Post by Star Stormz on Aug 1, 2021 1:39:16 GMT -5
Live on PPV July 27th, 2021
PWS:APEX Arena, New York
(The show opens with a hard-hitting montage set to the fast-paced sounds of Otep’s “Rise, Rebel, Resist”, showing off highlights of the feuds that have been building to this moment and the stars that we’ll see on display tonight. We get snippets of Nick Madison vs Cleo Phillips, the war between Chaz Holiday and Tyson Sykes, Sierra Williams’ feud with Heather Haze and even some reminders of Miss Puppies and the Squid-Man’s shenanigans. As all of this comes to an end, we fade into the PWS Arena where the traditional fanfare and pyrotechnics await, the audience cheering raucously as the chorus of Otep’s “Rise, Rebel, Resist” continues to blare over the speakers. We’re treated to some sweeping shots of the crowd before cutting to the announce desk, where JR Freeman and Alfonso Banks are waiting dutifully to welcome us to the show.)
JR Freeman: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen and others, to PWS: Apex Rise to Glory! We have an absolutely stacked card for you this evening, but before we can touch on that, PWS: Apex General Manager, Laura Phoenix, is standing by in the ring!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, great, what does SHE want?!
(We cut to the ring, where Laura Phoenix is standing in the centre with a microphone.)
Laura Phoenix: Welcome, one and all, to PWS: Apex RISE! TO! GLORY!
(The audience erupts in applause, their excitement palpable for what’s certain to be a phenomenal card.)
Laura Phoenix: Now it may be a little bit belated this year, but our colour scheme and month of choice should be enough to tell you, this Pay-Per-View is intended as our own little 4th of July bash. This country may not be perfect, but we’re damn proud of it, so consider this PWS’s way of paying tribute to what a wonderful country the United States of America is, and sharing with you all how lucky we are to live in it!
(The cheers intensify, along with chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!”)
Laura Phoenix: To that effect, I’d like to ask you all to please rise for the singing of our national anthem, along with a special video package our production team put together to proudly express our patriotism.
(The video package begins and the sounds of “Star Spangled Banner” begin to play over the PA system. We begin on vistas of America’s beautiful landscapes, historic monuments like Mount Rushmore, the Washington Monument and the capitol buildings, Times Square in New York City, and patriotic shots of jet fighters flying in formation. The footage is all inspiring at first, showcasing America’s superiority and ingenuity, but early in the video package the footage jumps and flickers, like an old VHS tape, then begins to play a recap of the odd vignettes we’ve been seeing in previous weeks. We get a replay of the Atomic Bomb footage from Hiroshima, the sorry state of America’s prison systems, football stadiums filled with hospital beds carrying COVID patients, and then lastly ending with the Capitol Riots and Charlottesville incident. The American National anthem cuts and fades away, as if played on an old phonograph that’s decaying out of use, and the screen cuts to black before displaying one message.)
“Is THIS what you’re proud of?”
(As our footage returns to the ring, it appears Laura Phoenix is having a conniption, trying to get the footage back.)
Laura Phoenix: I assure you, this is NOT part of the show! This was not the video package we intended to air, I don’t-
“MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD!”
(Laura looks shocked, confused and furious as a single traditionally-dressed choir singer has stepped out onto the stage, a spotlight shining down to illuminate him.)
“HE IS TRAMPLING OUT THE VINTAGE
WHERE THE GRAPES OF WRATH ARE STORED;
HE HATH LOOSED THE FATEFUL LIGHTNING
OF HIS TERRIBLE SWIFT SWORD:
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON!”
(As Laura Phoenix motions to some stagehands to get whoever this is off the stage, he is joined in short order by more choir members, who begin to sing in unison.)
“GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON.”
(The choir continues to fill out, more and more robed members coming out to join the original as the song continues.)
“I HAVE SEEN HIM IN THE WATCH-FIRES OF A HUNDRED CIRCLING CAMPS,
THEY HAVE BUILDED HIM AN ALTAR IN THE EVENING DEWS AND DAMPS;
I CAN READ HIS RIGHTEOUS SENTENCE BY THE DIM AND FLARING LAMPS:
HIS DAY IS MARCHING ON.
“GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON.”
(The choir has now begun to shuffle down the ramp, single-file, the full ensemble awe-inspiring in scope.)
JR Freeman: What is this? Who are these people?!
Alfonso Banks: I have no idea, JR, and frankly I’m afraid to find out!
Choir:
“I HAVE READ A FIERY GOSPEL WRIT IN BURNISHED ROWS OF STEEL:
"AS YE DEAL WITH MY CONTEMNERS, SO WITH YOU MY GRACE SHALL DEAL";
LET THE HERO, BORN OF WOMAN, CRUSH THE SERPENT WITH HIS HEEL,
SINCE GOD IS MARCHING ON.
“GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON.”
(The choir have begun to surround the ring now, their numbers making movement quite difficult, and Laura Phoenix is still desperately trying to regain some measure of control.)
Choir:
“HE HAS SOUNDED FORTH THE TRUMPET THAT SHALL NEVER CALL RETREAT;
HE IS SIFTING OUT THE HEARTS OF MEN BEFORE HIS JUDGMENT-SEAT;
OH, BE SWIFT, MY SOUL, TO ANSWER HIM! BE JUBILANT, MY FEET!
OUR GOD IS MARCHING ON.
“GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON.”
(The ring is now fully surrounded by the choir members as the final verse begins.)
Choir:
“IN THE BEAUTY OF THE LILIES CHRIST WAS BORN ACROSS THE SEA,
WITH A GLORY IN HIS BOSOM THAT TRANSFIGURES YOU AND ME.
AS HE DIED TO MAKE MEN HOLY, LET US DIE TO MAKE MEN FREE,
WHILE GOD IS MARCHING ON.”
“GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON.”
(As the song draws to a close, the lights in the arena go down. There’s a long pause in silence, the audience sitting awkwardly and unsure of what to make of all this...until the opening riff of the Guess Who’s “American Woman” blares over the speakers. The lights then come back up as the Big Screen crackles to life, bearing a Canadian Flag with the words “The Canadian Hero” written over it in a serif font. A man swaggers out onto the stage, dressed in a red leather jacket and blue jeans and carrying a Canadian Flag with him in his hands. The bearded man swaggers into the middle of the stage and then turns around, unfurling the Canadian Flag in front of himself at the same time as he reveals the back of his jacket, which bears the words “CANADIAN HERO” in bold white font, with a white maple leaf between them. The man then turns around, draping the Canadian flag over his shoulders as he makes his way down to the ring to a chorus of boos and “U-S-A!” chants. He pays them no heed, simply smirking as he struts over to a ring attendant and very pointedly asks them loud enough for the camera to pick it up.)
Mysterious Man: May I PLEASE have a microphone?
(The ring attendant nods, pleasantly surprised, and hands him what he requested.)
Mysterious Man: Thank you!
(The man now leaps up onto the ring apron, taking a moment to smirk out at the audience before he steps through the top and middle rope, posing for a second in the middle of the ring in a similar fashion to the way he posed on the ramp, then balling up the Canadian flag and setting it in the corner. The music slowly dies down as the choir, now all dressed as stereotypical Mounties, continue to surround the ring.)
Mysterious Man:
Hello, New York City! I truly wish I could tell you how positively wonderful it feels to be back here in the good old U.S. of A!
(The crowd gives a confused pop, and the “U-S-A!” chants slowly die down.)
Mysterious Man:
I WISH I could tell you that...but I would be lying.
(The crowd immediately erupts in boos, the “U-S-A!” chants beginning again in earnest.)
Mysterious Man:
Ah, there it is! Listen to them, so predictable. Just like sheep. Or lemmings, perhaps, all following your own blind patriotism to the bitter end, no matter where it ultimately leads.
(He pauses, smirking once again as the audience continues to pelt him with boos and chants of “U-S-A!” This time it’s Laura Phoenix’s turn to speak up.)
Laura Phoenix:
Now, excuse me, but just who the HELL do you think you are?
Mysterious Man:
Ah, right, of course. Please forgive my intrusion, but I figured the best way to grab an American’s attention is during one of your godawful, embarrassingly nationalistic “celebrations of patriotism”, or whatever it is you call this shameless autofellatio these days.
(Laura Phoenix looks appalled, and the audience boos grow louder.)
Devon Ryder:
But please do allow me to introduce myself: my name is Devon Ryder, and I am a - no, THE - Canadian Hero.
(Yet more boos and jeers, along with renewed chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!”)
Devon Ryder:
Ah, yes, I expected that reaction. You lot never did take kindly to a “foreigner” stepping foot on your ‘precious’ soil, no matter HOW caucasian their complexion happens to be.
(More boos, but Ryder simply smirks.)
Devon Ryder:
Now, I know you’re probably wondering WHY I chose to break in on this little American self-love circlejerk...well, the answer is symbol. Because you’re FAILING, America. As a country, as a people, even as an ABSTRACT IDEA, the United States is little more than a SHADOW of its former self. And I’m here in PWS: Apex to PROVE it.
(The booing continues, but Laura Phoenix seems intrigued and lets Ryder go on.)
Devon Ryder:
For decades - centuries, even - the United States of America has been lauded around the world as a bastion of freedom and opportunity for anyone and everyone. The concept of “the American dream” has lured many a hopeful immigrant here, looking to find or forge a better life for themselves and the people they love. But I’m here to tell you that’s not possible. The American Dream is a LIE.
(This nets the loudest reaction of the night, the fans practically bringing the roof down with their booing and jeering of this newcomer.)
Devon Ryder:
See, America was ONCE a land of opportunity - for wealthy, white European CAPITALISTS, looking for freedom from the crown’s oppression and seeking to make as much money as they possibly could in the process. But America has never been about inclusivity, just ask the millions of people of colour you’ve incarcerated or forced into economically disadvantaged segregated communities today. Just ask the Native Americans, who were forced out of their homes and slaughtered in droves just to be ‘gifted’ the right to live in isolation on meagre parcels of land that should ENTIRELY be theirs by right! The truth is, if you look different from 99 percent of the men who’ve ever held political office here, or if you speak with a different accent or pray to a different god, or even LOVE somebody that makes the white, anglo-saxon protestant population uncomfortable, then the United States of America is a land of nothing but oppression, segregation and suffering!
(The crowd boos, but it’s not quite as strong this time. Some of them seem to agree with what Ryder has to say.)
Devon Ryder:
The bottom line, America, is you're NOT the greatest country in the world. Hell, these days, you tend not to even crack the top ten. But Canada DOES top those lists, we DO have the right to call ourselves great, because in many ways, Canada is what America has always WANTED to be. But don’t worry. You may be a laughing stock to the rest of the world; other civilized countries may look at you and the way you treat your people with disgust, disdain and pity, but it doesn’t always have to be this way. You CAN be great, America, you CAN be the bastion of freedom, opportunity and success you’ve always wanted to be. You just need a Hero, to lift you up and show you a better, brighter way. I can be that hero, America. All you have to do...is LET me. My name is Devon Ryder, and I’m here to save you.
(With that, the Canadian Hero is finished, and he turns to collect his Canadian flag and steps out of the ring, returning the microphone to the attendant he got it from and thanking them again as “American Woman” starts to blare over the speakers once more. Laura Phoenix looks on with a mixture of shock, frustration and intrigue as Ryder struts back up the ramp, mounties in tow, to a more solidly-mixed reaction than he got at the beginning. We hold on this scene for one moment longer, as Ryder smirks back at the audience before disappearing behind the curtain, before PWS: Apex Rise to Glory finally kicks into gear!)
Singles Match
Miss Puppies vs. The Squid-Man
(“Crazy Bitch” by Buckcherry comes on over the speakers as Miss Puppies makes her way to the ring.)
Meg Reynolds: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Making her way to the ring first, from the nearest bar, Miss Puppies!(Puppies gets into the ring, raising a hand as she looks out at the crowd. A moment later, “Ocean Man” plays and the lights turn aquamarine. El Hijo del Padre del Calamar walks out onto the stage, bouncing along to his theme music, as the lights get a wavy, underwater sort of effect.)
Meg Reynolds: And her opponent, from the Pacific Ocean, weighing in at 185 pounds, The Squid-Man!
JR Freeman: Well, this bitter rivalry will finally be put to rest tonight!
Alfonso Banks: You never know, JR, maybe these two will keep fighting after this. Maybe this will be feud of the year!
JR Freeman: You’re having too much fun poking fun at this, aren’t you?
Alfonso Banks: What gave it away?
(Squid-Man gets into the ring, and before you know it Puppies is already running at him, delivering some stiff strikes. The bell rings as the lights go back to normal. Puppies takes control early on, delivering some stiff strikes to The Squidly One. Picking him up, she delivers a powerbomb to the turnbuckle, felling the Squid-Man. She goes for the pin.)
1!
2!
(No, Squid-Man kicks out at 2! Puppies, angry about this, picks him up to do another buckle bomb, but he reverses it into a hurricanrana, sending Puppies into the same turnbuckle she made him fly into just a moment ago. He waits for her to get up and, when she does, delivers a dropkick, knocking Puppies down. He grabs her and locks in the Squid Lock! She reaches out for the ropes, and manages a rope break. Squid releases the hold and stands up, going up to the top turnbuckle. Puppies, however, gets up right afterwards, grabbing him from the top and dropping him with a Lou Thesz Press.)
JR Freeman: Look at the power of Miss Puppies!
Alfonso Banks: Impressive! We haven’t seen offense like this from her in a long time!
JR Freeman: Probably because she hasn’t been this heated in a long time!
(Puppies picks Squid-Man up, though Squid grabs the ropes, dropping her to the outside with another hurricanrana. He sighs as Puppies starts to be counted out.)
1!
2!
3!
4!
5!
6!
(Miss Puppies slides back into the ring, and Squid-Man runs at her, delivering a Pele Kick! He jumps up to the top, going for a Splash and Burn, but Puppies gets her knees up and he hits them, holding his back in pain as he falls to the mat. After a moment Puppies stands, going up to the top herself, and once Squid-Man stands, she hits The Ho Down! She goes for the cover.)
1!
2!
3!
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, Miss Puppies!
(Puppies celebrates with a beer, pouring some of it out onto Squid-Man’s fallen body.)
Winner - MISS PUPPIES!
PWS: APEX Dishonored
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Singles Match
Richard Rider vs. Violet Amelia Holt
Meg Reynolds: The following match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first… from Port Charlotte, Florida… VIOLET AMELIA HOLT!!!
(The lights softly die down as a countdown clock appears on the screen. Once the clock hits zero, “Burn with me” strikes up as a young woman with blonde hair steps through the curtains with an older gentleman and another young woman alongside her. The crowd is mixed with their reactions. She takes a few steps forward and confidently tells those with her she has this handled and to head backstage. They agree, and go backstage. She walks her way down to the ring with a confident strut in her step.)
Alfonso Banks: Violet has been on a rampage lately… she has been extremely angry and cross and I don’t quite know why.
JR Freeman: Well, if you had an oaf like Richard Rider hitting on you and your sister non stop.
Alfonso Banks: Speaking of Sir Dick Rider…
(Alf couldn’t help but laugh at his own joke as “I’m Sexy And I Know It” by LMFAO echoes through the arena. Richard Rider appears slowly from the back as 3 people swarm around him taking pictures with small disposable cameras. He poses at the top of the ramp as his hair blows in the wind by a nearby wind machine. He makes his way past them and into the ring where they continue to take pictures until their cameras are full and they head backstage.)
JR Freeman: This man is straight up delusional. He should have been the one in the nut house! Now poor Alexis!
Alfonso Banks: Hey… she needed it and is doing better. But it’s not my place to discuss that. Rumor has it, she is in the arena tonight.
JR Freeman: I guess we will see! But let’s focus in on our second match of the night…
(In the ring, the referee was checking both Violet and Rider for hidden weapons. When he is satisfied that neither has weapons, he calls for the bell.)
DING DING DING
(Rider and Holt stand roughly 2 arms lengths apart in the middle of the ring. Holt cracks her knuckles and glares at Rider, who smirks and winks at her. She takes a deep breath as her face begins to look extremely annoyed. They start circling each other in the ring, as Rider adjusts his elbows pads a little bit. The two step a little closer towards each other, eyes locked. Rider mouths “come one” towards Holt and signals for her to make the first move. They circle a few more times before they lock up. Holt is holding her own against Rider until he drops to the mat and grabs her leg, bringing her down to the mat as well. He holds on to her leg, attempting to put her in an ankle lock. She gets back up to a standing position on her free leg, leaving him bent over holding her other leg. She attempts to free her leg, but he has a strong hold on it.)
Alfonso Banks: Violet could be in trouble early on… if Rider can keep her from using her speed advantage over him, it could be over.
JR Freeman: Violet is well versed in this business. I think she can handle having to adjust her strategy.
(Holt attempts to elbow Rider in the head to get him to free his grip. This causes them both to fall to the mat. Rider gets a hold on Holt’s head instead and attempts to put her in a sleeper hold. She fights out rather quickly and attempts to stand up. Before she can, he makes another attempt at a grapple, but she is able to counter it and instead gets him in a grapple from behind. She grabs his leg and flips it around so that she has him in a pin!
1… KICKOUT!
(Rider kicks out quickly, but Holt keeps the pressure on, going right for a headlock of her own. He starts getting up to his feet but she once more grabs his legs and sweeps him to the mat. She rolls him up trying to use her entire body weight as leverage in a pin!)
1…2..KICKOUT!
(Rider kicks out right after the 2.)
JR Freeman: Violet is trying her hardest to end this fast, and I can’t blame her.
Alfonso Banks: Well, if I was up against some one named Dick Rider… I’d wanna end the match fast too.
JR Freeman: Would you knock it off.
Alfonso Banks: No, I don’t think I will.
(As they start to get up, Holt attempts to keep the pressure on and keep things on the mat, so she tries to lock in another headlock but he grabs her and flips her over to where she is in front of him. He then grabs her arm and twists it behind her back, putting on pressure. She screams out in pain as he does so. She gets her arm free so he grabs her head and smashes it backwards into the mat and goes for a pin)
1… KICKOUT!
(She kicks out fairly quickly and slides out of the ring. The referee begins to count.)
1...2…
(Rider goes to the ropes and leans over, yelling at her to get back in the ring. She smirks before jumping up and grabbing his head, pulling his head down and causing his throat to bounce off the top rope. He falls to the mat, holding his throat, as she slithers back in the ring. She goes to a corner and waits for him to get to his feet.)
JR Freeman: Uh oh… I don’t like the look of this!
Alfonso Banks: This could be bad for Dick Rider.
(He staggers to his feet, coughing. She runs towards him and jumps, connecting straight to the face with a “Crazy Shot” punch. Rider drops the mat, seemingly out of it. She stands there looking at him for a second before hopping up onto the top rope and connecting with a vicious looking “Air Violet” and the pin.)
1...2...3!!!
DING DING DING
Meg Reynolds: And your winner by pinfall… VIOLET AMELIA HOLT!!!
(The referee raises Violet’s hand in the ring as the trainers at ringside check on Rider.)
Winner - VIOLET AMELIA HOLT!
(The camera cuts to Alf and JR, as we see the fans behind them getting out various items that could be used as weapons.)
JR Freeman: Up next, its going to be our obligatory demonstration of violence, also known as the Collateral Damage Championshp match.
Alfonso Banks: Demonstration of Violence is exactly right, and they’re letting the crazy people of New York bring the weapons? I shudder to think wha they’re going to come up with!
JR Freeman: Just from what I’m seeing right now, I’d say you have every right to be afraid.
(The camera pans across the crowd, as we see all sorts of weapons coming out, from steel chairs, chains, and various bags of things. After a few moments, the camera cuts to the stage.)
Collateral Damage Title Match
Fans Bring the Weapons Match
Jonathan Sanders (c) vs. Shawn Young
(“Song 2” by Blur comes over the speakers, and soon the Young Hit Wonder steps out onto the stage.)
Meg Reynolds: The following is a Fans Bring the Weapons match, and it is for the Collateral Damage championship!
(Shawn puts his hand in the air, a “Whoo-Hoo” coming from his mouth to the song before he walks down the ramp. The fans are holding some of their weapons out already.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first, from Seattle Washington, he is the Young Hit Wonder, Shawn Young!
(He steps down to the ring, high fiving the fans as he goes. Finally he gets to the turnbuckle, climbing up and raising his hand up, shouting “Whoo hoo” once again. He moonsaults off the turnbuckle, landing in the ring on his feet. Taking his LED coat off, he tosses it aside, bouncing around as he awaits the Lost Cause.)
(Soon, the intense guitar of “Blood Pigs” starts playing, along with the familiar growl of Otep shouting “TRAITORS!” as the champion slowly walks out from behind the curtain.)
Meg Reynolds: And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Dionysus, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 185 pounds, he is the Collateral Damage Champion… “The Lost Cause” Jonathan Sanders!
(Sanders makes his way to the ring, the champion barely even holds his belt, content to let it drag on the ground behind him. He rolls his wrist, wincing and smirking. Dionysus, walking behind Sanders, cracks his knuckles. Sanders walks to the ring, dressed in a spiked leather jacket as he glares directly at Young.)
JR Freeman: Both competitors are ready for a fight!
Alfonso Banks: You’re damn right! It won’t just be your typical wrestling match, these two want to beat the shit out of each other!
JR Freeman: And I think they will! I’ve seen some of the weapons these fans brought, it’s going to be insane!
(Sanders has stepped into the ring. Looking Shawn Young directly in the eyes, he removes his spiked jacket, handing it off to an official, dropping his belt on the canvas as someone quickly grabs it and brings it to ringside.)
(The bell rings and Young immediately charges Sanders, taking him to the mat with a hurricanrana.)
JR Freeman: Wow! Young immediately starting on the offense!
Alfonso Banks: He’s trying to stop Sanders from attacking, since he knows how violent that man is. A sound strategy, but not one that’ll last very long, if I know ANTITHESIS!
(Young goes to the ropes, jumping off with a springboard senton, then heads up to the top, where he delivers a moonsault to the downed Snake of Eden. He picks Sanders up, but gets some resistance in the form of The Lost Cause punching him repeatedly in the gut. Grabbing the young wrestler’s arm, he rolls through into a cross armbreaker! Wrenching on the hold, Sanders cackles, looking about ready to pull Shawn Young’s arm out of its socket. Young manages to hit Sanders in the legs with his free hand, and Sanders ends up releasing the hold.)
(Young trying to help himself up with the ropes, Sanders leaps over the top rope onto the apron, heading down to the ramp to grab a weapon. He sees a bat and grabs it, walking towards the ring, where Young has come to. Shawn runs at the ropes, vaulting over them and taking Sanders to the ground with a flying headscissors!)
(With Sanders floored, Young gives him a few stiff shots to the head, before walking to the crowd, who hold out their weapons. Shawn grabs a chair from one of them and runs back over to Sanders, before he has a chance to get up, and starts hitting him with it. A few hits later and he sets up the chair, looking around for another one. Someone’s holding one out, so he grabs it and sets it up with the other one, loading Sanders onto them and stepping up onto the apron. Jumping off for a 450 splash, Sanders rolls off the chairs, causing Young to crash and burn. Soon Sanders stands, walking over to a particular hooded fan and grabbing a weapon from them, a pair of spiked brass knuckles.)
JR Freeman: Whoa! Who let someone bring those into the arena!?
Alfonso Banks: Last time they let Sanders bring a machete, I don’t think the staff care what sorts of weapons the competitors use!
JR Freeman: If that’s the case I think they should! Sanders is a dangerous individual, giving him access to weapons like these can only end in disaster!
(Sanders grins, picking Shawn up and rearing back to hit him, but getting a spinning heel kick for his troubles! The Young Hit Wonder goes for the cover.)
1!
(No! Kickout! Young picks Sanders up, delivering some hits to the gut, but is soon hit with the brass knuckles from The Outsider. Grabbing his face, Young falls to the ground, Sanders walking over and stomping on his leg. Sanders gets that trademark grin again, walking over and grabbing another chair, setting it up over Shawn’s neck and doing a standing 450 leg drop onto it!)
JR Freeman: Ouch! An incredibly painful-looking maneuver from Sanders!
Alfonso Banks: This is exactly the kind of brutality the Collateral Damage division deserves!
(Sanders goes for the pin.)
1!
2!
(Shawn kicks out at 2, making Sanders look around for a deadlier weapon. Young notices the spiked brass knuckles being dropped, and picks them up, tossing them away. Sanders grabs a baseball bat, walking over to Young. He tries to hit Shawn with the bat, but Young rolls out of the way. He rolls, in fact, all the way to the ring, where he hoists himself up, now bleeding from the head. Sanders tries to hit him again but he ducks, causing Sanders to hit the turnbuckle. Young backs off, towards the barricade, and ends up using it to springboard himself off into a jumping DDT! Getting up onto the apron, he jumps onto the turnbuckle, hitting a Young Hit Press onto the downed Sanders! He goes for the cover…)
1!
2!
(…And Young is picked up by Dionysus. Young, ever the fighter, delivers several stiff calf kicks to the much larger man. The 14 inch height difference doesn’t seem to matter much as Shawn manages to fell the giant. However, in the time he takes to do so, Sanders has propped himself up. He runs at Young, landing a running dropkick that sends him into the ring steps. Young collapses, sitting next to the steps. Sanders grabs his arm, picking up the top part of the steps and putting it onto Young’s arm, sandwiching it in between the 2 parts of the steps. He goes up to the top, jumping off to land his handspring double foot-stomp, but Shawn moves his arm out from the steps at the last second, causing Sanders to hit the steps hard. Both men lay there for a moment, before Shawn Young gets up, using this opportunity to grab another weapon. This time, a kendo stick.)
JR Freeman: Young with a kendo stick!
Alfonso Banks: Thanks, JR, we all have eyes.
(Walking over, he starts smacking the prone Sanders over the back with the kendo stick. Breaking the stick over Sanders, Young then grabs him and picks him up, running him into the same steps he almost got his arm crushed between. Wiping some blood away from around his mouth, Young grabs Sanders’ leg, looking for the Wonder Lock, but Sanders kicks him away, sending him into the barricade. Sanders kicks him violently over the barricade, jumping over the barricade as well, and both men brawl into the crowd. Grabbing a crutch one of the fans is holding out, Sanders smacks Young over the head with it several times, knocking him down. Picking Young up, he’s grabbed by The Young Hit Wonder, who drops him with a T-bone Suplex onto the barricade! He goes for the cover again.)
1!
2!
(Sanders kicks out! Young jumps onto the barricade, using it like a rope as he walks across it, going for a Ropewalk Asai Moonsault, but the newly standing Sanders runs over, delivering a Shot of Serotonin, knocking Young off the barricade and to the outside! He leaps onto it himself, delivering his springboard double stomp, then going for the pin himself!)
1!
2!
…
(Another kickout from the Young Hit Wonder! Sanders, scowling at this point, goes under the ring, and while he finds no chairs, no kendo sticks, nothing the fans could bring, he does find a ladder. Looking up the ramp, he grins. Walking down the ramp, Sanders sets up the ladder on the stage, right near the titantron. Young, now up, runs over, just as Sanders turns around to check if he’s still down, and hits him into the ladder with a spear! He grabs the ladder, putting it on the ground, and drives Sanders into it with a jumping DDT, bloodying the Lost Cause to match Young’s crimson mask.)
JR Freeman: Now both men are bleeding, this is getting intense!
Alfonso Banks: “Getting”!?
(Young grabs Sanders by the leg, finally getting him in the Wonder Lock! Sanders laughs, his face contorted into that wicked grin he’s known for. The champion tries to pull himself forward, but Young won’t let go. He kicks at Young, but the Young Hit Wonder is stubbornly holding on. Sanders reaches over, grabbing the ladder and hitting Young with it, making Shawn release the hold. Sanders stands, though he’s limping a little. He smacks Young across the body with the large, 30-foot ladder, and sets it up again. Climbing up on the ladder, he uses the opportunity to get up onto one of the giant speakers they have, then from there jumps up onto the titantron. He sets something up, but Young has stood up by this point, and is making his way over to the ladder.)
Alfonso Banks: Uh-oh! Are we gonna see a repeat of Destiny?
JR Freeman: I hope not! I don’t know if Young’s body can take that sort of punishment!
Alfonso Banks: And there’s no truck around to cushion the fall!
(As Young about halfway up the ladder, the mysterious hooded fan from earlier jumps the barricade and runs over to him, grabbing the Young Hit Wonder and pulling him off the ladder, the ladder crashing to the ground below. Young starts fighting the hooded person, and they fight over towards the electrical box in a dip next to the stage. The hooded figure looks up at Sanders, who’s grinning and nodding, then delivers a superkick to Young, who falls down onto the electrical box.)
Alfonso Banks: Wait, is Sanders thinking what I think he’s thinking!?
JR Freeman: He’s nuts!
Alfonso Banks: Thanks for that assessment JR. Here’s another one: Water is wet!
(Alf’s thoughts turn out to be accurate, as Sanders jumps off the titantron, delivering a Total Eclipse of the Soul to the fallen Young, on the electrical box below! The camera focuses on the descent, and once Sanders lands an explosion of pyro goes off, with a non-insignificant amount of sparks flying from the box directly into the air at the same time. We hear electrical noises as the box is collapsed. The lights in the arena flicker, but ultimately stay on, as the referee looks in to see what happened, and notices Sanders pinning Shawn Young’s shoulders down.)
1!
2!
3!
(The bell rings, and “TRAITORS!” rings through the arena as Sanders is helped out of the electrified hole he made by Dionysus. The crowd boos the retaining champion.)
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, and still Collateral Damage Champion, Jonathan Sanders!
(The hooded figure walks up to Sanders and pulls his hood down, revealing his true identity.)
JR Freeman: Wait, that’s… that’s Alexander Lyons!
Alfonso Banks: He’s been in vignettes the past few weeks!
(Lyons takes the title from the referee who was going to hand it to Sanders. He stares at it for a moment.)
JR Freeman: Oh, maybe he has ulterior motives regarding the title! Maybe that’s why he helped Sanders retain!
(Lyons smirks, handing Sanders the belt and raising his hand. The crowd boos louder.)
JR Freeman: We should probably have someone check on Shawn Young!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, he’ll be fine! Look, the ref’s getting to it!
(Sure enough, the referee is checking on Shawn Young, who starts to move as EMTs come out to carry him away on a stretcher.)
JR Freeman: What a brutal match!
Alfonso Banks: You can say that again, JR, those two men beat each other senseless!
Winner - AND STILL PWS: APEX COLLATERAL DAMAGE CHAMPION, JONATHAN SANDERS!
(The cameras cut to the back after the insanity that was the Collateral Damage Title Match. The fans were in an uproar still from the action. As the cameras cut, they pick up a woman walking down the hallway. As she gets closer to the cameras, it becomes apparent that it was former PWS:APEX World Champion, Alexis Makarios. She walks at a normal pace, maybe even a slight bit of a brisk pace to it, as she tries to ignore stagehands avoiding eye contact with her and whispering and murmuring behind her back after she was past them. She stopped at one point when she saw a very familiar person down the hall. The camera turned to show that it was World Title Contender, and her Tag Team Partner, Heather Haze. Haze’s voice could be heard as she was yelling at one of the stage hands about something that probably wasn’t even important. Alexis smirked a little and shook her head as she walked up behind her friend.)’
Alexis Makarios Ya know… you should probably do whatever she asks… you do realize you are talking to the next PWS:APEX World Champion, right?
(Haze stood straight up and instantly smiled. She turned around to see Alexis standing there and couldn’t help but rush in to hug her friend. After the embrace, Haze took a step back.)
Heather Haze: Lexi? Is it really you?
Alexis Makarios Yeah, it is. Feels good to be back.
Heather Haze: Now they let you out legit, right? You didn’t escape or anything? So I need to call in some favors and keep you off the radar?
(Alexis chuckled a little bit.)
Alexis Makarios No, I didn't escape. They released me. Several horrible hours of therapy and god knows how many prescriptions later…
Heather Haze: Well I, for one, am happy to see you. I’m really glad you're back. It’s lonely around here.
Alexis Makarios Yeah, I've missed you too. Things are definitely more interesting with you around.
Heather Haze: So, when are you back in action?
Alexis Makarios Not tonight, that’s for sure. Hopefully next Riot though. And I sure hope to stand side by side with the NEW PWS:APEX World Heavyweight Champion… I’m really rooting for you, girl.
Heather Haze: Really? You aren’t mad that they gave me a title shot?
Alexis Makarios MAD??? No way! I’m so excited for you. If it couldn’t be me… I’m glad it’s you. Good luck out there. I’m rooting for you.
Heather Haze: Thank you! And welcome back.
Alexis Makarios Thanks. Now, I have a meeting with Star and David about a few things. I’ll see you tomorrow… for a celebration lunch?
Heather Haze: It’s a date.
(Alexis smiled as she walked off, leaving Heather to go back on her tirade against the stagehand.)
Unsanctioned Match
Tyson Sykes vs. Chaz Holiday
Meg Reynolds: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL, and is an Unsanctioned Match. That means falls count anywhere, anything goes, and the match will only be stopped by pinfall or submission.
("Blackout" by Breathe Carolina hits as numerous multicolored strobe lights begin to flash throughout the area. Chaz Holiday bursts out onto the stage, smiling and looking around at the crowd, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. He nods his head and claps his hands together, getting pumped up, as he makes his way down to the ring. He slides in, under the ropes and then pops up, going to the second rope. He glances around at the roaring crowd, once again, pointing out at all of them, before hopping down, bouncing in place as he prepares for the match. Holiday is clearly fired up and trying to be his sparkly self, but is visually ready for the severity of this contest.)
Meg Reynolds: Making their way to the ring first, from Los Angeles California, weighing in at 231 pounds. He is a 2021 PWS HALL OF FAMER - "FANTABULOUS" CHAZ HOLIDAY!
JR Freeman: I am more than ready for this match up. Sykes has been talking trash for months now, and Chaz was on fire at RIOT a few weeks ago. I can't wait to see Chaz prove Sykes wrong.
("Tom Sawyer" metal cover by Leo hits, and the fans begin to boo as Tyson Sykes bursts through the curtain wearing a white sleeveless 'ANTITHESIS' shirt and jeans, but still kick pads for some reason. Not wasting any time he makes a beeline for the ring sliding in, begin stopped by the ref immediately as he tries to charge Chaz early. Sykes smirks and backs into his corner, Chaz shaking his head.)
Meg Reynolds: And his opponent, from Gorham, New Hampshire, weighing in at 235 pounds. Representing ANTITHESIS, he is "THE RIPPER" TYSON SYKES!
Alfonso Banks: Well I disagree with you, per usual. I think Chaz was great, but was is the operative word. I think it's true that he's never faced anybody like Tyson Sykes in his life, and Sykes is going to prove that tonight.
(DING DING DING. The bell rings and the two get themselves psyched up. The legend Chaz Holiday stands cautiously but ready, studying his opponent from across the ring. Tyson Sykes hops back and forth, lifting his hands to tell Chaz to bring it on. Chaz responds with a challenge of his own, shouting at Sykes.)
Chaz Holiday: It's time to put up or shut up big man.
JR Freeman: Both men apprehensive to get started in the early going. They got a small taste of the others wrestling style last week, but now they're taking a moment to truly feel one another out. Chaz looks confident, and Sykes looks fit to be tied.
(The two approach in the middle of the ring, circling each other intensely before locking up. The fans erupt in excitement as these two finally lock up after nearly half a year of back and forth arguing. Both men jockey for position, Tyson getting the upper hand backing Chaz up a few steps, but Chaz backing Sykes up four. Chaz powers Sykes towards the corner, but Sykes pops his hips using Chaz's own momentum to shove Holliday into the corner. Usually this is where the ref would call for a clean break, but given the rules he doesn't. Sykes holds Chaz for a moment before actually giving him a clean break.)
JR Freeman: Well color me impressed, I was not expecting to get a clean break from Sykes in the early going here.
Alfonso Banks: What do you mean? Tyson Sykes is a professional. He's always following the rules even when there aren't any-
(However before Sykes backs all the way out, he reels back and slaps Chaz HARD across the face, leaving an instant red mark.)
Alfonso Banks: Never mind.
(Sykes backs up after the slap, and Chaz looks as if he's going to charge but thinks better of it, and keeps his cool. The Sykes smirks as the two lock up again. This time Chaz breaks out with a quick wrist lock that he transitions into a side headlock. Sykes quickly slips out and behind the hall of famer, looking for a hammer lock. He wrenches it in but only for a moment as Chaz gets his hands around Sykes wrists and is able to swing his body in behind Sykes with a hammer lock of his own. Sykes looks to do the same but mid spin Chaz catches him with a quick cravat before using the hold to quickly flip Tyson down with a snapmare. Chaz then paintbrush slaps Sykes directly in the back of the head while he's seated! Sykes hops up furiously, but before he can even do anything Chaz slaps him just as hard back in the face!!! Tyson is stunned and stumbles backwards into the ropes, and Chaz takes the opportunity to clothesline Sykes up and over the top rope, to the floor. Chaz points at him and shouts -)
Chaz Holiday: COME ON YOU SON OF A BITCH... WHO'S THE NEVER-HAS-BEEN NOW!?
(- as Sykes sits on the mats outside rubbing his cheek and neck, clearly furious and shocked as the fans chant for the PWS legend!)
JR Freeman: GOD Chaz isn't holding anything back tonight!
Alfonso Banks: He can't! Neither one of them can, this match has been hyped up so much by both of them that they can't afford a loss now.
(Sykes hops up onto the apron looking to get back into the ring and Chaz charges, but Tyson side steps and drills Holiday in the gut with a knee. Tyson then grabs a handful of hair and pulls Chaz through the ropes, hitting him in the chest with a disgusting knife edge chop. Chaz grits his teeth and groans, as he gets lit up with a second chop! Tyson hauls back and slaps the chest of Holiday again, and Chaz stumbled backward on the apron. Sykes smirks and looks to capitalize, charging Holiday - but is caught under the jaw with a super kick! Super kick by Chaz! Tyson is stunned, and Holiday boots him in the gut and then drives him head first into the apron with a ddt that sends both men crashing to the mat bellow!)
JR Freeman: DDT ON THE APRON.
Alfonso Banks: Was that Sykes skull cracking or Chaz's spine!?
(Chaz is the first to make it to his feet but slowly and holding his spine. He tries to shake it off, the fans chanting all the while. Grabbing the head of Sykes Holiday looks to pull him to his feet, but Sykes nails a quick shot to the gut. Without giving Chaz even moment to recover Tyson charges, wrapping his arms around Chaz's midsection and driving him spine first into the ringpost. The thud is sickening, and Chaz drops his knees in pain.)
Alfonso Banks: That DDT coming back to bite Chaz there, that spine is taking a beating.
(While Chaz is feeling the effects of the tackle into the post, Sykes takes advantage. He lands three quick shots to the head and jaw, dragging Chaz to his feet. Sykes pushes him against the apron of the ring, hauling back and lighting him up with a knife edge chop. As Chaz barely has time to react, Sykes hops back and kicks him in the chest, the thud sounding like a gunshot. Chaz collapses to the floor, and Sykes smirks.)
JR Freeman: It took a while, but it seems as if Sykes has finally taken control of the veteran.
(Sykes cracks his own neck, trying to shake off the cobwebs as he slowly pulls Chaz to his feet. After two flush elbows to the chin of Chaz, Sykes grabs his wrist and sends Holiday sailing into the steel steps with a thunderous Irish Whip. The fans boo as Chaz again crumbles, and Sykes seems to be building some momentum. Tyson reaches underneath the ring and pulls out a kendo stick, twirling it over his head menacingly.)
Alfonso Banks: Here we go baby, Sykes finally introducing the hardware and there's nothing that the ref can do about it.
JR Freeman: Unfortunately you're right, the referee is powerless to do anything but call a submission or count to three. It's all legal.
(Chaz uses the barricade to pull himself up and as he does, Sykes takes advantage by cracking the kendo stick over the already injured spine of Holiday. With a yelp of pain Holiday stumbles forward, against the announcers table where Sykes yet again let's go with another shot to the back with the stick, welts already rising on the skin of the legend. Tyson takes a deep breath and smirks as Holiday stumbles into the barricade on the other side of the outside, and Sykes charges looking to take his head off with the kendo stick. Chaz however has the where with all to hit a dropkick to the knee of Sykes, Tyson's momentum sending him careening head first into the barricade so hard that it pushes it back a few feet. Chaz, stands up favoring his back, but grabbing the kendo stick and raising it high.)
JR Freeman: Good God Chaz has taken a beating already, but it looks like he's going to give Tyson a little bit of a receipt!
Alfonso Banks: Wait Chaz can't do this! Chaz is too nice for this.
JR Freeman: He said it himself, Tyson has pushed him harder than anyone else, and he's not going to roll over and die!
(Sykes slowly stumbles to his feet, dazed and confused and is welcomed with even more pain as Chaz cracks the kendo stick across the ribs of Sykes! Much to the delight of the fans, Holiday follows Sykes as he stumbles to the ramp way and cracks him with it again, this time in the back! Tyson falls to the ground, and Chaz throws the kendo stick away. Chaz grabs Tyson by the back of the neck and hauls him back to his feet, looking like he's going for The Sparkle Driver early! However, Sykes is able to block it, and drops Chaz hard on the steel with a back body drop! Chaz arcs in pain as the bad back lands on the ramp way, and Sykes slowly crawls away up the ramp. It doesn't take long for Chaz to fight through the pain and get to his feet, chasing after Sykes who is near the entrance way now. As Holiday approaches Tyson turns and drives him in the gut with a steel chair! Tyson then drops the steel chair and nails a DDT of his own onto the steel chair, on the ramp! The fans boo heavily as Sykes goes for the first pin of the match.)
1...
2
Kickout!
JR Freeman: I'm surprised that Chaz was still able to kick out early, he's taken a ton of punishment already in this match.
Alfonso Banks: Maybe he does have more in the tank than we think. I guess time will tell!
(Sykes scowls, grabbing Holiday by the hair and dragging him to his feet and to the backstage area! Tyson with a handful of hair sends Chaz face first into a wall, and when he bounces off sends him into another one on the other side of the room, almost taking out a production table.)
Tyson Sykes: C'mon you cocky son of a bitch, where's your funny Tweets? Your keyboard isn't here to save you now, is it-
(And as if on command, Chaz grabs a production laptop off a nearby table and cracks Sykes in the skull with it!!! Sykes drops to a knee, clearly not expecting it, before Chaz follows it up with a superkick to the chin! Sykes crumbles, blood starting to pour from his skull as Holiday jumps on for the pin!)
1...
2...
Kickout!
Alfonso Banks: OH NO that was close... Can you imagine if Holiday actually pulled it off?
JR Freeman: At this point I could! Sykes is busted open from that production laptop, and Chaz is on a roll here!
(Chaz spotting the blood doesn't let up, raining down a few right hands to the skull of Sykes before lifting him to his feet. Chaz tosses Sykes hard into a door that opens up, sending Sykes off balance back down to the ground. Chaz walks in after Sykes, and sees that they're in one of the locker rooms backstage. Luckily, it's unoccupied as Holiday wastes no time tossing Sykes head first into one of the metal lockers in the back of the room. Chaz looks to follow up, but Sykes gets a well timed kick to the gut, and opens one of the locker doors directly into Chaz's face. Holiday stumbles back and Sykes drags a long wooden bench away from the wall and stands on it, taking Holiday down with a flying clothesline off of it when he turns around. Sykes again goes for a pin.)
1...
2..
Kickout!
(Sykes shakes his head, wiping the blood from his eyes as he grabs Chaz and drags him into the shower room, where 5 wall showers line the back wall, all separated by a piece of obscured glass. Sykes smirks and tosses Chaz against one of the sinks, letting him sit there for a moment as he goes over and turns on one of the showers, cranking the nob to the hottest temperature it'll go. Tyson smiles as he removes the shower head from the wall, steam rolling from it.)
Tyson Sykes: Time to clean up, bitch -
(As he turns, Tyson's quip is once against interrupted by Chaz grabbing the steel trash can next to the door and throwing it directly in Sykes face. Sykes stumble as the can dents off his skull and goes flying, littering the room with trash. Chaz snags the shower head and shouts.)
Chaz Holiday: First good idea you've had in a long time!
(And as Sykes turns around, Chaz blasts him in the face with the scalding hot water! Tyson stumbles back holding his face and specifically his eyes, and before he can turn Chaz grabs him from behind and hits a reverse DDT onto the trash can! The referee for safety reason shuts the water off, then looks over just in time as Chaz, in pain from his back crashing into the tile floor and trash can, gets an arm over Sykes for a pin!)
1...
2...
.. KICK OUT!
JR Freeman: Good God how did Tyson get the shoulder up!?
Alfonso Banks: This is personal for Tyson, and I think he's fighting off pure hate and instinct at this point.
JR Freeman: Hell at this point you could say the same about Chaz! His back is killing him clearly.
(Chaz slowly gets to his feet, almost crawling out of the bathroom with Sykes not far behind him. Holiday turns and sees he's being followed, hitting a stiff knee to the jaw of Sykes that buys him some time. Chaz takes the moment to catch his breath, lifting Sykes onto his shoulders for what looks like one of Sykes moves, a death valley driver, perhaps onto the cement floor of the locker room! However Sykes slips off the back of Chaz and shoves him face first into the lockers yet again, and when he turns around Sykes lifts Chaz up swiftly and drives Chaz back first through the wooden bench he jumped off earlier with a death valley driver of his own!!!)
JR Freeman: HOLY SHIT CHAZ HAS BEEN BROKEN IN HALF! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER THROUGH A WOODEN BENCH!
Alfonso Banks: THAT'S IT! SYKES HAS DONE IT!
(Sykes crawls in for the pin.)
1...
2...
... Thr - NO! CHAZ KICKS OUT! CHAZ KICKS OUT!
JR Freeman: You're kidding me!!! That wood is THICK, that's not like a table folks.
Alfonso Banks: I'll give Chaz that one, any lesser man would have been out cold going through one of those!
(Sykes lays there in disbelief, trying to figure out what he has to do to keep Chaz down for the three count. Sykes slowly gets to his feet, pulling Chaz out of the rubble. He drags him out into the hallway just as a stage hand is getting out of a nearby elevator, trying desperately to hold a ton of files and a cup of coffee. Sykes smirks when he sees the elevator, clearly having something in mind. Sykes tosses Chaz full force into the elevator, sending the stage hands files and coffee flying! The stage hand quickly tries to retrieve their files, getting directly in the way of Sykes.)
Tyson Sykes: Move you idiot!
Stage Hand: But my files! I don't have time to start all this over aga-
Tyson Sykes: I SAID MOVE!
(Sykes angrily knees the stage hand in the midsection, takes a step back and cracks the stage hand in the skull with a roundhouse kick! However, the distraction takes Sykes too long, and as he turns to join Chaz in the elevator the doors shut, leaving Sykes out. The bell dings, and the 3rd floor light is illuminated as the elevator begins going up. Sykes sighs and looks at the stairs, laboriously making his way up the two flights to cut Chaz off at the top. Tyson makes it to the top, arching his back in pain feeling the effects of this physical match, when suddenly theres a small alarm coming from the elevator. Sykes tilts his head confused as another ding follows it, and he realizes too late that Chaz has cracked the emergency fire extinguisher glass in the elevator! As the door opens Sykes is blasted in the face with the cold smoke from the extinguisher, sending him stumbling back yet again. White smoke fills the section as we hear Chaz yell.)
Chaz Holiday: FIRE DRILL!
(With incredible speed Chaz bursts through the white smoke and spears Sykes! However unbeknownst to either man, they are incredibly close to the steps that Sykes climbed up, and both men go rolling down the stairs, hitting the cement floor at the bottom with a sickening smack! Both men lie motionless.)
JR Freeman: The ref may have to step in and stop this -
Alfonso Banks: No no! It's a pinfall or submission... they're powerless!
JR Freeman: Well they have to do something! Like Tyson or not theres two living, breathing human beings that have lives to live after this match and they're crumpled up on the floor like wet newspaper. They just fell down a flight of stairs, almost two!
(A long time passes before Chaz slowly gets up. He looks around dazed and confused, grabbing Tyson by the head and dragging him down the hallway. Chaz grabs Sykes and tosses him into a nearby electrical bin that goes rolling down the hall. With a look of desperation Chaz surveys his surroundings, grabbing a nearby steel chair. He smiles, however as he turns around Sykes cracks him dead in the jaw with a roundhouse kick! Chaz is stunned, maybe out cold on his feet, and Sykes grabs the chair. Without a second thought he reels back and crashes it over the skull of Chaz as hard as he can, bending the chair almost in half. Holiday crumples to the floor busted open himself now heavily, and Sykes drops to the ground as well, too out of it to make the cover.)
JR Freeman: We knew this was going to be grueling, we knew this would be intense, but I don't think anybody would have expected this.
(Sykes, bleary eyed and his vision obscured by blood, catches a glance at a door labeled 'VIP Room/Balcony Entrance'. A sick smile cross his face as he pushes his way to his feet, barely able to stand, and drags the lifeless body of Chaz up as well. Opening the door the fans cheer as Sykes and Holiday appear above them! Sykes looks over the barricade and smiles, but his happiness is cut off quickly as Chaz catches Sykes while he's distracted, and sends him back first into the VIP room door! Rich people in suits clamor out the back door as Chaz swings open the door, throwing Sykes inside, directly into a huge VIP round table that sends drinks and ashtrays to the floor. Chaz grabs Sykes by the head, raining down rights and lefts before tossing him onto the large table Chaz climbs up and shouts -)
Chaz Holiday: Enjoy the VIP room, it'll be the only time you're allowed in one!
- before locking in The Glamour Lock on top of the thickly supported wooden table!!!)
JR Freeman: THERE IT IS! GLAMOUR LOCK IS LOCKED IN! I REPEAT THE GLAMOUR LOCK IS LOCKED IN!
(Sykes hollers in pain as Chaz wrenches back as hard as he can, blood pouring like rivers down both men's faces. Sykes tries to climb off the table but the submission is wrenched in too tight, and Sykes looks like he's beginning to fade.)
Alfonso Banks: No no NO... Sykes looks like he's fading! Don't tell me...
The ref grabs Sykes arm and drops it once.
Alfonso Banks: DON'T TELL ME...
The ref grabs the arm and drops it a second time.
JR Freeman: ONE MORE DROP OF THE ARM AND CHAZ WILL WIN THIS! I THINK SYKES HAS PASSED OUT FROM THE PAIN!
The ref grabs the arm, and it drops a third time!!!
(BUT SYKES RAISES IT BACK UP QUICKLY AFTER in desperation grabbing something off the table that didn't get knocked off. Sykes slams it into the exposed leg of Chaz above the knee pad and holds it there, Chaz not reacting at first but then SHOUTING in pain. Chaz release the hold and grabs his calf, stumbling further down on the table holding his leg. The camera pans down to see a lit cigarette from a nearby ashtray that didn't get pushed off the table in Sykes hand as he tries to scramble to his feet.)
JR Freeman: YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Tyson Sykes just burned the thigh of Chaz with a lit cigarette! This is beginning to get uncomfortable to watch!
Alfonso Banks: Both men said they'd do anything for this win... but this is a bit much for even me!
(As Sykes gets to his feet, Chaz looks to throw a left hand, his right still clutching his leg burn, but Sykes ducks the shot and connects with a boot to the gut immediately after. Sykes pulls Chaz in by the trunks and lifts him up, sending him crashing head first into the thick wooden table with a pile driver, but the table doesn't break!!! With a sickening thus Chaz rolls off the table and onto the floor, Sykes spread out on the table that he clearly expected to break. Though they don't like him, the fans begin a "This is awesome" chant as both competitors lay lifeless.)
JR Freeman: I don't even know what to say at this point, if either man makes it up it'll be a wonder.
(It takes a while but Sykes rolls off the table and walks out of the VIP area. He shakes his head to clear the cobwebs, when he finally sees what he's looking for. Sykes goes down the balcony area, to a large square box that is probably usually saved for standing room but is roped off. Sykes pulls the ropes down and tosses them aside, looking down at what appears to possibly be electrical equipment and unused props all covered in black sheets about fifteen feet below. Sykes' smile doesn't fade as he looks back at the room where Chaz hasn't moved yet. Sykes then sits down and removes one of his kick pads, revealing a small fabric bag. He holds it up, and the fans already begin to buzz as they know what comes next, as Sykes pours out hundreds of thumbtacks onto the vacant balcony area!)
Alfonso Banks: YES TACKS! I LOVE TACKS!
JR Freeman: Tyson Sykes clearly has a ton of tricks up his sleeve, and he's pulling them all out now.
(Tyson spreads them out with his foot before looking back to the VIP doorway where Chaz is pulling himself out with one arm. Sykes slowly approaches, shaking his head, yelling.)
Tyson Sykes: Why won't you stay down? What the hell do I need to do for you to just STAY. DOWN!?
(Chaz unexpectedly looks up as Sykes finishes, and shouts back...)
Chaz Holiday: YOU'LL HAVE TO KILL ME YOU SON OF A BITCH!
(And with that he leaps to his feet, swinging a wine bottle apparently left from the VIP room over his head and cracking it over the skull of Tyson Sykes! Sykes drops to his knees, Chaz then grabs Sykes and lifts him up, nailing a pile driver of his own on the balcony floor!!)
JR Freeman: REVENGE! CHAZ WITH A RECEIPT FROM THE WINE BOTTLE AT THE HALL OF FAME!
Alfonso Banks: Sykes is done for! Did you hear that smash!? And the thud from that piled driver!?
JR Freeman: I could hear it from here, and Chaz is about to get the win from it too!!!
(Chaz drops to his knees, using all his strength to laboriously roll Sykes to his back, and hooks the leg on a lifeless Tyson Sykes!)
1...
2...
... THRE-- NO! TYSON KICKS OUT.
JR Freeman & Alfonso Banks: WHAT!?!
(The fans erupt as Sykes kicks out, all getting swept away in these two trying to put the other away. Chaz, dumbfounded, rolls off Sykes, and onto his back. Both men are left lying again as "This is Awesome'' fills the arena again. Chaz is the first to his feet, as he sees what Sykes has set up for him with the tacks. Holiday scowls, and drags Sykes up to his feet as he's done so many times in the match. Guiding him over, he grabs Sykes by the arms looking for the Sparkle Driver yet again, but this time onto the tacks.)
JR Freeman: SPARKLE DRIVER IN COMING, AND INTO THE TACKS?
(However before he can hit it, Sykes drops to a knee, and hits a low bellow on Chaz!!! The a chorus of boos fill the arena as Chaz holds his groin, Sykes slowly getting to his feet. Sykes grabs Chaz by the chin and looks him eye to eye.)
Tyson Sykes: Then I will, I'll just kill you.
(Sykes knees Chaz in the midsection and to add insult to injury, mimes as if he's smoking a cigarette and putting it out on Chaz's back to reference earlier. He then lifts him up for the Syko Bomb onto the thumbtacks! BUT CHAZ SLIPS OFF THE BACK! Sykes turns, and Chaz hits him with three right hands that stumbles Sykes! Chaz then looks at the tacks and shrugs, stomping his foot into them, getting as many stuck in his boot as he can! He then turns and as Sykes turns as well, he's met with a quick superkick!!!)
JR Freeman: SUPER KICK! SUPER KICK WITH THE TACKS!
(Tacks stick out of Sykes cheek and jaw, but amazingly he doesn't go down!? Chaz and the fans are shocked as Sykes gets a rush of adrenaline and whips his head back to Chaz, tacks and blood trickling off his face.)
Tyson Sykes: NICE TRY.
(With a quick boot to the gut of the stunned Chaz Holiday, Sykes lifts him up again and throws him full force down onto the balcony floor onto the thumbtacks, this time connecting with the Syko Bomb! Chaz cries out in pain as he lifts his back, revealing all the thumbtacks sticking out of his back.)
JR Freeman: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY A SYKO BOMB ONTO THE TACKS!
(Sykes pulls himself back up and throws one arm over Chaz for the pin!)
1…
2...
3-----
No!
CHAZ KICKS OUT!?!!?
(The arena almost blows the roof off as the Hall of Famer kicks out, tacks covering him like a pin cushion. Sykes crawls away, tacks still in his haw from the superkick and littering his body from collateral damage with the Syko Bomb, looking at Chaz with disbelief.)
Alfonso Banks: I'm starting to think neither of these men are human. The body isn't built to take matches like these.
JR Freeman: Both of these men know what this match means, and they're not going to give up without giving it their all. I'm speechless. Absolutely speechless.
(Sykes drags himself to his feet, limping to the railing of the balcony, looking down at the equipment covered in the sheet. He then grabs the ref by the shirt and shouts.)
Tyson Sykes: GO MOVE THAT SHEET.
(The ref attempts to protest but Sykes shoves them.)
Tyson Sykes: GO!!!
(The ref shrugs their shoulders clearly intimidated, and takes off down the stairs. Tyson grabs Chaz from the tacks, still lifeless, and drags him over to the railing, pushing the steel guard rail out of the way, looking down at the covered equipment. The referee finally gets down there and Sykes nods, and the referee pulls the sheet off. To everyone's surprise, the equipment that's usually there is now gone, and replaced by two tables side by side with three layers of light tubes tapped to each table. Again, the fans explode with anticipation.)
JR Freeman: IS THAT -
Alfonso Banks: THOSE ARE LIGHT TUBES. DOZENS OF LIGHT TUBES TAPPED TO THOSE TABLES!
JR Freeman: Somebody, anybody, someone needs to stop this now. They're fifteen feet in the air God damn it.
(Sykes holds Chaz by the jaw, letting him look down at the light tube covered tables before looking him in the eyes again.)
Tyson Sykes: Any last words mother fucker?
(Chaz looks at Sykes, blood pouring down his face, and shakes his head. Chaz then reels back and slaps Tyson as hard as he can in the face! The slap thunders through the arena, and Sykes stumbles back momentarily. When he turns, Chaz has collapsed to his knees, but has both middle fingers up flipping off Sykes to an enormous pop from the fans. Sykes is stopped for a moment by the display, then shrugs and shouts -)
Tyson Sykes: Well said.
(- With a stiff kick to the chin of Chaz, Sykes drops him to the ground again. Lifting up the lifeless body Sykes flips Chaz around for the Time of Death sitout tombstone.)
Tyson Sykes: BUT TIME TO DIE THEN.
(And with that, Sykes steps off the fifteen foot balcony and drives Chaz and himself through the light tubes and tables with a Time of Death tombstone!!!)
JR Freeman: THEY'RE DEAD. THEY'RE BOTH DEAD! There's no way around it, they're dead.
(HOLY SHIT. HOLY SHIT. HOLY SHIT. Echos as the smoke from the blown tubes clear, showing a bloodied Sykes arm barely over the equally bloodied Chaz Holiday. From a safe distance, the referee counts.)
1...
2...
3!
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, "THE RIPPER" TYSON SYKES!
(A buzz fills the PWS Apex arena as medics quickly come to the scene to check on both men who lay motionless.)
JR Freeman: I never in my life... thought that it'd come to this. There was no question that these two had a personal grudge, but this went way further than it needed to.
Alfonso Banks: I love watching Chaz get his ass kicked as much as anyone, but I don't think either of these men are ever going to be the same again.
JR Freeman: You're right about that. Chaz Holiday didn't have anything to prove to anyone, but after tonight there's not a son of a bitch walking this planet who can question his merit. And you gotta ask yourself, if you're Tyson Sykes, was it worth it? You put a retired man through this, a legend, and you got the win. But at what cost? At what cost...
(We got one last shot at the two beaten competitors as Emt's help pull both men out of the chaos carefully as we cut backstage.)
Winner - TYSON SYKES
(The camera cuts to the office of Josiah Cena, as we see him sitting at his desk signing some paperwork. He looks up and gives the camera a smile.)
Josiah Cena: Good evening, I hope everyone is enjoying the show. I just have an announcement to make, and no this isn’t the announcement I teased on social media. That will come later from Laura. What I’m here to talk about is what we’re going to do with our tag team division heading into Dishonored. Starting on the next Riot, we will be holding two #1 Contender’s matches, with the winners facing the champions at Dishonored in a triple threat tag team match. The teams involved will be revealed at a later time. Enjoy the rest of the show, everyone.
(Cena smiles again, as he goes back to his paperwork, as the camera cuts away.)
(The cameras cut to backstage, whee we see Daniel and Audrey Russow making the last minute preparaiions before they head to the arena.)
JR Freeman: And there they are, the tag team champions. They will defend their titles against the Carpenter sisters up next, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of mindset Daniel Russow is in.
Alfonso Banks: I’ve tried to get an update on him all day, and I’ve gotten nothing. The Russows have been pretty quiet as to how he’s doing, so as far as I’m concerned, we’ll find out after the match starts.
(The camera then cuts to Jennifer and Madison Carpenter, as they are going overgameplan in the back.)
JR Freeman: And there’s the challengers. A big match for both of them, and especially Madison, as this is her first experience wrestling in front of a sold out crowd. You have to wonder if there will be any nerves that play a factor in her performance.
Alfonso Banks: She’s part of the Lopez clan, so I’m almost positive they have her ready for this experience.
(The cameras cut back to Alf and JR.)
Tag Team Title Match
Dan and Audrey Russow (c) vs. Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez and Madison Carpenter
JR Freeman: What a night we’ve had so far, and this next match should be very interesting, as we get set for our tag team championship match.
Alfonso Banks: Daniel Russow has been so...off? I mean, even for him.
JR Freeman: He’s gone through a lot the past month…
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, but...he’s really really REALLY let it get to him.
JR Freeman: Wouldn’t you? The man had his father pass in his arms after a horrific car crash. I’m sorry to be so blunt about it, but how can you expect anyone to be okay after that?
Alfonso Banks: I don’t expect him to be okay, but he does need to channel those feelings into something that can help him focus on the task at hand, or we are going to be ending the night with new tag team champions.
JR Freeman: I have faith that Daniel will be able to step up to the occasion tonight.
Alfonso Banks: For Audrey’s sake, I hope you’re right. I don’t generally agree with the Russows’ antics, but it’s been rough for even me to watch what all this has done to Audrey.
JR Freeman: Well, let’s send it to Meg Reynolds, who is standing by to get things started.
(The cameras cut to ringside, where Meg Reynolds is standing by.)
Meg Reynolds: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the PWS: APEX Tag Team Championships!
(The fans cheer.)
Meg Reynolds: The first team to score a pinfall or submission will be declared the winners and champions. Now, introducing the competitors…
("Up, Up and away" from Kid Cudi starts playing on the PA systems, Jenn makes her way from the back. She stands on the stage for a few seconds with a smile on her face, then her sister follows behind her. Jenn allows Madison to take the lead as they make their way down towards the ring. Madison hops into the ring and Jenn follows her in using the steps. They each take their corner before doing their poses for the camera.)
JR Freeman: The Carpenters look focused here tonight, they definitely have their game faces on.
Alfonso Banks: Well, you have to think of the journey they have taken to get here, how much this means to them. This is a big match for them, and for Madison. This is the first match she’ll have in front of a sold out crowd. Have to wonder if there’s any nerves that will play a part in all this.
Meg Reynolds: And now, introducing their opponents...
(The lights in the arena dim and slide into a dark purple tint, as “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark” starts to play over the sound system. Pyro explodes with the drum hits, as Audrey Russow comes out onto the stage wearing black cargo pants, a black top and boots, with a black hooded vest that has “RUSSOWS” on the back. She’s hyped up and jumping around, pumping up the crowd.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, now residing in New York, New York, she is one half of the PWS: APEX Tag Team Champions, Audrey Russow!
(The crowd cheers, as Audrey starts to make her way down the ramp, stopping about half way down, as she looks at the ring, a smirk growing on her face. Her music cuts off, as she stands there with the camera on her for a moment.)
JR Freeman: Anticipation is building.
Alfonso Banks: Come on with it already!
Meg Reynolds: And introducing her partner….
(The lights dim back down, as the opening to “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy starts to play over the sound system. The fans cheer, as after a moment, Daniel Russow slowly walks out onto the stage. He’s dressed in the same apparel as Audrey, black cargo pants and boots, with the black hooded vest on. He has the hood down, as he has his head facing down. He has the title belt draped over his shoulder.)
Meg Reynolds: From New York, New York, this is Daniel Russow!
(As his name is mentioned, Daniel raises his head, looking at the ring, and it’s then we see he is wearing a black facemask with an image of the mouth of a skull on it.)
JR Freeman: That’s...frightening…
Alfonso Banks: I mean...that’s certainly…..something.
(Audrey looks back at her husband, as he joins her halfway down the ramp. She reaches up and takes his facemask off his face, revealing the snarl he has on his face as he looks inside the ring. She gets him to look at her, and they nod to each other before making their way to the ring. Dan gets up on the apron, as Audrey walks over to the steps to get onto the apron. Dan gets in the ring, then holds the ropes so Audrey can step in. They walk over to the turnbuckles and pose for the crowd.)
JR Freeman: Well, Daniel Russow certainly looks focused on the task at hand.
Alfonso Banks: We’ll see when the match starts. This could all be for show until the bell rings.
JR Freeman: I highly doubt that.
(Reynolds exits the ring, as the ref gets the titles from the Russows, holding them in the air, before passing them off to a ring crew member. He checks with the Carpenters, and then the Russows, before calling for the bell to start the match.)
*DING DING*
JR Freeman: Here we go!
Alfonso Banks: Now to see who’s going to start the match.
(Jennifer and Madison bump elbows, as Madison makes her way to the apron. Across the ring, Audrey and Dan nod at each other, as Dan makes his way out onto the apron. Audrey looks at her husband, before turning around to face Jenn, an almost twisted smile on her face.)
JR Freeman: That look is….
Alfonso Banks: As a man, nightmare inducing.
JR Freeman: Just be glad it’s not aimed at you.
Alfonso Banks: Oh, I am!
(Jenn and Audrey lock up in a collar and elbow tie up. They turn in the lock up, before Jenn backs her up into her corner, as Madison reaches and tags herself in. She gets in the ring, and Jenn breaks the lock up, ducking down, as Madison delivers a dropkick to Audrey’s chest as Jenn holds Audrey in place. Jenn gets out of the ring, as Madison gets back to her feet with Audrey slumped in the corner. Madison climbs the turnbuckle, raining down with punches to Audrey’s face. After a few punches, Audrey manages to get her arms under Madison, and walks out of the corner, planting Madison with a powerbomb.)
JR Freeman: Wow! A powerful counter there from Audrey.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, but does she get Dan in the match now?
(Instead of going for the tag, Audrey gets to her feet and goes on the attack. She mounts Madison and gives her some right hand shots of her own. Madison finally manages to block some, as she manages to roll Audrey off of her, as the two get back to their feet. They lock up again, as Madison does a standing switch, going for a belly to back suplex, but Audrey spins around her, going for one of her own. Madison delivers some back elbows to get out of the position, before spinning around and bringing Audrey down with a leg sweep. Madison rolls Audrey up into a pin attempt.)
1…
Kickout!
JR Freeman: A quick attempt there by Madison.
Alfonso Banks: Just making sure Audrey is on her toes.
(The two get back to their feet, as they start trading right hand shots.)
JR Freeman: Given who Audrey trains with and was trained by, I’m not so sure Madison wants to trade punches with her.
Alfonso Banks: Don’t discredit Madison and who she was trained by.
JR Freeman: I know, but….I can only imagine what Audrey was put through training with Russows.
Alfonso Banks: You know, I’m really starting to see what Madison, Jenn, Eddie and all them have been saying. People around here act like the Russows are the greatest thing to happen to PWS. Yeah, they are an influential family name in this company, but they are NOT the end all be all of the company. The Lopez/Carpenters deserve just as much of the praise for making PWS what it is.
JR Freeman: I do believe that’s the points the Russows have been making...if they want the spotlight, take it from them.
Alfonso Banks: No matter the outcome here, I don’t think this war will be over after this.
JR Freeman: That we can agree on.
(After a few right hand shots, Audrey is starting to rock Madison, as she has to get her hands up to block. She manages to catch Audrey’s arm, and deliver an arm drag. They get back to their feet, and Audrey delivers an arm drag in response. They get back to their feet again, and Madison sends Audrey to the ropes. Audrey comes back and Madison goes for a back drop, but Audrey rolls over Madison and lands behind her. She goes for a back body drop, but Madison flips out of it, landing on her feet behind Audrey. Audrey turns around and nails a vicious kick to Madison’s head, damn near taking her head off. Madison crumbles to the mat, as Audrey goes for the cover.)
JR Freeman: MY GOD! WHAT A KICK!
Alfonso Banks: Carpenter could be out!
1…
2…
Shoulder Up!
JR Freeman: Jesus, that was close!
Alfonso Banks: Too close, if you ask me. I think Madison may have been out there for a second. She got the shoulder up just in time.
(Madison shakes her head to regather her composure. Audrey gets to her feet, and grabs Madison’s legs, about to go for a submission, but Madison manages to kick Audrey away, making it to her feet. She jumps at Audrey with desperation into a leaping clothesline that knocks Audrey down to the mat. Jenn reaches out in the corner, pleading for a tag, as Madison starts to crawl over to her sister.)
JR Freeman: Madison certainly needs to make the tag here, but can she get there?
(After a moment, with Audrey starting to stir, Madison makes it to her corner and tags in Jennifer. Jenn hops into the ring and goes right after Audrey. She kicks Audrey and delivers a leg drop before getting her to her feet. Jenn starts to attack with body shots and kicks, causing Audrey to double over, as Jenn gets her in position and plants her with an inverted ddt. Jenn goes for the pin.)
1…
2…
Kickout!
JR Freeman: Another pin fall attempt there for the Carpenters.
Alfonso Banks: Now it’s Audrey who needs to get a tag, but is Dan ready to be in the match?
(Jenn gets Audrey back to her feet, and sends her to the corner with Madison, as Jenn tags Madison in, and the two start beating down Audrey in the corner. They deliver kicks and punches, before Jenn gets down on her hands and knees in front of Audrey, as Madison backs up to the center of the ring. Madison runs at Audrey, going to step on Jenn’s back, but Audrey explodes out of the corner at the last second, stepping up on Jenn’s back, and spearing Madison in mid-air!)
JR Freeman: What a counter! Audrey HAS to get to her corner now!
Alfonso Banks: The Carpenters better stop her!
(On the apron, Daniel is going rabid, waiting for the tag, as Audrey breathes heavily before starting to crawl towards her corner. The fans buzz with anticipation, as after what seems like an eternity it seems, Audrey makes it to the corner, and with one last leap, she makes the tag, and in comes Daniel to the roar of the crowd. He comes in like a house on fire, going right after both Carpenter sisters, knocking them both down with clotheslines. They get back to their feet, but Dan knocks them both back down with another round of clotheslines. Jenn rolls out of the ring, as Madison rolls out with her. They get to their feet on the outside, but Audrey gets back in the rin, and runs to the ropes across the ring, and runs towards them, diving through the ropes and crashing on the Carpenters to the floor.)
Crowd:HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
JR Freeman: The Russows laying it ALL on the line tonight!
(Dan gets out of the ring and gets Madison back to her feet to get her back into the ring. Audrey gets back to her feet and gets back up on the apron in her team’s corner. Dan gets Madison up and sends her to his team’s corner, tagging Audrey in, before pulling Madison out of the corner, getting her into position, and nailing the Rabid Deviance! Audrey climbs the turnbuckle, and once Dan is out of the way, she leaps off and nails Madison with the Halestorm! She goes for the pin, as Dan stands by, making sure Jenn can’t interfere in the pin.)
JR Freeman: The Crow and the Butterfly! This could be it!
1…
Alfonso Banks: Come on Jenn! Get there!
2…
JR Freeman: Dan’s playing defense, she won’t get there!
3!!!
*DING DING DING*
(Jenn just misses being able to break up the pin in time, as Dan blocks her from getting there. The bell sounds, and the fans roar with cheers, as Dan helps his wife to her feet, hugging her tightly.)
Meg Reynolds: Here are your winners, and STILL PWS: APEX TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, DANIEL AND AUDREY, THE RUSSOWS!
JR Freeman: They did it! For all of the people saying Daniel wouldn’t be in the right mindframe to compete here tonight, here’s a giant middle finger to ya!
Alfonso Banks: Geez, way to be unbiased.
JR Freeman: No! After all that man has been through this past month, my hat’s off to him for showing up here tonight and competing and coming out on top. My hat’s also off to Audrey, as she was a warrior tonight and helped carry her team to victory. The Carpenters put up a great fight, don’t get me wrong, but tonight belongs to the Russows!
(The Russows celebrate in the ring, as the ref raises their hands as they are handed their championship belts. They raise the titles high in the air before getting out of the ring. They start making their way up the ramp, Dan with his arm around Audrey. They make it to the top of the ramp, as they look back at the ring, they turn to each other and share a kiss as the fans cheer, before Dan and Audrey make their way back through the curtain. The camera cuts back to the ring, where Jenn and Madison are getting back to their feet.)
JR Freeman: And from the thrill of victory, to the agony of defeat. The Carpenters tried, but tonight just wasn’t their night.
Alfonso Banks: Time to go back to the drawing board and see what they can do to have a different outcome next time.
(The camera cuts away as Jenn and Madison start to make their way backstage.)
Winner - AND STILL PWS: APEX CHAMPIONS, DAN AND AUDREY RUSSOW!
(The cameras cut to the back inside of Star’s office. She was sitting at her desk looking over some paperwork with David Shane sitting in the chair across from her desk. He was holding his phone sideways and appeared to be playing some sort of game on his phone, as he was not really paying much attention. This caused Star to look up at him and let out a sigh.)
Star Stormz: So… if you are just gonna sit there and play on your phone all night… why are you even here?
David Shane: I’m supervising. Duh.
(He spoke without even looking up from his phone. She shook her head as there was a knock at the door.)
Star Stormz: Can you at least handle whoever that is?
David Shane: But…
(She let out a sigh)
Star Stormz: Come in…
(The door opens and in walks Alexis Makarios with a big smile on her face. Star looks up and smiles softly.)
Star Stormz: Alexis, great to see you! You look… well you look like you are doing a lot better than the last time I saw you.
Alexis Makarios Yeah. It was… a rough month. But the good news is I am doing a lot better. I feel like myself again. For the better part of a year I have felt like I was drowning in my own head and I just didn’t know what to do. I’m actually glad that you guys stepped in and sent me away when you did. I was so far gone… I did some pretty awful things, didn’t I?
Star Stormz: Not gonna sugar coat it, you did wrong a lot of people. But mental health is a serious issue in society these days. I am glad you got the help you needed, even if it meant being dragged there kicking and screaming.
Alexis Makarios Yeaaaaaah… not one of my best moments that’s for sure. I’m seeing things so much different than I did before. I still have a lot of work to do. But… work… that’s part of why I’m here.
David Shane: The doctors clear you to get back in the ring?
Alexis Makarios Yes… and kinda no.
Star Stormz: What do you mean by “kinda no”...
Alexis Makarios: Well, I am able to compete in matches, travel… they just want me to keep things on a light schedule. So I have some restrictions… mostly they want me to avoid high stress situations for a few weeks while my body continues to regulate on my meds.
Star Stormz: High stress situations… basically… no Russows?
Alexis Makarios Not in so many words. Apparently… they are a bit of a trigger for me.
Star Stormz: Oh… sorry I didn’t mean to bring em up…
Alexis Makarios No, you’re fine. You don’t have to treat me like some delicate thing that is going to break with the slightest little crack. The Russows… well they tend to have the ability to…
David Shane: Do everything in their power to drive you to the brink of insanity then laugh about it?
Alexis Makarios I wouldn’t go that far. But… in a nutshell… the doctors think they were a large factor in my mental break and that I should just steer clear of them for now. Which is what I'm going to do. They leave me alone… I’ll leave them alone.
Star Stormz: That sounds more than fair. But we are glad to have you back and to see that you are doing better. And I hate to be the one to bring it up but… you… aren’t planning to sue us for neglect or anything… right?
(Alexis looks a little confused.)
Alexis Makarios Well… I mean… Laura and some other members of staff did not take action. I could have a case if I wanted to. But don’t worry… I’m not going to that extreme. I’ve had a few people suggest that I should. But I’m not going to. Anyways I better head out, I don’t wanna miss Heather’s match. My doctors said they were going to fax you all my paperwork.
Star Stormz: Sounds great. Again… glad to have you back.
(Alexis smiled softly and walked out of the room. David shot her a bit of a look.)
Star Stormz: What? I needed to know if I had to start preparing for a legal battle or not.
David Shane: I get that from the business aspect… but I told you to let me handle that if it comes to pass. She’s still in recovery and doesn’t need to feel like her bosses are attacking her.
(He just shook his head as he went back to his game.)
United Title Match
Nick Madison (c) vs. Cleo Phillips
(A loud pyro explosion leads into the beat to "Gangsta's Paradise" echoes throughout the arena, as the lyrics begin Cleo swaggers out onto the stage, she folds her arms and looks around at the crowd from behind her shades.)
Alfonso Banks: Awww I love this song, JR! C’mon!
#As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I take a look at my life, and realize there's nothin' left
'Cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long
That even my momma thinks that my mind is gone#
(Cleo pounds her chest twice and points around the arena before making her way down the ramp, as the song continues.)
JR Freeman: Well certainly never one to back down from adversity, Cleo has another chance to taste PWS:Apex GOLD...
#But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it
Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of
You better watch how you talkin' and where you walkin'
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk#
(Once at ringside, she jumps on the apron and rolls into the ring, where she postures and poses for the crowd as some more pyros go off.)
Alfonso Banks: But standing in her way is a born and thoroughbred Hall of Famer, “The Extremist” Nick Madison!
Meg Reynolds: The challenger, hailing from The Bronx, New York. She is “the Body Snatcherrrrrr”...CLEO...PHIIIIIIILLIIIIIIIPS!!!
#I really hate to trip, but I gotta loc
As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke
Fool, I'm the kinda G the little homies wanna be like
On my knees in the night, sayin' prayers in the streetlight#
Finally, she poses arms crossed on the turnbuckle, as the chorus comes in.
JR Freeman: I just hope she knows what she’s in for
#Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise#
(As the last chorus of Gangsta’s Paradise dies out we hear the priest from the Boondock Saints whisper…)
“...the indifference...of good men…”
(Suddenly a MASSIVE pyro hits the stage as smoke billows out as “Critical Acclaim” by Avenged Sevenfold begins to blare over the sound system, as the loud scream of M. Shadows echoes throughout the arena.)
Alfonso Banks: IIIII HAAAAATE THIIIIS PAAAAAART!!!!
JR Freeman: THE P-P-PA IS BU-BU-BUMPIN’, ALF!!! FEEL THAT TINGLE!!! Bright lights shine from the stage, before they turn back to the stage, where Nick Madison comes out from behind the curtain, as the fans cheer.)
Meg Reynolds: Now making his way to the ring, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nick Madison!
(Madison bounces in place feeling the love as cuts off towards the ring sliding under the bottom rope. He pumps his hips twice before popping up and throwing his coat open to show the PWS:Apex United Championship as he turns instead of climbing the turnbuckle for the fans as Cleo has taken every opportunity since he slid under the rope to start jawing in his face as the referee backs her off to her corner, Madison backs up to his with a smirk on his face as he takes the coat off and unlatches the title as he steps forward holding it out to Cleo, ignoring her taunts as he finally snarls out “LET’S SEE IF YOU’RE THE FUTURE THEY SAY YOU ARE!!!” This kinda quiets Cleo for a moment as she looks at him like “You didn’t...you didn’t say THAT.”)
DING!
(The referee barely rolls out of the way as soon as he rings for the bell to start the match as Cleo FLIES across the ring catching Madison off guard and backing him up to the corner raining down rights but she makes the mistake of trying to trash talk him in between every hit and it’s not long before Nick drops to one knee, puts both hands on her stomach, and lunges up with a HUGE flapjack backwards into the middle of the ring as Cleo belly flops worse than a fat kid on that Blob thing from Heavyweights. She sits up on her knees holding her stomach as Nick brushes his hair back and snarls in her face.)
Nick Madison: Learn...to shut the fuck up...and FIGHT!!!
(As Nick grabs her by the hair...which you should never do...and starts to lift her to her feet but when he does she snaps free and fires off a huge bitch slap but she spins through into a combo roundhouse kick!)
Alfonso Banks: What the heck was THAT!?
JR Freeman: It’s like someone’s been playing Tekken!
(Madison hits the deck grabbing his jaw as Cleo backs herself into a corner catching her breath and holding her ribs. Nick gets up in the adjacent corner and you see the energy start to build as both of them stomp towards each other in the ring as Cleo takes off running looking for the Lou Thesz Press but it’s been scouted by Madison who ducks and rolls between her legs as they both turn on a dime and rush each other as Nick throws a surprise side headlock!
JR Freeman: NEURO-MUTILATION!?
(But the young Phillips has it scouted as she balks, pushes him off just far enough to pull him back into a dragon sleeper as she fires off a desperation Set It Off rolling cutter! This could be it!)
1!
2!
...THR-NO!!!
JR Freeman: HOW MUCH CLOSER CAN YOU GET THAN THAT!?
(Cleo looks astounded as the Hall of Famer looks absolutely lost in the sauce with his head in the lights as he blinks unsurely as Cleo starts punching the mat. She sees Nick’s still out of it and she shrugs and screams “WAY WE GO!” before attempting a BEAUTIFUL cartwheel knee drop, unfortunately Nick Madison...has rolled out of the way. Cleo’s knees crash up into the rest of her as she screams in pain but before she can do anything...Nick has locked her in the Fade Away lebell lock! Cleo is screaming NO! And thrashing for the ropes. Madison wrenches it in screaming “C’MOOOON YOUNGBLOOD!!!” as Cleo is limber enough to bounce her legs out to the side kicking for the ropes as Nick is just holding a regular crossface at this point...Cleo manages to kick her feet up on the second turnbuckle and roll backwards through it causing Nick to take a tumble and let go as SHE takes a tumble rolling through before she pops up shrieking like banshee as she throws a desperation Milly Rock! IT CONNECTS! Cleo collapses across Nick’s shoulders but her back is pinning him! Both of their shoulders are down!
1!
Alfonso Banks: NO WAY!!!
2!
JR Freeman: BY GOD, NOT LIKE THIS!!! NOT AFTER WHAT WE’VE SEEN!
THRE-*PHILLIPS SHOOTS A SHOULDER UP!*-E!!!!!!
DING! DING! DING!
JR Freeman: OH DIOS MIOS!!! SHE DID IT!!!
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner...aaaaand...NEWWWWWWWWWW!!!! PWS:APEX UNITED CHAMPION...CLEO PHIIIIIIILLIIIIIIIPS!!!
(Cleo begins absolutely freaking out in the ring as Nick takes the title and walks over holding his jaw...and holds it out to her. She gives him a solemn nod and takes it as he returns the nod and slides out of the ring.)
JR Freeman: What a match, BOTH of those competitors have NOTHING to be ashamed of! They left it ALL in that ring!
Winner - AND NEW PWS: APEX UNITED CHAMPION, CLEO PHILLIPS!
(Scene switches to a room where we see PWS: Apex Riot General Manager Laura Phoenix stands in front of two screens that are playing scenes of what has happened over the last year and a half from Las Vegas and New York.)
Laura Phoenix: Ladies and gentleman, it has been a very long and tedious year and a half. This pandemic has forced all of us to change the very way we have viewed the world. Since the beginning of this whole ordeal back in March of 2020, we were able to still continue to bring you entertainment, while continuing to keep our staff and stars healthy. We have been fortunate enough to come to you from Las Vegas and then eventually from our very own home here in New York during this time. We’ve enjoyed it, despite the challenges that we have had to face in this time of uncertainty. We thank you for your support and sticking with us through this entire ordeal.
(With that Laura turns with a remote in her hand and clicks a button where it just switches to the PWS: Apex logo with big red letter saying “ON TOUR!”)
Laura Phoenix: That’s why standing here tonight, it is my honor and privilege to get to tell you that after tonight, for the first time in a year and a half, PWS: Apex is hitting the road! While we will honor the COVID mandates of the states and arenas that will host us, we are ready to welcome our fans back. Beginning in August we will tour the Northeast and the northern end of the Midwest. We will begin in Boston and end in Chicago for Dishonored. We do encourage our fans to please be safe, do not attend our events if you are not feeling well and please keep in mind that while we do have a vaccine, not everyone is lucky enough to be able to take it. For us to do this tour, we need to make sure that everyone is safe. We are looking forward to seeing you all, to hear your cheers once again when we go On Tour.
(Scene fades with the tour dates and locations.)
Riot
TD Garden
Boston, MA
August 10
Riot
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, PA
August 24
Riot
PPG Paints Arena
Pittsburgh, PA
September 7
Riot
Little Caesars Arena
Detroit, MI
Tuesday, September 21
Dishonored
United Center
Chicago, IL
Tuesday, October 5
World Title Match
Sierra Williams (c) vs. Heather Haze
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the MAIN EVENT of PWS: Apex RISE! TO! GLORY! The following contest is schedule for ONE FALL, and it is for the PWS: Apex WOOOOORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!
JR Freeman: That’s right, folks, the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! The crowd is ELECTRIC here in the PWS Arena for what may well be one of the single biggest PWS: Apex matches of 2021!
Alfonso Banks: You’re damn right, JR. Sierra Williams putting her title on the line against one of the most decorated wrestlers in PWS history, “The Bad Girl” Heather Haze. There’s no love lost between these two women, and I think they’re liable to tear the house down tonight!
JR Freeman: They just might, Alf. This match is shaping up to be better than everything we’ve seen so far!
(Before the announcers can go any further, they’re cut off by a thunderous eruption of jeers from the crowd as the arena lights go down and Willa Ford’s “I Wanna Be Bad” blares over the speakers. The Big Screen flickers to life, displaying the words “THE BAD GIRL” in succession as Heather Haze strides out onto the ramp, to a solidly mixed reaction, getting a pop from some of the more...let's caĺl them "romantic" fans in attendance.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first, from San Fernando Valley, California, weighing in at 115 lbs., she is "THE BAD GIRL", HEATHER HAAAAAZE!
(Haze smiles as her theme music continues to bump out of the P.A. She strikes a seductive pose for a moment, then dances a little to the music, shaking her hips to wolf-whistles from the crowd and smiling, before making her way slowly to the ring. She then sprints the last few feet and baseball slides into the ring, coming up into a quick predatory crouch, her eyes locked on the fans. She then arches her back as she pushes her ample breasts outward and throws her head back in an orgasmic fashion, making the men and LGBT women in the audience shout with catcalls and whistles as the music fades.)
Meg Reynolds: And her opponent...from Calgary, Alberta Canada, weighing 135 lbs., she is your PWS: Apex WOOORLD CHAMPION, SIERRRRRA WILLIAAAAAAAMS!
(The lights begin to strobe in time with the beat of Eminem’s “Go to Sleep” as it pumps out through the speakers, and Sierra Williams steps out from behind the curtain with a black bandana over her face and the PWS: Apex World Championship belt around her waist. As she walks out onto the stage, she unhooks the belt and hoists over her head with both hands, an explosion of pyro that matches the beat of the song accompanying it. Then Sierra slings the belt over her shoulder as she makes her way down the ramp, trash-talking Heather Haze from behind the bandana and keeping her eyes locked on her opponent, who refuses to leave the ring. Sierra climbs the steps and sidals through the middle rope, raising the belt high above her head as she gets face-to-face with Heather Haze. The two stare each other down, jaw-jacking all the while as Sierra lowers her bandana, and the referee quickly steps between them.)
(The two women try to push past the official, looking to start this thing early, but she gives them both the regulated pat-down before taking the belt and hoisting it in the air to a pop from the fans. Sierra and Heather continue to get in each other’s faces at this point and it isn’t long before the bell rings, with the champion delivering a brutal shove to her challenger. Haze stumbles, but then smirks and shoves Sierra right back, and the two immediately devolve into a slugfest as this one kicks off! Sierra and Haze trade blows all around the ring, with neither clearly taking the advantage in the early going, but the absolute fury of the champion eventually gives her an opportunity, as she’s able to force Heather into the corner and continue nailing her with stiff right hands. From there she capitalizes by nailing Haze in the midsection with a stiff knee, sending her falling slowly into a seated position and allowing Sierra to follow up with a Corner Hesitation Dropkick.)
JR Freeman: Oooh, nice move by the champion there!
Alfonso Banks: Damn right, JR, but now she needs to capitalize on it!
(Sierra seems keen to do just that, as she begins to stomp on Heather Haze as she slumps down in the corner, grabbing hold of the ropes and pressing her boot to Haze’s neck as the referee begins to count. Sierra holds on as long as 4.5 before finally releasing, raising both her hands and walking backwards as the referee chastises her for not giving a clean break. Sierra then grins and runs forward, viciously kicking Haze in the side of the head as she lies on the mat, trying to recover. The champion grins, strutting around the ring for a second to a mixed reaction from the crowd, before she takes hold of Heather Haze by the hair and pulls her up to her feet, running out of the corner to hit the ropes and comes back around with a Slingblade, taking Haze back down to the mat immediately! Sierra goes for an early cover…)
1…
2…
NO! HAZE KICKS OUT!
JR Freeman: Early pin attempt by Sierra, but it wasn’t quite enough! You’ve got to figure Haze is so determined to walk out with the belt that Williams will have to go much further to put her down.
Alfonso Banks: Abso-fuckin’-lutely, JR. They don’t call her the Queen of Collateral Damage for nothin’, Heather Haze is one tough b-
JR Freeman: Woah, I’m pretty sure you can’t say that, Alf!
Alfonso Banks: Say what? Badass?
JR Freeman: ...Nevermind.
(As the commentators bicker, Heather Haze has managed to slip out of the ring beneath the bottom rope, lying on the thin mats outside the ring to catch her breath. The referee begins counting her out, but Sierra shakes her head and slides out of the ring as well to pursue her opponent.)
ONE!
(Sierra grabs Heather’s hair again and lifts her to her feet, trying to slam her face against the steel ring steps, but Haze manages to get her hands in the way.)
TWO!
(Sierra tries again to slam Heather Haze into the ring steps, but once again the Bad Girl catches herself, this time firing back with an elbow to the gut.)
THREE!
(Haze continues to turn the tables by firing a swift kick into Sierra’s knee, then grabs the champion by the hair and takes a few steps back, before running forward to slam HER head into the ring steps instead with a Running Bulldog!)
JR Freeman: Oh! Brilliant reversal by Haze!
FOUR!
Alfonso Banks: Very true, JR, but these women better be careful if they don’t want this match to end in a count-out!
FIVE!
(Sierra falls to the floor, clutching her face as Heather Haze smirks and plays to the crowd for a moment, running her hands over her body to a chorus of whistles and catcalls.)
SIX!
(Haze continues to smirk as she struts over to Sierra’s fallen body, stomping on the champion’s midsection a few times for good measure before she lifts Sierra to her feet and drags her towards the audience barricade.)
SEVEN!
(Haze throws a few more knees into the champ’s midsection before taking her head under one arm and suddenly snapping back, dropping Williams spine-first onto the barricade with a VIOLENT Snap Suplex!)
EIGHT!
(The crowd surprisingly pops a bit for Heather Haze’s show of brutality, and this time she wastes no time playing to them before she grabs Sierra and slides her back into the ring, following suit herself before she can lose her championship opportunity to a count-out. Once back in the ring, Haze rushes to the top rope and nails the still-fallen champion with a Moonsault before she can get herself together. Haze covers…)
1…
2…
NO! SIERRA GETS A SHOULDER UP!
JR Freeman: Great form on that Moonsault from the challenger, but it just wasn’t enough to put Sierra Williams away!
Alfonso Banks: Are you really surprised? This woman fought through Malachi and MACK MCKANE to get to where she is! It’s gonna take a goddamn army to dethrone her now!
JR Freeman: Well if anyone on this roster could potentially be considered a one-woman army, it’s Heather Haze.
(As their banter continues, Haze throws a small tantrum in the middle of the ring, pounding her fists on the mat and shouting at the referee. As she gets in the official’s face, Sierra Williams starts to find her way back to her feet, face now a mask of crimson, and launches herself towards the distracted Haze, dropping the Bad Girl with a Running Forearm to the back of the head...but knocks her directly into the referee, who hits the mat like a sack of potatoes! Sierra kips up, though her legs are a tad unsteady, and she lets loose a primal scream of pure adrenaline as about half the crowd pops in response. Sierra shakes her fists violently, not quite in a “Hulking Up” fashion but close to it, and follows up this move by going to the top for a Moonsault of her own, the Air Canada, before locking in the Sharpshooter.)
JR Freeman: Sharpshooter! Sharpshooter! This might just do it!
Alfonso Banks: Really, JR? Heather Haze has been through much worse, and even if this WAS enough to make her tap, there’s no referee to call it!
(It seems Sierra realizes this at the same time as the announcers, as she looks over at the fallen official and screams in frustration, releasing Heather Haze’s legs angrily and storming over to her side. She leans in to shake the referee violently, shouting “GET THE FUCK UP!” before literally, physically PULLING her back up to her feet. The referee wobbles for a moment but ends up finding her footing, waving Sierra off as she regains her senses. The champion returns to the still-downed frame of Heather Haze, but as she reaches in for a follow-up Haze is able to catch her leg and pull her into a quick roll-up!)
1…
TW-NO! SIERRA POWERS OUT!
(Williams kips back up to her feet again, furious with the audacity from Haze, but the challenger is quick to her feet this time as well, and the two have a momentary intense staredown in the middle of the ring. Haze and Sierra get nose to nose, trash talking and glaring daggers into each other’s eyes...before the champion rears back and BLASTS the Bad Girl in the forehead with a Headbutt! Haze staggers backwards, then gives a frankly chilling little giggle in response and answers back in kind, headbutting Sierra to a chorus of boos! Haze grins and takes a little bow before Sierra growls and fires back AGAIN, rearing back further this time to smack her head against her opponent’s with even MORE force, this one sending both women staggering in opposite directions! Sierra gets a mixed reaction for her super-strong headbutt, with a smattering of applause dying out as the two women recover.)
Alfonso Banks: Ow! Goddamn, JR, I felt that from HERE!
JR Freeman: So did I, Alf. Clearly these two women will stop at nothing to walk away with the gold tonight!
Alfonso Banks: Exactly as it should be! You don’t deserve to BE the champion if you won’t fight to the death to make sure you stay that way!
(Sierra and Haze seem to recover from the headbutt trading at just around the same time, and the two take this moment to lock up in the centre of the ring, violently trading elbows while they do. This exchange continues until it seems Sierra is able to get the upper hand, pulling Haze into a front facelock...but the Bad Girl drops out of it and catches the champion with a Drop Toehold! She immediately twists her body to follow it up with a Reverse Chinlock, wrenching on the champion’s spine with abandon!)
JR Freeman: Ooh, and the Reverse Chinlock is locked in! Sierra’s potentially in trouble here!
Alfonso Banks: It’s brilliant psychology though, JR; she’s continuing to exacerbate the damage done to the champion’s back earlier with that Snap Suplex onto the barricade!
JR Freeman: A lot of people say many things about Heather Haze, but I think her biggest advantage may be when they underestimate her in-ring intelligence.
(Haze continues to wrench on the hold violently, Sierra crying out and struggling, trying to reach the ropes but being held back by the challenger! She fights valiantly, though, and starts using every finely-honed muscle in her body to pull herself forward, closer and closer...but Heather Haze responds by beginning to punch Sierra in the side of the head as she moves! This loosening of the pressure only ends up serving to make it easier for the champ to escape, though, and she manages to reach forward and get her fingertips on the bottom rope, so the referee calls for a break.)
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
(Haze finally relents, letting Sierra’s body fall to the mat as she gets back to her feet, giggling once again. She struts into the centre of the ring and strikes a sensual pose for the fans again, garnering a bigger pop this time, then with a grin she returns to Sierra Williams’ fallen body. Haze takes a moment to size up the champion’s state, before grabbing her by one heel and dragging her back towards the centre of the canvas. As she’s moved, however, Sierra begins to fight back, thrashing her leg up and down until her heel connects with Haze’s forehead, sending her reeling backwards. Sierra slowly returns to her feet again and bounces off the ropes to nail what appears to be another Running Forearm, but Haze is prepared and ducks underneath it, then hits the ropes and drops her opponent with a Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors Takedown! As both women hit the mat, Haze doesn’t release her hold on Sierra’s neck, and instead rolls over and begins to push up from the mat...then slams right back down! She pushes up again...then slams right back down! The push-ups get faster and faster, and soon we have a bona fide RIDE ‘EM COWGIRL! Haze cackles madly as she slams Sierra Williams’ face repeatedly into the mat, some of her admirers in the audience counting along, and once the get to ten she finally relents, releasing the champion’s neck and rolling back up to her feet.)
JR Freeman: RIDE ‘EM, COWGIRL! Sierra just got taken for a ride with that move, no doubt about it!
Alfonso Banks: Such power on Heather Haze! Now all she has to do is follow up, and this title could be hers!
(Haze seems prepared to do just that, as she wastes no more time posing for the fans and instead sidals over to Sierra’s fallen body, grabbing her legs with a wicked smirk...and locks in the Sharpshooter!)
JR Freeman: SHARPSHOOTER! SHARPSHOOTER! MY GOD, THE CHALLENGER IS USING SIERRA’S OWN FINISHING MOVE AGAINST HER!
Alfonso Banks: YES! Haha! Make the champion tap out with her own finisher, oh the delicious humiliation! Oh, numnumnumnum, it SUSTAINS me!
JR Freeman: ...I ever tell you that you’re a pretty weird guy, Alf?
(The crowd erupts in thunderous boos as Heather Haze locks Sierra Williams in her own finishing hold, even the lovestruck and - let’s be real - probably just horny admirers turning on the self-professed “Bad Girl” for this brazen display of unsportsmanship. Haze simply grins and cackles her devious laugh once again, shouting at Sierra to tap out and claiming she doesn’t deserve the belt as much as Haze does. The referee checks with Sierra and asks if she taps out, to which the champion responds by spitting directly in the referee’s eye, and - using every ounce of strength in her body - she pushes herself up with both arms and hand-walks to the ropes...only to be pulled back again by Haze! Sierra roars in fury and shouts that she isn’t going to be beaten by her own fucking finishing move and walks herself forward again, grabbing onto the bottom rope and pulling herself out of the ring, the abrupt shift in weight taking Heather’s legs out from under her and causing her to slam face-first into the mat. The crowd applauds Sierra as she writhes around on the outside, very slowly returning to her feet as Heather Haze does the same thing. Haze is up first and she climbs to the top rope, launching herself off for a Diving Crossbody...but Sierra manages to catch her out of the air! The champion is running on a mixture of pure muscle power and furious adrenaline as she practically deadlifts her slightly-smaller opponent, swinging her through into a Pendulum Backbreaker on the outside.)
JR Freeman: My god! What power from Sierra Williams!
Alfonso Banks: No, dammit! No! I thought this one was over for sure!
ONE!
(The referee begins to count again, but Sierra pays no attention to it, her eyes glinting with fury as she begins to prise up some of the thin mats on the outside of the ring, exposing the concrete underneath. Sierra moves to the fallen body of Heather Haze, now, firing a few stiff martial arts kicks into her midsection, then picks up the Bad Girl with her head under one arm.)
Sierra Williams: Think you can steal MY finisher, bitch?!
TWO!
(Sierra twists and lets herself fall to the floor, planting Heather Haze face-first into the exposed concrete below with a VICIOUS Calgary Cutter!)
JR Freeman: CALGARY CUTTER! CALGARY CUTTER ON THE UNCOVERED CONCRETE FLOOR! OH DIOS MIO!
Alfonso Banks: That...that KILLS people! Heather Haze might be literally, ACTUALLY dead!
THREE!
(Sierra slowly returns to her feet, breathing heavily as the audience alternates between chanting “HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT!” and “THAT WAS AWE-SOME! *clap clap clapclapclap* in equal measure, then she grins and spits on the fallen Haze.)
FOUR!
Sierra Williams: That’s what you GET!
FIVE!
(Sierra grabs Haze by the hair again and lifts her straight up, sliding her limp body back into the ring. She slides in right after her and immediately goes for the cover, this one has GOT to be over.)
1…
2…
NO! SOMEHOW, HAZE KICKS OUT!
Alfonso Banks: Pardon my French, but HOLY FUCKING SHIT!
JR Freeman: A crude way to phrase it, but those are my sentiments exactly, Alf! I thought for SURE this one was over!
(It seems Sierra did too, as this time it’s HER turn to look on in shock and incredulity, going from furious to bewildered and back to furious again, slamming her fists on the mat before getting back up again, lifting Haze for a SECOND Calgary Cutter in the centre of the ring!)
JR Freeman: Calgary Cutter! Sierra hits the Calgary Cutter once again! This has GOT to be it!
(Sierra covers…)
1!
2!
THRE-NO! HAZE GETS A SHOULDER UP AGAIN!
(The crowd actually starts to pop for Haze a little bit just as a show of respect for her tenacity, but this time Sierra Williams looks absolutely LIVID. She roars in frustration again and pounds the mat, but this time when she lifts Heather Haze back to her feet she doesn’t go for the Calgary Cutter again, this time she runs the ropes and comes back with a brutal NOVA BOMB, taking her opponent back to the mat! It seems like she isn’t going to stop there, though, as she lifts Heather Haze again and goes for a SECOND Nova Bomb...but this time Haze manages to catch her with the Jailbait, taking Sierra to the mat!)
JR Freeman: JAILBAIT! JAILBAIT OUT OF NOWHERE! The champ was NOT expecting that!
Alfonso Banks: Good god, the absolute STAMINA of these two women...I don’t think anyone on Earth can question that either ONE of them deserves to walk out with the belt tonight.
(The two lie on the mat together for a long moment, breathing heavily and overcoming the tremendous toll this hard-hitting contest has taken on their bodies, but slowly it’s Heather Haze who begins to return to her feet first. She drapes an arm over Sierra Williams…)
1!
2!
NO! SIERRA KICKS OUT!
(This time it’s Haze’s turn to be frustrated, but she instead takes a moment to just lie next to her opponent, both breathing heavily and recuperating from this hard-fought battle. Slowly, but absolutely surely, Heather Haze begins to return to her feet again. She takes hold of Sierra Williams’ hair and pulls the champion up with her, dragging her bodily towards the nearest corner. With immense effort she heaves Sierra up onto the top rope, pausing a moment before she climbs up herself...and nails her AGAIN with the Jailbait, this time from the top rope!)
JR Freeman: JAILBAIT! A SECOND JAILBAIT FROM THE TOP ROPE! OH DIOS MIO, HOW MUCH MORE CAN THESE TWO TAKE?!
(It seems that’s about to be tested, as Haze drapes an arm over Sierra again…)
1!
2!
THR-NO! WILLIAMS SOMEHOW MANAGES TO KICK OUT AGAIN!
(The pair lay there for a long, long time, the fans cheering both of them for this incredible display. The referee begins a double count-out, preparing to stop the match because neither competitor can continue, when slowly - against all odds, and requiring tremendous willpower to do it - Sierra Williams begins to get back to her feet. The champion is shaky, falling to one knee just once before she gets back up again, pulling Heather Haze up into DDT position...and nailing her with one final, definitive Calgary Cutter directly in the centre of the ring!)
JR Freeman: A THIRD Calgary Cutter! Using the last of her energy, Sierra plants Heather Haze to the mat again!
Alfonso Banks: The undeniable tenacity of these women is breathtaking, but will it finally be enough?
(The champ collapses into one more cover, and...)
1!
2!
3! THIS ONE IS OVER!
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner and STILL the PWS: Apex WOOOOORLD CHAMPION, SIERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRA WIIIIIIIILLIAAAAAAAAAAAMS!
JR Freeman: My god, Alf, the contest these two women fought tonight...on a card with an unsanctioned grudge match between Tyson Sykes and Chaz Holiday and the veritable BLOODBATH that was our Collateral Damage title match, I think THIS may have been the single most brutal pairing we saw tonight!
Alfonso Banks: I completely agree with you for once, JR; the strength of these two is undeniable, and I think that - no matter what’s next for Heather Haze - there’s not a soul in this locker room or on this PLANET who can say she was anything but the worthiest of challengers for Sierra tonight.
JR Freeman: You’re damn right, Alf. And if there was any doubt left in anyone’s mind about whether Sierra Williams deserves to be the champion, I think this match is the one that will finally put that to rest.
Winner - AND STILL PWS: APEX WORLD CHAMPION, SIERRA WILLIAMS!
(As the momentous clash comes to it’s final and well-earned end, both ladies are absolutely spent as they slowly start to roll back up getting a standing ovation. Sierra gets up on one knee as the ref presents her with the title as Heather, on her knees, holds a handful of her hair looking at the mat breathing heavy and dejected. They both climb back up to their feet with the referee raising Sierra’s hand as Sierra and Heather turn to look at each other, still jaw-jacking but with perhaps a little more respect in their voices Sierra holds the title up and all of a sudden the lights kick out!)
JR Freeman: WHAT THE HELL!?
Alfonso Banks: Look we just had a main event for the ages to close out our time here at the PWS Arena, it’s been one Helluva show, WHAT ELSE COULD POSSIBLY-
(Before he can finish...familiarly...the entire arena starts rumbling with the sound of surrounding monstrous motors. Everyone is completely shaking in the ring! Until POP!)
ONE SPOTLIGHT SHINES IN THE UPPER RAFTERS WITH A MASKED BEHEMOTH AND A TINY FREERUNNER.
*POP! POP!*
(Two more spotlights hit across the arena uncloaking even more peculiar walks of life examples shimmering in the limelight. Spotlights pop throughout the arena almost illuminating UNTIL!)
*POP*
(The lights kick off...the engines stop…)
Alfonso Banks: I don’t know about you JR but I wanna get the HELL outta Dodge!
JR Freeman: You may be right Alf, I am WOEFULLY uncomfortable right no-
“ALL OUR GODS HAVE ABANDONED US!!!!!!”
(Suddenly EVERYONE hits the deck as a massive pyros blast and there in the remnants...standing beside Sierra and Heather...is the longest reigning PWS World Champion and everyone’s favorite Anti-hero...Mack McKane! Glaring over the top of yet another wicked custom mask undoubtedly handled by his lady love Mattie Cormier as he reaches up and takes the mask off. Sierra starts popping off at the mouth, Heather starts mouthing as well. Mack cracks his neck before surprisingly...giving a small nod to Heather and also a small nod to Sierra before holding his hand out and sitting on the second rope to hold it open for them.)
JR Freeman: OH DIOS MIOS! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!!!
Mack McKane: Ladies...and Gentlemen...all of you lot really. I’m givin’ you one chance...BECAUSE…
(Mack slides his jacket open and he brandishes a sharpened fire axe!)
Mack McKane: You’ve both had a helluva evening...you done this place right proud. BUT...I need to send a message. So sorry to say, loves...THIS is the part…
...where you run away.
(Mack snaps his fingers and all of a sudden the collective pieces of protective glass suddenly BOOM out of their position as two GIANT men continue kicking them out as a couple free runners in their best derelict designs brandishing chainsaws!)
JR Freeman: WHAT THE ACTUAL F-
Alfonso Banks: SCREW THIS!!! I’M OUTTA HERE!!!
(“Nihilist” by Architects continues BLARING through the PA system as everyone runs screaming for the exits as the Freekz pour into the arena! They’re chainsawing the ropes and the turnbuckles! The bolted down seats are being ripped from their station and being chucked towards the backstage area! Bodies of stagehands and developmental talent start flying out from backstage as the two behemoth men that were kicking out the glass have suddenly focused their attention on the Tron as they both reach up and grab it by the bottom and the side as they yank as hard as they can and the entire screen comes crashing as even the Freekz run for it! There are fires...there is destruction, and in the middle of the ring...putting his mask back on...stands Mack McKane in the middle of the ring...looking around proudly at the message sent. He would no longer be hunted. Unexpectedly...Mack McKane was back and in a BIG way. He brandishes a remote and drops to his knees with his arms outstretched but as he drops he pushes the button and the ring IMPLODES on itself! Mack just bounces up a few inches before landing back on his knees with his arms outstretched and the last thing we see is the shaking, raging eyes of Mack McKane as we hear sirens in the distance...we cut to black.)
(c) PWS: Apex 2021
