Post by Star Stormz on Dec 25, 2022 23:37:50 GMT -5
Pre-Show
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, before we cut into inside Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. “When Legends Rise” by Godsmack is blaring over the sound system, as we pan across the crowd, still filing in, and are greeted by the voice of Tanya Reihl.)
Tayna Reihl: Hello! And welcome to the Crusade: Armageddon Pre-Show! I’m your host, as always, Tayna Reihl, and I’m here alongside the incomparable woman to my left, one of our newest inductees into the PWS Hall of Fame, and just everybody’s friend, it’s Candy!
(Candy waves excitedly as she is introduced)
Candy: I’m so excited to be here, Tonya!
Tayna Reihl: It’s Tayna…
Candy: That’s what I said!
(Her husband, and fellow Hall of Famer, Marcus Cage is sat next to her and looks over at Tayna.)
Marcus Cage: Hey, just be glad you aren’t Cena…
(Candy’s eyes grow wide and a huge smile overtakes her face.)
Candy: I LOVE JOSIE! Where is he?
Tayna Reihl: I think I heard he was preparing something for Crusade.
(We hear a snicker from the fourth member of our panel, PWS: APEX President, Max Sheppard.)
Max Sheppard: Beginning to see why he opted out of doing this one.
Candy: OHAI MAX!!!
(She excitedly waves towards him, leaning forward on the table to make sure he saw her)
Max Sheppard: Hello, Candy….you knew I was here…we've been sitting here for a few minutes….
Tayna Reihl: Aaaand introducing the final member of our panel, PWS: APEX President, Max Sheppard.
(Candy has a confused look on her face, like a deer in the headlights, as everyone else switches gears.)
Tayna Reihl: So, we have an awesome night of action for everyone, with seven high profile contests, all of which are set to be absolutely amazing. Just to let everyone know as to why I’m not joined out here by Star Stormz, she’s currently with her team, preparing for the Armageddon match tonight. And while we’re on that subject, what are everybody’s thoughts on this one?
Candy: Armageddon?? You mean like the movie?
(Tayna, Max, and Marcus all sigh.)
Tayna Reihl: Sure, Candy. Like the movie.
Candy: Yay! I love that movie!
Max Sheppard:...annnnnywayyyy…
Marcus Cage: I actually have a lot to say about this one… and not all of it is very nice. You see, David Shane is like a brother to me. Hell, he is the only other person that me and Dynamite made official full fledged members of Shock and Awe. I always knew he had a slightly… vindictive side to him. But I never thought he would snap in the way he did. Going out of his way to get rid of Star and Laura in a bad attempt to get control back… it's just not like him. Frankly, it’s shocked me to my core and I’m actually pretty pissed off about it all. Seeing what he is doing with Antithesis, it's just not like the David I know. But Star has put together a HELL of a team. I have fought along side, or against, all but 1 of them. Nick and Laura have been both allies and enemies, Levi has always been a wild card. But Trisha Lee Moore returning… HOT DAMN we are in for a treat. Team David better wear protective cups if you know what I mean…
(He winks towards the group as he finishes speaking
Max Sheppard: I do agree with your assessment, but I wasn’t surprised by this situation. I won’t say I’m as close to David as Marcus, but I have worked with him here, and back in the old PWS days. I always sensed a bit of jealousy with David. He always tried to be the “big name” so to speak, but he could never step out of other’s shadows. Try as he might, he couldn’t reach the level of the Levi Russows, the Nick Madisons…hell, the Trisha Lee Moores or the Laura Phoenixs. As much as he fought, he was never better than second best, and I know that ate at him for years. So, now, here we are, he owns a wrestling company. And for what? Being away for years, he comes back…some things are the same. We have Russows running wild, Nick and Laura are still involved, and no one had even thought of David Shane in ages. So, he turns up, and starts causing all hell to break loose. He suspends Star and Laura, and for what? Don’t tell me it’s cause they were doing a bad job running the place cause to be quite blunt and honest, this place was a shitstorm under David’s control. He constantly belittled guys like JR Freeman, and the rest of the crew. He took up all the tv time he wanted, which is meant for the superstars on our roster. That is the one thing I have hated most out of this whole damn thing. The amount of time that has been spent on management bullshit instead of the actual professional wrestlers on our roster. The goal of management is to be in the background, there if needed, but to not be an active part of weekly programming. The biggest star on your show should NOT be who’s in charge paying the bills. So, I’d like to sidetrack this for a second to give major, the highest of praise to our champions. Cleo Phillips, Jennifer Makarios-Lopez, Devon Ryder, and Dylan Howell. They have stayed strong and represented this company like the champions they are, even with the utter bullshit we’re dealing with.
Marcus Cage: Damn…tell us how you really feel.
Max Sheppard: Sorry, I just…I have a lot of pent up aggression towards David Shane, and I can’t wait to see Team Star kick the ever loving shit out of him and Antithesis.
Tayna Reihl: Well, just to touch on that, can I get some predictions from you guys on that match? I think I know who we all WANT to win the match, but who do you think will win?
Candy: BRUCE WILLIS!
Max Sheppard: Why do I get the feeling we’re about to start hearing Aerosmith?
Marcus Cage: Looking at both sides, there is a huge pool of talent on both sides. On Team Star you have a Lopez and 4… count it… 4 Hall of Famers and absolute LEGENDS in this business. You can’t really bet against that. But on Team David you have 3 men who will stop at nothing to get what they want, a woman who is as determined as they come, and then David himself who is known to pull off some of the biggest upsets I know. As much as I want to see Team Star win, because you just can’t underestimate those guys, I gotta cast my vote for Team David. As well as I know him, I know he is the type who always has a plan B… and C… and even a plan D in place. Just knowing him as well as I do, he has something up his sleeve. Always does.
(We hear some boos from the crowd surrounding the panel, as Marcus just shrugs.)
Marcus Cage: I’m sorry, I just…he always does.
Max Sheppard: Well, I do agree that David will have something up his sleeve, but I think Team Star is too good, too focused to be deterred by it. Trisha Lee Moore is stepping back in the ring after SEVEN long years…d’you think she’d be doing that if it wasn’t something she’s extremely passionate about? David suspended Laura for no actual reason, so yeah, her and Nick are going to be laser-focused. And Levi….don't get me started. But, all that being said, I think once the war is over, the dust has settled, and the smoke has cleared. The one we are going to be seeing standing tall as the hero is Gracie Lopez.
(A small round of cheers from the crowd.)
Max Sheppard: She has been knocked down by Team David time and time again. She has constantly put up with their shenanigans, and she is out there saying I’M STILL HERE! I know there’s a lot of ways this thing could go, but my money is on Gracie Lopez and Team Star.
Tayna Reihl: Well, let’s move onto another match tonight, which will actually be our opening match. And that is the PURE Title Match, with champion Devon Ryder defending against Morgan Baker. Thoughts on this one guys?
Candy: I think Morgan has pretty hair! And she really really deserves this shot at the title. I hope she can show Mr Ryder that he made a good life choice when choosing her to defend against. Plus… I really like the name of the title. The Pure Title. Like fresh fallen snow… or me! Maybe I'll go for this title when I return to PWS next year!
(The crowd goes silent for a moment as Tayna and Max turn towards her)
Tayna Reihl: You’re returning in 2023!?!
Candy: Yeah! Didn’t I just say that?
Max Sheppard: Like…as a wrestler?
Candy: Yeah! Why?
Max Sheppard: Like…at every show?
Candy: Yeah! Why?
Max Sheppard: Just wondering how much of next year’s budget is going to be dedicated to glitter…
Candy: SOOOOOOOO MUCH OF IT!
(Marcus looks straight at the camera, with a serious face.)
Marcus Cage: If you’d like to donate to the moolahforglitter fund, please contact us now, operators are standing by. Every little bit helps.
Max Sheppard: Annnnnnywayyy…so about this match…I think when you look at everything, Devon Ryder needs the title more. He has been through so much lately, and I think he just…like I said, needs it more. Plus, I don’t quite think Morgan is ready for this opportunity. I think it’s too soon for her, and I worry about her squandering what’s been given to her. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see this one ending well for her. My money is on the championship being retained here.
Marcus Cage: I gotta agree with you there. Morgan has immense talent and I have no doubt one day she will be a champion. But I don’t think that time is now, nor against a talent like Devon. Honestly, I have a feeling he only chose her as his Crusade opponent because he sees her as an easy win, not that he wanted to give the “unseen” the chance to shine. That’s the type of guy Devon is. And I gotta applaud him, because there was a time in my career I may have made the same choice.
Tayna Reihl: So I take that as one prediction for Morgan, and 2 for Devon?
Max Sheppard: Sure. Moving on. What’s next for us?
Tayna Reihl: Perfect timing, actually. It’s time for our first preshow match! We are about to see newcomer Cassie Wolfe take on the returning Ivory Sullivan. Let’s get to ringside so we dont miss a second of the action!
Ivory Sullivan vs. Cassie Wolfe
(The bell rings for the match to start, Ivory and Cassie lock up in the middle of the ring for a moment before Cassie starts to overwork Ivory’s arms. Cassie pushes Ivory back to the corner as they remain tied up there until the ref breaks them up, Cassie has a clean break when she backs away. After the break, they lock up again with Ivory getting a side headlock in on Cassie, but Cassie uses her legs to wrap them around Ivory’s head to break the hold.)
Jr Freeman: Some good clean breaks here with good ol chain wrestling.
Alfonso Banks: I really like this Cassie girl, I think she’s out here to impress management.
(Ivory gains the advantage by taking Cassie to the ground with a single-leg takedown. But Cassie fights back after that, they start rolling on the ground before rolling to the outside. Cassie grabs Ivory by the hand and throws her into the steps at ringside. That’s where the match starts to turn in Cassie’s favor. Once that starts to happen, There’s no way for Ivory to get back into it, even though she tries.)
Jr Freeman: Cassie is looking to dominate here.
Alfonso Banks: She already is!
(Back in the ring and Cassie has the match firmly on her side, it doesn’t take long before she hits the “coronation” and goes for the cover.)
1……..
2……
3!
Jr Freeman: Dominant is the word here.
Alfonso Banks: I’m sure she showed management something here tonight!
WINNER= CASSIE WOLFE
(Cameras cut back to the panel after the match ends)
Tayna Reihl: Welcome to PWS, Cassie! Way to start things off strong.
Marcus Cage: Definitely an impressive start to her PWS career.
Max Sheppard: Yeah, impressive win there for Cassie Wolfe. Look forward to seeing where she can go from here, but it’s always good to get started with a win.
Candy: That was SUCH A GOOD MATCH! I’m kinda sad Fluffy missed it.
Tayna Reihl: Alright, well let’s switch gears and talk about our next match, and that’s Carmen Rodriguez challenging Dylan Howell for the PWS: APEX Collateral Damage Championship.
Marcus Cage: I, for one, am intrigued to see this match. Carmen is still a rookie in PWS, but has a huge opportunity ahead of her. And I gotta say, I love the passion of pulling a name out of the hat. You can talk all you want about who deserves a shot and who wants a shot. This was all at random, it prevents any bias in the decision. He could have pulled ANY name out of that hat. And he pulled Carmen. How do you plan for something like that? You don’t! Merry Christmas to her, essentially. I gotta applaud the random factor… I am a fan of random chaos. Caused quite a bit of it myself.
Candy: It’s like a secret santa! It’s like this one time I had to draw a name from a hat for a secret santa and I drew this person I didn’t know. And I didn’t know what to get her! So I thought about stuff everyone likes. Like glitter, or cookies, or candles or…
(Marcus holds up a cookie, Candy grabs it and silently starts nibbling on it. Marcus nods towards Max.)
Max Sheppard: I…uh…anyway…yeah I think this one has the potential to be really good. This is a huge opportunity for Carmen, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what she can do with it. I don’t know that I would go the route Howell went to get here, but I commend him for it. Either way, I think this one is gonna be a great one for the fans.
Tayna Riehl: So… predictions on the winner? Is Dylan going to retain or are we going to be crowning a new Collateral Damage Champion?
(Candy speaks up, her mouth still partly full of cookie)
Candy: Carmen cuz I like her name!
Marcus Cage: I gotta go with the current champ, Dylan. Not only do I respect the risk he is taking with how he picked his opponent, but with Carmen being so new still ya gotta factor in if she is gonna let the nerves get to her. Gotta go with Dylan.
Max Sheppard: So, I do see what you’re saying about the pressure. I get that, but I just think since finding out about this match, Carmen has been focusing on it, and we all know she’s had her fiancé, Max Delgado, helping her get ready for it. I think tonight could be her breaking out moment so to speak, and I look for her to walk out as the new Collateral Damage Champion. My vote is for Carmen.
Tayna Reihl: Some interesting thoughts on that one. It is for sure going to be a good one, I predict some one is probably going to get busted open in the Hardcore Match. Speaking of bleeding… Next up we got that First Blood Match between Former United Champion, Alexis Makarios and returning PWS Superstar Corey Bull. Thoughts?
Max Sheppard: This one…makes me uncomfortable. Alexis needs to win this, but I’m not entirely sure she can. I know there is a lot of hatred there, I just wonder if Alexis can keep her emotions in check long enough to get the job done. I know who I want to win, but as to who actually wins is a different story. I think it will come down to Lexi’s temper that causes her to make a mistake and give Corey the win.
Marcus Cage: This is a very personal match, you are right about that. There’s a lot of history there, Corey is another I used to call a friend and ally. I don’t quite get what his sudden obsession with Alexis is… and neither does she. He has done some downright awful things to her recently. He has stalked her, attacked her, and really messed with her head. That blood thing he did to her 2 Riot’s ago was absolutely sick. Corey Bull is a disturbed individual… and this match is going to be straight up insane. They are both out to hurt each other and frankly… this type of match… that’s bound to happen. I’ve been in a first blood match before and they are BRUTAL.
Candy: Why do they wanna make each other bleed? That’s just mean. I hope Alexis wins cuz I don’t like bullies, and that is what Corey Bull has become. A big ole mean bully.
(Candy crosses her arms in a huff.)
Tayna Reihl: Speaking of blood and brutality… Mack McKane returns to fight Slaps McKill in a “Blood Box” match. What even is that?
Max Sheppard: All I can say is it’s a thing out of Mack McKane’s imagination and I am scared to death of this one. Just so everyone knows, we have ambulances on standby at the venue, and we have budgeted for a small blood bank here. I have a sick feeling that all of that will be needed. I’m not picking a winner on this one cause it’s just gonna be…..chaos.
Candy: This match makes me sad. I miss my friend Slappy McGoo. He was a big ole teddy bear and would never ever ever hurt anyone. Until he lost everything and now he’s just… I hate that he is so heartbroken that he became this. And to know that he is fighting in such a violent match just makes my heart hurt. I don’t want the match to even happen.
Marcus Cage: Candy has a point… I have seen what heartbreak can do to a man. I’ve gone down that dark road myself. It’s scary and lonely… and I understand what he is going through. But to get to the point he has, I just hope that Mack can knock some sense into the big lug and bring back the REAL Slaps… erm… Slappy. I hate that it has come to this, and based on the descriptions I have gotten of the match… I think everything Max has on hand is going to be needed. This isn’t a match… it’s a fight. And I just want both to make it out with minimal injuries. I, like Max, am refusing to pick a winner. This isn’t going to HAVE a winner…
Tayna Reihl: It’s going to be something for sure. On a different note, it’s time for our second pre-show match. Let’s head to ringside to see the returning Miss Puppies take on Aaliyah Landerson!
Miss Puppies vs. Aaliyah Landerson
(As the bell rings puppies and Aaliyah circle each other before Aaliyah locks up with Puppies and takes the early advantage. She manages to get Puppies into the corner and kicks her in the stomach for her efforts, but as Aaliyah starts kicking her stomach more and more, Puppies starts ENJOYING it which baffles Aaliyah.)
Jr Freeman: Oh god I don’t like that look!
Alfonso Banks: I got my gas mask ready….
(The harder Aaliyah kicks, the more Puppies smiles. After a while Puppies lets out an earth-shattering burp that leaves Aaliyah staggered, and off-balance. Aaliyah holds her nose before turning around, and as she does she runs into a violent clothesline by Puppies that spins Aaliyah around like a washing machine. Puppies stays on the attack after that, but Aaliyah tries to fight back. Puppies don’t allow such things to happen.)
Jr Freeman: Thats’ a unique way to get on the offense by Puppies.
Alfonso Banks: Disgusting, I can smell that from here!
(Puppies remains in control of the match as the fight spills to the outside. But it doesn’t last too long when they returned back to the ring. Aaliyah kicks Puppies but Puppies is too much for her at the end. Puppies tackles Aaliyah to the ground before pinning her, using her…assets for help.)
1……
2……..
3!
Jr Freeman: Did I just see what I saw?
Alfonso Banks: She used her assets for help! That’s taking it to the next limit there.
WINNER= Miss Puppies
Tayna Reihl: And a big win on the return for Miss Puppies!
Marcus Cage: That was a very… interesting… Match to say the least
Candy: Miss Puppies burps should be considered a weapon…
Marcus Cage: You blow hands full of glitter in people’s faces…
Candy: That’s different, Marcus! That’s glitter and everyone loves glitter. Burps are gross and smell bad…
Max Sheppard:…..Annnnnyway, why don’t we talk about our next match?
Tayna Reihl: Good call… Up next we have the United Title being defended in a ladder match. Jennifer Makarios-Lopez defends against your son, Max Delgado. Input?
Candy: Your name is Max… and your son’s name is Max too? Doesn’t that get confusing at holidays and family functions?
Max Sheppard:….no, Candy. Besides, we aren’t on the best terms at the moment. Still, I can’t deny what my son has been able to accomplish in his short time here. He really has built up quite the momentum, and is every bit as deserving as anyone of this title shot. We haven’t seen much from Jenn since she won the title from Alexis, and Max has been here week in and week out. Add in the fact this is a ladder match, and my son is…well quite honestly crazy as shit, and I think we are primed for a title change here tonight. Plus, I really can’t go against my kid.
Marcus Cage: Well… I don’t know much about Delgado, but being Max’s son he has picked up a few tricks of the trade so he has that going for him. You have always had a good eye for the business and I’m sure that got passed along. Whether you like it or not, when you have family in this business, you tend to pick up on a few things. Even being estranged since he was a teen, that’s in your blood. However, Jenn, being best friends and now sister with Alexis. Formerly married to Eddie Lopez. Ya pick up stuff. I think this is the wild card match for the night. Neither side really has a clear advantage. If I gotta pick a winner, I gotta go with “the devil I know” and go for Jenn. Though I am looking forward to what Delgado has to bring to the table, and I look forward to being proven wrong.
Candy: I kinda want to see Jenn win. She worked so hard to get where she is, and she really deserves a chance to shine!
Tayna Reiihl: Alright, now let’s move to our main event. Cleo Phillips defending her PWS: APEX World Championship against Mike Hawk in a 60-Minute Ironman match. Thoughts on this one?
(Candy giggles when Tayna says “Mike Hawk”.)
Candy: That’s a silly name, but this is a serious match! They have to fight for an HOUR! And Cleo is REALLY REALLY tough! I’ve always been a fan of hers and I hope I get the chance to have a match with her when I return next year. She was an amazing United Champion, and she has been AMAZING as the World Champion! Hawk is kinda weird… sometimes he is funny but sometimes I think he is just mean.
Marcus Cage: I gotta say, I’m impressed with Cleo and what she has done with the Title. A 60 minute Iron Man match is no easy match. I speak from experience. And whoever walks out of that match with the title truly deserves it. As impressed as I am with Cleo, I have nothing but faith in Mike Hawk. I will always bet money on Mike Hawk. Mike Hawk will go the distance. I just wanna recognize Mike Hawk as champion..
Tayna Reihl: I think we get the point, Marcus… Max?
Max Sheppard: I love this one. Both athletes are at the top of their game, and it’s going to be hard to pick a winner, but I’m damn excited for the journey to get there. I think both of these wrestlers bring something to the table, and I think either of them would make an…interesting face of the company as champion. I also love the fact that this is an Ironman match, harkening back to the days of the Champion’s League in PWSi. When I heard we were getting to do this, I won’t lie, I got a little emotional. To have the pageantry of all those years ago. It is simply going to be awesome.
Tayna Reihl: Indeed, but how do you pick a winner?
Max Sheppard: Not willingly. But in all seriousness, I think both of these competitors are deserving of being the top dog in PWS, but my money is on Cleo retaining here. I think she has worked too hard to lose it now.
Tayna Reihl: And on that note… our time is up! In a few moments we will send things over to Alfonso Banks and JR Freeman at ringside. But for now, enjoy the rest of the night, and here is the opening of PWS:APEX CRUSADE.
Max Sheppard and Marcus Cage: ARMAGEDDON!
