Post by The BombTrax on Sept 4, 2016 2:04:49 GMT
Live From the James Center Arena
Tuskagee, AL
Friday, September 16th, 2016 at 10 pm CST
“A Warrior’s Call” by Volbeat joins a long pan of the semi-darkened The James Center Arena, revealing within the spotlights that the turnout is packing the building to capacity, with some spilling out of their seats. The song plays and we sweep over the ring, the fans, the stands, the ramp, backstage where workers hurry to set up.
Cut to the mega screen over the entryway, clips and highlights from last nights Addiction. A scene of ; Finally a ticking TNT bomb, which becomes an animated bomb, that counts down from 10 and ignites a graphical EXPLOSION on the screen which turns into real pyrotechnics and fireworks from the stage and ramp. The entire arena is electric as the camera falls on the announce table where sits Percival Banion Chord and Caitlin Casey.
PERCY: Welcome everyone to WICKED Live from The James Center Arena in downtown Tuskagee, Alabama! My God, Cat, this is the biggest venue we've been in to date, and these fans are as wild as we've ever seen them.
CAT: And they should be, Percy. We have a Main Event that could easily headline a PPV tonight when Johnny Raike challenges Press for the PAW Heavyweight Championship in a No Disqualification match!
PERCY: That's right, Cat, and before that we'll see Nova Wonder take on Aokigahara Zombie in a match that will determine one of the five remaining participants in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match.
CAT: Also we have a PAW Tag Team Championship match, when Mikael and Adam Wolfe take on The French Mime Assassins.
PERCY: Normally we would expect an appearance from Mercy & Sin, but the entire Hardcore Society was released just yesterday due to abusing PAW's wellness policy.
CAT: Hey, that's serious business. Can't be on the sauce if you want to work at PAW.
PERCY: Certainly not, but that still begs the question about Hunter Storms shocking intervention during the Main Event of ADDICTION last night. He beat down both Jack Nomad and Calvin Harris so that neither man could reach the ten count, and cost us a participant in the Ladder Match at Seven Deadly Sins. What do you think were his motives?
CAT: If I were guessing, it has something to do with the man who supplied the money, Cross Recoba. He's set to go one on one with Caroline O'Hara Burchill.
PERCY: You don't know for sure that it was Cross Recoba. That could have been a completely unrelated meeting he was having in the back. He is a businessman, after all.
CAT: Don't be dense, Percy. Although, I wouldn't put it past Press or Munin to try and ensure that Calvin Harris didn't get another title shot at the PPV.
PERCY: Now, THAT, is preposterous.
CAT: Regardless, we've got a match that many are saying could be the sleeper match of the night in John Weyland versus Sinister Minister. I wonder if American Tommy will play a major factor in this match up?
PERCY: The same could be asked about Tony Chu, who as of yet has interjected himself in any of his clients matches here in PAW. Tonight might be the night he starts.
CAT: Right, and if that's not enough for you, we have the return of Deus.
PERCY: This will be the first time the enigma has been seen in action since 2015, and Deus has a tall order here tonight. The entire Enhancement Talent Roster is coming out tonight to try and put an early end to this superstars reign of terror.
CAT: I don't see how one person can stand up to an entire roster, even if they are just jobbers.
PERCY: Enhancement Talen, Cat! Enhancment Talent!
CAT: Whatever, Percy. I'm getting word that we've got stuff going on backstage, so why don't we go check it out before we get down to the action.
Cut to the mega screen over the entryway, clips and highlights from last nights Addiction. A scene of ; Finally a ticking TNT bomb, which becomes an animated bomb, that counts down from 10 and ignites a graphical EXPLOSION on the screen which turns into real pyrotechnics and fireworks from the stage and ramp. The entire arena is electric as the camera falls on the announce table where sits Percival Banion Chord and Caitlin Casey.
PERCY: Welcome everyone to WICKED Live from The James Center Arena in downtown Tuskagee, Alabama! My God, Cat, this is the biggest venue we've been in to date, and these fans are as wild as we've ever seen them.
CAT: And they should be, Percy. We have a Main Event that could easily headline a PPV tonight when Johnny Raike challenges Press for the PAW Heavyweight Championship in a No Disqualification match!
PERCY: That's right, Cat, and before that we'll see Nova Wonder take on Aokigahara Zombie in a match that will determine one of the five remaining participants in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match.
CAT: Also we have a PAW Tag Team Championship match, when Mikael and Adam Wolfe take on The French Mime Assassins.
PERCY: Normally we would expect an appearance from Mercy & Sin, but the entire Hardcore Society was released just yesterday due to abusing PAW's wellness policy.
CAT: Hey, that's serious business. Can't be on the sauce if you want to work at PAW.
PERCY: Certainly not, but that still begs the question about Hunter Storms shocking intervention during the Main Event of ADDICTION last night. He beat down both Jack Nomad and Calvin Harris so that neither man could reach the ten count, and cost us a participant in the Ladder Match at Seven Deadly Sins. What do you think were his motives?
CAT: If I were guessing, it has something to do with the man who supplied the money, Cross Recoba. He's set to go one on one with Caroline O'Hara Burchill.
PERCY: You don't know for sure that it was Cross Recoba. That could have been a completely unrelated meeting he was having in the back. He is a businessman, after all.
CAT: Don't be dense, Percy. Although, I wouldn't put it past Press or Munin to try and ensure that Calvin Harris didn't get another title shot at the PPV.
PERCY: Now, THAT, is preposterous.
CAT: Regardless, we've got a match that many are saying could be the sleeper match of the night in John Weyland versus Sinister Minister. I wonder if American Tommy will play a major factor in this match up?
PERCY: The same could be asked about Tony Chu, who as of yet has interjected himself in any of his clients matches here in PAW. Tonight might be the night he starts.
CAT: Right, and if that's not enough for you, we have the return of Deus.
PERCY: This will be the first time the enigma has been seen in action since 2015, and Deus has a tall order here tonight. The entire Enhancement Talent Roster is coming out tonight to try and put an early end to this superstars reign of terror.
CAT: I don't see how one person can stand up to an entire roster, even if they are just jobbers.
PERCY: Enhancement Talen, Cat! Enhancment Talent!
CAT: Whatever, Percy. I'm getting word that we've got stuff going on backstage, so why don't we go check it out before we get down to the action.
The first thing that surprised Johnny Raike as he entered his locker room at the James Center Arena was the lights didn’t switch on. As the door swung closed behind him to bathe him in darkness, his finger futilely flipped the switch, and then he felt tremendous pressure encircle his throat and hoist him up onto the very tips of his toes forcing him to drop his gym bag and reach up for whatever had him.
And then the lights came on.
This was the next surprise. His chin tilted upwards, his hands gripped the obvious thickness of a rope noose around his throat digging into his skin, and elevated enough to make him strain awkwardly for his footing and his breath. His eyes widened as his pupils accustomed to the light.
Deus stood casually in front of him.
DEUS: It was Deuteronomy in which the story said that an aged Moses led the Israelites to their foretold “Promised Land”. There, as the Israelites camped and waited for their Lord to show them the way, Moses was told that he would die, and that Joshua would lead the people into battle. There, as Moses was given the last words, he was to deliver a song to the people, a warning foretelling the next 500 years of history still to unfold in which the people would forget their God, turn away from where they’d come from, and find other gods to believe in. Gods like you.
The familiar masked figure with a deep voice that sounded modulated several pitches downward stood there like it’d been there awaiting Johnny’s arrival for some time. Johnny got the panicked sense that someone else was stalking the shadows as he wrestled with the rope around his neck and to comprehend this impromptu diatribe.
DEUS: You said it was the book of GENESIS. You were wrong. You’re wrong about a lot of things. You're no god.
As Johnny’s concerned eyes lowered back onto Deus, the metal mask turn
DEUS: I know the noose hurts but I felt it wise to remind you of those things you forget. This isn’t a beatdown, John. I don’t need to show you violence. I have nothing to prove. You know who I am. And you know what I do. But this is a new era, and you don’t want anyone stepping ahead of you in this brave new world where you’ve been granted a title chance in spite of poor performance. No amount of “bitching” or “moaning” from any of the true pussies on this roster will prevent that from happening tonight. You’re under my protection for the duration of this event. And I want you to do well. Bring home the gold, proud little warrior. Give them a reason to cry.
Johnny feels the noose tighten harshly as though someone as yet unseen were pulling the rope. Johnny feels his feet lift slightly off the ground and then pain. The mask comes to stand in front of Johnny’s vulnerable position.
DEUS: But you called on me, little man. With no provocation on my part, you chose to send me an unnecessary warning.
The mask comes in closer as Johnny feels the rope threatening his throat with it’s tautness.
DEUS: So I come to return the favor: you won’t stop me, Raike. I will come for Press, belt or no belt. My business with the Bombtrax is beyond foolish baubles and bragging rights; beyond you. I let you children squabble as you will. After I’m done with the big man, however…
Johnny’s out of oxygen and turning blue, the noose releases him suddenly to his knees on the floor to choke.
DEUS: ...all bets are off. Consider yourself blessed till then.
As Johnny recovers his breath the lights flicker and switch off a moment only to slowly come back to reveal Johnny alone in the locker room.
Camera switch to the parking lot of The James Center Arena. The sound of screeching tires can be heard as an all black Ford Mustang comes to a sudden halt in front of the back door to the arena. Right away the driver’s side door pops open before CALVIN HARRIS can be seen stepping out of the car. This doesn’t settle very well with the live audience. Boos can be heard all the way in the parking lot. The expression on Calvin’s face says it all. He is in a foul mood. He starts to make his way towards the door with a clear limp in his step. By no means was the man a hundred percent after what had happened twenty four hours beforehand. Right away the security guard in front of the door puts his hand out.
SECURITY GUARD: My man, you can’t park there...
CALVIN HARRIS: I am only going to say this once. Get out of my way.
SECURITY GUARD: Look man, I understand that you might be having a bad day but...
Before another word can even escape the security guard’s mouth, his eyes bulge out all of a sudden as he turns red in the face and lets out a painful groan. For good reason, considering Calvin took his foot and drove it right up between the legs of the security guard square in his groin. The man slumps over to the floor holding his groin as Calvin glares down at him.
CALVIN HARRIS: Maybe next time you’ll listen.
Without a care in the world Calvin steps over the security guard who rolls around in pain. He grips a hold of the door handle and yanks it open before limping his way inside the arena. This was not settling well with the fans as their boos are a little louder and rightfully so, because no one was sure what his agenda was. Fade to commercial
And then the lights came on.
This was the next surprise. His chin tilted upwards, his hands gripped the obvious thickness of a rope noose around his throat digging into his skin, and elevated enough to make him strain awkwardly for his footing and his breath. His eyes widened as his pupils accustomed to the light.
Deus stood casually in front of him.
DEUS: It was Deuteronomy in which the story said that an aged Moses led the Israelites to their foretold “Promised Land”. There, as the Israelites camped and waited for their Lord to show them the way, Moses was told that he would die, and that Joshua would lead the people into battle. There, as Moses was given the last words, he was to deliver a song to the people, a warning foretelling the next 500 years of history still to unfold in which the people would forget their God, turn away from where they’d come from, and find other gods to believe in. Gods like you.
The familiar masked figure with a deep voice that sounded modulated several pitches downward stood there like it’d been there awaiting Johnny’s arrival for some time. Johnny got the panicked sense that someone else was stalking the shadows as he wrestled with the rope around his neck and to comprehend this impromptu diatribe.
DEUS: You said it was the book of GENESIS. You were wrong. You’re wrong about a lot of things. You're no god.
As Johnny’s concerned eyes lowered back onto Deus, the metal mask turn
DEUS: I know the noose hurts but I felt it wise to remind you of those things you forget. This isn’t a beatdown, John. I don’t need to show you violence. I have nothing to prove. You know who I am. And you know what I do. But this is a new era, and you don’t want anyone stepping ahead of you in this brave new world where you’ve been granted a title chance in spite of poor performance. No amount of “bitching” or “moaning” from any of the true pussies on this roster will prevent that from happening tonight. You’re under my protection for the duration of this event. And I want you to do well. Bring home the gold, proud little warrior. Give them a reason to cry.
Johnny feels the noose tighten harshly as though someone as yet unseen were pulling the rope. Johnny feels his feet lift slightly off the ground and then pain. The mask comes to stand in front of Johnny’s vulnerable position.
DEUS: But you called on me, little man. With no provocation on my part, you chose to send me an unnecessary warning.
The mask comes in closer as Johnny feels the rope threatening his throat with it’s tautness.
DEUS: So I come to return the favor: you won’t stop me, Raike. I will come for Press, belt or no belt. My business with the Bombtrax is beyond foolish baubles and bragging rights; beyond you. I let you children squabble as you will. After I’m done with the big man, however…
Johnny’s out of oxygen and turning blue, the noose releases him suddenly to his knees on the floor to choke.
DEUS: ...all bets are off. Consider yourself blessed till then.
As Johnny recovers his breath the lights flicker and switch off a moment only to slowly come back to reveal Johnny alone in the locker room.
MEANWHILE...IN THE PARKING AREA
SECURITY GUARD: My man, you can’t park there...
CALVIN HARRIS: I am only going to say this once. Get out of my way.
SECURITY GUARD: Look man, I understand that you might be having a bad day but...
Before another word can even escape the security guard’s mouth, his eyes bulge out all of a sudden as he turns red in the face and lets out a painful groan. For good reason, considering Calvin took his foot and drove it right up between the legs of the security guard square in his groin. The man slumps over to the floor holding his groin as Calvin glares down at him.
CALVIN HARRIS: Maybe next time you’ll listen.
Without a care in the world Calvin steps over the security guard who rolls around in pain. He grips a hold of the door handle and yanks it open before limping his way inside the arena. This was not settling well with the fans as their boos are a little louder and rightfully so, because no one was sure what his agenda was. Fade to commercial
Opening Bout
Handicap Match
Deus versus The Enhancement Talent
CAT: And finally we get to see what all the fuss is about this DOOS character.
PERCY: Day-Us.
CAT: Excuse me?
PERCY: It’s pronounced Day-Us, Cat. Latin for God.
CAT: Well, Sor-ry, Percival. I’m just having trouble understanding what the big deal is, is all.
PERCY: Well--
CAT: Peep this, brutha man: This individual busted through here at Bad Moon Rising, right?
PERCY: Right, but--
CAT: Kidnapped the Lady Munin, which is like a thing now. Played with the light switches like an infant. Beat up the PAW Heavyweight Champion AFTER his match thereby not proving any real proficiency or skill, since… you know… the guy was already exhausted and vulnerable, THEN stapled a note to Munin’s chest for lack of a more appropriate thumbtack. Do I have this supposed ‘badass’ pegged so far?
PERCY: Well, from one perspective, sure.
CAT: Right. Well, so far the hype is unfounded and unwarranted. As far as I can tell this “Day-Us” dude is a careless and weak coward hiding behind a metal mask. Case: Closed.
PERCY: You may just be right, Cat. And you’ve conveniently given the PAW enhancement talent time to gather together in the ring to do battle with your careless and weak coward.
CAT: Whoa. So they did.
PERCY: Take it away Rhonda Armstrong for the introductions.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Ladies and Gentleman of the PAW Universe, introducing inside the ring in this special opening bout handicap match: from PAW’s home state of Louisiana… PAN and RUFIO… the LOST BOYZ!
There is a mild pop at the mention of PAW’s long-serving tag-team.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And introducing next… from the city of Knoxville, Tennesee… S… O…. B….!
Another mild pop as the ever colorfully eloquent Samuel Orville Buchanan raises his arms.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And joining them from Jackson, Mississippi… JAMES…. RADFORD!!!!
James Radford lifts an arm and is met with a hefty pop from the crowd.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And their final partner… from Baltimore, Maryland… ½ of the Living Legends… KRISSS…. ANGEL!!!
Another pop as Kris Angel salutes the crowd with a heart-felt flick of his fingers along the underside of his chin. Those in the ring clap hands.
CAT: Well I’ll be damned, Percy. It’s like a who’s who of panty sniffers, whiners, and complete failures. Sounds like a real challenge.
PERCY: Your sarcasm is noted, Cat. But each of those competitors is a journeyman wrestler with scads of experience inside of the squared circle. This may not be a sure-bet for the enhancement talent, but never count any of those men out.
CAT: You’re right. I forgot they were facing the weakest, most cowardly member of the PAW roster in ‘DAY-us’. This COULD be good.
And then the arena goes dark. The synth strikes of “Child of the West” by Roni Size featuring B-Real kicks onto the speaker system while timed strobes of red light streak out into the crowd along with the music.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And… introducing from Parts Unknown…
With the pulses of light happening, it’s easy to see there’s no one standing at the top of the ramp.
CAT: Sure was nice of this masked fellow to play their song for us. The bugger isn’t even HERE.
The song moves past the chorus before dying down, including the light show leaving the arena in darkness and confusion.
CAT: Okay….
The lights unexpectedly rise to reveal Deus standing nonchalantly in the ring. The enhancement talent are all down unconscious in the ring.
PERCY: What the…
CAT: Uhhhh… Percy, what just happened?
Rhonda Armstrong sheepishly turns to see Deus and nervously finishes the introduction.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: …Deus.
The ring bell reluctantly dings. The Enhancement Talent are each sprawled in various states of pain or unconsciousness. Kris Angel’s bloodied face looks around at his contingent before feeling the boot of Deus kick rather violently into his side and forcing him over onto his back, spitting up a disgusting amount of blood and a tooth. Deus places a foot on Kris Angel’s chest and expectantly glances to A Ref. The official isn’t certain what to do. None of the competitors are moving, or fit to prevent the pin and reluctantly, keeping his distance, A ref slides in begins a very slow, hesitant count.
1….
….
2…
…..
3….
PERCY: To answer your question, Cat: Deus just happened.
CAT: Is that even legal?
PERCY: Well… I.., guess, I don’t know. I don’t think that’s ever happened before.
From ringside, Rhonda sheepishly keeps her distance.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And your winner…
The lights dim to blackness once more for momentary seconds. The audible BOO rises from the crowd before turning back on leaving only the bruised and battered enhancement talent in the ring with no
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: …Deus….
CAT: What the hell, Percy?!
PERCY: A notorious figure… Deus just assaulted the Enhancement Roster without our seeing.
CAT: HOW?!
PERCY: I honestly have no idea. But there it is, Cat. We’re going to need to cut away to get the ring cleaned up though.
READ THE COMIC - NOW ON NEWSTANDS!
Singles MatchPERCY: Day-Us.
CAT: Excuse me?
PERCY: It’s pronounced Day-Us, Cat. Latin for God.
CAT: Well, Sor-ry, Percival. I’m just having trouble understanding what the big deal is, is all.
PERCY: Well--
CAT: Peep this, brutha man: This individual busted through here at Bad Moon Rising, right?
PERCY: Right, but--
CAT: Kidnapped the Lady Munin, which is like a thing now. Played with the light switches like an infant. Beat up the PAW Heavyweight Champion AFTER his match thereby not proving any real proficiency or skill, since… you know… the guy was already exhausted and vulnerable, THEN stapled a note to Munin’s chest for lack of a more appropriate thumbtack. Do I have this supposed ‘badass’ pegged so far?
PERCY: Well, from one perspective, sure.
CAT: Right. Well, so far the hype is unfounded and unwarranted. As far as I can tell this “Day-Us” dude is a careless and weak coward hiding behind a metal mask. Case: Closed.
PERCY: You may just be right, Cat. And you’ve conveniently given the PAW enhancement talent time to gather together in the ring to do battle with your careless and weak coward.
CAT: Whoa. So they did.
PERCY: Take it away Rhonda Armstrong for the introductions.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Ladies and Gentleman of the PAW Universe, introducing inside the ring in this special opening bout handicap match: from PAW’s home state of Louisiana… PAN and RUFIO… the LOST BOYZ!
There is a mild pop at the mention of PAW’s long-serving tag-team.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And introducing next… from the city of Knoxville, Tennesee… S… O…. B….!
Another mild pop as the ever colorfully eloquent Samuel Orville Buchanan raises his arms.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And joining them from Jackson, Mississippi… JAMES…. RADFORD!!!!
James Radford lifts an arm and is met with a hefty pop from the crowd.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And their final partner… from Baltimore, Maryland… ½ of the Living Legends… KRISSS…. ANGEL!!!
Another pop as Kris Angel salutes the crowd with a heart-felt flick of his fingers along the underside of his chin. Those in the ring clap hands.
CAT: Well I’ll be damned, Percy. It’s like a who’s who of panty sniffers, whiners, and complete failures. Sounds like a real challenge.
PERCY: Your sarcasm is noted, Cat. But each of those competitors is a journeyman wrestler with scads of experience inside of the squared circle. This may not be a sure-bet for the enhancement talent, but never count any of those men out.
CAT: You’re right. I forgot they were facing the weakest, most cowardly member of the PAW roster in ‘DAY-us’. This COULD be good.
And then the arena goes dark. The synth strikes of “Child of the West” by Roni Size featuring B-Real kicks onto the speaker system while timed strobes of red light streak out into the crowd along with the music.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And… introducing from Parts Unknown…
With the pulses of light happening, it’s easy to see there’s no one standing at the top of the ramp.
CAT: Sure was nice of this masked fellow to play their song for us. The bugger isn’t even HERE.
The song moves past the chorus before dying down, including the light show leaving the arena in darkness and confusion.
CAT: Okay….
The lights unexpectedly rise to reveal Deus standing nonchalantly in the ring. The enhancement talent are all down unconscious in the ring.
PERCY: What the…
CAT: Uhhhh… Percy, what just happened?
Rhonda Armstrong sheepishly turns to see Deus and nervously finishes the introduction.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: …Deus.
The ring bell reluctantly dings. The Enhancement Talent are each sprawled in various states of pain or unconsciousness. Kris Angel’s bloodied face looks around at his contingent before feeling the boot of Deus kick rather violently into his side and forcing him over onto his back, spitting up a disgusting amount of blood and a tooth. Deus places a foot on Kris Angel’s chest and expectantly glances to A Ref. The official isn’t certain what to do. None of the competitors are moving, or fit to prevent the pin and reluctantly, keeping his distance, A ref slides in begins a very slow, hesitant count.
1….
….
2…
…..
3….
PERCY: To answer your question, Cat: Deus just happened.
CAT: Is that even legal?
PERCY: Well… I.., guess, I don’t know. I don’t think that’s ever happened before.
From ringside, Rhonda sheepishly keeps her distance.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And your winner…
The lights dim to blackness once more for momentary seconds. The audible BOO rises from the crowd before turning back on leaving only the bruised and battered enhancement talent in the ring with no
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: …Deus….
CAT: What the hell, Percy?!
PERCY: A notorious figure… Deus just assaulted the Enhancement Roster without our seeing.
CAT: HOW?!
PERCY: I honestly have no idea. But there it is, Cat. We’re going to need to cut away to get the ring cleaned up though.
READ THE COMIC - NOW ON NEWSTANDS!
John Weyland versus Sinister Minister w/American Tommy
PERCY: Cat, this next match should be interesting. Debut matches always are.
CAT: That, or their boring, take your pick. I just hope....
Cat is suddenly cut off by the sound of someone’s voice, and it was definitely not the official ring announcer announcing the next match. Instead a booming voice with a strong accent went through the speaker system. A voice that caught everyone off guard, but a voice that ranged out so loud that it forced one to pay attention.
Fans found themselves looking around at one another in confusion.
There was a small hint of disappointment in that tone of voice. Sure enough the confusion was heightening on the faces of the fans in attendance. None of them really knowing what to make of all of this.
From those words alone it was clear there was an outsider looking in on the company and what the outsider saw didn’t seem to impress them even in the slightest. Based on the fan reaction which were a couple of boos. Didn’t seem like they were too pleased by someone they didn’t know passing off judgment.
“The time has come where Pure Amusement Wrestling needs a Warrior. They need someone who embodies courage and bravery. They need someone who is going to stand up and show the honor that this business deserves. The honor this company deserves. The owner that that the people deserve. Pure Amusement Wrestling needs someone that will not back down, will not give up, and someone who will fight when it is needed. They deserve a warrior and they are going to get a warrior, real soon.”
Those words echoed throughout the speakers leaving an impression with those listening.
“As much as they need a warrior. From what I have seen out of Pure Amusement Wrestling. It isn’t going to take long before someone does something that forces the AKUMA to come out of me!”
More than anything that sounded like a threat. The confusion was at an all time high at that point, but there were still a porition of those fans that didn’t seem to be too pleased with what they were hearing.
Right away the voice that had been heard was replaced with a theme song. Not just any theme song though it was a well known Disturbed song known as “Hell.” And if that wasn’t enough to force people to wonder what was going on. Their attention was brought to the titantron when an image of a man covered in some type of paint was featured. The paint was almost done in a manner to resemble the devil or a demon of some kind. The all white eyes displayed in that photo was enough to give the small children in attendance. The sound of “Hell” seemed to have gotten louder by the second. Only for everything to within the blink of an eye to go silent and the image to disappear. The confused and even concerned faces of the fans said it all. They had no idea what they were getting themselves into and neither did the company.
PERCY: That same character showed up last episode of WICKED, and this time was just as cryptic.
CAT: We really need another boogy man around here like we need a hole in the head!
PERCY: Well, either way you look at it, strange times are coming to PAW. Speaking of strange people, our next match involves an exiled priest from Vatican City, and a kid who thinks he's straight from the pages of Harry Potter.
CAT: Oh great, more nut jobs. Rhonda....save us!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is a singles match, and is set for one fall or submission....
The lights in the arena fade away and as "If I had a Tail" by Queens of the Stone Age hits, the lights come back up in crimson red. Josh Homme's voice calls out the lyrics as the anticipation grows in the crowd.
John Weyland steps out from the entrance and stands on the stage as spotlights find him. He's wearing a hooded robe, hiding most of his face.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, weighting in at 190 pounds, and hailing from West Monroe, LA. He is JOHN WEYLAND!!
At the announcement of his nam he makes his way down the center of the entrance ramp towards the ring, when he gets to the bottom of the ramp, he pushes his hood back off of his head.
Weyland climbs the ring steps and uses the top rope to sling himself up and over the rope and into the ring. He goes to the center of the ring where he takes off his robe as the lights return to normal.
Weyland goes to his corner as the music fades and warms up as he waits.
PERCY: John Weyland looks like he's ready for a fight here tonight, but we'll just have to see what happens when his opponent hits the ring.
CAT: Yeah, I hear this guy is kind of preachy.
PERCY: Lord knows you need some Jesus.
Cat cuts Percy a dangerous look as Church Bells are heard throughout the arena and the Big Screen shows pictures and videos of the man about to step out onto the stage. Sinister Minister walks into the view of the fans through the entrance and they start to boo as he carries a bloody burlap sack. American Tommy follows behind, holding a boombox up in the air.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing his opponent, being followed by American Tommy, weighting in at 230 pounds, and hailing from Vatican City, he is SINISTER MINISTER!!
A chorus of boos reign down and Sinister Minister smiles while he hushes them with a gesture of his hand, starting down the ramp, while American Tommy is still following behind jumping up and down and smiling. The two reach ringside, and the Minister points to a spot by the steps, to which Tommy obediently steps into for the time being, setting his boombox on the ring apron. Sinister Minister climbs the steps, and enters the ring, staring right across at John Weyland.
PERCY: That's one hell of a death stare, but Weyland doesn't seem too perturbed by it.
CAT: That's cause he's got the confidence of a lion, and the strike of a cobra. This fool Minister doesn't have a prayer of doing anything but praying that he can get out of this match.
PERCY: You know that he's an ex-priest right?
CAT: Once a Mormon, always a Mormon, Percy.
Percy simply shakes his head as A-Ref calls for the bell, and both men begin to circle each other in the middle of the ring. Suddenly, American Tommy pops up onto the ring apron, and both superstars pause as he jumps up and down, causing the fans to cheer. Sinister Minister shakes his head and waves for Tommy to get down, but he continues his antics until finally A-Ref steps over and interjects, pointing emphatically to the floor. Tommy see's this as a game, and he hops down, only to hop back up onto the apron again, and then hops back down. This continues for a few moments, completely hijacking the match.
PERCY: Well, it looks like American Tommy is having some fun out here.
CAT: Is that guy special, Percy?
PERCY: That's......a word for it, I guess. Now John Weyland is making his way over there, and he just jerked A-Ref out of the way and got in American Tommy's face. He's just grinning back at him, and I don't know if he realizes what a dangerous situation he's in. Oh man, Weyland just nudged Tommy's boombox off the ring apron into the floor, and it just shattered. Tommy just dropped down, and he's picking up the pieces. That wasn't right, Cat. He looks heartbroken.
CAT: That's the price you pay for bringing special folk out to the ring, Percy.
Weyland shrugs, and turns back around only to walk right into Sinister Minister who lowers his shoulders, and lifts John right off his feet. He wastes no time throwing his opponent straight up into the air, and then swiftly brings up his knee to strike Weyland right in the face on his way down.
PERCY: THE CONFESSION! OH MY GOD, THAT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE!
CAT: And he's going for the cover!
1...
2...
3!!! John Weyland kicks out, but just after A-Ref's hand has already struck the mat. Sinister Minister gets up with a smile, making the sign of the cross over John Weyland who clutches his head, and rolls to the outside.
PERCY: I can't believe this! That's got to be some new PAW record!
CAT: C'mon. I think you have to give a major assist to American Tommy, for that. Maybe that kid's not as dumb as I thought.
PERCY: Indeed. This was a huge upset here tonight, with John Weyland being on the receiving end.
American Tommy runs in circles around the ring as Sinister Minister allows him to have his fun for a moment, before indicating it's time for them to depart. The two exit the ring, Tommy all but having forgotten his busted boombox, and he jumps up and down waving at the fans as Sinister Minister makes his way towards the back.
CAT: You know, that might be the damnedest thing I've ever seen.
PERCY: Well, I'll tell you what isn't, and that's these words from our sponsor. Folks, we'll be right back!
CAT: That, or their boring, take your pick. I just hope....
Cat is suddenly cut off by the sound of someone’s voice, and it was definitely not the official ring announcer announcing the next match. Instead a booming voice with a strong accent went through the speaker system. A voice that caught everyone off guard, but a voice that ranged out so loud that it forced one to pay attention.
“In life I am a Warrior.”
Fans found themselves looking around at one another in confusion.
“I am a Warrior for one reason and one reason alone. Under no circumstances have I ever stopped fighting. Not once did I decide to just give up and quit. Not once did I ever show any ounce of cowardness. I do not understand how people can carry themselves as a coward. I do not understand how people do not show any kind of bravery. I’ve never understood how people can just laid down and give up just because something was tough. The moment that anyone gives up on a fight. They’re essentially giving up on themselves and giving up in life. To me that is forever unacceptable.”
There was a small hint of disappointment in that tone of voice. Sure enough the confusion was heightening on the faces of the fans in attendance. None of them really knowing what to make of all of this.
“Far too many people in Pure Amusement Wrestling embody a coward. They resemble someone would no bravery, no honor, and no willingness to fight. There are several people in the company like that. Some of them are at the bottom of the totem pole to which no one pays attention to in the first place. There are people that fans look up to that carry themselves in that manner. They are basically telling their fans that it is alright to be that type of person. That makes me sick to my stomach. There are even champions in this establishment that are carrying themselves the same way. You are meant to be the best this company has to offer, but you carry yourself that way. You bring the company down on that note alone.”
“The time has come where Pure Amusement Wrestling needs a Warrior. They need someone who embodies courage and bravery. They need someone who is going to stand up and show the honor that this business deserves. The honor this company deserves. The owner that that the people deserve. Pure Amusement Wrestling needs someone that will not back down, will not give up, and someone who will fight when it is needed. They deserve a warrior and they are going to get a warrior, real soon.”
Those words echoed throughout the speakers leaving an impression with those listening.
“As much as they need a warrior. From what I have seen out of Pure Amusement Wrestling. It isn’t going to take long before someone does something that forces the AKUMA to come out of me!”
More than anything that sounded like a threat. The confusion was at an all time high at that point, but there were still a porition of those fans that didn’t seem to be too pleased with what they were hearing.
“Pure Amusement Wrestling. Be Prepared.
THE AKUMA WARRIOR IS COMING...
...
...
...
...
...
SOON!”
THE AKUMA WARRIOR IS COMING...
...
...
...
...
...
SOON!”
Right away the voice that had been heard was replaced with a theme song. Not just any theme song though it was a well known Disturbed song known as “Hell.” And if that wasn’t enough to force people to wonder what was going on. Their attention was brought to the titantron when an image of a man covered in some type of paint was featured. The paint was almost done in a manner to resemble the devil or a demon of some kind. The all white eyes displayed in that photo was enough to give the small children in attendance. The sound of “Hell” seemed to have gotten louder by the second. Only for everything to within the blink of an eye to go silent and the image to disappear. The confused and even concerned faces of the fans said it all. They had no idea what they were getting themselves into and neither did the company.
PERCY: That same character showed up last episode of WICKED, and this time was just as cryptic.
CAT: We really need another boogy man around here like we need a hole in the head!
PERCY: Well, either way you look at it, strange times are coming to PAW. Speaking of strange people, our next match involves an exiled priest from Vatican City, and a kid who thinks he's straight from the pages of Harry Potter.
CAT: Oh great, more nut jobs. Rhonda....save us!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is a singles match, and is set for one fall or submission....
The lights in the arena fade away and as "If I had a Tail" by Queens of the Stone Age hits, the lights come back up in crimson red. Josh Homme's voice calls out the lyrics as the anticipation grows in the crowd.
"Gitchy gitchy, Oooh la la, Da doo run run, Ya won't get far."
John Weyland steps out from the entrance and stands on the stage as spotlights find him. He's wearing a hooded robe, hiding most of his face.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, weighting in at 190 pounds, and hailing from West Monroe, LA. He is JOHN WEYLAND!!
At the announcement of his nam he makes his way down the center of the entrance ramp towards the ring, when he gets to the bottom of the ramp, he pushes his hood back off of his head.
"I'm machine, obsolete. The land of the free--Lobotomy."
Weyland climbs the ring steps and uses the top rope to sling himself up and over the rope and into the ring. He goes to the center of the ring where he takes off his robe as the lights return to normal.
"If I had a tail, i'd own, the night."
Weyland goes to his corner as the music fades and warms up as he waits.
PERCY: John Weyland looks like he's ready for a fight here tonight, but we'll just have to see what happens when his opponent hits the ring.
CAT: Yeah, I hear this guy is kind of preachy.
PERCY: Lord knows you need some Jesus.
Cat cuts Percy a dangerous look as Church Bells are heard throughout the arena and the Big Screen shows pictures and videos of the man about to step out onto the stage. Sinister Minister walks into the view of the fans through the entrance and they start to boo as he carries a bloody burlap sack. American Tommy follows behind, holding a boombox up in the air.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing his opponent, being followed by American Tommy, weighting in at 230 pounds, and hailing from Vatican City, he is SINISTER MINISTER!!
A chorus of boos reign down and Sinister Minister smiles while he hushes them with a gesture of his hand, starting down the ramp, while American Tommy is still following behind jumping up and down and smiling. The two reach ringside, and the Minister points to a spot by the steps, to which Tommy obediently steps into for the time being, setting his boombox on the ring apron. Sinister Minister climbs the steps, and enters the ring, staring right across at John Weyland.
PERCY: That's one hell of a death stare, but Weyland doesn't seem too perturbed by it.
CAT: That's cause he's got the confidence of a lion, and the strike of a cobra. This fool Minister doesn't have a prayer of doing anything but praying that he can get out of this match.
PERCY: You know that he's an ex-priest right?
CAT: Once a Mormon, always a Mormon, Percy.
Percy simply shakes his head as A-Ref calls for the bell, and both men begin to circle each other in the middle of the ring. Suddenly, American Tommy pops up onto the ring apron, and both superstars pause as he jumps up and down, causing the fans to cheer. Sinister Minister shakes his head and waves for Tommy to get down, but he continues his antics until finally A-Ref steps over and interjects, pointing emphatically to the floor. Tommy see's this as a game, and he hops down, only to hop back up onto the apron again, and then hops back down. This continues for a few moments, completely hijacking the match.
PERCY: Well, it looks like American Tommy is having some fun out here.
CAT: Is that guy special, Percy?
PERCY: That's......a word for it, I guess. Now John Weyland is making his way over there, and he just jerked A-Ref out of the way and got in American Tommy's face. He's just grinning back at him, and I don't know if he realizes what a dangerous situation he's in. Oh man, Weyland just nudged Tommy's boombox off the ring apron into the floor, and it just shattered. Tommy just dropped down, and he's picking up the pieces. That wasn't right, Cat. He looks heartbroken.
CAT: That's the price you pay for bringing special folk out to the ring, Percy.
Weyland shrugs, and turns back around only to walk right into Sinister Minister who lowers his shoulders, and lifts John right off his feet. He wastes no time throwing his opponent straight up into the air, and then swiftly brings up his knee to strike Weyland right in the face on his way down.
PERCY: THE CONFESSION! OH MY GOD, THAT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE!
CAT: And he's going for the cover!
1...
2...
3!!! John Weyland kicks out, but just after A-Ref's hand has already struck the mat. Sinister Minister gets up with a smile, making the sign of the cross over John Weyland who clutches his head, and rolls to the outside.
PERCY: I can't believe this! That's got to be some new PAW record!
CAT: C'mon. I think you have to give a major assist to American Tommy, for that. Maybe that kid's not as dumb as I thought.
PERCY: Indeed. This was a huge upset here tonight, with John Weyland being on the receiving end.
American Tommy runs in circles around the ring as Sinister Minister allows him to have his fun for a moment, before indicating it's time for them to depart. The two exit the ring, Tommy all but having forgotten his busted boombox, and he jumps up and down waving at the fans as Sinister Minister makes his way towards the back.
CAT: You know, that might be the damnedest thing I've ever seen.
PERCY: Well, I'll tell you what isn't, and that's these words from our sponsor. Folks, we'll be right back!
CTN INSIDER - ON NEWSTANDS NOW!!
WICKED returns from commercial to a dimly lit corridor, with the camera slowly moving forward. Aside from a few other staff members, there isn't much happening.....that is until a faint beeping noise is heard behind the camera. Whipping around instinctively, the camera starts back tracking in the direction it originated from. A voice calls out from nearby:
VOICE: Hey Dr. Lockhart, can you hear me?
PERCY: Who's voice is that?
CAT: Who the hell is Lockhart is my question. Who calls themselves that?
The camera pans around looking for the origin of the voice and eventually comes to a halt where Hunter Storms is standing,phone in hand with the screen shining brightly more than ever. He seems more relaxed than normal as he's casually leaned up against the corridor's wall.
PERCY: Hunter Storms? What is he doing here? I thought he was still in Purity for Addiction.
CAT: Who cares! We're seeing a soft side of Storms! You almost never see that!
The camera tries its best to creep up on the unsuspecting Storms, avoiding his line of sight as he continues to stares down at the bright screen.
LOCKHART: Hunter? Is that you?
HUNTER STORMS: The one and only.
LOCKHART: I see, how's it going lad?
HUNTER STORMS: Things are looking better. My state of mind feels more relaxed than normal and I actually feel at peace for once. Even made a new friend as a matter of fact.
He laughs.
PERCY: What friend?
CAT: Shhhhh! Quiet Percy, I wanna listen to this!
Storms pushes himself off the wall to the point that he starts to walk around in a slow circle.
LOCKHART: Oh, that's great news! I see you're already making progress from our first session. I can only hope this continues for the future. I would love to hear more about it at the next session.
They both laugh.
CAT: This Lockhart dude sounds like a fruit cake.
Hunter's demeanor suddenly shifts to a more serious look as he looks at his screen.
HUNTER STORMS: Hey Doc, I'll have to call you back some other night. Think the friend I mentioned before is calling me as we speak.
LOCKHART: Oh,are they now? Well, I don't want to keep you held up much longer then. Do take care lad and remember to notify me when you schedule your next session
HUNTER STORMS: I'll make sure to do so.
LOCKHART: Alright then, talk to you later.
Storms ends the call with Lockhart before picking up the other line.
HUNTER STORMS: Hello?
VOICE: Hey, is this on speaker?
Suddenly a loud clang is heard over by the camera,shaking it dramatically as it drops to the ground.
HUNTER STORMS: Yeah......give me a sec.....
Storms suddenly starts walking towards the camera as the camera man picks it back up and starts to run off as it cuts out.
CAT: Awwww no fair! They never let us get to see what the surprises are!
The shot suddenly cuts back to Storms, where he is still searching for the origin of the noise from earlier,but this time he appears to be at a much further distance, yet his voice is still heard clear as day as he resumes talking.
HUNTER STORMS: Don't know what the hell that was, but it seems like someone was trying to spy on our meeting.
VOICE: Hmmmm.....so almost a near breach of operations. Damn.......well, I'll just keep this short for you then if we got people snooping around in places where they shouldn't stick their noses in like bloodhounds.
HUNTER STORMS: Lemme hear it then.
VOICE: That payment that you received in exchange for the service, you still have it yes?
Storms clicks his foot up against something metallic.
HUNTER STORMS: Yeah, I still do.
VOICE: Well, there's more where that came from. I have future opportunities, if you're interested.
Silence fills the air as Storms stares at his screen.
HUNTER STORMS: What do you need then?
VOICE: Protection.......from certain competitors that are out hunting for me. I'd rather not show myself publicly as much as I used to, and I need you to cover it up.
PERCY: Wait, who the hell paid Storms for something so cheap?
CAT: Like it matters Percy. At least the kid's being used for something good for once since he stepped into PAW.
PERCY: True.....true.
Storms starts looking around, checking to see if the area is clear of any snooping people.
HUNTER STORMS: Alright, I can manage that. However, there are a few other things that need to be discussed then. Best if I take you off speaker for now seeing as how we got bloodhounds around here.
VOICE: Good decision.
With the click of a button, Storms brings the cell phone up to his hear as he leans down to pick something off the ground. As he walks out the frame, a briefcase can be seen in hand just as he exits the frame.
Singles Match
Caroline O'Hara Burchill versus Cross Recoba
CAT: Guess that's the payment he received from said voice.
PERCY: I don't like the look of things here......why Storms even need to bring a briefcase with him?
CAT: Duh! To carry all that mulah with him baby! Or....maybe a change of clothes? I dunno.
PERCY: Speaking of a man who carries a lot of cash...
CAT: The die’s been cast in this match though, Percival. The hype’s been laid out.
PERCY: Yes it has, Cat. Injury for Injury. Momentum versus momentum. The following contest is big on deciding fates.
The red and white colors of the lighting flash to the heavy hip hop beats of Logic’s ‘I Am The Greatest’, signaling the arrival of the infamous Red Queen. As if on cue, the fans roar with boos and jeers, although their attempts at provoking the woman would be futile. Soon, a lone red light shines down on the center of the stage and Caroline O’ Hara Burchill would walk out to stand within it. Like hail relentlessly raping against a window, the volume of the booing would reach an intense peak. The signature smug smile of Caroline would be present and she’d slowly spin around, almost as if taking pleasure in the immense hatred being presented for her. She laughs and makes her way down the ramp, hardly acknowledging any of the insolent fans.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing to the ring first, hailing from Sydney, Australia. . . . CAROLINE… O’HARA… BURCCCCCHIIIILLLLLLLLLL!!!!
As she reaches the ring, she looks at her surrounding. The hostile environment was nothing to her and she simply continued on with her egotistical swagger, climbing up onto the apron and entering the ring through the middle ropes. She scales the turnbuckle, raising her arms up and shouting out, “Bow down to the Queen!”. She then smiles as the fans boo out in response, climbing down and resting in the corner as she awaits for the match to get underway.
PERCY: The Red Queen, Caroline Burchill made it her mission an Addiction ago to put an end to her tie-up with Anastasia Hayden.
CAT: And she did it, in regal fashion, Percy.
PERCY: Well, that’s debatable. But she did it, and now she’s looking to progress further into PAW.
CAT: Oh, here comes the swerve, right?! She’s gotta face some TOUGH competition tonight!
PERCY: Took the words right out of my mouth, Cat.
CAT: Of course, because you’re reading off of cue cards.
PERCY: GIVE THOSE BACK!
CAT: Sorry, now you gotta improvise!
PERCY: GIVE THEM BACK!
CAT: NO! HAHA!
As Percy and Cat fight over his cue cards, the lights dim in the arena as Joe Walsh's 'Turn to Stone' sounds across the arena. 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.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And coming to the ring next… by way of Las Vegas Nevada…. CROSS….. RECOBAAAAAAAA
He brushes his shag haircut off his eyes and looks at the crowd. 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 leaps onto the apron and smiles as he sees his disapproving audience before stepping through the ropes and eyes Caroline.
CAT: HAHA! Hey Percy, check this out. On the bio information listed on your cue cards it says Cross Recoba’s height is 230 lbs, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
PERCY: Please give those back, Cat.
CAT: Making his weight… 5’10 inches, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
PERCY: I’m sure that’s just information that’s been misorganized, Caitlyn.
CAT: Oh, fine. Have your damn cards back.
Cat plays 52 card pickup with Percy, scattering his cue cards all over the floor around them.
PERCY: VERY FUNNY!
Percy panics to pick them up.
CAT: So, while POINTDEXTER struggles to pick up his stuff, and the in ring official prepares to get this thing underway, let’s set this match up the right way, sports fans. Cross Recoba lost his first match back in PAW after a HIGHLY lauded comeback to active competition after a lengthy hiatus starring as host of PAW’s bi-weekly Box Office interlude you may have caught on previous Wicked tapings. So, this smarmy S.O.B. comes back hyped as a member of the seemingly now completely defunct Power Trio, dropped his first match but wins the second one and THEN is kicked out of the Power Trio due to, in Jack Nomad’s words: Failure.
Percy has gathered his cards and seated back down next to Cat.
PERCY: All that aside, Cat—
CAT: Got your cheat sheets all cleaned up, sweetheart?
PERCY: Yes, no thanks to—
CAT: Good, cause watch the pro hype. So, Cross is now out here, as you can see squaring off against one of the ascendant talents in Caroline Burchill. Oh sure you could look at her record and detract from her accomplishments, but you’d be eliding the fact that this woman has made a comeback in many ways far more difficult than the one Cross made by returning after nearly a year’s hiatus! What’s more impressive, she hasn’t really missed a beat here in PAW. Sure she’s performed in mostly tag-team situations, but now she’s off on her own and looking to establish herself once more. Just like Cross Recoba. G’head, Percy. Tell me this match doesn’t hype itself?
DING DING!
The bell rings.
PERCY: Excellent work, Cat.
CAT: No cards necessary, Percy.
Caroline and Cross circle one another in the ring, the crowd on its feet as both look full of energy and pep. Cross looks to draw a quick weight advantage by powering into Caroline Burchill for a collar and elbow tie-up but the Red Queen slams her knee up into Cross’ groin without A Ref seeing and Cross goes down to his knees. Caroline sneers evilly before swiping a wicked spinning heel kick that nearly takes Cross’ head off and Recoba is down!
PERCY: Cheap shot by Burchill.
CAT: Damn shame A ref or his brother seems oblivious to cheating, eh Percy?
PERCY: Caroline goes for a quick cover, this one could be over before it begins!
1…
KICKOUT!
PERCY: Cross doesn’t look happy about that as he powered out of the pin attempt with enough force to lift Caroline across the ring.
CAT: Hope he wasn’t planning for children.
Caroline climbs back to her feet as Cross winces weakly as gets to his knees near the ropes. Caroline draws in only to get FLATTENED by a sudden clothesline from Recoba, and he wastes no time applying a quick and punishing choke to the downed Burchill before A Ref can get into position to get eyes on them.
CAT: Battle of the cheaters!
PERCY: Recoba is no stranger to rigging matches in his favor anyway he can, Cat.
Cross immediately let’s go before Caroline can taste the full effects of the blatant illegal choke and climbs to his feet, slowly recovering from Caroline’s groin kick. The Red Queen climbs painfully to her knees and Recoba leaves no time before he charges in and DROPS her once more with a running knee lift!
CAT: Painful strike there.
PERCY: Recoba with the cover!
1…
TW-KICKOUT!
PERCY: Recoba looks like he’s trying to rattle Burchill’s brain with some mind games coupled with physical attacks.
Cross doesn’t spare much time after the pin promptly hoisting Burchill up to her feet by the hair and lays several swift kicks to keep Caroline doubled over. Cross shifts in arrogantly and sets Caroline up for a suplex she pulls out of last second, much to Cross’ surprise, and hits him with a surprise standing dropkick that knocks Cross backward to lean awkwardly into the corner.
PERCY: Caroline Burchill’s got some runway, what’s she gonna do?!
CAT: Gonna smash that douche’s face in, I bet!
Caroline gets a run in and launches a jumping knee strike right into Recoba’s jaw that drops the Sicilian to a seat in the corner. With the fans sufficiently loud, Caroline Burchill backs up and takes a furious run, leap and hits a stunning running knee that could have decapitated Recoba!
CAT: OFF WITH HIS HEAD, CAROLINE!
PERCY: Caroline Burchill in firm control now…
Recoba nearly keels over entirely as Caroline smugly saunters around the ring soaking up the crowd’s attention for an arrogant lap of the canvas before returning to Recoba, and hoisting him back to his feet. Cross fires sudden shots to Burchill’s midsection in defense that gets the Red Queen to back off and give Cross needed time to lift himself and get some distance between them. Burchill is quickly on the offensive again, dodging a side kick from Cross, gripping his leg and forcing him down to the canvas aiming to tie him into a boston crab!
PERCY: Recoba’s in trouble!
CAT: Except for when he cheats like now!
Before Caroline can get the hold locked on Cross grips onto strands of Caroline’s hair and tugs, forcing her head backward at an awkward angle and rolls the other way before letting go.
PERCY: Nicely done by Cross to evade Caroline capturing that leg.
CAT: Cheap. Caroline’s not having it.
PERCY: Cross is protecting that leg, Caroline.
CAT: Blah blah blah it’s CHEAP!
PERCY: Cross Recoba is anything but cheap, Cat. He’s an opportunist, and a clever ring strategist.
Recoba has slipped free and climbed to his feet before Caroline and just as she quickly rises to a seat with an angry glare at Recoba, the Fox has kneed into her spine and slipped on a dragon sleeper!
CAT: CHEAP!
PERCY: You say that about everything Cross Recoba does. He’s simply playing Burchill at her own game, but in his style.
CAT: I guess you’re right. Which makes them both cheap, which is more complementary, I suppose.
Burchill drives her elbow back but Recoba’s got enough space with his knee wedged into her back and his arm wrapped around her neck that Caroline’s elbow’s find nothing but bone or tensed muscle. Recoba powers up, maintaining the reverse headlock on the Red Queen then SLAMS her back down to the canvas! Then maintains the hold and bridges her back up and surprises Caroline with a surprise inverted suplex that Recoba quickly transfers into a cocky pin!
1….
2…
THR-KICKOUT!
PERCY: Close call there for Caroline Burchill. She’s in a bad way with Recoba taking the driver’s seat from her.
Recoba takes his time now, seeing Burchill slowly rolling away from him towards the ropes. Recoba snickers, wipes his hand through his hair and rises, ready to pursue. Once near burchill, however, he’s greeted by a donkey kick right to his gut that doubles Recoba over, then quickly locks her ankles around Recoba’s neck and forces him to the mat with a headscissor takedown!
CAT: Nicely done on Caroline Burchill’s part. She saw Recoba building a momentum and nipped it in the bud.
PERCY: Recob’a still in this, though!
Recoba’s rolled with the headscissor and is at his knees. Burchill uses the ropes for leverage and meets Cross at his feet and goes to unflinchingly tie up with him. Cross quickly swings around for a belly-to-back clutch which Burchill swiftly knocks an elbow backwards into Cross’s face, swings around, locks on a hammerlock and DDTs Cross to the canvas! Burchill goes for the cover!
1….
2…
KICKOUT!
PERCY: Caroline Burchill is not impressed.
CAT: Would you be if the guy you’re wailing on refuses to accept defeat?
PERCY: Well, no, I guess not. Only Cross Recoba is far from defeated here, Cat.
Caroline rises to her feet, as Cross drags himself slowly to a stand. The Red Queen moves in on Cross, grabbing a handful of hair and pulling his face down so that it can meet her knee. Recoba stumbles back after the strike holding his face, falling into a turnbuckle. Caroline takes a few steps back, and then charges the corner with a leaping knee strike. Unfortunately for her, Cross is able to pull himself along the top rope at the last minute, and her knee finds nothing but turnbuckle pad. She recoils back to the center of the ring rubbing at her knee as Cross charges out with a well position chop block that takes her feet out from under her.
PERCY: Recoba now has Caroline in a way she doesn't want to be with him, as he's softening her up for his famed high arching Boston crab. No one to date has been able to escape the hold.
CAT: Yeah, but let's face it. He's only applied it to a few people thus far here in PAW. Oh, and a few of our fans.
Cat laughs at her little jab while in the ring, Cross takes Caroline by her injured limb, and drives a rolling knee down into the insertion of where the thigh meets the calf muscles. Caroline jerks away in pain, scooting across the mat towards the ropes to help gain some leverage. Cross, however, is relentless, as he grabs her by both ankles just when she reaches the bottom rope. With a yank he lifts her a ways off the canvas, and brings her down on the back of her head while at the same time cinching up on her legs, and making the move to turn her over.
PERCY: Here it is, Cat! If he gets her over onto her stomach, it's all but done for.
CAT: You better fight, girl. This hold isn't a joke!
Caroline claws at the canvas to keep from being pulled into the submission hold by her larger adversary, and in an act of desperation, she twists around and punches him square in the groin. Cross' eyes bulge as he lets loose of Caroline and falls to the canvas beside her holding his nether region. Caroline takes this opportunity to put distance between them, and crawls to the farthest corner to assist her up to her feet. She breathes in for a moment, watching Cross as he attempts to stand, still holding his lower stomach. He drops back down to a seated position, shaking his head to try and get the stars to go away, and Caroline takes this opportunity to do a fast hobble towards him, flashing her good knee out to damn near take his head off.
PERCY: OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! Cross might be out!
CAT: There's the cover!
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! At the last possible second Cross' arm reaches for the sky, bringing his shoulder up before the count of three. Caroline slaps the mat in frustration, and then rises to her feet, hobbling her way over to the nearby corner, and hopping up to the second. She snaps at Cross to get up and he slowly begins to do so, one hand on his forehead, the other still cupping his groin. As soon as he's on his feet, Caroline leaps out and catches him around the head, spinning him around in what looks like a Tornado DDT. She never nails it, however, as Cross uses his size and strength advantage to launch the woman off of him to come crashing down hard on her midsection in the center of the ring.
PERCY: Caroline was hoping for her finisher there, but Cross countered, and now he's stalking over. Burchill with a veteran like move there, rolling under the bottom rope to the outside of the ring.
CAT: Yeah, and Cross looks like he can't believe it.
Cross Recoba eyes the woman with a incredulous stare, calculating the risk of following her out into a possible trap. Caroline keeps a wary on him as well, holding her midsection, while kneeling beside the ring apron. Both breath heavily, exhaustion setting in, their last series of pins ending in a bust. Finally, Cross waves Caroline off, and back's up into a corner to await her to get back in the ring.
PERCY: Looks like Cross is going to play this one safe here. That's just smart at this point in the game.
CAT: Ah, get that pussy out of the ring, and get someone in here that's willing to go for it.
The fans boo as Cross pays them no mind, ever watchful of Caroline as she gets up onto the ring apron, and tentatively climbs into the ring. He comes out of the corner, and the two begin to circle one another.
PERCY: Well, this match has slowed down from that volatile exchange these two have had throughout the fight. It's not typically the case, but of course PAW is not your typical wrestling promotion.
CAT: You can say that again.
Cross and Caroline lock up, and Cross quickly uses his size to push her back into the nearest corner. A-Ref moves in to get them to break it up, but just then Caroline manages to reach into her top, produce an item, hide it behind Cross' bicep, and a cloud of mist shoots right up into his face. Cross recoils as A-Ref steps back in surprise, sniffing the air, while Caroline drops the item down to the floor at ringside. When the cameraman swings around the steps, there sits a bottle of perfume.
PERCY: Caroline O'Hara Burchill just blinded Recoba with perfume, and A-Ref seems more preoccupied with the smell than what just happened!
CAT: A ladies secret weapon, heh, heh, heh...
Cross flails around the ring, rubbing furiously at his eyes, and Caroline, still in the corner, hops to the second rope. When Cross passes in front of her in the right position, she dives off, hooking him around the head with her legs, and spikes his skull off the canvas with a poisoned Frankenstiener.
PERCY: IMPENDING OVERTHROW!
CAT: She's got a cover!
1...
2...
3!!!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Here is your winner by pinfall, CAROLINE O'HARA BURCHILL!!
PERCY: More like thief!
CAT: Are you trying to tell me that Cross Recoba wouldn't have done the same damn thing?
PERCY: Well...when you put it that way.
CAT: Exactly! So a well earned victory for Caroline O'Hara Burchill. Matter of fact, I'd say this was a pretty big upset.
Percy doesn't bother commenting as Caroline O'Hara Burchill allows A-Ref to lift her arm in victory. The celebration doesn't last long, however, as she notices Cross starting to get to his feet, and she decides to make a hasty retreat. She's halfway up the ramp when Cross grabs A-Ref by the throat, and points at his bloodshot eyes. The camera does a split screen, zooming in on both Caroline and Cross and their very different reactions to the end of the match before cutting to commercial break.
PERCY: I don't like the look of things here......why Storms even need to bring a briefcase with him?
CAT: Duh! To carry all that mulah with him baby! Or....maybe a change of clothes? I dunno.
PERCY: Speaking of a man who carries a lot of cash...
CAT: The die’s been cast in this match though, Percival. The hype’s been laid out.
PERCY: Yes it has, Cat. Injury for Injury. Momentum versus momentum. The following contest is big on deciding fates.
The red and white colors of the lighting flash to the heavy hip hop beats of Logic’s ‘I Am The Greatest’, signaling the arrival of the infamous Red Queen. As if on cue, the fans roar with boos and jeers, although their attempts at provoking the woman would be futile. Soon, a lone red light shines down on the center of the stage and Caroline O’ Hara Burchill would walk out to stand within it. Like hail relentlessly raping against a window, the volume of the booing would reach an intense peak. The signature smug smile of Caroline would be present and she’d slowly spin around, almost as if taking pleasure in the immense hatred being presented for her. She laughs and makes her way down the ramp, hardly acknowledging any of the insolent fans.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing to the ring first, hailing from Sydney, Australia. . . . CAROLINE… O’HARA… BURCCCCCHIIIILLLLLLLLLL!!!!
As she reaches the ring, she looks at her surrounding. The hostile environment was nothing to her and she simply continued on with her egotistical swagger, climbing up onto the apron and entering the ring through the middle ropes. She scales the turnbuckle, raising her arms up and shouting out, “Bow down to the Queen!”. She then smiles as the fans boo out in response, climbing down and resting in the corner as she awaits for the match to get underway.
PERCY: The Red Queen, Caroline Burchill made it her mission an Addiction ago to put an end to her tie-up with Anastasia Hayden.
CAT: And she did it, in regal fashion, Percy.
PERCY: Well, that’s debatable. But she did it, and now she’s looking to progress further into PAW.
CAT: Oh, here comes the swerve, right?! She’s gotta face some TOUGH competition tonight!
PERCY: Took the words right out of my mouth, Cat.
CAT: Of course, because you’re reading off of cue cards.
PERCY: GIVE THOSE BACK!
CAT: Sorry, now you gotta improvise!
PERCY: GIVE THEM BACK!
CAT: NO! HAHA!
As Percy and Cat fight over his cue cards, the lights dim in the arena as Joe Walsh's 'Turn to Stone' sounds across the arena. 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.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And coming to the ring next… by way of Las Vegas Nevada…. CROSS….. RECOBAAAAAAAA
He brushes his shag haircut off his eyes and looks at the crowd. 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 leaps onto the apron and smiles as he sees his disapproving audience before stepping through the ropes and eyes Caroline.
CAT: HAHA! Hey Percy, check this out. On the bio information listed on your cue cards it says Cross Recoba’s height is 230 lbs, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
PERCY: Please give those back, Cat.
CAT: Making his weight… 5’10 inches, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
PERCY: I’m sure that’s just information that’s been misorganized, Caitlyn.
CAT: Oh, fine. Have your damn cards back.
Cat plays 52 card pickup with Percy, scattering his cue cards all over the floor around them.
PERCY: VERY FUNNY!
Percy panics to pick them up.
CAT: So, while POINTDEXTER struggles to pick up his stuff, and the in ring official prepares to get this thing underway, let’s set this match up the right way, sports fans. Cross Recoba lost his first match back in PAW after a HIGHLY lauded comeback to active competition after a lengthy hiatus starring as host of PAW’s bi-weekly Box Office interlude you may have caught on previous Wicked tapings. So, this smarmy S.O.B. comes back hyped as a member of the seemingly now completely defunct Power Trio, dropped his first match but wins the second one and THEN is kicked out of the Power Trio due to, in Jack Nomad’s words: Failure.
Percy has gathered his cards and seated back down next to Cat.
PERCY: All that aside, Cat—
CAT: Got your cheat sheets all cleaned up, sweetheart?
PERCY: Yes, no thanks to—
CAT: Good, cause watch the pro hype. So, Cross is now out here, as you can see squaring off against one of the ascendant talents in Caroline Burchill. Oh sure you could look at her record and detract from her accomplishments, but you’d be eliding the fact that this woman has made a comeback in many ways far more difficult than the one Cross made by returning after nearly a year’s hiatus! What’s more impressive, she hasn’t really missed a beat here in PAW. Sure she’s performed in mostly tag-team situations, but now she’s off on her own and looking to establish herself once more. Just like Cross Recoba. G’head, Percy. Tell me this match doesn’t hype itself?
DING DING!
The bell rings.
PERCY: Excellent work, Cat.
CAT: No cards necessary, Percy.
Caroline and Cross circle one another in the ring, the crowd on its feet as both look full of energy and pep. Cross looks to draw a quick weight advantage by powering into Caroline Burchill for a collar and elbow tie-up but the Red Queen slams her knee up into Cross’ groin without A Ref seeing and Cross goes down to his knees. Caroline sneers evilly before swiping a wicked spinning heel kick that nearly takes Cross’ head off and Recoba is down!
PERCY: Cheap shot by Burchill.
CAT: Damn shame A ref or his brother seems oblivious to cheating, eh Percy?
PERCY: Caroline goes for a quick cover, this one could be over before it begins!
1…
KICKOUT!
PERCY: Cross doesn’t look happy about that as he powered out of the pin attempt with enough force to lift Caroline across the ring.
CAT: Hope he wasn’t planning for children.
Caroline climbs back to her feet as Cross winces weakly as gets to his knees near the ropes. Caroline draws in only to get FLATTENED by a sudden clothesline from Recoba, and he wastes no time applying a quick and punishing choke to the downed Burchill before A Ref can get into position to get eyes on them.
CAT: Battle of the cheaters!
PERCY: Recoba is no stranger to rigging matches in his favor anyway he can, Cat.
Cross immediately let’s go before Caroline can taste the full effects of the blatant illegal choke and climbs to his feet, slowly recovering from Caroline’s groin kick. The Red Queen climbs painfully to her knees and Recoba leaves no time before he charges in and DROPS her once more with a running knee lift!
CAT: Painful strike there.
PERCY: Recoba with the cover!
1…
TW-KICKOUT!
PERCY: Recoba looks like he’s trying to rattle Burchill’s brain with some mind games coupled with physical attacks.
Cross doesn’t spare much time after the pin promptly hoisting Burchill up to her feet by the hair and lays several swift kicks to keep Caroline doubled over. Cross shifts in arrogantly and sets Caroline up for a suplex she pulls out of last second, much to Cross’ surprise, and hits him with a surprise standing dropkick that knocks Cross backward to lean awkwardly into the corner.
PERCY: Caroline Burchill’s got some runway, what’s she gonna do?!
CAT: Gonna smash that douche’s face in, I bet!
Caroline gets a run in and launches a jumping knee strike right into Recoba’s jaw that drops the Sicilian to a seat in the corner. With the fans sufficiently loud, Caroline Burchill backs up and takes a furious run, leap and hits a stunning running knee that could have decapitated Recoba!
CAT: OFF WITH HIS HEAD, CAROLINE!
PERCY: Caroline Burchill in firm control now…
Recoba nearly keels over entirely as Caroline smugly saunters around the ring soaking up the crowd’s attention for an arrogant lap of the canvas before returning to Recoba, and hoisting him back to his feet. Cross fires sudden shots to Burchill’s midsection in defense that gets the Red Queen to back off and give Cross needed time to lift himself and get some distance between them. Burchill is quickly on the offensive again, dodging a side kick from Cross, gripping his leg and forcing him down to the canvas aiming to tie him into a boston crab!
PERCY: Recoba’s in trouble!
CAT: Except for when he cheats like now!
Before Caroline can get the hold locked on Cross grips onto strands of Caroline’s hair and tugs, forcing her head backward at an awkward angle and rolls the other way before letting go.
PERCY: Nicely done by Cross to evade Caroline capturing that leg.
CAT: Cheap. Caroline’s not having it.
PERCY: Cross is protecting that leg, Caroline.
CAT: Blah blah blah it’s CHEAP!
PERCY: Cross Recoba is anything but cheap, Cat. He’s an opportunist, and a clever ring strategist.
Recoba has slipped free and climbed to his feet before Caroline and just as she quickly rises to a seat with an angry glare at Recoba, the Fox has kneed into her spine and slipped on a dragon sleeper!
CAT: CHEAP!
PERCY: You say that about everything Cross Recoba does. He’s simply playing Burchill at her own game, but in his style.
CAT: I guess you’re right. Which makes them both cheap, which is more complementary, I suppose.
Burchill drives her elbow back but Recoba’s got enough space with his knee wedged into her back and his arm wrapped around her neck that Caroline’s elbow’s find nothing but bone or tensed muscle. Recoba powers up, maintaining the reverse headlock on the Red Queen then SLAMS her back down to the canvas! Then maintains the hold and bridges her back up and surprises Caroline with a surprise inverted suplex that Recoba quickly transfers into a cocky pin!
1….
2…
THR-KICKOUT!
PERCY: Close call there for Caroline Burchill. She’s in a bad way with Recoba taking the driver’s seat from her.
Recoba takes his time now, seeing Burchill slowly rolling away from him towards the ropes. Recoba snickers, wipes his hand through his hair and rises, ready to pursue. Once near burchill, however, he’s greeted by a donkey kick right to his gut that doubles Recoba over, then quickly locks her ankles around Recoba’s neck and forces him to the mat with a headscissor takedown!
CAT: Nicely done on Caroline Burchill’s part. She saw Recoba building a momentum and nipped it in the bud.
PERCY: Recob’a still in this, though!
Recoba’s rolled with the headscissor and is at his knees. Burchill uses the ropes for leverage and meets Cross at his feet and goes to unflinchingly tie up with him. Cross quickly swings around for a belly-to-back clutch which Burchill swiftly knocks an elbow backwards into Cross’s face, swings around, locks on a hammerlock and DDTs Cross to the canvas! Burchill goes for the cover!
1….
2…
KICKOUT!
PERCY: Caroline Burchill is not impressed.
CAT: Would you be if the guy you’re wailing on refuses to accept defeat?
PERCY: Well, no, I guess not. Only Cross Recoba is far from defeated here, Cat.
Caroline rises to her feet, as Cross drags himself slowly to a stand. The Red Queen moves in on Cross, grabbing a handful of hair and pulling his face down so that it can meet her knee. Recoba stumbles back after the strike holding his face, falling into a turnbuckle. Caroline takes a few steps back, and then charges the corner with a leaping knee strike. Unfortunately for her, Cross is able to pull himself along the top rope at the last minute, and her knee finds nothing but turnbuckle pad. She recoils back to the center of the ring rubbing at her knee as Cross charges out with a well position chop block that takes her feet out from under her.
PERCY: Recoba now has Caroline in a way she doesn't want to be with him, as he's softening her up for his famed high arching Boston crab. No one to date has been able to escape the hold.
CAT: Yeah, but let's face it. He's only applied it to a few people thus far here in PAW. Oh, and a few of our fans.
Cat laughs at her little jab while in the ring, Cross takes Caroline by her injured limb, and drives a rolling knee down into the insertion of where the thigh meets the calf muscles. Caroline jerks away in pain, scooting across the mat towards the ropes to help gain some leverage. Cross, however, is relentless, as he grabs her by both ankles just when she reaches the bottom rope. With a yank he lifts her a ways off the canvas, and brings her down on the back of her head while at the same time cinching up on her legs, and making the move to turn her over.
PERCY: Here it is, Cat! If he gets her over onto her stomach, it's all but done for.
CAT: You better fight, girl. This hold isn't a joke!
Caroline claws at the canvas to keep from being pulled into the submission hold by her larger adversary, and in an act of desperation, she twists around and punches him square in the groin. Cross' eyes bulge as he lets loose of Caroline and falls to the canvas beside her holding his nether region. Caroline takes this opportunity to put distance between them, and crawls to the farthest corner to assist her up to her feet. She breathes in for a moment, watching Cross as he attempts to stand, still holding his lower stomach. He drops back down to a seated position, shaking his head to try and get the stars to go away, and Caroline takes this opportunity to do a fast hobble towards him, flashing her good knee out to damn near take his head off.
PERCY: OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! Cross might be out!
CAT: There's the cover!
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! At the last possible second Cross' arm reaches for the sky, bringing his shoulder up before the count of three. Caroline slaps the mat in frustration, and then rises to her feet, hobbling her way over to the nearby corner, and hopping up to the second. She snaps at Cross to get up and he slowly begins to do so, one hand on his forehead, the other still cupping his groin. As soon as he's on his feet, Caroline leaps out and catches him around the head, spinning him around in what looks like a Tornado DDT. She never nails it, however, as Cross uses his size and strength advantage to launch the woman off of him to come crashing down hard on her midsection in the center of the ring.
PERCY: Caroline was hoping for her finisher there, but Cross countered, and now he's stalking over. Burchill with a veteran like move there, rolling under the bottom rope to the outside of the ring.
CAT: Yeah, and Cross looks like he can't believe it.
Cross Recoba eyes the woman with a incredulous stare, calculating the risk of following her out into a possible trap. Caroline keeps a wary on him as well, holding her midsection, while kneeling beside the ring apron. Both breath heavily, exhaustion setting in, their last series of pins ending in a bust. Finally, Cross waves Caroline off, and back's up into a corner to await her to get back in the ring.
PERCY: Looks like Cross is going to play this one safe here. That's just smart at this point in the game.
CAT: Ah, get that pussy out of the ring, and get someone in here that's willing to go for it.
The fans boo as Cross pays them no mind, ever watchful of Caroline as she gets up onto the ring apron, and tentatively climbs into the ring. He comes out of the corner, and the two begin to circle one another.
PERCY: Well, this match has slowed down from that volatile exchange these two have had throughout the fight. It's not typically the case, but of course PAW is not your typical wrestling promotion.
CAT: You can say that again.
Cross and Caroline lock up, and Cross quickly uses his size to push her back into the nearest corner. A-Ref moves in to get them to break it up, but just then Caroline manages to reach into her top, produce an item, hide it behind Cross' bicep, and a cloud of mist shoots right up into his face. Cross recoils as A-Ref steps back in surprise, sniffing the air, while Caroline drops the item down to the floor at ringside. When the cameraman swings around the steps, there sits a bottle of perfume.
PERCY: Caroline O'Hara Burchill just blinded Recoba with perfume, and A-Ref seems more preoccupied with the smell than what just happened!
CAT: A ladies secret weapon, heh, heh, heh...
Cross flails around the ring, rubbing furiously at his eyes, and Caroline, still in the corner, hops to the second rope. When Cross passes in front of her in the right position, she dives off, hooking him around the head with her legs, and spikes his skull off the canvas with a poisoned Frankenstiener.
PERCY: IMPENDING OVERTHROW!
CAT: She's got a cover!
1...
2...
3!!!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Here is your winner by pinfall, CAROLINE O'HARA BURCHILL!!
PERCY: More like thief!
CAT: Are you trying to tell me that Cross Recoba wouldn't have done the same damn thing?
PERCY: Well...when you put it that way.
CAT: Exactly! So a well earned victory for Caroline O'Hara Burchill. Matter of fact, I'd say this was a pretty big upset.
Percy doesn't bother commenting as Caroline O'Hara Burchill allows A-Ref to lift her arm in victory. The celebration doesn't last long, however, as she notices Cross starting to get to his feet, and she decides to make a hasty retreat. She's halfway up the ramp when Cross grabs A-Ref by the throat, and points at his bloodshot eyes. The camera does a split screen, zooming in on both Caroline and Cross and their very different reactions to the end of the match before cutting to commercial break.
WATCH NEW AND PAST EPISODES OF YOUR
FAVORITE CTN CONTENT ON CIRCLE TUBE!!
Tag Match
-PAW Tag Team Championships-
Adam Wolfe & Mikael versus The French Mime Assassins(c)
PERCY: Welcome back to WICKED Live everyone. We've got tag team action scheduled up next!
CAT: OH No! The black and white clowns.
PERCY: Mimes! Jeez....
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is a Tag Match set for one fall or submission, and is for the PAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS...
The lights are shut off. "Sign of an open eye" by Gorgoroth blasts through the PA system, while on the big screen Norway's flag appears and waves slowly; next, a black-and-white video/compilation of Norway's beautiful forests, waterfalls, animals and some ancient Nord buildings. Finally, the tron shows Mikael in his room, sitting in his red luxury chair - thousands of books surrounding him. The man can be seen displaying an evil smirk. Finally, the lights are turned on and Mikael stands at the center of the stage, wearing a white Victorian-era linen shirt, a dark blue double breasted vest, a black and white knit neck scarf, grey fingerless gloves, black pinstripe pants, brown leather belt with razor holster, and dark brown boots. Mikael makes his way to the ring showing no emotion to the crowd surrounding his descent.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing the challengers, making his way to the ring, weighting in at 247 pounds, and hailing from Sogn og Fjordane, Norway, he is The Paragon of Knowledge....MIKAEL!!
The Norwegian slowly unbuttons his sleeves as he climbs down the ramp. After that, Mikael climbs the ring by the stairs and gets in by pulling the ropes down. He takes off his vest and scarf. The man politely slides his hands on the top rope as he walks to his corner. Finally, his right hand grabs his left fist behind his back as he looks up in a calm manner.
PERCY: Mikael picked up his first singles victory here in PAW against Boardwalk's Julliet Brooks last episode, and looks to put Tag Team Gold around his waist here tonight.
CAT: Easier said than done with the way these Black and White clowns of been running rampant around here, but hey, hopefully what Mercy & Sin did to them on ADDICTION will have taken some of the wind out of their sails.
"Master of Puppets" by Metallica hits over the PA System, and the fans come to their feet as Adam Wolfe appears on the stage, and then charges down to the ring. He slides in and quickly takes a seat in the corner, crossing his legs, and staring over at Mikael who watches all of this with a touch of disdain.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And his partner, weighting in at 220 pounds, and hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada...He is The Puppet Master, ADAM WOLFE!!
Wolfe nods and grins stupidly as he scoots up to his feet, turning to wait for their opponents.
CAT: You talk about being one shy of a full house, Adam Wolfe is as nutty as a Snicker's bar. Some of the shit he pulled during last episodes Main Event for the Titans Championship proved that.
PERCY: You know what they say, Cat. Crazy like a fox. Adam Wolfe is dangerous, as you never know who you're facing at one point to the next. Wolfe or Genocide.
CAT: Yeah, well they certainly have the deck stacked when it comes to crazy.
"La Marseillaise" begins, and the Mimes come walking out onto the stage with the PAW Tag Championship belt's around their waists. The fans give a mixed reaction as the two Mimes turn to one another, and shake hands at the top of the ramp extravagantly, before turning to stare down into the ring at their opponents. Their tone seems to change as they begin their stalk down to the ring, pausing occasionally to fake mime a high five to a fan, possibly a handshake that's promptly pulled away from some unsuspecting fool, maybe even a wave that turns into one of the mimes miming the hint to kiss his posterior.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, weighting in at a combined weight of 240 pounds, and hailing from Paris, France, they are The PAW Tag Team Champions.....THE FRENCH MIME ASSASSINS!
The Assassins reach ringside, and once on the ring apron they bluster their way into the ring and make extravagant, arrogant gestures to the fans. As A-Ref steps up to them, they reach back and unbuckle their championship straps, and hand them over. A-Ref then promptly displays them to the challengers, and then to the fans at ringside, before passing them off to the time keeper's assistant.
PERCY: Well, the Mimes don't look any worse for wear after their encounter with Mercy & Sin from ADDICTION#1, but I suppose they could be acting, since that's what they do.
CAT: You call that acting....being two creepers who crab walk around the place with Johnny Raike. That...That was fucking weird.
PERCY: Weird or not, they are your PAW Tag Team Champions, and deserve your respect. Not to mention they are making strides in the LGBT community as well by wearing those championship's proudly.
CAT: WHAT? They're gay? I...I thought they were brothers. Oh God, they're gay brothers! I know we're in Alabama, but for Christ's sake, can we lay off the incest!
PERCY: CAT! What the hell?
CAT: I'm just saying, Percy.
Adam Wolfe and Mikael confer over in their corner, and finally Mikael makes his way to the ring apron, while Comme Ci does the same for the Mimes. When Wolfe and Comme Ca beging to circle one another, A-Ref calls for the bell for the match to begin. Wolfe charges in for a tie up, but Comme Ca wisely side steps to come behind the man, hooking him into a waistlock. Comme Ca struggles to lift Wolfe off the canvas, giving the Puppet Master enough time to break the Mime's hold and reverse it. Now, with the larger Wolfe behind Comme Ca, he easily lifts him up and tosses him unceremoniously to the mat. He tries to follow it up with an elbow drop, but the Mime is too fast, and manages to roll out of the way. Both men come up to their feet at the same time, and Comme Ca delivers a beautiful standing drop kick that sends Wolfe crashing back down to the mat. Adam doesn't remain down long, however, and is already back up to his feet when Comme Ca pushes him into the ropes, and then sends him to the far side.
PERCY: Action is already fast and furious, and Wolfe on his way back now, and OH! Comme Ca with a low forearm shot to Wolfe's midsection, doubling him over. Comme Ca hit's off the ropes to the side, barrels back, and takes Wolfe down to the canvas with a swinging neck breaker!
CAT: There's a cover!
1...
2...
PERCY: Wolfe out at two, and reaching out to Mikael, but Comme Ca will have none of it. He gets a handful of hair and rushes him face first into his own corner, where he makes the tag.
Comme Ci comes in quickly as Comme Ca exits, and the mime begins laying the boots into Wolfe as he's propped up in their corner. A-Ref admonishes the Mime, and starts a five count, but at four Comme Ci tags in Comme Ca, and they swap positions, now with Comme Ca delivering the aggressive stomps. They do this a few more times as the fans laugh, boo, and even cheer the antics of the two Frenchmen.
PERCY: Wolfe has been completely isolated in the Mime's corner, but now it looks like Comme Ci has finally decided to pull him back to the center of the ring where he delivers a well placed scoop slam. He leaps into the ropes for some momentum, and comes back with a high leg drop down across Wolfe's throat! Here's another quick cover...
1...
2...
KICK OUT! Comme Ci shakes his head in disappointment at Wolfe, and then lifts him up to a seated position before locking in a deep sleeper hold. Wolfe struggles, making it all the way up to his feet with the Mime riding his back, stalking around the ring looking for some reprieve. He finally gets it when during one of his passes he manages to get close enough to his partner for Mikael to slap him on the shoulder. Quickly the Norwegian enters the ring, and rakes Comme Ci's eyes from behind. The Mime falls off of Wolfe clutching at his face as Mikael fires in with a forearm shot that sends him sailing face first into the nearby corner. His head strikes the top turnbuckle, not helping his situation at all. A-Ref helps Wolfe out of the ring, as Mikael wades in with hard right hands that level the Mime further into the corner.
PERCY: Wolfe and Mikael with a lucky tag, and now Mikael just really working Comme Ci over in the corner. CHOP! ANOTHER ONE!
CAT: Jeez! You could hear those all the way back in his motherland.
Mikael pulls Comme Ci out of the corner and drives the point of his elbow down into the back of the Mime's skull, sending him down onto his hands and knee's. The Paragon of Knowledge then falls back into the ropes, and springs forward with a straight boot to the side of Comme Ci's skull that sends him all the way down to the mat. Sidling up alongside the Mime, Mikael steps up onto his tiptoes, before dropping his knee right down into the back of Comme Ci's head. The Norwegian rolls the Mime over, and goes for a cover.
1...
2...
Comme Ca is in the ring like a flash, laying a boot into Mikael's back to break up the count, before disappearing back out onto the ring apron. Adam Wolfe tries to come into the ring, but A-Ref cuts him off, signaling for him to get back to his corner. That's all the distraction Comme Ca needs to reenter the ring, and rush in on Mikael, who scoops him right up into his arms.
PERCY: Well that just backfired on the Mimes! No...wait...Comme Ci just came up off the mat and tripped Mikael up so that Comme Ca came down on top of him! Now Comme Ci is exiting the ring, and Comme Ca is still in with a cover! They never tagged!
CAT: I told you they were evil, Percy!
A-Ref turns around and without a second thought drops to count the pin.
1...
2...
PERCY: KICK OUT WITH AUTHORITY! Mikael just sent Comme Ci bouncing right out of the ring!
CAT: There's some power in that Norwegian.
Comme Ci pulls himself up off the concrete, just in time to catch sight of Adam Wolfe coming off the top turnbuckle of his corner. He crashes down onto the mime with a double ax handle smash that sends him hard back to the floor. He nods to the cheering crowd as he jerks the Mime up, and shoots him back into the ring to his partner. Mikael pulls Comme Ci up off the canvas, and sends him flying into the ropes. As the Mime rebounds he goes for a clothesline, but Comme Ci manages to duck it. He comes back a second time, only to duck a back elbow attempt. Finally, on his third time, Mikael drops his head, and Comme Ci delivers a football like kick to the Norwegian's face that snaps him upright. Then he nails him with a standing drop kick that sends him crashing to the mat. Both men lay on the mat for a moment, as the crowd claps and cheers.
PERCY: Well, Comme Ci managed to break up Mikael and Wolfe's momentum, but he's unable to capitalize. He needs to make a tag before the Norwegian does, or the Mime's don't stand a chance.
CAT: Don't you tease me, Percy. It would be too good to be true if these two weirdos would crawl back to France!
Comme Ci is crawling. Not back to France, but towards his tag partner's outstretched hand. Mikael, rather than trying to make a tag of his own, opts to try and stop the Mime from making it to his corner. He manages to grab hold of his ankle, but Comme Ci struggles, kicking with both feet, when suddenly he breaks free and manages to leap into Comme Ca's waiting arms. Mikael rushes in to meet the fresh Mime, but Comme Ca springboards over the top rope into the ring with an extended boot that catches Mikael right in the chest. The blow doesn't knock him down, but forces him back, just long enough for Comme Ca to light him up with lightening fast knife edge chops. He continues rapid firing until getting Mikael backed into a corner, and then he takes a few steps out just so that he can rush back in, turning his body and crushing the Norwegian into the corner with a back elbow.
PERCY: Mikael just dropped down to a seated position after that back elbow from Comme Ca, and now the Mime trotting to the center of the ring, turns, and CHARGES BACK IN WITH A RUNNING KNEE RIGHT INTO MIKAEL'S SKULL!
CAT: Now he's pulling Mikael out from the corner a bit, and leaps to the second....SPRINGBOARD ELBOW DROP RIGHT DOWN INTO THE MAN'S CHEST! There's the cover!
1...
2...
THRE-Adam Wolfe blunders into the ring with a knee down across the back of Comme Ca's back to interrupt the count. A-Ref warns him, and starts pushing him back out of the ring, giving the Mimes plenty of time to pull one of their Houdini's. The fresh Comme Ci comes into the ring, while the tiring Comme Ca exits out to their corner. By the time A-Ref turns around, Comme Ci is already pulling Mikael up off the mat, and pushing him into the ropes to send him to the other side. Mikael rebounds off the ropes, and Comme Ci drops down to his stomach, forcing Mikael to hop over him or be tripped. He hit's the ropes one more time, coming back, and this time Comme Ci leap frogs over the man, allowing him to pass safely between his legs. On the third pass, Comme Ci falls back onto his bum, and rolls his feet up above his head looking for a monkey flip, but Mikael surprises him by managing to stop short, and grab him by the back of the legs to yank him through and onto his feet. When Comme Ci get's his barrings he runs right into a massive discus clothesline that takes his head off, causing him to pull of a full back flip before crashing to the mat awkwardly on his chest.
PERCY: GOOD LORD! HELL'S GATE FROM MIKAEL, and the Mime might be dead!
CAT: Yeah, that was....damn.
Mikael takes a step towards his corner, but the damage he's taken catches up with him, and he ends up stumbling down to the mat instead. A-Ref checks both men, and then steps back with a shrug, starting a Ten count.
1...
2...
3...
PERCY: One of these men needs to make a tag if this one is going to continue, but that clothesline was ridiculous, and Mikael's been in the ring for awhile now.
4...
5...
6...
CAT: Yeah, but at least they are crawling in the right directions this time. I'm betting the person who makes the tag first will be the one to get the upper hand.
7...
8...
Both men push up off the canvas, and lurch forwards, tagging their partners at exactly the same time.
CAT: Well, then there's that also.
Adam Wolfe and Comme Ca bound into the ring in stereo, both rushing at each other with abandon. Wolfe goes for a haymaker right, but Comme Ca ducks under it, ending up behind him. When Wolfe turns around he's booted in the midsection, and Comme Ca goes for a DDT, but Wolfe quickly reverses it, and turns it into a Northern Lights Suplex with a bridge.
1...
2...
THR-KICK OUT! Both men are quick to their feet, but Comme Ca is a little faster, being able to fire off a right hand before Wolfe can respond. He keeps the blows coming until finally, Wolfe takes a step back, allowing the Mime's fist to pass harmlessly in front of him and throwing Comme Ca off balance. The Puppet Master uses this to latch onto Comme Ca from behind, and takes him over with a German Suplex with a bridging pin.
1...
2...
THRE-COMME CI comes out of nowhere with a football like punt right into Wolfe's ribs to break the count, but when he looks up all he see's is Mikael barreling across the ring with a shoulder tackle that knocks him right through the middle and top rope out to the concrete below. Mikael quickly slips out after him, while Wolfe and Comme Ca get up to their feet. Wolfe tries to grab the Mime halfway up, but Comme Ca yanks free, and then steps in with a vicious super kick that catches Wolfe square under the jaw. Wolfe's head snaps back, and he drops back down to the canvas onto his stomach. Comme Ca moves to roll him over and goes for the pin.
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT!
Comme Ca slaps the mat in frustration, while on the outside, Mikael sends his lover crashing into the steel guard rail with authority. With that Mime out of the way, Mikael looks back to the ring, where Comme Ca has gotten to his feet, while Wolfe is only to one knee. The Mime falls back into the ropes on Mikael's side, and the Norwegian brings his clasped hands over his head, and drives them into Comme Ca's spine as he bounces into the ropes. Comme Ca lurches forwards in pain, just in time for Wolfe to spring forward and catch him right across his midsection for a vicious spear.
PERCY: THE HOWLER! THIS IS IT!
1...
2...
3!!!
PERCY: OH MY GOD! We've got new Tag Team Champions!
CAT: Finally!
PERCY: Come on, Cat. Give the Mime's their due. They had a tough road to climb recently with the initial tag team challenge, and then Mercy & Sin. But I guess this just wasn't their night.
CAT: I say hail to the New Champions!
PERCY: Well, let's get the official word...
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The winners of this match by pinfall, and NEW PAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....ADAM WOLFE AND MIKAEL!!
Mikael has come back into the ring as A-Ref brings with him the titles, handing one to Wolfe, and the other to the Norwegian. Wolfe nods his head with a grin, falling back into one of the corners to stare at the belt, as Mikael holds the belt up haughtily in the center of the ring as if he knew this would happen all along. Wolfe points to the corner on the other side of him, and Mikael nods, both men taking their respective turnbuckles and lifting the titles into the air for the cheering crowd. The Mimes quietly make their way up the ramp consoling one another, looking over their shoulders every once in awhile with heartbroken expressions.
PERCY: Well, this night definitely belonged to Wolfe and Mikael, and congratulations to those two, but we've got to pay the bills, but don't go anywhere folks. If you thought this was good, we still have a PAW Heavyweight Championship to decide!
ONLY ON CTN PROGRAMMING - A DOUBLE FC PRODUCTION!CAT: OH No! The black and white clowns.
PERCY: Mimes! Jeez....
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is a Tag Match set for one fall or submission, and is for the PAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS...
The lights are shut off. "Sign of an open eye" by Gorgoroth blasts through the PA system, while on the big screen Norway's flag appears and waves slowly; next, a black-and-white video/compilation of Norway's beautiful forests, waterfalls, animals and some ancient Nord buildings. Finally, the tron shows Mikael in his room, sitting in his red luxury chair - thousands of books surrounding him. The man can be seen displaying an evil smirk. Finally, the lights are turned on and Mikael stands at the center of the stage, wearing a white Victorian-era linen shirt, a dark blue double breasted vest, a black and white knit neck scarf, grey fingerless gloves, black pinstripe pants, brown leather belt with razor holster, and dark brown boots. Mikael makes his way to the ring showing no emotion to the crowd surrounding his descent.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing the challengers, making his way to the ring, weighting in at 247 pounds, and hailing from Sogn og Fjordane, Norway, he is The Paragon of Knowledge....MIKAEL!!
The Norwegian slowly unbuttons his sleeves as he climbs down the ramp. After that, Mikael climbs the ring by the stairs and gets in by pulling the ropes down. He takes off his vest and scarf. The man politely slides his hands on the top rope as he walks to his corner. Finally, his right hand grabs his left fist behind his back as he looks up in a calm manner.
PERCY: Mikael picked up his first singles victory here in PAW against Boardwalk's Julliet Brooks last episode, and looks to put Tag Team Gold around his waist here tonight.
CAT: Easier said than done with the way these Black and White clowns of been running rampant around here, but hey, hopefully what Mercy & Sin did to them on ADDICTION will have taken some of the wind out of their sails.
"Master of Puppets" by Metallica hits over the PA System, and the fans come to their feet as Adam Wolfe appears on the stage, and then charges down to the ring. He slides in and quickly takes a seat in the corner, crossing his legs, and staring over at Mikael who watches all of this with a touch of disdain.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And his partner, weighting in at 220 pounds, and hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada...He is The Puppet Master, ADAM WOLFE!!
Wolfe nods and grins stupidly as he scoots up to his feet, turning to wait for their opponents.
CAT: You talk about being one shy of a full house, Adam Wolfe is as nutty as a Snicker's bar. Some of the shit he pulled during last episodes Main Event for the Titans Championship proved that.
PERCY: You know what they say, Cat. Crazy like a fox. Adam Wolfe is dangerous, as you never know who you're facing at one point to the next. Wolfe or Genocide.
CAT: Yeah, well they certainly have the deck stacked when it comes to crazy.
"La Marseillaise" begins, and the Mimes come walking out onto the stage with the PAW Tag Championship belt's around their waists. The fans give a mixed reaction as the two Mimes turn to one another, and shake hands at the top of the ramp extravagantly, before turning to stare down into the ring at their opponents. Their tone seems to change as they begin their stalk down to the ring, pausing occasionally to fake mime a high five to a fan, possibly a handshake that's promptly pulled away from some unsuspecting fool, maybe even a wave that turns into one of the mimes miming the hint to kiss his posterior.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, weighting in at a combined weight of 240 pounds, and hailing from Paris, France, they are The PAW Tag Team Champions.....THE FRENCH MIME ASSASSINS!
The Assassins reach ringside, and once on the ring apron they bluster their way into the ring and make extravagant, arrogant gestures to the fans. As A-Ref steps up to them, they reach back and unbuckle their championship straps, and hand them over. A-Ref then promptly displays them to the challengers, and then to the fans at ringside, before passing them off to the time keeper's assistant.
PERCY: Well, the Mimes don't look any worse for wear after their encounter with Mercy & Sin from ADDICTION#1, but I suppose they could be acting, since that's what they do.
CAT: You call that acting....being two creepers who crab walk around the place with Johnny Raike. That...That was fucking weird.
PERCY: Weird or not, they are your PAW Tag Team Champions, and deserve your respect. Not to mention they are making strides in the LGBT community as well by wearing those championship's proudly.
CAT: WHAT? They're gay? I...I thought they were brothers. Oh God, they're gay brothers! I know we're in Alabama, but for Christ's sake, can we lay off the incest!
PERCY: CAT! What the hell?
CAT: I'm just saying, Percy.
Adam Wolfe and Mikael confer over in their corner, and finally Mikael makes his way to the ring apron, while Comme Ci does the same for the Mimes. When Wolfe and Comme Ca beging to circle one another, A-Ref calls for the bell for the match to begin. Wolfe charges in for a tie up, but Comme Ca wisely side steps to come behind the man, hooking him into a waistlock. Comme Ca struggles to lift Wolfe off the canvas, giving the Puppet Master enough time to break the Mime's hold and reverse it. Now, with the larger Wolfe behind Comme Ca, he easily lifts him up and tosses him unceremoniously to the mat. He tries to follow it up with an elbow drop, but the Mime is too fast, and manages to roll out of the way. Both men come up to their feet at the same time, and Comme Ca delivers a beautiful standing drop kick that sends Wolfe crashing back down to the mat. Adam doesn't remain down long, however, and is already back up to his feet when Comme Ca pushes him into the ropes, and then sends him to the far side.
PERCY: Action is already fast and furious, and Wolfe on his way back now, and OH! Comme Ca with a low forearm shot to Wolfe's midsection, doubling him over. Comme Ca hit's off the ropes to the side, barrels back, and takes Wolfe down to the canvas with a swinging neck breaker!
CAT: There's a cover!
1...
2...
PERCY: Wolfe out at two, and reaching out to Mikael, but Comme Ca will have none of it. He gets a handful of hair and rushes him face first into his own corner, where he makes the tag.
Comme Ci comes in quickly as Comme Ca exits, and the mime begins laying the boots into Wolfe as he's propped up in their corner. A-Ref admonishes the Mime, and starts a five count, but at four Comme Ci tags in Comme Ca, and they swap positions, now with Comme Ca delivering the aggressive stomps. They do this a few more times as the fans laugh, boo, and even cheer the antics of the two Frenchmen.
PERCY: Wolfe has been completely isolated in the Mime's corner, but now it looks like Comme Ci has finally decided to pull him back to the center of the ring where he delivers a well placed scoop slam. He leaps into the ropes for some momentum, and comes back with a high leg drop down across Wolfe's throat! Here's another quick cover...
1...
2...
KICK OUT! Comme Ci shakes his head in disappointment at Wolfe, and then lifts him up to a seated position before locking in a deep sleeper hold. Wolfe struggles, making it all the way up to his feet with the Mime riding his back, stalking around the ring looking for some reprieve. He finally gets it when during one of his passes he manages to get close enough to his partner for Mikael to slap him on the shoulder. Quickly the Norwegian enters the ring, and rakes Comme Ci's eyes from behind. The Mime falls off of Wolfe clutching at his face as Mikael fires in with a forearm shot that sends him sailing face first into the nearby corner. His head strikes the top turnbuckle, not helping his situation at all. A-Ref helps Wolfe out of the ring, as Mikael wades in with hard right hands that level the Mime further into the corner.
PERCY: Wolfe and Mikael with a lucky tag, and now Mikael just really working Comme Ci over in the corner. CHOP! ANOTHER ONE!
CAT: Jeez! You could hear those all the way back in his motherland.
Mikael pulls Comme Ci out of the corner and drives the point of his elbow down into the back of the Mime's skull, sending him down onto his hands and knee's. The Paragon of Knowledge then falls back into the ropes, and springs forward with a straight boot to the side of Comme Ci's skull that sends him all the way down to the mat. Sidling up alongside the Mime, Mikael steps up onto his tiptoes, before dropping his knee right down into the back of Comme Ci's head. The Norwegian rolls the Mime over, and goes for a cover.
1...
2...
Comme Ca is in the ring like a flash, laying a boot into Mikael's back to break up the count, before disappearing back out onto the ring apron. Adam Wolfe tries to come into the ring, but A-Ref cuts him off, signaling for him to get back to his corner. That's all the distraction Comme Ca needs to reenter the ring, and rush in on Mikael, who scoops him right up into his arms.
PERCY: Well that just backfired on the Mimes! No...wait...Comme Ci just came up off the mat and tripped Mikael up so that Comme Ca came down on top of him! Now Comme Ci is exiting the ring, and Comme Ca is still in with a cover! They never tagged!
CAT: I told you they were evil, Percy!
A-Ref turns around and without a second thought drops to count the pin.
1...
2...
PERCY: KICK OUT WITH AUTHORITY! Mikael just sent Comme Ci bouncing right out of the ring!
CAT: There's some power in that Norwegian.
Comme Ci pulls himself up off the concrete, just in time to catch sight of Adam Wolfe coming off the top turnbuckle of his corner. He crashes down onto the mime with a double ax handle smash that sends him hard back to the floor. He nods to the cheering crowd as he jerks the Mime up, and shoots him back into the ring to his partner. Mikael pulls Comme Ci up off the canvas, and sends him flying into the ropes. As the Mime rebounds he goes for a clothesline, but Comme Ci manages to duck it. He comes back a second time, only to duck a back elbow attempt. Finally, on his third time, Mikael drops his head, and Comme Ci delivers a football like kick to the Norwegian's face that snaps him upright. Then he nails him with a standing drop kick that sends him crashing to the mat. Both men lay on the mat for a moment, as the crowd claps and cheers.
PERCY: Well, Comme Ci managed to break up Mikael and Wolfe's momentum, but he's unable to capitalize. He needs to make a tag before the Norwegian does, or the Mime's don't stand a chance.
CAT: Don't you tease me, Percy. It would be too good to be true if these two weirdos would crawl back to France!
Comme Ci is crawling. Not back to France, but towards his tag partner's outstretched hand. Mikael, rather than trying to make a tag of his own, opts to try and stop the Mime from making it to his corner. He manages to grab hold of his ankle, but Comme Ci struggles, kicking with both feet, when suddenly he breaks free and manages to leap into Comme Ca's waiting arms. Mikael rushes in to meet the fresh Mime, but Comme Ca springboards over the top rope into the ring with an extended boot that catches Mikael right in the chest. The blow doesn't knock him down, but forces him back, just long enough for Comme Ca to light him up with lightening fast knife edge chops. He continues rapid firing until getting Mikael backed into a corner, and then he takes a few steps out just so that he can rush back in, turning his body and crushing the Norwegian into the corner with a back elbow.
PERCY: Mikael just dropped down to a seated position after that back elbow from Comme Ca, and now the Mime trotting to the center of the ring, turns, and CHARGES BACK IN WITH A RUNNING KNEE RIGHT INTO MIKAEL'S SKULL!
CAT: Now he's pulling Mikael out from the corner a bit, and leaps to the second....SPRINGBOARD ELBOW DROP RIGHT DOWN INTO THE MAN'S CHEST! There's the cover!
1...
2...
THRE-Adam Wolfe blunders into the ring with a knee down across the back of Comme Ca's back to interrupt the count. A-Ref warns him, and starts pushing him back out of the ring, giving the Mimes plenty of time to pull one of their Houdini's. The fresh Comme Ci comes into the ring, while the tiring Comme Ca exits out to their corner. By the time A-Ref turns around, Comme Ci is already pulling Mikael up off the mat, and pushing him into the ropes to send him to the other side. Mikael rebounds off the ropes, and Comme Ci drops down to his stomach, forcing Mikael to hop over him or be tripped. He hit's the ropes one more time, coming back, and this time Comme Ci leap frogs over the man, allowing him to pass safely between his legs. On the third pass, Comme Ci falls back onto his bum, and rolls his feet up above his head looking for a monkey flip, but Mikael surprises him by managing to stop short, and grab him by the back of the legs to yank him through and onto his feet. When Comme Ci get's his barrings he runs right into a massive discus clothesline that takes his head off, causing him to pull of a full back flip before crashing to the mat awkwardly on his chest.
PERCY: GOOD LORD! HELL'S GATE FROM MIKAEL, and the Mime might be dead!
CAT: Yeah, that was....damn.
Mikael takes a step towards his corner, but the damage he's taken catches up with him, and he ends up stumbling down to the mat instead. A-Ref checks both men, and then steps back with a shrug, starting a Ten count.
1...
2...
3...
PERCY: One of these men needs to make a tag if this one is going to continue, but that clothesline was ridiculous, and Mikael's been in the ring for awhile now.
4...
5...
6...
CAT: Yeah, but at least they are crawling in the right directions this time. I'm betting the person who makes the tag first will be the one to get the upper hand.
7...
8...
Both men push up off the canvas, and lurch forwards, tagging their partners at exactly the same time.
CAT: Well, then there's that also.
Adam Wolfe and Comme Ca bound into the ring in stereo, both rushing at each other with abandon. Wolfe goes for a haymaker right, but Comme Ca ducks under it, ending up behind him. When Wolfe turns around he's booted in the midsection, and Comme Ca goes for a DDT, but Wolfe quickly reverses it, and turns it into a Northern Lights Suplex with a bridge.
1...
2...
THR-KICK OUT! Both men are quick to their feet, but Comme Ca is a little faster, being able to fire off a right hand before Wolfe can respond. He keeps the blows coming until finally, Wolfe takes a step back, allowing the Mime's fist to pass harmlessly in front of him and throwing Comme Ca off balance. The Puppet Master uses this to latch onto Comme Ca from behind, and takes him over with a German Suplex with a bridging pin.
1...
2...
THRE-COMME CI comes out of nowhere with a football like punt right into Wolfe's ribs to break the count, but when he looks up all he see's is Mikael barreling across the ring with a shoulder tackle that knocks him right through the middle and top rope out to the concrete below. Mikael quickly slips out after him, while Wolfe and Comme Ca get up to their feet. Wolfe tries to grab the Mime halfway up, but Comme Ca yanks free, and then steps in with a vicious super kick that catches Wolfe square under the jaw. Wolfe's head snaps back, and he drops back down to the canvas onto his stomach. Comme Ca moves to roll him over and goes for the pin.
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT!
Comme Ca slaps the mat in frustration, while on the outside, Mikael sends his lover crashing into the steel guard rail with authority. With that Mime out of the way, Mikael looks back to the ring, where Comme Ca has gotten to his feet, while Wolfe is only to one knee. The Mime falls back into the ropes on Mikael's side, and the Norwegian brings his clasped hands over his head, and drives them into Comme Ca's spine as he bounces into the ropes. Comme Ca lurches forwards in pain, just in time for Wolfe to spring forward and catch him right across his midsection for a vicious spear.
PERCY: THE HOWLER! THIS IS IT!
1...
2...
3!!!
PERCY: OH MY GOD! We've got new Tag Team Champions!
CAT: Finally!
PERCY: Come on, Cat. Give the Mime's their due. They had a tough road to climb recently with the initial tag team challenge, and then Mercy & Sin. But I guess this just wasn't their night.
CAT: I say hail to the New Champions!
PERCY: Well, let's get the official word...
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The winners of this match by pinfall, and NEW PAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....ADAM WOLFE AND MIKAEL!!
Mikael has come back into the ring as A-Ref brings with him the titles, handing one to Wolfe, and the other to the Norwegian. Wolfe nods his head with a grin, falling back into one of the corners to stare at the belt, as Mikael holds the belt up haughtily in the center of the ring as if he knew this would happen all along. Wolfe points to the corner on the other side of him, and Mikael nods, both men taking their respective turnbuckles and lifting the titles into the air for the cheering crowd. The Mimes quietly make their way up the ramp consoling one another, looking over their shoulders every once in awhile with heartbroken expressions.
PERCY: Well, this night definitely belonged to Wolfe and Mikael, and congratulations to those two, but we've got to pay the bills, but don't go anywhere folks. If you thought this was good, we still have a PAW Heavyweight Championship to decide!
At the backstage loading dock, amidst production workers, backstage pass holders, and security personnel, Johnny Raike has found himself near a crowd of people in order to clear his head with a cigarette and take himself off the edge of his nerves. In between soothing inhales and calming exhales he overhears the chatter on nearby security walkie-talkies.
SECURITY CHATTER:
--Shouldn't be a problem, just a rowdy fan jumped one of the guardrails.--
--There's some equipment missing from storage closet B.--
--We got something funny going on with the lights in some of the locker rooms, they doing some tests or something?--
Johnny exhales a plume of smoke and shakes his head, suddenly startled by the arrival of a tall Security Official with the name tag: Douglas.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Mr. Raike?
Startled, Johnny eyes Douglas with momentary suspicion before nodding silently.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: As part of our routine check of the locker rooms, strictly routine I assure you, we found this in yours, does it belong to you? Maybe one of your stage props... or somethign?
Douglas extends his arms, and Johnny glances down at the noose Douglas holds. Of course Johnny recognizes it. He takes a deep drag of his smoke as he eyes it, his eyes uncertainly drifting up to look at Douglas with scrutiny. The height is similar, same with the build. Even the voice, if you modulated it just so... and if you put a mask on Douglas...
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Mr. Raike...Does this belong to you?
Johnny blinks out of his suspicion and shakes his head.
JOHNNY RAIKE: No...
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Okay...
Douglas leaves Johnny to his thoughts. As Johnny turns back to face the emptying loading dock he's suddenly startled by the arrival of the two French Mime Assassins. Johnny's nerves mean he reacts defensively upon seeing them at a glance as they, without warning approach with arms wide-open to grasp him.
The lights flicker suddenly. Johnny looks upward knowingly as the lights in the loading area shut off entirely bathing the area in darkness then the sound of sudden stark violence followed by a soft hiss... and then the lights return to find Johnny standing amidst the two fallen unconscious French Mime Assassins. Johnny steps back in surprise, knowing immediately what's happened. Douglas the Security Guy has turned back to see what just happened and rushed to Johnny's side, dropping to a crouch to ensure the mime's are okay. Douglas glances up ruefully at Johnny.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Why did you do this?!
JOHNNY RAIKE: I...
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: I saw the whole thing, they were just trying to hug you!
Johnny gulps as Douglas glares at him and reaches for his walkie-talkie.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Get someone from medical down here.
He speaks, still glaring at Johnny.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Looks like Johnny Raike just tried to take out the Mimes...
Johnny is left holding the proverbial bag. The lights flicker momentarily, almost like an luminous electrical chuckle at Johnny's expense.
SECURITY CHATTER:
--Shouldn't be a problem, just a rowdy fan jumped one of the guardrails.--
--There's some equipment missing from storage closet B.--
--We got something funny going on with the lights in some of the locker rooms, they doing some tests or something?--
Johnny exhales a plume of smoke and shakes his head, suddenly startled by the arrival of a tall Security Official with the name tag: Douglas.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Mr. Raike?
Startled, Johnny eyes Douglas with momentary suspicion before nodding silently.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: As part of our routine check of the locker rooms, strictly routine I assure you, we found this in yours, does it belong to you? Maybe one of your stage props... or somethign?
Douglas extends his arms, and Johnny glances down at the noose Douglas holds. Of course Johnny recognizes it. He takes a deep drag of his smoke as he eyes it, his eyes uncertainly drifting up to look at Douglas with scrutiny. The height is similar, same with the build. Even the voice, if you modulated it just so... and if you put a mask on Douglas...
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Mr. Raike...Does this belong to you?
Johnny blinks out of his suspicion and shakes his head.
JOHNNY RAIKE: No...
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Okay...
Douglas leaves Johnny to his thoughts. As Johnny turns back to face the emptying loading dock he's suddenly startled by the arrival of the two French Mime Assassins. Johnny's nerves mean he reacts defensively upon seeing them at a glance as they, without warning approach with arms wide-open to grasp him.
The lights flicker suddenly. Johnny looks upward knowingly as the lights in the loading area shut off entirely bathing the area in darkness then the sound of sudden stark violence followed by a soft hiss... and then the lights return to find Johnny standing amidst the two fallen unconscious French Mime Assassins. Johnny steps back in surprise, knowing immediately what's happened. Douglas the Security Guy has turned back to see what just happened and rushed to Johnny's side, dropping to a crouch to ensure the mime's are okay. Douglas glances up ruefully at Johnny.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Why did you do this?!
JOHNNY RAIKE: I...
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: I saw the whole thing, they were just trying to hug you!
Johnny gulps as Douglas glares at him and reaches for his walkie-talkie.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Get someone from medical down here.
He speaks, still glaring at Johnny.
DOUGLAS THE SECURITY GUY: Looks like Johnny Raike just tried to take out the Mimes...
Johnny is left holding the proverbial bag. The lights flicker momentarily, almost like an luminous electrical chuckle at Johnny's expense.
Singles Match
(Non-Title)
(The Winner Advances To The Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match)
Aokigahara Zombie versus Nova Wonder
PAW TRADING CARDS - IN STORES NOW
{Main Event}
Singles Match
-PAW Heavyweight Championship-
Johnny Raike versus Press(c)
PERCY: Wow, not only did the Mime's lose the Tag Belts, but now they're being attacked by Deus.
CAT: Well, that tells us one thing. She keeps her promises.
PERCY: That could bode ill for all of us here in PAW.
CAT: Let's focus on a brighter note, shall we? Nova wonder and Aokigahara Zombie are about to tear it up!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is set for one fall or submission, and the winner will advance to be on the of the six participants in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match for the PAW Heavyweight Championship....
Courage by The Minutemen blares out of the speakers and Aokigara Zombie comes out with his hands in the air. He pauses at the top of the ramp to let out a roar and points at the ring with a wide grin.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, weighting in at 230 pounds, and hailing from Yamanashi, Japan...he is The Martyr, AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE!!
Aoki struts to the ring and high fives a couple of fans before reaching ringside, where he hops up onto the ring apron, and springboards over the top rope to land on the inside. He steps over to the far corner, and begins stretching along the ropes while awaiting his opponent.
PERCY: Aokigahara Zombie took a TKO loss to Jack Nomad last episode, and though he's still got a few cuts and bruises, he looks ready for action here tonight.
CAT: This is a big opportunity for both of these stars, so I figured they would wheel themselves out here if they had to, but Zombie's got a tall order taking on the current Titans of the Midway Champion.
No sooner did she say that, when the lights in the arena go to complete darkness. The almost eery, lullaby-sounding entrance chimes to "Sex Metal Barbie" began to play over the PA system before the beat begins to pick up and the heavy guitar riff accompanies the Mega Screen video of Nova Wonder. A slight, sparkly slither can be seen on the stage, getting a clamor from the crowd. A pulsing silver light ominously begins to flicker in the arena, its pattern mimicking a heartbeat.
At the sound of Maria Brink's scream, a single, glowing, red eye emerges in the darkness. There's just enough light to see Nova Wonder crouched on one knee, lifting her head and opening her eyes. One red glow in the dark contact is placed in, the other half of her face covered in a dystopian robot cybernetic half-mask. The spotlights all form into one at the turn of a dime, on the crouching Nova, glinting off the Titan of the Midway championship belt.
Slowly - mechanically - she rises from one knee to two. Her head glancing at the ground, her feet shoulder width apart. Her long, platinum blonde hair hid her already half-hidden face.
The guitar riff gets a little heavier, as she raises her head. The look on her face is one that is completely stoic, heavy black makeup on the contact-wearing eye. One hand raises, at a snail's pace. Her fist unfurls, opening to reveal the tattoo on the inside of her right palm: the Illuminati pyramid, including its all-seeing eye. That hand furls back into a fist, then fingers pointed into a gun, pointed at the center of the ring.
Her pace down the ramp is slow and calculated, eyes focused on the ring in front of her. Everything seems methodical, from the slow pace of her breathing to each dragging step. At the foot of the ramp, there's finally a break. A wicked grin curling her lips up to the sky.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And Making her way to the ring, weighing in at 112 pounds, from Seattle, Washington - she is the Titans of the Midway Champion... Wonder Woman, NOVA WOOOOOONDERRR!
Baby go ahead
"The Deathbringer," as she calls herself, gives a stern glance to the camera - allowing it to take in every intricate detail of her half-mask and the piercing glow of her single, red eye. A machine built for destruction is the best way to describe the robotic appearance of Nova Wonder. Climbing into the ring underneath the second rope, she retreats to one corner, resuming her crouching position with both arms outstretched and takes hold of the top rope to pull herself up at the toll of the bell. "Sex Metal Barbie" fades off into the distance as the lights slowly return to normal.
PERCY: Nova Wonder standing there with the Titans of the Midway Championship around her waist, and she's looking across the ring at Zombie as if he's lunch.
CAT: Yeah, but Zombie doesn't seem to mind. I mean, we're talking about a guy who's mission in life is to find the opponent who can finally end it for him. A guy like that is dangerous.
PERCY: Well, A-Ref has went over his rules, and here we go!
Nova and Aoki begin to circle one another in the center of the ring, and once they've completed a full revolution, snap straight into a collar and elbow tie up. The two jockey for position, but the much larger Zombie is able to gain the upper hand, and drives Nova Wonder into a corner. Still locked up, A-Ref intercedes, and Zombie opens his hands, and slowly makes for a clean break. He takes several steps back to the center of the ring, allowing Nova a chance to join him. The Titans Champion eyes the Asian with a hard glare, before stepping back out to lock up with him again. This time the Wonder Woman uses her speed advantage to slip behind Zombie. She reaches down and hooks him around the ankle, and pulls it up off the mat sending him forward. He tries to stay upright, but she sweeps the one leg on the mat with her own, sending him down onto his stomach. She quickly drops upon him, grapevining the foot she held with her own legs, and reaches out to grab him around the chin for an STF.
PERCY: Nova already has Zombie locked up, but he's struggling to keep her from locking the hold in. He's manage to pull them both right over to the bottom rope, and he's grabbing it with both hands. A-Ref intervening, and Nova pops up and back peddles to the center of the ring....and BOWS TO AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE!
CAT: Was that a sign of respect or a diss?
PERCY: If I were to say, she's just letting him know that what he has in strength she can match in speed.
CAT: Zombie's back on his feet, and he's eyeing the woman with a newfound respect. What do you think that nod he just gave her means?
PERCY: I'm not sure, but I'm betting we're gonna find out.
Zombie moves back in, and goes for a tie up. Again, Nova slips behind him, but she's stopped from gaining any momentum with a sudden elbow strike right to her temple. She falls back a step, and he strikes out with a lizard like kick that catchers her right in the gut. She doubles forwards, and he spins on his heel to nail her in the face with a back fist that rocks her all the way down to one knee. With what can only be described as a crane kick, one foot goes up while the other one snaps out and catches her right underneath the jaw, sending her sprawling the rest of the way down to the mat. He quickly drops down beside her and hooks a leg.
1...
2...
PERCY: KICK OUT! Good Lord what a combination of strikes, and it took us all by surprise.
CAT: I guess now we know what that nod was about.
Zombie scoots up to his feet, pulling Nova along with him, and pushes her into the ropes while taking her by the wrist to send her to the far side.
PERCY: Nova Wonder rebounding off the ropes, and she ducks the clothesline attempt. On her way back again, and ducks the back elbow. One more time, and Zombie looks ready for her...AND OH! Not ready enough as she nails him right in the face with a corkscrew kick that sends him thundering to the mat.
CAT: Yeah, but he's already on his way back up to his feet...
Nova rushes past Zombie to the ropes behind him, hops up to the second, and then springboards off, hooking him around the head as she passes over him for a Bulldog. Zombies head impacts off the mat, and Nova is already back on her feet, steps up so that she's facing away from him, and then delivers a beautiful standing moonsault down across the Martyr's midsection. She remains down for the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: Zombie kicks out at two, and is already making his way up to his feet. Nova's up as well, and she's hammering in on Aoki with forearm shots that are knocking him back into the corner. Now laying into him with some high front kicks to the chest, just crushing him against the turnbuckle.
CAT: A little bit of necessary roughness there.
Nova finishes the front kick assault with a spinning roundhouse that catches Zombie just under the jaw. Aoki slumps down to a seated position, and Nova takes off to the opposite side, only to turn around and come barreling into a baseball slide that connects right with the Martyr's crotch. Zombie clutches at his nether regions in pain as A-Ref stands there slack jawed while the PAW universe comes unglued. Nova, appearing satisfied, grabs Aoki by both feet, and drags him out of the corner so she can go for a pin.
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! Nova looks a little disappointed as she comes back to her feet, looking down at Zombie who's still in a lot of pain after that baseball slide. She starts towards the nearest corner, stepping out onto the ring apron, and beginning her ascent to the top. Once perched, she waits for Zombie to slowly get back to his feet. Once he turns in her direction, she comes sailing off with a cross body which catches him perfectly. Zombie, however, rolls through upon hitting the mat, ending up on top of her for a deep cover instead.
1...
2...
PERCY: THR-KICK OUT! Nova was taken by surprise after that reversal from Zombie!
CAT: I think we all were...
PERCY: Well, both of them coming up off the mat, but Nova's the quicker of the two, and she's rushing in at Zombie...BUT HE JUST CAUGHT HER WITH A DOUBLE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST OUT OF NOWHERE! Nova sent crashing to the mat, and Zombie now yanking her up by the hair of the head, and sending her hard into the far corner, and immediately follows her in with a clothesline. Just crushing her against the turnbuckles!
CAT: This action is intense, Percy! So back and forth it's hard to tell who's in control here.
Zombie hooks Nova around the head and pulls her out of the corner a bit, only to lift her up and set her on the top. He proceeds to climb up there as well, but Nova doesn't make it easy for him, as she drives the point of her elbow down into his head. Finally, he reaches up and snaps a headbutt right into her face, ceasing her resistance so that he can get into position. He hooks her around the head, and then lifts her up high into the air for a superplex. Nova, however, manages to slip out of his grasp, and scoots down his back, hooking him around the waist as she goes, allowing her body to fall forward where she lands on her feet, and brings Aoki crashing down in an off the top rope sunset flip. The fans are on their feet as she remains seated for the cover.
1...
2...
THRE-Aoki's arm barely pushes off the canvas, but it's just enough to break the count. Nova Wonder falls back into the corner with surprise, staring between A-Ref and Zombie. Finally, she reaches up to grab the top rope, and pulls herself to her feet. She turns to where she's facing the ropes, hops up to the second, and springboards off to come crashing down on Zombie with a double foot stomp press. Unfortunately for her, Zombie quickly rolls under the bottom rope to the outside, leaving her to land safely where he had once been. Aoki stumbles around the outside holding the back of his head from where it had slammed into the canvas earlier, and turns around just in time to see Nova Wonder pull against the top rope, and complete a front flip that sends her crashing down on top of him. Both competitors are wiped out on the concrete, and the fans are on their feet starting a chant.
CROWD: PAW! PAW! PAW! PAW!
PERCY: Nova Wonder throwing caution to the wind, and now both of these warriors laid out on the outside, leaving A-Ref in the ring with no choice but to begin the count.
CAT: Wait...What happens if they both get counted out? Who moves on to be in the Main Event at Seven Deadly Sins?
PERCY: Good Question.
1...
2...
3...
Nova begins to stir, and rolls over onto her stomach.
4...
5...
6...
She begins to crawl towards the ring as Zombie pushes up onto his elbows, wiping sweat from his brow, and trying to clear the cobwebs.
7...
8...
Nova pulls herself up by use of the ring apron, and dips a leg into the ring. Meanwhile, Aokigahara is able to get up to one knee.
9...
Nova rolls the rest of the way in, saving herself.
TE-With a burst of speed Zombie comes to his feet and dives under the bottom rope, belly sliding into the ring. Both competitors start up to their feet, but Nova is there first, and she moves in on the recovering Aoki with her patented Nebula Collision kick. Zombie, however, has the move scouted, and at the last second gets out of the way as Nova rolls through and back up to her feet. She spins around to face him, and damn near walks right into his oncoming two fingers, which he drives right into her mouth.
PERCY: ITAI CLAW! Zombie has the hold pressed in on Nova, and she's trying to fight her way out of it, but he just sweeped the back of her legs with his own, and now has her down on the canvas! This might be it, Cat!
CAT: That is still so disgusting....*Ghack, Gag, Spit*....I...I can't watch this.
Nova convulses on the ground, grabbing and clawing to try and get the Martyr's grip free from her face, but Zombie desperately remains firm, eyes wide and nodding like a mad man as the crowd is on their feet. The Wonder Woman changes tactics then, throwing her knee up into Zombie's ribs. Aoki accepts the blows, wincing with each shot, but remains with his fingers buried in her gullet. With the knee's not working, she shows her limberness by working one foot in front of her and over Zombie's shoulder, while the other one snakes around the other side of his arm until she's able to lock her ankles. She then rolls violently to the right, locking Zombie in an armbar while at the same time he keeps her locked into his mandible claw. Both superstars appear to be in immense pain as they try and see who can outlast who.
PERCY: This is insane! I've never seen anything like it in my entire career of broadcasting.
Zombie, with the Iati Claw still in place, lifts his body up, forcing Nova Wonder onto her shoulders, but putting even more pressure on his own trapped arm. A-Ref goes for the cover.
1...
2...
THRE-Nova is forced to let go of the arm to get her shoulder off the mat, but in doing so Zombie is forced to let go of the Itai Claw. He stumbles to his feet only to fall into the ropes, clutching at his injured arm while Nova claws at the mat trying to catch a breath.
PERCY: Both superstars are injured and spent, the match taking such a heavy toll.
CAT: That's cause they realize what's at stake here, Percy. Heavyweight Championship Gold!
Nova works her way up to one knee, still spitting and coughing after the nerve hold. Zombie notices all of this from his position, and he punches his injured arm a few times to try and return feeling to it. Finally, Nova rises all the way, and Zombie comes thundering across the ring to try and catch her with a Yakuza kick. Nova, however, manages to get out of the way at the last second, throwing her boot out to trip Zombie on his way through. Zombie skids across the mat, stopping just short of the ropes, while Nova follows him to his destination and leaps up to the second rope. She springboards high into the air, and just as he tries to sit up, brings both boots crashing down into his chest with devastating impact.
PERCY: STARFALL!!
CAT: Oh shit! This could be it!
Nova drops for the cover, tying up both Zombie's arm and leg so that he can't reach out for the ropes.
1...
2...
3!!!
Nova falls off Zombie onto her back exhausted, blowing out a puff of air almost in relief. Zombie rolls on to the outside, falling to the concrete on his hands and knee's, shaking his head in disbelief.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The winner of this match by pinfall, and moving on to participate as a challenger in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match for the PAW Heavyweight Championship.....Current Titans of the Midway Champion....NOVA WONDER!
PERCY: Well, there it is folks. We have our first official entrant into the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match at the next PPV.
CAT: Man, this brings some fire to that match, doesn't it.
PERCY: It certainly does. One has to wonder what Calvin Harris has to think about all of this considering his chance was denied him?
CAT: Ohh damn, Percy, that's cold. I didn't think you had it in you.
PERCY: Just doing my job, Cat.
Nova has regained her feet at this point, and A-Ref lifts her arm over her head in victory, while handing her the Titans Title. She folds it up and holds it up with a more pleasant smile on her face than earlier, allowing her adoring fans their photo op before taking a turnbuckle. The camera zooms in on her one more time before cutting backstage.
CALVIN HARRIS: Can I fucking help you?
His attitude just oozes out of him, seemingly not giving any respect to the man that's approaching him.
THE DOCTOR: Yeah, you can. You can start with explaining why you’re here.
CALVIN HARRIS: I’ve got business to handle.
THE DOCTOR: Business to handle? When you’re not booked on the show in the first place. I’m not fool, but I am a doctor. One that just told you, twenty four hours ago you cannot be involved with any physical activity for the next week.
CALVIN HARRIS: Here’s an idea. How about you take your medical opinion and fucking shove it?
Those intense eyes of Calvin’s narrow even more, his voice delivering a statement with such aggression behind it that there is no way to take it other than confrontational.
THE DOCTOR: I’ll think I’ll pass on that, but after speaking to Lady Munin. I’ve been given the task to inform you. These security guards are going to escort you out of the building. For the sake of your own health. Should you find your way back in and do something that’s against my professional diagnosed. There’s going to be consequences.
CALVIN HARRIS: Are you trying to threaten me?
THE DOCTOR: I’m doing no such thing. I am simply relaying the message that was given to you. Believe it or not we’re out to protect you.
CALVIN HARRIS: Find that hard to believe. Yet at the same time it doesn’t matter. Kick me out for now. One way or the other Wicked is going to end with me on top.
THE DOCTOR: Calvin, be smart about this...
CALVIN HARRIS: No, people should have been smart about fucking with me in the first place.
His confrontational attitude remains the same. The doctor shakes his head a little bit before giving the signal as all four security guards surround Calvin and start to escort him back up the hall he had just come down. The cameras catch Calvin glaring over his shoulder at the doctor before they find themselves cutting to commercial.
CAT: Well, that tells us one thing. She keeps her promises.
PERCY: That could bode ill for all of us here in PAW.
CAT: Let's focus on a brighter note, shall we? Nova wonder and Aokigahara Zombie are about to tear it up!
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is set for one fall or submission, and the winner will advance to be on the of the six participants in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match for the PAW Heavyweight Championship....
Courage by The Minutemen blares out of the speakers and Aokigara Zombie comes out with his hands in the air. He pauses at the top of the ramp to let out a roar and points at the ring with a wide grin.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: Introducing first, weighting in at 230 pounds, and hailing from Yamanashi, Japan...he is The Martyr, AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE!!
Aoki struts to the ring and high fives a couple of fans before reaching ringside, where he hops up onto the ring apron, and springboards over the top rope to land on the inside. He steps over to the far corner, and begins stretching along the ropes while awaiting his opponent.
PERCY: Aokigahara Zombie took a TKO loss to Jack Nomad last episode, and though he's still got a few cuts and bruises, he looks ready for action here tonight.
CAT: This is a big opportunity for both of these stars, so I figured they would wheel themselves out here if they had to, but Zombie's got a tall order taking on the current Titans of the Midway Champion.
No sooner did she say that, when the lights in the arena go to complete darkness. The almost eery, lullaby-sounding entrance chimes to "Sex Metal Barbie" began to play over the PA system before the beat begins to pick up and the heavy guitar riff accompanies the Mega Screen video of Nova Wonder. A slight, sparkly slither can be seen on the stage, getting a clamor from the crowd. A pulsing silver light ominously begins to flicker in the arena, its pattern mimicking a heartbeat.
Excuse me can you tell me what you've heard about my life?
Maybe a dirty little fairy tale, a girl of the night
I heard that I grew up filthy, a trailer park queen
Drop out pregnant statistical teen
I know you've heard about the bloody knife
About my daddy's perfect virgin and my mother's wife
You know I heard I don't belong in this game
Still you hold your hands in the air screaming my name
Let's go!
At the sound of Maria Brink's scream, a single, glowing, red eye emerges in the darkness. There's just enough light to see Nova Wonder crouched on one knee, lifting her head and opening her eyes. One red glow in the dark contact is placed in, the other half of her face covered in a dystopian robot cybernetic half-mask. The spotlights all form into one at the turn of a dime, on the crouching Nova, glinting off the Titan of the Midway championship belt.
Baby go ahead
I'll be your hatred and your pain
This is killing us all
I don't care if I fall
We're the dying, we are the damned!
Slowly - mechanically - she rises from one knee to two. Her head glancing at the ground, her feet shoulder width apart. Her long, platinum blonde hair hid her already half-hidden face.
Baby go ahead
I'll be the villain you can blame
I'll be the belle of the brawl
Be the lust in us all
I'm the diva of the damned
I heard I don't belong in this scene
Sex Metal Barbie, Homicidal Queen
The guitar riff gets a little heavier, as she raises her head. The look on her face is one that is completely stoic, heavy black makeup on the contact-wearing eye. One hand raises, at a snail's pace. Her fist unfurls, opening to reveal the tattoo on the inside of her right palm: the Illuminati pyramid, including its all-seeing eye. That hand furls back into a fist, then fingers pointed into a gun, pointed at the center of the ring.
Excuse me can you tell me the worst thing you've heard about me?
Maybe that I'm a little harlot homicidal queen
You know I heard that I don't belong in this scene
Sex, Metal, Barbie, Whore, attention fiend
You know I heard that I'm a hater's dream
No class, White Trash - I'm so obscene
You know I heard that I should be ashamed
Still they hold their fists in the air screaming my name
Come on!
Her pace down the ramp is slow and calculated, eyes focused on the ring in front of her. Everything seems methodical, from the slow pace of her breathing to each dragging step. At the foot of the ramp, there's finally a break. A wicked grin curling her lips up to the sky.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And Making her way to the ring, weighing in at 112 pounds, from Seattle, Washington - she is the Titans of the Midway Champion... Wonder Woman, NOVA WOOOOOONDERRR!
Baby go ahead
I'll be the villain you can blame
I'll be the belle of the brawl
Be the lust in us all
I'm the diva of the damned
"The Deathbringer," as she calls herself, gives a stern glance to the camera - allowing it to take in every intricate detail of her half-mask and the piercing glow of her single, red eye. A machine built for destruction is the best way to describe the robotic appearance of Nova Wonder. Climbing into the ring underneath the second rope, she retreats to one corner, resuming her crouching position with both arms outstretched and takes hold of the top rope to pull herself up at the toll of the bell. "Sex Metal Barbie" fades off into the distance as the lights slowly return to normal.
PERCY: Nova Wonder standing there with the Titans of the Midway Championship around her waist, and she's looking across the ring at Zombie as if he's lunch.
CAT: Yeah, but Zombie doesn't seem to mind. I mean, we're talking about a guy who's mission in life is to find the opponent who can finally end it for him. A guy like that is dangerous.
PERCY: Well, A-Ref has went over his rules, and here we go!
Nova and Aoki begin to circle one another in the center of the ring, and once they've completed a full revolution, snap straight into a collar and elbow tie up. The two jockey for position, but the much larger Zombie is able to gain the upper hand, and drives Nova Wonder into a corner. Still locked up, A-Ref intercedes, and Zombie opens his hands, and slowly makes for a clean break. He takes several steps back to the center of the ring, allowing Nova a chance to join him. The Titans Champion eyes the Asian with a hard glare, before stepping back out to lock up with him again. This time the Wonder Woman uses her speed advantage to slip behind Zombie. She reaches down and hooks him around the ankle, and pulls it up off the mat sending him forward. He tries to stay upright, but she sweeps the one leg on the mat with her own, sending him down onto his stomach. She quickly drops upon him, grapevining the foot she held with her own legs, and reaches out to grab him around the chin for an STF.
PERCY: Nova already has Zombie locked up, but he's struggling to keep her from locking the hold in. He's manage to pull them both right over to the bottom rope, and he's grabbing it with both hands. A-Ref intervening, and Nova pops up and back peddles to the center of the ring....and BOWS TO AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE!
CAT: Was that a sign of respect or a diss?
PERCY: If I were to say, she's just letting him know that what he has in strength she can match in speed.
CAT: Zombie's back on his feet, and he's eyeing the woman with a newfound respect. What do you think that nod he just gave her means?
PERCY: I'm not sure, but I'm betting we're gonna find out.
Zombie moves back in, and goes for a tie up. Again, Nova slips behind him, but she's stopped from gaining any momentum with a sudden elbow strike right to her temple. She falls back a step, and he strikes out with a lizard like kick that catchers her right in the gut. She doubles forwards, and he spins on his heel to nail her in the face with a back fist that rocks her all the way down to one knee. With what can only be described as a crane kick, one foot goes up while the other one snaps out and catches her right underneath the jaw, sending her sprawling the rest of the way down to the mat. He quickly drops down beside her and hooks a leg.
1...
2...
PERCY: KICK OUT! Good Lord what a combination of strikes, and it took us all by surprise.
CAT: I guess now we know what that nod was about.
Zombie scoots up to his feet, pulling Nova along with him, and pushes her into the ropes while taking her by the wrist to send her to the far side.
PERCY: Nova Wonder rebounding off the ropes, and she ducks the clothesline attempt. On her way back again, and ducks the back elbow. One more time, and Zombie looks ready for her...AND OH! Not ready enough as she nails him right in the face with a corkscrew kick that sends him thundering to the mat.
CAT: Yeah, but he's already on his way back up to his feet...
Nova rushes past Zombie to the ropes behind him, hops up to the second, and then springboards off, hooking him around the head as she passes over him for a Bulldog. Zombies head impacts off the mat, and Nova is already back on her feet, steps up so that she's facing away from him, and then delivers a beautiful standing moonsault down across the Martyr's midsection. She remains down for the cover.
1...
2...
PERCY: Zombie kicks out at two, and is already making his way up to his feet. Nova's up as well, and she's hammering in on Aoki with forearm shots that are knocking him back into the corner. Now laying into him with some high front kicks to the chest, just crushing him against the turnbuckle.
CAT: A little bit of necessary roughness there.
Nova finishes the front kick assault with a spinning roundhouse that catches Zombie just under the jaw. Aoki slumps down to a seated position, and Nova takes off to the opposite side, only to turn around and come barreling into a baseball slide that connects right with the Martyr's crotch. Zombie clutches at his nether regions in pain as A-Ref stands there slack jawed while the PAW universe comes unglued. Nova, appearing satisfied, grabs Aoki by both feet, and drags him out of the corner so she can go for a pin.
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT! Nova looks a little disappointed as she comes back to her feet, looking down at Zombie who's still in a lot of pain after that baseball slide. She starts towards the nearest corner, stepping out onto the ring apron, and beginning her ascent to the top. Once perched, she waits for Zombie to slowly get back to his feet. Once he turns in her direction, she comes sailing off with a cross body which catches him perfectly. Zombie, however, rolls through upon hitting the mat, ending up on top of her for a deep cover instead.
1...
2...
PERCY: THR-KICK OUT! Nova was taken by surprise after that reversal from Zombie!
CAT: I think we all were...
PERCY: Well, both of them coming up off the mat, but Nova's the quicker of the two, and she's rushing in at Zombie...BUT HE JUST CAUGHT HER WITH A DOUBLE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST OUT OF NOWHERE! Nova sent crashing to the mat, and Zombie now yanking her up by the hair of the head, and sending her hard into the far corner, and immediately follows her in with a clothesline. Just crushing her against the turnbuckles!
CAT: This action is intense, Percy! So back and forth it's hard to tell who's in control here.
Zombie hooks Nova around the head and pulls her out of the corner a bit, only to lift her up and set her on the top. He proceeds to climb up there as well, but Nova doesn't make it easy for him, as she drives the point of her elbow down into his head. Finally, he reaches up and snaps a headbutt right into her face, ceasing her resistance so that he can get into position. He hooks her around the head, and then lifts her up high into the air for a superplex. Nova, however, manages to slip out of his grasp, and scoots down his back, hooking him around the waist as she goes, allowing her body to fall forward where she lands on her feet, and brings Aoki crashing down in an off the top rope sunset flip. The fans are on their feet as she remains seated for the cover.
1...
2...
THRE-Aoki's arm barely pushes off the canvas, but it's just enough to break the count. Nova Wonder falls back into the corner with surprise, staring between A-Ref and Zombie. Finally, she reaches up to grab the top rope, and pulls herself to her feet. She turns to where she's facing the ropes, hops up to the second, and springboards off to come crashing down on Zombie with a double foot stomp press. Unfortunately for her, Zombie quickly rolls under the bottom rope to the outside, leaving her to land safely where he had once been. Aoki stumbles around the outside holding the back of his head from where it had slammed into the canvas earlier, and turns around just in time to see Nova Wonder pull against the top rope, and complete a front flip that sends her crashing down on top of him. Both competitors are wiped out on the concrete, and the fans are on their feet starting a chant.
CROWD: PAW! PAW! PAW! PAW!
PERCY: Nova Wonder throwing caution to the wind, and now both of these warriors laid out on the outside, leaving A-Ref in the ring with no choice but to begin the count.
CAT: Wait...What happens if they both get counted out? Who moves on to be in the Main Event at Seven Deadly Sins?
PERCY: Good Question.
1...
2...
3...
Nova begins to stir, and rolls over onto her stomach.
4...
5...
6...
She begins to crawl towards the ring as Zombie pushes up onto his elbows, wiping sweat from his brow, and trying to clear the cobwebs.
7...
8...
Nova pulls herself up by use of the ring apron, and dips a leg into the ring. Meanwhile, Aokigahara is able to get up to one knee.
9...
Nova rolls the rest of the way in, saving herself.
TE-With a burst of speed Zombie comes to his feet and dives under the bottom rope, belly sliding into the ring. Both competitors start up to their feet, but Nova is there first, and she moves in on the recovering Aoki with her patented Nebula Collision kick. Zombie, however, has the move scouted, and at the last second gets out of the way as Nova rolls through and back up to her feet. She spins around to face him, and damn near walks right into his oncoming two fingers, which he drives right into her mouth.
PERCY: ITAI CLAW! Zombie has the hold pressed in on Nova, and she's trying to fight her way out of it, but he just sweeped the back of her legs with his own, and now has her down on the canvas! This might be it, Cat!
CAT: That is still so disgusting....*Ghack, Gag, Spit*....I...I can't watch this.
Nova convulses on the ground, grabbing and clawing to try and get the Martyr's grip free from her face, but Zombie desperately remains firm, eyes wide and nodding like a mad man as the crowd is on their feet. The Wonder Woman changes tactics then, throwing her knee up into Zombie's ribs. Aoki accepts the blows, wincing with each shot, but remains with his fingers buried in her gullet. With the knee's not working, she shows her limberness by working one foot in front of her and over Zombie's shoulder, while the other one snakes around the other side of his arm until she's able to lock her ankles. She then rolls violently to the right, locking Zombie in an armbar while at the same time he keeps her locked into his mandible claw. Both superstars appear to be in immense pain as they try and see who can outlast who.
PERCY: This is insane! I've never seen anything like it in my entire career of broadcasting.
Zombie, with the Iati Claw still in place, lifts his body up, forcing Nova Wonder onto her shoulders, but putting even more pressure on his own trapped arm. A-Ref goes for the cover.
1...
2...
THRE-Nova is forced to let go of the arm to get her shoulder off the mat, but in doing so Zombie is forced to let go of the Itai Claw. He stumbles to his feet only to fall into the ropes, clutching at his injured arm while Nova claws at the mat trying to catch a breath.
PERCY: Both superstars are injured and spent, the match taking such a heavy toll.
CAT: That's cause they realize what's at stake here, Percy. Heavyweight Championship Gold!
Nova works her way up to one knee, still spitting and coughing after the nerve hold. Zombie notices all of this from his position, and he punches his injured arm a few times to try and return feeling to it. Finally, Nova rises all the way, and Zombie comes thundering across the ring to try and catch her with a Yakuza kick. Nova, however, manages to get out of the way at the last second, throwing her boot out to trip Zombie on his way through. Zombie skids across the mat, stopping just short of the ropes, while Nova follows him to his destination and leaps up to the second rope. She springboards high into the air, and just as he tries to sit up, brings both boots crashing down into his chest with devastating impact.
PERCY: STARFALL!!
CAT: Oh shit! This could be it!
Nova drops for the cover, tying up both Zombie's arm and leg so that he can't reach out for the ropes.
1...
2...
3!!!
Nova falls off Zombie onto her back exhausted, blowing out a puff of air almost in relief. Zombie rolls on to the outside, falling to the concrete on his hands and knee's, shaking his head in disbelief.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The winner of this match by pinfall, and moving on to participate as a challenger in the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match for the PAW Heavyweight Championship.....Current Titans of the Midway Champion....NOVA WONDER!
PERCY: Well, there it is folks. We have our first official entrant into the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match at the next PPV.
CAT: Man, this brings some fire to that match, doesn't it.
PERCY: It certainly does. One has to wonder what Calvin Harris has to think about all of this considering his chance was denied him?
CAT: Ohh damn, Percy, that's cold. I didn't think you had it in you.
PERCY: Just doing my job, Cat.
Nova has regained her feet at this point, and A-Ref lifts her arm over her head in victory, while handing her the Titans Title. She folds it up and holds it up with a more pleasant smile on her face than earlier, allowing her adoring fans their photo op before taking a turnbuckle. The camera zooms in on her one more time before cutting backstage.
Following the match the cameras find themselves backstage wanting to catch up on more of the action and drama taking place on this night. It doesn't take them long before locking onto the man known as The Martyr of Pro Wrestling in PAW. Calvin has that foul expression on his face as he limps down the hallway. All of a sudden a voice can be heard shouting seemingly at the top of their lungs “CALVIN! STOP RIGHT THERE!” That voice causes Calvin to turn himself around in the direction in which the voice had come from. His eyes lock on a man marching towards him, but the man wasn’t alone as he had four. Yes four security guards with him. The sour expression on Calvin’s face grew worse.
CALVIN HARRIS: Can I fucking help you?
His attitude just oozes out of him, seemingly not giving any respect to the man that's approaching him.
THE DOCTOR: Yeah, you can. You can start with explaining why you’re here.
CALVIN HARRIS: I’ve got business to handle.
THE DOCTOR: Business to handle? When you’re not booked on the show in the first place. I’m not fool, but I am a doctor. One that just told you, twenty four hours ago you cannot be involved with any physical activity for the next week.
CALVIN HARRIS: Here’s an idea. How about you take your medical opinion and fucking shove it?
Those intense eyes of Calvin’s narrow even more, his voice delivering a statement with such aggression behind it that there is no way to take it other than confrontational.
THE DOCTOR: I’ll think I’ll pass on that, but after speaking to Lady Munin. I’ve been given the task to inform you. These security guards are going to escort you out of the building. For the sake of your own health. Should you find your way back in and do something that’s against my professional diagnosed. There’s going to be consequences.
CALVIN HARRIS: Are you trying to threaten me?
THE DOCTOR: I’m doing no such thing. I am simply relaying the message that was given to you. Believe it or not we’re out to protect you.
CALVIN HARRIS: Find that hard to believe. Yet at the same time it doesn’t matter. Kick me out for now. One way or the other Wicked is going to end with me on top.
THE DOCTOR: Calvin, be smart about this...
CALVIN HARRIS: No, people should have been smart about fucking with me in the first place.
His confrontational attitude remains the same. The doctor shakes his head a little bit before giving the signal as all four security guards surround Calvin and start to escort him back up the hall he had just come down. The cameras catch Calvin glaring over his shoulder at the doctor before they find themselves cutting to commercial.
PAW TRADING CARDS - IN STORES NOW
{Main Event}
Singles Match
-PAW Heavyweight Championship-
Johnny Raike versus Press(c)
PERCY: Calvin Harris being carted out of here by security for his own good, and I have to agree. If he's not cleared, he's not cleared.
CAT: Yeah, but Calvin shouldn't be treated like some second class citizen either. He had his chance robbed from him by someone at ADDICTION last night, and to boot he has a medical situation threatening to take him out of action. It's not fair.
PERCY: Many would say it's just what he deserves considering his actions since pretty much he started here in PAW. He got denied the championship, denied his opportunity to be the one to end Jack Nomad, and now he's been denied from the Seven Deadly Sins Ladder Match. Smells like justice to me.
CAT: You know what you smell like, Percy? Bullshit. Rhonda, let's get this match underway so we can find out who the real deal is out here, Johnny Raike or Press.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission, there are to be NO disqualifications, and it is for the PURE AMUSEMENT WRESTLING Heavyweight CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger.
"Long Johns" breakbeat starts up as Johnny Raike and new found partner Lorie-Beth "Cake" Daughton burst out onto the stage. The music abruptly stops and so do the duo, only to be replaces by Scissor Sisters "Filthy/Gorgeous." Raike and Cake begin a rehearsed dance routine down to the ring, though LB can be more described as vigorous than talented when it comes to her dancing. The fans react with gusto as the routine ends, Raike posing in his glittery skirt at the base of the ring.
CAT: I swear, that man has more entrances than an inner city jewelry store.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: From Albany, Queens, New York, weighing in tonight and one-hundred and ninety-six pounds, the Thigh High Thriller, JOOOHHHHHNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYY! RAIKE!
Raike rolls into the ring and poses once again for the fans, before leaning over the ropes to talk with LB.
PERCY: I'll tell you what he has, Cat. Heart, guts, and determination!
The lights go dim as "Strangle Hold" begins to blare across the arena. Red strobe-lights begin to flicker all around the ring and ramp way, and finally settle on the entry way where the silhouette of the massive Press can be seen standing in the curtain. These words can be seen clearly up on the four small screens.
WITH THIS PASS
I CAN GO ANYWHERE I DAMN WELL PLEASE!
At the chorus of the song he bursts through the curtain, and thrusts his black chair with the words "Press Pass" high up into the air with a grimace spread across his face. He scans the crowd as he stalks down towards the ring, Youth bringing up the rear with a bebop like style, nodding and signaling to the crowd.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: And the champion.....Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, he weighs in tonight at three-hundred and sixty-five pounds......PRESS!!!!!
Press reaches the ring and throws his chair in under the bottom rope, hops up on the apron, and enters the ring by swinging his leg up and over the top rope. He knocks his head to the left & right to get out the kinks, and then throws his fists high into the air all the while letting out an animalistic growl. As he finishes, A-Ref approaches to take the belt. The crowd goes wild as he stalks over to the corner, and nonchalantly leans into it awaiting for the start of the match.
DING
Before the match can get underway a dueling chant breaks out LET'S GO JOHNNY!/LET'S GO PRESS. Raike stops for a moment to play up the chanting, conducting for both sides. He leads the crowd in a clap and moves forward to the middle of the ring, where Press extends his hand. Raike shakes it before backing off into a fighting stance, ready to go, Press also going through the body shifts of a man ready to fight.
PERCY: And there we go, a title match that starts with a hand shake. Might be a PAW first.
CAT: Respect is over rated, I want these two to destroy each other.
Raike and Press circle in the middle of the ring, Raike clearly reluctant to get into grapple range with a man who outweighs him by over a hundred pounds and towers almost a foot taller. Press goes for a quick shoot in, but Raike pivots his upper body around it and brings up a kick to thigh of the Champion. Johnny is back out before Press can grab him, and once again the two men circle, Press shooting in for a collar and elbow tie up. Raike goes behind, but Press reaches behind and throws Raike to the ropes. Johnny ducks a clothesline, hits the ropes and hits a diving kick to Press's shin. The strike obviously stings, but the champion keeps his feet. Raike exploits his relative quickness as he rolls to his feet outside of Press's range. Johnny leaps into a chop block, driving his shoulder into the back of Press's knee, and he quavers, falling to one leg. Press is quick to start rising, but Johnny is quicker, hitting the ropes and landing a knee to chin of Press, sending him stumbling to the corner. Johnny back off and lets Press out of the corner, and the two men stand eye to eye, so to speak, once more.
CAT: Look at Raike, not pressing the advantage on Press. I thought he wanted to be champion.
PERCY: Raike still following the spirit of a standard match, it would seem. There's no penalty for attack your opponent in the ropes in this match, but Raike seems ready to fight this a little different. Remember, these two don't hate each other.
A tie up is tried again, and once more Johnny goes behind. He shoves Press chest first into the ropes, catches him, and drops down into a backslide, getting one. Both men are back up and Raike rushes at Press, ducks a clothesline, takes Press off his feet in a surprise school boy, for another one. The size difference is obviously making it tough to apply a pin, and Raike shoots in to grab the arm of Press. Raike tries for an arm ringer, but Press lashes out with a kick, sending Raike stumbling and making him victim to a head lock. Johnny pushes against the back of Press's arms to pull his head free, throws a chop which is blocked by Press. Press pushes Johnny back and goes for a right cross, which Raike dodges by the skin of his teeth. Johnny takes control of Press's arm and tries to slide through his legs, but the massive champion pulls Raike back to standing. In desperation Raike shoves out, rebounding Press off the rope and into an O'Conner roll for one.
CAT: Raike keeps trying these tricky little pins, but Press is too damn big for them to work. Guess Raike isn't that tricky.
PERCY: Trying for the quick win was probably never going to work, but Raike keeping to his game plan so far.
Press seems to have had enough of this back and forth, and comes back to his feet quicker than Johnny is expecting, grabs his smaller challenger, and tosses him up and over in a surprise fall away slam. Johnny manages to roll with most of the blow and he uses the momentum to let himself out under the bottom rope. Press, having seen this kinda thing out of Johnny Raike before, follows him to the ground. Raike sees him coming and rolls hack into the ring. As Press goes to step over the top rope, Raike strikes with a shoulder tackle, causing Press to step down hard to ground. Johnny wastes no time in hitting the ropes for a suicide dive, but Press catches him and smashes him hard to the ground with a fearsome power slam! The crowd loves it, popping big and starting a "PRESS!PRESS!PRESS!" chant. The champ grunts in seemingly pleased recognition, Youth standing behind him playing cheer leader.
PERCY: Press just brutalized Johnny with that powerslam from the dive to the concrete floor. Good Lord.
CAT: And look at that fool, Youth. He has ample opportunity to kick Johnny while he's down, but all he's doing is making idiot faces to the fans at ringside.
The champion returns to the ring, letting Raike find his feet at ring side, assisted by fanning from Cake. Johnny makes his way back into the ring, throwing out a few defensive kick feints. Press responds with a clothesline, turning Johnny ass over elbows and sending him bouncing off the mat. Raike stumbles right back into the fray, only to be side walk slammed to the mat. Raike rises, back stumbles to the ropes, and comes running with a big elbow off the ropes, only to be scooped up by Press's longer arms and spine bustered hard to the man. Press towers over Raike for a moment, sizing up the situation, dropping a big knee to the fallen Sissyboy. He stands again, measures, and hits the elbow to the sternum. Press pulls Raike back up, and paints his chest with a big slap, hand covering almost the entire breast of Johnny Raike. The pain is clear on the face of the American Wet Dream, a second slap to the other breast not helping. Press whips Raike into the corner, rolls his shoulders, and comes charging in with a big tackle, but Raike rolls away as Press collides, step back, and hits a big Yakuza kick to Press. Raike chop blocks Press, taking him off his feet, then quickly steps in to hit a knee-dt, sending shock waves up the big leg of Press Jones. Johnny throws a few more heels to the knee cap, before spinning Press around by the leg and torquing to apply a modified Boston Crab.
PERCY: Raike, back on the leg, though having to compensate for that tree trunk of a limb. Boston Crab is a simple but effective hold.
CAT: Maybe too simple, but taking out a big man's leg always scans.
Press groans in pain and effort, reaching out with his arms to pull himself toward the rope. He grabs it before too long, and Raike breaks at what would have been a three count. Johnny backs away, rubbing at his chest as he once more stands in the shadow of the champion. Press goes in for a collar and elbow, which Raike once again slides behind to avoid. The champ anticipates this counter, and backs into the ropes to get some momentum, swivels to send Raike sprinting ahead. The Thigh High Thriller hits the ropes, gets scooped up in a huge over head belly to belly and impacts the mat to a huge "oooooh" from the crowd.
PERCY: Good night! That's a fall of over seven feet! That's gotta hurt!
CAT: All of Raike's dancing around, messing with the leg, and still Press has no problem taking him off his feet. Just observing.
PERCY: Cute line, think of it yourself?
Press covers Raike with a lateral press, A-Ref dropping to check the shoulders.
1...
2...
Kick out!
Raike kicks out to appreciative cheers from the PAW crowd, Cake turning the respect into motivation by leading a " Raike!Raike!Raike!" chant. Johnny begins fighting to standing, taking clubbing blows to the back but still pushing through, determination throwing splotches of red across his face. Johnny fights all the way back to standing with a primal scream, and he throws a double chop to Press's face, to great Wooooooo!ing. Press returns the favor, to even more Wooooooos, staggering Raike backwards with the force. Still yelling, Johnny turns, throws himself forward and hits another double chop. Press answers the yell and hits a flush left hook, sending Raike stumbling away from him. Raike's unsteady path unfortunately sends him back into Press's range and into a spinning elbow. The blow seems like to lift Raike's head from his shoulders, it whips around so fast, but instead it knocks him backward over the ropes, landing hard at ringside. The pro-Press part of the crowd takes its turn to chant now, "Let's go Press! Let's go Press!"
PERCY: Can't fault him for guts, but going toe to toe with Press was probably not one of Raike's better ideas.
CAT: Seriously. It's no DQ, kick him in the nuts!
Press smiles just a bit, appreciative of the support as he eyes the heap of Johnny laying at ringside.
CAT: Speaking of, think anyone is going to interfere?
PERCY: Hard to say, guess that depends how they feel about what Deus said.
Cake is there to yell at Johnny to get up, but she backs away as Press let's himself down to the floor, taking some pains to protect the leg. Johnny Raike begins to rise to all fours, but Press just shoves him back down with a big boot to the middle of the back. Press wraps a hand around the back of Johnny's head and pulls him almost casually to his feet, then smoothly up and over his head. Press pauses for a moment as the crowd buzzes with anticipation, then powers the Hedonistic Hellcat hard to the unforgiving ringside. A "holy shit" chant says it all.
PERCY: Press sends Raike on another huge ride, but no DQ isn't falls count anywhere, Raike can't get pinned outside!
CAT: Press doesn't think it through, but he does rattle the bones of Johnny Raike, and not in the way Raike would like.
Press tosses Raike back inside, sharing a word with Youth as the smaller Bombtrax member eggs him on. The champion takes one huge step into the apron, leg almost giving out as he rises. He enters the ring and hooks the leg of Raike.
1...
2...
Thre-Kickout!
Press and the audience seem stunned, but A-Ref shows only two fingers. Press returns to business, pulling Johnny up and whipping him to the ropes, throwing a powerful if slow clothesline. Johnny ducks, hits the second rope and bounces into a triangle drop kick, scoring a blow to the chin. Quick as a flash Johnny is up to continue the attack, jumping high to get a jaw breaker. Press stays doubled over from the fall as Johnny delivers an awesomely quick super kick to the side of Press's skull. Press topples with a thud leaving Johnny to smile and throw his hands out, before falling flat on his face.
PERCY: Whatever source Johnny was digging into seems to have run dry, but Press is right there on the mat alongside of him.
CAT: I mean, when you're that tall, it should be pretty easy to keep out of kick range, yeah? Ask me, it's his own fault.
Press and Johnny each lay trying to catch some breath, Raike beginning to rise to his knees slowly while Press rolls to the ropes, pulling himself up. Clapping and stomping from the PAW faithful urge the pair on, and A-Ref calls them both active near concurrently. Johnny scrambles under a grab, slides through Press's legs successfully, and axe handles the back of the calf. Raike stands and delivers a heel into the back of the knee, shaking the vertical base of Press. Raike launches a standing drop kick to the much abused knee back, finally putting the champion on one knee. Pushing through, Raike hits the rebound, and gets a sliding kick to the chin. Press hits the mat as Raike bounds up, hits a leg drop, pops up, launches a knee drop from the second rope, rises once more, climbs to the top and nails an elbow drop. Exhausted, Raike lies back to cover, crowd counting with A-Ref.
1...
2...
Thre-kickout!
PERCY: So close! Raike with a flurry of offense, but Press still powers through!
CAT: Gotta suck to be Raike right now. All that and still nothing.
Raike looks like someone has kicked his puppy, holding up three fingers, pleading. A-Ref is adamant in his count, and reluctantly Raike return to the fight. Johnny throws Press's arm over his shoulder and begins trying to haul the big man up. He's stopped by a big set of hands pushing him into the ropes, and taken off his feet and out of the ring by a huge running boot.
PERCY: Sudden Stop! Raike sent crashing to the outside again!
CAT: He's got to stop doing that! I think Raike might be trying to go outside!
Press follows Johnny out, using the ring stairs to save himself wear and tear on the knee. The champ throws his challenger back in the ring, roll himself in, and goes for a cover.
1...
2...
Three-kickout!
Press seems annoyed at the two count, but keeps focus and pulls Raike up. A snap suplex puts Johnny on the mat again, Press following up with a second snap suplex. Press looms over Johnny for a moment, shoots a hand down over Raike's kidney, and squeezes.
PERCY: Claw hold! And listen to Raike groan.
CAT: I'd rather not.
Johnny fights through the pain and gets his legs under him, refusing to quit when asked. Raike begins to fight to his feet, so Press releases the hold, whips him to the ropes, and sets up for a back body drop. Johnny sees it coming and rolls across Press's back, landing on his feet, and crawling onto Press with a sleeper hold. As Press stands, Johnny locks in a body scissors, squeezing tight. The constriction of blood flow forces Press down to his knees, but he shakes his head when A-Ref asks about quitting. Johnny lets off the body scissors, stands up, and takes Press down with a modified face buster. Johnny rolls over to grab the leg again, once more applying a half Boston Crab.
PERCY: Back to the Boston Crab, still working that leg.
CAT: It's not not working, but I bet he doesn't tap.
Once again Press fights and drags himself to the ropes. Raike holds the leg for a moment, but once again chooses to let the hold go. Press sits up in the corner as he tries to return to a vertical base, but Johnny jumps into a flip, and comes down hard with a kopu kick! Johnny takes to his hands and knees to catch a breath, but notices Press starting to stir. He gets to his knees, waits for Press to stand, and springs forward with a big double handed push to put Press in the corner. A quick kick to the head keeps Press off balance as Raike pushes and powers Press up to the bottom rope. The Beautiful Nightmare lays in another trio of kicks to the chest, climbs the turnbuckle behind Press, and comes leaping off with a huge flipping Ace Crusher! The momentum of the landing sends Raike rolling away, as Press lies motionless.
PERCY: Raike pulling out the desperation, but can he do anything about it?
CAT: If he wants to be champ and not chump, he'd better.
Raike slowly crawls his way back towards Press, who still hasn't moved. When he reaches him he raises his left arm high in the air, and barely manages to fall forwards draping his arm over the big man's chest.
1...
2...
THRE-KICK OUT!
PERCY: Good Lord, what are these two men going to have to do to one another for this thing to end.
CAT: I don't know, but I don't think they know either. Raike just shaking his head as he stumbles back up to his feet.
Press has finally started to move now after the kick out, and he sluggishly rises up to his his hands and knee's. Johnny reaches down and grabs him on either side of his head, and pulls him the rest of the way up to his feet, placing his head underneath his arm in suplex position.
PERCY: ARE WE ABOUT TO SEE THE FULL FRONTAL! I don't think Raike can get him up!
CAT: It'll take one hell of a bout of strength!
Raike makes the move to lift the 365 pound challenger, and gets him off of his feet just for a second, before they come safely back down to the mat. Raike grabs at his back, abandoning his hold on Press, and instead falls back into the ropes, and comes careening across the ring with a Yakuza kick aimed at the champion's head. Press, who up to this point looks out on his feet, reaches up suddenly and snatches Johnny's boot right out of the air, jerking it to the right causing Johnny to spin around. Press dips his head under Johnny's armpit from behind, and lifts up abruptly for a side suplex, but Johnny rolls through to land safely behind him. Press turns around and walks right into a Pele Kick that sends him staggering back into the ropes.
PERCY: Press just laying across the top rope there, and Johnny Raike getting back to his feet. He come rushing in to nail Press with a spinwheel kick, but the big man dropped do his knee's and ducked! Johnny almost went all the way out to the floor, but he managed to hook the top rope with his arm.
CAT: Yeah, but Press is already turning in that direction...OH! LEAPING SAVAT KICK CATCHES PRESS RIGHT IN THE TEMPLE!
Johnny lands on the ring apron, but Press crumples back down to the canvas. Instinctively he's already rolling over onto his stomach, trying to get to his feet but tripping himself up so that he comes back down to the mat. Johnny uses the ropes to get up on the apron, and makes his way over to the corner in front of him, and begins to climb.
PERCY: Johnny Raike coming up to the top of turnbuckle, and he's going for another high risk maneuver. It could be his last, as I don't think Press can take much more.
CAT: Yeah, but we've been saying that all match about both men, and it hasn't proven correct yet!
Press finally manages to get to his feet, but he's exhausted and out of it as he stumbles around the ring, finally turning in Johnny direction. Raike takes that as a cue as he leaps into a barrel roll senton out towards the big man.
PERCY: JOHNNY RAIKE JUST TOOK FLIGHT, AND COMES DOWN ON PR...NO!! PRESS CAUGHT HIM!! Repositions him in the air....PRESS RELEASE POWERBOMB! OH MY GOD!
CAT: Fuck me running!
Press doesn't go for a cover so much as he falls forwards and lands on top of Johnny, but it's all A-Ref needs to drop to the mat for the count.
1...
2...
3!!!
Youth is in the ring in a flash, checking on both men as they lie motionless on the mat, bell sounding in the distance.
PERCY: Folks, we just saw a war here tonight, and I don't think anything we can say can do it justice. Johnny Raike and Press are the real deal here in PAW, and they proved it here tonight.
CAT: Yeah, and Press is still somehow the PAW Heavyweight Champion. That's the shit I can't believe.
PERCY: Well, the deck's certainly stacked against him, as in one month's time he'll be defending that belt against six other superstars at Seven Deadly Sins in a ladder match!
CAT: Can't take anything away from the big bastard. Raike gave him everything, and then some, yet he still pulled it off.
RHONDA ARMSTRONG: The winner of this match by pinfall, and still THE PAW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.....PRESS!!
Youth helps Press get to his feet, half holding the big man up as A-Ref hands him the title. Press takes it, and lets it dangle limply next to his side as he tries to get his body back under his control. Over in the far corner, Cake does the same with Johnny Raike, who cradles the back of his head after the massive blow from the powerbomb. Finally, it's Raike who shoves past his bodyguard, and stumbles/stalks over to where Press is standing. The big man seeing him coming shoves Youth out of the way, and manages to stand on his own two feet for the first time. The two meet in the center of the ring, much as they did when the match first started, but this time sweaty, bleeding, and battered. Raike stares up into Press' eyes for a moment, and then slowly extends his hand. Press nods, and takes the offering, pulling Raike into his grasp for a hug. The fans go ballistic.
PERCY: A handshake in the beginning, and a hug at the end. These two are both class acts as far as I'm concerned. I don't even know how to feel right now, Cat. Part of me wanted Press to defend the title here, but part of me wanted to see Johnny Raike take it away from him. Both men are so deserving of our respect and the accolades this crowd is giving them.
CAT: Whatever. Sportsmanship makes me sick.
PERCY: Well, Raike is now leaving the ring to the champion to celebrate, and it looks like Youth is going with him. Cake and Youth helping Johnny to the back as Press looks out at a cheering PAW Universe with a smile on his worn face.
CAT: We'll see how much he's smiling when his back's pinned to the wall at Seven Deadly Sins, and that's all I gotta say.
PERCY: You know, you have got to be one of the most unfeeling people that I've ever encountered. Does nothing these men did here tonight mean anything to you?
CAT: Hold on just a sec...
PERCY: NO! Johnny Raike and Press put on a classic here, and they deserve your respect. That man in the ring is the face of this company, and has done a pretty good job of helping steer the ship! I'm sick and tired of seeing match after match of underhanded tactics, and people whining about what they deserve. These two men earned it here tonight! What? You don't have anything to say?
CAT: Um.....Calvin Harris just jumped the guard rail, and is in the ring behind Press with a steel chair.
PERCY: WHAT!?!
The fans boo profusely as Calvin keeps just out of sight of the slow moving champion, still favoring his leg from the damage Raike had done earlier in the night. Press realizes something is wrong, but it isn't until he finally sets his eyes on the Martyr of Professional Wrestling that he knows what. Calvin's face is drawn up in a sadistic expression, and he screams at the champion right before bringing the chair swing up and then down across Press' skull.
CALVIN HARRIS: I know it was you, YOU SON OF A BITCH!
Press crumples to the mat, and Calvin comes to stand over him, bringing the chair down across his head, back, and thighs repeatedly. The fans displeasure is thunderous, but Calvin doesn't relent, the clang of steel banking off of Press with every shot. Finally security comes rushing out of the back, and enters the ring, taking hold of Calvin and disarming him of the now ruined steel chair. Calvin resists as he's dragged over to a corner by several men, still screaming at the top of his lungs.
CALVIN HARRIS: YOU CAN'T DENY ME YOU PIECE OF SHIT! I SHOULD BE THE CHAMPION, AND IF I'M NOT GOING TO THE PPV, NEITHER ARE YOU! I SWEAR TO CHRIST!
PERCY: Calvin Harris has lost his freakin' mind!
CAT: Yeah, and he's not cleared to be in the ring either! Oh God, I bet they are going to take this opportunity to do something terrible to him.
PERCY: Who?
CAT: PAW Management. You've seen how they have it in for him.
PERCY: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This lunatic barges in here after a great night, a great match, and a great title defense, and possibly injures the champion only a few weeks out from the PPV! This situation needs some involvement from management, cause they are the ones who have let it spiral out of control.
CAT: Oh, come on. This is exactly what they want. Easy ratings. I wouldn't put it past Munin to be the one who paid Hunter Storms off for that debacle on ADDICTION just so that this would happen. I mean, how hard is it to keep a guy with a concussion from entering the building?
PERCY: I'm sorry folks, but I can't listen to anymore of this. I'm out.
CAT: Awww, Percy, where are you going?
Percival Banion Chord flips his headset off his head, and abandons the announce booth as EMT's finally reach the ring to check on the downed Champion. Halfway up the ramp, being hauled away by security, Calvin Harris is nearly frothing at the mouth with accusations and curses. The camera does a split screen shot of Press lying in the ring trying to communicate with the EMT's, and Calvin Harris' seething face, before fading to the PAW logo, followed by the CTN logo, and then to black.
