Post by Star Stormz on Nov 11, 2022 23:37:30 GMT -5
PWS: APEX RIOT
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2O22
JOHAN CRYUFF ARENA - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2O22
JOHAN CRYUFF ARENA - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, before we cut straight to the ring, where Star Stormz and Max Sheppard are standing with 2 small tables between them. On one, the PWS:APEX Collateral Damage Title belt, and on the other a belt covered with a piece of cloth as if to hide its appearance. Star and Max both have mics in hand.)
Star Stormz: Hello, Amsterdam!
(The crowd pops loudly.)
Star Stormz: It feels so good to be back in the home of PWSi, doesn’t it Max?
Max Sheppard: It sure does! It’s been far too long!
Star Stormz: So we are going to get straight to the point out here, because I know you guys are DYING to see those guys and gals in the back come out here and beat the shit out of each other!
Max Sheppard: There’s so much planned for tonight! So as Star here mentioned, let’s cut to the chase. Last week we announced that Dylan Howell and Devon Ryder were NOT going to be co-champions of the Collateral Damage after the outcome of their match from Dishonored.
Star Stormz: We have decided that Dylan Howell will be crowned the Collateral Damage Champion, and Devon Ryder will be awarded the brand new Pure Championship!
Max Sheppard: And right NOW we are going to present them with their respective titles formally. So Devon and Dylan… if we could please have you guys come out here?
(As if on cue, "Adrenaline" by Gavin Rossdale hits the speakers. At the top of the stage there is now a spotlight. In the spotlight Dylan walks out. The fans start to cheer louder until the jumbotron in large electric blue writing DYLAN HOWELL IS HERE NOW. The crowd now starts to cheer wildly and chant at the top of their lungs the name "Dylan Howell" as the lights come on and Dylan sprints to the ring dressed like a biker in leather. He gets in the ring and stands across from Star and Max.)
Meg Reynolds: Please welcome the PWS:APEX COLLATERAL DAMAGE CHAMPION.. DYLAN HOWELL!
(Dylan’s music cuts and the lights dim and then begin to slowly, calmly strobe red and white as the gentle introductory chords of "American Woman" begin to lilt over the speakers. The Big Screen cycles through a medley of images depicting some of the worst facets of American society, each one accompanied by a block of white text bearing information about what we're seeing. During this montage, Ryder slowly rises onto the centre of the stage from below, shrouded in shadow. Following this there's a brief pause, when the text reads "Don't you think you can do better? Don't you need...a Hero?" Then the song kicks into gear, with the opening riff blasting over the speakers as the lights come back up and Devon Ryder is standing on the entrance ramp, with his back to the audience and his arms spread out, revealing the back of his jacket which reads "CANADIAN" across the shoulder blades and "HERO" across the lower back, with a white maple leaf emblazoned between them. Ryder holds the Canadian flag outstretched in both hands, so his body is silhouetted against it as a backdrop, and he holds that position until the opening riff changes and the vocals kick in, at which point he spins around on his heel and begins to strut arrogantly down to the ring, carrying the flag proudly over one shoulder as he does. When he reaches the base of the ramp, he grins, looking around at the audience before climbing the steps and popping in through the middle rope.)
Meg Reynolds: Please welcome the PWS:APEX PURE CHAMPION… DEVON RYDER!
(The fans boo but Star calls for them to simmer down.)
Star Stormz: Devon may not be the most popular member of our roster, but he gives it his all in the ring and that is why we feel he deserves the honor of being the inaugural PWS:APEX Pure Champion.
Max Sheppard: With a shiny new title belt and everything!
(Max reaches over and pulls the material off the belt, revealing the title, before picking it up and handing it over to Devon. Devon takes it and drapes it over his shoulder proudly.)
Max Sheppard: And to Dylan, who keeps us guessing with what he is going to do next, encompasses the chaos that is the Collateral Damage division.
(Star picks up the CD Title and hands it to Dylan, who also displays his title proudly.)
Star Stormz: But that’s not all… we have another surprise in store for you two.
Max Sheppard: You guys are being given the opportunity to choose, by whatever method you wish, who you will defend those titles against at Crusade. So you guys just let us know who you want, and we will make it happen.
(Both Dylan and Devon give a small nod in understanding, as they both hold their titles high. With that, we cut away to the RIOT opening video.)
Match One
Singles Match
Carmen Rodriguez vs. Aaliyah Landerson
(This match starts with an immediate dropkick attempt from Landerson, but Carmen immediately backs up, making Aaliyah crash and burn. Carmen follows up from here, locking in a fujiwara armbar! Aaliyah manages not to tap, looking to her father for encouragement, but Carmen releases the hold anyway, toying with the young Landerson. She picks her up by the hair, tossing her into the turnbuckle and mounting it, delivering 10 punches, which the crowd delights in counting along with. Carmen controls the match for a while, shooting down any attempt at Aaliyah’s offense. After just a few minutes, Carmen hits a Roses Fall, pinning Aaliyah’s shoulders to the mat!)
1!
2!
Thr- No, El Landerson comes in to break up the pin!
JR Freeman: A nice save there from Aaliyah’s father!
Alfonso Banks: He’s not in the match, get him out of there! He’s like pineapple on a pizza!
JR Freeman: What, because he doesn’t deserve to be there?
Alfonso Banks: Because he’s a scourge on humanity and anyone who likes him deserves to be shot!
JR Freeman: Isn’t that taking it a little too far, Alf?
Alfonso Banks: …Yeah, sorry, I got carried away. I REALLY dislike Hawaiian pizza.
(Carmen turns to El Landerson, who the ref gets out of the ring. Aaliyah tries to make a comeback from behind, and manages to hit a hurricanrana, but Carmen rolls through from it and pops back up to her feet, grabbing Aaliyah and kneeing her in the face! Back in control of the match, Carmen’s mainly just adding insult to injury at this point, knowing that she could win at any point, but continuing to rain down offense on Landerson anyway, even at one point picking her up and tossing her throat-first onto the top rope, making the crowd boo her actions.)
Alfonso Banks: Oh, just finish her off already!
JR Freeman: This is a massacre!
(Carmen, giving a little smirk, hits a Goodnight Kiss, but that isn’t enough. She transitions from there to the Queen of Queens! Landerson doesn’t tap, because she’s well and truly knocked out. The referee raises her arm once, and it falls. Twice, it falls again. Three times… it falls to the mat! The bell rings, Carmen having secured herself a dominant victory. After the bell, she doesn’t let go of the hold, making the ref scold her a bit, but she comes back with “The match is over, what are you gonna do?”.)
JR Freeman: What a brutal display from Carmen Rodriguez!
Alfonso Banks: No shit, Sherlock.
JR Freeman: Wow, I haven’t heard that phrase earnestly used in almost a decade!
Alfonso Banks: How often have you heard this one? Fuck off, JR.
JR Freeman: Too often… and mostly from you.
Alfonso Banks: Damn right.
WINNER - CARMEN RODRIGUEZ
(The employee side door swings open as a young woman with a different look comes walking into the building. No one seems to be paying her any attention until Shelby Holt bumps into her on accident.)
Shelby Holt: I am so sorry……..
(Shelby looks closely into the dark colored sunglasses as her eyes light up.)
Shelby Holt: Ivory!?
(Ivory removes the sunglasses while sticking her tongue out a bit.)
Ivory Sullivan: What’s the matter Shel?
Shelby Holt: What in the hell are you wearing? What happened to your hair?
Ivory Sullivan: This is the real me. Got a problem with it.
(Shelby shakes her head as Ivory brushes past her old friend and continues down the hallway. Ivory goes up to the coffee bar and starts pour herself a cup of coffee as Cameron Fernandez comes walking up next to her. Ivory is just minding her own business as Cameron happens to give a double take.)
Cameron Fernandez: Ivory!? Is that really you?
Ivory Sullivan: Yes, why is this the only thing people can notice?
Cameron Fernandez: What are you doing here? You’re not on the card.
(Ivory slightly rolls her eyes before picking up her coffee.)
Ivory Sullivan: I know that Cameron. I am here to scout my next opponents whenever that happens. I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines. I want to see some action.
Cameron Fernandez: Not everyone can be booked on a show.
Ivory Sullivan: You know for a reporter, you are really slow sometimes. Now if you excuse me, I have to get going.
(Ivory takes a sip of her coffee and makes her way toward a monitor.)
Check in, as this past Friday, Chris chatted with the handler of Star Stormz and Alexis Makarios!
(The cameras pan around the arena, as "Gangstas Paradise" blasts on the PA system and the World Champion power walks to the ring with a purpose, wasting no time requesting a microphone. The crowd cheers loudly for the World Champion, until she quiets them with a single hand gesture. )
Cleo Phillips: Now, I'm not out here to talk about Mike Hawk, but I will say this. Mike Hawk at least has the balls to stand up and fight, at least Mike Hawk had the cahones to step up and challenge me proper. He is willing to fight and earn this, that's something I can respect.
(She pauses and nods to the crowd.)
Cleo Phillips: But, there is someone else I need to address, someone who threatened me last Riot, someone who threatened all champions. I of course am talking about that no good sunuvabitch David Shane.
(The crowd oooos at Cleos words.)
JR Freeman: I'm not sure this is wise, David threatened to strip any champion who stands against him.
Alfonso Banks: I don't think Cleo cares, she's been a rebel her entire life. She isn't the type to just fall in line.
Cleo Phillips: You want to threaten my championship reign if I don't follow your order? If I stand with Star Stormz, then there will be hell to pay? Well I've always been a bit hard headed, and never have listened to well. Because as THE champ of PWS, I will say it loud and proud….
(Cleo clears her throat and the camera cuts to a closeup of her looking straight at it, no fear in her eyes.)
Cleo Phillips: I STAND WITH STAR STORMZ!!!
(The crowd erupts into cheers at Cleos statement)
JR Freeman: David isn’t going to like that, if the champ isn’t careful she might not make it to Crusade as champion.
Cleo Phillips: Star Stormz has always had my back. When I wanted to start my community outreach programs, it was Star Stormz who contacted me offering resources and help to get me started. David Shane is nothing more than a punk, a bully and your World Champion isn’t going to be quiet about it. Now, I can’t be a part of the Armageddon match because I have Mike Hawk to deal with, but whatever team Star assembles has the support of the champ. I dare David Shane to try and strip me of MY championship. I’ve worked too hard to get where I’m at for David to be playin’ games and issuing out threats. This championship isn’t being taken away from me anytime soon by anyone, not David Shane, not Mike Hawk, ANYONE. I am the PWS World Champion. I have to take a stand for what’s right, so in case you didn’t hear me the first time David, I’ll say it again…..I STAND WITH STAR STORMZ.!!
(Cleo fearlessly holds up her World Championship, to the cheers of the crowd, before exiting to “Gangstas Paradise”)
JR Freeman: I hope the champ knows what she’s getting herself into here.
Alfonso Banks: Whatever happens, I know she’ll be ready for whatever challenge is thrown in front of her, if anyone is used to overcoming obstacles thrown at her, it’s Cleo Phillips.
JR Freeman: Well, I can’t argue that, but she might be biting off more than she can chew here.
Alfonso Banks: And that’s just how she likes it.
JR Freeman: Well, we’ll have to see how this develops.
Match Two
Singles Match
Morgan Baker vs. Shawn Young
(The match begins with an explosive start from Young, who hits a flipping dropkick right off the bat, going to the ropes and hitting some flippy moves from the top and middle ropes on either side, which gets the crowd excited to see his offense! The Young Hit Wonder picks up Morgan, looking for a flying headscissors, but she grabs him and plants him to the mat with a running bulldog instead! The match is in Morgan’s favour for a bit, hitting move after move, with Young getting in little offense at this point.)
JR Freeman: Morgan Baker is a dangerous competitor, but Shawn Young is very quick! That might prove to be Morgan’s downfall!
Alfonso Banks: Hasn’t so far.
(Shawn kips up after one move, hitting an outta-nowhere Spear, before going for the pin!
1!
2!
(No, a kickout! Young’s on the offense for a bit here, mostly very impressive aerial moves that wow the crowd. However, after he goes for a springboard Swanton Bomb, Morgan gets one foot up and Shawn ends up hitting himself on it, tumbling to the mat and letting her take over the match again! Morgan picks up Young, hitting a few headbutts before dropping him to the mat with a dropkick. She then brings him to the corner, doing some moves to knock the young man into the turnbuckle. They exchange offense, mostly kicks, for a bit, making the crowd go “Woo!” at each of their exchanged hits. Neither show any signs of weakness, as both continue their assault on one another.)
Alfonso Banks: You have to wonder how much each of these two wants this victory!
JR Freeman: It’s Shawn Young’s first match back, so I figure he probably wants this just a little more than Morgan Baker!
Alfonso Banks: Maybe, but wanting it isn’t everything, JR, you have to fight for it, too!
(The back and forth continues for a bit, with both competitors getting some decent offense in, but the tables turn in favour of Baker when she’s able to hit the Trouble in Paradise!)
JR Freeman: Trouble in Paradise! This one’s gotta be over!
Alfonso Banks: Every time you say that, JR, it never is!
(The ref counts the pinfall.)
1!
2!
3!
(The bell rings as Morgan is announced as the winner.)
JR Freeman: You were saying, Alf?
Alfonso Banks: You guys must’ve done that on purpose, just to fuck with me.
WINNER - MORGAN BAKER
“Congratulations, Morgan…”
(As this match draws to a close and Morgan Baker stands tall in the centre of the ring, a familiar face strides slowly out from behind the curtain. He is not accompanied by any theme music, but newly-crowned PWS: Apex Pure Champion Devon Ryder holds a microphone in one hand and the title match contract he snatched earlier in the other. He waits a moment for the surprisingly-mixed reaction to die down, then raises the microphone to his lips and continues.)
Devon Ryder: I truly, genuinely mean that. That was a hard-fought match, your FIRST in quite some time, and you wrestled it magnificently well. I am impressed… and I do not say so lightly.
(Devon pauses again, and the crowd gives another mixed pop; some cheer for his words applauding Morgan Baker, while most continue to pepper him with boos for his opinions.)
Devon Ryder: Earlier tonight, I opted not to choose my opponent for Crusade until I’d seen some of the action on this card. I knew I wanted someone talented, someone with the pure professional-wrestling skill to prove themselves worthy of this title…
(He raises the belt high above his head for just a moment, before letting it drop back onto his shoulder.)
Devon Ryder: And I knew I wanted an underdog. Somebody unproven as yet in this company, somebody who has not been TESTED on this kind of stage with these kinds of stakes before… and that’s why I think YOU are the perfect choice. You’re absolutely talented - I don’t think ANYBODY could deny the skill we’ve just seen on display - but you’re also young, Morgan. Fresh. Green, as some of the more-cynical veterans in our midst might choose to claim. But that’s precisely what I want. I want this match - this BELT - to be a voice for the unnoticed. A proving ground for the unproven. I want the PWS: Apex Pure Championship to showcase some of the GREATEST unrealized potential this locker room has to offer!
(Ryder pauses here, his lips curling into a slight smirk as he stares down at the ring, locking eyes with Morgan Baker, who’s now leaning against the ropes, making a “come on” motion with one hand.)
Devon Ryder: So if you want the first crack at this title, Morgan…
(He tosses the contract down the ramp, letting it slide as close to the ring as it can get from his position.)
Devon Ryder: Come and get it.
(With that, the Guess Who’s “American Woman” DOES start up to cover Devon’s exit, as he pivots on his heel and dips back behind the curtain. Morgan Baker has already left the ring to eagerly retrieve the contract, which we see her glancing over and nodding, preparing to sign before the cameras cut backstage.)
(Slaps McKill and Jesse Russow stand just outside their locker room. For the sheer reason Slaps doesn’t trust what might be looming in there.)
Jesse Russow: This is dumb. He’d only jack up the locker room once, bro. You know his style.
Slaps McKill: Better cautious than bleeding.
Jesse Russow: Wait, wait, wait…are you…are you fuckin’ SCARED o’ this kid!?
(Slaps suddenly snaps to attention in Jesse’s face absolutely snarling.)
Slaps McKill: GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD…MACK MCKANE IS ALWAYS A THREAT.
Jesse Russow: Okay! Okay! Stop shoutin’!
Slaps McKill: That “kid” captured the Collateral Damage title and held it for God knows how long until he proposed that Option C thing where he cashed it in to win the WORLD title…that he went on to hold for a YEAR. And let’s not forget to mention that he DEMANDED that MOST of his fights be deathmatches…so YEAH…he makes me a little “UNEASY”.
Jesse Russow: There’s jack shit to be afraid of-
Slaps McKill: Oh AND there’s the Jack shit to be afraid of! Former SCW Roulette champion in less than five matches and he had to beat Griffin fucking Hawkins to DO it…you think THAT silly little bastard isn’t batshit crazy enough to go ‘Russow” on us? I’m not scared. When you live my life lately…you can’t afford to be scared.
Jesse Russow: Fine…I’ll prove to you there’s nothing wrong with this joint and Imma stay in the locker room. You’re fighting a dumbass squid, you’ll be fine.
Slaps McKill: Sometimes…you are a fool. Stay on the lookout.
(Slaps and Jesse bump knuckles as Slaps walks off towards the ring and once he’s outta frame we see a leather jacket sleeve enter the frame as a purple bat slides down the arm and we cut to commercials.)
Match Three
Singles Match
Slaps McKills vs. The Squid-Man
(As we return from the commercial break, the lights turn just a tinge blue, with a wavy light effect that makes it look like water, as "Ocean Man" plays. Squid-Man bounces and jumps to the music as he walks exaggeratedly to the ring, giving high fives and generally having an infectiously bubbly personality. He slides into the ring, immediately ready to start fighting if his opponent jumps the gun.)
JR Freeman: Alf, what in the world do you make of The Squid-Man?
Alfonso Banks: I personally think we should sit out a little soy sauce and wasabi cause this squid is about to be some calamari!
JR Freeman: Well he cert-
(The lights in the arena go out, as drumbeats and scratches as a whirling echo uprises into a vicious drumbeat, familiar to the PWS Apex Universe as Davey Havok's voice begins snarling to the fans absolute sing-along delight.)
LOVE!
YOUR HATE!
YOUR!
FAITH LOST!
YOU!
ARE NOW!
ONE!
ONE OF US!
(Pyro doesn't even blast just blinding lights come flashing back on in the arena we see a Terminator posed Slaps McKill who slowly raises his head and looks towards the horizon for his opponents gaze as "Miseria Cantare" by AFI continues to play.)
...AS WE ALL FORM ONE DARK FLAME!!!!
(Slaps flips his hair out of his face, throws up a fist, and screams with the fans…)
...INCINERAAAAATE!!!
(Slaps bops to the ring along with the song laughing at the Squid-Man the whole way and before he can get through the ropes, Squid-Man has dropkicked the knee that was in the ring which makes Slaps buckle and tumble backwards bouncing off the stairs as he rolls around on the floor.)
JR Freeman: OH MY GOD WHAT A SHOT!
Alfonso Banks: Throw him in the ring kid! SPONGEBOB’S COUNTING ON YOU!
(Indeed Squid-Man has pulled Slaps up and thrown him in the ring with the cover!)
1!
2!
KICKOUT!
(Squid-Man adjusts his mask and waits to call his shot as Slaps starts to pull himself up, Squid-Man jumps on him locking in the Octopus Stretch! Slaps is screaming as Squid-Man crushes his nose with his calf and he holds the lock for a good fifteen seconds until, just being too much of a behemoth, Slaps rips his arm free and Squid-Man still hanging off of him…Slaps just SLAMS him back down as hard as he can.)
Alfonso Banks: Squid-Man is done. Holy sh-
JR Freeman: -urely surprising a lot of fans that…are actually starting to buy into this! I can hear a faint Squid-Man chant!
Alfonso Banks: Until Slaps McKill literally just Hulk smashed his body…dude is 5’10”, 185 pounds. What did management THINK was gonna happen?
JR Freeman: I would guess not THIS, Squid-Man is shining tonight!
(Slaps is up hobbling in the corner shaking out all the pain and straining his eyes trying to refocus as Squid-Man slowly starts standing…when he gets to his knees, still leaning on his hands, Slaps soccer punts him in the face. The kick snaps Squid-Man’s head back as Slaps grabs his head screaming at him before yanking him up, setting him up, crossing his arms and hoisting him up on his shoulder and hitting a sickening Gonzo Bomb.)
JR Freeman: And he calls that the TPK.
Alfonso Banks: the Total Party Kill…I like it!
JR Freeman: What’s going on here now?
(Back in the ring, Slaps has lifted Squid-Man’s head and he’s speaking calmly to him…then we see him pat Squid-Man on the chest out of respect before he gets a microphone.)
Slaps McKill: Even when you put me against sealife, you can’t kill this momentum! I just had match of the night with a Squid. That’s right…nothin’ else you got is worth watching anymore! Just the same old cookie cutter bitchy divas that spend more time looking in a mirror than hunting Cleo Phillips…and rest assured Cleo, you ARE the target. But I respect you enough to know you already figured that out. But before I crush YOU…I gotta deal with a little…Stabby problem. And I really…really don’t like surprises so just bring ‘im out!
(After a few seconds, we see the beaten and bloodied body of Jesse Russow thrown out on stage and following him…a leather cloak with a matching mask holding a purple baseball bat comes walking out onto the stage…the fans are going absolutely crazy!)
Slaps McKill: The stupidest thing you coulda done…that was the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.
(Mack raises the microphone to cut Slaps off…but something’s off.)
Mack McKane: No the stupidest thing I’VE ever done was ever trusting YOU.
(It was Mack McKane’s costume…but it wasn’t Mack McKane’s voice. As soon as Slaps registers who’s voice it is we see his eyes grow wide and then flash completely soul crushed and sad before he shakes it off. Sure enough, “Mack” unzips the cloak and drops it and the fans start to get a little wild. When the cloak drops we see “Mack” is wearing a tanktop and is heavily bandaged with kinetic tape as he slides in the ring, takes two steps towards Slaps…when he flipped the hood up we could see brilliant silver hair silhouetting darkly painted eyes as the hand goes up to slowly remove the mask…Slaps has been taken off his guard so bad he doesn’t realize one of the cameramen behind him has taken off his hat and hoodie to reveal the REAL Mack McKane who takes his one quick shot…grabbing Slaps in a crossarm hold as he whirls him around cracking him with a HORRIBLE ripcord lariat!)
JR Freeman: MEMENTO MORI!!!
Alfonso Banks: Something’s up though, look at Slaps reaction.
(Slaps is rolling around in agony as we see blood start to flow from a cut opened between his eyes as Jack slides in the ring and looks weirdly at Mack as Mack reveals the arm he clotheslined him with had a hard wrapped wrist adorning barbed wire.)
Jack Russow: Barbed wire?
(Mack shrugs at him.)
Jack Russow: Crazy bastard…ANYWAY! HIYA HERBERT! Iunno if you REMEMBER me right now…hello, my name is Jack. You helped raise me from a toddler…and then? You tried to sever my spinal column…you tried to crush my skull…you tried to cripple me to the point I couldn’t hold my CHILDREN!!! And did you thhhink…I was just gonna let you walk away? Naw…no you are both going to learn this lesson. When you fffffffuck…with ONE of us…you get ALL of us. But I…I’m not gonna be cleared for a long…long time. I had to have a couple tendons repaired, it’s fine, I’m a champion…I’m a Russow…I’m gonna be just fine. I told myself that once I could get back to holding my kids…I thought maybe I’d just let you go. I’d given up the fight game, why did you pick ME to send a message!? I WISH…to GOD…I could KILL you. But since I can’t…I called in my evil side…my brother…
(Mack has a microphone now and he leans over the still rocked Slaps.)
Mack McKane: ‘Ello bruv…d’you remember me?
Jack Russow: We just thought that since you and my dear bleeding Uncle over there wanted to go on such a holy Crusade in search of the Holy Grail over Cleo Phillips’ shoulder…your tyranny just can’t stand, bro!
Mack McKane; Jackie boy can’t hurt’cha…but I can, sugar. I surely can.
Jack Russow: Think it over…when you get your boo-boo’s covered up.
(Jack and Mack toss their microphones bouncing them off Slaps as they both slide out of the ring and Jesse runs and punts his uncle in the gut one more time before walking back and raising Mack’s hand)
JR Freeman: THE MESSAGE IS SENT, THE CHALLENGE IS CLEAR, MACK MCKANE WANTS SLAPS MCKILL AT CRUSADE!
Alfonso Banks: I THOUGHT WE WERE DONE WITH THE BLOOD!!!
WINNER - SLAPS MCKILLS
(The cameras cut to the back as Violet Amelia Holt is standing next to a monitor. Her eyes are glued to what’s on the screen as Claire Anderson walks up to her.)
Claire Anderson: Um…..excuse me…..Violet?
(Violet doesn’t actually hear her as she has noise canceling AirPods in her ears.)
Claire Anderson: Violet!?
(Claire says while tapping Violet on the shoulder. Violet violently turns her head and sees Claire standing there. Violet rolls her eyes while removing the headphone with the microphone.)
Violet: What do you want Claire?
Claire: Violet, what are you doing here on Riot?
Violet: Last time I checked, I don’t fucking answer to you. As for why I am here, that’s for me to fucking know and for you to find the fuck out. No amscray.
(Violet says while returning her gaze to the monitor and placing the headphone back in her ear.)
(The lights in the arena go out.)
JR Freeman: What the hell?
Alfonso Banks: What is going on???
(And old film plays. There is no sound, but it shows someone in the corner of a room. It’s black and white and the room appears padded. The hypnotic and dark voice of Corey Bull rolls out, almost like it’s a demonic purr.)
Corey Bull: P..W…S. Did you miss us? We can tell you did…because you have all gone stupid.
Let us explain.
David Shane was a bitch when we left…nothing has changed. Star was a bitch when we left…nothing has changed. We could point out a few more…but why beat a dead horse. Other than for the sound it makes.
(Sadistic laughter.)
Corey Bull: But we digress. You see…PWS summoned us…not the other way around. It’s death cries spoke to us across the planes of existence…begging for a champion. But not those knights in shining armor or the man on a white charger…no. PWS called for a Death Dealer. A monster that walks in the light and dark without a concern for those that see him. And as we prepared to arrive…another voice screamed for us…softly at first as it was being muffled. Then it was a torrent of sound….that was once again muffled. And that was A sweet red-haired demon that reached out and plucked our chord.
(The scene changes to people in the 40’s working in factories, and women making ammunition. We are old hospitals filled with the dying and the insane.)
Corey Bull: Insanity isn’t a detriment. An insanity is a survival tool. Man has been using it for centuries to expand their mind and adapt and evolve. You had to be a little crazy to grab the thing that was on fire…knowing that fire could kill you. And how about the soul that walked with wolves…definitely insane. Crazy was needed to be the best. Alexis…what you are…the thing that lives within you… screams for release.
But you do your best to silence it…you keep it locked away. That is your mistake.
It is a part of you…it is meant to be free. Just look at what has happened to you since you tucked it away. Look at what you could accomplish if it was free though Alexis.
We see it within you and we want it to walk amongst us…so we are willing to make the sacrifice and break you down…piece by piece. And when it is time…we will let it free and show you a world of power you have never seen before.
(Laughter)
Corey Bull: Do you know the best part, Alexis? Everyone is oblivious to us. This crop of wrestlers that are here…so many of them should know who and what we are…but they don’t. They think they are safe…they think that they are immune to us. Even Shane and Sheppard think they are immune.
But they are wrong.
You though…you see the red flags already. Your body screams to be against ours…you fight your urges and that's ok. Soon..you will give in to them and feel power and victory like never before…you will stand with us on top of this heap and we shall reap the souls of PWS until only the strong survive…and we have wiped out the weak.
Until then our precious red-haired demon… remember that song.
(Bull's voice is sing-songy.)
Corey Bull: Every move you make…
Every step you take..
I’ll be watching you…
(Laughter, sadistic and deep/ Pleasant and terrifying.)
(When the footage cuts and goes to the back to show a terrified looking Alexis Makarios watching it on a screen. She stands perfectly still, not even blinking, as if she is taking in everything that was just said. From the side approached a familiar face, that of Josiah Cena. Seeing the fear on Alexis’s face, he approached her.)
Josiah Cena: Alexis?
(The sound of his voice coming out of no where startled Alexis, causing her to jump and go immediately into an defensive stance)
Josiah Cena: Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you ok?
(Her breathing became shallow as she took a step back away from him.)
Alexis Makarios: Uh… yeah… I think… I just…
Josiah Cena: This Corey Bull thing has you pretty rattled, doesn’t it?
Alexis Makarios: Uh… yeah. Nothing I can’t handle though.
(She takes another step back, not taking her eyes off Cena. He was concerned about her and took a small step towards her, but stopped when he noticed she let out a small gasp when he did. He seemed very concerned about her level of discomfort.)
Josiah Cena: Are you sure? You seem like you are not yourself lately.
Alexis Makarios: Yeah… I’m fine… just gotta have eyes in the back of my head.
(A sound from off screen was heard, the sound of a steel chair hitting the concrete ground. This caused her let out a slight yelp and jump, which Cena noticed.)
Alexis Makarios: I uh… I gotta go
(She rushes off and the camera focuses in on Cena, whose face is confusion and concern as the scene cuts back to ringside.)
Match Four
Singles Match
Alexandra Calaway vs. Jonathan Sanders
(This one starts off slowly, with both competitors circling each other like two apex predators that have just encountered one another in the wild. Sanders grins in Calaway’s direction, refusing ANY real offensive acts in the early going, opting instead to goad his opponent with swift, taunting kicks and paintbrush strikes, clearly trying to evoke a rise out of Alexandra. This works incredibly well as the Dark Queen absolutely EXPLODES on Sanders, flying out of her corner with furious punches. She keeps up the offense from there, venting her frustrations as all of the taunting and teasing from Sanders over these past weeks finally comes to a head. This culminates when Calaway attempts a running Clothesline but Sanders rolls over her back, Dropkicking her forward into the ropes and then leapfrogging over her back as she rebounds, deliberately choosing not to follow up. Calaway whirls around to face him, absolutely livid, but the Lost Cause simply smirks at her and ducks under the incoming Spin Kick, then hits the ropes and takes her down with the Downward Spiral! Calaway rolls through it and lands on her feet, but Sanders does not retaliate, instead simply offering gentle mock applause for the effort.)
JR Freeman: What is this?! He’s practically toying with her!
Alfonso Banks: If there’s one thing Jonathan Sanders understands better than anyone else, JR, it’s mind games.
JR Freeman: You could say THAT again!
Alfonso Banks: If there’s one thing Jonathan Sanders understands better than anyone else, JR, it’s mind games.
JR Freeman: *Audible sigh* …Really?
(Back in the ring, the action continues in very much this same way; Calaway flies into a rage and brutalizes Jonathan Sanders, who only fights back using the bare minimum of transitional moves to taunt her, enraging the Dark Queen and causing her to fight harder. All of this comes to a head, and a switch in Sanders seems to flip, when Calaway nets a near-fall after nailing him with the Dark Thoughts. Sanders powers out of the pin and shakes his head, pounding the mat with a growl.)
Jonathan Sanders: No, no, no, NO! This is NOT how this story ends!
(He rolls out of the ring and retrieves a steel chair from beneath it, sliding in at Alexandra’s feet before re-entering himself.)
Jonathan Sanders: HIT ME, ALICE! STOP HOLDING BACK!
(Calaway looks at the chair, then at Sanders, and kicks it away.)
Alexandra Calaway: No!
Jonathan Sanders: Then suffer!
(At this point, the match’s pace markedly shifts, with Sanders now LAYING INTO Calaway with gusto, making up for the lacklustre offense we’ve seen until now. He brings everything; eye-raking, biting, overwrenched submission holds and EXCEPTIONALLY stiff strikes, including a Shot of Serotonin that actually requires referee intervention to see if the match needs to be stopped. Calaway gives back in kind, however, ramping up her violence to match the level of Sanders’, until the two are basically just trading blows in the centre of the ring, fully falling to the mat and rolling around as they lay into each other with punches, elbows and headbutts. Finally, Sanders grabs the chair that was discarded earlier again, being sternly reprimanded by the referee but ignoring their words as he hands the weapon back to Alexandra.)
Jonathan Sanders: HIT ME!
(Calaway looks conflicted, her gaze falling to the chair, then to Sanders, then back to the chair again. The Snake of Eden, meanwhile, drops to his knees in the centre of the ring, his back to Calaway, and places both hands on the back of his own head, fingers laced.)
Jonathan Sanders: Do it, Alexandra! Make your choice! Victory… or violence?!
(Calaway looks down at the chair again, then at Sanders’ prone position, then out into the crowd. She still has a fair few supporters since her debut, with a few signs made in favour of the Dark Queen and more than one little goth girl in the crowd spotted wearing her new merchandise… but it seems this does not influence her decision, as Calaway looks down at the chair again, and her expression changes into one of grim determination.)
Alexandra Calaway: Scorched Earth…
(Calaway looks at Jonathan Sanders again, raising the steel chair…)
JR Freeman: Oh god, I don’t like where this is going…
Alfonso Banks: I do!
(And bringing it down HARD into the back of the Horseman of Plague’s head! The referee calls for the bell as Alexandra continues to WHALE on Sanders with the steel chair, the Lost Cause simply cackling beneath the onslaught of blows, until she finally throws the weapon away and falls to her knees, openly sobbing in a mix of rapture, rage and regret - clearly overcome by her emotions. Sanders slowly pulls himself to his feet, his forehead now leaking crimson and his hair matted to his flesh, and extends a hand to Alexandra as Meg Reynolds announces him victorious. The ring camera microphones just barely pick this up, but astute lip-reading viewers at home can detect the Lost Cause saying)
Jonathan Sanders: I am so proud of you. Arise, my Dark Reflection…
(Calaway clasps Sanders’ hand, her tears having vanished in favour of a stoic, proud expression, and he helps her to her feet. Our last image is the pair standing together in the ring, hands clasped a la Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Glover from Predator, staring into each other’s eyes as “Blood Pigs” blares over the speakers. We hold on this as the broadcast cuts to commercial.)
Winner= JONATHAN SANDERS
“Something’s coming. Can you feel it? For you have now been warned. Hell is coming.”
(Scene switches backstage to Gracie’s locker room, she’s wearing a red and white beanie and a matching coat. She’s looking at her phone until someone walks through the door, She looks up to see Jenn with a smile.)
Jenn Makarios-Lopez: How are you feeling after that attack? They got you pretty good.
Gracie Lopez: They got nothing. It’s another example of other wrestlers trying to get rid of me. I mean they came close, but they didn’t get the job done now, did they? But anyway, I’m feeling good.
Jenn Makarios-Lopez: Well, just be careful you have no idea what they’re going to do next.
Gracie Lopez: That’s the thing…they have no idea what I do next either. It’s fine, they can find behind their rent-a-cops, but soon they won’t be there, and then what? I’m begging for them to do something stupid and poke the bear even more. See everyone knows I have a short fuse, but I know how to control it better. If this was 6 years ago, people got hurt and careers got ended… but if they keep it up, I’ll bring that side back out.
Jenn Makarios- Lopez: You’ve grown up a lot since then, just….don’t do anything stupid between now and then I don’t want to bail you out of jail.
Gracie Lopez: I’m not making any promises. I didn’t fly 7 hours to get here and sit around and do nothing…..
(Jenn looks at her daughter for a moment to rethink everything that’s going on and she lets out a frustrating sigh. She has to worry about Lexi and now has to worry about Gracie.)
Jenn Makarios-Lopez: I guess I’ll have to keep an eye on you then and worry about my stuff as well.
(Jenn looks at Gracie for a second before reaching for the door handle, she sees Gracie pacing and forth like a caged animal waiting to pounce on something. She lets out a sigh as she walks out the door and walks down the hallway.)
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 (Levi Russow, Gracie Lopez, ?, ?, and ?) vs. Team David (Alexander Lyons, Dionysus, Jonathan Sanders, ?, and ?)
PWS: APEX United Championship Match
Ladder Match
Jennifer Makarios-Lopez © vs. Max Delgado
PWS: APEX Pure Championship Match
Pure Rules Match
Devon Ryder © vs. Morgan Baker
One on One Match
Slaps McKill vs. Mack McKane
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 (Levi Russow, Gracie Lopez, ?, ?, and ?) vs. Team David (Alexander Lyons, Dionysus, Jonathan Sanders, ?, and ?)
PWS: APEX United Championship Match
Ladder Match
Jennifer Makarios-Lopez © vs. Max Delgado
PWS: APEX Pure Championship Match
Pure Rules Match
Devon Ryder © vs. Morgan Baker
One on One Match
Slaps McKill vs. Mack McKane
AND MUCH MORE
Main Event
Singles Match
Max Delgado vs. Alexander Lyons
(The show comes back from commercial break, with Meg Reynolds standing in the ring. The sounds of "Bow Down" explode throughout the arena, as Alexander Lyons appears on stage. He gets to one knee and points to the sky, as Pyros shoot off all around him.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one-fall, and is our main event of the evening. Introducing first, making his way to the ring, from Miami, Florida, representing ANTITHESIS…Alexander Lyons!
(Lyons walks, briskly down the ramp, badmouthing fans at ringside along the way, once ringside he hops up on the apron and enters the ring, where he does his kneel and point up pose in the ring as more pyros go firing off. His music fades, and the lighting returns to normal.)
JR Freeman: This one is gonna be good. Both of these competitors are looking to prove something, and both want to get that ever special momentum going heading into Crusade.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, but if you’re Max Delgado, you have to have in the back of your mind that the other Antithesis members can’t be that far away, should things go south for Lyons.
“I’m about to explode!”
(“Ruthless” by Nonpoint blares over the sound system, as Max Delgado makes his way out onto the stage. He gets a mixed reaction from the crowd, as he forgoes posing at the top of the stage, and instead starts making his way down the ramp.)
Meg Reynolds: And introducing his opponent, from Houston, Texas…Max Delgado!
(Delgado makes his way down the ramp and slides into the ring. He never takes his eyes off Lyons, as the two stand across the ring from each other, waiting for the bell to sound.)
JR Freeman: You ready for this one?
Alfonso Banks: I am, it’s gonna be a hard hitting one.
(The referee checks both men for weapons before calling for the bell.)
DING DING DING
(The snarling faces of Max and Alexander lock eyes as they circle each other a little bit before locking up in a test of strength. The size difference is noticeable, as Alexander uses his size to try to overpower Max. Max fights back, but Alexander is slightly winning the test of strength. Alexander, realizing that overpowering Max in brute strength was not going to work at this point swiftly lifts his knee and connects straight to the gut of Max!)
Alfonso Banks: Lyons is doing what he has to do
JR Freeman: That’s one way to do it I guess.
(Using this, Alexander is able to Irish Whip Max into the corner turnbuckle. He approaches but Max grabs him and starts delivering lefts and rights to Alexander, grabs him by the hair and swaps their positions so that Alexander is in the corner. Max delivers a few more punches to the head before the referee tells him to back off. He scoffs as he backs up a few steps. He glares at the referee before going in and stomping on Alexander’s gut a few times. Alexander falls out of the corner and is grabbed by Max, who continues to deliver shots to the head. Max leads Alexander to the next corner, tossing him in there and begins jabbing at his gut. He lifts Alexander upright and elbows him in the head. The referee tells Max once more to get it out of the corner.)
JR Freeman: Max taking an early advantage
Alfonso Banks: Don’t count Lyons out yet. The man is a feral beast!
(Max grabs Alexander by the arm and whips him across the ring, following him. Alexander uses his momentum when he gets to the corner to grab the top ropes and bounce up and over the incoming Max, landing on his feet behind him as Max runs into the turnbuckle at full steam!)
Alfonso Banks: TOLD YOU!
(Max turns around and runs straight into a boot from Alexander! He drips for a quick pin!)
1… KICKOUT!
(Alexander uses this to his advantage as he rushes to the ropes and bounces off, leaping in the air and taking down Max with a beautiful hurricanrana. Max hits the mat hard and rolls under the bottom rope to the outside. Alexander smirks as he runs at the opposite ropes, bouncing off and running towards the side that Max exited the ring. He leaps and flies right over the top rope, taking dow Max with a crossbody, sending both men crashing to the ground!)
JR Freeman: HOLY SHIT!
Alfonso Banks: Lyons just got a lot of air with that leap!
JR Freeman: I think Max’s head just bounced off the barricade!
(The referee starts the count.)
1…2…3…4…
(Alexander gets to his feet first and flips his head, getting his hair out of his face. He looks down at Max and shakes his head as the crowd is erupting in a chorus of boos. Alexander grabs Max by the head and rolls him in the ring as he climbs the stairs and the turnbuckle. As he gets to the top rope, Max rolls out of danger and gets up to his feet. Max leans on the ropes for a second. Alexander jumps down and rushes over, clotheslining Max over the top rope, but tumbling over with him. As Max is getting to his feet, Alexander hops up onto the apron, and springboards off the top rope into a smooth moonsault, taking Max down once more.)
JR Freeman: Max is gonna have to pull off something big to get momentum back on his side again.
(Alexander slithers into the ring with a smirk on his face as he watches Max slowly get to his feet while the referee counts)
1…2…
(Max stumbles a bit as he leans on the ring apron. Alexander comes close to the ropes and reaches down to grab Max, but Max leaps up and grabs Alexander by the head, and dropping down so Alexander’s throat bounces off the top rope. Alexander stumbles back and Max slides into the ring, and wastes no time DDT’ing Alexander to the mat. He drops for a pin.)
1… KICKOUT
Alfonso Banks: THAT could be the turning point!
JR Freeman: IF Max can take advantage and follow up
(Max looks frustrated as he slaps the mat. He gets to his feet and grabs Alexander up, putting him over his shoulders facing up, before tossing him and connecting with a CRACK knee to the face with a Burning Hammer GTS!)
JR Freeman: THE ALAMO!
Alfonso Banks: That echoed through the arena.
(Max drops for a pin)
1…2…3?!?! NO!
(Alexander uses every last ounce of energy in him to get his shoulder up milliseconds before the 3. Max looks frustrated as he delivers a few shots to the head of Alexander before going to the top rope. He sizes up Alexander before leaping with a beautiful Max Velocity 630! The crowd pops for the move as he impacts, causing almost as much damage to himself. He bounces off of Alexander’s gut, landing on the mat. He looks around for a second before crawling over for the pin, draping an arm over Alexander.)
1…2…3!!!
DING DING DING
Meg Reynolds: And your winner… MAX DELGADO!!!
WINNER - MAX DELGADO
(Max has his hand raised by the referee, before going over and climbing the turnbuckle to pose for the crowd.)
JR Freeman: That was a hard fought victory for Max tonight.
Alfonso Banks: It sure was!
JR Freeman: Wait, what the hell?
(As Max is celebrating on the turnbuckle, he’s jumped from behind by Jonathan Sanders and Dionysus. The fans rain down with boos, as the camera cuts to the stage, where we see David Shane making his way to the ring. Wearing a big smile on his face. He gets to ringside and gets a mic before getting in the ring, as the attack continues, now all three members of Antithesis joining in.)
David Shane: Let this be a lesson to those who stand against us. If you choose the wrong side, you will regret it! And yes, Cleo Phillips, that includes you!
(From the back, we see Star Stormz and Max Sheppard emerge on stage. Max has an utterly distraught expression on his face as he watches helplessly at his son being jumped.)
Star Stormz: David, stop this please!
(David smirks, as the members of Antithesis hold Max down, and David delivers his End Cycle stomp on Max, as his father shouts out.)
Max Sheppard; Why!? Why are you doing this!?
David Shane: To show that I can break you in an instant! And I’m joining my team in Armageddon, something that I know neither of you have the guts to do!
(Max and Star look at each other, before we hear an all too familiar voice coming from behind the curtain.)
Levi Russow: Oi! Piss baby dickhead!
(The fans cheer, as Levi and Gracie Lopez come out onto the stage and stand next to Star and Max.)
Levi Russow: It’s good you’re in the match, I’ve been looking forward to this.
(With that, Levi drops the mic, as he and Gracie start to make their way slowly down the ramp. In the ring, the members of team David get ready, as Max Delgado takes the moment to roll out of the ring.)
David Shane: Levi, what’re ya doing? There’s still only two of you versus the four of us.
(Levi and Gracie stop about halfway down the ramp. The snarl that is on Levi’s face turns to a wicked smirk, as he slowly turns his head back to the stage.)
The indifference…of good…men.
(The fans erupt with cheers, as Nick Madison walks out onto the stage, passing a smiling Star Stormz and Max Sheppard, to stand with Levi and Gracie.)
JR Freeman: Oh God…Nick and Levi on team Star!?
(Before anything else can continue, Nick’s music fades. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, wondering what’s going to happen next.)
Alfonso Banks: You could cut the tension in here with a knife!
JR Freeman: You really could!
(Suddenly the air is filled with the sounds of Rev Theory’s “Hell Yeah” as Laura Phoenix slowly walks out onto the stage to a HUGE ovation from the live crowd.)
JR Freeman: OH MY GOD IT'S LAURA PHOENIX! Wait…does this mean she’s a member of Team Star???
(Laura walks up to Star and Max, and gives Star a quick hug before walking down the ramp to join the others. Once Laura gets to them, the team of Nick, Levi, Laura, and Gracie march in unison to the ring, where they slide in and go to war with the members of Team David. The crowd goes absolutely nuts for this, before damn near every security guard in the building rushes the ring to break things up. As JR and Alf send us off.)
JR Freeman: My God things just got explosive! Nick Madison and Laura Phoenix have joined team Star! Armageddon is going to be insane! We’ll see you next time on Riot when we’re in Rome! So long and goodnight!
(The final shot is of the chaos at ringside with security trying to break up the brawl.)
