JC: Welcome to Warfare, wrestling fans! Kicking us off tonight, is a match that has been built with intensity, and promises of a violence.
BG: No Holds Barred, baby! As the kids say these days: THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY!
JC: Do the kids really say that?
BG: Probably so… i dunno. But what I do know is that Charlie Nickles and Johnny Bacchus are two of the most dangerous men in this entire company. With this being the opening bout tonight, we might need to pause the rest of the show while the cleaning crew scrubs the blood stains out of the mat!
The camera focuses on the stage as the lights cut and “The Gnashing” by Deafheaven begins to play over the P.A. The guitar seems to shimmer over the crowd as muffled as white lights flash like sparks around the floor. A name appears on the tron: Jonathan Bacchus.
Buried secrets, mythic meanings
In a tender ocean spilling
The crowd reacts as out from behind the curtain walks Jonathan Bacchus, dressed in all black with a peacoat over a turtleneck and combat pants bloused into his Louboutin sneakers. He wears a white Thalia mask over his face, his hair hanging down over the top.
A leaking thimble flowing fragile
Oozing tension into blue
He marches down deliberately, his eyes on the ring. A rainbow colored baseball bat over his shoulder. On the ramp, he removes the Thalia mask and flicks it casually over his shoulder into the crowd.
RA: Making his way to the ring, from Oakland, California and weighing in at 205 lbs… he is “The Insurgent” – JONATHAN! BACCHUS!
Hear these howls hurling our present
I know what this costs us
At the base of the ring, Bacchus turns to the stairs and climbs them to the turnbuckle. With a single clean vault, he launches himself over the top rope and turns to land on the middle rope inside the ring, his peacoat seeming not to hamper his movement. As his theme song explodes into the chorus, he throws his head back and arms out, the lights flashing bright white and the audience roaring appreciatively!
Hear these howls, embrace the Gnashing
A small smirk creeps over his face as he looks around at them – yet an intensity remains in his eyes. He takes a moment to blow a few kisses to nobody in particular.
I know what this costs us
I know it’s exhausting you
He removes his peacoat and drops it to the outside before pulling his turtleneck over his head. He whips this into the crowd before dropping down to the mat, circling the ring before taking back to his corner and reclining in it.
Sanctus Espiritus
Redeem us from our solemn hour
Sanctus Espiritus
Insanity is all around us
BG: Wait...we haven't heard this song on the XWF airwaves in years!
JC: What? I thought we were supposed to be getting Charlie Nickles? Who's coming out now?
JC: Demos?! What the hell's going on here?!
BG: Wait...isn't that just Charlie Nickles?!
The man in the leather mask saunters down to the entrance ramp with the TV championship slung firmly over his shoulder. With a white dress shirt and a tie hanging from his neck, it's clear that this guy means business. As he walks down the ramp, he holds a microphone up this mouth and points an accusatory finger at Johnny Bacchus, who is waiting in the ring with an amused smirk.
"Tonight, Johnny, tonight isn't about the things you tried to make it about. Tonight isn't going to be about stroking your ego, tonight isn't going to be about making you look good. Tonight is about one thing and one thing only: tonight is about reminding the XWF what a real revolution looks like.
Tonight is about redeeming the past, about reminding the world of the legacy they'd sooner we all forget.
Tonight isn't about Charlie Nickles, tonight isn't about Johnny Bacchus, tonight isn't about the Ides of March...
Tonight is about the revolution. Tonight...
Belongs to THE DEMOS!"
Charlie snarls at Johnny from behind his mask before chucking the microphone into the dirt and storming into the ring, leaving his TV belt behind at ringside.
Johnny Bacchus
- vs -
Charlie Nickles No Holds Barred
The bell rings!
JC: And here we go! No Holds Barred between Johnny Bacchus and Charlie Nickles, and this one is not gonna be pretty!
BG: No rules, no count outs, no mercy! This ain't about competition, this is about two men trying to end each other! And Charlie Nickles loves that kind of fight!
They stand across from each other, the tension can be felt as the crowd roars. The hatred between them is thick enough to taste. Johnny smirks and cracks his knuckles. Charlie sneers back, licking his lips. Then…
Charlie CHARGES!
Nickles barrels forward like a wrecking ball, fists flying! Bacchus dodges the first punch, but Nickles grabs him by the hair and headbutts the taste out of his mouth!
JC: JESUS! That was sickening!
BG: That’s years of concussions built into one move!
Bacchus stumbles back, his lip busted open already, but he fires off a vicious leg kick to Charlie’s thigh!
Another!
Another!!!
Charlie staggers, but when Bacchus rears back for a roundhouse, Nickles catches him and dumps on his skull with a sick DDT!
Charlie doesn’t pin, instead he’s mounted Bacchus, pummeling him, yelling aloud with each punch that connects with Bacchus’ grill!
Bacchus fights out, flipping Charlie over. The two pop up to their feet. Charlie runs in with a clothesline, but Johnny ducks and runs underneath!
The rebound from the ropes!
Running dropkick from Bacchus!
Is narrowly avoided by Charlie! Johnny hits the mat hard, and the nickleman gives him no quarter. He lifts Johnny from behind in a chokehold with one arm, smashing him in the back of the head with his other forearm. The two struggle toward the ropes. Bacchus kicks out his legs and runs them up the turnbuckle, looking to flip over Charlie to break free. But just has Bacchaus’ back goes vertical to the mat, Charlie dumps over the ropes like garbage!
Bacchus hits the floor HARD, rolling to his hands and knees. Charlie follows, grabbing a steel chair off the ground. He smashes it at Johnny’s skull!
CRACK!
JC: OH MY GOD!
BG: That chair damn near folded around Bacchus’ head!
Johnny slumps against the barricade, but Charlie isn’t done. He lifts Johnny by the collar of his shirt and BASHES his face into the guardrail! Bacchus stumbles, but Nickles doesn’t let go…he WHIPS HIM OVER THE BARRICADE!
The crowd erupts as Johnny crashes into the front row, sending chairs flying!
JC: This is turning into a goddamn street fight!
Charlie steps over the barricade, stalking Johnny through the scattered chairs. Johnny pulls himself up using a fan’s seat, but Charlie’s already there
BIG SIDEWALK SLAM ONTO THE CONCRETE!
BG: Bacchus’ spine just compressed like an accordion!
Nickles grins, wiping his forehead and breathing in the chaos. He stomps on Johnny’s ribs, again, again, before dragging him up and pulling him back to ringside. Charlie grabs Johnny and whips him into the steel steps…
BUT BACCHUS REVERSES!
Charlie slams knee-firsty into the ring steps, dislodging the top and bottom sections as he tumbles over them, crashing hard onto the floor.
JC: That’s one way to stop the bleeding!
BG: Metaphorically, sure! But Johnny’s mouth is still oozing blood!
Charlie is in a heap, holding his knee. Johnny, clutching his ribs, stumbles over and grabs a chair. With a crazed look, he raises it high and SLAMS IT onto Charlie’s knee!
Charlie HOWLS, rolling away, but Bacchus follows up with another shot to the knee!
BG: Now this is just smart! You take out Charlie’s base, and you take away his power game!
Johnny grabs Charlie by the hair, and rolls him into the ring. He follows behind, ravaging Charlie with chair shots across his spine as he crawls on all fours across the mat. Charlie finds himself planted on his rear in the corner, where Johnny sends a vicious kick to the face. Charlie’s nose busts open, spilling blood through his Demos mask. Johnny takes the chair and nests it between the ropes, right infront of Charlie’s face.
Johnny limps toward the opposite turnbuckle, and gingerly steps out on to the ring rope
He bounces…
HE LEAPS!
COAST TO COAST!
Johnny flies across the ring, blasting Charlie in the face with a missile dropkick! Chair first!
BG: JESUS! He damn near caved Charlie’s skull in!
JC: That was hard to watch! This one is OVER!
Bacchus crawls over for the cover!
1!
2!!
NO!!!
Charlie kicks out!
BG: Charlie Nickles isn’t gonna die that easy! He’s been through worse!
Johnny wipes the blood from his mouth and gets back to his feet, calling for the crowd to fire up. He rolls out of the ring, pulling out a TABLE from under the apron!
JC: Here we go! Johnny looking to end this!
Johnny slides the table into the ring and sets it up. He turns back
AND GETS CRACKED IN THE HEAD WITH HIS OWN RAINBOW BASEBALL BAT!
Charlie swings it like Babe Ruth, cracking it across Johnny’s spin, and as he crumbles through the ropes and spills onto the apron, Charlie swings again, hitting Johnny in the ribs.
Johnny drops to his knees, holding onto the ropes, but Charlie hooks his arms! Pulling his waist back through the ropes.
The steel chair positioning below…
JC: NO, NOT ON THE CHAIR!
DEVIL HOOK DROP ONTO THE STEEL CHAIR!
Bacchus’ face bounces off the chair, leaving a smear of blood in a violent display!
BG: Bacchus is DONE! Charlie’s gonna finish this!
JC: But wait… he’s not going for the cover?! Charlie could have this match won!
Charlie pulls himself up, limping badly. He looks out at the table on the floor, a twisted, bloodied smile showing behind his leather mask. He drops, and rolls out onto the floor where he begins reaching under the ring ropes. All the while Johnny is completely unconscious, his body slightly twitching in a braindead aftershock.
BG: Oh Charlie has other intentions… BAD intentions!
JC: Worse than we’ve already witnessed?
Charlie produces a gas can and raises it into the air
BG: Much worse!
The crowd is going wild as Charlie douses the table in gas. He steps back and tosses a match, sending the surface of the table into a raging flame. He puts his own hand in the fire briefly, almost acting as if he enjoys the seering feeling on his skin. Charlie laughs, it’s almost more sad sounding than maniacal.
I’LL MAKE YOU PROUD! I’LL MAKE IT UP TO YOU ROBYN!
Charlie climbs back onto the apron, and from out of the ring, he pulls Johnny up, putting his head and waist through the ropes again. Charlie hooks both arms!
JC: He’s going for another Devil Hook Drop! This time through that burning table on the floor!
Charlie hoists Bacchus’ legs onto the ropes, about to send Bacchus crashing down when
AN ARM WRANGLES FREE!
ELBOW TO THE GUT!
ANOTHER ELBOW TO THE HEAD!
CHARLIE NEARLY FALLS, AND HAS TO GRAB THE ROPES!
Bacchus wriggles free, landing back in the ring
KING’S DEAD!
The leaping kick over the top rope lands perfectly out of desperation!
Charlie is STUNNED! Bacchus, his face bloodied, almost looks like he’s unconscious himself!
Charlie is just barely hanging onto the top rope, his body leaning in a precarious form over the apron.
Johnny stumbles forward with a short arm attack – BUT CHARLIE GRABS HIS WRIST!
HE’S PULLING JOHNNY THROUGH THE A ROPES AGAIN!
THE ARMS ARE HOOKED!
DEVIL
HOOK
IS COUNTERED!
JOHNNY SPINS AND PULLS CHARLIE INTO A GUTWRRENCH PILEDRIVER!
OFF OF THE APRON!
JC: OH NO! OH MY GOD!
TRAGEDY AT BUFFALO FROM THE APRON THROUGH THE BURNING TABLE!
BG: HE HIT IT! HE HIT IT! BUT BOTH MAN ARE BEING BURNT UP ON THAT BROKEN WOOD!
The two writhe in pain for a moment before each finally lay unconscious…
With Johnny’s arm draped an arm over Charlie!
1!
2!!
3!!!
WINNER: JOHNNY BACCHUS
JC: HE DID IT! BACCHUS SURVIVES!
BG: Survives is the right word, because both these guys need a damn hospital! But Johnny got the last shot in, and tonight, HE walks out of this war on top! But by the skin of his teeth!
Johnny rolls off Charlie, staring at the lights, blood running down his face. The crowd is still roaring, chanting his name…
JC: Baachus doesn’t seem like he’s done here tonight, despite the war he just went through with Chuckles!
BG: He’s got the stick!
Jonathan Bacchus: I’m gonna be real — the past couple times I’ve come out here “just to talk”, someone has taken a swing at me. I’m going to spare you all the contrived opening monologue: I’m looking for Sebastian Everett-Bryce.
Jonathan pauses and glances up at the ramp and after a moment of two of silence, the sirens begin to sound. The lights in the arena dip to black in time with the sirens and beat to the opening of Sweatpants (BattleTapes Remix) by Childish Gambino, the lights then beginning to flash, alternating left and right onto the ramp. In time, the letters "S", "E", "B", and then "Empire" flash one at a time on the big screen until the lights stop flashing as the lyrics hit.
"She askin' “Why you say that?!”
The beat drops and the lights flash on the rampway again. As they do, the screen illuminates with "SEB" and then "EMPIRE" flashing on the sceen.
"Rich kid asshole, paint me as a villain"
The lights return, and Sebastian Everett-Bryce stands in the middle of the rampway, a half-smile on his face and a microphone in his hand. The music drops and Seb begins to walk to the ring, as he does, he lifts the microphone to his mouth.
Seb: Finally, Jonathan - finally you said what you mean. That’s all you ever had to say - ask and you shall receive.
Bacchus scoffs, his eyes out on the ramp. The line rankles him, and it’s evident as he begins to pace.
Jonathan Bacchus: No, don’t. Don’t spin this — I’ve always said exactly what I mean. Don’t blame for failing to listen or let me finish.
Seb’s smile fades, his eyes becoming steely as they focus on the ring.
Seb: You can lie to me, you can lie to these people, but you can’t lie to yourself. We both know this is what you wanted. My full, unadulterated attention. But when you couldn’t have it, you acted as though we were playing by your rules, your schedule. Last week - I decided I was tired of you hiding behind your chosen when and where. And it looks as though my message got through…
Jonathan Bacchus: You, goddamn baby — this has what it’s all been about! Don’t you get it?! Have you considered any perspective past your own navel? Get in the goddamn ring, and face me as I’ve faced you every time.
Seb moved towards the steps and then… Pauses. Instead, he walks past and begins to circle the ing.
Seb: You know, Jonathan - at first, I thought the reason you targeted me was because I was the Universal Champion… Then I thought it was about getting some kind of revenge for the last time we faced one another one on one… Then I thought it was about you being jealous of everything I’ve achieved in the past few years. But you know what I’ve started to realise? I’ve started to realise that at some point, your reason didn’t matter anymore. At some point it stopped being about why YOU wanted to face ME, and started to be about why I wanted to face YOU.
Seb paused on the opposite side of the ring, in front of the second set of steps.But instead of climbing, be continues to walk.
Seb: Every where I’ve looked this past eight months, you’ve been there. Waving at me and letting me know you’re watching. And while I spent that time winning or defending the Universal Title, the whole damn time I’ve had you in the back of my head. When? Where? How? At what point is it finally going to happen… Now I don’t have the Universal Title. You know what I have left? You. The version of you stood in that ring right now, and the version that’s always on my mind… I need to get you out, Jonathan. Whatever that takes…
Jonathan Bacchus: Me?!. Me “waving at you”? Me watching?! Newsflash, Sebastian, you were the goddamn champ. The entire locker room was watching you! I just had the courtesy and integrity to do it to your face — unlike the Little Prince sitting in your throne right now!
He jabs his finger in the air at Sebastian for emphasis, his voice dripping with venom and face a mask of contempt. Seb finally pauses, and this time, he climbs the steps. Pausing at the top.
Jonathan Bacchus: Do you remember that night, December 16th? I understand it may be a bit foggy — allow me to give a sober perspective. As my compatriots and I circled the ring, you had a fresh Prince of Adeyemi there at your side. And you implored him for help — would’ve been an equalizer. You knew that — I knew that — he knew that. And when the time came, what did he do?
A pause.
Jonathan Bacchus: He threw you to the wolves and skipped over to pluck up your belt. He gleefully slid in the knife in your back and scurried away like a rat. Let me make something explicitly clear to you, Sebastian: stepping into Snow Holds Barred, I held vastly more respect for you than I’d ever hold for a man like Isaiah King. But how did you interpret it?
Another pause — and now a wry smile.
Jonathan Bacchus: Practically powdered his ass like you were already applying to be Royal Nanny. Complete pass — carte blanche. Fuckin’ embarassing. By all means, blame me, but I’ve been running this game just to see if you were solid gold or merely gilded. And you failed.
Seb stepped through the ropes. Rolling his neck, clearly holding back the urge to strike out. Instead, he forces his mouth to curl into a smile.
Seb: Thing is, Jonathan - when wolves are circling? You don’t stop to reprimand the children for misbehaving. I don’t need to blame you - you were there. Isaiah made his choice, but you made yours first. You think he’s gotten away with it? Please - if anyone knows the long game, its you. But I took my eye off him because I had two on you - and that’s the only reason that he’s sitting in that throne you’re talking about. But I have a plan - its pretty simple really. Because I’m going to deal with the those circling wolves - I’m going to behead the fucking pack leader, and then I’ll drop it at the Prince’s feet.
Seb stepped forward, his eyes narrowing.
Seb: I’m going to make you the example of what happens to people who decide they want to test my quality - and I promise the knife that cuts off your head will be a solid 24 carats.
Jonathan doesn’t hesitate — he steps forward as well… as he tosses the bat aside.
Jonathan Bacchus: You wanna join The Hunt?
The crowd goes wild at the prospect of this happening right now. But outside of stepping forth to get practically chest-to-chest with the former champion, Bacchus doesn’t lower the microphone.
Jonathan Bacchus: Then you can meet me back here next Warfare, and we’ll discuss the terms of engagement. For Ides of March. No tricks up my sleeves — no distractions — no Isaiah or Nickles or Ned Kaye. But I’m warning you: I will show the world who you truly are.
And with that he offers a cold, intense stare… and a hand?!
BG: The balls on this guy!
Seb smiles, and takes Jonathan’s hand and pulls him close.
Seb: The Best… In… The Business. See you next week, friend.
Seb releases Jonathan’s hand, and backs towards the ropes, stepping outside but never taking his eyes off his would-be opponent. Seb begins to back up the ramp and away from the ring — meanwhile Johnny steps back to the ropes, rolls gracefully backwards and down to the floor — then hurdles himself over the barricade and into the crowd.
At the top of the ramp, Seb looks up at Johnny, who has reached the top of the arena stairs. And from across the arena, the two men gaze intensely at one another as Warfare fades to commercial.
JC: Back here on Warfare folks, and the Ides of March… are upon us!
BG: Bet on the crown because the crown always wins!
JC: That… that’s not the saying at all, but nevertheless, as King Kieran gets set to attempt to defend his crown, fifteen others will try to take it from him. Tonight on Warfare, the Ides of March tournament…
BG: Formerly known as March Madness!
JC: The Ides of…
BG: And once or twice it was the King of the Ring!
JC: Well, the new boss likes better originality than bosses of the past! It all begins now with the debut of Tropical Punch taking on wily veteran Lucy Wylde!
BG: …Tropical what?
JC: Punch. Tropical Punch.
As the music plays, Tropical Punch marches out to the ring.
"Making his way to the ring, Tropical Punch!"
Painted in silver, Tropical Punch reflects the laser lights shooting off of himself. A glitter-boy in the highest esteem, he stands at the ring corner as the lights come on and he simply sparkles. He steps in the ring, flexing his deltoids, then cracking his bones to ready for wrestling. The referee eyes him in case he's cheating although definitely not hiding anything in just trunks and boots.
BG: Tropical Punch won the right to compete in the Ides of March tournament by winning a competition at his local flea market. But don't let the backstory and the name fool you: I have reason to believe this Tropical guy might pack a punch!
JC: …is any of that true?
BG: Believe it or not, the tournament betting markets have flooded wildly with people placing their X-bux on Tropical Punch advancing to the second round. I've heard that multiple people have now bet their entire lifes avings, their mortgages, AND their first-born children on Tropical Punch!
JC: That's a crazy bet, Lucy is a proven competitor with a tremendous amount of success under her belt: but seeing Tropical Punch up close and personal like this, I'm starting to get it. I mean, this guy is just completely shredded!
The arena goes black. The opening chords of "Undead" by Hollywood Undead blare over the Arena PA system. One by one, spotlights around the arena begin fading in and out, alternating between a bright white and deep purple tones. As the bass line kicks into its highly recognized bone jarring chorus the spotlights sync their flashing with the rhythm. Suddenly the spotlights all turn at once, illuminating the stage in a brilliant flash and a radiating glow. Lucy Wylde steps out from behind the curtain onto center stage just as the crowd begins to cheer and sing along with the song...
UNDEAD!!!!!
UNDEAD!!!!!
UNDEAD!!!!!
UNDEAD!!!!!
As the verse begins, Lucy begins walking towards the ring, a big smile on her face as she moves from side to side along the aisle - slapping the hands of the fans as she goes. She gets to ringside and runs up the ring steps, climbing into the ring and ascending the far turnbuckle, raising her arms into the air. She pulls a pair of fingerless leather gloves from her back pocket and puts them on, one by one. Her music begins to fade into the background of the cheers of the fans. Once both gloves are tight, she clenches both fists and jumps down from the turnbuckle, awaiting the opening bell.
JC: Lucy looks absolutely locked in for tonight's match up. I haven't seen such an intense look in her in quite some time! Her being Tropical Punch's first-ever opponent in the XWF is...well, it's bad luck for Tropical Punch- that's for sure!
BG: Lucy is a kind and generous soul, but she might have to give Tropical his 'Welcome to the XWF' moment here in the first round of the Ides of March!
Ides of March Tournament - First Round
Tropical Punch
- vs -
Lucy Wylde
As the bell rings, the atmosphere in the arena crackles with energy. Tropical Punch, an impressively muscular specimen of a man, nodded his head respectfully towards Lucy in the opposite corner, which she returned with a smile- though her focus was unshakable. As the pair approached the center of the ring the size difference became even more apparent. Lucy circled around Punch cautiously, testing the waters, while Tropical Punch stood in the center, his broad shoulders and tree-trunk arms ready for whatever she threw his way.
BG: I'm sensing that this is going to be a battle of styles! Size against speed, brawns against brains, strength against experience: this is the kind of match wrestling is all about!
JC: Wow, thanks for the ever-insightful commentary! I'm sure all of our blind fans appreciated you pointing out the obvious!
BG: Hey now, I'm just trying to do my job here tonight!
Lucy was the first to strike, darting forward and attempting a quick leg sweep to bring the big man down. Tropical Punch stepped back, dodging the attack easily, but Lucy was faster than he expected. She leaped back up, rebounding off the ropes, and launched herself into a flying headbutt aimed at the big man’s chest. But Tropical Punch planted his feet and stood his ground, her head slamming into him and barely moving him half-a-step.
Lucy fell hard against the mat, but Tropical Punch didn't let her rest. He grabbed her around the waist before bringing her body up and clutching it against his chest. With Lucy held firmly against his chest, he began to squeeze her as tightly as he could. With the bearhug locked in, the referee came up to see if Lucy wanted to quit: but she didn't waste her breath replying. Instead, she clapped both of Tropical's ears, causing him to drop her back to the mat and step back whilst holding his head, trying to force the ringing in his ears to dissipate.
BG: The newcomer had the bearhug locked in tight, wiley Wylde was able to sneak her way out of it!
JC: Sneak her way? She clapped the big oaf upside the head and he had no choice but to let her down! Don't let the size mismatch here fool you: Lucy is dangerous inside that ring, and she has a counter for everything you can throw at her!
Lucy smiled as she was dropped back to her feet, smirking at Tropical's discomfort. Without hesitation, she rushed in again, this time slipping behind Tropical Punch and locking him in a waist hold. But her strength was no match for his size, and he easily peeled her off, tossing her aside like she weighed nothing.
BG: But there's no counter for pure strength and size! Tropical just chucked her body like a ragdoll!
Lucy rebounded quickly, launching herself into a series of quick attacks. A springboard leg lariat connected, catching Tropical Punch across the chest and forcing him to stumble back. Lucy followed it up with a spinning heel kick to his ribs, then a tornado DDT that finally took him off his feet. The crowd roared as Tropical Punch hit the mat, shaking the entire ring with his weight.
JC: That looks like a pretty good way to counter his size to me! I get the sense everyone who bet against Lucy Wylde is shaking in their boots now!
She went for a quick pin, hooking his leg, but Tropical Punch powered out before even the count of one, shoving Lucy halfway across the ring in the process.
BG: If we're being honest, they had to have been shaking in their boots to even place a bet like that! The fact that tens of thousands of X-bux came flooding in on Tropical Punch in the final hours is unbelievable: but if any man is large enough to pull off the upset, it's him!
Lucy stood up, slightly winded, but determined to prove all her doubters wrong. She knew she had to keep up the pressure, especially against someone as physically dominant as Tropical Punch. The big man was back on his feet in just a few seconds, giving Lucy a nod of respect before charging forward with surprising speed for a man his size. He went for a running forearm, aiming for her head, but Lucy ducked under it, using her speed and agility to stay one step ahead.
Lucy spun around, leaping onto the ropes and springboarding back with a dropkick aimed at Tropical's head. Her feet connected directly with his temple, and Tropical Punch staggered back before dropping to a knee, clearly feeling woozy from the blow. Lucy wasted no time, grabbing the downed big man before miraculously lifting him up with a fisherman buster, using all of her strength and then some to bring him down to the mat again. The entire crowd was on their feet, amazed by Lucy’s relentless assault and incredible power. Lucy hooked the big man's leg for the pin, and the referee dropped down to make the count!
JC: This could really be it for Tropical Punch! He looks completely out of it after that!
BG: Someone who bet on him had better get in there and break this up, or else they're going to wind up living on the streets!
1!
2!
Kickout!
JC: JUST IN TIME!
BG: I could've sworn she had him there! But it's clear that it's going to take a hell of a lot more than that to keep the big man down!
Tropical Punch powered out of the pin before rolling to his feet and shaking off the cobwebs. Lucy Wylde, meanwhile, was relentless in her pursuit. As Tropical Punch tried to regain his bearings, Lucy took to the robes, bouncing off of them before delivering a big dropkick to Tropical's chest. The force of the dropkick caused Tropical to stumble backwards into the corner turnbuckle. Lucy Wylde took only a few seconds to compose herself in the center of the ring, soaking in the cheers from the sold-out stadium before looking at Tropical, dazed and confused against the turnbuckle. Without waiting any longer, Lucy Wylde charged his way before suddenly extending her front leg and delivering a massive superkick that dropped her opponent down to a seated position!
BG: That superkick might've just knocked the newcomer's light's out! Welcome to the XWF, Tropical Punch!
JC: Lucy is taking complete control of this match! Her in-ring experience and exceptional athleticism are giving her a clear edge here tonight!
Lucy steps back towards the center of the ring, but only for a brief moment. Then, she quickly follows up by delivering a shining wizard directly to her seated opponent's forehead! Tropical's skull bounces back into the pad with great force, causing his entire body to slump over onto the mat. Lucy is quick to flip him over and hook one of his beefy legs for the pin!
1!
2!!
ROPE BREAK!
The referee stops counting when he notices that one of Tropical's massive arms is making contact with the bottom rope. Lucy lays atop Tropical Punch for a few seconds longer before looking around and finally noticing the referee's call.
BG: Tropical Punch got lucky there! Lucy had him dead to rights, but with the sheer size of those muscles of his, it's hard to get him completely away from the ropes!
The deafening noise from the sold-out crowd cost Lucy valuable time, because by the time she rises to her feet Tropical isn't far behind. Lucy charges in once more, clearly not intimidated by the size mismatch. Lucy drops down and tries to deliver a dropkick to Tropical's midsection, but the big man grabs her legs mid-air, allowing her to fall to the mat before flipping her over and locking in a double-leg boston crab! The pain must be enormous, because Lucy is screaming and reaching frantically for the ropes! The referee drops down to ask Lucy if she wants to quit, but she just screams in his face as Tropical wrenches the hold.
JC: That hold is locked in tight! That gorilla of a man might just break Lucy's body in half if she doesn't tap here!
Lucy screams as she reaches towards the ropes. With Tropical pulling back on her body as hard as possible, Lucy's face tells the story of unbearable pain. The referee keeps asking her if she wants to give up when, suddenly, Lucy finally manages to grab a hold of a rope! The referee taps on Tropical's back and tells him to break the hold, which he immediately does. The big man walks towards the center of the ring, following the referees instructions perfectly and allowing his opponent to recoup herself.
BG: Say what you will about this new signing, but he sure plays it by the book.
JC: He might be big and bad, but he'll be damned if you call him a rulebreaker!
The referee allows Lucy to pick herself back up before restarting the pair. Lucy hangs back, growing more cautious of the big man's strength as she rubs her pained lower back with one hand. Tropical, meanwhile, wasted little time in charging towards her. Lucy tries to move out of his way, but the big man's arms are just too big! Tropical Punch crashed into her with a massive lariat, forcing Lucy's body to drop against the mat. The impact left Lucy gasping, but she managed to roll out of the ring just in time to avoid the follow up elbow drop!
JC: Quick thinking from Lucy right there!
BG: He almost turned her head into mash potatoes!
JC: Mashed.
BG: Shut up, Jacuinde.
Tropical Punch gave her the space to recover, standing tall in the center of the ring with a powerful aura. The referee started the count, but Lucy wasn't out of it yet. She climbed back to her feet at the count of five and slid back into the ring, locking eyes with Tropical Punch once again.
Tropical Punch, looking to capitalize on his advantage, rushed forward and grabbed Lucy by the waist, launching her into an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Lucy flipped through the air, crashing down hard on the mat. But she was quick to her feet once again, though noticeably slower this time. Tropical Punch was quickly on her once again, grabbing her by the arm and whipping her into the ropes.
Lucy rebounded, ducking under another running lariat and bouncing off the ropes once more before leaping into a handspring flipping heel kick — her trademark "Mindblow." The move landed square on Tropical Punch’s jaw, sending him stumbling back. Sensing an opening, Lucy launched into a spear, slamming into Tropical Punch's midsection with all her might. Tropical Punch crumpled, clutching his ribs as Lucy pinned him to the mat!
BG: His mind has been BLOWN! Blown completely apart like someone shot him in the skull with a shotgun! The force of Lucy's Mindblow might have knocked the newcomer out cold!
JC: Tropical Punch had a damn good run in this first round, a damn good run! But Lucy Wylde will not be denied!
1!
2!!
KICKOUT!
The crowd was on their feet as Punch barely raises his shoulder in time!
BG: TROPICAL PUNCH JUST WILL NOT QUIT!
JC: Lucy needs to put him down for good, and she needs to do it quickly! This is the best opportunity she's had all match!
BG: But what will it take to keep the big man down? He's shown us here tonight that he's just going to keep on coming, absorbing everything you have and dishing it right back to you!
JC: I don't know, but that's why they don't pay me the big X-bux! If Lucy wants to capitalize on this opportunity, she's going to need to think of something- and quick!
Lucy Wylde climbs to the top rope, clearly exhausted from the battle yet determined to finish things. and The crowd roars, anticipating her double rotation moonsault—Lucy's "Calamity from the Skies." She poised herself, taking in the roar of the crowd before launching into the air, flipping gracefully. But Tropical Punch had the presence of mind to roll out of the way at the last second! Lucy hit the mat hard, the impact jarring her body.
BG: Tropical rolled away just in time! Lucy's big risk has backfired in a big way!
Tropical rose to his feet first, and he was sensing his moment. He grabbed Lucy around the waist, hoisting her onto his shoulders and into the air for his finishing move: Tropical Thunder.
BG: Oh no, he has Lucy in position for a Joker Driver!
JC: She needs to get out of there, or this match could be over!
Lucy struggled, but Tropical Punch was unrelenting, lifting her above his head before slamming her down with tremendous force. The ring shook with the impact, and the crowd erupted in cheers for the newcomer as the referee dropped down to count the pin.
1!
2!!
3!!!!
WINNER: TROPICAL PUNCH
Advances to Next Round
The referee raises Tropical Punch's hand as he steps back to his feet. Lucy Wylde rolls out of the ring, holding onto her head and laying curled up near the barricade as the XWF newcomer soaks in the cheers of the sold-out stadium.
JC: Upset city! Holy cow!
BG: I can't believe he did it! From flea market competitions to the Ides of March, Tropical Punch has just made a huge statement in his XWF debut. With a win over Lucy under his belt already, who's to say how far this newcomer could go?
JC: Maybe the betting markets were onto something, because Tropical Punch will be advancing into the second round of the tournament after his impressive debut tonight on Warfare!
JC: Hopefully you’re ready for some more tournament action, folks, because the Ides of March are continuing to roll on here!
BG: Oh, this is a match I’ve been looking forward to these past two weeks, Jack. Who doesn’t want to see Matthias Syn rule the roost and press on in this tournament?
JC: Well… I can think of plenty of people who might object to that statement.
The opening riff of The Hangman's Body Count by Volbeat starts to play throughout the arena as the lights dim. Several red and purple laser lights envelope the stage as Matthias Syn casually walks through the curtain. As he steps onto the stage, he stops and acknowledges the crowd by stretching both arms forward while touching his balled up fists together. After several seconds he begins to nonchalantly walk down the ramp towards the ring, not allowing the fans to touch him. He slides under the bottom rope, jumps to his feet and poses on the ropes. As he drops down from the ropes he takes off his red leather shearling coat, hands it to the ring girl and sits on the middle turnbuckle awaiting his opponent.
The honeyed rasp of Atara's voice blares over the facility's PA in unison with those words appearing on the multitude of screens and displays littering the arena.
HELLO, DOVES!
The crowd pops and gets to their feet shouting in near total unison a single word.
OPA!
Arena lights start to pulse in time with the music and multiple vertical streams of pyro erupt across the front of stage. Strutting with purpose Atara emerges from the back taking spot centerstage atop the ramp. Posing for the camera, a wink and kiss is given to the viewers at home.
Grunge walking to the ringsteps, she climbs and stops at the top to posture again for her adoring public. Hand on her hip, the Grecian moves to the middle of the apron to blows a final kiss to the camera and enters the ring through the middle rope.
Ides of March Tournament - First Round
Atara Raven
- vs -
Matthias Syn
DING! DING! DING!
With the bell getting rung and the match starting off, both Syn and Atara exchange scowls while coming forward to the center of the ring.
JC: You wanna talk about hatred and vile emotions, this match has got it for you. Syn made sure to degrade Atara plenty in no small terms during his promo, referring to her as a ‘housewife’ of all things…
BG: Yeah, and did you see that play Atty put on earlier this weekend? She just took the piss completely out of Syn!
JC: Can’t forget about outside of the XWF as well! Both these competitors on opposite sides of the ring in Low Effort Wrestling, covered on Blue Sky in a 6-man tag, where Atara managed to successfully pin Syn there!
BG: Too bad lightning isn’t about to strike twice, right Jack?
The two lock eyes as they come face-to-face with each other, before Syn makes the first move!
SLAP! Five fingers go across Atty’s face in unison as the crowd gasps! Atara reaches towards her face, feeling the stinging handprint growing on her skin… before LAUNCHING A STIFF FOREARM BACK ONTO SYN’S FACE!
JC: Syn just got dropped there like a bag of bricks!
BG: Atty’s sure feeling confident about herself right now… Syn’s just trying to goad her right where he wants her, though.
Syn quickly gets back onto his feet, only to be met with a HUGE dropkick to the face by Atty! The dropkick sends him back as he has to crawl to the corner to help support himself, but Atty is already there to rush her way towards him! She leaps, bringing her legs to his chest before rolling back! MONKEY FLIP sends Syn spiraling overhead and onto his back!
Syn takes a minute, getting onto his knee as he grits his teeth. He sees Atty coming over towards him, and she aims a roundhouse kick right to his face! Syn manages to catch it though as he comes right back to his feet! Atty grimaces, but before she could follow up, Syn throws a BIG right hand to the face! His thumb jabs forward as it connects, and Atty yelps as she stumbles back, having to hold onto her eye specifically.
JC: Didn’t look like he hit the eye, there… Hey, Brody, do you think-
BG: What do I think? That he hit Atara in the eye? NO! Of course not! Atty’s just faking it to get the referee on her side!
JC: That’s not what it’s looking like from where I’m sitting…
The referee quickly checks on Atara, but Syn won’t let him do it for long as he asserts himself into the picture once again. He grabs Atara by the hair, forcing her to lean over before he jams a BIG high knee right into her nose! Atty falls to her knees, now having to hold multiple areas back!
Syn backs up as he’s seeing his opening! He grins, before rushing in! HUGE Shining Wizard!
Atara gets clobbered, getting taken down to the mat as she gingerly holds her face! Syn sees his opportunity and tries to go for a quick pin attempt!
OOOOOOOOONE!
TWOOOOOOOO!
KICKOOOOOUT!
JC: Atty showing she’s got plenty of fight in her here tonight!
BG: Yeah, yeah. Syn’ll wear her down.
Syn goes behind Atty as she sits up, and tries to apply a DRAGON SLEEPER! Atty’s trying to fight it, though! She’s grabbing onto his arm and refusing to let it hook around her neck! A tug-of-war is going on in the middle of the ring, but as the bigger and bulkier man, Syn is closing in on her!
Atty thinks fast, scooting herself out and then lifting her legs up and over her head onto Syn’s shoulders! She then throws Syn over into a hurricanrana that has him bouncing onto the mat! Syn stumbles as he gets back onto his feet, but he sees Atty trying to rush straight for him!
A clothesline gets thrown! But Atty manages to duck underneath it! Bounces off of the ropes - HUGE SPRINGBOARD DDT! Matthias gets dropped right on his head as he has to try to roll out of the ring to recuperate!
JC: Atara wresting control right back here in the middle of this match!
BG: She shouldn’t count her chickens before they hatch, though…
Atara quickly manages to bounce onto the ring apron, readying herself as she sees Syn struggling to come back onto his feet! She nods, before jumping off the ropes -
SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT! THE DIVE TAKES OUT BOTH COMPETITORS AS THE CROWD POPS BIG-TIME!
The referee has to wince at the impact, but the fans are on their feet and clamoring for more! Still, he has to try and keep some order in this match. Poking his head through the ropes, he calls out to both Atara and Syn, trying to get them up and moving and into the ring. As Atara’s beginning to come back onto her feet, the referee begins the count.
ONE!
TWO!
Atara’s back on her feet! She picks Syn up, who feels the light come back into his eyes a little.
THREE!
Atara throws a huge knife-edge chop that lands right on Syn’s chest! But the bigger man manages to absorb it and throws a knife-edge chop that lands just as hard on Atara’s chest as she winces!
JC: Matthias Syn showing some wherewithal out there! Neither competitor is able to keep control here for long!
BG: All it’ll take is one slip-up though, and Syn’ll have this in the bag!
FOUR!
Syn takes Atara by the hair, and drags her over to smash her against the metal barricade- NO! Atara manages to catch herself in time, not letting that happen! She throws a sharp elbow right into Syn’s gut, doubling him over and forcing some separation between the two!
FIVE!
Atara’s measuring the distance, and she goes for it! She kips up onto the barricade and goes for another springboard move, this one a BACK ELBOW!
BUT IT’S CAUGHT! MATTHIAS HOLDS ONTO ATARA IN MID-AIR AS SHE TRIES TO WRIGGLE OUT, BUT TO NO USE AS SYN THROWS HER!
GERMAN! SUUUUUUUUUUPLEX! ATARA LANDS HARD ON THE OUTSIDE, HER EYES TURNING GLASSY!
JC: Atara had to try and correct herself with that springboard maneuver! She didn’t have the space necessary to flip for another moonsault, but it’s that difference there that allowed Matthias to grab her and suplex her on the outside!
BG: This is what I was telling you about, Jack! This is the opening Syn needs to win the match!
SIX!
It’s at this moment, with Atara laid out, that Syn finally pays attention to the count! He considers his options for a moment, before a cocky smirk stretches across his face. He completely ignores Atara, instead rolling into the ring and laying in the middle of the ring on his side, his hand propping up his head as he motions for the referee to continue his count!
JC: Syn is trying to win by count-out?!
BG: SMART! Why risk going ahead further with this match when you could suffer a serious injury? Atara’s playing checkers while Syn’s playing chess!
The fans are loudly booing Syn and his decision, but that’s not going to change anything right now! With his free hand, Syn idly waves them off as the ref is forced to continue the count!
SEVEN!
Atara is still barely moving! The fans switch strategy and try to get as LOUD as possible, forcing the building to start practically shaking as they will her onto her feet!
EIGHT!
Atara’s finally beginning to stir! The amount of noise going on in this building is deafening as Syn scowls deeply!
JC: I CAN BARELY EVEN HEAR MYSELF THINK IN HERE!
BG: WHAT WAS THAT, JACK?
NINE!
Atara manages to get onto a knee! This is going to go down to the wire here! She perks her head towards the referee and Syn, the dots connecting in her head as she has to try to lunge for the ring in time!
TE-
ATARA SNEAKS BACK INTO THE RING IN TIME! THE FANS CELEBRATE BIG-TIME!
JC: By the skin of her teeth, Atara Raven made it right back into the ring! This fight WILL go on, folks!
BG: That referee should have been faster on the count, Jack! Besides, all these fans, Atty wouldn’t have woken up without them!
JC: You can’t say for sure, Jack, but I think what we can agree on is that almost everyone watching this match is clinging to some favorites right now…
BG: What’s that supposed to mean?
As Atara manages to come onto all fours and slowly get back to her feet, Matthias Syn sees his opening! He gets back onto his feet, having enjoyed the breather afforded to him, and runs off of the ropes! He comes towards the hunched over Atara - SOMERSAULT NECKBREAKER LANDS HARD!
Syn grabs Atty by the limbs, pulling her into the middle of the ring and getting the referee to count!
OOOOOOOOOONE!
TWOOOOOOOOO!
KICKOOOOOOUT!
Syn scowls as Atara’s still got some fight left in her! He shakes his head, coming onto his feet and placing his hands on his hips! Atara starts to push off the ring mat to bring herself onto his feet, but- Syn kicks her right on the side of her skull! More like a shove with his boot, but still! Atara’s face gets forced back as Syn does it again! And again!
BG: Yeah, that’s how you give some insult to injury there!
JC: Some frustration boiling out of Matthias Syn there! After the earlier loss he suffered to Atara, he’s wanting more than anything to get a strong exclamation mark win here while moving forward in the Ides of March tournament to boot!
Syn hunches over as Atara looks up, and he points directly at his chest while shouting right at her! He then jabs a finger, his voice turning into a full-on scream, and Atara has had enough! She comes back to life, twisting and turning to sweep Syn’s legs out from under him!
The fans pop as Syn falls back down to the mat! He scrambles to collect himself, but as he stands right back up, Atara’s there to meet him! SHOTGUN DROPKICK has Syn being sent all the way back to the corner!
Atara’s quickly aiming for her mark, nodding before rushing in! HUGE clothesline to Syn in the corner, before she grabs him along his face, looking for a bulldog!
NO! Syn manages to catch himself at the last moment, throwing off Atara before she can slam him down! Atara turns around wincing and grabbing at her hip, but Syn throws a SUPERKICK at her!
SIDESTEPPED BY ATTY! Syn gets sent off-balance as he curses wildly! Atara moves in front of Syn, lands a quick drop toe hold! Syn gets sent down hard, holding onto his face as he rolls over, coming onto a seated position!
Atara’s seeing her opening now as she runs the ropes! Syn braces himself and raises his hands, trying to scout for a potential Penalty Kick here! But Atara instead leans over on the rebound, grabbing Syn by the shoulder and using him as a base to CARTWHEEL right over him!
The fans ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the acrobatic display as Syn doesn’t see it coming! Atara now behind Syn as she rears her leg back-
CRAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! RIGHT ACROSS SYN’S BACK
JC: Atara’s making the most of this second wind right now, these acrobatics she’s putting out in this match is downright flawless!
BG: Yeah Jack, but is this a second wind or a dying gasp? Let’s not forget the state Atara was in just a few minutes ago!
Atara’s measuring Syn from behind, watching him slowly get up as she lowers her knee pad to expose her bare joint! As he comes up, she lunges in, trying for a running bicycle knee she calls the JUDGMENT OF PARIS!
BUT NOW IT’S SYN’S TURN TO CATCH IT AGAIN! He throws the leg down, booting Atty in the stomach, trying to hook the arms! He’s trying to lift her for a TIGER! SUUUUUUUPLE-
BUT ATTY KICKS HER LEG AND CRACKS SYN ON THE SKULL WITH IT! Syn blinks, not having expected the desperation move, which allows Atty to connect again! Syn has to let go of Atty, letting her recover herself as she aims up towards Syn - HIGH ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SKULL HAS HIM DROPPING ON ALL FOURS!
JC: It’s a dance of destruction out there Brody, and right now Atara’s trying to show Syn why he’s got two left feet!
BG: Atara’s not the queen of the dance floor yet though, Jack!
Syn’s coming back onto his feet once more, and Atara sees her opening one more time as she lunges in!
JUDGMENT!
OF!
PARIS!
SIDESTEPPED!
ATARA GETS SENT INTO THE ROPES, BOUNCING OFF OF THEM TO BACKPEDAL TO THE CENTER OF THE RING WHERE SYN GRABS HER FROM BEHIND! HE TRIES TO SWING WITH ATTY!
SYNTHESIS!
TWISTED OUT!
ATTY NOW IS THE ONE WITH SYN’S BACK TO HER AS SHE ROARS! ANOTHER ROUNDHOUSE CLOBBERS SYN ON THE SIDE OF HIS SKULL AS HE’S WOOZY! ATTY HOOKS HIM AROUND THE LEGS, LOOKING TO LIFT HIM FOR A MODIFIED GERMAN!
JC: We might be about to see the Birth of Venus live here, Brody!
BG: Shit, shit, shit! Come on, Matthias!
ATTY LIFTS FOR BIRTH OF VENUS!
BUT SYN FLIPS OUT OF IT!
DESPERATION SETTLES IN FOR SYN, GRABBING ATTY FROM BEHIND AND SLIPPING HER INTO A SCHOOL BOY!
THE REFEREE GOES IN TO COUNT!
JC: Look, Brody! Syn’s got his feet on the ropes!
BG: HAHA! The ref doesn’t see it!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
WINNER: MATTHIAS SYN
Advances to Next Round
JC: No! Not like this!
BG: Yeah, like this, Jack! HAHA! I told you Syn had this one in the bag!
Syn immediately scrambles out of the ring before the referee can notice what happened, and Atara can’t believe it! She slaps the mat in frustration! Syn moves to the ramp, looking at Atara and gloating over his win as the boos rain down big-time!
JC: Well… I don’t think anyone likes the method employed, but the fact remains - Matthias Syn won that match, and next Warfare, he’ll be moving on to face Tropical Punch!
BG: Yeah? And Syn’s gonna eat him alive then!
JC: We’ll have to see… one thing’s for sure right now though, we got plenty of show to go!
Atara watches as Syn walks to the back, continuing to gloat as Warfare rolls on.
JC: We’re back here on Warfare and ladies and gentlemen, illegitimate children of some ages… tonight on this program, we’ve seen the return of Demos in a losing effort against Johnny Bacchus!
BG: We’ve seen the debut of Tropical Punch and the eventual defeat of Lucy Wylde!
JC: That in and of itself must be seen as a rather major upset, but we have also seen Matthias Syn, like Tropical Punch before him, punch his ticket to the second round of the Ides of March tournament!
BG: But we’re not done, Jacuinde! We’re not done by a long shot!
JC: On any other night, this match is a main event caliber contest as former two-time Universal Champion Sebastian Everett-Bryce…
BG: The Third, I don’t care what he says…
JC: Is about to go one on one with former Xtreme and Television champion, Trash Talk Royalty himself, James Shark!
BG: Shark might’ve lost all his belts after a red hot start to his XWF career, but tonight he has a chance to face…
JC: The Best in the Business!
BG: …I mean, I was gonna say a future hall of famer, but what the fuck ever I guess.
A custom version of BEAST by Tech N9ne begins to blast on the arena's speakers accompanied by the reaction of fans in attendance.
Insanity at it's finest Fire starter, Riot maker, Moon stricken, Animal need, Bad seed, Untamable beast!
A cloud of ocean blue smoke fills the top of the ramp, as the special lighting shines down upon the smoke it gives off the appearance of waves.
Everybody around me always think they know what's going on inside my mind think I'm Mr. Trash Talk all the time How they say on Diary 'You think you know, but you have no idea'
As the music kicks in, Shark jogs out of the curtains on cue. The chains around his neck sparkling into the camera as he's wearing a T-shirt that insults his opponent. He stands at the top of the ramp with his hands on his waist as he looks out into the crowd and takes a moment to look around at the packed arena. He nods his head with his typical cocky smile stretched from ear to ear. Before heading down the ramp he closes his eyes and spreads his arms out with his hands open, absorbing the mixed reactions of boos, cheers and screams coming his way.
He sings along to the music as he walks down the ramp, taking off his shirt on his way there and throwing it into the crowd without looking. He slides into the ring and begins to bounce off the ropes before shadow boxing. He then walks around the ring mouthing out something to the crowd about his opponent, the insults continuing but the broadcast is unable to pick it up.
JC: James Shark! Set for action tonight in Detroit and man does he look pumped for this one!
BG: It’s a good thing XWF doesn’t have a wellness policy.
JC: It’s probably a better thing that he didn’t hear you say that!
The lights in the arena dip to black in time with the sirens and beat to the opening of Sweatpants (BattleTapes Remix) by Childish Gambino, the lights then beginning to flash, alternating left and right onto the ramp. In time, the letters "S", "E", "B", and then "Empire" flash one at a time on the big screen until the lights stop flashing as the lyrics hit.
"She askin' “Why you say that?!”
The beat drops and the lights flash on the rampway again. As they do, the screen illuminates with "SEB" and then "EMPIRE" flashing on the sceen.
"Rich kid asshole, paint me as a villain"
Sebastian Everett-Bryce flings his arms wide, staring up with his head covered by the hood of his jacket. He stands in the middle of the ramp, the lights beating down on him, before looking out at the crowd. He wears a long jacket with the hood pulled up over his head, zipped to the waist. The jacket, which is cut away at the bottom and only runs down the back of his legs, is patterned with an elongated Union Flag, but it’s in black and white and appears to be cracked and broken. His tights are short, with the initials SEB emblazoned upon the front.
The lights lift, and SEB makes his way to the ring, stretching his neck from side to side as he walks, his eyes focused on the ring. He climbs up the steps and steps through the ropes before standing in the middle of the ring.
"I'm winnin', yeah, yeah, I'm winnin' (What?)
Rich kid, asshole, paint me as a villain"
He extends his arms once more before pulling back his hood and removing his jacket to reveal the back of his tights which read “S.E.B”
"Don't be mad cause I'm doing me better than you doing you
Better than you doing you, fuck it, what you gon' do? (What?!)"
He flashes his arms out to a side, a satisfied and somewhat sneery grin upon his face, he holds the position for a moment, to allow the crowd to take pictures, before moving towards his corner.
JC: One legend of the business!
BG: One ice cold mother fucker that wants to knock him off!
JC: And it starts…. NOW!
Sebastian Everett-Bryce
- vs -
James Shark
With the bell ringing to get this contest underway, James Shark cracks his neck as he gets settled in his corner. Sebastian extends a courtesy nod to his opponent, who’s slow to reciprocate it. Sebastian grabs the top rope, using it to stretch himself out and keep himself ready for what’s about to come.
JC: Here we go… lot of pent-up emotions in this one. Sebastian Everett-Bryce, Best in the Business, looking to keep getting himself back on track after losing the Universal Championship.
BG: Can’t forget about James Shark. He had no love lost for Sebastian with how he took to the mic before this show started.
JC: Trash Talk Royalty rarely ever has love to lose for his opponents, but something tells me we’re about to watch an explosive match!
Finally, the two circle around the ring, eyes locked and heads focused. They’re slow to meet in the middle, the crowd buzzing with anticipation as they do so. Sebastian looks to extend his arms out, trying for a lock-up, but Shark bats his arms away as he tries to do so. Sebastian’s eyebrows furrowed together, but he’s not dissuaded immediately. Instead, he darts in - and goes behind! Waist lock!
Shark gets taken by surprise as Sebastian tightens his grip! Shark tries to pry it apart, but Sebastian only does so to drive a HUGE forearm right into Shark’s back! He stumbles forward, catching himself, but Sebastian takes advantage of this to transition into a side headlock! There’s a bit of a struggle for positioning between the two, with Shark pushing Sebastian to the ropes. Once he gets caught up there, the referee tries to motion for the hold to break, but Sebastian quickly manages to pivot and twist towards the center to bring Shark with him, still in the headlock!
JC: Sebastian showing why he’s a premier technician in the ring. Not to say that Shark’s a slouch in that department himself, but…
BG: But he’s a lot more at home when he can stand and bang with his opponents.
Shark tries to bring Sebastian to the ropes again, but this time Sebastian twists out into a wrist lock! Shark tries to pry away from Sebastian’s grip, but he responds by wrenching it in! Sebastian places a foot right on the back of Shark’s leg, forcing him down to a knee as he wrenches again, but Shark comes right back up! A straight right drills Sebastian right on the nose! Another punch comes railing right at him, but he manages to slip it and go back to the waist lock!
Shark tries to wriggle his way out of it, but Sebastian acts quicker this time! He plants his feet, grits his teeth, and LIFTS!
GERMAN! SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPLEX! SHARK HITS THE MAT HARD RIGHT ON HIS NECK AS SEBASTIAN KEEPS WAIST CONTROL INTACT! The two come back to a seated position with Sebastian keeping the waist lock intact, but Shark is still trying to make it to the ropes!
JC: Brutal work from Sebastian so far in this match! The Sophisticated Suplex Machine is showing why he’s earned that nickname so far in this match, and he’s still not letting go of the chain wrestling strategy!
BG: Shark Boy’s gotta come up with a strategy fast, Jack. Getting knocked on your head like that over and over again, you’re asking for a concussion, or neck problems, or maybe even worse.
Sebastian won’t let him though! He tries to pry up Shark into a standing position - OH! BIG back elbow from Shark cuts off the attempt from Sebastian to pick him back up! A second - and a third back elbow forces Sebastian back to his feet, weary and stumbling as Shark climbs back up to his feet!
JC: There’s some fight from Shark! Big blows from him manages to free himself, and now how can Sebastian follow up?
Sebastian takes a minute to collect himself, seeing Shark use the ropes to climb back onto his feet, and he tries to move in again. Shark throws a snap jab aimed right for him, and Sebastian backs up. Shark tries to pursue with another jab-straight combo, but Sebastian is forced to stay moving in order to try and avoid the heavy punches incoming. Instead, he counters with a crisp low kick right to Shark’s shin! Shark grits his teeth, but stays on the offensive! Another low kick from Sebastian snaps out, but Shark raises his foot to avoid the kick! Sebastian moves in now, looking for another roundhouse, this one to the abdomen-
CAUGHT BY SHARK! Sebastian tries to kick Shark free, but Shark isn’t letting go! Instead, he grins, his teeth bared before coming in - HUGE double leg takedown! Shark slams him right down to the mat, drawing a BIG pop from the crowd! Sebastian quickly moves, having to try and pull guard as he’s trying to keep his defenses intact.
BG: Do my eyes deceive me, Jack? Are we about to see some MMA grappling going on here?
JC: Looks like Shark got a bit inspired after how SEB was twisting him around!
Shark goes to work with some ground-and-pound action, throwing a heavy hammerfist to Sebastian’s belly to knock the wind out of his sails and make it easier for Shark to throw some jabs and straights to his face. A few manage to connect as Sebastian is reeling, but he manages to bring his guard back up right as Shark tries to throw a shark hook. He wails away at the guard for a moment, before deciding to swivel into side mount!
Sebastian tries to wriggle his way out, but Shark immediately shuts him down with a few slicing elbows right to the side of his cranium! They land clean as some fans in the front row wince at the impact! Sebastian groans however, trying to move his head to weaken some of the impact from these shots! As Shark tries to adjust himself, Sebastian sees his chance!
He manages to bridge himself, swivelling to the side and sprawls himself out! Shark lands more heavy body blows, causing Sebastian to stumble, and he begins to key in on his liver as a welt starts popping up on his skin! Sebastian fights through the pain, however, circling out from the hold as he barely manages to get away from Shark!
JC: Now it’s Sebastian showing a lot of wherewithal there! Some heavy strikes coming down on him, but he managed to wriggle out!
BG: Feels like we’re watching the classic seesaw swinging about here…
Sebastian coming onto his feet now with Shark trying to pursue him - roundhouse incoming from Sebastian! Shark ducks under, Sebastian swivels around, trying to collect himself - HUGE UPPERCUT from Shark! But Sebastian weaves his head to the side, not letting himself get tagged as a quick knee gets thrown to Shark’s gut to double him over as a counter!
Shark is wheezing, and Sebastian sees his chance! Circles around, waist lock in place as he LIFTS! Another German! SUUUUUUUUUUUUPLEX!
BG: That’s suplex number two, for those of you counting along at home!
JC: Wait Brody, but that’s not all if you look closely! Sebastian’s still maintaining waist control again, and he’s bringing Shark up! He’s trying to go for the Conquest and get a quick victory here tonight!
Sebastian’s not done as he measures his distance towards the nearby corner! He forces Shark forward a few steps, steadying himself as he lifts one more time! German! SUUUUUUUUUUUPLE-
SHARK COUNTERS WITH A BACK ELBOW WHILE HE’S IN THE AIR! SEBASTIAN’S FORCED TO DROP HIM AS SHARK SWIVELS ON A DIME! SPINNING BACK FIST COLLIDES RIGHT ON THE JAW!
SEBASTIAN GETS SENT RIGHT INTO THE CORNER, SEATED AND GASPING FOR BREATH! SHARK SEES HIS OPENING AND HE STEPS ON THE GAS PEDAL! HE LUNGES IN! SUPERMAN PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNCH!
SHARKBAIT HITS AS SEBASTIAN’S HEAD BOUNCES OFF AGAINST THE METAL TURNBUCKLE! HE CRADLES HIS HEAD, VISION BLURRY! SHARK BACKS UP, SMELLING MORE BLOOD IN THE WATER AS HE READIES HIMSELF!
SHARKBAAAAAAAAAAAAAIT!
NO! SEBASTIAN LEANED FORWARD TO KICK SHARK’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HIM BEFORE HE COULD LEAP!
JC: BRUTAL start to this match so far! Neither man trying to give an inch here!
BG: Gotta wonder if SEB might be having a concussion at this rate, am I right or am I right? Did you see how his skull bounced off the corner?
Hard fall from Shark onto the mat! Sebastian wastes no time, delivering a BIG kick to the side of the skull to take advantage of the moment! He continues to work with his feet, using them to push Shark out of the ring and forcing him to ringside and allow him to take a breather.
The fans are still pumped up with how explosive the action has been so far, and Sebastian encourages them! He waves his arms in the air, feeding off of their energy as he straightens himself! The Star of Stage and Screen extends his arms out, sizing up Shark as he tries to get back onto his feet. Sebastian considers going for a Suicide Dive, but his dizziness recommends he think otherwise. Instead, he walks out through the ropes, looking to bring the fight to Shark as he comes onto the floor.
But Shark lunges forward! He charges Sebastian into the ring apron, doubling it up by throwing him into the metal barricade on the other side! Sebastian bounces off the metal, and Shark doesn’t let up as he throws a LIVER SHOT OF A HOOK IN!
Now it’s Shark back in control, enjoying the moment as he rolls back into the ring, nodding and mouthing off to the fans as they boo him. He watches Sebastian, slow and steady to come back to his feet and reach towards the ring apron. A smirk lines Shark’s face as he runs the ropes, Sebastian in his sights as he looks for a BASEBALL SLIDE!
BUT! WAIT!
SEBASTIAN MOVES TO THE SIDE QUICKLY TO AVOID IMPACT! HE GRABS SHARK WHILE HE’S STILL IN MOTION, HOLDING HIM TIGHTLY! BELLY-TO-BELLY RIGHT ONTO THE METAL GUARDRAIL!
JC: The reflexes! The sheer strength involved in that! Sebastian may be taking some heavy cranial damage here, but he’s still got plenty in the tank!
BG: And I’ll tell you what, Shark Boy’s probably gonna be hobbling tomorrow after meeting the metal like that!
Shark’s body cracks off the steel as his back arches in pain and agony! Sebastian’s slow to capitalize, still left blinking as a hand is left holding onto his side! He takes a deep breath, grabing onto the apron canvas and tugs on it to bring himself back onto his feet. The referee begins to enforce a count, but Sebastian ignores it as he staggers towards Shark.
ONE!
Sebastian picks up Shark, Shark slow to respond.
TWO!
Sebastian grabs Shark by the back of the head, leading him across.
THREE!
THWACK! Sebastian proceeds to bounce Shark’s head right off of the side of the apron, smashing his face into the canvas!
FOUR!
Sebastian rolls Shark inside as he follows after him! Shark, slow to come back onto his feet, he tries to stand but has to hunch over as he places a hand right on his back!
Sebastian can tell the end is coming! He looks out towards the fans, confident as ever as he straightens himself again, raising a finger up high to call to them before dragging it across his throat! Sebastian runs off the ropes, having Shark right in his sights!
EMPIRE KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!
IS DODGED?!
JC: Lightning-fast movement on the draw from Shark keeping him in this match!
SHARK MOVED OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME AS SEBASTIAN HITS THE MAT HARD! SHARK DOESN’T HESITATE, TRYING TO LUNGE IN RIGHT AS SEBASTIAN USES THE ROPES TO PULL HIMSELF UP! HIS ELBOW CONNECTS RIGHT AGAINST THE BACK OF SEBASTIAN’S SKULL, KNOCKING HIM OUT AS HE SLUMPS OVER!
JC: JAMES SHARK JUST HAD SEB PAID IN BLOOD! Is this going to be it?!
BG: He’s taken worse, but that was a HARD shot!
SHARK GOES ON TOP OF SEBASTIAN FOR THE COVER, THE REFEREE HAVING TO COUNT!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
SEBASTIAN REACHED OUT WITH HIS FOOT TO PLACE IT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
JC: BIG desperation play there from Sebastian! We could have seen a three-count there!
BG: Well, we didn’t. Besides, if the rope wasn’t there, he was still able to move!
Shark slaps the mat in frustration! He can’t believe it! If he had Sebastian in the middle of the ring, he could have pinned him and won then and there! He looks to the ref, cursing at him! He slaps his hand, one, two, three, telling him how to count! The ref responds by pointing right at his XWF emblem right on his chest, and Shark looks pissed!
JC: Shark’s keeping himself distracted! He doesn’t see what’s coming up behind him!
BG: Grab some popcorn, folks!
COMING BACK TO LIFE OUT OF SHEER DESPERATION! IT’S SEBASTIAN EVERETT-BRYCE! HE LUNGES AT JAMES SHARK AND
LOCKS
IN
THE
EMPEROR LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCK!
CINCHED IN PERFECTLY! JAMES SHARK HAS THE FEAR OF GOD PUT INTO HIM FROM SHEER SURPRISE AS SEBASTIAN TWISTS AROUND, PINNING HIS BELLY AGAINST THE GROUND WHILE HE’S ON TOP OF HIM! AND-
BG: Oooooh, I knew that was coming after that Paid in Blood! Shark managed to draw plenty of blood there from SEB!
JC: But it’s Sebastian who might be about to take the win here!
HIS BROWN HAIR MAY BE STAINED RED, BUT SEBASTIAN ISN’T GIVING IN! HE CURLS HIS ARM AROUND SHARK’S NECK, TRYING TO CHOKE THE LIFE OUT OF HIM!
SHARK’S REACHING OUT TO THE ROPES, BUT THEY’RE JUST OUT OF REACH AFTER SEBASTIAN TWIRLED HIM AWAY! HE’S TRYING TO GRAB TOWARDS THE ROPES! TO BRING HIMSELF CLOSER!
SEBASTIAN RESPONDS BY SCREAMING AS HE ARCHES BACK WITH THE HOLD! ALL THE PRESSURE ON SHARK’S BACK IS STARTING TO ADD UP!
SHARK REACHES AGAIN TOWARDS THE ROPES!
BUT HE CAN’T MAKE IT!
WHAT WILL HE DO?!
SHARK ELBOWS SEBASTIAN RIGHT ALONG HIS LIVER AGAIN!
ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! HEAVY BLOW AFTER HEAVY BLOW FALLS RIGHT ON SEBASTIAN’S LIVER, AND THE WELT FROM EARLIER IS DARKENING INTO A BRUISE! SEBASTIAN’S GRIP LOOSENS, ALLOWING SHARK TO ROLL ALONG THE GROUND, PUSHING THE TWO ALONG-
AND SHARK GRABS THE ROPES!
BREAK!
JC: That liver damage is paying off in dividends right now. SEB had him dead to rights with that Emperor Lock otherwise.
BG: Crafty thinking from Shark, but neither man is out of the woods yet.
Sebastian’s forced to relinquish the hold, and both competitors look like they’re in a sorry state! Shark’s left to gasp for air after his brush with defeat! Sebastian is gingerly holding onto his liver right now, fighting to stay alive in this match! He grabs at his head, feeling the sensation of blood trickling out as he groans, but gets back onto his feet!
Shark’s already there and meets him! He throws a swinging left hook!
Sebastian raises his leg to collide with the bicep before it gets close to him though! He pushes the attempted punch away as Shark grits his teeth! Sebastian continues with a kick to the gut, bringing Shark close, and- SPIKE DDT RIGHT ONTO THE MAT!
The fans pop big-time as Sebastian plants his hands right next to his head!
AND
KIPS
UP!
JC: Oh, we’ve seen this before, Brody…
THE CROWD LIGHTS ITSELF INTO A FRENZY AS THEY STARE AT SEBASTIAN, HIS HANDS STILL ABOVE HIS HEAD BEFORE BRINGING HIS ARMS OUTSTRETCHED TO THE SIDES!
He closes his eyes!
Takes a deep breath!
Raises his face to the heavens!
BG: We sure have, but I’m not sure how wise it’d be to taunt like this!
JC: He’s the Star of Stage and Screen! Sebastian is right in his element right now!
BG: Are you on a challenge to try and rattle off as many nicknames as you can, here?
Sebastian turns his way towards James Shark! Shark’s trying to bring himself to his feet, still on all fours as Sebastian bows deeply, pointing his hand right towards Shark and raising it as he’s slowly coming to a standing position! Like a puppetmaster playing with strings, Sebastian wills Shark to his feet as he comes up behind him!
And he wastes no time in hoisting him up and slamming him down on his neck with a back suplex!
But now Sebastian locks in waist control as he brings Shark back to his feet! He goes to lift once more! GERMAN! SUUUUUUUUUUUUPLE-
Another attempted back elbow from Shark to stop Sebastian in the air though! But this time it gets caught! Shark tries to use his other arm to elbow, but that gets caught too! Sebastian hooks both arms tightly as he adjusts his plans, now lifting Shark up and slamming him down with a Dragon SUUUUUUUUUUPLEX!
JC: Sebastian showing his own intellect and adaptability! He’s not letting any counter stop him there!
Shark gets dropped on his head once again! Sebastian lifts him up again, bringing one of Shark’s arms down so that he can hook both it and one of his legs as Sebastian grins!
Shark doesn’t let Sebastian lift for the Stamford Bridge though! Instead, he rolls forward with every ounce of strength he has left, sending Sebastian forward instead where he goes through the turnbuckles and smashes his shoulder into the metal ring post!
BG: That counter sure stopped him, though!
Sebastian takes a while to bring himself out, the dizziness returning as he sees Shark is still on the ground after the suplex barrage! Sebastian staggers forward, stepping over Shark’s body to try and pick him up!
BUT SHARK RAISES HIS LEGS AND LOCKS THEM AROUND SEBASTIAN’S BODY TO LOCK HIM IN BUTTERFLY GUARD!
JC: We saw this on Anarchy! James Shark used that to great effect to bust Justin York wide open!
BG: Sebastian’s caught! How’s he gonna be able to handle this?!
SEBASTIAN’S EYES WIDEN IN REALIZATION! HE TRIES TO REACH THROUGH THE GUARD TOWARDS SHARK’S FACE, BUT HE KEEPS SEBASTIAN PINNED DOWN! ELBOW TO THE TEMPLE PRACTICALLY SLICES THROUGH SEBASTIAN!
SHARK SPRINGS UP, SWEEPING SEBASTIAN WITH EASE THANKS TO HIS POSITION! HE’S IN FULL MOUNT NOW, AND HE’S NOT GOING TO LET UP!
SEBASTIAN WEAKLY STAGGERS OVER TO THE SIDE AND BRINGS HIS FOOT UNDERNEATH THE RING! THE REFEREE CALLS FOR A BREAK, BUT SHARK IS STILL THROWING ELBOWS!
ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW! THE REFEREE REACHES THE COUNT OF FOUR AND FORCES SHARK TO COME OFF OF SEBASTIAN!
And as he raises…
JC: Oh my God.
BG: Folks, that’s… uh… holy crap, that’s a lot of blood…
The fans are shocked silent, bearing witness to the sight before them. Sebastian stares blankly into the camera, trails of blood scattering across his face like a spider-web. Looming over him in the background is James Shark, who has Sebastian’s blood smeared all over his arms, his torso, his legs…
BG: Stepping into Butterfly Guard like that… SEB just got bit by the Shark.
The referee demands to have some space in place so that he can properly check on Sebastian and make sure he can still fight this match. Shark rolls his eyes as the ref does so, and he forcefully opens Sebastian’s eyes as his glassy eyes are slow to see the man looming over him. As the referee asks Sebastian questions, he nods along, trying to recover. Out of sheer instinct, he rolls, bringing himself to the apron as he grabs onto the ropes.
With a few minutes passing by, James Shark has had enough! He moves forward, shoving the referee out of the way and tries to pick Sebastian up! He tugs him up by the hair as the fans loudly boo, the two on opposite sides of the ropes!
As Sebastian is forced to his feet… HE GRABS SHARK BY THE NECK AND FALLS DOWN, HITTING A ROPE-ASSISTED FACEBUSTER! SHARK STAGGERS BACK, TURNING AROUND AND TRYING TO COLLECT HIMSELF AS SEBASTIAN RECOVERS HIMSELF ONE LAST TIME!
JC: If anyone can pull off a miracle here, it has to be the Best in the Business! Look at these fans! They’re trying to will him on!
BG: Shark looks like he’s trying to keep his breathing steady! He’s practically at the finish line!
Sebastian wipes the blood out of his eyes, shaking his head slightly to fight off the waves of dizziness right now! He sees Shark beginning to straighten, and he sees that he doesn’t have that much time left if he wants to keep up the offensive! He grabs onto the middle rope, moves back and forth…
AND LEAPS IN BETWEEN TO SHOOT THROUGH AND GRAB ONTO SHARK! HE SLIPS HIS ARM BENEATH HIS NECK TO LOCK IN A SLEEPER HOOOOOOOOOLD!
JC: NIGHTFALL! NIGHTFALL! SEB’S GOT IT LOCKED IN!
BG: We’re seeing a rare method of applying this hold out of SEB’s 697 versions!
THE FANS ARE SHOUTING FOR SHARK TO TAP! SEBASTIAN’S TRYING TO FINISH THE JOB! SHARK WON’T LET HIM AS HE REACHES TOWARDS THE ROPES! SEBASTIAN TRIES EVERYTHING TO KEEP HIM STEADY! HE REACHES A LEG FORWARD TO GRAPEVINE IT, BUT HE’S TOO DIZZY TO DO SO!
ELBOW TO THE LIVER! SEBASTIAN DOUBLES OVER, BEFORE STRAIGHTENING AGAIN TO KEEP HIS GRIP APPLIED!
JC: Is this going to be it?! Shark’s running out of options!
BG: The saying is to tap, nap or snap, and at this rate we might be about to see James Shark go night-night!
DESPERATION SETTLES IN! SHARK WILLS HIS FEET FORWARD, MARCHING TO THE TURNBUCKLE! HE RAISES A FOOT ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND PUSHES BACK! THE FORCE IN DOING SO SENDS HIM AND SEBASTIAN TOPPLING DOWN, AND SHARK ROLLS OVER TO FORCEFULLY PIN SEBASTIAN!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
KICKOOOOOOOOOOUT!
BG: That gave me a heart attack with how close that was, Jack!
JC: Sebastian’s now the one running out of options! The Empire Kick, Nightfall, both countered! What can he do now?!
As Sebastian brings himself to his feet, he sees Shark got to it first! With the last burst of energy he has behind him, James Shark leaps through the air!
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!
PAID!
IN!
BLOOD!
JAMES SHARK FALLS ON TOP OF SEBASTIAN FOR THE PIN AS THE REFEREE COUNTS!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
THE FANS GO COMPLETELY SILENT!
JC: JAMES SHARK JUST PULLED OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE!
BG: WHAT THE HELL?!
WINNER: JAMES SHARK
James Shark gets brought back onto his feet by the referee, his entire body caked and smeared in Sebastian’s blood! He raises his arms, looking out amidst a crowd of stunned, silent fans!
JC: …I… Wow. Folks, all the credit in the world to James Shark. Before this match, he said this - this right here was the match that brought him back into the wrestling world. He came, he saw…
BG: He conquered.
JC: Sebastian was giving as good as he got for most of that, though.
BG: When that Sleeper got locked in, I think everyone in the building thought that might have been it…
JC: Not to be, but that’s gotta raise the question… is this going to be the last of James Shark we see in the XWF with how his court case is progressing? And if we’re going to see more of him… what will happen with him next?
With a cocky smile on his face, James Shark lets the feeling of satisfaction guide him as he gives one last nod to Sebastian’s unconscious body, lying in a pool of blood before rolling out of the ring and walking to the back as Warfare rolls on.
The lights fade out suddenly. As her theme begins. the lights flicker on slowly and steadily, until they maintain a muted version of themselves, which Sarah stands in the middle of the entrance way. The lights follow Sarah as she slowly makes her way to the ring. On either side of her are no hands outreached, no fans trying to gain her attention. Just angry faces and concerned looks. Sarah steps into the ringside area, and moves to the ring area, rolling in, and rolling to her feet. She positions herself in the corner of her choosing, and waits.
JC: Alright ladies and gentlemen, we’re glad to have you along with us tonight as we continue forward in the Ides of March Tournament! The former Xtreme Champion “Dollface” Sarah Wolf has just made her way into the ring. She looks poised and ready, Brody.
BG: She looks alright for someone who spent a lot of her free time rescuing several hundred animals from a burning pet store, Jackie.
JC: She did? Several hundred?
BG: Don’t quote me on the exact count. But she don’t look like she GOT any sleep. HAS she even trained at all this week?
JC: I seriously don’t know what you’re talking about. Sarah appears laser focused on the task at hand. She looks the same as she did right before she took down Adam Garcia with the Hybrid Moment. She’s focusing on this tournament one round at a time.
BG: That’s great. Because after THEE Lawrence Tact gets out here, Dollface is only going to see one round!
JC: Way to be impartial, Brody.
BG: I speak in facts, Jackie. Tact Facts!
"In the Face of Evil" by Magic Sword reverberates over the PA. Row after row, aisle to aisle, fans rise from their seats throughout the arena and cheer, knowing one of their workhorses is about to appear!
As the second, third, and fourth chords of the theme reverberate, three spotlights shine down, one over another: A green circle, a gold triangle over it, and a crimson line intersecting the other two. On the Tron, his monikers cycle through one after another:
TACTILIZING ONE
GAME CHANGER
LIMIT BREAKER
From there, the beat triggers the house lights to illuminate the figure of Larry Tact standing on stage. He's looking down as he hones in for the battle ahead.
After a few seconds, Tact whips his head up and trudges to one side of the stage, firing up the fans by pointing towards different sections. He goes to the other side of the stage and beats his chest with a hand before opening his arms to the reaction of the crowd. "THIS IS YOUR SPOTLIGHT!" Larry bellows as the audience hoots and hollers back. He returns to center stage and points to either side of the crowd. The lights cut out except for green, gold, and crimson spotlights highlighting the audience in attendance. Larry makes his way down to the ring, pounding fists with some fans at ringside before hanging onto the middle rope and pulling himself up onto the apron.
Facing the stands, he opens his arms up and puffs his chest out to receive the feverish energy of his supporters. Wiping his boots on the apron, Tact proceeds into the ring. He climbs a turnbuckle and again holds his arms out. “BEST GAME WINS!!!” he exclaims to another pop before descending and making his final preparations for the match.
BG: SIMPLY TACTALIZING! The GAME CHANGER HIMSELF Larry Tact is in the house! And he’s got a little bit of extra swag in that swagger, Jackie! After his impressive debut at Snow Holds Barred, Tact was without a doubt SCREWED in his follow-up outing at Warfare! Now that the Ides of March tournament is here, though, you know he’s going on a quest to right that wrong with royal implications, starting tonight!
JC: I wouldn’t go so far as to say that he was screwed, Brody. I would say that he nearly dominated the match from start to finish. He just ended up on the wrong end of a three count. A momentary lapse of concentration perhaps.
BG: Well Sarah Wolf better watch out. Tact is a savvy ring veteran and you can bet all of Thaddeus’ xbux that he won’t make that same mistake twice!
JC: Perhaps not. But Dollface ain’t no slouch, either! I predict a slugfest out of these two!
BG: That would be what we’re here for!
JC: Could we be witnessing the first steps of a future King or Queen of the XWF right here, right now?
Ides of March Tournament - First Round
Larry Tact
- vs -
Sarah Wolf
The match begins with the two competitors circling the ring. Wolf, who is giving up a half foot and fifty pounds in the height and weight categories, seems to want to push the pace. But Tact charges straight at her, beating her to the punch.
Larry steamrolls her back into a near corner and throws a forearm that connects with Sarah’s jaw. He throws a second, but Wolf ducks. They switch positions. With Tact now in the corner, Wolf rears off with a massive knife edge chop to Larry’s chest. Tact powers through the sting, and fires off with a straight right hand to Wolf’s forehead.
Wolf stumbles back. Tact comes in with a high knee strike. Swinging neckbreaker takes down Wolf. Tact follows up with an elbow drop but Wolf rolls out of the way. Lawrence is quick back to his feet, but he is met with a thumb to the eye.
Tact stumbles back to the ropes. But before Wolf can follow up, Tact points a finger at her.
JC: Looks like Tact was expecting the underhanded tactics here, Brody!
BG: What do you expect? Dollface is the heeliest heel that ever heeled, or so they say.
JC: Is that what they say?
BG: Why would I say it if it weren’t?
JC: Who’s they?
BG: Make like Frozen and let it go, Jacko.
Wolf doesn’t seem deterred however, as she closes the gap. She comes forward with a straight mafia kick that swipes across Tact’s face. Irish whip, Larry reverses, and when Sarah comes bounding back towards him, he catches her in an Abdominal Stretch!
JC: Savvy ring vet move by Larry Tact right there! We haven’t seen an Abdominal Stretch applied to a running opponent since 1999!
BG: Even then, I’m sure we were watching it on tape.
JC: Using her own momentum against her, he floated her right into the submission.
Wolf stretches her arm out for the nearby rope. But instead of allowing the break, Tact simply hoists her up, and drops her with a sidewalk slam.
Tact looking for the Ashi Gatame armbar, but Wolf senses danger and sweeps her leg into the back of Tact’s knee. This buckles him a bit, so she kicks again, and again. Until Tact simply drops down on her with the point of his elbow into her chest.
JC: For a second, it looked as though Dollface was starting to chop the big man down. But Larry went with it, and threw himself down!
Larry hooks the legs for the cover…
1!
Kickout by Sarah Wolf before the count of two.
Wolf pushes herself up off of the canvas, and staggers into a nearby corner. Tact charges full speed with a clothesline, but Sarah ducks, and Tact eats a chest full of turnbuckle!
Tact stumbles out backward, and Sarah drills him with a spinning heel kick right on the button!
JC: Huge spinning heel kick there by Sarah!
BG: You know, even though I’m a TactFanatic and that’s a #TactFact, I can still appreciate how Dollface gets it done in the ring, Jackie!
JC: Must be difficult to balance, you know, sitting on that fence all match, Brody!
BG: First you wanted me to be impartial. And now you’re calling me a fence-sitter? Nothing’s good enough for you!
Sarah yanks Tact up by his dome and kicks him in the gut before shoving his head between her legs!
She grabs around his waist, looking to hoist him up-
But Tact counters with a back body drop over the ropes and to the floor below!
JC: Desperation counter!
Wolf hits not only the ring apron, but the floor itself with a succession of thuds that would knock any lesser competitor out cold.
JC: Oh man, it looks like Sarah Wolf could be hurt right now.
BG: That’s not good. This is the Ides of March tournament, it’s win or go home!
Larry shakes off the cobwebs before stepping through the ropes, smelling blood in the water.
The referee is warning Larry to bring the action back into the ring. But this doesn’t stop Tact from picking Wolf up and irish whipping her hard into the ring steps!
She bounces off of the steps with a thud!
Tact swaggers over to Wolf and yanks her back to her feet.
He grabs her by the wrist again, and this time sends her flying into the barricade, right next to the announce team!
BG: Lookout Jackie!
JC: My god, did you hear the impact?!
BG: I felt it.
JC: Not as badly as Sarah Wolf did!
Tact grabs Dollface by the hair and shoves her back into the ring apron with her head draped over the side. He comes down with a hard elbow across her throat!
She rolls back inside the ring, and Larry follows. He climbs right up to the top rope, and comes crashing down on Sarah with the Dive to Blue elbow drop!
JC: Huge impact there! This one might be all over!
BG: It was never a doubt, Jackie. Tact had this one won the moment they announced the card!
JC: Ugh.
Tact rolls Sarah over onto her back and applies a lateral press with a grip on her arm.
1!
2!
Kickout by Sarah Wolf at two and a half!
But the moment that Wolf kicks out, Tact uses his grip on her arm to transition over into the armbar submission he was looking for earlier! Dollface screams out in pain, but luckily for her, is close enough to get a toe on the ropes.
JC: Another kickout by Sarah Wolf, but this time Tact was ready for it, once more attempting that Ashi Gatame!
BG: Wolf got lucky there with her proximity to the ropes.
JC: I’m afraid Tact is being quite tactful in how he’s choosing to wear down his opponent here tonight.
BG: This man has seen it all. He knows when to push, and when not to!
Tact goes to pull Dollface back up by her hair, but she catches him with a deep eye rake! Tact stumbles backwards, and this time, Wolf charges and lands a dropkick to the back of Tact’s knee so hard that it causes him to backflip!
JC: Oh no, Brody! Wolf not only clawed her way back into this match, but she just flipped it on its head, literally!
BG: If it was against anyone but Sir Lawrence Tactamundo, I’d be thrilled! But this man belongs in a museum, and Dollface wants to put him in the morgue!
Tact rolls around on the canvas, clutching his leg.
When Sarah comes in and stomp, stomp, stomps at the bad knee, before locking in a calf-slicer!
Tact flails his arms about and grits his teeth as the referee asks if he wants to submit!
JC: Calf-slicer! Sarah Wolf is trying to wrench that knee into two, Brody!
BG: Tact needs to get to the ropes as quickly as he can!
The official asks again if Tact wishes to submit, but Tact digs his fingernails into the mat, and drags himself and Sarah towards the bottom rope. He’s got a long way to go, however.
The crowd is on their feet, as Tact raises his arm in the air. He looks as though he’s going to tap!
JC: Could this be it? Tact looks like he’s in severe pain right now!
BG: There’s no way he’s going to tap! Comeon Tactman, you can’t tap! You can’t go out like this!
Tact’s hand shakes as he holds it high in the air. He bites his lip and looks down at the mat.
At first his hand starts to go down, but he stops!
Wolf senses this and wrenches in the hold even tighter!
Tact’s hand goes down…
Onto the bottom rope!
Rope Break!
BG: Oh my goodness, that was a close call, Jackie.
JC: Tact is let free after a 4 and ¾ count from the referee, but the damage may already be done!
Sarah Wolf indeed held onto the submission for as long as she could before nearly getting herself disqualified.
Tact uses his grip on the bottom rope to pull himself out of the ring.
Wolf follows him out there, however, and while Tact is trying to walk off the twinge in his knee, Sarah charges from behind and shoves him sternum first into the barricade!
Larry, now turned to face Sarah, eats another knife edge chop from Dollface. Tact snaps back with a headbutt that connects. He limps back towards the ring, and slides back in, but Sarah catches him by the boot.
She pulls his knee to the corner of the ring apron and drops down with all of her body weight!
JC: Oh my god, Brody! I thought I heard a snap!
BG: Dollface may have just broken Tact’s leg!
Larry screams out in pain, but as Wolf pulls herself up to do it a second time, Larry’s good foot catches her square in the jaw, sending her flying back into the barricade! Tact uses the time to pull himself back up in the ring, and try to put some weight on his leg.
He’s clearly in a lot of pain as he walks on his tiptoe and the leg looks shaky at best.
Sarah recovers and slides back into the ring-
Right into a short arm clothesline from Tact that turns Wolf inside out!
Wolf spins completely around in the air and lands on her stomach before flopping over to her back in the center of the ring.
It may have taken everything out of Tact to perform that maneuver, though.
JC: Just when you think Larry Tact is out of it, he digs down deeper than anyone in the XWF!
BG: I’m so glad to have the living legend here in our ranks, Jackie. Tact is the epitome of class.
Tact once more has to use the ropes to pull himself back to his feet. He walks with a heavy limp, and because of this, waits for Wolf to pull herself back up to a vertical base.
But Tact is waiting behind her. The moment she is up, he takes a hold with a vicious full nelson! He tries to flail her about like a ragdoll, but with one leg, he can only get so much leverage!
Finally, he hoists her up into the air, and drops her down with a half-powered full nelson slam!
BG: It didn’t look like he got all of that one, but Tact at limited strength is most at full strength!
JC: Like, I get that Larry is impressive. But at 6’6” and 260, he’s pretty much average for our roster.
BG: The man is 44 years young, Jackie. Have some flippin’ respect!
Larry carefully drops down and shoots a half nelson for another cover!
1!
2!
No!
Wolf kicks out at two and three quarters.
BG: You see what I mean?
JC: I meant no disrespect, Brody.
The Tactalizing one struggles to push himself back up to a vertical base. But he is able to achieve it before Dollface can capitalize. Larry hooks Sarah up for the Humbling!
But Wolf counters with some side elbow strikes to Larry’s cheek!
Finally on the third one, she’s able to break his grip!
Larry stumbles backwards, trips from the bum knee, and lands in a seated position. Sarah Wolf charges and - Death Comes Ripping!
JC: Single leg Meteora! She damn near just took Larry’s head off!
BG: That’s cheating!
JC: Why?
BG: If Larry didn’t have a bum knee, he would have never been in position for that!
JC: And who put Larry in that position?
BG: …
Wolf floats over and hooks the bad leg for the cover-
1!
2!
No!
Larry Tact kicks out at two and a half!
JC: Tact fights through the pain to keep this match going!
BG: It’s do or die time tonight! And Larry Tact DOES. NOT. DIE.
JC: Do you think she went for the cover there simply to force Tact to kick out with the bad leg?
BG: Why don’t you hop in the ring and ask her?
JC: No thank you!
Sarah Wolf offers a glare at the referee, who reiterates that the count was only a two. She pushes herself back up, and takes Tact by the head, forcing him up as well. She tucks his head below and once more takes the waist. She hoists him up!
Tact flails his legs!
Sarah tries again…
Tact flails his legs again!
Tact tries to counter with a back body drop,
But his knee won’t allow it!
This time Sarah Wolf hoists him up with a grunt and drops him down on the top of his head with a massive pulling piledriver!
JC: There’s that go-to piledriver we’ve seen from Sarah Wolf in the past, Brody!
BG: She loves giving her competitors headaches.
JC: One could even say she loves being a headache for her competitors, amiright?
BG: Boo. Stick to your day job.
JC: This is my- you know what- nevermind.
Wolf is back up and she pushes Tact toward the bottom rope, kicking him with her feet until he flops out onto the ring floor below.
The referee is warning Sarah, but she pays them no mind as she slides out to follow Tact.
Sarah looks down at the floor, and then out into the crowd.
She then starts ripping the pads up from off of the floor, exposing the concrete!
JC: Oh my God, Brody! Sarah Wolf wants to end Larry Tact right here, right now!
Tact tries to pull himself up by using the ring apron as a handle. But Wolf stalks him.
She waits for him to get up and turn around before kicking him in the gut again.
She sets Tact up for another piledriver on the floor!
She hooks her arms around his waist, and yanks backward-
But Tact blocks it! He rolls out of her grip, and in a flash, drills her with The Humbling onto the concrete floor below!
BG: Uranage!
JC: Holy shit! I just witnessed Sarah Wolf bounce off of that concrete like a tennis ball, Brody!
Wolf appears to be out cold, possibly even dead weight at this point. Tact grits his teeth and grimaces at pulling his own self up off of the floor. He goes to lift Sarah, and it’s like lifting a box of rocks!
BG: This is Tact’s chance!
JC: But I don’t think he can capitalize like he wants to!
It takes Larry everything he has to hoist her back up onto the ring apron, and to shove her back under the rope and back into the ring.
He follows gingerly, only able to use one leg to push himself over for the cover-
BG: This is going to be it, Jackie!
Larry smirks as he reaches with an outstretched arm and drapes it over Sarah Wolf’s body!
The official counts!
1!
2!
THRNOOO!
…
WOLF ROLLS HER SHOULDER OFF OF THE MAT AT 2 AND 7/8ths!
JC: Holy shit! Sarah Wolf kicked out! My god what toughness! What resiliency!
BG: What a crock of crap! That’s a three!
The fans in attendance begin to go crazy for both competitors!
Larry looks up at the referee. He can’t believe that it's only a two count, and he slams his fist against the mat in frustration.
Once more he has to pull himself up, in agony. But at least he is still in control.
Other than kicking out, Sarah Wolf has yet to move.
Tact drapes himself over the top rope and looks out to the fans.
JC: Ever the showman, Larry Tact wants to know that he’s not putting his body on the line for nothing. He wants these fans to go home entertained!
BG: Well, Tactamania is running wild in this commentator here tonight, Jackie!
JC: …
Larry turns and limps towards Sarah, who is just now starting to stir.
He reaches down to pick her up.
But she shoves her fist into Larry’s mouth!
DEVILLOCK!
JC: Oh my god! Devillock is locked in!
BG: Not all the way!
Larry struggles against Sarah’s grip, and in doing so, helps pull her back to her feet!
He tries to pull away from the hold, as Sarah pushes forward trying to get a grip on the back of his head!
Larry catches her with a knee to the gut!
STAR POWER!!!
No!!!
He can’t keep a hold of her body weight and drops her back onto her feet!
She goes for the Devillock again-
But TACT WITH A SPINEBUSTER DRILLS SARAH IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
JC: HUGE!
BG: Tact is using Sarah’s own aggression against her! She keeps trying to close the gap, and this time, it cost her dearly!
Tact screams out into the arena as his adrenaline has him pushing through the pain.
He yanks Sarah Wolf back up from the mat, and hoists her up onto his shoulders in the torture rack position!
Tact bounces Sarah Wolf up and down on his shoulders with one leg! The referee asks Sarah if she wishes to submit, and Wolf screams out that she’d rather die!
Tact begins to spin and wrench in the hold, all with only the strength of his one good leg!
JC: Tact is punishing Dollface! He doesn’t want her to submit, he wants to break her in half!
BG: After she tried to break his knee? I don’t blame him!
JC: This match is getting ugly!
Tact screams out as he spins her around for another loop, but Wolf’s leg catches the referee in the side of the head!
Ref bump!
Ref is down!
Ref is down!
JC: Oh my God! I think the referee is out cold!
BG: That’s because all referees are pussies, Jacko!
Larry prepares to fling Sarah over for the Tactilizer!
But Sarah spits something onto her hand…
And rakes it directly into Tact’s eyes!
The Tactalizing one screams and has no choice but to drop Sarah as his hands immediately go for his eyes!
Sarah drops to the mat and Larry to one knee!
BG: OH MY GOODNESS JACKIE-
JC: Is that the Wolf’s Blood?
BG: No, that foaming acid that stinks to high heaven is dawn dish soap.
JC: It can’t be-
Tact is clearly blinded by the substance that continues to bubble and ooze around his hands. Sarah Wolf looks over at the referee, who is still down, and turns back to Tact…
AND KICKS HIM SQUARE IN THE JEWELS!
BOO!
JC: What a cheap shot! Low blow by Dollface!
BG: The cheateriest cheater who ever cheated, is what they should say!
JC: Who the hell is saying that?
With Tact’s hands now covering the family jewels, Sarah Wolf superkicks Tact under the chin, snapping his head back and sending him bouncing back off of the ropes. Tact stumbles forward and right into the HYBRID MOMENT!
JC: I think I’m going to be sick!
BG: Wolf just shoved all that nasty shit straight down the gullet of my man Tact!
Overcome by the stench, and the hold, unable to fight the Manible Claw, Larry drops down to one knee.
He raises his arm up in the air to draw strength from the crowd!
They cheer him on!
His arm is shaking! His fist is pumped!
He goes to push himself up off of the mat-
But his knee gives out again!
WOLF LOCKS THE HYBRID MOMENT IN TIGHTER!
LARRY GOES LIMP AND FALLS BACKWARD ONTO THE MAT!
WOLF KEEPS THE HOLD APPLIED AS THE REFEREE CRAWLS INTO A COVER-
JC: Tact’s shoulders are down on the mat!
BG: Not like this! No!!!
1!
2!
3!
WINNER: SARAH WOLF
Advances to Next Round
JC: She did it! Sarah Wolf picks up the victory and advances in the Ides of March Tournament!
BG: Nooo, not like this! It’s a travesty!
JC: The referee has no clue that Larry Tact got Wolfs Blooded in the eyes, and the mouth. I have no idea what that substance is made out of, but I can barely stand to sit here at ringside.
Wolf keeps the claw applied once more almost to the count of five before letting go and stumbling back to her feet.
Larry is clearly out cold and with foaming poison all over his face and mouth. But Larry never tapped, he fought to the bitter end.
BG: I wanna know where she hides it during the match.
JC: I don’t. Whether it be by hook or by crook, Wolf has sent a message out here tonight to her second round opponent. She’s going to do whatever it takes to advance.
BG: Any means necessary is an understatement. But let's give a shoutout to Larry Tact here. I really wish he could have had a better result, and this one doesn’t seem like his fault.
JC: Once Wolf got a hold of that knee and nearly broke it on the ring apron, Tact found himself fighting from behind ever since. And he nearly pulled it out anyway. Took every trick in Wolf’s book to secure the victory.
BG: Moral Victories aren’t any good in this business. I’m sure Tact is going to figure this out and come back swinging harder than before.
JC: All it takes are small adjustments!
BG: Hashtag FACT. OF. THE. TACT!
JC: Or I guess tonight it could be a Wolfism.
BG: THAT’S PLAGIARIST! DOLLFACE STOLE THE WIN, SHE AIN’T STEALING HIS CATCHPHRASE TOO!
“March, a time of madness, the season of Kings… But for some, the throne is colder than ever.”
A dark silhouette steps into the camera, a shining belt draped around his shoulder, his features cast into shadow. A crown glistens on his head.
”Being the king is a privilege. A responsibility. A burden… But mostly? It’s just a lot of sitting around, all alone, waiting to see who is going to come for you.
Dramatic pause
”That’s why I have... Monarch’s Majesty™ – the only royal beverage fit for a King who's got no company.”
The sound of a freshly cracked can courses through the stadium, somehow, the fizzle of carbonation too. The shadow gestures towards a velbet-draped table, where a ornate golden goblet is filled a with a rich, fizzy liquid labeled “Monarch’s Majesty™ - A Brew That Stands Above The Rest”
“Made with a blend of bitter dominance, undefeated essence, and just a hint of “acknowledge me”. Monarch’s Majesty™ is here to keep the kingdom running… Because ruling alone should at least taste good.”
The shadow takes a long sip of the goblet, flashes some white teeth.
”Bow down… Or brew up.”
“Monarch’s Majesty, now in every department store near you.”
JC: There you have it folks, our latest partner as we swing into march, Monarch’s Majesty! Right in time for the Ides of March tournament.
BG: Right as the XWF seems FLUSH with new kings! We’re about to see the reigning, defending -]
JC: Right on cue, our latest King to be crowned is making himself known!
"King Kunta" by Kendrick Lamar tears through the speakers, shaking the arena as the crowd erupts in a volatile mix of cheers and jeers. The lights dim, save for a procession of stark white spotlights that converge at the top of the ramp, illuminating the silhouette of Isaiah King.
He steps forward, draped in an air of detached confidence, the Universal Championship slung over one shoulder. His gaze sweeps over the sea of fans—some reaching out in admiration, others voicing their disdain—but he acknowledges none of them. His pace is deliberate, his stride unrelenting, exuding the presence of a ruler surveying a kingdom that still refuses to kneel.
Isaiah circles the ring with measured steps, his expression unreadable, his grip firm on the championship. He doesn't rush. He doesn’t grandstand. He simply exists above the noise. Finally, he arrives at the announcer’s table, taking his seat like a throne, ready to dissect the battlefield before him.
BG: Oh good of you to join us, didn’t think we were expecting company.
JC: Come now! This is the Universal Champion! What a privilege it is to have you join us, Isaiah. Say, why are you here?
IK: I’ve been champ a while now, but still I’ve heard of no news of a challenger. Everyones got their head stuck on this tournament, a tournament I’m not allowed to be a part of.
BG: How much more gold you want?
IK: I want it all, I’m the best in this business. This tournament had it’s place when this championship was stuck in limbo… But theres no need for two King’s…
JC: Say, there are two kings though… Kieran King very much appreciates his throne. We’re about to see it in action soon!
IK: Yeah, leave it to the false King to stick his head out just when he was about to lose his crown… That’s why I’m here. Kieran’s a threat, so is the current X Treme champion. I want to see who might step up, and face me-
The Champ is quickly interrupted by the sound of a distant synthesizer, followed up by horses neighing and galloping through the dirt. It fades out, leading into the riff of a guitar strumming a fiery tune. There's an inherent electricity building within the air of the arena, culminating as the drums kick in. As they do, the steadfast figure of Scoops McGee, X-Treme Champion comes out from the back, a look of no nonsense etched onto his face as he takes a long look at the crowd and the squared circle.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your main event of Warfaaaare! Introducing first, he is your X-TREMEEEEEE CHAAAAMPION! Battling out Sioux City, Iowa! SCOOOOOOOOPS MCGEEEEEEEEE”
Scoops nods, steadily walking to the ring and absentmindedly high-fiving any fans stretching out their hands who happen to be right in his way. He makes his way over to ringside, climbing up the steps methodically and stepping onto the ring apron. He saunters about halfway across the apron, taking one last long look at the crowd as they give their reception to the seasoned vet. Scoops stretches his arms out wide, accepting everything they've got to give before stepping into the ring.
Scoops skulks over to his corner, pacing there and doing some small stretches to keep himself warmed up, awaiting his opponent.
The first frenetic strums of Faith No More’s “Gentle Art of Making Enemies” rip through the arena as golden and white strobes streak across the stage like divine ordination. Seconds pass—longer than necessary, just as he likes it—before Kieran King finally emerges. Chin high, smirk locked in place, he surveys the arena like a sovereign addressing his empire.
Then, without warning, he explodes forward, sprinting down the ramp like a war-hardened general storming the battlefield. He slides under the bottom rope with effortless grace, his movements so smooth they seem predestined. In an instant, he’s on the top turnbuckle, crouched like a ruler ready to decree judgment.
”And his opponent, he is the reigning, the defending, LEGEND and King of the XWF!! Battling out Santa Monica, by the way of Gisborne, New Zeaaaalaaaaand! Kieran KIIIIIIIINNNNGGGGG!”
He throws his arms back, feigning a grand, acrobatic backflip—only to stop short, laughing as the crowd takes the bait. They thought they knew his next move. They never do.
And in the Little Caesars Arena, it was only fitting that the true King took center stage.
BG: This is no first-round match! This is the RE-CORONATION OF A KING! ALL HAIL THE KING, LONG LIVE KIERAN!
JC: Ahem-
IK: Smug little shit.
The arena is electric, eager to see the Ides of March tournament develop further and to see a legend like Kieran King go up against the willy genius of Scoops McGee. The bell rings for the first round match, and the Main Event of warfare!
JC: And here we go! The first round of the King of the XWF tournament continues, and what a contrast in styles we have here. The grizzled, battle-worn Scoops McGee against the fast-talking, faster-moving Kieran King!
BG: A true clash of eras, JC. Scoops is a throwback to when wrestling was about grit and raw toughness, while Kieran King represents the new breed—flashy, arrogant, and way too talented for his own good.
IK: King’s talent isn’t up for debate, but I question if he has the discipline to keep himself in check. This is a tournament, not a highlight reel.
Kieran paces around the ring, rolling his wrists, a smirk playing across his face. Scoops stands steady, rolling his shoulders, eyeing his opponent like a farmer sizing up a bull. Kieran opens with a quick burst of punches, Scoops tries to respond with a wild haymaker, only for Kieran to slip under him and bound off the rops.
JC: Shotgun dropkick by King! Scoops is rocked back into the corner!
BG: And there it is! That speed! That agility! Kieran King moves like he’s three steps ahead, but he better make sure he doesn’t get caught.
IK: He’s trying to overwhelm Scoops early. Not a bad strategy, but this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Kieran kips up and takes a bow, drawing a chorus of boos and cheers from the crowd. Scoops shakes out the cobwebs and storms forward, but Kieran ducks again, hitting a stiff buzzsaw kick to the side of the veteran’s head. Once again, he lifts his hand up to draw the energy of the crowd. King bounds off the ropes once more, this time looking for a glorious LIONSAULT!
JC: No! Scoops with his knees up!
BG: How’d that old sod’ get anything up!
Kieran rolls to his feet, clutching his ribs, and Scoops explodes forward with a short-arm left forearm—CATTLE PROD! Kieran drops hard to the mat. Scoops shakes his head, grabbing Kieran’s wrist and dragging him up before delivering a vicious snap suplex, before rolling up to his feet. Scoops wastes no time, yanking Kieran to his feet, setting up for a piledriver—but Kieran squirms free, landing on his feet. He delivers a stiff Pele kick, rocking Scoops!
JC: What a counter! Kieran up to the top rope now… what’s he thinking?
Kieran perches on the top rope, licking his lips, before launching himself into a Diving Double Axe Handle—but Scoops SWATS HIM OUT OF THE SKY WITH A WILD LARIAT.
IK: King thought Scoops was too slow. Arrogance.
Scoops hurries into a cover.
1!!
2!!!
JC: NO! Kieran waits for the very last second to kick out!!
BG: That’s our King for you, maximising every second of rest! Ain’t no lariat gonna count him out.
As Kieran sets the pace, his confidence surges. He charges forward, aiming to capitalize on the momentum. Scoops, however, is no rookie. He sees the rush coming and sidesteps, grabbing Kieran by the arm and whipping him into the ropes. Kieran rebounds at lightning speed, but Scoops is waiting. He scoops Kieran off the mat mid-flight, lifting him high into the air—only to slam him down with a thunderous body slam!
JC: BIG body slam from Scoops! Kieran felt that one!
BG: It’s going to take more than a flashy move to get past this old-timer. Scoops may be slow, but he's got that strength and experience in spades.
IK: This is where the advantage shifts. Kieran may be quick, but he's not accustomed to fighting guys like Scoops, who can absorb punishment and keep moving forward.
Kieran rolls to his side, clutching his back, but before he can get a moment of rest, Scoops grabs him by the hair and drags him to his feet. He’s relentless, driving Kieran’s head into the top turnbuckle with a resounding smash! Kieran stumbles back, groggy, but Scoops doesn't give him a chance to recover. Scoops delivers a stiff knee to the midsection, knocking the wind out of Kieran. The crowd roars as Scoops follows up with a crushing forearm to the back of Kieran’s neck!
JC: Scoops is punishing King now, showing exactly why he’s earned the title of veteran.
BG: And this is exactly the moment Kieran can’t afford. Scoops might be getting up there in years, but he’s a wrecking ball in that ring.
IK: Kieran is going to have to dig deep. He can’t let Scoops keep control like this. This match will be over before it starts if he doesn’t answer back.
Kieran, sensing the danger, begins to fight back, throwing sharp elbows into Scoops’ ribs. Scoops grunts with each hit, but he doesn’t loosen his grip. With a burst of energy, Kieran swings around and delivers a spinning back elbow to Scoops’ temple! Scoops stumbles, but the old brawler steadies himself, only to have Kieran rebound off the ropes again and launch into a flying forearm smash!
JC: That forearm connects solidly! Scoops is rocked!
BG: Kieran’s starting to find his rhythm now. He’s looking for openings, waiting for Scoops to leave himself open.
IK: It’s a smart tactic, JC. A brawler like Scoops can’t keep taking punishment. He’ll start to slow down the longer this goes on.
Kieran moves quickly now, throwing a series of jabs and low kicks to Scoops’ legs, looking to chop him down. He hits the ropes once more, planning to strike with a high-flying maneuver, but Scoops ducks under the leap and counters with a brutal backbreaker!
JC: Backbreaker! Kieran just got snapped in half!
BG: That’s the power of Scoops coming into play. The man knows how to bring the pain when it’s needed.
IK: Scoops is methodical, wearing down the younger King. Kieran might want to rethink his strategy here.
Scoops doesn’t let up. He hooks Kieran’s leg and lifts him off the canvas for a massive scoop slam, but Kieran struggles, fighting back with knees to Scoops’ skull! The veteran stumbles, and in an instant, Kieran takes advantage. He kicks Scoops in the gut, doubling him over, and in one fluid motion, flips him over with a snap suplex. The ring shakes with the force of the move!
JC: A perfect suplex from Kieran! He’s trying to shift the momentum back in his favor!
BG: Kieran’s not a one-trick pony, he’s got a full arsenal of high-impact moves at his disposal. But Scoops—he’s seen it all. Kieran’s gonna have to keep him off-balance.
IK: One suplex won’t win him this match. He needs to find a way to keep the pressure on. Scoops isn’t someone you can let breathe.
Kieran doesn’t waste a second. He rolls to his feet, sizing up Scoops, who’s still down but not out. Kieran grabs the ropes and springs up to the top turnbuckle, ready to fly again. He takes a deep breath before launching himself into the air for a diving elbow drop, but at the last second, Scoops rolls out of the way!
JC: Oh no! Kieran missed! He came crashing down to the mat!
BG: The risks are high when you’re flying like that, JC. Scoops might just take his chance to put the nail in the coffin here.
IK: That’s where Kieran’s lack of caution comes back to bite him. He might’ve taken his eye off the ball there.
Scoops is quick to his feet, sensing his opportunity. He grabs Kieran by the legs and starts to spin him around, looking for the Merry-Go-Round. Kieran tries to kick free, but Scoops uses his weight and strength to keep him locked in. The veteran spins with ferocity, his eyes locked on his target. But just as Scoops starts to build momentum, Kieran plants his feet and kicks hard, sending Scoops stumbling backwards into the ropes.
JC: Kieran’s not done yet! He stopped the spin and has found some space between them!
BG: The King’s not going down without a fight! Scoops might’ve been able to lock in that hold, but Kieran’s no slouch. He’s got that agility for a reason.
IK: It’s not enough. Kieran needs to finish this fight before Scoops finds his second wind.
Kieran charges forward, looking for a Slingblade to finally put Scoops down, but Scoops catches him mid-move! In a show of sheer strength, Scoops lifts Kieran into the air and plants him with a Samoan drop that shakes the ring! The crowd erupts as Kieran’s body bounces off the canvas with a sickening thud.
JC: That’s the power of Scoops McGee! Kieran’s in serious trouble now!
BG: Scoops is not slowing down one bit. The more Kieran tries to get flashy, the more Scoops answers with sheer toughness and power.
IK: This is the old-school mentality. Scoops doesn’t need finesse—he needs a fight, and that’s exactly what he’s getting.
Scoops, sensing the end is near, drags Kieran to his feet one more time. He hoists him up on his shoulders, ready for the Dynamite Bomb. But Kieran, ever the counter-artist, begins to wiggle, and in one sharp movement, elbows Scoops in the jaw! Scoops falters for just a moment, and in that instant, Kieran slips behind him, hits the ropes, and goes for a springboard stunner!
JC: Springboard stunner! Kieran’s not out yet!
BG: Kieran’s just digging deep, JC. He’s not giving Scoops a chance to breathe, not for a second.
IK: Kieran’s desperation is showing, but it might just be enough. He’s testing Scoops’ limits.
JC: He’s looking to end it right now!
Kieran stands tall, soaking in the reaction of the crowd, a grin spread across his face. His muscles tense, ready to leap off the top rope - 450 SPLASH! NO! Scoops rolls under the the nearest set of ropes, tumbles to the outside just as Kieran slams with his full force into the cold, unforgiving mat. The crowd explodes into a “OOOOOOOOOOHHHHH”.
IK: Again, Kieran let the crowd distract him, only for him to entertain them with his pain… These people will cheer for anything, faithless.
JC: Oh… Okay Champ. Kieran does look like that hurt!
Scoops stomps up the steel steps, stepping back into the ring. Kieran, still kneeling, takes a wild swing, but Scoops sidesteps and buries a knee into Kieran’s ribs. He grabs Kieran by the wrist, yanking him up and launching him into the ropes—BIG BACK BODY DROP! Kieran flips through the air before slamming into the canvas.
JC: Scoops just sent Kieran flying!
Kieran winces, his back arching in pain as Scoops shakes his head. The veteran isn’t playing games anymore. He grabs Kieran’s legs—looking for the Merry-Go-Round once again! Kieran slip the grip, shoves the back of Scoops, sending him stumbling into the referee. Scoops, halts to a stop, pressing the referee into the corner and apologising profusely to him. The referee clutches at his nose that seems to have taken a big bump, a trickle of blood dripping down his chin.
He tries to shape the cobwebs out of his head, as Scoops tries to apologise. Kieran grins, darting forward, hooking an arm around Scoops’ waist band and rolls him up into a tight small package. He drives a knee into the big man’s jewels as he does, releasing a welp from the X-Treme Champion!
Still clutching his nose, the ref drops for the count!
ONE!!!!
TWO!!!
SCOOOOOOOP KICKS OUT!!!
Kieran scrambles to his feet first, launching himself into the ropes, rebounding with a Slingblade! Scoops stumbles, but stays standing! Kieran grits his teeth and fires off a REPEATED SERIES OF KICKS TO SCOOPS’ CHEST! One after the other, each one harder than the last! Scoops refuses to go down!
BG: What’s this hillbilly got in him!
IK: Determination, I’d like a round or two with him…
Kieran snarls, winds up for a final kick—but Scoops CATCHES HIS LEG! He pulls Kieran in close and hoists him up—BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! Kieran crashes into the mat with a sickening thud!
Scoops, breathing heavily, pushes himself up and signals for the Dynamite Bomb. He hauls Kieran onto his shoulders, adjusting his grip—BUT KIERAN WRIGGLES FREE AGAIN! He drops behind Scoops, stumbles, but in one fluid motion delivers CROWN JEWELS! SHATTERED DREAMS! Scoops crumples to the mat, gasping!
Kieran drags himself up by the ropes, shaking out his leg before ascending the turnbuckle once more. He steadies himself, eyeing Scoops… The crowd is hungry for pain - whoevers!
JC: If the King - sorry Isaiah - if Kieran lands this it’ll all be over! We’ll have a new champ!
BG: And Kieran a step closer to securing his throne for another year! I’m sure the King has better things to be doing than mopping the floor with some retiree!
IK: High risk, high reward…. Truly the X-Treme Championship way.
Kieran King LAUNCHES INTO ANOTHER 450 SPLASH—KING MAKER!
This time, he lands it clean! The cover!
Blood spewing freely from the ref’s nose now!
ONE!!!!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!!
WINNER: KIERAN KING
New XWF Xtreme Champion
Advances to Next Round
Isaiah King raises from his seat, applauding the match up, the smirk on his face riddled with admiration and a hint of disgust. Pointing to KIeran, he makes the gesture of a crown before pointing to himself. The message is clear, Isaiah thinks he’s the only king here.
JC: We have a new Xtreme Champion!
BG: My King, your King, Isaiah King’s King…
JC: You’re only saying that because the Universal Champion took off his headset!
BG: Shut up, Jacuinde!
In the ring, Kieran King is handed the Xtreme title. King takes it and stares at himself in its reflection for just a moment.
JC: Programming reminder that we are NOT done with the first round of the Ides of March tournament just yet!
BG: That’s right!
JC: Liz Weinberg returns to the XWF and the great Pip Collins returns to the broadcast desk to provide his unique brand of color commentary as…
BG: Savage returns to the XWF television lineup!
Back in the ring, the ring attendant gently, cautiously presents the King of the XWF crown to the reigning, defending King of the XWF, Kieran King. Flinging the Xtreme title over his shoulder, Kieran grabs his precious and gently fits it back onto his head.
JC: King Kieran! At peace again with his crown securely on his… OH MY GOD!
BG: OH SHIT!
Kieran King turns around and as soon as he does, Scoops McGee clobbers him in the face with the Xtreme title to a gigantic pop from the Detroit chapter of the XWF Universe!
JC: COVER BY SCOOPS!
BG: SOMEBODY SAVE HIS CROWN! IT WENT FLYING!
JC: ONE!
BG: STOP THIS MADNESS!
JC: TWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
BG: NO! NOT LIKE THIS!
JC: THREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
The bell rings again!
WINNER: SCOOPS McGEE
New XWF Xtreme Champion
BG: This is a travesty!
JC: 24/7 Rules strike again!
BG: This! This is the highest of treasons!
JC: You ain’t gotta like it, Brody!
BG: Scoops McGee is Otto freakin’ Hightower!
JC: But you do have to accept it!
Scoops stumbles to his feet having successfully recaptured the XWF Xtreme Championship as Detroit comes unglued!
JC: Join us again tomorrow night! Same bat time! Same bat channel… Same bat venue for SAVAGE!
Special Thanks:
Prince Adeyemi
Johnny Bacchus
S.E.B.
Charlie Nickles
Bashmaster
Liam Desmond
ELO
Aurora
Special Shout Out #1:
This fed, from top to bottom is filled with brilliance. There were some VERY tough decisions to make on this show as there are on every show. This community, whether it's writing RP's or matches, you continue to outdo what you did last. As your de facto fedhead, I'm grateful for this kickass match writing staff and I'm thankful that we have a kickass roster to do right by. Thank you all so much.
Special Shout Out #2:
Our boy Peter Principle became a daddy for the first time a few days ago. Mom, Dad and Strong Baby Principle are all happy and healthy. Join me in congratulating him and his family at the start of their new journey.
We love you bb. Thank you for all the incredible work you do for our community.
Work.
Horse.
83-31-1
1x XWF Universal Champion || 3x XWF Xtreme Champion || 1x XWF Supercontinental Champion (First)
1x XWF Hart Champion (Last) || 2x XWF Television Champion || 1x XWF Tag Team Champion
1x OCW Savage Champion || 1x IIW Tag Team Champion || 1x AAW United States Champion
2x SOTM (9/20, 7/21) || 2021 Male Wrestler of the Year || XWF Hall of Legends
![[-]](https://xwf99.com/images/portal2/collapse.gif)
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