Post by Josiah Cena on Aug 11, 2021 0:45:55 GMT -5
PWS: APEX Riot
Tuesday, August 10
TD Garden - Boston, MA
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, before the video package for Riot comes on the screen, set to the tune of “Trials” by Starset. After the video package airs, the camera cuts to the TD Garden arena, where pyro explodes on and around the stage, as the crowd roars with cheers. “Trials” continues to blare over the sound system, as we are greeted by JR Freeman and Alfonso Banks.)
JR Freeman: Welcome to the spirit of Massachusetts!
Alfonso Banks: Family Guy?
JR Freeman: No! It’s Tuesday Night Riot! What a show we have tonight, headlined by a very important tag team match, the winners earning a spot in a triple threat tag team title match at Dishonored!
Alfonso Banks: We’ll also see the in-ring return of Alexis Makarios, as she takes on Alexander Lyons.
JR Freeman: Indeed! And I’m sure we’ll have all the fall out from Rise to Glory!
(Suddenly, the lights in the arena go out.)
Alfonso Banks: Really? Already?
(In the darkness, we hear an all too familiar voice.)
Josiah Cena: Hhhhheyyyyyyyy BOSTON!!!!!!!
(The fans ROAR with cheers, as “I Made It” starts to play over the sound system. Spotlights shine down on the stage, as Josiah Cena walks out from behind the curtains. He poses for the crowd, jumping around the stage and hyping them up.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Staff Consultant of PWS: APEX, PWS Hall of Famer, and BOSTON’S OWN….JOSIAH CENA!
(The fans continue to cheer, as Cena starts to make his way to the ring.)
JR Freeman: Only fitting we start the show off in Boston with one of their hometown heroes.
Alfonso Banks: He sure is hamming it up already.
JR Freeman: Do you blame him? This is a momentous night, our first show on the road in how long? And it’s in his hometown? Soak it in, Josiah!
(Cena gets in the ring and goes over to each of the four corners, climbing the turnbuckles and posing for the crowd, before he gets a microphone and goes to the center of the ring.)
Josiah Cena: HOT DAMN IT FEELS GOOD TO BE HOME!
(The fans cheer, as a “Welcome Home” chant starts, which we can see gets Josiah a little emotional.)
Josiah Cena: You guys are the best….I’m so incredibly happy we’re able to come back here, and back on the road. Don’t get me wrong, the PWS Arena was great...but DAMN it feels good to be out, and back to Beantown!
(The fans cheer.)
Josiah Cena: We got a great show tonight for you guys. We get to find out one of the teams that will be challenging for the Tag Titles at Dishonored, we’ll hear from our NEW United Champion, and much more. And down the road, when we’re LIVE in Pittsburgh, we’ll name another #1 Contende team when two members of ANTITHESIS take on Jennifer and Madison Carpenter, the winners moving on to the triple threat tag team match at Dishonored.
(Suddenly, “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark” starts to play over the sound system, as Audrey Russow comes out onto the stage to a nice reaction from the crowd. She’s wearing her black sleeveless hooded vest with street clothes, as she has the Tag Team Championship draped over her shoulder. She makes her way about halfway down the ramp, before her music fades to “Centuries” and Daniel Russow comes out onto the stage, again to a roar of cheers from the crowd. He’s also wearing his RUSSOW’S vest, as he and Audrey make their way into the ring, grabbing microphones.)
Josiah Cena: Ladies and gentlemen, the PWS: APEX Tag Team Champions, Daniel and Audrey, THE RUSSSOOOOWWWSSS!
(The fans cheer, as Audrey chuckles at Josiah’s enthusiasm, and Dan gives him a nod.)
Josiah Cena: Congratulations on successfully defending your titles at Rise to Glory.
Audrey Russow: Thank you. It was a hard fought victory, and we’re appreciative to have come out on top.
Josiah Cena: That must have felt good to get back in the ring after everything foryou, Dan. I know there was some concern going in as to what your mindset would be after all that happened.
Daniel Russow: It felt good to get back in the saddle and take care of the task at hand.
(Daniel shoots a small glare over at Alfonso at the commentary deak.)
Daniel Russow: But now we’re focusing on the next task. We’ll be watching these contender’s matches very closely.
Josiah Cena: Any words for the teams competing?
Audrey Russow: Good luck to all of you.
Daniel Russow: Bring your A-game.
Josiah Cena: Any predictions?
Audrey Russow: We’ll just see how it plays out.
Josiah Cena: Fair enough. Well, I think we’ve rambled on long enough. At least I know I have, so let’s get the show started off all official like, with our first match! Let’s get the two competitors out here!
(Daniel, Josiah, and Audrey all get out of the ring, as we cut to the stage.)
Singles Match
Morgan Baker vs. Stacy O’Brien
(The match starts out with both girls getting their wits together, sizing each other up, as they both get a nice reaction from the crowd. Morgan shows some nerves in the early going, being her first match back in a while, but it doen’t take long for her to take control.)
JR Freeman: It’s good to see Morgan Baker back in action, after working through those injuries she had.
Alfonso Banks: She was visibly nervous in the beginning of this match, but she looks like to have settled into her own here.
JR Freeman: Now just to see if she can come out on top.
(The match continues with Morgan gaining more and more momentum. Stacy manages a comeback as the two go back and forth. In the closing moments, Morgan is able to nail a shining wizard, followed by the Halestorm from the top rope, and closes things by locking on a new submission, which is essentially the Cattle Mutilatioin.)
JR Freeman: Oh, I found out, this is a new submission she’s been working on! She calls it the Ox Baker!
Alfonso Banker: The what?
JR Freeman: Ox Baker.
(Stacy tries hard to resist, but she eventually has to give up, and taps out. The bell rings, as the fans cheer.)
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, Morgan Baker!
(The crowd cheers, as Morgan takes a big sigh of relief as the referee raises her hand in victory.)
JR Freeman: An impressive return for Morgan Baker here tonight. I’m sure it feels good to get that first win back under her belt.
Alfonso Banks: She looked nervous in the beginning, but she got it under control and came out on top. Good on her.
JR Freeman: Indeed. It’ll be interesting to see where she goes from here.
Winner: MORGAN BAKER
*BANG!*
“BULLSHIT!!!”
“DETECTIVE!!!!”
(We open to see the inside of an interrogation room where the calmest of Mack McKane’s sits handcuffed to the table which is bolted into the ground. But it didn’t matter...he had no intention of putting up THIS kinda fight. Screaming in his face is a rotund, red-faced man who is obviously on the brink of losing his mind as a younger, more comely looking man pushes him back.)
CIA Operative: You CANNOT so much as even drool on him until we get official charges.
Detective: IT WAS LIVE...TELEVISION!!!
CIA Operative: And that may be but it still stands that all we can get him for is criminal mischief and even THAT is shaky at best if Russow doesn’t press charges.
(Mack maintains his slouching demeanor...they seem to have been a little intimidated because he’s still in his jacket and wearing his mask which TECHNICALLY...they told him to do.)
Detective: GOOD! THAT! THROW THAT!
CIA Operative: ...really? That’s not even a day in court for this company. He’d say he was wrong and he’d read to children and everything would be A-OK.
Detective: Doesn’t that just make you SICK!?
Mack McKane: Almost as sick as a peg legged moose slobbering all over a table hiding behind a badge.
Detective: WHAT!? YOU LITTLE MOTHERF-
CIA Operative: HE’S BAITING YOU! One swing and we have to cut him loose!
Detective: Its ALMOST worth it!
Mack McKane: Lemme guess, handsome. What you yanks call “All-State” in your American Football teams in high school...scooted through high school on free C’s just as long as you kept focused on football but then you got hurt and had to learn something an’ then all you knew how to do was bash people’s skulls in so you prayed, hoped, and scraped for a criminal justice degree!
Detective: SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Mack McKane: I just had ONE QUESTION!
Detective: FINE! If it’ll shut you up! WHAT?
Mack McKane: ...th’FUCK did a steamin’ pile o’ dizzy cow excrement like YOU pass a fuckin’ PHYSICAL!
(The Detective lunges at Mack as he’s barely restrained as the door flies open and a sharp looking lawyer comes swantering in observing everybody.)
Lawyer: I represent the Russow Brand and conglomerates. Gentlemen, we thank you for your time and due diligence to upholding the law but at this time the Russow Patriarch, Levi Russow...does NOT wish to pursue charges...in lieu of 100 hours of Community Service.
Mack McKane: YOU FOOKIN’ WOT MATE!??
Lawyer: To which Mr. Russow has authorized me to reply with, and again I’m quoting HIS WORDS…”Be thankful bitch, you don’t know how long I worked on that.”
Mack McKane: ...well...yeah, too right.
Lawyer: We good? Oookay! Thank you for your time gentlemen! Mr. McKane...always a pleasure, don’t lose that charm!
Mack McKane: Get fucked. With an anchor.
(Mack looks at the Detective and the CIA agent now that the charges have been dropped and he slooooowly raises his hands jingling at them like an arsehole.)
-After Processing-
(We hear engines roar to life outside the police station as Mack’s Merry Making Menagerie comes ROARING into view...but sitting by his beloved Mattie...holding her hand...is Levi Russow. As the warship rolls to a stop, Levi kisses Mattie’s hand and hops down as Mack hops up and they come face to face in a bit of a tense moment.)
Levi Russow: ...you feel better now? Find what you need?
Mack McKane: ...y’know?...I think so.
Levi Russow: Huh...GOOD!
(WIth that Levi hops off the warship as Mack takes his steps to his throne as Levi casually drops as he’s walking away…)
Levi Russow: You better not miss twice…
(Mack nods as he turns to look at his ravishing Mattie...he takes his seat and whirls his finger for everyone to roll out as they pour off into the darkness.)
Singles Match
Brody Shiner vs. Devon Ryder
(The match begins with both men sort of getting a feel for each other, before a snap powerbomb from Ryder starts the action proper! He has the upper hand for a little while, before a sudden superkick from Shiner knocks him down.)
JR Freeman: Superkick! Outta nowhere!
Alfonso Banks: Very impressive, will he make a comeback!?
(Indeed he will, Alf, thanks for asking! Brody ends up hitting a springboard cutter, into the Brody-Oh! Which lasts for only a few seconds. He jumps up and does a shooting star press and goes for the cover.)
1!
(Ryder kicks out at 1.5!)
JR Freeman: It’s gonna take more than that to put the Canadian hero down!
Alfonso Banks: Why does he call himself the Canadian hero anyway? Canada has its fair share of problems too!
JR Freeman: Careful, Alf, he might hear you!
(Ryder ends up turning things around, picking Shiner up and hitting a pendulum backbreaker, then getting down to his opponent’s level and locking in an Indian Deathlock! Brody manages to get to the ropes and the ref counts, but Ryder lets go at 2, holding his hands up.)
Alfonso Banks: You have to admit, he’s respectable!
JR Freeman: He’s not exactly a saint.
Alfonso Banks: Oh, who is!?
(Picking his opponent up, Ryder hits him with Aurora Borealis! He keeps the bridge on as a pin.)
1!
2!
(Brody kicks out! Ryder nods, audibly thanking the ref for their, quote, “Fair and honest count”, before getting down and locking in The Maple Leaf!)
JR Freeman: Maple Leaf!
Alfonso Banks: Of course it’s called that!
(Shiner tries to reach for the ropes, but Ryder pulls him towards the dead center of the ring.)
Alfonso Banks: C’mon, Brody, you can do it!
(Brody reaches out, but Devon wrenches harder. Soon it’s too much, and Brody taps!)
JR Freeman: That’s it, Devon Ryder wins his first match in Apex!
Alfonso Banks: Thanks, JR, we all have eyes!
Winner - DEVON RYDER
(A new face stands in the ring, holding a microphone, wearing a smile on his face. Some remember him from past Cleo Phillips promos, as her friend Zack, now known as Z-Money.)
Alfonso Banks: What is this about? Who’s this guy?
JR Freeman: I believe he calls himself Z-Money and he’s a friend of the new United Champion Cleo Phillips. She took him on as a hype man, corner man whatever you want to call it.
Alfonso Banks: Great, so we’re in the business of hiring everyone's friends now? Why don’t we just hire the whole cell block?
JR Freeman: Let’s just hear what he has to say.
(Back in the ring, Z-Money begins speaking.)
Z-Money: Hey yo, what's up PWS? How’s everyone doing tonight? Enjoying the show so far?
(The crowd responds with a wave of cheers.)
Z-Money: Cool cool, dass wassup. Now for those of ya’ll who don’t know me? My name is Zack but you can call me Z-Money, and I am the official hype man for your NEW UNITED CHAMPION CLEO PHILLIPS!!
(The crowd cheers louder at the mention of Cleo's name.)
Z-Money: Let me tell you somethin’. Ya’ll bout to witness one of the GREATEST United championship reigns of all time. Understand my homegirl has the ability to UNITE us all. She has the ability to inspire people to push themselves out of poverty. She has the ability to inspire and push kids to follow their dreams, no matter what situation life might throw at them. She is a shining example of being able to turn your life around for the better. But hell, you don’t wanna hear me right? You want to hear it from HER.
(More cheers, and some Cleo chants start to echo throughout the arena.)
Z-Money: Homeboys and homegirls, without further ado, your NEW PWS UNITED CHAMPION, THE BODY SNATCHER, CLEOOOOOOOOOOO PHILLLLLIIIIPPSSSSS!!!!
(The crowd erupts into cheers, as “Gangstas Paradise:” blasts over the PA, Cleo appears centerstage, United Championship slung over her shoulder, as some pyros shoot off she raises it above her head.)
JR Freeman: Well there she is ladies and gentleman, your new United Champion!
Alfonso Banks: Who wants to take bets she loses it faster than she did the Collateral Damage championship?
(Cleo tags some fans hands on her way to the ring, where she rolls inside and holds up her championship once more to a raucous ovation. Once the crowd settles down some, she gets a mic and begins to address the crowd.)
Cleo Phillips: Well, would you look at that? Ya’ girl is a champion once more, and TRUST that I won’t be making the same mistake twice. This championship on my shoulder is going nowhere. I’ve fought too hard to get to where I am. Now I can stand here and fight for people like myself, people like Z-Money who were stuck in poverty, living a lifestyle they were forced into. People who the system had given up on. They’re told they have no future, they’re called punks, thugs, criminals and worse. Many of them end up believing all of it, and end up in jail, prison...or dead.
(Cleo lowers the mic, just for a short pause.)
Cleo Phillips: I was a victim of it. And maybe the things I did do make me a criminal, or I suppose it would be ex-criminal because I sure as hell ain’t going back to that lifestyle anymore. I’ve been on the inside of jail, and I can tell you many of those girls, and the guys too, deserve and are capable of a second chance. They just need someone to take a chance on them, for someone to REALLY care, because the people who run the prisons don’t give a shit. They just care about making money. Jail, prison, it’s all supposed to be a rehabilitation center but anyone who's been on the inside knows it’s far from that.
(Cleo looks at the championship on her shoulder with pride.)
Cleo Phillips: I stand before you now, as proof that change is possible. If I can come from nothing to the champion you see today, so can all of you. You just need to believe in yourself. Don’t let anybody tell you who to be, or write your narrative. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, because you CAN. They say stop, you say go. They say no, you say yes. Always keep fighting for your dream, never give up and stay true to yourself.
(The crowd cheers in response, Cleo takes in the admiration.)
Cleo Phillips: Now, this is the part where I speak to the PWS locker room. I know there’s going to be a line of athletes waiting to get their shot at my championship, and I’m cool with that. I’m ready to be a fighting champ, so whatever the powers that be need to do so I can get myself an opponent, then ya’ll best get on it because I need to fight. So give Nick his rematch, have a number one contenders match, let Mike Hawk cash in. Whatever it may be, get it done and I’ll be ready for whomever comes my way. I am your United Champion, and it’s time to….
(Cleo holds the mic out to the crowd.)
Crowd: SET IT OFF.
Cleo: You heard em.
(Cleo smiles and drops the mic, but before she leaves Z-Money stops her.)
Z-Money: Yo, Cleo hold up right quick. I got a surprise.
(Cleo looks curiously at Z-Money.)
Cleo: A surprise?
Z-Money: Well, your a champion now, and I know you want to be a positive inspiration for the kids. Help them not make the mistakes we did, and all that. Aaaaand since the company is going on tour, you’ll have a chance to reach out to even more youth in ghettos outside New York.
Cleo Phillips: Yeah….
Z-Money: You’ll be their heeeerooooooo
(Z-Money speaks in a sing-songy voice, as Cleo looks at him as if to get on with it.)
Z-Money: Just look at the titantron…...Anthony roll it.
(Cleo turns her attention to the titantron which opens on the parking lot of the arena. The honking of a horn is heard, as a tour bus pulls in, with Cleos image on the side and the phrase “Crusin’ With Cleo”, it pulls to a stop in front of the camera.)
Cleo Phillips: Yo, is that a tour bus?
Z-Money: The champ should roll in style right? We take this thing from city to city, meet with the local youths in each area, and make memories along the way.
Cleo Phillips: You don’t think it’s a bit much? I don’t want to look arrogant.
Z-Money: Man, there's a difference between confidence and arrogance. You earned this, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Cleo Phillips: How the hell did you afford this?
Z-Money: Don’t worry about it.
Cleo Phillips: …..Z
Z-Money: Look, you can question me all night, but wouldn’t you rather do it inside your tour bus?
(Cleo can’t argue that, and the cameras quickly follow her and Z-Money through the halls and out to the parking lot where the bus is waiting. They both hop on, Cleo turns just before the doors close to address the cameras.)
Cleo Phillips: PWS Management. Find me a worthy challenger.
(The doors close, and the engine revs up as the bus backs out of the parking lot and exits off into the night to the site of the next Riot.)
(Aiden Reynolds. The tall, muscular, six packed Australian star of PWS Apex is sitting backstage. He leans back holding his phone in his hand, wearing his ring gear but with a sleeveless commonwealth shirt over it. In the same room Dickie Watson paced back and forth warming up.)
Dickie Watson: Man, this is going to be so good. Becoming number one contenders, getting a shot at our titles. We'll be able to get them back. Rule PWS again. We can defend them against all comers, in this company and others. And man....I'm so glad we're teaming together again after months of kind of drifting apart ya know?
(Aiden nods slowly as if he's listening. Dickie smirks and paces back and forth more.)
Dickie Watson: I gotta say bruh, for the last few months through the ups and downs, you've been there. And now, we;; now I'm gonna be the partner you deserve. And....Aiden....Aiden are you listening? What are you doing?
(He walks around, looking down at Aidens phone before rolling his eyes and slapping the back of his head. Aiden flinches and pulls out his earbuds.)
Aiden Reynolds: What?..WHAT?
Dickie Watson: Are you serious?
Aiden Reynolds: What?...
(Dickie folds his arms and deadpans Aiden.)
Dickie Watson: Gossip girl?....we're facing The Society tonight, you don't need to keep the bit going.
Aiden Reynolds: I uh....I'm kinda into it....you know they're doing a reboot?
(Dickie puts his hand up, he closes his mouth and then slowly shakes his head turning away from his partner and leaving the room. Aiden blinks a few times and pushes up to his feet with a sigh.)
Aiden Reynolds: Still think Blake Lively looks like Betsy.....
Singles Match
Alexis Makarios vs. Alexander Lyons
(The match starts off with Alexis and Lyons standing across from each other. The referee checks both for weapons before calling for the bell.)
DING DING DING
(They start to kind of circle each other in the ring.)
Alfonso Banks: This is a big deal for Alexis, she hasn’t had a match since she and Heather Haze lost the Tag Team Titles to Dan and Audrey at Destiny
JR Freeman: And that was almost 3 months ago. And what a hellacious 3 months it has been for her.
Alfonso Banks: I guess we will see how she is truly doing.
JR Freeman: I think it may have been too early for her to return. But who am I to say?
Alfonso Banks: Exactly. Let’s just watch the match.
(The two meet in the center of the ring with nothing but glaring looks being exchanged. Lyons kind of scoffs at Alexis, who is staring a hole through him.)
Alfonso Banks: Alexis looks pretty mad… She seemed pretty calm until she came face to face with the new guy.
JR Freeman: Well… he DID post a video basically mocking what she has been through…
(Alexis slaps the taste out of Lyon’s mouth, and he just kind of reels back and laughs in her face. This only infuriates her more as she charges at him, tackling him to the ground. She goes to deliver a shot to his face while down, but he grabs her wrist preventing the hit. She swung with her other fist, same thing. At this point he smirked and BAM! Headbutt right to the forehead! She falls to the mat, holding her head. He got to his feet and looked down at her.)
JR Freeman: That didn’t go well
Alfonso Banks: Things aren’t looking good for the Former World Champion…
(The match continues on for the next minute or two with Lyons maintaining control. Everytime Alexis tries to get the upper hand, Lyons is one step ahead of her. This goes on for a minute or two before Alexis was able to turn things around and get things flowing back in her favor. She took control for a few minutes. She gets Lyons down on the mat and hops up to the top rope. She looks back to see he was still down and she goes for a Down Unda Thunda!)
JR Freeman: DOWN UNDA THUNDA!!!
Alfonso Banks: This could be it!!!
(As she leaps off the top rope, Lyons rolls out of the way while she is in mid air!!! She doesn’t have time to correct before she slams into the mat!!!)
Alfonso Banks: OH MY GOD THAT LOOKED LIKE IT HURT!!!
JR Freeman: Was he… playing possum???
Alfonso Banks: I think so!
JR Freeman: BRILLIANT!
(Alexis struggles to get back to her feet, but is instantly caught by Lyons in the Gordian Knot. She tries her hardest to reach for the ropes but after a few seconds she has no choice but to tap out)
Meg Reynolds: AND YOUR WINNER BY SUBMISSION… ALEXANDER LYONS!
(Lyons hopped to his feet to celebrate before leaving the ring. The cameras focus in on Alexis as she starts propping herself up, looking confused and angry)
Winner - ALEXANDER LYONS
(Backstage at the PWS: Apex arena, a press conference is being held by the self-proclaimed “President of Pro-Wrestling”, Mike Hawk. As he’s walking to the podium, someone’s trying to tell him there’s been a mix-up of sorts, but he pokes her in the eyes, causing her to fall off the stage, clutching her eyes and screaming. Walking to the podium, he turns to address the people.)
Mike Hawk: Thank you all for showing up. As you may know, I’ve been a little bit less active as of late. There’s actually a very good reason as to why. You see… when I became your president, I took on a heavy responsibility. And part of that responsibility is guaranteeing that I can bring my 100% best. And...
(Suddenly, the feed cuts out. Static overtakes the screen as a video of lightning in the dead of night plays, with “The Lost Cause” Jonathan Sanders standing at the top of a hill.)
Jonathan Sanders: Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole…
(The screen cuts to a video of Dionysus delivering the Loaded Pistol to Chaz Holiday.)
Jonathan Sanders: I thank whatever gods may be…
(Cut to Sanders kicking out of a pin from Shawn Young at Rise to Glory, then him holding the title afterwards.)
Jonathan Sanders: For my unconquerable soul.
Mike Hawk: OH, FOR FUCK’S SAKE.
(The camera then cuts to Sanders in The Wonder Lock.)
Jonathan Sanders: In the fell clutch of circumstance…
(He’s enjoying the hold, cackling as Young wrenches on it.)
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
(Cut to Sanders being hit with a jumping DDT onto a ladder at R2G, busting him open.)
Jonathan Sanders: Under the bludgeonings of chance…
(It shows him busted open, getting his hand raised by Lyons, lifting his helt with the other hand.)
Jonathan Sanders: My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Mike Hawk: Stop it! Cut that shit out!
(The feed flickers and dies as we cut to the inside of the PWS: Apex production truck. Hawk’s assistant from earlier, the one he poked in the eyes, has followed him, and is thoroughly out of breath.)
Assistant: That’s… that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, Mr. Hawk. This time slot was double booked.
Mike Hawk: I thought I told you…
(He pokes her in the eyes again.)
Assistant: Oh god, my eyes!
(She falls to the ground again, clutching her face, as Hawk walks out of the truck.)
Mike Hawk: Now then… where are they!?
(He walks down the hall, finding a big door labeled “ANTITHESIS”.)
Mike Hawk: There you are, you motherfuckers…
(Hawk kicks in the door. Tyson Sykes is in the back corner of the room, beating on a punching bag. Dionysus is at the back, destroying a dummy with a knife. Alexander Lyons is on a chair, talking to Jonathan Sanders. When Hawk enters, both men stop, and Lyons stands up.)
Mike Hawk: Alright, listen up you My Chemical Romance wannabes, knock off the Nightmare Before Christmas shit and let people shine who actually wanna be seen, okay!?
(He closes the door, and inside the room we see Sanders now holding back Sykes, who’s saying things like “Let me at him” and “He dies”. Sanders walks to the door, opening it and putting a hand on the shoulder of the retreating “President”. Hawk turns around.)
Mike Hawk: AAH! A skeleton!
Jonathan Sanders: Mr. Hawk…
Mike Hawk: Professor Vampire…
(Sanders narrows his eyes.)
Jonathan Sanders: Would you care to elaborate as to precisely the meaning of your intrusion?
Mike Hawk: Yeah! You whiny bastards booked your segment for the same time slot as mine!
Jonathan Sanders: And when did you book it?
(There’s a long pause as Hawk’s eyes shift from side to side.)
Mike Hawk: ...That’s irrelevant. My point is, you need to be more conscious of the people who book the same time slot as you because the show’s already fully booked but someone wrote your name too far down on the sheet so I didn’t see it!
(Sanders sighs angrily. His lips curl into a derisive smirk.)
Jonathan Sanders: I cannot be held responsible for safeguarding the feelings of entitled, needy manchildren with an obsessive need for attention who can’t deal with the fact that their time in the spotlight is finally waning.
(There’s a pause as Hawk processes his statement, as Sander’s lips curl into a grin.)
Jonathan Sanders: Does it depress you, Michael, to know that your flavour of the month has finally expired?
(He turns and starts to walk away.)
Mike Hawk: Hey, newsflash, buddy. Goth died in 2003!
(Sanders turns back to Hawk with a little smirk.)
Jonathan Sanders: If you want to get under my skin, I’m afraid you’ll have to try far harder. I have said much worse things to myself.
(Another brief pause, as Hawk is now the one who gets a smirk.)
Mike Hawk: Well… I’m sorry my insults don’t hit as hard as your daddy did.
(Sanders pauses. He looks over his shoulder, his face contorting into a sneer of contempt.)
Mike Hawk: What’s the matter? Can’t think of one of your trademark witty retorts? I suppose you could just stand there uselessly like you did while he was pummeling your mother!
(Sanders runs at Hawk, letting out what can only be described as a growl as he tackles him to the ground, grabbing his shoulders and slamming his head violently and repeatedly against the floor.)
Jonathan Sanders: DON’T. TALK. ABOUT. MY. MOTHER!
Mike Hawk: Ow! Oh fuck! God dammit! Shit! Fuck!
(He notices his Destination NEXT briefcase on a table, and reaches over, managing to grab it.)
Mike Hawk: Get him, Casey!
(He smacks Sanders with the googly-eyed briefcase, making The Lost Cause fall off of him, and Hawk gets up, bolting into a panicked, stumbling run as he sees the ANTITHESIS locker room’s door opening.)
Mike Hawk: FuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK!!!
(The segment fades to black as the other members run out to help Sanders up, as Hawk escapes around the corner.)
JF Freeman: The champ looks like she has a few things on her mind.
Alfonso Banks: Sierra is a tough as nails champion but even she has to admit that Heather Haze gave her a goddamn right at Rise to Glory.
JR Freeman: I don't think we'll hear that pass her lips to be honest Alfonso.
(Sierra grabs a mic and places the PWS Apex world title belt over her shoulder. She looks around and looks annoyed.)
Sierra Williams: Well, is that any way to welcome your champion?
(The crowd boos, some cheer, as is the way in wrestling. Smart marks.)
Sierra Williams: At rise to glory I defended MY PWS Apex world title for the second time. I did so against someone who, as much as I dislike her has been a consistent winner and name in this company for a long time. She was a great champion, in her lane, but Heather Haze could not get the better of me no matter how hard she tried. And trust me on this. She tried damn hard.
(Sierra pauses for a moment and shakes her head, looking for a split second like she's conflicted.)
Sierra Williams: Never let it be said that I do not show respect when it's due. Heather Haze gave me a fight. She didn't just lay down and take a beating, I guess she really has left those days behind her huh?
(Some members of the crowd cheer for the cheap shot. Sierra shrugs and leans back against the ropes.)
Alfonso Banks: Even when she's giving people props she's a bitch.
JR Freeman: .....I wouldn't say that too loud.
Sierra Williams: But now the question is, who is next to get a shot at this championship? Who back there has earned the right to face me? Or, is Mack coming back for what he seems to think is his?
(There is a mix of cheers and boos for the mention of Mack's name.)
Sierra Williams: After Heather and I got done beating the hell out of each other we were having, a moment. A moment we had earned, because while Mack has been sitting at home, thinking over losing this championship to me Heather and I have been going about our business. She earned that shot against me, she earned the opportunity and after that match she earned her moment in the sun. She earned that moment in the spotlight with me after it. And I earned my moment to hold that title high and be the last thing people saw before the show went off the damn air.
(Sierra shakes her head and pauses for a moment.)
Sierra Williams: But, we didn't get that, we were robbed of that. But, what did I expect? For a year or more this was the Mack McKane show. Everything that happened on it revolved around him, everything. While I went about winning matches over and over and while I was right there giving him the fight of his damn life the first time he barely, BARELY promoted the company or the title. He was all about himself and his personal damn issues. And as this company pulls itself from the shadow that Mack left it in, he returns...he returns and makes the show, my title match and my title ALL ABOUT HIM.
Alfonso Banks: She seems a little..angrier than usual.
JR Freeman: Which is something considering she normally has the demeanor of a wet cat.
Sierra Williams: If there is anyone back there, who can look themselves in the mirror and say they earned a shot at me, then you can come at me, and state your case. Whether you go top any of the management, come at me on Twitter or backstage....I'll hear your case. But, you better make sure you're ready to go through hell...cause you will have to pry this title from my cold dead hands.
(Sierra drops the mic as "Go to sleep" hits again, Sierra mouths a few things at the ringside area and jumps from the ring holding the championship close to her chest.)
Tayna Reihl: It was back on February 23rd, the last time that former United Champion, Bella Madison was active in the PWS: Apex ring. That was Demon’s Run where she took on and lost to Gracie Lopez. Mind you, there was a lot that went on and the real last time we actually saw her on PWS TV was just before Destiny. So at her request, we get to sit down with her and hopefully we’ll get some answers as to what has been going on and what the future has in store for her.
(The camera pans out a little bit, as we see Bella Madison sitting in a near Tayna, facing the camera.)
Tayna Reihl: Bella, it’s wonderful to see you.
Bella Madison: Hey Tayna. Thanks for doing this.
Tayna Reihl: Of course, so...let’s get this out of the way. PWS: Apex hasn’t really seen much of you since April 20th. Where have you been?
Bella Madison: Keeping very busy, actually. I took on representing this company and SCW in the QuagCup, where I made it to the quarterfinals. I wasn’t even expecting to make it that far to be honest. I’m all still very active in Sin City Wrestling as well and basically just decided to take time away from PWS: Apex.
Tayna Reihl: Why is that?
(Bella takes a deep breath, and lets out a sigh before she explains.)
Bella Madison: Well, for one, I was being stalked by a man that decided that after 20+ years he wanted to play daddy. Robert Ryans made my home feel very unsafe despite having all my friends and family here.
Tayna Reihl: And since then?
Bella Madison: I’m sure he’s watching, but he’s keeping his distance.
Tayna Reihl: Really?
Bella Madison: He hasn’t had a choice, especially after what I found out would potentially destroy him. That’s why he and that witch, Angel, haven't been seen around.
(Tayna raises her eyebrow at Bella’s last statement. She looks at her notes to seemingly double check something before she continues.)
Tayna Reihl: Which brings us to my next question, at Destiny, there was suppose to be a “Celebration” in regards to your birthday but Destiny came and went and...nothing.
Bella Madison: (laughing) Well....not nothing, something DID happen. And it was because of what happened, what will probably never be seen by anyone, except who was there, as to why until this very moment, I stayed away. I didn’t like who I was becoming. It’s why I threw my focus into SCW and the QuagCup.
Tayna Reihl: And now? Are you ready to put more focus into PWS: APEX?
(Bella sits there quietly for a moment.)
Bella Madison: I spent my entire childhood admiring this idea I had of PWS. I watched as my mother and the man that is practically my father, and all these people that I considered like my uncles and aunts, paved this path that to me resembled the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. I have been promised that I would be safe, I have been told that if I did walk back into the fold that I shouldn’t have to worry…
(Tayna nods, as she looks at Bella.)
Tayna Reihl: But you can’t help yourself...
Bella Madison: Wouldn’t you?
Tayna Reihl: I can’t say that I blame you, honestly. After everything we’ve seen, and the things we haven’t.
Bella Madison: I want to be here, this place is supposed to be my legacy. ....but I’m not sure what is even here for me right now.
(From off camera, we hear a voice interject.)
“More than you realize, kid.”
(Bella looks over, and smiles, as Nick Madison comes into the shot, standing beside her. He puts a hand on her shoulder as he nods to Tayna.)
Nick Madison: Sorry to interrupt, Tayna. Just wanted to remind this one that this place is her home. With all the successes and failures she faces, there will always be a place for her here, and with us. No matter the hardships she faces, she can count on us to stand by her side. Now, I do hate to cut this short, but I need to have a conversation with the kid here, if you don’t mind.
Tayna Reihl: I’m okay if Bella is.
Bella Madison: Yeah, I think that’s probably a good idea right now.
Nick Madison: Alright. It was good to see you, Tayna.
(Bella gets out of the chair asher and Nick walk out of the shot together, as the cameras cut back to ringside.)
Main Event
#1 Contender's Match
Tag Team Match
The Commonwealth vs. The Society
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for your MAIN EVENT! The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall, and is a first-round match in the PWS: Apex World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament!
♫ GOD SAVE THE QUEEN ♫
(A record scratch cuts through Motorhead’s cover of the Sex Pistols’s “God Save the Queen”, which is honestly a better version of the song. It stops playing just as quickly as it started. It’s almost as if they accidentally played it, as nothing else happens. No light changes on the stage, no shutting down of the arena lights. Nothing.)
♫ I COME FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER ♫
(Again, the same scenario. Another record scratch cuts off the dulcet tones of Men At Work’s famous Australian song from the 80’s, “Down Under”. Except it’s not fully cut off. The track continues, like a record skip, as the lights in the arena finally darken to black. Red and blue lights glow upwards through the thin metal bars of the stage, as well as around the stage, mimicking the scratching sound until the growling guitar of GHØSTKID’s “START A FIGHT” echoes across the sound system.)
♫ I WANNA KILL SOMETHING
WANNA DESTROY SOMETHING
I WANNA, I WANNA
I WANNA START A FIGHT ♫
WANNA DESTROY SOMETHING
I WANNA, I WANNA
I WANNA START A FIGHT ♫
(From under the curtain, Aiden Reynolds is the first to dart out from underneath the curtain, stopping at stage left with a trademark cocky smirk. He’s followed closely by Dickie Watson as he copies Aiden on the other side of the stage, holding the Grand Championship over his arm. Behind him, standing in the center, is Hannah Watson. The three of them look out amongst the crowd, smirks across their faces as Dickie and Aiden lift their arms (or in Dickie’s case, one out) upwards at their waist. Aiden raises his arm up in a fist, and Dickie crouches down then, resting his elbows on his knees.)
♫ YOU ARE THE PROVING GROUND
AND I’M THE DYNAMITE
ABOUT TO BLOW IT UP
I WANNA START A FIGHT ♫
AND I’M THE DYNAMITE
ABOUT TO BLOW IT UP
I WANNA START A FIGHT ♫
(Hannah puts her hands behind her back and begins to skip down to the ring as Aiden starts to head down the ramp with a smirk on his face, followed by Dickie. Both jaw around with the fans, Dickie high-fiving a couple as he always does while Aiden cockily points at them, and then at himself, shaking his head. They both grasp the bottom rope on the ring and use it as leverage, leaping upwards. Aiden moves through the second rope while Dickie flings himself over the top rope, landing in the ring at the same time as Aiden rises. They criss-cross, heading to opposite turnbuckles.)
♫ YOU KNOW I’M TROUBLE, MOTHERFUCKER
AND YOU KNOW I’M ‘BOUT TO BLOW IT UP
I WANNA START A FIGHT
I WANNA START A FIGHT
FUCK YOUR CREDIBILITY
THIS SHIT IS PURE INSANITY
I WANNA START A FIGHT
I WANNA START A FIGHT ♫
AND YOU KNOW I’M ‘BOUT TO BLOW IT UP
I WANNA START A FIGHT
I WANNA START A FIGHT
FUCK YOUR CREDIBILITY
THIS SHIT IS PURE INSANITY
I WANNA START A FIGHT
I WANNA START A FIGHT ♫
(Dickie raises his belt in the air while Aiden places a foot on the top rope. Dickie drops back down to his feet and then looks over to the opposite side of the ring with a smile, handing his belt to the referee. Aiden hops down as well, jumping back, and then heads to their designated side of the ring. As their music fades out, the two of them lean back into their corner, watching their opponents with an amused expression.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first, accompanied by Hannah Watson, at a combined weight of 403 lbs., the team of Aiden Reynolds and Dickie Watson; THE COMMONWEALTH!
JR Freeman: Watson and Reynolds look like they’ve come ready for a fight tonight, Alf.
Alfonso Banks: And they should be; with the Society, you know they’ll get one.
JR Freeman: They will indeed. Both teams are going to give it their all tonight, especially with a Tag Team title shot on the line!
(As JR and Alf continue their exchange, “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees strikes up and Ella Singleton and Jasmine Philips step through the curtain with Carter King right behind them. The two ladies look around with disgust at the crowd before making their way down the ramp. Ella slides into the ring as Jasmine fully leaps from the floor over the top rope. The pair then stand side by side while shaking their heads in constant disgust.)
Meg Reynolds: And their opponents, accompanied by Carter King, at a combined weight of 258 lbs., the team of Ella Singleton and Jasmine Philips, THEEEEE SOCIETYYYY!
(The two teams get nose-to-nose with each other as the music dies down, jaw jacking and trash talking as the referee works to separate them.)
Alfonso Banks: There certainly is no love lost between these two teams here tonight, JR!
JR Freeman: No there is not, Alf, and I think things are bound to get a whole lot worse before this match is over.
(The referee finally manages to get the teams separated, going over the rules with them, and each pair picks an opening competitor. We end up with Dickie Watson in the ring across from Ella Singleton to start us off, and after a quick pat-down in their corners the bell rings and this one is on. Singleton wastes no time getting this one started, EXPLODING out of her friendly corner with a Running Calf Kick, but Dickie has it scouted and manages to leap over her low leg, following up with a roundhouse kick of his own that Ella ducks underneath. The pair stand staring at each other for a moment as the crowd applauds their athleticism, before they run in opposite directions to hit the ropes. As Ella leaps off for a Springboard Shoulder Tackle, Dickie begins to handspring backwards, pulling his knees in so she sails over him and flipping backwards to catch her in mid-air with a Backflip Kick! The crowd applauds even louder and Dickie grins a lopsided grin and takes a little bow, before nailing a Standing Shooting Star Press to his fallen opponent’s back. He covers…)
1…
TW-NO! SINGLETON KICKS OUT!
JR Freeman: Dickie Watson hoping for an early win here, but the Society’s got to take more punishment than that before you can put them away!
Alfonso Banks: Absolutely right, JR. With potential tag gold on the line, neither one of these teams will give up without a fight.
(More bemused than frustrated, Dickie shrugs and lifts Ella back to her feet, Irish Whipping her towards his corner. The referee protests but the Brit just shrugs her off as he reaches over to make the tag to Aiden Reynolds, who comes in and immediately drops to all fours so Dickie can hit the Poetry in Motion, sending Ella Singleton right back to the mat! Dickie then leaves the ring as the referee chastises him, a cheeky grin plastered across his face. Aiden Reynolds takes the initiative, immediately nailing the corner-seated Singleton with a Cannonball Senton. She falls to the mat and he grins as well, the crowd popping for the Australian journeyman, and he scoops Ella out of the corner and turns, nailing her with a Scoop Slam in one fluid motion. He follows up with a cover..)
ONE-NO! BROKEN UP BY JASMINE PHILIPS!
(Philips runs out of her corner to blast Reynolds with a kick to the back of the head, breaking the pinfall predicament and immediately being chastised by the referee. Dickie Watson leans through the ropes to shout at her as well, but Philips simply smirks as she backs slowly into her corner. As this happens, Aiden Reynolds returns to his feet and takes hold of Ella Singleton...but is immediately met with a low blow behind the referee’s back!)
JR Freeman: Oh, that’s disgusting! What unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the Society there!
Alfonso Banks: You say unsportsmanlike, JR, I say brilliant! These girls are willing to go places their opponents won’t to win, and it just might work in their favour tonight.
(This seems doubly true as Ella Singleton slowly returns to her feet, grinning a wide and arrogant grin as Aiden Reynolds falls to his knees, before running to the nearest turnbuckle, leaping to the top rope and dropping him with a Diving Double Knee! She doesn’t take this opportunity to cover, however, instead posing arrogantly and laughing as the fans shower her with boos. She then kicks Reynolds in the head and saunters over to tag in Jasmine Philips, but then refuses to leave the ring in spite of the referee’s protests. Philips cups her hands in boost position and Ella runs forward, allowing her partner to toss her in the air for an Aided Splash to the downed Aiden Reynolds! Philips goes for the cover...)
1…
2…
NO! DICKIE BREAKS IT UP!
Alfonso Banks: Damn, close one there for The Society. This thing was almost over!
JR Freeman: I wouldn’t count Reynolds and Watson out just yet, Alf, the Commonwealth have survived much, much worse.
Alfonso Banks: Don’t remind me...
(Watson and Jasmine get in each other’s faces now, with the Brit yelling obscenities at the American girl who gives back just as good as she gets. As the referee interposes himself between them, Philips rears back and slaps Dickie across the face as hard as she can, but before he can fire back the referee gets in his face and begins to chastise/direct him back into his corner. He begrudgingly complies, then as soon as the ref’s back is turned, Dickie runs back through the ropes and drops her to the mat with a Jumping Neckbreaker! Dickie Watson grins and spits on Jasmine’s fallen body as the referee once again scolds him and moves him back to his corner, but he simply flips the ref two fingers as he makes his way back to the apron himself. Slowly, Aiden Reynolds now begins to return to his feet, and he lifts Jasmine Philips back to her feet only to plant her again with a Snap DDT! He goes for a cover of his own, but Philips powers out after just a one-count. The two slowly return to their feet again, then lock up in the centre of the ring. The next little while is spent with the two technicians sort of feeling each other out, getting a sense of what they’re working with while neither explicitly takes the advantage. They lock up again and Reynolds tries to take the advantage using his size, but Ella Singleton distracts the referee by trying to get into the ring, allowing Jasmine to blatantly rake his eyes! She grins and follows it up with a wicked Atomic Drop, working the already-injured groin, then runs backwards to hit the ropes before coming back with a VICIOUS Spear that sends Reynolds to the mat!)
JR Freeman: More brazen disregard for the rules on the part of the Society here! This is disgraceful, Alf, absolutely disgraceful!
Alfonso Banks: Grace means nothing if it doesn’t win you the match, JR. Say what you want, but these girls came to PLAY.
(Despite the praise from Banks, Jasmine Reynolds doesn’t take this opportunity to go for a cover, instead opting to tag Ella Singleton back in so the two can lift Reynolds for a Double Suplex! The pair take a moment to taunt the crowd once again, basking in their boos, before Ella returns to her fallen opponent and locks him in the Dress Cut Short triangle choke! Reynolds struggles valiantly, fighting back as Dicke leans through the ropes and begs for a tag…)
JR Freeman: Dress Cut Short! It may be over here for Aiden Reynolds if he can’t get to the ropes!
Alfonso Banks: Haha, yes! You can do it, Ella, finish him!
(The crowd showers the ring in boos, beginning a “COM-MON-WEALTH! COM-MON-WEALTH!” chant, which gives way to “AI-DEN REY-NOLDS! *Clap clap clapclapclap*”, and as their pleas and chanting grows more vociferous, Reynolds finds his strength, physically ROLLS FORWARD WITH SINGLETON STILL ON TOP OF HIM and grabs the hot tag to Dickie Watson! Watson enters the ring like a house on fire and IMMEDIATELY hits the ropes to drop Jasmine Philips with a running Dropkick, before turning back to Ella Singleton and planting her ass on the mat with a Double-Knee Backbreaker! Watson stands in the centre of the ring and throws his arms out to the sides, letting out a primal scream of triumph as the crowd goes wild, before he helps his tag team partner back to his feet. The two play to the crowd a bit more, beating their chests and stamping their feet, before they each grab one leg of the fallen Ella Singleton and wrench them apart for a Wishbone! The pair then high-five, keep their hands locked, and - in perfect sync with one another - leap up and nail a Double Legdrop to their prone opponent! The referee’s pleas fall on deaf ears as the raucous pair get going, whipping the crowd into a frenzy worthy of UK and Aussie football fans before Dickie nods his head to Aiden, who scoops up Ella into a seated Sleeper Hold position. Dickie grins as the crowd’s fervor increases, knowing what’s coming next, and he runs the ropes three or four times to get a good head of steam before sprinting towards Ella Singleton and dropping her with his Down Unda Running Jumpkick, finally completing the VODKA AND TONIC!)
JR Freeman: VODKA AND TONIC! VODKA AND TONIC! THIS ONE IS OVER!
Alfonso Banks: NO! NO, DAMMIT, NOT LIKE THIS!
(But yes, in fact, VERY much like this, as Dickie goes for the cover, and the referee counts…)
1!
2!
3! IT’S OVER!
(The crowd EXPLODES! As Dickie Watson and Aiden Reynolds celebrate by climbing the turnbuckles and shouting in unison, before leaping off - Watson with a backflip for flourish - and beginning to run laps, beat their chests, just generally being hooligans. Singleton rolls out of the ring to join her partner on the walk of shame as the two boys get their hands raised.)
Meg Reynolds: Here are your winners and NEW number-one contenders for the PWS: Apex World Tag Team Championships, “THE COMMONWEALTH”, AIDEN REYNOLDS AND DICKIE WATSON!
JR Freeman: Well, the Society put up a hell of a fight, but it just wasn’t enough to keep these two boys down tonight.
Alfonso Banks: Maybe not JR, but depending on how things go on the NEXT Riot, Watson and Reynolds may be in for a rude awakening against ANTITHESIS in the near future, so I wouldn’t be so smug just yet!
(The announcers continue to bicker and the Commonwealth continue to celebrate like absolute lads as JR thanks us for our time tonight and PWS: Apex Riot quietly goes off the air.)
Winners - THE COMMONWEALTH
© PWS: APEX 2021, All Rights Reserved.
