Post by Max Sheppard on Oct 25, 2022 20:19:13 GMT -5
PWS: APEX RIOT INTERNATIONAL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
PANATHENAIC STADIUM - ATHENS, GREECE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
PANATHENAIC STADIUM - ATHENS, GREECE
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, as we cut straight into inside Panathenaic Stadium, as the live crowd is absolutely rocking already. Suddenly, the lights go out, as “The Steeple” by Halestorm stars to play over the sound system. Bright lights shine from the stage, as Star Stormz makes her way out onto the stage to an absolutely huge ovation from the live crowd. Star stops at the top of the stage, looking out at the cheering crowd, as she has the biggest smile on her face. She takes a deep breath, and starts making her way down the ramp.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to Riot, she is PWS: APEX co-owner and C.O.O.…Star Stormz!
(The fans cheer, as Star makes her way down to ringside, and walks up the ring steps to enter the ring. She gives a wave to the fans, as Meg Reynolds hands her the microphone and exits the ring. A “welcome back” chant starts to break out, before it becomes thunderous in the stadium. We can see this means a lot to Star, even making her tear up a bit. After a moment, she raises the microphone to her lips to quieten the crowd.)
Star Stormz: Thank you so much for that. I can tell you all, honestly, that this is one of the BEST feelings in the world. Standing here in front of you guys, putting on the shows that we do, it's nothing short of my calling. Like my new song says… This is my kingdom, this is my cathedral. This is my castle, and these are my people. And there's NO PLACE I'd rather be than RIGHT HERE with MY PEOPLE!
(She pauses as the crowd goes absolutely wild again.)
Star Stormz: The entire time I was out, i spent every spare moment trying to find my way back here. And thanks to some help from a most… unlikely… ally- I'M BACK! And it's extra special to be here with all of you guys right here in beautiful Athens. So close to the anniversary of PWSi, back at an international venue! Feels kind of like the old days. Before I get to the special announcement I teased earlier this week, I have a very important piece of business to handle. David Shane… you get your ASS out here… NOW!
(The fans immediately start to boo, as “Adrenaline” by Shinedown starts to play over the sound system, and out walks David Shane. He pays no mind to the fans booing him, as he makes his way down the ramp, and into the ring. He walks over and grabs a microphone, before returning to the center of the ring, as his music fades.)
David Shane: You rang?
Star Stormz: You slimy little rat! I have spent the last 2 months trying to figure things out just to find that you… YOU… my business part1ner… had manipulated the board of directors to suspend me? Why, so you could come out here and play the victim? Well I'm NOT standing for your shit anymore! You have lost every ounce of trust, and respect, I held for you.
David Shane: You done?
Star Stormz: Not even close… but what I really want to say is not something that I want the fans to hear come from my mouth.
David Shane: In that case, allow me. Because there are things that the fans need to hear, and it seems I’m the only one willing to say it. The reason I came back, the reason I had you and Laura suspended, was because this company was failing. You people were trying to run it like PWSi, which you hold in such high regards…PWSi was nothing more than a fever dream of two psychopaths, and it died when they both got bored and abandoned it. So, before you come out here and try to spin it as this great place, take off your rose tinted glasses and see it for what it really was, and see this place for what it’s become. I was trying to bring some respect back to PWS. I was trying to make sure that the APEX of PWS: APEX didn’t die off into the history books. I was sick and tired of how things were being run here…if Max had actually done his job when I hired him, we wouldn’t be in this mess. But no, he got soft over the years, so now here we are, and I’ve had to come clean up the mess. But now, thanks to your little friend, Levi Russow, I can’t do a damn thing without the board’s…and your….approval.
(Star smirks at this.)
David Shane: Wipe that stupid smirk off your face. I know you called me out here for a reason, so let’s get to it.
Star Stormz: I wouldn't want to subject our wonderful fans to much more of your insane ramblings, so yes. Let's get down to business. Part of what Levi got put together was a match. But what KIND of match you might ask? I mean, if Levi had his way it would be a 1 on 1, no rules, crazy match like a death match or something against you. Something right up the alley of a Russow. But no… we got something much more interesting put together.
David Shane: Then will you shut up and let me make the announcement?
(She pauses for a moment, her face shows a look of irritation for a second before she proceeds)
Star Stormz: Patience never was your strong suit. Anyways. Proceed.
David Shane: So, yeah the part of what Levi brought included a match, and it’s meant to take place at Crusade. I was allowed the chance to pick the match, with the caveat that it include Levi and myself. So, I have thought long and hard, and I’ve come up with, what I think, is a glorious evil idea. Wanna hear it?
Star Stormz: Now who’s stalling?
David Shane: Oh, don’t worry. You’ll like this….or not, I don’t really care. See, we are going to have ourselves a little team battle. It’s going to be a five on five match, Team…Star versus Team David Shane. Since Levi has said so, he’s already on Team Star. I will find five individuals to carry my team to victory. Now, let me tell you about the match itself. It’s something I’m calling Armageddon. Two rings, surrounded by a cell, enclosed all the way around. Two wrestlers start the match, with new participants from each team, alternating order, coming in every 3 minutes. Once everyone is in the match, the first pinfall or submission will score the victory.
Star Stormz: That it?
David Shane: You wanted more? I mean…I don’t expect YOU to get in there…
Star Stormz: Or you. Gathering a team of 5 to represent me is going to be no issue. I have a certain mutual respect built up with MY roster. We work together as a TEAM. Something I used to think you understood. But you are nothing more than a jealous little kid who sees another kid playing with his ball and now wants it just so they can't have it. Face it, David, PWS:APEX is where it is because I trust people to do their jobs. And they trust me to do mine. Now, if you would excuse me… I have some stuff to handle for the fans. You should probably go and start begging people to represent you. You don't really have a good standing with those in the back.
(Star lowers her mic with a smirk.)
David Shane: Think that if you want…but I should tell the roster…there will be consequences for any member of the roster that stands with Star. Consider this your one and only warning.
(David gets in Star’s face, looking directly at her.)
Star Stormz: I have other business to tend to, so if you don’t mind…
(Star motions for David to leave, which he doesn’t at first. The tension is building, but before anything can happen, “I Made It” starts to play over the sound system, and the crowd absolutely loses it as Josiah Cena comes out onto the stage. He goes to each side of the stage, posing for the crowd, before he makes his way down the ramp and gets in the ring. Josiah goes straight to standing in between Star and David, facing David. David backs up, yelling at Star, before he leaves the ring and makes his way to the back. Josiah walks over and grabs a microphone. He walks back to the center of the ring to join Star.)
Star Stormz: Thanks for joining me-
Josiah Cena: Hold up a second, What up Athens!?
(The crowd cheers.)
Josiah Cena: Sorry, had to get that out of the way. But yes, we do have some announcements to make.
Star Stormz: Oh where to begin on this one.
Josiah Cena: Well, I guess we begin back at Dishonored, when we saw two guys damn near try to kill each other. I’m talking about Devon Ryder and Dylan Howell. Holy cuss word that match was brutal.
(Star looks at Josiah with a “really?” A look on her face.)
Josiah Cena: What?
Star Stormz: Really? Holy cuss word?
Josiah Cena: I’m trying to be better. Anyway, the match ended with both men having an arm draped over the other, and the ref counted to three, declaring the match a draw by way of double pinfall. This…this is no bueno. We can’t have co-champions for a singles title.
Star Stormz: I mean….we could… but eventually it would have to get sorted.
Josiah Cena: So why not get it sorted now? Which is why we are out here to make some pretty big announcements.
Star Stormz: We are out here to officially announce who is the Collateral Damage champion.
Josiah Cena: And that man is…
Star Stormz: Dylan Howell!
(The fans cheer.)
Josiah Cena: But wait. That doesn’t mean Ryder is without a title. See, we recognize that Devon Ryder has been a fighting champion. And he has participated in violent matches that he may not have agreed with. So, his hard work and commitment to the company is being rewarded. We are….hold up.
(Josiah gets out of the ring and walks over to the timekeepers table, reaching down inside and pulling out a bag. He gets the bag and gets back in the ring.)
Josiah Cena: Okay, we are unveiling a new championship tonight.
Star Stormz: With our tag titles on hiatus, we felt another title was needed.
Josiah Cena: Can I?
Star Stormz: Go ahead.
Josiah Cena: Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you…the PWS: APEX PURE Championship!
(Josiah opens the bag and pulls out a brand new championship belt! The crowd does the “oooh” and “aaaahhh” thing at the design.)
Star Stormz: All title matches for the PURE title will be contested under PURE rules, and honestly…once we decided we were bringing this championship in, we knew who deserved to be the first champion.
(There is a pause for dramatic effect.)
Josiah and Star: Devon Ryder!
(A mixed reaction from the crowd.)
Josiah Cena: Devon will be presented with this title next Riot, as we will also present Dylan Howell with the Collateral Damage title.
Star Stormz: Congratulations to both men, and I look forward to their reigns as champions.
Josiah Cena: We won’t take up anymore of your time. Let’s get this show started!
Scene switches to the interview area as we see Tayna Reihl sitting with a smile on her face.
Tayna Reihl: Well hello there PWS Universe, I know it’s been a while since we’ve seen one another, but I’m glad to be back and tonight I am sitting down with a young woman who is a former tag team champion but recently raised a couple of eyebrows with her actions. Morgan Baker, what a return.
The shot pans out to see Morgan sitting across from Tayna. She laughs a little bit while looking coy.
Morgan Baker: Yeah, it was one for the books, that’s for sure.
Tayna Reihl: Well first let's talk about what you have been doing during your time off.
Morgan Baker: Well, I moved down to Orlando to train towards the beginning of the year. Been getting used to life down there and just waiting for a call.
Tayna Reihl: I thought I recognized a Florida glow.
Morgan Baker: Yeah, it’s not a horrible life but I girl has to eat!
Tayna Reihl: Which is why when they called you for that match at Dishonored teaming up with Ace Michaels...
Morgan Baker: I leaped at it! I thought for sure that after being forced to team up with Richard Rider, nothing could be possibly worse. Boy, how wrong I was.
Tayna Reihl: Which brings us to what happened. Why did you walk out of that match?
Morgan Baker: Ya know Tayna...at the moment I was more irritated with how Ace was just bossing me around like I was some newb. But then I realized something after the fact, that I did it because I’m over accepting this mediocrity that I had been stuck with. I have busted my ass and for him to get in there and treat me like a lesser individual when he had proven absolutely nothing! I was doing all the work, just like I did with Rider.
Morgan shifts and looks annoyed even thinking back to it.
Morgan Baker: The things I have been learning in Orlando, and even from my former partner Miles Kasey was that I deserve better. I needed to assert my authority and I did just that. I wanna thank them for that teaching moment because without them, I would still just take crap like that without reacting.
Tayna Reihl: So what is next?
Morgan Baker: I’m not sure, but I do know that unless Miles pops back in and wants to tag back up, I’m over the tag team scene for a good long while. It’s time I do something different, something for me. Something that shows that Morgan Baker is no longer the doe-eyed little girl anymore. I am a woman that deserves and will work her ass off for anything better than being treated like I belong on the bottom of someone’s shoe.
Tayna Reihl: Well Morgan, I wish you all the best and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next and hopefully it won’t be another 6 months before we see each other again.
Morgan Baker: Don’t worry about that Tayna, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen.
(Alexandra was sitting in her locker room taping her wrists before her match when she heard the voice once more. Her ribs were still wrapped in the bandages from seeing the doctor earlier, but she was cleared to compete against Richard Rider. She turned towards the voice.)
"Alexandra..."
Alexandra Calaway: Yes my angel of darkness..
(She looked around. )
Alexandra Calaway: I thought for sure you had forgotten me by now..
(As her head turned towards the voice, the darkness seemed to congeal into the form of Jonathan Sanders, stepping into frame from off-camera.)
Jonathan Sanders: I have not forgotten you, Alexandra... but I fear that YOU have forgotten what I TAUGHT you.
(Sanders' face wore a scowl, his brows knitted in displeasure as his steel-grey eyes fell upon her with not inconsiderable scorn.)
Jonathan Sanders: Scorched. Earth. I TOLD you this was our mission statement - the glorious purpose of our quest - and still you failed to understand. Failed to IMPLEMENT my teachings.
(She looked up to see him just past the view of the camera. His eyes burned into her soul. The displeased gaze he gave.)
Alexandra Calaway: No I have not. I only made a mistake and they capitalized on it. A mistake like that will not happen again.
(She focused her gaze on his.)
Alexandra Calaway: After I defeat Rider.. I will continue to prove that I did listen and remembered all that you taught me. Scorched Earth..
(The Lost Cause simply frowned, folding his arms across his chest as his eyes bore into her soul.)
Jonathan Sanders: You have ONE final opportunity - fail this, and you shall not hear from me again. Your 'mistake' was playing by THEIR rules, Alexandra; they seized an opportunity because you let your focus shift to VICTORY over DESTRUCTION. If you wish to be the Queen of Nightmares - to truly PROVE the darkness in your heart - you must put pain above all things. You must REVEL in the suffering, even if inflicting it jeopardizes your chances of success.
(His black-painted lips pursed as he knelt to meet her eye level.)
Jonathan Sanders: Prove to me tonight that you can do this. Do not let THEIR BELL dictate how much you can hurt this Richard Rider. Show him, show me, show EVERYONE the truth; that pain - TRUE pain - cannot be regulated. That there is no MITIGATING what WE are! Do this, and your final trials will begin. Do this, and you shall walk the path to your ascension.
(She looked into his eyes now that he was knelt to meet her eyes. Now the camera could see who she had been talking to.. her voice in the dark.. her Angel of Darkness. Jonathan Sanders.. The poet who spoke to her very soul.)
Alexandra Calaway: Tonight.. not only will I beat.. Richard Rider.. I'll destroy him.. and wear his blood like a trophy. And you will remember why you chose me to be your Queen of Nightmares.. Why you.. came to be my Angel of Darkness. After that.. when I have brought you the blood of Richard Rider.. You should prepare for my ascension. Because I expect you to stay true to your word. For that is the only thing I hold you to at this time.
(She focused her gaze on his. He glowered into her eyes for a long moment, then let his lips curl into a smirk. Slowly, maintaining her gaze, the Impossible Question returned to his feet, nodding down at the Dark Queen before him.)
Jonathan Sanders: Good. I look forward to bearing witness to it.
(The Snake of Eden spun on his heel and slithered towards the door, the darkness of the space seeming to swallow him completely, engulfing the doorway where he'd previously stood. His voice carried on the shadow as he vanished.)
Jonathan Sanders: Do NOT disappoint me twice, Alexandra.
Alexandra Calaway: I won't.. my Angel of Darkness..
(Her evil smirk remained as she watched him leave her for the evening. She stood, cracking her neck and rolling her shoulders. Hell was coming for PWS: APEX and it started with Richard Rider.)
Match One
Singles Match
Alexandra Calaway vs. Richard Rider
(Both competitors are coming into this one off of losses at Crusade, so they’re coming into it with something to prove, and that becomes evident even in the early-going. Richard Rider fires himself out of the corner like a bullet, trying to get an advantage in the match’s opening moments by flooring Alexandra with a Dropkick, but Alexandra puts him down HANDEDLY when he tries to follow up, going for a springboard Moonsault but crashing and burning. The Dark Queen then EXPLODES with offense, immediately laying into Richard Rider with stiff shots on the ground. The Hollywood Heartthrob tries valiantly to get himself back on top, but Alexandra seems to be out for BLOOD tonight, and viciously keeps him on the ground using her brawling and technical expertise. She mostly works over his head and neck, moving like a woman possessed and acting with very little regard for the rules; she’s frequently reprimanded by the referee for things like eye rakes, refusal to break submission holds on time, slamming Rider’s head into the turnbuckles AND the ring mat, and even BITING the handsome movie star’s face while he’s tied up in the corner! Calaway shrugs off all of these warnings, though, with a simple smirk and a growl, continuing her vicious assault on the poor, unfortunate hunk with animalistic fury. She concludes the chain with a MASSIVE Guillotine Legdrop on the apron that sends Rider falling, limp, to the outside.)
JR Freeman: Dios mio! Alexandra Calaway is like a woman POSSESSED tonight, Alf!
Alfonso Banks: Can you really blame her, JR? She’s got a lot to prove! You don’t run afoul of Jonathan Sanders and take the situation lightly, after all.
JR Freeman: Not if you want to keep your head, you don’t!
(Calaway waits for a long moment in the centre of the ring, dropping to her knees and panting, her eyes glinting with an unsettling glee in the harsh arena lights. She seems content to wait on the referee to count Rider out, but as she looks up into the stands she notices Jonathan Sanders, high up on one of the arena’s technical catwalks, gazing down at the ring with his imposing, steely glare. She locks eyes with the Lost Cause and her expression hardens, then she turns her gaze to the fallen Richard Rider and mouths…)
Alexandra Calaway: Scorched… Earth…
(She rolls out of the ring, then, and grabs Rider by the hair, sliding him back onto the mat to break the count at nine. She slides into the ring after her fallen foe and lifts him up, planting the poor schmuck once AGAIN with the Apocalypse! Alexandra covers…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! IT’S OVER!
WINNER - ALEXANDRA CALAWAY
(As the bell rings to draw this one to a close, it seems Alexandra isn’t finished, as she hoists Rider up for ANOTHER Apocalypse and then plants him on the mat. She follows it up with a THIRD elevated powerbomb, ignoring the referee as he pleads with her to stop this, then simply rolls out of the ring with a wicked and disturbing grin.)
JR Freeman: Oh, no, I don’t like this… what is Alexandra THINKING?
Alfonso Banks: Whatever it is, JR, it can NOT be good for Richard Rider!
(Indeed it is not, as Alexandra throws up the ring apron and fishes around underneath until she comes up with a steel chair that somebody has wrapped in barbed wire. Her grin only widens as she slides into the ring again, placing the chair horizontally on the mat beneath the fallen Richard Rider’s skull. She gazes out over the stands for just a moment as she begins to lift Rider to his feet, attempting to catch sight of Jonathan Sanders once again, but it seems he has abandoned his previous position. This does not appear to dishearten the Dark Queen even slightly, as she simply sneers and forces Rider’s head between her knees, hooking both of his arms to drive him face-first into the barbed-wire chair with the Fallen Angel!)
JR Freeman: OH DIOS MIO! This is sickening! The match is over, there’s no need for THAT kind of brutality!
Alfonso Banks: Maybe there isn’t, JR, but have any of Jonathan Sanders’ disciples ever let THAT fact slow them down? Besides, I hate to say it, but it makes for DAMN good television!
JR Freeman: Damn good television?! Alf, Richard Rider may be concussed or even WORSE, and all you can think about right now are ratings?!
Alfonso Banks: That’s not ALL I’m thinking about! …I’m also thinking about chicken wings.
JR Freeman: CHICKEN WINGS?! …You are absolutely unbelievable sometimes, you know that, partner?
(The referee rushes to Richard Rider’s side as the bell begins to sound again, but Calaway shoves him to the side and grabs her fallen opponent by the hair again, grinding his face along the barbed wire surface with a horrible, sadistic laugh. She then peels - yes, PEELS - the Hollywood Heartthrob away from the steel chair and runs her palm along his now-crimson, bloodied face. She grins a horrid grin, an expression of terrifyingly genuine PRIDE as she smears the blood of Richard Rider along her OWN face, leaving a crimson handprint like warpaint in its wake. Then and only then does Alexandra turn away, moving through the ropes and making her way back up the ramp as “Blow” by Eva Under Fire and Spencer Charnas rings out over the PA system. We hold on one final shot of Calaway glaring back down the ramp at Richard Rider, who’s being swarmed by medical staff, and holding one arm high in celebration, a chilling laugh escaping her one last time before we cut.)
“Something’s coming. Can you feel it? For you have now been warned. Hell is coming.”
Tune in this Friday, as Chris chats with the handler of Max Sheppard and Nick Madison!
(Walking into the arena we see a paranoid lookin’ Jesse Russow and a stoic skyscraper in Slaps McKill. They bypass security and Jesse starts sizing up the details of the security.)
Jesse Russow: I don’t fuckin’ like this Slaps, these punk-ass wimps couldn’t guard a kiddie pool and The Quarry looked seriou-
Slaps McKill: It’s irrelevant.
Jesse Russow: I…I’m sorry, what now?
Slaps McKill: *sigh* Message wasn’t FOR you.
Jesse Russow: How do you know!?
Slaps McKill: Because I’m the one who committed the sins. And I-
(Slaps stops dead in his tracks as Jesse looks confused as Slaps slides his bag off his shoulder and hands it to Jesse.)
Slaps McKill: Piss-ass as it is, you’ve still got a match to win tonight so I need you to follow MY lead this time…take the stuff. Go find an extra locker room…Hell, commandeer Levi’s office, whatever you do…distance…yourself…from me. I don’t know if they’re looking to trigger me or destroy me so do…NOT…follow me.
Jesse Russow: Alright DUDE…JUST…I’ve had about enough of people FREAKIN’ me out lately, can ya just…elaborate a LITTLE? Like, you HAVE to be more helpful!
Slaps McKill: Do you want to be subjected to insurmountable mental trauma coupled with physical pain evoked chemical responses?
Jesse Russow: …not…not ONE part of that sounded…like ANY kind of enjoyable. No.
Slaps McKill: Then let me be the one to walk into the trap that was mostly meant for me, mmkay?
(Jesse finally nods and shoulders Slaps bag, he finds it a little difficult but he manages, and he sets off down the right side Hallway as Slaps takes a deep breath and a slow exhale and looks at the opening to the left side corridor…he sees a leg sticking out from around the corner.)
Slaps McKill: Yeah…he always was all about that “and you will know me by the trail of dead” bullshit.
(Slaps turns the corner and looks up and down the darker than normal corridor as most of the lights are flickering and we see pools of red adorned throughout the entire hallway that is littered with unconscious people from all walks of life. A businessman bleeding from the crown of his head, his face adorned with clown make-up. We recognize a couple huddled together we would usually catch feigning over each other in every segment involving the Freekz. A little past them we see a mime lying with a ball python slithering over his face. And all of this leads to a door at the end of the corridor. As Slaps McKills stops outside it, he takes a deep breath and steals his nerves and flings it open as he just NARROWLY averts his face from a fireball triggered on a tripwire. Slaps squints through the deep red glow from the old timey lamps that reflect broken all around the room. In the same blood red writing we see…)
“AS ABOVE
SO BELOW
BLOOD IN.
BLOOD…OUT.”
(And in the middle of the locker room we see the makings of a grave.)
Slaps McKill: So someone raided the clearance aisle of Spirit Halloween…I am yet unimpressed, Magic man.
(Slaps lets the door close as he looks down the next adjacent hall that is also…littered with broken bodies and puddles of rubies.)
Slaps McKill: …okay THAT…that might be a level of dedication that requires…concern…
(We cut away.)
(The fans in Athens murmur amongst themselves before erupting into cheers as "Gangstas Paradise" blasts over the PA and PWS World Champion Cleo Phillips makes her appearance, flanked as always by Z-Money.)
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring at this time, being accompanied by Z-Money, she is THE REIGNING, DEFENDING PWS WORLD CHAMPION, "THE BODY SNATCHER CLEOOOOOOO PHILLIPS!!"
(After making their way to the ring, and the fans settle down, the champ is given a mic to address the sold out crowd in Athens.)
Cleo Phillips: ATHHHHEEENS GRRREEECEEEE!!!…..
(The crowd gives Cleo her cheap pop.)
Cleo Phillips: What's good?!
(Another pop from the crowd, as Cleo observes her surroundings.)
Cleo Phillips: Yo, am I really in Athens? This can't be real can it Z?
Z Money: I hear that, but it's real, we're way far from home now.
Cleo Phillips: But that's all good because I represent wherever I am. I stand here as your WORLD champion. So wherever I am in this world, I'm bringing the fight like the modern day gladiator I am.
Z Money: Tell em'!
Cleo Phillips: Now I have to ask the obvious question, who's next? Who will be the next to try and claim my number one spot? Who wants to knuckle up with the champ next? Who will step…
(Cleo finds herself interrupted and her attention turned to the stage area. As she turns to the stage, she sees “The President of Pro Wrestling” Mike Hawk has come on the ‘tron. He’s dressed in more casual attire, with blue jeans and a black t-shirt that says “Future World Champion” on it in holographic silver lettering.)
Mike Hawk: Hold that thought, champ.
JR Freeman: Oh god, what is HE doing here!?
Alfonso Banks: Making this segment even better, JR!
Mike Hawk: You see… you’re standing there wondering who’s gonna step up and fight the world champion, but the answer should be pretty obvious!
(He smirks for a moment, causing the crowd to boo him. There are a few cheers in there, but compared to Cleo he’s absolutely the bad guy.)
Mike Hawk: You’re lookin’ at him. See… I’ve been doing some thinking, and… the only reason I lost that match at Dishonored was because it was a triple threat. PLUS, according to the official terms & conditions of every PWS contract, if you have a title match, and lose, you get one automatic rematch within a 60-day period. And The World’s Oldest My Chemical Romance Fan used hers already, which means…
(He stops, posturing for a moment before pointing to himself, then to Cleo, with one hand.)
Mike Hawk: You and me? We need to fight one on one. For the PWS: Apex world championship.
(The crowd erupts in cheers as they hear the proposal for this match.)
Alfonso Banks: Yes! Uh-huh, I’m 100% on-board with this idea!
JR Freeman: I don’t know… Hawk’s already had his chance!
Alfonso Banks: Like most things you say, JR, that’s complete and utter bullshit! You know DAMN well that he’s earned another shot!
(Hawk crosses his arms and looks dead into the camera, staring at Cleo.)
Mike Hawk: So, Cleo… what do you say? You and me, the two biggest stars in this company, going 1-on-1, at Crusade, for the Apex WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP… or you, running through a who’s who of “Who’s that?” until the fans inevitably get bored and turn on you?
(Cleo smiles and laughs to herself, before responding.)
Cleo Phillips: So I defeat Alexandra Calaway, then I defeat you AND Alexandra, so now you wish to complete the circle, and have your one on one with the champ? Well, I never back down from any challenge, and while I do think the words on your t-shirt ring true, it won’t be anytime soon and it won’t happen as long as I hold this championship, this little circle will be completed and when it is, I will STILL stand here as the PWS World Champion. So, you want that one on one, then you got it, but like I’ve told others who have stepped up to me before…be careful what you wish for.
Mike Hawk: Ooh, good one! How about this one next: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!” or maybe, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!” Alright, Ms. Robinson…
(A staff member comes up to Hawk, whispering something in his ear.)
Mike Hawk: …Phillips… if you really think you can still hold onto that belt against The PRESIDENT of Professional Wrestling… then I’ll be happy to take it from you. Y’know, we shook hands after our match, which tells me you saw something in me. And that you won’t underestimate me anymore. But then again… the fact that you still think you’re 100% going to win the match tells me that you’re STILL underestimating me. And I don’t need a puppet show to tell you that that’s a dangerous mindset. …Besides, I still can’t find my Rod Serling puppet.
(The crowd gets into a humorous “Where’s Rod Serling!?” *clap clap clapclapclap* chant for a brief moment, before Hawk continues.)
Mike Hawk: Oh, and um… one more thing, Cleo. …Why don’t we make this a little more interesting? I don’t just want to beat you once. That would make our 1-on-1 record even! Why don’t I try to beat you at least twice? I want this, Cleo Madison…
(The same staff member from before comes to whisper in Hawk’s ear again.)
Mike Hawk: …Phillips… to be an Ironman match!
(The crowd erupts again.)
Mike Hawk: …Or, iron… person? Iron… champion? Iron… maiden? No, that’s a band. Iron… ing board?
(He pauses long enough that the crowd finds it funny.)
Mike Hawk: …You get what I mean!
(Cleo ponders the thought, and looks around at the crowd to gauge their reaction, they of course are into the idea)
Cleo Phillips: It’s not that I underestimate you Michael, I just have a high level of confidence in myself, and this championship on my shoulder proves I deserve to have that confidence. You still come out here, making jokes, acting like you don’t know my name when you damn well know you do. I enjoy a good joke now and then, but unlike you that’s not what defines me. I don’t need to lure anyone into a false sense of security by acting like a complete doorknob, what you see is what you get with me and ain’t nothin’ gonna change that, so you want an Ironman match? GREAT! That will leave no excuses for the loser, so management can feel free to do whatever they can to make it happen, because I ACCEPT.
(Suddenly Z Money, a mic of his own in hand chimes in out of nowhere.)
Z-Money: You know Michael, Cleo likes to be about business and that’s what makes her the champ, but I’m still willing to clown around on her behalf, so you hatchet faced, bad haircut havin’ ass, ol’ stinkin’ ass draws havin’ ass, ol’ boy band lookin’ ass, snaggle tooth ass, bout to get impeached ass, gonna have to change his last name to Oxmall ass, you better knuckle up for the biggest fight of your life, because that’s what you just got yourself into.
Mike Hawk: …I’m sorry, who are you?
(The crowd laughs a bit at Hawk’s remark, and he shrugs.)
Mike Hawk: Well, I should get going. The vampires in this company aren’t gonna make fun of themselves. Oh, but before I go, one last thing…
(He leans in close to the camera.)
Mike Hawk: Cleo… it’s not that I wanna lull you into a false sense of security, or feel the need to make jokes to cover up my own insecurities… it’s just that I don’t take you seriously. You literally said “What you see is what you get”, you fuckin’ walking cliche machine.
(He smirks.)
Mike Hawk: But that doesn’t mean I won’t give this match my all. Quite the opposite. I wanna shut you up and take from you the one thing keeping you relevant in this company!
(He smiles, waving goodbye by waggling his fingers.)
Mike Hawk: Toodles!
(The ‘tron flicks itself off.)
JR Freeman: Damn, what a challenge that has just been made by Mike Hawk!
Alfonso Banks: Yeah! We get to see an iron… whatever match at Crusade, between 2 of the best this company’s ever seen!
JR Freeman: Are you just saying that because you want to get in Cleo’s pants?
Alfonso Banks: I mean… not JUST.
(Cleo raises the title above her head, the crowd cheering for her as she does, as the camera cuts to commercial.)
(The cameras cut to the back where Star Stormz was at one of the vending machines trying to get a drink. She put in a $1 bill and it spit it back out. She let out a sigh as she heard a slight chuckle behind her.)
Star Stormz: Oh come on! I'm thirsty as hell!
(She tried the bill again. And it spit it back out once more. She turned to the person behind her)
Star Stormz: You… wouldn't happen to have 4 quarters or a different dollar bill, would you?
(She looked up to see the grinning face of one Gracie Lopez standing behind her.)
Gracie Lopez: Not in my wrestling gear I don’t, but I’m sure my brother will have dollar for you…
Star Stormz: I heard something about another Lopez running these halls. Sounds like a hell of a story! We have a lot to catch up on now that I'm back! I really hope my absence didn't cause too many troubles for you guys.
(She shoves the dollar bill back in her pocket and looks back at Gracie)
Star Stormz: I'm really glad I ran into you, I wanted to RSVP in person for Manny's party. Melody was SO EXCITED to get the invite!
Gracie Lopez: I’m glad! I hope you guys like pirates, because it’s gonna be pirate themed, and my dad will be dressed up as one too! As far as my story goes, I’ll tell you all about it soon enough. He’s not the only Lopez running around here either. I think you met my sister too.
Star Stormz: Oh I hope you take an awful lot of pictures of Eddie as a pirate. Ya know, for future reference.
(Star let out a slight chuckle. The thought of Eddie Lopez dressed as a pirate was just too funny)
Star Stormz: I believe I have met your sister. I meet so many people and things have been so wild that it's hard to keep track sometimes, so you'll have to excuse me for not being 100% certain. Especially now that I have to find 5 people… well… 4 technically… to stand with me against David. It's a hard spot to be in because I don't want anyone risking their careers for me.
(Gracie leans against the wall listening to Star for a moment, but you could tell that something was on her mind, and it wasn’t her siblings running around.)
Gracie Lopez: I’ve known both of you for a long ass time and honestly? I don’t care what happens to me, if I get fired from this place I have other places to fall back on, because there’s a long list of people who want me. You know this, even David knows it. Yeah I heard what he said, and i really don’t give a shit what he says anymore to be quite honest. My family has ALWAYS been loyal to you and I don't care what kind of threats he throws around. Hell, we can work somewhere else, but this place is always home.
(Star smiled softly, her eyes welled up with tears a bit)
Star Stormz: I appreciate that. It's been an absolute honor watching you grow up, and make your footing in this business. It's good to see that there are still loyal people, caring people, running around these crazy halls. I just… I can't let someone with such a huge career ahead of her put it all at risk to help me fight my battle. I'd never forgive myself if something happens.
Gracie Lopez: Well, I’m not changing my mind on this. And you know how stubborn I can be. Honestly, if he wants to fire me over this, so be it. I have other companies looking for top talent and I’ll be scooped up in 5 minutes. If it’s my last days in PWS so be it, my loyalty will always stand with someone who believed in me. Hell, remember back when I was a kid and you had me model merch for commercials? You knew I was gonna be a star then, and now? You gotta believe in me
Star Stormz: I believe in you so much, Gracie. I always have. You know I've always been one of your biggest fans. Welcome to Team Star. And thank you. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Your grandfather would be SO PROUD of you, for standing up for someone regardless of what could happen to you.
(Gracie grows a warm smile on her face with a nod of the head.)
Gracie Lopez: He really would, he really enjoyed working with you back in the original place, and that’s why I’m doing this. For him, for you and for the legacy of this company.
(Both ladies smile and nod in agreement as the cameras cut)
Match Two
Tag-Team Match
Antithesis (Alexander Lyons & Dionysus) vs. Max Delgado & Carmen Rodriguez
(The match starts out with Max and Lyons in the ring, as the two take some time to size each other up, before locking up andfighting for an advantage. Lyons manages to get the early advantage, as he goes on the attack with kicks and punches. Max manages to retaliate and come back with kicks of his own, one roundhouse kick damn near kicking Lyons’ head off his shoulders. Max tags in Carmen, who gets in the ring as Lyons is getting to his feet.)
JR Freeman: What do you think it will take for Max and Carmen to win tonight?
Alfonso Banks: Short of a miracle? I don’t know…
JR Freeman: ….why did I ask?
(Lyons and Carmen start to really put on a show for the crowd, both delivering move after move, countering and reversing each other in a true stalemate. At one point they stop to square off, and even get a nice reaction from the crowd for their performance. Both Carmen and Lyons look around confused at the reaction, but Lyons is close enough to his corner that Dionysus is able to tag himself in. Max jumps into the ring and charges at Lyons, as Dionysus steps into the ring. Max and Lyons go crashing over the top rope and down to the floor, as Carmen turns around just in time to get laid out by a brutal clothesline from Dionysus.)
JR Freeman: Oh boy, this could be bad.
Alfonso Banks: She’s about to regret all that talk she was doing.
(On the outside, Lyons and Max are beating the hell out of each other, throwing each other into the barricade, but Max is able to get the upper hand when he manages to grab Lyons and nail him with a flatliner where Lyons’ head lands on the barricade.)
JR Freeman: Jesus christ! Those two are gonna kill each other!
Alfonso Banks: They aren’t even the legal ones!
(Back in the ring, Dionysus gets Carmen to her feet, before picking her up on his shoulders. He tosses her off, delivering the Loaded Pistol, as she crashes down on the mat.)
JR Freeman: Dear God! Loaded Pistol!
Alfonso Banks: He killed her! He killed her!
(Dionysus goes for the pin.)
1…
2…
3!?!?!?
(Max slides in and jumps on Dionysus to break the count, but it’s just a millisecond too late, as the bell sounds.)
*DING DING*
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners, Alexander Lyons and Dionysus, ANTITHESIS!
(The fans boo, as Max gets Carmen out of the ring before Lyons and Dionysus can do anymore damage.)
Alfonso Banks: I guess they should have known better than to mess with Antithesis.
JR Freeman: Yes, they may have bitten off a bit more than they can chew tonight. It’ll be interesting to see where they go from here.
WINNERS - ANTITHESIS
(The cameras cut to backstage, where we see Max Sheppard and Star Stormz in Star’s office, as the two are in the middle of having a conversation.)
Star Stormz: It’s not that I don’t trust you, Max…it’s just…I was at home worried to death I wouldn’t get to come back, and it took Levi doing snooping into everything?
Max Sheppard: I had to make it appear that I was going along with David, otherwise we’d both be out and have no way of knowing what was really going on here. I did what I could without revealing myself.
Star Stormz: What exactly did you do?
Max Sheppard: I knew I couldn’t be caught looking into things, so I tipped off Levi. I was the one that got Nick to where he could get the camera at Dishonored. I also may have “convinced” David that he needed to go out to open the show, knowing that Levi was going to do what he did.
Star Stormz: You set a trap for David…
Max Sheppard: Basically, yeah.
Star Stormz: How do I know you won’t do the same thing to me?
(Max looks almost hurt by this question.)
Max Sheppard: Star…we’ve known each other for over a decade. I would never do anything to hinder your ability to represent this place, because quite honestly…if it wasn’t for you, this place wouldn’t be around. David can say what he wants, but when I was brought in, as far as I’M concerned, it was to help you so you wouldn’t get overwhelmed again. I know you treasured PWSi as much as I did, and you treat this place just as special. This isn’t just another paycheck or an ego trip to you, it’s your passion. I won’t ever do anything to jeapordize that. To be quite frank, you ARE PWS: APEX.
(Star holds up her hand to stop him.)
Star Stormz: Thank you, I really do appreciate that. You’re right, I do love this place. I don’t want to see anything bad happen, which means we need the best team for that Armageddon match. We already have Levi and Gracie, do you have any ideas for who else we could get?
Max Sheppard: I do have a few, but I think we should wait until David gets a couple on his team. Just to start to see what we’re up against, ya know?
Star Stormz: Yeah, I agree.
(Just then, we hear a voice from off camera.)
“Oh for christ sake, let’s stop the love fest.”
(Max and Star turn to look and see the voice belongs to GM Manny Martinez. Max lets out a sigh of frustration, as Manny walks into the room.)
Max Sheppard: What do you want, Manny?
Manny Martinez: What? You having a staff meeting without me?
Star Stormz: Max and I were just talking.
Manny Martinez: Uh huh, sure. Talking about what?
Max Sheppard: Having to put up with David’s bullshit…ya know…like him bringing you back.
(Manny shoots a glare at Max, as Star tries to calm the situation.)
Star Stormz: Is there a reason you came, Manny? Did you need something?
Manny Martinez: Yeah, wanted to tell you to enjoy your time while you have it. And you…
(He gets right in Max’s face.)
Manny Martinez: You picked the wrong side, hombre. When this is all said and done? You’re gonna be gone.
Max Sheppard: Careful, Manny. Lest you forget what happened the last time you stood against us. I still have the British Butterfly’s number…I’m sure she’d love to come back and kick your ass again.
(Manny scoffs, as he quickly turns to Star.)
Manny Martinez: Best of luck finding your team.
(Manny laughs, as he walks out of the room. Max lets out a huge sigh.)
Star Stormz: You okay?
Max Sheppard: Yeah, I’ll just be happy when this is all over.
Star Stormz: You and me both.
(Just then, there’s a knock on the door.)
Max Sheppard: What now?
(TShe two turn to see Max Delgado stepping into the room.)
Max Delgado: Uh…bad time?
Star Stormz: No no, come in Max. Please.
(Max comes fully into the room, as he looks at his dad and then at Star.)
Max Delgado: You wanted to see me?
Star Stormz: Yes, how’s Carmen doing?
Max Delgado: She’s upset about the loss, but she’ll be okay. I should probably get back to her.
Star Stormz: Not so fast, there is something we wanted to discuss with you.
Max Delgado: Okayyyy…
Star Stormz: Though things didn’t work out for you and Carmen tonight, we do recognize the hard work you have been putting in as of late, and we are going to reward that.
Max Delgado: Oh?
Star Stormz: At Crusade, you are going to be challenging Jennifer Makarios-Lopez for the United Championship in a ladder match.
Max Delgado:....wow….thank you. Really.
Star Stormz: It honestly wasn’t my idea, II only agreed to it. You have your father to thank.
(Max looks at his father with a cold stare.)
Max Delgado: Thanks…
(Star notices the cold treatment Max is giving his dad.)
Star Stormz: Now, I don’t know what happened between you two, but I want…whatever this is, to stop. You are father and son, I’m not saying you have to be all buddy-buddy, but…
Max Sheppard: Star, please…don’t.
Max Delgado: Yeah, Star. I get you might be my boss? But when it comes to this stuff? Know your place. Thanks for the title shot, but if its all the same to you, I’m gonna go tend to my fiance.
(Max starts to leave, when his dad stops him.)
Max Sheppard: Congrats on the engagement, by the way.
Max Delgado: Yeah.
(He leaves the room, leaving them behind. Star looks at Max.)
Star Stormz: What happened between you two? Growing up he was basically attached to your hip.
Max Sheppard: It’s a looooong loooong story.
(With that, we cut back to ringside.)
(The cameras cut back to the ring where Alexis Makarios was standing. She is wearing blue jeans and a PWS:APEX t-shirt.)
Alfonso Banks: I wonder why she is out here? She isn't dressed to compete.
JR Freeman: She isn't booked to compete… why would she be… oh I give up!
(When the fans die down, she raises her mic and speaks)
Alexis Makarios: I wanna start things off tonight by saying how AWESOME it is to be in the home of my family. Yes, I'm Australian… but of Greek ancestry! I love coming here to Athens and taking in the culture!
(The crowd cheered for the cheap pop)
Alexis Makarios: But that's not why I'm out here. I'm here to address a few things that went down at Dishonored. A hell of a show, my sister kicked my ass, what can I say? But that's not the thing I wanted to address the most. As you all know, mere minutes after that grueling match I was found backstage, unconscious, bleeding… you name it. And at the time I didn't know WHO it was. The fuckers caught me from behind. But I got ahold of the security footage and I want to call out the. BASTARD who did it! ROLL THE FOOTAGE!!!
(The tron sparks to life and shows the following footage:)
(We cut to Dishonored where we see security footage of Alexis walking to the back. Suddenly, from around a corner steps Ace Static)
Ace Static: Wow, do the drapes match the curtains you fucking sexy bitch.
(Alexis turns her head towards Ace. Realizing what is about to happen, she swings and levels Ace, who hits the ground hard. He turns, blood pouring from his nose and starts to laugh. His shirt says “I’m the Distraction”. Suddenly a large hand grabs Alexis from behind and lifts her off the ground and throws her into a cement wall. She hits hard and crumbles to the ground, unconscious. The masked face of Corey Bull comes into frame, followed by all 385 pounds of him. The 6’10” behemoth picks Alexis up and slams her face once, twice, three times into the wall. He reaches down at her slumped form and dips his fingers in her blood, licks them and smiles. He then stands and starts to write on the wall. The footage cuts.)
(The footage ends as the cameras go back to show a pissed off Alexis.)
JR Freeman: COREY BULL???
Alfonso Banks: NOT who I expected…
JR Freeman: That attack was BRUTAL… and disturbing…
Alfonso Banks: He licked her blood and used it to write on the wall! Disturbed doesn't begin to cover it!!!
Alexis Makarios: Corey… freaking… Bull! I don't know if you are backstage right now or not… but I have a feeling you are. And guess what, bitch? I'm still standing! So get your ass out here and finish the job! Or at least have the balls to stand face to face with me. And this time… don't bring your little distraction bitchboy!
(She waited a few seconds and the lights go out. The crowd gasps as Alexis goes on the offensive.
JR Freeman: This is not good…
(The lights turn back on, suddenly, and standing across the ring from Alexis is none other than "The Hatebringer" Corey Bull! He is wearing a large white mask, kind of like what you would wear during Halloween. He reaches up and slowly removes it to reveal his task and the mask he always seems to wear. His smile is sadistic as he raises a mic to his mouth)
Corey Bull: Did you miss us Alexis? Are you not happy to see us?
(Alexis starts to speak, but is cut off)
Corey Bull: No, you’ll just ruin it. This is our time to talk. We came back because you called to us. When your mind snapped…when you enjoyed that beautiful time in our favorite vacation spot…we could smell you across the continent! Your essence…is Intoxicating. But you fight who you really are Alexis…deep down you are just…like…us. And we are going to bring it out of you. Soon you will stand with us…and we will rule this place. Till then…look over your shoulder…because we may be there.
(Bull tilted his head as the lights went out again… when they came back on a few seconds later… he was gone. Alexis looked pale, and fear overtook her face.)
Alfonso Banks: Nope… nope nope nope…
JR Freeman: Alexis might have to lock herself in the nut house again…
Alfonso Banks: I just gotta wonder… what is going on! Why does Corey Bull have a sick sadistic obsession with Alexis.
JR Freeman: I'm not sure, but she needs to sleep with one eye open…
(On that, Alexis's eyes fluttered around the room as the fans were silent. The confusion and fear was setting in as the show cut to a commercial)
TUESDAY RIOT - OCTOBER 25 - ATHENS, GREECE
TUESDAY RIOT - NOVEMBER 8 - AMSTERDAM, NETHRLANDS
TUESDAY RIOT - NOVEMBER 22 - ROME, ITALY
TUESDAY RIOT - DECEMBER 6 - PARIS, FRANCE
CRUSADE - DECEMBER 20 - BARCELONA, SPAIN
TUESDAY RIOT - NOVEMBER 8 - AMSTERDAM, NETHRLANDS
TUESDAY RIOT - NOVEMBER 22 - ROME, ITALY
TUESDAY RIOT - DECEMBER 6 - PARIS, FRANCE
CRUSADE - DECEMBER 20 - BARCELONA, SPAIN
Join us, as PWS: APEX goes WORLDWIDE! All roads lead to Crusade! Full speed ahead, Barcelona!
Match Three
Singles Match
Jesse Russow vs. Dawn Warren
(The match starts out with Dawn trying to look for some sort of momentum, but the snarling Jesse Rusow is having none of it. Every time Dawn tries to lock up, Jesse sends her into the ropes, or into the corner, and continues his attack. He’s really throwing her around like a rag doll, preventing her from getting any sort of offense in.)
JR Freeman: This is getting ugly…someone needs to stop this…
Alfonso Banks: I mean, he did warn this was going to happen…he’s only keeping his word?
(Dawn actually does manage to get some offense in, when she’s staggering out of the corner, and Jesse charges at her, she manages to deliver a snap powerslam out of nowhere, and gets the first near fall of the match.)
1…
2…
Kickout!
JR Freeman: Whoa…that would have been an upset.
Alfonso Banks: That was almost real real bad.
(This only pisses Jesse off even more, as he kicks Dawn off, and gets up to his feet. He goes straight on the attack, like a man possessed. We get a good look at his face, and we can see the snarl on his face, and the fire in his eyes. He gets Dawn up and locks her in position, before dropping her with a vicius DOA ddt. Instead of covering, he goes over to the corner, and waits. He snarls as he waits for her to stagger back to her feet, before charging and decking her once more with the 187 knee attack.)
JR Freeman: 187! That HAS to be it!
Alfonso Banks: Surely, it is!
(Jesse goes for the cover.)
1…
2…
3!!!
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, Jesse Russow!
(A mixed reaction of mostly boos rain down, as Dawn Warren is helped out of the ring, while Jesse stays in the ring.)
WINNER - JESSE RUSSOW
(As Jesse has his hand raised looking at his upheld arm sarcastically like “I WON? What a SURPRISE!?” As Slaps McKill makes his way out onto the ramp applauding as he heads down the ramp and up into the ring and raises Jesse’s hand. They both get microphones.)
Jesse Russow: Oh Gee, Gosh, I wonder who could have predicted THAT outcome!? EVERYONE! Because Dawn Warren is TRASH and I am SICK of this!!! You put respect on Slaps name proper…what do I gotta do to get taken seriously around here!? What do I, do I need to talk all “creepy” and “cryptic”...”what light through yonder win-go FUCK yourself!” And the messages…will KEEP occurring. The BEATINGS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MORALE IMPROVES!!! I AM SI-
(Jesse’s mic suddenly cuts out as the lights hit the same dark, eerie glow…as we hear “Parade of the Champions” as everyone freaks out until it cuts out just as quick as it started. Suddenly every LED board flicks to video of swarms of snakes in and out like there is a static problem. Jesse is losing his mind looking around all over the arena as Slaps stays close to the rope closest enough to bail. The lights kick out…and then two spotlights shine down right where the men are looking at each other. Slaps is trying to calm Jesse down, Jesse is freaking the fuck out as an acoustic guitar strums. Slaps can’t hide the hair on the back of his neck standing straight up as a cold, powerful strum plays with a ramshackle voice sweetly beckoning the melody…)
“I can hear what you’re thinkin’...
All your doubts and fears…
And if you look in my eye in time you’ll find…
The reason I’m here.
And in time all things shall…pass away.
And in time…you MAY come back some day.
*Knock*....*Knock*
To live once more…”
(On that line of Mark Collie’s “In Time” a loud breaking sound and the muffled cry of “NO PLEASE!” and the sound of flesh tearing and a young man’s shriek blares frightening everyone…)
“Or die once more…”
(We hear a young woman crying…praying for God to help her find answers…the voice is familiar…delicate…Irish…on that note, it starts making sense to Slaps as he starts snapping at a frozen Jesse trying to get him mobile. “WE GOTTA GO! WE GOTTA FUCKIN’ GO!”)
“But In Time…Your Time…Will Be No…More.”
(Slaps reaches out to pull Jesse out of the ring they both lock eyes and Slaps can see in that fleeting moment of panic almost what was about to happen even before it happens. There’s an UNBEARABLE but quick ripping sound as we hear Jesse Russow instantly drop through the middle of the ring canvas! Slaps is visibly shaken by this now as the lights grow low except for the dark reds as a shimmering orange-red glimmers up from the split in the ring as Slaps hangs on to the rope.)
Slaps McKill: JESS! JESSE! YOU ALRIGH-
“ALL OUR GODS HAVE ABANDONED US!!!!!!”
(A BLAST of blinding pyro shoots up from the hole in the ring as Slaps puts on his best glare…he couldn’t show fear even for a moment as the Devil’s Favorite Bloodletter almost floats up with an ethereal gait adorned in new red and black cloak and mask obviously made with love by his WAY better half, Mattie Cormier. Slaps absolutely bails backwards out of the ring as Mack takes a solemn knee glaring an absolute hole through the big man as he stands flows around the ring soaking in his warm welcome back as "Nihilist" by Architects blares and Slaps, breathing heavily, shows on his face just the danger he's found himself in as we cut to commercial.)
PWS: APEX Presents CRUSADE: ARMAGEDDON
LIVE Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Camp Nou - Barcelona, Spain
PWS: APEX World Championship Match
60 Minute Ironman Match
Cleo Phillips © vs. Mike Hawk
ARMAGEDDON Match
Team Star vs. Team David
PWS: APEX United Championship Match
Ladder Match
Jennifer Makarios-Lopez © vs. Max Delgado
AND MUCH MORE
LIVE Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Camp Nou - Barcelona, Spain
PWS: APEX World Championship Match
60 Minute Ironman Match
Cleo Phillips © vs. Mike Hawk
ARMAGEDDON Match
Team Star vs. Team David
PWS: APEX United Championship Match
Ladder Match
Jennifer Makarios-Lopez © vs. Max Delgado
AND MUCH MORE
(We come back from commercial break, as the opening sounds of “Ladies and Gentlemen” by Saliva plays over the sound system, and the fans cheer, as Max Sheppard walks out onto the stage.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the President of PWS: APEX, Max Sheppard!
(The fans cheer, as Max waves at the fans on his way down the ramp to ringside. He walks around the ring, giving high fives and shaking hands with fans. He walks over to the timekeeper’s table and grabs a microphone, before going over and giving a hug to a standing JR Freeman, before making his way into the ring. The fans cheer once more, before Max raises the mic to start talking.)
Max Sheppard: Thank you so much for the warm reception, Athens!
(The fans cheer once more. Max lets out a sigh as he continues.)
Max Sheppard: It was around thirteen years ago…nearly to the day… that PWSi opened its doors. We had our first show in Amsterdam…a city we’re going back to in a couple weeks. When we started PWSi, we knew it would be something special. I absolutely loved my time with PWSi, and it truly broke my heart when it was forced to close. I have so many fond memories of that place. Memories like the night Jay Franklin won the International Title for the first time, or the night we saw Duke Russell’s last match. I remember the likes of King Diamond, Hakeem Rolle, Flex Johnson, Jay Impact, and of course, Mike Dunn.
(There is some chuckles from the fans at the last name, given the history he had with Max.)
Max Sheppard: El Incendio, Benjamin Bradley, Gonzalo Leon, and then there’s names that are still around today. Names like Alexis Makarios, Corey Bull, all the Russows and Lopezs.
(Max gives a laugh as he shakes head.)
Max Sheppard: In all seriousness, I have loved working with all of these people, because I know each and every one of them come in this ring each week and give their all for all of you. They absolutely bust their asses to entertain you all inthe best way possible. Because all of us openly recognize that, without all you fans, there would have been no PWSi, no PWSR, no PWSX, and certainly no PWS: APEX. So, for all that you have done for us, I want to say thank you.
(The fans cheer.)
Max Sheppard: However…there seems to be one individual here that needs to be reminded of that. See, this guy seems to think he’s the reason we’re here. He thinks he’s what matters. Even when he came back, he took every opportunity to make sure he was in the spotlight. He put me in situations he knew I wasn’t comfortable with, merely to stroke his own ego. Well, joke’s on him now, isn’t it? Of course, I’m talking about David Shane. Fact of the matter is? He was nothing more than a B+ wrestler back in the day, and he’s nothing more than a C+ company owner. I knew what you were trying to do, David…and I’ll be DAMNED if I let you run this company to the ground to feed your ego. I’m looking forward to Star’s team beating yours at Crusade. And after that…you’re gone from power. I’m motioning for the board to remove you from your position after Crusade, so that we don’t have to suffer from your poison any longer.
(There’s a buzz from the crowd, as this is quite the bombshell.)
Max Sheppard: But, for now…it’s main event time! This is going to be a great one, so I’ll get out of the way and we’ll get it started. Enjoy the rest of the show, everyone!
(With that, Max gets out of the ring, and starts making his way to the back, as we cut to JR and Alf.)
JR Freeman: Wow…could you imagine if David Shane was removed from his position?
Alfonso Banks; That…that can’t happen….can it?
JR Freeman: Honestly? I’m not sure. But I’d be careful if I were you. If they are willing to get rid of him, you might be next.
Alfonso Banks: But everybody loves me!
JR Freeman: You say that…
Main Event
Singles Match
Gracie Lopez vs. Violet Amelia Holt
(The cameras cut to Meg Reynolds, who is standing by in the ring.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for our main event of the evening. The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Now, introducing the competitors…
(The lights softly die down as a countdown clock appears on the screen. Once the clock hits zero, “I Miss The Misery” strikes up as Violet Amelia Holt steps out onto the stage with a softball bat draped across her shoulders. The crowd doesn't quite know what to do as she stands on the stage and stoically stares at the ring with a malice look on her face.
Meg Reynolds: Making her way to the ring from Orlando, Florida, standing five feet two inches tall and weighing 128 pounds. Please welcome Violet Amelia Holt
(Violet somberly walks down the ramp while muttering things underneath her breath. Her eyes remain on the ring as she quietly hops up onto the ring apron. She steps through the ropes, walks over toward the corner and leans against it.)
JR Freeman: You gotta think this is a big opportunity for Violet, being in such a high profile match against one of the bigger names in our company. It will be interesting to see how she handles the pressure.
Alfonso Banks: That’s to say there IS any pressure. Anything can happen on any given night, and this is just another match. Violet has just as good of chances at winning this as Gracie, and if Gracie is smart, she won’t be overlooking Violet here.
JR Freeman: Knowing from what we’ve seen from Gracie to this point, I highly doubt she’s overlooking her.
(The lights in the arena go out, as Def Leppard's “kick” starts to play as the crowd cheers as Gracie Lopez walks on stage. Pyro sprays across the stage and around the videoboard as she walks down the ramp.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing her opponent, from San Diego, California, Gracie Lopez!
(While walking down the ramp, Gracie high fives some fans in the front row before rolling into the ring. She leaps up on the ring ropes and pyro sprays around the lighting rig above her as the crowd cheers for her again. She hops down and makes her way over to her corner, as Reynolds exits the ring, and the ref calls for the bell to start the match.)
JR Freeman: And here we go with our main event. We are so happy you are all here to join us tonight, and we hope you’ve enjoyed the show. This one is sure to be a great match.
Alfonso Banks: It almost seems like a David vs Goliath situation, Violet being David. Over the week, not many people really giving her a chance in this one. I, personally, prefer to be a bit more open-minded.
JR Freeman: You just like chaos and what chaos it would bring if Violet were to pull the upset here.
Alfonso Banks: See? That’s just it. You called her winning an upset. She hasjust as good a chance as Gracie.
JR Freeman: I guess we’ll let the in-ring action speak for itself.
(The women start the match circling around in the ring, sizing each other up, before locking up with a collar and elbow tie-up, but Gracie quickly sends Violet to the ropes, and when Violet comes back, Gracie delivers a picture perfect dropkick, that causes Violet to go crashing through the ropes, and down tot he floor on the outside. Gracie gets back to her feet, looking out at Violet, and once Violet is getting to her feet, Gracie runs to the opposite ropes, then back to the side of the ring Violet is at and jumps up, flipping over the ropes, and landing into Violet with a senton, as they crash to the floor once more.)
JR Freeman: Jesus! Gracie pulling out all the stops here.
Alfonso Banks: She better be careful not to hurt herself.
(Gracie takes a moment to get Violet back to her feet, but when she goes to send her back into the ring, Violet reverses it, changes direction, and sends Gracie face first into the ring post! Gracie smacks the post and falls to the floor, as the ref yells from in the ring for the two women to get back in the ring.)
1…
2…
3…
(Violet ignores the referee, and gets Gracie by the head, lifting her up a bit, before slamming her into the ringside barricade.)
4…
5…
(Violet lifts Gracie up again, and again slams her into the barricade. She gets Gracie up to her feet, grabs her head, and starts bashing it against the ringside barricade as the ref’s count continues.)
6…
7…
8…
(Before the ref can reach the count of nine, Violet lets go of Gracie, letting her crumble to the floor, as Violet walks over and rolls in under the bottom rope, before rolling back out, simply breaking the count. She goes to pick Gracie back up, but Gracie trips her up, and she goes face first into the barricade! The crowd cheers, as Gracie uses the barricade to get to her feet. Gracie takes the opportunity to return the favor, and starts bashing Violet’s head against the barricade. Meanwhile, in the ring, the ref is counting again.)
1…
2…
3…
JR Freeman: These two are going to have to get this back in the ring.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, the match can’t be won out there, but it can certainly be lost!
4…
5…
(Gracie takes Violet and throws her in the ring, before taking her place on the ring apron. She looks at Violet, then out at the crowd.)
JR Freeman: She thinking Style and Grace?
Alfonso Banks: She’s wasting too much time…
(Gracie uses the rope for momentum, jumping up in a springboard, rotating in the air, and crashing down with the Style and Grace 450 onto Violet. The move gets a great reaction from the crowd, as Gracie goes for the pin.)
1…
2…
3!!!
*DING DING*
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, Gracie Lopez!
JR Freeman: That was a hard hitting match. A great win for Gracie Lopez tonight. She gets some momentum going forward into the Armageddon match, showing that she is a deserving representative for Team Star.
Alfonso Banks: Could you be a little bit more biased?
JR Freeman: Oh, that’s rich…coming from you.
(In the ring, Violet is helped out and helped to the back, as Gracie celebrates her win, posing for the crowd.)
JR Freeman: Ladies and gentlemen, I truly hope you’ve enjoyed the show tonight, as it has been an action-packed one. We’ll be with you again for Riot in the former home of PWSi, AMSTERDAM, in two weeks! We are on our way to Crusade, which is already shaping up to be a massive show.
Alfonso Banks: The Armageddon match…the World Title Match…the United TItle Match…and who knows what else! It’s bound to be a great show!
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes in the bottom right corner of the screen, indicating the end of the show, but then….)
WINNER - GRACIE LOPEZ
(Suddenly, “Adrenaline” by Shinedown starts to play over the sound system, and the fans rain down with boos, as David Shane makes his way out onto the stage.)
JR Freeman: Oh, what does he want?
(David stops at the top of the ramp, before he motions to the back, and out comes a load of security guards. They walk past David and go to about halfway down the ramp, forming a barricade between David and the ring.)
JR Freeman: What’s the meaning of this?
Alfonso Banks: I would think he’s about to tell us, if you give him a chance.
(Gracie is looking at David with a “what the hell” expression on her face, as he finally starts to speak.)
David Shane: Congrats on the win, Gracie. It was a hard fought victory. I’m sure you are happy to get the win.
(We get a shot of Gracie, as we can see her to point to the security guards.)
David Shane: Oh, don’t worry. They’re not here for you. You see, I saw your little speech to Star earlier, how you would stand by her to the end. It was cute…admirable even. But lest you forget, when I was out here earlier, I said that there would be consequences for anyone who stood with Star. Do you think that just because of your last name, that somehow exempts you? I would say I’m sorry to have to do this…but if I’m being completely, totally honest…
(He pauses for a second, as the boos continue. Just then, a sick smile comes across his face.)
David Shane: I’m going to enjoy this. These…are your consequences.
(TThe boos somehow get even louder, as Jonathan Sanders, Alexander Lyons, and Dionysus come through the crowd and hit the ring. They slide in and attack Gracie, as Dionysus decks her with a big clothesline. The trio continue the attack by kicking her while she’s on the mat, as we look back at the top of the ramp, and David has now walked past the line of security guards, and is barking orders to the three in the ring.)
JR Freeman: What the hell!? Come on, we gotta get someone out here! This is bullshit!
Alfonso Banks: She knew there was consequences for standing with Star!
JR Freeman: Oh, cut the shit, Alf! This is nothing more than the damn coward dictator David Shane trying to silence anyone who opposes him.
(The boos suddenly turn to cheers, as we see Alexis Makarios and Jennifer Makarios-Lopez. However, they get stopped by the line of security guards, who won’t let them past.)
JR Freeman: What the f-
Alfonso Banks: JR! Language!
JR Freeman: Go to hell Alf! This is wrong and you KNOW it!
(The boos are deafening, but again they change to cheers, as from behind the curtain, BOLTING to the ring, come Daniel and Audrey Russow. But again, they are stopped by the line of security guards, which is about twenty men deep at this point, and the attack continues in the ring, with David Shane continuing to bark orders from the outside. By now, the crowd is damn near riot status.)
JR Freeman: Send someone else! Send EVERYONE else! Get those bastards away from her!
Alfonso Banks; They are just doing what they were told!
(In a moment where all seems lost, as everyone who has tried to break through the security line has been thwarted, there is a sign of hope. There is no pomp, no circumstance, no fanfare, however the PWS Hall of Famer, and the man with the biggest vendetta against David Shane, makes his way out onto the stage. The crowd roars with cheers, as “The Iceman” Levi Russow stands atop the stage with a absolute snarl on his face. He does a jump and starts charging towards the ring. He gets close to the security line, but before he gets to the line, he manges to jump up on Dan’s back, and uses it to propel himself over everyone! He lands on the other side of the line to a huge ovation from the crowd.)
JR Freeman: Come on Levi! Get ‘em!
Alfonso Banks: It’ll still be three on one…
JR Freeman: If anyone can do it, it’s Levi motherflippin’ Russow!
(David turns around, only to get absolutely destroyed by a vicious knockout punch.)
JR Freeman: GOD! THAT HAD TO FEEL GOOD!
Alfonso Banks: Really!? He just struck the owner of the company!
JR Freeman: CO-owner, and not his fault the dude deserves that and more!
(David crumbles to the floor, as Levi quickly turns his attention to the ring, sliding in. He quickly gets to his feet, as Lyons charges at him, but Levi rolls and hits him with the rolling Kesagiri chop from hell…)
JR Freeman: BITCHSLAP!
Alfonso Banks: LANGUAGE!
(Jonathan Sanders turns his attention to Levi, as he tells Dionysus to keep on the attack on Gracie. Sanders goes to attack Levi, but Levi catches him and drops him with a jumping cutter.)
JR Freeman: ONE! EIGHT! SEVEN! HELL YEAH!
(Levi pops up, but after all that, he gets taken down when Dionysus basically bullrushes him and sends him flying into the corner. Dionysus charges at him in the corner, splsashing into Levi. The other two members of Antithesis get back to their feet, as the three continue their assault on Levi and Gracie. David gets in the ring with a microphone, as he starts yelling at Levi.)
David Shane: You wanted to be a hero!? Huh!? Thought you could make the save!? Hey, the rest of you, you see this? THIS is what happens when you stand against me! And to all you that tried to save Gracie here? To ANY roster member that tries to stand with Star and join her team? You will NOT be able to challenge for ANY title, and if you happen to already be a champion and do so? You will be stripped of your title. So, if I were the lot of you, I’d let this play out the way it needs to, and stay out of our way. By “our way” I mean…Meet three members of my team for the Armageddon match…Jonathan Sanders, Alexander Lyons, and Dionysus!
(The fans boo, as the PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, and we fade to black.)
© PWS: APEX 2022, All Rights Reserved.
