Post by Star Stormz on May 13, 2022 2:52:59 GMT -5
PWS:APEX Presents: Riot! May 10th
Honda Center, Anaheim CA
(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, as the opening video package for Riot starts to play on the screen, set to the theme of “Trials” by Starset. The opening video package ends, and we cut to inside the Honda Center, as the live crowd roars. We are joined by the voices of JR Freeman and Alfonso Banks.)
JR Freeman: Hello! And welcome to the Destiny Go Home edition of Tuesday Night Riot! We are live here in Anaheim, California, and what a show we have for you tonight, headlined by a HUGE six person tag match, featuring our World, Tag Team, and United Champions.
Alfonso Banks: Our CD champion is also in action, as she takes on Dionysus.
(Suddenly, the lights go out.)
Alfonso Banks: Already? We just got started!
JR Freeman: Bare with us, folks, as we try to figure out what’s going on.
(Just then, the arena is filled with the opening to “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy, as the crowd roars, as Daniel Russow slowly walks out onto the stage. He is donned in his full fighting gear, full with Russow sleeveless hoodie, and skull facemask, as he makes his way down the ramp.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the ring, from New York, New York, Daniel Russow!
(The fans cheer, as Dan makes his way into the ring, taking the mic from Meg Reynolds. He walks around in the ring for a moment, before stopping to talk. All the time “welcome back” chants break out throughout the arena.)
Daniel Russow: Seems like you missed me.
(The fans cheer.)
Daniel Russsow: Sorry I’ve been gone for so long, had to take care of some things, but now that I’m back, I have some other business to take care of. Heather Haze, you’ve been a thorn in everybody’s side for far too long, and seeing as I have some unfinished business to do with you…you want a match at Destiny….I’ll be your huckleberry.
(The fans cheer again.)
Daniel RUssow: So, get ready, cause you’re in one hell of a fight. Cause this here’s the biggest show of the year, which means we go ALLLLLLLL out, no stone left unturned, no light left unlit….what I’m trying to say is you’re gonna get everything of me…all the months of pent up frustration from missing this business…all the times I thought of you LAUGHING when I got hurt…allllllll that anger….alllll that rage….alllll that’s gonna be unleashed on you at Destiny….so get. Ready.
(With that, Dan drops the mic, and leaves the ring, as his music plays.)
Singles Match
Tyson Sykes vs. Richard Rider
(Richard Rider seems to be outside of his usual comfort zone as soon as the bell sounds for this one, his mind very clearly still preoccupied by the actions of the Squid-Man earlier in the night. The opening moments are consumed by him audibly muttering “he took my fan…” and “I’m gonna kill that Squid, man!” as he manages to barely evade the enraged grasping of Tyson Sykes by the skin of his perfect, Hollywood-white teeth. Things continue to heat up during this opening section, as frustrations mount on both sides and Rider manages to use this to his advantage, nailing Sykes with a surprise Suplex out of nowhere! He pounds the mat to fire up the crowd, then heads to the top rope…but meets the Ripper’s knees, and his momentum is immediately shattered! Things take a very definite turn here, as it’s now Sykes’ turn to go on the offensive, evidently enraged by Rider’s earlier show of force, and he presses his advantage with a vengeance, his ferocity certainly befitting of the “Horseman of War” nickname.)
JR Freeman: Good god, Tyson Sykes is moving like a man possessed!
Alfonso Banks: You’ve seen those ANTITHESIS music videos, JR; I’m pretty sure they’re ALL possessed. Or…vampires? Satanists? Y’know, Hawk’s right, their gimmick IS hard to pin down…
JR Freeman: They’re the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Alf.
Alfonso Banks: Wait, really?
JR Freeman: Yep. It’s RIGHT there in their nicknames, pal! Not that hard to figure out!
Alfonso Banks: …Huh. Well, I’ll be damned.
JR Freeman: Hopefully, as long as there’s SOME kind of just and loving God in this universe…
Alfonso Banks: Now THAT’S just hurtful. Fair, but hurtful!
(And speaking of hurtful, it seems like Richard Rider is in a world of pain as we move into the final stretch of this match, struggling in a couple of surprising submission holds from Sykes - yet despite this effort, none of them quite manage to put him down. The crowd actually, surprisingly, seem to start to get behind Rider a little bit during this exchange - but ONLY a little bit, as he’s still the same insufferable ass he’s always been - until Sykes finally decides he’s had enough and gears up to end things off, planting the Hollywood stud with a vicious Death Valley Driver into the corner, followed by making his way to the top rope…and leaping off with the HEAT SEEKER! Tyson covers, and this one ends the only way we knew it would.)
JR Freeman: HEAT SEEKER! HEAT SEEKER! Dios mio, this one is over!
Alfonso Banks: Goddamn, Tyson Sykes nearly caved Richard Rider’s CHEST in with that one! I pretty much FELT that!
JR Freeman: I’m in total agreement, Alf; that is NOT a move you want to be on the other end of!
Alfonso Banks: I can’t think of a single wrestling move I WOULD like to be on the other end o-no, no, you know what? That’s not true. I’d let Cleo Phillips put me in a headscissors…
JR Freeman: AAAAAAAND that’s our cue to move along! Rider fought harder than I think anyone expected, but Tyson Sykes was on the warpath tonight going into that massive Tag Title match at Destiny, and I don’t think anyone could’ve surmounted that.
(Indeed, Sykes nearly floors the REFEREE as he approaches to raise the Ripper’s hand. He pulls himself away violently and grins, glaring down at Rider’s limp form before sliding out of the ring to the sounds of “Tom Sawyer” and a chorus of boos. We hold on Tyson raising his arms outside the ring, middle fingers extended, then we cut.)
WINNER= TYSON SYKES
(The cameras cut back to the backstage area, where we see Heather Haze standing with Claire Anderson.)
Claire Anderson: Ladies and gentlemen, Claire Anderson standing here with Heather Haze, the woman who will face Daniel Russow, at Destiny. Now, earlier Dan had an impassioned speech, where he had some words for you. Care to respond?
(Heather scoffs, and looks at Claire.)
Heather Haze: My thoughts? I’m ready.
(With that, nothing more, she walks off, as Claire is left wanting more, and we cut away.)
(The scene goes backstage to Star’s office, we see a group of referees standing around her office, including the injured one from last week who is in a shoulder sling and everyone is talking over each other, it didn’t last long before she started to yell over them. It didn’t work, so she put both pinkies in her mouth and lets a LOUD high pitched whistle that caught everyone’s attention.)
Star Stormz: Alright! Everyone shut up! I can’t hear myself think with everyone yelling. Now, let’s talk about this like normal people. Who wants to go first?
Ref 1: Last week, we tried to break up the fight Eddie and Gracie had backstage and they injured one of our friends here. I know you want one of us to do that match for Destiny, but they’re so out of control that we made the decision that WE don’t want to do it…
Star Stormz: Is that a group decision?
Ref 2: Yeah!
(Star rubs her temples.)
Star Stormz: You guys knew the risks of being a referee when you signed with the company. You know that you are in harm's way often. Why is this so different?
Ref 3: Yes, there is always a risk. But this is just insane! Eddie and Gracie don’t CARE who they hurt in this vendetta or whatever. And I for one, refuse to be the referee.
Ref 2: Same!
Ref 1: YEAH!!!
(Star shakes her head)
Star Stormz: That really leaves me in a bind with Destiny being so close. Why did you guys….
(Star sighs heavily before looking at the group for a moment. She shakes her head in disappointment, knowing that she has to find someone to do that match, and that adds unwanted stress on her, but we heard a voice from behind the group of officials)
Voice: I’ll do it….
Star Stormz: Excuse me?
(The person who said that stepped from behind the refs to show that’s Crystal Lopez! The youngest member of the Lopez family has yet to make her debut and she’s still a trainee for the company.)
Star Stormz: That’s a big task, you think you can handle the pressure of that match? Like that’s 2 of my biggest superstars fighting each other.
Crystal Lopez: I can handle it!
Star Stormz: You have no formal training in any way… as a wrestler or a referee… I am not sure I can take that risk…
Crystal Lopez: Look, you’re in a bind and I don’t want you to be stressing out trying to look for a ref for that match. You’re under so much pressure already with everything coming up. Let me take it off your hands.
(Star looks at the younger Lopez letting out a huge sigh. She knows she’s backed into a corner now and there’s no way to back away from this invite. Star reluctantly nods her head)
Star Stormz: Alright, you can be the special ref for your father and sister’s match. It’s going to save some trouble. Just… don’t let them get hurt, that’s all I ask. I can’t afford to lose either of them.
Crystal Lopez: I’ll do my best!
Star Stormz: But we are gonna do this my way… you are going to do a bootcamp with some of our other referees to train you how to properly handle the situation… and I need you to sign a waiver stating that you are aware of the dangers and should you get hurt in the process we are not liable for it.
Crystal Lopez: I understand. Thank you!
(Crystal Lopez and the safety conscience refs leave the room with Star seen rubbing her temples on her head, wondering what she got herself into with this decision.)
Singles Match
Audrey Russow vs. Max Delgador
(The match starts fast paced, as both competitors look to get the upper hand. The opening minutes see each participant land some big offensive moves, before Audrey slowly starts to take control. Max definitely gives up a good fight though, as the match continues. He gets a near fall after a big Spanish Fly from the top rope.)
JR Freeman: Max Delgado definitely showing a lot of fight here tonight.
Alfonso Banks: Yeah. He’s actually backing up everything he said. Which, he was going to have to do if he didn’t want to look like a fool.
(Max started to take control, hitting move after move, when suddenly, Richard Rider’s music starts to play over the sound system, and Richard Rider walks out onto the stage. Max tries to ignore him, but Rider makes it down to ringside, and hops up on the apron.)
JR Freeman: What the hell is Rider doing out here? He already had his match tonight.
Alfonso Banks: I guess he has some words for Max?
(The distraction works, and Max gets caught with the Ashes of Eden flatliner for the pin.)
*DING DING DING*
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, Audrey Russow!
JR Freeman: Damnit!
Alfonso Banks: Janet!
JR Freeman: Max was doing so well, and Rider ruined that!
Alfonso Banks: Hey! He technically didn’t get involved. It’s not his fault Max can’t stay focused on the match.
JR Freeman: I can’t believe you.
(After the match, Rider goes on the attack, laying into Max with punches. Audrey looks down at the two guys, and shrugs, picking Rider off of Max and laying him out with a superkick. As Max is getting to his feet, she decides to put him back down with the Fall Out stomp, before chuckling to herself, and leaving the ring.)
WINNER= AUDREY RUSSOW
(Jack Russow sits alone in a darkened room as 8MM film of Milo Kasey’s last match plays as a ball bounces against the wall and back to a calloused hand snatching it out of the air…leaning forward in his chair squinting.)
Jack Russow: Was that desperation? Or could he have meant to do that…
(Suddenly the lights click on and the film spins to an end…we see legs get kicked up over the side of the chair as the ball gets tossed in the air.)
Jack Russow: Iunno maybe he farts to get the extra edge…wait…THAT’S TOTALLY IT!!!
(Jack backrolls off the chair and back to the drawing board as he writes the word FARTS!!! In all caps underlining it fiercely. In the corner, Alanah has been reading a magazine and watching the kids to make sure they don’t get into anything.)
Alanah O’Connell-Russow: What are you talking about my love?
Jack Russow: Miles Kasey is a well known supporter of waking up EVERY DAY with a full English breakfast!
Alanah O’Connell-Russow: …I’m frightened to see where this goes but, okay?
Jack Russow: One of the key ingredients the Brits eat! Don’t you see it!?
BEANZ!!!!
Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Oh Jack that is disgusting!
Jack Russow: Disgusting? Or BRILLIANT? THAT’S how he gets the half a km closer than me in accuracy drills! He gets close enough then lets his farts blast in to do all the work!
Alanah O’Connell-Russow: …you usurped all these people’s time…to talk about a cockamaimy theory about FARTS and BEANS?
Jack Russow: But I-
Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Look it’s obviously you gotta problem with Milo, you might as well get it out and get it over with because we are NOT doing this all the time. Why the heck did you PICK Milo anyway!?
Jack Russow: …well…he didn’t have a match at Destiny and I didn’t have a match at Destiny…
Alanah O’Connell-Russow: …stellar. Any other reason?
Jack Russow: I don’t know…I guess even though I said I forgive him about the way I got treated in our graduating class…he was still the golden boy. And I’ve never beaten the Golden boy. I’ve never been First In Class, I’ve never been Most Improved. I haven’t been Match of the Year or ANY Of The Year…I thought when I beat Griffin Hawkins and won the Roulette title that things would change for me but they just plummeted that far back. And then I was saved…by my kids. And my BEAUTIFUL wife. And I want you to be proud of me.
Alanah O’Connell-Russow: We ARE proud of you, Mo Chroi!
Jack Russow: Not as proud of me as you’re gonna be Cara Mia…
…Jack’s gonna bring you home a championship. But first?
I’M…the fucking chosen one…Russow, it’s done.
And you can check on the rep, YEP! Second to none!
(Jack throws the ball and thunks the cameraman out of the room.)
(We cut to Josiah Cena’s office, as the door barges open, and in storms Max Delgado.)
Max Delgado: Cena, I want a match with that prick.
Josiah Cena; Why don’t you go ask the one of us you actually have respect for?
Max Delgado: Your office was the first one I came across, so I’m here. Are you going to give me the match or not?
Josiah Cena: Well, I don’t exactly appreciate you just barging in here and demanding things-
Max Delgado: I don’t give a damn what you appreciate! The piss ant cost me my match against Audrey, and I want a chance for revenge.
Josiah Cena: So, you expect me to just forget everything you’ve said over the past few weeks and just grant your wish? It’s not that simple, kid.
(Max lets out an audible sigh.)
Max Delgado: So, I need to go ask someone else?
Josiah Cena: No, you’ll get your match. But it won’t be on the main show of Destiny. We need a pre-show match for each night, so you and Rider will have the pre-show match on night one. And just cause I think you could use some respect beaten into you, it’s going to be a extreme rules match.
Max Delgado: Fine, whatever. It’s gonna be his ass getting beat.
Josiah Cena; Well then, perfect time for you to show us something. Make the most of it, kid.
Max Delgado: I will.
(Max turns to leave, but stops himself.)
Max Delgado: Thanks.
Josiah Cena: Get out of my office.
(We cut back to ringside.)
Singles Match- Non Title
Special Guest Commentator: Devon Ryder
Violet Amelia Holt vs. Dionysus
JR Freeman: Well ladies and gentlemen, we have a special guest joining us on commentary.
Alfonso Banks: Batman!?
JR Freeman: What? No. …What? It’s The Canadian Hero, Devon Ryder!
Devon: Thanks, JR, good to be here. By which I mean “at the commentary table next to 2 of the greats”, not “in the country that has more mass shootings every 2 months than Canada has had in the entirety of its existence as a country”.
Alfonso Banks: Well, aren’t you just a ray of sunshine?
Devon Ryder: I’m simply speaking the truth, Alf. You can Google it if you don’t believe me.
Alfonso Banks: I’ll… take your word for it.
JR Freeman: He doesn’t know how to use Google.
(The match begins with Violet immediately trying to outspeed the big man, slipping through his legs when he tries to grab her. This continues for a few moments, but is fleeting as Violet’s only dodging him and can’t get any offense in. She goes for broke and tries kicking his legs out from under him, but she’s grabbed in a chokehold for her troubles.)
JR Freeman: Violet’s a crafty girl, she’ll aim for any weak points you might have!
Devon Ryder: That’s true, JR, and that’s one of the reasons I respect her as a competitor. Although, I will admit, I feel she often takes things too far. What does using a weapon to beat your opponent prove about your own abilities?
Alfonso Banks: It shows exceptional skill at fracturing a human skull!
Devon Ryder: Precisely my point. It proves you’re not a WRESTLER, you’re a THUG. I am above such acts. I need only my own skill to win MY matches.
(Speaking of the ability to fracture a human skull, Dionysus is on the offense. The first move he does is full-on tossing Violet across the ring, giving massive air time. Picking his opponent up again by the hair, Dionysus commences with a full-on violent assault, the 23-inch and 188 pound difference between the two giving him a clear advantage. Soon, however, Violet manages to slip out of a powerbomb attempt and jump to the top rope, hitting a Kiss of Death on the big man, stumbling him.)
JR Freeman: Violet NEEDS to capitalize if she wants any chance at all of winning this!
Devon Ryder: Don’t be so hasty, JR. Violet’s tenacious. Dionysus said it himself; this is an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. And if Violet proves herself unstoppable, then I’ve got one hell of a fight waiting for me…and I can’t wait.
(Violet continues her aerial assault, actually managing to get the big man off his feet, making the crowd pop. She hits him with the Rings of Disney, going for the cover!)
1!
(No, Dionysus POWERS out of the pin, tossing Violet off of him and sitting bolt upright. He pulls Violet back up, holding her in a suplex position for 10 full seconds before following through. He continues on the offense for a while, just power move after power move. Violet manages to get out of it and goes up top, going on the offense for a bit. She stops to stare at Devon on commentary, who just waves at her. Dio takes the opportunity to grab her and put her up on his shoulders.)
Alfonso Banks: Oh, god damn!
(The crowd chants “Slice her throat with a rusty cleaver!” before The Mad God plants Holt to the mat with the move, pinning her shoulders to the mat.)
1!
2!
3!
(The bell rings and Dionysus smirks, slowly getting out of the ring.)
JR Freeman: Dionysus remains undefeated in singles competition!
Devon Ryder: Remind me not to get on this guy’s bad side.
Alfonso Banks: I think that’s a good idea… for everyone, all the time.
Devon Ryder: Excuse me, gentlemen, I’m terribly sorry, but there’s something I need to do.
(Devon gets up from the announce table as “Drunken Whaler” continues to play, walking over to the ring and staring at Violet, who gets up, holding herself up with the ropes as she stares holes through The Canadian Hero. Ryder simply smirks and points to the Collateral Damage Championship belt, then makes a motion around his own waist, locking eyes with Violet as he does. The two hold this tense staredown for a moment longer before we cut to the next segment.)
WINNER=DIONYSUS
(Scene switches to the interview area as we see Miles Kasey sitting on a stool, simply staring at the camera. A smirk appears on his face briefly before he swipes it away.)
Miles Kasey: You know, I don’t even care what Jack’s reasons are behind wanting this match at Destiny. We have had this long standing...I wouldn’t even call it a feud at this point because we never really had anything to fight about.
(He finishes that statement with a simple shrug before he shifts ever so slightly, the glimmer in those blue green eyes getting a little mischievous.)
Miles Kasey: But HELL, I’m fuckin’ game. If he wants to go out at Destiny and have the one match that should have happened a while ago. I’m going to save things for the show itself but this is business. Business is business.
(He stands up and the camera pans in even closer. A wicked little smile forms.)
Miles Kasey: And Destiny, Jack...you’re not going to wonder why, you are going to have a first hand understanding as to why I will always be amongst our class, the favorite.
(And that’s all he says as he walks away and we go to our next scene.)
(The cameras cut to Alf and JR.)
JR Freeman: As you know, we have our 2022 PWS Hall of Fame induction ceremony coming up over Destiny weekend, and it is our pleasure to tonight, announce who will be hosting the event.
Alfonso Banks: Hosting the night’s ceremony will be a woman who is already a hall of famer in her own right. She is a woman that helped pave the way for women In PWS, and a member of two of the most influential families in PWS history.
JR Freeman: We are, of course, speaking of Cameron Russow. It’ll be so nice to have her attend and hosting the events.
(The scene switches backstage, we see Claire Anderson standing with a microphone in her hand.)
Claire Anderson: Please welcome my special guest, the hall of Famer and PWS legend, Eddie Lopez!
(The camera pulls back to show Eddie, the crowd cheers as they see him.)
Claire Anderson: Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen you and Gracie go each other's throats, why did it escalate so quickly?
Eddie Lopez: She woke me up when she said I was a washed-up part-timer. Just because I pick and choose who my opponents are doesn’t mean I can’t do this at the highest level. There’s a reason why I’ve been in this business for as long as I have. I have the right to pick and chose who my wrestlers are and I honestly don’t care if people get pissed off by it. I see her just like that, another wrestler trying to take everything I’ve worked for away from me.
(Eddie shrugs his shoulders.)
Claire Anderson: Earlier tonight, we saw Star naming your other kid, Crystal as the special ref. Any thoughts on that?
Eddie Lopez: I get what she’s trying to do but she’s not the place for her to be, I get she wants to be a wrestler and follow my footsteps but she’s diving headfirst into the firepit and whatever happens is on her. I can’t stop her since the papers got signed. I just wish she hadn’t. I say this because the match she THINKS she’s going into isn’t going to be what she thinks….
Claire Anderson: What do you mean by that!?
Eddie Lopez: See, the words that Jenn told me the other week woke me up and I feel like I need to teach Gracie a lesson. Some people have asked what kind of match this will be, a normal one, ect. This match will be NO HOLDS BARRED, and if I lose this match… I’m done. I’m gonna retire on the spot. Because I’m doing this on my terms, with the type of match I WANT….
(Eddie looks towards Claire before walking away, leaving her puzzled by the announcement that he just dropped. She wasn’t expecting that at all.)
Jr Freeman: Wait, did Eddie just say what I think he just said!?
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, a no holds barred match…
Jr Freeman: After that.
Alfonso Banks: Oh! I don’t think he really means that, does he?!
JR Freeman: This match is just got even more high stakes than it already was!
Alfonso Banks: I just hope Crystal can keep them from tearing each other apart..
(As Riot returns from the most-recent commercial break, we open on a shot of the ring. In the centre, there now sits a small wooden podium alongside a simple, black-clothed table with a chair on either side. At the podium stands Josiah Cena, clad in a navy suit with grey pinstripes and a red-and-blue paisley tie. Cena’s face is wearing a huge, beaming smile and he waits for the roaring crowd - ever appreciative of the veteran - before beginning to speak into the microphone affixed to the podium.)
Josiah Cena: Ladies, gentlemen, and everybody else, I’m here to announce - AND to officiate - the contract signing for the Destiny match between former PWS: Apex Collateral Damage Champions Jonathan Sanders and…
(Cena audibly sighs.)
Josiah Cena: Mike Hawk.
(A few snickers from the crowd.)
Josiah Cena: Now, it’s no secret that these two have been at each other’s throats for far too long, and their highly-personal rivalry has begun to spill over into unrelated matches, even threatening the very fabric of PWS: Apex itself. Mr. Hawk and PWS management haven’t always seen eye to eye, and I don’t think anyone will be surprised to learn that there is no love lost between me and Jonathan Sanders, especially after his actions leading up to the Elimination Chamber match at Demon’s Run, but a challenge was made and it was formally accepted, so we must honour that arrangement.
(The crowd responds with applause, clearly excited to see these two square off again.)
Josiah Cena: HOWEVER, to avoid a repeat of the antics we witnessed before Demon’s Run, I will be overseeing this exchange personally, and I don’t mind telling you that if either man steps out of line they will have ME - and, more importantly, THESE -
(Cena makes a muscle with his right arm, and the crowd pops in response.)
Josiah Cena: …To answer to! Now, without further ado, let’s bring out the competitors for their official Destiny contract signing!
(The crowd falls silent for just a moment, before the buildup to John Williams’ iconic Superman theme begins to swell over the PA system, and as the introduction reaches its crescendo, the self-styled “President of Professional Wrestling”, Mike Hawk emerges from behind the curtain, striking a heroic pose with his hands on his hips. The crowd cheers. More cheers than boos, though whether that’s because of his babyface charm or because he’s against the plague of pro wrestling is unclear. Hawk, dressed in blue jeans, white running shoes, and a shirt that says “There ARE places I wouldn’t rather be, but not many”, smirks and nods, saying “Thank you” to the rowdy audience as he steps into the ring, physically grabbing the podium and trying to lift and drag it, but not being able to. Shrugging, he grabs the microphone from the podium and, in one smooth motion, rips it off its moorings so he can take it with him, causing Josiah to sigh and put two fingers on the bridge of his nose.)
Mike Hawk: Alright, Josie and the Pussycats, before we start this shit, lemme just say, you don’t need to flex those guns, alright? We get it, you go to the gym. You might be able to break Nosferatu in half with your bare hands, but I could out-wrestle you if I was on a Merry-go-round and you weren’t.
(Cena looks at him, confused.)
Mike Hawk: …That analogy got away from me. Alright, let’s get this over with, John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. Your pain is my pain too.
(He lowers the mic, motioning to the entranceway with one hand, in anticipation of the arrival of The Snake of Eden. He does not have to wait long, as the lights dim and Otep’s “Blood Pigs” begins with heavy guitars and a scream of “TRAITORS!”, heralding the arrival of PWS: Apex’s resident malignant nihilist. Sanders steps out from behind the curtain with a bitterly resentful energy, yet his face bears a somewhat wicked smirk as he lifts his head to gaze around the arena. The Lost Cause is clad in a black leather jacket adorned with chains and spiked sleeves, along with a black and white “ANTITHESIS” t-shirt and faded grey acid-wash jeans. He stalks his way slowly to the ring, keeping his steel-grey eyes - beset, as usual, with midnight-black eyeliner - fixed on Mike Hawk as he does. Sanders rolls into the ring under the bottom rope and sits sullenly in the corner, apparently intending to stay there until Hawk stamps over to him with a shout of “Oh, no you don’t!” and the Outsider grabs the ropes and pulls himself up to meet his enemy eye-to-eye. Cena swiftly interposes himself between the two men, forcing them apart before they can come to blows.)
Josiah Cena: No, nope, none of that; save it for Destiny, guys! For now, if you’ll kindly take your seats…
(The pair refuse to break eye contact as they gradually make their way into the indicated chairs, sitting across from one another.)
Josiah Cena: Thank you. Now, you’ve requested Three Stages of Hell as the stipulation for your match; management approved, but in order to keep things fair, and ensure SOME people -
(He glares in Sanders’ direction, who simply sneers back at him.)
Josiah Cena: - Don’t attempt to exploit the system for an unfair advantage, we are going to allow each of you to choose ONE stipulation each, and then the THIRD will be decided by management - in fact, we’ve already chosen, and I have it here in this envelope.
(Cena produces a small white envelope from his interior jacket pocket.)
Josiah Cena: Now, I’m going to toss a coin and I want you each to call it. Whomever is right will get first dibs on their Three Stages of Hell stipulation selection.
(He reaches back into the same pocket and pulls out an old-fashioned silver dollar, flicking it in the air. Hawk shouts out first, rather over-enthusiastically…)
Mike Hawk: YAHTZEE! Wait, shit. Um, TAILS!
(Cena catches the coin and pulls his hand back, revealing that it has landed on HEADS.)
Josiah Cena: Sorry, Mike, looks like you’ll be getting second-dibs tonight. So, Jonathan, the first stage of Hell for your match at Destiny will be…?
(Jonathan Sanders’ sneer blossoms gradually into a sadistic smirk, then finally a full-blown wicked, malicious grin, as he slowly raises his eyes from the table to lock with those of Hawk. He snatches the microphone from the table in front of him and speaks with some relish.)
Jonathan Sanders: I have been awaiting this moment eagerly, Michael, since you first usurped my throne. I saw a different side of you that night - a violent, ANGRY side, from which you’ve tried to shield yourself…but we both know you can’t escape it, don’t we? You WANT to hurt me - to RUIN me - to finally prove your existence here is not a fluke and you DESERVE to hold the championship you crave so desperately…and I am so deeply, rapturously anticipating the moment you decide to do so. I want to HELP you, Michael; to allow you to give IN to that darkness you’re afraid of, rather than trying to suppress it…and allow you to reach your Destiny. But in order to see your great Valhalla, first you must be slain in battle. In order to produce a pearl, the oyster must first suffer. This is what I will bestow upon you, Michael; I will GIFT you with that wonderful pain - that twisted, beautiful agony you know deep down that you need - so you may reach the Promised Land. I will carry you through Hell…until you understand my truth. YOUR truth. You WILL give me what I want, Michael; you WILL be the man I know that you can be. We WILL go to that dark place together, and I can think of no more befitting means to do so than in a barbed-wire death match.
(Sanders pauses, here, but does not yet relinquish the microphone.)
Jonathan Sanders: …So will you come to tea with me, Alice? Shall we finally find the solution…to your unsolvable problem?
(Josiah Cena clears his throat as the crowd explodes at the mention of the stipulation, cheering not for Sanders but for the spectacle itself. The Lost Cause slowly lowers the microphone and slides it across the table, his steel-grey orbs focusing on Hawk for his rebuttal.)
Josiah Cena: And Mike, YOUR stipulation?
(Mike, who’s pretending to sleep, suddenly “Wakes up” and looks at Cena.)
Mike Hawk: Is he done?
(Josiah nods.)
Josiah Cena: Your stipulation, please, Mike?
Mike Hawk: Finally. That’s gotta be record time for him. Anyhow… I’ll get straight to the point, unlike some people.
(The crowd starts chanting “Nos-fer-a-tu!” followed by 5 claps, as they’ve taken to. Hawk smirks.)
Mike Hawk: See, Johnny Bo-Bonny, Banana-Nana-Fo-Fonny, I know that where you excel is when you’re allowed to turn the wrestling match into your preferred method of combat; two hobos knife-fighting for a wheel of cheese, so I figure, if I take away your weapons, or the ability to grab any, that will severely reduce your ability to do damage to me, since your one thing will be gone, and you can’t get to the roof to throw anyone off of it. So John… I’ll see you in the second stipulation: a Steel Cage!
(The crowd pops even harder for that, although a great deal of their cheers at this point seem to be for Hawk himself, and as they quieten down Josiah Cena grabs the mic again.)
Josiah Cena: There we have it, folks, the first two stipulations for the Three Stages of Hell match have been decided: we’ll begin with a barbed-wire ropes deathmatch and transition into a Steel Cage! Now, I’m prepared to reveal the final stipulation - held here in this envelope - but NOT before each of you officially signs the contract, to ensure there will be NO further physical contact between this moment and Destiny! So, Mike, if you’ll start us off…
(Hawk takes the contract and pulls a pair of comically-large reading glasses out of his jeans pocket, balancing them on his nose as he pretends to pore over the details. He finally reaches the last page, then produces a deadass medieval quill from his OTHER pants pocket, dunks it in an inkwell on Josiah Cena’s podium, then signs the contract on the dotted line with a flourish, eliciting laughs from the audience before he flicks the contract like a frisbee to Sanders…who catches his wrist along the way. Cena tenses up, preparing to intervene…but Jonathan simply raises Hawk’s hand to his lips and places a kiss upon his fingertips, then willingly releases him to sign the contract himself. He wastes no time on theatrics as Hawk did, instead simply signing the contract with the blood-red pen provided, grinning all the while. As Sanders passes the contract to Josiah Cena, Mike Hawk begins audibly retching and shouting “Ew! Ew! Oh god! Don’t like that!” as he searches frantically for hand sanitizer.)
Josiah Cena: Thank you, gentlemen. Now, without further ado, the FINAL stipulation for their Three Stages of Hell match at Destiny…
(Cena carefully tears open the envelope along one edge, then slides out a folded piece of paper. He unfurls it slowly and takes a moment to read what’s printed on it.)
Josiah Cena: Hopefully we’ll get a definitive ending to this blood feud, because you’ll be squaring off in a LAST MAN STANDING match!
(The crowd absolutely EXPLODES at this announcement, thunderous cheers filling the arena as the two men reach their feet, Sanders grinning his horrible grin as he steps nose-to-nose with Hawk. He raises one hand to point to the "Destiny" advertisement hanging high above the ring and meets Hawk's gaze, speaking one more audible sentence.)
Jonathan Sanders: I'll see you in Hell, Diogenes!
(With that, Hawk gets right in Sanders' face, but the two respect the "no contact" clause, simply jaw-jacking and inaudibly trash-talking with each other as we cut to the announce table.)
JR Freeman: Dios mio, Alf, that sounds like a HISTORIC ending to this storied and BLOODY rivalry! A deathmatch, a cage match and THEN a Last Man Standing match, how much more can these two give?
Alfonso Banks: I have no idea, JR, but it's DEFINITELY not because I was playing Pokemon Go instead of listening!
JR Freeman: …A consummate professional as ever, Alf.
Alfonso Banks: Haha, yeah, go Hawk - now KICK HIS ASS, Pikachu! I mean, uhh…yay…wrestling?
(JR audibly sighs.)
JR Freeman: How the Hell do you still have a job here? Anyway, stay tuned, folks, there's plenty more action left to come!
Main Event
6 Person Tag
Kallie Reznik & Alexis Makarios & Cleo Phillips vs. Sierra Williams & Malachi & Bella Madison
(The show cuts back to the ring with all 6 competitors for the Main Event in the ring)
Meg Reynolds: THE FOLLOWING MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL AND IS A 6 PERSON TAG! INTRODUCING FIRST, The Tag Team Champions… Bella Madison and Malachi… SASS N BASH! And their partner, the PWS:APEX World Champion… SIERRA WILLIAMS!
(Sierra, Malachi, and Bella all raise their titles high in the air as the fans cheer. Across the ring from them stand the other team.)
Meg Reynolds: And their opponents, the team of KALLIE REZNIK! Former United Champion CLEO PHILLIPS! And their partner, the current PWS:APEX United Champion… ALEXIS MAKARIOS!!!
(Alexis raised her title high in the air as both Kallie and Cleo look at it. The referee checks all 6 competitors for weapons.)
Alfonso Banks: There’s a hell of a lot of talent and history in that ring right now.
JR Freeman: And gold, too. We have all our champions except for the CD Champion in this match… talk about star studded!
Alfonso Banks: Let’s not forget that Malachi was the one who ended Alexis’s World Title reign… and then defeated her upon her rematch.
JR Freeman: And Alexis has beaten Sierra in a non title match.
Alfonso Banks: So has Cleo.
JR Freeman: Well, let’s just sit back and watch the show.
(The ref signals for only one to enter, Sierra volunteers for her team as does Alexis for hers. The other 4 take their spots on the apron as the bell rings.)
DING DING DING
(Alexis and Sierra stare each other down as the fans let out a loud boo. Cameras point up to the ramp where all 4 members of Antithesis- Alexander Lyons, Tyson Sykes, Dionysus, and Jonathan Sanders- and they just stand there, ominously.)
JR Freeman: What the fuuuuuck are they doing?
Alfonso Banks: Watching the match?
(They stand there as the match goes under way with Alexis and Sierra locking up. They are trying to overpower each other, but seem to be pretty evenly matched. They pull back and both kind of grin at the other before locking up again. This time, Sierra gets control and puts Alexis in a headlock position. She applies pressure as the cameras focus up the ramp to show that Antithesis had started slowly making their way down to the ring. Alexis and Sierra were focused on the match at hand and didn’t notice at this point.)
Alfonso Banks: This can’t be good…
JR Freeman: I don’t see any possible good way this can end!
(Alexis had escaped the headlock and is standing behind Sierra. Before Sierra can turn around, Alexis jumps up and kicks her in the back with a standing dropkick. With Sierra to the ground, Alexis looks at her partners, who both have their arms extended for a tag. She grabs Sierra by the hair and lifts her back to her feet. By this point, Antithesis had made it to the bottom of the ramp. Lyons and Sykes are looming behind Malachi and Bella, while Sanders and Dionysus are stalking behind Kallie and Cleo.)
JR Freeman: I have a really bad feeling about this
Alfonso Banks: Antithesis out to make a point…
(Alexis reaches out to make a tag, however before she can reach either of her partners they are pulled down off the apron! The cameras turn to see that Malachi and Bella have been ripped off the apron as well!!! The referee is trying to make sense of what is going on. Sanders and Dionysus grab Bella by the hair and slam her head first into the steel steps! Malachi hops to his feet towards them, only to be caught mid air by them and slammed face first onto the barricade!)
JR Freeman: OH MY GOD!!! They just took out Bella AND Malachi!
Alfonso Banks: They are using great instincts… divide and conquer!
(When they were pulled down, Kallie’s face bounced off of the ring apron rather hard! Sanders and Dionysus grab Cleo and lift her up in a double flapjack, and before she can even react she breaks through the spanish announce table!!!)
JR Freeman: OH DIOS MIOS!!!
Alfonso Banks: Antithesis just made short work of all 4 of them! There’s absolute carnage!
JR Freeman: Bella’s busted open, Malachi got the wind knocked out of him…
Alfonso Banks: Kallie’s head bounced like a kid chucking a bouncy ball at a wall… and poor Cleo smashed through the announcers table! If they were looking to send a message… they certainly achieved that goal!
(Then, as if they read each other's minds, all 4 slither into the ring and surround Sierra and Alexis, who were now standing back to back prepared to fight off the 4 that had invaded the ring. Alexis and Sierra both pounce, trying to take out 2 members each. Sierra is holding her own against Sykes and Lyons as Alexis is against Sanders and Dionysus. After a few good hits, the numbers game starts to take its toll as Dionysus hits Alexis with a strong clothesline, causing her head to hit the mat hard. At this point, Sanders begins to stomp on her gut. Sierra fights Lyons off only to be caught with a hard right from Sykes, causing her to stumble back a few steps. The crowd POPS as Aurey Russow runs out!)
JR Freeman: AUDREY IS ON HER WAY TO HELP!
Alfonso Banks: But who is she here to help? Her friend… or her opponent?
JR Freeman: That is the dumbest question I have ever heard you say…
(Audrey rushes out and makes a beeline straight for Sanders, spearing him straight to the mat! She turns her attention to Dioysus and sweeps his foot out from under him sending him to the ground! Sierra is still holding her own against Sykes and Lyons, taking everything they throw at her and fighting back! The referee at this point has given up and rolled out of the ring. Audrey checks on Alexis, only to suddenly hear the crowd erupt in a chorus of BOOS and she feels her hair being pulled from behind her, ripping her away from Alexis.)
Alfonso Banks: HEATHER HAZE!!!
(Haze had ran out and pulled Audrey away from Alexis. She takes a protective stance in between Alexis and Antithesis. Audrey gets to her feet and glares up at Heather, who is holding off both Sanders and Dionysus as best as she can. Audrey goes over to Sierra quickly and helps her take down Sykes before turning back to Sanders. She turns around just in time to see Dionysus grab Haze in a German Suplex, and Sanders assists with a clothesline! The crowd popped once more as Dan rushes out to the ring and assessed the situation at hand. Sierra, seeing that more people were in the ring, takes the distraction of Dan running out to slide out of the ring herself.)
JR Freeman: Smart move by Sierra…
Alfonso Freeman: She’s abandoning Alexis in the middle of the ring!!!
JR Freeman: NO SHE’S NOT! Alexis has plenty of help.
(All 4 members of Antithesis are on their feet and stalking in the direction of Dan and Audrey, Audrey was helping Alexis up to her feet as Dan took a second to look at Haze laying on the mat. Haze gets up to her feet too, as Dan, Audrey, Alexis, and Heather all take a stance against Antithesis as security rushes the ring, standing in between the 2 groups.)
JR Freeman: WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?
Alfonso Banks: Security finally getting things under control! Malachi is helping escort Bella to the back to be looked at.
JR Freeman: Kallie and Cleo back up and very confused at what just happened!
Alfonso Banks: Just another night of Chaos brought on by Antithesis…
JR Freeman: And on that note… we are out of time! Good night… see you at Destiny!
WINNER= MATCH THROWN OUT
