PWS: APEX Crusade 2021
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Amway Center - Orlando, FL
(The show opens, as we haven’t yet come to the Amway Center. First, we are shown a video package, highlighting the past year, as the somber opening to “Carol of the Bells” by Tran-Siberian Orchestra plays softly in the background, and we hear a voiceover ontop of the footage.)
”The year of 2021 has been a long, troubling one, filled with adversity and obstacles that challenged all of us.”[/ii]
(The drums kick in, as the we go to a timelapse of the arena filling.)
”Bust still…here we stand, and we are honored to have you standing with us.”
(The scene changes to highlfight several families in PWS: APEX, including the Lopez’s, the Madison’s, the Russows, the teams like the Commonwealth, ANTITHESIS. On the last hits of the song, words flash up on screen, one after the other, with each hit.)
WELCOME.
TO.
PWS: APEX
CRUSADE!
(With that, we make our way into Amway Center, where the live crowd is on their feet, as pyro explodes around the stage, and we are greeted by the all too familiar voices of JR Freeman and Alfonso Banks.)
JR Freeman: As the sounds of Tran-Siberain Orchestra fill the space, welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the pageantry, welcome to the elegance, welcome to the spectacle that is PWS: APEX Crusade! Merry Christmas, so happy you could be with us! I’m JR Freeman, alongside my broadcast partner, Alfonso Banks.
Alfonso Banks: Merry Christmas, indeed! I’m so excited for tonight! It’s going to be a great show!
JR Freeman: I completely agree! We have so many great matches for you tonight, it’s going to be a night filled with some great PWS: APEX action! We’ve got four championship matches on the card, a number one contender’s match, and the final match of a Hall of Famer!
Alfonso Banks: Can’t forget the weapons filled steel cage match!
JR Freeman: Yes! That’s one of the championship matches I was referring to! But, we’re going to get things started off in a big way, as our first match will see Heather Haze take on Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez, with the winner becoming the first person to qualify for the World Championship Elimination Chamber at the Demon’s Run pay-per-view in March. Let’s send things to the ring, where Meg Reynolds is standing by!
Demon’s Run Elimination Chamber Qualifier
Singles Match
Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez vs. Heather HazeMeg Reynolds: The following match is a qualifier for the Elimination Chamber match at Demons Run!...Introducing first…
(The arena goes dark as the opening chords of Willa Ford's "I Wanna Be Bad" blasts out of the speakers. Bright neon lights flash out from the ramp, and the words "The Bad Girl" flash across the screen, as Heather Haze strides out to a mixed reaction from the gathered crowd. She smiles as her theme music continues to bump out of the P.A. She strikes a seductive pose for a moment, then dances a little to the music, shaking her hips to wolf-whistles from the crowd and smiling, before making her way slowly to the ring. She then sprints the last few feet and baseball slides into the ring, coming up into a quick predatory crouch, her eyes locked on the fans. She then arches her back as she pushes her ample breasts outward and throws her head back in an orgasmic fashion, making the men in the audience shout with cat calls and whistles as the music fades.)
Meg Reynolds: from the San Fernando valley in California, standing 5’6 The BAD GIRL Heather Haze!
(“Outlaws and Outsiders” by Cory Marks starts playing on the PA systems, Jenn makes her way from the back. She stands on the stage for a few seconds with a smile on her face, looking over the crowd. She starts walking down the ramp with confidence. While doing so, she high fives a few fans that are sitting in the front row, and people that are stretching their arms for a high five. She climbs into the ring and waits.)
Meg Reynolds: And her opponent, standing 5’7 from Sydney Australia….JENNIFER CARPENTDER-LOPEZ
JR Freeman: With how long these two have been in PWS Apex is it really shocking how well these two knew each other coming in to this match?
Alfonso Banks: Not at all…
DING DING DING
(The two women come to the center of the ring and start to mouth off, clearly having some bad blood and competitive fire. Jenn puts her hand up and points her finger in Heathers face, Heather sneers and then shoved Jenn back. Jenn smirks and explodes forward grabbing Heather and slamming in some hard forearms backing Heather up to the corner. Jenn then whips Heather across the ring to the opposite corner, as she runs in Heather grabs the top rope and lifts her body up and over Jenn as she runs in and under Heather, Heather snatches Jenn as she turns with a fast armbar, as the two women get back to their feet Heather hits a dropkick planting it right on Jenns jaw. Jenn goes down and Heather is right back to her feet before pulling Jenn up by her hair and right into a DDT, Jenn hits hard and Heather tries to go for a very very very VEEERRRY early pin attempt)
1...
2...
(Jenn kicks out, Heather stays on the attack grabbing Jenn by the hair and viciously laying in hard right hands, her knuckles hitting right across Jenns forehead over and over again before Heather pulls her up, hooks Jenn by the head and arm snapping her over with a snap suplex, Heather rolls her hips and gets up hitting a second snap suplex and then a third before floating over across Jenns body going for another pin)
1...
2...
(Jenn again kicks out. Heather looks down at her with anger for daring to try and stay in this match)
Alfonso Banks: This is…Heather Haze is showing us a vicious side of herself tonight.
JR Freeman: Heather always does, don’t let her past in the adult industry fool you, she is an accomplished professional.
Alfonso Banks: The last time we saw this Heather Haze was when she challenged for the world title and almost captured it, beating the hell out of Sierra Williams in the process…
(Heather measures Jenn up and runs in for a yakuza kiick as Jenn gets to her feet, Jenn though ducks it and as Heather stumbles forward trying to stop her momentum Jenn hits a dropkick, followed by a second and a third, Jenn then hits the ropes and Heather lashes out with an attempted clothesline, Jenn ducks it and hits the opposite ropes before jumping up wrapping her legs around Heathers head and snapping her down into a hurricanrana. Heather rolls across the ring and slides out to the floor landing with a thud, Jenn runs toward the ropes and as Heather gets to her feet Jenn launches through with a baseball dropkick hitting Haze causing her to fly backfirst into the barricade. Jenn slides out and pulls Haze up before running her into the ring apron, she then rolls Heather back into the ring and jumps onto the apron before calling for Haze to get up, as she does Jenn launches herself with a huge flying crossbody into the ring landing on Heather going for a pin.)
1...
2...
(Heather kicks out)
JR Freeman: Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez showing some life here, the momentum has changed.
Alfonso Banks: These two want in that chamber. Lets not forget that it’s for the PWS Apex world title, you get in that match you have a chance at walking out as the world champion, you have to put it all on the line foe that kind of opportunity.
(Jenn stays on the attack pulling Heather up, she goes to lift her for an inverted DDT, Heather kicks her legs and lands back down before shoving Jenn backwards, Heather jumps and hits a front dropkick to Jenns chest and Jenn flies back into the corner landing hard, Heather gets to her feet and backs up before running in for a Bronco buster, Jenn grabs the bottom rope and slides from the ring causing Heather to land on the bottom turnbuckle snatch first. Heather moans in pain, Jenn jumps back up onto the apron, she grabs the top rope and throws herself up and over grabbing the opposite rope and bringing her legs down with a slingshot dropkick right to the back of Heathers head and neck as it is sandwiches against the middle turnbuckle. Jenn pulls Heathers now limp body into the ring and goes for a cover.)
1...
2...
(Heather kicks out. Jenn pulls on her hair looking at the referee before holding up three fingers, the referee waves it off and Jenn gets up to plead her case, meanwhile Heather crawls to the ropes and starts to pull herself up. Jenn notices and turns on the attack, she steps up to Heather and grabs her hitting a northern light suplex with a bridge!)
1...
2...
(Heather kicks out again.Jenn seems even more frustrated and pulls Heather up, she hooks her arms and picks her up for the Aussie knockout, Heather fights Jenn off and shoves her back, Jenn rushes back in smelling blood in the water, Heather drops down and hits a drop toe hold which causes Jenn to come down throat first on the middle rope. She holds her neck and rolls around in the ring which allows Heather to get up. Heather pulls herself to her feet, Jenn follows with her hands still around her throat. Heather sprints across the ring and hits a spear sending Jenn down. But she can’t make the cover as both women are exhausted.)
JR Freeman: What a match!
Alfonso Banks: This shows how important the win is to both of these women as they try and earn their way into Demons run…
JR Freeman: And make no mistake..they are EARNING it all right now…
(Heather is the first to move, pulling herself up on the ropes, Jenn moves soon after. They get to their feet, Heather turns and tries to catch Jenn off guard with her RKO the Jailbait, Jenn shoves Heather off, and as Heather turns Jenn kick her in the stomach and tries to hook her for the Aussie knockout again, Heather turns and causes Jenn to spin as well, as Jenn turns Heather jumps up and hits the jailbait! She pins).
1...
2...
3!!!
WINNER - HEATHER HAZE
(The sampled upbeat pop beat comes in low at first, the audience a little confused as the song gets up to normal volume within seconds. "Big Big Energy" by Latto kicks in, followed closely by Dan Adler enthusiastically walking out onto the stage. In typical fashion, he's got a black shirt underneath his pink studded jacket, coupled with his wrestling trunks and fishnet tights. The crowd recognize him now from the guy on the preshow, thus why he's not on the card but still in his gear. He's bopping his head to the music, throwing in some dance moves, definitely feeling himself. The whole time, he holds a smile in tact and slaps a few hands along the way. Once at the bottom of the ramp, he slides under the bottom rope and into the ring. In the middle, he breaks out a couple slow jam moves, raising his eyebrows a little, somehow giving off a sexy yet silly vibe. His song fades out as he's handed a microphone.)
DAN ADLER “Ahhh! Well how goes it, PWS Apex?? Daddy Dan Adler here, ready and willing to show YOU, what you’ve been missing!”
(He raises both hands, including the one with the microphone in it, and places them behind his head. He does another short sexy jigg of swaying his hips back and forth, which exudes confidence but somehow still comes off more silly than anything.)
DAN ADLER “If you’re here in attendance, then you know me as the guy who probably had the shortest match here in PWS – although untelevised. If you’re watching from home like most of you are, then you probably don’t know me from Jim Bob in the front row here in Orlando, Florida…”
(He points to a guy in the front row, followed by a second, and then a third. One of them had to be named Jim Bob.)
DAN ADLER “That’s alright though, I don’t consider it an insult and I’m not one to get offended over stupid things. This preshow match was just the beginning of something very special here in PWS, a small seed that has no choice but to grow. I may have been around a couple places, but it's my own fault for not making a big enough impact. If you don’t know who I am, then there’s a reason for that, and it’s my job to make sure it never happens again. It’s my job to make sure you remember the name Dan Adler!”
(Dan pauses to point at himself with his thumb, like old RVD style just now three times.)
DAN ADLER "I came here to prove that I have what it takes to make it out of the independent scene, to prove I have the talent and staying power to make it in a professional company like PWS! Some of you look at my appearance and you can't help but mock me, tell me there's no way I could mean business. Think of my clothes as a statement - you can kick ass and still be a bad bitch!"
(He outstretches his arms, urging the crowd to gaze longer at his outlandish attire that he apparently finds powerful.)
DAN ADLER “Get into it, the Beautification of PWS starts tonight!”
PWS: APEX Tag Team Championship Match
Tag Team Match
Aiden Reynolds & Dickie Watson (The Commonwealth) © vs. Tyson Sykes & Alexander Lyons (ANTITHESIS)Meg Reynolds: The following match is for the PWS Apex World Tag team championship….introducing first..
♫ 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 ♫
(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. Behind him, standing in the center, is Minnie. 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 ♫
(Minnie 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 ♫
(Dickie raises his hand 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: Now in the ring, at a combined weight of 403 pounds, the team of Dickie Watson and Aiden Reynolds….THEY ARE THE PWS TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS…THE COMMONWEALTH
'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.
Meg Reynolds: And their opponents, introducing first, he stands 6’1 and weighed in at 235 pounds, he represents Antithesis…TYSON SYKES…
The sounds pf "Bow Down" explode throughout the arena, as Alexander Lyons appears on stage, he gets to one knee and points to the sky, as Pyros shoot off all around him. He walks, briskly down the ramp, badmouthing fans at ringside along the way, once ringside he hopes up on the apron and enters the ring, where he does his kneel and point up pose in the ring as more pyros go firing off.
Meg Reynolds: And his partner, standing 6’0 and weighing in at 225 pounds, also representing Antithesis….the Exalted prince….ALEXANDER LYONS!!!
Alfonso Banks: So, not to be a dick here.
JR Freeman: But you will anyway…
Alfonso Banks: Shut up…as I was saying…not to be a dick here, but Aiden did come up with a point, Alexander and Tyson seem to have wildly different opinions, they also didn’t even come out as a team…
JR Freeman: So?...
Alfonso Banks: So….they don’t fit the team aspect…
JR Freeman: So they are the Antithesis of a traditional team?
Alfonso Banks: …I hate you…
DING DING DING
(After that long winded conversation between JR and Alfonso we now have the start of the tag team match as the referee holds up the titles. Tyson steps into the ring as Alexander moves onto the apron. Aiden and Dickie stand next to each other and do a quick round of scissors paper rock which Aiden wins. Dickie rolls his eyes and steps onto the apron. Aiden smirks and looks across the ring at Tyson, the two men of a very similar height and weight as they move toward one another. Aiden goes to lock up but Tyson just smirks and meets Aiden as he comes in with a vicious forearm. This stuns Aiden and Tyson goes right on the battack grabbing thew Australian and burying vicious muay thai style knees into him. Aiden tries to cover up and backs up into the ropes wrapping his leg around the bottom rope and shoving Tyson back as the referee reaches a count of four.
Dickie tilts his head at Aiden who points to Tyson and invites Dickie to ntag in. Dickie shakes his head and encourages Aiden to get back in their since he won their little game of Scissors paper rock. Tyson just laughs as Alexander Lyons looks increasingly annoyed at Aiden and Dickies antics. Aiden turns back into the ring and circles around Tyson, Aiden feints going for a collar and elbow again, Tyson goes to throw an elbow, Aiden ducks down and hits a double leg taking Tyson up and down before spinning over his body into a front headlock. Tyson tries to fight out of it and get up but Aiden keeps the striker down and wrenches in the front facelock more pushing Tyson back to the mat.)
JR Freeman: Ok Aiden you’re keeping him down but what are you going to do now?
Alfonso Banks: Aiden can strike, we’ve seen it but Tyson holds that advantage, Tyson can grapple, wer have seen that before too, but Aiden holds that side of it….
JR Freeman: There is alot of respect for each others skillset in there, atleast between Tyson and Aiden, Dickie looks as annoyed as Lyons right now…
(Tyson fights his way up and Aiden switches to a side headlock, Tyson backs Aiden up into the ropes and shoots him off, as Aiden comes back he ducks a shot from Tyson, hooks him in a waistlock and tries to lift Tyson up with a german suplex, Tyson blocks it, spins behind Aiden and goes to lift him up instead, Aiden blocks that, separates Tysons hands and turns around only for Tyson to hit a low right kick to Aidens thigh followed by a roundhouse to Aidens chest which sits Aiden down on his ass. Tyson bounces on the balls of his feet and smirks as Aiden sits on the mat looking annoyed. He reaches up and tags in Dickie who gets a mild pop as he steps into the ring with the much more muscular Tyson Sykes.)
Alfonso Banks: Aiden had to tag out then, he was getting frustrated out of this match by Tyson…
JR Freeman: Here we go, former DIVISION and Project Honor Grand Champion and current FIGHT NYC Empire champion Dickie Watson…
Alfonso: Banks: That kid has too many accomplishments…are we sure Alexander Lyons crack about Aiden being a sidekick wasn’t on the money?
(Dickie moves around Tyson and the two size each other up, Tyson takes a traditional Muay Thai style stance, Tyson then swings wildly at Dickie, Dickie ducks, Dickie dodges, Dickie dives, Dickie dips and Dickie…dodges. Tyson looks frustrated trying to hit the slender member of The commonwealth. Dickie then blasts Tyson with a stiff right hand, Tyson stumbles, Dickie hits the ropes and Tyson swings, Dickie rolls under the shot, pops up and springs off the middle rope turning in mid air to kick Tyson right in the chest with a front dropkick, Dickie then kips up from his back just as Alexander Lyons reaches over and tags himself in. He leaps over the top rope and blindsides Dickie who still thought Tyson was the legal man. The crowd boos as Lyons looks up with a sneer on his face. He pulls Dickie up and shoves him back into a neutral corner before hitting some hard knee strikes, he then rolls Dickie from the corner into a sitting position hitting the ropes and slamming his shin and foot into Dickies chest with a soccer kick.
Lyons reaches down and grabs Dickie in a full nelson lifting him up off the ground, but Dickie throws his arms up before Lyons can hit him with the siege slam and slips down and away before pulling Lyons down into a roll up.)
!1
2!
(Lyrons kicks out Dickie gets to his feet and ducks a superkick attempt from Lyons. Dickie hits a step up enzuguri, it connects with the side of Lyons head and he rolls from the ring to the floor. Dickie gets hyped up and hits the ropes before hitting a crazy suicide dive throwing himself from the ring with reckless abandon. He connects with Lyons. Dickie slides back in the ring as Lyons pulls himself up and goes to hit a second dive, but unbeknownst to him Tyson Sykes has moves around the ring and as Dickie goes to throw himself from the ring he runs and hits a hard kick to the side of Dickie head sending him flaccid on the ropes.)
JR Freeman: Tyson Sykes almost took Dickies head off…
Alfonso Banks: Is Dickie ok?...I heard that…almost felt that…
(Dickie crawls across the ring, Sykes goes back to the corner and Lyons slides in between Dickie and Aiden to cut Dickie off from his partner, Lyons grabs Dickie and tries to get him into the gordian knot submission, but Dickie is able to shift his weight and run up the ropes flipping back over Lyons but now again Lyons is in between Dickie and Aiden, Lyons goes for a running knee, Dickie is able to spin and hit a corkscrew roundhouse kick. Both men are down and Dickie crawls towards Aiden while Lyons doesn’t know where he is and reaches out for Sykes. Dickie reaches up and is able to tag Aiden, meanwhile Lyons gets Sykes. Aiden and Sykes meet in the middle of the ring and trade hard right hands over and over. The shots echoing through the arena. Aiden ducks a shot and runs forward leaping up to kick Lyons off the apron, Tyson then runs at Aiden who low bridges the ropes, Sykes falls to the floor with Lyons and Aiden turns grabbing Dickie who is still recovering, he lifts Dickie up over his head and throws him over the top rope crashing down onto Lyons and Sykes.)
JR Freeman: Did Aiden Reynolds just toss Dickie over the top rope?
Alfonso Banks: That is their style…Dickie is a weapon…
JR Freeman: And Aiden looks so pleased with himself.
(Aiden Reynolds celebrates with the crowd pumping them up, Dickie slides back in the ring and shakes his head looking pissed. He walks up behind Aiden and kicks him in the ass. Aiden stumbles and turns angrily thinking that it was a member of Antithesis. He sees it’s Dickie who starts yelling at him, Aiden just shrugs and shakes his head.)
Jr Freeman: Dickie seems really really angry at this…
Alfonso Banks: He got used as a weapon…..I wouldn’t be happy either…
(Sykes slides in the ring and runs at Dickie, Aiden shoves Dickie nout of the way and eats a roundhouse kick to the side of the head, Dickie gets escorted from the ring as Sykes stomps Aiden down, he pulls Aiden up and measures him up for a spinning back kick, he spins and Aiden ducks and as Sykes spins all the way around Aiden picks Sykes up and slams him down into a spinebuster bouncing Sykes off the mat. Aiden pops up and calls for the gold coast cutter. He ducks and picks Sykes up on his shoulders, he spins him but Sykes lands on his feet and blasts Aiden with a spinning back kick, Aiden goes down, Sykes grabs Aiden by the arm and stomps on his head over and over again before wrapping Aiden up in the triangle choke he calls the kill rolling over.
Aiden struggles and reaches for Dickie but is too far away, Dickie goes to get in the ring but Lyons comes flying over to kick him off the apron!. Aiden has no choice but to tap!)
WINNER - AND NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… TYSON SYKES AND ALEXANDER LYONS - ANTITHESIS!!!
(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. Soon we realize that this is the same mystery man that was speaking us during the most recent edition of Riot, though he sounds much happier tonight than he did during that Riot.)
Man: "So I didn't quite make it for the Crusades but that is OK. There will be another Riot soon, very soon just you wait and see what I have planned for that too. That Riot, it is going to be like no Riot that you have ever seen before. Because if there is one thing that I can promise every one of you right now it is that nobody is this world riots quite the way the I riot.
It will not be a quiet riot either, but I can guarandamntee that by the time I am finished I will make sure that everyone will be able to hear the noise from me!"
(Like he did the last time that we saw him, the man starts playing on his air guitar first and quickly follows it with singing as well. The singing is not great and it is at the top of the man's lungs which makes it even worse.)
Man: "So you think I got an evil mind? I'll tell you, honey
I don't know why, I don't know why
So you think my singing's out of time? It makes me money
I don't know why, I don't know why
Anymore, oh, no!
So come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We'll get wild, wild, wild
Wild, wild, wild
Come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We'll get wild, wild, wild!"
(The singing ends thankfully and so does the accompanied air guitar as well, thus ending the concert as quickly and strangely as it began. Following and brief pause the man start to laugh uncontrollably. After a few more moments of crazy laughter, the man is finally able to compose himself.)
Man: "You know what I like to do besides sing? I like wrestle, oh yes, I like to wrestle a lot. My opponents though, they have a hard time liking it when I wrestle, because I like to wrestle different and once you have in the ring with me?
I promise that will be unlike anything else you have ever experienced.
In fact, if you have a pet? Bring them along too, and I will get them in our match too!
You see for me, I am an entertainer in the ring, so stick with me ladies and jellybeans and I may not win every match, to tell you the truth I may not always care whether or not I have won my match on this night or that night because there is something much more important at work here.
Whether I win or whether I lose all of you will think of me as your party host and at Riot?
YOU WILL BE ENTERTAINED!!"
(The cameras cut to the pre-show panel from earlier in the night, as now it’s Tayna Reihil, Josiah Cena, and Star Stormz, as Daniel Russow has left to be with his family. In front of Star sat the bottle of wine from Daniel… with a glass next to it filled half way)
Tayna Reihl: Hello, everyone, and I’m here with Josiah Cena and Star Stormz, and I understand you two have an announcement to make?
Josiah Cena: That’s right. Firstly, we wanted to congratulate Heather Haze on being the first to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match at Demon’s Run.
Star Stormz: We have an announcement involving that match, actually. As you know, we are returning to action in the new year with RIOT, taking place on January 18th, and we can confirm that on that show, we will see the second qualifying match for the Demon’s Run Chamber match. The competitors will be…
(They pause for a second, for dramatic effect.)
Josiah Cena: Bella Madison…taking on Audrey Russow.
Tayna Reihl: Woah…that’s a big match…so, that’s what you meant by things had been discussed earlier on the pre-show.
Josiah Cena: indeed. We feel both women deserve a chance to be in the shot for the World Championship, but both need to earn a spot in the chamber, so since we’re doing qualifying matches, why not?
Star Stormz: We’re sure they will give us a great match, and I, for one, am really looking forward to it.
(With that, we cut back to Alf and JR.)
JR Freeman: Wow! Don’t you know Audrey is going to have some added motivation for that match, now that Haze is officially in the Chamber.
Alfonso Banks: Think of what it could mean for Bella, too, after Sierra Williams name dropped her earlier this week as someone who deserves a shot at the title. That one’s gonna be good.
JR Freeman: It definitely will be, but that’s later, and right now it’s time for violence…I mean…well…no, that’s exactly what I mean. It’s Jonathan Sanders defending his Collateral Damage Championship against Violet Amelia Holt in a weapons filled steel cage match!
PWS: APEX Collateral Damage Championship Match
Weapons-Filled Steel Cage Match
Jonathan Sanders © vs. Violet Amelia Holt(The bell rings as “New Design” starts playing. Violet steps through the curtain, getting a slightly more positive, but still overall mixed reaction as she steps out onto the stage, a no-nonsense look on her face. She cracks her knuckles, followed by her neck, as she walks to the ring.)
Meg Reynolds: The following contest is a weapons-filled cage match, and it is for the Collateral Damage Championship!
(She poses on the ramp, as fireworks go off, then runs to the ring and slides under the bottom rope, waiting for Sanders to make his way to the ring, staring at the stage with vicious determination.)
(As Violet stands in the ring, there’s silence for a moment.)
JR Freeman: This will be an exciting, thrilling contest!
Alfonso Banks: You know it!
(The lights go out. A single spotlight shines down on the stage. Suddenly, an orchestra begins playing the opening to “Superstar” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”. As it plays, Jonathan Sanders rises onto the stage, crucified on a wooden cross. He’s shirtless, wearing a crown of thorns, his long hair reminiscent of the biblical figure, his title belt sparkling on his waist as the audience throws boos at him. His wrist tape is extended to his hands, which each have a red circle in the center, his boots having the same treatment. As the orchestral music fades out, there’s a pause, before “Blood Pigs” starts up properly and Sanders jumps off the cross, his face contorting into a smirk as he stares at Violet, the lights returning to normal as he takes the title belt off his waist, instead holding it in one hand as he drags it along to the ring.)
Meg Reynolds: And her opponent, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 185 pounds, he is the Collateral Damage champion, “The Lost Cause”... Jonathan Sanders!
(Sanders walks towards the ring, looking up at Violet as he takes the crown of “thorns” off his head, wrapping the barbed wire around his hands as he slides into the ring and the cage is lowered. The bell rings and Violet’s immediately on the attack, grabbing a chair and swinging it at Sanders, immediately downing him. She continues hitting, keeping Sanders on the mat.)
JR Freeman: That’s the best place for Sanders to be right now.
Alfonso Banks: I’m sure he doesn’t think so!
(After a couple more hits, she pauses to grab another weapon, giving Sanders time to pull himself up using the ropes. As Holt runs at him with a kendo stick, he jumps up and slams her with a dropkick, dropping her to the mat!)
(Grabbing the chair back that she just dropped, Sanders starts beating Violet with the chair, before getting up on the top turnbuckle, jumping off and hitting a 450 legdrop, targeting Violet’s throat. She holds her neck, coughing. Sanders smirks, picking her up and running the ropes, hitting a springboard crossbody, before diving for another weapon, this time a barbed wire bat.)
JR Freeman: This match is getting extreme very quickly!
Alfonso Banks: Well would you expect anything less?
JR Freeman: Well no, I guess not.
Alfonso Banks: You’re goddamn right you wouldn’t.
(Sanders turns back to Violet, only to be hit by a Shot of Jack D. Violet picks Sanders up and brings him to the corner, where she gets through 8 of the 10 bells before he grabs her fist and starts throwing punches of his own. She jumps off and shrugs, delivering a Kiss of Death. Grabbing The bat that Sanders had previously, she smacks him in the stomach with it, getting it stuck in his flesh as he writhes. His face contorts into a smile as he looks up at Violet, who takes the bat and pulls it off of him, before smacking him across the back with it.)
Alfonso Banks: Oh man, what a horrible display!
JR Freeman: You can say that again!
Alfonso Banks: Oh man, what a horrible display!
(Violet goes to grab another weapon. She browses a bit, taking her time. Sanders tries to get up and she kicks him in the stomach. Grabbing a table, she goes back and sets it up in the center of the ring, before loading “The Lost Cause” onto it.)
(After a moment of heading up to the top rope, Violet stops, considering whether or not to head to the top of the cage before finally deciding not to, instead jumping off for an elbow drop, but Sanders moves at the last second, sending Violet plummeting through the table!)
JR Freeman: Oh Dios Mio, what a move!
(Sanders stands, getting his standard wicked smile again as he picks Violet up, walking over to the cage wall and, taking the barbed wire off his hand, wraps it around a section of the cage before dragging Violet’s face across it. His ferocious smile widens as he presses her head into the barbed wire, beginning to laugh as he pulls it back, then slams it into the cage. Then he pulls it back, and slams it into the cage again, then he revs up to do it a third time but Violet grabs him by the hair and slams him into the cage wall instead. They go back and forth like this for a bit until eventually they both slam each other into the barbed-wire wrapped part of the cage and fall to the mat.)
JR Freeman: Both competitors are down!
Alfonso Banks: Why isn’t the ref counting!?
JR Freeman: Uhh… because this is a cage match?
Alfonso Banks: YOU’RE a cage match!
JR Freeman: …Oh, good one. You sure showed me.
Alfonso Banks: Don’t patronize me!
(Holt is the first one to stand, though Sanders soon follows. Grabbing The Lost Cause by the hair, Holt soon starts delivering stiff right hands to him. She whips him into the turnbuckle and grabs the chair from earlier, driving his face into it when he rebounds. She stops in the corner, getting ready for Sanders to stand. As he does, she runs at him and hits him with a Parkway Collision!)
JR Freeman: Parkway Collision!
Alfonso Banks: It’s gonna take a lot more than that to put Sanders away!
(Holt looks up to the top of the cage again.)
JR Freeman: I think Holt’s figuring that out.
(She hesitates for a moment, then starts climbing the cage, obviously looking for some sort of high-flying move.)
JR Freeman: She’s going up top!
Alfonso Banks: ALL the way up!
(As she’s climbing, suddenly Violet’s attacked by a kendo-stick wielding person on the outside… it’s Miss Puppies, hitting her down from the cage!)
JR Freeman: It’s Miss Puppies!
Alfonso Banks: Clearly getting revenge on Holt for beating her in the qualifier for this match!
(Puppies starts attacking her again, smacking her hands a few times to ensure she falls, which she does, missing Sanders and taking a nasty-looking bump onto the canvas. Sanders stands up before her and capitalizes, locking in the Great Depression!)
Alfonso Banks: Great Depresssion!
JR Freeman: This thing’s over!
(Violet struggles to escape the move, as Sanders locks in the pressure. It seems Violet is going to tap, when she reaches out last second in desperation, and manages to grasp onto a strand of the barbed wire, pulling on it so it slashes across Sanders’ face, getting him right above the eye. Blood starts to trickle down Sanders’ face, as he instinctually holds his face for a moment from the burning of the barbed wire, as sweat seeps into his fresh new cut. Sanders is momentarily blinded, as Violet struggles to get to her feet. She looks for a weapon, and settles for a kendo stick. However, Sanders has also managed to clear his sight, and picks up a kendo stick of his own. The two square off, before they both start teeing off on each other.)
JR Freeman: They’re both swinging for the fences!
Alfonso Banks: It’s a Kendo stick sword fight!
(After a few whacks with the kendo sticks, Sanders manages to really clock Violet over the head with a shot, and she goes crashing down to the mat. Sanders looks around, before setting his sights on a bag that is dangling from one side of the cage. He smirks as he walks over and climbs up to grab the bag, and pulls it down.)
JR Freeman: Now, what’s this?
Alfonso Banks: My guess is something bad.
(Sanders opens the bag…and pulls out…
…a thumbtack-ridden knee pad…)
JR Freeman: My God…
(Sanders has a sick, twisted smile on his face, as he slips the kneepad on, and sizes Violet up, who is struggling to get to her feet. She’s managed to get to her knees, as she looks at Sanders….just in time to see him nail her with a running bicycle knee to the face! With the thumbtack kneepad!)
JR Freeman: DIOS MIO!
Alfonso Banks: That was…BRUTAL!
JR Freeman: We’re gonna need some help out here!
(Sanders gets back to his feet, and slides the kneepad off. He walks over to get two tables, and starts setting them up. He gets one set up, and then gets the other set up, before putting it ontop of the first table.)
JR Freeman: Now…what in the world is he thinking here?
Alfonso Banks: Who knows?
(Sanders gets Holt back to her feet, and lifts her up, setting her on the top table. He takes a second to wipe the blood from his head, to keep it from getting into his eyes.)
JR Freeman: Both competitors showing the scars of war here.
(With Holt on the top table, Sanders ascends the cage, slowly but surely. The bloodied champion wipes the crimson mask away from his forehead as he climbs.)
JR Freeman: Wait, he’s not thinking…?
Alfonso Banks: Oh, come on, like this is the stupidest thing Jonathan Sanders has ever jumped off of!
JR Freeman: …Fair point.
(He gets to the top, standing precariously on the top of the cage, before jumping off, landing a Total Eclipse of the Soul, sending both competitors through the double-stacked tables! There’s a pause, before he drapes a bloody arm over his downed opponent.)
1!
2!
…
3!
(The bell rings as “Blood Pigs” blares through the speakers. Sanders is handed his title and he uses his knees to slowly crawl-walk over to Holt, using the bottom rope to help him do so, before draping it over her, laughing all the way.)
WINNER & STILL COLLATERAL DAMAGE CHAMPION - JONATHAN SANDERS
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, and still…
(Suddenly, Sanders gets hit from a previously off-camera object! That object being, as it turns out, a briefcase. With googly eyes on it. The crowd erupts into cheers.)
Alfonso Banks: Wait… is it…?
(The camera zooms out to show why the audience has been cheering, as Mike Hawk stands over the now-downed champion, a ravenous look in his eyes as he glares down at him. He holds up the briefcase, giving it a quick kiss.)
Mike Hawk: Thank you for everything, Casey. I love you.
(As the cage raises, he hands the briefcase to an official.)
Mike Hawk: I’M CASHING THIS IN!
JR Freeman: What!?
Alfonso Banks: Nothing in the rules says it has to be the world title!
JR Freeman: What a day for loopholes!
(The bell rings again as Hawk picks Sanders up in position for the F-bomb.)
Mike Hawk: I FUCKING SAID…
(He drops the F Bomb, pinning Sanders to the mat.)
1!
2!
3!
(The bell rings again, Hawk jumping up and celebrating as he screams “Finally! Fucking finally!”, grabbing the belt from on top of the now-stirring Violet.)
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, and NEW Collateral Damage Champion, Mike Hawk!
(Grabbing Meg’s microphone from her, he stands up, looking down at the fallen champion.)
Mike Hawk: Y’know, Nosferatu, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our match.
(The crowd cheers.)
Mike Hawk: I’m sure, based on the shots you just took, that you don’t remember… hell, I’d be surprised if you remembered your own name! For reference, it’s Dandelion Q. Haberdasher. And in case you don’t remember the match, it’s the one where I had your shoulders pinned to the mat for 1-2-3… and again, for an additional 1-2-3, and the crowd chanted along with me!
(The crowd chants “1-2-3! 1-2-3!” as he continues.)
Mike Hawk: And since then, that’s been festering in my mind. Don’t you think I would’ve LOVED to cash in against the MexiCanadian or McCain Superfries? But I didn’t. Because you had to go and make things personal. You had to fuck things up for me, and you had to fuck them up for yourself. You had to take from me what was rightfully mine.
(He pauses, smiling as he puts a hand on his new belt.)
Mike Hawk: But now, all is right with the world. I have my title, and I finally did something that Cleo Phillips couldn’t… I beat Jonathan Sanders.
(The crowd cheers as Hawk holds his belt in the air.)
Mike Hawk: So I hope you got your money’s worth. I do, sincerely. See, Johnny, your reign of terror is finally over. This is the dawn of Mike Hawk. So I hope you savored every last moment of that title reign, John!
(He goes to get out of the ring, but then stops.)
Mike Hawk: Or should I call you… Ozymandias.
(He smirks, as the crowd pops for the reference.)
Mike Hawk: Look upon my work, ye mighty, and despair.
(The crowd pops even louder as the Superman theme plays, Hawk dropping the microphone, before stepping out of the ring, clutching his new title belt.)
JR Freeman: Mike Hawk has stolen the Collateral Damage title belt!
Alfonso Banks: Yes! Good job, Mr. President!
JR Freeman: Are… are you saluting?
Alfonso Banks: So what if I am?
JR Freeman: In all my years of calling wrestling matches, I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard anyone simp harder for anyone else than you do for Mike Hawk.
Alfonso Banks: It’s okay, Mr. President, he didn’t mean it!
WINNER - AND NEW PWS: APEX COLLATERAL DAMAGE CHAMPION, MIKE HAWK
PWS: APEX RIOT
Tuesday, January 18th, 2022
Join us as we return to action on January 18th!
United Championship #1 Contender’s Match
Pure Rules Match
Gracie Lopez vs. Alexis Makarios(The cameras cut to Alf and JR.)
JR Freeman: Are you ready for this next one?
Alfonso Banks: Oh yeah, this one is gonna be very interesting.
JR Freeman: Let’s send things to Meg Reynolds in the ring, for the pre-match introductions.
(The cameras cut to the ring, where Meg Reynolds is standing by.)
Meg Reynolds: The following contest is a PURE rules match, and will determine the number one contender for the PWS: APEX United Championship!
(The fans cheer.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first…
(The scene switches to a local bar down the road. The bar is hopping with card players, people enjoying themselves and music playing. A figure wearing all black enters the door way and everything comes to a stop. Everyone in the bar is looking at the figure, and we have no idea who it is. The figure is wearing a black trench coat, a black vest, a black mask and a black cowboy hat. The figure approaches the bartender, and without even saying a word, intimidates him. The bartender points towards the Amway Arena. The figure makes their way back outside, as everyone stares at it…Once outside we hear a voice.)
Voice: Did they tell you where the war is being held?
(The figure pulls out a sword, a familiar looking sword, and points to the arena.)
Female voice: Thataway!
(The figure got up on their horse like the 5 of them behind it and they start moving towards the arena at a pretty fast pace.)
Jr Freeman: Was that…..
Alfonso Banks: If that’s the sword I think it is….
(Once at the arena, the 5 figures took off their masks. Gracie, Madison, Jenn, Crystal and Eddie are on the horses! Once the crowd see’s them they start cheering loudly. They make their way down the hallway of the back on those horses as the “Ghost riders in the sky” by johnny cash starts playing in the arena. Once in the arena now, they go one by one down the ramp until they circle the ring. They motion for Alfonso Banks to join them, as he’s a long time friend to the Lopez family. The 6 of them stand in the ring, with Gracie in front. She holds the sword up in the air and pyro comes from the stage where the screen says “Rip JORGE, OUR GHOST RIDER IN THE SKY”
Meg Reynolds: From San Diego, California, Gracie Lopez!
(Her voice was shaky after that you could tell.)
Jr Freeman: I didn’t know Alfonso was part of this! He never tells me anything. I’m gonna tell at him when he gets back down here.
Meg Reynolds: And her opponent…
(The lights go out again for a moment, as the anticipation builds. The lights come back on, and we see Lizzy Hale and Halestorm on the stage, as they kick off “Mz. Hyde.”)
Lizzy Hale: How we doin, Crusade!?
(The fans cheer. As the song picks up, Alexis Makarios comes out on the stage, sporting a shirt like Gracie’s, with “In Memory” and a picture of Jorge Lopez’s face on it. She walks out onto the stage, standing next to Lizzy Hale, as Lizzy belts out the song. The two nod to each other, before Alexis starts to make her way down the ramp.)
Meg Reynolds: From Sydney, Australia, Alexis Makarios!
(Alexis has a smirk on her face as she makes her way down the ramp, with the fans cheering for her. She’s even greeted by fans wanting to high-five her on her way to the ring, so she obliges on her way down, before she slides into the ring, getting to her feet and going over to the corner to climb the turnbuckle and posing for the crowd.)
JR Freeman: You can really tell how much this match means to both these women, as they are both fighting in the memory of the late, great, Jorge Lopez. An instrumental man to both of their lives.
Alfonso Banks: This one is special, indeed. However, now it’s time to get all the emotions out of the way and get down to business. These are some high stakes, neither woman can afford to get distracted.
JR Freeman: Agreed.
(As the song ends, the ref checks with both competitors before calling for the bell to start the match.)
*DING DING*
(As the bell rings and the girls start to circle each other, the arena broke out into Gracie chants then switched to Lexi chants, and then a 50/50 split between the two of them. Gracie and Alexis stop in their tracks and acknowledge the crowd.)
Jr Freeman: Listen to this place! They haven’t even locked up and yet and this place is going crazy for them.
Alfonso Banks: They are 2 of the most popular wrestlers we have in this company. Lord knows the Orlando Magic doesn’t get this type of reaction.
(They lock up in the middle of the ring with a collar and elbow tie-up. They struggle at first to get any type of leverage between the two of them, but Lexi starts to overpower the younger girl and shoves her to the ground. With a smirk, Gracie looks up towards Alexis before going towards her legs with a double leg takedown. Both show some great amateur wrestling by slipping out of curtain moves and keeping each other grounded as well. Gracie tries to put an armbar on Alexis but she slipped out, both of them move away from each other to the crowds’ delight.)
Jr Freeman: Classic wrestling formation there from the 2 of them.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, but Alexis almost used up one of her rope breaks though, and in pure rules match that would be terrible if she used that up this early in the match. But she found a way to slip out of that armbar. So far, both of them have 3 rope breaks, they have to use them wisely.
(Both girls lock up in the middle of the ring again, and Alexis gets the advantage. She knows if she doesn’t Gracie would be flying around the ring and using the ropes to her advantage too, so by keeping her grounded for as long as possible, Gracie won’t have that chance. However, keeping Gracie grounded for a long period of time proves to be a difficult task for Alexis. The more she tries to keep Gracie grounded the more Gracie fights back. Gracie finds a way to separate herself from Alexis and uses her “educated” feet to kick at the hamstrings of Alexis.)
Alfonso Banks: Those kicks are dangerous and I’m sure Alexis knows this. I was hit by one of those kicks before let me tell you, I was stiff for a week after. Gracie knows how to hit the right spot.
Jr Freeman: I believe you, and so does everyone else’s faced over the years. But let’s not count out Alexis either, she’s known for having some stiff shots as well. We haven’t even seen those yet.
(Alexis grabs Gracie by the arm and throws her into the ropes, as she rebounds from the ropes, Gracie leaps in the air and wraps her legs around Alexis’ head for a hurricanrana that sends Alexis out of the ring. With quickness, Gracie runs the ropes again and hits a baseball slide t6 Alexis, into the barricade on the outside. Gracie runs against the ropes and leaps on the 2nd rope, and it tricks Alexis into thinking she would dive but she stood there with a smile on her face.)
JR Freeman: Gracie faked out Alexis there!
Alfonso Banks: I love when she does that, it doesn’t happen all the time but she knows how to fake people out. It’s something Eddie used to do too when he could do move around the ring.
JR Freeman: See, that’s the story behind this match, it’s teacher vs student kind of thing. We all know that Alexis had her hand in Gracie’s training.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, I used to be at most of those training sessions too. Also! Alexis could stand outside for 20 seconds and regroup if she wanted to, that’s part of the rules for this match. 3 rope breaks and 20 seconds on the outside.
Jr Freeman: Coulda said that at the start, you know.
(Gracie leaps off the ropes and lets Alexis back into the ring with a smile. Normally she wouldn’t let her opponent do that but on rare occasions like this, she does. They lock up again but Alexis found herself backup into the corner this time with Graicie sending her an knife edge crop cross the chest. Instead of pain, Alexis wanted more of it and Gracie gave her what she wanted, and goes like this for 3 more chops. Alexis grabs Gracie by the neck and throws her into the corner and does the same thing to her.)
Jr Freeman: Is this a chop fest to see who can take the pain or something?!
Aflonzo Banks: That’s what it seems like but we can be here all day if that happens! Both of them can absorb so much when it comes to pain, it doesn’t mean they’re invincible but they can take a lot.
(After the chop fest the two had, Alexis throws Gracie into the corner but it wasn’t the smartest idea, Gracie leaps on the ropes and Alexis charges towards her which Gracie leaps over her and chopblocks her from behind. Before she kicks Alexis out of the ring. Gracie runs the ropes, and leaps to the top rope and she launches herself with a springboard and she catches Alexis with her legs and sends alexis flying into the barricade with a springboard hurricanrana! The crowd cheers for the move.)
Jr Freeman: The height!
Alfonso Banks: That girl has springs for legs, I’ve always told you that.
(Gracie picks up Alexis and throws her back into the ring, but still dizzy from her own move she catches her breath for one second, that split second gave Alexis time to get to her feet and kick Gracie off the ring apron. Alexis runs the ropes and hits a highflying move herself! The crowd once again cheers for the move, they are super into this match and rightfully so. Once they get back into the ring, the match turns into a slugfest between the two of them, with forearm shots to the face, and the other one gives it right back with a harder blow, it goes back and forth like this until Gracie starts using her speed to her advantage and hits her with a spinning back forearm that makes Alexis spaghetti legged. Gracie kicks Alexis’s feet out from under her and hits a standing corkscrew moonsault and goes for the pin.)
1……..
2……….
(Alexis kicks out at the count of 2. After the 2 count, Gracie picks up Alexis and puts her into a powerbomb position, but Alexis jumps out of it and shoves Gracie into the corner. Alexis charges the corner and goes for a kick but Gracie ducks, and Alexis crashes into the corner. Gracie grabs Alexis picks her up and slams her down with a brainbuster!)
1………
2…………
(Alexis kicks out at the count of 2! After the kick out, Gracie gets up on her feet and kicks Alexis in the head.)
1……….
2………….
(Alexis kicks out again!)
Jr Freeman: Good god!
Alfonso Banks: Did you see the landing? How terrible! But listen to this place, I think the crowd got even louder as this match keeps going.
(After the 1st two pin attempts Graice is still on the attack and she hoots in a crossface on Alexis! Alexis is moving around trying to figure out how to get out of it. Gracie has a tight grip on the hold. Alexis looks like she’s about to tap, but in the back her foot is trying to find the ropes and she finds it!)
Jr Freeman: She almost tapped!
Alfonso Banks: Oh lord I almost jumped out of my seat there! She was so close to tapping out and she rarely does!
JR Freeman: She had to use one of her rope breaks, though! She only has 2 left!
(Alexis rolls to the outside, holding the ropes for leverage, but Gracie leaps on the 2nd turnbuckle, and leaps on Alexis’s shoulders for a reverse rana that connects! Alexis on the floor, Gracie runs the ropes again and leaps over the top rope for another dive, but Alexis moves out of the way and Gracie crash lands on the floor with a bounce.)
Jr Freeman: GOOD GOD! She bounced!
Alfonso Banks: I think Alexis was going to catch her but her legs gave out and Gracie just went flying and the floor stopped her.
(Alexis throws Gracie back into the rope, but the bump she took, she got the wind knocked out of her.)
Jr Freeman: How long are these two gonna keep going??
Alfonso Banks: Whenever they decide it’s time to stop…
(Both Alexis and Gracie are looking worse for the wear. Both are showing severe signs of exhaustion. Alexis was leaning against the ropes, Gracie gets to her feet in the middle of the ring. Gracie charges at Alexis with everything she has, but Alexis sees it coming and pulls down the top rope, sending Gracie flying over the top rope and tumbling to the ground. Alexis collapses inside the ring, barely moving, as the referee begins his count.)
1…2…3…4…5…
(Gracie is starting to stir a little bit.)
Alfonso Banks: Good thing she has a 20 count instead of just 10!
JR Freeman: If she’s smart, she’ll use as much of it as possible before reentering that ring.
Alfonso Banks: Gotta find the balance, because that also gives Alexis time to recover.
6…7…8…9…10…
(Alexis looks to the outside and sees that Gracie is currently sitting upright. Alexis uses the ropes to get to her feet and climbs to the top turnbuckle. Gracie has gotten to her feet as well. Alexis leaps! Gracie catches her in a crossbody, but the momentum sends her flying backwards, hitting the announce table across the middle of her back. She lets go of Alexis and they both fall to the ground.)
Alfonso Banks: OUCH!!
JR Freeman: That… just looked painful!
Alfonso Banks: But the referee starts the count over again!
1…2…3…4…
(Alexis gets to her feet and grabs Gracie, laying her on top of the announce table. She goes and climbs to the top rope again.)
5…6…7…
(She leaps once more, but this time Gracie rolls off the table at the last second! Sending Alexis through it, belly first! The impact echo’d through the arena! Both ladies are on the ground as the spanish announce table lay in shattered pieces!)
8…9…10…11…
(Gracie gets to her feet, but is really wobbly. She hears the count and starts to walk towards the ring, slowly.)
12…13…14…
(She grabs the ropes and starts to climb up but stops. She looks back at Alexis, who was starting to stir. She is heard saying something)
Gracie Lopez: NOT THIS WAY!
(Gracie marches over and grabs Alexis by the arm and pulls her over to the ring.)
15…16…17…
(Both of them make it back inside the ring before the 20 count. Alexis collapses inside the ring once more as Gracie goes to the top rope.)
Alfonso Banks: STYLE AND GRACE!!!
(Gracie jumps off the top rope with a springboard 450 splash! She connects right to Alexis’s midsection and wastes not a second going for the pin!)
1…2… 3!? NO!
(Alexis got her foot up on the bottom rope just before the 3 count.)
JR Freeman: And that leaves Alexis with only 1 more rope break to use!
Alfonso Banks: I think Alexis is on pure survival mode right now!
(Gracie runs her hands through her hair, frustrated. She leans over to grab Alexis, but instead gets grabbed into a surprise roll up!)
1…2… KICKOUT!
(Gracie manages to escape the roll up, and hops to her feet with a bit of a chuckle. Alexis looks up at her and the two share a slight smirk. Gracie extends a hand to help her to her feet, but as soon as she is upright, Gracie grabs her and delivers a German Suplex! She keeps ahold and does another! And a third! The third one she bridges into a pin.)
1…2…KICKOUT!
(Alexis manages to get her shoulder up just in time. The two get back to their feet one more time. Alexis grabs Gracie into a headlock and DDTs her into the mat. She hops up on the top rope and waits.)
Alfonso Banks: I think she is going for the Greetings From Australia!!!
JR Freeman: Normally she would go for the Down Under Thunder…
(Gracie staggers to her feet, and as soon as she is in position Alexis jumps off and delivers an Eclipse straight to Gracie, dropping her to the mat. Alexis takes a second after impact to move, at which point she quickly scrambles for a pin!)
1…2…3!
DING DING DING
Meg Reynolds: And your winner, and the number one contender for the United Title… ALEXIS MAKARIOS!!!
(Alexis collapses to the mat and just lays there for a few seconds, exhausted.)
Alfonso Banks: WHAT AN ENDING!!!
JR Freeman: That was… something else! These two battled SO HARD. Gracie put up a hell of a fight… but it just wasn’t time for her to surpass Alexis.
Alfonso Banks: Indeed. Gracie is an immense talent, and I believe there will come the day when she topples her teacher. Tonight was not the night, however.
JR Freeman: That truly was an amazing match though! Both of them should be proud of just how hard they brought it tonight.
(In the ring, Alexis gets to her feet and helps Gracie get to hers. The two share an emotional hug, resulting with them both looking up to the sky and saying ``FOR JORGE!” before the show cuts to a commercial)
WINNER - AND UNITED TITLE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER ALEXIS MAKARIOS
(We move backstage to find Sierra Williams pacing back and forth, her hands taped, her upper body dressed in a black and red Sierra shirt and a open hoodie with the hood up. Her red hair flowing down from it as she paces back and forth. She doesn't hear Lachlan Kane emerge from behind her.)
Lachlan Kane: Are you sure you're ready for this?
(Sierra doesn't jump, she doesn't startle, instead a small smile comes across her lips as she turns and grabs the PWS Apex title sitting next to her on an equipment case)
Sierra Williams: I'm always ready, you know that...
Lachlan Kane: Si....
(He couldn't hide the look of worry and concern)
Lachlan Kane: You don't know what Mack is capable of. You think you do, but I know him better than most. He and I were friends, and look what he tried to do to me and what he has also tried to do to you...
Sierra Williams: You think I'm scared of him?...
Lachlan Kane: I never said th-
Sierra Williams: I can tell you right now, I am not scared of Mack goddamn Mckane. You know what I am scared of Lach? Losing the PWS Apex title to him.
(She pauses for a moment and shakes her head)
Sierra Williams: I could lose this to Malachi, to you, to Alexis or even Heather Haze, I could lose this to Bella or Jonathan Sanders or Cleo or shit...I could lose this to Mike Hawk. And it would suck, not gonna lie, it'd hurt and I would feel bad, but I would know that at the next show, the next Riot or Pay per view they would be there, as the champion flying that Apex flag high for the world to see...
Lachlan Kane: But Mack?
Sierra Williams: But Mack would lose his Chelsea Grin and fuck off home....
(Lachlan swallows and sighs stepping closer to Sierra taking her hands in his as she puts the title belt down)
Lachlan Kane: I just want you to be careful, you're a proud champion and you have done everything this company has asked of you. You have faced the other champions, defended the title whenever you could, you have been here, at work ready to go even as your dad got sicker and sicker....and...he'd be proud of you Si...
(Lachlan smiles and kisses Sierras forehead, turning to leave as she tried to warm up for the match)
Nick Madison’s Retirement Match
Singles Match
Bella Madison vs. Nick MadisonJR Freeman: Folks, this next one…you could say it’s been years in the making. You could say there’s over a decade of history in it. You could say everything has been leading to this.
Alfonso Banks: Certainly not underselling this one, JR.
JR Freeman: I can’t afford to do it a disservice like that. This match is a big deal, as we say so long to the career of one of the most influential performers in PWS history.
Alfonso Banks: JR…it’s pro wrestling…do you REALLY think he’s going to stay retired? Hell, he didn’t the first time.
JR Freeman: The whole reason he came back was so his son could see him wrestle, and he could have the chance to share the ring with his daughter…he’s now been able to say he’s done that, so yes, I do believe he’ll stay out of the ring. He has said more than once that he doesn’t want to be one of the ones to have to leave on anyone’s terms other than his own. He wants to be able to be there to play catch with Aaron and be there for him.
Alfonso Banks: Think of what this means to Bella, as well. This is the man that has brought her up in this business…he LITERALLY was the one that trained her. Now, he’s hand picked her to be the one he faces in his “final” match. Add on to that she’s facing someone she sees as a father, the man who helped raise her, the man who has taught her so much about wrestling, and life in general…to now step in the ring across from him just days after Christmas? Talk about pressure.
JR Freeman: True, but Bella is ready for this. That’s why Nick chose her. He knew it was time. I had the chance to talk to Nick earlier this week, and he told me that it was always going to be Bella. She was always going to be his last match from the first day they started training, he knew it. He was just waiting until the time was right. Though she might have seen some setbacks in other places, PWS: APEX is still her home. Nick has been in many different companies, but he calls PWS home, and there’s nowhere else, and no one else, he’d rather call it quits with than here, tonight, with Bella.
Alfonso Banks: Beautifully said.
(The cameras cut to the ring, where Meg Reynolds is standing by.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall…
Fans: One fall!
Meg Reynolds: And it will be Nick Madison’s final match!
(The fans boo at that fact, before the lights in the arena go out, leaving the place in total darkness for a moment. The tron than illuminates with the shot of a fuse being lit, as we hear the voice of Bella Madison.)
Forged through fire.
Taught by the best…
(The fuse goes down the line, slowly and meticulously.)
The Second Generation…
This…is what’s expected of me.
(Suddenly, the fuse gets to the mark, and an explosion happens on screen, as the tron screen fills with the explosion, blinding lights, as the sounds of the explosion echoes throughout the arena. As the smoke starts to settle, an image remains on the tron. There, sharp-edged, but yet…fluid…almost as if…on fire…like a phoenix…)
Bella Madison
(With that, the lights in the arena go dark as the ominous tones of New Years Day’s “Shut up” begins to blare.)
“Twisted and dirty
Think that you know me
That you control me
Have it figured it out
Boy I'm not breaking
Better get praying
You need the saving
To keep you devout”
(The entrance lights up as does the video screen that shows, climbing up a set of stairs we see with each step taken a different footwear. Saddle shoes followed by heels followed by Chuck Taylors followed by a pair of wrestling shoes with kickpads.)
“I told you once
I told you twice
I can't be tricked
Can't be hypnotized
You tell me I'm pretty when
I'm sitting here in silence”
(The roar comes over the sound system as we see Bella standing on top of the entrance.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first, from New York, New York, Bella Madison!
(Bella stands wearing her wrestling gear along with an updated version of her mom’s old ring jacket with the hood up and starts making her way to the ring.)
“Don't try and tell me what a girl wants
Shut up and give it to me
You got the picture painted all wrong
No, I won't be your masterpiece
Don't feed me lies
I'll chew them up and spit em out
Don't try and tell me what a girl wants
Shut up and give it to me”
(Towards the end of the chorus she hops up on the ring side and climbs to the second rope, drops the hood of the jacket with a smirk and a wink as the song fades out. The crowd begins to buzz, as it seems like an eternity with nothing happening before the arena lights go out once more. This time, it seems like an even longer pause, as the anticipation builds.)
Alfonso Banks: Mindgames here from Nick?
The indifference…of good….men…
(With that, we hear the opening organ sounds of “Critical Acclaim” by Avenged Sevenfold start to echo throughout the arena. The organ continues, but when the guitar comes in, the arena lights turn to a deep red tint, and we then see that Avenged Sevenfold is on stage, as Synyster Gates strums the opening riff. M. Shadows comes up to the mic.)
M. Shadows: How the fuck we doin’ Orlando!?
(The fans roar with cheers.)
M. Shadows: Now I wanna see every motherfucker in here moving to this next part, as we send off one of the most goddamned legendary wrestlers in PWS history. Get the fuck up!
(The fans oblige, as the drums hit, and we get to the fast part of the song. Pyro explodes from the sides of the stage, as Shadows does his signature scream-growl.)
”Shhh…Quiet, you might piss somebody off.
Like ME motherfucker you been at it for too long.
While you feed off other’s insecurities..
You stand in front of me and bite the hand that feeds!”
(Nick Madison walks out onto the stage, wearing his trademark black trench coat over his ring gear, with the front open, as the fans erupt once more with cheers. Pyro explodes once more, as flames shoot up from the stage, as Nick stands there for a moment next to M. Shadows, taking it all in. He smirks, as he can see fans in the front row next to the stage headbanging along to the song. He takes a few steps forward, till he gets to about halfway down the ramp, before he takes another moment, kneeling down on a knee, and looking up to the heavens, before standing back up and posing, as fireworks explode from the ceiling.)
JR Freeman: Jesus! First, Halestorm, now Avenged Sevenfold? The company sure went all out for Crusade!
Alfonso Banks: Merry Friggin’ Christmas, everyone!
(Nick takes his time walking down the ramp, as Avenged Sevenfold continues to play.)
Meg Reynolds: Aaaaand introducing her opponent, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is PWS Hall of Famer, the Extremist, Nick Madison!
(The fans continue to cheer, as Nick circles around the ring, high fiving fans in the front row, before sliding into the ring, and looking up at Bella. He gets to his feet, and walks over to the corner to climb the turnbuckle to pose for the crowd.)
Alfonso Banks: Nick taking a moment to let it all sink in.
JR Freeman: Do you blame him? I mean, I know we’ve had it twice in this show, but it’s not every day you get played to the ring by a live version of your entrance music.
Alfonso Banks: Indeed.
(The song ends, as the house lights return to normal, and the camera cuts back to the ring, where the referee is checking with both competitors before the match, and Meg Reynolds is exiting the ring. After checking with both Nick and Bella, the ref calls for the bell to start the match.)
*DING DING*
JR Freeman: And here we go!
(The two pace around the center of the ring, smirking at each other, before they lock up in a collar and elbow tie-up. Nick gets the early advantage, backing Bella into the corner, but he breaks the lock-up when the ref asks him to, and backs away so Bella can step out of the corner. She does, and the two lock up again, this time it’s Bella who backs Nick against the ropes, before sending him to the other side of the ring with an Irish whip. Nick comes back, and Bella goes for a back body drop, but Nick rolls over her back, and lands behind her, before wrapping his arms around her, lifting her up, and connecting with a German suplex, bridging for a pin attempt.)
1…
2…
Kickout!
JR Freeman: And first near fall goes to Nick…Bella is gonna have to stay on her game.
Alfonso Banks: I mean, did Nick really think that would be enough, though? I get the idea of catching someone sleeping, but one move?
JR Freeman: Stranger things have happened, but this match carries on.
(Nick chuckles to himself, as he and Bella get to their feet. Bella shakes her head to clear the cobwebs, so to speak, as the two lock up again. Bella gets Nick in a headlock, as Nick tries to back her to the corner, but Bella uses the turnbuckle to run up the buckles and twist in the air, planting Nick with a high angle bulldog, as she now goes for the pin.)
1…
2…
Kickout!
JR Freeman: Turn about is fair play, I see.
Alfonso Banks: I don’t think either one of these competitors will get “caught sleeping.” This one is gonna be a nail biter, and really come down to just has more in them.
(Bella and Nick get back to their feet, as Nick nods his head in approval, before they lock up again. Nick suddenly somehow manages to, in one fluid motion, wrestle Bella down to the mat, and into the Fade Away submission, as Bella frantically tries to escape the hold.)
JR Freeman: Fade Away! Fade Away! He’s got it in deep, too!
Alfonso Banks: This isn’t good for Bella!
(Bella is struggling, but she finally manages to turn her body to get her foot on the bottom rope, forcing Nick to break the hold, which he does.)
JR Freeman: That was close there. She’s gonna have to watch out for that.
Alfonso Banks: I mean, he’ll have to watch out for her Bella Notte submission as well.
JR Freeman: True.
(Nick allows Bella a moment to catch her breath, as she gets back to her feet. Bella goes to Nick, but he takes her down with an arm drag. The two get back to their feet, and Bella returns the favor by taking Nick down with an arm drag of her own. They get back to their feet once again, and Bella knees Nick in the gut, causing him to double over. He reaches out, and goes to lift her up over him with a back body drop, but she flips out, and lands on her feet. She hooks her arms around his waist, going for a German suplex, but he blocks the move with his foot, before performing a standing switch, and going for a German suplex of his own. Bella catches him off guard when she reaches back, wrapping her arm around his neck, and driving him down with the Neuro-Mutilation!)
JR Freeman: WOAH! NEURO-MUTILATION!
(Bella goes for the cover.)
1…
2…
Kickout!
Alfonso Banks: I…I’m not sure how I feel about that. I mean, it didn’t end the match, but could you imagine if that was how it ended? Beaten with his own move?
(Bella gets back to her feet after a moment, and walks over to Nick. But, Nick catches her and rolls her up in a pin attempt of his own.)
1…
2…
NO! Kickout!
(Bella kicks out, and takes a couple seconds before getting back to her feet, as Nick is getting back to his. She reaches out and grabs him, sending him to the ropes with an Irish whip. He rebounds off the ropes, and she goes for a clothesline, but Nick ducks under, and rebounds off the other ropes, as Bella turns around just in time to eat a vicious looking spear from Nick, as he hooks the leg and gos for the pin!)
JR Freeman: SPEAR! SPEAR!
1…
2…
3!!!?!?
NOOOO!!! SHOULDER UP!
(Nick gets back to his knees, with his hands on his hips, as he looks down at Bella. He gets to his feet, and gets her to her’s. He gets Bella in position to deliver the Neuro-Mutilation, but she senses it coming, and manages to push him away. Nick turns around to eat an instinctual superkick to the face, as he falls back to the mat. Bella falls to the mat from her own momentum, as Nick lies on the mat. She gets back to her feet, and walks over to Nick, picking him up and getting him into position, locking in the Bella Notte submission.)
JR Freeman: BELLA NOTTE! BELLA NOTTE! IS HE GONNA TAP!?
(Nick struggles for a few moments, and finally manages to break his legs free, and is able to get out of the hold. He waists no time in getting back to his feet, as Bella comes at him again, but he kicks her in the gut, and plants her with the Madison Drive!)
JR Freeman: Madison Drive!
Alfonso Banks: They’re really pulling out all the stops for this one!
JR Freeman: Do you blame them!?
(The crowd are cheering, as chants of “this is awesome” echo throughout the arena. Nick takes a moment, and instead of going for the cover, Nick waits for Bella to stir. As she starts to get to her feet. He runs to the ropes, rebounding off them, and running to the other side of the ring, rebounding off those ropes, as well. Bella makes it to her feet, as she appears to be standing but completely out of it. Nick rebounds off the ropes once more, and goes for a spear, but at the last possible second, Bella manages to get a knee up, as Nick crashes down to the mat after his shoulder smashes into her knee. Bella waists no time getting Nick to his feet, and getting him into position for the pancaked DDT, as she hits it perfectly, and goes for the pin.)
JR Freeman: ASHES TO ASHES! COULD BE IT!
1…
2…
3!!!!!?!?
NO!!!SHOULDER UP!!!
(Bella has a look of absolute shock, as she really thought she had it won. She gets to her feet, as Nick is still laying on the mat. She looks over at the turnbuckle, and nods to herself, before walking over and climbing up.)
JR Freeman: I think we can see where this is going.
Alfonso Banks: She’s tried everything…they both have. I mean at some point you have to wonder what’s it gonna take?
(Bella makes it to the top turnbuckle and looks down at Nick, as we can see her eyes start to well with tears. She can be seen mouthing the words “thank you for everything.” As she leaps and turns around on the turnbuckle before leaping off the turnbuckle, rotating through the air, and connecting with a picture perfect Phoenix Splash.)
JR Freeman: SECOND GEN! COULD THIS BE IT!?
(Bella hooks the leg, as the referee slides into position for the count.)
1…
2…
3!!!!!
JR Freeman: She did it! It’s over!
Alfonso Banks: And with that, so is the in-ring career of Nick Madison!
(As soon as the bell sounds, Bella moves from her position and wraps her arm around Nick, pulling him close in a tight embrace, as he wraps his arms around her. The two stay like that for a moment, before they finally break, as tears are now streaming down Bella’s face. Nick wipes the tears from her eyes and smiles ather, kissing her on the forehead as she helps him to his feet. Nick takes Bella’s hand and raises it in the air, as the crowd cheer in approval.)
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, Bella Madison!
(The two embrace once more, before Bella drops down and rolls out of the ring, leaving Nick to have his moment. She walks up the ramp and to the back, as Nick stays in the ring, looking out at the crowd, as chants of “Thank you, Nick” start to echo throughout the arena.)
JR Freeman: After everything he’s done for this company, very rightfully, the fans showing their appreciation for his incredible career.
Alfonso Banks: You know, I’ve said that nothing is forever in wrestling, and wrestlers say all the time that they’re retired, then come back. But…this…this really does feel real. Like…this really does feel like the end of an era, not to sound cliche, but it does.
JR Freeman: Indeed it does.
(We can see Nick’s eyes start to water, as he gives a simple nod and mouths “thank you.” to the fans, before rolling out of the ring himself. By now, Bella’s music has faded, as “Critical Acclaim” begins to blare once more over the sound system, and Nick takes one final pose on the ramp, before making his way up the ramp and to the back.)
WINNER - BELLA MADISON
(The scene switches to that of the locker room of Alexis Makarios, where we see Heather Haze sitting on the couch and Alexis not to be seen, but the shower could be heard running in the background. On the stand by the couch was Alexis’s phone. The phone buzzed softly, catching Heather’s attention. She looks around before slowly reaching out and grabbing it.)
Heather Haze: Shes a bit busy… It would be a tragedy if this were something important and she missed it…
(Heather grabs the phone and unlocks it. She sees that the buzz was merely an alert for some one reacting a tweet.. She let out a sigh)
Heather Haze: Boo… oh oopsy my finger slipped…
(She “accidentally” opens the text messages and sees a few texts back and forth between Alexis and Audrey. She curls her upper lip in anger… and then an idea clicks in her head and she types something in on the phone and hits send.)
Heather Haze: I’m a genius
(The phone buzzes with a response. Heather smirks as she types back another response. Then hits a few more buttons. She hears the bathroom door open and she quickly locks the phone and puts it back before Alexis sees it. Alexis comes out of the bathroom wearing blue jeans, a plain white shirt, and her hair wrapped up in a towel.)
Alexis Makarios: Hey Heather! You didn’t have to wait for me.
Heather Haze: Oh.. I figured we needed to go celebrate with a few drinks or what not. I mean… We did have a hell of a night. Vixens of Pain… soon to be United and World Champions!
Alexis Makarios: That sounds great! Let me just text Aud…
Heather Haze: Ugggggggh must we REALLY invite her? She didn’t have a match tonight to celebrate… I’m sure she and Dan wanna go home and rest with their … spawn … especially after having such a busy preshow talking so much garbage about me. Please, Lexi… let’s let tonight be about us.
(Alexis hesitates but then agrees)
Alexis Makarios: Al…alright. Give me a few minutes to dry my hair and we can head out.
(Heather fake smiles as Alexis walks into the bathroom. Once she is in the bathroom, Heather’s smile changes to a smirk, sending the the cameras cut the locker room of the Russows, where we see Audrey and Daniel, as Daniel is playing on the floor with Aurora, who is laughing. Audrey’s brother, RJ, and his fiance, Emery, are sitting on the couch with Audrey.)
Daniel Russow: It’s been nice to just kinda relax tonight.
Audrey Russow: Yeah, Lord knows I don’t need more stress…
(Suddenly, Audrey’s phone buzzes from a text message, as she picks it up and looks at it.)
Daniel Russow: What’s up?
Audrey Russow: It’s Lexi…wanting to know if I’m free to get a drink and talk, celebrate and stuff…
Daniel Russow: You should.
Audrey Russow: Really? Are you sure?
Daniel Russow: With everything you’ve had to go through, you deserve it. Plus, Alexis could probably use some company other than…ya know…
Audrey Russow: Yeah, but I feel bad for leaving…
Daniel Russow: We’ll be fine.
Rodney James: Yeah, plus Emz and I are here if Dan needs anything. You go out with Alexis and we’ll meet you back at the hotel later.
Audrey Russow: Alright, I’ll tell her I’m game.
(Audrey replies to the text, and starts getting her things together, as the cameras cut back to ringside.)
PWS: APEX United Championship Match
Singles Match
Cleo Phillips © vs Devon RyderMeg Reynolds: The following match is for the United Championship…introducing first…
(The lights dim and then begin to slowly, calmly strobe red and white as the gentle introductory chords of "American Woman" begin to lilt over the speakers. The Big Screen cycles through a medley of images depicting some of the worst facets of American society, each one accompanied by a block of white text bearing information about what we're seeing: "Each year, America spends more of their GDP per capita than anywhere else in the world on healthcare, yet 40 million citizens have no insurance and 66% of all bankruptcies in the United States are due to medical bills." "They call themselves a bastion of freedom and democracy, yet America boasts some of the highest rates of incarceration and most-restrictive and discriminatory voting laws in the Western world." "Since 2014, the US has been consistently falling on worldwide rankings of both happiness and quality of life, as well as lagging behind on safety, environmental protections and - most recently - public health." (These facts change every week, these are only some examples.) During this montage, Ryder slowly rises onto the centre of the stage from below, shrouded in shadow. Following this there's a brief pause, when the text reads "Don't you think you can do better? Don't you need...a Hero?" Then the song kicks into gear, with the opening riff blasting over the speakers as the lights come back up and Devon Ryder is standing on the entrance ramp, with his back to the audience and his arms spread out, revealing the back of his jacket which reads "CANADIAN" across the shoulder blades and "HERO" across the lower back, with a white maple leaf emblazoned between them. Ryder holds the Canadian flag outstretched in both hands, so his body is silhouetted against it as a backdrop, and he holds that position until the opening riff changes and the vocals kick in, at which point he spins around on his heel and begins to strut arrogantly down to the ring, carrying the flag proudly over one shoulder as he does. When he reaches the base of the ramp, he grins, looking around at the audience before climbing the steps and popping in through the middle rope. Ryder spins around in the centre of the ring, arms outstretched with his flag again and then holds that pose as red and white pyrotechnics explode from the turnbuckles. He then folds the Canadian flag and places it gently in the corner of the ring before taking off his jacket and handing it to a ring attendant, who he makes a point to audibly thank, then turns to the ramp and bounces from foot to foot while awaiting his opponent. For regular episodes of Riot, he will use a shorter version of his entrance which omits the opening montage and starts the song at the distinctive opening riff.)
Meg Reynolds: Now coming to the ring, standing 6’o tall and weighing in at 202 pounds…from Regina Saskatchuwan…..THE CANAAADIAN HERO…DEVON RYYYYYYDER…
(A loud pyro explosion leads into the beat to "Gangsta's Paradise" echoes throughout the arena, as the lyrics begin Cleo swaggers out onto the stage, she folds her arms and looks around at the crowd from behind her shades.)
#As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I take a look at my life, and realize there's nothin' left
'Cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long
That even my momma thinks that my mind is gone#
(Cleo pounds her chest twice and points around the arena before making her way down the ramp, as the song continues.)
#But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it
Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of
You better watch how you talkin' and where you walkin'
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk#
(Once at ringside, she jumps on the apron and rolls into the ring, where she postures and poses for the crowd as some more pyros go off.)
#I really hate to trip, but I gotta loc
As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke
Fool, I'm the kinda G the little homies wanna be like
On my knees in the night, sayin' prayers in the streetlight#
(Finally, she poses arms crossed on the turnbuckle, as the chorus comes in.)
#Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise#
Meg Reynolds: And his opponent, coming to the ring from The Bronx New York, standing 5’8 and weighing in at 145 pounds, she is the reigning DEFENDING PWS Apex United Champion…..THE BODY SNATCHER…CLLLEO PHILLLLLIPS…
JR Freeman: Oh man here we go, United title match baby
Alfonso Banks: Cleo Phillips has been an incredible champion, in fact our champions are a strong point in PWS Apex, Sierra, Jonathan, the Commonwealth…but Cleo is made from a different mold, she had been climbing that ladder and should be viewed as THE champion to beat…
*DING DING DING*
(Cleo and Devon stare across the ring at one another and start to circle, Cleo showing a certain level of respect to her opponent and Devon knowing how dangerous the champion is. They move a little closer to each other, Cleo moves forward, changes levels and slides on one knee trying to grab Devon's leg, Devon moves and slides away, Cleo pops up and smirks with a shrug. The two move around each other again, sizing one another up, This time Devon slides down snatching Cleos leg, picking it and tripping her forward. Cleo lands hard, Devon jumps and slides over Cleos body into a side headlock, Cleo gets to her feet backing Devon into the ropes to shoot him off, Devon stops the momentum switches his hips and takes Cleo over in a headlock takeover, He holds Cleo down and Cleo moves around and wraps her legs around Devons head into a head scissors, Devon leans his body back and kips up to his feet out of it. He looks down at Cleo and offers a hand to help her up. Cleo shakes her head and rolls over her shoulder to her feet.)
Alfonso Banks: Did Devon just try and help Cleo up? Was that Sportsmanship?
JR Freeman: Sportsmanship or upsmanship?...
Alfonso Banks: Both?
(They size each other up again, they lock up in a collar and elbow, Devin grabs Cleo by the wrist and twists into a top wristlock, Cleo rolls forward with the momentum, turning and kipping up to her feet reversing it but pulling Devon into an arm drag, they both pop up, Devon hits an arm drag of his own, they both pup back up again and Devon picks Cleos leg for a second time but this time shoves her down onto her back and spins his legs around Cleos grapevining her leg and locking in an ankle lock, Cleo rolls over and quickly scrambles to the ropes forcing the break before any damage can be done. Devon gets to his feet and steps back waiting for Cleo to get up.)
JR Freeman: Devon is luring Cleo into his game. Cleo Phillips is at her best when she creates distance and strikes and moves fast…Devon is slowing this down and making it more of a mat based contest
Alfonso banks: He has the advantage there, but Cleo isn’t stupid, a few adjustments and the momentum can switch, but she needs to stay away from Devons mat based offense.
(Cleo shakes her head and moves around Devon, Devon tries to take her down again, this time though Cleon moves her legs back and shoves Devon to the side, she hits the ropes and Devon goes for a clothesline, Cleo ducks and hits the ropes picking up speed before exploding into Devon with a lariat that takes him down, the shot so hard it sends sweat flying from Devons body, he holds his chest and goes to get up, Cleo hits a dropkick sending Devon back down, and another and another, Devon slides from the ring to get some distance, Cleo runs and climbs the turnbuckle, Devon looks up as Cleo leaps off hitting a flying crossbody to the floor on top of Devon, the crowd goes nuts as Cleo high fives some fans and turns her attention back to him, Devon slides back in the ring, Cleo follows and as Devon gets to a vertical base
Cleo steps forward and spins hitting her discus forearm called the new york minute. It connects and drops Ryder to the mat, Cleo rolls Ryder over and ghooks the outside leg.)
1...
2...
(Ryder kicks out. Cleo grabs the arm Ryder shot up, spins around it and locks in the lockup armbar. Ryder arches his hips and turns into it to take the pressure off his elbow and shoulder joints, he spins his hips allowing himself to stack Cleo up, he then goes to stomp on Cleos head to get her to release the hold. Cleo keeps it locked in so Ryder clasps his hands together and in an impressive show of strength deadlifts Cleo up who is still wrapped around his arm. Ryder then drops to his knees and slams Cleo to the mat with all his might. She releases the hold and Devon collapses back down shaking out his arm to get the feeling back in his joints.)
Alfonso Banks: Cleo almost had him!. What a move by Ryder to get out of that hold though…
JR Freeman: The armbar is a great submission move and Cleos variation, the Lockup is hard to get out of…but Devon found a way.
(Cleo holds the back of her head and starts to get up. Ryder shakes his arm out and grabs Cleo in the full nelson before snapping her back in the snap freeze! Cleo hits hard and rolls all the way to the corner laying down, Ryder pulls Cleo up and leans her against the top rope before hitting her hard with stiff kicks over and over again with the ten provinces. Cleo tries to cover up as the tenth one hits, Devon pulls Cleo from the corner and hits the aurora borealis! He bridges in the northern lights suplex and the referee slides down.)
1...
2...
(Cleo kicks out. Devon takes a few deep breaths and shakes his head as the crowd starts a very loud “this is awesome” chant. Devon runs his hands through his hair and gets to his feet before grabbing Cleo and trying to lock in the Maple leaf. But Cleo fights out of it kicking Devon on the chest before getting to her feet, Devon runs in and Cleo leaps up hitting her Bronx kick!. Devon goes down and Cleo right away hits the way we go cartwheel knee, she pins Devon.)
1...
2...
(Devon gets the shoulder up and now Cleo is the one who looks frustrated as the crowd goes insane for these two.)
JR Freeman: Nearfall after near fall, these two are giving it their all for the United title.
Alfonso Banks: Cleo wants to keep it, Devon wants to take Cleo to her limit, this match is incredible…
(Cleo calls for Devon to get up, as he gets to one knee Cleo runs forward and goes for a shining Wizard, Devon though catches her legs lifting Cleo up in a powerbomb position, she struggles with him and Devon spins Cleo around on his shoulders getting her in position for the “Strong and Free”, he reaches up and grabs Cleo by the head and as he pulls her down Cleo throws her legs forward front flipping out of the move, Cleo lands and hits the ground running hitting the ropes before throwing her body up and connecting with the Milly Rock knee! Devon goes down and Cleo covers.)
1...
2...
3!!!
WINNER - AND STILL PWS: APEX UNITED CHAMPION CLEO PHILLIPS
JR Freeman: Hold on, I’m getting word that there’s something going on backstage. We’re trying to get a camera back there.
Alfonso Banks: What’s going on?
JR Freeman: I think, from what I’ve heard, someone’s been attacked?
(The cameras cut to backstage, in the parking area, where we see a number of medical personnel surrounding the scene, as the camera rushes up to the scene. Everyone is talking back and forth, hurrying around. That is, until everyone stops, as the camera looks up, and sees Daniel Russow running into the scene, as he kneels down next to a fallen Audrey Russow.)
Daniel Russow: Anyone see what happened?
Medic: No. We’re trying to figure out.
Daniel Russow: Last I knew she was meant to be meeting Alexis out here….
Medic: We haven’t seen Alexis since she got the clear report after her match…
(The acne cuts away, as medics continue to tend to Audrey, and we cut back to JR and Alf.)
JR Freeman: Oh, what the actual fu-
Alfonso Banks: JR!
JR Freeman: Doesn’t the girl have enough stress on her plate already!? Now someone’s laid her out?
Alfonso Banks: I mean, I think we can probably guess who it was…considering what we’ve seen tonight.
JR Freeman: I hope Dan sees that, because he seemed to think it was Alexis…
Alfonso Banks: And we all know how Russows can get when they’re convinced of something.
JR Freeman: Indeed…well, I hate to just change the subject like this, but we need to focus on our next match, which is our main event, and it’s Mack McKane versus Sierra Williams for the PWS: APEX World Championship.
PWS: APEX World Championship Match
Singles Match
Sierra Williams © vs. Mack McKaneMeg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL with a sixty-minute time limit, and it is for the PWS: Apex WOOOOOOORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!
(The lights slowly dim. When they’ve fade into nothing, fog billows out onto the stage, and a long moment of silence is punctuated by…)
“ALL OUR GODS HAVE ABANDONED US!”
(The lights come back up a deep, blood red - accompanied by a similar-coloured mist falling from the roof - as “Nihilist” by Architects begins to blare over the speakers, heralding the arrival of the former PWS: Apex World Champion, Mack “the Knife” McKane. McKane is greeted by a surprisingly mixed reaction as he rises up out of the stage - a heavy contingent of cheers, expectedly, but a not-inconsiderable number of boos joining in. He looks around at the audience in attendance from behind his spiked leather facemask as the lights return to normal, the hood of his long jacket pulled over his head, before he flips his brand new knife in the air and begins to twirl it on the way down to the ring.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first, the challenger: hailing from Camden Town in London, England and weighing in at 245 lbs., MAAAAAAAACK, “THE KNIFE”, MCKAAAAAAAAANE!
(As Mack reaches the end of the ramp, he flips the knife closed and slides into the middle of the ring, flipping up into a cross-legged seated position while simultaneously lowering his hood in one smooth motion, then staring intently at the stage as Sierra’s entrance begins.)
Meg Reynolds: And his opponent; she is your REIGNING, DEFENDING, PWS: Apex WORLD CHAMPION, SIIIIIIIIIIEEEEERRRRRRRRRA WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLIAAAAAAAAAAMS!
(The sounds of Eminem’s “Go to Sleep” blare over the sound system, a stark change from the driving death metal of the preceding track, as Sierra Williams swaggers out onto the stage, title proudly around her waist. She saunters out to the middle of the stage to a solidly mixed reaction, like Mack, and looks around at everyone in attendance. The champ then unclasps her belt and throws her hands in the air, holding it high above her head as a series of fireworks explode around her in time to the music, followed by a shower of golden sparks as she makes her way down the ramp. She slings the belt over her shoulder now, dropping her bandana to swear at Mack McKane, who simply grins behind his mask. As Sierra slides into the ring, McKane stands up, taking off his own mask as well to get directly in her face.)
JR Freeman: That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, it is finally time for the match that EVERYONE has been waiting for, nearly a full year in the making! Mack McKane’s return to in-ring action against the woman who not ONLY handed him his first loss in this company, but ALSO took away his PWS World title!
Alfonso Banks: Fans have been waiting for this and so have I, JR! This will be a match for the ages. I can’t WAIT to see McKane shut Sierra’s mouth tonight!
JR Freeman: …I thought you HATED Mack McKane.
Alfonso Banks: I DO. I hate Sierra Williams more.
JR Freeman: Since when?!
Alfonso Banks: Since I’m pretty sure she’s the face in this match.
JR Freeman: What?
Alfonso Banks: What?
(The crowd is both split and fucking DEAFENING as this one begins, the pair squaring off in the centre of the mat in a face-off that’s more heavily charged than a political conversation at Thanksgiving dinner. Sierra holds the belt aloft as she gets directly in Mack McKane’s face, as if DARING him to take the first swing. He doesn’t rise to the bait, however, simply jaw-jacking right along with her and nodding his head eagerly. She lowers the belt and lets the referee take it as the pair get nose-to-nose, and the INSTANT the bell rings the pair lock up, vying for position in the early moments. It’s Mack who takes the advantage here - perhaps unsurprisingly given the size difference between them - and he takes Sierra down early with an Arm-Drag. Fans have seen this move before and know what’s coming next…but Sierra manages to roll through and get back to her feet! Mack kips up as well, a look of shock and pride written across his face as he nods in her direction, mouthing “Well done, little lamb.” Sierra just smirks and spits in his face, and the brief respite is IMMEDIATELY broken as the pair lock-up again, viciously trading rights in the centre of the ring. The fast-paced flurry grows gradually slower as the right hands become right elbows, which increase in force with each successive strike. Here it’s Sierra’s turn to take advantage, with her martial arts background working in her favour, and she manages to send Mack off-balance with a furious volley of three successive HARD elbows to the side of the head, which is immediately followed up by a Roaring Forearm that sends him to the mat!)
JR Freeman: Oh, BRUTAL Roaring Forearm by Sierra there, Mack might be on the backfoot now!
Alfonso Banks: Doesn’t look like he’s on ANY foot to me, JR!
(As McKane hits the canvas, Sierra follows up by firing a stiff kick into his ribs, then grabs hold of his leg and locks in a simple, yet technically brilliant, kneebar. McKane gasps and cries out as the submission is applied, though whether it’s a sound of pleasure or pain can’t really be distinguished yet. He grasps and scrambles for the ropes as Sierra increases pressure, reaching forward to grapevine the hold, effectively locking Mack in place in the centre of the ring.)
JR Freeman: Uh-oh. Things do NOT look good for Mack McKane here: the LAST place you want to be in that ring is in a submission hold applied by a technical expert like Sierra Williams!
Alfonso Banks: We’ve seen Mack come back from worse than this! And besides, the man’s got some surprising technical chops himself, JR.
(The situation DOES seem bleak for the former champ, with the crowd pretty well evenly split on who they favour in this matchup, but as a rising “LET’S GO MACK-Y!” chant starts to swell, McKane seems reinvigorated and snarls, beginning to violently thrash his free leg towards Sierra’s face, connecting with a few uncomfortably stiff kicks that make viewers at home AND in the audience cringe. The champion releases the hold and the pair both take a breather, with Mack rolling on the mat and clutching his knee. The two then both begin to return to their feet; unsurprisingly, Sierra is the first up to her feet, and she immediately runs for the ropes as Mack tries desperately, shakily to get back up. Sierra uses her momentum for a Running Single-Leg Dropkick to Mack’s already-injured knee as he’s getting up, but the leader of the Freekz demonstrates his cunning mind by immediately going prone so she sails over him and out of the ring, crashing and burning on the outside! Mack takes this moment to give himself a breather, as both wrestlers recover from what their bodies have just endured.)
JR Freeman: Dios mio, that was one hell of a fall! I don’t know how Sierra’s doing after that.
Alfonso Banks: Haha, attaboy Mack! Now take the advantage, strike while the iron is hot!
JR Freeman: I’m not sure he’s got it in him, Alf. Might need to give the man a few minutes.
Alfonso Banks: UNACCEPTABLE! I want my ultraviolence NOW, god dammit!
JR Freeman: Was the Collateral Damage Title Match not enough of that for you?!
Alfonso Banks: It will NEVER be enough JR. Not. Ever.
JR Freeman: …Uhhh…alright then.
(As the two continue their particular brand of lunacy in the booth, Mack has managed to recover enough to make his way to the outside - still limping - and follow up on Sierra’s failed dropkick attempt. The referee begins to count as they’re both out there, but Mack doesn’t pay her any mind as he lifts Sierra to her feet and whips her roughly into the turnbuckle rod, then takes hold of the champion by the hair and drags her face across the ring apron repeatedly, finally ending the assault by lifting her head and slamming it down viciously into the metal rim under the ring skirt. As Sierra collapses, clutching her face, he grins a crooked, sadistic grin at the half-cheers and half-boos raining down upon him. Mack then spreads his arms apart and turns to face the audience.)
Mack McKane: ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
(The crowd responds with even louder jeers, which are countered by even louder adulation, and McKane takes just a moment to bask in it, giving a mocking, sarcastic medieval bow before returning to Sierra and rolling her back into the ring juuuuuust long enough to stop the referee’s count. He then keeps Sierra’s BODY in the ring but allows her head to slide out beneath the bottom rope, giving him the opportunity to blatantly rake her eyes for one long moment. The referee reprimands him but he simply laughs, then takes several steps backwards - still favouring his left leg - and sizes up Sierra’s position. The fans’ reactions grow louder as they’ve ascertained what’s coming next, before McKane explodes forward to nail Sierra’s exposed head with a Running Bicycle Kick! Mack grins his wicked grin again as Sierra goes limp, sort of falling halfway out of the ring, then slides back in himself and pulls her away from the ropes, going for a cover…)
ONE!
TWO!
NO! Sierra gets a shoulder up!
JR Freeman: Goddamn, that was a close call for our champion there! Mack McKane’s brutality has CLEARLY not suffered in his time off.
Alfonso Banks: No it has not, JR, and I’m THRILLED to know it. Hopefully we’ll get to see him put it to some good use in just a minute!
JR Freeman: Are…are you SALIVATING right now?
Alfonso Banks: ...No.
JR Freeman: Alf…
Alfonso Banks: …Maybe.
(Back in the ring, McKane looks simultaneously livid and mildly impressed, nodding his head slowly as he returns to his feet. “Okay,” we can see him mouth, “Guess it’s time ta get rough, innit?” Having returned to his feet now, he grabs Sierra by her hair again, lifting her to her feet with her head held in the crook of his arm. Sierra starts trying to fight back, firing a few rights into Mack’s midsection, but he answers with a Muay Thai knee of his own that knocks her loopy again. Following this, he bends forward and traps her wrist with his free hand, before snapping back and nailing her with a STIFF Vertical Suplex! Mack holds on and rolls through, standing back up for a SECOND Suplex in succession…then does the same thing and COMPLETES THE TRIFECTA! Returning to his feet with a grin and answering the boos with a quick, self-aggrandizing pose - arms extended, falling to one knee - he then ascends to the top rope and leaps off…connecting with the Type O-Negative!)
Alfonso Banks: YES! Type O-Negative! This might be it, we’ve seen Mack win with this before!
JR Freeman: Have we?
Alfonso Banks: I don’t know, I assume so. You think I’m gonna go back and watch every Mack McKane match to prepare for this?
JR Freeman: I mean…that’s what *I* did.
Alfonso Banks: Of course YOU did, JR, you’re a total square!
JR Freeman: I prefer the term “consummate professional”.
Alfonso Banks: Which is exactly what a square would say.
(Speaking of squares, back in the circular one, McKane goes for another cover…)
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO! SIERRA POWERS OUT!
(Mack pounds the mat in frustration this time, then gets a kind of expectant and evil smirk on his face, just nodding to himself and repeatedly mouthing “Alright. Alright, gonna be like THAT, is it?” as he slowly returns to his feet, dragging Sierra back up with him. This time he drags her towards the bottom rope, placing her face-down on top of it and kneeling down to wedge it in between her teeth…oh no, we’ve seen this before! Mack takes several steps back and grins, running forward for his attempt at Ambien Alley…but Sierra was playing possum! She suddenly rolls to the side, causing Mack to stomp down full-force on the bottom rope AND the metal rim under the ring apron! As he recoils in pain, Sierra follows up with a Running Hurricanrana for the ODE TO MEXICO! This sends Mack spilling to the outside, and Sierra takes a moment to collect herself and shake off this assault before slowly making her way towards the opposite ropes…then sprints forward as Mack’s getting up to nail him with a Suicide Dive! The pair collapse together onto the base of the entrance ramp as the referee begins to count…)
1…
(The crowd’s reaction has ceased to be split, with both halves now uniting for a chant of “THAT WAS AWE-SOME! *clap clap clapclapclap*” while both competitors recover on the outside.)
JR Freeman: OH DIOS MIO! What a comeback by Sierra Williams! Now she just needs to get up and take things back into the ring.
Alfonso Banks: I mean…a countout WOULD mean she doesn’t lose her title, JR. I’m not a fan, but I have to admit it’d be a brilliant play.
2…
JR Freeman: Really, Alf? What happened to hating Sierra Williams tonight?
Alfonso Banks: What can I say? Game recognizes game.
JR Freeman: Oh, and you have “game”, do you?
3…
(Both competitors have begun to stir now, and slowly make their way to their feet.)
Alfonso Banks: Sure I have game! You don’t think I have game? I’ll have you know I can ball with the best of ‘em!
JR Freeman: Alf, I’ve seen you throw your back out SNEEZING.
Alfonso Banks: Shut up! You don’t know LeBron James doesn’t do that! You can’t prove that LeBron James has never done that!
JR Freeman: …No comment.
4…
(Both wrestlers are up now, and have begun to trade blows again. Mack starts things off with a STIFF forearm to Sierra, who answers with a somehow STIFFER forearm in return, then Mack grins and fires a YET STIFFER forearm right back!)
5…
(The two begin to move towards the ring as this exchange continues, and when they get there, Mack manages to duck under one of Sierra’s forearms and catch the arm in both hands, taking her down with an Armdrag on the outside! He then follows this up by snapping her fingers back, and as she clutches her hand to her chest he finds his coat on the timekeeper’s table, fishing his brand-new butterfly blade out of the pocket.)
6…
JR Freeman: Oh no! I don’t like where this is going, Mack’s got that violet gleam in his eye…
Alfonso Banks: HahahahahaHAHAHA, YES! FINALLY! Bleed that bitch like a stuck fucking PIGGIE, MCKANE!
JR Freeman: …You are a deeply damaged human being. PLEASE seek treatment.
7…
(Mack rolls back into the ring briefly to reset the count, then rolls back out and holds the knife aloft, unfolded, for everyone to see. He twirls around with it as if to make sure everyone can get a good look, then - with a malevolent and vile grin - plunges it deep into the ringside mats and cuts along the edge, peeling it back to expose the concrete beneath. He then steps forward and pulls Sierra up by her hair, allowing us to see that she’s bloodied now, and pulls her head close to his own to lick the blood off her forehead like a fucking creep. The crowd audibly says “EWWW!” before beginning a “YOU SICK FUCK!” chant, but Mack pays them no mind. Instead. he pulls Sierra back and then hooks his elbows under both of hers, before moving so she’s bent against his back…)
JR Freeman: Oh no! I know where this is headed, and I don’t like it one bit!
Alfonso Banks: YES! YES! YES! Her reign is finally coming to an end tonight! DO IIIIIIIT!
JR Freeman: I refer you to my earlier comments about seeking treatment.
(Mack swings his body around, nailing Sierra with the Blood Eagle on the concrete floor!)
JR Freeman: DIOS MIO! BLOOD EAGLE! BLOOD EAGLE ON THE EXPOSED CONCRETE! This has GOT to be over for Sierra!
Alfonso Banks: I certainly HOPE it is, JR!
(Mack McKane seems hopeful too, as he rolls her into the ring and covers…)
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-NO! WHAT THE FUCK?! SIERRA KICKS OUT!
(The crowd EXPLODES as Sierra Williams kicks out of the pin, and Mack McKane seems LIVID! He slams his fists on the mat and gets up, getting in the referee’s face and even going as far as threatening her with the switchblade. McKane seems to realize this is all giving Sierra time to recover, though, so he just lets out a scream of frustration and tosses the knife into the nearest turnbuckle pad, before turning his attention back to Sierra. He lifts her back to her feet, leaning in close to whisper - which somehow the mics pick up -)
Mack McKane: Good effort, love, but you HAD to know how this was gonna go…
(But as Mack pulls back for the Memento Mori, Sierra catches his arm and spins around, sending him into the corner - and head-first into the handle of his own knife - with an Irish Whip! Mack stumbles backwards and gets caught with a Pendulum Backbreaker for his troubles, but he rolls out of the ring before Sierra can capitalize. The crowd explodes again as the champ then lets out another primal scream, followed by a shout of “LET’S FUCKING GOOOO!” before she leaps up to the top rope…then leaps off with the Air Canada, to the outside! Both she and Mack are down, but Sierra’s up first and she then lifts him back to his feet and pulls HIM close, whispering against his ear…)
Sierra Williams: Good effort, love, but GO FUCK YOURSELF!
(Sierra then twists…CALGARY CUTTER! CALGARY CUTTER ON THE EXPOSED CONCRETE!)
JR Freeman: I’m saying this a lot tonight, but OH DIOS MIO! CALGARY CUTTER ON THE OUTSIDE! THIS IS WHAT PUT HEATHER HAZE AWAY!
Alfonso Banks: NO! NO! THIS ISN’T FAIR! I’ve come too far to be let down now!
(The audience is on their feet now, belting out chants of “KILL, SIERRA, KILL! KILL, SIERRA, KILL!” as she roars in primal fury and slides Mack McKane’s limp body back into the ring. For good measure, she doesn’t even go for the cover yet, lifting him up and hitting a SECOND Calgary Cutter in the middle of the canvas! The chants continue as she DOES go for a cover…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! THIS ONE IS OVER!
JR Freeman: THAT’S IT! THAT’S IT! A SECOND CALGARY CUTTER, AND MACK IS DOWN FOR THE COUNT!
Alfonso Banks: NO! NO NO NO NO fucking NO! God dammit all to shit!
JR Freeman: …You’ve got money riding on this match, don’t you Alf?
Alfonso Banks: Shut up! I don’t have a problem! …Oh, Levi is gonna have a fucking FIELD DAY roasting me for this one!
(Sierra seems almost shocked as she hears the bell and slowly returns to her feet, Mack McKane lying motionless - though breathing - in the centre of the ring, shame and anguish and exhaustion written plain across his face. Sierra raises the title high as the referee hands it back to her, climbing to the top rope and shouting in excitement, pounding her chest with her free hand.)
Sierra Williams: Fuckin’ right! I EARNED THIS! NOBODY can call me a paper champ now, NOBODY!
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner AND STILL the PWS: Apex WOOOORLD CHAMPION, SIERRRRA WIIIIIILLIAAAAAAAMS!
(Confetti and streamers explode for Sierra as she makes a lap of the ring, holding the title high and embracing Lachlan who’s come out to greet her.)
WINNER - AND STILL PWS: APEX WORLD CHAMPION SIERRA WILLIAMSJR Freeman: Well, folks, it was one HELL of a hard-fought match, but there you have it. Both competitors gave it their all tonight and, in the end, I don’t think anyone on Earth can claim Sierra Williams didn’t ABSOLUTELY deserve it!
Alfonso Banks: ONE man on Earth, JR…but that’s just because of the dent this has put in my finances! God dammit, Mack, you had ONE JOB! What HAPPENED to you, man?!
JR Freeman: If you’d like to ask him that up close, Alf, you are MORE than welcome. As for me, I’m gonna go enjoy some hot cocoa with the people I love and fall asleep watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and we hope you all do the same. Happy Holidays and thank you so much for watching, everybody, and we’ll see you in the New Year! On behalf of PWS: Apex, this is JR Freeman signing off.
© PWS: APEX 2021, All Rights Reserved.