Post by Josiah Cena on Feb 3, 2022 3:07:07 GMT -5
PWS: APEX Presents
Riot
Tuesday, February 1st, 2022
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
(“Trials” by Starset plays over the sound system, as the show comes on the air. We get an overview of the Toyota Center, as the cameras pan across the live crowd, as we are greeted by the familiar voices of Alfonso Banks and JR Freeman.)
JR Freeman: Hello, and welcome to PWS: APEX Riot! We are live here in Houston, Texas, and what a show we have for you tonight, as we are on the road to Demon’s Run!
Alfonso Banks: A huge main event to determine the next person to enter into the elimination chamber for the world title! Also a huge tag match with the four competitors already in the match!
JR Freeman: We have two debut matches tonight, as well as a fatal four way match. But, to start things off, we’ll see the newest signing to PWS: APEX, as Max Delgado takes on Chris Blade.
Singles Match
Max Delgado vs. Chris Blade
(The match really was a one-way affair the whole way through, as the newcomer really had his way with Blade. Delgado looked impressive with his command of the ring, pulling off some impressive moves, and keeping the match at a good pace. He got a nice reaction when he hit a springboard cutter.)
Alfonso Banks: Oh! What a move!
JR Freeman: I’m not the biggest fan of the kid, but he does have some great moves.
Alfonso Banks: Wait, what do you have against the kid?
JR Freeman: Have you met him?
(Delgado signals for the end, and gets Blade up to hit him with the El Dorado finisher, as he gets the 1..2…3!)
WINNER - MAX DELGADO
Cameron Fernandez is backstage with her usual bubbly smile, with her is United Champion Cleo Phillips and hype man Z-Money.
Cameron Fernandez: Hello PWS fans. I’m here with one of my personal favorite stars here, the United Champion, Cleo Phillips!!
The cheers of the crowd in the Toyota Center can be heard.
Cameron Fernandez: So, have you been enjoying the show here tonight?
Cleo Phillips: It’s been an amazing night as always, and I’m sure given the competitors, the main event is sure to be a bloodbath. Demons Run is going to be one helluva show.
Cameron Fernandez: Let’s make this fun…whose your pick? Malachi or Tyson Sykes?
Cleo Phillips: Given my wars with him and the rest of ANTITHESIS, I have to give it to Tyson. He’s just operating on a different level right now, and seeks to destroy anyone who dares get in his way. Tyson Sykes is the most dangerous man in PWS right now, and anyone who gets put against him should proceed with caution.
Cameron Fernandez: That’s some endorsement, especially given your history with ANTITHESIS.
Cleo Phillips: You know me, just keeping it real.
Cameron Fernandez: Well, let’s not keep everyone waiting. Last Riot you and Alexis agreed to a friendly beat the clock challenge, with the added twist of picking each others opponents. Have you chosen someone for Alexis?
Cleo smiles, and nods.
Cleo Phillips: I have. See, I want to test Lexi with the very best. I don’t want it to be easy for her, and I don’t want her to give me an easy win either. That’s why I chose the woman who IS the absolute best in this company, the woman who won FOUR awards including female superstar AND champion of the year. I of course am talking about the WORLD CHAMPION SIERRA WILLIAMS!!
The crowd reacts in approval.
Cameron Fernandez: Well, I suppose it doesn’t get much better then the world champion!
Cleo Phillips: That’s right, and Alexis..I must say. Good luck in the OLLA-Rumble. Watch out for the Lyons girl. I’ve trained alongside her, and she’s more than capable. Don’t let her mind games get to you.
Cameron Fernandez: Well, there you it, Alexis Makarios will square off against Sierra Williams, in what I’m sure will be an instant classic. Thanks for your time Cleo.
Cleo Phillips: Anytime.
The cameras stay focused on Cameron, Cleo and Z for a few more seconds as the scene fades out.
(The cameras cut to the back where Alexis Makarios was standing with backstage interviewer Claire Anderson)
Claire Anderson: Welcome back everyone. I’m standing here with the number 1 contender for the United Title… Alexis Makarios! Alexis, just going to cut straight to the point. Who are you picking to face Cleo next week? We already know that she has selected World Champion Sierra Williams for you.
(Alexis let out a sigh and nodded.)
Alexis Makarios: Yes, I heard all about that. Should be fun, I like a good challenge. Which is why I picked the person I did for Cleo. I was thinking hard about it all week. I could go the obvious root and select Heather. Or Audrey. Both would do some serious damage to Cleo, and put on a hell of a match. But then I thought… “nah… too easy”
Claire Anderson: So… who DID you pick then? Jenn? Gracie?
Alexis Makarios: They also crossed my mind as well. But they are both dealing with some personal issues and I don’t wanna add that pressure to their lives right now.
Claire Anderson: Well… you are running out of allies to choose.
Alexis Makarios: Who said it had to be an ally or a friend? You see, the person I am picking to face Cleo is… well… unexpected. I have chosen Kallie Reznik to face her next week.
Claire Anderson: That sure is unexpected! But why Kallie?
Alexis Makarios: Well, first off, that girl can fight her ass. I know first hand. Sure, she didn’t beat me. But I also didn’t beat her. She gave me a hell of a fight! She deserves a moment in the spotlight. A chance to really highlight what she can do. So this is her chance. And if she gives Cleo as rough of a fight as she gave me last week… well… this beat the clock challenge just blew wide open!
Claire Anderson: Well, good luck to you both, let’s head to ringside for our next match!
(The cameras cut back to ringside.)
Singles Match
Dylan Howell vs. Moondust
(This was a fun match, as Howell had the fans, and commentary cracking up at his antics. He even got Moondust to crack at one point. The guy stopped the match mid-match, just to lead the audience in an acapella singing of “Don’t Stop Believin’”.)
JR Freeman: Come on, Alf. Sing along!
Alfonso Banks: This kid…I gotta say, I love him!
(After the sing-a-long that sees even Moondust mumbling along, Howell kicks him in the gut, lifts him up, and brings him down with the D.O.A.)
1…
2…
3!!!
JR Freeman: Well, that was fun! Impressive showing from Dylan Howell, and a pretty good singing voice!
Alfonso Banks: Looking forward to seeing more from him!
WINNER - DYLAN HOWELL
(The cameras cut to the back as Violet is putting on the final touches of her gear. After she finishes, she glances up toward the camera with an evil glare.)
Violet Amelia Holt: Kallie Reznik! You have no fucking clue what my goals are in this company. Why? Because I don't share them in a public forum. The fact you had the nerve to question my passion really told me all I needed to know about you. You are a follower. You are someone who needs the approval of others just so your career has meaning. That is why you are not going to last in this business. I don't need anyone's approval. I'm not in this business to make friends. I'm in this business to fucking hurt people. What are you here for besides wanting to win trinkets. Do you have an actual reason? No. You want everyone to drink the same Kool-Aid that your friends give you to drink. Everyone tells you what you like to hear but I'm here to tell you. It's all bullshit.
(Violet pulls her wristbands out of her bag.)
Violet Amelia Holt: Tonight, I will make a fucking statement by dropping three fuckers on their damn heads. I will be the next CD champion. If I have to go through every fucking person I face then so be it. No one will keep me from my goal. The Five feet of Crazy will strike hard and fast. Are you three ready for the fight of your fucking life? I guess we shall see and find out.
(Violet gives a snarl before walking out of the shot.)
(The scene fades up in the back where Alexis was talking with a stagehand when she hears a voice from down the hall… it was Heather Haze)
Heather Haze: LEXI! WE NEED TO TALK, GIRL!
(The stagehand excused themselves. Quickly. Alexis turned to face Heather, who had gotten up to her and crossed her arms.)
Heather Haze: YOU OWE ME AN EXPLANATION!
(Alexis, confused, squints in the direction of Heather.)
Alexis Makarios: I swear to God, Heather, if this is your wild jealousy because I was talking to some one…
Heather Haze: No, not that! You didn't pick me to face Cleo for you! I'm, well, frankly I'm insulted!
Alexis Makarios: Ohhhhh, I see. This is cuz I picked Kallie Reznik over you. I have my reasons, and I explained why earlier tonight. She deserves a chance to shine. You need to be focused on your Elimination Chamber at Demon's Run. It's very much not that I think you couldn't handle Cleo. I know you could take her.
(Heather's stance lightens up a little.)
Heather Haze: Well… at least you didn't pick Audrey either. Because that would have been FUCKED.
Alexis Makarios: So chill, it wasn't anything personal.
(Heather laughed a bit)
Heather Haze: You must have ZERO confidence in Audrey.
(Heather walked off laughing.)
Alexis Makarios: That's not… what i… oh forget it…
(Alexis shakes her head and walks off)
(Cameras catch up in the ring where Miss Puppies was standing, a huge smirk overtaking her face. She raised her mic and began talking with a sense of ego in her voice.)
Miss Puppies: See… I bet you idiots are wondering why I went after Violet at Crusade. I can hear you all now.
(She cleared her voice and continued in a voice that was meant to sound like mocking)
Miss Puppies: "O. M. G. Miss Puppies… why? Why would you do that? What What she ever do to you?"
(She scoffed and continued in her normal voice)
Miss Puppies: You wanna know why? Because of that little midget I was not only left off of Crusade, but I was left out of the Collateral Damage Championship!!! I was LEFT OUT because of her. So, ya know, she deserved it and had it coming. And I just… well… I didn't feel like answering her when she called me out. She's dull, boring, and she makes people request refunds for their tickets because she sucks SO BAD!!! So yeah, she deserved to not win the championship. And now that's that's vacant… guess who is gonna get the next shot? One way… or another!
(Suddenly “New Design” blares over the sound system as Violet Amelia Holt steps out onto the stage. The crowd seems split as Violet doesn't even acknowledge them. Violet looks down at the ring where Miss Puppies is standing.)
Banks: Oh this is going to be good.
Freeman: Something tells me, Violet isn't here to talk.
(Violet slowly walks down the ramp as her eyes never leave Miss Puppies.)
Violet Amelia Holt: You know Miss Puppies, the only reason why you were left off of Crusade is because I kicked your fucking ass.
(Violet smiles while hopping up onto the ring apron. She steps inside the ring and gets right up in Miss Puppies’ face.)
Violet Amelia Holt: You want to say I am boring and yet you are like every other broad on this fucking roster. You blame everyone else for why you are forgotten about in this company. The fact is, you would have been embarrassed since your skills are shit. If you think you are Championship material then I have got one thing to say.
(Violet strikes with a vicious headbutt while dropping the microphone. The two ladies grapple up and begin to brawl with each other! Security rushes out to the ring and separates them as the show quickly cuts to a commercial.)
Fatal 4-Way Match
Devon Ryder vs. Violet Amelia Holt vs. Kallie Reznik vs. Miles Kasey
(The match begins with Devon and Violet locking up, before Miles breaks up the lock-up with a top-rope dropkick. Kallie gets involved soon after, delivering a running headscissors tilt-a-whirl takeover on Miles.)
JR Freeman: This match is already getting chaotic!
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, no shit! All four of these competitors want it just a little bit more than the others!
JR Freeman: Well, that sentence ALMOST made sense.
(The action continues like this for a bit, until each person is fighting one other, like two mini-matches happening simultaneously. Devon fighting Violet and Miles taking on Kallie. Ryder hits one german suplex, then another, looking for the Three Provinces, but on the third one Violet reverses it into a dragon sleeper! Miles, meanwhile, jumps off the top, looking for some sort of move, but Kallie runs up to him, jumping on the turnbuckle and hitting a top-rope falcon arrow, going for the cover!)
1!
(Kickout at 1.5!! The match continues like this, Kallie on top on their side, while Ryder and VIolet are somewhat even in terms of offense.)
JR Freeman: Well, one thing I can say about this match, we definitely cannot say that PWS: Apex does not do intergender wrestling!
Alfonso Banks: Well, we could say it, but it wouldn’t be true!
JR Freeman: Fair enough.
Alfonso Banks: Goddamn right it is.
(As the match carries on, there are a couple more near-falls. One from Ryder hitting the Social Safety Net on Violet, with Kallie breaking up the pin, and another with Miles hitting Kallie with the Reverse Frankensteiner, with Violet breaking up that one. Nobody in the match is ready to give up, as they all get into the middle of the ring, having an all-out brawl, punches flying everywhere as they go at it.)
(Soon one of them goes down, Ryder falling to the mat as Miles starts kicking him, then Violet pulls Kallie’s hair as she drags her to the center of the ring, where Kallie kicks her in the stomach and goes on the offense!)
(Soon everyone heads to the outside after Miles clotheslines Ryder out of the ring. Once all the competitors are on the outside, the ref starts counting, but once he reaches 8, Kallie Reznik slides into the ring, making the count reset. Rebounding off the ropes, Kallie runs at the other competitors, knocking them all down with a suicide 360!)
JR Freeman: Impressive athleticism on display from Kallie Reznik!
(Sliding Violet back into the ring, Kallie follows her and soon lays her flat to the mat with a springboard bulldog. The other two slide into the ring too, and Miles starts attacking the downed Violet, while Devon attacks Kallie. Everyone’s going full gear now, hitting move after move of impressive offense against one another. After another little bit of this, Violet manages to lock Kallie in Nerdvana!)
JR Freeman: Nerdvana!
Alfonso Banks: This one’s over!
JR Freeman: Maybe not, the others are still up!
(After seeing this, Miles heads to the top and hits the Blast From the Past to Violet, breaking the hold and sending her to the ground! He goes for the pin, laying face-up and hooking the leg!)
1!
2!
(...And Devon Ryder grabs Miles out of the pin, flipping him around and locking in The Maple Leaf!)
JR Freeman: Maple Leaf!
Alfonso Banks: Y’know, I had maple syrup once.
JR Freeman: Yeah?
Alfonso Banks: Yeah.
JR Freeman: Oh. That’s just… the end of your story?
Alfonso Banks: Ryder not letting go of the hold!
JR Freeman: That’s the end of your story. Got it.
(As Devon wrenches harder, Miles tries going for the ropes, like he’s about to tap, but suddenly Kallie Reznik jumps off the top with Threads of the Moirai! With everyone down, she rolls over, draping an arm over The Canadian Hero.)
1!
2!
…3!
(The bell rings as Kallie’s victory is announced. She smiles as she plays to the crowd, celebrating in the ring, then down the ramp as she starts heading to the back.)
JR Freeman: An impressive victory for up-and-comer Kallie Reznik!
Alfonso Banks: Heh, you said “come”.
JR Freeman: You’ve been hanging out with Levi again, haven’t you?
Alfonso Banks: Maybe.
(There’s a pause.)
Alfonso Banks: …Yes.
(He speaks dejectedly as he says that.)
WINNER - KALLIE REZNIK
(Cameras catch up to the back where Alexis is walking, looking for someone. She stops a stage hand.)
Alexis Makarios: Have you seen Audrey?
(The stagehand shakes his head and keeps going about his work. She turns around and comes face to face with Audrey Russow.)
Audrey Russow: Looking for me?
Alexis Makarios: Yes! I wanted to apologize for not picking you for next week against Cleo. I know you would have kicked some major Cleo butt…
(Audrey stops Alexis.)
Audrey Russow: Let me stop ya…listen, ya KNOW I woulda fought like hell for ya…but, with everything going on, between Aurora and RJ, and the chamber, and all the BFTP stuff in SCW…honestly, thank you for NOT choosing me. I would have done it, but just another thing for me to stress about.
Alexis Makarios: So… you… aren’t mad at me for not picking you?
(Audrey smirks a little and shakes her head.)
Alexis Makarios: Oh thank god. I just got done talking to Heather and she was PISSED that I didn’t pick her. Just goes to show the polar opposites that you guys are.
(Alexis looks relieved.)
Audrey Russow: Well…it also helps I’m not a psycho jealous biiiiiiiitch. Bu seriously, no worries. Though, if she was pissed before…no telling how she’s gonna be after the tag match tonight.
Alexis Makarios: Can…can ya just not…ya know…kill each other?
Audrey Russow: No promises?
Alexis Makarios: At least not until the chamber? Then it’s free game?
(The two both laugh a little bit.)
Alexis Makarios: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANYWAYS… I’ll let you finish getting ready for your match. Good luck out there!
(Alexis then heads off down the hall, sending the scene to black)
(“Ocean Man” plays as The Squid-Man emerges from the back, walking to the ring like a squid under the blue, sea-like lighting.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Squid-Man!
(He gets to the ring, holding his hand out for a microphone, which he’s given. Once the audience settles down, he speaks.)
Squid-Man: I am a squid.
(“Ocean Man” plays again as he drops the microphone, stepping out of the ring and heading to the back.)
Alfonso Banks: What, that was it!?
JR Freeman: Aw, c’mon Alf, that was fun, if nothing else!
Alfonso Banks: Is fun, in this case, a synonym for pointless?
JR Freeman: I feel like we never used to fight this much.
Alfonso Banks: You’re right, I had a bad sleep, and I’m sorry.
JR Freeman: It’s alright, friend. I get it.
(Running around outside the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas like a chicken with his head cut off the last thing that Dylan Howell looks like is a professional wrestler. Yet with hours to go until the PWS:Apex Riot show that will be emanating live from this location Dylan finds himself on the card. At 37 years old it is the first time that Dylan will be wrestling anywhere as he takes on a fellow veteran Moondust. Right now however, he is nearly frantic, a problem considering nobody knows what happened to his girlfriend Sam but without her Dylan has made the decision to go with his medication. It does not look like this is a wise decision as he is pacing back and forth outside the arena alone muttering to himself in his street clothes, a plain black t-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. He is holding a pair of boxers and a pair of briefs, looking down at the underwear like he is having a conversation with them, so engrossed in that he doesn't realize that there are two men in front of him until he walks into them as they were also not paying attention. Looking up at the same time both Dylan and the two men take a step back with mouths agape. The other two men look like Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, though they are clearly not them, they only look like them.)
Dylan: "I know you guys, I have watched all of your movies!"
Will: "Movies? No you must be mistaken dude. I'm Will S. Reston, Esquire."
Fred: "And I'm Fred Fredrick Hogan."
Will and Fred: "And we are Wild Mustangs!!!"
(Will and Fred then start playing air guitars, though the air guitars have sound. Dylan is getting very excited watching them.)
Dylan: "Are you sure the two of you aren't from the movies? Because I swear the two of you look exactly like my favorite movie guys from when I was just a small guy."
Will: "No dude, you must be mistaken and stuff."
Fred: "Yeah dude, we don't have time to be world famous movie guys,, we are world famous rock stars."
Dylan: "EXCELLENT!!"
(Will and Fred play their air guitars, and yes, the air guitars have sound. This time however, they are joined by Dylan.)
Dylan: "I'm Dylan Elosious Howell, and I am a world famous professional wrestler and ex-mental patient!"
Will: "We know dude, you are the reason why we are here tonight."
Fred: "Yeah dude, it's your debut with PWS:Apex."
Dylan: "Wow, that's exactly right guys who look like my favorite movie guys but aren't them. You guys must watch professional wrestling."
Will: "That's right dude, professional wrestling is most righteous dude."
Fred: "And you Dylan Howell are our favorite professional wrestler dude."
Dylan: "That's incredible! Say maybe you guys can help me decide on something before my match tonight. It's really important."
Will: "Anything we can to help you dude."
Fred: "Yeah, like what is it dude?"
(Dylan holds up the two pairs of underwear in front of him.)
Will: "Wow, Dylan Howell's underwear dude!"
Fred: "This is like the greatest night of my life dude!"
Dylan: "Ok, but which do I go with, boxers or briefs?"
Will: "You could just try free ballin dude!"
Dylan: "Free ballin?"
Fred: Yeah dude, like Tom Petty was talking about in his song!"
(Once again Dylan’s mouth is suddenly agape.)
Dylan: "I totally know that song guys!"
(Without warning, Dylan pulls a microphone out of his back pocket, and proceeds to sing.)
Dylan: "She's a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America, too
She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend, too
And it's a long day livin' in Reseda
There's a freeway runnin' through the yard
And I'm a bad boy, 'cause I don't even miss her
I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart"
(Now Will and Fred join in with Dylan for the refrain. The three are singing at the top of their lungs, albeit singing the refrain slightly different.)
All Three: "AND I'M FREEEEE, FREE BALLIN'!!
YEAH I'M FREEEEE, FREE BALLIN'!!"
(All three of them look very happy now following their impromptu concert which has people looking at them very odd outside the arena until Dylan checks his watch.)
Dylan: "Oh damn, I have to go, thanks guys!"
(Dylan runs off inside the arena leaving Will and Fred to ponder)
Will: "Fred?"
Fred: "Yeah Will?"
Will: "Do you think that he is going to do it, dude?"
Fred: "I don't know dude, I don't know."
Tag Team Match
Heather Haze & Mike Hawk vs. Sierra Williams & Audrey Russow
(The energy in the room is ELECTRIC when this match begins, with Audrey Russow staring DAGGERS through Haze from across the ring. She doesn’t break eye-contact as Sierra Williams steps through the ropes to the apron, smirking in Haze’s direction as she makes the decision to let Audrey start things off. Haze immediately nopes the fuck out, leaving Hawk in the ring looking puzzled. He turns to question her as the bell rings, and Russow EXPLODES out of her corner with a brutal Enzuigiri that takes the former Collateral Damage Champion off his feet! She then immediately begins laying into him with stiff kicks and stomps while still maintaining eye-contact with Haze who’s on the outside, and this is the pace the match maintains for much of the first third. Audrey Russow is on the warpath, and clearly trying to send a message to Heather Haze by brutalizing her poor, hilarious teammate. The self-styled Collateral Damage President does as much as he can to minimize damage - including, at one point, sliding out of the ring HIMSELF which results in a shouting match with his partner about why she won’t “JUST GET IN THE GODDAMN RING AND HELP ME!”, but their conversation is broken up by a Tandem Suicide Dive from Audrey and Sierra! The four then pair off and brawl on the outside for a while, with Haze and Audrey coming nose-to-nose as the fans’ anticipation grows to a thunderous roar…before Haze darts under the ring and comes up on the other side! Russow moves to give chase but she’s blindsided by Hawk, looking to enact a measure of revenge for the beating he received in the early going, and as this happens Sierra takes the fight to Haze.)
JR Freeman: These competitors have to be careful here, if they get too focused on old grudges they could get counted out!
Alfonso Banks: Wow, FABULOUS insight, JR. Thank you for telling us THE RULES OF THE MATCH, in case anybody watching at home is BRAINDEAD!
JR Freeman: Well, I don’t know, Alf; YOU’RE watching.
(The two couples fight around the ring as the referee’s count begins, with Hawk taking advantage against Russow and Sierra taking advantage against Haze, and they continue this brawl until the count reaches a firm seven before Hawk gets antsy and slides Russow back into the ring, following her himself. He lifts her into a slick Piledriver then goes for a cover, netting a close two! Hawk then takes HIS turn to go on the offensive, keeping Audrey trapped in the unfriendly corner and not allowing her to build up any momentum to turn the tables. Hawk and Haze even employ a few heelish tactics, with Hawk distracting the referee while Haze chokes Audrey with the tag rope, for example, and the exchange finally ends with Hawk lifting Audrey onto the top rope to nail the CTEmergency! This nets a two-and-seven-eighths count, which CLEARLY frustrates the President of Pro-Wrestling, so he turns to slap a tag to Haze instead. To his dismay, however, she pulls her hand away and says she refuses to get in the ring as long as Audrey’s still the legal woman. Hawk doesn’t hide his exasperation, shouting at her again that she’s being ridiculous, but during the distraction Russow is able to crawl back to her corner and make the tag to Sierra Williams, who nails Hawk in the back with a Running Single-Leg Dropkick that sends him forward into the ropes and knocks Haze off the apron!)
JR Freeman: Nice move there by Sierra Williams! Always thinking two steps ahead!
Alfonso Banks: That damned cheating snake! Attacking our beloved president like that when his back is turned! That’s just not sportsmanlike.
(Sierra then begins to duke it out with Hawk, the two trading increasingly-stiff blows in a test of both strength and fortitude which ends with Hawk doubling Sierra over with a STIFF chest chop and lifting her for a Vertical Suplex…but getting floored with the Click Click Boom! He doesn’t tap, though he comes damn close, and following that exchange it’s Sierra’s turn to take the advantage by using her technical expertise to keep Hawk on the mat, where he’s clearly not as comfortable. He finally manages to scramble out of an Ankle Lock, Scooby Doo-style, to make a hot tag to the recovered Heather Haze (followed by a very audible “OH THANK FUCK!” as he recuperates on the apron). Haze and Sierra go pound-for-pound with one another, the Bad Girl clearly trying to prove their Crusade match wasn’t a fluke, and Sierra raring to prove she’s a fighting champion. The two practically bring the house down, trading spot after spot - even kicking out of each other’s finishers, to a SPECTACULAR pop each time - and by the end of their exchange the crowd is on their feet. Finally, Haze pulls herself up using the ropes for support and makes a “come on” motion at Sierra, who’s still clearly winded after their high-octane battle…but the Champion simply smirks and walks backwards, tagging in the now-recuperated Audrey Russow.)
JR Freeman: Uh-oh, Haze could be in trouble now…
Alfonso Banks: If she’s smart, she’ll get the hell out of there and QUICK!
(The crowd goes BALLISTIC as Russow and Haze finally come face-to-face in the centre of the ring, with Heather desperately looking around for a way out, backing slowly away as Audrey just advances with a smirk, cracking her knuckles in preparation…when suddenly, the lights cut out! The excitement turns to confusion, which itself turns to cacophonous boos as they come back on to reveal Jonathan Sanders standing in the middle of the ring, flanked by Dionysus. The pair are both holding steel chairs, and have interposed themselves between Heather Haze and Audrey Russow. With a sadistic grin and a primal scream, Sanders NAILS Haze in the head with his chair while Dionysus does the same (though both women, fortunately, get their hands up just in time). This sends them both to the mat AND prompts the referee to ring the bell, ruling the match another no-contest by way of interference!)
WINNER - Match Thrown Out
(After the bell sounds, Sanders continues going wild on Haze’s fallen body with the chair, cackling all the while, as Mike Hawk stands on the outside looking conflicted. His face plays through several emotions as he decides whether he should risk injury to help his partner (who’ll be an opponent in the chamber anyway), but he seems swayed to action by the sudden return of Sierra Williams, who LEAPS into the fray and starts laying into Dionysus with vicious martial-arts kicks to the legs and knees! Hawk looks at the exit, looks back at the ring, sighs and says “God dammit…” before sliding into the ring himself and ducking under Sanders’ chair shot to nail the smaller man with a Rolling Elbow! The President of Pro-Wrestling looks insufferably pleased with himself before his attention is taken by Sierra Williams shouting at him to help her take down Dionysus. Hawk shouts “Oh, right! Him!” before snatching up Sanders’ chair and swinging it at the giant’s back. He drops to one knee and the pair move around to the front, preparing to nail him with the chair to bring him down. He’s using his hands to help himself up, when Audrey Russow comes back into the fray, sending Dionysus down to the mat with the Black Out stomp. After, Sierra and Audrey start kicking and hitting Dionysus, before Sanders makes it back to his feet, and everyone starts to brawl. Everyone, except for Hawk, who has gotten the hell out of there. Security rushes the ring, breaking up the spat, as Hawk watches from halfway up the ramp. By now, security has managed to separate everyone in the ring, with Audrey, Sierra, and Haze on one side, and Sanders and Dionysus on the other, as they are being pulled out of the ring, when Sanders manages to grab a microphone, and starts shouting.))
Jonathan Sanders: How is a raven…like a writing desk?
Alfonso Banks: Oh, I know this! They’re both 14th-century French renaissance paintings! …Wait, what were both things again?
JR Freeman: A raven and a writing desk.
Alfonso Banks: Oh. Fuck, I’m terrible at riddles! Alright, I’ll get there, hang on…just gimme a minute to think…
(Sanders continues speaking, creating some space between him and security.)
Jonathan Sanders: I warned you, Michael. I warned ALL of you that this will CONTINUE happening until my demands are met. Until you solve your unsolvable problem. I will ruin every important moment, have your every match thrown out…and I will CRIPPLE your main-event roster one by one by one by one...
(He points to each of the four competitors in turn as he speaks these final words, then nods to Dionysus, when suddenly…)
“Now wait just a damn minute!”
(The fans erupt with cheers, as Josiah Cena walks out onto the stage. To say he looks PISSED…would be a massive understatement.)
Josiah Cena: Just who in the blue HELL do you think you are? Huh? Kid? You think you can just go around here making threats like that, and it won’t have any repercussions? See, I don’t give two flying fucks who you think you are.
JR Freeman: Apologies for the language, folks.
Alfonso Banks: That’s…out of character for him.
Josiah Cena: You need to take some time and think about what you’ve done and said, and you’re going to get that time. Cause you are hereby suspended indefinitely without pay, and I’m having local Houston PD come to the ring to have you and your cohort escorted from the building!
(The fans cheer, as Sanders and Dionysus are LIVID. The commotion is broken up by the voice of Sierra Williams, as she has a microphone in the ring.)
Sierra Williams: Wait, wait, wait. Just…hold on a sec. If the bastard has a deathwish and wants in the chamber…I’m up to kick his ass. How bout you girls?
(She looks at Haze and Audrey, who give her a nod.)
Sierra Williams: See? I even got these two to agree on something. So, yeah, Cena…put the bastard in the match so we can get our hands on him.
(Josiah hesitates for a moment, as everyone is yelling at each other. The women in the ring yelling at the two attackers, Sanders laughing sadistically, Dionysus yelling at the women in the ring, and poor Mike Hawk looking like he’s about to shit bricks as he looks at Cena, contemplating his next words.)
Josiah Cena: Fine! Fine! You want him in the match, he’s in! As for YOU Dionysus…I’ll deal with YOU next week! Now get these two out of my face and out of the building so we can enjoy our main event!
(The fans cheer, as security starts escorting Sanders and Dionysus up the ramp. In the ring, as the three women are making their way out of the ring, Audrey is behind the other two, and picks up one of the chairs from the attack, and nails Haze across the back with it. She smirks and drops the chair, as security rushes back in, but she gets out of the ring, as Sierra just shakes her head, and we cut away.)
(Somewhere in the bowels of the arena sits Alexander Lyons, tag team championship slung over his shoulder, hatred and anger fill his pale face, as words spew from his mouth like venom.)
Alexander Lyons: Last Riot was a fluke. Put me against Aiden Reynolds a hundred times, and I’ll beat him ninety-nine of them. At the end of the day, I still have one half of the tag team championships and while such a title may not please my partner, I choose to see things differently.
(The camera jarringly cuts to a closeup of Alexander and his snarling face, before cutting back to normal just as quickly.)
Alexander Lyons: Dead division aside, the belts still hold power. Power that now belongs to us, and power that won’t soon be taken away. Can’t you all see it. We’ll soon have it all. Sanders will recapture his Collateral Damage championship that was stolen from him, and Sykes will defeat Malachi tonight, and go on to enter the chamber where he will walk out World Champion.
(Another jarring closeup shot of Alexander, this time it’s an inaudible scream, with a shaky camera effect before cutting back to normal.)
Alexander Lyons: Now, I would be happy to put an end to the reign of Cleo Phillips, and truly allow ANTITHESIS to seize all at Demons Run. Unfortunately, Alexis Makarios will be getting a chance to attempt that, and there’s some sort of conflict of interest with me facing Cleo for that championship since, we..come from the same dojo if you will.
(Another jarring cut to Alexander laughing to himself, staring into a corner, only for a moment before it cuts back.)
Alexander Lyons: But I’ll be damned if I don’t get to fight. I’ll be DAMNED if I’m seen as some sort of third wheel. So you want your dead division brought back to life? You want ANTITHESIS to do the work for you? FINE. On behalf of my tag team partner and the rest of ANTITHESIS, I am issuing an open challenge to ANY TAG TEAM who wants to step up. I repeat ANY TAG TEAM.
(He keeps the same angry expression on his face as he continues.)
Alexander Lyons: I don’t care where they come from, what company they work for or where they might be training at. They want a shot at the champs? We will gladly take them on and prove that ANTITHESIS is the most dominant force in ALL of Professional Wrestling. I came to CONQUER and the CONQUEST of Alexander has only just begun.
(One last jarring cut to a closeup of his face, before the scene cuts away for good.)
Alexander Lyons: “HEAR ME ROAR.”
(We return to the ringside area as Ella Singleton and Jasmine Philips have occupied the ring. "Everybody Talks" is playing in the distance.)
Freeman: What could these two possibly want?
Banks: This makes me happy to see these two. Let's hope these people will show them some respect.
(Ella is looking around as the crowd is booing like crazy.)
Ella Singleton: Can you ignorant fools please do us a favor and shut your mouths. Jas and I aren't happy.
(The boos get louder as Ella growls a little more.)
Ella Singleton: We have been waiting for our opportunity but yet we keep getting overlooked. What do we have to do? Do we need to break people?
(Before Jasmine can speak, "Still Rolling Stones" blares as Ivory Sullivan comes walking out to a very loud pop from the crowd. Ella sees Ivory as her temper slowly begins to rise.)
Ivory Sullivan: What is up Houston?
Ella Singleton: No asked for you so why don't you head on back to catering.
Ivory Sullivan: Now, why would i do a thing like for Sabrina? I mean you and I have some unfinished business.
(Ivory Sullivan slides into the ring as The Society immediately jumps her. They start beating her down as the crowd is booing like crazy.)
Freeman: This is just disgusting.
Banks: Now this is what I like to see from Ella and Jasmine.
(Ivory starts to fight back but the numbers is just too much. Jasmine goes to lift Ivory up onto her shoulder when "Wildside" suddenly plays over the sound system. The crowd goes nuts as Shelby Holt comes sprinting down the ramp and slides into the ring. Shelby catches Jasmine by a boot to the face as Ella quickly slips out of the ring. Jasmine rolls out as "Foundation" chants begin to fill the arena. Ivory and Shelby stand on the turnbuckles as The Society are screaming their heads off.)
PWS: APEX Demon’s Run
LIVE Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Main Event
Demon’s Run Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Singles Match
Malachi vs. Tyson Sykes
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber at Demon's Run, scheduled for one fall, and it is your MAIN EVENT of the evening!
'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, as per usual. Tonight, he’s sporting a backwards hat and a cutoff ANTITHESIS tee slightly too big for him that hangs slightly over the PWS: Apex Tag Team title belt, wrapped proudly around his waist. Sykes slaps the belt three times, nodding to the camera and mouthing “That’s right, baby,” then 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, unclasping his Tag Title belt and hoisting it high into the air, then strumming a few notes of air guitar on it in tune with the song. He then leaps the rest of the way over the top rope and circles the inside of the ring, folding up the title and handing it to the timekeeper before he doffs the shirt and hat and begins to do some callisthenics, glare fixed on the stage as he waits for Malachi to make his entrance.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first; from Gorham, New Hampshire, weighing in at 235 lbs., "THE RIPPER", TYSOOOOON SYYYYYKES!
(As Sykes stands in the ring bouncing from foot to foot, the quiet beginning of “Blood//Water” begins playing through the speakers as Malachi enters the arena. The usual rousing chorus of boos has been replaced by a surprising chorus of APPLAUSE, as fans welcome the veteran back to active competition. This warm welcome seems to surprise the Irisihman, who stares around at the crowd with a look of utter bewilderment and surprise. He tries his best to replace that with his customary disdain as he walks down the ramp towards the ring, but the facade slips a bit here and there and we can catch glimpses of a smile flickering across his chiselled face. He takes a second to compose himself at the base of the ramp, inhaling sharply before climbing the steps and entering through the ropes. He then climbs the turnbuckle and throws his arms to the side while staring out at the crowd again as his music fades away.)
Mwg Reynolds: And his opponent; hailing from Waterford, Ireland; weighing in at 180 lbs., MAAAAALACHIIIIIIII!
(The crowd is on their feet from the very START of this one, threatening to bring the roof down with the intensity of their cheers for the returning Malachi. Chants of "WEL-COME BACK! WEL-COME BACK!" nearly drown out the announcers as the two come nose-to-nose with one another, trash talking heavily. The bell rings, and this one kicks off at a surprisingly slow and technical pace. The two begin by circling one another, slowly feeling things out like two veterans meeting for the first time. It's Sykes who makes the first move, signaling a test of strength, which Malachi approaches with some caution, pulling back a few times until he can find a good angle. Once the pair DO lock up, it's Sykes who takes advantage, using his weight and power to twist Malachi's arms and force his hands down. The Irish O'Connell's knees bend and he sinks lower to the mat as he widens his stance, with Sykes smirking all the while. The crowd peppers him with boos and jeers as their returning hero struggles, but their reaction quickly turns around, when Malachi inhales deeply and lets out a primal shout of fury, reversing the test-of-strength back to a neutral position and VIOLENTLY headbutting Sykes in the process! The Ripper reels but does not fall, nor does he let go of the test of strength, so Malachi rears back and nails him with ANOTHER headbutt even stiffer than the first! This DOES cause Sykes to let go of Malachi’s hands, grabbing his own forehead as he stumbles backwards a few steps. Malachi moves forward to capitalize, grappling Sykes for a suplex of some kind, but the Ripper fires back with a headbutt of his own that sends the Irishman reeling as well. Sykes then snorts and wastes no time following up, BLASTING Malachi with a Lariat that literally causes the Irishman to flip over his afm before landing prone on the mat. Sykes grins and rolls his shoulders, throwing his arms out to the sides with a primal shout of energy, then approaches the downed O'Connel and pulls him into a Camel Clutch.)
JR Freeman: What an exchange! The strength of these two men is not to be underestimated.
Alfonso Banks: Seems like it didn't work out great for Malachi, though. Guess we know who the stronger competitor is!
JR Freeman: I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Alf. We’ve seen Mal come back from worse than this!
(It certainly does look bleak, though, as Sykes wrenches on the Camel Clutch with a vicious and sadistic growl. Malachi writhes and struggles in the hold, but Sykes only makes it tighter, pulling backwards and falling into a grapevine position with his own back on the mat. The Horseman of Conquest is clever enough to keep one shoulder up, defeating a three-count, but this elevated position is ultimately what allows Mal to escape the hold, rolling onto his stomach to bring him within arm’s reach of the bottom rope. Sykes refuses to break the hold cleanly, so the ref begins to count…)
1!
2!
3!
4!
(Sykes finally releases the hold at 4.5, the referee getting in his face to give him a proper castigation for holding on so long, but Sykes simply snorts and flips the bird in his general direction. He then continues his offensive, firing a couple of brutal stomps into Malachi before bending down to nail him with a deadlift Gut-Wrench Suplex! The crowd voices their displeasure at this turn of events but Sykes simply grins, launching a stiff kick into Mal’s left shoulder before stomping on the wrist of the same arm. Malachi grabs his arm and pulls it close to his body, crying out as he rolls around in pain, and Sykes grins, firing a few MORE stiff kicks into Mal’s back before dropping a knee onto the side of his head. The fans grow even less fond of Tyson Sykes, who takes a moment to flip THEM the bird as well, sneering vividly as he does! He then lifts Malachi’s body onto his shoulders and takes a running start towards the turnbuckle, flooring him AGAIN with a MASSIVE Syko Bomb! Mal crumples in the corner and Sykes pulls him out for a cover…)
ONE…
TWO…
THR-NO! MAL GETS A SHOULDER UP!
JR Freeman: Syko Bomb! This could be it…
Alfonso Banks: NO! Dammit! Malachi kicked out! What does it take to STOP this guy, JR?
JR Freeman: You say that like you’re surprised, Alf. You should KNOW how tough Malachi is by now!
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, I do, I do, I just…y’know…I was HOPING he’d MAYBE give up. Just this once? Let us all go home early?
JR Freeman: …Your UberEats just got here, didn’t it Alf?
Alfonso Banks: I just don’t wanna have to microwave it again, JR! Is that so wrong?!
(Back in the ring, Sykes reacts to the kickout, surprisingly, not with frustration, but simply a nod. “Okay,” he mouths, “okay.” This eerily-calm demeanor remains with the Ripper even as he returns to his feet, grabbing Malachi by his close-cropped brown hair and pulling him back up, VICIOUSLY chopping the Irishman across the chest! Malachi’s still dazed from the Crucifix Powerbomb into the corner, but he manages to stay on his feet, prompting Tyson to chop him AGAIN to send him down to one knee! Once Mal is down, Sykes rears back to go for a Roundhouse Kick, but Malachi has enough wherewithal to duck underneath it, sending his opponent off-balance for a moment. He then follows-up by launching himself to his feet like a torpedo, nailing Sykes in the gut with a headbutt on his way up, which doubles the Tag-Team Champion over into prime position for a Snap Vertical Suplex! Mal then lets out a shout and pounds his chest, posing for the fans for just a moment to a cacophony of applause for the comeback! Sykes doesn’t stay down long, however, which seems to be to Malachi’s delight as he hits the ropes running and uses his momentum to carry through a running Head-Grip Mat Slam to send Sykes back to the canvas!)
JR Freeman: Mal’s gettin’ fired-up here! This might be the beginning of the end for Sykes!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, thank fuck! Maybe my queso will still be lukewarm by the time I get to it!
JR Freeman: Are you even WATCHING the match at this point, Alf?
Alfonso Banks: Sure I am! Uh…go…that one guy! You know who I mean.
JR Freeman: *Audible sigh* I don’t know why I put up with you some days.
(Malachi is INDEED fired up, playing on the excitement and adulation of the crowd as he climbs to the second rope…then shakes his head and climbs to the top, launching himself off with a Double Foot Stomp to Sykes’ midsection! He then goes for a quick cover…)
ONE…
TWO-NO! Sykes POWERS out of the pin!
Alfonso Banks: Goddamn, Malachi got TOSSED off of Tyson Sykes just then!
JR Freeman: The power of this man can be truly terrifying, at times. I just don’t know how Mal’s going to overcome that strength advantage.
Alfonso Banks: Do you think he’s considered power-armour?
JR Freeman: Since we don’t live in MARVEL COMICS, Alf, no. Somehow I don’t think he has.
Alfonso Banks: …Bummer.
(Malachi seems to be feeling rather bummed as well, shaking his head to demonstrate his displeasure as he and Tyson Sykes get back to their feet. Sykes seems fired up and ready for action, and he LAUNCHES a kick into Malachi’s chest, the impact of which could break the sound barrier! The audience audibly winces as Mal reels backwards in pain, but the Irishman clenches his fists and roars in fury, managing to remain on his feet. He answers Tyson’s kick with one of his own, sending Sykes reeling now, but he stays up as well. Then Sykes fires off ANOTHER kick, followed by Mal answering back in kind, followed by Tyson doing the same again, with the crowd chanting “BOO!” and “YAY!” respectively as each man lands their strikes. The exchange finally comes to an end with Tyson’s final kick, even harder than the first, which sends Malachi staggering back into the ropes…where he bounces off and comes back with a Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick, sending the bigger man to the mat! The crowd pops loudly for this, and Malachi moves to follow up, lifting Sykes - still favouring his left arm from earlier as he does - onto his shoulders, looking for the Pure Malice. Before he can hit it, though, his arm proves to be a problem for him as Sykes is able to use his weight advantage to flip himself over, reversing it into a Tombstone Piledriver position…)
JR Freeman: Oh, here we go…this is a bad spot for Malachi to be in!
Alfonso Banks: That’d be a bad spot for ANYONE to be in, JR!
(Sykes grins as he jumps into the air and sits out, nailing Malachi with the Time of Death! Malachi crumples like a sack of potatoes and Sykes just sits on the mat for a moment, breathing deeply and recovering a bit after that last exchange, but he does eventually go for the cover…)
JR Freeman: TIME OF DEATH! TIME OF DEATH! OH, DIOS MIO, THIS ONE IS OVER!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-NO?! NO! MALACHI SOMEHOW GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Alfonso Banks: What the hell?! I thought you said it was over, JR!
JR Freeman: I thought it WAS!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, my poor carne asada…
(The crowd EXPLODES as Malachi manages to kick out of Sykes’ finisher, and the man himself looks STUNNED. He sits there in shock for one long moment before smacking himself in the face a few times to get his head back in the game, then pounding the mat as he gets back to his feet.)
Tyson Sykes: ALRIGHT, YOU WANNA PLAY?! LET’S FUCKIN’ PLAY!
(Malachi writhes on the mat, not 100 percent recovered after that violent manoeuvre from Sykes, and he doesn’t seem to regain much awareness as the larger man lifts him back to his feet, firing a few stiff knees into his midsection. He then stretches out Malachi’s already-targeted left arm and kicks him directly in the elbow, causing the dazed Irishman to pull back and stagger briefly, holding the joint. Sykes then grabs that same arm and uses it to whip Malachi into the far corner, taking off running after him for a powerful corner clothesline, and as he falls to the mat Sykes lifts his still-dazed opponent and flips him into the Tree of Woe. He then takes several steps back, crouching for a moment to size up his target, then sprints forward and leaps up looking for Brace Yourself…but Malachi is able to wriggle free at the last moment so Sykes’ back connects with the turnbuckle pads! The crowd explodes with cheers again for their returning hero - or, at least, the lesser of two evils - who rolls out of the ring briefly to recuperate. He doesn’t stay there long - not long enough for a count to start, anyway, before getting back into the ring and climbing to the top again. He sizes up Sykes and then turns around, leaping off for a Moonsault! The crowd is on Malachi’s side once again, and he feeds on their passion, their intensity, shaking the ropes with his good arm and screaming in primal fury before he returns to Sykes’ fallen body and lifts him for the Package Piledriver he calls the Hair Trigger. He has some trouble getting the big man up, especially with his injured arm, but he manages to just BARELY get him off the ground long enough for the move to connect!)
JR Freeman: THE HAIR TRIGGER! HAIR TRIGGER! This has GOT to be it!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, Christ, I HOPE so!
(Mal takes a moment on the mat to favour his arm, seething in pain, but he listens to the crowd and realises this is his moment, slapping the mat with his good hand to get himself back in the zone. He goes for the cover, then, but is only able to drape his good arm over Sykes’ shoulders, hoping it’ll be enough…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREENO! SOMEHOW, SYKES KICKS OUT!
JR Freeman: DIOS MIO! I thought for SURE that was the end!
Alfonso Banks: Judging by the look on his face, so did Malachi!
(The crowd erupts with boos as Malachi’s expression goes from enraged to just heartbroken to enraged again, and he slowly - laboriously, clearly moving with great effort after this gruelling contest - begins to get back to his feet. Sykes follows suit, though he’s a little slower on the draw, which allows Mal time to get to the corner and start firing up the crowd as he watches his opponent intensely. Sykes finally returns to his feet and turns around to face his enemy, who bursts out of the corner with a surprise Superkick! …But Sykes manages to catch his leg, hoisting Mal up onto his shoulders with his face to the ceiling, placing him in prime position for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!)
JR Freeman: DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! We’ve seen Sykes finish matches with this before!
Alfonso Banks: Despite my growling tum-tum, JR, I don’t think he’s quite finished…
(No indeed, as Sykes grins a wicked grin - no doubt inspire dby his ANTITHESIS co-founder Jonathan Sanders - and shakes his head, slowly beginning to ascend the nearest turnbuckle. He climbs to the second rope, looks down at Malachi and sneers, shaking his head again, then climbs to the top. Sykes takes a moment to get his balance, standing to full height, then leaps off to nail the fallen Malachi with the Heat Seeker! He covers, and…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! IT’S OVER!
JR Freeman: HEAT SEEKER! HEAT SEEKER! OH DIOS MIO, WHAT A MOVE! This one IS over now!
Alfonso Banks: Fucking FINALLY! I’m STARVING! …I hope Mike Hawk hasn’t stolen my Chipotle. AGAIN.
JR Freeman: Well, in spite of your preoccupation with supper, Alf, that was one HELL of a match-up. Both men fought their hearts out in that ring tonight, and I don’t think anyone can say that either of them didn’t deserve to go home the winner!
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, yeah, everyone’s a winner, participation ribbons and all that. Are you DONE now, JR? Can I go eat?
JR Freeman: Not quite yet, Alf, Meg Reynolds has to make it official.
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner and FINAL participant in the Demon’s Run Elimination Chamber, “THE RIPPER”, TYSON SYYYYYYYYKES!
(Our final shot is of Tyson Sykes with his hand raised, grinning wildly as he holds his tag-team belt high in the other hand, as “Tom Sawyer” blares over the speakers once more.)
JR Freeman: And with that, ladies and gentlemen and everybody else besides, I thank you for joining us for PWS: Apex Riot tonight! We’ll see you again in two weeks’ time for another night of high-octane, professional wrestling action! Have a good night, folks! For my ravenous broadcast companion Alfonso Banks, this is JR Freeman signing off.
Winner - TYSON SYKES
© PWS: APEX 2022, All Rights Reserved.
Demon’s Run Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Singles Match
Malachi vs. Tyson Sykes
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber at Demon's Run, scheduled for one fall, and it is your MAIN EVENT of the evening!
'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, as per usual. Tonight, he’s sporting a backwards hat and a cutoff ANTITHESIS tee slightly too big for him that hangs slightly over the PWS: Apex Tag Team title belt, wrapped proudly around his waist. Sykes slaps the belt three times, nodding to the camera and mouthing “That’s right, baby,” then 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, unclasping his Tag Title belt and hoisting it high into the air, then strumming a few notes of air guitar on it in tune with the song. He then leaps the rest of the way over the top rope and circles the inside of the ring, folding up the title and handing it to the timekeeper before he doffs the shirt and hat and begins to do some callisthenics, glare fixed on the stage as he waits for Malachi to make his entrance.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first; from Gorham, New Hampshire, weighing in at 235 lbs., "THE RIPPER", TYSOOOOON SYYYYYKES!
(As Sykes stands in the ring bouncing from foot to foot, the quiet beginning of “Blood//Water” begins playing through the speakers as Malachi enters the arena. The usual rousing chorus of boos has been replaced by a surprising chorus of APPLAUSE, as fans welcome the veteran back to active competition. This warm welcome seems to surprise the Irisihman, who stares around at the crowd with a look of utter bewilderment and surprise. He tries his best to replace that with his customary disdain as he walks down the ramp towards the ring, but the facade slips a bit here and there and we can catch glimpses of a smile flickering across his chiselled face. He takes a second to compose himself at the base of the ramp, inhaling sharply before climbing the steps and entering through the ropes. He then climbs the turnbuckle and throws his arms to the side while staring out at the crowd again as his music fades away.)
Mwg Reynolds: And his opponent; hailing from Waterford, Ireland; weighing in at 180 lbs., MAAAAALACHIIIIIIII!
(The crowd is on their feet from the very START of this one, threatening to bring the roof down with the intensity of their cheers for the returning Malachi. Chants of "WEL-COME BACK! WEL-COME BACK!" nearly drown out the announcers as the two come nose-to-nose with one another, trash talking heavily. The bell rings, and this one kicks off at a surprisingly slow and technical pace. The two begin by circling one another, slowly feeling things out like two veterans meeting for the first time. It's Sykes who makes the first move, signaling a test of strength, which Malachi approaches with some caution, pulling back a few times until he can find a good angle. Once the pair DO lock up, it's Sykes who takes advantage, using his weight and power to twist Malachi's arms and force his hands down. The Irish O'Connell's knees bend and he sinks lower to the mat as he widens his stance, with Sykes smirking all the while. The crowd peppers him with boos and jeers as their returning hero struggles, but their reaction quickly turns around, when Malachi inhales deeply and lets out a primal shout of fury, reversing the test-of-strength back to a neutral position and VIOLENTLY headbutting Sykes in the process! The Ripper reels but does not fall, nor does he let go of the test of strength, so Malachi rears back and nails him with ANOTHER headbutt even stiffer than the first! This DOES cause Sykes to let go of Malachi’s hands, grabbing his own forehead as he stumbles backwards a few steps. Malachi moves forward to capitalize, grappling Sykes for a suplex of some kind, but the Ripper fires back with a headbutt of his own that sends the Irishman reeling as well. Sykes then snorts and wastes no time following up, BLASTING Malachi with a Lariat that literally causes the Irishman to flip over his afm before landing prone on the mat. Sykes grins and rolls his shoulders, throwing his arms out to the sides with a primal shout of energy, then approaches the downed O'Connel and pulls him into a Camel Clutch.)
JR Freeman: What an exchange! The strength of these two men is not to be underestimated.
Alfonso Banks: Seems like it didn't work out great for Malachi, though. Guess we know who the stronger competitor is!
JR Freeman: I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Alf. We’ve seen Mal come back from worse than this!
(It certainly does look bleak, though, as Sykes wrenches on the Camel Clutch with a vicious and sadistic growl. Malachi writhes and struggles in the hold, but Sykes only makes it tighter, pulling backwards and falling into a grapevine position with his own back on the mat. The Horseman of Conquest is clever enough to keep one shoulder up, defeating a three-count, but this elevated position is ultimately what allows Mal to escape the hold, rolling onto his stomach to bring him within arm’s reach of the bottom rope. Sykes refuses to break the hold cleanly, so the ref begins to count…)
1!
2!
3!
4!
(Sykes finally releases the hold at 4.5, the referee getting in his face to give him a proper castigation for holding on so long, but Sykes simply snorts and flips the bird in his general direction. He then continues his offensive, firing a couple of brutal stomps into Malachi before bending down to nail him with a deadlift Gut-Wrench Suplex! The crowd voices their displeasure at this turn of events but Sykes simply grins, launching a stiff kick into Mal’s left shoulder before stomping on the wrist of the same arm. Malachi grabs his arm and pulls it close to his body, crying out as he rolls around in pain, and Sykes grins, firing a few MORE stiff kicks into Mal’s back before dropping a knee onto the side of his head. The fans grow even less fond of Tyson Sykes, who takes a moment to flip THEM the bird as well, sneering vividly as he does! He then lifts Malachi’s body onto his shoulders and takes a running start towards the turnbuckle, flooring him AGAIN with a MASSIVE Syko Bomb! Mal crumples in the corner and Sykes pulls him out for a cover…)
ONE…
TWO…
THR-NO! MAL GETS A SHOULDER UP!
JR Freeman: Syko Bomb! This could be it…
Alfonso Banks: NO! Dammit! Malachi kicked out! What does it take to STOP this guy, JR?
JR Freeman: You say that like you’re surprised, Alf. You should KNOW how tough Malachi is by now!
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, I do, I do, I just…y’know…I was HOPING he’d MAYBE give up. Just this once? Let us all go home early?
JR Freeman: …Your UberEats just got here, didn’t it Alf?
Alfonso Banks: I just don’t wanna have to microwave it again, JR! Is that so wrong?!
(Back in the ring, Sykes reacts to the kickout, surprisingly, not with frustration, but simply a nod. “Okay,” he mouths, “okay.” This eerily-calm demeanor remains with the Ripper even as he returns to his feet, grabbing Malachi by his close-cropped brown hair and pulling him back up, VICIOUSLY chopping the Irishman across the chest! Malachi’s still dazed from the Crucifix Powerbomb into the corner, but he manages to stay on his feet, prompting Tyson to chop him AGAIN to send him down to one knee! Once Mal is down, Sykes rears back to go for a Roundhouse Kick, but Malachi has enough wherewithal to duck underneath it, sending his opponent off-balance for a moment. He then follows-up by launching himself to his feet like a torpedo, nailing Sykes in the gut with a headbutt on his way up, which doubles the Tag-Team Champion over into prime position for a Snap Vertical Suplex! Mal then lets out a shout and pounds his chest, posing for the fans for just a moment to a cacophony of applause for the comeback! Sykes doesn’t stay down long, however, which seems to be to Malachi’s delight as he hits the ropes running and uses his momentum to carry through a running Head-Grip Mat Slam to send Sykes back to the canvas!)
JR Freeman: Mal’s gettin’ fired-up here! This might be the beginning of the end for Sykes!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, thank fuck! Maybe my queso will still be lukewarm by the time I get to it!
JR Freeman: Are you even WATCHING the match at this point, Alf?
Alfonso Banks: Sure I am! Uh…go…that one guy! You know who I mean.
JR Freeman: *Audible sigh* I don’t know why I put up with you some days.
(Malachi is INDEED fired up, playing on the excitement and adulation of the crowd as he climbs to the second rope…then shakes his head and climbs to the top, launching himself off with a Double Foot Stomp to Sykes’ midsection! He then goes for a quick cover…)
ONE…
TWO-NO! Sykes POWERS out of the pin!
Alfonso Banks: Goddamn, Malachi got TOSSED off of Tyson Sykes just then!
JR Freeman: The power of this man can be truly terrifying, at times. I just don’t know how Mal’s going to overcome that strength advantage.
Alfonso Banks: Do you think he’s considered power-armour?
JR Freeman: Since we don’t live in MARVEL COMICS, Alf, no. Somehow I don’t think he has.
Alfonso Banks: …Bummer.
(Malachi seems to be feeling rather bummed as well, shaking his head to demonstrate his displeasure as he and Tyson Sykes get back to their feet. Sykes seems fired up and ready for action, and he LAUNCHES a kick into Malachi’s chest, the impact of which could break the sound barrier! The audience audibly winces as Mal reels backwards in pain, but the Irishman clenches his fists and roars in fury, managing to remain on his feet. He answers Tyson’s kick with one of his own, sending Sykes reeling now, but he stays up as well. Then Sykes fires off ANOTHER kick, followed by Mal answering back in kind, followed by Tyson doing the same again, with the crowd chanting “BOO!” and “YAY!” respectively as each man lands their strikes. The exchange finally comes to an end with Tyson’s final kick, even harder than the first, which sends Malachi staggering back into the ropes…where he bounces off and comes back with a Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick, sending the bigger man to the mat! The crowd pops loudly for this, and Malachi moves to follow up, lifting Sykes - still favouring his left arm from earlier as he does - onto his shoulders, looking for the Pure Malice. Before he can hit it, though, his arm proves to be a problem for him as Sykes is able to use his weight advantage to flip himself over, reversing it into a Tombstone Piledriver position…)
JR Freeman: Oh, here we go…this is a bad spot for Malachi to be in!
Alfonso Banks: That’d be a bad spot for ANYONE to be in, JR!
(Sykes grins as he jumps into the air and sits out, nailing Malachi with the Time of Death! Malachi crumples like a sack of potatoes and Sykes just sits on the mat for a moment, breathing deeply and recovering a bit after that last exchange, but he does eventually go for the cover…)
JR Freeman: TIME OF DEATH! TIME OF DEATH! OH, DIOS MIO, THIS ONE IS OVER!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-NO?! NO! MALACHI SOMEHOW GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Alfonso Banks: What the hell?! I thought you said it was over, JR!
JR Freeman: I thought it WAS!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, my poor carne asada…
(The crowd EXPLODES as Malachi manages to kick out of Sykes’ finisher, and the man himself looks STUNNED. He sits there in shock for one long moment before smacking himself in the face a few times to get his head back in the game, then pounding the mat as he gets back to his feet.)
Tyson Sykes: ALRIGHT, YOU WANNA PLAY?! LET’S FUCKIN’ PLAY!
(Malachi writhes on the mat, not 100 percent recovered after that violent manoeuvre from Sykes, and he doesn’t seem to regain much awareness as the larger man lifts him back to his feet, firing a few stiff knees into his midsection. He then stretches out Malachi’s already-targeted left arm and kicks him directly in the elbow, causing the dazed Irishman to pull back and stagger briefly, holding the joint. Sykes then grabs that same arm and uses it to whip Malachi into the far corner, taking off running after him for a powerful corner clothesline, and as he falls to the mat Sykes lifts his still-dazed opponent and flips him into the Tree of Woe. He then takes several steps back, crouching for a moment to size up his target, then sprints forward and leaps up looking for Brace Yourself…but Malachi is able to wriggle free at the last moment so Sykes’ back connects with the turnbuckle pads! The crowd explodes with cheers again for their returning hero - or, at least, the lesser of two evils - who rolls out of the ring briefly to recuperate. He doesn’t stay there long - not long enough for a count to start, anyway, before getting back into the ring and climbing to the top again. He sizes up Sykes and then turns around, leaping off for a Moonsault! The crowd is on Malachi’s side once again, and he feeds on their passion, their intensity, shaking the ropes with his good arm and screaming in primal fury before he returns to Sykes’ fallen body and lifts him for the Package Piledriver he calls the Hair Trigger. He has some trouble getting the big man up, especially with his injured arm, but he manages to just BARELY get him off the ground long enough for the move to connect!)
JR Freeman: THE HAIR TRIGGER! HAIR TRIGGER! This has GOT to be it!
Alfonso Banks: Oh, Christ, I HOPE so!
(Mal takes a moment on the mat to favour his arm, seething in pain, but he listens to the crowd and realises this is his moment, slapping the mat with his good hand to get himself back in the zone. He goes for the cover, then, but is only able to drape his good arm over Sykes’ shoulders, hoping it’ll be enough…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREENO! SOMEHOW, SYKES KICKS OUT!
JR Freeman: DIOS MIO! I thought for SURE that was the end!
Alfonso Banks: Judging by the look on his face, so did Malachi!
(The crowd erupts with boos as Malachi’s expression goes from enraged to just heartbroken to enraged again, and he slowly - laboriously, clearly moving with great effort after this gruelling contest - begins to get back to his feet. Sykes follows suit, though he’s a little slower on the draw, which allows Mal time to get to the corner and start firing up the crowd as he watches his opponent intensely. Sykes finally returns to his feet and turns around to face his enemy, who bursts out of the corner with a surprise Superkick! …But Sykes manages to catch his leg, hoisting Mal up onto his shoulders with his face to the ceiling, placing him in prime position for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!)
JR Freeman: DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! We’ve seen Sykes finish matches with this before!
Alfonso Banks: Despite my growling tum-tum, JR, I don’t think he’s quite finished…
(No indeed, as Sykes grins a wicked grin - no doubt inspire dby his ANTITHESIS co-founder Jonathan Sanders - and shakes his head, slowly beginning to ascend the nearest turnbuckle. He climbs to the second rope, looks down at Malachi and sneers, shaking his head again, then climbs to the top. Sykes takes a moment to get his balance, standing to full height, then leaps off to nail the fallen Malachi with the Heat Seeker! He covers, and…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! IT’S OVER!
JR Freeman: HEAT SEEKER! HEAT SEEKER! OH DIOS MIO, WHAT A MOVE! This one IS over now!
Alfonso Banks: Fucking FINALLY! I’m STARVING! …I hope Mike Hawk hasn’t stolen my Chipotle. AGAIN.
JR Freeman: Well, in spite of your preoccupation with supper, Alf, that was one HELL of a match-up. Both men fought their hearts out in that ring tonight, and I don’t think anyone can say that either of them didn’t deserve to go home the winner!
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, yeah, everyone’s a winner, participation ribbons and all that. Are you DONE now, JR? Can I go eat?
JR Freeman: Not quite yet, Alf, Meg Reynolds has to make it official.
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner and FINAL participant in the Demon’s Run Elimination Chamber, “THE RIPPER”, TYSON SYYYYYYYYKES!
(Our final shot is of Tyson Sykes with his hand raised, grinning wildly as he holds his tag-team belt high in the other hand, as “Tom Sawyer” blares over the speakers once more.)
JR Freeman: And with that, ladies and gentlemen and everybody else besides, I thank you for joining us for PWS: Apex Riot tonight! We’ll see you again in two weeks’ time for another night of high-octane, professional wrestling action! Have a good night, folks! For my ravenous broadcast companion Alfonso Banks, this is JR Freeman signing off.
Winner - TYSON SYKES
© PWS: APEX 2022, All Rights Reserved.
