The AWF Presents: Prestige 71 - LIVE from Newark, DE!
Jun 7, 2021 14:00:37 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Kira Izumi, and 6 more like this
Post by Seth Dillinger on Jun 7, 2021 14:00:37 GMT -5
Ascension Wrestling Federation Presents:
Live at the Delaware Stadium in Newark, DE.
5/29/2021
Capacity: 16,730
In Attendance: 3346
Jessie Love: The following contest is a singles match. Introducing our first competitor...
The melodic voices of En Vogue act as a siren's call, beckoning the audience to crowd around the aisle, before the mad lyrical flow of Salt-N-Pepa cue up the pyro.
Jessie Love: Making his debut, hailing from Akron, Ohio. He is THE BUCKEYE BRUISER...REDMOND...FURY!!!
White sparks explode across the entrance curtain. Whatta Man pumps over the PA system, accompanying visuals over the tron featuring impossibly ripped muscles glistening with sweat. If it was any other wrestler, this theme song might seem conceited.
Taylor: We’re expecting big things from this guy. Born in the heart of AWF territory, you can imagine that Alexander Horton has had his eye on him since the very beginning of his involvement with Ascension Wrestling.
Romano: You got that right, he surprised people with his inclusion in the Call to Arms team but his amateur background is impressive and if he can translate it to the AWF rings, who knows what he can do!
Out of the back steps Redmond Fury to the delight of his fans. Moving with the tune, Fury slaps hands, signs autographs, busts moves, all while taking the time to flex for the camera.
Jessie Love: Introducing his competitor, from Hong Kong, China.
"Super Dragon's here and I'm ready for a fight!" is heard before "Kung Fu Fighting" plays and Little Dragon appears and storms ringside. He reaches the ring and leaps over the top rope Luchador style and forward rolls to his feet in a dragon stance.
Jessie Love: He is a multi-time holder of the XHF Phoenix title...XIAO...LONG!!!
Taylor: Xiaolong can feel hard done by in his last match, he was mere seconds away from adding another reign to that title.
Romano: It’s clearly motivating him with this match, he doesn’t see Adkins as the type of man he wants to lead the division and this match gives him an ideal chance to start his campaign for a shot at the belt once more!
Singles Match
Redmond Fury vs Xiaolong
Nate Biggs runs through his pre-match instructions, beckoning both men to the center of the ring to deliver them. Both competitors nod, their focus pure for all to see.
Taylor: Biggs isn’t one to trifle with but even he looks small next to Fury!
Romano: This is where Xiaolong needs to dig into every day of experience he has for a way to counter the size disparity. We’ve seen him do it before, can he do it tonight?
Biggs nods his head towards the timekeeper who rings the bell to start the match. Fury offers his hand out and it is met by Xiaolong’s in a sign of good sportsmanship.
Taylor: What a great example for the kids watching here and at home!
Instantly, Fury shoots forward and grabs a single-leg takedown before standing back and letting Little Dragon get to his feet.
Taylor: Fury isn’t in a hurry to stay on the attack. He’s sportingly letting Little Dragon get to his feet.
Romano: He’s a smart kid, he’ll know that his stamina isn’t going to be his strongest asset in this match-up!
Xialong rises back with a slight smile on his face, an appreciation of the manner of the takedown. He steps towards the debuting wrestler and weaves to the side before unleashing a quick kick but it’s ducked. Redmond looks to lift him up for a back suplex but this time it’s Xiao’s time to shine as he rolls down the back of his opponent and grabs a quick side-headlock. Fury weaves out of it with a hammerlock but it’s quickly reversed by the man from Hong Kong, using his agility to escape before any real pressure could be applied.
Taylor: Both men displaying their technical chops but now it’s clear to see that Little Dragon needs to find a way to take the man to the floor.
The former multi-time Phoenix champion moves a foot in front of his opponent’s leg, looking to trip him with an assisted hammerlock takedown but RHF stands firm. Using his size advantage he weaves out of the hammerlock and wraps his arms around his opponent and takes his hands...RIPCORD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!!!
Romano: WHAT A SUPLEX!
Xiaolong rolls to his feet and instantly tracks his opponent, more wary than moments before. He approaches the Ohioan and grabs a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Instantly it’s evident that Fury has the power advantage as he backs Xiaolong from the middle of the ring to near the ropes before succinctly snapping away with an armdrag takedown.
Taylor: This mix of power and technical prowess, how do you counter that?
Romano: Xialong has an ace card in his speed but he’ll need to be quicker not just on his feet but upstairs to make use of it!
Holding onto the arm, Fury works it for a little bit before using it to bring his opponent back to his feet. He lifts a knee into the stomach of Xiao before leaping up and connecting with an enziguri that connects fully with the back of his opponent’s head.
Taylor: Crisp connection!
He looks for a pin…
ONE…
TW-
KICKOUT!!
Taylor: The more experienced wrestler got out of that as soon as he could.
Romano: Tommy, no-one stays pinned longer than they can help it...
He once more lifts his opponent to his feet and looks for an Irish whip, Xiaolong reverses it. He leapfrogs over Fury before catching him on the rebound with a bicycle kick that takes Fury to the mat.
Taylor: Those educated feet once more finding their mark...
Looking to extend his advantage, Xiaolong leaps...and lands a standing senton that connects.
Romano: Stick and move, hit him and get out the space. He can’t brawl but he can make it harder by being an ever-moving target...
Redmond is quick to his feet but he’s met by a measured and perfectly timed monkey flip from his opponent. Once more, RHF springs back up but this time he’s barely to his feet before a dropkick sends him into the corner.
Taylor: Has Xiaolong found his rhythm tonight?
The crowd cheer their appreciation at the opening minutes and watch as Xiaolong springs to the corner, he springboards off the ropes looking for a kick BUT FURY CATCHES HIM AND THROWS HIM TO THE GROUND WITH A SNAP POWERBOMB!!
Taylor: That will put a stop to the best of us!
Romano: Looking at the tapes, Fury hasn’t really made a powerbomb his own but in that moment, it was the wisest move of all.
Having little time for theatrics, Fury takes two steps and unleashes his own senton bomb!
Taylor: Redmond saying “Whatever you can do, I can do better” perhaps?
Romano: He knows the pressure he’s under, no debut and a spot at Call to Arms, this will be a chance for him to show his team-mates he can hang.
Grabbing his opponent by the hair, RHF once more brings Xiao to his feet and whips him into the ropes...SPINNING HEEL KICK!!
Taylor: So far we’ve seen the power, the skill, and now the agility!
He once more goes for the pin…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT ONCE AGAIN!
Romano: Xiaolong is a tricky customer, if Fury had hooked the leg, put his arm down on the shoulder of his opponent he might have sewn it up there and then.
Taylor: Excellent insight, Cassius, why do you think he didn’t?
Romano: Adrenaline, you try and remember everything you can inside the ring but once that bell rings you grab what you can, when you can!
Fury backs off but Xiao stays down. Approaching his opponent, Fury finds himself on the wrong side of a small package…
Taylor: Sneaky move from the cruiserweight….
ONE..
TW-
KICKOUT!!
Romano: Almost too cute but lets see where he goes with this.
Xiaolong, buoyed by the nearfall, gets back up and releases an open-handed uppercut before executing a swinging neckbreaker.
Taylor: A swift strike and followed up with a snap move!
Rallied by the crowd, Xiaolong gets to his feet and springs to the top rope...FROG SPLASH!!!
Taylor: DRAGON SPINNER!
ONE…
TWO…
T-
FURY PRESSES HIM OFF OF HIM!
Romano: Look at the strength!!
Hurriedly, Xiaolong takes to the top-rope again...HE LOOKS FOR A CROSSBODY….FURY CATCHES HIM!!
Taylor: The look on Xiao’s face says he knows this could end badly...
The bigger man spins him into a bear hug...rapid fire headbutts!!
Taylor: He’s setting it up...
Finished toying with his opponent, he throws him over his head with a SPIKED OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!!!
Taylor: MIDWESTERN HOSPITALITY!!
Romano: He spiked his opponent right on his neck!
Sensing the timing, Fury steps between the ropes to the apron and measures his opponent….SLINGSHOT SPEAR!!!
Taylor: BUCKEYE SHOT!!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Jessie Love: The winner of this match, as a result of pinfall, REDMOND...FURY!!!
Biggs lifts Fury’s arm up in victory. After taking in the crowd he approaches Xiaolong and helps him to his feet before shaking his hand to bookend the match with sportsmanship all-round.
Jessie Love: The following match is scheduled for one fall!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Jessie Love: Introducing our first competitor...
The arena goes dark and then the screen flickers on and there appears a forest in the dead of night. a veiled woman comes out onto the stage with some kind of book, she begins speaking to it and then out in the distance a figure emerges closer and closer they come towards us. He gets half way but stops...that's when the music begins to play.
Jessie Love: Accompanied by Alice, 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 veiled lady otherwise known as Alice.
Taylor: You have to say that Jitterman has been on a tear lately!
Romano: He’s hitting his peak at just the right time, a win here will carry him into Clash of the Icons in amazing form!
Taylor: Alice and that book seem to be a winning combination in his upward trajectory!
They then slowly and methodically make their way to the ring and then lights eventually turn back to normal. The cameras cut to ringside where, inexplicably, singer and musical legend, Diana Ross appears in a ringside seat.
Taylor: Is that?
Romano: Diana Ross! What a SUPREME coup Horton has pulled off getting her here!
Taylor: You’re a supreme coup….
Jessie Love: His opponent…
“Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen fills the arena. Emerging from the back, Mad Dog Smith raises a hand to the crowd before starting to dance suggestively down the aisle.
Jessie Love: The self-proclaimed “Hottest Bitch in the business”, he weighs one hundred and seventy five pounds and stands at five feet and eight inches...MAD DOG...SMITH!!!
He reaches ringside and climbs onto the apron, still dancing suggestively. The dancing comes to a screeching halt as he appraises his opponent. He gingerly steps into the ring.
Taylor: This would be a HUGE upset if Smith were to come out on top in this encounter…
Romano: He’s finding out now that the sheer size of Jitterman is a psychological advantage to the masked man. He’s in his head before the bell has even rung.
Singles Match
The Jitterman vs Mad Dog Smith
Gabe Valentine consorts with both competitors, first - The Jitterman. No sound or acknowledgement is evident on his face, instead he is being fed last-minute vitriol by Alice, Valentine’s words falling on deaf ears. Frustrated but resigned to accept the matter, he approaches Mad Dog Smith. Smith is busy bouncing on his feet and in stark contrast, he emphatically nods along to the instructions.
Taylor: I think you could be right, Cass, Smith looks like he’s trying to psych himself up for the match but is it a facade?
Romano: He’s visualizing, if he can’t picture himself winning the match at this moment, all hope is lost!
Checks over, he calls for the bell.
Taylor: WE...ARE...GO!!
Jitterman is slow out of his corner and is caught with a quick barrage of forearms and punches from an incoming Smith. Each blow is thrown with vengeance and belief but none seem to move the big man an inch. Stepping back, Smith looks bemused but changes tact and runs a hand across the chest of Jitterman, almost marking him. SMITH NEARLY TAKES HIMSELF OFF HIS OWN FEET DELIVERING A KNIFE-EDGE CHOP!!
Mad Dog Smith: WOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Taylor: Is Jitterman toying with his prey?
Romano: Has he moved an inch? There’s your answer!
Looking down in a curious manner, The Jitterman appraises the attack and slowly shakes his head. He grabs the head of his opponent AND TAKES HIM OFF HIS FEET WITH AN UNFORGIVING HEADBUTT!!
Taylor: THUNDEROUS HEADBUTT!
Smith rolls backwards and to his feet, clearly dazed. Jitterman pushes him against the ropes and pins him with one hand as the other rises above his head and delivers a THUNDEROUS SLAP TO THE CHEST OF SMITH!!!
Mad Dog Smith: OOOOOWWWWWWWWWW!
Crowd: OOOOOWWWWWWWWWW!
Taylor: Did you hear that?!?
Romano: You get the feeling that Jitts is sending a message to the roster in this one!
The camera cuts to Diana Ross, her reasons for being in the crowd still unclear, who winces visibility as the AWFTron replays the slap for the live audience.
Taylor: Ms. Ross looks horrified.
Romano: Jitterman looked at Smith and said ‘It’s my turn’!
Taylor: Jesus Christ, Cass...
Displaying finesse that betrays his size, Jitts takes the head of Smith and takes him down and into a side-headlock. Smith struggles but even he realizes the futility of his efforts as he is brought back to reality with quick jabs raining down onto his head from the bigger man, the soundtrack being provided by Alice.
Taylor: He’s giving us all a look into his repertoire, too often people assume that he is just a pounding brawler but we’ve seen how adept he can be with greco-roman holds and throws.
Romano: I’m glad that my prime was long before he graced us with his presence!
After half a dozen blows, Jitterman gets to his feet. He uses a large boot to pin down the arm of his opponent, leaving Smith to be trapped like small game. Jitterman points towards the entrance, as if sending a message to someone, before removing his boot and pointing the knee directly into the shoulder joint of Mad Dog.
Taylor: We all know who this display is being put on for!
Romano: This match is just one extended mind-game for Jitterman!
Smith rolls in agony, and feels the effect of the blow as he tries to prop himself up on his knees but his shoulder almost buckles at the effort. Jitterman remains focused on his attack, he wraps his arms around the waist of Smith AND DEADLIFTS HIM INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX!!!
Taylor: We saw the finesse but the raw power just then!
Romano: It’s a shame we’re not going to get him against Subject 42 anytime soon!
Taylor: That would truly be one for the ages...
The camera cuts to a close-up of Mad Dog Smith’s face who is shaking his head in disbelief. He looks panicked as he scrambles to grab the ropes, his brain scrambled from the suplex. As he gets to his feet he sees that Jitterman has stepped away, almost amused by the scene. Smith leans back against the ropes but realizes his error almost immediately as Jitterman starts a slow and deliberate walk towards him.
Taylor: Fans, we can confirm the rumors that Jitterman actually turned down the chance to be a part of the AWF’s Call to Arms team.
Romano: He’s not a team player, he’s not in this for joint glory. No tag-team or group effort is going to be a part of his ultimate plan!
Thinking outside the box, he threads himself rapidly through the middle rope and stands on the apron. Changing tact, Jitterman charges him AND SENDS HIM OFF THE APRON WITH A HUGE BOOT TO THE FACE!!!
Taylor: IF THAT GUARD RAIL WASN’T THERE THEN SMITH WOULD HAVE RACKED UP THE AIR MILES!!!
Romano: He measured and met his opponent perfectly with that boot.
We once more see Diana Ross, Queen of Soccer Penalties, as she looks down with a look of concern at Mad Dog Smith.
Taylor: Oh no…
Romano: What?
Taylor: You may know the songs of Diana Ross but what’s the finishing move for Mad Dog Smith?
Romano: It’s just a name, don’t be ridiculous...
ONE….
Smith shows only slight signs of still being conscious, he slowly reaches to grab the guardrail.
Taylor: Smith needs to regroup and reassess his approach.
Romano: Come on, you’re Mad Dog - with all good will in the world, what tact can he change to?
TWO….
Jitterman seems quite content to let his opponent catch his breath, he watches over the ropes.
Taylor: Jitterman is only too happy to let the man think he has some respite and hope…
Romano: It’s a matter of when, not if...
THREE…
Mad Dog gets to his feet but his head hangs down still. He slowly raises it AND MARKS OUT TO SEE DIANA ROSS IN FRONT OF HIM!!
Taylor: OH NO!
FOUR...
SMITH REACHES OUT AND HOISTS THE SINGING LEGEND ONTO HIS SHOULDER!!
Taylor: HE’S ATTEMPTING HIS FINISHER….KIDNAPPING DIANA ROSS!!
Romano: How does that even work?
Taylor: It’s his only hope, I imagine his plan is to draw out Jitterman and then try and score the countout by using his speed and agility to evade the count and his opponent.
FIVE….
ROSS CRIES OUT AND IN AN UNLIKELY TURN OF EVENTS, JITTERMAN IS HER SAVIOR AS HE LAUNCHES REPEATED BLOWS TO THE BACK OF SMITH!!
Taylor: AN UNLIKELY HERO!
Romano: We’ve seen this before, he’s grown bored of his opponent!
SIX…
Ms. Ross returned to her seat, Jitterman throws his prey onto the apron…
Taylor: I don’t like the look of this...
Jitterman grabs the head of his opponent and pushes it between his legs…
Taylor: Not one bit...
APRON TO FLOOR PILEDRIVER!!!!
Taylor: COME ON! THAT WAS NEEDLESS!
Romano: He’s using Smith as the exclamation mark on the threat of his offense!
The rapturous encouragement for carnage continues from Alice. Jitterman casually throws Smith back into the ring and rolls in after him.
Taylor: This has to be it...
Jitts looks for the pin…
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-....JITTERMAN PULLS UP THE HEAD OF SMITH AND YANKS HIM TO HIS FEET!
Romano: He’s toying with him. This is like watching a cat play with a mouse under its paws.
He drags Smith to the middle of the ring and faces him towards the entrance before once more pointing at it, HE BITES THE HEAD OF SMITH….
Taylor: BED BUGS BITE!!!!
ONE....
TWO…
THREE!!!
Jessie Love: The winner of this match…..THE JITTERMAN!!!!!!
As the lights fade to darkness, the speakers inside the arena begin to play “To Whom It May Concern” by Ghostmane as the crowd switches on the flashlights on their phone as the singular spotlight shines down on the entrance curtain as it swings open and the lyrics hit the speakers.
“I broke the law in Madrid
And I'd do it again
I got a bitch in every city that I ever been
I thought the money would do something for the sadness in
Me but I'm deeper in the abyss than I have ever been”
The english-born anti-villain of AWF steps through the curtain, sporting his best three piece suit as he listens to the large amount of mixed cheers and boos that rain down from the rafters of the arena onto Hayden Callahan as he looks around the arena and then takes his slow walk to the ring, ignoring the crowd’s loud reaction as he reaches the ringside area.
Jessie Love: Introducing first/And their opponent... wrestling out of South London, England and weighing in tonight at two hundred and ten pounds... he is "The Ungovernable" HAYDEN CALLLLLAAAAAHAAAAAANNNN!
“Now I'm pushing a button, to self destruct me
And no, I don't wanna talk about it
I'll never take you up on your offer to try to help me out of it
It's just a matter of time, until I rest my eyes
Go to sleep, and never come out of it”
Callahan walks around the ring, glancing inside the ring and not paying any attention at his opponent as he continues to slowly circle around the ring and then climb up the ring steps, walking along the ring apron and looking out to the crowd with a blank expression on his face. Hayden brushes his feet along the apron before entering through the middle ropes and doing his slow walk around the ring, not hopping up any corners or posing to the fans like anyone else would do, just standing there and undressing from his three-piece suit and into his ring gear worn underneath.
Taylor: The long awaited return of Hayden Callahan!
Romano: Yes, he's been with the AWF before, but we're excited to see him in the AWF again!
“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: He's crass. He's filthy, but he's the XHF Phoenix Champion!
Romano: And he's never short on confidence. I'll give him that much.
Non-Title Match
Hayden Callahan vs Greg Adkins
The bell rings and there is no wait to the action! There's no handshake, no lock up or anything. Hayden Callahan shoots forward with a single leg takedown. Greg Adkins is caught off guard by the abruptness. He tries to sprawl over Hayden, but misses the timing. Hayden lifts his back to straighten Greg's back and thus, able to take him down backwards. Hayden immediately goes on the offensive, dishing out blow after blow. Greg tries to block the blows. He shoots out a hand to try to stop the onslaught, but Hayden quickly traps it and sends out more ferocious strikes on the downed champion. Greg's quite obviously taking visible damage. Hayden pulls back for a blow that could end the match and that's when Greg shoots a finger from the trapped arm into Hayden's ear! He stops and goes back to his ears, trying to remove whatever disease could possibly be infecting its way into his cranial orifice. Greg uses his well exercised hip and groin muscles to buck Hayden off. He escapes and begins to go on the offensive himself.
Taylor: Wet Willy! Cassius, it looks like this match turns to another one of Greg Adkins' tropes - skill versus style. I also like to think I'm being quite generous when I'm calling Greg Adkins'... wrestling as a style.
Romano: There's no complaint from me there, Tommy. But you can't ignore the fact that if it works, it works. He is now the champion after all.
Hayden Callahan recovers from the wet willy enough to narrowly escape a heavy kick from Greg Adkins. He does get back to stance enough to bring Hayden Callahan to his feet. He picks up Hayden for a body slam, but he escapes by going over the shoulder and lands on his feet. Greg notices this and jumps up in the air for a snapmare, but Hayden is able to counter into a back body drop! Greg Adkins lands on the canvas hard, and Hayden goes in for the pin count:
...One!
...Two!
...Kickout!
Taylor: Greg Adkins is trying to capitalize on his early points, but it's still early on in the match and Hayden Callahan has a lot of fight left in him.
Romano: And this isn't the first time with Hayden Callahan in the AWF before. He's been here before, and he is certainly skilled.
Hayden gets Greg to his feet and sends him back with a European uppercut and OOMPH! THE POWER! Greg's back slams against the turnbuckle as the force sends him to the corner. Hayden shoots his shoulder forward. One! Two! Three! Four! Hayden takes a couple steps back and goes for the momentous five - but Greg turns and sticks out his shoulder. Hayden's sternum just JAMS against the bony joints of Greg! Hayden turns forty-five degrees and falls forward to the ropes. Bad move! Greg uses the ropes to his advantage and shoves Hayden Callahan's throat onto the ropes. The actual spit comes flying out of his mouth as Greg Adkins is putting on the torque. Senior Referee Gabe Valentine, however, is quick to do his job and did the five count. ...One! ...Two! ...Three! ...Four! ...Fiv-Greg lets go just in the nick of time before getting disqualified. Greg Adkins lets go and watches Hayden Callahan slump over. He yells out of ecstasy.
Taylor: And Greg Adkins is showing just why he's the champion!
Romano: We can try to delegitimize his skills because he's just... weird, but you really can't deny the fact that Greg Adkins can wrestle, and he does it well.
That's when Greg Adkins lifts his arms up in the air for the crowd to recognize and get hyped by. He's signaling for his finishing move, the pump handle reverse piledriver. He calls it Overdose! He lifts him up in the air but Hayden manages to slip out the backside. ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP! Boom! Down goes the champion! Hayden gets up and wipes the sweat off his brow. He looks down and finds Adkins withering in pain and squirming while on the floor. He's trying to get himself up to his feet, but Hayden's looking to end that once and for all. He runs to the top rope and jumps off... LEG DROP! IT HITS! He goes for the pin count and Gabe Valentine goes for another pin count:
...One!
...Two!
...THR-
KICKOUT!
Taylor: Hayden Callahan was able to squirm his way out to get the advantage, but he's having trouble securing the win.
Romano: Yes, but that's just forcing him to work harder. He's not as impulsive nor as cocky as Greg. He knows he just has to kick things up a notch and that doesn't bode well for the XHF Phoenix Champion.
Hayden Callahan gets up, runs his hands through his hair to readjust and then grab Greg Adkins by HIS hair. He picks him up with it. He's not wasting time anymore. He's going for it, but Greg isn't done fighting yet! He throws a punch, but Hayden easily knocks it away and counters with a knee to the stomach that bends the top half of Adkins' body forward. He runs to the ropes, rebounds back and BOOM! DESOLATE MIDNIGHT! HIS JUMPING DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL! IT HITS! IT HTIS! IT - WAIT! Greg Adkins CATCHES Hayden over his shoulders and spins it to a modified version of the OVERDOSE! IT HITS! Tommy Taylor and Cassius Romano both jump out from their chairs.
Taylor: THAT DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN!
Romano: Oh I would NOT want to be Hayden right about now!
And with no further adieu nor expendable energy from Greg Adkins, he goes for the pin count:
...One!
...Two!
...THREE!
Jessie Love: Here is your winner of this match - Greg Adkins!
Taylor: What a risky move. What a COCKY move from Greg Adkins. That shouldn't have worked!
Romano: He took a risk and big risk means big profit or big bust. He profited this time, but they all did well tonight.
As the word “Firecracker” appears on the large screen, red and green laser lights spin around the arena as The Soapgirls begin to sing the opening to the song. Then the word fades and is replaced by the name “Dakota” as the redhead makes her way out to the stage area, the fans becoming thunderous in their applause for her. She raises a single arm up before making her way down the aisle.
”Making her way down the aisle, she hails from Syracuse, New York, by way of Scottsdale, Arizona.....She is the Firecracker, The Chairwoman of the XHF, DAKOOOTTTAAA JJEEENNNIINNGGSSSS!!!”
Reaching the ring, she confidently strides up the steps before stepping under the second rope before climbing up one of the turnbuckles, raising a defiant middle finger toward her opponent as the fans cheer her relentlessly.
Taylor: Here comes the firecracker!
Romano: We got a show here tonight!
"Crawling in the dark" hits as Tasmin comes out in a leather biker jacket, a black top and baggy camo pants.
Jessie Love: 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: Tasmin has been on a ROLL since she joined up with the AWF.
Romano: And if she has it her way, it won't end here.
Non-Title
Tasmin Richards vs Dakota Jennings
Tasmin Richards and Dakota Jennings are quick to get into the center of the ring, staring intently at each other. Dakota throws a high head kick but Richards is way too fleet of foot and easily sways out of the way. The Tazzie Devil responds with a huge knife edged chop that blasts ‘Kota across the midsection. Dakota swings an arcing fist towards Richards’ head but again the Devil is quick enough to duck under and Taz fires off a second knife edged chop. Frustrated, Dakota rears back and hits a high angle elbow, aiming it squarely downwards at the top of Tasmin’s head but Richards steps through under the blow and heads off for the ropes at pace. Tazzie spingboards off the second rope and sails clear halfway across the ring with a huge crossbody that flattens Dakota to the mat. Richards holds on to cover…
ONE!
TWO!
TH… No. Jennings kicks out.
Taylor: Tasmin Richards getting rolling early in this match.
Romano: She’s a hard woman to catch. Evasive as ever.
Dakota gets off the mat, frustrated by the agile Richards and lashes out with a roundhouse kick that staggers Richards as she stands up. Jennings locks in a waist lock, floats around behind and slides one of her arms up to pin the back of Richards’ neck in a Half Nelson. Jennings falls backwards to the mat and slings Richards backwards over her head, spiking Richards’ head right into the canvas.
Taylor: IT CAME FROM SYRACUSE!
Jennings covers…
ONE!
TWO!
TH.. no, even after being spiked on the top of her head Tasmin Richards kicks out.
Taylor: Nasty head drop.
Romano: But not enough to suppress Richards’ spirit. There’s always more fight in the Norfolk Luchadora.
Feeling that she can end this match in double quick time, Dakota Jennings hooks in a three quarter facelock and leaps into the air, looking to DKO Tasmin Richards out of the match but Taz holds Jennings up parallel to the mat and sprints for the far side ropes, depositing ‘Kota on the top rope. Richards loses no momentum as she launches her body across the ring, rebounding into a precisely delivered Shotgun Dropkick that sends Jennings spilling out to the outside. Taz raises her hands and begins to rhythmically clap, the crowd joining in to keep pace with her steps as Richards hits the ropes again and dives through the second and bottom ropes, hitting a tope suicida into the just standing up Jennings’ rib cage. Tazzie stands and the crowd bursts out into a round of applause.
Taylor: Tasmin Richards is quicker than a hiccup.
Romano: She’s quicker than half a hiccup. One of the pacyest wrestlers I have ever had the pleasure of watching.
Richards is clearly feeling it now, the energy of the crowd flowing through her. She hauls Dakota Jennings up to her feet and then bundles her into the ring. As Jennings gets up, Tazzie is already on the ring apron and Dakota turns right into a precision slingshot spear, Richards using her body as a weapon as she fires herself across the ring like a lawn dart. Richards stands and measures up The Chairwoman, waiting for the right moment for the dazed Dakota to stand, dizzily and turn to face her. Richards charges in and jumps, throwing her arm across Dakota’s throat, falling backwards and spiking Dakota’s face into the mat. Tasmin rolls over the pile to cover…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Jessie Love: The winner of the…
The lights flicker off and on and the voice of a creepy child floats airily across the arena..
Creepy Child: London Bridge is faaaalling down…
And there on the ramp is The Jitterman, as if from out of nowhere. He stands, unmoving, and stares up the ramp at Tasmin Richards who looks like she is having difficulty holding her shit together.
Creepy Child: Faaaaaaalling down, faaaaaaaalling down…
After another brief flicker off and then on again, Jitterman is a third of the way up the entrance ramp, still in exactly the same pose.
Creepy Child: London Bridge is faaaaaaaaaalling down…
Another flicker. Now two thirds of the way up. Still completely still, unmoving.
Creepy Child: My faaaaaaair laaaaaady...
A final flicker and now Jitterman is in the middle of the ring. Tasmin looks on as her opponent at Clash of the Icons stands there, facing her down. Jitterman bends forwards and grabs hold of Dakota Jennings and wraps in a kata hajime choke The lights go down so that nothing can be seen across the dark arena apart from the words written in fire across the AWFTron.
“THE RITUAL SHALL COMMENCE. AT CLASH OF THE ICONS”
And then the lights come up and Jitterman and Dakota are gone. Tasmin looks stunned. The crowd are in a hushed silence.
Taylor: What does that message mean, Cassius?
Romano: I don’t know, Taylor. But I think we will find out at Clash of the Icons.
The scene fades in to the back office. Felix Ziko is chatting with Jackson Steele.
Steele: I just got back from our legal department. This is bad.
Ziko: ...How bad?
Steele: It's bad. They said we could fight this but basically they hope that we are men of God because he's the only one who can help us.
It's at this point where Felix drops his head onto the desk and folds his hands over the back of his head.
Ziko: Well... I guess we can do the best that we can. Let's just be thankful that this can't possibly get any worse.
Right on cue, there is a knock on the door. It opens. Lo and behold, it's the former commissioner of the AWF, Alexander Horton.
Horton: Pardon my intrusion, although to be fair, this won't your office for very long.
Ziko: Alexander Horton, I intend to fight you on this to the very end.
Horton: This isn't a good fight for you, and I think it's actually the fighting that got you into this mess.
Ziko: Are you really wasting my time to be here just for the pure sport of insulting me? I already have Mongo for that.
Horton: Why Mr. Ziko! I would never. In fact, I came here to help you!
Steele: By fucking off?
Ziko: Jackson! As much as I appreciate your sentiment, we have to remain professional.
Horton: Look, if you want me to be honest, there's no way you can hold onto the Ascension Wrestling Federation after this. You're wasting your time and resources, and so I was thinking of coming to an agreement.
Ziko: ...And that would be?
The eyes of Alexander Horton sharpen.
Horton: I won't have to destroy you.
Felix Ziko's eyes widen, clearly surprised.
Horton: If you agree now, I will ensure that you and your staff will have jobs with the AWF closes.
Steele: ...What?
Horton: I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but Cardinal Health reconsolidated all its efforts and expanded in Dublin, Ohio - just outside of Columbus. They've been making a big mess on the Route 745 and in the city. I know that we'll need some fit competitors to clean the trash by the highway.
Felix Ziko pops up and slams his fists on the table.
Ziko: Listen here and listen well! These people aren't just your little puppets to boss over. They're wrestlers, and they deserve respect! You don't deserve to do these athletes wrong just because you have some sort of anger at Terry or myself.
Horton breaks out into a laugh.
Ziko: Oh, Mr. Ziko, I wouldn't dare be so spiteful, although I will say that if I did it for that reason, it would be because of that if they are protecting a sport that is inherently openly contrary to family-friendly, maybe it shouldn't be there.
Steele: A wrestling match.
Horton: ...Hmmm?
Steele: I'll fight. You or anyone you can try to pay. Winner gets the AWF. All of it. I'll fight - and I'll win.
Horton stares at Jackson in the eyes for a few few, long seconds. Not blinking.
Horton: I know what you're trying to do, and it won't work. I'm not rash. You can't just try to manipulate me into giving up my advantages by challenging my ego. No, Mr. Steele. I refuse to accept this challenge. Now Mr. Ziko, I'd like an answer. Here and now. Please don't make the wrong decision. Will you accept this match?
The camera zooms in a bit into Felix's eyes.
Ziko: No deal.
Horton stares at Felix for a long few seconds before exhaling.
Horton: Oh, Mr. Ziko. It's a shame that you've chosen this. I wanted to make this an easy process. Instead, you're wasting your resources fighting a losing battle. Now I admit that you may be furious Spartans, but in the end, even they lost the Battle of Thermopylae.
Ziko: You're bluffing. Remember that you're also wasting resources yourself. Your money isn't infinite. Your power isn't absolute.
Alexander Horton smirks.
Horton: That's where you're wrong. I'm not using State of Ohio funds nor my own. In fact, one of your wrestlers have been so kind as to lend me their legal team.
Ziko: ...One of our wrestlers?
Steele: Wait. That could only be...
That's when the door opens again. A foot steps into the office.
Horton: This is my legal coordinator. I believe you've already been well-acquainted.
Card: Felix, Steele. How are we doing tonight?
The scene cuts back to ringside.
"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: The following main event match is scheduled for one fall and is the submission tag team match! Introducing first, from Coober Pedy, South Australia, Australia, weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds, he is… AIDEN MERRIC!!
"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 the XHF Phoenix Championship around his waist. 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 hands over his title belt and cracks his neck waiting for the bell.
Taylor: He's the hunter. He's Aiden!
Romano: He did great at the Rumble, and he's the longest reigning Phoenix Champion of all time.
The overhead lights slowly go dark as the first strummed chords of 'Hurricane' fill the air, the crowd's cheers rising in response to the woman that is about to emerge. Gray lights flare into being around the curtain when the song starts proper, illuminating the outline of the Oncoming Storm as she stands with her shoulders square, her hands curled into fists at her sides... and the AWF United States Championship around her waist. The wind machine is on behind her, blowing her hair around as her gaze moves over the assembled crowd and the surroundings alike... before it settles upon the ring. As 'Hurricane' cuts to the chorus, she makes her way down the aisle, not shying away from the hands that reach out for her.
Jessie Love: And his partner, from Blooming Valley, Pennsylvania, weighing in at one hundred sixty-three pounds, she is the AWF United States Champion… ERIN GORDON!!
Erin's focus never wavers, even as she grabs onto the ropes and hauls herself up onto the apron. Wiping her feet, she climbs into the ring between the top and middle ropes before she heads to her corner, turning to rest her back against the turnbuckles. Only then does she play a little to the crowd, a single fist thrusting itself skyward to earn more cheers as her music fades, the Oncoming Storm removing her title and handing it to a production assistant for safekeeping.
The overhead lights slowly go dark as the first strummed chords of 'Hurricane' fill the air, the crowd's cheers rising in response to the woman that is about to emerge. Gray lights flare into being around the curtain when the song starts proper, illuminating the outline of the Oncoming Storm as she stands with her shoulders square, her hands curled into fists at her sides... and the AWF United States Championship around her waist. The wind machine is on behind her, blowing her hair around as her gaze moves over the assembled crowd and the surroundings alike... before it settles upon the ring. As 'Hurricane' cuts to the chorus, she makes her way down the aisle, not shying away from the hands that reach out for her. Erin's focus never wavers, even as she grabs onto the ropes and hauls herself up onto the apron. Wiping her feet, she climbs into the ring between the top and middle ropes before she heads to her corner, turning to rest her back against the turnbuckles. Only then does she play a little to the crowd, a single fist thrusting itself skyward to earn more cheers as her music fades, the Oncoming Storm removing her title and handing it to a production assistant for safekeeping.
Taylor: Here's the US Champ, Erin Gordon!
Romano: She's a fantastic wrestler and she's going to remind us all why.
As the opening notes begin, the lights go out, save for a single spotlight on the top of the stage. Betsy comes out, but she’s only a silhouette at this point. Just as the 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”
Jessie Love: And their opponents, from Toronto, Canada, weighing in at one hundred thirty-five pounds, she is… BETSY GRANGER!!
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.
As the opening notes begin, the lights go out, save for a single spotlight on the top of the stage. Betsy comes out, but she’s only a silhouette at this point. Just as the 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. When she finishes this display, she starts bouncing in place, preparing mentally for the bout.
Taylor: Former XHF Phoenix Champion and perhaps the greatest of the new age of the AWF. Betsy Granger!
Romano: She is fantastic, super skilled and I can't wait to see her in action!
“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.
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: 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.
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: 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 WCG 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! Adam Sanders! He's the Prestige Champion!
Romano: And he has so much going for him. Let's get this match started!
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
MAIN EVENT
Submission tag-team match
Impossibly Awkward (Betsy Granger and Adam Sanders) vs. Aiden Merric and Erin Gordon
DING DING DING
Adam Sanders steps into the ring for Impossibly Awkward. Erin Gordon is in for their opponents. Valentine steps from between them to allow the champions to fight.
Taylor: Champion versus champion!
Romano: US versus Prestige!
Erin tries to use some grappling, but the moment she gets behind Adam, she gets an elbow for her trouble. Sanders bounces off the ropes and drops a shoulder block on the staggered Erin Gordon. A snap suplex later and Adam decides he needs to move immediately to a Boston Crab.
Romano: Adam quickly remembers what the stipulation of the match is.
Taylor: Indeed. Boston crab on the woman from western PA.
Romano: Well, we gotta see if these competitors remember after taking a few bumps to the head.
Aiden Merric seems content letting Erin Gordon sort it out herself. Eventually she gets to the bottom rope, which forces Adam to break the hold. He graciously agrees and backs off. Adam takes a step back as Erin gets to her feet and she shoots up into a charge, rushing Adam and surprising him with a European Uppercut! Adam holds his jaw and stumbles back, but Gordon doesn’t give him room to dilly dally, keeping up the intensity and pressing him into the corner.
Taylor: Explosive recovery from the US Champion!
Romano: Even Adam looked surprised!
Gordon whips Adam into the corner where he eats turnbuckle padding face-first. She quickly runs to follow up, but Sanders uses the corner to lift himself up in the air and over the oncoming Gordon! Gordon crashes into the corner, where Merric makes himself a blind tag to get into the match. Erin protests, wanting to continue the battle with Sanders, but the referee pushes her back out to the apron, citing Merric as the legal participant.
Romano: With professional wrestling these days, it’s refreshing to see a referee taking tag match rules seriously.
Taylor: Are you making a not-so-subtle dig at a specific organization, Cassius?
Romano: Me? No, no. I’m above that.
Merric licks his lips and grins wildly at the Prestige Champion, circling him like prey. Adam whips his neck around, watching his back. Aiden pump fakes Adam like he’s going to attack, causing Adam to plant his feet, bracing himself for it, but Aiden changes course and dives at Adam’s legs, attempting to take him off his feet. Sanders adjusts and leaps up and over the oncoming Merric, who lands with a skid and a thud, quickly getting back up to his feet and chuckling to himself.
Merric: Feisty little thing, aren’t ya?
Sanders ignores the banter and runs the ropes. He bounces off of them and shoots towards Aiden, who hits the mat, sending Sanders over top to rebound again. Aiden grins as Sanders bounces and the Wonder From Down Under dips down to back body drop Sanders over top, but Sanders instead flies forward with a picture-perfect dropkick onto Merric! Meric eats a face full of canvas.
Romano: The Champ is gonna have to put in more work than that if he wants to take down Merric.
Quickly, Sanders is up and grabs Merric, dragging him to his feet. He sends Merric into the corner and follows him, delivering a THUNDEROUS chop right across his chest. Merric winces and holds his chest a bit as Sanders pushes him back up against the corner for a follow-up… but with Adam’s back blocking line of sight, Aiden quickly gets thumbs up into the eyes of Adam Sanders. Adam turns around, holding his eyes, which immediately begin to water as the crowd lets Aiden know what they think of him with a chorus of jeers.
Taylor: Oh come on, that’s not fair!
Romano: If the ref didn’t see it, he can’t do anything about it.
With Adam’s back turned to him, Aiden runs out of the corner and takes Adam down with a running bulldog. To add insult to injury, he grinds Adam’s face against the canvas a bit.
Merric: How’s that taste?
Merric cackles as the referee waves him off, issuing him a stern warning. Aiden gets up and stomps the upper part of Adam’s back a few times for good measure. The referee again waves him off after several seconds of the onslaught, bending down to make sure Sanders is still good. Aiden plays to the crowd for a moment, grinning ear to ear, soaking up their jeers. Finally, he turns back to Adam and whips him into the ropes. Adam keeps his balance but is still in quite the daze. On the rebound, Aiden nearly takes his head off with a massive clothesline from hell!
Taylor: Contract Fulfilled!! This could be it!!
Aiden wipes away some spittle from his lip as Erin Gordon shouts to be let into the match. He ignores her completely and drags Adam Sanders up to his feet. Sanders is out of it still. Aiden runs the ropes, seemingly looking to take his head off for good this time with another massive clothesline… BUT ADAM SPRINGS TO LIFE AND HITS HIM WITH A LIGHTNING STRIKE SUPERKICK!!
The crowd goes apeshit!
Taylor: Adam Sanders with the Lightning Strike!! This isn’t over yet!!
Romano: But that took his energy -- both men are down now!
Sanders and Merric are both down on the mat. Sanders is still trying to shake off the cobwebs. He glances up in a daze and sees Betsy in his corner, reaching out a hand for him. Sanders starts to crawl and the crowd begins to clap to encourage him. Aiden elects to pull himself up and ignore his own partner. Sanders makes it to the corner… TAG MADE!
Taylor: Granger has been unleashed!
Betsy hits the ring like a bat out of hell. Aiden has made it to a standing position against the ropes but Betsy is on him quickly with a flurry of jabs and punches to his midsection, softening him up. Aiden is flustered, caught off guard by the explosion of offense. She tosses him to the ropes. Aiden hits, rebounds, and Betsy somersaults towards him, nailing him in the skull with her feet with a rolling koppu kick! Aiden hits the mat, lights out!
Betsy quickly moves onto him while he’s still on the ground, wrapping her feet around him to lock in a lotus lock! Aiden swings wildly, trying desperately to get free. He rolls around onto his side, dragging Betsy with him, but she doesn’t let go of the hold! Aiden squirms around even more, trying to get free. He rolls to the other side, trying to smash Betsy against the mat and loosen her grip. She doesn’t let up… but Aiden manages to get close enough to the ropes to touch them! The ref forces Betsy to break the hold!!
Romano: Such fury from Betsy!
Aiden holds onto the ropes, stumbling a few steps forward into the corner to catch his breath. Thinking quickly, Erin Gordon makes the tag to get herself back in the game. She hits the canvas and stares down Betsy, who smirks and gives her a nod of acknowledgement. Both women circle each other and slowly go into a collar and elbow tie up. They struggle back and forth for a moment before Betsy gains the upper hand and takes Erin over with an arm drag. Erin hits the mat and skids to a stop, quickly getting back up to her feet. She runs towards Betsy and dives for a clothesline, which Betsy ducks underneath. Erin carries her momentum forward and bounces off the ropes coming back at Betsy. Betsy rolls forward into another koppu kick, aiming for Erin’s head, but Erin sees it coming and dives over top out of the way, landing into a graceful handspring forward. She bounces off the ropes and spins in mid-air, landing a back elbow to the side of Betsy’s skull and finally taking her down!
Taylor: Love to see the athleticism on display!
Betsy shakes her head and stumbles back up to her feet, only to walk right into a European Uppercut from Erin Gordon! Betsy stumbles backwards, turning towards the ropes to stabilize herself, leaving her back turned to Erin. Erin quickly follows up and pulls Betsy’s head backwards, dropping her onto her knees with a backbreaker!
Romano: Downpour, brutal!
Betsy flops onto the mat and Erin glares over towards Aiden, her upcoming opponent. She gets her arms around Betsy’s head and wiggles her way into position, locking in an arm triangle around Betsy’s head, but never breaking eye contact with Aiden Merric. She slowly twists her body to Betsy’s side to apply more pressure. Betsy tries to wiggle free, but once Erin has leverage, the pain quickly becomes too much. She slaps at Erin’s back, indicating she is tapping out.
DING DING DING!
Jessie Love: Here are your winners… Erin Gordon and Aiden Merric!!
Erin quickly marches to the side of the ring to collect her title, holding it up in the air to taunt Aiden. Adam Sanders is quickly in the ring and bent down to check on Betsy.
Taylor: A well-earned victory by Erin Gordon, sending a message to her opponent for Clash of the Icons!
Romano: Two different pairings, two very different tones heading into their matches at the next show.
Taylor: That about does it for us at Prestige 71, folks… we’ll see you at Clash of the Ic--
Romano: Wait, hold on a second, Taylor. It seems we’re cutting to a very important announcement.
The screens flicker to life with the face of Felix Ziko filling the screen. The fans cheer at the sight of the beloved owner.
Ziko: Friends, I come here with some disappointing news. The AWF...
He pauses and clearly chokes back some tears.
Ziko: The AWF is closing its door permanently. Our next show, Clash of the Icons, will be our last.
Taylor: WHAT!?!?
Ziko: It appears that with the legal battle going on, we have no way of stopping this. But the AWF is not about obscure laws and pointless bureaucracy. It's about wrestling. It's about sportsmanship. Respect. Athleticism. It always has been. So... if we're going to be forced out the door, we're going to do it our own way. We're going to do it with typical AWF flair and style. We're going to go out with the most gangbusters show AWF has ever seen!
There's a mixture of sadness and applause in the crowd. In the ring, Sanders is now staring at Felix in disbelief, a look of complete shock on his face.
Ziko: We will not go down the way that Horton wants. I won't see the talented men and women of this locker room reduced to simple sanitation employees. We'll go down our way. The AWF way! We're going to end this by showing the entire XHF Network -- nay, the entire WORLD -- just what Ascension Wrestling Federation is all about. We hope to see you there.
Felix gently bows for the crowd as the crowd lets out a universal shriek of confusion and terror.
Taylor: The AWF is closing!?
Romano: I cannot believe it...
Taylor: What does this mean? How... but... why?
Romano: It means at Clash of the Icons, Taylor... people won't just be fighting to win their match. They're fighting to etch their name forever into history. Folks... we'll see you there.