.:: AWF Presents Rise Up! ep4 - LIVE from Bethesda, OH! ::.
May 4, 2018 16:06:58 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Kira Izumi, and 4 more like this
Post by Steele on May 4, 2018 16:06:58 GMT -5
EPISODE 4 - MAY 4th, 2018
Live and direct, from the latest incarnation of Bethesda Ohio’s VFW Hall...welcome to Rise Up 4!!!
Following the loud booming announcement, the lights of the sold out Veterans Hall dim right down, and loud music starts to play wildly;
As the music plays and pumps up the crowd, a montage of clips plays on the screen behind the ring, with all 258 fans on their feet and cheering.
We see a wrestling clip of the current Rise Up champion, the top dog on the roster, the XHF Phoenix Champion Damien Young!
The next image flashes of his contender, the suave and charismatic Daddy Sokolov! Some cheers from the fans in the crowd, chanting ‘Schneider! Schneider!’.
Next up is images of the main AWF roster, starting with #1 contender to the AWF Championship, Yuki Sakarabi!
Another clip shows current AWF superstars, like Nathan Thunder and James Johnson, Beanz and Kira Izumi. We then fade back to the main Rise Up! Roster, switching from person to person.
Mike Morales: Hello folks here and at home! I’m Mike Morales…
Corndog Wallace: And I’m Corndog Wallace, and welcome to a HUGE night ahead of us!
Mike Morales: That’s right Corndog, Rise Up 4 is here, and it’s the biggest and baddest of the bunch! This new division of superstars has really shown amazing skill in the ring, and proven they deserve to be on the main roster!
Corndog Wallace: Not only that, some of these guys are future AWF Champions, I can picture it already!
Mike Morales: Oh I agree! Rise Up has brought in the freshest and best talent out there, and after showing their worth and kicking some butt, they are about to close out the last quarter of this Superbowl game and put on one heck of a show!
Corndog Wallace: I know, I can’t believe what is in store for us here tonight! To kick off the night we have a clash of goliaths themselves, as our own champion Damien Young takes on his number one challenger, Daddy Sokolov!
Mike Morales: That is proving to be quite the feud, with both men looking to lead their division into the AWF. But tonight we will see who starts on Prestige #16 as the XHF Phoenix Champion!
Corndog Wallace: Indeed, and not to mention the highlight of the night...the Rise Up Rumble! 30 contestants enter, all gunning for their shot at AWF gold. The winner of the Rumble...earns themselves a shot at the State of Ohio Championship!
Mike Morales: A promotion to the main roster, and a chance to be crowned the Champion of ALL of Ohio...that is quite the prize!
Corndog Wallace: Looks like it's time for action now Mike, as Daddy is in the building!
The lights of the hallway turn gold, as the the crowd goes crazy! (Mostly the old men). Livin' La Vida Loca blasts throughout the PA system, as the entrance curtain billows. A moment passes, before its pulled aside and Daddy Sokolov steps forward.
Mike Morales: The crowd are just loving Daddy tonight!
Corndog Wallace: I see a lot of older Vets enjoying him, that's for sure. They better be careful, too much excitement can lead to coronary congestive failure.
Mike Morales: ...just let the OP’s have their fun Corndog!
He starts to walk towards the ring, winking at the camera and shooting a cheesy smile. As he gets to the ring, he pauses and shouts "Lock your doors! Turn the lights off! It's time for Daddy!"
He slides underneath the bottom rope before getting back onto his feet, rebounding off the rope in-front of him, and then climbing the opposite turnbuckle. As he stands atop the rope dozens of screaming fans begin to flash their phones at him. He lifts his head high in the air, to more cheers from the crowd.
Corndog Wallace: Well it’s easy to see the crowd are rooting for Daddy Sokolov! This will be a good test of what's to come, as “DS” is looking hyped up!
Mike Morales: “DS”?
Corndog Wallace: Now you got it Mike!
As ‘Unveil Raze’ starts to tear through the speakers, the fans start to cheer once more for their champion. The lights dim down and a pink hue fills the entrance way, building excitement.
Mike Morales: Damien Young, one of the hottest stars in the game to-day. He’s come a long way on his journey, from proving his worth in TGK, to showing his prowess in the ring here at Rise Up. And following tonight, win or lose, he is going to have a very rewarding career ahead of him in the AWF!
Corndog Wallace: That is true Mike, Damien Young is one to watch. He is set for stardom, and destined for greatness. Him along with some other names are going to go far!
Mike Morales: True, and if you’ve been tuning into SmackTalker recently, him and Seth Dillinger have had a brooding bromance! Might it be the start of something major?
Corndog Wallace: Seth Dillinger AND Damien Young? As a team? Whoa, attack on the titans indeed! Two unstoppable forces joined up...that would make for some interesting TV!
As his music still plays, Young pulls back the curtain and emerges, raising his arms up to cheers from the crowd. He wears the XHF Phoenix title around his waist, and pats it as he walks to the ring. He reaches from side to side, clapping hands with fans before reaching the steps to the ring. Inside, Daddy Sokolov paces, awaiting his opponent.
Corndog Wallace: Daddy must be getting nervous here. Nervous...or excited!
Mike Morales: Oh I’d think its excitement alright, this is a huge opportunity for him to show his worth and truly-
Corndog Wallace: No Mike, I mean excited!...In his pants!
Mike Morales: ...I have no words to describe how weird you are…
Corndog Wallace: What! He’s German! C’mon...that’s not the “wurst” sausage joke I could have used…
Mike Morales: *facepalms*
Young enters the ring, grimacing at his opponent. He finds the turnbuckle and climbs up, unbuckling his belt and holding it high over his head. He drops to the mat and marches right across the ring to the opposite corner...where Daddy is standing. Fearlessly he marches right past, shouldering his opponent slightly and climbing the turnbuckle again, raising his title to the crowd. He drops down and returns to his own corner, preparing for the match.
Gabe Valentine is stood in the ring, ready to officiate this match up. He calls both men into the centre of the ring, and has them fist bump to start things off.
DING DING!
As the match starts, both men test each other gingerly, closing the gap for grapples but breaking apart quickly. They continue this battle of brawn a couple more times before Young lands a kick to Daddy’s knee, and follows up with a forearm to the face, taking a quick advantage. He follows up with some strong forearms, and ends the attack with an irish whip to the ropes and a follow up clothesline.
Corndog Wallace: Young is going to take this match in a technical route, but Daddy’s style is a little more impractical, hitting hard and laying down the opposition. It will be an interest competition!
Young continues to control the match, using hsi technical skills to deliver body slams, arm bars and perfectly landing knee strikes. He hooks Daddy for a vertical suplex, but its countered. Daddy gets the upper hand and turns the failed suplex into a snap DDT, and turns the tide of the match. With Young down, Daddy continues to drive with stomps and dropping elbow strikes. He sits Young upright, whips off the ropes and lands a hard toe-peg to the kidneys of the Phoenix Champion. The sound echoes around the hallway.
Mike Morales: Ouch! I think we all felt that one, as Daddy landed a kick so strong that Ronaldo would be impressed!
Corndog Wallace: Judging by Young rolling around the ring in pain, I’m sure he’s well aware!
Daddy now controls the match, hitting savage strikes and chops on the champ, and pushing him to the corner. He beats and punches until Young is weakened, and starts to mount him over the ropes. He lays down hard fists, as the crowd counts along…
Two…
Three…
Four…
Five!...
Six!...
Seven!...
Eig- no, Young crosses his arms over his head and blocks the attack! With a surge of energy, he grabs Daddy in a bearhug and runs forward, right into a spinebuster. Daddy is down, landing hard, as Young takes a couple moments to steady himself. Back on his feet, Young pulls Daddy up but floors him with a thigh-bash to his chin and drops him once more. He whips from the ropes and tries to land a leg drop, but misses!
Corndog Wallace: Young is trying to play this cool, letting Daddy lose his cool and break him down slowly...but Daddy is tougher than that!
Mike Morales: These two have such a similar style in one way, but completely different when you see them in the same ring.
Daddy and Young both return to their feet at similar times but Daddy manages to take the power back and works Young down. With a weakened opponent, he easily manages to lock in a sleeper hold and strangle the champ. Young flails but is unable to break from the hold, and grows weaker. Gabe Valentine checks in, doing his best referee work now to make sure Young is still alive. He raises his arm…
It falls…
Corndog Wallace: This doesn’t look good for Damien Young! Look at the arms on Daddy Sokolov, bulging as he applies the tight choke hold.
Gabe checks with Young once more, and raises his arm again…
It falls once more…
Mike Morales: This is NOT good! Young is turning purple, and he might already be out for the count!
Gabe checks Young one last time, raising his arm and letting go.
It’s falls for the third time...wait! No! Damien Young has stopped his hand from falling, and is trying to fight back! He is shaking himself free, as the crowd pops and cheers for their champ. He tries and tries to break free, slowly slipping his head free and out. He runs to the ropes, looking to rebound into something big...but Daddy is right there with a big boot!
Corndog Wallace: Young was weakened and dizzy, he didn’t see that size 14 boot coming towards his face!
Mike Morales: You know his shoe size? Let me guess, there's a joke in there about ‘you know about guys with big feet?’
Corndog Wallace: Huh? Sorry Mike I must have missed that one.
Mike Morales: Really? It must be the oldest joke in the b-
Corndog Wallace: THEY GOT HUGE DONGS!
Mike Morales: ...I really hope they send you back to Seattle.
With Daddy now in full control, it doesn’t look so good for Young as he crawls away. Stopping him, Daddy drags him back by his ankle and flips him, scooping his leg now for a pin;
ONE...
TW- Kickout by Young.
Annoyed, Daddy starts to punch and beat down the champion some more, mounting him and landing direct punches to his face. After a number of direct blows, Gabe interjects and breaks them up. Daddy quickly scoops the leg again;
ONE…
TWO…
TH-Kickout by Young!
Mike Morales: Closer, but there is still fight left in the champion!
Even more annoyed, Daddy gets to his feet and starts to signal to the crowd for something big. He stalks Young, waiting for him to get to his feet. As the champ finally gets upright, Daddy closes the gap wit a kick to the midsection...but his kick is caught by Young!
Corndog Wallace: Looks like Daddy Sokolov was looking to end this match with his finisher!
Mike Morales: Young is still too fast, and now has Daddy hopping on one foot!
As ‘Mr. Fantantisch’ hops, Damien spins him around and lands a front kick of his own...but that is caught by Daddy now! As the champ hops on one foot, the contender laughs into his face. Young looks to be in trouble, but suddenly-
Corndog Wallace: Enziguri! Young just landed a hard boot right to the temple of Daddy Sokolov, dropping him like a ton of bricks!
Mike Morales: That is the move known as the Gunshot! As deadly as it sounds!
With both men down on the mat, Gabe Valentine tries to make a count, but they keep moving and stirring. Slowly Young gets up, as Daddy climbs the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. Back to their feet they meet back in the center ring, starting a slobberknocker of a duel, punching and battling. Young tries to go for another front kick, but Daddy thrust his samn sexy German hips backwards and dodges it, following up with a lunging knee thrust right to the abs of Young.
Mike Morales: That looked a little...low to me.
Corndog Wallace: No no, that was waist high, maybe higher.
Mike Morales: Judging by the look on Youngs face, that hit something!
Quickly, Daddy catches Young as he is bend forward in pain. He quickly hooks both arms and goes for a butterfly DDT...and gets it!
Corndog Wallace: The Butterfly Effect! That is Daddy’s ending move, but it certainly looked a lot sloppier than usual!
Mike Morales: Daddy is still reeling after that Gunshot to the temple, he got the move but it doesn’t look like he landed it correctly. Young is stirring on the mat, when he should be KO’d!
Noticing all of this too, Daddy gets up to his feet, now sweating and breathing hard. He looks to the top rope, then at the crowd, then the camera...and a smile crosses his face. The crowd love it! He walks to the corner, and slowly makes his way up until he is standing on the top rope. Lying before him is Damien Young, right in danger’s way. Daddy Sokolov signals to the crowd that he is about to end things, much to the crowds excitement...but Young jumps up and runs off the ropes! Splitting his footing, Daddy falls directly down onto his German Sausage, and lets out a long painful groan.
Corndog Wallace: OUCH!
Mike Morales: OUCH too!
With Daddy sat on the top rope, immobilized, Damien Young makes his way to the corner and climbs up. He gets above Daddy, using punches and forearms to keep him weakened. He tries to lock in a top rope vertical suplex, but Daddy refuses to help and won't get up from his seated position. Young tries again to drag the stud to his feet, but once more Daddy fights back.
Mike Morales: I can’t watch...both men tethering on the top rope!
Corndog Wallace: Either way, one of these men is going to hit the mat hard!
With Daddy still fighting back, Young is unable to hook his arm and lock in the suplex. Still struggling, Young quickly kicks Daddy into the chest, catches his arms in an underhook...and pulls Daddy down to the mat right into a DDT!
Mike Morales: Holy Spirit! Damien Young just butterfly DDT’d Daddy Sokolov from the top rope!
Corndog Wallace: Our champion just used the competitions move against him! Butterfly Effect!
With Daddy lying still on the mat, Young quickly scoops the leg;
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Corndog Wallace: I can’t believe it, he’s done it again! Damien Young wins, and is STILL the XHF Phoenix Champion!
Mike Morales: What an amazing ending to this match, seeing an opportunity and seizing it! Damien Young once more proving why he deserve to be a champion, not only in the AWF but to be recognized across the entire Network!
Corndog Wallace: I agree Mike, Young has been on the rise for so long now, and we have enjoyed watching him kick ass along the way. And now he enters the AWF with a massive winning streak and a piece of XHF history slung over his shoulder. No doubt Daddy Sokolov will be seething after this!
Mike Morales: Well...if he wakes up that is. He looks like he's having a long sleep now! Stay tuned folks, as after these commercial breaks we have something really special for you all...the long anticipated wedding of the AWF Champion, Jackson Steele and his long time partner eXXXstacy! Wedding bells will be ringing, so stay tuned!
We return from the commercial break to see the inside of the VFW decked out in white: there are white sashes and ribbons wrapped around the ring ropes, balloons floating up from the corner posts. Staffers are busy scattering rose petals along the aisle as a string quartet take their seats by the entranceway and a large white arch is erected in the middle of the ring.
Mike Morales: Folks, we're about to see something very special right now. The AWF Champion Jackson Steele and his fiancee eXXXstacy are about to let us into their lives to share one of their most intimate moments.
Corndog Wallace: They already did that several times on DVD, Mike.
Mike Morales: Will you stop! This is a very solemn occasion!
Just then the curtain parts and the vicar walks out.
Corndog Wallace: Is that...
Mike Morales: Eliah Nathaniel? Well I wasn't expecting this.
Corndog Wallace: Er... no. What's he doing here?
Mike Morales: Well I think it's pretty obvious. For those of you who don't know, Eliah Nathaniel used to be on the AWF roster once upon a time. Let's just say he was...
Corndog Wallace: Fanatical?
Mike Morales: You could say that. The last time we saw Eliah was when Jackson Steele visited him several months back for advice. He seemed to have "toned down" his religious fervour a tad... and now Steele has apparently asked his new friend for another favor!
The lights dim.
Corndog Wallace: Shh! Shh! It's starting!
A remixed version of "The Ecstacy Of Gold" by Ennio Marricone starts to play over the speakers and a gold light shines on the entrance curtain. Jackson Steele steps out through the curtain wearing a bespoke suit, calling for a spotlight. The spotlight follows him to the ring as he signs a few autographs and takes some selfies with fans, before making his way slowly up the steps.
Corndog Wallace: Look at that suit! Is it Gucci? Luis Vuitton? I'm not sure- it's probably some exclusive designer that we mere mortals have never even heard of!
Up on the apron, Jackson wipes his feet and Eliah Nathaniel holds the ropes open for him. He steps through and shakes hands with the wrestler-turned-priest, before taking up his position at the altar.
Referee Nate Biggs pokes his head through the curtain and gives the string quartet a thumbs up and they begin to play Johann Pachelbel's "Canon in D".
Mike Morales: Well I'm just grateful that she's not coming out here to that "Spyderpussy" tune...
Nate Biggs and Gabe Valentine hold the curtain aside as eXXXstacy walks out, resplendent in her white dress that draws a muffled laugh from Corndog Wallace. Clutching a large wedding bouquet, her face hidden by her veil, she slowly walks to the ring as the fans all clamour to take photos of her. She ascends the steps with the help of a referee and Jackson holds the ropes open for her, she climbs through them with some difficulty.
Eliah Nathaniel directs them to their positions and they stand side-by-side before him as he opens his book containing the service.
Eliah Nathaniel: Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of The LORD to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by The LORD in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by His presence and first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and His Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
The union of husband and wife is intended by The LORD for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given each other in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is The LORD's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by The LORD.
Jackson looks to eXXXStacy and smiles, as she blushes beneath her veil and looks back at him coyly.
Eliah Nathaniel: Into this union Stacey and Richard now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace.
Eliah looks to the audience.
Corndog Wallace: (whispered) Shall I... should I say something?
Mike Morales: (whispered) You better sit your ass down and not ruin this moment!
Thankfully, nobody comes forward. Eliah proceeds.
Eliah Nathaniel: I charge you both, here in the presence of God and the witness of this company, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be married lawfully and in accordance with The LORD's Word, do now confess it.
He pauses, allowing them time to speak if they choose. They do not choose. He looks to the entranceway... huh. Nobody coming from the back to object? This is going swimmingly. He continues.
Eliah Nathaniel: Stacey Jessica Lane, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?
eXXXstacy: I will.
Eliah Nathaniel: Richard Thomas Jackson, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together with her in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?
Jackson Steele: No.
The crowd gasp. eXXXstacy gasps. The commentators gasp.
Eliah Nathaniel: Will all of you witnessing-
...
No!?
eXXXstacy: No!?
Jackson Steele: No.
eXXXstacy: What do you- NO!? Jackson! Is this one of your stupid mind games!? Because if it is, you better knock it off right-
Jackson turns to her.
Jackson Steele: No, Stacey, this isn't a "stupid mind game!" I'm dead serious! You cost me at The Rumble, big time! That was supposed to be my big moment! I was going to cap off the biggest year of my life by winning the Rumble and then marrying you but you couldn't even get back into the ring without dumping me over the top rope!
The crowd turn against Jackson, booing him for his mistreatment of eXXXstacy.
Mike Morales: Is he serious? Come on! He waited until NOW to tell her this? That no-good, heartless-
eXXXstacy looks completely bewildered.
eXXXstacy: We've been together for eight years Jackson! And you want to throw it all away because of one wrestling match!? I've done so much for you! I've sacrificed everything!
Jackson Steele: You've done so much for me? If it wasn't for me, you'd still be in Indiana working at that strip club! And these past ten months you've been taking all the credit for my success and I was stupid enough to go along with it! But after what happened at The Rumble I opened my eyes and saw just how much you were holding me back!
She tears off the veil to reveal a face streaked with tears and mascara.
eXXXstacy: HOLDING YOU BACK!? I put my body in between you and 300-pound men to help you win that title! When you were having doubts, I was the one who called Harry and got you whipped into shape! I got kidnapped by a GOD DAMN CULT!
Eliah looks at her with a scornful looks for using the LORD's name in vain.
Jackson Steele: And what happened then? I beat two of them in a handicap match to win you back! You can't say you helped me do that! And what about at the Christmas Show? You didn't help me retain my title there, did you?
eXXXstacy: But Ezriel interfered! I tried to help, Jackson! I really tried!
Jackson Steele: You're always there, nagging at me. Anything I try to do- nag, nag, nag! I buy a coffin, you freak out! I try to create a zombie army, you tell me I can't do it! I want to turn my hand to acting, you say I'm trying to do too much! Well guess what, sister, I did it. For the first time in my life I went against what you said and it paid dividends! Now I was gonna let that one slide but after you dumped me out of the Rumble, THAT, I'm afraid, was the last straw!
eXXXstacy: JACKSON! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! WHY ARE YOU DOING-
Jackson Steele: I've had enough of this now, can someone just get her out of here please?
Two suited and booted, shaven-headed big men in shades come through the curtain. The suits climb the stairs to the ring and go through the ropes, one of them taking hold of eXXXstacy as she kicks and screams. Eliah Nathaniel goes to Jackson and turns him round, clearly nonplussed about the whole situation as he tries to get Jackson to show compassion.
Mike Morales: Who would have thought we'd ever see this, Eliah Nathaniel actually being the voice of-
Corndog Wallace: Oh no! You can't do that to a priest!
Jackson boots Eliah in the gut and then gets him across his shoudlers, dropping him with a Death Valley driver that he calls "Straight To DVD"! The second suit rolls Eliah out of the ring.
Jackson Steele: The fact of the matter is this- Jackson Steele is the real deal and when you're the real deal you need real tough guys watching your back because everybody wants to take something from you. Well these boys aren't here to leech off of me, live in my house, eat my food, sleep in my bed... I might let 'em swim in my pool from time to time but other than that our relationship is purely business. They watch my back and they get paid handsomely in return. I'd like to introduce you all to two boys from the East End of London who are tough as nails and their job is to makes sure that nobodies like all of you don't get within touching distance of the Champ without my say-so! "Dirty" Del Trevor and "Danny Boy" Davis- they call themselves "DDT Security"- and they are now MY private security detail!
Danny Boy drags a protesting eXXXstacy up the aisle while Del keeps an eye on Eliah.
Jackson Steele: Now I want you all to take a good look at her as she goes, because she represents the past! That Jackson Steele is DONE! You are now looking at the new, improved, independent, self-sufficient Jackson Steele! The go-getter! The bootstrapper! The self-made man! Everything I do from here on out I do BY myself, FOR myself! And you know that any time you wanna see me, you can just turn on your TV, open a magazine, go online, go to your local theater becase the Jackson brand is gonna be everywhere but most of all when you wanna see what success looks like all you gotta do is look... up. Look up at the stars and I'll be among them, front and center shining brighter than all the rest because Jackson Steele is the real deal and I am the one and only SUPER star in AWF baby.
He drops the mic and the crowd erupt into a furious drone of boos. Del Trevor opens the ropes and Jackson hops down to the floor, Del then jumps down and goes ahead of Jackson, pushing away the hands of fans that reach out and try to touch, hit, molest or interact with Jackson in any way.
Mike Morales: I... I can't believe it. What did we just witness?
Corndog Wallace: I don't know but it certainly wasn't a wedding!
Mike Morales: Jackson Steele claims to be the "Real Deal" and that he doesn't need anyone but in the same breath he brings in TWO goons to do his bidding for him! What is going on!?
Corndog Wallace: Does this mean we won't be seeing eXXXstacy any more Mike?
Mike Morales: I don't know! I think so! You heard what he said!
Corndog Wallace: All this success has gone to his head! He's gone crazy! He seriously thinks that she had NOTHING to do with his fortunes in AWF?
Mike Morales: I think you might be right! Folks, we're gonna have to wait and see what comes of this but coming up next, we PROMISE we'll have a definitive answer for you as thirty entrants vie to become the Number One Contender to the State Of Ohio Championship in the new-look AWF! It's Rise Up's last match... don't go anywhere!
Jessie Love: Ladies and gentlemen… it is now time for the “Rise Up Rumble!”
Mike Morales: Oh good, I need something to take my mind off of what we just saw… I still can’t get over the fact that Jackson Steele would do that to his own fiancee…
Corndog Wallace: I’m gonna guess she’s not his fiancee any more Mike…
Jessie Love: Introducing first, the competitor who drew number one…
The lights go dark. A flash of lightning (in this case the lights go on and off real quick) goes through the VFW. Queue the thunder sound. Guitar notes start with the entrance song. Lights come back on. A figure can be seen in the entranceway. Yes, it's Tommy Lightning, in all his glory, a closed fist held over his head, wearing his signature leather jacket. Drumming starts and soon after the vocals, the legend is off.
Jessie Love: Introducing first from Austin, Texas and weighing 205 pounds - Tommy Lightning!
Mike Morales: Tommy Lightning making his debut here in AWF, there are a few more of those to come tonight!
Corndog Wallace: This guy should team up with Nathan Thunder and-
Mike Morales: Somehow I get the feeling that Thunder is more of a “lone wolf”…
Dancing and bobbing his head to the beat of the song, he makes his way to the ring, drowning in the cheers of the thousands hundreds dozens of people in the crowd. Finally, he is up in the apron, and with a jump, he comes into the ring, the lights flashing on and off again as he lands and the thunder sounds ring in the arena once more.
As the crowd gets lively, the screen plays a montage of the Watchdogs kicking butt and saving the day, as the entire arena starts to glow in a golden light. As the intro music fully kicks in, the Bobcat appears from backstage. Dancing for the fans, he busts out a few moves to pump up the crowd, before he starts walking towards the ring.
Jessie Love: And drawing number two… weighing 110 pounds and hailing from Louisville, Kentucky… The Bobcat!
Corndog Wallace: Oh god, this is gonna be a trainwreck.
Mike Morales: Just thank god he’s in there with a cruiserweight and not somebody like the aforementioned Nathan Thunder…
Bobcat climbs the staircase to the apron and climbs in, mounting the ropes and raising both his arms into the air, while the fans cheer for him.
Bobcat and Lightning circle each other, and the bell rings. Bobcat ducks and weaves and shows off some fancy footwork, putting up his dukes and inviting Tommy to come at him. Lightning laughs and looks to the crowd, asking them if this guy is for real. Bad idea. Bobcat runs in - and punches Tommy in the dick!
Mike Morales: All legal! No DQ’s in a Rumble match! And Tommy’s regretting taking his eye off the ball!
Corndog Wallace: Ha. Ball.
Bobcat pushes Lightning into the ropes and grabs one of his legs, trying to lift him up and over. But at 4’5” and only half of his opponent’s weight, that’s not happening. Lightning shakes his leg and Bobcat hangs on, then… Lightning gives a big kick, and punts him across the ring!
Mike Morales: Oh my god! He nearly eliminated him right there with one kick!
Corndog Wallace: Thank god for those ring ropes getting in the way!
Lightning winces as he apparently didn’t mean to kick him that far… Bobcat gets up though and shows he’s a tenacious little bastard. Tommy Lightning is taken by surprise as Bobcat rushes him, he has to awkwardly step over the top of the careening little person who hits the middle rope and flies back at him with a springboard spear!
Mike Morales: Big! Game! Hunting! Bobcat could be about to upset Tommy Lightning!
Lightning gets up, rests against the ropes… Bobcat runs at him! Lightning flips him up and over!
Corndog Wallace: He’s gone!
Mike Morales: No! Stayed on the apron!
Tommy Lightning turns round and Bobcat headbutts him in the groin, then as Lightning staggers into the middle of the ring Bobcat catapults himself up and over the ropes! He goes for the big aerial move - but Lightning catches him, giving him a huge powerbomb before falling to the mat himself to try and massage his boys back to health.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer goes and “Anti You” by Blue Stahli plays.
Jessie Love: Entrant number 3: Adam Phillips!
Phillips runs to the ring and slides under the bottom rope, gong straight for Bobcat who is struggling to stand. Basement dropkick right to the face! Bobcat flips over the middle ropes and goes hard to the floor below!
Corndog Wallace: He only went through the ropes, gotta go over ‘em to be eliminated!
Phillips turns his attention to Lightning who is getting to his knees and drops him with a snap DDT. He picks him up and runs him to the ropes- and Lightning goes over the top, but stays on the apron! Phillips fires some forearms towards him but Lightning clings on…
Mike Morales: Tommy Lightning’s AWF debut might be about to get spoiled by Adam Phillips!
Lightning manages to fire a forearm of his own back and then follows up with a kick through the ropes. Phillips doubles up and Lightning sunset flips over, bringing himself back into the ring and Phillips down to the mat. They lock up and Phillips gets the initiative back as he knees Lightning in the gut and then hits an Irish whip, a chop to the chest dropping Lightning onto his back.
Mike Morales: Adam Phillips is looking good in his first match! He might go on to win this!
But Phillips gets no chance to rest- Bobcat is back with a vengeance and he climbs the top turnbuckle, jumping off and landing on Phillips’ back! He clings on and seems to be biting at the back of his head!
Corndog Wallace: He’s a dirty little bugger, ain’t he?
Mike Morales: When DQ’s don’t count, I guess you play to your strengths to make up for your weaknesses…
Phillips thrashes and struggles, finally managing to get hold of Bobcat’s head and he throws him over his shoulder, he lands on the canvas with a splat.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer sounds, and the crowd pop as “Bang Bang” by Story Of The Year hits.
Jessie Love: Entrant number 4: from SSS… Ashlyn Moon!
Ashlyn Moon sprints to the ring and immediately goes after Adam Phillips.
Mike Morales: Whoa! Sakura Shoujo Stampede’s Ashlyn Moon showing that she’s not afraid to step up and take on the guys!
Corndog Wallace: She’s standing up for the little guy! Literally!
She hits Phillips with a stinging chop to the chest before snatching him up and rushing him into the corner, running in with a big leaping knee smash and then she turns to the crowd, giving a huge battlecry to get them pumped! Phillips staggers along the ropes and Moon backs up ready to unleash another high knee… she rushes in… but Phillips drops to the mat and she hits the top rope hard, going over the top and to the apron.
Mike Morales: Ashlyn Moon in danger now!
Phillips gears up to run into Moon and knock her out of the match but Bobcat steps in front of him, blocking his way!
Phillips shrugs his shoulders and picks Bobcat up, lifting him above his head! He turns - and gets a big spear from Tommy Lightning! Bobcat goes flying and Ashlyn Moon steps back through the ropes, she then goes after Tommy Lightning and comes close to a surprise elimination- Tommy stopping short of the ropes and pushing back, sending Moon rolling backwards into the middle of the ring.
Mike Morales: Just shy of having our fifth competitor enter the match and no eliminations thus far, though a few close-calls!
Lightning turns back to her and they lock up, the heavier Lightning winning in the strength stakes and he goes behind her, taking her up with a belly-to-back suplex and slamming her down into the mat. Tommy Lightning backs up, letting Moon stagger up as he prepares to hit his Axe Kick finisher…
…but Adam Phillips rushes back in from out of nowhere and hits him with a Superman Punch! Tommy goes down, and Phillips wastes no time in dragging him back up and throwing him out over the top rope!
Jessie Love: Tommy Lightning has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: We’ve got our first elimination! Adam Phillips sends Tommy Lightning out of the match!
Corndog Wallace: Don’t forget, these two meet in one week’s time on Prestige in a triple-threat match!
Mike Morales: Good point! Adam Phillips could have just earned himself a psychological edge over one of his opponents in that match - on the other hand, Tommy Lightning may have just found some extra motivation to go on and win!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The crowd count down from ten and the buzzer goes. “Blood” by Dropkick Murphys hits.
Jessie Love: Entrant number 5: Mick Murphy!
Mick Murphy slowly makes his way down the aisle, smirking at Lightning as he heads the other way to the back. In the ring, Adam Phillips goes back to work against Ashlyn Moon as he works her over in the corner. Bobcat gets up and tries to make the save, which prompts Murphy to rush to the ring, sneaking up behind the diminutive superhero and punting him hard in the ribs.
Corndog Wallace: Jesus, Bobcat has taken an absolute kicking tonight.
Murphy pushes Phillips aside and helps to give Moon a beating in the corner. Phillips turns to him and gives him a shove back, and it looks like they’re going to start fighting between themselves… but Murphy says something that apparently has Phillips agreeing with him and the two of them set to work double-teaming Moon.
The crowd boo as the two men beat up on the lone female.
Mike Morales: I know she entered this of her own choice, but it’s not right. What do these guys prove? That they can beat up a 150-pound woman two-on-one? That’s real tough of you, boys.
Bobcat rolls over, clearly in pain, and can only watch as they team up against Moon. To her credit, Moon starts to fight back! She slaps Phillips hard in the face and gives Murphy a stiff kick to the nuts that gives the crowd hope, getting them cheering. But she’s tired and worn out. Phillips turns back to her and gives her an even harder slap across the face. Murphy curses as his eyes water, on his knees feeling the effects of her kick.
Inspired by her fight back, Bobcat starts to crawl… the crowd start cheering louder and louder as he makes his way over to Adam Phillips, grabbing a handful of tights as he tries to pull himself up.
Corndog Wallace: Bobcat just won’t give up! He swore to protect the downtrodden and there’s none more downtrodden right now than Ashlyn Moon!
Phillips turns and looks at Bobcat with a look of disgust on his face. He grabs a handful of 80’s mullet and lifts him up… into a gorilla press position…
Mike Morales: Oh god no-
Corndog Wallace: He’s not gonna…
But Phillips is gonna, and he does - he takes a run-up and throws Bobcat into the crowd!
Jessie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, Bobcat has been- oh…
Corndog Wallace: Uh… he’s not out, right?
Mike Morales: Feet haven’t touched the floor!
Caught by the crowd, Bobcat is borne aloft and avoids elimination! He looks around him, and then blacks out. The crowd start to pass him around, and he crowd-surfs interminably.
Corndog Wallace: I mean… if he stays out there, he could win this.
Mike Morales: True… though he’s still gotta get back in and make the last elimination…
Back in the ring Murphy and Phillips regroup and they turn back to Moon just as the countdown timer runs out… “Unstable” by Jim Johnson plays and the crowd go nuts!
Corndog Wallace: Wait a minute! That’s the Warrior’s music!
Phillips and Murphy turn towards the entrance and Cosmic Warrior bursts out through the curtain and speeds to the ring, knocking over a cameraman before sliding under the bottom rope. Phillips rushes him… CLOTHESLINE! Murphy takes a shot… CLOTHESLINE! Warrior beats his chest as Phillips comes back at him… SCOOP SLAM! Warrior backs into the ropes… WARRIOR SPLASH! He covers Phillips!
Mike Morales: There are no pinfalls in a Rumble match, you idiot!
Warrior doesn’t seem to understand why there referee’s aren’t counting, or why they’re all outside the ring. He gets up off of Phillips and turns to look out of the ring and the refs tell him that he can’t make pinfalls… turning round he suddenly eats a superkick from Mick Murphy that sends him over the top to the floor!
Jessie Love: The Warrior has been eliminated!
Murphy leans over the top rope and waves bye-bye at Warrior as the fans boo, when suddenly Ashlyn Moon runs across the ring and tries to lever him over the top!
Mike Morales: Wait! We’re gonna see another elimination right here!
Murphy hangs on and lashes out at Moon, freeing himself from danger and sending her into the middle of the ring. He drops her with a clothesline but he’s feeling the effects from the world’s stiffest clothesline at the hands of the Warrior.
Warrior gets up and loudly declares to Jessie;
COSMIC WARRIOR: DO NOT FEAR JESSICA OF THE LOVE TRIBE! FOR I HAVE MASTERED THE ART OF RE-ENTERING THE RING! I SHALL SIMPLY SLIDE BACK UNDER THE ROPES AND REJOIN THE MATCH!
Warrior ignores the protests from the referees and goes back into the ring, Mick Murphy being forced to fight him once more as he desperately tries to avoid being hit by another clothesline.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
As Warrior throws the rules out of the window, the buzzer goes and Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever” fills the VFW.
Jessie Love: Entrant number 7: Cop- I mean- The Big Black Cat!
Cat walks down the aisle, making sure to take his time as he doesn’t particularly fancy getting in the ring with Murphy and Phillips. He looks around the building, and spots Bobcat being crowdsurfed around.
Corndog Wallace: Is he bandaged up? It looks like he’s been stabbed or something.
Mike Morales: I don’t know if we’re allowed to address that particular point or not… let’s just pretend it doesn’t exist.
Murphy slings fists at the Warrior as Ashlyn Moon recuperates in the corner beneath the ropes. Adam Phillips gets back up and he starts to take it to Warrior, joining in with Murphy and the referees in an attempt to remove the eliminated man.
Mike Morales: Well we’ve got ourselves a pier-six brawl breaking out between officials and wrestlers as everybody tries to get the Cosmic Warrior out of the damn ring!
Corndog Wallace: He just doesn’t seem to understand what’s going on!
Warrior is surrounded by bodies but suddenly powers up, pushing everybody off of him and he hits the ropes, dropping a Warrior Splash onto Gabe Valentine!
Mike Morales: No, Warrior! You can’t pin a referee!
Big Black Cat continues to pace around the ring, looking like he doesn’t really want to get in. He watches as Bobcat makes another pass overhead.
Corndog Wallace: What are you waiting for Cat? You’re a superhero! Get in there and save those referees!
Warrior continues to keep everybody at bay as he completely ruins the Rumble, attacking wrestlers and referees alike! Big Black Cat looks like he’s about to climb the steps, but chickens out when Adam Phillips is thrown into the corner and takes a running splash from Warrior!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The countdown ends… and Generic Superhero Music plays! BBC spins round and jumps up and down with excitement.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 8: The Blue Beanie!
Beanie stomps down the aisle and plucks Bobcat out of the crowd, throwing him over one shoulder. He then puts a hand on Cat’s shoulder, and walks with him into the ring.
Mike Morales: Here comes backup for The Watchdogs! There’s three of them in there now…
Corndog Wallace: Make that two and a half, don’t forget Bobcat’s a midget.
Mike Morales: Er, right- two-and-a-
Corndog Wallace: But he’s out cold so maybe Two and a quarter?
Mike Morales: Good point, two and-
Corndog Wallace: And that Cat feller’s hardly any bigger than the midget anyway.
Mike Morales: So… what are we saying here? There are one and a half Watchdogs in the ring now?
Corndog Wallace: Yeah, that’ll do.
The Watchdogs head up the steps and into the ring and Beanie takes Bobcat by the feet, and swings him round his head before clobbering the Warrior with him and knocking him down!
Mike Morales: Wait a minute…
Warrior pops back up and Beanie smashes him with the unconscious midget once again! He staggers and Beanie throws Bobcat down to the canvas, before revving up and hitting a huge CLOTHESLINE to knock Warrior over the top rope! Warrior goes out of the ring once more and hits the floor!
Jessie Love: The Cosmic Warrior has been eliminated! Again! Please, just stay out now, ok?
Phillips and Murphy see an opportunity to take out the newest big man in the Rumble, they rush at him but he turns around- lifting both men up by the throat!
Corndog Wallace: Good God almighty look at that strength!
Beanie holds them there for a second, and specifically looks for Big Black Cat… and takes him down with a big boot!
Mike Morales: Wait a minute!
Corndog Wallace: He just kicked his own teammate!
Beanie laughs at his “prank” which gives Murphy and Phillips a chance to both kick him in the chest at the same time and free themselves.
Mike Morales: Phillips and Murphy have been very effective teaming up here tonight and now they’re looking for a big elimination between them!
They try to lever the huge man up and over the ropes but he makes himself deadweight, clinging on for dear life and they can’t manage to get him up. But they stay on him as the timer counts down again.
Mike Morales: So we’ve got Phillips and Murphy trying to get the Blue Beanie out, Big Black Cat is seeing stars in the middle of the ring, Ashlyn Moon is starting to come to her senses and Bobcat is practically dead for all intents and- hey Corndog, what are you doing?
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Corndog stands up and takes off hit jacket and tie as the buzzer goes.
Jessie Love: Entrant number 9: Corndog Wallace!
Mike Morales: You’re in this!?
Corndog Wallace: Damn straight I’m in this and you watch sonny, I can see me some easy eliminations right now!
Corndog slides into the ring and goes straight for Bobcat! He scoops up the unresponsive little person and Beanie notices this- he suddenly springs into action, pushing Phillips and Murphy off of him and he rushes across to the other side of the ring and clocks Corndog in the side of the head! Corndog goes down!
Mike Morales: Oh my god- Corndog Wallace is like 65 years old! A punch like that’ll kill him!
Murphy staggers in one direction, Phillips staggers the other way- and he walks straight into a tornado DDT from Ashlyn Moon!
Mike Morales: Ashlyn Moon has rejoined the match! And now it looks as though everyone is gonna pair off- Phillips and Moon are going at it in one corner, The Blue Beanie has an unconscious Bobcat draped over one shoulder but he’s putting the boots into Corndog Wallace! And Mick Murphy has found Big Black Cat trying to pull himself up on the ropes and he’s gonna go for an easy elimination right now!
Murphy backs up and then rushes at Cat, looking for a big boot to send him over the top! But BBC surprises him as he pulls the top rope down!
Mike Morales: Murphy’s gone- no! He stays on the apron!
Murphy turns and punches BBC to buy him a second to re-enter the ring, he does so and then grabs the PVC-clad “superhero” in a clinch, trying to guide him towards the ropes. BBC tries to hold him off the best he can- but Murphy is too strong and he throws him over the top!
Mike Morales: Bye-bye Big Black- wait! He’s still in this too!
BBC holds on to the top rope and hangs precariously above the floor! Murphy turns round thinking that he’s scored an elimination, but is puzzled not to hear the announcement. He turns back… and spots BBC trying desperately to skin the cat. But he’s weak and struggles. Laughing at BBC, Murphy walks over to him… just as Cat figures it out and he gets Murphy in a head scissors!
Mike Morales: Wait! Wait! BBC might actually eliminate someone!
Cat tries desperately to pull Murphy over the top rope, but Murphy hangs on, drags BBC up over the rope and into the ring… BBC somehow pulls off an actual wrestling move and sends Murphy flying into the corner with a headscissor takedown!
Mike Morales: Oh my word! Did he- actually pull off a maneuver?
The crowd are on their feet applauding as Big Black Cat stands up and it looks like he is about to cry. He bows, thanking them for their cheers, and then- gets munched by the Blue Beanie with a spear!
Mike Morales: Oh come on! Just let him enjoy his moment!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Ashlyn Moon is tangling with Corndog Wallace, when the buzzer sounds and The Dollyrots’ “Because I’m Awesome” rocks the speakers!
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 10: From SSS… Nikko Nikata!
Nikata runs to the ring earning herself a decent pop and she slides under the bottom rope - she shows off her martial arts prowess with a standing side kick to Mick Murphy, one for Adam Phillips, she takes The Blue Beanie down to a knee with a backflipping arm wringer/dropkick to the back of his knees combo and then turns her attention to Moon, locking up and hitting her with a monkey flip, followed by a running knee to the face.
Mike Morales: Nikko Kikata making an immediate impact on this match and she’s gone straight for her fellow SSS member Ashlyn Moon!
Corndog Wallace: That’s smart strategy I think, Moon is the smallest person in this match besides Bobcat. She’d have a hard time if she tried to go up against the Blue Beanie for any prolonged amount of time.
Mike Morales: Quite right, and if- hold on! What are you doing here?
Corndog Wallace: I thought I’d take a breather. Relax, I didn’t go over the top.
Adam Phillips and Mick Murphy back into each other and turn around face-to-face… and instantly start fighting!
Mike Morales: Well it looks like the alliance these two have had in this match has been officially called off! They’re going at it now and they’re throwing some big ol’ hands!
Murphy is the more adept brawler of the two and he quickly gets the upper hand, before trying to Irish whip Phillips across the ring. Phillips reverses, sends Murphy into the corner… Big Black Cat staggers towards Murphy and he eats a big strike combo from Murphy than knocks him down!
Blue Beanie comes from behind and grabs Murphy - he tosses him aside and sees BBC down on all fours… he charges! He steps on BBC’s back! Poetry in motion to Adam Phillips!
Mike Morales: Oh my god! A big 400-pound poetry in motion might have just crushed Adam Phillips into dust!
Corndog Wallace: And Big Black Cat too…
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Mick Murphy comes back at Beanie looking for revenge and Nikata stomps Moon, who really looks to be out of it now, as the buzzer goes. “Timebomb” by Beck hits and the crowd all cheer.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 11: Seth Dillinger!
Mike Morales: Seth Dillinger was very vocal this past week, he’s feeling confident of victory tonight and you know what? I could see him pulling it off!
Corndog Wallace: Me too Mike but he’s gotta look out for that giant of a man Beanie! And he’s going straight for him!
Mike Morales: What a way to make a statement! Give me the biggest guy first!
Dillinger slides into the ring and drags Murphy off of Beanie, as he wants to prove a point by taking on the biggest man in the match. Beanie instantly responds with a goozle and Seth’s eyes bulge as he gets lifted high into the air!
Corndog Wallace: It’s not going to plan!
Seth turns in the air though, wrapping his legs around Beanie’s massive arm and turning it into an armbar! Beanie responds by simply walking to the ropes and holding Seth over the side, threatening him with an early elimination!
Corndog Wallace: It’s REALLY not going to plan!
Mick Murphy suddenly pops up again behind Beanie and grabs his legs, lifting him up and over!
Mike Morales: Murphy looking to steal a double here!
Corndog Wallace: They haven’t gone all the way though!
Murphy swears at the missed chance and then BBC goes for the quick elimination!
Mike Morales: Oh hang on!
Corndog Wallace: Big Black Cat! He just came out of nowhere!
Mike Morales: Big Black Cat is going to eliminate Murphy!
His back to the ring, Murphyis easy pickings for BBC who sneaks up behind him and tries to toss him over the top! Murphy gets his footing though, turns and scowls at BBC who mocks him, and then instantly regrets it as Murphy gives him a big implant DDT!
Dillinger and Beanie roll back into the ring, Beanie still clutching Bobcat in his arms. Ashlyn Moon has fought back from NIkko Nikata’s attack and is busy taking on Adam Phillips.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer goes, and Alice In Chains’ “Check My Brain” gets a HUGE response from the fans!
Mike Morales: Oh My! Could it be!?
Corndog Wallace: I think it is!
A masked figure walks out of the entrance way.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 12: Sebastian El Cazador!
Mike Morales: El Cazador is back! Former Prestige Class Champion! Former member of the Icons! He’s back in the AWF!
Cazador walks down the aisle as everyone in the ring stops to look at him.
Corndog Wallace: He looks like he’s put on a little weight, doesn’t he? I’m sure his stomach didn’t stick out under his shirt like that before…
Mike Morales: I… yeah, he does actually… but spending months on the sidelines will do that to you I guess. In any case, welcome home…
Cazador climbs the steps and lifts his head. The fans’ cheers immediately turn to boos.
Mike Morales: …Jeffrey Viper?
Corndog Wallace: Viper?
Mike Morales: That is NOT El Cazador!
Corndog Wallace: But he got fired! I thought we were rid of him!
Vipador steps through the ropes and is immediately set upon by everybody in the ring. Even Corndog jumps up and rejoins the match.
Mike Morales: Ladies and gentlemen what you can see in the ring right now is testament to just how despised our former GM Jeffrey Viper really is.
A huge orgy of violence is raining down on Viper like the discharge from a bukkake session, if people jizzed feet and fists that is. Viper cowers on the mat, still dressed up as Cazador, and clings desperately to the bottom rope. Blue Beanie punches Big Black Cat in the mouth, once more just for the sheer hell of it, and Viper is mercifully granted a reprieve as everybody once again breaks off to fight one another.
Corndog pairs off with Ashlyn Moon and he has her in the corner, trying to force her over the top rope. She hangs on and manages to swing the momentum her way… as she levers Corndog over the top rope, Viper rushes in and dumps both of them over to the outside!
Jessie Love: Corndog Wallace and Ashyln Moon have been eliminated!
Mike Morales: A double elimination there from Jeffrey- I mean… El Cazador… Corndog Wallace is just making his way back over now, Corndog- how do you feel that went?
Corndog Wallace: That rat bastard. He screwed me!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
“You Love It” by Peaches plays and Supernova flies through the curtain and sprints to the ring!
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 13: Supernova!
Mike Morales: Now we have four out of five Watchdogs all in the ring at the same time! They’ve surely got the best chance of winning now!
Corndog Wallace: Well they might if Blue Beanie can stop beating up his own teammates!
Beanie goes after Cat again and takes him down with a big slap upside his head that most likely burst one of his eardrums. Jeffrey Viper sees this and he grabs Cat, going to throw him over the top rope but Beanie picks him up by the scruff of the neck and sets him down in the middle of the ring. He wags a finger at him like he’s a naughty schoolboy, then breaks his face with a devastating big boot!
Mike Morales: Jesus… come on.
Corndog Wallace: Well perhaps he’s more help to the team when he’s unconscious.
Mike Morales: Thank God for Supernova coming in, she’s dragged him to the corner and she’s protecting him under the turnbuckles.
Adam Phillips is now fighting Nikko Nikata, just to continue his theme of beating on women. But he’s been in the ring a lot longer than she has, so while he may be stronger than her he’s also more tired. He swings a lariat her way that she ducks, goes behind him, then hits him with an atomic drop. Phillips hops about in pain, then turns around - bicycle knee!
Mike Morales: Whoa! Big impact by Nikata with a Jackson-Steele like combo right there!
Corndog Wallace: The combo formerly known by our champ as “Ass To Mouth”, she uses a similar move to finish off her opponents and she might have Phillips finished off right here!
Nikko drags Phillips up and in an astonishing feat of strength drapes him over her shoulders! She goes over to the ropes but he gets his hands out, blocking the elimination attempt! No bother to Nikko - she pulls him into the middle of the ring and hits him with an Ushigaroshi! She celebrates in front of the fans, but then gets grabbed by Viper and thrown over the top!
Mike Morales: She’s gone!
Corndog Wallace: No, safe on the apron!
Viper tries to knock her off the apron but Nikko fights back. But she can’t get back into the ring with him there. Suddenly, Supernova runs across the ring and drops Viper with a bulldog! Nikko steps back through the ropes and gives Supernova a nod of the head in thanks, Supernova responding with a small salute.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Mike Morales: There goes the buzzer, who’s in next?
“Born Of A Broken Man” by Rage Against The Machine hits and the crowd pop for the arrival of Stormcrow!
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 13: From AXW… Stormcrow!
Mike Morales: Former AXW Champion! Current XHF European Champion! The winner of the AXW Scorpion Classic! Stormcrow!
Crow speeds to the ring and he immediately goes for the biggest man in the ring, the Blue Beanie. He slaps him in the chest and demands to fight, Beanie accepts the challenge. They start to slug it out as the rest of the competitors lay at the edges of the ring around them!
Corndog Wallace: Look at this! Stormcrow and Beanie are going toe-to-toe! And Stormcrow is winning!
Mike Morales: Last week at the XHF Rumble we saw the announcement by V that the AWF and AXW would be going head-to-head at Xtraction: Blood Money on June 3rd live from the UK! And now we’ve got a continuation of that rivalry as Stormcrow brings the fight to an AWF ring!
Despite being outweighed by a good 150 pounds Stormcrow throws bone-crunching fists at Beanie to stagger him then runs off the ropes and hits him with a big spear!
Mike Morales: Blue Beanie goes down!
Corndog Wallace: And he’s still holding the damn midget!
Immediately the other competitors- Phillips, Murphy, Nikata, Dillinger and Viper- all converge on Beanie and try to lift him! Supernova and Big Black Cat- who is barely conscious by this point- try to fight them off!
Mike Morales: Stormcrow leading the assault on the Watchdogs but Supernova is rallying the troops to try and mount a fight back, and I don’t know how they’re doing it but somehow they’re fending them off!
Corndog Wallace: It’s because Viper’s part of the assault, for sure.
Supernova hits Viper with a low blow and then turns to Nikata, sidestepping her and running her into the corner of the ring. Big Black Cat valiantly gets scoop slammed by Stormcrow, then leg dropped by Murphy. Beanie gets up to his feet and starts to throw big fists in all directions, decking Stormcrow! Decking Phillips! Decking Big Black Cat! Again!
Mike Morales: Everybody is on the same page now trying to get the Watchdogs out of the ring! And there’s gonna be another entrant coming any second now!
Corndog Wallace: For their sake they better hope it’s Rent-A-Hero!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer goes! It’s not Rent-A-Hero! Instead “Anti-Hero” By Sekai No Owari hits and The American Killer Kira Izumi walks out through the curtain to a shower of boos.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 15: Kira Izumi!
Corndog Wallace: It’s Kira! That’s not the man Watchdogs were hoping for!
Mike Morales: You never know, he might decide to help them out!
Corndog Wallace: I doubt it! He’s taken long enough deciding whether he wants to team with Frank Fletcher and they’ve been booked to team up next week!
Kira takes his time getting to the ring, he sees no reason to throw himself into the middle of the scrum. Bodies are flying as the Watchdogs weather the storm of five united opponents. Supernova goes up top and takes out Mick Murphy with a flying body press, Beanie once more flings Bobcat around like a medieval mace and knocks down Nikko Nikata and Seth Dillinger.
Kira slowly walks round ringside as the chaos unfolds in the ring. Beanie holds Bobcat tightly as he tries to avoid being grabbed by the sea of hands that come after him, when suddenly Big Black Cat gets picked up by Nikata and Phillips. Supernova grabs hold of his leg, trying to hold him in the ring and Beanie joins her. Seth Dillinger starts trying to yanks Bobcat out of Beanies arms and Beanie turns to him… suddenly Kira jumps up on the apron and pulls on Bobcat, and he topples over the ropes and down to the floor, landing on his head!
Jessie Love: Bobcat has been eliminated!
Corndog Wallace: Bobcat’s out! He lasted from number 2!
Mike Morales: But he’s been unconscious for the better part of 45 minutes! Oh man… somebody better check on him…
The Watchdogs are all taken by surprise as Bobcat hits the floor, only for Mick Murphy to come up behind Supernova and dump her over the top!
Jessie Love: Supernova has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Oh Jesus! She landed right on top of the midget!
Beanie and Big Black Cat now go after the other competitors, and you can tell it’s a losing battle. Beanie flies into Adam Phillips and Big Black Cat takes on Seth Dillinger- who immediately reverses and Irish whip attempt and sends the Cat sailing over the top! And he lands on top of Supernova!
Jessie Love: Big Black Cat has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Enough is enough! That poor little person surely can’t breathe with those bodies on top of him!
Beanie is left all alone… and he fights valiantly! He decks Adam Phillips! He decks Nikko Nikata! But Mick Murphy, former prizefighter, has the answer! He unloads trained fists into Beanie and pushes him back against the ropes, Beanie puts his hand out to steady himself - but Kira pulls it down and Beanie wavers!
Mike Morales: Is he safe? He looks like he might be-
A big clothesline from The Stormcrow takes him over!
Corndog Wallace: Timberrrrrr!
Mike Morales: Oh no no no no no!
Beanie seems to fall in slow-motion and he turns, wobbles, topples, and then all 385 pounds of him go crashing to the floor, right on top of Supernova, BBC and Bobcat!
Jessie Love: The Blue Beanie has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Medic! Please send a medic! Like, now!
Corndog Wallace: And just like that! The Watchdogs’ advantage evaporates to nothing!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The countdown ends and “My Hero” by Foo Fighters begins to play.
Corndog Wallace: You just couldn’t make it up, could you?
Mike Morales: Oh boy, he’s gonna have a fun time.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 16: Rent-A-Hero!
Hero walks out through the curtain and looks full of confidence as he heads to the ring, shouting about how he’s going to come and be the savior of the Watchdogs. He starts to jog, and then slows up and comes to a standstill as he sees the pile of bodies on the floor in front of him.
Corndog Wallace: Good luck man! You got this!
Mike Morales: Rent-A-Hero was the first one eliminated in the XHF Rumble and I think he was counting on being able to have the support of his team mates tonight!
Hero looks absolutely gutted to see his team have all been eliminated, as Kira gets into the ring and hooks up with Seth Dillinger.
Mike Morales: These two will meet next week on Prestige in a tag-team match but they’re gonna give us a little preview now! Hip toss by Kira but Seth comes back, looks for the go-behind into a German suplex but Kira blocks it, Irish whip to the corner- OH! Mick Murphy almost took his head off with a clothesline!
Corndog Wallace: That’s the beauty of a match like this! You can’t just concentrate on one guy! Kira never saw Murphy coming and he paid for it!
Rent-A-Hero is still outside the ring, trying to get Beanie off the pile of bodies. It’s not going so well. One of the referees comes over to Hero and tells him that he needs to get into the ring right now, or he’s going to be thrown out of the match. Hero argues back, saying that Kira was allowed to take his time getting into the ring, so he should be able to as well!
Mike Morales: He might have a point, you know.
Corndog Wallace: Pah! Kira got up on the apron! He got involved in the match! He just picked his spot! Rent-A-Hero is just trying to pussy out of it!
In the ring Stormcrow flies into Kira with a shoulder block to knock him to the mat and Nikko Nikata monkey flips Seth DIllinger over and on top of Kira. Jeffrey Viper has taken up the “Road Dogg” position, curling up in a ball under the corner turnbuckle. Adam Phillips and Mick Murphy are in another corner exchanging punches and holds, trying to chuck the other one over the top.
Outside the ring, the referee is still ordering Hero to get into the match. FInally he relents, throwing his arms up in frustration and pitching a fit as he goes up onto the apron. He mouths off at the referee some more and steps through the ropes, and is immediately clotheslined back over the top by Nikko Nikata!
Jessie Love: Rent-A-Hero has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Oh my- He actually did worse than his last Rumble appearance!
Corndog Wallace: Eliminated in one move by a woman! For shame!
Nikko waves at Hero and sticks her tongue out but is suddenly snatched by the scruff of her neck and the top of her tights by Mick Murphy and she soon follows Hero out of the ring!
Jessie Love: Nikko Nikata has been eliminated!
Hero laughs at Nikko, who gets up and fixes him with a death glare. She lunges at him and Hero starts running! She chases him to the back as the next entrant is announced:
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
“Go The Distance” by Sixto Sounds hits and Kaya Rayleigh bursts out through the curtain, she runs the aisle and slaps hands of fans before sliding into the ring.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 17: From SSS… Kaya Rayleigh!
Mike Morales: Kaya Rayleigh is the best friend of Ashlyn Moon, who we saw earlier on in the Rise Up Rumble!
Corndog Wallace: Moon was eliminated by Jeffrey Viper… and Rayleigh is wasting no time in going after him!
Viper screams as Rayleigh rushes over to him and starts kicking him relentlessly as he tries to hide under the ropes. He rolls out of the ring and she slides out after him, chasing him around ringside, every time she gets close enough she lashes out with a big kick that skins his backside.
Mike Morales: Important to note that they went UNDER the ropes, not over, so they’re not eliminated!
They send refs flying and fleeing for cover as they tear around the ring, when Viper goes straight into the ringside steps and flips straight over them! He staggers up and leans on the apron, and in one fluid motion Rayleigh jum[ps up onto the steps, onto the apron, and hits him with a big drive-by dropkick and Viper goes skidding down to the floor!
Mike Morales: HUGE impact there by Rayleigh and she’s lapping up the attention!
Kaya Rayleigh hangs off the ropes and pumps her fist before getting grabbed by Kira Izumi - she aims a kick between the ropes to block him and then goes for a suplex over the top!
Corndog Wallace: If she hits this she’ll take Kira out but crucially stay in herself!
She goes to lift… but Kira makes himself deadweight! She struggles, and then Kira gives her the old up-and-over back into the ring.
Mike Morales: Kira found himself in a precarious position right there but luckily for him he managed to reverse it and take advantage for himself!
But he doesn’t keep the advantage for too long as Kira finds himself being grabbed by Seth Dillinger for a big facebuster followed up by a knee being dropped right into his back! Kira reaches out to the ropes but Seth drags him up and maneuvers him to the corner and starts trying to lift him up and over!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Corndog Wallace: Kira could really use a friend right now!
The buzzer goes - and Kira’s prayers are answered! “Real American” hits and the fans boo as Furanku Furetcha speeds to the ring before the intro riff even finishes.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 18: Frank Fletcher!
He immediately goes over to Seth and gives him a big running ax handle smash which almost knocks Kira over the top, but thankfully for the both of them it just serves to get Dillinger off of him.
Mike Morales: Well there’s that friend you were talking about! Frank Fletcher coming to Kira Izumi’s aid!
Kira slumps in the corner and looks up at Furanku who offers his hand. Kira stares at it for a second, breathing heavily, before taking it and joining forces with Furanku!
Mike Morales: And finally, after weeks of pushing to be Kira’s partner, Frank gets his wish!
Corndog Wallace: Well it’s a good job too because they’re booked to be in a tag-team next week on Prestige!
The newly-formed team of Kira and Furanku go after Stormcrow, dropping him with a double clothesline. They grab Mick Murphy and hit him with a spike piledriver! They pick up Adam Phillips and hit him with that weird thing Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy do!
Mike Morales: These two guys are getting on like a house on fire!
Corndog Wallace: They just need to be careful they don’t end up like The Watchdogs!
Seth Dillinger gets back into the fray and spins Furanku round, hitting him with a snap DDT and then tries for the same move on Kira but he turns it into a back drop. Kaya Rayleigh gives Adam Phillips a spinning leg drop and then tries to pick him up but he sweeps her legs out from underneath her, gets up, and then throws Murphy into the ropes!
Phillips backs up and takes a run-up to throw a clothesline at Murphy… who leans into him, then lifts him up and over! Phillips lands with a sickening thud on the floor below!
Jessie Love: Adam Phillips has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Wow! That sounded like it hurt! Adam Phillips was the longest-surviving entrant so far, he came in at number five and what a performance on his debut!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Murphy turns back into the ring and goes to work on Stormcrow as the buzzer sounds, and Tierra Santa’s “La Sombra De La Bestia” begins to play.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 19: Independent entry, El Hijo Del Muerte!
El Hijo Del Muerte walks out through the entranceway, a green and red mask covering his head.
Corndog Wallace: It’s El Hijo Del Muerte! From Empire Wrestling, now available in the XHF Archives! I know who’s under that mask!
Mike Morales: Well don’t say it!
Corndog Wallace: Why not? It’s old news!
Mike Morales: We haven’t got that far yet! And nobody here is gonna know who it is anyway so who cares? Just play the game!
Muerte slides into the ring and snatches up Furanku, draping him over his shoulders in an Argentine rack and then flipping him off into a knee facebuster!
Mike Morales: Ejecucion 2! Right out of the gate! And Furanku is in danger!
Kira rushes to save his new friend and immediately gets spun upside down into a tombstone position! He kicks his legs and manages to wriggle free, flipping Muerte over and reversing their positions, threatening to give him a tombstone of his own- he goes off balance though and ends up hitting a shoulder-breaker, and Muerte rolls out of the ring.
Mike Morales: A lot of powdering out going on in this match…
Elsewhere, Seth Dillinger hits a double underhook DDT on Kaya Rayleigh and then turns his attention to Mick Murphy, throwing him over the top where he lands on the apron and immediately fires back with a forearm smash. Seth reels in the middle of the ring and goes down to a slingblade from Kira. Murphy comes back through the ropes and is immediately set upon by Stormcrow who gives him an over the shoulder piledriver that he calls “Death Becomes You!”
Corndog Wallace: Big move by Stormcrow! But he’s not gonna eliminate him in the middle of the ring!
As Stormcrow goes to pick Murphy up, Seth Dillinger interrupts him and throws him over the top rope! He lands on the apron! Clinging on to the bottom rope, Stormcrow tries to survive as Dillinger tries to kick him out!
Corndog Wallace: He’s in danger now! Seth Dillinger’s almost got him out!
But Kaya Rayleigh comes back looking for revenge for the DDT, she grabs Seth and throws him into the corner which allows Stormcrow to slide back in under the bottom rope.
Outside the ring, Muerte has discovered Jeffrey Viper. He picks him up and throws him over his shoulder, preparing to run him into the ring post when-
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer sounds, and a man wearing a skull mask jogs out, to no accompanying music.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 20: Uh…?
Mike Morales: Who’s this guy then? We saw his promo, but we don’t have any answers!
Skull Mask sprints to ringside but he doesn’t enter the ring, instead he goes straight after Viper, practically hitting an RKO on him off of Muerte’s shoulder!
Mike Morales: Is he with Muerte then? Those two, Jeffrey Viper… Is this like the mask collector’s club or something?
Muerte and Skull Mask look at each other and nod in agreement, almost as if they had made some sort of telepathic pact. They pick Viper up and throw him back into the ring, then go in after him. Muerte sets Viper up against the ropes and Skull Mask revs up to charge him- but Muerte double-crosses him, hitting him with an enormous clothesline!
Corndog Wallace: Well that union didn’t last long!
Muerte laughs to himself as Skull Mask gets up and has another go, this time aiming for the masked man- Muerte stoops, almost incredulous that he would risk running the ropes… but Skull Mask stops short, kicking him in the face, and then when Muerte snaps back up to a vertical position he clotheslines him over the top!
Jessie Love: El Hijo Del Muerte has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Well thanks for coming, Muerte!
Jeffrey Viper suddenly comes alive again and he grabs Skull Mask, almost spinning him round towards the ropes but Black counters, he ends up with Viper backed up in the corner. Skull Mask takes a risk, climbing up above Viper and giving him a series of punches to the face!
One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Sev-
Viper suddenly pushes up and Skull Mask topples over! But Viper grabs at his shirt and hangs on! Viper stands on the bottom rope, and reaches for the mask. He pulls it off…
Mike Morales: Hey! It’s Dylan Black! Dylan Black is in the Rise Up Rumble!
Corndog Wallace: So that’s why he went after Viper!
Viper looks shocked to see Dylan Black still haunting him. He responds the only way he knows how.
Jeffrey Viper: Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father…
Dylan Black: What?
Jeffrey Viper: No. I am your father.
Dylan Black: I know you freak! At least let me go! You’re choking me!
Jeffrey Viper: Search your feelings. You know it to be true.
Dylan Black: Jesus Christ just let me… for fuck’s…
Mike Morales: Jeffrey Viper has Dylan black practically hanging by the throat from that corner post and Black’s begging him to just let him go!
Corndog Wallace: But Viper won’t do it! He’s too busy quoting movies!
Black starts fading, but the crowd cheer to try and will him on. With one last surge of strength he skins the cat from his awkward position, getting his legs up and round Viper’s neck, then heaves him over the top rope and to the floor!
Jeffrey Viper: Noooooooooooooooooooo!
Jessie Love: Jeffrey Viper has been eliminated!
Viper looks up from the floor to see Black scrambling back in through the ropes, and the crowd start chanting “Na na na na, na na na na, hey-hey, goodbye!” to him. He gets up, and forlornly walks to the back.
Mike Morales: Jeffrey Viper taking the long walk now!
Corndog Wallace: Hopefully for the last time! I thought we were rid of him already!
Black gets to his feet and stumbles into the ring, he backs up… and bumps into Stormcrow. Both men turn to look at each other, and there is a lengthy pause.
Mike Morales: Are we going to see these two teaming up against the AWF guys you think?
Black and Crow suddenly lunge at each other, and they start trying to tear each other apart!
Corndog Wallace: I’d say not! Stormcrow and Steve Dackle aren’t seeing eye-to-eye right now over there, and don’t forget that Dylan Black is Dackle’s partner in The Darkness!
As the two AXW guys fight, Kira and Furanku take on Seth Dillinger and Kaya Rayleigh.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer goes. “O Fortuna” as played by the Boston Symphony Orchestra hits and Magnus Cramshaw III walks out.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 21: Independent Entry, Magnus Cramshaw III!
Mike Morales: Magnus Cramshaw III is here on Rise Up, he was formerly with the AWA before they shut their doors.
Corndog Wallace: Entry number 21! A good position to come into the match!
Cramshaw slides into the ring and he immediately goes over to Stormcrow and Dylan, puffing his chest and shoving into them to assert himself. They turn and look at him, and then start to throw fists his way! They each grab an arm and hit a double back drop and synchronised elbow drops, then as they get up they give each other a dirty look.
Mike Morales: Crow and Black teaming up it seems but neither man looks pleased about it!
Corndog Wallace: It’s like they both tried to beat up Cramshaw on their own and accidentally pulled the same moves!
Furanku turns round and spots the two AXW guys, he rushes in and Black grabs him. Throwing him to Stormcrow, he demands to see him hit his best move! Crow obliges, hitting Furanku with “Death Becomes You” and Dylan gives a sarcastic round of applause. Crow shoves him in the chest and demands he do better. Dylan grabs hold of Kira Izumi and spins him round, kicks him in the gut and then hits a canadian destroyer!
Mike Morales: Wow did you see that!?
Corndog Wallace: Don’t you dare.
Mike Morales: DYLAN…
Corndog Wallace: I said-
Mike Morales: JUST…
Corndog Wallace: -don’t!
Mike Morales: FLIPPED KIRA!
Corndog Wallace: Son of a-
Kaya Rayleigh tries her luck with Black, rushing him from behind, and she slaps on a sleeper hold. Dylan tries to pry her off, at which point Stormcrow just leans back in a corner and laughs at him. Dylan flips Rayleigh over his shoulder and then Seth Dillinger comes for him- a big running knee takes the AXW Tag-Team Champ down, and then Stormcrow saunters out of the corner to take on Dillinger. Cramshaw comes back after Stormcrow, but Black grabs him from behind, though he is by far the smaller man and Cramshaw makes an easy meal of him. He gets black in a standing side headlock, flips him round to a seated position and then applies a chin lock followed up by a running kick to the spine. Furanku Furetcha comes after Cramshaw now but the big Brit swats him away like a bothersome fly. Stormcrow takes the fight to Dillinger but the rising AWF star gives as good as he gets and takes the Crow down to one knee, bounces off the ropes and takes him out with a single leg dropkick!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer signals another entrant, and “Meshi Kuuna” by Inu plays Fukushima Zombie to the ring.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 22: From SSS… Fukushima Zombie!
Mike Morales: Azumi Oonishi was caught up in the Fukushima nuclear disaster a few years back and now she’s wrestling to help raise money for the causes she supports!
Corndog Wallace: I’m sure she’s relishing the opportunity to become the State of Ohio Champion, that could really help her raise a few bucks!
Zombie runs straight to the ring and slides in, going straight for fellow SSS member Kaya Rayleigh. She grabs Rayleigh up off the mat and hits her with a spinning DDT and then drags her to her feet, but a big clothesline from Mick Murphy puts paid to her plan to eliminate Rayleigh.
Mike Morales: Spirited start by Fukushima Zombie but- wait a minute! Seth Dillinger has Stormcrow up! He could throw him out right now!
Seth Dillinger has Stormcrow precariously balanced across the top rope, with Crow gripping tight as Dillinger tries desperately to push him all the way.
Corndog Wallace: It won’t take much to tip the balance! And tip Stormcrow out of the match!
Mike Morales: He’s nearly got him… but Dylan Black of all people coming to the aid of his AXW rival!
Stormcrow looks up at Black, who nods at him, then turns away to fight with Kira Izumi. Stormcrow grabs hold of the staggering Seth Dillinger and gives him a hard knee to the gut.
Furanku spots Dylan Black taking it to Kira again, and once more goes to make the save. He attacks from behind, then spins Black round and gives him a snap suplex. Black rolls away and Kira is attacked by Mick Murphy, with Furanku again coming to the aid of his partner.
Mike Morales: Frank Fletcher needs eyes in the back of his head right now if he wants to protect Kira! They’re all trying to get a piece of him!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer sounds and Goldfinger’s “Superman” hits.
Corndog Wallace: Jason Justice?
Mike Morales: That’s his theme, but that’s not Justice walking out…
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 23: Richard Dweck!
Mike Morales: Richard Dweck, 24 years old and from New Jersey, he’s another one making his AWF debut tonight and what a coup this could be for young Richard!
Dweck waves to fans as he jogs down the aisle, rolls into the ring and immediately hits Furanku with a European uppercut. A whip off the ropes is followed by a roundhouse kick - quite impressive to see a pudgy kid like him pull off such a move - and then a leg drop to finish the combo off.
Magnus Cramshaw grabs hold of Dylan Black and gets him into a full Nelson, them slams him hard down to the canvas. He points over the top rope and picks Black up by the hair, leading him to the edge and is about to throw him over when Stormcrow rushes Magnus with a clothesline. This time it’s Dylan on the mat, and Stormcrow giving the silent nod.
Mike Morales: They might not like each other but it looks as if they’re willing to put their differences aside for now to try and get a win for AXW!
With ten competitors in, the ring is starting to look full. Cramshaw is getting up in one corner as Black gets up in another. Stormcrow busies himself fighting Seth Dillinger, Kaya Rayleigh has her hands full of Fukushima Zombie, Richard Dweck turns his attention to Kira Izumi. Furanku and Mick Murphy tangle in yet another corner. A monkey flip by Furanku takes Murphy up and over into the middle of the ring, and Zombie knocks Rayleigh down so that he lands next to Murphy. Furanku and Zombie look at each other, then as if on cue they both hit moonsaults on the two on the ground. Zombie hits hers from a standing position while Furanku springboards for his. They each pick up an opponent, with Zombie running Rayleigh towards the ropes and Furanku throwing Murphy - Rayleigh goes over the top and is eliminated!
Jessie Love: Kaya Rayleigh has been eliminated!
Murphy manages to cling on to the ropes and lands on the apron. Furanku goes to grab him as a follow-up but Murphy pulls him over the top to join him on the apron! As Furanku gets to his feet, Dylan Black rushes across the ring and unleashes a big dropkick - Murphy ducks out of the way and the unfortunate Furanku takes the brunt of it, tumbling to the outside and hitting the guard rail!
Jessie Love: Frank Fletcher has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Two gone in a flash there and now Kira Izumi has gotta do it on his own!
Corndog Wallace: Mick Murphy had a lucky escape, he lives to fight another day and he’s gone after Cramshaw now!
Murphy throws his weight into Cramshaw in the corner but the big man from Manchester throws his weight back, and Murphy goes down hard. He grabs Murphy up by the arm and locks in an arm-wringer, but as he is moving back into the corner Fukushima Zombie backs into him. He throws Murphyy aside and spins round towards Zombie, grabbing her by the back of the neck and straight-up hurling her clear of the top rope and down to the floor!
Jessie Love: Fukushima Zombie has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Holy… what a throw by Cramshaw!
Corndog Wallace: Don’t forget she only weight, what? 110 pounds? But still, I wouldn’t wanna see how far he could throw me.
Mike Morales: We’re down to seven in the ring but we’re about to get one more…
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
“Cosmic Explorer” by Perfume hits and the crowd cheer as Yuki Sakaraba speeds to the ring. She goes straight for Cramshaw and the crowd delight in seeing her unleash big martial-arts kicks that stagger the big man.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 24: Yuki Sakaraba!
Mike Morales: She’s a live wire! And she’s one of the top contenders to the AWF Championship thanks to that briefcase she holds! Imagine if she could win not just that title, but the State Of Ohio Championship as well!
Cramshaw falls down against the ropes and Yuki turns her attention to Dillinger, taking him out with a buzzsaw kick and then she goes over to Murphy and drops him with a snapmare followed up with a running dropkick! She turns to Kira…
Corndog Wallace: We’ve focused on Kira’s relationship with Frank Fletcher in this match but don’t forget, these two have held multiple tag-team championships with each other elsewhere!
Kira says something to Yuki in Japanese, and she turns to stand alongside him, then suddenly hits him with a Russian leg sweep!
Mike Morales: Well obviously that doesn’t matter to Yuki! As far as she’s concerned it’s every man - or woman - for themselves!
Kira gets up and turns towards Dylan Black… who stoops and flips him up over the top!
Mike Morales: He flipped Kira! Again! But Kira lands on the apron!
Dylan stands back up and realises Kira is still alive… he unleashes a huge Pele kick that connects with Kira’s head and he sends him tumbling after Furanku into the guardrail!
Jessie Love: Kira Izumi has been eliminated!
Dylan Black locks up with Yuki now, and hooks her up for a vertical suplex. Richard Dweck steps in and joins Yuki, and they counter Dylan, giving him a double suplex. Mick Murphy looks groggy as he fights with Stormcrow and it’s no surprise, he’s been in the ring for nearly 50 minutes. The much fresher Stormcrow is having no trouble beating the former boxer at his own game, he even jukes and jives to really rub it in as he fells him with a hard right. Murphy rolls away from him and Seth Dillinger spins Stormcrow around, throws a punch, Stormcrow blocks and sends Dillinger over the top to the apron - this time Stormcrow is the one finding his punch blocked, and Seth springboards over him with a Dragon Kid Stunner!
Mike Morales: South Philly Sunrise! Seth just hit his finisher on Stormcrow!
Stormcrow reels back against the ropes and Seth revs up for a big move, he dashes towards him and delivers a huge spear through the ropes than takes Stormcrow down to the floor!
Jessie Love: The Stormcrow has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Oh my! That is a BIG scalp for Seth Dillinger to take in this match! The reigning XHF European Champion!
Corndog Wallace: But at what cost? It looks like that spear did a number on Dillinger too!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Fans on the front row lean over the barrier to check on Seth as the buzzer goes, “The Bear Song” by Green Jellÿ plays and everyone is on their feet as XHF legend Lord Dominicus enters the VFW!
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 25: From EWF… Lord Dominicus!
He surveys the surroundings, and shakes his head in despair. With his EWF Superior Championship over his shoulder, he walks to the ring, then calmly enters and begins clobbering everybody with the belt.
Mike Morales: I know this match is no-disqualifications but come on!
Magnus Cramshaw falls to the ten pounds of gold, then Yuki, then Dweck. Dylan Black comes at Lord Dominicus from behind and spins him round, ducks a swing of the belt, kicks Lordy in the gut to double him over and then rebounds off the ropes - whatever move he was hoping to hit never comes though as Lord Dominicus lunges forward and absolutely clocks him with the strap! Mick Murphy steps into the picture and throws a straight right, but Dominicus gets the belt up as a shield and Murphy’s hand crunches against the plate! It’s not until Magnus Cramshaw finally comes back for another go, getting Dominicus locked into a chicken wing submission, that the belt leaves his grasp and falls to the outside. Cramshaw turns his submission into a standing side slam and then dares any man to challenge him.
Richard Dweck answers the call, clubbing him across his lower back and then when Cramshaw turns, he rolls round behind him. Every time Cramshaw tries to follow Dweck he cartwheels or flips to safety before Cramshaw can react.
Corndog Wallace: Hey the fat kid’s got some moves!
Dweck takes pot shots at Cramshaw’s legs, which nearly bring him down but he stays on his feet and then finally manages to lay hands on Dweck, hitting him with an obscene lariat that turns the nimble rookie over involuntarily this time. He picks him up and drops him with a Royal DDT finisher, before getting Dweck back to his feet and hoying him unceremoniously over the top!
Jessie Love: Richard Dweck has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: That DDT looks like a devastating maneuver in Cramshaw’s hands!
But Cramshaw dallies for too long… he elects to gloat over Dweck, and without warning finds himself grabbed by Dylan and Yuki who take a leg each and drop him down to the floor as well!
Jessie Love: Magnus Cramshaw III has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Magnus Cramshaw III looked to be in a good position to win this whole thing but he took his eye off the ball for just a split second too long!
Corndog Wallace: You can’t afford to do that in a match like this, Mike!
Mike Morales: There’s the buzzer! Who’s next?
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Kelly Clarkson’s stronger heralds the arrival of “The Survivor” Austin Grant, and he walks out to a decent cheer.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 26: Austin Grant!
Corndog Wallace: Grant’s limping, he picked up a leg injury in last week’s XHF Rumble - that could be a big factor in this match!
Mike Morales: Cousin to the Prestige Class Champion Danny Ray, Austin Grant will be hoping to add some more gold to his family’s collection by winning this and earning a shot at Maverick’s State Of Ohio Championship!
Lord Dominicus immediately decides to target Austin Grant, reasoning that he would try and finish what cancer started. He goes after the injured knee, sweeping Grant’s legs out from under him and instantly going for a figure four leglock. Grant pushes him away and Dylan Black grabs Dominicus, bending him back in a dragon sleeper-like move and then dropping an elbow across his chest.
Mick Murphy decides to take a shot as Grant, stomping him on the mat and then sitting on his chest to fire some strong right hands into his face. Grant gets his hands up to try and block the shots, and then then manages to get a hold of Murphy’s arm, setting him up in a triangle choke submission! Murphy instantly begins tapping out!
Mike Morales: Austin Grant has Mick Murphy tapping but there are no submissions in this match!
Corndog Wallace: No but he might knock him out! Then he’ll have no problem throwing him over the top rope!
Lord Dominicus meanwhile has been fighting with Yuki Sakaraba, he reverses a scoop slam attempt into one of his own and then goes back to Grant for a little revenge, stomping him and helping Mick Murphy out at the same time. Murphy rolls under the bottom rope and out of the ring, gasping for air. Grant gets to his feet and Dominicus throws some punches at him. The much bigger Grant practically shrugs them off and turns towards Dominicus. As he does, Dominicus reaches into his trunks and… throws a handful of baby powder into Grant’s eyes! “The Survivor” staggers and wipes at his face, bumbling into the ropes and Dominicus grabs his legs… but Grant is proving a bit too heavy for him to lift! Grant pulls a leg back and pushes Dominicus away, his injured knee screams in pain and he almost goes down but wills himself on, then powers away from the ropes and blindly swings with a clothesline that almost takes Seth Dillinger’s head off!
Mike Morales: Dillinger’s been in the ring almost 45 minutes and that huge lariat could prove very decisive! He’s seeing stars and if someone can pick him up they could have an easy elimination on their hands!
Yuki is the one who picks Dillinger up, he sways as he struggles to keep his balance, and she whips him toward the ropes- but he reverses it! Yuki bounces off, Seth gives her a back body drop and pumps his fists as he tries to power up with the support of the fans. Yuki uses the ropes to pulls herself up… and Seth fires himself towards her, knocking her over with a clothesline!
Jessie Love: Yuki Sakaraba has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Would you credit it? Seth Dillinger could so easily have been out of it right there but he turned Yuki’s assault round on her and she’s the one taking an early bath!
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
As the countdown expires the buzzer sounds and Ohio State University’s fight song “Battle Cry” plays. The crowd don’t know what to make of it until Prestige Color Commentator Tommy Taylor runs through the curtain wearing a wrestling singlet.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 27: Tommy Taylor!
Mike Morales: It’s “Technical” Tommy! Cassius Romano’s partner in crime over on AWF Prestige, he wrestled in high school and college, and he’s been known to train with former State Of Ohio champ and best friend Jason Justice!
Tommy slides into the ring and immediately grabs Richard Dweck in a rear waist lock, sending him up and over with an impressive German suplex! He turns to Dylan Black who runs at him, and gives him an ram drag- the same is dealt to Lord Dominicus, before Tommy gets grabbed from behind by Austin Grant. Still with powder in his eyes, Grant can’t concentrate properly and Tommy wheelbarrows himself, rolls through Grant’s legs, takes him to the ground and then puts him in an ankle lock! He then transitions up Grant’s back to put on a grounded facelock.
Corndog Wallace: Look at him go! I had no idea he could do all of this!
Mike Morales: We’re used to seeing Tommy Taylor in a suit and tie behind the announce desk but he’s certainly set on making a name for himself in the ring tonight!
Tommy cranks on Grant’s neck and then lets him go, knowing he can’t eliminate him on the mat. He gets to his feet, when suddenly Mick Murphy climbs up to the apron and springboards into the ring, taking him out with a Phenomenal Forearm that he calls “Murphy’s Law”! Tommy hits the deck, but valiantly tries to stand but it’s a bad decision as Murphy grabs him by the left arm, and swings him round and right over the top rope!
Jessie Love: Tommy Taylor has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: And he’s out! He put up a good fight but he lasted all of ninety seconds!
Corndog Wallace: That’s still longer than Rent-A-Hero…
Jay Cutter walks out through the entrance way smoking a cigarette.
Corndog Wallace: Um… he’s early?
The crowd chant along as the countdown clock appears on the screen. Jay eyes it as he takes a big drag.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Eminem’s “Berzerk” hits and Cutter flicks his cigarette butt away, strips off his electrician’s jumpsuit to reveal his wrestling gear, and runs to the ring.
Mike Morales: Gotta get those breaks in, Corndog!
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 28: “Smokin’” Jay Cutter!
Cutter slides into the ring and instantly goes after Murphy, engaging him in a fistfight. He performs surprisingly well against the prize fighter, and finishes his assault with a fireman’s carry take over but before he can follow up Lord Dominicus drops him with a DDT. Dominicus then turns his attention to Dylan Black, locking up with him and then ramming hard knees into his gut. Dylan doubles over and Dominicus drops him with a hard forearm across the back. He opens his tights once more, and comes back with yet another handful of powder.
Mike Morales: Lord Dominicus is at it again with that baby powder!
Corndog Wallace: He used that title belt of his, he blinded Austin Grant! Now he’s gonna do the same to Dylan Black - he truly is the most evil man in the universe!
But before Dominicus can throw the powder, Austin Grant comes at him and kicks him hard in the hand, and he ends up flinging the powder into his own face! He flails, blinded despite his mask, and bumps into the ropes - where Grant rushes him, and sends him flying helplessly to the floor below with a clothesline!
Jessie Love: Lord Dominicus has been eliminated!
Corndog Wallace: Good! AWF is no place for those sorts of heinous shenanigans!
Grant’s knee twinges again and MIck Murphy capitalises, turning him round he goes for his Implant DDT finisher - but Grant resists it, and manages to switch places as he becomes the aggressor and hits Murphy with the Cancer Killer Brainbuster! Murphy collapses, as does Grant.
Mike Morales: Big move, but he’s gotta try and capitalise! But right now he can’t do that, and he’s in danger of being picked off himself!
Dylan Black spots Grant on the mat and hits a springboard moonsault - but as he comes back up he’s immediately grabbed by Jay Cutter and hit with an inverted DDT! Cutter then turns his attention to Dillinger who is in the corner catching his breath and manages to hit him with a running knee strike. Dillinger falls out of the corner and Cutter goes up to the second rope, jumping off to hit an ax handle smash.
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
The buzzer goes once more, and The Avengers theme hits, James Johnson running down to the ring before sliding in and going after Jay Cutter.
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 29: James Johnson!
Mike Morales: We’ve almost had all our entrants into the match and you know what that means. There’s one man left… and I think you know who it is.
Corndog Wallace: I do, and boy is he gonna have a lot to say when he gets here.
Mike Morales: Johnson goes straight for Jay Cutter, hits him with a slingblade, Cutter comes back up. He goes for a clothesline- Johnson ducks underneath! Rebound… shoulder block! Cutter still won’t stay down, he’s coming back for more, Jay Cutter off the ropes again… Liberty Bell Crack!
James Johnson hits Jay Cutter with a big Swinging DDT that fells him, then picks him up and goes for the elimination- but he himself gets grabbed by Dylan Black, who gives him a stinging chop to the chest and then runs off the ropes, taking him down with a clothesline, hits a spinning leg drop… Johnson gets back up. Austin Grant comes in and tries to tangle with him but Johnson sees him coming, plants a kick right into the injured knee and as Grant goes down Johnson’s knee comes up, connecting right with his face! Dylan Black takes back over on Johnson and gets him in a full Nelson, JOhnson slips free and he goes behind, getting Black with a big German suplex. Black wobbles up to his feet and leans on the ropes. Johnson rushes in… low bridged by Dylan! He lands on the apron!
Mike Morales: Lucky escape there for James Johnson but he’s not out of danger just yet!
Black turns round, Johnson strikes first as he hits him with a high kick and then heads over to the turnbuckle.
Corndog Wallace: He’s taking a big risk here!
Austin Grant gets back to his feet and turns to Johnson, he clearly wants to knock him off the top. But Johnson flies- takes Grant down with a big missile dropkick!
The countdown begins again…
TEN! …NINE! …EIGHT! …SEVEN! …SIX! …FIVE! …FOUR! …THREE! …TWO! …ONE!
BUZZZZZ!
Jessie Love: Entrant Number 30: Nathan Thunder!
The theme from “A Nightmare On Elm Street” starts up and Nathan Thunder walks out through the curtain with a look of concentration and fury on his face. He picks up speed and starts to run, sliding under the bottom rope and he goes straight after James Johnson - Silent Night! Big chokebomb puts down the all-American! Dylan Black comes at him and gets felled by a big boot!
Mike Morales: All thirty men have now entered the match, we are down to our final six! Jay Cutter, Mick Murphy, James Johnson, Dylan Black, Seth Dillinger, Austin Grant and that man… Nathan Thunder.
Corndog Wallace: He’s come into this match as the freshest man, and you gotta remember that Dylan Black has been in for about forty-five minutes by now. Seth Dillinger’s been in there for over an hour! Mick Murphy’s been in for what, an hour and a half? Nathan Thunder is in a great position to decimate the field!
Thunder does just that, indiscriminately smashing anything that comes near him. Austin Grant feels his wrath in the form of a big running powerslam, Jay Cutter joins in the fun as he gets taken down by a big boot.
James Johnson comes back for more, rather foolishly, and Thunder grabs the back of his costume and flings him way over the top rope and onto the floor!
Jessie Love: James Johnson has been eliminated!
Dylan Black has Jay Cutter in the corner when he spots Thunder stalking after him - he selflessly sacrifices the wrestling electrician, throwing him to Thunder who effortlessly scoops him up into a gorilla press, turning towards the ropes he launches Cutter practically into the front row!
Jessie Love: Jay Cutter has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: The power of this man is absolutely…
Corndog Wallace: Terrifying?
Thunder now looks back at Dylan who in turn looks around him, just to check that Thunder wasn’t eyeballing somebody else. Nope. Definitely Dylan. Thunder starts walking… but then gets taken down by a big chop block from Austin Grant!
Mike Morales: Austin Grant is one of few men in the AWF who can even come close to matching Thunder for height, but he is still vastly outweighed by the man from Elm Street!
Corndog Wallace: Nevertheless he still managed to get him off his feet, and that’s where Thunder is vulnerable!
Dylan takes the opportunity to hit Thunder with a big move, clambering to the top turnbuckle as quickly as he can before hitting him with his “Final Solution” moonstomp signature! Thunder audibly wheezes as the air is driven out of his lungs when suddenly…
Mike Morales: Oh, god. Look. Look at this.
The fans boo as Jeffrey Viper walks back through the curtain dragging a big sack behind him. Dylan turns to look at him, hands on his hips.
Jeffrey Viper: Dylan! Son! Please don’t be mad at your old man! Don’t forget I’m doing this for you! I just want you to be happy! I want us to be a family again!
He reaches into his bag and pulls out something.
Jeffrey Viper: I’ve got presents! I got you a Zune! I got you a fidget spinner! Just please come back to me! I need to see you more often than every third Saturday! In places that aren’t wrestling rings! Please!
Dylan groans and rubs his tired head as his estranged old man tries to reconnect with him once again. God, he’s just so pathetic. Here’s Dylan, a multi-time champion, somebody who the fans actually like, and he’s got to live with that fact that this… this… thing, for want of a better word is his… SHIT WHAT THE-
Mike Morales: Murphy! Murphy just eliminated Black!
Corndog Wallace: He’s good at this cheap eliminations thing!
Black tumbles gracelessly to the floor and lands at Viper’s feet. Viper bends down closer to him and holds out the Zune. Viper looks up, and swats the outdated technology out of his hand, and then springs to his feet. Viper practically soils himself as he turns tail, somehow actually managing to outrun Dylan as they both disappear through the curtain.
Jessie Love: Dylan Black has been eliminated!
Corndog Wallace: That’s the second time tonight he’s been chased out of here! He’s fast for a fat boy!
Mike Morales: Well folks that means we’re down to our final four- Nathan Thunder, Seth Dillinger, Austin Grant and Mick Murphy. One of these men will challenge Maverick for the State Of Ohio Championship in the near future- and Mick Murphy is fired up after just eliminating one half of The Darkness! He’s going straight after Nathan Thunder!
Corndog Wallace: That’s such a dumb move!
Mike Morales: Not so fast, it looks like it might be paying off! He’s tired for sure but he’s still got the drive and determination to pull off some fancy footwork and keep Thunder guessing! A right! Left! Right hook!
Corndog Wallace: Thunder’s just shrugging them off!
Mike Morales: But you’ve gotta imagine they’re taking their toll on him nonetheless, chipping away at him little by little!
Across the ring, Dillinger wrestles Grant. Dillinger is looking bruised and beat up, Grant looking a little unsteady on his feet owing to his knee injury. It’s this injury that Dillinger exploits, repeatedly firing off fast kicks to bring the big man to his knees.
Thunder gets pushed back into the corner by Murphy, his stomach and chest are bright red from the punches the boxer has been throwing. He puts his foot up and catches Murphy in the jaw, stunning him long enough for Thunder to burst out with a massive clothesline that spins Murphy up and over, he lands in a heap behind Thunder.
Corndog Wallace: Good lord, he’s dead. How’s he even thinking about trying to get up from that?
Thunder looks behind him and sees Murphy pushing himself up on his hands and knees, reaching out to the bottom rope for support. Thunder stands up and slowly goes over to Murphy, kicking at the rope to dislodge his hand and then placing a big boot across his throat when he rolls on to his back. Murphy’s eyes bulge as he tries to remove Thunder’s huge boot, but his 345-pound frame is nearly impossible to shift.
Austin Grant regains the edge against Seth Dillinger, reversing an attempted dump tackle into a crucifix powerbomb position. He turns towards the ropes but Dillinger kicks his legs and drops down to safety, but Grant turns quickly and knocks the smaller man onto his back with a European uppercut. Spotting Thunder with his back turned, he rushes over to him and grabs him, leading him to the ropes and almost taking him by surprise - but Thunder holds on! He fires a big elbow backwards, staggering Grant, and then looks for a big boot- Grant ducks out of the way though and Thunder finds nothing but air… only for Seth Dillinger to come out of nowhere with a flying body press that catches him off guard and takes him down to the canvas!
Mike Morales: Nathan Thunder is reeling and if these guys want to stand any chance of winning, they’ll band together against this monster of a man!
Mick Murphy painfully gets to his feet up in the corner and staggers into the middle of the ring… Seth Dillinger comes towards him, and out of instinct more than anything else he drops him with one punch! He keeps hobbling on, and Nathan Thunder gets back up - he puts two massive hands around Murphy’s neck and then gives him a YUGE beal toss over the ropes! Murphy rolls a good ten feet up the aisle, and comes to a stop, lying almost motionless.
Jessie Love: Mick Murphy has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: Oh my god! Mick Murphy came in at number five, he lasted 109 minutes in total!
Corndog Wallace: What a performance. He can be proud of that, even if he didn’t win.
Mike Morales: There are still three men left in the ring though… Thunder, Grant and Dillinger. Seth Dillinger has been in the longest of these three, Thunder is the least fatigued.
Corndog Wallace: Not to mention he’s on fire right now!
Thunder turns to Seth Dillinger and picks him up, looking for the Silent Night to finish him off- but Austing Grant delivers a bone-crunching spear to the giant!
Corndog Wallace: That’s a smart move! If I were Austin Grant I wouldn’t want Thunder to get the momentum going either!
Grant straddles Thunder and begins smashing him in the face, Thunder puts big hands up to protect himself but it’s almost futile, Grant’s fighting spirit inspires him and he finds a way to keep going through the defenses. Seth Dillinger rolls into a corner and tries to get his wind back. Grant keeps punching, raining fists down on Thunder but eventually has to relent, he needs to find a way to get this mastodon over the top.
Grant heaves Thunder up to his feet and gives him a big right hook to keep him stunned. He grabs an arm and goes to whip him over the top rope… but Thunder reverses it, Grant hits the ropes and rebounds, Thunder scopps him up over his shoulder as if for a powerslam… but Grant keeps moving, he drops behind Thunder and cranks him back into a dragon sleeper position!
Mike Morales: Austin Grant has “The Inspiration” locked in on Nathan Thunder!
Corndog Wallace: It’s no use though! No submissions!
Mike Morales: He can’t win by submissions, no, but that’ll drain his energy fast!
Grant cranks backwards, applying tremendous pressure to Thunder’s spine! Thunder tries to power out of it, but all he does is managed to step the pair of them backwards a little bit. He still doesn’t relent, he doesn’t tap out in an attempt to get Grant to break the hold.
Mike Morales: Nathan Thunder is bent backwards at such an unnatural angle it must be doing a huge amount of damage to his body!
Corndog Wallace: I think this is taking a lot out of Grant too!
Mike Morales: Undoubtedly so! Can he maintain the pressure long enough to sap Thunder’s strength?
Corndog Wallace: I don’t know but- look! What’s Dillinger doing?
Mike Morales: Seth Dillinger rolls to the apron… don’t tell me he’s gonna try and get involved in this?
Corndog Wallace: I dunno, but-
Mike Morales: Oh my god! What a move! Seth Dillinger springboards up and over, delivering the South Philly Stunner to Austin Grant!
Austin Grant snaps upright, goes back against the ropes, and suddenly Seth Dillinger is flying, he rushes in at great speed and delivers a huge running dropkick to Grant and sends him tumbling over the top!
Jessie Love: Austin Grant has been eliminated!
Mike Morales: We are down to two! Seth Dillinger! Nathan Thunder! One of these men will receive a State Of Ohio Championship opportunity!
Corndog Wallace: And right now, I’m thinking we could be about to see an upset!
The crowd roar as Seth Dillinger starts to fire up. He pumps his fists, sweat drips from his brow as he soaks in the crowd reaction. Nathan Thunder starts to stir and puts one hand out to the ropes. Seth practically begs him to get up, he can almost reach out and touch victory. Nathan Thunder makes it to two feet, and Seth sprints again- he goes for a big impact… but Thunder pulls the ropes down and Seth goes over!
Mike Morales: He’s out! Seth’s gone!
Corndog Wallace: No! He’s hanging on!
Looking like Shawn Michaels in ‘95, Dillinger is literally hanging on with both hands. He gets one foot up onto the apron and then spins round, brings his knee up…
Thunder charges! Big boot!
Corndog Wallace: This is it!
Seth ducks! Thunder’s right leg goes over the top and his eyes widen as he crotches himself! Seth gives the rope an almighty thwack, sending more shockwaves through Thunder’s lightning rod, and then dashes up to the top rope!
Mike Morales: What in the-
He flies! From the top turnbuckle Seth Dillinger leaps off, and his dropkick connects with Thunder’s face! Seth falls to the mat inside the ring and, almost in slow motion…
Thunder falls off!
Mike Morales: He did it! I cannot believe he actually did it!
The bell rings and Seth Dillinger lays on his back, both hands over his face, unable to process what just happened.
Jessie Love: Here is your winner and the new number one contender to the State Of Ohio Championship - Seth Dillinger!
Mike Morales: Seth Dillinger came in at number eleven, and outlasted nineteen other competitors to earn himself an opportunity at Maverick’s State Of Ohio Championship! Just over eighty minutes of competition has earned him the right to challenge for that title!
Corndog Wallace: I’ve gotta give this kid credit, he’s not even six feet tall, barely 220 soaking wet, and he just slayed a beast.
Mike Morales: Seth Dillinger’s buddy Damien Young defended his Phoenix Championship earlier tonight, they’ll team up next week on Prestige to face Frank Fletcher and Kira Izumi - and you never know, before long both those guys might be wearing gold round their waists.
Corndog Wallace: The way this young man performed tonight, I can only imagine Maverick must be sat somewhere watching this wondering what Dillinger’s going to bring to the table when there’s a title on the line!
Mike Morales: He’s going to bring the fight, that’s for sure!
Dillinger has his hand raised as confetti falls from the ceiling of the VFW. It’s only a low ceiling so it doesn’t have far to fall, but for the few fleeting seconds that it takes to drift down to the floor, Seth Dillinger stands tall at the end of the final Rise Up, bruised and beaten, but victorious.