Post by Greg T.O.M on Apr 26, 2024 16:39:47 GMT -5
*The Friday Night Fury logo fades to a scene from the last Friday Night Fury.
Fans all take photos of Tact as he walks. They're yelling his name, whistling and cheering and then three fans wearing the cardboard masks approach him. Larry acknowledges them and keeps walking but out of nowhere one attacks from behind and the other two join in, pummeling Larry with lefts and rights.*
Markson: Larry Tact is being ambushed by a group of fans! Where's security at?!
Napier: The Thundermaniacs have turned their back on Larry Tact! I thought I'd never see the day but it is here and it is glorious!
Markson: These aren't fans! Look at them, they've got those watches around their neck just like Maxwell Mason Stone! They've gotta be a part of his weird little cult.
*The three “fans” throw Larry up against the wall and continue beating on him. Security is rapidly approaching from down the hall and the trio grabs a hold of Tact and drags him into a room with a door marked “STAFF ONLY.” One of the attackers grabs the camera operator and pulls them into the room with them and shuts the door.
The camera frantically shakes in this dark room and when it finally regains its stability, we see that we're in an office that's lit by the glowing of computer monitors on a desk and a TV on the wall. A high backed office chair turns towards the camera to reveal Maxwell Mason Stone and the crowd in the arena boos loudly. *
MMS: Are you taking this seriously now, Larry? How many times must this happen for me to get your undivided attention?
*MMS grabs Larry and gets him in a powerbomb position. As MMS lifts Larry into the air, his leg kicks the camera operator and we're now stuck on a shot of the room's ceiling accompanied by a loud crash. *
Security guard: Open the door, now!
*Maxwell Mason Stone steps into the frame and looks down into the camera on the floor that points upward. He brings the Thunder Pro Wrestling American Championship belt into frame to reveal that the front plate has smeared blood on it. MMS smiles as he brings the belt closer to the camera until it makes contact with the lens and the show fades to the opening video of FNF. *
*The video fades to a live shot of the sold-out Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. The crowd of over 17,500. *
The Thunderamanics roar as blue and yellow pyro shoot across the top of the arena. The camera begins to pan around the crowd and focus on individual signs. *
DOES JAYCE HAVE MAGIC?
EL D > EL DIABLO BLANCO
FRY ME MAFIA MAN!
DON’T TRUST VAUGHN!
KHLOE’S GONNA KILL LUX!
VENGEANCE FOR LARRY!
*The shot cuts from the signs to the ringside commentary desk where we are joined by Mark Markson and Nick Napier. *
Markson: HELLO EVERRRR...
*No more than a second after the final salvo of opening pyro finishes, the arena fills with “Hell Broke Luce” by Tom Waits followed by a rise in the octave of cheers as in another heartbeat the former International, Duos and future International and Duos Champion Matthew Knox steps out from behind the curtain. He takes a moment to soak it in, a confident smirk on his face. He strides down to the ring in no great hurry, already dressed for action later tonight.*
Markson: Looks like we’re starting things off with the former International Champion and noted Cabal Buster, Matt Knox!
Napier: Who? Who noted that?
Markson: Me, just now.
Napier: You fudgin’ mark. The thing is though, he isn’t on the callsheet! We got Junko down in our notes here to open things up so really, we should be praising Hanako as an oracle. Here he is, out to take even more from Junko-San!
Markson: Will you stop?
*Knox slides in under the bottom rope and carries through his usual entrance, charging the nearest corner and leaping upon the second rope to hype the crowd up, beating his chest and encouraging them to get even louder. He hops off and approaches the corner where Steve Cotton is already waiting dutifully with the microphone which Knox takes. He waits for his music to fade before raising the mic to his lips.*
Matthew Knox: Far be it from me to waste anyone’s time, and lord knows I’ve never been great on the stick….Junko? I know you’re here, why don’t you come on down to the ring?
*He pauses, before adding.*
Matthew Knox: Just…You.
*He lowers the microphone and the fans begin murmuring amongst themselves, wondering what's going on. Several long seconds pass as the camera switches to the entranceway, dwelling there for what feels like forever. The fans become restless, thinking she's really not going to answer Knox's call.*
Markson: What's going on? Where is she?
Napier: She's in a program with Peter Vaughn right now, about to challenge for the International Championship for the first time in her career! She's in a tag team match with him later tonight, even! She's got bigger fish to fry than whatever this is!
*As soon as those words pass through his lips, the instrumental version of "Battle Royale" by Apashe hits, drawing a large reaction from the fans. Looking on, Knox nods, knowing she wouldn't let him down.*
Markson: You were saying, Nick?
Napier: You can't say I've ever accused Junko of being smart.
Markson: She's never backed down from a challenge.
Napier: Is that what this is? You think Matt Knox is calling her out for a fight? That doesn't even make sense! They're on completely different trajectories right now!
Markson: I'm honestly not sure.
Napier: I've never accused you of being smart either, you know.
Markson: Okay, Nick.
*Junko steps out onto the stage in a blue tracksuit, drawing more cheers from the crowd. She stares down the ramp, toward the ring where Matt Knox is standing. Without wasting any time, she begins making her way toward the ring, eyes focused on the man who called her out. Steve Cotton meets her as he exits the ring, producing a second microphone and handing it off to her as she approaches the apron.*
Markson: These two have history... but are on friendly terms as far as I'm aware. A most unlikely bond forged in the flames of an inferno battle royal almost one year ago to the day.
Napier: An inferno battle royal? What is it with Knox and fire?
*Junko walks up the steps and looks out at the fans from the apron, appreciating the response, though the expression on her face tells the story of a woman who's just as confused about why she's out there as the fans themselves. Turning, she climbs through the ropes and stands only a few feet away from Knox. Junko's music cuts abruptly and we're left with only the murmuring of the fans, buzzing with anticipation. Without even knowing what's going on, there's an undeniable big fight feel in the air as Junko and Knox stare each other down.*
Markson: Listen to these people, they’re electric.
Napier: Well, here we are. You got what you wanted, Knox… what now?
*Matthew stares out at the audience for a moment, taking in the atmosphere before settling his gaze onto Junko once more. He quietly takes the measure of her before raising the microphone*
Matthew Knox: There she is…The pure, and Obedient Child, if her name is to be believed.
*More murmuring from the audience as Knox isn’t exactly starting out with a friendly salvo.”
Matthew Knox: I started this saying I'd never BS you or anyone, so let me be very, very blunt and ask you one simple question…
*As he spoke, he began to close the distance until he stood in the middle of the ring now, eyes still on her.*
Matthew Knox: Do you actually WANT to be in the position you’re in right now, Junko-San?
*The fans gasp as Knox lowers his microphone, pinning Junko in place with his steely gaze. Staring up at him, her shoulders rise and fall with heavy breaths, clearly taken aback by the question but doing her best not to show it. After a long moment, she raises her microphone, voice dripping with indignation.*
Junko Souma: What kind of question is that, huh?
*She doesn't wait for a response.*
Junko Souma: You know how hard I've worked to earn this opportunity.
*She pauses, allowing silence to fall between them before continuing.*
Junko Souma: One year in this company... one year, going through pure hell to stand where I am right now. Of course I want to be in this position, Knox. Please, do not disrespect me or my journey by implying otherwise.
*He waits for her to finish, and for the fan noise to even out before responding, his gaze drifting to the side for a moment before gradually working back to her as she finishes the sentence.*
Matthew Knox: Far be it from me to short sell your struggle, and feed into your partner’s semi-well founded delusions about me but the question is valid, considering where you actually are.
*He pauses a moment, choosing his words carefully before proceeding.*
Matthew Knox: You talk about a year….I’ve been here on and off for twice as long, I saw the place when Peter was the first ever and reigning International Champion, I was the first one to step up to bat to take my swing and try to take him, The Malvados, Page and anyone else who’d use this company as their sandbox, or attempt to….
*He trails off, tilting his head and motioning to her*
Matthew Knox: And here, after I all did in the brief moment I overcame those odds and showed you how? Our one great hope for a future in this company free of men like me and Peter Vaughn has fallen right under his Gosh Dang wing.
*He lowers the mic, catching himself and taking a breath before continuing in a calmer tone*
Matthew Knox: You saw him, you actively fought him during, we made a Gosh Dang non-aggression pact before Stone lost his marbles for Christ’s sake because we both saw how things were- and what, because he’s lonely and saying the same gaslighting <BEEP> he was before, you’re ready to learn how to be a ‘Winner’ like him?
*He shakes his head*
Matthew Knox: So I ask again…..Do you REALLY want to be where you ARE right now?
*Junko averts her eyes, reality setting in. Head bowed, she raises her microphone.*
Junko Souma: Knox, I --
*She takes a deep breath, raises her eyes to meet his.*
Junko Souma: -- I know what this looks like... but I also know what I'm doing.
*She looks out at the fans, then turns back to Knox.*
Junko Souma: I'm not like all the others that Vaughn has manipulated into doing his dirty work. This isn't the beginning of some new evil alliance. You don't have to worry about me going darkside and betraying you.
*Her eyes narrow as she takes a step closer.*
Junko Souma: I'm not El Diablo Blanco.
*Knox smirks, nodding as the fans let out a hearty "OOoOOoooooo" at the remark.*
Junko Souma: I'm better than that and I hope you know... no matter what... if I were going to stab you, it would be in the front. I have way too much respect for you to do otherwise.
*The fans cheer for the declaration, Matthew smiles a crooked cheshire grin at the thought, his chuckle filling the microphone as he lifts it.*
Matthew Knox: You aren't my concern, Junko-San. I know where we stand and I know that when the time comes, our violence will be all we bring with us to wage our war.
My concern is you letting your ignorance relegate it to being a sideshow to whoever has been sent to topple Peter the dipshit.
*More OooOooOoos, Matthew takes a step forward*
Matthew Knox: Listen to me, seeing as you've become so open to direction: Stop being the fool you aren't, and don't you dare drink from the poisonous well he's offering you a cup from.
Who gives a damn what kind of winner Peter Vaughn thinks you should be? Be the winner Junko Souma has always been destined to be.
*He raises his hand, pointing a finger at her*
Matthew Knox: You listen to that, you walk out of Retromania like I walked out of Winter Wrestleland.
You stay on this path?
Well…
*He lets it hang, dropping the mic to his side. Junko stands there, silent... trembling with intensity as a smattering of applause resonates throughout the arena. Knox looks around, nods, and then raises the microphone, prompting the fans to applaud louder. Seconds pass and the reaction only grows, cheers welling up from deep within the heart of the arena. Junko turns her head slightly, directing eyes toward the sea of cheering fans, almost appearing taken aback by the reaction. Making eye contact with her, Knox lowers the microphone, speaking into it once again.*
Matthew Knox: There’s an old song I'd implore you to listen to in that private moment later when you’ve sent the viper and the albatross away to be with the only voices you should be listening to ... it's called Flander’s Fields. Take from it what you will, but before you go to collect it? Take this.
That title, even around my waist, was defined by blood wars that ruined many for the egos of one or two. Yours are the first shoulders set to carry that weight past that era. An era that the people in the back, the ones running the merch booth, and these screaming Thunderamaniacs in attendance all deserve!!
*He pauses for the pop, taking another step to further close the gap between them, he locks eyes with her as he speaks once more.*
Matthew Knox: Now….Can you?
*He lowers the mic, then bends down and gently sets it between them. He regards Junko for another moment then steps out onto the apron and heads up to the ramp.*
Markson: Powerful words from “The Raven.”
Napier: What just happened?!
Markson: Hopefully, a wake up call.
*Junko remains in the ring, back to the ramp as Knox disappears behind the curtain.*
Napier: She should know better than to listen to him.
Markson: Whether she listens or not, she knows where he stands in regards to the upcoming main event of RetroMania… she knows where Thunder Pro Wrestling stands… and maybe most important of all, she knows where the Thunderamaniacs stand.
Napier: The fans are idiots, too.
Markson: Either way, later tonight, she steps into the ring with the TPW International Champion, Peter Vaughn. Not as opponents, but tag team partners as they take on the Wrath of the Storm. Who knows what could happen? Will Junko Souma learn a valuable lesson from the man she will challenge in two weeks or… will she hopefully see the light and embrace, well… what Matt Knox implies is her destiny?
Napier: Only fools believe in destiny, Markson.
*We fade out on a shot of Junko in the middle of the ring, a troubled expression on her face.*
Markson: Looks like we’re starting things off with the former International Champion and noted Cabal Buster, Matt Knox!
Napier: Who? Who noted that?
Markson: Me, just now.
Napier: You fudgin’ mark. The thing is though, he isn’t on the callsheet! We got Junko down in our notes here to open things up so really, we should be praising Hanako as an oracle. Here he is, out to take even more from Junko-San!
Markson: Will you stop?
*Knox slides in under the bottom rope and carries through his usual entrance, charging the nearest corner and leaping upon the second rope to hype the crowd up, beating his chest and encouraging them to get even louder. He hops off and approaches the corner where Steve Cotton is already waiting dutifully with the microphone which Knox takes. He waits for his music to fade before raising the mic to his lips.*
Matthew Knox: Far be it from me to waste anyone’s time, and lord knows I’ve never been great on the stick….Junko? I know you’re here, why don’t you come on down to the ring?
*He pauses, before adding.*
Matthew Knox: Just…You.
*He lowers the microphone and the fans begin murmuring amongst themselves, wondering what's going on. Several long seconds pass as the camera switches to the entranceway, dwelling there for what feels like forever. The fans become restless, thinking she's really not going to answer Knox's call.*
Markson: What's going on? Where is she?
Napier: She's in a program with Peter Vaughn right now, about to challenge for the International Championship for the first time in her career! She's in a tag team match with him later tonight, even! She's got bigger fish to fry than whatever this is!
*As soon as those words pass through his lips, the instrumental version of "Battle Royale" by Apashe hits, drawing a large reaction from the fans. Looking on, Knox nods, knowing she wouldn't let him down.*
Markson: You were saying, Nick?
Napier: You can't say I've ever accused Junko of being smart.
Markson: She's never backed down from a challenge.
Napier: Is that what this is? You think Matt Knox is calling her out for a fight? That doesn't even make sense! They're on completely different trajectories right now!
Markson: I'm honestly not sure.
Napier: I've never accused you of being smart either, you know.
Markson: Okay, Nick.
*Junko steps out onto the stage in a blue tracksuit, drawing more cheers from the crowd. She stares down the ramp, toward the ring where Matt Knox is standing. Without wasting any time, she begins making her way toward the ring, eyes focused on the man who called her out. Steve Cotton meets her as he exits the ring, producing a second microphone and handing it off to her as she approaches the apron.*
Markson: These two have history... but are on friendly terms as far as I'm aware. A most unlikely bond forged in the flames of an inferno battle royal almost one year ago to the day.
Napier: An inferno battle royal? What is it with Knox and fire?
*Junko walks up the steps and looks out at the fans from the apron, appreciating the response, though the expression on her face tells the story of a woman who's just as confused about why she's out there as the fans themselves. Turning, she climbs through the ropes and stands only a few feet away from Knox. Junko's music cuts abruptly and we're left with only the murmuring of the fans, buzzing with anticipation. Without even knowing what's going on, there's an undeniable big fight feel in the air as Junko and Knox stare each other down.*
Markson: Listen to these people, they’re electric.
Napier: Well, here we are. You got what you wanted, Knox… what now?
*Matthew stares out at the audience for a moment, taking in the atmosphere before settling his gaze onto Junko once more. He quietly takes the measure of her before raising the microphone*
Matthew Knox: There she is…The pure, and Obedient Child, if her name is to be believed.
*More murmuring from the audience as Knox isn’t exactly starting out with a friendly salvo.”
Matthew Knox: I started this saying I'd never BS you or anyone, so let me be very, very blunt and ask you one simple question…
*As he spoke, he began to close the distance until he stood in the middle of the ring now, eyes still on her.*
Matthew Knox: Do you actually WANT to be in the position you’re in right now, Junko-San?
*The fans gasp as Knox lowers his microphone, pinning Junko in place with his steely gaze. Staring up at him, her shoulders rise and fall with heavy breaths, clearly taken aback by the question but doing her best not to show it. After a long moment, she raises her microphone, voice dripping with indignation.*
Junko Souma: What kind of question is that, huh?
*She doesn't wait for a response.*
Junko Souma: You know how hard I've worked to earn this opportunity.
*She pauses, allowing silence to fall between them before continuing.*
Junko Souma: One year in this company... one year, going through pure hell to stand where I am right now. Of course I want to be in this position, Knox. Please, do not disrespect me or my journey by implying otherwise.
*He waits for her to finish, and for the fan noise to even out before responding, his gaze drifting to the side for a moment before gradually working back to her as she finishes the sentence.*
Matthew Knox: Far be it from me to short sell your struggle, and feed into your partner’s semi-well founded delusions about me but the question is valid, considering where you actually are.
*He pauses a moment, choosing his words carefully before proceeding.*
Matthew Knox: You talk about a year….I’ve been here on and off for twice as long, I saw the place when Peter was the first ever and reigning International Champion, I was the first one to step up to bat to take my swing and try to take him, The Malvados, Page and anyone else who’d use this company as their sandbox, or attempt to….
*He trails off, tilting his head and motioning to her*
Matthew Knox: And here, after I all did in the brief moment I overcame those odds and showed you how? Our one great hope for a future in this company free of men like me and Peter Vaughn has fallen right under his Gosh Dang wing.
*He lowers the mic, catching himself and taking a breath before continuing in a calmer tone*
Matthew Knox: You saw him, you actively fought him during, we made a Gosh Dang non-aggression pact before Stone lost his marbles for Christ’s sake because we both saw how things were- and what, because he’s lonely and saying the same gaslighting <BEEP> he was before, you’re ready to learn how to be a ‘Winner’ like him?
*He shakes his head*
Matthew Knox: So I ask again…..Do you REALLY want to be where you ARE right now?
*Junko averts her eyes, reality setting in. Head bowed, she raises her microphone.*
Junko Souma: Knox, I --
*She takes a deep breath, raises her eyes to meet his.*
Junko Souma: -- I know what this looks like... but I also know what I'm doing.
*She looks out at the fans, then turns back to Knox.*
Junko Souma: I'm not like all the others that Vaughn has manipulated into doing his dirty work. This isn't the beginning of some new evil alliance. You don't have to worry about me going darkside and betraying you.
*Her eyes narrow as she takes a step closer.*
Junko Souma: I'm not El Diablo Blanco.
*Knox smirks, nodding as the fans let out a hearty "OOoOOoooooo" at the remark.*
Junko Souma: I'm better than that and I hope you know... no matter what... if I were going to stab you, it would be in the front. I have way too much respect for you to do otherwise.
*The fans cheer for the declaration, Matthew smiles a crooked cheshire grin at the thought, his chuckle filling the microphone as he lifts it.*
Matthew Knox: You aren't my concern, Junko-San. I know where we stand and I know that when the time comes, our violence will be all we bring with us to wage our war.
My concern is you letting your ignorance relegate it to being a sideshow to whoever has been sent to topple Peter the dipshit.
*More OooOooOoos, Matthew takes a step forward*
Matthew Knox: Listen to me, seeing as you've become so open to direction: Stop being the fool you aren't, and don't you dare drink from the poisonous well he's offering you a cup from.
Who gives a damn what kind of winner Peter Vaughn thinks you should be? Be the winner Junko Souma has always been destined to be.
*He raises his hand, pointing a finger at her*
Matthew Knox: You listen to that, you walk out of Retromania like I walked out of Winter Wrestleland.
You stay on this path?
Well…
*He lets it hang, dropping the mic to his side. Junko stands there, silent... trembling with intensity as a smattering of applause resonates throughout the arena. Knox looks around, nods, and then raises the microphone, prompting the fans to applaud louder. Seconds pass and the reaction only grows, cheers welling up from deep within the heart of the arena. Junko turns her head slightly, directing eyes toward the sea of cheering fans, almost appearing taken aback by the reaction. Making eye contact with her, Knox lowers the microphone, speaking into it once again.*
Matthew Knox: There’s an old song I'd implore you to listen to in that private moment later when you’ve sent the viper and the albatross away to be with the only voices you should be listening to ... it's called Flander’s Fields. Take from it what you will, but before you go to collect it? Take this.
That title, even around my waist, was defined by blood wars that ruined many for the egos of one or two. Yours are the first shoulders set to carry that weight past that era. An era that the people in the back, the ones running the merch booth, and these screaming Thunderamaniacs in attendance all deserve!!
*He pauses for the pop, taking another step to further close the gap between them, he locks eyes with her as he speaks once more.*
Matthew Knox: Now….Can you?
*He lowers the mic, then bends down and gently sets it between them. He regards Junko for another moment then steps out onto the apron and heads up to the ramp.*
Markson: Powerful words from “The Raven.”
Napier: What just happened?!
Markson: Hopefully, a wake up call.
*Junko remains in the ring, back to the ramp as Knox disappears behind the curtain.*
Napier: She should know better than to listen to him.
Markson: Whether she listens or not, she knows where he stands in regards to the upcoming main event of RetroMania… she knows where Thunder Pro Wrestling stands… and maybe most important of all, she knows where the Thunderamaniacs stand.
Napier: The fans are idiots, too.
Markson: Either way, later tonight, she steps into the ring with the TPW International Champion, Peter Vaughn. Not as opponents, but tag team partners as they take on the Wrath of the Storm. Who knows what could happen? Will Junko Souma learn a valuable lesson from the man she will challenge in two weeks or… will she hopefully see the light and embrace, well… what Matt Knox implies is her destiny?
Napier: Only fools believe in destiny, Markson.
*We fade out on a shot of Junko in the middle of the ring, a troubled expression on her face.*
*The shot returned to Inside the ring “Magic” Mike Jones could be seen pacing around. He gripped a hold of the top rope and began to use it to stretch out a little bit. In that moment “One More Time” by The Suicide Machines began to pump out through the arena’s speakers. It appeared to be a direct fifty-fifty split amongst the fans within the building. Equally loud cheers were heard as the boos were heard.
A superstar of controversy set to appear before them all. There was a sudden cut within the camera as it focused on the stage. A very slow zoom up the stage was present just as the curtain to the gorilla position was pushed aside and out stepped the man of the hour center stage. A slight smirk featured on his expression, Jayce Pierce looked around the arena.
Acknowledging those that cheered with a wave. All while keeping that almost arrogant smirk on his expression for those that booed. Clearly geared up for what the night was going to bring, Jayce began to march down to the ring. Rolling his hands back and forth as some sort of stretch. Once reaching the ringside area he gripped the middle rope and pulled himself up. *
Steve Cotton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Now making his way to the ring from Detroit, Michigan. Weighing in at at two hundred and twelve pounds... JAYCE PIERCE
*He wasted no time marching for the corner. Taking his time to climb to the second rung of the turnbuckle and again peered out into the sea of fans. Raising both hands into the air to receive the same amount of hate and support he had been getting. That split is still very apparent. Jayce then leaped over the ropes into the ring. Backing into the corner to settle in. *
A superstar of controversy set to appear before them all. There was a sudden cut within the camera as it focused on the stage. A very slow zoom up the stage was present just as the curtain to the gorilla position was pushed aside and out stepped the man of the hour center stage. A slight smirk featured on his expression, Jayce Pierce looked around the arena.
Acknowledging those that cheered with a wave. All while keeping that almost arrogant smirk on his expression for those that booed. Clearly geared up for what the night was going to bring, Jayce began to march down to the ring. Rolling his hands back and forth as some sort of stretch. Once reaching the ringside area he gripped the middle rope and pulled himself up. *
Steve Cotton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Now making his way to the ring from Detroit, Michigan. Weighing in at at two hundred and twelve pounds... JAYCE PIERCE
*He wasted no time marching for the corner. Taking his time to climb to the second rung of the turnbuckle and again peered out into the sea of fans. Raising both hands into the air to receive the same amount of hate and support he had been getting. That split is still very apparent. Jayce then leaped over the ropes into the ring. Backing into the corner to settle in. *
DING DING DING!
*Pierce found himself starting the pace of the match off by circling around the ring that a true veteran. Forcing the challenger that was “Magic” Mike Jones. Once both men finally met in the center of the ring it was with a very tight collar and elbow tie up. Pierce used his size to back the man into the corner. Once he had him there the official began to tell Pierce to get him out of the corner. There was a clean break on Pierce’s part. With a smirk he backed up a little bit giving Jones the space required. *
Markson: Jayce is oddly showing a little bit more respect than I would’ve expected in the early going.
Napier: Really? I don’t find Mr. Pierce to be someone disrespectful to begin with. This seems like it’s right up his alley.
Markson: We all have our own opinions, but I just hope to see a good match out of these two.
Napier: If I were a betting man. I’d say this match is going to be over pretty quickly. No offense to Mr. Jones, but I don’t think he’s going to have that “magic” touch if you catch my drift.
*Jones looked over at Pierce for a second or two before coming out of the corner. This time he met Pierce in the middle of the ring. Pierce extended his hand up into the air to engage in a test of strength battle with his opponent. Jones looked a little unsure of the situation, but still reached up and locked knuckles with Pierce. Both men bring their respective other hand up simultaneously to lock them together. Pierce then began to use his power to his advantage by pushing Jones backwards.
Each push resulted in Jones bending further and further back with no choice. In a move of desperation Jones popped his hips outward and managed to swing to the left. In doing so he was able to bring Pierce down with a modified version of an arm drag. Pierce rolled over but quickly got to his feet. Eyes locked on Jones as he rushed towards him. Jones seemed to bait Pierce in by backing up towards the ropes. The second Pierce was close Jones grabbed the top rope and yanked it down causing Pierce to tumble over the top to the floor. *
Napier: Where is all of this coming from?! I was sure the match would’ve been over by now!
Markson: Never amuse in this sport my friend. Professional wrestling is such a beautiful thing. Always expect the unexpected!
*Pierce was quick to start picking himself up off the ground despite how hard his back hit off the floor. No sooner than he turned around Jones was right there on the apron charging at him for a ki-no! Pierce caught the foot of Jones and proceeded to throw that foot back forcing Jones to flip forward and land face first onto the ring apron. Bouncing his face off it before rolling to the floor. Pierce then grabbed a hold of him by the hair and yanked him to his feet.
Taking Jones' head and smashing it off the guardrail near the ringside. Before turning around and tossing Jones into the ring from under the bottom rope. Pierce rolled into the ring himself only to be warned by the official to keep it inside the ring. Something he disregarded as he zeroed in on Jones trying to use the ropes to get to his feet. Before the man could do so Pierce landed a nasty Roundhouse Kick to the ribs of Jones dropping the man back to his knees.*
Markson: Ooohhhieeee! We all heard that kick throughout this entire building.Z
Napier: A kick like that can a lot more than keep an opponent grounded. He very well could have broken Mr. Jones’ ribs right then.
*Pierce had grabbed a hold of Jones by the head and pulled the man towards the center of the ring. It didn’t take long before he then lifted Jones up and planted him in the center of the ring with a T-Bone Suplex. Jones hit the mat with a thud as Pierce quickly made the cover.
ONE...
PIERCE PULLS JONES HEAD OFF THE MAT.
He had a little bit of a smirk on his lips as he held Jones into his hands. There was a little bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd for his conduct. Pierce proceeded to stand up the rest of the way and then grabbed a hold of Jones to pull him up. Gripping the man by the wrist he sent Jones into the ropes for an Irish Whip, Jones hit the ropes and came back leaping into the air to take Pierce down with a Clothesline turning Pierce inside out.*
Napier: Wow! He flipped the man inside out!
Markson: I have to personally give it to the Magic man. He’s not putting up with any of the bs from Pierce.
Napier: BS? What are you even talking about?
Markson: You know as well as I know that pin was out of pocket. Pierce was toying with him for no reason. That’s coming back to bite him.
*Jones was calling for Pierce to stand himself up. Sure enough Pierce was doing that, using the corner ropes to himself do so. He stood up and turned around to see Jones come rushing in. Jones leaped up and connected with a Stinger Splash crushing Pierce in the corner. As Jones backed up Pierce came stumbling out of the corner before Jones leaped into the air and landed a Standing Dropkick to the face of Pierce! *
Markson: Boom! Head Shot!
Napier: I’m getting nervous for Jayson now!
*Pierce was flush against the mat with Jones dropping down to make the cover on the tattooed convict. Hooking both legs for a deep cover.
ONE...
TWO...
PIERCE KICKS OUT!
Jones sat there looking at Pierce for a moment nodding his head. Understanding that it was going to take a lot more than that to keep the man down. *
Napier: Thank goodness! Could you imagine if Mr. Pierce would’ve lost that one?
Markson: He’s lost all of his matches but one so far since coming to Thunder Pro. I don’t mean to be rude when I say this, but I wouldn’t have been surprised.
Napier: Wow, now that’s an out of pocket comment.
Markson: It’s also a truthful statement.
*Jones got to his feet as he grabbed a hold of Piece and started to pull him to his feet. As soon as both men were up, Pierce knocked Jones’ hands off him. Quickly pushing Jones backwards for him to hit the ropes. As he bounced off them, he ran right into a Roaring Elbow from Pierce. It connected right on Jones’ jaw and knocked him against the mat. Pierce showed some aggression as he found himself mounting Jones as soon as he knocked him down.
In mounting Jones, Pierce began to deliver a fury of punches. Connecting with parts of Jones' body and parts of his face. Of course Jones did his best to protect himself but those punches were coming so fast and so often that it made it almost impossible. Pierce finished things off with an Open Palm Strike right to the face and nose of Jones before getting to his feet in a heated manner. The official warned Pierce about using a closed fist but Pierce again shrugged off the official’s comments.*
Markson: That’s twice now that Pierce has disregarded our official’s remarks.
Napier: Well, this is pro wrestling. It isn’t ballet. Sometimes people are going to get roughed up. It’s part of the job.
Markson: I’m not going to even entertain that comment. You know that closed fists are technically illegal.
Napier: Yet every single match you see them being used. Hmmm!
*By this time Pierce had hopped out onto the ring apron and was walking across it. Once he reached the corner, he started to climb it to the top rope. It appeared the crowd had been wanting to see some high flying action. Because the moment Pierce was perched in the corner. There were some cheers being tossed in his direction. He looked out at the crowd with a smirk for a brief moment. Only to leap off and come down onto Jones with a picture perfect Elbow Drop to the chest. Pierce going for the cover right away. *
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NOOO!
JONES GETS HIS SHOULDER UP OFF THE MAT!
Napier: Come on! That was an Elbow Drop from the Heavens. It should’ve been over.
Markson: This is what happens when people count out Magic Mike. He finds a way to make people regret that!
*Pierce sat there for a second a little surprised by the move. Slamming his hands against the mat in frustration, but nevertheless he kept his cool for the most part. He got to his feet before turning and grabbing a hold of the legs of Jones. Whatever he was going for was put to a stop when Jones used his feet to kick back and send Pierce into the ropes. However that turned out to be a mistake because as Jones sat up. Pierce came off the ropes and delivered a football style Punt Kick to the face of a seated man. Knocking Jones back to the mat. Pierce dropped down to make the cover again. *
ONE!
Markson: Goooooallll!
TWO!
Napier: That’s the end of tonight’s magical night for Mr. Jones!
THRE-NOOOOOOOOOO!
JONES POWERS OUT AGAIN!
There was a pretty loud reaction from the crowd. All positive but they were surely shocked by the match continuing. Pierce looked a little more frustrated than the time before. Rubbing his hands over his face before starting to get to his feet. By that time the energy began to shift with the crowd as they caught the eye of someone storming down the ramp. *
Napier: Oh no! What is this old timer doing out here?!
Markson: Isn’t that... the guy Pierce was seen with a few weeks ago?
Napier: Unfortunately it is. Ken Borenette, dairy queen’s number one arch nemesis!
Markson: I’m not even going to ask where you get your information from.
*Within seconds Ken was right there at ringside. Screaming at Pierce and trying to get his attention. Pierce had gotten to his feet when he heard his name being called. Turning around to see Ken, his face went from frustrated to annoyed. Approaching the side of the ring where Pierce could be heard loud and clear. “Get out of here. Go to the back. I got this.” To which Ken refused to acknowledge what was being said as he stayed put trying to tell Pierce something, but all of the sudden Jones grabbed Pierce from behind and rolled him up. *
ONE!
Markson: Pierce was caught with the element of surprise!
TWO!
Napier: I blame that old prune sticking his nose where it didn’t belong!
THRE-NOOOOOOOOOOO!
PIERCE IS ABLE TO KICK OUT IN TIME!
Napier: That was too close for comfort!
Markson: One second longer we would be having a different conversation than we are right now.
*This sent Ken into a rage as he leaped up on the ring apron shouting. Jones got to his feet to see the old man just standing there trying to berate him. He shook his head and found himself turning away from Ken. As soon as he turned away from the old man, he turned into Pierce charging him. Jones ducked under the clothesline sending Pierce right towards Ken.
The tattooed convict grabbed the top rope to prevent himself from colliding with the man. Pierce glared at him and that seemed to be the message Ken needed. The old man dropped down to the floor. Jones was waiting in the winds for Pierce, so as soon as he turned around Jones charged at him. Pierce quickly counted as he popped Jones up into the air and caught him onto his shoulders much to the surprise of the fans. Jones wiggled about as Pierce rotated to the center of the ring. *
Markson: I’m afraid this is where Jones' magic has ran out!
Napier: We’ve seen this setup before. We know the end is near!
*Pierce smirked out into the crowd as he went for “PIERCE THE VE-NOOOOO!” Before he had a chance to land the move. Jones landed one shot to the side of the man’s head and slid right down his back. Landing on his feet behind Pierce before quickly rolling him up from behind. *
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
*As soon as the official’s hand came down for the three count. Jones quickly released the hold he had on Pierce and found himself rolling out of the ring as fast as he could. Pierce was just as quick to sit up in the middle of the ring looking around confused.*
Steve Cotton: Here is your winner by pinfall... “MAGIC” MIIIIKKKKEEE JOOOONNNNEESSS!
*The crowd was cheering for the man. Jones standing there at ringside slapping hands with those nearby. Clearly enjoying the massive win.*
Napier: . . . That just happened. That really just happened.
Markson: And the losing streak of Jayson Pierce continues.
Napier: But it shouldn’t have! I blame that old crusty man!
Markson: Listen, I go off of facts. And the facts are “Magic” Mike Jones just beat Jayce.
*Jones was starting to celebrate up the ramp for the victory he just obtained. On the outside Ken was glaring in the ring at Pierce. Very unhappy with what had just taken place. Pierce was glaring right back at Ken sharing the same sentiment of being unhappy. Slamming his hands off the mat and rolled himself out of the ring to begin heading to the back as the scene transitions to the ringside table. *
*Pierce found himself starting the pace of the match off by circling around the ring that a true veteran. Forcing the challenger that was “Magic” Mike Jones. Once both men finally met in the center of the ring it was with a very tight collar and elbow tie up. Pierce used his size to back the man into the corner. Once he had him there the official began to tell Pierce to get him out of the corner. There was a clean break on Pierce’s part. With a smirk he backed up a little bit giving Jones the space required. *
Markson: Jayce is oddly showing a little bit more respect than I would’ve expected in the early going.
Napier: Really? I don’t find Mr. Pierce to be someone disrespectful to begin with. This seems like it’s right up his alley.
Markson: We all have our own opinions, but I just hope to see a good match out of these two.
Napier: If I were a betting man. I’d say this match is going to be over pretty quickly. No offense to Mr. Jones, but I don’t think he’s going to have that “magic” touch if you catch my drift.
*Jones looked over at Pierce for a second or two before coming out of the corner. This time he met Pierce in the middle of the ring. Pierce extended his hand up into the air to engage in a test of strength battle with his opponent. Jones looked a little unsure of the situation, but still reached up and locked knuckles with Pierce. Both men bring their respective other hand up simultaneously to lock them together. Pierce then began to use his power to his advantage by pushing Jones backwards.
Each push resulted in Jones bending further and further back with no choice. In a move of desperation Jones popped his hips outward and managed to swing to the left. In doing so he was able to bring Pierce down with a modified version of an arm drag. Pierce rolled over but quickly got to his feet. Eyes locked on Jones as he rushed towards him. Jones seemed to bait Pierce in by backing up towards the ropes. The second Pierce was close Jones grabbed the top rope and yanked it down causing Pierce to tumble over the top to the floor. *
Napier: Where is all of this coming from?! I was sure the match would’ve been over by now!
Markson: Never amuse in this sport my friend. Professional wrestling is such a beautiful thing. Always expect the unexpected!
*Pierce was quick to start picking himself up off the ground despite how hard his back hit off the floor. No sooner than he turned around Jones was right there on the apron charging at him for a ki-no! Pierce caught the foot of Jones and proceeded to throw that foot back forcing Jones to flip forward and land face first onto the ring apron. Bouncing his face off it before rolling to the floor. Pierce then grabbed a hold of him by the hair and yanked him to his feet.
Taking Jones' head and smashing it off the guardrail near the ringside. Before turning around and tossing Jones into the ring from under the bottom rope. Pierce rolled into the ring himself only to be warned by the official to keep it inside the ring. Something he disregarded as he zeroed in on Jones trying to use the ropes to get to his feet. Before the man could do so Pierce landed a nasty Roundhouse Kick to the ribs of Jones dropping the man back to his knees.*
Markson: Ooohhhieeee! We all heard that kick throughout this entire building.Z
Napier: A kick like that can a lot more than keep an opponent grounded. He very well could have broken Mr. Jones’ ribs right then.
*Pierce had grabbed a hold of Jones by the head and pulled the man towards the center of the ring. It didn’t take long before he then lifted Jones up and planted him in the center of the ring with a T-Bone Suplex. Jones hit the mat with a thud as Pierce quickly made the cover.
ONE...
PIERCE PULLS JONES HEAD OFF THE MAT.
He had a little bit of a smirk on his lips as he held Jones into his hands. There was a little bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd for his conduct. Pierce proceeded to stand up the rest of the way and then grabbed a hold of Jones to pull him up. Gripping the man by the wrist he sent Jones into the ropes for an Irish Whip, Jones hit the ropes and came back leaping into the air to take Pierce down with a Clothesline turning Pierce inside out.*
Napier: Wow! He flipped the man inside out!
Markson: I have to personally give it to the Magic man. He’s not putting up with any of the bs from Pierce.
Napier: BS? What are you even talking about?
Markson: You know as well as I know that pin was out of pocket. Pierce was toying with him for no reason. That’s coming back to bite him.
*Jones was calling for Pierce to stand himself up. Sure enough Pierce was doing that, using the corner ropes to himself do so. He stood up and turned around to see Jones come rushing in. Jones leaped up and connected with a Stinger Splash crushing Pierce in the corner. As Jones backed up Pierce came stumbling out of the corner before Jones leaped into the air and landed a Standing Dropkick to the face of Pierce! *
Markson: Boom! Head Shot!
Napier: I’m getting nervous for Jayson now!
*Pierce was flush against the mat with Jones dropping down to make the cover on the tattooed convict. Hooking both legs for a deep cover.
ONE...
TWO...
PIERCE KICKS OUT!
Jones sat there looking at Pierce for a moment nodding his head. Understanding that it was going to take a lot more than that to keep the man down. *
Napier: Thank goodness! Could you imagine if Mr. Pierce would’ve lost that one?
Markson: He’s lost all of his matches but one so far since coming to Thunder Pro. I don’t mean to be rude when I say this, but I wouldn’t have been surprised.
Napier: Wow, now that’s an out of pocket comment.
Markson: It’s also a truthful statement.
*Jones got to his feet as he grabbed a hold of Piece and started to pull him to his feet. As soon as both men were up, Pierce knocked Jones’ hands off him. Quickly pushing Jones backwards for him to hit the ropes. As he bounced off them, he ran right into a Roaring Elbow from Pierce. It connected right on Jones’ jaw and knocked him against the mat. Pierce showed some aggression as he found himself mounting Jones as soon as he knocked him down.
In mounting Jones, Pierce began to deliver a fury of punches. Connecting with parts of Jones' body and parts of his face. Of course Jones did his best to protect himself but those punches were coming so fast and so often that it made it almost impossible. Pierce finished things off with an Open Palm Strike right to the face and nose of Jones before getting to his feet in a heated manner. The official warned Pierce about using a closed fist but Pierce again shrugged off the official’s comments.*
Markson: That’s twice now that Pierce has disregarded our official’s remarks.
Napier: Well, this is pro wrestling. It isn’t ballet. Sometimes people are going to get roughed up. It’s part of the job.
Markson: I’m not going to even entertain that comment. You know that closed fists are technically illegal.
Napier: Yet every single match you see them being used. Hmmm!
*By this time Pierce had hopped out onto the ring apron and was walking across it. Once he reached the corner, he started to climb it to the top rope. It appeared the crowd had been wanting to see some high flying action. Because the moment Pierce was perched in the corner. There were some cheers being tossed in his direction. He looked out at the crowd with a smirk for a brief moment. Only to leap off and come down onto Jones with a picture perfect Elbow Drop to the chest. Pierce going for the cover right away. *
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NOOO!
JONES GETS HIS SHOULDER UP OFF THE MAT!
Napier: Come on! That was an Elbow Drop from the Heavens. It should’ve been over.
Markson: This is what happens when people count out Magic Mike. He finds a way to make people regret that!
*Pierce sat there for a second a little surprised by the move. Slamming his hands against the mat in frustration, but nevertheless he kept his cool for the most part. He got to his feet before turning and grabbing a hold of the legs of Jones. Whatever he was going for was put to a stop when Jones used his feet to kick back and send Pierce into the ropes. However that turned out to be a mistake because as Jones sat up. Pierce came off the ropes and delivered a football style Punt Kick to the face of a seated man. Knocking Jones back to the mat. Pierce dropped down to make the cover again. *
ONE!
Markson: Goooooallll!
TWO!
Napier: That’s the end of tonight’s magical night for Mr. Jones!
THRE-NOOOOOOOOOO!
JONES POWERS OUT AGAIN!
There was a pretty loud reaction from the crowd. All positive but they were surely shocked by the match continuing. Pierce looked a little more frustrated than the time before. Rubbing his hands over his face before starting to get to his feet. By that time the energy began to shift with the crowd as they caught the eye of someone storming down the ramp. *
Napier: Oh no! What is this old timer doing out here?!
Markson: Isn’t that... the guy Pierce was seen with a few weeks ago?
Napier: Unfortunately it is. Ken Borenette, dairy queen’s number one arch nemesis!
Markson: I’m not even going to ask where you get your information from.
*Within seconds Ken was right there at ringside. Screaming at Pierce and trying to get his attention. Pierce had gotten to his feet when he heard his name being called. Turning around to see Ken, his face went from frustrated to annoyed. Approaching the side of the ring where Pierce could be heard loud and clear. “Get out of here. Go to the back. I got this.” To which Ken refused to acknowledge what was being said as he stayed put trying to tell Pierce something, but all of the sudden Jones grabbed Pierce from behind and rolled him up. *
ONE!
Markson: Pierce was caught with the element of surprise!
TWO!
Napier: I blame that old prune sticking his nose where it didn’t belong!
THRE-NOOOOOOOOOOO!
PIERCE IS ABLE TO KICK OUT IN TIME!
Napier: That was too close for comfort!
Markson: One second longer we would be having a different conversation than we are right now.
*This sent Ken into a rage as he leaped up on the ring apron shouting. Jones got to his feet to see the old man just standing there trying to berate him. He shook his head and found himself turning away from Ken. As soon as he turned away from the old man, he turned into Pierce charging him. Jones ducked under the clothesline sending Pierce right towards Ken.
The tattooed convict grabbed the top rope to prevent himself from colliding with the man. Pierce glared at him and that seemed to be the message Ken needed. The old man dropped down to the floor. Jones was waiting in the winds for Pierce, so as soon as he turned around Jones charged at him. Pierce quickly counted as he popped Jones up into the air and caught him onto his shoulders much to the surprise of the fans. Jones wiggled about as Pierce rotated to the center of the ring. *
Markson: I’m afraid this is where Jones' magic has ran out!
Napier: We’ve seen this setup before. We know the end is near!
*Pierce smirked out into the crowd as he went for “PIERCE THE VE-NOOOOO!” Before he had a chance to land the move. Jones landed one shot to the side of the man’s head and slid right down his back. Landing on his feet behind Pierce before quickly rolling him up from behind. *
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
*As soon as the official’s hand came down for the three count. Jones quickly released the hold he had on Pierce and found himself rolling out of the ring as fast as he could. Pierce was just as quick to sit up in the middle of the ring looking around confused.*
Steve Cotton: Here is your winner by pinfall... “MAGIC” MIIIIKKKKEEE JOOOONNNNEESSS!
*The crowd was cheering for the man. Jones standing there at ringside slapping hands with those nearby. Clearly enjoying the massive win.*
Napier: . . . That just happened. That really just happened.
Markson: And the losing streak of Jayson Pierce continues.
Napier: But it shouldn’t have! I blame that old crusty man!
Markson: Listen, I go off of facts. And the facts are “Magic” Mike Jones just beat Jayce.
*Jones was starting to celebrate up the ramp for the victory he just obtained. On the outside Ken was glaring in the ring at Pierce. Very unhappy with what had just taken place. Pierce was glaring right back at Ken sharing the same sentiment of being unhappy. Slamming his hands off the mat and rolled himself out of the ring to begin heading to the back as the scene transitions to the ringside table. *
Napier: I still can't believe Mike Jones won.
Markson: It isn't Mike Jones first win, but it is one of his few.
Napier: Mike Jones has lost more times than the Jacksonville Jaguars for crying out loud. I blame poor management for the Jaguars, and for Pierce.
Markson: We could dwell on this all night, but we have a lot of Fury to get to, including words from El Diablo Blanco which is happening right now.
*As the backstage area bustled with activity, El Diablo Blanco frantically searched for Leah Aguero. He dialed her number, the phone ringing loudly in his ear before diverting to voicemail. *
El Diablo Blanco: Leah, sister, where are you? We need to talk.
*He pleaded into the voicemail. El D was ready to throw his phone but there was someone else he could try. He tried calling Isabella Cruz next, but the result was the same—no answer.. Frustrated and feeling the weight of his upcoming match, El D turned a corner and almost collided with Greg The Owner*
Greg the Owner: El D, just the man I wanted to see. I've got a great idea for RetroMania 2."
*El D, still preoccupied with finding Leah, barely registered Greg's words.*
El Diablo Blanco: I don't have time for this, Brother. Have you seen Leah or even Isabella?
*There was a sense of desperation in his voice. Instead, Greg chuckled, unfazed by El D's urgency.*
Greg the Owner: Relax, El D. They'll turn up. But about RetroMania 2, I was thinking we should add a little twist to your match.
*Finally paying attention, El D raised an eyebrow.*
El Diablo Blanco: What kind of twist?
*Greg leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.*
Greg the Owner: Since this other El D seems to be from another dimension, let's make your match a mask versus mask match. The loser must remove their mask and reveal their true identity. Ain’t it great?
*El D's eyes widened in shock. The thought of being unmasked sent a shiver down his spine. *
El Diablo Blanco: I can't do that, Brother. Instead, Let's focus on finding Leah. She’ll know what to do.
Greg the Owner: It's already done, El D. The match is signed. El Diablo Blanco vs El Diablo Blanco in an El D's House of Fun Match. The loser must unmask.
*As Greg walked away, El D was left alone with his thoughts. He pulled out his phone once again. He debated his next call but finally took a deep breath and dialed Heladerma's number, hoping for some support. The phone went straight to voicemail, confirming his suspicions that Heladerma had more than likely blocked his number.
Feeling more alone than ever, El D leaned against a nearby wall, the weight of the mask on his face heavier than ever before.*
El Diablo Blanco: I can’t Diggit, Brother.
*The scene fades fades to another part of the backstage area. *
*Backstage in the locker rooms, Alessia goes through her gear for tonight one last time. It was almost a ritual by this point, a methodic check over to make sure everything was in its proper place, nothing was ripped or broken. She found it helped centre her, helped drown out the crowd noise coming through the walls.
It was the same procedure ever since she was backstage in some tiny village hall in rural England, ready to perform to thirty bored teenagers. But it had carried her this far. And doing it meant she didn’t focus on the silence of not having her partner there.
Even when they were booked for singles bouts, they’d always warm up with each other - if Ava was fighting alone, Alessia would keep her focused, offer last minute advice. Or, on nights like the where Alessia was up in singles competition, Ava would be chattering away, cracking jokes, making her smile despite herself. Testing her concentration, Ava said, though it all became part of the same ritual, too.
Still, this is no time to be shaken. She’d beaten Khloe, before Lux jumped her, and now she can taste the sweet revenge coming. She goes through her bag - water, trunks, top - and goes to lift it into her locker, when she notices the envelope taped to the outside. Her name’s printed in neat letters on the front.
She tears it down, flicks it open, and pulls out a carefully made card, the TPW Retromania logo on the header. It’s an invitation - to the mystery box match.
She grins, as the possibilities flash through her head. A shot at any title. Maybe she could settle things with Lux and Khloe, and break them both and make the title hers. Or keep the shot until Ava was back, and retake their rightful position on top of the Duos division. Or Stone, Tact… or even go one greater than her partner had managed, and claim the very top of the company…
No, no time to get distracted. She’s got a match to win now. Carefully she slips the letter into her locker. She’ll think about it after the match. For tonight, though, it’s time for the Venom to be purged. Alessia smiles confidently as the scene fades to a commercial break. *
It was the same procedure ever since she was backstage in some tiny village hall in rural England, ready to perform to thirty bored teenagers. But it had carried her this far. And doing it meant she didn’t focus on the silence of not having her partner there.
Even when they were booked for singles bouts, they’d always warm up with each other - if Ava was fighting alone, Alessia would keep her focused, offer last minute advice. Or, on nights like the where Alessia was up in singles competition, Ava would be chattering away, cracking jokes, making her smile despite herself. Testing her concentration, Ava said, though it all became part of the same ritual, too.
Still, this is no time to be shaken. She’d beaten Khloe, before Lux jumped her, and now she can taste the sweet revenge coming. She goes through her bag - water, trunks, top - and goes to lift it into her locker, when she notices the envelope taped to the outside. Her name’s printed in neat letters on the front.
She tears it down, flicks it open, and pulls out a carefully made card, the TPW Retromania logo on the header. It’s an invitation - to the mystery box match.
She grins, as the possibilities flash through her head. A shot at any title. Maybe she could settle things with Lux and Khloe, and break them both and make the title hers. Or keep the shot until Ava was back, and retake their rightful position on top of the Duos division. Or Stone, Tact… or even go one greater than her partner had managed, and claim the very top of the company…
No, no time to get distracted. She’s got a match to win now. Carefully she slips the letter into her locker. She’ll think about it after the match. For tonight, though, it’s time for the Venom to be purged. Alessia smiles confidently as the scene fades to a commercial break. *
*Friday Nigh Fury returns from the commercial break to The Blades and The Fast Food Mafia already in the ring. *
Markson: Welcome back folks, we have a new team debuting tonight called The Fast Food Mafia.
Napier: Watching their promotional material really made me hungry.
Markson: I could go for some Wendy's Baconator.
DING! DING! DING!
*John Blade and Brian B. King square off in the center of the ring. King throws a wild "Whopper" clothesline, but John ducks underneath it and responds with a running leap shoulder block that sends King reeling. John follows up with a Thesz press, grinding King into the mat. The crowd erupts with a "Blades! Blades!" chant.
Berreta tags himself in, and unloads a flurry of punches on King in the corner. King tries to fight back, but Berretta catches him with a stiff elbow. Berretta locks in a Kimura lock, wrenching on King's arm. King powers out and connects with a BK Broiler on Berretta!
Brian tags in Ron McDonald. McDonald comes flying off the top turnbuckle with a Burgercarana on Berretta! Berretta gets the wind knocked out of him. McDonald follows up with a McChicken Wing on Berretta, cranking back on the shoulder.
John Blade gets the hot tag and cleans house! He takes down McDonald with a Spinebuster and a Running Neck Snap! John sets McDonald up for the Triple Threat 3 Powerbombs, but King jumps in and breaks up the pin!
John throws King out of the ring. He goes for the Half Nelson Diving Running Bulldog on McDonald, but McDonald counters with a sleeper hold! John fights it off, but it slows him down.
King gets back in the ring and hits John with a Soy-Based Patty Slam! John crashes to the mat. King waits for John to get up, then connects with a vicious Chocolate Shake Brain Freeze! John wobbles around, completely disoriented.
The action cuts back to Berreta! He's trapped on the mat after McDonald hoisted him up for a second German Suplex. With lightning reflexes, McDonald rolls through the move and contorts his body to grab Berreta's ankle! The crowd gasps as McDonald cinches in a vicious ankle lock, aptly named the "With Cheese"!
Berreta screams in pain, clawing at the mat. He tries to roll out of the hold, but McDonald applies even more pressure. The referee checks on Berreta, who grimaces and taps out with a single, emphatic thump of his hand! *
Steve Cotton: Here are your winners, The Fast Food Mafia!
*The crowd groans in disappointment, but a roar erupts from the Fast Food Mafia's corner. King and McDonald celebrate wildly in the center of the ring as the scene fades to the back. *
Berreta tags himself in, and unloads a flurry of punches on King in the corner. King tries to fight back, but Berretta catches him with a stiff elbow. Berretta locks in a Kimura lock, wrenching on King's arm. King powers out and connects with a BK Broiler on Berretta!
Brian tags in Ron McDonald. McDonald comes flying off the top turnbuckle with a Burgercarana on Berretta! Berretta gets the wind knocked out of him. McDonald follows up with a McChicken Wing on Berretta, cranking back on the shoulder.
John Blade gets the hot tag and cleans house! He takes down McDonald with a Spinebuster and a Running Neck Snap! John sets McDonald up for the Triple Threat 3 Powerbombs, but King jumps in and breaks up the pin!
John throws King out of the ring. He goes for the Half Nelson Diving Running Bulldog on McDonald, but McDonald counters with a sleeper hold! John fights it off, but it slows him down.
King gets back in the ring and hits John with a Soy-Based Patty Slam! John crashes to the mat. King waits for John to get up, then connects with a vicious Chocolate Shake Brain Freeze! John wobbles around, completely disoriented.
The action cuts back to Berreta! He's trapped on the mat after McDonald hoisted him up for a second German Suplex. With lightning reflexes, McDonald rolls through the move and contorts his body to grab Berreta's ankle! The crowd gasps as McDonald cinches in a vicious ankle lock, aptly named the "With Cheese"!
Berreta screams in pain, clawing at the mat. He tries to roll out of the hold, but McDonald applies even more pressure. The referee checks on Berreta, who grimaces and taps out with a single, emphatic thump of his hand! *
Steve Cotton: Here are your winners, The Fast Food Mafia!
*The crowd groans in disappointment, but a roar erupts from the Fast Food Mafia's corner. King and McDonald celebrate wildly in the center of the ring as the scene fades to the back. *
“Boy!”
*It was the statement that came ringing out from in the backstage area. Cameras finally catching up to where it was coming from. Entering the view as a visibly frustrated looking Jayce. Behind him was the man becoming known as Ken Borenett. Pierce started to unwrap his wrists from the tape that were on them. Doing his best to ignore the man behind him. *
Ken Borenette: I’m talking to you!
*The older man was glaring daggers into the back of Pierce’s head. Once he had finished tearing some of the tape off. Pierce shut around and glared at the man standing before him. His attitude clearly still shines through..*
Jayce Pierce: What?! What the hell do you want?! Haven’t you done enough damage tonight?!
Ken Borenette: Me?!
Jayce Pierce: I didn’t stutter did I?!
Ken Borenette: Well, I’ll be a sumbitch. How ungrateful can one person be!
*Throwing his hands up in the air in an over exaggerated manner.*
Ken Borenette: I come back into your life to provide you some direction. This is the thanks I get for it?!
Jayce Pierce: I don’t need your direction though! What part of that are you not getting? I didn’t call you up. I didn’t ask for you to be around. I didn’t ask for any advice. Nothing like that. You took it upon yourself. For whatever reason and now it’s becoming a burden!
Ken Borenette: You are clearly misled, boy. I’m far from a burden. And no, you didn’t ask for my help. You didn’t call me. But based on everything I’ve seen. You clearly need my help. It even showed out there tonight. Doing that dumb internet stuff.
Jayce Pierce: Dumb internet stuff?!
Ken Borenette: Leaping off the top rope just to appease those fools in the crowd. For a so-called Viral moment. You were taught better than that. What’s next? Using real glass light tubes?!
Jayce Pierce: You sound so stupid!
*Pierce finished tearing the rest of the tape off his wrist. Throwing it down to the floor there in the hall.*
Ken Borenette: And then to lose to ... that of all people to lose to. This company already undervalued you. They saw you as a joke. Then you confirmed it.
Jayce Pierce: Shut up. I’m warning you now. Just shut up.
Ken Borenette: I’m aware that it's hard to hear about your shortcomings and what not but---
*Before the older man could finish his statement. Pierce lunged forward and grabbed a hold of his dress shirt lifting him off his feet. Slamming him up against the wall. His eyes glowing with rage while holding that older man in place.*
Jayce Pierce: I’ve had enough! I’ve had enough of your mouth! I’ve had enough of everything that has gone on since I have arrived here!
*His grip was very tight. Ken had no choice but to stare at the man holding him there against his will.*
Jayce Pierce: You cost me tonight! My last shot at improving my reputation around here and you are the reason I blew it!
*His eyes narrowed a little more.*
Jayce Pierce: My respect for you. Our relationship over the years. All that is a contributing factor to me not taking your head off right now. But we have one more incident. It’s not going to end well for you!
*As soon as those words came out of his mouth. He let go of the hold he had on Ken. The old man caught himself and quickly grabbed his shirt to straight it out. Pierce had turned to start to walk away.*
Ken Borenette: I’m going to let that one slide. First and last time you will ever be allowed to put your hands on me.
*Ken shook his head a little bit.*
Ken Borenette: There’s a lot more work that needs to be done than I ever thought. But if you know anything about me. I’m a man of my word. I’ll help you fix this.
*Pierce found himself very briefly looking over his shoulder.*
Jayce Pierce: You better hope so.
*Following his statement, Pierce began to walk onward. Ken having no other choice but to follow along, leading to the cameras to fade to a commercial break. *
*It was the statement that came ringing out from in the backstage area. Cameras finally catching up to where it was coming from. Entering the view as a visibly frustrated looking Jayce. Behind him was the man becoming known as Ken Borenett. Pierce started to unwrap his wrists from the tape that were on them. Doing his best to ignore the man behind him. *
Ken Borenette: I’m talking to you!
*The older man was glaring daggers into the back of Pierce’s head. Once he had finished tearing some of the tape off. Pierce shut around and glared at the man standing before him. His attitude clearly still shines through..*
Jayce Pierce: What?! What the hell do you want?! Haven’t you done enough damage tonight?!
Ken Borenette: Me?!
Jayce Pierce: I didn’t stutter did I?!
Ken Borenette: Well, I’ll be a sumbitch. How ungrateful can one person be!
*Throwing his hands up in the air in an over exaggerated manner.*
Ken Borenette: I come back into your life to provide you some direction. This is the thanks I get for it?!
Jayce Pierce: I don’t need your direction though! What part of that are you not getting? I didn’t call you up. I didn’t ask for you to be around. I didn’t ask for any advice. Nothing like that. You took it upon yourself. For whatever reason and now it’s becoming a burden!
Ken Borenette: You are clearly misled, boy. I’m far from a burden. And no, you didn’t ask for my help. You didn’t call me. But based on everything I’ve seen. You clearly need my help. It even showed out there tonight. Doing that dumb internet stuff.
Jayce Pierce: Dumb internet stuff?!
Ken Borenette: Leaping off the top rope just to appease those fools in the crowd. For a so-called Viral moment. You were taught better than that. What’s next? Using real glass light tubes?!
Jayce Pierce: You sound so stupid!
*Pierce finished tearing the rest of the tape off his wrist. Throwing it down to the floor there in the hall.*
Ken Borenette: And then to lose to ... that of all people to lose to. This company already undervalued you. They saw you as a joke. Then you confirmed it.
Jayce Pierce: Shut up. I’m warning you now. Just shut up.
Ken Borenette: I’m aware that it's hard to hear about your shortcomings and what not but---
*Before the older man could finish his statement. Pierce lunged forward and grabbed a hold of his dress shirt lifting him off his feet. Slamming him up against the wall. His eyes glowing with rage while holding that older man in place.*
Jayce Pierce: I’ve had enough! I’ve had enough of your mouth! I’ve had enough of everything that has gone on since I have arrived here!
*His grip was very tight. Ken had no choice but to stare at the man holding him there against his will.*
Jayce Pierce: You cost me tonight! My last shot at improving my reputation around here and you are the reason I blew it!
*His eyes narrowed a little more.*
Jayce Pierce: My respect for you. Our relationship over the years. All that is a contributing factor to me not taking your head off right now. But we have one more incident. It’s not going to end well for you!
*As soon as those words came out of his mouth. He let go of the hold he had on Ken. The old man caught himself and quickly grabbed his shirt to straight it out. Pierce had turned to start to walk away.*
Ken Borenette: I’m going to let that one slide. First and last time you will ever be allowed to put your hands on me.
*Ken shook his head a little bit.*
Ken Borenette: There’s a lot more work that needs to be done than I ever thought. But if you know anything about me. I’m a man of my word. I’ll help you fix this.
*Pierce found himself very briefly looking over his shoulder.*
Jayce Pierce: You better hope so.
*Following his statement, Pierce began to walk onward. Ken having no other choice but to follow along, leading to the cameras to fade to a commercial break. *
*The shot returns from the commercial break to a shot
As "Wings of Pallas" begins to play, the arena dims leaving a spotlight at the entrance ramp. Octavia Bakas steps out, pausing to survey the crowd with a determined gaze. She walks with purpose towards the ring, her posture a balance of elegance and readiness for battle. Upon reaching the ring, she ascends the steps and stands on the apron, raising her arms to acknowledge the crowd. With a swift and athletic leap over the ropes, she lands in the ring, her eyes fixed on the prize ahead.
I-I-I wanna feel, feel, feel
Wanna taste, taste, taste
Wanna get you goin’
As the lyrics to 'Make you mine' play over the PA system, the strobe lights in the arena flash between pink, black and scarlet as Kaitlyn appears on stage with her back turned to the ring. She turns her head over her right shoulder to stare at the ring before twisting her body and sauntering down the rampway with outstretched arms. Looking out at the fans in attendance, she pushes her sunglasses down and begins dancing after reaching the bottom of the ramp.
Walking around the ring following her dance, she scales the steps surrounding the ring, stands on the apron and extends her arms outward before pushing off her jacket. Entering the ring, she approaches the turnbuckle and jumps atop it, extending her arms. She then removes her sunglasses and tosses them to a staff member ringside. Jumping down from the turnbuckle, she blows a kiss to the audience while readying herself for the upcoming match.
Bakas and Fletcher circle around the ring and the bell rings. They meet in the center of the ring and lock-up and Fletcher throws Bakas down with an arm drag. Bakas gets back to her feet and they tie up once more. Fletcher shifts her weight and twists herself behind Bakas and grabs her by the waist to deliver a German Suplex but Bakas hits her with a snap mare takeover before she can get lifted. Bakas grabs a seated Fletcher in a chinlock and applies some pressure. Fletcher powers back to her feet and steps backwards, sending Bakas into the ropes and breaking the hold. Fletcher turns around, grabs Bakas by the wrist and whips her towards the opposite side of the ring. Bakas bounces off the ropes and Fletcher goes to clothesline her but Bakas ducks and hits Fletcher with a clothesline of her own on the way back. The crowd claps. *
Markson: These are two very young and hungry competitors showing off what makes them special.
Napier: Impressive movements in the ring so far. I, too, am young and hungry…
Markson: Keep telling yourself that.
Bakas gets Fletcher to her feet and puts her in a front face lock, applying pressure to Fletcher’s neck and upper body. Fletcher lands punches on Bakas’ torso and the hold is broken but Fletcher brings Bakas down to the mat and rolls her up.
1….
2……
Markson: The Olympian kicks out! That was a close one.
Bakas jumps back up to her feet and she and Fletcher stare each other down. Fletcher charges towards Bakas and swings a powerful right hook aimed at the jaw of Bakas but she ducks out of the way and Bakas catches her with a Side Slam and goes for the cover.
1…..
2…….
Fletcher kicks out and both get back to their feet simultaneously. Bakas launches herself towards Fletcher and wraps her arms around her waist then flips her over with a belly-to-belly suplex. Bakas quickly makes her way to Fletcher and goes for the cover.
1….
2…..
Rope break!
Markson: Bakas trying to put this away in the early going but Fletcher is showing some heart and not making it so easy!
The ref has Bakas back off and she agrees. Fletcher pulls herself up with the ring ropes and then quickly turns around. Fletcher lunges towards Bakas, stops on a dime, and catches Bakas with an impactful roundhouse kick to the midsection. Fletcher grabs a hold of Bakas and brings her down to the canvas with a DDT. Kaitlyn jumps back up and hits Bakas with a standing moonsault and goes for the cover.
1….
2……
Kick out!
Markson: The crowd seems to be behind both competitors here.
Napier: That just means they’re too wishy washy to decide who they really want to win. Make up your mind, people!
Fletcher rises to her feet and Bakas is stirring on the canvas. As she zeros in, Bakas throws Fletcher down with the Aegean Arm Drag. Fletcher gets up and Bakas is waiting for her with a Delphic Dropkick, catching her off guard and sending her staggering backwards into the ropes. Bakas whips Fletcher into the ropes and catches her with a Spartan Spinbuster and goes for the cover.
1…….
2………
Kick out!
Markson: Octavia looking a little frustrated that she didn't put it away.
Bakas gets to her feet and waits for Kaitlyn to stand. She slowly pulls herself up but is favoring her injured back from the spinebuster. Bakas charges Fletcher, locks her around the waist, and flips her up with a German Suplex but Fletcher lands on her feet.
Markson: Incredible athleticism by Kaitlyn Fletcher!
Napier: Bakas hasn't noticed that she didn't get all of that move. OHH, caught in the face with a knee!!
Kaitlyn Fletcher hits Octavia with a running knee strike to the face and goes for the cover.
1……
2…….
Bakas kicks out just in the nick of time much to the dismay of Fletcher. Fletcher grabs Bakas and brings her to her feet. Kaitlyn works her way behind Bakas and begins to lock her in a Full Nelson but Bakas grabs a hold of an arm and sweeps her leg, causing her to fall forwards towards the mat. Bakas grabs a hold of Fletcher's ankle and locks in the Athens Ankle Lock. Fletcher screams in pain and starts to fail to try to break the hold.
Markson: Octavia Bakas has that Athens Ankle Lock locked in tight!
Napier: Tap out, Kaitlyn! There's no shame.
The ref checks on Kaitlyn but she shakes her head no. She uses her upper body strength to scoot forward a few inches. She extends her arm outwards to try to grab the rope but falls short and buries her face in the mat as she fights through the pain.
Markson: I might have to agree with you, Nick. This might be the point where you have to make a decision to fight another day!
Napier: Don't stall your career so early!
Fletcher slams her fists into the mat and tries to reach the ropes again. She's an eyelash away from making a connection with the ropes but Bakas pulls her backwards toward the center of the ring. As Bakas goes to tighten the lock, Fletcher manages to kick her in the face with her free leg, causing the hold to break.
Markson: Fletcher is free! She's pulling herself up now but that ankle might be in bad shape.
Bakas gets up from the face kick and Fletcher rushes towards her and they lock up. As Fletcher tries to gain the advantage, her ankle causes her to lose a step allowing Bakas to shove her hard into the corner. Bakas runs across the ring to the opposite corner and runs towards Fletcher. Bakas jumps up to the second rope and plants her feet into the chest of Fletcher and grabs both of her arms and sends her flying into the sky with a huge monkey flip.
Markson: Big monkey flip…. She landed on her feet again!
Napier: Fletcher almost hit the ceiling of this arena and managed to land on her feet like a cat!
Fletcher sticks the landing like a gymnast but immediately falls forward into the ropes and cries out in pain.
Markson: But she landed right on that hurt ankle! Watch out!
Bakas sneaks up behind Fletcher and lifts her into the air with the Olympic Slam right into the center of the ring. She goes for the cover.
1…..
2…….
3!!!
Octavia Bakas helps Kaitlyn Fletcher to her feet and shakes her hand as the bell rings.
Steve Cotton: The winner of this match…. Octavia Bakas!!!
Markson: What a hard fought match between two tough young combatants taking this business by storm!
*The shot focuses on Octavia Bakas celebrating as the scene fades to the backstage area.*
*The shot switches to the parking lot area where a stretch limo pulls up outside, beyond fashionably late. The limo comes to a stop, and the driver exits the car and moves to the back. The driver opens the door and what appears to be a team of lawyers exits the back of the limo and form two lines on either side of the door. Finally, Alexander Marshall steps out of the limo, and boox erupts inside the arena seemingly shaking the walls. Alexander smirks, as he adjust his tie. *
Alexander Marshall: Come on men, let's get my job back.
*Alexander heads past the camera followed by the lawyers as the scene fades to a commercial break. *
Markson: Welcome back to Friday Night Fury, Thunderamaniacs! We’ve still got plenty more on the way, but up next is what some may say is a unique matchup.
Napier: I’d call it something else… the wrestling equivalent of Mike Tyson versus Butterbean.
Markson: Cable versus Juggernaut.
Napier: More like Cable versus the Blob.
Markson: At least we agree on one. Steve Cotton is ready to usher Tony Savage and CRAM to the ring!
We cut to the ring where ring announcer Steve Cotton stands waiting for his cue.
Steve Cotton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a fifteen minute time limit! Introducing first…
“Never Scared” by Bone Crusher hits the sound system and the hulking form of CRAM emerges from behind the curtain. Lights flash dollar signs on the stage and TerryTron along with his name as fans give a chilly reception while the super heavyweight makes his way to the ring.
Steve Cotton: He makes his way to the ring from Panama City, Florida… he stands 6’5” and weighs in at 460 pounds… he is… CRAM!!!
Markson: CRAM is still trying to find his footing in Thunder Pro, but what a notch it would be to score a victory over Tony Savage.
Napier: You aren’t wrong, you’re delusional if you think Tony is going to slip up against this guy.
Markson: That’s what would make it such a huge win. CRAM would immediately be seen as a serious threat if he could figure out a way to win this one.
Napier: I should tell Tony you said that.
Markson: It’s a compliment to him so, please do!
CRAM eases into the ring and showboats to the fans at ringside.
Steve Cotton: And his opponent, coming from London, England via Atlanta, Georgia… he stands 6’3” and weighs in at 229 lbs… TONY SAVAGE!!!
Savage comes out to “Off Deez” by J.I.D. featuring J Cole wearing his black warmup jacket sparkling with the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack, repping his dual residence. He moves with purpose down the ramp, focused for the upcoming match and staring right at CRAM as he slaps hands of fans in the front rows before entering the ring.
Markson: The mission for Tony Savage is all about finding those big fights he can have while he’s here, take out the top dogs, and raise the gold.
Napier: I don’t love the goodie-goodie routine he plays out, but Tony lives up to his name.
Markson: That’s what he’ll be counting on tonight versus the mammoth CRAM. A Savage match ending strike.
Napier: I have a healthy respect for Tony. But CRAM is too cool to not pick up a victory in TPW sooner or later.
Markson: Nick, who are you even picking to win?
Napier: I’m neutral.
Markson: Let me guess, you bet on both of them.
Napier: Gotta hedge those bets!
DING DING DING
The bell rings and Tony tries to charge in for a surprise inside position and gets FLATTENED by CRAM! A body check sends Savage’s body bouncing off the canvas and he shakes his head. Instead of pressing an early advantage, CRAM begins taunting fans and grooving around the ring at his early knockdown. Tony stands and sees this, and gives mock applauds to CRAM, who sees his opponent is already up. He charges the dual-sport sensation and goes for another body attack that Tony evades and unleashes a series of strikes to the back of CRAM. The big man stumbles forward into a corner and swings wildly behind him, spinning around. Tony ducks under and lands a European Uppercut that stuns CRAM in the corner. Tony ascends to the second rope and lands Ten Piece and a Biscuit with the THUNDERAMANIACS chanting along! Savage then walks around the ring to a pop while CRAM is trying to regain his bearings.
Markson: Seems Tony did a little, ‘I can do it better’ with the early offense of CRAM.
Napier: But Tony went down. CRAM hasn’t left his feet.
Markson: It’s not easy to knock down CRAM.
Savage comes back in towards CRAM but the big man grabs him by the head and lands a back elbow that forces Tony down again. CRAM follows up with a jumping Body Splash and covers!
One!
Tw–
KICKOUT BY TONY!
Markson: Not enough.
Napier: CRAM knows he’s dealing with a killer. Getting them on the mat is a good idea.
CRAM brings Tony up and holds onto him for a Belly to Belly Suplex. He picks up Tony’s head while standing over him and lands some stiff crossface punches.
Markson: Those strikes receive a warning from Referee Villano 16, who is allowing some leeway.
Napier: This is the right strategy, don’t penalize him. Tony should be used to this treatment from the fighting side of his career.
CRAM tires of holding up Savage and wrenches his body up from the canvas onto a shoulder but Tony lands a back elbow to the base of CRAM’s neck. Tony slips out! He lands on a knee and runs off the ropes as CRAM turns. Tony with a running Forearm to CRAM’s face! Tony sees the bigger adversary stunned and goes off the ropes again to land a jumping Bionic Elbow! CRAM is stunned on the ropes and Savage looks around at the crowd who want more. He runs off the ropes a third time and bowls into CRAM with a Cross Body that takes both men over the ropes and crashing to the floor!
Villano 16 puts in a count…
One!
Two!
Markson: A possible turning point here between these two.
Three!
Napier: If CRAM can just get Tony back in, he may be able to bust a move to finish this.
Four!
Markson: Bust a move?
Napier: It’s a cool phrase, like CRAM would use.
Five!
CRAM and Tony begin moving on the floor…
Markson: Yes, I know that phrase from over ten years ago.
Napier: Better than your terms from the 80s.
Six!
Markson: I love the 80’s.
Tony is up first and he grabs CRAM to run him into the ringpost. Tony then grabs him and lines up for a side Russian Leg Sweep into the barricade. Tony sets up on the apron and when CRAM stands and shakes the cobwebs, he sees Tony leap off with another Bionic Elbow. CRAM stumbles towards the ring and rolls in under the bottom rope. Tony gets up and slides in, pumping up the crowd who obliges. Tony follows CRAM as he uses the ropes to stand and when he comes around… Spinebuster!! Tony floors CRAM and makes a cover!
One!
Two!
CRAM THROWS OFF TONY!
Napier: That’s scary.
Markson: Tony with another flurry and CRAM bats him away like he’s a leaf on a windshield.
Napier: Here’s a real turning point, but for CRAM.
Both men get up and Tony tries to land another haymaker and CRAM blocks– Coconut Cram!! The vicious Headbutt catches Tony by surprise and he lands in a heap on the canvas.
Napier: Holy sh–
Markson: Language, Nick!
Napier: I was saying holy shaken noggin! This may actually be it!
Markson: It’s true, CRAM hits like a ton of bricks.
CRAM drags Savage to the corner and ascends one rope… a second rope… and rocks for momentum before launching off with a Bonzai Drop! The Thunderamaniacs watch the air comes out of their fan favorite as CRAM tells Villano 16 to get down and count, diggit!
One!
Two!
…
THRE–
Napier: CRAM wins! I’m freaking rich! Screw you and this pl–
Markson: Wait, Nick! Villano 16 tells CRAM that Tony had a foot on the ropes!
Napier: What? No way!
CRAM looks less than down with the announcement and corners ViIlano 16, who insists it was a two count. The super heavyweight turns back to Tony Savage, who rolls him up!
One!
Two!
…
CRAM WITH A SHOULDER UP!
Markson: Close calls all around this match.
Napier: Come on, CRAM. Finish this and don’t crush my dreams of being free of Markson each week.
CRAM picks up Tony and looks for the CRAM JAM! But Tony blocks the lift! CRAM struggles against Savage and then decides to bring his head up in his massive paws for another Coconut Cram! But Tony is alert and pushes off before socking CRAM in the face with a haymaker! The big guy is reeling and holds his nose. Tony lets out an intense exclamation that the crowd is into, then plants CRAM with a second ring shaking Spinebuster! It’s so powerful that Tony himself falls to the mat. He forgoes a pinfall and pulls himself up, his breathing labored as he gets the crowd whipped up once more…
Napier: I don’t like the look of this at all.
Markson: Tony Savage fighting through the size disadvantage. He’s got an isolated opening here, can he score?
Napier: Don’t try to sound smart. This could be devastating.
Markson: For CRAM or your bank account?
Napier: No comment.
CRAM slowly gets up and it looks like Tony is ready to charge for One Shot, One Kill! But CRAM goes for a Coconut Cram! Tony ducks under him and shoots off the ropes at full speed. CRAM turns!
ONE SHOT, ONE KILL!!!
It connects and the massive CRAM stops and is on the mat in the blink of an eye. Spent, Tony falls on him for a cover, hooking the leg!
One!
Two!
…
THREE!!!
Steve Cotton: Here is your winner of the match… TONY SAVAGE!!!
Markson: The Thunderamaniacs give a raucous ovation for their hard hitting, no nonsense favorite, the victorious Tony Savage on this Fury!
Napier: I find it distasteful to see Tony continue to load up his fist to hit that one shot, one kill.
Markson: Nothing loaded in there but a registry on the Richter scale, Nick. As we take a moment and let these to head to the back, we’ll return with more Friday Night Fury!
Napier: I’d call it something else… the wrestling equivalent of Mike Tyson versus Butterbean.
Markson: Cable versus Juggernaut.
Napier: More like Cable versus the Blob.
Markson: At least we agree on one. Steve Cotton is ready to usher Tony Savage and CRAM to the ring!
We cut to the ring where ring announcer Steve Cotton stands waiting for his cue.
Steve Cotton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a fifteen minute time limit! Introducing first…
“Never Scared” by Bone Crusher hits the sound system and the hulking form of CRAM emerges from behind the curtain. Lights flash dollar signs on the stage and TerryTron along with his name as fans give a chilly reception while the super heavyweight makes his way to the ring.
Steve Cotton: He makes his way to the ring from Panama City, Florida… he stands 6’5” and weighs in at 460 pounds… he is… CRAM!!!
Markson: CRAM is still trying to find his footing in Thunder Pro, but what a notch it would be to score a victory over Tony Savage.
Napier: You aren’t wrong, you’re delusional if you think Tony is going to slip up against this guy.
Markson: That’s what would make it such a huge win. CRAM would immediately be seen as a serious threat if he could figure out a way to win this one.
Napier: I should tell Tony you said that.
Markson: It’s a compliment to him so, please do!
CRAM eases into the ring and showboats to the fans at ringside.
Steve Cotton: And his opponent, coming from London, England via Atlanta, Georgia… he stands 6’3” and weighs in at 229 lbs… TONY SAVAGE!!!
Savage comes out to “Off Deez” by J.I.D. featuring J Cole wearing his black warmup jacket sparkling with the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack, repping his dual residence. He moves with purpose down the ramp, focused for the upcoming match and staring right at CRAM as he slaps hands of fans in the front rows before entering the ring.
Markson: The mission for Tony Savage is all about finding those big fights he can have while he’s here, take out the top dogs, and raise the gold.
Napier: I don’t love the goodie-goodie routine he plays out, but Tony lives up to his name.
Markson: That’s what he’ll be counting on tonight versus the mammoth CRAM. A Savage match ending strike.
Napier: I have a healthy respect for Tony. But CRAM is too cool to not pick up a victory in TPW sooner or later.
Markson: Nick, who are you even picking to win?
Napier: I’m neutral.
Markson: Let me guess, you bet on both of them.
Napier: Gotta hedge those bets!
DING DING DING
The bell rings and Tony tries to charge in for a surprise inside position and gets FLATTENED by CRAM! A body check sends Savage’s body bouncing off the canvas and he shakes his head. Instead of pressing an early advantage, CRAM begins taunting fans and grooving around the ring at his early knockdown. Tony stands and sees this, and gives mock applauds to CRAM, who sees his opponent is already up. He charges the dual-sport sensation and goes for another body attack that Tony evades and unleashes a series of strikes to the back of CRAM. The big man stumbles forward into a corner and swings wildly behind him, spinning around. Tony ducks under and lands a European Uppercut that stuns CRAM in the corner. Tony ascends to the second rope and lands Ten Piece and a Biscuit with the THUNDERAMANIACS chanting along! Savage then walks around the ring to a pop while CRAM is trying to regain his bearings.
Markson: Seems Tony did a little, ‘I can do it better’ with the early offense of CRAM.
Napier: But Tony went down. CRAM hasn’t left his feet.
Markson: It’s not easy to knock down CRAM.
Savage comes back in towards CRAM but the big man grabs him by the head and lands a back elbow that forces Tony down again. CRAM follows up with a jumping Body Splash and covers!
One!
Tw–
KICKOUT BY TONY!
Markson: Not enough.
Napier: CRAM knows he’s dealing with a killer. Getting them on the mat is a good idea.
CRAM brings Tony up and holds onto him for a Belly to Belly Suplex. He picks up Tony’s head while standing over him and lands some stiff crossface punches.
Markson: Those strikes receive a warning from Referee Villano 16, who is allowing some leeway.
Napier: This is the right strategy, don’t penalize him. Tony should be used to this treatment from the fighting side of his career.
CRAM tires of holding up Savage and wrenches his body up from the canvas onto a shoulder but Tony lands a back elbow to the base of CRAM’s neck. Tony slips out! He lands on a knee and runs off the ropes as CRAM turns. Tony with a running Forearm to CRAM’s face! Tony sees the bigger adversary stunned and goes off the ropes again to land a jumping Bionic Elbow! CRAM is stunned on the ropes and Savage looks around at the crowd who want more. He runs off the ropes a third time and bowls into CRAM with a Cross Body that takes both men over the ropes and crashing to the floor!
Villano 16 puts in a count…
One!
Two!
Markson: A possible turning point here between these two.
Three!
Napier: If CRAM can just get Tony back in, he may be able to bust a move to finish this.
Four!
Markson: Bust a move?
Napier: It’s a cool phrase, like CRAM would use.
Five!
CRAM and Tony begin moving on the floor…
Markson: Yes, I know that phrase from over ten years ago.
Napier: Better than your terms from the 80s.
Six!
Markson: I love the 80’s.
Tony is up first and he grabs CRAM to run him into the ringpost. Tony then grabs him and lines up for a side Russian Leg Sweep into the barricade. Tony sets up on the apron and when CRAM stands and shakes the cobwebs, he sees Tony leap off with another Bionic Elbow. CRAM stumbles towards the ring and rolls in under the bottom rope. Tony gets up and slides in, pumping up the crowd who obliges. Tony follows CRAM as he uses the ropes to stand and when he comes around… Spinebuster!! Tony floors CRAM and makes a cover!
One!
Two!
CRAM THROWS OFF TONY!
Napier: That’s scary.
Markson: Tony with another flurry and CRAM bats him away like he’s a leaf on a windshield.
Napier: Here’s a real turning point, but for CRAM.
Both men get up and Tony tries to land another haymaker and CRAM blocks– Coconut Cram!! The vicious Headbutt catches Tony by surprise and he lands in a heap on the canvas.
Napier: Holy sh–
Markson: Language, Nick!
Napier: I was saying holy shaken noggin! This may actually be it!
Markson: It’s true, CRAM hits like a ton of bricks.
CRAM drags Savage to the corner and ascends one rope… a second rope… and rocks for momentum before launching off with a Bonzai Drop! The Thunderamaniacs watch the air comes out of their fan favorite as CRAM tells Villano 16 to get down and count, diggit!
One!
Two!
…
THRE–
Napier: CRAM wins! I’m freaking rich! Screw you and this pl–
Markson: Wait, Nick! Villano 16 tells CRAM that Tony had a foot on the ropes!
Napier: What? No way!
CRAM looks less than down with the announcement and corners ViIlano 16, who insists it was a two count. The super heavyweight turns back to Tony Savage, who rolls him up!
One!
Two!
…
CRAM WITH A SHOULDER UP!
Markson: Close calls all around this match.
Napier: Come on, CRAM. Finish this and don’t crush my dreams of being free of Markson each week.
CRAM picks up Tony and looks for the CRAM JAM! But Tony blocks the lift! CRAM struggles against Savage and then decides to bring his head up in his massive paws for another Coconut Cram! But Tony is alert and pushes off before socking CRAM in the face with a haymaker! The big guy is reeling and holds his nose. Tony lets out an intense exclamation that the crowd is into, then plants CRAM with a second ring shaking Spinebuster! It’s so powerful that Tony himself falls to the mat. He forgoes a pinfall and pulls himself up, his breathing labored as he gets the crowd whipped up once more…
Napier: I don’t like the look of this at all.
Markson: Tony Savage fighting through the size disadvantage. He’s got an isolated opening here, can he score?
Napier: Don’t try to sound smart. This could be devastating.
Markson: For CRAM or your bank account?
Napier: No comment.
CRAM slowly gets up and it looks like Tony is ready to charge for One Shot, One Kill! But CRAM goes for a Coconut Cram! Tony ducks under him and shoots off the ropes at full speed. CRAM turns!
ONE SHOT, ONE KILL!!!
It connects and the massive CRAM stops and is on the mat in the blink of an eye. Spent, Tony falls on him for a cover, hooking the leg!
One!
Two!
…
THREE!!!
Steve Cotton: Here is your winner of the match… TONY SAVAGE!!!
Markson: The Thunderamaniacs give a raucous ovation for their hard hitting, no nonsense favorite, the victorious Tony Savage on this Fury!
Napier: I find it distasteful to see Tony continue to load up his fist to hit that one shot, one kill.
Markson: Nothing loaded in there but a registry on the Richter scale, Nick. As we take a moment and let these to head to the back, we’ll return with more Friday Night Fury!
*The camera cuts to the parking lot again, and a shot of the stretch limo. There is a loud roar heard from off camera, and we see security followed by production staff scurrying away as a "Thundermania" monster truck comes barreling into the parking lot.
The "Thundermania" truck drives up the back of the limo, crushing it as it moves to the middle of the stretch limo before stopping. The engine shuts off, and the passenger door opens up. "Thundering" Terry Marshall exits the truck and hops down to the top of the crushed limo to a massive pop from the crowd that shakes the building. *
Terry Marshall: Alexander thinks he's going to get Thunder Pro Wrestling back huh? Well, that don't work for me BROTHER!!!
*Marshall strokes his fu manchu mustache before hoping off the crushed limo and heading towards the arena as the scene cuts to a commercial break. *
*The shot returns from the commercial break to Steve Cotton standing in the ring ready to introduce the next match. *
Steve Cotton: The next match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, weighing a combined 420 lbs, from El Paso, Texas, here are Thunder and Lightning, The Wrath of the Storm!!
"Riding The Storm Out" by REO Speedwagon begins to play. Thunder and Lightning walk out together, side-by-side, excited by this new opportunity. Thunder gives a loud roar to the crowd, letting it echo throughout the arena. Lightning follows it up by scooting his feet on the ground to generate more energy, followed by moving his fingers together. Surprisingly, a lightning bolt goes off next to both wrestlers, surprising the crowd... and the wrestlers, both of whom jump. They quickly recover, though, making their way towards the ring and striking poses for the fans as they go.
Napier: These buffoons really think they deserve to be in the ring with Peter Vaughn??
Markson: … And Junko.
Napier: Eh?
Markson: Vaughn’s partner tonight… Junko.
Napier: Oh, right, right. Yeah, I’d put even Junko ahead of these clowns. ESPECIALLY teamed with our International Champion!!
Steve Cotton: Their opponents, weighing a combined 300 lbs, the team of “The Girl Who Makes Rain of Blood” Junko Souma and the TPW International Champion, “The Mechanic” Peter Vaughn!!
The lights in the arena go out, causing the usual hysteria from the crowd. "Battle Royale" by Apashe then begins to play, earning cheers from this TPW audience. The lights all flash around the stage, but no one appears. Instead, after a few seconds, the music stops. Peter Vaughn's face then appears on the big tron, darkly smirking down at the fans.
"This Time... It's Different."
After Vaughn finishes speaking, he begins to laugh. His laughter carries on as the Tron video overtakes his image, beginning with "This Time It's Different" by Evans Blue. Sparks begin to erupt around the stage, showering nearby fans who feel like they're a little too close to the action. As the fireworks die down, Peter Vaughn appears in the entryway. He stops, though, turning himself sideways and doing a slight bow, gesturing to the woman behind him to go first. Junko walks out past him, nodding in return, with the two coming to the front of the stage. Vaughn has the TPW International Championship wrapped around his waist as he surveys the crowd, which is slightly more positive today thanks to Junko being there. The duo heads for the ring, with Junko looking ready to fight, while Vaughn seems more relaxed.
Napier: Vaughn is really doing a great deed today, teaming up with Junko. It’s going to do wonders for her!
Markson: You know Junko Souma is an accomplished superstar across the world now. And many are betting that she can end Vaughn’s reign at the top of TPW.
Napier: Those people are wrong. But tonight’s not about the championship.
Markson: No, tonight these two, who will face off at Retromania, have to be able to work together to get past the Wrath of the Storm.
Vaughn walks forward in the ring, staring down Thunder, who has stepped out of his corner first. The referee checks with both of them, making sure they’re ready to start, and Thunder pushes the referee back as he steps up to Vaughn. He grins, talking with Vaughn for a second, referencing how they both got their starts together years ago, and how far they’ve come. Vaughn raises an eyebrow, then smiles and steps forward as if offering a quick before-the-match hug. Thunder nods, stepping into it… and Vaughn brings a knee up into his lower gut, doubling Thunder over!! Vaughn tells him never to compare them again, as the referee intercedes, saying the match hasn’t started yet. Junko also comes over, grabbing Vaughn’s arm and pulling him back, saying that’s not how she wants this match to go.
Markson: An illegal blow from Vaughn right out of the gates!
Napier: The match hasn’t started yet, which means nothing is illegal!
Markson: Still, Junko doesn’t look happy.
Junko moves Vaughn back, telling him to go to their corner, as Vaughn says that he was giving her an example of what can happen when you aren’t ready before the bell. Junko just shakes her head, saying that she’s going to start things. She turns to the hurting Thunder, gesturing for him to trade out with Lightning. The two switch, giving Thunder some recovery time, as a pumped-up Lightning bounces on his heels. The bell rings, officially starting this one, and Vaughn shouts at Junko to be prepared. She looks over, distracted, but Lightning is already charging forward, running into Junko with a shoulder tackle that knocks her backwards!! Lightning yells out, excited, before grabbing Junko by the arm and twisting her into an arm lock, as Vaughn shakes his head in disappointment. But Junko immediately springs to life, doing a couple of twists and flips to reverse the hold, surprising the much larger Lightning by reversing the hold!
Markson: Remarkable skill by Junko Souma to take back control!
Napier: She never should have LOST control of this one, but she took her eyes off the prize…
Markson: Because Vaughn yelled at her!
Napier: Don’t blame Vaughn for this!
Lightning still has the power advantage, and he uses it, whipping Junko towards the ropes. He tries for a clothesline, but Junko ducks under it, then hits the ropes and comes back with a flying forearm, knocking Lightning down! As he starts to get back up, Junko hits the ropes again, but gets tagged in the back by Vaughn! Thrown off, she still leaps into Lightning with a crossbody, but Lightning catches her, holding her up… only for Vaughn to come leaping into the shot, dropkicking Junko in the back to knock her on top of Lightning on the mat!! Vaughn pumps his fist at the crowd, then pulls Junko up, apparently making sure she’s okay, but Junko looks annoyed at his actions. Vaughn says that’s part of tag-team life, and says that he’s got this. He turns back, even as Lightning dives away from him… tagging in a steaming mad Thunder!!
Markson: Uh oh, Thunder’s wanting some retribution here!
Napier: if he was smart, he’d realize he has retribution at home…
Markson: … That doesn’t even make sense.
Napier: I’m just saying, he’s not getting what he wants, Markson!
Vaughn backs off slightly, raising his hands and putting a smile back on his face. But Thunder lets out one of his mighty roars, echoing throughout the arena, before rushing forward and tackling Vaughn to the ground!!! The crowd cheers loudly as Thunder punches away at Vaughn with abandon, swinging wildly as Vaughn desperately covers up his head as much as possible.
"Riding The Storm Out" by REO Speedwagon begins to play. Thunder and Lightning walk out together, side-by-side, excited by this new opportunity. Thunder gives a loud roar to the crowd, letting it echo throughout the arena. Lightning follows it up by scooting his feet on the ground to generate more energy, followed by moving his fingers together. Surprisingly, a lightning bolt goes off next to both wrestlers, surprising the crowd... and the wrestlers, both of whom jump. They quickly recover, though, making their way towards the ring and striking poses for the fans as they go.
Napier: These buffoons really think they deserve to be in the ring with Peter Vaughn??
Markson: … And Junko.
Napier: Eh?
Markson: Vaughn’s partner tonight… Junko.
Napier: Oh, right, right. Yeah, I’d put even Junko ahead of these clowns. ESPECIALLY teamed with our International Champion!!
Steve Cotton: Their opponents, weighing a combined 300 lbs, the team of “The Girl Who Makes Rain of Blood” Junko Souma and the TPW International Champion, “The Mechanic” Peter Vaughn!!
The lights in the arena go out, causing the usual hysteria from the crowd. "Battle Royale" by Apashe then begins to play, earning cheers from this TPW audience. The lights all flash around the stage, but no one appears. Instead, after a few seconds, the music stops. Peter Vaughn's face then appears on the big tron, darkly smirking down at the fans.
"This Time... It's Different."
After Vaughn finishes speaking, he begins to laugh. His laughter carries on as the Tron video overtakes his image, beginning with "This Time It's Different" by Evans Blue. Sparks begin to erupt around the stage, showering nearby fans who feel like they're a little too close to the action. As the fireworks die down, Peter Vaughn appears in the entryway. He stops, though, turning himself sideways and doing a slight bow, gesturing to the woman behind him to go first. Junko walks out past him, nodding in return, with the two coming to the front of the stage. Vaughn has the TPW International Championship wrapped around his waist as he surveys the crowd, which is slightly more positive today thanks to Junko being there. The duo heads for the ring, with Junko looking ready to fight, while Vaughn seems more relaxed.
Napier: Vaughn is really doing a great deed today, teaming up with Junko. It’s going to do wonders for her!
Markson: You know Junko Souma is an accomplished superstar across the world now. And many are betting that she can end Vaughn’s reign at the top of TPW.
Napier: Those people are wrong. But tonight’s not about the championship.
Markson: No, tonight these two, who will face off at Retromania, have to be able to work together to get past the Wrath of the Storm.
Vaughn walks forward in the ring, staring down Thunder, who has stepped out of his corner first. The referee checks with both of them, making sure they’re ready to start, and Thunder pushes the referee back as he steps up to Vaughn. He grins, talking with Vaughn for a second, referencing how they both got their starts together years ago, and how far they’ve come. Vaughn raises an eyebrow, then smiles and steps forward as if offering a quick before-the-match hug. Thunder nods, stepping into it… and Vaughn brings a knee up into his lower gut, doubling Thunder over!! Vaughn tells him never to compare them again, as the referee intercedes, saying the match hasn’t started yet. Junko also comes over, grabbing Vaughn’s arm and pulling him back, saying that’s not how she wants this match to go.
Markson: An illegal blow from Vaughn right out of the gates!
Napier: The match hasn’t started yet, which means nothing is illegal!
Markson: Still, Junko doesn’t look happy.
Junko moves Vaughn back, telling him to go to their corner, as Vaughn says that he was giving her an example of what can happen when you aren’t ready before the bell. Junko just shakes her head, saying that she’s going to start things. She turns to the hurting Thunder, gesturing for him to trade out with Lightning. The two switch, giving Thunder some recovery time, as a pumped-up Lightning bounces on his heels. The bell rings, officially starting this one, and Vaughn shouts at Junko to be prepared. She looks over, distracted, but Lightning is already charging forward, running into Junko with a shoulder tackle that knocks her backwards!! Lightning yells out, excited, before grabbing Junko by the arm and twisting her into an arm lock, as Vaughn shakes his head in disappointment. But Junko immediately springs to life, doing a couple of twists and flips to reverse the hold, surprising the much larger Lightning by reversing the hold!
Markson: Remarkable skill by Junko Souma to take back control!
Napier: She never should have LOST control of this one, but she took her eyes off the prize…
Markson: Because Vaughn yelled at her!
Napier: Don’t blame Vaughn for this!
Lightning still has the power advantage, and he uses it, whipping Junko towards the ropes. He tries for a clothesline, but Junko ducks under it, then hits the ropes and comes back with a flying forearm, knocking Lightning down! As he starts to get back up, Junko hits the ropes again, but gets tagged in the back by Vaughn! Thrown off, she still leaps into Lightning with a crossbody, but Lightning catches her, holding her up… only for Vaughn to come leaping into the shot, dropkicking Junko in the back to knock her on top of Lightning on the mat!! Vaughn pumps his fist at the crowd, then pulls Junko up, apparently making sure she’s okay, but Junko looks annoyed at his actions. Vaughn says that’s part of tag-team life, and says that he’s got this. He turns back, even as Lightning dives away from him… tagging in a steaming mad Thunder!!
Markson: Uh oh, Thunder’s wanting some retribution here!
Napier: if he was smart, he’d realize he has retribution at home…
Markson: … That doesn’t even make sense.
Napier: I’m just saying, he’s not getting what he wants, Markson!
Vaughn backs off slightly, raising his hands and putting a smile back on his face. But Thunder lets out one of his mighty roars, echoing throughout the arena, before rushing forward and tackling Vaughn to the ground!!! The crowd cheers loudly as Thunder punches away at Vaughn with abandon, swinging wildly as Vaughn desperately covers up his head as much as possible.
Thunder goes to the body instead, landing a few more hits, weakening the champion. The Wrath member then gets up, dragging Vaughn to his feet, before lifting Vaughn up into his arms and spinning him around before landing a bodyslam! Vaughn’s down, as Thunder says it’s time for some Rolling Thunder!! He goes to the side, before running forward and doing his roll forward, followed by the leaping splash… and Vaughn kips up out of the way, with Thunder hitting nothing but mat!!
Markson: Close one there! That was Thunder’s finisher!
Napier: … THAT was a FINISHER? No wonder these guys haven’t won much…
Markson: Say that after a guy his size lands on you.
Napier: He’s not THAT big…
Vaughn runs forward, landing a boot to Thunder’s head, knocking him back to the mat. The champion looks furious that Thunder dared to attack him like that, and wants to make him pay. He grabs hold of Thunder’s head, rubbing into the mat to add Insult to Injury. Vaughn then hauls Thunder up and drags him over to the corner, offering the tag, which Junko accepts. The two shoot Thunder into the ropes, then leap at the same time, landing a double dropkick that puts Thunder on the mat. Vaughn then gets up… and runs at Lightning in the corner, telling him to Get Out Of My Ring with another dropkick!! Vaughn pops back up, with Junko and the referee both wanting him back to his corner. Vaughn obliges, telling Junko to finish it, as Junko turns to the recovering Thunder… and blasts him with the Bloody Warlock (Shining Wizard)!! Junko makes the cover, as the referee slides in…
1…
2…
THR-and somehow Thunder is able to kick out!
Markson: Thunder showing that he truly wants to compete here tonight, kicking out of that dangerous move.
Napier: Vaughn should have just stayed in there. It’d be over now.
Junko gets back to her feet, looking towards the turnbuckle. She goes up, possibly wanting the Chocobo Sunrise or the Face Full of Ace. But Lightning is back up on the ropes, angrily grabbing at her to try and stop her!! Junko manages to kick Lightning off, with the referee admonishing him, as Junko leaps off the top, but has to do a roll as Thunder has managed to get back to his feet. Thunder turns, going at her with a double axehandle, but Junko sweeps low, taking Thunder’s legs out from under him. Thunder’s down, as Junko turns towards Vaughn, who sees that the referee is still distracted. He immediately pulls a set of brass knuckles out of his pocket, tossing them to Junko and telling her to let loose!!
Markson: What? Ref, turn around!!
Napier: Yes! The perfect plan comes together! Nail him, Junko, learn the ways of the Mechanic!!
Vaughn encourages Junko, even as she looks around at the crowd, who are booing, not wanting to see this. Junko immediately turns back… tossing the brass knuckles right back at Vaughn!!! He catches them, startled, as Junko turns towards Thunder, dodging his attack as she runs to the ropes and comes back with the Death Roll!! Thunder’s down, hurting, as Junko pops back up. Lightning, still losing it as he sees what’s happening to his brother, pushes the ref out of the way and charges at Junko from behind… and Vaughn comes flying in from the side with a Superman Punch, sending Lightning flying!!! As Vaughn follows Lightning out of the ring, wanting to do more damage, Junko gets up on the apron. The crowd knows what’s coming, cheering as Junko flips towards Thunder to land the Bloody Rainmaker!!!!! Thunder’s out, as Junko makes the cover…
1…
2…
THREE!!!
*The fans cheer loudly as Junko lets go of the pin and rolls off, rising to her knees as the referee rushes over and raises her hand in victory. The fans continue cheering and applauding as Junko gets back to her feet, turning and seeing the frustrated expression on Peter Vaughn's face at ringside. Seething, he shakes his head and begins making his way around to the time keeper's table as Steve Cotton's voice bellows out across the arena.*
Steve Cotton: The winners of the match by result of a pinfall... JUNKO SOUMA AND THE THUNDER PRO WRESTLING INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONNNNN... PETER VAAAAAAAAAAUGHNNNNNN!
*Junko wanders over to the corner before climbing onto the middle turnbuckle, looking out at the fans, back to the ring as Vaughn snatches the microphone out of Cotton's hand and collects the International Championship belt before rolling back under the bottom rope and rising to one knee, staring down Junko from behind before pushing himself up to his feet.*
Markson: Well, there you have it... Vaughn gave Junko Souma the opportunity to win the match his way but she wasn't having it. I think... I think she might have made her decision tonight on the kind of challenger she wants to be!
Napier: Yeah, a challenger that loses! Do you think Peter Vaughn got to where he is by showing compassion and taking it easy on his opponents? He's not just the first-ever two-time International Champion, Markson... he's the first and only THREE-TIME CHAMPION! He's made his bones in this business scraping talent like Junko Souma off of his shoe!
Markson: That's really where you're going with this? After we just saw her get the job done HER WAY?
Napier: Yeah, so what?! It woulda' got done faster HIS WAY!
Markson: You're being ridiculous!
*"Battle Royale" by Apashe continues playing in the arena. As the fans cheer, Peter Vaughn raises the microphone, voice dripping with disdain.*
Peter Vaughn: Hey, turn her music off!
*The music continues playing. Vaughn shakes his head.*
Peter Vaughn: I said turn her crappy music off now!
*The music cuts abruptly and the fans begin to boo loudly. Junko hops down from the middle turnbuckle and turns to face Vaughn, standing across the ring from him. Thunder and Lightning are quickly ushered away from the ringside area by the referee as the air becomes thick with tension.*
Peter Vaughn: So, that's how it is, huh, Junko?
*She doesn't respond. She doesn't move at all.*
Peter Vaughn: I tried to show you the way... I tried to give you the tools to make you a believable contender to this championship. I tried to raise you up and elevate you from challenger of the month and make you something more than that --
*Sweat drips off the tip of his nose as he stares a hole through her.*
Peter Vaughn: -- I tried to make you, simply... a challenger.
*The fans continue to boo, though they listen intently.*
Peter Vaughn: Do you know why that is, Junko?
*He kneels and lays the championship down flat on the mat between them so that she can see it plainly. He stands upright and gestures toward it.*
Peter Vaughn: Do you see that belt?
*She doesn't break eye contact with him.*
Peter Vaughn: I asked you a question, Junko... do you see that belt?! Look at it because I promise you, this is as close as you're ever gonna get to it. That belt... is mine. It belongs to me. I made it what it is today through blood, sweat, and tears that you couldn't possibly comprehend.
*He tilts his head to the side, speaking in a mocking tone.*
Peter Vaughn: You had a bad year? That's what you told Matt Knox, right? You went to war with Joe Montuori? You couldn't get the job done in the SEX Cup Finals? Brooke Blakely hurt your feelings when she didn't want to be your friend anymore? Grow up! Bad things happen every single day and they especially happen to people too dumb to stand up for themselves and do anything about it!
*Spittle flies from his mouth as he shouts.*
Peter Vaughn: I've beaten every single heavy hitter that's stepped foot in this company. Since the inception of Thunder Pro Wrestling, I've beaten more big names than I can even count! None of them were in my league... but they were all better than you!
*Junko's face turns red as the attack hits home.*
Peter Vaughn: If you're not willing to do what it takes to get ahead in this company, then you don't deserve to stand where you are right now. To this day, you've never stood across the ring from someone like me, do you understand that? I'm not Nova Skye. I'm not Blakely. I'm not even Joe Montuori. I'm not gonna tuck my tail between my legs and leave TPW because I've drawn the ire of the oh-so-scary Girl Who Makes Rain of Blood!
*He gestures toward the championship again.*
Peter Vaughn: I'm a real champion... I'm a real wrestler. I don't back down from anyone and I do whatever it takes to win. I do whatever it takes to stay on top... and do you know where that's gotten me, Junko? The TPW International Championship... three times!
*He reaches down and picks up the championship, placing it on his shoulder. Turning his head, he looks down at it... admires it... the gold flickers in his darkened eyes as Junko stares him down, shoulders rising and falling with each heavy breath.*
Peter Vaughn: I wanted you to listen to me... I needed you... to learn from me... because there are no challenges left in this company for me, and if you aren't willing to fight tooth and nail at RetroMania... if you aren't willing to go the extra mile, I'm gonna eat you alive.
*The fans let out a loud OOoOooOoooooo.*
Peter Vaughn: So, you made your choice tonight... and I accept that --
*He approaches her, stopping only a few feet in front of her.*
Peter Vaughn: -- and I promise you, that good clean match is still on the table.
*He smirks.*
Peter Vaughn: See, the powers that be want us to have some kind of wild stipulation match. Something bloody, something violent... something like... Hell in a Cell or some kind of newfangled death match... but I don't want that.
*He leans forward, getting a good look in her eyes.*
Peter Vaughn: Because I don't need some out of this world stipulation to beat you, Junko.
*There's a twinkle in his eye.*
Peter Vaughn: You need one to beat me.
*With a smug expression, he turns his back on her as the fans begin to boo even louder. He takes a few steps out toward the center of the ring, looking out at the fans.*
Peter Vaughn: Since this is where we part before we meet for the final time at RetroMania, I'm gonna teach you one more lesson, Junko, and it's a lesson as old as time. Guys like me... the old guard, if you will... we've forgotten more about this business than some geek like you will ever know.
*He takes a deep breath, smiling proudly.*
Peter Vaughn: And just when you think you've got us figured out, we reveal we've got one more surprise hidden up our sleeve... and sometimes --
*He removes the championship from his shoulder, holding it tightly in his fist as though he's intending to use it as a weapon.*
Peter Vaughn: -- it's a big one!
*He drops the microphone and turns to rush her with the title belt... BUT HE TURNS RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK FROM JUNKO! Vaughn drops the title and staggers back into the corner as Junko follows him in, peppering him with right and left hands before he drops and scrambles out of the ring, snatching the International Championship underneath the bottom rope and making his way around the ring, red in the face, trembling with rage!*
Markson: Junko saw it coming!
Napier: Saw what coming!? She attacked him for no reason!
Markson: He was going to hit her with the title!
Napier: He was turning around to shake her hand! I think he might have even been trying to give her a hug!
Markson: ARE YOU SERIOUS!?
Napier: He wanted to wish her luck!
Markson: HE TURNED AROUND WITH THE BELT COCKED, READY TO LAY HER OUT!
*The fans cheer wildly as Peter Vaughn backs up the ramp with the International Championship on his shoulder, feeling his jaw as his eyes remain set on the woman in the ring, fists clenched at her sides.*
Markson: Either way, no matter how you want to interpret what we just witnessed, Junko Souma just drew first blood as we head into RetroMania in two weeks with the Thunder Pro Wrestling International Championship hanging in the balance!
Napier: Peter Vaughn is going to destroy her! He's mad now, I'm tellin' ya'! Who does she think she is, huh!? He's beaten the best! He's beaten everybody! Does she think she's better than Matt Knox?! Larry Tact?! Ava Arthur!? Chris Page!?
Markson: It doesn't matter whether or not she's BETTER than them! She's different than each and everyone of them and that's what has Peter Vaughn on edge about this title defense... that's why he tried to change his strategy! Maybe she hasn't faced anyone like Peter Vaughn in her career... but I know damn well that Peter Vaughn has never faced anyone like Junko Souma!
*Peter Vaughn stands on the stage and looks down at the International Championship in his clutches. Staring down the ramp, glaring into the ring where Junko Souma remains standing in the midst of her cheering, adoring fans, Vaughn raises the championship over his head, giving her one last look at it before RetroMania before turning and disappearing through the curtain.*
Napier: Love him or hate him, that man has carried TPW on his back since day one! I think we're gonna see a new side of Peter Vaughn at RetroMania... a meaner, nastier side than we've ever seen before... and all because Junko just had to disrespect him and his generous offer to make her a worthwhile contender to his championship! The championship he put on the map!
Markson: I'm just going to ignore your sentiment there, Nick, and point out that I'm looking forward to this match. I think it might be one of the most anticipated International title matches in the history of TPW... truly, anything can happen at RetroMania when these two finally meet in the ring!
*We fade out on a shot of Junko standing in the ring, determination etched across her face as the fans continue chanting and cheering all around her.*
Markson: Close one there! That was Thunder’s finisher!
Napier: … THAT was a FINISHER? No wonder these guys haven’t won much…
Markson: Say that after a guy his size lands on you.
Napier: He’s not THAT big…
Vaughn runs forward, landing a boot to Thunder’s head, knocking him back to the mat. The champion looks furious that Thunder dared to attack him like that, and wants to make him pay. He grabs hold of Thunder’s head, rubbing into the mat to add Insult to Injury. Vaughn then hauls Thunder up and drags him over to the corner, offering the tag, which Junko accepts. The two shoot Thunder into the ropes, then leap at the same time, landing a double dropkick that puts Thunder on the mat. Vaughn then gets up… and runs at Lightning in the corner, telling him to Get Out Of My Ring with another dropkick!! Vaughn pops back up, with Junko and the referee both wanting him back to his corner. Vaughn obliges, telling Junko to finish it, as Junko turns to the recovering Thunder… and blasts him with the Bloody Warlock (Shining Wizard)!! Junko makes the cover, as the referee slides in…
1…
2…
THR-and somehow Thunder is able to kick out!
Markson: Thunder showing that he truly wants to compete here tonight, kicking out of that dangerous move.
Napier: Vaughn should have just stayed in there. It’d be over now.
Junko gets back to her feet, looking towards the turnbuckle. She goes up, possibly wanting the Chocobo Sunrise or the Face Full of Ace. But Lightning is back up on the ropes, angrily grabbing at her to try and stop her!! Junko manages to kick Lightning off, with the referee admonishing him, as Junko leaps off the top, but has to do a roll as Thunder has managed to get back to his feet. Thunder turns, going at her with a double axehandle, but Junko sweeps low, taking Thunder’s legs out from under him. Thunder’s down, as Junko turns towards Vaughn, who sees that the referee is still distracted. He immediately pulls a set of brass knuckles out of his pocket, tossing them to Junko and telling her to let loose!!
Markson: What? Ref, turn around!!
Napier: Yes! The perfect plan comes together! Nail him, Junko, learn the ways of the Mechanic!!
Vaughn encourages Junko, even as she looks around at the crowd, who are booing, not wanting to see this. Junko immediately turns back… tossing the brass knuckles right back at Vaughn!!! He catches them, startled, as Junko turns towards Thunder, dodging his attack as she runs to the ropes and comes back with the Death Roll!! Thunder’s down, hurting, as Junko pops back up. Lightning, still losing it as he sees what’s happening to his brother, pushes the ref out of the way and charges at Junko from behind… and Vaughn comes flying in from the side with a Superman Punch, sending Lightning flying!!! As Vaughn follows Lightning out of the ring, wanting to do more damage, Junko gets up on the apron. The crowd knows what’s coming, cheering as Junko flips towards Thunder to land the Bloody Rainmaker!!!!! Thunder’s out, as Junko makes the cover…
1…
2…
THREE!!!
*The fans cheer loudly as Junko lets go of the pin and rolls off, rising to her knees as the referee rushes over and raises her hand in victory. The fans continue cheering and applauding as Junko gets back to her feet, turning and seeing the frustrated expression on Peter Vaughn's face at ringside. Seething, he shakes his head and begins making his way around to the time keeper's table as Steve Cotton's voice bellows out across the arena.*
Steve Cotton: The winners of the match by result of a pinfall... JUNKO SOUMA AND THE THUNDER PRO WRESTLING INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONNNNN... PETER VAAAAAAAAAAUGHNNNNNN!
*Junko wanders over to the corner before climbing onto the middle turnbuckle, looking out at the fans, back to the ring as Vaughn snatches the microphone out of Cotton's hand and collects the International Championship belt before rolling back under the bottom rope and rising to one knee, staring down Junko from behind before pushing himself up to his feet.*
Markson: Well, there you have it... Vaughn gave Junko Souma the opportunity to win the match his way but she wasn't having it. I think... I think she might have made her decision tonight on the kind of challenger she wants to be!
Napier: Yeah, a challenger that loses! Do you think Peter Vaughn got to where he is by showing compassion and taking it easy on his opponents? He's not just the first-ever two-time International Champion, Markson... he's the first and only THREE-TIME CHAMPION! He's made his bones in this business scraping talent like Junko Souma off of his shoe!
Markson: That's really where you're going with this? After we just saw her get the job done HER WAY?
Napier: Yeah, so what?! It woulda' got done faster HIS WAY!
Markson: You're being ridiculous!
*"Battle Royale" by Apashe continues playing in the arena. As the fans cheer, Peter Vaughn raises the microphone, voice dripping with disdain.*
Peter Vaughn: Hey, turn her music off!
*The music continues playing. Vaughn shakes his head.*
Peter Vaughn: I said turn her crappy music off now!
*The music cuts abruptly and the fans begin to boo loudly. Junko hops down from the middle turnbuckle and turns to face Vaughn, standing across the ring from him. Thunder and Lightning are quickly ushered away from the ringside area by the referee as the air becomes thick with tension.*
Peter Vaughn: So, that's how it is, huh, Junko?
*She doesn't respond. She doesn't move at all.*
Peter Vaughn: I tried to show you the way... I tried to give you the tools to make you a believable contender to this championship. I tried to raise you up and elevate you from challenger of the month and make you something more than that --
*Sweat drips off the tip of his nose as he stares a hole through her.*
Peter Vaughn: -- I tried to make you, simply... a challenger.
*The fans continue to boo, though they listen intently.*
Peter Vaughn: Do you know why that is, Junko?
*He kneels and lays the championship down flat on the mat between them so that she can see it plainly. He stands upright and gestures toward it.*
Peter Vaughn: Do you see that belt?
*She doesn't break eye contact with him.*
Peter Vaughn: I asked you a question, Junko... do you see that belt?! Look at it because I promise you, this is as close as you're ever gonna get to it. That belt... is mine. It belongs to me. I made it what it is today through blood, sweat, and tears that you couldn't possibly comprehend.
*He tilts his head to the side, speaking in a mocking tone.*
Peter Vaughn: You had a bad year? That's what you told Matt Knox, right? You went to war with Joe Montuori? You couldn't get the job done in the SEX Cup Finals? Brooke Blakely hurt your feelings when she didn't want to be your friend anymore? Grow up! Bad things happen every single day and they especially happen to people too dumb to stand up for themselves and do anything about it!
*Spittle flies from his mouth as he shouts.*
Peter Vaughn: I've beaten every single heavy hitter that's stepped foot in this company. Since the inception of Thunder Pro Wrestling, I've beaten more big names than I can even count! None of them were in my league... but they were all better than you!
*Junko's face turns red as the attack hits home.*
Peter Vaughn: If you're not willing to do what it takes to get ahead in this company, then you don't deserve to stand where you are right now. To this day, you've never stood across the ring from someone like me, do you understand that? I'm not Nova Skye. I'm not Blakely. I'm not even Joe Montuori. I'm not gonna tuck my tail between my legs and leave TPW because I've drawn the ire of the oh-so-scary Girl Who Makes Rain of Blood!
*He gestures toward the championship again.*
Peter Vaughn: I'm a real champion... I'm a real wrestler. I don't back down from anyone and I do whatever it takes to win. I do whatever it takes to stay on top... and do you know where that's gotten me, Junko? The TPW International Championship... three times!
*He reaches down and picks up the championship, placing it on his shoulder. Turning his head, he looks down at it... admires it... the gold flickers in his darkened eyes as Junko stares him down, shoulders rising and falling with each heavy breath.*
Peter Vaughn: I wanted you to listen to me... I needed you... to learn from me... because there are no challenges left in this company for me, and if you aren't willing to fight tooth and nail at RetroMania... if you aren't willing to go the extra mile, I'm gonna eat you alive.
*The fans let out a loud OOoOooOoooooo.*
Peter Vaughn: So, you made your choice tonight... and I accept that --
*He approaches her, stopping only a few feet in front of her.*
Peter Vaughn: -- and I promise you, that good clean match is still on the table.
*He smirks.*
Peter Vaughn: See, the powers that be want us to have some kind of wild stipulation match. Something bloody, something violent... something like... Hell in a Cell or some kind of newfangled death match... but I don't want that.
*He leans forward, getting a good look in her eyes.*
Peter Vaughn: Because I don't need some out of this world stipulation to beat you, Junko.
*There's a twinkle in his eye.*
Peter Vaughn: You need one to beat me.
*With a smug expression, he turns his back on her as the fans begin to boo even louder. He takes a few steps out toward the center of the ring, looking out at the fans.*
Peter Vaughn: Since this is where we part before we meet for the final time at RetroMania, I'm gonna teach you one more lesson, Junko, and it's a lesson as old as time. Guys like me... the old guard, if you will... we've forgotten more about this business than some geek like you will ever know.
*He takes a deep breath, smiling proudly.*
Peter Vaughn: And just when you think you've got us figured out, we reveal we've got one more surprise hidden up our sleeve... and sometimes --
*He removes the championship from his shoulder, holding it tightly in his fist as though he's intending to use it as a weapon.*
Peter Vaughn: -- it's a big one!
*He drops the microphone and turns to rush her with the title belt... BUT HE TURNS RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK FROM JUNKO! Vaughn drops the title and staggers back into the corner as Junko follows him in, peppering him with right and left hands before he drops and scrambles out of the ring, snatching the International Championship underneath the bottom rope and making his way around the ring, red in the face, trembling with rage!*
Markson: Junko saw it coming!
Napier: Saw what coming!? She attacked him for no reason!
Markson: He was going to hit her with the title!
Napier: He was turning around to shake her hand! I think he might have even been trying to give her a hug!
Markson: ARE YOU SERIOUS!?
Napier: He wanted to wish her luck!
Markson: HE TURNED AROUND WITH THE BELT COCKED, READY TO LAY HER OUT!
*The fans cheer wildly as Peter Vaughn backs up the ramp with the International Championship on his shoulder, feeling his jaw as his eyes remain set on the woman in the ring, fists clenched at her sides.*
Markson: Either way, no matter how you want to interpret what we just witnessed, Junko Souma just drew first blood as we head into RetroMania in two weeks with the Thunder Pro Wrestling International Championship hanging in the balance!
Napier: Peter Vaughn is going to destroy her! He's mad now, I'm tellin' ya'! Who does she think she is, huh!? He's beaten the best! He's beaten everybody! Does she think she's better than Matt Knox?! Larry Tact?! Ava Arthur!? Chris Page!?
Markson: It doesn't matter whether or not she's BETTER than them! She's different than each and everyone of them and that's what has Peter Vaughn on edge about this title defense... that's why he tried to change his strategy! Maybe she hasn't faced anyone like Peter Vaughn in her career... but I know damn well that Peter Vaughn has never faced anyone like Junko Souma!
*Peter Vaughn stands on the stage and looks down at the International Championship in his clutches. Staring down the ramp, glaring into the ring where Junko Souma remains standing in the midst of her cheering, adoring fans, Vaughn raises the championship over his head, giving her one last look at it before RetroMania before turning and disappearing through the curtain.*
Napier: Love him or hate him, that man has carried TPW on his back since day one! I think we're gonna see a new side of Peter Vaughn at RetroMania... a meaner, nastier side than we've ever seen before... and all because Junko just had to disrespect him and his generous offer to make her a worthwhile contender to his championship! The championship he put on the map!
Markson: I'm just going to ignore your sentiment there, Nick, and point out that I'm looking forward to this match. I think it might be one of the most anticipated International title matches in the history of TPW... truly, anything can happen at RetroMania when these two finally meet in the ring!
*We fade out on a shot of Junko standing in the ring, determination etched across her face as the fans continue chanting and cheering all around her.*
Markson: Ladies and gents, it's been a great night of action so far, and we only have more to deliver to you tonight. But first...
The lights in the arena go out without a warning.
Markson: Umm, well... this is unexpected.
Napier: Great, someone didn't pay the light bill huh?
Markson: Now hold on a minute, something is going on at the entryway.
A smoke effect fills the arena screens as a lone beat begins to echo through the arena.
"My heart and my hands
The wear and the pain
We're stronger without you."
Napier: I have absolutely no clue what's going on right now.
The smoke begins to clear on the screens, with nothing more than an image of the flag of England flying on them.
"I watched your cities crumble
I watched your fortunes turn
I saw the broken sky
I watched your world
I watched your world burn."
The music stops abruptly as the screens go completely blank. Then, without hesitation, Anarchy in the U.K. by the Sex Pistols begins to play, and the screens now read "Archetype."
Napier: What?! No.
Markson: I think it is!
Cyrus Riddle walks from behind the curtain, dressed in a three piece black suit with a royal blue pocket square. But, this isn't the Cyrus Riddle of recent memory. He has completely shaven his head bald once again and is wearing his former signature sunglasses that once were a staple of his every entrance and camera appearance. The crowd begins to cheer as he nods his head and holds his two finger salutes up to the crowd.
Markson: Cyrus Riddle is in the house! But why?
Riddle takes his swaggering stride to the ring while playing to the crowd.
Markson: This is the Cyrus Riddle that I fell in love with as a fan, from England to the United States.
Riddle walks up the steps and wipes his feet on the apron before entering the ring between the middle and top ropes. Once inside, he hops onto the second turnbuckle and holds his arms up with his two-finger salute for all to see. After playing to each side of the crowd, he motions for a camera and stands in the center of the ring.
Cyrus Riddle: Cut my bloody music!
The music stops on his word, and the crowd begins to chant for the Englishman.
Cyrus Riddle: Happy to see you as well.
He nods and lets the crowd cheer some more, smirking as he takes the moment in. After a few seconds more, he reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket, taking out an envelope.
Cyrus Riddle: I cannot lie... I feel like I have been asleep for years. Now, I'm not going to stand here and take up precious moments of television giving a recent history brief. But what I will say, is that I have shed the skin of misery. I have shed the moping, the macabre, the edgy, and the overall detriment that my previous incarnation brought me in my life, both physically and psychologically. I had to search my soul, rediscover my roots, and transform myself into an updated, albeit more sophisticated version, of a previous Cyrus Riddle that brought the heat to the industry. I erased the remnants of that life, and the marks they left on my body. Now, I stand here to embrace the now, and embrace the promise of the future. What that future is, I have no idea.
Riddle holds the envelope in the air.
Cyrus Riddle: What I do know, is that we are going to send this place off with a bang, mate. I wasn't sure that my efforts in redemption would be met with any success. But low and behold, I have somehow merited an invitation to TPW Retromania 2.
Markson: Oh, now that's interesting!
Napier: Maybe he can be a timekeeper.
Markson: He's too great a performer.
Cyrus Riddle: Chicago, Illinois, I hope that you have yourselves composed prior to the bell, because once it rings, the world will go mental. No matter who I am up against, regardless of the stipulations, you are looking at a certified victor, and the greatest English wrestler of all time. Let's lace these boots and show the world what they've been missing. Cheers!
Riddle flips the mic to the mat and begins to exit the ring, making his stride back up the entryway as he slaps hands with fans and takes selfies before disappearing behind the curtain.
Markson: I don't know what we will get out of Cyrus Riddle, but I'm convinced it will leave us all talking. Retromania 2 is going to blow people's minds even more now.
The lights in the arena go out without a warning.
Markson: Umm, well... this is unexpected.
Napier: Great, someone didn't pay the light bill huh?
Markson: Now hold on a minute, something is going on at the entryway.
A smoke effect fills the arena screens as a lone beat begins to echo through the arena.
"My heart and my hands
The wear and the pain
We're stronger without you."
Napier: I have absolutely no clue what's going on right now.
The smoke begins to clear on the screens, with nothing more than an image of the flag of England flying on them.
"I watched your cities crumble
I watched your fortunes turn
I saw the broken sky
I watched your world
I watched your world burn."
The music stops abruptly as the screens go completely blank. Then, without hesitation, Anarchy in the U.K. by the Sex Pistols begins to play, and the screens now read "Archetype."
Napier: What?! No.
Markson: I think it is!
Cyrus Riddle walks from behind the curtain, dressed in a three piece black suit with a royal blue pocket square. But, this isn't the Cyrus Riddle of recent memory. He has completely shaven his head bald once again and is wearing his former signature sunglasses that once were a staple of his every entrance and camera appearance. The crowd begins to cheer as he nods his head and holds his two finger salutes up to the crowd.
Markson: Cyrus Riddle is in the house! But why?
Riddle takes his swaggering stride to the ring while playing to the crowd.
Markson: This is the Cyrus Riddle that I fell in love with as a fan, from England to the United States.
Riddle walks up the steps and wipes his feet on the apron before entering the ring between the middle and top ropes. Once inside, he hops onto the second turnbuckle and holds his arms up with his two-finger salute for all to see. After playing to each side of the crowd, he motions for a camera and stands in the center of the ring.
Cyrus Riddle: Cut my bloody music!
The music stops on his word, and the crowd begins to chant for the Englishman.
Cyrus Riddle: Happy to see you as well.
He nods and lets the crowd cheer some more, smirking as he takes the moment in. After a few seconds more, he reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket, taking out an envelope.
Cyrus Riddle: I cannot lie... I feel like I have been asleep for years. Now, I'm not going to stand here and take up precious moments of television giving a recent history brief. But what I will say, is that I have shed the skin of misery. I have shed the moping, the macabre, the edgy, and the overall detriment that my previous incarnation brought me in my life, both physically and psychologically. I had to search my soul, rediscover my roots, and transform myself into an updated, albeit more sophisticated version, of a previous Cyrus Riddle that brought the heat to the industry. I erased the remnants of that life, and the marks they left on my body. Now, I stand here to embrace the now, and embrace the promise of the future. What that future is, I have no idea.
Riddle holds the envelope in the air.
Cyrus Riddle: What I do know, is that we are going to send this place off with a bang, mate. I wasn't sure that my efforts in redemption would be met with any success. But low and behold, I have somehow merited an invitation to TPW Retromania 2.
Markson: Oh, now that's interesting!
Napier: Maybe he can be a timekeeper.
Markson: He's too great a performer.
Cyrus Riddle: Chicago, Illinois, I hope that you have yourselves composed prior to the bell, because once it rings, the world will go mental. No matter who I am up against, regardless of the stipulations, you are looking at a certified victor, and the greatest English wrestler of all time. Let's lace these boots and show the world what they've been missing. Cheers!
Riddle flips the mic to the mat and begins to exit the ring, making his stride back up the entryway as he slaps hands with fans and takes selfies before disappearing behind the curtain.
Markson: I don't know what we will get out of Cyrus Riddle, but I'm convinced it will leave us all talking. Retromania 2 is going to blow people's minds even more now.
*The scene returns from the commercial break to Khloe Cox stood in a makeshift laboratory, surrounded by containers. She was in a odd get up of a colorful rainbow witch costume with a gas mask.*
Khloe Cox: “First, we’ve got a hefty scoop of chunky green algae straight from the depths of the swamp,” she declared, wrinkling her nose at the thought. “Next, a dollop of expired yogurt, giving it that delightful sour kick.”
*She held up a bottle with a wicked gleam in her eye. *
Khloe Cox: “First, we’ve got a hefty scoop of chunky green algae straight from the depths of the swamp,” she declared, wrinkling her nose at the thought. “Next, a dollop of expired yogurt, giving it that delightful sour kick.”
*She held up a bottle with a wicked gleam in her eye. *
Khloe Cox: “And for that extra slimy texture, we’re adding in some gooey, overripe avocado—nothing like the smell of it to really set the mood.”*
*Khloe paused, then lifted a jar of something particularly unappealing. *
*Khloe paused, then lifted a jar of something particularly unappealing. *
Khloe Cox: “Ah, can’t forget the pièce de résistance: a few squirts of fermented fish sauce, for that distinctive aroma.”
*With a theatrical flourish, she stirred the concoction, the thick green slime slowly swirling together in the cauldron. “Voilà! Who knew gross could be so fun?”
Khloe would glare as she looks into the camera one last time. *
Khloe Cox: “Speaking of gross, Xavier make sure you watch your back you jerk….you try anything funny against my friend out there in the ring and I'm gonna ruin your night!”
*With a theatrical flourish, she stirred the concoction, the thick green slime slowly swirling together in the cauldron. “Voilà! Who knew gross could be so fun?”
Khloe would glare as she looks into the camera one last time. *
Khloe Cox: “Speaking of gross, Xavier make sure you watch your back you jerk….you try anything funny against my friend out there in the ring and I'm gonna ruin your night!”
*Khloe begins laughing as the scene fades from her laughter to Steve Cotton in the ring ready to introduce the next match. *
Steve Cotton: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL! Introducing first, hailing from Los Angeles, California, and weighing in at 225lbs. He is the number-one contender to the PRESTIGE CHAMPIONSHIP! This is VENOM, XAVVVIIEEEERRR LUUUUXXX!!!
*The lights in the building start to flicker, matching the opening riffs and drums of 'The Infection' by Disturbed. After the intro, a brief pyro explosion goes off in the entrance and as lyrics of the song begin, Xavier Lux steps out from behind the smoke left by the pyro. He stands there sporting his latest black and green gear, which includes a black 7 Wrestling Sins T-shirt. He looks around at the crowd who give him a mix reaction, as some want to boo him for being an asshole, but others want to cheer him for helping TPW beat WGWF. The "Man with Venom in his Veins" makes his way down the ramp, keeping his focus on the ring. Once he gets to ringside, he hops on the apron, wiping his boots, showing respect to the canvas where he is about to practice his craft. He then gets inside and makes his way to the corner, climbs to the second turnbuckle, and again just looks around at the crowd who still has mixed feelings about him. He takes off his t-shirt and acknowledges a fan here and there before picking one whom he tosses the t-shirt too. He hops down as his music fades; the ref checks him and then gets ready for the match to start. *
Steve Cotton: AND HIS OPPONENT! Hailing from Birmingham, UK, aka the Gladiatrix, and weighing in at 145lbs, she is one-half of Lights Out, this is ALLESSSSIIIAAA ANGEEEELLLLOOO!!!
*Darkness sweeps across the arena, except for a single rectangle of golden light picking out the stage. A couple of moments of silence... then to a cheer from the crowd, Alessia emerges from a blast of smoke, holding a sharp steel sword in one hand. She pauses for a second, looking around the crowd, kneels... then thrusts it into the stage and roars, leaping back to her feet, leaving the sword as she strides down the ramp. She takes the stairs up the ring, pausing to raise her arms to another cheer, then slips into the ring and stretches, ready for the bell.*
Markson: Will Alessia Angelo shock the world again tonight?
Napier: Nope, she is going to drop the ball like the weak link she is.
Markson: How many times does Alessia have to prove herself before you start to believe the hype.
Napier: Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred.
Markson: Are you quoting that song from Rent?
Napier: No….
DING! DING! DING!
*As the bell sounds Lux charges across the ring at Angelo, but Angelo is ready and hits a sweep single on Lux, tripping him to his face. Angelo jumps on Lux grabbing him in a headlock, but Lux is already on the way to his feet. Lux gets to his feet as Angelo is hanging onto his head. Lux wraps his arms around the waist of Angelo and shoots her into the corner. Lux charges in again, and again Angelo moves sliding between the ropes as Lux runs right into the turnbuckles and begins staggering back.
Angelo quickly climbs up the turnbuckles to the top rope and leaps off with a flying crossbody, but Lux catches her. Lux throws Angelo up for a bodyslam, but Angelo slides down the back of Lux, and catches him with a roll-up.
1…
2…
Lux kicks out and spins up to his feet, but as soon as he gets to his feet Angelo catches him with an arm drag, taking Lux to the mat and holding him in an arm bar. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo is using her speed and technical prowess to one-up Xavier Lux thus far.
Napier: So, you’re saying she is running away to win?
Markson: What? Absolutely not.
Napier: I’m pretty sure that is what you said.
*Lux battles his way up to his feet, and then with his free hand grabs Angelo by the hair and shoves her back into the corner. Ref Dizzy Dan begins yelling at Lux for using the hair, but Lux pays him no mind. Lux throws a knee into the stomach of Angelo breaking her arm bar. Lux grabs Angelo and whips her out of the corner into the opposite corner. Lux follows in behind Angelo, but as she gets to the corner Angelo does an up-and-over, going over Lux and coming down behind him.
Lux stops himself though before hitting the corner. Lux stops and points at his head as if he’s too smart, but as he does Angelo grabs Lux in a waistlock. Angelo shows impressive skill, and power for her size by dumping Lux backward onto his head with a German suplex. Angelo holds onto the waistlock, spinning to her feet and pulling Lux up to his. Angelo goes for another German suplex, but this time Lux blocks it with his foot and throws a back elbow into the side of Angelo’s head, breaking her hold on him.
Lux charges forward hitting the ropes and comes back charging at Angelo, but Angelo catches Lux with a hip toss. Lux hits the mat and sits up, but Angelo is already charging off the ropes back at Lux nailing him with a Meteora. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo is one step ahead of Xavier Lux tonight, catching him with throws and pouncing on him while he’s down.
Napier: Do you have a crush on Alessia Angelo or something?
Markson: No, I respect her as an athlete and competitor.
Napier: Mark and Alessia sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
*Alessia has rolled to her feet and waits for Lux to start getting up. As Lux is pushing himself to his feet Alessia quickly steps forward and kicks Lux’s down arm in the elbow with a big soccer kick. Lux comes up to his knees clutching his arm. Angelo grabs the arm of Lux, twisting it, and then jumps into a cross armbar.
Lux rolls trying to block the hold, but Angelo straightens her body out fully wrenching the arm. Ref Dizzy Dan checks to see if Lux is wanting to submit, but Lux shakes his head “no”. Lux rolls to his knees and presses into the body of Angelo stacking her up. Ref Dan makes a count.
1…
Before there is a “2”, Lux drops his hips and lifts Angelo up into the air. Lux charges forward and slams Angelo into the turnbuckles with a buckle bomb. *
Markson: A vicious buckle bomb from Xavier Lux absolutely devastating Alessia Angelo.
Napier: Aww, do you want to kiss her boo-boo, and make it feel better?
*Angelo is slumped in the corner, when luck grabs her and whips her to the opposite corner, and follows up with a running European uppercut, that rocks the chest and head of Angelo. Angelo falls to her knees as Lux backs up. Angelo grabs the ropes and starts pulling herself up, as soon as she gets to her feet Lux charges at her and takes Angelo down with a head scissors to the outside of the ring. Lux rolls to his feet, still in the ring, and follows up with an over-the-top rope flipping pescado onto Angelo.
Lux pops to his feet and poses for the crowd to a round of boos. Lux smirks and turns his attention back to Angelo. Lux pulls Angelo up, rolls her into the ring, and then hops to the apron. Lux climbs up the turnbuckles to the top rope and comes off with a Frogsplash Elbow Drop, but as he comes down Angelo spins her body around and catches Lux’s arm in another arm bar. Lux begins trying to pull his arm free, but Angelo tightens up. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo has caught Xavier Lux, can she tap him out?
Napier: Absolutely not, quit favoring your girlfriend.
Markson: She’s not my girlfriend.
Napier: I know, because you can’t get a girlfriend, loser.
*Lux rolls, but Angelo rolls with him keeping the armbar locked. Lux scoots backward, stretching his leg out getting it to the bottom rope. Ref Dizzy Dan calls for a break, and Angelo gives it. Angelo rolls to her feet, and holds the back of her neck in pain as she grabs Lux by the arm. Angelo pulls on Lux, but as he comes up Lux sticks a thumb into the eye of Angelo. Angelo staggers back holding her eye, and Lux moves past the Ref and takes Angelo down with a spinning neckbreaker.
Lux rolls to his feet while holding the head of Angelo. Lux pulls Angelo to her feet and hooks her for a vertical suplex. Lux lifts Angelo up as if going for The Antidote (Lumbar Check), but as Lux flips Angelo around she spins through and catches Lux with a DDT. *
Markson: Impressive counter by Alessia Angelo, using the momentum Xavier Lux started to spin into an impressive DDT.
Napier: Of course, you think it’s impressive. You think anything your boo thing does is impressive.
*Angelo rolls to all fours and slowly gets to her feet while Lux is pushing himself up to his feet. Angelo moves in grabbing the arm of Lux, but as she does Lux lungs up and forward slamming his shoulder into the stomach of Angel. Lux then grabs Angelo and hits her with a quick and hard scoop slam. Lux then leaps into the air and comes down with an elbow drop across the chest of Angelo.
Lux rolls to his feet, runs to the ropes, and up the turnbuckles, coming off with a moonsault landing on Angelo. Lux stays on top making a pin, shoving his forearm into the jaw of Angelo for the pin.
1…
2…
KICKOUT!
As Angelo kicks out, Lux rolls to his feet, pulling Angelo up to a seated position. Lux charges to the ropes and comes back looking for a penalty kick, but Angelo catches his foot. Angelo rolls through the kick while holding onto the foot, taking Lux down and rolling up into a single-leg crab on Lux. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo countering the kick into a single-leg crab, impressive technical knowledge and abilities.
Napier: I bet you want her to stretch your legs like that.
Markson: NOW, THAT’S ENOUGH!!!
*Lux claws his way across the mat. Lux sticks his hand out and grabs the bottom rope to break the hold. Ref Dizzy Dan orders Angelo to release the hold, and she eventually does at the count of three. Angelo takes a few steps forward holding her sternum as she turns to face Lux who is pulling himself up on the ropes. Angelo moves in quickly to Lux, but Lux strikes quicker with a hard chop that rocks Angelo backward.
Angelo bends over holding her chest. Lux moves forward hoping onto the back of Angelo and then takes Angelo over with a Code Red, hooking her legs for the pin. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!!!
Napier: HE GOT HER!
Markson: NO! Alessia Angelo kicked out.
*Lux is a mix of angry and confused as he gets to is feet. Lux grabs Aneglo by the head, yanking her to her feet. Lux whips Angelo into the corner and then charges in with The Toxin (whip to corner followed by picture perfect drop kick to jaw.), but at the last minute Angelo dives out of the corner and Lux’s legs spilt the ropes and he hits his crotch on the top turnbuckle and falls to the mat. Ref Dizzy Dan has no other option but to start the count as both competitors are down. *
1…
2…
3…
4…
5…
6…
Markson: Xavier Lux is climbing back to his feet.
Napier: I don’t know how any man could get up from that.
7…
Lux stands to his feet and begins to move towards Angelo and goes for an elbow drop, but as he does Angelo rolls out of the way, and up to her feet. Lux scrambles to his feet, holding his arm and as soon as he gets up he is met with an Irish dropkick from Angelo that sends him flying back into the corner. Angelo rolls to her feet, being fueled by the cheers of the fans.
Angelo charges into the corner and nails Lux with a big running knee strike in the corner. Angelo grabs the arm of Lux backs up, and pulls Lux into a Northern Lights suplex, and bridged for the pin. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!
Markson: OH MY! That’s the move that Alessia Angelo put the Malvados away with.
Napier: Yeah, but she had help from Ava Arthut kicking him in the head too,
*Angelo rolls to her feet pulling Lux by the arm, Angelo twist under the arm and drops down, dropping Lux’s shoulder across her with a shoulder breaker. Angelo spins back onto her feet still holding onto the arm of Lux. Angelo pulls Lux up and right into a Armbar DDT. Angelo rolls onto the back of Lux and hooks him for the Execution (A crucifix armbar submission). *
Markson: YES! ALESSIA ANGELO IS ABOUT TO TAP LUX OUT!!!
Napier: Not that you aren’t biased to your girlfriend or anything.
Markson: SHE’S NOT MY GIRFRIEND!!!
Napier: Yeah, no one would date you.
*Lux is trying to block Angelo from rolling him on his back, but Angelo finally rolls him, but Lux rolls through back to his knees. Lux powers to his feet, but Angelo holds onto his back not giving up on the hold Lux finally drop back landing on Angelo with a Samoan drop.
Lux rolls his feet, as Angelo uses the ropes to pull herself up. Lux charges in, but Angelo drops down, pulling the top rope doen, sending Lux tumbling to the outside. Angelo pulls herself up, but as she does Lux grabs her from the outside and pulls her under the bottom rope to ringside. Lux grabs Angelo by the hair and throws her into the security railing.
Lux reaches under the ring and pulls a chair out. Lux slides the chair into the ring, and then grabs Angelo and throws her into the ring. Lux grabs the chair and begins to stalk over Angelo lifting the chair. Lux lifts the chair ready to slam it over Angelo’s body when Ref Dizzy Dan grabs the chair from behind and pulls it out of his hand. Lux turns around to see Dizzy Dan throwing the chair out of the ring. With Dizzy Dan’s back turned, Lux raches into his trunks and pulls a small chain out. Lux wraps the chain around his head, and then nails Angelo with it as she is getting to her feet. Lux quickly stuffs the chain into his trunks and makes the pin on Angelo as Dizzy Dan turns back around and makes the pin. *
1…
2…
3!!!
Steve Cotton: Here is your winner… XAVIIIEEERRRR LUUUXXXX!!!
*Lux stands up smirking and pointing a his head as Ref Dizzy Dan raises his hand. Lux shoves Dan down. *
Markson: Oh come on Lux, you already won.
Napier: What a victory, beating the WEAK LINK!
*Lux rolls out of the ring and grabs the chair that Dan had thrown out earlier. Lux slides back into the ring with the chair and holds it up as if going to hit Ref Dizzy Dan, and Dan jumps out of the ring. Lux turns back to Angelo who is trying to push herself to her feet. As Lux stalks closer to her and lifts the chair, “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters hits over the PA bringing the crowd to their feet with a massive pop.
Khloe Cox makes her way out to the top of the entranceway with the Prestige championship around her waist, and holding a giant red button. *
Markson: What is that Khlox Cox is holding?
Napier: A giant red button, and that never means anything good.
*Angelo rolls out of the ring as Lux is distracted looking at Cox and yelling at her to come to the ring. Cox laughs and shakes her head “no” and then smashes the giant red button.
Suddenly, green slime falls from the rafters, covering Lux.
Lux is knocked down by the slime and drops the chair. Lux is disgusted and tries getting to his feet, but slips and falls in the slime. Lux begins yelling, and trying to swim out of the slime, but gets no where. Lux tries to stand again, but once more slips and falls. The shot focuses on Khloe Cox laughing hysterically as the scene fades to a commercial break. *
*The lights in the building start to flicker, matching the opening riffs and drums of 'The Infection' by Disturbed. After the intro, a brief pyro explosion goes off in the entrance and as lyrics of the song begin, Xavier Lux steps out from behind the smoke left by the pyro. He stands there sporting his latest black and green gear, which includes a black 7 Wrestling Sins T-shirt. He looks around at the crowd who give him a mix reaction, as some want to boo him for being an asshole, but others want to cheer him for helping TPW beat WGWF. The "Man with Venom in his Veins" makes his way down the ramp, keeping his focus on the ring. Once he gets to ringside, he hops on the apron, wiping his boots, showing respect to the canvas where he is about to practice his craft. He then gets inside and makes his way to the corner, climbs to the second turnbuckle, and again just looks around at the crowd who still has mixed feelings about him. He takes off his t-shirt and acknowledges a fan here and there before picking one whom he tosses the t-shirt too. He hops down as his music fades; the ref checks him and then gets ready for the match to start. *
Steve Cotton: AND HIS OPPONENT! Hailing from Birmingham, UK, aka the Gladiatrix, and weighing in at 145lbs, she is one-half of Lights Out, this is ALLESSSSIIIAAA ANGEEEELLLLOOO!!!
*Darkness sweeps across the arena, except for a single rectangle of golden light picking out the stage. A couple of moments of silence... then to a cheer from the crowd, Alessia emerges from a blast of smoke, holding a sharp steel sword in one hand. She pauses for a second, looking around the crowd, kneels... then thrusts it into the stage and roars, leaping back to her feet, leaving the sword as she strides down the ramp. She takes the stairs up the ring, pausing to raise her arms to another cheer, then slips into the ring and stretches, ready for the bell.*
Markson: Will Alessia Angelo shock the world again tonight?
Napier: Nope, she is going to drop the ball like the weak link she is.
Markson: How many times does Alessia have to prove herself before you start to believe the hype.
Napier: Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred.
Markson: Are you quoting that song from Rent?
Napier: No….
DING! DING! DING!
*As the bell sounds Lux charges across the ring at Angelo, but Angelo is ready and hits a sweep single on Lux, tripping him to his face. Angelo jumps on Lux grabbing him in a headlock, but Lux is already on the way to his feet. Lux gets to his feet as Angelo is hanging onto his head. Lux wraps his arms around the waist of Angelo and shoots her into the corner. Lux charges in again, and again Angelo moves sliding between the ropes as Lux runs right into the turnbuckles and begins staggering back.
Angelo quickly climbs up the turnbuckles to the top rope and leaps off with a flying crossbody, but Lux catches her. Lux throws Angelo up for a bodyslam, but Angelo slides down the back of Lux, and catches him with a roll-up.
1…
2…
Lux kicks out and spins up to his feet, but as soon as he gets to his feet Angelo catches him with an arm drag, taking Lux to the mat and holding him in an arm bar. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo is using her speed and technical prowess to one-up Xavier Lux thus far.
Napier: So, you’re saying she is running away to win?
Markson: What? Absolutely not.
Napier: I’m pretty sure that is what you said.
*Lux battles his way up to his feet, and then with his free hand grabs Angelo by the hair and shoves her back into the corner. Ref Dizzy Dan begins yelling at Lux for using the hair, but Lux pays him no mind. Lux throws a knee into the stomach of Angelo breaking her arm bar. Lux grabs Angelo and whips her out of the corner into the opposite corner. Lux follows in behind Angelo, but as she gets to the corner Angelo does an up-and-over, going over Lux and coming down behind him.
Lux stops himself though before hitting the corner. Lux stops and points at his head as if he’s too smart, but as he does Angelo grabs Lux in a waistlock. Angelo shows impressive skill, and power for her size by dumping Lux backward onto his head with a German suplex. Angelo holds onto the waistlock, spinning to her feet and pulling Lux up to his. Angelo goes for another German suplex, but this time Lux blocks it with his foot and throws a back elbow into the side of Angelo’s head, breaking her hold on him.
Lux charges forward hitting the ropes and comes back charging at Angelo, but Angelo catches Lux with a hip toss. Lux hits the mat and sits up, but Angelo is already charging off the ropes back at Lux nailing him with a Meteora. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo is one step ahead of Xavier Lux tonight, catching him with throws and pouncing on him while he’s down.
Napier: Do you have a crush on Alessia Angelo or something?
Markson: No, I respect her as an athlete and competitor.
Napier: Mark and Alessia sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
*Alessia has rolled to her feet and waits for Lux to start getting up. As Lux is pushing himself to his feet Alessia quickly steps forward and kicks Lux’s down arm in the elbow with a big soccer kick. Lux comes up to his knees clutching his arm. Angelo grabs the arm of Lux, twisting it, and then jumps into a cross armbar.
Lux rolls trying to block the hold, but Angelo straightens her body out fully wrenching the arm. Ref Dizzy Dan checks to see if Lux is wanting to submit, but Lux shakes his head “no”. Lux rolls to his knees and presses into the body of Angelo stacking her up. Ref Dan makes a count.
1…
Before there is a “2”, Lux drops his hips and lifts Angelo up into the air. Lux charges forward and slams Angelo into the turnbuckles with a buckle bomb. *
Markson: A vicious buckle bomb from Xavier Lux absolutely devastating Alessia Angelo.
Napier: Aww, do you want to kiss her boo-boo, and make it feel better?
*Angelo is slumped in the corner, when luck grabs her and whips her to the opposite corner, and follows up with a running European uppercut, that rocks the chest and head of Angelo. Angelo falls to her knees as Lux backs up. Angelo grabs the ropes and starts pulling herself up, as soon as she gets to her feet Lux charges at her and takes Angelo down with a head scissors to the outside of the ring. Lux rolls to his feet, still in the ring, and follows up with an over-the-top rope flipping pescado onto Angelo.
Lux pops to his feet and poses for the crowd to a round of boos. Lux smirks and turns his attention back to Angelo. Lux pulls Angelo up, rolls her into the ring, and then hops to the apron. Lux climbs up the turnbuckles to the top rope and comes off with a Frogsplash Elbow Drop, but as he comes down Angelo spins her body around and catches Lux’s arm in another arm bar. Lux begins trying to pull his arm free, but Angelo tightens up. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo has caught Xavier Lux, can she tap him out?
Napier: Absolutely not, quit favoring your girlfriend.
Markson: She’s not my girlfriend.
Napier: I know, because you can’t get a girlfriend, loser.
*Lux rolls, but Angelo rolls with him keeping the armbar locked. Lux scoots backward, stretching his leg out getting it to the bottom rope. Ref Dizzy Dan calls for a break, and Angelo gives it. Angelo rolls to her feet, and holds the back of her neck in pain as she grabs Lux by the arm. Angelo pulls on Lux, but as he comes up Lux sticks a thumb into the eye of Angelo. Angelo staggers back holding her eye, and Lux moves past the Ref and takes Angelo down with a spinning neckbreaker.
Lux rolls to his feet while holding the head of Angelo. Lux pulls Angelo to her feet and hooks her for a vertical suplex. Lux lifts Angelo up as if going for The Antidote (Lumbar Check), but as Lux flips Angelo around she spins through and catches Lux with a DDT. *
Markson: Impressive counter by Alessia Angelo, using the momentum Xavier Lux started to spin into an impressive DDT.
Napier: Of course, you think it’s impressive. You think anything your boo thing does is impressive.
*Angelo rolls to all fours and slowly gets to her feet while Lux is pushing himself up to his feet. Angelo moves in grabbing the arm of Lux, but as she does Lux lungs up and forward slamming his shoulder into the stomach of Angel. Lux then grabs Angelo and hits her with a quick and hard scoop slam. Lux then leaps into the air and comes down with an elbow drop across the chest of Angelo.
Lux rolls to his feet, runs to the ropes, and up the turnbuckles, coming off with a moonsault landing on Angelo. Lux stays on top making a pin, shoving his forearm into the jaw of Angelo for the pin.
1…
2…
KICKOUT!
As Angelo kicks out, Lux rolls to his feet, pulling Angelo up to a seated position. Lux charges to the ropes and comes back looking for a penalty kick, but Angelo catches his foot. Angelo rolls through the kick while holding onto the foot, taking Lux down and rolling up into a single-leg crab on Lux. *
Markson: Alessia Angelo countering the kick into a single-leg crab, impressive technical knowledge and abilities.
Napier: I bet you want her to stretch your legs like that.
Markson: NOW, THAT’S ENOUGH!!!
*Lux claws his way across the mat. Lux sticks his hand out and grabs the bottom rope to break the hold. Ref Dizzy Dan orders Angelo to release the hold, and she eventually does at the count of three. Angelo takes a few steps forward holding her sternum as she turns to face Lux who is pulling himself up on the ropes. Angelo moves in quickly to Lux, but Lux strikes quicker with a hard chop that rocks Angelo backward.
Angelo bends over holding her chest. Lux moves forward hoping onto the back of Angelo and then takes Angelo over with a Code Red, hooking her legs for the pin. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!!!
Napier: HE GOT HER!
Markson: NO! Alessia Angelo kicked out.
*Lux is a mix of angry and confused as he gets to is feet. Lux grabs Aneglo by the head, yanking her to her feet. Lux whips Angelo into the corner and then charges in with The Toxin (whip to corner followed by picture perfect drop kick to jaw.), but at the last minute Angelo dives out of the corner and Lux’s legs spilt the ropes and he hits his crotch on the top turnbuckle and falls to the mat. Ref Dizzy Dan has no other option but to start the count as both competitors are down. *
1…
2…
3…
4…
5…
6…
Markson: Xavier Lux is climbing back to his feet.
Napier: I don’t know how any man could get up from that.
7…
Lux stands to his feet and begins to move towards Angelo and goes for an elbow drop, but as he does Angelo rolls out of the way, and up to her feet. Lux scrambles to his feet, holding his arm and as soon as he gets up he is met with an Irish dropkick from Angelo that sends him flying back into the corner. Angelo rolls to her feet, being fueled by the cheers of the fans.
Angelo charges into the corner and nails Lux with a big running knee strike in the corner. Angelo grabs the arm of Lux backs up, and pulls Lux into a Northern Lights suplex, and bridged for the pin. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!
Markson: OH MY! That’s the move that Alessia Angelo put the Malvados away with.
Napier: Yeah, but she had help from Ava Arthut kicking him in the head too,
*Angelo rolls to her feet pulling Lux by the arm, Angelo twist under the arm and drops down, dropping Lux’s shoulder across her with a shoulder breaker. Angelo spins back onto her feet still holding onto the arm of Lux. Angelo pulls Lux up and right into a Armbar DDT. Angelo rolls onto the back of Lux and hooks him for the Execution (A crucifix armbar submission). *
Markson: YES! ALESSIA ANGELO IS ABOUT TO TAP LUX OUT!!!
Napier: Not that you aren’t biased to your girlfriend or anything.
Markson: SHE’S NOT MY GIRFRIEND!!!
Napier: Yeah, no one would date you.
*Lux is trying to block Angelo from rolling him on his back, but Angelo finally rolls him, but Lux rolls through back to his knees. Lux powers to his feet, but Angelo holds onto his back not giving up on the hold Lux finally drop back landing on Angelo with a Samoan drop.
Lux rolls his feet, as Angelo uses the ropes to pull herself up. Lux charges in, but Angelo drops down, pulling the top rope doen, sending Lux tumbling to the outside. Angelo pulls herself up, but as she does Lux grabs her from the outside and pulls her under the bottom rope to ringside. Lux grabs Angelo by the hair and throws her into the security railing.
Lux reaches under the ring and pulls a chair out. Lux slides the chair into the ring, and then grabs Angelo and throws her into the ring. Lux grabs the chair and begins to stalk over Angelo lifting the chair. Lux lifts the chair ready to slam it over Angelo’s body when Ref Dizzy Dan grabs the chair from behind and pulls it out of his hand. Lux turns around to see Dizzy Dan throwing the chair out of the ring. With Dizzy Dan’s back turned, Lux raches into his trunks and pulls a small chain out. Lux wraps the chain around his head, and then nails Angelo with it as she is getting to her feet. Lux quickly stuffs the chain into his trunks and makes the pin on Angelo as Dizzy Dan turns back around and makes the pin. *
1…
2…
3!!!
Steve Cotton: Here is your winner… XAVIIIEEERRRR LUUUXXXX!!!
*Lux stands up smirking and pointing a his head as Ref Dizzy Dan raises his hand. Lux shoves Dan down. *
Markson: Oh come on Lux, you already won.
Napier: What a victory, beating the WEAK LINK!
*Lux rolls out of the ring and grabs the chair that Dan had thrown out earlier. Lux slides back into the ring with the chair and holds it up as if going to hit Ref Dizzy Dan, and Dan jumps out of the ring. Lux turns back to Angelo who is trying to push herself to her feet. As Lux stalks closer to her and lifts the chair, “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters hits over the PA bringing the crowd to their feet with a massive pop.
Khloe Cox makes her way out to the top of the entranceway with the Prestige championship around her waist, and holding a giant red button. *
Markson: What is that Khlox Cox is holding?
Napier: A giant red button, and that never means anything good.
*Angelo rolls out of the ring as Lux is distracted looking at Cox and yelling at her to come to the ring. Cox laughs and shakes her head “no” and then smashes the giant red button.
Suddenly, green slime falls from the rafters, covering Lux.
Lux is knocked down by the slime and drops the chair. Lux is disgusted and tries getting to his feet, but slips and falls in the slime. Lux begins yelling, and trying to swim out of the slime, but gets no where. Lux tries to stand again, but once more slips and falls. The shot focuses on Khloe Cox laughing hysterically as the scene fades to a commercial break. *
*The shot returns from the commercial break to Gret The Owner Man standing in the middle of the ring. The crowd is giving him a nice round of applause and cheering for him. Greg smiles and waves tot he crowd before lifting the microphone. *
Greg T.O.M: For four Fury’s now, I’ve been trying to announce who the new head of operations would be for Thunder Pro Wrestling. Each and every Fury something would happen that would prevent me from making the announcement, and as we all know, in professional wrestling if you don’t do it live on TVthen it doesn’t count. So, tonight I am going to name the NEEEEWWW HEAD OF OPERATIONS!!!
*Stroke by Billy Squire beings to play over the PA causing the crowd to boo wildly. Greg grimaces and shakes his head “no” as Alexander Marshall appears with a smug look on his face before strutting to the ring. *
Greg T.O.M: Umm Alex, you aren’t the new head of operations. You don’t even work here.
Alexander: Well Greg, we are going to see what my lawyers have to say about that. Right now my crack team of lawyers headed up by Stephen P. New and Jackie Chiles are MOPPING the floor with your legal team.
Greg T.O.M: Alex, I literally don’t even care. I have a pay-per-view to get TPW ready for. Actually, this is an issue for my new head of operations to deal with.
*Greg smiles and points at th entranceway. “Thunderstruck” begins to play over the PA and the crowd erupts as Terry Marshall comes to the top of the entranceway. Alexander looks at Greg who smiles and exits the ring. Alexander begins screaming on the mic. *
Alexander: NO! NO! NO! STOP! CUT THE MUSIC!!!
*The music stops, and Terry stops at the top of the entranceway and smirks at Alexander. *
Terry: Alex, I whipped your butt in the OCW, now get out of MY RING, before I whip your butt infront of all these great THUNDERAMANIACS!!!
*Crowd pop. *
Alexander: You want a piece of me Terry? You think you can beat me up, then how about you put TPW on the line and face me in a tag match.
Terry: Tag match? Alex.. YOU’RE ON!
Greg T.O.M: For four Fury’s now, I’ve been trying to announce who the new head of operations would be for Thunder Pro Wrestling. Each and every Fury something would happen that would prevent me from making the announcement, and as we all know, in professional wrestling if you don’t do it live on TVthen it doesn’t count. So, tonight I am going to name the NEEEEWWW HEAD OF OPERATIONS!!!
*Stroke by Billy Squire beings to play over the PA causing the crowd to boo wildly. Greg grimaces and shakes his head “no” as Alexander Marshall appears with a smug look on his face before strutting to the ring. *
Greg T.O.M: Umm Alex, you aren’t the new head of operations. You don’t even work here.
Alexander: Well Greg, we are going to see what my lawyers have to say about that. Right now my crack team of lawyers headed up by Stephen P. New and Jackie Chiles are MOPPING the floor with your legal team.
Greg T.O.M: Alex, I literally don’t even care. I have a pay-per-view to get TPW ready for. Actually, this is an issue for my new head of operations to deal with.
*Greg smiles and points at th entranceway. “Thunderstruck” begins to play over the PA and the crowd erupts as Terry Marshall comes to the top of the entranceway. Alexander looks at Greg who smiles and exits the ring. Alexander begins screaming on the mic. *
Alexander: NO! NO! NO! STOP! CUT THE MUSIC!!!
*The music stops, and Terry stops at the top of the entranceway and smirks at Alexander. *
Terry: Alex, I whipped your butt in the OCW, now get out of MY RING, before I whip your butt infront of all these great THUNDERAMANIACS!!!
*Crowd pop. *
Alexander: You want a piece of me Terry? You think you can beat me up, then how about you put TPW on the line and face me in a tag match.
Terry: Tag match? Alex.. YOU’RE ON!
*Out of nowhere a man in all black spins Marshall around and drops him with a RKO. The man in black spins over onto his knees and pulls the hood of his hoodie off to reveal himself. *
Markson: JMONT IS BACK!!!
Napier: THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!
Markson: This is awful.
Napier: WHO IS THAT!?!
*Alexander is laughing when someone in a TPW hoodie jumps the security railing in slides into the ring behind him. Alexander can feel a presence behind him and turns to see the man. Before Alexander can react the man kicks Alexander in the stomach. The man grabs Alexander and gives him the Angels Wings.
The man rolls to his feet and pulls his hood off revealing…*.
Markson: IT’S CHRIS PAGE!!!
Napier: NO! NO! NO!
Markson: Chris Page and JMont have more beef than a cattle farm.
Napier: That joke was almost worse then what Chris Page did to Alexander Marshall.
*Page and JMont lock eyes with one another and then both beign to rush towards each other, but before they can make contact a massive team of security floods the entrancway separating the two men as the sceen fades to a commercial break. *
Markson: JMONT IS BACK!!!
Napier: THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!
Markson: This is awful.
Napier: WHO IS THAT!?!
*Alexander is laughing when someone in a TPW hoodie jumps the security railing in slides into the ring behind him. Alexander can feel a presence behind him and turns to see the man. Before Alexander can react the man kicks Alexander in the stomach. The man grabs Alexander and gives him the Angels Wings.
The man rolls to his feet and pulls his hood off revealing…*.
Markson: IT’S CHRIS PAGE!!!
Napier: NO! NO! NO!
Markson: Chris Page and JMont have more beef than a cattle farm.
Napier: That joke was almost worse then what Chris Page did to Alexander Marshall.
*Page and JMont lock eyes with one another and then both beign to rush towards each other, but before they can make contact a massive team of security floods the entrancway separating the two men as the sceen fades to a commercial break. *
*The shot returns from the commercal break to all four contestants of the main event in the ring ready for the match to begin. *
Markson: A huge main event here tonight Nick,
Napier: How am I supposed to focus on this match after what happened to Alexander Marshall?
Markson: Because it’s your job to call the match Nick.
Napier: Is that’s our job, then how are you still employed?
*Tact and Knox seem to be debating about who will begin the match, finally Knoix looks across the ring at their opponents, nods his head, and steps out of the ring. Upon seeing Tact is starting for his team, MMS smirks and steps out of the ring allowing Superunkown to start. The two massive men circle each other a bit and then meet in the middle of the ring with a collar and elbow tie up. The two men struggle for position as both are used to being the bigger and stronger man, finally, Tact gets the upper hand and drives Superunkown to the corner.
Ref Mullet calls for a clean break, and Tact gives one, backing up with his hands up. Superunkown steps out of the corner moving right at Tact and the two men meet with a lockup again. The two men struggle again, but Tact gets the upper hand again and begins driving Superunkown back again, but before being pinned in the corner Superunkown slides his hand off the back of Tact’s head and grabs Tact’s beard. Superunkown pulls the beard of Tact, using it to spin Tact around and back him into the corner.
Ref Mullet calls for a clean break, and Superunknown acts as if he will give a break, but then goes for a sneaky punch, but Tact sees it coming and blocks the punch and fires back a right hand of his own rocking Superunkown. Tact turns to see MMS coming down the apron for an attack, and as Tact lifts his hands for a counterattack, MMS stops. Tact turns to see Superunkown charging and dodges out of the way letting Superunkown crash into the turnbuckles.*
Markson: Very hard to match the experience and knowledge of Larry Tact.
Napier: Yep, he’s old.
*Superunkown stumbles around into a headlock from Tact. Tact pulls Superunkown back into the corner and tags in Knox. Knox hops to the top rope and dives down with a double ax-handle across the back of Superunkown, causing Superunkown to fall to his knees. Knox follows up with a hard front roundhouse kick to the chest of Superunown that rocks him backward. Superunkown comes back forward into a second kick that sends Superunknown rolling across the mat into a neutral corner.
Superunknown grabs the ropes and starts pulling himself up, as he does Knox charges in with a European Uppercut, but MMS grabs Superunown and pulls him out of the way. Knox hits the turnbuckles hard and slumps into them. Superunkown turns and charges into the corner nailing Knox with a running big boot in the corner. Superunknown then grabs Knox and throws him into his corner. MMS grabs Knox, holding him as Superunkown charges in with a big elbow. *
Napier: Superunkown and Maxwell Mason Stone are making a great team so far.
Markson: They share the common bond of being masked maniacs.
Napier: You’re just a hater Mark.
*Superunkown tags in MMS, and then shoves Knox’s head back as MMS gets into the ring and nails a hard boot to the stomach of Knox. Superunkown steps out of the ring as Knox staggers forward into the arms of MMS. MMS lifts Knox for a bodyslam, but Knox slides down the back of MMS and grabs a waistlock on MMS. Knox charges MMS into the ropes and as he does Tact makes a blind tag on Knox. Knox takes MMS backward with a German suplex. MMS lands high on his head and rolls up to his feet. MMS staggers on his feet for a moment before Tact charges in and takes him down with a big clothesline.
MMS lands hard and rolls to the corner. MMS grabs the ropes and slowly pulls himself up, as he gets to his feet he looks ahead and sees Tact in the ring and begins to freak out at the sight of Tact. Tact steps forward and plants a hard boot into the stomach of MMS. Tact fires a hard right hand into the head of MMS that rocks MMS back into the corner. Tact grabs MMS and whips him across the ring into the turnbuckles where MMS hits so hard the momentum sends him flying back out of the corner into the arms of Tact who takes MMS down with a spinebuster. *
Markson: HUGE SPINEBUSTER!!!
Napier: How is it legal to bust a man’s spine? I mean you can bust someone’s spine, but you can’t choke them?
*Tact pops to his feet, backing into the corner, and then slowly comes out and delivers a knee drop to the skull of MMS. Tact rolls right up to his feet from the knee drop turns to grab MMS and pulls him to his feet. Tact shoves MMS’s head between his legs and prepares to lift him for the powerbomb, and as Tact begins to lift MMS, Superunkown hops into the ring and slams a forearm into the back of Tact, causing him to drop MMS to his feet on the mat.
Knox jumps into the ring, charges at Superunknown, and begins peppering him with rights and lefts. Ref Mullet begins trying to separate them and get them out of the ring. Tact gets to his feet sees what is going on and heads for Superunkown. This allows MMS to get to his feet. MMS charges forward and dives into the back of Tact’s knee taking him down. Tact falls to the mat clutching his knee, and upon seeing this Superunkopwn steps out of the ring.
Ref Mullet grabs Knox and begins ordering him out of the ring. MMS nods at Superunkown who hops into the ring. MMS and Superunkown pull Tact to his feet. MMS grabs Tact, lifts him up, and drops him with a knee breaker. MMS holds Tact on his knee while Superunkown comes off the ropes and nails Tact with a Yakuza Kick. *
Markson: Come on Mullet turn around and take care of this.
*Superunkown tags in MMS, and then shoves Knox’s head back as MMS gets into the ring and nails a hard boot to the stomach of Knox. Superunkown steps out of the ring as Knox staggers forward into the arms of MMS. MMS lifts Knox for a bodyslam, but Knox slides down the back of MMS and grabs a waistlock on MMS. Knox charges MMS into the ropes and as he does Tact makes a blind tag on Knox. Knox takes MMS backward with a German suplex. MMS lands high on his head and rolls up to his feet. MMS staggers on his feet for a moment before Tact charges in and takes him down with a big clothesline.
MMS lands hard and rolls to the corner. MMS grabs the ropes and slowly pulls himself up, as he gets to his feet he looks ahead and sees Tact in the ring and begins to freak out at the sight of Tact. Tact steps forward and plants a hard boot into the stomach of MMS. Tact fires a hard right hand into the head of MMS that rocks MMS back into the corner. Tact grabs MMS and whips him across the ring into the turnbuckles where MMS hits so hard the momentum sends him flying back out of the corner into the arms of Tact who takes MMS down with a spinebuster. *
Markson: HUGE SPINEBUSTER!!!
Napier: How is it legal to bust a man’s spine? I mean you can bust someone’s spine, but you can’t choke them?
*Tact pops to his feet, backing into the corner, and then slowly comes out and delivers a knee drop to the skull of MMS. Tact rolls right up to his feet from the knee drop turns to grab MMS and pulls him to his feet. Tact shoves MMS’s head between his legs and prepares to lift him for the powerbomb, and as Tact begins to lift MMS, Superunkown hops into the ring and slams a forearm into the back of Tact, causing him to drop MMS to his feet on the mat.
Knox jumps into the ring, charges at Superunknown, and begins peppering him with rights and lefts. Ref Mullet begins trying to separate them and get them out of the ring. Tact gets to his feet sees what is going on and heads for Superunkown. This allows MMS to get to his feet. MMS charges forward and dives into the back of Tact’s knee taking him down. Tact falls to the mat clutching his knee, and upon seeing this Superunkopwn steps out of the ring.
Ref Mullet grabs Knox and begins ordering him out of the ring. MMS nods at Superunkown who hops into the ring. MMS and Superunkown pull Tact to his feet. MMS grabs Tact, lifts him up, and drops him with a knee breaker. MMS holds Tact on his knee while Superunkown comes off the ropes and nails Tact with a Yakuza Kick. *
Markson: Come on Mullet turn around and take care of this.
Napier: Ref Mullet is distracted by that idiot Matt Knox.
*Ref Mullet turns around just a second too late to see Superunkown exit the ring. MMS has Tact by the leg, and drops an elbow across the leg of Tact, and then grapevines it. Tact sits up and grabs MMS by the hair and begins pulling his head back. Ref Mullet orders Tact to release his grasp, and Tact does. Tact sits up again and throws a hard cross-face across the face of MMS, breaking his grasp.
MMS rolls up holding his face as Tact begins trying to hobble to his feet. MMS steps forward and kicks Tact in the knee as he is rising. Tact falls to his knees and MMS grabs his head and DDT’s Tact from his knee. MMS rolls up, grabs the leg of Tact, and pulls Tact into his corner where he tags in Superunknown. *
Markson: Maxwell Mason Stone is targeting the knee of Larry Tact, trying to take him out of this match and the pay-per-view.
Napier: I mean that is just smart. A one-legged man isn’t very good in a butt-kicking contest.
*Superunkown comes into the ring as MMS holds the leg of Tact. Superunkown jumps up and drops a big leg drop across the leg of Tact. Superunkown rolls to his feet and pulls Tact away from the corner by the legs. Superunknow begins to flip into an STF, but as Superunkown begins to flip Tact over, Tact pushes himself up and does a forward rollout of the hold.
Tact rolls around and begins coming up to his feet and Superunkown moves in as Tact is on his knees. As Superunkown gets within arm's length, Tact lands a hard right hand to the stomach of Superunkown. Superunkown staggers back as Tact pushes himself up to his feet. Superunkown moves forward again, but Tact nails him with a right hand again rocking Superunkown backward. Tact steps forward and nails another hard right hand that rocks Superunkown back into the corner.
Tact moves forward to the corner, but Superunkown throws a kick straight to the quad of Tact. Tact staggers back holding his leg and Superunkown charges out of the corner and takes Tact down with a massive clothesline. Superunkown makes a cover on Tact. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!
Markson: Massive clothesline from Superunkown, and an even bigger kick out from Larry Tact.
Napier: Superunkown almost sent Larry Tact’s head into the fifth row with that one.
*Superunown gets to his feet, backs into the ropes, and comes off with a massive stomp onto the knee of Tact. Superunkown grabs the leg of Tact and drags him to the corner where he puts Tact’s leg on the bottom rope, and then holds it with one leg. Superunkown reaches over tagging in MMS. MMS climbs into the ring and hops to the second turnbuckle. MMS leaps off the middle rope and comes down onto the leg of Tact with a splash.
MMS rolls up to his feet and looks at Tact who is lying on the mat clutching his knee. MMS begins stalking over Tact as Tact begins trying to get to his feet. As Tact begins to get to his feet MMS charges in with a Flying Knee Strike, but Tact catches MMS and drops him back with a belly-to-back suplex.
Tact rolls to the ropes and begins using them to pull himself up using the ropes. Tact uses the ropes and his one good leg to get to his feet. As soon as Tact gets to his feet Superunkown charges down the apron and nails Tact with a big right hand that rocks Tact back into the corner, giving time for MMS to start getting to his feet. Tact tries to stagger out of the corner, but as he does MMS comes from the side and nails a flying knee to the face of Tact. *
Markson: Vicious flying knee from Maxwell Mason Stone.
Napier: That knee strike was as impressive as the teamwork that Superunknown and Maxwell Mason Stone are showing here tonight.
*MMS drags Tact to the corner again and tags Superunknown in. MMS holds the leg of Tact out as Superunknown comes in and stomps the leg of Tact. MMS steps out of the ring as Superunkown drags Tact to the middle of the ring. Superunknown places his foot on the leg of Tact and then jumps forward, snapping and hyperextending the leg of Tact.
Superunkown rolls to his feet after the snap and turns to watch Tact trying to get to his feet. Superunkown moves in as Tact gets to a knee, and grabs Tact around the waist. Superunkown begins lifting Tact for a Gutwrench powerbomb, but Tact spins out of it and lands on his feet, catching Superunkown with a flat liner.
Tact lays on the mat clutching at his knee, while Superunkown lays on the mat holding his head. The crowd begins to roar with cheers as Tact starts crawling toward his corner. *
Markson: Larry Tact showing that while he is down, he is never out of the fight.
Napier: Larry is crawling towards Matt Knox like he’s a desperate girl with daddy issues.
Markson: NICK!!!
Napier: What?
*As Tact begins crawling toward Knox, Superunkown grabs the ankle of Tact. Superunkown comes up to his feet, as does Tact, but Superunkown keeps hold of Tact’s foot. Tact turns and is facing Superununkown, Tact jumps backward, bridging his free leg up and kicking Superunkown under the chin. Superunkown falls back with his hand out and MMS tags it. MMS jumps into the ring, but as he does Tact rolls over and tags in Knox which is met with a massive pop from the crowd.
Knox springs into the ring as MMS comes running in. MMS goes for a clothesline, but Knox ducks. MMS spins around into a sidekick to the stomach from Knox. Knox charges to the ropes and comes off with an ax kick to the back of the bent-over MMS. Knox turns to see Superunkown charging with a Yakuza kick, and Knox ducks it as well. Superunkown turns around and is nailed by Knox with a Discus Elbow. Superunkown falls backward into the ropes and then staggers forward into an exploder suplex from Knox. *
Markson: Matt Knox has come in and is a house of fire.
Napier: Exploder, house of fire, what kind of silly puns are you going for?
Makrson: No puns at all, just facts.
*Knox turns back to see MMS getting to his feet. Knox charges and catches MMS with a One Legged Codebreaker. Knox rolls to his feet as MMS is laid out flat on his back. Knox charges to the ropes and comes off with a Lionsault. Knox makes the pin.
1…
2…
SUPERUNKNOWN BREAKS UP THE COUNT!
Superunkown flies in with a forearm across the back of Knox. Ref Mullet is ordering Superunkown out of the ring, but he isn’t listening, when suddenly Tact flies into the scene and nails Superunkown with a big right hand that sends Superunkown back to the ropes. Tact charges forward and clotheslines Superunkown over the top rope, and Tact flips over the top with him. *
Marskson: Larry Tact and Superunkown go tumbling over the top rope to the outside.
Napier: And look who’s coming to join the party.
*Jeremy The Wicked is heading down the entranceway, which draws the attention of Knox. The crowd is booing as JTW heads down the entranceway, but suddenly the crowd begins to cheer as Amber Ryan charges down the entranceway behind JTW. Amber grabs JTW and spins him around. JTW goes for a big right hand but Amber ducks. Amber pops up and sprays a mouthful of tacks into the face of JTW. Amber then grabs JTW by the head and runs him into the entranceway before they disappear through the curtain as Ref Mullet and Knox are watching them.
Knox turns around, and as he does is blasted in the face by MMS with the American championship. Knox falls to the mat and MMS slides the belt to the corner. Ref Mullet turns to see MMS making the cover. *
1…
2…
TACT BREAKS UP THE PIN!
Markson: LARRY TACT SAVED THE MATCH!!!
Napier: Maxwell Mason Stone was robbed.
Markson: HE CHEATED!!!
Napier: SO!?!
*Tact dives onto the back of MMS’s head with a clubbing forearm. Tact grabs Knox by the hand and drags Knox to his corner. Tact jumps out of the ring and then reaches over tagging Knox. Tact jumps back into the ring and charges at the rising MMS. Tact nails a big right on MMS, sending MMS flying back to the corner. Tact moves in, stepping to the middle rope to stand over MMS. Tact holds his right hand in the air and the crowd cheers. Tact begins hammering MMS in the head with his right hand and the crowd begins counting outloud. *
Crowd: 1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6… 7… 8.. 9… BOOO!!!
*The crowd begins booing as Superunkown grabs the ankle of Tact from outside, and yanks Tact into the ropes. Tact is crotched on the middle rope and his neck snaps on the top rope. Ref Mullet begins yelling at Superunkown to get to his corner, and as Supernkown walks slowly on the outside Knox runs down the apron and leaps over the turnbuckles onto Superunkown.
MMS drops ontot the fallen Tact and hooks his leg for the pin. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!!!
Markson: BIG KICKOUT BY LARRY TACT!!!
Napier: Larry Tact’s crotch has taken so much abuse during his time in TPW that it must have grown a callus.
Markson: Don’t be gross Nick.
*MMS shakes his head in anger as he gets to his feet and pulls Tact up. MMS gets Tact in position for the "Momenta Axis” (Dominator), but Tact spins out holding onto the arm of MMS. Tact pulls MMS in hooking him for “The Humbling” (Uranage Suplex), but MMS counters with a stiff elbow to the side of Tact’s head. MMS grabs Tact and goes to whip him into the corner, but Tact reverses and sends MMS into the corner.
Tact turns and charges into the corner at MMS, but as he does MMS grabs the Amerian championship form the corner, pulls it up, and holds it against his body. Tact runs face first into the belt and staggers back. MMS drops the belt, and scoops Tact’s legs taking him down. MMS stacks Tact up for a pin and as Ref Mullet drops to count MMS throws his legs onto the ropes for extra leverage. *
1…
2…
3…
Steve Cotton: Here are your winners, SUPERUNKNOOOWWWNNN and MAXWELL MASSSSOOONN STOOOOONNNEEEE!!!
Markson: WHAT!?! Stone had the belt when Larry Tact ran into it.
Napier: Yeah, but Stone didn’t actually it Larry with the belt, Larry just ran into it while Stone was holding it.
Markson: THIS IS BULL CRAP!!!
Napier: No, Alexander Marshall getting Page Planted was bull crap.
Markson: And I can’t wait to see him get Thunderstruck next at RETROMANIA 2!!!
*Ref Mullet turns around just a second too late to see Superunkown exit the ring. MMS has Tact by the leg, and drops an elbow across the leg of Tact, and then grapevines it. Tact sits up and grabs MMS by the hair and begins pulling his head back. Ref Mullet orders Tact to release his grasp, and Tact does. Tact sits up again and throws a hard cross-face across the face of MMS, breaking his grasp.
MMS rolls up holding his face as Tact begins trying to hobble to his feet. MMS steps forward and kicks Tact in the knee as he is rising. Tact falls to his knees and MMS grabs his head and DDT’s Tact from his knee. MMS rolls up, grabs the leg of Tact, and pulls Tact into his corner where he tags in Superunknown. *
Markson: Maxwell Mason Stone is targeting the knee of Larry Tact, trying to take him out of this match and the pay-per-view.
Napier: I mean that is just smart. A one-legged man isn’t very good in a butt-kicking contest.
*Superunkown comes into the ring as MMS holds the leg of Tact. Superunkown jumps up and drops a big leg drop across the leg of Tact. Superunkown rolls to his feet and pulls Tact away from the corner by the legs. Superunknow begins to flip into an STF, but as Superunkown begins to flip Tact over, Tact pushes himself up and does a forward rollout of the hold.
Tact rolls around and begins coming up to his feet and Superunkown moves in as Tact is on his knees. As Superunkown gets within arm's length, Tact lands a hard right hand to the stomach of Superunkown. Superunkown staggers back as Tact pushes himself up to his feet. Superunkown moves forward again, but Tact nails him with a right hand again rocking Superunkown backward. Tact steps forward and nails another hard right hand that rocks Superunkown back into the corner.
Tact moves forward to the corner, but Superunkown throws a kick straight to the quad of Tact. Tact staggers back holding his leg and Superunkown charges out of the corner and takes Tact down with a massive clothesline. Superunkown makes a cover on Tact. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!
Markson: Massive clothesline from Superunkown, and an even bigger kick out from Larry Tact.
Napier: Superunkown almost sent Larry Tact’s head into the fifth row with that one.
*Superunown gets to his feet, backs into the ropes, and comes off with a massive stomp onto the knee of Tact. Superunkown grabs the leg of Tact and drags him to the corner where he puts Tact’s leg on the bottom rope, and then holds it with one leg. Superunkown reaches over tagging in MMS. MMS climbs into the ring and hops to the second turnbuckle. MMS leaps off the middle rope and comes down onto the leg of Tact with a splash.
MMS rolls up to his feet and looks at Tact who is lying on the mat clutching his knee. MMS begins stalking over Tact as Tact begins trying to get to his feet. As Tact begins to get to his feet MMS charges in with a Flying Knee Strike, but Tact catches MMS and drops him back with a belly-to-back suplex.
Tact rolls to the ropes and begins using them to pull himself up using the ropes. Tact uses the ropes and his one good leg to get to his feet. As soon as Tact gets to his feet Superunkown charges down the apron and nails Tact with a big right hand that rocks Tact back into the corner, giving time for MMS to start getting to his feet. Tact tries to stagger out of the corner, but as he does MMS comes from the side and nails a flying knee to the face of Tact. *
Markson: Vicious flying knee from Maxwell Mason Stone.
Napier: That knee strike was as impressive as the teamwork that Superunknown and Maxwell Mason Stone are showing here tonight.
*MMS drags Tact to the corner again and tags Superunknown in. MMS holds the leg of Tact out as Superunknown comes in and stomps the leg of Tact. MMS steps out of the ring as Superunkown drags Tact to the middle of the ring. Superunknown places his foot on the leg of Tact and then jumps forward, snapping and hyperextending the leg of Tact.
Superunkown rolls to his feet after the snap and turns to watch Tact trying to get to his feet. Superunkown moves in as Tact gets to a knee, and grabs Tact around the waist. Superunkown begins lifting Tact for a Gutwrench powerbomb, but Tact spins out of it and lands on his feet, catching Superunkown with a flat liner.
Tact lays on the mat clutching at his knee, while Superunkown lays on the mat holding his head. The crowd begins to roar with cheers as Tact starts crawling toward his corner. *
Markson: Larry Tact showing that while he is down, he is never out of the fight.
Napier: Larry is crawling towards Matt Knox like he’s a desperate girl with daddy issues.
Markson: NICK!!!
Napier: What?
*As Tact begins crawling toward Knox, Superunkown grabs the ankle of Tact. Superunkown comes up to his feet, as does Tact, but Superunkown keeps hold of Tact’s foot. Tact turns and is facing Superununkown, Tact jumps backward, bridging his free leg up and kicking Superunkown under the chin. Superunkown falls back with his hand out and MMS tags it. MMS jumps into the ring, but as he does Tact rolls over and tags in Knox which is met with a massive pop from the crowd.
Knox springs into the ring as MMS comes running in. MMS goes for a clothesline, but Knox ducks. MMS spins around into a sidekick to the stomach from Knox. Knox charges to the ropes and comes off with an ax kick to the back of the bent-over MMS. Knox turns to see Superunkown charging with a Yakuza kick, and Knox ducks it as well. Superunkown turns around and is nailed by Knox with a Discus Elbow. Superunkown falls backward into the ropes and then staggers forward into an exploder suplex from Knox. *
Markson: Matt Knox has come in and is a house of fire.
Napier: Exploder, house of fire, what kind of silly puns are you going for?
Makrson: No puns at all, just facts.
*Knox turns back to see MMS getting to his feet. Knox charges and catches MMS with a One Legged Codebreaker. Knox rolls to his feet as MMS is laid out flat on his back. Knox charges to the ropes and comes off with a Lionsault. Knox makes the pin.
1…
2…
SUPERUNKNOWN BREAKS UP THE COUNT!
Superunkown flies in with a forearm across the back of Knox. Ref Mullet is ordering Superunkown out of the ring, but he isn’t listening, when suddenly Tact flies into the scene and nails Superunkown with a big right hand that sends Superunkown back to the ropes. Tact charges forward and clotheslines Superunkown over the top rope, and Tact flips over the top with him. *
Marskson: Larry Tact and Superunkown go tumbling over the top rope to the outside.
Napier: And look who’s coming to join the party.
*Jeremy The Wicked is heading down the entranceway, which draws the attention of Knox. The crowd is booing as JTW heads down the entranceway, but suddenly the crowd begins to cheer as Amber Ryan charges down the entranceway behind JTW. Amber grabs JTW and spins him around. JTW goes for a big right hand but Amber ducks. Amber pops up and sprays a mouthful of tacks into the face of JTW. Amber then grabs JTW by the head and runs him into the entranceway before they disappear through the curtain as Ref Mullet and Knox are watching them.
Knox turns around, and as he does is blasted in the face by MMS with the American championship. Knox falls to the mat and MMS slides the belt to the corner. Ref Mullet turns to see MMS making the cover. *
1…
2…
TACT BREAKS UP THE PIN!
Markson: LARRY TACT SAVED THE MATCH!!!
Napier: Maxwell Mason Stone was robbed.
Markson: HE CHEATED!!!
Napier: SO!?!
*Tact dives onto the back of MMS’s head with a clubbing forearm. Tact grabs Knox by the hand and drags Knox to his corner. Tact jumps out of the ring and then reaches over tagging Knox. Tact jumps back into the ring and charges at the rising MMS. Tact nails a big right on MMS, sending MMS flying back to the corner. Tact moves in, stepping to the middle rope to stand over MMS. Tact holds his right hand in the air and the crowd cheers. Tact begins hammering MMS in the head with his right hand and the crowd begins counting outloud. *
Crowd: 1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6… 7… 8.. 9… BOOO!!!
*The crowd begins booing as Superunkown grabs the ankle of Tact from outside, and yanks Tact into the ropes. Tact is crotched on the middle rope and his neck snaps on the top rope. Ref Mullet begins yelling at Superunkown to get to his corner, and as Supernkown walks slowly on the outside Knox runs down the apron and leaps over the turnbuckles onto Superunkown.
MMS drops ontot the fallen Tact and hooks his leg for the pin. *
1…
2…
KICKOUT!!!
Markson: BIG KICKOUT BY LARRY TACT!!!
Napier: Larry Tact’s crotch has taken so much abuse during his time in TPW that it must have grown a callus.
Markson: Don’t be gross Nick.
*MMS shakes his head in anger as he gets to his feet and pulls Tact up. MMS gets Tact in position for the "Momenta Axis” (Dominator), but Tact spins out holding onto the arm of MMS. Tact pulls MMS in hooking him for “The Humbling” (Uranage Suplex), but MMS counters with a stiff elbow to the side of Tact’s head. MMS grabs Tact and goes to whip him into the corner, but Tact reverses and sends MMS into the corner.
Tact turns and charges into the corner at MMS, but as he does MMS grabs the Amerian championship form the corner, pulls it up, and holds it against his body. Tact runs face first into the belt and staggers back. MMS drops the belt, and scoops Tact’s legs taking him down. MMS stacks Tact up for a pin and as Ref Mullet drops to count MMS throws his legs onto the ropes for extra leverage. *
1…
2…
3…
Steve Cotton: Here are your winners, SUPERUNKNOOOWWWNNN and MAXWELL MASSSSOOONN STOOOOONNNEEEE!!!
Markson: WHAT!?! Stone had the belt when Larry Tact ran into it.
Napier: Yeah, but Stone didn’t actually it Larry with the belt, Larry just ran into it while Stone was holding it.
Markson: THIS IS BULL CRAP!!!
Napier: No, Alexander Marshall getting Page Planted was bull crap.
Markson: And I can’t wait to see him get Thunderstruck next at RETROMANIA 2!!!
Napier: THAT ISN’T… Wait what’s happening?
Markson: OH NO! Not again…
*A pinkish and gold static begins to cover the entire arena. The shot quickly cuts to the top of the arena where we see Greg The Owner Man with Tristan Slaters phonebooth attached to the roof of the arena. Greg is laughing like a mad man as he dials a number on the phone booth that ends in 1996. Suddenly the entire arena disappears as the scene fades to black before these words appear across the screen. *
Thunder Pro Wrestling will see you in 1996 for…
