LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER 1
ADAM GARCIA
- vs -
VIC VERNACULAR
- vs -
PRINCE ADEYEMI
- vs -
SAHARA Winner advances to the Leap of Faith Match
Fatal Four Way
1 RP/4K
LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER 2
PETER VAUGHN
- vs -
HENRY HITTEMS
- vs -
BOB GREINER
- vs -
BULK LOGAN Winner advances to the Leap of Faith Match
Fatal Four Way
1RP/4K
MADISON DYSON AND CAMERON PARKER
- vs -
"The American Storm"
LATOYA HIXX AND RAZOR BLADE Standard Tag Team Match
1 RP/1K
JC: Here we go! Live in the Vatican City! One night in which the pecking order of the XWF may be forever changed!
BG: Absolutely, JC! Leap of Faith is a night that stamps one star’s ticket to the top… A 24/7 briefcase to cash-in at any time! A number of stars have already guaranteed that if they win the match tonight? They’ll be leaving with the Universal championship!
JC: But, we don’t even have all the names in the main event yet, Brody! We have two more qualifiers, the winners of which will be competing in the Leap of Faith match later tonight!
BG: And the first qualifier? Is happening RIGHT NOW.
The stadium lights slowly dim until the arena is in deep darkness.
Rage Against The Machine's "How I Could Just Kill a Man" starts to play and some of the crowd boo. Some however... Few, in fact, support the entrance of the Spanish wrestler.
JC: Adam Garcia, making his XWF debut tonight, vying for a spot in the Leap of Faith match!
BG: And, if it were anybody else, you might think he’d be out of place! But Adam Garcia has travelled the world, won titles internationally… At age 18, he scored his first heavyweight championship. He truly has an elite resume!
The lights turn a golden yellow and crimson red as Adam Garcia slowly makes his way to the ring steps, after hitting them he quickly climbs them, jumping over the third rope and placing himself in the center of the ring, where he holds his hand in a "rock" position imitating the horns of a bull to his heart, then to his lips and finally to the sky.
JC: But the XWF is a whole different animal, Brody! Garcia has impressed everywhere else, but this is truly where the elite compete!
BG: Can Garcia make another record-setting race to the top of a company? We’ll find out tonight!
As he waits for the bout to start, he throws his coat to the outside of the ring and hands his glasses to the referee.
"Bussit" by Joey Valence and Brae hits the sound system, blaring over the crowd's reaction with its abrasive beat. Vic Vernacular runs out onto the entrance space immediately throwing out taunts towards the audience.
Rochelle Adams: Coming to the ring weighing in at one hundred and ninety-six pounds, hailing from Rockford, Illinois; he is the "Mic Crushing Phenom", "The Backpacker Backbreaker", "The Nintendo-Playing, Pabst Blue-Drinking Lyrical Messiah"... VIC VERNACULAR!
Coming down the ramp, Vic dances like a fool as he jams out to his own theme.
JC: Another debuting superstar, Vic Vernacular! He might be the greenest competitor in the ring, but what he’s lacking in experience, he makes up for in moxie!
BG: Moxie can’t win *real* fights, JC. Vic may have won some dust-up at some hooligan rap concert. But, he’s in the ring with professionals now. He should be terrified!
JC: Well, if his ability to cut a rug is any indicator? He is not! He looks itching to get in there and make a statement!
Vernacular quickly rolls into the ring and leaps to his feet, still grooving as he sets himself into his corner.
JC: One thing to remember is Vic’s partner, Henry Hittems, is competing in the other qualifier later tonight! If Vic AND Henry can both secure a spot, that will give them *both* a significant advantage vying for a 24/7 briefcase!
The ear-shattering guitar rift of "Black out the Sun" blares through the speakers as the crowd erupts onto their feet. Half scream in adoration while the other choruses into boos. Spotlights center onto the top of the stage as fire erupts from either side of the curtain. As the flames settle, Prince Adeyemi walks out, eyes shifting from the floor to the ring.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, weighing in 202 pounds, at a height of 6 foot 3 inches...
Hailing from the great borough of Harlem, New York City!
He is your Kingslayer, Prince Adeyemi!"
"Heavy is the head that wears the crown
I wanna watch your fortress crumble down
And when the witching hour sounds
I will be the one to count you down
Now that my backs against the wall
I have to fight to stop the fall
Don't need your approval, I will rise above"
He drops into a squat, leaning to the left and the right, stretching his legs out.
"I will not be denied, your kingdom come!"
JC: Ya gotta figure Prince Adeyemi? The former Universal champion? HAS to be the favorite tonight.
BG: It’s *never* wise to bet against Adeyemi! He’s the ultimate hunter, having beaten both Corey Smith AND Thunder Knuckles en route to his reign!
JC: And tonight? He’s hunting for a 24/7 briefcase!
The Prince leaps into the air as the crowd echoes "Your kingdom come!". He walks down to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and rushing to the opposite side. Leaping onto the first and second rope, he throws a fist into the air as his fans cheer for him. Dropping off the ropes, he leans against them and awaits the bell.
it seems strange that my life should end
in such a terrible place…
As the lights dim, fog slowly rolls over the stage as if emanating from a dark beyond. The random sounds of a radio tuning through various stations floats over the arena as bright white lights suddenly shine up from beneath the stage, bathing the entryway in an angelic glow.
ADRENALIZE ME
As the hard-hitting beat of In This Moment’s ‘Adrenalize Me’ begins pumping through the arena, The White Widow, Sahara Duke emerges through the ghostly fog...
COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER
BEFORE WE BEGIN
LEMME TELL YOU HOW I WANT IT
AND EXACTLY WHAT I NEED
As Sahara moves toward the center of the rampway, her rows of platinum braids shine from within the shadows. Clad in black and white attire, her one of her boots is emblazoned with the word White, and the other Widow. Her jaw is clenched tight, and her face etched with a permanent scowl of condescension. She slowly turns her gaze toward the fans before locking eyes on the squared circle...
I'M HERE FOR ONE DRUG
I'M ONLY HERE FOR ONE THING
SO COME ON AND TELL ME
CAN YOU FLY LIKE YOU'RE FREE?
BG: If there’s a darkhorse here to win the whole thing from the qualifier? It’s GOTTA be Sahara!
JC: Sahara is one of the most dangerous, unpredictable competitors in all of wrestling! And with a briefcase in hand? That ability to strike from anywhere would virtually *guarantee* her a fast track to the top!
BG: Could you imagine Thad’s ex walking around his show with a 24/7 briefcase?!?
As the music continues to tell her tangled tale, she slowly begins making her way to the ring...
The four competitors meet in the center of the ring…
The bell sounds!
LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER 1
ADAM GARCIA
- vs -
VIC VERNACULAR
- vs -
PRINCE ADEYEMI
- vs -
SAHARA Winner advances to the Leap of Faith Match
Fatal Four Way
The moment the bell rings, Adeyemi pairs off grappling with Sahara and Garcia circles Vernacular!
Adeyemi swings at Sahara with a spinning heel kick, but Sahara catches the Kingslayer’s boot, swinging him into the ropes… And hooking him under the arms into an exploder suplex! Adeyemi crawls backward defensively, but Sahara follows him into the corner and starts stomping a mudhole into the former Universal champion!
Meanwhile, in the opposite corner, Garcia swings with a wild sequence of elbow strikes! Vic narrowly, agilely, dips and ducks, dodging Garcia’s calculated judoka strikes!
JC: For Vernacular’s first match, he’s quick as a hiccup!
BG: But the more experienced Garcia is backing Vernacular into the corner!
Indeed, Vernacular’s back hits the turnbuckle! Garcia charges the corner, looking to strike the trapped warrior-poet…
But Vernacular pulls himself up atop the turnbuckle and Garcia’s shoulder block connects with a turnbuckle! As Garcia backs up, Vernacular leaps off the turnbuckle and clips Garcia with a flying dropkick!
JC: Wow! What a strike!
Speaking of strikes, Sahara has been stomping Adeyemi for 8 seconds without a referee count!
BG: It’s important to remember! No disqualifications! No count-outs! The first competitor to score a pinfall or submission will advance to the Leap of Faith match!
Sahara stomps again! AGAIN! AG-
Finally, Adeyemi summons the wherewithal to catch her boot and shove her backwards!
Sahara agilely rolls backwards onto her feet…
Where Vernacular catches her with a running kick to the side of the head!
BG: Wow!
JC: You cannot forget you’ve got three opponents in there! And no one’s here to take turns!
Sahara rolls on her side, into the ropes recovering, as Adeyemi slips under the bottom rope, buying himself some recovery time.
Vernacular grabs Sahara by the waist, pulling her up to her feet…
But, before Vernacular can tear off a German, Garcia has scrambled off the mat and wraps his mits around Verncular’s waist!
JC: Ah! Three links in a chain! Will Vernacular release Sahara to try and escape Garcia’s grip?
BG: Doesn’t look like it!
Indeed, Vernacular holds on with a vice-grip!
Garcia pulls Vernacular backwards, but he clings onto Sahara… Who, in turn, is clinging onto the middle rope!
JC: Something’s gotta give here!
Garcia HEAVES Vernacular backwards with all his might!
Vernacular clings onto Sahara’s waist!
And Sahara’s grip on the ropes breaks!
Garcia german-suplexes Vernacular, who in turn, suplexes Sahara! DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX!
JC: Wow! What-a-maneuver!
Sahara’s back thuds against the mat as she flops backwards under the bottom rope!
Meanwhile, Garcia bridges his back, maintaining his pin on Vernacular!
1!
2!
THR-Vernacular forces a shoulder up!
JC: Close call! Garcia came within a hair’s breadth of taking the win in record time!
Outside the ring, Sahara slowly rises to her feet on the padded concrete, as Adeyemi slinks around the ring apron, like a viper coiled to strike!
Sahara turns aro-
A DECAPITATING CLOTHESLINE FROM Adeyemi drops Sahara to her feet! Sahara flops onto her back as Adeyemi crawls onto her to hook the leg!
JC: Remember, falls-count-anywhere!
1!
2!
THR-KICKOUT!
JC: It’s gonna take more than a stiff clothesline to put Sahara down for the count!
Meanwhile, inside the ring, Garcia has peeled Vernacular off the mat… Vernacular exhausted catches his breath in Garcia’s grip, as Garcia flexes his biceps at the crowd!
BG: Garcia has confidence in spades, but he shouldn’t be showboating right now… He should be taking the win while he has the advantage!
Garcia shoves Vernacular backwards into the ropes… As Vernacular hits the ropes, Garcia leaps for a Running V-Trigger kick!
…But Vernacular wraps his arms around the ropes to stop his momentum! Garcia has to shift in midair to land on his feet…
As Vernacular leaps off the mat onto Garcia’s shoulders! Trapping him in a headscissors pin combination!
JC: Incredible counter by Vernacular!
Vernacular clings onto Garcia’s legs!
1!
2!
THRE-Garcia MUSCLES Vernacular off of him!
JC: None of these competitors wants a lengthy match tonight, Brody!
BG: And why would they? The reward for winning this match is competing again in less than two hours in one of the most arduous, death-defying matches in all of wrestling! They need to conserve every bit of energy they can! They need to end this quickly!
Vernacular gets thrown onto his back… Where Garcia catches him with a DOUBLE-FOOT STOMP with authority!
JC: Oh, the humanity!
Outside the ring, Adeyemi pulls Sahara off the floor and shoves her backwards into the metal railing… The Kingslayer charges, looking to catch her with a running boot… But Sahara ducks and back body drops Adeyemi over the railing and into the front row of XWF fans!
JC: That’s what the biggest fans pay for! Getting right up close to the action!
Sahara shakes off cobwebs, approaching the ring…
Where Garcia has driven Vernacular backwards into the corner, and has started delivering… CHEST SLAP! AFTER CHEST SLAP!
Echoing like a fallen redwood throughout the arena!
JC: Dear god, Vernacular’s chest is going to be BEET RED after this match!
Vernacular, at first, tries to withstand the strikes, but is eventually dropped flat on his ass in the corner…
Garcia backs up to finish his cornered opponent… But en route, sees Sahara sliding under the bottom rope back into the ring! Garcia charges Sahara as she climbs back to her feet, looking for a running clothesline… But Sahara, like a goddamn acrobat, slips around Garcia’s clothesline, floats over and DRIVES GARCIA’S SKULL STRAIGHT DOWN INTO THE MAT!
Floatover DDT!
JC: Incredible dexterity from Sahara!
Sahara hooks the leg, going for the cover on Garcia!
1!
2!
TH-Vernacular dives out of the corner with a pair of elbows to Sahara’s back breaking up the pin!
JC: The ultimate challenge of the Fatal-Four-Way… Securing a pin on one opponent, while the other two are out of position to interfere!
BG: It’s a whole different skillset, Jayce! Which of these competitors will learn this game the fastest?
Vernacular clearly dove into the action before he’d completely recovered from Garcia’s chops, as Sahara beats him to the race to get back upright. As Vernacular reaches his feet…
SMACK! Sahara just BACKHANDS the Mic-Crushing Phenom, dropping him onto his back!
JC: Ooof. Vernacular might want to stay on the ground after that strike!
Meanwhile, outside the ring, Adeyemi exhaustedly crawls back over the railing and onto the padded concrete…
Garcia starts to shake off cobwebs after that huge DDT, as Sahara starts to mount the fallen Vernacular, looking to sap his energy with grounded strikes!
Garcia runs and KICKS Sahara in the back of the head! Sahara rolls onto her front, cradling her neck!
Adeyemi rolls under the bottom rope… Sees his opponents all scrapping and chipping away…
…
Then rolls back to the outside.
JC: What the Hell is Adeyemi doing hanging back? He’s got a match to win!
BG: And he’s doing it, Jayce! He’s letting the other three beat the stuffing out of each other, so he can swoop in and strike when the time is right! THAT’S a hunter! That’s what a briefcase holder does! They pick their moment and STRIKE!
Vernacular crawls into the corner, as Garcia tears Sahara off the mat with authority, wrapping her in a half-nelson… AND DUMPING HER BACKWARDS ONTO THE BACK OF HER HEAD!
Half-and-half suplex!
Sahara rolls across the ring, looking dazed as Garcia crawls into the cover beside the ropes… Not seeing Adeyemi outside the ring!
JC: Aha! If Adeyemi wants to win, he has to get in the ring now!
1!
2!
THREE!
JC: What!?!
…
But Sahara’s foot is on the rope!
Held there by Prince Adeyemi!
BG: Haha! Proved you wrong, Jayce! Adeyemi keeps his chances alive while letting his opponents do the fighting on his behalf!
Garcia looks up, thinking he won the match… Until the official points behind him at Adeyemi, holding Sahara’s ankle onto the ropes.
Adeyemi releases his opponent’s foot and nods defiantly at Garcia, whose famously short-fuse is reaching its end.
Garcia suddenly reaches outside the ring, over the ropes, trying to pull Adeyemi by the throat into the ring…
But Adeyemi grabs Garcia’s around the back of the head… AND drops his body to the padded concrete, driving Garcia’s throat against the top rope! Stungun!
JC: Clearly, Adeyemi has no interest in entering the ring until he sees victory is his for the taking!
Garcia rolls backwards into Vernacular, who’s just risen to his feet out of the corner! Vernacular spins Garcia around and tears off a snap suplex!
Garcia cradles his aching back off that slam… He rises up, bent at the waist…
Vernacular points at the sky and backs up into the ropes!
JC: We might see some Punk Tactics here, Brody!
Vernacular backs into the ropes… He char-
TRIPPED! As Vernacular runs, Adeyemi grasps the Backpacker Backbreaker by the ankle, and Vernacular flops onto his face!
BG: Haha, incredible! Adeyemi has taken control of this match… And he doesn’t even have to be in the ring!
Sahara pulls herself up in the corner, spotting Adeyemi starting to creep into the ring…
Sahara breaks into a sprint! And before Adeyemi can stand…
WHAM! Baseball slide catches the Kingslayer right in the crown, driving him back outside the ring!
Adeyemi falls onto his back on the outside…
But, Sahara isn’t done yet! She runs backwards… hitting the ropes!
AND SUICIDE DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES! DIVING STRAIGHT THROUGH ADEYEMI’S THROAT!
The crowd rises to their feet, amazed!
Adeyemi looks knocked OUT, as Sahara lies on the outside! She crawls toward her downed opponent, looking for a pin on the outside…
As Vernacular AND Garcia rise inside the ring…
They both spot Sahara crawling into a cover!
They run!
One!
They spring over the ropes!
Two!
…
THREEEEEEEEE-NO!
SIMULTANEOUS SUICIDA DIVES TO THE OUTSIDE BREAK UP SAHARA’S PIN ATTEMPT!
JC: Holy Hell! This is just the first match of the night and it’s been absolutely insane!
BG: How’s the winner gonna have anything left in the tank after this match?
Garcia grabs Sahara by the scalp, just as Vernacular scoops Adeyemi onto his feet… Tossing their opponents into the ring and sliding in after them!
JC: Finally! Everybody’s inside the ropes! No more cowardly attacks from the outside!
As Garcia shoves Sahara in the corner, Vernacular wraps Adeyemi into a front facelock…
But Adeyemi sneaks a right hand under Vernacular’s grip and rakes Vic across the eyes!
Vic reflexively backs into the ropes, covering his eyes!
Prince charges as Garcia and Sahara both in the corner!
JC: I think the Prince realizes this is his time to strike!
Garcia runs out of the corner, leaving Sahara behind him… As Prince spins, looking for the Crown Shatterer! (discus elbow)
As Sahara slowly backups the turnbuckle to the second rope… Prince swings for the fences!
But Garcia ducks! Prince misses and spins…
DIRECTLY INTO A SUPERMAN PUNCH FROM SAHARA! THE WIDOWMAKER!
Adeyemi crumples to the mat in the center of the ring, as Garcia climbs to the top rope…
He backflips… INTO AN IRA! PHOENIX SPLASH ONTO THE KINGSLAYER!
BG: Absolutely no mercy is being shown to Adeyemi right now!
JC: Can you blame his opponents, Brody? Adeyemi had been avoiding the action all match… Now, he’s getting his fair share of offense!
Garcia hooks the leg!
1!
2!
THR-NO! Sahara stomps on the back of Garcia’s head!
JC: Well, that teamup was short-lived!
BG: The spot in the Leap of Faith match can’t be shared, Jayce! It’s one pinfall or submission to a finish!
Vernacular continues to try and rub his eyes clean beside the ropes… As Garcia and Sahara jockey for control in the center of the ring!
Sahara BACKHANDS Garcia across the chest!
Garcia gives her a CHEST SLAP RIGHT BACK!
Sahara SMACKS Garcia across the face…
Garcia gives her a receipt with a SPINNING BACKFIST!
Sahara backs into the ropes, dazily stumbling towards Garcia…
Garcia wraps his arm around the back of her head, seeking a Grand Finale…
But, Sahara slips out of his grip, shoving Garcia toward the ropes!
JC: Close call!
Sahara backs up toward the ropes as Garcia charges forward… Adeyemi slowly stirs behind Garcia, rising to his knees…
Vernacular shoves himself off the ropes and toward the action.
Sahara leaps into the air for another WIDOWMAKER! Superman Punch!
…
Garcia ducks!
…
But it makes FULL CONTACT WITH ADEYEMI’S skull!
Adeyemi rolls backwards…
Into a rollup by Vernacular!
1!
Garcia and Sahara are grappling each other for control!
2!
They both realize there’s a pin…
…
But, they’re too busy shoving each other out of the way to stop it!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Winner and advancing to the LOF Match - VIC VERNACULAR
JC: Vic Vernacular makes his XWF debut and does so in fantastic fashion as he advances to tonight's Co Main Event, the Leap of Faith match!
“Spoiled” Summer Page is walking out of the master bedroom of the Presidential Suite in the St. Regis Hotel in Rome, Italy wearing a black Gucci Viscose CrÊpe Cady Short Jumpsuit and a pair of black Gucci horsebit Mule.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:I am so excited to be here in Italy…well for any reason to be in Italy but especially for a wrestling show. I got to do some shopping. Shocker right? Now it is time to head to the freakin Vatican for Leap of Faith.
Summer walks over to the dining room table and picks up her Ophidia mini tote bag. She slides her key card to the hotel room in her bag. She looks around the bag and then grabs her rose gold colored Gucci Square sunglasses. She slides her sunglasses on her face as she walks towards the front door of the suite.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:Shall we go?
Summer opens the hotel room door and walks out of her suite. Summer begins walking down the hallway as she hears the door to the suite shut behind her.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:I have to admit I was very nervous going into my match with Cameron a couple of weeks ago on Anarchy. He beat a damn bear. A literal bear to earn himself a contract on Anarchy! My mind was blown when I heard that and even more so when I watched that match back but dammit he did it. Then he gave me a run for my money at Anarchy on the fourth of July, which is why I was and still am that I pulled out the win against you, Cameron.
Summer gets to the elevators and presses the down button.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:Without a doubt, Cameron, you have my respect. I am going to be rooting for you…Unless you know we are in the ring again on opposing sides but other than that I’ll be rooting for you.
The elevator door to one of the elevators opens. An older couple in maybe their seventies walk out of the elevator and Summer gives them a polite smile as the couple gives Summer a smile back. After the couple walks away from the elevator, Summer then enters the elevator, and presses the lobby button. The doors shut behind Summer and the elevator begins to descend.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:So the big question for not only XWF fans but me as well, what now since I have made my return to XWF on Anarchy? Like what is Summer Page going to do now? I certainly don’t just want to just get a participation award and call it a day. I came back to XWF to be the very best version of myself that I can be. It is obviously to one day be the Anarchy Champion that Sean Parker has elevated ever so nicely since he was crowned champion. But I am sure I’ll get into the Anarchy title scene in due time, in due time. What I have on my mind now is getting into the ring with the very best competition that Anarchy has to offer. Weather it is the likes of Sean Parker, the current Revolution Champion Mr. Oz, Spencer Adams, John Black, Cameron Parker, LaToya Hixx, HGH, Dick Drizzle…(A stunned look comes over Summer’s face) I can’t believe someone willingly calls themselves that but whatever…
Summer shrugs her shoulders as the elevator reaches the lobby floor. The door opens and Summer exits the elevator into the lobby of the St. Regis hotel.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:Even someone like Marisol Vilaro…
Summer pauses as a smile cracks through a stoic demeanor she is putting on
“Spoiled” Summer Page:Yeah, I see you, girl. I see you.
Summer winks at the camera.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:But I didn’t come back to XWF to open up old wounds. I am looking forward to the future. A future that is open to an endless amount of opportunities that I want to capitalize on.
Summer walks to the front doors of the St. Regis and one of the doormen opens the door for Summer.
St. Regis Hotel Doorman:Good afternoon, Ms. Page.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:Good afternoon.
Summer walks over to a black 2024 Mercedes Maybach where her chauffeur is waiting with the back passenger side door open.
Chauffeur:Good afternoon, Ms. Page.
Summer smiles as she walks up to the open door.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:Good afternoon.
Summer looks back at the camera.
“Spoiled” Summer Page:Tonight I enjoy Leap of Faith and all the hard work the XWF roster has been putting on but rest assured that I plan on being involved in these big nights that XWF and Anarchy have from now on.
Summer takes a seat in the Maybach as the chauffeur shuts the door.
Smart Went Crazy hit's the speakers and OCW Hall of Famer and newcomer to the XWF Bob Griener makes his way to the ring to a pretty solid reaction from the crowd. Some fans love him and some fans can't stand him. Despite being new to the XWF he is a well known name in professional wrestling and the fans are acknowledging that as he makes his way to the ring.
The lights go dark as the quite beginnings of Billy Knows James spills from the PA system. The explosive drop syncs with the lights blasting forth in rhythm and energy. From behind the curtain pops out Henry with a dumb, yet devious grin upon his face. He shouts to the crowd with his arms out wide, indecipherable due to the blasting music.
The lights suddenly dim and Bulk's theme hits the speakers.
Bulk Logan emerges from the back. The crowd's reaction is immediately split.
Bulk seems unfazed by the negative reactions as he strides down the ramp. He acknowledges only the cheering fans, offering them nods and smiles of appreciation.
As he approaches the ring, his steps are steady and confident. Bulk occasionally slaps hands with fans reaching out from the cheering fans.
Upon reaching the ring, Bulk ascends the steps and enters between the ropes. He takes a moment to stand in the center of the ring, looking around at the cheering fans, soaking in their support and repaying it with some playful posturing.
The lights in the arena go out, causing the usual hysteria from the crowd. After a few seconds, Peter Vaughn's face appears on the big tron, darkly smirking down at the fans.
"This Time... It's Different."
After Vaughn finishes speaking, he begins to laugh. His laughter carries on as the Tron video overtakes his image, beginning with "This Time It's Different" by Evans Blue. Sparks begin to erupt around the stage, showering nearby fans who feel like they're a little too close to the action. As the fireworks die down Peter Vaughn appear through the smoke and haze smiling at the reaction he is getting. Vaughn stops at the top of the ramp, surveying the hatred from the crowd. From Vaughn's reaction, you'd think they were chanting his name, as he walks down the aisle with a cocky smile. Vaughn eventually ascends the steps and climbs into the ring, taking up a position in one of the ring's corners.
JC: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the second last chance qualifier match here at Leap of Faith! This is going be an epic match for you tonight, a fatal four-way match featuring four of the most formidable competitors in wrestling today!
BG: That’s right, JC. In one corner, we have the former XWF Universal Champion Peter Vaughn! In another, The Rockford Rabble, Henry Hittems! Over there, the technical wizard, Greinier! And finally, the behemoth, Bulk Logan.
LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER 2
PETER VAUGHN
- vs -
HENRY HITTEMS
- vs -
BOB GREINER
- vs -
BULK LOGAN Winner advances to the Leap of Faith Match
Fatal Four Way
1RP/4K
*BELL RINGS*
The crowd erupts as all four wrestlers enter the ring, each one eyeing the others with fierce determination.
JC: This match is going to be chaotic, and the first wrestler to score a pinfall or submission wins and punches their ticket into Leap of Faith briefcase match.
The bell rings, and immediately, all four competitors collide in the center of the ring, exchanging blows. Vaughn and Hittems pair off, while Greinier and Bulk go at it.
BG: This is absolute mayhem!
Vaughn uses his agility to evade Hittems’ strikes, hitting him with a dropkick that sends him to the mat and then Vaughn follows up with a clothesline as Hittems gets back to his feet. Peter would stay on the assault as he dropped an elbow into the back of Hittems and then locks in a crossface submission.
Meanwhile, Bulk overpowers Greinier with a series of clubbing blows, forcing him into the corner and then drives his massive shoulder into his gut repeatedly.
JC: Vaughn’s high IQ and veteran experience is giving him the edge against Hittems, but Bulk’s sheer power is overwhelming Greinier!
Bulk lifts Greinier for a massive powerslam and then hits a leg drop across his chest and tries to go for the pin but Vaughn comes out of nowhere and intervenes with a kick to the head of Bulk, causing Bulk to get off Greinier and break the pin attempt up and then Vaughn quickly follows up with a DDT on Bulk and then takes out Greinier with a bicycle kick.
JC: Vaughn is everywhere! He’s taking control of this match!
But while Peter is taking in the praise from the fans, Hittems recovers and grabs Vaughn from behind, executing a brutal German Suplex. He goes for the cover.
1...
2....
Greinier breaks up the pin with a kick to Hittems’ head. He then locks Hittems in a painful armbar, applying pressure as Hittems writhes in pain and the referee gets in position to see if Hittems is ready to tap out but he refuses as he shakes his head in defiance and then begins to try to drag himself towards the ropes and just when he is inches away Greinier lets go of the hold and drags Hittems back to the center of the ring and locks on the home again and implying major pressure.
BG: Greinier's technical skills are on full display here!
Bulk gets to his feet and breaks the hold with a thunderous stomp. He lifts Greinierhigh above his head and then gets a running start and throws him out of the ring and into the crowd! turning his attention to Vaughn, who is climbing the turnbuckle.
JC: Bulk is cleaning house, but Vaughn is looking to fly!
Vaughn leaps off the top rope, but Bulk catches him in mid-air, transitioning into a devastating spinebuster. He goes for the pin.
1...
2...
Hittems breaks up the pin just in time and then Hittems gets Bulk up to his feet and unloads on him repeatedly with punches and kicks to the gut, causing Bulk to back up towards the ropes and then goes to try to clothesline him over the top rope but Bulk hits a big boot in his face and then lifts Hittems up for a worlds strongest slam and drives him into the mat with thunderous force but as he gets back to his feet Vaughn cones out of nowhere with a spear and tries to go for the cover but Greiner comes out of no where with a frog splash on top of Peter and Bulk and now all four men are down, exhausted from the intense action.
BG: This is anyone’s match! Who will emerge victorious?
Slowly, they all get to their feet. Vaughn and Greinierexchange strikes, while Bulk and Hittems engage in a test of strength. Greiniercatches Vaughn with a surprise roll-up pin.
1...
2...
Vaughn kicks out, but Greinier transitions into a crossface. Vaughn screams in pain, but he refuses to tap out as the referee ask him.
JC: Greinier is trying to make Vaughn submit!
Bulk and Hittems continue their brawl, with Bulk lifting Hittems for a powerbomb. Vaughn, sensing an opportunity, rolls through the crossface and pushes Greinier into Bulk, causing Bulk to drop Hittems.
JC: Vaughn’s quick thinking just saved him!
With everyone down again, Vaughn climbs the turnbuckle once more. He leaps off, but Hittems rolls out of the way just in time. Vaughn crashes to the mat, clutching his ribs in pain.
BG: Vaughn missed big time! This could be Hittems' chance!
Hittems quickly capitalizes, lifting Vaughn for a hard Slam. He hoists Vaughn into the air and slams him down with tremendous force. Before he can go for the pin, Greinier attacks him from behind, lifting Hittems up and swinging him towards the turnbuckle corner, and then Greinier follows up with a running knee to the face of Hittems and then brings him out with a British bulldog and then tosses him out the ring.
JC: Greinier with the sneak attack! He’s not letting Hittems take the victory that easily!
Greinier turns his attention to Vaughn, but Bulk is back on his feet. Bulk grabs Greinier by the throat and lifts him for a chokeslam. Greinier struggles but manages to counter into an arm drag, and then comes down on the arm with an elbow. He then lifts him up and yangs his arm repeatedly before twisting it and then slings him towards the ropes.
BG: Grenier’s technical prowess is impressive! He’s not backing down from the hulk!
Greinier bounces off the opposite ropes and hits Bulk with a running knee strike, staggering the big man. He then climbs the turnbuckle, aiming for a high-risk move. As he leaps off, Bulk catches him in mid-air and delivers a thunderous powerbomb and then lifts him up again for a second powerbomb as he damn nears trys to put him through the damn mat.
JC: What a powerbomb by Bulk! Greinier is out cold!
Bulk goes for the pin,
1...
2...
Hittems dives back into the ring and breaks up the pin with a double axe handle to Bulk’s back. The two trade heavy blows, neither willing to back down. Bulk, Hittems, Bulk, Hittems, Bulk, Hittems, Bulk, Hittems, Bulk, Hittems.
BG: This is turning into a slugfest between Bulk and Hittems!
Vaughn, still recovering, slowly gets to his feet and joins the fray, targeting Bulk with a series of quick kicks. Greinier, showing incredible resilience, also gets back up and teams up with Vaughn to take down Bulk with a double dropkick that sends the big man staggering backward towards the ropes and bounces off them looking to hit a double clothesline on Peter and Greinier but they both duck underneath and work together again to deliver a double superkick to the big man and then brings him down with a double DDT.
JC: Unlikely alliances are forming in this chaotic match!
Bulk rolls out of the ring to regroup, leaving Vaughn, Greinier, and Hittems in the ring. Vaughn and Greinier exchange nods and double-team Hittems with a combination of high-flying and technical moves, eventually hitting a double superkick that sends Hittems falling backwards towards the ropes and as he bounces back toward him they hit a double hip toss to bring him down to the mat.
BG: Vaughn and Greinier working together to take out Hittems! What a strategy!
Vaughn climbs the turnbuckle once more, looking to hit a flying elbow into the chest of Hittems. Greinier, however, sees his opportunity and shoves Vaughn off the turnbuckle, sending him crashing to the outside and hitting the barricade face first on his way down. Greinier quickly locks Hittems in a modified crossface in the middle of the ring and applies major pressure and really wrenches back with it as he continues to try and force Hittems to submit to his will as the referee gets in Hittems face to see if he's ready to tap out but he refuses.
JC: Hittems is in trouble!
Hittems fights valiantly but is unable to escape the hold. Just as he is about to tap out, Bulk returns to the ring and breaks the hold with a massive elbow drop to Greinier's back. Bulk then lifts Hittems high in the air and comes down hitting the jackhammer and then hammering him with stiff punches to the face repeatedly and then goes after Greinier as he staggers up to his feet and hits a belly to belly suplex and sends Greinier halfway across the ring but Greinier shows some fight by pulling himself back up in the corner but Bulk just flattens him with a big body splash and then scoops up Hittems high in the air and throws him out of the ring with a military press.
BG: Bulk is back in control! He’s a one-man wrecking crew!
Bulk turns his attention to Greinier, lifting him for a chokeslam. Vaughn, seizing the moment, climbs the turnbuckle once more and leaps off, hitting Bulk with a missile dropkick. Bulk staggers but doesn’t go down. Vaughn follows up with a clothesline and then a couple punches to the face before jumping up and hitting a tornado DDT, finally taking Bulk off his feet.
JC: Vaughn with incredible athleticism! He’s not giving up!
Vaughn covers Bulk for the pin.
1...
2...
Bulk kicks out with authority, sending Vaughn flying off him. Greinier, still recovering, gets to his feet and attacks Vaughn with a flurry of punches. Vaughn counters with a spinning heel kick, and then a spinning back fist and followed by a running knee to the face. Vaughn then takes hold Greinier and hits a belly to belly suplex of knocking Greinier back down.
JC: These men are giving it everything they’ve got!
Hittems, back in the ring, catches Vaughn with a clothseline and then backs up to kick Vaughn inside but Vaughn catches his leg and brings him down to the mat with him and Vaughn hammers away with punches to the head and then lifts Hittems up and goes for a spine buster but Hittems counters into a DDT and then pops himself back up and climbs up to the top of the turnbuckle and goes for the shooting star press but Peter rolls through it and takes hold of Hittems, lifting him up in the air and then hits a snap suplex and now its Vaughn that climbs up the turnbuckle, waiting patiently for Hittems to get back to his feet and then Vaughn launches looking for a crossbody but Hittems catches him and then with a running power slam. He goes for the pin.
1...
2...
Greinier breaks up the pin at the last second. He and Hittems start brawling, exchanging heavy punches and kicks. Greinier gains the upper hand with a spinning neckbreaker, leaving Hittems dazed on the mat.
JC: Greinier is taking control! Can he capitalize?
Greinier climbs the turnbuckle, looking for a high-risk move. Before he can jump, Bulk grabs him by the throat and pulls him off the turnbuckle, delivering a devastating chokeslam. Vaughn, seizing the moment, climbs the opposite turnbuckle and hits The Plunge (Top-Rope Shooting Star Leg Drop on top of Bulk but before he can go for the pin Henry Hittems takes hold of Peter and hits No Cap, He keeps Peter facing away. Fingers interlocked over his chin, placing the back of his neck against Henry's shoulder. Henry then suddenly drops down to his knees, jolting the back of Peter's neck against his shoulder and tries to go for the pin but Greinier comes in with a running knee to the head of Hittems and then takes hold of him and hits Hollinger Park Hangman (Muscle Buster) but before he can get the pin the big man Bulk has gotten up and grabbed Greinier and slams him down in the middle of the ring and then Bulk runs towards the ropes and bounces back toward Greinier and hits Leg Drop of Gloom! But the moves take a lot out of Bulk and now all four competitors are down.
JC: HOLY SHIT! What an exchange.
BG: The first one up could win the whole damn thing.
Bulk makes it to his feet first in a daze and as he looks around he sees Hittems and Greinier still lying unconscious in the ring but Peter is missing, Bulk looks around but Peter comes out of nowhere with a diamond cutter and then quickly jump up to the top of the turnbuckle, waiting for Bulk to stagger back up to his feet and tnen for the second time of the night Peter hits The Plunge (Top-Rope Shooting Star Leg Drop on top of Bulk and instantly goes for the pin as the referee gets in position.
1...
2...
3!!!
*Bell Rings*
Winner and advancing to the LOF match - PETER VAUGHN
JC: Up next we got an interesting tag team contest for sure, seeing the established team of Razor Blade and Latoya Hixx versus the…well….odd couple for sure team of Madison Dyson and Cameron Parker.
BG: All eyes are on Dyson and Parker, and I dare say odds are they are not going to get along in this contest.
The Raising Fighting Spirit plays over the speakers and then big screen lights up with the words The Fighting Spirit and then out runs Cameron Parker all hyped up with a smile on his face as he looks out towards the fans and then starts running down the ramp with enthusiasm, giving as many fans as he can a high five before walking up the steel steps then stepping inside of the ring and goes to the left side and climbs up the turnbuckle to raise one finger in the air as he looks out towards the fans and then steps down and walks toward his corner to wait for the match to start.
“Antagonist” by The Nova Twins hits as Madison Dyson saunters out onto the ramp and a plume of gold smoke filters out. Madison Dyson then heads down the aisle confidently, bitching out any plebes that dare to boo her. She's often clad in elaborate feathery robes. The X-Tron shows a barrage of images of Madison kicking the holy living shit out of that abject loser Sean Parker and others, intercut with her name logo and a queen's crown laden with barbed wire. Once at the ring, she takes her time getting in, walking ginergly up the steps and demanding the official hold the ropes open for her.
The lights goes out and hear a voice saying Wrestling has one royal family and when Kingdom hit's fireworks burst open and Razor Blade comes out wearing a American nightmare outfit and left his arms in the mid air and fist pumps in a fake air and he saw a kid wearing a Blake shirt and he takes off his American nightmare belt off his waist in hands it to the XWF fan and climbs up the steps in hops on the turnbuckle and raises both arms in the air and more fireworks burst once again and he gets inside of the ring and climbs on the top rope taunts some more and gets down and takes off his American nightmare jacket and prepares for a fight. Latoya Hixx follows up right behind him, walking to the ring with a confident air and standing near her partner, glowering at Dyson and Parker.
MADISON DYSON AND CAMERON PARKER
- vs -
"The American Storm"
LATOYA HIXX AND RAZOR BLADE Standard Tag Team Match
1 RP/1K
BG: Everybody’s here, the bell is ringing and we are officially kicking this thing off.
JC: It looks like it’s Razor Blade into start for his team and…well, it looks like Parker and Dyson are at odds over who’s going to start for their team.
Indeed, it looks like Cameron and Madison are having a heated discussion. Finally, Madison throws her hands in the air, jumps down off the ring apron, reaches under the ring and pulls out a chair!
JC: Well that didn’t take long!
Madison slides under the bottom rope with the chair while Cameron calls out for her to stop. Madison gets to her feet and Razor Blade decries the presence of the chair. The ref turns to Madison, ordering her to give up the chair. Madison scowls at the ref but finally gives up the chair….by tossing it to Latoya Hixx, who catches it instinctively! The ref turns to Latoya now, ordering her to drop the chair, but while the ref’s attention is elsewhere, Madison reels back and kicks Razor Blade right in the nethers!
JC: OUCH!
BG: Damn! Madison not wasting any time scheming her way to an advantage!
Cameron shouts at Madison with a plaintive look on his face, clearly not liking his partner’s tactics! But Madison just ignores him and takes advantage, kicking Razor Blade while he’s down on the canvas holding his groin. Meanwhile Hixx has dropped the chair but she’s barking at the ref to pay attention!
Madison forces Razor to his feet and whips him into the turnbuckle, following that up with a big splash, before snaking an arm around his neck and bulldogging him into the center of the ring. Madison covers!
1….
2….NO! Razor Blade lifts the shoulder!
Madison gets up and continues to stomp on Razor Blade, who decides discretion is the better part of valor and tries to crawl to his corner. But Madison grabs his ankle and pulls him back towards the center. However Razor, sensing he’s in trouble, flips onto his back and kicks Madison away, before leaping into his corner and tagging in Latoya!
JC: Latoya looking plenty pissed off with Madison’s antics!
Latoya shouts at Madison telling her to bring it, and Madison does, only to be met with a stiff short arm clothesline by Latoya, followed by another, and then another! Latoya then scoop slams Madison to the canvas!
JC:Hixx just straight up overpowering Madison here.
Hizz grabs Madison’s hair and yanks her up viciously. Cameron has his hand out for the tag but Madison is too far. Hixx picks Madison up and snakeeyes her on the top turnbuckle, followed by picking her up and dumping her back down with a big pump handle slam. Hixx covers!
1….
2…..NO! Dyson kicks out.
Hixx slaps the mat in frustration and picks Madison up again, but Madison jabs a thumb into her eye and dives into her corner to tag in Cameron! Cameron roars into the ring like a ball of fire, drop kicking Latoya into her own corner. Razor, eager to get back in, hits the hot tag on his partner and reenters, locking up with Cameron.
BG: Razor Blade looking to earn back some momentum after that tough start.
Razor finally starts to overpower Cameron, dropping him down into a front face lock, followed by a hip toss takedown and a kick to the back of Cameron’s head. Cameron staggers to his feet and Razor irish whips him into the ropes, catching him with a picture perfect dropkick on the rebound. He then picks Cameron up and snap powerslams him down onto the canvas. Razor goes for the cover!
1…
2….NOPE! Not enough to put Parker away.
Razor lifts Cameron back up, but Cameron surprises him with a jab to the jaw, followed by another, and then a trifecta. Cameron then boots Razor in the stomach and sets him up for a powerbomb, but Razor back body drops him. Cameron recovers quickly as Razor moves in for a strike, but Madison tags herself back in!
Madison gets in the ring as the ref forces a befuddled Cameron back out. Razors’ eyes shoot daggers at Madison after she embarassed him earlier. He goes in for a rough lock up on Madison, chaining it into an arm lock, and then a clothesline that drops the former queen. Madison cries out to the ref and uses the ropes to get back up, but Razor irish whips her. Razor goes for the clothesline on the rebound but Madison ducks, reaches back and pulls Razor back down with a neckbreaker. Madison goes for the cover.
1…
2…NO! Razor rolls the shoulder out!
Madison drops a knee down on Razors’ forehead, but he fights his way to his feet regardless. Madison stays on him, chopping him brutally in the chest before whipping him into her corner. Madison calls on Cameron to take a cheap shot but he refuses!
JC: Cameron sticking to his morals much to Madison’s chagrin!
Madison looks annoyed at Cameron as Razor explodes out of the corner, hitting a running cross body on Madison and covering her.
1….
2….Madison kicks out!
Madison is still annoyed with her partner, and she tags him back in with a slap to his shoulder. Cameron gets in the ring and locks up with Razor again, finally getting the better of him and hitting a hip toss followed by a dropkick to his head. Cameron then works Razor up to his feet and lands a mean looking spinebuster on him! Cameron goes for the cover but Razor punches his way out of it and dives for his corner to tag in Hixx.
Hixx gets in the ring and starts lighting up Cameron with a series of punches. Cameron finally blocks one and rocks her back, before sliding back and going for a super kick! But Hixx ducks the kick, grabs Camerons leg and leg whips him to the canvas. Cameron rolls to his feet and tosses Hixx into his corner, where Madison rakes her nails down Hixx’s back! Cameron cries foul on his own partner, ceding the momentum. Hixx wheels around on Madison and clobbers her with a punch, dropping her off the ring apron.
BG: I think this is the first match I’ve ever called where a partner is calling out his own team mate on their BS!
JC: Gotta be a first!
Once Hixx’s attention is back on Cameron he hits her with a chop, followed by a stiff clothesline. Hixx goes down but pops up quickly, landing her own chop to Cameron before jacking his jaw with an uppercut. Cameron is rocked and Hixx takes advantage with a rock bottom like samba slam! She covers Cameron!
1….
2….Cameron kicks out!
Hixx looking a little frustrated now as she picks Cameron up and goes to whip him into the ropes. Cameron reverses the irish whip and when Latoya hits the ropes Madison reaches under the bottom rope and trips her up! Hixx face plants onto the canvas! Madison scrambles back into her corner where Cameron approaches her to again argue with her about their tactics. But Madison instead just tags herself in! The ref forces Cameron back behind the ropes as Madison goes to the top rope and lands a big time precision elbow drop on Hixx! Madison then waits for Hixx to get to her feet before kicking her in the guts and then setting her up for the DEAD BITCH WALKIN’! Madison hits it and goes for the cover!
1….
2….
3!!!! Hixx stays down!
JC: Well I’ll be damned! Parker and Dyson pulled this one off despite their mutual disdain for each other!
BG: Definitely not the result I had in mind, but a wins a win! Now maybe Cameron can parlay this momentum into something bigger and better.
JC: And something far away from Madison Dyson!
Winners - MADISON DYSON AND CAMERON PARKER
We see the X-Tron come to life, and we see "John Black" name shot up with the .38 special, and we see him at the stage in a black and white setting as he is standing there taking in the mixed reactions. Then he walks down to the ramp, and he gives them some high fives, then he climbs on the steel steps and enters the ring, and he raises his fist in the air as he pounds his chest around the ring as his theme cuts off.
A choir stands on stage, in safe spots, as flame begins to erupt from the stage, as Oz walks out. It seems as if Oswald has literally paid for an entire metal orchestra, just to play him to the ring. As the first lick of the guitar hits the air and the drums start off, Oz starts to walk to the ring, dressed in a large white cloak covering his body. However, instead of entering the ring first, he waits. He stands there near the ring floor next to the edge of the ramp. He slowly pulls off the cloak, folds it and then places it on the edge of the ring, next to one of the posts before climbing onto the apron and over the top rope where he goes to his corner, sitting down as he waits for the bell.
The steel dome lowers around the ring and the bell rings as the Thunderdome hums with electricity.
In the opening moments, Mr. Oz and John Black circle each other in a feeling out process. Eventually, Mr Oz smirks and waves JB in, taunting him to make the first move. JB takes the opening and charges in, delivering a series of heavy haymakers to Oz's body. Oz absorbs the punishment without flinching and counters with a massive clothesline that nearly decapitates Black.
TODD: "John Black starts off strong, but Oz is absorbing his blows like a tank!"
BAMA T: “He’s firing back like one too, baby!”
Oz lifts Black off the mat and delivers a delayed vertical suplex, holding him in the air while doing squats before eventually slamming him to the mat. He follows up, biding his time and waiting for JB to stumble to his feet, then rushing in with a crushing spear, driving Black into the electrified cage wall. Sparks fly, and Black screams in pain but manages to roll away before Oz can capitalize.
John Black fights back with some more haymakers, but as Oz absorbs them with a chuckle, JB changes gears and shoves Oz with all his might, sending the giant into the electrified wall. Oz convulses in pain for a moment, then presses himself off of the wall, and right into a suplex from Black that’s then immediately followed with a crippler crossface! Oz struggles for a moment but manages to break free. JB grabs a kendo stick and begins wailing on Oz before he can stand. The giant just absorbs the shots as he pushes up to a knee.
TODD: "John Black is swinging for the fences!"
BAMA T: "But Oz is… Eating his balls?!"
TODD: “WHAT!?”
BAMA T: “I’M NOT A SPORTS GUY, BABY!”
Oz is vertical as Black swings down on his head, but Oz catches the Kendo stick away and snaps it over his knee. JB fires in with belly to belly, but Oz deadweights and counters with a bear hug, squeezing the life out of Black. JB responds by raking Oz's eyes, forcing him to release the hold. Black then hits a DDT that he quickly follows up with a diving elbow drop from the top rope. Black scrambles for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!!
Oz presses Black off him for the KICKOUT!
JB rushes right back in and the two begin to brawl as Oz fights from a knee. Oz gains the advantage with a Pele Kick out of nowhere that sends John Black back into the electrified cage wall. The crowd stands in awe of Oz’s athleticism as sparks fly around JB.
TODD: "What a move by Oz! This guy defies gravity!"
BAMA T: "He floats like a ghost, baby!"
Oz attempts the "Sleep Now, Sweet Child 'O Mine," but Black somehow counters, hitting the "Blacklisted" (Death Valley Driver) out of nowhere. Both men are exhausted and lay there for what feels like an eternity, but eventually John Black crawls over for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!!
Oz kicks out with authority!
BAMA T: “IT’S NOT OVER YET, BABY!”
John Black looks around the ring for anything he can use. He spots a steel chair and grabs it, waiting for Oz to get to his feet. As Oz rises, Black swings the chair with all his might, but Oz ducks and the chair crashes into the electrified cage wall, sending sparks flying again.
TODD: "Black's gotta be careful with that chair!"
BAMA T: "He just fried himself, baby!"
Black drops the chair, shaking off the shock. Oz takes advantage, grabbing Black and hitting a belly-to-back suplex. Black hits the mat hard, but he refuses to stay down. He scrambles to his feet, only to be met with a brutal Big Boot from Oz that sends him crashing back into the electrified wall. Sparks fly and Black convulses from the electric shock.
TODD: "John can’t take much more of this!"
BAMA T: "It’s a THUG barbecue, baby!!"
Oz covers him!
ONE!
TWO!!
KICKOUT—HUGE POP!
Oz tries to pull Jb to his feet, but JB fires off a low blow that Oz just can’t shake. Oz doubles over and drops to his knees as Black struggles to his feet, grabbing the steel chair again. He waits for Oz to rise, then swings with all his might. Oz ducks again, and Black's momentum causes him to stumble. Oz steps in with a big boot, but Black swats it away with the chair. Oz cries out and drops to the mat as JB goes to work with the chair, taking shots at the body, arms, legs, everywhere. Black takes a moment from clobbering Oz to lean over and taunt him, but Oz comes to life, reaching up and locking in the "I Failed You" (Mandible Claw). He gently caresses Black head as he slowly falls to the mat, all the while, whispering – "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…".
Eventually, both the pain and the lack of air take their toll, and JB’s movements slow.
TODD: "John Black is fading!"
BAMA T: "This crowd is trying to get him back into the fight, but I think it’s too late, baby!!"
With a final, desperate burst, Black tries to fight out of the hold, but no luck. Black's body goes limp, and the referee checks his arm.
ONE!
TWO!!
John Black fights back with a sudden burst of energy. Oz releases the hold and clubs him with a forearm. Oz then pulls out a pair of handcuffs and begins to drag JB towards the electrified cage wall.
As Oz tries to cuff JB to the cage, JB springs to life, elbowing Oz in the gut. The two begin to brawl ferociously, with JB landing heavy blows while ducking most of Oz’s offense. JB gains the upper hand, shoving Oz back and sending the cuffs flying. He quickly grabs them and ducks under a wild clothesline from Oz, slapping one side of the cuffs onto Oz's wrist.
Oz roars in anger and throws a massive punch, but JB bobs out of the way and fires off rapid jabs that stagger the giant. With a final, forceful shove, JB slaps the other cuff onto the cage wall. Sparks fly as Oz convulses and JB is thrown away from the cage by the force of the electric current. Oz slides against the electrified cage until he is prone on the mat.
The crowd is on their feet, roaring as Oz's body shakes violently. The arena lights flicker and then go out, leaving us in darkness. Emergency lights come up as JB crawls over to the cooked Oz and drapes an arm over his chest for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
WINNER—AND NEW REVOLUTION CHAMPION—JOHN BLACK!!!
The crowd explodes in cheers as John Black is declared the winner. He rolls off Oz, exhausted as medics rush into the ring to attend to both men.
TODD: "What an incredible comeback! John Black has done it!"
BAMA T: "Against all odds! JB is the first ever 2-time Revolution champion, baby!"
John Black slowly gets to his feet, his hand raised in victory. The fans chant his name, and he soaks in the support, knowing he just overcame one of the toughest challenges of his career.
Mr. Oz is still handcuffed to the cage and being attended to by medics as JB exits the ring and celebrates with some fans at ringside.
JC: Up next folks! Ladies and gentlemen, you can love Jason Cashe or you can hate him, but you can not deny that he’s had an absolute stranglehold on his Television Championship!
BG: No you surely can not! It doesn’t matter who has been placed in front of him, Jason Cashe finds a way to survive! He finds a way to get to the other side with his dominance and his reign still intact!
JC: Cashe has made no secret as to his displeasure of late with the new boss and the booking style of the TV title so tonight, Jason Cashe defends his championship against a mystery opponent!
BG: We’ve entered the FAFO scale now in the TV title division! How is Jason Cashe supposed to go to victory against someone he doesn’t even know?
JC: Well, look… he’s capable of beating just about anyone at any time. But the deck in now stacked against him.
RA: The following contest is for the XWF Television Championship!
The hymn-like hum vibrates through the area before Lauren Hill soundfully brings in the chorus. Jason Cashe comes out from the back, stopping at the edge of the stage. Looking around the arena at the live audience, he takes a long drag off an air joint before howling up into the sky! A few fans howl with him.
Stopping as the aisle turns to ringside, Cashe drags a foot creating an imaginary line. This is the line where when passed, the talking stops. Cashe leaps up on the apron onto his left knee. He stands, ducking under the top rope to enter the ring.
JC: The figurative line in the sand! Drawn tonight in Italy!
BG: Cashe looks rested and ready!
JC: Determined!
Several moments of silence go by as Jason Cashe paces the ring. Not once taking his eyes off the entrance way.
JC: Who’s it gonna be!?
As the Sirius intro plays, Italy erupts while Cashe rolls his eyes and throws his arms up in disgust.
JC: Could it be!?
BG: Cashe was right! That bastard is booking his own title matches now!
Once ‘Sirius’ transitions to ‘My Name Is Human’, Thaddeus Duke, dressed in his ring gear, emerges from backstage. Ever popular in Italy and in Europe generally, the Italian chapter of the XWF Universe serenades Duke the Younger before the music fades out. The Romans continue to serenade for a few moments before they finally quiet.
You know, Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say.
Cheap pop.
Jason, you have a lot of things to say about me but you never quite say anything to me. That’s fine man. I can handle it. But you need to know that I am not your enemy. While not everything you say about me is accurate and honest, I do agree with you in large part when you start bitching and complaining about your booking, about the booking of the Television title.
So tonight, my friend, you get to usher in a new era for the Television championship. One where the spotlight will only get brighter and brighter for you, and for that championship that you hold so dearly.
Thad begins to unfasten his ring jacket while taking a few steps forward.
JC: Here we go! Jason Cashe is about to defend that title against Thaddeus Duke!
BG: That’s a mistake on Thad’s part! He’s got Graves coming up in just a little bit! Even if he beats Cashe, which is harder than some might think, he’s gotta go again against Graves!
In the ring, Cashe shakes his head. In the aisle way, Thad comes to a stop.
Wait… did you think it was me?
Thad laughs to himself for just a second.
I told you two months ago, I have no interest in carrying XWF gold. But if and when I do, I’ll earn my way there just like you did. No see, tonight… consider it a test. This man you’re about to face, Jason, is a big tough son of a bitch and I wanted to see how you’d fare against the unknown. I wanted to see if you truly had what it takes to step to the plate.
All you gotta do is beat him, Cashe. Claim your victory, defend that title, and let’s move on from the bullshit.
Thad begins to make his exit.
JC: Oh my!
BG: Oh GOD!
RA: Introducing the challenger! From Memphis, Tennessee weighing 299 pounds… CYRUSSS BRAAAADOCKK!
Cyrus Braddock emerges from backstage, dripping with sweat or baby oil. Maybe both. Thad and Cy slap hands as Thad exits. Cy begins his walk to the ring with Jason Cashe in his sights.
JC: With no disrespect to any of those that have challenged and failed to beat Jason Cashe, THIS might be his toughest opponent yet!
BG: You know he doesn’t have a ton of in-ring experience, but at 6 foot 8 and nearly 300 pounds, he’s got a good mix of toughness, size and raw power!
JC: Big Cyrus Braddock! He’ll be the challenger tonight at Leap of Faith!
Cy enters the ring as Cashe retreats to his own corner.
The bell rings and the fifteen minute clock begins to tick down.
JC: Jason Cashe has been here! He knows the law of the land! He’s the master of fifteen minutes!
BG: Maybe that’s why he’s single?
Cy Braddock approaches the center of the ring while Cashe continues to weigh his options, staying close to the ropes.
JC: I don’t think Cashe thinks a traditional tie up is ideal.
BG: Braddock towers over him and outweighs him by about 70 pounds. That’s a no-win situation if you’re Jason Cashe!
JC: And he’s smart enough to know that!
Cashe approaches his large adversary and mocks an attempt to lock horns. As Cy obliges, Cashe sends a knee into the big mans midsection which rocks him for the moment. Cashe follows up with a flury of rights and lefts slowly rocking the big man back toward the ropes.
BG: You remember in Jason Takes Manhattan how that boxer tried to fight Jason Voorhees on the roof?
JC: …
BG: That is what this feels like!
Cashe continues his flury, backing Braddock against the ropes. Cashe grabs Cy by his wrist and shoots him to the far side. Cy reverses though and Cashe gets sent instead. Cashe attempts to grab the ropes to halt his momentum, but bounces off nonetheless. On the rebound, Cy reaches his big leg up and Cashe runs straight into a big boot. Cy backpedals and bounces off the ropes. On the rebound, Cy leaps into the air and drops his tree trunk leg across Cashe’s head with a legdrop.
JC: Cover… twooo and cashe kicks out!
BG: Experience is what you get, when you don’t get what you want, Jacuinde! Cashe just figured out what not to do next time!
JC: He never seems to be the brightest of bulbs, Brody, but he’s not stupid. He knows how to get it done in that ring.
BG: Without question.
After the kickout, Cy gets back to his feet then grabs Cashe by the back of his neck to pull him up to his. Cyrus then scoops him up and slams him down hard in the center of the ring. With Cashe laying sprawled out, Big Cy takes the opportunity to place his foot on Cashe’s throat and begins to choke the life out of him. Obviously the official steps in, but Cy clearly doesn’t heed his warning and a five count begins.
JC: Just under 13 minutes to go and underhanded tactics here from Big Cy Braddock!
BG: He’s a touch simple, Jacuinde! But he can count to five!
Cy waits until just before five to let off his weight. Braddock holds both hands up in defeat as the referee admonishes him for his choke. Cy shoves the official aside as Cashe rolls to his stomach and starts to get back to his feet. Once Cashe is to one knee, Braddock grabs a hold of his head, but Cashe lunges, leaving the mat and drives himself head first into Cy’s midsection. Then a second time, that backs Cy up. Then a third time and Cy is backed against the ropes. Cashe gets to his feet with Cy laboring a bit. Cashe resumes his flurry of rights and lefts that rocks the big man against the ropes. Cashe backs off and rushes forward with a clothesline as Cy steps forward. The blow rocks the big man back but he does not leave his feet. Cashe retreats and runs to the far side ropes. Cy steps forward a few steps in an attempt to block or counter but he’s not quick enough as Cashe nails him again with another clothesline. Once more, Braddock is rocked but the sequoia doesn’t fall. Braddock staggers backward to the ropes as Cashe runs to the far side again. On the rebound, he shoots across the ring with another clothesline.
JC: Up and over the top goes Cyrus Braddock! Just over ten minutes now remaining within the time limit!
BG: But he shows off his agility as he lands on his feet!
JC: Cashe hasn’t faced a man this size in quite some time but I think, Brody, he’s adapting quickly!
After Cyrus Braddock lands on his feet and the referee begins his ten count, Cashe continues to tailor his offense in order to combat his far larger opponent. On his feet, but dazed, Cyrus is ripe for the pickings as Cashes slingshots himself over the top rope.
JC: Ohhh!
BG: Braddock is so big he just snatched him right out of the air!
Braddock catches Cashe out of the air, turns, accelerates, and folds the TV champion like an accordion as he rams Cashe back first against the ring post. With Cashe in a bad way, Cy turns his attention to the referee for just a moment as he’s midway through his ten count. Cy lifts Cashe to his feet and quickly slides him into the ring, but keeps a grip on his bald head to hang him off the edge of the ring apron. Cy backs off a few steps then accelerates forward and drives his boot into the side of Cashe’s head. Cashe reels away in the ring clutching the side of his head as Cy climbs back to the apron and steps inside the ring at the count of 8.
With the action returning to fair territory, Cy reaches down to lift Cashe off the mat. Cy lifts him up and drops him down back first across his knee before shoving him off to the mat.
JC: Hooks the leg… twwooo and NO!
BG: Cashe lives on, but you gotta respect the offense of Cyrus Braddock. He’s solely focused on his power game and continues to assault the back of Jason Cashe!
JC: He has and I’d venture to guess he’s doing that in an attempt to soften him up for that big power bomb of his!
BG: Brilliant analysis.
As the clock continues to tick down, now below 8 minutes, Braddock feels momentum on his side. Lifting Cashe to his feet, he sends him hard into the corner. Cashe almost bounces out, but keeps his left arm hooked on the top rope and bends his knees to nurse his ailing back. Cy advances into Cashe’s corner and helps him stand upright before clobbering him with a back elbow into the side of his head and face that rocks the TV champion.
The challenger sends him hard to the far side into the opposite corner. Cashe impacts so hard that he bounces off the turnbuckles and can’t stop his momentum. Cy scoops him up and power slans him to the mat and hooks the leg.
JC: One! Twooooo! Annnnd NO!
BG: Cashe kicks out again but you know he’s gotta be feelin’ it in that back!
Cy checks with the referee on the speed of his count before shaking his head and getting back to his feet. Instead of helping him up, Cy stands back and waits. Cashe slowly gets back to his feet but when he does, he turns right into a grip around the throat from his challenger. Big Cy lifts him for a chokeslam but Cashe wiggles free and lands on his feet. He quickly rolls Cy up from behind.
JC: TWOOOOOO AND!
BG: NO!
JC: Braddock escapes the school boy roll up!
BG: Cashe has the opportunity to capitalize on the mistake by Braddock! He just has to seize it!
Cashe struggles back to his feet. His knees buckling from the offense targeting his back. On his second attempt to get to his feet he turns around and is turned around inside out with a vicious lariat from Cyrus Braddock. Braddock doesn’t go for the win however, and immediately grips Cashe by his throat as he lays on the mat. Cy pulls him to his feet, then lifts and subsequently drives him into the mat with a ring shaking chokeslam.
JC: Hooks the leggg TWOOOOO and NO!
BG: You know, you might think that Cyrus Braddock has this match all but over, and they may well be right!
JC: But?
BG: The fact is, we have just over five minutes left in this match. Jason Cashe has a knack for keeping things close, for kicking out when he shouldn’t be able to kick out. He has proven time and again that the TV title division is HIS division!
With Cy back on his feet, he lifts a limp, down and out Jason Cashe from the mat and places his head between his legs.
JC: Oh but if he delivers the Lion’s Justice, Brody, it’s all over but the crying!
BG: No doubt.
Braddock lifts Cashe for the power bomb. Up on his shoulders, Cashe locks his ankles and grabs a fistful of the curly blond mane of Cyrus Braddock before delivering vicious right punch after vicious right punch to Cy’s unprotected skull. Braddock staggers backward, then forward, then his legs kick out from under him to a massive crowd pop. Cashe stays on him though with repeated punches to the head.
Cyrus eventually swats him away but Cashe is feeling the rush of adrenaline. He knows he can run out the clock and retain but he wants to win this. He wants to make a statement. Cashe leaps to his feet as the slower Cy remains on the mat and attempts to get up. Cashe goes right back on him with repeated stomps to the chest of the big man.
JC: Jason Cashe! On the comeback trail here in Rome!
BG: And these clowns out here are just eatin’ it up!
With momentum now clearly in the champion’s favor, Cashe gets back to his feet and grabs Cyrus by his hair and pulls him to his feet. Cashe whips Braddock into the corner but Cy counters and sends Cashe into the turnbuckles instead. Cy follows him in…
JC: Mark of Jason! We’re under three minutes!
BG: Oooo that caught the big man right under the chin!
JC: Big Cy Braddock is shaken, but not stirred!
With Braddock seemingly out on his feet, Cashe slips through the ropes, slingshots to the top rope and uses it as a springboard…
JC: Under the Influence!
BG: That’s what U.T.I. meant?
JC: Cover! TWOOOOO! ANNNNNND…
BG: Big Braddock kicks out! And time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’.
Feeling the pressure of the time limit looming, Cashe gets back to his feet. He lifts Braddock to his feet and sets him up in a suplex-like position. Cashe goes to lift him up but takes a stiff shot to the solar plexus that instantly knocks the wind out of him. He lets go of Braddock and backpedals in a quick tactical retreat. Braddock tries to wrap him up in a suplex of his own, but Cashe counters by slipping down the big man’s back.
Cyrus Braddock spins to find him, but is immediately caught, lifted, spun around and dumped on his back!
JC: SCRAP! ACTION! DRIVER!
BG: And this crowd is goin’ nuts!
JC: Hooks the leg! TWOOO ANNNND HE GOT HIM!
WINNER AND STILL XWF TELEVISION CHAMPION - JASON CASHE
JC: With just under a minute to spare, Jason Cashe pulls it out!
BG: Cashe retains and the test has seemingly been passed!
JC: Cardiac Cashe does it again!
The house lights fall dark with a loud audible snap. Thad's pet lion, Mufasa, belts out a loud roar and with it, the stage and the ring light up in a dim gold colored lighting. Mufasa paces the stage as "My Name Is Human" by Highly Suspect plays throughout the stadium to a roar from the XWF Universe.
RA: From the Tribeca section of New York City. Weighing 2 hundred 17 pounds.
THE LIONNNHEARRRRT!
THADDEUUUSSSS DUUUUKE!
Thad enters the stage with his hood up. Standing on stage, Thad gives his 'messiah pose' as a triple pyro shot from the top of the X-Tron toward the ring. When it bursts, it reveals a sparkling golden image of a roaring lion above the ring, bringing cheers from the XWF Universe.
After the pyro bursts, Thad in his custom white leather Lionheart jacket, throws his hood off as he begins down the ramp. At the bottom, he slaps a few hands before climbing the ring steps. At the top of the steps he pauses, looking over his shoulder toward the cheering Universe with his sweet smile.
Stepping to the apron, he slingshots himself over the top and into the ring before traveling to all four corners, climbing to the middle rope and sending out the ‘I Love You’ hand gesture to the Universe.
The arena falls into silence as a chilling metal version of "Come Little Children" begins to play.
Lime green lasers pan across the stage as Graves steps out from the back. The XTron displays a montage of Graves, each scene subtly hinting at his unnerving, predator-like persona, with visuals that are eerie and discomforting.
As he makes his way down the ramp, the arena is bathed in lime and purple lights that pulsate with the eerie metal tune.
Graves climbs into the ring and scans the crowd.
The XTron continues to flash with unsettling imagery as Graves creeps towards the corner, removing his cape and tossing it outside of the ring.
As Gravy's theme fades away, the arena lights shift back to normal as Micheal looks on from his corner awaiting the start of the violence.
JC: This one should be one for the ages!
BG: Yeah, but who’s Vincent Lame?
A portly, long haired blond walks out, waving to the crowd, the name “VINCENT LAME” scrolling across the Xtron, until we hear a record scratch…
Suddenly, XWF owner Vinnie Lane walks out, shoving the fat dude to the ground as the fans go absolutely bananas. He hot dogs his way down to the ring in his XWF referee uniform, holding up his leatherbound edition of the XWF rulebook. He rolls into the ring, and shows the rule book to each man before calling for the bell.
JC: IT’S LAAAAAAAAANE!
BG: Vinnie Lane is in the house and he’s here to officiate this match!
Lane calls for the bell.
THADDEUS DUKE
- vs -
MICHEAL GRAVES w/Special Guest Ref - Vincent Lame
1RP/4K
*ding*ding*ding*
Both Graves and Thad go to tie up, but Graves shifts his grip and grabs Thad’s crotch! Thad retaliates by grabbing Graves by the balls! Vinnie looks on, perplexed, but figures what the hell, it’s Thad and Graves.
JC: Both men mean business tonight!
BG: What business though?
Both men release the hold and turn away, grasping their groins. Graves spins around spews the dreaded Blue Mist, but Thad ducks, and it nails Lane! Lane collapses to the mat, fast asleep! Thad with the Heat Seaker! Graves goes to the mat, Thad covers him, and he grabs Lane’s limp wrist and uses it to make the count!
1…
2…
3!!!
WINNER - THADDEUS DUKE
JC: Well that sure was something.
BG: Yeah....it was. I honestly don't even know what to say except that a limp wristed Vinnie Lane "made" the 3 count and Thaddeus Duke beats Michael Graves.
The lights in the arena fade slowly to black. The opening tones of "I Would Die 4 U" by Prince and The Revolution blast from the PA, sending the crowd to their feet. They scream out the lyrics as Corey Black emerges from the back, walking out onto the stage with intent, bathed in a white light while purple ones circle the arena. He is wearing a hooded dark denim vest that has metal band patches all over it and a large Pantheon logo back patch. Corey stands at the top of the ramp, looking out into the frenzy of dancing and singing attendees, nodding his approval. He makes his way down the ramp, taking his time to survey the landscape around him and get himself a good look at the ring before him. As he reaches it, Corey slides in under the bottom rope and pops to his feet, unleashing a roar and throwing the devil horns into the air toward the hard cam. He takes the vest off and drops it to ringside before heading to his corner and crouching down, waiting for the match to begin.
Twenty midgets with sparkers in both hands held as high as their little arms can reach, line both sides of the entrance ramp. Thunder Knuckles walks out with an arrogant smile emblazoned on his face, and bobbing his head back and forth to the music. The sparkers ignite as he walks past the midgets. Once Thunder Knuckles is down to the ring he rolls under the bottom rope and in one movement he pops up to his feet. With his back turned towards the camera, he raises his right fist in defiance. As soon as his fist goes up, counterfeit XBUX with Thunder Knuckles' face on them falls onto the crowd.
TK and Black jaw at one another from across the ring as the referee confers with the time keeper and ring announcer.
JC: Bad blood doesn’t sum it up enough here, Brody.
BG: No Jacuinde, it doesn’t. TK and Corey Black have had nothing but animosity towards each other for over a month now, and it’s coming to a head here tonight in Vatican City.
JC: One fall to a finish, the rules are there are no rules!
The bell tolls.
*ding*ding*ding*
TK and Black rush one another and begin laying in massive forearms to one another in the center of the ring! They continue, locked in combat, spilling over the top rope to the arena floor! Black with a huge backchop, and TK ducks! TK hooks in the Full Nelson!
JC: TK has set in the devastating, and nigh inescapable, Full Nelson!
BG: This is Xtreme rules!
Black throws a leg back, hitting a low blow to TK! Black spins, hoists TK, and drops him with a Tombstone piledriver! Black with the cover!
1…
2…
JC: Wow, TK kicking out with authority to that one!
BG: A little early in the night for it to end, and TK has a hard skull!
TK is to his feet and Black marvels at the hardness of TK’s head! Black with a spinning savate kick to TK! TK catches the heel, and performs a dragon screw leg whip to the floor! TK then reaches under the ring apron!
JC: Tables? Chairs? What is TK thinking?
BG: We’re about to find out!
TK pulls out a large brown burlap sack, and he dumps it on the prone body of Black! Black is covered with onions! Several dozen onions tumble out of the sack and thud on the body of Black! Black writhes in agony as he’s covered with onions!
JC: Onions?
BG: ONIONS, JACUINDE, ONIONS ALL OVER THE XTREME CHAMPION!
TK capitalizes on his scallion salvo and pins!
1…
2…
Black kicks out, sending onions just about everywhere! TK can’t believe it and jaws with the ref! As he does, Black reaches under the ring apron and pulls out a bag! Black opens the bag and pours it over TK, and a bushel of dead piranha cascades over TK. Black, TK, and the referee are confused!
JC: COREY BLACK WITH PIRANHA!
BG: They need to be kept in an aquarium!
The fans are going wild for the heap of dead fish! Black picks up a dead piranha and slaps TK with it! TK recoils, but not before picking up two dead piranha and hurling them at Black, nailing him in the solar plexus! Black doubles over! TK with a drop toe hold! No, Black posts a hand on the ring apron, blocking it, and instead picks up another corpse of a carnivorous fish and mashes it into TK’s leg!
JC: ALIVE OR DEAD PIRANHA ARE STILL PIRANHA!
BG: Amen to that!
With that, from under the ring we hear glass shatter, and two very wet monkeys who were in an aquarium instead of the bag they were supposed to be scurry out of! Both monkeys grab an onion each and run off through the arena! The referee chases after them!
JC: OH MY!
BG: It’s the official XWF Xtreme Championship rhesus monkeys!
The scramble is on as the official XWF Xtreme Championship rhesus monkeys scamper through the crowd with onions. The referee gives chase, consulting his XWF rulebook on exactly what to do in such a scenario. Black and TK also give chase through the crowd, hitting each other with vicious rights and lefts as they do!
The rhesus monkeys come into a clearing outside of the makeshift arena in the official Vatican water park! TK and Black brawl to a dunk tank, and TK sets Black up on the dunk tank! TK takes an onion from one monkey and backs away, hurling it at the target! Black goes into the dunk tank! TK walks over and pulls Black out of the dunk tank, but Black fights back and puts TK on the seat of the dunk tank! Black backs away and waits for a monkey to give him an onion (THE SENTENCE I HAVE WAITED MY LIFE TO WRITE). The monkey jumps into Black’s hands!
JC: That monkey wants to be tossed!
BG: Sling that simian!
Corey’s aim is just off, but the monkey clings to the wall and hits the target anyway, dunking TK! Their purpose on this earth being served, the rhesus monkeys burst into bright green flames and disintegrate. Black picks up an onion and hurls it at the dunk tank, knocking it over! TK spills out onto the concrete but rides the cascade of water into the holy water lazy river! TK flounders to regain his bearings as he drifts alongside nuns and frocked priests on inflatable communion wafers! Black runs and heads for TK, but no running near the pool! The lifeguard blows his whistle at Black! The referee admonishes Black, deducting a point!
JC: Corey Black doesn’t like that call!
BG: This is Xtreme, Jacuinde, but we’re all responsible for safety when visiting water parks this summer!
The lifeguard is a dick and makes Black walk back and then walk towards TK, who has drifted even further down the lazy river! Black walks briskly towards TK, who is still floundering, and soars with a flying cross body block! TK puts his feet down, realizing he’s way taller than the lazy river is deep, and posts, catching Black! TK with a World’s Strongest Slam onto the smaller Black onto an inflatable communion wafer and through two nuns! TK recovers and pulls himself out of the very warm, probably very gross water!
JC: TK just baptized Black in the name of the Bastardly Father!
BG: ONLY IN THE XWF!
TK walks over to a food vendor and orders an Italian ice! NO! Black is on the attack and hit’s TK on the back with a crack! Black hoists TK up and hits a side backbreaker! The food vendor hands Black the ice that TK ordered instead! Black goes to mash it into TK’s face! NO! TK blocks, and holds Black’s wrists, and the struggle is real as Black edges the cool, delicious, red cherry ice towards TK’s face! NO! TK rolls out of the way and Italian ice hits the concrete! The lifeguard blows his whistle! NO! The referee stole his whistle and is blowing it!
JC: XWF officials have regained some control here!
BG: You’re right, Jacuinde.
JC: Please stop mispronouncing my name!
BG: I won’t!
TK and Black brawl towards the massive 120 foot tall Papal Plunge, the most famous water slide at the Vatican! TK gets up Black up for the Burning Hammer, sneering!
JC: Oh no, TK has hit both ‘A’ and ‘B’ simultaneously on his N64 controller!
BG: He’s looking to send a message here tonight!
Black struggles out of the maneuver, and once at a vertical base, DDT’s TK into the basin at the bottom of the massive Papal Plunge water slide!
JC: The Papal Plunge is advertised as the fastest, wettest water slide slash baptism mechanism that the Lord himself ever whispered in Pope Benedict XVI's brain!
BG: AND COREY BLACK IS GOING TO THE TOP!
Corey Black climbs the stairs to the top of the Papal Plunge, and once at the top, waits as a young girl in a vintage white lace dress is blessed by a Cardinal and goes down the slide. Black waits as a group of college kids on summer break, out for a day of sun and salvation, take turns going down the slide! Black finally gets his turn, and he does so going in feet first! He hits the first bank, and it’s fun as hell! He slides into the next right bank, and goes down a spiral, before hitting the chute! He comes down and makes contact with a waterslide assisted dropkick straight to TK’s head! Black with the cover!
1…
2…
3!!!
WINNER AND STILL XWF XTREME CHAMPION -COREY BLACK
TK barely gets a shoulder up right after the three count, but it’s too late as the referee is handing the belt to Black!
JC: A fantastic match by the former Universal Champion and one of the baddest bastards on the planet. TK gave it everything but on this night Corey Black had just a little bit more to give.
We’re brought back to the main arena in The Vatican City that’s been constructed for Leap of Faith. The crowd is eagerly awaiting the next contest as we’re brought to our commentary team:
JC:We’ve seen almost everything tonight folks! But up next, one of the most exciting, and dangerous matches in XWF. The Leap of Faith contest
The camera pans to the ring, where 3 sets of 30 feet tall scaffolds cross along the ring, their platforms, on either side of the ring aprons and bolted into the arena floor. Under each set of scaffolds, there are multiple briefcases secured to the steel platforms. Two underneath each of the outside scaffolds, and three briefcases under the center scaffold.
BG: Dangerous no doubt, JC, but also life changing. Whichever of these briefcases ends up being the actual 24/7 case, and whichever of these competitors captures it tonight- their lives will change forever. They’ll be winning an opportunity to cash-in for any championship match, at any time.
JC: And two more of those competitors punched their tickets to join this already star studded fold of wrestlers competing in Leap of Faith-
JC: And here comes one of them now!
"Bussit" by Joey Valence and Brae hits the sound system, blaring over the crowd's reaction with its abrasive beat. Vic runs out onto the entrance space immediately throwing out taunts towards the audience.
Rochelle Adams: Coming to the ring weighing in at one hundred and ninety-six pounds, hailing from Rockford, Illinois; he is the "Mic Crushing Phenom", "The Backpacker Backbreaker", "The Nintendo-Playing, Pabst Blue-Drinking Lyrical Messiah"... VIC VERNACULAR!
Coming down the ramp, Vic, showing some wear and tear from his earlier contest, but still jamming out to his own theme. He quickly rolls into the ring and leaps to his feet, still grooving as he sets himself into his corner.
BG: Vic Vernacular, new blood here in the XWF with a shocking win in his debut here tonight, earning him a right to compete again, this time for a chance at that 24/7 case.
JC: And think about what company the new comer vic joins, because here comes the man who won the other qualifier match- a former Universal Champion- Peter Vaughn
Peter Vaughn's face appears on the big tron, darkly smirking down at the fans.
"This Time... It's Different."
After Vaughn finishes speaking, he begins to laugh. His laughter carries on as the Tron video overtakes his image, beginning with "This Time It's Different" by Evans Blue. Sparks begin to erupt around the stage, showering nearby fans who feel like they're a little too close to the action. As the fireworks die down, two figures appear through the smoke and haze. Peter Vaughn walks forward first, followed by Chronic Chris Page stays behind him, smiling at the reaction Vaughn is getting.He stops at the top of the ramp, surveying the hatred from the crowd, and the menacing scaffolds that await him. From Vaughn's reaction, you'd think they were chanting his name, as he walks down the aisle with a cocky smile.
BG: Peter Vaughn is no stranger to these high pressure situations in the XWF, he looks a bit beat up from his match earlier, but undeterred as he approaches the ring now.
JC: Speaking of undeterred! Here comes the Madness that is Misty Waters, Brody!
Pomp and Circumstance fills the stadium from the loud speakers. Under the XTron, Misty Waters wastes little time making her way to the entrance ramp. She's wearing a luxurious blue fur robe, lined with red and white tassels.
BG: I’m glad to see that you’re finally coming around, and recognizing Misty for who she truly is! A world class wrestler who competes with honor, grace, and patriotism!
She has a red bandana tied around her skull, keeping her red wig in place, and a pair of single-lensed sunglasses covering her eyes. Misty hops onto the apron, stands, and points a single finger in the air, looking back at the crowd. She steps through the ropes, both hands in the air motioning for noise as she does a slow spin in the center of the ring, then climbs the turnbuckle and points with both hands up to the ceiling.
JC: Be it Misty, be it Dolly, she’s certainly dangerous, and capable of capturing that briefcase here tonight.
BG: And here comes a dangerous man in his own right, Matthias Synn!
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.
JC: It’s astonishing how many impressive talents we have in this match tonight. Here comes the winner of Fire and Ice, a man who’s shown that he can defeat, on any given night, the best the wrestling industry has to offer.
The lights dim as multiple spotlights rotate throughout the arena. As "Zenorus" begins to play, the spotlights all point to the stage, illuminating a velvet red curtain. As the orchestra dies down, vines creep from around the edges of the curtain, and rose petals begin to fall around the arena. Then, on the entrance of the choir in the music, the curtain is drawn open, revealing the imposing figure of Dionysus, holding a Thyrsus in his right hand and a shield on his left arm. He clashes the staff against his shield to rouse the crowd to clap with him, then roars, raising the Thyrsus above his head.
Dionysus sets the Thyrsus and shield next to the ring apron and rolls inside, running to one of the turnbuckles and climbing up to rally the crowd behind him. He then hops down and limbers up, awaiting his opponent.
BG: Dionysus ain’t playing around here tonight! He’s out to get that case and give a little payback to the Universal Champion.
JC: That’s IF Sebastian Everette Bryce is still the champion tonight, and IF Dionysus were to somehow win.
BG: This man here has shared similar feelings, JC. Ned Kaye believes it criminal for a champion like SEB to be leading the pack in the XWF. A wrong that Ned Kaye feels responsible for, and one that he plans to right tonight.
The arena flashes white as spotlights from around the venue converge at the entrance room as "You Know My Name" begins playing bombastically. As the lyrics start, Ned Kaye stands at the top of the stage to a somewhat surprising crowd reaction as the once thunderous applause is now a mix of cheers and boos with the boos seemingly outweighing the cheers. He lifts his fist up in the air, awaiting the crowd to do the same but again only about half the crowd does it which seems to surprise Ned a bit. The lights above the stadium darken in their blue color as Ned gets closer to the ring, little bits of ember adorning the X-Tron and ramp, orange breaking up the blue. He leaps over the ropes into the ring before looking down around at the crowd once more a bit perplexed by the reaction he's receiving. Maybe it's a Italy thing.
JC: Another relative newcomer to the XWF, Brody, but maybe one as capable as any in this match.
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 gives an appreciative pop as the 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. On the ramp, he removes the Thalia mask and flicks it casually over his shoulder into the crowd. Stitches can be seen on his face – under his chin and across his hairline – as the remnants of his ugly Tai-Pei Deathmatch at the beginning of the month.
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.
BG: Johnny Bacchus’ talents are well regarded across the wrestling industry. Tonight we’ll see how he can fare against multiple top tier talents in the XWF.
MISTY WATERS
- vs -
JOHNNY BACCHUS
- vs -
DIONYSUS
- vs -
NED KAYE
- vs -
MATTHIAS SYNN
- vs -
VIC VERNACULAR
- vs -
PETER VAUGHN
Leap of Faith Briefcase Match
1rp/4k
With the 45 minutes of entrances over, and all 7 wrestlers in the ring, the match begins.
Everyone in the match remains in the ring and begins to clobber one another. Bacchus has started teeing off on Vic in the corner, while Ned and Peter Vaughn trade blows by the ropes, and Dio quickly overpowers Synn with a slam followed by mounted punches in the center of the mat- but all the meanwhile, Misty Waters has avoided contact and slipped under the bottom rope, and begins climbing up the left-most set of scaffolds.
Ned steps back and dropkicks Peter in the chest, sending him tumbling over the top rope while a heel kick from Vic rocks Johnny on his feet- with Bacchus dazed- Vic hits the ropes and tries for a running heel kick this time- but johnny dodges, sending Vic falling into Ned Kaye who both spill over the top rope, and join Peter on the floor. Johnny finally gains some balance on his feet, but it’s Dionysus now attacking Bacchus.
He snatches the smaller Bacchus by the throat, and lifts for a chokeslam- but Bacchus twists and reverses out with a DDT. He lifts Dio and throws him over the top rope out to the floor, where they’re all beginning to stand. Johnny runs and dives through the ropes. A suicide dive right into Ned’s chest as he stands, sending him smashing into Peter, Vic and Dio, whipping all the men out. But meanwhile! Up top, Misty has already made it to the first briefcase. She sits down on the edge of the scaffold, looking down on the sobering potential to fall beneath her. She grabs hold of the edge of the scaffold and dangles down. She leaps off and grabs onto a briefcase as the crowd gasps. Below, Bacchus is already climbing on the other side of Misty’s scaffold. He’s trying desperately to reach her!
BG: Bacchus could be going for one of the other cases here, JC. But if Misty happens to be clutching onto the correct case, then this match is already over!
Johnny holds onto the edge of the scaffold and swings down. Holding on desperately, he swings his legs at Misty trying to kick her. Misty clutches onto the case, and swings out of the way, just barely avoiding the kick. Bacchus tries to swing at Misty again- but from the middle scaffold next to them, it’s Synn! He’s trying to kick at Bacchus which diverts Johnny from his attack on Misty- he swings back and kicks Synn so hard that Matthias is forced to one arm dangling now-
BUT WITH THE FREE TIME NOW- MISTY OPENS THE CASE
JC: MY GOD SHE’S WON!
A free coffee reward card with 5 punches from The Vatican City’s JavaHut! Only 6 punches needed for a free cup of coffee!
Misty’s weight on the hinges of the case cause it snap in two, as she takes a horrific fall from the scaffold, crashing into the ring while the free coffee card floats down beside her broken body. Johnny and Synn stop only long enough to survey the carnage of Misty’s fall with concerned looks on their faces- before re-engaging in kicking the shit out of each other as they both dangle 25 feet above the ring. Meanwhile, Ned has begun to scale the scaffold on the same side the Bacchus climbed, as Dionysus climbs behind Synn, and Peter and Vic both climb on either side of the right-most scaffold.
Bacchus spots Ned nearing the only remaining briefcase on their scaffold. He pulls himself back up, lying belly first on top of the scaffold before standing to his feet and walking toward Ned. Ned is leaned over, trying to find an alternative to capturing the briefcase outside of leaping down onto it, when he’s met with a kick to the ribs from Bacchus.
On the scaffold next to them, Synn has followed Misty’s example, and leaped onto one of the three cases on that scaffold. A framed VHS Tape of Ninja Turtles 3, he yells in anger and throws the framed video cassette down to the ring, where it nearly strikes the already badly damaged Misty Waters. Synn leaps to the center case on the scaffold
JC: OH MY GOD!
THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD!
Bacchus jumps from opposite the other scaffold and catches Synn midair with the coast 2 coast kick- sending Synn crashing horribly into the ring. The crowd explodes as it’s Bacchus who somehow manages to latch onto the center briefcase!
All of this, just as Dio and Peter lock horns on the scaffold next to Johnny. Dio dangerously slams Peter on the slim scaffold platform. Peter rolls and nearly falls off, but hangs onto the ledge, fighting through the pain as he opens a squinty eye to spot a briefcase dangling just across from him. Dio reaches down and grabs Pete by the head- but Pete does his best to fend it off, using his arm to pull himself under the middle of the scaffold just in front of the case.
Meanwhile, Bacchus is trying to find a way to open the case he’s dangling on without falling to the mat- he looks over and sees that Ned has now made his way down to the last briefcase on that scaffold. Ned’s approach is unconventional thus far. He’s hanging off the ledge of the scaffold, but reaches out with his legs and starts kicking the case, loosening its attachment to the scaffold. He kicks and kicks, just until it looks like it might fall, and then grabs it with his legs- squeezing it between his ankles. He pulls the case down, holding it with his legs, and then pulls his way back to the top of the scaffold. But before he can even catch his breath, a limping and broken Misty Waters unbelievably drags her way back to the top of scaffold. Her dangling shoulder looks like it could be dislocated.
She snags the case from Ned’s legs and with her one good arm lifts the case over her head and bashes it down onto Ned’s left knee. Smashing it between the case and the steel platform. Ned holler out in pain, as Misty again raises the case and smashes Ned’s knee.
JC: I don’t even know how Misty is standing right now, BG. Let alone swinging that case at Ned
It takes tremendous strength- but Bacchus climbs off of the case and holds himself, his fingers gripping onto the grates of the steel platform above. He sweats and grunts and reaches forward, grabbing free the case with one arm. He swings his weight and reaches over to the ledge, still with the case in his hand, and begins to pull his weight up onto the platform. But a boot has smashed his fingers! It’s Vic Vernacular- he snatches the case away from Bacchus, and promptly opens it MY GOD IT’S
A VINTAGE PHOTO OF CENTURION!
JC: Look at that, his smile was off center even as a baby.
From across the way, Misty points at Vic and laughs, just in time for Ned to recover and sweep her legs. Vic looks down at Bacchus and notices that he’s trying to climb over the last remaining case on the center scaffold. So Vic starts leaning over and swinging the phony 24/7 case at Bacchus, coming just inches from possibly battering Johnny off of the scaffold.
Meanwhile, both Peter and Dio are under the other scaffold now, each holding onto a ledge with one arm, and each punching one another with their free arms, a briefcase between them. Pete sacrafices taking another punch from Dio just so he can leap freely onto the case now.
JC: Peter Vaughn making a big sacrifice here! He better hope this case is worth it!
Dio kicks, and desperately tries clubbing Peter in the back. He climbs on Peter’s back now, as the two men dangle from the briefcase. BUT IT’S VAUGHN WHO GETS THE CASE OPEN!
IT’S AN OCW ROSTER APPLICATION!
Vaughn simply frowns, and unlatches the case from the scaffold, causing both he and Dio to plummet to the ring- with Vauhgn’s fall being at least partially broken by Dio’s back. The carnage in the ring is unreal- but the action is still going on high above. Johnny is trying to avoid Vic’s swinging briefcase, while climbing under the scaffold platform like it’s a set of monkey bars- as he nears the final case on the center scaffold. There is one case though, that has been pulled down from the scaffold and remains unopened. It’s laying just near Misty’s feet as she lays on her side trying to break free from Ned’s head scissors lock. Misty starts pounding her fist back into Ned’s left knee. Ned, having taken some rough shots to the knee just moments ago, screams out. Misty gets a little room between the two of them before biting down on Ned’s knee now, punching it at the same time. She breaks free from Ned and grabs the case. But rather than opening it right away, she bashes Ned in the knee again!
JC: My god I don’t think Ned will be able to walk after this!
Vic, who’s been trying to swing an empty case under the scaffold to hit Bacchus, looks over and spots Misty as she starts to open her case. He throws the empty case across to the other scaffold and dings Misty in the forehead- splitting her open. The unopened case falls from her arms and falls directly onto Synn in the ring as he tries to stand. Peter Vaughn crawls over to where Synn just fell and grabs the case.
He pops it open!
IT’S A FRAMED VHS OF BACK TO THE FUTURE 3!
JC: That's a collectors item now. I hope he holds on to that. It's gotta be worth something these days.
BG: I don't know JC. If that was 1 or maybe even 2 I'd agree with you but 3? Outside of the ZZTop cameo that movie was not good.
JC: I honestly don't even know who you are right now.
Peter slams his fist into the mat and looks above. He sees the dangling case that Bacchus is after, and also spots the final case that’s still attached to the scaffold that he and Dio fell from. Vaughn struggles to his feet and starts making his way to that scaffold.
But Dio has stood, wobbly as he may be, and attacks Vaughn from behind- hitting him with a ripcord bull hammer!!!!!
PETER VAUGHN IS OUT!
Back atop the scaffolds- Misty has just stopped seeing stars- in time for Ned to recover and suplex her down onto the steel platform. She starts to slide off of the scaffold, but just barely hangs onto the ledge. Ned limps toward the other side of the scaffold, he flings his hair out of his eyes and spots Vic itching down and trying to attack Bacchus who's still after that last case on the center scaffold. Ned also looks over to the only other remaining case, and notices that Dio is making a climb toward it.
Ned makes a pivotal decision. He leaps over to the middle scaffold- landing and tumbling down on his bad knee. He grimaces as he lands, but gives himself little time before immediately jumping over to the scaffold that Dio is climbing.
JC: With only two cases remaining- Ned Kaye better hope that the case he’s targeting is the correct one- or else he might not have time before the winning case ends up in someone else's arms!
BC: The same can be said of Bacchus and Vic too! There’s only two cases left, ond one of them holds the grand prize!
Vic has grown impatient pursuing Bachus, and has climbed down now, hanging off the scaffold and attacking Johnny. But Johnny kicks Vic in the face, again and again, and again!
VIC FALLS FROM THE SCAFFOLD!
Johnny has the case all to himself now, as Ned and Dio are only just starting to battle right overtop of the other case. A punch from Dio cracks Ned in the nose- but somehow it’s Ned! He eats the punch and leaps up, cracking Dio in the jaw with a v-trigger from his right knee! Dio staggers, turns and falls to the ring.
Ned climbs down to the case, and wraps his arms around it, as does Bacchus on the other.
TWO CASES LEFT!
ONE IN NED’S ARMS!
ONE IN JOHHNY’S ARMS!
JOHNNY IS ABOUT TO -
OH! A SWINGING KICK FROM WATERS!
SHE’S PULLING HER WEIGHT BACK AND FORTH FROM THE OTHER SCAFFOLD! KICKING HER LEGS INTO BACCHUS’ SIDE!
Bacchus has no choice but to move out of Misty’s reach- he lets go of the case and scales over to the side of the scaffold closest to Ned. Misty leaps from the scaffold and grabs onto the case!
BUT IT’S BEEN LOOSENED!
AS SOON AS HER WEIGHT GRABS ONTO THE CASE- SHE PULLS IT DOWN AND FALLS TO THE RING! THE CASE BUSTS OPEN REVEALING-
1000 XBUX!
Johnny’s eyes go wide-
Ned’s eyes go wider!
Johnny leaps at Ned!!!
BUT IT’S TOO LATE!
Ned smiles and detaches the final 24/7 case, falling to the mat, clutching it in his arms as Johnny Bacchus falls and joins the train wreck-like carnage in the ring. Ned smacks the mat, and with a shaking hand reaches opens the case-
NED HAS THE 24/7 CONTRACT!
WINNER of a 24/7 XWF Briefcase - NED KAYE
JC: Ned Kaye has done it! For the second time Ned Kaye has won the Leap of Faith match and earned a 24/7 briefcase. I can't believe it! I thought for sure Johnny Bacchus would be walking out of here with a case.
BG: All well and good partner but I hope Ned doesn't barf up this briefcase like he did the last one. You remember that? What a fail that was.
JC: I don't think Ned would entirely agree with your description there but yes he did fail to secure the title he cashed in on. It happens. Anyway that was a FANTASTIC match and after this commercial break we get into the nights main event!
JC: And we are back ladies and gentlemen for tonight's MAIN EVENT!!! Sebastian Everett-Bryce will defend the title he won at March Madness against former XWF Universal Champion Mark Flynn and current and longest reigning XWF Anarchy Champion Sean Parker in what is sure to be one for the ages!
BG: And here comes, arguably, the greatest threat to Sebastian Everett-Bryce’s championship gold!
Flynn bursts through the curtain in a dazzling blue robe. Across the back, it says "King of the Midcarders". He has no expression and makes no eye contact with anyone in the arena. He watches coldly as the likes of Misty Waters, Johnny Bacchus, Dionysus and others are helped away from the arena.
JC: That cold look on his face, Brody, Mark Flynn is a man whos scorned over the thought that he had to cash in his 24/7 case just to share a ring with the universal champion tonight.
BG: He makes a good case though, no pun intended, Mark Flynn has dominated the landscape of professional wrestling for what seems like years. The short list of major stars he’s put down could very well read like a mount rushmore of XWF. He’s tapped the Universal Champion out, and he’s ready to do it again tonight!
JC: Well, not if this man has anything to say about it!
“Ken’s Theme [Metal Cover]” by ToxicxEternity starts to play throughout the arena. As the song plays its slow, building intro, Sean Parker appears on the stage in a hooded waistcoat. He goes down on one knee, his head low as sparks fill the stage area.
BG: Sean Parker is here to prove tonight that he is as much a contender for the Universal Champion as any of these greats. His rise on Anarchy hasn’t just been a flook, but now, he has to prove that here tonight.
When the song explodes into life, Sean leaps to his feet, his arms outstretched and his hood falls back behind him. Sean walks confidently to the ring, running as he gets ringside and slides effortlessly under the bottom rope. He takes off his waistcoat, tossing it into the crowd before he climbs up one of the turnbuckles and fist pumps before doing a backflip back down as his music fades out.
The lights in the arena cut out entirely, and the fans begin to buzz. The darkness holds for a moment before…
With each of the hits of the word “Fame” a spotlight flashes back and forth between the stage and a random spot in the audience. On the screen, the images alternate between key moments from the career of Sebastian Everett-Bryce, S.E.B. and Empire.
After the final Fame, the lyrics end.
Na, na, na, na…
The screen flashes with the words Welcome to the Empire.
JC: Welcome to the Empire, Brody!
As the beat drops, Sebastian Everett-Bryce flings his arms wide, lit up by a bright spotlight, 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, 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 appears to be cracked, and broken. Distressed. His tights are short, with the initials S.E.B. emblazoned upon the front.
BG: Sebastian has claimed that he is the most successful wrestler to ever set foot in this company- and to say that heading into a match against the likes of Mark Flynn, and even Sean Parker, is quite the bold statement. Tonight we’ll find out how that success will be measured. He’s at a true disadvantage here. Triple Threat? Falls Count Anywhere? This match is taylor made for SEB to lose!
Fame makes a man take things over
Fame lets him loose, hard to swallow
Fame puts you there where things are hollow
It's not your brain, it's just the flame
That puts your change to keep you insane
The lights lift and Seb makes his way to the ring, stretching his neck from side to side as he walks, he slaps hands with fans as he walks, stopping with a random fan and staring into the camera and shouting “My Empire, right here!”. He climbs up the steps and steps through the ropes before standing in the middle of the ring.
Fame, what you like is in the limo
Fame, what you get is no tomorrow
Fame, what you need you'll have to borrow
Fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame, fame
He pulls back his hood.
Is it any wonder?
Is it any wonder?
Is it any wonder?
Is it any wonder? (Ooh)
The beat drops again, he flashes his arms out to a side, a satisfied smirk upon his face, he holds the position for a moment, to allow the crowd to take pictures, before pulling off his Jacket to reveal “EMPIRE” on the back of his tights.
As his music comes to an end, Seb backs to the corner and leans, with a satisfactory smirk upon his face.
The ref takes the belt from SEB and raises it into the air, before calling for the bell
And with that- we’re underway! The scaffolds from the Leap Of Faith match still surround the ring. Parker and SEB waste little time meeting in the middle of the mat- Bryce tries to get some offense going, but it’s Sean Parker stunning the crowd, and the champion with a flying head scissors take down. SEB falls back into the corner of the ring, and Parker moves in for an attack- but it’s Mark Flynn with a chop block from behind to Parker- and now it’s Flynn running in for a dropkick to SEB in the corner- But the champion moves out of the way leaving Mark falling awkwardly.
SEB grabs Flynn by the shoulders and starts to pull him out of the corner. But Flynn fights him back down to the mat with punches, then two roll around trying to gain positioning on one another. They stand, with SEB locking in behind Flynn, trying to work him down with a german suplex, he lifts, Flynn elbows, he lifts again and nearly has Flynn from his feet when-
DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX FROM PARKER!
Parker’s suplex plants both SEB and Flynn to the mat- and Parker doesn’t relent. A standing moonsault to SEB, and now Parker is going for the early cover!
1!
2!!
FLYNN PUSHES PARKER OFF OF SEB!
He grabs Parker by the hair and rakes his eyes, wrestling Parker to the mat and locking in a cross face that Parker quickly reverses out of- they both stand to their feet, Parker swings wildly with a punch that Flynn avoids- pushing Parker into the corner where he starts to light up his chest with a series of chops. The slaps sound even more painful than they look- but PArker grinds his teeth and pushes Flynn back off of him- RIGHT INTO SEB!
An exploder suplex by the Uni Champ, plants Mark Flynn on his neck. SEB pops back to his feet and works his way over to Parker who is coming in swinging. SEB blocks the attacks from Parker with his forearms- SEB parries through the punches, knocking Parker off balance and jumping up- grabbing Parker by the head and landing a DDT out of nowhere.
JC: The Universal Champion is showing us all why he’s the top dog in the XWF here tonight!
SEB gathers himself and lifts Parker back up- pushing the Anarchy Champion back into the corner where he starts landing some stiff kicks to Parker’s midsection. But SEB has lost sight of Mark Flynn which is never a good idea! From outside of the ring, Flynn climbs up onto the apron, on the other side of the turnbuckle where SEB is working on Parker. Before SEB can even spot him, Flynn sunset flips down onto SEB- slamming the Uni Champ’s head onto the mat and pinning him-
1!
2!!
It’s Parker breaking the fall this time, with a kick to Flynn’s spine!
Parker doesn’t allow Flynn a chance to react- before Flynn can even stand, Parker is hitting the ropes and flying in with a crossbody that wipes Flynn out.
Parker pops to his feet, yelling and getting fired up! He spots the still down SEB and makes his way to the turnbuckle. Parker climbs to the top preparing for a big move- but again it’s Mark Flynn out of nowhere! A running knee lift stops Parker cold in his tracks, leaving him falling from the top turnbuckle and onto the floor.
BG: Baby this match has been running a hundred miles an hour, and we’ve only just begun!
JC: And to that point, Brody, it appears as if neither of these men have figured out a way to stop the other. This is a very evenly contested matchup!
Flynn marches back over to SEB and leans over to lift the champ up- but it’s SEB with snap suplex! He keeps hold of Flynn and rolls over for another suplex
INSIDE CRADLE!
FLYNN HAS SEB PINNED!
1!
2!!
BARELY! SEB BARELY KICKS OUT!
Both men are back up on their feet, exchanging powerful kicks to another's shins. BUT FROM THE APRON!
IT’S PARKER RE-ENTERING THE RING WITH A SPRINGBOARD SHOOTING STAR PRESS! HE WIPES OUT BOTH FLYNN AND SEB AS THE CROWD GOES WILD!
Parker hurries back to his feet, and snatches Flynn up by the hair, throwing him over the top rope and out to the floor- while the Anarchy Champion turns his attention to the Universal Champion!
Parker hits a vertical suplex onto SEB! Parker keeps the head held, and pivots the hips, getting to his feet and hoisting SEB! Another vertical suplex attempt is blocked by SEB, who spins around Parker and grips him! Backdrop suplex from SEB onto Parker! SEB rolls through, looking to hit another, but Parker with a back elbow to SEB, and he reverses the rear waistlock into one of his own! German Suplex from Parker onto SEB, bridging for the pin!
1…
2…
Flynn dives to break up the pin.
JC: Close call from Mark Flynn!
BG: This is a huge match, and huge moments make a huge difference!
Flynn brings Parker to his feet and nails him with a double cross chop to the chest! A knee strike to the solar plexus from Flynn onto Parker! Flynn scoops Parker for a slam, but Parker slides behind Flynn, and he gets underneath him, dropping him with a Blue Thunder Bomb onto SEB! Parker rolls back, but the referee notices that Flynn is on top of SEB!
1…
2…
SEB gets a shoulder up as Parker grabs at Flynn, pulling him off! SEB slowly gets to his feet as Flynn is pulled up by Parker! SEB with a superkick to Flynn, who moves at the last moment and Parker eats the superkick! Parker recoils into the corner, and Flynn turns and hits an atomic drop onto SEB! Flynn kicks the back of SEB’s knees, sending him down and draped neck first across the middle rope! Flynn shoots off the opposite ropes, looking to capitalize, but Parker is to the top rope! Parker soars with a missile dropkick to Flynn, then like a pinball bounces to his feet and is up to another corner on the same side of the ring where SEB is set! Parker to the top rope and he comes off with a huge 450 splash to SEB’s back, folding him in half against the ropes! He goes for the cover!
1…
2…
The referee stops the count, pointing at SEB’s right boot under the ropes!
JC: Close call for the champion there!
BG: Better lucky than good!
Parker lifts to his feet, unaware of Flynn pursuing behind him, landing a Backstabber while Parker is pleading with the ref! He rolls over off of Mark’s knees, gripping onto his back as Mark gets into position to lock in a Fujiwara Armbar! He’s yelling at Sean to give up as the Anarchy Champion does everything in his power to struggle out of the hold! Sean’s feet stamp against the mat as Mark continues to wrench away! He lunges towards the ropes, only to be kept inches away before he sees his escape!
JC: SEB is still recovering just near the ring apron!
Parker’s free arm lands over Sebastian’s chest! It’s a valid pinfall!
The ref falls down to make the count!
1…
2…
SEB KICKS OUT, PUSHING SEAN’S BODY UP ENOUGH TO TRANSITION HIM OUT OF THE ARMBAR!
He flips out of Mark’s hold, tapping the tip of his boot against Mark’s chin to taunt him! Mark runs over to try and use Sean’s momentum to transition into a powerslam, but Sean lowers the ropes, causing Mark to tumble forward face first into one of the bolted down ladders!
BG: Call that ladder a Denny’s Grand Slam because Mark just ate it!
Mark retreats under the ring, his hands covering his face as Sean looks over to Everett-Bryce. SEB has made as full of a recovery as such a high-octane match could allow for. Sean runs towards the Uni Champ, reaching an arm out as SEB runs underneath! Parker twists around, but his caught by Bryce’s arm and is caught with a DDT out of nowhere! Parker flips to his feet, unsoundly wobbling as Sebastian attempts to catch him with a German Suplex, but on instinct alone, Sean lands a reverse DDT on SEB before dropping to the mat himself!
SEB claws himself up, smacking the ring to force the adrenaline through his body as he maneuvers to the apron, beginning to climb on one of the ladders on the outside, pulling himself closer to the rafters with every step!
JC: These men can’t slug it out forever! Maybe SEB realizes a different vantage point might give him a chance at getting enough ground back to win this thing!
BG: Or maybe he’s just a chickenshit coward running away to get closer to his God!
Before SEB can make it to climbing on the rafters, Sean has lifted up to his feet, catapulting himself off the ropes and springboarding up to meet SEB on the ladder! He lobs an open fist at SEB who returns with one of his own!
The crowd screams as they trade back and forth, blow for blow!
And then…
A hum.
The two pause, looking down as Mark Flynn looks up with the devil’s glint in his eye and a power drill in his other hand!
JC: WHERE IN GOD’S CITY DID HE FIND THAT?
BG: Flynn’s brought a whole new meaning to bringing hardware to the ring!
As the two have pummeled each other above him, MARK HAS BEEN UNBOLTING THE LADDER, ITS FOUNDATIONS BECOMING MORE QUESTIONABLY BY THE MINUTE!
JC: YOU HAVE TO NEED A LICENSE FOR THAT!
Flynn begins kicking the unbolted scaffold ladder, over and over, as the structure begins to lose all viability. Sean and Sebastian both fall, and are just lucky enough to be holding on with sweaty hands along the edge of the scaffold!
Flynn kicks the ladder again, but the scaffold only wobbles more, and doesn’t completely fall
JC: My god! That scaffold structure is about to come down- and Sebastian and Sean are barely holding on!
Flynn snarls, and climbs up, nearly to the top of the scaffold structure next to Sean and Sebastian. His face runs cold as he eyes the Universal Champion, who’s dangling onto the scaffold by a thread—
BG: What goes up, must come down, JC!
DIVING SPEAR FROM FLYNN! HE JUST SPREAD SEB 20 FEET DOWN TO THE MAT!
The crowd is in absolute shock!
With the Flynn and SEB car wreck below, Sean Parker grabs onto one of the supports as he’s suspended from scaffold, he pulls his way up to the shaky platform and is staring down at his opponents in the ring below, barely able to keep themselves standing after crashing from high up. Noticing his opportunity in front of him, he gestures at the crowd for energy, screaming as the arena roars!
JC: What is this young man thinking?!
BG: HE HASN’T DONE THAT HIS WHOLE LIFE AND HE’S NOT ABOUT TO START NOW!
Sean turns his back to the ring and jumps!
The world goes still as Sean’s body spins in mid-air!
JC: SEAN’S GOING FOR THE LEAP OF FAITH AT LEAP OF FAITH!
HE COLLIDES WITH THE TWO MEN BENEATH HIM, LEAVING THE THREE IN A HEAP ON THE CANVAS, THE CROWD GIVING A STANDING OVATION AS MEDICAL PERSONAL AND REFEREES CHECK THEIR PULSES!
These three men have put their bodies through hell tonight in The Vatican City. But after a few moments, somehow, miraculously, Sean Parker has stumbled up to his feet, falling into the ropes and using them to keep him standing upright- he settles his focus on Mark Flynn who is the next to show signs of life. He runs in at Flynn and-
RIPARTE!
The running knee from Flynn catches Parker right in the jaw. The move takes all of Flynn’s energy as he’s laid out on the mat- while Sean Parker is out on his feet, somehow still standing, but completely unconscious as he falls into the turnbuckle, and pinballs right back and unconsciously falls onto Flynn for a pinfall!
JC: UNBELIEVABLE! BUT FLYNN IS GETTING PINNED BY PARKER AFTER HITTING HIS TRADEMARK MOVE ON PARKER!
BG: I don’t believe either one of them knows where they’re at right now!
1!
2!!
NOOOO!!!!
FLYNN BARELY GETS A SHOULDER UP!
JC: My goodness ladies, and gentlemen! Sean Parker was literally centimeters away from being crowned Universal Champion!
BG: But you can’t underestimate the fight, the passion that Mark Flynn has for this business, JC! The passion he has for that Championship! He cashed in this opportunity to prove to the world that he’s still the top dog here in the XWF!
Flynn crawls - - RIGHT ON PARKER'S BACK!
.
Fujiwara Armbar! He has it locked in! Parker is screaming, reaching desperately for anything to pull away from Flynn! Flynn is screaming louder, pulling back on Parker’s arm!
JC: Parker is going to have to tap here- or else Flynn might break his arm!
PARK IS TAP-
-NO!
-SEB GRABS PARKER’S FREE ARM BEFORE HE CAN SUBMIT!
Flynn shouts at SEB, telling him to let go- but instead SEB tackles Flynn down to the mat, breaking the hold. Parker is writhing with pain on the canvas while Flynn and SEB rolls around in a scuffle, each trying to gain the upper hand- they stand to their feet-
BUT FLYNN IS LOCKING IN THE ARMBAR ON SEB NOW
HE’S GOT IT! HE’S GOT SEB IN THE ARMBAR AND PULLING HIM BACK TO THE MAT-
Masamune Decapitation!!!!!!!
The running forearm from Parker blasts Flynn!
Parker falls down, giving every last bit of energy to pull off that move. Flynn’s eyes are rolling into the back of his skull, as he wobbles on his knees-
THE EMPIRE KICK TO FLYNN!
A LAST DITCH EFFORT FROM THE CHAMPION!
Battered and gassed, SEB drapes an unconscious arm over Mark Flynn!
1!
2!!
PARKER LUNGES OVER!!!!!
JUST NOT IN TIME TO BREAK THE FALL!!!!
3!!!
WINNER AND STILL XWF UNIVERSAL CHAMPION SEBASTIAN EVERETT-BRYCE
JC: What an incredible match to cap off our show!!! All three men gave it everything they had and I think on most nights anyone of them could have walked away with the ultimate prize in professional wrestling but on this night that feat belongs to the man who walked in with it, Sebastian Everett-Bryce!
Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” blares out over the arena as the crowd erupts in a chorus of shocked cheers and jeers. Disbelief settles over the announcement table as Ned Kaye departs from the entrance ramp, clearly limping with his left leg, scratched and bruised from his match earlier in the evening. The cheering, scarce as it is, slowly is drowned in the boos, as realization cascades over the crowd.
JC: OH MY GOD!!! Not like this, Ned…
BG: The two-time Leap of Faith winner has decided to two-time his own fans! Wasn’t he the one who talked all that crap about “cashing in the right way?” These fans hardly ever get it right, but it’s nice to hear em’ take ol’ Ned Kaye to task.
JC: Since losing the Uni at March Madness, he has been incredibly hard on himself, blaming Sebastian Everett Bryce for the issues he sees with this Federation. And now… now he’s decided to do something. I don’t know that he’ll forgive himself, Brody.
BG: It’s not his forgiveness he’ll need if he wants to leave The Vatican in one piece!
Conflict is deep in Ned’s face as he hastens his pace to the ring, seeing SEB holding himself, trying to prepare mentally for a second match. Before Ned enters the ring, he steps by the defeated body of Mark Flynn. Mark looks to his fellow Crucible member with sadness and disbelief, shaking his head. Ned kneels, whispering something unintelligible into Flynn’s ear, before standing, the camera only catching one sentence.
“I’m bringing our championship home.”
Ned hops into the ring, handing his 24/7 briefcase to the referee as they call for the bell! S.E.B.’s breath steadies as he focuses on Ned…
And lunges forward, hitting Ned with a big boot over the ropes!
BG: Kaye was so caught up in his own BS- if I may use that kind of language- that he gave Bryce a clean shot and the clear momentum at the beginning of this match!
Sebastian glances over at the dazed Ned, quickly running the ropes before coming back and connecting with a suicide dive! The crowd is electric as S.E.B. pulls Kaye back into the ring by the hair and looks to finish things off as quickly as possible!
JC: Sebastian’s going for the Empire Kick! Looking to shut the door on Ned before he’s even turned the damn handle!
Everett-Bryce flings his back into the ropes, the heel of his boot headed straight for Kaye!
Ned drops to his back, narrowly evading Bryce’s finisher! As Sebastian stumbles forward towards empty apron, the crowd gasps as Ned fights through the pain, kipping up and landing a spinning wheel kick on S.E.B.! Kaye gets to his feet, hopping on his right leg as his left surges with pain.
BG: I can’t believe I’m saying this: but it was a smart plan on Ned’s part to face Sebastian in this weakened state! Maybe he should have tried not to get so banged up in the damn Leap of Faith match prior, though, because he’s barely capitalizing on his position. He wasted his element of surprise and now he can hardly stand!
JC: Sebastian Everett-Bryce is one of the greatest champions in our sport today. You give him an inch and he’ll take a mile! And even in this selfish low, Ned just might be too giving.
Ned steadies and runs forward only for S.E.B. to lift himself up using the rope, effectively leapfrogging behind the challenger and hitting him with a reverse-DDT! Ned’s head thuds against the mat! While Ned is on the ground, S.E.B. locks in The King’s Road, yanking on Ned’s left leg!
JC: With that kind of torque, Sebastian could nearly break that injured leg! And if he succeeds, how is Ned even going to attempt his finisher? You can’t hurricanrana with a broken leg, Brody!
Kaye pounds on the mat in desperation, the crowd chanting the champion’s name as he pulls back harder! Digging his nails into the mat, Ned reaches for the ropes, his head lifting up and revealing a flowing pool of blood, opened up by Everett-Bryce’s counter! Sebastian screams out as he tries to keep his third challenger of the evening at bay, doing everything he can to stop Kaye from reaching the bottom rope…
Ned makes it!
Dissatisfied groans pepper out over the audience as the ref calls for the break, as Sebastian obliges, quickly recovering, though showing the wear and tear of the evening clearly. As soon as Ned gets to his feet, he slips behind the challenger and hits him with a German Suplex! Ned struggles to stand once more as the crowd chants on!
CON-QUEST
CON-QUEST
CON-QUEST
Sebastian wraps his arms around Ned once more and attempts another German Suplex, flinging Ned’s body towards the turnbuckles as S.E.B. drops down! But Kaye manages to land on the top rope, barely adjusting before jumping down and connecting with a double stomp! As Bryce holds his chest, coughing as he attempts to refill his lungs with air, Ned slaps a palm against the mat, screaming in agony!
BG: It seems like Ned is as determined to take out himself as he is the champ! Let’s hope he succeeds on both fronts!
JC: He had to stop that assault or this match might have been dead in the water. He has the benefit of energy on his side, but unless he can draw this match out, that just might not matter.
At this point, blood has smeared over the entirety of Ned’s face, crimson paint leaking from his forehead and dripping off his facial hair as he grabs onto the recovering S.E.B.’s neck, sauntering towards the corner and kicking off, hitting the Meat Grinder as the shiranui lands successfully! He leans Sebastian’s body against the ropes, running to bounce off the opposite side of the ring, careful not to put too much weight on his left side before colliding with Seb’s jaw!
JC: The Notorious Knee! Ned’s taking his most iconic and dangerous moves and throwing them right back at Sebastian after such a high paced opening to this match!
Ned drags Sebastian towards the center of the ring by his arm, dropping down for the cover afterwards! The referee slides over to begin the count!
ONE!
TWO!
Sebastian kicks out forcefully, his body flinging upward with the momentum!
BG: Look, you can tell how upset l’il ol’ Neddy is!
JC: But he’s not surprised. S.E.B. is no pushover and you’ll have to knock him out if you want The Best in The Business to stay down!
Ned lifts Sebastian up by his hair, leaving some of his blood adorning the champion’s head, leaving himself open to be kneed in the stomach by Bryce! S.E.B. whips Ned towards the ropes, preparing a snapdragon suplex, only to be caught off guard as Ned leaps into the air off of him on the way back, landing a devastating Leg-Drop Bulldog! As Sebastian goes to pull himself up, Ned locks in a headscissors submission hold on him, watching the Universal Champion’s limbs flail as the crowd cheers for him to escape.
JC: The Arsonist has given us a lot, but there’s only so much you can have left to spare after such a battle with Sean Parker and Mark Flynn! Ned not only has the upper-hand here, he might be able to use Seb’s attrition games against him! You can’t just give fantastic match after fantastic match without losing some of that oomph over time!
BG: I gotta be honest with you,Castillo, the thing that’ll really make this match fantastic for me is if they could both lose!
Sebastian extends his leg towards the ropes, only to be yanked away as Ned shifts his momentum, watching his opponent struggle to breathe as his thighs hug Bryce’s throat with a death grip. As the seconds stretch out longer, Sebastian’s movements grow weaker, his arms begin to fall.
JC: The champion is fading! The referee might need to call this!
The ref runs into place, lifting Sebastian’s arm up and letting it go, watching it fall limply to the canvas. A stunned silence overtakes the crowd as the ref goes for the second…
ONLY TO WATCH SEBASTIAN’S FALLING ARM JAB INTO NED’S LEFT LEG!
Ned breaks the hold, gripping on hard to his calf as he trembles with pain.
BG: Looks like Ned’s on his last leg, eh?
JC: For God’s sake, Brody…
Sebastian drags himself to his feet, the crowd clapping rhythmically as he lifts up his arms, beckoning his opponent to stand! He flings his body forward, a standing moonsault kick colliding with the staggered Ned Kaye to the crowd’s raucous approval! He goes for the repeat…
AND LANDS IT AGAIN!
JC: S.E.B. has turned a dire scenario into an upper hand! Can he find a way to seal it away?!
EVERETT-BRYCE GOES FOR ONE MORE MOONSAULT KICK!
BUT NED DIPS UNDER, CATCHING SEB ON HIS BACK!
EGO DEATH!!!
Ned lands the Burning Hammer on his opponent, heading down to make the cover as the crowd chants NO!
The referee starts the count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
NO!
SEBASTIAN’S FOOT WAS ON THE ROPES BEFORE THE THREE!
The crowd roars as Bryce narrowly survives, Ned’s head sinking into his palms in frustration as the reality sets in. Sebastian’s eyes appear glazed over almost as he nods to the ref, confirming his ability to continue. As Sebastian is collecting himself, Ned is beside himself, looking to the top rope slowly. S.E.B. lifts himself using the ring ropes through pure adrenaline alone as Kaye travels to the top rope, taking a deep breath and leaping for a shooting star press!
BUT SEB CATCHES HIM WITH THE SUPER KICK MID-AIR!
Ned’s head whips to the side as he crumples to a heap on the ground, landing as uncomfortably on the canvas as anyone could ever muster!
JC: That might’ve been the last real rally Ned could provide given his condition and Sebastian cut it off at the pass!
He picks Kaye up off the ground before hitting him with The Stamford Bridge! The Tiger Suplex brings Ned’s neck bouncing against the ring as Sebastian holds for the pin attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
THR- KICKOUT!
BG: Sebastian should’ve known it takes more than that to keep that little goody two-shoes down!
Ned shoots up to his feet, but S.E.B. has already fallen back to set up for The Empire Kick! He steps forward, watching Ned duck down and landing a prepared kick to Ned’s chin!
JC: He knew Ned would try to dip out of the way! Great ring IQ by S.E.B.!
He falls back to the ropes one last time and goes for it with the strength he can summon!
THE EMPIRE KICK!
NED’S BODY FLIPS AROUND, LANDING HIM FACE DOWN ON THE BLOODIED MAT BELOW!
JC: Sebastian hit the Empire Kick, but he’s still dealing with the onslaught from earlier!
Seb has fallen to one knee, the protective aura of adrenaline finally wearing off as he twists around, pulling himself towards Ned and weakly nudging the man over to his back. His chest heaving from weighty breaths, SEB goes for the cover!
JC: SEBASTIAN IS ABOUT TO DEFEND HIS UNIVERSAL TITLE TWICE IN ONE NIGHT!
The referee drops down!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
NO! NED KICKS OUT AT 2.99!
BG: HOW IN THE HELL DID HE MANAGE THAT!
JC: Sebastian wasn’t able to give his finisher the oomph it usually needs to seal the deal and he wasn’t able to get there soon enough! Ned Kaye might just be the luckiest wrestler alive to manage that kickout all things considered!
BG: Maybe he’s just too stubborn to realize he was supposed to lose!
The two men are merely laying on the ground as the crowd cheers on, watching them pull themselves up to their knees and finally make it to their feet! Sebastian’s gaze turns to scan the audience, drinking the moment in.
Ned’s eyes do not leave Sebastian.
With the last of his fuel in the tank, Ned throws an elbow at S.E.B. connecting with his jaw! Bryce places a thumb on his lip to check for blood before throwing an elbow back at Ned!
JC: Punches are the last thing either of these two would prefer to strike with, but it might be all they have left to give!
AN ELBOW FROM NED!
ANOTHER FROM SEB!
AND ANOTHER!
AND ANOTHER!
The two hammer away at each other before Ned pushes Sebastian back, only to eat a superkick for his troubles! Ned stumbles backwards as Sebastian approaches and answers with a superkick of his own, dropping down afterwards from the pain!
JC: That left leg is worse than useless at this point! Ned might not be able to get in position to use the Ego Crusher at this rate!
Limping over to the corner in his brief moment of respite, Ned attempts to climb to the top rope, finding each step more difficult than the last, but before he can find his footing on the top rope, Sebastian clings to his back, attempting to lock in the Nightfall! Now, reaching at his own throat for air, Ned falls back, trying to use his body weight and gravity to smack Sebastian against the mat and break free, but S.E.B. frees Ned early, causing Ned’s body to fall, draping over the turnbuckles and giving Sebastian the chance to grab him and bring him towards center ring!
GB: Sebastian is going for the Excuse Me!
JC: He mustn’t have much left to give here! That piledriver could end Ned’s career!
GB: You promise?
Sebastian holds Ned helplessly as he prepares to drop,only for Ned to lift himself and transition to sitting on Seb’s shoulders!
JC: OH MY GOD!
In a split, shattering second, Ned hits the hurricanrana into a headscissors pin!
EGO CRUSHER!!
The referee slides to the canvas!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JC: Oh my God, he did it.
YOUR WINNER AND NEWWWWWWWWWWW XWF UNIVERSAL CHAMPION, NED KAYE
The crowd erupts into booing, raining down an avalanche of disapproval as the Universal Championship is handed to Ned, trash from the concessions stand being pelted at him en masse. As he tries to proudly lift the Uni, a half-eaten container of nachos splatters into Ned’s newly earned belt, cheese defacing its golden, glittering face as Ned’s expression turns to despondent sadness.
“I did it for you,” he whispers, barely audible over the booing. Shamefully, he wipes the cheese off the championship with his wrist, slowly retreating up the ramp as drinks and food clash against his skin from all sides.
JC: Looks like Ned managed to end up Notorious once again as he took back the title that Sebastian Everett-Bryce took from him a few months ago. And with that we say Thank You to Rome for being such a gracious host. Join us in two weeks for Warfare as we march towards our biggest and best Pay Per View of the year.
JOIN US FOR 3 DAYS...
AROUND THE GLOBE....
FOR...
Huge THANK YOU to the following match writers
Bobby Bourbon x 2.25
Madison Dyson
Jett Sterling
Thaddeus Duke
Peter Principle
Shaun Hart
Misty Waters x 1.75
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