TOW 20: NOMAD/McCONALOGUE VS POENA/ISHIMORI - LIVE
Mar 21, 2024 15:40:29 GMT -5
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Post by Cross Recoba on Mar 21, 2024 15:40:29 GMT -5
PRESENTS
TAP OUT WRESTLING 20: NOMAD/McCONALOGUE VS POENA/ISHIMORI
Date: 18th March 2024
Venue: Lansky Ballrom, The Sands Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendance: 9000 (Capacity: 10000)
We fade in over black.
Steve Morrison: THE KATAHAJIME! LAST CALL! LAST CALL!
Cross Recoba: Strychnine sets out to make an impression every time he steps into the ring. And every time he's anywhere else for that matter!
Steve Morrison: Oh! Tuff looking for his signature Tuffplex!
Steve Morrison: THE CRUSHER IS FIGHTING BACK!
Steve Morrison: TUFFPLEX! TUFFPLEX! TUFFPLEX!
Steve Morrison: Strych’s battling to stay in this!
Cross Recoba: Surely not…
Steve Morrison: HOLY DRIVER FROM THE TOP!!!!
The audio fades out….
The cameras move from the Big Screen around the crowd who have their signs out in force tonight!
TOMMY STRYCH IS MY GUY!
GO THROW SHOW!
I WAS AT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!
WHAT’YA GONNA DO WHEN THE CRUSHER GETS HOLD OF YOU?
LAST CALL!
The cameras cut to ringside where Steve Morrison and Cross Recoba are already seated at the announce booth.
Cross sports a ‘LAZER PHYZYCYST’ tee under his blazer. Steve tee reads ‘I’M ONLY HERE FOR THE THROW SHOW’. Between them is a bottle of Jack Daniels.
Steve Morrison: Evening, fans. We have a new Champion who’ll be fighting in the main-event, one of two matches to kick out third year off in style!
Cross Recoba: Indeed…
Steve Morrison: Tonight isn’t the night for long intros so without further ado, over to Laura Messier who’s ready to introduce our first match.
Laura Messier:Good evening, fans….AND WELCOME TO TAP OUT TWEEEEEEEEEEEENTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTY!!!!
The crowd pop massively after the silence for the ten bell salute.
Laura Messier: Your opening bout is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Laura Messier: And is a tag-team contest!
Suddenly, the opening chords of "Be Legendary" by Pop Evil blast through the speakers, equalled by the roar of the fans. The stage erupts in pyrotechnics, illuminating the area with bursts of color. The crowd's cheers reach a crescendo as the smoke fills the entryway. From within the smoky haze, two figures emerge, bathed in a spotlight.
Steve Morrison: This is set to be a great way to kick-off a show!
Cross Recoba: Jason Long and Jack Diamond both have some business to settle with their opponents and they’ll be taking that on with the full weight of the crowd behind them tonight!
First, Jack Diamond steps forward, donning his iconic vest adorned with intricate designs. He raises his arms forming his hands into a Diamond shape, basking in the adoration of the crowd. Right beside him, Jason Long appears, exuding an aura of power and determination. His presence commands attention as he wears his own Icon vest with pride. The Last Breathing Mercenary joins Jack, and together they form an unstoppable force. The crowd's excitement erupts into chants of "Icons! Icons! Icons!"
Steve Morrison: Long only just put away Wildcat Capone and Eichi Yamaguchi last Thursday in the second round of matches in SCCW’s Saints and Sinners tournament!
Cross Recoba: But wrestling isn’t so easy to predict based on past results. They can’t get complacent, not with Long holding a recent win over Capone or even Diamond holding a win over Sawyer from way back last year!
The duo meets in the aisleway, their eyes locked in a fierce gaze, exchanging a silent understanding of what tonight symbolized. After a fist bump, Jason takes the lead, his confident stride setting the tone. Jack plays to the crowd behind him, undoing his belt as they make it to the ring.
Steve Morrison: We haven’t seen these two team since June last year, will that cost them any points in familiarity?
Cross Recoba: That’s on them to be honest, you wouldn’t expect it. You’d favor that Diamond and Long have their own language just from tagging and travelling together that they can pick up without too much effort.
Both Icons climb to the ring apron and ascend turnbuckles opposite of each other, Jason Long holding his arms outstretched to receive the loud cheers and Jack Diamond holding his arms high into the air.
The lights quietly turn a soft peach color as “Violence” slowly fades into the arena. Sam walks out onto the stage, oblivious to the fans surrounding them.
Steve Morrison: From hero to villain! Sawyer has changed so much from the fresh-faced, happy-go-lucky teenager we first saw.
Cross Recoba: Probably because they got tired of people calling them fresh-faced and happy-go-lucky…you’re a brave man, Morrison.
They walk towards the ring wearing a tight look of concentration, as unbridled hate radiates in their eyes and scowl.
Steve Morrison: Sawyer has spent the time between our shows growing more sadistic, and more brutal: they’ve put a target on Diamond tonight!
Cross Recoba: Jack’s used to that but the Sam he faces tonight looks markedly different to the one he teamed with in November.
Once they reach the ring they climb the steps and get in with aggressive haste. They get into a corner, looking impatient and ready to go.
Steve Morrison: Despite their short stature, Sawyer possesses one of the most vicious arsenals on the roster.
Cross Recoba: Pound-for-pound, Sam’s up there with the best. If I were a betting man though, I’d be worried that their fervor for their new God might cause the match to get thrown out.
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. He wears a CrusherSteria basketball jersey in respect for Clinton?
Steve Morrison: Coming off the back of a HUGE win at A Night to Remember when he took down the son of Steve Awesome’s tag-partner and minor thorn in Jack Diamond’s side, Alexander von Blankenship!
Cross Recoba: It was not a great day at the office for Rat Bastard or AVB as both came out with losses. Great win for Capone and something to build off for sure.
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: Will teaming with Eichi in SCCW round his game off?
Cross Recoba: Definitely, Eichi will want to take the rough-edged brawling of Capone and mould it into something more focused.
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: Capone’s coming off a rough patch though, being 0-2 in the SCCW tournament, can he turn it around tonight?
Cross Recoba: He looks ready to do it, just look at the focus he has painted across his face!
The two teams now in the ring, Laura Messier starts to introduce the two teams.
Laura Messier: Introducing first! With a combined weight of four-hundred-and-nine pounds...JASON LONG AND JACK DIAMOND! THEEEE.....ICONNNSSSSSS!!!!
The Icons, well-oiled and well-versed, seem relaxed ahead of the opening bell.
Laura Messier: And their opponents, at a combined weight of three-hundred-and-sixty-eight pounds…..SAM SAWYER AND WILDCAT CAPOOOOOOOONNEEEE!!!
The two wrestlers both stare through their opponents as they wait for the match to start.
CO-MAIN EVENT
TAG-TEAM MATCH
Sam Sawyer & Wildcat Capone vs The Icons (Jack Diamond & Jason Long)
The Sands crowd are amped-up for their first match after nearly a third of a year without a Tap Out show. Long and Diamond play up to this, riling up the crowd as they raise their arms to try and get a chant going before the bell.
Crowd: LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Steve Morrison: We’re here in an electrified ballroom, tonight!
Capone looks to his partner and their only response is to look with even more venom in the direction of Diamond.
Steve Morrison: Sawyer has grown meaner with every show we’ve seen her appear at under the Tap Out banner.
Cross Recoba: It’s a question of these two that needs to be answered, can they co-exist? Sawyer is very much focused on Diamond while it’s Long who seems to have the crosshairs pointed on him by Capone.
Steve Tyrell signals for the teams to enter the ring's centre—the two teams square up to one another, Sawyer to Diamond, Long to Capone.
Crowd: FUCK HIM UP, DIAMOND, FUCK HIM UP! FUCK HIM UP, DIAMOND, FUCK HIM UP!
Crowd: CAPONE FEARS LONG! CAPONE FEARS LONG! CAPONE FEARS LONG! CAPONE FEARS LONG! CAPONE FEARS LONG!
The Match Official gives out his instructions but, for Sawyer, the only thing on their mind is how to strike their way through Diamond.
Steve Morrison: If looks could kill…
Tyrell sends the teams back to their corners to decide who starts the match. Sawyer watches Jack intently and sees him stepping through the ropes and follows suit.
Cross Recoba: Sawyer seemingly happy to let Wildcat lead the way but if SCCW is anything to go by, Long has Capone’s number!
Seeing that it’s Wildcat and him in the ring for the second time in under a week, Long smiles as he leans back into the turnbuckle.
Steve Morrison: The Irishman seems to think so too…
Tyrell calls for the bell:
DING! DING! DING!
Capone heads out from the corner and immediately looks to close down the space on Long.
Steve Morrison: Can Capone match Long in the ring? His ‘Raised by the Streets’ style not exactly lending itself to a Greco-Roman encounter.
Cross Recoba: You can’t help but admire the fact that Wildcat is willing to learn. Guns Fight Club, Wrestle: UK, JROK, and most recently sitting under the learning tree with Eichi Yamaguchi in SCCW. Each excursion rounding off his arsenal, adding more depth to his game.
The Icon raises a hand as they circle and Wildcat matches it.
Steve Morrison: Long wants to keep it on the mat from the look of it.
They lock up!
Cross Recoba: Both men evenly matched in weight but you’d maybe give the power edge to Capone and his more compact frame…
Jason wastes no time ducking under the arm of Capone and grabbing a hammerlock. Capone adjusts his footing and reaches down to try and grab the leg of the Last Breathing Mercenary…Long uses the arm to flip over Capone!
Steve Morrison: Is Long showboating?
CAPONE GRABS A QUICK ROLL-UP!!!
Cross Recoba: What an embarrassment if Long loses here!!!
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
KICKOUT!!!
Steve Morrison: Capone nearly caught out Long in a time that even McConalogue would raise an eyebrow at!
The cameras catch the look on Mav’s face and he LOOKS SHOOK!
Cross Recoba: I believe the parlance in acceptable language for a broadcast is “Play silly games, win silly prizes.”
Capone uses the hair of Jason to wrench him up and the Lexington brawler throws a huge clubbing fist over the shoulder and into the chest of his opponent. Long clasps at his body, IRN FST grabs an arm and whips Jason to the ropes…HE FOLLOWS IN WITH A KNEE LIFT THAT CUTS OFF THE ICON AT THE ROPES!!!
Steve Morrison: Capone going to a more familiar part of his game as he imposes himself on the Last Breathing Mercenary!
Doubled over, Long is helpless to prevent Capone from keeping hold of his arm and once more, he’s sent to the ropes….ANOTHER LIFTING KNEE!!
Cross Recoba: You CANNOT let Long settle into a rhythm, this is what Capone found out in the last seven days and he’s trying to change it.
Wildcat, a confident look now across his face, sends Long into the turnbuckle! HE FOLLOWS IN WITH A RUNNING BACK ELBOW!!!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE strike!
Long staggers out from the turnbuckle…GERMAN SUPLEX!!!
Cross Recoba: He measured him perfectly for that!
Wildcat bridges up!
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT FROM THE CATALYST!!
Steve Morrison: Jason might have been on top at bell-time but since then Capone is going for the most direct route possible to a win!
Long rolls to his feet….HE DUCKS THE YAKUZA KICK!!!!....SCHOOLBOY ROLLUP….
Cross Recoba: Coud Long steal it?
ONE…
TW-
CAPONE KICKS UP BUT LONG HASN’T LET GO……SCHOOLBOY SUPLEX!!! THIS TIME IT’S LONG WHO BRIDGES….
Steve Morrison: WHAT ATHLETICISM!
ONE…
TWO….
WILDCAT KICKS OUT!!!
Cross Recoba: It’s the ability to do something like that which made Long the clear candidate to be our rep for the Junior Heavyweight title at the Rumble!
Both men get to their feet but Long grabs a headlock and takes the pair back into his corner…Diamond slaps the back of his fellow Icon to tag in!
Steve Morrison: Blind tag and Capone’s unaware…
Long switches to a wristlock as Jack springs over with a double axhandle that drops Wildcat to a knee.
Cross Recoba: Well-oiled and rehearsed, The Icons will know exactly what they’re doing without a word. That’s what happens when you tag with someone regularly.
Steve Morrison: Like yourself and Chris Card in High Finance?
Cross Recoba: Even outside of the ring…
Long grabs the arm of Capone and sends him to the ropes…duck down by Mav, DIAMOND’S THERE WITH A DROPKICK!!!
Steve Morrison: Suckerpunch dropkick takes the Kentuckian to the mat!
Crowd: LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Jason rolls out of the ring as Diamond drops a quick elbow to keep Wildcat down.
Steve Morrison: Jack knows that if the match is on the mat, he has the upper-hand.
Cross Recoba: It’s a veteran move but it’s also smart because Capone is only in his third year as a wrestler, he’s not going to have the cadences, or the short-hand of his arsenal down because it’s still evolving. Disrupting that keeps Wildcat on the backfoot.
Moving swiftly, Jack grabs the leg of Capone…GROUNDED DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!
Steve Morrison: He snapped that back!
The veteran keeps hold of Wildcat’s leg, he spins around it…DROPPING THE KNEE!
Cross Recoba: He’s keeping the Aces Wild Figure-Four Leglock open.
Diamond lifts the Kentucky fighter and sends him into the corner….WILDCAT GETS OUT OF THE WAY OF THE DIAMOND SPLASH!!!
Steve Morrison: WILDCAT JUST SAVED HIS OWN SKIN!
Cross Recoba: Jack wants this done and done early!
The DTF Founder staggers back but Capone is waiting for him….SAITO SUPLEX!!!
Steve Morrison: JUICY!!!
The crowd noise drops to barely a whisper leaving only one sound…that of one wrestler’s boot stomping as they lean over the ropes and IMPLORE THEIR PARTNER TO TAG THEM IN!
Steve Morrison: Do you HEAR Sawyer? They’re rabid!!
Capone drags Diamond into the corner and TAGS IN SAWYER!
Cross Recoba: They’ve waited since the card went up for this moment…
The atmosphere changes as they step into the ring, Capone looks to Sam for where to go next and they motion to the arms. Capone mirrors Sawyer as they lift an arm of Diamond’s up…AND DRIVE BOOTS INTO THE SHOULDERS OF THE FORMER TAP OUT CHAMPION!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer the conductor of an orchestration of violence!
Tyrell starts to move Capone out of the ring. BUT SAWYER TAKES ADVANTAGE AS THEY THROTTLE THE ACE OF SPADES!!
Cross Recoba: Now THAT’S a pro move!
Capone sees what’s happening and plays into the ruse, threatening to step back into the ring but it’s only half-hearted as Tyrell places a leg to block the movement.
Steve Morrison: Wildcat now joining in on the ruse!
Cross Recoba: You think how high-octane Diamond’s offense is, every second he’s being starved of oxygen slows down those kicks and makes him have to think harder for his next move!
LONG STARTS TO CLIMB INTO THE RING!
Steve Morrison: Maverick coming to the rescue…
Capone stops trying to re-enter the match and points behind Tyrell!
Cross Recoba: Well played, that man!
Sawyer switches the choke for Hammerfist-like forearms to mask their earlier cheating as the Match Official. Long starts to charge towards Sawyer BUT TYRELL GETS IN HIS WAY!!
Steve Morrison: Jason being unfairly penalized by Tyrell!
Cross Recoba: He’s just calling it as he sees it!
Taking the full measure of the advantage they can, Sawyer throws Diamond into the corner and motions to Capone to grab the tag rope.
Steve Morrison: Oh no!
SAWYER LAYS BOOTS INTO THE DIAMOND CLUB OWNER AS CAPONE CHOKES HIM OUT WITH THE TAG ROPE!!!
Cross Recoba: You start to wonder who the established tag-team is!
Tyrell turns around…AND CATCHES THEM IN THE ACT!!
Steve Morrison: FINALLY!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
FOUR!!
F-
Capone relents at the last! Sawyer doesn’t get the message, they connect with a headbutt that makes a gut-wrenching sound as the two craniums connect.
Steve Morrison: Absolutely no regard for the rules. Have they no God?
Cross Recoba: They do, that’s the point…
Diamond’s head drops but only for a moment before Sam props up his chin…GET FUCKED SLAP!!!
Steve Morrison: THEY SLAPPED THE KISS DAKOTA GAVE HER HUSBAND CLEAN OFF HIS FACE!!
They grab the head of Jack…INVERTED FACELOCK BACKBREAKER!...FULL-NELSON SLAM!!!
Cross Recoba: Sawyer’s more focused, more streamline in her route to a win and it’s working right now!
Holding his back, Jack sits bolt upright but that only leaves him open as SAWYER CHARGES IN AND A SPINE-TAPPING BOOT CONNECTS!!!!
Steve Morrison: The crack of that kick just did laps around the Ballroom!
With no time to process the pain, Jack finds himself being lifted to his feet via a knee that lands square on his nose. SAWYER WHIPS HIM INTO THE CORNER AND TAGS IN CAPONE!
Cross Recoba: They’ve cut Diamond off from his partner completely. Quick stints to maximise danger. I might just send these two over the road to take the XHF Tag Team titles!
Unexpectedly, Sawyer climbs through the ropes without being prompted as Wildcat enters and starts to use Diamond like a Heavy Bag. SAWYER USES THE TAG ROPE ONCE MORE!! TYRELL IS ON HAND TO START THE COUNT IMMEDIATELY!!
Steve Morrison: THEY’RE UNRELENTING!!!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!!
Sawyer breaks it up and mockingly throws their hands up in innocence.
SAWYER DOES IT AGAIN!
Steve Morrison: JUST THROW THE MATCH OUT!!
LONG COMES TO INTERCEPT BUT THE CHEATING STOPS!!
Cross Recoba: I’ve got a feeling that-
TYRELL TURNS AND MARCHES LONG BACK TO HIS CORNER!
Cross Recoba: Jason just took the bait!!
Capone and Sawyer are now both in the ring laying boots into the midsection of Diamond! Tyrell turns around but Sam sneakily slides out of the ring to the floor.
Crowd: THEY WERE CHEATING! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* THEY WERE CHEATING! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* THEY WERE CHEATING! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* THEY WERE CHEATING! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* THEY WERE CHEATING! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
The Match Official looks confused and lets the chant go to huge boos from the audience in The Sands.
Steve Morrison: They’re making an absolute mockery of the sport in the contest!
Cross Recoba: How could I POSSIBLY condemn them?
With an unapologetic smile, Capone drives a boot into the midsection once more before pulling Jack out from the corner…SPINNING SIT-OUT GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!!
Steve Morrison: HUGE IMPACT!!
Capone hooks the leg…
ONE…
TWO…
T-
JACK CLAPS HIS LEGS AGAINST THE HEAD OF CAPONE TO BREAK THE COUNT!!
Cross Recoba: There’s only so much more that Jack can take!
Slowly, Diamond starts to move towards the Icons’ corner.
Crowd: LET’S GO, JACK! LET’S GO, JACK! LET’S GO, JACK! LET’S GO, JACK! LET’S GO, JACK!
Long leans over the ropes, willing his teammate on.
Steve Morrison: Maverick trying to urge his partner the last few feet…
CAPONE CUTS JACK OFF WITH A BOOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
Cross Recoba: Great recovery from IRN FST!
Peeling the AWF Legend from the canvas, Capone grabs his waistband and hurls the Icon into the turnbuckle!
Steve Morrison: No regard for history, Capone is out to make a name for himself with this match!
The Lexington native starts to tee off on Diamond with rights and lefts aimed at the midsection.
Cross Recoba: Each of those blows saps just a little more from the oxygen tank of the Icon.
Stepping backwards into the center of the ring, Capone charges in….
Steve Morrison: He’s going to pancake him!!
Cross Recoba: Leaving him wide open for however Wildcat wants to finish Jack o-
INVERTED ATOMIC DROP FROM DIAMOND!!!
Steve Morrison: REVERSAL!!!
DIAMOND FOLLOWS UP WITH A STEP-UP ENZUIGURI!!!!
Cross Recoba: Clean connection to the back of the head!
Looking towards his corner with purpose, Jack hauls himself to his feet and staggers towards the outstretched hand of Long!
Steve Morrison: Jack doesn’t know where he is!!
He’s a leap away from safety…
Cross Recoba: He’s out of it!
SAWYER SPRINTS INTO THE RING AND TAKES THE ICON TO THE MAT WITH A CHOP BLOCK!!!
Steve Morrison: SAWYER DOES WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!
Tyrell tries to usher out the Texan Terror and Sawyer does as they’re told BUT TAKES JACK TO THEIR CORNER AS THEY DO!
Cross Recoba: They’re fighting harder but more importantly, they’re fighting smarter!
Capone lifts up Diamond….THUNDER FIRE POWERBOMB!!!!
Steve Morrison: PROTECT YA NECK!!!
ONE…
TWO….
Cross Recoba: JACK’S DONE!!!
THREE-
LONG MAKES THE SAVE WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO THE BREAK-UP THE PIN!!!
Steve Morrison: Diamond could well have lost the match there if it wasn’t for the Catalyst!
Sawyer charges into the ring but Long intercepts them AND THEY TUMBLE OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!!
Cross Recoba: And now the live audience gets to see just how vicious Long and Sawyer can be as they brawl around the ringside area!
Back inside the ring, Diamond uses the ropes to get to his feet but Capone traps him there and sends him to the opposite side of the ring with an Irish Whip…Diamond ducks the Clothesline…..SLINGBLADE!!!!
Steve Morrison: SNAKE EYES!!!
The camera shot cuts to a birds-eye view and we see just how heavily the veteran is breathing to get oxygen back into his lungs. Back to ring-level and Long and Sawyer are still going toe-to-toe outside of the ring.
Steve Morrison: While the action outside the ring is unabated, inside the ring we’ve reached a pivotal moment…
Crowd: LET’S GO, JACK! MAKE THE TAG! LET’S GO, JACK! MAKE THE TAG! LET’S GO, JACK! MAKE THE TAG! LET’S GO, JACK! MAKE THE TAG! LET’S GO, JACK! MAKE THE TAG! LET’S GO, JACK! MAKE THE TAG!
But it’s Capone whoo makes the first move back to his feet. Wildcat reaches down to pick up Jack…JAWBREAKER ON THE KENTUCKIAN!!!
Cross Recoba: Desperation move from the Veteran!
Staggering back, Capone is wide-open as Diamond lurches forward…ENZUIGURI CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: That’s all it needs!
Feeding off the crowd’s energy, Diamond rushes to pick up Capone. He sends Wildcat to the corner and raises an arm….
DIAMOND RUSHES IN…DIAMOND SPLASH!!!!!
Steve Morrison: He nailed him!!!
Capone staggers forward dazed and Diamond gets the ¾ Facelock…..
Cross Recoba: STACKED DECK!!!
REVERSED! CAPONE HAS AN INVERTED FIREMAN’S LIFT……
Steve Morrison: What could this be?
Cross Recoba: I have ideas, none of them good for Jack but ideas…
INVERTED DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!!
Steve Morrison: INVERTED WHEELS OF STEEL!!!
With the impact of one move, the breath is taken from an entire Ballroom of people.
Cross Recoba: And THAT is how to control an audience! Listen to their silence!
Wildcat takes a moment before picking up his opponent. He scoops him onto his shoulder…
Steve Morrison: A powerslam might a move too far for Diamond’s back to bear…
DIAMOND DROPS DOWN THE BACK AND PUSHES WILDCAT INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!!!
Cross Recoba: He greased himself up on the apron!
Steve Morrison: Don’t be ridiculous!
DIAMOND TURNS AROUND AND MAKES A BEELINE FOR HIS CORNER….
Steve Morrison: Can he make the tag?
LONG’S STILL ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!
Cross Recoba: Sawyer has his partner tied-up on the outside!!
Belly-to-back suplex from Capone brings Jack back into the center of the ring!
Steve Morrison: Huge impact!
On the outside, Long eats an uppercut that leaves him prone against the guardrail.
Cross Recoba: Pound-for-pound, Sawyer might just be the best striker on the Network!
Sawyer makes it back to the apron and starts to hound Wildcat for the tag.
Steve Morrison: Still the owner of the most grating voice…
Capone hears the haunting demands from his corner and grabs Jack by the hair and tags in Sawyer.
Cross Recoba: Jack’s on the ropes, in every sense of the term.
Diamond looks up weakly to see a straight right hand driven downward into his face. And another. A third follows!
Steve Morrison: Unrelenting and unforgiving blows rain down on the Ace of Spades!
Sawyer forces Diamond to a seated position and steps backwards….SHINING WIZARD!!!
Cross Recoba: Diamond might be busted open!
Sawyer makes the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE…
NO!!! LONG PUT DIAMOND’S LEG ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!
Steve Morrison: Once more Long rescues the match for his team!
SAWYER IS NOT HAPPY! Tyrell sees his personal space rapidly disappearing to nothing as Sam marches forward, poking him in his chest as he backs away into the corner.
Cross Recoba: Tyrell now having a small taste of what Diamond’s had to endure…
JACK WITH A DESPERATION JUMPING REVERSE BULLDOG!!!
Steve Morrison: THE ICON TURNS THE MATCH ON A DIME!!
Slowly, Diamond starts to crawl—each effort buying him an inch more towards his corner but little more.
Cross Recoba: Glaciers will use Diamond as a measurement of speed at this rate!
Long starts to stomp his foot on the apron to get the Lansky Ballroom behind him.
Crowd: MAKE THE TAG! MAKE THE TAG! MAKE THE TAG! MAKE THE TAG! MAKE THE TAG!
Jack picks up the pace but not by much. He nears in on the tag, perhaps a leap away if the leap was true.
Steve Morrison: Can he make those scant few inches?
CAPONE ENTERS THE RING AS SAWYER TRIES TO GRAB THE ANKLE OF DIAMOND….
Cross Recoba: THEY’VE GOT IT!!
THE HORROR OF HOUSTON HAS DIAMOND’S LEG….BACKWARDS DROPKICK FROM JACK FREES IT!!!
Steve Morrison: BUT NOT FOR LONG….
JACK MAKES THE TAG!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: LONG ENTERS THE MATCH!!
Like a whirling dervish, Long leaps over the ropes and immediately levels Capone with a right-hand! Sawyer gets another one that staggers them back!!
Steve Morrison: Jason clearing house!!
Long now stepping forward with forearm smash after forearm smash to the temple of the Texan!!!
Cross Recoba: Sam having a taste of their own medicine!
Capone picks up Diamond and throws a punch….it’s blocked and one returned in its place from the Ace of Spades!
Steve Morrison: Both Icons now in the ascendancy….
The two Icons look at each other…..STEREO ICON KICKS!!!
Steve Morrison: ICON KICK PARTY!!!
Jack drops to the mat to roll out of the ring but Jason’s just getting started! He pulls Sam to their feet and sends them to the ropes…RUNNING DOUBLE-KNEE FACEBREAKER!!!
Steve Morrison: Long is on a roll!
Sawyer jacknifes backwards…BRIDGING DRAGON SUPLEX FROM THE LAST BREATHING MERCENARY!!!
Cross Recoba: TEXTBOOK EXECUTION!
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!
Long scoops up Sawyer and tucks their head between their legs….
Steve Morrison: CROWN TUNDRA!!!
SAWYER SWEEPS THE LEGS OUT FROM UNDER LONG. THEY HOLD ONTO THEM AND PUSH OFF…LEAPING ELBOW DROP CONNECTS WITH THE FACE OF THE CATALYST!!!
Cross Recoba: Great chain-wrestling from Sawyer, not going to make the Olympics but effective!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer’s definitely more deliberate in their actions.
Positioning their boot, Sawyer spins and grinds the ridges of the sole into the face of her opponent!
Cross Recoba: Making sure that each bump, ridge, and contour of that boot mashes against the face of their opponent!
Dropping to their knees, Sawyer bends over the prone body of the Icon…
Steve Morrison: What do they have planned here?
SAWYER STARTS TO GNAW AT THE HEAD OF LONG!!! TYRELL GIVES THEM THE COUNT!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
TYRELL TRIES TO PHYSICALLY PRISE SAM OFF OF LONG AND IS MET WITH A DERANGED LOOK THAT SEEMS TO TERRIFY HIM!
Steve Morrison: SAM SAWYER IS FIXATED! SAM SAWYER IS ON THE WARPATH!....SAM SAWYER HAS SNAPPED!!
Rolling their opponent to his knees, Sawyer swings their dominant foot backwards to plant it….BUZZSAW KICK!!!
Cross Recoba: They nearly separated his head from his body!!
With a snarling look on their face, Sam goes for the pin:
ONE…
TW-
LONG GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Steve Morrison: Long has detailed out what he wants to achieve this year and a loss tonight WAS NOT in those plans!
Looking down at Long, Sawyer throws a huge forearm smash downwards! AND ANOTHER!!
Cross Recoba: I don’t think he gets a say in it, do you SEE the impact those forearms are landing with??
Sawyer grabs a handful of Long’s hair and lifts him, introducing his face to their knee as they do so.
Cross Recoba: Snuck that knee in like a pro!
BRIDGING DRAGON SUPLEX FROM THE TEXAN!!
Steve Morrison: Anything you can do, I can do better!
ONE…
TWO…
TH-
KICKOUT FROM MAVERICK!!!
Steve Morrison: Long holds on!
Sawyer looks irate!
Cross Recoba: Sam must be wondering what else they can do…
Grabbing a front-facelock, Sawyer lifts up the Irishman….
Steve Morrison: What could this be…
SHEER-DROP BRAINBUSTER!!!
Cross Recoba: SQUARE ON HIS HEAD!!
Another cover!!!
ONE…
TWO…
THRE-
LONG SWINGS OUT AN ARM TO GRAB THE ROPE!!!!
Steve Morrison: What ring presence to know that was there!
Sawyer hurries to their feet and stomps on the shoulder of Long’s arm! ONCE MORE! AND A THIRD TIME TURNS INTO A STACCATO RHYTHM OF SHOULDER-BREAKING STOMPS!!!
Cross Recoba: Sam’s using Long’s shoulder like a kick-drum in a metal band!
Grabbing Long and bringing him back to a vertical base, Sawyer grabs the arm and pushes him back into the ropes ….
Steve Morrison: We know they like to set-up the Sawyersault with This Corrosion, could this be it?
IT’S REVERSED!! SHORT-ARM SIDE-ELBOW FROM THE IRISHMAN!
Cross Recoba: Desperation move but it connects!
He tucks the head of Sawyer between his legs….
Steve Morrison: Could it be…
Long lifts from a double-underhook position…
Steve Morrison: CROWN TUNDRA!!!!
He stalls to adjust his arms….
Cross Recoba: Letting the blood rush to their head…
DOUBLE-UNDERHOOK PILEDRIVER!!!!
Steve Morrison: CROWN TUNDRA PLANTS SAWYER SQUARELY ON THIER HEAD!!!
Long sits back up and works out his options. It only takes a second before a confident smile forms on his lips. He looks to Diamond who nods.
Cross Recoba: They’ve got something planned.
Maverick rolls to his feet and brings Sawyer back up. A Middle Shoot Kick doubles them over.
Steve Morrison: Neither Long nor Sawyer’s educated feet have played much of a part in proceedings tonight but that kick clearly lays a path for what’s next…
Long grabs an arm and stuns his opponent with a short-arm forearm smash…ELECTRIC CHAIR LIFT!!!
Steve Morrison: Could we see the Electric Chair Driver?
Stepping backwards, BLIND TAG FROM JACK!
Cross Recoba: I have a horrible feeling I know where this could go….
THE ACE OF SPADES LEAPS TO THE TOP ROPE AND JUMPS……..STACKED DECK/ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP COMBO!!!!!
Steve Morrison: WHAT A MOVE!!!!! WHAT DO YOU EVEN CALL IT? SAWYER COULD BE OUT!!
Cross Recoba: THE CATALYZED STACKED DECK?!?
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! 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! THAT WAS AWESOME!
Diamond gets to his feet….ROLLING KOPPU KICK CUTS HIM OFF!!!!
Steve Morrison: ONE LESS BITCH CUTS JACK OFF!!!!
One Less Bitch kills off the noise inside of the Lansky Ballroom.
Cross Recoba: Capone’s showing a maturity tonight that will put him in good stead in Tap Out in 2024.
Tyrell marches Capone back to his corner. He turns to do the same to Maverick but the Irishman’s already out to the apron.
Steve Morrison: Now we have a reset board.
Diamond and Sawyer both start to stir.
Cross Recoba: This footrace is vital, whoever wins it could well end the match in seconds…
Using the ropes, The Ace of Spades gets as far as the middle-rope before stopping for a breather.
Steve Morrison: Jack’s taking a beating all night, can he last much longer?
Sawyer claws at a turnbuckle to get their footing.
Cross Recoba: Sawyer’s still cleaning the cobwebs after that insane double-team from the Icons.
Both competitors stare at the other…THEY CHARGE….
Steve Morrison: HERE WE GO…
ICON KICK…NO!!!
IT’S DUCKED….
Cross Recoba: If ever Jack needs a back-u-
STO!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: THIS CORROSION!!!!
Sawyer lands and rolls to their feet, leaning heavily onto the top turnbuckle.
Cross Recoba: The silence tells you the crowd know what’s coming…
Looking behind them, Sawyer leaps to the top…..MOOONSAULT CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: SAWYERSAULT ONE!!!
With an inhuman roar, Sawyer gets back to their feet and sprints to the turnbuckle, leaping to the top in one fluid motion.
Cross Recoba: YOU ONLY NEED ONE! HE’S BEAT!
ANOTHER MOONSAULT CONNECTS WITH SUCH FORCE THAT SAM BOUNCES OFF THE ICON!!!
Steve Morrison: ANOTHER CONNECTS!!!! SAWYER MIGHT WELL GET THE WIN OVER HER CHILDHOOD IDOL!!
Holding their ribs, Sawyer gets back up….PUMPING BOMBER LARIAT FROM LONG OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES THEM BACK DOWN!!
Jason Long: The Catalyst, the Last Breathing Mercenary…no, THAT WAS THE DREAMKILLER!
Crowd: LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP* LET’S GO, ICONS! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAPCLAPCLAP*
Sawyer rolls into the corner to grab a breather.
Steve Morrison: Can the Texan regroup?
Long picks up his tag-partner and IRISH WHIPS HIM TOWARDS SAWYER….SHOTGUN DROPKICK!!!!
Steve Morrison: EIGHTY-SIXED!!!
Wearily, Jack gets to his feet and climbs between the ropes to start his climb to the top.
Cross Recoba: Is Jack pushing himself beyond the limit he should?
Steve Morrison: He’s doing what he has to…
He reaches the summit….
FOUR-FUCKING-FIFTY SPLASH CONNECTS!!!
Steve Morrison: SHUFFLED DECK!!!!
ONE….
TWO….
THR-
CAPONE DRAGS DIAMOND OFF THE PRONE BODY OF SAWYER!!!
Cross Recoba: Capone just replaced Mongo as the most hated man in Vegas!!
Tyrell, visibility pissed to do this once more, escorts Capone out of the ring.
Steve Morrison: Steve Tyrell’s working on overtime tonight!
Cross Recoba: He can have a few weeks off after tonight…
Steve Morrison: But that’s how it works every night!
Cross Recoba: No-one’s clamoring for a Match Official’s Union, Steve and Wrigley Field isn’t due any work!
Diamond gets to his feet BUT IS IMMEDIATELY FLOORED BY AN EXPLOSIVE DUMP TACKLE FROM THE TEXAN!!!
Steve Morrison: JONAH LOMU DUMP TACKLE!
Cross Recoba: Italy didn’t finish last in the Six Nations for once and it’s YOU with the rugby reference??
WITH RECKLESS ABANDON, SAWYER UNLOADS WITH RIGHTS AND LEFTS TO THE FACE OF THE FORMER TAP OUT CHAMPION!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer REFUSES to give Jack any quarter!!
Sawyer drags Diamond up….Irish Whip…HUGE SPINNING BACKFIST CONNECTS!!!
Cross Recoba: SHADES OF ERIN GORDON!
Looking down at their quarry, Sawyer drags Diamond closer to her corner and leans back…CAPONE STEALS THE TAG!!!
Steve Morrison: Wildcat just might have made himself an enemy!
SAM STARES A LASER BEAM-LIKE SCOWL THROUGH CAPONE AS TYRELL MOTIONS FOR THEM TO EXIT.
Cross Recoba: Worry about it after the match: first, win the match!
Stepping into the ring, Capone grabs Diamond by the head….KAWADA KICKS ARE DRIVEN UPWARDS INTO THE FACE OF THE ICON!!
Steve Morrison: Huge blows with each boot!
With little respect for the veteran, Capone throws Diamond into the center of the ring and quickly drops a knee.
Cross Recoba: Wildcat’s not letting Jack settle or even think!
The Lexington Street Thug scrapes Diamond from the canvas and hooks him for the Belly-to-Belly Suplex!!!!
Steve Morrison: TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY!!
Cross Recoba: This could be a HUGE upset!
SPRINGBOARD EUROPEAN UPPERCUT FROM LONG MAKES THE SAVE!!!!
Steve Morrison: DEATH BEAM FROM LONG GETS JACK OUT OF DODGE!!
Long rolls out of the ring but not before stirring his partner.
Cross Recoba: Ref, he’s tampering!!
Diamond staggers to his feet….HE TAGS IN LONG!!!
Steve Morrison: JACK MAKES THE TAG!!
Long makes a beeline for the Wildcat!
Cross Recoba: Capone can avenge last week’s loss if he keeps calm…
He lifts him up….USHIGOROSHI!!!
Steve Morrison: TOMMYNOCKER!!!!!!
Long nods towards the bottle of Jack Daniels on the announcer’s table.
Cross Recoba: Nice touch…
Turning his attention back to Capone, Long leans into the turnbuckle as he sees Wildcat rising…….CURB STOM—NO!!!!! CAPONE THRUSTS UP AND CATCHES HIM IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY….DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!!!
Steve Morrison: WHEELZ OF STEEL!!!
Capone makes the cover….
ONE…
TWO….
THRE-
LONG KICKS OUT!!!
Cross Recoba: What does Wildcat have to do?
In shock, Capone steps backwards….SAWYER TAGS THEMSELVES IN!!!
Steve Morrison: Sawyer getting their own back with the tag…
The Texan charges in…..LARIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! LONG DUCKS….
Steve Morrison: FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE MISSES….
Cross Recoba: WHAT IS LONG D-
HIGH-IMPACT SWINGING BACK ELBOW TAKES SAWYER DOWN ON THE TURN!!!
Steve Morrison: ESTO PERPETUA! ESTO PERPETUA! ESTO PERPETUA!
LONG COVERS….
ONE,,,,
TWO….
THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Morrison: Long steals it for the Icons!
Long rolls off of his opponent and gets to his feet in time to meet Diamond coming into the ring.
DING! DING! DING!
Capone can be seen making his way to the back, done with Sawyer.
Cross Recoba: You cannot say that win wasn’t against the run of play!
Steve Morrison: No arguing here, Capone and Sawyer dominated for large spells of the match but still…somehow, it’s Long that gets the win from nowhere!
Laura Messier: Your winners of the match, via pinfall. The team of Jack Diamond AND JAASSSOOON LOOOOONG!!!! THE ICOOOOOOOOOOONS!!!
“Superhero” by Metro Boomin and Future plays as Tyrell raises both their arms.
Cross Recoba: I would not want to be a fly on the wall in the debrief between Sawyer and Capone!
Steve Morrison: But, for now, the Icons kick off 2024 with a win and you can bet they’ll have keen eyes on tonight’s main event!
Cross Recoba: The rankings are pretty tight at the top and you’re looking at two of the top three in Tap Out right now in the ring! If NOMAD doesn’t think that EVERY person in the top four or five doesn’t have designs on him and his title, he’ll find out as soon as the bell in tonight’s Main-Event sounds!
Steve Morrison: We’ll be bringing you that later tonight, but stay tuned as we carry on with our first show of 2024!!
HALF-TIME SHOW
Steve Morrison: We’re back and what a performance for our Half-Time show, nominated by the fans to show some love to Steve Awesome!
Cross Recoba: Hell of a wrestler….
Steve Morrison: His last fed, Hardkore Wrestling, have their Palm Springs Punishment event coming up!
Cross Recoba: Great event…
Steve Morrison: Are you saying that because you won their World title last year at the event?
Cross Recoba: It factored into it…
Steve Morrison: This year, you don’t! We’re going to see the man who took BOTH your titles from you try and regain the HKW title from Florida Man in a Dog Collar Match!
Cross Recoba: He got lucky…
Steve Morrison: Then the man you beat is going against the OG Cross Recoba…Syberus for their Hardkore West Coast Championship in an Iron Man match!
Cross Recoba: Iron Man was watching him shill for Disney. What is he now? Pluto’s Marty Donovan?
Steve Morrison: You’ll find out if you watch the show! And in a Steel Cage Match, Joe Nobody and Alexander von Blankenship will duke it out for their California Championship!
Cross Recoba: How do you have a West Coast Championship AND a California Championship?
Steve Morrison: You can find out these answers next month, ONLY on the XHF Network!!
Cross Recoba: I think Laura's standing by for our main event...
Steve Morrison: And that, is how you stop Cross from being a smartass!
Laura Messier: AND NOW….IT’S TIME FOR YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!!!!
The stage lights fade to eerie teal green as "Five Ten Fiftyfold" begins
Wheezing and sneezing,
Tenfold it blew apart,
It halved it in half,
And went gushing gust wind
Steve Morrison: Random McConalogue wrestling back-to-back dates this week! Looking fresh for someone who took former Tap Out Champion, Merric, to a draw last night at A Night to Remember!
Cross Recoba: They made people stand up and pay attention, the fact that some pink and yellow abomination was put above them on the card was a sporting travesty!
The lights reach their full
Steve Morrison: Random will fancy her chances, neither of the men being the very slender number in her loss column.
Cross Recoba: McConalogue knows that with all the work she’s put in, she can only be a win or two away from DEMANDING a title shot.
Serene and calm, she casually strolls, shoulders lightly oscillating in a slow sync.
Steve Morrison: Designs on NOMAD will have to wait as tonight, they team up.
Cross Recoba: And what a contrast in styles it is. NOMAD is a throwback to the glory days of Texas and the Kings Road, Random…she’s smoother than butter…
Her body is calm and relaxed, like a moonlight walk in the park, but her gaze is fixed, staring at the empty ring with snake eyes. She's never in a hurry, she doesn't need to be.
Lights dim in the building and the screen above the ramp shows footage of NOMAD standing backstage. The crowd pop with a large reaction of cheers and claps.
He stands there bouncing in place as the opening bass riff of Rotten Apple by Alice In Chains begins to vibrate the floor of the building. He checks his wrist tape one last time, he raises the TAPOUT Openweight Championship and looks at it. As the guitar enters the song, NOMAD closes his eyes, draws the hood of his hoodie up and waits for a moment.
He opens the door in front of him and walks through, bursting out onto the floor of the crowd.
Steve Morrison: Here he is! The new Champion!
Cross Recoba: There’s nothing he won’t do to protect that title. We saw that when he took Merric to the limit in the Match of the Year-in-waiting all the way back in January!
Once the spotlight finds him, a mass of people begin to swarm him on all sides. With palms outstretched and the TAP OUT Openweight Championship held above his head, NOMAD begins making his way to the ring like a shepherd leading a flock of sheep.
Hey, ah-na-na, innocence is over
Hey, ah-na-na, over
Hey, ah-na-na, ignorance is spoken
Hey, ah-na-na, spoken
As the vocals blast through the speakers, NOMAD nears the barrier and climbs over.
Steve Morrison: He gets a chance tonight to get even with the man who put him on the shelf!
Cross Recoba: People asked if he lost a step when he came back from that lay-off but where are they now?
Security rushes to keep the crowd from following him over. He pulls the hood back from his head and climbs onto the apron. He makes his way up on the nearest turnbuckle post, he gestures to the crowd by raising the championship above his head to a massive response as the chorus kicks in.
What I see is unreal
I've written my own part
Eat of the apple, so young
I'm crawling back to start
As the chorus fades into the second verse, NOMAD climbs down into the ring and takes his hoodie off, where he waits for his opponents.
Steve Morrison: He’s ready to make a statement to every person in Tap Out who has their eyes on his title!
Cross Recoba: NOMAD came through the hardest match we’ve had all the way in November to get the shot, but he’s about to find out how tough it is being the Champ!
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. At the same time, Raiden coldly stares out into the sea of fans that loudly boo their arrival, adjusting his black sleeveless hoodie.
Steve Morrison: Somehow one of the most decorated men on the roster and still underrated!
Cross Recoba: Raiden finds himself in good company with Random, Jack, Poena, Sayer and Long of being good enough for a title shot but there’s only one spot opposite the Champ! Can he make it his?
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: This could well be a lethal team, Poena’s brutality and the calculating methodicalness of Ishimori…
Cross Recoba: Some thought does go into making these matches, Steve. Tonight could well end up with a bang!
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 Bone Cold add two impressive scalps to his tally tonight?
Cross Recoba: Never count him out, Raiden has a flair for beating the odds!
The lights die as the eerie whistle fills the arena, the feeling of being watched... stalked, filling the audience's minds as scenes of Poena's most brutal matches and promos blaze from the Titantron. In a moment of silence, Poena's voice can be heard from the darkness, seemingly from nowhere.
"And thus did Death walk among them, taking those He willed and bringing change to the lost."
Steve Morrison: If absence makes the heart grow fonder, they never met Poena!
Cross Recoba: He sees the stars aligning with NOMAD now holding that title!
The choir suddenly kick in as a turquiose spotlight beams down onto Poena, who is staning in a crucifix pose with bladed chains dangling from his fingers. He starts walking forward, the rosary around his neck and The Child beside him as the chains drag across the ground.
"Even the mightiest hero will fall! The strongest wall is but ash! Come to Him before its too late!"
Poena stops at ringside, finally looking up with a manic grin as The Child starts ritualistically taking each chain off, the lights flaring up to show Poena's horrid tapestry of devotional scars as she finally removes the rosary and the Disciples, who had been walking at a respectful distance back, fan out around the ring.
Steve Morrison: It’s shorter to list people who Poena hasn’t messed with than those he has!
Cross Recoba: But not only does he win, he generates press and if you try to tell me people don’t tune in just to see what he does next?
"Because in the end, Death comes for you all. In the end, you will all one day look upon His Face... Glory be."
Poena slides into the ring like a marionette, his very veins like wires guiding him, and arches back in the 'holy' light to scream "BEAR WITNESS!" To the heavens before slithering to his corner.
Steve Morrison: We’ll see how well he can work with Raiden who might well work well with any tag partner but he’s never tagged with Poena!
Cross Recoba: But you’re on the right track, Long and him as Regium are pulling up trees in the Saints and Sinners Cup and what Long and Poena have in common is their ability to pick apart an opponent. That makes it an easy match for Raiden to get in tune with!
Laura Messier: Introducing first! With a combined weight of three-hundred-and-seventy-three pounds….RANDOM McCONALOGUE….AND THE TAP OUT OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION….NOOOOOOMAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!
The pair strategize rather than pay attention to the announcement as the crowd cheer their names.
Laura Messier: AND THEIR OPPONENTS! With a combined weight of three-hundred-and-ninety-seven pounds….”BONE COLD” RAIDEN ISHIMORI and POOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEENAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
The two men seem in-tune but not in conversation as they keep themselves to themselves before the bell.
MAIN EVENT
TAG-TEAM MATCH
NOMAD & Random McConalogue vs Poena & Raiden Ishimori
The bell rings and the match gets underway. NOMAD and Poena seem all too eager to get about each other and close distance, NOMAD striding with a purpose, Poena lithely stepping, his body squirming in an almost serpentine manner. The Violent Wanderer strikes first, jamming his forearm into The Dark Savior’s face with a strike laced with pure hatred. Poena spares no time in responding, lashing a fearsome knife-edge chop across NOMAD’s chest. NOMAD grunts and fires back with a second ferocious forearm. As Poena’s head is rocked backwards by the force of the blow he almost grins before striking back. Another forearm. Another chop. Now both combatants are just standing forehead to forehead, muttering obscenities at each other. Poena grabs an arm and wrenches it but NOMAD counters and whips Poena against the ropes and as The Prince of Pain hooks his arms over the top rope to prevent running into one of NOMAD’s deadly arsenal of lariats, Raiden blind tag in. Poena scowls at his tag partner and returns, grudgingly, to his corner.
Steve Morrison: You can TASTE the mutual antipathy between NOMAD and Poena.
Cross Recoba: They really do not like each other. That’s why I keep booking them in matches! Hatred brings in the dollars.
NOMAD charges straight at Raiden as he exits the corner but Ishimori performs a quick forward roll to slip under the charging Lariat Legate. NOMAD, fury in his eyes merely reshapes and fires off a forearm at Poena who is forced to hop backwards off the ring apron, well aware that there is no such thing as incidental damage where James Sloane is involved. NOMAD rebounds a full step backwards and the Bone Cold Killer uses his immense dexterity and ring awareness to rush the ropes, bounce off the second rope of his own corner, spring off and hook The Violent Wanderer’s head as he flies off, spinning in the air and driving NOMAD down to the mat. Raiden covers…
ONE!
TW.. Not even a two-count.
Steve Morrison: Too early for a cover perhaps?
Cross Recoba: It’s never too early for a cover. That’s how you win and after a beautiful Tornado DDT like that, it’s worth a shot.
Picking himself up, Raiden adds a couple of swift kicks to the ribs of NOMAD before bending down and hoisting the Washington native up in a tight back waistlock. With a beautiful arch of his back. Ishimori flicks NOMAD over with an achingly artful German Suplex. Sloane, however, rolls through to lessen the impact and the pair get back to their feet at roughly the same time. As Ishimori turns to get a better sight line on NOMAD, Sloane steps in and takes an outside leg cradle and high collar hold, bending backwards and throwing Raiden over with an…
Steve Morrison: EXPLOOODAH!
NOMAD covers…
ONE!
TWO!
TH… Poena rushes over to break up the cover, using some nasty pointed kicks and overstaying his welcome in the ring until Big John Quinn is forced to order The Dark Savior back to his corner.
Steve Morrison: Poena all too keen to break that cover up.
Cross Recoba: I don’t think that Raiden even needed the help there. I think Poena just wanted to kick NOMAD a few more times.
NOMAD backs off to his own corner, tagging Random in. Raiden does the same but as Poena steps through the ropes NOMAD reaches an arm out to instantly tag himself back into the match, narrowly missing Random’s back as they drift out of range. The approach is cagey from both sides, McConalogue keeping her low wrestling stance, always with superior leverage in mind, Poena with his strange serpentine movements, always look to strike from confusing angles. Random looks for an in, swiping forward with an arm and snagging Poena’s left wrist. Random steps through, turning into a top wristlock but The Dark Savior turns and swings an arm, connecting a forearm in but crucially not breaking the hold. You can see the pressure on the wrist being increased by Poena doing the exact opposite of what you’re supposed to do as a counter. The Sanctified One just doesn’t seem to care and almost grins as the burning sensation hits him.
Steve Morrison: Did Poena just voluntarily INCREASE the pressure of a hold?
Cross Recoba: Don’t try to look into the mind of Poena. I think every time you become a little closer to understanding him, you lose a little of your own sanity.
Stepping through, Random adds a little back heel trip to take their sinister opponent down to the mat, still keeping wrist control. Random attempts to take top position on the mat but Poena squirms to a side and then, in a move that would make Royce Gracie question his very existence, The Dark Messiah throws his legs into the air and god damn SPINS TO HIS FEET, reversing the hold in the process.
Steve Morrison: Was that an arm-wrench reversal Spin-a-roonie?
Cross Recoba: I know our medical staff is very talented. I think they need to check if Poena actually HAS bones.
With control of the hold, Poena hauls Random up by the arm and slides down to the end, carefully keeping the pressure applied. With an evil grin on his face, The Dark Messiah separates Random’s digits and shushes down the crowd. The ring and pinkie go one way, the index and middle the other and…
...NOMAD BARRELS INTO THE RING TO STOP IT! The Violent Wanderer barrels Poena back to the ropes, Raiden smartly tagging in on Poena’s back. NOMAD stings Poena’s chest with just a full skillet SLAP to his chest and backs up before charging in at full speed, extending an arm and seeing BOTH men tumbling over the top rope and straight to the floor. Random squares up to Raiden as The Violent Wanderer and the Dark Savior just start switching position on the ring floor, throwing elbows and forearms.
Steve Morrison: Random NARROWLY avoiding getting her fingers broken there.
Cross Recoba: Well, it looks like we have an old-fashioned donnybrook on the outside.
The distance in the ring closes, Raiden and Random carefully feeling out the distance between them. Raiden arcs a high kick towards the Flash Finish Faerie but McConalogue ducks, causing Bone Cold to flash his leg through the air. Random waits for Ishimori to turn back around and hits a sharp upward palm strike into his chin. Raiden staggers backwards a half step but uses the extra distance to put a heap load of extra momentum into a knife-edge chop. There is an audible grunt from Random but they go for another shoteii, maybe a little weaker this time. Raiden fires back again, swinging in towards another chop… but Random was clearly angling for something in the weakness of her blow and snags the arm before catapulting Raiden into the ropes. Raiden rebounds and heads backward towards the middle but with a predictable path, Random has little problem in grabbing Raiden about the waist and dumping him to the mat, taking top mount. As Bone Cold attempts to free himself, Random easily takes control of the arm and swings around 90 degrees into a Cross Arm Breaker.
Steve Morrison: Random again using her skills from the Rugby Field in an actual match.
Cross Recoba: Pitch.
Steve Morrison (in a higher voice): Random again using her skills from the Rugby Field in an actual match.
Cross Recoba: A rugby field is called a pitch.
Steve Morrison: Oh, right, yeah.
Meanwhile, on the outside, there is a huge crashing noise as NOMAD just carelessly slings Poena into the ring steps. Poena looks… happy at this development and as NOMAD charges in after him, Poena hits a drop toehold, landing NOMAD on his face on top of the mess of steps down there. The pair resume rolling around, fighting for position and just clubbing each other with brutal short strikes.
In the ring, Raiden has slowly managed to draw his left knee in, increasing the pressure of the hold but leaving Random precariously hanging onto his arm. Bone Cold draws in his other knee and then with an amazing display of strength, aided by the smaller size of his opponent, he manages to get to a vertical base before collapsing his weight forward, spiking Random with a short powerbomb. Raiden keeps his body weight on top to force a count…
ONE!
TWO!
TH… Random kicks out.
Steve Morrison: That was a close call for both competitors here.
Cross Recoba: Sometimes getting your opponent to submit takes more effort than getting a pinfall. I am fortunate to have both options in my arsenal.
Raiden isn’t messing about as he grabs the grounded Random as he stands back up. With an almighty heave, he DEADLIFT GUTWRENCHES Random up into a Canadian Backbreaker Rack! Raiden takes a second’s pause before SITTING OUT AND SPINNING RANDOM DOWN FACE FIRST TO THE MAT!
Steve Morrison: CASTLES FALL!
Raiden covers…
ONE!
TWO!
THR… Random kicks out.
Steve Morrison: That was close!
While outside, Poena grabs an arm of NOMAD’s and attempts to whip him into the guardrail. The Violent Wanderer reverses and flings Poena, sending him running past the commentary desk and over the guardrail into the fans.
Cross Recoba: No, THAT was close.
Sensing blood in the water, Raiden hauls up Random by the hair. He locks in a crossbody wrist clutch and hoists Random onto his shoulders, keeping the clutch in tight…
Steve Morrison: CLIMHAZZARD!
...BUT RANDOM MANAGES TO FREE HER LEGS AND SLIDES DOWN INTO A HEAD SCISSOR THAT DRIVES RAIDEN’S HEAD INTO THE MAT AT A SAVAGE ANGLE!
Steve Morrison: NO! MODIFIED HYPERSPACE BYPASS!
Random rolls to her feet and charges in, BOOTING RAIDEN IN THE FACE AS HE GETS TO HIS KNEES!
Steve Morrison: SHOE EVENT HORIZON!
Random covers…
ONE!
TWO!
THR… RAIDEN RAISES A SHOULDER!
A stand. A look to the crowd. A coin flip taunt. Random stands and locks Raiden in an inverted facelock…
Steve Morrison: DICEROLL!
...BUT RAIDEN MUSCLES VERTICAL AND HOISTS MCCONALOGUE INTO A TOMBSTONE POSITION! WITH A CONFIDENT SNAP HE THROWS RANDOM UPWARDS AND ROTATES 90 DEGREES, CATCHING HE BODY FLAT AND SNAGGING HER IN THE WRIST CLUTCH MID-FLIGHT! RAIDEN SWITCHES THE MOMENTUM AND DROPS HER HEAD FIRST TO THE MAT!
Steve Morrison: CLIMHAZZARD!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
On the outside Poena and Nomad trade punches. Poena throws NOMAD against the barricade but misses with a follow-up knee….NOMAD catches Poena on the about-turn with a HUGE EXPLODER SUPLEX INTO THE RAPIDLY CLEARING FRONT ROW!!!
Laura Messier: The winners of this match, via pinfall…POENA….AND RAIDEN…ISHIMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!
Raiden’s hand is raised as Random starts to stir.
Steve Morrison: We have PANDEMONIUM here in the Lansky Ballroom as I’m getting word we’re going to run out of time!
Cross Recoba: That’s right, Schiavone!
Steve Morrison: What? Anyway, before we go…Cross, what’s the Match of the Night?
Cross Recoba: I’d be hard-pressed to not vote for this one but the Committee have gone for the opening match!
Steve Morrison: What a match that was too!
Cross Recoba: It was but this one won’t end!
Poena and NOMAD continue through the horrified audience as they exchange blows. Tap Out Security is thrice bitten, now shy about Poena.
Steve Morrison: These two won’t stop and they might not before our next show!
Cross Recoba: Which is great because the Main Event will see NOMAD in his first defence take on Poena!
A foolhardy Tap Out Crew Member feels brave, he looks to intercede but is caught with a stray punch in the melee.
Steve Morrison: We’ll be back after the Rumble for Tap Out Wrestling 21!
Cross Recoba: Talking of Blackjack terms, WHAT a hard hand from NOMAD!!
Poena recovers and now looks positively rabid as he tackles NOMAD into a row of chairs as the crowd can’t give them enough room fast enough.
Steve Morrison: I’m Steve Morrison, joined by Cross Recoba….Good night and here’s to a show for the fallen!
CREDITS
Tribute Graphic - Kris
Opener - Bailey
Main Event - Teeps
Opener - Bailey
Main Event - Teeps
