Post by Josiah Cena on Jun 18, 2022 0:51:32 GMT -5
PWS:APEX Presents: Riot!
Tuesday, June 14th
Heritage Bank Center - Cincinnati, Ohio
Earlier Today
(The footage starts, as we see Star Stormz, Laura Phoenix, and Josiah Cena in Star’s office at Heritage Bank Center, as they are all talking amongst themselves.)
Laura Phoenix: How much longer do we have to wait?
Star Stormz: David said they would be here at 2pm. So…a couple more minutes?
Josiah Cena: Just gotta be patient.
(Just then, there’s a knock on the door, and the door opens, as Max Delgado steps in.)
Laura Phoenix: What do you want? We have some important business to get to.
Max Delgado: Geez..that any way to talk to your roster? Rude.
Josiah Cena: Do you need something, Max?
Max Delgado: I was just coming to say what’s up.
Laura Phoenix:...Really?
(Just then, there’s another knock on the open door, as former co-founder of PWSi, Max Sheppard, is standing in the open doorway.)
Star Stormz: Max Sheppard? Well, this is a surprise.
Laura Phoenix: Holy hell…it’s been…years.
Max Sheppard: That it has.
Josiah Cena: How ya doing, man?
Max Sheppard: I’m doing fantastic, Josiah. I hope everything is well with Skylar and Arianna.
Josiah Cena: They’re good.
(Max turns to Laura.)
Max Sheppard: I trust Aaron is doing well as well?
Laura Phoenix: As good as ever.
(He turns to Star.)
Max Sheppard: Melody still growing strong?
Star Stormz: More and more everyday.
Max Sheppard: Great to hear from all of you. It truly is a gift to be able to see your child happy and content. Or to see them doing what they love.
Laura Phoenix: Uh…sure…
(Max walks over and puts a hand on Max’s shoulder.)
Max Sheppad: I see you’ve met my son, Max.
(There’s a moment of awkward silence, before Laura whips her neck to look at Star.)
Laura Phoenix: You knew?!?
Star Stormz: I figured it out at Destiny, but was asked not to say anything, and it wasn’t my place to say anything.
Josiah Cena: I’ll be damned…
Max Delgado: I used my mother’s maiden name in all my paperwork because I didn’t want to get any special treatment because of who my dad is. I know you can say I wouldn’t have, but I honestly…don’t trust that after seeing how “family members'' have gotten treated here. I wanted to make a name for myself on my own.
Laura Phoenix: You little…
Max Sheppard: Now now. He’s entitled to his opinion. When the time comes, he’ll get his chance to back up his words. For now, we have some other things to discuss.
(Laura and Josiah look at Max confused, as Star takes a deep breath.)
Max Sheppard: Say hello to your new PWS: APEX president.
(The footage cuts abruptly, before the opening video package for Riot starts to play.)
(The opening video package finishes, as we cut to inside Heritage Bank Center, and the sold out crowd going crazy, as “Trials” by Starset blares over the sound system. We pan across the crowd, as we are greeted by the familiar voices of JR Freeman and Alfonso Banks.)
JR Freeman: Hello! And good evening everyone! Welcome to PWS: APEX Tuesday night Riot! Tonight, we’re LIVE from Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m JR Freeman, with my broadcast partner, Alfonso Banks, and holy hell! Max Sheppard is back in PWS!?
Alfonso Banks: I’m still reeling over learning that HE’S Max Delgado’s father. I did not see that coming.
(“Trials” fades out, and suddenly, the opening to “Ladies and Gentlemen” by Saliva can be heard, as everyone starts buzzing with anticipation, before Max Sheppard steps out onto the stage.)
JR Freeman: And it looks like we’ll start the show off with our new president.
Alfonso Banks: The dawn of a new era.
(Max makes his way down the ramp, nodding and waving to fans along the way.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the new President of PWS: APEX, Max Sheppard!
JR Freeman: A sentence I NEVER thought I would hear…
(The crowd cheers, as Max gets in the ring. He takes a moment, as “Welcome Back” chants echo throughout the arena. After a few moments, the chants die down, and Max starts to seak.)
Max Sheppard: Hello, and welcome to Tuesday Night Riot!
(The fans cheer.)
Max Sheppard: It’s been so long…I’m so glad you remember. And I’m glad that, for the most part, you’ve welcomed me back. I was heartbroken back when PWS had to close its doors. I dreamed of a day where they would be open again, but when they were, I wasn’t in a place where I could be involved. I watched though, keeping up with all the going ons and happenings of the place I love so much. I am extremely proud of what the name of PWS has come to mean. Even though this may be under a different banner, it still has the same drive, the same hunger, the same pride, the same determination as the old days of PWSR, PWSX, and PWSi. I am incredibly thankful to David Shane, Levi Russow, Star Stormz, and Ambika Renton for paving the path for me to be here. I am looking forward to leading us into the future, but I will not do that without honoring the past. We need to celebrate where we came from, and that is why I’m pleased to announce that our next pay-per-view, Rise to Glory, will be returning to the site of the very first Rise to Glory, and we’ll be going back to Washington, D.C. on July 26th!
(The fans cheer.)
Max Sheppard: And it doesn’t stop there…see, a big part of my run in PWS was being international…due to circumstances beyond our control, those opportunities were taken away from PWS over the past two years…not…any….longer.
(There’s a buzz, as Max pauses for dramatic effect.)
Max Sheppard: I’m announcing right now that after Rise to Glory, we are going on our first Canadian tour, leading to Dishonored in Toronto in October! And then…we cross the pond. PWS: APEX becomes the second coming of PWSi, with a massive European tour, ending with a massive homecoming, as Crusade will emanate from where it very first took place all those years ago back in PWSi, Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain!
(The fans cheer again.)
Max Sheppard: I truly am excited to see where we can take things, and I hope all of you enjoy the ride along the way. I hope to serve as a fair and balanced president, and try my best to give you all the matches you want to see, and the moments you dream of. We have a great show planned for you tonight, so sit back and enjoy. Thank you, and have a great night!
(The crowd cheers, as “Ladies and Gentlemen” begins to play again, as Max exits the ring.)
JR Freeman: A great message from our president here tonight. We look fondly on the past as we move forward to the future. We’re going to take a quick commercial break, but when we come back, it’ll be a fatal four way tag team match, with the Landersons taking on Fish n’ Chips, Nasty Habits, and The Society. Stay tuned!
Excellence Returns This Summer!
Fatal Four Way Tag Team Match
The Landersons vs. Fish n Chips vs. Nasty Habits vs. The Society
(The match starts with Spuds, Aaliyah, Ella and Bitch in the ring. They all square off, then Spuds holds a finger up, as if asking them all to wait. He takes a bite of a potato and then they all start fighting. Everyone gets a little taste of everyone else (Phrasing!) though soon Dirty Bitch is the only one left standing. She runs off the ropes and hits Ella with a spear, looking for an early 3 count!)
1!
(No, a quick kick-out!)
Alfonso Banks: You know, this match has the potential to be surprisingly good!
JR Freeman: What do you mean “surprisingly”?
Alfonso Banks: It features one proper tag team, two luchadors, One team with a person called “Dirty Bitch” on it, and the team of a potato farmer and an actual, honest-to-god squid.
JR Freeman: Do you not consider The Landersons to be a proper tag team?
Alfonso Banks: Come talk to me when they’ve won a match.
(A few quick spots later and Ella has tagged in Jasmine, who comes in like a house of fire, wrecking shop and hitting everyone she can. Meanwhile, Squid-Man and Puppies stare at each other across the ring. Puppies with a nasty look on her face, and Squid with a… squid look on his face. He waves at her politely and she points at him. After a little bit more wrestling, including an impressive-looking top-rope senton from Aaliyah, Squid-Man is tagged in to a surprising pop. He jumps up and down, hoping to get the crowd even more fired up, only to be hit from behind by an interfering Miss Puppies!)
JR Freeman: Now that’s just unsportsmanlike!
Alfonso Banks: Since she’s a woman, wouldn’t it be unsportsWOMANlike?
JR Freeman: I mean, I guess technically, but that sounds weird.
Alfonso Banks: Fair.
(The referee gets Puppies out of the match, and Aaliyah, who’s been being attacked by Jasmine for a little while now, manages a hot tag on El! He hops on the ropes and hits a dropkick to Jasmine, locking in a leg lock while she’s down! He wrenches on the hold and she reaches for the ropes, but they’re a LITTLE too far out of reach, until… boom! Squid-Man hits a flying legdrop on El Landerson! Meanwhile, Dirty Bitch has tagged in Miss Puppies, who starts attacking Squid immediately, reigniting their old feud temporarily. Squid-Man slides out of the ring, and Puppies follows, only to realize Squid slid back into the ring. So she slides back into the ring and he slides back out. This continues for probably longer than it should, before Puppies just grabs Squid-Man by the mask and pulls him forcibly back into the ring, dropping him with the Cherrybomb! The ref counts!)
1!
2!
(...And the pin is broken up by Spuds Guzzman, who’s told to go back out of the ring, where he’s pursued by Puppies. In her distraction, however, Squid-Man gets a roll-up!)
1!
2!
(No, a kickout! Squid-Man shrugs, just happy to have almost won. Meanwhile, Jasmine hits the Jazz Hands on Landerson, followed by picking him up and hitting the MCC! She goes for the cover!)
1!
(Squid-Man breaks up the pinfall at 1.5! Phillips gets up, getting in Squid-Man’s face, but Squid’s one step ahead of her, tripping his opponent onto the ropes! He gets Landerson up, making the “6”, the “1” and the “9” with his hands, and El nods, running off the ropes and hitting Jasmine with the 6-1-9!)
JR Freeman: 619!
Alfonso Banks: Hold on… is it pronounced six-one-nine, or six-nineteen?
JR Freeman: Why would it EVER be pronounced six-nineteen?
Alfonso Banks: I don’t know, maybe it’s like 9/11. June 19th might be an important day in the Landerson household. We can’t prove that it isn’t!
JR Freeman: I… don’t know how to respond to that.
Alfonso Banks: Good. Don’t.
(El Landerson manages to hit the West Coast Pop, going for the cover, and…!)
1!
2!
…
…
(No! Puppies breaks up the pin! Squid tags in Spuds, who starts laying into Miss Puppies with lefts and rights, and even a couple of fronts. Finally she goes down, and The Kind of Spuds goes up to the top rope! As he’s doing this, Ella has been pulled off the apron by Dirty Bitch, and they’re fighting on the outside. Ella hits a hurricanrana, then Bitch hits a DDT. It’s a mess of moves and violence. Spuds Guzzman jumps off the top rope, hitting a massive Potato Masher!)
JR Freeman: It’s the potato masher!
Alfonso Banks: That fiend! He’s killing his own kind!
JR Freeman: What? He’s not a potato, he likes to EAT potatoes.
Alfonso Banks: Ohh… I wasn’t paying attention when he introduced himself.
JR Freeman: Yeah, that’s… pretty obvious.
(He goes for the cover, Squid-Man using his fingers raised in the air to count along with the referee and the crowd, who’s surprisingly into it.)
1!
2!
…
3!
(The bell rings and Squid-Man gets into the ring to celebrate with his partner! Spuds hugs his friend and they raise each other’s arms, before they’re also raised by the referee.)
Meg Reynolds: Here are your winners, Spuds Guzzman Jr. and The Squid-Man, Fish N’ Chips!
Alfonso Banks: Y’know, I’ve been thinking…
JR Freeman: About what?
Alfonso Banks: Maybe it’s sixty-one nine. But… where would the sixty-one come from?
JR Freeman: I don’t know, Alf! You’re making zero sense right now.
Alfonso Banks: Zero… my god, that adds a whole new meaning to this! Hold on.
(He pulls out a piece of paper, several pencils and an abacus.)
JR Freeman: Right… well, while he’s doing that, you stick around, we’ve got plenty more where this came from!
WINNERS - Fish n’ Chips
(The cameras cut backstage, Alexander Lyons is seen sitting among the darkness, in some shadowy corner of the arena, on each shoulder is one of the tag team championships, he looks proudly at them both.)
Alexander Lyons: Don’t worry. Tyson is still one of your tag team champions, but as he has reiterated time and time again he cares not for the actual championships, but me? I full embrace the power, and wealth that these championships bring. So if it’s all the same, while we will defend them together, they shall both remain in my possession.
(He smiles proudly at the camera.)
Alexander Lyons: I told you. I told you Sass and Bash would be exposed as paper champions, and now here I stand before you once again a tag team champion. This time we won’t be losing them so quickly. I know I won’t make such a mistake again. ANTITHESIS is once again the tag team champions, and it’s going to take an army to take them away from us.
(He keeps his eyes focused, intensely on the camera.)
Alexander Lyons: Take a good long look at what you see before you, and get used to it because it’s am image that’s going to be around for a long time. WE are the top of the tag division, and even your best teams don’t come close. You don’t have to like it, but you do have to deal with it, and you do have to accept it. If you don’t like it, then do something about it. Until then, the beatdowns continue, the embarrassment of the rest of the roster will continue. ANTITHESIS will continue to dominate each and every week, simply because we can and there is nobody that can do anything about it. Like I said, you’d need an army to even make a feasible attempt at stopping us, and let’s face it, there is nobody willing to step up because everyone knows the result will be the same, my brothers and myself will leave everyone a beaten, and broken version of their previous self.
(He smiles, the cockiest of cocky grins.)
Alexander Lyons: Hear Me Roar.
Double Debut Match
Sonya Benson vs. Alexandra Calloway
(The match begins with a sick bulldog from Calaway. She remains in control of the match for the first few moments, but tides soon turn in Benson’s favour as she dives off the ropes and hits a dropkick that looks like it didn’t even connect. Regardless, Calaway falls and Benson smirks, picking her up and continuing the onslaught, the moves looking a little sloppy, but overall getting the job done.)
Alfonso Banks: JR! I just realized!
JR Freeman: What did you realize, Alf?
Alfonso Banks: Six hundred and nineteen.
JR Freeman: Oh Christ, are you STILL on about that?
Alfonso Banks: I’m like a smoke alarm in a deaf person’s house. I’m never turned off.
(Calaway makes a slight comeback with a stiff punch… then another, then another, then another, and finally she knocks Benson off her feet, hitting her with a curb stomp. She stomps on her opponent a few more times, focusing in particular on the legs. She works the legs for a bit longer, even at one point standing on one and using it to step over her opponent. As she’s about to follow-up, however, Benson comes back hard with a high kick! She slides out of the ring and pants.)
JR Freeman: Wow, quite the contest so far. Looks like Calaway’s more experienced than her opponent.
Alfonso Banks: Well duh, Sonya doesn’t even wanna be here! She’d rather be at home, um… cooking pasta, and… watching cat videos, or whatever it is she does.
JR Freeman: Well, whatever the case, she’s here now, and there’s no escape in sight!
(Sonya jogs around the ring for a moment, before Calaway joins her, at which point she slides back in. Calaway slides in, Benson slides out. Calaway slides out, Benson slides in. Calaway goes to slide into the ring and Benson slides out, but Calaway faked it, and grabs her opponent, sliding her into the ring as she gets in herself. Another few moves later and she’s hit the Apocalypse!)
1!
2!
(No, Benson grabs the ropes! The ref counts and Calaway releases the hold. She stomps on her opponent a few more times, before stopping to pose for the crowd. She’s suddenly grabbed in a small package by Benson!)
1!
2!
(No, a kickout! Calaway stands up, shaking her head, saying “It won’t be that easy”, before grabbing Benson by the hair and running her into the turnbuckle. Calaway’s on top again for a while, before a distracted referee leads to an eye rake, followed by a low blow, and suddenly Benson’s back on the offense.)
JR Freeman: She is very flagrantly cheating!
Alfonso Banks: Really? I don’t smell anything.
JR Freeman: I said flagrant, not fragrant.
Alfonso Banks: …Ohhh! Sorry, I misheard.
JR Freeman: Yeah, I know.
(Benson remains on the offensive, mostly sticking to strikes, occasionally hitting a sloppy-looking move when the time seems right, though she gives Calaway too big of an opening, her inexperience leading to pausing, and the older woman goes on the offensive again, with Benson on a hard defense.)
JR Freeman: Wow, so many great moments in the first showing from these talented young women!
Alfonso Banks: Agreed! They’re both in their prime! Even if Alexandra’s prime is… a little later than others.
JR Freeman: Hey, if you peak when you’re 40, nowadays you’ve got so much longer left that it’s worth it!
Alfonso Banks: Is it, though?
JR Freeman: I think so, but I tend to be an optimist!
Alfonso Banks: See, JR, that was your second mistake. The first was that suit. Good god.
(Some strong moves and showing of some powerful offense later, and it looks like Calaway is ready for the final blow. She sizes up her opponent, lifting her up as she poses for the crowd. The audience boos but she doesn’t care. She soaks it all in and hits the Bow to the Queen, dragging Benson over to the turnbuckle and getting on the middle rope before hitting the Fallen Angel!)
JR Freeman: Oh!
Alfonso Banks: What a move!
(She goes for the cover!)
1!
2!
…
(No, Benson reverses the pin into a roll-up!)
1!
2!
3!
(The bell rings. Benson rolls out of the ring and scurries down the ramp as fast as her legs will take her, her legs collapsing as she does, meanwhile Calaway sits in the middle of the ring, floored by what just happened. She looks at the ref, as if to say “Why did you allow that?”, as Benson wipes the sweat from her brow, waving at Calaway as she walks down the ramp.)
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, SONYA BENSON!
Alfonso Banks: My god, Sonya Benson pulled off a come-from-behind victory that nobody saw coming!
JR Freeman: It looked like blatant cheating to me.
Alfonso Banks: Po-tay-to, po-tah-to.
WINNER - Sonya Benson
(The cameras pan around the arena, getting shots of the cheering PWS fans, which only erupt louder, as “Gangsta’s Paradise” plays over the PA system and Cleo Phillips appears on stage, wearing a Reds baseball cap since PWS is in Cincinnati, flanked by Z-Money she makes her way down to the ring, high fiving some of the young fans at ringside along the way. Z-Money finds a lucky and places a “Team Cleo” headband on them.
Once in the ring, she gets a mic and waits a few moments for the crowd to settle down after her music stops playing.)
Cleo Phillips: How we doin’ tonight Cincinnati?!?
(The crowd cheers in response.)
Cleo Phillips: That's good, I’m glad ya’ll are enjoying yourselves. Not gonna lie, I’m still feeling some of the battle wounds from the war I went to with Alexis Makarios. It’s unfortunate that Kallie was unable to join us, and I for one will be watching close when Kallie gets her revenge later tonight. Heather tried it on me, but forgot that I’m from the streets. I’ve had people trying to sneak up on me so may times, I guess I got sort of a spidey sense for that sort of thing. And it’s not like Alexis even wanted you to do any of this. I don’t know, it’s not really my business now is it? See, my business, I’m taking my business elsewhere.
JR Freeman: I think I know what she’s getting at here…
Cleo Phillips: You all know what I wanted just a few weeks ago, before I agreed to the challenge laid down by Alexis, I came out here and made it known that I want a shot at Sierra Williams, I want a shot at the World Championship. We all know I deserve it. Sierra has defeated everyone there is to beat, faced off every challenge, and every challenger, I’m about all there is left. I’m not saying I’m all there is left, but the pool is getting less and less full as her reign goes on, and the number of fresh contenders is dwindling. I’m one of the few left around here who has actually beaten Sierra one on one, BUT it wasn’t without controversy was it?
(Cleo motions to the titantron, where we get a recap of the end of her champion vs champion match with Sierra. We watch as Cleo passes out on top of Sierra just as the ref counts the three.)
Cleo Phillips: Now the match was called in my favor, but there’s still some naysayers. Some of ya’ll still think Sierra should have won that, and I totally get it. I mean, I didn’t even realize I had won myself, I just remember waking up with Z shouting at me that I just won the match. I don’t want to speak for Sierra, but I’m sure she wants a chance to rectify that as well. I know I would, and I know I do. I don’t want there to be any naysayers. When I win that World Championship, everyone will know that I earned it and that I deserve it. I just want my chance, and I want it at Rise to Glory.
(Cleo drops the mic, and to cheers from her fans, exits to the back with Z-Money as Gangstas Paradise plays.)
JR Freeman: As I expected, Cleo reissued her challenge, as she said she would if she didn’t recapture the United Championship.
Alfonso Banks: We’ll have to see how this develops. Sierra and Cleo would put on another banger of a match, that’s for sure.
JR Freeman: Well, we’ve got more amazing wrestling coming up for you in just a moment!
Alfonso Banks: In the meantime, think about this: What if it’s 69, with a 1 in the middle?
(JR audibly sighs as the camera cuts to commercial.)
Climax Control Every Sunday!
Singles Match
Malachi vs. Richard Rider
(The match starts with Mal looking like he’s going to absolutely kill Rider, who obviously senses that, as he spends the first few moments of the match basically…running away from Malachi. He ducks some clothesline attempts, before basically jumping out of the ring, and running around on the outside.)
JR Freeman: What on earth is Rider doing?
Alfonso Banks: Trying not to get murdered, I’m assuming!
JR Freeman: He’s making himself look like a coward!
Alfonso Banks: He’s showing his will to live!
(After what seems like an eternity, Rider slides back into the ring, with Malachi closely following him. Rider bounces off the ropes, but gets decked by a clothesline from Malachi. Mal starts raining down on Rider with punches, before getting him to his feet, and finishing him off with the Hair Trigger Piledriver.)
1…
2…
3!!
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, Malachi!
JR Freeman: Thank goodness, that one’s over. The way Rider was running around, thought we’d be here all night.
Alfonso Banks: Can’t blame a guy for not wanting to die! You saw the way Malachi was looking at him.
WINNER - Malachi
(As soon as the bell sounds to end the match, Malachi is back up to his feet and stalking to the side of the ring, completely ignoring the referee who was about to raise his hand in victory. He calls for a microphone, and Meg Reynolds hurries to hand him one. His music cuts out abruptly as he begins pacing in the centre of the ring, Richard Rider having since been helped out of the ring and to the backstage area.)
Malachi: I hope every one of you Antithesis shitheels got a good look at that because that’s exactly what’s coming your way, times one hundred. I told you I was coming for your fuckin’ heads, and I don’t go back on my word. I don’t give a fuck if there’s one or a hundred of you. I’ll beat the holy fuck out of all of you any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
(The crowd cheers loudly at this statement, a rare occurrence when the Irishman is speaking. But he doesn’t seem to pay them any mind as he continues to pace the ring, his eyes laser focused on the entrance ramp as if he were waiting for the inevitable appearance of Antithesis.)
Malachi: You know, since I’m out here anyways and that match didn’t really do much to sate my fury, how about you brain-sharing dopes make your way down here and we can really get the party started.
(Another cheer rose from the crowd as Malachi stopped in the middle of the ring, his eyes still glued to the entrance ramp. A few moments went by with no sign of movement behind the curtain, and it seemed that his challenge was going to go unanswered. But just as he raised the microphone back up to his mouth, the speakers crackled to life with music…
(However, it was not the music he was expecting. Rather than any of ANTITHESIS’ entrance themes, “START A FIGHT” by GHOSTKID began blasting into the arena, and the crowd went absolutely wild as Dickie Watson and Aiden Reynolds burst out from the curtain onto the raised stage. A look of annoyance crossed Mal’s face as he watched the newly reunited Commonwealth make their way down the ramp and approach the ring. He eyed them both warily as they climbed the steps and entered the ring through the ropes. In fact, he grew even more wary when Aiden went one way, leaning against the ropes, and Dickie another.
Dickie perched himself up on the turnbuckle with a smirk on his face. He patted the microphone that he brought with him against his skinny-jeaned leg and then raised it to his mouth.)
Dickie Watson: Hiya Mal.
(Aiden tips an imaginary hat in his direction.)
Dickie Watson: I know, it’s disappointing that it’s us, especially when you’ve got such a good reason for a vendetta here. But you know those lousy, pissant twaddledums aren’t going to be the big scary men they are and come out here to answer a challenge. They like to have the surprise upperhand, and when they don’t…
Dickie looks at Aiden, and Aiden mimics a huge explosion before raising his microphone.
Aiden Reynolds: Oi, fuckin’ huge, aye? Biggest explosion since Nagasaki.
(Dickie and Malachi wince.)
Aiden Reynolds: Oh. Too soon?
Dickie Watson: I’d go, ‘Biggest explosion since Chernobyl.’
Aiden Reynolds: Topical mate, topical.
(Before the duo can continue with their slowly off-topic conversation, Malachi interrupts them. He raises his hand and shakes his head.)
Malachi: Wait, wait, wait. Before you guys continue with…well..with whatever this is, thanks and all, but I don’t really need your help to beat up a bunch of whiny emo teenagers.
(Dickie holds his hand to his heart as if Malachi ran a stake right into it. He slides off the turnbuckle comically, hitting his ass on the canvas and hanging off the ropes. Malachi ignores this.)
Malachi: This is my business, not yours.
Aiden Reynolds: Oh, but that’s where ya wrong. You see…it’s going to take a whole buncha banding together here…
Dickie Watson: …if we plan on exterminating the pest known as ANTITHESIS.
(The crowd boos in response to the name, while also simultaneously cheering for the fact the Commonwealth is back on their bullshit. Dickie looks around for a second, while Aiden raises his hand and shakes his head.)
Aiden Reynolds: Mates, we’re not there yet.
Dickie Watson: If you’re willin’, Mal…we’d like to carry on this conversation in the back so we can discuss the inner workings of our ideas. But if you’re interested…we have some ideas for the very same goal that you have…
(He lowers his mic, looks at Aiden, who smiles, and then begins to exit the ring.)
Dickie Watson: Meet us at caterin’ later, and we’ll tell you all about it, aye?
(They don’t wait for Malachi to answer. Instead, “START A FIGHT” plays one more time as The Commonwealth begin to exit the ring, sliding out of it and smirking back in Malachi’s direction as the cameras fade to commercial.)
(The cameras cut backstage, where we see Max Sheppard and Star Stormz in Max’s office.)
Star Stormz: So, a bit through your first show back, how does it feel?
Max Sheppard: I gotta say, it feels good. Kinda like I’m…home, ya know? Like, where I was meant to be. I stepped away when I needed to, but it feels really good to be back.
Star Stormz: I completely understand that. Exactly how I felt when I returned.
(Just then, there’s a knock on the door. Star and Max look at each other, before looking back at the door.)
Max Sheppard: It’s open.
(The door swings open, and in walk El and Aaliyah Landerson. Star lets out a sigh, as they come into the office.)
Max Sheppard: What can we do for you?
El Landerson: Yes, Mr. Sheppard, we have been talking with Star over the past few weeks about seeing about getting title shots, and she had told us she would see what she could do, so we were coming to see about it.
Aaliyah Landerson: She said if we impressed her in our Destiny preshow match, she would go from there.
(Star starts to say something, but Max stops her.)
Max Sheppard: So, you think it’s okay to continue to barrage my staff members for title opportunities when you’ve done absolutely nothing to deserve them? You think it’s okay to just walk right in and act like you’ve earned anything? That’s NOT how things are going to work here. Every person that challenges for any of our titles earns their shot in one way or another. So, you’re going to have to do that as well. We have discussed your pleas, so we are going to give you an opportunity at the next Riot in Philadelphia. You two are going to be competing in a tag team match, with the winning team earning future singles title shots, for a later date.
Aaliyah Landerson: Thank you! Who are we facing?
Max Sheppard: The team of Gracie Lopez, and Audrey Russow. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a show to run. Please close the door on your way out.
(Star nods her head in approval as Max motions for them to leave, and they do, as we cut back to ringside.)
JR Freeman: Well…so…I mean, I guess they got what they wanted?
Alfonso Banks: Yeah but…now they have to face Gracie AND Audrey? In Audrey’s hometown?
JR Freeman: They wanted an opportunity…they got an opportunity.
Singles Match
Miles "Milo" Kasey vs. Dawn Warren
(The match starts off with Miles keeping things high paced, not letting Dawn have a moment to stop and think. He uses this to his advantage, with a slew of kicks, ending with a step-up enzeguri to the head and a quick count!)
1… KICKOUT!
Alfonso Banks: Too early!
JR Freeman: Going to take more than that to keep Dawn down!
(The match continues at a high pace. After several minutes of high paced action, Dawn stops Miles in his tracks and manages to keep him to the ground and the pace a little slower while she wears him down a bit. She gets him down in one of the corners and runs to the other side, hops up on the turnbuckle, and gets the crowd pumping!)
JR Freeman: SHE’S GOING FOR THE DUCK TO DAWN!
(She stands up, leaps, and at the last possible second Miles dodges out of the way and she hits the turnbuckle, falling to the mat. Miles grabs her and puts her in the double underhook position.)
Alfonso Banks: YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS!
(He then hits her with a “Hail To The Queen” and goes for the pin)
1…
2…
3!!!
Meg Reynolds: AND YOUR WINNER VIA PINFALL… MILES KASEY!
WINNER - Miles “Milo” Kasey
(The cameras go backstage to where we see The Wolfcub of Wolfslair arriving to the women’s locker room to a cheer from the audience. She smiles as she waves to a staff member, and then to another, as she drags her suitcase along with her. She stops, reaching down into her back for the keycard she was given for the night so that she can enter the room. She is, however, stopped by an errand runner. The kid is probably sixteen or so, and wears a PWS shirt with the label, STAFF, on the back. She looks at him slightly confused.)
Errand Runner: Got somethin’ for ya, Miss Reznik!
(He reaches into the bag that he has with him, pulling out an enormous dozen of pink and red roses. No, looks like two dozen. Kallie looks bemused as he thrusts the flowers into her hands and then dashes off.)
Kallie Reznik: Wha…okay…
(She drops the handle of her suitcase as she nearly drops the roses. She turns them in her hands, looking for the card. Finding it, she narrows her eyes slightly to read it.)
Kallie Reznik: “To my Shining Butterfly: may these give you a pneuma in which Athena herself gives.”
(She blinks, and then shrugs her shoulders.)
Kallie Reznik: Aiden is so cute…he tried to be super smart…I’ll have to thank him when I see him later tonight.
(With that same smile, she opens the door and then slams it behind her as the show goes to commercial.)
(As Riot’s next segment begins, we find our focus back on the ring, which seems decked out in regalia for some kind of celebration. Red and white balloons are affixed to each turnbuckle, the ropes have been wrapped with gold-coloured garland, and a lush red velvet carpet adorns the mat. In the centre of this carpet, framed perfectly in view from all sides of the ring, is a dark cherry wood podium, its pebbled surface of rusty auburn polished to a near-mirror finish. The front of this dais bears a black banner adorned with a single red maple leaf, and its top plays host to a simple, affixed microphone. Meg Reynolds stands just adjacent to this ornate scene, her own trusty mic in hand, along with a large, typed cue card. She recites from this now.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies, gentlemen, and all others besides, it is now time to CROWN PWS: Apex’s newest singles Champion! All please charge your glasses, be upstanding and direct your attentions to the ring as I welcome the GREATEST professional wrestler in PWS history; from the Capital City of the greatest nation in the Western hemisphere, Ottawa, Ontario Canada; weighing 92 kilograms - which I will NOT be translating into pounds for the one backwards country in the world who clings to an antiquated, nonsensical measurement system…
(Reynolds sighs, clearly annoyed with what she’s reading from the card.)
Meg Reynolds: And standing at a height of 1.83 metres tall; accompanied by the world’s most beautiful and brilliant woman, Desiree de La Roche, he is your REIGNING, DEFENDING, PWS: Apex Collateral Damage champion; “The Canadian HERO”, “UUUUUUUUUUNBREAKABLLLLLLLE” DEVOOOOOON RYYYYYYDER!
(With this, the lights in the arena dim, and a single golden spotlight shines upon the entrance ramp. The PA system blares to life not with the sounds of The Guess Who’s “American Woman”, but instead the opening notes of “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler. As the song swells to its crescendo, fog billows from the backstage area as the entrance stage floor parts, a rise holding two individuals - both glimpsed only in silhouette - slowly rises into view. Once the intro reaches its peak, with two refrains of “AAAAAAH, AAAAAAH!”, the lights return to normal and an explosion of pyro showers the entrance stage in golden sparks, revealing the forms of Devon Ryder and Desiree de La Roche, embracing in the centre of the stage.)
“Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where’s the streetwise Hercules,
To fight the rising odds?”
(Ryder grins his arrogant grin as he stares out into the crowd, the audience - much to even his OWN surprise - greeting the champion with a surprisingly mixed reaction. It seems a fair few of them either agree with his messaging or, more likely, have been swayed by his incredible display of endurance and athleticism at Destiny which won him the belt, and they express this respect through raucous applause. Devon is clad in a golden suit which bears a subtle leopard- or possibly snake-print pattern, Collateral Damage title belt slung proudly over his shoulder, and Desiree wears an ostentatious-yet-stylish gold dress to match, her natural hair tied into braids which form a high bun on the top of her head. The pair link arms, share a brief kiss, and begin to walk down the ramp to the ring.)
“Isn’t there a white knight
Upon a fiery steed?
Late at night, I toss and I turn,
And I DREAM OF WHAT I NEED!”
(At the base of the ramp, Ryder pauses, hoisting the title belt high into the air as more golden pyrotechnics explode up the length of the ramp behind him.)
“I NEED A HERO!
I’m holding out for a hero ‘till the end of the night!
He’s gotta be strong, and he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight!”
(Ryder grins once again and hops up onto the apron, raising the belt once again as more pyro explodes from the turnbuckles, narrowly missing the balloons tied onto each one.)
“I NEED A HERO!
I’m holding out for a hero ‘till the morning light!
He’s gotta be sure, it’s gotta be soon,
And he’s gotta be larger than life!
Larger than life!”
(As the song begins its first musical interlude, Desiree climbs the steps and Devon holds the ropes open for her, ushering her into the ring. The music begins to die down as he takes his place at the podium, giving the audience reaction - slightly more boos than adulation - a moment to die down.)
Devon Ryder: Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart, for a warmer welcome than I think EITHER of us suspected.
(He casts a quick glance at Desiree, who smirks and nods in his direction.)
Devon Ryder: I know that a great many of you have absolutely no use for me. You’d rather see anyone else - even Jonathan Sanders - standing in this ring holding this belt, and I truly do understand why that’s the case. But I hope, for SOME of you, I PROVED my worth at Destiny, when I fought through HELL to win this title, in spite of all the odds against me! I hope I showed you that I AM, well and truly, Unbreakable, and that - no matter your opinions on my political affiliation - you can all agree that my skill as a professional wrestler can never be in question.
(Ryder nets a surprisingly large pop for these words, as chants of “UN-BREAK-A-BLE!” *Clap clap clapclapclap* swell through a portion of the crowd. A great many continue to boo him, though the Canadian Hero seems unphased, as does his soulmate, who places a hand on the small of his back and smiles at her lover. Devon takes a moment to collect himself, meeting her gaze and sliding an arm around her waist before continuing his speech.)
Devon Ryder: Because that is exactly what I am - a professional. Wrestler. I am not a brute, I am not a savage, I am not a MONSTER…but I am ABSOLUTELY a warrior. I have EARNED this Championship as surely as anyone else who has ever HELD it…and I did it using only my own two hands.
(Another pause, more cheers and boos for Ryder. The balance shifts towards a negative reaction for his badmouthing of hardcore wrestlers.)
Devon Ryder: And I know I am in hallowed company. This belt truly has a storied history; Heather Haze, Daniel Russow, Mack McKane, Jonathan Sanders…once and future LEGENDS of not only this company, but this entire INDUSTRY. Their legacies are carved in stone, unbreakable, beacons of greatness for all who would come after…
(Another pause.)
Devon Ryder: But I am building my own legacy. And I will not do it on the backs of unskilled animals who would prefer to bludgeon their opponents with a weapon than wrestle them one-on-one to truly test their skills. That is not the sort of legacy I wish to leave…and it is not the sort of CHAMPION I choose to be.
(Ryder pauses again, his lips curling into a grin as he lowers the Collateral Damage championship behind the podium, and returns with a mysterious black bag.)
Devon Ryder: Which is why, effective immediately, for my FIRST ACT as the PWS: Apex Collateral Damage champion…I am RETIRING the PWS: Apex Collateral Damage championship. That is not a fitting name for the belt of a true Hero. It is not a fitting TITLE for a professional wrestler. But I am NOT relinquishing the title belt that I worked SO HARD to finally win…so, without further ado, allow me to present to you, PWS: Apex’s NEWEST singles championship belt…
(He unties the top of the black bag, sliding something out from within it. It looks very similar to the Collateral Damage championship, except that it has a golden maple leaf carved into the faceplate, and the sideplates each bear a painted Canadian flag. The strap is also a deep red, reminiscent of Ryder’s typical entrance jacket.)
Devon Ryder: The PWS: Apex ‘Canadian Domination Championship’!
(The crowd erupt into boos for Devon’s blatant disrespect of the history of the title he just won, as well as his clearly-unofficial rechristening of the belt. Ryder ignores them, grinning his signature grin as he continues. Desiree grins as well and applauds him, moving slightly off to the side.)
Devon Ryder: Now, I am MANY things, but I wish to be above all a fighting champion, so - effective immediately - I am issuing a STANDING OPEN CHALLENGE. If there is anybody in the back who believes they have the skill to beat me in a WRESTLING MATCH - I will NOT be defending this beautiful new belt in those ultraviolet street fights you call “entertainment” - then come down to this ring, anywhere, at any TIME, and I will GIVE you what you want! Just make sure that you’re ready for a fight, eh?
(As Devon is looking at Desiree with a grin on his face, “New Design” suddenly begins to play as the grin drops off his face. Devon turns his attention toward the ramp with a shocked look on his face.)
Devon Ryder: Aching for more, Violet? Come on, then! Let’s do this! I BEAT you already, but if you’re itching to lose to me again…
(As Devon’s attention is focused on the stage, a rumbling comes over the crowd as a small, blonde woman emerges from under the ring. She slowly slides into the ring as Devon still has no idea. She quietly walks up behind him, violently turns him around and slams a hard right hand into his face. Devon falls through the ropes as Violet walks back toward the ring technicians and asks for a microphone.)
Violet Amelia Holt: You know shithead, I couldn’t help but listen to all that crap you just spewed out of your mouth. The only reason you don’t want to live up to the history of the collateral damage championship is because you are a spineless, gutless coward.
(Violet starts marching around the ring until her eyes lock onto Desiree cowering in the corner.)
Violet Amelia Holt: However, I’ll play your stupid game Devon. You want to fight in a non hardcore match.
(Violet holds her hand out towards Desiree while showing a soft smile on her face. Desiree holds her hand out only for Violet to take her down before grabbing her ankle.)
Violet Amelia Holt: How about you and me in a Submission match? Let’s see if you are more than just talk.
(Violet tosses the microphone down while looking to lock in an ankle lock. Devon Ryder IMMEDIATELY hits the ring, his expression LIVID with a kind of rage we’ve never seen from the Canadian, and charges towards Holt. Violet quickly slips out of the ring while laughing out loud. She taps the side of her head as “I Miss The Misery” suddenly starts playing over the sound system. Ryder glares holes through Violet as she makes her way back up the ramp, grinning at him all the while and holding something in her right hand. Violet raises Devon’s brand new Canadian Domination title belt high above her head, causing the Canadian Hero’s eyes to widen as he cradles Desiree in his arms. He glowers at Violet, his eyes darting back and forth between her and the title belt in her hands, his partner sobbing softly against his chest, and Devon doesn’t break eye-contact with Violet as he rubs her back softly. The camera holds on the pair staring for a long moment before we cut to a commercial break.)
Singles Match
Aiden Reynolds vs. Dionysus
(This one starts out faster than some might expect considering the giant in the ring, but Dionysus seems capable of surprisingly-fleet movements when the mood possesses him. The opening moments largely consist of Aiden playing “keep-away” from the larger man, using his speed to his advantage, and trying to wear him down with targeted attacks around the knees and lower back. Eventually these tactics seem to be paying off for Aiden, as Dionysus misses a big boot in the corner and sacks himself on the turnbuckle, allowing Reynolds to lift the giant for a HUGE pop, dropping him to the mat with a German Suplex! Then it becomes a matter of trying to keep the Mad God on the ground, wearing him down with submissions and joint strikes. Aiden DOES net a couple of near-falls in this period, but eventually Dio takes the advantage again, standing straight up out of a pinfall attempt and flooring the Aussie with a Swinging Powerslam. He then continues his advantage, tossing Aiden around as though he were made of feathers, including a SICK Military Press toss from the inside to the outside, but the former Tag Team champion is not one to go down easy. Eventually Dionysus gets frustrated with his constant kicking out and his anger makes him sloppy, trying to blatantly choke Aiden in front of the referee, who breaks them up. Reynolds takes the advantage again in the recovery from this and manages to bring the giant to his knees with two Springboard Clotheslines IN A ROW, before taking several steps back to get a running start for the DOWN UNDA…but Jonathan Sanders shows up to grab his ankle! Reynolds turns around, the Lost Cause grinning up at him as he backs away from the ring, but while he’s distracted this allows Dionysus to recover, hoisting the unaware Aussie onto his shoulders to put him down with the RUSTY CLEAVER! He covers…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! IT’S OVER!
WINNER - DIONYSUS
(The cameras catch Kallie one more time as she makes her way to the staging area for the final match of the show. To say her nerves are rattling her is one thing, but she calms herself down by thumbing the little card from the flowers earlier in the shower. She smiles as she looks at it, turning it in her fingers as she walks forward. Behind her, approaching quickly, is Aiden Reynolds, who is clearly coming back from the ring, rubbing the back of his head. He grins and runs up on his tip toes, to the point where even she doesn’t hear him. He reaches forward and closes his hands over her eyes.)
Aiden Reynolds: Oi, love, ‘ow’s it goin’?
(His voice adopts and even more Australian-y tone, or at least, what the rest of the world assumes Australians to sound like. She giggles and pulls his fingers from her face, looking at him with a grin.)
Kallie Reznik: Sending me off with a good luck hug?
Aiden Reynolds: Of course! Wouldn’ be me if I didn’t. You’re gonna do great out there tonight.
Kallie Reznik: I hope so…first major main event…and I have to return the favor she put on me.
Aiden Reynolds: I know. If you want, I can go out there with you and–
Kallie Reznik: No, I think I’ve got it…oh!
(She grins widely, reaching up and pressing a hand to his sweaty chest. She regrets it instantly, gagging slightly and wincing. Aiden rolls his eyes and looks down at her with a smirk.)
Aiden Reynolds: Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve felt sweat on me chest, Lov–
Kallie Reznik: AIDEN!
(He laughs at her as her cheeks go slightly red. She purses her lips, rolls her eyes and then grins at her boyfriend.)
Kallie Reznik: No, but, the roses you sent…I didn’t think you’d do something like that. It was sweet.
(Aiden stares at her dumbfoundedly, the smirk dropping from his expression.)
Aiden Reynolds: The whodawhat?
Kallie Reznik: …the…roses?
Aiden Reynolds: The roses?
Kallie Reznik: Aiden, don’t play dumb today. I got them when I got here…
Aiden Reynolds: Love…I’m not playin’ dumb, I legitimately am. I didn’t get ya any roses.
(Kallie blinks, tilts her head, and then frowns.)
Aiden Reynolds: I mean, I’ll remember to do that next time or somethin’, but Dickie and I got here early to talk to Mal and…
(Kallie looks at the card and then looks up at him. He takes it from her and reads it, narrowing his eyes slightly too to read the small print. He looks down at her, a frown decorating his face.)
Aiden Reynolds: I definitely didn’t have anythin’ to do with the Numa Numa bro.
(Kallie frowns even deeper, before she just gestures for him to get rid of it. Which he does. He chucks it on the floor. For a second, she seems semi-confused…until she realizes something and her face goes blank for a moment as she looks at the wall, lost in thought. Aiden stares at her, then the wall, and then looks back at her.)
Aiden Reynolds: Kallie?
Kallie Reznik: Hm?
Aiden Reynolds: …you okay?
Kallie Reznik: Yeah…yeah. I’m fine. I’ll see you after my match, okay?
(But she doesn’t wait for him. Instead, she leaves him standing there, heading for the staging area without another word. Aiden blinks, watching her go.)
Aiden Reynolds: O…okay…?
(The camera cuts to the announce table.)
Alfonso Banks: JR!
JR Freeman: What, Alf?
Alfonso Banks: What if it’s 61, the 9th?
JR Freeman: Oh, dear lord…
(The camera cuts to commercial before the final match of the evening.)
(The cameras cut back from a commercial to show Alexis Makarios standing in the middle of the ring, her music blasting as the crowd cheered.)
Alfonso Banks: Welcome back! During the break we were graced with the presence of the PWS:APEX United Champion, Alexis Makarios.
JR Freeman: Wonder what she is doing out here? She has a mic in hand so I am sure we are about to find out.
(As the music fades and the crowd dies down, Alexis readjusts the United Title on her shoulder before raising the mic to her lips.)
Alexis Makarios: So… Destiny was interesting, eh?
(The crowd roars and she grins a little bit.)
Alexis Makarios: Hawaii was beautiful! The sun… the beach! I gained 2 new sisters! I got to see a dear friend of mine get the honor she deserved when she was inducted into the Hall of Fame… welcome aboard Britt, I’m so proud of you!!
(The crowd starts a “BRITTANY! BRITTANY! Chant, which makes Alexis smile.)
Alexis Makarios: We saw some new champions crowned… we saw some retain. But we also saw something… else
(Her expression instantly changes to anger and frustration)
Alexis Makarios: We saw the antics of what can only be described as a child throwing a temper tantrum because they didn’t get their way. A spoiled rotten brat being told no, whatever you wanna say to describe it. And I’m fucking SICK of it! Heather Haze… get your fucking ass out here RIGHT NOW!!!
(She yells that last line as she lowers the mic, her face starting to turn that shade of red and rage that formerly was reserved for Russows. On cue Heather’s music hits, and out comes the cocky vixen to a chorus of loud boos as Heather glides and dances down the ramp wearing a top that reads, “I KILLED A RUSSOW.” She then stops at the bottom of the ramp, eying at Lexi rather cautiously before climbing inside the ring, her eye contact not breaking with hers, as if expecting her ‘vixen friend’ to lunge at her any second.)
(Heather then motions for the mic as the ring attendant gives it to her. Heather then tests the microphone out, giving a few good smacks to the head to see it’s working while keeping a safe distance from Lexi who continues to stare at her like a seething bull seeing red.)
Heather Haze: Before you say anything…I just wanted to tell you how extremely proud I am of you for winning your match and keeping that United Belt. I never doubted you for a second…and I’m legit happy that you won your match against Cleo at Destiny. And I also know how proud you are of me for dealing with that piss stain Daniel. It was a long time coming but I dealt with our little Russow problem…and neither he or Audrey shouldn’t be a bother to either of us for a long, long time. That’s how the vixxxens get it done, am I right?
(Heather sticks her thumb out with a shit eating grin on her face, expecting Lexi to fully support her, but to no avail. Alexis actually glares at her, even letting out a slight snarl, as the anger on her face was more than obvious to Heather. She grits her teeth as she speaks, emphasizing each word.)
Alexis Makarios: Shut. Your. Fucking. Mouth.
(Alexis takes in a deep breath before she continues speaking.)
Alexis Makarios: What is your FUCKING PROBLEM??? You ruined my match at Destiny! I spent days thinking of the perfect Destiny moment, the perfect Destiny match! And I saw it in Kallie and Cleo. That triple threat was going to be MAGNIFICENT! It was going to steal the show! But oh hell no, your greedy, selfish, pathetic ass couldn’t let that happen… could you? You couldn’t stand by and let ME outshine you! You couldn’t handle the fact that I didn’t choose you to defend against. So you stomped your feet and threw a GOD DAMNED TANTRUM! And don’t you even try to deny it because that is EXACTLY what you did. So don’t stand here and lie to my face. I know you better than that, Heather. I know what motivates you, and I know how you think. You attacked Kallie and attempted to attack Cleo because you wanted to take them out then miraculously “take their place” to try and save the day. Try to weasel your way into a match you don’t belong in! And guess what… IT DIDN'T FUCKING WORK!!! So what now, Heather? HUH? What’s your next move?
(Before Heather could even open her mouth, Alexis keeps going.)
Alexis Makarios: Let’s see… knowing you… you are gonna attack me backstage until I give in and give you a shot. Or, are you gonna pester management to the point they give in to shut you the hell up? Or, perhaps, you are gonna bribe and try to sleep with whatever management will give you the time of day so you can exploit it to get what you want? COME ONE HEATHER! WHAT’S NEXT?
?(Heather sighed, rolling her eyes condescendingly to everything Lexi was pouring out, as the fans let her have it with the detestable boos directed at her.)
Heather Haze: Are you done? Are you done with your dumb idiotic 'conspiracy theories’? Are you even hearing yourself right now? Okay I confess, Lexi: YES! I admit I roughed Kallie up backstage and ruined your precious three way match...But SO. fucking. what? Has it ever occurred to you that MAYBE you bring out the worst in me??
(Heather let out a frustrated laugh as she shook her head at Lexi.)
Heather Haze: I had asked you nicely. Hell, I even begged you for a match with you. All you had to do was say, 'Yes Heather. It would be MY honor.' And We could've done such great things together... We could've had ourselves a great match that would go down as the greatest match of all time. I don't even care which one of us would go on to win it because there's no one I wouldn't want, but to share the ring with someone whom I have the most respect and the most admiration for and give her the best match of her career...a living legend like yourself DESERVES… and that's the god honest truth.
(A scowl came over her face as she now stares icy daggers at Lexi)
Heather Haze: But YOU had to be all selfish. (Pointing at the fans) You allowed THEM to get in your ears and that made you change your whole entire perception about me. You forgot all the times I was THERE FOR YOU! Did you forget all that?! Did you?! Where the hell were THEY when you had your mental breakdown last year?! Where the HELL were THEY when you got shipped off to some nuthouse, dragged in a fucking straight jacket like a rabid dog! But you know who was there?! ME! Through all of it. ME!! I wasn't just your tag partner or your acquaintance, Lexi. I was your biggest fan! I still am. Hell I was like a sister to YOU! I fought tooth and nail for us and you had to throw it all away because of THEM!!
Fans: Bullshit! Bullshit!!
Heather Haze: Yeah fucking hypocrite fans that's all you are. You know what I think, Lexi? I think deep down you’re just as selfish as me. It was your SELFISHNESS that got Kallie beat up. It was your SELFISHNESS that Daniel had to sustain another injury at my hands. Maybe it's YOU who should be doing all the apology to them for unleashing this vile evil monster that you’ve created..but I just can't turn it off just like that because...I'm the way I am. I can't be you...I can't be Audrey...I can't be Jennifer or Madison...I can only be me….and that thought scares you which is why you always have this wall up every time you are around me to preserve your ‘goodie’ ‘goodie’ image.
(Alexis’s jaw drops, in sheer and utter disbelief in everything Heather just said)
Alexis Makarios: Are you… are you fucking SERIOUS??? This is MY FAULT? You are fucking psychotic. You are a psychopath! You have yourself so convinced that you are a victim here. You are not a victim. You have NEVER been the victim. You are a calculating, manipulative, CRAZY BITCH!!! You want to stand here and claim that I bring out the worst in YOU
I hit my lowest low with YOU by my side… encouraging my behavior! Perpetuating my paranoia, whispering in my ear, pointing me down the dark road. So don’t you fucking dare stand there and accuse me of that shit.(Alexis pauses to take a deep breath)
Alexis Makarios: You wanna know why I didn’t want you in my match at Destiny? DO YOU REALLY WANNA KNOW WHY? It wasn’t because I was intimidated by you. It wasn’t because I was ungrateful for when you stood by my side. And it sure as fuck wasn’t because I didn’t want to share the spotlight with you. It was because you didn’t DESERVE that spot. Not yet! After the hell you put Audrey and Dan through lately? After EVERYTHING you did, you think that just because we are friends… or at least used to be, I don’t know… that I was just going to roll over and give you anything you fucking wanted? NO! Jenn had even talked to me before I won the United Title, saying she would love a shot at it if I won. And did I just say “yeah sure, let’s do it”? NO! Because I know that’s not what a good friend does. A good friend can’t just play favorites. So you sit there, and you say whatever the fuck you want. But there is one thing that I can agree with you on. You aren’t Audrey. Or Jenn. Or Madison. Because they are SO MUCH better than YOU!
(Heather gazed at Lexi, listening on with almost no emotions before a playful little smirk came across her face.)
Heather Haze: Hmmm I’m sorry you feel that way. You know… did James ever tell you all those sad, pathetic lonely nights of his he spent drowning in his sorrows in a bottle while you were strapped to your bed all alone, wailing and bawling your eyes out in that filthy cockroach infested padded room that was your home for three months? No? Oh maybe he forgot to mention all those late night house calls I’d make to check up on him…to make sure he was doing okay. Because y’know that’s what good friends do. I did everything I could to console him. And he’d just go on for hours and hours just talking out all his feelings to me and how he was at a low point in his life where he seriously thought of divorcing you. And truth be told, I didn’t blame him at that time…I recall there were so many innocent lil incidents with him and I where he just couldn’t control his libido and all. I remember that one night We got drunk together and well one thing led to another…and…oops I guess this is the part where it gets a little too PG for the kids.
(Heather then turns to the fans and snickers)
Heather Haze: Hey guys…Would you like to hear the unabridged, full XXX version of the story? Or maybe I should just whisper it in your ears, Lexi. It can be our dirty little secret.
Alexis Makarios: YOU LYING FUCKING WHORE!!!
(With that, and no further hesitation, Alexis drops the belt to the ground and just TACKLES Heather to the mat! In a fury of primal screams, Alexis is pounding Heather’s head into the mat repeatedly.)
Alexis Makarios: I’LL… FUCKING… KILL… YOU!!!
(A rush of security comes down to the ring and begins to pull Alexis off of Heather and hold her back as a trainer is checking on Heather.)
Alexis Makarios: YOU WANT A MATCH AGAINST ME SO BAD! FINE! I’LL BE HAPPY TO KICK YOUR ASS!
(As the security drags Heather out of the ring, kicking and screaming, Heather can be heard yelling back.)
Heather Haze: I WANT THAT FUCKING BELT!! THAT’S ALL I EVER WANTED YOU SELFISH CRAZY BITCH!! GIVE ME WHAT I WANT!! GIVE IT TO ME!!
Alexis Makarios: FINE!!! IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES!
(As security takes Alexis out of the ring and towards the back, the cameras cut to the commentary table)
Alfonso Banks: Um… what just happened?
JR Freeman: I think Heather just claims to have slept with Alexis’s husband… And Alexis tried to kill her?
Alfonso Banks: Let’s uh… let’s cut to a video package and we’ll be right back?
(The cameras cut)
Main Event
Singles Match
Kallie Reznik vs. Heather Haze
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen and everybody else, it is time for your MAIN EVENT of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL with television time remaining.
(The fans erupt with boos as the arena lights go dark and Willa Ford's "I Wanna Be Bad" begins to blare over the speaker system. Bright neon lights begin to flash out from the ramp, the words "The Bad Girl" flashing across the screen, as Heather Haze strides out before the gathered crowd. The crowd - ordinarily mixed - pelts her with boos and jeers now, but Haze simply smiles as her theme music continues to bump out of the P.A. She strikes a seductive pose for a moment, then dances a little to the music, shaking her hips and ignoring the crowd whilst still smiling her eerily-calm smile, before making her way slowly to the ring.)
Meg Reynolds: Introducing first; from the San Fernando Valley in California; weighing in at 115 lbs.; she is “THE BAD GIRL”, HEATHEEEEEEEER HAAAAAZE!
(Heather sidles slowly to the ring, taking her sweet time and soaking in the hatred of the audience as though it were the deepest adulation. She then sprints the last few feet and baseball slides into the ring, coming up into a quick predatory crouch, her eyes locked on the fans. In this moment, and this moment alone, we catch a glimpse of the truth beneath Heather’s smile, as her eyes glint wildly, wickedly, almost MADLY before she then arches her back to push her ample breasts outward and throws her head back in an orgasmic fashion, but the cat-calls which would ordinarily accompany this act are replaced with even louder boos from the highly-uncomfortable audience. Heather slowly returns to her feet, grinning as the music fades.)
JR Freeman: That’s right, folks, the time is finally here! A grudge-match in the making since Destiny, when Heather Haze attacked Kallie Reznik backstage with a steel chair and concussed her, RUINING her opportunity to challenge Alexis Makarios for the PWS: Apex United Championship!
Alfonso Banks: Wow, JR, the fans are really telling Heather how they feel about her tonight, aren’t they?
JR Freeman: Well, can you blame them? After the stunt she pulled with Alexis earlier today - which, by the way, got the United Champion escorted out of the building for the rest of the night - they SHOULD be vocal about their displeasure!
Alfonso Banks: I think their hate is entirely misplaced, JR; after all, wasn’t it Lexi who threw the first punch? Haze was just defending herself!
JR Freeman: DEFENDING HERSELF?! After those horrible allegations about things she did with - or TO - Lexi’s husband, James Younger? Haze PROVOKED that attack, Alf, and frankly she deserved it!
Alfonso Banks: So now you’re victim-blaming, JR? Shame on you. I truly thought you were better than that.
(JR heaves an aggravated sigh as we cut back to Haze striking posing and mock “warming up” in the ring, with Meg Reynolds once more standing in the middle.)
Meg Reynolds: And her opponent…
(Poppy electronic beats hit the sound system of the arena as “Hypa Hypa” by Eskimo Callboy begins to play. The lights surrounding the stage strobe blue and pink alternating colors with the beat as the rest darken almost completely. With the beat, Kallie Reznik appears from underneath the curtain, her arms behind her as she skips to the center of the stage. In her hair, she wears a pair of sequined Minnie Mouse ears and a white jacket over her ring attire. A bright, innocent smile paints her face as she sings along to the lyrics of the song, swaying side to side, bopping with it as she meets eyes with some of the fans in attendance.)
Meg Reynolds: From Aurora, Colorado; fighting out of “The Wolfslair”; weighing in at 118 lbs.; “THE BUTTERFLY” KALLLLLLLLIIIIIIIEEEEE REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIK!
♫HYPA HYPA, YOU’RE PRETTY AND I LIKE YA
MOVE YOUR BODY, GIRL, ALL NIGHT LONG
HYPA HYPA, YOU’RE PRETTY AND I LIKE YA
YOU’RE GONNA BE MY GIRL ALL NIGHT LONG♫
[/color][/font][/center]MOVE YOUR BODY, GIRL, ALL NIGHT LONG
HYPA HYPA, YOU’RE PRETTY AND I LIKE YA
YOU’RE GONNA BE MY GIRL ALL NIGHT LONG♫
(At the end of the phrase, Kallie turns her body slightly, pops her hip out and raises her hand with a silly peace symbol held in it as she winks flirtatiously just as the heavier guitar riffs of the theme begins. With a grin, she begins to skip down to the ring, stopping to high five a couple of younger female fans along the way. She picks a special younger girl as she reaches the bottom of the ramp and takes the Minnie Mouse ears off her head, placing them on the head of the girl before she runs and slides under the ring.)
♫ YOU ARE MY DRUG
YOU'RE EVERYTHING I WANT
I WOULD GIVE MY SOUL FOR A GIRL LIKE YOU AT ONCE
PUT YOUR HANDS UP
WELL, LET ME SEE YOU SHAKE YOUR HIPS ♫
YOU'RE EVERYTHING I WANT
I WOULD GIVE MY SOUL FOR A GIRL LIKE YOU AT ONCE
PUT YOUR HANDS UP
WELL, LET ME SEE YOU SHAKE YOUR HIPS ♫
(Keeping at that run, Kallie rushes forward and grabs the top rope, slingshotting the rest of her body underneath it and sitting on the second rope, letting it bounce her up and down as she grins at the crowd, raising a hand in the air. The crowd pops happily for her, before she bounces herself off and begins to head for her corner, taking her ring jacket off and then leaning into the turnbuckle, grasping the ropes with both hands and testing the tension as her music fades out.)
JR Freeman: And a DEAFENING response for Kallie Reznik tonight from this capacity crowd here at the Heritage Bank Center, Alf!
Alfonso Banks: Well, they WOULD cheer for her, JR, she’s basically the hometown girl!
JR Freeman: …She’s from Colorado, Alf. We’re in Cincinnati.
(Alf stares at him blankly.)
JR Freeman: Ohio?
Alfonso Banks: Gesundheit.
JR Freeman: I swear to Christ, Alf…
(As we return to the ring, the two opponents square off, their mismatched heights preventing them from being QUITE nose-to-nose in the centre of the canvas. The smile has faded from Kallie’s face in favour of a look of determination, if not a touch of rage, as Heather Haze just smirks and tosses verbal taunts in her direction which the mics do not pick up. Kallie doesn’t respond verbally, instead simply shaking her head and popping her knuckles, clearly ready for a fight, before the referee interposes herself between the two for the pre-match patdown. Once both have been cleared for weapons and each woman has retreated to her corner, the bell rings and each one EXPLODES out of the corner towards her adversary, apparently on a collision course…but as Kallie leaps into the air for a Running Dropkick, Heather Haze drops to the mat and baseball slides out the opposite side of the ring, her lips curling into an arrogant smirk at her “brilliant” tactical thinking. The crowd showers her in boos, but Haze pays them no mind, instead laughing to herself as Kallie hits the mat. The Wolfcub gets back to her feet immediately, shooting an uncharacteristic glare in Haze’s direction, and the Bad Girl blows her a kiss with a mocking little wink and a wiggle of her hips. Heather Haze then begins to parade around the ring as the referee begins a count, clearly trying to waste clock, but Kallie's having none of her shenanigans as she hits the ropes again and fires herself at Heather with a Suicide Dive! Haze hadn't been paying attention, busy taunting the crowd instead, so the move connects full-bore and sends both women to the ground outside of the ring! The referee begins to count again…)
1…
2…
3…
4…
JR Freeman: Dios mio! What an explosive start to this matchup!
Alfonso Banks: Damn, JR, you weren't kidding when you called this a grudge match!
JR Freeman: Absolutely not, Alf; these two women CLEARLY have it out for each other, and after what happened at Destiny, I don’t blame them!
(The count continues as both women stir, with Kallie getting to her feet first and snagging Heather by the hair, rolling her into the ring to continue the match properly. She follows up with an assault on Haze while she’s still down, showing off her technical prowess with some wrist locks and stomps, working the limb expertly to lead into a Kimura! She wrenches on the hold as Haze writhes in pain, but the Bad Girl is tenacious and begins to wildly swing and claw in the direction of Kallie’s face, catching one of her eyes and causing the Butterfly to break the hold, reeling backwards and clutching her face. The audience erupts with boos again as Haze gets a reprimand from the referee, whom she just laughs off before slowly grabbing the ropes and working her way back to her feet. She’s still clutching her arm , bending and unbending it a few times to try to work through the pain. She turns to square off with Kallie, looking to press the advantage her “unintentional” eye-rake has given her, and she does so with a vicious hair-pull Snapmare, sending Kallie to the mat! She’s still in a seated position, allowing Heather to follow up with a BRUTAL kick to the back of the head before taking Kallie’s neck between her two ankles, dropping to the mat in a push-up position and hitting her with the RIDE ‘EM COWGIRL!)
JR Freeman: Oh, this is disgusting! First, she rakes the eyes - ILLEGALLY - to get the upper-hand, and now she’s just showing off!
Alfonso Banks: Hey now, JR; if I had an ass like that, you’d better BELIEVE I’d show it off the same way!
JR Freeman: …I don’t EVER want to think about that again, Alf. Thanks! I hate it!
(Kallie Reznik’s head hits the mat once, twice, three times, over and over until Haze has completed ten consecutive push-ups! The crowd continues to pelt her with boos and jeers as she stands up, posing for their “adulation”, then grabs Kallie by the hair and fires a STIFF kick into her face and forehead! She then grins a snide grin and makes a mock-“cutesie” pose, flashing a peace sign and popping her hips just like Kallie would, before climbing to the top rope…)
JR Freeman: Oh no…I don’t like where this is going. Is she really thinking of trying to put Kallie away with her own finishing move?
Alfonso Banks: HAHAHAHAHA, oh yes! The delicious irony! I love it, JR, I LOVE it!
(It appears that’s exactly what’s on the Bad Girl’s mind, as she makes it to the top rope and locks eyes on Kallie Reznik like a predator, waiting for the Butterfly to make it slowly, shakily, back up to her feet. Once she’s finally standing, Heather leaps off for the Threads of the Moirai, cackling as she does…but Kallie sees it coming and jumps aside, managing to evade the stolen-finisher attempt and let Haze crash and burn! The Bad Girl manages to roll through, though, landing on her feet...until she gets immediately nailed by a Judo toss, which Kallie rolls through into a Kamigoye Knee-strike with one fluid motion! The crowd pops for Kallie and this display of athleticism, and she takes one more moment to shake off the recent string of offense before hitting the ropes again and nailing Haze with a Running Shooting Star Press. She goes for a quick cover…)
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NO!
JR Freeman: Oh, a VERY strong showing by Kallie Reznik there! Showcasing not only her speed, but her psychological wrestling prowess as well; she really knows how to think on her feet, and focus on wearing the opponent down.
Alfonso Banks: I hate to say it, JR, but I can’t disagree. This is exactly why Haze didn’t want to be in the ring with her when this one started.
JR Freeman: Wow, Alf, that’s…surprisingly wholesome and insightful coming from you.
Alfonso Banks: But I STILL think she’s a bitch!
JR Freeman: THERE it is…
(Kallie doesn’t seem frustrated as Heather Haze kicks out, she simply shrugs her shoulders and gives a little giggle as she gets back to her feet, taking Heather Haze with her. Haze tries to fight back with some rights and lefts fired into Kallie’s midsection, but the Wolfcub answers back with a knee to the solar-plexus and a SWIFT Northern Lights Suplex! She then returns to focusing on the arm, dropping a knee onto the Bad Girl’s elbow and then grabbing her for another wrist-lock, before dragging her fallen body towards the corner…could it be? YES! OUROBOROS! THE OUROBOROS IS LOCKED IN!)
JR Freeman: OUROBOROS! This could be it, Kallie’s capitalizing on all that arm work she’s done so far!
Alfonso Banks: …
JR Freeman: Alf? Earth to Alf! Still with us, buddy?
Alfonso Banks: Maybe it’s “sixty-one point nine”, and they just forgot the decimal place…
JR Freeman: Oh, for God’s sake, are you STILL on about that?!
Alfonso Banks: I NEED TO KNOW, JR! I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!
(As the two bicker, Heather Haze struggles against the Ouroboros, but Kallie sticks out her tongue in determination. Haze can’t quite reach Reznik with her strikes this time, so she starts to thrash her powerful hips and legs, managing to roll her over into a pinning predicament.)
ONE!
TWO!
(Kallie manages to roll through the attempted small-package, pinning HAZE to the mat now…)
ONE!
TWO!
(Haze rolls through again, and the pair continue this pattern to trade two more two-counts before Haze finally kicks both legs powerfully into the air, firing Kallie off of her…directly into the referee! The pair then both begin to return to their feet as the ref hits the mat, trading blows all the while. Each punch Kallie lands is met with wild applause from the audience, while each blow Heather lands nets a “BOO!” They battle back and forth this way for some time before either takes the upper hand, with things falling in Haze’s favour now as she takes full advantage of the fallen official by hitting Kallie with ANOTHER eye-rake, far more blatant this time! The crowd boos furiously but Haze just smirks, dropping Kallie with a DDT before rolling out of the ring, a malicious twinkle in her eye.)
JR Freeman: Oh, I don’t like where this is headed…
Alfonso Banks: I think I DO, JR!
JR Freeman: Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me.
(Heather Haze grins outside the ring while she rummages around under the ring for something…returning with a steel chair firmly in hand!)
JR Freeman: Oh, no! This is despicable, we can’t possibly allow this! Somebody’s gotta stop her!
Alfonso Banks: Who, JR? The referee’s out for the count!
(Haze slides back into the ring, now, lifting the steel chair high above her head and bringing it down towards Kallie’s face…but the Wolfcub was playing possum-cub, and she rolls out of the way causing the Bad Girl to smack the mat full-force, throwing herself off-balance! Kallie then kips up, taking advantage with a Dragonrana! ASPHODEL FIELDS! She makes a run for the corner, hopping up to the top…)
JR Freeman: Yes! Yes! This is it, Reznik’s up top…
Alfonso Banks: I wouldn’t count Haze out yet, JR!
(Kallie takes a second to get her balance, then leaps off looking for the THREADS OF THE MOIRAI…but Heather Haze catches her in mid-air with the JAILBAIT! JAILBAIT! Kallie’s head makes contact with the steel chair on the mat, which Haze then quickly kicks out of the ring and shakes the referee awake. With an evil grin she rolls the Wolfcub over, covering her shoulders for a groggy…)
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! IT’S OVER!
JR Freeman: NO! NO, DAMMIT! That’s not fair! What a horrible, underhanded way to win this thing!
Alfonso Banks: I’d let Heather Haze get underhanded with ME, if ya know what I mean…
JR Freeman: Wait, aren’t you into Cleo Phillips?
Alfonso Banks: I can be into more than one woman! Besides, I think we BOTH know she’s way outta my league…
JR Freeman: …Well, at least you’re CONSCIOUS of it!
Alfonso Banks: Yeah, I AM conscious! Unlike Kallie Reznik OOOOOOOOOOOH GOTTEM!
JR Freeman: That’s not fair, Alf, Kallie Reznik fought VALIANTLY tonight! I don’t think anybody can say she didn’t do a DAMN fine job in her first-ever Main Event, and prove she can absolutely hang with the big boys - or girls - on the roster!
Alfonso Banks: …Yeeeeeah, but she still got knocked out though, didn’t she?
JR Freeman: Not fairly!
(JR audibly sighs as we cut back to the ring, Willa Ford’s “I Wanna Be Bad” starting to blare again as Haze returns to her feet, cackling with pride and striking a sly, seductive pose over Kallie’s fallen body. The referee blearily raises her hand as the audience pelts the ring with boos, jeers and trash.)
Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, “THE BAD GIRL”, HEATHER HAAAAAAAAZE!
JR Freeman: Disgusting! I can’t believe she’s celebrating this like it’s a legitimate accomplishment!
Alfonso Banks: Hey, history is written by the WINNERS, JR, and that’s all that-OH MY GOD!
JR Freeman: What? What? What’s going on?!
Alfonso Banks: It’s their area code! 619! THAT’S what it fucking means!
JR Freeman: …I truly have no idea where to even begin with you, you know that?
WINNER - HEATHER HAZE
PWS: APEX Rise to Glory
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Capital One Arena - Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Capital One Arena - Washington, D.C.
(The show comes back, as Meg Reynolds is standing in the ring.)
Meg Reynolds: Please welcome at this time, Eddie Lopez!
(La Raza from Kid Frost starts playing as the crowd starts cheering for him as he stands on stage, As he walks down the stage, he’s still feeling the soreness from the match he had with his daughter at Destiny. As he enters the ring, he asks for the microphone from the stagehand, he stands in the middle. The music starts to die, and the crowd still cheers for him.)
Eddie Lopez: I love you guys too! I’m never lost for words but tonight, I have no idea what I’m going to say and they decided to give me a live mic, so anything can happen!
(Eddie chuckles before walking around the ring.)
Crowd: Please don’t go!
(Eddie stops in his tracks to hear the crowd, who is chanting that. It brings a tear to his eye, that he wipes away quickly. He knows his days are numbed, but the fact the fans want him to wrestle again he couldn’t help but get emotional.)
Eddie Lopez: At Destiny, I wrestled my last match in my career, and I’m glad I got to have that last match with my daughter. I thought I would never get to face but and I’m extremely honored that I did….I knew there was a reason why she wanted to face me and honestly? I’m happy she did.
(The crowd cheers again.)
Eddie Lopez: In 1996 I started my career in a run-down building in Mexico teaming with my dad, and all these years later, I finished my career with my daughter. Funny how things work out. I’m not upset that I’m leaving but the thought of leaving this behind hasn’t really sunk in yet. I grew up in front of you guys, you saw me as a wild teenager and now as a grandfather. We had ups and downs, from sold-out fans to a few dozen, but it didn’t matter to me. My goal was to entertain you people and I believe that I did.
(Eddie smiles before he circles the ring for a moment as the crowd cheers again.)
Eddie Lopez: You guys helped me through my struggles, back then as well. Especially after my wife died. After she died, I always looked forward to coming to work because you guys were an escape from reality for me. I got to be “superman” and help YOU guys through your problems, and you returned the favor. I can never thank you enough for that.
(The crowd once again cheers towards Eddie.)
Eddie Lopez: You guys also met my kids too, Gracie and Crystal, and EJ. I’m so proud of those kids, and what they’ve become. One is a star in this business already, but the other 2 are not that far behind…..
Crowd: One more match!
(Eddie is caught off guard for a moment at the crowd after they started to chant that. A quick smile comes across his face but it quickly fades away. He knows he can’t do any more matches, his body won’t allow that.)
Eddie Lopez: No more matches for me, I get that retirement is a dirty word in wrestling because wrestlers never hold their word, but I am. After all the wear and tear my body has been through over the years, I need to get it fixed and relax for once in my life.
(The crowd boos as they don’t want to accept that answer, but they know they have no say on what he does.)
Eddie Lopez: There are so many people I want to thank, so let’s start with Max Sheppard. While we never saw eye to eye on stuff, I still respect him. Star Stormz, I put that girl through hell over the years, from jokes to pranks, to me putting her car on the roof of an arena at one point, I drove that girl crazy but I still respect her. David Shane, Lexi, Jenn, my kids, Madison, Duke Russell even, I’m not sure if he’s even around or watching anymore, but I respect all of them and they’ve been by my side. Laura Phoenix, Bella, Nick Madison. The list goes on and on of who I always wanted to thank over the years and I don’t want to waste time doing so. They know who they are, and just… thank you.
(The crowd cheers again.)
Eddie Lopez: And one man gets a special thanks. My dad. He always supported my decisions no matter what they were, from being in little league as a baseball player or being in this sport of wrestling. He was always there for me, and he told me that hard work would always pay off and he was right. I’ve seen the world, from the states to Canada to Japan to Australia. I have no idea what the next chapter of my life will be, right now I’ll just settle on being a grandfather.
(Eddie grabs his boots that had been placed by the stagehands in the corner of the ring and he places them in the middle of the ring along with the microphone he had in his hand. His music starts to play as he exits the ring. He walks backwards up the ramp and his daughters, Gracie, Crystal and his ex-wife Jenn appear on stage. All of them share a group hug on stage, as the crowd cheers and the lights fade into a single spotlight on his boots in the ring with his music playing in the background.)
© PWS: APEX 2022, All Rights Reserved
