Post by The BombTrax on Sept 4, 2016 1:09:37 GMT
Live From The Pure Arena
Purity, LA
Thursday, September 15th, 2016 at 10 pm CST
BEFORE CURTAIN
Johnny Raike's Kissing Booth business is 'brisk' tonight. Johnny Raike stands in the back overseeing the business, watching one of his trainees work side-by-side with Lydia as he smokes a cigarette. Out of nowhere, a slender black sleeve extends smoothly around Johnny's shoulder. Startled, the Thigh High Thriller recoils as he sees the white-painted face of one of the French Mime Assassins, Comme Ci, standing right beside him with an wide exaggerated and bright smile.
JOHNNY RAIKE: What the--!
The potentially creepy smile softens as the mime mechanically raises a hand fixed with a strong thumbs up, and makes sure johnny knows its a sign of approval intended for him. Then, right in front of Johnny, a sheet of paper appears grasped between a white-gloved thumb and forefinger, Comme Ca's, who raises his hidden face comically above the piece of paper and points to it with his own wide exaggerated and bright smile.
It is a transcript of Johnny Raike's apology to the mimes in regards to his potentially vitriolic comments made between the pair and the Hedonistic Hellcat in the lead-up to Bad Moon Rising.
JOHNNY RAIKE: Oh... right. That.
Comme Ca looks to Johnny apologetically and uses his free hand to mime sweeping the grievance between them off his shoulder in forgiveness. Beside Johnny, Comme Ci nods to Johnny and then heartily claps Johnny on the back and salutes him with a raised fist of solidarity! Comme Ca boops Johnny's nose affectionately, both mimes smile with a newfound sense of respect for the man they previously bad-mouthed.
By now, with a brief slowdown in business, Lydia and her trainee have turned around to watch the admittedly odd pairing of Johnny Raike with a pair of identically dressed mimes. As the mimes show their approval and acceptance of Johnny, Johnny suddenly flourishes with his arms and begins making shapes and signs with his fingers. The mimes step back, look to one another in surprise and confusion, and watch as Johnny seems to be doing some miming of his own.
LYDIA: What the hell's going on?
Johnny is communicating a heart-felt set of signs in the air with his hands.
JOHNNY RAIKE: I know American Sign Language.
Wide smiles have grown on the two mime's faces as they begin communicating vigorously with Johnny as if floodgates had opened between them, and the lines of communication had been erased, and now the Mimes and Johnny can speak in the same language.
LYDIA: Okay...
KISSING BOOTH TRAINEE: This is too weird.
LYDIA: Just go with it.
The fruitful conversation lasts several moments, ranging over a breadth of topics from global warming, to the warm in syria to the plight of LGBT youth in America. By the end, all three of them are better off having cleared the air and made contact, and provided an assurance that they've got each other's backs should it ever be necessary. Johnny wipes a subtle tear from his eye, and the three hug. With a nod of acknowledgement and respect, both mimes exit Johnny's kissing booth, and crab-walk towards the Pure Arena.
The cameras switched and find themselves in the parking lot of the The Pure Arena. Footsteps against the concrete pavement can be heard, along with the sound of something “scraping” against the ground. Like the true professionals, the camera crew cut in the direction in which the sound is coming from. The viewer settles on the man known as the Martyr of Professional Wrestling, Calvin Harris, and their attention is quickly brought to what he is dragging. It is all black and draped over his shoulder. Due to the large size of this object the bottom of it is dragging against the concrete which results in the scraping sound. Realizing that the cameras are on him. He lifts the object up and then tosses it down in front of him with a large thud.
CALVIN HARRIS: Are you a man of your word?
The cameras focus on him rather than the object he had just slammed down with force.
CALVIN HARRIS: This has been a long time coming Jack. A long time coming when it came to someone actually having the balls to call you out. It has been a long time coming where someone stands before you and forces you to nut up or shut the fuck up.
His eyes narrow with a very serious tone to his voice.
CALVIN HARRIS: I do believe you threatened me in more ways than one. If my memory serves me correctly, you claimed you were going to kick my ass. You claimed you were going to beat me to a bloody pulp and then when there was nothing else left of me after that beating. You made the statement that the only way I’d be leaving the Pure Arena tonight was in a body bag. Those were some pretty big words for a man that’s accomplished nothing and has never proven a single word that has ever come out of his mouth. But we’re about to see what you got. Cause I brought the body bag for ya!
That prompts the cameras to angle downward at his feet for a moment. Sure enough, the object that he had been carrying was an all black body bag.
CALVIN HARRIS: I personally don’t think you’ve got what it takes to put me in one, but one thing I can guarantee Jack. After tonight is all said and done... One of us is leaving for good!
For a couple of seconds the cameras focus on the intense look in his eyes, only for Calvin to lean forward and snatch the large body bag up off the ground. He tosses it over his shoulder and starts to walk away, the scraping sound of the body bag hitting the concrete pavement returning. The cameras fade away, leaving the PAW Universe in suspense on what would happen in the main event.
JOHNNY RAIKE: What the--!
The potentially creepy smile softens as the mime mechanically raises a hand fixed with a strong thumbs up, and makes sure johnny knows its a sign of approval intended for him. Then, right in front of Johnny, a sheet of paper appears grasped between a white-gloved thumb and forefinger, Comme Ca's, who raises his hidden face comically above the piece of paper and points to it with his own wide exaggerated and bright smile.
It is a transcript of Johnny Raike's apology to the mimes in regards to his potentially vitriolic comments made between the pair and the Hedonistic Hellcat in the lead-up to Bad Moon Rising.
JOHNNY RAIKE: Oh... right. That.
Comme Ca looks to Johnny apologetically and uses his free hand to mime sweeping the grievance between them off his shoulder in forgiveness. Beside Johnny, Comme Ci nods to Johnny and then heartily claps Johnny on the back and salutes him with a raised fist of solidarity! Comme Ca boops Johnny's nose affectionately, both mimes smile with a newfound sense of respect for the man they previously bad-mouthed.
By now, with a brief slowdown in business, Lydia and her trainee have turned around to watch the admittedly odd pairing of Johnny Raike with a pair of identically dressed mimes. As the mimes show their approval and acceptance of Johnny, Johnny suddenly flourishes with his arms and begins making shapes and signs with his fingers. The mimes step back, look to one another in surprise and confusion, and watch as Johnny seems to be doing some miming of his own.
LYDIA: What the hell's going on?
Johnny is communicating a heart-felt set of signs in the air with his hands.
JOHNNY RAIKE: I know American Sign Language.
Wide smiles have grown on the two mime's faces as they begin communicating vigorously with Johnny as if floodgates had opened between them, and the lines of communication had been erased, and now the Mimes and Johnny can speak in the same language.
LYDIA: Okay...
KISSING BOOTH TRAINEE: This is too weird.
LYDIA: Just go with it.
The fruitful conversation lasts several moments, ranging over a breadth of topics from global warming, to the warm in syria to the plight of LGBT youth in America. By the end, all three of them are better off having cleared the air and made contact, and provided an assurance that they've got each other's backs should it ever be necessary. Johnny wipes a subtle tear from his eye, and the three hug. With a nod of acknowledgement and respect, both mimes exit Johnny's kissing booth, and crab-walk towards the Pure Arena.
MEANWHILE...IN THE PARKING LOT
The cameras switched and find themselves in the parking lot of the The Pure Arena. Footsteps against the concrete pavement can be heard, along with the sound of something “scraping” against the ground. Like the true professionals, the camera crew cut in the direction in which the sound is coming from. The viewer settles on the man known as the Martyr of Professional Wrestling, Calvin Harris, and their attention is quickly brought to what he is dragging. It is all black and draped over his shoulder. Due to the large size of this object the bottom of it is dragging against the concrete which results in the scraping sound. Realizing that the cameras are on him. He lifts the object up and then tosses it down in front of him with a large thud.
CALVIN HARRIS: Are you a man of your word?
The cameras focus on him rather than the object he had just slammed down with force.
CALVIN HARRIS: This has been a long time coming Jack. A long time coming when it came to someone actually having the balls to call you out. It has been a long time coming where someone stands before you and forces you to nut up or shut the fuck up.
His eyes narrow with a very serious tone to his voice.
CALVIN HARRIS: I do believe you threatened me in more ways than one. If my memory serves me correctly, you claimed you were going to kick my ass. You claimed you were going to beat me to a bloody pulp and then when there was nothing else left of me after that beating. You made the statement that the only way I’d be leaving the Pure Arena tonight was in a body bag. Those were some pretty big words for a man that’s accomplished nothing and has never proven a single word that has ever come out of his mouth. But we’re about to see what you got. Cause I brought the body bag for ya!
That prompts the cameras to angle downward at his feet for a moment. Sure enough, the object that he had been carrying was an all black body bag.
CALVIN HARRIS: I personally don’t think you’ve got what it takes to put me in one, but one thing I can guarantee Jack. After tonight is all said and done... One of us is leaving for good!
For a couple of seconds the cameras focus on the intense look in his eyes, only for Calvin to lean forward and snatch the large body bag up off the ground. He tosses it over his shoulder and starts to walk away, the scraping sound of the body bag hitting the concrete pavement returning. The cameras fade away, leaving the PAW Universe in suspense on what would happen in the main event.
'Get High' by Rob Zombie begins to play and clips and highlights from WICKED Live Episode#1 scroll through; A scene of Cross Recoba nailing Summer with his Sicilian Type Writer; Roscar roaring to the crowd right before pulling Spencer Thompson into an exploder suplex; The bloody finish to the Aokigahara Zombie/Jack Nomad match, where Zombie is left a bloody mess thanks to Jack Nomad's Face Breaker; Lady Munin shocking the crowd with an announcement about the PAW Heavyweight Championship, and the next PPV, Seven Deadly Sins; The exciting finish to PAW's second Inter-Promotional Match, with Mikael standing tall over Boardwalk's Julliet Brooks; Several highlights from the Flaming Tables Match for the Titans of the Midway Championship between Adam Wolfe, Johnny Raike, and Nova Wonder; The final scene of Munin finding a contract signed by Deus in blood.
The Video freezes, shimmers, and then the camera pans out to reveal that the image is inside a syringe. The syringe is suddenly plunged into an animated arm, and the camera flashes up to wild, bloodshot eyes. Inside of the iris can be seen explosions, and the inside of an arena, and as the camera zooms in the scene becomes real, and the camera is panning the packed out Pure Arena floor. Eventually the camera falls on the announce table where sits Percival Banion Chord and Caitlin Casey.
PERCY: Hello everyone, and welcome to ADDICTION from the Pure Arena in Purity, LA! I am Percival Banion Chord, and this lovely lady to my left is Caitlin Casey, and we have an action packed show scheduled for your viewing pleasure.
CAT: You got that right, Percy. That sexy Knoxville Nightmare, Leon Cashmere is back in action against Black Jack Colter, and I'm thinking this one is going to get interesting cause Colter doesn't necessarily like to play by the rules.
PERCY: Very true, but he might have all that he can handle if Leon Cashmere can give another performance like he did at ADDICTION#1. I'm more inclined to see the match following that between Kelsey Spencer and Summer, as both ladies took devastating losses last time we saw them. Both of them need this win, but there can only be one.
CAT: Speaking of desperate wins, Anastasia Hayden lost her match against former partner Caroline O'Hara Burchill, and if she doesn't take out the rookie, Annabel Lee, for the Crank Championship, some could speculate that she's on the down slide from here.
PERCY: I wouldn't say that. Hayden put on a hell of a performance against Burchill, and Caroline just proved to be the better wrestler that night. I'd say here in PAW that it's an any given Sunday type of playing field. Put them against one another again, and there could be a different result.
CAT: Well, we're in for a different result tonight when Jack Nomad and Calvin Harris go one on one in our Main Event. What a difference a Super Show can make, huh? These two started out as stable mates, and have deteriorated into outright hatred for one another.
PERCY: Both men have laid claim to the other's downfall, and in a short time have become a volatile situation in the locker room. Not to mention, this match has huge implications for both men's future as it is a qualifying match for the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match at the upcoming PPV!
CAT: With the way this has broken down, it's taken some of the heat off of Press, who has his hands full tomorrow night on WICKED Live, defending his championship against none other than Johnny Raike.
PERCY: Oh, I have no doubt that Press is paying attention considering what's at stake, not to mention the poisonous words Calvin Harris had for him on Episode#1.
CAT: And you know what's really good, Percy...We've got....
Cat is cut off when the lights dim in the arena as Joe Walsh's 'Turn to Stone' sounds across the PA. The fans jeer and boo in disgust as they know what to expect when they hear the distinctive distorted power-chords that start the song. The lights focus on the entrance to the ramp as Cross Recoba comes through the curtain. He isn’t planning on fighting tonight as he sports a navy blue suit; he dusts something unseen off the crisp white shirt underneath as he looks around the arena at the crowd who continue to voice their disgust. He finds the camera and lifts up a steel briefcase and taps it audibly.
PERCY: Cross isn’t scheduled to compete tonight…
CAT: Who cares, Illinois represents!
PERCY: He’s not dressed to compete but we’ve seen the briefcase many times before…
CAT: Reckon you can escape the Guillotine? Go on, dare you to try it!
He instinctively clutches the crucifix necklace that hangs from his neck. He walks to the ring with purpose, only looking away from the ring to answer hecklers in the crowd. He slides the briefcase under the bottom rope and into the center of the ring as he continues to circle the ring. Rhonda looks at him and sighs as she passes him the microphone, clearly bored of his antics and showboating.
PERCY: Rhonda Armstrong’s disdain for Cross is evident, before his injury it was clear that if there was a Recoba Fan Club that she would definitely not pay the nine ninety-five subscription fee.
Recoba steps onto the steel steps and mockingly applauds the crowd as he steps through the ring ropes and into the ring.
CROSS RECOBA: You’re probably all wondering a couple of things…one, what am I doing here?...and two, how did it feel last week to beat Summer only to be greeted by the…
Cross lets out an audible sigh.
CROSS RECOBA: … Hard Core Society…proof that the death of Prince has caused people to party like it really still is nineteen ninety-nine. Jack Nomad, I know you’re set to take on Calvin later, congratulations on aligning yourself with the thrift store versions of Aileen Wuornos and Delphine LaLaurie – I really think you’ve found your level…
PERCY: For those of you who missed WICKED Nomad made no bones about taking down his former stable-mate with help from Mercy and Sin.
Recoba leans down and picks up the briefcase and starts to pace the ring.
CROSS RECOBA: It’s funny, listening to you talk after you had Cujo and Old Yeller take me out and how you thought I was the weak link of the group, how you were better off without me, and how your new group is the one to take you to the top it struck me – you honestly believe it all!
Cross pauses to smirk.
CROSS RECOBA: Do you know what I gave the trio, the one thing that neither you nor Harris could give it? Legitimacy…Star power…a personality. I get your strengths, you’re a lunatic, you’re fearless, you’re also likely to do more for mankind than I will – after all, what medical professional wouldn’t want to find out more about CTE?
CAT: Topical Burn!
CROSS RECOBA: But what did you give up? You lost the ability to have someone like me in your corner, while your skills can be found in almost every single drunken fight this side of the Mason-Dixon line, my skills are slightly harder to concentrate down in one person – where you have sadism, I have cunning, where you have pig-headedness, I have guile, and where you lack tact I have the knowledge that revenge isn’t always best served by the one who is owed it.
Recoba starts to tap the briefcase.
PERCY: Three-to-one that there’s cash in that case!
CAT: Money talks and Bull…
PERCY: We all know the saying
CROSS RECOBA: While the PAW medical team were tending to my injuries, and I’m not going to shy away from it – you, Joan Jett, and Pat Benatar got me good, I’m still wincing through training and that only works out well for the royalty I face tomorrow. But that brings me back to my opening statement, why am I here? I have someone to see about the contents of this briefcase…I also figured that why wait another day to address this, why not enter the Lion’s Den and let you know that – I’m not coming for you…
Recoba pauses to let his words sink in.
CROSS RECOBA: I know, it’s a foreign concept isn’t it, Jack? You see, it’s the beautiful thing about the modern world, outsourcing. I debated hiring cheap labour out East to run my Twitter account because I can, I can pretty much outsource anything, including retribution to the Junkyard Crew that you’re a part of. What do you think is in the briefcase? Marcellus Wallace’s soul?
Cross shakes his head 'no'.
CROSS RECOBA: I’ve got to go see someone in the back who, when I picked up the phone to them, couldn’t wait to take up this project of mine – I’d
let you know who it is but really if Hollywood has taught us anything about things that go bump in the night – the key is in the art of suspense…
PERCY: Recoba has put The Hard Core Society on notice! You have to wonder if this was a deliberate attempt to play mind games with Nomad before his match-up against Calvin Harris in our main event tonight!
CAT: It’s possible, Harris and Nomad are ranked third and fourth in the PAW rankings, Recoba is back in ninth…
PERCY: …he faces off against Caroline O’Hara Burchill tomorrow night but how far a win will carry him up the rankings isn’t clear…
Recoba drops the mic to the floor and rolls out the ring as his music starts up again across the sound system. The camera swings back around to the announce team.
PERCY: Folks, there are no commercial breaks here. We got PAW action up next.
Opening BoutPERCY: Hello everyone, and welcome to ADDICTION from the Pure Arena in Purity, LA! I am Percival Banion Chord, and this lovely lady to my left is Caitlin Casey, and we have an action packed show scheduled for your viewing pleasure.
CAT: You got that right, Percy. That sexy Knoxville Nightmare, Leon Cashmere is back in action against Black Jack Colter, and I'm thinking this one is going to get interesting cause Colter doesn't necessarily like to play by the rules.
PERCY: Very true, but he might have all that he can handle if Leon Cashmere can give another performance like he did at ADDICTION#1. I'm more inclined to see the match following that between Kelsey Spencer and Summer, as both ladies took devastating losses last time we saw them. Both of them need this win, but there can only be one.
CAT: Speaking of desperate wins, Anastasia Hayden lost her match against former partner Caroline O'Hara Burchill, and if she doesn't take out the rookie, Annabel Lee, for the Crank Championship, some could speculate that she's on the down slide from here.
PERCY: I wouldn't say that. Hayden put on a hell of a performance against Burchill, and Caroline just proved to be the better wrestler that night. I'd say here in PAW that it's an any given Sunday type of playing field. Put them against one another again, and there could be a different result.
CAT: Well, we're in for a different result tonight when Jack Nomad and Calvin Harris go one on one in our Main Event. What a difference a Super Show can make, huh? These two started out as stable mates, and have deteriorated into outright hatred for one another.
PERCY: Both men have laid claim to the other's downfall, and in a short time have become a volatile situation in the locker room. Not to mention, this match has huge implications for both men's future as it is a qualifying match for the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match at the upcoming PPV!
CAT: With the way this has broken down, it's taken some of the heat off of Press, who has his hands full tomorrow night on WICKED Live, defending his championship against none other than Johnny Raike.
PERCY: Oh, I have no doubt that Press is paying attention considering what's at stake, not to mention the poisonous words Calvin Harris had for him on Episode#1.
CAT: And you know what's really good, Percy...We've got....
Cat is cut off when the lights dim in the arena as Joe Walsh's 'Turn to Stone' sounds across the PA. The fans jeer and boo in disgust as they know what to expect when they hear the distinctive distorted power-chords that start the song. The lights focus on the entrance to the ramp as Cross Recoba comes through the curtain. He isn’t planning on fighting tonight as he sports a navy blue suit; he dusts something unseen off the crisp white shirt underneath as he looks around the arena at the crowd who continue to voice their disgust. He finds the camera and lifts up a steel briefcase and taps it audibly.
PERCY: Cross isn’t scheduled to compete tonight…
CAT: Who cares, Illinois represents!
PERCY: He’s not dressed to compete but we’ve seen the briefcase many times before…
CAT: Reckon you can escape the Guillotine? Go on, dare you to try it!
He instinctively clutches the crucifix necklace that hangs from his neck. He walks to the ring with purpose, only looking away from the ring to answer hecklers in the crowd. He slides the briefcase under the bottom rope and into the center of the ring as he continues to circle the ring. Rhonda looks at him and sighs as she passes him the microphone, clearly bored of his antics and showboating.
PERCY: Rhonda Armstrong’s disdain for Cross is evident, before his injury it was clear that if there was a Recoba Fan Club that she would definitely not pay the nine ninety-five subscription fee.
Recoba steps onto the steel steps and mockingly applauds the crowd as he steps through the ring ropes and into the ring.
CROSS RECOBA: You’re probably all wondering a couple of things…one, what am I doing here?...and two, how did it feel last week to beat Summer only to be greeted by the…
Cross lets out an audible sigh.
CROSS RECOBA: … Hard Core Society…proof that the death of Prince has caused people to party like it really still is nineteen ninety-nine. Jack Nomad, I know you’re set to take on Calvin later, congratulations on aligning yourself with the thrift store versions of Aileen Wuornos and Delphine LaLaurie – I really think you’ve found your level…
PERCY: For those of you who missed WICKED Nomad made no bones about taking down his former stable-mate with help from Mercy and Sin.
Recoba leans down and picks up the briefcase and starts to pace the ring.
CROSS RECOBA: It’s funny, listening to you talk after you had Cujo and Old Yeller take me out and how you thought I was the weak link of the group, how you were better off without me, and how your new group is the one to take you to the top it struck me – you honestly believe it all!
Cross pauses to smirk.
CROSS RECOBA: Do you know what I gave the trio, the one thing that neither you nor Harris could give it? Legitimacy…Star power…a personality. I get your strengths, you’re a lunatic, you’re fearless, you’re also likely to do more for mankind than I will – after all, what medical professional wouldn’t want to find out more about CTE?
CAT: Topical Burn!
CROSS RECOBA: But what did you give up? You lost the ability to have someone like me in your corner, while your skills can be found in almost every single drunken fight this side of the Mason-Dixon line, my skills are slightly harder to concentrate down in one person – where you have sadism, I have cunning, where you have pig-headedness, I have guile, and where you lack tact I have the knowledge that revenge isn’t always best served by the one who is owed it.
Recoba starts to tap the briefcase.
PERCY: Three-to-one that there’s cash in that case!
CAT: Money talks and Bull…
PERCY: We all know the saying
CROSS RECOBA: While the PAW medical team were tending to my injuries, and I’m not going to shy away from it – you, Joan Jett, and Pat Benatar got me good, I’m still wincing through training and that only works out well for the royalty I face tomorrow. But that brings me back to my opening statement, why am I here? I have someone to see about the contents of this briefcase…I also figured that why wait another day to address this, why not enter the Lion’s Den and let you know that – I’m not coming for you…
Recoba pauses to let his words sink in.
CROSS RECOBA: I know, it’s a foreign concept isn’t it, Jack? You see, it’s the beautiful thing about the modern world, outsourcing. I debated hiring cheap labour out East to run my Twitter account because I can, I can pretty much outsource anything, including retribution to the Junkyard Crew that you’re a part of. What do you think is in the briefcase? Marcellus Wallace’s soul?
Cross shakes his head 'no'.
CROSS RECOBA: I’ve got to go see someone in the back who, when I picked up the phone to them, couldn’t wait to take up this project of mine – I’d
let you know who it is but really if Hollywood has taught us anything about things that go bump in the night – the key is in the art of suspense…
PERCY: Recoba has put The Hard Core Society on notice! You have to wonder if this was a deliberate attempt to play mind games with Nomad before his match-up against Calvin Harris in our main event tonight!
CAT: It’s possible, Harris and Nomad are ranked third and fourth in the PAW rankings, Recoba is back in ninth…
PERCY: …he faces off against Caroline O’Hara Burchill tomorrow night but how far a win will carry him up the rankings isn’t clear…
Recoba drops the mic to the floor and rolls out the ring as his music starts up again across the sound system. The camera swings back around to the announce team.
PERCY: Folks, there are no commercial breaks here. We got PAW action up next.
A Special 'Get Off The Ground' Triple Threat Match
(The winner of this match will get the next shot at the Crank Championship)
Hunter Storms versus Roscar versus Evie Girard
PERCY: This next match is going to be interesting. We haven't heard hide nor hair from Evie Girard since her loss during that tag match on Bad Moon Rising alongside Hunter Storms, who left her with a Hunter's Mark for her trouble.
CAT: Yeah, and Roscar is coming in after his first victory here in PAW, under the tutelage of a new manager, Wilson Fisk.
PERCY: Well, Rhonda's in the ring, so let's get the particulars...
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is your Opening Bout of the evening, and is a special 'Get Off The Ground' Triple Threat Match set for one fall or submission. The winner of this match will automatically get the next shot at the Crank Championship!
Roscar enters the stadium as "Before I Forget" by Slipknot is heard around the arena. He wears nothing but black leather trunks with three stars on the side, a plain black T-shirt, and a beer in his left hand. He glances at the audience for a moment, before coming to a halt at the center of the stage, looking down to the floor.
Go!
At the sudden blast, he opens wide his arms and does the metal horns and suddenly fireworks light the whole arena. He walks down the ramp slowly, but confidently, heading to the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, weighting in at 214 pounds, and hailing from Athens, Greece....He is 'The Greek God', ROSCAR!!
Just as he reaches ringside, he pauses at the steps and takes a sip of his beer before crushing the can with his hand and tossing it behind him into the front row where the fans scatter and curse him. He then peels off his t-shirt and climbs the steps up into the ring.
PERCY: Roscar unsettling our fans with that pompous display with the beer can.
CAT: Those bastards would be so lucky to bathe in the spittle of 'The Greek God'.
PERCY: Wow, didn't know you were such a big fan of Roscar's.
CAT: Oh, I'm not. I'm just an even less fan of these fans here in Purity.
As the opening riff of "Firefly" by Breaking Benjamin plays,the lights dim down,as a figure walks out onto the center of the stage.
You my friend
You're a lot like them
But I caught your lie!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing his opponent, from Washington D.C.,weighing in at 241 lbs, HUNTEEERRRR STORMS!
Seeming unaffected by the mixed reaction, Storms continues his way down the ring. Stopping at the steel steps, he cracks his knuckles a few times before walking up the steel steps and entering the ring. He takes one last look at the crowd before retreating into his corner and staring across the ring at Roscar.
PERCY: Hunter Storms still unable to find his foothold here in PAW, which has to be frustrating considering his obvious talent.
CAT: Yeah, I'm still waiting on this guy to show me something other than his ability to lay flat on his back before I dub him with anything resembling talent.
PERCY: Damn, Cat. That's cold.
The venue darkens slightly as the opening riff to Dust Hymn plays through the speakers. After thirty seconds, when the beat kicks in......Nothing happens. The lights come back on to full, and Roscar looks around in confusion as Hunter Storms remains a virtual block of ice.
PERCY: That was Evie Girard's music, but where is she?
CAT: Maybe she got cold feet, and bolted.
PERCY: I'm not sure about that, Cat. That doesn't sound like the type of superstars we employ here....Wait, I'm getting word from the back.
The Big Screen above the stage lights up, and the unfolds outside one of the locker rooms backstage. The door is slightly ajar, and when the camera man pushes it open, there is Evie Girard lying unconscious on the locker room floor, still in her street clothes. There is a note sitting on top of the gym bag and the cameraman tentatively lifts it up, and unfolds it so that all in the arena can see.
Dear Evie,
You cost me once. Not tonight.
Hunter
xoxo
You cost me once. Not tonight.
Hunter
xoxo
The Big Screen cuts off, and the fans are left staring in the ring in confusion, as Roscar points up at the screen, yelling at A-Ref for an explanation.
PERCY: I can't believe this...Hunter Storms has already eliminated Evie Girard from this match, and this is the OPENING BOUT!
CAT: You know, I take back what I said. I think I'm starting to like this guy.
PERCY: Yeah, well Roscar is still yelling at A-Ref, and the official just shrugged of his inquiries and called for the bell. I guess this is going to be a one on one contest now, but....OH! ROSCAR TURNED AROUND, AND HUNTER STORMS IMMEDIATELY GOING FOR THE HUNTER'S MARK! Roscar wisely held onto the top rope, and has now scooted to the outside. Jesus, it would have been over.
CAT: Now I know I'm starting to like this guy!
Roscar stalks around ringside irate, slapping the top of the steel steps, and then barking at the fans at ringside as they taunt and laugh at him. The volatile Greek turns back to the ring, where Hunter Storms is still waiting for him, knee's slightly bent, ready to strike. Roscar snarls and quickly climbs up the stairs, and comes into the ring through the ropes, charging right at Storms. The more strategic of the two slips out of the oncoming Roscar's way, and trips him up with a drop toe hold, which he immediately follows up by floating over Roscar's back and hooking him in a front face lock. The Greek refuses to be held down, however, and shows his power by lifting himself back to his feet with Storms in two, now dangling off of Roscar's shoulders with the front face lock still in place. Roscar takes off towards a corner, and drops his shoulder at the last second, crushing Hunter between the turnbuckles and himself.
PERCY: Roscar is a powerful man with a proud Greek heritage, and ever since he met Wilson Fisk, the manager has seemed to had some affect on channeling his aggressiveness in the ring.
CAT: Well, he looks like he's going to channel some of it on Hunter Storms right now.
Roscar grabs the middle rope on either side of Hunter, and pulls back just far enough so that he can thrust his shoulder back into the man's midsection like a battering ram. He does this several times before finally raising to his full height, and opening up with a barrage of rights and lefts that leave Hunter with no room but to try and cover up. Roscar takes him by the wrist and moves to whip him towards the opposite side, but instead, holds onto the wrist causing Hunter to whiplash, and pulls him right back towards himself and into a short arm clothesline. Hunter hits the canvas hard, and Roscar drops an elbow down across his chest for good measure, followed by a cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: Hunter out at two, and Roscar already on his way up with a fistful of Storms hair. A-Ref admonishing, but it doesn't appear he's listening, as he pulls Hunter into a deep scoop, and a SLAM down to the center of the ring.
CAT: Every time we see this guy, he's got some impressive power on display.
PERCY: Roscar now standing right to the side of Storms head, and OH! Knee drop right down into Hunter's skull. Another one. ANOTHER ONE! It's like he's trying to peel the top of Storms' head off.
CAT: Now he's falling back peddling to the ropes for some momentum, and...
PERCY: HIGH LEAPING BODY SPLASH DOWN ACROSS HUNTER! Deep hook of the leg...
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! Roscar snaps up off the canvas to have words with A-Ref as Hunter rolls onto his stomach and crawls towards one of the corners. Roscar spits on the canvas beside A-ref's shoe, and then turns his attention back to Storms, who has made it back up to a tentative vertical base. The Greek God moves in on Hunter, pushing him into the corner, and lays into him with stiff forearms. He then slips his head under Storms' arm, and lifts him up so that he's now sitting on the top turnbuckle. The fans come to their feet as Roscar climbs up with him on the second rope.
PERCY: Whatever's about to happen here is going to be devastating, I can guarantee it!
CAT: I haven't seen too much from up there that isn't, Percy.
As soon as Roscar has his balance, he hooks Hunter around the midsection, but that's when the Boston Native comes alive. Hunter begins rocking his head back, and slamming it straight into Roscar's face. After several of these headbutts Roscar is forced to let loose of Hunter, who manages to bring one of his boots up into Roscar's chest, and shoves him from his perch. Roscar impacts off the canvas hard, but rolls back up to one knee as Hunter steps all the way to a standing position on the top rope. When Roscar gets fully to his feet, Hunter launches himself off the top with a spinning sole kick that catches the Greek right in the face. Roscar is snapped back down to the canvas thanks to the impact, and rolls around the mat clutching at his face, as Hunter tries to get back to his feet.
PERCY: Huge turnaround move for Hunter if he can capitalize.
CAT: Damn right. He's up, now, but Roscar is making it to his feet as well....Beautiful standing drop kick sends Roscar back down to the mat.
PERCY: Yeah, but he keeps getting back up.....and another drop kick sends him back down. This time, Roscar wisely rolls to the outside.
CAT: Uh....I don't know how wise that was.
Hunter quickly, but strategically, steps out onto the ring apron where he is still a good pace away from Roscar. The Greek wipes at his face to check for blood, but not finding any turns back to the ring only to find no one there. When he turns fully around, there's not much he can do as Hunter sprints across the ring, and leaps into a rolling sentan that wipes out both men to the concrete floor. The PAW crowd comes alive with a chant, despite not really liking either individual.
CROWD: PAW, PAW, PAW, PAW..
PERCY: A-Ref at a count of four here, and Hunter Storms is getting to his feet, trying to pick Roscar up as well...OH! ROSCAR WITH A LIFTING SHOULDER THRUST THAT JUST JAMMED HUNTER'S SPINE INTO THE STEEL RING POST!
CAT: That will realign your vertebrate.
Roscar, still worried about his face, looks down at Hunter Storms, who is writhing along the concrete, with a grimace that can only be described as hostile. He jerks into motion, yanking Hunter up off the canvas, and tossing him under the bottom rope back into the ring to break the 10 count that A-Ref was dangerously close to completing. He then follows him in, and gets him up to his feet before taking his wrist, and whipping him to the far side. Storms rebounds, and Roscar is there to meet him with a snap power slam in the center of the ring that thunders throughout the arena upon impact. The fans grimace as he hooks the leg deep for the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: THRE-NO!! Hunter Storms barely got the shoulder up, but he did, and now Roscar is almost beside himself. He's all over A-Ref about a count of three, and the poor official is trying to tell him it was just two.
CAT: He needs to keep his focus. Where is Fisk when you need him?
Hunter barely gets to his feet, leaning heavily on the ropes to help keep him vertical as Roscar abandons A-Ref after noticing this. He stalks over to Hunter, and grabs him on either side of his head, dragging him back out to the center of the ring. He yells out at the crowd who answer with boos as he rares far back to start his finisher, the Seven Deadly Sins. Just as his fist looks like it's about to connect, however, Hunter ducks the punch, causing Roscar to lose his balance with his swing through. When the Greek God rights himself, he turns back towards Hunter, and runs right into a huge discus clothesline that nearly decapitates him.
PERCY: QUARREL BOMBER FROM STORMS! But now both men are laid out on the canvas, and I don't know whether either of them have any gas left in the tank.
CAT: I don't know, but A-Ref has no choice but to start the count....hey, wait...I know that guy.
A figure appears at the top of the ramp, the same one seen last week on PAW programming at the end of Roscar versus Spencer Thompson. Wilson Fisk, wearing an ashen grey three piece suit with wing tips, fast walks down the ramp to ringside, and hops right up onto the ring apron. This causes A-Ref to cease his count to deal with this new factor, and the two men begin to argue, Wilson pointing in A-Ref's face and shaking his head 'No', while A-Ref points to the floor for Wilson to step down from the ring.
PERCY: A-Ref and Roscar's manager, Wilson Fisk, are going at it on the ring apron, meanwhile Hunter Storms is starting to stir.
CAT: Yeah, but so is Roscar!
Hunter reaches his feet first still clutching at his back. He looks over to where the argument is taking place, and he stumbles over in that direction. Hunter shoves A-Ref out of the way and snatches Fisk by the tie before he can drop down to the floor, and rares back to hit the man. Wilson throws his hands up in a halting manner, giving Roscar just enough time to nail Hunter from behind with a forearm across the shoulders. He spins Hunter around as Wilson gets down off the ring apron, and hooks him around the waist before sending him flying with an Exploder Suplex!
PERCY: SEVEN DEADLY SINS WITHOUT THE PUNCHES! BUT HUNTER FLIPPED THROUGH AND LANDED ON HIS FEET! Roscar can't believe it, rushes in, and HUNTER'S MARK! HUNTER'S MARK!
CAT: Hunter dropping down and hooking the leg for the pin!
1...
2...
3!!!
Hunter falls off of Roscar, and rolls up to his bottom to scoot away from the man so he can lean against the ropes. Wilson Fisk slaps the canvas angrily, and then hops up onto the ring apron to have words with A-Ref again, but the official just waves him off as the bell sounds.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And the winner of this match, and the next contender for the Crank Championship....HUNTER STORMS!
PERCY: Hunter Storms did it! He will go on next cycle to meet whoever wins between Anastasia Hayden and Annabel Lee tonight for the Crank Championship!
CAT: Yeah, that was an intense match, but I guess his plotting paid off. First he gets rid of Evie Girard, making her a non-factor in the match, and then he stopped everyone's heart with that flip through that Exploder Suplex of Roscar's.
PERCY: I guess if you're Hunter Storms, Greek was on the menu tonight.
CAT: You know, Percy, there are some people who can pull off clever, and some who can't. You're the latter.
PERCY: WELL! How about we just get ready for our next match rather than hurl insults, shall we.
PERCY: I can't believe this...Hunter Storms has already eliminated Evie Girard from this match, and this is the OPENING BOUT!
CAT: You know, I take back what I said. I think I'm starting to like this guy.
PERCY: Yeah, well Roscar is still yelling at A-Ref, and the official just shrugged of his inquiries and called for the bell. I guess this is going to be a one on one contest now, but....OH! ROSCAR TURNED AROUND, AND HUNTER STORMS IMMEDIATELY GOING FOR THE HUNTER'S MARK! Roscar wisely held onto the top rope, and has now scooted to the outside. Jesus, it would have been over.
CAT: Now I know I'm starting to like this guy!
Roscar stalks around ringside irate, slapping the top of the steel steps, and then barking at the fans at ringside as they taunt and laugh at him. The volatile Greek turns back to the ring, where Hunter Storms is still waiting for him, knee's slightly bent, ready to strike. Roscar snarls and quickly climbs up the stairs, and comes into the ring through the ropes, charging right at Storms. The more strategic of the two slips out of the oncoming Roscar's way, and trips him up with a drop toe hold, which he immediately follows up by floating over Roscar's back and hooking him in a front face lock. The Greek refuses to be held down, however, and shows his power by lifting himself back to his feet with Storms in two, now dangling off of Roscar's shoulders with the front face lock still in place. Roscar takes off towards a corner, and drops his shoulder at the last second, crushing Hunter between the turnbuckles and himself.
PERCY: Roscar is a powerful man with a proud Greek heritage, and ever since he met Wilson Fisk, the manager has seemed to had some affect on channeling his aggressiveness in the ring.
CAT: Well, he looks like he's going to channel some of it on Hunter Storms right now.
Roscar grabs the middle rope on either side of Hunter, and pulls back just far enough so that he can thrust his shoulder back into the man's midsection like a battering ram. He does this several times before finally raising to his full height, and opening up with a barrage of rights and lefts that leave Hunter with no room but to try and cover up. Roscar takes him by the wrist and moves to whip him towards the opposite side, but instead, holds onto the wrist causing Hunter to whiplash, and pulls him right back towards himself and into a short arm clothesline. Hunter hits the canvas hard, and Roscar drops an elbow down across his chest for good measure, followed by a cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: Hunter out at two, and Roscar already on his way up with a fistful of Storms hair. A-Ref admonishing, but it doesn't appear he's listening, as he pulls Hunter into a deep scoop, and a SLAM down to the center of the ring.
CAT: Every time we see this guy, he's got some impressive power on display.
PERCY: Roscar now standing right to the side of Storms head, and OH! Knee drop right down into Hunter's skull. Another one. ANOTHER ONE! It's like he's trying to peel the top of Storms' head off.
CAT: Now he's falling back peddling to the ropes for some momentum, and...
PERCY: HIGH LEAPING BODY SPLASH DOWN ACROSS HUNTER! Deep hook of the leg...
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! Roscar snaps up off the canvas to have words with A-Ref as Hunter rolls onto his stomach and crawls towards one of the corners. Roscar spits on the canvas beside A-ref's shoe, and then turns his attention back to Storms, who has made it back up to a tentative vertical base. The Greek God moves in on Hunter, pushing him into the corner, and lays into him with stiff forearms. He then slips his head under Storms' arm, and lifts him up so that he's now sitting on the top turnbuckle. The fans come to their feet as Roscar climbs up with him on the second rope.
PERCY: Whatever's about to happen here is going to be devastating, I can guarantee it!
CAT: I haven't seen too much from up there that isn't, Percy.
As soon as Roscar has his balance, he hooks Hunter around the midsection, but that's when the Boston Native comes alive. Hunter begins rocking his head back, and slamming it straight into Roscar's face. After several of these headbutts Roscar is forced to let loose of Hunter, who manages to bring one of his boots up into Roscar's chest, and shoves him from his perch. Roscar impacts off the canvas hard, but rolls back up to one knee as Hunter steps all the way to a standing position on the top rope. When Roscar gets fully to his feet, Hunter launches himself off the top with a spinning sole kick that catches the Greek right in the face. Roscar is snapped back down to the canvas thanks to the impact, and rolls around the mat clutching at his face, as Hunter tries to get back to his feet.
PERCY: Huge turnaround move for Hunter if he can capitalize.
CAT: Damn right. He's up, now, but Roscar is making it to his feet as well....Beautiful standing drop kick sends Roscar back down to the mat.
PERCY: Yeah, but he keeps getting back up.....and another drop kick sends him back down. This time, Roscar wisely rolls to the outside.
CAT: Uh....I don't know how wise that was.
Hunter quickly, but strategically, steps out onto the ring apron where he is still a good pace away from Roscar. The Greek wipes at his face to check for blood, but not finding any turns back to the ring only to find no one there. When he turns fully around, there's not much he can do as Hunter sprints across the ring, and leaps into a rolling sentan that wipes out both men to the concrete floor. The PAW crowd comes alive with a chant, despite not really liking either individual.
CROWD: PAW, PAW, PAW, PAW..
PERCY: A-Ref at a count of four here, and Hunter Storms is getting to his feet, trying to pick Roscar up as well...OH! ROSCAR WITH A LIFTING SHOULDER THRUST THAT JUST JAMMED HUNTER'S SPINE INTO THE STEEL RING POST!
CAT: That will realign your vertebrate.
Roscar, still worried about his face, looks down at Hunter Storms, who is writhing along the concrete, with a grimace that can only be described as hostile. He jerks into motion, yanking Hunter up off the canvas, and tossing him under the bottom rope back into the ring to break the 10 count that A-Ref was dangerously close to completing. He then follows him in, and gets him up to his feet before taking his wrist, and whipping him to the far side. Storms rebounds, and Roscar is there to meet him with a snap power slam in the center of the ring that thunders throughout the arena upon impact. The fans grimace as he hooks the leg deep for the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: THRE-NO!! Hunter Storms barely got the shoulder up, but he did, and now Roscar is almost beside himself. He's all over A-Ref about a count of three, and the poor official is trying to tell him it was just two.
CAT: He needs to keep his focus. Where is Fisk when you need him?
Hunter barely gets to his feet, leaning heavily on the ropes to help keep him vertical as Roscar abandons A-Ref after noticing this. He stalks over to Hunter, and grabs him on either side of his head, dragging him back out to the center of the ring. He yells out at the crowd who answer with boos as he rares far back to start his finisher, the Seven Deadly Sins. Just as his fist looks like it's about to connect, however, Hunter ducks the punch, causing Roscar to lose his balance with his swing through. When the Greek God rights himself, he turns back towards Hunter, and runs right into a huge discus clothesline that nearly decapitates him.
PERCY: QUARREL BOMBER FROM STORMS! But now both men are laid out on the canvas, and I don't know whether either of them have any gas left in the tank.
CAT: I don't know, but A-Ref has no choice but to start the count....hey, wait...I know that guy.
A figure appears at the top of the ramp, the same one seen last week on PAW programming at the end of Roscar versus Spencer Thompson. Wilson Fisk, wearing an ashen grey three piece suit with wing tips, fast walks down the ramp to ringside, and hops right up onto the ring apron. This causes A-Ref to cease his count to deal with this new factor, and the two men begin to argue, Wilson pointing in A-Ref's face and shaking his head 'No', while A-Ref points to the floor for Wilson to step down from the ring.
PERCY: A-Ref and Roscar's manager, Wilson Fisk, are going at it on the ring apron, meanwhile Hunter Storms is starting to stir.
CAT: Yeah, but so is Roscar!
Hunter reaches his feet first still clutching at his back. He looks over to where the argument is taking place, and he stumbles over in that direction. Hunter shoves A-Ref out of the way and snatches Fisk by the tie before he can drop down to the floor, and rares back to hit the man. Wilson throws his hands up in a halting manner, giving Roscar just enough time to nail Hunter from behind with a forearm across the shoulders. He spins Hunter around as Wilson gets down off the ring apron, and hooks him around the waist before sending him flying with an Exploder Suplex!
PERCY: SEVEN DEADLY SINS WITHOUT THE PUNCHES! BUT HUNTER FLIPPED THROUGH AND LANDED ON HIS FEET! Roscar can't believe it, rushes in, and HUNTER'S MARK! HUNTER'S MARK!
CAT: Hunter dropping down and hooking the leg for the pin!
1...
2...
3!!!
Hunter falls off of Roscar, and rolls up to his bottom to scoot away from the man so he can lean against the ropes. Wilson Fisk slaps the canvas angrily, and then hops up onto the ring apron to have words with A-Ref again, but the official just waves him off as the bell sounds.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And the winner of this match, and the next contender for the Crank Championship....HUNTER STORMS!
PERCY: Hunter Storms did it! He will go on next cycle to meet whoever wins between Anastasia Hayden and Annabel Lee tonight for the Crank Championship!
CAT: Yeah, that was an intense match, but I guess his plotting paid off. First he gets rid of Evie Girard, making her a non-factor in the match, and then he stopped everyone's heart with that flip through that Exploder Suplex of Roscar's.
PERCY: I guess if you're Hunter Storms, Greek was on the menu tonight.
CAT: You know, Percy, there are some people who can pull off clever, and some who can't. You're the latter.
PERCY: WELL! How about we just get ready for our next match rather than hurl insults, shall we.
Singles Match
Leon Cashmere versus Black Jack Colter
PERCY: Well this next match is sure to be a classic as Black Jack Colter and Leon Cashmere clash to get one more rung up the ladder.
CAT: Yeah, and ole' Black Jack probably has a few aces up his sleeve, if you know what I me.....
The commentators are suddenly cut off by the sound of a loud siren playing over the arena’s speakers. The blaring sound was so loud that it was enough to make it hard for people to hear their own thoughts, let alone have a conversation with someone sitting next to them.
PERCY: WHAT HE HELL?!?
CAT: THIS IS THE SAME AS WHAT HAPPENED ON WICKED!
Once again the commentators are interrupted when the loud siren fades just bit so that a booming voice could echo through the speaker system and over the dull sound of the siren.
“In September of 2006. A virus was created and released into the world of professional wrestling.Not just any virus, but a virus that has proven time and time again to be as deadly as any virus that’s ever existed.Exactly ten years the Virus has been alive. The Virus has thrived onward. That same Virus has been in promotion after promotion and has taken career after career. No one has ever been safe.”
The fans sit in their seats in pure and utter confusion, certainly the hair on the back of their necks stands up in fear. A virus that was deadly and existed for ten years was enough to put everyone on the edge of their seat. Especially when it wasn’t known how one could contract the virus.
“And now with the ten years of existence. The Virus is going to be leaked into Pure Amusement Wrestling. Once it has been leaked into the atmosphere there is no escaping. Owners and members of management can be infected. Wrestlers can be infected. Even the fans in attendance can be infected. One by one the Virus will continue to take as many lives as it sees fit until it is ready to move on elsewhere. Prepare for death.”
Seconds after the words cease, the loud blaring sound of the siren returns, making several people cover their ears. Along with the blaring sound of the siren the Big Screen turns on and starts to flash an image over and over again. An image that has been seen once before.
The confusion and tension among fans builds, when all of a sudden the image and siren disappear, leaving an eerie silence in the arena. The fans chatter with one another as the confusion continues to boil over.
PERCY: First on WICKED Live, and now on ADDICTION. I don't know if this is somebodies idea of a practical joke, but it's not funny.
CAT: Yeah, and ole' Black Jack probably has a few aces up his sleeve, if you know what I me.....
The commentators are suddenly cut off by the sound of a loud siren playing over the arena’s speakers. The blaring sound was so loud that it was enough to make it hard for people to hear their own thoughts, let alone have a conversation with someone sitting next to them.
PERCY: WHAT HE HELL?!?
CAT: THIS IS THE SAME AS WHAT HAPPENED ON WICKED!
Once again the commentators are interrupted when the loud siren fades just bit so that a booming voice could echo through the speaker system and over the dull sound of the siren.
“In September of 2006. A virus was created and released into the world of professional wrestling.Not just any virus, but a virus that has proven time and time again to be as deadly as any virus that’s ever existed.Exactly ten years the Virus has been alive. The Virus has thrived onward. That same Virus has been in promotion after promotion and has taken career after career. No one has ever been safe.”
The fans sit in their seats in pure and utter confusion, certainly the hair on the back of their necks stands up in fear. A virus that was deadly and existed for ten years was enough to put everyone on the edge of their seat. Especially when it wasn’t known how one could contract the virus.
“And now with the ten years of existence. The Virus is going to be leaked into Pure Amusement Wrestling. Once it has been leaked into the atmosphere there is no escaping. Owners and members of management can be infected. Wrestlers can be infected. Even the fans in attendance can be infected. One by one the Virus will continue to take as many lives as it sees fit until it is ready to move on elsewhere. Prepare for death.”
Seconds after the words cease, the loud blaring sound of the siren returns, making several people cover their ears. Along with the blaring sound of the siren the Big Screen turns on and starts to flash an image over and over again. An image that has been seen once before.
The confusion and tension among fans builds, when all of a sudden the image and siren disappear, leaving an eerie silence in the arena. The fans chatter with one another as the confusion continues to boil over.
PERCY: First on WICKED Live, and now on ADDICTION. I don't know if this is somebodies idea of a practical joke, but it's not funny.
CAT: What? I can't hear you. My ears are still ringing.
PERCY: Oh, really? Well, sometimes Cat, you can be a real bitch out here.
CAT: Fuck you, Percy! How dare you!
PERCY: Thought you couldn't hear?
CAT: I can't, but I can still smell, and you stink like bullshit. Rhonda, save me from this fool!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is a singles match set for one fall or submission....
The first chords of "Kashmir" hit and the lights instantly kill except for one spotlight coming up from the bottom of the stage as smoke begins to fill around the area as the slow violin plays. Suddenly the violin stops and the lights kill, the fans pop loudly as the guitars and drums kick in and now standing in the spotlight which flashes different colors with the smoke all around him with his back turned is Leon Cashmere. His jacket popped out so you can see the bright CASHMERE across the back of it. Turning around with his jacket still popped he nods as he looks around at the fan with a wide smile before letting his jacket fall, and then begins his walk toward the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Making his way to the ring first, by way of Knoxville, Tennessee… he is… “The Forgotten Future”…. LEON…. CASHHHHHMEREEEEEEEEEE!
After making his way down the ramp, he leaps onto the apron, holding onto the ropes and sliding along with his knee pads before he continues his grip on the ropes but turns around and looks at the fans once more, finally he stands up and wipes his feet on the apron before he climbs up onto the nearest turnbuckle and pops his jacket open again. Punching the top of the turnbuckle pad before leaping into the ring. He does a few runs into the ropes before coming to a dead stop in the middle of the ring and posing before the lights come up and he makes his way to the corner, taking off his jacket and testing the ropes.
PERCY: Leon Cashmere, formerly a champion in the ECWF and the EWE, as well as having a stint in Monarchy Wrestling, is a man who most recently came up short in last Addiction’s main event for the newly minted Crank title.
CAT: He didn’t lose by much though, Percy. With Leon Cashmere on the roster you can pretty much bet he’s perennially on the title hunt.
PERCY: It’s a guarantee, Cat.
The distinctive voice of Jack Colter says "Hit me!" A Jack of clubs playing card runs across the video on the JumboTron, as "God's Gonna Cut You Down" begins to play.
PERCY: But so is the man he’s facing.
Jack Colter emerges from behind the curtain to a chorus of boos.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing next coming to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada…. “Black”…. JACK…. COLTERRRRRRRRRRR!
Jack smirks and walks down the ramp at a measured and methodical pace, unfazed by the crowd's reaction. Upon arriving at the steel steps, Colter slowly walks up them, wiping his boots at the top before stepping between the top and middle ropes. Once inside, he paces the ring a bit before removing his black T-shirt and tossing it outside the ring.
CAT: In fact, both of these guys are probably eyeing the belts floating around PAW now.
PERCY: They’re both easily contenders, Cat. But tonight? They’re going to determine who wants to get to a title shot sooner.
CAT: Or at least how they’re booked the next time.
DING! DING!
The two men lock up collar and elbow in the middle with little fanfare. Leon and Colter circle the ring pushing for some advantage before Cashmere manages to angle his opponent into the corner, frees an arm and wickedly knife-edge chops Colter.
PERCY: Loud reverberations there.
CAT: Isn’t that a Beach Boys song?
PERCY: I really don’t think so, Cat.
Colter’s reddened chest attests to the strength behind Leon’s strike, but there’s precious little time for Cashmere to contemplate another as Colter lifts a knee to Cashmere’s midsection and backs him away from the corner. Angrily, Colter takes a run and aims a SPEAR at Cashmere only to find Leon expecting him to charge and uses Colter’s momentum to pulverize him to the canvas with a suplex!
PERCY: Two veterans putting on a show already. Cashmere’s got some speed on his side with that impressive reversal!
CAT: Leon Cashmere’s got the height and reach, but they’re both noted brawlers. This one’s gonna be decided by resilience if you ask me.
Cashmere swings some hair back as he rises to his feet, dragging Colter with him. Before Cashmere can capitalize, Colter slams a fist into Cashmere’s midsection as he rises, doubling Leon over, then drives a knee up into the big man’s face standing him right back up. In sudden, and firm control, Colter pummels Cashmere into the canvas with a spinebuster!
CAT: And just like that, Colter took back the match!
PERCY: No one said this one was gonna be easy for either of them!
Colter climbs over Cashmere and begins dropping hard right hands into Cashmere who fires several of his own right back. Colter wasn’t expecting the sudden mat fight as Cashmere pivots his body and swings his legs up to trap Colter’s arm and drag him down to the canvas into an vicious armbar submission.
PERCY: Leon Cashmere looks ready to wrench “Black” Jack’s arm right out of it’s socket! Just look at the pressure he’s applying!
CAT: Cashmere is a virtual legend in any squared circle, Percy!
PERCY: Colter’s no slouch! Cashmere needs to watch him here!
In spite of the intense torque Leon’s putting on Colter’s arm, Colter is fighting through the pain and rising up to his knees forcing Cashmere to wrench harder, threatening to pull Colter’s arm out of it’s socket and finding “Black” Jack delivering some sudden, unexpected jabs right into the back of Cashmere’s knee! The pain is making both men loosen their fight and scramble to their feet.
PERCY: Some damage to Colter’s arm, and Cashmere clearly didn’t like Colter’s precision strikes to the vulnerable parts of his knee.
CAT: These two scrappy S.O.B’s are probably gonna kill each other, Percy.
PERCY: At least wound.
Standing toe to toe, Colter lifts his fists and readies an impromptu boxing match with Cashmere, firing some jabs at the Knoxville Nightmare that are diverted or blocked before making contact. Cashmere dances a little, blocking another of Colter’s test jabs before swinging a lariat right for Colter’s head only to be surprised by Colter blocking it, and taking him down with a Russian leg sweep!
PERCY: Impressive takedown by Colter, ladies and gentleman!
Colter swings furious punches at Leon now that he’s off guard. Right fists that smash into Leon’s face. Cashmere is quick to not lay down for long, rolling fast away from Jack and climbing to his knees. Colter rises and gives chase, aiming at driving a knee strike at Leon’s head while he’s on all fours, but Cashmere expertly dodges that and lets Colter whiz past him. Cashmere is quick to his feet and hits Colter with a reverse DDT and goes for a quick cover!
1…
TW—KICKOUT!!!
CAT: Nice try, but these two are just getting started!
Cashmere drags Colter to his feet and levels some elbows into Colter’s face that knocks the wily veteran backwards. Cashmere gains a few steps of ground before charging at Colter for what promises to be a wicked lariat, only Colter is able to hook Cashmere fast and spin him around for a powerslam right into a pin!
1…
TW—KICKOUT!
PERCY: Just like that they’re both tied for missed pinning attempts.
Colter rises, gripping locks of Cashmere’s hair and bringing him to a stand, letting the momentum of the match slow down a moment before firing a set of backhanded blows to stagger Cashmere. But Leon stuns Colter with a few return blows of his own. Before Leon gets comfortable, Colter responds with a hard right hand to Cashmere’s midsection that doubles him over. Colter eyes his opponent over with a moment of hesitation and contemplation before bouncing back off the ropes and slamming his knee into the side of Cashmere’s head and bowling the veteran over, then drops an elbow and goes for the cover!
1…
TW—KICKOUT!
PERCY: Barely the two there.
CAT: Colter’s hesitance is always a factor. You saw it. He seems to have too many options for how to dispose of his opponent running through his mind that he waits too long to fully capitalize.
PERCY: You could be right, and it could be a factor at times, but so far it’s not cost him much.
CAT: Meanwhile, Cashmere probably got his head spinning after Colter took him for a ride with that powerslam.
PERCY: Another astute possible analysis, Cat.
Colter, maintaining a slow and steady pace brings Cashmere to his feet and delivers several staggering shots to Leon’s chest and face before whipping Cashmere for the ropes. On the rebound, Colter backhand slaps Cashmere to a staggering stop before hooking him in for the suplex clutch and FLIPPING Cashmere over for a fisherman suplex pinning combo!
1…
TW—KICKOUT!
PERCY: Hot damn another kickout before A Ref could even hit two! Colter’s gonna have to throw everything at Cashmere it seems!
CAT: Percy, have you even SEEN Leon Cashmere fight before? This might as well be the backstage warmups.
PERCY: Duly noted, Cat. And yes, I’ve seen a Leon Cashmere fight before.
CAT: Lies.
Colter once more drags Cashmere to his feet and lays into the Knoxville Nightmare with some backhanded chops that staggers Leon once more. This time Colter rebounds off the ropes and drives a hard shoulder block into Cashmere that staggers the big man but doesn’t drop him! A fact that surprises Colter, who stares down Leon Cashmere before firing several backhanded chops once more that still fail to drop Cashmere entirely! Colter rebounds off the other ropes and SLAMS a lariat right into Cashmere that drops Cashmere down to a knee, but still not down to the canvas! The crowd is on its feet, and Colter is absolutely floored at his opponent’s resilience!
CAT: Hey, Percy! There’s something wrong with that Cashmere guy. He’s not falling down!
PERCY: Could be drugs, Cat.
CAT: Reaaaaally?
PERCY: I highly doubt that.
CAT: Maybe he hasn’t gotten the memo yet!
Colter rushes dangerously up the ropes and onto the top turnbuckle in a bid to finally crush Cashmere only to find the Forgotten Future bouncing onto his feet with a sudden burst of speed, leaping up onto the top rope with Colter and belly-to-belly suplexing Colter BAM right onto the mat!
CROWD: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
PERCY: Indeed!!! I don’t believe it. The crowd can’t believe it.
CAT: Jack Colter can’t believe it.
PERCY: I don’t even think Leon Cashmere can believe it.
CAT: Does it matter? They’re both pretty much dead on the canvas rn.
PERCY: “R.N”?
CAT: Right Now, doofus. Don’t you use the internet ever?
PERCY: I stand corrected.
Both men lay prone on the canvas as A Ref steps in to administer the count.
1….
2…
3….
Colter is the first to stir. Nearby Cashmere shifts to his side.
4…
5…
Colter climbs to one knee and shakes his head at Cashmere’s, either audacity, or perseverance, breaking up the count as he climbs to his feet and carefully approaches a steadily rising Leon Cashmere and is greeted with a European uppercut that staggers Colter backwards and gives Cashmere time to lift to his feet.
PERCY: Listen to that crowd show its appreciation for these two competitors! The crowd is absolutely roaring.
Cashmere staggers and shifts back into gear, moving for Colter who greets him with a hard right fist right to the face that sends Cashmere reeling. Colter rolls his neck and steps in to lay another hard right into Cashmere only to find Leon deflecting that blow, gripping Jack’s head and driving it down into a hard rising knee that stuns Colter!
PERCY: These two have been striking the hell out of each other!
With Colter staggering backard giving him some room, Cashmere charges and takes Colter down with a running knee strike and immediately goes for the cover!
1…
TW—KICKOUT!
CAT: Unbelievable!
PERCY: Cashmere can’t believe it either!
Cashmere raises Colter’s head off the mat and drops a hard elbow right into Colter’s face before raising him up to a stand and Colter powers into him suddenly with a spinebuster that rattles the ring! Colter hooks the leg!
1….
2….
THR—KICKOUT!!
CAT: At least he’s getting closer!
PERCY: Not by much. Cashmere still kicked out of that with force.
CAT: I know… How much time are these two supposed to be out here for?
PERCY: As long as it takes, my dear.
CAT: Awwwwwwwww man!
Colter drives some hard fists into Cashmere before bringing him to a shaky footing in front of him and slamming him with some hard knife-edge chops to keep Cashmere woozy. Colter rebounds off the ropes and returns to meet a big boot by Cashmere that absolutely FLATTENS Colter! And Cashmere staggers sideways from the beating he’s taken and props himself up with the ropes.
PERCY: These two veterans are showing the PAW Universe exactly how it’s done, Cat.
CAT: That are they’re zombies.
PERCY: Ever the creative solution with you, Cat.
CAT: I like to think outside the box.
Leon gathers his bearings, catches his breath and let’s Colter rise to his feet before stepping in with renewed vigor and firing some shots of his own into Colter’s jaw before irish whipping him into the corner and wasting no time slamming into Jack with a roaring elbow that ignites the crowd and bounces Jack Colter out of the corner and face-first into the canvas! Cashmere sees an opening and drops down, hooking Colter’s legs and pulling them back into a seated boston crab!
PERCY: Not a good place for “Black” Jack to be!
CAT: That’s gonna hurt for months the way Leon’s reafing on Jack’s back like that.
Cashmere goes to town inflicing the pain onto Jack, which is visible as Colter groans in agony and reaches for the ropes which are far out of reach. Cashmere keeps on the pressure, but Jack Colter surprises as he grits his teeth and puts some extreme power and effort into rising his way out of the boston crab!
PERCY: SERIOUS RESILIENCE ON DISPLAY BY JACK COLTER!
CAT: He’s not really going to be able to do it, is he?
PERCY: ARE YOU SEEING THE SAME THING I’M SEEING?!
CAT: You don’t have to yell! Yes. Wooot. Very impressive. See? No yelling. Hurts my ears.
PERCY: Sorry!
By the time the announce team has that sorted, Cashmere has been unceremoniously ousted from his seated position on Jack Colter’s back and The Gambler has managed to escape the hold but with some obvious damage to his back. He crawls away from Cashmere clutching the small of his spine as Cashmere sweeps hair from his eyes and recovers with the help of the ropes, watching his opponent once again rise to a stand to stare right back at Cashmere.
PERCY: We knew going into this match what these two are capable of and we have not been disappointed here, fans.
With both men on their feet, Colter explodes out of the gate unexpectedly and aims a spear that collides with Leon Cashmere like a freight train, sandwiching the big man right into the corner. Colter’s burst of speed and adrenaline fueling him to power some hard knees right into Cashmere’s jaw that leaves the Knoxville Nightmare pretty well stapled into the corner. The energy expenditure is obviously taking it’s toll on Colter who staggers from the corner, grips Cashmere by the wrist and pulls him up. Both men stagger, but Colter manages to heave Cashmere up onto his shoulders and SURPRISE drops Cashmere down with a Samoan Driver pinning combination!
PERCY: THE DEALER ALWAYS WINS! THIS IS IT!
1…
2…
THR-KICKOUT!
PERCY: I am at a loss for words… how did Cashmere kickout of that!?
CAT: I have no idea, but if you shout one more time I’m gonna kick you out of this announce booth. How’s that for a creative solution?
PERCY: Creative segue at least.
Colter is just as shocked as the announce team. He heaves in breath as Cashmere rolls to his side, and finds the ropes, using them to lift him to his knees. Colter follows just as exhausted as Cashmere looks. As Cashmere stumbles to his feet, Colter rebounds off the ropes and looks primed and ready to hit a superkick that Cashmere sidesteps expertly, grips Colter mid kick attempt and SLAMS him down with a spinning sideslam right into a pin!
1…
2…
THR—KICKOUT!
PERCY: No shouting… But sweet mother of all that’s holy these two are putting on a clinic!
CAT: Leon Cashmere might not have much gas left after all this!
PERCY: And Colter’s barely stirring on the canvas!
A-Ref begins his 10 count as both competitors fight to try and find some part of the ring to help with their ascent back to a vertical base. Cashmere is able to pull himself up by the turnbuckles, while Colter uses the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. With both men on their feet, Colter stumbles out to the center of the ring, and puts up his fists, signaling with his fingers for Cashmere to join him. The Knoxville Nightmare slowly picks his way over, putting up his dukes as well. The fans are on their feet as the two men exchange punches that snap their heads back with each landed blow. Finally, Colter gets the upper hand with a jab, jab, right cross combo that drops Cashmere to one knee.
PERCY: Leon Cashmere is out on his feet, and Colter reaching down to get a handful of Cashmere's hair, and OH! HUGE UPPERCUT BY CASHMERE SENDS COLTER STUMBLING ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE ROPES!
CAT: This thing has turned into an all out brawl between these two!
Cashmere pushes up to his feet, and takes off in a sprint, lunging at Colter with a clothesline attempt to send him over the ropes to the floor. Colter, However, manages to hook the top rope with both hands on either side of his body, and throws his feet up at the last second. Cashmere crashes into the man's boots, the sudden stop in momentum sending him crashing down to the canvas with a thud. He's already rolling over onto his hands and knee's to try and get back to his feet, when Colter steps out away from the ropes, and leaps up, bringing the back of his leg down across the back of Cashmere's head, and driving him face first into the mat.
PERCY: THE GUILLOTINE!! AND THAT HAS GOT TO BE IT!
CAT: Colter with the cover....
1...
2...
3!!!
A-Ref signals for the bell as Colter rolls off of Cashmere to lay on his back for awhile, and suck wind. The fans give a mixed reaction of cheers and boo's, but neither man is able to respond as they lay beside one another exhausted.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And the winner of this contest by pin fall, BLACK JACK COLTER!!
PERCY: These two have put on a phenomenal back and forth encounter here, but in the end Colter was able to seal the deal. Man, great effort on both men's part.
CAT: Yeah, and this is a big win for Colter. You gotta believe that he has some championship aspirations in the future, but I wonder which one.
PERCY: Not sure, but if he can keep this momentum going, there's no doubt that his future here in PAW is a shining one.
Colter finally sits up, wiping sweat and grime from his face as he eases all the way up to his feet. A section in the crowd holds up a Black Jack sign, and he nods in approval as he looks down at Cashmere and shakes his head before departing the ring.
PERCY: Well folks, we've got more PAW action coming up, but I'm getting word from the back that we might get a few words from the Crank Champion before her bout. Let's check it out.
Backstage the cameras find interviewer Brandi Irving coming to a stop outside the dressing room of the new Crank Champion. Before Brandi can knock, the door suddenly swings open.
ANNABEL LEE: Hah! no sneaking up on me this time Miss Brandi. I heard you coming.
Brandi looks a little surprised, but forces a smile.
BRANDI IRVING: Well, Annabel, you're not far away from your first Crank Championship defense. How are you feeling?
For possibly the first time in recorded history, Annabel frowns. It's there and gone in the blink of an eye, but it was most definitely there!
ANNABEL LEE: Oooohhh I'm so nervous Miss Brandi!
She looks abashed.
ANNABEL LEE: I totally threw up.
Brandi looks grossed out, and takes a step back just in case.
ANNABEL LEE: I suppose that could be because I had that funnel cake and went on the roller coaster, but I don't know.
BRANDI IRVING: About the match though...
ANNABEL LEE: Oh, right! I'm super nervous. It's my first championship and my first title defense.
BRANDI IRVING: Pretty much everything you do in PAW is kind of your first, isn't it?
Annabel takes a moment to consider the question before nodding once, her ponytail bouncing.
ANNABEL LEE: I guess you're right Miss Brandi, it kind of is. Even though I'm nervous I can't wait though. I want to get back in the ring and show my fans and PAW that they aren't wrong to support me. I want to hear them cheer when I get to hold the Crank Championship high over my head again tonight.
BRANDI IRVING: What if you don't win?
ANNABEL LEE: Well Brandi, that's possible. I'm going to do everything I can, but I know it's possible. If I don't win, well then I'll congratulate Anastasia Hayden and I'll dust myself off for next time.
Brandi doesn't quite seem to know what to make of such a level headed answer. The interviewer is about to leave, but Annabel stops her.
ANNABEL LEE: Oh, oh! If you see any of those new PAW trading cards that are out, would you grab them for me? I want to collect them all!
BRANDI IRVING: Uuuuh... sure?
Brandi looks surprised and uncomfortable as Annabel suddenly gives her a great big hug.
ANNABEL LEE: Thanks! You're really under appreciated Brandi, and I wanted to tell you that you do a good job!
The compliment surprises Brandi as well, but she looks just a little bolstered as she retreats from the locker room.
The crowd cheers as the scene switches to a display of Kelsey Spencer on the screen; she stands in front of a white wall serving as a back drop. She's dressed top to bottom in her gear, complete with the goggles on her head and kinesio tape on her shoulder. Her smile is absent, which seems to be a common occurrence when she hasn't got her best friend Annabel by her side. She stares at her shoes for a moment before raising her head to speak.
KELSEY SPENCER: The debut episode of Addiction was both the best and worst night of my life. I got to have a fantastic match against my best friend - I threw my all into that match, I gave everything I had to give - and I was beaten... One, two, three. I was right there to congratulate Anna on her well-deserved win; I gave her a hug, kissed her on the forehead and raised her hand. The feeling was incredible, and it's gonna be a tough act for Calvin and Jack to follow tonight.
She falls silent for a moment, balling her fist in frustration as she shakes her head and sighs.
KELSEY SPENCER: But then, I had to deal with the fallout of not walking away with the championship. I felt like I failed myself, my mother, my friend Becky... My fans...
She shakes her head again, this time a smirk appears on her face as some kind of coping mechanism; her eyes visibly well up with tears.
KELSEY SPENCER: I had no confidence left; I didn't even think I could show my face again. But I stuck to my guns, I pushed through, and with help from people like Becky and Cross, I found my feet again. That was until I saw Summer's little speech on what I had to say about this match. She misunderstood what I had to say with that Summer Time line, and took it upon herself to verbally tear me down...
She sniffles. It's unclear if it's because she's on the verge of crying, or whether it's a side effect of this mold sickness she's allegedly been suffering.
KELSEY SPENCER: Talking's not my strong suit - it never has been. I know that sometimes, I have trouble expressing myself and explaining what's on my mind. But this isn't a verbal debate, Summer... This is wrestling! I'm gonna go out there tonight and do what I always do, and that's let my moves do the talking for me.
She turns and makes her way out the door as the scene shifts back to ringside.
ANNABEL LEE: Hah! no sneaking up on me this time Miss Brandi. I heard you coming.
Brandi looks a little surprised, but forces a smile.
BRANDI IRVING: Well, Annabel, you're not far away from your first Crank Championship defense. How are you feeling?
For possibly the first time in recorded history, Annabel frowns. It's there and gone in the blink of an eye, but it was most definitely there!
ANNABEL LEE: Oooohhh I'm so nervous Miss Brandi!
She looks abashed.
ANNABEL LEE: I totally threw up.
Brandi looks grossed out, and takes a step back just in case.
ANNABEL LEE: I suppose that could be because I had that funnel cake and went on the roller coaster, but I don't know.
BRANDI IRVING: About the match though...
ANNABEL LEE: Oh, right! I'm super nervous. It's my first championship and my first title defense.
BRANDI IRVING: Pretty much everything you do in PAW is kind of your first, isn't it?
Annabel takes a moment to consider the question before nodding once, her ponytail bouncing.
ANNABEL LEE: I guess you're right Miss Brandi, it kind of is. Even though I'm nervous I can't wait though. I want to get back in the ring and show my fans and PAW that they aren't wrong to support me. I want to hear them cheer when I get to hold the Crank Championship high over my head again tonight.
BRANDI IRVING: What if you don't win?
ANNABEL LEE: Well Brandi, that's possible. I'm going to do everything I can, but I know it's possible. If I don't win, well then I'll congratulate Anastasia Hayden and I'll dust myself off for next time.
Brandi doesn't quite seem to know what to make of such a level headed answer. The interviewer is about to leave, but Annabel stops her.
ANNABEL LEE: Oh, oh! If you see any of those new PAW trading cards that are out, would you grab them for me? I want to collect them all!
BRANDI IRVING: Uuuuh... sure?
Brandi looks surprised and uncomfortable as Annabel suddenly gives her a great big hug.
ANNABEL LEE: Thanks! You're really under appreciated Brandi, and I wanted to tell you that you do a good job!
The compliment surprises Brandi as well, but she looks just a little bolstered as she retreats from the locker room.
MEANWHILE...IN ANOTHER LOCKER ROOM
The crowd cheers as the scene switches to a display of Kelsey Spencer on the screen; she stands in front of a white wall serving as a back drop. She's dressed top to bottom in her gear, complete with the goggles on her head and kinesio tape on her shoulder. Her smile is absent, which seems to be a common occurrence when she hasn't got her best friend Annabel by her side. She stares at her shoes for a moment before raising her head to speak.
KELSEY SPENCER: The debut episode of Addiction was both the best and worst night of my life. I got to have a fantastic match against my best friend - I threw my all into that match, I gave everything I had to give - and I was beaten... One, two, three. I was right there to congratulate Anna on her well-deserved win; I gave her a hug, kissed her on the forehead and raised her hand. The feeling was incredible, and it's gonna be a tough act for Calvin and Jack to follow tonight.
She falls silent for a moment, balling her fist in frustration as she shakes her head and sighs.
KELSEY SPENCER: But then, I had to deal with the fallout of not walking away with the championship. I felt like I failed myself, my mother, my friend Becky... My fans...
She shakes her head again, this time a smirk appears on her face as some kind of coping mechanism; her eyes visibly well up with tears.
KELSEY SPENCER: I had no confidence left; I didn't even think I could show my face again. But I stuck to my guns, I pushed through, and with help from people like Becky and Cross, I found my feet again. That was until I saw Summer's little speech on what I had to say about this match. She misunderstood what I had to say with that Summer Time line, and took it upon herself to verbally tear me down...
She sniffles. It's unclear if it's because she's on the verge of crying, or whether it's a side effect of this mold sickness she's allegedly been suffering.
KELSEY SPENCER: Talking's not my strong suit - it never has been. I know that sometimes, I have trouble expressing myself and explaining what's on my mind. But this isn't a verbal debate, Summer... This is wrestling! I'm gonna go out there tonight and do what I always do, and that's let my moves do the talking for me.
She turns and makes her way out the door as the scene shifts back to ringside.
Kelsey Spencer versus Summer
PERCY: Kelsey Spencer giving herself a pep talk before her match in a few moments, and hurling a few bold words in her opponents direction.
CAT: Like she said, her fighting isn't done behind a microphone. It's inside a ring. Let's see if she can prove that claim here tonight.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is a singles match set for one fall or submission....
"First World Anarchist" by The Dollyrots tears onto the speakers, the crowd erupts, and Kelsey Spencer bursts out from behind the curtain, brimming with energy. She's all smiles as she makes her way down the ramp with a spring in her step, sometimes slapping the outstretched hands of young fans as she passes.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, coming to the ring from Baltimore, Maryland…. KELSEYYYYY… SPENCERRRRRRRR!
She enters the ring by scaling the turnbuckle on the outside and jumping over the top rope, throwing up the sign of the horns with confidence.
PERCY: Kelsey Spencer looks great, Cat.
CAT: I know… methinks there’s someone dishing out bogus claims about her.
PERCY: You mean about the black mold?
CAT: Well that too, but also the dye-job. That hair’s not blue, it’s orange.
PERCY: Nothing gets past you does it, Cat?
CAT: I have spies everywhere, Percy.
Thunder rumbles and an orange spotlight appears, lighting up the ramp. “Footsteps” by Pop Evil kicks in over the speakers as a petite woman appears, moving into that spotlight. She's wearing a black hoodie with the word FIREBIRD written across the back, the hood up to cover her face although it sports a pair of cat ears on top of her head. Slowly, she turns around and extends her arms, tilting her head back as the hood falls to reveal a shock of bright red hair.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And her opponent coming to the ring by way of Phoenix, Arizona.. she is… SUMMMMERRRRRRRR!
Pumping her fist in the air, she whirls back towards the ring and springs into action, sprinting down the ramp and diving under the bottom rope. She rolls to her feet and runs to the opposite ropes, shouting taunts at the booing crowd before dismissing them with a toss of her hair and a flip of her hand.
PERCY: Summer is in the building, folks. Coming off a tough loss to Cross Recoba on the last episode Wicked, however.
CAT: Gotta be frustrating. Summer is easily the equal of any competitor on the PAW roster.
PERCY: She is. Just experiencing a drought, I guess.
CAT: Slump? Drought? Pssssssh. She’s on the upswing and just doesn’t know it yet.
DING DING!
PERCY: There’s the bell and these two competitors circle one another.
Kelsey Spencer stops mid circle and extends a hand to Summer.
PERCY: Little friendly handshake action going on. Nice to see, nice to see-ooh! Summer pulled Kelsey right into a quick headlock tie-up there right out of the handshake!
CAT: They were done shaking hands, Percival.
PERCY: Kelsey didn’t seem to think so!
CAT: Well Kelsey can grow up, anything’s legal after the bell!
Summer takes Kelsey down in the headlock, hard to the canvas and maneuvers the headlock into a crossface that torques back on Spencer’s neck!
PERCY: Nicely transitioned there by Summer who’s taking advantage of Kelsey’s attempt at sportsmanship.
CAT: Why are you playing it up, Percy? How long does a handshake need to last before one can satisfactorily let go and continue with their life, huh?
PERCY: I suppose if you’re going to be militant about it I won’t press the issue.
CAT: Me thanks you.
Summer torques hard on Kelsey’s neck and right shoulder and keeps bending and it’s obvious how much pain Kelsey’s in as she kicks the canvas in frustration. Summer torques the hold a little tighter, holding it for agonizing moments more before quickly locking back on the headlock and forcing Kelsey up to her feet. Kelsey swings an elbow into Summer’s side once… twice… three times that finally gets Summer off of her. Kelsey rebounds off the ropes like a spitfire and leaps into the air for a cross body that Summer isn’t able to completely catch! Kelsey lands atop Summer, hooks the leg and goes for the pin!
1…
KICKOUT!
Kelsey and Summer both rise, energy is suddenly kinetic between them as Kelsey charges at Summer only to find herself locked in a sudden head scissor takedown! Kelsey rolls out of that expertly and is back on her feet meeting Summer head-on. Kelsey strikes Summer down to the canvas with a running elbow!
PERCY: Quick pace here. Summer’s still moving, so that elbow wasn’t enough!
CAT: Gonna be a battle of electric dynamos, or what?!
PERCY: They’re both fast, they’re both agile, and they’re both eager for a win, Cat.
Summer is back on her feet and aiming a kick right at Spencer’s head only to find Kelsey deftly ducks under Summer’s kick and smashes a European uppercut into Summer’s jaw that staggers her backward and Kelsey rises rapidly to a stand and charges at Summer for a clothesline that Summer ducks around and JAMS Kelsey’s face into the canvas with a facebuster!
PERCY: That uppercut didn’t sit well with Summer.
CAT: Cheap shot.
PERCY: You mean like the hand—
CAT: Don’t start, Percy. We covered this.
PERCY: Either way, Summer’s getting a little more hostile now.
Summer drags Kelsey’s face along the canvas before nailing Spencer in the head with a short elbow enough to stun the red head and give Summer time to get back into position to lock that crossface back onto Kelsey!
PERCY: Summer’s back on that cross face, Cat. You have to wonder if she’s playing at Kelsey’s shoulder.
CAT: Old injury. Summer’s not stupid. She’s going to work every little advantage she can find.
PERCY: She’s really applying pressure to Kelsey Spencer’s neck and shoulder with that submission hold.
Again, as Summer applies further pressure for agonizing, painful moments, she drops an elbow into Kelsey’s back immediately after releasing the hold to keep Kelsey reeling as Summer takes quick advantage and forces her to a stand and lays a hard shot to Kelsey’s jaw that staggers Spencer, but just as Summer moves in to capitalize, Kelsey fires a swift roundhouse that spins Summer around and drops her, and the crowd pops just as Kelsey drops to a knee clutching her shoulder.
PERCY: Some strain is showing on Kelsey Spencer.
CAT: It’s an old war injury, Percy. You don’t play with that stuff.
PERCY: Well Summer is.
CAT: Right now Summer is trying to get her brain unscrambled after that Kelsey Spencer roundhouse.
Summer lifts to all fours as Kelsey rises and winces in obvious pain but works through it, moves to Summer and forces Summer to her feet in a belly-to-back clutch, and then Kelsey unleashes with a suplex bridging into a pin!
1…
2..
KICKOUT!
Kelsey rolls her arm uncomfortably as Summer slides to her knees away from Kelsey and rolls her neck.
PERCY: Kelsey Spencer is always explosive, PAW fans.
CAT: Yeah, but look at the way she favors her shoulder. Summer’s already done some damage.
PERCY: Indeed, Cat. She’s only going to do more if Kelsey can’t reign her in fast.
Kelsey stands as Summer glares at her and rises to her feet. Kelsey races and smashes a forearm into the chin of Summer to knock her off her guard. Kelsey fires another, and another, rapid-fire shots that knock Summer back into the ropes before whipping Summer across the ring at the opposite ropes. On the return Summer leaps frogs Kelsey and hits the opposite ropes. As Kelsey rises Summer swiftly launches a side kick at Kelsey’s right shoulder that knocks the Blue Thunder sideways, then Summer kicks another vicious kick into Kelsey’s side to drop her guard, then Summer winds up another kick only to be greeted by another visceral European uppercut that stops Summer’s momentum and tips her backwards into the ropes!
PERCY: Summer’s targeting Kelsey’s shoulder, and only getting more vicious, so Kelsey Spencer has had to fight back with some stiff strikes of her own.
CAT: Yes, but it’s taking a toll, Percy. Kelsey is in definite pain.
Kelsey grits her teeth and powers into a monkey flip that flips Summer onto her back, and Kelsey follows back on summer and unleashes some mounted punches that Summer drives her knees up into Kelsey’s back to get out of! As soon as Kelsey is stunned, Summer locks on a headlock, scissors Kelsey’s body and tips her sideways to gain some leverage and shoot a side elbow into Kelsey’s rib cage before gaining some momentum and powering herself and Kelsey up then snap suplexing Kelsey in a hurry!
PERCY: Summer with the pin!
1…
2…
THR-KICKOUT!
Summer slams an angry fist into Kelsey’s head after she kicks out and gains a warning from A Ref for her trouble. Summer’s almost snide as she rises to a stand, Kelsey starting to do the same before dropping an elbow right into Kelsey’s elbow that leaves the Blue Thunder roiling in pain on the canvas!
PERCY: Ooooooh. Now there’s a cheap shot if ever I saw one! Right onto Kelsey Spencer’s bad shoulder!
CAT: Summer might have been aiming for Kelsey’s back.
PERCY: She might have been, but that’s not what she hit. And Kelsey Spencer looks in pain.
And anger as she rolls away, gripping her shoulder and rising to a knee to glare at Summer who quickly charges at her and slams a running knee into Kelsey to bowl her over. Kelsey drops an elbow once more into Kelsey’s shoulder before gripping her arm and FORCING Kelsey into a brutal chickenwing!
PERCY: The assault continues, ladies and gentleman. Summer has been ruthless here tonight.
Kelsey is in agony, the crowd on her side, the chickenwing being pulled harshly backward much to Kelsey’s chagrin! It takes so much strength and will for Kelsey to power up to a stand and swiftly kick backwards into Summer’s midsection, doubling her over. Kelsey whips around to face her and DROPS Summer with a DDT that she transfers immediately into a cover!
1…
2…
KICKOUT!
Kelsey grips her arm and gains some room between the downed Summer and herself. Obvious pain coursing through her as she watches Summer struggle to rise to her feet. She makes her way tenatively towards Summer, reaching out with her good arm to try and hook the woman around the head, but Summer ends this attempt by suddenly popping up and knocking Kelsey's arm away from her. With Kelsey off balance, she brings her knee up to her chest, and sends her boot hurtling forward into Kelsey's injured arm/shoulder with a thrust kick. Kelsey immediately tries to create distance, stumbling her way to a corner, but Summer follows her in, taking the injured limb, and draping it over the top, and then yanking it through the middle ropes. She pulls with all of her might, even putting her foot up on the middle rope so that she can get more torque as Kelsey cries out in agony. A-Ref steps over and warns Summer, but she doesn't appear to be listening, rather she redoubles her effort to pull Kelsey's arm out of her socket. The official begins a count, and when he reaches 5 and see's that it's not going to stop her, he physically wraps his arms around her waist, and hoists her away.
PERCY: Summer in danger of being disqualified here, and now she and A-Ref are having it out in the center of the ring while Kelsey rubs on her injured shoulder.
CAT: This is a new side of Summer we've yet to see here in PAW, and I have to say, good for her! It's about time she asserted herself as the dominant female around here!
PERCY: You can't be serious? Kelsey Spencer is a class act, even offering her hand at the start of this match, and Summer has been nothing but disrespectful and an opportunist. That type of behavior has no place in a wrestling ring, as I'm sure A-Ref is explaining to her right now...wait....Kelsey just came out of the corner....HOOKS SUMMER THROUGH THE LEGS AND PULLS HER DOWN INTO A DEEP ROLL UP PIN!!
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! Summer just barely manages to get out of the pin, but when she does she's already on her feet laying vicious stomps down into Kelsey Spencer, who can't even manage to find her footing thanks to the onslaught. When Summer tires of the stomps, she drops down on top of her, straddling her body, and starts reigning down closed fists right into her skull. A-Ref again tries to admonish Summer, but she doesn't relent, and like a woman possessed continues her assault. A-Ref tries another five count, but again Summer could care less, blood now staining her knuckles from a wound across the top of Kelsey's head. When A-Ref reaches five, he tries to remove Summer again, but she shoves him back much to his surprise. He starts to make another move, pauses, and then just shakes his head and calls for the bell.
PERCY: It looks like A-Ref just disqualified Summer, but she doesn't even seem to care. Poor Kelsey is getting her brains bashed in!
CAT: She's just letting her know who the boss is, Percy.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And the winner of this match due to disqualification, KELSEY SPENCER!!
Summer looks up for the first time after hearing the announcement, a sour expression spreading across her face. She pops up off of Kelsey, and starts towards A-Ref, who wisely bails out of the ring as she spits at the official. The crowd lets out a chorus of boo's as she stalks around the ring, finally coming to stand over Kelsey Spencer's body. She stares down at the woman for a moment, then chuckles, before moving to exit the ring. When she's down on the floor she starts back peddling up the ramp throwing her hands out at her side, a satisfied smile on her face as the fans continue to boo. Kelsey raises up in the center of the ring, wiping away blood from her wound, and staring up the ramp at Summer who continues her display. She shakes her head in disappointment, and moves to roll out of the ring as well.
PERCY: Well, Summer wanted to make some sort of point here, and I guess she made it. She's as crazy as all the other ones around here.
CAT: Whatever, Percy. She made a statement alright. She just put the entire PAW Locker Room on notice that she's through playing games around here, and that she'll hurt you if you cross her.
PERCY: And just how did Kelsey Spencer cross her?
CAT: She got in the ring with her didn't she?
PERCY: Great logic, Cat. Folks, I hear Brandy Irving has caught up to Summer in the back. Maybe she can get an explanation for these turn of events.
Backstage, Brandi Irving is shown hustling down the hallway, obviously in pursuit of someone although with a towel over their head and a plain black hooded oversized sweatshirt on, it's impossible to tell who. Well, until she hollers a name above the noise.
BRANDY IRVING: Summer! Hey! Summer!
She hustles a little more, finally drawing a little closer to the petite redhead who's literally storming down the hall like a juggernaut. Sighing, Brandi raises her voice again, trying to hurry a little more, obviously looking to catch up with the Arizona Firebird before she makes it to her locker room.
BRANDY IRVING: KASEY! HEY!
Summer seems to freeze at the use of her actual name, spinning around so suddenly that the intrepid reporter almost crashes right into her. The towel falls from her hair, hanging around her shoulders. Rolling her eyes, she leans against the wall, watching Brandi struggle to catch her breath. She smiles, looking pleased to be the center of attention.
SUMMER: You want something? From me? Really?
BRANDY IRVING: I do... actually. Thought maybe......could you tell us what just happened out there?
The redhead frowns, glancing over Brandi's shoulder, the false hope and sunny smile fading from her face in an instant.
SUMMER: Could you maybe be more specific? Music played. People screamed. Popcorn was eaten. Someone probably got sick from those week-old hot dogs they sell out there.
That reply comes out softly enough, politely enough but there's an undercurrent to them. There's fire in Summer's eyes behind the glasses that are fogging up slightly from sweat.
BRANDY IRVING: I was talking about what you just did to Kelsey Spencer, actually. You've never been really known as the kind of person who-
SUMMER: Who what? Does whatever necessary to make sure the people out there remember my name? Before tonight, I was a flippin' nobody. Hell, you probably didn't even know I existed, let alone what my actual name was and now you're all sidling up to me like we're the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and I'm gonna confess all my deep dark feels? Seriously, Brandeen?
BRANDY IRVING: Brandi, actually. And no. I just thought that maybe you'd want to clear the air, so to speak.
SUMMER: Why, did someone fart?
She rolls her eyes, picking at the tape around her wrist idly.
SUMMER: Listen maybe you should just see if the custodial staff stocks Febreeze and leave me alone. I've got better things to do than explain the basics of how to win a wrestling match to someone like you. Maybe you should go ask Kesley if she understands why I say nice girls finish last. That's inevitable. I crashed and burned against Barf Recoba and blah blah blah summer's over... but you know what? A phoenix ALWAYS rises. Always. You want a sound byte or whatevs... there. Enjoy.
With a flip of her hand, she turns on her heel and storms away, leaving Brandi standing there in a state of shock.
BRANDY IRVING: Well, there you have it. Straight from the Firebird's mouth. Looks like the battle lines have been drawn and poor Kelsey Spencer was nothing more than the victim of a point that really didn't need proving.
SUMMER: (calling from off-camera, her voice fading) You tell that dumb bitch if she has a problem with what REAL wrestlers do, she knows where to find me.
We cut backstage and see Recoba with a cocksure smile painted across his face; he nods in an uncharacteristic show of friendliness to a backstage worker as he passes him and knocks on a door. He leans the steel briefcase against the door.
BRANDY IRVING: Summer! Hey! Summer!
She hustles a little more, finally drawing a little closer to the petite redhead who's literally storming down the hall like a juggernaut. Sighing, Brandi raises her voice again, trying to hurry a little more, obviously looking to catch up with the Arizona Firebird before she makes it to her locker room.
BRANDY IRVING: KASEY! HEY!
Summer seems to freeze at the use of her actual name, spinning around so suddenly that the intrepid reporter almost crashes right into her. The towel falls from her hair, hanging around her shoulders. Rolling her eyes, she leans against the wall, watching Brandi struggle to catch her breath. She smiles, looking pleased to be the center of attention.
SUMMER: You want something? From me? Really?
BRANDY IRVING: I do... actually. Thought maybe......could you tell us what just happened out there?
The redhead frowns, glancing over Brandi's shoulder, the false hope and sunny smile fading from her face in an instant.
SUMMER: Could you maybe be more specific? Music played. People screamed. Popcorn was eaten. Someone probably got sick from those week-old hot dogs they sell out there.
That reply comes out softly enough, politely enough but there's an undercurrent to them. There's fire in Summer's eyes behind the glasses that are fogging up slightly from sweat.
BRANDY IRVING: I was talking about what you just did to Kelsey Spencer, actually. You've never been really known as the kind of person who-
SUMMER: Who what? Does whatever necessary to make sure the people out there remember my name? Before tonight, I was a flippin' nobody. Hell, you probably didn't even know I existed, let alone what my actual name was and now you're all sidling up to me like we're the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and I'm gonna confess all my deep dark feels? Seriously, Brandeen?
BRANDY IRVING: Brandi, actually. And no. I just thought that maybe you'd want to clear the air, so to speak.
SUMMER: Why, did someone fart?
She rolls her eyes, picking at the tape around her wrist idly.
SUMMER: Listen maybe you should just see if the custodial staff stocks Febreeze and leave me alone. I've got better things to do than explain the basics of how to win a wrestling match to someone like you. Maybe you should go ask Kesley if she understands why I say nice girls finish last. That's inevitable. I crashed and burned against Barf Recoba and blah blah blah summer's over... but you know what? A phoenix ALWAYS rises. Always. You want a sound byte or whatevs... there. Enjoy.
With a flip of her hand, she turns on her heel and storms away, leaving Brandi standing there in a state of shock.
BRANDY IRVING: Well, there you have it. Straight from the Firebird's mouth. Looks like the battle lines have been drawn and poor Kelsey Spencer was nothing more than the victim of a point that really didn't need proving.
SUMMER: (calling from off-camera, her voice fading) You tell that dumb bitch if she has a problem with what REAL wrestlers do, she knows where to find me.
ELSWHERE BACKSTAGE
PERCY: This could solve the question of what, or who, Recoba was alluding to earlier in the ring.
VOICE (OOS): Come in…
Recoba leans onto the door as he opens it. The camera stays outside the room.
CROSS RECOBA: Clear what’s been asked of you?
The scene cuts back to ringside.
-Crank Championship-
Anastasia Hayden versus Annabel Lee
CAT: Who cuts off a shot there? Can we fire the carny production team?
PERCY: Well, you know how it is, CAT. They probably smelled fresh coffee brewing.
CAT: Man, that's some bullshit. Good thing we've got this CRANK Championship match to pick us back up.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is for the CRANK CHAMPIONSHIP!!
The sound of feedback plays throughout the building before the distorted guitar and thunderous drums of "Waiting for Blood" by Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats blares out. Instantly, Anastasia Hayden steps out from the curtains with her mouth guard hanging out. When she steps out the crowd reaction can be heard with their loud boos. Their response to her doesn’t bother her as she stands at the top of the entrance for a few seconds, observing the building before she pops the mouth guard back in and starts making her way down to the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, Making her way to the ring...hailing from London England...ANASTASIA HAYDEN!
The announcement of her name only draws out more boos toward Ana. She just brushes them off as she leaps up to the ring apron and climbs through the ropes into the ring. Ana finds a free corner in the ring and walks toward it, resting against the turnbuckle, popping her mouth guard out again as she waits for the match to begin.
PERCY: Anastasia Hayden making her way to the ring, now, and she looks ready for this one.
CAT: Of coarse she is PERCY! She can lay any doubts to rest, right here tonight, by taking home the Crank championship.
As the opening notes of “Best Day of My Life” hit the sound system Annabel appears at the entrance. A glowing smile is plastered across her face as she starts down the aisle toward the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing next, hailing from Portland, Oregon and weighing in at 121 pounds, here is your Crank Champion, Annabel Lee!
She can't help but start to dance along with the music about half way to the ring. She slaps a few hands before rolling in under the bottom rope and springing up to her feet holding the Crank Championship belt up high. Pressing the fingertips of both hands to her lips, she blows a big kiss out to the audience and hands off the title to A-Ref who displays it to Anastasia and then to the audience. Annabel bounces up and down in her corner, loosening up for the match.
PERCY: Annabel Lee made history last show when she not only competed in the first ever Main Event, but became the first ever Crank Champion, a championship that is to be defended every cycle no matter what.
CAT: What if the champ becomes injured, or can't defend that night, Percy?
PERCY: Then they automatically forfeit the championship, and the next two individuals on the card vie for the title.
CAT: That sounds like a hectic schedule, and this is the first defense on Annabel's list. Could be here last.
PERCY: That remains to be seen, as A-Ref looks ready to go.
The bell rings and Annabel slowly goes to the center of the ring and holds her hand out for a handshake of respect, mirroring her partner, Kelsey Spencer, earlier in the show. Anastasia laughs as the audience claps. She folds her hands as Annabel looks around and rallies support for her good sportsmanship. Anastasia shrugs and quiets the crowd down and steps forward. She slowly reaches out and shakes Lee’s hand to the audience’s approval. When Annabel is about to break it off Hayden pulls her back into a stare down then spins around on her toes to lock in a Twisting Wristlock. She laughs in Annabel’s face and the fans boo her.
PERCY: These fans letting Anastasia Hayden know what they think about that, but it doesn't seem to be bothering her one bit.
CAT: And why should it. These fans aren't in the ring, she is. I say if you got it flaunt it, Percy.
Annabel taps her shoulder and grimaces at the pain. She steps back and rolls forward to relieve the pressure then slaps off Anastasia’s grip and bends her arm behind her back. Anastasia does a cartwheel using her other arm and flips forward. She grabs her wrist and spins to re-apply the Twisting Wristlock on Annabel. Lee rolls forward towards the turnbuckle, steps on the second rope and jumps on the third in the opposite side. She turns in mid air and sends Hayden flying with an Armdrag. Anastasia quickly gets up and uses the momentum to bounce off the ropes. Annabel is quick to get up and sprints towards her and she jumps to try to hit her with Double Flying Knees but Anastasia slides under and scrambles up. They both suddenly try to hit simultaneous Dropkicks on each other but only meet with their feet. They each flip forward into fighting stances and glare into each other’s eyes as the fans go wild.
PERCY: This one is becoming heated.
CAT: It's for the title, Nimrod. Of coarse it's heated!
They circle each other and lock up. Anastasia overpowers Annabel and whips her into the ropes but follows behind. Lee stops in the middle of the ring as Anastasia bounces off the ropes and she hits Annabel with an Elbow Smash to the back then grabs her and brings her down hard onto the knee with a Side Slam Backbreaker. Anastasia places a foot on Lee’s head and squeezes down causing her to thrash around before stomping on her head. She steps back with a smirk then comes back to Annabel to squeeze her head down with her foot again. She looks out into the crowd with a menacing look before stomping on her again.
CAT: That Anastasia is tenacious!
PERCY: Not to mention a little underhanded if you ask me.
CAT: Don't worry, Percy. No one ever does.
Hayden picks Annabel up by the hair and then picks her up into a Vertical Suplex position and holds her there for a whole minute before slamming her down. She picks Annabel up by the hair and she pushes Hayden off and tries to his a Discus Elbow but Anastasia grabs her arm and twists it down. Then she kicks Annabel multiple times in the face. She lets go and wails on Lee with a Spinning Wheel Kick which forces Annabel into the corner. Hayden runs at her and blasts her with a Yakuza Kick and Lee crumples down to the ground. Anastasia covers.
1….
2……
But Lee kicks out and the fans shout out their relief and support. Anastasia backs away looking frustrated at the fans and Annabel uses the ropes to get up and tries to shake herself awake. Anastasia immediately grabs her up and hits a Snap Suplex and then another in quick succession. Now she points to the top rope and taunts the fans almost getting out of the ring to yell at a fat guy decked out in Annabel Lee gear. She finally climbs the top rope but suddenly Lee sprints at her legs and she falls only for one of her legs to get caught up on the top and middle ropes.
PERCY: I know Anastasia has something to prove but she should pay less attention to the Annabel fans.
CAT: How can she? Look at that freak in the front row. His shirt only resembles Annabel’s ‘cause it can’t cover his massive gut.
Annabel runs to the opposite corner then dashes at Hayden and hits her with a Dropkick to the face while she is hung upside down from the ropes. This hit releases her leg and she slumps down. Annabel drags her to the middle of the ring and locks in a Boston Crab. This wakes her up and she tries to get to the ropes while withstanding the pain. Lee sits back higher on Hayden’s back but she shakes her head at A-Ref and pulls herself up on her elbows then up on her hands. This little gap enables her to roll down and cause Lee to stumble back awkwardly. Lee still has a hold of Hayden’s legs and she hits an Axe Kick to her midsection.
PERCY: That came dangerously close to hitting a very sensitive area!
CAT: Yeah, and that seemed a little underhanded to me.
PERCY: Touche.
Annabel picks Hayden up and jumps on her to try and hit a Guillotine DDT but Anastasia stuffs it. She shuffles backwards and flips Annabel over to dump her to the outside. She lands hard then gets up, but Anastasia comes barreling into her with a Suicide Dive. They both hit the barrier hard with Annabel taking the most of it on her back. Hayden takes a breather on the ground as A-Ref begins his count.
1……
2……
3…..
4…..
Anastasia brings Lee up on the apron. She reigns forearms down across her back, and then hits a Fisherman Suplex on the apron which sends Annabel crashing head first into the hardest part of the ring before falling to the floor.
5……
6…..
Hayden stalks her while looking smug in front of the audience reaction. She brings Lee back into the ring before the ten count and goes for the pin.
1….
2…
But Lee kicks out! Hayden gets up in disbelief then kicks her on the head while she is still lying on the mat.. Anastasia screams at Annabel and kicks her again and Lee goes up on her knees to try and block her face. Anastasia bounces off the ropes and tries to slam Lee’s head onto the mat from her knees with her Giving Bad People Good Ideas hurracanrana driver but Lee manages to kip up at the last second and she front flips out of the move.
PERCY: Great athleticism out of Lee.
Anastasia is quick to get up from being counters only for Annabel to surprise her with an Exploder Suplex. As Hayden recovers she glances back only to be met with a Backflip Kick from Annabel. Anastasia steps back and Lee pounces on her and they land into the Annie-Oop small package. A-Ref counts:
1….
2….
THR-Anastasia kicks out and Lee looks devastated. Anastasia gets up slowly but Annabel hits her with an Enzuigiri. Anastasia is lying prone on the mat and Annabel motions for the top. She climbs up to the second rope and starts dancing, feeling the energy she receives from the fans. She brings both arms up in front of her like a defensive guard, but bounces a little, tossing her ponytail back and forth, and shimmies her closed fists up and down as the entire front rows dance along. Before she can finish the Bel Air, Anastasia rushes at her and punches her in the back. She steps out onto the apron and climbs the top rope next to Lee. Hayden then jumps on Annabel’s shoulders and flips Lee down hard as she hits an Avalanche Black Star!
PERCY: Such a dangerous move is made even more dangerous!
CAT: The tone is being set for the Crank Championship tonight.
Anastasia goes for the pin.
1…
2…
THR-Annabel barely kicks out to Hayden’s surprise. She yells at A-Ref and goes for the pin again but Annabel knees her in the face. She responds by punting Lee in the stomach. Then Anastasia picks her up and whips her to the ropes. Annabel ducks under a lariat and bounces of the ropes. She answers with a Leg Lariat to Hayden’s neck. She stumbles back to the corner and Lee is already revving up her train. She runs in place and blows the imaginary train whistle. Then she charges towards Anastasia and blasts her with her knees, then whips her over to the opposite corner and crushes her again for a Double AnnTrak. She pins Hayden.
1…
2…
3!!!
PERCY: Annabel has done it. She became PAWs first ever Crank Champion and now has a clean defense on it.
CAT: Now she has proven she has deserved this title shot all along.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Here is your winner by pinfall, and still the PAW CRANK CHAMPION......ANNABEL LEE!!
A-Ref hands the title to Annabel, and raises her hand in victory as she jumps up and down in excitement and joy. As soon as he lets her loose she takes a turnbuckle and thrusts the championship high into the air as the fans go wild with cheers and adulation. She wears a bright smile as she hops down, and slips out of the ring to head to the back. Hayden sits in the middle of the ring with her palm up to cover her eyes, cursing her luck before rolling to the outside. She pays the over exuberant fans no mind as she makes her way to the back using the path between the guardrails and the ramp, while Annabel continues to celebrate at the top of the stage. After a few seconds, the scene cuts to the back.
PERCY: Well, you know how it is, CAT. They probably smelled fresh coffee brewing.
CAT: Man, that's some bullshit. Good thing we've got this CRANK Championship match to pick us back up.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is for the CRANK CHAMPIONSHIP!!
The sound of feedback plays throughout the building before the distorted guitar and thunderous drums of "Waiting for Blood" by Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats blares out. Instantly, Anastasia Hayden steps out from the curtains with her mouth guard hanging out. When she steps out the crowd reaction can be heard with their loud boos. Their response to her doesn’t bother her as she stands at the top of the entrance for a few seconds, observing the building before she pops the mouth guard back in and starts making her way down to the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, Making her way to the ring...hailing from London England...ANASTASIA HAYDEN!
The announcement of her name only draws out more boos toward Ana. She just brushes them off as she leaps up to the ring apron and climbs through the ropes into the ring. Ana finds a free corner in the ring and walks toward it, resting against the turnbuckle, popping her mouth guard out again as she waits for the match to begin.
PERCY: Anastasia Hayden making her way to the ring, now, and she looks ready for this one.
CAT: Of coarse she is PERCY! She can lay any doubts to rest, right here tonight, by taking home the Crank championship.
As the opening notes of “Best Day of My Life” hit the sound system Annabel appears at the entrance. A glowing smile is plastered across her face as she starts down the aisle toward the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing next, hailing from Portland, Oregon and weighing in at 121 pounds, here is your Crank Champion, Annabel Lee!
She can't help but start to dance along with the music about half way to the ring. She slaps a few hands before rolling in under the bottom rope and springing up to her feet holding the Crank Championship belt up high. Pressing the fingertips of both hands to her lips, she blows a big kiss out to the audience and hands off the title to A-Ref who displays it to Anastasia and then to the audience. Annabel bounces up and down in her corner, loosening up for the match.
PERCY: Annabel Lee made history last show when she not only competed in the first ever Main Event, but became the first ever Crank Champion, a championship that is to be defended every cycle no matter what.
CAT: What if the champ becomes injured, or can't defend that night, Percy?
PERCY: Then they automatically forfeit the championship, and the next two individuals on the card vie for the title.
CAT: That sounds like a hectic schedule, and this is the first defense on Annabel's list. Could be here last.
PERCY: That remains to be seen, as A-Ref looks ready to go.
The bell rings and Annabel slowly goes to the center of the ring and holds her hand out for a handshake of respect, mirroring her partner, Kelsey Spencer, earlier in the show. Anastasia laughs as the audience claps. She folds her hands as Annabel looks around and rallies support for her good sportsmanship. Anastasia shrugs and quiets the crowd down and steps forward. She slowly reaches out and shakes Lee’s hand to the audience’s approval. When Annabel is about to break it off Hayden pulls her back into a stare down then spins around on her toes to lock in a Twisting Wristlock. She laughs in Annabel’s face and the fans boo her.
PERCY: These fans letting Anastasia Hayden know what they think about that, but it doesn't seem to be bothering her one bit.
CAT: And why should it. These fans aren't in the ring, she is. I say if you got it flaunt it, Percy.
Annabel taps her shoulder and grimaces at the pain. She steps back and rolls forward to relieve the pressure then slaps off Anastasia’s grip and bends her arm behind her back. Anastasia does a cartwheel using her other arm and flips forward. She grabs her wrist and spins to re-apply the Twisting Wristlock on Annabel. Lee rolls forward towards the turnbuckle, steps on the second rope and jumps on the third in the opposite side. She turns in mid air and sends Hayden flying with an Armdrag. Anastasia quickly gets up and uses the momentum to bounce off the ropes. Annabel is quick to get up and sprints towards her and she jumps to try to hit her with Double Flying Knees but Anastasia slides under and scrambles up. They both suddenly try to hit simultaneous Dropkicks on each other but only meet with their feet. They each flip forward into fighting stances and glare into each other’s eyes as the fans go wild.
PERCY: This one is becoming heated.
CAT: It's for the title, Nimrod. Of coarse it's heated!
They circle each other and lock up. Anastasia overpowers Annabel and whips her into the ropes but follows behind. Lee stops in the middle of the ring as Anastasia bounces off the ropes and she hits Annabel with an Elbow Smash to the back then grabs her and brings her down hard onto the knee with a Side Slam Backbreaker. Anastasia places a foot on Lee’s head and squeezes down causing her to thrash around before stomping on her head. She steps back with a smirk then comes back to Annabel to squeeze her head down with her foot again. She looks out into the crowd with a menacing look before stomping on her again.
CAT: That Anastasia is tenacious!
PERCY: Not to mention a little underhanded if you ask me.
CAT: Don't worry, Percy. No one ever does.
Hayden picks Annabel up by the hair and then picks her up into a Vertical Suplex position and holds her there for a whole minute before slamming her down. She picks Annabel up by the hair and she pushes Hayden off and tries to his a Discus Elbow but Anastasia grabs her arm and twists it down. Then she kicks Annabel multiple times in the face. She lets go and wails on Lee with a Spinning Wheel Kick which forces Annabel into the corner. Hayden runs at her and blasts her with a Yakuza Kick and Lee crumples down to the ground. Anastasia covers.
1….
2……
But Lee kicks out and the fans shout out their relief and support. Anastasia backs away looking frustrated at the fans and Annabel uses the ropes to get up and tries to shake herself awake. Anastasia immediately grabs her up and hits a Snap Suplex and then another in quick succession. Now she points to the top rope and taunts the fans almost getting out of the ring to yell at a fat guy decked out in Annabel Lee gear. She finally climbs the top rope but suddenly Lee sprints at her legs and she falls only for one of her legs to get caught up on the top and middle ropes.
PERCY: I know Anastasia has something to prove but she should pay less attention to the Annabel fans.
CAT: How can she? Look at that freak in the front row. His shirt only resembles Annabel’s ‘cause it can’t cover his massive gut.
Annabel runs to the opposite corner then dashes at Hayden and hits her with a Dropkick to the face while she is hung upside down from the ropes. This hit releases her leg and she slumps down. Annabel drags her to the middle of the ring and locks in a Boston Crab. This wakes her up and she tries to get to the ropes while withstanding the pain. Lee sits back higher on Hayden’s back but she shakes her head at A-Ref and pulls herself up on her elbows then up on her hands. This little gap enables her to roll down and cause Lee to stumble back awkwardly. Lee still has a hold of Hayden’s legs and she hits an Axe Kick to her midsection.
PERCY: That came dangerously close to hitting a very sensitive area!
CAT: Yeah, and that seemed a little underhanded to me.
PERCY: Touche.
Annabel picks Hayden up and jumps on her to try and hit a Guillotine DDT but Anastasia stuffs it. She shuffles backwards and flips Annabel over to dump her to the outside. She lands hard then gets up, but Anastasia comes barreling into her with a Suicide Dive. They both hit the barrier hard with Annabel taking the most of it on her back. Hayden takes a breather on the ground as A-Ref begins his count.
1……
2……
3…..
4…..
Anastasia brings Lee up on the apron. She reigns forearms down across her back, and then hits a Fisherman Suplex on the apron which sends Annabel crashing head first into the hardest part of the ring before falling to the floor.
5……
6…..
Hayden stalks her while looking smug in front of the audience reaction. She brings Lee back into the ring before the ten count and goes for the pin.
1….
2…
But Lee kicks out! Hayden gets up in disbelief then kicks her on the head while she is still lying on the mat.. Anastasia screams at Annabel and kicks her again and Lee goes up on her knees to try and block her face. Anastasia bounces off the ropes and tries to slam Lee’s head onto the mat from her knees with her Giving Bad People Good Ideas hurracanrana driver but Lee manages to kip up at the last second and she front flips out of the move.
PERCY: Great athleticism out of Lee.
Anastasia is quick to get up from being counters only for Annabel to surprise her with an Exploder Suplex. As Hayden recovers she glances back only to be met with a Backflip Kick from Annabel. Anastasia steps back and Lee pounces on her and they land into the Annie-Oop small package. A-Ref counts:
1….
2….
THR-Anastasia kicks out and Lee looks devastated. Anastasia gets up slowly but Annabel hits her with an Enzuigiri. Anastasia is lying prone on the mat and Annabel motions for the top. She climbs up to the second rope and starts dancing, feeling the energy she receives from the fans. She brings both arms up in front of her like a defensive guard, but bounces a little, tossing her ponytail back and forth, and shimmies her closed fists up and down as the entire front rows dance along. Before she can finish the Bel Air, Anastasia rushes at her and punches her in the back. She steps out onto the apron and climbs the top rope next to Lee. Hayden then jumps on Annabel’s shoulders and flips Lee down hard as she hits an Avalanche Black Star!
PERCY: Such a dangerous move is made even more dangerous!
CAT: The tone is being set for the Crank Championship tonight.
Anastasia goes for the pin.
1…
2…
THR-Annabel barely kicks out to Hayden’s surprise. She yells at A-Ref and goes for the pin again but Annabel knees her in the face. She responds by punting Lee in the stomach. Then Anastasia picks her up and whips her to the ropes. Annabel ducks under a lariat and bounces of the ropes. She answers with a Leg Lariat to Hayden’s neck. She stumbles back to the corner and Lee is already revving up her train. She runs in place and blows the imaginary train whistle. Then she charges towards Anastasia and blasts her with her knees, then whips her over to the opposite corner and crushes her again for a Double AnnTrak. She pins Hayden.
1…
2…
3!!!
PERCY: Annabel has done it. She became PAWs first ever Crank Champion and now has a clean defense on it.
CAT: Now she has proven she has deserved this title shot all along.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Here is your winner by pinfall, and still the PAW CRANK CHAMPION......ANNABEL LEE!!
A-Ref hands the title to Annabel, and raises her hand in victory as she jumps up and down in excitement and joy. As soon as he lets her loose she takes a turnbuckle and thrusts the championship high into the air as the fans go wild with cheers and adulation. She wears a bright smile as she hops down, and slips out of the ring to head to the back. Hayden sits in the middle of the ring with her palm up to cover her eyes, cursing her luck before rolling to the outside. She pays the over exuberant fans no mind as she makes her way to the back using the path between the guardrails and the ramp, while Annabel continues to celebrate at the top of the stage. After a few seconds, the scene cuts to the back.
We’re backstage again and just in time to see Cross Recoba exit the room he earlier entered.
CROSS RECOBA: Look, when you get paid what I just paid you the question of what, when, and how falls on your shoulders, not mine. I’m seeing this as me buying my deniability…
Recoba strides past the camera ignoring its presence. The cameraman pans to see him walk out of shot before heading to the still open door. He gets to the doorway only to see a hand firmly push the door shut slamming into the camera lens.
CROSS RECOBA: Look, when you get paid what I just paid you the question of what, when, and how falls on your shoulders, not mine. I’m seeing this as me buying my deniability…
Recoba strides past the camera ignoring its presence. The cameraman pans to see him walk out of shot before heading to the still open door. He gets to the doorway only to see a hand firmly push the door shut slamming into the camera lens.
{MAIN EVENT}
{GRUDGE MATCH}
Singles Match
(The Winner Advances To The Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match)
Jack Nomad versus Calvin Harris
PERCY: Who the hell do you think Cross Recoba was just talking to?
CAT: I don't know, but it sounds like he just hired some muscle, but for what.
PERCY: You know what I think? I think he just pulled those shenanigans to get in the heads of the two men that are about to come out here and compete.
CAT: You mean, Maul, right?
PERCY: Well, let's just find out...
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is set for one fall or submission, and is a Grudge Match, with the winner advancing as one of the participants in the PAW Heavyweight Championship match at Seven Deadly Sins....
The lights around the steel girdered Entrance Arch dim. Amber and red emergency lights start spin to cast a diffused orange glow a short distance through the fog. The familiar sound of Edsel Dope's voice screams over the PA System.
"Violence" by Dope continues to play. The fog is parted by the forward motion of a tattooed Jack Nomad suddenly bursting forth with a long legged stride.
His attire consists of a hooded, patchwork leather vest decorated with the word "HARDCORE" on his shoulders, black leather tights done in similar fashion to his vest, maroon boots with silver knee and kick pads, and tape on his fists. In his hand is a barbwire wrapped silver mop handle sporting black electrical tape at both ends.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: MAKING HIS WAY TO THE RING! HE STANDS AT SIX FOOT TWO AND WEIGHS IN AT 241 lbs. HAILING FROM JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY....
Arriving at ringside, he climbs onto the ring apron and walks to the very center of that apron. Turning to face the fans, Jack throws his arms out at his sides. His face is a burning, intense scowl as he surveys the crowd. He then turns and enters the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: HARDCORE... JACK NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAADDDDDD!!!
He throws his hood back to reveal his slightly crooked nose and dark brown eyes. Long stringy black hair hangs in his face as he lowers his head forward to glare at the camera from beneath the ridge of his brow. Jack then throws his arms out at his sides, fists clenched tightly with the mop handle held firmly in hand and spins around to scowl at the audience. He removes his vest and tosses it over to his corner where a ring attendant takes it.
PERCY: Jack Nomad formed his Hardcore Society on WICKED Live, destroying Cross Recoba, and then later on crashing Calvin Harris' challenge to Press, and now he looks to take one more thing away from his former stable mate. A chance to be in the Main Event at Seven Deadly Sins.
CAT: Easier said than done, Percy, considering Calvin Harris and he are neck and neck for the top spot here in PAW, but you gotta believe Calvin edges him out due to previous encounters with the Champion, and his Main Event status.
PERCY: I guess we'll find that out tonight.
"Your Betrayal" by Bullet For My Valentine hits the arena's speakers, the guitar riff kicking it all off as the fans begin to boo. After a few seconds, the curtain is slowly peeled back, and out steps Calvin Harris, a smug expression spread over his face. He steps to the center of the stage, nodding as the fans continue to pour on their hate, and thrusts his arms out at his side, letting his head hang back, soaking it all in. When he's had enough he lets his arms fall to his side, and he starts making his way down the ramp towards ringside, his eyes locking on Jack Nomad in the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing his opponent, all the way from Chicago, Illinois. Weighing in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds. He is the #1 Contender to the PAW Heavyweight Championship, the 'Martyr of Pro Wrestling' CALVIN HARRIS!
When Calvin reaches ringside, he goes to make it up onto the ring apron when Jack Nomad comes tearing across the ring. Calvin manages to hop down as Nomad takes a swipe at him with his mop handle, and reaches beneath the bottom rope grabbing the Hardcore One by both his ankles, and jerks his feet out from under him. Nomad hit's the canvas, and while Calvin still has him by his ankles, he drags him towards the nearest corner. Jack Nomad struggles against this coarse, but Calvin manages to get at least one leg around the ring post, and he swings it so that the insertion of the knee meet's steel. Jack falls back to the canvas in pain, and Calvin takes the leg one more time, and takes a running go when he jams it up into the ring post. Nomad grabs at his injured knee and manages to scoot towards the center of the ring, momentarily getting away from Harris.
PERCY: The bell hasn't even rang, and already damage has been done here. Harris now up on the ring apron, and coming into the ring after Nomad.
CAT: There's the bell, Percy, and this thing is officially under way!
Calvin stalks towards Nomad who curses him for everything he's worth, and stomps right down into Nomad's knee, putting a stop to the bad mouthing. The fans, unsure of how to react, created a loud murmur among themselves between a cheer and a boo. Calvin doesn't seem to notice as he angrily scoops up Nomad's leg, and lays in stomp after stomp into the back of his hamstring, eventually putting his own knee right into's Jacks, and leaping into the air only to come crashing down, driving Jack's knee into the canvas. Jack howls again, and scoots even farther back, now ending up on the otherside of the ring entirely. He grabs for the ropes to pull himself up to his feet, but Calvin is there to meet him every step of the way with measured right hands, and well placed boots. His focus, however, remains on the injured limb, and once Jack has forced himself to a vertical base, Calvin quickly takes him by the leg and tosses it over the middle rope where he sends furious boots directly into the steel cable which whips the back of Jack's knee unnaturally. Jack, finding it difficult to maintain his balance in such a compromising position, ends Calvin's flurry with a well placed thumb right into the man's eye.
PERCY: Oh! Jack Nomad just thumbed Calvin in the eye, and now the Martyr of Professional Wrestling is walking away from the corner unable to see.
CAT: This is weird, man. I don't know who I want to cheer for, and neither do the fans. Some of them are clapping, while others are still booing. Maybe if these two kill each other everyone will cheer.
Calvin turns back towards Nomad, and Jack doesn't give him an opportunity to recover his sight before jamming his forearm into the side of his head. He repeats the process a few times, rocking Harris back, and finally tosses him in the corner where he had been hemmed up, and following it in with a short arm clothesline. Stepping back he continues with the vicious forearm thrusts down across Calvin's face, as Harris covers up with both hands. This prompts Jack to follow through with a few stiff body shots that actually lift Calvin up off the canvas. Finally, he takes him by the wrist, and whips him hard with a hammer throw to the opposite side. Upon reaching the corner, Calvin walks right up the turnbuckles, spinning through the air to crash down onto the oncoming Nomad with a cross body. Nomad crumples with Harris on top of him, but when A-Ref drops for the count, Calvin instead mounts Nomad, cradles his head, and starts unloading with right hands straight down into the bridge of his nose.
PERCY: Good lord, I don't know that these two want to win as much as they do destroy each other!
CAT: They have to keep their focus, man. This is for a shot at the championship!
Nomad uses his size to knock Calvin off of him, but The Martyr of Professional Wrestling is quick to come up and put boots to Nomad on his way back to his feet. He keeps up the pressure, knocking Jack back into the ropes before whipping him to the far side. Jack rebounds as Calvin charges him with a spin wheel kick, but Jack ducks under it, and Calvin manages to land safely rather than hit the mat. Jack hit's the ropes and comes back once again, and this time Calvin surprises him by jumping straight up into the air, hooking him around the head, and taking him over with a hurricanrana. Nomad scoots across the canvas, but when he comes to a stop, he's already on his way up. Calvin moves out to meet him once he's on one knee, and throws his boot out to the side, nailing the man with a super kick. Nomad snaps back to the canvas violently, and Calvin hops from Jack to the second rope, and springboards into a moonsault down across his chest. He stays down for the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: Kick out at two, and Jack is already moving up to his feet, but Calvin is staying on him to control the momentum.
Calvin nails Nomad with a few right hands that send him falling back into the closest corner, and with lightening speed he leaps into the air and nails Jack with a drop kick that crushes him against the turnbuckles. The Hardcore One slumps down to a seated position, and Calvin moves in, hopping up to where both feet are on either side of Jack on the second rope, and then springs up almost into a handstand before pushing out, and swinging his legs forward for a powerful sitting drop kick. The move crushes Jack's chest even further, with the turnbuckles acting as an anvil, and Calvin's boots like a hammer. He clutches at his midsection before rolling under the bottom rope to the outside where he stumbles over to the guard rail to help keep him upright.
PERCY: Calvin Harris has Jack Nomad off balance here, and The Hardcore One is taking hit after hit. If this keeps up, it won't be long before we have a winner.
CAT: Well there's plenty of motivation. If not for the chance to advance to the Main Event at Seven Deadly Sins, then to ensure that he sends a message to Jack Nomad that he's not going to go down like Cross Recoba.
PERCY: Calvin's measuring Jack outside the ring, and he hit's off the ropes for momentum....SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES...NO!! JACK NOMAD SLID OUT OF THE WAY!
Calvin Harris crashes like a missle into the the steel guard rail, while Jack Nomad clutches at his midsection safely a few feet away. Calvin grabs at his skull as he's already trying to get to his feet, but Jack is there to meet him, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and the seat of his pants, and spins him around to toss him head first right into the ring steps. Harris collides with the steel steps with authority, upending the top portion from the bottom. When he manages to lift himself up, it's clear to see that he's been busted open across the top of his skull.
PERCY: Calvin Harris wearing a crimson mask as A-Ref reaches the count of four, and Jack Nomad stalking over, clearly not done with him. Spins him around, and SCOOP SLAM RIGHT DOWN ACROSS THE STEEL STEPS!! My God!
CAT: And just like that, the tide's shifted.
Calvin's back is arched in pain as Jack Nomad barks some curses up at A-Ref, who continues his count despite the unkind words. Jack grabs Calvin by a fistful of hair, and shoots him back into the ring under the bottom rope, following him in to make with the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: KICK OUT! Calvin out at two, but he's still clutching at his back, and bleeding like a stuck pig. A-Ref's already had to call two of Nomad's matches due to his opponent not being able to continue. It would be a shame if Harris were to share the same fate.
CAT: I don't see that happening. Calvin know's whats at stake here, and won't let it come to that.
PERCY: He might not have a choice in the matter, Cat.
Nomad comes up to his feet after the failed pin attempt, and nudges Calvin over onto his stomach before laying in several boots directly to his spine. One particularly sharp kick causes Nomad to recoil off, hobbling on the leg that Harris had injured at the start of the match. He massages the knee a moment, allowing Calvin to get up to his feet under his own power. As soon as Calvin is back on two legs Jack charges at him, leaping into the air and catching him right in the side of the head with a Muay Thai jumping knee strike. Calvin thunders back down to the canvas, and Nomad hobbles around, the maneuver obviously causing him some discomfort as well.
PERCY: Jack Nomad is going to have to think smarter if he's hoping not to telegraph that injured knee of his.
CAT: Jack's a pretty straight forward guy. He goes with the tools that brought him to the dance. I don't know if there is a smarter way for him.
Jack hobbles over to where he planted Calvin, and reaches down to pick the man up. Harris surprises him when his leg snaps up off the canvas and pops Jack right in the face, forcing The Hardcore One to recoil backwards. Calvin quickly scrambles to his feet, almost looses his balance, but quickly regains it when he nails Nomad with a boot to the midsection, and then drops him with a devastating DDT.
PERCY: Jesus! Jack Nomad's head just spiked off the mat, but he looks to be already trying to get back up. What the hell is it gonna take to keep the brute down.
CAT: Try an army and a tank, Percy.
Calvin wipes blood from his eyes, the gash on his head starting to congeal. He stalks over to Nomad who's made it up to his hands and knee's, reaches down and grabs him by his bum leg, lifts it high into the air, and then spikes it knee cap first off the canvas. Jack howls and immediately goes for the knee, as Calvin watches on with a determined nod.
PERCY: Calvin Harris might have been taking a beating, but damned if he wasn't paying attention. Now he's zeroed in on that injury, as he grabs Nomad by that leg again, and drops an elbow right down into the insertion of the knee! Back up, and he does it again!
CAT: If you take Jack's legs out from under him, you take away a lot of his power game. This isn't good for The Hardcore One.
Calvin is back up, dragging Jack by his leg over to the ropes, and placing the ankle on the bottom rope. He steps up onto the second, and gets a good spring, before dropping his ass right down onto the exposed knee, bending it awkwardly. Jack roars, pulling at the canvas to get himself away from the oncoming Harris. Calvin, however, doesn't let him escape, reaching down and grabbing the leg just before spinning around it, and placing Jack Nomad in a figure four leg lock. Nomad comes alive in pain, reaching out for Calvin with both hands. All it takes is for Calvin to fall backwards, and the pressure is increased, causing Nomad to hit himself in the forehead to keep from focusing on the pain shooting through his knee.
CAT: Incredibly smart move out of Calvin here, and he has Nomad right in the center of the ring with nowhere to go. We could get a submission.
Nomad spits and curses, but eventually falls back against the mat in exhaustion and pain, and A-Ref is there to make the count.
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! Jack pushes up off the mat at the very last second, the count seeming to remind him just how much trouble he's really in. Balancing back on his elbow, he starts dragging himself and Calvin towards the ropes, his only hope for escape. Calvin see's this, and rocks back several times, applying as much pressure as possible. This halts Jack for a moment, his knee popping under the pressure, but after a moment he fights through the pain and continues his movements. Finally, just when he's a fingertip's length away from the ropes, Calvin releases the hold, pops up to his feet, and then drags Jack back out towards the center of the ring. Nomad struggles profusely, managing to get his good leg up between him and Calvin, and shoving the man off of him with authority. Calvin hit's the canvas, but rolls right up to his feet, rushing back in on Nomad. Jack struggles once again, but this time, instead of trying to shove Calvin off of him, he simply brings a forearm up into the mans nether regions instead. Calvin lurches forwards holding his crotch, surprise and anguish evident on his face as he falls to the mat.
PERCY: A-Ref is admonishing Jack for that blatant low blow, but it doesn't much appear like he gives a damn. He just wanted the pressure off of his knee.
CAT: Well, do you blame him? A-Ref letting some things slide in this one cause he know's whats at stake, but Jack better be careful not to get himself disqualified.
PERCY: It looks like you might need to say that a little louder, Cat. LOOK!
Jack Nomad has crawled over to the corner containing his modified mop handle, and he takes hold of it, using it to help get himself back on his feet. He turns back towards Calvin, who is in the process of getting up himself. A-Ref darts in front of him, hands held up to try and reason with the man. Jack pushes A-Ref out of the way, and hobbles forward, lifting the mop handle high over head. Just when it looks like he's going to use it to decapitate Calvin Harris, it suddenly is yanked from his grasp from behind. Jack slowly turns around, and A-Ref holds the mop handle like a criminal who's just stolen his last haul. Jack lets a few curses fly as he hobbles forwards after the official who back peddles with every step.
PERCY: Jack's focus is on A-Ref, and he doesn't even notice that Calvin is finally back on his feet....Calvin rushing to the ropes, hops up on the second, and...MEETING KRYPTOITE TO THE BACK OF JACK NOMAD'S SKULL! OH MY GOD! Jack Nomad got thrown forward after the move and crashed right into A-Ref, crushing him in the corner. Nomad stumbling back out, and CALVIN WITH A SCHOOL BOY PIN!!
CAT: Uh...there's no referee to make the count.
Calvin keep's Jack rolled up for several seconds, the fans counting down like it's some sort of game. When they reach 15, he finally lifts off of Jack, looking around in confusion. He see's A-Ref out in the corner, and stumbles over to try and revive the official. Realizing that he's out like a light, Calvin turns back to see Nomad trying to get to his feet. He quickly slips through the ropes to the outside, reaches under the ring, and brings out the first thing he gets his hands on....a medium sized lead pipe. He slides back into the ring behind Nomad, and rises to his feet to wait for the man to turn around.
PERCY: Nomad just got vertical, and he has no idea that Harris is poised behind him ready to strike with that lead pipe! Why does it always come down to this?
CAT: Cause, Percy, these two right here know exactly what's at stake, and aren't going to let anyone take it away from them!
Jack scans the ring, and not seeing Calvin, slowly turns to get a bead on his opponent. Calvin comes tearing across the ring, the pipe reared back to strike, and just when he lets loose Jack manages to duck under the swing, hooks him under the arm with his head, and lifts him up and down with a thunderous side suplex. Nomad pops up off the canvas and throws both arms out at his side and roars, signaling that this thing was about to be over. Right when he reaches down to grab Calvin to pull him off the canvas, The Martyr of Professional Wrestling surprises him with a lead pipe strike right into his injured knee. Jack immediately releases Calvin and drops right beside him, clutching at his knee in complete agony.
PERCY: This is not good, Cat. We need to get some sort of order or this thing is going to leave both men on the shelf.
CAT: Well, where the hell is our other official, and why is A-Ref always getting in the way of shit!
Suddenly a flash of a person comes sliding into the ring out of nowhere, popping up to his feet with a steel chair in hand, and lays in a vicious shot on a rising Calvin Harris.
PERCY: MY GOD! WHAT IS HUNTER STORMS DOING OUT HERE! OH! HE'S JUST REIGNING DOWN CHAIR SHOTS ON CALVIN HARRIS!
CAT: IS THAT FOOL INSANE! Doesn't he know what's at stake here!
PERCY: It doesn't look like he much cares.....is..is he a member of The Hardcore Society?
CAT: I don't know.
Jack Nomad crawls his way over to the ropes, and manages to get up to one knee as he looks over at the beating Hunter Storms is reigning down on Calvin Harris with the steel chair. His face reads confusion, but he shrugs, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He shoves off to get onto his bum knee, when suddenly Hunter Storms spins away from Calvin Harris, and clobbers Nomad back down to the canvas. His assault is brutal as he brings the chair down multiple times across Jack's injured knee, eliciting a howl with each strike. Eventually he changes his grip on the chair so that he can drive the thickest part directly down into the insertion. Finally, he steps back, and delivers a golf like swing of the chair directly to Jack's face, leaving him prone and unmoving on the canvas.
PERCY: My God, Hunter Storms has taken both of these guys out of this match....and Nobody know's why!
CAT: A-Ref is starting to stir, and Storms just noticed it. He's hightailing it out of the ring, and jogging back up the ramp with no expression at all. That fool really is cold.
PERCY: Yeah, but the real story is what he's done here....A-Ref is looking around, and he has no clue...HE'S STARTING A TEN COUNT!
1...
2...
3...
PERCY: I can't believe this. It's not right.
4...
5...
6...
CAT: Well, say what you will about Mr. Storms win/loss record here in PAW, but he just made one hell of an impact.
7...
8...
PERCY: You don't think that he's the one Recoba was talking to in the back, do you?
9...
CAT: I....I don't know what to think anymore.. It's about to be over.
10!!!
PERCY: A-Ref is calling for the bell, and neither one of these guys have moved. He's checking on them now, and now he's starting to realize how serious this is. EMT's are on their way from the back, and now he's confering with the Ring Announcer...let's see what Rhonda has to say.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Due to neither competitor being able to answer the count of ten, this match has been declared a No Contest!
CAT: Man, that's a shame. Not to mention, we have an open spot now in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match! One of these guys was supposed to win their spot!
PERCY: All I know for sure is that Hunter Storms has a lot to answer for, and he's made enemies here tonight, no doubt about it.
The camera continues to watch the ring as EMT's work on Jack Nomad and Calvin Harris, the fans booing the entire time. The viewer makes one more pass, before cutting to the PAW logo, and then fade to black.
CAT: I don't know, but it sounds like he just hired some muscle, but for what.
PERCY: You know what I think? I think he just pulled those shenanigans to get in the heads of the two men that are about to come out here and compete.
CAT: You mean, Maul, right?
PERCY: Well, let's just find out...
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is set for one fall or submission, and is a Grudge Match, with the winner advancing as one of the participants in the PAW Heavyweight Championship match at Seven Deadly Sins....
#What Scares us is... I think we needed.. Violence...
#BREAK IT DOWN LIKE YOU KNOW IT'S LOADED!!!
#I GOT IT COCKED AND LOADED!!!
#I GOT A SICKNESS TO FEED!!
#SO BREAK IT DOWN LIKE YOU'RE UNDEVOTED!!!
#DON'T NEED A FUCKIN' MOTIVE!!
#I HOPE YOU'RE READY TO BBBBLLLLEEEEDDDD!!!
His attire consists of a hooded, patchwork leather vest decorated with the word "HARDCORE" on his shoulders, black leather tights done in similar fashion to his vest, maroon boots with silver knee and kick pads, and tape on his fists. In his hand is a barbwire wrapped silver mop handle sporting black electrical tape at both ends.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: MAKING HIS WAY TO THE RING! HE STANDS AT SIX FOOT TWO AND WEIGHS IN AT 241 lbs. HAILING FROM JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY....
Arriving at ringside, he climbs onto the ring apron and walks to the very center of that apron. Turning to face the fans, Jack throws his arms out at his sides. His face is a burning, intense scowl as he surveys the crowd. He then turns and enters the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: HARDCORE... JACK NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAADDDDDD!!!
He throws his hood back to reveal his slightly crooked nose and dark brown eyes. Long stringy black hair hangs in his face as he lowers his head forward to glare at the camera from beneath the ridge of his brow. Jack then throws his arms out at his sides, fists clenched tightly with the mop handle held firmly in hand and spins around to scowl at the audience. He removes his vest and tosses it over to his corner where a ring attendant takes it.
PERCY: Jack Nomad formed his Hardcore Society on WICKED Live, destroying Cross Recoba, and then later on crashing Calvin Harris' challenge to Press, and now he looks to take one more thing away from his former stable mate. A chance to be in the Main Event at Seven Deadly Sins.
CAT: Easier said than done, Percy, considering Calvin Harris and he are neck and neck for the top spot here in PAW, but you gotta believe Calvin edges him out due to previous encounters with the Champion, and his Main Event status.
PERCY: I guess we'll find that out tonight.
"Your Betrayal" by Bullet For My Valentine hits the arena's speakers, the guitar riff kicking it all off as the fans begin to boo. After a few seconds, the curtain is slowly peeled back, and out steps Calvin Harris, a smug expression spread over his face. He steps to the center of the stage, nodding as the fans continue to pour on their hate, and thrusts his arms out at his side, letting his head hang back, soaking it all in. When he's had enough he lets his arms fall to his side, and he starts making his way down the ramp towards ringside, his eyes locking on Jack Nomad in the ring.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing his opponent, all the way from Chicago, Illinois. Weighing in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds. He is the #1 Contender to the PAW Heavyweight Championship, the 'Martyr of Pro Wrestling' CALVIN HARRIS!
When Calvin reaches ringside, he goes to make it up onto the ring apron when Jack Nomad comes tearing across the ring. Calvin manages to hop down as Nomad takes a swipe at him with his mop handle, and reaches beneath the bottom rope grabbing the Hardcore One by both his ankles, and jerks his feet out from under him. Nomad hit's the canvas, and while Calvin still has him by his ankles, he drags him towards the nearest corner. Jack Nomad struggles against this coarse, but Calvin manages to get at least one leg around the ring post, and he swings it so that the insertion of the knee meet's steel. Jack falls back to the canvas in pain, and Calvin takes the leg one more time, and takes a running go when he jams it up into the ring post. Nomad grabs at his injured knee and manages to scoot towards the center of the ring, momentarily getting away from Harris.
PERCY: The bell hasn't even rang, and already damage has been done here. Harris now up on the ring apron, and coming into the ring after Nomad.
CAT: There's the bell, Percy, and this thing is officially under way!
Calvin stalks towards Nomad who curses him for everything he's worth, and stomps right down into Nomad's knee, putting a stop to the bad mouthing. The fans, unsure of how to react, created a loud murmur among themselves between a cheer and a boo. Calvin doesn't seem to notice as he angrily scoops up Nomad's leg, and lays in stomp after stomp into the back of his hamstring, eventually putting his own knee right into's Jacks, and leaping into the air only to come crashing down, driving Jack's knee into the canvas. Jack howls again, and scoots even farther back, now ending up on the otherside of the ring entirely. He grabs for the ropes to pull himself up to his feet, but Calvin is there to meet him every step of the way with measured right hands, and well placed boots. His focus, however, remains on the injured limb, and once Jack has forced himself to a vertical base, Calvin quickly takes him by the leg and tosses it over the middle rope where he sends furious boots directly into the steel cable which whips the back of Jack's knee unnaturally. Jack, finding it difficult to maintain his balance in such a compromising position, ends Calvin's flurry with a well placed thumb right into the man's eye.
PERCY: Oh! Jack Nomad just thumbed Calvin in the eye, and now the Martyr of Professional Wrestling is walking away from the corner unable to see.
CAT: This is weird, man. I don't know who I want to cheer for, and neither do the fans. Some of them are clapping, while others are still booing. Maybe if these two kill each other everyone will cheer.
Calvin turns back towards Nomad, and Jack doesn't give him an opportunity to recover his sight before jamming his forearm into the side of his head. He repeats the process a few times, rocking Harris back, and finally tosses him in the corner where he had been hemmed up, and following it in with a short arm clothesline. Stepping back he continues with the vicious forearm thrusts down across Calvin's face, as Harris covers up with both hands. This prompts Jack to follow through with a few stiff body shots that actually lift Calvin up off the canvas. Finally, he takes him by the wrist, and whips him hard with a hammer throw to the opposite side. Upon reaching the corner, Calvin walks right up the turnbuckles, spinning through the air to crash down onto the oncoming Nomad with a cross body. Nomad crumples with Harris on top of him, but when A-Ref drops for the count, Calvin instead mounts Nomad, cradles his head, and starts unloading with right hands straight down into the bridge of his nose.
PERCY: Good lord, I don't know that these two want to win as much as they do destroy each other!
CAT: They have to keep their focus, man. This is for a shot at the championship!
Nomad uses his size to knock Calvin off of him, but The Martyr of Professional Wrestling is quick to come up and put boots to Nomad on his way back to his feet. He keeps up the pressure, knocking Jack back into the ropes before whipping him to the far side. Jack rebounds as Calvin charges him with a spin wheel kick, but Jack ducks under it, and Calvin manages to land safely rather than hit the mat. Jack hit's the ropes and comes back once again, and this time Calvin surprises him by jumping straight up into the air, hooking him around the head, and taking him over with a hurricanrana. Nomad scoots across the canvas, but when he comes to a stop, he's already on his way up. Calvin moves out to meet him once he's on one knee, and throws his boot out to the side, nailing the man with a super kick. Nomad snaps back to the canvas violently, and Calvin hops from Jack to the second rope, and springboards into a moonsault down across his chest. He stays down for the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: Kick out at two, and Jack is already moving up to his feet, but Calvin is staying on him to control the momentum.
Calvin nails Nomad with a few right hands that send him falling back into the closest corner, and with lightening speed he leaps into the air and nails Jack with a drop kick that crushes him against the turnbuckles. The Hardcore One slumps down to a seated position, and Calvin moves in, hopping up to where both feet are on either side of Jack on the second rope, and then springs up almost into a handstand before pushing out, and swinging his legs forward for a powerful sitting drop kick. The move crushes Jack's chest even further, with the turnbuckles acting as an anvil, and Calvin's boots like a hammer. He clutches at his midsection before rolling under the bottom rope to the outside where he stumbles over to the guard rail to help keep him upright.
PERCY: Calvin Harris has Jack Nomad off balance here, and The Hardcore One is taking hit after hit. If this keeps up, it won't be long before we have a winner.
CAT: Well there's plenty of motivation. If not for the chance to advance to the Main Event at Seven Deadly Sins, then to ensure that he sends a message to Jack Nomad that he's not going to go down like Cross Recoba.
PERCY: Calvin's measuring Jack outside the ring, and he hit's off the ropes for momentum....SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES...NO!! JACK NOMAD SLID OUT OF THE WAY!
Calvin Harris crashes like a missle into the the steel guard rail, while Jack Nomad clutches at his midsection safely a few feet away. Calvin grabs at his skull as he's already trying to get to his feet, but Jack is there to meet him, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and the seat of his pants, and spins him around to toss him head first right into the ring steps. Harris collides with the steel steps with authority, upending the top portion from the bottom. When he manages to lift himself up, it's clear to see that he's been busted open across the top of his skull.
PERCY: Calvin Harris wearing a crimson mask as A-Ref reaches the count of four, and Jack Nomad stalking over, clearly not done with him. Spins him around, and SCOOP SLAM RIGHT DOWN ACROSS THE STEEL STEPS!! My God!
CAT: And just like that, the tide's shifted.
Calvin's back is arched in pain as Jack Nomad barks some curses up at A-Ref, who continues his count despite the unkind words. Jack grabs Calvin by a fistful of hair, and shoots him back into the ring under the bottom rope, following him in to make with the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: KICK OUT! Calvin out at two, but he's still clutching at his back, and bleeding like a stuck pig. A-Ref's already had to call two of Nomad's matches due to his opponent not being able to continue. It would be a shame if Harris were to share the same fate.
CAT: I don't see that happening. Calvin know's whats at stake here, and won't let it come to that.
PERCY: He might not have a choice in the matter, Cat.
Nomad comes up to his feet after the failed pin attempt, and nudges Calvin over onto his stomach before laying in several boots directly to his spine. One particularly sharp kick causes Nomad to recoil off, hobbling on the leg that Harris had injured at the start of the match. He massages the knee a moment, allowing Calvin to get up to his feet under his own power. As soon as Calvin is back on two legs Jack charges at him, leaping into the air and catching him right in the side of the head with a Muay Thai jumping knee strike. Calvin thunders back down to the canvas, and Nomad hobbles around, the maneuver obviously causing him some discomfort as well.
PERCY: Jack Nomad is going to have to think smarter if he's hoping not to telegraph that injured knee of his.
CAT: Jack's a pretty straight forward guy. He goes with the tools that brought him to the dance. I don't know if there is a smarter way for him.
Jack hobbles over to where he planted Calvin, and reaches down to pick the man up. Harris surprises him when his leg snaps up off the canvas and pops Jack right in the face, forcing The Hardcore One to recoil backwards. Calvin quickly scrambles to his feet, almost looses his balance, but quickly regains it when he nails Nomad with a boot to the midsection, and then drops him with a devastating DDT.
PERCY: Jesus! Jack Nomad's head just spiked off the mat, but he looks to be already trying to get back up. What the hell is it gonna take to keep the brute down.
CAT: Try an army and a tank, Percy.
Calvin wipes blood from his eyes, the gash on his head starting to congeal. He stalks over to Nomad who's made it up to his hands and knee's, reaches down and grabs him by his bum leg, lifts it high into the air, and then spikes it knee cap first off the canvas. Jack howls and immediately goes for the knee, as Calvin watches on with a determined nod.
PERCY: Calvin Harris might have been taking a beating, but damned if he wasn't paying attention. Now he's zeroed in on that injury, as he grabs Nomad by that leg again, and drops an elbow right down into the insertion of the knee! Back up, and he does it again!
CAT: If you take Jack's legs out from under him, you take away a lot of his power game. This isn't good for The Hardcore One.
Calvin is back up, dragging Jack by his leg over to the ropes, and placing the ankle on the bottom rope. He steps up onto the second, and gets a good spring, before dropping his ass right down onto the exposed knee, bending it awkwardly. Jack roars, pulling at the canvas to get himself away from the oncoming Harris. Calvin, however, doesn't let him escape, reaching down and grabbing the leg just before spinning around it, and placing Jack Nomad in a figure four leg lock. Nomad comes alive in pain, reaching out for Calvin with both hands. All it takes is for Calvin to fall backwards, and the pressure is increased, causing Nomad to hit himself in the forehead to keep from focusing on the pain shooting through his knee.
CAT: Incredibly smart move out of Calvin here, and he has Nomad right in the center of the ring with nowhere to go. We could get a submission.
Nomad spits and curses, but eventually falls back against the mat in exhaustion and pain, and A-Ref is there to make the count.
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! Jack pushes up off the mat at the very last second, the count seeming to remind him just how much trouble he's really in. Balancing back on his elbow, he starts dragging himself and Calvin towards the ropes, his only hope for escape. Calvin see's this, and rocks back several times, applying as much pressure as possible. This halts Jack for a moment, his knee popping under the pressure, but after a moment he fights through the pain and continues his movements. Finally, just when he's a fingertip's length away from the ropes, Calvin releases the hold, pops up to his feet, and then drags Jack back out towards the center of the ring. Nomad struggles profusely, managing to get his good leg up between him and Calvin, and shoving the man off of him with authority. Calvin hit's the canvas, but rolls right up to his feet, rushing back in on Nomad. Jack struggles once again, but this time, instead of trying to shove Calvin off of him, he simply brings a forearm up into the mans nether regions instead. Calvin lurches forwards holding his crotch, surprise and anguish evident on his face as he falls to the mat.
PERCY: A-Ref is admonishing Jack for that blatant low blow, but it doesn't much appear like he gives a damn. He just wanted the pressure off of his knee.
CAT: Well, do you blame him? A-Ref letting some things slide in this one cause he know's whats at stake, but Jack better be careful not to get himself disqualified.
PERCY: It looks like you might need to say that a little louder, Cat. LOOK!
Jack Nomad has crawled over to the corner containing his modified mop handle, and he takes hold of it, using it to help get himself back on his feet. He turns back towards Calvin, who is in the process of getting up himself. A-Ref darts in front of him, hands held up to try and reason with the man. Jack pushes A-Ref out of the way, and hobbles forward, lifting the mop handle high over head. Just when it looks like he's going to use it to decapitate Calvin Harris, it suddenly is yanked from his grasp from behind. Jack slowly turns around, and A-Ref holds the mop handle like a criminal who's just stolen his last haul. Jack lets a few curses fly as he hobbles forwards after the official who back peddles with every step.
PERCY: Jack's focus is on A-Ref, and he doesn't even notice that Calvin is finally back on his feet....Calvin rushing to the ropes, hops up on the second, and...MEETING KRYPTOITE TO THE BACK OF JACK NOMAD'S SKULL! OH MY GOD! Jack Nomad got thrown forward after the move and crashed right into A-Ref, crushing him in the corner. Nomad stumbling back out, and CALVIN WITH A SCHOOL BOY PIN!!
CAT: Uh...there's no referee to make the count.
Calvin keep's Jack rolled up for several seconds, the fans counting down like it's some sort of game. When they reach 15, he finally lifts off of Jack, looking around in confusion. He see's A-Ref out in the corner, and stumbles over to try and revive the official. Realizing that he's out like a light, Calvin turns back to see Nomad trying to get to his feet. He quickly slips through the ropes to the outside, reaches under the ring, and brings out the first thing he gets his hands on....a medium sized lead pipe. He slides back into the ring behind Nomad, and rises to his feet to wait for the man to turn around.
PERCY: Nomad just got vertical, and he has no idea that Harris is poised behind him ready to strike with that lead pipe! Why does it always come down to this?
CAT: Cause, Percy, these two right here know exactly what's at stake, and aren't going to let anyone take it away from them!
Jack scans the ring, and not seeing Calvin, slowly turns to get a bead on his opponent. Calvin comes tearing across the ring, the pipe reared back to strike, and just when he lets loose Jack manages to duck under the swing, hooks him under the arm with his head, and lifts him up and down with a thunderous side suplex. Nomad pops up off the canvas and throws both arms out at his side and roars, signaling that this thing was about to be over. Right when he reaches down to grab Calvin to pull him off the canvas, The Martyr of Professional Wrestling surprises him with a lead pipe strike right into his injured knee. Jack immediately releases Calvin and drops right beside him, clutching at his knee in complete agony.
PERCY: This is not good, Cat. We need to get some sort of order or this thing is going to leave both men on the shelf.
CAT: Well, where the hell is our other official, and why is A-Ref always getting in the way of shit!
Suddenly a flash of a person comes sliding into the ring out of nowhere, popping up to his feet with a steel chair in hand, and lays in a vicious shot on a rising Calvin Harris.
PERCY: MY GOD! WHAT IS HUNTER STORMS DOING OUT HERE! OH! HE'S JUST REIGNING DOWN CHAIR SHOTS ON CALVIN HARRIS!
CAT: IS THAT FOOL INSANE! Doesn't he know what's at stake here!
PERCY: It doesn't look like he much cares.....is..is he a member of The Hardcore Society?
CAT: I don't know.
Jack Nomad crawls his way over to the ropes, and manages to get up to one knee as he looks over at the beating Hunter Storms is reigning down on Calvin Harris with the steel chair. His face reads confusion, but he shrugs, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He shoves off to get onto his bum knee, when suddenly Hunter Storms spins away from Calvin Harris, and clobbers Nomad back down to the canvas. His assault is brutal as he brings the chair down multiple times across Jack's injured knee, eliciting a howl with each strike. Eventually he changes his grip on the chair so that he can drive the thickest part directly down into the insertion. Finally, he steps back, and delivers a golf like swing of the chair directly to Jack's face, leaving him prone and unmoving on the canvas.
PERCY: My God, Hunter Storms has taken both of these guys out of this match....and Nobody know's why!
CAT: A-Ref is starting to stir, and Storms just noticed it. He's hightailing it out of the ring, and jogging back up the ramp with no expression at all. That fool really is cold.
PERCY: Yeah, but the real story is what he's done here....A-Ref is looking around, and he has no clue...HE'S STARTING A TEN COUNT!
1...
2...
3...
PERCY: I can't believe this. It's not right.
4...
5...
6...
CAT: Well, say what you will about Mr. Storms win/loss record here in PAW, but he just made one hell of an impact.
7...
8...
PERCY: You don't think that he's the one Recoba was talking to in the back, do you?
9...
CAT: I....I don't know what to think anymore.. It's about to be over.
10!!!
PERCY: A-Ref is calling for the bell, and neither one of these guys have moved. He's checking on them now, and now he's starting to realize how serious this is. EMT's are on their way from the back, and now he's confering with the Ring Announcer...let's see what Rhonda has to say.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Due to neither competitor being able to answer the count of ten, this match has been declared a No Contest!
CAT: Man, that's a shame. Not to mention, we have an open spot now in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match! One of these guys was supposed to win their spot!
PERCY: All I know for sure is that Hunter Storms has a lot to answer for, and he's made enemies here tonight, no doubt about it.
The camera continues to watch the ring as EMT's work on Jack Nomad and Calvin Harris, the fans booing the entire time. The viewer makes one more pass, before cutting to the PAW logo, and then fade to black.