TAP OUT WRESTLING 12: DIAMOND VS STRYCHNINE - LIVE!
Mar 28, 2023 18:30:19 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Kira Izumi, and 2 more like this
Post by Cross Recoba on Mar 28, 2023 18:30:19 GMT -5
An old TV flickers on, sitting on a lump of rock in the darkness. Hands and claws made of stone almost seem to reach up toward the screen as a distorted video appears on it.
Sam Sawyer: Poena... I listened to you. When you spoke to me for the first time, I listened to everything you said, and I thought about it. So, please... listen to me.
Eyes fixated on the camera they're almost desperate now.
Sam Sawyer: You're strong too. But even if you think what you're doing is right... it isn't. Please... try to stop listening to that voice. That voice that's telling you what to do. Because it doesn't matter what I do to you in our match... the only person that can stop more people getting hurt is you. But... I think no matter what you're going to get what you want from me. I won't join you... but I'm going to be at my best... dark or not... and I'm going to hurt you. I've been training for you like my life depends on it. I've practiced every possible counter a million times, and I'm strong enough to knock you out before you even get a chance. I'm going to do things to you I wouldn't do to anyone else. I'm not sure it will do any good... but if there's a chance it will make you respect me, and leave me alone... I'll take it.
They take a quick breath, a little more relaxed having said everything they needed to say, but their stare is unwavering.
Sam Sawyer: See you in the ring.
As soon as the last word echoes through the area, a malformed cross that is bloodied and wrapped with barbed wire, slams into the screen and causes it to explode into a billion fragments. The scene is still shown after the explosion, captured only on a camcorder with night vision.
Poena: Oh, Sam… Foolish Foolish Sam… I thought you would understand.
The camera pans over to capture Poena, his face calm and serene despite the violence he’d just unleashed, his eyes focused on the destroyed TV.
Poena: I thought that you, of all people, would understand my message. But then you call the darkness weak, and you claim you do not need it. But there’s something you don’t understand, so let me explain it.
Poena looks slowly into the camera, a devilish grin forming as he does.
Poena: Tell me, Sam. Have you ever been in a cave? It’s the one place on Earth where you can experience true, utter darkness.
His multicolored eye flashes as he says the last word, swirling faster for just a brief moment.
Poena: Now, can you tell me a place that you can experience true, utter light? No? I didn’t think so.
Poena lets go of the weaponized cross, which has been warped into the symbol of his faith, and turns fully to the camera now. His clothes are bloody and torn, suggesting that perhaps this wasn’t the only thing he’d been doing this night.
Poena: As much as you try to deny it, and as much as you pathetically try to “save” me, you cannot have light without darkness. You cannot have a hero without a villain. It is that simple. You must be holy, so then I must be damned. You can never rid yourself of all darkness! You can never keep it locked away forever! It will always get free. It will always make itself known, and your bright light will only make that shadow darker.
He grins, laughing after a moment and shaking his head as he laughs harder and harder. He stops suddenly, his body moving bonelessly and as fast as a whip to grab the camera and pull it close.
Poena: I warned you. I am not the one endangering your loved ones. You are. You, who in your denial, see threats to them in my own words. You, who in your own righteousness, thinks to judge ME! You want me to respect you? Nothing, not even in your threats, has come close to earning an iota of my respect. You are a filthy cur, to be put down before your rabies takes over your mind.
Poena grins, a soft growl in his voice as he bares his sharpened teeth like he’s ready to rip Sam’s throat out right there.
Poena: And the task falls, as ever, to His Chosen. Glory Be.
With that, Poena tosses the camera to the side, laughing again as it breaks against the stone wall. In the last, glitched moments of it’s life it shows Poena leaning over to look into the lens, something terrible but unable to be seen clearly leaning over him as well.
Poena: See you at my Altar.
PRESENTS
TAP OUT WRESTLING 12: DIAMOND VS STRYCHNINE
Date: 26th March 2023
Venue: Lansky Ballroom, The Sands Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendance: 1000 (Capacity: 1000)
The cameras fade in from the cold open to a sold-out Lansky Ballroom at The Sands Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The cameras cut across the crowd as they cheer loudly, pumped for the last Tap Out Wrestling show before the 2023 XHF Rumble.
Various signs can be seen, five that get special attention are:
*CROSS FEARS MARTY!
*RANDOM, DO YOU LIKE THE BROONS OR DO YOU WANT OOR WULLIE?
*JUSTICE 4 POENA!
*DYLAN’S A FAKE CHAMP, LONG WAS ROBBED!
*THESPIAN WILL RULE THE RUMBLE!!
The cameras pan to ringside where Steve Morrison and Cross Recoba stand-by.
Steve Morrison: Welcome to Tap Out Wrestling 12: Diamond versus Strychnine! We’ve got a stacked card tonight where we’ve got debuts, we’ve got stars and most importantly, our main event sees Jack Diamond put his title on the line for the first time against Tommy Strychnine!
Cross Recoba: It’s sure to be a hell of a night with more than a few of our roster throwing their hat into the ring for the Rumble and keen to go into that match in top form!
Steve Morrison: Including yourself.
Cross Recoba: ….
Steve Morrison: Opening up proceedings tonight, we have Kingsley Solomon taking on Wildcat Capone. Last month Capone could count himself unlucky to come up short against Tommy Strychnine but he must fancy his chances against Solomon.
Cross Recoba: Only just into his second year of wrestling, Capone’s keen to get experience where and when he can. He’s gone off the Network to Infinite Pro Wrestling, he’s gone into the cage for GUNS Fight Club, and it’s that kind of application that’ll take him far in his career. Can he take down Kingsley Solomon? It’s a tough ask but he’s someone in the Rumble who’ll want to make an impact and he can start tonight.
Steve Morrison: Solomon not just more experienced but arguably the fresher man going into tonight’s fight, his Saints and Sinners tournament afforded him the night off last month.
Cross Recoba: He’s crafty inside the ring, it’s something that Wildcat’s going to need to adapt to for his career to progress Kingsley, on first glance, might just look like someone who wants to create a spectacle in the squared circle but behind every rana, every headscissors is a logical decision for why he’s going there. Both men can take the win tonight but I don’t want to even try and call it before the bell!
Steve Morrison: Following that we have the four-way match made by Davey in Weymouth, Massachusetts that pits Aiden Merric against Jackalope, Sticky the Clown and a returning Thespian.
Cross Recoba: This has all the makings of an absolute barnburner. Merric has never backed down from a fight, Jackalope has shown the dedication and commitment to making sure he leaves it all in the ring every time he steps inside the ring, Sticky the Clown is just huge and I’ve yet to see a style Thespian couldn’t turn his hand to!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope, of course, holds a win over Sticky the Clown from the four-way at our last show…
Cross Recoba: He might have beaten Sticky but he didn’t pin him and I’m struggling to see anyone doing that tonight.
Steve Morrison: One man who’ll be determined to try and take down the Clown and win the match is Aiden Merric…
Steve Morrison: It’s safe to say that a win at our last show and he’d be eyeing tonight’s main-event less as a spectator and more as a legitimate contender for the belt.
Cross Recoba: He perhaps suffered in the build-up to this by being the focus of the match for Little Davey. That put a target on his back and I’m predicting that, at least in the early stages, the other three competitors put a halt on any momentum he looks to try and build.
Steve Morrison: Closing out our first-half, we have the debuting Throw Show versus the extremely decorated team of The Goons!
Steve Morrison: Close is keen to hold gold for the first-time in his fledgling career and with the XHF Tag Team titles coming our way in August, he’s clearly eager to get the cobwebs and ring rust out of his father. Cross, what’s the nature of Tuff’s deal?
Cross Recoba: Simply put, it’s a spec deal that we’ll evaluate after the August show. As far as the details I can disclose go, it limits him to tag-team appearances but doesn’t limit him being a great go-to for the younger members of our roster for guidance.
Steve Morrison: Would it be fair to say that the tag-team are going to be suplex-heavy?
Cross Recoba: Almost certainly. When you’re called Tuff and your son uses the Tuffplex as a finish? It’s a foregone conclusion. I’m expecting hard-hitting, heavy impact offense from the pair of them and I’d expect Tuff to be coaching when he’s on the sidelines.
Steve Morrison: They’ve got somewhat of a baptism of fire against The Goons, both members highly decorated outside of the tag-team and together they’ve taken down some of the biggest teams on the Network.
Cross Recoba: I’ve said it before but Close, Jackalope, and Wildcat aren’t going to learn by being spoon-fed easy opponents, that’s not why they took the step up to this level. Ricardo and David are a great yardstick for The Throw Show to measure themselves against and since NLW shut they’ve been just down the road in SCCW. I’m looking forward to seeing them fight on a Tap Out show and, judging by the message boards, so are a lot of our fans.
Steve Morrison: Kicking off the second-half of our show is a match that is sure to be anything but boring if what we saw before the credits is anything to go by. That tape that opened up the show was planted outside the Production office BEFORE they arrived today. Just watching it made me think of those Found Footage films…
Cross Recoba: Poena hasn’t forgotten about Jack but what worries me tonight is that Sam is now on his radar and that is not where they want to be.
Steve Morrison: Indeed, Poena made mention of that in the build-up to tonight.
Cross Recoba: And Sam is only too aware of it.
Steve Morrison: Sawyer has amassed some great scalps in their time here and never ducked a challenge but Poena isn’t so much an opponent as an experience.
Cross Recoba: That’s always a concern, just ask Erin Gordon, NOMAD, or even Jack Diamond. None of them escaped without an injury that put them on the shelf or damaged their preparation for the next match.
Steve Morrison: But a win for Sawyer would be HUGE.
Cross Recoba: A win would put them at the front of the queue to face whoever walks out of tonight’s Main Event with the win. Last time out we saw just how tough they can be, we literally just saw them put away Merric again. Their size and heart is never an issue but can they make up for a lack of experience in the ring against someone who is a sadist? I’d like to think so but it’s by no means a foregone conclusion.
Steve Morrison: Of course, Poena will want to not just beat Sawyer but break her and then, once that’s done, his route back to Diamond becomes that little bit clearer.
Cross Recoba: There were some who thought the suspension may alleviate his fixation on Diamond but if anything, it’s only made it that much more intense. He isn’t going to want Sawyer stopping him from getting a third match against the Ace of Spades and we’ve all seen the lengths he’s willing to go to get there!
Steve Morrison: Our Co-Main Event sees two very competent technical wrestlers go head-to-head as Jason Long faces off against the yet to be beaten Random McConalogue.
Cross Recoba: It’s one for the purists and one to avoid for the Champoon fans.
Steve Morrison: Random put away Spike Kane in style last time out…
Cross Recoba: Perhaps now it’s best to mention that with Spike having stepped away from in-ring action a lot of people online suspect that flash win may have been the deciding factor in his decision.
Steve Morrison: Random’s still yet to fight someone who can keep up with her style.
Cross Recoba: If anyone in Tap Out can, Jason Long can. He’s a guy who is in a rich vein of form and, crucially, he’ll be smarting after his narrow loss on the GUNS St Patrick’s Day show against Dylan Black for the X*Crown title.
Steve Morrison: Only two people have beaten Jason in Tap Out since he joined, Close Collins in a match that was seen at the time as a huge upset and Jack Diamond at XHF Supremacy to be crowned the inaugural Tap Out Wrestling Openweight Champion. The odds lie in his favor if you look on paper but Random’s been impressive with victories over Spike, Solomon, and Capone.
Cross Recoba: Long’s always had self-belief and after the back-to-back disappointments against Diamond and Black, you know he’ll have spent his camp focusing on how to atone for those losses, he’ll have focused on building back his self-belief because that’s a huge part of what makes the Best Bout Machine the Best Bout Machine.
Steve Morrison: Will he be able to cope with the catch-as-catch-can style that has carried McConalogue to a flawless record thusfar?
Cross Recoba: He has two things going for him: one, he’s travelled the world and so he’ll have seen her style more than once and you’d think he had an answer for it and secondly, he got to study her close-up when they tagged at Tap Out Wrestling 10.
Steve Morrison: Should Tommy and Jack keep an eye on this match? Surely the winner of this one could be in contention almost immediately…
Cross Recoba: I’d bank on it…
Steve Morrison: Closing up our night, we have Jack Diamond’s first defence of the Tap Out Openweight Title as he faces Tommy Strychnine. Now a lot of people have spoken out about Tommy not having a chance.
Cross Recoba: That’s the problem with the internet, everyone thinks their opinion is valid no matter how bad the take is. I dropped in on Tommy’s training camp a few weeks back and there’s no doubting that he’s entirely focused on proving that he can topple Jack Diamond. Does he think it’ll be viewed as an upset? Definitely but he doesn’t care, he’s not going to shy away from the fame and publicity it’d afford him and I saw some things in his camp that tell me that he’s done his homework when it comes to the Champion.
Steve Morrison: Jack’s proven a lot of people wrong when he came back from an earlier defeat in the tournament to Jason Long to best him in a match where it was almost like he could turn back time.
Cross Recoba: Jack Diamond walks into the Main Event of ANY promotion on the XHF Network. Marty faces Jack? Instant sell-out. Diamond squares off against Zoran in GUNS? That’s appointment viewing right there. Jack Diamond is that much of a ratings hit that if he appeared on a Wrestle: UK show just to have Frank Windsor change the oil on his car? Windsor gets his own Wikipedia page.
Steve Morrison: But tonight, Strych goes into the match not just seen as an underdog but, according to some, a ‘sitting duck’.
Cross Recoba: Tommy hasn’t done much to endear himself to the fans lately but they’re forgetting just how efficient he can be in the ring.
Steve Morrison: If we get that Tommy Strychnine?
Cross Recoba: Then Jack needs to be very worried. If that Tommy comes out then we’re going to have a match where the smallest margin is going to make a difference and neither man is going to go down whilst they can still throw a punch. Both men have shown they’ve gas tanks for days and this has all the makings of a Sleeper Classic!
Steve Morrison: There you have it, fans! Now, without further delay, it’s over to Laura Messier to introduce our first match!
Laura Messier: Good evening and WELCOME TO TAP OUT WRESTLING 12!! And now for your Opening match and it’s set for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
The opening lyrics of the song begin to play as the camera pans across the venue. It eventually cuts to show Wildcat up in the concession stands, walking through the door and into the highest row of seats on the ground floor of the crowd.
Steve Morrison: Wildcat’s entering his Sophomore year in wrestling and whilst he hasn’t a title to show for it, he’s come on leaps and bounds.
Cross Recoba: If Capone can work out some minor issues, he’s going to go far. As it is, he’s got the framework in place to ruffle some feathers over the next twelve months!
He beats his chest before throwing up some middle fingers as he walks through the fans and makes his way down the stairs.
Steve Morrison: We’re seeing him bring in what he picked up in GUNS Fight Club more and more.
Cross Recoba: GFC’s exposed him to the necessity to have at least a basic ground game and whilst it isn’t as imperative inside the Squared Circle, it gives him options.
He gets about halfway down before he starts walking through the crowd some more. Ignoring the hecklers and haters as he gets into the zone before his match. He gets a joint from behind his ear and lights it up, taking a few hits before walking towards the ring. He hops the barricade, moving in sync with the music, he looks around himself once more, taking it all in. Walking up the stairs he goes through the ropes and heads into the ring.
Steve Morrison: He could make a huge point tonight if he gets the win over the far more experienced Solomon tonight.
Cross Recoba: It’d definitely put him higher up on people’s radars. It’d also mean that we’d be able to think less as to what matches will benefit his development and more about which matches he can thrive in!
"No betting on tomorrow, but we all love a tragedy."
"Come drown in our sorrow and see the world as it oughta be..."
As the chorus kicks in, Kingsley Solomon makes his way out onto the stage, sporting a black hooded vest that he wears a small smirk underneath as he gazes out into the crowd, arms gradually raising themselves up and spreading wide as he drinks in the radiant energy the crowd gives off.
Steve Morrison: Back after a month off, Kingsley looks ready to prove a point tonight.
Cross Recoba: At heaty, Solomon’s a businessman. He looks at the top of the card and sees matches with Diamond or Long where their styles would give him a far higher profile platform to increase his value.
With a deep inhale and exhale, he begins making his way down the ramp. Reaching the bottom, he peels the hood back, sliding into the ring and quickly popping back up onto his feet.
Steve Morrison: To get there though, he needs to go through Capone and that’s not going to be easy.
Cross Recoba: We touched on Capone’s ground game developing but tonight it’s a huge opportunity for Kingsley to exploit.
He moves over to the set of ropes facing the camera, leaning against them with a tilt of the head, cheek resting against his fist with a slightly thoughtful look as if contemplating something but the small smirk from before reappears as he backs off into his corner, soon fading as he warms up.
Steve Morrison: He looks confident of his chances. We’re just moments away from finding out if that confidence is well-founded.
Cross Recoba: He’s shown flashes of what he can achieve, now he just needs to turn that into a run of form!
With both men in the ring, Laura steps into the center to make the announcements.
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST... Fighting out of Lexington, Kentucky...he weighs two-hundred-and-eight pounds...he is MR 859...The STONE...COLD...KILLA...WILDCAT...CAPONE!!!
Capone leans into the ropes and swings his arms to loosen the muscles as he awaits the bell.
Laura Messier: Hailing from Sin City and weighing two-hundred-and-twenty-nine pounds. He is the Co-owner of Sin City Championship Wrestling....KINGSLEY...SOLOMON!
Solomon bounces on the balls of his feet as he eyes his opponent up and plans his next move up the ladder.
OPENING MATCH
SINGLES MATCH MATCH
Wildcat Capone (#10) vs Kingsley Solomon (#11)
Steve Tyrell calls for the bell as our opening contest gets underway.
DING! DING! DING!
Kingsley Solomon and Wildcat Capone circle one another to find an opening to attack. Solomon tests a couple of punches that IRN FST deflects. Wildcat takes a few shots, but Kingsley deflects them.
Steve Morrison: We’re expecting a match that wouldn’t look out of place in Japan. The Strong Style brawling of Capone against a more Junior Heavyweight approach from Solomon.
Cross Recoba: If Kingsley wants to trade with Wildcat he could be on a hiding to nothing.
Wildcat catches a punch with his hand and catches his opponent with a solid shot to the side of the jaw that rocks him. He immediately follows this up with a kick in the gut to double him over and attempts a gut-wrench powerbomb. Kingsley grabs him by both legs and pulls him down to the mat with the double-leg takedown.
Steve Morrison: The former AWF star wisely takes the match to the mat.
Kingsley pulls Wildcat up and whips him into the ropes, hitting a Tilt-a-whirl DDT on the rebound that plants Wildcat’s headfirst into the mat.
Cross Recoba: Kingsley needs to keep moving, even if he wants to trade shots with Capone. Wildcat’s a quick learner and he’s not afraid of going to new places to improve his game.
The SCCW owner starts going for the Camel Clutch, but Capone rolls and trips Kingsley, escaping to the ropes. Steve Tyrell backs Kingsley up to allow his opponent to get up.
Steve Morrison: The rookie showing ring awareness beyond his years there.
Wildcat dashes towards Kingsley, hitting a dropkick that sends Kingsley to the mat.
Cross Recoba: Now that is a new move for Wildcat!
He grabs the rising Kingsley and lifts him for a Brainbuster that drills Kingsley’s head into the mat!
Steve Morrison: Huge Brainbuster from the Kentucky Native!
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen him perfect that move over his time in Tap Out and that is pretty much close to a perfect execution!
Not giving Solomon any space as he rises, IRN FST goes for the Rolling Koppa Kick, but Kingsley catches him by the leg and does a quick giant swing that sends Wildcat over the top rope to the outside!
Steve Morrison: What a reversal of One Less Bitch by the SCCW Owner!!
Despite Tyrell’s warnings, the Head of SCCW slides out of the ring to grab the rising Wildcat and attempts to roll him back into the ring. Wildcat drops and Hotshots Kingsley’s face onto the ring apron!
Steve Morrison: CAPONE SUCKERED HIM IN!
ONE…
Rising to his feet, the cameras see that Solomon now sports a Crimson Mask!
Cross Recoba: That’s not what you want at any stage of the match but especially so early in this one.
Steve Morrison: That nose looks broken.
Cross Recoba: Which is going to make every breath more difficult and if this match goes long, Capone’s going to be picking apart a man who’s going to be fighting for every bit of oxygen he needs.
TWO…
Wildcat gets back to his feet and grabs Kingsley by the back of the head and smashes his face into the ring apron again and again before hurling him into the ring steps to demolish them!
Steve Morrison: HE LAUNCHED HIM!
THREE….
Rolling into the ring, Wildcat looks confident that Kingsley won’t beat the count.
Cross Recoba: This might be premature. If I were in Capone’s shoes I’d stay on him a little longer.
FOUR…
FIVE…
SIX…
Solomon gets to his knees and looks up at the match official.
Steve Morrison: Kingsley looks pissed!
SEVEN…
Determined to not cut it too fine, Solomon finds a space where he can roll into the ring without Capone rushing him.
Cross Recoba: Smart thinking from Kingsley. He knows he can beat the count, he just needs to pick the safest area of the ring to re-enter.
EIGHT…
Rolling into the ring and standing up, he wipes blood from his face with the back of his hand, clearly angry.
Steve Morrison: Capone might just have signed his own death warrant if that stare is anything to go by!
Wildcat has his back to Kingsley, expecting him to be out. In fact, he’s drinking in the cheering of the crowd as he points to his brain to indicate that he’s smart. He doesn’t get the fact that the fans are not cheering for him.
Fan: BEHIND YOU!!
Wildcat turns around and is face-to-face with Kingsley. He backs up and drops to his knees to beg off Kingsley and apologize for all of the dirty deeds he has done thus far in the match.
Cross Recoba: Classic.
Steve Morrison: Don’t fall for it, Solomon!
Kingsley grabs him by the head to try to get him up into a fireman’s carry, but Wildcat hits a low blow!
Cross Recoba: Right on schedule!
Wildcat jumps to his feet and shoves Kingsley’s head between his legs to go for the Thunderfire powerbomb.
Steve Morrison: He’s looking to end this with a Protect Ya Neck Bomb!!
Wildcat gets Kingsley all the way up into the air, but it’s countered with a headscissors takedown! Kingsley makes the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
WILDCAT KICKS OUT!
Steve Morrison: A wicked counter from Kingsley nearly ended the match!
Cross Recoba: Wildcat hadn’t factored that possibility in!
Kingsley kneels up and lays Capone back out as he starts to sit up with a punch that lands under the jaw. He goes for the pinfall again, running his elbow over Wildcat’s face.
Steve Morrison: Veteran move with the elbow, make it as uncomfortable as possible!
ONE…
TWO….
THR-
AGAIN, CAPONE MANAGES TO KICK OUT!
Steve Morrison: The young man from Lexington showing that heart that has defined his time inside the Squared Circle!
Kingsley jumps to his feet and pulls Wildcat up, who swings wildly at him. He dodges the strike and looks for the DESTINO, NO! Wildcat hits a Reverse Russian Legsweep!
Steve Morrison: That might be a huge moment in the match when this is all over. The Ace of Spades Destino is a match-ender, guaranteed!
Cross Recoba: What can he follow it up with?
Quick to his feet, he lets Solomon get up and catches him with a Whippersnapper! He goes for the pinfall, hooking the leg!
Steve Morrison: CAN THE CHIN CHECK PUT HIM AWAY?
ONE…
TWO….
TH-
THIS TIME KINGSLEY KICKS OUT!!
Steve Morrison: So close!
Cross Recoba: A hooked leg or grapevining a leg with his own and that was over!
Wildcat pulls Kingsley up again and lifts him up between his legs…PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: FUCK THE POLICE!
Cross Recoba: Why isn’t he going for the pin???
Crouching as he watches his opponent get back up HE LOOKS FOR THE ROLLING KOPPU KICK ONCE MORE BUT SOLOMON SIDESTEPS IT AND CATCHES HIM WITH A SWINGING REVERSE STO!!
Steve Morrison: What a counter! He dodged One Less Bitch and then nailed him with the Royal Flush!!
Now it’s Kingsley’s time to stalk his prey. He waits until he sees IRN FST rise and connects with a Hook Kick!
Steve Morrison: MARK OF DESPAIR!
Cross Recoba: Wildcat’s in real trouble as Kingsley’s finding his rhythm.
With his opponent grounded, SOLOMON HOOKS IN THE DRAGON SLEEPER AND WRAPS HIS LEGS AROUND THE BODY OF THE LEXINGTON HOMEBOY!
Steve Morrision: FALL TO DESPAIR!!
Cross Recoba: This move is deadly, if Capone escapes this he’s doing better than most who find themselves in the hold.
REACHING OUT FOR ROPES THAT AREN’T THERE, WILDCAT REALIZES HE’S IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Steve Morrison: Just look at the panic on Wildcat’s face!
Cross Recoba: No ropes to grab, just you and a Dragon Sleeper that traps you where you lie!
THROWING A WILD ELBOW BACK WITH HIS ONLY FREE LIMB, HE CONNECTS WITH THE SURELY BROKEN NOSE OF SOLOMON!
Steve Morrison: HUGE ELBOW BUT STILL KINGSLEY HANGS ONTO THE HOLD!
NOW WITH A TARGET, WILDCAT REACHES AROUND AGAIN AND GRABS THE NOSE TO ESCAPE THE HOLD!!
Cross Recoba: It won’t win any awards for aesthetics but he lives to fight on!
Both men scramble to their feet to try and gain an advantage. Kingsley CHARGES IN WITH A JUDAS EFFECT ELBOW BUT CAPONE DUCKS AND COUNTERS WITH A HUGE GERMAN SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: He turned the momentum from the Dealer’s Choice Elbow against him!
HE BRIDGES…
Cross Recoba: Textbook bridge…
ONE…
TWO….
THRE-
SOLOMON GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Steve Morrison: Wildcat must be wondering just what he has to do to put him away!
CAPONE STARES DOWN TYRELL WHO SHAKES HIS HEAD AND THRUSTS THE TWO FINGERS HE HOLDS UP TO EMPHASISE HIS POINT!
Cross Recoba: Tyrell isn’t budging on his count!
Wrenching Kingsley from the mat, Capone wraps his arms around the body of his opponent…
Steve Morrison: Surely it’s over if he lands the To Pimp a Butterfly Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex!
UNLEASHING SEVERAL SICKENING HEADBUTTS, SOLOMON REPAYS THE BROKEN NOSE THAT IRN FST GAVE HIM BY CRACKING HIS NOSE IN RETURN!
Cross Recoba: Solomon escapes and brings the competition of broken bones to one a piece!
The cameras catch the moment that Wildcat staggers back and realizes that blood streams from his nose. A death stare is sent in the direction of the SCCW who casually wipes his face with the back of his hand.
Steve Morrison: This match is about to get ugly!
Charging in, Capone’s cut off by a kick to the gut…DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER!!
Cross Recoba: Hugely important one-two from Solomon!
KINGSLEY GRABS THE HEAD OF HIS OPPONENT AND TWISTS HIM ROUND…EMERALD FLOWSION!!
Steve Morrison: HE DRILLED HIM!
Unrelenting, The Gambler lifts up Capone from the mat….CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER!!
Cross Recoba: He’s softening him up for the Fall to Despair submission again!
Waiting patiently, The Harbinger of Despair watches as Capone slowly starts to get up. IRN FST crawls on his knees to the ropes to buy some space and time…A HOOK KICK CUTS HIM DOWN!
Steve Morrison: ANOTHER MARK OF DESPAIR FINDS ITS MARK!
Lifting him up, KINGSLEY FALLS BACKWARDS WITH THE DRAGON SLEEPER AND GET THE HOOKS IN FOR THE BODYSCISSORS!
Steve Morrison: HE GETS IT LOCKED IN ONCE MORE!!
Cross Recoba: That was beautiful how he fell back in the hold knowing that it was putting Wildcat smack bang in the middle of No Man’s Land!
Capone tries to reach back for Kingsley’s broken nose once more but he’s gone to the well once too many as Solomon weaves his head out of harm’s way!
Steve Morrison: Lightning doesn't’ strike twice!
Trapped in the middle of the ring, Wildcat’s hand is forced as he taps!
Steve Tyrell calls for the bell!
Steve Morrison: Kingsley’s done it!
Laura Messier: Your winner of this match, as a result of submission, THE GAMBLER….KINGSLEY SOLOMON!
Steve Morrison:: What an opener to kick off our night! Capone showed some incredible periods of dominance but ultimately lost out to the more experienced Kingsley Solomon.
Cross Recoba: That match showed a lot of what Wildcat is capable of and thought it’s another loss and no points performance as far as the standings go, Capone’s at that point in his career where he’s developing with every match.
Steve Morrison:: As for Kingsley, what next for him?
Cross Recoba: He’ll get his chance in the next couple of shows to really show us what he’s made of. If only he cut ten pounds then he’d be in huge contention for being our rep for the XHF Junior Heavyweight title in June.
Steve Morrison:: Talking of upcoming events, in just over two weeks Wrestle: UK will present their thirteenth edition of Legacy and it’s got some interesting matches from top to bottom.
Cross Recoba: Let’s just keep it tight.
Steve Morrison:: Kalmin Watts will defend his title against Takaru Matsui and Cross, you faced off against Watts recently in HKW, how do you see this one going down?
Cross Recoba: Kalmin’s extremely accomplished in the technical side of the game and he has the size to back it up with explosive offense. On the other side, you’ve got MXG guiding his latest charge and we’ve all seen how far The Sheik was willing to go under his tutelage. Personally, I see Watts retaining but the MXG angle’ll make it interesting.
Steve Morrison:: Then, in a grudge match, Ronnie Long takes on Eddie Havok in what could well be the Match of the Night!
Cross Recoba: It’s a hard one to call either way. I can see Long being the Number One Contender to Wesley Crane’s belt being something that might stop him from going all-in on a war with Havok but equally, after some time away Long might realize he needs to make a statement in the match. It’s interesting that Crane isn’t booked and I wouldn’t be incredibly surprised if he made his presence known during the match one way or another.
Steve Morrison:: Lastly, we have The Battle of the Bastards as Rob Riot puts his Commonwealth title on the line against fellow Bastard, Frank Windsor.
Cross Recoba: I’m just praying the match doesn’t get suffixed with ‘Insert blank of Doom’ after the last bell has been called.
Steve Morrison:: You can catch all these matches and more on April 10th, only on the XHF Network.
Add to your watchlist
Laura Messier: Your next bout is a Fatal Fourway, set for One Fall and is the Tap Out Openweight Tournament Prediction Winner’s Choice!
"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.
Steve Morrison: Disappointed with how the Main Event ended last month, Merric has a real opportunity to remind everyone just what he’s capable of tonight!
Cross Recoba: That match was paper thin in how it was decided. This match was taken out of our hands but Merric is only a win or two away from getting right back in the mix.
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.
Steve Morrison: We know that he prizes capturing bounties and tonight is full of them.
Cross Recoba: Isabella von Krauss approached Merric before going outside the Network to find a Bounty Hunter, he’ll find out tonight how he could have fared.
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.
Steve Morrison: He might be the perfect mix of agility and strength in tonight’s bout.
Cross Recoba: I’m taking that focused look to mean he’s currently working out how to take down Sticky and make a real statement in the fight!
The opening chords of Big Shot slam into the speakers, bringing the fans to their feet as Jackalope charges through the curtain.
Steve Morrison: You can tell by the crowd’s reaction who they’re behind tonight!
Cross Recoba: With two shows to make his point, Jackalope knows he can make a case for being our representative in June for the XHF Junior Heavyweight title if he makes the right moves!
He runs full tilt down the ramp and slides into the ring, rolling to his feet and spinning like a dervish as he soaks everything in.
Steve Morrison: The question for me tonight is - how much will Sticky the Clown hold against him for using him as a literal platform for victory last month?
Cross Recoba: For all of Sticky’s size, he’s got to catch the Chaos Bunny first before he can take his revenge!
He finally slows enough to mount a turnbuckle, a grin on his face as he salutes the fans before backflipping to the mat again.
Steve Morrison: Like Wildcat, he enters his second year of wrestling and you’ve hinted that he could be our Junior Heavyweight rep, what should be his goal over the next twelve months.
Cross Recoba: It’s simple, to be honest. Consistency is the only thing holding him back and matches like these are going to give him far more examples to work with than if we kept him confined to one-on-ones.
“Regret Game” by Madame Macabre begins playing as Sticky the Clown walks out from the back to the frightful screaming of many fans.
Steve Morrison: We didn’t get a good look at Sticky in his debut match but what we did see was how he imposes himself on a fight!
Cross Recoba: At that size, how can he not?
He looks around at the crowd with his peeling face paint that should have been fixed up ages ago and his needle sharp teeth inside his impossibly wide grin that pierce black gums.
Steve Morrison: You drew comparisons to Tarrasque before last month’s fight but I’m seeing more of Subject #42.
Cross Recoba: The difference Sticky has over both of them is that he is fully aware of the consequences of his actions, he looked like he revelled in it!
The Clown steps onto the apron and over the top-rope as Laura Messier makes sure to keep her distance, climbing between the ropes on the far side of the ring.
Steve Morrison: Just based on size alone can people like Jason Long, Jack Diamond, even Poena, contend with him?
Cross Recoba: Sure, but he’s going to make it difficult like he will for his three opponents tonight. The only thing holding me off from unleashing him on the likes of the wrestlers you mentioned is that I want to understand how he works better.
The lights flicker for a moment in the arena before dimming completely. An awkward silence takes the arena, but it does not last long. A singular spotlight shines towards the staging area to reveal a masked figure; the Interpreter. He raises his gloved hands… and begins to gesture with them as the accordion from Burn the Ballroom’s “Whisper” pulls those in attendance in…
Come in
Sit down sweet angel
Leave me all your tears
Tell me
All of your troubles
The weight of your short years
Love is
Only a river
Drowning all of your cheer
Sell me
all of your laughter
And I will take some of your fear
Steve Morrison: Thespian spoke in the build-up to tonight about how he knows he didn’t put his best foot forward in his debut against Tommy Strychnine.
Cross Recoba: It happens. I remember a wrestler from Winnipeg who never had a good debut in a new company. We’ve hired The Interpreter for tonight at least out of our pocket to try and bring him some form of familiarity.
The Interpreter takes a bow as the chaotic drums and guitar drown out the trance-like melody from before. From the back, the Thespian walks out and meets up with his companion. A hand gently pulls his cohort upright as they both mimic crazed laughs to the music. As the music calms down, so do their demeanor. As they makes their way towards the ring, they both raise their hands, and begin to swing to and fro like conductors of an orchestra to the lyrics of the first verse.
Steve Morrison: He’s very much a thinking man’s fighter.
Cross Recoba: That’s what made him such a threat in NLW. You look at the scalps he took and you realize he’d won the battle before the bell had even sounded.
Upon reaching the ring, the Interpreter takes the steps up and slips in between the ropes without missing a single flourish of the hand. He sits on the middle rope and shoulders the first for the Thespian, who gives him a courteous bow before slipping in-between them. As the first verse and chorus finishes up, the Thespian takes one more bow to the audience as his music begins to fade out. Upon straightening back up one more time, his posture begins to relax as he shakes his limbs out in anticipation for the match. The Interpreter, on the other hand, slips down to ringside.
Steve Morrison: Can Thespian return from his absence and back to his winning ways?
Cross Recoba: Fatal Fourway winners aren’t defined by the chaos, Thespian’s likely got his gameplan and knowing what he can do in these moments, he has to be a threat.
With the four men in the ring, Laura starts with the introductions.
Laura Messier:INTRODUCING FIRST! From Coober Pedy, South Australia. He stands at six-feet and two inches and weighed in yesterday at two-hundred-and-twenty pounds...THE WONDER FROM DOWN UNDER...AIDEN...MERRIC!
Merric pays no attention to the crowd’s reaction, instead working out whether the first attack will come from his left, right, or straight down the middle.
Laura Messier: TO HIS LEFT! Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada...Standing at five-feet and nine-inches, he is The Chaos Bunny.... JACKALOPE!!
Jackalope jumps to the top turnbuckle as his name is called and the crowd loudly react to hometown favorite.
Laura Messier: OUR THIRD FIGHTER! Hailing from Parts Unknown. Standing at seven-feet and eleven inches and weighing four-hundred-and-fifty pounds...STICKY...THE...CLOWN!!
Sticky looks like the horror show he truly is.
Laura Messier: OUR LAST FIGHTER! Accompanied to the ring by his Interpreter! From the Theater, weighing in at one-hundred and ninety-five pounds... The THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESPIAAAAAAAAAAAN!!
Thesp doesn’t react, he doesn’t speak, he doesn’t move. He studies.
TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT TOURNAMENT PREDICTION WINNER'S MATCH
FATAL FOUR-WAY MATCH
Aiden Merric (#7) vs Jackalope (#4) vs Sticky the Clown (#12=) vs The Thespian (#12=)
“Big” John Quinn calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
As soon as the bell sounds Merric, Jackalope, and Thespian turn their attention to Sticky the Clown. The Murder Clown throws a huge punch that lays out Jackalope to the floor, then one to Thespian that sends him between the ropes to ringside before grabbing Merric and connects with a huge headbutt that puts him on his back and takes him to the outside.
Steve Morrison: It seemed to make sense to team-up on the Clown but he clearly didn’t get the memo.
Cross Recoba: We saw it last time out, your best chance of beating Sticky in a multi-man match is to focus on anyone that isn’t him!
Steve Morrison: Whoa! The cameras haven’t shown it but Merric just staggered into the announce table.
On the outside, Jackalope and Thespian start to brawl in front of the Lansky Ballroom crowd, they start to trade lefts and rights. Rolling back into the ring, Merric squares up to the Clown and unloads with a series of huge overhand rights. The clown fires back with a punch that sends Merric to the ropes, forcing him to cling onto them to stay in the ring.
Steve Morrison: This is looking like it’s not going to be a match for the purists as we’ve got two fights going on at once and they both look like outright brawls!
Aiden fires back with clubbing blows but Sticky remains unphased, almost enjoying the strikes. With urgency, Merric slides under the bottom ropes… SPRINGBOARD EUROPEAN UPPERCUT ROCKS THE CLOWN BUT HE REMAINS ON HIS FEET!!
Steve Morrison: STICKY JUST ATE THE TRANQUILIZER!
Cross Recoba: A leg came up to balance him but he somehow stayed on his feet.
At ringside, Jackalope drops Thespian with a Guyver Kick!
Steve Morrison: Unlucky Rabbit’s Foot!
Cross Recoba: Kid Cryptid showing those educated feet that have served him so well in his burgeoning career.
In the background, we see that Sticky has scooped up Merric and holds him above his head…HE THROWS HIM OVER THE ROPES AT JACKALOPE!!
Steve Morrison: LOOK AT THAT POWER!
Sticky raises his arms to the crowd who only respond in boos.
Cross Recoba: He’s winning no friends in the Ballroom tonight though.
Sneaking into the ring, Thespian catches the Clown unawares with a Flying Forearm smash to no avail. Stepping back from the blow, Sticky rushes Thespian with a Double Axe-Handle blow but Thespian ducks and hits the ropes with a Tornado DDT….No! Sticky catches him and starts to lift him for a suplex.
Steve Morrison: It seems Sticky has the answers to his competitors tonight.
Cross Recoba: Look at that hang-time…
SPRINGBOARD REVERSE SLINGBLADE SENDS THE CLOWN INTO THE CORNER AND FORCES HIM TO SET DOWN THESPIAN!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope makes the save with the Hold-Out Pistol!
Sliding into the ring, Merric charges in with a HUGE SUPERMAN PUNCH TO THE CLOWN’S THROAT!
Steve Morrison: AUSSIE RULES!
Cross Recoba: It looks like Sticky might not be quite as invincible as he seems.
Bent over, Sticky is unsighted to the precision dropkick from Jackalope that connects with his head and puts the Clown on his ass….PK KICK FROM THESPIAN SENDS THE CLOWN OUT OF THE RING!!
Steve Morrison: Great teamwork from the trio on Sticky but who will come out on top?
Cross Recoba: We’re about to find out…
Thespian hits the ropes AND LAUNCHES GARDEN DART STYLE AT THE CLOWN WITH A SUICIDE TOPÉ….BUT THE CLOWN CATCHES HIM AND FALLS FORWARD WITH A SICKENING THUD!!
Steve Morrison: Theo paid for the risk…
Cross Recoba: They’re not finished…
Merric follows in with a SUICIDE DIVE SHOULDER BLOCK….BUT HE’S CAUGHT AND LIFTED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF STICKY!
Steve Morrison: The Clown seemingly able to stop the attacks at will.
Cross Recoba: The Chaos Bunny’s hit the ropes…
JACKALOPE FOLLOWS OVER THE TOP WITH A SHOOTING STAR MISSILE DROPKICK THAT SENDS ALL THREE MEN THROUGH THE BARRICADE AND INTO THE FRONT ROW!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT!
Steve Morrison: From the ringside to the front-row!
Cross Recoba: I’m hoping we’ve got a disclaimer on those tickets…
Popping up to his feet, Jackalope grabs the head of Thespian and charges towards the ring, rolling him under the bottom rope. Jackalope gets to the apron and leaps to the top-rope, he spins…ASAI MOONSAULT!!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope makes the cover…
ONE!
TWO!!
T-
NO! THESPIAN KICKS OUT WEAKLY!
Cross Recoba: Kid Cryptid needs to stay on him…
Jackalope goes for another cover, this time with a hooked leg and tighter grip.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
NO! THESPIAN AGAIN ESCAPES!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope nearly had him.
Cross Recoba: Theo’s taking a lot in this match, Jackalope just needs to keep chipping away at him.
Jackalope stomps him and positions him for something nasty. Aiden comes out of nowhere though, and shoves Jackalope off the top rope, crashing into Thespian with a senton. Aiden attempts to get in the ring, but he gets grabbed by a giant claw. The camera pans up…
IT’S STICKY!!!!
Steve Morrison: Merric gets cut off just as he looked ready to take control in this match!
Aiden falls and begins to try and kick and punch him off. The grip tightens as he begins to get pulled out of the ring. Aiden is on the apron now.
Steve Morrison: The Bounty Hunter knows he’s in danger here….
Merric takes the only option he can AND BITES THE HAND OF STICKY!
Cross Recoba: I’d say that was pure desperation but just look at the size of Sticky’s hands! They’re like shovels!
Sticky lifts him slightly before driving Aiden knee-first into the apron. HE RETURNS THE BITE!
Steve Morrison: He calls that Dinner!
MERRIC LANDS A LOW BLOW TO BREAK THE BITE!
Cross Recoba: The only option he had left.
When we cut back to the ring, Jackalope has a pin attempt but it’s countered by Thespian into a pin of his own but the Chaos Bunny rolls out of it and hits the ropes…STEP-UP ARM DRAG BUT THESPIAN ROLLS THROUGH AND SLAPS KID CRYPTID!
Steve Morrison: Life’s a Comedy!
Cross Recoba: Jackalope needs to watch out. Mimicry and imitation are two different things.
Rocked, Thespian connects with a Guyver Kick of his own that sends him into the ropes, Thespian sends him off the ropes and charges after him at full-pelt…JACKALOPE GETS HIT WITH HIS OWN REVERSE SLING BLADE!!
Steve Morrison: Thespian uses the Chaos Bunny’s own Unlucky Rabbit’s Foot and Hold-Out Pistol to potentially get the win…
Thespian goes for the pin
ONE!
TW-
JACKALOPE KICKS OUT WITH AUTHORITY!
Cross Recoba: Kid Cryptid’s a lot fresher than Theo. Did Thespian not have the energy to commit to the pin?
Rising to his feet, Jackalope eats a dropkick from Thespian who uses the move to knock Kid Cryptid off-balance and into a Sleeper!
Steve Morrison: That energy of Jackalope’s seems to be dwindling now. Theo has the hold locked in!
Cross Recoba: Does he have the strength though to put him away before Aiden or Sticky get back into this?
Merric re-enters the fray after battling outside with Sticky. He sees Thespian has Jackalope now seated in the Sleeper Hold…DIVING SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!
Steve Morrison: DIVING AUSSIE RULES PUNCH!!
Picking up the fatigued and worn down Jackalope, Merric hits him a left, then another as he works him over against the ropes.
Cross Recoba: Those punches have been honed over countless cases of VB and disagreements!
Merric grabs his head AND SENDS JACKALOPE OVER THE TOP TO THE FLOOR!
Steve Morrison: CLEAN OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Thespian spins Aiden around and the two of them start to trade blows.
Cross Recoba: This could be interesting.
Getting the upper-hand, Merric whips Thespian into the corner and follows in looking for a huge boot to the face but Thespian kicks off the turnbuckle backwards…Schoolboy!
ONE…
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Theo’s agility got him the pin but Merric’s still too strong to be pinned.
Merric beats Thespian to the literal punch but he’s spun around by Sticky, BIG BOOT FROM THE MURDER CLOWN!
Cross Recoba: Maybe not so strong anymore!
Sticky starts to stomp a hole in the Australian….HUGE KICK TO THE BACK OF THE LEG FROM THESPIAN!!
Steve Morrison: BREAK A LEG!
Turning his attention to Thespian, Sticky closes the gap on Theo.
Cross Recoba: He’s poked the bear!
Thespian unloads on Sticky but it has little effect…a huge clubbing blow to the back of the head…STICKY GRABS THE HEAD OF THESPIAN AND DRILLS HIM INTO THE MAT!!
Steve Morrison: FACE SPLATTER!!
Cross Recoba: He didn’t let go of his head until it hit the mat! He could be out!!
JACKALOPE COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A SPRINGBOARD SHOOTING STAR DDT!
Steve Morrison: EL-AHRAIRAH DDT!!!
NO!
STICKY STOPS HIM HALFWAY DOWN….HUGE POWERBOMB!!!
Cross Recoba: That just sucked the life out of Jackalope AND the crowd…
The assault continues as the Clown peels Jackalope from the mat and tucks his head between his legs…
Steve Morrison: He’s not finished! He could end his career!
MERRIC STOPS HIM AND HOLDS HIS HEAD IN PLACE…BURNING LARIAT TAKES THE CLOWN DOWN!!
Steve Morrison: WALL HANGER!! CAN HE TAKE ADVANTAGE?
Cross Recoba: That should be it!
Merric takes a step towards making the pin but Thespian kicks him in the back of the knee to take him down to a knee.
Steve Morrison: Another Break a Leg and Merric’s down to a knee.
Cross Recoba: Theo’s hit the ropes…
RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE HEAD CONNECTS AS THESPIAN MAKES THE PIN!
Steve Morrison: EXQUISITE CATASTROPHE!!!!
ONE….
TWO…
THREE!!
Quinn calls for the bell.
Laura Messier: Your winner of the match, as a result of a pinfall, THE THESPIAN!!!!
Steve Morrison: A great win on his return for The Thespian.
Cross Recoba: That was the kind of performance that made his signing an easy one!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope may count himself unlucky in this one but we’ve seen him come back from worse.
Cross Recoba: Merric perhaps came out the worst from the match that was ironically chosen for him by a huge fan of his!
Steve Morrison: What can the Tap Out roster do though against Sticky the Clown?
Cross Recoba: When Sticky gets into singles competition he’s going to cause a stack of problems for anyone unlucky enough to see their name against his!
Steve Morrison: We’ve still got a stacked night of matches coming your way and with the ring clear, it’s over to Laura Messier with the introductions.
Laura Messier: And now for our final match before the interval!
The record scratches.
The drums count in and the thumping bass line of June Bug by Melvins starts to rattle the speakers. Blue, black and orange lights flash through the arena.
At about 25 seconds in, the drums pick up and Close Collins comes stepping through the curtain. He’s dressed in his ring gear and a zip up hoodie with the hood up. No nonsense, his fists clenched, his eyes focused on the ring, he just storms down the aisle as the bass rips and the drums solo. His father and partner Tuff Collins not too far behind.
Steve Morrison: Here we are, THE THROW SHOW ARE HERE!
Cross Recoba: We know how much work Tuff has put into each training camp for Close’s singles endeavours, I’m assuming that this camp was the same if not more intense!
At about 40 seconds the guitar plays a very simple yet melodic riff. Close takes a moment to slow down and look around the arena. He stops before the ring steps and says a few words to Tuff. Close takes a good look at the ring and bows in respect.
Steve Morrison: Going against a far more seasoned team, this could be a baptism of fire for Tuff in his debut on the big stage!
Cross Recoba: Perhaps but these are two teams made of family members, you’ll always find those teams have chemistry and teamwork far beyond the number of matches they’ve had inside the ring.
At 56 seconds all the instruments start killing it and Close aggressively storms up the steps and into the ring. Straight past his opponent and/or ring announcer and referee and pops up onto the second turnbuckle and roars with intensity for the crowd. Then pops back down keeps his back facing the middle ring, refusing to look at his opponent. Tuff Collins stands on the apron taking in the atmosphere. The back of Close’s hoodie reads “IT'S TIME FOR LAST CALL”
Steve Morrison: Now we find out the answer to the question…
Cross Recoba:...who does the better Tuffmission!
The Goons come out from behind the curtain to a huge chorus of boos but neither man seems bothered by the reaction.
Steve Morrison: Here they are! A team that has made waves wherever they go!
Cross Recoba: In NLW alone they won a G1 tournament, captured the Heavyweight title and the Southern States Championship. You sometimes see teams with an obvious weak link but with these guys? Good luck finding it!
Ricardo and David Goon march with purpose towards the ring, ignoring the sparse but present hands stretched out for a high-five.
Steve Morrison: The Goons make their Tap Out debut but the thought niggles me, are they here to help take out people Kingsley Solomon might see as a threat to his own ascendancy?
Cross Recoba: Solomon’s a thinker and these guys are the definition of mercenaries so it’s not out the question but they’re getting a healthy paycheck tonight from us alone!
They separate from one another as they hit the corner of the ring. David slides in from one side of the turnbuckle, Ricardo the other. They point fingers towards The Throw Show and throw insults that are inaudible over the boos of the crowd.
Steve Morrison: They’re not worried about winning any fans tonight!
Cross Recoba: Sons of PRICE, half-brothers to Darlene? You know what you’re getting and if you’re on the otherside of the ring from them you know that as soon as that bell sounds, they’re going to make you work for every inch you gain!
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST! Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska….the team of Close and Tuff Collins….THE THROW SHOWW!!!!!
Both men raises an arm to acknowledge the cheers from the crowd.
Laura Messier: AND THEIR OPPONENTS! Weighing in at four-hundred-and-thirty-five pounds, fighting out of THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD EVER…NEW YORK CITY! DAVID AND RICARDO GOON…THE GOONS!!
The Goons simply look towards their opponents with a mix of disgust and disdain.
TAG-TEAM MATCH
The Throw Show vs The Goons
Rhod Williams calls the two teams into the center of the ring.
Steve Morrison: This should be good, two teams that aren’t afraid of a hard-hitting style.
Cross Recoba: You do wonder though, was it Kingsley Solomon who got them here? Could he have something to gain if Close Collins fails tonight?
The Throw Show listens intently as Williams spells out what he wants from the match from the two teams. Tuff is especially responsive, not wanting the occasion to be marred by some faux pas on his part.
Steve Morrison: Tuff is wrestling on perhaps the biggest stage of his career.
Cross Recoba: He’s been ringside with Close before, this is just an extension of that.
The Goon Show listen but the look on both of their faces tells the viewer exactly how they feel about being lectured by the Welshman. Ricardo in particular appears to be over the sermon he feels Williams is delivering and steps closer towards the match official to impose his size.
Steve Morrison: A G1 winner, tag-team championships, these aren’t just a tag-team brought in at random, these guys would give an experienced team like the Icons issues.
Cross Recoba: I’m not in the habit of bringing in outsiders that couldn’t give our headliners issues.
Satisfied that his instructions have been delivered, Rhod calls for the timekeeper to ring the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Ricardo starts in the ring with Close. The two men circle one another before engaging in a lock-up. The Goon uses his slight experience and power advantage to push Collins back but the rookie from Nebraska works that in his favor as he ducks down and grabs a waistlock. The younger Goon wastes no time in reversing it into a waistlock of his own and then brings the arm of Close up into a hammerlock.
Steve Morrison: Ricardo’s the more technical of the brothers.
Cross Recoba: Mixing it with some brawling and power moves for good measure.
Steve Morrison: Close might find himself outmatched in this particular area.
Close slips out the back door and puts a hammerlock of his own on the Goon. Collins rolls forward with a drop-toe hold that precedes a front-facelock. Ricardo manages to overpower the hold and flips forward into a pin but Rhod Williams can’t make the count before Close arches his back up and twists into a backslide.
O-
Ricardo rolls backwards and looks for a Penalty Kick but Close sees it coming and ducks. Grabbing a waistlock, Close dashes to the ropes and rolls backwards into a pin but Dodo Goon carries on the momentum into a pin of his own.
ONE….
Close kicks out, Dodo uses the push to hit the ropes and connects with a HUGE BOOT TO THE FACE OF COLLINS!
Steve Morrison: Close got roped into the technical game and then BOOM! Dodo Goon steps up a gear.
Cross Recoba: They can do that, it’s what made them so formidable in NLW and has ensured they’ve been a success since joining SCCW.
Grabbing Close by the hair, Ricardo drags him to the Goons’ corner and tags in his brother, David.
Steve Morrison: Already the more experienced team are cutting the ring off.
Ricardo lifts the arm of Close, allowing his brother to drive a kick into the exposed ribs of the younger Collins’ member.
Steve Morrison: You’ve been in a long-term tag-team, at what point does the cohesion kick in?
Cross Recoba: If I knew that, I’d have a licence to produce endless tag-teams. It just clicks and these two brothers will have been working on their stuff since they saw their first wrestling match.
David takes the lead and twists the arm of Close into a side-wristlock. The elder Goon uses his reach advantage to send a series of boots into the face of the doubled-up Close.
Steve Morrison: David’s the risk-taker of the duo so we could see fireworks but right now, he’s content just continuing the beatdown his brother started.
Using the twisted arm as leverage, David brings Close towards him…LEAPING HEADSCISSOR TAKEDOWN!
Steve Morrison: Spiked him on his head!
Cross Recoba: The Goons are nothing if not deliberate in their moves.
Rolling through, David hits the ropes…SENTON CONNECTS! The Goon makes a cover…
ONE…
KICKOUT FROM CLOSE!
Steve Morrison: It looks like they’re trying to isolate the lesser-experienced of the Collins’ family.
Cross Recoba: Tuff’s anchored to his corner, he can’t move around the ring like he does when Close is in singles competition, they know he can’t coach his son through this as easily as before.
Getting to his feet, Close charges at the Goon but David leapfrogs, Close comes back off the ropes and this time David drops down. A third-time for Close to hit the ropes and David leapfrogs…NO! SHOULDER SPIN REVERSE RANA!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE MOVE!
David drags Close to the Goons corner by his leg and tags in Ricardo.
Cross Recoba: Quick tags, they’re looking to keep fresh whilst they wear down Close.
The brothers hook an arm each, DOUBLE SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: Crisp suplex from the Goons.
Tuff can be heard protesting the double-team from the apron.
Cross Recoba: Not much can be done from there, Tuff.
Steve Morrison: Tuff’s still waiting to make his entry into the match and he has to be frustrated at the double-team.
David exits the ring at Rhod Williams’ urging, Ricardo whips Close into the corner and charges in…CLOSE RAISES A BOOT INTO HIS FACE THAT STAGGERS THE GOON…RUNNING DDT FROM CLOSE!!
Steve Morrison: Close is having to wrestle from his gut!
Cross Recoba: He needs to make the most of this. Either tag-out or follow up with something huge…
Close makes a cover…
ONE…
Ricardo kicks out with meaning.
Steve Morrison: An easy kickout for Ricardo.
Cross Recoba: The pin wasn’t the move there.
Close picks the Goon up and fires off a forearm to the head. He lifts up Dodo…Atomic Drop. Collins isn’t finished, he immediately snatches a headlock…Bulldog takes Ricardo into the Throw Show’s territory.
Tuff Collins: Let’s show them!
Steve Morrison: Close taking a page out of the Goons’ playbook and keeping his opponent in Throw Show territory.
Cross Recoba: Good one-two combo to get there too.
Close tags in his father as the Lansky Ballroom let out a huge roar of approval for the debuting patriarch of the Collins. Ricardo gets to his feet and immediately throws a huge overhand right to the head of Tuff but the elder statesman replies with one of his own. Ricardo ups the ante with a huge uppercut and a knee to the gut. He takes the arm of Tuff and sends him to the ropes and follows up with a charging knee on the Goons side of the ring. Doubled over, Tuff can’t stop Ricardo from scooping him onto his shoulder…RUNNING POWERSLAM!
Steve Morrison: Tuff getting cut off by Ricardo and there might well be a nagging doubt that tells him it’s a step-up too far.
Cross Recoba: If he thinks that, this match is over.
Ricardo makes the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
TUFF KICKS OUT!!
Steve Morrison: That powerslam must have knocked the wind out of him but he manages to escape the pin!
Ricardo keeps hold of the head of Tuff and pushes him into the Goons corner. He tags in David and two start to lay the boots into the midsection of the elder Collins. Looking over his shoulder, Ricardo spots Close entering the ring and taunts him. Close tries to intercept the double-team but Rhod Williams cuts him off for entering the ring. The Goons take full advantage, bringing Tuff to his feet. Ricardo uses the tag-rope to choke out the debuting Collins whilst David thrusts his shoulder into the midsection of Tuff to drop his body down and increase the choke.
Steve Morrison: COME ON, RHOD!
Cross Recoba: It’s good tag-team wrestling. Close was too quick and easy to be goaded into the ring.
Close begrudgingly leaves the ring. David Goon brings Tuff out from the corner and nails a picture-perfect Full Nelson Suplex! He bridges…
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
CLOSE SAVES THE DAY!!
Steve Morrison: David Goon with a beautiful suplex and unlucky not to get the pin with that!
David sends Tuff to the ropes and leapfrogs over him. The Veteran comes off the ropes and beats David to the punch with a clothesline! Ricardo enters the ring but Tuff cuts him off with a kick to the midsection…TWISTING VERTICAL SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: Tuff’s found his rhythm!
The elder Goon tries to ambush Tuff but a series of hooked forearms buy Tuff space…GOURDBUSTER!!
Cross Recoba: He needs to get out the ring now though, he’s created the chance…
Close can be seen in the background calling out for the tag. Tuff makes his way to tag in his son…CLOSE ENTERS THE RING!!
Steve Morrison: Just listen to the crowd roar in anticipation!
Cross Recoba: He’s chomping at the bit to turn this match around!
The younger Collins’ blocks a punch from David Goon and answers with his own, T-BONE SUPLEX!!!
Crowd: LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE!
Feeding off the crowd, the Nebraskan Native pulls David to his feet. PUMPHANDLE SUPLEX WITH A BRIDGE!!
ONE…
TWO…
RICARDO BREAKS UP THE PIN!!!
Steve Morrison: Close took David to the Suplex Factory!
Cross Recoba: But as long as a Goon can break up a pin, the Throw Show aren’t getting the win!
Tuff rushes into the ring and takes Ricardo down with a Meathook clothesline that sends both men over the top-rope to the floor!
Steve Morrison: Tuff not waiting for an invitation as the two men spill to ringside and I’m just hoping they don’t come our way!
David gets to his feet but Close is there to cut him off with a front-facelock that leaves an arm free to get some dirty boxing in. Staggering back, the Goon ducks out the way of a short-arm clothesline and throws one of his own, IT’S CAUGHT…HEAD AND ARM SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: TUFFPLEX!!
Cross Recoba: No bridge this time though…
Crowd: HIT THE LAST CALL! HIT THE LAST CALL! HIT THE LAST CALL!
Steve Morrison: The crowd know what’s coming…
Close lifts up David, KATA HA JIME!!!
Steve Morrison: LAST CALL!!
Cross Recoba: This could be over in a second.
Steve Morrison: He’s got it locked in already!
Rhod Williams is checking to see if David Goon is still conscious. The Goon brother tells the match official that he’s fine. Close locks the hold in deeper.
Steve Morrison: David Goon has seconds to turn this around…
Sliding into the ring, Ricardo Goon BREAKS UP THE HOLD!!
Cross Recoba: And a partner who won’t let him go out like that!
Grabbing Close by the hair, Ricardo throws Close into the corner and starts to put the boots into him. Rhod Williams tries to intervene but the Goon has a hold of the top rope either side of the turnbuckle.
Steve Morrison: GET HIM OUT THE RING, RHOD! HE’S NOT THE LEGAL MAN!
TUFF CLUBS RICARDO IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD….BRAINBUSTER SPIKES THE GOON ON TOP OF HIS HEAD!!
Cross Recoba: The cavalry came to the rescue!
David Goon is up to a knee. Close comes behind him…RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: HUGE MOVE!
The elder Collins drags him up…RELEASE OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY…CLOSE CATCHES HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS…FALLING POWERBOMB!!
Steve Morrison: AN ENORMOUS DOUBLE-TEAM MOVE!!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Rhod Williams calls for the bell!
Laura Messier: Your winners of the match, Close and Tuff Collins…THE THROW SHOW!!
The crowd cheers as Williams lifts the arms of the Collins’. It’s clear to see on Tuff’s face that this might be the crowning moment of his career.
Steve Morrison: It might have been a rocky start but The Throw Show picks up a great win against The Goons!
Cross Recoba: The Goons were unlucky, they showed cohesion and drive but whatever Close and Tuff call that move, it’s likely to be a match-ender everytime they hit it!
Steve Morrison: Tuff’s debut on the International scene kicks off with a win and proof that they just might be Tap Out’s best hope of winning the XHF Tag Team titles when they come to Vegas in August!
Marty Donovan (VO): Time to welcome the new guy. Cross Recoba, I became your biggest fan this week. You did the right thing by ejecting Zoran and his snot-nosed kid from
the TAPOUT audience. That Serbian stabber has no place in our great sport. I think you can make a huge splash here in the West Coast title picture. How fitting would it be for a Las Vegas casino king to win that belt? As long as you work hard and stay in your midcarder lane then you’ll be fine.
Fiona Gabriel (VO): Fiona Gabriel, Headlines and Headlocks. Do you feel that a showdown between you and Cross Recoba is inevitable? He implied as much earlier.
Marty Donovan (VO): Look, I like Cross. He’s technically paying for my cruise with that generous “Move of the Night” bonus from Tap Out 9. By the way, I’m the only guest to ever win that. Let’s be real though. He’s a promoter that likes to play wrestler from time to time. Syberus’ weekend warrior equivalent. Recoba failed to get the W against Tuxedo fucking Mask. He is not even on my radar.
Marty Donovan (VO): nobody is going to spend 50 bucks to watch Cross Recoba stumble through some rest holds.
Marty Donovan (VO): Do yourself a favor, Cross…take Mickey’s money and we can work together EVERYDAY! I’ll even sweeten the deal, I know the Alien crew and after Dakota, don’t you deserve a Queen?
Marty Donovan (VO): First, thank you for joining Hardkore World. Most wrestlers would be too jealous or worried about their spot to say that. Not me. I see the value you bring to the company. Now house shows can have two main events and an intermission. You can pretend you're a real star and I'll be able to make it back to the hotel before they stop offering room service. It is a win-win!
The music fades into:
Cross Recoba (VO): The other? Watts can feel like he’s part of something important when I make him tap out and go on to topple Marty Donovan as the HKW World Heavyweight Champion.
Cross Recoba (VO): In five years, Jason Long has made more of an impact than Marty has in triple that time! You know, if it wasn’t for the fact that Long’s a busy man - I’d have sent him here next month in my place as a Christmas present to you all. You could see how one of my top stars eclipses every single competitor in tonight’s main-event!
Cross Recoba (VO): The funny thing is, Champ, that I’ve always noticed the nods, the digs, the niggles that you point my way and, mostly, they’ve always been welcome but let's not kid ourselves - you’re not doing this out of the kindness of your heart and I’m not going into this match with any other design than walking out with that HKW World title.
Cross Recoba (VO): I’m going to make you famous!
PALM SPRINGS PUNISHMENT 2023
Hardkore World Heavyweight Championship
Disney’s Marty Donovan vs. Cross Recoba
Add to Planner
HALF-TIME SHOW
Light slowly blooms into view of what seems to be… a toy wrestling ring.
Along the lengths is the XHF Network logo.
Along the widths, two words:
The Rumble
An old projector begins to whirl to life out of view… before showing its images on the canvas below. Highlights from the years gone by begin to play out, with their years time stamped on the bottom of the projection, and a brief screen of static to separate them out.
2002
“My GOD! Rage has won the BDDWF Rumble!”
“Rage gets his title shot!”
2003
“Destruction is dead!”
“And Scorpion is in the main event of NOC II!!!”
2004
“Destruction has done it! Destruction has climbed to the top of the XHF mountain once again!”
2005
“What the hell?
“It looks like we've got two Rumble winners! Hardcore Harry and Gravedigger will challenge for the XHF Championship at Night of Champions IV?!?”
2006
“SPIKE’S DONE IT! SPIKES DONE IT! SPIKES GOING TO THE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS!”
2007
“Reckless Jack is going to Night of Champions!”
“With a tainted victory may it be, Jack got it done!”
2008
“Mongo did it! Mongo wins his first Rumble!”
A large amount of static takes over the screen as the years 2009 to 2017 quickly fly by.
2018
“The winner of the XHF Rumble and STILL XCrown Champion is Rob Arnold!”
2019
“The winner of the XHF Rumble and NEW XCrown Champion is Seth Dillenger!”
2020
“That’s it! It’s over!”
“Caffrey’s done it! Caffrey’s done it!”
2021
“FOR THE SECOND TIME IN HIS CAREER, DYLAN BLACK HOLDS UP THE X*CROWN!”
2022
“Oh … we are in the darkest timeline.”
“What a dark day for XHF. Zoran is back on top.”
The final image shows Zoran holding up the XCrown championship to a chorus of boos as the 2022 Rumble, and the projections themselves, slowly come to a close. However, the light from the projector stays on… as it’s pulled up further from the toy ring. The light spreads outwards from its original canvas focus to show… more toys.
Aiden Merric: What kind of bloody question is that? Aiden Merric is in the rumble to claim the greatest trophy of them all. Ain't nobody going to toss me over the ropes this time, that Crown is as good as mine.
Figurines of XHF, past and present, scattered about like corpses on the outside of the ring. Hardcore Harry, Kanyon, Goldbear, and Dreadvan all lie motionless.
Random McConalogue: I'm on a bit of a roll... so it's gonnae get dicey for everyone else...
Light continues to spread out as the toys reach over hundreds… potentially upwards of a thousand…
Voiceover: They all tried their best… but only one can win the Rumble
A pair of white gloved hands reach out into the sea of figures before pulling out a couple.
Wildcat Capone: WHY am I entering the rumble? I'm glad you asked. The Rumble is my only chance to fight guys like Dylan Black, Like Marty Donovan. Ive been itching for a rematch, like Bloodied Fox, like one of my bosses Cross Recoba. This is my first chance to see if I can hang with the big boys. And this cat will show the world just how well he hangs!
A pained laugh is heard from above as the gloved hand places down the last wrestler before retreating. In its place, a new gloved hand appears.
Instead of a white glove, though, there’s a picture on the back of the hand.
A picture of a stone mask, laughing.
The gloved hand slips over the ropes and ‘stands’ in the middle of the ring by its index and ring figure.
Voiceover: So much potential this year. But, do you want to know why I’m joining the Rumble?
The hand begins to walk around the ring methodically…
Voiceover: Because why not?
A finger curls… and kicks Dylan Black off the ropes.
Voiceover: You never know who is going to make an impact… cause an upset…
Jack Diamond: One championship is nice but twenty-three is better. In Twenty-Twenty-Three, I will become the third three-time X*Crown Champion!
Another ‘kick’ sends Donzig over the turnbuckles.
Voiceover: If I’m going to come back, might as well come back swinging for the fences.”
And, with one more kick, the ring is empty. Only the gloved hand remains… as it turns itself over, palm up… as if offering you, the viewer, a hand to grab onto. In the palm itself, it reads
The Thespian.
Thespian:... I’m sure the Network’s missed me by now.”
The hand closes, and the projector light cuts out to black.
Laura Messier: WELCOME BACK! Our next contest is set for one fall!
Nisi per dolorem potest salvari... The lights go pitch back as the eerie bells and words fill the arena. Each time the choir sings, red spotlights blaze down, revealing Poena standing at the top of the ramp, a black silhouette with his arms raised out to the sides with his palms and face up to the heavens.
Steve Morrison: Back after a suspension and, like I said earlier, I don’t think it’s taught him anything more than how to be more sadistic!
Cross Recoba: One thing that definitely hasn’t changed is his belief that his Savior is the answer to curing anyone he sees that needs to be saved…which is everybody!
As the music picks up the red spotlights stay on him as he lowers his arms and walks toward the ring holding his twisted rosary in his hands as if praying as he walks down the ramp, his crazed smile breaking out into an even crazier grin as he does.
Steve Morrison: He’s latched onto Sawyer and they need to be careful tonight that Poena doesn’t try and leave a lasting souvenir like he has for so many of his opponents.
Cross Recoba: He’s going to have half an eye on the Main Event and we know that. That’s why I’ve posted Security outside his dressing room after this match. Given half a chance, he’ll make his presence known in our title match.
He rolls into the ring as the spotlights turn to brightest white, going to his knees in the same pose he held on the ramp with the rosary clenched in his right hand, whispering a silent prayer to himself and yelling “REPENT!” to the heavens before smirking at the crowd and getting up to his feet.
Steve Morrison: As always, fervent and wild-eyed, do you think he sees Sawyer as a threat?
Cross Recoba: He’ll treat them as a curiosity but then he’s already taken the family angle with them, he must know that’s only going to ignite the powder keg that is Sam Sawyer!
The arena lights dim as a synth bassline begins to play, the foggy neon on the tron becoming the main source of light. The tension in the song starts to pick up, and upon reaching the climax, the first verse begins and the arena lights flash briefly before returning to a dim glow, now with the same neon colors as the tron.
Steve Morrison: Another clear favorite of the Lansky Ballroom but tonight they fight not just for victory but to prove a point!
Cross Recoba: Sam’s got to be careful, a win for them tonight plants them firmly on the radar of Poena and we know he doesn’t let go easily!
The fans cheer when Sam Sawyer walks out onto the stage, their face calm and focused. On their way down they slap the hand of every fan who offers, with a faint smile of gratitude.
Steve Morrison: I heard reports that before Poena started playing mind games, there was dissent in their training camp.
Cross Recoba: Some adjustments have been made but I saw Sawyer arrive and look nothing but focused.
They climb the steps and enter the ring, now focused entirely on the match ahead.
Steve Morrison: Last month, Merric and this month, Poena. Just how close will Sawyer be if they win tonight to competing for the Openweight title?
Cross Recoba: A win tonight for them would be a huge step towards either a rematch with Jack or a shot against Tommy but they have to know that to get to that point, Poena’s going to make them pay. Can they rise above that constant threat?
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST… From the Ninth Deep...Standing at six-feet even and weighing a hundred-and-ninety pounds...The Sanctified One....POENA!!!!!!
Laura looks constantly over her shoulder to ensure she’s out of striking distance of Poena.
Laura Messier: AND HIS OPPONENT! They hail from Houston, Texas. Tipping the scales at one-hundred-and-sixty pounds...standing at five feet and six inches....SAM...SAWYER!!
Sawyer raises an arm to the crowd but their eyes never leave the furtive and unhinged figure of Poena.
SINGLES MATCH
Poena (#3) vs Sam Sawyer (#5)
There is no waiting around to start the match. Sam Sawyer and Poena close the gap near instantly, getting within each other’s striking range as quickly as possible. Sawyer fires off a stiff forearm to Poena’s jaw, snapping back the Angel of Death’s head with the slight upward motion of the strike from the shorter Texan. Poena takes a serpentine weave backwards to let him get full extension and a little turn into a sharp kick with his instep into Sawyer’s shoulder. Sam plants their back foot a half step further forward and snaps off a lightning quick front leg kick into Poena’s gut. The Sanctified One reels forward but uses the momentum in his favour, powering a palm heel strike into Sawyer’s face. Sam looks perturbed for a brief second before yelling…
Sam Sawyer: GET FUCKED!
Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!
...and unloading a MAHOOSIVE slap onto the side of Poena’s face!
Steve Morrison: WHAT A SLAP!
Cross Recoba: Can someone get the sound engineer? I think that might have popped one or two of our microphones.
Sawyer just starts teeing off. That slap out of nowhere clearly rang Poena’s bell a little and Sam follows up with a thigh-high roundhouse kick with their right boot, quickly mirrored with one with their left. Sawyer changes stances with a fluidity and light footedness that makes every single strike of the sequences just chain beautifully into the next as they hit a right then left roundhouse to the ribs. Finally, Sam rocks back onto the balls of their feet and ducks their shoulders down for the briefest of seconds before flashing a lethal looking head kick that just flattens Ponea with as loud a cracking sound as the collision of flesh and bone can offer. Sawyer covers…
ONE!
TWO!
TH.. Poena kicks out.
Crowd: LET’S GO SAW-YER! LET’S GO SAW-YER!
Steve Morrison: Sam Sawyer is so precise with their strikes. It’s brutally poetic.
Cross Recoba: I’ve been peppered by some of the greatest trained strikers this sport has to offer. Let me tell you, it’s never a nice feeling.
Looking to follow up quickly, Sawyer climbs to their feet, hauling Poena up with them. Sam locks in a tight side headlock and tries to snap off a rapid DDT but The Sanctified One slides his right leg behind Sawyer’s to block the move. Sawyer attempts to shuffle their feet, altering the attack angle but Poena drives forward and flings his head backwards, launching Sawyer backwards in something resembling a halfway house between a backdrop and a release Northern Lights Suplex. Poena wipes his hand through his hair before starting his methodical attack.
Steve Morrison: What a reversal from Poena.
Cross Recoba: It’s all about knowing where and when to switch momentum. You can expend too much effort escaping when a counter is difficult. Pick your spots.
Poena backs away slowly, his flexible body swaying with his loose movements. Sawyer gets up to a seated position as Poena turns to face the ropes, sticks out an elbow and jumps blind, powering that elbow into Sam Sawyer’s spine and ensuring a safe landing on his back. Swyer scowls, clutching their back in pain as Poena rolls up to his feet and lays in a pair of pointed boot kicks into the back, lower down this time. The Architect of Misery backs off to admire his handiwork, never averting his gaze from Sam Sawyer’s back.
Steve Morrison: Well, it looks like Poena has his target set.
Cross Recoba: You get the feeling with Poena it’s all instinctual rather than planned. But whichever way it is…trust me, it’is painful.
With a manic glee in his facial expression and Sawyer’s arm in his grip, Poena stands again. Poena hurls Sawyer across the ring and the Tex-Mex Shooter’s back crashes into the branded padding and the metal it so poorly guards. Poena backs into the opposite corner and rushes across the widest diagonal, driving his shoulder into Sam Sawyer’s bread basket. Poena rolls out of the ring, grinning madly into a ringside camera as Sawyer just slides down the turnbuckles in pain. The referee starts a count on Poena but he calmly (for him) walks over to where Sawyer is seated, reaches in and grabs both legs, dead fish dropping Sawyer to mat level. Now Poena releases one arm from the legs and wraps it round Sawyer’s head instead, pulling back with both arms, wrapping them around the ring post, stretching their back against the steel.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIV… Poena releases the illegal hold and rolls back into the ring.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Steve Morrison: You can’t do that! You can’t use a ring post to aid a hold!
Cross Recoba: You can… for four and nine tenths of a second.
Poena climbs the turnbuckles and sits on the corner, focusing on Sawyer as they crawl out of the corner. Waiting patiently, The Dark Messiah lets Sawyer get up to their knees before diving off with a double foot stomp to Sawyer’s back before reshaping his flexible body in mid air and falling backwards into a senton onto the now prone Sawyer. Poena flips Sawyer over and stays in a back press.
ONE!
TWO!
TH… Sawyer kicks out.
Steve Morrison: Double Stomp into a senton!
Cross Recoba: Coup de Disgrâce, maybe?
After quickly standing again, Poena slowly circles Sam Sawyer, first flipping them back onto their stomach then firing in a sharp stomp to the base of the spine with each sidestep. Step, stomp. Step, stomp. Step, stomp. It’s as if he’s trying to find if not the perfect angle to drive his boot down then at least the best four or five. Finally, satisfied with his handiwork, Poena reaches down and grabs one of Sawyer’s ankles and loops it under his arm, applying a Half Boston Crab before adjusting his position so his knee is right in the small of the back once again.
Steve Morrison: Half Crab from Poena and he’s well in control here.
Cross Recoba: That’s a high-angle half-crab. It’s a move designed to work on the back far more than on the legs.
Steve Morrison: And you would be the expert on high-angle crabs.
Cross Recoba: Not to be too boastful, but I’m pretty handy with the double-leg version of the move.
The Sanctified One tries to reposition to increase the torque on Sawyer’s spine. Sawyer grits their teeth, fighting their way through the pain and suffering and with just an inch of wiggle room as Poena moves, the Houston resident slips free enough to grab the bottom rope…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIV… Poena relinquishes the hold.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Clearly annoyed by being asked to slow down the violence, The Pain Producer flashes the ref an evil glare before hauling the deeply pained Sam Sawyer to their feet again, sticking a knee forward as he locks in an inverted facelock and dropping down, crashing Sawyer’s back into his knee. Poena covers…
ONE!
TWO!
TH… Sawyer kicks out.
Crowd: LET’S GO SAW-YER! LET’S GO SAW-YER!
Practically spitting pure venom, Poena stands over Sam Sawyer and grabs both legs. He lifts them up, hoisting the Texan’s body so it’s draped over his shoulders. The Sanctified One starts to turn, looking to get more ring space AFTER hitting the move he has planned…
Steve Morrison: HIS WILL!
...BUT DRAWING FROM SOME UNHOLY RESERVE OF STRENGTH, SAWYER FLIPS FORWARD, LEVERING POENA DOWN TO THE MAT WHILE PASSING UNDERNEATH HIM MID MOVE!
Steve Morrison: NO! CODE RED!
ONE!
TWO!
THR… POENA KICKS OUT!
Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!
Steve Morrison: CODE RED! WHAT A COUNTER!
Cross Recoba: That was almost the most dramatic turn of fortunes.
Sam Sawyer sees a sliver of a chance. They aren’t as fast as Poena to get up but as The Devilish Discomfort Dispensary swings a massive roundhouse kick towards Sawyer’s back, Sam wheels out of the way, closes her fist and catches Poena in the face with a monster backfist! Blinded with a temporary rage, Poena steps in, looking to grab a hold and Sawyer steps through, locks in a Full Nelson and snaps their opponent over with a beautiful Dragon Suplex!
ONE!
T… Sawyer’s bridge collapses nearly instantly.
Steve Morrison: Sam Sawyer is going to have to find a way to pin Poena without using her back muscles.
Cross Recoba: It’s a good job a lateral press doesn’t strain you like a back bridge.
Clutching their back, Sawyer stands and fires off a few stiff leg kicks to Poena as The Dark Messiah gets back up. Sam keeps Poena off balance with rapid strikes. The strain in their voice comes across as the yell comes out a lot quieter than it did at the beginning of the match…
Sam Sawyer: GET FUCKED!
Crowd: GET FUCKED POE-NA! GET FUCKED POE-NA!
BUT SAWYER LIGHTS UP THE SIDE OF POENA’S FACE WITH A HUGE DISORIENTING SLAP! The Texan quickly steps in and slides a leg behind a wobbly Poena’s foot before taking him down with a sharply delivered O-Soto-Gari…
Steve Morrison: THIS CORROSION!
Cross Recoba: Hey now!
Looking up to the corner, Sawyer makes their way across the ring. Slowly climbing the turnbuckles, Sawyer prepares themselves for the final blow. Sawyer pauses for a second before BACKFLIPPING ARTFULLY OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE…
AND SPLATTING ON THE MAT AS POENA HAD MOVED!
Steve Morrison: SAWYERSAULT MISSES!
Poena stands up, grinning like a madman, all his plans, all his hard work having paid off. He lifts up Sawyer and cradles a leg before lifting the smaller competitor up and crossing the legs. The Dark Messiah holds them up for four, five seconds letting all the blood rush to their head before sliding a knee out and DROPPING SAWYER OVER THAT KNEE SPINE FIRST WITH AUTHORITY
Steve Morrison: ANATHEMA! ANATHEMA!
Poena covers…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Laura Messier: YOUR WINNER OF THE MATCH VIA PINFALL, THE TERROR OF THE NINTH DEEP…..POENNAAAAAAA!!!
Steve Morrison: With all the pain Poena inflicted on Sam Sawyer’s back, it’s Anathema that proved the difference.
Cross Recoba: But you have to admire Sawyer’s tenacity. A lesser athlete would have given up and gone home a while ago.
Steve Morrison: Poena’s path of broken bones continues. And Tapout should be very, very afraid.
Laura Messier: IT’S TIME FOR OUR CO-MAIN EVENT!
The crowd noise increases at the announcement.
There’s a moment of silence inside of the arena as the crowd awaits for the next match, but then the lights inside of the arena dim to darkness and the crowd sit in silence, but then they hear the words speaking through the P.A. System and that signals for them to begin booing upon knowing who it might be:
“TAKE ALL MY MONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY, HONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY AND BLOW (BLOW, BLOW)”
The crowd inside of the building began to cheer loudly as the vocals of “Blow” begin to play through the speakers, the lights beginning to spiral around the arena before bringing them all around onto the stage where The Last Breathing Mercenary steps through the curtain, a large grin along his face as he stops at the top of the ramp and looks around the arena. The camera pans closer toward the man as he began his slow walk down to the ring, soaking in every second that the crowd show their love for Long.
Steve Morrison: There he is…The Man Who Should Be King!
Cross Recoba: Long’s had a rough start to 2023 but we’ve seen this before. Look how he responded to the loss against Close Collins. He went on a winning streak that lasted two-thirds of a year!
Long finds himself at ringside, taking a moment to stand there and take a deep breath before turning to walk over to the steps and head up along them to get onto the ring apron. From there, he brushes his feet along the apron, removing his ring jacket and steps through the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Long coming off the heartbreak of a loss to Diamond at Supremacy and at the last GUNS show against Dylan Black is going to have a point to prove tonight!
Cross Recoba: He’s got a stern test tonight but then we’ve seen Long take down Diamond, we’ve seen him put away soon-to-be former HKW Heavyweight Champion, Marty Donovan and he thrives on people counting him out!
Long heads into the furthest corner and steps onto the second ropes, keeping himself up high as he looks out through the crowd– which only brings a large smile along his face, slightly laughing at the crowd, before leaping off of the apron and staying within the corner to prepare himself for the match.
Steve Morrison: Can the Best Bout Machine do it again tonight?
Cross Recoba: He’ll give the fans a show no matter what the result ends up!
The stage lights fade to eerie teal green as "Five Ten Fiftyfold" begins
Wheezing and sneezing,
Tenfold it blew apart,
It halved it in half,
And went gushing gust wind
Steve Morrison: Undefeated and still unable to be worked out inside the ring. Random has made waves since she arrived at the end of last year!
Cross Recoba: Never backing down from a new challenge, she’s taken down Spike, she put in a hell of a shift at the last Wrestle: UK show and next month she’ll find out how she stacks up against the larger XHF Network in the Rumble!
The lights reach their fullbgloom as the bass gliiiides, the drums hit and Random McConalogue appears, a large towel tied to her wrist, swaying as she walks.
Steve Morrison: Is she committing to too much?
Cross Recoba: Hardly, her time fighting her way around Europe shows someone willing to put themselves to the test each and every time she enters that ring!
Serene and calm, she casually strolls, shoulders lightly oscillating in a slow sync.
Steve Morrison: Can she work that armbar like she did against Spike?
Cross Recoba: That’s what makes her so dangerous, I don’t think she’ll go back to the same well so soon and why would she? For every opponent she seems to have a new way to get her arm raised once the final bell chimes!
Her body is calm and relaxed, like a moonlight walk in the park, but her gaze is fixed, staring at the empty ring/her opposition1 with snake eyes. She's never in a hurry, she doesn't need to be.
Laura Messier: Introducing first! Wrestling out of Wexford Town, County Wexford, Ireland and weighing in tonight at one hundred and ninety-five pounds… HE IS THE LAST BREATHING MERCENARY… THE KING OF WRESTLING… THIS IS JAAAAAASSSOONNNNNNNNNNN LOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!!!!
Long stares across the ring at Random, Unblinking, his concentration unbroken, he waits for the bell to sound to start this war.
Laura Messier: AND HIS OPPONENT! Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. They made weight at one-hundred-and-thirty-six pounds and stand five-feet nine tall. RANDOM.....MCCONALOGUE!!!
Random uses the top rope to stretch out her legs as she bounces.
CO-MAIN EVENT
SINGLES MATCH
Jason Long (#2) vs Random McConalogue (#9)
The Best Bout Machine and La Fille des Dés close the distance between them, slowly gauging range. Long flashes a roundhouse kick through the arena’s atmosphere, forcing Random to sharply hop backwards. McConalogue slips through and inside, connecting with a European Uppercut that barely lands as Long rolls with the blow to lessen its impact. The Irishman ducks in and fires off a shoutei uppercut, looking to drive the palm of his hand into McConaloge’s chin but Random wheels to a side and snatches Long’s arm out of the air, whipping him down to the mat with an arm drag. Long rolls through and back to his feet and the pair square off again.
Steve Morrison: This is some tight wrestling from both these competitors.
Cross Recoba: Random won’t let you get space. Long needs space to work in. So it’s sound strategy from the Scot.
Closing quickly, Random goes for Long’s arm again, probably looking for another snap arm drag but it’s The Catalyst who is prepared and he plants a foot and do-si-do counters, Irish whipping Mostly Harmless into the ropes. Random shapes to drop low into a Rugby Tackle but Long goes high, looking to knee Random in the face but instead sailing over her. Now both sides are in motion and hit the ropes in stereo on opposite sides. They meet in the middle again, Random nailing another arm drag which Jason rolls through on. Long steps in with an arm drag of his own and Random rolls through on THAT. Both square off again, a little nod of respect shared by both wrestlers. Despite the action in the ring, much of the crowd on the hard camera side is focused elsewhere. The fans' heads are turned, watching something off screen.
Steve Morrison: There seems to be some kind of distraction outside of the ring right now.
Cross Recoba: It's a shame that the fans are missing a great match. Why, to see some drunken idiot make a fool of themselves?
Into frame walks Disney's Marty Donovan wearing his trademark dalmatian fur coat and rhinestone sunglasses with Mickey ears above each lens. The Hardkore World Champion has a cocky grin on his face as he saunters through the audience.
Cross Recoba: I stand corrected, a sober idiot.
Steve Morrison: Do you want me to acknowledge this?
Cross Recoba: By all means.
Steve Morrison: The Hardkore World champion, Disney's Marty Donovan, making a surprise appearance in the crowd. No doubt he’s trying to get under the skin of the Number One Contender, the man sitting next to me on commentary, Cross Recoba.
Marty takes a seat in the front on the hard camera side, clearly picked so he could create as big of a distraction as possible. Donovan opens his fur coat to reveal the rose pink belt strapped around his waist and points to Recoba.
Cross Recoba: He's just giving the championship a tour of its new home arena.
Marty puts on a Jackalope foam finger and begins to ironically cheer for the match. Nearby fans are already swarming Marty for pictures and autographs.
Steve Morrison: Apparently Donovan is a huge fan of Kid Cryptid.
Cross Recoba: That must be from the box of merchandise he swiped last time. Enough of this.
Cross stands up and removes his headphones. The crowd buzzes with excitement as Recoba heads towards Donovan. Marty takes off the shades and fur coat, ready for things to break down.
Steve Morrison: It looks like the fans are getting a preview of Palm Spring Punishment for free.
At the last moment, Cross hesitates and motions for assistance. A wave of arena security guards head towards the Hardkore World champion and demand he leave.
Steve Morrison: I spoke too soon.
Marty is furious. He screams at Recoba as security escort him out. Cross pantomimes the title around his waist.
Marty Donovan: I'm in your home! Quit hiding! Zoran walked into my home and I killed him! You're a coward! Coward Recoba!
Cross Recoba: Walk away, Walt. Don't worry about changing out the strap, I'm Sicilian, we were the men who told you it was okay to wear pink.
Back in the ring and the cagey movement of Random and Jason continues. Long makes a sudden, jerky step in, looking to catch McConalogue out as he holds a distinct speed advantage over the more considered, careful Armbar Enthusiast. Long lights up the Scot’s chest with a couple of angled round kicks and as Random turns in, The Catalyst hits a solid double palm strike to the chest, doubling Random up before stuffing her into a standing head scissors. Long effortlessly lifts her up onto his shoulders before driving her down into the mat with a stiff sitout powerbomb. Long stays down to cover…
ONE!
TWO!
T… Random raises a shoulder.
Steve Morrison: Jason Long with the big Liger Bomb.
Cross Recoba: Long certainly has the advantage in power moves. And it’s one he’s not particularly used to, having fought from a size disadvantage for a lot of his career.
Long jumps to his feet and pumps his fists, to a pop from the crowd. He lests Random stand as he backs off to the ropes, charging in on Random as she regains her vertical base and stunning her with a huge knee lift. The Catalyst keeps his momentum going and hits the far ropes, timing his return just to catch Random turning in and this time hitting a huge bicycle knee!
Steve Morrison: KING SLAYER!
Long stays down to cover…
ONE!
TWO!
TH.. Random slips out to a side.
Steve Morrison: So close for Long! He’s really beginning to feel it!
Cross Recoba: Random McConalogue usually likes to smother her opponent with her precision mat based wrestling. And Jason Long, a man who went all the way to the grand final in our title tournament, is a hard man to smother.
Now with the adrenaline flowing freely, The Catalyst backs away one last time. Heading up to full speed, Long rushes past Random as she attempts to stand, hits the far ropes, runs back past Mostly Armbars again, hits the near ropes and REBOUNDS INTO A FULL SPEED, FULL MOMENTUM LAAAAAAAAAARIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAATOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Steve Morrison: BLADE RUNNER! BLADE RUNNER!
Long makes the throat slash gesture and leans forwards, lifting Random upinto a Fireman’s Carry…
Steve Morrison: BURNING SKY!
...and begins to swing Random’s legs out for his devestating modified Death Valley Driver… but Random slips out and behind Long’s back. As quick as a flash, McConalgue hooks in a far-side Half Nelson and rolls forward, sweeping Long’s legs out and using her control of the neck to twist Long around, forcing his head forwards and clearing the path for Long’s shoulders to touch the mat!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!
Long looks… STUNNED. Random rolls away, grinning to herself as the crowd try to process what has happened.
Laura Messier: The winner of this match, as a result of pinfall, RANDOMMMM...McCONALOGUE!!!!
Steve Morrison: What was that?
Cross Recoba: Half Nelson Forward Russian Legsweep Rolling Cradle. I think.
Steve Morrison: Did Random just pin another Network legend?
Cross Recoba: In a flash. Out of nowhere. Random McConalogue is the ultimate wild card. You cannot lose focus for a second against her. And she’s not going to stop beating people until the whole locker room learns this.
Laura Messier: IT’S TIME FOR OUR MAIN-EVENT FOR THE TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT TITLE!!
The crowd loudly roar.
The lights go down and the sound of people cheering starts to play. Spotlights come up in pairs, focused on the stage until 'Like A Rockstar' starts to play as fog covers the stage and strobing purple lights play along with the song. Slowly a platform rises from the center of the stage, revealing a figure in an elaborate velvet robe, with "Tommy Strychnine" signed on the back in flickering LEDs.
Steve Morrison: Tommy looks ready for a war!
Cross Recoba: This is it, Strychnine knows that he’s got to prove the doubters wrong tonight.
Tommy spins around when the lyrics start and shrugs off the robe, lip-synching along to the song and imitating playing guitar as he makes his way down the ramp, stopping to take selfies and give high fives to fans along the way.
Steve Morrison: His form and record have been picked up by pundits and fans alike as undeserving of the position he finds himself in tonight.
Cross Recoba: And knowing Tommy, that’s what will have been on his mind in every training session, every sparring session he’s had in preparation for tonight!
When he gets to the ring, he poses on the turnbuckle with his guitar, pretending to play along with the song, before handing off the guitar to the ring crew and doing a flip off the turnbuckle into a powerslide as pyro goes off from the corners of the ring.
Steve Morrison: The showmanship is there but this seems like a more serious fighter than perhaps we saw last month.
Cross Recoba: In his mind he’s one Springboard V-Trigger away from taking that title away from Jack Diamond!
The house lights go out as the crowd begins to buzz.
Top, to the top, ain't never gonna stop
To the top, to the top, ain't never gonna stop
Pyro explodes as the chorus of "Legendary" by Skillet begins to play and the crowd erupts into cheers and chants begin to break out of "Icons" and "Diamond Club".
Jack Diamond emerges on the stage with a huge grin on his face, nodding his head to the beat of the music. He adjusts his leather jacket and soaks in the moment before opening it to show off the Tap Out Openweight title around his waist. He mouths the word "Legendary" and begins to make his way to the ring acknowledging the fans as only Jack Diamond can do.
Steve Morrison: Welcome to the first Tap Out Openweight Champion, fans!
Cross Recoba: And don’t they seem only too happy to welcome him!
As he gets to the ring, he climbs the stairs and walks the apron over to the far turnbuckle. He ascends the outside of the corner and plays to the crowd as more pyro goes off.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, legendary
Steve Morrison: Is there a risk that like the fans and pundits have decided, that Tommy’s beneath him?
Cross Recoba: Jack’s a professional and a veteran. Both of those things mean he’s seen upsets first-hand and from afar. The minute he thinks that an opponent is beneath him is the minute he loses that title.
Jack jumps down into the ring and heads to the center before throwing up the Diamond sign to loud cheers. He removes his leather jacket, handing it to the timekeeper before heading to his corner and stretching and preparing for the match.
Steve Morrison: Still yet to hand over the title to the timekeeper but Diamond seems amped up to remind the world just why he wears that belt!
Cross Recoba: He knows that his opponent will want that bell to ring more than he will and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is part of a mind-game in his gameplan!
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST…THE CHALLENGER! From Louisiana, New Orleans..Standing at five-feet and ten inches, weighing in at one-hundred-and-seventy-five pounds...He is the Rock 'em, Sock 'em Rocker....TOMMY...STRYCHNINE!!!
Tommy pays no attention to the surge of boos that welcomed his name. He leans back into the turnbuckle and stares right through the Champion.
Laura Messier: AND HIS OPPONENT! Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Cherokee, North Carolina. He made weight at one-hundred-and-ninety-five pounds...HE IS THE FIRST AND CURRENT TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION!THE ACE...OF SPADES!!! JACK.....DIAMOND!!!
Jack leaps to the turnbuckle as his name is called and undoes the title around his waist.
MAIN EVENT
TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Jack Diamond (#1) [C] vs Tommy Strychnine (#8)
With Laura Messier out of the ring, “Big” John Quinn first approaches the Tap Out Openweight Champion, Jack Diamond. The Icon passes the title to him with a slight pause, the straps folded inward.
Steve Morrison: You can see the pride with which he treats the title.
Cross Recoba: He knows that there were people telling him his time had passed him by, that his days of being the focal point, the figurehead of a promotion were beyond him but he proved at Supremacy that he’s still at the top of his game.
Taking the title into the center of the ring, Quinn holds it above his head to a cheer from the capacity crowd in the Lansky Ballroom before passing it to the timekeeper at ringside for safekeeping during the match.
Steve Morrison: Could that be the last time that Jack touches the belt for a while?
Cross Recoba: You can’t count out Tommy, I’ve seen people do that and I’ve never seen one of them have their arm raised after the match.
Quinn steps towards Tommy Strychnine. The match official’s body language tells us that he’s been firm with what he outlines to the Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Wrestler in what he expects from tonight’s main-event.
Steve Morrison: What an opportunity for the Rocker. Three years since his last title shot of any kind and perhaps his first-ever shot at a promotion’s top belt.
Cross Recoba: People point to the erratic form he’s always shown but, when the chips are down, I know which Tommy is going to turn up.
Strych nods, a slight smile still on his face as his eye contact remains locked in on the Openweight Champion.
Steve Morrison: He’ll be looking to land that Kiss Me Deadly Springboard V-Trigger and we’ve not seen anyone get up from that yet!
Cross Recoba: It’s pretty much a ‘Game Over’ move. We’ve seen people reverse it, people block it, but if it connects then that’s your lot.
Returning to Jack, Quinn again uses similar body language to get across his stance on how the match should be contested and what he won’t let slide.
Steve Morrison: We saw the lengths that Jack’s gone to win that title, can he keep hold of it tonight?
Cross Recoba: For the price he paid? You’d hope so. Just looking at him backstage, he knows what he lost to get that belt.
Diamond nods along, the man standing between him and his title being the object of his focus as Quinn talks is obvious.
Steve Morrison: We’re just moments from finding out the answers…
He calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
A huge roar of anticipation from the crowd fills the Lansky Ballroom.
Both men are quick to engage one another in the center of the ring. Diamond goes for a tie-up and quickly dives under the arm of Strych and into a hammerlock but the advantage is only momentary before Tommy uses his free arm to grab a headlock and takes the Champion to the mat but his own momentum is used against him as the Icon takes him over into a pin but Quinn drops to his feet after Tommy has readjusted his bodyweight.
Steve Morrison: Neither man getting an immediate advantage.
Cross Recoba: Jack’s accomplished on the mat and Tommy’s no slouch in that department either.
Diamond pushes the two men to their feet and uses the ropes to push Tommy off, Jack drops down and Tommy hits the ropes again. This time Jack shows off his athleticism with a standing leapfrog and connects with an arm-drag on the return. He keeps hold of the arm.
Steve Morrison: Could we be seeing Jack work the arm? We’ve seen how deadly Strych’s November Rainmaker can be.
Cross Recoba: I don’t think this match is going to be either man focusing on one body part, it’s target what you can and take every opportunity you can!
The Challenger knows where he wants to go as he gets back to his feet. He untwists the arm and leaps to the top-rope, sitting out into a backflip before leaping up…headscissor takedown!
Steve Morrison: Great agility shown from Tommy.
Getting to his feet, Jack intercepts the incoming Tommy with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip and keeps hold of the leg. He spins around it but Strych grabs his head on the way round with a small package…
O-
Diamond kicks out and dives around the back of his opponent with a schoolboy roll-up but he carries on to his feet and immediately grapevines the leg of Tommy.
Steve Morrison: Early attempt at that Aces Wild Figure-Four Leglock.
Showing he’s not a newbie inside the ring, Tommy instinctively reaches above his head and grabs a rope-break. Quinn starts the count…
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy had it scouted and was quick to make sure that no damage was going to come of the attempt.
Diamond lets the hold go and gets to his feet as Quinn backs him off. Tommy takes advantage and PEARL HARBORS DIAMOND WITH A RUSHING BACK ELBOW TO THE HEAD! The Challenger hits the ropes once more but his clothesline is ducked…DIAMOND USES THE HAIR OF THE ROCKER TO YANK HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS!!
Steve Morrison: Both men using the dark arts.
Cross Recoba: That’s an area that could be a stalemate. Tommy can fight dirty, countless barroom brawls from playing gigs in dive bars around the country’ll teach you. Jack though, he’s after my own heart with his interpretation of the rules.
With a face etched with indignant rage, Tommy gets to his feet but Jack cuts him off with a series of forearms that drive Strychnine against the ropes. A quick two-kick combo from the Champion finds the chest of the Challenger and is followed by a knife-edge chop.
Crowd: WOOOOOO!!!!!
Steve Morrison: So far both men look evenly matched…
Diamond grabs the arm of his opponent and sends him to the ropes with an Irish Whip…reversed….DIAMOND CONNECTS ON THE RETURN WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK!!!
Cross Recoba: Wicked rotation on the kick, he got all of that move!
Pushed on by the adrenaline, Tommy gets to his feet and throws a forearm but it’s blocked by the Champion whose body kicks send Strych reeling back into the turnbuckle. A flurry of forearms from the Diamond Lounge cause Tommy’s legs to buckle and that’s all the opportunity that Jack needs to climb to the second-turnbuckle and unleash a flurry of punches.
Steve Morrison: Jack playing to the crowd it seems.
Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX!...
TOMMY GRABS THE LEGS OF THE CHAMPION AND RUSHES FORWARD BEFORE GUILLOTINING HIS OPPONENT ON THE TOP ROPE!
Cross Recoba: Tommy had the answer though.
Steve Morrison: He knocked the wind right out of him!
The crowd, immediately silenced, now go back to a familiar favorite.
Crowd: FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Undeterred, the Challenger gives his opponent no respite. He reaches down and pulls Diamond’s hands from his throat before driving a boot into the windpipe of the Icon. Quinn warns Tommy but the Rocker pays no attention. He places his foot back on the throat of Diamond and uses the top-rope for added pressure.
Steve Morrison: Tommy knows that a win tonight would silence a LOT of his critics.
Cross Recoba: He’s a pitbull in title matches, he won’t stop until he physically can’t go any longer.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!
FOUR!!
Tommy relents and Quinn’s words fall once more on deaf ears as Strychnine pushes Jack out of the ring to the floor.
Steve Morrison: The match spills to the outside.
A close-up shows Jack still reaching for his throat as he takes in deep breaths of air.
ONE…
Diamond uses the barricade to start to get back up.
TWO…
Strych hits the ropes on the far-side of the ring…
THREE….
STRYCH CONNECTS WITH A SHOOTING STAR PLANCHA TO THE OUTSIDE!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Steve Morrison: WHAT. A. MOVE!
Cross Recoba: This match is only just starting….
“Big” John Quinn is forced to restart the count.
ONE…
Tommy picks himself and his opponent up. He hooks an arm over his shoulder.
TWO…
VERTICAL SUPLEX ONTO THE APRON!!!
Steve Morrison: Jack’s back bounces off the edge of the ring!
Cross Recoba: That is one area of the squared circle that has no give!
THREE…
The Rocker refuses to let Diamond have any recovery time and once more picks him up, this time pinning him against the apron. TOMMY DRIVES A SHOULDER INTO THE MIDSECTION OF HIS OPPONENT!!
Steve Morrison: He’s got the Champion trapped!
FOUR…
HE RAMS THE SHOULDER IN ONCE MORE AND ROLLS DIAMOND BACK INTO THE RING!
Cross Recoba: But he knows you can’t win titles on the outside.
FIVE…
Tommy stops the count as he gets to the apron.
Steve Morrison: What’s he planning?
Cross Recoba: Pick a number, Tommy’s shown his ability to use every part of the ring as a weapon…
Rising to his feet, Diamond sees Strych somersault over the top-rope…
Steve Morrison: NOVEMBER RAINMAK-
DIAMOND SAVES HIS MATCH WITH A SLINGBLADE!!!
The Champion meekly makes the cover with a draped arm…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: HE NEARLY GOT HIM WITH SNAKE EYES!
Cross Recoba: But he didn’t…
Crowd: LET’S GO DIAMOND! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO DIAMOND! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO DIAMOND! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Buoyed on by the crowd’s support, Diamond grabs the hair of Strychnine to lift him up to his feet. The Challenger responds with a European Uppercut that rocks the Ace of Spades. Tommy grabs his arm…SHORT-ARM JUMPING KNEE TO THE FACE CONNECTS AND HE FOLLOWS UP WITH A PELE KICK TO STAGGER JACK BACK INTO THE CORNER!
Steve Morrison: The champion is in danger as Tommy keeps on the assault!
Tommy dashes towards his opponent and THE HANDSPRING DROPKICK LANDS!!
Cross Recoba: He measured him beautifully with that!
Dropped to a seated position, Diamond is helpless to stop Strych connecting with the Cannonball Senton. The Rocker rolls him out from the corner and leaps to the top…REVERSE-FACING DIVING SENTON!!!
Steve Morrison: STAGE DIVE! WE COULD HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!!
He pins…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT FROM THE CHAMP!!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s still full of fight. We’ve seen him survive two absolute wars with Poena and to come back from a start of one pinfall down to win the title? It’ll take everything Tommy has to prise that belt from the Ace of Spades!
Stalking his opponent, Tommy waits for Jack to start to rise before hurtling towards the ropes…HE MISSES WITH AN AXE KICK…BACKDROP DRIVER FROM DIAMOND!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE REVERSAL!
The mood of the crowd changes with the move. Tommy scrambles to his feet but Jack is there. He feeds him a leg and follows round with an enziguri that has the challenger dazed….SHOTGUN DROPKICK SENDS TOMMY THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE ONCE MORE!
Steve Morrison: Now it’s Jack’s turn to send his opponent to ringside.
Quinn again starts the count.
ONE…
Diamond comes off the ropes on the far-side of the ring as Tommy gets up…
Cross Recoba: This could be huge…
TWO…
BASEBALL SLIDE HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMY JUST GOT FORCED INTO THE BARRICADE!!
The count resets.
ONE…
Jack gamely gets to his feet and once more grabs the hair of Tommy to lift him up, raising knees to the face of his opponent as he brings him back to a vertical base. The Openweight Champion continues his assault with a driven kick that audibly connects with the ribs of the Rocker. He follows it up with another knife-edge chop…
Crowd: WOOOO!!!!!
TWO…
Grabbing the arm of Strychnine, he WHIPS him into the ringside barricade.
Steve Morrison: ONCE MORE TOMMY FEELS THE IMMOVABLE IMPACT OF STEEL ON HIS BODY!
THREE…
Sprinting towards his opponent, Diamond leaps for a splash…NO-ONE’S HOME!!
Cross Recoba: NO-ONE HOME FOR THE DIAMOND SPLASH!
Steve Morrison: Tommy escapes out the backdoor at the last.
Cross Recoba: Jack knows he can’t lose the title on the outside but he’s no longer in control.
FOUR…
Strych uses the waistband of Jack to pull him back…SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX ON THE OUTSIDE!!
Steve Morrison: He landed right on his neck!
Cross Recoba: That move leaves no time for gravity to absorb any of the momentum!
FIVE…
The Rocker drags the Champion up and throws him under the bottom rope.
Steve Morrison: Could he finish it here and now?
Climbing onto the apron, Tommy spots the camera and flips off the audience watching on the XHF Network.
Steve Morrison: What a great example for the children watching at home!
STRYCH LEAPS TO THE TOP ROPE AND SPRINGBOARDS FORWARD LOOKING FOR THE KNEE…DIAMOND ROLLS FORWARD OUT OF THE IMPACT!!! STRYCH LANDS ON HIS FEET AND TURNS AROUND TO SEE DIAMOND BASEBALL SLIDE BETWEEN HIS LEGS…ICON KICK!!! HE HOOKS HIM FOR A STANDING STACKED DECK….STRYCH BLOCKS IT….GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!!!!
Steve Morrison: Jack going for that Cutter but finding no luck!
Cross Recoba: It’s the problem with being the champ, everyone knows your moves and prepares for them.
The Challenger drags the Champion out from the corner and hooks a leg…
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
DIAMOND WRENCHES A SHOULDER FROM THE MAT!!
Steve Morrison: HE’S NOT DONE YET!
TOMMY CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!
Cross Recoba: Strych better believe it, Quinn isn’t known to second-guess his decisions!
The Challenger forces Diamond to his feet and starts to bring in the barroom brawling that he picked up from his days on tour. A quick left-right combo peppers the ribs of Diamond, pushing him back and a European Uppercut staggers him back into the corner.
Steve Morrison: We’re seeing Tommy exhibit great ring control tonight.
Cross Recoba: Jack’s a danger wherever he is but if you can keep on top of him, control where he can go, it gives you a far better chance.
Strych switches to a more frenzied attack. He lifts a knee into the midsection of the trapped Icon and then swings his head forward and down to connect with a headbutt. Another combo of hooks to the body wind the Champion further. He caps the flurry off with a Rabbit Punch to the windpipe. Quinn pulls him away from his onslaught and starts to admonish him.
Steve Morrison: What a cheap shot from the challenger!
Cross Recoba: Tommy can’t afford to look back on this match if he loses and wonder ‘what if?’.
Diamond comes out from the corner holding his throat, clearly winded. Strych takes advantage and puts a Sleeper on him!
Steve Morrison: An already short on air Diamond finds himself in the middle of the ring in a sleeper hold!
Short of breath, Diamond finds his legs faltering quicker than they normally would. Tommy takes a step back to bring the slight height discrepancy under his control and bears his weight down on the Champion.
Cross Recoba: That step back that Tommy took, it’s allowing him to control the hold on the slightly taller Diamond. He’s making him ride his weight as he tries to choke the life out of him!
Quinn is asking Diamond if he wants to give in but Jack waves him away with an arm. The Ace of Spades tries to turn out from the hold and into a side-headlock but Tommy uses the opportunity to push on the back of his opponent’s knee to take him further to the mat.
Steve Morrison: Jack’s fading in front of us…
Tommy bears his weight further down on the Champion, his vertical base allowing him to let the Challenger have his weight be carried by his opponent. We see him further tighten the hold and Diamond is placed down in a seated position.
Cross Recoba: He could be out…
The Referee is again asking Jack if he submits but Tommy has other ideas. He lets go of the hold and dashes towards the ropes…SHINING WIZARD!!
Steve Morrison: FULL FORCE TO THE FACE!
Again he pins Jack Diamond…
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
JACK KICKS OUT!!
Steve Morrison: We’re seeing that resilience that has been a hallmark of his career.
Cross Recoba: Is it talent, is it drive, or is it just stubbornness though? This match could take years off his career and years isn’t something he has!
Tommy doesn’t think to take it up with “Big” John Quinn, favoring stalking his opponent as he starts to get to his feet using the ropes. Letting go of the middle-rope, Jack wavers in his footing into the center of the ring…TOMMY LEAPFROGS HIM AND PLANTS HIM WITH A KOTARO KRUSHER!!
Steve Morrison: He nails that Leapfrog facecrusher!
With a sense of urgency, Tommy lifts up Jack from the mat and drives a forearm into his head to keep him dazed. He whips Jack to the ropes and follows in behind…LOU THESZ PRESS!
Cross Recoba: Tommy’s bringing the match back to a brawl!
Tommy lets loose from top position with some huge hammerfists that find their mark.
Steve Morrison: Quinn’s on hand to make sure that Diamond hasn’t been knocked out!
The Challenger rears a fist back BUT DIAMOND MANAGES TO USE THE MOMENTUM TO TURN THE TABLES!
Cross Recoba: Excellent pivot to turn the tables.
Diamond unloads with a series of forearms that drive down into the forehead of Tommy.
Steve Morrison: IT’S PAYBACK TIME!!
The Icon moves from top position to get the fight back standing. STRYCH RAKES THE EYES AS HE STANDS UP! He grabs a side-headlock and starts to rush forward DIAMOND SENDS HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE…TOMMY STAGGERS OUT….ICON KICK!!!
Steve Morrison: COVER HIM!
Rolling under the ropes, Tommy manages to escape a pin attempt. Diamond heads to the ropes and uses the long hair of the Rocker to bring him to his feet. He hooks the arm and lifts Tommy for a suplex but the Challenger drops down the back and rolls backwards into a pin…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy seems a step ahead tonight and Jack’s playing catch up!
The two men scramble to their feet and it’s Diamond who lands the quickest strike to the chest of his opponent. A quick forearm is followed by a huge uppercut that visibly staggers the Rocker back….SHOTGUN DROPKICK!!!
Steve Morrison: That might help him get back on par…
Jack leaves no time for Tommy to recover as he sprints and springs to the top turnbuckle…450 Splash!!!
Steve Morrison: SHUFFLED DECK!!
The Champion makes the pin…
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
TOMMY KICKS OUT!!!
Cross Recoba: He’s going to have to throw the kitchen sink at this one.
Staying on the front-foot, Jack grabs a front-facelock and lifts Tommy to his feet. Diamond drives a knee into the ribs of the Rocker. He hooks an arm…PICTURE PERFECT FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: Textbook execution!
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
AGAIN TOMMY KICKS OUT!!
Cross Recoba: Strych showing that he’s no slouch tonight!
The two men get to their feet, the adrenaline driving their tired bodies.
Steve Morrison: How much more can each man take?
Cross Recoba: We’re about to find out.
Tommy throws a right. Jack answers with his own.
Steve Morrison: They’re trading in the middle of the ring.
Again, Strych with the right. Jack replies in kind.
Steve Morrison: Great fighting spirit on display!
The two men now abandon any turn-based offense and starts to just straight-up trade punches.
Cross Recoba: We’ve got ourselves what the old-timers would call a Donnybrook!
Tommy breaks the routine as he grabs the head of Diamond and plants a headbutt on him with a sickening thud.
Steve Morrison: I felt that in my teeth!
Jack teeters but stays on his feet and connects with a European Uppercut. Tommy teeters himself but then shoots back with a Leaping Knee to the head of Diamond that drops him to a knee.
Steve Morrison: He uses that knee again!
The Challenger rushes to the ropes and jumps to the middle-rope, DIAMOND LEAPS UP AND HITS A GERMAN SUPLEX AS HE GOES THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE APRON!
Steve Morrison: WHAT. A. COUNTER!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Diamond runs to the turnbuckle and vaults to the top. HE CATCHES THE RISING STRYCH WITH A CROSS-BODY BLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: He hooks the leg!
ONE…
TWO…
THR…
TOMMY KICKS OUT BUT DIAMOND KEEPS HOLD OF THE LEG!
Cross Recoba: He’s not done yet!
Pivoting around the leg, Jack makes a Figure-Four shake but spins into a Modified Death Lock!
Steve Morrison: Great improvisation from the Champ.
Cross Recoba: It’s what you have to do when you’re the most scouted wrestler in the company!
Using his hands to push the ankles further forward, Diamond has Tommy in dire straits. The Rocker tries to roll the hold over but to no avail as the veteran shows his years inside the ring and moves with the motion to keep the hold locked in.
Steve Morrison: Tommy finding no way out from the hold at this moment.
“Big” John Quinn asks Tommy if he wants to quit but he’s met with a vehement shake of the head.
Cross Recoba: He’s stubborn though, he won’t want it to end like this.
Tommy starts to use his hands to press up and ‘walk’ his way to the ropes. He gets within inches of the ropes BUT DIAMOND ROLLS THE HOLD BACK INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING!!
Steve Morrison: This could be it! That has to be demoralising when you think you’ve found the way out!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s using every year of experience at his disposal tonight.
Once more Quinn goes to check on Tommy.
Tommy Strychnine: FUCK…OFF!!
With Strychnine being far from obtuse with his intentions, Quinn leaves him to fight the hold.
Steve Morrison: Can he put him away with this hold?
Cross Recoba: If he doesn’t, he’s taking away the power center for both the November Rainkmaker Lariat and the Kiss Me Deadly V-Trigger!
The cameras capture the face of Jack Diamond, his smile growing as he can see the title being retained.
Steve Morrison: Jack looks like he knows he’s only moments away from retaining his title.
With a guttural roar, Tommy pushes up and starts to walk his way on his hands to the ropes. Diamond goes to pivot…TOMMY ROLLS UNDER WITH THE MOVEMENT AND BREAKS THE HOLD!!!
Steve Morrison: STRYCH GETS OUT THE BACK DOOR!
Cross Recoba: It’s a reprieve but how much damage has he taken to carry on?
Putting weight on his leg with a degree of uncertainty, Tommy is hamstrung to stop a head kick connecting from Diamond. He grabs the arm of Strych and sends him to the corner…STINGER SPLASH!!
Steve Morrison: DIAMOND SPLASH FINDS ITS MARK!!
Crowd: HIT-THE-STACKED-DECK *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HIT-THE-STACKED-DECK *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HIT-THE-STACKED-DECK *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Cross Recoba: The crowd are leaving no doubt as to what they want from the Champion.
Jack lifts Tommy to the top turnbuckle as the crowd noise hits a crescendo. He reaches back to grab the head of Strych. TOMMY HEADBUTTS HIM AND GRABS HIS HEAD!
Steve Morrison: Strych’s battling to stay in this!
THE CHALLENGER DRAGS JACK BACK AND LIFTS
Cross Recoba: Surely not…
….SUPER INVERTED USHIGOROSHI!!!
Steve Morrison: HOLY DRIVER FROM THE TOP!!!!
The crowd noise has dropped from the building as the two men lie broken in the ring.
Cross Recoba: That’s taken the wind out of the crowd as well as the two fighters.
“Big” John has no choice but to start the count.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
Neither man has moved since Tommy took them down to the mat.
Steve Morrison: Both men look broken.
Cross Recoba: It’s because, right now, they are…
FIVE!
Weakly, Tommy rolls over and drapes an arm over the chest of Jack.
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
JACK SOMEHOW GETS A SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST!
Steve Morrison: Jack hangs in there!
A THOUSAND YARD STARE IS SEEN IN THE EYES OF TOMMY WHO CAN’T BELIEVE IT!
Cross Recoba: Tommy thought he had him, thought he was going to take away Jack’s belt at the first hurdle!
Wrapping his arms around the waist of Diamond, Tommy pulls the Openweight Champion to his feet and gets wrist-control. RIPCORD KNEE….
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen this before…
NO! DIAMOND BLOCKS THE STRIKE AND DRIVES A BASEMENT DROPKICK INTO THE KNEE OF STRYCHNINE!!
Cross Recoba: BACK TO THE LEG!
Jack rushes to spin around the leg – FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: ACES WILD!!!
Tommy tries to sit-up in the hold but Jack pushes up from the palms of his hands to increase the leverage.
Cross Recoba: Jack’s putting on a masterclass on how to apply that hold and keep in control.
Strychnine’s shoulders hit the mat…
ONE…
TWO…
TOMMY MANAGES TO GET OFF THE MAT!
Steve Morrison: Strych’s so focused on not tapping that he nearly got pinned in the process!
Turning to try and reverse the hold, the Rocker’s determined look tells us just how much he’s leaving in the ring tonight.
Cross Recoba: He’s fighting this to the death!
Scooting backwards, Tommy gains precious inches towards the ropes but JACK BRIDGES AND TOMMY’S SHOULDERS HIT THE MAT ONCE MORE!!
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
TOMMY MANAGES TO HANG ON!
Steve Morrison: How much more can he take?
Strychnine reaches backwards and his fingertips shake the ropes, but he can’t wrap them around for the rope-break he needs.
Cross Recoba: Those ropes may as well be in Wyoming for all the help they’re giving him right now.
The Tap Out Openweight Champion again tries to roll the hold into the center of the ring but the Rocker manages to move his weight to counter the attempt. He pushes back AND GRABS THE ROPES!!
Steve Morrison: Tommy manages to get the rope-break!
Quinn calls for the hold to be broken.
ONE!
TWO!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s looking to put this away soon, he knows he can’t carry on much longer.
Steve Morrison: I don’t think either man can!
THREE!
FOUR!
F-
Jack relinquishes the hold.
Steve Morrison: Taking full advantage of the count.
Slowly getting to his feet, Jack assesses the situation.
Cross Recoba: This is smart, it’s not hesitation, this is taking a moment to work out his next move and with Strych feeling the effects of Diamond’s submission game, he has the time.
Tommy clings to the ropes, each fraction of a second allowing him to gauge how damaged his legs are and work out how to deal with a problem like Jack Diamond.
Steve Morrison: Both men have abandoned the gung-ho approach from earlier.
The Champion takes the decision away from Tommy as he rushes in with a lifting knee to ribs of his opponent. He hooks a ¾ facelock…
Cross Recoba: Diamond’s going direct…
Steve Morrison: Could a Standing Stacked Deck end this?
TOMMY REVERSES IT WITH A DESPERATION BACK SUPLEX!!
Cross Recoba: That counter was nothing but desperation but that’s what the situation called for!
Crowd: FIGHT FOREVER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FIGHT FOREVER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FIGHT FOREVER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Testing the leg before committing to his next move, Tommy seems satisfied to continue. HE RUSHES IN WITH A SHINING WIZARD BUT JACK MOVES OUT THE WAY!
Steve Morrison: Jack’s still able to get out of Dodge.
BOTH MEN GET TO THEIR FEET AND JACK THROWS AN ICON KICK….IT’S CAUGHT! TOMMY SPINS THE CHAMPION AROUND AND GRABS A WAISTLOCK. HE CHARGES JACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLE AND ROLLS BACKWARDS
Steve Morrison: ROLLING GERMAN!
MULE KICK BY DIAMOND! UNSIGHTED MULE KICK!!
Cross Recoba: Jack showing why he’s a master of the Dark Arts!
JACK SPINS AROUND AND LEAPS INTO A SCHOOLBOY ROLL-UP USING THE TIGHTS OF HIS OPPONENT!
Steve Morrison: The ref missed the kick and now can’t see the handful of tights!
ONE…
HE PUTS HIS FEET ON THE ROPES FOR LEVERAGE!
Cross Recoba: He’s making sure….
TWO…
THREE!!
“Big” John Quinn calls for the bell as Jack Diamond drops his feet from the ropes and pushes to his feet. His arm raised as the bell sounds.
Laura Messier: Your winner of the match…AND STILL TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION! THE ACE OF SPADES….JACK….DIAMOND!!!
Steve Morrison: HE STOLE IT!
Cross Recoba: Not what the record books will say.
Tommy protests his case as Jack heads to ringside to grab his belt. “Legendary” by Skillet fills the arena. Quinn isn’t having any of Strychnine’s protests.
Steve Morrison: He has every right to feel cheated. First, the mule kick, then the handful of tights and lastly, the feet on the ropes.
Cross Recoba: We’re not Soccer, we’re not going to VAR everything and besides, Tommy wasn’t exactly an angel in the match, was he?
Steve Morrison: That may be so but the Rocker has proven that he can hang with the best Tap Out Wrestling has to offer!
Jack Diamond pauses on the ramp to raise the belt above his head to a rousing cheer from the crowd.
Steve Morrison: Will he get a rematch?
Cross Recoba: Jack’s got a list of opponent’s who all want to be next and his name is on there, it’s just up to him to prove how high up he should be placed on that list!
Diamond disappears behind the curtain as Tommy rolls out of the ring. He can be seen shaking his head in disbelief at how badly he was robbed of victory.
Steve Morrison: He’ll be chomping at the bit to get his chance again.
Cross Recoba: He’ll have to wait until May 28th when we return after a short Rumble-induced break.
Steve Morrison: Having seen you talking before the Main Event, have we got a headliner for that show?
Cross Recoba: We have and it features one half of tonight’s match of the night as Poena takes on the still undefeated Random McConalogue!
Steve Morrison: That could be one for the purists or one for the sadists!
Cross Recoba: A Co-Main event of The Icons taking on Jackalope and Close Collins.
Steve Morrison: Close is no stranger to either man and Kid Cryptid will want to put his name higher up on Diamond’s list of challengers.
Cross Recoba: Tommy Strychnine will get his chance at atonement when he squares off against Sam Sawyer and opening the night? A six-man tag-match featuring Aiden Merric, Kingsley Solomon and Wildcat Capone against Thespian, Sticky the Clown and Jacob Craft making his debut!
Steve Morrison: It’s a short card but each match has the potential to steal the show! I’m Steve Morrison, joined by Cross Recoba. Don’t forget to tune into the Rumble next month but make sure you don’t miss Tap Out Wrestling 13: Poena vs McConalogue only on the XHF Network, May 28th!
CREDITS & THANKS TO:
Vastrix - Capone vs Solomon
Marty - 'Marty gets ejected'
Kira - The Fatal Four-Way
Thespian- Rumble seg
Sam Sawyer: Poena... I listened to you. When you spoke to me for the first time, I listened to everything you said, and I thought about it. So, please... listen to me.
Eyes fixated on the camera they're almost desperate now.
Sam Sawyer: You're strong too. But even if you think what you're doing is right... it isn't. Please... try to stop listening to that voice. That voice that's telling you what to do. Because it doesn't matter what I do to you in our match... the only person that can stop more people getting hurt is you. But... I think no matter what you're going to get what you want from me. I won't join you... but I'm going to be at my best... dark or not... and I'm going to hurt you. I've been training for you like my life depends on it. I've practiced every possible counter a million times, and I'm strong enough to knock you out before you even get a chance. I'm going to do things to you I wouldn't do to anyone else. I'm not sure it will do any good... but if there's a chance it will make you respect me, and leave me alone... I'll take it.
They take a quick breath, a little more relaxed having said everything they needed to say, but their stare is unwavering.
Sam Sawyer: See you in the ring.
As soon as the last word echoes through the area, a malformed cross that is bloodied and wrapped with barbed wire, slams into the screen and causes it to explode into a billion fragments. The scene is still shown after the explosion, captured only on a camcorder with night vision.
Poena: Oh, Sam… Foolish Foolish Sam… I thought you would understand.
The camera pans over to capture Poena, his face calm and serene despite the violence he’d just unleashed, his eyes focused on the destroyed TV.
Poena: I thought that you, of all people, would understand my message. But then you call the darkness weak, and you claim you do not need it. But there’s something you don’t understand, so let me explain it.
Poena looks slowly into the camera, a devilish grin forming as he does.
Poena: Tell me, Sam. Have you ever been in a cave? It’s the one place on Earth where you can experience true, utter darkness.
His multicolored eye flashes as he says the last word, swirling faster for just a brief moment.
Poena: Now, can you tell me a place that you can experience true, utter light? No? I didn’t think so.
Poena lets go of the weaponized cross, which has been warped into the symbol of his faith, and turns fully to the camera now. His clothes are bloody and torn, suggesting that perhaps this wasn’t the only thing he’d been doing this night.
Poena: As much as you try to deny it, and as much as you pathetically try to “save” me, you cannot have light without darkness. You cannot have a hero without a villain. It is that simple. You must be holy, so then I must be damned. You can never rid yourself of all darkness! You can never keep it locked away forever! It will always get free. It will always make itself known, and your bright light will only make that shadow darker.
He grins, laughing after a moment and shaking his head as he laughs harder and harder. He stops suddenly, his body moving bonelessly and as fast as a whip to grab the camera and pull it close.
Poena: I warned you. I am not the one endangering your loved ones. You are. You, who in your denial, see threats to them in my own words. You, who in your own righteousness, thinks to judge ME! You want me to respect you? Nothing, not even in your threats, has come close to earning an iota of my respect. You are a filthy cur, to be put down before your rabies takes over your mind.
Poena grins, a soft growl in his voice as he bares his sharpened teeth like he’s ready to rip Sam’s throat out right there.
Poena: And the task falls, as ever, to His Chosen. Glory Be.
With that, Poena tosses the camera to the side, laughing again as it breaks against the stone wall. In the last, glitched moments of it’s life it shows Poena leaning over to look into the lens, something terrible but unable to be seen clearly leaning over him as well.
Poena: See you at my Altar.
PRESENTS
TAP OUT WRESTLING 12: DIAMOND VS STRYCHNINE
Date: 26th March 2023
Venue: Lansky Ballroom, The Sands Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendance: 1000 (Capacity: 1000)
The cameras fade in from the cold open to a sold-out Lansky Ballroom at The Sands Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The cameras cut across the crowd as they cheer loudly, pumped for the last Tap Out Wrestling show before the 2023 XHF Rumble.
Various signs can be seen, five that get special attention are:
*CROSS FEARS MARTY!
*RANDOM, DO YOU LIKE THE BROONS OR DO YOU WANT OOR WULLIE?
*JUSTICE 4 POENA!
*DYLAN’S A FAKE CHAMP, LONG WAS ROBBED!
*THESPIAN WILL RULE THE RUMBLE!!
The cameras pan to ringside where Steve Morrison and Cross Recoba stand-by.
Steve Morrison: Welcome to Tap Out Wrestling 12: Diamond versus Strychnine! We’ve got a stacked card tonight where we’ve got debuts, we’ve got stars and most importantly, our main event sees Jack Diamond put his title on the line for the first time against Tommy Strychnine!
Cross Recoba: It’s sure to be a hell of a night with more than a few of our roster throwing their hat into the ring for the Rumble and keen to go into that match in top form!
Steve Morrison: Including yourself.
Cross Recoba: ….
Steve Morrison: Opening up proceedings tonight, we have Kingsley Solomon taking on Wildcat Capone. Last month Capone could count himself unlucky to come up short against Tommy Strychnine but he must fancy his chances against Solomon.
Cross Recoba: Only just into his second year of wrestling, Capone’s keen to get experience where and when he can. He’s gone off the Network to Infinite Pro Wrestling, he’s gone into the cage for GUNS Fight Club, and it’s that kind of application that’ll take him far in his career. Can he take down Kingsley Solomon? It’s a tough ask but he’s someone in the Rumble who’ll want to make an impact and he can start tonight.
Steve Morrison: Solomon not just more experienced but arguably the fresher man going into tonight’s fight, his Saints and Sinners tournament afforded him the night off last month.
Cross Recoba: He’s crafty inside the ring, it’s something that Wildcat’s going to need to adapt to for his career to progress Kingsley, on first glance, might just look like someone who wants to create a spectacle in the squared circle but behind every rana, every headscissors is a logical decision for why he’s going there. Both men can take the win tonight but I don’t want to even try and call it before the bell!
Steve Morrison: Following that we have the four-way match made by Davey in Weymouth, Massachusetts that pits Aiden Merric against Jackalope, Sticky the Clown and a returning Thespian.
Cross Recoba: This has all the makings of an absolute barnburner. Merric has never backed down from a fight, Jackalope has shown the dedication and commitment to making sure he leaves it all in the ring every time he steps inside the ring, Sticky the Clown is just huge and I’ve yet to see a style Thespian couldn’t turn his hand to!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope, of course, holds a win over Sticky the Clown from the four-way at our last show…
Seizing the moment, Jackalope grabs the top-rope…
Steve Morrison: What can he do here?
SPRINGBOARD OFF THE TOP-ROPE…
Steve Morrison: No…
OFF THE NIGH-ON EIGHT FOOT SHOULDERS OF STICKY THE CLOWN…
Cross Recoba: OH…MY….GOD….
TRIPLE-JUMP SHOOTING STAR DDT CATCHES THE RISING HARTLEY!!!
Steve Morrison: TRIPLE-JUMP EL-AHRAIRAH DDT!!!!!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID! THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID! THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID! THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID!
Jackalope covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Steve Morrison: What can he do here?
SPRINGBOARD OFF THE TOP-ROPE…
Steve Morrison: No…
OFF THE NIGH-ON EIGHT FOOT SHOULDERS OF STICKY THE CLOWN…
Cross Recoba: OH…MY….GOD….
TRIPLE-JUMP SHOOTING STAR DDT CATCHES THE RISING HARTLEY!!!
Steve Morrison: TRIPLE-JUMP EL-AHRAIRAH DDT!!!!!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID! THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID! THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID! THAT WAS AWESOME! KID CRYPT-ID!
Jackalope covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Steve Morrison: One man who’ll be determined to try and take down the Clown and win the match is Aiden Merric…
Steve Morrison: Sam creates some space…
SAWYER RUSHES IN WITH A HUGE LARIAT TO THE RISING MERRIC!!
Steve Morrison: FIRE WITH FIRE LARIAT!!!
They hook the leg as they cover.
ONE…..
TWO…
THREE!!!
SAWYER RUSHES IN WITH A HUGE LARIAT TO THE RISING MERRIC!!
Steve Morrison: FIRE WITH FIRE LARIAT!!!
They hook the leg as they cover.
ONE…..
TWO…
THREE!!!
Cross Recoba: He perhaps suffered in the build-up to this by being the focus of the match for Little Davey. That put a target on his back and I’m predicting that, at least in the early stages, the other three competitors put a halt on any momentum he looks to try and build.
Steve Morrison: Closing out our first-half, we have the debuting Throw Show versus the extremely decorated team of The Goons!
Close Collins: I'm going for the tag team championships. I know TAP OUT doesn’t have a tag team division so I’ve decided that I'm bringing the XHF Tag Team Championships home to TAP OUT WRESTLING when the shot comes here in August!
The Ballroom crowd pop for the declaration.
Close Collins: But who will my partner be? Well that’s easy. It took me a minute, but that vague childhood memory became clearer and clearer the more I thought about it. See as a kid, I’d day dream and play pretend that I was a tag team champion. And the person holding the other title…is my dad.
With that Tuff Collins walks into the scene. Close turns to look at his dad.
Close Collins: How bout it, pops? You got one last run in you?
Tuff smiles and puts his hand on his sons shoulder.
Tuff Collins: For you Closey, I got enough runs for a marathon!
Tuff turns and faces the camera.
Tuff Collins: THATS RIGHT DUDES! Tuff Collins is finally getting his shot at the big time. AND LET ME TELL YOU BROTHERS! When I come CLANGING AND BANGING down that aisle, you may think I’m old and run down, brother, BUT I'M NOT! I GOT THE POWAH BROTHER! And when the~
He points at himself and Close.
Tuff Collins: THE THROW SHOW!
The Ballroom crowd pop for the declaration.
Close Collins: But who will my partner be? Well that’s easy. It took me a minute, but that vague childhood memory became clearer and clearer the more I thought about it. See as a kid, I’d day dream and play pretend that I was a tag team champion. And the person holding the other title…is my dad.
With that Tuff Collins walks into the scene. Close turns to look at his dad.
Close Collins: How bout it, pops? You got one last run in you?
Tuff smiles and puts his hand on his sons shoulder.
Tuff Collins: For you Closey, I got enough runs for a marathon!
Tuff turns and faces the camera.
Tuff Collins: THATS RIGHT DUDES! Tuff Collins is finally getting his shot at the big time. AND LET ME TELL YOU BROTHERS! When I come CLANGING AND BANGING down that aisle, you may think I’m old and run down, brother, BUT I'M NOT! I GOT THE POWAH BROTHER! And when the~
He points at himself and Close.
Tuff Collins: THE THROW SHOW!
Steve Morrison: Close is keen to hold gold for the first-time in his fledgling career and with the XHF Tag Team titles coming our way in August, he’s clearly eager to get the cobwebs and ring rust out of his father. Cross, what’s the nature of Tuff’s deal?
Cross Recoba: Simply put, it’s a spec deal that we’ll evaluate after the August show. As far as the details I can disclose go, it limits him to tag-team appearances but doesn’t limit him being a great go-to for the younger members of our roster for guidance.
Steve Morrison: Would it be fair to say that the tag-team are going to be suplex-heavy?
Cross Recoba: Almost certainly. When you’re called Tuff and your son uses the Tuffplex as a finish? It’s a foregone conclusion. I’m expecting hard-hitting, heavy impact offense from the pair of them and I’d expect Tuff to be coaching when he’s on the sidelines.
Steve Morrison: They’ve got somewhat of a baptism of fire against The Goons, both members highly decorated outside of the tag-team and together they’ve taken down some of the biggest teams on the Network.
Cross Recoba: I’ve said it before but Close, Jackalope, and Wildcat aren’t going to learn by being spoon-fed easy opponents, that’s not why they took the step up to this level. Ricardo and David are a great yardstick for The Throw Show to measure themselves against and since NLW shut they’ve been just down the road in SCCW. I’m looking forward to seeing them fight on a Tap Out show and, judging by the message boards, so are a lot of our fans.
Steve Morrison: Kicking off the second-half of our show is a match that is sure to be anything but boring if what we saw before the credits is anything to go by. That tape that opened up the show was planted outside the Production office BEFORE they arrived today. Just watching it made me think of those Found Footage films…
Cross Recoba: Poena hasn’t forgotten about Jack but what worries me tonight is that Sam is now on his radar and that is not where they want to be.
Steve Morrison: Indeed, Poena made mention of that in the build-up to tonight.
Poena: Let me fight you as you truly are! Not some lukewarm failure, but a raging fire! I shall break you, and in doing so, you will see His Truth! You will see the glory of a life lived unmasked and free! You will finally be able to give free reign to your hatred, your pain, and your rage! I can teach you to guide it without taming it! All of your darkness will be welcome at His side! Think of the relief! The joy! The simple release of all that you keep hidden from others in one raging moment of pure bliss!
Sam Sawyer: I've been training for you like my life depends on it. I've practised every possible counter a million times, and I'm strong enough to knock you out before you even get a chance. I'm going to do things to you I wouldn't do to anyone else. I'm not sure it will do any good... but if there's a chance it will make you respect me, and leave me alone... I'll take it.
Cross Recoba: That’s always a concern, just ask Erin Gordon, NOMAD, or even Jack Diamond. None of them escaped without an injury that put them on the shelf or damaged their preparation for the next match.
Steve Morrison: But a win for Sawyer would be HUGE.
Cross Recoba: A win would put them at the front of the queue to face whoever walks out of tonight’s Main Event with the win. Last time out we saw just how tough they can be, we literally just saw them put away Merric again. Their size and heart is never an issue but can they make up for a lack of experience in the ring against someone who is a sadist? I’d like to think so but it’s by no means a foregone conclusion.
Steve Morrison: Of course, Poena will want to not just beat Sawyer but break her and then, once that’s done, his route back to Diamond becomes that little bit clearer.
Cross Recoba: There were some who thought the suspension may alleviate his fixation on Diamond but if anything, it’s only made it that much more intense. He isn’t going to want Sawyer stopping him from getting a third match against the Ace of Spades and we’ve all seen the lengths he’s willing to go to get there!
Steve Morrison: Our Co-Main Event sees two very competent technical wrestlers go head-to-head as Jason Long faces off against the yet to be beaten Random McConalogue.
Cross Recoba: It’s one for the purists and one to avoid for the Champoon fans.
Steve Morrison: Random put away Spike Kane in style last time out…
Steve Morrison: He’s calling for the Spike Impaler.
Breathing heavily, possibly through exertion, possibly because he’s just breathing in the atmosphere, Spike grabs Random around the waist and hoists her up, looking to drive the Infrequent Flyer down into the mat in an uncomfortably savage fashion. SPIKE KANE SITS OUT, DRIVING RANDOM DOWN VERTICALLY WHILE TURNING HIS OWN BODY ROUND IN MID AIR TO PANCAKE THE POOR RANDOM WITH THE SPIKE IMPALER…
...AND RANDOM SLIPS LOOSE AS SPIKE FALLS AND SNAPS HER LEGS ROUND HIS LOOSE ARM!
Steve Morrison: ARMBAR!
Cross Recoba: Armbar!
Steve Morrison: ArmBAR!
Cross Recoba: ARMbar!
RANDOM, AS QUICK AS A FLASH STEPS UP, OVER AND THROUGH, CRADLING SPIKE WITH LA MAGISTRAL!
ONE…
TWO…
THREE…
Steve Morrison: RANDOM WINS! OUT OF ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE! LA MAGISTRAL TAKES IT.
Cross Recoba: Also known as the Stepover Armbar Cradle.
Steve Morrison: Random McConalogue knows a number of different ways to beat you with armbars.
Cross Recoba: At LEAST forty-two.
Steve Morrison: She does have a Heart of Gold though.
Breathing heavily, possibly through exertion, possibly because he’s just breathing in the atmosphere, Spike grabs Random around the waist and hoists her up, looking to drive the Infrequent Flyer down into the mat in an uncomfortably savage fashion. SPIKE KANE SITS OUT, DRIVING RANDOM DOWN VERTICALLY WHILE TURNING HIS OWN BODY ROUND IN MID AIR TO PANCAKE THE POOR RANDOM WITH THE SPIKE IMPALER…
...AND RANDOM SLIPS LOOSE AS SPIKE FALLS AND SNAPS HER LEGS ROUND HIS LOOSE ARM!
Steve Morrison: ARMBAR!
Cross Recoba: Armbar!
Steve Morrison: ArmBAR!
Cross Recoba: ARMbar!
RANDOM, AS QUICK AS A FLASH STEPS UP, OVER AND THROUGH, CRADLING SPIKE WITH LA MAGISTRAL!
ONE…
TWO…
THREE…
Steve Morrison: RANDOM WINS! OUT OF ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE! LA MAGISTRAL TAKES IT.
Cross Recoba: Also known as the Stepover Armbar Cradle.
Steve Morrison: Random McConalogue knows a number of different ways to beat you with armbars.
Cross Recoba: At LEAST forty-two.
Steve Morrison: She does have a Heart of Gold though.
Steve Morrison: Random’s still yet to fight someone who can keep up with her style.
Cross Recoba: If anyone in Tap Out can, Jason Long can. He’s a guy who is in a rich vein of form and, crucially, he’ll be smarting after his narrow loss on the GUNS St Patrick’s Day show against Dylan Black for the X*Crown title.
Steve Morrison: Only two people have beaten Jason in Tap Out since he joined, Close Collins in a match that was seen at the time as a huge upset and Jack Diamond at XHF Supremacy to be crowned the inaugural Tap Out Wrestling Openweight Champion. The odds lie in his favor if you look on paper but Random’s been impressive with victories over Spike, Solomon, and Capone.
Cross Recoba: Long’s always had self-belief and after the back-to-back disappointments against Diamond and Black, you know he’ll have spent his camp focusing on how to atone for those losses, he’ll have focused on building back his self-belief because that’s a huge part of what makes the Best Bout Machine the Best Bout Machine.
Steve Morrison: Will he be able to cope with the catch-as-catch-can style that has carried McConalogue to a flawless record thusfar?
Cross Recoba: He has two things going for him: one, he’s travelled the world and so he’ll have seen her style more than once and you’d think he had an answer for it and secondly, he got to study her close-up when they tagged at Tap Out Wrestling 10.
Steve Morrison: Should Tommy and Jack keep an eye on this match? Surely the winner of this one could be in contention almost immediately…
Cross Recoba: I’d bank on it…
Steve Morrison: Closing up our night, we have Jack Diamond’s first defence of the Tap Out Openweight Title as he faces Tommy Strychnine. Now a lot of people have spoken out about Tommy not having a chance.
Cross Recoba: That’s the problem with the internet, everyone thinks their opinion is valid no matter how bad the take is. I dropped in on Tommy’s training camp a few weeks back and there’s no doubting that he’s entirely focused on proving that he can topple Jack Diamond. Does he think it’ll be viewed as an upset? Definitely but he doesn’t care, he’s not going to shy away from the fame and publicity it’d afford him and I saw some things in his camp that tell me that he’s done his homework when it comes to the Champion.
Steve Morrison: Jack’s proven a lot of people wrong when he came back from an earlier defeat in the tournament to Jason Long to best him in a match where it was almost like he could turn back time.
Cross Recoba: Jack Diamond walks into the Main Event of ANY promotion on the XHF Network. Marty faces Jack? Instant sell-out. Diamond squares off against Zoran in GUNS? That’s appointment viewing right there. Jack Diamond is that much of a ratings hit that if he appeared on a Wrestle: UK show just to have Frank Windsor change the oil on his car? Windsor gets his own Wikipedia page.
Steve Morrison: But tonight, Strych goes into the match not just seen as an underdog but, according to some, a ‘sitting duck’.
Cross Recoba: Tommy hasn’t done much to endear himself to the fans lately but they’re forgetting just how efficient he can be in the ring.
STRYCH HIDES A KNEE TO THE GROIN! A HEADBUTT FREES HIS ARMS AND SHORT-ARM V-TRIGGER STAGGERS WILDCAT….KOTARO CRUSHER!!!!
Cross Recoba: That leapfrog Bulldog gets him out of trouble!
Strychnine climbs between the ropes…SLINGSHOT SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER CONNECTS!
Steve Morrison: KISS ME DEADLY!!!
Hooking the leg he makes the pin.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Cross Recoba: That leapfrog Bulldog gets him out of trouble!
Strychnine climbs between the ropes…SLINGSHOT SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER CONNECTS!
Steve Morrison: KISS ME DEADLY!!!
Hooking the leg he makes the pin.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
AWF CLASH OF THE ICONS 2020: UNITED STATES TITLE MATCH
Taylor: We know where this is heading…
Romano: We can guess...
Strychnine rushes towards him and lands the TIGER FEINT KICK!!!
Taylor: STRYCH-ONE-NINE!!
Draven is in the center of the ring, Tommy takes a second to compose himself.
Romano:Has he timed the killshot?
HE SPRINGS ONTO THE TOP-ROPE AND LEAPS!!
Taylor: Draven’s rising right into it!
HE CONNECTS WITH THE SLINGSHOT SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER!!
Romano: HE NAILED THE KISS ME DEADLY!!
Tyrell drops for the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Taylor: WE HAVE A NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION!!
The bell rings as Draven remains down. Tommy pops up immediately but holds his back as he stands to his feet. Steve Tyrell raises his arm in victory.
Romano: THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BIGGEST WIN OF TOMMY’S CAREER!
Taylor: You can’t say he did it easily though, Draven put up a fight that would have taken down almost anyone else!
Romano: That being true, it won’t just be his ribs that hurt in the morning, he’s going to have to watch the belt he wanted to make his own being given to a man he truly detests!
Jessie Love: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH….AND NEEWWWWW AWF UNITED STATES CHAMPION…..TOMMY!!!! STRYCHNINE!!!!
Taylor: We know where this is heading…
Romano: We can guess...
Strychnine rushes towards him and lands the TIGER FEINT KICK!!!
Taylor: STRYCH-ONE-NINE!!
Draven is in the center of the ring, Tommy takes a second to compose himself.
Romano:Has he timed the killshot?
HE SPRINGS ONTO THE TOP-ROPE AND LEAPS!!
Taylor: Draven’s rising right into it!
HE CONNECTS WITH THE SLINGSHOT SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER!!
Romano: HE NAILED THE KISS ME DEADLY!!
Tyrell drops for the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Taylor: WE HAVE A NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION!!
The bell rings as Draven remains down. Tommy pops up immediately but holds his back as he stands to his feet. Steve Tyrell raises his arm in victory.
Romano: THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BIGGEST WIN OF TOMMY’S CAREER!
Taylor: You can’t say he did it easily though, Draven put up a fight that would have taken down almost anyone else!
Romano: That being true, it won’t just be his ribs that hurt in the morning, he’s going to have to watch the belt he wanted to make his own being given to a man he truly detests!
Jessie Love: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH….AND NEEWWWWW AWF UNITED STATES CHAMPION…..TOMMY!!!! STRYCHNINE!!!!
Cross Recoba: Then Jack needs to be very worried. If that Tommy comes out then we’re going to have a match where the smallest margin is going to make a difference and neither man is going to go down whilst they can still throw a punch. Both men have shown they’ve gas tanks for days and this has all the makings of a Sleeper Classic!
Steve Morrison: There you have it, fans! Now, without further delay, it’s over to Laura Messier to introduce our first match!
Laura Messier: Good evening and WELCOME TO TAP OUT WRESTLING 12!! And now for your Opening match and it’s set for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
The opening lyrics of the song begin to play as the camera pans across the venue. It eventually cuts to show Wildcat up in the concession stands, walking through the door and into the highest row of seats on the ground floor of the crowd.
Steve Morrison: Wildcat’s entering his Sophomore year in wrestling and whilst he hasn’t a title to show for it, he’s come on leaps and bounds.
Cross Recoba: If Capone can work out some minor issues, he’s going to go far. As it is, he’s got the framework in place to ruffle some feathers over the next twelve months!
He beats his chest before throwing up some middle fingers as he walks through the fans and makes his way down the stairs.
Steve Morrison: We’re seeing him bring in what he picked up in GUNS Fight Club more and more.
Cross Recoba: GFC’s exposed him to the necessity to have at least a basic ground game and whilst it isn’t as imperative inside the Squared Circle, it gives him options.
He gets about halfway down before he starts walking through the crowd some more. Ignoring the hecklers and haters as he gets into the zone before his match. He gets a joint from behind his ear and lights it up, taking a few hits before walking towards the ring. He hops the barricade, moving in sync with the music, he looks around himself once more, taking it all in. Walking up the stairs he goes through the ropes and heads into the ring.
Steve Morrison: He could make a huge point tonight if he gets the win over the far more experienced Solomon tonight.
Cross Recoba: It’d definitely put him higher up on people’s radars. It’d also mean that we’d be able to think less as to what matches will benefit his development and more about which matches he can thrive in!
"No betting on tomorrow, but we all love a tragedy."
"Come drown in our sorrow and see the world as it oughta be..."
As the chorus kicks in, Kingsley Solomon makes his way out onto the stage, sporting a black hooded vest that he wears a small smirk underneath as he gazes out into the crowd, arms gradually raising themselves up and spreading wide as he drinks in the radiant energy the crowd gives off.
Steve Morrison: Back after a month off, Kingsley looks ready to prove a point tonight.
Cross Recoba: At heaty, Solomon’s a businessman. He looks at the top of the card and sees matches with Diamond or Long where their styles would give him a far higher profile platform to increase his value.
With a deep inhale and exhale, he begins making his way down the ramp. Reaching the bottom, he peels the hood back, sliding into the ring and quickly popping back up onto his feet.
Steve Morrison: To get there though, he needs to go through Capone and that’s not going to be easy.
Cross Recoba: We touched on Capone’s ground game developing but tonight it’s a huge opportunity for Kingsley to exploit.
He moves over to the set of ropes facing the camera, leaning against them with a tilt of the head, cheek resting against his fist with a slightly thoughtful look as if contemplating something but the small smirk from before reappears as he backs off into his corner, soon fading as he warms up.
Steve Morrison: He looks confident of his chances. We’re just moments away from finding out if that confidence is well-founded.
Cross Recoba: He’s shown flashes of what he can achieve, now he just needs to turn that into a run of form!
With both men in the ring, Laura steps into the center to make the announcements.
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST... Fighting out of Lexington, Kentucky...he weighs two-hundred-and-eight pounds...he is MR 859...The STONE...COLD...KILLA...WILDCAT...CAPONE!!!
Capone leans into the ropes and swings his arms to loosen the muscles as he awaits the bell.
Laura Messier: Hailing from Sin City and weighing two-hundred-and-twenty-nine pounds. He is the Co-owner of Sin City Championship Wrestling....KINGSLEY...SOLOMON!
Solomon bounces on the balls of his feet as he eyes his opponent up and plans his next move up the ladder.
OPENING MATCH
SINGLES MATCH MATCH
Wildcat Capone (#10) vs Kingsley Solomon (#11)
Steve Tyrell calls for the bell as our opening contest gets underway.
DING! DING! DING!
Kingsley Solomon and Wildcat Capone circle one another to find an opening to attack. Solomon tests a couple of punches that IRN FST deflects. Wildcat takes a few shots, but Kingsley deflects them.
Steve Morrison: We’re expecting a match that wouldn’t look out of place in Japan. The Strong Style brawling of Capone against a more Junior Heavyweight approach from Solomon.
Cross Recoba: If Kingsley wants to trade with Wildcat he could be on a hiding to nothing.
Wildcat catches a punch with his hand and catches his opponent with a solid shot to the side of the jaw that rocks him. He immediately follows this up with a kick in the gut to double him over and attempts a gut-wrench powerbomb. Kingsley grabs him by both legs and pulls him down to the mat with the double-leg takedown.
Steve Morrison: The former AWF star wisely takes the match to the mat.
Kingsley pulls Wildcat up and whips him into the ropes, hitting a Tilt-a-whirl DDT on the rebound that plants Wildcat’s headfirst into the mat.
Cross Recoba: Kingsley needs to keep moving, even if he wants to trade shots with Capone. Wildcat’s a quick learner and he’s not afraid of going to new places to improve his game.
The SCCW owner starts going for the Camel Clutch, but Capone rolls and trips Kingsley, escaping to the ropes. Steve Tyrell backs Kingsley up to allow his opponent to get up.
Steve Morrison: The rookie showing ring awareness beyond his years there.
Wildcat dashes towards Kingsley, hitting a dropkick that sends Kingsley to the mat.
Cross Recoba: Now that is a new move for Wildcat!
He grabs the rising Kingsley and lifts him for a Brainbuster that drills Kingsley’s head into the mat!
Steve Morrison: Huge Brainbuster from the Kentucky Native!
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen him perfect that move over his time in Tap Out and that is pretty much close to a perfect execution!
Not giving Solomon any space as he rises, IRN FST goes for the Rolling Koppa Kick, but Kingsley catches him by the leg and does a quick giant swing that sends Wildcat over the top rope to the outside!
Steve Morrison: What a reversal of One Less Bitch by the SCCW Owner!!
Despite Tyrell’s warnings, the Head of SCCW slides out of the ring to grab the rising Wildcat and attempts to roll him back into the ring. Wildcat drops and Hotshots Kingsley’s face onto the ring apron!
Steve Morrison: CAPONE SUCKERED HIM IN!
ONE…
Rising to his feet, the cameras see that Solomon now sports a Crimson Mask!
Cross Recoba: That’s not what you want at any stage of the match but especially so early in this one.
Steve Morrison: That nose looks broken.
Cross Recoba: Which is going to make every breath more difficult and if this match goes long, Capone’s going to be picking apart a man who’s going to be fighting for every bit of oxygen he needs.
TWO…
Wildcat gets back to his feet and grabs Kingsley by the back of the head and smashes his face into the ring apron again and again before hurling him into the ring steps to demolish them!
Steve Morrison: HE LAUNCHED HIM!
THREE….
Rolling into the ring, Wildcat looks confident that Kingsley won’t beat the count.
Cross Recoba: This might be premature. If I were in Capone’s shoes I’d stay on him a little longer.
FOUR…
FIVE…
SIX…
Solomon gets to his knees and looks up at the match official.
Steve Morrison: Kingsley looks pissed!
SEVEN…
Determined to not cut it too fine, Solomon finds a space where he can roll into the ring without Capone rushing him.
Cross Recoba: Smart thinking from Kingsley. He knows he can beat the count, he just needs to pick the safest area of the ring to re-enter.
EIGHT…
Rolling into the ring and standing up, he wipes blood from his face with the back of his hand, clearly angry.
Steve Morrison: Capone might just have signed his own death warrant if that stare is anything to go by!
Wildcat has his back to Kingsley, expecting him to be out. In fact, he’s drinking in the cheering of the crowd as he points to his brain to indicate that he’s smart. He doesn’t get the fact that the fans are not cheering for him.
Fan: BEHIND YOU!!
Wildcat turns around and is face-to-face with Kingsley. He backs up and drops to his knees to beg off Kingsley and apologize for all of the dirty deeds he has done thus far in the match.
Cross Recoba: Classic.
Steve Morrison: Don’t fall for it, Solomon!
Kingsley grabs him by the head to try to get him up into a fireman’s carry, but Wildcat hits a low blow!
Cross Recoba: Right on schedule!
Wildcat jumps to his feet and shoves Kingsley’s head between his legs to go for the Thunderfire powerbomb.
Steve Morrison: He’s looking to end this with a Protect Ya Neck Bomb!!
Wildcat gets Kingsley all the way up into the air, but it’s countered with a headscissors takedown! Kingsley makes the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
WILDCAT KICKS OUT!
Steve Morrison: A wicked counter from Kingsley nearly ended the match!
Cross Recoba: Wildcat hadn’t factored that possibility in!
Kingsley kneels up and lays Capone back out as he starts to sit up with a punch that lands under the jaw. He goes for the pinfall again, running his elbow over Wildcat’s face.
Steve Morrison: Veteran move with the elbow, make it as uncomfortable as possible!
ONE…
TWO….
THR-
AGAIN, CAPONE MANAGES TO KICK OUT!
Steve Morrison: The young man from Lexington showing that heart that has defined his time inside the Squared Circle!
Kingsley jumps to his feet and pulls Wildcat up, who swings wildly at him. He dodges the strike and looks for the DESTINO, NO! Wildcat hits a Reverse Russian Legsweep!
Steve Morrison: That might be a huge moment in the match when this is all over. The Ace of Spades Destino is a match-ender, guaranteed!
Cross Recoba: What can he follow it up with?
Quick to his feet, he lets Solomon get up and catches him with a Whippersnapper! He goes for the pinfall, hooking the leg!
Steve Morrison: CAN THE CHIN CHECK PUT HIM AWAY?
ONE…
TWO….
TH-
THIS TIME KINGSLEY KICKS OUT!!
Steve Morrison: So close!
Cross Recoba: A hooked leg or grapevining a leg with his own and that was over!
Wildcat pulls Kingsley up again and lifts him up between his legs…PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: FUCK THE POLICE!
Cross Recoba: Why isn’t he going for the pin???
Crouching as he watches his opponent get back up HE LOOKS FOR THE ROLLING KOPPU KICK ONCE MORE BUT SOLOMON SIDESTEPS IT AND CATCHES HIM WITH A SWINGING REVERSE STO!!
Steve Morrison: What a counter! He dodged One Less Bitch and then nailed him with the Royal Flush!!
Now it’s Kingsley’s time to stalk his prey. He waits until he sees IRN FST rise and connects with a Hook Kick!
Steve Morrison: MARK OF DESPAIR!
Cross Recoba: Wildcat’s in real trouble as Kingsley’s finding his rhythm.
With his opponent grounded, SOLOMON HOOKS IN THE DRAGON SLEEPER AND WRAPS HIS LEGS AROUND THE BODY OF THE LEXINGTON HOMEBOY!
Steve Morrision: FALL TO DESPAIR!!
Cross Recoba: This move is deadly, if Capone escapes this he’s doing better than most who find themselves in the hold.
REACHING OUT FOR ROPES THAT AREN’T THERE, WILDCAT REALIZES HE’S IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Steve Morrison: Just look at the panic on Wildcat’s face!
Cross Recoba: No ropes to grab, just you and a Dragon Sleeper that traps you where you lie!
THROWING A WILD ELBOW BACK WITH HIS ONLY FREE LIMB, HE CONNECTS WITH THE SURELY BROKEN NOSE OF SOLOMON!
Steve Morrison: HUGE ELBOW BUT STILL KINGSLEY HANGS ONTO THE HOLD!
NOW WITH A TARGET, WILDCAT REACHES AROUND AGAIN AND GRABS THE NOSE TO ESCAPE THE HOLD!!
Cross Recoba: It won’t win any awards for aesthetics but he lives to fight on!
Both men scramble to their feet to try and gain an advantage. Kingsley CHARGES IN WITH A JUDAS EFFECT ELBOW BUT CAPONE DUCKS AND COUNTERS WITH A HUGE GERMAN SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: He turned the momentum from the Dealer’s Choice Elbow against him!
HE BRIDGES…
Cross Recoba: Textbook bridge…
ONE…
TWO….
THRE-
SOLOMON GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Steve Morrison: Wildcat must be wondering just what he has to do to put him away!
CAPONE STARES DOWN TYRELL WHO SHAKES HIS HEAD AND THRUSTS THE TWO FINGERS HE HOLDS UP TO EMPHASISE HIS POINT!
Cross Recoba: Tyrell isn’t budging on his count!
Wrenching Kingsley from the mat, Capone wraps his arms around the body of his opponent…
Steve Morrison: Surely it’s over if he lands the To Pimp a Butterfly Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex!
UNLEASHING SEVERAL SICKENING HEADBUTTS, SOLOMON REPAYS THE BROKEN NOSE THAT IRN FST GAVE HIM BY CRACKING HIS NOSE IN RETURN!
Cross Recoba: Solomon escapes and brings the competition of broken bones to one a piece!
The cameras catch the moment that Wildcat staggers back and realizes that blood streams from his nose. A death stare is sent in the direction of the SCCW who casually wipes his face with the back of his hand.
Steve Morrison: This match is about to get ugly!
Charging in, Capone’s cut off by a kick to the gut…DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER!!
Cross Recoba: Hugely important one-two from Solomon!
KINGSLEY GRABS THE HEAD OF HIS OPPONENT AND TWISTS HIM ROUND…EMERALD FLOWSION!!
Steve Morrison: HE DRILLED HIM!
Unrelenting, The Gambler lifts up Capone from the mat….CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER!!
Cross Recoba: He’s softening him up for the Fall to Despair submission again!
Waiting patiently, The Harbinger of Despair watches as Capone slowly starts to get up. IRN FST crawls on his knees to the ropes to buy some space and time…A HOOK KICK CUTS HIM DOWN!
Steve Morrison: ANOTHER MARK OF DESPAIR FINDS ITS MARK!
Lifting him up, KINGSLEY FALLS BACKWARDS WITH THE DRAGON SLEEPER AND GET THE HOOKS IN FOR THE BODYSCISSORS!
Steve Morrison: HE GETS IT LOCKED IN ONCE MORE!!
Cross Recoba: That was beautiful how he fell back in the hold knowing that it was putting Wildcat smack bang in the middle of No Man’s Land!
Capone tries to reach back for Kingsley’s broken nose once more but he’s gone to the well once too many as Solomon weaves his head out of harm’s way!
Steve Morrison: Lightning doesn't’ strike twice!
Trapped in the middle of the ring, Wildcat’s hand is forced as he taps!
Steve Tyrell calls for the bell!
Steve Morrison: Kingsley’s done it!
Laura Messier: Your winner of this match, as a result of submission, THE GAMBLER….KINGSLEY SOLOMON!
Steve Morrison:: What an opener to kick off our night! Capone showed some incredible periods of dominance but ultimately lost out to the more experienced Kingsley Solomon.
Cross Recoba: That match showed a lot of what Wildcat is capable of and thought it’s another loss and no points performance as far as the standings go, Capone’s at that point in his career where he’s developing with every match.
Steve Morrison:: As for Kingsley, what next for him?
Cross Recoba: He’ll get his chance in the next couple of shows to really show us what he’s made of. If only he cut ten pounds then he’d be in huge contention for being our rep for the XHF Junior Heavyweight title in June.
Steve Morrison:: Talking of upcoming events, in just over two weeks Wrestle: UK will present their thirteenth edition of Legacy and it’s got some interesting matches from top to bottom.
Cross Recoba: Let’s just keep it tight.
Steve Morrison:: Kalmin Watts will defend his title against Takaru Matsui and Cross, you faced off against Watts recently in HKW, how do you see this one going down?
Cross Recoba: Kalmin’s extremely accomplished in the technical side of the game and he has the size to back it up with explosive offense. On the other side, you’ve got MXG guiding his latest charge and we’ve all seen how far The Sheik was willing to go under his tutelage. Personally, I see Watts retaining but the MXG angle’ll make it interesting.
Steve Morrison:: Then, in a grudge match, Ronnie Long takes on Eddie Havok in what could well be the Match of the Night!
Cross Recoba: It’s a hard one to call either way. I can see Long being the Number One Contender to Wesley Crane’s belt being something that might stop him from going all-in on a war with Havok but equally, after some time away Long might realize he needs to make a statement in the match. It’s interesting that Crane isn’t booked and I wouldn’t be incredibly surprised if he made his presence known during the match one way or another.
Steve Morrison:: Lastly, we have The Battle of the Bastards as Rob Riot puts his Commonwealth title on the line against fellow Bastard, Frank Windsor.
Cross Recoba: I’m just praying the match doesn’t get suffixed with ‘Insert blank of Doom’ after the last bell has been called.
Steve Morrison:: You can catch all these matches and more on April 10th, only on the XHF Network.
Add to your watchlist
Laura Messier: Your next bout is a Fatal Fourway, set for One Fall and is the Tap Out Openweight Tournament Prediction Winner’s Choice!
"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.
Steve Morrison: Disappointed with how the Main Event ended last month, Merric has a real opportunity to remind everyone just what he’s capable of tonight!
Cross Recoba: That match was paper thin in how it was decided. This match was taken out of our hands but Merric is only a win or two away from getting right back in the mix.
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.
Steve Morrison: We know that he prizes capturing bounties and tonight is full of them.
Cross Recoba: Isabella von Krauss approached Merric before going outside the Network to find a Bounty Hunter, he’ll find out tonight how he could have fared.
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.
Steve Morrison: He might be the perfect mix of agility and strength in tonight’s bout.
Cross Recoba: I’m taking that focused look to mean he’s currently working out how to take down Sticky and make a real statement in the fight!
The opening chords of Big Shot slam into the speakers, bringing the fans to their feet as Jackalope charges through the curtain.
Steve Morrison: You can tell by the crowd’s reaction who they’re behind tonight!
Cross Recoba: With two shows to make his point, Jackalope knows he can make a case for being our representative in June for the XHF Junior Heavyweight title if he makes the right moves!
He runs full tilt down the ramp and slides into the ring, rolling to his feet and spinning like a dervish as he soaks everything in.
Steve Morrison: The question for me tonight is - how much will Sticky the Clown hold against him for using him as a literal platform for victory last month?
Cross Recoba: For all of Sticky’s size, he’s got to catch the Chaos Bunny first before he can take his revenge!
He finally slows enough to mount a turnbuckle, a grin on his face as he salutes the fans before backflipping to the mat again.
Steve Morrison: Like Wildcat, he enters his second year of wrestling and you’ve hinted that he could be our Junior Heavyweight rep, what should be his goal over the next twelve months.
Cross Recoba: It’s simple, to be honest. Consistency is the only thing holding him back and matches like these are going to give him far more examples to work with than if we kept him confined to one-on-ones.
“Regret Game” by Madame Macabre begins playing as Sticky the Clown walks out from the back to the frightful screaming of many fans.
Steve Morrison: We didn’t get a good look at Sticky in his debut match but what we did see was how he imposes himself on a fight!
Cross Recoba: At that size, how can he not?
He looks around at the crowd with his peeling face paint that should have been fixed up ages ago and his needle sharp teeth inside his impossibly wide grin that pierce black gums.
Steve Morrison: You drew comparisons to Tarrasque before last month’s fight but I’m seeing more of Subject #42.
Cross Recoba: The difference Sticky has over both of them is that he is fully aware of the consequences of his actions, he looked like he revelled in it!
The Clown steps onto the apron and over the top-rope as Laura Messier makes sure to keep her distance, climbing between the ropes on the far side of the ring.
Steve Morrison: Just based on size alone can people like Jason Long, Jack Diamond, even Poena, contend with him?
Cross Recoba: Sure, but he’s going to make it difficult like he will for his three opponents tonight. The only thing holding me off from unleashing him on the likes of the wrestlers you mentioned is that I want to understand how he works better.
The lights flicker for a moment in the arena before dimming completely. An awkward silence takes the arena, but it does not last long. A singular spotlight shines towards the staging area to reveal a masked figure; the Interpreter. He raises his gloved hands… and begins to gesture with them as the accordion from Burn the Ballroom’s “Whisper” pulls those in attendance in…
Come in
Sit down sweet angel
Leave me all your tears
Tell me
All of your troubles
The weight of your short years
Love is
Only a river
Drowning all of your cheer
Sell me
all of your laughter
And I will take some of your fear
Steve Morrison: Thespian spoke in the build-up to tonight about how he knows he didn’t put his best foot forward in his debut against Tommy Strychnine.
Cross Recoba: It happens. I remember a wrestler from Winnipeg who never had a good debut in a new company. We’ve hired The Interpreter for tonight at least out of our pocket to try and bring him some form of familiarity.
The Interpreter takes a bow as the chaotic drums and guitar drown out the trance-like melody from before. From the back, the Thespian walks out and meets up with his companion. A hand gently pulls his cohort upright as they both mimic crazed laughs to the music. As the music calms down, so do their demeanor. As they makes their way towards the ring, they both raise their hands, and begin to swing to and fro like conductors of an orchestra to the lyrics of the first verse.
Steve Morrison: He’s very much a thinking man’s fighter.
Cross Recoba: That’s what made him such a threat in NLW. You look at the scalps he took and you realize he’d won the battle before the bell had even sounded.
Upon reaching the ring, the Interpreter takes the steps up and slips in between the ropes without missing a single flourish of the hand. He sits on the middle rope and shoulders the first for the Thespian, who gives him a courteous bow before slipping in-between them. As the first verse and chorus finishes up, the Thespian takes one more bow to the audience as his music begins to fade out. Upon straightening back up one more time, his posture begins to relax as he shakes his limbs out in anticipation for the match. The Interpreter, on the other hand, slips down to ringside.
Steve Morrison: Can Thespian return from his absence and back to his winning ways?
Cross Recoba: Fatal Fourway winners aren’t defined by the chaos, Thespian’s likely got his gameplan and knowing what he can do in these moments, he has to be a threat.
With the four men in the ring, Laura starts with the introductions.
Laura Messier:INTRODUCING FIRST! From Coober Pedy, South Australia. He stands at six-feet and two inches and weighed in yesterday at two-hundred-and-twenty pounds...THE WONDER FROM DOWN UNDER...AIDEN...MERRIC!
Merric pays no attention to the crowd’s reaction, instead working out whether the first attack will come from his left, right, or straight down the middle.
Laura Messier: TO HIS LEFT! Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada...Standing at five-feet and nine-inches, he is The Chaos Bunny.... JACKALOPE!!
Jackalope jumps to the top turnbuckle as his name is called and the crowd loudly react to hometown favorite.
Laura Messier: OUR THIRD FIGHTER! Hailing from Parts Unknown. Standing at seven-feet and eleven inches and weighing four-hundred-and-fifty pounds...STICKY...THE...CLOWN!!
Sticky looks like the horror show he truly is.
Laura Messier: OUR LAST FIGHTER! Accompanied to the ring by his Interpreter! From the Theater, weighing in at one-hundred and ninety-five pounds... The THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESPIAAAAAAAAAAAN!!
Thesp doesn’t react, he doesn’t speak, he doesn’t move. He studies.
TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT TOURNAMENT PREDICTION WINNER'S MATCH
FATAL FOUR-WAY MATCH
Aiden Merric (#7) vs Jackalope (#4) vs Sticky the Clown (#12=) vs The Thespian (#12=)
“Big” John Quinn calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
As soon as the bell sounds Merric, Jackalope, and Thespian turn their attention to Sticky the Clown. The Murder Clown throws a huge punch that lays out Jackalope to the floor, then one to Thespian that sends him between the ropes to ringside before grabbing Merric and connects with a huge headbutt that puts him on his back and takes him to the outside.
Steve Morrison: It seemed to make sense to team-up on the Clown but he clearly didn’t get the memo.
Cross Recoba: We saw it last time out, your best chance of beating Sticky in a multi-man match is to focus on anyone that isn’t him!
Steve Morrison: Whoa! The cameras haven’t shown it but Merric just staggered into the announce table.
On the outside, Jackalope and Thespian start to brawl in front of the Lansky Ballroom crowd, they start to trade lefts and rights. Rolling back into the ring, Merric squares up to the Clown and unloads with a series of huge overhand rights. The clown fires back with a punch that sends Merric to the ropes, forcing him to cling onto them to stay in the ring.
Steve Morrison: This is looking like it’s not going to be a match for the purists as we’ve got two fights going on at once and they both look like outright brawls!
Aiden fires back with clubbing blows but Sticky remains unphased, almost enjoying the strikes. With urgency, Merric slides under the bottom ropes… SPRINGBOARD EUROPEAN UPPERCUT ROCKS THE CLOWN BUT HE REMAINS ON HIS FEET!!
Steve Morrison: STICKY JUST ATE THE TRANQUILIZER!
Cross Recoba: A leg came up to balance him but he somehow stayed on his feet.
At ringside, Jackalope drops Thespian with a Guyver Kick!
Steve Morrison: Unlucky Rabbit’s Foot!
Cross Recoba: Kid Cryptid showing those educated feet that have served him so well in his burgeoning career.
In the background, we see that Sticky has scooped up Merric and holds him above his head…HE THROWS HIM OVER THE ROPES AT JACKALOPE!!
Steve Morrison: LOOK AT THAT POWER!
Sticky raises his arms to the crowd who only respond in boos.
Cross Recoba: He’s winning no friends in the Ballroom tonight though.
Sneaking into the ring, Thespian catches the Clown unawares with a Flying Forearm smash to no avail. Stepping back from the blow, Sticky rushes Thespian with a Double Axe-Handle blow but Thespian ducks and hits the ropes with a Tornado DDT….No! Sticky catches him and starts to lift him for a suplex.
Steve Morrison: It seems Sticky has the answers to his competitors tonight.
Cross Recoba: Look at that hang-time…
SPRINGBOARD REVERSE SLINGBLADE SENDS THE CLOWN INTO THE CORNER AND FORCES HIM TO SET DOWN THESPIAN!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope makes the save with the Hold-Out Pistol!
Sliding into the ring, Merric charges in with a HUGE SUPERMAN PUNCH TO THE CLOWN’S THROAT!
Steve Morrison: AUSSIE RULES!
Cross Recoba: It looks like Sticky might not be quite as invincible as he seems.
Bent over, Sticky is unsighted to the precision dropkick from Jackalope that connects with his head and puts the Clown on his ass….PK KICK FROM THESPIAN SENDS THE CLOWN OUT OF THE RING!!
Steve Morrison: Great teamwork from the trio on Sticky but who will come out on top?
Cross Recoba: We’re about to find out…
Thespian hits the ropes AND LAUNCHES GARDEN DART STYLE AT THE CLOWN WITH A SUICIDE TOPÉ….BUT THE CLOWN CATCHES HIM AND FALLS FORWARD WITH A SICKENING THUD!!
Steve Morrison: Theo paid for the risk…
Cross Recoba: They’re not finished…
Merric follows in with a SUICIDE DIVE SHOULDER BLOCK….BUT HE’S CAUGHT AND LIFTED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF STICKY!
Steve Morrison: The Clown seemingly able to stop the attacks at will.
Cross Recoba: The Chaos Bunny’s hit the ropes…
JACKALOPE FOLLOWS OVER THE TOP WITH A SHOOTING STAR MISSILE DROPKICK THAT SENDS ALL THREE MEN THROUGH THE BARRICADE AND INTO THE FRONT ROW!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT!
Steve Morrison: From the ringside to the front-row!
Cross Recoba: I’m hoping we’ve got a disclaimer on those tickets…
Popping up to his feet, Jackalope grabs the head of Thespian and charges towards the ring, rolling him under the bottom rope. Jackalope gets to the apron and leaps to the top-rope, he spins…ASAI MOONSAULT!!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope makes the cover…
ONE!
TWO!!
T-
NO! THESPIAN KICKS OUT WEAKLY!
Cross Recoba: Kid Cryptid needs to stay on him…
Jackalope goes for another cover, this time with a hooked leg and tighter grip.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
NO! THESPIAN AGAIN ESCAPES!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope nearly had him.
Cross Recoba: Theo’s taking a lot in this match, Jackalope just needs to keep chipping away at him.
Jackalope stomps him and positions him for something nasty. Aiden comes out of nowhere though, and shoves Jackalope off the top rope, crashing into Thespian with a senton. Aiden attempts to get in the ring, but he gets grabbed by a giant claw. The camera pans up…
IT’S STICKY!!!!
Steve Morrison: Merric gets cut off just as he looked ready to take control in this match!
Aiden falls and begins to try and kick and punch him off. The grip tightens as he begins to get pulled out of the ring. Aiden is on the apron now.
Steve Morrison: The Bounty Hunter knows he’s in danger here….
Merric takes the only option he can AND BITES THE HAND OF STICKY!
Cross Recoba: I’d say that was pure desperation but just look at the size of Sticky’s hands! They’re like shovels!
Sticky lifts him slightly before driving Aiden knee-first into the apron. HE RETURNS THE BITE!
Steve Morrison: He calls that Dinner!
MERRIC LANDS A LOW BLOW TO BREAK THE BITE!
Cross Recoba: The only option he had left.
When we cut back to the ring, Jackalope has a pin attempt but it’s countered by Thespian into a pin of his own but the Chaos Bunny rolls out of it and hits the ropes…STEP-UP ARM DRAG BUT THESPIAN ROLLS THROUGH AND SLAPS KID CRYPTID!
Steve Morrison: Life’s a Comedy!
Cross Recoba: Jackalope needs to watch out. Mimicry and imitation are two different things.
Rocked, Thespian connects with a Guyver Kick of his own that sends him into the ropes, Thespian sends him off the ropes and charges after him at full-pelt…JACKALOPE GETS HIT WITH HIS OWN REVERSE SLING BLADE!!
Steve Morrison: Thespian uses the Chaos Bunny’s own Unlucky Rabbit’s Foot and Hold-Out Pistol to potentially get the win…
Thespian goes for the pin
ONE!
TW-
JACKALOPE KICKS OUT WITH AUTHORITY!
Cross Recoba: Kid Cryptid’s a lot fresher than Theo. Did Thespian not have the energy to commit to the pin?
Rising to his feet, Jackalope eats a dropkick from Thespian who uses the move to knock Kid Cryptid off-balance and into a Sleeper!
Steve Morrison: That energy of Jackalope’s seems to be dwindling now. Theo has the hold locked in!
Cross Recoba: Does he have the strength though to put him away before Aiden or Sticky get back into this?
Merric re-enters the fray after battling outside with Sticky. He sees Thespian has Jackalope now seated in the Sleeper Hold…DIVING SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!
Steve Morrison: DIVING AUSSIE RULES PUNCH!!
Picking up the fatigued and worn down Jackalope, Merric hits him a left, then another as he works him over against the ropes.
Cross Recoba: Those punches have been honed over countless cases of VB and disagreements!
Merric grabs his head AND SENDS JACKALOPE OVER THE TOP TO THE FLOOR!
Steve Morrison: CLEAN OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Thespian spins Aiden around and the two of them start to trade blows.
Cross Recoba: This could be interesting.
Getting the upper-hand, Merric whips Thespian into the corner and follows in looking for a huge boot to the face but Thespian kicks off the turnbuckle backwards…Schoolboy!
ONE…
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Theo’s agility got him the pin but Merric’s still too strong to be pinned.
Merric beats Thespian to the literal punch but he’s spun around by Sticky, BIG BOOT FROM THE MURDER CLOWN!
Cross Recoba: Maybe not so strong anymore!
Sticky starts to stomp a hole in the Australian….HUGE KICK TO THE BACK OF THE LEG FROM THESPIAN!!
Steve Morrison: BREAK A LEG!
Turning his attention to Thespian, Sticky closes the gap on Theo.
Cross Recoba: He’s poked the bear!
Thespian unloads on Sticky but it has little effect…a huge clubbing blow to the back of the head…STICKY GRABS THE HEAD OF THESPIAN AND DRILLS HIM INTO THE MAT!!
Steve Morrison: FACE SPLATTER!!
Cross Recoba: He didn’t let go of his head until it hit the mat! He could be out!!
JACKALOPE COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A SPRINGBOARD SHOOTING STAR DDT!
Steve Morrison: EL-AHRAIRAH DDT!!!
NO!
STICKY STOPS HIM HALFWAY DOWN….HUGE POWERBOMB!!!
Cross Recoba: That just sucked the life out of Jackalope AND the crowd…
The assault continues as the Clown peels Jackalope from the mat and tucks his head between his legs…
Steve Morrison: He’s not finished! He could end his career!
MERRIC STOPS HIM AND HOLDS HIS HEAD IN PLACE…BURNING LARIAT TAKES THE CLOWN DOWN!!
Steve Morrison: WALL HANGER!! CAN HE TAKE ADVANTAGE?
Cross Recoba: That should be it!
Merric takes a step towards making the pin but Thespian kicks him in the back of the knee to take him down to a knee.
Steve Morrison: Another Break a Leg and Merric’s down to a knee.
Cross Recoba: Theo’s hit the ropes…
RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE HEAD CONNECTS AS THESPIAN MAKES THE PIN!
Steve Morrison: EXQUISITE CATASTROPHE!!!!
ONE….
TWO…
THREE!!
Quinn calls for the bell.
Laura Messier: Your winner of the match, as a result of a pinfall, THE THESPIAN!!!!
Steve Morrison: A great win on his return for The Thespian.
Cross Recoba: That was the kind of performance that made his signing an easy one!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope may count himself unlucky in this one but we’ve seen him come back from worse.
Cross Recoba: Merric perhaps came out the worst from the match that was ironically chosen for him by a huge fan of his!
Steve Morrison: What can the Tap Out roster do though against Sticky the Clown?
Cross Recoba: When Sticky gets into singles competition he’s going to cause a stack of problems for anyone unlucky enough to see their name against his!
Steve Morrison: We’ve still got a stacked night of matches coming your way and with the ring clear, it’s over to Laura Messier with the introductions.
Laura Messier: And now for our final match before the interval!
The record scratches.
The drums count in and the thumping bass line of June Bug by Melvins starts to rattle the speakers. Blue, black and orange lights flash through the arena.
At about 25 seconds in, the drums pick up and Close Collins comes stepping through the curtain. He’s dressed in his ring gear and a zip up hoodie with the hood up. No nonsense, his fists clenched, his eyes focused on the ring, he just storms down the aisle as the bass rips and the drums solo. His father and partner Tuff Collins not too far behind.
Steve Morrison: Here we are, THE THROW SHOW ARE HERE!
Cross Recoba: We know how much work Tuff has put into each training camp for Close’s singles endeavours, I’m assuming that this camp was the same if not more intense!
At about 40 seconds the guitar plays a very simple yet melodic riff. Close takes a moment to slow down and look around the arena. He stops before the ring steps and says a few words to Tuff. Close takes a good look at the ring and bows in respect.
Steve Morrison: Going against a far more seasoned team, this could be a baptism of fire for Tuff in his debut on the big stage!
Cross Recoba: Perhaps but these are two teams made of family members, you’ll always find those teams have chemistry and teamwork far beyond the number of matches they’ve had inside the ring.
At 56 seconds all the instruments start killing it and Close aggressively storms up the steps and into the ring. Straight past his opponent and/or ring announcer and referee and pops up onto the second turnbuckle and roars with intensity for the crowd. Then pops back down keeps his back facing the middle ring, refusing to look at his opponent. Tuff Collins stands on the apron taking in the atmosphere. The back of Close’s hoodie reads “IT'S TIME FOR LAST CALL”
Steve Morrison: Now we find out the answer to the question…
Cross Recoba:...who does the better Tuffmission!
The Goons come out from behind the curtain to a huge chorus of boos but neither man seems bothered by the reaction.
Steve Morrison: Here they are! A team that has made waves wherever they go!
Cross Recoba: In NLW alone they won a G1 tournament, captured the Heavyweight title and the Southern States Championship. You sometimes see teams with an obvious weak link but with these guys? Good luck finding it!
Ricardo and David Goon march with purpose towards the ring, ignoring the sparse but present hands stretched out for a high-five.
Steve Morrison: The Goons make their Tap Out debut but the thought niggles me, are they here to help take out people Kingsley Solomon might see as a threat to his own ascendancy?
Cross Recoba: Solomon’s a thinker and these guys are the definition of mercenaries so it’s not out the question but they’re getting a healthy paycheck tonight from us alone!
They separate from one another as they hit the corner of the ring. David slides in from one side of the turnbuckle, Ricardo the other. They point fingers towards The Throw Show and throw insults that are inaudible over the boos of the crowd.
Steve Morrison: They’re not worried about winning any fans tonight!
Cross Recoba: Sons of PRICE, half-brothers to Darlene? You know what you’re getting and if you’re on the otherside of the ring from them you know that as soon as that bell sounds, they’re going to make you work for every inch you gain!
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST! Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska….the team of Close and Tuff Collins….THE THROW SHOWW!!!!!
Both men raises an arm to acknowledge the cheers from the crowd.
Laura Messier: AND THEIR OPPONENTS! Weighing in at four-hundred-and-thirty-five pounds, fighting out of THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD EVER…NEW YORK CITY! DAVID AND RICARDO GOON…THE GOONS!!
The Goons simply look towards their opponents with a mix of disgust and disdain.
TAG-TEAM MATCH
The Throw Show vs The Goons
Rhod Williams calls the two teams into the center of the ring.
Steve Morrison: This should be good, two teams that aren’t afraid of a hard-hitting style.
Cross Recoba: You do wonder though, was it Kingsley Solomon who got them here? Could he have something to gain if Close Collins fails tonight?
The Throw Show listens intently as Williams spells out what he wants from the match from the two teams. Tuff is especially responsive, not wanting the occasion to be marred by some faux pas on his part.
Steve Morrison: Tuff is wrestling on perhaps the biggest stage of his career.
Cross Recoba: He’s been ringside with Close before, this is just an extension of that.
The Goon Show listen but the look on both of their faces tells the viewer exactly how they feel about being lectured by the Welshman. Ricardo in particular appears to be over the sermon he feels Williams is delivering and steps closer towards the match official to impose his size.
Steve Morrison: A G1 winner, tag-team championships, these aren’t just a tag-team brought in at random, these guys would give an experienced team like the Icons issues.
Cross Recoba: I’m not in the habit of bringing in outsiders that couldn’t give our headliners issues.
Satisfied that his instructions have been delivered, Rhod calls for the timekeeper to ring the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Ricardo starts in the ring with Close. The two men circle one another before engaging in a lock-up. The Goon uses his slight experience and power advantage to push Collins back but the rookie from Nebraska works that in his favor as he ducks down and grabs a waistlock. The younger Goon wastes no time in reversing it into a waistlock of his own and then brings the arm of Close up into a hammerlock.
Steve Morrison: Ricardo’s the more technical of the brothers.
Cross Recoba: Mixing it with some brawling and power moves for good measure.
Steve Morrison: Close might find himself outmatched in this particular area.
Close slips out the back door and puts a hammerlock of his own on the Goon. Collins rolls forward with a drop-toe hold that precedes a front-facelock. Ricardo manages to overpower the hold and flips forward into a pin but Rhod Williams can’t make the count before Close arches his back up and twists into a backslide.
O-
Ricardo rolls backwards and looks for a Penalty Kick but Close sees it coming and ducks. Grabbing a waistlock, Close dashes to the ropes and rolls backwards into a pin but Dodo Goon carries on the momentum into a pin of his own.
ONE….
Close kicks out, Dodo uses the push to hit the ropes and connects with a HUGE BOOT TO THE FACE OF COLLINS!
Steve Morrison: Close got roped into the technical game and then BOOM! Dodo Goon steps up a gear.
Cross Recoba: They can do that, it’s what made them so formidable in NLW and has ensured they’ve been a success since joining SCCW.
Grabbing Close by the hair, Ricardo drags him to the Goons’ corner and tags in his brother, David.
Steve Morrison: Already the more experienced team are cutting the ring off.
Ricardo lifts the arm of Close, allowing his brother to drive a kick into the exposed ribs of the younger Collins’ member.
Steve Morrison: You’ve been in a long-term tag-team, at what point does the cohesion kick in?
Cross Recoba: If I knew that, I’d have a licence to produce endless tag-teams. It just clicks and these two brothers will have been working on their stuff since they saw their first wrestling match.
David takes the lead and twists the arm of Close into a side-wristlock. The elder Goon uses his reach advantage to send a series of boots into the face of the doubled-up Close.
Steve Morrison: David’s the risk-taker of the duo so we could see fireworks but right now, he’s content just continuing the beatdown his brother started.
Using the twisted arm as leverage, David brings Close towards him…LEAPING HEADSCISSOR TAKEDOWN!
Steve Morrison: Spiked him on his head!
Cross Recoba: The Goons are nothing if not deliberate in their moves.
Rolling through, David hits the ropes…SENTON CONNECTS! The Goon makes a cover…
ONE…
KICKOUT FROM CLOSE!
Steve Morrison: It looks like they’re trying to isolate the lesser-experienced of the Collins’ family.
Cross Recoba: Tuff’s anchored to his corner, he can’t move around the ring like he does when Close is in singles competition, they know he can’t coach his son through this as easily as before.
Getting to his feet, Close charges at the Goon but David leapfrogs, Close comes back off the ropes and this time David drops down. A third-time for Close to hit the ropes and David leapfrogs…NO! SHOULDER SPIN REVERSE RANA!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE MOVE!
David drags Close to the Goons corner by his leg and tags in Ricardo.
Cross Recoba: Quick tags, they’re looking to keep fresh whilst they wear down Close.
The brothers hook an arm each, DOUBLE SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: Crisp suplex from the Goons.
Tuff can be heard protesting the double-team from the apron.
Cross Recoba: Not much can be done from there, Tuff.
Steve Morrison: Tuff’s still waiting to make his entry into the match and he has to be frustrated at the double-team.
David exits the ring at Rhod Williams’ urging, Ricardo whips Close into the corner and charges in…CLOSE RAISES A BOOT INTO HIS FACE THAT STAGGERS THE GOON…RUNNING DDT FROM CLOSE!!
Steve Morrison: Close is having to wrestle from his gut!
Cross Recoba: He needs to make the most of this. Either tag-out or follow up with something huge…
Close makes a cover…
ONE…
Ricardo kicks out with meaning.
Steve Morrison: An easy kickout for Ricardo.
Cross Recoba: The pin wasn’t the move there.
Close picks the Goon up and fires off a forearm to the head. He lifts up Dodo…Atomic Drop. Collins isn’t finished, he immediately snatches a headlock…Bulldog takes Ricardo into the Throw Show’s territory.
Tuff Collins: Let’s show them!
Steve Morrison: Close taking a page out of the Goons’ playbook and keeping his opponent in Throw Show territory.
Cross Recoba: Good one-two combo to get there too.
Close tags in his father as the Lansky Ballroom let out a huge roar of approval for the debuting patriarch of the Collins. Ricardo gets to his feet and immediately throws a huge overhand right to the head of Tuff but the elder statesman replies with one of his own. Ricardo ups the ante with a huge uppercut and a knee to the gut. He takes the arm of Tuff and sends him to the ropes and follows up with a charging knee on the Goons side of the ring. Doubled over, Tuff can’t stop Ricardo from scooping him onto his shoulder…RUNNING POWERSLAM!
Steve Morrison: Tuff getting cut off by Ricardo and there might well be a nagging doubt that tells him it’s a step-up too far.
Cross Recoba: If he thinks that, this match is over.
Ricardo makes the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
TUFF KICKS OUT!!
Steve Morrison: That powerslam must have knocked the wind out of him but he manages to escape the pin!
Ricardo keeps hold of the head of Tuff and pushes him into the Goons corner. He tags in David and two start to lay the boots into the midsection of the elder Collins. Looking over his shoulder, Ricardo spots Close entering the ring and taunts him. Close tries to intercept the double-team but Rhod Williams cuts him off for entering the ring. The Goons take full advantage, bringing Tuff to his feet. Ricardo uses the tag-rope to choke out the debuting Collins whilst David thrusts his shoulder into the midsection of Tuff to drop his body down and increase the choke.
Steve Morrison: COME ON, RHOD!
Cross Recoba: It’s good tag-team wrestling. Close was too quick and easy to be goaded into the ring.
Close begrudgingly leaves the ring. David Goon brings Tuff out from the corner and nails a picture-perfect Full Nelson Suplex! He bridges…
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
CLOSE SAVES THE DAY!!
Steve Morrison: David Goon with a beautiful suplex and unlucky not to get the pin with that!
David sends Tuff to the ropes and leapfrogs over him. The Veteran comes off the ropes and beats David to the punch with a clothesline! Ricardo enters the ring but Tuff cuts him off with a kick to the midsection…TWISTING VERTICAL SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: Tuff’s found his rhythm!
The elder Goon tries to ambush Tuff but a series of hooked forearms buy Tuff space…GOURDBUSTER!!
Cross Recoba: He needs to get out the ring now though, he’s created the chance…
Close can be seen in the background calling out for the tag. Tuff makes his way to tag in his son…CLOSE ENTERS THE RING!!
Steve Morrison: Just listen to the crowd roar in anticipation!
Cross Recoba: He’s chomping at the bit to turn this match around!
The younger Collins’ blocks a punch from David Goon and answers with his own, T-BONE SUPLEX!!!
Crowd: LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE! LET’S GO, CLOSE!
Feeding off the crowd, the Nebraskan Native pulls David to his feet. PUMPHANDLE SUPLEX WITH A BRIDGE!!
ONE…
TWO…
RICARDO BREAKS UP THE PIN!!!
Steve Morrison: Close took David to the Suplex Factory!
Cross Recoba: But as long as a Goon can break up a pin, the Throw Show aren’t getting the win!
Tuff rushes into the ring and takes Ricardo down with a Meathook clothesline that sends both men over the top-rope to the floor!
Steve Morrison: Tuff not waiting for an invitation as the two men spill to ringside and I’m just hoping they don’t come our way!
David gets to his feet but Close is there to cut him off with a front-facelock that leaves an arm free to get some dirty boxing in. Staggering back, the Goon ducks out the way of a short-arm clothesline and throws one of his own, IT’S CAUGHT…HEAD AND ARM SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: TUFFPLEX!!
Cross Recoba: No bridge this time though…
Crowd: HIT THE LAST CALL! HIT THE LAST CALL! HIT THE LAST CALL!
Steve Morrison: The crowd know what’s coming…
Close lifts up David, KATA HA JIME!!!
Steve Morrison: LAST CALL!!
Cross Recoba: This could be over in a second.
Steve Morrison: He’s got it locked in already!
Rhod Williams is checking to see if David Goon is still conscious. The Goon brother tells the match official that he’s fine. Close locks the hold in deeper.
Steve Morrison: David Goon has seconds to turn this around…
Sliding into the ring, Ricardo Goon BREAKS UP THE HOLD!!
Cross Recoba: And a partner who won’t let him go out like that!
Grabbing Close by the hair, Ricardo throws Close into the corner and starts to put the boots into him. Rhod Williams tries to intervene but the Goon has a hold of the top rope either side of the turnbuckle.
Steve Morrison: GET HIM OUT THE RING, RHOD! HE’S NOT THE LEGAL MAN!
TUFF CLUBS RICARDO IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD….BRAINBUSTER SPIKES THE GOON ON TOP OF HIS HEAD!!
Cross Recoba: The cavalry came to the rescue!
David Goon is up to a knee. Close comes behind him…RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: HUGE MOVE!
The elder Collins drags him up…RELEASE OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY…CLOSE CATCHES HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS…FALLING POWERBOMB!!
Steve Morrison: AN ENORMOUS DOUBLE-TEAM MOVE!!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Rhod Williams calls for the bell!
Laura Messier: Your winners of the match, Close and Tuff Collins…THE THROW SHOW!!
The crowd cheers as Williams lifts the arms of the Collins’. It’s clear to see on Tuff’s face that this might be the crowning moment of his career.
Steve Morrison: It might have been a rocky start but The Throw Show picks up a great win against The Goons!
Cross Recoba: The Goons were unlucky, they showed cohesion and drive but whatever Close and Tuff call that move, it’s likely to be a match-ender everytime they hit it!
Steve Morrison: Tuff’s debut on the International scene kicks off with a win and proof that they just might be Tap Out’s best hope of winning the XHF Tag Team titles when they come to Vegas in August!
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - NOVEMBER 2022
Cross Recoba: Your champion is Marty Donovan, the man who buffs the alloys for Lightning McQueen. What has he ever done when he hasn’t had to rely on an environment that revels in ultra-violence, that would rather see a stapler than a suplex, thumb tacks over a Tombstone piledriver and a flaming table instead of a figure-four leglock…
Crowd: HE’S A PUSSY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HE’S A PUSSY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HE’S A PUSSY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Cross Recoba: And you know why that is? It’s because people like Donovan, like Evans, and like Syberus all prefer a dumb audience! If you want proof that people are largely idiots, I put on a show with three wrestlers who’ve held the X*Crown and got a thousand people yet here tonight? Seven times that figure. You could be watching Jack Diamond or Jason Long but instead what do you choose? You’d pick a twinkie over a fillet steak!
Cross Recoba: Your champion is Marty Donovan, the man who buffs the alloys for Lightning McQueen. What has he ever done when he hasn’t had to rely on an environment that revels in ultra-violence, that would rather see a stapler than a suplex, thumb tacks over a Tombstone piledriver and a flaming table instead of a figure-four leglock…
Crowd: HE’S A PUSSY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HE’S A PUSSY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HE’S A PUSSY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Cross Recoba: And you know why that is? It’s because people like Donovan, like Evans, and like Syberus all prefer a dumb audience! If you want proof that people are largely idiots, I put on a show with three wrestlers who’ve held the X*Crown and got a thousand people yet here tonight? Seven times that figure. You could be watching Jack Diamond or Jason Long but instead what do you choose? You’d pick a twinkie over a fillet steak!
Marty Donovan (VO): Time to welcome the new guy. Cross Recoba, I became your biggest fan this week. You did the right thing by ejecting Zoran and his snot-nosed kid from
the TAPOUT audience. That Serbian stabber has no place in our great sport. I think you can make a huge splash here in the West Coast title picture. How fitting would it be for a Las Vegas casino king to win that belt? As long as you work hard and stay in your midcarder lane then you’ll be fine.
A mother cosplaying Dakota Jennings walks by with a toddler dressed as Cross Recoba, complete with an inflatable lion cane. Marty shakes his head at this failed parenting.
Fiona Gabriel (VO): Fiona Gabriel, Headlines and Headlocks. Do you feel that a showdown between you and Cross Recoba is inevitable? He implied as much earlier.
Marty Donovan (VO): Look, I like Cross. He’s technically paying for my cruise with that generous “Move of the Night” bonus from Tap Out 9. By the way, I’m the only guest to ever win that. Let’s be real though. He’s a promoter that likes to play wrestler from time to time. Syberus’ weekend warrior equivalent. Recoba failed to get the W against Tuxedo fucking Mask. He is not even on my radar.
HKW PHOENIX - October 10, 2022
Guillermo O’Bannon: Wesley Crane now holding a limp Syberus up by the hair on his knees, and Marty comes off the ropes with the Dis-Knee v-trigger!!
Fans are throwing debris into the ring while Wesley Crane rolls out of the ring and helps Alexander Von Blankenship to his feet. Kelly O’Connell runs back to the ring
…ONE!
…TWO!
…THREE!!!
Phillip Blauer: Yes!
Guillermo O’Bannon: Unbelievable! Just horrible.
Guillermo O’Bannon: Wesley Crane now holding a limp Syberus up by the hair on his knees, and Marty comes off the ropes with the Dis-Knee v-trigger!!
Fans are throwing debris into the ring while Wesley Crane rolls out of the ring and helps Alexander Von Blankenship to his feet. Kelly O’Connell runs back to the ring
…ONE!
…TWO!
…THREE!!!
Phillip Blauer: Yes!
Guillermo O’Bannon: Unbelievable! Just horrible.
Marty Donovan (VO): nobody is going to spend 50 bucks to watch Cross Recoba stumble through some rest holds.
TAP OUT WRESTLING 9: POENA VS COLLINS II - DECEMBER 2022
Long grabs a hold of Marty’s waist. RIPCORD LARIAT!!!
Steve Morrison: BLADE RUNNER OUT OF NOWHERE!
NO!!!! MARTY DUCKS….SUPERKICK!!!!!
Cross Recoba: Marty’s not far behind Long in being opportunistic and that was a great example right there!
Donovan returns to the top turnbuckle once more, he finds the cameraman and leans in.
Marty Donovan: Remember, kids, every Marty Funko Pop left on the shelf, Bob Iger kills a kitten!
450 SPLASH!!!
Steve Morrison: ODE TO ROMERO!
Long grabs a hold of Marty’s waist. RIPCORD LARIAT!!!
Steve Morrison: BLADE RUNNER OUT OF NOWHERE!
NO!!!! MARTY DUCKS….SUPERKICK!!!!!
Cross Recoba: Marty’s not far behind Long in being opportunistic and that was a great example right there!
Donovan returns to the top turnbuckle once more, he finds the cameraman and leans in.
Marty Donovan: Remember, kids, every Marty Funko Pop left on the shelf, Bob Iger kills a kitten!
450 SPLASH!!!
Steve Morrison: ODE TO ROMERO!
Marty Donovan (VO): Do yourself a favor, Cross…take Mickey’s money and we can work together EVERYDAY! I’ll even sweeten the deal, I know the Alien crew and after Dakota, don’t you deserve a Queen?
The Hardkore (Disney) World Special - FEBRUARY 2023
From the riverbank, the announcers once again find the match. They aren’t the only ones, as Sainovic’s wife and child also watch. Looking up, it's nice to have one's family there for a crowning moment... but not like this. Having Oliver’s eyes on him, Zoran once again drops the shiv – which is just the opening that Marty needs.
Guillermo O’Bannon: The Dis-Knee!!!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Guillermo O’Bannon: Where did that bell come from?
Phillip Blauer: Where does any of it come from... this is the magic kingdom!
Greg Jin: At 47 minutes 12 seconds; THE WINNER OF THE MATCH, AND STILL HARDKORE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION…’DISNEY’S MARTY DONOVAN!!!
From the riverbank, the announcers once again find the match. They aren’t the only ones, as Sainovic’s wife and child also watch. Looking up, it's nice to have one's family there for a crowning moment... but not like this. Having Oliver’s eyes on him, Zoran once again drops the shiv – which is just the opening that Marty needs.
Guillermo O’Bannon: The Dis-Knee!!!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Guillermo O’Bannon: Where did that bell come from?
Phillip Blauer: Where does any of it come from... this is the magic kingdom!
Greg Jin: At 47 minutes 12 seconds; THE WINNER OF THE MATCH, AND STILL HARDKORE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION…’DISNEY’S MARTY DONOVAN!!!
GUNS SHOW s4e5: HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY - MARCH 2023
Phillips: Wow! What an unexpected treat! Cross Recoba, the number one contender for the Hardkore World Heavyweight Championship, is in the house.
Magnus: I didn’t sign off on this! Is he expecting a paycheck?
A spotlight appears on the stage and we see Dana “The Drone” Daniels, an ageing jobber, in a bad Cross Recoba wig. He wears a TAP OUT shirt and, for some reason, backwards jeans. Boos rain down from the crowd as Dana enters the ring.
Phillips: Actually, that’s Dana “The Drone” Daniels. He’s a journeyman wrestler, beekeeper and student of Disney’s Marty Donovan. No doubt this is to get under Cross’ skin before Palm Springs Punishment.
Magnus: He better not have eaten any mozzarella sticks. Those are for signed talent only!
Dana grabs a microphone and looks around the crowd nervously.)
Dana Daniels: Bonjourno! I am Criss Recoba from the famous tag team known as Criss Cross. My brother wanted to be here tonight, but none of the stores have the special brand of Depends his sensitive, baby skin requires. His bum is now sore. Don’t you dare chant RASH RECOBA!
Dana pauses for the crowd to start the mean chant, but no one does.
Dana: Marty Donovan! If you’re a man then get out here and defend your Phoenix Championship against the bigger, stronger Recoba! Jump! Jump!
Phillips: This farce of a match is now underway. Dana, or should I say Criss, is applying Garibaldi's Guillotine.
Dana cranks away on the high angle liontamer as Marty does an over exaggerated yawn. He then kicks the fake Recoba in the face.
Phillips: Marty breaks the hold. He bounces off the ropes and hits a slingblade.
Magnus: This isn’t fair. Dana’s pants are on backwards.
Marty scrambles on top of Dana and applies a butterfly lock.
Phillips: Marty cranks away on the butterfly lock he calls Blue Moon!
Magnus: After the fruity beer?
Phillips: No, he dickishly named it for Manchester City. The butterfly lock used to be a signature move of his rival Syberus, who is an avid United supporter.
Dana verbally submits and the bell rings. Marty celebrates and taunts directly into the camera.
Marty Donovan: You watching, Cross? You won’t last half as long as he did!
Phillips: Wow! What an unexpected treat! Cross Recoba, the number one contender for the Hardkore World Heavyweight Championship, is in the house.
Magnus: I didn’t sign off on this! Is he expecting a paycheck?
A spotlight appears on the stage and we see Dana “The Drone” Daniels, an ageing jobber, in a bad Cross Recoba wig. He wears a TAP OUT shirt and, for some reason, backwards jeans. Boos rain down from the crowd as Dana enters the ring.
Phillips: Actually, that’s Dana “The Drone” Daniels. He’s a journeyman wrestler, beekeeper and student of Disney’s Marty Donovan. No doubt this is to get under Cross’ skin before Palm Springs Punishment.
Magnus: He better not have eaten any mozzarella sticks. Those are for signed talent only!
Dana grabs a microphone and looks around the crowd nervously.)
Dana Daniels: Bonjourno! I am Criss Recoba from the famous tag team known as Criss Cross. My brother wanted to be here tonight, but none of the stores have the special brand of Depends his sensitive, baby skin requires. His bum is now sore. Don’t you dare chant RASH RECOBA!
Dana pauses for the crowd to start the mean chant, but no one does.
Dana: Marty Donovan! If you’re a man then get out here and defend your Phoenix Championship against the bigger, stronger Recoba! Jump! Jump!
Phillips: This farce of a match is now underway. Dana, or should I say Criss, is applying Garibaldi's Guillotine.
Dana cranks away on the high angle liontamer as Marty does an over exaggerated yawn. He then kicks the fake Recoba in the face.
Phillips: Marty breaks the hold. He bounces off the ropes and hits a slingblade.
Magnus: This isn’t fair. Dana’s pants are on backwards.
Marty scrambles on top of Dana and applies a butterfly lock.
Phillips: Marty cranks away on the butterfly lock he calls Blue Moon!
Magnus: After the fruity beer?
Phillips: No, he dickishly named it for Manchester City. The butterfly lock used to be a signature move of his rival Syberus, who is an avid United supporter.
Dana verbally submits and the bell rings. Marty celebrates and taunts directly into the camera.
Marty Donovan: You watching, Cross? You won’t last half as long as he did!
The music fades into:
Cross Recoba (VO): The other? Watts can feel like he’s part of something important when I make him tap out and go on to topple Marty Donovan as the HKW World Heavyweight Champion.
HKW LAS VEGAS - JANUARY 2023
Guillermo O’Bannon: Cross Recoba goes for a suplex, but Syberus rolls back into an inside cradle!
…ONE!
…TWO!
…(Cross Recoba rolls the cradle over)
Guillermo O’Bannon: Cross Recoba holding on to the ropes!
…ONE!
…TWO!
…THREE!
Guillermo O’Bannon: Oh, come on!
Guillermo O’Bannon: Cross Recoba goes for a suplex, but Syberus rolls back into an inside cradle!
…ONE!
…TWO!
…(Cross Recoba rolls the cradle over)
Guillermo O’Bannon: Cross Recoba holding on to the ropes!
…ONE!
…TWO!
…THREE!
Guillermo O’Bannon: Oh, come on!
Cross Recoba (VO): In five years, Jason Long has made more of an impact than Marty has in triple that time! You know, if it wasn’t for the fact that Long’s a busy man - I’d have sent him here next month in my place as a Christmas present to you all. You could see how one of my top stars eclipses every single competitor in tonight’s main-event!
GUNS New Year’s Eve Special - JANUARY, 2023
The ball dropping down further, almost a manageable distance from the ladder, Cross sets it up against the post again. Then for good measure, picks up a sizeable portion of unexploded announcer’s table and repeatedly brings it down across Zoran’s back. Content that the champion is out of it, The Fox stops himself and lifts Sainovic up one more time-
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Magnus: Up All Night in Dakota!!!
Phillips: Sainovic was out cold, and had no way to defend – but now?
Magnus: That was a message for sure. Despite all his Morales is someone else posturing, Sainovic has talked enough crap about Dakota Jennings since End of Days 2020, that he was due. Cross putting an exclamation point on Sainovic’s loss, with a fond memory of Dakota!
Phillips: Well Zoran is down, and the ball looks physically possible now-
The ball dropping down further, almost a manageable distance from the ladder, Cross sets it up against the post again. Then for good measure, picks up a sizeable portion of unexploded announcer’s table and repeatedly brings it down across Zoran’s back. Content that the champion is out of it, The Fox stops himself and lifts Sainovic up one more time-
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Magnus: Up All Night in Dakota!!!
Phillips: Sainovic was out cold, and had no way to defend – but now?
Magnus: That was a message for sure. Despite all his Morales is someone else posturing, Sainovic has talked enough crap about Dakota Jennings since End of Days 2020, that he was due. Cross putting an exclamation point on Sainovic’s loss, with a fond memory of Dakota!
Phillips: Well Zoran is down, and the ball looks physically possible now-
Cross Recoba (VO): The funny thing is, Champ, that I’ve always noticed the nods, the digs, the niggles that you point my way and, mostly, they’ve always been welcome but let's not kid ourselves - you’re not doing this out of the kindness of your heart and I’m not going into this match with any other design than walking out with that HKW World title.
BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES: WUK VS HKW - FEBRUARY 2023
Fulton: Precarious position these two are in!
Torchwood: Look at that!
The words leave Torchwoods mouth as Recoba lands behind Armand von Krauss on the second rope as he counters another superplex and hits his signature move “The Skim” from the turnbuckles! Going straight for a cover afterwards does Cross.
1!
2!
3!
Fulton: Precarious position these two are in!
Torchwood: Look at that!
The words leave Torchwoods mouth as Recoba lands behind Armand von Krauss on the second rope as he counters another superplex and hits his signature move “The Skim” from the turnbuckles! Going straight for a cover afterwards does Cross.
1!
2!
3!
Cross Recoba (VO): I’m going to make you famous!
PALM SPRINGS PUNISHMENT 2023
Hardkore World Heavyweight Championship
Disney’s Marty Donovan vs. Cross Recoba
Add to Planner
HALF-TIME SHOW
Light slowly blooms into view of what seems to be… a toy wrestling ring.
Along the lengths is the XHF Network logo.
Along the widths, two words:
The Rumble
An old projector begins to whirl to life out of view… before showing its images on the canvas below. Highlights from the years gone by begin to play out, with their years time stamped on the bottom of the projection, and a brief screen of static to separate them out.
2002
“My GOD! Rage has won the BDDWF Rumble!”
“Rage gets his title shot!”
2003
“Destruction is dead!”
“And Scorpion is in the main event of NOC II!!!”
2004
“Destruction has done it! Destruction has climbed to the top of the XHF mountain once again!”
2005
“What the hell?
“It looks like we've got two Rumble winners! Hardcore Harry and Gravedigger will challenge for the XHF Championship at Night of Champions IV?!?”
2006
“SPIKE’S DONE IT! SPIKES DONE IT! SPIKES GOING TO THE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS!”
2007
“Reckless Jack is going to Night of Champions!”
“With a tainted victory may it be, Jack got it done!”
2008
“Mongo did it! Mongo wins his first Rumble!”
A large amount of static takes over the screen as the years 2009 to 2017 quickly fly by.
2018
“The winner of the XHF Rumble and STILL XCrown Champion is Rob Arnold!”
2019
“The winner of the XHF Rumble and NEW XCrown Champion is Seth Dillenger!”
2020
“That’s it! It’s over!”
“Caffrey’s done it! Caffrey’s done it!”
2021
“FOR THE SECOND TIME IN HIS CAREER, DYLAN BLACK HOLDS UP THE X*CROWN!”
2022
“Oh … we are in the darkest timeline.”
“What a dark day for XHF. Zoran is back on top.”
The final image shows Zoran holding up the XCrown championship to a chorus of boos as the 2022 Rumble, and the projections themselves, slowly come to a close. However, the light from the projector stays on… as it’s pulled up further from the toy ring. The light spreads outwards from its original canvas focus to show… more toys.
Aiden Merric: What kind of bloody question is that? Aiden Merric is in the rumble to claim the greatest trophy of them all. Ain't nobody going to toss me over the ropes this time, that Crown is as good as mine.
Figurines of XHF, past and present, scattered about like corpses on the outside of the ring. Hardcore Harry, Kanyon, Goldbear, and Dreadvan all lie motionless.
Random McConalogue: I'm on a bit of a roll... so it's gonnae get dicey for everyone else...
Light continues to spread out as the toys reach over hundreds… potentially upwards of a thousand…
Voiceover: They all tried their best… but only one can win the Rumble
A pair of white gloved hands reach out into the sea of figures before pulling out a couple.
Wildcat Capone: WHY am I entering the rumble? I'm glad you asked. The Rumble is my only chance to fight guys like Dylan Black, Like Marty Donovan. Ive been itching for a rematch, like Bloodied Fox, like one of my bosses Cross Recoba. This is my first chance to see if I can hang with the big boys. And this cat will show the world just how well he hangs!
A pained laugh is heard from above as the gloved hand places down the last wrestler before retreating. In its place, a new gloved hand appears.
Instead of a white glove, though, there’s a picture on the back of the hand.
A picture of a stone mask, laughing.
The gloved hand slips over the ropes and ‘stands’ in the middle of the ring by its index and ring figure.
Voiceover: So much potential this year. But, do you want to know why I’m joining the Rumble?
The hand begins to walk around the ring methodically…
Voiceover: Because why not?
A finger curls… and kicks Dylan Black off the ropes.
Voiceover: You never know who is going to make an impact… cause an upset…
Jack Diamond: One championship is nice but twenty-three is better. In Twenty-Twenty-Three, I will become the third three-time X*Crown Champion!
Another ‘kick’ sends Donzig over the turnbuckles.
Voiceover: If I’m going to come back, might as well come back swinging for the fences.”
And, with one more kick, the ring is empty. Only the gloved hand remains… as it turns itself over, palm up… as if offering you, the viewer, a hand to grab onto. In the palm itself, it reads
The Thespian.
Thespian:... I’m sure the Network’s missed me by now.”
The hand closes, and the projector light cuts out to black.
Laura Messier: WELCOME BACK! Our next contest is set for one fall!
Nisi per dolorem potest salvari... The lights go pitch back as the eerie bells and words fill the arena. Each time the choir sings, red spotlights blaze down, revealing Poena standing at the top of the ramp, a black silhouette with his arms raised out to the sides with his palms and face up to the heavens.
Steve Morrison: Back after a suspension and, like I said earlier, I don’t think it’s taught him anything more than how to be more sadistic!
Cross Recoba: One thing that definitely hasn’t changed is his belief that his Savior is the answer to curing anyone he sees that needs to be saved…which is everybody!
As the music picks up the red spotlights stay on him as he lowers his arms and walks toward the ring holding his twisted rosary in his hands as if praying as he walks down the ramp, his crazed smile breaking out into an even crazier grin as he does.
Steve Morrison: He’s latched onto Sawyer and they need to be careful tonight that Poena doesn’t try and leave a lasting souvenir like he has for so many of his opponents.
Cross Recoba: He’s going to have half an eye on the Main Event and we know that. That’s why I’ve posted Security outside his dressing room after this match. Given half a chance, he’ll make his presence known in our title match.
He rolls into the ring as the spotlights turn to brightest white, going to his knees in the same pose he held on the ramp with the rosary clenched in his right hand, whispering a silent prayer to himself and yelling “REPENT!” to the heavens before smirking at the crowd and getting up to his feet.
Steve Morrison: As always, fervent and wild-eyed, do you think he sees Sawyer as a threat?
Cross Recoba: He’ll treat them as a curiosity but then he’s already taken the family angle with them, he must know that’s only going to ignite the powder keg that is Sam Sawyer!
The arena lights dim as a synth bassline begins to play, the foggy neon on the tron becoming the main source of light. The tension in the song starts to pick up, and upon reaching the climax, the first verse begins and the arena lights flash briefly before returning to a dim glow, now with the same neon colors as the tron.
Steve Morrison: Another clear favorite of the Lansky Ballroom but tonight they fight not just for victory but to prove a point!
Cross Recoba: Sam’s got to be careful, a win for them tonight plants them firmly on the radar of Poena and we know he doesn’t let go easily!
The fans cheer when Sam Sawyer walks out onto the stage, their face calm and focused. On their way down they slap the hand of every fan who offers, with a faint smile of gratitude.
Steve Morrison: I heard reports that before Poena started playing mind games, there was dissent in their training camp.
Cross Recoba: Some adjustments have been made but I saw Sawyer arrive and look nothing but focused.
They climb the steps and enter the ring, now focused entirely on the match ahead.
Steve Morrison: Last month, Merric and this month, Poena. Just how close will Sawyer be if they win tonight to competing for the Openweight title?
Cross Recoba: A win tonight for them would be a huge step towards either a rematch with Jack or a shot against Tommy but they have to know that to get to that point, Poena’s going to make them pay. Can they rise above that constant threat?
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST… From the Ninth Deep...Standing at six-feet even and weighing a hundred-and-ninety pounds...The Sanctified One....POENA!!!!!!
Laura looks constantly over her shoulder to ensure she’s out of striking distance of Poena.
Laura Messier: AND HIS OPPONENT! They hail from Houston, Texas. Tipping the scales at one-hundred-and-sixty pounds...standing at five feet and six inches....SAM...SAWYER!!
Sawyer raises an arm to the crowd but their eyes never leave the furtive and unhinged figure of Poena.
SINGLES MATCH
Poena (#3) vs Sam Sawyer (#5)
There is no waiting around to start the match. Sam Sawyer and Poena close the gap near instantly, getting within each other’s striking range as quickly as possible. Sawyer fires off a stiff forearm to Poena’s jaw, snapping back the Angel of Death’s head with the slight upward motion of the strike from the shorter Texan. Poena takes a serpentine weave backwards to let him get full extension and a little turn into a sharp kick with his instep into Sawyer’s shoulder. Sam plants their back foot a half step further forward and snaps off a lightning quick front leg kick into Poena’s gut. The Sanctified One reels forward but uses the momentum in his favour, powering a palm heel strike into Sawyer’s face. Sam looks perturbed for a brief second before yelling…
Sam Sawyer: GET FUCKED!
Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!
...and unloading a MAHOOSIVE slap onto the side of Poena’s face!
Steve Morrison: WHAT A SLAP!
Cross Recoba: Can someone get the sound engineer? I think that might have popped one or two of our microphones.
Sawyer just starts teeing off. That slap out of nowhere clearly rang Poena’s bell a little and Sam follows up with a thigh-high roundhouse kick with their right boot, quickly mirrored with one with their left. Sawyer changes stances with a fluidity and light footedness that makes every single strike of the sequences just chain beautifully into the next as they hit a right then left roundhouse to the ribs. Finally, Sam rocks back onto the balls of their feet and ducks their shoulders down for the briefest of seconds before flashing a lethal looking head kick that just flattens Ponea with as loud a cracking sound as the collision of flesh and bone can offer. Sawyer covers…
ONE!
TWO!
TH.. Poena kicks out.
Crowd: LET’S GO SAW-YER! LET’S GO SAW-YER!
Steve Morrison: Sam Sawyer is so precise with their strikes. It’s brutally poetic.
Cross Recoba: I’ve been peppered by some of the greatest trained strikers this sport has to offer. Let me tell you, it’s never a nice feeling.
Looking to follow up quickly, Sawyer climbs to their feet, hauling Poena up with them. Sam locks in a tight side headlock and tries to snap off a rapid DDT but The Sanctified One slides his right leg behind Sawyer’s to block the move. Sawyer attempts to shuffle their feet, altering the attack angle but Poena drives forward and flings his head backwards, launching Sawyer backwards in something resembling a halfway house between a backdrop and a release Northern Lights Suplex. Poena wipes his hand through his hair before starting his methodical attack.
Steve Morrison: What a reversal from Poena.
Cross Recoba: It’s all about knowing where and when to switch momentum. You can expend too much effort escaping when a counter is difficult. Pick your spots.
Poena backs away slowly, his flexible body swaying with his loose movements. Sawyer gets up to a seated position as Poena turns to face the ropes, sticks out an elbow and jumps blind, powering that elbow into Sam Sawyer’s spine and ensuring a safe landing on his back. Swyer scowls, clutching their back in pain as Poena rolls up to his feet and lays in a pair of pointed boot kicks into the back, lower down this time. The Architect of Misery backs off to admire his handiwork, never averting his gaze from Sam Sawyer’s back.
Steve Morrison: Well, it looks like Poena has his target set.
Cross Recoba: You get the feeling with Poena it’s all instinctual rather than planned. But whichever way it is…trust me, it’is painful.
With a manic glee in his facial expression and Sawyer’s arm in his grip, Poena stands again. Poena hurls Sawyer across the ring and the Tex-Mex Shooter’s back crashes into the branded padding and the metal it so poorly guards. Poena backs into the opposite corner and rushes across the widest diagonal, driving his shoulder into Sam Sawyer’s bread basket. Poena rolls out of the ring, grinning madly into a ringside camera as Sawyer just slides down the turnbuckles in pain. The referee starts a count on Poena but he calmly (for him) walks over to where Sawyer is seated, reaches in and grabs both legs, dead fish dropping Sawyer to mat level. Now Poena releases one arm from the legs and wraps it round Sawyer’s head instead, pulling back with both arms, wrapping them around the ring post, stretching their back against the steel.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIV… Poena releases the illegal hold and rolls back into the ring.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Steve Morrison: You can’t do that! You can’t use a ring post to aid a hold!
Cross Recoba: You can… for four and nine tenths of a second.
Poena climbs the turnbuckles and sits on the corner, focusing on Sawyer as they crawl out of the corner. Waiting patiently, The Dark Messiah lets Sawyer get up to their knees before diving off with a double foot stomp to Sawyer’s back before reshaping his flexible body in mid air and falling backwards into a senton onto the now prone Sawyer. Poena flips Sawyer over and stays in a back press.
ONE!
TWO!
TH… Sawyer kicks out.
Steve Morrison: Double Stomp into a senton!
Cross Recoba: Coup de Disgrâce, maybe?
After quickly standing again, Poena slowly circles Sam Sawyer, first flipping them back onto their stomach then firing in a sharp stomp to the base of the spine with each sidestep. Step, stomp. Step, stomp. Step, stomp. It’s as if he’s trying to find if not the perfect angle to drive his boot down then at least the best four or five. Finally, satisfied with his handiwork, Poena reaches down and grabs one of Sawyer’s ankles and loops it under his arm, applying a Half Boston Crab before adjusting his position so his knee is right in the small of the back once again.
Steve Morrison: Half Crab from Poena and he’s well in control here.
Cross Recoba: That’s a high-angle half-crab. It’s a move designed to work on the back far more than on the legs.
Steve Morrison: And you would be the expert on high-angle crabs.
Cross Recoba: Not to be too boastful, but I’m pretty handy with the double-leg version of the move.
The Sanctified One tries to reposition to increase the torque on Sawyer’s spine. Sawyer grits their teeth, fighting their way through the pain and suffering and with just an inch of wiggle room as Poena moves, the Houston resident slips free enough to grab the bottom rope…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIV… Poena relinquishes the hold.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Clearly annoyed by being asked to slow down the violence, The Pain Producer flashes the ref an evil glare before hauling the deeply pained Sam Sawyer to their feet again, sticking a knee forward as he locks in an inverted facelock and dropping down, crashing Sawyer’s back into his knee. Poena covers…
ONE!
TWO!
TH… Sawyer kicks out.
Crowd: LET’S GO SAW-YER! LET’S GO SAW-YER!
Practically spitting pure venom, Poena stands over Sam Sawyer and grabs both legs. He lifts them up, hoisting the Texan’s body so it’s draped over his shoulders. The Sanctified One starts to turn, looking to get more ring space AFTER hitting the move he has planned…
Steve Morrison: HIS WILL!
...BUT DRAWING FROM SOME UNHOLY RESERVE OF STRENGTH, SAWYER FLIPS FORWARD, LEVERING POENA DOWN TO THE MAT WHILE PASSING UNDERNEATH HIM MID MOVE!
Steve Morrison: NO! CODE RED!
ONE!
TWO!
THR… POENA KICKS OUT!
Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!
Steve Morrison: CODE RED! WHAT A COUNTER!
Cross Recoba: That was almost the most dramatic turn of fortunes.
Sam Sawyer sees a sliver of a chance. They aren’t as fast as Poena to get up but as The Devilish Discomfort Dispensary swings a massive roundhouse kick towards Sawyer’s back, Sam wheels out of the way, closes her fist and catches Poena in the face with a monster backfist! Blinded with a temporary rage, Poena steps in, looking to grab a hold and Sawyer steps through, locks in a Full Nelson and snaps their opponent over with a beautiful Dragon Suplex!
ONE!
T… Sawyer’s bridge collapses nearly instantly.
Steve Morrison: Sam Sawyer is going to have to find a way to pin Poena without using her back muscles.
Cross Recoba: It’s a good job a lateral press doesn’t strain you like a back bridge.
Clutching their back, Sawyer stands and fires off a few stiff leg kicks to Poena as The Dark Messiah gets back up. Sam keeps Poena off balance with rapid strikes. The strain in their voice comes across as the yell comes out a lot quieter than it did at the beginning of the match…
Sam Sawyer: GET FUCKED!
Crowd: GET FUCKED POE-NA! GET FUCKED POE-NA!
BUT SAWYER LIGHTS UP THE SIDE OF POENA’S FACE WITH A HUGE DISORIENTING SLAP! The Texan quickly steps in and slides a leg behind a wobbly Poena’s foot before taking him down with a sharply delivered O-Soto-Gari…
Steve Morrison: THIS CORROSION!
Cross Recoba: Hey now!
Looking up to the corner, Sawyer makes their way across the ring. Slowly climbing the turnbuckles, Sawyer prepares themselves for the final blow. Sawyer pauses for a second before BACKFLIPPING ARTFULLY OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE…
AND SPLATTING ON THE MAT AS POENA HAD MOVED!
Steve Morrison: SAWYERSAULT MISSES!
Poena stands up, grinning like a madman, all his plans, all his hard work having paid off. He lifts up Sawyer and cradles a leg before lifting the smaller competitor up and crossing the legs. The Dark Messiah holds them up for four, five seconds letting all the blood rush to their head before sliding a knee out and DROPPING SAWYER OVER THAT KNEE SPINE FIRST WITH AUTHORITY
Steve Morrison: ANATHEMA! ANATHEMA!
Poena covers…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Laura Messier: YOUR WINNER OF THE MATCH VIA PINFALL, THE TERROR OF THE NINTH DEEP…..POENNAAAAAAA!!!
Steve Morrison: With all the pain Poena inflicted on Sam Sawyer’s back, it’s Anathema that proved the difference.
Cross Recoba: But you have to admire Sawyer’s tenacity. A lesser athlete would have given up and gone home a while ago.
Steve Morrison: Poena’s path of broken bones continues. And Tapout should be very, very afraid.
Laura Messier: IT’S TIME FOR OUR CO-MAIN EVENT!
The crowd noise increases at the announcement.
There’s a moment of silence inside of the arena as the crowd awaits for the next match, but then the lights inside of the arena dim to darkness and the crowd sit in silence, but then they hear the words speaking through the P.A. System and that signals for them to begin booing upon knowing who it might be:
“TAKE ALL MY MONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY, HONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY AND BLOW (BLOW, BLOW)”
The crowd inside of the building began to cheer loudly as the vocals of “Blow” begin to play through the speakers, the lights beginning to spiral around the arena before bringing them all around onto the stage where The Last Breathing Mercenary steps through the curtain, a large grin along his face as he stops at the top of the ramp and looks around the arena. The camera pans closer toward the man as he began his slow walk down to the ring, soaking in every second that the crowd show their love for Long.
Steve Morrison: There he is…The Man Who Should Be King!
Cross Recoba: Long’s had a rough start to 2023 but we’ve seen this before. Look how he responded to the loss against Close Collins. He went on a winning streak that lasted two-thirds of a year!
Long finds himself at ringside, taking a moment to stand there and take a deep breath before turning to walk over to the steps and head up along them to get onto the ring apron. From there, he brushes his feet along the apron, removing his ring jacket and steps through the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Long coming off the heartbreak of a loss to Diamond at Supremacy and at the last GUNS show against Dylan Black is going to have a point to prove tonight!
Cross Recoba: He’s got a stern test tonight but then we’ve seen Long take down Diamond, we’ve seen him put away soon-to-be former HKW Heavyweight Champion, Marty Donovan and he thrives on people counting him out!
Long heads into the furthest corner and steps onto the second ropes, keeping himself up high as he looks out through the crowd– which only brings a large smile along his face, slightly laughing at the crowd, before leaping off of the apron and staying within the corner to prepare himself for the match.
Steve Morrison: Can the Best Bout Machine do it again tonight?
Cross Recoba: He’ll give the fans a show no matter what the result ends up!
The stage lights fade to eerie teal green as "Five Ten Fiftyfold" begins
Wheezing and sneezing,
Tenfold it blew apart,
It halved it in half,
And went gushing gust wind
Steve Morrison: Undefeated and still unable to be worked out inside the ring. Random has made waves since she arrived at the end of last year!
Cross Recoba: Never backing down from a new challenge, she’s taken down Spike, she put in a hell of a shift at the last Wrestle: UK show and next month she’ll find out how she stacks up against the larger XHF Network in the Rumble!
The lights reach their full
Steve Morrison: Is she committing to too much?
Cross Recoba: Hardly, her time fighting her way around Europe shows someone willing to put themselves to the test each and every time she enters that ring!
Serene and calm, she casually strolls, shoulders lightly oscillating in a slow sync.
Steve Morrison: Can she work that armbar like she did against Spike?
Cross Recoba: That’s what makes her so dangerous, I don’t think she’ll go back to the same well so soon and why would she? For every opponent she seems to have a new way to get her arm raised once the final bell chimes!
Her body is calm and relaxed, like a moonlight walk in the park, but her gaze is fixed, staring at the empty ring/her opposition1 with snake eyes. She's never in a hurry, she doesn't need to be.
Laura Messier: Introducing first! Wrestling out of Wexford Town, County Wexford, Ireland and weighing in tonight at one hundred and ninety-five pounds… HE IS THE LAST BREATHING MERCENARY… THE KING OF WRESTLING… THIS IS JAAAAAASSSOONNNNNNNNNNN LOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!!!!
Long stares across the ring at Random, Unblinking, his concentration unbroken, he waits for the bell to sound to start this war.
Laura Messier: AND HIS OPPONENT! Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. They made weight at one-hundred-and-thirty-six pounds and stand five-feet nine tall. RANDOM.....MCCONALOGUE!!!
Random uses the top rope to stretch out her legs as she bounces.
CO-MAIN EVENT
SINGLES MATCH
Jason Long (#2) vs Random McConalogue (#9)
The Best Bout Machine and La Fille des Dés close the distance between them, slowly gauging range. Long flashes a roundhouse kick through the arena’s atmosphere, forcing Random to sharply hop backwards. McConalogue slips through and inside, connecting with a European Uppercut that barely lands as Long rolls with the blow to lessen its impact. The Irishman ducks in and fires off a shoutei uppercut, looking to drive the palm of his hand into McConaloge’s chin but Random wheels to a side and snatches Long’s arm out of the air, whipping him down to the mat with an arm drag. Long rolls through and back to his feet and the pair square off again.
Steve Morrison: This is some tight wrestling from both these competitors.
Cross Recoba: Random won’t let you get space. Long needs space to work in. So it’s sound strategy from the Scot.
Closing quickly, Random goes for Long’s arm again, probably looking for another snap arm drag but it’s The Catalyst who is prepared and he plants a foot and do-si-do counters, Irish whipping Mostly Harmless into the ropes. Random shapes to drop low into a Rugby Tackle but Long goes high, looking to knee Random in the face but instead sailing over her. Now both sides are in motion and hit the ropes in stereo on opposite sides. They meet in the middle again, Random nailing another arm drag which Jason rolls through on. Long steps in with an arm drag of his own and Random rolls through on THAT. Both square off again, a little nod of respect shared by both wrestlers. Despite the action in the ring, much of the crowd on the hard camera side is focused elsewhere. The fans' heads are turned, watching something off screen.
Steve Morrison: There seems to be some kind of distraction outside of the ring right now.
Cross Recoba: It's a shame that the fans are missing a great match. Why, to see some drunken idiot make a fool of themselves?
Into frame walks Disney's Marty Donovan wearing his trademark dalmatian fur coat and rhinestone sunglasses with Mickey ears above each lens. The Hardkore World Champion has a cocky grin on his face as he saunters through the audience.
Cross Recoba: I stand corrected, a sober idiot.
Steve Morrison: Do you want me to acknowledge this?
Cross Recoba: By all means.
Steve Morrison: The Hardkore World champion, Disney's Marty Donovan, making a surprise appearance in the crowd. No doubt he’s trying to get under the skin of the Number One Contender, the man sitting next to me on commentary, Cross Recoba.
Marty takes a seat in the front on the hard camera side, clearly picked so he could create as big of a distraction as possible. Donovan opens his fur coat to reveal the rose pink belt strapped around his waist and points to Recoba.
Cross Recoba: He's just giving the championship a tour of its new home arena.
Marty puts on a Jackalope foam finger and begins to ironically cheer for the match. Nearby fans are already swarming Marty for pictures and autographs.
Steve Morrison: Apparently Donovan is a huge fan of Kid Cryptid.
Cross Recoba: That must be from the box of merchandise he swiped last time. Enough of this.
Cross stands up and removes his headphones. The crowd buzzes with excitement as Recoba heads towards Donovan. Marty takes off the shades and fur coat, ready for things to break down.
Steve Morrison: It looks like the fans are getting a preview of Palm Spring Punishment for free.
At the last moment, Cross hesitates and motions for assistance. A wave of arena security guards head towards the Hardkore World champion and demand he leave.
Steve Morrison: I spoke too soon.
Marty is furious. He screams at Recoba as security escort him out. Cross pantomimes the title around his waist.
Marty Donovan: I'm in your home! Quit hiding! Zoran walked into my home and I killed him! You're a coward! Coward Recoba!
Cross Recoba: Walk away, Walt. Don't worry about changing out the strap, I'm Sicilian, we were the men who told you it was okay to wear pink.
Back in the ring and the cagey movement of Random and Jason continues. Long makes a sudden, jerky step in, looking to catch McConalogue out as he holds a distinct speed advantage over the more considered, careful Armbar Enthusiast. Long lights up the Scot’s chest with a couple of angled round kicks and as Random turns in, The Catalyst hits a solid double palm strike to the chest, doubling Random up before stuffing her into a standing head scissors. Long effortlessly lifts her up onto his shoulders before driving her down into the mat with a stiff sitout powerbomb. Long stays down to cover…
ONE!
TWO!
T… Random raises a shoulder.
Steve Morrison: Jason Long with the big Liger Bomb.
Cross Recoba: Long certainly has the advantage in power moves. And it’s one he’s not particularly used to, having fought from a size disadvantage for a lot of his career.
Long jumps to his feet and pumps his fists, to a pop from the crowd. He lests Random stand as he backs off to the ropes, charging in on Random as she regains her vertical base and stunning her with a huge knee lift. The Catalyst keeps his momentum going and hits the far ropes, timing his return just to catch Random turning in and this time hitting a huge bicycle knee!
Steve Morrison: KING SLAYER!
Long stays down to cover…
ONE!
TWO!
TH.. Random slips out to a side.
Steve Morrison: So close for Long! He’s really beginning to feel it!
Cross Recoba: Random McConalogue usually likes to smother her opponent with her precision mat based wrestling. And Jason Long, a man who went all the way to the grand final in our title tournament, is a hard man to smother.
Now with the adrenaline flowing freely, The Catalyst backs away one last time. Heading up to full speed, Long rushes past Random as she attempts to stand, hits the far ropes, runs back past Mostly Armbars again, hits the near ropes and REBOUNDS INTO A FULL SPEED, FULL MOMENTUM LAAAAAAAAAARIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAATOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Steve Morrison: BLADE RUNNER! BLADE RUNNER!
Long makes the throat slash gesture and leans forwards, lifting Random upinto a Fireman’s Carry…
Steve Morrison: BURNING SKY!
...and begins to swing Random’s legs out for his devestating modified Death Valley Driver… but Random slips out and behind Long’s back. As quick as a flash, McConalgue hooks in a far-side Half Nelson and rolls forward, sweeping Long’s legs out and using her control of the neck to twist Long around, forcing his head forwards and clearing the path for Long’s shoulders to touch the mat!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!
Long looks… STUNNED. Random rolls away, grinning to herself as the crowd try to process what has happened.
Laura Messier: The winner of this match, as a result of pinfall, RANDOMMMM...McCONALOGUE!!!!
Steve Morrison: What was that?
Cross Recoba: Half Nelson Forward Russian Legsweep Rolling Cradle. I think.
Steve Morrison: Did Random just pin another Network legend?
Cross Recoba: In a flash. Out of nowhere. Random McConalogue is the ultimate wild card. You cannot lose focus for a second against her. And she’s not going to stop beating people until the whole locker room learns this.
Laura Messier: IT’S TIME FOR OUR MAIN-EVENT FOR THE TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT TITLE!!
The crowd loudly roar.
The lights go down and the sound of people cheering starts to play. Spotlights come up in pairs, focused on the stage until 'Like A Rockstar' starts to play as fog covers the stage and strobing purple lights play along with the song. Slowly a platform rises from the center of the stage, revealing a figure in an elaborate velvet robe, with "Tommy Strychnine" signed on the back in flickering LEDs.
Steve Morrison: Tommy looks ready for a war!
Cross Recoba: This is it, Strychnine knows that he’s got to prove the doubters wrong tonight.
Tommy spins around when the lyrics start and shrugs off the robe, lip-synching along to the song and imitating playing guitar as he makes his way down the ramp, stopping to take selfies and give high fives to fans along the way.
Steve Morrison: His form and record have been picked up by pundits and fans alike as undeserving of the position he finds himself in tonight.
Cross Recoba: And knowing Tommy, that’s what will have been on his mind in every training session, every sparring session he’s had in preparation for tonight!
When he gets to the ring, he poses on the turnbuckle with his guitar, pretending to play along with the song, before handing off the guitar to the ring crew and doing a flip off the turnbuckle into a powerslide as pyro goes off from the corners of the ring.
Steve Morrison: The showmanship is there but this seems like a more serious fighter than perhaps we saw last month.
Cross Recoba: In his mind he’s one Springboard V-Trigger away from taking that title away from Jack Diamond!
The house lights go out as the crowd begins to buzz.
Top, to the top, ain't never gonna stop
To the top, to the top, ain't never gonna stop
Pyro explodes as the chorus of "Legendary" by Skillet begins to play and the crowd erupts into cheers and chants begin to break out of "Icons" and "Diamond Club".
Jack Diamond emerges on the stage with a huge grin on his face, nodding his head to the beat of the music. He adjusts his leather jacket and soaks in the moment before opening it to show off the Tap Out Openweight title around his waist. He mouths the word "Legendary" and begins to make his way to the ring acknowledging the fans as only Jack Diamond can do.
Steve Morrison: Welcome to the first Tap Out Openweight Champion, fans!
Cross Recoba: And don’t they seem only too happy to welcome him!
As he gets to the ring, he climbs the stairs and walks the apron over to the far turnbuckle. He ascends the outside of the corner and plays to the crowd as more pyro goes off.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, legendary
Steve Morrison: Is there a risk that like the fans and pundits have decided, that Tommy’s beneath him?
Cross Recoba: Jack’s a professional and a veteran. Both of those things mean he’s seen upsets first-hand and from afar. The minute he thinks that an opponent is beneath him is the minute he loses that title.
Jack jumps down into the ring and heads to the center before throwing up the Diamond sign to loud cheers. He removes his leather jacket, handing it to the timekeeper before heading to his corner and stretching and preparing for the match.
Steve Morrison: Still yet to hand over the title to the timekeeper but Diamond seems amped up to remind the world just why he wears that belt!
Cross Recoba: He knows that his opponent will want that bell to ring more than he will and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is part of a mind-game in his gameplan!
Laura Messier: INTRODUCING FIRST…THE CHALLENGER! From Louisiana, New Orleans..Standing at five-feet and ten inches, weighing in at one-hundred-and-seventy-five pounds...He is the Rock 'em, Sock 'em Rocker....TOMMY...STRYCHNINE!!!
Tommy pays no attention to the surge of boos that welcomed his name. He leans back into the turnbuckle and stares right through the Champion.
Laura Messier: AND HIS OPPONENT! Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Cherokee, North Carolina. He made weight at one-hundred-and-ninety-five pounds...HE IS THE FIRST AND CURRENT TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION!THE ACE...OF SPADES!!! JACK.....DIAMOND!!!
Jack leaps to the turnbuckle as his name is called and undoes the title around his waist.
MAIN EVENT
TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Jack Diamond (#1) [C] vs Tommy Strychnine (#8)
With Laura Messier out of the ring, “Big” John Quinn first approaches the Tap Out Openweight Champion, Jack Diamond. The Icon passes the title to him with a slight pause, the straps folded inward.
Steve Morrison: You can see the pride with which he treats the title.
Cross Recoba: He knows that there were people telling him his time had passed him by, that his days of being the focal point, the figurehead of a promotion were beyond him but he proved at Supremacy that he’s still at the top of his game.
Taking the title into the center of the ring, Quinn holds it above his head to a cheer from the capacity crowd in the Lansky Ballroom before passing it to the timekeeper at ringside for safekeeping during the match.
Steve Morrison: Could that be the last time that Jack touches the belt for a while?
Cross Recoba: You can’t count out Tommy, I’ve seen people do that and I’ve never seen one of them have their arm raised after the match.
Quinn steps towards Tommy Strychnine. The match official’s body language tells us that he’s been firm with what he outlines to the Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Wrestler in what he expects from tonight’s main-event.
Steve Morrison: What an opportunity for the Rocker. Three years since his last title shot of any kind and perhaps his first-ever shot at a promotion’s top belt.
Cross Recoba: People point to the erratic form he’s always shown but, when the chips are down, I know which Tommy is going to turn up.
Strych nods, a slight smile still on his face as his eye contact remains locked in on the Openweight Champion.
Steve Morrison: He’ll be looking to land that Kiss Me Deadly Springboard V-Trigger and we’ve not seen anyone get up from that yet!
Cross Recoba: It’s pretty much a ‘Game Over’ move. We’ve seen people reverse it, people block it, but if it connects then that’s your lot.
Returning to Jack, Quinn again uses similar body language to get across his stance on how the match should be contested and what he won’t let slide.
Steve Morrison: We saw the lengths that Jack’s gone to win that title, can he keep hold of it tonight?
Cross Recoba: For the price he paid? You’d hope so. Just looking at him backstage, he knows what he lost to get that belt.
Diamond nods along, the man standing between him and his title being the object of his focus as Quinn talks is obvious.
Steve Morrison: We’re just moments from finding out the answers…
He calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
A huge roar of anticipation from the crowd fills the Lansky Ballroom.
Both men are quick to engage one another in the center of the ring. Diamond goes for a tie-up and quickly dives under the arm of Strych and into a hammerlock but the advantage is only momentary before Tommy uses his free arm to grab a headlock and takes the Champion to the mat but his own momentum is used against him as the Icon takes him over into a pin but Quinn drops to his feet after Tommy has readjusted his bodyweight.
Steve Morrison: Neither man getting an immediate advantage.
Cross Recoba: Jack’s accomplished on the mat and Tommy’s no slouch in that department either.
Diamond pushes the two men to their feet and uses the ropes to push Tommy off, Jack drops down and Tommy hits the ropes again. This time Jack shows off his athleticism with a standing leapfrog and connects with an arm-drag on the return. He keeps hold of the arm.
Steve Morrison: Could we be seeing Jack work the arm? We’ve seen how deadly Strych’s November Rainmaker can be.
Cross Recoba: I don’t think this match is going to be either man focusing on one body part, it’s target what you can and take every opportunity you can!
The Challenger knows where he wants to go as he gets back to his feet. He untwists the arm and leaps to the top-rope, sitting out into a backflip before leaping up…headscissor takedown!
Steve Morrison: Great agility shown from Tommy.
Getting to his feet, Jack intercepts the incoming Tommy with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip and keeps hold of the leg. He spins around it but Strych grabs his head on the way round with a small package…
O-
Diamond kicks out and dives around the back of his opponent with a schoolboy roll-up but he carries on to his feet and immediately grapevines the leg of Tommy.
Steve Morrison: Early attempt at that Aces Wild Figure-Four Leglock.
Showing he’s not a newbie inside the ring, Tommy instinctively reaches above his head and grabs a rope-break. Quinn starts the count…
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy had it scouted and was quick to make sure that no damage was going to come of the attempt.
Diamond lets the hold go and gets to his feet as Quinn backs him off. Tommy takes advantage and PEARL HARBORS DIAMOND WITH A RUSHING BACK ELBOW TO THE HEAD! The Challenger hits the ropes once more but his clothesline is ducked…DIAMOND USES THE HAIR OF THE ROCKER TO YANK HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS!!
Steve Morrison: Both men using the dark arts.
Cross Recoba: That’s an area that could be a stalemate. Tommy can fight dirty, countless barroom brawls from playing gigs in dive bars around the country’ll teach you. Jack though, he’s after my own heart with his interpretation of the rules.
With a face etched with indignant rage, Tommy gets to his feet but Jack cuts him off with a series of forearms that drive Strychnine against the ropes. A quick two-kick combo from the Champion finds the chest of the Challenger and is followed by a knife-edge chop.
Crowd: WOOOOOO!!!!!
Steve Morrison: So far both men look evenly matched…
Diamond grabs the arm of his opponent and sends him to the ropes with an Irish Whip…reversed….DIAMOND CONNECTS ON THE RETURN WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK!!!
Cross Recoba: Wicked rotation on the kick, he got all of that move!
Pushed on by the adrenaline, Tommy gets to his feet and throws a forearm but it’s blocked by the Champion whose body kicks send Strych reeling back into the turnbuckle. A flurry of forearms from the Diamond Lounge cause Tommy’s legs to buckle and that’s all the opportunity that Jack needs to climb to the second-turnbuckle and unleash a flurry of punches.
Steve Morrison: Jack playing to the crowd it seems.
Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX!...
TOMMY GRABS THE LEGS OF THE CHAMPION AND RUSHES FORWARD BEFORE GUILLOTINING HIS OPPONENT ON THE TOP ROPE!
Cross Recoba: Tommy had the answer though.
Steve Morrison: He knocked the wind right out of him!
The crowd, immediately silenced, now go back to a familiar favorite.
Crowd: FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Undeterred, the Challenger gives his opponent no respite. He reaches down and pulls Diamond’s hands from his throat before driving a boot into the windpipe of the Icon. Quinn warns Tommy but the Rocker pays no attention. He places his foot back on the throat of Diamond and uses the top-rope for added pressure.
Steve Morrison: Tommy knows that a win tonight would silence a LOT of his critics.
Cross Recoba: He’s a pitbull in title matches, he won’t stop until he physically can’t go any longer.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!
FOUR!!
Tommy relents and Quinn’s words fall once more on deaf ears as Strychnine pushes Jack out of the ring to the floor.
Steve Morrison: The match spills to the outside.
A close-up shows Jack still reaching for his throat as he takes in deep breaths of air.
ONE…
Diamond uses the barricade to start to get back up.
TWO…
Strych hits the ropes on the far-side of the ring…
THREE….
STRYCH CONNECTS WITH A SHOOTING STAR PLANCHA TO THE OUTSIDE!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Steve Morrison: WHAT. A. MOVE!
Cross Recoba: This match is only just starting….
“Big” John Quinn is forced to restart the count.
ONE…
Tommy picks himself and his opponent up. He hooks an arm over his shoulder.
TWO…
VERTICAL SUPLEX ONTO THE APRON!!!
Steve Morrison: Jack’s back bounces off the edge of the ring!
Cross Recoba: That is one area of the squared circle that has no give!
THREE…
The Rocker refuses to let Diamond have any recovery time and once more picks him up, this time pinning him against the apron. TOMMY DRIVES A SHOULDER INTO THE MIDSECTION OF HIS OPPONENT!!
Steve Morrison: He’s got the Champion trapped!
FOUR…
HE RAMS THE SHOULDER IN ONCE MORE AND ROLLS DIAMOND BACK INTO THE RING!
Cross Recoba: But he knows you can’t win titles on the outside.
FIVE…
Tommy stops the count as he gets to the apron.
Steve Morrison: What’s he planning?
Cross Recoba: Pick a number, Tommy’s shown his ability to use every part of the ring as a weapon…
Rising to his feet, Diamond sees Strych somersault over the top-rope…
Steve Morrison: NOVEMBER RAINMAK-
DIAMOND SAVES HIS MATCH WITH A SLINGBLADE!!!
The Champion meekly makes the cover with a draped arm…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: HE NEARLY GOT HIM WITH SNAKE EYES!
Cross Recoba: But he didn’t…
Crowd: LET’S GO DIAMOND! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO DIAMOND! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO DIAMOND! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Buoyed on by the crowd’s support, Diamond grabs the hair of Strychnine to lift him up to his feet. The Challenger responds with a European Uppercut that rocks the Ace of Spades. Tommy grabs his arm…SHORT-ARM JUMPING KNEE TO THE FACE CONNECTS AND HE FOLLOWS UP WITH A PELE KICK TO STAGGER JACK BACK INTO THE CORNER!
Steve Morrison: The champion is in danger as Tommy keeps on the assault!
Tommy dashes towards his opponent and THE HANDSPRING DROPKICK LANDS!!
Cross Recoba: He measured him beautifully with that!
Dropped to a seated position, Diamond is helpless to stop Strych connecting with the Cannonball Senton. The Rocker rolls him out from the corner and leaps to the top…REVERSE-FACING DIVING SENTON!!!
Steve Morrison: STAGE DIVE! WE COULD HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!!
He pins…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT FROM THE CHAMP!!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s still full of fight. We’ve seen him survive two absolute wars with Poena and to come back from a start of one pinfall down to win the title? It’ll take everything Tommy has to prise that belt from the Ace of Spades!
Stalking his opponent, Tommy waits for Jack to start to rise before hurtling towards the ropes…HE MISSES WITH AN AXE KICK…BACKDROP DRIVER FROM DIAMOND!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE REVERSAL!
The mood of the crowd changes with the move. Tommy scrambles to his feet but Jack is there. He feeds him a leg and follows round with an enziguri that has the challenger dazed….SHOTGUN DROPKICK SENDS TOMMY THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE ONCE MORE!
Steve Morrison: Now it’s Jack’s turn to send his opponent to ringside.
Quinn again starts the count.
ONE…
Diamond comes off the ropes on the far-side of the ring as Tommy gets up…
Cross Recoba: This could be huge…
TWO…
BASEBALL SLIDE HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMY JUST GOT FORCED INTO THE BARRICADE!!
The count resets.
ONE…
Jack gamely gets to his feet and once more grabs the hair of Tommy to lift him up, raising knees to the face of his opponent as he brings him back to a vertical base. The Openweight Champion continues his assault with a driven kick that audibly connects with the ribs of the Rocker. He follows it up with another knife-edge chop…
Crowd: WOOOO!!!!!
TWO…
Grabbing the arm of Strychnine, he WHIPS him into the ringside barricade.
Steve Morrison: ONCE MORE TOMMY FEELS THE IMMOVABLE IMPACT OF STEEL ON HIS BODY!
THREE…
Sprinting towards his opponent, Diamond leaps for a splash…NO-ONE’S HOME!!
Cross Recoba: NO-ONE HOME FOR THE DIAMOND SPLASH!
Steve Morrison: Tommy escapes out the backdoor at the last.
Cross Recoba: Jack knows he can’t lose the title on the outside but he’s no longer in control.
FOUR…
Strych uses the waistband of Jack to pull him back…SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX ON THE OUTSIDE!!
Steve Morrison: He landed right on his neck!
Cross Recoba: That move leaves no time for gravity to absorb any of the momentum!
FIVE…
The Rocker drags the Champion up and throws him under the bottom rope.
Steve Morrison: Could he finish it here and now?
Climbing onto the apron, Tommy spots the camera and flips off the audience watching on the XHF Network.
Steve Morrison: What a great example for the children watching at home!
STRYCH LEAPS TO THE TOP ROPE AND SPRINGBOARDS FORWARD LOOKING FOR THE KNEE…DIAMOND ROLLS FORWARD OUT OF THE IMPACT!!! STRYCH LANDS ON HIS FEET AND TURNS AROUND TO SEE DIAMOND BASEBALL SLIDE BETWEEN HIS LEGS…ICON KICK!!! HE HOOKS HIM FOR A STANDING STACKED DECK….STRYCH BLOCKS IT….GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!!!!
Steve Morrison: Jack going for that Cutter but finding no luck!
Cross Recoba: It’s the problem with being the champ, everyone knows your moves and prepares for them.
The Challenger drags the Champion out from the corner and hooks a leg…
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
DIAMOND WRENCHES A SHOULDER FROM THE MAT!!
Steve Morrison: HE’S NOT DONE YET!
TOMMY CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!
Cross Recoba: Strych better believe it, Quinn isn’t known to second-guess his decisions!
The Challenger forces Diamond to his feet and starts to bring in the barroom brawling that he picked up from his days on tour. A quick left-right combo peppers the ribs of Diamond, pushing him back and a European Uppercut staggers him back into the corner.
Steve Morrison: We’re seeing Tommy exhibit great ring control tonight.
Cross Recoba: Jack’s a danger wherever he is but if you can keep on top of him, control where he can go, it gives you a far better chance.
Strych switches to a more frenzied attack. He lifts a knee into the midsection of the trapped Icon and then swings his head forward and down to connect with a headbutt. Another combo of hooks to the body wind the Champion further. He caps the flurry off with a Rabbit Punch to the windpipe. Quinn pulls him away from his onslaught and starts to admonish him.
Steve Morrison: What a cheap shot from the challenger!
Cross Recoba: Tommy can’t afford to look back on this match if he loses and wonder ‘what if?’.
Diamond comes out from the corner holding his throat, clearly winded. Strych takes advantage and puts a Sleeper on him!
Steve Morrison: An already short on air Diamond finds himself in the middle of the ring in a sleeper hold!
Short of breath, Diamond finds his legs faltering quicker than they normally would. Tommy takes a step back to bring the slight height discrepancy under his control and bears his weight down on the Champion.
Cross Recoba: That step back that Tommy took, it’s allowing him to control the hold on the slightly taller Diamond. He’s making him ride his weight as he tries to choke the life out of him!
Quinn is asking Diamond if he wants to give in but Jack waves him away with an arm. The Ace of Spades tries to turn out from the hold and into a side-headlock but Tommy uses the opportunity to push on the back of his opponent’s knee to take him further to the mat.
Steve Morrison: Jack’s fading in front of us…
Tommy bears his weight further down on the Champion, his vertical base allowing him to let the Challenger have his weight be carried by his opponent. We see him further tighten the hold and Diamond is placed down in a seated position.
Cross Recoba: He could be out…
The Referee is again asking Jack if he submits but Tommy has other ideas. He lets go of the hold and dashes towards the ropes…SHINING WIZARD!!
Steve Morrison: FULL FORCE TO THE FACE!
Again he pins Jack Diamond…
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
JACK KICKS OUT!!
Steve Morrison: We’re seeing that resilience that has been a hallmark of his career.
Cross Recoba: Is it talent, is it drive, or is it just stubbornness though? This match could take years off his career and years isn’t something he has!
Tommy doesn’t think to take it up with “Big” John Quinn, favoring stalking his opponent as he starts to get to his feet using the ropes. Letting go of the middle-rope, Jack wavers in his footing into the center of the ring…TOMMY LEAPFROGS HIM AND PLANTS HIM WITH A KOTARO KRUSHER!!
Steve Morrison: He nails that Leapfrog facecrusher!
With a sense of urgency, Tommy lifts up Jack from the mat and drives a forearm into his head to keep him dazed. He whips Jack to the ropes and follows in behind…LOU THESZ PRESS!
Cross Recoba: Tommy’s bringing the match back to a brawl!
Tommy lets loose from top position with some huge hammerfists that find their mark.
Steve Morrison: Quinn’s on hand to make sure that Diamond hasn’t been knocked out!
The Challenger rears a fist back BUT DIAMOND MANAGES TO USE THE MOMENTUM TO TURN THE TABLES!
Cross Recoba: Excellent pivot to turn the tables.
Diamond unloads with a series of forearms that drive down into the forehead of Tommy.
Steve Morrison: IT’S PAYBACK TIME!!
The Icon moves from top position to get the fight back standing. STRYCH RAKES THE EYES AS HE STANDS UP! He grabs a side-headlock and starts to rush forward DIAMOND SENDS HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE…TOMMY STAGGERS OUT….ICON KICK!!!
Steve Morrison: COVER HIM!
Rolling under the ropes, Tommy manages to escape a pin attempt. Diamond heads to the ropes and uses the long hair of the Rocker to bring him to his feet. He hooks the arm and lifts Tommy for a suplex but the Challenger drops down the back and rolls backwards into a pin…
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy seems a step ahead tonight and Jack’s playing catch up!
The two men scramble to their feet and it’s Diamond who lands the quickest strike to the chest of his opponent. A quick forearm is followed by a huge uppercut that visibly staggers the Rocker back….SHOTGUN DROPKICK!!!
Steve Morrison: That might help him get back on par…
Jack leaves no time for Tommy to recover as he sprints and springs to the top turnbuckle…450 Splash!!!
Steve Morrison: SHUFFLED DECK!!
The Champion makes the pin…
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
TOMMY KICKS OUT!!!
Cross Recoba: He’s going to have to throw the kitchen sink at this one.
Staying on the front-foot, Jack grabs a front-facelock and lifts Tommy to his feet. Diamond drives a knee into the ribs of the Rocker. He hooks an arm…PICTURE PERFECT FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: Textbook execution!
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
AGAIN TOMMY KICKS OUT!!
Cross Recoba: Strych showing that he’s no slouch tonight!
The two men get to their feet, the adrenaline driving their tired bodies.
Steve Morrison: How much more can each man take?
Cross Recoba: We’re about to find out.
Tommy throws a right. Jack answers with his own.
Steve Morrison: They’re trading in the middle of the ring.
Again, Strych with the right. Jack replies in kind.
Steve Morrison: Great fighting spirit on display!
The two men now abandon any turn-based offense and starts to just straight-up trade punches.
Cross Recoba: We’ve got ourselves what the old-timers would call a Donnybrook!
Tommy breaks the routine as he grabs the head of Diamond and plants a headbutt on him with a sickening thud.
Steve Morrison: I felt that in my teeth!
Jack teeters but stays on his feet and connects with a European Uppercut. Tommy teeters himself but then shoots back with a Leaping Knee to the head of Diamond that drops him to a knee.
Steve Morrison: He uses that knee again!
The Challenger rushes to the ropes and jumps to the middle-rope, DIAMOND LEAPS UP AND HITS A GERMAN SUPLEX AS HE GOES THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE APRON!
Steve Morrison: WHAT. A. COUNTER!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Diamond runs to the turnbuckle and vaults to the top. HE CATCHES THE RISING STRYCH WITH A CROSS-BODY BLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: He hooks the leg!
ONE…
TWO…
THR…
TOMMY KICKS OUT BUT DIAMOND KEEPS HOLD OF THE LEG!
Cross Recoba: He’s not done yet!
Pivoting around the leg, Jack makes a Figure-Four shake but spins into a Modified Death Lock!
Steve Morrison: Great improvisation from the Champ.
Cross Recoba: It’s what you have to do when you’re the most scouted wrestler in the company!
Using his hands to push the ankles further forward, Diamond has Tommy in dire straits. The Rocker tries to roll the hold over but to no avail as the veteran shows his years inside the ring and moves with the motion to keep the hold locked in.
Steve Morrison: Tommy finding no way out from the hold at this moment.
“Big” John Quinn asks Tommy if he wants to quit but he’s met with a vehement shake of the head.
Cross Recoba: He’s stubborn though, he won’t want it to end like this.
Tommy starts to use his hands to press up and ‘walk’ his way to the ropes. He gets within inches of the ropes BUT DIAMOND ROLLS THE HOLD BACK INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING!!
Steve Morrison: This could be it! That has to be demoralising when you think you’ve found the way out!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s using every year of experience at his disposal tonight.
Once more Quinn goes to check on Tommy.
Tommy Strychnine: FUCK…OFF!!
With Strychnine being far from obtuse with his intentions, Quinn leaves him to fight the hold.
Steve Morrison: Can he put him away with this hold?
Cross Recoba: If he doesn’t, he’s taking away the power center for both the November Rainkmaker Lariat and the Kiss Me Deadly V-Trigger!
The cameras capture the face of Jack Diamond, his smile growing as he can see the title being retained.
Steve Morrison: Jack looks like he knows he’s only moments away from retaining his title.
With a guttural roar, Tommy pushes up and starts to walk his way on his hands to the ropes. Diamond goes to pivot…TOMMY ROLLS UNDER WITH THE MOVEMENT AND BREAKS THE HOLD!!!
Steve Morrison: STRYCH GETS OUT THE BACK DOOR!
Cross Recoba: It’s a reprieve but how much damage has he taken to carry on?
Putting weight on his leg with a degree of uncertainty, Tommy is hamstrung to stop a head kick connecting from Diamond. He grabs the arm of Strych and sends him to the corner…STINGER SPLASH!!
Steve Morrison: DIAMOND SPLASH FINDS ITS MARK!!
Crowd: HIT-THE-STACKED-DECK *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HIT-THE-STACKED-DECK *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* HIT-THE-STACKED-DECK *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Cross Recoba: The crowd are leaving no doubt as to what they want from the Champion.
Jack lifts Tommy to the top turnbuckle as the crowd noise hits a crescendo. He reaches back to grab the head of Strych. TOMMY HEADBUTTS HIM AND GRABS HIS HEAD!
Steve Morrison: Strych’s battling to stay in this!
THE CHALLENGER DRAGS JACK BACK AND LIFTS
Cross Recoba: Surely not…
….SUPER INVERTED USHIGOROSHI!!!
Steve Morrison: HOLY DRIVER FROM THE TOP!!!!
The crowd noise has dropped from the building as the two men lie broken in the ring.
Cross Recoba: That’s taken the wind out of the crowd as well as the two fighters.
“Big” John has no choice but to start the count.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
Neither man has moved since Tommy took them down to the mat.
Steve Morrison: Both men look broken.
Cross Recoba: It’s because, right now, they are…
FIVE!
Weakly, Tommy rolls over and drapes an arm over the chest of Jack.
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
JACK SOMEHOW GETS A SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST!
Steve Morrison: Jack hangs in there!
A THOUSAND YARD STARE IS SEEN IN THE EYES OF TOMMY WHO CAN’T BELIEVE IT!
Cross Recoba: Tommy thought he had him, thought he was going to take away Jack’s belt at the first hurdle!
Wrapping his arms around the waist of Diamond, Tommy pulls the Openweight Champion to his feet and gets wrist-control. RIPCORD KNEE….
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen this before…
NO! DIAMOND BLOCKS THE STRIKE AND DRIVES A BASEMENT DROPKICK INTO THE KNEE OF STRYCHNINE!!
Cross Recoba: BACK TO THE LEG!
Jack rushes to spin around the leg – FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: ACES WILD!!!
Tommy tries to sit-up in the hold but Jack pushes up from the palms of his hands to increase the leverage.
Cross Recoba: Jack’s putting on a masterclass on how to apply that hold and keep in control.
Strychnine’s shoulders hit the mat…
ONE…
TWO…
TOMMY MANAGES TO GET OFF THE MAT!
Steve Morrison: Strych’s so focused on not tapping that he nearly got pinned in the process!
Turning to try and reverse the hold, the Rocker’s determined look tells us just how much he’s leaving in the ring tonight.
Cross Recoba: He’s fighting this to the death!
Scooting backwards, Tommy gains precious inches towards the ropes but JACK BRIDGES AND TOMMY’S SHOULDERS HIT THE MAT ONCE MORE!!
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
TOMMY MANAGES TO HANG ON!
Steve Morrison: How much more can he take?
Strychnine reaches backwards and his fingertips shake the ropes, but he can’t wrap them around for the rope-break he needs.
Cross Recoba: Those ropes may as well be in Wyoming for all the help they’re giving him right now.
The Tap Out Openweight Champion again tries to roll the hold into the center of the ring but the Rocker manages to move his weight to counter the attempt. He pushes back AND GRABS THE ROPES!!
Steve Morrison: Tommy manages to get the rope-break!
Quinn calls for the hold to be broken.
ONE!
TWO!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s looking to put this away soon, he knows he can’t carry on much longer.
Steve Morrison: I don’t think either man can!
THREE!
FOUR!
F-
Jack relinquishes the hold.
Steve Morrison: Taking full advantage of the count.
Slowly getting to his feet, Jack assesses the situation.
Cross Recoba: This is smart, it’s not hesitation, this is taking a moment to work out his next move and with Strych feeling the effects of Diamond’s submission game, he has the time.
Tommy clings to the ropes, each fraction of a second allowing him to gauge how damaged his legs are and work out how to deal with a problem like Jack Diamond.
Steve Morrison: Both men have abandoned the gung-ho approach from earlier.
The Champion takes the decision away from Tommy as he rushes in with a lifting knee to ribs of his opponent. He hooks a ¾ facelock…
Cross Recoba: Diamond’s going direct…
Steve Morrison: Could a Standing Stacked Deck end this?
TOMMY REVERSES IT WITH A DESPERATION BACK SUPLEX!!
Cross Recoba: That counter was nothing but desperation but that’s what the situation called for!
Crowd: FIGHT FOREVER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FIGHT FOREVER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FIGHT FOREVER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Testing the leg before committing to his next move, Tommy seems satisfied to continue. HE RUSHES IN WITH A SHINING WIZARD BUT JACK MOVES OUT THE WAY!
Steve Morrison: Jack’s still able to get out of Dodge.
BOTH MEN GET TO THEIR FEET AND JACK THROWS AN ICON KICK….IT’S CAUGHT! TOMMY SPINS THE CHAMPION AROUND AND GRABS A WAISTLOCK. HE CHARGES JACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLE AND ROLLS BACKWARDS
Steve Morrison: ROLLING GERMAN!
MULE KICK BY DIAMOND! UNSIGHTED MULE KICK!!
Cross Recoba: Jack showing why he’s a master of the Dark Arts!
JACK SPINS AROUND AND LEAPS INTO A SCHOOLBOY ROLL-UP USING THE TIGHTS OF HIS OPPONENT!
Steve Morrison: The ref missed the kick and now can’t see the handful of tights!
ONE…
HE PUTS HIS FEET ON THE ROPES FOR LEVERAGE!
Cross Recoba: He’s making sure….
TWO…
THREE!!
“Big” John Quinn calls for the bell as Jack Diamond drops his feet from the ropes and pushes to his feet. His arm raised as the bell sounds.
Laura Messier: Your winner of the match…AND STILL TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION! THE ACE OF SPADES….JACK….DIAMOND!!!
Steve Morrison: HE STOLE IT!
Cross Recoba: Not what the record books will say.
Tommy protests his case as Jack heads to ringside to grab his belt. “Legendary” by Skillet fills the arena. Quinn isn’t having any of Strychnine’s protests.
Steve Morrison: He has every right to feel cheated. First, the mule kick, then the handful of tights and lastly, the feet on the ropes.
Cross Recoba: We’re not Soccer, we’re not going to VAR everything and besides, Tommy wasn’t exactly an angel in the match, was he?
Steve Morrison: That may be so but the Rocker has proven that he can hang with the best Tap Out Wrestling has to offer!
Jack Diamond pauses on the ramp to raise the belt above his head to a rousing cheer from the crowd.
Steve Morrison: Will he get a rematch?
Cross Recoba: Jack’s got a list of opponent’s who all want to be next and his name is on there, it’s just up to him to prove how high up he should be placed on that list!
Diamond disappears behind the curtain as Tommy rolls out of the ring. He can be seen shaking his head in disbelief at how badly he was robbed of victory.
Steve Morrison: He’ll be chomping at the bit to get his chance again.
Cross Recoba: He’ll have to wait until May 28th when we return after a short Rumble-induced break.
Steve Morrison: Having seen you talking before the Main Event, have we got a headliner for that show?
Cross Recoba: We have and it features one half of tonight’s match of the night as Poena takes on the still undefeated Random McConalogue!
Steve Morrison: That could be one for the purists or one for the sadists!
Cross Recoba: A Co-Main event of The Icons taking on Jackalope and Close Collins.
Steve Morrison: Close is no stranger to either man and Kid Cryptid will want to put his name higher up on Diamond’s list of challengers.
Cross Recoba: Tommy Strychnine will get his chance at atonement when he squares off against Sam Sawyer and opening the night? A six-man tag-match featuring Aiden Merric, Kingsley Solomon and Wildcat Capone against Thespian, Sticky the Clown and Jacob Craft making his debut!
Steve Morrison: It’s a short card but each match has the potential to steal the show! I’m Steve Morrison, joined by Cross Recoba. Don’t forget to tune into the Rumble next month but make sure you don’t miss Tap Out Wrestling 13: Poena vs McConalogue only on the XHF Network, May 28th!
CREDITS & THANKS TO:
Vastrix - Capone vs Solomon
Marty - 'Marty gets ejected'
Kira - The Fatal Four-Way
Thespian- Rumble seg
