Warzone – S2E6 – A New Era
Are you sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin. The crowd inside the Domo De La Feria in Leon, Mexico is ready. The audience watching at home is ready. The commentators are ready. The whole wrestling world is ready. And….
BEEP. CLICK. BEEP BEEP, CLICK CLICK.
With a few electronic noises and the sound of a shredding guitar, The Bastards announce their arrival as “Take It Easy, Chicken” by Mansun bursts through the arena PA. The crowd is instantly
on its feet – some cheering, some booing, but all excited – the entrance video of the legendary British trio plays on the big screen.
Ben Price – It was a big night for The Bastards at Naval Warfare. They boarded that ship with no gold, but they came off it with the Conquest Championship and the Valor Championship!
Eddie Vega – It’s always a big night for The Bastards. Do you know how much we’re paying those guys?
Ben Price – No?
Eddie Vega – Well, neither do I. But I’ve heard rumors, and let’s just say that it’s a lot.
Ben Price – Some people would say they’re worth every dime.
Eddie Vega – Some people say a lot of things.
The noise of the crowd intensifies as the world’s most famous yellow Ford Cortina drives down the rampway with Rob Riot, Frank Windsor and Billy Fowler inside it. Championship belts won long ago and far away are still nailed to the doors and trunk of the battered old car, but pride of place on the hood has been given to two new arrivals – the CWF Conquest Championship and the CWF Valour Championship. Fowler parks the car up as the trio exits the vehicle, leaving the doors wide open as they do so. Riot and Windsor pick their title belts up from the hood as they pass, slinging them over their shoulders as they begin their walk down to the ring.
Eddie Vega – How do they even get that car in here, anyway?
Ben Price – What do you mean?
Eddie Vega – It’s obviously bigger than the entranceway, kid. Pay attention. It breaks the laws of physics.
Ben Price – I guess where there’s a will, there’s a way, Eddie.
Eddie Vega – I guess you’re still a little wet behind the ears.
In a single file, the Bastards enter the ring. Riot and Windsor step through the ropes while Fowler, the big man, steps over the top. Rob and Frank collect microphones from a lackey at ringside, and then the three of them stand in formation. Riot and Windsor raise their title belts high over their heads while Fowler stands behind them, arms crossed, in the classic “enforcer” pose. It’s a “take a picture” moment, and plenty of fans with their smartphones take advantage of it to do precisely that. As the noise dies down, Riot is the first to speak.
Rob Riot – Does this look familiar to you? Have you seen this picture before? Are you all experiencing a shared sense of deja vu? Because you should be. The Bastards have done what we said we were going to do, and what we always do. We came in. We showed up. We won championships. The names of the promotions and the opponents might change, but the results never do. The Bastards go on top, and everybody else gets dropped. Same as it ever was. If you’re watching this on a monitor in the back, take a good, hard look at it. This is the lay of the land, and it’s only going to get harder for you from here.
Frank Windsorr – Amen to everything you just said, Robbie. We’ve been at this for more than ten years, and yet every time we go somewhere new, people doubt us. They ignore what we’ve done everywhere else. They say they’re different to the people we’ve beaten before. They say we can’t do it here, but what happens? We do it anyway. And now we’re standing here, me and Robbie, champions. I’m standing here with the most important title belt in all of professional Wrestling.
Riot pulls a bit of a face at that.
Ben Price – I think our new champion wasn’t a fan of that description.
Eddie Vega – He shouldn’t be. Windsor’s been hit in the head a lot over the years, but he still knows the world title is rank one, right?
Rob Riot (looking at his championship title) – Um, Frankie, my mate, I won’t want to disrupt you mid-flow, but you know I’m the CWF World Champion, right?
Frank Windsorr – I never said you weren’t. I said I’m holding the most important championship in all of professional wrestling.
Rob Riot – Right. Good. OK. It’s a great belt. You did well to win it, but it’s not the world championship, is it? It’s the Valour Championship?
Frank Windsorr – Yeah, it’s the Valour Championship, and it’s the number one belt in the world.
Both Riot and Windsor look to Fowler, perhaps in the hope that he’ll support their argument, but he just shrugs.
Frank Windsorr – Look, mate, I can see you’re not getting this, so let me make it nice and simple for you. It’s the most important belt in the world…
Rob Riot – Except for the world championship…
Frank Windsorr – Will you let me finish?
That last exchange was about as terse as The Bastards get with each other in public. There’s a hush in the crowd as they wait to see where this is going. Riot takes a second and then waves a hand apologetically, motioning that Frank should continue.
Frank Windsorr – It’s the most important belt in the world because I won it for my dad. Get it?
There’s a huge pop from the crowd for that, and Riot’s demeanor instantly changes. He steps around Frank and raises his arm, prompting another wave of cheers. With that done, he gets back on the mic.
Rob Riot – Point taken. OK, let’s try this again: me and Frank Windsor are standing here with the most important championships in the world, and The Bastards are on top. In the process, we took down The Future Shock Society, and I forced Tetsuo Oni to face the world – and I mean “face” the world literally. You took me to the limit out there, Greg, but in the end, I did more than take your title. I did you a favour. Your story is now your own, and you’re forever changed by being in the ring with Rob Riot. You got the best out of me. I gave you something new. But this isn’t about Rob Riot and Tetsuo Oni anymore, and it’s not about Frank Windsor and Ravenna Vandenberg, or Jaeger, or whatever her name is this week. It’s about The Bastards, and it’s about the future. More specifically, it’s about the one guy who stood in this ring who doesn’t have a title.
Both Riot and Windsor turn around to look at the bare-waisted Fowler, who eyes them both Suspiciously.
Frank Windsorr – Yeah, Billy. Robbie and I have been pulling our weight recently while you’ve been dragging your fat arse around. When you won the big one back in the [REDACTED] days, me and Robbie kept up our end of the bargain by winning the tag titles and the other singles titles. Where’s your contribution?
Rob Riot – You could tag up with me or Frankie and go hunting for those shiny new tag team Championships?
Frank Windsorr – Or you could go get us that shiny new Elite Championship, and we can lock up every singles title in the company?
Not for the first time in this promo, Rob Riot looks a little uncomfortable.
Eddie Vega – Riot looks like he just sniffed a fart. What’s up with him?
Ben Price – Think about it, Eddie.
Eddie Vega – I’m not paid to think; I’m paid to talk. You do the thinking and then tell me when you’re done.
Fowler motions for Windsor to pass him the microphone, which Frank does. Mic in hand, Fowler points at Riot.
Billy Forlwer – You do realise that if I go after the Elite Championship, it means going after his girl Valora, right?
There’s a big “oooooooh” from the crowd. Riot swears under his breath. Windsor doesn’t have the mic back, but any lipreader would be able to tell you that he’s saying, “It never even crossed my mind,” while grinning in a way that confirms that it clearly did.
Rob Riot – One thing at a time, boys. Those tag titles would look real nice on the side of the Cortina.
Billy Forlwer – You would say that, wouldn’t you?
Rob Riot – I’m saying we always end up winning the tag belts wherever we go!
Billy Forlwer – Are you saying you don’t think I could beat Valora?
Rob Riot – I’m not saying that at all!
Billy Forlwer – Oh, so you’re saying you don’t think Valora can beat me?
Rob Riot – I’m not saying that either!
Fowler and Windsor are having a lot of fun at Riot’s expense here, but Windsor eventually decides to get back to the point, taking the mic back from Billy.
Frank Windsorr – Look, let’s agree on something. All of us want to jump on Valora for different reasons, but…
Riot throws his hands up in the air.
Frank Windsorr – BUT! We’ll get to that down the line. Tonight is about two things. Number one is that I show Steve Murdock that being a 1980s tough guy isn’t going to get you anywhere in this business in the 2020s, and he can’t even see my level from where he is. Number two is that we flush Kintaru down the shitter for good.
Rob Riot – Now that’s something I can get on board with. Billy, have you got that in the bag this Time?
Fowler, now sans microphone again, nods and shouts ‘YES,’ clearly irritated by the question.
Rob Riot – You’re absolutely sure this time?
Again, Fowler doesn’t have a microphone, but he shouts “FUCKING YES” loud enough for Riot’s mic to hear him anyway.
Rob Riot – Fantastic. Then, ladies and gentlemen, what a night you have ahead of you. The Bastards star is rising, Future Shock Society is in the mud, Steve Murdock’s going down, and Kintaru’s going home in a box. As it is spoken, so it shall be. Hit the music!
“Take It Easy, Chicken” plays again as The Bastards make their way out of the ring and back down the aisle, and we’re finally ready for our first match of the evening.
Eric Wilsonr – The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first the challenger to this match, hailing from London, England…Lady Lana Hill!
“Shoot to Thrill” by AC/DC begins playing as Lady Lana Hill walks out from the back with a bodyguard on either side of her. They scan the arena quickly in search of threats before allowing Lady Lana to walk down to the ring with them at her side. They hop up to the ring apron and open the ropes so that she can step through to the inside of the ring.
Ben Price – Lana looking for a win tonight. Her record is pretty poor right now.
Eddie Vega – Hard to be a winner when you keep finding yourself on your back.
Ben Price – Maybe her luck will turn around tonight against Lex Collins.
Eddie Vega – I highly doubt it, but we will just have to see for sure.
Eric Wilsonr – And her opponent, hailing from the Open Road…he is Lex Collins!
The lights dim, and “One Finger And A Fist” by Drowning Pool erupts at ear-splitting volume over the arena sound system, getting an ear-splitting huge pop from the female fans in attendance. Lex Collins bursts through the curtain and sprints towards the ring. Midway there, Lex stops and shrugs out of his bloody fist logo hoodie, tossing it into the crowd. He pauses for a few selfies with fans before hopping up on the apron and wiping his feet. Grinning at the crowd, he presses his right fist over his heart to a pretty loud but decidedly mixed reaction before turning and springing over the ropes.
Ben Price – Despite the fact that people here have thought that Lex is a rookie, he is in fact a veteran of the ring. He’s been in several companies and has won titles pretty much everywhere he’s been.
Eddie Vega – This is just people not doing their due diligence and looking people up before facing them in the ring.
Ben Price – That could be it, yeah.
Eddie Vega – Lex Collins is going to wipe the floor with Lady Lana Hill!
As the bell rings to start the match, Lex locks up with Lana and pushes her into the ropes fairly quickly before whipping her across the ring. On the rebound, he puts a shoulder to her to knock her to the mat! Lana rolls away and back to her feet in time to catch a hard right hand to the midsection that doubles her over. He hits an exploder suplex, putting Lana back down to the mat.
Lana hops right back up and comes at Lex, striking him in the side of the head with an elbow strike Lex goes to strike back with a fist, but Lana ducks under the blow and slides behind him to hit a belly-to-back suplex!
Lex and Lana get right back to their feet. Lex goes for a scoop slam, lifting Lana up, who twists and brings Lex down into a DDT! Lana applies a money clip, bringing Lex down into a seated position to keep up the pressure.
Ben Price – Lana fighting hard to get a win here. It will be her second win this season if she manages it.
Eddie Vega – Well if she wants to go up the ranks before the end of the season, she had better get crackin’.
Referee, Ashley Beaton, checks to see if Lex will give up, but he refuses. He reaches for the ropes, but they are too far away and he’s seated so he can’t get any closer. He plants his feet on the mat and stands up. He uses his strength to hip-toss her to the mat, breaking the hold. As she sits up, Lex runs to the ropes and strikes her on the rebound with a basement forearm smash that sends Lana rolling away to the ropes where she uses them to get back to her feet.
Lana walks over to Lex, who breaks away and goes for the ropes. On the rebound, it seems as if he might be going for another shoulder charge, but a bodyguard reaches into the ring and grabs his foot! Lex trips, staggering to the center of the ring while doubling over to try to regain his balance. Lana takes advantage of the moment to grab him up into a power slam position. She spins around really quickly while managing to still hold him aloft, and brings him down in a stunning sit-out power bomb! She goes for the cover, holding both legs.
….one
……two
……..th-Lex kicks out!
Lana gets up to her feet and looks to the referee, who holds up two fingers. She nods and watches as Lex is slow to get to his feet. She grabs at Lex, but he whips her into the ropes and runs at her, hitting a single-leg high knee that levels her. He goes to the top rope and waits for her to get up before leaping through the air and catching her for a diving ddt that he calls Indestructible!
Lex goes for the cover, hooking a leg.
….One
……Two
……..Th-Lana kicks out!
Lex Collins gets to his feet, looking unhappy that she kicked out. He pulls her up and whips her into the corner before backing up to the opposite corner. One bodyguard jumps up onto the ring apron, bringing Ashley Beaton’s ire as she tries to get him to get down. The other bodyguard gets up onto the ring apron behind Lex Collins and hits him in the side of the neck with a taser! Lex jerks a moment before staggering and falling down in the middle of the ring. Both bodyguards get down as Lady Lana comes to her senses and realizes that Lex is down.
She walks cautiously over and rolls Lex over with a toe before going for the cover, pushing his head to the side with an elbow. Ashley frowns, but gets into position to make the count.
….One
……Two
……..Three!
Eric Wilsonr – Winner of the match via pinfall…Lady Lana Hill!
The crowd boos Lady Lana’s win, which confuses her. She steps out of the ring where she is joined by her bodyguards and she heads to the back while Stitch rolls into the ring to check on Lex Collins.
Eric Wilsonr – The following match is a triple threat tag team match, scheduled for one fall, with the winner going on to next Warzone to challenge for the CWF Tag Team Championship held by the team of Pacific Rim!
Ben Price – We’re already booking the first defense for the tag team champions!
Eddie Vega – The CWF is not letting any of their champions rest on their laurels.
Eric Wilsonr – Introducing first, from the magical isle of Cuba… coming in at a combined 413 lbs, they are Alfonso Garcia & Dante Cruz… Los Cubanos Locos!
The crowd is roaring! They are here and they are ready for Los Cubanos Locos in the Triple Threat tag team match! “4 Horsemen” by Metallica plays. The fans are pumping up ready to see one of their favorite tag teams.
Eric Wilsonr – LOS CUBANOS LOCOS!!!
No one comes out.
Ben Price – Where are Los Cubanos Locos?
Eddie Vega – Damnit, I had put money on them winning.
Eric Wilsonr – LOS CUBANOS LOCOS!
Still nothing… until the lights go dim.
Eddie Vega – AGH!
Ben Price – What’s going on?
The screen turned to black and then showed Los Cubanos tied up in a secret room. A man came onto the screen. He was wearing a black balaclava and shades on his face. Most notably, he also held a baseball bat. He pointed it to Dante Cruz’s head. Dante was shaking in fear, his mouth covered up with tape. Alfonso just looked down at the floor hiding his face.
CRACK. Dante fell onto the floor.
Ben Price – What the hell? He just used that bad on Dante Cruz!
Masked Man – Any last words for the psychopath?
The masked man then ripped the tape off of Alfonso’s face.
Alfonso Gracia – Fuck you yo-
The masked man laughed
Masked Man – That’s what I figured you would say. Hey, make sure to smile. Maybe it’ll let you live longer
He shoved a cloth down his mouth and revealed his face to Alfonso. We, however, can’t see his face. The muffled scream from Alfonso’s throat was combated by another loud
CRACK.
Alfonso dropped.
The man turned around to the camera before taking off the Balaclava. The man revealed himself to be Thomas Crowley.
Thomas Crowley – These people have been taking advantage of what they were given. I don’t exactly take kindly to these types of people. They have been given everything. They don’t work hard. They party and they play while they are handed title shots and matches when they don’t deserve it. They must know that they won’t ever deserve it
Another CRACK. And Another. And Another.
One final CRACK of the bat. It’s broken in half.
Thomas Crowley – THESE PEOPLE, HAVE DONE NOTHING TO GET HERE. YOU WANT TO KNOW A HARD WORKER? I’LL SHOW YOU A HARD WORKER
Thomas lifted the bat and licked the blood off of it. He began to maniacally laugh. He dropped the bat and stopped laughing.
Thomas takes a deep breath and drags the lifeless bodies of Los Cubanos out of the backstage and to a dumpster. Thomas picks up Dante first and dumps him in. And then he throws in Alfonso. He closes the lid and speaks
Thomas Crowley – Into the trash they go
He begins to laugh again before walking away from it. The screen cuts
Ben Price – What was that? Who is that guy? Did he just..
Eddie Vega – He just cost me 50 bucks, that’s what he just did. Now I have to rely on Grub Gub and Gabriel Tuck actually doing something to make that money back.
Eric Wilson looks to be getting a message on his earpiece and then he starts to announce the match again.
Eric Wilsonr – Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m being told this is now a regular tag team match up
Ben Price – We’re just going to move on with the show, after some guy just beat up one of our tag teams with a baseball bat?
Eddie Vega – Guess they won’t be trying for the Elite Title anytime soon if they can’t take that.
Ben Price – That’s kinda cruel.
Eddie Vega – If you say so.
Eric Wilsonr – Introducing next, coming in at a combined weight of 300 lbs, they are Penny Shannon & Scarlett Quinn,,, the Daughter’s of Chaos!
The lights fall all across the arena as the sound of Luscious Jacksons’ “Daughters of the Kaos” echoes across the arena. Pink and purple lights sprinkle throughout the stage as smoke fills the entrance way. A moment later, Vanessa steps through the curtain and keeps a grin on her face, looking right into the camera. Stepping aside, Vanessa points over to the curtain and not a moment later Scarlett Quinn and Penny Shannon make their way into the arena.
The three women stand where they are at the top of the stage for a brief moment until Vanessa clicks her fingers and leads her girls down the aisle. Vanessa stops just short of the ring, while Scarlett and Penny rush inside- Penny sliding beneath the ropes as Scarlett takes time to climb up the steel steps before entering between the bottom and middle ropes. Looking at each other, Scarlett and Penny climb on opposite sides of the ring and raise their arms before the crowd as the arena lights fade back.
Eric Wilsonr – And now, teaming for the first time. Coming in at a combined weight of 596 lbs. They are Gabrial Tuck & Grub Grub the NotYeti!
The arena goes dark as “Sasquatch” by Tenacious D starts to play. Smoke fills the entrance ramp and stage, as Grub Grub The “NotYeti” emerges from the mist, slowly making his way to the ring. Gabriel Tuck soon joins him, Tuck looking like he has to almost run to keep up with the long strides of the much larger being.
Grub Grub towers over the audience… and his opponents, his massive frame intimidating even from a distance. He ignores the crowd, focused only on his upcoming match. He lumbers slowly into the ring and waits for his opponent.
Ben Price – I’m almost feeling sorry for the Daughters of Chaos here.
The Ref calls for the bell.
DING!!! DING!!!
Gabriel Tuck starts off for his team, as Penny Shannon starts off for hers. Shannon rushes in and catches Tuck in the corner with a lariat. She tries to bounce his head off the turnbuckle, but Grub Grub reaches out and pushes her back, putting her flat onto her back.
Ben Price – I can understand trying to get in the first hit, but that was a pretty big mistake. She took the fight to the opponents corner.
As Shannon comes up, Tuck moves backwards quickly, almost launching himself at her and nails her hard with a huge elbow right to the face. Tuck then grabs her arm and pulls her into the corner. He tags in Grub Grub before launching Shannon to the corner.
Eddie Vega – and looks like they’re looking for a switch out for their trouble.
As Shannon holds her nose, she tags out to her partner. Scarlett Quinn comes in just as Grub Grub runs across the ring. Quinn tries to get out of the way, but when he hits her with a fast walking knee lift, he takes her up and over onto her back.
Grub Grub then lashes out and punches Shannon, who drops off the apron to the floor below.
Ben Price – Grub Grub just man handling people in the ring now.
Grub Grub reaches down and grabs Quinn, pulling her up by her hair. The Referee gives him a warning as he hauls her over to his corner.
1…
2…
Grub Grub says something to Tuck who then starts to climb up to the top turnbuckle.
Ben Price – What is Gabriel Tuck doing?
3…
4…
Grub Grub pulls Quinns head between his legs and then pulls her up for a power bomb. He reaches out and tags Gabriel Tuck while he’s on the top turnbuckle.
Eddie Vega – What’s this?
Gabriel Tuck comes off the top turnbuckle with his Wolf Strike flying punch, just as Grub Grub then plants Quinn down in a power bomb. Tuck goes for a quick pinfall, while Grub Grub heads over to the other side to intercept Shannon if she tries to get in.
Erica Costa-Alvarez drops down for a pin count.
… One
….. Two
Shannon just comes up onto the apron and sees Grub Grub waiting for her so she hops back down out of reach.
……… Three
Ben Price – Well… that was something.
Eddie Vega – Yes, won my money back and a little more.
Eric Wilsonr – Your winners, and going on to next Warzone in a chance for the CWF Tag Team Titles, Grub Grub and Gabriel Tuck!
Ben Price – Von Krauss’ minions make quick work of the Daughters of Chaos and will get the shot at the Tag Team Titles!
Eddie Vega – I have to say it, if Tuck and Grub Grub are on the same page, they just might be a real threat to those tag team belts.
Ben Price – You just might be right there. But Grub Grub has yet to face someone his size, and Akhlut Thalnauht is right in his weight class.
Eddie Vega – That actually might be a good match next Warzone! Two big beefy men going at it!
Ben Price – I thought you were into the ladies…
Eddie Vega – You know what I mean!
Ben Price – Well, ladies and Gentlemen, the First challengers for Pacific Rim’s Tag Team Titles will be Grub Grub and Gabriel Tuck. Who would have thought they’d be first up?
Eddie Vega – Well, I did put some money down on them. But they were also listed as a good long shot.
Ben Price – Okay, now what?
The atmosphere is incandescent. The cheers, boos, and shouts of the audience fill the arena. The camera moves away from the ring and shows us backstage. It paces forward through the hallways and locker room doors, one after the other. After some instances of pacing left and right, it stops in front of a door. The words “Eron Hunter” are written in silver on it.
The crowd cheers wildly
A hand pushes the door, and it slowly swings open.
The camera moves left and right until it spots its focus. Near a cupboard is a raven-haired man, with his back turned upon us. He is wearing a leather jacket with a white, howling, wolf painted on the back. The man lowers his head and slowly cracks his fists. He swings his right arm, placing the other hand on his right shoulder
The crowd cheers again.
The man crosses his arms on his chest, looking to his right, staring at the floor. His raven-black hair fell on his face, covering it almost whole. He takes a few deep breaths, which we can tell from the movement of his upper body, and slowly starts turning around.
Silence
The man turns almost all the way around, without raising his head, and starts pacing to his right. Then, slowly, to his left. After some instants of slow dance with himself he completely turns around facing the camera, and we can now be completely sure of who it is. It actually is Eron Hunter.
Silence
The young man, Eron, raises his head and slowly pushes his black hair back so that we can see his face, his eyes shining with determination. He stares at the camera, remaining silent. After some instants of silence, he slowly lifts his right arm, pointing at the camera. And after seconds of calm…
…He gives the audience a thumbs-up!
The cheers completely engulf the arena and the building as a whole
He
Smiles
And then, nods.
He seems as if he is about to say something, but in the end, all we see is Eron turning his back upon the camera again, slowly looking to his left so that we can see the left side of his face. A smile can be seen adorning what can be seen from his visage. He digs holes in the pockets of the leather jacket, taking out a pack of smokes, lighting one and taking a few deep drags out of it.
The smoke starts rising up and covering the ambient around him
Then. Another nod
Fade
Ben Price – What was that?
Eddie Vega – I don’t really know. I just know that I’ll need this next match as a palate cleanser.
Ben Price – And on that, Its time for the match that was supposed to take place at Naval Warfare.
Eddie Vega – Billy Fowler and Kintaru, in a Blood Fall match.
Ben Price – Whatever that is… but I’m sure you’ll like it.
Eric Wilsonr – The following contest is a Blood Fall match that is scheduled for one fall! In order for a fall to count, one must make their opponent bleed. Featuring the challenger…hailing from London, England…he is Billy Fowler!
“Animals” by Architects begins playing as Billy Fowler walks out from the back to the cheering of the fans. He makes his way down to the ring, smiling as fans offer weapons that he turns down. He steps over the ropes and leans in his corner to wait for Kintaru to make it down to the ring.
Ben Price – Billy finally gets his hands on Kintaru in a legal sense in the ring instead of brawling outside of the ring before the match even began.
Eddie Vega – I think the main thing was that they carried their fight into Armand’s office and upset him. That’s when the match was brought to a close.
Ben Price – Too right. Let’s hope that Billy keeps it in the ring this time around.
Eddie Vega – I doubt Kintaru will want that to happen since Fowler overpowers him easily.
Eric Wilsonr – And his opponent, hailing from New York, New York…he is Kintaru!
“A Nightmare To Remember” Dreamtheater begins playing as Kintaru walks out from the back. He grins at the booing fans as if thrilled that everyone hates him. He makes his way down to the ring. He walks around the ring as if disinterested in facing Billy Fowler. He stops at a lone fan who is cheering at ringside and offers him his iconic sunglasses. When the young man reaches out to accept the sunglasses, Kintaru yanks them back. He drops them on the floor and crushes them underfoot rather than give them away. The young man looks crushed and Kintaru laughs maliciously before stepping into the ring.
Ben Price – That was just wrong. It was Kintaru through and through, but wrong.
Eddie Vega – I’m not shocked. He seems to be trying to be the most hated wrestler of all time. Pity no one cares.
Ben Price – Do you hear these fans? They hate him.
Eddie Vega – Yeah, that’s true.
As the bell sounds to start the match, Billy Fowler dashes across the ring and catches Kintaru in the temple with an elbow strike that takes Kintaru down to his knees. Fowler then pops Kintaru with a double cauliflower ear before grabbing him by the ears and hits several knee strikes before casting him to the mat.
Kintaru starts to quickly get back up, but doesn’t make it before Fowler punt kicks him in the ribcage hard enough to roll him over. Kintaru makes it to his feet and goes for a wild kick, but Fowler easily catches it and takes him down with a dragon leg screw. Another solid kick, this time to the hip, rolls Kintaru onto his belly.
Kintaru tries to get up, but Fowler knocks his face into the mat with a curb stomp!
Ben Price – Fowler just unloading on Kintaru.
Eddie Vega – I mean, Kintaru going into this match acting like it was going to be no effort at all. I mean he might as well have stayed home and saved himself a beating.
Billy Fowler pulls Kintaru up into a press slam position and drops his throat across the top rope. He pulls him up again and whips Kintaru into the corner before following with an avalanche that seems like it moves the ring several inches. Fowler pulls Kintaru out of the corner and flips him upside down to lock him into the tree of woe. Fowler holds onto the ropes and Fowler’s legs as he delivers brutal stomps and kicks to Kintaru’s face and throat. Blood begins to splatter about the mat as Fowler delivers these cruel kicks.
Ben Price – Kintaru is bleeding! Now Fowler can defeat him at any time.
Eddie Vega – Assuming that Kintaru has been weakened enough to be pinned, but yes.
Billy Fowler steps back to allow referee Scott Jones the chance to help Kintaru out of the tree of woe and check to see if he can continue the match. He can. Scott helps Kintaru out of the corner and ducks out of the way as Fowler comes charging through, catching Kintaru and power slamming him to the mat.
Ben Price –I think Fowler has discovered the blood!
Eddie Vega – This match going to end quick. Kintaru is like a ragdoll out there.
Fowler gets Kintaru high up into the air and-
Ben Price – LONDON CALLING!
Eddie Vega – Jesus! You have to be so loud?
Billy Fowler grabs both legs and essentially folds Kintaru in half when going for the pinfall!
….One
……Two
……..Three!
Eric Salazar – Winner of the match via pinfall…Billy Fowler!
Ben Price – Billy Fowler dominant tonight.
Eddie Vega – Kintaru shouldn’t have sent people out to do any kidnapping, much less grab Fowler.
Ben Price – You know, you’re right. Kintaru deserved this.
Eddie Vega – That’s what I’m saying.
BEEP. CLICK. BEEP BEEP, CLICK CLICK.
Ben Price – Oh, boy.
Eddie Vega – That’s The Bastards music starting up, right?
Ben Price – Right.
Eddie Vega – Oh, boy.
“Take It Easy, Chicken” plays for the second time this evening, and Rob Riot and Frank Windsor
emerge from the back, each one with a length of rope in their hands and each one grinning with
evil intent.
Ben Price – If you’d have asked me ten seconds ago whether Kintaru’s night could get any worse, I’d have said “no,” but folks, I think Kintaru’s night is about to get worse!
Eddie Vega – What’s with the ropes? I’ve seen some bad guys do bad things with ropes before; I don’t want to see it again!
Standing in the ring, Fowler beckons to Riot and Windsor to come on down. His stablemates
pull on the ropes, and by doing so, they drag a large wooden box through the curtains and
down the ramp, making slow but steady progress towards ringside.
Ben Price – Eddie, do you remember what Riot said at the start of the night?
Eddie Vega – No?
Ben Price – That’s typical, but I’ll remind you. He said that Kintaru would be leaving in a box. I thought that was just a figure of speech, but it looks like The Bastards might really mean it!
Eddie Vega – I think Kintaru’s going to sleep with the fishes.
Riot and Windsor drag the box all the way to ringside and then climb into the ring to join
Fowler. Kintaru, barely conscious and still bleeding, tries to crawl away. Windsor grabs him by
the waistband of his tights and drags him up, motioning for Riot and Fowler to get into position.
Ben Price – I think we know what’s coming here!
Eddie Vega – Do we?
Windsor whips the stumbling Kintaru to the ropes, and as he comes back, Windsor and Riot
take a leg each and propel him high into the air for Fowler to catch with a jumping cutter on the
way back down. Kintaru pancakes back down on the mat and is out like a light.
Ben Price – HARD BREXIT!
Eddie Vega – Oh yeah, I did know that!
With Kintaru face-down on the mat, Riot stands with one foot on his back and poses like an
emperor standing over a vanquished foe. Billy climbs out of the ring and opens the lid of the
box. Riot and Windsor scrape Kintaru up off the mat and unceremoniously dump him into the
box with a thud. Fowler slams the lid shut and, using a padlock that was presumably inside the
box before Kintaru was dumped into it, locks the whole thing up.
Ben Price – Utter humiliation for Kintaru. Bloodied, beaten, and now boxed.
Eddie Vega – I don’t mean to worry anyone, but I don’t think they’re done with him.
Indeed, they’re not. With Fowler directing traffic, Riot and Windsor drag the box all the way up
the rampway and through the curtain, with the camera following them the whole way.
Ben Price – Folks, this is a very unusual situation, but given that security isn’t going to do
anything about it, we’re going to follow it through to its conclusion.
Eddie Vega – If they feed him into a crusher, we’re all gonna get arrested. I hope you know that.
Ben Price – I’m sure they wouldn’t do that. Well, not totally sure, but mostly sure.
There’s a lot of noise from backstage as The Bastards pass road crew and other wrestlers with
their boxed Kintaru cargo, dragging it all the way out to the arena’s parking lot. It’s here that
their plan becomes clear. Waiting in the parking lot is a big FedEx van, its doors already open
and awaiting delivery.
Ben Price – Oh no. OH NO.
Eddie Vega – Does this count as human trafficking? Because I don’t want any association with
human trafficking on my rap sheet either!
From somewhere, Riot produces an oversized label and slaps it on the side of the Kintaru box,
allowing the camera to get a good look at it before it’s loaded into the van. It says:-
FAO: THE MIDCARD DEPARTMENT
THE RETIREMENT HOME FOR OVERRATED WRESTLERS
OHIO
A forklift truck rattles into the box and loads it into the FedEx van, after which the doors are
closed, and the van drives away into the night. The Bastards are left to survey their handiwork.
Billy Forlwer – Rob?
Rob Riot – Yes, Billy?
Billy Forlwer – Do you think there actually is a retirement home for overrated wrestlers in Ohio?
Rob Riot – I honestly couldn’t care less.
Frank Windsorr – Do you think we’ll ever see the bell-end again?
Rob Riot – For the sake of CWF’s viewing figures, I hope not. Pint?
Frank Windsorr – I still have a match to wrestle.
Rob Riot – Yeah, but it’s only Murdock?
Frank Windsorr – True, but still. Best not. After.
Rob Riot – Fair. Billy, pint?
Billy Forlwer – Pint.
And with that, The Bastards go back inside. And the camera cuts back to the announcers at ringside for the next match.
Ben Price – Alright, with no further ado, we move on to the next match. In a night of CWF debut matches, we have 2 more CWF debuts coming. Apathy takes on Kronin!
Eddie Vega – Both fighters have a reputation in the game, it will be interesting to see if they live up to it.
Eric Wilsonr – Ladies and Gentlemen, the next match is a standard rules match and it is set for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Alsace-Lorraine, France! She stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs in at 220lbs! Making her CWF debut, she is APATHY!!!
[The sound of a vintage picture reel began to click and pop, the screen illuminating up counting down like a picture show. The pops, scratches, nicks and debris covered the screen, the numbers counting down, 5…4….3….2….1….as the reel continued, the faint familiar sound of a text message being composed. The tell tale sound of clicks followed by the sound of a message received. The demonic, distorted voice of SKYND creeps through “You’re gonna have to prove me wrong”. On the screen, a barrage of action shots, in still form from Apathy’s career, centered and fixated, like an old film would. As the arena went down, red and white lights bathing the fans in a sea of color, Elizabeth rises from beneath the stage, head lowered, arms outstretched. A mixed chorus of boos, jeers and cheers pelted at her. She gradually raises her head, soaking in the animosity and fervent support. Inhaling it like a drug]
##I love you, now die
I love you, now die
I love you, now die
I love you, now##
[As the heavy bass kicks in and the words of the chorus reverberate through the arena, she snaps her head up, a cocky self-assured smirk creeping across her lips as she saunters her way to the ring casually engaging towards the fans either encouraging more of their venomous verbal harassment or acknowledging the respect and adoration from her legions and devotees, basking in the glow]
##Go, in your truck and drive in a parking lot
Do it early, do it now
Do it early, do it now
Go, just park and sit there in your car
It will take twenty minutes
It will take twenty minutes##
##Go, in your truck and drive in a parking lot
Do it early, do it now
Do it early, do it now
Go, just park and sit there in your car
It will take twenty minutes
It will take twenty minutes##
[As the perverse and twisted sound of SKYND’s auto tuned verbal melody pulsates through the speakers, Elizabeth stops at the base of the walkway, grinning from ear to ear as she playfully mouths the words, “It will take 20 minutes”, holding up two fingers and flashing them forwards and backwards as she says “20 minutes”, then rushes the apron, hopping up and catapulting herself over the top rope, rolling through to the far side of the ring and climbing the turnbuckle and extending her arms, bowing aristocratically and smugly as her coup de grace]
Ben Price – Apathy is in the ring now and it will be interesting to see what we get from her big debut!
Eddie Vega – I like her entrance.
Ben Price – Thank you for that insightful contribution.
Eddie Vega – That’s what they pay me the big bucks for Benny boy.
Eric Wilsonr – And introducing next. Also making his CWF debut, he hails from Dresden, Germany. Standing 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing in at 275lbs. He is escorted to the ring by his twin sister, Kara. the German Suplex Machine, KRONIN!!!!
The silence of the arena is broken as ‘Sonne’ by Rammstein plays over the PA and Kronin walks out from the backstage area with his twin sister, Kara. The two pause and take in the crowd, before their eyes both settle on the ring, then they look to each other, nod and begin making their way to the ring, Kara separating and moving to stand at ringside while Kronin climbs up to the apron and steps over the ropes into the ring.
Ben Price – And Kronin comes out to the ring, escorted by his twin sister, Kara.
Eddie Vega – That… is a big guy.
Eric Wilsonr – Clyde Baxter is tonight’s referee.
Clyde steps forward and gives the rules to Kronin and Apathy, who take the opportunity to share words with each other before Eric Wison gets out of the ring and Charlotte Anderson rings the bell
DING!! DING!! DING!!
Apathy steps forward and raises her arms, challenging Kronin to a test of strength. Kronin gives her a deadpan look then shrugs and takes hold. He very quickly takes advantage and Apathy tries a blatant low blow which Kronin blocks and lefts Apathy up with no effort whatsoever and plants her with a belly to belly to suplex. He turns and measures Apathy, watching her get up as he grabs her and plants her on the mat with a German Suplex.
Ben Price – The match has started and we’re off. Apathy tried a test of strength which was apparently a trap but Kronin seems familiar enough with Apathy to have guessed what was coming. The result was a belly to belly and a German suplex in quick succession.
Eddie Vega – You know, I have a question. These honorable goody goody types. They’re all hypocrites. If Kronin were a man of honor, wouldn’t he forfeit the match rather than strike a woman?
Ben Price – No, Apathy is a trained fighter and every member of the CWF rosters knows they might have to fight the opposite gender. This is a competition.
Kronin moves to drag Apathy to her feet but she hits a low blow, doubling Kronin over. Clyde Baxter seems to miss the low blow, and this allows Apathy to take the opportunity to kick Kronin in the groin again and rebound off the ropes and bring Kronin to the mat with a spinning neckbreaker. Kara drops off the apron and Clyde Baxter turns his attention back to the match
Ben Price – And once more, Clyde Baxter misses a clear low blow, and Apathy got a second illegal blow in
Eddie Vega – Hey now, let’s be fair.. That looked like a punch to the gut for me. I saw no low blow.
Apathy gives Kronin a couple of stomps. Kronin catches one of her stomps and starts to get up while keeping hold of Apathy’s foot but she hits an enziguri and brings herself and Kronin back down to the mat. Apathy dives over and goes for a cover, Clyde Baxter drops down and begins the count
… One
…… Two
Kronin kicks out.
Ben Price – Well Apathy’s shortcut and Baxter’s vision problems have given her the edge but she is unable to put Kronin away as he kicks out pretty strongly after a 2 count.
Eddie Vega – Some might say she’s fighting smarter, not harder. Kronin himself pointed out this fight was unfair to Apathy given the size difference between them, so she’s well within her rights to even the odds a bit.
Both fighters get to their feet and Apathy charges and jumps forward, throwing out her foot aiming for Kronin’s face but he side steps and dodges the blow, catching Apathy from behind and he proceeds to hit her with a German Suplex, maintaining the hold as he gets to his feet and hits a second German suplex on Apathy, once more maintaining the hold as he gets to his feet and hits Apathy with a third German suplex. Kronin celebrates by stomping on the mat and pumping his fist in the air, turning and waiting as Apathy struggles to her feet and turns to face him, hitting her with a boot to the gut and then planting her with a power bomb, moving right into a cover.
… One
…… Two
……… Apathy kicks out!!
Ben Price – Apathy tries for a flying kick but she missed and Kronin made her pay with a series of 3 German Suplexes and then a power bomb, but Apathy is a resilient fighter and she is not done yet, kicking out after a 2 count herself.
Eddie Vega – Great, I am enjoying this fight so far. I can admit these two seem to be more solid veteran talent added to the CWF roster and that means our fans are the real winners
Kronin stands up, not showing any real sign of frustration and keeps pressure up, pulling Apathy to her feet and lifts her into the air in a military press. Kronin holds her there for a few moments before actually pressing her a few times before timing his release until his arms fully extended and tosses Apathy into the air and she lands face first on the mat..
Ben and Eddie in unison – JEEESUS CHRIST!
Kronin pulls Apathy back to her feet and tries for a vertical suplex. Apathy blocks and tries for a small package but Kronin blocks that. Apathy fires a few punches into Kronin’s rib cage, trying to soften his hold on her. Kronin replies with a headbutt that stuns Apathy and spins around hitting her with a discus clothesline that knocks Apathy to the mat in a heap. Kronin then makes the cover, Clyde Baxter gets into position and counts..
… One
…… Two
… Thre… Apathy kicks out!!
Ben Price – My God, folks. Kronin just lifted a 220lb fighter off the ground and military pressed her like it was nothing! We then saw an excellent exhibition of veteran wrestling skill as the two vied for an edge over each other. That ended with a massive discus clothesline but Apathy kicked out just before the 3 count!
Eddie Vega – These two are giving us a great match. See how much easier that is? That’s why I get paid the big bucks.
Kronin gets up. Again only a slight sign of frustration escapes as he just sighs. Apathy cuts off Kronin’s next attack with a couple of punches to the gut from a knee as she struggles to get to her feet. Kronin counters with a boot to the gut and tries to whip her towards the rope but she reverses it and sends Kronin into the ropes and charges forward jumping up and hits Kronin in the face with a kick knocking him over the ropes and to the floor.
Ben Price – Guillotine’s Kiss! Apathy is able to build some momentum in this fight and now is in position to really take charge of this match.
Eddie Vega – She knocked Kronin out of the ring! I’d say that’s pretty damn impressive.
Apathy slingshots herself over the ropes and throws herself at Kronin who catches her in mid air and throws her back into the ring, sliding into the ring after, pulling her to her feet and leading her to a corner and bounces her face into the turnbuckle. He sets her on the turnbuckle and tries for a superplex but Apathy cuts him off and jumps off, hitting a modified version of her kiss of death, dropping Kronin back first on her knee as both fighters end up lying on the mat trying to recover from the move
Ben Price – That seemed to be a variation of Apathy’s Kiss of Death from the top turnbuckle! The move seemed to take a lot out of both fighters.
Eddie Vega – I think whoever gets to their feet first might just win this match
Kronin and Apathy get to their feet about the same time, Kronin shaking his head and trying to clear the cobwebs as Apathy charges him but runs right into his variation of the Black Hole Slam as he picks her up, spins her around and plants her on the mat. Kronin rolls to his feet and signals to the crowd that he’s ready to end the fight. He pulls Apathy to her feet and lifts her up in a powerbomb like lift then lifts her over his head and plants her on the mat with his variation of the Last Ride.
Ben Price – Black Hole Slam! Kronin cuts off Apathy’s attempted attack with the Black Hole Slam and then the Metal Meltdown. That has to be it, surely!
Eddie Vega – Don’t count Apathy out. She’s a tough cookie
Kronin covers Apathy and Clyde Baxter comes down and makes the count.
… One
…… Two
………Three!
DING!! DING!! DING!!
Ben Price – And it is a debut win for Kronin here in CWF!
Eddie Vega – Apathy gave a great showing and almost had Kronin a few times
Eric Wilsonr – Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner, by pinfall, KRONIN!!!!
Ben Price – I’m told we’re going backstage to hear from another person debuting tonight, the protegé of the Elite Champion, Valora Salinas… Abbigail Dresden.
The scene opens up in the locker room. Samantha walks in and looks around, her eyes settling on Valora.
Samantha – We seem to be missing a fighter
The sounds of vomiting come from one of the toilets and Abbigail comes out and Valora smiles
Valora Salinas – Don’t worry, Hermana.. We’ve all been there.
Abbigail is about to answer when a knock comes to the door and Alyssa Lucchi walks in
Alyssa Lucchi – Can I get a few words with the rookie of the hour?
Abbigail walks over and holds out a hand, asking for the mic and Alyssa hands it to her, Abbigail looks into the camera.
Abbigail Dresden – You know, Eron. I do have some sympathy for your position. You’re right. Both of us know what it’s like to be part of a country but not truly considered part of the ‘in’ culture.
Abbigail takes a breath and thinks for a moment before nodding
Abbigail Dresden – You keep suggesting that willing or unwilling. Witting or unwitting, I’m a pawn of Armand von Krauss. We Welsh are very familiar with being used. The English used Welsh bowmen to strike fear in their enemies because there is no more dangerous or skilled archer on Earth than a Welshman or Welsh woman with a bow. As we moved into the modern era, England used Welsh coal dug out by Welsh miners to power their country. As I said. We’re used to being used as pawns in the power games of others. Maybe I’m just an ignorant kid who can’t see the chessboard, but I’m no one’s pawn. I’m fighting for me. I’m fighting to begin building a name, so I’m not just a nobody who has never fought. I know full well I don’t deserve to stand against you. Against Valora. Against Rob Riot. The three of you are all legit legends. Legit icons who have earned the respect you are given. I am honored to be in the ring with you. I apologize that the owner of this company abuses his power and forces you to bear the indignity of facing off against a untested rookie. I want nothing more than a great fight tonight. I would not dream of taking you lightly.
Valora cuts Abbigail off and looks at her.
Valora Salinas – Breathe, chica.
Valora looks at the camera.
Valora Salinas – We’re all the outcasts here, Eron. You can talk for hours about how mistreated Silcians are. I can do the same about Mexicans, my girl here can do the same about being Welsh. Fuck von Krauss. You aren’t fighting him or his machinations.
Valora steps back and gestures to Abbigail who nods.
Abbigail Dresden – You’re fighting me… and win or lose I promise you this.. I’m not going to be a waste of your time. I’m taking your advice and I’m reaching for the stars.
Abbigail hands the mic back to Alyssa and heads out of the locker room to make her way to the ring. Alyssa glances over at Valora who watches her protege head to the ring like a proud mother.
Ben Price – Well here we go, folks. The professional and CWF debut of Abbigail Dresden. And a unique debut that sees a rookie wrestler taking on a World Champion level talent in the veteran Eron Hunter.
Eddie Vega – I never thought I’d say this but I agree with Eron Hunter. This match is an insult and who gets hurt? Is Armand von Krauss hurting Eron Hunter?! No. He’s hurting Abbigail Dresden. This woman should be in a match she has a chance to win. Instead, what should be the biggest night of her life is going to be ruined when a World Champion level talent beats her like the proverbial red headed step child.
Eric Wilsonr – Ladies and Gentlemen, the next match is settled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Swansea, Wales! She stands at 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs in at 143lbs. Making her CWF Debut, ABBIGAIL DRESDEN!!!
‘Uprising’ by Muse plays over the PA and Abbigail marks her debut in CWF by coming out from the backstage area, wearing a Swansea Hoodie and shorts as she pauses at the top of the entryway and holds up a Welsh Flag. She hands the flag to her manager, Samantha and begins making her way to the ring throwing a few warm up punches and interacting with the fans, running the last few feet as hops onto the ring apron and slingshots herself over the ropes into the ring rolling to her feet and climbing the turnbuckle putting her fist in the air and then drops down taking the hoodie off, revealing a Swansea soccer team jersey underneath. She throws a few more warm up punches.
Eddie Vega – This is just cruel. Look at the kid.. No one’s told her this isn’t a real fight. She actually seems to think she can win!
Ben Price – Haven’t you seen Rocky? She is a good enough athlete that at age 9, Swansea was prepared to bring her into their youth program and train her to be a soccer player. Valora Salinas, a legitimate legend, has been training her. Valora is going to be keenly aware that Abbigail’s performance here will reflect not only on Abbigail but on Valora’s ability as a trainer. If Valora says Abbigail is ready, I think everyone should take her at her word and take this young woman seriously.
Eddie Vega – I’d bet you $100 that Eron Hunter crushes this kid but what does and does not constitute a dominant tends to vary. So, sadly for you we will need to go with the sure bet. $100 says Eron Hunter wins.
Ben Price – $100 says Abbigail Dresden will make this a fight. I don’t know if she’ll win. But I don’t think this will be a cake walk for Eron by any stretch.
Eddie Vega – I’m not convinced.. Like I said this is not only an insult to Eron but it’s unfair to the young rookie. Who in their right mind books a rookie against a World Champion level talent?
Ben Price – Armand von Krauss.
Eric Wilsonr – And introducing her opponent, hailing from Sicily, Italy. He stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs in at 210lbs. He is the Ronin of CWF, ERON HUNTER!!!
‘Long Walk Home’ by Howl Trance plays over the PA and Eron Hunter comes out from the backstage area. He offers no fanfare as he walks at a steady, measured pace to the ring, his eyes focused on his opponent. He climbs into the ring and goes right to his corner, watching Abbigail’s wram up routine.
Ben Price – And Eron Hunter comes down to the ring. After the pay per view, he’ll be eager to get back on track and one could argue he has a great chance to do that here. I have to say, it looks like we might be seeing a mistake from the rookie right off the bat here.. And I think Eron sees it too.
Eddie Vega – Whatcha talkin’ bout, Benny?
Ben Price – Abbigail’s warm up. She is making it clear she has received a hefty dose of boxing and/or MMA training. If I figured that out, I promise you Eron Hunter has figured it out. The problem with that is.. Abbigail is giving up about half a foot and about 70lbs to Eron Hunter.
Eddie Vega – Meaning?
Ben Price – Meaning if this turns into a fight of trading punches, not only will Eron Hunter knock Abbigail out cold, he will severely injure her and quite easily at that. Abbigail will have to be aware of that and be ready to stay mobile to have a chance.
Leroy Wallace gives instructions to the fighters and Eron Hunter gives Abbigail a slight smile and holds up his hands. Abbigail, out of force of habit, does the same touching her hands to Eron’s. Eron nods as both fighters back off and Leroy calls for the bell to start the match
DING!! DING!!! DING!!
Abbigail comes out of the corner at the bell and Eron Hunter is surprised as the Welsh rookie wastes exactly zero time, throwing a left jab that connects, then another left jab. A third left jab hits, before she hits with a right hook to the rib cage, a left hook to the rib cage and then hits an right uppercut that sends Eron back a couple of steps. She ducks a counter attack from Eron, kicking him in the back of the leg in the calf area. She then runs to the ring ropes and jumps onto and off of the ropes, turning in mid air and hitting Eron with a dropkick that sends the bigger man to the mat.
Ben Price – Taking after her mentor, Abbigail Dresden seizes the initiative immediately! A beautiful combination of punches there followed by what I can only describe as a springboard dropkick that brings Eron Hunter to the mat.
Eddie Vega – …Okay she has some skill.
Eron Hunter gets to his feet and nods, even clapping and nodding in Abbigail’s direction. He then resumes his fighting stance and waves for Abbigail to attack him again. Abbigail takes the bait without hesitation and charges only to be cut off as Eron hits with a boot to the gut and a double handed ax blow to the back that sends the Welsh fighter to the mat in a heap. Eron shakes his head as he pulls Abbigail to her feet and brings her back to the mat with a belly to belly suplex. He jumps to his feet, measuring the woman as she struggles to her feet and turns around into a boxing combo of Eron’s as he hits her with a straight jab to the face, a right hook to her liver and a left cross to the side of her head sending Abbigail to the mat in a heap.
Ben Price – And that… that is what Eddie was warning us about folks. Eron set a trap and Abbigail’s inexperience led her right into it and we see the size advantage in action as he-
Eddie Vega – Beat her like someone who owes him money.
Ben Price – Well, yes. I suppose so.
Abbigail fights to her feet and Leroy comes in and checks to see if she can still continue but quickly waves for the fight to continue. Eron comes in and throws a right hand but Abbigail dodges it and gives him another kick to the calf, followed by another. Eron grimaces as he begins to feel the muscles in his leg begin to complain. He grabs Abbigail by her collar and throws her into the ropes, timing his own dropkick to hit Abbigail right after she hits the ropes, sending her literally almost flying out of the ring and to the floor. Samantha runs over to check on her charge and waves over the ringside medic. Eron Hunter had been about to follow up, but seeing this, he pauses and waits in the ring, glaring up at the owner’s box, pointing to the prone rookie.
Eron Hunter – Is this what you want?!
Ben Price – You know, Abbigail does have the right idea here. By attacking Eron’s vertical base, she negates his size and strength advantage, but unfortunately for her, Eron is well aware of what she’s trying to do and is not giving her a chance to really zero in.
Eddie Vega – Looks like without a script writer, the plucky underdog can’t beat the much more skilled veteran
Abbigail waves off the help and slides back into the ring, getting back to her feet, wiping the blood from her nose and narrows her eyes putting her fists back up. Eron sighs and shakes his head. Abbigail throws a kick and hits the sciatic nerve on the same leg she had been targeting earlier, bringing a yell of pain from Eron Hunter as he doubles over. Abbigail hooks the bigger man and brings him to the mat with a double arm DDT. Abbigail kips up and hesitates for a moment as if trying to decide what to do next. Eron tries to go from one knee to a clothesline, but Abbigail sees it coming, ducks it and leaps into the air, hitting Valora’s patented pele kick. Eron Hunter stumbles back into the corner Abbigail pulls Eron out of the corner and…tries for a small package!
1..
2…
Eron kicks out at 2 and a half!
Ben Price – Holy crap! Abbigail Dresden was half a second away from defeating Eron Hunter!!!
Eddie Vega – Benny Boy. You were right. Valora has taught her girl well.. I mean did you see that pele kick!?
Ben Price – If Eron Hunter didn’t know he was in a fight before, I promise you he does now!
Abbigail pounds the mat in frustration. For his part Eron Hunter gets up with a stunned look at his face. He doesn’t give the rookie a chance to express her frustration as he grabs her and easily lifts her into the air and brings her to the mat with a German suplex. Abbigail gets to her feet only to be hit with a roundhouse kick that sends her face down onto the mat. Not content to trust that his foe is vulnerable enough Eron Hunter pulls the half conscious Abbigail to her feet and plants with a Northern Lights suplex, bridging into a pin
… One
…… Two
…… Abbigail kicks out!!!
Ben Price – Well it’s academic at this…HOLY SHIT!! Abbigail kicks out!
Eddie Vega – How?!
Now, it’s Eron’s turn to show some frustration as he moves over and grabs Abbigail’s right leg and immediately locks in a single leg Boston Crab. Abbigail immediately begins screaming and clawing at the mat desperate to escape. Leroy Wallace drops down and checks for a submission
Ben Price – That submission is locked in pretty good. I don’t know that Abbigail has a lot of options.
Eddie Vega – Well Valora has never, in her career, tapped out. I imagine she will demand the same of any pupil of hers.
Abbigail tries without success to move and then, in desperation, takes her free leg and kicks Eron Hunter in the side of the head until Eron Hunter finally breaks the hold. Abbigail gets to her feet, favoring the right leg and counters a charge from Eron Hunter with a dropkick to the knee of the leg she has been targeting throughout the fight. Eron falls to the mat and Abbigail seizes the momentum by hopping up to the top turnbuckle and turns to face Eron Hunter taking her right leg and extending it up straight up above her head as she leans forward and hits a flying firecrotch guillotine leg drop. Abbigail moves over into another pin attempt
… One
……. Two
Eron kicks out!!
Eddie Vega – I…I have no words for that move. Awesome.
Ben Price – Impressive flexibility there by the young rookie but it was once again not enough to put her opponent away.
Abbigail looks at her prone opponent and gets an idea as she takes his left arm and traps it at the elbow pulling up against her body as she locks in the fujiwara armbar on Eron Hunter who reacts with pain as the hold is locked in. Leroy Wallace comes back to the mat to check for a submission
Ben Price – Fujiwara armbar!! Imagine if she not only beats Eron Hunter but forces him to tap out!
Eddie Vega – She’s stealing one of his moves!!
Ben Price – While technically true, the Fujiwara Armbar is a common move, most MMA fighters know it.
Eron Hunter does not panic and utilizes ring position as he reaches out and puts a foot on the ropes. Leroy Wallace sees this and orders Abbigail to break the hold, which she immediately does.
Eron gets to his feet and Abbigail immediately resumes kicking him in the leg before finally deciding to risk coming in once more, throwing a left jab to the solar plexus of Eron Hunter, stunning him before 3 left jabs to the face and a right cross that draws blood. She then brings Eron Hunter to the mat with a double leg takedown, moving into a mounted position and begins raining down punches, scoring a number of hits before Eron Hunter is once again able to maneuver and get a foot on the ropes. Leroy steps in and orders Abbigail to back off and once more she obeys the ref’s instructions without hesitation.
Ben Price – You know, I think you were right, Eddie it seems no one told Abbigail she doesn’t belong in the same ring with Eron Hunter. This kid has fought with heart throughout the match and has managed to go blow for blow with a true icon of the sport.
Eddie Vega – And props to Valora. I didn’t think this kid had a chance but Valora has this kid ready to fight.
Eron Hunter gets to his feet and looks at Abbigail, who is standing there in her fighting stance. Again, he takes his own fighting stance and waves Abbigail in and once more, the young rookie charges in. The two engage in a brief display of holds and counter holds, jockeying for position and the two end the series looking at each other face to face, the crowd applauding the skill of wrestling Abbigail tries to follow up and hits a boot to the gut. Eron doubles over and Abbigail locks him in and tries for her variation of the flip piledriver but Eron blocks it, capturing Abbigail’s leg as she comes back to the mat off-balance and wastes no time hitting a cradle capture suplex as he easily lifts Abbigail into the air, moves backwards a bit, and plants her dead center in the ring.
Ben Price – Rising Star Suplex! After that brilliant display of wrestling talent, Abbigail tried her finisher, the Swansong, but Eron countered it brilliantly into his own finisher!
Eddie Vega – For those at home who aren’t total nerds, Abbigail made a rookie mistake and the more experienced fighter made her pay for it. Stick a fork in her, she’s done-zo Benny Boy.
Eron Hunter moves into a cover and Leroy Wallace drops down and makes the count
… One
……. Two
……… Three!
DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!
Eric Wilsonr – Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of the match, by pinfall… ERON HUNTER!!!
While Eron has his hand raised, Abbigail rolls out of the ring and falls into a seated position. Samantha comes over and helps her to her feet as the pair make their way backstage
Ben Price – A heartbreaking loss on her debut but again. She went blow for blow with a legitimate icon of this business. Eron Hunter. Abbigail Dresden. CWF is already showing that we not only have true legendary talent, but the younger generation of wrestlers are also extremely talented
Eddie Vega – Absolutely, Ben. I’ll admit it. I thought this would be a total squash, but we got a solid fight out of this. I think Eron Hunter won this fight because of experience. Abbigail made a couple of rookie mistakes and that cost her the fight. Now, I was right in my prediction that Eron’s experience would pay off, and I still think it was unfair to both fighters to be paired up tonight, but they gave us a hell of a match.
As Dresden and her manager are heading to the back, the screen suddenly starts up. As guitars and drums start up, the following words come across: “Gregory Michael Salazar” They then fade until only the initials GMS remain.
The song, “Limits” by Bad Omens starts in full, but it’s not Noah Sebastian on vocals, but someone else. The video cuts to people performing the song, a currently not very familiar face is singing the song.
You set me up as the villain
But you never mentioned the root of the problem
Took what you wanted and flipped it
But you won’t be dragging my name to the bottom
Ben Price – The former Conquest Champion is coming out here?
Eddie Vega – That says Greg Salazar. The former champion is Testuo Oni.
So much unsaid, left me for dead
I won’t forget, and now you’re next
Well, everyone’s listening, and they know the difference
You’re not failing our senses
Ben Price – We went over this before the show. When Rob Riot beat Tetsuo Oni, he took off his mask and it’s been revealed his name is Greg Salazar.
Eddie Vega – Whatever..
If you’re throwing me to the lions
You should know I’m not scared of dying
I wouldn’t take back one thing I did, one word I said
But I’m gonna make you wish you did
Calleen Fortune comes out onto the stage, a microphone in her hand. The music fades out.
Ms. Fortune – Come on, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
She motions for Dresden and Troyer to keep going to the backstage area, unaccosted.
Ms. Fortune – However, Mr. Hunter. If I can get your attention on the screen?
She points up as it changes to the man now known by his real name of Greg Salazar. His head and shoulders are visible on the screen. He’s wearing a vest, collared shirt, and tie. All in a dark gray.
Greg Salazar – Well, all hail the conquering hero, huh? You won the match there, Eron.
Salazar claps for a few short seconds before he continues.
Greg Salazar – But, I know, I know. Why is he up on the screen? Why isn’t he in the ring, demanding to cash in his rematch clause on Riot and take back the Conquest Titlte?
To put it simple: first, Riot earned it. Yes, I lost, fair and square. I put the belt around his waist. And well, second, the CWF doesn’t have rematch clauses. So, I’ve got to work my way back up the card to get a chance to re-earn that title. Or any title for that matter.
I mean, I’ve still got an unanswered challenge for the Valor championship from the first night Donzig defended it after the title’s history was started… or, you know, there is an Elite title out there as well… But things have to be done in the right order, don’t they?
I’ve got to establish myself, as… myself. And to do that, I have two choices. Be some meek knob gobbler like, I dunno, Iro Waters, demanding Von Krauss set me up in matches, or I can get up here and inform people they’re being challenged….
As the crowd seems to get the hint, the face on the video screen smiles.
Ben Price – Greg Salazar is challenging Eron Hunter?
Eddie Vega – Seems that way. But I’d put them both on the same side you know?
Greg Salazar – I looked at the card and realized this was the best match to start with. I’d either be challenging the protegé of Valora Salinas coming off a great win over a… *cough*world champion*cough* or I’d be challenging the World Champion of some rinky-dink regional fed, whose boss over there was my final contender I whipped to get the Conquest Title in the first place…. So Mr. Hunter, consider yourself challenged as I start my climb back to the top. You who consider yourself some paragon of virtue in this business. Talking about the evils that are everywhere around us. And How you’re not like them… Heh, Paragon of Virtue, yeah right. Well, you’ve been challenged by the Paragon of the CWF. The Paragon of this sport. The Only thing that remains now, is to do just like I did with Rob Riot… to show you how this is going to go and to motivate you to accept things on my terms.
A small area in the crowd starts to yell, and the camera cuts to there. A man in blue and gray wrestling tights, a vest and MMA style gloves jumps over the barricade. He then slides into the ring.
Ben Price – Wait, he’s not in the back! That’s Greg Salazar right there.
Eddie Vega – Well, I’m not sure that the guy that was up there on the screen was Tetsuo Oni, that sounded like someone who’s a bit more…
Eron Hunter turns around as the ruckus from the crowd gets higher. He sees Salazar in the ring, coming to his feet after he’s slid under the bottom rope. He doesn’t hesitate seeing this and he gets into a stance. Salazar isn’t in there to shake hands, and he steps in for what looks to be a super kick, Hunter flinches, and moves to dodge it, but it was a feint that gets turned into a cutting kick that slams hard into Hunter’s ribs. Salazar then spins and plants a back kick to Hunter’s midsection.
Ben Price – Wait, what’s he doing?
Eddie Vega – Well, his big rule he calls the Bell to Bell Rule. Bell has rung, match is over. We’ve seen Tetsuo Oni jump people like Kintaru after a match before. It’s not like it’s some big surprise thing.
Still moving, Salazar grabs Eron Hunter and slips him into a full nelson. Hunter tries to lock his hands together at his forehead, to block the hold if it was an attempted submission. Salazar cinches it onto the slightly smaller man, clamping his wrist with his other hand. He only gives it a few seconds, before he headbutts Hunter to the back of his head.
He then rears back and does it again, followed by another, and then another.
Ben Price – Come on!
Eddie Vega – Call that one the concussion protocol. Not sure for which one. Yet, whoever will be conscious in an hour still.
After a sixth headbutt to the back of the head, Salazar, keeping the full nelson on, lifts Hunter up and then falls forward into a facebuster in the middle of the ring.
He lets him go, and kneels there next to him, shaking his head.
Ben Price – What the hell is going on here? Greg Salazar, the man formerly known as Testuo Oni, just attacked Eron Hunter after challenging him.
Eddie Vega – Well it’s not like Tetsuo Oni was never on the verge of going to the dark side. Guess Hunter has a choice now.
Ben Price – What’s that?
Eddie Vega – Try for revenge or look like a coward.
Ben Price – One way to put it. And while we get things cleaned up back here, I’m told we’re heading backstage to catch up with Abbigail Dresden and her trainer after that loss.
Eddie Vega – Wait, Salazar said he was going to challenge the winner. Guess she’s glad she wasn’t on the receiving end of that one.
Abbigail Dresden and Valora Salinas are in the back, heading to the locker room. Abbigail looking worse for wear after being defeated by Eron Hunter. They stop when they see the flicker of flame through an open doorway as Armand von Krauss lights up an Egyptian cigarette.
Armand Von Krauss – I mean no harm. I just wish to walk with you and talk for a moment.
Valora sits Abbigail down on the bench and does not even give Armand the courtesy of looking at him, instead speaking over her shoulder.
Valora Salinas – This locker room is currently a women’s only area. So get the fuck out, and do so quickly before I remember that you’re the shit heel that put a rookie up against a man half a foot taller and almost a hundred pounds heavier than her for her first fight. You’re already high on my shit list. Don’t give me more reason to want to put that cigarette out in your fuckin’ eye socket.
After the initial outburst, Valora returns her attention to Abbigail, taking a pen flashlight and shining it into Abbigail’s eyes, testing for a concussion.
Abbigail Dresden – Ugh, I almost had him.
Armand flicks ashes onto the floor.
Armand Von Krauss – Of course you almost had him. You have a marvelous trainer that I had heard so much about. This is why I wanted to talk. I feel like the Bastards are going to pull one over on you. Think about it. Rob Riot has the Conquest title, Frank Windsor has the Valor title, and you have the Elite title. How long before they send Billy Fowler to come collect that Elite title? If you gain the tag team championship, how long before they come for those too? They have bragged about being the tag team champions everywhere they have gone. I’m not telling you what to do about these things. I’m just saying that they are no friends. They are bound to one another, but not you.
Valora takes a deep breath, obviously unhappy that she is being interrupted. She slowly cracks her neck
Valora Salinas – Mother fucker. The only thing you’re doing is giving me more reasons to channel my ancient Aztec ancestors and remove your fuckin’ heart. I’m not in the mood to talk politics right now. Rob Riot had a chance to gain influence and control over me. He decided to pass that up so he could keep the Bastards a boys only club.
Valora turns to face Armand.
Valora Salinas – Send Billy Fowler. Send Frank Windsor. Send Iro Waters, Eron Hunter.. Send your entire FUCKIN’ fed if you want to. No one will remove my belt until I am damn good and ready. Rob Riot knows that and knows he’ll be signing the death warrant of whoever he sends after it. Apparently you’re the dumb mother fucker who doesn’t know me and my history with titles. Now, last warning. Get the fuck out of my locker room before I send you back to your freak show in pieces. You don’t scare me. I already sold my soul to someone much scarier than you and she’s already taught me to be careful what I wish for. If you want a more civil conversation with me. Leave. Let me treat my girl over there and we’ll talk. Later.
Armand Von Krauss – Of course. I’ll just be on my way.
He heads to the door and opens it to step out.
Armand Von Krauss – You might change your thoughts. I know who really bought your soul once upon a time. I ended him too.
He closes the door behind him.
Valora rolls her eyes as she turns her attention back to helping Abbigail recover from the match.
Armand von Krauss walks a bit down the hallway until he meets up with his next guest…
Iro Waters, still noticeably favoring his arm, walks through the backstage, flanked by his enigmatic manager, Isaiah Zepp. Isaiah pats his protege on the shoulder to hype him up.
Isaiah Zepp – Remember young Iro, watch for the tombstone, and the crab… and the suplexes… Just be ready for everything. Recoba can do just about anything.
Iro Waters – Right, you’ve been saying that all week. I got this, skipper, and then I’ll fight Valora again.
Zepp suddenly grabs the rookie and spins him around.
Isaiah Zepp – Stop thinking ahead to Salinas! You won’t win tonight like that.
Iro Waters – But it’s okay for you to obsess about the past? C’mon dude…
The two pause for a moment, feeling a set of eyes on them. They both turn their heads to see Armand von Krauss staring sharp, smiley daggers at them.
Armand Von Krauss – Forgive my intrusion, gentlemen. I just wanted to wish you good luck against Cross Recoba, Mr. Waters. Remember, I will honor my part of the deal if you succeed.
Waters takes a few sidesteps toward the entrance curtain, sizing up Armand’s intentions. From his point of view now, he sees Armand and Isaiah like two sides of one very strange coin.
Iro Waters – Yeah… thanks.
Stiffly, Waters shows them both a quick thumbs-up before heading toward the ring. Zepp then snarls at von Krauss.
Isaiah Zepp – The nerve of you, Army… He’s not going to be one of your puppets.
Armand Von Krauss – Why, because he’s your puppet instead?
Isaiah Zepp – Shut your squalid mouth… He’s a good kid.
Armand Von Krauss – Then why bring him here at all? Are you his father figure? That’s odd, I’ve heard that he still has a father… I wonder what he would think of his son getting involved in Tijuana riots with you.
From his back pocket Armand produces a printed newsletter and throws it at Zepp.
Isaiah Zepp – So you hired Dig? No wonder he’s snooping around again.
Armand Von Krauss – Not at all. I pay the subscription price like anyone else. It’s such lovely tabloid trash!
Armand chortles to himself as he walks away. Isaiah rips up The Wrestling Spectator and throws the pieces at Armand’s feet.
Isaiah Zepp – Iro’s not like any of us. He has the potential for greatness. So keep your filthy clutches off of him.
Von Krauss continues to chuckle.
Armand Von Krauss – He’s the one who asked me for another shot at Valora. I merely gave him a path. We’ll see how great he is…
Ben Price – What’s that all about?
Eddie Vega – Not sure, but after all that backstage action, we’re ready for our next match!
Ben Price – Well we just saw Iro Waters, and he’s facing Cross Recoba. And if he wins, he gets to face Valora Salinas next week.
Eddie Vega – And if not, Cross Recoba is looking to get back on track to find Rob Riot and get that loss corrected.
Ben Price – Well Cross Recoba has a list of people, and they include Rob Riot, Raveena Jaeger and also Greg Salazar, formerly known as Tetsuo Oni.
Eddie Vega – And so far Cross Recoba has shown he’s the man who can give any of them a loss on their record.
Ben Price – Well lets see how bad Iro Waters wants that rematch with Valora Salinas.
Eric Wilsonr – The following matchup is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first… he comes in at 6’3” and 230 lbs… from Paradise, California. He is the man with the “Cannon Arm” Iro Waters!
The opening riff of “Built to Last” by The Protomen hits, and Iro Waters walks to the ring casually and fist bumps a few fans, undaunted by tonight’s challenge. He climbs into the ring, hops up to the second rope of the nearest turnbuckle, and gives the crowd a thumbs up.
Ben Price – Iro Waters was told that he’d have to get through Cross Recoba tonight to get another shot at Valora Salinas, and her Elite Championship.
Eddie Vega – The man is becoming obsessed. He keeps sniffing around Valora’s backside, he’ll have to deal with the Conquest Champion as well.
“My Name is Human” by Highly Suspect begins to play inside the arena as the lights dim and a single spotlight illuminates the stage. Out from the curtain steps Cross Recoba, a titanium cane with a golden lion’s head handle in one hand, touching the crucifix necklace for luck with the other. The HCW Diamond title is draped over his shoulder. whilst the HKW World Heavyweight Championship is produly displayed around his waist.
The crowd responds with a cavalcade of boos and jeers. Cross uses the handle of the cane to push his shag hair cut from his face, flicking his head back confidently as he smiles cockily towards the audience. He holds up the cane that has caused so much trouble in the past to an even more venomous response from the fans, and begins down the ramp still holding it aloft.
Eric Wilsonr – Coming to the ring, standing at six feet and one inch, and weighing in at 230 pounds, hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada…. and the self-proclaimed ‘Box Office Smash’….. , ‘THE FOX’ CROSS RECOOOOOBAAAAAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and holds the lion’s head handle of the cane up to his lips and kisses it for luck. He sets the cane to rest against the ring steps and then climbs them up onto the apron and, with a wipe of his feet, slips between the ropes. He pops up with both hands out at his side, walking forward as if putting his glory on display, and delivers an over-exaggerated bow that causes the fans to heckle and boo even louder. Cross stands to his full height and smirks, stepping over to the far corner to await the beginning of the match.
Ben Price – This could be a contender for match of the night here. Other than Abbigail Dresden against Eron Hunter earlier.
Eddie Vega – You’re forgetting that Frank Windsor is wrestling later tonight as well, as the new Valour Champion.
Ben Price – Why did you say Valor that way? We’re an American company.
Eddie Vega – And yet, we have yet to hold a show on US Soul.
Ben Price – And we’ve not been to the UK either.
Ashley Beaton calls for the bell to get the match started.
DING! DING!
Cross Recoba takes a few steps towards Iro Waters. When Waters reacts, Recoba turns around and walks back to his corner. Waters shakes his head and then charges in. He heads in fast, looking for a lariat in the corner, but Recoba spins and catches Waters into a reverse STO that puts him fast first into the top turnbuckle.
Ben Price – Cross Recoba didn’t even try there.
Eddie Vega – He has nothing to lose really in this match. While if Waters doesn’t win, he doesn’t get Salinas next week.
Recoba falls to his backside, and then uses both feet to launch Waters back in his dazed state. Waters falls back, but rolls, anticipating something. Recoba uses the corner ropes to get to his feet, just watching his opponent.
Ben Price – Cross Recoba taking his time, and not jumping into just anything here.
Recoba comes up as Waters gets to his feet, and hooks him for a suplex. He tries to lift him up, but Waters blocks it with his leg. Recoba adds a punch to the stomach, and tries again, but Waters blocks it again.
Eddie Vega – Well that didn’t work.
Recoba lets the hold go and then delivers a what looks like a thumb to the eye.
Eddie Vega – But that did!
Ben Price – Hey, that’s cheap!
Eddie Vega – Whatever works man. Everyone has seen that you can get by taking shortcuts now. It’s the era of the Bastards!
Ben Price – But Rob Riot won by not breaking the rules.
Eddie Vega – Yes, but do you think he’s going to use that tactic to keep it?
Ben Price – Why wouldn’t he?
Eddie Vega – He’s a Bastard.
Ben Price – Oh, yeah.
Recoba grabs Waters and whips him to the ropes. He heads right in after him and catches him with a kitchen sink knee lift. As soon as Waters is on his back, Recoba drops down with an elbow to the chin, and then tries to go for a pinfall.
… One
Waters kicks out quickly.
Recoba starts to get up, but Waters pulls him into a small package.
Again Beaton is there for the count.
… One.
Recoba gets loose, and rolls to the apron, going under the bottom rope.
Ben Price – Trade offs on the attempted pins there.
Both men come up and meet in the middle of the ring. They lock up, but Waters switches quickly, and whips Recoba to the ropes. He goes for a double axe handle, but Recoba ducks under, hits the ropes and comes off with a springboard crossbody. He tries for a pin.
… One
… Two
Waters kicks out.
Recoba gets up, holds down Water’s arm, and then lifts his legs up into the air and brings a knee down right to the bicep.
Ben Price – Oh, Damn!
He goes to do it again, but Waters actually twists and brings his knee up into Recoba’s midsection as he comes down. Waters gets up quickly, and starts to shake his arm, trying to work out any possible charlie horse in it.
Eddie Vega – That might be the move that won the match for Cross Recoba.
Ben Price – I had to say you might be right.
Recoba pops up to his feet. He grabs Waters and whips him to the corner. Recoba follows him in with a running European uppercut. He then backs off, out of reach, and comes back in with running back elbow.
Waters’ head snaps back and he slides down a bit in the corner.
Ben Price – That didn’t look good.
Recoba comes back in, and this time he bends down and starts to deliver MMA style front elbows and forearms to Water’s face and head. The first two hit home, but Waters then gets his hands up to guard his face.
Eddie Vega – Not sure Recoba is ready for this to go on much further.
Recoba backs up to the other corner and then runs in. He goes for a low drop kick but Waters ducks and rolls to the apron. Recoba turns it into a baseball slide and stops himself from hitting anything.
Ben Price – And Cross Recoba knew exactly where he was in the ring. Not ring-a-ling across the ring post for him.
Waters rolls in and grabs Recoba before he can react, with an elbow drop across his lower back. He quickly follows up by getting up and pulling Recoba to his feet, whip him to the ropesand catch him in a powerslam as he comes off.
Ashley Beaton goes for a count.
… One
…… Two
Cross Recoba gets a shoulder up.
Ben Price – Not yet!
Iro Waters slams his fist down onto the mat, and then gets up to his feet. He shakes his arm out again, and then gets setup. As soon as Cross Recoba is back on his feet, iro Waters grabs him and whips him to the ropes. Recoba bounces off, ducks under an attempted Calamity Trigger and hits the other side. They both come off the ropes again, but this time Recoba catches him with a running back elbow.
Instead of going for a pin, Recoba instead stomps on Waters’ bicep.
Ben Price – That’s maybe just as cheap as the eye poke.
Eddie Vega – Whatever works, man.
Waters goes to come up, and Recoba again kicks him in the arm. As Waters holds his arm, Recoba bounces off the ropes and comes off for another kick, but this time, Waters catches it with the other arm… and then stands up, causing Recoba to bounce on one leg.
Ben Price – Went to that well one too many times, huh?
Iro Waters then pulls off a dragon screw leg whip. Recoba grabs his thigh, but Waters grabs his arm from the move as they both lay there on the mat.
Eddie Vega – That just cost both of them.
Ben Price – Who will recover first?
It’s Waters who comes up to his feet first, still holding his arm. He comes up behind Recoba, and tries to get him into a full nelson, but he can’t get it locked in, and Recoba slips out. In response Waters then clamps both hands together and starts to rain down axe-handle strikes to Cross Recoba’s shoulders and neck.
Eddie Vega – I think Iro Wates is about to break here.
Cross Recoba looks to be a bit stunned in the ring after that, and Iro Waters takes his chance. He hits the ropes and comes off to try for the Slider low lariat, but Recoba actually manages to block it, bringing his two forearms up and letting those take the move.
When Waters ‘lands’ he grabs his bicep again, having taken the brunt of the move due to hitting forearms and not face.
Ben Price – That was an awesome counter by Cross Recoba.
Recoba comes up first this time, and he goes right after Waters, pulling him up to his feet. He tries to hook a saito suplex, but Waters grabs the ropes, preventing the pull over. Recoba then hits him a few times with a forearm to the kidney area.
When Waters releases the ropes, Recoba pulls him hard to the middle of the ring before whipping him to the ropes, and heading to the other side on his own.
Ben Price – Waters is still in this!
Eddie Vega – But the longer it goes, the more it’s in the hands of Cross Recoba.
Both men come off the ropes, and Waters appears to try for the Calamity Trigger burning lariat, but Recoba ducks, rolls and snaps Waters over into a rolling schoolboy. He comes up on top of Waters’ legs. Waters tries to get out of it.
Beaton drops down to check for the count, and starts.
… One
Waters almost gets out, but Recoba reaches over and grabs the ropes with his free hand.
Ben Price – Referee Ashley Beaton is not in the position to see Cross Recoba holding the ropes!
…… Two
Waters fights to get out, but Recoba’s position and grip on the ropes keeps him down.
Eddie Vega – And Waters fails to get his title shot!
………Three
Recoba gets half launched off Waters when his fingers finally slip off the second rope.
DING!!DING!!DING!!!
Eric Wilsonr – Your winner by pinfall, Cross Recoba!!!
Waters is quick to his feet, and he starts to argue with Ashley Beaton, pointing to the second rope and testifying that he saw Recoba reach over and grab it.
Ben Price – First Greg Salazar actually attacks Eron Hunter in the ring, and now Cross Recoba cheats, openly cheats to win a match.
Eddie Vega – Hey, things are shifting around here. You heard them all. You have to adapt to how the game is being played.
Ashley Beaton reminds Waters that there isn’t an instant replay in Wrestling, and she didn’t see it. Waters looks to be about to take it out on the referee, but instead he turns around and sees Cross Recoba starting to get out of the ring.
Ben Price – Don’t do it! That’s the path to the dark side!
Eddie Vega – All of your heroes going down huh?
Waters then breaks into a run. He hits the corner as Recoba is outside the ropes, slamming the back of his head with the Calamity Trigger. Recoba bounces off the ring post, and then falls to the metal steps below, landing with a loud crash.
Ben Price – NO!!
Eddie Vega – Oh, just wait till he realizes how good that felt.
Ben Price – Damnit, why can’t at least one person keep things together?
Eddie Vega – That’s maybe the one time I have to give Waters some respect there. He got robbed and got some payback.
Waters climbs out of the ring, and glares at Recoba as he’s starting to stir after the bad landing. Recoba comes to his feet, but then stumbles a bit. Waters shakes his head, and then heads back up the ramp towards the stage, leaving Recoba behind.
The scene opens backstage at one of the vendor areas. Ravenna is standing off to the side checking her text messages when Valora wanders into view. She orders a couple tacos and bottle of tequila. Reaching for her wallet, she is cut off as the vendor smiles and cups her hands, patting them and nodding and telling her the food is free. Valora tries to argue but he shakes his head and Valora sighs and turns around, coming face to face with a Mexican woman who smiles.
Mexican Woman – La Angela de la Muerte!
The nickname seems to cause Valora physical pain as she rapidly shifts her eyes around trying to contain the obvious discomfort and forces a smile, nodding and tending to the woman for a moment before making her way to a table and sitting down. It isn’t until she starts to take a bite of her taco, she notices Ravenna standing there. Valora says nothing at the moment, simply rolls her eyes and takes a bite of her taco.
Ravenna Jaeger suddenly looks up from her phone as she overheard the short convo between the woman and Valora. With a curious look she approaches her with a few steps to stand next to the table.
Ravenna Jaeger- Hi, Valora Salinas, I’m sorry that I’ve overheard this woman speaking to you and my Spanish isn’t the best, but did she call you “Angel of Death”? Sounds to me like a lot of respect for you which is kinda surprising. And I saw that you got a free meal – you have a certain reverence here. Bit too positive for your reputation, don’t you think?
She speaks in a direct, but polite manner, then she gives a little smile. Not an arrogant one, just an uncertain one.
Valora pauses slowly looking up at Ravenna. She then calmly checks the time on her watch and nods.
Valora Salinas – Guten Abend. You’ll have to forgive me, my German is rusty. But by all means sit down and tell me what else you think you know.
Sensing her lack of an arrogant tone, Valora sighs and thinks for a moment.
Valora Salinas – Reputations are funny things, I find. They can be elaborate fiction. For example, The Roman Empire considered Germania to be ignorant barbarians. Primitive savages. That arrogance cost them when a group of so-called Barbarians obliterated 10% of the entire Roman army in a single battle. Those same ‘barbarians’ became the Holy Roman Empire, and in turn committed atrocities against those they considered primitive and savage but it was honorable conduct so said the winners. The Spanish came to my country conquered, looted, raped pillaged and killed anyone they could not convert. But that’s honorable.. They were saving the souls of the primitive savages. The Texans and Americans stole half my country from us, but that was honorable because it was spoils of war. The French tried to conquer my country as a stepping stone to reclaiming Louisiana territory while under the pretense of helping the Confederacy For an example based on people not nations.. One might look at you and see only the wife of a nazi A good little Aryan marching out to the ring to prove her superiority. Do I believe that? No I do not. But just as you are not some ignorant racist, I would also posit that this idea of the good Future Shock Society vs. the Evil Bastards is.. A bit naive. Let’s face it. At the end of the day, neither side here is good or evil Two groups are battling for dominance. The difference is one of us is honest and the other has created a fantasy that absolves them of the things they need to do to win..
Valora pauses.
Valora Salinas – Get it? A reputation is all we have and yet, it can be a facade. You look at me and you see a violent psychopath. No need to ask why I’m a violent psychopath. The fact that I’m a bloodthirsty lunatic is enough.” Valora reaches into her pocket and pulls an object out and sets it on the table. The object is the badge of the Mexican Federal Police. Valora smirks. “That’s right. I was a cop once. I’ll let that sink in.. it often shocks people.
Ravenna listens silently to her and then leans back in half shock, half amazement.
Ravenna Jaeger- Wow… just wow!
Then the German sighs and scratches her neck under the blonde hair, using this quiet time to find the right words.
Ravenna Jaeger- Uh, that’s quite impressive. And yes, you’re right. I’m not that naive, I know there’s a gray area where you can’t pinpoint the evil or the good. But with The Bastards and Future Shock Society, it’s different. Let me ask you – have you ever thought about what the Bastards did? You as a former cop surely know how a one-sided perspective can corrupt someone’s judgment. Did you never find Bastard’s actions questionable? I know that Future Shock Society isn’t perfect, like you give an example. The thing is, we simply forgot to put Eddie Samo at our page. We changed that and we said sorry to him – he’s a full member, no doubt. But, Valora, we at least acknowledge our mistakes and try to correct them.
Valora smirks and nods.
Valora Salinas – Don’t worry. I’m used to people being surprised to learn I’m not some ignorant street thug and that I actually paid attention in school. Let’s see where to start. Oh yes. Simply forgot. Funny how they made sure the white, blonde haired, blue eyed European woman who is a Olympic level athlete and a gold medal favorite so rumor has it. No group would leave you off their list. Credibility. You are a bona fide athlete. World Class. Meanwhile, the tribal from an island in the middle of the pacific that most people couldn’t find with a map if their lives depended on it. Never mind the many contributions Samoans have made to professional wrestling. It’s okay to forget them. Yes, it’s a clerical error and yes, it’s likely innocent but these sorts of errors happen to people who look like me a hell of a lot more than they happen to people who look like you. Just an interesting coincidence, I suppose.
E8 sighs and shakes her hand.
Ravenna Jaeger- Come on, you’re better than this. Now you’re starting to sound like a Conspiracy Theorist, interpreting things out of thin air. You told me that I’m naive… I think you’re making yourself too easy to just hate anything. Sometimes… it’s just a fucking coincidence. And by the way, I’m the co-founder of FSS, so it’s kind of impossible to pass yourself up if you’re making your own list. Valora, you’re better than this – throwing mean things around to provoke people. That’s the job of the Bastards. And you made clear that you’re not part of The Bastards, but I gotta say, it sounds that you’re already a true Bastard and I think you don’t need that or their stable. Do you really need to align with The Bastards, Valora Salinas?
Valora gives some thought to the question of the Bastards and shrugs.
Valora Salinas – Firstly, I am aligned with Rob Riot. Not the Bastards as a whole. They’ve made it clear they like their boys only club. I could, however, ask you the same thing about the Future Shock Society. I think you and I are going to disagree on this because Rob Riot and I are firm believers in the principle that the end justifies the means. Like it or not, that is the world we live in. Kintaru thought nothing about kidnapping Billy Fowler. Eddie Samo didn’t win because he was honorable and followed the rules.. His honorable bullshit didn’t protect him when I cracked his fuckin’ skull with a bucket, did it? I won because I was willing to do whatever it took to win. That is the world we live in chica. You don’t have to like it, but it’s foolish to think you can ignore that and just…will it to change. Frank Windsor? He and I don’t always get along but same thing. We’re willing to do whatever it takes to win. And now, Frank, myself and Rob all have nice new shiny title belts and the Future Shock Society.. What did your honor get you? Moral victory? That and $7 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
With a frustrated face, the German woman massages her nose bridge and closes hey eyes for a second.
Ravenna Jaeger- Sometimes, it’s enough, because we’re not ready to pay any price, you know? It’s correct that we live in a “evil” world but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you get to be “evil”, too. I’m trying to be better than this. I want to make the world better with my little doings even if I know it will be nothing at the end. But hope counts. And we both know that Kintaru is an idiot and not part of FSS, if you believe or don’t – it doesn’t matter because it’s just a fact. But with your attitude, you’re making enemies and not friends. You’re making your own life harder. You’d always look over your shoulder and watch your own back because no one will watch yours. I doubt The Bastards will do. And Valora, we also know both, that honor doesn’t protect. It’s a big misunderstanding. Honor gives a possibility for protection, not guarantees it. But whatever, I’m starting to think you will never ever consider other people’s opinions and statements. Or even the thought that you might be… wrong. So, tell me again, for example, would Frank Windsor admit a mistake he made?
Valora listens as Ravenna speaks on correcting mistakes, eating her taco and nodding with a shrug.
Valora Salinas – Well, the simple answer is no. Frank Windsor’s ego won’t allow him to admit he made a mistake. But you would have to make a mistake to correct it. The Bastards made things really clear where membership stands. Also, you’re once again trying to put your worldview on everyone else. Your honor society demands that everyone play nice and say sorry when they screw up. Not everyone has those beliefs. In my experience, it is most honorable people who can not fathom that they might be wrong. I admit I might be wrong. I’m human. I fuck up same as others. I’m willing to accept the consequences of those mistakes. Again, in my experience, most so-called honorable people are not.
As Valora talks in very calm and relaxed manner while eating a taco, Ravenna stands up and starts to walk slowly, obviously frustrated about the talk.
Ravenna Jaeger- Okay, okay, I see now that I cannot make a point to you. Alright… but there’s one more thing I really want to know more about you. You said you were a cop. Tell me, why did you stop as a cop? And no, Valora, I do not think of you as a violent psychopath, but rather more like… a hero on the wrong path, especially after you told me you were a cop. I guess Federales aren’t taking violent psychopaths, right?
Valora takes a drink from her tequila as she listens to Ravenna asking about her history. Valora smirks. It really was proving too easy to get under her skin.
Valora Salinas – I went to school to be a profiler. Someone who uses psychology to study criminals, find out why they commit crimes, predict what they will do. The predicting what they will part has been questioned by science recently, but there are parts that are useful. Example. I talked someone out of a hostage situation by asking questions that forced him to realize he hadn’t really planned things out enough. Psychology is useful. Anyways.. In college I was a lot like you. I bought the bullshit and the propaganda. I believed people were basically good. That the world was basically good.. That if enough people tried, we could make things better.. My goal in life was to be a FBI profiler.
Valora looks at the badge and sighs.. A heavy, pained sigh.
Valora Salinas – My GF… persuaded me to come here. To a land that hated women stepping outside their acceptable roles.. That hated LGBTQ people. She wanted me to come here and set up a profiling unit here. It was just after some high profile serial killings that the police were completely unable to deal with. So, very reluctantly. We got our wish.
Valora looks around and smiles. Ravenna has stopped walking, now just standing and listening to her.
Valora Salinas – Despite myself, I fell in love with this country. We made some progress. Broke up some normal crime and some weird shit that made me doubt my sanity. Anyways.. The cartels decided I was a threat. We stopped for morning coffee.. I’ve never been able to drink coffee since that day.. I had just taken a sip of my coffee when her blood hit me in the face.
Valora leans forward and looks Ravenna right in the eyes. Ravenna’s eyes getting bigger as she realizes what Valora is telling. She opens her mouth slightly in shock.
Valora Salinas – Honor is nothing when you are looking into the eyes of the person you love more than anything in this world and watching the life drain from her eyes.. Honor didn’t stop her blood pouring out of her chest and onto my hands. Honor.. Doing things the so called ‘right’ way put my lover six feet under.
Valora clenches her fist and nods.
Valora Salinas – After that, I decided to fight the cartel by their rules. I decided to win, I realized that the ends justifies the means. That is why I’m called the Angel of Death. The people, they view me as a superheroine, punishing evil. Sometimes, one has to do unpleasant things to achieve a greater good.
For some seconds Ravenna just stares at her. Then she starts to shake her head before she leans forward and put her hands on the table, bringing herself closer to Valora.
Ravenna Jaeger- Now everything you said makes much more sense to me. Why you’re bitter. Why you’re fighting with every tools you have. Why you don’t believe in the good of people. Why you align with The Bastards… or you say, with Rob Riot only. Or why you don’t think there’s honor. Everything because of that one tragic event.
E8 points at Valora.
Ravenna Jaeger- I’m truly sorry about your girlfriend. I really am. And I can’t imagine how devastating that must be for you. But Valora, don’t you think, you’re using that as an excuse to do whatever you want? “The ends justify the means”? That’s Villainy 101, that’s bullshit. It then means you’re not better that fucking cartel murderers. What’s the difference, then? You’re on the fucking dark side. You’re not better than the common evil!
Jaeger slams a fist on the table.
Ravenna Jaeger- Stop giving that yourself that illusion that you might be better because you would do everything and crossing lines! Tell me, Valora, what would your GF think about this if she’s still alive and standing beside of you?
Valora cracks her neck slowly. While not always recognized as such, it is the first sign of her annoyance. A shifting in her mindset as she prepares for combat
Valora Salinas – Princess you really should calm down. Your blood pressure is getting high. I wonder, what is it that pisses you off more? Is it that my way gets better results than your way? Is it the fact that deep down inside you know that the only reason you can be the noble knight on the white steed in shining armor is because people like me. People like the CIA, MI6, GSG-9 Whatever the fuck the KGB is calling themselves today, MOSSAD, people of that ilk are all in the shadows, fighting the monsters and doing the horrible unspeakable things that are needed to keep civilization going. Or is it the fact that, in this country at least, more people seem to appreciate my way than yours? As for what my GF would think.. Yeah, she’d probably agree with you. You two were a lot alike, actually. But she’s dead. She doesn’t get a vote because corpses can’t vote.
Ravenna Jaeger- Fine. But I’m not dead. If I and your girlfriend are so much alike as you say, I’ll speak for her, then. So I gotta vote in her name. And I’ll prove to you that you’re not willing to do everything! That there’s still some good inside you. You’re just a poor misled woman on a dark path who needs just some correction for her own fucking sake!
She folds her muscular arms in front of her chest.
Ravenna Jaeger- Prove me wrong. You and me. A match in the next show. Kill me there. Destroy me. I bet you’re not gonna do it. Maybe you’ll win but you’ll spare me of worse injuries. Because I’ll do everything in the frame of rules to make your life in the ring as hard as possible. If you truly believe in what you’re doing, you need to eliminate me, because I’m the threat to you. So, eliminate me in this match. Or are you gonna say “nah, not worth of my time”? Then you’re a fool. So, what it is, Officer Salinas?
Valora stands up and narrows her eyes, clenching her fist as she nods
Valora Salinas – I’m only gonna see this once, chica, so listen the fuck up. I’ve ended a lot of careers. Not all of them evil. Some were just poor fuckers earning a living. Some were people that had an ego problem but not really evil perse. You step in the ring with me, you do so at your own risk. I ain’t here for Olympic style wrestling. I’m here for a fight and I’ll take your ass to school and curb stomp your Aryan ass from one end of the ring to the other and I might just ruin those pretty barbie girl looks of yours so. If you wanna fight me. Make sure you’re able to take care of your kids back home. Make sure you know a good plastic surgeon and make sure you come for a fight because you sure as fuck weren’t ready for Frank Windsor which is why he’s the champ and you’re not. Maybe you’re right and I’ll take pity on you. But it would be a first. The ring.. Far as I’m concerned you need to understand that any given night your career might end in that ring. So.. knowing the stakes.. You sure you wanna dance? You have one chance to back down, I won’t even think you’re a coward. I’ll think you recognized a mistake and avoided it. If you say yes however.. You’re gonna get Valora Fuckin’ Salinas in that ring and you’d better be ready for what that means.
Suddenly Ravenna chuckles a bit and sighs.
Ravenna Jaeger- “Curb stomp your Aryan ass”? “Ruin those pretty barbie girl looks of yours”? “Make sure you know a good plastic surgeon”? Now you’re showing your true ugly face, Salinas. You’re not a warrior in the shadows to fight the monsters who have done unspeakable things like those secret services do. You are the monster who would do unspeakable things. You’re no different from any people who likes to throw threats around and loves to butcher for fun, nothing more.
Valora nods and pats Ravenna on the shoulder.
Valora Salinas – Sorry chica.. But this. This isn’t my ugly side. This was actually me trying to be nice. Trying to warn you and do you a solid. Warzone 7. That’s gonna be my ugly side.. You so badly need to be right, don’t you? Okay. I’ll do that for you. You want me to be the monster. The evil beast? I’ll be your monster. And at the end of the fight I want you to remember.
Valora leans close and whispers
Valora Salinas – That you asked for this.
Ravenna groans softly and grimaces her face.
Ravenna Jaeger- I don’t think that you want to be that monster. You’ll see it. You’re not that low. Yeah, maybe I make a mistake, but at least I stand by it.
Valora nods and shrugs.
Valora Salinas – You’re right. I don’t want to be the monster.. But this isn’t about what I want. Not yet anyways. For now, we’re focused on you. You need the world to fit into black and white right and wrong. Honor and dishonor. So I’ll be your monster and I’m going to take you to school. Hardcore match. Bring some toys. I will, that’s for sure.
Ravenna Jaeger- You’re wrong again, but at this point, I understand there’s no more sense to indulge this further. Though you’re right at one thing – let the fists and the weapons speak. Hardcore Match, so will it be. And, Salinas…
Ravenna lets a short and sad sigh out and touches Valora’s arm for a second.
Ravenna Jaeger- Again, I’m so sorry about your loss. I really wish this hadn’t happened to you. Enjoy your second taco.
Then the German muscle chick walks by Valora to leave the scene.
Valora is at first surprised by the touch and then has a look of seething anger after Ravenna walks by her, only barely stopping herself from ambushing the woman then and there. Valora nods. Then mutters under her breath
Valora Salinas – Warzone 7. Oh chica I hope you’re right about me otherwise your career is gonna end.
Ben Price – Well since Iro Waters didn’t make it against Cross Recoba, looks like Valora Salinas has accepted a challenge by Raveena Jaeger for the next warzone!
Eddie Vega – Well we know Salinas is going to mow over the person who just spent most of the last six months fighting by Valor Division rules.
Ben Price – We’ll have to wait till next Warzone to see. Speaking of Valor Division rules… it’s time for Frank Windsor’s first defense as Valor Champion.
Eddie Vega – Our best and most amazing Valor champion to date.
Ben Price – He’s not defended it yet. He’ll have to break that 5th defense to get that claim to fame.
Eddie Vega – No, he just needs to be Frank Windsor.
Ben Price – Which title do you think he’d go after if he did make 5 defenses?
Eddie Vega – Uhm… not it.
Ben Price – Huh?
Eddie Vega – Not it. Not answering that question. I’m not getting on anyone’s bad side.
Ben Price – Well, lets go to the ring for our Valor Championship match tonight!
Eric Wilsonr – The following match up is for the CWF Valor Championship and will be fought under Valor Division Rules! First, the challenger… hailing from Dallas, Texas, weighing in at two hundred and twenty pounds, Steve Murdock!!!!!
The first notes of “Never Say Die” by Wig Wam play over the PA system as the camera hurriedly looks over the crowd to see Steve Murdock sitting in the front row, a beer in hand and a smile on his face.
Ben Price – How long has he been sitting in the crowd?
Eddie Vega – He’s been there most of the show Ben, didn’t you get a can off of him earlier?
He smashes the can on the forehead of a willing fan and then jumps the guard rail, posing for the adoring fans… He looks out over the fans and then runs around the ring slapping hands. He finally turns and walks over to the steps, and walks up them. Then, after a second, he steps under the ring ropes, and retreats to his corner, waiting for his opponent.
Ben Price – This is going to be interesting for Murdock, he’s no slouch in the squared circle.
Eddie Vega – And he’s also had a match for the CWF Valour Championship belt before.
Ben Price – Valour? You buying into this then?
Cameras pan around the sea of anxious people who are cheering loudly at the showing of respect towards the Bastards. Suddenly, the cheering explodes as the loudspeakers crackle, all attention devoted to these very special proceedings. A large British Flag unfolds from the rafters and hangs majestically over the ring area, each ear expecting to hear the music of Frank Windsor.
The big screen started to show all sorts of British iconic sites. Children playing in the streets, football matches, police in the streets. The first few bars of “Hello” by Adele blares out before it seamlessly mixes into “Welcome to the Circus” by Five Finger Death Punch. Brilliant silver strobe lights flash through the arena as rainbow coloured confetti falls from the rafters. The screen now goes to show footage of Frank in his silver Mercedes convertible cruising the streets of Bradford, Yorkshire.
Eric Wilson – Introducing at this time; he is the CWF Valour Champion. He hails from Bradford, Yorkshire, England. He is also weighing in at two hundred and twenty two pounds. He is accompanied to the ring by his associates Sean Bean, Natalia Santiago, Little Ronnie and Finn Corbyn. This is Frank Windsor!!!
The curtains at the top of the ramp way are pushed open and they emerge. The fans give a mixed reaction as Frank pushes through the curtains dressed in his Leopard print fur coat with Sean Bean just behind him. Natalia Santiago, Little Ronnie and Finn Corbyn walks through the curtains after them. Frank saunters down the ramp way, eyeing the crowd. Finn and Natalia enter the ring.
Windsor exhales slowly as he looks at his team in the ring before smiling and acknowledging the fans in attendance with a royal wave. He reaches the ringside area and uses the stairs to ascend onto the apron. Looking around momentarily, Windsor mounts the turnbuckle adjacent to the stairs, resting his left foot on the top rope. With a brief bow, Windsor lowers the hood of his leopard fur coat and gazes around the facility, soaking in the numerous reactions from the crowd. Upon listening to their calls and looking over at his associates, Windsor hops down into the ring and takes off his fur coat and hands it to Finn. He then looks directly at his opponent.
Ben Price – Well this should be an interesting match. Murdock has had an impressive time in the company so far and Windsor has something to prove to him.
Eddie Vega – And of course the winner gets the gold Ben.
Ben Price – No shit Sherlock, did it take much deduction to figure that out? Hey?
Murdock holds out his hand. Windsor looks at Murdock’s hand but doesn’t shake it. Grunting, he backs into the corner and tests the ropes again. Murdock’s hand slowly falls, and his expression changes into a look of disdain. The bell rings, and Windsor turns from the corner and advances on Murdock. Murdock raises both arms for an offer of a test of strength, but Windsor uses the opening to kick Murdock solidly in the gut. Murdock collapses to one knee. Windsor hooks his neck with ease in that position and flips him down onto the mat, then digs one knee deeply into his neck. Murdock screams as Windsor grinds the knee into him, his arms waving limply as Windsor devotes more pressure. The referee sighs and gives Windsor a warning.
Ben Price – Don’t get yourself disqualified for something like that.
Eddie Vega – He knows that there are rules in this match.
They tie up. Windsor takes Murdock into a hammer lock; it is reversed into a Top Wristlock. Murdock pushes Windsor down as far as he can go, but Windsor powers himself back up and then takes him back into another hammer lock. Murdock manages to counter with a Snap mare and then a quick dropkick to the back of Windsor’s head. Murdock goes for a quick cover.
… One
……. Windsor powers out easily.
Eddie Vega – Close but no cigar.
Ben Price – No smoking allowed in here.
Eddie Vega – Shut up. It’s Mexico so most things are allowed.
Ben Price – Is that why you were talking about a Donkey Show earlier?
Eddie Vega – I hate you.
They both tie up again. Windsor takes Murdock into a headlock, Murdock reverses it. He pushes Windsor into the ropes and sends him off. Murdock leapfrogs over Windsor and then springboards off the ropes and takes Windsor down with a cross body block. Murdock covers.
… One
…………….. Windsor kicks out again.
Ben Price – Pay attention to the match Eddie.
Eddie Vega – Yeah, yeah okay.
Murdock hits a couple of right hands as he pushes Windsor into the ropes and then whips him off. But Windsor reverses the Irish Whip and then as Murdock comes off the ropes, he snaps him over with an Arm Drag. Murdock rolls through to his feet and charges at Windsor, who snaps him over with another Arm Drag, this time he holds on with a Sitting Reverse Arm bar. Murdock pulls himself up to his feet. Windsor keeps the arm wrench locked on. Murdock rolls through, he kips up and then reverses the arm wrench into a Hammerlock and then pushes Windsor off to the ropes again and bounces off the opposite ropes with a Clothesline. Windsor goes down. Murdock makes the cover but is reversed by Windsor.
… One
……Two
………………. Murdock kicks out. Windsor rolls out of the ring and talks with Finn.
Ben Price – Get him back in the ring ref!!!
Eddie Vega – Don’t get involved.
Windsor rolls back under the bottom rope into the ring and feints towards Murdock, who immediately takes a step back and adopts a defensive stance. Windsor laughs. Murdock holds his arms out for a lockup, and Windsor obliges. Windsor quickly gains the advantage with a kick to the midsection then follows up with a knee lift, knocking Murdock to the mat. Windsor bends down to grab Murdock by the head, but Murdock catches him completely unawares with a small package.
……One
………Two
……….Kick out
Ben Price – Wow, quick work from Murdock. Eddie where you going?
Eddie gets to his feet, reaches under the announce table and walks over to Sean Bean. He has a flask in his hand and pours Sean a cup of tea from it.
Ben Price – EDDIE!!!!
Windsor gets quickly to his feet, the shock covers his face. Wasting no time, he charges toward Murdock, who catches him with a belly to belly suplex, taking him down to the mat. As Windsor pops up, Murdock nails him right between the eyes with a dropkick. Windsor, stunned, rolls to the outside for a moment to regain his bearings and tries to figure out what was going wrong. Murdock isn’t supposed to get in any offense. Windsor jumps onto the ring apron. Murdock, who has been watching him patiently, jerks the ring ropes, flipping Windsor into the ring. As Windsor gets back up pissed off with Murdock for getting in some offense, Murdock hooks him up and takes him down with a snap suplex. Murdock floats over into a cover.
… One
………..Kick out.
Ben Price – As I seem to be on my own, I’ll carry on.
He brings Windsor up again, but Windsor uses his skills to hit a spine buster; Windsor drop-toe-holds Murdock into the mat and slides up into a side headlock. Windsor grounds the hold in, but Murdock fights back to his feet and drops Windsor with a belly-to-back suplex. With Windsor down, Murdock runs into the ropes and comes off with a leg drop, which he follows up with a cover.
… One
……Two
……….Kick out.
Ben Price – Nice suplex from Murdock.
Murdock brings Windsor up again and goes behind him, looking to hit a German suplex, but Windsor immediately counters out of it with a series of back elbows to the head, knocking Murdock back and stunning him. Windsor bounces off the ropes and comes off with a big boot, knocking Murdock to the mat. Windsor then drops down on top of Murdock and begins raining punches to the face before the referee forces him to break it up at the count of four.
Ben Price – Windsor can fight dirty. EDDIEEEEE!!
Windsor brings Murdock back up and whips him hard across the ring into a corner. Windsor then charges in and leaps high in the air and Splashes him, driving himself into Murdock. Murdock collapses out of the corner, and Windsor hops onto the second rope. He aims a punch between the eyes of Murdock and launches himself. Murdock manages to see him coming, however, and rolls forward. Windsor’s momentum carries him forward, and he slams face-first into the mat. Windsor struggles up to his feet and Murdock, seeing an opportunity, prepares to strike. As Windsor turns, Murdock nails him with a side kick, hitting him in the jaw and knocking him to the mat. Murdock quickly makes the cover and hooks the leg.
….One
……. Two
………Kick out.
Ben Price – Oh so you’ve come back?
Eddie Vega – Yeah, only because you’re jealous. Isn’t Sean a friend of yours?
Ben Price – Shut and call the rest of the match.
He quickly goes back to work, knowing that an opportunity to score a win over the likes of a Windsor does not come around very often. Murdock brings Windsor up, and then hooks him. He then takes Windsor down with a devastating sit-down power bomb, driving Windsor in the mat and leaving him prone in the middle of the ring. With Windsor down, Murdock steps onto the apron and starts climbing to the top rope. The crowd, which has been buzzing, begins to cheer as they sense something big. Murdock measures Windsor, and then flies head first off the top rope. He connects with a head butt. Murdock made the cover.
……One
…………Two
………….Kick out by Windsor.
Eddie Vega – The crowds seem to be behind Murdock. Sickening how it is.
The crowd cheers loudly. Murdock brings Windsor up again, but this time Windsor hits out with a low blow. Murdock slumps to a knee, and Windsor brings Murdock back up and scoops him up, then drove him down with a reverse Death Valley driver. Windsor holds on to the leg for the pin.
…..One
………..Two
……..Kick out.
Shaking his head, Windsor brings Murdock up to his feet again. He lifts him onto his shoulders into a fireman’s carry. Windsor prepares to hit Murdock with a flapjack, but Murdock has other ideas. He shifts his weight, rolling Windsor backwards in a crucifix and into a pinning position.
……One
…………Two
…………Kick out by Windsor.
Ben Price – This is a very cool matchup even if my colleague is just here to creep on Sean Bean.
Both men get to their feet, and this time it is Windsor who gains the advantage, blasting Murdock with a lariat and knocking him down. Windsor quickly brings Murdock up and sets to whip him into the corner. Murdock, however, reverses it and sends Windsor crashing into the opposite turnbuckle. Windsor stumbles backwards out of the corner, and Murdock hooks him from behind but Windsor reverses it and Irish Whips Murdock into the corner which accidentally catches the referee and squashes him into the corner.
Ben Price – THE REFEREE IS DOWN!!!
Eddie Vega – Why you shouting? I’m right next to you?
Ben Price – Now you are.
Finn pushes one of the ring crew out of her chair and rolls it into the ring and it lands at Windsor’s feet. He looks at the referee and then at Murdock.
Ben Price – What’s going through the champ’s head?
He smashes the chair on the mat and throws it at Murdock who catches it. Windsor lies down on the mat and closes his eyes.
Eddie Vega – I can’t believe Murdock hit him with chair!
Ben Price – What? That didn’t happen.
Murdock realises he’s got the chair. He looks at the referee and throws the chair down by Windsor and dives to the mat himself.
Ben Price – I can’t believe Windsor did that?
Eddie Vega – Mark.
The referee starts to come round. Windsor opens an eye and spots the chair. He also sees the referee coming round. Windsor grabs the chair and throws it under the ropes out to the floor. He then plays dead again. The referee looks around confused at both competitors being down. He starts to count.
1…
2…
Both wrestlers realize they are being counted and both kip up in unison. Sean Bean jumps up on the ring apron and shouts at the referee.
Eddie Vega – Hopefully he doesn’t spill that tea I got him.
Ben Price – Tea? Horrible drink.
The official admonishes him, whilst Murdock grabs hold of Windsor and connects with a snap suplex. Murdock goes to the top rope, and dives onto his prone opponent with a head butt. He hooks the leg, and goes for a pin but the referee is still arguing with Sean.
Ben Price – Someone kick out that distraction!
Eddie Vega – Whatever.
Ben Price – Mark!
The crowd cheer as Murdock goes to the top rope once again, this time flying off with a splash onto Windsor but at the last moment Windsor moves. He grabs hold of Murdock and throws him on his shoulder and hits him with the Bradford Bomb. He lies across him as Sean jumps down and the referee dives and starts to count.
….One
……….Two
………….. Threee!!!!
Ben Price – He has done it!
Eddie Vega – One win down!
Frank gets to his feet as Sean joins him in the ring. The referee hands Frank back his belt and he arrogantly holds it above his head as pyros go off behind him.
Eddie Vega – And here we end the first show for CWF in the Era of the Bastards!!! Goodnight peoples!!
Ben Price – Yeah, right goodnight!
