Post by Josiah Cena on Dec 11, 2021 2:04:55 GMT -5
PWS: Apex Presents Riot
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
State Farm Arena
Atlanta, GA
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, before a graphic in remembrance of the events that took place on December 7, 1941, in Pearl Harbor. We cut to a clip from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech, “A day which will live in infamy…” echoes in the blank space, before “Trials” by Starset starts to bleed in from the silence. The opening video package for Riot starts to play, before the shot kicks to the live crowd, as we are welcomed by the voices of JR Freeman and Alfonso Banks.)
JR Freeman: On this day, 80 years ago today, tragedy struck this nation, as thousands of brave men and women lost their lives in an attack on US Troops in Pearl Harbor. Tonight, the members of the PWS: APEX roster honor the memory of those lost that day, as we look to keep you entertained for the next couple hours, so that you can spend time with your family and loved ones around your television. We hope to bring you the very best of PWS action here tonight.
Alfonso Banks: Pretty well said, JR. You must have practiced that.
JR Freeman: Maybe once or twice…
(The opening riff to Tom Sawyer remixed by Leo hits, and the PWS arena immediately bursts into boos as Tyson Sykes makes a bee-line to the ring. )
JR Freeman: Well it's a little bit early for Tyson to be coming out here, he's in the main event tonight.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah you're right, what a wonderful surprise!
JR Freeman: Well that's not exactly what I was saying, and this crowd certainly doesn't believe so after what Sykes has had to say the past few weeks about the Madison family.
(Sykes rolls in and grabs the mic, pacing around the ring. He then stops as the booing persists, and cracks a smile looking out at the audience. )
Tyson Sykes: Aw, what's the matter? You all pretend as if I don't exist for almost an entire year now, but the SECOND I dare say a few things about a Madison, and y'all start to remember just who the hell I am?
(More boos. )
Tyson Sykes: Hell, even tonight, I asked for an open mic to say a few things about my main event tonight, hype up the show, and guess what I was met with. Silence. Not a yes. Not a no. NOTHING. So clearly, I haven't pissed off enough people yet to get their full attention - so I decided to take it upon myself and come out here to let you all know what I really think about this main event tonight, AND the Madison family.
JR Freeman: I don't know what Tyson's issue is, I don't think anybody has ignored him once. He's had a hell of a run and the only person downplaying it is him!
Alfonso Banks: That's not true at all! Tyson and the rest of ANTITHESIS barely ever get mic time like this JR, so stop interrupting it!
Tyson Sykes: First things first, let's talk about the facts again shall we? Let's talk about how last week I DESTROYED lil ol' Bella Madison after calling her out on her bullshit. How she shows up one night, gets a marquee match, takes a break for a week or two or a couple months, then walks back into whatever she wants. And how much did I change by pointing that out? Literally nothing - because while I am in the main event this week, guess where she is? Facing the WORLD CHAMPION. After LOSING. Fuck, it's a helluva thing having mommy as the boss around here, huh?
JR Freeman: That's just uncalled for, Bella has done more than enough to deserve that match.
Tyson Sykes: But it's fine, 'cuz that's what mommy does, isn't it? When something happens that doesn't fit what they want, it just disappears. Hell, I'm sure after I absolutely decimate Papa Madison tonight, we'll get another few months of me vs whoever they don't have a spot for on the card. It doesn't matter what I do, how many people I beat, who it is I beat - because I'm willing to change my last name to one of the four that rule this roost, or I start fucking one of 'em, I'll never be looked at as a true contend-
(Sykes is finally cut off by the voice of Nick Madison as he busts through the curtain with a mic. )
Nick Madison: Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiitch bitch biiiiiiiiiiiitch bitch biiiiiiiiiitch bitch bitch….You wanna know why management didn’t really wanna give you airtime? THIS is why. All you’ve done is come out here and wasted these good people’s time with “I should get this” and “I deserve that” blah blah de fucking blah.
JR Freeman: Well, Nick certainly using some…colorful language.
(Nick has made a bee line to the ring, and is in with Sykes now, as he gets in his face.)
Nick Madison: There’s a reason they picked Lyons to represent your team in that triple threat match. He might actually can win when it counts, who knows, he might even not have to cheat to do it. Which, by the way, you’re holding up that match, so…if you would kindly get the hell out of the ring so they can have their match, and we can get on with the show….
Tyson Sykes: I’ll tell ya what…I’ll leave the ring….if you agree to make our match tonight a no-dq match.
Nick Madison: What? So your friends can come out and help you get the win? I ain’t buyin that.
Tyson Sykes: Tell ya what, if it makes you feel that much better, I’ll say this. If any members of ANTITHESIS interfere in our match….I’ll quit PWS: APEX.
Nick Madison: You really expect me to believe that? You expect me to believe you’ll actually leave if your friends get involved?
Tyson Sykes: I mean, believe it or not…you have my word. What do ya say we shake on it?
(Nick thinks for a moment, as Sykes smirks at him, before finally deciding to make the agreement, and shaking Sykes’ hand.)
JR Freeman: Well, I guess that means our main event will be a no-dq match.
Alfonso Banks: I don’t know if that was a good idea for Nick to accept that kind of deal this close to his retirement match at Crusade.
JR Freeman: I’m sure he’s wanting to give the fans here in Atlanta a great show, plus its a big match for him to end his tenure on Riot on.
Tag Team Title Contendership Match
Triple Threat Match
Alexander Lyons vs. El Landerson vs. Ella Singleton
(The match begins with an immediate running calf kick from Ella onto Landerson. She’s in control between those two for a bit, as Lyons lets them fight, wearing each other down before starting on his own offense.)
JR Freeman: Lyons is toying with the others!
Alfonso Banks: Sometimes that’s the best strategy JR! Sometimes you need to just read between the Lyons!
JR Freeman: (Audible sigh)
Alfonso Banks: …Between the LYONS! …Get it? …GET IT?
(The match continues with Landerson getting the upper hand, diving off the top rope for an enzuigiri. Lyons finally comes in with a running knee strike on Ella, before eating a dropkick from Landerson. Neither competitor wants to give up, and they all want this just as much as each other.)
JR Freeman: Any of these competitors still have plenty of opportunities to win the match!
Alfonso Banks: See, because it’s… it’s like, when you take ‘read between the lines’, and you… you add in the name, Alexander Lyons, it’s… you get the…
JR Freeman: Alf… we get it.
(Landerson goes on a bit of a run of dominance, managing to hit Ella with a Tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown, but is pushed out of the ring by Lyons before he can get the pin, Lyons pinning Ella in his place!)
1!
2!
(No, Ella kicks out! The two of them go at it for a bit, exchanging blows as Lyons shows off his power advantage, managing to push Ella into the corner and hitting a running knee on her, before setting up the tree of woe! He goes to the opposite corner to prepare to run at her when he’s pulled out of the ring by El Landerson!)
JR Freeman: What a great move by Landerson!
Alfonso Banks: Looks like Alexander should’ve read between the Lyons!
JR Freeman: …Are you going to keep making that joke until someone laughs?
Alfonso Banks: IT WILL NEVER NOT BE FUNNY.
JR Freeman: Why do they still make me work with you?
(Landerson attacks Lyons, Aaliyah getting involved too to get some shots in. As they’re both being counted out, Landerson slides into the ring, only to immediately be attacked by Ella. The count is at 6!)
7!
8!
(And Lyons manages to slide back into the ring! As he runs up to Ella, who had just floored Landerson, she gets the drop on him and ends up rolling him up with a schoolgirl pin!)
1!
2!
(No, Lyons kicks out! As all the competitors look at each other, they all gear up for an explosive finale.)
JR Freeman: I think they’re all ready for one hell of a fight!
Alfonso Banks: See… see, it’s funny because it’s a play on words. “Read between the Lyons”, be…because you see, you… it’s his name! Lyons! Alexander… and, well… lines, and… lines and Lyons sound similar. Thus… y’know, that’s where the… the joke was meant to happen.
JR Freeman: …Riveting.
Alfonso Banks: Don’t patronize me!
(The final stretch of the match begins with a Rain Delay on Landerson, followed by a Lionheart Kick on Ella! With 2 of the 3 competitors down, Lyons goes for a pin on both of them at once, hoping either will not kick out.)
1!
2!
…
(No, they both reach the ropes! Teaming up to take on the bigger man, Ella and El Landerson hit a combo move, Ella hitting an I-4 Collusion before Landerson hits a 6-1-9! He goes for the west coast pop, but Lyons grabs him, propping him up on the top turnbuckle, then hitting a Frankensteiner! Lyons and Ella exchange blows for a bit before Ella runs at Lyons, but Lyons bends the top rope down, sending her to the outside when she tries to jump on him.)
Alfonso Banks: Wow, she should’ve read between the…
JR Freeman: Don’t. …Just don’t.
Alfonso Banks: …Lyons.
JR Freeman: Is that all the material you wrote for this match?
Alfonso Banks: No!
JR Freeman: Okay, what else do you have?
Alfonso Banks: Well… you see, Ella Singleton is having her first singles match in 3 years!
JR Freeman: You’re absolutely right! And she’s been holding her own tremendously well!
(Landerson runs to the ropes, going for a top rope diving bulldog, but he’s caught mid-air and Lyons locks in the Gordian Knot!)
JR Freeman: Gordian Knot! This one’s over!
Alfonso Banks: El Landerson will have a hell of a time getting out of this one!
JR Freeman: …Yes, he definitely will!
Alfonso Banks: And he can do that by reading between the Lyons.
JR Freeman: God dammit!
(Ella stands up, and runs into the ring, sliding under the bottom rope to break up the submission attempt, but it’s too late. Landerson’s tapping! Lyons locks in the submission tighter, making Landerson yell out. Ella stomps his back several times, and Lyons finally breaks the hold, coming face-to-face with her.)
JR Freeman: That was one hellacious match!
Alfonso Banks: Agreed! All three of them beat the hell out of each other!
JR Freeman: Are you done with your stupid Lyons joke now?
Alfonso Banks: Yes, I am.
JR Freeman: Oh, thank god…
Alfonso Banks: SYKES!
WINNER - ALEXANDER LYONS
(The cameras cut to the back where Alexis was getting ready for her match. She was seen standing in front of a full length mirror, turning a bit, getting a shot of her ring gear)
Alexis Makarios: Perfect.
(She reaches over to the table and grabs a brush out of her bag. When she looks back in the mirror, she screams and jumps as Heather Haze was standing behind her suddenly)
Alexis Makarios: JESUS CHRIST!!! You trying to kill me before i get to the ring?
(Alexis let's out a bit of a laugh after the jump scare, as she begins to run the brush through her wavy red hair.)
(Heather just stands there with a deadpan stare, completely void of any emotion on her face)
Heather Haze: I dunno you tell me, Lexy. No calls and not a single text from you since that unfortunate ‘accident’ with Russow? Or the fact that you’ve been keeping secrets away from me?? Hmmm.
(Heather folds her arms across her chest, continuing to stare daggers at Alexis. Alexis stops brushing her hair and turns around to face Heather directly. She lowers the brush)
Alexis Makarios: Keeping secrets? I've NEVER kept secrets from you. It's actually one of my only redeeming qualities…
(Heather shrugs)
Heather Haze: So what was all that stuff in the ring with Gracie about her grandfather’s death? Were you planning on telling me? Or am I like the last person you EVER wanna spill any beans with huh? I’m pretty sure Audrey KNEW. Hell, I won’t be surprised that everyone in the dressing room KNEW before me! Including that inbreed potato head and his stupid squid.
(Alexis lets out a sigh and puts the brush on the table.)
Alexis Makarios: Heather… I wanted to tell you. But I wasn't allowed. Eddie, Jenn, Gracie… they wanted privacy. Outside of family, the only people who knew where Cena… and Audrey. Even Laura Phoenix herself didn't know. I was sworn to secrecy. Trust me… I needed some one to grieve with. Jorge was like a father to me for almost 15 years. It was HARD losing him. Do you think for a second I didn't want to come to you and spill my guts??? Confide in my best friend??? I. Couldn't.
(Alexis takes in a deep breath… she had been through so much losing Jorge and discussing this was bringing the grief right back to the surface)
(Heather studied Alexis carefully, noting the obvious pain and grief in her best friend’s voice before she quickly softened her tone and placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.)
Heather Haze: Hey...I’m sorry for dogging you like this. It's just that I get SO paranoid over silly stuff for no reason at all. I hate it when people accuse us of not being a tag team anymore when every week you’re getting paired up with a different random tag team partner that is not ME?! Can you really blame me for it??
(Heather pauses as she rolls her eyes and sighs.)
Heather Haze: Sorry that didn’t come out right. I mean Your mentor, who was like a father to you, just died and here I am rambling and making this all about me. You must really think I am a horrible friend.
(Alexis's mouth curled into a slight smile on one side)
Alexis Makarios: No. I get it. And honestly, I didn't mean to keep it secret. Audrey was going through a tough time when she confided in me about her daughter's illness… and it just… blurted out.
(Alexis takes in a deep breath and let's it out quickly, almost in a slight huff, as she shakes her head a bit, like trying to shake off a bad feeling.)
Alexis Makarios: You and I will ALWAYS be the Vixens of Pain. Best Tag Champs this company has seen. You and me against the world. But I get it… the jealousy…
(The smile quickly fades away as Heather held her gaze in a deadpan stare upon hearing the ‘J’ word.)
Heather Haze: Jealousy huh? Is this what you think all of this is? Me just being a jealous delusional paranoid bitch??
(Heather shakes her head and chuckles in denial before her face morphs into something closer to disdain. )
Heather Haze: Last year we managed to win the tag team belts, which coincidentally happened to be at Crusade. And flash forward a year and look at where we are now? I don’t see any gold around either of our waists. All I see is *you* getting off on your high horse to rub shoulders with a common sworn enemy that we pledged to destroy ever since we got the Vixens of Pain going...and on top of that the endless BS excuses and secrets after secrets and not acting like a real god damn tag team like we’re supposed to. So yeah...pardon me if you think I am just a tiny tad bit jealous that you’re excluding me out of your ‘not-so-discreet’ secret meetings with your useless super friends behind closed doors.
(Heather corks her head sideways, looking sinister by the minute..)
Heather Haze: OR maaaybbbe I have every freakin’ reason to be a jealous bitch!!
Alexis Makarios: Hey now… I never said you were a jealous bitch. I’m just saying that I get why there would be some jealousy going on. For the longest time it was you and me against everyone. Then I had a mental breakdown and things have done nothing but change since then. I get it. Me and Gracie and Jenn have history. Hell, Jenn was almost adopted by my folks. We’ve been friends and even room mates since middle school. I’ve known Gracie since she was in single digits. I helped train them both. Me and Audrey were friends back in the old PWS. There’s history there. And she’s having a real rough time… she’s trying to break free of the Russow name… she’s not like the rest of them. Sure… we had issues with them… but things are different now. Now… take a deep breath… and calm down. I gotta go out there and win this match. We can go get drinks after the show to celebrate… ok? Just you and me?
(Alexis smiled a bit as she left the area, leaving Haze alone. The cameras focus in on her face as a twisted smirk takes over her face.)
(The camera focuses on the backstage area, coming across Lachlan Kane who is making his way through the hallways with a determined look on his face.)
JR Freeman: Well, he said he was going to be here, and here he is! Lachlan Kane is in the building, and smart money says that he’s looking for Mack McKane.
Alfonso Banks: He was at the last Riot when his old lady nearly got her head taken off - literally - by Mack McKane, and it was only by his and Miles Kasey’s speedy intervention that Sierra got out of that encounter alive!
JR Freeman: And while Lachlan has been making waves over at our affiliate company Pro Wrestling Excellence, he will always stand up for his family, no matter when or where!
(At this point, Lachlan has arrived somewhere in the bowels of the arena, in a dimly lit corridor. He doesn’t slow his stride or change his look as he approaches an unmarked steel door. Without any hesitation, he raises a fist and bangs heavily on it. A few moments pass, before it swings inward with a creak of its hinges and Lachlan is face to face with a towering hulk of a man, glaring at him with a heavily scarred face. To his credit, Lachlan doesn’t waver a bit as he stares at the behemoth straight back.)
Lachlan Kane: I’m looking for Mack McKane.
(The massive man says nothing, but continues to glower at the Irishman. That is, until a petite feminine hand comes to rest on his giant forearm. He looks down and to the side, where Mattie Cormier is standing.)
Mattie Cormier: I’ll handle this.
(The big man merely grunts, and with one last glare towards Lachlan, he lumbers off into the background. Mattie then fills the doorway, but instead of the kind smile on her face and the warm sparkle in her dark eyes, she just regards him with a cold indifference, folding her arms across her chest.)
Mattie Cormier: Can I help you?
Lachlan Kane: Matts, come on. It’s me.
(She raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t say anything.)
Lachlan Kane: Look, I don’t know what the hell has gotten into Mack, but I need to talk to him. Maybe we can diffuse this entire situation. Things have just -
(Mattie holds up one hand directly into Lachlan’s face, and her own look has changed from indifference to something far more sinister. Lachlan just gapes at her for a moment, clearly not recognizing the woman before him as the feisty, fiery seamstress he once knew.)
Mattie Cormier: Things have progressed exactly as they have needed to. Your whore of a wife got everything she deserved that night when she destroyed my love’s most treasured possession.
(A cruel smirk turned up the corners of Mattie’s lips.)
Mattie Cormier: Well, perhaps not everything she deserved. But rest assured, she will pay the balance owing on her debt.
(Lachlan is stunned into silence for a moment, before shaking his head and reaching out to gently grasp Mattie’s upper arm.)
Lachlan Kane: Mattie, listen to yourself! This isn’t you, and I know this isn’t Mack. If I can just -
(A sharp SLAP! echoes through the hallway, and Lachlan’s head snaps to the side as a large red mark appears on his cheek. Mattie’s hand is still outstretched from the slap she had just delivered, and her face is now filled with rage.)
Mattie Cormier: Don’t. You. EVER. Dare to put your hands on me again.
(She turns on her heel and stalks off into the room, and before Lachlan can move the door is slammed right in his face. He lets out a long sigh and runs a hand over his face before letting out a loud yell and punching the concrete wall beside the door.)
JR Freeman: Seems like Lachlan wanted to try and stop this ticking time bomb from blowing up.
Alfonso Banks: But it just seems like his efforts were the ones to blow up in his face.
(The crowd in Atlanta is going crazy as “New Design” suddenly blares through the sound system. The moment Violet steps through the curtain, the crowd is split with their reaction. Violet doesn't seem to care as she makes her way down the ramp.)
Alfonso Banks: This is an interesting surprise. Why is Violet out here?
(Violet walks by one of the ring technicians and rips one of the microphones out of their hand. She then rolls inside the ring and looks around the arena.)
Violet Holt: SANDERS!!!!! You know damn well that I got nothing more to say to you. Now, I know you are somewhere in this arena so why don't you take your balls out of that walking giant's mouth and get your ass out here.
(Violet is pacing back and forth while looking around at all access points. As she turns her attention to the crowd, the Big Screen flickers to life. We open on a shot of the inside of the Dog Pound wrestling gym - owned, of course, by the Holt family. From off-camera, a familiar voice rings out.)
Jonathan Sanders: And Caesar's spirit, raging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
(Violet suddenly whips around, directing her attention to the ‘tron with a snarl. As she does, the image on the screen changes, with the camera slowly panning around to reveal Jonathan Sanders - flanked by Dionysus - standing outside the Holt family-owned “Dog Pound” gym in Atlanta, Georgia. The Collateral Damage Champion smirks into the camera lens as it comes to rest on his visage, and continues.)
Jonathan Sanders: Hello, Violet…
(Sanders pauses, his smirk widening as Dionysus paces back and forth, twitching occasionally.)
Jonathan Sanders: Did you truly believe I would be so foolish as to inhabit the same place as you so soon before our beautiful ultraviolet Crusade? I learned THAT lesson from her Royal Fallen Majesty Cleopatra, and it is not one that I am keen to repeat. You are not a woman of waiting, Violet Holt; I was mistaken when I called you a shrinking violet. You are a woman of action, and I cannot afford to jeopardize the divine beauty of our rematch by allowing you to spoil me too early…however, I did not wish to bid adieu tonight without first making it abundantly clear to you that I am not a shrinking violet either…and that this trinket will NOT be an easy crown for you to claim.
(Sanders holds up the Collateral Damage title belt, its faceplate glinting in the evening twilight, but before he can go on Violet interrupts his tirade.)
Violet Holt: Sanders, please do everyone a favor and just shut the fuck up. Week after week, you talk so much nonsense that you truly believe you are untouchable. Well, I beg to differ. I believe you haven’t faced someone who is crazy for violence and enjoys pain. So if you think I am scared of you or that giant turd standing beside you then you are clearly out of your element.
(Violet places her arms over the ring ropes while looking up at the front with a smirk on her face. Sanders simply smirks right back, slowly standing to full height now and bringing the camera along with him. He turns to face the Dog Pound sign as he slings the belt back over his shoulder, then slowly glances back at the camera to speak his next line.)
Jonathan Sanders: Oh no, Violet, I am not out of my element at all. In fact, I am precisely where I need to be in order to ensure you learn the lesson of what happens when you deliberately throw yourself in the path of the oncoming storm that is ANTITHESIS…
(Sanders sneers and makes his way towards the entrance, now, motioning for Dionysus to follow him. The giant practically kicks in the front door as the pair barge inside.)
JR Freeman: I don't like this...what the hell is Sanders planning?
Alfonso Banks: No idea, JR, but it can't be anything good!
(The attendants at the front desk react with predictable shock and fear, questioning the duo as they pass by but Sanders and Dionysus pay no attention to them, instead forcing their way through into the heart of the gym itself. The camera follows closely behind them all the while, picking up the shouts of discouragement from facility staff as they burst through into the main training area, with five wrestling rings set up for different levels of practice. The area is largely deserted, likely after hours or between classes at the moment, but two trainers are talking in the centre ring, and viewers of other promotions will recognize them well.)
Alfonso Banks: That's Violet's sister, Grace! And her cousin Derrick!
JR Freeman: Oh, this does not bode well for the Holt family.
(Back in the ring now, Violet is shouting at the screen for Sanders to stop, to come and fight HER like a man, but if he can hear Five Feet of Crazy then he totally disregards her, instead motioning the camera to follow him as he leads Dionysus towards the ring. The feed switches so now we can't see the ring, instead only focusing on Sanders and the Mad God, who are met by Violet's family members exiting the ring.)
Derrick Holt: Excuse me, sir, you can't be in he-
(His warning is cut off by a Big Boot from Dionysus, who then immediately jumps on the smaller man and starts showering hammerfists down on his face and neck. Derrick tries desperately to protect himself as Sanders rushes Grace, ducking a huge Clothesline before flooring her with a Shot of Serotonin. He then wastes no time in nailing her with vicious stomps and kicks while Derrick starts to fight back against Dionysus. He manages to wiggle out from under the giant of a man and dives for a steel chair, whacking the Mad God in the leg to drop him to one knee. He then slowly gets up, preparing to follow it up with a shot to the head...before Sanders runs along the apron of the centre ring, leaping off to nail a Missile Dropkick that sends the chair into Derrick's own face! He hits the floor with a 'thud' and Sanders helps Dionysus back to his feet.)
JR Freeman: My god, this is sickening! Somebody needs to stop these two!
Alfonso Banks: How, JR? They're blocks away! Even the police won't be able to get there before they've done their damage.
JR Freeman: I can't believe you're being so serious right now, Alf. You don't even have ONE flippant comment about how the Holts "had it coming"?
Alfonso Banks: Hey, I may be an ASSHOLE, JR, but these guys are MONSTERS. ANTITHESIS scares the living hell out of me, you won't hear me singing their praises.
JR Freeman: Well, I'll be damned. Maybe there IS some good in you, after all.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, don't get used to it…
(As they continue to bicker, Grace Holt has mounted a counterattack against the attacking ANTITHESIS. She's laying into Sanders and Dionysus both with hard right hands, going back and forth from one to the other, but before she can get any head of steam built up, the Mad God catches her by the throat and lifts her for a Chokeslam ON TOP OF Derrick's body! The pair the take a moment to catch their breath before Sanders instructs Dionysus to grab a second steel chair, while he slides his - along with the body of Grace Holt - into the centre ring. Dionysus follows along with the fallen form of Derrick Holt, who the Horseman of Death literally FLINGS over the top rope and onto the canvas, before the pair set up both chairs seat-to-seat in the centre of the mat.)
JR Freeman: Oh dear...I don't like where this is headed!
Alfonso Banks: Neither do I, JR. And neither does Violet, from the look of it…
(Cutting back to the ring we can see Holt is practically in tears, screaming angrily for security and the police as she tells Sanders his fight is with HER, not her family. The Snake of Eden earns his namesake by ignoring her pleas, however, and instead turns his attention to the fallen Derrick, who he lifts up and lays face-down with his head across the two seats. Dionysus then looks to Sanders for a signal, who runs his finger across his throat with a sadistic grin. The Mad God grins in response, then hoists Grace up onto his shoulders and moves towards the chairs...then HURLS her body into her cousin's with the Rusty Cleaver, which sends both of them crashing through the steel chairs! As this happens, Sanders climbs to the top rope and leaps off with the Total Eclipse of the Soul, nailing BOTH Holts in the process.)
JR Freeman: Rusty Cleaver! Total Eclipse of the Soul! Dios mio, when will the violence end?!
Alfonso Banks: It might not be too far off, JR, look…
(Police officers have now begun to flood the room where this assault is taking place, and they head towards the ring, guided by the front desk attendant. Sanders motions to the camera to zoom in.)
Jonathan Sanders: Document my beautiful work; let Violet see precisely what her foolishness has wrought.
(The Lost Cause grins wildly as he crouches down over top of Grace Holt's body and pulls her head up so her face faces the lens. Dionysus holds Derrick in a similar position, allowing us and Violet to see both of their faces coated in crimson, eyes glazed over with unconsciousness. Sanders holds the Collateral Damage title belt up next to Grace's face and lets her blood flow over the faceplate.)
Jonathan Sanders: Is this what you want, Violet? If you seek this prize, you must be prepared to sacrifice and suffer to obtain it. This will seem child's play compared to what I have in store for YOU in our glorious Crusade...I hope you are better able to handle it than were your poor, pitiful relatives.
(The camera zooms in on his face, his steel-grey eyes glinting with sadistic anticipation.)
Jonathan Sanders: I look forward to finding out.
(At this point, the cops have begun to storm the ring, and Dionysus can be heard cackling, sounds of a scuffle breaking out as the camera whirls around, apparently seized by a police officer.)
Officer: Turn the camera off, now-
(The footage abruptly cuts as we head back to the ring, where Violet Amelia Holt is still seething with rage.)
JR Freeman: Violet Holt does NOT look happy about what's just transpired, and I have to say Alf, I don't blame her one bit. That was sickening!
Alfonso Banks: Well, at least there's a silver lining, JR. If Violet Amelia Holt wasn't ready to tear Jonathan Sanders apart BEFORE this, she's DEFINITELY ready now.
(Violet motions for the camera to focus on her. Her eyes can tell the story as she is literally seething.)
Violet Holt: JONATHAN SANDERS, you done fucked up. Because come Crusade, I'm not just coming to remove that belt from your hands. I'm coming for your fucking head. Consider this your final warning.
(Violet tosses the microphone down as “New Design” suddenly blares again as Violet is seething while leaving the ringside area.
JR Freeman: I don't know what Jonathan Sanders was thinking but he might just have screwed himself.
Alfonso Banks: From what I have seen in Violet's career, when she is pissed off, she isn't someone to mess with and Jonathan Sanders is playing fire. Eventually he will get burnt.
Tag Team Match
Gracie Lopez and Alexis Makarios vs. Dream Team
(The match starts off with Fowler and Alexis in the ring. Alexis wastes no time taking quick advantage of the match and keeping control in their favor. After a few pinfall attempts, she tags in Gracie. Gracie keeps the pace of the match high paced, just enough to keep her in control. She keeps away from the top rope and any high flying maneuvers.)
Alfonso Banks: Gracie is keeping things grounded… which is a bit unusual.
JR Freeman: Probably trying to ensure that she makes it to Crusade without any unnecessary risks.
(Fowler tags out to Gray, who takes Gracie off her feet a bit. Gracie staggers to the corner where Alexis blind tags herself in, which the referee saw. She hops up to the top rope and waits. Gracie knocks Gray to the ground and puts her foot on his chest to keep him in place! Alexis jumps off the ropes with a DOWN UNDA THUNDA!!! She connects and goes for the pin.)
1…2…KICKOUT??
Alfonso Banks: And Fowler with the save!
(Fowler slid in the ring and flew into Gracie, into Alexis, breaking the pin! Alexis looks angry as she grabs Fowler by the head and throws him over the top rope. As she leaned over the rope, grinning, Gracie slid under the ropes to their corner and tagged herself in. Alexis looked on as Gracie went to the top rope and connected with a beautiful Style and Grace from the top rope and went for the pin.)
1…
(Fowler tries to slide in the ring, but takes a kick to the face from Alexis.)
2…3!!!
WINNER - GRACIE LOPEZ AND ALEXIS MAKARIOS
(After the match is over, and Alexis and Gracie have their hands held high by the referee, Alexis slides out of the ring and grabs a mic. She then slides back in and stands toe to toe with Gracie.)
Alexis Makarios: So… with that impressive victory… i’m sure everyone is wondering… because I know I am… what type of match are you selecting for Crusade?
(Gracie smirked as Alexis held the mic towards her. She takes the mic)
Gracie Lopez: I have been thinking about that all week. Do I want to do something insane and fun like an Inferno Match? Or something cliche like a Deathmatch or NO DQ? But then I thought about who we were dedicating this match to, and I instantly knew what i would choose if I got the pin…
(The fans were dead silent, waiting for the answer. Alexis was chomping at the bit to find out.)
Gracie Lopez: Which is why I decided we would compete in a PURE RULES match at Crusade!!!
(The fans erupt.)
JR Freeman: OH MY GOD! A PURE RULES MATCH???
Alfonso Banks: That’s something you don’t see every day. And it’s perfectly fitting.
JR Freeman: I can’t wait to see that!
(The show comes back from a commercial to the announcers table)
Alfonso Banks: Welcome back!
JR Freeman: Before we see our former World Champion, Mack McKane, in action tonight against MUD, we have been informed that our Co-Owner and CEO, Star Stormz, has a huge announcement!
Alfonso Banks: So let’s cut to the back and see what kind of announcement she has for us.
(The cameras cut to the tron that flickers to life with Star Stormz in an office.)
Star Stormz: Hello to all my PWS:APEX Fans, wrestlers, and staff. I’m not going to beat around the bush and waste too much of your time tonight. I just wanted to take a moment to look into the future! I know, I know. We are on the cusp of Crusade and ending 2021 one a strong note. But I’m looking into the future! When we return in 2022 we will be kicking things off with the very start of our journey to Destiny. And the first big pit stop for that is our PPV event Demon’s Run. This will take place on March 8th… location will be revealed later. But that’s not all I’m here to announce.
(The crowd was silent as Star paused for a moment.)
Star Stormz: I’m talking about one of the BIGGEST matches in PWS:APEX history! The main event for Demon’s Run is going to be a 6 person elimination chamber! For the World Title!
(The crowd erupts in a roar, excited!)
Alfonso Banks: AN ELIMINATION CHAMBER???
JR Freeman: That’s going to be a match you don’t want to miss!
Star Stormz: So, naturally, that confirms that whoever wins at Crusade, whether it be Sierra Williams retaining, or Mack McKane being crowned the new champion, will be the first confirmed entrant into the chamber. Over the next several shows we will be having qualifiers to fill the rest of the spots. And we will start with our first one at Crusade! We will see Heather Haze and Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez go one on one for the second spot in that chamber! Good luck to all involved… and now… enjoy the rest of the show!
(The camera cuts back to ringside)
Alfonso Banks: HOLY CRAP!
JR Freeman: Star never disappoints… as you just heard we are going to have an elimination chamber at Demon’s Run for the World Title! And we will see either Heather Haze or Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez take a spot in the chamber.
Alfonso Banks: I can’t wait to see who else gets in that match… but it already sounds like match of the year material.
(Inside a darkened room there is a figure and although the figure’s back is to the camera we can see that this figure has long hair, we come to realize that this person is definitely a man from the voice. Listening to that voice however, it is clear that there is some sort of distress going on with this person from his somewhat labored breathing, even if we are not sure what is causing the man so much distress.)
Man: “Pro wrestling. I used to be good at pro wrestling. I was a World Champion in fact with my wife. Yep we were the Champions of World…”
(The man stands up and despite still having his back to us, we can tell plainly now that he is playing air guitar. Then he pretends that he is stepping up to a microphone…)
Man: “Weeeeeeeee were the champions, my friends!
And weeeeee kept on fighting till the end!
We were the champions!
We were the champions!
No time for losers
'Cause we were the champions….
OF THE WORLD!!!”
(With the “concert” apparently now over, the man sits back down and continues to ramble.)
Man: “Only we aren’t the champions anymore, we aren’t even married peoples anymore, least not to each other. No, my wife is married to the one legged man now and they have three kids, they were my kids before they became his kids though.
Me? I have my best girlfriend and the one who completes me more than any way possible. The one who is my one true love…”
(There is a pause for a few moments as the man begins to rock slowly back and forth.)
Man: “That is why I can’t go back to my old home that I used to do the wrestling now, you see? ‘Cause those people, they want me to take my medicine.
Medicine so that I can be like everyone else, and I tried to be like everyone else but you know what?
I couldn’t do it.
I’m not like everyone else.
I’m special, and she’s special too. So special, specialer than all of rest.
That’s why I can’t come home, because they keep trying to make her go away, and that just isn’t fair!”
(The man starts yell louder and louder)
Man: “Did you hear what I said?
It isn’t fair!
IT ISN’T FAIR!!”
(After taking the chance to collect himself, the man returns to a much more reasonable volume.)
Man: “So I decided to look for a new home, with new friends, and new people to hate me, because people will always have hate for what they can’t understand, and nobody can understand me.
But you can understand me, can’t you Addy?
Time for Daddy to bring you home.
Come everybody, it's time for us to go on a Crusade to our new home.”
Hardcore Deathmatch
Mack McKane vs. MUD (With Skip)
(We cut back to the arena where Primus’ “My Name Is Mud” blasts on as the homicidal looking MUD stands hunchbacked in the ring as a super over positive Skip bounces around cheerleading. The fans are eating it up until…)
“ALL OUR GODS HAVE ABANDONED US!!!!”
(MASSIVE pyros blast as “Nihilist” by Architects blares over the pa system and we hear a diesel engine roar to life as the main transport housing Mack and Mattie’s thrones on the back of it roars into the arena. Mattie looks flawless as always and Mack looks just as pissed as ever. He turns and kneels before Mattie removing his mask to kiss her hand as he stands up, she leans forward to kiss him as she pulls his mask back over his face and sends her man off to war as she flows back to her throne watching Mack jump off the side cracking his neck and stalking towards the ring with a few Freekz in tow.)
JR Freeman; Well after what he did to Sierra Williams, it’s no surprise Mack would have bodyguards with him…the coward.
Alfonso Banks: She poked the bear! You don’t break another man’s childhood memories.
(Mack sheds his jacket but not his mask as he gets in the ring and comes forehead to forehead with MUD who isn’t backing down. Mack backs up looking intrigued as Skip jumps around like a babbling moron. MUD sheds his spiked jacket and chucks it as hard as he can trying to harm Skip, which Mack notices as he lifts his mask with a smirk. The bell rings.)
JR Freeman: This one won’t be for the faint of heart.
(Mack snaps his fingers and suddenly the Freekz have floored Skip holding him hostage as the rest flood the ring with weapons…one hands a kendo stick style wrapped four sets of fluorescent lightbulbs as Mack turns around and storms right up to MUD…who hasn’t budged. He’s just standing there, seething at him. Mack doesn’t take the disrespect kindly as he rears back and SMASHES the lightbulbs across MUDS face! MUD backs up groaning a bit but only for like a millisecond because he snaps right back to his seething anger and Mack holds up a hand…before calling for a microphone.)
Mack McKane: You…you’re pretty fookin’ tough you are, innit!? So what’s a brawny champion like you doing with a sissy little git like THAT.
(He points to ringside where his Freekz have the always optimistic yet currently horrified Skip. Mack leans over into MUD’s face because MUD has just set his glare on Skip.)
Mack McKane: …that’s all you wanted all along, innit? You never wanted this slimy toad following you around, mooching off your strength, costing you win after win after win! Suffering loss after loss! Boys! Bring our distinguished guest in the ring!
(The Freekz comply and its only a moment before Skip is on his knees in front of MUD as MUD has Mack next to him with a microphone in his ear.)
Mack McKane: You have a name. And I’m sure it isn’t, “MUD”. That’s just how this lot has treated you for your whole “partnership”
Skip: N-NO! MUD!
Mack McKane: SHUT UP YOU BLITHERING SWINE!
(Mack boots Skip so hard in the face his spurts blood out of his nose and mouth. This makes MUD’s hands twitch. Mack sees it and cheerleads on…)
Mack McKane: Yes…YES! Like a shark with blood in the water, you wanna finish him for good!? Be…my…GUEST. All I ask…Is that you come join a home…that will see you for YOU, little brother!
(MUD looks at Mack and his expression changes surprisingly to one of softness for a moment…until it turns into a feral death snarl turning his attention back to Skip as the Freekz throw him forward. MUD grabs Skip by the throat.
Skip: M-MUD…I’m your f-friend!
MUD: No MUD…Atticus.
Mack McKane: O-HO! WONDERFUL name, Bruv! WELCOME to the Freekz of Neighture. But first…
Atticus: Rigorous. Mortis.
(Before anyone can respond, Atticus has grabbed Skip and lifted him into a vertical suplex before jumping in the air while releasing him into a uranage side slam. They connect so hard, everyone in the ring bounces. Atticus pops back up to one knee looking at Mack as Mack outstretches his hand…and Atticus takes it. Mack puts his arm around Atticus and leads him towards the “Chariot” as they board and Mack introduces the new and improved, former MUD, now Atticus to the lovely Mattie as we roll to commercial leaving poor Skip broken and sobbing in the middle of the ring.)
WINNER - We’re not sure exactly what happened but there was no match soooo ummm...next?
(The cameras cut back to the backstage area, where Audrey Russow is seen warming up for her match, as Claire Anderson approaches her.)
Claire Anderson: Audrey, was wondering if we could get a few words before you head out there.
Audrey Russow: Sure, what’s up?
Claire Anderson: First off, how’s Dan doing?
Audrey Russow: We’re taking things day by day. He was able to enjoy Thanksgiving, and we got some good news that made it even more special.
Claire Anderson: Oh? Good news?
Audrey Russow: Yeah. Found out my brother RJ is a match for Aurora in the kidney transplant…we….we have it scheduled.
(Audrey starts to choke up, but she regathers her composure and shakes her head.)
Audrey Russow: That’s after Crusade though, and tonight I get to take out some frustrations on a loud mouthed…actually…I’d rather not used the words I’d like to to describe my opponent because IIIIIIII don’t feel like getting fined. So, with that, I bid you good day.
Claire Anderson: But I…
Audrey Russow: I said good day!
(Audrey flicks her hair and sarcastically walks off as Claire just shakes her head and laughs.)
(As the cameras switch to the backstage area, we see the gaggle of Mack McKane’s Freekz pile through the entranceway and down the steps, followed by Mack himself as well as Mattie and the newly-dubbed Atticus. As he glances up, everything comes to a halt as he gets a smirk on his face and starts to walk forward. A few of the Freekz are snarling and darting forward, but Mack stops them with a hand as he finally stops and comes face to face with Lachlan Kane.)
JR Freeman: Oh boy. This has the makings of a serious showdown.
Alfonso Banks: Well, Lach wanted to talk to Mack, and now it looks like he’s gonna get the opportunity!
JR Freeman: But right after the carnage we just witnessed? This is gonna go belly-up in quick fashion, mark my words!
(Lachlan and Mack just stare each other down for a few moments, before Mack lets out a short chuckle.)
Mack McKane: So, the White Knight deigns to grace our humble company with his presence, does he? Funny how all it took was me roughing up your little woman for you to come running, innit?
(The Freekz all let out a chorus of creepy laughter, but Lachlan keeps his eyes focused straight on Mack and doesn’t say a word.)
Mack McKane: What, Sierra keep your tongue in her purse along with your balls then?
(The Freekz laugh again, but Lachlan doesn’t budge an inch despite the fact that they are slowly forming a circle around him.)
Mack McKane: Well, you wanted to talk. So talk.
Lachlan Kane: Mack, stop this. All this senseless violence. It’s not you.
Mack McKane: Oh, so you think you know me, do you? You fuck off to some other company to make your name, and then waltz back in here to the rescue of your darling wife, and you think you know who the fuck I am?
(Mack’s voice has been steadily rising during his rant, but Lachlan doesn’t flinch.)
Lachlan Kane: Yes, I admit that I haven’t been in PWS as much as I should. But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been paying attention. All of this -
(Lachlan gestures around to the army of misfits that now surround them on all sides.)
Lachlan Kane: - is just like the Carnival. The one that kidnapped Mattie and put you through hell.
(Before Lach can say another word, Mack has stepped up and gotten right in his face, snarling with anger. The Freekz, sensing more violence, start getting antsy and pushing together even closer to the two men.)
Mack McKane: Your wife was the one who started this all. If anyone is to blame for what’s to come, it’s her.
(The two men stare each other down for a moment, before Lachlan speaks.)
Lachlan Kane: Mack. Don’t go down this road. You will not like where it ends up.
(A twisted smile appears on Mack’s face as he backs away from Lachlan. A snap of his fingers, and the Freekz back up as well, seemingly disappointed that there was to be no more violence tonight as they collectively shuffle off. Mack takes his place next to Mattie, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as the couple, along with Atticus, begin to walk away. But before they disappear into the darkness, Mack calls out over his shoulder.)
Mack McKane: We’ll just have to see, won’t we?
(The camera turns back to focus on Lachlan, who is staring intently at Mack’s retreating form with a bit of a snarl on his face.)
JR Freeman: Well, we avoided any more bloodshed, but I get the feeling this situation is far from over.
Alfonso Banks: Mack almost sounded ominous there. Do you think he’s going to do something to Lachlan?
JR Freeman: I have no idea, but if he does…I have no idea just what Lachlan will do. He seems to be a different man than the one we’ve all come to know and love.
Alfonso Banks: With everything he’s had to witness his family go through not only here but over in PWE, are you really surprised?
JR Freeman: Well, no…but too many of our roster have been turning down a dark path, and I would hate to see a bright young star like Lachlan follow suit.
Singles Match
Mike Hawk vs. Audrey Russow
(Match starts off with Hawk doing his typical asshole moves, everytime Audrey gets close to him he would do something to pull the referee in the middle, then laughing at Audrey. The ref got tired of the antics and stepped out of the way, allowing Audrey to take the first swing at Hawk. She clocks him square in the nose. He reels back before tackling her to the ground and pins her there, going for a quick count. She kicks out before even a 1 count can be done. They go back and forth for a few minutes when suddenly “I wanna be bad” by Willa ford hits the speakers, causing Audrey to stop dead in her tracks.)
Alfonso Banks: THAT'S HEATHER HAZE’S MUSIC!!!
JR Freeman: This isn’t good…
(Heather Haze saunters out onto the entrance ramp and smiles at Audrey with a little wave. Audrey was noticeably pissed as she yelled back “YOU WANNA GO, BITCH???” and motions for Haze to come to the ring. While she was distracted, Hawk spins her around and drops her to the mat with a “Fuck You I’m Awesome!” And he drops for a pin.)
1…2…3!!!
(Hawk slithers out of the ring to celebrate while Haze laughs and points at Audrey while walking down to the ring. She slides into the ring and begins delivering left and rights to Audrey. The two begin to brawl in the ring when Alexis runs out from the back and tries to separate the two of them)
JR Freeman: This is INSANE! Heather started trouble with Audrey… and Alexis comes to her rescue
Alfonso Banks: I think it’s more that she wants to break it up for both sides…
(Alexis slides in the ring and tries to separate the two of them, who are both trying their hardest to get at each other. Alexis is doing her best to keep them apart. She turns towards Haze just in time to take a wicked sucker punch right to the nose! Alexis falls to the mat.)
Alfonso Banks: AND THATS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRY TO BREAK UP A CHICK FIGHT!
(Heather and Audrey both stop dead in their tracks and look at Alexis with shocked looks on their faces. She moves her hands away from her face to reveal that her nose was bleeding from the impact. Heather is apologizing over and over towards Alexis. Audrey snarls up towards Heather and JUMPS her! Audrey is pummelling her with fists when security finally gets to the ring and separates them, with a trainer rushing to Alexis with a rag to hold on her nose.)
WINNER - MIKE HAWK
(The cameras pan around the State Farm arena, catching the cheering fans of Atlanta who wait in anticipation for the next superstar to arrive. They don’t have to wait long as “Gangstas Paradise” blasts over the arena speakers, and United Champion Cleo Phillips, with hype man Z-Money in tow, walks out on stage to a roaring ovation.)
JR Freeman: Listen to that ovation! They love the United Champion down here in Atlanta!
Alfonso Banks: They would, wouldn’t they.
JR Freeman: What’s that supposed to mean?
Alfonso Banks: I’m just saying, the crime rate in Atlanta has never been great, and this past year it’s been rising, these are her kind of people.
JR Freeman: Oh get off it.
Alfonso Banks: The stats don’t lie.
(Now in the ring, Cleo and Z-Money play to the crowd some, before the fans settle down to hear what she has to say.)
Cleo Phillips: How’s everyone in Hotlanta tonight?
The crowd responds, giving her the ever classic cheap pop.
Cleo: You know, Crusade is just around the corner and I have to say, I hope Devon Ryder steps it up. He’s going to have to after that loss to Alexander Lyons last week. Team Cleo has been on a hot streak recently, and as I said last week it’s going to take more than a sermon to take this championship away from me. Now, obviously ANTITHESIS did what they always do to pull one over on Devon. I get it. I can assure you Devon, no funny business will happen when you face off against me. I don’t want you to have any excuses when I beat you, and rest assured, I WILL beat you. My win over Sierra put a whole new sense of confidence in me, it helped me prove to myself that I belong among the top talent in this company. I refuse to let Devon Ryder break that. You see, Devon Ryder is the kind of guy who….
(Cleo is interrupted by The Guess Who’s “American Woman” playing over the arena speakers. Devon swaggers slowly but confidently out onto the stage, dressed in street clothes, to a solidly mixed reaction from the crowd. It skews a little more towards cheering than booing, likely a result of sympathy after that vicious ANTITHESIS assault last Riot, but he’s clearly not as beloved as the champion, especially not in this neck of the woods. Ryder’s wearing his characteristic smirk across his face and holding a microphone loosely in one hand, and he begins to walk down the ramp towards the ring as he begins speaking.)
Devon Ryder: I want to say, Cleo, that I am not in the habit of talking over black voices, especially on issues pertaining TO people of colour, so I would very much like to let you finish your thought. However, I am even less fond of being spoken FOR and spoken OF as if I am not here, so if you would LIKE to finish your thought, Cleo…
(He pauses and steps into the ring, standing face-to-face with Phillips as he raises the microphone again.)
Devon Ryder: Then I insist that you say it to my face.
(Ryder lowers the microphone and spreads his arms in kind of a sarcastic shrug, waiting for Cleo to go on.)
(Cleo responds with a shrug of her own, staying right in Ryder's face.)
Cleo: Well, I have no problem with that. I was going to say, you’re the kind of guy who likes to hear himself talk. You need people to see you as some sort of hero, or savior. Someone who is here for them, but all you’re here for is attention, so you can fuel your own self righteous ego. Speaking on issues you’ve read about, issues you’ve studied, but haven’t lived. If we’re going to make real change in this country we need people willing to take action, and not just spread around and talk about the same issues that the news media regurgitates but never seems to care to fix. I stand here as an example of what a real leader looks like, one that knows the issues you studied are real because I have lived through them. America isn’t perfect, but it’s better than it was a hundred years ago, and if I can be a small part in helping make it even better a hundred years from now, I’ll have done more than your words ever will.
(Cleo stops speaking, but makes sure not to step down. Ryder simply nods, his expression thoughtful, but he doesn’t make a move backwards either.)
Devon Ryder: And that’s all entirely valid, Cleo. I DEFINITELY have an ego, ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you that’s true. I think it’s probably fair to say I have some sort of “hero complex” too, because I honestly do believe that I’m a shining example to all of these people who may feel stuck or disenfranchised that there IS a better way, that this is NOT the way your country has to be. But I can’t deny, I absolutely do look like far too many people who are part of the problem. I can’t change my heritage, and though I am not proud of it, I AM trying to make amends by leading by example. By bringing attention TO these issues, even when the news cycle has moved on to whatever flavour-of-the-month is getting better ratings at this point. But I am not “all talk” as you seem to believe. I donate to charities that help those most in need. I stand up at protests and marches in solidarity with all my fellow human beings who ARE affected by these issues that the pigment of my skin has left me fortunate enough to avoid. I do act, Cleo Phillips, not only to TELL people in America how deeply flawed their system is and how far they have yet to come…but occasionally, to SHOW them that as well. Which is why I have to do this…
(Ryder steps back and lowers the microphone, sticking his forefinger and his thumb in the corners of his mouth and whistling. Suddenly, a host of about half a dozen uniformed police officers flood out from behind the curtains, making their way towards the ring. Ryder steps through the top and middle rope, mouthing to Cleo “I’m sorry” before he drops down to rendezvous with the officers. He speaks with the one who seems to be in charge and nods, pointing to the ring and speaking audibly, so the cameras pick it up.)
Devon Ryder: That’s her, Sergeant! The “suspicious individual”.
(The cops nod to one another and to Ryder before they swarm the ring, shouting at the champion. The audience begins to boo thunderously as they realize what’s happening, any goodwill Ryder had gained until this point rapidly evaporating, at least in this crucial moment. For his part, Devon doesn’t look overly pleased with himself either, frowning deeply as he watches from the ramp. Z-Money is flipping his shit at this point, and he gets right in Ryder’s face, demanding that he call off his “attack dogs”, as he calls them, but the Canadian simply shakes his head.)
Sergeant: ON THE GROUND, NOW! PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!
(Cleo looks dumbstruck, mouth agape as she stares in disbelief at Devon Ryder and the police officers surrounding her. She just shakes her head, saying nothing but wearing a defiant and disdainful look as she slowly complies with the sergeant’s demands, lying prone in the centre of the ring. The crowd continues to boo as he puts the champ in handcuffs, pelting the ring with drinks and garbage to express their displeasure. Ryder is the target of some thrown foodstuffs too, and Z-Money continues losing it, shouting at Devon and at the cops and yelling for Cleo to fight back, that this isn’t right. He just gets angrier as one of the cops tells him to stand aside, and even goes as far as to take a swing at Devon! Ryder makes no move to defend himself, mouthing “I deserved that”, but as soon as the punch is thrown another officer jumps on Z-Money and handcuffs him too. Ryder continues to look on regretfully as Cleo and her manager are pulled back up to their feet and escorted up the ramp towards the back. As she passes Ryder he gives her a sympathetic look, but the champion just glares daggers at him. He shakes his head and mouths “I’m sorry” one more time but Cleo just shouts “FUCK YOU, RYDER!” and spits directly in his face before the Sergeant pulls her back.)
Sergeant: HEY! Cut it out, I won’t tell you again!
(Cleo looks back at him with a sneer, but does as she’s instructed and lets the rest of the officers drag her to the back. She swears at Ryder the entire time, while Z-Money cusses out the officers and the whole situation, and the Canadian just stands there and takes it, slowly wiping the spit from his face with a deeply conflicted expression. A couple of the cops stay behind to have a chat with him, but he just shakes his head and slowly makes his way to the back, no theme music to cover the thunderous boos the crowd is pelting him with.)
JR Freeman: I can’t believe what we’ve seen here tonight, Alf. Devon Ryder is going to have some SERIOUS explaining to do, and I don’t envy his next meeting with Cleo Phillips after this.
Alfonso Banks: I told you, JR. Once a criminal, ALWAYS a criminal. It’s just in her blood.
JR Freeman: …You’re a seriously troubling dude sometimes, Alf, I really worry about you.
Alfonso Banks: Listen to these people boo the process of law and order, JR! I told you, they’re all just like her!
JR Freeman: I THINK they’re booing the United Champion being unjustly led away in handcuffs, Alf, and I can’t say I blame them. I guess Devon Ryder wanted to prove some kind of “point” tonight, but I don’t think he needed to go this far to do it. This really is disgraceful, and I think deep down he KNOWS that.
Alfonso Banks: Oh, boo hoo, I’m all broken up about it, JR. Serves her right! BOTH of them, in fact! It’ll build character to see the inside of a jail cell again, remember where they came from.
JR Freeman: Aaaaaaaaaalright, well, we’re gonna go ahead and cut to commercial before you say something that’ll get PWS taken off the air! When we get back, folks, we’ve got even more surprises in store on this go-home episode of Riot!
Alfonso Banks: Well next up we have a bit of a family affair...Sierra Williams goes against Bella Madison in a battle of the Wolfslair ladies...
JR Freeman: And I...wai...we have word something is happening in the back...
(We cut backstage to find Sierra in her ring gear and Mack McKane going toe to toe throwing right hands back and forth. Mack seems to get the upper hand hitting SIerra with a knee to the stomach before running her head first into an equipment case.)
JR Freeman: Oh come on Mack! We need to get some officials back there to stop this...
Alfonso Banks: This issue between them has gotten out of hand, this is clearly not just about the title...
(Sierra kicks Mack backwards creating some distance, she grabs a steel chair throwing it at Mack who ducks it, Sierra turns and tries to make her way down the hallway away from Mack)
JF Freeman: Mack is not going to let Sierra get away
Alfonso Banks: Sierra has a match damnit Mack...
(McKane grabs the same steel chair hitting Sierra in the back with it, she drops down to her knees and Mack moves around her before leaning down and grabbing Sierra by the hair)
Mack McKane: I am goin ta take errything from you....
(He pulls Sierra up and turns throwing her right through a window!. The glass shatters as Sierras body disappears through it to the other side as Mack smiles, suddenly from the side PWS Apex officials surround Mack to stop any more damage)
Alfonso Banks: OH MY GOD!...Sierra Williams just got thrown through a damn window by Mack McKane!
JR Freeman: There is something very very wrong with Mack...he's unhinged and even more dangerous than he was before
Non-Title Match
Singles Match
Sierra Williams (c) vs. Bella Madison
Match cancelled
(We return from the commercial to see Bella Madison, in her gear but wrapped up in a black zip up hoodie, pacing back and forth in front of the trainer’s door. She’s chewing nervously on her nail every once in a while looking at the door hoping that’ll open. She turns around again and notices her husband, Malachi, standing there. She just sighs and wraps herself around him in a hug.)
Malachi: You alright.
Bella Madison: I’m right as rain. Sierra, however...
Malachi: I’m sure she’ll be just fine. I saw what happened. Lach in there with her?
Bella Madison: Yeah.
(She sighs and leans against the wall looking at the floor.)
Bella Madison: I’m so mad right now. I was looking forward to this match with her. Why would Mack do that?
Malachi: I wish I could tell you, love. But look, why don’t we head back to the locker room, watch Nick’s match and I’m sure Lachlan will let us know how she is.
Bella Madison: Look, I know what you are doing here. This whole damn place has been nothing short of infirating and now we are right back into this place all needing to be locked up in the nuthouse. But God dammit, this whole damn place has started to fall apart again and I feel like it’s all my fault. I’m just, I’m so confused by it all.
Malachi: Bells, listen, what happened with Angel with me, what is going on between Mack and Sierra, NONE of it is your fault. You can’t let what happened here tonight distract you from Crusade. Your dad is depending on you to keep it together long enough for that match and then you can focus on whatever the hell is going on.
Bella Madison: I know that! I’m trying to not make this about me but from a broader point of view...
(Before she finishes the thought the door pops open and Lachlan steps out.)
Bella Madison: How is she?
Lachlan Kane: I’m sure you can imagine. She’ll be fine and more than ready for Crusade.
(He turns and looks at Bella.)
Lachlan Kane: And she said don’t blame yourself, Mack will get his and we’ll try this again at a later date.
Bella Madison: But-
Malachi: Bells...
(She looks back and forth between the O’Connell brothers.)
Bella Madison: FINE! Tell her that I’m sorry about all of this and I’m looking forward to it. Never thought I’d see the day that the O’Connell brothers teamed up against me but here we are.
(She sulks off leaving them standing there.)
Lachlan Kane: Keep an eye on that one.
Malachi: Yeah, and you have fun with yours.
(The brothers part as we go to commercial break.)
PWS: APEX Crusade 2021
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Amway Center - Orlando, FL
PWS: APEX World Championship Match
Singles Match
Sierra Williams © vs. Mack McKane
PWS: APEX United Championship Match
Singles Match
Cleo Phillips © vs Devon Ryder
United Championship #1 Contender’s Match
Pure Rules Match
Gracie Lopez vs. Alexis Makarios
Nick Madison’s Retirement Match
Singles Match
Bella Madison vs. Nick Madison
PWS: APEX Collateral Damage Championship Match
Weapons-Filled Steel Cage Match
Jonathan Sanders © vs. Violet Amelia Holt
PWS: APEX Tag Team Championship Match
Tag Team Match
Aiden Reynolds & Dickie Watson (The Commonwealth) © vs. Tyson Sykes & Alexander Lyons (ANTITHESIS)
Demon’s Run Elimination Chamber Qualifyer
Singles Match
Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez vs. Heather Haze
Pre-Show
Dan Adler vs. Elani Stratus
Main Event
No-Disqualification MatchMatch
Nick Madison vs. Tyson Sykes
'A modern-day warrior
Mean, mean stride
Today's Tom Sawyer
Mean, mean pride'
(Leo's metal Cover of Tom Sawyer hits and Tyson Sykes busts through the curtain. Usually sporting a backwards hat and a cutoff graphic tee slightly too big for him that hangs slightly over his wrestling trunks, he surveys the crowd for a moment before speed-walking an intense lap around the ring. He then jumps onto the ring apron and climbs to the top rope, and it's anybodies guess whether you'll get some air guitar to Tom Sawyer, two raised arms, or two raised middle fingers, depending on "The Ripper's" mood that day. He then leaps the rest of the way over the top rope and circles the inside of the ring, jaw jacking with the fans or his opponent if they're currently in the ring.)
JR Freeman: Well, this one should be…violent? Yeah, that seems to be a good word for it.
Alfonso Banks: I’d say so…these two definitely don’t like each other, and after earlier tonight, I look for this one to be brutal.
(The music fades, as the lights return to normal. The opening to “Critical Acclaim” by Avenged Sevenfold starts to blare over the sound system, as Nick Madison walks out onto the stage…pushing a grocery cart full of weapons. Kendo sticks, trash can lids…an actual kitchen sink. He sends the cart crashing down the ramp, as it slams into the ring apron. He grabs two kendo sticks, tosses one in the ring to Sykes, as he gets in with the “come on then” attitude. As soon as the bell rings, the two start going at it.)
JR Freeman: And it begins! Kendo stick war!
Alfonso Banks: Let’s start the violence!
(The two are going ham with the kendo sticks, beating each other senseless with vicious shots. The sounds of the kendo sticks striking their skin echoes throughout the arena. Sykes goes to choke Nick with the kendo stick, but Nick blocks it with his. Sykes manages to back Nick to the ropes, before Nick manages to back body drop Sykes over the top rope and down to the floor. Nick hops down to the floor, and almost immediately goes over to the announce table, starting to clear it off.)
JR Freeman: We might need to move.
Nick Madison: GOOD IDEA!
(The announcers stand up from the table, as Nick takes one of the television monitors, and goes to bash Sykes over the head with it, but he is able to duck the swing, and nails Nick in the gut with the kendo stick. Nick doubles over as Sykes comes up from behind and starts choking Nick with the kendo stick. Nick manages to fight out of it, before smashing Sykes’ head off the announce table, and climbing up onto the table with Sykes. He gets him into position, and signals for it, and nails the Neuro-Mutilation, crashing through the table!)
JR Freeman: DIOS MIO!
Alfonso Banks: Nick needs to get Sykes back in the ring quickly!
(Madison basically carries Sykes into the ring, where he goes for the cover.)
1…
2…
Kickout!
JR Freeman: You have to think the time it took to get Sykes back in the ring is what gave him enough time to recover from that enough to kickout.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, but still that was devastating.
(Sykes manages to roll out the other side of the ring, in between the ring and the ramp. He gets to his feet, just in time for Nick to come charging at him with a spear through the ropes!)
JR Freeman: DIOS MIO….AGAIN!
Alfonso Banks: Jesus these two are leaving it all on the line out there.
(Suddenly, as Nick is standing over Sykes, “Sail” by Devildriver starts to play, and Nick turns to the ramp, ready for Antithesis to come out.)
JR Freeman: Oh, of course. I knew he wouldn’t hold his word, now here come his friends to help him out.
Alfonso Banks: I mean…where are they, though?
(After a few seconds, Antithesis is nowhere to be seen, as the camera cuts back to Nick…..just in time for him to get blasted in the head with the ceramic kitchen sink, as it shatters into about a million pieces, and Nick crashes to the ground. Sykes waists no time in getting Nick up and back into the ring, as he follows in after.)
JR Freeman: That…bastard! Of course Sykes uses underhanded tactics to get an upperhand…I’d like to say I’m surprised, but that would be a lie.
Alfonso Banks: Now, hold on a minute, we don’t know that Sykes had anything to do with this.
JR Freeman: Really, Alf? Really?
(Once in the ring, Sykes locks in the Kill, as Nick struggles for a moment, but eventually, he starts fading, and before long, he’s out, as the referee calls for the bell. Sykes pushes Nick away, as he rolls out of the ring and smiles at his handiwork, as medics come to check on Nick.)
JR Freeman: DAMNIT! God forbid we have a nice way to send off Nick from Riot. Damn Sykes…Damn Antithesis…just damnit!
Alfonso Banks: Take it easy, JR.
JR Freeman: NO! After everything that man has done for this company, for this business, and THIS is the way his Riot run ends? It’s bullshit! Ya know what…this IS bullshit.
(With that, JR takes off his headset, and tosses it on the table. He stands up, and he walks away from the announce table, frankly leaving Alfonso Banks speechless.)
Alfonso Banks: I…uh…well…that wasn’t supposed to happen. Folks, I hope you’ve enjoyed tonight’s show. For my hopeful still broadcast partner, JR Freeman, I’m Alfonso Banks, saying so long and goodnight! See you in Orlando for Crusade!
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, as the show fades.)
WINNER - TYSON SYKES
(c) 2021 PWS: APEX
