TOW 16: POENA VS LONG - TAPE DELAY
Sept 5, 2023 9:28:56 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Kira Izumi, and 2 more like this
Post by Cross Recoba on Sept 5, 2023 9:28:56 GMT -5
EARLIER TONIGHT
The screen fades in on the exterior of The Diamond Club which is already bustling with various activity from the crowds of Tap Out fans and nightlife goers to the line of cars that stop for the valet service. Amid the line, a black limousine pulls forward, drawing quite a few sets of eyes to it, doors clicking open, and surprisingly, the sun roof in the back as well. Emerging from the latter, Daigo Arakawa hoists himself up onto the roof of the vehicle, his half of the XHF Tag Team Championship slung over his shoulder and dressed in a gray Armani suit. He catches sight of the cameras pointed towards, bearing that wicked smile of his as he raises the championship belt in the air from his perch. From the doors, the remaining collective of Kingsley Solomon, Hunter Storms, and Raiden Ishimori step out of the limo, dressed in navy blue, charcoal black, and wine red suits respectively. Storms pulls the pair of sunglasses resting atop his head and tucks them away in his breast pocket, taking a moment to adjust both his half of the Tag Team Championship on one shoulder and the other bearing the SCCW World Championship while Kingsley takes a moment to stretch as Raiden straightens out his jacket.
Daigo slides off the roof of the vehicle, allowing Storms to give the limo a few hits to the side of it, giving the driver the signal to carry on. Before the quartet, the gathered crowd had grown a considerable amount, with several people now opting to take photos of the four with various signs being held up such as the “FATALITY: RAIDEN WINS”, “CHAOS REIGNS SUPREME”, “DESTRUCTION IS RATED E FOR EVERYONE”, and “I’D GAMBLE ON THE HARBINGERS”. Kingsley chuckles at the sight of it all, arms folding over his chest as he basks in the scenery.
Kingsley: Gentlemen….this is one of the best moments we’re all going to have here in Vegas. A group of winners we are, and tonight is all about cementing that fact and letting the The Diamond Club know that no matter where we go…Sin City is always our house.
Daigo seems to half process what the Harbinger ringleader has said, raising his half of the tag belts up into the air to a small roar of cheers and applause from the surrounding crowd. Storms bears a nonchalant expression as he stares up at the building rather unfazed by the tension filled air that slowly wraps around them.
Storms: It’s all about tag mastery tonight. That much is plain…but people tonight are going to know why we’re the kings of this division now.
Cut-Throat nudges Chaos Tiger with his elbow, hand raised up in a fist at his side. Daigo turns to him with a raised brow but takes note of the fist and forms his own, going over, under, and then meeting in the middle with his championship partner. Storms moves to lead the charge, Daigo following in behind him, who is in turn followed by Raiden and then Kingsley. Part of the crowd tries to converge on their path but are easily pushed back by Storms’ build and light pushes with his forearms. Amid their procession, Kingsley taps Raiden on the shoulder, garnering a small side glance from Bone Cold as SCCW co-owner saddles up beside him.
Kingsley: Tonight’s an important night for you especially. The boys got their defense, but for you…I know you got a lot of pride riding in on this one, even with it being a tag match.
Raiden: I’m aware of the matter, Kingsley.
Kingsley: “I know, I know. You know I’ll be out there with you the entire time to cover your back so all you gotta do is raise hell in there and sink your fangs into your prey.”
A Cheshire grin crosses Kingsley’s lips as he pats the Tap Out star’s shoulder.
Kingsley: Time you got some measure of retribution.
Raiden only offers a simple nod in response, gaze turning back to the other two Harbingers as they reach the entrance to the venue and file inside. The cameraman goes to follow but is stopped by Solomon who gives them a wag of the finger, chuckling afterward before disappearing inside after his stablemates.
PRESENTS
TAP OUT WRESTLING 16: POENA VS LONG
Date: 27th August 2023
Venue: The Diamond Club Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Attendance: 9002 (Capacity: 18000)
We fade in from the outside of the Diamond Club to the inside where nine-thousand fans erupt as the cameras pan around them. As always, the TV director picks out five signs from the Crowd.
* FINISH ME, RAIDEN!
* CJ WALKER IS MY GOD!
* FIRE TAPOUTBOOKERMANG! HIRE RUSSO!
* ICON’T BELIEVE IT!
* OG STRYCH GROUPIE! EST. 2010!
We cut to ringside where Steve Morrison and Cross Recoba stand-by.
Steve Morrison: WELCOME TO TAP OUT WRESTLING SIXTEEN!
Cross Recoba: The LAST show to come to you from the Diamond Club!
Steve Morrison: That’s right, next month we’ll be back in the Lansky Ballroom but it’ll be like you’ve never seen it before!
Cross Recoba: I’ve already shown a preview of what to expect when I spoke to the HKW guys but other than that sneak look, you’re all going to have to wait!
Steve Morrison: That isn’t the only change as we go into tonight with a new Tap Out Openweight Champion!
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 14
JACK LEAPS FOR THE CUTTER!
Va'aiga: STACKED DECK!!!!!
IT’S REVERSED INTO A SNAP BACK SUPLEX!!!
Steve Morrison: NO! POENA PLANTED HIM!!!!
THE CHALLENGER RUSHES IN AND SWINGS HIS BOOT……PENALTY KICK MISSES AS DIAMOND SWEEPS THE TRAILING LEG AND HOLDS ON. HE SPINS AROUND IT…
Steve Morrison: ACES WILD!!!
POENA LEANS FORWARD AND RAKES THE EYE BEFORE THE FIGURE-FOUR CAN BE APPLIED! THE SANCTIFIED ONE RUSHES IN WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK….
Steve Morrison: What can he be going for…
Leaning back into the turnbuckle, Poena charges and leaps…CURB STOMP TO THE SHOULDER!!!!
Va'aiga: Motherfucker got motherfuckin’ air!!!
Poena throws Diamond to his feet almost, LIVER PUNCH COLLAPSES DIAMOND INTO THE CORNER!
Steve Morrison: ELEVENTH HOUR FOLDS THE CHAMPION UP!!
With unnerving calmness, Poena approaches Diamond.
Steve Morrison: Where can this match go?
JACK RAKES THE EYES BEFORE RETURNING TO FAVORING WHERE THE LIVER PUNCH LANDED.
Va'aiga: Diamond’s like a motherfuckin’ wounded animal and he knows it!
DIAMOND LURCHES FORWARD WITH AN ICON KICK….POENA DUCKS IT AND GRABS THE HAND OF THE DAMAGED ARM…
*SNAP*
Steve Morrison: HE MIGHT JUST HAVE BROKEN THE FINGERS OF THE CHAMPION!!!
Diamond drops to the mat and that’s all that Poena needs…HYPERNORMALIZATION OMOPLATA!!
Steve Morrison: PENANCE! HE’S GOT IT IN!!!!!!!
Poena’s leg traps one arm whilst an arm pulls back the devastated limb of Diamond to an ungodly angle.
Va'aiga: HOW HAS JACK NOT TAPPED INSTANTLY???
Quinn asks if Diamond wants to tap but he weakly shakes his head.
Steve Morrison: Diamond’s hanging in there, we’ve seen him escape every submission attempt so far, can he go for one more?
The Omoplata continues to be worked deeper.
God ModePoena: JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! GIVE IN, JACK! YOUR SUBMISSION TO YOUR TRUE GOD IS INEVITABLE!
POENA KEEPS THE HOLD TIGHT AND THROWS HIS HEAD FORWARD INTO THE DELTOID THAT HAS BEEN WORKED OVER SO MUCH IN THE MATCH AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN!!!
Quinn asks if he wants to submit….
Va'aiga: If he continues he might not have a career to look forward to….
POENA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK AS HIS HEAD VIOLENTLY LURCHES FORWARD WITH PRECISION HEADBUTTS TO THE SHOULDER AND UPPER ARM!!!!
Steve Morrison: HEADBUTTS TO THAT DAMAGED SHOULDER!!!!!!!!!
“BIG” JOHN GETS NO RESPONSE FROM DIAMOND!!! HE CALLS FOR THE BELL!!!!!!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Va'aiga: E TOKO ATUA! E TOKO ATUA! E toko atua…
Steve Morrison: I can’t quite believe it. I know it happened but POENA JUST BEAT DIAMOND FOR THE TITLE!
The Central Savings Bank seems to be in shock save for the lone Poena fan in the front-row who leaps around in joy at his hero becoming the victor. Every other fan in the vicinity looks at him like a plague to be avoided.
Steve Morrison: Fans, you might have this if you’re watching with friends but save for one person, the entire arena seems to be stupefied….
The Tap Out and XHF crew are quick to realign and make sure that neither side mixes as they undo the door and pass the Tap Out Openweight Title to Quinn.
Laura Messier: The winner of this match….AND THE NEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION, THE TERROR FROM THE NINTH DEEP…..POENA!!!
Cross Recoba: It was an absolute war but Diamond came up just short.
Steve Morrison: He didn’t tap though!
Cross Recoba: We only have one title and it isn’t the Refuse to Tap Out title.
Steve Morrison: We’ll come back to that match in just a few minutes but we’ve got a hell of a card for you tonight.
Steve Morrison: Opening up proceedings, we have Jackalope taking on Ashton Henare!
Cross Recoba: An absolute David and Goliath of an opening contest!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope constantly defies expectations on how he’ll do based on his size and you’d put him forward as a Tap Out member who would give current XHF Junior Heavyweight Champion, Zoran Sainovic, a run for his money!
Cross Recoba: He wants to use this match as a way to atone for his loss to Diamond and in Henare he’s got a great opportunity to remind us all what he can do.
Steve Morrison: Henare on the other hand has a lot to live up to in potential and so far it’s been a mixed bag of results.
Cross Recoba: Ashton’s a guy who has been told all his life that he’s a star and right now, he’s not quite adapted to the change in pace, intensity, and competitiveness but those flashes of greatness are there to see, it’s just turning them from flashes into consistency.
Steve Morrison: He’s got to look at a guy like Jackalope and be licking his lips, Henare’s offense is designed to destroy guys built like the Chaos Bunny.
Cross Recoba: But on the other side of the coin, Jackalope’s moves rarely involve lifting and Ashton’s frame is going to increase the impact with all of that weight being taken down!
Steve Morrison: Following on from that, we have a tag-team match where both teams have a technician and a power guy as NOMAD teams with Julius Fristik to take on Aiden Merric and Random McConalogue!
Cross Recoba: Both teams are evenly matched and on paper, it’s hard to see an obvious winner. Talk online has both teams pegged neck and neck.
Steve Morrison: Yeah, about messages boards. Have you seen the TapOutBookerMang who claims to be you?
Cross Recoba: I got sent some screenshots, I don’t even book our half-time shows!
Steve Morrison: Back to the match and for Merric and NOMAD it’s picking up where they left off at our last show.
Steve Morrison: Both men have spoken about the other in the lead-up to tonight and you’ve got to wonder what’ll happen when these two share the ring.
Cross Recoba: It’ll be a slugfest and that similarity between the two wrestlers means that, in my opinion, more of a spotlight is going to fall on their partners.
Steve Morrison: Random has an almost perfect record with only one loss to her name since she joined us back in November and Fristik pulled out an impressive win against Strychnine last month!
Cross Recoba: It made negotiations with Julius a lot more energized. He can take to the sky and can go to the mat with ease. Random isn’t known as the Infrequent Flyer for nothing but her ability to turn a bad situation into a win is second-to-none in the company.
Steve Morrison: What is the key for either team?
Cross Recoba: Cohesiveness is the one constant between the two teams if they’re to win tonight. For Merric and McConalogue, I’d be looking at Merric being the tenderizer for Random to then finish them off with a submission. On the other side, NOMAD and Fristik could combine to blend their strengths into something devastating with high-impact, fast-paced attacks.
Steve Morrison: Bringing the first-half of our show to a close tonight is a six-man tag match which could well steal the show.
Cross Recoba: You’ve got two teams that have a great mix between them. The power of Capone, the heart of Sawyer, the guile of Diamond against the brains of Raiden, the ruthlessness of Tommy, and the submission skills of Craft? It’s a veritable banquet of wrestling talent!
Steve Morrison: Raiden might fancy his chances, his Harbinger friends are all here tonight, and Diamond’s camp have told us that he’s not at a hundred percent from Night of Champions.
Cross Recoba: He signed the match contract, he’s fit to go but he’s not alone. Sawyer and Capone have both impressed throughout their time in Tap Out and Sawyer raised their profile considerably at Night of Champions.
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 14
Fox is in hunting mode, stalking Sam as they lay recovering on the ground from a lethal kick! He picks up the former FIRESIDE Wildfire Champion and gets a thumb to his eye! He screams as Sam drives an elbow back into the champ's head! He cries out and Sam delivers a gut kick before a high knee topples the current X*Crown Champion! Sam runs the ropes and goes for a senton! They nail it and it knocks the wind out of Fox! He's in pain, gasping for air and reaching out for Sam. Sam just kicks him in the face! There's a crack and blood trickles from Fox's nose! He screams and lunges out, knocking Sam off their feet with a stiff kick across the knees! Sam collapses and Fox mounts for a Thesz press but Sam wraps both hands around his head and drives their heads together! CRACK! Fox screams and falls back!
Steve is holding his back and pulls himself to his feet, noticing everyone is laid out on the ground. Everyone but Florida Man. Florida Man has picked up the ladder and folded it up, he rams it into Steve's face! Steve falls down and Florida Man turns around into a C-C-C-C-C-COMBO FROM SAM! PUNCHES AND KICKS TO KNOCK THE LADDER OUT OF HIS HANDS! FIRE BY FIRE LARIAT! FLORIDA MAN IS DOWN! Sam turns grabs the ladder, sets it up in the middle of the ring all business-like. Before they can start the ascent Steve knocks them out of the way! He looks around wildly and begins the climb ten, fifteen feet in the air. He is just fingertips away from the crown. The key to the first half of the match. Steve goes to take another step, BUT SAM SAWYER IS ABLE TO GRAB HIS FEET AND HOLD HIM TIGHTLY!
Steve Morrison: Although they lost, they acquitted themselves well and if they don’t get the nod for End of Days, the Rumble could well be somewhere they could well make waves in the Rumble.
Cross Recoba: End of Days is on our radar and in this match alone you could point to Diamond, Raiden, and even Tommy Strychnine as in the conversation and tonight is a great way to prove it.
Steve Morrison: Tommy sees the match as a way to get revenge for his narrow loss to Jack Diamond earlier in the year.
Cross Recoba: It’s the perils of being the Champion, even when you lose that belt - people will remember slights, real or imagined.
Steve Morrison: Talk online has seen an interesting proposition arise, what if Craft pins Diamond?
Cross Recoba: Don’t discount the possibility, he’s an MMA expert, and with everyone and their grandmother having seen the damage Diamond’s shoulder sustained, it’s a huge opportunity for Jacob to put the rest of the roster on notice!
Steve Morrison: And to our co-main event as we have the XHF Tag Titles on the line with Cut Throat Chaos taking on the Throw Show! Now, Hunter and Daigo have hardly been shy about their opponents' shortcomings.
Cross Recoba: They’re riding on a high and they’re SCCW-bred, that place is a hot-bed for tag-team action. Kingsley, you can thank me for the compliment later. The Throw Show have dedicated the last five months of their careers to tonight and they’ll thrive on people doubting them.
Steve Morrison: It’s surprising to see Close still being underestimated. Here’s a guy who beat Jason Long in his debut match and not only ended NOMAD’s undefeated streak but is the only blemish on Random’s record here in Tap Out!
Cross Recoba: Cut Throat Chaos see those titles as their reward for the hard-work becoming a cohesive and deadly team, they won’t want to surrender them at the first time of asking. They’ve also got Kingsley at ringside and possibly Hanzo Aguilar there and that changes the match make-up considerably.
Steve Morrison: Can The Throw Show do it?
Cross Recoba: I’m behind them both in this match but I’ve been in their shoes and when that bell rings, the crowd’ll fade to a hushed whisper and it’s down to them to make the most of the opportunity.
Steve Morrison: Which leads us into our main event.
Steve Morrison: Jason Long takes on Poena in a non-title match but even without the title it’s a match that’ll be tinged with tension, intensity, and bad blood!
Cross Recoba: Long’s talent has always been driven by a desire to be the best and an intense in-ring style that allows for no let-up for his opponent and equally for himself. He watched from outside the cage in New York as Poena took his friend and fellow Icon apart.
Steve Morrison: Does that make him an easier target for Poena?
Cross Recoba: I wouldn’t make that assumption. Long has done it all on the Network and the last time he was in a match with this much bad blood it was when he not only beat Seth Dillinger but very nearly ended the man’s career!
Steve Morrison: But for Poena, this is a chance to get someone close to Jack Diamond into his flock and besides that, it’s a chance to prove to Jack, Jason and everyone else that he deserves to be the Tap Out Openweight Champion!
Cross Recoba: Poena didn’t get those title shots for nothing. With only a few exceptions, he has beaten everyone put in front of him. Perhaps the biggest question for me though is that the non-title stipulation opens the floor for Poena to use this as a crucifixion and not a defense.
Steve Morrison: You think Poena would use the match to make an example?
Cross Recoba: To make a disciple.
Steve Morrison: We’ll find out whether the fears are well-founded at the top of the show but for now, Laura Messier’s ready to introduce our first match of the evening!
Laura Messier: Good evening and welcome to…TAP…OUT…WRESTLING…SIXTEEEEEN!! Your opening bout is a singles match set for-
She holds the microphone to the crowd who fill in the blank.
Crowd: ONE FAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The opening chords of Big Shot slam into the speakers, bringing the fans to their feet as Jackalope charges through the curtain.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope has been here since the start, he knows just what an impressive showing in the opener can do.
Cross Recoba: He’s practically a veteran when it comes to card positions. Don’t forget just how close he came to dethroning Jack Diamond and just think how that would have changed the landscape of Tap Out Wrestling!
He runs full tilt down the ramp and slides into the ring, rolling to his feet and spinning like a dervish as he soaks everything in.
Steve Morrison: A perennial crowd-favorite, you’d think the rest from competition last month would mean he’s raving to go.
Cross Recoba: Without question, Kid Cryptid is perhaps the quickest wrestler in Tap Out, if not the Network!
He finally slows enough to mount a turnbuckle, a grin on his face as he salutes the fans before backflipping to the mat again.
Steve Morrison: He’ll be looking to cut down the huge frame of Henare ready to put him away with that Shooting Star DDT!
Cross Recoba: Stick and move, that’s the best advice I can give the Chaos Bunny…
"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: Over a quarter-tonne of sheer power!
Cross Recoba: Ashton knows that he’s got the physique, he just needs to show he has the talent and I’m sure I’ll be fielding calls from Japan, down the Strip, and from wherever the Valentines decide might actually be their home!
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: Can he hit that spear on such an agile target as Jackalope?
Cross Recoba: If he does, it’s Game Over but the challenge for Ashton is how do you break down a target that won’t stay still?
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 middle rope before moving toward the center. He wipes his hands off and turns to the camera as he dusts his shoulders off.
Steve Morrison: What would a win do for Henare tonight?
Cross Recoba: Honestly, it would put him on the radar for a title shot down the line. Jackalope is only in his second year as a pro but he, alongside Close and Sawyer, are the proof as to what you get for hard work!
Laura Messier: Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada...Standing at five-feet and nine-inches, he is The Chaos Bunny.... JACKALOPE!!
Jackalope leaps to the turnbuckle once more as his name is called to huge cheers and applause from the Diamond Club.
Laura Messier: 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!!!!
Henare looks towards his opponent and seems to laugh to himself at the size of the Chaos Bunny.
OPENING MATCH
SINGLES MATCH
Jackalope (#4) vs Ashton Henare (#12)
DING! DING! DING!
As the fans chant for Jackalope, the two wrestlers stare at each other from their corners. There's an urgent focus in Jackalope's stance, but he shows no fear as he locks eyes with Henare. Henare looks back at him with a small smirk, completely unfazed.
Crowd: JACKALOPE! JACKALOPE! JACKALOPE!
Steve Morrison: No surprises who the fans are behind.
Cross Recoba: Henare doesn't care. They might know their wrestling but to Henare they're just some dopes who walked in off the street. As far as he's concerned Jackalope is beneath him.
Jackalope starts advancing on Henare. Henare stays put, then at the last second steps forward to meet him. He raises his arm for a forearm shot but is interrupted by a quick kick to the waist, then another. He catches the third kick. Jackalope looks ready to hit an enzuigiri but Henare pushes his leg sending him backwards. Jackalope rolls back to his feet and runs straight at Henare. Henare quickly sidesteps and lets Jackalope bounce off the ropes. Building up speed he crosses the ring, then comes back and ducks a lariat. On the return Henare takes a quick couple steps forward to cut Jackalope off with a heavy shoulder block.
Steve Morrison: And Henare gets the early advantage.
Cross Recoba: He's determined not to let Jackalope get the better of him. Did you see how fast he moved then? In his head he can do anything Jackalope can do.
Jackalope rolls away and hastily tries to regain his footing but Henare pounces on him and applies a headlock. Jackalope flails his arms hoping to find the ropes but they're far out of reach. Henare grins, defiant in the face of the booing crowd. Jackalope tries to hook his leg around Henare's but can't quite do it. Henare takes him on the move with some brisk steps around the ring, then just before Jackalope can try again he takes him down with a headlock takeover.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope just can't get going.
Cross Recoba: If he's smart Henare will keep him at bay as long as he can.
Henare is now intense with concentration as Jackalope tries to struggle free. Jackalope bends at the waist and tries to scissor Henare's head but Henare cranks tighter on the headlock and manages to keep his head free. Undeterred Jackalope immediately goes for the headscissors again and gets it. He puts enough pressure on Henare to force him out of position and free himself from the hold. They both get to their feet and Jackalope hits a dropkick square in Henare's face. Henare drops to a knee and Jackalope hits the ropes and comes back with a basement crossbody crushing Henare to the mat. Steve Tyrell is quick to catch the pin.
ONE...
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Just a one count!
Cross Recoba: But Jackalope's not wasting motion.
Henare is up on his feet but before he knows it Kid Cryptid comes springing off the second rope to hit a roundhouse kick to the side of his head. He follows up with a step up enzuigiri that takes Henare down to the mat.
Steve Morrison: What a shot!
While Henare climbs back to his feet, slower this time, Jackalope quickly shoots up to the top turnbuckle. He flips backwards with a moonsault but Henare catches him on his shoulder. He hurls him off into a fall away position, staring heatedly into the crowd, then hoists him up to his shoulders to deliver a resounding Samoan Drop.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope snuffed out just like that.
Cross Recoba: There was some serious spite behind that one.
He grabs Jackalope by the head and pulls him upright. He hooks his arm over his shoulder and hits a crisp snap suplex. Seeing Jackalope lying flat on his back, he cockily saunters around the ring as the crowd boo.
Steve Morrison: Henare taking his time now.
Cross Recoba: He's making a statement. He wants to conquer America like he has everywhere else. It's not enough for him just to get the victory.
When he returns to Jackalope's body he lifts him up again, then hits another snap suplex. The sharp impact stuns a number of fans into silence but The Diamond Club is still thick with boos. The Personification of Domination lifts Jackalope up once more, and gets into another suplex position. This time he wraps his arms around Jackalope's waist and hits a wicked Northern Lights.
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope just gets the shoulder up!
Cross Recoba: He was lucky to. The positioning on that bridge was perfect.
We cut to a close-up of Henare's face to see him give a little laugh, then shake his head. He brings Jackalope back to his feet and gets him in position for a uranage.
Steve Morrison: This could be The End! Henare wants to put Jackalope away early!
Jackalope suddenly comes to life with an elbow strike and frees himself! Spinning back elbow! Spinning tornado roundhouse kick! Jackalope rebounds off the ropes and goes for the Reverse Sling Blade but Henare keeps his feet planted. Jackalope spins back to his feet and is met by a throat uppercut.
Steve Morrison: Henare avoids the Hold-out Pistol and hits the uppercut! Watch the Throne combo!
Henare follows with the rolling elbow but Jackalope ducks. Pelé kick! Henare quickly pushes himself off the mat but is obviously rocked. Jackalope comes off the ropes with a forward roll into a front dropkick. With no hesitation he leaps on the downed Henare, wraps his legs around his waist and with a shin-assisted choke locks in a Reverse Gogoplata!
Steve Morrison: SCHRÖDINGER'S BOX!!!
Cross Recoba: Henare could be done!
Henare's eyes are wide with shock as Jackalope keeps the hold locked tight. Tyrell asks Henare if he wants to quit but just gets an obstinate glare in response. The crowd are on their feet.
Steve Morrison: Henare has already tapped out once, will Jackalope make it twice?!
Cross Recoba: This could be an utter disaster for Henare. One submission is hard enough to come back from, but two?
Just as the life starts to drain from his eyes, Henare comes in clutch with a desperate roll towards the ropes. Jackalope doesn't let go as Henare forces him into the mat, back up into the air, and finally grabs the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Lightning doesn't strike twice. Jackalope breaks.
Cross Recoba: He should have held for a five count. What's he doing?
Jackalope looks spent but doesn't hesitate, climbing up to the top rope at the nearest corner. The dazed Henare rolls away from him with an enormous effort. Jackalope watches as Henare makes it to the opposite corner, then hops down, runs across the ring and hits a cannonball! After crushing Henare he gets some quick distance then goes for another but Henare boots him out of the air!
Steve Morrison: No!
Cross Recoba: Jackalope might have just thrown this one away.
Henare grabs the ropes to pull himself up. He stalks Jackalope as he slowly rises to his feet. With a running leap he hits the Superman Punch!
Steve Morrison: NEW MAGIC WAND!!!
Henare takes a handful of the Chaos Bunny's hair and roughly pulls him up from the mat. As Tyrell issues a warning, Henare says something inaudible to Jackalope. Headbutt! He locks his body and hits an overhead belly-to-belly! Jackalope lands with a thud but somehow manages to roll to the ropes and pull himself up!
Steve Morrison: How is Jackalope standing?!
Cross Recoba: He's in survival mode. He's fearless but I don't think it's going to be enough.
As soon as Jackalope is standing, Henare rushes up and hits a bicycle knee!
Steve Morrison: HOLLOW TIP!!!
Henare backs into a corner and watches Jackalope rise again.
HE HITS THE SPEAR!!!
Steve Morrison: NO LONGER HUMAN!!!
BUT HE FLIES OVER AS JACKALOPE FALLS BACKWARDS TO THE MAT AT THE LAST SECOND!!!
Cross Recoba: NO!!!
Henare hits nothing but canvas as Jackalope lies flat on his back. He hoists himself up, spider walks away from Henare then turns to face him. SPEAR!!!
Steve Morrison: DEAD MAN'S SWITCH!!!
BUT HENARE DOESN'T GO DOWN!!!
He holds Jackalope in a clinch and nails him in the gut with a knee strike! Then sends him flying into the corner with a biel! Corner clothesline! Henare sets up The End but before he can lift Jackalope up he's sent flying into the second turnbuckle with a drop toe hold! Jackalope hits a stiff kick to the head, kicking him off the buckle onto the ropes. He climbs out onto the apron on the other side of the post, runs up to the far post, then comes running back and hits a post-assisted 619!
Steve Morrison: BUCK YOU!!!
Henare stumbles out of the ropes and Jackalope follows through. GUYVER KICK!!!
Steve Morrison: UNLUCKY RABBIT'S FOOT!
JACKALOPE LOCKS IN SCHRÖDINGER'S BOX!!!
Steve Morrison: HE'S GOT HIM AGAIN!!!
With Jackalope on the edge of victory the fans are deafening. Tyrell asks Henare if he'll quit now but Henare's face remains blank.
Cross Recoba: Jackalope's got him right where he wants him!
Steve Morrison: Henare might be fading!
Cross Recoba: He's already been tapped out, he doesn't want to be knocked out too!
Steve Morrison: HENARE TAPS!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: The winner of this match, via submission, JACKALOPE!!!!
Steve Morrison: Huge win for Jackalope!
Cross Recoba: Henare's not going to be happy about this. Whoever he fights next is going to be in for a rough night.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope's next opponent should be worried too. Kid Cryptid keeps on proving he doesn't fear anyone.
Laura Messier: The second match of the evening is a TAG-TEAM MATCH! Set for one fall!
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: Last month he made his debut, this month he’s officially a roster member!
Cross Recoba: He was impressive in his showing against Tommy and even without the win, we’d have had the same conversation.
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: Can he thrive in Tap Out and step out of his father’s shadow here?
Cross Recoba: To me, his father is overrated so in my book: Julius is already beyond comparison with the Murder Lizard
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: Two huge names for him to take down tonight.
Cross Recoba: Fristik’s passport’s as well-stamped as Random’s so you’d expect her submission game to not be as surprising to him as others she’s faced. As for Merric, Julius will be the first to tell you just how big that oxygen tank of his is to keep him going and he’ll look to outwork and outlast the Bounty Hunter!
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: Not the return he wanted last time out but he’s come back leaner and meaner!
Cross Recoba: It’s added an agility to his game that was there before but is now a large part of his game instead of added extra.
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: His ability to work in a team is surprising but we saw way back last year that he could even get cohesion with Poena!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD’s a complicated guy until he isn’t. He’s smart, he’s articulate and behind that huge and imposing frame is a calculating brain that makes him so much more dangerous than he looks!
NOMAD then rolls in under the bottom rope after it and immediately positions himself in a seated position in the nearest corner.
Steve Morrison: Will NOMAD win the battle of the brawlers?
Cross Recoba: Hard to say because, in my mind, I’d say he’d do better to take Merric down with wrestling, not punches but once that adrenaline kicks in? It’ll be a sight for our fans!
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: He witnessed first-hand just how our new Champion operates at Night of Champions.
Cross Recoba: He’ll be annoyed with himself at how that went down and if I’m Fristik or even NOMAD, I’d be worried just how much anger is still there from that night.
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: The Bounty Hunter, the Brisbane Bar Brawler…can he slug his way to victory past the two men in the ring right now?
Cross Recoba: Aiden’s spent his career proving those odds wrong wherever he’s been.
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 the odd-couple of Random and Merric gel?
Cross Recoba: Look at Erin and Merric, if you can fight, you’re part of the Merric family!
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: Now, if such a thing was real, Random might well have been the happiest roster member when Poena beat Diamond for the title at Night of Champions.
Cross Recoba: The last person to beat Poena? You bet she should be happy. I’d call it a question of when and not if she’ll push to challenge Poena once more now that he has the Openweight title.
The lights reach their fullbgloom as the bass gliiiides, the drums hit and Random McConalogue appears, a large towel tied to her wrist, swaying as she walks.
Steve Morrison: Would it be fair to say that Random and Merric have the same objective, win and force their way into the title conversation?
Cross Recoba: It’d be accurate but with it will come unique problems. Could we see them fighting over the pin?
Serene and calm, she casually strolls, shoulders lightly oscillating in a slow sync.
Steve Morrison: NOMAD will do all he can to stop that being an eventuality.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD vs Random is one of the battles you see in tag matches that should have you chomping at the bit for it to happen!
Her body is calm and relaxed, like a moonlight walk in the park, but her gaze is fixed, staring at the empty ring/her opposition1 with snake eyes. She's never in a hurry, she doesn't need to be.
Laura Messier: Introducing our first team, weighing in at a combined weight of FOUR-HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE POUNDS!!! Julius FRISTIK!!!!! And NOOOOOOOOMAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!
The two men seem to talk strategy.
Laura Messier: And their opponents…weighing in at a combined three-hundred-and-fifty-six pounds….AIDEN…MERRRICCC!!! AND RANDOM MC-CONALOGUUUUUUUUUUE!!!!
The Aussie-Jock team are certainly plotting as they point across the ring as they confer.
TAG-TEAM MATCH
NOMAD (#9) & Julius Fristik (#14) vs Aiden Merric (#5) & Random McConalogue (#6)
“Big” John Quinn watches Laura leave the ring before bringing the two teams into the center of the ring.
Steve Morrison: Quinn perhaps the most logical choice for this match.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD and Merric push their luck at the best of times, Quinn was the obvious referee to control both of them at once.
Predictably, Merric and NOMAD stand opposite one another and try to stare a hole through the other. Fristik and Random pay mind to what the referee has to say in lieu of their partners.
Steve Morrison: Both men have singled out the other in the build-up to this match.
Cross Recoba: Leaving Random and Julius to be the ones to pay lip service, or ear service, to the words of “Big” John.
Quinn clicks his fingers in between the big men of the teams and receives a look that tells him they’re not going to listen. He steps between the two and with animated jousts of his finger, he seems to get his point across.
Steve Morrison: He’s going to need to keep that authority consistent to get anything from these two in the match.
Sending the two teams to their corners, we see Merric and NOMAD climb through the ropes, leaving McConalogue and Fristik in the ring.
DING! DING! DING!
Random moves around the ring, leaning into the ropes as she makes her way around the squared circle. Fristik watches her, cautious and wary not to fall into the same fate that befell Spike Kane and Jason Long.
Steve Morrison: Random has developed somewhat of a reputation in Tap Out for flash victories.
Cross Recoba: Deserved. Kane and Long are both former X*Crown Champions and you could argue that she’s in the driving seat for a title shot being the last person to beat Poena.
The Scotswoman shoots forward bypassing the collar-and-arm tie-up and moves immediately into a hammerlock. Fristik reverses but only for a moment before it’s back with Random who switches to a standing side-headlock.
Steve Morrison: Both competitors adept at the technical side of the sport.
Julius grabs the waist of the Infrequent Flyer and lifts but Random flips out the back and charges with a waistlock towards the ropes and rolls back.
ONE..
JULIUS KICKS OUT!
The second-generation star charges in but Random takes him over with an arm-drag and holds on, she drops a leg on the arm.
Cross Recoba: Random can flow in that ring like water and that’s what Fristik needs to stop before it’s too late.
Rolling to her feet, Random catches the seated Pegasus with a dropkick.
Steve Morrison: McConalogue is on a roll here and Fristik’s got to find a way to stop the avalanche!
Showing no signs of letting up, Random rolls Fristik back…Wheelbarrow Suplex!
Steve Morrison: She dropped him on his head!
The Scottish Submission Specialist uses the hair of her opponent to bring him back to his feet. Julius answers with a rising kick. And another! A third! A fourth buys distance! Julius rushes in with a lifting knee that doubles over McConalogue.
Steve Morrison: The Pegasus Warrior acting on instinct but he buys himself some time…
Hooking an arm, Fristik lifts up his opponent…Japanese Brainbuster!
Cross Recoba: He snapped her back to the mat! Can he build a rhythm or at least get NOMAD involved?
Julius stays on Random and lifts her up…Half-Nelson Suplex!!!
Steve Morrison: Another move to drop her on her head!
McConalogue grabs the ropes behind her to get back to her feet but Julius is already working on his next gambit and heads to the ropes…Springboard Kick!
Steve Morrison: ANGEL KICK!
NO! McConalogue ducks…Tiger Suplex!!
Cross Recoba: Random could see it coming and adapted perfectly.
Steve Morrison: She’ll say it’s all in the chaos…
She rolls back into a clutch pin!!!
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT BY THE CANADIAN SUPERSTAR!
Steve Morrison: Fristik keeps him and his team in this!
Random grabs a waistlock to pick up the Canadian…GERMAN SUPLEX!!! NO! FRISTIK LANDS ON HIS FEET! He sets his balance and sees Random rush towards him…SNAP POWERSLAM FROM FRISTIK!!
Steve Morrison: Textbook execution!
Julius makes the tag to the Violent Wanderer!
Cross Recoba: Enter NOMAD!
Entering the ring, the Violent Wanderer announces his presence with a driving knee to the head of the sat-up McConalogue.
Steve Morrison: Smashmouth strikes and unrelenting offense, the calling card of The Monster of the World!
Peeling his opponent from the mat, NOMAD keeps hold of her head and unloads with body shots that double-over Mostly Armbars McConalogue. Pushing her head back up, he connects with a haymaker that sends her rocketing back into the corner.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD’s smart and the obvious move when you’re him is to make your size and power known, Random can’t fight that as easily.
NOMAD unloads with rights and lefts to the body that stun the Scottish Wrestler.
Steve Morrison: McConalogue needs to use that agility to create space.
Cross Recoba: It’s easier said than done, NOMAD isn’t going to leave a door open for McConalogue…
AN OVERHAND RIGHT MISSES AS RANDOM ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY….SHE CATCHES NOMAD WITH AN ARMBAR!!!!
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen her put away people with this and NOMAD could be in trouble!
Hanging in mid-air, Random tries to get the armbar locked in but the power of her opponent makes it difficult.
Cross Recoba: She’s going to have to adapt but if there’s anyone on the Network you’d back to find a way, it’s the Glaswegian in the ring now!
NOMAD USES HIS FREE ARM TO LIFT UP RANDOM TO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND SIT HER DOWN!!!
He gets onto the lower turnbuckle…AND THROWS A HUGE HEADBUTT TO BREAK THE HOLD!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT. A. FEAT. OF. STRENGTH!
EXPLODER SUPLEX FROM THE TOP!!!
Cross Recoba: Steve, before you ask me what the gameplan is, I’ll beat you to the punch. NOMAD is going to drop her on her head in any way he can think of!
NOMAD rolls over for the pin but Random finds herself on the apron from the momentum of the suplex.
Steve Morrison: Random with a stroke of good luck is out of harm’s way on the apron.
Cross Recoba: I’m not sure I’d see it as a stroke of good luck just yet…
Approaching the Scotslady, NOMAD goes to grab her but she gamely throws a kick that connects. She leaps to the top-rope and flies…RANA, NO, SHOULDER-SPIN POISON RANA!!!!!
Steve Morrison: HYPERSPACE BYPASS!!!
Cross Recoba: With the size of NOMAD, that impact is going to be huge!
Seeing an opening, Random goes back to the arm and sits on the shoulder joint as she prises the arm upwards.
Steve Morrison: She’s going back to the arm!
Cross Recoba: What we have on both sides is a fighter able to throw a Lariat that can end the conversation, end the match, in an instant. Random is the ultimate weapon to disarm that threat!
Steve Morrison: Will NOMAD leave himself op-
FRISTIK COMES OFF THE TOP WITH A DIVING FOREARM TO BREAK THE HOLD!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE FOREARM FROM NOMAD’S PARTNER!!!
Rolling out of the ring before “Big” John can tell him to depart the ring, Julius heads back to his corner.
Cross Recoba: Get in, cause problems, get out: perfect tag-partner strategy there!
Random heads to her corner and tags in Merric!
Steve Morrison: And now we see what happens here…
NOMAD, back on his feet, sizes up the Australian. The Bounty Hunter returns the glare as the two men circle one another.
Cross Recoba: Two prizefighters in the ring right now…
THEY RUSH IN TOGETHER AND EACH USE THEIR NON-DOMINANT ARM TO GRAB THE HEAD OF THE OTHER BEFORE TEEING OFF ON ONE ANOTHER!
Steve Morrison: THEY’RE GOING FOR BROKE!
Cross Recoba: Reckless abandon!
Steve Morrison: Throwing punches at two a second and showing no signs of letting up!
Cross Recoba: No guard up but no surrender shown on either side!
Both men are throwing rights to the side of the skull with reckless abandon.
Steve Morrison: How sustainable is this?
Cross Recoba: It’s not but Quinn’s on hand to step in if a stoppage needs to be made!
They carry on as NOMAD uses his size advantage to push the conversation towards the corner and “Big” John Quinn starts the count as both men continue to throw huge punches.
Steve Morrison: Just looking at the swelling under the eyes of Merric!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD could look the same way. We just need to get the camerman on the otherside of the ring to see!
ONE!
TWO!
No sign from either man of slowing up.
Steve Morrison: Can they even hear the count?
THREE!
FOUR!!
Cross Recoba: They don’t care!
FI-
Steve Morrison: Finally, they break…
They stop at the last moment and Merric unsportingly uses the break to wrap his arms around NOMAD AND TOSS HIM TO THE FLOOR! AIDEN RUSHES IN WITH A DAN CARTER SPECIAL KICK!
Steve Morrison: HUGE CONNECTION!
Cross Recoba: Somewhere backstage is a large Samoan shouting BOO-YAH!
A noticeable cut has opened in the middle of NOMAD’s forehead.
Steve Morrison: Merric busts NOMAD open for the second month in a row!
Reaching to the cut, NOMAD examines it before getting to his feet.
Cross Recoba: Will this be a red rag to the bull?
The two men return to clobbering the ever-living fuck out of one another but Merric seems to have the upperhand. He throws an open-handed uppercut and follows up with a DOUBLE-EARCLAP…HEADBUTT!!!
Steve Morrison: BAG AND TAG!!!
NOMAD’s backed into the corner. MERRIC UNLEASHES WITH MACHINE GUN KNIFE-EDGE CHOPS!!
Steve Morrison: THIS IS A KNIFE!!!
Taking a step back, Merric charges into the corner…NOTHING BUT TURNBUCKLE!!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD got out of that one and now Merric needs to be ready for whatever is coming his way!
Bouncing backwards from the corner, NOMAD catches Merric with a Russian Legsweep!
Steve Morrison: HUGE impact from that Russian Legsweep!
With no time to recover, Aiden is wrenched to his feet and eats a European Uppercut…NOMAD FOLLOWS UP WITH A LEAPING ENZUIGURI THAT SENDS HIM STAGGERING INTO THE ROPES!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT AGILITY!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD isn’t just a brawling powerhouse, he can leave his feet when he wants!
NOMAD grabs Merric’s head…POWERBOMB!!!
Steve Morrison: MERRIC’S HEAD BOUNCED OFF THE MAT!!
NOMAD keeps hold of the legs and rolls into a Boston Crab!!
Cross Recoba: Smart move, recover that energy he just used with the powerbomb and weaken Merric’s punching power.
Merric tries to fight the hold but the Violent Wanderer forces the Australian to carry his weight with every millimeter that Aiden tries to claw towards the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Aiden has to fight for every inch of progress!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD has studied the tape, knows that Merric is big on brawling and not so big on the technical side. That’s where NOMAD can make hay, that’s where NOMAD can really blunt the offense of his opponents.
RANDOM RUSHES IN WITH A SNAPPY LEFT BOOT TO THE FACE OF NOMAD TO BREAK THE HOLD!!!
Steve Morrison: SHOE EVENT HORIZON!!
Quinn gets the Scotswoman out of the ring as quickly as he can and turns around to see NOMAD lifting up Merric. The Australian lifts his arms up…HEADBUTT FROM THE BOUNTY HUNTER!! GERMAN SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: He didn’t get all of it but it still counts!
Cross Recoba: They’re getting cleaner each month!
Merric makes a beeline to his corner and tags in Random!
Steve Morrison: Can McConalogue pick up the pace?
Climbing through the ropes, Random is caught by a knee from NOMAD. He whips her to the corner…SHE RUNS UP THE TURNBUCKLES…MOONSAULT….
Steve Morrison: Picture-perfect moonsau-
NOMAD CAUGHT IT…..
Cross Recoba: This isn’t going to be pretty…
SAMOAN DROP!!!!
Steve Morrison: ALMOST DROVE HER THROUGH THE MAT!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
Random rolls a shoulder out!
Steve Morrison: Random lives to fight on!
Cross Recoba: But she CANNOT take many more of those, no-one can!!
Using her hair, NOMAD drags the Scotswoman to her feet and drives a HUGE knee into her face! He yanks her towards him and lifts her up…KNEECAP BRAINBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: NIHILUS IV!!!!!
Cross Recoba: This is it!
Turning around to make the pin, NOMAD is unsighted AS MERRIC RUSHES IN WITH A SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!!
Steve Morrison: AUSSIE RULES!
Cross Recoba: That might be the most important punch out of the hundred Merric has thrown tonight!
Quinn pushes Merric back to his corner which he does with more than a hint of a mock protest.
Steve Morrison: Some gamesmanship perhaps from the Bounty Hunter?
Cross Recoba: NOMAD dropped his partner headfirst on his knee, I’m not sure McConalogue is all there right now…
Random stirs and sees NOMAD down, SHE WRAPS THE RINGS OF SATURN ON HIM!!
Steve Morrison: SOMEBODY ELSE’S PROBLEM!!!
NOMAD fights the hold the whole way, she uses his fight to roll him over away from the ropes but the Violent Wanderer continues to use his power and size to make the hold difficult to maintain.
Cross Recoba: McConalogue is trying to keep that move locked in but NOMAD is just an awkward fighter to try and get the hold on.
Quinn asks if he wants to submit but NOMAD vehemently shakes his head.
Steve Morrison: There’s a lot of fight left in the Violent Wanderer!
Cross Recoba: If you’ve spent any time talking to NOMAD the first thing you realize is the sheer intensity he brings to everything, he isn’t made for quitting!
McConalogue rolls once more.
Steve Morrison: Nowhere near the ropes but Random continues to keep the hold moving.
Cross Recoba: There’s a degree of trying to wear down the bigger man. Keeping the hold moving means that NOMAD can fight to get out but the situation is constantly changing.
NOMAD USES IT TO ESCAPE…RANDOM RUSHES TO HER FEET…AND EATS A HUGE BOOT TO THE FACE!!!!
Steve Morrison: Random perhaps too clever and she pays for it with a HUGE boot to take her down!
Random tries to keep moving as she rolls on the floor but hits the ropes. She uses them to get to her feet unsteadily.
Cross Recoba: Between the Kneecap Brainbuster and the Big Boot, McConalogue’s a bit scrambled. She might need to get out of the ring in order to benefit her team right now.
The Infrequent Flyer sprints at NOMAD, who jumps up with a no-hand leapfrog. She comes back AND EATS A LEG LARIAT TO THE FACE!!!
Steve Morrison: ONCE MORE NOMAD TAKES TO THE AIR!!
Cross Recoba: And with legs like tree trunks, Random might not even know what city she’s in!
NOMAD leans back into his team’s corner and Fristik tags himself in!
Steve Morrison: Clever move from NOMAD, his partner’s speed-based approach against a dazed Random is a great match-up for Fristik and the Wanderer!
Julius leaps into the ring and darts forward landing a rolling knee-drop on McConalogue.
Steve Morrison: Can he keep this pace up?
The Calgary Son lifts up Random with a front-facelock...SNAP SUPLEX!
Cross Recoba: Crisp execution and he rolls…
AND ANOTHER SNAP SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: Working that back over with another suplex and another roll..
FRISTIK HANGS ON AND ROLLS, HOOKING A LEG…
Cross Recoba: We know what’s coming…
FISHERMAN BUST-
NO!
RANDOM SLIPS OUT THE BACK…DESPERATION INWARD ROLLING CUTTER!!!
Steve Morrison: DICEROLL!!!!!!! OUT OF NOWHERE!!
Looking beat, McConalogue rolls backwards towards Merric…AIDEN’S TAGGED IN!!!
Steve Morrison: Can the Aussie Warhorse keep up the momentum?
The Australian picks up Fristik and shoots him to the ropes…URANAGE BACKBREAKER…HAYMAKER!!!!!
Steve Morrison: TRAP TRICK!!
Giving Julius no room to breathe, he lifts up the Canadian and hooks the arms behind…TIGER SUPLEX!
Cross Recoba: High-angle release!
His head resting on the turnbuckle, the camera catches the look of realization on Julius’ face as he feels the grip of Merric tighten around his wrist.
Steve Morrison: Fristik knows what’s on the cards…
Cross Recoba: Don’t need Random’s mysticism to see that…
The Bounty Hunter wrenches Fristik from the corner and pulls the cord…
RIPCORD LARIAT!!
Crowd: LA AAAAAAAAAAAAAARIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Steve Morrison: CONTRACT FULFILLED!!!
Merric makes the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: Your winners of the bout, as a result of pinfall, RANDOM McCONALOGUE …AND..AIDEN..MERRRRRRRRRIIIIICCC!!!
The opening thumping guitar and drum riff of "Unstoppable" by Disturbed fills the arena as Quinn raises the arms of McConalogue and Merric.
Steve Morrison: Merric and McConalogue proving to be quite the team!
Cross Recoba: I think where they worked and their opponents didn’t was in knowing what each brought to the table.
Steve Morrison: Any truth to the rumors that both are in line for a shot at Poena?
Cross Recoba: There’s merit, in Random’s case she’ll feel that she’s next in line with that win over Poena in her pocket!
Watching the victors roll out the ring, NOMAD steps into the ring with a look of disgust on his face. He helps Fristik up to his feet…AND CLOBBERS HIM FROM BEHIND WITH A LARIAT TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL!!
Steve Morrison: NOMAD LAYS OUT HIS PARTNER WITH NEVER MIND!!!!!!!!!!
Cross Recoba: Clearly feels that Fristik should have done better. NOMAD now on the losing side as many times in two matches as he was for his entire first run here in Tap Out!
NOMAD gives one last look of distaste to the fallen body of Fristik before he rolls out of the ring himself.
Laura Messier: Bringing our first-half to a conclusion we have a SIX-MAN TAG-TEAM CONTEST!!
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: Capone might well be pound-for-pound the hardest hitter in the company!
Cross Recoba: I wouldn’t argue with that.
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: What impresses me is how far he’ll go to learn and he’ll be wanting to look to Diamond for ways he can take those skills to the next level.
Cross Recoba: They were on opposite sides of GUNS FIght Club and Diamond holds a win over him there, tonight though they need to work together.
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: Just over eighteen months into his career, Capone knows that soon he’ll be expected to perform like someone with two years in the business should.
Cross Recoba: IRN FST is a couple of wins away from stepping up his potential into title-winning ability!
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. He adjusts his leather jacket, exposing his taped shoulder, and soaks 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: Taped up but ready to go!
Cross Recoba: He put in the performance of a Champion but came up just short.
As he gets to the ring, he climbs the stairs and walks the apron over to the far turnbuckle. He ascends the outside of the corner and plays to the crowd as more pyro goes off.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, legendary
Steve Morrison: Now fully signed back to Tap Out Wrestling and back in your good books, I see?
Cross Recoba: Hardly, you should see the eye-watering figure I have to leave on the table for him to claim for the Diamond Club tonight!
Jack jumps down into the ring and heads to the center before raising his belt up with both hands, above his head loud cheers. Jack removes his leather jacket and hands it over to the timekeeper before heading to his corner and stretching and preparing for the match.
Steve Morrison: Tonight is the start of Diamond’s ascent back to an Openweight title shot!
Cross Recoba: He just has a rather large target on his shoulder…
The arena lights dim as a synth bassline begins to play, the foggy neon on the tron becoming the main source of light. The tension in the song starts to pick up, and upon reaching the climax, the first verse begins and the arena lights flash briefly before returning to a dim glow, now with the same neon colors as the tron.
Steve Morrison: Fresh off Night of Champions and the Sawyer fanbase grows!
Cross Recoba: They proved a lot of people wrong with their performance in the main event at Night of Champions.
The fans cheer when Sam Sawyer walks out onto the stage, their face calm and focused. On their way down they slap the hand of every fan who offers, with a faint smile of gratitude.
Steve Morrison: Sawyer living out their dream tonight as they told us in the build-up that Jack Diamond was an idol of theirs.
Cross Recoba: Well, now they can show their idol just how far they’ve come.
They climb the steps and enter the ring, now focused entirely on the match ahead.
Steve Morrison: Could this be the start of a climb towards a title shot and a rematch against Poena?
Cross Recoba: It’s all in Sawyer’s hands…
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: Perhaps the most confident man in the match. He’s got a point to prove and an easy target in Diamond!
Cross Recoba: This goes all the way back to Night of Champions Nine, half a decade in the making!
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: Not to mention that with Diamond having a less than stellar time in SCCW earlier this year, he’s the only Harbinger without a victory over him.
Cross Recoba: But don’t forget that there’s something between the two, after all: Raiden turned up to Jack’s Birthday celebrations the night before he lost to Poena.
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: Can he do what we proved we couldn’t though and give equal attention to his other opponents?
Cross Recoba: He’d be a fool not to, Capone thrives on situations like this and Sawyer could well become a fixture in the X*Crown scene as the months and years go by!
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, atrfully torn ‘Tommy Strychnine half-shirt over a mesh under and a gold kneepad with a cartoon pair of lips emblazoned on it.
Steve Morrison: That golden kneepad hides perhaps the deadliest strike in Tap Out!
Cross Recoba: He wasn’t shy about boasting about his perfect record when that Kiss Me Deadly Knee strike connects!
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: Tommy hasn’t always come out on top with multi-man matches but he always leaves the viewer with a highlight to talk about!
Cross Recoba: Strych’s a natural performer and with this new, ruthless approach, I’m hoping he can push on and put the reason for our faith in him beyond doubt.
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: Does he start the match?
Cross Recoba: He’d be a good choice if he were on my team. His lack of fear in attacking or doing the unexpected makes him difficult to cope with from a standing start.
The lights drop in Lansky Ballroom as the bassy vocals of 'Hoist the Colors' fills the room.
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen Craft excel in these matches but he’s coming off a loss to Random.
Cross Recoba: Who isn’t coming off a loss to Random?
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: Can Craft make his mark in this match by being the guy to get the win for his team?
Cross Recoba: If he and Raiden haven’t already they should be working out a way to isolate Diamond and really going to town on that shoulder. Raiden’s strikes, his submissions, Tommy could almost conduct that violence!
Focusing on the ring, Craft ignores the outstretched hands of the fans looking for selfies and high-fives.
Steve Morrison: This is an opportunity for Craft to really make a name for himself, can he take that opportunity?
Cross Recoba: Raiden and Tommy are some of the best teachers he could ask for in terms of turning opportunity into reality.
Leaping to the ring apron, Jacob enters the ring and goes to his corner.
Laura Messier: Introducing your first team..with a combined weight of five-hundred-and-nine pounds…WILDCAT CAPONE, JACK DIAMOND AND SAAAAAAAAM SAAAAAAAAAAAWYEEEEEEEERR!!!!
The trio huddle as their names are called.
Laura Messier: AND THEIR OPPONENTS! Weighing in at five-hundred-and-eighty-two pounds. The team of RAIDEN ISHIMORI, TOMMY STRYCHNINE AND JAAAAAAACOOB CRAAAAAAAAAAAAFTT!!!
Raiden motions to his shoulder as if explaining how to deal with Diamond. Tommy taps his knee as he stares at Sawyer and Craft nods as he focuses on Capone.
TRIOS MATCH
Wildcat Capone (#11) / Jack Diamond (#1) / Sam Sawyer (#8) vs Raiden Ishimori (#13) / Tommy Strychnine (#10) / Jacob Craft (#15)
Steve Tyrell sees Laura Messier leave the ring and signals to both Jack and Raiden to approach the center of the ring.
Steve Morrison: This could be a huge match, each member stating what a win means for them.
Cross Recoba: For one team, they might never get a better crack at putting down Jack.
The atmosphere in the Diamond Club starts to climb as the one-time enemies are now mere inches from each other whilst Tyrell explains what he expects from each team in the match.
Steve Morrison: That tape on his shoulder will be a target for each of his opponents.
Cross Recoba: Why do you think Raiden looks so happy? That’s pretty much made to look like ‘X’ marks the spot!
Steve Morrison: Should he even be fighting?
Cross Recoba: The medical team cleared him ahead of the show and to be honest, he took a higher contract value with less money guaranteed. That’s on him.
Cutting away from the center of the ring, we see Sawyer and Capone discussing strategy in one corner whilst the other shows Craft and Tommy looking at the discussion in the center of the ring with interest.
Steve Morrison: It’ll be interesting to see how the two teams differ in their approach to the match.
Sending the ‘captains’ back to their teams to convey his expectations, Tyrell takes a moment to get himself into what he feels is the best position to oversee the opening seconds without getting in the way of the action.
Cross Recoba: Tyrell’s improved leaps and bounds from our first show and you can trust him to put in a shift to keep this match fair and down the middle.
Diamond surprisingly steps through the ropes leaving Capone and Sawyer to decide who goes first. Raiden follows Jack’s lead, clearly targeting the Ace for his own attention.
Steve Morrison: Raiden’s made no bones about the fact he doesn’t want to be the only Harbinger without a win over Diamond and he’s clearly saving himself for the former Tap Out Openweight Champion.
Cross Recoba: Do the teams go for striking or power though?
Capone and Craft stay in the ring as their partners step to the apron.
DING! DING! DING!
The two men circle one another.
Steve Morrison: Neither man wants to rush in here.
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen what both of them can do when an opening appears, that’ll be in the back of their minds.
Shooting in for a waistlock, Craft extends his arms as he moves but leaves himself open for a knee-shot to the chin!
Steve Morrison: Huge knee from Capone!
Cross Recoba: GUNS Fight Club again pays off”
Wildcat starts to UNLOAD on Jacob with clubbing forearms that drive the MMA specialist into the corner. The IRN FST grabs the wrist of Craft and whips him to the corner.
Steve Morrison: Wildcat looks amped for this…
He charges in with a back elbow…CRAFT GETS OUT OF DODGE!!
Cross Recoba: Too soon! Craft had that scouted!
Muay Thai clinch from Jacob stops Wildcat in his tracks. The submission specialist uses the clinch to walk backwards as he throws a knee into the chin of his opponent.
Steve Morrison: Expertly applied from the Maelstrom.
Cross Recoba: You can control everything from that position. Chris Card’d drill me in how to defend that clinch in every sparring session because when it’s locked in, you’re at the mercy of the attacker.
Tommy tags himself in.
Steve Morrison: Strych enters the fray!
The Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Wrestler leaps over the top rope and watches Craft land another lifting knee that leaves Capone in enemy territory in the corner. Strych takes a step back before charging at the corner and connecting with an enzuiguri, carrying himself over the top rope as he hits it.
Steve Morrison: High-speed, high-intensity offense from the Rocker!
Capone staggers out from the corner…SPRINGBOARD BULLDOG CONNECTS FROM TOMMY!
Cross Recoba: These two men have faced off many times before, Strych knows he needs to keep his attacks fresh to remove a frame of reference.
He makes the pin…
ONE…
T-
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Perhaps too soon to go for the pin.
Strych uses the hair of Capone to bring him back to his feet and sneaks in a dirty boxing-inspired uppercut.
Cross Recoba: You listen to some Lazer Physycyst songs and you think they’re deliberately bad so Tommy can practice his brawling!
With Wildcat’s guard down, Tommy heads to the ropes…HANDSPRING DROPKICK!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE CONNECTION!
Cross Recoba: I wonder if Diamond told his team his version of when he faced Strych or warned them about what to expect in reality…
Smiling as he rises to his feet, Strych moves back to his corner and Raiden gets the tag!
Steve Morrison: Here comes Bone Cold!
Ishimori steps through the ropes and grabs Capone by the head before tossing him into the opposition corner.
Raiden Ishimori: Come on, Jack….
Diamond’s hand goes to his shoulder-tape leaving Sawyer to tag themselves in.
Cross Recoba: THE COWARD!
Steve Morrison: Jack clearly wanting to conserve his condition and energy to best benefit his team.
Cross Recoba: In short, he wants the win and the glory. Typical Jack!
Sam makes their way into the ring and charges at the Japanese star, they eat a drop-toe-hold.
Steve Morrison: Sawyer suckered into that one.
Rolling back to their feet, Sawyer charges the ropes but Raiden leapfrogs. He turns around…Sawyer put the brakes on! Pele kick!!
Cross Recoba: Marco van Basten special!
This time, Raiden rolls to his feet and steps right into a headlock takedown. Ishimori slips out the back and pushes a hammerlock, bearing his weight down onto Sawyer to carry.
Steve Morrison: Ishimori is trying to get the physical advantage.
Cross Recoba: Sam can grapple but they’re a striker at heart. Raiden’s dominated SCCW and a large part of that has been his ability to push the match in his favor on the mat.
Slipping out the smallest of gaps, Sawyer gets a side-armbar that brings Ishimori back to his feet. Holding the armbar in place, they reach out for a tag from their team. Diamond doesn’t put himself forward but Capone does!
Cross Recoba: Put a white feather in his cap!
Steve Morrison: Capone showing his eagerness to make a name for himself by putting himself in the ring with Raiden!
Entering the ring, Wildcat wastes no time in unleashing a sickening headbutt to the skull of Raiden!
Steve Morrison: What a connection!
Staggering back, Ishimori is unable to block a huge Roaring Elbow that keeps him scrambling backwards. Trapping the Harbinger in the corner, Capone rushes him…Corner Pancake! Raiden staggers out of the corner…GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!!
Cross Recoba: He’s found a rhythm…
Not finished yet, Wildcat comes off the ropes as Raiden sits up….SLIDING LARIAT!!!!
Steve Morrison: SLIDING D!!!
Wildcat makes the pin.
ONE…
TOMMY STOMPS ON HIS HEAD TO BREAK UP THE PIN!
Steve Morrison: Strych leaving nothing to chance!
Wildcat starts to get to his feet…STRYCHNINE CONNECTS WITH THE AXE KICK!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy again showing off some of his offense that we’ve not seen much of here in Tap Out to keep his opponents on the back-foot!
Tyrell gets in the way of Tommy before he can exact more violence on his opponent and walks him back to his corner. The camera cuts to Raiden on the apron. He leaps…SPRINGBOARD DDT CONNECTS!
Steve Morrison: HE DRILLED HIM TO THE MAT!
Raiden debates the cover but decides against it. Instead, he grabs the leg of Capone and drives a boot into the base of the hamstring! And again!
Cross Recoba: He’s trying to ground Capone, take away the power moves and more importantly - kill off the threat of the Rolling Koppu Kick!
Tucking the foot under his arm, Ishimori sets him up…DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!!
Steve Morrison: HE SNAPPED HIS LEG BACK!
Cross Recoba: Raiden’s strength lies in his ability to use his brain to methodically take apart his opponents.
Capone rolls to the ropes to try and get some space between him and Bone Cold. He starts to stand up, gingerly testing his foot. HE’S IN THE WRONG CORNER!
Steve Morrison: IRN FST looking for a tag in all the wrong places!
Strych grabs the head of Wildcat…Guillotine on Capone as Strych drops to the floor…LEG-HOOK BELLY-TO-BACK SUPLEX!!!
Steve Morrison: Teamwork from Raiden and Tommy could well end this.
Ishimori with the bridge…
Cross Recoba: Look at the neck strength!
ONE…
TWO…
T-
CAPONE GETS A SHOULDER UP!!
Steve Morrison: Capone stays in the game!
With a look of thunder on his face, Ishimori gets to his feet and picks up Capone before skidding him across the mat into the turnbuckle.
Cross Recoba: Raiden was less than complimentary about Capone in the build-up to tonight and now we’re seeing it in the flesh.
RAIDEN DASHES IN WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THE FACE OF IRN FST!!!
Steve Morrison: DROVE HIS BOOTS RIGHT INTO THE FACE OF WILDCAT!
Crowd: FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN!
With a confident smile, Raiden lifts Capone up and onto the top turnbuckle before stepping between the ropes. He puts a foot on the middle turnbuckle…
Steve Morrison: Could this be…
SUNSET POWERBOMB!!!!
Steve Morrison: DARK VOID!!
Raiden switches from the pin to the Spider Twist submission quickly.
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen this setup…
Steve Morrison: If he gets Aqua Regia hooked in, this could be done!
SAWYER COMES IN WITH A HUGE SHOOT KICK TO THE FACE OF RAIDEN TO GET SOME ROOM FOR THEIR TEAM!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer to the rescue!
STRYCH CHARGES INTO THE RING AND CLOBBERS DIAMOND WITH A FOREARM THAT HAS HIM HANGING ONTO THE TOP ROPE WITH ONE ARM… STRYCH SPINS, BICYCLE KNEE TO SAWYER!
Cross Recoba: HUGE V-TRIGGER!!!
Raiden gets to his corner and tags Craft back in.
Steve Morrison: We could see a three-on-two situation here with Diamond dazed!
Jacob comes into the ring and grabs Capone by the head…SHORT DDT!!
Cross Recoba: SNAP DDT! Craft nailed that execution perfectly.
He covers..
ONE…
TWO…
T-
KICKOUT BY CAPONE!!
Steve Morrison: There’s still fight in the Wildcat!
Craft lifts up Wildcat once more…Body Slam!
Cross Recoba: Golden Era slam from Maelstrom…
Jacob leans into the ropes and leaps for a jumping knee drop…NO-ONE’S HOME! Craft rolls through and leaps with a senton…NOTHING BUT MAT!!!
Steve Morrison: Capone finds a gap to get out but can he make it?
CAPONE DIVES FOR THE OUTSTRETCHED HAND OF SAYWER!!!
Steve Morrison: HE TAGS IN SAM!
Sawyer rushes into the ring and immediately goes for a Spinning Backfist but Craft ducks and lifts them up for an Atomic Drop…SAWYER ROLLS THROUGH WITH A HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN!
Steve Morrison: Great counter-wrestling from both fighters.
Cross Recoba: Everyone on the Tap Out roster knows their top wristlocks from their keyholds!
Getting to his feet, Craft has no time to react as Sawyer slaps the gum from his mouth!
Steve Morrison: GET FUCKED!!!!
DRAGON SUPLEX!!!! THEY BRIDGE!!!
ONE…
TWO…
THRE–
CRAFT GETS AN ARM UP!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer nearly grabs the win for their team!
Wrapping their arms around Jacob’s waist, Sawyer starts to bring their opponent to their feet. They reach down and move their grip over the leg….TEARDROP SUPLEX!!!!!
Cross Recoba: Houston takes a nod from San Antonio!
Sam rushes to the neutral corner and leaps to the top turnbuckle…MOONSAULT!!!
Steve Morrison: SAWYERSAULT PART ONE!!!!!!!
Crowd: LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Sam rolls to their feet and once more jumps to the turnbuckle and leaps….
Steve Morrison: FOR THE WIN!!
STRYCH CATCHES HER….USHIGOROSHI!!!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMYKNOCKER!!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Cross Recoba: Tommy just saved the match for his team!!
Not content with his interruption yet, Strych rushes to the opposition corner…HESITATION DROPKICK SENDS CAPONE TO THE FLOOR! DIAMOND TRIES TO GET INTO THE RING BUT STRYCH ROLLS BACK AND THROWS A KICK TO CATCH THE HEAD OF THE FORMER TAP OUT CHAMPION….ROPE-ASSISTED HEATSEEKER PILEDRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: WHITE WEDDING!!!
Crowd: FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Craft looks towards the prone body of Sawyer but pulls himself towards his corner. Strych grabs his arm to drag him the rest of the way and tags himself in!
Steve Morrison: The crowd have made their feelings known but Tommy isn’t going to care.
Seeing that Diamond is still down, Tommy dashes towards him…BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer ate all of that!
He gets to his feet and throws a huge knee into the sternum of Sawyer before hitting the ropes…KOTARO KRUSHER!!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy made that pivot last year and that is one of the adjustments he made.
Steve Morrison: We know what’s coming next…
Grabbing wrist-control, Tommy pulls Sawyer to their feet. He pulls the ripcord…NO-ONE’S HOME FOR THE V-TRIGGER KNEE!!!.....STO!!!
Steve Morrison: THIS CORROSION!
Sawyer scrambles to grab the ropes and runs straight across the ring as they lean on the top rope…CAPONE TAGS IN!!
Steve Morrison: Wildcat gives Sawyer the chance to catch their breath!
Cross Recoba: The Coward wasn’t going to do it was he?
Wildcat bursts into the ring and sees Strychnine stooped over. HE GOES FOR BROKE!! ROLLING KOPPU KICK!!! STRYCH DROPS TO THE MAT AND CAPONE FINDS HIMSELF IN THE CORNER…MONKEY FLIP FROM STRYCH!!!
Steve Morrison: ONE LESS BITCH MISSES AND TOMMY IS MEASURING CAPONE FOR SOMETHING…
The camera catches the look on Tommy’s face which suggests he’s running on pure anger, he charges…NAILS CAPONE WITH THE LOU THESZ PRESS AND CARRIES ON WITH DIRTY BOXING!!
Steve Morrison: He’s raining down with rights and lefts!
Tyrell starts the count for the closed-fist punches:
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!
FOUR!!
Tommy breaks the closed-fist punch tirade and rolls off his man to the apron.
Cross Recoba: He worked the count beautifully!
Waiting patiently for Capone to stir, Tommy grabs the ropes and leaps…
Steve Morrison: Tommy wants to end this…
SAWYER TAKES THE SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER FOR THEIR TEAM!!!!
Steve Morrison: KISS ME DEADLY LANDS BUT ON THE WRONG PERSON!!!
Capone dives with purpose to the only person he can tag….Jack Diamond!
Cross Recoba: Where can he hide now?
DIAMOND DROPS FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!
Steve Morrison: I don’t think he thinks he’s fit to fight, that damage from Poena not fully healed. Not healed at all!
Holding his shoulder, Diamond takes a step back to try and work out the best way to get into the match.
Cross Recoba: He didn’t want the hard work, he just wanted the glor-
RAIDEN SAILS OVER THE ROPES….TORNADO DDT TAKES DOWN DIAMOND!!!
Steve Morrison: RAIDEN WITH A DIVING TORNADO DDT FROM THE RING TO THE FLOOR!!!!!!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT!
Tyrell starts the count:
ONE!
Inside the ring, Capone and Craft trade punches whilst Strych lays boots into Sawyer.
Steve Morrison: The match is breaking down into pandemonium!
TWO!!
On the outside, Diamond tries to get from his knees to his feet BUT RAIDEN GRABS HIM AND USES HIS MOMENTUM TO SEND HIM INTO THE STEEL STEPS SHOULDER-FIRST!!!
Steve Morrison: He’s terrorizing that shoulder!!
Cross Recoba: Like I said, ‘X’ marks the spot!
THREE!!
Tyrell threatens to throw the match out if the illegal men don’t leave the ring.
FOUR!!!
Modified Inverted Stomp Armbreaker from Raiden!
Steve Morrison: Raiden takes inspiration from Poena with a very similar move to one he employed at Night of Champions!!
FIVE!!!
RAIDEN ROLLS JACK INTO THE RING!
Steve Morrison: Jack could be a sitting duck!
Cross Recoba: Tommy wants revenge for the title shot that slipped away from him!
Tommy stalks Jack from behind, his arms raised like Bela Lugosi.
Steve Morrison: More Rob Zombie than Dracula…
Cross Recoba: So close to the reference…
CROSSFACE CHICKENWING!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMY GETS THE CROSSFACE CHICKENWING!!!
Cross Recoba: And Tommy might be the only man in wrestling that HAS ever eaten marijuana!!
Working the arm as he applies the Sleeper, Tommy smiles as he senses victory nearing.
Crowd: DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK!
Stretching out his free arm, Diamond tries to reach the ropes but Tommy uses the opportunity to kick the legs out from Jack and take him to the mat!
Steve Morrison: Tommy toys with Jack!
Cross Recoba: Strych might look an idiot but behind that make-up and the tattoos is one of the most calculating minds on the Network!
SAWYER SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE….
Steve Morrison: SAM WITH THE-
MISSILE DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF STRYCH’S HEAD BREAKS THE SUBMISSION!!
Steve Morrison: SAVE!!!!!!
Rolling out of the ring, Sawyer bangs their foot on the apron to try and get the crowd behind Jack more.
Steve Morrison: They dreamed of being Jack Diamond but now they saved the Icon!
Tommy gets to his feet and lifts up Diamond…Rana from the Icon!
Cross Recoba: Strych needs to grab that arm and pull, that’s it…
Strych has no time to recover before Jack throws two solid kicks to the chest of Strych before using his stronger arm to whip the Rocker to the ropes….SLINGBLADE!!!!!
Steve Morrison: SNAKE EYES!!!
Jack holds his shoulder as he stands up, bowing forward in pain.
Cross Recoba: At what cost??
Tommy gets up but Diamond charges…SHOTGUN DROPKICK SENDS STRYCH TO THE CORNER!!!
Steve Morrison: EIGHTY-SIXED!!!
Cross Recoba: You NEVER let Diamond get on a roll..
DIAMOND LEAPS FROM TEN FEET OUT…DIAMOND SPLASH!!!
Steve Morrison: He nailed him with that!!
Debating the Stacked Deck, Jack changes his mind…Enzuiguri!
Cross Recoba: But he’s shying away from the big weapon.
Jack grabs the leg…FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!!
Steve Morrison: ACES WILD!
The crowd burst into life as the leglock is sunk in. Tommy thrashes back and bangs his elbows on the mat as Jack works the hold.
Cross Recoba: Jack can put you in knots in the hold, he knows it back-to-front.
Diamond sits up fully, working the leverage in the move.
Steve Morrison: Huge increase in pressure there…
RUNNING BLOCKBUSTER FROM A CHARGING RAIDEN BREAKS UP THE MOVE!!!
Cross Recoba: Ring veteran move right there!
Strychnine gets dragged to the corner by the Harbinger, Raiden tags himself in!!
Steve Morrison: Diamond could be in trouble.
Cross Recoba: FINALLY, I AND THE FANS GET WHAT WE WANTED IN THIS MATCH!
The crowd noise drops to a pin-drop level as Ishimori steps back into the ring. The smile on Ishimori is clear for all to see as he points at the mass of tape on the shoulder of Diamond.
Steve Morrison: Raiden made no attempt at hiding the fact that Jack is the prize he really wants.
Cross Recoba: What impressed me when Kingsley came to me about Raiden was his attitude, he wants to win and he wants to beat the best!!
The two men rush for each other and start to trade punches.
Steve Morrison: WE’VE GOT OURSELVES A BRAWL!!!
DIAMOND!
ISHIMORI!
DIAMOND!
ISHIMORI!
DIAMOND!
ISHIMORI!
DIAMO-NO!! ISHIMORI DUCKS IT AND YANKS AT THE DAMAGED LIMB!!!!
Cross Recoba: Raiden with the smartest move in the room!
Raiden keeps hold of the arm and drops a leg over it.
Steve Morrison: We could see him just destroy that limb right now!
Still with the wrist-control, Raiden uses it to flip over Diamond…FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!!!
Steve Morrison: He could end it with this move!!
Crowd: DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK!
Raiden’s smile returns as he uses his feet to elevate his body and the pivot point.
Cross Recoba: Just work the hold from the shoulder joint…
Tyrell asks Diamond if he wants to tap.
Jack Diamond: NO!!!
Changing it up, Raiden yanks Diamond to his feet…HE LIFTS HIM FOR THE WRIST-CLUTCH FISHERMAN DRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: HE'S LOOKING TO FINISH THIS WITH THE CLIMHAZZARD!!!!!!!!!
DIAMOND PUSHES OFF…STACKED DECK!!!!!
Steve Morrison: STACKED DECK!!!!!!
Cross Recoba: But at what cost to that shoulder?
Laying flat on his back, Jack instinctively reaches for his shoulder as he tries to catch a breather.
Steve Morrison: Jack keeps the match alive but how much of it can he be a part of it?
Cross Recoba: It was a do-or-die move but Jack can’t take advantage of it.
Raiden is no more alert.
Steve Morrison: Both men look out.
Cross Recoba: It’s going to be whether Raiden can get the tag and his team can keep Diamond in the ring.
Diamond starts to stir as Ishimori lifts a leg.
Steve Morrison: We’ve got a race…
Raiden crawls to his corner…Craft tags in!
Cross Recoba: Can he make it in time?
Jacob rushes to Diamond but Jack leaps…HOT TAG TO SAWYER!!!
Steve Morrison: He misses Jack and gets Sawyer!
Cross Recoba: They look amped!
Shoot kick from Sawyer lands. And another!
Steve Morrison: Huge kicks from the Texan!
The Houston Wrestler sends Craft to the ropes but it’s reversed!
Cross Recoba: Whats’s Jacob got…
CRAFT NAILS THE FLYING KNEE!!!
Steve Morrison: TIME’S UP!
Sawyer leans on the ropes to keep upright.
Cross Recoba: Sawyer looks unsteady on their feet…
RAIDEN AND TOMMY PULL CAPONE AND DIAMOND FROM THE APRON TO THE OUTSIDE!!!
Steve Morrison: One team thinks this could be it!
Craft pulls Sawyer from the ropes with a front-facelock…SAM ANSWERS WITH A HUGE BODY HOOK….STO!!!!
Steve Morrison: THIS CORROSION!!!!
SAWYER SETS UP THE MUTA LOCK!!!!!
Steve Morrison: SAWYER LOCK!!!
Tyrell asks Craft if he wants to tap but gets no response.
Cross Recoba: Craft’s in trouble, this was how they beat Zolothatch in FIRESIDE to win gold!
ON THE OUTSIDE, TOMMY HITS AN INVERTED USHIGOROSHI ON CAPONE USING THE RING STEPS!!!
Steve Morrison: HOLY DIVER ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!
Sawyer arches their back to increase the torque.
Cross Recoba: Great athleticism to really put the pressure on that hold!
RAIDEN HITS THE WRIST-CLUTCH FISHERMAN DRIVER ON THE OUTSIDE TO DIAMOND!!!!
Steve Morrison: CLIMHAZZARD ON THE UNFORGIVING RINGSIDE FLOOR!!!
SAM NOW AT FULL STRETCH!!
Cross Recoba: How much further can Jacob last in this h-
CRAFT TAPS!!!!!!!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: THE WINNERS OF THIS MATCH, VIA SUBMISSION, WILDCAT CAPONE, JACK DIAMOND AND SAAAAAAAAAAAMMM…..SAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWYERRRRRRRRRRRR!!
Steve Morrison: What a great match! Some stellar performances on both sides of the ring!
Cross Recoba: Don’t give Jack that accolade, he showed his true colors tonight!
Steve Morrison: Jack is on the winning side but just how far away from a full recovery is he?
Cross Recoba: That’ll be decided in October and from looking at the build-up to this match, he’s not short of people with a target on his back!
Steve Morrison: On the otherside, Raiden and Tommy might count themselves unlucky to not be on the winning side of the equation.
Cross Recoba: This puts our two headline matches under the microscope to not be eclipsed by this one!
HALF-TIME SHOW
Laura Messier: The following match is a tag team match scheduled for one fall to the finish with NO time limit! And it is for the XHF … GLOBAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Cross Recoba: I still don’t understand why Mongo and Bobby get to call the shots for the rules to the global title matches. This is MY show after all…
The record scratches.
The drums count in and the thumping bass line of “June Bug” by Melvins starts to rattle the speakers. Blue, black and orange lights flash through the arena.
At about 25 seconds in, the drums pick up and Close Collins comes stepping through the curtain. He’s dressed in his ring gear and a zip up hoodie with the hood up. No nonsense, his fists clenched, his eyes focused on the ring, he just storms down the aisle as the bass rips and the drums solo. His father Tuff Collins not too far behind.
At about 40 seconds the guitar plays a very simple yet melodic riff. Close takes a moment to slow down and look around the arena. He stops before the ring steps and says a few words to his dad/manager Tuff. Close takes a good look at the ring and bows in respect.
At 56 seconds all the instruments start killing it and Close aggressively storms up the steps and into the ring. Straight past his opponent and/or ring announcer and referee and pops up onto the second turnbuckle and roars with intensity for the crowd. Then pops back down keeps his back facing the middle ring, refusing to look at his opponent. Tuff Collins stands on the apron promoting his son and client. The back of Close’s hoodie reads “IT'S TIME FOR LAST CALL”
Laura Messier: Entering first, they are the challengers representing YOUR TAPOUT WRESTLING! They enter tonight weighing in at a combined 465 pounds and wrestle out of Omaha, Nebraska! They are Tuff and Close Collins … THE THROW SHOW!
Cross Recoba: Our boys looking to get it done tonight and bring the titles home to Tapout!
Steve Morrison: And if they don’t Tuff has said he will retire and step away and let his son go on to singles glory.
Cross Recoba: With any luck that will be a long ways off.
The first few strums of "They Say" by Scars on Broadway hit the speakers, lights dimming down for a brief moment before returning to their usual brightness as the drums and hard riffs explode into the song. Walking out from the back is the combined duo of Hunter Storms and Daigo Arakawa. The former bears his usual stoic expression while Daigo wears the same smug grin he carries on himself. Making their way down the ramp, the two ignore the fans in the aisle though Daigo does take a few moments to simply jaw the crowd as Storms rolls into the ring while Daigo slides after him. Rising to their feet, Storms gives a simple cut-throat gesture to the crowd, retreating to their corner right after though Daigo takes the time to ascend one of the corners and taunt the crowd, smug grin still on his lips before he moves to join Storms in their respective corner.
Laura Messier: And their opponents. Representing the Harbingers and the fed across the strip in Sin City Championship Wrestling, they are the GLOBAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS. At a combined weight of 433 pounds. From Washington D.C., the SCCW World Champion, Hunter Storms. From Kitamono, Saitama, Japan, Daigo Arakawa … CUT THROAT CHAOS!
Steve Morrison: And here is the tag champs, the Harbingers are no strangers to Tapout or Vegas for that matter.
Cross Recoba: And that is an advantage as there is plenty of tape for our boys to use to prepare!
Steve Morrison: Tape is all well and good but the Harbingers have been dominating the tag divisions of multiple feds for years now. They are a well oiled machine.
CO-MAIN EVENT
XHF TAG-TEAM TITLES MATCH
Cut Throat Chaos (c) vs The Throw Show
Storms and Tuff step to the apron. Daigo and Close step to the center of the ring. Steve Tyrell holds the XHF Global Tag Team Titles aloft for the crowd to react to. He then hands them off to the timekeeper and checks on all four competitors. He gets a nod from each about them understanding his rules and then … CALLS FOR THE BELL!
Daigo wastes no time going on the offensive with an aggressive flurry of kicks and chops to the chest of the young upstart. A spinning back roundhouse sails over the head of Collins as he rolls forward and under the leg. Popping to his feet, the young Tapout star snaps a hammerlock onto the tag team champion. Arakawa sprints to the ropes and grasps them as he uses the rebound energy to fling his attacker backward. A springboard to the middle rope and Chaos Tiger connects to Close as Close rises to his feet with a dropkick to the chest. Collins rolls to his hands and knees as Daigo sprints in and looks for the double foot stomp to the spine!
Cross Recoba: Daigo showing no mercy, trying to take advantage of the learning curve of the young Close here.
Steve Morrison: Close is lucky he saw that stomp coming and rolled to the side.
Indeed, the tag champ stomps nothing but mat and then somersaults forward to dissipate the energy of the stomp. As he rolls to his feet he sees his quarry in a similar pose. They both rise to their feet and this time it’s the young Cornhusker who initiates the offense with a collar and elbow tie up. They jockey for position for a bit before Close gets the advantage and hits a belly to belly suplex. He quickly ties up the hand and wrist in a key lock but the nimble former Junior Heavyweight Champ manages to kip up to break the hold and drag the challenger into another grapple. The Graduate from the Sandwich Dojo shoves Daigo off of him and on the rebound locks in a sleeper hold. Arakawa quickly rushes to his corner and runs up the turnbuckle and backflips over Close and drags him down with a reverse X-Factor. Hunter Storms tags himself in and steps through the ropes. Daigo holds his foe on the mat as Storms drops the big leg across the chest of Collins. He drags the coughing opponent to his feet and pulls Close towards the both of CTC but Close ducks the big clothesline and goes over the leg sweep of Daigo and rolls to his feet behind them before dropkicking them both into the corner together. Storms begins spitting out hair as the shorter Daigo’s hair had gone right in his face.
Steve Morrison: Close showing off that tape study as he nimbly uses his youth and agility to avoid the big moves when needed.
Cross Recoba: He is one of the fastest rising stars in Tapout. It’s just too bad it couldn’t be that Marty Donovan getting his belt taken here instead of our friends from up the strip.
Steve Tyrell has failed to count to five but he still ushers Daigo out of the ring. Close shoots in behind him and takes the big Storms up and over with the start of a double leg takedown, only to back body throw him over the top. Hunter crashes to the mat and holds his back. He blinks in surprise as Collins unloads on him with a few stiff kicks to the spine as he sits up. The SCCW Champ catches the foot as he spins on his seat. He stands up and flips the foe in the air by his leg, but Close backflips with the momentum and lands in a super hero pose before combat rolling under the grapple of Storms. Hunter spins and swings a wild lariat but Close manages to duck and hook the arm before catching the big man with an arm triangle.
Steve Morrison: Close is really moving!
Cross Recoba: You have to pick your opportunities on a bigger opponent like Storms.
Cut throat Struggles and uses his size to his advantage as he stumbles towards the ropes. As Hunter grabs the ropes, Tyrell begins to count. As he hits four, he physically steps between the two men, even as Close breaks the hold voluntarily. A thumb to the eye over the back of the ref sends the technical wunderkind spinning away. The Harbinger of Destruction follows up with a series of closed right hands to the face. On the apron, Tuff is stomping the mat in support of his son. The SCCW World Champ pokes his foe in the eyes again, only to be told off by the referee. Storms raises his hands in innocence like it was a mistake before catching his prey and looks for a powerbomb. Close wriggles on his shoulders and tries to slide down his back! But Hunter catches him and looks around with a smug smirk as he laughs at this attempt.
Cross Recoba: Looks like he’s set up for the Gory Bomb.
Steve Morrison: Yes but the promotional media showed Close training specifically to avoid moves like- WHOA!
Indeed, Collins manages to free one arm and the same side leg and swing on the still locked arm of Storms and somehow pretzels his way into a DDT!
Cross Recoba: Can’t say I’ve seen that one before…
The young cornhusker wastes no time hooking the fallen big man into a camel clutch. As Storms tries to stand up, Close releases and dives to the mat locking in a fujiwara armbar on the big man. He torques until Storms rolls to release the pressure and then transitions it into a cross armbreaker!
Steve Morrison: Jujigatame! He’s wisely trying to neuter the power game of Hunter Storms by taking the arms out of the equation.
The hold is broken up by Arakawa stomping on the chest of the upstart Tapout star. Steve Tyrell tries to back Arakawa off but Arakawa says he has till 5. Which would be now but Tyrell isn’t counting. Daigo pulls the prone foe to his feet and looks to hit a dragon screw, but Close leaps into an enzuigiri. Arakawa stumbles back into a rising Storms, who catches him. Close sprints behind them and comes up with a leaping meteora style knee strike, one knee to the back of the head of each opponent! Both men clunk heads together and crumple to the mat.
Cross Recoba: BANANA SANDWICH! … I can’t believe Close made me say that.
Steve Morrison: When you train at the dojo of the sandwich, all things are apparently possible.
Close grabs Chaos Tiger and sprints to the ropes, launching him through the top and middle ropes to the outside. He turns around and charges at the rising Storms, who catches him in a bearhug. He looks to transition into a spinebuster but Close hooks the head and arm in another arm triangle. Storms stumble backwards to the enemy corner where Tuff tags himself in as Close drops to the mat and transitions into a vertical suplex hold and snap suplexes the SCCW Champ to the mat. Tuff follows this up by dropping the elbow to the throat. Tuff now pulls Storms from the corner and pins.
ONE!
Kickout with authority.
Collins flexes a bit and then stomps the chest of the tag team champion. He pins.
ON-Kickout.
Tuff pulls Hunter to his knees and then begins laying into the big man’s face with forearm shivers. He hooks up for a half hatch suplex and showing impressive power, manages to suplex the big man. Storms sits up and scoots back a bit, looking shocked … then angry. He pushes up to his feet and roars in rage. Tuff just stands his ground and glares back. Storms charges but Tuff manages to catch the arm and hit a huge hip toss. Holding the arm, Collins yanks Storms back up and hits a short arm clothesline … which Hunter eats and remains standing, shaking his head out. Another lariat, another stumble. With a raise of the eyebrow and a shrug, the elder Collins hooks the tag champ for the head and arm tazplex.
Steve Morrison: Oh! Tuff looking for his signature Tuffplex!
Cross Recoba: It’s a bit early to be looking for the kill.
Steve Morrison: I see what you mean.
Storms manages to lock his arms around the back of Tuff and hit a side belly to belly slam. Storms pops up and backs up to tag in Daigo. Arakawa leaps to the top rope, to the shoulders of his partner, and leaps off with a diving leg drop across the chest of the elder statesman. Arakawa pins as Storms glares at Close to come in and try something. Ignoring the big man in the ring, Tyrell counts.
ONE!
TW-kickout!
The Harbinger of Chaos wastes little time diving onto the mat and wrapping his left arm around the head of Tuff, elevating it, and raining punches down to the top of the head. Steve Tyrell debate stopping him but instead directs Storm to the corner. Tuff manages to wrestle free and roll to the apron. Daigo kips up and runs off the ropes, on the return he tries a baseball slide. Collins however manages to roll to the floor and avoid it, then slide into the ring next to Daigo while his legs still dangle out of the ring. He grabs the chaos tiger by the throat and pulls him from the ropes and begins to slam his head off the mat. Daigo manages to kick him using his ab strength to curl his body back on itself. Tuff eats to of these upkicks before catching the third and dropping to the mat in a knee bar. The Japanese superstar yelps in pain and surprise at this.
Cross Recoba: A wise strategy to try and take away the legs of the high flyer.
Steve Morrison: This is shockingly close, I don’t know if anyone expected this level of skill from the rusty Tuff.
Tuff really wrenches the hold and yells at the “young’in” to tap out and save himself. Storms strolls across the apron and shouts at Tuff. Steve Tyrell yells at him to get back to the tag rope. Storms steps into the ring and stomps on Tuff to break it up, then smirks at Tyrell telling him it looked like the shortest path back to the corner. Close sprints into the ring and Tyrell gets in front of him to stop him attacking Hunter. Storms and Daigo now lift Tuff to his feet and hit a quick double DDT before Storms drags him to the safe corner and steps between the ropes. Close the entire time is pointing at them and yelling at Tyrell to turn. Daigo gets Tuff to his feet and stops momentarily to stretch his right knee. He then wails on Tuff with knees to the gut. Meanwhile Storms uses the tag rope to choke the elder Collins. Close angrily dives back outside and yells at Tyrell to turn around! Hunter releases the rope and holds his hands up as Tyrell merely sees the knees to the gut. He turns back to admonish the younger Collins. Close shouts to turn as Hunter again pulls on Tuff with a cross face as Daigo lays boots to the chest and gut. Steve turns and sees Tuff being pulled from the corner and hit with a neckbreaker by Daigo who then tags in Storms. The Harbinger of Destruction enters and lays the boots to Tuff before pulling him up and hanging him in the tree of woe. He kicks him twice then tags in Daigo who springboards off the ropes and crashes down on Collins with double knee drop to the shoulders.
Steve Morrison: Some tomfoolery and skullduggery going on from the tag team champions!
Cross Recoba: Hey you win how you have to, these guys are professionals, it’s on my crew to use what they learn and overcome it.
Steve Morrison: And if they can’t?
Cross Recoba: We call that pulling a Marty Donovan.
Daigo watches as Tuff flops off the top rope to the mat in pain. He licks his lips and pulls Tuff away from the ropes then leaps to the top rope and comes off the top with a diving splash. He hooks the leg and grabs a handful of tights.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-Tuff just manages to kick out.
Close begins shouting at Tyrell and gesturing to his pants. Tyrell says he didn’t see anything. As this happens Daigo rubs his elbow across the eyes of papa Collins in a grinding motion. As Tyrell spins back to the action, Arakawa pulls Tuff to his feet and hooks him for a DDT. Running on instinct, Tuff reverses into a northern lights suplex and bridges up!
ONE!
T-Kickout.
Tuff rolls over and begins to crawl to his corner. The Harbinger of Chaos however rolls to his feet and dives, grabbing the leg of Collins. Daigo laughs and taunts at Close while dragging Tuff back. He drops to a knee and grabs the head of Tuff, forcing him to face his son and grimace in pain. Close storms into the ring, but Tyrell catches him physically and backs him off and admonishes him. Close keeps trying to get past him without getting DQ’d as Daigo chokes his father illegally. Daigo slams the face of Tuff into the mat. He pulls Tuff to his feet as Close finally relents and angrily goes to his corner. Behind the ref’s back however, Daigo has the German Suplex set up to slam Tuff back into the CTC corner and Collins reflexively kicks backwards and catches the tiger by his toe. And by toe I mean testicles. And then stomps on his toe for good measure. Storms shouts at the ref to do his job, but Steve just says he WAS doing his job! Daigo crumples to the mat as Tuff Flair flops to the mat. Instead of a ten count, Tyrell begins to check on both men. He is slightly unnerved by the soprano of Daigo and the incoherent spittling of Tuff catching his breath, but he shrugs … THEN starts a ten count.
Cross Recoba: Well, when you’re as experienced as Tuff you find ways to save yourself. Even if they aren’t exactly savory. I approve.
Steve Morrison: I think Daigo yelling shattered some glasses on fans in the front row.
Tuff slowly shakes the cobwebs out and begins to crawl to his son again, who has his arm outstretched. The fans are firmly on the side of the Throw Show despite being in the home of the Diamond Mine. He inches … and inches … a tag is announced … and Hunter Storms barrels in and clobbers Close off the apron with a running back elbow. He then deadlifts Tuff off the mat and plants him with a gutwrench suplex. Storms steps on the chest of the elder statesman and flexes.
One!
TWO!
THR-No!
Tuff just manages to roll the shoulders up. Storms just looks bemused and laughs. He stomps on Tuff a few times. Tuff somehow manages to roll away to a neutral corner. Storms barrels in and Collins drops to the mat and under the bottom turnbuckle as the SCCW World Champion crashes shoulder first into the ring post. Tuff slides through his legs and slowly pulls to his feet. He pulls Storms out of the turnbuckle and hits a German Suplex of his own. Hunter lies on the mat holding his left shoulder as Tuff collapses next to him. Tyrell again checks on both men before initiating a count. At three, Tuff drapes an arm over his opponent.
ONE!
Storms immediately grasps the arm and rolls into a fujiwara armbar.
Steve Morrison: Storms using all his talents in this match to torment a retiree.
Cross Recoba: Tuff is showing remarkable resilience to stay in this match and keep fighting for the tag to his son.
Tuff begins to drag the heavier Storms to the corner. Hunter adjusts and pulls his foe into a seated position and locks in a dragon sleeper. Tyrell checks on the fading Tuff. Storms just wrenches back as hard as he can. The hold is suddenly broken up by an explosive penalty kick to the chin of the tag team champ. Tyrell stumbles back from the surprise. Close manages to roll into the opposing corner to avoid a springboard clothesline from Daigo. He catches the former junior heavyweight champ with a half nelson suplex back into the corner. Tyrell begins the five count as Daigo rolls under the bottom rope. Close charges and dodges a rising Storms’s attempt at the Quarrel Bomber before leaping to the middle rope and springboarding back with a back elbow. Tyrell now physically gets between the men and sends Close to the corner. He amps up the crowd by raising his hands in the air and beckoning them to cheer. Tuff is slowly dragging himself to the corner. He reaches … fingertip length away … and gets dragged away by the ankle by Storms. The crowd sighs and sounds disheartened.
Steve Morrison: And they still manage to keep Tuff away from his son.
Cross Recoba: At this point you have to, every time Close gets in the ring he’s a house of fire. This is the best way to ensure their desired outcome.
Storms pulls Tuff up for the stretch muffler. Tuff howls in pain. He looks around at his son in the corner pounding the top turnbuckle, then the crowd cheering him on, then to the big bruise forming on the left shoulder of his assailant. Tuff uses all his wherewithal to aim some kicks with his free leg right into that shoulder. Storms absorbs three before he drops the old man on his face and grasps at his weakened appendage. Tuff, operating on instinct, stumbles towards his corner. The Harbinger of Destruction sees this and charges for a clothesline but Tuff ducks at the warning from his own corner. He catches Storms and hits a German suplex! The crowd erupts. Collins is too drained to stand quickly. Storms is slow to his feet and eventually they both get there. Tuff hits a snap suplex on the bigger man. He swivels the hips and rolls, maintaining the hold, and then hits another! Storms skids towards his own corner. Daigo tags him on the foot. He leapfrogs into the ring over the rope and his tag partner. Chaos tiger sprints past Tuff and tries to hit Close, who drops to the floor to avoid it. Daigo now grabs Tuff and whips him off the ropes and hits a hurricanrana on the rebound. He laughs and beats his chest to the crowd. Within moments he has a figure four on Tuff and flips forward into the package pin!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-Tuff grabs the ropes
Cross Recoba: Great ring awareness there by the elder Collins teammate.
Steve Morrison: He REALLY needs to tag in his son.
Daigo now pops up and argues with the ref. He shouts right in Tyrell’s face who backs up slightly. Daigo turns and grabs Tuff who grabs the belt and tugs forward. Arakawa stumbles into the ropes and is met with a kick to the jaw from Close. Tuff now is draped on the top rope catching his breath. Hunter Storms shouts and charges into the ring only to be grabbed by Tyrell. As this happens, Tuff makes the tag and the crowd goes nuts! Close comes unglued as he dives into the ring with a leg drop. Storms backs out of the ring to the apron. Close locks on the Last Call! Tazmission locked on Daigo! Daigo flails about and tries to stop this but the grapevine is on and they fall to the mat. Tyrell turns and forces a break in the hold. The crowd goes wild! New champs! Close breaks the hold and rolls to his feet raising his arms in triumph …
Until Steve tells him he has to tag in, he can’t be in the ring. He begins a five count and Close grabs his head in shock. He explains he did tag and makes the motion and gesture. Tyrell points to his eyes and gives the no go signal. As he does this, Storms laughs and sneaks into the ring and grabs Tuff AND Daigo and drags them back to his corner and steps out as Close gets on the apron and slams the top turnbuckle pad in rage. Daigo is slow to his feet but gets there. Tuff is trying to crawl away. Arakawa simply hits a reverse rana sending him back into their corner. Daigo tags in Storms and the big man steps in. They pull Tuff from the corner looking for something but Tuff reflexively spears Storms!
Steve Morrison: SHARK ATTACK FROM TUFF! He still has fight in him.
Cross Recoba: Yes but Close thought he had the match won. Too bad the teamwork of Cut Throat Chaos is becoming too much to overcome.
Tuff tries to leave the corner but Daigo now stops him. He hits some quick boots to the stomach. Summoning up whatever he has left, Tuff launches out of the corner and hooks a belly to belly on Daigo … and LAUNCHES him over the top turnbuckle and to the floor below! Tuff stumbles forward and gets caught in another bearhug by Storms. He begins raining elbows to the skull of Storms who stumbles. Closer … closer … and within a fingertip of the Throw Show Corner. Storms drops to one knee and crushes tight on Tuff. Tuff is fading. He droops. Storms now stands up to put full pressure … and Tuff headbutts him! They stumble back … HOT TAG!
Cross Recoba: HERE COMES CLOSE!
Steve Morrison: A springboard dropkick to the back of the neck of the SCCW Champ!
Close pumps himself up and sprints off the ropes! He comes back with a running knee to the face of Hunter. Tuff manages to get under the bottom rope. Daigo is slowly climbing back onto the apron. Close pulls Storms to his feet and unloads with a flurry of haymakers before sending him flying with a belly to belly overhead suplex. Hunter arches his back in pain then rolls to his feet only to get an exploder suplex for his troubles. Daigo leaps to the top rope and flies! Close kicks him in the gut as he comes down and then hits him with an exploder of his own. Hunter stumbles to him to grab him by the back of his neck but a pele kick takes him out. Arakawa shoves him towards the corner but Close runs up the turnbuckle and flies with the Whisper in the Wind, wiping out BOTH Harbingers!
Steve Morrison:FUTURES CALLING! Close is on fire right now! He can do this!
Cross Recoba: It isn’t over until it’s over Steve.
Close grabs Daigo and rolls him out of the ring before dragging Storms from the ropes and rolling him up.
One!
Two!
Kickout!
Close pounds the mat in frustration before stiffening his resolve. He charges but Storms pops him up for a powerbomb! Close slides down the back but Hunter manages to catch him in the position for the Gory Bomb. He shakes his head and laughs … until Close curls himself and flips Storms with the Code Red!!!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-Daigo breaks it up with a basement dropkick to the face.
Steve Morrison: I thought it was over! What a reversal.
Daigo ignoes the pleas from Tyrell to leave as he grabs the young upstart and pie faces him to the mat. He then stomps on him until he is forcibly removed by the referee. With both active competitors down we get a ten count. Storms is first up but Close kips up behind him. Breathing heavily, the cornhusker tells the Destructor to bring it. Huge haymaker! Close stumbles … rolling elbow! Storms staggers … heabutt! Close drops to one knee … and retaliates with a shoulder to the gut. A double axe handle comes crashing on his back. And then another. And another … Storms howls at the crowd and lays in left hands … just long enough for Close to catch the arm and flip Cut Throat to the mat and lock in the arm bar! Storms now howls in pain as that injured shoulder is being torqued right out of his socket! Storms flails and fights and finally gets a meaty foot on the ropes. Breaking the hold, Close rolls to his feet and drags Storms to the middle of the ring. He pins.
ONE!
TWO!
Kickout.
Collins unloads with forearm and elbow shots to the downed SCCW Champ. Storms manages to roll over and now unloads hammer fists to the young Nebraskan. Collins catches the left arm again and slides between the legs. He sprints off the ropes and comes back with a kick to the posterior of the champ. Storms ends up face and left shoulder first on the mat. He pops up in pain to his knees holding that shoulder. Close comes off the ropes again looking for a shining wizard but ends up leapfrogging as Storms drops to the mat. Storms pushes up using his right arm … and on the rebound … QUARREL BOMBER! Close looks to be knocked loopy as he flips and lands face first on the mat and bounces up to his knees only to fall to the side back to the mat.
Cross Recoba: OOOOH! That was an impact if I ever saw one. I may need to have him cleared for a concussion before booking him next month.
Steve Morrison: Now now Cross, the match isn’t over!
Forgoing the pin, Hunter staggers to his corner and tags in Daigo. Daigo immediately stalks his prey. He gets the rising Close with a German Suplex! He rolls through and tries for a second but Close runs into his own corner where a blind tag is made. Daigo yanks him back and hits a Chaos Theory German Suplex. He laughs as he now eyes up his prone foe. He climbs to the top rope. Close kips up! He sprints to the corner as Tuff enters the ring! Close leaps to the top rope with Daigo! SLAP! Hooked up! TUFF PLEX OFF THE TOP ROPE! Tuff catches Daigo as he sails and slams him to the mat with a snap powerbomb, Daigo’s head bouncing off the mat hard. Tuff tiredly leans forward for the cover. Close tries to count … but Tyrell isn’t counting.
Cross Recoba: Holy hell! A modified avalanche version of the Belly to Belly Bomber from Throw Show!
Steve Morrison: Why isn’t Tyrell counting the pin? HUSTLE UP LAD OUR BOYS ARE WINNING!
Unfortunately that slap was a blind tag and as Close turns around he is met with a Quarrel Bomber to the head which sends him crashing to the mat. Storms keeps his momentum and hits Tuff with a big boot. Tuff releases the unconscious Daigo who Storms moves out of the way before he grabs the rising Tuff … DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!
Steve Morrison: Gone with the wind! No!
Storms takes a second to grab the crawling Close and hurl him over the top rope to the floor before walking back to Tuff. Tuff is barely moving and grabs the shoe of Hunter. Hunter pulls him to his feet and dusts him off. Tuff looks confused … GONE WITH THE WIND AGAIN! Storms plants both palms on the chest of the crushed old man and yells as the ref counts.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING! Tyrell calls for the bell and retrieves the tag belts from the timekeeper.
Laura Messier: Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of pinfall, your winners and … STILL the XHF GLOBAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS … CUT THROAT CHAOS!
Cross Recoba: A valiant effort from the home crew tonight but they just didn’t finish it off.
Steve Morrison: No shame in that. A match of the night contender for sure!
Laura Messier: IT’S TIME FOR OUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!!! A Non-title match set for ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There’s a moment of silence inside of the arena as the crowd awaits for the next match, but then the lights inside of the arena dim to darkness and the crowd sit in silence, but then they hear the words speaking through the P.A. System and that signals for them to begin booing upon knowing who it might be:
“TAKE ALL MY MONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY, HONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY AND BLOW (BLOW, BLOW)”
The crowd inside of the building began to cheer loudly as the vocals of “Blow” begin to play through the speakers, the lights beginning to spiral around the arena before bringing them all around onto the stage where The Last Breathing Mercenary steps through the curtain, a large grin along his face as he stops at the top of the ramp and looks around the arena. The camera pans closer toward the man as he began his slow walk down to the ring, soaking in every second that the crowd show their love for Long.
Steve Morrison: He watched his friend lose the Openweight title from ringside and now Long gets the chance to get revenge!
Cross Recoba: The fact that we haven’t put this match on tells you how deep our roster goes but now? The right moment, the right time. If Diamond retained? We’d still have this match in this spot!
Long finds himself at ringside, taking a moment to stand there and take a deep breath before turning to walk over to the steps and head up along them to get onto the ring apron. From there, he brushes his feet along the apron, removing his ring jacket and steps through the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Long has held the X*Crown title, the AWF Prestige title, could he take the Openweight title?
Cross Recoba: This is non-title remember, but it would make it an interesting conversation with a Long win that would surely put him neck-and-neck with Random.
Long heads into the furthest corner and steps onto the second ropes, keeping himself up high as he looks out through the crowd– which only brings a large smile along his face, slightly laughing at the crowd, before leaping off of the apron and staying within the corner to prepare himself for the match.
Steve Morrison: Watching the pre-match camp, I don’t think I’ve seen Long this determined, this driven by anger, in quite some time.
Cross Recoba: It’s vital that he keeps focused, if he gives into the hate then Poena wins in more ways than one.
The lights go dark as the eerie Latin words fill the arena, the sounds and bells echo faintly. As the choir sings out, turquoise flames blaze up around the Titantron, images of Poena's most painful moves and disturbing moments framed in fire as a pure white spotlight beams down. The spotlight reveals Poena and his masked Disciples rising from the floor, the light casting a seemingly holy aura around them.
Steve Morrison: The entrance has only grown more pompous, more reverential since his title win.
Cross Recoba: I’m convinced that congregation has grown since New York!
Poena has his arms out wide, the belt in one hand and his twisted rosary in the other, laughing madly as he and his followers head down the ramp. The Disciples move as one, much like a hive mind, as Poena drops his arms and slithers toward the ring. Poena slides into the ring as the Disciples move to watch over the ring.
Steve Morrison: He sees Long as ego-driven, as a perfect sacrifice to his ‘God’.
Cross Recoba: He even questioned if this match was about Jack or just a notch on the career of Jason Long!
He lays the belt over his knees like an offering and holds his arms out again, screaming out "REPENT!" before swaying back to standing and bonelessly passing the belt off in the same movement.
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen Poena win matches before the bell has been rung with his mind-games, has he gotten inside the mind of Long?
Cross Recoba: If he has, then the Champion might cakewalk his way to a win but Jason has faced people like Poena wherever he’s been. It’s all going to be decided though when that bell rings in just a few moments…
Laura Messier:Introducing first, wrestling out of Wexford Town, County Wexford, Ireland and weighing in tonight at one hundred and ninety-five pounds… HE IS THE LAST BREATHING MERCENARY… THE KING OF WRESTLING… THIS IS JAAAAAASSSOONNNNNNNNNNN LOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!!!!
Long raises an arm before returning his focus back to the Champion,
Laura Messier: From the Ninth Deep...Standing at six-feet even and weighing a hundred-and-ninety pounds...The Sanctified One....He is THE TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION!!! POENNNNNNNNNAAAA!!!!!!
Poena barely acknowledges the words of Messier, instead looking at Long with a cocked head as if new prey had entered his cage.
MAIN EVENT
NON-TITLE MATCH
Poena (#2) vs Jason Long (#3)
Rhod Williams stands in the middle of the ring and soaks in the atmosphere for the final bout of the evening.
Steve Morrison: Williams knows this is the biggest match he’s had to officiate to date in his career.
Cross Recoba: He’s there to make sure that Poena doesn’t go overboard and Long doesn’t let his temper run away with itself.
He approaches Jason Long first to instruct the Icon on what he expects of the match. Checking the boots of the Icon, he seems to be content that all is above board. He points towards the ramp in what we can only assume is a demonstration of him throwing the match out if it goes too far. The Best Bout Machine nods, his eyes never leaving Poena throughout the lecture.
Steve Morrison: Long still bearing the grudge of seeing first-hand and up-close what Poena did to his friend and fellow Icon at Night of Champions.
Cross Recoba: It pre-dates that, I know from talking to Long that Poena has been on his list of people to bring down a notch pretty much from the first Tap Out show.
Going to the corner of the Champion, Rhod is firmer in his instructions.
Steve Morrison: Poena might hold the Openweight title but I’m unconvinced that it’ll make him any more disciplined in the ring.
Cross Recoba: He claims the belt is proof of the validity of his God’s word. He’s only going to double-down at this point.
Poena laughs at one suggestion which causes Williams to share the laugh, uneasy as it might be. The former Rugby player stresses the point again with a straight face and makes a ‘cut it out’ sign with his hand. The newly-crowned Tap Out Openweight Champion smiles uneasily, his attention elsewhere.
Steve Morrison: What can Rhod Williams be thinking?
Cross Recoba: Hopefully the paycheck.
Williams, either content or realizing that’ll be the limit Poena will tow his line, goes back into the center of the ring and signals for the timekeeper to get the match underway.
DING! DING! DING!
Crowd: LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Amidst the cheering, the camera focuses on the same Poena fan who was there in the Central Savings Bank for Night of Champions.
Steve Morrison: Seemingly the only person who can equate hero-worship and Poena.
In the ring, the two competitors stare each other down…MAV STRAIGHT OUT CHARGES AT POENA….HESITATION DROPKICK SENDS POENA BACK INTO HIS CORNER!
Steve Morrison: Long wasting no time in drawing first blood!
Cross Recoba: He knows that his big ticket in this match is his speed and agility.
Like a man possessed, Long is back on his feet and throws feral punch after feral punch into the body and head of Poena.
Quickly planting his feet on the second rope, Long starts to unload with punches as the crowd count-along:
ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX!
Steve Morrison: Mounting the turnbuckle, The Catalysts is unloading with punches to the head of the Champion!
POENA PUSHES LONG OFF AND THE IRISHMAN ROLLS BACKWARDS INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING…RUNNING SHOULDER TACKLE!
Cross Recoba: Poena almost seemed amused and now has Long on the mat.
The two men scramble to their feet and it’s The Catalyst who lands first with a European Uppercut. Poena returns with a straight punch to the temple. Another European rising punch, another temple punch in reply.
Steve Morrison: The two men seemingly happy to slug it out.
Cross Recoba: We all know that Poena has no issue with getting dirty with the brawling but people overlook the fact that Long can scrap it out with the best of them.
Switching it up, Long throws a middle kick and follows up with a Question Mark kick. He grabs the arm of the Champion and pulls him towards him, a lifting knee takes Poena down. Jason holds onto the arm of Poena and drives a triplet of boots into the skull of the Ninth Deep Terror. Long hits the ropes…dropkick to the side of the head!
Steve Morrison: Long seemingly stepping up a gear…
Keeping up the frenetic pace, Jason grabs the wrist of Poena and sends him to the ropes…HIP-TOSS INTO A NECKBREAKER!!
Cross Recoba: He’s looking to soften up that neck, that’s going to increase how critical one of his finishing moves can land.
Poena scrambles to his feet, trying to reset himself but LONG LEAPS FOR A RUNNING DOUBLE-KNEE FACEBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: HE CAUGHT HIM!
The New Age Killer makes the quick cover:
ONE…
TW-
POENA SHOOTS UP AN ARM!
Steve Morrison: Not quite enough just yet to put away Poena.
Long tries to use the raised arm to pull the Champion to his feet BUT THE ANGEL OF CHAOS USES IT TO WHIP LONG TOWARDS HIM…
Cross Recoba: Was he playing possum?
POENA SINKS HIS TEETH INTO THE FOREHEAD OF LONG!!!!
Steve Morrison: He’s biting Maverick who’s trapped in the hooks of Poena’s legs!
Williams starts the count!
ONE!
Cross Recoba: He’s giving him a taste of what Jack Diamond had to endure at Night of Champions.
TWO!
TH-
Surprisingly, Poena breaks the bite early. He hoists Long to his feet and stuns him with a paintbrush-style slap! And another one! Long fires a punch but it’s ducked…HALF-NELSON LIFT INTO A BACKBREAKER!
Steve Morrison: Lightning quick with that one!
Pushing Jason down with one arm, Poena uses his dominant arm to land driven pointed elbow strikes to the sternum of The Last Breathing Mercenary.
Steve Morrison: He’s stretching out that back as he pummels the body of his opponent!
Picking up the pace, Poena uses a trailing arm to bring Long to his feet and whips him into the corner.
Cross Recoba: Once Poena finds that rhythm, it’s an uphill fight to put him off it. I found that out at Big Fight Fight Night back in 2021!
POENA SHOOTS IN WITH A DROPKICK TO THE CHIN!
Steve Morrison: Long’s head rocked back!
ANOTHER DROPKICK FROM THE CHAMPION!
Steve Morrison: And another!
A THIRD DROPS LONG TO THE MAT!!
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen how Poena will use one move like a battering ram and he’s doing that right now.
Grabbing the arms of his opponent, Poena pulls his prey into the center of the ring…ARM-TRAPPED STOMPS TO THE FACE!!!
Crowd: FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG!
Steve Morrison: VICIOUS STOMPS RAIN DOWN ON LONG AND EACH ONE A MIDDLE FINGER TO THE DIAMOND CLUB CROWD!
Stepping through, Poena lifts Long to his feet and connects with a headbutt to momentarily stun the Best Bout Machine. He grabs the wrist of Long and looks to send him to the ropes…LONG GRABS A HEADLOCK!
Cross Recoba: Jason’s got to make the most of this window he’s opened….
Grabbing the opportunity while it’s there, Long starts teeing off on the head of the Sanctified One!
Steve Morrison: Once more, Maverick almost running on anger alone!
Cross Recoba: As noble as that is, I’d bet my paycheck on there being a part of him that wonders what would have happened if he’d have come out of Supremacy as the first Openweight Champion. Would he have put Poena down?
Williams with the count:
ONE!
TWO!
POENA TWISTS OUT AND LIFTS HIM FOR A SUPLEX…
Cross Recoba: He’s left himself open…
CORKSCREW FALLING STUNNER!!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT A REVERSAL!
Cross Recoba: Long’s got the perfect platform now to build up some momentum and take this match to Poena!
Turning around to cover, Long sees Poena has rolled to the outside. He gets to his feet and charges the ropes….SASUKE SPECIAL CONNECTS ON THE APRON FLOOR!!!
Steve Morrison: MAVERICK SPECIAL!!!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT!
ONE!
Using the barricade to get to his feet. Long smiles as he sizes up Poena.
Steve Morrison: The agility and strength to connect with that move was unreal!
Cross Recoba: Long has made his career out of pulling out moves that are beyond what most wrestlers could even dream of!
Steve Morrison: Yourself included?
Cross Recoba: …
TWO!
PUMPING BOMBER LARIAT TO THE BACK OF THE CHAMPION’S HEAD!!!
Steve Morrison: BLADE RUNNER!!
Cross Recoba: Needs to get him back into the ring, a count-out is a win but getting your arm raised in the ring is better!
THREE!!
With urgency, Long rolls the Ninth Terror of the Deep into the ring and slides in.
Steve Morrison: Has he got enough to put him away?
He hooks a leg.
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT FROM POENA!!
Cross Recoba: That’s the level of margins in Tap Out, a half-beat away from an impressive win over the new Champion!
Relentless on the offensive, Jason picks up his opponent and squats down into a Fireman’s Carry lift…
Steve Morrison: Is he looking for the Burning Sky?...
ROUNDHOUSE KICK SENDS POENA REELING INTO THE CORNER!
Cross Recoba: Opted for the Roundhouse Kick instead!
Steve Morrison: Poena doggedly stays on his feet rather than hitting the mat.
Cross Recoba: With an aerial artist like Long, that might be the smarter move…
A quick glance shot to the corner, Long steps to the center of the ring before breaking into a sprint…HANDSPRING ENZUGURI CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: Rocking that head back with a receipt on it!
Cross Recoba: Seth Dillinger, Jack Diamond, Marty Donovan. Just a few of the names who found out how lethal those feet of Long can be!
The Catalyst rolls back into the center of the ring and charges back at the seated Poena…BASEMENT DROPKICK CONNECTS WITH THE FACE OF THE DISCIPLE OF DEVASTATION!
Steve Morrison: Maverick building up steam!
Crowd: LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Feeding off the crowd, Long drags Poena from the corner and lifts him onto his shoulders.
Steve Morrison: He’s going for the Burning Sky!!
LONG PUSHES UP…POENA DROPS DOWN THE BACK!!
Cross Recoba: Poena had it scouted!
POENA LIFTS UP THE ICON AND THROWS HIM LEG-FIRST INTO THE RING-POST!!!!
Steve Morrison: POENA JUST WRAPPED THE LOWER LEG OF LONG INTO THE UNFORGIVING STEEL!
Cross Recoba: He caught his knee, shin and ankle up in that!
Prone in the Tree of Woe, Long can only watch as Poena rushes in with a running knee to his midsection that causes Jason to crumple to the mat.
Steve Morrison: Poena starting to show that vicious streak we’ve seen so many times before…
Lifting up the former X*Crown Champion, Poena folds in the knee…Kneecrusher!
Cross Recoba: He’s found his target. It’s that singularity that meant Diamond’s shoulder was obliterated in New York.
Steve Morrison: We saw earlier in the night exactly how badly Poena can affect you weeks later as Diamond seemed to be reticent to get involved in case he reaggravated those injuries.
Cross Recoba: And he’s not a team player…
He returns to the lift and again folds the knee, HE SITS OUT AND DRIVES THE KNEE OF LONG INTO THE MAT!!
Steve Morrison: Sit-out Kneebreaker!
Cross Recoba: This is going to be hard to watch…
With prejudice, Poena drives his boot into the ankle of Long!
Steve Morrison: He’s trying to shatter that ankle!
Another vicious stomp leaves Long reaching for his boot in agony.
Cross Recoba: This has the potential to not just take away those kicks of Maverick but anything that involves leaping or lifting is going to be that much harder to hit at full bore.
Leaning on the ropes, Poena watches his opponent writhe in pain as he stakes his prey out.
Steve Morrison: It’s sickening just how much of a kick he gets out of this.
Long starts to get to his feet…POENA SLIDES IN WITH A DROPKICK TO THE KNEE!
Cross Recoba: He’s going to make him pay. He wants to send a message to anyone who thinks they can take that title from him that it won’t be easy. Diamond might be broken but Poena’s drive and devotion to his cause remains the same.
Poena quickly grabs the foot of Long and plants a foot on the back of his knee…HE DRIVES THE KNEE INTO THE MAT!
Steve Morrison: He smashes that knee into the canvas!!
Rolling onto his back as he holds his knee in pain, Long plays into Poena’s next move as he hooks the leg under his arm…GROUNDED DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!
Cross Recoba: Working over that leg. With End of Days around the corner, this could have further reaching implications than tonight!
With a curious look on his face, Poena crouches down and cocks his head as he awaits Maverick’s rise.
Steve Morrison: Poena acting more like beast than man as he examines his handiwork.
Crowd: FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU!
Long gets to his feet, a slight stumble as he plants the leg that has become the focus of Poena….DISCUS LARIAT CONNECTS AND SENDS LONG THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!!
Steve Morrison: LONG SPILLS TO THE FLOOR!
Poena peers over the ropes as Williams starts the count:
ONE!!
Rolling under the ropes to the apron, Poena watches with more than a hint of amusement as his opponent gets to his feet unsteadily.
Steve Morrison: What can he have in store?
POENA CHARGES ALONG THE APRON…PENALTY KICK TO THE HEAD!!!
Steve Morrison: A FULL-ON PUNT KICK CONNECTS!
The atmosphere in the Diamond Club drops in an instant.
TWO!!
Breaking the count, Poena drops to the floor and picks up Long by the waistband and hair…HE HURLS THE ICON INTO THE RING STEPS!!!
Steve Morrison: I’ve got a bad feeling here…
THREE!!
Moving quickly, Poena places the leg of Long on the bottom ring step before lifting the disturbed top set on top and rolls back onto the apron.
Cross Recoba: You’re not alone…
HE RUNS ACROSS THE APRON ONCE MORE AND LEAPS….FOOT STOMP ONTO THE STEPS SANDWICHES THE ANKLE!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: POENA MIGHT WELL HAVE SHATTERED THE ANKLE OF JASON LONG!!!
The camera pans around the crowd to show the looks of shock and disgust at what they just witnessed. Apart from the Poena Superfan who gazes dreamily on.
Cross Recoba: And only two people here are happy about it!
Poena rolls Long into the ring, Jason still holding his ankle from the assault.
Steve Morrison: He might not have shattered it but Long’s concerned himself about the joint.
He makes the cover:
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
MAVERICK THROWS UP AN ARM!!!
Cross Recoba: He didn’t use his legs!
Rolling away, Long tries to get to his feet but the moment he attempts to plant his foot, he sees it buckle. Poena rushes in to take advantage…CRUCIFIX BOMB!!!
Steve Morrison: FLOATOVER CRUCIFIX BOMB!
Williams drops to the mat for the count…
Cross Recoba: If Mav wants to continue he’s going to HAVE to kick out!
ONE…
TWO…
POENA USES HIS FREE HAND TO THREAD IT THROUGH THE LEGS AND TRANSITIONS TO A TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!!!
Steve Morrison: He switches to the Cloverleaf! This isn’t a match, it’s a public execution!
Williams stays close to the action as he asks Long if he wants to give up but the Icon is adamant he wants to stay and fight in the match.
Cross Recoba: Long’s like Diamond, tapping out is going to be the last option!
Steve Morrison: There’s a good chance that ankle might only be intact by a thread, he’ll surely pick tapping out to a potential six months on the shelf!
Using his arms to tighten the grip on the hold around the feet, Poena rocks back.
Crowd: WE FUCKING HATE YOU, WE DO! WE FUCKING HATE YOU, WE DO! WE FUCKING HATE YOU, WE DO! OH, POENA WE HATE YOU!!
Steve Morrison: No doubt that chant is driven by the British soccer fans I saw earlier today on their way to see Messi play.
Cross Recoba: I saw them too, dressed as the five stages of Messi. Before HGH Messi, Wonderkid Messi, Super Messi, Tax Cheat Messi and Hobo Messi. More proof that the Sands clientele is above the pond-dwellers here!
Using the slight strength advantage he has, Long presses up but Poena sits back further in the hold!
Steve Morrison: Back to the action and Maverick continues to work his options.
Cross Recoba: He can’t try them once and write them off, he needs to time the right action at the right time.
Once again, Rhod asks if he wants to tap out but Long shakes his head and pushes up again…HE FLIPS OUT OF THE HOLD AS POENA IS THROWN INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Steve Morrison: Driven by spite, Long escapes the hold!
The Diamond Club erupt as Long forces himself to his feet….ICON KICK!!
Steve Morrison: THRUST KICK CONNECTS WITH THE JAW OF POENA!!
Grimacing through the pain, the Best Bout Machine rushes in…RUNNING DOUBLE KNEE FACEBUSTER!!!
Cross Recoba: Desperation move but it buys him time!
His weakened leg trailing, Long forces himself towards Poena and bends down…DEADLIFT PILEDRIVER!!!!!
Steve Morrison: VANGUARD DRIVER!!!!!
Laying on his back, the camera catches Long taking sharp intakes of breath.
Cross Recoba: He needs to move to make the most of that impact…
He rolls over and drapes an arm over Poena.
ONE…
TWO…
T-
POENA GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Steve Morrison: He rolled that shoulder out and Williams saw daylight!!
Cross Recoba: Long needs to keep the frustration in check, it’d be too easy to start to get ragged around the edges over the quarter-second difference between the match ending and whatever comes next…
With a clearly pained look on his face, Jason pulls himself up to his feet and staggers into the ropes to steady himself. Poena rushes in with a forearm and pushes Long away from the ropes…CHOP BLOCK TO THE KNEE!!
Steve Morrison: BACK TO THE KNEE!
POENA LEAPS AND DRIVES BOTH FEET INTO THE DAMAGED ANKLE OF MAVERICK!!!
Steve Morrison: UNRELENTING DOUBLE-STOMP LANDS ON THE ANKLE OF LONG!!!
Catching Long as he rolls in pain, Poena grabs a front-facelock and hoists his opponent to his feet. He lifts…SUPLEX LIFT FACEBREAKER!!!
Steve Morrison: Poena mentioned what an addition Long would be to his flock but he’s fighting like he wants to leave no trace of him behind!
With a twisted smile on his face, Poena throws his hands up like a Diamond!
Cross Recoba: Oh no…
Grabbing the leg of Long, he spins around it…FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: The cheek of it! Poena locks in the Aces Wild Leglock of Jack Diamond!
Cross Recoba: He wants to destroy Long mentally as well as physically!
The chants for Poena to go forth and multiply are now replaced by jeers and boos as Poena works the hold made famous by Jack Diamond.
Steve Morrison: The Diamond Club aren’t being shy in their feelings about Poena of all people using the hold made famous by the man whose name is above the door!
Poena now has the hold locked in and Long throws his head back in suffering.
Cross Recoba: In this situation, you’ve got to try and keep your cool. If you thrash about you’re not going to think clearly and all you’ll get is a rapidly depleting amount of energy.
Williams, keen to impress in his first major main event, checks diligently on Long but sees no reason to stop the fight.
Steve Morrison: Long’s clinging on!
Jason forces himself to start to sit up. POENA LIFTS HIS LEG BEFORE DRIVING IT DOWN SQUARELY ON THE ANKLE OF HIS OPPONENT!!
Steve Morrison: ONCE MORE BACK TO THE ANKLE!
Again, Long tries to sit up and gets as far as planting his arms behind himself to scoot backwards but POENA AGAIN DRIVES DOWN THE LEG WITH PURPOSE!
Cross Recoba: HE’S TRYING TO BREAK LONG!
Long raises an arm and looks as if he could be on the verge of tapping out!
Crowd: DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP!
Jason takes his arm away and this time he scoots backwards, not breaking the hold but cutting down the distance to the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Those extra twenty pounds are going to have to count for everything right now!
Poena arches up on his neck to increase the leverage but Maverick perseveres through the pain and gets ever closer to a rope break.
Cross Recoba: One big push and he could be there…
The Icon reaches out an arm and can nearly touch the ropes. POENA BREAKS THE BRIDGE AND REPEATEDLY SLAMS HIS FOOT DOWN ON THE DAMAGED ANKLE UNTIL LONG’S ARM AND BODY DROP TO THE MAT!!!
Steve Morrison: Long could tap out from those hammer-like blows on his ankle and who could blame him?
Cross Recoba: He knows that he can get a psychological edge on Poena if he breaks this before his ankle is shot!
The look on Poena’s face can only be described as a predator that sees its prey go limp.
Steve Morrison: The Champion senses the end is near!
Williams asks Long if he wants to give up and receives no response.
Crowd: CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST!
Despite the chants, Long doesn’t look like he’s responding. Williams looks for a sign of life in the face of the Icon and only barely seems satisfied to let the match continue.
Cross Recoba: We could see a second Icon in as many matches passing out from the pain…
LONG SITS UP WITH A DETERMINED LOOK!
Steve Morrison: LONG CLEARLY DIDN’T GET THAT MEMO!
POENA TRIES TO HAMMER ON THE ANKLE BUT LONG FORCES HIMSELF THROUGH IT!
Steve Morrison: WHAT FIGHT FROM THE CATALYST!!!
HE REACHES OUT FOR THE ROPES, BRUSHING THEM ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM MOVE!
Cross Recoba: Fingertips don’t count…
LONG REACHES OUT ONCE MORE….
Steve Morrison: Come on…
HE GETS THE ROPES!!!!!
Steve Morrison: HE GETS THE ROPE BREAK!!!
Williams immediately switches his focus to getting the hold released.
ONE!
TWO
THREE!
Steve Morrison: He could lose this by disqualification if he doesn’t let the hold go…
FOUR!!
Cross Recoba: Non-title though and even if it was for the belt, a DQ would mean the title stays where it is…
Poena reaches forward and forces Long to his feet. With a hook to the bread-basket to buy room, Long lands a kick to the stomach. POENA ANSWERS WITH A DRIVEN-DOWN BOOT TO THE KNEE!
Steve Morrison: This is bordering on assault!
Cross Recoba: All legal though…
Long grimaces and Poena swings his leg up…IT’S CAUGHT!!
Steve Morrison: POENA’S KICK WAS CAUGHT!!!
The crowd burst into life!
Crowd: FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!!
POENA SPINS…ROLLING ANKLE LOCK!!!!!
Steve Morrison: NO! HE GOES BACK TO THAT BATTERED ANKLE!
The life instantly gets sucked out of the crowd.
Cross Recoba: Long needs something special and he needs it now!
Bearing down his weight from a standing base, Poena looks to manipulate the ankle joint of Long away from its socket.
Steve Morrison: The Master of Digital Manipulation living up to his name.
Williams hears the scream of pain from Long and asks if he wants to tap out. LONG EXTENDS AN ARM OUT…
Cross Recoba: Nearly…
LONG PUSHES OFF HIS ARM…ENZUIGURI CONNECTS AND SENDS POENA INTO THE ROPES!!! MAVERICK CONNECTS WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX AND BRIDGES!!
Steve Morrison: DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX!
ONE…
TWO…
T-
LONG’S LEG GIVES OUT ON THE BRIDGE!!!
Cross Recoba: The damage saves Poena!
Crestfallen, Long forces himself up and spots Poena charging in…PANCAKE…..THE BEST BOUT MACHINE FOLLOWS IN WITH A RUNNING SOCCER KICK TO THE HEAD!!
Steve Morrison: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON!!
Cross Recoba: Evan Ferguson would be proud of that one!
Maverick with the cover again…
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
POENA KICKS OUT!!!!!
Steve Morrison: NO!!
Long can hardly believe it but he carries on. He rolls under the ropes and gingerly pushes up to a vertical base. Leaning on the top-rope, his eyes never leave his opponent.
Cross Recoba: Can that leg hold up for what Mav has planned?
Poena gets to his feet…LONG COMES OFF THE TOP….SPRINGBOARD EUROPEAN UPPERCUT CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: DEATH BEAM!!!
Shaking his head, Jason heads towards the corner and starts to climb the turnbuckles.
Cross Recoba: Cover him!!!
SWANTON 450 SPLASH CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: CATACLYSM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE…
Crowd: ONE!
TWO…
Crowd: TWO!!!!
THRE-
Crowd: THREE!!
WILLIAMS THROWS UP TWO FINGERS!!!
Steve Morrison: NO!!!! WHAT WILL IT TAKE?!?!
Cross Recoba: Did he get the elevation he needed on that splash or the uppercut? I don’t think so.
Long stands back up and almost staggers back in shock.
Steve Morrison: He can’t believe it but has that ankle betrayed him at the last?
The Catalyst pulls Poena up by the air and sneaks a dirty boxing uppercut into the deal. He swings for a kick…THE DARK SAVIOR CATCHES IT! HE TWISTS THE ANKLE JOINT OF MAVERICK!!!
Steve Morrison: Cheap blow from Poena.
Cross Recoba: It’s guaranteed to control Long.
Dropped to a knee, Long is unsighted as Poena grabs his head…SIT-OUT DOUBLE-UNDERHOOK FACEBUSTER!!!!
Steve Morrison: What does he have lined up now?
The cameras catch the moment of transformation as Poena’s eye seemingly changes color.
Cross Recoba: Whatever it is, Long needs to be worried.
POENA PLANTS HIS FEET BY LONG’S HIPS AND BRINGS HIM UP…
Steve Morrison: HE’S GOING FOR PENANCE! HE PUT AWAY DIAMOND WITH THIS AT NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS!!
WITH AN INHUMAN ROAR, LONG PUSHES UP….DESPERATION MODIFIED CRUCIFIX BOMB TOSS!!!!!
Cross Recoba: LAST CHANCE SALOON MOVE!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Long stands up and staggers back into the corner.
Steve Morrison: He lives to fight on!
He pushes himself forward and reaches down to Poena. HE GETS A PUMPHANDLE LIFT…PUMPHANDLE HALF-NELSON DRIVER!!!!
Steve Morrison: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM!!!
Long rolls backwards to his feet and into the corner. He takes a deep intake of air as he tests his foot.
Cross Recoba: I think I know where his mind is…
Poena starts to get up, his upper body bowed over. LONG CHARGES AND LEAPS….
Steve Morrison: VANITY KILLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO-ONE’S HOME AND LONG DRIVES THAT DAMAGED FOOT INTO THE CANVAS!!!!!!!
Cross Recoba: HE JUST JAMMED THAT ANKLE AS HE HIT NOTHING BUT MAT!!!
Pouncing on his prey, Poena lifts up Jason…AGAIN HE SITS OUT AND DRIVES THE KNEE INTO THE CANVAS!!!
Steve Morrison: Another apron-assisted kneebreaker!
Cross Recoba: Long can’t take much more…
Long holds his lower leg in agonizing pain. Poena drags him up by the hair and lifts…CROSS-LEGGED KNEEBREAKER BRAINBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: ANATHEMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Poena makes the cover and hooks the damaged leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Williams calls for the bell!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: Your winner of tonight’s main event….THE TERROR OF THE NINTH DEEP….POOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Steve Morrison: Poena puts away Long and with it sends a message to the Icons, their associates and anyone else who wants to take their shot!
Cross Recoba: Long perhaps kicking himself for not taking the chances that he had tonight but that’s how the sport works.
Steve Morrison: I believe you have an update on our Match of the Night?
Cross Recoba: The board have just informed me that like the Spot of the Night, for this month at least, Match of the Night will be in the hands of you, the fans to vote!
Steve Morrison: We’ll be back on October 1st with Tap Out Wrestling 17 which will once more host the first round of the XHF's End of Days tournament! Cross, do you have anything already booked?
Cross Recoba: We’ve been tossing ideas around all week but all I can say with confidence is that Poena will be defending his title and that Jack Diamond will not be on the card. He will represent the company at End of Days!!
Steve Morrison: There you have it, fans. I’m Steve Morrison, joined by Cross Recoba. We’ll see you on the first of October. GOOD NIGHT!
The screen fades in on the exterior of The Diamond Club which is already bustling with various activity from the crowds of Tap Out fans and nightlife goers to the line of cars that stop for the valet service. Amid the line, a black limousine pulls forward, drawing quite a few sets of eyes to it, doors clicking open, and surprisingly, the sun roof in the back as well. Emerging from the latter, Daigo Arakawa hoists himself up onto the roof of the vehicle, his half of the XHF Tag Team Championship slung over his shoulder and dressed in a gray Armani suit. He catches sight of the cameras pointed towards, bearing that wicked smile of his as he raises the championship belt in the air from his perch. From the doors, the remaining collective of Kingsley Solomon, Hunter Storms, and Raiden Ishimori step out of the limo, dressed in navy blue, charcoal black, and wine red suits respectively. Storms pulls the pair of sunglasses resting atop his head and tucks them away in his breast pocket, taking a moment to adjust both his half of the Tag Team Championship on one shoulder and the other bearing the SCCW World Championship while Kingsley takes a moment to stretch as Raiden straightens out his jacket.
Daigo slides off the roof of the vehicle, allowing Storms to give the limo a few hits to the side of it, giving the driver the signal to carry on. Before the quartet, the gathered crowd had grown a considerable amount, with several people now opting to take photos of the four with various signs being held up such as the “FATALITY: RAIDEN WINS”, “CHAOS REIGNS SUPREME”, “DESTRUCTION IS RATED E FOR EVERYONE”, and “I’D GAMBLE ON THE HARBINGERS”. Kingsley chuckles at the sight of it all, arms folding over his chest as he basks in the scenery.
Kingsley: Gentlemen….this is one of the best moments we’re all going to have here in Vegas. A group of winners we are, and tonight is all about cementing that fact and letting the The Diamond Club know that no matter where we go…Sin City is always our house.
Daigo seems to half process what the Harbinger ringleader has said, raising his half of the tag belts up into the air to a small roar of cheers and applause from the surrounding crowd. Storms bears a nonchalant expression as he stares up at the building rather unfazed by the tension filled air that slowly wraps around them.
Storms: It’s all about tag mastery tonight. That much is plain…but people tonight are going to know why we’re the kings of this division now.
Cut-Throat nudges Chaos Tiger with his elbow, hand raised up in a fist at his side. Daigo turns to him with a raised brow but takes note of the fist and forms his own, going over, under, and then meeting in the middle with his championship partner. Storms moves to lead the charge, Daigo following in behind him, who is in turn followed by Raiden and then Kingsley. Part of the crowd tries to converge on their path but are easily pushed back by Storms’ build and light pushes with his forearms. Amid their procession, Kingsley taps Raiden on the shoulder, garnering a small side glance from Bone Cold as SCCW co-owner saddles up beside him.
Kingsley: Tonight’s an important night for you especially. The boys got their defense, but for you…I know you got a lot of pride riding in on this one, even with it being a tag match.
Raiden: I’m aware of the matter, Kingsley.
Kingsley: “I know, I know. You know I’ll be out there with you the entire time to cover your back so all you gotta do is raise hell in there and sink your fangs into your prey.”
A Cheshire grin crosses Kingsley’s lips as he pats the Tap Out star’s shoulder.
Kingsley: Time you got some measure of retribution.
Raiden only offers a simple nod in response, gaze turning back to the other two Harbingers as they reach the entrance to the venue and file inside. The cameraman goes to follow but is stopped by Solomon who gives them a wag of the finger, chuckling afterward before disappearing inside after his stablemates.
PRESENTS
TAP OUT WRESTLING 16: POENA VS LONG
Date: 27th August 2023
Venue: The Diamond Club Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Attendance: 9002 (Capacity: 18000)
We fade in from the outside of the Diamond Club to the inside where nine-thousand fans erupt as the cameras pan around them. As always, the TV director picks out five signs from the Crowd.
* FINISH ME, RAIDEN!
* CJ WALKER IS MY GOD!
* FIRE TAPOUTBOOKERMANG! HIRE RUSSO!
* ICON’T BELIEVE IT!
* OG STRYCH GROUPIE! EST. 2010!
We cut to ringside where Steve Morrison and Cross Recoba stand-by.
Steve Morrison: WELCOME TO TAP OUT WRESTLING SIXTEEN!
Cross Recoba: The LAST show to come to you from the Diamond Club!
Steve Morrison: That’s right, next month we’ll be back in the Lansky Ballroom but it’ll be like you’ve never seen it before!
Cross Recoba: I’ve already shown a preview of what to expect when I spoke to the HKW guys but other than that sneak look, you’re all going to have to wait!
Steve Morrison: That isn’t the only change as we go into tonight with a new Tap Out Openweight Champion!
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 14
JACK LEAPS FOR THE CUTTER!
Va'aiga: STACKED DECK!!!!!
IT’S REVERSED INTO A SNAP BACK SUPLEX!!!
Steve Morrison: NO! POENA PLANTED HIM!!!!
THE CHALLENGER RUSHES IN AND SWINGS HIS BOOT……PENALTY KICK MISSES AS DIAMOND SWEEPS THE TRAILING LEG AND HOLDS ON. HE SPINS AROUND IT…
Steve Morrison: ACES WILD!!!
POENA LEANS FORWARD AND RAKES THE EYE BEFORE THE FIGURE-FOUR CAN BE APPLIED! THE SANCTIFIED ONE RUSHES IN WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK….
Steve Morrison: What can he be going for…
Leaning back into the turnbuckle, Poena charges and leaps…CURB STOMP TO THE SHOULDER!!!!
Va'aiga: Motherfucker got motherfuckin’ air!!!
Poena throws Diamond to his feet almost, LIVER PUNCH COLLAPSES DIAMOND INTO THE CORNER!
Steve Morrison: ELEVENTH HOUR FOLDS THE CHAMPION UP!!
With unnerving calmness, Poena approaches Diamond.
Steve Morrison: Where can this match go?
JACK RAKES THE EYES BEFORE RETURNING TO FAVORING WHERE THE LIVER PUNCH LANDED.
Va'aiga: Diamond’s like a motherfuckin’ wounded animal and he knows it!
DIAMOND LURCHES FORWARD WITH AN ICON KICK….POENA DUCKS IT AND GRABS THE HAND OF THE DAMAGED ARM…
*SNAP*
Steve Morrison: HE MIGHT JUST HAVE BROKEN THE FINGERS OF THE CHAMPION!!!
Diamond drops to the mat and that’s all that Poena needs…HYPERNORMALIZATION OMOPLATA!!
Steve Morrison: PENANCE! HE’S GOT IT IN!!!!!!!
Poena’s leg traps one arm whilst an arm pulls back the devastated limb of Diamond to an ungodly angle.
Va'aiga: HOW HAS JACK NOT TAPPED INSTANTLY???
Quinn asks if Diamond wants to tap but he weakly shakes his head.
Steve Morrison: Diamond’s hanging in there, we’ve seen him escape every submission attempt so far, can he go for one more?
The Omoplata continues to be worked deeper.
God ModePoena: JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! GIVE IN, JACK! YOUR SUBMISSION TO YOUR TRUE GOD IS INEVITABLE!
POENA KEEPS THE HOLD TIGHT AND THROWS HIS HEAD FORWARD INTO THE DELTOID THAT HAS BEEN WORKED OVER SO MUCH IN THE MATCH AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN!!!
Quinn asks if he wants to submit….
Va'aiga: If he continues he might not have a career to look forward to….
POENA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK AS HIS HEAD VIOLENTLY LURCHES FORWARD WITH PRECISION HEADBUTTS TO THE SHOULDER AND UPPER ARM!!!!
Steve Morrison: HEADBUTTS TO THAT DAMAGED SHOULDER!!!!!!!!!
“BIG” JOHN GETS NO RESPONSE FROM DIAMOND!!! HE CALLS FOR THE BELL!!!!!!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Va'aiga: E TOKO ATUA! E TOKO ATUA! E toko atua…
Steve Morrison: I can’t quite believe it. I know it happened but POENA JUST BEAT DIAMOND FOR THE TITLE!
The Central Savings Bank seems to be in shock save for the lone Poena fan in the front-row who leaps around in joy at his hero becoming the victor. Every other fan in the vicinity looks at him like a plague to be avoided.
Steve Morrison: Fans, you might have this if you’re watching with friends but save for one person, the entire arena seems to be stupefied….
The Tap Out and XHF crew are quick to realign and make sure that neither side mixes as they undo the door and pass the Tap Out Openweight Title to Quinn.
Laura Messier: The winner of this match….AND THE NEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION, THE TERROR FROM THE NINTH DEEP…..POENA!!!
Cross Recoba: It was an absolute war but Diamond came up just short.
Steve Morrison: He didn’t tap though!
Cross Recoba: We only have one title and it isn’t the Refuse to Tap Out title.
Steve Morrison: We’ll come back to that match in just a few minutes but we’ve got a hell of a card for you tonight.
Steve Morrison: Opening up proceedings, we have Jackalope taking on Ashton Henare!
Cross Recoba: An absolute David and Goliath of an opening contest!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope constantly defies expectations on how he’ll do based on his size and you’d put him forward as a Tap Out member who would give current XHF Junior Heavyweight Champion, Zoran Sainovic, a run for his money!
Cross Recoba: He wants to use this match as a way to atone for his loss to Diamond and in Henare he’s got a great opportunity to remind us all what he can do.
Steve Morrison: Henare on the other hand has a lot to live up to in potential and so far it’s been a mixed bag of results.
Cross Recoba: Ashton’s a guy who has been told all his life that he’s a star and right now, he’s not quite adapted to the change in pace, intensity, and competitiveness but those flashes of greatness are there to see, it’s just turning them from flashes into consistency.
Steve Morrison: He’s got to look at a guy like Jackalope and be licking his lips, Henare’s offense is designed to destroy guys built like the Chaos Bunny.
Cross Recoba: But on the other side of the coin, Jackalope’s moves rarely involve lifting and Ashton’s frame is going to increase the impact with all of that weight being taken down!
Steve Morrison: Following on from that, we have a tag-team match where both teams have a technician and a power guy as NOMAD teams with Julius Fristik to take on Aiden Merric and Random McConalogue!
Cross Recoba: Both teams are evenly matched and on paper, it’s hard to see an obvious winner. Talk online has both teams pegged neck and neck.
Steve Morrison: Yeah, about messages boards. Have you seen the TapOutBookerMang who claims to be you?
Cross Recoba: I got sent some screenshots, I don’t even book our half-time shows!
Steve Morrison: Back to the match and for Merric and NOMAD it’s picking up where they left off at our last show.
TAP OUT WRESTLING 15
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!!!
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!!!
Steve Morrison: Both men have spoken about the other in the lead-up to tonight and you’ve got to wonder what’ll happen when these two share the ring.
Cross Recoba: It’ll be a slugfest and that similarity between the two wrestlers means that, in my opinion, more of a spotlight is going to fall on their partners.
Steve Morrison: Random has an almost perfect record with only one loss to her name since she joined us back in November and Fristik pulled out an impressive win against Strychnine last month!
Cross Recoba: It made negotiations with Julius a lot more energized. He can take to the sky and can go to the mat with ease. Random isn’t known as the Infrequent Flyer for nothing but her ability to turn a bad situation into a win is second-to-none in the company.
Steve Morrison: What is the key for either team?
Cross Recoba: Cohesiveness is the one constant between the two teams if they’re to win tonight. For Merric and McConalogue, I’d be looking at Merric being the tenderizer for Random to then finish them off with a submission. On the other side, NOMAD and Fristik could combine to blend their strengths into something devastating with high-impact, fast-paced attacks.
Steve Morrison: Bringing the first-half of our show to a close tonight is a six-man tag match which could well steal the show.
Cross Recoba: You’ve got two teams that have a great mix between them. The power of Capone, the heart of Sawyer, the guile of Diamond against the brains of Raiden, the ruthlessness of Tommy, and the submission skills of Craft? It’s a veritable banquet of wrestling talent!
Steve Morrison: Raiden might fancy his chances, his Harbinger friends are all here tonight, and Diamond’s camp have told us that he’s not at a hundred percent from Night of Champions.
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 14
Steve Morrison: What can he be going for…
Leaning back into the turnbuckle, Poena charges and leaps…CURB STOMP TO THE SHOULDER!!!!
Diamond gets to his feet, the rope burn visible on his neck. Poena rabbit punches Jack in the throat BEFORE THROWING HIM INTO THE EXPOSED STEEL SHOULDER-FIRST!!
Steve Morrison: He targets the shoulder once more!!!!
Poena ducks the Enzuiguri! Capture Backbreaker!!! The Champion’s thrown to the mat. THE CHALLENGER CONNECTS WITH A ROUND KICK TO THE SHOULDER!
Steve Morrison: BACK TO THAT SHOULDER!!
Slumped into the corner, Poena can only watch as Diamond scales the turnbuckle….COUP DE GRACE!!!!!
Steve Morrison: JACKPOT!!!!!!!
Diamond drags his opponent from the corner and covers…
ONE….
TWO….
THRE-
POENA THROWS UP A SHOULDER!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: HOW?!?!
What sounds like a gasp resounds from the Central Savings Bank crowd.
Va'aiga: Every motherfucker here’s asking the same thing!
On the outside, Team Diamond bang on the cage to rally Jack.
Steve Morrison: They’re keeping both theirs and Diamond’s spirits up.
The Icon picks up Poena but the Challenger leaps as he rises, INVERTED STOMP ARMBREAKER!!
Steve Morrison: He slams that shoulder right into the soles of his boots!
Poena follows up with an ARM-TRAPPED BACKSTABBER!
Va'aiga: OOF! MOTHERFUCKER GOT HIM COLD!
Steve Morrison: What can he be going for…
Leaning back into the turnbuckle, Poena charges and leaps…CURB STOMP TO THE SHOULDER!!!!
Diamond gets to his feet, the rope burn visible on his neck. Poena rabbit punches Jack in the throat BEFORE THROWING HIM INTO THE EXPOSED STEEL SHOULDER-FIRST!!
Steve Morrison: He targets the shoulder once more!!!!
Poena ducks the Enzuiguri! Capture Backbreaker!!! The Champion’s thrown to the mat. THE CHALLENGER CONNECTS WITH A ROUND KICK TO THE SHOULDER!
Steve Morrison: BACK TO THAT SHOULDER!!
Slumped into the corner, Poena can only watch as Diamond scales the turnbuckle….COUP DE GRACE!!!!!
Steve Morrison: JACKPOT!!!!!!!
Diamond drags his opponent from the corner and covers…
ONE….
TWO….
THRE-
POENA THROWS UP A SHOULDER!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: HOW?!?!
What sounds like a gasp resounds from the Central Savings Bank crowd.
Va'aiga: Every motherfucker here’s asking the same thing!
On the outside, Team Diamond bang on the cage to rally Jack.
Steve Morrison: They’re keeping both theirs and Diamond’s spirits up.
The Icon picks up Poena but the Challenger leaps as he rises, INVERTED STOMP ARMBREAKER!!
Steve Morrison: He slams that shoulder right into the soles of his boots!
Poena follows up with an ARM-TRAPPED BACKSTABBER!
Va'aiga: OOF! MOTHERFUCKER GOT HIM COLD!
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 14
Fox is in hunting mode, stalking Sam as they lay recovering on the ground from a lethal kick! He picks up the former FIRESIDE Wildfire Champion and gets a thumb to his eye! He screams as Sam drives an elbow back into the champ's head! He cries out and Sam delivers a gut kick before a high knee topples the current X*Crown Champion! Sam runs the ropes and goes for a senton! They nail it and it knocks the wind out of Fox! He's in pain, gasping for air and reaching out for Sam. Sam just kicks him in the face! There's a crack and blood trickles from Fox's nose! He screams and lunges out, knocking Sam off their feet with a stiff kick across the knees! Sam collapses and Fox mounts for a Thesz press but Sam wraps both hands around his head and drives their heads together! CRACK! Fox screams and falls back!
Steve is holding his back and pulls himself to his feet, noticing everyone is laid out on the ground. Everyone but Florida Man. Florida Man has picked up the ladder and folded it up, he rams it into Steve's face! Steve falls down and Florida Man turns around into a C-C-C-C-C-COMBO FROM SAM! PUNCHES AND KICKS TO KNOCK THE LADDER OUT OF HIS HANDS! FIRE BY FIRE LARIAT! FLORIDA MAN IS DOWN! Sam turns grabs the ladder, sets it up in the middle of the ring all business-like. Before they can start the ascent Steve knocks them out of the way! He looks around wildly and begins the climb ten, fifteen feet in the air. He is just fingertips away from the crown. The key to the first half of the match. Steve goes to take another step, BUT SAM SAWYER IS ABLE TO GRAB HIS FEET AND HOLD HIM TIGHTLY!
Steve Morrison: Although they lost, they acquitted themselves well and if they don’t get the nod for End of Days, the Rumble could well be somewhere they could well make waves in the Rumble.
Cross Recoba: End of Days is on our radar and in this match alone you could point to Diamond, Raiden, and even Tommy Strychnine as in the conversation and tonight is a great way to prove it.
Steve Morrison: Tommy sees the match as a way to get revenge for his narrow loss to Jack Diamond earlier in the year.
Cross Recoba: It’s the perils of being the Champion, even when you lose that belt - people will remember slights, real or imagined.
Steve Morrison: Talk online has seen an interesting proposition arise, what if Craft pins Diamond?
Cross Recoba: Don’t discount the possibility, he’s an MMA expert, and with everyone and their grandmother having seen the damage Diamond’s shoulder sustained, it’s a huge opportunity for Jacob to put the rest of the roster on notice!
Steve Morrison: And to our co-main event as we have the XHF Tag Titles on the line with Cut Throat Chaos taking on the Throw Show! Now, Hunter and Daigo have hardly been shy about their opponents' shortcomings.
Cross Recoba: They’re riding on a high and they’re SCCW-bred, that place is a hot-bed for tag-team action. Kingsley, you can thank me for the compliment later. The Throw Show have dedicated the last five months of their careers to tonight and they’ll thrive on people doubting them.
Steve Morrison: It’s surprising to see Close still being underestimated. Here’s a guy who beat Jason Long in his debut match and not only ended NOMAD’s undefeated streak but is the only blemish on Random’s record here in Tap Out!
Cross Recoba: Cut Throat Chaos see those titles as their reward for the hard-work becoming a cohesive and deadly team, they won’t want to surrender them at the first time of asking. They’ve also got Kingsley at ringside and possibly Hanzo Aguilar there and that changes the match make-up considerably.
Steve Morrison: Can The Throw Show do it?
Cross Recoba: I’m behind them both in this match but I’ve been in their shoes and when that bell rings, the crowd’ll fade to a hushed whisper and it’s down to them to make the most of the opportunity.
Steve Morrison: Which leads us into our main event.
DTF DIAMOND MINE II
Bobby Barratt: Now, we know you celebrated your birthday with 'Kota and Ace a few nights ago, but tonight we celebrate as Icons, and what's a birthday without gifts! And brother, do we have some gifts for you!
Jack looks surprised and Jason Long smiles.
Jason Long: As you can see, there is another Icon missing tonight. So, Jackie-boy, please direct your attention to the big screen. I think you'll like this...
The screen lights up and we see a closeup of fellow Icon, James Franklin Karn smiling as neon lights flash behind him. The crowd begins a "J-F-K" chant.
JFK: Jack! First allow me to apologize for not making the trip to Minnesota to celebrate with you gentlemen properly, but if I'm being honest, I really didn't want to take the chance of running into any of the idiots that work for Mongo at HQ, and on the off chance that Mongo was in town ahead of tomorrow night's Night of Champions... I definitely didn't want to see that ass clown!
Jack laughs as Jason Long points at Bobby, mouthing the words: "Don't you work at HQ?".
JFK: However, I wanted to make sure that I could get on here tonight, and give you a birthday present, and I think you are really going to like it!
The camera zooms out and we see that JFK is in a casino, more specifically, Jack's Vegas casino. Behind him, there is a large black curtain draped across the back of the casino floor. Jack looks on skeptically.
JFK: Jack... so I uh... kinda tore up a corner of your casino, it was all penny slots anyways who cares about the poor am I right?
Jack has a worried look on his face, but JFK's smile gets even larger.
JFK: Anyways, let me present you, the all-new Diamond Sportsbook!
The curtain comes down to show off a high-end sports bar with sports betting. Jack claps excitedly as the crowd cheers.
JFK: I hope you have a great birthday, Jack. Now, if you'll excuse me, your boy JFK is about to go put fifty large on this Poirier fight!
JFK turns to walk towards the sportsbook as the screen cuts off.
Bobby Barratt: What a pal, that JFK. He is without a doubt the most iconic Karn brother. Let's move on, Tug?
Tug steps up and grabs a microphone. He pulls a gift out of his pocket, handing it over to Jack.
Tug Stephens: Boss, you've given me more opportunities in these last few years than I could ever have dreamed of when I was back in Alabama. I could never repay you, but I hope this gift at least shows my appreciation.
Jack mouths "thank you" as he opens the gift. Everyone leans in, all smiles but the color in Jack's face drains. Tug leans in and he starts looking around.
Jack pulls an eye patch out of the box as Bobby, Jason and Aiden start looking around as well on high alert.
Tug Stephens: That... that's not my gift. What the fu-
Jack Diamond: It's ok. Seriously. It's just someone trying to play mind games. It's not going to work and it's not going to ruin tonight.
Jack tosses the eyepatch down and slaps Tug on the shoulder, reassuring him that it is alright and that he was sure Tug's gift was nice. The other three relax as well as Jason Long steps over, motioning for Aiden Merric to step over.
Jason Long: Alright, Aiden Merric... let's move on to your gift.
Jack turns his attention to his hired guard, Aiden Merric. Merric grabs the microphone from Jason.
Aiden Merric: Ain't per my usual to be sappy. Usually a bit of a raw prawn really, but I got you a prezzie, mate.
He reaches in his pants pocket and pulls out a well-made snake-skin wallet.
Aiden Merric: I slapped this together fer ya with a right beaut of a diamondback that I caught and skinned. Got jerky in the esky backstage from it too. I figure ya need a new new wallet so you can hold all that money yer paying me.
Merric gives a big grin as Jack smiles back.
Jack Diamond: That... is actually surprisingly thoughtful of you man. Thanks!
Jason Long steps back in and grabs the microphone back from Aiden as Bobby walks over to the large stand in the corner.
Jason Long: Now, Jackie-boy, it's time for my gift, and it's the best one, if I say so myself.
He gives a big smile as he points to Bobby who whips off the cover from the stand, showing a large photo of he, Jason Long and Jack Diamond early on in their Icon days. Jason Long laughs and motions to the photo as if waiting for Jack to shower him with appreciation. Jack's face shows a look of surprise, as if he just received the greatest gift in the world.
Jack Diamond: Thanks Mav! It's the best!
The crowd pops as the pure goofiness that the group is displaying. Bobby, trying not to lose it, quiets the crowd.
Bobby Barratt: Alright, alright, alright. It's time for my gift. Jack, we go way back man. As I said earlier, we were bitter rivals and that rivalry made way for a friendship and bond that would stand the test of time. Through all our ups and downs, you've been a true friend, a true brother....
As Bobby is talking, a large cake is being rolled out to the ring which catches everyone attention. Jack, thinking this is Bobby's gift starts to act surprised again, but he quickly hears something in Bobby's voice that makes him stop smiling.
Bobby Barratt: ...in this indust- what the hell. Mate, that's not my gift... we didn't get a cake.
Before Bobby can say anything else, the cake opens up and Poena's pupil, The Child is standing there smiling and staring a dagger in the Tap Out Openweight Championship, as she lets a finger trace down the scars that she suffered at the hands of Jack, Tug and his security detail. Bobby, Jason and Aiden all step up towards the ropes, ready to fight for Jack if needed. Tug drops back a step, standing beside Jack.
The crowd begins to stir and murmur loudly. As the three men in front have their eyes locked on The Child, there is a commotion behind them. Poena slithers into the ring behind Jack.
Doug Stevens: LOOK OUT!
As Jack and Tug begin to turn, Poena sprays mist!
Josh Jones: AMAZING GRA-
Doug Stevens: WHAT WAS THAT!
In a blur, Jack is knocked out of the way as Tug takes the turquoise mist right into his good eye! Poena turns and is blasted with a superkick!
Doug Stevens: ICONKICK!
Josh Jones: Poena blasted Tug with Amazing Grace. Is that... It's Raiden Ishimori!
Doug Stevens: What the hell?
Bobby, Jason and Aiden turn around and see Jack standing over Poena. They look beside Jack; Raiden Ishimori stands there looking on. He had come from the crowd and pushed Jack out of the way of the mist. The Child scrambles over to that side of the ring and pulls her mentor out of harm's way before the rest of the group can continue any further damage.
Jack, livid, picks up his Tap Out Openweight Championship that he had dropped in the scuffle, and walks towards the ropes as Aiden and Raiden stands beside him. Bobby and Jason check on Tug who is wiping at his eye, blinded by the mist.
Doug Stevens: What a tense situation we have here!
Josh Jones: It is going to be absolutely insane tomorrow night! Poena... Jack Diamond... for the Tap Out Openweight Championship inside a no escape cage! You do not want to miss it! Tune in tomorrow night, live and ONLY on the XHF Network! We are out of time!
Jack holds up the Openweight Championship high in the air as the crowd cheers. Poena looks on, smiling as he rubs his mouth, a trickle of blood painting the corner of the evil grin. The show fades into the match poster.
Bobby Barratt: Now, we know you celebrated your birthday with 'Kota and Ace a few nights ago, but tonight we celebrate as Icons, and what's a birthday without gifts! And brother, do we have some gifts for you!
Jack looks surprised and Jason Long smiles.
Jason Long: As you can see, there is another Icon missing tonight. So, Jackie-boy, please direct your attention to the big screen. I think you'll like this...
The screen lights up and we see a closeup of fellow Icon, James Franklin Karn smiling as neon lights flash behind him. The crowd begins a "J-F-K" chant.
JFK: Jack! First allow me to apologize for not making the trip to Minnesota to celebrate with you gentlemen properly, but if I'm being honest, I really didn't want to take the chance of running into any of the idiots that work for Mongo at HQ, and on the off chance that Mongo was in town ahead of tomorrow night's Night of Champions... I definitely didn't want to see that ass clown!
Jack laughs as Jason Long points at Bobby, mouthing the words: "Don't you work at HQ?".
JFK: However, I wanted to make sure that I could get on here tonight, and give you a birthday present, and I think you are really going to like it!
The camera zooms out and we see that JFK is in a casino, more specifically, Jack's Vegas casino. Behind him, there is a large black curtain draped across the back of the casino floor. Jack looks on skeptically.
JFK: Jack... so I uh... kinda tore up a corner of your casino, it was all penny slots anyways who cares about the poor am I right?
Jack has a worried look on his face, but JFK's smile gets even larger.
JFK: Anyways, let me present you, the all-new Diamond Sportsbook!
The curtain comes down to show off a high-end sports bar with sports betting. Jack claps excitedly as the crowd cheers.
JFK: I hope you have a great birthday, Jack. Now, if you'll excuse me, your boy JFK is about to go put fifty large on this Poirier fight!
JFK turns to walk towards the sportsbook as the screen cuts off.
Bobby Barratt: What a pal, that JFK. He is without a doubt the most iconic Karn brother. Let's move on, Tug?
Tug steps up and grabs a microphone. He pulls a gift out of his pocket, handing it over to Jack.
Tug Stephens: Boss, you've given me more opportunities in these last few years than I could ever have dreamed of when I was back in Alabama. I could never repay you, but I hope this gift at least shows my appreciation.
Jack mouths "thank you" as he opens the gift. Everyone leans in, all smiles but the color in Jack's face drains. Tug leans in and he starts looking around.
Jack pulls an eye patch out of the box as Bobby, Jason and Aiden start looking around as well on high alert.
Tug Stephens: That... that's not my gift. What the fu-
Jack Diamond: It's ok. Seriously. It's just someone trying to play mind games. It's not going to work and it's not going to ruin tonight.
Jack tosses the eyepatch down and slaps Tug on the shoulder, reassuring him that it is alright and that he was sure Tug's gift was nice. The other three relax as well as Jason Long steps over, motioning for Aiden Merric to step over.
Jason Long: Alright, Aiden Merric... let's move on to your gift.
Jack turns his attention to his hired guard, Aiden Merric. Merric grabs the microphone from Jason.
Aiden Merric: Ain't per my usual to be sappy. Usually a bit of a raw prawn really, but I got you a prezzie, mate.
He reaches in his pants pocket and pulls out a well-made snake-skin wallet.
Aiden Merric: I slapped this together fer ya with a right beaut of a diamondback that I caught and skinned. Got jerky in the esky backstage from it too. I figure ya need a new new wallet so you can hold all that money yer paying me.
Merric gives a big grin as Jack smiles back.
Jack Diamond: That... is actually surprisingly thoughtful of you man. Thanks!
Jason Long steps back in and grabs the microphone back from Aiden as Bobby walks over to the large stand in the corner.
Jason Long: Now, Jackie-boy, it's time for my gift, and it's the best one, if I say so myself.
He gives a big smile as he points to Bobby who whips off the cover from the stand, showing a large photo of he, Jason Long and Jack Diamond early on in their Icon days. Jason Long laughs and motions to the photo as if waiting for Jack to shower him with appreciation. Jack's face shows a look of surprise, as if he just received the greatest gift in the world.
Jack Diamond: Thanks Mav! It's the best!
The crowd pops as the pure goofiness that the group is displaying. Bobby, trying not to lose it, quiets the crowd.
Bobby Barratt: Alright, alright, alright. It's time for my gift. Jack, we go way back man. As I said earlier, we were bitter rivals and that rivalry made way for a friendship and bond that would stand the test of time. Through all our ups and downs, you've been a true friend, a true brother....
As Bobby is talking, a large cake is being rolled out to the ring which catches everyone attention. Jack, thinking this is Bobby's gift starts to act surprised again, but he quickly hears something in Bobby's voice that makes him stop smiling.
Bobby Barratt: ...in this indust- what the hell. Mate, that's not my gift... we didn't get a cake.
Before Bobby can say anything else, the cake opens up and Poena's pupil, The Child is standing there smiling and staring a dagger in the Tap Out Openweight Championship, as she lets a finger trace down the scars that she suffered at the hands of Jack, Tug and his security detail. Bobby, Jason and Aiden all step up towards the ropes, ready to fight for Jack if needed. Tug drops back a step, standing beside Jack.
The crowd begins to stir and murmur loudly. As the three men in front have their eyes locked on The Child, there is a commotion behind them. Poena slithers into the ring behind Jack.
Doug Stevens: LOOK OUT!
As Jack and Tug begin to turn, Poena sprays mist!
Josh Jones: AMAZING GRA-
Doug Stevens: WHAT WAS THAT!
In a blur, Jack is knocked out of the way as Tug takes the turquoise mist right into his good eye! Poena turns and is blasted with a superkick!
Doug Stevens: ICONKICK!
Josh Jones: Poena blasted Tug with Amazing Grace. Is that... It's Raiden Ishimori!
Doug Stevens: What the hell?
Bobby, Jason and Aiden turn around and see Jack standing over Poena. They look beside Jack; Raiden Ishimori stands there looking on. He had come from the crowd and pushed Jack out of the way of the mist. The Child scrambles over to that side of the ring and pulls her mentor out of harm's way before the rest of the group can continue any further damage.
Jack, livid, picks up his Tap Out Openweight Championship that he had dropped in the scuffle, and walks towards the ropes as Aiden and Raiden stands beside him. Bobby and Jason check on Tug who is wiping at his eye, blinded by the mist.
Doug Stevens: What a tense situation we have here!
Josh Jones: It is going to be absolutely insane tomorrow night! Poena... Jack Diamond... for the Tap Out Openweight Championship inside a no escape cage! You do not want to miss it! Tune in tomorrow night, live and ONLY on the XHF Network! We are out of time!
Jack holds up the Openweight Championship high in the air as the crowd cheers. Poena looks on, smiling as he rubs his mouth, a trickle of blood painting the corner of the evil grin. The show fades into the match poster.
Steve Morrison: Jason Long takes on Poena in a non-title match but even without the title it’s a match that’ll be tinged with tension, intensity, and bad blood!
Cross Recoba: Long’s talent has always been driven by a desire to be the best and an intense in-ring style that allows for no let-up for his opponent and equally for himself. He watched from outside the cage in New York as Poena took his friend and fellow Icon apart.
Steve Morrison: Does that make him an easier target for Poena?
Cross Recoba: I wouldn’t make that assumption. Long has done it all on the Network and the last time he was in a match with this much bad blood it was when he not only beat Seth Dillinger but very nearly ended the man’s career!
Steve Morrison: But for Poena, this is a chance to get someone close to Jack Diamond into his flock and besides that, it’s a chance to prove to Jack, Jason and everyone else that he deserves to be the Tap Out Openweight Champion!
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 14
Laura Messier: The winner of this match….AND THE NEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION, THE TERROR FROM THE NINTH DEEP…..POENA!!!
As Quinn raises his arm, the glow of Poena’s eye remains. The newly crowned Champion quickly shakes off the arm of the match official. On the outside, Diamond’s entourage is going apeshit as they try and break-through to get to their fallen friend.
Steve Morrison: They want him out of there but he’s not moved, he passed out instead of tapping out.
Va'aiga: Motherfucker needs out of there NOW!
The glowing eye seems to burn brighter as Poena raises his hand over Jack Diamond and grabs the Icon by the throat…MERRIC AND LONG BREAK THE HOLD!!! BARRATT PULLS DIAMOND TO HIS FEET AND RUSHES HIM OUT OF THE CAGE!
Steve Morrison: What did Poena do?
Va'aiga: The match is over but the motherfuckin’ war rumbles on!
MERRIC AND LONG BACK AWAY FROM POENA, THEIR EYES NEVER LEAVING THE NEW CHAMPION AS THEY EXIT THE CAGE AND HEAD DOWN THE RAMP.
Steve Morrison: What does this mean for the future of Jack Diamond? What does this mean for the future of Tap Out?
Laura Messier: The winner of this match….AND THE NEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION, THE TERROR FROM THE NINTH DEEP…..POENA!!!
As Quinn raises his arm, the glow of Poena’s eye remains. The newly crowned Champion quickly shakes off the arm of the match official. On the outside, Diamond’s entourage is going apeshit as they try and break-through to get to their fallen friend.
Steve Morrison: They want him out of there but he’s not moved, he passed out instead of tapping out.
Va'aiga: Motherfucker needs out of there NOW!
The glowing eye seems to burn brighter as Poena raises his hand over Jack Diamond and grabs the Icon by the throat…MERRIC AND LONG BREAK THE HOLD!!! BARRATT PULLS DIAMOND TO HIS FEET AND RUSHES HIM OUT OF THE CAGE!
Steve Morrison: What did Poena do?
Va'aiga: The match is over but the motherfuckin’ war rumbles on!
MERRIC AND LONG BACK AWAY FROM POENA, THEIR EYES NEVER LEAVING THE NEW CHAMPION AS THEY EXIT THE CAGE AND HEAD DOWN THE RAMP.
Steve Morrison: What does this mean for the future of Jack Diamond? What does this mean for the future of Tap Out?
Cross Recoba: Poena didn’t get those title shots for nothing. With only a few exceptions, he has beaten everyone put in front of him. Perhaps the biggest question for me though is that the non-title stipulation opens the floor for Poena to use this as a crucifixion and not a defense.
Steve Morrison: You think Poena would use the match to make an example?
Cross Recoba: To make a disciple.
Steve Morrison: We’ll find out whether the fears are well-founded at the top of the show but for now, Laura Messier’s ready to introduce our first match of the evening!
Laura Messier: Good evening and welcome to…TAP…OUT…WRESTLING…SIXTEEEEEN!! Your opening bout is a singles match set for-
She holds the microphone to the crowd who fill in the blank.
Crowd: ONE FAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The opening chords of Big Shot slam into the speakers, bringing the fans to their feet as Jackalope charges through the curtain.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope has been here since the start, he knows just what an impressive showing in the opener can do.
Cross Recoba: He’s practically a veteran when it comes to card positions. Don’t forget just how close he came to dethroning Jack Diamond and just think how that would have changed the landscape of Tap Out Wrestling!
He runs full tilt down the ramp and slides into the ring, rolling to his feet and spinning like a dervish as he soaks everything in.
Steve Morrison: A perennial crowd-favorite, you’d think the rest from competition last month would mean he’s raving to go.
Cross Recoba: Without question, Kid Cryptid is perhaps the quickest wrestler in Tap Out, if not the Network!
He finally slows enough to mount a turnbuckle, a grin on his face as he salutes the fans before backflipping to the mat again.
Steve Morrison: He’ll be looking to cut down the huge frame of Henare ready to put him away with that Shooting Star DDT!
Cross Recoba: Stick and move, that’s the best advice I can give the Chaos Bunny…
"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: Over a quarter-tonne of sheer power!
Cross Recoba: Ashton knows that he’s got the physique, he just needs to show he has the talent and I’m sure I’ll be fielding calls from Japan, down the Strip, and from wherever the Valentines decide might actually be their home!
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: Can he hit that spear on such an agile target as Jackalope?
Cross Recoba: If he does, it’s Game Over but the challenge for Ashton is how do you break down a target that won’t stay still?
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 middle rope before moving toward the center. He wipes his hands off and turns to the camera as he dusts his shoulders off.
Steve Morrison: What would a win do for Henare tonight?
Cross Recoba: Honestly, it would put him on the radar for a title shot down the line. Jackalope is only in his second year as a pro but he, alongside Close and Sawyer, are the proof as to what you get for hard work!
Laura Messier: Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada...Standing at five-feet and nine-inches, he is The Chaos Bunny.... JACKALOPE!!
Jackalope leaps to the turnbuckle once more as his name is called to huge cheers and applause from the Diamond Club.
Laura Messier: 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!!!!
Henare looks towards his opponent and seems to laugh to himself at the size of the Chaos Bunny.
OPENING MATCH
SINGLES MATCH
Jackalope (#4) vs Ashton Henare (#12)
DING! DING! DING!
As the fans chant for Jackalope, the two wrestlers stare at each other from their corners. There's an urgent focus in Jackalope's stance, but he shows no fear as he locks eyes with Henare. Henare looks back at him with a small smirk, completely unfazed.
Crowd: JACKALOPE! JACKALOPE! JACKALOPE!
Steve Morrison: No surprises who the fans are behind.
Cross Recoba: Henare doesn't care. They might know their wrestling but to Henare they're just some dopes who walked in off the street. As far as he's concerned Jackalope is beneath him.
Jackalope starts advancing on Henare. Henare stays put, then at the last second steps forward to meet him. He raises his arm for a forearm shot but is interrupted by a quick kick to the waist, then another. He catches the third kick. Jackalope looks ready to hit an enzuigiri but Henare pushes his leg sending him backwards. Jackalope rolls back to his feet and runs straight at Henare. Henare quickly sidesteps and lets Jackalope bounce off the ropes. Building up speed he crosses the ring, then comes back and ducks a lariat. On the return Henare takes a quick couple steps forward to cut Jackalope off with a heavy shoulder block.
Steve Morrison: And Henare gets the early advantage.
Cross Recoba: He's determined not to let Jackalope get the better of him. Did you see how fast he moved then? In his head he can do anything Jackalope can do.
Jackalope rolls away and hastily tries to regain his footing but Henare pounces on him and applies a headlock. Jackalope flails his arms hoping to find the ropes but they're far out of reach. Henare grins, defiant in the face of the booing crowd. Jackalope tries to hook his leg around Henare's but can't quite do it. Henare takes him on the move with some brisk steps around the ring, then just before Jackalope can try again he takes him down with a headlock takeover.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope just can't get going.
Cross Recoba: If he's smart Henare will keep him at bay as long as he can.
Henare is now intense with concentration as Jackalope tries to struggle free. Jackalope bends at the waist and tries to scissor Henare's head but Henare cranks tighter on the headlock and manages to keep his head free. Undeterred Jackalope immediately goes for the headscissors again and gets it. He puts enough pressure on Henare to force him out of position and free himself from the hold. They both get to their feet and Jackalope hits a dropkick square in Henare's face. Henare drops to a knee and Jackalope hits the ropes and comes back with a basement crossbody crushing Henare to the mat. Steve Tyrell is quick to catch the pin.
ONE...
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Just a one count!
Cross Recoba: But Jackalope's not wasting motion.
Henare is up on his feet but before he knows it Kid Cryptid comes springing off the second rope to hit a roundhouse kick to the side of his head. He follows up with a step up enzuigiri that takes Henare down to the mat.
Steve Morrison: What a shot!
While Henare climbs back to his feet, slower this time, Jackalope quickly shoots up to the top turnbuckle. He flips backwards with a moonsault but Henare catches him on his shoulder. He hurls him off into a fall away position, staring heatedly into the crowd, then hoists him up to his shoulders to deliver a resounding Samoan Drop.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope snuffed out just like that.
Cross Recoba: There was some serious spite behind that one.
He grabs Jackalope by the head and pulls him upright. He hooks his arm over his shoulder and hits a crisp snap suplex. Seeing Jackalope lying flat on his back, he cockily saunters around the ring as the crowd boo.
Steve Morrison: Henare taking his time now.
Cross Recoba: He's making a statement. He wants to conquer America like he has everywhere else. It's not enough for him just to get the victory.
When he returns to Jackalope's body he lifts him up again, then hits another snap suplex. The sharp impact stuns a number of fans into silence but The Diamond Club is still thick with boos. The Personification of Domination lifts Jackalope up once more, and gets into another suplex position. This time he wraps his arms around Jackalope's waist and hits a wicked Northern Lights.
ONE...
TWO...
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Jackalope just gets the shoulder up!
Cross Recoba: He was lucky to. The positioning on that bridge was perfect.
We cut to a close-up of Henare's face to see him give a little laugh, then shake his head. He brings Jackalope back to his feet and gets him in position for a uranage.
Steve Morrison: This could be The End! Henare wants to put Jackalope away early!
Jackalope suddenly comes to life with an elbow strike and frees himself! Spinning back elbow! Spinning tornado roundhouse kick! Jackalope rebounds off the ropes and goes for the Reverse Sling Blade but Henare keeps his feet planted. Jackalope spins back to his feet and is met by a throat uppercut.
Steve Morrison: Henare avoids the Hold-out Pistol and hits the uppercut! Watch the Throne combo!
Henare follows with the rolling elbow but Jackalope ducks. Pelé kick! Henare quickly pushes himself off the mat but is obviously rocked. Jackalope comes off the ropes with a forward roll into a front dropkick. With no hesitation he leaps on the downed Henare, wraps his legs around his waist and with a shin-assisted choke locks in a Reverse Gogoplata!
Steve Morrison: SCHRÖDINGER'S BOX!!!
Cross Recoba: Henare could be done!
Henare's eyes are wide with shock as Jackalope keeps the hold locked tight. Tyrell asks Henare if he wants to quit but just gets an obstinate glare in response. The crowd are on their feet.
Steve Morrison: Henare has already tapped out once, will Jackalope make it twice?!
Cross Recoba: This could be an utter disaster for Henare. One submission is hard enough to come back from, but two?
Just as the life starts to drain from his eyes, Henare comes in clutch with a desperate roll towards the ropes. Jackalope doesn't let go as Henare forces him into the mat, back up into the air, and finally grabs the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Lightning doesn't strike twice. Jackalope breaks.
Cross Recoba: He should have held for a five count. What's he doing?
Jackalope looks spent but doesn't hesitate, climbing up to the top rope at the nearest corner. The dazed Henare rolls away from him with an enormous effort. Jackalope watches as Henare makes it to the opposite corner, then hops down, runs across the ring and hits a cannonball! After crushing Henare he gets some quick distance then goes for another but Henare boots him out of the air!
Steve Morrison: No!
Cross Recoba: Jackalope might have just thrown this one away.
Henare grabs the ropes to pull himself up. He stalks Jackalope as he slowly rises to his feet. With a running leap he hits the Superman Punch!
Steve Morrison: NEW MAGIC WAND!!!
Henare takes a handful of the Chaos Bunny's hair and roughly pulls him up from the mat. As Tyrell issues a warning, Henare says something inaudible to Jackalope. Headbutt! He locks his body and hits an overhead belly-to-belly! Jackalope lands with a thud but somehow manages to roll to the ropes and pull himself up!
Steve Morrison: How is Jackalope standing?!
Cross Recoba: He's in survival mode. He's fearless but I don't think it's going to be enough.
As soon as Jackalope is standing, Henare rushes up and hits a bicycle knee!
Steve Morrison: HOLLOW TIP!!!
Henare backs into a corner and watches Jackalope rise again.
HE HITS THE SPEAR!!!
Steve Morrison: NO LONGER HUMAN!!!
BUT HE FLIES OVER AS JACKALOPE FALLS BACKWARDS TO THE MAT AT THE LAST SECOND!!!
Cross Recoba: NO!!!
Henare hits nothing but canvas as Jackalope lies flat on his back. He hoists himself up, spider walks away from Henare then turns to face him. SPEAR!!!
Steve Morrison: DEAD MAN'S SWITCH!!!
BUT HENARE DOESN'T GO DOWN!!!
He holds Jackalope in a clinch and nails him in the gut with a knee strike! Then sends him flying into the corner with a biel! Corner clothesline! Henare sets up The End but before he can lift Jackalope up he's sent flying into the second turnbuckle with a drop toe hold! Jackalope hits a stiff kick to the head, kicking him off the buckle onto the ropes. He climbs out onto the apron on the other side of the post, runs up to the far post, then comes running back and hits a post-assisted 619!
Steve Morrison: BUCK YOU!!!
Henare stumbles out of the ropes and Jackalope follows through. GUYVER KICK!!!
Steve Morrison: UNLUCKY RABBIT'S FOOT!
JACKALOPE LOCKS IN SCHRÖDINGER'S BOX!!!
Steve Morrison: HE'S GOT HIM AGAIN!!!
With Jackalope on the edge of victory the fans are deafening. Tyrell asks Henare if he'll quit now but Henare's face remains blank.
Cross Recoba: Jackalope's got him right where he wants him!
Steve Morrison: Henare might be fading!
Cross Recoba: He's already been tapped out, he doesn't want to be knocked out too!
Steve Morrison: HENARE TAPS!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: The winner of this match, via submission, JACKALOPE!!!!
Steve Morrison: Huge win for Jackalope!
Cross Recoba: Henare's not going to be happy about this. Whoever he fights next is going to be in for a rough night.
Steve Morrison: Jackalope's next opponent should be worried too. Kid Cryptid keeps on proving he doesn't fear anyone.
Laura Messier: The second match of the evening is a TAG-TEAM MATCH! Set for one fall!
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: Last month he made his debut, this month he’s officially a roster member!
Cross Recoba: He was impressive in his showing against Tommy and even without the win, we’d have had the same conversation.
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: Can he thrive in Tap Out and step out of his father’s shadow here?
Cross Recoba: To me, his father is overrated so in my book: Julius is already beyond comparison with the Murder Lizard
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: Two huge names for him to take down tonight.
Cross Recoba: Fristik’s passport’s as well-stamped as Random’s so you’d expect her submission game to not be as surprising to him as others she’s faced. As for Merric, Julius will be the first to tell you just how big that oxygen tank of his is to keep him going and he’ll look to outwork and outlast the Bounty Hunter!
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: Not the return he wanted last time out but he’s come back leaner and meaner!
Cross Recoba: It’s added an agility to his game that was there before but is now a large part of his game instead of added extra.
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: His ability to work in a team is surprising but we saw way back last year that he could even get cohesion with Poena!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD’s a complicated guy until he isn’t. He’s smart, he’s articulate and behind that huge and imposing frame is a calculating brain that makes him so much more dangerous than he looks!
NOMAD then rolls in under the bottom rope after it and immediately positions himself in a seated position in the nearest corner.
Steve Morrison: Will NOMAD win the battle of the brawlers?
Cross Recoba: Hard to say because, in my mind, I’d say he’d do better to take Merric down with wrestling, not punches but once that adrenaline kicks in? It’ll be a sight for our fans!
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: He witnessed first-hand just how our new Champion operates at Night of Champions.
Cross Recoba: He’ll be annoyed with himself at how that went down and if I’m Fristik or even NOMAD, I’d be worried just how much anger is still there from that night.
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: The Bounty Hunter, the Brisbane Bar Brawler…can he slug his way to victory past the two men in the ring right now?
Cross Recoba: Aiden’s spent his career proving those odds wrong wherever he’s been.
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 the odd-couple of Random and Merric gel?
Cross Recoba: Look at Erin and Merric, if you can fight, you’re part of the Merric family!
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: Now, if such a thing was real, Random might well have been the happiest roster member when Poena beat Diamond for the title at Night of Champions.
Cross Recoba: The last person to beat Poena? You bet she should be happy. I’d call it a question of when and not if she’ll push to challenge Poena once more now that he has the Openweight title.
The lights reach their full
Steve Morrison: Would it be fair to say that Random and Merric have the same objective, win and force their way into the title conversation?
Cross Recoba: It’d be accurate but with it will come unique problems. Could we see them fighting over the pin?
Serene and calm, she casually strolls, shoulders lightly oscillating in a slow sync.
Steve Morrison: NOMAD will do all he can to stop that being an eventuality.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD vs Random is one of the battles you see in tag matches that should have you chomping at the bit for it to happen!
Her body is calm and relaxed, like a moonlight walk in the park, but her gaze is fixed, staring at the empty ring/her opposition1 with snake eyes. She's never in a hurry, she doesn't need to be.
Laura Messier: Introducing our first team, weighing in at a combined weight of FOUR-HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE POUNDS!!! Julius FRISTIK!!!!! And NOOOOOOOOMAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!
The two men seem to talk strategy.
Laura Messier: And their opponents…weighing in at a combined three-hundred-and-fifty-six pounds….AIDEN…MERRRICCC!!! AND RANDOM MC-CONALOGUUUUUUUUUUE!!!!
The Aussie-Jock team are certainly plotting as they point across the ring as they confer.
TAG-TEAM MATCH
NOMAD (#9) & Julius Fristik (#14) vs Aiden Merric (#5) & Random McConalogue (#6)
“Big” John Quinn watches Laura leave the ring before bringing the two teams into the center of the ring.
Steve Morrison: Quinn perhaps the most logical choice for this match.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD and Merric push their luck at the best of times, Quinn was the obvious referee to control both of them at once.
Predictably, Merric and NOMAD stand opposite one another and try to stare a hole through the other. Fristik and Random pay mind to what the referee has to say in lieu of their partners.
Steve Morrison: Both men have singled out the other in the build-up to this match.
Cross Recoba: Leaving Random and Julius to be the ones to pay lip service, or ear service, to the words of “Big” John.
Quinn clicks his fingers in between the big men of the teams and receives a look that tells him they’re not going to listen. He steps between the two and with animated jousts of his finger, he seems to get his point across.
Steve Morrison: He’s going to need to keep that authority consistent to get anything from these two in the match.
Sending the two teams to their corners, we see Merric and NOMAD climb through the ropes, leaving McConalogue and Fristik in the ring.
DING! DING! DING!
Random moves around the ring, leaning into the ropes as she makes her way around the squared circle. Fristik watches her, cautious and wary not to fall into the same fate that befell Spike Kane and Jason Long.
Steve Morrison: Random has developed somewhat of a reputation in Tap Out for flash victories.
Cross Recoba: Deserved. Kane and Long are both former X*Crown Champions and you could argue that she’s in the driving seat for a title shot being the last person to beat Poena.
The Scotswoman shoots forward bypassing the collar-and-arm tie-up and moves immediately into a hammerlock. Fristik reverses but only for a moment before it’s back with Random who switches to a standing side-headlock.
Steve Morrison: Both competitors adept at the technical side of the sport.
Julius grabs the waist of the Infrequent Flyer and lifts but Random flips out the back and charges with a waistlock towards the ropes and rolls back.
ONE..
JULIUS KICKS OUT!
The second-generation star charges in but Random takes him over with an arm-drag and holds on, she drops a leg on the arm.
Cross Recoba: Random can flow in that ring like water and that’s what Fristik needs to stop before it’s too late.
Rolling to her feet, Random catches the seated Pegasus with a dropkick.
Steve Morrison: McConalogue is on a roll here and Fristik’s got to find a way to stop the avalanche!
Showing no signs of letting up, Random rolls Fristik back…Wheelbarrow Suplex!
Steve Morrison: She dropped him on his head!
The Scottish Submission Specialist uses the hair of her opponent to bring him back to his feet. Julius answers with a rising kick. And another! A third! A fourth buys distance! Julius rushes in with a lifting knee that doubles over McConalogue.
Steve Morrison: The Pegasus Warrior acting on instinct but he buys himself some time…
Hooking an arm, Fristik lifts up his opponent…Japanese Brainbuster!
Cross Recoba: He snapped her back to the mat! Can he build a rhythm or at least get NOMAD involved?
Julius stays on Random and lifts her up…Half-Nelson Suplex!!!
Steve Morrison: Another move to drop her on her head!
McConalogue grabs the ropes behind her to get back to her feet but Julius is already working on his next gambit and heads to the ropes…Springboard Kick!
Steve Morrison: ANGEL KICK!
NO! McConalogue ducks…Tiger Suplex!!
Cross Recoba: Random could see it coming and adapted perfectly.
Steve Morrison: She’ll say it’s all in the chaos…
She rolls back into a clutch pin!!!
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT BY THE CANADIAN SUPERSTAR!
Steve Morrison: Fristik keeps him and his team in this!
Random grabs a waistlock to pick up the Canadian…GERMAN SUPLEX!!! NO! FRISTIK LANDS ON HIS FEET! He sets his balance and sees Random rush towards him…SNAP POWERSLAM FROM FRISTIK!!
Steve Morrison: Textbook execution!
Julius makes the tag to the Violent Wanderer!
Cross Recoba: Enter NOMAD!
Entering the ring, the Violent Wanderer announces his presence with a driving knee to the head of the sat-up McConalogue.
Steve Morrison: Smashmouth strikes and unrelenting offense, the calling card of The Monster of the World!
Peeling his opponent from the mat, NOMAD keeps hold of her head and unloads with body shots that double-over Mostly Armbars McConalogue. Pushing her head back up, he connects with a haymaker that sends her rocketing back into the corner.
Cross Recoba: NOMAD’s smart and the obvious move when you’re him is to make your size and power known, Random can’t fight that as easily.
NOMAD unloads with rights and lefts to the body that stun the Scottish Wrestler.
Steve Morrison: McConalogue needs to use that agility to create space.
Cross Recoba: It’s easier said than done, NOMAD isn’t going to leave a door open for McConalogue…
AN OVERHAND RIGHT MISSES AS RANDOM ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY….SHE CATCHES NOMAD WITH AN ARMBAR!!!!
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen her put away people with this and NOMAD could be in trouble!
Hanging in mid-air, Random tries to get the armbar locked in but the power of her opponent makes it difficult.
Cross Recoba: She’s going to have to adapt but if there’s anyone on the Network you’d back to find a way, it’s the Glaswegian in the ring now!
NOMAD USES HIS FREE ARM TO LIFT UP RANDOM TO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND SIT HER DOWN!!!
He gets onto the lower turnbuckle…AND THROWS A HUGE HEADBUTT TO BREAK THE HOLD!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT. A. FEAT. OF. STRENGTH!
EXPLODER SUPLEX FROM THE TOP!!!
Cross Recoba: Steve, before you ask me what the gameplan is, I’ll beat you to the punch. NOMAD is going to drop her on her head in any way he can think of!
NOMAD rolls over for the pin but Random finds herself on the apron from the momentum of the suplex.
Steve Morrison: Random with a stroke of good luck is out of harm’s way on the apron.
Cross Recoba: I’m not sure I’d see it as a stroke of good luck just yet…
Approaching the Scotslady, NOMAD goes to grab her but she gamely throws a kick that connects. She leaps to the top-rope and flies…RANA, NO, SHOULDER-SPIN POISON RANA!!!!!
Steve Morrison: HYPERSPACE BYPASS!!!
Cross Recoba: With the size of NOMAD, that impact is going to be huge!
Seeing an opening, Random goes back to the arm and sits on the shoulder joint as she prises the arm upwards.
Steve Morrison: She’s going back to the arm!
Cross Recoba: What we have on both sides is a fighter able to throw a Lariat that can end the conversation, end the match, in an instant. Random is the ultimate weapon to disarm that threat!
Steve Morrison: Will NOMAD leave himself op-
FRISTIK COMES OFF THE TOP WITH A DIVING FOREARM TO BREAK THE HOLD!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE FOREARM FROM NOMAD’S PARTNER!!!
Rolling out of the ring before “Big” John can tell him to depart the ring, Julius heads back to his corner.
Cross Recoba: Get in, cause problems, get out: perfect tag-partner strategy there!
Random heads to her corner and tags in Merric!
Steve Morrison: And now we see what happens here…
NOMAD, back on his feet, sizes up the Australian. The Bounty Hunter returns the glare as the two men circle one another.
Cross Recoba: Two prizefighters in the ring right now…
THEY RUSH IN TOGETHER AND EACH USE THEIR NON-DOMINANT ARM TO GRAB THE HEAD OF THE OTHER BEFORE TEEING OFF ON ONE ANOTHER!
Steve Morrison: THEY’RE GOING FOR BROKE!
Cross Recoba: Reckless abandon!
Steve Morrison: Throwing punches at two a second and showing no signs of letting up!
Cross Recoba: No guard up but no surrender shown on either side!
Both men are throwing rights to the side of the skull with reckless abandon.
Steve Morrison: How sustainable is this?
Cross Recoba: It’s not but Quinn’s on hand to step in if a stoppage needs to be made!
They carry on as NOMAD uses his size advantage to push the conversation towards the corner and “Big” John Quinn starts the count as both men continue to throw huge punches.
Steve Morrison: Just looking at the swelling under the eyes of Merric!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD could look the same way. We just need to get the camerman on the otherside of the ring to see!
ONE!
TWO!
No sign from either man of slowing up.
Steve Morrison: Can they even hear the count?
THREE!
FOUR!!
Cross Recoba: They don’t care!
FI-
Steve Morrison: Finally, they break…
They stop at the last moment and Merric unsportingly uses the break to wrap his arms around NOMAD AND TOSS HIM TO THE FLOOR! AIDEN RUSHES IN WITH A DAN CARTER SPECIAL KICK!
Steve Morrison: HUGE CONNECTION!
Cross Recoba: Somewhere backstage is a large Samoan shouting BOO-YAH!
A noticeable cut has opened in the middle of NOMAD’s forehead.
Steve Morrison: Merric busts NOMAD open for the second month in a row!
Reaching to the cut, NOMAD examines it before getting to his feet.
Cross Recoba: Will this be a red rag to the bull?
The two men return to clobbering the ever-living fuck out of one another but Merric seems to have the upperhand. He throws an open-handed uppercut and follows up with a DOUBLE-EARCLAP…HEADBUTT!!!
Steve Morrison: BAG AND TAG!!!
NOMAD’s backed into the corner. MERRIC UNLEASHES WITH MACHINE GUN KNIFE-EDGE CHOPS!!
Steve Morrison: THIS IS A KNIFE!!!
Taking a step back, Merric charges into the corner…NOTHING BUT TURNBUCKLE!!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD got out of that one and now Merric needs to be ready for whatever is coming his way!
Bouncing backwards from the corner, NOMAD catches Merric with a Russian Legsweep!
Steve Morrison: HUGE impact from that Russian Legsweep!
With no time to recover, Aiden is wrenched to his feet and eats a European Uppercut…NOMAD FOLLOWS UP WITH A LEAPING ENZUIGURI THAT SENDS HIM STAGGERING INTO THE ROPES!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT AGILITY!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD isn’t just a brawling powerhouse, he can leave his feet when he wants!
NOMAD grabs Merric’s head…POWERBOMB!!!
Steve Morrison: MERRIC’S HEAD BOUNCED OFF THE MAT!!
NOMAD keeps hold of the legs and rolls into a Boston Crab!!
Cross Recoba: Smart move, recover that energy he just used with the powerbomb and weaken Merric’s punching power.
Merric tries to fight the hold but the Violent Wanderer forces the Australian to carry his weight with every millimeter that Aiden tries to claw towards the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Aiden has to fight for every inch of progress!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD has studied the tape, knows that Merric is big on brawling and not so big on the technical side. That’s where NOMAD can make hay, that’s where NOMAD can really blunt the offense of his opponents.
RANDOM RUSHES IN WITH A SNAPPY LEFT BOOT TO THE FACE OF NOMAD TO BREAK THE HOLD!!!
Steve Morrison: SHOE EVENT HORIZON!!
Quinn gets the Scotswoman out of the ring as quickly as he can and turns around to see NOMAD lifting up Merric. The Australian lifts his arms up…HEADBUTT FROM THE BOUNTY HUNTER!! GERMAN SUPLEX!!
Steve Morrison: He didn’t get all of it but it still counts!
Cross Recoba: They’re getting cleaner each month!
Merric makes a beeline to his corner and tags in Random!
Steve Morrison: Can McConalogue pick up the pace?
Climbing through the ropes, Random is caught by a knee from NOMAD. He whips her to the corner…SHE RUNS UP THE TURNBUCKLES…MOONSAULT….
Steve Morrison: Picture-perfect moonsau-
NOMAD CAUGHT IT…..
Cross Recoba: This isn’t going to be pretty…
SAMOAN DROP!!!!
Steve Morrison: ALMOST DROVE HER THROUGH THE MAT!!
He covers…
ONE…
TWO…
Random rolls a shoulder out!
Steve Morrison: Random lives to fight on!
Cross Recoba: But she CANNOT take many more of those, no-one can!!
Using her hair, NOMAD drags the Scotswoman to her feet and drives a HUGE knee into her face! He yanks her towards him and lifts her up…KNEECAP BRAINBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: NIHILUS IV!!!!!
Cross Recoba: This is it!
Turning around to make the pin, NOMAD is unsighted AS MERRIC RUSHES IN WITH A SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!!
Steve Morrison: AUSSIE RULES!
Cross Recoba: That might be the most important punch out of the hundred Merric has thrown tonight!
Quinn pushes Merric back to his corner which he does with more than a hint of a mock protest.
Steve Morrison: Some gamesmanship perhaps from the Bounty Hunter?
Cross Recoba: NOMAD dropped his partner headfirst on his knee, I’m not sure McConalogue is all there right now…
Random stirs and sees NOMAD down, SHE WRAPS THE RINGS OF SATURN ON HIM!!
Steve Morrison: SOMEBODY ELSE’S PROBLEM!!!
NOMAD fights the hold the whole way, she uses his fight to roll him over away from the ropes but the Violent Wanderer continues to use his power and size to make the hold difficult to maintain.
Cross Recoba: McConalogue is trying to keep that move locked in but NOMAD is just an awkward fighter to try and get the hold on.
Quinn asks if he wants to submit but NOMAD vehemently shakes his head.
Steve Morrison: There’s a lot of fight left in the Violent Wanderer!
Cross Recoba: If you’ve spent any time talking to NOMAD the first thing you realize is the sheer intensity he brings to everything, he isn’t made for quitting!
McConalogue rolls once more.
Steve Morrison: Nowhere near the ropes but Random continues to keep the hold moving.
Cross Recoba: There’s a degree of trying to wear down the bigger man. Keeping the hold moving means that NOMAD can fight to get out but the situation is constantly changing.
NOMAD USES IT TO ESCAPE…RANDOM RUSHES TO HER FEET…AND EATS A HUGE BOOT TO THE FACE!!!!
Steve Morrison: Random perhaps too clever and she pays for it with a HUGE boot to take her down!
Random tries to keep moving as she rolls on the floor but hits the ropes. She uses them to get to her feet unsteadily.
Cross Recoba: Between the Kneecap Brainbuster and the Big Boot, McConalogue’s a bit scrambled. She might need to get out of the ring in order to benefit her team right now.
The Infrequent Flyer sprints at NOMAD, who jumps up with a no-hand leapfrog. She comes back AND EATS A LEG LARIAT TO THE FACE!!!
Steve Morrison: ONCE MORE NOMAD TAKES TO THE AIR!!
Cross Recoba: And with legs like tree trunks, Random might not even know what city she’s in!
NOMAD leans back into his team’s corner and Fristik tags himself in!
Steve Morrison: Clever move from NOMAD, his partner’s speed-based approach against a dazed Random is a great match-up for Fristik and the Wanderer!
Julius leaps into the ring and darts forward landing a rolling knee-drop on McConalogue.
Steve Morrison: Can he keep this pace up?
The Calgary Son lifts up Random with a front-facelock...SNAP SUPLEX!
Cross Recoba: Crisp execution and he rolls…
AND ANOTHER SNAP SUPLEX!
Steve Morrison: Working that back over with another suplex and another roll..
FRISTIK HANGS ON AND ROLLS, HOOKING A LEG…
Cross Recoba: We know what’s coming…
FISHERMAN BUST-
NO!
RANDOM SLIPS OUT THE BACK…DESPERATION INWARD ROLLING CUTTER!!!
Steve Morrison: DICEROLL!!!!!!! OUT OF NOWHERE!!
Looking beat, McConalogue rolls backwards towards Merric…AIDEN’S TAGGED IN!!!
Steve Morrison: Can the Aussie Warhorse keep up the momentum?
The Australian picks up Fristik and shoots him to the ropes…URANAGE BACKBREAKER…HAYMAKER!!!!!
Steve Morrison: TRAP TRICK!!
Giving Julius no room to breathe, he lifts up the Canadian and hooks the arms behind…TIGER SUPLEX!
Cross Recoba: High-angle release!
His head resting on the turnbuckle, the camera catches the look of realization on Julius’ face as he feels the grip of Merric tighten around his wrist.
Steve Morrison: Fristik knows what’s on the cards…
Cross Recoba: Don’t need Random’s mysticism to see that…
The Bounty Hunter wrenches Fristik from the corner and pulls the cord…
RIPCORD LARIAT!!
Crowd: LA AAAAAAAAAAAAAARIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Steve Morrison: CONTRACT FULFILLED!!!
Merric makes the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: Your winners of the bout, as a result of pinfall, RANDOM McCONALOGUE …AND..AIDEN..MERRRRRRRRRIIIIICCC!!!
The opening thumping guitar and drum riff of "Unstoppable" by Disturbed fills the arena as Quinn raises the arms of McConalogue and Merric.
Steve Morrison: Merric and McConalogue proving to be quite the team!
Cross Recoba: I think where they worked and their opponents didn’t was in knowing what each brought to the table.
Steve Morrison: Any truth to the rumors that both are in line for a shot at Poena?
Cross Recoba: There’s merit, in Random’s case she’ll feel that she’s next in line with that win over Poena in her pocket!
Watching the victors roll out the ring, NOMAD steps into the ring with a look of disgust on his face. He helps Fristik up to his feet…AND CLOBBERS HIM FROM BEHIND WITH A LARIAT TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL!!
Steve Morrison: NOMAD LAYS OUT HIS PARTNER WITH NEVER MIND!!!!!!!!!!
Cross Recoba: Clearly feels that Fristik should have done better. NOMAD now on the losing side as many times in two matches as he was for his entire first run here in Tap Out!
NOMAD gives one last look of distaste to the fallen body of Fristik before he rolls out of the ring himself.
Laura Messier: Bringing our first-half to a conclusion we have a SIX-MAN TAG-TEAM CONTEST!!
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: Capone might well be pound-for-pound the hardest hitter in the company!
Cross Recoba: I wouldn’t argue with that.
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: What impresses me is how far he’ll go to learn and he’ll be wanting to look to Diamond for ways he can take those skills to the next level.
Cross Recoba: They were on opposite sides of GUNS FIght Club and Diamond holds a win over him there, tonight though they need to work together.
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: Just over eighteen months into his career, Capone knows that soon he’ll be expected to perform like someone with two years in the business should.
Cross Recoba: IRN FST is a couple of wins away from stepping up his potential into title-winning ability!
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. He adjusts his leather jacket, exposing his taped shoulder, and soaks 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: Taped up but ready to go!
Cross Recoba: He put in the performance of a Champion but came up just short.
As he gets to the ring, he climbs the stairs and walks the apron over to the far turnbuckle. He ascends the outside of the corner and plays to the crowd as more pyro goes off.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, legendary
Steve Morrison: Now fully signed back to Tap Out Wrestling and back in your good books, I see?
Cross Recoba: Hardly, you should see the eye-watering figure I have to leave on the table for him to claim for the Diamond Club tonight!
Jack jumps down into the ring and heads to the center before raising his belt up with both hands, above his head loud cheers. Jack removes his leather jacket and hands it over to the timekeeper before heading to his corner and stretching and preparing for the match.
Steve Morrison: Tonight is the start of Diamond’s ascent back to an Openweight title shot!
Cross Recoba: He just has a rather large target on his shoulder…
The arena lights dim as a synth bassline begins to play, the foggy neon on the tron becoming the main source of light. The tension in the song starts to pick up, and upon reaching the climax, the first verse begins and the arena lights flash briefly before returning to a dim glow, now with the same neon colors as the tron.
Steve Morrison: Fresh off Night of Champions and the Sawyer fanbase grows!
Cross Recoba: They proved a lot of people wrong with their performance in the main event at Night of Champions.
The fans cheer when Sam Sawyer walks out onto the stage, their face calm and focused. On their way down they slap the hand of every fan who offers, with a faint smile of gratitude.
Steve Morrison: Sawyer living out their dream tonight as they told us in the build-up that Jack Diamond was an idol of theirs.
Cross Recoba: Well, now they can show their idol just how far they’ve come.
They climb the steps and enter the ring, now focused entirely on the match ahead.
Steve Morrison: Could this be the start of a climb towards a title shot and a rematch against Poena?
Cross Recoba: It’s all in Sawyer’s hands…
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: Perhaps the most confident man in the match. He’s got a point to prove and an easy target in Diamond!
Cross Recoba: This goes all the way back to Night of Champions Nine, half a decade in the making!
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: Not to mention that with Diamond having a less than stellar time in SCCW earlier this year, he’s the only Harbinger without a victory over him.
Cross Recoba: But don’t forget that there’s something between the two, after all: Raiden turned up to Jack’s Birthday celebrations the night before he lost to Poena.
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: Can he do what we proved we couldn’t though and give equal attention to his other opponents?
Cross Recoba: He’d be a fool not to, Capone thrives on situations like this and Sawyer could well become a fixture in the X*Crown scene as the months and years go by!
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, atrfully torn ‘Tommy Strychnine half-shirt over a mesh under and a gold kneepad with a cartoon pair of lips emblazoned on it.
Steve Morrison: That golden kneepad hides perhaps the deadliest strike in Tap Out!
Cross Recoba: He wasn’t shy about boasting about his perfect record when that Kiss Me Deadly Knee strike connects!
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: Tommy hasn’t always come out on top with multi-man matches but he always leaves the viewer with a highlight to talk about!
Cross Recoba: Strych’s a natural performer and with this new, ruthless approach, I’m hoping he can push on and put the reason for our faith in him beyond doubt.
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: Does he start the match?
Cross Recoba: He’d be a good choice if he were on my team. His lack of fear in attacking or doing the unexpected makes him difficult to cope with from a standing start.
The lights drop in Lansky Ballroom as the bassy vocals of 'Hoist the Colors' fills the room.
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen Craft excel in these matches but he’s coming off a loss to Random.
Cross Recoba: Who isn’t coming off a loss to Random?
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: Can Craft make his mark in this match by being the guy to get the win for his team?
Cross Recoba: If he and Raiden haven’t already they should be working out a way to isolate Diamond and really going to town on that shoulder. Raiden’s strikes, his submissions, Tommy could almost conduct that violence!
Focusing on the ring, Craft ignores the outstretched hands of the fans looking for selfies and high-fives.
Steve Morrison: This is an opportunity for Craft to really make a name for himself, can he take that opportunity?
Cross Recoba: Raiden and Tommy are some of the best teachers he could ask for in terms of turning opportunity into reality.
Leaping to the ring apron, Jacob enters the ring and goes to his corner.
Laura Messier: Introducing your first team..with a combined weight of five-hundred-and-nine pounds…WILDCAT CAPONE, JACK DIAMOND AND SAAAAAAAAM SAAAAAAAAAAAWYEEEEEEEERR!!!!
The trio huddle as their names are called.
Laura Messier: AND THEIR OPPONENTS! Weighing in at five-hundred-and-eighty-two pounds. The team of RAIDEN ISHIMORI, TOMMY STRYCHNINE AND JAAAAAAACOOB CRAAAAAAAAAAAAFTT!!!
Raiden motions to his shoulder as if explaining how to deal with Diamond. Tommy taps his knee as he stares at Sawyer and Craft nods as he focuses on Capone.
TRIOS MATCH
Wildcat Capone (#11) / Jack Diamond (#1) / Sam Sawyer (#8) vs Raiden Ishimori (#13) / Tommy Strychnine (#10) / Jacob Craft (#15)
Steve Tyrell sees Laura Messier leave the ring and signals to both Jack and Raiden to approach the center of the ring.
Steve Morrison: This could be a huge match, each member stating what a win means for them.
Cross Recoba: For one team, they might never get a better crack at putting down Jack.
The atmosphere in the Diamond Club starts to climb as the one-time enemies are now mere inches from each other whilst Tyrell explains what he expects from each team in the match.
Steve Morrison: That tape on his shoulder will be a target for each of his opponents.
Cross Recoba: Why do you think Raiden looks so happy? That’s pretty much made to look like ‘X’ marks the spot!
Steve Morrison: Should he even be fighting?
Cross Recoba: The medical team cleared him ahead of the show and to be honest, he took a higher contract value with less money guaranteed. That’s on him.
Cutting away from the center of the ring, we see Sawyer and Capone discussing strategy in one corner whilst the other shows Craft and Tommy looking at the discussion in the center of the ring with interest.
Steve Morrison: It’ll be interesting to see how the two teams differ in their approach to the match.
Sending the ‘captains’ back to their teams to convey his expectations, Tyrell takes a moment to get himself into what he feels is the best position to oversee the opening seconds without getting in the way of the action.
Cross Recoba: Tyrell’s improved leaps and bounds from our first show and you can trust him to put in a shift to keep this match fair and down the middle.
Diamond surprisingly steps through the ropes leaving Capone and Sawyer to decide who goes first. Raiden follows Jack’s lead, clearly targeting the Ace for his own attention.
Steve Morrison: Raiden’s made no bones about the fact he doesn’t want to be the only Harbinger without a win over Diamond and he’s clearly saving himself for the former Tap Out Openweight Champion.
Cross Recoba: Do the teams go for striking or power though?
Capone and Craft stay in the ring as their partners step to the apron.
DING! DING! DING!
The two men circle one another.
Steve Morrison: Neither man wants to rush in here.
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen what both of them can do when an opening appears, that’ll be in the back of their minds.
Shooting in for a waistlock, Craft extends his arms as he moves but leaves himself open for a knee-shot to the chin!
Steve Morrison: Huge knee from Capone!
Cross Recoba: GUNS Fight Club again pays off”
Wildcat starts to UNLOAD on Jacob with clubbing forearms that drive the MMA specialist into the corner. The IRN FST grabs the wrist of Craft and whips him to the corner.
Steve Morrison: Wildcat looks amped for this…
He charges in with a back elbow…CRAFT GETS OUT OF DODGE!!
Cross Recoba: Too soon! Craft had that scouted!
Muay Thai clinch from Jacob stops Wildcat in his tracks. The submission specialist uses the clinch to walk backwards as he throws a knee into the chin of his opponent.
Steve Morrison: Expertly applied from the Maelstrom.
Cross Recoba: You can control everything from that position. Chris Card’d drill me in how to defend that clinch in every sparring session because when it’s locked in, you’re at the mercy of the attacker.
Tommy tags himself in.
Steve Morrison: Strych enters the fray!
The Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Wrestler leaps over the top rope and watches Craft land another lifting knee that leaves Capone in enemy territory in the corner. Strych takes a step back before charging at the corner and connecting with an enzuiguri, carrying himself over the top rope as he hits it.
Steve Morrison: High-speed, high-intensity offense from the Rocker!
Capone staggers out from the corner…SPRINGBOARD BULLDOG CONNECTS FROM TOMMY!
Cross Recoba: These two men have faced off many times before, Strych knows he needs to keep his attacks fresh to remove a frame of reference.
He makes the pin…
ONE…
T-
KICKOUT!
Steve Morrison: Perhaps too soon to go for the pin.
Strych uses the hair of Capone to bring him back to his feet and sneaks in a dirty boxing-inspired uppercut.
Cross Recoba: You listen to some Lazer Physycyst songs and you think they’re deliberately bad so Tommy can practice his brawling!
With Wildcat’s guard down, Tommy heads to the ropes…HANDSPRING DROPKICK!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE CONNECTION!
Cross Recoba: I wonder if Diamond told his team his version of when he faced Strych or warned them about what to expect in reality…
Smiling as he rises to his feet, Strych moves back to his corner and Raiden gets the tag!
Steve Morrison: Here comes Bone Cold!
Ishimori steps through the ropes and grabs Capone by the head before tossing him into the opposition corner.
Raiden Ishimori: Come on, Jack….
Diamond’s hand goes to his shoulder-tape leaving Sawyer to tag themselves in.
Cross Recoba: THE COWARD!
Steve Morrison: Jack clearly wanting to conserve his condition and energy to best benefit his team.
Cross Recoba: In short, he wants the win and the glory. Typical Jack!
Sam makes their way into the ring and charges at the Japanese star, they eat a drop-toe-hold.
Steve Morrison: Sawyer suckered into that one.
Rolling back to their feet, Sawyer charges the ropes but Raiden leapfrogs. He turns around…Sawyer put the brakes on! Pele kick!!
Cross Recoba: Marco van Basten special!
This time, Raiden rolls to his feet and steps right into a headlock takedown. Ishimori slips out the back and pushes a hammerlock, bearing his weight down onto Sawyer to carry.
Steve Morrison: Ishimori is trying to get the physical advantage.
Cross Recoba: Sam can grapple but they’re a striker at heart. Raiden’s dominated SCCW and a large part of that has been his ability to push the match in his favor on the mat.
Slipping out the smallest of gaps, Sawyer gets a side-armbar that brings Ishimori back to his feet. Holding the armbar in place, they reach out for a tag from their team. Diamond doesn’t put himself forward but Capone does!
Cross Recoba: Put a white feather in his cap!
Steve Morrison: Capone showing his eagerness to make a name for himself by putting himself in the ring with Raiden!
Entering the ring, Wildcat wastes no time in unleashing a sickening headbutt to the skull of Raiden!
Steve Morrison: What a connection!
Staggering back, Ishimori is unable to block a huge Roaring Elbow that keeps him scrambling backwards. Trapping the Harbinger in the corner, Capone rushes him…Corner Pancake! Raiden staggers out of the corner…GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!!
Cross Recoba: He’s found a rhythm…
Not finished yet, Wildcat comes off the ropes as Raiden sits up….SLIDING LARIAT!!!!
Steve Morrison: SLIDING D!!!
Wildcat makes the pin.
ONE…
TOMMY STOMPS ON HIS HEAD TO BREAK UP THE PIN!
Steve Morrison: Strych leaving nothing to chance!
Wildcat starts to get to his feet…STRYCHNINE CONNECTS WITH THE AXE KICK!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy again showing off some of his offense that we’ve not seen much of here in Tap Out to keep his opponents on the back-foot!
Tyrell gets in the way of Tommy before he can exact more violence on his opponent and walks him back to his corner. The camera cuts to Raiden on the apron. He leaps…SPRINGBOARD DDT CONNECTS!
Steve Morrison: HE DRILLED HIM TO THE MAT!
Raiden debates the cover but decides against it. Instead, he grabs the leg of Capone and drives a boot into the base of the hamstring! And again!
Cross Recoba: He’s trying to ground Capone, take away the power moves and more importantly - kill off the threat of the Rolling Koppu Kick!
Tucking the foot under his arm, Ishimori sets him up…DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!!
Steve Morrison: HE SNAPPED HIS LEG BACK!
Cross Recoba: Raiden’s strength lies in his ability to use his brain to methodically take apart his opponents.
Capone rolls to the ropes to try and get some space between him and Bone Cold. He starts to stand up, gingerly testing his foot. HE’S IN THE WRONG CORNER!
Steve Morrison: IRN FST looking for a tag in all the wrong places!
Strych grabs the head of Wildcat…Guillotine on Capone as Strych drops to the floor…LEG-HOOK BELLY-TO-BACK SUPLEX!!!
Steve Morrison: Teamwork from Raiden and Tommy could well end this.
Ishimori with the bridge…
Cross Recoba: Look at the neck strength!
ONE…
TWO…
T-
CAPONE GETS A SHOULDER UP!!
Steve Morrison: Capone stays in the game!
With a look of thunder on his face, Ishimori gets to his feet and picks up Capone before skidding him across the mat into the turnbuckle.
Cross Recoba: Raiden was less than complimentary about Capone in the build-up to tonight and now we’re seeing it in the flesh.
RAIDEN DASHES IN WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THE FACE OF IRN FST!!!
Steve Morrison: DROVE HIS BOOTS RIGHT INTO THE FACE OF WILDCAT!
Crowd: FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN! FUCK YOU, RAIDEN!
With a confident smile, Raiden lifts Capone up and onto the top turnbuckle before stepping between the ropes. He puts a foot on the middle turnbuckle…
Steve Morrison: Could this be…
SUNSET POWERBOMB!!!!
Steve Morrison: DARK VOID!!
Raiden switches from the pin to the Spider Twist submission quickly.
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen this setup…
Steve Morrison: If he gets Aqua Regia hooked in, this could be done!
SAWYER COMES IN WITH A HUGE SHOOT KICK TO THE FACE OF RAIDEN TO GET SOME ROOM FOR THEIR TEAM!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer to the rescue!
STRYCH CHARGES INTO THE RING AND CLOBBERS DIAMOND WITH A FOREARM THAT HAS HIM HANGING ONTO THE TOP ROPE WITH ONE ARM… STRYCH SPINS, BICYCLE KNEE TO SAWYER!
Cross Recoba: HUGE V-TRIGGER!!!
Raiden gets to his corner and tags Craft back in.
Steve Morrison: We could see a three-on-two situation here with Diamond dazed!
Jacob comes into the ring and grabs Capone by the head…SHORT DDT!!
Cross Recoba: SNAP DDT! Craft nailed that execution perfectly.
He covers..
ONE…
TWO…
T-
KICKOUT BY CAPONE!!
Steve Morrison: There’s still fight in the Wildcat!
Craft lifts up Wildcat once more…Body Slam!
Cross Recoba: Golden Era slam from Maelstrom…
Jacob leans into the ropes and leaps for a jumping knee drop…NO-ONE’S HOME! Craft rolls through and leaps with a senton…NOTHING BUT MAT!!!
Steve Morrison: Capone finds a gap to get out but can he make it?
CAPONE DIVES FOR THE OUTSTRETCHED HAND OF SAYWER!!!
Steve Morrison: HE TAGS IN SAM!
Sawyer rushes into the ring and immediately goes for a Spinning Backfist but Craft ducks and lifts them up for an Atomic Drop…SAWYER ROLLS THROUGH WITH A HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN!
Steve Morrison: Great counter-wrestling from both fighters.
Cross Recoba: Everyone on the Tap Out roster knows their top wristlocks from their keyholds!
Getting to his feet, Craft has no time to react as Sawyer slaps the gum from his mouth!
Steve Morrison: GET FUCKED!!!!
DRAGON SUPLEX!!!! THEY BRIDGE!!!
ONE…
TWO…
THRE–
CRAFT GETS AN ARM UP!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer nearly grabs the win for their team!
Wrapping their arms around Jacob’s waist, Sawyer starts to bring their opponent to their feet. They reach down and move their grip over the leg….TEARDROP SUPLEX!!!!!
Cross Recoba: Houston takes a nod from San Antonio!
Sam rushes to the neutral corner and leaps to the top turnbuckle…MOONSAULT!!!
Steve Morrison: SAWYERSAULT PART ONE!!!!!!!
Crowd: LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO SAWYER! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Sam rolls to their feet and once more jumps to the turnbuckle and leaps….
Steve Morrison: FOR THE WIN!!
STRYCH CATCHES HER….USHIGOROSHI!!!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMYKNOCKER!!!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Cross Recoba: Tommy just saved the match for his team!!
Not content with his interruption yet, Strych rushes to the opposition corner…HESITATION DROPKICK SENDS CAPONE TO THE FLOOR! DIAMOND TRIES TO GET INTO THE RING BUT STRYCH ROLLS BACK AND THROWS A KICK TO CATCH THE HEAD OF THE FORMER TAP OUT CHAMPION….ROPE-ASSISTED HEATSEEKER PILEDRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: WHITE WEDDING!!!
Crowd: FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* FUCK YOU, STRYCHNINE! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Craft looks towards the prone body of Sawyer but pulls himself towards his corner. Strych grabs his arm to drag him the rest of the way and tags himself in!
Steve Morrison: The crowd have made their feelings known but Tommy isn’t going to care.
Seeing that Diamond is still down, Tommy dashes towards him…BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer ate all of that!
He gets to his feet and throws a huge knee into the sternum of Sawyer before hitting the ropes…KOTARO KRUSHER!!!
Cross Recoba: Tommy made that pivot last year and that is one of the adjustments he made.
Steve Morrison: We know what’s coming next…
Grabbing wrist-control, Tommy pulls Sawyer to their feet. He pulls the ripcord…NO-ONE’S HOME FOR THE V-TRIGGER KNEE!!!.....STO!!!
Steve Morrison: THIS CORROSION!
Sawyer scrambles to grab the ropes and runs straight across the ring as they lean on the top rope…CAPONE TAGS IN!!
Steve Morrison: Wildcat gives Sawyer the chance to catch their breath!
Cross Recoba: The Coward wasn’t going to do it was he?
Wildcat bursts into the ring and sees Strychnine stooped over. HE GOES FOR BROKE!! ROLLING KOPPU KICK!!! STRYCH DROPS TO THE MAT AND CAPONE FINDS HIMSELF IN THE CORNER…MONKEY FLIP FROM STRYCH!!!
Steve Morrison: ONE LESS BITCH MISSES AND TOMMY IS MEASURING CAPONE FOR SOMETHING…
The camera catches the look on Tommy’s face which suggests he’s running on pure anger, he charges…NAILS CAPONE WITH THE LOU THESZ PRESS AND CARRIES ON WITH DIRTY BOXING!!
Steve Morrison: He’s raining down with rights and lefts!
Tyrell starts the count for the closed-fist punches:
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!
FOUR!!
Tommy breaks the closed-fist punch tirade and rolls off his man to the apron.
Cross Recoba: He worked the count beautifully!
Waiting patiently for Capone to stir, Tommy grabs the ropes and leaps…
Steve Morrison: Tommy wants to end this…
SAWYER TAKES THE SPRINGBOARD V-TRIGGER FOR THEIR TEAM!!!!
Steve Morrison: KISS ME DEADLY LANDS BUT ON THE WRONG PERSON!!!
Capone dives with purpose to the only person he can tag….Jack Diamond!
Cross Recoba: Where can he hide now?
DIAMOND DROPS FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!
Steve Morrison: I don’t think he thinks he’s fit to fight, that damage from Poena not fully healed. Not healed at all!
Holding his shoulder, Diamond takes a step back to try and work out the best way to get into the match.
Cross Recoba: He didn’t want the hard work, he just wanted the glor-
RAIDEN SAILS OVER THE ROPES….TORNADO DDT TAKES DOWN DIAMOND!!!
Steve Morrison: RAIDEN WITH A DIVING TORNADO DDT FROM THE RING TO THE FLOOR!!!!!!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT!
Tyrell starts the count:
ONE!
Inside the ring, Capone and Craft trade punches whilst Strych lays boots into Sawyer.
Steve Morrison: The match is breaking down into pandemonium!
TWO!!
On the outside, Diamond tries to get from his knees to his feet BUT RAIDEN GRABS HIM AND USES HIS MOMENTUM TO SEND HIM INTO THE STEEL STEPS SHOULDER-FIRST!!!
Steve Morrison: He’s terrorizing that shoulder!!
Cross Recoba: Like I said, ‘X’ marks the spot!
THREE!!
Tyrell threatens to throw the match out if the illegal men don’t leave the ring.
FOUR!!!
Modified Inverted Stomp Armbreaker from Raiden!
Steve Morrison: Raiden takes inspiration from Poena with a very similar move to one he employed at Night of Champions!!
FIVE!!!
RAIDEN ROLLS JACK INTO THE RING!
Steve Morrison: Jack could be a sitting duck!
Cross Recoba: Tommy wants revenge for the title shot that slipped away from him!
Tommy stalks Jack from behind, his arms raised like Bela Lugosi.
Steve Morrison: More Rob Zombie than Dracula…
Cross Recoba: So close to the reference…
CROSSFACE CHICKENWING!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMY GETS THE CROSSFACE CHICKENWING!!!
Cross Recoba: And Tommy might be the only man in wrestling that HAS ever eaten marijuana!!
Working the arm as he applies the Sleeper, Tommy smiles as he senses victory nearing.
Crowd: DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK!
Stretching out his free arm, Diamond tries to reach the ropes but Tommy uses the opportunity to kick the legs out from Jack and take him to the mat!
Steve Morrison: Tommy toys with Jack!
Cross Recoba: Strych might look an idiot but behind that make-up and the tattoos is one of the most calculating minds on the Network!
SAWYER SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE….
Steve Morrison: SAM WITH THE-
MISSILE DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF STRYCH’S HEAD BREAKS THE SUBMISSION!!
Steve Morrison: SAVE!!!!!!
Rolling out of the ring, Sawyer bangs their foot on the apron to try and get the crowd behind Jack more.
Steve Morrison: They dreamed of being Jack Diamond but now they saved the Icon!
Tommy gets to his feet and lifts up Diamond…Rana from the Icon!
Cross Recoba: Strych needs to grab that arm and pull, that’s it…
Strych has no time to recover before Jack throws two solid kicks to the chest of Strych before using his stronger arm to whip the Rocker to the ropes….SLINGBLADE!!!!!
Steve Morrison: SNAKE EYES!!!
Jack holds his shoulder as he stands up, bowing forward in pain.
Cross Recoba: At what cost??
Tommy gets up but Diamond charges…SHOTGUN DROPKICK SENDS STRYCH TO THE CORNER!!!
Steve Morrison: EIGHTY-SIXED!!!
Cross Recoba: You NEVER let Diamond get on a roll..
DIAMOND LEAPS FROM TEN FEET OUT…DIAMOND SPLASH!!!
Steve Morrison: He nailed him with that!!
Debating the Stacked Deck, Jack changes his mind…Enzuiguri!
Cross Recoba: But he’s shying away from the big weapon.
Jack grabs the leg…FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!!
Steve Morrison: ACES WILD!
The crowd burst into life as the leglock is sunk in. Tommy thrashes back and bangs his elbows on the mat as Jack works the hold.
Cross Recoba: Jack can put you in knots in the hold, he knows it back-to-front.
Diamond sits up fully, working the leverage in the move.
Steve Morrison: Huge increase in pressure there…
RUNNING BLOCKBUSTER FROM A CHARGING RAIDEN BREAKS UP THE MOVE!!!
Cross Recoba: Ring veteran move right there!
Strychnine gets dragged to the corner by the Harbinger, Raiden tags himself in!!
Steve Morrison: Diamond could be in trouble.
Cross Recoba: FINALLY, I AND THE FANS GET WHAT WE WANTED IN THIS MATCH!
The crowd noise drops to a pin-drop level as Ishimori steps back into the ring. The smile on Ishimori is clear for all to see as he points at the mass of tape on the shoulder of Diamond.
Steve Morrison: Raiden made no attempt at hiding the fact that Jack is the prize he really wants.
Cross Recoba: What impressed me when Kingsley came to me about Raiden was his attitude, he wants to win and he wants to beat the best!!
The two men rush for each other and start to trade punches.
Steve Morrison: WE’VE GOT OURSELVES A BRAWL!!!
DIAMOND!
ISHIMORI!
DIAMOND!
ISHIMORI!
DIAMOND!
ISHIMORI!
DIAMO-NO!! ISHIMORI DUCKS IT AND YANKS AT THE DAMAGED LIMB!!!!
Cross Recoba: Raiden with the smartest move in the room!
Raiden keeps hold of the arm and drops a leg over it.
Steve Morrison: We could see him just destroy that limb right now!
Still with the wrist-control, Raiden uses it to flip over Diamond…FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!!!
Steve Morrison: He could end it with this move!!
Crowd: DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK! DON’T TAP, JACK!
Raiden’s smile returns as he uses his feet to elevate his body and the pivot point.
Cross Recoba: Just work the hold from the shoulder joint…
Tyrell asks Diamond if he wants to tap.
Jack Diamond: NO!!!
Changing it up, Raiden yanks Diamond to his feet…HE LIFTS HIM FOR THE WRIST-CLUTCH FISHERMAN DRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: HE'S LOOKING TO FINISH THIS WITH THE CLIMHAZZARD!!!!!!!!!
DIAMOND PUSHES OFF…STACKED DECK!!!!!
Steve Morrison: STACKED DECK!!!!!!
Cross Recoba: But at what cost to that shoulder?
Laying flat on his back, Jack instinctively reaches for his shoulder as he tries to catch a breather.
Steve Morrison: Jack keeps the match alive but how much of it can he be a part of it?
Cross Recoba: It was a do-or-die move but Jack can’t take advantage of it.
Raiden is no more alert.
Steve Morrison: Both men look out.
Cross Recoba: It’s going to be whether Raiden can get the tag and his team can keep Diamond in the ring.
Diamond starts to stir as Ishimori lifts a leg.
Steve Morrison: We’ve got a race…
Raiden crawls to his corner…Craft tags in!
Cross Recoba: Can he make it in time?
Jacob rushes to Diamond but Jack leaps…HOT TAG TO SAWYER!!!
Steve Morrison: He misses Jack and gets Sawyer!
Cross Recoba: They look amped!
Shoot kick from Sawyer lands. And another!
Steve Morrison: Huge kicks from the Texan!
The Houston Wrestler sends Craft to the ropes but it’s reversed!
Cross Recoba: Whats’s Jacob got…
CRAFT NAILS THE FLYING KNEE!!!
Steve Morrison: TIME’S UP!
Sawyer leans on the ropes to keep upright.
Cross Recoba: Sawyer looks unsteady on their feet…
RAIDEN AND TOMMY PULL CAPONE AND DIAMOND FROM THE APRON TO THE OUTSIDE!!!
Steve Morrison: One team thinks this could be it!
Craft pulls Sawyer from the ropes with a front-facelock…SAM ANSWERS WITH A HUGE BODY HOOK….STO!!!!
Steve Morrison: THIS CORROSION!!!!
SAWYER SETS UP THE MUTA LOCK!!!!!
Steve Morrison: SAWYER LOCK!!!
Tyrell asks Craft if he wants to tap but gets no response.
Cross Recoba: Craft’s in trouble, this was how they beat Zolothatch in FIRESIDE to win gold!
ON THE OUTSIDE, TOMMY HITS AN INVERTED USHIGOROSHI ON CAPONE USING THE RING STEPS!!!
Steve Morrison: HOLY DIVER ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!
Sawyer arches their back to increase the torque.
Cross Recoba: Great athleticism to really put the pressure on that hold!
RAIDEN HITS THE WRIST-CLUTCH FISHERMAN DRIVER ON THE OUTSIDE TO DIAMOND!!!!
Steve Morrison: CLIMHAZZARD ON THE UNFORGIVING RINGSIDE FLOOR!!!
SAM NOW AT FULL STRETCH!!
Cross Recoba: How much further can Jacob last in this h-
CRAFT TAPS!!!!!!!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: THE WINNERS OF THIS MATCH, VIA SUBMISSION, WILDCAT CAPONE, JACK DIAMOND AND SAAAAAAAAAAAMMM…..SAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWYERRRRRRRRRRRR!!
Steve Morrison: What a great match! Some stellar performances on both sides of the ring!
Cross Recoba: Don’t give Jack that accolade, he showed his true colors tonight!
Steve Morrison: Jack is on the winning side but just how far away from a full recovery is he?
Cross Recoba: That’ll be decided in October and from looking at the build-up to this match, he’s not short of people with a target on his back!
Steve Morrison: On the otherside, Raiden and Tommy might count themselves unlucky to not be on the winning side of the equation.
Cross Recoba: This puts our two headline matches under the microscope to not be eclipsed by this one!
HALF-TIME SHOW
Laura Messier: The following match is a tag team match scheduled for one fall to the finish with NO time limit! And it is for the XHF … GLOBAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Cross Recoba: I still don’t understand why Mongo and Bobby get to call the shots for the rules to the global title matches. This is MY show after all…
The record scratches.
The drums count in and the thumping bass line of “June Bug” by Melvins starts to rattle the speakers. Blue, black and orange lights flash through the arena.
At about 25 seconds in, the drums pick up and Close Collins comes stepping through the curtain. He’s dressed in his ring gear and a zip up hoodie with the hood up. No nonsense, his fists clenched, his eyes focused on the ring, he just storms down the aisle as the bass rips and the drums solo. His father Tuff Collins not too far behind.
At about 40 seconds the guitar plays a very simple yet melodic riff. Close takes a moment to slow down and look around the arena. He stops before the ring steps and says a few words to his dad/manager Tuff. Close takes a good look at the ring and bows in respect.
At 56 seconds all the instruments start killing it and Close aggressively storms up the steps and into the ring. Straight past his opponent and/or ring announcer and referee and pops up onto the second turnbuckle and roars with intensity for the crowd. Then pops back down keeps his back facing the middle ring, refusing to look at his opponent. Tuff Collins stands on the apron promoting his son and client. The back of Close’s hoodie reads “IT'S TIME FOR LAST CALL”
Laura Messier: Entering first, they are the challengers representing YOUR TAPOUT WRESTLING! They enter tonight weighing in at a combined 465 pounds and wrestle out of Omaha, Nebraska! They are Tuff and Close Collins … THE THROW SHOW!
Cross Recoba: Our boys looking to get it done tonight and bring the titles home to Tapout!
Steve Morrison: And if they don’t Tuff has said he will retire and step away and let his son go on to singles glory.
Cross Recoba: With any luck that will be a long ways off.
The first few strums of "They Say" by Scars on Broadway hit the speakers, lights dimming down for a brief moment before returning to their usual brightness as the drums and hard riffs explode into the song. Walking out from the back is the combined duo of Hunter Storms and Daigo Arakawa. The former bears his usual stoic expression while Daigo wears the same smug grin he carries on himself. Making their way down the ramp, the two ignore the fans in the aisle though Daigo does take a few moments to simply jaw the crowd as Storms rolls into the ring while Daigo slides after him. Rising to their feet, Storms gives a simple cut-throat gesture to the crowd, retreating to their corner right after though Daigo takes the time to ascend one of the corners and taunt the crowd, smug grin still on his lips before he moves to join Storms in their respective corner.
Laura Messier: And their opponents. Representing the Harbingers and the fed across the strip in Sin City Championship Wrestling, they are the GLOBAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS. At a combined weight of 433 pounds. From Washington D.C., the SCCW World Champion, Hunter Storms. From Kitamono, Saitama, Japan, Daigo Arakawa … CUT THROAT CHAOS!
Steve Morrison: And here is the tag champs, the Harbingers are no strangers to Tapout or Vegas for that matter.
Cross Recoba: And that is an advantage as there is plenty of tape for our boys to use to prepare!
Steve Morrison: Tape is all well and good but the Harbingers have been dominating the tag divisions of multiple feds for years now. They are a well oiled machine.
CO-MAIN EVENT
XHF TAG-TEAM TITLES MATCH
Cut Throat Chaos (c) vs The Throw Show
Storms and Tuff step to the apron. Daigo and Close step to the center of the ring. Steve Tyrell holds the XHF Global Tag Team Titles aloft for the crowd to react to. He then hands them off to the timekeeper and checks on all four competitors. He gets a nod from each about them understanding his rules and then … CALLS FOR THE BELL!
Daigo wastes no time going on the offensive with an aggressive flurry of kicks and chops to the chest of the young upstart. A spinning back roundhouse sails over the head of Collins as he rolls forward and under the leg. Popping to his feet, the young Tapout star snaps a hammerlock onto the tag team champion. Arakawa sprints to the ropes and grasps them as he uses the rebound energy to fling his attacker backward. A springboard to the middle rope and Chaos Tiger connects to Close as Close rises to his feet with a dropkick to the chest. Collins rolls to his hands and knees as Daigo sprints in and looks for the double foot stomp to the spine!
Cross Recoba: Daigo showing no mercy, trying to take advantage of the learning curve of the young Close here.
Steve Morrison: Close is lucky he saw that stomp coming and rolled to the side.
Indeed, the tag champ stomps nothing but mat and then somersaults forward to dissipate the energy of the stomp. As he rolls to his feet he sees his quarry in a similar pose. They both rise to their feet and this time it’s the young Cornhusker who initiates the offense with a collar and elbow tie up. They jockey for position for a bit before Close gets the advantage and hits a belly to belly suplex. He quickly ties up the hand and wrist in a key lock but the nimble former Junior Heavyweight Champ manages to kip up to break the hold and drag the challenger into another grapple. The Graduate from the Sandwich Dojo shoves Daigo off of him and on the rebound locks in a sleeper hold. Arakawa quickly rushes to his corner and runs up the turnbuckle and backflips over Close and drags him down with a reverse X-Factor. Hunter Storms tags himself in and steps through the ropes. Daigo holds his foe on the mat as Storms drops the big leg across the chest of Collins. He drags the coughing opponent to his feet and pulls Close towards the both of CTC but Close ducks the big clothesline and goes over the leg sweep of Daigo and rolls to his feet behind them before dropkicking them both into the corner together. Storms begins spitting out hair as the shorter Daigo’s hair had gone right in his face.
Steve Morrison: Close showing off that tape study as he nimbly uses his youth and agility to avoid the big moves when needed.
Cross Recoba: He is one of the fastest rising stars in Tapout. It’s just too bad it couldn’t be that Marty Donovan getting his belt taken here instead of our friends from up the strip.
Steve Tyrell has failed to count to five but he still ushers Daigo out of the ring. Close shoots in behind him and takes the big Storms up and over with the start of a double leg takedown, only to back body throw him over the top. Hunter crashes to the mat and holds his back. He blinks in surprise as Collins unloads on him with a few stiff kicks to the spine as he sits up. The SCCW Champ catches the foot as he spins on his seat. He stands up and flips the foe in the air by his leg, but Close backflips with the momentum and lands in a super hero pose before combat rolling under the grapple of Storms. Hunter spins and swings a wild lariat but Close manages to duck and hook the arm before catching the big man with an arm triangle.
Steve Morrison: Close is really moving!
Cross Recoba: You have to pick your opportunities on a bigger opponent like Storms.
Cut throat Struggles and uses his size to his advantage as he stumbles towards the ropes. As Hunter grabs the ropes, Tyrell begins to count. As he hits four, he physically steps between the two men, even as Close breaks the hold voluntarily. A thumb to the eye over the back of the ref sends the technical wunderkind spinning away. The Harbinger of Destruction follows up with a series of closed right hands to the face. On the apron, Tuff is stomping the mat in support of his son. The SCCW World Champ pokes his foe in the eyes again, only to be told off by the referee. Storms raises his hands in innocence like it was a mistake before catching his prey and looks for a powerbomb. Close wriggles on his shoulders and tries to slide down his back! But Hunter catches him and looks around with a smug smirk as he laughs at this attempt.
Cross Recoba: Looks like he’s set up for the Gory Bomb.
Steve Morrison: Yes but the promotional media showed Close training specifically to avoid moves like- WHOA!
Indeed, Collins manages to free one arm and the same side leg and swing on the still locked arm of Storms and somehow pretzels his way into a DDT!
Cross Recoba: Can’t say I’ve seen that one before…
The young cornhusker wastes no time hooking the fallen big man into a camel clutch. As Storms tries to stand up, Close releases and dives to the mat locking in a fujiwara armbar on the big man. He torques until Storms rolls to release the pressure and then transitions it into a cross armbreaker!
Steve Morrison: Jujigatame! He’s wisely trying to neuter the power game of Hunter Storms by taking the arms out of the equation.
The hold is broken up by Arakawa stomping on the chest of the upstart Tapout star. Steve Tyrell tries to back Arakawa off but Arakawa says he has till 5. Which would be now but Tyrell isn’t counting. Daigo pulls the prone foe to his feet and looks to hit a dragon screw, but Close leaps into an enzuigiri. Arakawa stumbles back into a rising Storms, who catches him. Close sprints behind them and comes up with a leaping meteora style knee strike, one knee to the back of the head of each opponent! Both men clunk heads together and crumple to the mat.
Cross Recoba: BANANA SANDWICH! … I can’t believe Close made me say that.
Steve Morrison: When you train at the dojo of the sandwich, all things are apparently possible.
Close grabs Chaos Tiger and sprints to the ropes, launching him through the top and middle ropes to the outside. He turns around and charges at the rising Storms, who catches him in a bearhug. He looks to transition into a spinebuster but Close hooks the head and arm in another arm triangle. Storms stumble backwards to the enemy corner where Tuff tags himself in as Close drops to the mat and transitions into a vertical suplex hold and snap suplexes the SCCW Champ to the mat. Tuff follows this up by dropping the elbow to the throat. Tuff now pulls Storms from the corner and pins.
ONE!
Kickout with authority.
Collins flexes a bit and then stomps the chest of the tag team champion. He pins.
ON-Kickout.
Tuff pulls Hunter to his knees and then begins laying into the big man’s face with forearm shivers. He hooks up for a half hatch suplex and showing impressive power, manages to suplex the big man. Storms sits up and scoots back a bit, looking shocked … then angry. He pushes up to his feet and roars in rage. Tuff just stands his ground and glares back. Storms charges but Tuff manages to catch the arm and hit a huge hip toss. Holding the arm, Collins yanks Storms back up and hits a short arm clothesline … which Hunter eats and remains standing, shaking his head out. Another lariat, another stumble. With a raise of the eyebrow and a shrug, the elder Collins hooks the tag champ for the head and arm tazplex.
Steve Morrison: Oh! Tuff looking for his signature Tuffplex!
Cross Recoba: It’s a bit early to be looking for the kill.
Steve Morrison: I see what you mean.
Storms manages to lock his arms around the back of Tuff and hit a side belly to belly slam. Storms pops up and backs up to tag in Daigo. Arakawa leaps to the top rope, to the shoulders of his partner, and leaps off with a diving leg drop across the chest of the elder statesman. Arakawa pins as Storms glares at Close to come in and try something. Ignoring the big man in the ring, Tyrell counts.
ONE!
TW-kickout!
The Harbinger of Chaos wastes little time diving onto the mat and wrapping his left arm around the head of Tuff, elevating it, and raining punches down to the top of the head. Steve Tyrell debate stopping him but instead directs Storm to the corner. Tuff manages to wrestle free and roll to the apron. Daigo kips up and runs off the ropes, on the return he tries a baseball slide. Collins however manages to roll to the floor and avoid it, then slide into the ring next to Daigo while his legs still dangle out of the ring. He grabs the chaos tiger by the throat and pulls him from the ropes and begins to slam his head off the mat. Daigo manages to kick him using his ab strength to curl his body back on itself. Tuff eats to of these upkicks before catching the third and dropping to the mat in a knee bar. The Japanese superstar yelps in pain and surprise at this.
Cross Recoba: A wise strategy to try and take away the legs of the high flyer.
Steve Morrison: This is shockingly close, I don’t know if anyone expected this level of skill from the rusty Tuff.
Tuff really wrenches the hold and yells at the “young’in” to tap out and save himself. Storms strolls across the apron and shouts at Tuff. Steve Tyrell yells at him to get back to the tag rope. Storms steps into the ring and stomps on Tuff to break it up, then smirks at Tyrell telling him it looked like the shortest path back to the corner. Close sprints into the ring and Tyrell gets in front of him to stop him attacking Hunter. Storms and Daigo now lift Tuff to his feet and hit a quick double DDT before Storms drags him to the safe corner and steps between the ropes. Close the entire time is pointing at them and yelling at Tyrell to turn. Daigo gets Tuff to his feet and stops momentarily to stretch his right knee. He then wails on Tuff with knees to the gut. Meanwhile Storms uses the tag rope to choke the elder Collins. Close angrily dives back outside and yells at Tyrell to turn around! Hunter releases the rope and holds his hands up as Tyrell merely sees the knees to the gut. He turns back to admonish the younger Collins. Close shouts to turn as Hunter again pulls on Tuff with a cross face as Daigo lays boots to the chest and gut. Steve turns and sees Tuff being pulled from the corner and hit with a neckbreaker by Daigo who then tags in Storms. The Harbinger of Destruction enters and lays the boots to Tuff before pulling him up and hanging him in the tree of woe. He kicks him twice then tags in Daigo who springboards off the ropes and crashes down on Collins with double knee drop to the shoulders.
Steve Morrison: Some tomfoolery and skullduggery going on from the tag team champions!
Cross Recoba: Hey you win how you have to, these guys are professionals, it’s on my crew to use what they learn and overcome it.
Steve Morrison: And if they can’t?
Cross Recoba: We call that pulling a Marty Donovan.
Daigo watches as Tuff flops off the top rope to the mat in pain. He licks his lips and pulls Tuff away from the ropes then leaps to the top rope and comes off the top with a diving splash. He hooks the leg and grabs a handful of tights.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-Tuff just manages to kick out.
Close begins shouting at Tyrell and gesturing to his pants. Tyrell says he didn’t see anything. As this happens Daigo rubs his elbow across the eyes of papa Collins in a grinding motion. As Tyrell spins back to the action, Arakawa pulls Tuff to his feet and hooks him for a DDT. Running on instinct, Tuff reverses into a northern lights suplex and bridges up!
ONE!
T-Kickout.
Tuff rolls over and begins to crawl to his corner. The Harbinger of Chaos however rolls to his feet and dives, grabbing the leg of Collins. Daigo laughs and taunts at Close while dragging Tuff back. He drops to a knee and grabs the head of Tuff, forcing him to face his son and grimace in pain. Close storms into the ring, but Tyrell catches him physically and backs him off and admonishes him. Close keeps trying to get past him without getting DQ’d as Daigo chokes his father illegally. Daigo slams the face of Tuff into the mat. He pulls Tuff to his feet as Close finally relents and angrily goes to his corner. Behind the ref’s back however, Daigo has the German Suplex set up to slam Tuff back into the CTC corner and Collins reflexively kicks backwards and catches the tiger by his toe. And by toe I mean testicles. And then stomps on his toe for good measure. Storms shouts at the ref to do his job, but Steve just says he WAS doing his job! Daigo crumples to the mat as Tuff Flair flops to the mat. Instead of a ten count, Tyrell begins to check on both men. He is slightly unnerved by the soprano of Daigo and the incoherent spittling of Tuff catching his breath, but he shrugs … THEN starts a ten count.
Cross Recoba: Well, when you’re as experienced as Tuff you find ways to save yourself. Even if they aren’t exactly savory. I approve.
Steve Morrison: I think Daigo yelling shattered some glasses on fans in the front row.
Tuff slowly shakes the cobwebs out and begins to crawl to his son again, who has his arm outstretched. The fans are firmly on the side of the Throw Show despite being in the home of the Diamond Mine. He inches … and inches … a tag is announced … and Hunter Storms barrels in and clobbers Close off the apron with a running back elbow. He then deadlifts Tuff off the mat and plants him with a gutwrench suplex. Storms steps on the chest of the elder statesman and flexes.
One!
TWO!
THR-No!
Tuff just manages to roll the shoulders up. Storms just looks bemused and laughs. He stomps on Tuff a few times. Tuff somehow manages to roll away to a neutral corner. Storms barrels in and Collins drops to the mat and under the bottom turnbuckle as the SCCW World Champion crashes shoulder first into the ring post. Tuff slides through his legs and slowly pulls to his feet. He pulls Storms out of the turnbuckle and hits a German Suplex of his own. Hunter lies on the mat holding his left shoulder as Tuff collapses next to him. Tyrell again checks on both men before initiating a count. At three, Tuff drapes an arm over his opponent.
ONE!
Storms immediately grasps the arm and rolls into a fujiwara armbar.
Steve Morrison: Storms using all his talents in this match to torment a retiree.
Cross Recoba: Tuff is showing remarkable resilience to stay in this match and keep fighting for the tag to his son.
Tuff begins to drag the heavier Storms to the corner. Hunter adjusts and pulls his foe into a seated position and locks in a dragon sleeper. Tyrell checks on the fading Tuff. Storms just wrenches back as hard as he can. The hold is suddenly broken up by an explosive penalty kick to the chin of the tag team champ. Tyrell stumbles back from the surprise. Close manages to roll into the opposing corner to avoid a springboard clothesline from Daigo. He catches the former junior heavyweight champ with a half nelson suplex back into the corner. Tyrell begins the five count as Daigo rolls under the bottom rope. Close charges and dodges a rising Storms’s attempt at the Quarrel Bomber before leaping to the middle rope and springboarding back with a back elbow. Tyrell now physically gets between the men and sends Close to the corner. He amps up the crowd by raising his hands in the air and beckoning them to cheer. Tuff is slowly dragging himself to the corner. He reaches … fingertip length away … and gets dragged away by the ankle by Storms. The crowd sighs and sounds disheartened.
Steve Morrison: And they still manage to keep Tuff away from his son.
Cross Recoba: At this point you have to, every time Close gets in the ring he’s a house of fire. This is the best way to ensure their desired outcome.
Storms pulls Tuff up for the stretch muffler. Tuff howls in pain. He looks around at his son in the corner pounding the top turnbuckle, then the crowd cheering him on, then to the big bruise forming on the left shoulder of his assailant. Tuff uses all his wherewithal to aim some kicks with his free leg right into that shoulder. Storms absorbs three before he drops the old man on his face and grasps at his weakened appendage. Tuff, operating on instinct, stumbles towards his corner. The Harbinger of Destruction sees this and charges for a clothesline but Tuff ducks at the warning from his own corner. He catches Storms and hits a German suplex! The crowd erupts. Collins is too drained to stand quickly. Storms is slow to his feet and eventually they both get there. Tuff hits a snap suplex on the bigger man. He swivels the hips and rolls, maintaining the hold, and then hits another! Storms skids towards his own corner. Daigo tags him on the foot. He leapfrogs into the ring over the rope and his tag partner. Chaos tiger sprints past Tuff and tries to hit Close, who drops to the floor to avoid it. Daigo now grabs Tuff and whips him off the ropes and hits a hurricanrana on the rebound. He laughs and beats his chest to the crowd. Within moments he has a figure four on Tuff and flips forward into the package pin!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-Tuff grabs the ropes
Cross Recoba: Great ring awareness there by the elder Collins teammate.
Steve Morrison: He REALLY needs to tag in his son.
Daigo now pops up and argues with the ref. He shouts right in Tyrell’s face who backs up slightly. Daigo turns and grabs Tuff who grabs the belt and tugs forward. Arakawa stumbles into the ropes and is met with a kick to the jaw from Close. Tuff now is draped on the top rope catching his breath. Hunter Storms shouts and charges into the ring only to be grabbed by Tyrell. As this happens, Tuff makes the tag and the crowd goes nuts! Close comes unglued as he dives into the ring with a leg drop. Storms backs out of the ring to the apron. Close locks on the Last Call! Tazmission locked on Daigo! Daigo flails about and tries to stop this but the grapevine is on and they fall to the mat. Tyrell turns and forces a break in the hold. The crowd goes wild! New champs! Close breaks the hold and rolls to his feet raising his arms in triumph …
Until Steve tells him he has to tag in, he can’t be in the ring. He begins a five count and Close grabs his head in shock. He explains he did tag and makes the motion and gesture. Tyrell points to his eyes and gives the no go signal. As he does this, Storms laughs and sneaks into the ring and grabs Tuff AND Daigo and drags them back to his corner and steps out as Close gets on the apron and slams the top turnbuckle pad in rage. Daigo is slow to his feet but gets there. Tuff is trying to crawl away. Arakawa simply hits a reverse rana sending him back into their corner. Daigo tags in Storms and the big man steps in. They pull Tuff from the corner looking for something but Tuff reflexively spears Storms!
Steve Morrison: SHARK ATTACK FROM TUFF! He still has fight in him.
Cross Recoba: Yes but Close thought he had the match won. Too bad the teamwork of Cut Throat Chaos is becoming too much to overcome.
Tuff tries to leave the corner but Daigo now stops him. He hits some quick boots to the stomach. Summoning up whatever he has left, Tuff launches out of the corner and hooks a belly to belly on Daigo … and LAUNCHES him over the top turnbuckle and to the floor below! Tuff stumbles forward and gets caught in another bearhug by Storms. He begins raining elbows to the skull of Storms who stumbles. Closer … closer … and within a fingertip of the Throw Show Corner. Storms drops to one knee and crushes tight on Tuff. Tuff is fading. He droops. Storms now stands up to put full pressure … and Tuff headbutts him! They stumble back … HOT TAG!
Cross Recoba: HERE COMES CLOSE!
Steve Morrison: A springboard dropkick to the back of the neck of the SCCW Champ!
Close pumps himself up and sprints off the ropes! He comes back with a running knee to the face of Hunter. Tuff manages to get under the bottom rope. Daigo is slowly climbing back onto the apron. Close pulls Storms to his feet and unloads with a flurry of haymakers before sending him flying with a belly to belly overhead suplex. Hunter arches his back in pain then rolls to his feet only to get an exploder suplex for his troubles. Daigo leaps to the top rope and flies! Close kicks him in the gut as he comes down and then hits him with an exploder of his own. Hunter stumbles to him to grab him by the back of his neck but a pele kick takes him out. Arakawa shoves him towards the corner but Close runs up the turnbuckle and flies with the Whisper in the Wind, wiping out BOTH Harbingers!
Steve Morrison:FUTURES CALLING! Close is on fire right now! He can do this!
Cross Recoba: It isn’t over until it’s over Steve.
Close grabs Daigo and rolls him out of the ring before dragging Storms from the ropes and rolling him up.
One!
Two!
Kickout!
Close pounds the mat in frustration before stiffening his resolve. He charges but Storms pops him up for a powerbomb! Close slides down the back but Hunter manages to catch him in the position for the Gory Bomb. He shakes his head and laughs … until Close curls himself and flips Storms with the Code Red!!!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-Daigo breaks it up with a basement dropkick to the face.
Steve Morrison: I thought it was over! What a reversal.
Daigo ignoes the pleas from Tyrell to leave as he grabs the young upstart and pie faces him to the mat. He then stomps on him until he is forcibly removed by the referee. With both active competitors down we get a ten count. Storms is first up but Close kips up behind him. Breathing heavily, the cornhusker tells the Destructor to bring it. Huge haymaker! Close stumbles … rolling elbow! Storms staggers … heabutt! Close drops to one knee … and retaliates with a shoulder to the gut. A double axe handle comes crashing on his back. And then another. And another … Storms howls at the crowd and lays in left hands … just long enough for Close to catch the arm and flip Cut Throat to the mat and lock in the arm bar! Storms now howls in pain as that injured shoulder is being torqued right out of his socket! Storms flails and fights and finally gets a meaty foot on the ropes. Breaking the hold, Close rolls to his feet and drags Storms to the middle of the ring. He pins.
ONE!
TWO!
Kickout.
Collins unloads with forearm and elbow shots to the downed SCCW Champ. Storms manages to roll over and now unloads hammer fists to the young Nebraskan. Collins catches the left arm again and slides between the legs. He sprints off the ropes and comes back with a kick to the posterior of the champ. Storms ends up face and left shoulder first on the mat. He pops up in pain to his knees holding that shoulder. Close comes off the ropes again looking for a shining wizard but ends up leapfrogging as Storms drops to the mat. Storms pushes up using his right arm … and on the rebound … QUARREL BOMBER! Close looks to be knocked loopy as he flips and lands face first on the mat and bounces up to his knees only to fall to the side back to the mat.
Cross Recoba: OOOOH! That was an impact if I ever saw one. I may need to have him cleared for a concussion before booking him next month.
Steve Morrison: Now now Cross, the match isn’t over!
Forgoing the pin, Hunter staggers to his corner and tags in Daigo. Daigo immediately stalks his prey. He gets the rising Close with a German Suplex! He rolls through and tries for a second but Close runs into his own corner where a blind tag is made. Daigo yanks him back and hits a Chaos Theory German Suplex. He laughs as he now eyes up his prone foe. He climbs to the top rope. Close kips up! He sprints to the corner as Tuff enters the ring! Close leaps to the top rope with Daigo! SLAP! Hooked up! TUFF PLEX OFF THE TOP ROPE! Tuff catches Daigo as he sails and slams him to the mat with a snap powerbomb, Daigo’s head bouncing off the mat hard. Tuff tiredly leans forward for the cover. Close tries to count … but Tyrell isn’t counting.
Cross Recoba: Holy hell! A modified avalanche version of the Belly to Belly Bomber from Throw Show!
Steve Morrison: Why isn’t Tyrell counting the pin? HUSTLE UP LAD OUR BOYS ARE WINNING!
Unfortunately that slap was a blind tag and as Close turns around he is met with a Quarrel Bomber to the head which sends him crashing to the mat. Storms keeps his momentum and hits Tuff with a big boot. Tuff releases the unconscious Daigo who Storms moves out of the way before he grabs the rising Tuff … DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!
Steve Morrison: Gone with the wind! No!
Storms takes a second to grab the crawling Close and hurl him over the top rope to the floor before walking back to Tuff. Tuff is barely moving and grabs the shoe of Hunter. Hunter pulls him to his feet and dusts him off. Tuff looks confused … GONE WITH THE WIND AGAIN! Storms plants both palms on the chest of the crushed old man and yells as the ref counts.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING! Tyrell calls for the bell and retrieves the tag belts from the timekeeper.
Laura Messier: Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of pinfall, your winners and … STILL the XHF GLOBAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS … CUT THROAT CHAOS!
Cross Recoba: A valiant effort from the home crew tonight but they just didn’t finish it off.
Steve Morrison: No shame in that. A match of the night contender for sure!
Laura Messier: IT’S TIME FOR OUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!!! A Non-title match set for ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There’s a moment of silence inside of the arena as the crowd awaits for the next match, but then the lights inside of the arena dim to darkness and the crowd sit in silence, but then they hear the words speaking through the P.A. System and that signals for them to begin booing upon knowing who it might be:
“TAKE ALL MY MONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY, HONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY AND BLOW (BLOW, BLOW)”
The crowd inside of the building began to cheer loudly as the vocals of “Blow” begin to play through the speakers, the lights beginning to spiral around the arena before bringing them all around onto the stage where The Last Breathing Mercenary steps through the curtain, a large grin along his face as he stops at the top of the ramp and looks around the arena. The camera pans closer toward the man as he began his slow walk down to the ring, soaking in every second that the crowd show their love for Long.
Steve Morrison: He watched his friend lose the Openweight title from ringside and now Long gets the chance to get revenge!
Cross Recoba: The fact that we haven’t put this match on tells you how deep our roster goes but now? The right moment, the right time. If Diamond retained? We’d still have this match in this spot!
Long finds himself at ringside, taking a moment to stand there and take a deep breath before turning to walk over to the steps and head up along them to get onto the ring apron. From there, he brushes his feet along the apron, removing his ring jacket and steps through the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Long has held the X*Crown title, the AWF Prestige title, could he take the Openweight title?
Cross Recoba: This is non-title remember, but it would make it an interesting conversation with a Long win that would surely put him neck-and-neck with Random.
Long heads into the furthest corner and steps onto the second ropes, keeping himself up high as he looks out through the crowd– which only brings a large smile along his face, slightly laughing at the crowd, before leaping off of the apron and staying within the corner to prepare himself for the match.
Steve Morrison: Watching the pre-match camp, I don’t think I’ve seen Long this determined, this driven by anger, in quite some time.
Cross Recoba: It’s vital that he keeps focused, if he gives into the hate then Poena wins in more ways than one.
The lights go dark as the eerie Latin words fill the arena, the sounds and bells echo faintly. As the choir sings out, turquoise flames blaze up around the Titantron, images of Poena's most painful moves and disturbing moments framed in fire as a pure white spotlight beams down. The spotlight reveals Poena and his masked Disciples rising from the floor, the light casting a seemingly holy aura around them.
Steve Morrison: The entrance has only grown more pompous, more reverential since his title win.
Cross Recoba: I’m convinced that congregation has grown since New York!
Poena has his arms out wide, the belt in one hand and his twisted rosary in the other, laughing madly as he and his followers head down the ramp. The Disciples move as one, much like a hive mind, as Poena drops his arms and slithers toward the ring. Poena slides into the ring as the Disciples move to watch over the ring.
Steve Morrison: He sees Long as ego-driven, as a perfect sacrifice to his ‘God’.
Cross Recoba: He even questioned if this match was about Jack or just a notch on the career of Jason Long!
He lays the belt over his knees like an offering and holds his arms out again, screaming out "REPENT!" before swaying back to standing and bonelessly passing the belt off in the same movement.
Steve Morrison: We’ve seen Poena win matches before the bell has been rung with his mind-games, has he gotten inside the mind of Long?
Cross Recoba: If he has, then the Champion might cakewalk his way to a win but Jason has faced people like Poena wherever he’s been. It’s all going to be decided though when that bell rings in just a few moments…
Laura Messier:Introducing first, wrestling out of Wexford Town, County Wexford, Ireland and weighing in tonight at one hundred and ninety-five pounds… HE IS THE LAST BREATHING MERCENARY… THE KING OF WRESTLING… THIS IS JAAAAAASSSOONNNNNNNNNNN LOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!!!!
Long raises an arm before returning his focus back to the Champion,
Laura Messier: From the Ninth Deep...Standing at six-feet even and weighing a hundred-and-ninety pounds...The Sanctified One....He is THE TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION!!! POENNNNNNNNNAAAA!!!!!!
Poena barely acknowledges the words of Messier, instead looking at Long with a cocked head as if new prey had entered his cage.
MAIN EVENT
NON-TITLE MATCH
Poena (#2) vs Jason Long (#3)
Rhod Williams stands in the middle of the ring and soaks in the atmosphere for the final bout of the evening.
Steve Morrison: Williams knows this is the biggest match he’s had to officiate to date in his career.
Cross Recoba: He’s there to make sure that Poena doesn’t go overboard and Long doesn’t let his temper run away with itself.
He approaches Jason Long first to instruct the Icon on what he expects of the match. Checking the boots of the Icon, he seems to be content that all is above board. He points towards the ramp in what we can only assume is a demonstration of him throwing the match out if it goes too far. The Best Bout Machine nods, his eyes never leaving Poena throughout the lecture.
Steve Morrison: Long still bearing the grudge of seeing first-hand and up-close what Poena did to his friend and fellow Icon at Night of Champions.
Cross Recoba: It pre-dates that, I know from talking to Long that Poena has been on his list of people to bring down a notch pretty much from the first Tap Out show.
Going to the corner of the Champion, Rhod is firmer in his instructions.
Steve Morrison: Poena might hold the Openweight title but I’m unconvinced that it’ll make him any more disciplined in the ring.
Cross Recoba: He claims the belt is proof of the validity of his God’s word. He’s only going to double-down at this point.
Poena laughs at one suggestion which causes Williams to share the laugh, uneasy as it might be. The former Rugby player stresses the point again with a straight face and makes a ‘cut it out’ sign with his hand. The newly-crowned Tap Out Openweight Champion smiles uneasily, his attention elsewhere.
Steve Morrison: What can Rhod Williams be thinking?
Cross Recoba: Hopefully the paycheck.
Williams, either content or realizing that’ll be the limit Poena will tow his line, goes back into the center of the ring and signals for the timekeeper to get the match underway.
DING! DING! DING!
Crowd: LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK!! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Amidst the cheering, the camera focuses on the same Poena fan who was there in the Central Savings Bank for Night of Champions.
Steve Morrison: Seemingly the only person who can equate hero-worship and Poena.
In the ring, the two competitors stare each other down…MAV STRAIGHT OUT CHARGES AT POENA….HESITATION DROPKICK SENDS POENA BACK INTO HIS CORNER!
Steve Morrison: Long wasting no time in drawing first blood!
Cross Recoba: He knows that his big ticket in this match is his speed and agility.
Like a man possessed, Long is back on his feet and throws feral punch after feral punch into the body and head of Poena.
Quickly planting his feet on the second rope, Long starts to unload with punches as the crowd count-along:
ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX!
Steve Morrison: Mounting the turnbuckle, The Catalysts is unloading with punches to the head of the Champion!
POENA PUSHES LONG OFF AND THE IRISHMAN ROLLS BACKWARDS INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING…RUNNING SHOULDER TACKLE!
Cross Recoba: Poena almost seemed amused and now has Long on the mat.
The two men scramble to their feet and it’s The Catalyst who lands first with a European Uppercut. Poena returns with a straight punch to the temple. Another European rising punch, another temple punch in reply.
Steve Morrison: The two men seemingly happy to slug it out.
Cross Recoba: We all know that Poena has no issue with getting dirty with the brawling but people overlook the fact that Long can scrap it out with the best of them.
Switching it up, Long throws a middle kick and follows up with a Question Mark kick. He grabs the arm of the Champion and pulls him towards him, a lifting knee takes Poena down. Jason holds onto the arm of Poena and drives a triplet of boots into the skull of the Ninth Deep Terror. Long hits the ropes…dropkick to the side of the head!
Steve Morrison: Long seemingly stepping up a gear…
Keeping up the frenetic pace, Jason grabs the wrist of Poena and sends him to the ropes…HIP-TOSS INTO A NECKBREAKER!!
Cross Recoba: He’s looking to soften up that neck, that’s going to increase how critical one of his finishing moves can land.
Poena scrambles to his feet, trying to reset himself but LONG LEAPS FOR A RUNNING DOUBLE-KNEE FACEBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: HE CAUGHT HIM!
The New Age Killer makes the quick cover:
ONE…
TW-
POENA SHOOTS UP AN ARM!
Steve Morrison: Not quite enough just yet to put away Poena.
Long tries to use the raised arm to pull the Champion to his feet BUT THE ANGEL OF CHAOS USES IT TO WHIP LONG TOWARDS HIM…
Cross Recoba: Was he playing possum?
POENA SINKS HIS TEETH INTO THE FOREHEAD OF LONG!!!!
Steve Morrison: He’s biting Maverick who’s trapped in the hooks of Poena’s legs!
Williams starts the count!
ONE!
Cross Recoba: He’s giving him a taste of what Jack Diamond had to endure at Night of Champions.
TWO!
TH-
Surprisingly, Poena breaks the bite early. He hoists Long to his feet and stuns him with a paintbrush-style slap! And another one! Long fires a punch but it’s ducked…HALF-NELSON LIFT INTO A BACKBREAKER!
Steve Morrison: Lightning quick with that one!
Pushing Jason down with one arm, Poena uses his dominant arm to land driven pointed elbow strikes to the sternum of The Last Breathing Mercenary.
Steve Morrison: He’s stretching out that back as he pummels the body of his opponent!
Picking up the pace, Poena uses a trailing arm to bring Long to his feet and whips him into the corner.
Cross Recoba: Once Poena finds that rhythm, it’s an uphill fight to put him off it. I found that out at Big Fight Fight Night back in 2021!
POENA SHOOTS IN WITH A DROPKICK TO THE CHIN!
Steve Morrison: Long’s head rocked back!
ANOTHER DROPKICK FROM THE CHAMPION!
Steve Morrison: And another!
A THIRD DROPS LONG TO THE MAT!!
Cross Recoba: We’ve seen how Poena will use one move like a battering ram and he’s doing that right now.
Grabbing the arms of his opponent, Poena pulls his prey into the center of the ring…ARM-TRAPPED STOMPS TO THE FACE!!!
Crowd: FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG! FUCK YOU, POENA! LET’S GO LONG!
Steve Morrison: VICIOUS STOMPS RAIN DOWN ON LONG AND EACH ONE A MIDDLE FINGER TO THE DIAMOND CLUB CROWD!
Stepping through, Poena lifts Long to his feet and connects with a headbutt to momentarily stun the Best Bout Machine. He grabs the wrist of Long and looks to send him to the ropes…LONG GRABS A HEADLOCK!
Cross Recoba: Jason’s got to make the most of this window he’s opened….
Grabbing the opportunity while it’s there, Long starts teeing off on the head of the Sanctified One!
Steve Morrison: Once more, Maverick almost running on anger alone!
Cross Recoba: As noble as that is, I’d bet my paycheck on there being a part of him that wonders what would have happened if he’d have come out of Supremacy as the first Openweight Champion. Would he have put Poena down?
Williams with the count:
ONE!
TWO!
POENA TWISTS OUT AND LIFTS HIM FOR A SUPLEX…
Cross Recoba: He’s left himself open…
CORKSCREW FALLING STUNNER!!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT A REVERSAL!
Cross Recoba: Long’s got the perfect platform now to build up some momentum and take this match to Poena!
Turning around to cover, Long sees Poena has rolled to the outside. He gets to his feet and charges the ropes….SASUKE SPECIAL CONNECTS ON THE APRON FLOOR!!!
Steve Morrison: MAVERICK SPECIAL!!!
Crowd: THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS AWESOME! HOLY SHIT!
ONE!
Using the barricade to get to his feet. Long smiles as he sizes up Poena.
Steve Morrison: The agility and strength to connect with that move was unreal!
Cross Recoba: Long has made his career out of pulling out moves that are beyond what most wrestlers could even dream of!
Steve Morrison: Yourself included?
Cross Recoba: …
TWO!
PUMPING BOMBER LARIAT TO THE BACK OF THE CHAMPION’S HEAD!!!
Steve Morrison: BLADE RUNNER!!
Cross Recoba: Needs to get him back into the ring, a count-out is a win but getting your arm raised in the ring is better!
THREE!!
With urgency, Long rolls the Ninth Terror of the Deep into the ring and slides in.
Steve Morrison: Has he got enough to put him away?
He hooks a leg.
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT FROM POENA!!
Cross Recoba: That’s the level of margins in Tap Out, a half-beat away from an impressive win over the new Champion!
Relentless on the offensive, Jason picks up his opponent and squats down into a Fireman’s Carry lift…
Steve Morrison: Is he looking for the Burning Sky?...
ROUNDHOUSE KICK SENDS POENA REELING INTO THE CORNER!
Cross Recoba: Opted for the Roundhouse Kick instead!
Steve Morrison: Poena doggedly stays on his feet rather than hitting the mat.
Cross Recoba: With an aerial artist like Long, that might be the smarter move…
A quick glance shot to the corner, Long steps to the center of the ring before breaking into a sprint…HANDSPRING ENZUGURI CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: Rocking that head back with a receipt on it!
Cross Recoba: Seth Dillinger, Jack Diamond, Marty Donovan. Just a few of the names who found out how lethal those feet of Long can be!
The Catalyst rolls back into the center of the ring and charges back at the seated Poena…BASEMENT DROPKICK CONNECTS WITH THE FACE OF THE DISCIPLE OF DEVASTATION!
Steve Morrison: Maverick building up steam!
Crowd: LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, MAVERICK! *CLAP* *CLAP* CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Feeding off the crowd, Long drags Poena from the corner and lifts him onto his shoulders.
Steve Morrison: He’s going for the Burning Sky!!
LONG PUSHES UP…POENA DROPS DOWN THE BACK!!
Cross Recoba: Poena had it scouted!
POENA LIFTS UP THE ICON AND THROWS HIM LEG-FIRST INTO THE RING-POST!!!!
Steve Morrison: POENA JUST WRAPPED THE LOWER LEG OF LONG INTO THE UNFORGIVING STEEL!
Cross Recoba: He caught his knee, shin and ankle up in that!
Prone in the Tree of Woe, Long can only watch as Poena rushes in with a running knee to his midsection that causes Jason to crumple to the mat.
Steve Morrison: Poena starting to show that vicious streak we’ve seen so many times before…
Lifting up the former X*Crown Champion, Poena folds in the knee…Kneecrusher!
Cross Recoba: He’s found his target. It’s that singularity that meant Diamond’s shoulder was obliterated in New York.
Steve Morrison: We saw earlier in the night exactly how badly Poena can affect you weeks later as Diamond seemed to be reticent to get involved in case he reaggravated those injuries.
Cross Recoba: And he’s not a team player…
He returns to the lift and again folds the knee, HE SITS OUT AND DRIVES THE KNEE OF LONG INTO THE MAT!!
Steve Morrison: Sit-out Kneebreaker!
Cross Recoba: This is going to be hard to watch…
With prejudice, Poena drives his boot into the ankle of Long!
Steve Morrison: He’s trying to shatter that ankle!
Another vicious stomp leaves Long reaching for his boot in agony.
Cross Recoba: This has the potential to not just take away those kicks of Maverick but anything that involves leaping or lifting is going to be that much harder to hit at full bore.
Leaning on the ropes, Poena watches his opponent writhe in pain as he stakes his prey out.
Steve Morrison: It’s sickening just how much of a kick he gets out of this.
Long starts to get to his feet…POENA SLIDES IN WITH A DROPKICK TO THE KNEE!
Cross Recoba: He’s going to make him pay. He wants to send a message to anyone who thinks they can take that title from him that it won’t be easy. Diamond might be broken but Poena’s drive and devotion to his cause remains the same.
Poena quickly grabs the foot of Long and plants a foot on the back of his knee…HE DRIVES THE KNEE INTO THE MAT!
Steve Morrison: He smashes that knee into the canvas!!
Rolling onto his back as he holds his knee in pain, Long plays into Poena’s next move as he hooks the leg under his arm…GROUNDED DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!
Cross Recoba: Working over that leg. With End of Days around the corner, this could have further reaching implications than tonight!
With a curious look on his face, Poena crouches down and cocks his head as he awaits Maverick’s rise.
Steve Morrison: Poena acting more like beast than man as he examines his handiwork.
Crowd: FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU, POENA, FUCK YOU!
Long gets to his feet, a slight stumble as he plants the leg that has become the focus of Poena….DISCUS LARIAT CONNECTS AND SENDS LONG THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!!
Steve Morrison: LONG SPILLS TO THE FLOOR!
Poena peers over the ropes as Williams starts the count:
ONE!!
Rolling under the ropes to the apron, Poena watches with more than a hint of amusement as his opponent gets to his feet unsteadily.
Steve Morrison: What can he have in store?
POENA CHARGES ALONG THE APRON…PENALTY KICK TO THE HEAD!!!
Steve Morrison: A FULL-ON PUNT KICK CONNECTS!
The atmosphere in the Diamond Club drops in an instant.
TWO!!
Breaking the count, Poena drops to the floor and picks up Long by the waistband and hair…HE HURLS THE ICON INTO THE RING STEPS!!!
Steve Morrison: I’ve got a bad feeling here…
THREE!!
Moving quickly, Poena places the leg of Long on the bottom ring step before lifting the disturbed top set on top and rolls back onto the apron.
Cross Recoba: You’re not alone…
HE RUNS ACROSS THE APRON ONCE MORE AND LEAPS….FOOT STOMP ONTO THE STEPS SANDWICHES THE ANKLE!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: POENA MIGHT WELL HAVE SHATTERED THE ANKLE OF JASON LONG!!!
The camera pans around the crowd to show the looks of shock and disgust at what they just witnessed. Apart from the Poena Superfan who gazes dreamily on.
Cross Recoba: And only two people here are happy about it!
Poena rolls Long into the ring, Jason still holding his ankle from the assault.
Steve Morrison: He might not have shattered it but Long’s concerned himself about the joint.
He makes the cover:
ONE…
TWO…
THR-
MAVERICK THROWS UP AN ARM!!!
Cross Recoba: He didn’t use his legs!
Rolling away, Long tries to get to his feet but the moment he attempts to plant his foot, he sees it buckle. Poena rushes in to take advantage…CRUCIFIX BOMB!!!
Steve Morrison: FLOATOVER CRUCIFIX BOMB!
Williams drops to the mat for the count…
Cross Recoba: If Mav wants to continue he’s going to HAVE to kick out!
ONE…
TWO…
POENA USES HIS FREE HAND TO THREAD IT THROUGH THE LEGS AND TRANSITIONS TO A TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!!!
Steve Morrison: He switches to the Cloverleaf! This isn’t a match, it’s a public execution!
Williams stays close to the action as he asks Long if he wants to give up but the Icon is adamant he wants to stay and fight in the match.
Cross Recoba: Long’s like Diamond, tapping out is going to be the last option!
Steve Morrison: There’s a good chance that ankle might only be intact by a thread, he’ll surely pick tapping out to a potential six months on the shelf!
Using his arms to tighten the grip on the hold around the feet, Poena rocks back.
Crowd: WE FUCKING HATE YOU, WE DO! WE FUCKING HATE YOU, WE DO! WE FUCKING HATE YOU, WE DO! OH, POENA WE HATE YOU!!
Steve Morrison: No doubt that chant is driven by the British soccer fans I saw earlier today on their way to see Messi play.
Cross Recoba: I saw them too, dressed as the five stages of Messi. Before HGH Messi, Wonderkid Messi, Super Messi, Tax Cheat Messi and Hobo Messi. More proof that the Sands clientele is above the pond-dwellers here!
Using the slight strength advantage he has, Long presses up but Poena sits back further in the hold!
Steve Morrison: Back to the action and Maverick continues to work his options.
Cross Recoba: He can’t try them once and write them off, he needs to time the right action at the right time.
Once again, Rhod asks if he wants to tap out but Long shakes his head and pushes up again…HE FLIPS OUT OF THE HOLD AS POENA IS THROWN INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Steve Morrison: Driven by spite, Long escapes the hold!
The Diamond Club erupt as Long forces himself to his feet….ICON KICK!!
Steve Morrison: THRUST KICK CONNECTS WITH THE JAW OF POENA!!
Grimacing through the pain, the Best Bout Machine rushes in…RUNNING DOUBLE KNEE FACEBUSTER!!!
Cross Recoba: Desperation move but it buys him time!
His weakened leg trailing, Long forces himself towards Poena and bends down…DEADLIFT PILEDRIVER!!!!!
Steve Morrison: VANGUARD DRIVER!!!!!
Laying on his back, the camera catches Long taking sharp intakes of breath.
Cross Recoba: He needs to move to make the most of that impact…
He rolls over and drapes an arm over Poena.
ONE…
TWO…
T-
POENA GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Steve Morrison: He rolled that shoulder out and Williams saw daylight!!
Cross Recoba: Long needs to keep the frustration in check, it’d be too easy to start to get ragged around the edges over the quarter-second difference between the match ending and whatever comes next…
With a clearly pained look on his face, Jason pulls himself up to his feet and staggers into the ropes to steady himself. Poena rushes in with a forearm and pushes Long away from the ropes…CHOP BLOCK TO THE KNEE!!
Steve Morrison: BACK TO THE KNEE!
POENA LEAPS AND DRIVES BOTH FEET INTO THE DAMAGED ANKLE OF MAVERICK!!!
Steve Morrison: UNRELENTING DOUBLE-STOMP LANDS ON THE ANKLE OF LONG!!!
Catching Long as he rolls in pain, Poena grabs a front-facelock and hoists his opponent to his feet. He lifts…SUPLEX LIFT FACEBREAKER!!!
Steve Morrison: Poena mentioned what an addition Long would be to his flock but he’s fighting like he wants to leave no trace of him behind!
With a twisted smile on his face, Poena throws his hands up like a Diamond!
Cross Recoba: Oh no…
Grabbing the leg of Long, he spins around it…FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: The cheek of it! Poena locks in the Aces Wild Leglock of Jack Diamond!
Cross Recoba: He wants to destroy Long mentally as well as physically!
The chants for Poena to go forth and multiply are now replaced by jeers and boos as Poena works the hold made famous by Jack Diamond.
Steve Morrison: The Diamond Club aren’t being shy in their feelings about Poena of all people using the hold made famous by the man whose name is above the door!
Poena now has the hold locked in and Long throws his head back in suffering.
Cross Recoba: In this situation, you’ve got to try and keep your cool. If you thrash about you’re not going to think clearly and all you’ll get is a rapidly depleting amount of energy.
Williams, keen to impress in his first major main event, checks diligently on Long but sees no reason to stop the fight.
Steve Morrison: Long’s clinging on!
Jason forces himself to start to sit up. POENA LIFTS HIS LEG BEFORE DRIVING IT DOWN SQUARELY ON THE ANKLE OF HIS OPPONENT!!
Steve Morrison: ONCE MORE BACK TO THE ANKLE!
Again, Long tries to sit up and gets as far as planting his arms behind himself to scoot backwards but POENA AGAIN DRIVES DOWN THE LEG WITH PURPOSE!
Cross Recoba: HE’S TRYING TO BREAK LONG!
Long raises an arm and looks as if he could be on the verge of tapping out!
Crowd: DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP!
Jason takes his arm away and this time he scoots backwards, not breaking the hold but cutting down the distance to the ropes.
Steve Morrison: Those extra twenty pounds are going to have to count for everything right now!
Poena arches up on his neck to increase the leverage but Maverick perseveres through the pain and gets ever closer to a rope break.
Cross Recoba: One big push and he could be there…
The Icon reaches out an arm and can nearly touch the ropes. POENA BREAKS THE BRIDGE AND REPEATEDLY SLAMS HIS FOOT DOWN ON THE DAMAGED ANKLE UNTIL LONG’S ARM AND BODY DROP TO THE MAT!!!
Steve Morrison: Long could tap out from those hammer-like blows on his ankle and who could blame him?
Cross Recoba: He knows that he can get a psychological edge on Poena if he breaks this before his ankle is shot!
The look on Poena’s face can only be described as a predator that sees its prey go limp.
Steve Morrison: The Champion senses the end is near!
Williams asks Long if he wants to give up and receives no response.
Crowd: CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST! CAT-A-LYST!
Despite the chants, Long doesn’t look like he’s responding. Williams looks for a sign of life in the face of the Icon and only barely seems satisfied to let the match continue.
Cross Recoba: We could see a second Icon in as many matches passing out from the pain…
LONG SITS UP WITH A DETERMINED LOOK!
Steve Morrison: LONG CLEARLY DIDN’T GET THAT MEMO!
POENA TRIES TO HAMMER ON THE ANKLE BUT LONG FORCES HIMSELF THROUGH IT!
Steve Morrison: WHAT FIGHT FROM THE CATALYST!!!
HE REACHES OUT FOR THE ROPES, BRUSHING THEM ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM MOVE!
Cross Recoba: Fingertips don’t count…
LONG REACHES OUT ONCE MORE….
Steve Morrison: Come on…
HE GETS THE ROPES!!!!!
Steve Morrison: HE GETS THE ROPE BREAK!!!
Williams immediately switches his focus to getting the hold released.
ONE!
TWO
THREE!
Steve Morrison: He could lose this by disqualification if he doesn’t let the hold go…
FOUR!!
Cross Recoba: Non-title though and even if it was for the belt, a DQ would mean the title stays where it is…
Poena reaches forward and forces Long to his feet. With a hook to the bread-basket to buy room, Long lands a kick to the stomach. POENA ANSWERS WITH A DRIVEN-DOWN BOOT TO THE KNEE!
Steve Morrison: This is bordering on assault!
Cross Recoba: All legal though…
Long grimaces and Poena swings his leg up…IT’S CAUGHT!!
Steve Morrison: POENA’S KICK WAS CAUGHT!!!
The crowd burst into life!
Crowd: FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!! FUCK HIM UP, MAVERICK, FUCK HIM UP!!
POENA SPINS…ROLLING ANKLE LOCK!!!!!
Steve Morrison: NO! HE GOES BACK TO THAT BATTERED ANKLE!
The life instantly gets sucked out of the crowd.
Cross Recoba: Long needs something special and he needs it now!
Bearing down his weight from a standing base, Poena looks to manipulate the ankle joint of Long away from its socket.
Steve Morrison: The Master of Digital Manipulation living up to his name.
Williams hears the scream of pain from Long and asks if he wants to tap out. LONG EXTENDS AN ARM OUT…
Cross Recoba: Nearly…
LONG PUSHES OFF HIS ARM…ENZUIGURI CONNECTS AND SENDS POENA INTO THE ROPES!!! MAVERICK CONNECTS WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX AND BRIDGES!!
Steve Morrison: DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX!
ONE…
TWO…
T-
LONG’S LEG GIVES OUT ON THE BRIDGE!!!
Cross Recoba: The damage saves Poena!
Crestfallen, Long forces himself up and spots Poena charging in…PANCAKE…..THE BEST BOUT MACHINE FOLLOWS IN WITH A RUNNING SOCCER KICK TO THE HEAD!!
Steve Morrison: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON!!
Cross Recoba: Evan Ferguson would be proud of that one!
Maverick with the cover again…
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
POENA KICKS OUT!!!!!
Steve Morrison: NO!!
Long can hardly believe it but he carries on. He rolls under the ropes and gingerly pushes up to a vertical base. Leaning on the top-rope, his eyes never leave his opponent.
Cross Recoba: Can that leg hold up for what Mav has planned?
Poena gets to his feet…LONG COMES OFF THE TOP….SPRINGBOARD EUROPEAN UPPERCUT CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: DEATH BEAM!!!
Shaking his head, Jason heads towards the corner and starts to climb the turnbuckles.
Cross Recoba: Cover him!!!
SWANTON 450 SPLASH CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: CATACLYSM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE…
Crowd: ONE!
TWO…
Crowd: TWO!!!!
THRE-
Crowd: THREE!!
WILLIAMS THROWS UP TWO FINGERS!!!
Steve Morrison: NO!!!! WHAT WILL IT TAKE?!?!
Cross Recoba: Did he get the elevation he needed on that splash or the uppercut? I don’t think so.
Long stands back up and almost staggers back in shock.
Steve Morrison: He can’t believe it but has that ankle betrayed him at the last?
The Catalyst pulls Poena up by the air and sneaks a dirty boxing uppercut into the deal. He swings for a kick…THE DARK SAVIOR CATCHES IT! HE TWISTS THE ANKLE JOINT OF MAVERICK!!!
Steve Morrison: Cheap blow from Poena.
Cross Recoba: It’s guaranteed to control Long.
Dropped to a knee, Long is unsighted as Poena grabs his head…SIT-OUT DOUBLE-UNDERHOOK FACEBUSTER!!!!
Steve Morrison: What does he have lined up now?
The cameras catch the moment of transformation as Poena’s eye seemingly changes color.
Cross Recoba: Whatever it is, Long needs to be worried.
POENA PLANTS HIS FEET BY LONG’S HIPS AND BRINGS HIM UP…
Steve Morrison: HE’S GOING FOR PENANCE! HE PUT AWAY DIAMOND WITH THIS AT NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS!!
WITH AN INHUMAN ROAR, LONG PUSHES UP….DESPERATION MODIFIED CRUCIFIX BOMB TOSS!!!!!
Cross Recoba: LAST CHANCE SALOON MOVE!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Long stands up and staggers back into the corner.
Steve Morrison: He lives to fight on!
He pushes himself forward and reaches down to Poena. HE GETS A PUMPHANDLE LIFT…PUMPHANDLE HALF-NELSON DRIVER!!!!
Steve Morrison: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM!!!
Long rolls backwards to his feet and into the corner. He takes a deep intake of air as he tests his foot.
Cross Recoba: I think I know where his mind is…
Poena starts to get up, his upper body bowed over. LONG CHARGES AND LEAPS….
Steve Morrison: VANITY KILLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO-ONE’S HOME AND LONG DRIVES THAT DAMAGED FOOT INTO THE CANVAS!!!!!!!
Cross Recoba: HE JUST JAMMED THAT ANKLE AS HE HIT NOTHING BUT MAT!!!
Pouncing on his prey, Poena lifts up Jason…AGAIN HE SITS OUT AND DRIVES THE KNEE INTO THE CANVAS!!!
Steve Morrison: Another apron-assisted kneebreaker!
Cross Recoba: Long can’t take much more…
Long holds his lower leg in agonizing pain. Poena drags him up by the hair and lifts…CROSS-LEGGED KNEEBREAKER BRAINBUSTER!!!
Steve Morrison: ANATHEMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Poena makes the cover and hooks the damaged leg.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!
Williams calls for the bell!!
DING! DING! DING!
Laura Messier: Your winner of tonight’s main event….THE TERROR OF THE NINTH DEEP….POOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Steve Morrison: Poena puts away Long and with it sends a message to the Icons, their associates and anyone else who wants to take their shot!
Cross Recoba: Long perhaps kicking himself for not taking the chances that he had tonight but that’s how the sport works.
Steve Morrison: I believe you have an update on our Match of the Night?
Cross Recoba: The board have just informed me that like the Spot of the Night, for this month at least, Match of the Night will be in the hands of you, the fans to vote!
Steve Morrison: We’ll be back on October 1st with Tap Out Wrestling 17 which will once more host the first round of the XHF's End of Days tournament! Cross, do you have anything already booked?
Cross Recoba: We’ve been tossing ideas around all week but all I can say with confidence is that Poena will be defending his title and that Jack Diamond will not be on the card. He will represent the company at End of Days!!
Steve Morrison: There you have it, fans. I’m Steve Morrison, joined by Cross Recoba. We’ll see you on the first of October. GOOD NIGHT!
CREDITS & THANKS
MATCHES
Henare vs Jackalope - Sam Sawyer
Merric/Random vs Fristik/NOMAD - Bailey
Six-Man Tag - Bailey
Cut Throat Chaos vs The Throw Show - DT
Poena vs Long - Teeps
SEGMENTS
The Harbingers Arrive - Hunter
MATCHES
Henare vs Jackalope - Sam Sawyer
Merric/Random vs Fristik/NOMAD - Bailey
Six-Man Tag - Bailey
Cut Throat Chaos vs The Throw Show - DT
Poena vs Long - Teeps
SEGMENTS
The Harbingers Arrive - Hunter
