Redemption 116

[Slaine Rodrick]

PW Presents...

Airing LIVE on Evolve Network December 12th @ 7pm PST

Redemption 116
Tuesday, December 12th 2017
Xfinity Arena
Everett, Washington

***ON AIR***


As the camera pans to the backstage area, the view picks up the rich, silky brunette and purple curls of the Rising Phoenix Champion, Anastasia Starling. She sits upon a table in the locker room she shares with her wife, the main event star “The Undying” Sophie El, kicking her legs idly as she stares upon the Rising Phoenix title that rests in her lap. It’s the title that she has held for the better part of a year, in one of the most dominating reigns of the modern wrestling era. The Clockwork Songbird, wearing a flames style attire that matched both the company she was representing this night, and the title she held. Her eyes then moved to the right of her, the glistening SSWA World Championship by her side, the belt that she she had acquired in Scotland the previous night, the highest title in Phoenix’s World Crown partnership company, the Shooting Star Wrestling Alliance. Most would have thought she would be elated, but she seemed in quite the somber mood, by those little darts of smiles and the dazzlingly glint in her heterochromia afflicted eyes.

ANASTASIA STARLING: I’ve had so many title defences whilst champion here in Phoenix, that many have commented saying it must feel that they are all merging into one. I don’t think that, I never think that. Sure, I may have the exact same goal each and every time, but each match when I walk in with this belt around my waist, it’s a different war, a different battlefield, a different challenge altogether.

Starling pauses as she gazes up at the camera.

ANASTASIA STARLING: Whether I feel someone has earned their spot or not, I have to be ready for any and all who step across from me, from any who want to take this belt away from me. I’m not like many other champions, who simply sit and wait for weeks and months on end to defend their title. Many sit and pray that they won’t have to defend, and I see champions who have held titles for a year or more who have only defended on less than a handful of occasions. I’m not like that. I’ll never be like that. And unlike so many, I do what has to be done, and I do it the real way, the hard way.

She gazed at the SSWA World title, a tiny little smile on her angelic face. Though there was a shadow of concern mixed in.

ANASTASIA STARLING: I did the same thing last night, just like I will tonight. And I do this as a true singles champion and I do it on my own. Just me, and my opponent… Least that is what I do, my opponent does attempt to play by different rules on so,, so many occasions. Luckily for me, he has his allies… And I...

Sophie, who had remained the silent one throughout Anastasia’s speech, reached out to touch her wife’s shoulder. When Anastasia turned and the camera focused on her, the ghostly woman brought up her hands and began to speak to everyone through sign language. Expert in the language, Sophie’s emotionless features did little to assist the translation. Even beyond her usually serene persona, Sophie seemed to lack any remnants of her personality.

SOPHIE EL, IN SIGN LANGUAGE: His rules don’t matter to me.

A glimpse of a smile came on her face, yet when it did, Sophie’s hand immediately shot for the side of her head. A visible twitch followed the reaction to the pain. Her body shuddered, but it didn’t take long for everything to subside. When it did, Sophie’s face went back to the same emotionless state. Ana’s eyes widened in an instant, taking Sophie’s hands in hers in such a loving manner, obvious concern painted on her face, almost as if her face was going to mirror Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ for the merest of seconds. Sophie gazed at her wife, before Ana turned back to the camera once more.

ANASTASIA STARLING: And whilst I have, and always will have her, she also has something so important tonight. The main event, against the… ‘champion’ Cassius Reed. This is another instance where one of us can prove that the main event is where we belong in Phoenix Wrestling, and show that this is not the Cassius Reed show, no matter what he says or believes. And trust me, I have eyes on the ‘extra special’ referee if she decides to not call things right down the middle.

Ana, brimming with confidence, shot another slightly concerned gaze up to her wife, stroking her hand gently. Sophie slowly draws invisible pictures on Ana’s palms, little traces of the lost feelings coming through the motion. Once more, it all vanishes when she makes a small grunt of pain. The schism takes its toll on the young woman, but she persists, signing once more to the camera.

SOPHIE EL, IN SIGN LANGUAGE: If...she...steps...out...of...line.

Sophie’s eyes squinted out of a shot of pain. She takes a long pause before trying again, a sharp breath emitting from her as she did.

SOPHIE EL, IN SIGN LANGUAGE: I will drop her where she stands.

The pain no longer stopped her message; it didn’t take her emotions away. With her eyes briefly turning red, there’s only a cold fury coming forth on the face of Sophie El.

SOPHIE EL, IN SIGN LANGUAGE: I will take his head. Leave a corpse as the champion. Leave nothing for her to take.

Starling was mesmerized by Sophie’s hand movements, computing what she was indicating as best she could, but she didn’t seem to take in everything. She was paler than usual, the soft strokes on her hand soothing her somewhat, before she turned back to the camera one last time.

ANASTASIA STARLING: Tonight, we both make our marks once more. You simply don’t mess with the Bird and the Ghost. And we will show you exactly why.

(From the menacing, yet beautiful faces of Ana and Sophie we go to the packed Xfinity Arena crowd who are ready for a rowdy night of pro wrestling! Fireworks pop off atop the arena as Lenne plans the introductions for the first match of the evening.)




(As the unmistakable opening guitar/violin riff begins, Finn and Owen waste no time bursting through the curtain and heading to the ring, completely focused on the task at hand. Owen lets Finn get ahead of him and enter the ring when they make it to ringside, Owen lingering behind for a moment, staring up at the ring from behind his hood before dashing into the ring, and it's only then that the brothers acknowledge the cheering crowd by posing for them before readying for their debut match against Fin and Twin.)

ALPINE: The much-talked about and anticipated debut of The McConnaigh Brothers. We've already got a tease of what was to come from their interactions of Twitter early in the week. We get to see them compete against Fin and Twin here in a moment.

RODZ: Straight from Ireland, former NGW Tag Champions looking to create chaos in the tag division and try and aim for tag gold here in PW. Power and Technical finesse at it's finest between these two men. Fin and Twin should be VERY worried facing these two. They not for the games!

ALPINE: Absolutely right, their game faces are on! They ready to engage and brawl. Lets see if Fin and Twin can bring it to them!

(As "You're The Best" by Joe Esposito makes its way across the speakers, The McConnaigh Brothers waved on for their competition to bring themselves out to the ring. The song played on longer than usual to the point it came to a stop.)

ALPINE: Uhm...

(The theme blared up again, as the crowd gave applause for the fan-favorite duo of Fin and Twin. Again there was another long delay to the point the Finn and Owen were starting to feel disrespected. The referee looked on, weirded out by what was never the case when their theme played. He turned to the brothers and told them that if Fin or Twin didn't show to the ring within the next ten seconds, they hereby forfeit the match. The crowd reacted the news as it was picked up on the nearby mic. The ref turned and immediately began to count.)

ALPINE: So if Fin and Twin fail to show to the ring within ten seconds, they forfeit and McConnaigh Brothers notch their first win albeit not in the fashion they would hope for.

RODZ: A win's a win in this industry but that would piss them off if that happens. Fin and Twin can't be scared of these two. As many teams they've gone against, no way!

(The referee was already at the five count before the noise level raised from the fans. Direction was shown at the ramp at Fin and Twin dressed up as Santa Clause...a rather 'drunken' duo of Santa Claus. They could barely stand straight as they laughed at the top of the ramp. As they heard the ref count, they began descending the ramp, trying to run yet stumbling all over the place, running into the barricade going down. They both were a good foot from the ring as they looked to enter.)

DING! DING! DING!!!

(The ref waived off the two, letting them know they had lost by forfeit but poor Finn and Twin couldn't understand left from right at this point. They were laughing, not worried about a match at this state. They were completely out of it. Fin-Nisher pulled a microphone from out of his singlet before pointing at the McConnaigh Brothers.)

WINNER: The McConnaigh Brothers via FORFEIT by Fin & Twin Connection!

ALPINE: Good lord! Can smell that drunken stench of liquor all the way over here at the table.

RODZ: They are the definition of the word LIT right now. No doubt about it!

(Fin and Twin laughed among one another at something as there was a steady mixed reaction. Barely standing. How they were able to maintain on their feet, no clue! Fin however spoke into the mic as McConnaigh's still seemed ready to fight even if it no longer counted. They were denied.)

THE FIN-NISHER: You bitches ... you bitches lucky! Lucky we too busy having good time to fight you two because otherwise y-y-you'd two be in deep fuckin trouble.

THE TWIN-NISHER: Yah we are "Off" for the night. Don't worry, Fin and Twin got you two! Fin and I will challenge you two at WINTER WARFARE 2! Big time rematch! This time, we show sober. Promise! Tonight we finish party!

(The crowd mixed tone turned to all-around cheers as The McConnaigh's nodded their head, agreeing to the rematch at Winter Warfare. Fin and Twin drops their mics as they slowly try to ascend back up the ramp, slower than a turtle!)

ALPINE: So we will get a promising rematch of The McConnaighs versus Fin & Twin at Winter Warfare 2. Let's hope those two stay with their promise.

RODZ: Yeah if they can remember it.

(Cameras cut from ringside to a locker room as we see Kelli Torres YouTube how to dress and her wrestling attire we start to see her wrap her hand with black tape. wrapped in tape. Looking straight forward towards a locker, she begins to speak ignoring the cameraman and looking directly at it to address the crowd.)

Kelli: so here comes my third singles match ever. My fourth match inside of a ring all together, I feel like I have shown the fans that I am the future of this company. Not all the fans that are in the crowd but some, after tonight I feel like those who don't believe will as I start gaining their attention.

Kelli finishes taping up her left rest she now begins her right hand. Kelli keeps her body facing the locker but turns her head to the left to look at the camera to address the fans.

Kelli: you know Some wrestlers in my shoes will sit here and say that your opponent is in the way of them achieving a championship title at any company. To me that is kind of a cliché. This is the way I see it, we have the Rising Phoenix Championship that will look so pretty around my waist.

Kelli laughs as she rips the tape with her mouth. She makes a fist to make sure the time is just right before speaking again.

Kelli: I came to this company to make a name for myself, to be somebody that the fans can get behind, somebody's that the fans want to see. If you're really good, you don't need any championships around your waist but it doesn't help.

My opponent tonight Lance Winters, I will not say that you are in my way of achieving a championship match, but truth is I don't feel like nobody's in my way of being a champion. The fact of the matter is, I am in your way.

Kelli: You may be a talented wrestler even though you are just a typical 30 something year old male who seen the movie Batman and all of a sudden wants to act like a damn comic book character acting like a joker. But that's okay you do you boo boo that's fine.

Kelli puts on a smile

Kelli: Truth is, that doesn't scare me or worry me, it's comical at best. However take that away You're still a talented wrestler. I just feel that my talent is among the best anywhere, as that is how one should feel about themselves. Therefore logically no one is in my way of being a champion but the champion. I am in your way and that is the reality. In a few minutes I will get to show everybody that I walk the walk. Never mind that's a horrible cliché, I'm going to show everybody that I have what it takes to walk into the ring, take on someone like Lance Winter, and walk out in there 3-0. The best part about that is that it will not be easy, which will make it that much more fun and that much more enjoyable. Phoenix's very own favorite little mutt is going to go out there and kick some ass yet again. Lance I look forward to this match, I look forward to my victory.

Kelli starts shadow boxing the air as she turns her head to the right to look away from the camera and back to the locker.

Kelli: I look forward to proving my statement that you are not in my way, I am in your way. After tonight I won't be in your way no more as I will be looking towards the next opponent.

(The cameras zoom in closer towards Kelli as It gets behind her to look in her locker. We see a photo of her opponent Lance Winter. Kelli continues her Shadow Boxing as she focuses on her opponent while the cameras start to fade out. As the scene fades backstage, Kiko Hirayama is seen talking with a couple cameramen.The cameramen look over and by the looks of their facial expressions, something or someone was now there in the hallway that they immediately felt unease with being around. Kiko didn’t notice this until it was too late.)

Lance Winters: KKKKKKIIIIIIKKKOOOOOOOOO!

(The backstage interviewer nervously turns towards the call of her name revealing none other than Reapers In Pride President Lance Winters standing there smiling.)

Lance Winters: Hey giiirrrrrlll! I’ve been looking for you everywhereee!

Kiko Hirayama: Here I am, haha.

(Lance walks over to her as she nervously laughs.)

Kiko Hirayama: How can I help you, Lance?

Lance Winters: Hmmmm HOW CAN you help ME? I wonder, HMMM. Well how about I HELP YOU OUT and give you an EXCLUSIVE? How about you INTERVIEW ME and ask me some QUESTIONS huh?

(Kiko looks back to her cameraman and then back to Lance and nods.)

Kiko Hirayama: Sure why not. I’m not too busy at the moment.

(Lance hops up and down happy like a little kid.)

Lance Winters: Oh YAAY!!

(Kiko smiles a little and looks up to Winters.)

Kiko Hirayama: Lance, last week we watched your highly anticipated in-ring debut here in Phoenix Wrestling in which you broke Asht--

Lance Winters: I BROKE OL’ ASHY’S poor arm. I feel REALLY BAD about it, Kiko. I really DO! I mean NOT REALLY, but you KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I just wanted HIM TO KNOW who it was HE WAS MESSING WITH, you know? IT WASN’T PERSONAL OR anything like that.

(Kiko politely nods.)

Kiko Hirayama: And tonight you will be taking on Kelli Torres who---

Lance Winters: WHO DOESN’T HAVE A CHANCE in hell in walking OUTTA HERE ALIVE.

(Kiko looks at Lance a bit worried that he was serious until her bursts out laughing and hangs his arm over her shoulders.)

Lance Winters: II’’MMMMM KIDDDDDDIINNNGGGGGGG!!!!! I’m kidding! Gosh who do you TAKE ME FOR, Kiko? Some kind of SERIAL KILLER?

(Kiko nervously laughs.)

Lance Winters: Now look here SWEETIEPIE, we both know Kelli has no business being in the SAME RING AS me. I’m too much for her. HELL I might end up going an ITSY BITSY too far, but who CARES. I heard you guys like TO GET DOWN AND DIRTY around here, and that’s just how I LIKE IT.

(Lance reaches into his pocket and leans in a little closer.)

Lance Winters: I’ll be honest with you little lady, all this DESTRUCTION GETS me a little worked up and makes me wanna go wild after dark. HOW ABOUT YOU…

(He takes a plastic card out of his pocket and hands it to Kiko.)

Lance Winters: Meet me for THE AFTER SHOW, huh?

(Winters winks at her and takes a few steps back.)

Lance Winters: TOODLES...until then.

(The scene fades as Lance turns around and walks down the hallway. Cut to the announcing booth.)

ALPINE: This next match is a battle of the blue chippers. It’s rumored that whoever wins this match is in line for a Rising Phoenix title shot.

RODZ: It’s a hard one to pick. Lance has the proven track record, and broke a cage fighter’s arm in his debut. Although Kelli is one scrappy sexy mama, and is hungry to be a top star here.

ALPINE: Both competitors take a significant step up in competition tonight. I’m glad to see new blood stepping up to the plate in Phoenix.

RODZ: Yeah that’s cool and all but I don’t really care about blood on plates, just blood on mats. FIGHT!



(Lance Winters removes his cut and tosses it aside, smirking at Kelli. Kelli narrows her eyes as the bell rings. The two start to circle, with Lance playing the aggressor and slowly closing the gap. However he gets in a little too close and gets clapped with a leg kick, sending him back a few steps. He goes in for another grapple, hit with a inside thigh leg kick. Lance backs off with a grimace, giving himself some space as Kelli is now trying to close the gap. Kelli goes for another leg kick but Lance is ready as he snatches the leg, pulls her in, and hooks her with a double arm. Boos from the crowd as he looks for one of his signatures, but Kelli has other plans as she lifts up Lance off his feet, then leaps up and takes him down to the mat with a weak, yet effective takedown! Cheers from the crowd as Kelli tries to move into mount. Lance has too much of a strength advantage though as he pushes Kelli off of him with his feet. He goes to nip up but Kelli throws a superkick his way, nearly taking off his head as he barely dodges it! She then gets a little overzealous with a flying knee, only for Lance to duck, dodge, catch, adjust, then lift up Kelli and drop her to the mat with the Jokes On You! Boos from the crowd as Kelli quickly rolls out, grasping on the apron and holding the back of her neck.)

ALPINE: Lance showing off those veteran instincts by catching Kelli mid-air and dropping her with that devastating Jokes On You!

RODZ: Kelli may be a newbie but I’ll give her credit for sliding to the outside after that. Lance is an opportunist and won’t hesitate on breaking her in half.

ALPINE: Well it looks like Lance isn’t giving her too much of a breather!

(Lance slides to the outside to deal with Kelli, and Kelli has just enough in her to throw a superkick his way! Lance is able to catch it though, wag a finger at her, throw it down, then smash her down to the outer mat with a jumping cutter! Lance slides in as the crowd boos, proceeding to flip them off and scream “THIS BITCH AIN’T SHIT!!” to even more boos. Referee Oz Oxford Jr. counts as Kelli tries to pick herself up. She’s able to roll in at 7 but she’s met with a relentless storm of stomps from Lance. After about seven he picks her up and hooks her in a headlock, then lifts her up. He holds her up one handed, proceeding to flip the bird with the other. His delaying bites him in the ass as Kelli wiggles her legs and backflips out of the hold to her feet. Lance launches a lariat her way but the ultra quick Kelli leaps in the air and lands a flying armbar on Lance, landing in the center of the ring! The crowd screams for Kelli as she hooks on the armbar with nowhere to go for Lance. Lance squirms, looking panicked as he sees there is no valid escape route. So instead he takes a moment to bite down on Kelli’s calf, sinking his teeth in! Kelli screams in pain, only able to last five seconds before releasing. A trail of blood leaks from a bite mark on Kelli’s leg, leading to Oz Oxford Jr. scolding Lance and threatening to disqualify him.)

RODZ: Well that’s one way to get out of an armbar. That’s the difference between a veteran and a newbie, they think outside the box.

ALPINE: What you call thinking outside the box I call cheating and incredibly unsanitary.

RODZ: Did you really expect him to tap out to an armbar after he broke a guy’s arm last Redemption? C’mon Alpo.

(Kelli butt scoots back to a corner, looking at the bleeding bite mark on her leg. Confusion turns to anger as she presses up to her feet. She doesn’t wait for Oz to clear out of the way from scolding Lance, she leaps in with a superman punch, going right past Oz’s shoulder and cracking Lance in the face!! “OHHH!!”s from the crowd as Lance stumbles around the ring in a stupor. Kelli then comes running in with a big side kick to the kidneys, dropping him to the mat! She then goes for what looks like a mount for ground and pound, but Lance is able to buck and dive under the bottom ropes, retreating to the outside. The fans are already booing, but that booing picks up in intensity as Jade comes running down to ringside. She hits a dazed Lance with a flying scissors kick, knocking him to the outer mat! Kelli goes to deal with Jade, throwing a super kick her way. Jade shows off her speed by landing a perfect low dropkick, dropping Kelli to one knee. She then springs off the apron, landing another flying scissors kick to Kelli! With both competitors laid out on the outer mat, Oz rings for the bell!!)

RESULT: NO CONTEST @ 7 minutes, 03 seconds.

ALPINE: Thanks a lot Jade. Now we don’t have another contender.

RODZ: Now now Alpo, you know better to go on a rumor. If Seth ain’t rappin’, it ain’t happenin’.

(Kelli and Lance recover from the kicks, looking pissed at the grandstanding Jade who is holding her hands out to the crowd. Lance reaches for a steel chair as Kelli power walks from behind up to Jade. Before Kelli can attack Jade, ‘Back In Black’ by AC/DC hits the speakers. The crowd cheers as Seth Black rushes out from the back and holds a hand up. His music silences as the wrestlers turn in his direction.)

BLACK: Whoa whoa people, calm down. The intention of the previous match was to make the winner the next person in line to compete for the Rising Phoenix Championship after Winter Warfare 2. But due to Jade’s interference, that can’t happen.

(Jade smiles as the crowd gives her some boos for her dastardly deed.)

BLACK: So tell you what Jade. It’s obvious to me that you feel you should be competing for the Rising Phoenix Championship. Yes?

(Jade nods with that devious smile of hers.)

BLACK: Well rarely do I reward people who ruin matches, but I feel it’s only right that Lance and Kelli get another shot, and they get a chance at revenge for you ruining their opportunity. So at Winter Warfare 2, it’s going to be you three in a three way elimination match for the number one contendership to the Rising Phoenix Championship at Winter Warfare 2!

(The crowd pops for the announcement as Kelli and Jade look to each other, trying to keep from tearing into each other. Lance still has a chair in his hand though, and can be seen walking towards the women from behind.)

BLACK: Lance…

(Lance looks to Seth, sighs, and drops the chair on the ground. He then heads to the back as we fade on a stare down between the two women.)




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COMMERCIAL

[Slaine Rodrick]

(Upon return from the commercial break we happen to be in the locker room for the Collective. All three members sit at a cheap wooden card table, throwing down black backed cards in the direction of Frankie Starlight. He takes a look at the two cards thrown his way, giving a smirk to the possibilities of the statement previously said. With a clear of his throat, he states the original question for those watching at home.)

STARLIGHT: Alright. Here’s the original question. Hell Is Waiting are blank and are blank and blank.

(Starlight takes a look at the six cards thrown his way, each with a few words on it. First he looks at Tony’s three card pile, assembling his answer.)

STARLIGHT: (Chuckles) Hell Is Waiting are chicken shit and are freaky necrophiliacs. Good one, good one. Alright, now for the next pile…

(Starlight picks up Geno’s pile and smirks, shaking his head a bit.)

STARLIGHT: Hell Is Waiting are mummified dogs and are kidnapper rapists. Good one as well!

(Tony and Geno chuckle a bit over the possibilities as Frankie comes up with his answer.)

STARLIGHT: While Tony had the more truthful one, I think Geno had the more outlandish one. I gotta go with Geno on this one.

(Tony slams his fist on the table as Geno raises the roof.)

STARLIGHT: Alright Geno, your turn.

(Geno is handed the deck, to which he starts tossing out a fresh card to Tony and to Frankie.)

STARLIGHT: I’m tellin’ ya guys this Cards Against Humanity is the tits. Thanks for the gift.

(Geno and Tony unanimously raise a ‘don’t mention it hand’ as they at their cards.)

FORTLITI: Mason’s Pulpit like blank and eating tons of blank.

(Tony and Frankie chuckle as they look at the possibilities of their cards. Just as the two slide their chosen cards Geno’s way, their locker room door opens. Toast rears his hideous face to the crew with a big yellow toothed smile. His Santa hat jingles as he nods in their direction.)

TOAST: Five minutes sexy Collective!!

(Toast then quickly closes the door just as Frankie throws a wrestling boot at him.)

STARLIGHT: It’s that time already huh? Well, guess it’s time for yous guys to teach these newbies a lesson.


TIRA: Wish us luck buddy. Not like we'll need it.


(Frankie kisses to his knuckles, alluding to something devious.)

STARLIGHT: I got ya luck right here.

(Tira gets the reference and smiles, leading Tony and Geno to stand up and head for the locker room door. We cut away to Asger and Azazel walking towards the ring, Jade not too far behind them with a little extra pep in her step as she skips around like an excited little school girl. Asger leans in and whispers something to Azazel, to which he only shakes his head.)

Jade: This is so amazing guys. I mean, Mason is happy; he is so proud of me. I went out there and I took what is rightfully mine. I knew from the moment that I got here, that I was destined to do great things and that I was better than most of the wrestlers here. Now I get the chance to prove it and win a shot at the Rising Phoenix Championship.

(Jade continues to skip ahead of them and then stops and turns to face them as they reach the entrance area to head to the stage.)

Jade: You guys should totally be contenders too. I mean, I am getting my shot. You guys need to go out there and completely destroy The Collective. You should go out there and show you can do what you did to Fin and Twin to anyone in this place. If you guys go do that; if you get yourself a contendership match or a title shot, Mason will be extremely happy.

(Jade begins to jump a little, clapping her hands as she squeals a little bit.)

Jade: Like, oh my god; could you imagine that. Could you imagine me being the Rising Phoenix Champion and you guys being the Duos Champion. We would practically run this place. All we would need is for Mason to destroy that ridiculous Cassius Reed and then we would reign supreme over this place. I can't wait.

(Azazel just smirks as he shakes his head and steps forward, patting her on the shoulder as he and Asger walk past her and get ready to make their way down to the ring for their match. Jade turns around to face them.)

Jade: Go dismantle those buffoons. You have this, show everyone watching that we are a force to be reckoned with. I know you two have got this; go take destiny by the throat and own it. Now is our time, we run this bitch.

(Jade begins to do her best cheerleader impersonation as she continues to jump and clap her hands, cheering them on.)

Mason's Pulpit (Asger and Azazel) vs. The Collective (Tony Tira and Geno 'Forklift' Forliti)

DING! DING! DINGGG!!!!

(With the bell dinging, the two giants get things started. Both engaging in a battle of strength to the point it was looking like a tie but no one ever got to know who was the strongest because Asgar delivered a strong knee to the gut of Geno, breaking that moment. Asgar followed with a Clothesline but all it did was force Geno into the ropes. Geno sped out of his corner, delivering a shoulder block to the chest of Asger but he too just went into the ropes. They locked up yet again but Geno made his way out the hold, turning on his offense, decking Asger again with a clothesline that led into him getting irish whipped hard across to the other side as he felt all three hundred and six pounds of Geno. Geno was feeling it at that point and he went to lift Asger for what seemed like either a forward slam or his often-used gorilla press slam but neither occurred as he got put at a dead-stop. Asger wasn't getting lifted by Geno. Geno got tripped into a forward leg sweep. Asger grabbed Geno around his waist as he performed an Oklahoma Roll that transitioned into him getting up and somehow outshining Geno a bit in the strength department with the release German suplex on the back end. Asger wanted to capitalize but was slow and out of breath at this point. Geno, getting treated like that, rolled to his corner as Tony tagged in.)

ALPINE: Please tell me we didn't just see that? DID HE JUST LIFT GENO LIKE HE WAS A PIECE OF PAPER??

RODZ: Yeah...and also saw that Geno was smart enough to roll to his corner. Geno never been treated like that. He gotta be feeling a bit shook after that!

(Asger timely tagged in his partner, Azazel who too was a giant, facing Tony. Tony was not about to get the same treatment his partner was served. Azazel tried it, lifting him up for a possible slam but Tony used those fists of his, banging the sides of Azazel's skull like a drum until he was dropped. Azazel backpedaling got a lot more of Tony, who rushed the corner, striking hard and plenty to the body before being pushed off. He, like a rabid pitbull didn't stop his oncoming attacks. It was working but it all came to a stop with a big boot he calls "Damnation" right to the "money maker" of Tony. Azazel lifting Tony up who already seemed "done", was placed over Azazel's shoulders. A momentary pause had occurred as Azazel yelled out "BRIMSTONE!" to the audience. Cue for Tony to work his way and slip out of his grasp, dropping on a backslide to the mat. Azazel grabbing Tony by the throat as he lifted him, Tony cracked him right in the face with a hard straight right fist between the eyes. Azazel dropped Tony and backed up, holding his face as his vision was screwed.)

ALPINE: Opening for Tony. A chance to turn things his and Geno's way.

RODZ: Azazel was seconds away from cracking Tony's bones like glass. Brimstone was close to completion.

ALPINE: There's the tag by Matt Tony!

(Tony took the quality opportunity to tag his mate who seemed ready to rebound from his earlier fail. A somewhat easier grasp was Azazel and out of the gates, Geno showed his prime power, lifting him up and driving him back-first into the near corner, away from Asger. Geno with powering thrusts to the ribs of Azazel had him pinned to rights. Geno proceeded to the stomps, pinning him to the canvas in the corner. Geno had things in his hand like he imagined until Asger managed to grab Geno's attention, which gave his partner time to recover. Geno placed his hand around Asger's neck but before he could do anything, he got bumrushed by Azazel. Tony on the other side was infuriated.)

ALPINE: And again Geno is down!

RODZ: Should've just stayed with Azazel but he's pissed Asger showed him out. He was ready to do something but bad m---Frankie's out here!

(Frankie, crouched, made his way ringside to his men as he handed Tony a set of brass knuckles. Tony stuffed them in his shorts while the ref tried to restore order. Tony called for Geno but he was busy with Azazel. Vicious stomps, one after another onto him. Azazel however made one mistake, and that was to taunt over the big man. Azazel felt that hand to his throat by Geno, who was rising to his feet in the process. Geno brought him up off the ground and sent him down hard with a chokeslam as both men were at this point "expired". Both were far from their teammate but both after some time made the simultaneous "HOT" tag to which it was now Asger and Tony. Asger met Tony with a clothesline but missed. Tony ducked and caught Asger with heavy blows to the gut. He leaped up for a jumping uppercut that reached home with Asger bent over a little bit from the heavy blows.)

ALPINE: Matt is serving up those fists nice and hot to Asger!

RODZ: Asger feeling them.

(Asger had turned the tide after taking Tony's best. He served those shots back, sending Tony on all fours. Frankie smiling, caught Asger's attention as he neared the ropes. Asger dominated Tony for the next five minutes as Geno couldn't do a thing. Tony went flying over, on the receiving end of Asger's belly-to-belly suplex. Asger continued, looking for the finish. Tony dropped and quickly slid through Asger's legs, avoiding what seemed to be what he called "Ragnarok". Tony grabbed the ropes as Frankie jumped onto the apron. The ref immediately came over, demanding for Frankie to leave the apron. It was perfect timing as Asger found himself on the opposite end of a poor man's "Kryptonite Punch", served by Tony with those handy brass knuckles, right to the chin, collapsing to the mat. Geno went after Azazel, keeping him from an interruption. Tony falls over Asger as the ref comes back to the match after Frankie dropped off the apron.)

ALPINE: The Collective was getting beaten and that shady assist from Frankie earlier leads to this.

RODZ: At all cost!

1...

2...
...
....

3!!!!


WINNERS: Tony Tira & Geno Forliti (The Collective) via PINFALL @ 15 minutes, 50 seconds!

ALPINE: It's complete MAYHEM out here! Security has failed their job here!

RODZ: Or maybe they can't be forced to fuck with this mess. Mason is about to make this worse!

(The two teams continued after the bell to fight ferociously as Frankie and Jade got into it heavy, trash talking each other down while Tony and Geno were stomping down on Asger and Azazel. Mason had begun his walk down the ramp with his trademarked barbwire bat, looking to collect some skin. First up, Frankie Starlight. Mason sliding into the ring, connected with a loaded swing to the back of Frankie, immediately watching him roll out to ringside.)

ALPINE: Home Run swing to the back of Frankie!

RODZ: Thank god it wasn't the face. I don't think Frankie wouldn't recover from that!

( Mason went on a swinging rampage, clearing the ring of Geno and Tony, scathing both with the barbwire contacts. Geno and Tony caught up to Frankie who had crawled his way to the mid-point of the entrance ramp as Mason stood in the middle of the ring, amped up. Tony screamed to Mason and his flock...)

TONY TIRA: THIS IS FAR FROM OVER! YOU HEAR ME? FAR FROM OVER!!!

(Tony pointed to Mason before turning his attention to his fallen mate, Frankie. The two helped Frankie and themselves to the back to recover. Meanwhile Mason turned to his team, huddling up in almost like a "pow-wow", discussing a game plan for what was about to come. Aurora and Masaru Inoue, "Hell Is Waiting". There was no commercial break incoming as "Twisted Nerve (The Whistle Song)" by Bernard Hermann played. Asger and Azazel slid out of the ring as Jade was ready and waiting alongside Mason as backup stood to the side.)

ALPINE: I hope they came up with a solid game plan because they are going to need it! No one has been able to stop Hell is Waiting.

RODZ: I have my doubts too but the emotions on Mason's face, knowing his brutal history with both, he wants this badly and going to do whatever he can for he and his partner to get it.

(The cameras cut to the back where Aurora and Masaru are walking shoulder to shoulder both are glowering just a bit more than usual and Aurora seems especially annoyed, her plush lips drawn down in a firm line. She checks the tape on her fingers and her amazing green eyes cut to the side as she watches Masaru’s face in profile, and Olly swoops around them in the hallway, making the techs jump or duck out of the way of his wings. She starts to say something, but Masaru’s voice floats up, almost dreamy and contemplating, his hands up and gesturing.)

MASARU INOUE: Do you think that Seth would fire us, if we make an example of Mason, once and for all? It would be for the good of the company, we’d be doing him a huge favor.

(Aurora’s expression perks considerably at this idea, as if she is picturing exactly what a final example like that might mean. She finally sighs and shakes her head just a touch.)

AURORA: He’s a cock… roach, Maz my darkling. My precious Hell Hound. He’s barely a snack. He’s aching in his soul, because he’s never defeated me, and can’t beat you without shenanigans of the highest order. He is a puppet show, Masaru. Everything about him is designed to build an image that he can’t earn for himself. He wants to be Jim Jones but he’s not even David Koresh. I’m truly surprised that he isn’t in jail for some of the things he’s done. Perhaps Seth simply wants to kill him, himself?

(They both snicker, and Aurora shakes her head.)

AURORA: We won’t be rid of the roach easily this time. He’s brought friends, equally insectile. This first skirmish should give us what we need to know.

MASARU INOUE: One way, or the other. I won’t mind if Olly goes on a feast. He could use a meal, but he definitely doesn’t need to feed on these two little piggies.

(They pause just inside the curtains, listening for a few moments as the fans murmur, with Mason and Jade’s music dying off. They part the curtains and Olly flies out, and there’s a surprising pop from the fans as he wheels and swoops down towards the ring.)

AURORA: Here we are, and there they won’t...

(They laugh again as the first moments of The Whistle Song begin, and Aurora laces her fingers with Masaru’s.)

MASARU INOUE: ...they won’t like this, not at all, not at all.

(With that they push through the curtains to a huge roar of sound, definitely mixed but just as definitely a passionate reaction.)

Non-Title
Hell Is Waiting (Aurora © and Masaru Inoue ©) vs. Mason Daniels and Jade

DING DING DING

ALPINE: Here we go hot off the bell with some heavy hitting action as Aurora is in for the Champions and Jade has darted forward to engage her, though from the look on Mason’s face this might not have been his strategy for this encounter.

RODZ: That Flying Scissors Kick was pretty damn impressive, risky to use this early but effective, she’s got Aurora reeling… BICYCLE KICK!

ALPINE: A throwback to her husband’s Identity Eraser, though really nothing quite matches up to that size 15 boot of his.

RODZ: And Jade with the Jade Spin Hurricanrana to get herself some space, to tag in Mason Daniels.

(Aurora taunts Mason as he closes in on her and then she wickedly grins as she tags in Masaru! The Maz-O-Chist’s grin matches hers as he comes in and takes the fight to Mason! The pair brawl more than wrestle for a good stretch until Masaru gets Daniels with his Snapping Underarm STO! He goes for the first pin attempt of the match but Jade dives in with a Top Rope Diving Moonsault, her Jade Strike breaking up the pin. She and Mason haul Masaru up to his feet and double team him with many punches and strikes, Mason facewashing him across the top rope near their corner. The referee gets on Jade to get out of the ring which she does only to pop in again without a tag! Aurora comes in seeing this but the referee orders her out and the two take advantage of this by brutalizing Masaru! Aurora comes in and is warned this time and she shouts something filthy in Romanian at Mason and gives him a double middle finger! He laughs at her and pulls Masaru up again to taunt her when suddenly Masaru grins and rears his head back like a cobra and spits a bright red Mist directly in Mason’s eyes! He flails around and tries to rake it out of his eyes while Masaru laughs and Jade hot tags in yelling at her boyfriend that she’s legal..)

ALPINE: Since when does Masaru use a Mist Attack?

RODZ: Since… today? Damn effective though if the ref had actually seen it, who knows… oh he almost made it to tag out but Jade tripped him and taunted Aurora. I don’t know how that’s supposed to work out for… oh.

(Having had more than enough of Jade’s antics Aurora vaults the top rope and whistles sharp at her, Jade whips around just in time to be turned inside out as Aurora hits her with a Spinning Sit-Out Sleeper Slam! The referee warns her again, saying if she enters one more time without being tagged he’ll DQ them! Of course while Jade is wiped out Mason is not after finally clearing his eyes and he comes in to sneak attack Masaru, but this time the referee catches him too! He tries to argue with the referee but spies Aurora anticipating the fight and ready to hit Jade again as she sits up and he waves off the referee and exits too. This brief interaction of distractions gave Masaru all he needed to recover from the shenanigans and he hangs back for Jade to rise up to her feet, and as soon as she does, he hits her full on with his Shin Kick to the neck!! Jade spins around like a top and hits the mat hard.)

ALPINE: KILLSHOT!

RODZ: Ought to call that bye-bye trachea to be honest.

(Masaru stomps Jade a few times before he drops and hooks the leg as the referee slides in to count. Mason staggers into the ring and attempts to break up the pin only to have Aurora Punt Kick him exceptionally high on the inner thigh, he collapses to a knee as his leg knots up and he can't get there in time.)

1….

2….

3!!!

WINNERS: Hell Is Waiting (Aurora © and Masaru Inoue ©) via PINFALL @ 5 minutes, 42 seconds.

ALPINE: Mason is NOT a happy camper right about now. First Asger and Azazel fall to the tactics of The Collective, and those rubes will never let that drop, and now this.

RODZ: Look I’m all for Mason’s Message or what ever but no matter how good or even devious Mason is, Jade is young and all the pep and drive in the world isn’t going to counter the ruthless experience of a team like Masaru and Aurora. I mean come on, give them some time maybe.

(As Mason and his followers leave ringside, Aurora gestures for a microphone and catches it with both hands. She lets their music fade as Masaru lounges against the ropes and she paces a few moments before bringing it to her lips.)

AURORA: Hello, my freaky darlings! Now you see, we’re at a… conundrum! A great befuddlement! We want… what we want. Now we’ve talked about that, and I just know you fans will adore seeing it happen… there will in fact be a Tag Team Gauntlet Match that will determine which of the many vibrant teams that Phoenix Wrestling fields will become our newest contenders! Isn’t that wonderful news? I’ve already spoken to Slaine about it, so all you little creatures in the back lusting and salivating over our gold, get as ready as you can get. It’s going down on Redemption 117! Now go on and enjoy the rest of the show, and don’t forget to pre-order your tickets!

(She tosses the microphone back to the tech and she and Masaru exit the ring in identical fashion, rolling under the ropes and heading to the back, pausing at the stage to turn and hold their titles high overhead before disappearing to the back, Olly flying after them.)

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[Slaine Rodrick]

(Frisky D is back with PW's seamstress, crinkling her face into a concerned expression as she holds up a ref's shirt that's about 3 times too big for her. She examines it closely for several moments, holding it up to the light.)

FRISKY D: You know what, it's all good, I'll make it work.

(She shrugs.)

FRISKY D: Either I can tear it up into something more functional or I'll get mistaken for an ICP member with this giant thing on, I'll roll with it. What's important is I've got a big match to ref.

(She slings the shirt over her shoulder.)

FRISKY D: I'm kinda of mixed minds about this. Wrestling is a lot more straightforward, even if wrestling someone like Aurora was a lot more threatening and dangerous and all that. Like, I want to just do a good job and be responsible. Even if I did have a vendetta, it'd prob be more against Sophie-- who I'm trying to move on from don't get me wrong-- more than Cassius. With him it's more of a he's got what I want type of thing, which is obvious, right? Rebirth Title, biggest prize in the company, don't wanna blow my chance. Buuuttt Sophie prob has to be pretty banged up from getting murdered to death in HKW the other night, so that'd sorta seem like kicking someone when they're down to try funny business. 

(A sigh.)

FRISKY D: But then I get thinking like, they only put me as ref in such a volatile deal specifically to cause problems right? So would I actually be doing my job if I messed things up? Does calling things down the middle make me a terrible match hyper-upper person?

(She throws her hands up in the air looking absolutely befuddled.)

FRISKY D: OH WHALE! I'm gonna just try to do normal ref stuff I guess because it's not really how I'm wired to do different, buuttt if anyone gets handsy with me and tries to start stuff, then all bets are off I guess. We'll just have to see, eh? 

(With that, she throws up a peace sign, gives the seamstress a quick thanks for her time and walks off as we cut away to the ring tunnel. The Collective look optimistic as they pat a nervously breathing Frankie on his back on the walk down to the ring.)

TIRA: I know them nerves are getting to you Frankie. Just go in there and knock that silly bird bitch the fuck out!

STARLIGHT: Easier said than done. Plus she got that roided up beast wife of hers ringside. 

TIRA: Look bitch, we had faith all the time when we's was fighting for the titles. Now you gotta have faith. You may have a vagina on ya forehead, but last I checked ya got a set of balls between ya legs. Now go out there swinging Frankie.

(Frankie looks back with a confident nod, pulls out his mic, and makes his way through the gorilla position. Cut to ringside.)

ALPINE: Sophie’s right to be watching Ana’s back like that. Especially after the foul tactics Frankie pulled earlier in the night against Mason’s Pulpit.

RODZ: Frankie can be a dirty player, but in a match up like this HE’S ALLOWED to be a dirty player. There’s nothing to stop Frankie from taking his trademark brass knuckles and imprinting them in Anastasia’s face.

ALPINE: Well with Sophie at ringside, Frankie is going to have a lot more to worry about than just Anastasia. He might’ve put himself in an even more dangerous position.

RODZ: You know that crazy beanpole, it’s all or nothing. Somehow he found a way to beat Masaru Inoue. In an anything goes match? He stands a good chance as any top competitor in Phoenix.

Rising Phoenix Championship

Anastasia Starling(c) vs. Frankie Starlight

(Lenne tries to introduce Frankie but he cuts her off and introduces himself. He then goes into his own rendition of ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’ by Frank Sinatra. He ducks and dodges popcorn buckets, soda cups, and balled up food wrappers. One aluminum wrapper pegs him off his diaper looking bandage atop his head, getting him to deviate and yell at the crowd. He goes to finish his song but ‘Time’ (Yellhigh! Remix) by Satellite Empire plays, bringing on the cheers of the crowd. The lights dim with silver and blue spotlights hitting the curtains. A shower of silver sparklers erupts at the entrance ramp, right in time for Anastasia to come bursting through the curtains! She flies down to ringside, outstretching her hands to be fived by the fans. Sophie walks calmly behind her, looking in a mood not to be messed with. In her running daze she isn’t paying attention to Frankie Starlight who has exited to the apron. He catches her mid-run, crashing into her with a running cannonball to the chest, knocking her to the outer mat! He starts bashing away at Anastasia as referee Malik Demitrious rings for the bell.)

DING DING DING!

ALPINE: Looks like Frankie is wasting no time in laying into Anastasia! He caught the champ off guard and now she’s struggling to get to her feet.

RODZ: Not for long!

(Sophie lands a running punt kick to Frankie’s ribs, launching him off of Anastasia and to the outer mat in a heap! Sophie then helps Anastasia to her feet, to which she quickly disrobes with a scowl on her face. She hands Sophie her jacket, hat, and title, to which she hands all the items to the timekeeper. With Anastasia ready to wrestle, she races towards Frankie, springs off the apron, and catches him with a springboard hurricanrana that sends him crashing head first into the railing!! “OHHHH!!!” from the audience as Frankie picks himself up using the guardrail, already looking a little punch drunk. A red splotch is forming on the front of his forehead. Anastasia is already scouting her next move. She hops onto the railing near frankie, tightrope walks across it, then does a diving legdrop bulldog, smashing Frankie’s face into the railing!! Another “OHHH!!!” from the crowd as Frankie’s splotch is now the size of a softball. Frankie drops to all fours, feeling his skull ringing as Sophie stares at him with her arms folded. Ana yanks up Frankie and tosses him into the ring before heading up to the top rope. With him in a good position, she drops back for a split legged moonsault, crashing onto Frankie and going for the pin!!)

1….

2….

(And a kickout.)

ALPINE: So far Frankie has been taking a beating. And from the looks of it his head is leaking quite a bit.

RODZ: A faucet wound like he had with Masaru didn’t stop that crazy young fool from beating him. The underdog is not out of the fight just yet.

(Anastasia pulls up Frankie and holds up his wrist. She then slaps it, screaming out “NAUGHTY!!” to which the crowd laughs. She then leaps up and gives Frankie a taste of his own medicine with a mushroom stomp to the upper back, driving Frankie’s face into the canvas! He cusses out loud as the cut worsens, leading Anastasia to pick up Frankie and toss him to the corner. She then lands several forearms, stopping once she realizes that blood splotches are covering her arm. She then backs up, steadies herself, and comes running in with the Spinning Bird Kick! However Frankie still has enough in him to hop to the top rope, then forward flip over her, rolling to his feet on the mat. He then comes racing at Ana as she stands, sending her flying to the outside with a shotgun dropkick! Ana tumbles nearby the guardrail as Frankie positions himself. As soon as Ana starts to stand Frankie comes racing at the top turnbuckle, scaling it like a cat. He goes for a top rope dive but Sophie runs in with an interception, catching Frankie with a military press! She then runs and tosses him back into the ring, leading the crowd to laughter as he pounds his hands on the mat in frustration! He waves for a smiling Ana to come into the ring, to which she aims to.)

ALPINE: Sophie is preventing Frankie from any offense whatsoever! I call this kharma in action!

RODZ: I call it two on one and blatantly unfair, but whatever, let’s all give Frankie shit for being a gangster!

ALPINE: He lies, cheats, steals, and belittles everyone on the roster.

RODZ: Exactly, a gangster. 

(However as soon as Ana goes to slide in Frankie hovers, not realizing Sophie will snatch those legs. She does and dumps Frankie on his ass, leading Anastasia to capitalize by springing to the apron, then springboarding up and over with a somersault kneedrop to extended knees of Frankie! She bounces off her knees and lands in a crouch as Frankie rolls up to his feet. Both go for quick dropkicks and completely miss each other, landing on the mat. Although Frankie scampers to a corner and starts pulling out his trademark brass knuckles. He slips them on and races at Anastasia, swinging his right handed brick in her direction with wild swings! Even though it’s no DQ, Malik tries to get in the way of his shots to prevent Anastasia getting hit. His chivalry comes back to bite him as a wild Frankie catches him on the shoulder, getting a rare disqualification in this type of match!)

WINNER: Anastasia Starling via DISQUALIFICATION @ 8 minutes, 15 seconds.

ALPINE: Anastasia retains her title, but I’m sure she wanted the satisfaction of pinning that weasel Frankie Starlight.

RODZ: Looks like a little bell ring ain’t gonna stop this eager beaver!

(Even as Malik retreats to a corner to nurse his wound, Frankie continues his pursuit of Ana as he swings away with those brass knuckles. Sophie has had enough and slides in like a panther, quiet and stealthy. Before Frankie knows it Sophie is hooking Frankie from behind and launching him with a release german suplex, crushing him on the back of his neck! He kicks and stomps in pain as the two girls look to each other with a look of sadistic glee. Before they can act on those urges though Tony Tira and Geno Fortliti come racing down to ringside, getting booed relentlessly. What they didn’t count on though is Mason’s pulpit lingering in the first row, expecting this and waiting for them. Just as they reach ringside Asger and Azazel storm over the guardrail and crash into them with lariats!)

RODZ: Intercepted! Man that sucks for Frankie.

ALPINE: I didn’t expect Mason’s Pulpit to take that loss earlier so easily. These two want their vengeance.

(The two giants start wailing away on Tony and Geno as Ana and Sophie put the boots to Frankie. Mason adds to the chaos by coming out to ringside with Jade, smiling on his pupils taking out the Collective and leaving their friend to the wolves. Just as all chaos is breaking loose, the Phoenixtron comes to life. Everyone stops beating ass for just a second to look up. What we see is a picturesque scene of a warm hawaiian sun. From behind the camera, a smiling Chris Andrew pops into framing, wearing an orange and blue swimsuit and a gaudy Lei around his neck. Taking a seat next to his wife, he waves the hand to the camera, making sure the ring can be seen.)

Chris Andrew: Hello PW fans are you missing us? Well take no offense but as much as I love you all, I’m not…

He smirks standing up and grabbing the camera, panning all around and showing the idyllic panorama.

Chris Andrew: Take a look around I’m in heaven, with the love of my life… I’d say it’s a nice improvement from standing in the ring with a sweaty Mason Daniels…

After offering an overview to all those watching the show, he sits the camera back on the tripod, taking his place in front of it.

Chris Andrew: But fear not, cause I will be back in time for Winter Warfare II. And I will be back for you Anastasia. We have a date, remember?

Mandi Morrison frowns, lowering her sunglasses and giving him a scolding look, followed by a light playful punch on the shoulder to which her husband reacts pretending she hurt him, massaging the spot she hit.

Chris Andrew: Ouch… Not that kind of date obviously… In case you missed it, I got married recently…

With an ear to ear smile, he flaunts the ring to his wife, who replies doing just the same. After a quick kiss, he turns his attention back to the camera.

Chris Andrew: Nonetheless, I’m a gentleman, and I planned a great night Ana… Just you, me, the Rising Phoenix Championship and… A nine foot ladder!

Inside the Arena, the crowd is going ballistic in anticipation of what could be a match of the night candidate between the two young competitors.

Chris Andrew: And this time, no injury, no cracked ribs will hold me back. I’m going to take your title.

Mandi smiles softly, as she is glad he wasn't hurt anymore. She wants to add something else.

Mandi Andrew: There is one more thing though. Mason you just had to ruin my debut. I didn't appreciate that one bit. Because you did though, I am challenging you to a match. I really hope you accept, because I am not going to back down from this.

Mandi glances at Chris as she smiles at him.

Mandi Andrew: With that out there, we really should get back to our honeymoon.

Back into the Arena, Mason nods accepting the challenge, mouthing some words, probably insults, to follow up. On the screen, Chris and Mandi are smiling.

Chris Andrew: Well you heard the lady, folks...It’s time for us to say goodbye. See you at Winter Warfare!

(They both wave hands, as the streaming from Hawaii cuts. The camera comes up backstage, and onto Cassius Reed. Phoenix Wrestling’s Iron King stands, dressed in his street gear, seemingly not ready for a match.)

CASSIUS REED: Alright suckas? Now, listen up, because Cassius is going to make this short an’ sweet, like a hyperglycemic dwarf. Tonight, he faces the better half of the power couple whose surname sounds like a sneeze when he takes on Sophie El. Now Cassius could stand here and give some spiel about how great it’s going to be to crush El in front of Ana like he’s going to be crushing her hopes and dreams when she comes for his championship, but Cassius thinks you all gonna be expecting that. And Cassius ain’t about giving anyone what they expected.

He grins, broadly.

CASSIUS REED: Coz you see, this ain’t about Sophie El. This ain’t about Ana Starling, or Frisky D, or yo momma, or any other sucka. This is about the same thing it’s always been about. Phoenix Wrestling is all about one thing, one shining light, one grain of FUNK in a desert of mediocrity and owl loving freaks. This is all about Cassius.

Arms now wide, he looks to the heavens.

CASSIUS REED: YOU SEE, IT DON’T MATTER WHO COMES TO KING CASSIUS TO TRY AN’ TAKE THIS REBIRTH TITLE. CASSIUS HAS BEAT THEM ALL, AND CASSIUS WILL BEAT THEM ALL. Lasiewiczes? BEAT ‘EM. Ayanos? BEAT ‘EM. Kaisers? Bitch please, they just another name on the phone directory of suckas queuing up to get beaten by the Iron King. Coz Cassius thinks you suckas are forgetting something… this? This is Cassius’ Iron Kingdom, and it’s by his good grace that all you suckas get to compete here. It’s only under his blinding light that any of you get a chance to shine. The fans don’t turn on to see no mafia stereotypes or crazy metal faced mutants. The World Crown Syndicate didn’t come knocking for no circus freaks or giant monsters with no name. You can all deny it if you want, but sooner or later you all gunna have to admit it; Cassius is Phoenix Wrestling.

With that, Cassius cracks his neck, and smiles once more.

CASSIUS REED: And there ain’t nothing any of you mammajammas can do about it.

And with that, he’s off, pushing past the camera as the screen fades to black.

MAIN EVENT
Non-Title
Cassius Reed © vs. Sophie El
Special guest referee: Frisky D.

DING DING DING

ALPINE: I hate to say this but I’m not sure it’s such a good idea for this… okay nevermind.

RODZ: No no, what were you going to say? Don’t leave me hanging like this Alp!

ALPINE: It’s just Sophie doesn’t seem to be herself here tonight at all, and with a man like our Iron King, our Rebirth Champion you don’t dare go in at less than one hundred percent or better.

RODZ: Don’t underestimate Sophie El, she’s got more in the tank than you’re giving her credit for. OH WHAT A MOVE.

(Even though Cassius is smartly wary of Sophie, knowing of her skill and strength from her past performances, he still is unable to dodge a Red Javelin, her Koppu Kick stunning him and allowing her to hit him with a huge Spear that drove him back into the turnbuckles! She shoulder rams him a few times in his firmly muscled gut, and he brings his fists down on her back with a clubbing blow, and Sophie goes a little spaghetti-legged after this, grabbing the middle ropes to steady herself. Frisky makes Cassius let her out of the corner even though he’s technically the one ‘trapped’ against the turnbuckles and she checks with Sophie who signs that she’s fine to continue. Cassius gives Frisky a strange look and asks her what the funk does she think she’s doing and she points to the stripes on her shirt and tells him to wrestle his match! He narrows his eyes and lifts a hand but it’s unclear what he has in mind as Sophie attacks! She comes back in with a Running Lariat, her Death Dealer rocking Cassius and he flips over the top rope to land on the apron! Sophie moves to pursue but unfortunately for her, Cassius is in perfect position to get her with SWEET CHRISTMAS! His Corner Sunset Flip Powerbomb nets him two and three quarters but Sophie gets her foot on the rope!)

ALPINE: Cassius can’t believe it, he’s telling Frisky how to count to three, but I didn’t see anything wrong with what she did. That was a standard...

RODZ: It was a SLOW COUNT are you blind?

ALPINE: You know what, no. No it wasn’t and how dare you besmirch that sweet young lady!

(The next portion of the match was much of the same, Sophie gets a bit ahead but Cassius stalls her out, though she manages to get a pair of near falls on the Rebirth Champion that seem to light him up to react even more fiercely! She gets him again with a Spinning Death Valley Driver that seems to take everything she has, but no Cassius kicks out at two and Sophie rolls to the apron to get a breather. As she sits up from literally out of nowhere up pops Frankie Starlight who cracks her in the jaw with a brass knucks fist! Ana comes racing down the ramp to chase him around the ring but several members of security get there before she can catch him and start dragging him as he curses. Sophie rolls back into the ring and manages to get to her feet, trying to shake the cobwebs out and focus on her fight.)

ALPINE: What the… oh not this shlemiel again! Hasn’t he done enough? I mean seriously!

RODZ: Did you really just… I mean I’m pissed off right now because I’m forced to agree with you. Frisky missed the shot but at least our security guys are earning their paychecks tonight. I can’t help but think this is payback since he couldn’t take out Ana.

(After this of course, Sophie is reeling and with everything accumulated on her as she tries to take a small breather at the ropes, Cassius is there to capitalize with his Corner Springboard Handstand Sunset Flip, Pussy On The Chainwax! The referee rolls in to position to count, the fans counting along even as Frankie is dragged up the ramp and loses a shoe from his kicking and lashing out at the security guards.)

1….

2….

3!!!

WINNER: Cassius Reed © via PINFALL @ 9 minutes, 02 seconds.

ALPINE: Have to say it, Frisky wasn’t a half bad referee though that look she’s giving Cassius… I think she figured out what happened with Frankie.

RODZ: Well being fair I don’t believe Cassius saw it either. But that look on Frisky, ouch! He’s following her around trying to get her to raise his hand!

ALPINE: I wish I could hear what he’s saying to her. She knows it’s a part of the… okay here we go.

RODZ: He seems a bit more pleased with himself than usual, if that’s possible. But when you’re the King, and you’re Cassius Reed, that’s a whole lot of pleased.

(Frisky is quick to release Cassius’ hand and then she exits the ring, shaking her head and heading to the back, lifting a hand to wave at Cassius as he yells at her but never turning around to look back.)

CASSIUS REED: You better shake Cassius' hand after Cassius beats your ass at Winter Warfare II!

(Cassius shakes his head and accepts his Championship belt from the timekeeper, holding it high over his head as the fans pop to see him standing tall with it. The shot pans out from Cassius, catching Anastasia glaring at him in the background as she checks on Sophie before the scene fades out to the Phoenix Wrestling logo.)