TOW 15: NOMAD/THESPIAN vs MERRIC/ISHIMORI - LIVE!!!!
Jul 23, 2023 17:33:56 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, ViciousLothario, and 4 more like this
Post by Cross Recoba on Jul 23, 2023 17:33:56 GMT -5
PRESENTS
TAP OUT WRESTLING 15: NOMAD/THESPIAN VS MERRIC/ISHIMORI
Date: 23rd June 2023
Venue: The Diamond Club Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Attendance: 6886 (Capacity: 18000)
GUNS SEASON 4, EPISODE 8 - BIRTHDAY SPECTACULAR
MORE elbows to the head, blood sprays everywhere and DT isn’t moving. Finally the ref checks DT and DT is not responsive. The ref tries to pull Fox off but Fox continues to shatter more of DT’s bloody face, bouncing the head off the mat with every blow. It takes ten more elbow strikes before the ref finally gets Fox to step off.
Sylvia Starr: Your winner of this match via referee stoppage, and STILL XHF X*Crown Champion … BLOODIED FOX!
MORE elbows to the head, blood sprays everywhere and DT isn’t moving. Finally the ref checks DT and DT is not responsive. The ref tries to pull Fox off but Fox continues to shatter more of DT’s bloody face, bouncing the head off the mat with every blow. It takes ten more elbow strikes before the ref finally gets Fox to step off.
Sylvia Starr: Your winner of this match via referee stoppage, and STILL XHF X*Crown Champion … BLOODIED FOX!
Bloodied Fox: This is the greatest prize in professional wrestling. Holding this belt is the indisputable proof that you are the best. Men will kill for it. Men will die for it. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The words of the current XHF X*Crown Champion echo throughout the Diamond Club as we fade into the cheers of the Diamond Club crowd. The camera pans around the arena and focuses on signs that stand out.
* I JOINED THE BASTARDS FOR MY TICKET!
* SAVE CHIP!
* FATALITY: RAIDEN WINS!
* RANDOM’S FANDOM
Lastly, across an entire row:
J-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-C-K-!
Steve Morrison: Good evening everyone and welcome to Tap Out Wrestling Fifteen!
We cut to ringside where Steve Morrison and Cross Recoba stand-by.
Steve Morrison: We have got an absolutely STACKED evening of action as we wish the XHF Network a happy twenty-first birthday as we honor not just the current X*Crown Champion but those that have gone by and at half-time we’ve got a LIVE performance of the FIRST-EVER Night of Champions theme!
Cross Recoba: Four matches guaranteed to deliver on intensity and quality as we go from start to finish!
Steve Morrison: And we’ll make our match at Night of Champions official as Poena and Jack Diamond go toe-to-toe in New York in a Cage match for the Tap Out Openweight title!
Cross Recoba: But there’s a lot more at stake than that for both men.
Steve Morrison: When that bell rings, we’ll find exactly how much it means to them. I trust security has been improved since our last show?
TAP OUT WRESTLING 14
There’s a commotion in the crowd and Diamond turns around to see Poena charging at him! The Sadistic Servant tackles him and isolates his arm right away INTO A FUJIWARA ARMBAR! HE REACHES FOR THE HAND!!!!
Steve Morrison: POENA’S UNLEASHED! WHERE IS SECURITY?
Cross Recoba: The Diamond Club’s security should be here soon!
Steve Morrison: They need to be, Poena wants to snap his fingers tonight!
Cross Recoba: ….
Steve Morrison: Fans, we just received word that Diamond gave his security team the night off too! POENA HAS FREE REIGN!!!!!
JASON LONG AND AIDEN MERRIC RUSH DOWN THE AISLE AND SLIDE INTO THE RING!!!
Cross Recoba: The Cavalry are here!!
Steve Morrison: You left him out there like a sitting duck!
POENA RELEASES THE HOLD AND SLITHERS OUT OF THE RING, LAUGHING MANIACALLY AS HE DOES SO.
Steve Morrison: Poena's got the look of a vindicated zealot! Even just a second longer and Jack's fingers would have been as twisted as that maniac!
Cross Recoba: And Merric and Long stopped it!
STOPPING TO FACE THE RING, POENA LOCKS EYES WITH HIS NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS OPPONENT, ALL THE WHILE LAUGHING TO HIMSELF AS THE SHOT FADES OUT.
Steve Morrison: Cross, this can’t just be a coincidence! Tell me you didn’t set up this attack on Diamond!
There’s a commotion in the crowd and Diamond turns around to see Poena charging at him! The Sadistic Servant tackles him and isolates his arm right away INTO A FUJIWARA ARMBAR! HE REACHES FOR THE HAND!!!!
Steve Morrison: POENA’S UNLEASHED! WHERE IS SECURITY?
Cross Recoba: The Diamond Club’s security should be here soon!
Steve Morrison: They need to be, Poena wants to snap his fingers tonight!
Cross Recoba: ….
Steve Morrison: Fans, we just received word that Diamond gave his security team the night off too! POENA HAS FREE REIGN!!!!!
JASON LONG AND AIDEN MERRIC RUSH DOWN THE AISLE AND SLIDE INTO THE RING!!!
Cross Recoba: The Cavalry are here!!
Steve Morrison: You left him out there like a sitting duck!
POENA RELEASES THE HOLD AND SLITHERS OUT OF THE RING, LAUGHING MANIACALLY AS HE DOES SO.
Steve Morrison: Poena's got the look of a vindicated zealot! Even just a second longer and Jack's fingers would have been as twisted as that maniac!
Cross Recoba: And Merric and Long stopped it!
STOPPING TO FACE THE RING, POENA LOCKS EYES WITH HIS NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS OPPONENT, ALL THE WHILE LAUGHING TO HIMSELF AS THE SHOT FADES OUT.
Steve Morrison: Cross, this can’t just be a coincidence! Tell me you didn’t set up this attack on Diamond!
Steve Morrison: And now seems as good a time as any to congratulate Sam Sawyer on getting past Overheated to compete for the X*Crown at Night of Champions. We'll all be rooting for them on the night as they make a bid to become the first wrestler to bring the X*Crown to Tap Out Wrestling.
XHF OVERHEATED 2023 - Esmerelda von Krauss vs Sam Sawyer
Trying to spin the neck on Sawyer, Esmeralda seeks to inflict as much pain as possible. Sam grabs her by the head with both arms and jumps up before dropping to their butt to deliver a jawbreaker! Krauss springs in the air and lands flat on her back. Sawyer rushes the turnbuckles and leaps backwards!
Randy Angel: SAWYERSAULT!
Joey Hawke: But wait!
Randy Angel: I think they're going for a second!
Joey Hawke: And they land it! Now for the pin!
One!
Two!
Three!
Bonnie Jenkins: Winner of this match and qualifying to wrestle at Night of Champions — Sam Sawyer!
Steve Morrison: We kick off our evening with a match that won’t be for the purists but it will be for those who want to watch two hard-hitting athletes take on one another as Wildcat Capone and Ashton Henare take on one another.
Cross Recoba: It’s going to be a slugfest! You take someone like Wildcat Capone who we’ve seen do extraordinary things in that ring for someone of his experience.
TAP OUT WRESTLING 5
Rearing back, CAPONE LANDS A HUGE SPLASH IN THE CORNER!
Steve Morrison: Wildcat has a rhythm going…
Lifting his opponent to the top-rope, Wildcat follows….
Cross Recoba: Is he going to put an exclamation mark on the match?
TOP ROPE BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!!!!!
Steve Morrison: TOP-ROPE TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY!!
Rearing back, CAPONE LANDS A HUGE SPLASH IN THE CORNER!
Steve Morrison: Wildcat has a rhythm going…
Lifting his opponent to the top-rope, Wildcat follows….
Cross Recoba: Is he going to put an exclamation mark on the match?
TOP ROPE BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!!!!!
Steve Morrison: TOP-ROPE TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY!!
Steve Morrison: He’ll also feel that his opponent was to blame for the loss they shared last month but Henare is a man-beast. The kind of wrestler to spear you out of your socks and then pose for photos straight after…
TAP OUT WRESTLING 13
Buoyed by the cheers, Holliday connects with a Flying Forearm that sends the Kiwi rocking on one foot.
Cross Recoba: He’s still on his feet…
The Wyoming Fighter hits the ropes….HENARE CUTS HIM OFF WITH A HUGE SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!
Steve Morrison: NEW MAGIC WAND!!
Dragging Holliday to his feet, Henare throws a huge uppercut to the throat…ROLLING ELBOW….HE LIFTS HIM UP IN A SUPLEX….
Cross Recoba: LOOK AT THE HANGTIME!
DELAYED SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: WATCH THE THRONE!
Buoyed by the cheers, Holliday connects with a Flying Forearm that sends the Kiwi rocking on one foot.
Cross Recoba: He’s still on his feet…
The Wyoming Fighter hits the ropes….HENARE CUTS HIM OFF WITH A HUGE SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!
Steve Morrison: NEW MAGIC WAND!!
Dragging Holliday to his feet, Henare throws a huge uppercut to the throat…ROLLING ELBOW….HE LIFTS HIM UP IN A SUPLEX….
Cross Recoba: LOOK AT THE HANGTIME!
DELAYED SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: WATCH THE THRONE!
Cross Recoba: He’ll come into this match with the size advantage but Capone, for one of the few times in his career, is the more experienced inside the ring. Can he find something from GUNS Fight Club or Infinite Pro Wrestling that can guide him to victory tonight?
Steve Morrison: Then we have the debut of second-generation star, Julius Fristik, as he takes on Tommy Strychnine in a match that I personally can’t wait for!
Cross Recoba: Both men like to fly, both men can mix it up on the mat…it’s probably the closest match-up we’ve had on paper from one of our Guest Bouts.
Steve Morrison: Tommy’s forever just one step away from being a force in this company, is tonight the night?
TAP OUT WRESTLING 9
Tommy ducks out from the slap and moves behind his opponent…RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Steve Morrison: NO! Tommy manages to hit a HUGE MOVE to turn the tide!
Lifting his opponent up, Tommy puts him across his shoulder and throws him neck-first onto his knee.
Steve Morrison: TOMMYNOCKER!
Stepping between the ropes, Tommy waits patiently.
Cross Recoba: He’s looking to put this away now!
He leaps…
Steve Morrison: He’s going for it…
SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER!!
Steve Morrison: KISS ME DEADLY!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Tommy ducks out from the slap and moves behind his opponent…RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Steve Morrison: NO! Tommy manages to hit a HUGE MOVE to turn the tide!
Lifting his opponent up, Tommy puts him across his shoulder and throws him neck-first onto his knee.
Steve Morrison: TOMMYNOCKER!
Stepping between the ropes, Tommy waits patiently.
Cross Recoba: He’s looking to put this away now!
He leaps…
Steve Morrison: He’s going for it…
SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER!!
Steve Morrison: KISS ME DEADLY!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Cross Recoba: What works for Strych is that he can bring himself up to his opponent’s level, the frustrating part is when you know he can exceed it. Fristik isn’t going to make it easy for him tonight. He’s made no bones about how he sees his opponent…
Julius Fristik: Don’t think of me as a young arrogant wrestler. Think of me as the guy you need to beat to keep your job. Seeing how things go at TapOut, who knows, they might just offer me your contract after it’s all said and done!
Cross Recoba: It’ll be interesting to see how Tommy responds but I can see that match being one that the fans’ll talk about as they hit the tables after the show!
Steve Morrison: Then after our intermission, we have a match for the mat purists as Random McConalogue takes on Jacob Craft.
Cross Recoba: Craft’s been pushing his luck in the build-up to this. It’s not a strategy I’d take…
Jacob Craft: Random. I'm bored already. You've bored me almost to the point of giving up. I may just pack my sandwich ingredients and leave. Fuck all they're gonna do me with you not around to make me food. They'll just go to waste. I don't like wasting food, Random. It makes me angry. I don't like being angry. I'm a chill guy. Think of the starving people in the world. Not making me food is a waste. And I will not stand for it! I may just have to ground you. That's right. No TV for a month.
Steve Morrison: It’s not gone unnoticed…
Random McConalogue: Lady Luck won't be at Tapout 15, same as with 14, and all of them since before 8. You don't get to go on a run through me. People don't get to run through me solo. Look at the record... look at last month. It took a whole tag division. That's what it's taken Tapout to finally do that to me.
Steve Morrison: Craft will have his work cut out for him but he’s no slouch when it comes to mat-based wrestling. He hasn’t quite got the Catch-as-Catch-Can style that Random has but the cage-fighting background he holds has put him in good stead.
Cross Recoba: It’ll be a great Co-Main to call, that’s all I’m sure of.
Steve Morrison: Which brings us to the main-event where we have tag-team action as the returning NOMAD partners Thespian to take on Aiden Merric and the debuting Raiden Ishimori! Both teams have similar styles, NOMAD and Merric can swing with the best of them and Ishimori and Thespian can wrestle on the mat or take to the skies.
Cross Recoba: It’s the subtleties that could make the difference though. NOMAD is no slouch with chain-style wrestling and Ishimori is only too happy to systematically break down his opponent as we’ve seen in AWF, JROK, and SCCW!
Steve Morrison: That’s true. For one competitor it’s their last match. Sadly, Thespian has asked for his release and its been granted.
Cross Recoba: His contract is just frozen for now, he’ll have no obligations but if he returns to the Network it’ll be with us. What I’m glad to see is that his camp have told me that if anything his intensity hasn’t dropped one bit since the announcement was made.
Steve Morrison: NOMAD comes back after his arm was broken by Poena and he seems to be ready to play catch-up to regain his place at the top of the rankings.
Cross Recoba: I know the Tap Out fans who’ve been here since the start will be eager to know if NOMAD is still the man who for five shows ran roughshod over the roster!
TAP OUT WRESTLING 2
Erin looks to rouse the referee who is slowly coming to. She spins but walks straight into a LARIAT FROM HELL THAT SPINS HER TO THE CANVAS!!
Steve Morrison: THAT ALMOST BEHEADED HER!!
Cross Recoba: And Quinn is coming to!
Quinn gets to his feet as NOMAD dead-lifts Gordon over his shoulder….HE DROPS HER INTO A PILEDRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: SCORCHED EARTH! HE PUT KANE AWAY WITH THIS, CAN IT GET ANOTHER VICTIM?
Cross Recoba: He’s got the leg hooked!
HE COVERS…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!!!
Laura Messier: The winner of your main event via pinfall….THE VIOLENT WANDERER…NOMAD!!!
Erin looks to rouse the referee who is slowly coming to. She spins but walks straight into a LARIAT FROM HELL THAT SPINS HER TO THE CANVAS!!
Steve Morrison: THAT ALMOST BEHEADED HER!!
Cross Recoba: And Quinn is coming to!
Quinn gets to his feet as NOMAD dead-lifts Gordon over his shoulder….HE DROPS HER INTO A PILEDRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: SCORCHED EARTH! HE PUT KANE AWAY WITH THIS, CAN IT GET ANOTHER VICTIM?
Cross Recoba: He’s got the leg hooked!
HE COVERS…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!!!
Laura Messier: The winner of your main event via pinfall….THE VIOLENT WANDERER…NOMAD!!!
Cross Recoba: If we’d based our decision purely on the last show, Merric would have been a shoe-in but for now, he knows with a win here tonight he can make sure that his name doesn’t leave the conversation.
Steve Morrison: He put on a very convincing victory over AVB and he’ll want the momentum to keep on going.
TAP OUT WRESTLING 14
MERRIC WEAVES OUT AND THROWS A KNEE! VON BLANKENSHIP TAKES A STEP BACK BEFORE THROWING HIMSELF FORWARD WITH A LOW DROPKICK THAT TAKES AIDEN’S FEET FROM UNDER HIM!
Steve Morrison: AVB refuses to let him go!
With a smile, von Blankenship puts the head of his opponent between his knees and lifts him into a Crucifix position…
Steve Morrison: BARRY WHITE DRIVER! IF THIS LANDS…
Cross Recoba: Merric could be on the shelf for a LONG time!
MERRIC WIGGLES OUT!!
Steve Morrison: HE ESCAPES!
CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL FLIPS VON BLANKENSHIP SIDEWAYS!!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: CONTRACT FULFILLED! THE WONDER FROM DOWN UNDER CLEANED AVB’S CLOCK!!
Merric covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
MERRIC WEAVES OUT AND THROWS A KNEE! VON BLANKENSHIP TAKES A STEP BACK BEFORE THROWING HIMSELF FORWARD WITH A LOW DROPKICK THAT TAKES AIDEN’S FEET FROM UNDER HIM!
Steve Morrison: AVB refuses to let him go!
With a smile, von Blankenship puts the head of his opponent between his knees and lifts him into a Crucifix position…
Steve Morrison: BARRY WHITE DRIVER! IF THIS LANDS…
Cross Recoba: Merric could be on the shelf for a LONG time!
MERRIC WIGGLES OUT!!
Steve Morrison: HE ESCAPES!
CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL FLIPS VON BLANKENSHIP SIDEWAYS!!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: CONTRACT FULFILLED! THE WONDER FROM DOWN UNDER CLEANED AVB’S CLOCK!!
Merric covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Steve Morrison: Teaming with him is Raiden Ishimori and here’s a guy who is in the conversation for ‘Best Tag Team Specialist’ on the Network. What’s more is that no matter where he goes, he seems to pick up gold. JROK and AWF was the same story and in SCCW he could well end his career as their most decorated wrestler ever!
AWF CLASH OF THE ICONS 2019
Tommy Taylor:No pin there! Is that a mistake that will cost him Cassius?
Cassius Romano: He’s in a lot of pain, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s lost the ability to think straight! This late into a match, the plans go out the window as you empty the tank and use everything at your disposal!
Raiden waits for his opponent to get back up, but not from a distance. He instead stands over Card, watching and waiting as Card writhes in pain on the mat. He has the look of a man who could kill in his eyes as Card makes it back to his feet. Raiden digs down deep into the reserves, clutching Card’s wrist and lifting him up into the air as the crowd roars! The crowd cheers loudly as Raiden struggles to keep Card above his head, screaming in pain as his tortured back might have suffered too much!
Tommy Taylor: He’s going for it all here!
Cassius Romano: If his back gives out, Card’ll make him pay!
Tommy Taylor: Climhazzard! Climhazzard! Raiden got him!
Cassius Romano: Card might be out! But Raiden’s back’s in shambles and he’s gotta crawl for that cover!
Raiden clutches his back and screams, physically dragging himself across the ring to cover the champion. All he can muster left is to throw an arm over. The referee drops to the floor and counts!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Tommy Taylor: THREE! RAIDEN’S DONE IT!
Tommy Taylor:No pin there! Is that a mistake that will cost him Cassius?
Cassius Romano: He’s in a lot of pain, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s lost the ability to think straight! This late into a match, the plans go out the window as you empty the tank and use everything at your disposal!
Raiden waits for his opponent to get back up, but not from a distance. He instead stands over Card, watching and waiting as Card writhes in pain on the mat. He has the look of a man who could kill in his eyes as Card makes it back to his feet. Raiden digs down deep into the reserves, clutching Card’s wrist and lifting him up into the air as the crowd roars! The crowd cheers loudly as Raiden struggles to keep Card above his head, screaming in pain as his tortured back might have suffered too much!
Tommy Taylor: He’s going for it all here!
Cassius Romano: If his back gives out, Card’ll make him pay!
Tommy Taylor: Climhazzard! Climhazzard! Raiden got him!
Cassius Romano: Card might be out! But Raiden’s back’s in shambles and he’s gotta crawl for that cover!
Raiden clutches his back and screams, physically dragging himself across the ring to cover the champion. All he can muster left is to throw an arm over. The referee drops to the floor and counts!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Tommy Taylor: THREE! RAIDEN’S DONE IT!
Steve Morrison: We’ll find out just what happens as those four men do war in our main event! For now, let’s go ringside with Laura Messier!
Laura Messier: GOOD EVENING, VEGAS! AND WELCOME TO TAP OUT WRESTLING FIFTEEN!!!! INTRODUCING YOUR FIRST MATCH WHICH IS A SINGLES MATCH AND IS 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: The Kentucky Native has a tough challenge ahead of him tonight!
Cross Recoba: The back-alley brawling style that's his bread and butter might not get him where he wants to be tonight but I have faith in him.
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: Never shy of broadening his horizons, Capone has made appearances across the Network in his time here in Tap Out.
Cross Recoba: I'll actively encourage it, the DTF is one way to learn but Capone's taking the other option which is testing himself continually against all kinds of fighters.
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: Do you think that versatility and willingness to adapt may help him against Henare?
Cross Recoba: It won't hurt his chances. We've seen Capone put away opponents by brute force and by daring gambits like that Top Rope To Pimp a Butterfly Belly-to-Belly Overhead Suplex!
"HE IS HIM."
For a split second, silence fills the arena and all you can hear is the chattering of fans. The silence is soon replaced with the flooding of a rather familiar instrumental. “The City” by The Game (feat. Kendrick Lamar) begins to blare throughout the airwaves as attendees turn their heads to see one of the newest attractions to Tap Out Wrestling. But, having a feeling of self-entitlement, Ashton keeps them waiting. That is until his theme music finally reaches his favorite part.
Steve Morrison: Physically imposing and devastating inside the ring, Ashton Henare could have a bright future in the sport and especially here in Tap Out!
Cross Recoba: We saw what he could do in singles competition against John Holliday and last time out he didn't have the best of it when he tagged with his opponent at our last show.
And as soon as those words begin to fade, the screens in the room showcase "GOD" before displaying his impressive highlights. The man himself makes his entrance. Ashton steps onto the stage with a sense of energy and charisma unlike anyone else. He quickly makes his way toward the ring and keeps himself pumped up, making sure that his focus is only on the ring, making sure that all attention was on the business needing to be taken care of in the ring.
Steve Morrison: Could he be a lone wolf? Just better without having to rely on someone else in the ring?
Cross Recoba: That could be the case but it could also be that neither he nor Capone have really been out there that long. Timing is everything in tag-team wrestling and it's something that takes time to pick up.
Once up, he slow-walks across the ring apron before turning around to stare out at the fans again. That signature tongue is brandished whilst throwing up the Shaka sign, a staple in his culture. Lowering his hand, Ashton turns and quickly enters the ring via the middle rope before moving toward the center of the ring. He wipes his hands off and turns to the camera as he dusts his shoulders off.
Steve Morrison: He's got to be looking at someone like NOMAD, someone like him in comparable size and weight as the yardstick he needs to measure himself with in Tap Out?
Cross Recoba: It's a good target to aim for but, for me, I want to see Henare pulling out wins when things aren't always going his way, show me some character, show me the fight he has! Do that and there's no reason he couldn't have a rookie year in Tap Out like Close Collins!
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 looks amped up as he paces in his corner.
Laura Messier: And his opponent! Fighting out of Inglewood, California. Standing at six feet, three inches and weighing two hundred and sixty-five pounds. THE PERSONIFICATION OF DOMINATION....ASHTON....HENARE!!!!
The New Zealander cracks his neck as he stares across at his opponent.
OPENING MATCH
SINGLES MATCH
Wildcat Capone (#12) vs Ashton Henare (#14)
Steve Tyrell brings the two men into the center of the ring as Laura steps out of the ring. The crowd inside the Diamond Club sound hyped up for their first match of the night.
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen absolutely stellar matches kick off our shows and this one looks to be no different!
Cross Recoba: Two men who have every opportunity in the company with a win, it’s just a question as to what side of the ring that victory will fall on.
The near half a foot in size doesn’t deter Capone from starting to jaw-jack in the New Zealander’s direction. Henare takes the abuse and only smiles, clearly entertained at what stands in front of him,
Steve Morrison: Wildcat’s never been one to back down and he’s showing Ashton that he doesn’t intend to be as easy a victim as John Holliday was in May.
Tyrell runs through his pre-match briefing but it’s almost falling on deaf ears. Capone looks up at the six-foot plus Henare and is visibly sizing him up.
Cross Recoba: This could be a big test for both men. Both of them have shown what they can do in the ring, but this match is going to be about who wants it more…
Stepping out from between the two men, he sends them to their corners and calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Capone comes out the blocks steaming and charges Henare with a running forearm but it doesn’t do too much. He looks up and Ashton still seems amused. Charging off the ropes he connects again with a forearm to the chest but it doesn’t seem to make a dent. A third time he attacks, this time with a Spinning Heel Kick…Henare is knocked onto one foot!
Steve Morrison: Capone finding he might be facing an immovable object.
Wildcat explodes back to his feet and grabs the leg in the air and uses it to grab a single-leg takedown.
Cross Recoba: Showing what he learnt inside the cage as he brings Ashton to the mat.
With more than a nod to his time in GUNS FC, Capone gets full-mount and starts to tee off with hammerfists to the face of Ashton.
Steve Morrison: Capone’s going for an early finish with those blows.
Cross Recoba: Each one finding their mark. He could well get our first K.O. stoppage!
Switching his offense up, Wildcat starts to swing hooks into the ribs of the Personification of Domination.
Steve Morrison: Wildcat now looking to the ribs.
Cross Recoba: Those shots are going to take the wind out of Henare’s sails, blow-by-blow.
Signing-off with a headbutt, Wildcat gets to his feet and hits the ropes in anticipation of Ashton getting up…HE MISSES WITH THE SLIDING LARIAT!!
Steve Morrison: Capone went for the Sliding D but no-one’s home!
Before he can recover his stance, Capone is caught out with a solid forearm to the lower back that nearly drops him save for the hand clutching at his waistband. Henare follows up with another forearm that connects with the kidney of the Kentucky native leaving him only able to stagger into the corner, trapping himself.
Steve Morrison: Ashton imposing himself on the match with that raw power.
Cross Recoba: If he’s done his homework, he’ll know that rare as it might be, Capone can take to the air when needed but those blows are going to reduce that possibility even further.
Henare grabs Capone by the head and connects with a headbutt that leaves a sickening thud echoing throughout the Diamond Club.
Steve Morrison: What a blow!
The grip of Ashton remains the only thing that keeps the Wildcat upright. Ashton changes his stance and goes to a clinch, bringing them back into the center of the ring. Wildcat fights but the half a foot in size works in the Maori’s favor.
Steve Morrison: Moving to a Muay Thai clinch.
Cross Recoba: You see how he uses his arms and elbows to guide Capone into any position he wants. Wildcat might have seen this in GUNS Fight Club but with a man the size of Ashton, it’s an entirely different proposition.
HENARE DRIVES A KNEE UP AND HANGS ON TO THE CLINCH!
Steve Morrison: Stiff knee lands.
AND ANOTHER!!!
Cross Recoba: The only thing holding Wildcat up is his opponent…
AND A THIRD ONE DROPS IRN FST TO THE MAT!!
Steve Morrison: A wicked trio of knees for the Maori!!
Ashton smiles as he steps through the ropes and makes a show of climbing the turnbuckle.
Cross Recoba: He needs to be careful not to milk the crowd too much….
Crouching down, the big man waits.
Steve Morrison: He’s lining up for something big…
DIVING CROSSBODY BLOCK!
ONE…
TWO….
CAPONE GETS AN ARM UP!!
Steve Morrison: Henare very nearly put the match away with a huge crossbody block!
In a tremendous show of technique and power, Henare grabs the raised arm and pulls Capone back towards him, lifting him up vertically in one fluid motion…..DELAYED VERTICAL SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: He’s totally in control and he knows it!
Cross Recoba: It’s that power in his game that could make Henare one of the breakout stars on the Network this year!
Sitting back up, the shit-eating grin on Henare’s face hasn’t moved.
Steve Morrison: It seems like he knows it too!
Peeling his opponent from the mat, Ashton scoops him up and PLANTS HIM with a huge scoop-slam that shakes the ring.
Steve Morrison: He tried to send him through the canvas!
The New Zealander walks back into the corner before confidently strutting back towards Capone and hitting him with a Rolling Knee Drop.
Cross Recoba: He’s measuring him with each attack, just picking him apart!
Heading to the far corner, Henare comes forward again and theatrically leaps for an elbow drop…NO-ONE’S HOME!
Steve Morrison: CAPONE ESCAPES!
Getting to his knees, Henare gets blindsided by a HUGE Roaring Elbow that rocks him!
Cross Recoba: HE CAUGHT HIM WHAT THAT ELBOW!
Striking while the iron is hot, Capone grabs the head of Ashton…Kawada Kicks!!
Steve Morrison: Each one of those kicks connecting with venom!
Hitting the ropes, Wildcat leaps forwards…SLIDING LARIAT!!
Steve Morrison: SLIDING D!!!!
He makes the cover…
ONE…
T-
KICKOUT FROM HENARE!!!
Steve Morrison: Ashton pushes Capone off!
Cross Recoba: That raw strength on display once more…
He lifts Ashton up and looks to lift him up…
Steve Morrison: Could he be going for the Protect Ya Neck Powerbomb?
Henare drives an elbow into the neck of Capone, doubling him over….SAMOAN DROP!!
Steve Morrison: Henare once more swings the scales of the match back in his favor!
Giving his opponent no breathing room, Henare peels Wildcat off the mat.
Cross Recoba: Ashton would do well to try and bring this match to a close. Capone’s picked up a win or two from his opponents not taking their chances…
Grandstanding, Henare raises an arm in dominance to the Diamond Club audience who greet the gesture with pure, unbridled vitriol.
Steve Morrison: He’s few friends with him tonight.
Cross Recoba: I doubt he’s going to care. From the talks I’ve had with Ashton, he wants to go to the top by any means necessary. He wants the money, not the adulation!
Ashton hooks his head under the arm of Capone…
Steve Morrison: Northern Lights Su-
WILDCAT CLUBS AT THE BACK OF HENARE!
Cross Recoba: Capone’s not going down easily!
ONCE MORE!
Steve Morrison: Can he break the grip, Henare has around his waist?
A THIRD TIME CAUSES ASHTON TO STOP THE SUPLEX ATTEMPT!
CAPONE KICKS HIM IN THE GUT…WHIPPERSNAPPER!!!!!! HENARE STAGGERS BACK INTO THE ROPES…
Steve Morrison: CHIN CHECK!
SAITO SUPLEX!!!!
Steve Morrison: JUICY!!!!
He hooks the leg…
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
KICKOUT!!!!
Steve Morrison: HOW?
Capone sits up sharply, his expression one of disbelief.
Cross Recoba: Wildcat’s asking himself the same thing.
He hits the ropes again…another Roaring Elbow connects and staggers Ashton….GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!!!
Steve Morrison: A huge show of strength from IRN FST but can he keep on top?
He lifts up Henare as the crowd roar in approval.
Cross Recoba: He needs to go for the win here, he might not get a better chance!
Capone grabs a waistlock and tries for a German but Henare throws his head back with a wicked headbutt to break the hold. Wildcat lurches back….HENARE RUSHES HIM WITH A LIFTING SITOUT SPINEBUSTER!!!!
Steve Morrison: STOPPED IN HIS TRACKS!!!!!
Cross Recoba: Once more Ashton takes back control.
Spread out on the mat, Capone looks out to the point Tyrell actively checks he’s conscious.
Steve Morrison: Wildcat could be knocked out after that move!
Forcing the stunned Wildcat to his feet, Henare sends him to the ropes and hits the opposite set himself…
Cross Recoba: Henare now looking for the final move in the match…
SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!
Steve Morrison: NEW MAGIC WAND!!!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO….
The crowd loudly boo Henare.
THRE-
WILDCAT SOMEHOW GETS HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES!!!
Steve Morrison: Capone hangs on, only just, but enough to continue!
Cross Recoba: He needs to find a way back into this match quickly though.
The New Zealander peels Capone from the canvas and measures him. He connects with an open-handed strike to the chin!
Steve Morrison: Huge blow from the New Zealander.
Capone fires back with one of his own!
Cross Recoba: Wildcat will stand and trade as long as his legs let him.
A strong forearm is fired from Henare!
Steve Morrison: Ashton with yet another massive shot to the head of Capone!
Wildcat drops to a knee but rears back with a huge shot to the kidneys! He throws an uncharacteristic dropkick to the knees that TAKES HENARE DOWN TO A KNEE!
Steve Morrison: If he’s going down, he’s going down swinging!!!
Cross Recoba: Capone can build from this…
The Kentucky Wildcat goes to the ropes BUT ASHTON CUTS HIM OFF WITH A RUNNING FOREARM THAT STUNS IRN FST!
Steve Morrison: HENARE CUTS HIM OFF!!!
Henare hits the ropes…BURNING LARIAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crowd: LARIATOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: KANZEN SAIMIN!!!!!
Ashton covers…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Tyrell calls for the bell!!!!
Laura Messier: YOUR WINNER OF THE OPENING CONTEST….THE PERSONIFICATION OF DOMINATION…ASHTON….HENARE!!!!!!!!
Ashton shrugs off Tyrell’s arm before he can raise it and looks down with contempt at the fallen Capone.
Steve Morrison: What a match to kick off proceedings tonight!
Cross Recoba: Hard-hitting and unrelenting. How many companies on the Network can open with an absolute slugfest like that?
Steve Morrison: For Henare, you have to wonder where that win will put him come our next show and for Capone, it’s back to the drawing board!
Jason Long (VO): For what it’s worth, I fought very valiantly when I first chased after the X*Crown Championship. Though blood, sweat, and tears- I went through everything that was thrown at me. Times I had failed. Times I had came up short but, at the very end, I did what I could to save everything that I had lost in the come up.
A VERY AWF CHRISTMAS 2019
MAVERICK PULLS BOBBY BACK UP TO HIS KNEES ONCE MORE AND CONNECTS THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE TO THE BACK OF BOBBY’S SKULL, BLOOD BEGINNING TO SPILL DOWN THE BACK OF THE X*CROWN CHAMPION. MAVERICK DRAGS BOBBY INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING, HOOKS THE OUTSIDE LEG AND DRIVES BOBBY INTO THE MAT WITH THE INFINITY DRIVER! A HOOK OF THE LEG!
ONE
TWO
THREE
BOBBY KICKS OUT BY A MILLISECOND! BY A MILLISECOND! MAVERICK’S BLOOD BEGINS TO BOIL AS HE GRABS BOTH ARMS OF BOBBY AND BEGINS TO STOMP AT THE HEAD, OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL THE REFEREE STOPS IT.
Tommy Taylor: Bobby might be out, Cassius…
Cassius Romano: Oh no, I hope not. He put so much into this match, don’t let it end like this.
Maverick pushes the referee away and hoists Bobby up for a second Storm Zero, he swings him - ICONBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE!! MAVERICK STUMBLES BACK ONTO THE ROPES BUT HE’S LEFT HANGING THERE! Bobby grabs Maverick before he can fall fully out of the ring, he hooks his arm around Maverick’s head and goes up the ropes… Prodigal Arrival connects but Bobby isn’t done, he hooks his arm around the head for another chance at Prodigal Arrival but Maverick puts Bobby into the Tree of Woe AND SPRINGS ONTO THE ROPES BEFORE DRIVING BOTH FEET INTO THE CHEST OF BOBBY. MAVERICK PICKS UP BOBBY ONCE MORE, SPINS HIM AND DRIVES HIM INTO THE MAT WITH STORM ZERO! MAVERICK HOOKS BOTH LEGS!
Tommy Taylor: HE GOT HIM!
Cassius Romano: OH MY GOD IS IT HAPPENING
Referee and the Crowd: ONE!
Referee and the Crowd: TWO!
Referee and the Crowd: THREE!
THE BELL HAS RUNG AND THE CROWD EXPLODE IN A MIXTURE OF SHOCK AND EXCITEMENT
Tommy Taylor: MAVERICK DID IT! MAVERICK DID IT! OH MY GOD I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT WE’RE WITNESSING!
Cassius Romano: I NEVER THOUGHT THIS COULD HAPPEN... JESSIE, MAKE IT OFFICIAL!
Jessie Love: Here is your winner and the NEWWWWWWWW XHF X*CROWN CHAMPIOONNNNNN… MAAAAAAAAAVERIIIIIIIIIICK!
MAVERICK PULLS BOBBY BACK UP TO HIS KNEES ONCE MORE AND CONNECTS THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE TO THE BACK OF BOBBY’S SKULL, BLOOD BEGINNING TO SPILL DOWN THE BACK OF THE X*CROWN CHAMPION. MAVERICK DRAGS BOBBY INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING, HOOKS THE OUTSIDE LEG AND DRIVES BOBBY INTO THE MAT WITH THE INFINITY DRIVER! A HOOK OF THE LEG!
ONE
TWO
THREE
BOBBY KICKS OUT BY A MILLISECOND! BY A MILLISECOND! MAVERICK’S BLOOD BEGINS TO BOIL AS HE GRABS BOTH ARMS OF BOBBY AND BEGINS TO STOMP AT THE HEAD, OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL THE REFEREE STOPS IT.
Tommy Taylor: Bobby might be out, Cassius…
Cassius Romano: Oh no, I hope not. He put so much into this match, don’t let it end like this.
Maverick pushes the referee away and hoists Bobby up for a second Storm Zero, he swings him - ICONBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE!! MAVERICK STUMBLES BACK ONTO THE ROPES BUT HE’S LEFT HANGING THERE! Bobby grabs Maverick before he can fall fully out of the ring, he hooks his arm around Maverick’s head and goes up the ropes… Prodigal Arrival connects but Bobby isn’t done, he hooks his arm around the head for another chance at Prodigal Arrival but Maverick puts Bobby into the Tree of Woe AND SPRINGS ONTO THE ROPES BEFORE DRIVING BOTH FEET INTO THE CHEST OF BOBBY. MAVERICK PICKS UP BOBBY ONCE MORE, SPINS HIM AND DRIVES HIM INTO THE MAT WITH STORM ZERO! MAVERICK HOOKS BOTH LEGS!
Tommy Taylor: HE GOT HIM!
Cassius Romano: OH MY GOD IS IT HAPPENING
Referee and the Crowd: ONE!
Referee and the Crowd: TWO!
Referee and the Crowd: THREE!
THE BELL HAS RUNG AND THE CROWD EXPLODE IN A MIXTURE OF SHOCK AND EXCITEMENT
Tommy Taylor: MAVERICK DID IT! MAVERICK DID IT! OH MY GOD I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT WE’RE WITNESSING!
Cassius Romano: I NEVER THOUGHT THIS COULD HAPPEN... JESSIE, MAKE IT OFFICIAL!
Jessie Love: Here is your winner and the NEWWWWWWWW XHF X*CROWN CHAMPIOONNNNNN… MAAAAAAAAAVERIIIIIIIIIICK!
Jason Long (VO): Winning that championship was the peak of my career, even if it were a shortened reign, but that didn’t matter because for that whole month that I spent as champion? I was powerful. I was the greatest to have ever done it. And soon enough? You’ll see me back on that podium position again. Only a matter of time.
We fade back to black
Voice over: Next Saturday, before the XHF celebrates its birthday, an Icon celebrates his.
The screen begins to show clips of Tap Out Openweight Champion and DTF owner, Jack Diamond. We see clips from his time in ICW, AWF and Tap Out Wrestling.
Voice over: Ahead of his match with Poena, Jack Diamond parties with fellow Icons, Jason Long and Bobby Barratt! Who else will join the party?
The screen begins showing clips of BEEF, Dana Daniels and Ulysses Cole from Diamond Mine I.
Voice over: Plus, hear from DTF’S Night of Champion participants as we catch up with BEEF ahead of his X*Crown match as well as Dana Daniels and Ulysses Cole before they square off to see who becomes the first DTF Champion.
More clips of DTF action shows.
Voice over: You don't won't to miss the party before the party! See the DTF rising stars in action and don't miss XHF Junior Heavyweight Champion, El Rey on commentary!
The screen fades into the poster image.
Voice over: DTF Presents Diamond Mine II. Saturday, July 29th 2023. Only on the XHF Network!
The screen begins to show clips of Tap Out Openweight Champion and DTF owner, Jack Diamond. We see clips from his time in ICW, AWF and Tap Out Wrestling.
Voice over: Ahead of his match with Poena, Jack Diamond parties with fellow Icons, Jason Long and Bobby Barratt! Who else will join the party?
The screen begins showing clips of BEEF, Dana Daniels and Ulysses Cole from Diamond Mine I.
Voice over: Plus, hear from DTF’S Night of Champion participants as we catch up with BEEF ahead of his X*Crown match as well as Dana Daniels and Ulysses Cole before they square off to see who becomes the first DTF Champion.
More clips of DTF action shows.
Voice over: You don't won't to miss the party before the party! See the DTF rising stars in action and don't miss XHF Junior Heavyweight Champion, El Rey on commentary!
The screen fades into the poster image.
Voice over: DTF Presents Diamond Mine II. Saturday, July 29th 2023. Only on the XHF Network!
Jacob Craft stands backstage dressed in his ring gear.
Jacob Craft: (in an annoyingly squeaky voice) Hello everyone. I'm here with Jacob Craft, who will be facing a very tough opponent later tonight. Jacob, you said some pretty off the wall things to your opponent over the course of the past few days. They were not taken kindly.
Jacob sighed.
Jacob Craft: Okay? Is that a problem? Here's the thing. I like to have fun. It's just so boring to only talk about how "I'm totally gonna beat you" and explain my reasoning, yknow? There's no fun in that. There's no hype in that. No one who pays to come to our show wants to hear that kind of drivel. It doesn't excite anyone. I think that gets lost. As someone who, up until very recently, was nothing more than a spectator to this show, I can't tell you how often I changed the channel or just didn't care about what was being said. So Random knows where she can shove it, right? Right. At the very least, I'm being me and having fun. Rather than being so damn boring. I'm actually…seriously thinking about taking my sandwich stuff and going home. I'm bored with that woman already.
Jacob Craft: (in an annoyingly squeaky voice) I don't know. Tonight you're facing someone who has dominated the best of the sport. Do you really think you can beat her?
Jacob laughed.
Jacob Craft: Well. I'd be lying if I said no. I believe in my skills. Just like her. She has vastly more experience than I do. That's very true. And that matters, but at the end of the day, I'm walking out a winner for the second time in a row. She's my stepping stone into greatness.
Jacob Craft: (extremely squeaky voice) Goodluck tonight. You'll need it.
Jacob Craft: Oh,I know. I got luck, skill, and looks on my side.
Poena (VO): You call yourself an Icon… The Ace of Spades... something normally associated with a Dead Man’s Hand. But what have you done? You might be winning in Tapout, but otherwise? I’ve seen you fail, I’ve seen your pain and disappointment in yourself. Perhaps I’ll give you another chance to drink the bitterest champagne again. I'll leave you as an icon for the broken.
Dakota Diamond:: Up for the challenge? This goes far beyond any kind of challenge, Jack. This Poena guy… he’s dangerous. He’s sadistic. He’s…
Jack Diamond: Everything that people have said about me from time to time?
Dakota’s expression softens but the genuine concern in her eyes is still there.
Dakota Diamond: No, this is different. You’ve played the bad guy as a business decision to have success… he… IS bad. Evil.
Jack turns around and places his hands on Dakota’s shoulders, looking deep into her eyes and smiles slightly.
Jack Diamond: Look, this isn’t the first person I’ve come across that spews this kind of bullshit from their mouths. I will be alright. We will be alright. I’ll have Tug tighten up security if you are that worried about it, stay by my side until this match is in my rearview mirror and I'm heading on to the semifinals.
Jack picks up his phone and looks at the time and scoffs.
Jack Diamond: Where is Tug anyways? He was supposed to be here over an hour ago.
Dakota Diamond: AHHHHHHH! JACK!!!!!!!
The screeching scream almost causes Jack to drop the glass decanter as he sets it down with a rattle and before he knows it has cleared several steps at a time on his way upstairs. He sprints down the hallway to Ace’s room where his son is crying loudly. Jack gets to the doorway and his son is wide-eyed, his wife trembling by the changing table. As Jack comes up behind her, he sees that she has an old wooden box, open and stained red. Inside there is a human eyeball, the blood staining the inside of the box and the note accompanying it, also written in blood.
“We don’t need vision to see the sins of our fathers.
Easy is it for His servants to bring repentance to the filthy
When the sight is “tugged” away from their false securities.”
Jack Diamond: Everything that people have said about me from time to time?
Dakota’s expression softens but the genuine concern in her eyes is still there.
Dakota Diamond: No, this is different. You’ve played the bad guy as a business decision to have success… he… IS bad. Evil.
Jack turns around and places his hands on Dakota’s shoulders, looking deep into her eyes and smiles slightly.
Jack Diamond: Look, this isn’t the first person I’ve come across that spews this kind of bullshit from their mouths. I will be alright. We will be alright. I’ll have Tug tighten up security if you are that worried about it, stay by my side until this match is in my rearview mirror and I'm heading on to the semifinals.
Jack picks up his phone and looks at the time and scoffs.
Jack Diamond: Where is Tug anyways? He was supposed to be here over an hour ago.
Dakota Diamond: AHHHHHHH! JACK!!!!!!!
The screeching scream almost causes Jack to drop the glass decanter as he sets it down with a rattle and before he knows it has cleared several steps at a time on his way upstairs. He sprints down the hallway to Ace’s room where his son is crying loudly. Jack gets to the doorway and his son is wide-eyed, his wife trembling by the changing table. As Jack comes up behind her, he sees that she has an old wooden box, open and stained red. Inside there is a human eyeball, the blood staining the inside of the box and the note accompanying it, also written in blood.
“We don’t need vision to see the sins of our fathers.
Easy is it for His servants to bring repentance to the filthy
When the sight is “tugged” away from their false securities.”
Jack Diamond (VO): You're not the first person who's tried to shake me. Rattle my bones and get me so uneasy that I'm easy picking in the ring…you're just the next kook destined to be proven fake by yours truly. You see, I don't fear you. Fear is make-belief. Fear causes you to overreact and make mistakes. I don’t make mistakes out of fear because it simply is… not… real. Danger… danger is what is real. Danger is what gets you in trouble. It’s messing with the wrong person. It’s taking someone, butchering them and ripping their FUCKING EYEBALL OUT… just to get a rise out of me. I AM THE DANGER POENA! When you made the mistake of hurting MY FRIEND, coming into MY HOME… ruining the safety and security of MY FAMILY…trying to kill the innocence of MY KID? Well, you’ve gone and made me the most dangerous mother fucker alive….I'M COMING FOR YOU BITCH!
Poena (VO): Are you the one that knocks, Jack? You know, Tug wasn’t scared at first either. He tried to bluster and fight, but a little chloroform and some restraints and his tune changed. Of course, I made sure to wait for him to wake back up to start. So call my bluff, Jack, and see how far that gets you. Come to me, come to my altar, my place of worship. I can’t wait to see the look in your eyes when you realize I am everything I say I am. That I am truly Chosen. Maybe when you finally realize the truth, you will beg me to enlighten you. To purify you. There is still hope for you and your family, Jaaaack. If you could just see it…See you soon, Jack. Keep an eye on little Ace for me till then.
Dakota Diamond: Is this all a game to you? Jack… honey, this is not just another match. This isn’t someone you can have a clean hard-fought contest with and shake hands out of respect afterwards.
Jack Diamond: No, I know that, but I just thou-
Dakota Diamond: THIS IS OUR FAMILY JACK. That creepy bastard got INTO OUR HOME! HE TOOK PICTURES OF US!
Jack Diamond (VO): I am going to end the Demon of the Ninth Deep, and not feel one damned drop of remorse.
Jack is interrupted by his phone. He looks down at it and sees Dakota's name. He answers but before he gets his greeting out he hears some glass breaking on the other end. Distress. Then muffled in the distance he can barely make out Dakota’s voice.
Dakota Diamond: JACK! HURRY! HE’S GONE! ACE IS GONE!!!
More noise, but to Jack it might as well be static as he is almost frozen for a bit. He breaks out of it and motions for Tug as the two of them hop up and rush out of the room followed by the others and the scene comes to an end.
Tug (VO): Don’t worry, ma’am. It WILL be an eye for a fucking eye…
Dakota knew she should scream, fight, do something... But nothing could have prepared her for that evil gaze in his eyes. She stood transfixed, as the bird does before the snake, unblinking and terrified into complete stillness.
Poena: Now, give me Ace, and you will be spared. Such a simple act, you poor, lost soul. I know you don't see His embrace the same way I do, and you'd do anything to avoid it. So give him to us, and you can go on living, unsaved.
Her head swam as he spoke now, his eyes so mesmerizing that she'd half turned to get Ace before she even realized. But as she looked down at his little face, she felt a surge of strength, like a mother bear protecting her cubs to the end.
She whipped back around to face him. But as his eyes met hers again, she... froze, the snarl softening to a bit back growl. She couldn't fight him; she felt that hammered into her core with a crushing weight of despair, but the strength she'd felt a moment ago was still there, merely shrunk to a solid steel rock of determination. She'd do the one thing she could.
Dakota Diamond: Take… Take me instead of him. Please, he's just a baby.
Poena cocked his head, The predator was watching the prey exhibit some curious behavior.
Poena: You could never be a vessel for Him like Ace. I would have to bestow upon you the most ruinous of His blessings for your sacrifice to count. You'd live, I'd make sure of it... but if you kept your sanity, you'd wish I hadn't for the rest of your life.
Dakota froze for a fraction of a second before the dagger of shame twisted and stabbed her. Why was she hesitant? This was for her son.
Dakota Diamond: I would suffer anything to protect him.
Poena laughed—that horrid, corrupting laugh. After a moment, he jerked violently, both eyes shifting to multicolored nebulas as he looked back at Dakota. She felt violated the moment those eyes found her, as something other looked at her; the voice following a moment later seemed to coat her soul in tar.
Poena (VO): Sacrifice. Mother's. Love. For. Child.
Poena: I keep my promises. Here I sit in the very heart of your world, as I always said I would. All of the defenses and manhunts were futile. So drown in your despair and shame, Diamond. You failed. Perhaps you will finally be ready to give in when we meet again... Finally, be ready to let me save you.
Poena turns and lowers Ace into his crib, which is now liberally splattered with blood, giving him a clump of hair to hold as he sleeps before straightening up.
Poena: I told you that you’d live and regret it. Bathe in His blessings, for you have been truly saved. It is His gift to you and your family. Glory. Be.
Poena (VO): Jack, Jack, Jack. You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you? Speak no evil, lest ye give up the spoken tongue to His glory. While you play a game of cat and mouse, I stand in the shadows watching you kiss your wife goodbye possibly for the last time. It’s time to collect His vessel.
Jack Diamond: ACE!
Jack makes it up the stairs and bursts into Ace’s room, not even aware of the bloody door frame and the card stuck to it. He comes to a screeching halt and drops to his knees.
Jack Diamond: Dakota… DAKOTA! HELP!
Dakota is lying in a pool of her own blood, sobbing. Jack slides over and turns her. She is holding her mouth, a crimson mess. Tug runs in and scoops up Ace who is sitting next to his mother, covered in her blood, screaming.
Jack Diamond: Get me a towel!
Jack’s order is barked at by another guard who makes it in the room. He runs over to a changing table and pulls a clean cloth out and rushes it to Jack who attempts to help clean Dakota’s face. She grunts in pain and squeals, pushing Jack’s hand away before cowering and covering herself back up, visibly shaking.
Jack sits back and notices something dark off to the side near a rocking chair. He crawls over towards it.
Jack Diamond: Is that…
He picks it up and the fear, disgust, and horror engulfs his face as he holds his hand up to Tug who just walked back into the room after getting Ace to one of the caretakers. Tug’s hand goes to his mouth, in shock as he and Jack stare at the severed blood covered tongue lying in Jack’s open palm.
Poena (VO): Jaaaaccck… Did you see her? Did you see the glorious blessings? Did you see the sacrifice she was willing to make when you wouldn't? You, who, in your arrogance, thought that you could handle it all on your own. Your student thought the same when I confronted him after your last training session. You should have heard them both beg and promise me anything I wanted to make the pain stop, Jack. But why would I deprive them of the cleansing they deserved? This is all because you failed, Jack. You failed to do what had to be done. It's all your fault. Join us, Jack. Even one such as you can find peace and comfort in His arms. Even you can come to see His truth if you just open your eyes.
Prolonging his suffering, Poena props up Diamond to act out the next chapter of the macabre game plan he has in mind. Seizing the arm of his opponent, he leaps to the middle turnbuckle AND DROPS TO THE FLOOR!
Steve Morrison: Modified armbreaker to slam the arm against the exposed metal.
Cross Recoba: We saw him target the arm earlier, it’s a smart move. If Jack’s arm is damaged it takes away the full threat of the Stacked Deck…
From the outside, Poena taunts the prone figure.
Poena: Let me save you, Jack. I could save your whole family like I saved Tug!
Poena wrenches Diamond up and wraps his arms around his waist…
Steve Morrison: Poena, unfazed, could this be a German Suplex? Why wouldn’t he have gone for the pin after that shoulder breaker?
THE ACE OF SPADES MULE KICKS THE SANCTIFIED ONE!!
Cross Recoba: This could all be in vain for The Icon. Can he fight with that arm being taken apart?
With his weaker arm, Diamond lands true with a European Uppercut…ICON KICK!!!
Steve Morrison: Was that full-force?
Cross Recoba: It’s the best he can throw right now and it buys him time.
Diamond stumbles back into the corner, clutching his arm.
Steve Morrison: Jack knows he’s injured, can he dig deep and carry on?
Still steadying himself, Jack tests out the movement of his arm. He visibly grimaces as he moves it but steels himself against the pain.
Cross Recoba: He’s determined to….he HAS to!
Steve Morrison: If he wins, he faces Long who knows his every move. If he loses, he faces NOMAD who is every bit as likely to take out his frustrations with Long against him. In short, he’s almost certainly going to be coming into our next show without a full bill of health.
Cross Recoba: If he survives Kira, Dylan or Donzig are sure to know where to focus their attack on…
The Ninth Deep Terror starts to rise and Diamond sprints past him to the ropes…a chop block keeps the Number Two Seed in the tournament on his knees…STANDING ENZIGURI!!
Steve Morrison: Jack’s determined to fight through this, his pride won’t let him give up or make him doubt the decision to return to the ring!
The crowd roars in approval watching The Icon head to the turnbuckle. He thinks better of springing to the top in one jump and instead climbs from the outside, one step at a time.
Cross Recoba: He’s having to think about his actions though, the climb to the top tells everyone that’s he only too aware of the damage he’s sustained.
DIVING CROSSBODY BLOCK!!
ONE…
TWO…
POENA KICKS OUT!!!
Poena gets to his feet first BUT WALKS RIGHT INTO A STACKED DECK FROM DIAMOND’S OTHER HAND!!!
Steve Morrison: HE HITS ANOTHER STACKED DECK!!
Cross Recoba: But did you see he used his non-dominant hand? That’ll mess with the whole way you hit the move. Is it enough to win?
Jack Diamond: THAT WAS FOR ACE!
The cameras catch the pain etched deep on Jack’s face as he climbs the top rope…
Steve Morrison: It seems that Jack has similar thoughts, Cross.
Cross Recoba: Is it another Shuffled Deck?
COUP DE GRACE!!!
Steve Morrison: JACKPOT!!!
Poena (VO): Don’t you understand, Jack? This whole time, I’ve been trying to help you. I've been obsessed with the idea of revealing the truth to you and healing the wound on your soul that you clearly carry. You think I’m a monster because of my methods and my actions, but don’t you see it’s the only way I can save you? Save them? Come to me, Jack; come to Him.
Letting the support of the crowd be the wind in his sails, Jack backs off to mid ring, making sure his opponent hasn’t move. Seeing that Poena is defenceless in the corner, The Ace of Spades makes sure his running lane is clear and takes three more long paces backwards…
Crowd: OoooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA…
...BEFORE CHARGING IN AT FULL STEAM AND LEAPING GRACEFULLY INTO THE AIR, CRASHING CHEST TO CHEST INTO THE SANCTIFIED ONE AND MAKING AN IMPROMPTU SANDWICH, THE ACE OF SPADES AND THE COLD UNFORGIVING STEEL OF THE TURNBUCKLE BEING THE BREAD AND POENA BEING CRUSHED IN THE MIDDLE LIKE A ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY POUND LUMP OF TUNA!
Crowd: JAAAAAAACK!
Steve Morrison: DIAMOND SPLASH! THE PRELUDE TO THE END!
Cross Recoba: This Vegas crowd is loving their home town hero.
Diamond grabs Poena and places him on the top turnbuckle, turning and reaching up, hooking Poena’s head…
Steve Morrison: STACKED DECK!
...but before Jackie D can stretch Poena out for his trademark finish, Poena reaches forwards and slides his arm around Jack’s neck and FLIPS FORWARDS OFF THE ROPES, FLYING OVER JACK AND SITTING OUT, CRASHING DIAMOND’S HEAD INTO HIS SHOULDER BLADE!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Steve Morrison: NO! FLIPPING STUNNER! DIAMOND DUST! WHAT A COUNTER!
Cross Recoba: Always be aware of when your opponent is going in for the killing blow and avoid it. Sounds obvious but it’s something a lot of wrestlers fail to do.
Jack Diamond (VO): Poena, you want to try to rip everything from my life. You want to destroy my family so I will yield to you? I won’t yield for shit! I WILL however spend every waking second of mine and your miserable life trying to destroy anything you may care about. Tap Out Ten will be pure hell for you. See you in Hell, bitch!!
Laura Messier: The winner of this match and the inaugural Tapout Wrestling Openweight Champion…JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIAMOND!
Bobby Barratt raises Jack’s hand as the cheers of the fans rain down from every corner. Cross Recoba steps out from behind the announce table and presents the belt to Jack who collapses to his knees in sheer exhaustion.
Poena (VO): Don’t you deserve rest? In His arms, you will find it. All you have to do is repent. All you have to do is suffer and pay your penance
There’s a commotion in the crowd and Diamond turns around to see Poena charging at him! The Sadistic Servant tackles him and isolates his arm right away INTO A FUJIWARA ARMBAR! HE REACHES FOR THE HAND!!!!
Steve Morrison: POENA’S UNLEASHED! WHERE IS SECURITY?
Cross Recoba: The Diamond Club’s security should be here soon!
Steve Morrison: They need to be, Poena wants to snap his fingers tonight!
Cross Recoba: ….
Steve Morrison: Fans, we just received word that Diamond gave his security team the night off too! POENA HAS FREE REIGN!!!!!
JASON LONG AND AIDEN MERRIC RUSH DOWN THE AISLE AND SLIDE INTO THE RING!!!
Cross Recoba: The Cavalry are here!!
Steve Morrison: You left him out there like a sitting duck!
POENA RELEASES THE HOLD AND SLITHERS OUT OF THE RING, LAUGHING MANIACALLY AS HE DOES SO.
Steve Morrison: Poena's got the look of a vindicated zealot! Even just a second longer and Jack's fingers would have been as twisted as that maniac!
Poena (VO): We can heal you, we can save you, and we are the only way that you will ever be whole again.
THE CONTRACT SIGNING
THE END OF THE DIAMOND-POENA TRILOGY
TONIGHT
ONLY ON TAP OUT WRESTLING!
The screen switches to a recording, which based upon the clothing of the individuals in the shot, had to have been no more than a few hours ago in the early afternoon. Within it, sit some of the residents of Vegas, or Sin City as called by some, where it is SCCW’s resident interviewer, Reiss Smith-Rowe, SCCW co-owner Kingsley Solomon, and Tap Out’s latest signing in Raiden Ishimori. The first two are dressed rather formally given their three piece suits but Raiden is dressed in more casual attire with a simple Harbingers tee and jeans. His gaze seems to be aimed at something entirely random off screen while Reiss clears his throat.
Reiss Smith-Rowe: Greetings Tap Out fans, my name is Reiss Smith-Rowe, the interviewer for the talents and staff at Sin City Championship Wrestling just down the street. Tonight, we have a little special chat here with one of the head honchos of SCCW in Kingsley Solomon, and Tap Out’s latest star signing in Raiden Ishimori. Mr. Solomon, it’s a pleasure talking with you as always.
Kingsley Solomon: Oh no need to be so formal, Reiss. We’re practically close friends at this rate and god knows Aleister is a fan of your work as much as you are of his.
Reiss Smith-Rowe: Flattered, but without stressing bias on this talk, I know you wanted to mainly discuss the upcoming Tap Out event as well as the events prior to that, mainly in the case of what occurred following the Junior Heavyweight clash you had with El Rey.
Kingsley lets out a chuckle while Raiden seemingly continues to zone out.
Kingsley Solomon: Yes, yes, all that. Let’s focus on last month, shall we? The match goes, I ultimately get beaten despite my best efforts, and suddenly the crowd is cheering. Watching it back, it was rather humorous seeing the confusion on Rey’s face before The Harbingers’ very own Bone Cold put him on his ass. A truly defining statement to let another group of Vegas folks know that one’s reach isn’t just limited to one corner out this way.
Reiss Smith-Rowe: All very true, though the question I’m sure a majority of people are still wondering is, why Raiden?
Raiden Ishimori: Some VIPs put in a couple calls. Said they needed another bit of muscle to help with a project of theirs.
Kingsley Solomon: Frankly I was quite surprised with the proposal offered to us but who am I to say no to something that was so rich in complexity?
Reiss Smith-Rowe: And those people being…?
Kingsley shakes his head, chuckling.
Kingsley Solomon: Reiss my boy, you know I keep my clients’ information undisclosed. Just know that they and their associates can certainly provide, much like how Raiden can do the same with his work ethic.
Reiss Smith-Rowe: Right…moving onto tonight with Tap Out Wrestling 15 just hours away, what are the thoughts that are going through both of your minds as we speak?
Kingsley Solomon: Nothing to make me shake in my boots. If anything, I’m excited for this side of Vegas to bear witness to the fearsome nature of Bone Cold. The man that can find a way to bend and compartmentalize your arm six different ways and shove it up your ass as someone once said, or at least something along those lines, and do it without breaking a sweat. You remember from our talk all those months ago, right? The time when I had to suspend both him and Storms for excessively violent behavior.
Kingsley sighs to himself while Raiden shrugs.
Raiden Ishimori: Do what you gotta do for business.
Reiss Smith-Rowe: Uh-huh…and, Raiden, what are your thoughts about tonight?
Raiden Ishimori: Neither of the two on the other side are walking out unscathed, you know that much from rep alone. Doesn’t matter if it’s an arm, a leg, a tendon, hell, one of their backs or necks that I need to damage to get the message across that I’m the newest nightmare to terrorize the masses here….everyone is going to know that I am The Harbinger of Pain, and a man that is still feared if not revered, for the technique and skill I bring to this table.
Raiden moves to stand, determination evidently set in his eyes as he walks out of the frame, leaving Reiss and Kingsley to themselves.
Reiss Smith-Rowe: Well…that’s all said and what not. Uh…
Kingsley Solomon: He’s just focused is all, Reiss. He has a symphony to conduct, and there will be plenty of people in attendance to hear the pained screams of the unfortunate ones sharing the ring with him.
Reiss Smith-Rowe:: Right, well….this has been Reiss Smith-Rowe, enjoy the rest of Tap Out Wrestling 15!
Kingsley offers a small nod to the camera before taking his own leave, leaving a slightly bewildered Reiss as he briefly wipes the sweat off his brow.
Steve Morrison: We’ve still got a tonne of action to come tonight but the XHF’s Birthday month continues to rumble on after we go off the air tonight. Wrestle:UK present The Revolution tomorrow night LIVE from the Barclays Center in New York!
Cross Recoba: With so much at stake, you can’t afford to miss it.
Steve Morrison: By the end of the night, we’ll know who will be the next WUK Tag Team Champion as the two blocks end and the final takes place, all in one night!
Cross Recoba: And with such a low bar set by the scantly-missed former Champions, it’s a great platform for the teams involved!
Steve Morrison: Block A has two matches that could well steal the show. Rage and Cage, the de facto Number One Contenders for the title-belts will face off against the much decorated and highly storied Dark Stars.
Cross Recoba: Crane will want to keep that flow of gold coming into the High Rollers Club but will the former SWAT stars and former Champions be too much for them?
Steve Morrison: Making up the rest of Block A are the New Untouchables against The Epcott Mafia. I can’t look past the Mafia on this one. Florida and Marty? It’s a team that could go all the way tomorrow night!
Cross Recoba: I’d have called them the Mickey Mouse Mafia but you know, branding isn’t my forte…
Steve Morrison: Across the brackets are two great matches. We have the Gluck Brothers taking on the team of EVK and Godfrey Sinclair. Both teams have great chemistry in the ring but for me, this one’s a coin toss.
Cross Recoba: One of the most dominant teams in Wrestle: UK versus the two most dangerous females on their roster. It’s not going to be a wrestling clinic and if it doesn’t degenerate into a Pier Six brawl, I’ll choke on my bourbon.
Steve Morrison: The other match in the Block sees Salt and Pepper take on Kilroy Evans and the Sheik.
Cross Recoba: That could be bloody and violent. I’ve seen the Sheik in HKW and he isn’t going to slap an anklelock on you when he could use the ring-steps to inflict more damage and Kilroy’s a veteran…
Steve Morrison: In the Main Event there’s everything at stake as two of the most decorated men on the WUK roster face-off for the opportunity to compete for the Wrestle: UK Championship at Legacy 17!
Cross Recoba: Armand von Krauss isn’t known for being anything less than clinical. I beat him at the HKW/WUK crossover show but if you don’t go in there having done your homework? He can make it difficult. As for Psychotic Goth? You don’t last in the business as long as he has without having some level of skill and talent.
Steve Morrison: Can you pick a winner?
Cross Recoba: I don’t need to but Wrestle: UK have a poll up on the XHF Network site where you can vote for who you think will win. One lucky person will be picked at random and receive tickets for Legacy 17 to see one of those two men fight for the title!
Steve Morrison: Tomorrow night on the XHF Network, don’t miss it!
Laura Messier: Your next match is a Guest Match and is set for one fall!
The arena goes completely dark, and for a moment all that can be heard is the murmurs of the crowd. Suddenly lights can be heard coming up and the stage is washed in white light. Someone brings out a stool and places it in the spotlight, then another crew member places an old-school boombox on the stool. The camera pans in on the boombox, and a hand appears to press the play button.
”Do you really wanna? Do you really wanna taste it?”
The stage explodes in pyro when the music starts and, when the smoke clears, Tommy Strychnine has taken the place of the makeshift plinth, dressed in a spiked purple zebra-striped leather jacket, matching skintight leather pants, artfully torn ‘Tommy Strychnine half-shirt over a mesh under and a gold kneepad with a cartoon pair of lips emblazoned on it.
Steve Morrison: Tommy looks ready for business tonight!
Cross Recoba: This is a match where he might look at his opponent and see a great opportunity to put not just the fans of Tap Out on notice but also the Network.
He struts his way across the stage, playing to the crowd, and he takes his time before finally making the journey down the ramp, pausing to taunt the crowd along the way, really working them up into a cacophonous chorus of boos.
Steve Morrison: Brash, obnoxious and armed with a range of strikes that are getting deadlier with every show, Tommy knows he has a great opportunity to get back in the title picture with a win here.
Cross Recoba: It's tightening up the margins of his game that will take him there. Don't stop until your opponent is definitely down and realizing a win is better than a clip for your reel.
When he reaches ringside, he takes a lap before stripping off his jacket and draping it over the timekeeper’s table. He rolls into the ring and makes his way over to the turnbuckle, climbing it and miming tossing dice into the crowd, before backflipping off and landing in a powerslide as pyro fires from the ring posts.
Steve Morrison: It's the Bayou Brawler versus the Calgary Cruiserweight tonight. What would your gameplan be if you're Tommy?
Cross Recoba: I'd go into those dirty boxing areas, Julius can match Strych on the mat and maybe even out-wrestle him but is he used to being in a brawl?
Drums beat slowly, the lights in the arena dim, and two white lights flicker with the sound of the drums. “My Hands are Empty” by Machine Head roars through the arena as the drums and background music grows louder, fans joining in by pounding their chests or stomping their feet in unison.
Steve Morrison: The Son of the Murder Lizard is in the Diamond Club!
Cross Recoba: He's made no bones about who he is nor about how he wants to step out from his father's shadow.
The lights shake on and off, before finally spotlighting the scruffy brown haired man wearing a black jacket and black tights with white trim around the waist and the wings on the outer legs of the tights—sporting white boots with kick pads that go from the foot to his knee pads. Julius stops at the top of the ramp and puts out his right hand so the palm is facing out, before pointing to it with his free hand’s index finger.
Julius Fristik: YOU KNOW WHAT’S COMING!
Taking a stroll around the ringside area, the beating drums of his theme song syncing with the fans pounding and stomping rhythm until finally Julius takes the steps up onto the apron, centering the ring.
Steve Morrison: He wasn't shy about downplaying the threat he faces in the ring tonight either.
Cross Recoba: Julius is a hell of a wrestler and being second-generation, he's always going to look down on opponents who he thinks see it as a second career.
A pose where his legs are wide and he brings his hand up to his forehead, scanning the audience once over before stepping through the ropes and hitting the turnbuckle for a better look. Jumping down, Julius stretches his back on the ropes and takes to his corner as the music fades out and the lights return to normal.
Steve Morrison: What can Tap Out fans expect to see when that bell rings?
Cross Recoba: He can fly, he can take it to the mat so he's not the easiest to predict. We're all unsure as to whether this is a one-off or a longer stay for the Son of Calgary. Whatever time he's here for though, he's going to use Tommy as a medium to send a message that he's a free-agent worth shelling out for!
Laura Messier: To my left! 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!!!
Strych flips off the front row as his name is called.
Laura Messier: And his opponent to my right! Fighting out of Los Angeles, California. He made weight at two-hundred-and-twenty-three pounds and stands at six-feet and two inches…HE IS THE CALGARY SON…THE PEGASUS WARRIOR…JULIUS….FRISTIK!!!
Calm, measured, Fristik crouches down as if already weighing up his strategy ahead of the ringbell.
GUEST MATCH
SINGLES MATCH
Tommy Strychnine (#9) vs Julius Fristik (UR)
The crowd noise rises as Rhod Williams brings the two fighters into the center of the ring to address them before the match. While the instructions are inaudible, Rhod makes a point about low-blows that can be universally understood. Julius bounces off the balls of his feet and nods along with the instructions. In contrast, Tommy looks bored at the referee’s words and we see that he’s chewing gum more than listening. He spits the gum and catches it as Williams ends the talk. Sent back to their corners, they wait for the bell to ring.
DING! DING! DING!
Steve Morrison: Here…we…go!
Cross Recoba: Both men were frank with their opinion of the other, now to see who can come out on top.
The two men rush out from their corners and meet in the middle with a collar-and-elbow tie-up that sees them fight for position. Julius, being the bigger wrestler, manages to use that advantage to push Tommy back. Strych almost looks to give up the fight, allowing himself to be pushed back until he places a foot between the ropes. Rhod Williams has no choice but to break the hold up.
Steve Morrison: Both men are likely to look for a gap in their opponent’s game, just waiting for an opening they can exploit.
Cross Recoba: They’ve seen what happens when plans are rushed. We’re not looking at a zero-sum game like the opener, this is going to be a game of Chess.
As he backs Julius up the Canadian wrestler raises his hands to show he has no intention of breaking the referee’s request. Tommy steams in with an attempt at a single-leg takedown but Julius anticipates it and connects with a front-facelock.
Moving around, the Calgary Kid transitions to a waist-lock and tries to take down Tommy but the Rocker sets his feet and blocks the attempt. Undeterred, Fristik moves to a side-headlock.
Steve Morrison: Fristik’s game has been honed across the globe taking in influences from Canada, America, Mexico, Japan and even Australia.
Cross Recoba: Julius wants to create his own style and to do that, he says, he needed to see all that was out there.
Fighting for a better position, Tommy sees himself off-balance and provides a window for Julius to take advantage, the former Northern Pro Star takes him over with a headlock takedown.
Steve Morrison: Tommy took the bait.
Reacting immediately, the Rocker swings his legs to scissor the head of Julius but it’s immediately broken and Julius leans forward to pin the legs of Tommy.
ON-
TOMMY KICKS OUT AND MANAGES TO GET A PIN OF HIS OWN!
Steve Morrison: Quickfire offense on both sides…
ON-
FRISTIK KICKS OUT AND ROLLS BACKWARDS…
Cross Recoba: They’re jockeying for position…one big move is all it takes.
JMF MISSES WITH THE SOCCER KICK…TOMMY GRABS A SCHOOLBOY….HE ROLLS THROUGH AND LOOKS TO SPIN AROUND THE LEG BUT FRISTIK KICKS HIM OFF TO THE ROPES…
Steve Morrison: Stalemate so far…
Fristik tries an arm-drag but Strych one-hand handsprings out of it and leaps to the middle-rope looking for a Springboard Cutter but Fristik grabs him in a waistlock….TOMMY ROLLS UNDER WITH THE VICTORY ROLL!!
Cross Recoba: He snuck that one in there!
ON-
FRISTIK REVERSES IT!
ON-
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: This is a frantic pace, it can’t go like this for the entire match!
Both men rush to their feet and Tommy gets the jump on JMF with a headlock. He tries to roll Fristik with a headlock takedown but gets no luck.
Steve Morrison: A moment for them, and us, to breathe.
Cross Recoba: This is the calm before the storm…
Switching it up, Tommy heads to the ropes with the headlock intact…Springboard headlock takedown! NO! FRISTIK ROLLS HIM OVER ONCE MORE!
ON-
Tommy manages to roll the hold back over and brings the headlock back to a standing base. Julius grabs him by the waist and hooks him for a belly-to-back suplex but Tommy flips out of it. Leaping onto Fristik’s shoulders…
Steve Morrison: Going for something big here…
Julius throws him off and grabs him with a waistlock suplex. He lifts Tommy up but the Rocker fights him all the way.
Cross Recoba: Neither man giving an inch.
Changing tact, Fristik lifts again and waits for the resistance from his opponent and uses it to his advantage…WHEELBARROW SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: Executed perfectly!
Fristik immediately goes for the pin but Tommy has the conscience of mind to sweep the leg and kip up. He somersaults into a pin, hooking the legs…
ON-
Showing tremendous neck strength, the Canadian bridges out of the pin and twists into a backslide…
ON-
The Rocker rolls out of the pin and uses a still-hooked arm to attempt a short-arm knee lift but Fristik rolls under and up to the ropes…
Steve Morrison: Julius with the quick evasion of a move that might well have turned this match on its head.
Leapfrog from Tommy…
Cross Recoba: Look at the raw athleticism…
This time it’s a no-look…
Steve Morrison: An element of showboating from the Rocker…
Strych rolls back for a Monkey Flip but Julius dives over it and leaps for an Asai Moonsault but lands on his feet as Tommy has it scouted and dives for the ropes himself…Baseball slide under the Canadian…THEY BOTH THROW A DROPKICK!!
Cross Recoba: Both went for the same page of the playbook!
They look at each other as the crowd cheer the rally….
Steve Morrison: The fans here apprecia-
TOMMY SLAPS THE SPIT RIGHT OUT OF JULIUS’ MOUTH!
Cross Recoba: FINALLY!
He follows up that sign of disrespect with a flurry of overhand rights that drive Fristik back into the corner.
Steve Morrison: Tommy’s decided to turn this into a floor-pit brawl!
Switching up his offense, Tommy starts to throw stiff kicks that drives Julius deeper down into the turnbuckle. Tommy sprints into the center of the ring before turning and dashing back…
Cross Recoba: Why grab a headlock when you can bury your opponent with strikes like that?
HE MISSES THE CORNER CANNONBALL SENTON!!
Steve Morrison: Nobody’s home!
Julius is quick to capitalize. He grabs a quick waist-lock and deftly takes Tommy back down to the mat, transitioning into a hammerlock as Strych hits the mat.
Cross Recoba: The Pegasus Warrior wants to take the match back into his territory. He’s going to try and grind Tommy down, not take uncalculated risks.
With precision, Julius uses his other arm to pin the hold down and lifts up before driving a knee into the forearm of his opponent.
Steve Morrison: Softening up the limb of Tommy with a knee that was driven through the arm, not at it.
He once more drives a lifted knee into the arm of his opponent and then uses the limb to drag Tommy back to a vertical base. Julius steps under and twists the arm into an arm-wringer as a set-up to a swift and stiff kick into the socket of the Rocker’s arm.
Cross Recoba: It’s a smart move from the Canadian. He’ll have done his homework and this is what I’d do. Target his arms, Tommy’ll still have those deadly knees but you can take away some of those slingshot moves, namely that Slingshot Somersault Lariat that’s ended matches.
Fristik follows up with a Double Knee Armbreaker….
Steve Morrison: He’s definitely put a target on that arm.
Cross Recoba: Julius is showing the quality that made his signing for this show a no-brainer.
With the Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Wrestler instinctively reaching for his arm he’s blindsided to Fristik’s next move as he comes off the ropes…SLIDING DROPKICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!!!
Steve Morrison: He switches it up!
Dazed as he rises, Tommy can do nothing to stop the Son of Calgary whipping him to the ropes. Fristik follows him in off the ropes and tries to catch his opponent with a flying headscissors but Tommy throws him off…Julius lands on his feet! TOMMY CONNECTS WITH A RANA….SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO THE FACE OF THE NPW STAR!!
Steve Morrison: Quickfire combination from Strych!
Cross Recoba: It’ll give him some precious time to work out his next move, he’s not going to be able to outwrestle Fristik like we’ve seen him do to most of his opponents!
Acting on instinct, Julius grabs the ropes to get up but the Bayou Brawler uses this to his advantage and grabs a headlock…SPRINGBOARD BULLDOG TAKES THE GUEST WRESTLER DOWN!!
Steve Morrison: Fristik takes him down with an improvised move.
Cross Recoba: He’s working with what’s available, only way to succeed as a wrestler.
Fristik is keen to get back into the fray but Tommy cuts him off with a rushing European Uppercut and teams it with a lifted knee to the gut…Russian Legsweep! He rolls through…BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX OVER THE ROPES!!!!!
Steve Morrison: JULIUS SPILLS TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!
Tommy looks at the fallen body of his opponent and dashes to the opposite ropes…Cartwheel…SPACE FLYING CORKSCREW SOMERSAULT PLANCHA CATCHES FRISTIK ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Steve Morrison: STRYCH WITH A HUGE ATTACK!
Rhod starts the count:
ONE!!
Tommy grabs the waistband of Julius’ tights…AND THROWS HIM INTO THE METAL BARRICADE AT RINGSIDE!!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy’s keeping this as dirty as he can, keeping it in his wheelhouse.
TWO!
A flurry of punches quickly follows from the Rocker before he grabs the arm of his opponent and WHIPS HIM INTO THE RING POST!
Steve Morrison: TOMMY WITH NO REMORSE AS HE BRUTALIZES THE SON OF CALGARY!!!
THREE!!!
Tommy rushes in with a shoulder-charge….NO-ONE’S HOME!!!
Steve Morrison: That could be costly…
Cross Recoba: Fristik’s target on that arm just grew by several factors.
FOUR!!!
Recovering, Fristik grabs the injured arm and uses it to ram Strych back into the ring-post…RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP INTO THE APRON!!
Steve Morrison: Did you hear the thud as he connected with the ring?
FIVE!!!!
Julius rolls Strych into the ring and leaps to the apron to break the count…SLINGSHOT SENTON!
Steve Morrison: He floated through the air with that move!
Debating the pin, the NPW Star decides against it and instead brings his opponent to their feet in a front-facelock…SNAP SUPLEX…THEY ROLL…..SNAP FISHERMAN SUPLEX!!!
Cross Recoba: Julius is stepping up a gear…
THEY ROLL AGAIN AND LIFT THEM UP….DELAYED FISHERMAN BUSTER!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: HE DROPPED HIM ON HIS HEAD!!!
Once more, Julius looks back at his opponent but elects against the pin and instead dashes to the corner and leaps up….HIGH-ANGLE MOONSAULT!!!
Steve Morrison: FAITH NO MORE!!!!!
Cross Recoba: I’ve seen him end matches with this…
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
T-
STRYCH GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!!
Steve Morrison: SOMEHOW, Tommy kicks out!
Crowd: LET’S GO, FRISTIK! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, FRISTIK! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, FRISTIK! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Buoyed on by the crowd, Julius lifts up Tommy into a reverse facelock…
Steve Morrison: Could we be about to see the Calgary Killshot…
STRYCH MANAGES TO TWIST OUT OF IT AND GRAB THE ARM…RIPCORD V-TRIGGER LOOKS TO LEAVE FRISTIK DEAD ON HIS FEET!!!
Steve Morrison: RIPCORD V-TRIGGER!!!
STRYCH GETS THE SLEEPER LOCKED IN!
Steve Morrison: Tommy goes for that Sleeperhold! Is this part of the plan or to keep him in the match?
Cross Recoba: You have to go back to his series with Jackalope for an opponent that moved quicker than Tommy and that’s going to inform his decisions. This tactic almost got him a victory over Diamond so why not try it now?
The crowd’s cheers fade as the still-dazed Fristik realizes the hold’s locked in.
Steve Morrison: Julius needs to find an opening, Strych’s regained control of the match.
Strych, as has now become a small trademark of his own, takes the step backwards and negates the height discrepancy.
Cross Recoba: Not only will that nullify the couple of inches in height, it’s added weight for Fristik to carry as his body angles backwards…
Crowd: FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, TOMMY! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Spurred on by the crowd’s hatred of him, Strych continues to work the hold. Referee Williams checks on Fristik who looks conscious but is rapidly fading.
Steve Morrison: One thing that has rung true throughout the build-up of this match, he is full of pride. Rhod Williams might be wasting his time asking him if he wants to submit, Fristik would rather pass out than tap out.
Strych changes tact and grabs a quick waistlock….RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE SUPLEX!
Cross Recoba: I’m not sure I’d have dropped the Sleeper but it’s done now and Tommy needs to make sure it pays off.
FOLLOWS UP WITH A CANNONBALL SENTON!
Steve Morrison: HE GOT ALL OF THAT!
Tommy throws Julius from the corner back into the middle of the ring and leaps to the top.
Cross Recoba: I hope Tommy’s making this call out of rational thought and not a need to try and one-up his opponent…
Strych flips off the fans before he leaps…REVERSE-FACING DIVING SENTON!!!!
Steve Morrison: STAGE DIVE!!
Tommy hooks the leg…
ONE…
TWO…
T-
FRISTIK KEEPS HIMSELF IN THE MATCH!!
Steve Morrison: The former NPW Star keeps himself in the match!
Cross Recoba: Barely but it doesn’t matter how close it is as long as you don’t hear that third slap on the mat!
Looking distraught, Tommy forces himself to ignore Rhod’s slow-count and picks up Julius into a Fireman’s Carry Lift…
Steve Morrison: HE’S GOING FOR THE TOMMYNOCKER!!!
THE SON OF THE MURDER LIZARD PUSHES OFF THE SHOULDERS INTO A NECKBREAKER!!!!
Cross Recoba: NECESSITY STILL IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION!
Both men act almost in unison as they get to their knees and stand up.
Steve Morrison: We have a stand-off!
Staring each other down, Tommy breaks the Mexican Stand-Off with an open-handed slap!
Cross Recoba: Tommy’s never been one for decorum. Trust me, we have to cover the damages on his room bill!
Fristik replies with an open-handed uppercut to the jaw!
Steve Morrison: They’re trading punches…
European Uppercut from the Rocker!
Cross Recoba: Neither man giving an inch!
Clubbing Forearm from Canada!
Steve Morrison: Who had this match down to degenerate into a slugfest?
TOMMY MISSES WITH A LUNGING LARIAT…HE TURNS ROUND INTO A SNAP POWERSLAM!!!
Steve Morrison: Fristik nailed him with that slam!
Julius rushes to the corner and leaps up.
Cross Recoba: He’s going back to the well…
STRYCH FOLLOWS HIM….. AVALANCHE GERMAN SUPLEX!!
Steve Morison: WHAT. A. COUNTER!!!!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! YOU KILLED FRISTIK! HOLY SHIT! YOU KILLED FRISTIK! HOLY SHIT! YOU KILLED FRISTIK! HOLY SHIT! YOU KILLED FRISTIK! HOLY SHIT! YOU KILLED FRISTIK! HOLY SHIT!
Both men lay on their back in the middle of the ring.
Steve Morrison: Tommy caught him with that one but is he in a condition to take advantage?
Cross Recoba: This is a pivotal moment for the match!
It’s Tommy who gets the headstart, kipping up and heading unsteadily to the ropes before climbing through to the apron.
Steve Morrison: He’s teeing up for something big…
Strychnine waits patiently.
Cross Recoba: Each second that passes though, gives Julius that little more time to recover…
Julius starts to get to his feet and TOMMY FLIPS OVER FOR THE BUCKSHOT LARIAT!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: NOVEMBER RAINMAK-
FRISTIK DUCKS!!! ROLLING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN INTO THE SUBMISSION!!!
Steve Morrison: HE CAUGHT HIM WITH AN ARMBAR!!!
Crowd: TAP HIM OUT, FRISTIK, TAP HIM OUT! TAP HIM OUT, FRISTIK, TAP HIM OUT! TAP HIM OUT, FRISTIK, TAP HIM OUT!
Rhod Williams is immediately down to watch the hold close-up, monitoring Tommy’s movements. He asks Tommy if he wants to tap out but Strychnine responds in perhaps a way only Tommy could.
Tommy Strychnine: FUCK JULIUS Q. MURDERLIZARD!!
Tommy tries to roll backwards to weave out the hold but Fristik goes with him to keep it locked in.
Steve Morrison: That injured arm once more targeted. Julius might well have him here.
Cross Recoba: Tommy’s stubborn and behind that arrogance of his is a mind that’ll be going through every escape he knows!
Rhod Williams once more asks Tommy if he wants to quit on the match.
Tommy Strychnine: FUCK NO!
Strych tries to sit up to swing a punch but as soon as he sits up, Julius adjusts the hold to send the Rocker writhing to the mat in pain.
Steve Morrison: Fristik’s got it locked in!
Williams asks Tommy again if he wants to tap to stop the risk of a broken arm.
Tommy Strychnine: FUCK JULIUS FRISTIK, FUCK HIS CANADIAN BULLSHIT AND FUCK HIS DADDY ISSUES!!!
With a roar, Strych swings a leg….HE GETS THE ROPES!!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMY LIVES TO FIGHT ON IN THE MATCH!!!
Julius breaks the hold and steps back, Williams interjecting himself between the two.
Cross Recoba: Tommy’s next move is the most important he’ll make in this bout…
With the Match Official moving out of the way, Julius approaches but Tommy sucker-punches him…Pele kick staggers Fristik back…HANDSPRING DROPKICK SENDS THE SON OF CALGARY TO THE MAT, HIS HEAD DRAPED ON THE MIDDLE ROPE.
Steve Morrison: STRYCH-ONE-NINE! HE’S GOING FOR THE W-
Tommy hits the ropes….TIGER FEINT KI-
Cross Recoba: I don’t believe it…
FRISTIK MOVES…HALF-NELSON SUPLEX INTO THE CORNER!!!
Steve Morrison: THE MATCH TURNS ON A DIME!!!!
Rolling to his feet, Julius charges….YAKUZA KICK LANDS!!!
Steve Morrison: PEGASUS KICK! HE GOT HIM WITH THE PEGASUS KICK!!!
Falling from the corner, Tommy finds himself pinned with a leg hooked.
ONE…
TWO….
THREE!!!!
Williams calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Julius gets to his feet as Rhod raises his arm.
Laura Messier: The winner of this match via pinfall, THE SON OF CALGARY….JULIUS FRISTIK!!!!!
Steve Morrison: What a match!
Cross Recoba: Both men left it all in the ring and Tommy might count himself unlucky not to have got the win but he was out-fought and out-thought at the last!
Steve Morrison: What of Fristik? Could we see him in a Tap Out ring again soon?
Cross Recoba: I can tell you now, our team will be looking into that possibility but after tonight’s performance, I wouldn’t be surprised if we face competition!
Steve Morrison: What a way to cap off the first-half of our XHF Birthday show!!!!
We fade to black from ringside.
Spike Kane (VO): The XCrown Championship is the be-all and end-all when it comes to the XHF Network. I failed to capture it during my time in the XHF, and in the process, the World Championship for my own federation was absorbed into it. I came back with one goal, and that was to do the one thing in my career I never managed to do. Become the XCrown Champion and etch my name once more into the history books of professional wrestling.
FIRESIDE BURN IT DOWN 2021
Walter Stanford: Ladies and Gentlemen... The time limit has elapsed with the result of a draw!
Unjoo Park: Valentine is going to hold on to the X*Crown on a technicality?
Oliver Wright: This is nonsense! This is the X*Crown!
Evan is still continuing with his somewhat vulgar celebration, and Spike's anger is clearly starting to boil over.
Walter Stanford: Normally, this match would go to champion's advantage. However, due to behavior unbecoming of an X*Crown champion, the XHF representative has determined the match will continue in sudden death!
Valentine pales, and a wide grin appears on Spike's face as the challenger mouths the words 'Oh you're fucked now!' Valentine attempts to hit Kane with the X*Crown title belt, but Spike ducks the blow. The referee calls for the bell to restart the match! El Rey tosses a chair to Valentine, only to be chased up the ramp and out of the arena by Kanyon, leaving Valentine without any of his support. Valentine hesitates for a moment then blasts Spike right across the top of the head with the chair, but Kane no-sells the chair shot, encouraging Valentine to hit him again. Valentine obliges with a second chair shot, which Kane similarly no-sells. Valentine cues up for another swing, but Kane counters with a superkick that knocks the chair out of Valentine's hands and out of the ring.
Oliver Wright: Spike Kane couldn't have telegraphed that better.
Unjoo Park: Stuff like that is why I love wrestling, Ollie.
Kane nails Valentine with another superkick, then whips the champion into the corner. He races in afterward, but Valentine ducks out of the way again. Spike slams into the turnbuckles and Valentine bulldogs him to the mat. He hauls Spike up on his shoulders, setting up for Evansent, but Kane slips off of Evan's shoulder and uses his trapped arm to pull even into a hard kick to the abdomen, following it up with Thunderstruck!
Oliver Wright: Ripcord Thunderstruck!
Unjoo Park: Spike Kane is continuing to show us why he's regarded as one of the best ever!
Kane goes for the pin!
...ONE...
...TWO...
Kickout!
Kane looks stunned, but it gradually gives way to a wide grin.
Oliver Wright: Valentine digs even deeper to kick out after Thunderstruck!
Unjoo Park: If he wasn't such a douche I think that Evan would have a lot of people on his side by now.
Kane mouths the words 'It's over!' and hauls Evan up to his feet again, lifting the champ up and nailing a Spike Impaler!
Unjoo Park: that has to be the end of the road for Valentine.
Oliver Wright: The crowd is on fire!
The crowd by now is completely caught up in the match, trading chants of 'Fuck You, Evan!' and 'Fight Forever!' Spike goes for a pin again to put the exclamation point on the match-
...ONE...
...TWO...
...THREE-
Kickout!
-But Valentine manages to kick out again, earning an intense wave of boos from the hot crowd. Spike starts to laugh, ignoring the referee as he hauls Valentine up off the mat again. Steve Awesome slides another chair into the ring, and Kane positions himself so the chair is underneath Evan and hauls him up in the air, stalling for longer than usual, before nailing another Spike Impaler on the chair!
Oliver Wright: Goodnight, Mr. Valentine!
Kane goes for the pin, and the crowd counts along with the referee.
...ONE...
...TWO...
...THREE!!!!
The referee calls for the bell, and the crowd roars for Spike Kane as he is handed the X*Crown title belt.
Spike stares at the belt in his hands, his expression largely unreadable. But as his music starts to play, he stands on the fallen former champion's chest and holds the belt above his head. He raises his other hand to point at the End of Days banner hanging in the rafters, and the last shot of the show is a close up of Kane's face, and the barest hint of a smirk on his face.
Spike Kane (VO): The legacy that this championship holds spans across this entire business, and holding it? Actually having the right to call yourself the X*Crown Champion? It doesn't just mean you're the best in the XHF Network, no. It means you're the best in the world.
We come back from a commercial break to see Wildcat Capone walking down the halls of the The Diamond Club. He looks at the numbers on the door before seeing a staff member.
Wildcat Capone: Yo dog, let me holler at you for a second.
The staff member approaches WC with caution.
Tap Out Crew Member: What can I help you with sir?
Wildcat Capone: I've been looking for what feels like an hour now. But could you tell me which one Random McConologue is in? I got some important business to discuss with her.
Tap Out Crew Member: We're not allowed to gi-
Wildcat Capone: Just answer the question, neither of us have the time to play this "I have to follow the rules" game. Besides I'm a fellow wrestler, shouldn't that amount to something?
Tap Out Crew Member: S-sure whatever you say buddy. It's the last room on the left.
Capone follows the directions, reaching his destination. He knocks on the door.
Wildcat Capone: Yo Random! You in there? This is Wildcat Capone! I uh… I need to… well… I got some business to discuss with you.
Capone knocks again.A minute goes by before we hear a lock unlock and the door open. Random peeks through.
Random McConalogue:What kind of business would someone like you have with me?
Wildcat Capone: Listen, it's about that prick you're fighting tonight… I figured we could both get out something out of it.
Random McConalogue: Go on…
Wildcat Capone: I need your help. You're the best technical wrestler in Tap Out. Craft likes to do a few submissions that's taken me out. I uh… well I need your help. I need to learn some counters to his arm bar and triangle choke.
Random McConalogue: So you're coming to me to get help… isn't it funny where chance will take you? I mean what were the odds you'd ever come here, much less me helping you?
Wildcat Capone:Well I can offer you something for your services…
Random raises an eyebrow and looks at him suspiciously.
Wildcat Capone: Not anything like that! I can give you protection on the streets. Money. Whatever it is you need, I'll repay the favor. I don't like to stay indebted to anyone.
Random thinks about it for a moment.
Random McConalogue: Fine, let's take a chance and see what'll happen. We can start after Night of Champions…
We fade to another commercial break.
The commercial opens inside the set of Rapunzel’s Tower from Tangled. Ollie Oldham, dressed as the long haired princess, sweeps the floor while humming When Will My Life Begin. She notices the camera and gives a cheerful smile.
Ollie: Hey there, wrestling fans! I've got some truly extraordinary news to share with you!
The camera zooms into the paintings on the wall. One cartoon shows Cross Recoba crying on the ground while Kalmin Watts holds up the Hardkore World title belt.
Ollie: No, not that! On August 26th, 2023 you’re all invited to Tinto N' Marty's Mouse Party at the one and only Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Can you believe it?
The camera pans to a painting of Tinto and Marty in front of a mountain of presents.
Ollie: This special event is all about celebrating the birthdays of the greatest wrestler ever, Disney's Marty Donovan, and the cutest CARnie, Tinto! Yours truly will host this magical extravaganza with all my friends!
We pan to a painting of a wrestling ring in the middle of a lake.
Ollie: We’ve got the Seven Seas Skirmish! The ring is set right in the middle of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Wrestlers will try to throw each other into the water. The last one in the ring gets a shot at one of the prestigious Hardkore World championships or even a fabulous four-night voyage on the Disney Wish! Who wouldn't want that, right?
Paintings of the various wrestlers in swimsuits are shown.
Ollie: Get ready to witness some of the finest talents in the wrestling world! There's Donzig, Joe Nobody, Callum Cornwall and even some mystery entrants! More wrestlers are signing up everyday. It's going to be a rumble like you've never seen before!
The camera shifts to a cartoon Rukia Tachibani singing for a delighted Olaf.
Ollie: And how about some enchanting music to set the mood? The talented Rukia Tachibani will be there, serenading the birthday boys with her angelic voice! I wonder if Tinto's wish for an Opera about DOOM will come true?
A painting shows Poena and Natasha wrestling on top of Pride Rock.
Ollie: Hold onto your Mickey ears because "The Goddess of Death" is going head-to-head with "The Sanctified" in a thrilling match!
The next painting has Flynn kissing Rapunzel on a jumbotron. Ollie has a huge smile.
Ollie: Now here's something fun and unexpected, the Kiss Cam! It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan, wrestler, or loyal girlfriend who has put up with too much XHF nonsense. Everyone is eligible for a magical smooch!
The camera shows a painting of a Hell in a Cell structure.
Ollie: And the cherry on top of this magnificent birthday cake is a showdown between Disney's Marty Donovan and Tinto's favorite Disney Princess! I'm dying to know who it'll be! Did he pick Cinderella, Anna, or maybe someone unexpected like Faline? Regardless, it's going to be a main event fit for Disney royalty!
The last painting lists the event details and has a drawing of Bloodied Fox with a red 'X' over it.
Ollie: So grab your tickets for Tinto N' Marty's Mouse Party at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Let's make this celebration the BEST DAY EVER!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Voiceover: The stakes are always high in Vegas….
Stock footage of casino winners and losers plays. Some win, some cash out, some leave with nothing.
Voiceover: Razor Wrestling’s no different. For some, it’s rising to claim the shot they deserve…
Adam Garcia: Look paladin, I don’t give a single fuck about which god grants you your power, you ain't nothing more than a critical failure. I will beat your geek ass the same way I won against Shinja last week. Hey, if you're lucky I might hit yo[font color="6e119"u so hard you might actually go to a different realm.
Voiceover: For others, it’s the chance at creating a legacy….
Mark Storm: Pro Wrestling is natural for me, this is my everything and becoming the RAZOR Wrestling World Champion, is my everything…
PJ Lemon: This place isn’t for you. It’s mine. RAZOR Wrestling is my island and I’m Top Titty. I won’t stop saying it because it’s never not gonna be true. Get me? I always find a way to win. Don’t much care how I do it, as long as it gets done. This federation has seen exactly 1% of what I am capable of. I’ll set people on fire. I’ll kidnap their families. I’ll open the door to a room that they are in and then leave without closing it. I’m fuckin’ []despicable.
Voiceover: Don’t miss the latest episode of Razor Wrestling. Only on GRBG!
Catch Up Now!
Back from break we see that a six by six shark cage has been placed in the ring, by a podium. Behind the podium stands Tap Out Wrestling road agent, Va’aiga.
Steve Morrison: Welcome back, it is time for the Night of Champions contract signing, and look we have Va’aiga in the ring!
Cross Recoba: Well, someone needed to moderate and I wasn’t going to send Laura or you in harm's way and after the questions and backlash I received after Tap Out 14 last month, I thought it best to stay clear. Enter Va’aiga. He had no problem with being there in the event things go south and skulls need to be knocked.
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: Here comes the challenger for the Openweight Championship, Cross. I take it security is actually on standby this week?
Cross Recoba: Again, Steve, it was a miscommunication. But, yes. They are ready if needed. I’ve made every effort I can to protect our assets.
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: Poena has been adamant that he intends to save Jack. To bring him to his God and give him salvation. Poena claims to be the death and the rebirth. How do you stop a man that… determined?
Cross Recoba: You don’t. You simply endure and hope he moves on to the next person. Something tells me though, that Poena won’t stop until either he or Jack ceases to exist. As bad as either of those options would be for Tap Out Wrestling, it does make for compelling shows.
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. He slithers over and past Va’aiga, staring at him before turning his attention to the shark cage. He gives a sly grin before making his sinuous lumber into the cage.
Steve Morrison: Va’aiga showing no sign of intimidation there.
Cross Recoba: Again, it’s why the Maori badass is in that ring tonight.
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", "Diamond Club", and "D-T-F".
Jack Diamond emerges on the stage with a huge grin on his face, nodding his head to the beat of the music. The Tap Out Openweight Championship sits on the shoulder of his suit jacket, glimmering in the lights. Jack is flanked by his head of security, Tug Stephens, on his right. To Jack’s left, his hired insurance policy, Aiden Merric, stands looking ready to fight. Jack adjusts his tie, soaking in the moment. 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: The Icons. Tug Stephens. Now Aiden Merric. Jack continually aligns himself with people who love to fight and would gladly watch his back.
Cross Recoba: In this business, it sometimes takes a village. I’ll knock Jack for a lot of things but he is the Tap Out Openweight champion for a reason. Part of that reason is being smart enough to have longevity. Having others to look out for you will do that.
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. Tug and Aiden make their way into the ring.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, legendary
Steve Morrison: I guess you are right. The company that he keeps though, it’s not always guaranteed that they won’t be looking after their own glory first.
Cross Recoba: You are absolutely right and it’s a gamble that I believe Jack is willing to make. Take Aiden for example. I have no doubt in my mind, and Jack shouldn’t either, that given the chance Aiden would gladly drop Jack to the ground if it meant winning that title. That drive to win it though will also help motivate someone to protect the current champ from other challengers. Especially those as dangerous as Poena.
Jack jumps down into the ring and walks right up to the cage, staring down Poena who just leans against the back of the cage, a sinister smile curling his lips.
Steve Morrison: The tension is palpable.
Cross Recoba: Come on ‘Inga, get them on track.
Va’aiga steps in and ushers Jack away from the cage, then carefully hands Poena the contract. As Poena slowly paces the confined structure, he motions for a microphone which Va’aiga obliges.
Poena: Jaaackk… You are always so obsessed with the material. So caught up in earthly matters. How much did that thinking help Dakota? How much did it help Tug or Ace?
Poena gives Jack a disturbing grin as he stares at him through the cage, eyes locked dead on his as he does.
Poena: You value your false sense of security so much, but you know you can’t get away from me, Jack. You know you can’t hide from My God. Surround yourself with as many men as you want, and bind me with red tape and legalities as much as you can, Jack. But I won’t stop; I’ll never relent. You will never be safe again, not as you are now.
Poena takes the contract and looks over it, snickering to himself before signing it. He taps on the cage, humming a broken hymn as the contract is taken from his reach and placed on the podium.
Poena: You are marked, Jack. You are bound to Him. You can’t escape, and by the end of it, you won’t want to anymore. You will be His, body and soul.
Poena laughs, dropping the microphone out into the ring and leaning back against the cage as his maddening laughter seems to curl through the air like a snake’s coils tightening around the sanity of those listening. Jack, never taking his cold stare off of Poena, steps up and bends to pick the microphone.
Jack Diamond: You think you are in that cage because I’m scared of you? Do you think I have Tug and Aiden out here for MY safety?
Jack takes a step closer to the cage and begins to match Poena’s smile as his Night of Champions opponent slowly cocks his head to the side.
Jack Diamond: You’ve got it all wrong again, Poena. See that cage you are in right now is to protect you from me. As many negatives that I could bring up about Cross right now, I will say that he is a smart businessman. We all don’t make the insane payday we are set to make at Night of Champions, if I destroy you here tonight and you miss the show.
Jack points over his shoulder.
Jack Diamond: Aiden and Tug aren’t here for my safety. They are here for yours. If needed, they are here to dispose of you in a way that you live to fight another day. It’s a courtesy that I wouldn’t give, if I got my hands on you right now.
Poena’s smile curls even more as his eyes narrow. Neither man is wanting to give any indication of weakness. Jack holds up the championship.
Jack Diamond: In one week though, there will be no escape. No one there to interject themselves. You… Me… BOTH locked in a cage with no escape until the deed is done and I walk out still holding this high above my head… and your broken body.
Jack reaches for a pen and leans towards the podium, signing his name on the contract while never lowering his title or breaking his gaze from Poena. The lights inside of The Diamond Club begin to flicker, finally breaking Jack’s gaze as he looks around. Poena begins to laugh again.
Steve Morrison: What- What is going on?
Cross Recoba: I guess with the hectic schedule he’s keeping, someone forgot to pay the electric bill.
The lights go out.
Steve Morrison: I don’t like this.
Cross Recoba: Yeah… I don’t either. Someone in the back! Get these lights on!
There is commotion in the ring as something is dropped. We hear the clanging of steel. The lights come back on and shockingly, Tug Stephens and Aiden Merric are locked in the shark cage. They shake it with all their strength but the door doesn’t budge. The crowd gasps. Poena is standing outside the cage with both his arms hanging from his sides limply as he slouches with his knees bent, with a rhythm of swinging his body side to side. Jack sees him right away though.
Steve Morrison: What the-
Cross Recoba: ICONKICK! NO!
Jack’s Iconkick misses! As ready as Jack was, Poena was more so, fluidly dodging the superkick and swaying back before twisting his hips and sending an uppercut underneath Jack’s right pectoral behind the rib cage. Jack crumples to the ring.
Steve Morrison: The Eleventh Hour! Oh my God…
Cross Recoba: Jack’s ribs may be broken. His liver may be ruptured. We need help right now.
Va’aiga is trying to unlock the cage but fumbles the key. Jack is on the ground gasping for air and clutching his side. Poena drops to the ground and stares at Jack, licking his lips a bit. He slithers slowly towards Jack. Just as he is almost face to face, he stops as he gets a glimpse of something to his right. The Tap Out Openweight Championship. Poena freezes a bit. Security is rushing the ring and sensing this, Poena rolls out the opposite side.
Steve Morrison: Poena has already done some major damage but thank goodness security is here to stop any more. Did you see the way he looked at that belt, Cross?
Cross Recoba: Yeah, I think he wants that championship a little more than he lets on. It’s as if he knows ripping that from Jack will be one of the surefire ways to lead him to salvation. If Peona lands a shot like that next week, Jack’s reign will be over.
Steve Morrison: And Poena’s will begin. That… is a scary thought. Look at Jack, he definitely has some internal bleeding!
Cross Recoba: That doesn’t look good at all. Medics! Now!
Poena laughs as he looks at Jack and then at the championship as security surrounds the ring to prevent Poena from doing further damage. Va’aiga finally gets the cage unlocked. Tug and Aiden rush to Jack’s side to check on him. The show fades to a break as Jack struggles in the ring as paramedics show up.
HALF-TIME SHOW
DON'T MISS SHOOT PROJECT'S NEXT SHOW!
Laura Messier: WELCOME BACK! Now, before our next contest, I would like to remind everyone here tonight that next Sunday, Tap Out’s own, Sam Sawyer, will be competing in the main event of Night of Champions!
Messier smiles as the crowd cheers.
Laura Messier: Unfortunately, Sam couldn’t make it here tonight. Under normal circumstances, they would have loved to come out here and share a moment with all of you, but... they’re going through a tough time right now. Tap Out are doing everything they can to make sure they still have their spot in the match. If you want to show your support, send a tweet to XHF with the hashtag “Night of Sawyer.”
Crowd: NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER! NIGHT OF SAWYER!
They stop and give a loud, prolonged cheer, clapping while they do.
Steve Morrison: Give ’em hell, Sam.
Cross Recoba: They’ve got this.
Laura Messier: And now for your next bout!...The following contest is a Singles match set for one fall and IS YOUR CO-MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!!
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: The Armbar Artist looks all-business tonight!
Cross Recoba: Coming off her first loss in Tap Out did you expect anything else?
The lights reach their full
Steve Morrison: We see it in sports all the while, a team loses and their next opponent thinks they're ripe for another loss only to find resilience and determination there they don't expect. If you're Craft, do you see the soft underbelly?
Cross Recoba: McConalogue's record here is deeply impressive. Kane, Poena, Long...they've all fallen to her and at least one of those names didn't take her seriously.
Serene and calm, she casually strolls, shoulders lightly oscillating in a slow sync.
Steve Morrison: Never giving much away, is she going to explode out the blocks or take her time breaking down Jacob Craft tonight?
Cross Recoba: He hasn't helped himself with his comments ahead of the match. She could put him down quicker than she did Spike Kane or she might choose to torture him. With people like Long, Poena, Jackalope, Close, Sawyer and Diamond all having a night off, can she capitalize on that to shoot herself further up the rankings?
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.
The lights drop in Lansky Ballroom as the bassy vocals of 'Hoist the Colors' fills the room.
Steve Morrison: Divisive, controversial, but so far showing why he belongs on the roster, Craft gets a huge opportunity tonight.
Cross Recoba: It's all going to come down to who has the best defense in my view. Both fighters can tap out anyone but we don't often see them at risk from it themselves.
Stepping out from the back, Jacob Craft appears in red MMA shorts with a serious look on his face. He pauses for a moment to survey the crowd before making his way to the ring.
Steve Morrison: He's gone out of his way to goad Random, is he playing mind-games?
Cross Recoba: Poena tried it and she came out with her arm raised but Craft hasn't even been subtle about it and when that bell rings, we might find out just how effective those games have been.
Focusing on the ring, Craft ignores the outstretched hands of the fans looking for selfies and high-fives.
Steve Morrison: He might find that the crowd are going to be the "third man" in the ring. They've taken to Random as one of their own.
Cross Recoba: That's going to test his own mental strength, I'd say that even without Random's fan-base that every woman in the room will be waiting for him to get his comeuppance, can he tune out the boos and focus on the win? A question to be answered in the match.
Leaping to the ring apron, Jacob enters the ring and goes to his corner.
Laura Messier: Introducing first... Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. They made weight at one-hundred-and-thirty-six pounds and stand five-feet nine tall. RANDOM.....MCCONALOGUE!!!
Random remains cool and calculated as she looks across the ring at her target.
Laura Messier:And their opponent…Fighting out of San Diego, California. He stands at six-feet even and weighs two-hundred pounds. He is THE MAELSTROM...JACOB...CRAFT!!!
The shit-eating grin of Craft is evident as if he suspects he may have got under the skin of his opponent.
CO-MAIN EVENT
SINGLES MATCH
Random McConalogue (#8) vs Jacob Craft (#15)
Random McConalogue and Jacob Craft are very cagey to start off the match. Both competitors maintain very loose stances, obviously looking to have a proper wrestling match. Craft carefully lunges in, wrapping up in a proper collar and elbow tie-up. Using his weight advantage he levers Random backwards, forcing her to give leverage in exchange for a solid two steps backwards. The Maelstrom steps through into a top wristlock and then carefully threads his other arm into a position where he can attempt to bar the arm out but Random Gable grips her hands tight together to stop that idea dead. Craft moves his hand up to attempt to pry Random’s fingers apart but McConalogue jerks backwards as Craft’s grip lessens and extends her foot out to touch the bottom rope. Referee Williams puts the count on and Craft offers a quick clean break. Craft poses, smugly.
Steve Morrison: It looks like we’re in for a grappling contest today.
Cross Recoba: Two different mat styles against each other, this match should have the knowledgable salivating.
Now the pair reset and Craft looks again to start from a collar and elbow but Random picks an arm and steps to a side, wringing it out. Craft starts to roll to reverse the pressure but Random follows through and rolls with it, maintaining the lock. With a gentle positioning of her boot against Jacob Craft’s calf she drops the Man from Silicon Beach down to a knee and stretches out the arm, barring it and twisting the wrist. Craft uses his extended leg to step across, lessening the pressure and uses his free hand to attempt to pry Random loose. Random jerks the arm upwards, looking to apply a standing Kimura but now it’s Craft that’s close to the ropes, the referee counts again and again the clean break comes incredibly quickly.
Fan: WRRRRRRRRRRRRRESTLING!
Crowd: YEAH!
Steve Morrison: I’m finding it hard to follow what’s going on here.
Cross Recoba: What’s going on here, as that man in the crowd says, is wrestling.
Steve Morrison: But it’s so smooth, so fluid. Yet so fast.
Cross Recoba: That’s why I booked it.
Craft shoots for an inside leg takedown, which Random isn’t sharp enough to block. Maelstrom tries to posture up to full mount but Random uses her catch wrestling skills to lock Craft in half guard (or, as Random knows it, the Turk Ride). Craft immediately tries to pass but Random uses the over-commitment to sweep to turn the pile and take side control. Maelstrom grasps for the arm nearest his head and starts to grasp hold of the wrist, turning it and the arm it’s attached to in an unnatural direction. Random, not wanting to submit or get her arm snapped apart repositions to fight against the Americana attempt while using her own legs to scissor Craft’s and pull it upwards, allowing her to inflict downward pressure on Craft’s shoulders. Referee Williams counts…
ONE!
And Craft is forced to give up the submission attempt and break the pin up.
Steve Morrison: One count only, but it saves Random’s bacon.
Cross Recoba: If Jacob Craft could have applied that hold, game over. But that pinning predicament means you have to break.
Going to the well again, Craft shoots for the half but this time Random remembers her fundamentals and sprawls, using the lower body strength honed on the rugby fields on the banks of the Clyde to spread her legs and grapple Craft into a grounded headlock. Random… KICKS HER LEGS HARD OFF THE CANVAS AND FLIPS HER BODY OVER ITSELF, LANDING HER ASS ON MAELSTROM’S BACK AND KEEPING HOLD OF THE HEAD, LOCKING IN THE TIGHTEST REAR CHINLOCK YOU’VE EVER SEEN!
Steve Morrison: That… is the greatest rear chinlock I have ever seen.
Cross Recoba: That’s Random. And also random. But it’s Random.
Random slides her legs over and scissors Craft’s arm, cranking back on the head. The referee asks Jacob Craft if he wants to tap but McConalogue is already onto her next hold. Letting loose of the head and transitioning to a seated Fujiwara armbar. A crank on the arm again send a wave of pain through Craft’s body. Another slick move swivels Random around so she can grab a leg at the same time, applying a snappy Tequila Sunrise. But the Scot isn’t done as she switches legs again, wrapping both legs into a 4 shape… backwards… and stepping over Jacob’s body applying an inverted Texas Cloverleaf! Craft grits his teeth and uses the spring in his legs to kick Random away and the Weegie Wonder goes flying across the canvas.
Crowd: THIS IS WRESTLING! THIS IS WRESTLING!
Steve Morrison: Random may be mostly armbars… but she knows a heck of a lot of other holds too.
Cross Recoba: The Master Of 1,042 Holds.
Steve Morrison: Number 1, Armbar?
Cross Recoba: Just call the match, Steve.
Another reset leaves the pair standing again. Random is quick to slide in, locking in a waistlock before gliding round into a back waistlock, probably thinking German Suplex. As she tries to arch her back, Jacob Craft prises a hand loose and easily hits a standing switch. He applies a gable grip so Random is totally trapped and uses a collegiate wrestling takedown and rides up to a full back mount. The Scot desperately scrabbles forward, using any break in contact to claw her way closer to the ropes. Craft pounces, gripping his own forearm as he snakes his arm around Random’s throat, looking to pin it against the carotid artery…
Steve Morrison: REAR NAKED CHOKE!
And Random McConalogue JUUUUST gets her hand out far enough to desperately grab the bottom rope.
Cross Recoba: Both these athletes have such good ring awareness. It’s genuinely a pleasure to watch two technicians.
Crowd: TAP OUT WREST-LING! **CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP** TAP OUT WREST-LING! **CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP**
Random McConalogue and Jacob Craft stand again and face off, each looking for the slightest advantage. Craft launches in for a double leg but Random dodges to a side. The pair circle. Random goes higher, looking to lead with her shoulder with her Rugby Tackle but Craft dodges to a side himself. Maelstrom goes high, looking to snatch Random about the shoulders for what was the set up to a standing head and arm choke but Random is feeling Mostly Unhittable and ducks, letting Craft’s momentum flip him over her shoulders in a Fireman’s Carry, snagging him on the way down in an Inverted Facelock…
Steve Morrison: It could be…
...BEFORE SPINNING HER BODY TO THE SIDE AND WHIPPING JACOB CRAFT DOWN TO THE MAT…
Steve Morrison: DICEROLL! DICEROLL! DICEROLL!
…BUT JACOB CRAFT HOLDS ON! WITH BOTH COMPETITORS LYING ON THEIR BACKS, HEADS INCHES AWAY FROM EACH OTHER, CRAFT, RELYING ON HIS GRACIE JIU JITSU INSTINCTS LOCKS HIS ARMS AROUND RANDOM’S NECK AND GATOR ROLLS 360 DEGREES INTO POSITION MID RING!
Steve Morrison: NO! GATOR ROLL! ALL CRAFT HAS TO DO IS SHIFT HIS GRIP AND THAT’S THE ANACONDA CHOKE SET UP!
BUT RANDOM REALISES THE POSITION SHE’S IN AND WALKS HER FEET BACKWARDS, ARCHING HER BACK TO PUT PRESSURE ON CRAFT’S SHOULDERS…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!
Rhod Williams calls for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: The winner of your co-main event, via pinfall….RANDOM….McCONALOGUE!!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT AN EXHIBITION!
Cross Recoba: Seconds away from losing, Random wins the match out of nowhere. This was such an evenly matched-contest. Either competitor could have won at ANY moment. And THAT is what makes Tapout Wrestling, hell pro wrestling in general so compelling.
Crowd: THANK YOU BOTH! THANK YOU BOTH! THANK YOU BOTH!
We fade in from black.
Jack Diamond (VO): The XHF Network. This network is home to some of the best wrestling companies, and best wrestlers in the world. If you are a top wrestler in one of those companies and are able to hold your fed's championship, you are something special. But if you are able to hold the top championship in the entire network? You are a thing of legend. Enter, the X*Crown Championship. It's not just a title but a championship that encompasses the successes and sacrifices, the trials and tribulations, of all those that came before us. I personally had my first taste of what that championship meant when I entered the 2018 XHF Rumble. I was mere inches away from winning and just competing in that match garnered me the respect from an entire network. So when I got my next chance to face Rob Arnold one-on-one, I would not let it be squandered.
.:: The XHF Network Presents - Xtraction: Blood Money! ::.
June 3rd, 2018
Jack Diamond vs Rob Arnold (c)
Cassius Romano: Oh, this isn't happening.
Derrick Donovan: I know what Rob's doing! Not only is this going to happen, it will hurt every second of the way.
Rob looks down to the pained and torn Jack Diamond. He grabs his ankle. ANKLE LOCK! Rob is screaming. Unfortunately, he finds himself in the middle of the ring. The very center. He can't just easily find a corner or a rope and this isn't exactly Rob's first rodeo. He knows the games being played. Whenever he finds Jack pulling his way toward a rope an inch, he forces himself two inches back and torques on his ankle so much more painfully. Whenever Jack tries to turn around toward a closer rope, Rob does a great job at controlling this so he stays right in the center. Jack even puts his head underneath the rest of his body. Jack takes a look at this with skepticism. He obviously knows the reversals that could come out from this sort of move. Rob knows that he could possibly somersault out of this and send Rob flying. To prepare for this, he lowers himself, sacrificing torque for a center of gravity to ensure he remains in control. As he does so, he looks at the expression on Jack's face. He's... smiling? A split second, while he's trying to understand why this is happening, Jack Diamond pulls with his foot and out comes his boot! Rob Arnold is surprised. Shocked. He has calculated so much, and yet, Jack Diamond is proving sometimes you have to roll 'em high! Jack fights through the pain, gets up to his feet and takes down Rob with the STACKED DECK! Both men are on the floor, struggling for breath.
Cassius Romano: If Jack kept on the torque, this wouldn't have happened! He played things too carefully!
Derrick Donovan: Are you saying that Jack-
Cassius Romano: Damn right! Jack Diamond wasn't trying to keep himself from being German Suplexed that last time! He was untying his boots! He was taking a big risk that things would play out his way and you know what? IT PAID OFF!
Jack Diamond breaths heavily as he turns over and drapes his arm over Rob Arnold. The referee slides and goes for the pin count:
...One!
...Two!
...THREE!
Bonnie Jenkins: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match and the NEW X*Crown Champion - Jack Diamond!
Cassius Romano: He did it! Jack did it!
Derrick Donovan: I will have to admit. The AWF did edge out in this one. Congratulations.
Cassius Romano: Rob Arnold proved himself a great champion. I'm looking forward to our next bout.
Derrick Donovan: Don't get too comfortable with that gold, now.
Jack Diamond is broken down nearly in tears, hugging the X*Crown Championship as the screen fades out.
Jack Diamond (VO): I learned quickly though, that when you hold the X*Crown Championship, you are marked. Everyone is gunning for you; from your fed, the other feds from the Network and and all over the world. It's the most sought after championship in wrestling. I would slip up and lose the championship not long after I won it. I had already had a taste of it though, and I knew that I would do anything to get that feeling back. I would ride into the Night of Champions in 2018 with a chip on my shoulder to prove that I'm the Ringmaster of this beautiful circus of ours.
:: The XHF Network Presents - Night of Champions IX ::.
July 23rd, 2018
Jack Diamond vs Rob Riot vs Raiden Ishimori vs Zolothach vs Jackson Steele vs The Anomoly vs Hardcore Harry vs Steve Awesome
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: I'm not commentating this right now.
King leans back, kicking his feet up on the table. Hawke stares resentfully at him, before kicking his feet up as well. Multiple cameras are stationed around the ringside area, to catch all the in-ring action at the same time!
Cage of Tradition (Jack Diamond vs Hardcore Harry): Harry immediately lunges at Jack, who uses his quickness and send Harry into the corner, laying into him with a few quick strikes before backing off, taunting for the fans. Harry turns around, and kicks Jack's head off, sending him head over heels into the greenhouse wall with a thump! The structure shakes, but nothing breaks yet. Jack is slow to his feet, but charges to Harry, swinging at him and sending him back into the corner. Harry, though, is much bigger and much stronger than Jack, so he shoves him off with ease. Jack is persistant though, like a dog tugging and pulling a rope being held by a human. He stumbles back, and charges at Harry again, who grabs him by the throat with both hands and lifts him high in the air for the world to see. He swings Jack around, Jack's face turning a light reddish purple, before Harry charges at the side of the structure, using Jack as a body shield to smash right through the structure's wall! In the process, he lands a chokeslam onto the floor and roars for the crowd, much to their delight! As Jack lays in a pool of his own blood, Harry turns around, sees the structure empty and evin weakly swaying around, before eyeing the Cage of Xtreme Mat Skills. He makes a beeline for it and begins to climb the side of the cage.
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: Just minutes into this contest and chaos has already erupted! Wait... what's Harry doing?
Joey Hawke: Harry just disposed of Jack, the former X*Crown champ, but instead of finishing him off, is climbing the cage into the Mat Skills Cage!
Cage of Xtreme Mat Skills (Raiden ishimori vs Rob Riot vs Hardcore Harry): ...and just as Harry's about to throw Raiden straight to hell, Rob Riot comes out of nowhere, blindsiding him with a flurry of fists! He then takes Harry and begins to lift him up and over his shoulders, with the help of Ishimori. They take Harry and bring him to the top of the cage and look down at the greenhouse structure... before dumping him up and over the cage wall through the glass and leaving him in a crater in the ring.
[...HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!..]
The resonding "CRASH!" is thundeous, everyone pauses and looks at the limp body of Harry. We suddenly see a hand climb up and over the side of the apron. It's a bruise,d bloody Jack Diamond! Seeing his fallen opponent lying near-unconcious in the middle of the ring, Jack scrambles in and lifts him up for...
[...STACKED DECK...]
(Cutter)
Jack flops onto Harry, barely having the strength to hook his leg as he makes a cover.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE!..]
Bonnie Jenkins: Hardcore Harry has been eliminated via pinfall, by Jack Diamond!
[...HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!..]
The resonding "CRASH!" is thundeous, everyone pauses and looks at the limp body of Harry. We suddenly see a hand climb up and over the side of the apron. It's a bruise,d bloody Jack Diamond! Seeing his fallen opponent lying near-unconcious in the middle of the ring, Jack scrambles in and lifts him up for...
[...STACKED DECK...]
(Cutter)
Jack flops onto Harry, barely having the strength to hook his leg as he makes a cover.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE!..]
Bonnie Jenkins: Hardcore Harry has been eliminated via pinfall, by Jack Diamond!
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: Wow! Harry the first one out of this match! What an insane fall!
Joey Hawke: There's a ton of blood pouring from him, and paramedics are on the way.
Cage of Death (The Anomoly vs Zolothoch): Zolothoch folds over, holding her groin. She reaches at the cage, grabbing a trash can and throwing it at Anomoly and nailing him with it. He tumbled back, and grabs a chair on the round, hurling it like a frisbee at her. Zolo catches it, and jumps at Anomoly, swinging the chair wildly. Anomoly gets hit with the first few smacks, then falls to the ground. As she rears back for one final blow, she gets spun around by Jack Diamond, who sneakily entered the fray, and dropped with a right!
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: Ishimori has the Bone Cold Seal applied, while Diamond and Anomoly are teaming up on Zolothoch!
Joey Hawke: Ishimori might break Steele's arm! I love it, what a beautiful submission!
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: Hey Hawke... think we'll see any puppies from Zolo in this match?
Joey Hawke: ...*sigh*
Cage of Death (The Anomoly vs Zolothoch vs Jack Diamond): Jack offers a hand to Anomoly, but he pushes Jack off, intent on finishing off Zolo. Jack shrugs and sits in the corner, smiling as he gets a front row seat on the hardcore action. Anomoly turns and is cracked upside the head with a broom handle that snaps clean in half! Anomoly stumbles back, grabs at a toy lightsaber, turns it on and cracks Zolo upside the head! The crowd cheer for the violence on display! Anomoly takes another swing, and smashes it over her head, finally felling her to the mat. But he's not done. He picks Zolo up and on his shoulders, spinning to face Jack, and swings her down for...
[...RAGNORAK...]
(One Winged Angel)
..hooking the leg while staring Jack in the eyes.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE...]
Bonnie Jenkins: Zolothoch has been eliminated via pinfall, by The Anomoly!
[...RAGNORAK...]
(One Winged Angel)
..hooking the leg while staring Jack in the eyes.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE...]
Bonnie Jenkins: Zolothoch has been eliminated via pinfall, by The Anomoly!
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: And just like that, we're down to our final four! Raiden Ishimori, Jackson Steele, Jack Diamond, and The Anomoly!
John Hawke: Somebody needs to get Jack out of here! We can't have an AWF guy winning the title!
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: Well, if Anomoly can beat him down enough, you won't have to worry about him winning.
John Hawke: Kick his ass, Anomoly!
Cage of Death (The Anomoly vs Jack Diamond): Jack now stands up and kicks Zolo out of the ring, getting face to face with the former AXW Undisputed Champion. They both look out to the fans, as this is a dream match that everyone has looked forward to for ages. They circle each other, Anomoly picking up his trusty crowbar, Diamond nabbing a baseball bat. Anomoly picks up the baseball from earlier and throws it at Jack who cracks it out of the park! A frenzy of fans all move in to catch the ball. Meanwhile, Jack and Anomoly both charge each other. Jack swings first, and Anomoly somersaults under his swing and mule kicks him in the leg in the process. With Jack down to a knee, Anomoly swings the crowbar hard, cracking him in the jaw and toppling him with a sickening thud. Jack doesn't move, he's out cold. Anomoly takes the crowbar and climbs out of the cage, sitting atop the structure, waving at Hawke.
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: Don't do that Steele! Raiden has a whole career ahead of him!
Joey Hawke: Yes! Pin him Anomoly, he's gotta be out cold now!.. Wait, what are you doing, you idiot! Pin Jack! Don't wave at me
Cage of Death (Jack Diamond vs Raiden Ishimori vs Jackson Steele): ...and leaps off the cage for...
[...OKAMI DRIVER...]
(Double Underhook Sitout Powerbomb)
[...HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!..]
...sending Steele through the table, and him too. Steele isn't moving, as Jack applauds his efforts. Raiden tells Jack to set up some chairs, for he as intent to finish off Steele. Jack sets up the chairs, and Ishimori picks up Steele. He then spinning heel picks Steele, turns to back, and lifts him up for a falcon arrow on the ctairs! Another "Holy shit!" chant echos through the arena, and Ishimori poses for the fans. He then sees a Koi fish, and walks over to it, eyeing the big SOB, before yanking it down and holding it in the air, for cheers.
[...OKAMI DRIVER...]
(Double Underhook Sitout Powerbomb)
[...HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!..]
...sending Steele through the table, and him too. Steele isn't moving, as Jack applauds his efforts. Raiden tells Jack to set up some chairs, for he as intent to finish off Steele. Jack sets up the chairs, and Ishimori picks up Steele. He then spinning heel picks Steele, turns to back, and lifts him up for a falcon arrow on the ctairs! Another "Holy shit!" chant echos through the arena, and Ishimori poses for the fans. He then sees a Koi fish, and walks over to it, eyeing the big SOB, before yanking it down and holding it in the air, for cheers.
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: Ishimori is the favorite to win, I reckon!
Joey Hawke: Me too. He's dominating the legend killer and POWER Steele!
Cage of Death (Jack Diamond vs Raiden Ishimori vs Jackson Steele): Raiden begins to swing the fish around, ready to smack whoever gets up first with it.
[...KOI! KOI! KOI! KOI!...]
Steele slowly stirs, pulling himself out of the wreckage of the table. He uses the turnbuckles to stand up, and turns around and is smacked hard across the face with the fish! Smacked so hard, the fish "explodes," making the blood and guts go all over Steele!
[...KOI! KOI! KOI! KOI!...]
Steele slowly stirs, pulling himself out of the wreckage of the table. He uses the turnbuckles to stand up, and turns around and is smacked hard across the face with the fish! Smacked so hard, the fish "explodes," making the blood and guts go all over Steele!
Joey Hawke: I think I'm gonna be sick...
Cage of Death (Jack Diamond vs Raiden Ishimori vs Jackson Steele): Steele stands there, shaking. Mouth slightly agape, and the stench of rotten fish overcoming him. That look of shock turns to rage as he picks up a fake leg and charges at Raiden, jamming the heel of the leg into Raiden's gut. As he's doubled over, Steele grabs a unicorn pool floatie and puts it around Raiden's waist, then blows it up so it holds Raiden's arms around him. Immobilized, Steele takes a peg leg and begins to wail on Raiden, beating him to a bloody pulp and busting him open. The mat is painted with blood as Steele brings Raiden up, grabs his arm, and...
[...CITIZEN KANEMAKER...]
(Rainmaker Lariat)
...but Steele's not done. Raiden flips completely over but lands on his knees. Steele runs the ropes, rebounding for...
[...Z-TRIGGER...]
(V-Trigger)
...and with that, Raiden collapses, unable to go on. Steele pulls off the floatie, and makes a cover.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE...]
Bonnie Jenkins: Raiden Ishimori has been eliminated via pinfall, by Jackson Steele!
[...CITIZEN KANEMAKER...]
(Rainmaker Lariat)
...but Steele's not done. Raiden flips completely over but lands on his knees. Steele runs the ropes, rebounding for...
[...Z-TRIGGER...]
(V-Trigger)
...and with that, Raiden collapses, unable to go on. Steele pulls off the floatie, and makes a cover.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE...]
Bonnie Jenkins: Raiden Ishimori has been eliminated via pinfall, by Jackson Steele!
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: We're down to our final two! Jackson Steele and Jack Diamond!
John Hawke: No, no, no! Steele, you better win this! Don't let AWF bring the X*Crown home!
Cage of Death (Jack Diamond vs Jackson Steele: And just like that, Raiden's eliminated. Jackson turns around to see Jack on a knee. He runs the ropes, ready to end the match, rebounding for...
[...Z-TRIG-NO!..]
He runs for the Z-Trigger, but stops dead in his tracks! Jack Diamond snags an eggplant and holds it out at Steele. Steele looks at it in horror, before running to the other side of the cage and climbing the wall. Steele is nearing the top when Jack grabs his foot, and yanks him down for...
[...STACKED DECK...]
(Cutter)
...a Stacked Deck from 10 feet up in the air! And the way Steele landed, he got a face full of eggplant! Jack rolls him over, hooking the leg.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE...]
Bonnie Jenkins: Jackson Steele has been eliminated via pinfall. Therefore, the winner of the match, and NEW X*Crown Champion, Jack Diamond!
[...Z-TRIG-NO!..]
He runs for the Z-Trigger, but stops dead in his tracks! Jack Diamond snags an eggplant and holds it out at Steele. Steele looks at it in horror, before running to the other side of the cage and climbing the wall. Steele is nearing the top when Jack grabs his foot, and yanks him down for...
[...STACKED DECK...]
(Cutter)
...a Stacked Deck from 10 feet up in the air! And the way Steele landed, he got a face full of eggplant! Jack rolls him over, hooking the leg.
[...ONE...]
[...TWO...]
[...THREE...]
Bonnie Jenkins: Jackson Steele has been eliminated via pinfall. Therefore, the winner of the match, and NEW X*Crown Champion, Jack Diamond!
Jerry 'The King' Lawler: He did it! Against all odds, being put though a glass wall and chairs and other things, Jack has won the X*Crown Championship for a second time! He joins the ranks of Rat Bastard and Hardcore Harry who are two-time X*Crown Champions!
John Hawke: This is BS! Jack never should have won! An AWF guy shouldn't have won. I will complain to Mongo about this.
The cages raise up, and Jack Diamond pulls himself to his feet as the symbolic "X" holding all the championships is lowered. One by one, through the confetti and blaring of "Ace of Spades," Jack takes all the championships off of the structure and puts them around his waist, legs, arms. He climbs up the center turnbuckle and lifts his belts high in the air, as the show faces to the Night of Champions IX logo.
Jack Diamond (VO): If your name can join the names Diamond, Barratt, Arnold, Black, Awesome, Sainovic or any other former winners of this championship, it means you've made it. And you want to make it. You want to represent the feds on this XHF Network. You want to represent the twenty-three feds of the past that make up the X*Crown. You want to be the best. The XHF X*Crown Championship, makes you the best.
The word 'best' hangs in the air as the XHF Night of Champions logo fades to black.
Steve Morrison: When July ends, the quality on the Network doesn’t stop as HardKore World are bringing us a show from Denver, Colorado that could very well be their most stacked card-to-date!
Cross Recoba: Of course it is, I’m main-eventing it…as always.
Steve Morrison: We’ll get to that but we open up with two veterans of the ring in Little Dragon and Tuxedo Mask opening the show.
Cross Recoba: I’ve been in the ring with both of them and they like to keep the action moving and it’s a great kick-off match to get things underway.
Steve Morrison: We see the debut of “El Exotico” Joey Little Horse as he takes on storied veteran, Joe Nobody.
Cross Recoba: I can’t speak on Little Horse much beyond what we’ve all seen but he’ll have a tough test in the ring. I faced Nobody in my first match in the Network and he didn’t make it easy for me to get the win. His style’s comparable to our own Random McConalogue’s.
Steve Morrison: There’s a total mismatch of styles as Syberus’ protege, The Salford Squid faces off against the barbaric and brutal Sheik.
Cross Recoba: This match is going to hinge on who can enforce their style on the other. Squid can wrestle, poor choice of idols but he can wrestle. The Sheik isn’t interested in grappling though, he’ll want to turn the match into a bloodbath like he did when he took on Eron Hunter in a cage or faced off against Marty Donovan.
Steve Morrison: The second-half of the card takes that heat the opening side builds and turns it up to full-blast. Three title matches starting with a tag-team match with a vendetta as The Mischief Express take on The Anointed and Cross, you can give our viewers the background on this.
Cross Recoba: Sure. After I smited Donovan and his reign, he got dumped quicker than a Stacked Deck by his buddies, The Anointed and now he and Kilroy are going to try and take down the team of AVB and Steve Awesome.
Steve Morrison: That’s not the down-the-middle view our fans need, Cross. You’ve got Marty, who currently holds the XHF Tag Team titles with his future father-in-law, looking to become Multi-Belt Marty as he teams with his old running buddy, Kilroy Evans. Fun fact for you stats fans, Kilroy has a history of tag-teams and at one point was in the top and bottom-ranked teams at one point.
Cross Recoba: But the top-ranked team isn’t fighting. This isn’t the Miracle Violence Connection II out there, it’s the Mischief Express and they were-
Steve Morrison: The bottom-ranked team. But you’ve got say that Steve Awesome’s going into that match after a double-header at Night of Champions, will he be fully-fit? Will his mind be on retaining the tag-team match? Equally, Aiden Merric gave the world a blueprint for putting down von Blankenship.
Cross Recoba: It’s Tinto’s birthday next month, he wouldn’t want Marty to have too many titles…
Steve Morrison: Moving on…the Co-Main Event sees two of the most in-form fighters on the Network when Wesley Crane puts his HKW West Coast title on the line against the so far undefeated Simon Cruise.
Cross Recoba: It’s going to be a tough test but with Crane’s match at Night of Champions being a Hell in a Cell, there’s every likelihood that he’s going to have to go far beyond his safe-zone to retain. Cruise is well-rounded and behind that surfer attitude is a calculating brain when the bell rings.
Steve Morrison: Crane’ll no doubt also have the Ace in the Hole that is AVB and Awesome waiting in the wings to tip the scales in their stable-mate’s favor if they’re needed.
Cross Recoba: It’s going to be a tough ask for Cruise, Crane is on quite the roll and I apologize for the pun but outside of a loss last year against Donovan, I can’t remember the last time he got put down.
Steve Morrison: Which brings us to the main-event when Kalmin Watts and yourself face-off in an Iron Man match. Care to give your thoughts, Cross?
Cross Recoba: Look, I could cut a promo on my own show but I don’t need to. Here’s the simple equation, if Watts can survive Crane and still retain against me in a Submission match? You’d say he was the heavy favorite but if he doesn’t? It’s going to be an hour of me taking him apart like a Liberal Arts student on Archie Bunker!
Steve Morrison: Well, I’ll do the work for you, boss. This could be a great match for the neutral. Since you entered HKW, Cross, you’ve pushed that your Garibaldi’s Guilotine is the best hold in the business but Watts has his Sooner Squeeze and so far, neither of you have had the opportunity to apply either hold in the two matches you’ve had. For me, whoever gets that submission on first is walking out of ring and into this match with the title. When the bell rings for the Iron Man match, that psychological advantage could be crucial.
HKW: Denver - add to your planner?
Steve Morrison: Fans, we’re just moments away from our main-event but before we get to that let’s look at what should be the biggest show of the XHF calendar, Night of Champions and it takes place a week from today!
Cross Recoba: Some absolutely massive matches take place all in one place and on one show.
Steve Morrison: That friend who’s on the fence about signing up to the Network? This is the show you get them to watch. In fact, if you’re trying to make a new fan? This is the night to try and convert them!
Steve Morrison: The XHF turned twenty-one this year and you can be sure Randy Angel’ll be celebrating.
Cross Recoba: I’ve seen Randy celebrate a grandmother crossing the road with a beer.
XHF HARDCORE TITLE MATCH
Cross Recoba: In a match that six of the seven dwarfs weren’t Happy.
Steve Morrison: We don’t need Peter Dinklage on our case, he’s busy enough with the new Snow White movie. What I can say though is that it came from JROK and if you’ve seen any of their shows, you know it’s going to be ultra-violent!
Cross Recoba: It’s a match I’ve tried to talk Jason Long out of but with an XHF belt on the line, he’s not for turning.
Steve Morrison: It’s also a risk for Awesome who finds himself competing for the X*Crown at the top end of the show.
Cross Recoba: It puts the Champion at a disadvantage and if Jamester or Long can make use of that, we could see a title change opening the show.
GUNS JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Cross Recoba: El Rey was robbed and now he’s looking for revenge.
Steve Morrison: Like Awesome, he has to compete later on in the evening in a match for his XHF Junior Heavyweight title.
Cross Recoba: El Rey is determined to prove he’s the greatest Junior Heavyweight we’ve seen in the XHF.
Steve Morrison: The history books would see that as Bloodied Fox…
Cross Recoba: We saw just how dominant El Rey is at our last show when he put down Kingsley Solomon.
GUNS SEASON 4 FINALE
Nelly quickly pulls El Rey up into a headlock and he calls for the end. Nelly leaps up and over for The Exclusive, but El Rey pulls his head free and kicks back with a mule kick right into the bean bags. The ref doesn’t see it and El Rey quickly rolls Nelly up in a small package 1…2…NO! Nelly rolls it into a pining predicament of his own 1…2…3!
Nelly quickly pulls El Rey up into a headlock and he calls for the end. Nelly leaps up and over for The Exclusive, but El Rey pulls his head free and kicks back with a mule kick right into the bean bags. The ref doesn’t see it and El Rey quickly rolls Nelly up in a small package 1…2…NO! Nelly rolls it into a pining predicament of his own 1…2…3!
Cross Recoba: He got caught, it happens to Champions but it doesn’t make who beat them a legitimate Champion in the slightest.
Steve Morrison: You’re pulling for El Rey?
Cross Recoba: Anyone who’s a fan of wrestling should and is!
WRESTLE: UK WORLD TITLE MATCH
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen this match so many times and every time it happens, Crane comes out with his arm raised.
Steve Morrison: Watts might think differently now that he’s tasted gold in HardKore World.
Cross Recoba: ….
Steve Morrison: The threat with Crane is that the members of the High Roller Club are only a whistle away and even locked inside that cage, that could still be a factor.
Cross Recoba: We haven’t seen just how far Crane will go to keep hold of that title and a Hell in a Cell match is nothing but going beyond where your opponent will in terms of violence.
Steve Morrison: Which will only help you later on in the night.
Cross Recoba: I don’t need help, it could be a Nerf Foam Arena match and I’d still clean his clock.
XHF PHOENIX TITLE MATCH
Cross Recoba: Both men have held that title that Aiden Merric put on the map.
Steve Morrison: They did and Fury then put a third on top of the days Merric held the title for and in this match he might hold the advantage over the current Phoenix Champion because BEEF hates bees!
Cross Recoba: Who actually likes bees?
Steve Morrison: Dana Daniels…
Cross Recoba: Someone who counts?
Steve Morrison: But Murder Hornets are SO much worse and with BEEF being another competitor in the X*Crown match in the main-event, he might see his title and his chance to dethrone Fox disappear in one go.
Cross Recoba: Fury’s a talented wrestler and a lucky one too, when he lost to Vile “Vince” Viper he could count himself lucky as five second later, Dino Bones is the Champ and Viper was in the digestive tract of the dinosaur!
Steve Morrison: BEEF’s on a roll though and has stepped out of the shadows of being Magnus’...Gun for hire and is making waves across the Network.
Cross Recoba: But Murder Hornets, the worst thing to happen to the world in 2020 was COVID-19 but not just for all the obvious reasons, it meant we stopped paying attention to the outbreak of the Murder Hornets…
Steve Morrison: They can be deadly but if you ask the natives of the Japanese mountain villages, their larvae are delicious…
Cross Recoba: There you go, BEEF, there’s your path to victory. Eat their young and establish dominance. Are we done on this match?
CAR SILICONE CUP RACE
Cross Recoba: Who else is better-equipped to deal with New York traffic than the AMC? Red light? They can hack the system. Hot Dog seller crossing the road? They’ll go through them and an angry pedestrian? There’s a ray-gun for that!
Steve Morrison: A whole host of obstacles are bound to make it an open race and it could be anyone’s race to win.
Cross Recoba: For Tinto’s sake, at least if Reedy Creek win then the wunderkind gets to see at least one talented competitor that he knows.
Steve Morrison: Will one of the teams cut through Saks on Fifth? Will one of the cars crash outside The Bowery? All questions to be answered…
SCCW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Cross Recoba: Draven was a top-tier talent in Ascension Wrestling, yet another one that I beat whilst I was there but still up there with the very best. He’s going to fancy his chances and you only need to look at his time in AWF to see why. He put on absolute wars with Tommy Strychnine over the United States title and then moved on to beating bonafide XHF legend, Seth Dillinger to win the Prestige belt. When we talk about championship pedigree it’s the ability to shine, not shrink, when the pressure’s on and Draven’ll be banking on yet another title to add to his resume.
Steve Morrison: He’ll have to get past Hunter Storms though…
Cross Recoba: Back in my time in the United Kingdom, Hunter and I formed a partnership and you learn a lot when you tag with a regular partner. He’s got that power advantage that is the basis for everything he does inside that ring but he’s not just all muscle. He doesn’t get the credit for being a strategist and he’ll have contingency upon contingency to fight this one. I’ve seen him put down before but I’ve never seen him not get back up and with an opportunity like this on the biggest stage the Network has, he’ll leave it all in the ring to make sure he has his hand raised!
DTF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Cross Recoba: I can’t see past the Big UC, Ulysses Cole. Nearly two-hundred pounds on Daniels AND he wasn’t trained by Marty Donovan.
Steve Morrison: Both men have come under the tutelage of Jack Diamond and with El Rey present at their second show the night before this event, you never know what the XHF Junior Heavyweight Champion might offer in advice for the lighter man.
Cross Recoba: I’ll give Daniels his due, he showed fight in their first event to get that far but that was where he was able to use the carnage to hide, there’s not many places to hide when a three-hundred-and-sixty-four pound Super-Heavyweight has you in range!
XHF TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Cross Recoba: Cut Throat Chaos have the tenure advantage, both members of The Harbingers and that familiarity could work wonders for them when Deacon Oldham has spent most of his time in an XHF ring wondering what his daughter sees in the Moron from the House of Mouse!
Steve Morrison: He might just be the only person who hates Marty more than you but Deacon Oldham has a SEAL background, he’s proven to be tougher than he looks!
Cross Recoba: I still can’t see how we don’t have new Champions, you can’t win tag-team gold when you’re fighting the other team AND your partner!
JROK VISUAL KEI TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH
Cross Recoba: This is a grudge match in every sense of the word and there’s no love lost between the two…
Steve Morrison: Since January, Dylan Black and EVE have been vilified within JROK and now it could be the time for Dylan to make a statement about who is the top dog within the company.
Cross Recoba: Both men are top-tier talents, not just in JROK but on the Network. This match is going to be a tough act to follow, not just in quality but in intensity.
Steve Morrison: That’s without touching on the stipulation, all weapons will be made of gold, have you ever been hit with a golden chair, Cross?
Cross Recoba: No but if someone brings barbed wire? That’s going to be one of the few times in wrestling that the weapon costs more than the medical bill. In seriousness, the stipulation doesn’t favor one more than the other which makes this such an open match.
DINO BONES HOT DOG EATING CHAMPIONSHIP
Cross Recoba: WHAT?
Steve Morrison: The last time Dino Bones was in a competitive hot-dog eating contest, he had his existence shattered by Kobayashi - has he grown enough as a dracolich to stand up to Nathan’s Champ, Joey Chesnut?
Cross Recoba: This can’t be real. Who signed this off?
Steve Morrison: The XHF Matchmaking Committee, that’s who.
Cross Recoba: What next? CJ Parker for X*Crown Champion? Duke Kosloff to replace Mongo? Frank Windsor’s Next Top Model?
Steve Morrison: I’m just working my way down the show….
XHF JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Cross Recoba: They’ll be on-screen graphics I’m sure for those of you who don’t enjoy doing percentages whilst watching wrestling.
Steve Morrison: With an absolutely stacked field of competitors it’s anyone’s guess who’s walking out with the title. Four former X*Crown Champions, three people who’ve held the Junior Heavyweight title, and three XHF Tag Team Champions involved it’s a steep field.
Cross Recoba: The pressure though will be on them all to put in a good showing. I’d bet there’s an outlier there that could do well…Eli Dresden’d be where I’d place my money on the outsiders. She’s tasted gold in NLW, isn’t double-booked and hasn’t had many miles put on the clock this year…
HARDKORE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Steve Morrison: Cross, why don’t you tell us about the HKW World Heavyweight title match that sees you face Kalmin Watts in a submission match?
Cross Recoba: I’m not going to give him airtime I don’t need to on my own show!
Steve Morrison: Do you think it does you a favor with Watts having to face Crane in what will undoubtedly be a brutal Hell in a Cell match?
Cross Recoba: What happened in Ireland was a fluke, a one in a thousand occasion but this time I’m going to make an example of him!
Steve Morrison: And if you don’t?
Cross Recoba: not an option, regardless of what happens we’ve still go to go to Denver the week after because the Valentine’s recently discovered they could count as high as three. Are we done here?
TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Cross Recoba: We saw earlier what Poena is capable of, what he’s willing to do and while it won’t take Diamond out of the match, it will cost him training camp days as he recovers. Even if he comes into the match at 100%, there’s every chance he won’t have been as thorough as his camp would like him to be.
Steve Morrison: The match stipulation almost favors Poena. The unforgiving cage will add an extra weapon at his disposal and he’s not needed many weapons to show off his sadistic streak. Add in that Tug, Merric and even Long won’t be able to easily get in if at all to help Diamond if Poena goes too far!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s the Champion for a reason.
Steve Morrison: Any news on his contract?
Cross Recoba: We sit down a week on Wednesday…
Steve Morrison: Did you set the date?
Cross Recoba: Call it an educated risk, if he’s Champion still then he’ll want a premium and if he’s not? We’ll settle on a more realistic number.
XHF X*CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Cross Recoba: It’s going to be a gruelling match for every one of the competitors but it’s also going to be the little things that matter.
Steve Morrison: Our own Sam Sawyer goes into the match the biggest underdog but unlike BEEF and Awesome, they don’t have another match to pull focus or expend energy on earlier in the night.
Cross Recoba: But there’s A LOT of experience in that match. I’ve wrestled Fox, I’ve wrestled Awesome and I eliminated BEEF at the Rumble this year. Each one of them could be seen as the favorite on form or on past performance. Then you’ve got Florida Man who will only thrive in a chaotic match like this one. Sawyer has their work cut out but they could also raise a lot of eyebrows.
Steve Morrison: Do you think we see a new champion?
Cross Recoba: The match would favor it, it’s chaos and I don’t care how good a wrestler you are; when it comes to matches like this you just have to play your best hand and ask for a little bit of luck…
Steve Morrison: Don’t miss Night of Champions Fourteen with a match for every year of its existence! We’ll be there to call the cage match between Diamond and Poena and, like you all, we’re looking forward to a Show of the Year event!
Laura Messier: IT’S TIME!....FOR YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!!!!! IT IS A TAG-TEAM MATCH SET FOR…
Laura holds up her arms and the Diamond Club audience are only too glad to fill in the blank.
Crowd: ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE FALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
Lights dim in the building and after a few moments begin slowly pulsating, synchronized in time with the beat of the drums. As the soft vocals come in, NOMAD saunters from behind the curtain out into view of the crowd, taking a moment to soak in the reaction from the crowd as he stands in place there, rocking his body back and forward slightly on the spot.
Steve Morrison: NOMAD returns!
Cross Recoba: It'll be interesting to see what changes he's made beyond his entrance...
This continues until the chorus begins and as the vocals pick up, NOMAD stretches his arms out to his side and continues his slow yet purposeful walk toward the ring. He stops before he gets to the ring and removes his worn and faded leather jacket and tosses it in the ring.
Steve Morrison: He looks ready for action and ready to get back into the form we saw in the first five or six shows in Tap Out!
Cross Recoba: Resigning him was a no-brainer, he passed all the medical tests we could throw at him and his arm showed no signs of lasting damage.
NOMAD then rolls in under the bottom rope after it and immediately positions himself in a seated position in the nearest corner.
Steve Morrison: Poena will be a score to settle down the line but tonight he knows he needs to deliver in style.
Cross Recoba: We saw just how effective he can be in a tag-team all the way back in May of last year. Poena and himself getting an extremely impressive win over Erin Gordon and Brad Kane. Tonight though, it's going to be showing three people he's not encountered exactly why he was one of the favorites in the Tap Out Openweight Title tournament last year!
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: Having announced it's his final appearance in Tap Out, can we see one last big of magic before he departs?
Cross Recoba: Theo's always been discounted, never really seen as the threat he is and that seems to now be his view but we signed him because he's the ultimate outside threat.
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: I understand you fielded calls from other companies on the Network after the Rumble?
Cross Recoba: Thespian probably ran El Rey the closest anyone has in prizing that XHF Junior Heavyweight title from him, it was bound to attract attention...
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: What would your advice to Thespian be before the bell rings?
Cross Recoba: He's a showman at heart, he knows to save the best for last...
The opening thumping guitar and drum riff of "Unstoppable" by Disturbed hits the arena as an imitation sandstorm is created in the entranceway. After 10 seconds of storm, Aiden Merric emerges from the billowing sands chewing nicotine gum and wearing a smug-ass smile on his face.
Steve Morrison: Hard-hitting and unforgiving, two ways to describe Merric's fighting style.
Cross Recoba: Aiden's going to look across that ring at NOMAD and all he'll see is a huge prize for him to capture.
He spits the gum and puts a patch on his arm before stretching and walking to the ring with a purpose. He nods along with the theme song as he jabbers with the crowd and keeps moving. He stalks around the ring to the far side and nods at the commentators before he rolls into the ring and stretches on the ropes.
Steve Morrison: We're seeing more traditional wrestling offense sneak into his repertoire. Is that a decision he's made or is his camp adding a pure wrestling coach to their roster?
Cross Recoba: It's a bit of both. That bell rings, you learn pretty quickly that you need to pick up moves on the fly and adapt to your opponents.
The referee stops him and removes his various blades, ropes and other hunting equipment as he smirks. As the first chorus ends at roughly 65 seconds in, Aiden is set free to his corner. He then cracks his neck, waiting for the bell as his music fades and the storm subsides.*
Steve Morrison: Will we see the Wall Hanger Lariat?
Cross Recoba: That all depends on whether Merric has the answer as to how to stop NOMAD in his tracks. Thespian's lighter and smaller than Merric but you can't say the same about NOMAD. Aiden and Raiden need a gameplan going into this that can nullify the Wanderer's size.
The first few haunting strums of "A Match Made In Heaven" by Architects seizes the speaker system, the lights dimming down as the song gradually transitions into its opening line while two figures walk out onto the stage.
"TELL ME WAS IT ALL WORTH IT TO WATCH YOUR KINGDOM GROW?"
"ALL THE ANCHORS IN THE OCEAN HAVEN'T SUNK THIS LOW!"
As the following "BLEGH!" comes and goes, the lights hastily return to their bright setting, revealing both Raiden Ishimori and Kingsley Solomon standing tall on the stage: Kingsley with his hands behind his back, bearing a smug grin while Raiden coldly stares out into the sea of fans that loudly boo their arrival, adjusting his black sleeveless hoodie.
Steve Morrison: Making his debut in Tap Out!
Cross Recoba: Ishimori's quality is clear for anyone who watches wrestling to see. JROK, SCCW, AWF...in each of those companies he made a name for himself.
Rolling his neck for a brief moment, Raiden leads the two of them down the ramp, ignoring the people that jeer them during their trek down to the ring.
Steve Morrison: Mixing submissions with aerial assaults, he could open his Tap Out account with a win if he can find a way to target the neck of his opponents.
Cross Recoba: Whether it's the Fisherman Driver, the Cobra Clutch, or the Spider Twist, Raiden rarely sees people kick out from them.
Raiden climbs up onto the apron while Kingsley circles to the far side of the ring, Bone Cold entering through the ropes, and not bothering with entertaining the crowd, simply makes his way to the far corner. Peeling off the hoodie, he hands it off to Kingsley before leaning back into the corner, waiting for the starting bell.
Steve Morrison: No doubt that Solomon has given him the lowdown on Thespian and even his own partner.
Cross Recoba: Almost certain he has. The Harbingers are a tight unit and whenever the XHF Awards roll around this year, they're in the running for Stable of the Year...
Laura Messier: Introducing our first team, with a combined weight of four-hundred-and-seventy-five pounds. The team of NOMAD!!!!!! And THE THESPIAN!!!!
The two men discuss strategy, ignoring the announcement.
Laura Messier: Facing off agains them is our second team… with a combined weight of four-hundred-and-seven pounds. The team of AIDEN MERRIC…AND RAIDEN…ISHIMORI!!!
Not letting their eyes leave the opposite corner, the two men stand side-by-side in inaudible conversation.
MAIN EVENT
TAG-TEAM MATCH
NOMAD (#7) & The Thespian (#13) vs Aiden Merric (#10) & Raiden Ishimori (UR)
Kingsley Solomon and Laura Messier vacate the ring as the anticipation inside the Diamond Club climbs to a crescendo.
Steve Morrison: Four men, who’ve each got their own viewpoint on how this match is going to go, not in outcome but how it’ll break down after the bell rings.
Cross Recoba: Theory’s great, reality is always quite different.
The two teams square up to one another. Merric showing no fear as he stands toe-to-toe with NOMAD. Next to him, Ishimori gives nothing away as he looks into the impenetrable mask of The Thespian.
Steve Morrison: Each team seems equally matched.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD might have the size advantage but Merric’s an ornery bastard at the best of times.
“Big” John Quinn is quick to send the two teams to their corners in preparation for the bell.
Steve Morrison: Here we go, just seconds away from our main-event kicking off here at the Diamond Club tonight!
Merric and Ishimori swiftly work out their starting plan as the Australian steps through the ropes. Seeing their opposition’s decision, NOMAD looks across at Merric on the apron before climbing to the apron and allowing Theo to start the match.
Cross Recoba: Smart move from both teams. Both Merric and NOMAD know that they need to be at full-strength when they enter the match against the other. Also means Raiden and Thespian might take more risks than they would against their larger opponents.
With both men out of the ring, Quin calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
The two Junior Heavyweights are swift to leave their corners and circle in the middle. Ishimori extends a hand out as much to work out his range as it is to engage with his opponent. Thespian mirrors him exactly, stretching his right hand out to match the outstretched right arm of Raiden.
Steve Morrison: Is Thespian trying to get into the head of his opponent?
Cross Recoba: He might well be but Ishimori might have been born at night but it wasn’t last night, he’ll be wary and wise to this.
The two men circle each other but it’s Thespian who makes the first move as he slides towards his opponent and goes under the outstretched arm, grabbing a waistlock as he does so.
Steve Morrison: Slick manoeuvering from Thesp.
Cross Recoba: It’s what he can do with it after he gets the hold that really matters. Raiden’s been around the Network, it’ll take a lot to surprise him.
Raiden wastes no time in reversing his fortunes, as quickly applying one of his own as was applied. Theo looks to drop down to a seated position but Ishimori holds on tight. The SCCW star tries to lift Thesp with a German Suplex but the former NLW Southern States Champion firmly plants his feet to block the move.
Steve Morrison: Some impressive defensive work from Thespian that can only be frustrating to Ishimori.
Cross Recoba: You can’t be anything other than ice-water cool with a name like Bone Cold.
Ishimori tries once more to lift the Thespian but the Masked Man is still wise to it and throws himself forward taking the Harbinger down with a drop-toe hold.
Steve Morrison: Neat takedown from the former NLW star.
Ishimori rolls through and meets Thespian with a release arm-drag but his opponent rolls through to his feet in return.
Cross Recoba: Both men have scouted well and we could have a stalemate in these early portions.
Steve Morrison: What can you do in this situation?
Both men eye the other with a heightened level of suspicion as they return to circling one another.
Cross Recoba: It’s a matter of finding a tell. If you can anticipate their next move, you can counter it but otherwise, at this stage in match, you’re just prodding at where you think the weak spots are and looking for a little give.
Raiden makes the first move, closing the gap as he steps towards his opponent. Thespian, knowing the gap is too much to meet with a punch, opts for a kick…Raiden catches it and immediately turns his body inward so his back is to Theo before driving a pointed elbow into the thigh of his opponent! And another quickly follows!
Cross Recoba: You’re not going to pin a man with elbow strikes to the leg but they will take it out of you one way or another. Would his Exquisite Catastrophe finisher land so well with a dead leg? Each one of those elbows is sapping strength from that leg, making it weaker to stand on, pivot or leap from…
On one leg, the Masked Wrestler only has one choice of offense and looks for an enzuigiri…Raiden ducks! He uses the still-captured leg to spin around his opponent…Leg Hook Belly-to-Belly Suplex!
Steve Morrison: Modified belly-to-belly suplex!
Cross Recoba: Excellent use of his situation to get that takedown.
Striding towards Thespian, Raiden ducks down to grab the head of his opponent but is met with a seated push kick to the shin. Thespian rolls back and catches the down-on-one-knee Raiden with a leaping Enzuiguri.
Steve Morrison: Quick recovery from Theo.
Cross Recoba: It shouldn’t be a surprise that the man who can mimic his opponents can also switch-up his offense at will.
Walking to his corner, Thespian tags in NOMAD.
Steve Morrison: Here we go, the first NOMAD appearance in a Tap Out ring since November.
Cross Recoba: I know his return garnered a lot of interest from fans hoping to see the dominant force that put away Cochrane, Gordon and Poena.
Steve Morrison: It’ll be interesting to see if NOMAD has any plans for payback on Poena who put him on the shelf since his last appearance with a broken arm.
Raiden, hedging his bets, tags out to Merric.
Cross Recoba: This could get interesting, the two never having shared a ring and neither of them likely to want to be seen as the first to back down.
The noise in the crowd grows as the two men eye each other.
Crowd: LET’S GO, MERRIC! WE WANT NOMAD! LET’S GO, MERRIC! WE WANT NOMAD! LET’S GO, MERRIC! WE WANT NOMAD! LET’S GO, MERRIC! WE WANT NOMAD! LET’S GO, MERRIC! WE WANT NOMAD!
With the crowd firmly split down the middle, the stand-off continues.
Steve Morrison: The crowd are baying for these two to face-off!
Merric breaks the deadlock and wields forward throwing a huge haymaker…NOMAD ducks and grabs a waistlock….MERRIC RUNS TO THE ROPES AND DIVES DOWN, SENDING NOMAD TO THE OUTSIDE!!!
Cross Recoba: Clever evasive move from the Outbacker. Puts the match on the outside and that’s where Merric can really get things moving.
Rolling under the ropes, Merric follows and picks up NOMAD before measuring him for a huge knife-edge chop.
Steve Morrison: Nothing held back in that chop.
ONE!!!
NOMAD has no time to respond or recover as a huge haymaker connects, thrown by the man from Coober Pedy.
Steve Morrison: Seemingly teeing off on NOMAD!
TWO!!!
The crowd noise starts to rise….
Cross Recoba: Aiden’s riling up the fans and making it into a fight he’s more at home with.
THREE!!!
SUICIDE DIVE FROM THE THESPIAN TAKES OUT MERRIC!!!
Steve Morrison: THESP JUST FLEW THROUGH THE AIR!!!
FOUR!!!
NOMAD ONLY MANAGES ONE STEP TOWARDS THE RING BUT HE’S CUT OFF BY A TOPE CON HILO FROM ISHIMORI!!!
Steve Morrison: RAIDEN REFUSES TO BE ONE-UPPED!!
FIVE!!!!
The two Junior Heavyweights eye each other but focus solely on getting their partners into the ring.
Cross Recoba: We’re back inside the ring where, if those two are coming into action, they’ll be far more effective.
The two legal men get to their feet and both throw a right hand that connects!
Steve Morrison: They’re duking it out now in the middle of the ring and you’d have to say that NOMAD’s size and weight advantage has to be a factor eventually.
They continue to throw wild punches where neither man wants to give an inch!
Cross Recoba: Merric will happily stand and trade til he can’t any longer.
A huge hook is weaved by NOMAD…EXPLODER SUPLEX FROM THE WANDERER!!!
Steve Morrison: There’s that explosive power that rocketed NOMAD to the top of the rankings last year!
NOMAD goes for the cover…
ONE…
T-
KICKOUT FROM MERRIC!
Cross Recoba: Was he too nonchalant with the cover? Hook a leg, trap the spare leg with one of your own, just make it difficult.
Eager to give Merric no quarter, Nomad leans backwards into the ropes as Aiden rises….a LEAPING LEG LARIAT CATCHES THE AUSTRALIAN IN THE THROAT!
Steve Morrison: He’s lost none of that agility!
Cross Recoba: Broken arms tend to not take away your ability with your legs…
The Travelling Warrior grabs the head of Merric and throws him into the enemy's corner. With a swift boot to keep the Bounty Hunter immobilized, NOMAD tags Thespian back in.
Steve Morrison: Merric finds himself in dangerous territory as Thespian and NOMAD look like they’re wearing down the Aussie.
Cross Recoba: It’s a smart strategy. Raiden is undoubtedly the more adroit in the ring of the two but Merric’s offense is all about impact.
Thespian enters the ring with aplomb as he connects with a SLINGSHOT DROPKICK THAT KEEP AIDEN PLANTED IN THE CORNER!
Steve Morrison: Great athleticism from Thesp!
The Masked Wrestler rolls backwards before immediately charging forward with a leaping knee that catches Merric on the chin and staggers the Australian from the corner…Thespian grabs the head and takes Aiden down to the mat with a Running Facebuster!
Steve Morrison: An almost ‘stick and move’ approach from the Masked Wrestler.
Cross Recoba: It’s making Merric work more and it’s far easier to be the one who’s being chased than doing the chasing.
Thespian goes for the pin.
ONE…
TW-
MERRIC GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!
Steve Morrison: Merric, despite the best efforts of his opponents, stubbornly remains in the match!
Showing no emotion but betraying his intentions by the speed with which he continues his attack, Thespian brings Aiden back to a vertical base and fires a lifting kick that lands on the breastplate of the Australian with a thud. The former NLW Star grabs the arm of Merric and whips him into a neutral corner.
Cross Recoba: What has stood out for me in the match so far has been the way in which NOMAD and Thespian have controlled the ring. They’ve cut Merric off from his own corner and Raiden’s on the outside with precious little he can do to change it.
The Thespian bolts towards Merric…MERRIC GETS A BOOT UP!!
Steve Morrison: Let's see now as he finds an opening!
Cross Recoba: Whatever gets him to his corner works.
Recovering from the mat, Thesp walks right into a bodyslam delivered with aplomb.
Steve Morrison: He put some extra power on the gravity that took down his opponent!
Dazed, Theo gets to his feet as much out of instinct as anything and Merric lifts him into the air before dropping him onto the turnbuckle face-first.
Steve Morrison: SNAKE EYES!!
Staggering backwards, Theo finds himself in a waistlock but not for long…GERMAN SUPLEX!!
Cross Recoba: Not the smoothest but he got the angle right, Thespian just bounced off his neck!
Merric looks to his corner but decides against the tag and instead pulls Thespian to his feet. He sends him to the ropes with an Irish Whip but Thesp reverses it….BLIND TAG FROM RAIDEN!
Steve Morrison: Unsighted by Thespian!
Cross Recoba: Years of countless tag-team matches will give you that instinct of when its right to do that.
Thespian takes Merric over with a Japanese Arm Drag and steps back….SLINGSHOT CUTTER FROM ISHIMORI LEVELS HIM!!!
Steve Morrison: What elevation!
“Big” John makes a point to usher Merric out of the ring. In response, Raiden makes a point of moving his line of vision to include NOMAD. Grabbing the arm of Thespian, Bone Cold wraps a leg around it before dropping to the mat.
Cross Recoba: Raiden showing once more why he’s in the conversation for being one of the best tag-team wrestlers on the Network. Moving his attack so he can keep an eye on the man on the outside.
Using the same arm, Raiden brings Thespian to his feet and spins under the limb into an arm-wringer. A swift boot is raised into the arm socket of the Masked Wrestler and Ishimori still hangs on to the limb.
Steve Morrison: It seems that Bone Cold has elected to target the arm now.
Cross Recoba: He’s very much of the new school approach where you don’t just have a Plan A and work the leg, you go for whatever body part you can get and wear each one down as if it was your main focus. It makes it difficult to defend against because you’re going to leave something open just defending where you think he’ll go next.
The Harbinger twists the arm once more and drives an elbow into the shoulder of Theo. Before he can reach for his arm, Thespian finds himself being taken over into a Northern Lights Suplex!
Steve Morrison: Crisp takedown there.
Without letting go of the limb, Ishimori transitions to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!!
Cross Recoba: Like butter!
Leaning back, Raiden puts his weight onto Theo. Quinn drops to the mat but before he can ask Thespian if he wants to continue NOMAD RUSHES THE RING AND LIFTS A KNEE INTO THE FACE OF ISHIMORI!
Steve Morrison: NOMAD with the save for his team!
Going back to his corner before Quinn insists, NOMAD extends his arm for the tag from Thespian.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD enters the fray and this could be interesting…
NOMAD rushes at Raiden with a shoulder-block that takes him down and carries onto the ropes, Raiden stays down and the Wanderer continues on…RAIDEN NAILS A FLYING HEADSCISSORS THAT SENDS NOMAD ACROSS THE RING!
Steve Morrison: Raiden now trying to keep up a high pace against the bigger man.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD isn’t your typical big-man brawler but he can’t change the simple biological fact that is if you’re a bigger guy, you’re going to need more oxygen to keep your blood pumping around your body. If Raiden keeps up this offensive pace, he can wear down his man far quicker than if he stuck to the pace NOMAD wants to dictate.
Quick to capitalize on the move, Raiden rushes in with a dropkick that catches the rising NOMAD!
Steve Morrison: He really isn’t giving him an inch!
The Vegas crowd cheer on the familiar face as he works out the angle for his next attack. He leaps up…RANA!!! NO!! NOMAD CATCHES HIM ON THE DOWNSWING!
Cross Recoba: He could be in real danger here…
KNEELING POWERBOMB!!!!!
Steve Morrison: CRUMBLING TOWER!!!!
NOMAD makes the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT FROM RAIDEN!!
Cross Recoba: Ishimori did well to get a shoulder out there.
Lifting the head of the Japanese star, NOMAD throws a clubbing forearm to the side of the skull before bringing him to his feet. He hooks an arm and lifts…
Steve Morrison: Is he going for the Nihilus 3 or 4? Either could end this…
RAIDEN DROPS DOWN THE BACK!
Steve Morrison: BONE COLD ESCAPES!!!
Coming off the ropes…ISHIMORI TAKES NOMAD DOWN WITH A TILT-A-WHIRL DDT!!
Steve Morrison: Raiden keeps it moving but he might do well to try and put some distance between himself and NOMAD.
Rolling to the apron, Raiden measures his opponent and leaps off the top rope…
Steve Morrison: He looks for a Springboard Lariat…
NOMAD CATCHES HIM IN MID-AIR!!
Cross Recoba: Denied!
URANAGE BACKBREAKER!!!
Steve Morrison: Slammed with no quarter given!
NOMAD tags in Thespian!
Cross Recoba: Thespian and NOMAD are keeping the team fresh, getting out where needed. Raiden needs to get Merric back into the match if they have any hope of getting a result tonight!
The Masked Man leaps to the top rope….FLYING ELBOW DROP!!
Steve Morrison: HE GOT ALL OF THAT ONE!!
Theo hooks the leg…
ONE…
TWO….
MERRIC BREAKS UP THE PIN!!!
Steve Morrison: Aiden makes the save!
NOMAD RUSHES IN AND TACKLES MERRIC THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE!!!
Cross Recoba: But eats a tackle doing so.
Raiden looks dazed as he’s dragged to his feet and sent to the ropes, Thespian charges to the other side…SPEAR!!!!
Steve Morrison: Ishimori nearly taken out of his boots!
Grabbing his opponent's legs, Thespian rolls him through…WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER AND OVER INTO A CLUTCH PIN!!!
Cross Recoba: Smooth transition…
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
RAIDEN WEAKLY KICKS OUT!!!
Steve Morrison: ISHIMORI SURVIVES BUT JUST FOR HOW MUCH LONGER?
No sooner is Ishimori on his feet than he’s eating kicks to his midsection. Left kick, right kick, HE CATCHES ONE! …DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!!
Cross Recoba: Desperation move there but it keeps him going!
Raiden holds on to the leg and twists it before driving a boot into the hamstring of his opponent.
Steve Morrison: Back to the leg!
Cross Recoba: He has a few moves in his arsenal that could stretch out those knees of Thespian’s!
Crowd : OOOOHHHHH!!!
Steve Morrison: Fans, you probably just heard the crowd. We’re getting you a replay as soon as we can…
Rolling the Masked Wrestler over, Raiden plants a boot into the back of his opponent’s knee before lifting it up…KNEE SMASHER!!!
Cross Recoba: Each blow to the legs of Thespian takes away the effectiveness of a moveset built around kicks, springboards and slingshots!
Steve Morrison: We’re getting a replay now…
REPLAY
On the outside, Merric and NOMAD have continued to spar.
Steve Morrison: As you can see-
NOMAD connects with a huge uppercut that sends Merric into the barriers!
Steve Morrison: -they were brawling outside.
Charging in with the Big Boot…MERRIC ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!
Cross Recoba: What did Merric grab? There.
NOMAD TURNS INTO A SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!
Steve Morrison: MERRIC CONNECTS WITH AUSSIE RULES!
A close-up shows THAT NOMAD IS BUSTED OPEN!!!
Steve Morrison: LOOK AT THAT CUT!
Merric is seen tucking something discreetly into his dungarees.
Cross Recoba: I see what he did there.
On the outside, Merric and NOMAD have continued to spar.
Steve Morrison: As you can see-
NOMAD connects with a huge uppercut that sends Merric into the barriers!
Steve Morrison: -they were brawling outside.
Charging in with the Big Boot…MERRIC ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!
Cross Recoba: What did Merric grab? There.
NOMAD TURNS INTO A SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!
Steve Morrison: MERRIC CONNECTS WITH AUSSIE RULES!
A close-up shows THAT NOMAD IS BUSTED OPEN!!!
Steve Morrison: LOOK AT THAT CUT!
Merric is seen tucking something discreetly into his dungarees.
Cross Recoba: I see what he did there.
Back to the action inside the ring and Raiden threads his leg between those of Thespian.
Steve Morrison: Merric might count himself lucky that Quinn was busy inside the ring when he went for the brass knuckles. But for now, it’s undetected as his partner tries to apply the Sharpshooter!
The Masked Wrestler blocks it with his hand and pushes it back. Raiden leans forward to land a blow…SMALL PACKAGE BY THESPIAN!!
Cross Recoba: Great bait and switch from Thesp!
ONE…
TWO….
T-
KICKOUT BY RAIDEN!!!
Steve Morrison: Theo nearly signed off his run here with a win out of nowhere!
As both men get to their feet it’s Theo who lands first with a kick to the temple that spins Raiden…POISON RANA!!!
Steve Morrison: HE SPIKES ISHIMORI ON HIS HEAD!!
Cross Recoba: He needs to tag out though…
Thespian gets to his feet and leans against the ropes. He makes his way to his corner but NO-ONE’S HOME!
Steve Morrison: No-one’s home…
Looking over the ropes, he sees NOMAD getting to his feet but Raiden cuts him off with a dropkick from behind that punts him into the turnbuckle chest-first. Ishimori lifts him onto the turnbuckle and rushes to the top himself….AVALANCHE SUNSET BOMB!!!!
Steve Morrison: DARK VOID!!
ONE…
TWO….
THR-
KICKOUT!!
Cross Recoba: Thesp’s lucky to still be -
RAIDEN SWITCHES TO THE SPIDER TWIST!!!
Steve Morrison: AQUA REGIA!!!
Cross Recoba: Thespian could be in real danger here. Raiden’s set this move up from pins countless times and he’s not wasted a second in locking it in!
The crowd burst into life as they sense the end of the match is near. Quinn, unable to read the face of Theo, watches his limbs for signs of limpness or a tap out.
Steve Morrison: Can Theo hang in there?
Cross Recoba: He’s going to have to. Some submissions you can literally roll with to get a better position but I can’t see how you do that here.
NOMAD BREAKS UP THE SUBMISSION WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!!
Steve Morrison: NOMAD MAKES THE SAVE!
In one fluid motion, the Wanderer has Raiden back to his feet and a clubbing forearm sends him into the ropes…POP-UP LARIAT!!
Steve Morrison: ANTI-AIR!!!
MERRIC RUSHES THE RING….NOMAD CONNECTS WITH A BACKDROP DRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: The Violent Wander cleans house!
Only NOMAD stands in the ring as Quinn ushers him through the ropes. Merric rolls to the apron before “Big” John is required to move him.
Cross Recoba: Now we’ve got ourselves a foot race.
Grabbing the ropes to get back to his feet, Raiden leans on the top rope to get a breather…THESPIAN PEARL HARBORS HIM WITH A POISON RANA!!
Steve Morrison: THESP GOES BACK TO THE WELL!
Thespian pins…
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
RAIDEN’S SHOULDER SHOWS DAYLIGHT!
Cross Recoba: Both men show tremendous fight and on both sides it’ll be pride alongside their competitive streak that keeps them in it.
Grabbing the raised arm, Thespian drags Raiden to the opposition corner and tags in NOMAD.
Steve Morrison: Thespian gets the tag and has wisely taken Raiden with him.
Cross Recoba: He’s going to be isolated and Merric might need to work out how to retrieve him before the match is lost.
The cut on his forehead from Merric’s Superman Punch has now run down his face, his features framed into a Crimson Mask.
Steve Morrison: Behind that visage of blood is a mind that’s going to be calculating exactly how to put away The Harbinger.
Giving his opponent no time to formulate an attack, NOMAD lifts a knee into the midsection of Ishimori and uses the doubled-up target to unload with a snapped uppercut that rocks Raiden into the neutral corner. NOMAD charges in with a Running Back Elbow and cuts off the stagger….he lifts up Ishimori….
Steve Morrison: Could this be NIHILUS IV?
ISHIMORI DROPS DOWN THE BACK….SNAP REVERSE DDT!!!!
Steve Morrison: CHALK OUTLINE FROM ISHIMORI!!!!
Crowd: LETS GO, RAIDEN! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LETS GO, RAIDEN! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LETS GO, RAIDEN! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Both men are down on the mat.
Steve Morrison: Raiden could have made the pin but didn’t have the gas left in the tank.
Cross Recoba: Right now, Ishimori just needs to tag in Merric and recover.
Slowly, Raiden starts to crawl towards his corner. Merric stomps his foot on the floor rhythmically to get the crowd behind his partner.
Crowd: *CLAP*...*CLAP*...*CLAP*...*CLAP*...*CLAP*...*CLAP*...
Steve Morrison: The Diamond Club crowd willing Raiden along…
Reaching out, Ishimori is within mere feet of making the tag to his partner. The crowd continue to keep up the beat as the noise inside the Diamond Club nears a crescendo.
Cross Recoba: We know it’s only two or three feet but if you’re in the ring in this condition, it feels like a mile.
Feet turn to inches as Ishimori’s extended arm gets nearer.
Steve Morrison: Merric’s leaning so far over the ropes he might as well be in the ring.
NOMAD DRAGS HIM UP BY THE FOOT!!!
Cross Recoba: This could be trouble…
RAIDEN FIRES BACK WITH AN ENZUIGURI CREATING DISTANCE!
Steve Morrison: HE CLOCKED HIM!
HE MAKES THE TAG!!
Steve Morrison: HE MADE THE TAG!!
NOMAD drops the leg of Ishimori but not before Merric has sprung forth with a huge forearm that knocks the Wanderer off-balance.
Steve Morrison: Huge blow from the Australian!
The Aussie Ass-Kicking Machine follows up with several more short forearms that back NOMAD into the corner before switching up the attack with boots that are driven into the stomach of his opponent.
Cross Recoba: Both men like to brawl but Merric’s giving NOMAD no time to answer any of his shots!
Quickly grabbing an unorthodox front-facelock, Merric brings NOMAD out of the corner and rushes a double-underhook…BUTTERFLY SUPLEX TAKES NOMAD OVER!
Steve Morrison: No give in that takedown at all!
Cross Recoba: It’s not graceful but it got the job done!
Before NOMAD can reset himself, Merric is on him…TIGER SUPLEX BUT HE CAN’T STICK THE LANDING INTO A BRIDGE!
Steve Morrison: Is that fatigue that stopped the pin?
Cross Recoba: And a little bit of roughness around the edges of his game…
Merric changes tact and steps back a pace or two.
Steve Morrison: He’s planning something big here…
MERRIC LEAPS FOR A SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!! NOMAD SIDESTEPS IT….MERRIC TURNS AROUND…POP-UP DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: NOMAD DODGED THE AUSSIE RULES PUNCH AND REPLIED WITH HATRED FROM DEATH VALLEY!!!!
NOMAD gets to his feet and steps backwards, reaching back to tag-in his partner. Staying in the corner, the Wanderer helps Thespian onto his shoulders and takes a step towards Merric…THESPIAN COMES OFF THE SHOULDERS WITH A SWANTON BOMB!!
Steve Morrison: Great teamwork from the pair!
He leans backwards….
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
RAIDEN MAKES THE SAVE WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK!
Steve Morrison: ISHIMORI JUST ABOUT KEEPS HIS TEAM IN IT!!
Cutting Ishimori off, NOMAD throws him over the ropes before he can exact any further offense on his partner and follows him to the outside.
Cross Recoba: But will he pay the price for it?
Both legal men start to get to their feet but it’s the Thespian who is quicker out the blocks as he leaps towards Merric…MONKEY FLIP!!!
Steve Morrison: Huge elevation!
Aiden rises, staggering back as he does so. He hits the ropes and lurches forward…THESPIAN WITH THE CROSS-BODY BLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: Can he get the pin he-
IT’S CAUGHT!!! URANAGE BACKBREAKER!! HAYMAKER!!!!
Steve Morrison: TRAP TRICK!!!
Crowd: COME ON, THEO! LET’S GO MERRIC! COME ON, THEO! LET’S GO MERRIC! COME ON, THEO! LET’S GO MERRIC! COME ON, THEO! LET’S GO MERRIC! COME ON, THEO! LET’S GO MERRIC! COME ON, THEO! LET’S GO MERRIC!
Smelling blood, Merric hooks his arms around the waist of Thespian and grabs the wrist as he does so. He pulls the cord…RIPCORD LARIAT NEARLY DECAPITATES THE MASKED WRESTLER!!!
Steve Morrison: TARGET NEUTRALIZED!!!
Merric collapses into a pin…
ONE…
TWO…
NOMAD PULLS MERRIC OFF OF THESPIAN….A SICKENING LARIAT OF HIS OWN CONNECTS WITH THE BACK OF MERRIC’S HEAD!!!
Steve Morrison: NOMAD JUST FLOORED HIM WITH A NEVERMIND LARIAT!!!
Thespian knows just about enough to cover as Quinn guides NOMAD back to his corner and out of the ring.
Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE!!!
Steve Morrison: Quinn’s indisposed! Thespian could have had him!
Cross Recoba: With a very healthy assist from NOMAD but that’s how it goes sometimes.
With no ref to count, Theo looks up and only then is Quinn dropping to his knees.
ONE!
Crowd: ONE!
TWO!
Crowd: TWO!
THR-
MERRIC WEAKLY KICKS OUT!!!!
Steve Morrison: MERRIC SURVIVES BUT BARELY!
Thespian slowly lifts up Merric but the Australian drops to his knees with a jawbreaker.
Cross Recoba: Desperation is the mother of innovation.
Merric rolls backwards and tags in Raiden!
Steve Morrison: He makes the tag!
Cross Recoba: And even if Ishimori isn’t a hundred-percent, he’s going to be fresher than Thespian!
Going for the kill, Ishimori pulls Thespian up between his legs and lifts…OVERHEAD GUTWRENCH BACKBREAKER RACK FLIPPED INTO A DDT!!!!!
Steve Morrison: CASTLES FALL!!!
NOMAD CUTS OFF ISHIMORI BEFORE HE CAN PIN THESPIAN! HE GRABS HIM…SWINGING NECKBREAKER!!!
Steve Morrison: ONCE MORE, NOMAD IMPOSES HIS WILL ON THE MATCH!!
He rouses Thespian before Merric storms in and the two men start to brawl. The Masked Wrestler rolls under the ropes and gets to his feet.
Steve Morrison: He’s going for something big….
Measuring his opponent, Theo stalks the Harbinger before leaping….LEAPING DDT!!!!!!
Cross Recoba: SPRINGBOARD DDT!
NO!!!!!! ISHMORI CATCHES HIM AND HOOKS A LEG….
Steve Morrison: He’s got the wrist too….
Cross Recoba: He’s looking to end this!
NOMAD UPPERCUTS MERRIC INTO THE CORNER….
Steve Morrison: It’s chaos inside the ring as Merric and NOMAD brawl inside the ring!
Cross Recoba: Quinn knows he’s only delaying it if he interrupts.
WRIST-CLUTCH FISHERMAN DRIVER FROM ISHIMORI!!!!
Steve Morrison: CLIMHAZZARD!!
Cross Recoba: THE CHRIS CARD KILLER!!!!
MERRIC’S LIFTED INTO A SUPLEX!!!
Steve Morrison: What can NOMAD do now?
ISHIMORI COVERS…
Cross Recoba: He hasn’t spotted the pin…
ONE…
NOMAD DROPS HIM AND INTERCEPTS HIM WITH A KNEE!!!!
Steve Morrison: NILHILUS III!!!!
TWO….
Cross Recoba: NOW he sees the pin!
THREE!!!
NOMAD DIVES WITH AN ELBOW TO THESPIAN JUST FRACTIONS TOO LATE!!!
Steve Morrison: Did he break it up in time?
Quinn calls for the bell as NOMAD’s face reads distraught.
Cross Recoba: “BIG” JOHN SAYS NO!
DING! DING! DING!
Merric is propped up by Ishimori as the ref grabs Raiden’s hand in victory, his partner now sports a bloodied face to match the one he gifted the Wanderer.
Steve Morrison: They pick up the win but just look at the damage they took!
Laura Messier: YOUR WINNERS OF TONIGHT’S MAIN EVENT! The team of AIDEN MERRIC AND RAIIIIIIIDENNNNN….ISHIMORIIII!!!!!!!!
“A Match Made in Heaven” by Architects plays as the two victors make their way to the back.
NOMAD helps Thespian to his feet.
Crowd: THANK YOU, THEO! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* THANK YOU, THEO! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* THANK YOU, THEO! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* THANK YOU, THEO! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Steve Morrison: Thespian might have lost but he put in a hell of a showing tonight!
Cross Recoba: Without a doubt, that was one of his best showings in a Tap Out ring to date and NOMAD seems like he’s not lost as much of a step as you’d expect and when Tap Out Wrestling 16 rolls around, I’d not want to see my name opposite his!
Steve Morrison: But for the victors, a great win. Merric leapfrogs his way past NOMAD in the rankings and Raiden opens his account with a win!
Cross Recoba: You’ve got to think that this match will have put a few people on high-alert.
Steve Morrison: Fans, that brings us to a close for the night but before we go: Cross, what’s the Match of the Night?
Cross Recoba: No surprises here, the Committee have chosen the tag-team main-event! Merric goes from tenth to joint-fourth! NOMAD finds himself only a point behind as he draws level with Sam Sawyer.
Steve Morrison: From us, it’s good night and thanks for joining us. Don’t forget to catch XHF’s Night of Champions event next Sunday to find out whether Diamond or Poena will reign supreme in our ‘No Escape’ Cage Match and then in our main-event, Sam Sawyer gets a shot at becoming the next X*Crown Champion. Good night and Happy Twenty-First to the XHF Network!
Cross Recoba: The shots are on Mongo!!
CREDITS & THANKS
MATCHES
Henare vs Capone - Bailey
Fristik vs Strcyhnine - Bailey
Random vs Craft - Teeps
NOMAD & Thespian vs Merric & Ishimori - Bailey
SEGMENTS
Jacob Craft Seg - Jacob Craft
Long X*Crown Win - Mav
Spike X*Crown Win - Spike
Capone/Random Seg - Ran/Kira
Harbingers - Hunter
Contract Signing - Jack/Felix
Sawyer Intro - Sam
Diamond X*Crown Wins - Jack
ADVERTS
Wrestle: UK - Don
Marty Bash - Marty
Razor Wrestling- Razor
SHOOT Project - Greg @ SHOOT Project
Hardkore World - Bailey
DTF - Jack
NoC - Bailey/Mav
MATCHES
Henare vs Capone - Bailey
Fristik vs Strcyhnine - Bailey
Random vs Craft - Teeps
NOMAD & Thespian vs Merric & Ishimori - Bailey
SEGMENTS
Jacob Craft Seg - Jacob Craft
Long X*Crown Win - Mav
Spike X*Crown Win - Spike
Capone/Random Seg - Ran/Kira
Harbingers - Hunter
Contract Signing - Jack/Felix
Sawyer Intro - Sam
Diamond X*Crown Wins - Jack
ADVERTS
Wrestle: UK - Don
Marty Bash - Marty
Razor Wrestling- Razor
SHOOT Project - Greg @ SHOOT Project
Hardkore World - Bailey
DTF - Jack
NoC - Bailey/Mav
