the boys run. Dominic Lawson walks up to Sinister Minister and American Tommy. Sinister Minister is fuming inside while he stares a hole through Dominic.
SINISTER MINISTER: Just the person I was looking for. What the hell do you think you are doing letting Tommy get into the ring?
AMERICAN TOMMY: Woah, hold up, muggle. I don’t need anybody's permission to get into the ring. Sure as hell not a goddamn loser like you!
Sinister Minister’s gaze hasn’t left Dominic Lawson.
SINISTER MINISTER: He was nowhere near ready!
DOM LAWSON: What do you want from me dude? He’s not a kid, He wanted to step in the ring, Who am I to clip his wings? He trained hard, and if you look back at the match, he wasn’t doing half bad before… well getting a bit carried away.
He gives a quick look at Tommy, before bringing his eyes back to Sinister Minister.
DOM LAWSON: So what, you crawled out of your hole just to to give me the lecture and play the caring daddy? Because, in case you didn’t notice, I had a couple of rough weeks, and I’m not in the mood for this bullshit.
Shaking his head, he turns back to Tommy
DOM LAWSON: Can you believe this guy? Instead of being proud of you…
American Tommy looks at Dom and then at Sin Min. Sin Min is wearing Tommy’s new shirt and Dom isn’t. Tommy looks at Sinister Minister
AMERICAN TOMMY: I gave you a shirt and you can’t even have my back?
Sinister Minister throws his hand up in the air disgusted.
SINISTER MINISTER: Tommy, I’ll support you in anything you want to do. You just have to give it time! You aren’t ready.
AMERICAN TOMMY: Bullshit! My hip toss is ready and going to fuck people up. I don’t need your help! I’m a lone wolf. Top dog! Top hip toss! Get outta here!
Sinister Minister looks at Tommy and shrugs his shoulders.
SINISTER MINISTER: You want me gone?
American Tommy shakes his head yes and looks at Sinister Minister. Sinister Minister shakes his head and looks at Tommy. There is more history between the two that nobody knows and Tommy wants to be done with it. Sinister Minister looks at Tommy one more time and Tommy looks away from him.
SINISTER MINISTER: Whatever! I’m done.
Sinister Minister walks away leaving Dom and Tommy who are staring at each other.
AMERICAN TOMMY: Well, I got rid of that dumb muggle, but I do need someone to help me.
Dom rolls his eyes.
DOM LAWSON: And why are you looking at me kid? You didn’t see what just happened? I can barely help myself…
Before American Tommy can reply something, a smile comes across Dominic’s face.
DOM LAWSON: You know what Tommy? Let’s get out of here.
After a nasty look at the camera, The Law grabs him by an arm and drags him away.
FAN #1: Hip Toss for life man!
FAN #2: That was disgraceful what you did in the ring. You should be ashamed of yourself.
American Tommy isn’t smiling anymore. He gets up in the face of the person and he couldn’t be older than 16. Sinister Minister walks up and grabs American Tommy. He looks at the two boys and points in the opposite direction.
SINISTER MINISTER: You boys need to get to walking.
The boys nod and walk away leaving Sinister Minister and American Tommy. Tommy throws his water bottle down the hallway and it barely misses the boy that pissed Tommy off. The kid yells which brings Dominic Lawson out of his room and the boys run. Dominic Lawson walks up to Sinister Minister and American Tommy. Sinister Minister is fuming inside while he stares a hole through Dominic.
SINISTER MINISTER: Just the person I was looking for. What the hell do you think you are doing letting Tommy get into the ring?
AMERICAN TOMMY: Woah, hold up, muggle. I don’t need anybody's permission to get into the ring. Sure as hell not a goddamn loser like you!
Sinister Minister’s gaze hasn’t left Dominic Lawson.
SINISTER MINISTER: He was nowhere near ready!
DOM LAWSON: What do you want from me dude? He’s not a kid, He wanted to step in the ring, Who am I to clip his wings? He trained hard, and if you look back at the match, he wasn’t doing half bad before… well getting a bit carried away.
He gives a quick look at Tommy, before bringing his eyes back to Sinister Minister.
DOM LAWSON: So what, you crawled out of your hole just to to give me the lecture and play the caring daddy? Because, in case you didn’t notice, I had a couple of rough weeks, and I’m not in the mood for this bullshit.
Shaking his head, he turns back to Tommy
DOM LAWSON: Can you believe this guy? Instead of being proud of you…
American Tommy looks at Dom and then at Sin Min. Sin Min is wearing Tommy’s new shirt and Dom isn’t. Tommy looks at Sinister Minister
AMERICAN TOMMY: I gave you a shirt and you can’t even have my back?
Sinister Minister throws his hand up in the air disgusted.
SINISTER MINISTER: Tommy, I’ll support you in anything you want to do. You just have to give it time! You aren’t ready.
AMERICAN TOMMY: Bullshit! My hip toss is ready and going to fuck people up. I don’t need your help! I’m a lone wolf. Top dog! Top hip toss! Get outta here!
Sinister Minister looks at Tommy and shrugs his shoulders.
SINISTER MINISTER: You want me gone?
American Tommy shakes his head yes and looks at Sinister Minister. Sinister Minister shakes his head and looks at Tommy. There is more history between the two that nobody knows and Tommy wants to be done with it. Sinister Minister looks at Tommy one more time and Tommy looks away from him.
SINISTER MINISTER: Whatever! I’m done.
Sinister Minister walks away leaving Dom and Tommy who are staring at each other.
AMERICAN TOMMY: Well, I got rid of that dumb muggle, but I do need someone to help me.
Dom rolls his eyes.
DOM LAWSON: And why are you looking at me kid? You didn’t see what just happened? I can barely help myself…
Before American Tommy can reply something, a smile comes across Dominic’s face.
DOM LAWSON: You know what Tommy? Let’s get out of here.
After a nasty look at the camera, The Law grabs him by an arm and drags him away.
Kayla Wright VS. Jessie Roberts
The next match is already underway as Kayla Wright sends Jessie Roberts into the corner with a high angled dropkick. Kayla follows through with a huge splash as Jessie collapses to the mat. Getting up to the top turnbuckle, Wright takes a few seconds to steady herself before leaping off with a moonsault attempt, but Roberts rolls out of the way. That doesn’t deter Kayla as she lands on her feet only to get blasted with a discus clothesline that turns her inside out. Jessie is quick to hook the leg
1...
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Kickout by Kayla Wright!
BRAD STOKES: Are you seriously calling this match right now, when the fans and I are all still reeling from Sinister Minister and American Tommy divorcing?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Yes. I’m seriously doing that. Stick to the task at hand!
Kayla finds herself seated after kicking out and that just allows for a kick across the chest that knocks her back down. Jessie lifts her opponent up, pushing Kayla back into the ropes, and sending her across the ring. She tries for a back body drop, but Wright delivers a kick of her own right up into Roberts’ face and drives her head first into the canvas with a DDT. Following the move with her signature kip up, the crowd pops for Kayla as she’s trying to regain her momentum.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Both of these two ladies have become fan favorites among the AWE faithful. IN Jessie’s case, it’s tenacity and perseverance on continual display, while Kayla Wright—
BRAD STOKES: Has a fantastic ass. There, I said it.
An elbow drop to the leg sets up Kayla to try for a single leg Boston crab on Jessie in the center of the ring. While Wright is able to get the move locked in, Roberts manages to power through to drag herself to the bottom rope and grab onto it. Quick to let go of the submission, Kayla tries to pull Jessie back into the center of the ring, but only gets a boot to the face for her efforts. The kick causes Wright to roll back and get back to her feet as Jessie does the same.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Fairly even matchup between these two.
BRAD STOKES: They got different hair colors, Nina. These two women are different.
NINA APPLEBAUM: That’s how you see us, isn’t it?
BRAD STOKES: Pretty well. I’m amazed I remember to call you chickies anything other than tits, to be honest.
NINA APPLEBAUM: You know we’re live, right?
BRAD STOKES: We sure are.
The two meet right in the center of the ring, trading forearm blows back and forth. Jessie gets the upper hand in the duel with a forearm strike that turns Kayla around for a German suplex! But Kayla isn’t downed! She gets right back to her feet after the suplex and when Roberts turns around, she’s met with a crisp enziguri from Wright that drops her right to the canvas. Kayla rolls her opponent over and goes for the lateral press pin attempt
NINA APPLEBAUM: Nice recovery by Kayla and the cover!
1..
TW--
Disappointed with a one count, Kayla tries for another pin, but wisely hooks the leg
1..
T—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Nothing doing there for Kayla Wright!
BRAD STOKES: I really thought she had her there on the second pin attempt.
An even shorter pin attempt as Jesse kicks out again and Kayla starts to strategize her next move, the rookie starting to look flustered. As Kayla attempted to pick Roberts up, she takes a jab straight to the face that knocks her back. With the added distance between them, Roberts gets back up and quickly puts Wright in a front facelock before lifting her up in a vertical suplex position. Showcasing her strength and putting on a bit of a show, Jessie keeps Kayla up for a few seconds before dropping her to the mat with a hard thud.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive display of strength by Jessie Roberts.
But instead of trying for a pin, Jessie gets Kayla back on her feet to deliver a European uppercut that puts Wright into the corner. With Kayla in the corner, Jessie hits another European uppercut before pulling Wright out for a snap suplex. The suplex doesn’t put Wright down for too long and Roberts takes notice, going for her signature superkick! But Kayla moves out of the way and as Jessie turns around, Wright doubles her over with a kick to the stomach and takes her down with a cross armbar! For the second time in the night, Kayla has Jessie right where she wants her in the center of the ring.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Answer for answer, Kayla Wright is giving Jessie Roberts a reason to think through her moves carefully!
Roberts tries her best to hold on to her hands to prevent Wright from locking in the submission any deeper, but as the move goes on, she eventually has to give in! It isn’t looking great for Jessie as she’s struggling to break free of the armbar and Kayla is wrenching back the arm as tight as she can. The submission victory seems like a guaranteed for Kayla before Jessie is able to roll over and pin Wright’s shoulders down to the mat
1...
2...
TH-
Wright is forced to release the armbar to break up the pin and the camera focuses in on the absolute look of disappointment on her face. Despite the break, the crowd is still rallying behind Kayla as she heads up to the top rope. Perched on the turnbuckle, Wright starts egging Roberts to get up and within a few seconds, Jessie is up on her feet as Kayla goes for the Flight of Wright! But the meteora doesn’t connect as Jessie gets out of the way and as Kayla rolls through, Roberts connects with her superkick! Roberts drops down to the mat to cover Wright
NINA APPLEBAUM: Jessie Roberts with the Lose Some Teeth! And the cover!
1...
2...
3!
DING! DING! DING!
“Mama Said Knock you Out” by LL Cool J Jessie gets to her feet in victory as Theo Refano helps raise her hand in victory.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: Here is your winner... Jessie... Rooooooberts!!!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Big win there for Jessie Roberts!
BRAD STOKES: I really got to learn the female’s names.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Quit playing around, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: Who said I’m playing around?
NINA APPLEBAUM: You’ve literally called Jessie Roberts by name before. Not to mention the fact you clearly know Caroline Burchill’s name, Ana Hayden’s, Bindy Trent--
BRAD STOKES: I switch from show to show, Nina. To be fair I thought Bindy’s name was Becky for the first little while. And, realistically, my character portrayal is inconsistent nearly consistently. Have you noticed that? Has anyone noticed that? Or is that just me?
NINA APPLEBAUM: It’s just you being a douchebag. We’ll go backstage AWEphiles to check in on Benny Stevens as we get set for our next matchup.
1...
TW—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Kickout by Kayla Wright!
BRAD STOKES: Are you seriously calling this match right now, when the fans and I are all still reeling from Sinister Minister and American Tommy divorcing?
NINA APPLEBAUM: Yes. I’m seriously doing that. Stick to the task at hand!
Kayla finds herself seated after kicking out and that just allows for a kick across the chest that knocks her back down. Jessie lifts her opponent up, pushing Kayla back into the ropes, and sending her across the ring. She tries for a back body drop, but Wright delivers a kick of her own right up into Roberts’ face and drives her head first into the canvas with a DDT. Following the move with her signature kip up, the crowd pops for Kayla as she’s trying to regain her momentum.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Both of these two ladies have become fan favorites among the AWE faithful. IN Jessie’s case, it’s tenacity and perseverance on continual display, while Kayla Wright—
BRAD STOKES: Has a fantastic ass. There, I said it.
An elbow drop to the leg sets up Kayla to try for a single leg Boston crab on Jessie in the center of the ring. While Wright is able to get the move locked in, Roberts manages to power through to drag herself to the bottom rope and grab onto it. Quick to let go of the submission, Kayla tries to pull Jessie back into the center of the ring, but only gets a boot to the face for her efforts. The kick causes Wright to roll back and get back to her feet as Jessie does the same.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Fairly even matchup between these two.
BRAD STOKES: They got different hair colors, Nina. These two women are different.
NINA APPLEBAUM: That’s how you see us, isn’t it?
BRAD STOKES: Pretty well. I’m amazed I remember to call you chickies anything other than tits, to be honest.
NINA APPLEBAUM: You know we’re live, right?
BRAD STOKES: We sure are.
The two meet right in the center of the ring, trading forearm blows back and forth. Jessie gets the upper hand in the duel with a forearm strike that turns Kayla around for a German suplex! But Kayla isn’t downed! She gets right back to her feet after the suplex and when Roberts turns around, she’s met with a crisp enziguri from Wright that drops her right to the canvas. Kayla rolls her opponent over and goes for the lateral press pin attempt
NINA APPLEBAUM: Nice recovery by Kayla and the cover!
1..
TW--
Disappointed with a one count, Kayla tries for another pin, but wisely hooks the leg
1..
T—
NINA APPLEBAUM: Nothing doing there for Kayla Wright!
BRAD STOKES: I really thought she had her there on the second pin attempt.
An even shorter pin attempt as Jesse kicks out again and Kayla starts to strategize her next move, the rookie starting to look flustered. As Kayla attempted to pick Roberts up, she takes a jab straight to the face that knocks her back. With the added distance between them, Roberts gets back up and quickly puts Wright in a front facelock before lifting her up in a vertical suplex position. Showcasing her strength and putting on a bit of a show, Jessie keeps Kayla up for a few seconds before dropping her to the mat with a hard thud.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Impressive display of strength by Jessie Roberts.
But instead of trying for a pin, Jessie gets Kayla back on her feet to deliver a European uppercut that puts Wright into the corner. With Kayla in the corner, Jessie hits another European uppercut before pulling Wright out for a snap suplex. The suplex doesn’t put Wright down for too long and Roberts takes notice, going for her signature superkick! But Kayla moves out of the way and as Jessie turns around, Wright doubles her over with a kick to the stomach and takes her down with a cross armbar! For the second time in the night, Kayla has Jessie right where she wants her in the center of the ring.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Answer for answer, Kayla Wright is giving Jessie Roberts a reason to think through her moves carefully!
Roberts tries her best to hold on to her hands to prevent Wright from locking in the submission any deeper, but as the move goes on, she eventually has to give in! It isn’t looking great for Jessie as she’s struggling to break free of the armbar and Kayla is wrenching back the arm as tight as she can. The submission victory seems like a guaranteed for Kayla before Jessie is able to roll over and pin Wright’s shoulders down to the mat
1...
2...
TH-
Wright is forced to release the armbar to break up the pin and the camera focuses in on the absolute look of disappointment on her face. Despite the break, the crowd is still rallying behind Kayla as she heads up to the top rope. Perched on the turnbuckle, Wright starts egging Roberts to get up and within a few seconds, Jessie is up on her feet as Kayla goes for the Flight of Wright! But the meteora doesn’t connect as Jessie gets out of the way and as Kayla rolls through, Roberts connects with her superkick! Roberts drops down to the mat to cover Wright
NINA APPLEBAUM: Jessie Roberts with the Lose Some Teeth! And the cover!
1...
2...
3!
DING! DING! DING!
“Mama Said Knock you Out” by LL Cool J Jessie gets to her feet in victory as Theo Refano helps raise her hand in victory.
MARSHALL DOUGLAS: Here is your winner... Jessie... Rooooooberts!!!
NINA APPLEBAUM: Big win there for Jessie Roberts!
BRAD STOKES: I really got to learn the female’s names.
NINA APPLEBAUM: Quit playing around, Bradley.
BRAD STOKES: Who said I’m playing around?
NINA APPLEBAUM: You’ve literally called Jessie Roberts by name before. Not to mention the fact you clearly know Caroline Burchill’s name, Ana Hayden’s, Bindy Trent--
BRAD STOKES: I switch from show to show, Nina. To be fair I thought Bindy’s name was Becky for the first little while. And, realistically, my character portrayal is inconsistent nearly consistently. Have you noticed that? Has anyone noticed that? Or is that just me?
NINA APPLEBAUM: It’s just you being a douchebag. We’ll go backstage AWEphiles to check in on Benny Stevens as we get set for our next matchup.