The Awakening II

[Slaine Rodrick]

The Awakening II

Finals of the Iron King Tournament

September 16th

Arena México

Mexico City, Mexico

***PRE-SHOW***

Arianna Fuentes vs. Hirooki Rajin

(Hirooki came out first to the half filled in Arena Mexico, getting a favorable reaction as a lovable underdog wherever he goes. He high fived a few fans before sliding into the ring and stretching his back on the ropes. Then ‘Raise Hell’ by Dorothy hit, getting crickets from the crowd. It wasn’t until her Hispanic name was announced, along with her beautiful presence that the crowd started popping for the newcomer. She ignored the praise as she walked to ringside though, making ‘ew’ faces at any fan who dared to touch her. She did a front somersault over the top rope and spread her hands to the crowd, still getting some cheers for her looks and ethnicity. She went to her corner, hunching down and staring at her opposition.

The bell rang and and Arianna started things off by walking up to Hirooki, looking at him up and down, and laughing. Hirooki smirked and presented his hand for a handshake. To that she replied with a big loogey to his eye, followed by a hard slap that dropped him to one knee! The crowd booed her as she finished up the combo with a knee to the face, followed by a moonsault pin. Hirooki shouldered out at two, and Arianna picked him up in a fury and started slapping him across the face. Over and over, screaming “WIMP!!” in his face in an attempt to fire him up. Finally Hirooki had enough and grabbed her arm, hooked her other arm, then threw her back with a suplex! Arianna cringed but got to her feet quickly, only to be met with a shining wizard attempt. The quicker Arianna was able to dodge the attack, then fire back with a big soccer kick to the chest that left the crowd “OHHH!!!”ing. She then pie faced him with her boot, bringing back those boos. She went to pick him up again but Hirooki showed some fight with some fists to the ribs. He then hit her with a boot to the gut, then hit the ropes for a rebound move. Arianna once again was able to successfully dodge his boot and then plant him with a enziguri to the side of the head!

Hirooki bravely pushed himself to his feet, but Arianna was scouting him. As soon as he stood Arianna sprung off the ropes and landed a hurricarana driver on Hirooki!! “OHHHH!!”s from the crowd as Hirooki was spiked off his skull. Arianna got cocky with the pin attempt, leaving opportunity for the veteran enhancer Hirooki to prop his leg on the bottom rope. Arianna gritted her teeth with an angry smile, said okay, and lifted him to his feet. She then snapped him back to the mat with the Zig Zag, and followed with a hooked leg pin for the three count.)

WINNER: Arianna Fuentes via PINFALL @ 4 minutes, 16 seconds.


Mexico Street Fight/Loser Leaves Town Match
Fin-Nisher and Twin-Nisher vs. Horace Jackson and Shooter Reed

(Shortly after Arianna’s match she left the ring with a cocky grin, satisfied with her dominant win. As soon as she hit the curtains, the lights dimmed and the PhoenixTron brightened up to the now ¾ full Arena Mexico. On the screen we see Fin-Nisher and Twin-Nisher standing at a bar. There’s a bottle of vodka between them and two shot glasses. Fin and Twin raise their shot glasses to each other.)

Fin-Nisher: Tonight brother we beat the shit out of those two drug addict shitheads !

Twin-Nisher: Yes ! We will win and they will get pink slips because they suck buffets of dicks !

Fin-Nisher: Every day ! Fuck them and now we drink our fourteenth shot of vodka !

(They clinked their shot glasses together then downed the Belvedere Vodka like it was water. They slammed their shot glasses down and got to discussing strategy as the camera angle switched. This was a far shot of the Mexican bar, with two men standing behind a pillar with Fin and Twin in their sights.)

Horace Jackson: There’s those two brain dead freaks. Ready to send them to the ICU?

Shooter Reed: Or the morgue. Either way these inbred morons are going to pay for putting my boys out of action.

(The two look to their designated weapons in hand, smile, then head over to the unaware Fin and Twin at the bar. Shooter is armed with a pool stick, while Horace is carrying a large glass beer mug. Meanwhile Fin noticed that ‘Separate Ways’ by Journey was playing on the jukebox, and that got him headbanging and rocking out. That headbanging stopped in a violent way as Horace smashed a beer mug over Fin’s face! Screams erupted in the club, followed by the crackling snap of a pool stick over Twin’s back. The bartender wasn’t having that and reached for his shotgun. There was no need for him to speak to them, a gun to the face is a universal sign for get the hell out. Horace and Shooter dragged the woozy Fin and Twin outside the club where some drunken patrons and marks awaited their arrival. Horace took Fin and irish whipped him hard face first into the glass display of a porno paper box, putting his head through it! At this point Fin was full on crimson masked, blood trickling down his bright white ‘Awakening II’ shirt. Shooter took Twin and hooked him in a headlock. With a running head start he sprung off the hood of a black Cadillac and planted Twin on the asphalt with a tornado DDT!! “HOLY SHIT!!” filled the streets as Horace and Shooter took a moment to high five each other for destroying these guys.

They then pick up the brothers, but notice the sound of police sirens in the distance. Not wanting to catch a case they shuffle the brothers down the nearest alley, carrying them far away from the sound of the sirens. Referee Malik Demitrious finally arrived on the scene and followed the group into the alley. Fin and Twin were like putty in the hands of Horace and Shooter as the alcohol and blood loss left them sapped of their energy. However it’s a turn down the wrong alley that lead them right into a den of gangsters busy smoking some weed. Immediately their guns turned to the gringos, leaving Horace and Shooter dropping Fin and Twin to the asphalt. Horace and Shooter raised their hands in the air, but the gang members looked at that as weakness and pistol whipped both of them. Once on the ground they met a swarm of relentless boots, leaving Horace and Shooter barely conscious and covering up. Seeing this as an opportunity to escape danger, Malik picked up Fin and Twin, trying his best to support their dead weight with one good leg. Malik looked up to the cameraman with struggle written on his face.)

Malik: The winners….by knockout….Fin…..and Twin….dammit now help me!

(The cameraman slung his camera over his shoulder and helped out Malik. We saw an awkward view of the alley wall, followed by policia making their way through the alley in a hurry. Cut to the arena, where fans were cheering for the victorious, and barely conscious Fin and Twin!)

WINNERS, AND STILL EMPLOYED: Fin-Nisher and Twin-Nisher via KNOCKOUT @ 5 minutes, 14 seconds.

Tony Tira vs. Kelli Torres

(By the time the lights came back on Kelli was just finishing her intro, pacing in the ring and throwing off a combo for the now packed crowd. Her theme ended and ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’ by Frank Sinatra played, but lo and behold, this time it was Frankie Starlight singing it! He came out to boos with Tony, singing his theme in an arm sling. Frankie flipped off the crowd the whole time, glad to see them too. Tony made his way into the ring all business, doing his best to stare down Kelli who paced in her corner. Frankie finished with the song and took Tony’s corner on the outside.

The bell rang and Kelli came out hot right off the bat on Tony, lighting him up with a hard leg kick as he went in for a jab. He remained unfazed and powered through with a combo, leaving Kelli dodging and clapping him with a leg kick on the return. He looked a little angry that time and lunged forward for a jab-hook to body-jab-hook to head combo, but it resulted in Kelli dodging again and once again hitting Tony on his right calf! Tony bit down on his mouth guard and chased Kelli around the ring, looking for a least one punch. She lead him on by pawing at him with her jaw out, looking for a shot. He took the bait but hit her with a body shot before going to the head. Luckily she dodged the head shot and dropped him with a perfect double leg that lead to Tony quickly scrambling as Frankie shouted instructions on the outside. Kelli took his back and started to get in the hooks, but Tony pulled a power move and pushed to his feet with Kelli on his back. He then dove back into the nearest set of turnbuckles, smacking the back of her head off the pads!! “OHHH!!”s from the crowd as she released and was left vulnerable. Tony saw this and got into mount.

He started pouring down some ground and pound on Kelli, leaving her grasping for the ropes. Tony didn’t stop as he didn’t view that as a submission, to which Oz Oxford started an illegal count. At four Tony had the peace of mind to release, but by then Kelli’s face had swollen up from some hard shots. Tony then picked up Kelli but she bit him back with her second wind, coming up with an uppercut to the chin! His head rocked back and she came in with a running high knee to the ribs, followed by a clinch! She hooked the plum and starting working those knees, but Tony used his muscle to shove her into the corner where he could neutralize her clinch. He then broke her clinch and got a single tie clinch of his own, and started landing his  trademark single tie uppercut bombs! The third left Kelli dropped to the mat and turtled up! With no choice left, Oz pushed Tony away and called for a TKO as the fans were on their feet!! Frankie slid into the ring and mocked Kelli going to sleep and laughed at her. Tony joined in before the two made their leave of the ring, leading officials to aide to the slightly concussed Kelli Torres.)

WINNER: Tony Tira via TKO @ 6 minutes, 28 seconds.

[Slaine Rodrick]

***MAIN SHOW***

(We open up backstage at Arena Mexico in the office of Veronika Rodrick. She has a concerned look on her face as she arches forward on her office desk, biting her fist as stares off into the distance. Johnny Rebel, who is sitting in front of her makes an effort to soothe her shaken nerves.)

Johnny: Veronika, I can't say much...all I can say is your father is safe.

(Her distant stare immediately flipped over to the haggard face of Johnny Rebel.)

Veronika: Tell me what you know, NOW. I've been trying to get a hold of my father all week. He won't answer my calls, he won't answer my emails, and dammit Rebel I'm worried.

(The creases on Rebel's forehead drooped as his eyes went into puppy dog mode.)

Rebel: Look. All I know is he's on an island living the high life. He texted me that he was going off for an 'island vacation'. I take it he's just blowing off some steam from the whole Iron King controversy.

Veronika: Well the least he could've done is let me know. I guess with no Slaine to run the show, that leads me to the festivities.

(Rebel goes to place a hand on her shoulder, but he notices that a group of federales have entered her office.)

Rebel: I wish you luck Veronika. I'll be here if you need me.

(He brushes past the cops who approach the worried looking Veronika.)

Cop with the best english: You know this men?

(He held up photos of a badly beaten Horace Jackson and Shooter Reed lying on the asphalt.)

Rodrick: Oh great, just what I need.

(We cut away from the problems at Veronika's desk and transfer to the desk of Alpine and Rodz.)

ALPINE: Welcome everyone to the Awakening II! I'm Frederick, he's Johnny, and this is one of the most stacked shows we've put on in a long time!

RODZ: Aurora versus Rex, Mason versus Stokes in a hardcore match, Cashe versus Masaru, the Duos and Rising Phoenix titles on the line, not to mention the finals of the Iron King Tournament!

ALPINE: Plus much more. For those of you just tuning in, what the cops were referring to was a heinous attack from a local gang on Horace Jackson and Shooter Reed during their pre-show match. While in the midst of a street fight with Fin-Nisher and Twin-Nisher, they stumbled into the wrong territory and were beaten down severely. 

RODZ: Screw a pink slip, they may be paralyzed.

ALPINE: One thing is for sure, their PW careers are over, with Fin and Twin barely surviving this violent encounter.

RODZ: They're like cockroaches Alpo!

ALPINE: They are resilient, that's for sure. But if you want to talk about newcomers to PW that ooze resilience, then look no further than Jackson Felix Coltrane. He is one of the best newcomers to arrive in PW in some time, so much so that he got the attention of the leader of the Pulpit, Jade. Through numerous attacks she beat him down and demeaned him, saying he was unworthy of his spot on the roster. Tired of the attacks, he finally called her out.

RODZ: About time. A man can only take so much. That said once you piss off Jade, she goes full on Fatal Attraction on you. There is no pause button on her, you're getting full-on bat shit psycho bitch.

Jade vs. Jackson Felix Coltrane

(The referee glances at the two, making sure they were ready to go as Jade carried that "Killer" look in her eyes, nodding her head. Jackson turned his head to nod at the ref. Jade showing her speed, dashed right for Jackson, catching early with a dropkick that knocked him right into the corner. Jade tried going right for the jugular but the ref stepped in between, holding her off while Jackson went to recover briefly back to his feet. Jade pushed the ref out the way and went for Jackson some more, attacking him with a flurry of strikes. Minimal damage but it counted enough for her to bounce off the ropes and crash land on top of Jackson with a flying crossbody. Jade elbows Jackson in the face until the referee once again intervenes and warns her. Jade takes notice, going back over to Jackson as she goes to pull him by his hair, onto his knees but Jackson pushes her off into the ropes, catching her and dropping her with a quick clothesline that folds her up. Jackson applies pressure on top for the cover but Jade kicks out at 1.)

(With an attempted hip-toss by Jackson, Jade turns it into a modified hurricanrana which she titles "Jade Spin", that sends Jackson flying. Jade drops a delayed dropkick into the corner where Jackson placed himself. She lets off a Warrior-type growl as she feels ready to fully unleash onto Jackson. Watching as he was on all fours, she brought him up and went to whip into the opposite corner. Mid-whip, Jackson reverses it, sending Jade crashing into the corner hard. He comes charging in with a clothesline that misses. Jade turns him quickly and lines him up for the "Jade Spike". From the twirl off the ropes, mid-move, it becomes a Fisherman suplex. Jackson pops up, wildly enthusiastic after that reversal out of Jade's finish. He pulls her to a knee, a knee strike right to the face...not once, not twice, but three times. Sharp strikes that turned into a dropkick from Jackson and with Jade down, he turned to the crowd to give them some love.)

(The tables had clearly turn as it was visible by the streak of fire that was surrounding Jason. After Jade seemed to think she had him finished with her Jade Spike, her tank seemed to be empty and for Jackson, it was his time to bring the pain to her officially and end her existence in this match. Lifting her from behind, Coltrane delivered a full-nelson slam, putting her back-first to the canvas as he began feeling it forreal, showing off to the crowd, finally able to get them fully on his side. Jade rose slowly to her feet to Jackson who was the one staring her down. He went for a Clothesline that Jade ducked. Jade went for a Pele kick but Jackson dodged her attempt. Jackson got her into position for a DDT but Jade reversed out of it into a wristlock behind his back. Jackson shoved her off and on the rebound, he got her up in the air for a Spinebuster, pinning her to the mat. He felt the finish. It was time for Jade to go back home with a loss. She stirred, braving the storm that she was currently getting tossed around in. Getting up and turning around, her chin met his foot from what he calls "Morning Glory", a Sweet Chin Music that saw her crumble to the mat. Coltrane got on top for the cover and the 3-count.)

Winner via PINFALL, Jackson Felix Coltrane - 10 Minutes & 43 Seconds!

(Jackson celebrated but it was short-lived thanks to a angered, rageful Jade after a tough loss to the "newbie". Driving him in the back with a steel chair, repeatedly beating him down as the bell rings several times but doing no justice until Jade just got tired of swinging, dropping the chair and leaving the ring as she storms off. Cameras cut off from ringside to the backstage area where it transitioned into another damn brawl but one that was bound to happen between Masaru and Jason Cashe. After causing each other losses in the great Iron King Tournament, the shots back and forth on social media, it was time and there wasn't a soul who was in bound to break them up. They were in the Gorilla Position, banging each other [PAUSE]...off the walls and equipment boxes. The few employees that were stationed in the GP, were far back, leaving the two to handle their "differences".)

ALPINE: ALL HELL IS BREAKING LOOOOOOSEEEEE!!!

RODZ: It has and it's lovely. From Jade and Jackson right into Jason giving Maz a strong dose of medicine with these shots. Continuous flow of beatdowns.

(Jason got the upper-hand after a low blow. He literally dragged Masaru on his knees by his long strands of hair through the ring tunnel that leads to their appearance on-stage, given a shocking response from the way he had Maz, for what is rare, had him in a vulnerable position. Jason didn't let up on him nor his strands of hair as he pulled him down the ramp slightly before tossing him into the side barricade wall violently as his body slumped to the floor.)

(Jason continued his violent outrage as he literally tossed Maz the rest of the way down the ramp. Slapping a few fans hand along the way, Cashe got to Maz as he was slowly trying to rise to his feet as his legs were shaky at best. Masaru kicked Jason in his shins as he tried to lock him in a grapple to apply more damage. Masaru then shoved Jason face-first into the side of the steel steps as a "Ooh!" was heard. He didn't stop there, he yanked Cashe by his hair, giving him the same treatment before grinding his face into the steel plated steps before bashing it on there a couple times. Enough to draw blood. That sight was like a jolt to Maz's spirit as he became enamored. Placing Cashe in a headlock, he delivered a DDT onto the floor, looking to deliver some much-needed payback and have his 'hour of fun'. Maz light frame had begun to drag Cashe's frame around to the side of the ring, letting the fans get a closer shot of the damage done. Masaru placed him upside down against the barricade and proceeded to light him up with rapid knee shots to the body, a near 10-count of knees.)

(Masaru looked to make this comeback work well and keep in his favor after being treated as a ragdoll by Cashe for majority of his "unique" entrance down the ramp. He delivered loud, striking knees into Jason's chest and gut area as he was up against the barricade ringside. The fans began counting along with each strike until Jason caught Maz's leg and sent it backwards, causing Maz to hit the mat face-first. Jason walks off around the ring to the opposite as he passed the referee that was still at ringside from the previous match. Jason stalked Maz as he got to his feet groggily. Using his speed and weight advantage, Jason came around from the opposite side of the ring, dashing full-speed to deliver a high-decking dropkick that sent Maz flying as he was still was gathering himself from previous shot. Jason snatched him up and threw him into the ring as the referee slid into the ring. Jason pulled Maz into the center of the ring as the bell ringed, finally starting the match. Jason went for the pin, but got only a 2-count out of his beatdown.)

ALPINE: Just goes to show in a sense how difficult it can be to put a man like Masaru away. Taking a HUGE amount of damage, yet still aware to kick out.

RODZ: Knowing Jason, this is only going to push things even further in this match if I know him like I think I do, it's going to get really wild.

Masaru Inoue vs. Jason Cashe

(Jason stood up and glanced down at Masaru who went into crawl mode, aiming to reach the ropes. Jason tracked his every step..well crawl before looking to keep his momentum. A strong elbow strike struck Jason in the gut. Followed with a back elbow to the face, nose area, Jason stumbled a few steps backward. Masaru connected with a turnaround spinning elbow strike to the chest. Grabbing Jason, he whipped him into the ropes, bending forth but Jason telegraphed it and struck him with a hard knee that left him falling to a knee. Jason grabbed him and put him on his head to the canvas with a Kneeling DDT. Cashe rolled him up for a pin, Maz kicks at 1 but gets Cashe with a sneak illegal choke. The referee yelled at him loudly, counting to four and a half until he finally released. It gave him a few seconds that he didn't have to recoup as he was slow to stir. Jason did make it to his feet first. Maz followed to his feet, aide of the ropes once again. Cashe spun him around, grabbing his arm before repeating two consecutive clothesline. The third got reversed and there was Maz with a high kick to the back of the head as Cashe went down off the thunderous strike.)

(Maz yells down at Jason in his native tongue of Japanese as he drives a rolling knee down into the lumbar area of his back before doing it again, a bit harsher this time with the use of bouncing off the ropes. Jason rolled over onto his chest as Maz circled him like his prey, ready to truly dissect and eat. Maz put the sole of his shoe on the side of Cashe's jaw, pressing down just enough before the ref forced him to back off. Cashe shook his head as he rolled over again, but on all-fours. Maz walked over casually, placing his right foot just under Cashe's heavily bearded chin as he slowly pulled brought him to his feet, showing just how rangy his legs were before he went to take Jason's head off with a Dragon Whip--or not...Jason wise enough now to Maz's skillset, ducked his attempt as he now had control of Maz from behind and that led to a Lifting Reverse DDT, seeing Maz become motionless for the moment. He then begins to light up his chest with rapid fire stomps that in the end leaves enough embedded footprints to be reminded of a signature. Following, Cashe ran off onto the ropes before shooting up in the air and down with a Rolling Senton.)

(Jason peels Masaru up off the mat, yelling in his ear, a bit of payback as he sends him hard into the corner, back-first as he bounced out of the corner but Cashe was right there to trap him in with what he considers Meathook Attacks, driving the inner part of his forearm into the head and neck area. Keeping the ref out of a good view, Cashe hoisted Maz's legs up, spreading and tieing them within the rope. The referee called for Jason not to do it but he proceeded and delivered a devastating blow to the nether regions that left Maz with his head hung low. Unhooking him, he watched Maz fall into the corner, grasping at that area. Cashe travels all the way to the opposite corner, letting off a "RRAAAHHHH!!!" that lit up the crowd, he took off and rolled himself into a ball, looking to beam Maz in the corner. Maz at the very last second...moved out of the way and Cashe caught nothing but the ropes and the turnbuckle. Maz was hurt, there was damage as he was bent forward but even with the pain from the attack, it didn't stop him from capitalizing on the opportunity, delivering a delayed dropkick to the chest of Cashe as he had a rage that hadn't been seen in a while. Pissed off he was and he showcased it with another attack. A Shining Wizard to the face of Cashe off a running start. Maz was two for two, looking to go three for three and he did...connecting with a Penalty Kick, serving Cashe with those knees again, serving him right. He lifted Cashe out of the corner before planting him with a Facebreaker DDT that he quickly turnt Cashe over for the pin. A close three-count that led to Maz on the edge, yelling at the referee.)

(Masaru battle the referee, who was about to disqualify him if he touched or cut Jason with that blade. It went right out the other ear as Masaru ran right at Jason in the corner, raising his leg up to strike, he struck nothing but turnbuckle post, slicing right into it, heavily. He was stuck with nowhere to go, truly vulnerable and oh did Cashe enjoy that wonderful gift. The crowd knew what time it was, one that caused many ends to a match and with him lowering that elbow pad, he lined Maz up, driving from behind, delivering the a jumping version of "Mark Of J.A.S.O.N" to Maz, who fell right to the canvas. Jason took off that shoe and tossed it aside to the outside. The canvas under Maz's head began turning red. He was bleeding from the back of his head from that sharp blow. It wasn't an overly slow bleed. Maz looked as if he was on the edges of defeat. Jason gave him no time to recover as he got him up, a small puddle where he lied. Jason set Maz up, ready to deliver his Finisher, the "DiOGee Plex", when a loud "HOOT!" came from above, causing an immediate stirring from the crowd. Olly, Maz's pet Owl swooped in from out of nowhere to come and began heckling him as he dropped Maz to try and swat the Owl. It grabbed his focus with ease. Maz rolled over to the ropes, looking to get back to his feet. Grogginess had him deep but he still with much force, knew how to deliver that badass "Killshot" that sent Cashe collapsing to the floor as Maz immediately went for the cover, getting the somewhat slow count to 3.)

WINNER via PINFALL, Masaru Inoue -- 16 minutes and 45 seconds!

ALPINE: Masaru was not his sharpest tonight, very vulnerable and if not for that intrusion of Olly, we would be seeing Cashe's hand raised right now.

RODZ: I swear that goddamn Owl needs to be reported. Jason had this. He HAD THIS and that thing threw him off, leading to Maz's recovery. Should've been DQ'ed.

ALPINE: It is what it is and Maz walks out of here with another victory in stow, payback. Now here's his partner, the one and only Aurora looking to come and help him to the back!

(That exactly what was going on as Maz was still bleeding, pressing his hand against the back of his head to try and reduce the flow. Aurora was on the other side of him, tugging his arm as she brought him to the back quickly. Jason was in the ring, on his knees, working his head and neck after that Killshot strike. He looked around the arena, eyes glazed as cameras cut to ringside. Mason can be seen standing in the ring, barbed wire bat in one hand and a microphone in another. Some of the fans can be heard booing, but for the most part, the fans are some what quiet.)

Mason: Not too long ago, everything that I had done here since coming back had come to a turning point. Before me I had a choice, to continue to be the man that I came back here to be, or to become something else. I chose to make a change and I lashed out at Jade. Then they retaliated and of course, me being me, I returned the favor.

(A few more boos can be heard as Mason peeks out into the crowd.)

Mason: The only thing was, I retaliated in a certain little snowflakes match and she took some serious exception to it. Now, I didn't come down there with the intention of ruining her match. I came down there to give my dear old friends the just treatment they deserved; amd I did exactly that. You see, and I was perfectly fine leaving it at that. Nina on the other hand, she wasn't. You see, she wanted to make this personal. She wanted to take something that had nothing to do with her and make it all about her and her feelings; you know, typical psychotic women shit.

(A few men can be heard laughing, but the vast majority of the women boo.)

Mason: She decided that she wanted to paint me as the villian in this little story of hers; and I mean, why not, I did kind of come here to basically set this place on fire just so I could watch it burn. So now here we are. This whole thing has come to a head and she wants to step into this very ring with me tonight. In just a few moments, she will walk down that ramp...

(Mason uses the bat to point to the area in front of him.)

Mason: She will walk up those steps, and into this very ring. When she does, she will be stepping into a world that is not her own. She thinks she knows what it takes to face me in a match like this, but she has no idea. She has no clue what it has taken; what it has cost men like Masaru and Rowyn to step into this ring with me with no rules to protect them. Rowyn lost almost everything by trying to keep up with me in this ring. Masaru truly became the most sadistic form of himself to face me, and even then he couldn't stop me; what makes you think you have even the slightest chance Nina? Still, here we are. You wanted this Nina, so let's not wait anymore. Why don't you come down here and get beating that you have been longing for. Come down here and let me beat you the way your parents should have when you were a child. Come down here and step into my world for the hardest lesson you will ever learn; because tonight, The DEAN...OF....EXTREME............IS BACK!!!!!

Hardcore Match
Mason Daniels vs. Nina Stokes

(The match starts off with a brief tussle between the two, a bit of chain wrestling, each trying to gain the early advantage over one another. Mason's size took into account and gave him a marginal lead, placing Nina Stokes in a headlock. Being shoved off moments afterward by Nina, Mason bounces on and off the ropes, rebounding back with a Shoulderblock takedown to Nina. Mason took several looks to the outside, that deranged mind of his alarm going off for what possibly might have been an idea. Grabbing Nina up, he pulled her over to the ropes, lifting her up and attempting a suplex to the outside, but Nina smartly reversed to the apron, saving what would have been a rough take to the floor. Mason turned and "swiped" at Nina but she ducked but Mason was swift with the rebound and got her anyways with a clothesline to the floor. Mason laughing, got out of the ring and began hyping himself up as he looked underneath the ring. Seeing nothing that interested him, he took to the other side of the ring doing the same. He looked and he reached deep underneath for what was ... his baby, his barbwired bat that is filled with memories. Looking to check, Nina was still down. That sick look appeared on his face as he slowly turned the corner, seeing her finally coming to her feet. He tapped that barbwired bat in the palm of his hand as he got in his batting stance, ready to strike and as Nina turned to locate him...WOOSH!!! He swung for the fences but he struck out, late swing. Nina immediately made him pay with a Shoot Kick right to the chest that made him more than humble. Took him stumbling state and then a knee then followed with a shattering hook kick that put him down. Nina continued to pay Mason back for his own over-aggressiveness with some offense of her own layering in shots onto Mason forehead before getting up and drop a few stomps onto him, keeping him down.)

(After a momentary break for Nina, she pulled Mason by his mohawk, she was showing her force, pushing him back into the ring. She grabbed that bat, pushing it into the ring as she followed. She kicked the bat into the middle of the ring as she watched Mason make his way back to his feet. A calculated hurricanrana saw Mason take another hit to the mat but this time, barbwire meshed into his back as he flopped around the ring, feeling the impact and pain. Nina looked and took off to the ropes before coming back and leaping to drive both her feet down onto his chest. Mason exited the ring on all fours as Nina kicked the bat out of the ring. Nina took a moment to admire the fans that were on her side, looking for her to bring this home. She made her way out of the ring, taking to another side of the ring, the opposite side that Mason was on and underneath, she pulled out a trash can that carried all kinds of assorted weapons. She rolled it into the ring, grabbing the Kendo stick from it. She slid out of the ring, meeting with Mason who seemed to be ready for Nina, striking her in the gut with the baseball bat, the barbs sticking in her skin. Another went right to the chest and then the facial area, catching all kinds of barbs to the body. Blood began to show, damage was there and Mason crazy ass stood there laughing...before taking a Rising knee to the chin. Able to put Mason back in the ring, she turned as she looked to the front row, a fan called her, holding a weapon that she was known for using, a steel pipe. She gave the male fan a hi-five before sliding into the ring and to the corner to gain a moment of rest.)

(Mason, blood 'masking' his face, failed on a "HALO Drop", a Frog Splash as he was curled up in a ball, slow to recover. Nina wasn't doing too great herself, bloodied as well but making it no issue that would hold her back. She got to her feet and she located that black steel pipe. Picking it up, she slowly walked over towards Mason, still down. Raising her arms high, she came down once...twice...three times, even four as Mason rolled out of the ring onto the floor, feeling every shot of that steel pipe. Nina escaped from the other side of the ring, reaching underneath the rope, grabbing a chair and tossing it into the ring, nearly coming close to hitting the referee. Nina grabbed Mason and brought him back in the ring as he rolled again away from her. His right hand clutched onto the chair that was thrown in the ring, using it more as a pedestal to rise. Nina stepped on his hand, a loud scream exiting from him. She kept it there for a moment, pressing down hard, looking to shatter his hand. She let up and Mason worked to get to a knee. Holding the chair, hoping she'd make a mistake, it was him who made the costly mistake, getting that chair smashed right into his already battered face with a Reverse Roundhouse from Nina, her "Amidst The Shadow Of Sorrows II" put Mason down forreal and he wasn't moving. Face on the dented chair. Nina rolled him over and got on top for the cover.)

WINNER via Pinfall, Nina Stokes -- 11 minutes, 30 seconds!

(The camera cuts back to the ring as Nina Stokes begins to make it to a knee. Her face is covered in crimson, while her body is plastered with various scrapes and cuts. Slowly but surely, she uses the ropes to pull herself back up to her feet. Nina staggers over and yells something to one of the officials; they head off screen and return a few moments with a microphone. Nina uses the back of her forearm to wipe the blood away from her eyes before she begins speaking.)

NINA STOKES: You know, week after week I come out here and bust my ass. Not a lot of wrestlers can say that, but I can. I have pride in my work as professional wrestler, and I always give my best effort. Anything less is unacceptable. But you know what? It often feels like that valiant effort goes unnoticed. What do I get from giving it my all in the ring? I get accosted and hounded by random motherfuckers. I get beat over the back of the head every other week. I get ushered to the fucking sideline.

(She gives a glance down at Mason. A look of disgust washes over her as she lifts her head.)

NINA STOKES: I get it. People want to ignore the fact that I came out victorious in that sixty-minute Iron Woman match. People want to ignore the fact that it took finishers from both Anastasia and Frisky D to put me down. Yall want to ignore the fact that I’ve been captivating people across the world since I signed to Phoenix.

(There’s a pause.)

NINA STOKES: That bit is getting really old, to be quite honest with yall…

(She takes a second or two to breathe.)

NINA STOKES: But hey, it’s cool.

(There’s another small pause.)

NINA STOKES: Boats N’ Throws is coming up really soon. The winner gets a guaranteed shot at the Phoenix Rebirth Championship. I can push all the bullshit to the side and can take take destiny into my own hands.

(Nina wipes a bit more blood away from her face.)

NINA STOKES: Last year? I entered Boats N’ Throws as a fucking outsider. I entered the match after having been out of wrestling for a few months. And I came in second place. This year? I’m fully back in the game. And guess what? I’m not an outsider anymore.

NINA STOKES: I’m gunning to win Boats N’ Throws. I’m gunning to win that title shot. And I don’t care who I have to beat to get it…

(She stops.)

NINA STOKES: And to those who might try to get in my way? Well, you’ll probably end up like this sorry motherfucker right here.

(She gives one last glance to the downed and bloody Mason before she tosses the microphone to the mat and rolls out of the ring.
Aurora is backstage with Masaru, in her full gear for her match coming up next against Rex Evans but she’s cooing softly and speaking quietly to her tag team partner and friend, all while carefully daubing his wounds - very carefully over any stitches - with some soothing gel to help with the pain since they’re cleaned.)

(The sound of grunting and muffled, breathy counting can be heard before the scene fades into the backstage area from black. The camera is moving through a locker room, but no source from the sound can be found.)

??: Twenty-two…

(The camera comes to a stop, focusing straight ahead, and very slowly a head emerges from beneath the visible scene, staring down at their phone. The camera is focused on the right side of their head, but they soon turn to notice the camera there, causing the crowd to pop as they realize it’s none other than former roster member Tommy Evans. He grins a bit as he notices the camera, nodding in its direction, before…)

??: Twenty-three…

(… his head disappears back beneath the shot. There’s a pause, a moment of nothing as the camera keeps its position level, and then Tommy’s head slowly reemerges, his slight grin having spread into a goofy smile. He let’s go of his phone with one hand to save at the lens.)

??: Twenty-four…

(And as he begins to lower again, his grin transforms into a stern look as he holds up a finger, mouthing the words “one moment!” He disappears again, and just a couple of seconds later pops back up with a triumphant gasp from off screen.)

??: Twenty-five!

(Tommy gasps as well, moving his legs from the pretzel form they had adopted and pushing to a standing position, before turning and looking down at where he’d just been.)

Tommy Evans: Wooooffff, what a hard workout, I’m exhausted!

(It’s quite clear that Tommy is being facetious as he slips his phone into his pocket, before extending a hand downward to help up whoever had clearly been doing push-ups with Tommy on their back. You’ve probably already guessed.)

Rex Evans: Thanks, bro.

(The crowd pops even louder at the sight of the two brothers on screen together, especially knowing that Rex will be going up against the legendary Aurora later in the evening. Rex grabs a towel to dab sweat off of his face and neck, while Tommy backs up to lower himself onto a bench, looking up at his brother quizzically.)

Tommy Evans: I don’t know how I feel about this. My tag team partner and brother… facing my other tag team partner and my future third wife.

(Rex snickers at the joke, shaking his head as Tommy appears to be distant in thought.)

Rex Evans: Don’t worry, you don’t have to pick sides. Tonight isn’t about wars or grievances, much like your recent quest to leave those petty things behind. Tonight is simply about putting on a hell of a show for those fans, and finally seeing a match that has been in the making for years.

(The crowd of course pops as Rex points in their general direction to mention them, smirking. He holds out a fist to his brother, who reluctantly pounds it with a nod as the camera fades.)

AURORA: That was reckless… I love it.

(She sighs as she sets the little sponge aside and pats an undamaged spot on his arm even as he looks at her, and it seems that they are somehow, someway communicating without words. Aurora smiles crookedly and with the pad of her thumb gently wipes a bit of dirt from Masaru’s cheek as he chuckles, a low and rusty sound.)

AURORA: Don’t you worry. Rex is a hitter but he’s not an asshole. We’ll have a banger of a fight, but he won’t cheat, he won’t pull weapons or bullshit on me. He’s weapon enough. Just rest, I’ll be back in just a bit and we’ll get Olly some fresh treats.

(Aurora smiles and heads off out of the trainer’s room and Masaru’s gaze follows her until the cameras switch to ringside.)

Dream Match
Aurora vs. Rex Evans

(This match is just a hell of a thing. Both wrestlers making a big show out of their entrances though of course Masaru isn’t with Aurora, staying backstage to rest up a bit after his brutal match against Cashe earlier in the night. The pair jaw a little as the referee runs down the standard rules even though there seems to be a bit of humor from both of them, possibly due to Aurora’s involvement with Rex’s brother Tommy and his wife, Ashlyn. As soon as the referee steps out of the way and calls for the bell though, it is ON and the pair clearly are well aware of the usual match strategy of the other and Rex manages to keep his cool while Aurora is literally moving too fast for him to catch for the first few moments of the match, dancing in and testing his speed with her own legendary speed, agility, and footwork. He’s keeping that cool even eating a variety of kicks that Aurora is clearly trying to wear him down with, though he manages to get her good off of a rebound to the ropes by catching her up with his Fallaway Slam, One Way Ticket! He gets a nice two before she kicks out and he eats an elbow to the hinge of his jaw that has him rearing back and swearing a little as they get back to their feet.

He tags her a few more times, though his attempt at a Triangle Choke is easily countered by Aurora and she drops him as he tries to get up with her rarely seen Pendulum DDT, The Edgar Allen Poe Special! She gets a long two but Rex kicks out strongly and the pair exchange hard chops after they get to their feet that the fans seem to enjoy quite a bit. Rex gets caught out going for a Clothesline however as Aurora drops and grabs the top rope and he goes sailing over to the floor. And then this shit just isn’t good for anybody because for the love of God, these two just tear shit up on the outside! Aurora goes for a rare No-Hands Plancha Suicida as Rex staggers up to his feet, the fans popping a bit seeing the move she borrowed from Gryphon, but as she gets to her feet Rex trips her up with a Drop Toe Hold and she bounces her chin right off the commentary table! She’s checked out a bit after that, the pair fighting still even as it’s clear she’s on autopilot - and Rex lets her get a breather, hanging on to the barricade but he’s just getting distance to run up with that big ass Spear of his - UNSTOPPABLE!

And ohh shit there goes the barricade as the sheer force of Rex’s Spear takes them right through and into the fan seating! Jesus what a mess. The referee is looking concerned, sliding out of the ring and checking on the pair, Rex is groaning and holding his shoulder a bit but gives the referee a thumbs up, he asks Aurora if she can continue and of course being Aurora she gives him a one finger salute before she even opens her eyes and sits up. What a trooper. Rex gets up first and yanks Aurora to her feet, they’re fighting again with kicks and sharp elbows, Rex peppering her torso and ribs with punches before he rolls her into the ring. He takes a second to get his bearings before he slides in after her, clearly thinking this is done but OH! Aurora is up! She’s up and coming at him, jumping up and BAM!

Rodz is going nuts at the commentary table, on his feet screaming about IDENTITY ERASER as Aurora’s Bicycle Kick done in homage to her husband Legacy lands full in Rex’s face! He hits the mat in a crumpled heap and she is trying to get her wind back after that Unstoppable through the barricade that almost killed them earlier shows its hand now. She uses the ropes to get to her feet instead of going for an immediate pin, she exhales and drags herself up to the top, possibly looking for that most rare of her DDT’s, The Ruger Special! Alpine is begging her not to do it, but she glances to see Evans getting up with that freaky stamina of his and she launches herself for that Shooting Star DDT and she hits but OH GOD Rex was in motion and hit her with a Brute Punch! The Superman Punch hits her in the jaw and they both spin around and hit the mat, Rex’s head bouncing off in sick fashion from the DDT!

The fans are freaking out, Rodz is beside himself, and the referee slides in for a count as Rex’s arm is across Aurora! OH SHIT! The fans are cheering and making noise as the referee gets that three count just as Aurora’s eyes snap open and she tries to throw up the shoulder but NO! There’s the bell, and Rex Evans has done it!)

WINNER: REX EVANS via PINFALL @ 20 minutes, 32 seconds.

ALPINE: I… I’m speechless!

RODZ: NOOOOOOOO! Jesus Christ what a fucking MATCH! That son of a bitch did it! He actually DID IT!

(Rex's music plays, '2nd Sucks' by A Day to Remember ringing out over the PA and the referee sort of lifts his hand as he sits up. His face splits into a huge grin as he realizes that he's actually won before he flops to his back next to Aurora, and they just sort of... have a chat in the center of the ring, laughing a bit even as Aurora holds her side, and the pair hit wrist to wrist warrior style before finally helping each other up to their feet! Aurora gestures at him to celebrate and he shakes his head a bit, they get out of the ring in a painstaking fashion before Rex moves to raise her hand, the fans blowing up at the gesture of respect before the cameras go to commercial. Mr. Nakamura was shown on the screen, surrounded by Pumpkins carved up with the Ohno Cola design, lit. He was dressed handsomely in a dark blue, navy suit as he gave the camera its full attention. He held up a can of Ohno Cola, that was Orange like a Pumpkin.)

Mr. Nakamura: Now introducing Pumpkin Spice. Now's the time to catch onto what is hip, we are readying you for Halloween upcoming. You might as well treat yourself instead of tricking yourself out of a good deal and a...

(He pops the can open.)

Mr. Nakamura: A crisp taste of Pumpkin Spice, guaranteed to make you feel a little lit inside the belly once digested. All for a good time. All to enjoy. Get Ohno Cola now before it goes bye-bye. It is limited!

(Segment ends with Nakamura grabbing a pumpkin and balancing it on top of his head as he sips his can and waves goodbye to the camera.)

[Slaine Rodrick]

IRON KING SEMI-FINALS
Unified MMA Rules (three rounds)

ALPINE: Up next is the first semi-final of the 2018 Iron King Tournament, BAD ASS taking on Conor Blackburn. This is a dream match of PW alumni. Two top carders from the past who never collided, well tonight they get a shot at fighting each other in a cage.

RODZ: It’s going to be the type of fight where just about everyone will be on their feet standing, blocking the view of every dumbass to dare to be seated during this firecracker up your ass, adrenaline excitement fest fight.

ALPINE: Both have looked very impressive on the lead up to this, with Conor brutally knocking out a SSWA blue chipper Zola Star, then making short work of a tough as nails veteran in Jason Cashe. BAD ASS on the other hand has put on wars with Sandy Makel and James Edwards, proving that he can hang with the new school, as well as the old school of wrestling.

RODZ: But if you noticed there Rodz, Conor finished both of the opponents you named. While BAD ASS took the fighters you named to a decision win.

ALPINE: I did notice that, but what you failed to notice is the skill disparity in both of Conor’s fights. He had a huge height and weight advantage over Zola Star, and he had a big skill advantage over Jason Cashe. Edwards and Makel had at least dabbled in MMA, proving them to arguably be the tougher set of opponents.

RODZ: Well who gives a shit about all that, all the fans need to know is BAD ASS is busted the fuck up but will not back down. He may have retired from MMA but he seemed as fired up as ever at that last press conference. While Conor seemed calm and composed with his sight set on the future. This is going to be a bloody, all out war.

ALPINE: I don’t think either man would have it any other way.

BAD ASS © vs. Conor Blackburn

ROUND 1

(The cage lowers over both fighters. They touch gloves and start to circle. Conor starts making use of his reach early as he pops BAD ASS in the chin, forcing him to shake off the blow then return with a leg kick. He then lands another big leg kick as Conor comes in for another jab, forcing him to back up on the aggression. BAD ASS fakes for a leg kick and lands an oblique kick to the knee, getting Conor to lift up his leg with a wince. BAD ASS shoots in for a sudden superman punch and Conor makes him pay for it with a pinpoint cross to his ET looking eye!! “OHHH!!!”s from the crowd as BAD ASS backs up and shakes off the blow, staying alert as he blinks heavily with that teary left eye. He then goes in a Philly shell stance as he comes in, shouldering past a jab and hitting a 1-2 hook to the body followed by an uppercut that snaps Conor’s head back! “OHHH!!”s from the crowd as BAD ASS follows it up with a leg kick and a snapping jab to the nose. BAD ASS tries to go in for a clinch but Conor beats him to the clinch and hooks his first as BAD ASS backs him up against the cage. Before BAD ASS can weasel out of the clinch Conor catches him in his bad eye with a sharp elbow, then muay thai trips him to the mat! Conor looks to rush in for some punches but the horn saves BAD ASS. Both fighters retreat to their sides.

Jason Jackson is firm on BAD ASS, saying he knows he’s tired but he came too far to lose now. Pour it on Conor. Conor is getting advice from his head coach in Team Blackburn, who tells him to let BAD ASS tire himself out and pick your spots.)

ROUND 2

(The fighters return to the center of the cage and Oz Oxford signals for them to fight. BAD ASS comes in fearless, landing a teep kick to the ribs of Conor followed by an elbow to the jaw. Conor goes for a clinch but BAD ASS is on him, hooking onto both legs for a double leg takedown. He mashes him up against the rope-cage, looking for a pickup. With a sudden burst he yanks up but Conor gets a handful of cage, forcing BAD ASS to come back down in a heap. Luckily the ref didn't see Conor do that. BAD ASS then converts to an ankle pick, hoisting up the leg as much as he can before converting to a drop down kneebar! Conor looks to the bottom rope, wanting to grab it but knowing it won’t do jack in a match like this. BAD ASS starts grapevining for the kneebar, but Conor is luckily able to squirm out before he gets a tight lock. Conor gets to his feet, as does BAD ASS, and the two circle each other. BAD ASS starts baiting with jabs, trying to get Conor to react. Conor goes for a left mid-body kick followed by a rapid right roundhouse kick, and BAD ASS catches him with a sweeping leg kick to his standing leg!! “OHHH!!”s from the crowd as Conor lands on his back and BAD ASS comes jumping in with a flying elbow to the face! “OHHH!!”s from the crowd as Conor’s nose is now bleeding from the hard shot. BAD ASS goes to posture up for more shots but the horn sounds, putting a stop to this round as the crowd cheers.

BAD ASS is breathing heavy in his corner, but Jason says to keep that aggression up, Conor can’t take what you got. Meanwhile Conor is being told to stop playing it safe. Go after the eye and injure this guy. Conor calmly nods as the blood is soaked up from his broken nose. Two cotton wedges are shoved in there, and both fighters return to the center for the third and final round.)

ROUND 3

(BAD ASS starts off with a big running leg kick, to which Conor lifts up his leg, lets BAD ASS spin whiff, then catches him in the chin with a big uppercut that staggers BAD ASS! Conor shows off his height by rushing and landing a perfect high knee to the chin, knocking BAD ASS to the mat! Conor then jumps into his guard and starts working for a full mount position. As he lays in guard he pelts BAD ASS with elbows to the eye, getting it bleeding and to fully swell up. BAD ASS slowly works his hips, then swivels them into position and shoots Conor off of his waist. Conor tries to go back to the mat but the threat of BAD ASS’s upkicks keep Conor at bay. Suddenly Oz Oxford Jr. steps in and separated the fighters. BAD ASS is told to stand as a doctor enters the cage. All it takes is three seconds looking at that battered red crease of an eye for the doctor to wave this match off. BAD ASS hoots and hollers, screaming “I STILL GOT ONE GOOD EYE!!” but it’s to no avail as Oz raises the hand of the bleeding, yet calm Conor Blackburn.)

WINNER: Conor Blackburn via DOCTOR’S STOPPAGE (Third Round, 2:12)

ALPINE: BAD ASS fought for as long as he could, but ultimately that pesky doctor stepped in and prevented him from going blind in one eye.

RODZ: What a bitch ass doctor. He’s still got one good eye.

ALPINE: That may be the case, but BAD ASS’s safety is a priority. Conor nonetheless will move onto the final round to face either one of two amazing submission machines.

RODZ: It’s been awhile since two MMA crossover talents have impressed me as much as Carrick and Ernest. Both are young, cocky, creative, and some of the toughest human beings alive. This is going to be a grappling dream contest come true.

ALPINE: As outspoken as Carrick is, even he has been saying that this is the fight he’s looked forward to in this tournament the most. You can’t blame him, Ernest is the first real test in this tournament to his BJJ pedigree.

RODZ: He is without question, which makes this another tough fight to pick. For all you assholes who think MMA is human cockfighting, I present to you, human chess.

ALPINE: Human chess indeed. Which one of these grappling experts will prevail?

Carrick Price vs. Ernest Cauldwell

ROUND 1

(The round begins and both fighters touch gloves briefly. They then get into grappling stances, neither looking too keen on using their kickboxing. Instead they clash into each other with Ernest going for a front collar and elbow tie up while Carrick goes for a side lock. He then tries to lift up Ernest for a side suplex but Ernest is quick to convert his body weight mid air and land on top of Carrick’s torso into mount! Carrick tries to escape but the veteran Ernie is on his arm, going for a kimura. Carrick wiggles free and props his legs up to Ernest’s torso, trying to shoot him off with a butterfly guard leg press. Ernest latches onto the back on Carrick’s head, being bucked mid-air but coming back down into the guard of Carrick and he tightens his thighs to Carrick. He tries to tighten up and pull back on Carrick for a can opener, and Carrick lets him get up to a crunch position. Just enough leeway for Carrick to snake in one of his famous guillotines. He secures the choke as Ernest pulls back, forcing Ernest to relent on the can opener and defend as Carrick wraps his legs around Ernest’s torso. Ernest tries to squirm out to the side but Carrick easily positions his hips with Ernest’s, following him on the mat seamlessly. Ernest is frantically looking for a way out, and gets one as the horn sounds, signaling the end of this round.

Ernest goes over to his corner a little blue in the face as Carrick walks back confident. Jason Jackson tells Carrick that he’s the better grappler, and he needs to prove it in this round. Finish him. Being Ernest has no team, he is merely patted down with a damp towel and given water to swish. Both fighters return to the center of the cage for the second round.)

ROUND 2

(Neither fighter chooses to throw a strike. Instead Ernest looks for a single tie clinch while Carrick capitalizes with his sudden double leg shot to Ernest. Ernest shows off his surprisingly strong sprawl as he forces Carrick to his feet, then surprises him with a Gracie front leg sweep! Carrick uses his back to the rope-cage as an advantage, even gripping onto the cage as Ernest goes for another deep sweep. Oz warns him about grasping the cage as Carrick works a forearm under Ernest’s chin, propping him up just enough to give him the distraction needed to slither his leg loose and hop on Ernie’s back for a rear naked choke! Carrick sinks on the hooks quickly, leaving Ernest grasping at thin air before tapping into his inner pro wrestler. He grabs onto Carrick’s head and drops his chin on his shoulder with a backpack stunner, leaving the crowd “OHH!!”ing. That admiration grows even louder as he follows that up with a bulldog into a tight bulldog choke! Carrick woozily struggles for several seconds, but soon after goes limp. Oz quickly steps in and rings for the bell.)

WINNER: Ernest Cauldwell via TECHNICAL SUBMISSION (Second Round, 4:25)

ALPINE: A hell of a scrap from Carrick, but Ernest pulled out some of his pro wrestler tricks to seal the deal in that banger of a match!

RODZ: Not one punch thrown and yet still these two set the crowd on fire. I am incredibly impressed with both men. Ernest more so than Carrick as he IS a pro wrestler on the side, and Carrick despises pro wrestling.

ALPINE: Which will surely stick in his craw when it pertains to the finishing combination which took him out of the Iron King running. We’re down to the final fight, Conor Blackburn versus Ernest Cauldwell for the Iron King Championship!

RODZ: To all those dorks saying that PW favors their own in this tournament, look at the final match. Two guys who ain’t even signed with PW battling it out for a brand new belt, a trophy, and a hunned grand.

ALPINE: That’s not to say that they won’t sign soon hopefully. I would love to see them in PW.

RODZ: Damn straight.

(The scene shifts to the PW backstage interview area. Richard Roque and Rowyn Starr flank backstage interviewer Kiko Hirayama.)

Kiko: I'm here with Team Darkstar as they get ready to challenge Chris and Mandi Andrew and The Pulpit in a triple threat tag team match for the PW Duos Championship. While both of you are established veterans, you have the least amount of tag team experience of the three teams involved your match. Will that be a factor tonight?

Rowyn: Experience is a factor, but you said it yourself, Kiko. We're veterans and as such, Richard and I know that we both have to be on the same page and watch each other's backs.

Richard: While people may question our experience as a tag team, no one can question the heart and the passion the two of us will bring to this fight. That's the glue that strengthens our team.

Rowyn: With that, we more than match The Pulpit's drive of annihilation and Team Andrew's love and tenacity. But that's not all that drives us. Not only do we have the hearts of lions, we have the starving appetites to match.

Richard: Tonight is the first chance I've had in my career become a PW champion, Kiko. For Rowyn, it's been four years since he's had a championship opportunity in PW.

Rowyn: Asger and Azazel are going to do everything they can to hold on to those title belts, destroy the competition, and assert themselves as the dominant tag team. Chris and Mandi Andrew are going to do everything they can to regain their place as tag team champions and a measure of redemption. But we're going to be the X-factor in this match, and in this equation, X equals tag team champions.

Richard: For the two of us....two veterans.....this is the chance of a lifetime. This is an opportunity that neither of us may never have again.

Rowyn: Richard and I, Kiko.....we've had our share of losing. This is a business we both can agree that we love, but you have those times in your career when you feel like you've given everything you had in your heart, your mind, your soul, and your body for the roar of the crowd and to display the potential you have only to feel you have nothing to show for it personally at the end of the day.

Richard: Anyone that's wrestled for as long as we have, you question if everything you've done and sacrificed for in this business has been worth it. My first chance to be a champion....makes everything I've done in my career worth the price I've paid to reach this day in my life.

Rowyn: We may not have the experience of our opponents as a tag team, but we have heavy chips on our shoulders and a hunger that matches their weight. It's going to be a tall order to overcome the challenges that both teams present. But we're going to bring the law of the jungle to this match and we're going to show that even the biggest and tallest elephants, giraffes, gazelles, or hippopotami are no match for the scrappy, hungry lions ready to bring them down.

Richard: Pulpit....Team Andrew.....this is our time. And we're not throwing away our shot.

Rowyn: We're not just Team Darkstar. The two of us....we're Team RoqueStar. Tonight, we're going to get our game on, wrestle like all-stars and leave Awakening as the PW Duos Champions.

(Rowyn and Richard walk off to their match as we cut to another area backstage. Mandi and Chris are seen backstage by their locker room before their match. They are going over some match strategy, They both look up as they smile.)

Mandi: We have this babe, we will be getting back the titles. We can not let the others win.

Chris: We won’t. It doesn’t matter if Team Darkstarr are in this. We won’t let them win, and for sure won’t let The Pulpit retain. Those titles were ours once, we can win them back again.

Mandi: I know Team Darkstarr want that titles as well, but they will just have to settle to not capturing them, no matter how much respect we have for them. Sorry guys, but we want the titles back. We are not going to let you guys stop us from getting them.

Chris: We were able to win them once, and we will do what we can to win them again. Everyone knows we don’t know the meaning of give up.

Mandi: We will leave the match with the titles.

(They walk away after Mandi says that.)

PW Duos Championships
Three Way Dance
The Pulpit (Asger (c) & Azazel (c)) vs. Mandi & Chris Andrew vs. Team Darkstarr (Rowyn Starr & Richard Roque)

(This three way dance starts off strong, the former champions Mandi and Chris are heated, looking to regain their Duos Championships from The Pulpit, who seem less on the same page tonight than usual, perhaps feeling the loss of Mason’s more strategic orders over what they get from Jade, it’s hard to say but both Asger and Azazel despite their size and brutality keep falling prey to both Mandi and Chris, not to mention a revitalized Rowyn Starr who is working with fantastic teamwork with Richard Roque tonight. The pair never miss a chance to smoothly tag, and while Mandi and Chris are hot out of the gate with their focused hot tags and cutting Azazel off from Asger, they start to flag about five minutes into the match when Chris goes for a Dr. Pepper Special on Richard, only to get punched right out of the Cutthroat Neckbreaker by a seething Asger.

Azazel tags in and the pair hoist Chris up for a Double Running Powerslam, the fans boo heavily as Chris is folded in half and Mandi looks super worried about it as he rolls out to the apron. She chases around to check on him after dropping off the apron and the match goes on as more of a straight shoot out between The Pulpit and Team Darkstar. Both teams are showing some strain at the high intensity and speed of the exchanges, but those smooth tags are keeping Roque from getting gassed which keeps his strikes just more potent than the brutal strikes that Asger and Azazel manage. The pair double team on Richard for awhile, only to have Rowyn break it up with some sick Release German Suplexes! BANG BANG as the heavier men hit the mat but Starr is looking good after, going for a pin here but Mandi of all people comes flying in to break it up and save the match for the moment.

There are a ton of near-falls in the next few moments, much to the delight of the Phoenix fans, a huge pop in particular as Chris Andrew returns to the action in the last few moments of the match, getting that Dr. Pepper Special he was seeking on Asger! He goes for a pin but NO! Richard fights off both Azazerl and Mandi as Rowyn yanks Chris off the pin and jerks him into the Trail of Tears (straight jacket choke hold) & Lamentations (lifting double underhook facebuster) and floats over for the pin! Chris is out and the referee gets that three count, and here’s the bell as the fans explode with excitement! The referee gets the Duos Championships and hands them over to Richard and Rowyn who look extremely emotional at this time, Mandi checks on Chris and The Pulpit are outraged, Asger claiming he got the shoulder up and he yells at the referee while being told he did not in fact do this.)

WINNERS (and NEW Champions)

: TEAM DARKSTAR via PINFALL @ 10 minutes, 22 seconds.

ALPINE: Full circle, Rodz! It’s been ages since Rowyn Starr held gold in Phoenix Wrestling, it’s about damn time! Good for him and Richard Roque for doing it the right way!

RODZ: Ahh… you sicken me. Clearly, The Pulpit got ROBBED! I’m sure that Asger and Azazel will have plenty to say about this fine kettle of fish!

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we're totally not developing an anti-aging serum.
We promise.
Not a subsidiary of Umbrella Corp.
Really.

[Slaine Rodrick]

(As the scene opens in the parking lot, PW Rising Phoenix Champion Lance Winters sat on his motorcycle looking up to the sky as he took a drag from his cigarette. He took once glance at the cigarette after taking the drag and flicked it.)

LANCE WINTERS: The hell with it…

(Winters reaches into his cut and removes a cigar. He smirks at the sight of it and cuts the end of the Cuban cigar before he takes a couple pulls from it. As he exhales the smoke a door is heard closing. The Prez looks over to see backstage interviewer Kiko Hirayama. It was no secret Lance has been quite fond of the backstage interviewer since coming to Phoenix Wrestling and he smiled at her.)

LANCE WINTERS: WELL WELL WELL WELL...Came to give me a HAPPY ENDING massage? Sorry DARLING I think you might be a bit CONFUSED. Those COME AFTERWARDS. You might wanna wait a while.

(Kiko isn’t amused as she crosses her arms. The prick.)

KIKO HIRAYAMA: You shouldn’t be smoking that before your match, you know. You shouldn’t be smoking at all, really. It’s bad for you.

(Winters looks away and takes another pull.)

LANCE WINTERS: Ain’t that cute. SHE LOVES ME, she really loves me.

KIKO HIRAYAMA: You’re about to face James Edwards to defend that belt after he said publicly that he wanted to kill you, Lance. And what are you doing? Sitting back here puffing away on a victory cigar like you’ve already beat him.

(He nods to this as he continues to smoke.)

LANCE WINTERS: Lemme TELL YOU SOMETHING darling...There ain’t no way I’m gonna be losing this here championship. For starters I’M TOO PRETTY to lose and he’s just flat out ugly. Secondly, can’t none of these schmuck fucks beat me. Hell I beat this weirdo who jerks off to his imaginary friend before. I’m not even the SLIGHTEST worried.

(With a shrug he chuckles to himself and looks up to the sky.)

LANCE WINTERS: Besides...This ain’t for him. This is for me.

KIKO HIRAYAMA: For you?

(He nods.)

LANCE WINTERS: I’ve seen a whole lot in this world, Kiko. Some might tell you it’s a miracle I’m still alive right now let alone not behind bars. But yet...Here I am. Still alive and kicking. Still free from any kind of shackles. I’ve watched brothers and sisters die...I’ve seen some start families and leave this life for greener pastures. All in all...Life goes on. The world don’t stop...it just keeps going. Leaving people and memories behind.

(Lance looks down at the championship belt.)

LANCE WINTERS: I wasn’t even supposed to be in this here business... And just like how I’m still alive and not behind bars. Here I am...A champion...A freaking icon when I shouldn’t even be one or supposed to be. Thought I’d just be getting the club a fresh new cash revenue while making some poor sumbitch bleed for shits and giggles.

(He takes a pull from the cigar and shakes his head.) 

LANCE WINTERS: No, Kiko darling...This ain’t for Edwards and his upcoming untimely death. This...This hear cigar is for me.

(Kiko nods starting to understand. She begins to walk towards him.) 

LANCE WINTERS: No matter where life takes me after tonight...I don’t plan on losing this here belt. It’s mine. It was mine the moment I first laid hands on it. It ain’t going nowhere any time soon. It belongs to the Reapers. Wherever I go...It goes.

(Winters looks over to see Kiko standing beside him and the bike now.) 

KIKO HIRAYAMA: Well either way you still need to put that thing out. It stinks and you’re gonna be late.

(Lance groans leans over to put the cigar out on the concrete. As he leans back up Kiko was there to leaning towards him.) 

LANCE WINTERS: NOW HOLD ON, if you wanna FLASH ME THEM THERE titties for GOOD LUCK then go right on a head, MISSY. But if not DON’T GET ME ALL FLUSTERED.

(Kiko shakes her head.) 

KIKO HIRAYAMA: I had something else in mind. Maybe I can get an exclusive look from ringside and---

LANCE WINTERS: Be my lucky fortune?

(Kiko rolls her eyes.)

KIKO HIRAYAMA: Umm yeah. Sure. And if you play your cards right then maybe...Just maybe, you’ll get that happy ending you’ve been dreamin about.

(Something brightened in Lance’s eyes as he grins.)

LANCE WINTERS: Well HOP ON...NEVER turned me on as much as you are RIGHT NOW wanting to witness James’ murder first hand.

(Kiko shakes her head as she climbs onto the back seat on the motorcycle and wraps her arms around his waist. Lance starts up the motorcycle and the engine roars throughout the parking lot.) 

LANCE WINTERS: NEXT STOP….EDWARDS’ FUNERAL!!!!!!

(The scene starts to fade as the to ride off into the backstage area with Lance yelling at people to get the fuck out of the way.) 


PW Rising Phoenix Championship
Lance Winters (c) vs. James Edwards



(The bell rings and the match starts off, Lance tries for a handshake but James declined and instead took a couple backsteps. Lance began his antics, yelling at James as he neared James, who stood tall in the corner. The referee stood in between the two. It didn't stop Lance from getting in his bits, getting enough reach to poke James in the eye as the referee warned him of the cheap shot. Lance makes his way in, beaming shots onto James before he grabs and wraps him up into a suplex, an Xploder Suplex that sees him suplexing Edwards into the corner, legs catching the damage from the shot. Lance got up, laughing hysterically as the boos began reigning, a few cheers mixed but not many. It didn't bother Lance much as his attention was on James, yelling down at him before taking his feet and stomping down onto James's legs, seemingly looking to take his limbs away. That tagline for Lance sticking out like a thorn. Ruthless and strategic, finding whatever he can to down you and for James, he fell right in.)

(Leg snaps, pulls, he was working on Edwards, not giving any time to rest, looking to retain. After enough pulls, yanks and stomps on his legs and knees repeatedly, he showed off to the crowd, again receiving unwelcoming jeers and words that were far negative. A smile just emerged as he took it all in. James was feeling and seeing where Lance's tactics were and was up to his feet but a gut kick and a Full-Nelson Suplex saw Jackson right back on the canvas, turned over and arched. Lance placed James in a Sharpshooter, looking to end it right here. Even went as far as holding onto the ropes to keep from moving his current position before the referee caught him. He released the Sharpshooter submission as the damage increased. Lance was in his "bag", pulling it out what he could, serving up a Wishbone splitter that really put things up another level. He quickly went for the pin, grabbing at the legs he were just working on. Edwards kicked out just before the 2-count.)

(Edwards kicked out but the jolt of pain was felt from just kicking out. James wasn't going out this way and he worked hard to get up to his foot, his one good foot for the moment as Lance had that smug look on his face. Lance came in, swinging but James blocked his effort, trading a hook of his own. Lance retried and it was again blocked as Edwards countered with a back elbow that he then connected with a Snap Suplex as he tried to ignore his own pain to get back up to his feet. Sitting Lance upright, he applied a Neck crank, looking to work the neck. Lance wasn't looking forward with it as James cranked hard, leading to Lance to move a little quicker, elbowing James off of him. Lance reached with a swinging clothesline, James countered with his signature "Foxfire", a Fisherman Brainbuster, as it was a impactful drop. Kept the bridge as referee counted. 2 and a half before kicking out.)

(The time limit was creeping and for James, he coming that close, pushed the pace as he hit Lance with a rush of kicks and punches, connecting on a wonderful combo. Lance anger was coming out and James tossed Lance into the ropes, connecting with a high striking kick to the chest, knocking him down again. Lance rushed over to the ropes, putting his hands out, asking for a break and the referee intervened once again, stepping in between the two to give Lance a moment. James turned around, frustrated and with that split moment, Lance pushed past the referee and clocked James with a hard clothesline from behind as that peculiar laugh and smile returned briefly. Lance pulled James up and hit him with his Joker Driver he calls "Jokes on You". Another cover and again, James fought out of it at the 2 and a half count.)

(James kicking out again was actually aggravating the Champ even more, wanting to be done quickly with this match and that wasn't happening. Lance grabbed ahold of James and a punch to the gut gave separation that was needed with James landing a Fireman's Carry Gourdbuster that he went and chained with a Anaconda Vice. It wasn't the easy of attempts but once he got it locked in on Lace, there was a high chance that Lance might not escape but after a few minutes in it, he fought for the rope, grabbing it to break the hold. It was close to the nine-minute mark and it was crunch time for both but more for James if he wanted to beat Lance for the title. Lance tried to take his time, wasting it but James wasn't letting that happen. James came with an Ace Crusher that stunned Lance backwards into the corner. Fists began flying in a flurry to the mid-section. He eased him out of the corner a bit before returning the favor from earlier and that was connecting with a Release Reverse Exploder Suplex as he then looked at the clock seeing time zooming by fast. Lance was in bad shape. James set him up for "The Violent Gospel", which saw him drive right into Lance with a mean Penalty Kick to the head and that was when Lance's hopes died on the doorsteps as the smile of satisfaction went to James before he fell down to pin him.)

ONE
....

TWO
......
........

...........

THREEEE!!!!

WINNER via PINFALL and the NEWWWW RISING PHOENIX CHAMPION, JAMES EDWARDS!!! -- 9 Minutes and 52 Seconds!!!

ALPINE: HE DID IT! JAMES EDWARDS DEFEATED LANCE WINTERS!!! WHAT A WIN!!!

RODZ: What a travesty is more like it! That title should still be Lance's. I mean he kinda gave in a sense how things were probably going to go but wow..

ALPINE: Don't discredit James here. James came in hot. He was down but he bounced back. Like MJ, James Edwards came up clutch and delivered the dagger to end it all.

RODZ: And now since we already know his plans, its going to be weird not having him around. Got used to it.

(The fans cheered insanely for the new Rising Phoenix Championship as the referee handed the title to him. Down in the center of the ring, kneeling. His eyes were locked onto it, clutching it close to his body as he took a look around before returning his attention to the Championship. Lance Winters meanwhile had rolled out of the ring, surprisingly not overly upset. Casually walking over to his bike, he got on it and started it up. One last shot of him from the camera saw him look back at the new Champ, chuckling hard and shaking his head before sticking up a middle finger and taking off to the back. Cameras break from the wonderful moment in the ring moments later to head backstage to see Lance coasting his bike through the area. He stops next to the PW Backstage Interviewer, Kiko Hirayama as he points to the seat cushion behind him.)

LANCE WINTERS: Let's go!

(Kiko smiles and then she drops her mic as she hops onto the back of the bike, holding onto Lance as the two then take off to the right and out of the exit of the arena. You could hear claps from the crowd, seeing what just occurred before things transferred back to ringside and James Edwards still in Celebration mode.)

ALPINE: And well, I guess they are both going off into the sunset!

RODZ: It's rare to see the loser win, but ohhhh Lance has made that notion come true. He may have lost the title but he will never lose his swagger.!

ALPINE: We'll miss you Kiko! Folks we'll be right back.

(A smiling James Edwards walks through the curtains bringing the cheers of the crowd, and the strains of "My Name is Human" momentarily with him. The Rising Phoenix Championship belt rests on his shoulder.)

Cameraman: Do you have a moment, James?

(Edwards nods.)

Cameraman: So how does it feel to be the guy that took out Lance Winters?

James Edwards: This win has nothin' to do with Lance Winters. This win is all about me doing exactly what I said the moment I walked into this company. I said that if the powers that be gave me a chance in one-on-one fights and I'd deliver. I told them to take me out of multi-person fights, and I'd deliver. Four individual matches and I'm 3-1, and the loss was one where I was out of my depth. I've proved I'm worth the opportunities and hype.

Cameraman: So what's next?

(The question stumps Edwards, and he scratches his chin.)

James Edwards: That's a helluva question, but there is only one option.

(He pats the face plate of the belt.)

James Edwards: Defend this thing; defend it against everyone who wants a shot; defend it with pride and honor; defend it until someone gets the best of me and takes it from my grasp.

Cameraman: Well that sounds good, I don't have anything else, so thanks and congrats on the title win!

(Edwards nods then smiles at the camera again and resumes his walk to the locker room. The cameras cut back to the ringside area, the ring has already been set out for the contract signing for the Rebirth World Championship, a meeting that all the fans in attendance were highly anticipating. The canvas was decked out in a red carpet, three office chairs in black leather at the head and sides of a clothed table with the Phoenix logo upon it. Veronika stands there at the head of the table, a microphone in hand, ready to give the introductions for the long awaited contract signing between possibly the two most adored figures in the company today. )

VERONIKA: Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re here now for the official contract signing between the Number One Contender for the Rebirth Championship, and current World Crown International Champion Frisky D, and the current Rebirth Champion, Anastasia Starling. So without further ado, please let me proudly welcome, the challenger, the rookie sensation who has taken the World Crown by storm, FRISKY D!

(“Razor Blades & Steak Knives” hits the speakers and the crowd rises to their feet awaiting the #1 contender’s arrival. Frisky D eventually ambles her way out, dressed casually in jeans and a hoodie, not really doing much to soak up the spotlight. She eventually flashes a peace sign and remembers to slap a few hands along the way down to the ring before reaching ringside. Hopping up onto the apron, she awkwardly rolls under the bottom rope and pushes herself up to her feet. Heading to her chair at the table, she gives a “sup” to Veronika before taking a seat.)

VERONIKA: And now, may I introduce the defending champion, Anastasia Starling!

(But Ana’s music did not hit, instead there was the sound of coughing over a microphone. There was a hushed silence as the figure of Bobby B. Barabbas, attired in black on black, stepped out onto the stage with a disapproving look upon his face. He taps on the microphone impatiently, glaring at Veronika in the ring, who looks more confused than anything, and Frisky scratches her head, clearly knowing about Barabbas’ reputation within the industry.)

BOBBY B. BARABBAS: Ladies, Gentlemen and Members of the Jury...

(There was a clearly unsure reaction from the Phoenix Wrestling fans in attendance for Barabbas’ arrival, you paced the stage, his own green and blue eyes staring out into the audience..)

BOBBY B. BARABBAS: Especially given the clear mistreatment and disrespect recently given to my client and daughter, I do believe a more appropriate introduction is required for the most dominant star to compete in this company for the past two years. So allow me to take the reins from the inexperienced, and give the correct and proper introduction… to the REIGNING... DEFENDING... Rebirth WORLD Champion! The most successful and dominant in ring competitor in the modern history of this company, and the World Crown as a whole… Hailing from Krakow, Poland… Taking on both the Lasiewicz and Bongartz family legacies to a whole new level. She is the PALE WINGED PASSERINE... The most naturally gifted and talented high flyer in Professional Wrestling Today… I proudly give to you, ANASTASIA STARLING

(“Time (Yellhigh Remix)” by Satellite Empire begins to blast out from the P.A.System as the crowd lets their voices be heard, though many are unsure after Barabbas’ introduction. Barabbas stands aside and applauds his daughter as she makes her way out from behind the curtain. Her entrance isn’t as energetic as fans were accustomed to, as she simply paced down to ring with her eyes set on the interim manager of the company. Even her attire wasn’t as flashy as normal. Gone was the ringmasters jacket, instead replaced by a black leather jacket. Her curls were tied back, and her makeup was more reserved. She did slap the hands of a few fans as she made her way down, though halted as Bobby asked her to remain focused. She was acrobatic enough entering the ring, flipping right over before getting into Frisky’s face, lifting her belt high up in the air as she screamed out ‘MINE!’ to which Frisky blinked in response.)

VERONIKA: Ladies… Thank you for joining me today… Let’s get down to business shal--

ANASTASIA STARLING: Business is it?

(Ana brushed past Frisky and got right into Veronika’s face, shocking the audience in attendance.)

ANASTASIA STARLING: Was it business to have a Judge in league with a rival company, when I was facing one of their own? Was it business that allowed a Judge who is a personal fan of the person I was facing judge my contest? Was it business that has had you request that competitors still in the Iron King hush up about the controversy? No, not a controversy… A blatant screwjob

(Veronika was clearly shocked by Starling’s outburst, as were all the fans in attendance. The Little Songbird was clearly on fire, a devilish and furious look in her heterochromia afflicted eyes. The boss stepped back a bit, shaken a little from the unexpected tirade.)

ANASTASIA STARLING: Was it a business decision to not even offer me, your CHAMPION an apology? Hmm? Was it?

VERONIKA: “Ana, it is not like that. Please, listen to me!”

(For her part, Frisky has tried her best to stay calm and patient during this tirade.Veronika was trying to calm down the situation, but things only seemed to exacerbate when Bobby whispered something into Ana’s ear, and with a glazed look in her eyes, she fired off again.)

ANASTASIA STARLING: This isn’t the first time you have fucked me over. I made comments about the judging last year in the Iron King, that I didn’t trust it. And even though after this year, when I KNEW I had that match won, I was gracious enough to shake Cauldwell’s hand. Even though I was disappointed, I was willing to let this all go… until the corruption was outed. And it wasn’t outed by you… You wanted to cover it up. And what does your Daddy do when questioned over this? What does he do? HE GOES INTO HIDING! He hasn’t answered a call from me, my agents, the press, NO ONE! He has hidden himself away, which more than anything shows that he is as guilty as Stevenson for what has happened. That is a validation of it all right there, and his god damn hardon for MMA and his disrespect for the professional wrestling company that he owns is all clear to see. He gladly screwed over his champion, the one remaining member of his own roster in the tournament all because he wants to be pals with the cage fighting crew. This Iron King Tournament is an absolute FARCE!

(Frisky has raised her hand trying to get a word in, and been plowed right over each time she even pursed her lips to think about speaking. Finally she claps her hands loudly.)

FRISKY D: Yooo, can we like actually talk about the match?!

(The mild-mannered Canadian has clearly grown a bit agitated by this point. Starling gritted her teeth, only half turning to Frisky as she began to speak.)

FRISKY D: I’m not trying to defend shit or anything, but you wanna talk about being the Champion pay some attention to your challenger. You wanna talk about respect, don’t disrespect me by making my sit through you repeating everything you’ve already tweeted in novel form. I’ve never had a problem with you, you’re a great wrestler, I’m not telling you not to be pissed. But this moment right here isn’t just about you, so I’d like you to please show me a little due respect and give me attention good, angry or indifferent instead of stuff that’s already happened that can’t be changed. I try to be pretty humble, but come on dude.

(A beat skips.)

FRISKY D: Hell, even if you don’t wanna do that, can we at least get this contract signed so I can peace out of here and you can get back to the chewing out?.

(Barabbas was back in Starling’s ear again, but this time it seemed to calm the Songbird down. Fans looked on astonished, many sympathizing with Anastasia due to her situation, others shocked by her outburst, but more so than anything it was clear that the audience all agreed with Frisky’s comments. Ana readjusted the title upon her shoulder, the belt she had held since March, and walked right up to her opponent.)

ANASTASIA STARLING: If they had answered any of my messages, attended any of the meetings I requested and not tried to cover up their own corruption, I would not have needed to do that.

(Starling then gave her trademark, angelic little smile, tilting her head ever so slightly as she looked into her contender’s eyes.)

ANASTASIA STARLING: Not much needs to be said between us, Dingo. I know you, you know me. You hold a victory over me, which I did congratulate you for, if you remember. A real victory I do applaud. And I have also beaten you, which I did on the way to earning this...

(She raised her title belt high in the air once again.)

ANASTASIA STARLING: And also defending it. But here you are, the rightful contender and I commend you on that. So if you want to get away so I can talk more business with Veronika, and let our actions speak for themselves in the ring, let’s have it that way. I think it is the only way. So, please, shake my hand, sign the contract, and we can make all of this official.

(Ana then extended her hand, a look of pure innocence and honesty upon her face. The Canadian takes a deep breath and extends a smile, seeming to have calmed herself down. With a short nod of her head, she shakes her hand, then grabs a pen and burrows her head down to concentrate on signing her name.)


FRISKY D: Cool, cool, let’s do this.

(Frisky leant over, checking the paperwork and signing her name, as Barabbas whispered guidance in Anastasia’s ear. Frisky popped back up with a smile on her face, playfully putting on that signing the contract was hard work as she jokingly wiped her brow. Ana giggled at the gesture, Frisky handing the pen over to her...)

BAM!!!

(The crowd were in hysterics, Starling shockingly striking Frisky with the championship belt with all that she had, flooring the contender as Frisky’s head bounced hard off of the canvas. Veronika covered her mouth in shock as she took a couple of steps back, not quite believing what she had just seen. Anastasia snarled, gripping Frisky by the air with the aid of her father, who whipped her towards Starling. In a split second, Ana popped Friskey up and powerbombed her opponent through the table in a version of her former partner GRENDEL’s Extinction Event! The shock and boos began to pour out as Ana glared down at Frisky in the rumble of the table, her challenger clutching the back of her head due to the initial impact. They wait for Frisky to be helped to the trainers room, the commentary team aghast at the actions of the formerly beloved Anastasia and then they speak about the upcoming main event.)


ALPINE: Here we are Rodz and the excitement is palpable here in the air tonight. One of these two men, Ernest Cauldwell or Conor Blackburn will be the 2018 Iron King.

RODZ: Both of them have been through harrowing competition already tonight, Conor sporting a broken nose from his fight with BAD ASS, and Carrick really sapped some of that legendary stamina of Ernest Cauldwell.

ALPINE: It’s any man’s game but there can be only one Iron King!

RODZ: And HERE WE GO!



IRON KING FINAL
Unified MMA Rules
(Five Rounds for the Iron King Championship)


MAIN EVENT
Iron King Championship
Conor Blackburn vs. Ernest Cauldwell

ROUND ONE:

(The cage lowers over both fighters, a brief touch of gloves happens then Ernest Cauldwell seems well aware of reputation but this doesn’t add caution so much as awareness as he looks to use his speed to start off with a takedown but Conor Blackburn seems just as prepared as expected and stuffs the takedown. Cauldwell backs out and attempts a feint before going for it again, once more Blackburn stuffs the takedown and the pair move into a clinch. Conor eats a couple of elbows but takes control with a double underhook and turns Ernest out of position and Cauldwell breaks loose.

The next few moments are intense as Ernie works to get into position to grapple Conor to the ground, but Conor keeps popping out that jab and a few front kicks to the midsection to keep him at bay, which works well until Cauldwell catches a kick! The fans come alive as Cauldwell gets that sought for takedown on Conor and Blackburn covers up to protect the broken nose he got in the fight with BAD ASS earlier tonight. He went for a bit of fast ground and pound but Conor’s strength bore fruit as he was able to break loose as he looks to move from half guard to mount just as the horn sounds for the round.

Ernest goes to his corner and takes the towel to mop his face, swishes a little water around to spit as Conor’s head Coach for Team Blackburn is dissecting a few things and double checking the condition of Conor’s nose.)

ROUND TWO:

(Ernest comes out and circles Conor, darting in a few times for nada but on the latest try he surprises Conor with one of his Gracie front leg sweeps, and stuffing Blackburn up against the ropes he’s hitting some solid strikes but Conor comes around with a curving elbow strike, and another, backing Cauldwell off and hitting him with a sharp front kick. Cauldwell staggers and Conor pursues, poking him good with his jab a few times before he steps back and recalibrates. Blackburn goes for the clinch and lays in some super solid body shots, Cauldwell grunting with each impact.

Ernest’s conditioning serves him well here and he weathers the latest assault, he forces a bit of distance by working in some dirty boxing, clearly aiming at Conor’s face, Blackburn whipping back to defend his already broken nose. He rallies hard however, aggressively going for a few heavy shots and absorbing Cauldwell’s hits until the horn sounds again.

Both men are back to their respective corners, Conor looking a touch winded and Cauldwell visibly wincing as his ribs are checked.)

ROUND THREE:

(Both men start the round a touch more wary, Conor calculating and Ernest cautious as he works to the side, looking for an opening and he gets one, turning on the ball of his foot to go for a spinning kick! It hits Conor’s chest instead of his head but he’s rocked and Cauldwell follows up with a pop of his hips for a low round kick, hitting Conor’s inner thigh and opening him up for an inner hook takedown!

The fans are back on their feet as Cauldwell passes Conor’s guard and right into a side position, hammering strikes into Conor’s head! Despite this Blackburn still manages to protect his nose, but that leaves his arm open for Cauldwell to start an armbar! Blackburn isn’t about to let him lock it in, bringing his knee up repeatedly into Cauldwell’s back but it’s the horn for the round that gets him that break he needs.

In the corner Cauldwell’s flagging a bit even with his superior conditioning, asking for extra water. Conor’s team wipes him down as his nose is checked again, he waves them off a bit as his head coach tells him to get aggressive, that if he lets Cauldwell in like that again, it’s over.)

ROUND FOUR:

(Ernest comes out of his corner hot, looking to have a second wind and he wants a takedown bad. Conor’s jab is still strong and Ernest doesn’t want tagged but he slides under going for a double leg takedown and Conor stuffs him just like in round one. He tries again, and a double underhook and a few solid knees are the payout. Conor gives little opening, but what there is Ernest does his best to take advantage of, but it’s still not what he’s head hunting.

He sweeps Conor’s legs, but Blackburn rolls up and stays clear. Cauldwell tries him again with some solid kicks but Blackburn is just staying a little too firm and not letting Cauldwell into the pocket. Getting a bit frustrated Cauldwell shoots for a takedown from too far out and Conor reverses it! Conor takes top position and gets a mounted crucifix, from there he laces Ernest with elbow smashes until the referee steps in and waves him off, declaring a TKO!)

WINNER and 2018’s IRON KING CHAMPION: CONOR BLACKBURN via TKO (Fourth Round 2:13)

(Conor stands in the center of the ring, Cauldwell near him as the referee raises his hand in victory. The new Iron King gazes out over the fans, it was a long trip to get him here in this transcendent moment but he endured, and Conor accepts the accolades and applause as his due as the cameras focus in on the image of him holding his prize, before going to the Phoenix logo and fading to black.)