The AWF Presents: Prestige 66 - LIVE from Memphis, TN!
Feb 20, 2021 16:28:49 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Kira Izumi, and 2 more like this
Post by ForeverKuroi on Feb 20, 2021 16:28:49 GMT -5
Ascension Wrestling Federation Presents:
Live at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN.
2/20/2021
Capacity: 1,950
In Attendance: 195
The cameras open up as we scan across the ringside seats, the Tennessee crowd are only too pleased to welcome the AWF back to their state for the first time in over a year.n
Taylor: Hello, fans, and welcome to Prestige Sixty-Six!
The shots now focus on the signs the fans hold high:
I KNOW COACH’S NAME!
KILL KIRA!
HOLD ME, KISS ME, SLEAZE ME!
We now join Tommy Taylor and Cassius Romano at the announce booth.
Taylor: Have we got a show for you, a series of Strange Bedfellows tag-team matches and then our main-event…
Romano: For those of you who are stat fans, you’ll know that the last time we saw a Prestige Title match on an episode of Prestige it resulted in a title-change!
Taylor: The challenger will certainly be hoping he can repeat what happened that night when Bloodied Fox toppled Seth Dillinger inside a steel-cage!
Romano: Adkins made short work of Xiaolong in his return match but this is an entirely different challenge, can he make the step up?
The video replays the win over Xiaolong from Prestige 65.
Taylor: Well, one thing a lot of people are sleeping on is that Adkins has held gold before here in Ascension.
Romano: Valid point, people often wonder why people say the easiest way to win gold is to have held some before but it’s the mindset, the drive, the experience in how to get there that means people can repeat it again and again!
Taylor: Can he turn that Phoenix title-reign into the basis of a Prestige run? We’ll find out at the top of the show. But before we get there we’ve got a hell of a show to put on. In a match that raised eyebrows across the board, we have the team of Chris Card and Neo James Carner going against Bloodied Fox and Adam Sanders!
Footage is shown of the chaos that unfolded at XHF Supremacy as the Lumberjacks tear into one another. The video freezes as Sanders and NJC look to unload on one another.
Romano: That match has talent and ego aplenty but when you add in Cross Recoba as the Special Guest Referee? It’s a braver man than me who wants to even try and predict how that one goes!
Taylor: But the lines are blurred, Card will surely be the focus of Recoba’s eye but what about Fox and Sanders? We saw at Supremacy that they nearly came to blows, will that combust tonight? Then you look at NJC, will he listen to the experienced advice of his partner?
Romano: Neo didn’t get where he was today by turning away good advice. Let’s face facts, anyone in that match can get the job done for their team, it’s just who it’ll be I can’t predict!
Taylor: Well, Neo will be hoping to remind everyone why it was he who was tipped to be the breakout star in the ReVenants!
The cameras show Neo, Rob and Keith turning up earlier in the day.
Taylor: We see Garcia with them there. His tag-partner is perhaps the worst-matched of the lot of them, he teams up with Kira Izumi. We’ve seen these two tear strips off each at XHF Supremacy but still neither man left with the gold.
Romano: It’s a matter of opinion but to me, they chose putting down the other man over taking home the Phoenix title!
Taylor: Well, tonight they have another Phoenix in their sights as they take on the team of Brendon Phoenix and Angel Griffin. Neither competitor have come into the company firing on all cylinders, do you think they can turn that around tonight?
Romano: They’ve struggled in their time here but if they can work together where their opponents can’t? They could pull off the upset.
Taylor: Before that though, we have a tag-team match where the brutal meet the beloved. The team of Betsy Granger and Carlos Ruiz face off against Aiden Merric and Abel Anderson.
Romano: People seems to equate being nice with not having a killer instinct. Ruiz made short work of Griffin and Phoenix last week and Betsy Granger remains undefeated since she arrived!
Taylor: In Anderson and Merric they may face their sternest test yet. Anderson’s MMA pedigree is without question and has drawn some admiring gazes, not least from Chris Card. Partnered with Merric, if they can get on the same page, it’s a formidable challenge.
Romano: With both teams having never wrestled together, the deciding factor could be which team can get on the same page the quickest!
The cameras switch to a shot of Frankie Webb rolling up Erin Gordon at the last show.
Taylor: It’ll be interesting to see if we see the same tricks from Frankie Webb this time out, he faces the Jitterman who presents an entirely different challenge.
Romano: The Jitterman could pose some problems of the youngster, he won’t have any qualms about stepping into the ring with someone Webb’s age. Both competitors though will have a point to prove and if Webb thinks he should go toe-to-toe with the Jitterman, it could be his undoing.
Taylor: We’ve seen John Eden talk up his...client in this one, do you think Webb can overcome the size, the power disparity that looks to be evident when you look at the pure numbers involved in the match?
Romano: We’ve seen him use a judo-based offense in most of his matches but his brawling isn’t going to do him any good tonight. If you’re a betting man, hope he has some agility and aerial prowess!
Footage of Richards gaining the AWF Around the Clock title.
Taylor: First though, we see two in-ring debuts: Tasmin Richards and Vincent Valiant will do battle against each other with the added complication of Xiaolong to deal with.
Romano: I spoke with Xiaolong earlier in the day, he’s determined to make 2021 the year that he regains the form that saw him become a two-time XHF Phoenix Champion.
Taylor: That’s not all, earlier today we heard from Commissioner Steele, he gave no clues but he’ll be making an appearance later on in the show for what could be huge news for Ascension Wrestling!
The cameras show Jessie Love ascending the ringsteps.
Taylor: For now, we join Jessie for our first match!
Vincent Valiant comes to the ring.
Taylor: What a quick entrance from one of our more recent warriors!
Romano: Here's a fresh start.
"Kung Fu Fighting" plays as Xialong runs to the ring, ready to begin the match.
Taylor: Ladies and gentlemen, Xiaolong is here, and he looks ready to win!
Romano: Xiaolong is the senior of our new wrestlers, and is ready to show them all a little something.
"Crawling in the dark" hits as Tasmin comes out in a leather biker jacket, a black top and baggy camo pants.
Announcer: Now making her way to the ring, standing 5'4 and weighing in at 110 pounds, from Norwhich England she is THE TASSSSSIIIE DEVIL TASSSMIN RIIICHARDS
She makes her way down to the ring slowly holding the lapels of her jacket before running over to the barricade as the chorus of Crawling in the dark" hits and she sings with the small crowd.
"Show me what its for, make me understand it. I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer!"
She high fives a few fans before springing and sliding under the bottom rope popping up to her knees and then nto her feet running to each corner jumping onto the middle rope.
Taylor: And now we have Tasmin's, one of the new and hot talent into our company.
Romano: We've had a surge of female talent, but she sees to want to be remembered for more than just her sex. I'm sure that her wrestling tonight will demonstrate that.
Triple Threat Match
Vincent Valiant vs. Xiaolong vs. Tasmin Richards
The trio of competitors start glancing back and forth between their two respective opponents after the bell. Valiant makes the first move and is rewarded with a kick on both legs, one by each of the opposing competitors. After the dual kick sweeps Vincent Valiant off his feet, Xiaolong takes advantage to deliver another kick to the back of the much smaller Tasmin Richards.
Taylor: Valiant down and Richards down.
Romano: Xiaolong is the experienced veteran of the match. He has to use that experience to take advantage as much as he can.
Valiant was the first to his feet and quickly uses his forearm to strike Xiaolong on the back of his neck. He tries to school boy Xiaolong for a sneaky win, but Tasmin Richards pushes Valiant forward and into a seated position. Before Vincent Valiant can react to it, Tasmin delivers a basement dropkick to the face of Valiant. Tasmin hooks the leg but is dragged off by Xiaolong before referee Nate Biggs can even count to one.
Taylor: Two pin attempts not even resulting in a one count.
Romano: It’s a triple threat match. You have to be aware of both your opponents, not just one.
Xiaolong grabs the Around the Clock Champion and tosses her out of the ring. This gives him a chance to focus on Valiant, who was pulling himself back up as the two-time Phoenix Champion started stepping towards him. As soon as Valiant is up and turns around, Xiaolong drops him to the mat and into a crossface.
Romano: This is good tactics. Xiaolong took Tasmin out of the ring for a bit and locks in a submission. He’s hoping for the win here.
Taylor: Tasmin is getting back up though.
Romano: Valiant can’t see that from his angle though. We’ll have to see if he considers tapping if it gets to be too much.
To prevent the match from ending by submission, Tasmin slingshots into the ring and lands a senton across both of her opponents. Xiaolong gets up but is tossed across the ring by a kip up hurricanrana from Richards. She bounces off the middle rope and lands a forearm on Vincent Valiant on the way down.
Romano: She is speedy, that’s for sure.
Taylor: She had to use the middle rope to get the momentum for that forearm.
Romano: I mean, it also helped her reach Valiant’s head. Oh, she’s getting the cover.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR...NO!!
Xiaolong pulls Tasmin Richards off at the last second. Xiaolong hopes for the same formula he was trying with Vincent Valiant and gets the crossface on Richards, who is quickly able to get one of her short legs onto the bottom rope. As soon as Xiaolong rises to his feet again, Valiant is back at it with a lariat.
Romano: Lots of back and forth between all three competitors.
Taylor: Valiant currently stalking Xiaolong for his next move. But it is anyone’s game as this match stands right now.
Romano: The winner will be the first person to make it a singles encounter and best who they have in the ring with them.
It doesn’t take long for Xiaolong to get back at Valiant as the Irish whip turns into Xiaolong now bouncing off the middle rope and landing a bicycle kick off the rebound. Cover by Xiaolong.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THE...NO!!
Kickout by Valiant. Xiaolong lifts Valiant up to deliver another move but is rolled up with a school boy by Tasmin Richards.
ONE!!
TWO!!
Valiant breaks up the pin at two. Valiant throws Tasmin Richards outside the ring but doesn’t notice she holds onto the ropes and lands on the apron. Valiant drills his knee into the chest of Xiaolong’s midsection and then the head after. He follows this up with a special move to set up Xiaolong for something bigger, landing a side kick to the head of the kneeling Xiaolong.
Taylor: And there’s the Buh-Bye! Vincent Valiant might be looking to end the match.
Romano: He better watch out. Tasmin Richards is on the apron and yelling for his attention.
Tasmin Richards calls out Valiant’s name from the apron. The moment he turns around, Richards pops up onto the top rope and leaps into a supergirl punch on the way down.
Romano: I warned him.
Taylor: There’s the Tazzie Devil! That could be it!!
Romano: Xiaolong is still down from the Buh-Bye.
Richards gets the cover. Xiaolong is still motionless.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
DING DING DING!!
Romano: And Tasmin Richards wins her debut.
Taylor: Talk about making a statement early.
Romano: This young girl could make some waves if she keeps this up, that’s for sure.
Jessie Love: Here is your winner… TASMIN RICHARDS!!
Richards remains on her knees as Nate Biggs raises her arm to name her the victor. She gives a big smile to all the fans that are socially distanced in the crowd as Doug Robb sings the chorus of Crawling in the Dark before the cameras cut backstage.
"Turbo Killer" by Carpenter Brut begins to play and the lights in the arena are snuffed out. Red lights on the stage blink on and off, on and off, showing the outline of several figures that make their way out from behind the curtains.
As the music picks up, the red lights start to blink more rapidly, and eventually the arena lights come back to life. Who are the mystery people? The ReVenants! Neo Carner, Rob Garcia, Keith Williams, Jeff Noon, and MiMi Cassius! Everybody is wearing new, expensive clothes tailormade for their gorgeous forms. The AWF Prestige, United States, and Around the Clock Championships are proudly shown off around their respective owners' waists. Rob is posed in the middle of Keith and Neo, back to the camera with his arms and clenched fists out to the side of his body while the other two men are leaned over towards him, both pointing at Rob with their two index fingers. Garcia spins around, a big grin on his face as he points to his two partners in crime. The Big Bad Wolves bump fists, immediately drawing back to pose some more, taking in the reaction of the crowd. Some people love it, but most people seem to hate it and the obvious nature of their super cockiness.
The ReVenants make their way down to the ring, taunting the fans as they go and being especially generous with the middle fingers. Single file they party their way up the steel stairs, entering the ring together as everyone laughs and looks merry. Centered, Keith, Neo, and Rob pause to pose again as red pyro explodes around ringside!
With the celebration just beginning, the music dies down as Jeff Noon collects a microphone from a company stooge that he passes to Keith.
Keith Williams: "Well, well, well. They said lightning couldn't be caught in a bottle twice, but we proved them wrong! Dead wrong!"
Grinning, The Antichrist of AWF high-fives his stablemates and observes those in attendance as he takes a minute to admire the AWF Prestige Championship encircling him.
Keith Williams: "We said we'd regain our power and we did! They tried to deceive you, but don't be fooled by our illiterate rivals! Rob Garcia was NOT at Prestige 65, despite whatever lies have been spread on SmackTalker."
Williams winks at the King of Extreme and gives him a quick thumb's up as he rotates the microphone in his hand, stopping to let it float near his mouth.
Keith Williams: "The ReVenants are THE most dominating group in all of the XHF Network, not only the AWF! We prove that night in and night out, every single match! There's an award at home beside my other award that acknowledges this!"
Nodding his head, you couldn't convince Keith otherwise even if you had irrefutable evidence.
Keith Williams: "Everything is so perfect... Except for one thing."
One finger raised in the air, Williams is about to let us know what that thing is.
Keith Williams: "Double O. Mr. Unbelievable. Oxford Osland. I miss you, brother. I wish you could be here with us, but I know you're holding it down in SWAT and I'll see you soon!"
Waving at the camera, but specifically at their ReVenant in Syndicate Wrestling & Tradition, The Paragon of Sleaze smiles along with his ReVenant buddies that are currently in the ring.
Keith Williams: "Right here, right now, I can't think of a better time to serenade the fans. I have a song in mind that we've been rehearsing and it's really appropriate considering the occasion. Would you like to hear it?"
Directing the microphone he has at the crowd, The Man with a Plan gets a mixed reaction, some booing, some cheering.
Keith Williams: "That sounds like a resounding yes to me!"
Clearing his throat, Keith preps himself as he starts.
Keith Williams: "I've paid my dues... Time after time... I've done my sentence... But committed no crime!"
Leading a questionable rendition of "We Are the Champions" by Queen, the lyrics continue to pour out.
Keith Williams: "And bad mistakes... I've made a few... I've had my share of sand... Kicked in my face... But I've come through!!"
KW tosses the mic to NJC and Neo assumes the role of singer.
Neo James Carner: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on!"
Tilting his head and angling the mic at an angle, Carner like a pro continues to sing.
Neo James Carner: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers..."
Dramatically making everyone wait for it, The Menace of Opulence utters the words we need.
Neo James Carner: "'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
It's Garcia's turn as Carner throws the microphone to him.
Rob Garcia: "I've taken my bows... And my curtain calls... You brought me fame and fortune... And everything that goes with it..."
Slinging an arm over the shoulder of Noon, Rob yells the lyrics.
Rob Garcia: "I thank you all... But it's been no bed of roses... No pleasure cruise... I consider it a challenge before... The human race..."
Swaying to and fro, Noon and Rob are feeling the mood.
Rob Garcia: "And I ain't gonna lose!!"
The ReVenants gather together, The Last Vestige of Hope taking final control of the microphone. Keith with both hands grips the mic as he, Neo, and Rob butcher what's left of the song.
Keith Williams: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on... We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end!!"
Neo James Carner: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on... We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end!!"
Rob Garcia: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on... We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end!!"
Horribly off-key, The ReVenants aren't great singers, though their passion is undeniable.
Keith Williams: "We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Neo James Carner: "We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Rob Garcia: "We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
While looking up at the stage, Jeff Noon snaps his fingers several times, making a subtle signal to someone. It doesn't take long before two butlers make their way out from backstage and hurriedly walk down to the ring, ice buckets of champagne at the ready. Both men enter and walk up to The ReVenants, allowing Keith, Rob, and Neo to grab bottles.
Keith Williams: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Neo James Carner: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Rob Garcia: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
A wonderful cascade of pyrotechnics lights up the stage as The ReVenants conclude their singing. Released from the ceiling, hundreds of red and gold balloons drop, littering the inside of the ring and outside of it. The ReVenants crack open the champagne, spraying each other and anyone near them, triumphantly toasting their hard-earned success.
Taylor: Don’t the ReVenants just make you sick with how smug they are?
Romano: Stable of the Year isn’t a joke, add in that they currently hold half of the gold available, it’s not an unfounded claim!
Taylor: That could all change in our main-event later tonight, but now we go to Jessie Love for our next contest as The Jitterman takes on Frankie Webb!
Jessie Love: The following contest is set for one-fall...introducing the first competitor...
The arena goes dark and then the screen flickers on and there appears a wood, a robed man comes out onto the stage with some kind of book, he begins speaking to it and then out in the distance a figure saunters closer and closer and stops...that's when the music begins to play.
Jessie Love: He stands at six-feet and nine-inches and tips the scales at three-hundred-and-ten pounds...THE JITTERMAN!!
Then the lights go out once again and when they appear back on The Jitterman is there next to the robed man otherwise known as John Eden.
Taylor: Each time I see these two head to the ring I get chills and not in a good way!
Romano: Outside of Subject #42, he’s the largest man on the roster. You ever thought about what will happen when those two meet?
Taylor: You angling for Steele’s job?
Romano: Not at all, but looking at the tale of the tape - Jitterman is my pick for the match!
They then slowly and methodically make their way to the ring and then lights eventually turn back to normal.
Jessie Love: AND HIS OPPONENT….
Drake's "Enemies" plays as Frankie Webb heads out into the arena. He shoots a quick glance to the fans in the arena and hops a few time.
Jessie Love: Hailing from St. George, Utah...standing at six-feet and one-inch...FRANKIE WEBB!
He has sleeveless hood over his head as he slowly makes himself to the ring. He walks toward the ring, displaying a fake err of confidence.
Taylor: There was a lot of talk about David and Goliath coming out of the Webb camp this week, can he pull off a giant-killing tonight?
Romano: That depends, is he focused? Has he done his homework on his opponent? Most importantly, has his in-ring game matured enough that he can adapt to an opponent as complex as the Jitterman?
Taylor: He can brawl, we’ve seen his judo, what more can he bring to the table?
Romano: That’s what we need answers on...
As he approaches the ring, he takes the hood and tosses it out of the ring. He hops up and down, waiting for the match to begin.
Singles Match
The Jitterman vs. Frankie Webb
Nate Biggs stands in the center of the ring, he looks to both corners. Frankie Webb looks in the direction of the opposite corner, the imposing figure of the Jitterman standing there awaiting the match. The youngster leans back into the turnbuckle and takes in a deep gulp of air. As always, the expression of the Jitterman is impossible to read but John Eden stands on the apron delivering a ‘sermon’ to his charge which is met with a deliberate and slow nod.
Taylor: You think that the David versus Goliath analogy has hit home with Webb right now?
Romano: Webb isn’t a short guy but compared to Jitts? He’s finding himself in an unfamiliar situation.
Taylor: He might be wondering if the edibles have worn off yet...
The bell rings and Webb charges out of the blocks like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby. He lays into his opponent with quickfire combos of left and rights to the body but they seemingly have little effect. He pauses for a moment to look up.
Romano: This is only going to anger him…
Taylor: Webb seems to have realized the strikes aren’t having the desired effect...
The masked man briefly appraises the teenager before rearing his head back and dropping him to the canvas with a headbutt.
Taylor: Vicious headbutt cuts him down!
Almost scampering backwards as he gets up, Webb is powerless to stop the nigh-on seven-footer from imposing his will. The Jitterman scoops up Webb….SIDESLAM!
Romano: Whatever gameplan Coach gave Webb needs to be revised or ripped up.
Taylor: We’ve seen Jitterman ragdoll opponents before and this looks like it could be going that way for Webb.
The Creature of Nightmares covers..
ONE…
TW-
KICKOUT!!
Taylor: Frankie showing some of that fighting spirit he’s exhibited over his time with AWF...
Webb’s arm remains raised in defiance to the Jitterman trying to put him down easily.
Romano: He won’t be able to take shortcuts this time around.
Taylor: The Jitterman would be glad to add the win to his collection scalps he’s amassed thusfar in Ascension!
The commands of Eden can be heard inside the ring, Jitterman lifts the sixteen-year-old from the mat and bodies him into the corner. Before the Utah youngster can react, Jitterman has followed up with a charging knee to the sternum of his opponent.
Taylor: Eden is quarterbacking his client well from the sidelines.
Romano: We’ve seen some tehcnical skills from him in the past, we’ve seen his powerhouse side - I know which one I’d pick in his shoes.
Doubling over from the blow, Webb inadvertently tees himself up for the next movement of the onslaught. Jitterman grabs him by the head and rushes him to the opposite corner and lands another knee to the sternum as he lands. Once more, he takes him by the head and repeats the move.
Taylor: Bludgeoning offense...
Webb seems to be on unstable footing, hes stumbles out of the corner. Jitterman patiently stalks his prey. Within three steps, Webb finds himself scooped up...backbreaker.
Romano: We’ve said it before, people who only view Jitts as a powerhouse are missing a trick on him. He’s systematically breaking down his opponent here.
Eden stands on the outside of the ring, the book in his hand, he utters commands to Jitterman who seems to be in no great rush to press his advantage. As Eden stops talking his words receive another solemn nod. The monster returns his attention back to Webb, he reaches down...WEBB HOOKS HIS LEGS AROUND THE SHOULDER OF THE BIG MAN!
Taylor: We’ve seen his judo prowess, has Webb been branching out into BJJ?
Romano: Can he lock it in though?
Swiftly pivoting his weight, Webb takes Jitterman to the mat and quickly moves to get to his feet and reel off a succession of quick stomps before dropping a knee into the joint of the shoulder.
Taylor: Agile strategy from the teenager, why is he targeting the arm though?
Romano: If he targets the legs he still has the threat of either that powerbomb or the driver to come.
Taking a step back, Webb sees his opponent get to his feet, the movements tinged with erraticism.
Taylor: It seems that change in approach wasn’t what the big man expected…
Romano: He’ll adapt his own strategy, he’s a thinking man’s monster...
Webb closes the gap on Jitterman, he evades a punch with a sidestep and grabs the arm before pivoting...monkey-flip takedown. He keeps hold of the arm.
Taylor: Judo-inspired monkey-flip, what can he do with that arm though?
The standing armbar remains in place, Jitterman powers to his feet but a lunge only allows Webb to take him down to the mat once more and try to impress his will on the hold.
Taylor: Great display of tenacity from the kid out of Utah!
Romano: Where does he go from here though?
Jitts powers up to his feet, Webb still hanging on. As the big man reaches a vertical base, Webb pivots to go around the back with a roll-up…
ONE…
KICKOUT!!
Taylor: Testing the water…
Getting back to his feet, Webb finds the presence of mind to duck the clothesline attempt and delivers a martial arts kick to the chest of his opponent. He looks for the Irish whip but it’s reversed and he heads into the corner.
Romano: Here comes trouble...
Jitterman charges in ... WEBB MOVES AND JITTERMAN COLLIDES WITH THE TURNBUCKLE SHOULDER-FIRST!!!
Taylor: WEBB GOT OUT THE WAY AND JITTERMAN TOOK THE BRUNT OF HIS MOMENTUM ON THE SHOULDER WEBB HAS BEEN WORKING OVER!
A cry from Eden is heard from the outside. Webb smells blood and snaps off a kick to the increasingly-targeted shoulder of his opponent.He wraps his arms around Jitterman.
Romano: The kid is strong, like farmer-kid strong...
With a gutteral roar, Webb lifts up the big man to the top-turnbuckle. He takes a few steps back...LEAPING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!
Taylor: Crisp strike!
With a confident leap, Webb finds himself on the top-turnbuckle, he leaps...TOP-ROPE CROSS ARMBAR!!!
Romano: MODIFIED DIABLO ARMBAR!!
As they land, Webb is trying to cinch the hold in tight but a combination of the size of his opponent and his lack of BJJ skills work against him. Jitterman struggles as we once more hear the commandments of John Eden willing his charge to find a way out of the hold.
Taylor: Once more, Webb goes for a BJJ hold but can he cinch it in this time?
Webb leans forward to try and reposition himself and that’s the window that Jitterman needs. He pokes him in the eyes and Webb has little choice but to release the hold. Biggs starts to admonish Jitterman but the words seem to have little effect. Instead, driven by Eden’s words, he drops a knee squarely onto the head of Webb before hooking his arms around his waist...DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX!!!
Romano: WHAT A DISPLAY OF STRENGTH!!
With the momentum seemingly swung, Jitterman’s movements have returned back to their deliberate manner. He wraps a front-facelock on Webb and lifts him up. Vicious knees to the midsection!
Taylor: Webb’s got to be careful, he may think he can handle himself in a brawl but those knees are going unanswered...
Webb finds himself being hoisted feet-first onto the top-rope...DDT!!!
Romano: THE JITTERBUG!!
The cameras capture the rocking motion of Jitterman as he sits up. The commandments of Eden continue to carry in volume across the arena.
Taylor: Whatever the power of that book is, it’s having an effect now.
Sensing that victory is near, Jitterman prises Webb off the mat. He positions him between his leg and lifts…
Romano: Pray Time incoming!
WEBB ROLLS DOWN THE BACK...DROPKICK TO THE BACK SENDS JITTERMAN INTO THE ROPES….CRUCIFIX…
Taylor: THAT REVERSAL COULD SAVE HIM!
WEBB LOCKS IN A CRUCIFIX!!
Romano: IS HE GOING FOR THE SUBMISSION?
JITTERMAN’S ARM IS TOO DAMAGED FOR HIM TO POWER OUT…
Taylor: Jitterman is fighting the hold but has the damage been done?
WEBB STARTS TO UNLEASH STRIKE AFTER STRIKE!
Taylor: RAPID PUNCHES FROM THE TEENAGER!
EDEN’S CRIES CLIMB IN PITCH AND URGENCY!
Romano: EDEN LOOKS WORRIED!
AS WEBB CONTINUES WITH UNANSWERED SHOTS, JITTERMAN GOES LIMP!
Taylor: HE’S GONE!!
NATE BIGGS CALLS FOR THE BELL!!
Jessie Love: Your winner of this match, due to referee stoppage...FRANKIE...WEBB!!
“Enemies” by Drake starts to play across the arena as Biggs raises his hand in the air in victory. He rolls out the ring and starts to head up the ramp.
Romano: He had his critics for the win against Gordon at the last Prestige but this win might well silence them!
Taylor: With two big showings, could Webb be at the start of an extremely promising journey?
Still inside the ring, Jitterman starts to come to. John Eden clutches the book tightly as he tries to rouse his client back to a conscious state.
Romano: Something seems off…
Taylor: John Eden seems to have gotten the Jitterman to come back arou-
Jitterman gets to his feet, THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
When they come back on, the ring is empty but the camera zooms in on a note in the center of the ring:
Taylor: What could it mean?
Romano: I have no idea but whatever the inference...it’s going to be bad...
Jessie Love: The following match is a tag team match...introducing first…
"Bamboleo" by Gypsy Kings hits over the P.A. System and the crowd goes crazy for their Spanish Luchador! Carlos Ruiz walks out from the back posing for the crowd in his leather jacket that is zipped halfway up, pink speedo wrestling trunks, pink boots, and Maui Jim sunglasses. He stops on the way to the ring a couple of times to take selfies with the crowd.
Jessie Love: Making his way to the ring... from Madrid, Spain... weighing in at 212 pounds... CARLOOOOS RUUUUIIIIZ!
He slides into the ring and blows kisses to the adoring fans. He smiles as he removes his jacket and sunglasses and hands them to the ringside attendant.
Romano: Mr Carlos Ruiz has been rather vocal this week and this tag match should be interesting
Taylor: Especially when it comes to geography
drum strikes it’s second note, Betsy dabs and the lights come back. The song starts from the refrain as Betsy starts dancing down the ramp.
“Sin City’s cold and empty
No one’s around to judge me
I can’t see clearly when your gone-one-one”
Arms out, Betsy begins twirling around wildly, blonde ponytail whipping about with her, as she slaps hands with fans on both sides of the ramp. The chorus hits just as Betsy baseball slides into the ring.
“And I said ooooh, I’m blinded by the lights
I can’t sleep until I feel your touch
And I said ooooh, I’m drowning in the night
Oh, when I’m like this, you’re the one I trust”
As the chorus chimes on, Betsy bounces up and hops up onto every ring corner, pumping her fist in time with the song, getting the fans amped up for the upcoming bout. She holds up the belt with her other hand as she dances to the music. When she finishes playing up the fans, she starts bouncing in place, preparing mentally for the bout.
Jessie Love: And now in the ring, standing 5’9 and 135 pounds, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada...she is the AWF PHOENIX CHAMPION…BETSY GRANGERRR
Romano: Betsy has taken AWF by storm.
Taylor: As a champion you bet…
"TO THE SOUND OF A HEARTBEAT POUNDING AWAY!"
The opening line blares through the PA as the light go out, a blue light illuminates the entrance ramp as we see, Ashley Anderson standing in the center of the spotlight. Abel makes his way through the curtain as his wife steps to the side giving Abel the spotlight. He bounces on his feet for a moment before the spotlight turns off, the house lights come back on as the couple walk to the ring, once they make it beside the ring, Abel gives Ashley a quick kiss before rolling into the ring and climbing the nearest turnbuckle raising his arms toward the crowd. Abel then hops down and waits for his partner..
Jessie Love: And their opponents, first coming to the ring standing 6’6 and weighing in at 265 pounds, BAD ASS ABEL ANNNDERSON
Romano: I always marvel at the size of this guy.
Taylor: He can impose his will on anyone...
*"Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" hits the arena as an imitation sandstorm is created in the entranceway and Aiden Merric emerges from it chewing nicotine gum and wearing a smug ass smile on his face. He spits the gum and puts a patch on his arm before stretching and walking to the ring with a purpose. He rolls into the ring and stretches on the ropes. The referee stops him and removes his various blades, ropes and other hunting equipment as he smirks. He then cracks his neck, waiting for the bell.*
Jessie Love: And his partner, standing 6’2 and weighing in at 220 pounds from Coober Pedy, South Australia, AIDEN “OUTBACK” MERRIC
Romano: Oi mates here we go ay
Taylor: Please don’t do that, show Aiden some respect.
Tag-Team Match
Carlos Ruiz & Betsy Granger vs. Abel Anderson & Aiden Merric
Carlos and Aiden start off for their respective teams as Betsy and Abel make their way to the ring apron grabbing the tag rope. Carlos measures Aiden up and as they step in looking like they are going for a collar and elbow Carlos ducks down and goes for a single leg, Aiden hops back and swings for a right hand, Carlos though ducks it and trips Aiden up taking him down to the mat before jumping down into a side headlock. Aiden gets to his feet and backs up into the ropes before shooting Carlos into the ropes, Aiden goes for a clothesline, Carlos ducks and hits the ropes on the opposite side before jumping up for a hurricanrana, Aiden rolls forward out of it and turns to get to his feet, Carlos then hits a few hard rights pushing him back into the corner, Carlos lifts Aiden up onto the top rope and follows, Aiden blocks Carlos and kicks him back down.
Romano: Carlos is taking charge early on here
Taylor: Yeah but you see that look in Aidens eyes?
Romano: He’s on the hunt
Aiden tackles Carlos down to the mat, he positions himself above Carlos and slams in some vicious forearms and rights as Carlos covers up. Aiden gets to his feet and stomps on Carlos hard over and over again, Carlos reaches out and tries to get to Betsy but Aiden moves around between them cutting off the ring and stomping on Carlos’ hand. Aiden then pulls Carlos up, he gives him a bell clap and then a headbutt, a combination of moves he calls the Bag and Tag. Carlos holds his head in obvious pain before Aiden picks Carlos up and turns him upside down with a scoop slam, Aiden then moves around Carlos with the old school ronnie garvin stomps, kicking ever limb he can see from both legs, both arms, Carlos’ head and then a large stomp to the chest. Carlos sits up holding his ribs as Aiden stays between him and his corner.
Taylor: Alright, who taught Aiden Merric tag team strategy?
Romano: I don't know but he’s doing well, he took control and has now cut off the ring
Taylor: Carlos is doing everything he can to defend himself….
Aiden pulls Carlos up and calls for the Target Neutralized ripcord lariat, he pushes Carlos forward and then as he pulls him back Carlos drops down under the lariat, jumps up and springboards off the middle rope flipping back with a moonsault!. He lands on Aiden and hooks his leg.
ONE!
TWO!
Aiden kicks out and Carlos is able to get to his feet, he looks over at Betsy and goes for the tag but Aiden is in between them again and he goes to pop Carlos up for an uppercut, Carlos though is able to shift his weight before landing behind Aiden and then hooks him up snapping Aiden back towards his own corner with a full nelson suplex, or the lucha plex!. Aiden holds the back of his neck but Abel Anderson reaches down and tags himself in, Carlos crawls towards his corner but Abel grabs him by the lag pulling him back, Carlos pushes up and stands before turning around and going for an Enzuguri, Abel ducks and Carlos hits the mat, Abel locks in an ankle lock right away and then drops down grapevining the leg.
Romano: Uh oh, Abel is in and he looks like he’s in control right away!
Taylor: Carlos needs to get to the ropes somehow, or Betsy needs to get in there
Romano: I’m not sure Betsy will do that, she’s a stickler for the rules
Carlos pulls himself towards the ropes and is able to get there grabbing the bottom causing the break, Carlos is clearly in pain though holding his ankle as Abel paces around the center of the ring and cuts it off yet again away from a clearly frustrated Betsy. Abel sneers and ducks down picking Carlos up and slamming him down with a hard leg pick slam, Abel drags Carlos back towards his corner and tags Aiden back in while holding Carlos and allowing Aiden to drop a knee across Carlos’ leg. The Abel and Aiden combination trying to stay in control. Carlos looks up and Aiden begs for him to get to his feet and goes for the Stun Gun!. Carlos rolls under it and jumps tagging in Betsy who leaps over the top rope.
Taylor: Here we go!
Romano: Betsy got the tag Betsy got the tag!
Taylor: Here’s our Phoenix champion.
Betsy is hyped up hitting a low kick to Aidens knee followed by a higher one to his chest sending the Australian veteran backwards, Aiden leans on the ropes and then lunges forward with a clothesline attempt, Betsy ducks it and turns before rolling with the koppu kick hitting Aiden right in the face!. Aiden Merric goes down but gets to his knees almost right away, Betsy though hits the ropes and jumps up wrapping her legs around his head hitting the hurricanrana driver she calls the Plate de Visage!. Aiden gets spiked hard and Betsy goes for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
Abel is in and pulls Betsy away from Aiden!. Betsy turns and looks up at the huge man who backs up as the referee admonishes him. Betsy yells at him and shakes her head in frustration. She turns around and gets blasted by Aiden with his superman punch as he connects this time and falls back to the mat infront of Abel. He reaches up and is able to tag the big man back in.
Romano: Oh no!
Taylor: Betsy you have to see what is happening!
Betsy shakes her head and gets to her feet but is met with a double leg takedown from Abel who moves like a bull in a china shop, he takes the Phoenix champion down and straight away tries to impose his will with the ground and pound. Betsy moves her head and is able to avoid alot of the blows. Betsy moves to her left as Abel goes for a right elbow, she slides her smaller body out from under Abel while hooking his arm and then throwing herself up and over his body with a bridging fugiwara armbar!. But she isn’t able to keep him down for long as Abel rolls and throws her off, they both get to their feet and Abel grabs Betsy and whips her towards the ropes.
Romano: I think Abel is going for the Death from outta nowhere!
Taylor: Betsy needs to watch out
And just like that as Abel tries to duck and lock in the arm triangle Betsy is able to catch his arm and lock her hands together blocking the move before slipping out of it! She then hits a betsy bop!. Abel stumbles back and Betsy stays on the attack hitting another and another, she turns grabbing Abel by the head and slipping forward with her snapmare driver drilling Abel into the mat, Abel holds his head and tries to shake it off, Betsy goes for the full nelson face buster but Abel, being so tall stands up straight but turns pulling guard!. As they land Abel goes to lock in a triangle choke!, but Betsy stacks Abel up and stands on his shoulders Abel wasn’t expecting it…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The screen lights up ns we see a non-desript hallway, one of the most basic places you could ever see. But around a corner, we see a tattooed hand slowly slide out and grab the corner bricks. The blonde haired head of Tasmin Richards peers around the side, checking everywhere she can see.
Taylor: Wait, is that...Tasmin Richards?
Romano: We Saw Tasmin earlier tonight make her in ring debut, but now what is she up to?
Taylor: I think she's making sure no one can surprise her like she did to Rob Garcia a few weeks ago
Romano: Well atleast she's taking her title defense obligations seriously!
She tip toes out from around the corner, still in the clothes she wrestled in, the around the clock title in her hand as she sneaks over to the lockeroom opening the door and sliding in. Tasmin looks around the room looking for a place to hide. Her eyes settling on a large red curtain pulled across to cover up a wall length mirror.
Tasmin: hmmmm I wonder...
She moves over to it pulling it forward before sliding behind it, after a few minutes we see her feet twitch as she realises people can see her shoes.
Tasmin: Crap on a cracker!
Taylor: Do you think she realises we can see her through the camera or?
Romano: Don't break the fourth wall....
Tasmin moves from the curtain before finding a large gym bag in the center of the room, she studies it and reaches down unzipping the top, she looks at it's size and then herself before stepping into it and shuffling around.
Tasmin: I fit...I sit?
And much like a cat wouid do Tasmin slowly lowers herself into the bag and curls up, fitting within it. But, with a frustrated sigh she scrambles and gets back out, blowing a strand of long blonde hair from her face.
Romano: I think Miss Richards didn't think that through...she couldn't reach the zipper from the inside
Taylor: She could have just found Adam and got him to do it...
Tasmin stomps around the lockeroom looking angry and frustrated. She huffs and puffs before stopping and seeing something out of the corner of her eye. A random cardboard box, she raises an eyebrow and shrugs.
Tasmin: Worked for Solid Snake....
She moved over to it, stepping into the box and crouching before pulling the cardboard flaps over her head, small giggles being heard from inside as we cut back to ringside
Taylor: Clearly, Richards is keen to hold onto that belt.
Romano: Which is fine until it’s time to load up the trucks and go on to our next stop. She could end up next to the ring or trapped between the barricades or worse, Copycat might use it as his ‘wet room’!
Jessie Love: And now….a tag-team match! Introducing our first team…
The lights go out as Freak Like Me hits the speakers. A spotlight appears on stage and Angel appears posing with Brendon trailing behind her.
Jessie Love: With a combined weight of three-hundred-and-fifty-seven pounds...ANGEL GRIFFIN AND BRENDON PHOENIX!!
She points to the crowd as they cheer. She walks with purpose down the ramp before sprinting and sliding into the ring, Phoenix continues behind, taking in the crowd.
Taylor: Neither competitor enjoyed their last show, Angel must know that with a record verging on zero and three, she needs to live up to the reputation she has forged throughout the wrestling industry.
Romano: That puts the pressure on Phoenix, can he handle it at this point in his career?
Spinning she continues to point to the crowd before climbing the corner to once again pose for the crowd. Jumping down she leans against the ropes waiting on her opponent. Phoenix, in contrast, looks ready to go as they await their opponents.
Jessie Love: And now for their opponents…
The music plays as red lights pulsate throughout the arena. We pan across the venue before resting on the stage. Kira can be seen moving erratically on the stage before he drops down to a laying position.
Jessie Love: Introducing first...weighing in at an even two-hundred pounds, he is the Prince of Darkness...KIRA IZUMI!!
He starts slithering and shaking about before he sits back up and chunky red liquid comes out of his mouth. He stands up and begins seductively spreading and wiping it all over himself before he crawls down the rampway.
自由 愛情 暴動 権力
魔人婦穴 密売都市
政権 貧困 独裁 核
自由はあるだろ己の中
He starts to shake and move erratically around the ring, almost as if he's dancing in some weird twisted sort of way. He makes his way into the ring shortly after.
渦巻く歓声 実行 銃弾
減り込む ONE TWO 頭蓋 ONE TWO THREE
渦巻く銃声 耳を突いた
弾ける看守 笑い叫ぶ
Taylor: For everything in experience that Brendon Phoenix lacks, Kira Izumi can probably fill twice over!
Romano: Experience is one thing but when it comes to tag-team wrestling, you need to have the basis of being cohesive, can he and Garcia do that tonight?
He goes into the middle of the ring where he shakes and moves even more violently and erratically. Even more blood comes out of his mouth as he reaches up to the sky. He crawls into his corner where he sits and waits for the match to begin.
Jessie Love: And now for his partner…
🎶HARD🎶 by Tay-K and BloccBoy JB erupts over the sound system throughout the arena and a roar of boo's and jeers explodes from the crowd. The beat drops and out from the curtain walks Rob Garcia wearing what looks to be a mink coat. He stops and stands at the entrance ramp, staring at the crowd with a smug look upon his face.
Jessie Love: He is a member of the XHF’s Stable of the Year 2021….the ReVenants! Being accompanied by his manager, Jeff Noon, he is the King of Extreme….ROB….GARCIA!!
As he stands there, his manager, Jeff Noon then makes his way out holding a clipboard and he then stands to the right of Rob. Rob turns his head to look at Jeff, and they both nod, Rob then slowly makes his way down towards the ring, Jeff following behind. Rob stops halfway and starts trash talking a fan, Jeff then uses his clipboard to block the fans face when they try to react and he then moves his hand forward to escort Rob to the ring. Rob jumps up on the ring apron, as Jeff runs up the steps, he walks to the turnbuckle, climbs it and raises his hand in the air holding up his index finger.
Taylor: We could be seeing an uphill struggle for Rob. Trying to prepare to team with someone whose girlfriend you stole, whose blood you’ve spilled in multiple feds in multiple years is already a challenge but he’s going to want to make sure that 2021 is the year he breaks out from the pack!
Romano: If he can get the job done tonight, it’s a solid foundation for bigger things. Where he might want to focus on is up to him but make no mistake, we’ve seen him be ruthless and efficient when he needs to be and tonight won’t be an exception!
The crowd continues to boo and yell insults and vulgar remarks at Rob as he yells "I'm the man! I'm number one! I'm the king of extreme!" He then jumps down off the turnbuckle and makes his way over to Noon.
Tag Team Match
Brendon Phoenix and Angel Griffin vs. Rob Garcia and Kira Izumi
Steve Tyrell looks across to both sides of the ring. The team of Griffin and Phoenix seem to be on the same page. In comparison, the team of Garcia and Izumi look to be getting fairly heated in their discussions until finally, Garcia throws his hands up in disgust and climbs onto the apron.
Taylor: How much of a match can be predicted by the way that a tag-team function?
Romano: As long as Garcia and Izumi can put the match ahead of their own rivalry f now, they should be fine.
Phoenix starts for the opposing side and as the bell rings he charges in and snaps Kira into life with a Japanese arm-drag. Izumi rebounds back to his feet but Brendon snaps off a knife-edge chop.
Crowd: WOOOOO!
Taylor: The newcomer is keen to start strong.
Romano: Kira is a veteran of the ring, if I’m Phoenix then I’m going to remember that before I get too cocky.
The former Phoenix champion has no time to react and finds himself in a side-headlock. Phoenix walks him into the center of the ring, back-suplex attempt by Izumi...Phoenix lands on his feet and wraps his arms around the waist of his opponent. He rushes him to the ropes but Izumi hangs on, sending Phoenix rolling into the center of the ring once more. Izumi charges...A FLYING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT CONNECTS!
Taylor: Crisp strike from the J-ROK star!
Romano: Now we’ll see what Brendon can do on the backfoot.
Kira leaves no time for Phoenix to recover, he quickly measures him with a kick to the chest.
Taylor: Payback for that knife-edge chop perhaps?
Lifting Phoenix up in a suplex, he places his feet on the top rope...DRAGON NECK SCREW WHIP!
Romano: That is a move honed through years of perfecting it in the ring! You can pay what you want for training but actual experience is what brings moves to the forefront of your arsenal!
Getting to his feet, Izumi is surprised when he feels a slap on his back.
Taylor: GARCIA ISN’T WAITING FOR HIS PARTNER TO BRING HIM INTO THE MATCH!
Garcia enters the ring, much to the annoyance of Izumi. Tyrell steps between them and corrals Izumi out of the ring. Phoenix s back to his feet but the larger Garcia picks him up before dump tackling him into the turnbuckle.
Romano: Rugby influenced move there from the ReVenant.
The Prince of Hardcore places a hand on the middle rope either side of his man and rams his shoulder into the midsection. He rears back again but this time it’s Izumi who tags himself in. Garcia shoots a look of death to his partner.
Taylor: The team controlling the match don’t seem like they’re on the same page.
The referee once more steps in to play peacemaker.
Romano: Do the refs get danger money?
Taylor: Do we?
Romano: Point taken.
Izumi throws Phoenix out from the corner and leaps to the top turnbuckle.
Taylor: Kira looking to bring the match up a notch...
As Phoenix rises Izumi leaps...MOONSAULT!
Romano: Picture-perfect execution!
ONE…
TW…
GARCIA BREAKS UP THE PIN!!
Taylor: What’s Garcia doing?
Romano: You cuckold a guy, you don’t want him getting the glory in the ring...you did that already!
Taylor: You got Jeff Noon writing your lines now?
His partner looks at him like he’s an idiot but Garcia points at himself and clearly gesticulates that he’s the star and so he should get the pin. His point made, Rob heads back to his corner.
Taylor: You have to wonder how long these two can keep the uneasy relationship together.
The interference does the team no favors, Phoenix takes the time to recuperate and as he’s lifted up he drops down with a jawbreaker.
Romano: Brendon showing some smarts there and capitalizing on the dissention.
Not wasting any time, Phoenix scurries to his corner and tags in his partner.
Taylor: Can his fresher partner fare any better?
Angel springs onto the top-rope and lands a dropkick. Izumi staggers back and is helpless to stop Griffin from hitting a Russian-Legsweep! She rolls back and then forward...CALF CRUSHER!
Taylor: Excellent chain-wrestling from Angel...
Izumi struggles for a moment before using his experience and rolling over...MUTA LOCK!
Romano: Kira played her for a fool! Classic snare-trap!
Griffin looks to be in trouble as the J-ROK star has the hold locked in tight.
Taylor: Can Izumi bring the match home?
Garcia rushes in and awkwardly looks at Brendon Phoenix, who has also rushed in. As Griffin calls out in pain, the two men look at each other and nod before delivering stereo stomps to Izumi!
Romano: I’ve seen everything now...
Collapsing out from the hold, Izumi has no time to get back to his feet, his partner drags him to their corner and then climbs through the ropes to the apron...Garcia tags himself in and shoulder charges Phoenix off the apron in the opposite corner!
Taylor: Could we be seeing the end?
Griffin spins the Prince of Hardcore around but he ducks the punch and hits a DRAGON SUPLEX ON THE TURN!
Romano: You ever want to know how he held that Phoenix Title so long? The ability to bust-out counters like that!
Smelling blood, Garcia takes a couple of steps back….RUNNING FLYING KNEE!
Taylor: LIGHTS OUT FOR HARAMBE!!
He drops down for the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!!
The bell rings as “Hard” by Tay-K and BloccBoy JB rings around the FedEx Arena. Izumi rushes into the ring and Steve Tyrell stops any potential fight by lifting both their arms up in victory. Jeff Noon rolls into the ring as Jessie Love starts to announce.
Taylor: Can victory unite this warring pair?
Romano: This is wrestling not Romeo and Juliet, Tommy.
Jessie Love: The winners of this match, as a result of pinfall, KIRA IZUMI AND ROB GARCIA!!
Tyrell keeps their arms raised hoping the result will distract from the tension between the two men. Kira steps away as Jeff Noon passes a bag to Garcia.
Taylor: What’s in the bag?
GARCIA SPINS IZUMI AROUND AND CLOCKS HIM WITH AN UPPERCUT!!
Romano: We can guess it’s not beads from Mardi Gras!
THE CONTENTS OF THE BAG ARE EMPTIED ONTO THE APRON...THUMBTACKS!!!
Taylor: You gotta be kidding me..
JUMPING SPINNING DDT ONTO THE TACKS!!!
Romano: OVERDOSE!
The cameras show Kira’s face, now running with blood before contrasting it with the grinning faces of both Jeff Noon and his client, Rob Garcia.
Garcia: YOU’RE NOTHING, KIRA!
Garcia and Noon roll out of the ring still laughing. Izumi gets to his feet but can only glower in the direction of his nemesis as we cut back to our announce team.
Jessie Love: The following match is scheduled for one fall...
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Jessie Love: And has a thirty-minute time limit.
"Turn To Stone" by Joe Walsh fills the arena as the lights dim and a single spotlight illuminates the stage. Out from the curtain steps Cross Recoba, a titanium cane with a golden lion's head handle in one hand, touching the crucifix with the other. The HCW Diamond title is draped over his shoulder. The crowd responds with a chorus of cheers. Cross uses the handle of the cane to push his shag hair cut from his face, flicking his head back confidently as he smiles towards the audience. He holds up the cane that has caused so much trouble in the past to an even more rapturous response from the fans, and he begins down the ramp still holding it aloft.
Jessie Love: Your special guest referee for this contest, standing at six foot one and one inch, and weighing in at 230 pounds, hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada.... and the self-proclaimed 'Box Office Smash of AWF'..... , 'THE FOX' CROSS RECOBBBAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and holds the lions head handle of the cane up to his lips and kisses it for luck. He sets the cane to rest against the ring steps and then climbs them up onto the apron and, with a wipe of his feet, slips between the ropes. He pops up with both hands out at his side, walking forward as if putting his glory on display, and delivers an over-exaggerated bow that causes the fans to cheer even louder. Cross stands to his full height and smirks, stepping over to the far corner to await the beginning of the match.
Taylor: Cross Recoba is going to have a job controlling the wrestlers tonight, do you think he's going to do well, Cassius?
Romano: Well, most referees would have hell watching Chris Card but at least Cross has some level of experience with him, Neo James Carner isn't above going the low road if he wants to and he holds some ill will towards both Fox and especially Sanders.
Taylor: Yes, the situation between Cross and Adam is certainly, can I say, awkward?
Romano: You just did say it. And I don't approve, Taylor.
The hard electronic beats of "Good L_ck (Yo_'re F_cked)" start-up around the arena while purple and white beams of light shine on the entrance gate As the opening scream sounds out, Card steps through the gate and surveys the crowd. Card takes a slow walk down to the ring and steps through the ropes, followed by the beams. The lights change from beams to spinning spotlights as the music gets lower just before the chorus...
Jessie Love: The first combatant, hailing from the Rosedale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he weighed in tonight at an even 100 kilograms, he is CHRIIIIIS "BIG MATCH" CAAAAAAAAAAARD!
ONE MILLION VOICES CALL FROM THE OTHER SIDE
IF YOU COULD HEAR THEM YOU WOULD BE TERRIFIED...
The lights go back up and purple and white pyro fires off from the ring ropes as the chorus begins
GOOD LUCK!
YOU'RE FUCKED!
AND WE HATE TO SEE YOU GO MAN, BUT EVERYONE KNOWS YOU'RE SCREWED!
Card poses in the center of the ring, crossing his thumbs over where his heart would sit. The lights go up and Card moves over to his own corner and relaxes, Cross Recoba checking him over VERY closely and taking extra time and effort to make sure Card's boots are well laced up.
Taylor: Following Card's nefarious win at A Very AWF Christmas, Cross Recoba isn't taking any chances with Card's equipment tonight.
Romano: The problem is Card knows this and will use a different nefarious tactic.
Taylor: But Cross knows that Card knows this.
Romano: But Card knows that Cross knows that Card knows this and we could be here all night discussing a gambit car-crash.
A cavalcade of clapping begins as the D.R.U.G.S. tune "King I Am" blares over the sound system.
"You can feel the fear when I walk by
Tail between your legs make 'em run and hide
And I can see the pain pouring out your eyes
I think I am finally, starting to feel like the KING I AM!
The song kicks in over the loudspeakers as the sound of guitars ascend to the boiling point and the song engages. Neo begins to make a triumphant strut down to the ring, his chin held high as his hands lay at his side moving with his stride. He looks down all around the ramp, keeping his bearded chin up as he glides effortlessly forward in a striding saunter. The pompous cocky attitude radiating from his being at this point.
Jessie Love: And his tag team partner, he weighed in tonight at 249lbs, he hails from Buena Park, California,
Carner stops level with Jessie Love and nods, smiling as every single one of his nicknames is readout.
Jessie Love: "The Residence Of Royal Presence, The Infinity King, Infinite Sovereign, King Of The Deathmatch, The Heaven Sent Essence, The Menace Of Opulence" NEO JAMES CAAAAAAAAAARNER!
Neo makes it to the ringside area as he circles around the ring, jumping up effortlessly onto the apron and climbs into the ring. He walks over to the ropes on the side of the stage as he grabs the top rope with his hands and then yanks down on it, flexing all of his muscles before releasing it, a giant white and red pyro exploding out the top of the nearby turnbuckle like a mortar.
Taylor: The ReVenants have been on a hell of a roll recently, Neo James Carner looks filled with confidence for the match ahead.
Romano: Carner ALWAYS looks filled with confidence. He gives off this air of unbeatability because he just has that much self-belief.
The drum fill followed by the opening guitar riff for the title track off the fourth studio album by Canadian punk band Sum 41 begins to blare on the Ascension PA system. The fans begin to cheer as the lights go dark and a single spotlight appears on the ramp.
One, two, three, four
The rest of the band joins the guitar as Adam Sanders emerges behind the curtain. The fans give the Awkward One loud cheers as the spotlight follows his trek towards the ring.
Jessie Love: And their first opponent, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, weighing in at two hundred forty pounds, he is the Awkward One… ADAM SANDERS!!
Well, I won’t be caught living in a dead-end job
While praying to my government guns and gods
Now it’s us against them, we’re here to represent
And spit right in the face of the establishment!
Sanders walks up the stairs, walks down the apron a bit and puts both arms in the air. The fans continue to give loud cheers for the AWF competitor as he steps between the top and middle rope to enter the ring. He steps on the opposite turnbuckle, the chorus of the song becomes the backdrop for him to hop back into the ring.
Well because we're doing fine, and we don't need to be told
That we're doing fine, 'cause we won't give you control.
And we don't need anything from you,
'Cause we'll be just fine, and we won't be bought and sold, just like you
Taylor: Adam Sanders. The best advert for "Looks can be deceiving" in the industry today.
Romano: For all his supposed awkwardness, Sanders can be really slick in the ring. And that's something you can't underestimate.
The arena lights pulse red as BFG Division 2020 rips and tears through the speakers and Bloodied Fox makes his way out. He eyes the three competitors in the ring warily as the scattered crowd offer cheers of support as the dark, pulsating music pounds around the arena.
Jessie Love: And his tag team partner, from Reading, Berkshire, England, he weighed in tonight at 195lbs, "The Vulpine Scavenger" BLOOOOOOOODIED FOOOOOOOOOX!
Fox's walk to the ring is deliberate and slow-paced, he looks super focused and ready for the upcoming fight as he rolls into the ring and gets up, walking over to, stand in the centre and raising his fist in salute to the fans.
Taylor: Bloodied Fox and Adam Sanders, how do you think that will work as a team.
Romano: Well, we know Fox is good in tag team situations from the times he teamed with the other members of LGBTKO and Sanders learned from Adrien Cochrane so he's got that part down. It's just a case of how much they want to outshine each other and how much they want to win.
Tag Team Match
Chris Card and Neo James Carner vs. Adam Sanders and Bloodied Fox
Cross Recoba signal for the bell and we are underway. Bloodied Fox comes out of his corner and stares a death glare at Neo James Carner. Carner steps through the ropes and mimes asking for a lock-up, well out of Fox's reach. Fox steps in closer and tags out to Chris Card, smirking. The Vulpine Scavenger looks angrily disappointed as Card approaches. Fox throws a low roundhouse kick, which Card easily blocks. Scar Vulp follows with a second, again blocked by The Real Man's Wrestler. Fox feigns a third, then halfway through the motion whips his leg through the air, attempting to catch Card with a high strike while blocking low but Card is lightning fast getting his block up and repels Fox again.
Taylor: Chris Card's defense holding solid against a flurry from Bloodied Fox.
Romano: That Question Mark kick is originally a Muay Thai technique. Card has been learning how to deal with that for decades.
Seizing quickly upon The Vulpine One's off-balance posture, which was needed to throw that kick, Card closes in and grabs a flailing arm. Technical Perfection wrings it out and steps to a side then arcs his leg back in a blind crescent kick but Fox ducks, avoiding the blow. Chris Card steps forwards, looking to use the leverage advantage to force Bloodied Fox down to the mat but the cunning Vulpine turns the movement into a backwards roll and turns the pressure of the hold over. Fox wrenches on the arm and fires Card off into the ropes, setting for a dropkick and Card simply hooks the top rope to halt his momentum. Fox backs away and tags out and Card does the same.
Taylor: Cagey start from both men here.
Romano: Wrestling matches don't get solved early on in the game. You have to stay fresh.
NJC and Sanders enter the ring and immediately square up. Sanders, not being the most technical of sorts at times just throws a huge right hand at Carner. The King of Extreme takes it to the chin and flicks his hair back with a dismissive flick of the wrist before almost daring The Awkward One to throw a second with a smug grin. Sanders obliges, cracking knuckle against flesh with a resounding thud. NJC is probably more than a little shocked by the ferocity of the blow but he regains his composure straight away and goes back to just cockily smiling at Sanders. This makes The Awkward One swing wildly with his third strike and Neo uses Sanders' momentum against him, letting him blunder wildly through 180 degrees and poking his head underneath Sanders' armpit, lifting him for a back suplex and then switch his opponent's momentum mid-lift, driving Sanders face-first to the mat. Carner uses his leg strength to lever Sanders over and into a pinning position...
ONE!
TWO!
...and Sanders scrambles free.
Taylor: Barely a two count there.
Romano: There's an old commentator's cliche about 2.9 counts. That wasn't even a 2.1
Sanders turns to Carner and gets a little run-up, connecting with a hard clothesline that drops The King of Crowns to the mat. In one flowing motion, The Awkward One crooks his arm and segues into a sharp elbow drop but Carner rolls easily out of the way and to his feet. Carner is so sharp in his escape that he's up well before Sanders and HE drops an elbow which this time Sanders rolls out of the way to avoid. Both men stand and square off and there is a ripple of applause from the socially distanced crowd.
Taylor: Carner and Sanders are very well matched competitors.
Romano: Break it down, Taylor. They're both heavyweights without being absolute giants, they both have a full arsenal of nasty power moves and though they don't exactly hit with a ton of technique, they hit hard.
Fox is on the apron, desperate to tag in and get a shot at NJC, go full-on Bloody Rainmaker mode at the ReVenants intellectual. Sanders obliges and there is as huge a roar as the crowd is capable of as Fox hops over the top rope using the corner. The Infinity King back away towards his own corner but he can't escape the fury of Fox who rushes in with a forceful shotgun dropkick which drives Carner against his own turnbuckle. The Residence of Royal Presence slumps down as Chris Card blind tags him on his back. Fox rolls backwards to his feet, gaining the maximum possible distance and rushes in, swinging his back leg to make a huge arc, looking to connect his toes with NJC's chest...
Taylor: PEEEEEEEEE...
And Card slides under the bottom rope and whips his leg round, connecting flush with The Bloody Rainmaker's plant leg, causing him to buckle underneath him. Cross is quick to start the five-count but Caner rolls to the apron and raises his hands.
Romano: No K. Chris Card is showing his ring savvy already.
Taylor: That bastard. Fox had Carner dead to rights there.
With Fox grounded, Card snakes around behind him and places a knee in the small of Fox's back. He grabs for an arm, hooks it across Scar Vulp's own throat and reaches for the other one with a quickness that leaves the Englishman no time to counter. The Japanese Stranglehold locked in, Sanders isn't taking any chances and rushes over to break up the hold with a sharp kick. Cross is forced to step in and order Sanders back to his own corner and The Infinity King is in the ring in a flash, driving an elbow onto Fox to give Card time to recover first before rolling out of the ring before Cross has time to turn back to the action.
Taylor: Hey! That's against the rules.
Romano: Did Cross see it?
Taylor: Well no, he was busy with Sanders.
Romano: Then it isn't against the rules.
Leading Bloodied Fox back to Card's own corner by the head, Card tags in Carner. Neo steps through the ropes and Card drops to a knee, Carner getting right on Fox's case and lifting him for a Side Slam, dropping Scar Vulp back first onto Card's knee cap. Technical Perfection is out of the ring before Cross can count to five allowing Carner to take over control. He lifts the Vulpine one up off the mat and drops him forcefully ribs first onto his own knee but keeps hold, spiking into Fox's ribcage two more times. Neo drops to cover...
ONE!
TWO!
T.. Adam Sanders flies in across the ring and kicks the pile to stop the count.
Taylor: A close call for this makeshift team of Fox and Sanders.
Romano: Well, both teams are makeshift. But it looks like Carner and Card are more on the same page.
Taylor: Or more willing to exploit the rules.
Romano: I say potato and you say po-tah-to.
Again Cross ushers Sanders back to his own corner and this time the words between the two seem more heated. Chris Card, predictably, steps through the ropes and he and Neo give an old school mugging to Fox, laying in boots from all sides until Card sights the first movement of Cross' head toward the fight at which point he gets out of the ring sharpish. Now Cross Recoba, knowing exactly what his former tag team partner is like goes straight over to Card and remonstrates with him, telling him exactly where he just broke the rules. Card grins.
Cross Recoba: I know you just got in the ring.
Chris Card: But did you SEE it?
The Man Worth A Thousand Bullets curses under his breath as he walk backwards to the action where Carner already has his hand firmly around Bloodied Fox's throat. Cross starts a super quick five count and gets to four before Carner breaks it off.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Taylor: BLATANT choke by Carner.
Romano: He has till five.
Taylor: Yeah but he had about ten.
Romano: Five while Cross wasn't looking. Again, doesn't count.
Reaching his hand out for a tag, Card steps back in the ring after getting his hand slapped by Carner. The Former King of Crowns lifts Fox off the mat into a back waistlock and then shifts his body weight to place Fox in a Wheelbarrow position, as Card lifts both knees into The Bloody Rainmaker's sternum and falls backwards, NJC adding a little extra spike down to go with it.
Taylor: WHEELBARROW HEARTBREAKER! WHEELBARROW HEARTBREAKER!
NJC rolls out of the ring and Card gets back to his feet, quickly tagging Neo back in. Card lifts Fox up and hits a snappy Atomic Drop, Carner following up with a lightning quick jumping Neckbreaker. Carner looks to follow up right away, dragging Fox to his feet and sliding his head under Fox's arm, clutching his English opponent for a Northern Lights Suplex...
AND FOX, WITH A BURST OF ENERGY FROM OUT OF NOWHERE LEAPS UP, USES CHRIS CARD'S BACK AS A SOLID OBJECT TO GET TRACTION OFF AND HITS NEO JAMES CARNER WITH A TORNADO DDT!
Taylor: BLOO-DDT-ED! BLOO-DDT-ED! BLOO-DDT-ED!
Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEAH!
Visibly stunned, Carner regains his composure a little and as Fox rushes away towards his own corner. Carner heads full steam to catch Bloodied Fox and grabs hold of Scar Vulp's boot just preventing him from getting the tag... BUT BLOODIED FOX TURNS BACK TOWARDS CARNER AND BLASTS HIM WITH A CORKSCREW ROUNDHOUSE KICK! FOX TAGS ADAM SANDERS WHO EAGERLY HOPS INTO THE RING!
Taylor: TAG MADE! ADAM SANDERS IS IN!
Sanders rushes straight to where Neo James Carner is standing and BLASTS him with a forearm that sends him reeling. Neo is back to his feet quickly but Sanders has a full head of steam and blasts him AGAIN with a forearm. Now Adam has a head of steam and The Dropkick Prince lands a staggeringly beautiful dropkick that sends Carner reeling. Carner bounces off the ropes, Card reaching out while holding the tag rope and blind tagging himself in, and as Carner returns Sanders cocks his leg and SUPERKICKS CARNER SQUARE ON THE JAW!
Taylor: LIGHTNING STRIKE!
Not waiting for a second, The Awkward One ducks under Carner's body to stop him from falling and lifts him into a Fireman's Carry. The crowd is on the edge of their seats as Sanders falls to a side and DRIVES NEO JAMES CARNER ONTO THE BASE OF HIS INFINITY SKULL!
Taylor: DREAM BREAKER! DREAM BREAKER!
Sanders covers.. AND CROSS TELLS HIM NO! Sanders is up and argues with Cross Recoba!
Romano: He's not the legal man, Taylor.
Speaking of the legal man, Chris Card enters the ring and blindsides Sanders with a rangy kick. But with the other three men in the ring, Bloodied Fox decides to join the fray and before Card can follow up, Fox blindsides HIM with a Roundhouse Kick! Now Carner is up and HE hits a lethal rising knee strike to Fox! ALL FOUR MEN COLLAPSE TO THE MAT!
Taylor: It's chaos out here! It's anybody's game!
Romano: All hell has broken loose in this arena. Cross Recoba needs to restore order.
Crowd: AD-AM SAN-DERS! BLOOD-IED FOX! AD-AM SAN-DERS! BLOOD-IED FOX!
Not that he can hear Cassius Romano from where he is standing, Cross Recoba holds the referee's badge on his shirt as Bloodied Fox and Neo James Carner get to their feet. Cross barks out an order that they should return to their respective corners. The pair walk off in opposite directions as Sanders and Card get to their feet. Card throws a low kick that Sanders takes, a pained expression on his face. Now Sanders throws a standing forearm that Card weaves out of the way of. Card throws a vicious knife edged chop. Sanders throws a wild clothesline that Card has to duck, but Sanders gets turned around with the whiff. Card grabs for a back waistlock, wrapping his arms tight around Adam Sanders' waist.
Taylor: GERMAN SUPLEX! THAT'S THE SET UP FOR THE CHRIS CARD CLUTCH BETA!
BUT SANDERS REVERSES WITH A STANDING SWITCH! SANDERS WRAPS UP CHRIS CARD TIGHT AND HITS A GERMAN SUPLEX WITH A PICTURE PERFECT BRIDGE!
ONE!
TWO!
Fox is out playing defense...
THREE!
Cross Recoba signals for the bell!
Jessie Love: The winners of this match...
CROSS SHAKES HIS HEAD. HE GRABS CHRIS CARD'S HAND AND RAISES IT!
Taylor: HIGH FINANCE ARE FINE! THE FIX IS IN!
Jessie Love: CHRIIII...
CROSS SHAKES HIS HEAD AGAIN AND WHILE STILL HOLDING CARD'S HAND ALOFT HE RAISES ADAM SANDERS' HAND AS WELL!
Jessie Love: Correction... THE RESULT OF THIS MATCH IS A DRAW!
Taylor: OK, we need to take a look at the replay here.
On the video replay, from the reverse camera angle (one which was far nearer Cross' actual perspective) it shows that Card had shifted his bodyweight in the bridge just enough so BOTH sets of shoulders were down on the mat!
Romano: Cross Recoba made the right call there.
Taylor: Well, with that over, these four wrestlers can all claim a part of the victory. Let's throw to commercials.
Taylor: That was some conclusion to that tag-match!
Romano: Recoba might wanna wait until he goes for the official Zebra license!
Taylor: I’d love to debate that point, Cassius but I’m getting word that Jackson Steele is ready to address the AWF roster and faithful!
We cut to the offices-space that Steele has chosen for the night. He sits at a desk and looks directly into the camera.
Steele: As I’m sure you all know, we are just one more Prestige away from Road to Victory 4! Coming to you from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 20th.
A graphic for the XHF Phoenix title pops onto the screen.
Steele: So, with that in mind it’s time to start telling you all that you can expect. Let’s start with a match that was talked about for a while but tonight confirmed. We have Betsy Granger, so far undefeated in singles competition and holding the XHF Phoenix Title.
A picture-in-picture shows a brief highlight reel of the Phoenix Champion.
Steele: Having seen off Rob Garcia and Kira Izumi at Supremacy we looked at some of the new blood we’ve seen join the company over the last few months and tonight’s result cemented our decision. At Road to Victory 4, Betsy Granger will face off against Frankie Webb for the title!
The crowd erupt in a roar at the match.
Steele: Equally, other matches were crystallized tonight. Rob, don’t think we ignored the stunt you pulled in your victory. We pride ourselves in providing entertainment and competition to suit our audience but we’ve always tried to keep ourselves away from the macabre and grotesque...but, if you want to deal in that arena in your vendetta with Kira?
Steele pauses, the picture-in-picture replays the Overdose DDT he delivered earlier in the show to Izumi and pauses on Kira’s already scarred up face now displaying thumbtacks embedded in it.
Steele:: We’re going to issue you a one-show pass, if you want to take on someone like Kira Izumi at his specialty type of match? That’s on you... so you will both square off in the first Deathmatch in AWF history...make the most of it, this isn’t likely to be sanctioned again…
The graphic turns to one of Bloodied Fox, showing highlights from the tag-match just gone.
Steele: Now, this one is almost a twofer. We know that Bloodied Fox has been one of the greatest success stories in our history. He is one Around the Clock title win away from being the first wrestler to complete the AWF Grand Slam, he still could with this announcement. We received word several weeks ago that the XHF Junior Heavyweight title will be coming to us in March. At Prestige 67, we will host the official contract signing for the match between Myojin and Fox, to be contested at Road to Victory. Fox, we have every faith in you to bring the gold back to us and add to your already expansive collection of titles…
Highlights from the ReVenants rendition of ‘We are the Champions’ play in the corner of the screen.
Steele:: Now for the two remaining title-matches...Neo, congratulations on joining a very short list of two-time United States champions, may you hold it longer this time around than your first reign. Your first defense will be at the pay-per-view and will see you pitted against Erin Gordon.
The VT in the corner switches to highlights from the XHF Supremacy Lumberjack match.
Steele:: As for our Prestige Championship, the winner of tonight’s match will face Adam Sanders in the main-event of the Road to Victory show. We know that neither Williams or Sanders hold great affection for one another but can you imagine the look on the rather straight-laced face of Sanders if he has to face-off against Greg Adkins for the title?
Steele: pauses for a moment to smile at the image.
Steele:: Irrespective of tonight’s result though, I can also announce the main-event for our next Prestige show. Keith, if you survive tonight’s challenge you can relax because it will be a non-title match but we’ve seen how eager you are to engage with Tasmin Richards on SmackTalker and thought we’d give you the match you so obviously crave…
Steele: goes back to his notes before looking up.
Steele:: Any further matches will be announced on the AWF website. Now, I hope as I will, you enjoy the rest of the show!
The camera cuts to the locker room of Erin Gordon. While she wasn't booked this show, she still showed up at management's behest... and judging by the way she's looking at the monitor that's been set up? The Oncoming Storm has recently discovered why. Dressed in an insulated flannel that's faded with age and beat-to-Hell jeans, the blond tilts her head faintly to one side.
Gordon: ...huh. Well I sure as Hell didn't expect that.
Erin shrugs.
Gordon: I thought I was here to get called to the carpet, to tell you the truth--and I woulda' gone straight up and turned left until they gave me the chance to put an end to that thievin' little sumbitch that had to get a handful of tights to get the job done. Frankie wanted me to look at him like a man? Fine, but you ain't gonna like what happens the next time we get in the ring. Where I come from, thieves get the fuck beat out of them no matter how old they are... but that's somethin' to put a pin in for later. I got somethin far more important to focus on right now.
Erin's head turns to regard the camera straight on.
Gordon: Neo James Carner, the United States Champion.
Her expression, already stoic by default, grows even more serious.
Gordon: I don't know why I was chosen for this opportunity--I haven't done much 'round these parts. Maybe they saw me in the ring before ths? I ain't about to look a gift jackass in the mouth. There's no need to, not when Neo's gonna have it runnin' so Goddamn much that it'll be easy to count just how many teeth he's got...
The faintest hint of a smirk.
Gordon: Not to mention hazard a guess as to how many he'll have left after I knock some of'em down his throat before I take the U.S. Championship for myself.
And with that, the Oncoming Storm returns her attention to the monitor, we switch back to the commentary booth.
Taylor: Some huge announcements not just for Road to Victory 4 but also Prestige Sixty-Seven!
Romano: We’re hitting what peak season in Ascension. Get through RTV and then there’s the XHF Rumble and within a few weeks we find ourselves at Clash of the Icons once more!
Taylor: A lot can and almost certainly will change between now and Clash of the Icons but the only way you’ll find out is by tuning into each show!
Romano: If you’d have said ‘anything can happen’. I can state that we always provide such good sh-
Taylor: Jessie Love is standing by ready to introduce our Main-Event of the evening!
Jessie Love: The following contest is our main event and is for the AWF Prestige Championship!! Introducing first, from Tuscola, Illinois, weighing in at one hundred sixty-five pounds. He is… GREG ADKINS!!
“Guttertrash” Greg Adkins walks out from the back while grabbing onto his big package. He walks halfway down the aisle before stopping to kiss a buxom fan (and coping a feel). He laughs after she smacks him and he heads down to the ring.
Taylor: And here he is, a man who is prepared to make a huge impact by trying to get the Prestige Championship from Keith Williams.
Romano: I mean, it’s nice to try for things.
Taylor: He truly believes he can do this.
Romano: It’s nice to believe things.
The arena is plunged into darkness as "When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin echoes out of the speakers, triggering the attention of those in attendance to the stage where dark blue lights have started to flash in rhythm to the music.
If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
When the levee breaks I'll have no place to stay
As the tempo of the song picks up, it can barely be seen that someone has made their way out in the pitch black, planting themselves in the middle of the stage. The lights return and we're shown the back of Keith Williams as he's pointing at what's on his clothing. He's noticeably wearing a black denim vest with patches of bands on the front, the words "Paragon of Sleaze" printed on the back in a death metal/black metal stylized font, and directly below this is a giant mustache graphic.
Taylor: Keith Williams has made it to this point. With his two victories over Bloodied Fox, he has solidified his status as the top champion of the company.
Romano: This is his first title match that doesn’t contain Bloodied Fox. We’ll have to see how he fares against other opponents.
Williams spins around, stroking his mustache and gleefully taking a look out at the crowd. He slowly saunters his way down the rampway to ringside, taking his time to taunt fans on either side of him. As he reaches the ring, Keith goes to enter by rolling under the bottom rope, but hesitates for a moment to thrust against it to the beat of the song, eventually getting to his feet and treating everyone with another round of mustache strokes for good measure. He mounts the turnbuckle nearest to him, hopping up to the middle rope and posing with his arms spread wide. As the music dies down, KW abandons his post and tosses his vest to a company stooge on the outside, taking to practicing his elbows in the corner before the match begins.
Main Event
AWF Prestige Championship
Keith Williams © vs. Greg Adkins
The bell rings and the match begins with a handshake offer from Greg Adkins. He offers him a toothy smile, reminiscent of a used car salesman. Keith Williams brings his hand over with an open palm- No! At the last moment, the hand closes and lets out a middle finger. Adkins' eyes open and knows that the bait wasn't taken. Without enough time to react, Keith Williams strikes first and strikes hard with a STIFF clothesline. Greg Adkins hits the mat hard but uses the momentum to try to bounce back to his feet. By the time he gets there, Keith Williams had already moved forward to the ropes, bounced back and struck Greg Adkins to the floor! BOOM! Bulldog! Greg Adkins is a little bit slower to get up, but treats the pain like waking up poorly from an overnight nap on a bench. He gets up and as he gets his head up, he finds himself nose to nose to Keith. He lifts up his finger and wags it left to right, suggesting major disapproval in Greg's Adkins. SNAP SUPLEX! Adkins is on the floor and stays there. The AWF Prestige Champ goes for the pin count:
...One!
...Tw-Kickout!
Taylor: Greg Adkins doesn't know when to stay down!
Romano: Greg doesn't know how to do a lot of things, like behave in society and flush the toilet. ...I've gone in after he used the restroom once. With that said, he made the mistake of thinking that he and Keith share the same language. They don't.
Keith Williams leans his face close up towards that of Adkins'. Greg Adkins puckers up, hoping for some smooches, but instead, Keith Williams says something with a serious face. While it can't be heard through, even the limited crowd capacity offered, it sure doesn't sound kind. Keith Williams brings Greg Adkins up to his feet and starts laying chop after chop to the chest of the wrestler who calls himself Guttertrash. He lays this carnage assault until Adkins hits the ropes. Williams leaves one more slap for good measure before throwing him in for an Irish Whip, but the cheeky bastard reverses the throw, shooting the AWF Prestige Champion to the ropes. Greg smiles to the fans. Keith sees this as he bounces from the ropes and internally promises to punish him for that. The ballsy Keith goes for a SPEAR! But the sixth sense kicks in - or the fifth if you count his lost sense of smell - as he jumps up HIGH off the mat as the same moment as Keith goes for the spear. Keith lands HORRIBLY with his throat hitting the middle of the ropes. If that's not bad enough, Greg is sitting on his back as if he was riding a horse. With one arm, Greg is swinging an invisible lasso and the other hand, he's spanking Keith's bottom!
Taylor: What in the WORLD is happening here? Greg is riding the AWF Prestige Champion like a horse!
Romano: He's making a complete mockery of this match! this championship! this sport! He's making a complete joke of EVERYTHING!
Not only is it embarrassing, but it's painful too because every time Keith tries to buck Greg off, Greg just lets his weight push him down more, slamming his throat down more and bruising it from the outside. This prevents the referee from having to make a five count, since it's not a choke and continues the indefensible onslaught. However to Keith's fortune, the referee gets in and knocks the challenger off of him. He warns him for his lewd and deviant behavior. Greg winks to Senior Referee Gabe Valentine as he promises to adhere to the rules moving forward. The wink makes Valentine worry that he won't and conflicts with Greg's assurance of future compliance. Keith gets up and recomposes himself physically. Mentally, he's completely livid and hell bent on teaching Adkins a lesson. Keith goes for a clothesline but ducks the blow and as Keith turns around, he makes the hand wave (a la John Cena's "You can't see me!") and quickly shoots him up, over and down with a powerslam! Greg Adkins gets up, and jumps up while crotch chopping at the same time. He does this all to the cheering applause of the crowd. And by cheering applause, I mean sickening nausea.
Taylor: The more and more I think about this, the more that it's actually sinking in. Greg Adkins could actually be the AWF Prestige Champion right here, right now!?
Romano: You know, you actually could be right, Tommy. You know, we mainly dismiss Greg as an idiot.
Taylor: ...Because he is?
Romano: Right, but he's playing this quite well. Keith is more experienced, more vicious and probably stronger, but Keith is so angry that Greg could taunt him into making mistakes. That could be his key to victory.
Keith is quick to get up, which is really good considering the fact that Adkins ran to the ropes and bounced back with a springboard splash. Keith catches him - and in powerbomb position too! Keith reaches back up to get the most amount of height to slam down, but Greg slips out and manages to land onto his feet behind Keith. He runs to the ropes and bounces back with a clothesline, but Keith ducks it and passing Greg, he shoots a MASSIVE elbow to the back of the head, nearly guaranteeing a concussion! Greg keeps up the speed in order to shake off the pain as well as trying to minimize its devastating effects. They both go to the opposite ropes, come back and Greg Adkins hits Keith Williams with a straight PUNCH to the chest, knocking him back. This disorientates him enough for Greg to pick him up for a bodyslam! ...But Keith Williams slips out behind Keith and runs BACKWARDS to the ropes. As Greg Adkins turns around, he is met to a FLYING DISCUSS ELBOW FROM KEITH WILLIAMS!
Taylor: QUEEN ANNE'S REVENGE! Keith Williams got him!
Romano: Let's not forget Keith is conniving to and when you get hit with such a big move by the AWF Prestige Champion, well... most people don't get up from that.
Cassius Romano's words proven to be quite accurate as Greg Adkins is NOT moving. Senior Referee approaches this pin count, assuming this is actually a formality.
...One!
...Two!
...THREE-NO! GREG ADKINS KICKS OUT!
Taylor: That was true! It can't be! That was a three count! The referee must be partial toward Greg!
Romano: ...Greg Adkins? Believe me, this is a match where both choices are horrible. It's like an election. It was right on the line, but the referees are paid to be as impartial and accurate as possible.
Keith gets up, fuming. He goes up to the referee and yells at him, accusing him of not being able to do his job right. Gabe Valentine defends himself. By the time that Keith turns back, Greg Adkins is turned over to his stomach and trying to get to his hands and knees. Unfortunately for him, he will get no sense of relief. Keith grabs him by the back of the neck like he's some sort of cat and SLAMS his face to the mat. Greg actually groans in a high-pitched tone. For the first time since the match started, Keith actually smiled. He's finally getting the reaction he wants. ...SO HE DOES IT AGAIN! ...AND AGAIN! And at that third time, some cracking is heard. Keith picks up Greg's head, and finds his face just COVERED in blood! Greg's nose is bent. Keith looks down, smiles and uses his other hand to just SMEAR the blood throughout his face. He just DROPS Greg Adkins and uses the remaining blood to send a message. He draws on the actual white canvas. He draws...
Taylor: A smiley face? What the hell is he doing!?
Romano: He's sending a message. Basically, he's insulting everyone who challenges and shows them just how low of importance he values their health.
Keith yells, "IT'S OVER!" He brings up Greg Adkins and picks him up in the air. By god, he's going for it... His Emerald Flowsion finisher, IT'S THE K-DRIVER! But wait, while brought over his shoulder, Greg Adkins uses both of his hands and fish hooks Keith's mouth. HE SPITS IN IT! Now Keith is a depraved and self-admittedly sleazy man, so it should speak volumes when he even starts violently gagging and losing control of his fine motor functions as falls down to the mat, brought down in part due to Greg's weight on him. But Greg Adkins doesn't give up! He wishes to cause more than just physical, and CDC-condemned pain; he also wishes psychological pain! He begins doing thrusting motions ring in front of Keith's face! Keith barely notices as he's still trying to keep himself from hacking up lunch. Gabe Valentine pulls Greg off of him, and gives a second - and final warning. One more and Greg would be disqualified. Greg Adkins nods, and Gabe asks him not to stare down there.
Taylor: Greg Adkins has completely changed the script! Just a moment ago, he could barely move and he's in control of this match now!
Romano: He could have been hiding a reserve for a time like this or maybe he got lucky, but if there's one thing I've learned about Greg is not to treat him like everyone else. I wouldn't trust him any farther than I could throw him, and I don't want him any closer than that.
Greg Adkins tries to recompose him. His body is black and blue, and his face is crimson red. But damn it, he's still on his feet and he will be fighting! Greg Adkins gets Keith with an elbow before bringing him up to his feet. He picks him up FOR GREG ADKINS' FINISHER MOVE - OVERDOSE! HIS PUMP HANDLE REVERSE PILEDRIVER! He gets him up for the pump handle, but Keith hits Adkins with the elbow. Adkins loses his grip. Keith takes advantage of the situation by bringing him down with a neck breaker! BOOM! Greg Adkins wheezes as his back hits the floor. Meanwhile, Keith is also breathing heavily. Keith Williams turns over, finding himself right on top of Adkins. He pulls his arm back for a punch, but Adkins shoots forward with a poke in the eyes! The accuracy is dead on! This gives Greg some time to recompose before the fuming Keith recovers to deliver more punishment.
Taylor: He has a trick up his sleeve! He always have something planned!
Romano: And right now, he's setting up for something. If he plays his cards right, he is mere moments away from walking away with the belt!
Sure enough, within a moment, Keith Williams gets to his feet. Greg tries to kick the leg of Keith, trying to set up for a Shining Wizard. But as he hits his move, Keith also throws a punch, when knocks Greg Adkins down to his back. Keith tells the pain in his body to fuck off as he gets to his feet and goes for another punch, but Greg uses his strong ab muscles to lift his legs and KICKS Keith in the stomach, doubling him over. Greg Adkins finds a quick way to get to his feet where he begins to pick up Keith Williams for the SECOND TIME!
Taylor: Overdose! Overdose! IT'S COMING!
And right as he Greg picks Keith up, Keith bucks like hell in desperation. He simply REFUSES to lose to Greg Adkins of all people. He manages to kick himself free and falling behind Greg Adkins but as Keith hits the floor, he loses his balance and falls back... to the corner turnbuckle! Greg Adkins sees the position he's in. Then nature kicks in. He pulls down his pants to reveal his backside.
Taylor: Greg, no! You're going to get disqualified!
Romano: THIS IS A FAMILY SHOW!
Greg Adkins slaps his cheeks. Keith Williams looks forward and his eyes go big, not believing this is happening. Greg Adkins pulls a page out of Rikishi's playbook and goes for the STINK FACE! Gabe Valentine goes nuts! He gestures to the time keeper vigorously. Fervently. The bell ring and Jessie Love pulls out the microphone, trying to turn away from Greg Adkins and what he's doing.
Jessie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has decided to end this match. Due to multiple and egregious policy violations, Greg Adkins has been disqualified. The winner of this match and STILL the AWF Prestige Champion... Keith Williams!
Taylor: Greg Adkins could have won this match! He could have won! He decided to throw it all away!
Romano: Winning is a relative term. In a way, Greg did win. And I'm not sure how much of a winner Keith feels. But in the end, what happened-
Taylor: HOLD THE PHONE! KEITH! DON'T DO THIS!
Tommy Taylor interrupted Cassius Romano as Keith Williams pulled into his tights and pulled out brass knuckles! He jams the metal deep into Greg's spine, and sending him to the mat. Keith is fueled by anger and uses it to pull up as he begins VICIOUSLY going down on Greg with strike after strike. Several fans in the audience are looking with dread and disbelief. Greg rolls over and sees Keith going for another punch! It hits Greg Adkins hard! He looks down and pulls back for what could be, a career-ending punch. The eyes of Greg Adkins go wide. Keith shoots forward.
Taylor: OH MY G-
Before the punch could connect, AWF road agents and security staff grab Keith and begin pulling him back. The rest of the staff finish storming the ring and Greg Adkins stares dumbfoundedly as Keith Williams is scratching and clawing, hoping to connect and cause some serious injury to his challenger. The camera switches to the crowd, who is completely shocked and appalled by the actions that they have witnessed.
Taylor: Ladies and gentlemen... What a way for a match to end. Keith was able to retain his belt after some indiscretions from Greg Adkins, but this...
Romano: It's pure chaos in the ring. Maybe Keith is angry because the match did not end definitively. No one was pinned. No one tapped out.
Taylor: Well, that appears to be the end for Prestige 66. I'm sure we'll find out more next show.
Romano: That's right. We'll be in Kentucky on Saturday, March 6th for AWF's Prestige! Good night, all!
The camera zooms in to the rabid Keith Williams before fading to black.
Live at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN.
2/20/2021
Capacity: 1,950
In Attendance: 195
The cameras open up as we scan across the ringside seats, the Tennessee crowd are only too pleased to welcome the AWF back to their state for the first time in over a year.n
Taylor: Hello, fans, and welcome to Prestige Sixty-Six!
The shots now focus on the signs the fans hold high:
I KNOW COACH’S NAME!
KILL KIRA!
HOLD ME, KISS ME, SLEAZE ME!
We now join Tommy Taylor and Cassius Romano at the announce booth.
Taylor: Have we got a show for you, a series of Strange Bedfellows tag-team matches and then our main-event…
Romano: For those of you who are stat fans, you’ll know that the last time we saw a Prestige Title match on an episode of Prestige it resulted in a title-change!
Taylor: The challenger will certainly be hoping he can repeat what happened that night when Bloodied Fox toppled Seth Dillinger inside a steel-cage!
Romano: Adkins made short work of Xiaolong in his return match but this is an entirely different challenge, can he make the step up?
The video replays the win over Xiaolong from Prestige 65.
Taylor: Well, one thing a lot of people are sleeping on is that Adkins has held gold before here in Ascension.
Romano: Valid point, people often wonder why people say the easiest way to win gold is to have held some before but it’s the mindset, the drive, the experience in how to get there that means people can repeat it again and again!
Taylor: Can he turn that Phoenix title-reign into the basis of a Prestige run? We’ll find out at the top of the show. But before we get there we’ve got a hell of a show to put on. In a match that raised eyebrows across the board, we have the team of Chris Card and Neo James Carner going against Bloodied Fox and Adam Sanders!
Footage is shown of the chaos that unfolded at XHF Supremacy as the Lumberjacks tear into one another. The video freezes as Sanders and NJC look to unload on one another.
Romano: That match has talent and ego aplenty but when you add in Cross Recoba as the Special Guest Referee? It’s a braver man than me who wants to even try and predict how that one goes!
Taylor: But the lines are blurred, Card will surely be the focus of Recoba’s eye but what about Fox and Sanders? We saw at Supremacy that they nearly came to blows, will that combust tonight? Then you look at NJC, will he listen to the experienced advice of his partner?
Romano: Neo didn’t get where he was today by turning away good advice. Let’s face facts, anyone in that match can get the job done for their team, it’s just who it’ll be I can’t predict!
Taylor: Well, Neo will be hoping to remind everyone why it was he who was tipped to be the breakout star in the ReVenants!
The cameras show Neo, Rob and Keith turning up earlier in the day.
Taylor: We see Garcia with them there. His tag-partner is perhaps the worst-matched of the lot of them, he teams up with Kira Izumi. We’ve seen these two tear strips off each at XHF Supremacy but still neither man left with the gold.
Romano: It’s a matter of opinion but to me, they chose putting down the other man over taking home the Phoenix title!
Taylor: Well, tonight they have another Phoenix in their sights as they take on the team of Brendon Phoenix and Angel Griffin. Neither competitor have come into the company firing on all cylinders, do you think they can turn that around tonight?
Romano: They’ve struggled in their time here but if they can work together where their opponents can’t? They could pull off the upset.
Taylor: Before that though, we have a tag-team match where the brutal meet the beloved. The team of Betsy Granger and Carlos Ruiz face off against Aiden Merric and Abel Anderson.
Romano: People seems to equate being nice with not having a killer instinct. Ruiz made short work of Griffin and Phoenix last week and Betsy Granger remains undefeated since she arrived!
Taylor: In Anderson and Merric they may face their sternest test yet. Anderson’s MMA pedigree is without question and has drawn some admiring gazes, not least from Chris Card. Partnered with Merric, if they can get on the same page, it’s a formidable challenge.
Romano: With both teams having never wrestled together, the deciding factor could be which team can get on the same page the quickest!
The cameras switch to a shot of Frankie Webb rolling up Erin Gordon at the last show.
Taylor: It’ll be interesting to see if we see the same tricks from Frankie Webb this time out, he faces the Jitterman who presents an entirely different challenge.
Romano: The Jitterman could pose some problems of the youngster, he won’t have any qualms about stepping into the ring with someone Webb’s age. Both competitors though will have a point to prove and if Webb thinks he should go toe-to-toe with the Jitterman, it could be his undoing.
Taylor: We’ve seen John Eden talk up his...client in this one, do you think Webb can overcome the size, the power disparity that looks to be evident when you look at the pure numbers involved in the match?
Romano: We’ve seen him use a judo-based offense in most of his matches but his brawling isn’t going to do him any good tonight. If you’re a betting man, hope he has some agility and aerial prowess!
Footage of Richards gaining the AWF Around the Clock title.
Taylor: First though, we see two in-ring debuts: Tasmin Richards and Vincent Valiant will do battle against each other with the added complication of Xiaolong to deal with.
Romano: I spoke with Xiaolong earlier in the day, he’s determined to make 2021 the year that he regains the form that saw him become a two-time XHF Phoenix Champion.
Taylor: That’s not all, earlier today we heard from Commissioner Steele, he gave no clues but he’ll be making an appearance later on in the show for what could be huge news for Ascension Wrestling!
The cameras show Jessie Love ascending the ringsteps.
Taylor: For now, we join Jessie for our first match!
Vincent Valiant comes to the ring.
Taylor: What a quick entrance from one of our more recent warriors!
Romano: Here's a fresh start.
"Kung Fu Fighting" plays as Xialong runs to the ring, ready to begin the match.
Taylor: Ladies and gentlemen, Xiaolong is here, and he looks ready to win!
Romano: Xiaolong is the senior of our new wrestlers, and is ready to show them all a little something.
"Crawling in the dark" hits as Tasmin comes out in a leather biker jacket, a black top and baggy camo pants.
Announcer: Now making her way to the ring, standing 5'4 and weighing in at 110 pounds, from Norwhich England she is THE TASSSSSIIIE DEVIL TASSSMIN RIIICHARDS
She makes her way down to the ring slowly holding the lapels of her jacket before running over to the barricade as the chorus of Crawling in the dark" hits and she sings with the small crowd.
"Show me what its for, make me understand it. I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer!"
She high fives a few fans before springing and sliding under the bottom rope popping up to her knees and then nto her feet running to each corner jumping onto the middle rope.
Taylor: And now we have Tasmin's, one of the new and hot talent into our company.
Romano: We've had a surge of female talent, but she sees to want to be remembered for more than just her sex. I'm sure that her wrestling tonight will demonstrate that.
Triple Threat Match
Vincent Valiant vs. Xiaolong vs. Tasmin Richards
The trio of competitors start glancing back and forth between their two respective opponents after the bell. Valiant makes the first move and is rewarded with a kick on both legs, one by each of the opposing competitors. After the dual kick sweeps Vincent Valiant off his feet, Xiaolong takes advantage to deliver another kick to the back of the much smaller Tasmin Richards.
Taylor: Valiant down and Richards down.
Romano: Xiaolong is the experienced veteran of the match. He has to use that experience to take advantage as much as he can.
Valiant was the first to his feet and quickly uses his forearm to strike Xiaolong on the back of his neck. He tries to school boy Xiaolong for a sneaky win, but Tasmin Richards pushes Valiant forward and into a seated position. Before Vincent Valiant can react to it, Tasmin delivers a basement dropkick to the face of Valiant. Tasmin hooks the leg but is dragged off by Xiaolong before referee Nate Biggs can even count to one.
Taylor: Two pin attempts not even resulting in a one count.
Romano: It’s a triple threat match. You have to be aware of both your opponents, not just one.
Xiaolong grabs the Around the Clock Champion and tosses her out of the ring. This gives him a chance to focus on Valiant, who was pulling himself back up as the two-time Phoenix Champion started stepping towards him. As soon as Valiant is up and turns around, Xiaolong drops him to the mat and into a crossface.
Romano: This is good tactics. Xiaolong took Tasmin out of the ring for a bit and locks in a submission. He’s hoping for the win here.
Taylor: Tasmin is getting back up though.
Romano: Valiant can’t see that from his angle though. We’ll have to see if he considers tapping if it gets to be too much.
To prevent the match from ending by submission, Tasmin slingshots into the ring and lands a senton across both of her opponents. Xiaolong gets up but is tossed across the ring by a kip up hurricanrana from Richards. She bounces off the middle rope and lands a forearm on Vincent Valiant on the way down.
Romano: She is speedy, that’s for sure.
Taylor: She had to use the middle rope to get the momentum for that forearm.
Romano: I mean, it also helped her reach Valiant’s head. Oh, she’s getting the cover.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR...NO!!
Xiaolong pulls Tasmin Richards off at the last second. Xiaolong hopes for the same formula he was trying with Vincent Valiant and gets the crossface on Richards, who is quickly able to get one of her short legs onto the bottom rope. As soon as Xiaolong rises to his feet again, Valiant is back at it with a lariat.
Romano: Lots of back and forth between all three competitors.
Taylor: Valiant currently stalking Xiaolong for his next move. But it is anyone’s game as this match stands right now.
Romano: The winner will be the first person to make it a singles encounter and best who they have in the ring with them.
It doesn’t take long for Xiaolong to get back at Valiant as the Irish whip turns into Xiaolong now bouncing off the middle rope and landing a bicycle kick off the rebound. Cover by Xiaolong.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THE...NO!!
Kickout by Valiant. Xiaolong lifts Valiant up to deliver another move but is rolled up with a school boy by Tasmin Richards.
ONE!!
TWO!!
Valiant breaks up the pin at two. Valiant throws Tasmin Richards outside the ring but doesn’t notice she holds onto the ropes and lands on the apron. Valiant drills his knee into the chest of Xiaolong’s midsection and then the head after. He follows this up with a special move to set up Xiaolong for something bigger, landing a side kick to the head of the kneeling Xiaolong.
Taylor: And there’s the Buh-Bye! Vincent Valiant might be looking to end the match.
Romano: He better watch out. Tasmin Richards is on the apron and yelling for his attention.
Tasmin Richards calls out Valiant’s name from the apron. The moment he turns around, Richards pops up onto the top rope and leaps into a supergirl punch on the way down.
Romano: I warned him.
Taylor: There’s the Tazzie Devil! That could be it!!
Romano: Xiaolong is still down from the Buh-Bye.
Richards gets the cover. Xiaolong is still motionless.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
DING DING DING!!
Romano: And Tasmin Richards wins her debut.
Taylor: Talk about making a statement early.
Romano: This young girl could make some waves if she keeps this up, that’s for sure.
Jessie Love: Here is your winner… TASMIN RICHARDS!!
Richards remains on her knees as Nate Biggs raises her arm to name her the victor. She gives a big smile to all the fans that are socially distanced in the crowd as Doug Robb sings the chorus of Crawling in the Dark before the cameras cut backstage.
"If it bleeds, we can kill it."
"And we ain't got time to bleed."
"And we ain't got time to bleed."
"Turbo Killer" by Carpenter Brut begins to play and the lights in the arena are snuffed out. Red lights on the stage blink on and off, on and off, showing the outline of several figures that make their way out from behind the curtains.
As the music picks up, the red lights start to blink more rapidly, and eventually the arena lights come back to life. Who are the mystery people? The ReVenants! Neo Carner, Rob Garcia, Keith Williams, Jeff Noon, and MiMi Cassius! Everybody is wearing new, expensive clothes tailormade for their gorgeous forms. The AWF Prestige, United States, and Around the Clock Championships are proudly shown off around their respective owners' waists. Rob is posed in the middle of Keith and Neo, back to the camera with his arms and clenched fists out to the side of his body while the other two men are leaned over towards him, both pointing at Rob with their two index fingers. Garcia spins around, a big grin on his face as he points to his two partners in crime. The Big Bad Wolves bump fists, immediately drawing back to pose some more, taking in the reaction of the crowd. Some people love it, but most people seem to hate it and the obvious nature of their super cockiness.
The ReVenants make their way down to the ring, taunting the fans as they go and being especially generous with the middle fingers. Single file they party their way up the steel stairs, entering the ring together as everyone laughs and looks merry. Centered, Keith, Neo, and Rob pause to pose again as red pyro explodes around ringside!
With the celebration just beginning, the music dies down as Jeff Noon collects a microphone from a company stooge that he passes to Keith.
Keith Williams: "Well, well, well. They said lightning couldn't be caught in a bottle twice, but we proved them wrong! Dead wrong!"
Grinning, The Antichrist of AWF high-fives his stablemates and observes those in attendance as he takes a minute to admire the AWF Prestige Championship encircling him.
Keith Williams: "We said we'd regain our power and we did! They tried to deceive you, but don't be fooled by our illiterate rivals! Rob Garcia was NOT at Prestige 65, despite whatever lies have been spread on SmackTalker."
Williams winks at the King of Extreme and gives him a quick thumb's up as he rotates the microphone in his hand, stopping to let it float near his mouth.
Keith Williams: "The ReVenants are THE most dominating group in all of the XHF Network, not only the AWF! We prove that night in and night out, every single match! There's an award at home beside my other award that acknowledges this!"
Nodding his head, you couldn't convince Keith otherwise even if you had irrefutable evidence.
Keith Williams: "Everything is so perfect... Except for one thing."
One finger raised in the air, Williams is about to let us know what that thing is.
Keith Williams: "Double O. Mr. Unbelievable. Oxford Osland. I miss you, brother. I wish you could be here with us, but I know you're holding it down in SWAT and I'll see you soon!"
Waving at the camera, but specifically at their ReVenant in Syndicate Wrestling & Tradition, The Paragon of Sleaze smiles along with his ReVenant buddies that are currently in the ring.
Keith Williams: "Right here, right now, I can't think of a better time to serenade the fans. I have a song in mind that we've been rehearsing and it's really appropriate considering the occasion. Would you like to hear it?"
Directing the microphone he has at the crowd, The Man with a Plan gets a mixed reaction, some booing, some cheering.
Keith Williams: "That sounds like a resounding yes to me!"
Clearing his throat, Keith preps himself as he starts.
Keith Williams: "I've paid my dues... Time after time... I've done my sentence... But committed no crime!"
Leading a questionable rendition of "We Are the Champions" by Queen, the lyrics continue to pour out.
Keith Williams: "And bad mistakes... I've made a few... I've had my share of sand... Kicked in my face... But I've come through!!"
KW tosses the mic to NJC and Neo assumes the role of singer.
Neo James Carner: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on!"
Tilting his head and angling the mic at an angle, Carner like a pro continues to sing.
Neo James Carner: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers..."
Dramatically making everyone wait for it, The Menace of Opulence utters the words we need.
Neo James Carner: "'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
It's Garcia's turn as Carner throws the microphone to him.
Rob Garcia: "I've taken my bows... And my curtain calls... You brought me fame and fortune... And everything that goes with it..."
Slinging an arm over the shoulder of Noon, Rob yells the lyrics.
Rob Garcia: "I thank you all... But it's been no bed of roses... No pleasure cruise... I consider it a challenge before... The human race..."
Swaying to and fro, Noon and Rob are feeling the mood.
Rob Garcia: "And I ain't gonna lose!!"
The ReVenants gather together, The Last Vestige of Hope taking final control of the microphone. Keith with both hands grips the mic as he, Neo, and Rob butcher what's left of the song.
Keith Williams: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on... We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end!!"
Neo James Carner: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on... We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end!!"
Rob Garcia: "And we mean to go on and on and on and on... We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end!!"
Horribly off-key, The ReVenants aren't great singers, though their passion is undeniable.
Keith Williams: "We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Neo James Carner: "We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Rob Garcia: "We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
While looking up at the stage, Jeff Noon snaps his fingers several times, making a subtle signal to someone. It doesn't take long before two butlers make their way out from backstage and hurriedly walk down to the ring, ice buckets of champagne at the ready. Both men enter and walk up to The ReVenants, allowing Keith, Rob, and Neo to grab bottles.
Keith Williams: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Neo James Carner: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
Rob Garcia: "We are the champions, my friends... And we'll keep on fighting till the end... We are the champions... We are the champions... No time for losers... 'Cause we are the champions of the world!!"
A wonderful cascade of pyrotechnics lights up the stage as The ReVenants conclude their singing. Released from the ceiling, hundreds of red and gold balloons drop, littering the inside of the ring and outside of it. The ReVenants crack open the champagne, spraying each other and anyone near them, triumphantly toasting their hard-earned success.
Taylor: Don’t the ReVenants just make you sick with how smug they are?
Romano: Stable of the Year isn’t a joke, add in that they currently hold half of the gold available, it’s not an unfounded claim!
Taylor: That could all change in our main-event later tonight, but now we go to Jessie Love for our next contest as The Jitterman takes on Frankie Webb!
Jessie Love: The following contest is set for one-fall...introducing the first competitor...
The arena goes dark and then the screen flickers on and there appears a wood, a robed man comes out onto the stage with some kind of book, he begins speaking to it and then out in the distance a figure saunters closer and closer and stops...that's when the music begins to play.
Jessie Love: He stands at six-feet and nine-inches and tips the scales at three-hundred-and-ten pounds...THE JITTERMAN!!
Then the lights go out once again and when they appear back on The Jitterman is there next to the robed man otherwise known as John Eden.
Taylor: Each time I see these two head to the ring I get chills and not in a good way!
Romano: Outside of Subject #42, he’s the largest man on the roster. You ever thought about what will happen when those two meet?
Taylor: You angling for Steele’s job?
Romano: Not at all, but looking at the tale of the tape - Jitterman is my pick for the match!
They then slowly and methodically make their way to the ring and then lights eventually turn back to normal.
Jessie Love: AND HIS OPPONENT….
Drake's "Enemies" plays as Frankie Webb heads out into the arena. He shoots a quick glance to the fans in the arena and hops a few time.
Jessie Love: Hailing from St. George, Utah...standing at six-feet and one-inch...FRANKIE WEBB!
He has sleeveless hood over his head as he slowly makes himself to the ring. He walks toward the ring, displaying a fake err of confidence.
Taylor: There was a lot of talk about David and Goliath coming out of the Webb camp this week, can he pull off a giant-killing tonight?
Romano: That depends, is he focused? Has he done his homework on his opponent? Most importantly, has his in-ring game matured enough that he can adapt to an opponent as complex as the Jitterman?
Taylor: He can brawl, we’ve seen his judo, what more can he bring to the table?
Romano: That’s what we need answers on...
As he approaches the ring, he takes the hood and tosses it out of the ring. He hops up and down, waiting for the match to begin.
Singles Match
The Jitterman vs. Frankie Webb
Nate Biggs stands in the center of the ring, he looks to both corners. Frankie Webb looks in the direction of the opposite corner, the imposing figure of the Jitterman standing there awaiting the match. The youngster leans back into the turnbuckle and takes in a deep gulp of air. As always, the expression of the Jitterman is impossible to read but John Eden stands on the apron delivering a ‘sermon’ to his charge which is met with a deliberate and slow nod.
Taylor: You think that the David versus Goliath analogy has hit home with Webb right now?
Romano: Webb isn’t a short guy but compared to Jitts? He’s finding himself in an unfamiliar situation.
Taylor: He might be wondering if the edibles have worn off yet...
The bell rings and Webb charges out of the blocks like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby. He lays into his opponent with quickfire combos of left and rights to the body but they seemingly have little effect. He pauses for a moment to look up.
Romano: This is only going to anger him…
Taylor: Webb seems to have realized the strikes aren’t having the desired effect...
The masked man briefly appraises the teenager before rearing his head back and dropping him to the canvas with a headbutt.
Taylor: Vicious headbutt cuts him down!
Almost scampering backwards as he gets up, Webb is powerless to stop the nigh-on seven-footer from imposing his will. The Jitterman scoops up Webb….SIDESLAM!
Romano: Whatever gameplan Coach gave Webb needs to be revised or ripped up.
Taylor: We’ve seen Jitterman ragdoll opponents before and this looks like it could be going that way for Webb.
The Creature of Nightmares covers..
ONE…
TW-
KICKOUT!!
Taylor: Frankie showing some of that fighting spirit he’s exhibited over his time with AWF...
Webb’s arm remains raised in defiance to the Jitterman trying to put him down easily.
Romano: He won’t be able to take shortcuts this time around.
Taylor: The Jitterman would be glad to add the win to his collection scalps he’s amassed thusfar in Ascension!
The commands of Eden can be heard inside the ring, Jitterman lifts the sixteen-year-old from the mat and bodies him into the corner. Before the Utah youngster can react, Jitterman has followed up with a charging knee to the sternum of his opponent.
Taylor: Eden is quarterbacking his client well from the sidelines.
Romano: We’ve seen some tehcnical skills from him in the past, we’ve seen his powerhouse side - I know which one I’d pick in his shoes.
Doubling over from the blow, Webb inadvertently tees himself up for the next movement of the onslaught. Jitterman grabs him by the head and rushes him to the opposite corner and lands another knee to the sternum as he lands. Once more, he takes him by the head and repeats the move.
Taylor: Bludgeoning offense...
Webb seems to be on unstable footing, hes stumbles out of the corner. Jitterman patiently stalks his prey. Within three steps, Webb finds himself scooped up...backbreaker.
Romano: We’ve said it before, people who only view Jitts as a powerhouse are missing a trick on him. He’s systematically breaking down his opponent here.
Eden stands on the outside of the ring, the book in his hand, he utters commands to Jitterman who seems to be in no great rush to press his advantage. As Eden stops talking his words receive another solemn nod. The monster returns his attention back to Webb, he reaches down...WEBB HOOKS HIS LEGS AROUND THE SHOULDER OF THE BIG MAN!
Taylor: We’ve seen his judo prowess, has Webb been branching out into BJJ?
Romano: Can he lock it in though?
Swiftly pivoting his weight, Webb takes Jitterman to the mat and quickly moves to get to his feet and reel off a succession of quick stomps before dropping a knee into the joint of the shoulder.
Taylor: Agile strategy from the teenager, why is he targeting the arm though?
Romano: If he targets the legs he still has the threat of either that powerbomb or the driver to come.
Taking a step back, Webb sees his opponent get to his feet, the movements tinged with erraticism.
Taylor: It seems that change in approach wasn’t what the big man expected…
Romano: He’ll adapt his own strategy, he’s a thinking man’s monster...
Webb closes the gap on Jitterman, he evades a punch with a sidestep and grabs the arm before pivoting...monkey-flip takedown. He keeps hold of the arm.
Taylor: Judo-inspired monkey-flip, what can he do with that arm though?
The standing armbar remains in place, Jitterman powers to his feet but a lunge only allows Webb to take him down to the mat once more and try to impress his will on the hold.
Taylor: Great display of tenacity from the kid out of Utah!
Romano: Where does he go from here though?
Jitts powers up to his feet, Webb still hanging on. As the big man reaches a vertical base, Webb pivots to go around the back with a roll-up…
ONE…
KICKOUT!!
Taylor: Testing the water…
Getting back to his feet, Webb finds the presence of mind to duck the clothesline attempt and delivers a martial arts kick to the chest of his opponent. He looks for the Irish whip but it’s reversed and he heads into the corner.
Romano: Here comes trouble...
Jitterman charges in ... WEBB MOVES AND JITTERMAN COLLIDES WITH THE TURNBUCKLE SHOULDER-FIRST!!!
Taylor: WEBB GOT OUT THE WAY AND JITTERMAN TOOK THE BRUNT OF HIS MOMENTUM ON THE SHOULDER WEBB HAS BEEN WORKING OVER!
A cry from Eden is heard from the outside. Webb smells blood and snaps off a kick to the increasingly-targeted shoulder of his opponent.He wraps his arms around Jitterman.
Romano: The kid is strong, like farmer-kid strong...
With a gutteral roar, Webb lifts up the big man to the top-turnbuckle. He takes a few steps back...LEAPING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!
Taylor: Crisp strike!
With a confident leap, Webb finds himself on the top-turnbuckle, he leaps...TOP-ROPE CROSS ARMBAR!!!
Romano: MODIFIED DIABLO ARMBAR!!
As they land, Webb is trying to cinch the hold in tight but a combination of the size of his opponent and his lack of BJJ skills work against him. Jitterman struggles as we once more hear the commandments of John Eden willing his charge to find a way out of the hold.
Taylor: Once more, Webb goes for a BJJ hold but can he cinch it in this time?
Webb leans forward to try and reposition himself and that’s the window that Jitterman needs. He pokes him in the eyes and Webb has little choice but to release the hold. Biggs starts to admonish Jitterman but the words seem to have little effect. Instead, driven by Eden’s words, he drops a knee squarely onto the head of Webb before hooking his arms around his waist...DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX!!!
Romano: WHAT A DISPLAY OF STRENGTH!!
With the momentum seemingly swung, Jitterman’s movements have returned back to their deliberate manner. He wraps a front-facelock on Webb and lifts him up. Vicious knees to the midsection!
Taylor: Webb’s got to be careful, he may think he can handle himself in a brawl but those knees are going unanswered...
Webb finds himself being hoisted feet-first onto the top-rope...DDT!!!
Romano: THE JITTERBUG!!
The cameras capture the rocking motion of Jitterman as he sits up. The commandments of Eden continue to carry in volume across the arena.
Taylor: Whatever the power of that book is, it’s having an effect now.
Sensing that victory is near, Jitterman prises Webb off the mat. He positions him between his leg and lifts…
Romano: Pray Time incoming!
WEBB ROLLS DOWN THE BACK...DROPKICK TO THE BACK SENDS JITTERMAN INTO THE ROPES….CRUCIFIX…
Taylor: THAT REVERSAL COULD SAVE HIM!
WEBB LOCKS IN A CRUCIFIX!!
Romano: IS HE GOING FOR THE SUBMISSION?
JITTERMAN’S ARM IS TOO DAMAGED FOR HIM TO POWER OUT…
Taylor: Jitterman is fighting the hold but has the damage been done?
WEBB STARTS TO UNLEASH STRIKE AFTER STRIKE!
Taylor: RAPID PUNCHES FROM THE TEENAGER!
EDEN’S CRIES CLIMB IN PITCH AND URGENCY!
Romano: EDEN LOOKS WORRIED!
AS WEBB CONTINUES WITH UNANSWERED SHOTS, JITTERMAN GOES LIMP!
Taylor: HE’S GONE!!
NATE BIGGS CALLS FOR THE BELL!!
Jessie Love: Your winner of this match, due to referee stoppage...FRANKIE...WEBB!!
“Enemies” by Drake starts to play across the arena as Biggs raises his hand in the air in victory. He rolls out the ring and starts to head up the ramp.
Romano: He had his critics for the win against Gordon at the last Prestige but this win might well silence them!
Taylor: With two big showings, could Webb be at the start of an extremely promising journey?
Still inside the ring, Jitterman starts to come to. John Eden clutches the book tightly as he tries to rouse his client back to a conscious state.
Romano: Something seems off…
Taylor: John Eden seems to have gotten the Jitterman to come back arou-
Jitterman gets to his feet, THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
When they come back on, the ring is empty but the camera zooms in on a note in the center of the ring:
PLAYTIME’S OVER...FOR NOW
Taylor: What could it mean?
Romano: I have no idea but whatever the inference...it’s going to be bad...
Jessie Love: The following match is a tag team match...introducing first…
"Bamboleo" by Gypsy Kings hits over the P.A. System and the crowd goes crazy for their Spanish Luchador! Carlos Ruiz walks out from the back posing for the crowd in his leather jacket that is zipped halfway up, pink speedo wrestling trunks, pink boots, and Maui Jim sunglasses. He stops on the way to the ring a couple of times to take selfies with the crowd.
Jessie Love: Making his way to the ring... from Madrid, Spain... weighing in at 212 pounds... CARLOOOOS RUUUUIIIIZ!
He slides into the ring and blows kisses to the adoring fans. He smiles as he removes his jacket and sunglasses and hands them to the ringside attendant.
Romano: Mr Carlos Ruiz has been rather vocal this week and this tag match should be interesting
Taylor: Especially when it comes to geography
drum strikes it’s second note, Betsy dabs and the lights come back. The song starts from the refrain as Betsy starts dancing down the ramp.
“Sin City’s cold and empty
No one’s around to judge me
I can’t see clearly when your gone-one-one”
Arms out, Betsy begins twirling around wildly, blonde ponytail whipping about with her, as she slaps hands with fans on both sides of the ramp. The chorus hits just as Betsy baseball slides into the ring.
“And I said ooooh, I’m blinded by the lights
I can’t sleep until I feel your touch
And I said ooooh, I’m drowning in the night
Oh, when I’m like this, you’re the one I trust”
As the chorus chimes on, Betsy bounces up and hops up onto every ring corner, pumping her fist in time with the song, getting the fans amped up for the upcoming bout. She holds up the belt with her other hand as she dances to the music. When she finishes playing up the fans, she starts bouncing in place, preparing mentally for the bout.
Jessie Love: And now in the ring, standing 5’9 and 135 pounds, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada...she is the AWF PHOENIX CHAMPION…BETSY GRANGERRR
Romano: Betsy has taken AWF by storm.
Taylor: As a champion you bet…
"TO THE SOUND OF A HEARTBEAT POUNDING AWAY!"
The opening line blares through the PA as the light go out, a blue light illuminates the entrance ramp as we see, Ashley Anderson standing in the center of the spotlight. Abel makes his way through the curtain as his wife steps to the side giving Abel the spotlight. He bounces on his feet for a moment before the spotlight turns off, the house lights come back on as the couple walk to the ring, once they make it beside the ring, Abel gives Ashley a quick kiss before rolling into the ring and climbing the nearest turnbuckle raising his arms toward the crowd. Abel then hops down and waits for his partner..
Jessie Love: And their opponents, first coming to the ring standing 6’6 and weighing in at 265 pounds, BAD ASS ABEL ANNNDERSON
Romano: I always marvel at the size of this guy.
Taylor: He can impose his will on anyone...
*"Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" hits the arena as an imitation sandstorm is created in the entranceway and Aiden Merric emerges from it chewing nicotine gum and wearing a smug ass smile on his face. He spits the gum and puts a patch on his arm before stretching and walking to the ring with a purpose. He rolls into the ring and stretches on the ropes. The referee stops him and removes his various blades, ropes and other hunting equipment as he smirks. He then cracks his neck, waiting for the bell.*
Jessie Love: And his partner, standing 6’2 and weighing in at 220 pounds from Coober Pedy, South Australia, AIDEN “OUTBACK” MERRIC
Romano: Oi mates here we go ay
Taylor: Please don’t do that, show Aiden some respect.
Tag-Team Match
Carlos Ruiz & Betsy Granger vs. Abel Anderson & Aiden Merric
Carlos and Aiden start off for their respective teams as Betsy and Abel make their way to the ring apron grabbing the tag rope. Carlos measures Aiden up and as they step in looking like they are going for a collar and elbow Carlos ducks down and goes for a single leg, Aiden hops back and swings for a right hand, Carlos though ducks it and trips Aiden up taking him down to the mat before jumping down into a side headlock. Aiden gets to his feet and backs up into the ropes before shooting Carlos into the ropes, Aiden goes for a clothesline, Carlos ducks and hits the ropes on the opposite side before jumping up for a hurricanrana, Aiden rolls forward out of it and turns to get to his feet, Carlos then hits a few hard rights pushing him back into the corner, Carlos lifts Aiden up onto the top rope and follows, Aiden blocks Carlos and kicks him back down.
Romano: Carlos is taking charge early on here
Taylor: Yeah but you see that look in Aidens eyes?
Romano: He’s on the hunt
Aiden tackles Carlos down to the mat, he positions himself above Carlos and slams in some vicious forearms and rights as Carlos covers up. Aiden gets to his feet and stomps on Carlos hard over and over again, Carlos reaches out and tries to get to Betsy but Aiden moves around between them cutting off the ring and stomping on Carlos’ hand. Aiden then pulls Carlos up, he gives him a bell clap and then a headbutt, a combination of moves he calls the Bag and Tag. Carlos holds his head in obvious pain before Aiden picks Carlos up and turns him upside down with a scoop slam, Aiden then moves around Carlos with the old school ronnie garvin stomps, kicking ever limb he can see from both legs, both arms, Carlos’ head and then a large stomp to the chest. Carlos sits up holding his ribs as Aiden stays between him and his corner.
Taylor: Alright, who taught Aiden Merric tag team strategy?
Romano: I don't know but he’s doing well, he took control and has now cut off the ring
Taylor: Carlos is doing everything he can to defend himself….
Aiden pulls Carlos up and calls for the Target Neutralized ripcord lariat, he pushes Carlos forward and then as he pulls him back Carlos drops down under the lariat, jumps up and springboards off the middle rope flipping back with a moonsault!. He lands on Aiden and hooks his leg.
ONE!
TWO!
Aiden kicks out and Carlos is able to get to his feet, he looks over at Betsy and goes for the tag but Aiden is in between them again and he goes to pop Carlos up for an uppercut, Carlos though is able to shift his weight before landing behind Aiden and then hooks him up snapping Aiden back towards his own corner with a full nelson suplex, or the lucha plex!. Aiden holds the back of his neck but Abel Anderson reaches down and tags himself in, Carlos crawls towards his corner but Abel grabs him by the lag pulling him back, Carlos pushes up and stands before turning around and going for an Enzuguri, Abel ducks and Carlos hits the mat, Abel locks in an ankle lock right away and then drops down grapevining the leg.
Romano: Uh oh, Abel is in and he looks like he’s in control right away!
Taylor: Carlos needs to get to the ropes somehow, or Betsy needs to get in there
Romano: I’m not sure Betsy will do that, she’s a stickler for the rules
Carlos pulls himself towards the ropes and is able to get there grabbing the bottom causing the break, Carlos is clearly in pain though holding his ankle as Abel paces around the center of the ring and cuts it off yet again away from a clearly frustrated Betsy. Abel sneers and ducks down picking Carlos up and slamming him down with a hard leg pick slam, Abel drags Carlos back towards his corner and tags Aiden back in while holding Carlos and allowing Aiden to drop a knee across Carlos’ leg. The Abel and Aiden combination trying to stay in control. Carlos looks up and Aiden begs for him to get to his feet and goes for the Stun Gun!. Carlos rolls under it and jumps tagging in Betsy who leaps over the top rope.
Taylor: Here we go!
Romano: Betsy got the tag Betsy got the tag!
Taylor: Here’s our Phoenix champion.
Betsy is hyped up hitting a low kick to Aidens knee followed by a higher one to his chest sending the Australian veteran backwards, Aiden leans on the ropes and then lunges forward with a clothesline attempt, Betsy ducks it and turns before rolling with the koppu kick hitting Aiden right in the face!. Aiden Merric goes down but gets to his knees almost right away, Betsy though hits the ropes and jumps up wrapping her legs around his head hitting the hurricanrana driver she calls the Plate de Visage!. Aiden gets spiked hard and Betsy goes for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
Abel is in and pulls Betsy away from Aiden!. Betsy turns and looks up at the huge man who backs up as the referee admonishes him. Betsy yells at him and shakes her head in frustration. She turns around and gets blasted by Aiden with his superman punch as he connects this time and falls back to the mat infront of Abel. He reaches up and is able to tag the big man back in.
Romano: Oh no!
Taylor: Betsy you have to see what is happening!
Betsy shakes her head and gets to her feet but is met with a double leg takedown from Abel who moves like a bull in a china shop, he takes the Phoenix champion down and straight away tries to impose his will with the ground and pound. Betsy moves her head and is able to avoid alot of the blows. Betsy moves to her left as Abel goes for a right elbow, she slides her smaller body out from under Abel while hooking his arm and then throwing herself up and over his body with a bridging fugiwara armbar!. But she isn’t able to keep him down for long as Abel rolls and throws her off, they both get to their feet and Abel grabs Betsy and whips her towards the ropes.
Romano: I think Abel is going for the Death from outta nowhere!
Taylor: Betsy needs to watch out
And just like that as Abel tries to duck and lock in the arm triangle Betsy is able to catch his arm and lock her hands together blocking the move before slipping out of it! She then hits a betsy bop!. Abel stumbles back and Betsy stays on the attack hitting another and another, she turns grabbing Abel by the head and slipping forward with her snapmare driver drilling Abel into the mat, Abel holds his head and tries to shake it off, Betsy goes for the full nelson face buster but Abel, being so tall stands up straight but turns pulling guard!. As they land Abel goes to lock in a triangle choke!, but Betsy stacks Abel up and stands on his shoulders Abel wasn’t expecting it…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The screen lights up ns we see a non-desript hallway, one of the most basic places you could ever see. But around a corner, we see a tattooed hand slowly slide out and grab the corner bricks. The blonde haired head of Tasmin Richards peers around the side, checking everywhere she can see.
Taylor: Wait, is that...Tasmin Richards?
Romano: We Saw Tasmin earlier tonight make her in ring debut, but now what is she up to?
Taylor: I think she's making sure no one can surprise her like she did to Rob Garcia a few weeks ago
Romano: Well atleast she's taking her title defense obligations seriously!
She tip toes out from around the corner, still in the clothes she wrestled in, the around the clock title in her hand as she sneaks over to the lockeroom opening the door and sliding in. Tasmin looks around the room looking for a place to hide. Her eyes settling on a large red curtain pulled across to cover up a wall length mirror.
Tasmin: hmmmm I wonder...
She moves over to it pulling it forward before sliding behind it, after a few minutes we see her feet twitch as she realises people can see her shoes.
Tasmin: Crap on a cracker!
Taylor: Do you think she realises we can see her through the camera or?
Romano: Don't break the fourth wall....
Tasmin moves from the curtain before finding a large gym bag in the center of the room, she studies it and reaches down unzipping the top, she looks at it's size and then herself before stepping into it and shuffling around.
Tasmin: I fit...I sit?
And much like a cat wouid do Tasmin slowly lowers herself into the bag and curls up, fitting within it. But, with a frustrated sigh she scrambles and gets back out, blowing a strand of long blonde hair from her face.
Romano: I think Miss Richards didn't think that through...she couldn't reach the zipper from the inside
Taylor: She could have just found Adam and got him to do it...
Tasmin stomps around the lockeroom looking angry and frustrated. She huffs and puffs before stopping and seeing something out of the corner of her eye. A random cardboard box, she raises an eyebrow and shrugs.
Tasmin: Worked for Solid Snake....
She moved over to it, stepping into the box and crouching before pulling the cardboard flaps over her head, small giggles being heard from inside as we cut back to ringside
Taylor: Clearly, Richards is keen to hold onto that belt.
Romano: Which is fine until it’s time to load up the trucks and go on to our next stop. She could end up next to the ring or trapped between the barricades or worse, Copycat might use it as his ‘wet room’!
Jessie Love: And now….a tag-team match! Introducing our first team…
The lights go out as Freak Like Me hits the speakers. A spotlight appears on stage and Angel appears posing with Brendon trailing behind her.
Jessie Love: With a combined weight of three-hundred-and-fifty-seven pounds...ANGEL GRIFFIN AND BRENDON PHOENIX!!
She points to the crowd as they cheer. She walks with purpose down the ramp before sprinting and sliding into the ring, Phoenix continues behind, taking in the crowd.
Taylor: Neither competitor enjoyed their last show, Angel must know that with a record verging on zero and three, she needs to live up to the reputation she has forged throughout the wrestling industry.
Romano: That puts the pressure on Phoenix, can he handle it at this point in his career?
Spinning she continues to point to the crowd before climbing the corner to once again pose for the crowd. Jumping down she leans against the ropes waiting on her opponent. Phoenix, in contrast, looks ready to go as they await their opponents.
Jessie Love: And now for their opponents…
The music plays as red lights pulsate throughout the arena. We pan across the venue before resting on the stage. Kira can be seen moving erratically on the stage before he drops down to a laying position.
Jessie Love: Introducing first...weighing in at an even two-hundred pounds, he is the Prince of Darkness...KIRA IZUMI!!
He starts slithering and shaking about before he sits back up and chunky red liquid comes out of his mouth. He stands up and begins seductively spreading and wiping it all over himself before he crawls down the rampway.
自由 愛情 暴動 権力
魔人婦穴 密売都市
政権 貧困 独裁 核
自由はあるだろ己の中
He starts to shake and move erratically around the ring, almost as if he's dancing in some weird twisted sort of way. He makes his way into the ring shortly after.
渦巻く歓声 実行 銃弾
減り込む ONE TWO 頭蓋 ONE TWO THREE
渦巻く銃声 耳を突いた
弾ける看守 笑い叫ぶ
Taylor: For everything in experience that Brendon Phoenix lacks, Kira Izumi can probably fill twice over!
Romano: Experience is one thing but when it comes to tag-team wrestling, you need to have the basis of being cohesive, can he and Garcia do that tonight?
He goes into the middle of the ring where he shakes and moves even more violently and erratically. Even more blood comes out of his mouth as he reaches up to the sky. He crawls into his corner where he sits and waits for the match to begin.
Jessie Love: And now for his partner…
🎶HARD🎶 by Tay-K and BloccBoy JB erupts over the sound system throughout the arena and a roar of boo's and jeers explodes from the crowd. The beat drops and out from the curtain walks Rob Garcia wearing what looks to be a mink coat. He stops and stands at the entrance ramp, staring at the crowd with a smug look upon his face.
Jessie Love: He is a member of the XHF’s Stable of the Year 2021….the ReVenants! Being accompanied by his manager, Jeff Noon, he is the King of Extreme….ROB….GARCIA!!
As he stands there, his manager, Jeff Noon then makes his way out holding a clipboard and he then stands to the right of Rob. Rob turns his head to look at Jeff, and they both nod, Rob then slowly makes his way down towards the ring, Jeff following behind. Rob stops halfway and starts trash talking a fan, Jeff then uses his clipboard to block the fans face when they try to react and he then moves his hand forward to escort Rob to the ring. Rob jumps up on the ring apron, as Jeff runs up the steps, he walks to the turnbuckle, climbs it and raises his hand in the air holding up his index finger.
Taylor: We could be seeing an uphill struggle for Rob. Trying to prepare to team with someone whose girlfriend you stole, whose blood you’ve spilled in multiple feds in multiple years is already a challenge but he’s going to want to make sure that 2021 is the year he breaks out from the pack!
Romano: If he can get the job done tonight, it’s a solid foundation for bigger things. Where he might want to focus on is up to him but make no mistake, we’ve seen him be ruthless and efficient when he needs to be and tonight won’t be an exception!
The crowd continues to boo and yell insults and vulgar remarks at Rob as he yells "I'm the man! I'm number one! I'm the king of extreme!" He then jumps down off the turnbuckle and makes his way over to Noon.
Tag Team Match
Brendon Phoenix and Angel Griffin vs. Rob Garcia and Kira Izumi
Steve Tyrell looks across to both sides of the ring. The team of Griffin and Phoenix seem to be on the same page. In comparison, the team of Garcia and Izumi look to be getting fairly heated in their discussions until finally, Garcia throws his hands up in disgust and climbs onto the apron.
Taylor: How much of a match can be predicted by the way that a tag-team function?
Romano: As long as Garcia and Izumi can put the match ahead of their own rivalry f now, they should be fine.
Phoenix starts for the opposing side and as the bell rings he charges in and snaps Kira into life with a Japanese arm-drag. Izumi rebounds back to his feet but Brendon snaps off a knife-edge chop.
Crowd: WOOOOO!
Taylor: The newcomer is keen to start strong.
Romano: Kira is a veteran of the ring, if I’m Phoenix then I’m going to remember that before I get too cocky.
The former Phoenix champion has no time to react and finds himself in a side-headlock. Phoenix walks him into the center of the ring, back-suplex attempt by Izumi...Phoenix lands on his feet and wraps his arms around the waist of his opponent. He rushes him to the ropes but Izumi hangs on, sending Phoenix rolling into the center of the ring once more. Izumi charges...A FLYING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT CONNECTS!
Taylor: Crisp strike from the J-ROK star!
Romano: Now we’ll see what Brendon can do on the backfoot.
Kira leaves no time for Phoenix to recover, he quickly measures him with a kick to the chest.
Taylor: Payback for that knife-edge chop perhaps?
Lifting Phoenix up in a suplex, he places his feet on the top rope...DRAGON NECK SCREW WHIP!
Romano: That is a move honed through years of perfecting it in the ring! You can pay what you want for training but actual experience is what brings moves to the forefront of your arsenal!
Getting to his feet, Izumi is surprised when he feels a slap on his back.
Taylor: GARCIA ISN’T WAITING FOR HIS PARTNER TO BRING HIM INTO THE MATCH!
Garcia enters the ring, much to the annoyance of Izumi. Tyrell steps between them and corrals Izumi out of the ring. Phoenix s back to his feet but the larger Garcia picks him up before dump tackling him into the turnbuckle.
Romano: Rugby influenced move there from the ReVenant.
The Prince of Hardcore places a hand on the middle rope either side of his man and rams his shoulder into the midsection. He rears back again but this time it’s Izumi who tags himself in. Garcia shoots a look of death to his partner.
Taylor: The team controlling the match don’t seem like they’re on the same page.
The referee once more steps in to play peacemaker.
Romano: Do the refs get danger money?
Taylor: Do we?
Romano: Point taken.
Izumi throws Phoenix out from the corner and leaps to the top turnbuckle.
Taylor: Kira looking to bring the match up a notch...
As Phoenix rises Izumi leaps...MOONSAULT!
Romano: Picture-perfect execution!
ONE…
TW…
GARCIA BREAKS UP THE PIN!!
Taylor: What’s Garcia doing?
Romano: You cuckold a guy, you don’t want him getting the glory in the ring...you did that already!
Taylor: You got Jeff Noon writing your lines now?
His partner looks at him like he’s an idiot but Garcia points at himself and clearly gesticulates that he’s the star and so he should get the pin. His point made, Rob heads back to his corner.
Taylor: You have to wonder how long these two can keep the uneasy relationship together.
The interference does the team no favors, Phoenix takes the time to recuperate and as he’s lifted up he drops down with a jawbreaker.
Romano: Brendon showing some smarts there and capitalizing on the dissention.
Not wasting any time, Phoenix scurries to his corner and tags in his partner.
Taylor: Can his fresher partner fare any better?
Angel springs onto the top-rope and lands a dropkick. Izumi staggers back and is helpless to stop Griffin from hitting a Russian-Legsweep! She rolls back and then forward...CALF CRUSHER!
Taylor: Excellent chain-wrestling from Angel...
Izumi struggles for a moment before using his experience and rolling over...MUTA LOCK!
Romano: Kira played her for a fool! Classic snare-trap!
Griffin looks to be in trouble as the J-ROK star has the hold locked in tight.
Taylor: Can Izumi bring the match home?
Garcia rushes in and awkwardly looks at Brendon Phoenix, who has also rushed in. As Griffin calls out in pain, the two men look at each other and nod before delivering stereo stomps to Izumi!
Romano: I’ve seen everything now...
Collapsing out from the hold, Izumi has no time to get back to his feet, his partner drags him to their corner and then climbs through the ropes to the apron...Garcia tags himself in and shoulder charges Phoenix off the apron in the opposite corner!
Taylor: Could we be seeing the end?
Griffin spins the Prince of Hardcore around but he ducks the punch and hits a DRAGON SUPLEX ON THE TURN!
Romano: You ever want to know how he held that Phoenix Title so long? The ability to bust-out counters like that!
Smelling blood, Garcia takes a couple of steps back….RUNNING FLYING KNEE!
Taylor: LIGHTS OUT FOR HARAMBE!!
He drops down for the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!!
The bell rings as “Hard” by Tay-K and BloccBoy JB rings around the FedEx Arena. Izumi rushes into the ring and Steve Tyrell stops any potential fight by lifting both their arms up in victory. Jeff Noon rolls into the ring as Jessie Love starts to announce.
Taylor: Can victory unite this warring pair?
Romano: This is wrestling not Romeo and Juliet, Tommy.
Jessie Love: The winners of this match, as a result of pinfall, KIRA IZUMI AND ROB GARCIA!!
Tyrell keeps their arms raised hoping the result will distract from the tension between the two men. Kira steps away as Jeff Noon passes a bag to Garcia.
Taylor: What’s in the bag?
GARCIA SPINS IZUMI AROUND AND CLOCKS HIM WITH AN UPPERCUT!!
Romano: We can guess it’s not beads from Mardi Gras!
THE CONTENTS OF THE BAG ARE EMPTIED ONTO THE APRON...THUMBTACKS!!!
Taylor: You gotta be kidding me..
JUMPING SPINNING DDT ONTO THE TACKS!!!
Romano: OVERDOSE!
The cameras show Kira’s face, now running with blood before contrasting it with the grinning faces of both Jeff Noon and his client, Rob Garcia.
Garcia: YOU’RE NOTHING, KIRA!
Garcia and Noon roll out of the ring still laughing. Izumi gets to his feet but can only glower in the direction of his nemesis as we cut back to our announce team.
Jessie Love: The following match is scheduled for one fall...
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Jessie Love: And has a thirty-minute time limit.
"Turn To Stone" by Joe Walsh fills the arena as the lights dim and a single spotlight illuminates the stage. Out from the curtain steps Cross Recoba, a titanium cane with a golden lion's head handle in one hand, touching the crucifix with the other. The HCW Diamond title is draped over his shoulder. The crowd responds with a chorus of cheers. Cross uses the handle of the cane to push his shag hair cut from his face, flicking his head back confidently as he smiles towards the audience. He holds up the cane that has caused so much trouble in the past to an even more rapturous response from the fans, and he begins down the ramp still holding it aloft.
Jessie Love: Your special guest referee for this contest, standing at six foot one and one inch, and weighing in at 230 pounds, hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada.... and the self-proclaimed 'Box Office Smash of AWF'..... , 'THE FOX' CROSS RECOBBBAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and holds the lions head handle of the cane up to his lips and kisses it for luck. He sets the cane to rest against the ring steps and then climbs them up onto the apron and, with a wipe of his feet, slips between the ropes. He pops up with both hands out at his side, walking forward as if putting his glory on display, and delivers an over-exaggerated bow that causes the fans to cheer even louder. Cross stands to his full height and smirks, stepping over to the far corner to await the beginning of the match.
Taylor: Cross Recoba is going to have a job controlling the wrestlers tonight, do you think he's going to do well, Cassius?
Romano: Well, most referees would have hell watching Chris Card but at least Cross has some level of experience with him, Neo James Carner isn't above going the low road if he wants to and he holds some ill will towards both Fox and especially Sanders.
Taylor: Yes, the situation between Cross and Adam is certainly, can I say, awkward?
Romano: You just did say it. And I don't approve, Taylor.
The hard electronic beats of "Good L_ck (Yo_'re F_cked)" start-up around the arena while purple and white beams of light shine on the entrance gate As the opening scream sounds out, Card steps through the gate and surveys the crowd. Card takes a slow walk down to the ring and steps through the ropes, followed by the beams. The lights change from beams to spinning spotlights as the music gets lower just before the chorus...
Jessie Love: The first combatant, hailing from the Rosedale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he weighed in tonight at an even 100 kilograms, he is CHRIIIIIS "BIG MATCH" CAAAAAAAAAAARD!
ONE MILLION VOICES CALL FROM THE OTHER SIDE
IF YOU COULD HEAR THEM YOU WOULD BE TERRIFIED...
The lights go back up and purple and white pyro fires off from the ring ropes as the chorus begins
GOOD LUCK!
YOU'RE FUCKED!
AND WE HATE TO SEE YOU GO MAN, BUT EVERYONE KNOWS YOU'RE SCREWED!
Card poses in the center of the ring, crossing his thumbs over where his heart would sit. The lights go up and Card moves over to his own corner and relaxes, Cross Recoba checking him over VERY closely and taking extra time and effort to make sure Card's boots are well laced up.
Taylor: Following Card's nefarious win at A Very AWF Christmas, Cross Recoba isn't taking any chances with Card's equipment tonight.
Romano: The problem is Card knows this and will use a different nefarious tactic.
Taylor: But Cross knows that Card knows this.
Romano: But Card knows that Cross knows that Card knows this and we could be here all night discussing a gambit car-crash.
A cavalcade of clapping begins as the D.R.U.G.S. tune "King I Am" blares over the sound system.
"You can feel the fear when I walk by
Tail between your legs make 'em run and hide
And I can see the pain pouring out your eyes
I think I am finally, starting to feel like the KING I AM!
The song kicks in over the loudspeakers as the sound of guitars ascend to the boiling point and the song engages. Neo begins to make a triumphant strut down to the ring, his chin held high as his hands lay at his side moving with his stride. He looks down all around the ramp, keeping his bearded chin up as he glides effortlessly forward in a striding saunter. The pompous cocky attitude radiating from his being at this point.
Jessie Love: And his tag team partner, he weighed in tonight at 249lbs, he hails from Buena Park, California,
Carner stops level with Jessie Love and nods, smiling as every single one of his nicknames is readout.
Jessie Love: "The Residence Of Royal Presence, The Infinity King, Infinite Sovereign, King Of The Deathmatch, The Heaven Sent Essence, The Menace Of Opulence" NEO JAMES CAAAAAAAAAARNER!
Neo makes it to the ringside area as he circles around the ring, jumping up effortlessly onto the apron and climbs into the ring. He walks over to the ropes on the side of the stage as he grabs the top rope with his hands and then yanks down on it, flexing all of his muscles before releasing it, a giant white and red pyro exploding out the top of the nearby turnbuckle like a mortar.
Taylor: The ReVenants have been on a hell of a roll recently, Neo James Carner looks filled with confidence for the match ahead.
Romano: Carner ALWAYS looks filled with confidence. He gives off this air of unbeatability because he just has that much self-belief.
The drum fill followed by the opening guitar riff for the title track off the fourth studio album by Canadian punk band Sum 41 begins to blare on the Ascension PA system. The fans begin to cheer as the lights go dark and a single spotlight appears on the ramp.
One, two, three, four
The rest of the band joins the guitar as Adam Sanders emerges behind the curtain. The fans give the Awkward One loud cheers as the spotlight follows his trek towards the ring.
Jessie Love: And their first opponent, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, weighing in at two hundred forty pounds, he is the Awkward One… ADAM SANDERS!!
Well, I won’t be caught living in a dead-end job
While praying to my government guns and gods
Now it’s us against them, we’re here to represent
And spit right in the face of the establishment!
Sanders walks up the stairs, walks down the apron a bit and puts both arms in the air. The fans continue to give loud cheers for the AWF competitor as he steps between the top and middle rope to enter the ring. He steps on the opposite turnbuckle, the chorus of the song becomes the backdrop for him to hop back into the ring.
Well because we're doing fine, and we don't need to be told
That we're doing fine, 'cause we won't give you control.
And we don't need anything from you,
'Cause we'll be just fine, and we won't be bought and sold, just like you
Taylor: Adam Sanders. The best advert for "Looks can be deceiving" in the industry today.
Romano: For all his supposed awkwardness, Sanders can be really slick in the ring. And that's something you can't underestimate.
The arena lights pulse red as BFG Division 2020 rips and tears through the speakers and Bloodied Fox makes his way out. He eyes the three competitors in the ring warily as the scattered crowd offer cheers of support as the dark, pulsating music pounds around the arena.
Jessie Love: And his tag team partner, from Reading, Berkshire, England, he weighed in tonight at 195lbs, "The Vulpine Scavenger" BLOOOOOOOODIED FOOOOOOOOOX!
Fox's walk to the ring is deliberate and slow-paced, he looks super focused and ready for the upcoming fight as he rolls into the ring and gets up, walking over to, stand in the centre and raising his fist in salute to the fans.
Taylor: Bloodied Fox and Adam Sanders, how do you think that will work as a team.
Romano: Well, we know Fox is good in tag team situations from the times he teamed with the other members of LGBTKO and Sanders learned from Adrien Cochrane so he's got that part down. It's just a case of how much they want to outshine each other and how much they want to win.
Tag Team Match
Chris Card and Neo James Carner vs. Adam Sanders and Bloodied Fox
Cross Recoba signal for the bell and we are underway. Bloodied Fox comes out of his corner and stares a death glare at Neo James Carner. Carner steps through the ropes and mimes asking for a lock-up, well out of Fox's reach. Fox steps in closer and tags out to Chris Card, smirking. The Vulpine Scavenger looks angrily disappointed as Card approaches. Fox throws a low roundhouse kick, which Card easily blocks. Scar Vulp follows with a second, again blocked by The Real Man's Wrestler. Fox feigns a third, then halfway through the motion whips his leg through the air, attempting to catch Card with a high strike while blocking low but Card is lightning fast getting his block up and repels Fox again.
Taylor: Chris Card's defense holding solid against a flurry from Bloodied Fox.
Romano: That Question Mark kick is originally a Muay Thai technique. Card has been learning how to deal with that for decades.
Seizing quickly upon The Vulpine One's off-balance posture, which was needed to throw that kick, Card closes in and grabs a flailing arm. Technical Perfection wrings it out and steps to a side then arcs his leg back in a blind crescent kick but Fox ducks, avoiding the blow. Chris Card steps forwards, looking to use the leverage advantage to force Bloodied Fox down to the mat but the cunning Vulpine turns the movement into a backwards roll and turns the pressure of the hold over. Fox wrenches on the arm and fires Card off into the ropes, setting for a dropkick and Card simply hooks the top rope to halt his momentum. Fox backs away and tags out and Card does the same.
Taylor: Cagey start from both men here.
Romano: Wrestling matches don't get solved early on in the game. You have to stay fresh.
NJC and Sanders enter the ring and immediately square up. Sanders, not being the most technical of sorts at times just throws a huge right hand at Carner. The King of Extreme takes it to the chin and flicks his hair back with a dismissive flick of the wrist before almost daring The Awkward One to throw a second with a smug grin. Sanders obliges, cracking knuckle against flesh with a resounding thud. NJC is probably more than a little shocked by the ferocity of the blow but he regains his composure straight away and goes back to just cockily smiling at Sanders. This makes The Awkward One swing wildly with his third strike and Neo uses Sanders' momentum against him, letting him blunder wildly through 180 degrees and poking his head underneath Sanders' armpit, lifting him for a back suplex and then switch his opponent's momentum mid-lift, driving Sanders face-first to the mat. Carner uses his leg strength to lever Sanders over and into a pinning position...
ONE!
TWO!
...and Sanders scrambles free.
Taylor: Barely a two count there.
Romano: There's an old commentator's cliche about 2.9 counts. That wasn't even a 2.1
Sanders turns to Carner and gets a little run-up, connecting with a hard clothesline that drops The King of Crowns to the mat. In one flowing motion, The Awkward One crooks his arm and segues into a sharp elbow drop but Carner rolls easily out of the way and to his feet. Carner is so sharp in his escape that he's up well before Sanders and HE drops an elbow which this time Sanders rolls out of the way to avoid. Both men stand and square off and there is a ripple of applause from the socially distanced crowd.
Taylor: Carner and Sanders are very well matched competitors.
Romano: Break it down, Taylor. They're both heavyweights without being absolute giants, they both have a full arsenal of nasty power moves and though they don't exactly hit with a ton of technique, they hit hard.
Fox is on the apron, desperate to tag in and get a shot at NJC, go full-on Bloody Rainmaker mode at the ReVenants intellectual. Sanders obliges and there is as huge a roar as the crowd is capable of as Fox hops over the top rope using the corner. The Infinity King back away towards his own corner but he can't escape the fury of Fox who rushes in with a forceful shotgun dropkick which drives Carner against his own turnbuckle. The Residence of Royal Presence slumps down as Chris Card blind tags him on his back. Fox rolls backwards to his feet, gaining the maximum possible distance and rushes in, swinging his back leg to make a huge arc, looking to connect his toes with NJC's chest...
Taylor: PEEEEEEEEE...
And Card slides under the bottom rope and whips his leg round, connecting flush with The Bloody Rainmaker's plant leg, causing him to buckle underneath him. Cross is quick to start the five-count but Caner rolls to the apron and raises his hands.
Romano: No K. Chris Card is showing his ring savvy already.
Taylor: That bastard. Fox had Carner dead to rights there.
With Fox grounded, Card snakes around behind him and places a knee in the small of Fox's back. He grabs for an arm, hooks it across Scar Vulp's own throat and reaches for the other one with a quickness that leaves the Englishman no time to counter. The Japanese Stranglehold locked in, Sanders isn't taking any chances and rushes over to break up the hold with a sharp kick. Cross is forced to step in and order Sanders back to his own corner and The Infinity King is in the ring in a flash, driving an elbow onto Fox to give Card time to recover first before rolling out of the ring before Cross has time to turn back to the action.
Taylor: Hey! That's against the rules.
Romano: Did Cross see it?
Taylor: Well no, he was busy with Sanders.
Romano: Then it isn't against the rules.
Leading Bloodied Fox back to Card's own corner by the head, Card tags in Carner. Neo steps through the ropes and Card drops to a knee, Carner getting right on Fox's case and lifting him for a Side Slam, dropping Scar Vulp back first onto Card's knee cap. Technical Perfection is out of the ring before Cross can count to five allowing Carner to take over control. He lifts the Vulpine one up off the mat and drops him forcefully ribs first onto his own knee but keeps hold, spiking into Fox's ribcage two more times. Neo drops to cover...
ONE!
TWO!
T.. Adam Sanders flies in across the ring and kicks the pile to stop the count.
Taylor: A close call for this makeshift team of Fox and Sanders.
Romano: Well, both teams are makeshift. But it looks like Carner and Card are more on the same page.
Taylor: Or more willing to exploit the rules.
Romano: I say potato and you say po-tah-to.
Again Cross ushers Sanders back to his own corner and this time the words between the two seem more heated. Chris Card, predictably, steps through the ropes and he and Neo give an old school mugging to Fox, laying in boots from all sides until Card sights the first movement of Cross' head toward the fight at which point he gets out of the ring sharpish. Now Cross Recoba, knowing exactly what his former tag team partner is like goes straight over to Card and remonstrates with him, telling him exactly where he just broke the rules. Card grins.
Cross Recoba: I know you just got in the ring.
Chris Card: But did you SEE it?
The Man Worth A Thousand Bullets curses under his breath as he walk backwards to the action where Carner already has his hand firmly around Bloodied Fox's throat. Cross starts a super quick five count and gets to four before Carner breaks it off.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Taylor: BLATANT choke by Carner.
Romano: He has till five.
Taylor: Yeah but he had about ten.
Romano: Five while Cross wasn't looking. Again, doesn't count.
Reaching his hand out for a tag, Card steps back in the ring after getting his hand slapped by Carner. The Former King of Crowns lifts Fox off the mat into a back waistlock and then shifts his body weight to place Fox in a Wheelbarrow position, as Card lifts both knees into The Bloody Rainmaker's sternum and falls backwards, NJC adding a little extra spike down to go with it.
Taylor: WHEELBARROW HEARTBREAKER! WHEELBARROW HEARTBREAKER!
NJC rolls out of the ring and Card gets back to his feet, quickly tagging Neo back in. Card lifts Fox up and hits a snappy Atomic Drop, Carner following up with a lightning quick jumping Neckbreaker. Carner looks to follow up right away, dragging Fox to his feet and sliding his head under Fox's arm, clutching his English opponent for a Northern Lights Suplex...
AND FOX, WITH A BURST OF ENERGY FROM OUT OF NOWHERE LEAPS UP, USES CHRIS CARD'S BACK AS A SOLID OBJECT TO GET TRACTION OFF AND HITS NEO JAMES CARNER WITH A TORNADO DDT!
Taylor: BLOO-DDT-ED! BLOO-DDT-ED! BLOO-DDT-ED!
Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEAH!
Visibly stunned, Carner regains his composure a little and as Fox rushes away towards his own corner. Carner heads full steam to catch Bloodied Fox and grabs hold of Scar Vulp's boot just preventing him from getting the tag... BUT BLOODIED FOX TURNS BACK TOWARDS CARNER AND BLASTS HIM WITH A CORKSCREW ROUNDHOUSE KICK! FOX TAGS ADAM SANDERS WHO EAGERLY HOPS INTO THE RING!
Taylor: TAG MADE! ADAM SANDERS IS IN!
Sanders rushes straight to where Neo James Carner is standing and BLASTS him with a forearm that sends him reeling. Neo is back to his feet quickly but Sanders has a full head of steam and blasts him AGAIN with a forearm. Now Adam has a head of steam and The Dropkick Prince lands a staggeringly beautiful dropkick that sends Carner reeling. Carner bounces off the ropes, Card reaching out while holding the tag rope and blind tagging himself in, and as Carner returns Sanders cocks his leg and SUPERKICKS CARNER SQUARE ON THE JAW!
Taylor: LIGHTNING STRIKE!
Not waiting for a second, The Awkward One ducks under Carner's body to stop him from falling and lifts him into a Fireman's Carry. The crowd is on the edge of their seats as Sanders falls to a side and DRIVES NEO JAMES CARNER ONTO THE BASE OF HIS INFINITY SKULL!
Taylor: DREAM BREAKER! DREAM BREAKER!
Sanders covers.. AND CROSS TELLS HIM NO! Sanders is up and argues with Cross Recoba!
Romano: He's not the legal man, Taylor.
Speaking of the legal man, Chris Card enters the ring and blindsides Sanders with a rangy kick. But with the other three men in the ring, Bloodied Fox decides to join the fray and before Card can follow up, Fox blindsides HIM with a Roundhouse Kick! Now Carner is up and HE hits a lethal rising knee strike to Fox! ALL FOUR MEN COLLAPSE TO THE MAT!
Taylor: It's chaos out here! It's anybody's game!
Romano: All hell has broken loose in this arena. Cross Recoba needs to restore order.
Crowd: AD-AM SAN-DERS! BLOOD-IED FOX! AD-AM SAN-DERS! BLOOD-IED FOX!
Not that he can hear Cassius Romano from where he is standing, Cross Recoba holds the referee's badge on his shirt as Bloodied Fox and Neo James Carner get to their feet. Cross barks out an order that they should return to their respective corners. The pair walk off in opposite directions as Sanders and Card get to their feet. Card throws a low kick that Sanders takes, a pained expression on his face. Now Sanders throws a standing forearm that Card weaves out of the way of. Card throws a vicious knife edged chop. Sanders throws a wild clothesline that Card has to duck, but Sanders gets turned around with the whiff. Card grabs for a back waistlock, wrapping his arms tight around Adam Sanders' waist.
Taylor: GERMAN SUPLEX! THAT'S THE SET UP FOR THE CHRIS CARD CLUTCH BETA!
BUT SANDERS REVERSES WITH A STANDING SWITCH! SANDERS WRAPS UP CHRIS CARD TIGHT AND HITS A GERMAN SUPLEX WITH A PICTURE PERFECT BRIDGE!
ONE!
TWO!
Fox is out playing defense...
THREE!
Cross Recoba signals for the bell!
Jessie Love: The winners of this match...
CROSS SHAKES HIS HEAD. HE GRABS CHRIS CARD'S HAND AND RAISES IT!
Taylor: HIGH FINANCE ARE FINE! THE FIX IS IN!
Jessie Love: CHRIIII...
CROSS SHAKES HIS HEAD AGAIN AND WHILE STILL HOLDING CARD'S HAND ALOFT HE RAISES ADAM SANDERS' HAND AS WELL!
Jessie Love: Correction... THE RESULT OF THIS MATCH IS A DRAW!
Taylor: OK, we need to take a look at the replay here.
On the video replay, from the reverse camera angle (one which was far nearer Cross' actual perspective) it shows that Card had shifted his bodyweight in the bridge just enough so BOTH sets of shoulders were down on the mat!
Romano: Cross Recoba made the right call there.
Taylor: Well, with that over, these four wrestlers can all claim a part of the victory. Let's throw to commercials.
Taylor: That was some conclusion to that tag-match!
Romano: Recoba might wanna wait until he goes for the official Zebra license!
Taylor: I’d love to debate that point, Cassius but I’m getting word that Jackson Steele is ready to address the AWF roster and faithful!
We cut to the offices-space that Steele has chosen for the night. He sits at a desk and looks directly into the camera.
Steele: As I’m sure you all know, we are just one more Prestige away from Road to Victory 4! Coming to you from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 20th.
A graphic for the XHF Phoenix title pops onto the screen.
Steele: So, with that in mind it’s time to start telling you all that you can expect. Let’s start with a match that was talked about for a while but tonight confirmed. We have Betsy Granger, so far undefeated in singles competition and holding the XHF Phoenix Title.
A picture-in-picture shows a brief highlight reel of the Phoenix Champion.
Steele: Having seen off Rob Garcia and Kira Izumi at Supremacy we looked at some of the new blood we’ve seen join the company over the last few months and tonight’s result cemented our decision. At Road to Victory 4, Betsy Granger will face off against Frankie Webb for the title!
The crowd erupt in a roar at the match.
Steele: Equally, other matches were crystallized tonight. Rob, don’t think we ignored the stunt you pulled in your victory. We pride ourselves in providing entertainment and competition to suit our audience but we’ve always tried to keep ourselves away from the macabre and grotesque...but, if you want to deal in that arena in your vendetta with Kira?
Steele pauses, the picture-in-picture replays the Overdose DDT he delivered earlier in the show to Izumi and pauses on Kira’s already scarred up face now displaying thumbtacks embedded in it.
Steele:: We’re going to issue you a one-show pass, if you want to take on someone like Kira Izumi at his specialty type of match? That’s on you... so you will both square off in the first Deathmatch in AWF history...make the most of it, this isn’t likely to be sanctioned again…
The graphic turns to one of Bloodied Fox, showing highlights from the tag-match just gone.
Steele: Now, this one is almost a twofer. We know that Bloodied Fox has been one of the greatest success stories in our history. He is one Around the Clock title win away from being the first wrestler to complete the AWF Grand Slam, he still could with this announcement. We received word several weeks ago that the XHF Junior Heavyweight title will be coming to us in March. At Prestige 67, we will host the official contract signing for the match between Myojin and Fox, to be contested at Road to Victory. Fox, we have every faith in you to bring the gold back to us and add to your already expansive collection of titles…
Highlights from the ReVenants rendition of ‘We are the Champions’ play in the corner of the screen.
Steele:: Now for the two remaining title-matches...Neo, congratulations on joining a very short list of two-time United States champions, may you hold it longer this time around than your first reign. Your first defense will be at the pay-per-view and will see you pitted against Erin Gordon.
The VT in the corner switches to highlights from the XHF Supremacy Lumberjack match.
Steele:: As for our Prestige Championship, the winner of tonight’s match will face Adam Sanders in the main-event of the Road to Victory show. We know that neither Williams or Sanders hold great affection for one another but can you imagine the look on the rather straight-laced face of Sanders if he has to face-off against Greg Adkins for the title?
Steele: pauses for a moment to smile at the image.
Steele:: Irrespective of tonight’s result though, I can also announce the main-event for our next Prestige show. Keith, if you survive tonight’s challenge you can relax because it will be a non-title match but we’ve seen how eager you are to engage with Tasmin Richards on SmackTalker and thought we’d give you the match you so obviously crave…
Steele: goes back to his notes before looking up.
Steele:: Any further matches will be announced on the AWF website. Now, I hope as I will, you enjoy the rest of the show!
The camera cuts to the locker room of Erin Gordon. While she wasn't booked this show, she still showed up at management's behest... and judging by the way she's looking at the monitor that's been set up? The Oncoming Storm has recently discovered why. Dressed in an insulated flannel that's faded with age and beat-to-Hell jeans, the blond tilts her head faintly to one side.
Gordon: ...huh. Well I sure as Hell didn't expect that.
Erin shrugs.
Gordon: I thought I was here to get called to the carpet, to tell you the truth--and I woulda' gone straight up and turned left until they gave me the chance to put an end to that thievin' little sumbitch that had to get a handful of tights to get the job done. Frankie wanted me to look at him like a man? Fine, but you ain't gonna like what happens the next time we get in the ring. Where I come from, thieves get the fuck beat out of them no matter how old they are... but that's somethin' to put a pin in for later. I got somethin far more important to focus on right now.
Erin's head turns to regard the camera straight on.
Gordon: Neo James Carner, the United States Champion.
Her expression, already stoic by default, grows even more serious.
Gordon: I don't know why I was chosen for this opportunity--I haven't done much 'round these parts. Maybe they saw me in the ring before ths? I ain't about to look a gift jackass in the mouth. There's no need to, not when Neo's gonna have it runnin' so Goddamn much that it'll be easy to count just how many teeth he's got...
The faintest hint of a smirk.
Gordon: Not to mention hazard a guess as to how many he'll have left after I knock some of'em down his throat before I take the U.S. Championship for myself.
And with that, the Oncoming Storm returns her attention to the monitor, we switch back to the commentary booth.
Taylor: Some huge announcements not just for Road to Victory 4 but also Prestige Sixty-Seven!
Romano: We’re hitting what peak season in Ascension. Get through RTV and then there’s the XHF Rumble and within a few weeks we find ourselves at Clash of the Icons once more!
Taylor: A lot can and almost certainly will change between now and Clash of the Icons but the only way you’ll find out is by tuning into each show!
Romano: If you’d have said ‘anything can happen’. I can state that we always provide such good sh-
Taylor: Jessie Love is standing by ready to introduce our Main-Event of the evening!
Jessie Love: The following contest is our main event and is for the AWF Prestige Championship!! Introducing first, from Tuscola, Illinois, weighing in at one hundred sixty-five pounds. He is… GREG ADKINS!!
“Guttertrash” Greg Adkins walks out from the back while grabbing onto his big package. He walks halfway down the aisle before stopping to kiss a buxom fan (and coping a feel). He laughs after she smacks him and he heads down to the ring.
Taylor: And here he is, a man who is prepared to make a huge impact by trying to get the Prestige Championship from Keith Williams.
Romano: I mean, it’s nice to try for things.
Taylor: He truly believes he can do this.
Romano: It’s nice to believe things.
The arena is plunged into darkness as "When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin echoes out of the speakers, triggering the attention of those in attendance to the stage where dark blue lights have started to flash in rhythm to the music.
If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break
When the levee breaks I'll have no place to stay
As the tempo of the song picks up, it can barely be seen that someone has made their way out in the pitch black, planting themselves in the middle of the stage. The lights return and we're shown the back of Keith Williams as he's pointing at what's on his clothing. He's noticeably wearing a black denim vest with patches of bands on the front, the words "Paragon of Sleaze" printed on the back in a death metal/black metal stylized font, and directly below this is a giant mustache graphic.
Taylor: Keith Williams has made it to this point. With his two victories over Bloodied Fox, he has solidified his status as the top champion of the company.
Romano: This is his first title match that doesn’t contain Bloodied Fox. We’ll have to see how he fares against other opponents.
Williams spins around, stroking his mustache and gleefully taking a look out at the crowd. He slowly saunters his way down the rampway to ringside, taking his time to taunt fans on either side of him. As he reaches the ring, Keith goes to enter by rolling under the bottom rope, but hesitates for a moment to thrust against it to the beat of the song, eventually getting to his feet and treating everyone with another round of mustache strokes for good measure. He mounts the turnbuckle nearest to him, hopping up to the middle rope and posing with his arms spread wide. As the music dies down, KW abandons his post and tosses his vest to a company stooge on the outside, taking to practicing his elbows in the corner before the match begins.
Main Event
AWF Prestige Championship
Keith Williams © vs. Greg Adkins
The bell rings and the match begins with a handshake offer from Greg Adkins. He offers him a toothy smile, reminiscent of a used car salesman. Keith Williams brings his hand over with an open palm- No! At the last moment, the hand closes and lets out a middle finger. Adkins' eyes open and knows that the bait wasn't taken. Without enough time to react, Keith Williams strikes first and strikes hard with a STIFF clothesline. Greg Adkins hits the mat hard but uses the momentum to try to bounce back to his feet. By the time he gets there, Keith Williams had already moved forward to the ropes, bounced back and struck Greg Adkins to the floor! BOOM! Bulldog! Greg Adkins is a little bit slower to get up, but treats the pain like waking up poorly from an overnight nap on a bench. He gets up and as he gets his head up, he finds himself nose to nose to Keith. He lifts up his finger and wags it left to right, suggesting major disapproval in Greg's Adkins. SNAP SUPLEX! Adkins is on the floor and stays there. The AWF Prestige Champ goes for the pin count:
...One!
...Tw-Kickout!
Taylor: Greg Adkins doesn't know when to stay down!
Romano: Greg doesn't know how to do a lot of things, like behave in society and flush the toilet. ...I've gone in after he used the restroom once. With that said, he made the mistake of thinking that he and Keith share the same language. They don't.
Keith Williams leans his face close up towards that of Adkins'. Greg Adkins puckers up, hoping for some smooches, but instead, Keith Williams says something with a serious face. While it can't be heard through, even the limited crowd capacity offered, it sure doesn't sound kind. Keith Williams brings Greg Adkins up to his feet and starts laying chop after chop to the chest of the wrestler who calls himself Guttertrash. He lays this carnage assault until Adkins hits the ropes. Williams leaves one more slap for good measure before throwing him in for an Irish Whip, but the cheeky bastard reverses the throw, shooting the AWF Prestige Champion to the ropes. Greg smiles to the fans. Keith sees this as he bounces from the ropes and internally promises to punish him for that. The ballsy Keith goes for a SPEAR! But the sixth sense kicks in - or the fifth if you count his lost sense of smell - as he jumps up HIGH off the mat as the same moment as Keith goes for the spear. Keith lands HORRIBLY with his throat hitting the middle of the ropes. If that's not bad enough, Greg is sitting on his back as if he was riding a horse. With one arm, Greg is swinging an invisible lasso and the other hand, he's spanking Keith's bottom!
Taylor: What in the WORLD is happening here? Greg is riding the AWF Prestige Champion like a horse!
Romano: He's making a complete mockery of this match! this championship! this sport! He's making a complete joke of EVERYTHING!
Not only is it embarrassing, but it's painful too because every time Keith tries to buck Greg off, Greg just lets his weight push him down more, slamming his throat down more and bruising it from the outside. This prevents the referee from having to make a five count, since it's not a choke and continues the indefensible onslaught. However to Keith's fortune, the referee gets in and knocks the challenger off of him. He warns him for his lewd and deviant behavior. Greg winks to Senior Referee Gabe Valentine as he promises to adhere to the rules moving forward. The wink makes Valentine worry that he won't and conflicts with Greg's assurance of future compliance. Keith gets up and recomposes himself physically. Mentally, he's completely livid and hell bent on teaching Adkins a lesson. Keith goes for a clothesline but ducks the blow and as Keith turns around, he makes the hand wave (a la John Cena's "You can't see me!") and quickly shoots him up, over and down with a powerslam! Greg Adkins gets up, and jumps up while crotch chopping at the same time. He does this all to the cheering applause of the crowd. And by cheering applause, I mean sickening nausea.
Taylor: The more and more I think about this, the more that it's actually sinking in. Greg Adkins could actually be the AWF Prestige Champion right here, right now!?
Romano: You know, you actually could be right, Tommy. You know, we mainly dismiss Greg as an idiot.
Taylor: ...Because he is?
Romano: Right, but he's playing this quite well. Keith is more experienced, more vicious and probably stronger, but Keith is so angry that Greg could taunt him into making mistakes. That could be his key to victory.
Keith is quick to get up, which is really good considering the fact that Adkins ran to the ropes and bounced back with a springboard splash. Keith catches him - and in powerbomb position too! Keith reaches back up to get the most amount of height to slam down, but Greg slips out and manages to land onto his feet behind Keith. He runs to the ropes and bounces back with a clothesline, but Keith ducks it and passing Greg, he shoots a MASSIVE elbow to the back of the head, nearly guaranteeing a concussion! Greg keeps up the speed in order to shake off the pain as well as trying to minimize its devastating effects. They both go to the opposite ropes, come back and Greg Adkins hits Keith Williams with a straight PUNCH to the chest, knocking him back. This disorientates him enough for Greg to pick him up for a bodyslam! ...But Keith Williams slips out behind Keith and runs BACKWARDS to the ropes. As Greg Adkins turns around, he is met to a FLYING DISCUSS ELBOW FROM KEITH WILLIAMS!
Taylor: QUEEN ANNE'S REVENGE! Keith Williams got him!
Romano: Let's not forget Keith is conniving to and when you get hit with such a big move by the AWF Prestige Champion, well... most people don't get up from that.
Cassius Romano's words proven to be quite accurate as Greg Adkins is NOT moving. Senior Referee approaches this pin count, assuming this is actually a formality.
...One!
...Two!
...THREE-NO! GREG ADKINS KICKS OUT!
Taylor: That was true! It can't be! That was a three count! The referee must be partial toward Greg!
Romano: ...Greg Adkins? Believe me, this is a match where both choices are horrible. It's like an election. It was right on the line, but the referees are paid to be as impartial and accurate as possible.
Keith gets up, fuming. He goes up to the referee and yells at him, accusing him of not being able to do his job right. Gabe Valentine defends himself. By the time that Keith turns back, Greg Adkins is turned over to his stomach and trying to get to his hands and knees. Unfortunately for him, he will get no sense of relief. Keith grabs him by the back of the neck like he's some sort of cat and SLAMS his face to the mat. Greg actually groans in a high-pitched tone. For the first time since the match started, Keith actually smiled. He's finally getting the reaction he wants. ...SO HE DOES IT AGAIN! ...AND AGAIN! And at that third time, some cracking is heard. Keith picks up Greg's head, and finds his face just COVERED in blood! Greg's nose is bent. Keith looks down, smiles and uses his other hand to just SMEAR the blood throughout his face. He just DROPS Greg Adkins and uses the remaining blood to send a message. He draws on the actual white canvas. He draws...
Taylor: A smiley face? What the hell is he doing!?
Romano: He's sending a message. Basically, he's insulting everyone who challenges and shows them just how low of importance he values their health.
Keith yells, "IT'S OVER!" He brings up Greg Adkins and picks him up in the air. By god, he's going for it... His Emerald Flowsion finisher, IT'S THE K-DRIVER! But wait, while brought over his shoulder, Greg Adkins uses both of his hands and fish hooks Keith's mouth. HE SPITS IN IT! Now Keith is a depraved and self-admittedly sleazy man, so it should speak volumes when he even starts violently gagging and losing control of his fine motor functions as falls down to the mat, brought down in part due to Greg's weight on him. But Greg Adkins doesn't give up! He wishes to cause more than just physical, and CDC-condemned pain; he also wishes psychological pain! He begins doing thrusting motions ring in front of Keith's face! Keith barely notices as he's still trying to keep himself from hacking up lunch. Gabe Valentine pulls Greg off of him, and gives a second - and final warning. One more and Greg would be disqualified. Greg Adkins nods, and Gabe asks him not to stare down there.
Taylor: Greg Adkins has completely changed the script! Just a moment ago, he could barely move and he's in control of this match now!
Romano: He could have been hiding a reserve for a time like this or maybe he got lucky, but if there's one thing I've learned about Greg is not to treat him like everyone else. I wouldn't trust him any farther than I could throw him, and I don't want him any closer than that.
Greg Adkins tries to recompose him. His body is black and blue, and his face is crimson red. But damn it, he's still on his feet and he will be fighting! Greg Adkins gets Keith with an elbow before bringing him up to his feet. He picks him up FOR GREG ADKINS' FINISHER MOVE - OVERDOSE! HIS PUMP HANDLE REVERSE PILEDRIVER! He gets him up for the pump handle, but Keith hits Adkins with the elbow. Adkins loses his grip. Keith takes advantage of the situation by bringing him down with a neck breaker! BOOM! Greg Adkins wheezes as his back hits the floor. Meanwhile, Keith is also breathing heavily. Keith Williams turns over, finding himself right on top of Adkins. He pulls his arm back for a punch, but Adkins shoots forward with a poke in the eyes! The accuracy is dead on! This gives Greg some time to recompose before the fuming Keith recovers to deliver more punishment.
Taylor: He has a trick up his sleeve! He always have something planned!
Romano: And right now, he's setting up for something. If he plays his cards right, he is mere moments away from walking away with the belt!
Sure enough, within a moment, Keith Williams gets to his feet. Greg tries to kick the leg of Keith, trying to set up for a Shining Wizard. But as he hits his move, Keith also throws a punch, when knocks Greg Adkins down to his back. Keith tells the pain in his body to fuck off as he gets to his feet and goes for another punch, but Greg uses his strong ab muscles to lift his legs and KICKS Keith in the stomach, doubling him over. Greg Adkins finds a quick way to get to his feet where he begins to pick up Keith Williams for the SECOND TIME!
Taylor: Overdose! Overdose! IT'S COMING!
And right as he Greg picks Keith up, Keith bucks like hell in desperation. He simply REFUSES to lose to Greg Adkins of all people. He manages to kick himself free and falling behind Greg Adkins but as Keith hits the floor, he loses his balance and falls back... to the corner turnbuckle! Greg Adkins sees the position he's in. Then nature kicks in. He pulls down his pants to reveal his backside.
Taylor: Greg, no! You're going to get disqualified!
Romano: THIS IS A FAMILY SHOW!
Greg Adkins slaps his cheeks. Keith Williams looks forward and his eyes go big, not believing this is happening. Greg Adkins pulls a page out of Rikishi's playbook and goes for the STINK FACE! Gabe Valentine goes nuts! He gestures to the time keeper vigorously. Fervently. The bell ring and Jessie Love pulls out the microphone, trying to turn away from Greg Adkins and what he's doing.
Jessie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has decided to end this match. Due to multiple and egregious policy violations, Greg Adkins has been disqualified. The winner of this match and STILL the AWF Prestige Champion... Keith Williams!
Taylor: Greg Adkins could have won this match! He could have won! He decided to throw it all away!
Romano: Winning is a relative term. In a way, Greg did win. And I'm not sure how much of a winner Keith feels. But in the end, what happened-
Taylor: HOLD THE PHONE! KEITH! DON'T DO THIS!
Tommy Taylor interrupted Cassius Romano as Keith Williams pulled into his tights and pulled out brass knuckles! He jams the metal deep into Greg's spine, and sending him to the mat. Keith is fueled by anger and uses it to pull up as he begins VICIOUSLY going down on Greg with strike after strike. Several fans in the audience are looking with dread and disbelief. Greg rolls over and sees Keith going for another punch! It hits Greg Adkins hard! He looks down and pulls back for what could be, a career-ending punch. The eyes of Greg Adkins go wide. Keith shoots forward.
Taylor: OH MY G-
Before the punch could connect, AWF road agents and security staff grab Keith and begin pulling him back. The rest of the staff finish storming the ring and Greg Adkins stares dumbfoundedly as Keith Williams is scratching and clawing, hoping to connect and cause some serious injury to his challenger. The camera switches to the crowd, who is completely shocked and appalled by the actions that they have witnessed.
Taylor: Ladies and gentlemen... What a way for a match to end. Keith was able to retain his belt after some indiscretions from Greg Adkins, but this...
Romano: It's pure chaos in the ring. Maybe Keith is angry because the match did not end definitively. No one was pinned. No one tapped out.
Taylor: Well, that appears to be the end for Prestige 66. I'm sure we'll find out more next show.
Romano: That's right. We'll be in Kentucky on Saturday, March 6th for AWF's Prestige! Good night, all!
The camera zooms in to the rabid Keith Williams before fading to black.
