Post by Avery Quinn on May 2, 2018 9:58:25 GMT -5
“The Heart of the Sea” by Flogging Molly begins to play throughout the arena and the crowd quickly jumped to their feet as the new North American champion came out from behind the curtain with the belt raised high into the air.
Samuels made his way down to the ring to the chorus of cheers and he slid into the ring. The sound was deafening as Samuels wore a wry smile on his face. He climbed up the turnbuckle and raised the title high in the air. The crowd began to chant “His Name is Brendan!”. Samuels looked to be in all of his glory.
What he didn’t see was that Elijah Carlson had slid into the ring. As Samuels jumped down and turned around Carlson darted forward and caught him with the "Red Light Special" (Sick Kick). Samuels hit the mat hard and the belt dropped with him.
Carlson picked up the North American championship off of the mat and then raised it high into the air. The crowd showered him with boos as he dropped the title onto the chest of Samuels before exiting the ring. The show ended with a shot of Samuels starting to stir.
The footage pulled out from the television screen, and the man who was the victim of that assault, the reigning North American Champion, Brendan Samuels, stares blankly at the screen. He peers at the footage with those glacier blues of his, seemingly absorbing every moment of what occurred.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Play it again.”
he ordered, the young member of the production team playing the footage out again, the entrance, the cheering, the celebration and then that kick Samuels mused over it some more, tapping his fingers on his chin.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Again.”
He murmured, drumming upon his chin with his fingers as the crew member played the footage out once more, sighing as they did so, but on this occasion starting from where Brendan entered the ring, lifting his belt up upon high as the Spirit and Pride faithful chanted his name. The clip went to black again, that final image of Brendan laid out on the mat, Elijah holding the title up high. Samuels merely nodded, requesting that the footage be played one last time, raising a single mighty digit as the crew member reluctantly played it out one final time. It began in the ring, and with one mighty strike of the boot, Brendan was down and Eli was holding The Kraken’s newly acquired championship belt high above his head. Samuels watched on intently, closing his eyes as the footage finished, breathing in the free air as he nodded in thanks to the production team member who then left the scene. Brendan ran his fingers through his silky curls, taking in another breath before he stood. He was already in his ring attire, coupled with his traditional Hawaiian style shirt, unbuttoned to reveal his ripped torso. He slung his championship belt over his shoulders, pacing towards the ring area as he pushed his aviator glasses from the tip of his nose upwards, stalking the area with intent. He did not even stop as Aleks Parker approached with a microphone, looking eager to question the highest ranking champion in the company.
ALEKS PARKER: “Brendan, Brendan! Do you have any comment on what occurred at the end of the last show, when Eli Carlson seemingly made you his number one target and assaulted you?”
Samuels kept on walking, Aleks pacing after him, trying to thrust the microphone in Brendan’s face to get an answer from the mysterious Irish sailor, but he kept on walking, focused on his direction.
ALEKS PARKER: “Do you have anything to say? Or do you have any comment on what Carlson has been saying about the company? His Cavalcade match? Or even the exchange that you had on Twitter only days ago?”
She tried to keep up as much as she could, bringing up the very recent back and forth between the North American Champion and the man who had made him his target, but Samuels remained focused on his voyage, eyes staring forward as he walked with purpose through the spiralling hallways past the locker rooms and beyond.
ALEKS PARKER: “Do you have any game plan for tonight? You are teaming with three of SAP’s very best in Celeste, Sears and Cartier, some of which you are very familiar with. Have you spoken with them at all prior to tonight? And do you have everything mapped out before you face off with Stanton, Gamble, Cruz and, especially the man who felled you last week, ‘The Face of SAP’ Eli Carlson?”
There was a distasteful curl from Samuels’ lip, the first showing of emotion that he had displayed since Parker began her series of questioning, but there didn’t deter him as he adjusted the belt on his shoulder, the light dazzling off of the greatest prize in Spirit and Pride. ‘The Kraken’ turned the corner, marching off past more and more doorways, Aleks keeping up and going as fast as her little legs could carry her.
ALEKS PARKER: “Has your recent split with your long term partner, Grace, had any effect on your preparation for tonight?”
Samuels paused for a moment, the reference being to his breakup with his long term lover that had recently leaked to the press, the pair having made extremely polite responses on social media in the aftermath of the news breaking. Parker seemed almost embarrassed at bringing the subject up, receiving that icy stare from the mysterious Navigator. He shakes his head, moving on down the hall as the red faced Parker follows.
ALEKS PARKER: “Does this have anything to do with your widely gossiped about friendship with Phoenix? I mean, she does wear your Jolly Roger flag to the ring when she competes! She’s rarely seen without it at shows.”
Samuels merely grinds his teeth, still not answering, adjusting his shirt before running his hands through those luscious curls once more. He shakes his head, a slight sway in his steps this time, an almost hypnotic movement from the Irishman that only makes the interviewer become more flustered as her questions remain unanswered.
ALEKS PARKER: “Erm… just asking… Hey, you have a date for Phe’s party, because if you don’t… I’m free.”
She asked as she skipped in front of him, standing right in his way as she fluttered her eyelashes. Whether this was an honest question (it clearly was) or just a way for her to get even a single word from the SAP Champion (mere coincidence), Samuels did not say a word. But he did move, picking the much dainiter woman up by the hips as she let out a high pitched and overly excited little squeal, before he put her down to the side of him. He then carried on walking as if nothing had happened at all. Aleks was clearly upset at not having acquired an answer to any of her questions (mainly the last one) and screamed out after him in frustration.
ALEKS PARKER: “Are you just going to leave me waiting for an answer? To any of these questions?”
Samuels paused in his steps, half turning his head to the interviewer.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Waiting…”
Parker seemed startled, but a wide grin appeared on her face as she was finally getting somewhere with the interview.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Imagine yerself at a port, and the ship weighs in, drops anchor and prepares for it’s next glorious voyage. Ye approach the ship, banging upon and screaming loud and clear that ye want aboard. Over and over ye scream, demanding to be let aboard, crying out that it is yer turn to climb on up and set sail upon the seven seas to a glorious destination of yer own choosing, to paradise itself, to everything ye have ever wanted.”
He spoke in riddles, the smooth talking Irishman confusing the wide eyed reporter as she stared him in the face, clearly trying not to look at his abs.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “But yer never let aboard. The ship doesn’t move despite all the screaming, besides all the crying, no matter what yer cry out whether pleading or insulting, whether polite or rude, whether ye on yer knees begging, begging for yer turn to clamber on board and sail out into the sunset.”
His hand motions became more dramatic as he rolled on with his speech, Parker looking bewildered as he went on with smooth, intoxicating sophistication.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “And then the black flag raises upon high, the anchor is weighed in, and the ship sails off wit’out ye, leaving yer simply waiting upon the harbour, everything ye ever wanted going off into the distance never to be seen again. Imagine that.”
He stared her right in the eye, Parker melting a little with a nervous grin as the handsome Irishman leaned in.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Because that is the path for Eli Carlson, that is his fate in Spirit and Pride Wrestling. He will bang away, he will scream every insult he can, he will try to belittle one and all and damn everyone else. But he will never, ever make it aboard this ship. He can do nothing more than wait. And he will be waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting and waiting and he will not be going anywhere.”
He suddenly raised his glorious title belt high with his right hand.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “This be my ship.”
He then pointed to his chest with the thumb of his left.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “I’m at the helm.”
And lastly he opened his arms as he finished.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “And as long as my flag is raised high, he will never make it on board. And for all those already on the waters… beware my sails.”
Samuels turned dramatically, heading off towards the ring after pointing skyward. Parker was frozen in her place from that display, turned to stone with that ice cold look. Moments past until she seemingly snapped out that trance of hers and cried out.
ALEKS PARKER: “Is that a no to the date?”
And with that, the scene cut away elsewhere.
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As the scene comes up backstage at the Hart Center, the camera shows a shot of Celeste sitting on a chair and looking very impatient. She taps her foot and rolls her eyes before glancing at her phone to check the time.
Celeste: Conner! Would you hurry up!? I need to get in there you know!
A few minutes ago, CJ came rushing into the locker room claiming that he had a surprise for Celeste and that he just HAD to show her.
CJ: Alright, alright! I will be out in just a moment!
He can be heard yelling through the closed bathroom door. A few more long quiet seconds pass by before CJ can be heard once again.
CJ: Okay, you ready?
Celeste: Yes..
She said that with no enthusiasm whatsoever as CJ comes out of the bathroom with enough excitement for the both of them. The shocked look on Celeste's face makes the camera pan over and notice CJ in his normal ring gear, his hands on his hips, a big smile on his face as well as the thing he wanted to show her, a big red cape is tied around his neck and hangs down behind him.
CJ: Pretty awesome huh!?
Celeste: It's... Something alright.
CJ: Don't hate, you know you like it!
Celeste: You really are taking this high flying thing seriously aren't you babe?
CJ shrugs his shoulders a bit and nods his head.
CJ: Yeah man! I mean not only am I going to fly through the ring, but I will fly through the competition and become the next National Champion!!
A roar of the crowd can be heard which is a little bit more louder than usual seeing as we are near CJ's hometown of Boston and in the awesome state of Massachusetts.
Celeste: I have no doubt about that, and soon we will both be champions.
CJ: Power couple!
Celeste: Yes, but I am going to be honest here... Do you think we will be taken seriously with you wearing a cape down to the ring?
CJ: You should know by now that I do not care what other people think. Let them have their opinions, I will let my actions speak in the ring. Though... my surprise is not over.
Celeste raises an eyebrow a bit towards her boyfriend wondering what he might mean.
Celeste: You mean there's more?
The big smile returns to CJ's face and nods his head before he rushes out of the camera view for a moment as the camera focuses on Celeste. She quickly begins to shake her head as she notices what CJ grabs and comes back into camera view with.
Celeste: No no no! No way CJ!
Once CJ returns, he has a cape just like his in his hand, but instead hers is pink.
CJ: Come on! You'll look GREAT in it!
Celeste: CJ!
Her shout falls on deaf ears as CJ has already began to fit her with the cape. Once he is done, he takes a few steps back and admire the view.
CJ: Damn you look hot babe!
CJ is the only one smiling in all of this as Celeste must be wondering either how to ditch and burn this thing, or wonder how she puts up with the things he does.
Celeste: I am not...
But before she can finish she is cut off by her boyfriend.
CJ: Okay now we have to learn how to do cool tricks with these things. When we wear 'em out to the ring we want to impress with them and not trip over them or anything like that!
As CJ continues to ramble on the camera begins to slowly fade out leaving the two alone to do what they need, like for Celeste, ditch this cape in the nearest dumpster.
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National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Nick Redfield vs. CJ Cross
It’s the start of the National Championship Tournament Quarterfinals and both Nick Redfield and CJ Cross are ready to go in the ring. The referee signals for the bell and the match officially begins. There’s a versatility of technique and power shared between CJ and Nick as they try to take each other down. CJ focuses on the chain of suplexes he knows very well while Nick centers in on his knowledge of piledrivers. Both men are scoring two-counts, but nothing quite telling of a verdict. It’s when Nick surprises CJ with a beautiful superkick that he gains full control. Redfield covers Cross, but only manages to get a two-count. Redfield sets Cross up on one of the corners of the ring and he adopts a move from his uncle, Ricky Valero, hitting Cross with “Burying the Hatchet” (Double Foot Stomp to an opponent trapped in the Tree of Woe). Cross collapses, Redfield covers with the hook of the leg, but it’s a nearfall. Redfield takes a moment to showboat to the fans, but Cross takes this time to gather himself. Redfield looks to finish him off with “The Sexiest Piledriver You’ve Ever Seen” (Omega Driver), but Cross efficiently counters with a springboard inverted DDT. Redfield’s slow to get up and Cross nails him with an enzuigiri while he’s still kneeling. To make sure Redfield’s down for the count, Cross takes him on the “High Cross” (Crucifix Powerbomb), hooks the legs while he’s down, and gets the winning three-count!
Winner: CJ Cross
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The scene cuts to the backstage area of the Hart Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. More directly to the locker room of Tyson Gregory, where Tyson is sitting on a metal folding chair looking rather content as he smiles at the camera. He lightly dusts off his oversized black shirt that covers his ring gear before speaking.
Tyson Gregory: So tonight is the first round of the National Championship Tournament here in the lovely Spirit and Pride Wrestling. It’s the main reason I returned to SAP after my undefeated run here when Julian Savell and myself massacred the tag team division and got bored and left. It’s a true story, feel free to look it up, SAP does a great job record keeping this kind of shit. So when I was reached out to, to be in this tournament I was like… Yeah okay, I’m game.
Tyson rubs his chin for a moment before letting out a hearty sigh.
Tyson Gregory: You all remember the announcement for this thing don’t you? My opponent, Johnny Maverick remembers it. He tweeted out “Looks like some legends, a few greats, former champions, current favorites & this fucking rambler.” When talking about this National Championship Tournament. Hell, he even hashtagged Thank you and Fucking Honored. I remember it because I was tagged in it Johnny was tossing out respect and expecting it back tenfold. Well life's tough, get a helmet.
He shrugs towards the camera.
Tyson Gregory: That’s when Johnny saw how I was said that it doesn’t matter who they were going to put me against in this tournament, I was going to win it all and how I felt bad for who I’d face in the first round. You know, that trademark Tyson bravado. That’s when Generic Johnny went all grr face at me and tossed his respect out the window. Saying he wanted an actual opponent like Geki Nitoh for the tournament but instead gets me who he can finish off between smokes. I guess Generic Johnny was tired of feeling fucking honored and got a bug up his ass or something, but that’s fine he can pull his whole one-eighty and play Billy Badass all he wants. Only thing with it is one, Geki? His team was the one Julian and I DOMINATED in the finals for the SAP tag belts. Sure he went on to beat his wife for the National Title but that night he was humbled by me. And secondly… Let me tell you why you’re going to be seriously mistaken by thinking I’m some smoke break beater…
Gregory leans forward now, an almost challenging look on his face as the intensity in his eyes starts to flare up.
Tyson Gregory: I’m a two time FSociety Champion, the only one ever to hold that championship more than once. I beat Adrian Cochrane for it the first time and then Adrian and Alex Jones the second time. That championship sits on the mantle in my home because my championship reign? It outlasted the company. I walked into Gulf Coast Wrestling and immediately took the fight to Cosmo Cooper. In fact I beat him one on one on my way to winning the Gulf Coast Championship belt. I then walked into Liberty Pro and changed the entire dynamic of the company by making sure Becky Balfour lost her championship. I took Anastasia Hayden to a draw main event. So let me ask you something Generic Johnny… What happens when I walk into that SAP ring? Here’s a spoiler…. Nothing good for you.
Tyson rises to his feet, the same intensity in his eyes as a smile slowly forms on his face.
Tyson Gregory: And as far as the world not revolving around me? Of course it does… I’m Tyson Fucking Gregory.
He lets out a small chuckle before turning and walking out of his locker room leaving the scene to fade to black.
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National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Tyson Gregory vs. Johnny Matthews
These two men well known by the SAP faithful went at it early in their first match in SAP in quite a while. The dislike was palpable as could be seen by the strikes they exchanged along with the exchanges they shared on twitter in the lead up to the match. Tyson looked to take the advantage early with a snap spinebuster but Matthews turned it around with a few suplexes. The two constantly went back and forth but then Johnny caught Tyson with “Snuffed” (slingblade” and was looking to end it. He lifted up Gregory for “Hangover Blues” (Gutwrench Neckbreaker) but Tyson broke free and spun Matthews around and caught him with “The End of Your Sorrow” (lifting single underhook ddt). Gregory made the cover and got the three count.
Winner: Tyson Gregory
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Nora Harris: Here we are… time for the National Championship Tournament Quarterfinals and lucky me, I get to face Geki Nitoh.
Nora holds up her hand as she steps into the light, bouncing on the toes of her boots and with a wide smile on her face.
Nora Harris: And I’m not even kidding, I’m really excited about this match, being in this tournament and getting to face a wrestler like Geki. He’s a guy that has really made his way back out of the wilderness and it’s pretty freaking awesome when you think about that. He was about as down as a man can go but he didn’t quit, didn’t give up… he came back to what he loves to do and that’s cool.
She grins and gives a thumbs up before she shakes herself a little.
Nora Harris: And I admire that drive, that hunger, a whole lot. But the facts are, he’s not the only hungry person in this tournament or in this match. I am climbing, I am moving upwards and forward and I don’t intend to get off this ride just yet. I am reaching for my first championship and I know, some of you will never understand just what that’s like. I didn’t manage to take down Ashley but she knew I could have, and on another night? I know I would have.
Nora nods, her hands going to her curvy hips.
Nora Harris: Now I’m going to go out there and see how I measure up against a vet like Geki, and I’m not going to expect him to be rusty… a guy like that? He doesn’t come back until the rust is off and he’s ready. So I just have to be… more ready.
Nora winks and then saunters off away from the camera, bouncing as she goes.
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The crowd was still on their feet, fully hyped by the action and intrigue that's gone on thus far. Their energy rose as a familiar harmony played through the well placed speakers throughout the area. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger’s opening theme playing loudly just as someone dressed in a fully accessorised Gokai Blue uniform and helmet stepped out from the back. Reaching up with the both of his hands, that man unlatched the helmet before pulling it off of his head to reveal ‘The Toku Titan!’ Geki Nitoh!
That bright, childlike smile dominated the entirety of his features. Taking a moment, Geki just stood there, letting the feeling of that overly positive reaction wash over him. A single nod of his head followed as he began his way down the ramp. Eagerly slapping hands with the fans on either side of him on the way down, Geki tried showing he missed them as much as they seemed to miss him.
Reaching that ring, Geki climbed up onto the apron before gripping the top set of ropes tightly, springboarding himself over the top, landing firmly upon his feet. Walking across the canvas, he ducked through the ropes only to be handed a microphone from a ringhand. Moving back into the ring, Geki stopped in the middle of the ring, moving to look around at the cheering crowd.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “Wow! Like really..wow! I can’t believe the reaction I just got. As good as it feels knowing I’m just moments away from being able to do what I love more than anything else..it felt even better when I stepped through those curtains to your cheers. I saw everyone’s well wishes. I read every ‘get well soon’ card filled with the most inspirational words I’ve ever seen. The support of you people is why I’m here tonight. Your support pushed me to keep trying, to never give up my dream of returning to this.”
Pausing there for a moment, Geki found himself getting a little misty eyed about the whole situation. Shaking his head, he simply brightened that smile.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “And now, here I am! Right back in the saddle and ready to pick up where I left off. I was the first SAP Wrestling National Champion. And what better way is there to make a comeback than to take my first step back towards that Championship? It’s not going to be easy. Not in the slightest way imaginable. But I’m ready for this. I’ve worked too hard to just stop here.”
A noticeable determination laid behind that bright smile and those kindly spoken words.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “Nora Harris is a great person. During my recovery, she was one of the ones who would check in on me, to see how I was doing with everything. Because of that, I see her as an invaluable friend. Because of that, I am that much more excited to make my return in this match. Nora is a world class athlete, there is no better test of my recovery than she is.”
Another firm words, a certain genuineness to the words he spoke in regards to Nora.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “It’s been a long time since I’ve had an actual competitive match so the rust is going to be there. But it’s going to be just like Gohan versus Lavender. Though, I can’t see Miss Nora using such dastardly tactics. This? The fight? It’s within you. No matter how long you’re away from it. No matter the situation surrounding it. Once you step back between those ropes..you can feel it. You can feel the spirit stirring. And when that bell rings, everything is back to how it should be. Thrust into combat.”
He moved around the ring, looking out at the crowd as they hung on his every word.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “As important as winning this match is..I don’t ask for much. As long as I can come out here and give you all a match that you’ll remember..a match that will send you home with bright smiles and fond recollections then I’ll be happy. Nora. I hope you’re ready because I’m about to come at you with better than my best. I’m going to push myself to my limits and I know you’ll do the same. Tonight, we exceed those limits!”
Geki turned and walked back to those ropes only to duck between them to hand the attendant the microphone back. Returning to the middle of the ring, Geki began to limber up as he awaited the arrival of Nora Harris.
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National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Nora Harris vs. Geki Nitoh
The fans are incredibly excited for this National Championship Tournament Quarterfinals match, in particular, the return of the Toku Titan! Geki Nitoh and Nora Harris shake hands in the center of the ring and the referee signals for the bell. The bout between them is very even, plenty of back and forth action between Geki and Nora. Both wrestlers are very quick and agile with their moves, from a variety of kicks to an array of takedowns. Harris surprises Nitoh with “Good Lord Nora” (Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors Armbar) and tries to keep him in the hold, but Nitoh’s able to break out on his own. He counters with a couple quick strikes and follows through with a reverse hurricanrana, hooking the legs, but Harris kicks out. The control jumps between Harris and Nitoh for a while, but Harris ensnares Nitoh in the hustle, “She Hustled You Good” (Muta Lock). Once again, Nitoh struggles to fight his way out and he ceases the bottom rope to break the finishing hold. It seems like Harris has complete control before Nitoh catches Harris off guard with a Pele kick. He gathers his energy and executes his signature springboard backflip into a reverse DDT. Nitoh doesn’t hesitate to climb to the top ropes and take off, perfectly landing the Gokai-Oh (Lightning Spiral) on Harris! Nitoh covers Harris, hooks the leg, and scores the three-count for the victory!
Winner: Geki Nitoh
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The camera is backstage right by Avery Quinn’s office. A woman is seen walking down the hallway. Only as she gets closer do we realize that it is Lennox Daniels. She takes a breath and then a smile overtakes her face as she walks into Avery’s office.
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National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Rachel Redding vs. Andre Holmes/b]
These two have been in the midst of a bit of a rivalry lately and each of them wanted a win here not only as a way to spite the other but to move on in the tournament. The match started off even but then Rachel took the advantage within the first few minutes. Redding tried to break down Andre with her signature stomps and then went to work on the leg of Holmes. Andre fought hard to try and keep Rachel at bay and then slowly started working things back into his favor. He managed to connect with "Dancehall Party" (Kobashi Chops followed by Roundhouse Kicks into the chest then ended by an Exploder Suplex in the corner) and then looked to take this home. As Rachel got a knee Holmes struck catching her with the “Thrust Kick “superkick to a kneeling opponent”. Holmes made the cover and got the three count.
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The camera cuts to backstage where Tegan Taylor is bouncing up and down on her heels. She has a lollipop in her mouth and a half eaten bag of Skittles in her other hand. She has on her colorful wrestling gear and does a few random kicks at the air. One kick almost connects with Stone Hendrix as he pushes the locker room door open. He leaps backwards a bit shocked.
Stone Hendrix: Whoa Teg! Watch where you are swinging those things.
Tegan Taylor: Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I just have a lot of energy and someone sent me a candy bouquet and I may of eaten too much of it and now I'm full of energy! Did I say that already? Anyway I just am ready to go! I wanna jump in that ring and kick some faces!
Stone laughs, putting his hand on her shoulder and trying to keep her holding still for a moment.
Stone Hendrix: I sent the candy but I didn't expect you to eat it all before the match.
Tegan Taylor: How do you expect me not to eat all those treats?! I love Skittles and Reese's and Snickers and Starburst and....
Stone Hendrix: Are you nervous? You seem a bit on edge.
Tegan Taylor: Nervous? No. Maybe. No. Yeah I guess. Yeah, maybe.
Stone Hendrix: You will do great. Trust me.
Tegan Taylor: I just dont wanna let my partner down. Plus our opponents are a normal team so they gotta be more on the same page as us... Maybe I need some Nerds.
She goes over to the candy bouquet but Stone intercepts and grabs her wrist. He grabs her waist, picking her up and placing her in front of him.
Stone Hendrix: No more candy. You got this Teg. Now go out there and kick Bloodborn in the face for me.
Tegan looks up into his eyes for a second, finally holding still. She then jumps up and kisses him before turning to head out the door.
Tegan Taylor: If that is what you want me to do than that's what I'm gonna go do!
She winks and Stone slaps her ass. She takes the lollipop out of her mouth, putting it into his mouth, before hurrying out the door and heading towards the ring. SAP then shows Stone with a lollipop in his mouth and a smile on his face before the scene cuts away.
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West McFadden vs. Desiree Jenkins
The crowd was into this one early between a fan favorite and a well established veteran. The two locked up at the start of the match and West took over from there. The technically minded McFadden controlled most of the match with Desy only getting in pockets of offense. The crowd seemed to be split amongst them which only fueled them more. Jenkins made a push towards the end but West caught her with a superkick that sent her to the mat. He then locked in the “High Roller” (single leg crap). It looked like Desy might not be able to hang on long but then Dimitri Rigas hit the ring and attacked McFadden from behind. Rigas started to lay in the stomps on West but Desiree went right after Dimitri. Soon it was a three way brawl that had to be separated.
Winner: West McFadden by DQ
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A nearby camera is drawn by the lovely vision that is “The Stiletto Knife” Chelsea Pryce in The Killing Joke’s locker room. She’s leaning against the wall with her arms folded, her dark green eyes closed, and completed suited up for her tag team match. She stands on her wrestling combat boots and seems to be… meditating in a way. Drawing slow, deep breaths, she is rather calm for a woman of violent tendencies. The camera pulls back to show her partner-in-crime Allen Chaney beside her looking intense and focused in his ring gear as he wraps his hands. The camera pulls back even further to find Ollie Maverick holding an adorable raccoon and making soft cooing noises to the trash panda asleep in his arms. Finally, Allen’s focus is broken.
Allen: “You know what? I’m just gonna say it. Why the hell is there a wild animal in our locker room?”
Ollie: “Shhhhhh...He’s sleeping. He got all tuckered out when he was rifling through your gym bag earlier.”
Allen: “Please be joking. Please tell me you’re joking about that diseased animal putting its paws on my stuff. My toothbrush is in there Ollie.”
Ollie: “He’s disease free. Vet gave him the all clear. Plus he’s wicked friendly.”
Chelsea clears her throat to gain her partners’ attention.
Chelsea: “Allen, Oliver, focus. We have a task to accomplish. This tag team match is one that I fully intend to win. I only have one final run in the wrestling industry and I’m not going to allow anyone or anything to destroy it. Whether it’s the worst-named tag team on the planet, RAWGRAPS, the utterly useless BGTL, or the Zombie Vice Squad, nothing will stand in my way of glory. I’m not playing around anymore.”
Allen nods in agreement.
Allen: “It’s clear to anyone with a brain stem that Zombie Vice Squad were useless when we teamed up with them. All they had to do was stay out of our way and let the professionals do their work but no. They had to go and fuck everything up.”
Rocket releases an adorable yawn as he wakes up and looks up at Ollie who is quick to offer him a snack of a small piece of chicken. He eats the chicken before looking around the room and seeing Chelsea and Allen.
Allen: “Oh good. It’s awake.”
Rocket looks at Chelsea and reaches his little raccoon hands out to her like a baby who wants to be held by someone else.
Ollie: “Awww… Chelsea, he wants you to give him some cuddles.”
As Chelsea opens her eyes, there’s an icy glare in Ollie’s direction.
Chelsea: “...Oliver, I thought I told you to leave your raccoon at home. This is not a game. This is not a circus. I’m very serious about our upcoming trios match against the Zombies and Luca di Pushover. I am not here to have fun, I am here to prove that I still have what it takes to be a professional wrestler, most of all a champion. I am NOT going to deal with your pet when we’re in the middle of a show.”
She pushes herself away from the wall, folds her arms, and looks at Allen and Ollie.
Chelsea: “This is important to me… that’s why…”
Allen: “That’s why the three of us are going to make a statement. You can all say what you will about how ‘silly’ Ollie is, but the guy has racked up two wins in two matches since coming out of retirement here in SAP. Me? Fat jokes aside, I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been in my entire career.”
Ollie: “Hungry for French Toast?”
Allen: “Hungry for victory… but yeah, French Toast is by far the best of all breakfast foods.”
Chelsea: “...I still favor pancakes.”
Rocket makes a sad little whining noise as he realized Chelsea isn’t going to give him a cuddle.
Ollie: “Aww… it’s okay buddy. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”
Chelsea: “I meant it.”
She’s quick to respond, a slight narrow of her eyes before she sighs and shakes her head.
Chelsea: “...I refuse to fail again. Let’s go.”
Without another word, she passes Allen and Ollie as she makes her way out of the room.
Allen: “Right, let’s go for the heads. That’s how you deal with Zombies, right?”
Allen slams his fist into his palm and follows after Chelsea. Ollie sighs and boops Rocket on the nose. Before loading him into his pet carrier.
Ollie: “I’ll be right back, buddy. This nice cameraman is gonna look after you!”
Ollie sets he pet carrier beside the cameraman and leaves before they can offer protest.
______________________________________________________________________________
Bloodborn vs. Carter & Taylor
Right as the bell rang Ortega and Hemingway kept they’re tradition alive and attacked both Carter and Taylor. The brawl soon spilled to the outside, exactly where Bloodborn wanted it. Hemingway whipped Carter into the ring steps and Ortega went to slam Taylor’s head off of the apron but she blocked it and slammed Ortega’s head. Taylor then jumped up on the apron and got a running start and hit Hemingway with a dropkick. Tegan checked on Cailey and helped her up in time for Bloodborn to look to be back on the attack. The two women slid back into the ring to try and work the match in their favor. They worked over Ortega until finally Hemingway had enough and stormed the ring. Carter took him out with a “Sunsault” (moonsault), which allowed Tegan to go to the top rope and connect with T2 (diving double foot stomp) on Ortega. Taylor made the cover and got the win.
Winners: Carter & Taylor
______________________________________________________________________________
The camera cuts backstage, where Terrence Tillman is walking to his locker room, with nothing and no one on sight on the hallways.
As he reaches the door, he finally reaches it and opens it...
Tillman: "The hell!?"
*SWOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!!!*
As he enters the room, he's immediately showered by little brown balls that had been hanging from a bag on top of the door, all of them now spilled and littering the otherwise pristine tile floor.
Tillman: "FUCK!"
Upon closer examination, he realizes they're nothing but nuts. Looking annoyed and somewhat mystified, he glances at the hanging bag, then at something catches his attention. Of course, on the back of the door is a note that should already give away the identity of the prank's author.
"To "Terrific" Terrence Tillman:
Hey yo. How you doing, mang?
See, this shit started somewhile back, mang. Your cousin decided he wanted to interfere in one of my matches, and he got a swift retribution next time, 'cause that's how much of a nice guy I am, mang.
But he decided he wanted to be dumb enough to play with my partner, and THAT's when YOU decided to be dumb enough to get involved.
So I wanted to extend the same courtesy to you as well, chico, and given your promise to check my chin in the future, I thought it best you could check DEEZ NUTZ!"
P.S: You chicos wanna go to war?
You want a war?
YOU'RE GONNA GET ONE."
And as always, the note is signed by a traditional Trollface, and a single word.
"... problem?"
Tillman, raging, rips the note apart...
Tillman: "Gonna KILL that monkey ass bitch!"
... and slamming the door shut, storms out of the room.
______________________________________________________________________________
Di Paolo & Zombie Vice Squad vs. Maverick & Killing Joke
Luca was set to start the match against Ollie but as Maverick went towards him looking for a lock up Di Paolo quickly tagged out to Kowloon Zombie. As this was the start of the match it would clearly show a trend. Ollie used his high flying specialty to push the pace on Kowloon early but soon Zombie used his impressive power to put down Maverick. Only then would Luca tag in, lay in some stomps, and then tag out to Siberia. This became common throughout the match. Luca would only tag himself in when ZVS had one member of the other team down. This turned out to be the downfall of the team as Ollie, Allen, and Chelsea were all working together like a well oiled machine. ZVS finally got sick of Luca’s selfishness and Kowloon tagged him in. It wasn’t long till Ollie connected with “360 No-Scope!” (Jumping corkscrew roundhouse kick) and picked up the fall on Luca.
Winners: Maverick & Killing Joke
______________________________________________________________________________
“Another night, another multi-person tag team match.”
The camera pans up to reveal the Spirit and Pride X Champion, Jessica Sears, sitting atop of a large crate. Her X championship belt is resting over her lap and she tilts her head to the right in wonder.
JESSICA SEARS: “Don’t get me wrong, I like tag team matches. I like working with people. Well… most people.”
A sheepish grin crosses her face before she tilts her head to the right.
JESSICA SEARS: “But this is beginning to feel… repetitious. I am the SAP X Champion of Justice. I want to prove that I’m a fighting champion and defend my title more often. I’m willing to face anyone in the ring and put my championship on the line. I can’t exactly do that if Avery Quinn and Marisol Marniceau keep booking me in these kinds of matches.”
She raises her left hand and quickly adds to this.
JESSICA SEARS: “No, I’m not looking for trouble. I’ve had my fair share of conflicts with management. I don’t want to cause another rift. I just want to show the world that I am who I am… a champion who will accept any and every challenge.”
The Paladin lowers her hand over her belt and pats it.
JESSICA SEARS: “I know there’s a lot of tension in this four-v-four. On one team, you’ve got one of the most badass gals on the roster, Cartier, the new North Atlantic Champion, Celeste, the newly-transitioned North American Champion, Brendan Samuels, and myself. On the other team, there’s Matthew “Don’t Bet On” Gamble, Jaser Cruz, “Mr. Deathmatch” Joe Stanton, and one of the most egotistical bitches on the planet, Eli Carlson.”
There’s a slight groan of disapproval before she continues.
JESSICA SEARS: “I think my teammates and I can agree that Eli’s a massive headache. Seriously, if I can get in the ring with him and kick his ass BEFORE Brendan gets in the ring with him, I’d feel better. There won’t be anything left once Brendan confronts him.”
She massages her temples with her free hand before she settles that hand over her right knee.
JESSICA SEARS: “Jaser… what more do I have to say about him? I’ve beaten the kid three times, twice in singles competition, and one of those times defending my title. He’s tired of losing and it’s clearly frustrating him, but once again, he’s on the wrong side of the battlefield. I’m pretty sure the rage between him and Cartier is going to spill over again. Be prepared.
As for Gamble, he’s a tough guy. He goes down swinging in a harsh battle with CJ Cross and then he’s back up, swinging for days. Respect. I was a little careless facing him in the infamous ten person tag match. It’s clear that he means business and I’m not going to underestimate him again. This time, I’ll be ready for him.”
Jessica takes her championship belt and secures it around her waist. She uncrosses her legs and easily slips down from the large crate.
JESSICA SEARS: “In all honesty, I’m really excited about facing Joe. He’s a good friend of mine and we respect each other’s skill sets. We understand where the other is coming from. A while ago, I extended a challenge to him in a singles match and he accepted. I’m still holding out for it. That would be one hell of a match, don’t you agree?”
She straightens out her ring attire and walks up to the camera. Jessica looks into the lens, at the people watching, and flashes a grin.
JESSICA SEARS: “It’s game time, ladies and gentlemen. In this ‘French Toast Revolution’, who levels up and who shuts up?”
Raising her right hand, she covers the lens and the entire scene fades to black.
______________________________________________________________________________
Mariano Fernandez vs. Terrence Tillman
These two were more than willing to go at it right from the bell. Last shows incident and Manny’s pranks were enough fuel for both sides as both sides were trading early and often. It was kept even for nearly all of the match. Then Vince Steel made his presence known at ringside. Not long after that Trixie made her way out. The match continued for a few minutes but as soon as Manny took the lead Vince jumped up onto the apron. Trixie slid right into the ring and ran over to Vince and hit him with a superkick to the knee that dropped him off of the apron. As she turned around Terry went after her so she nailed him with a superkick right in the gut. Vince came back into the ring and Manny tried to insert himself between Steel and Trixie and paid the price for it as he leveled him with a lariat. Security was sent down and forced the two sides to separate.
Winner: Terrence Tillman by DQ
______________________________________________________________________________
The screen began shaking and vibrating ... thanks to the hands of one-half of the SAP World Tag Champs, PW Duos Champs, Masaru Inoue, as his partner Aurora was a couple feet behind him. He was drastically trying to forcibly correct the camera onto them as he smiled after setting it. The shaking and vibrations stopped and Masaru stepped back as his hand motions were like “Voila!”
MASARU INOUE: And there we have it, rightfully set on us. You know I am anxious for our match tonight with BGTL. After that loss to Cardiac Cardinal and Wildcat Alliance, this match tonight is needed! A nice little bounceback defense before we slay that happy couple in PW. Or am I selling these two girls short of a Starbucks Latte? Hm.
As if asking his partner and mentor, Maz was mainly asking himself as Olly made his sighting known, landing right on his usual spot on Maz’s shoulder. Aurora, reached over, petting Olly before feeding it something, hard to tell but Olly wasted no time in accepting and devouring.
MASARU INOUE: I shouldn’t be so disrespectful. They have been here for a while, working hard, trying to reach enough levels to gain some respect. They earned a shot tonight and well, what awful timing! One is a body-builder who chose this life thanks to her reluctant friend and they’ve built this great bond and this great company to showcase their talents but they never ever, ever, ever, e-v-e-r thought they would run into two people who enjoy teaming up and torturing souls. They thought there would be a happy ending in their story but they are sadly mistaken!
Masaru looked over at his partner who seemed just as prepared, still but fired up, looking ahead.
MASARU INOUE: You think those girls are prepared for such storm?
AURORA: Is anyone?
It’s a rhetorical question to be sure, a slight twitch of her plush lips shows that Aurora is vastly amused by something. Knowing her it's likely more than just a few things.
AURORA: Everyone likes to say that they ‘aren’t like everyone else!’ as if that’s surprising. We’re not all Stormtrooper clones, no matter what the pundits like to banter about on Twitter. The facts are the facts though, we have done more apart and together than they have. We’re not the types to be anything but what we are. It’s… a balance. I do a lot of good in this industry. I always have. I donate to charity, I train the next bunch over at RISE, I am everything they say about me in that ring and more. They aren’t ready for us, but I believe they’ll bring us what we want - a real fight. Those are precious, and to be treasured. Aren’t they Olly, what a perfect little owl you are.
Masaru, nodding while rubbing his hands together gently.
MASARU INOUE: I can feel it the negative energy that tries so hard to disrupt us, Rori. I know they hate the fact that Hell Is Waiting is collecting gold like IRS. We are the most dominant tag team today...all thanks to you! We made that promise and we’ve kept it. Our levels of Stamina are bar none and I bet BGTL thinks that we may be weak because of our hectic schedule.
Maz shook his head as Aurora went to say something.
AURORA: Everyone has to find their own comfort. If they want to believe that we are running hot and hard, and putting the race car into the red? Let them. It won’t matter in the end, it never does. The facts are, We ARE… as long as we say we are. Learn what you can from us while we’re here, that’s the best thing we can give you. All we want from you is the best fight you have. It’s that simple.
And with that said by the two, they both slowly wave their hands, a slow “Goodbye!” aimed towards their opponents as things fade to darkness.
______________________________________________________________________________
The Reeds vs. Cause and Effect vs. Outkasts vs. Sadboiz
The crowd was electric for this one as all four teams were bringing the heat from the get go. All of them knew a big win here could bring them closer to a title shot and none of them wanted to waste the opportunity. Sadboiz were the first team to get the ball roll for themselves as they sent Iris and Ollie out of the ring and then went right after The Reeds. The Laroux brothers then jumped into the mix and quickly started to turn things into their favor. The Outkasts then made their way back into the ring and the referee finally got order in the match. The tags were frequent and the action fast paced as each team was able to hit big moves but there was always someone to break it up. The Reeds and Sadboiz spilled out to the outside leaving Gabe and Xavier to deal with Ollie and Iris. Xavier had Ollie in the corner and worked him over before tossing him outside. Gabe went for a gutwrench powerbomb but then Charlie slid into the ring and went after Xavier. Gabe dropped Iris and headed towards Charlie. Both the ref and Gabe were looking at Charlie and Xavier and didn’t notice Lilah as she slid into the ring and caught Gabe with a low blow. Gabe dropped to the mat and Lilah then hit “Kiss The Ground” (sit out face buster) on Iris and made the pin getting the three count.
Winners: The Reeds
______________________________________________________________________________
Samuels, Celeste, Sears, Cartier vs. Carlson, Stanton, Gamble, Cruz
This match started out hot as each member of both teams wanted hands on their rivals. Tags were frequent in this one as everyone got multiple times in the ring against the others. The crowd was particularly interested in Brendan and Eli as Carlson seemed to be a slight step ahead of Samuels during their encounters. Stanton looked impressive while dealing with Celeste and Gamble was holding his own against Sears. Cartier and Cruz found themselves brawling on the outside more than once. Sears and Cartier started to gel as a team and it soon found a rhythm with Brendan and Celeste. Eli looked to be a bit frustrated with his team as time went on. Carlson thought he had the win after he hit “Your Coronation” (Pele kick) on Gamble but Samuels broke it up. From there things got more hectic and everyone was in and out of the ring. After a series of dives from both teams it was just Samuels and Cruz. The two had a short back and forth before Samuels connected with “Mac Lir” (Millennium suplex). Samuels made the cover and got the three count. Elijah stepped up on the apron and exchanged some words with the North American champ before dropping down and heading to the back.
Winners: Samuels, Celeste, Sears, Cartier
______________________________________________________________________________
World Tag Team Title Match
Hell is Waiting vs. BGTL
This was a main event people were clamoring for as two of the top teams in SAP were clashing for the titles. The match started off slow as each team was trying to figure out the other. Masaru soon changed that as he went from 0 to 100 in seconds and started bringing the heat. Ximena fought him off for a bit before tagging in Claire. They lured Inoue to their side of the ring and started using quick tags to wear Inoue down. Claire and Ximena kept up the pressure and had a few near falls. At one point Masaru broke free from Claire with a hard knee to the gut but Ximena ran into the ring and cut him off before he could make the tag. Masaru was starting to fade but refused to give in. BGTL tried to mount another attack to get the finish but Inoue was able to nail Ximena with a roundhouse kick that dropped her. Inoue made his way over and tagged in Aurora. Rori came in on fire and dropped each of BGTL with forearms and then when they came back up she went with her signature DDT’s. Masaru caught Claire with “Kill shot” (running knee strike to neck) and she went rolling out to the floor. This allowed HIW to set up “Hellfire” (tower of londrick) and they picked up the victory.
Winners: Hell is Waiting
[/font]
Samuels made his way down to the ring to the chorus of cheers and he slid into the ring. The sound was deafening as Samuels wore a wry smile on his face. He climbed up the turnbuckle and raised the title high in the air. The crowd began to chant “His Name is Brendan!”. Samuels looked to be in all of his glory.
What he didn’t see was that Elijah Carlson had slid into the ring. As Samuels jumped down and turned around Carlson darted forward and caught him with the "Red Light Special" (Sick Kick). Samuels hit the mat hard and the belt dropped with him.
Carlson picked up the North American championship off of the mat and then raised it high into the air. The crowd showered him with boos as he dropped the title onto the chest of Samuels before exiting the ring. The show ended with a shot of Samuels starting to stir.
The footage pulled out from the television screen, and the man who was the victim of that assault, the reigning North American Champion, Brendan Samuels, stares blankly at the screen. He peers at the footage with those glacier blues of his, seemingly absorbing every moment of what occurred.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Play it again.”
he ordered, the young member of the production team playing the footage out again, the entrance, the cheering, the celebration and then that kick Samuels mused over it some more, tapping his fingers on his chin.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Again.”
He murmured, drumming upon his chin with his fingers as the crew member played the footage out once more, sighing as they did so, but on this occasion starting from where Brendan entered the ring, lifting his belt up upon high as the Spirit and Pride faithful chanted his name. The clip went to black again, that final image of Brendan laid out on the mat, Elijah holding the title up high. Samuels merely nodded, requesting that the footage be played one last time, raising a single mighty digit as the crew member reluctantly played it out one final time. It began in the ring, and with one mighty strike of the boot, Brendan was down and Eli was holding The Kraken’s newly acquired championship belt high above his head. Samuels watched on intently, closing his eyes as the footage finished, breathing in the free air as he nodded in thanks to the production team member who then left the scene. Brendan ran his fingers through his silky curls, taking in another breath before he stood. He was already in his ring attire, coupled with his traditional Hawaiian style shirt, unbuttoned to reveal his ripped torso. He slung his championship belt over his shoulders, pacing towards the ring area as he pushed his aviator glasses from the tip of his nose upwards, stalking the area with intent. He did not even stop as Aleks Parker approached with a microphone, looking eager to question the highest ranking champion in the company.
ALEKS PARKER: “Brendan, Brendan! Do you have any comment on what occurred at the end of the last show, when Eli Carlson seemingly made you his number one target and assaulted you?”
Samuels kept on walking, Aleks pacing after him, trying to thrust the microphone in Brendan’s face to get an answer from the mysterious Irish sailor, but he kept on walking, focused on his direction.
ALEKS PARKER: “Do you have anything to say? Or do you have any comment on what Carlson has been saying about the company? His Cavalcade match? Or even the exchange that you had on Twitter only days ago?”
She tried to keep up as much as she could, bringing up the very recent back and forth between the North American Champion and the man who had made him his target, but Samuels remained focused on his voyage, eyes staring forward as he walked with purpose through the spiralling hallways past the locker rooms and beyond.
ALEKS PARKER: “Do you have any game plan for tonight? You are teaming with three of SAP’s very best in Celeste, Sears and Cartier, some of which you are very familiar with. Have you spoken with them at all prior to tonight? And do you have everything mapped out before you face off with Stanton, Gamble, Cruz and, especially the man who felled you last week, ‘The Face of SAP’ Eli Carlson?”
There was a distasteful curl from Samuels’ lip, the first showing of emotion that he had displayed since Parker began her series of questioning, but there didn’t deter him as he adjusted the belt on his shoulder, the light dazzling off of the greatest prize in Spirit and Pride. ‘The Kraken’ turned the corner, marching off past more and more doorways, Aleks keeping up and going as fast as her little legs could carry her.
ALEKS PARKER: “Has your recent split with your long term partner, Grace, had any effect on your preparation for tonight?”
Samuels paused for a moment, the reference being to his breakup with his long term lover that had recently leaked to the press, the pair having made extremely polite responses on social media in the aftermath of the news breaking. Parker seemed almost embarrassed at bringing the subject up, receiving that icy stare from the mysterious Navigator. He shakes his head, moving on down the hall as the red faced Parker follows.
ALEKS PARKER: “Does this have anything to do with your widely gossiped about friendship with Phoenix? I mean, she does wear your Jolly Roger flag to the ring when she competes! She’s rarely seen without it at shows.”
Samuels merely grinds his teeth, still not answering, adjusting his shirt before running his hands through those luscious curls once more. He shakes his head, a slight sway in his steps this time, an almost hypnotic movement from the Irishman that only makes the interviewer become more flustered as her questions remain unanswered.
ALEKS PARKER: “Erm… just asking… Hey, you have a date for Phe’s party, because if you don’t… I’m free.”
She asked as she skipped in front of him, standing right in his way as she fluttered her eyelashes. Whether this was an honest question (it clearly was) or just a way for her to get even a single word from the SAP Champion (mere coincidence), Samuels did not say a word. But he did move, picking the much dainiter woman up by the hips as she let out a high pitched and overly excited little squeal, before he put her down to the side of him. He then carried on walking as if nothing had happened at all. Aleks was clearly upset at not having acquired an answer to any of her questions (mainly the last one) and screamed out after him in frustration.
ALEKS PARKER: “Are you just going to leave me waiting for an answer? To any of these questions?”
Samuels paused in his steps, half turning his head to the interviewer.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Waiting…”
Parker seemed startled, but a wide grin appeared on her face as she was finally getting somewhere with the interview.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Imagine yerself at a port, and the ship weighs in, drops anchor and prepares for it’s next glorious voyage. Ye approach the ship, banging upon and screaming loud and clear that ye want aboard. Over and over ye scream, demanding to be let aboard, crying out that it is yer turn to climb on up and set sail upon the seven seas to a glorious destination of yer own choosing, to paradise itself, to everything ye have ever wanted.”
He spoke in riddles, the smooth talking Irishman confusing the wide eyed reporter as she stared him in the face, clearly trying not to look at his abs.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “But yer never let aboard. The ship doesn’t move despite all the screaming, besides all the crying, no matter what yer cry out whether pleading or insulting, whether polite or rude, whether ye on yer knees begging, begging for yer turn to clamber on board and sail out into the sunset.”
His hand motions became more dramatic as he rolled on with his speech, Parker looking bewildered as he went on with smooth, intoxicating sophistication.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “And then the black flag raises upon high, the anchor is weighed in, and the ship sails off wit’out ye, leaving yer simply waiting upon the harbour, everything ye ever wanted going off into the distance never to be seen again. Imagine that.”
He stared her right in the eye, Parker melting a little with a nervous grin as the handsome Irishman leaned in.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “Because that is the path for Eli Carlson, that is his fate in Spirit and Pride Wrestling. He will bang away, he will scream every insult he can, he will try to belittle one and all and damn everyone else. But he will never, ever make it aboard this ship. He can do nothing more than wait. And he will be waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting and waiting and he will not be going anywhere.”
He suddenly raised his glorious title belt high with his right hand.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “This be my ship.”
He then pointed to his chest with the thumb of his left.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “I’m at the helm.”
And lastly he opened his arms as he finished.
BRENDAN SAMUELS: “And as long as my flag is raised high, he will never make it on board. And for all those already on the waters… beware my sails.”
Samuels turned dramatically, heading off towards the ring after pointing skyward. Parker was frozen in her place from that display, turned to stone with that ice cold look. Moments past until she seemingly snapped out that trance of hers and cried out.
ALEKS PARKER: “Is that a no to the date?”
And with that, the scene cut away elsewhere.
______________________________________________________________________________
As the scene comes up backstage at the Hart Center, the camera shows a shot of Celeste sitting on a chair and looking very impatient. She taps her foot and rolls her eyes before glancing at her phone to check the time.
Celeste: Conner! Would you hurry up!? I need to get in there you know!
A few minutes ago, CJ came rushing into the locker room claiming that he had a surprise for Celeste and that he just HAD to show her.
CJ: Alright, alright! I will be out in just a moment!
He can be heard yelling through the closed bathroom door. A few more long quiet seconds pass by before CJ can be heard once again.
CJ: Okay, you ready?
Celeste: Yes..
She said that with no enthusiasm whatsoever as CJ comes out of the bathroom with enough excitement for the both of them. The shocked look on Celeste's face makes the camera pan over and notice CJ in his normal ring gear, his hands on his hips, a big smile on his face as well as the thing he wanted to show her, a big red cape is tied around his neck and hangs down behind him.
CJ: Pretty awesome huh!?
Celeste: It's... Something alright.
CJ: Don't hate, you know you like it!
Celeste: You really are taking this high flying thing seriously aren't you babe?
CJ shrugs his shoulders a bit and nods his head.
CJ: Yeah man! I mean not only am I going to fly through the ring, but I will fly through the competition and become the next National Champion!!
A roar of the crowd can be heard which is a little bit more louder than usual seeing as we are near CJ's hometown of Boston and in the awesome state of Massachusetts.
Celeste: I have no doubt about that, and soon we will both be champions.
CJ: Power couple!
Celeste: Yes, but I am going to be honest here... Do you think we will be taken seriously with you wearing a cape down to the ring?
CJ: You should know by now that I do not care what other people think. Let them have their opinions, I will let my actions speak in the ring. Though... my surprise is not over.
Celeste raises an eyebrow a bit towards her boyfriend wondering what he might mean.
Celeste: You mean there's more?
The big smile returns to CJ's face and nods his head before he rushes out of the camera view for a moment as the camera focuses on Celeste. She quickly begins to shake her head as she notices what CJ grabs and comes back into camera view with.
Celeste: No no no! No way CJ!
Once CJ returns, he has a cape just like his in his hand, but instead hers is pink.
CJ: Come on! You'll look GREAT in it!
Celeste: CJ!
Her shout falls on deaf ears as CJ has already began to fit her with the cape. Once he is done, he takes a few steps back and admire the view.
CJ: Damn you look hot babe!
CJ is the only one smiling in all of this as Celeste must be wondering either how to ditch and burn this thing, or wonder how she puts up with the things he does.
Celeste: I am not...
But before she can finish she is cut off by her boyfriend.
CJ: Okay now we have to learn how to do cool tricks with these things. When we wear 'em out to the ring we want to impress with them and not trip over them or anything like that!
As CJ continues to ramble on the camera begins to slowly fade out leaving the two alone to do what they need, like for Celeste, ditch this cape in the nearest dumpster.
______________________________________________________________________________
National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Nick Redfield vs. CJ Cross
It’s the start of the National Championship Tournament Quarterfinals and both Nick Redfield and CJ Cross are ready to go in the ring. The referee signals for the bell and the match officially begins. There’s a versatility of technique and power shared between CJ and Nick as they try to take each other down. CJ focuses on the chain of suplexes he knows very well while Nick centers in on his knowledge of piledrivers. Both men are scoring two-counts, but nothing quite telling of a verdict. It’s when Nick surprises CJ with a beautiful superkick that he gains full control. Redfield covers Cross, but only manages to get a two-count. Redfield sets Cross up on one of the corners of the ring and he adopts a move from his uncle, Ricky Valero, hitting Cross with “Burying the Hatchet” (Double Foot Stomp to an opponent trapped in the Tree of Woe). Cross collapses, Redfield covers with the hook of the leg, but it’s a nearfall. Redfield takes a moment to showboat to the fans, but Cross takes this time to gather himself. Redfield looks to finish him off with “The Sexiest Piledriver You’ve Ever Seen” (Omega Driver), but Cross efficiently counters with a springboard inverted DDT. Redfield’s slow to get up and Cross nails him with an enzuigiri while he’s still kneeling. To make sure Redfield’s down for the count, Cross takes him on the “High Cross” (Crucifix Powerbomb), hooks the legs while he’s down, and gets the winning three-count!
Winner: CJ Cross
______________________________________________________________________________
The scene cuts to the backstage area of the Hart Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. More directly to the locker room of Tyson Gregory, where Tyson is sitting on a metal folding chair looking rather content as he smiles at the camera. He lightly dusts off his oversized black shirt that covers his ring gear before speaking.
Tyson Gregory: So tonight is the first round of the National Championship Tournament here in the lovely Spirit and Pride Wrestling. It’s the main reason I returned to SAP after my undefeated run here when Julian Savell and myself massacred the tag team division and got bored and left. It’s a true story, feel free to look it up, SAP does a great job record keeping this kind of shit. So when I was reached out to, to be in this tournament I was like… Yeah okay, I’m game.
Tyson rubs his chin for a moment before letting out a hearty sigh.
Tyson Gregory: You all remember the announcement for this thing don’t you? My opponent, Johnny Maverick remembers it. He tweeted out “Looks like some legends, a few greats, former champions, current favorites & this fucking rambler.” When talking about this National Championship Tournament. Hell, he even hashtagged Thank you and Fucking Honored. I remember it because I was tagged in it Johnny was tossing out respect and expecting it back tenfold. Well life's tough, get a helmet.
He shrugs towards the camera.
Tyson Gregory: That’s when Johnny saw how I was said that it doesn’t matter who they were going to put me against in this tournament, I was going to win it all and how I felt bad for who I’d face in the first round. You know, that trademark Tyson bravado. That’s when Generic Johnny went all grr face at me and tossed his respect out the window. Saying he wanted an actual opponent like Geki Nitoh for the tournament but instead gets me who he can finish off between smokes. I guess Generic Johnny was tired of feeling fucking honored and got a bug up his ass or something, but that’s fine he can pull his whole one-eighty and play Billy Badass all he wants. Only thing with it is one, Geki? His team was the one Julian and I DOMINATED in the finals for the SAP tag belts. Sure he went on to beat his wife for the National Title but that night he was humbled by me. And secondly… Let me tell you why you’re going to be seriously mistaken by thinking I’m some smoke break beater…
Gregory leans forward now, an almost challenging look on his face as the intensity in his eyes starts to flare up.
Tyson Gregory: I’m a two time FSociety Champion, the only one ever to hold that championship more than once. I beat Adrian Cochrane for it the first time and then Adrian and Alex Jones the second time. That championship sits on the mantle in my home because my championship reign? It outlasted the company. I walked into Gulf Coast Wrestling and immediately took the fight to Cosmo Cooper. In fact I beat him one on one on my way to winning the Gulf Coast Championship belt. I then walked into Liberty Pro and changed the entire dynamic of the company by making sure Becky Balfour lost her championship. I took Anastasia Hayden to a draw main event. So let me ask you something Generic Johnny… What happens when I walk into that SAP ring? Here’s a spoiler…. Nothing good for you.
Tyson rises to his feet, the same intensity in his eyes as a smile slowly forms on his face.
Tyson Gregory: And as far as the world not revolving around me? Of course it does… I’m Tyson Fucking Gregory.
He lets out a small chuckle before turning and walking out of his locker room leaving the scene to fade to black.
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National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Tyson Gregory vs. Johnny Matthews
These two men well known by the SAP faithful went at it early in their first match in SAP in quite a while. The dislike was palpable as could be seen by the strikes they exchanged along with the exchanges they shared on twitter in the lead up to the match. Tyson looked to take the advantage early with a snap spinebuster but Matthews turned it around with a few suplexes. The two constantly went back and forth but then Johnny caught Tyson with “Snuffed” (slingblade” and was looking to end it. He lifted up Gregory for “Hangover Blues” (Gutwrench Neckbreaker) but Tyson broke free and spun Matthews around and caught him with “The End of Your Sorrow” (lifting single underhook ddt). Gregory made the cover and got the three count.
Winner: Tyson Gregory
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Nora Harris: Here we are… time for the National Championship Tournament Quarterfinals and lucky me, I get to face Geki Nitoh.
Nora holds up her hand as she steps into the light, bouncing on the toes of her boots and with a wide smile on her face.
Nora Harris: And I’m not even kidding, I’m really excited about this match, being in this tournament and getting to face a wrestler like Geki. He’s a guy that has really made his way back out of the wilderness and it’s pretty freaking awesome when you think about that. He was about as down as a man can go but he didn’t quit, didn’t give up… he came back to what he loves to do and that’s cool.
She grins and gives a thumbs up before she shakes herself a little.
Nora Harris: And I admire that drive, that hunger, a whole lot. But the facts are, he’s not the only hungry person in this tournament or in this match. I am climbing, I am moving upwards and forward and I don’t intend to get off this ride just yet. I am reaching for my first championship and I know, some of you will never understand just what that’s like. I didn’t manage to take down Ashley but she knew I could have, and on another night? I know I would have.
Nora nods, her hands going to her curvy hips.
Nora Harris: Now I’m going to go out there and see how I measure up against a vet like Geki, and I’m not going to expect him to be rusty… a guy like that? He doesn’t come back until the rust is off and he’s ready. So I just have to be… more ready.
Nora winks and then saunters off away from the camera, bouncing as she goes.
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The crowd was still on their feet, fully hyped by the action and intrigue that's gone on thus far. Their energy rose as a familiar harmony played through the well placed speakers throughout the area. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger’s opening theme playing loudly just as someone dressed in a fully accessorised Gokai Blue uniform and helmet stepped out from the back. Reaching up with the both of his hands, that man unlatched the helmet before pulling it off of his head to reveal ‘The Toku Titan!’ Geki Nitoh!
That bright, childlike smile dominated the entirety of his features. Taking a moment, Geki just stood there, letting the feeling of that overly positive reaction wash over him. A single nod of his head followed as he began his way down the ramp. Eagerly slapping hands with the fans on either side of him on the way down, Geki tried showing he missed them as much as they seemed to miss him.
Reaching that ring, Geki climbed up onto the apron before gripping the top set of ropes tightly, springboarding himself over the top, landing firmly upon his feet. Walking across the canvas, he ducked through the ropes only to be handed a microphone from a ringhand. Moving back into the ring, Geki stopped in the middle of the ring, moving to look around at the cheering crowd.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “Wow! Like really..wow! I can’t believe the reaction I just got. As good as it feels knowing I’m just moments away from being able to do what I love more than anything else..it felt even better when I stepped through those curtains to your cheers. I saw everyone’s well wishes. I read every ‘get well soon’ card filled with the most inspirational words I’ve ever seen. The support of you people is why I’m here tonight. Your support pushed me to keep trying, to never give up my dream of returning to this.”
Pausing there for a moment, Geki found himself getting a little misty eyed about the whole situation. Shaking his head, he simply brightened that smile.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “And now, here I am! Right back in the saddle and ready to pick up where I left off. I was the first SAP Wrestling National Champion. And what better way is there to make a comeback than to take my first step back towards that Championship? It’s not going to be easy. Not in the slightest way imaginable. But I’m ready for this. I’ve worked too hard to just stop here.”
A noticeable determination laid behind that bright smile and those kindly spoken words.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “Nora Harris is a great person. During my recovery, she was one of the ones who would check in on me, to see how I was doing with everything. Because of that, I see her as an invaluable friend. Because of that, I am that much more excited to make my return in this match. Nora is a world class athlete, there is no better test of my recovery than she is.”
Another firm words, a certain genuineness to the words he spoke in regards to Nora.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “It’s been a long time since I’ve had an actual competitive match so the rust is going to be there. But it’s going to be just like Gohan versus Lavender. Though, I can’t see Miss Nora using such dastardly tactics. This? The fight? It’s within you. No matter how long you’re away from it. No matter the situation surrounding it. Once you step back between those ropes..you can feel it. You can feel the spirit stirring. And when that bell rings, everything is back to how it should be. Thrust into combat.”
He moved around the ring, looking out at the crowd as they hung on his every word.
Geki Nitoh:[/b] “As important as winning this match is..I don’t ask for much. As long as I can come out here and give you all a match that you’ll remember..a match that will send you home with bright smiles and fond recollections then I’ll be happy. Nora. I hope you’re ready because I’m about to come at you with better than my best. I’m going to push myself to my limits and I know you’ll do the same. Tonight, we exceed those limits!”
Geki turned and walked back to those ropes only to duck between them to hand the attendant the microphone back. Returning to the middle of the ring, Geki began to limber up as he awaited the arrival of Nora Harris.
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National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Nora Harris vs. Geki Nitoh
The fans are incredibly excited for this National Championship Tournament Quarterfinals match, in particular, the return of the Toku Titan! Geki Nitoh and Nora Harris shake hands in the center of the ring and the referee signals for the bell. The bout between them is very even, plenty of back and forth action between Geki and Nora. Both wrestlers are very quick and agile with their moves, from a variety of kicks to an array of takedowns. Harris surprises Nitoh with “Good Lord Nora” (Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors Armbar) and tries to keep him in the hold, but Nitoh’s able to break out on his own. He counters with a couple quick strikes and follows through with a reverse hurricanrana, hooking the legs, but Harris kicks out. The control jumps between Harris and Nitoh for a while, but Harris ensnares Nitoh in the hustle, “She Hustled You Good” (Muta Lock). Once again, Nitoh struggles to fight his way out and he ceases the bottom rope to break the finishing hold. It seems like Harris has complete control before Nitoh catches Harris off guard with a Pele kick. He gathers his energy and executes his signature springboard backflip into a reverse DDT. Nitoh doesn’t hesitate to climb to the top ropes and take off, perfectly landing the Gokai-Oh (Lightning Spiral) on Harris! Nitoh covers Harris, hooks the leg, and scores the three-count for the victory!
Winner: Geki Nitoh
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The camera is backstage right by Avery Quinn’s office. A woman is seen walking down the hallway. Only as she gets closer do we realize that it is Lennox Daniels. She takes a breath and then a smile overtakes her face as she walks into Avery’s office.
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National Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match
Rachel Redding vs. Andre Holmes/b]
These two have been in the midst of a bit of a rivalry lately and each of them wanted a win here not only as a way to spite the other but to move on in the tournament. The match started off even but then Rachel took the advantage within the first few minutes. Redding tried to break down Andre with her signature stomps and then went to work on the leg of Holmes. Andre fought hard to try and keep Rachel at bay and then slowly started working things back into his favor. He managed to connect with "Dancehall Party" (Kobashi Chops followed by Roundhouse Kicks into the chest then ended by an Exploder Suplex in the corner) and then looked to take this home. As Rachel got a knee Holmes struck catching her with the “Thrust Kick “superkick to a kneeling opponent”. Holmes made the cover and got the three count.
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The camera cuts to backstage where Tegan Taylor is bouncing up and down on her heels. She has a lollipop in her mouth and a half eaten bag of Skittles in her other hand. She has on her colorful wrestling gear and does a few random kicks at the air. One kick almost connects with Stone Hendrix as he pushes the locker room door open. He leaps backwards a bit shocked.
Stone Hendrix: Whoa Teg! Watch where you are swinging those things.
Tegan Taylor: Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I just have a lot of energy and someone sent me a candy bouquet and I may of eaten too much of it and now I'm full of energy! Did I say that already? Anyway I just am ready to go! I wanna jump in that ring and kick some faces!
Stone laughs, putting his hand on her shoulder and trying to keep her holding still for a moment.
Stone Hendrix: I sent the candy but I didn't expect you to eat it all before the match.
Tegan Taylor: How do you expect me not to eat all those treats?! I love Skittles and Reese's and Snickers and Starburst and....
Stone Hendrix: Are you nervous? You seem a bit on edge.
Tegan Taylor: Nervous? No. Maybe. No. Yeah I guess. Yeah, maybe.
Stone Hendrix: You will do great. Trust me.
Tegan Taylor: I just dont wanna let my partner down. Plus our opponents are a normal team so they gotta be more on the same page as us... Maybe I need some Nerds.
She goes over to the candy bouquet but Stone intercepts and grabs her wrist. He grabs her waist, picking her up and placing her in front of him.
Stone Hendrix: No more candy. You got this Teg. Now go out there and kick Bloodborn in the face for me.
Tegan looks up into his eyes for a second, finally holding still. She then jumps up and kisses him before turning to head out the door.
Tegan Taylor: If that is what you want me to do than that's what I'm gonna go do!
She winks and Stone slaps her ass. She takes the lollipop out of her mouth, putting it into his mouth, before hurrying out the door and heading towards the ring. SAP then shows Stone with a lollipop in his mouth and a smile on his face before the scene cuts away.
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West McFadden vs. Desiree Jenkins
The crowd was into this one early between a fan favorite and a well established veteran. The two locked up at the start of the match and West took over from there. The technically minded McFadden controlled most of the match with Desy only getting in pockets of offense. The crowd seemed to be split amongst them which only fueled them more. Jenkins made a push towards the end but West caught her with a superkick that sent her to the mat. He then locked in the “High Roller” (single leg crap). It looked like Desy might not be able to hang on long but then Dimitri Rigas hit the ring and attacked McFadden from behind. Rigas started to lay in the stomps on West but Desiree went right after Dimitri. Soon it was a three way brawl that had to be separated.
Winner: West McFadden by DQ
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A nearby camera is drawn by the lovely vision that is “The Stiletto Knife” Chelsea Pryce in The Killing Joke’s locker room. She’s leaning against the wall with her arms folded, her dark green eyes closed, and completed suited up for her tag team match. She stands on her wrestling combat boots and seems to be… meditating in a way. Drawing slow, deep breaths, she is rather calm for a woman of violent tendencies. The camera pulls back to show her partner-in-crime Allen Chaney beside her looking intense and focused in his ring gear as he wraps his hands. The camera pulls back even further to find Ollie Maverick holding an adorable raccoon and making soft cooing noises to the trash panda asleep in his arms. Finally, Allen’s focus is broken.
Allen: “You know what? I’m just gonna say it. Why the hell is there a wild animal in our locker room?”
Ollie: “Shhhhhh...He’s sleeping. He got all tuckered out when he was rifling through your gym bag earlier.”
Allen: “Please be joking. Please tell me you’re joking about that diseased animal putting its paws on my stuff. My toothbrush is in there Ollie.”
Ollie: “He’s disease free. Vet gave him the all clear. Plus he’s wicked friendly.”
Chelsea clears her throat to gain her partners’ attention.
Chelsea: “Allen, Oliver, focus. We have a task to accomplish. This tag team match is one that I fully intend to win. I only have one final run in the wrestling industry and I’m not going to allow anyone or anything to destroy it. Whether it’s the worst-named tag team on the planet, RAWGRAPS, the utterly useless BGTL, or the Zombie Vice Squad, nothing will stand in my way of glory. I’m not playing around anymore.”
Allen nods in agreement.
Allen: “It’s clear to anyone with a brain stem that Zombie Vice Squad were useless when we teamed up with them. All they had to do was stay out of our way and let the professionals do their work but no. They had to go and fuck everything up.”
Rocket releases an adorable yawn as he wakes up and looks up at Ollie who is quick to offer him a snack of a small piece of chicken. He eats the chicken before looking around the room and seeing Chelsea and Allen.
Allen: “Oh good. It’s awake.”
Rocket looks at Chelsea and reaches his little raccoon hands out to her like a baby who wants to be held by someone else.
Ollie: “Awww… Chelsea, he wants you to give him some cuddles.”
As Chelsea opens her eyes, there’s an icy glare in Ollie’s direction.
Chelsea: “...Oliver, I thought I told you to leave your raccoon at home. This is not a game. This is not a circus. I’m very serious about our upcoming trios match against the Zombies and Luca di Pushover. I am not here to have fun, I am here to prove that I still have what it takes to be a professional wrestler, most of all a champion. I am NOT going to deal with your pet when we’re in the middle of a show.”
She pushes herself away from the wall, folds her arms, and looks at Allen and Ollie.
Chelsea: “This is important to me… that’s why…”
Allen: “That’s why the three of us are going to make a statement. You can all say what you will about how ‘silly’ Ollie is, but the guy has racked up two wins in two matches since coming out of retirement here in SAP. Me? Fat jokes aside, I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been in my entire career.”
Ollie: “Hungry for French Toast?”
Allen: “Hungry for victory… but yeah, French Toast is by far the best of all breakfast foods.”
Chelsea: “...I still favor pancakes.”
Rocket makes a sad little whining noise as he realized Chelsea isn’t going to give him a cuddle.
Ollie: “Aww… it’s okay buddy. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”
Chelsea: “I meant it.”
She’s quick to respond, a slight narrow of her eyes before she sighs and shakes her head.
Chelsea: “...I refuse to fail again. Let’s go.”
Without another word, she passes Allen and Ollie as she makes her way out of the room.
Allen: “Right, let’s go for the heads. That’s how you deal with Zombies, right?”
Allen slams his fist into his palm and follows after Chelsea. Ollie sighs and boops Rocket on the nose. Before loading him into his pet carrier.
Ollie: “I’ll be right back, buddy. This nice cameraman is gonna look after you!”
Ollie sets he pet carrier beside the cameraman and leaves before they can offer protest.
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Bloodborn vs. Carter & Taylor
Right as the bell rang Ortega and Hemingway kept they’re tradition alive and attacked both Carter and Taylor. The brawl soon spilled to the outside, exactly where Bloodborn wanted it. Hemingway whipped Carter into the ring steps and Ortega went to slam Taylor’s head off of the apron but she blocked it and slammed Ortega’s head. Taylor then jumped up on the apron and got a running start and hit Hemingway with a dropkick. Tegan checked on Cailey and helped her up in time for Bloodborn to look to be back on the attack. The two women slid back into the ring to try and work the match in their favor. They worked over Ortega until finally Hemingway had enough and stormed the ring. Carter took him out with a “Sunsault” (moonsault), which allowed Tegan to go to the top rope and connect with T2 (diving double foot stomp) on Ortega. Taylor made the cover and got the win.
Winners: Carter & Taylor
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The camera cuts backstage, where Terrence Tillman is walking to his locker room, with nothing and no one on sight on the hallways.
As he reaches the door, he finally reaches it and opens it...
Tillman: "The hell!?"
*SWOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!!!*
As he enters the room, he's immediately showered by little brown balls that had been hanging from a bag on top of the door, all of them now spilled and littering the otherwise pristine tile floor.
Tillman: "FUCK!"
Upon closer examination, he realizes they're nothing but nuts. Looking annoyed and somewhat mystified, he glances at the hanging bag, then at something catches his attention. Of course, on the back of the door is a note that should already give away the identity of the prank's author.
"To "Terrific" Terrence Tillman:
Hey yo. How you doing, mang?
See, this shit started somewhile back, mang. Your cousin decided he wanted to interfere in one of my matches, and he got a swift retribution next time, 'cause that's how much of a nice guy I am, mang.
But he decided he wanted to be dumb enough to play with my partner, and THAT's when YOU decided to be dumb enough to get involved.
So I wanted to extend the same courtesy to you as well, chico, and given your promise to check my chin in the future, I thought it best you could check DEEZ NUTZ!"
P.S: You chicos wanna go to war?
You want a war?
YOU'RE GONNA GET ONE."
And as always, the note is signed by a traditional Trollface, and a single word.
"... problem?"
Tillman, raging, rips the note apart...
Tillman: "Gonna KILL that monkey ass bitch!"
... and slamming the door shut, storms out of the room.
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Di Paolo & Zombie Vice Squad vs. Maverick & Killing Joke
Luca was set to start the match against Ollie but as Maverick went towards him looking for a lock up Di Paolo quickly tagged out to Kowloon Zombie. As this was the start of the match it would clearly show a trend. Ollie used his high flying specialty to push the pace on Kowloon early but soon Zombie used his impressive power to put down Maverick. Only then would Luca tag in, lay in some stomps, and then tag out to Siberia. This became common throughout the match. Luca would only tag himself in when ZVS had one member of the other team down. This turned out to be the downfall of the team as Ollie, Allen, and Chelsea were all working together like a well oiled machine. ZVS finally got sick of Luca’s selfishness and Kowloon tagged him in. It wasn’t long till Ollie connected with “360 No-Scope!” (Jumping corkscrew roundhouse kick) and picked up the fall on Luca.
Winners: Maverick & Killing Joke
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“Another night, another multi-person tag team match.”
The camera pans up to reveal the Spirit and Pride X Champion, Jessica Sears, sitting atop of a large crate. Her X championship belt is resting over her lap and she tilts her head to the right in wonder.
JESSICA SEARS: “Don’t get me wrong, I like tag team matches. I like working with people. Well… most people.”
A sheepish grin crosses her face before she tilts her head to the right.
JESSICA SEARS: “But this is beginning to feel… repetitious. I am the SAP X Champion of Justice. I want to prove that I’m a fighting champion and defend my title more often. I’m willing to face anyone in the ring and put my championship on the line. I can’t exactly do that if Avery Quinn and Marisol Marniceau keep booking me in these kinds of matches.”
She raises her left hand and quickly adds to this.
JESSICA SEARS: “No, I’m not looking for trouble. I’ve had my fair share of conflicts with management. I don’t want to cause another rift. I just want to show the world that I am who I am… a champion who will accept any and every challenge.”
The Paladin lowers her hand over her belt and pats it.
JESSICA SEARS: “I know there’s a lot of tension in this four-v-four. On one team, you’ve got one of the most badass gals on the roster, Cartier, the new North Atlantic Champion, Celeste, the newly-transitioned North American Champion, Brendan Samuels, and myself. On the other team, there’s Matthew “Don’t Bet On” Gamble, Jaser Cruz, “Mr. Deathmatch” Joe Stanton, and one of the most egotistical bitches on the planet, Eli Carlson.”
There’s a slight groan of disapproval before she continues.
JESSICA SEARS: “I think my teammates and I can agree that Eli’s a massive headache. Seriously, if I can get in the ring with him and kick his ass BEFORE Brendan gets in the ring with him, I’d feel better. There won’t be anything left once Brendan confronts him.”
She massages her temples with her free hand before she settles that hand over her right knee.
JESSICA SEARS: “Jaser… what more do I have to say about him? I’ve beaten the kid three times, twice in singles competition, and one of those times defending my title. He’s tired of losing and it’s clearly frustrating him, but once again, he’s on the wrong side of the battlefield. I’m pretty sure the rage between him and Cartier is going to spill over again. Be prepared.
As for Gamble, he’s a tough guy. He goes down swinging in a harsh battle with CJ Cross and then he’s back up, swinging for days. Respect. I was a little careless facing him in the infamous ten person tag match. It’s clear that he means business and I’m not going to underestimate him again. This time, I’ll be ready for him.”
Jessica takes her championship belt and secures it around her waist. She uncrosses her legs and easily slips down from the large crate.
JESSICA SEARS: “In all honesty, I’m really excited about facing Joe. He’s a good friend of mine and we respect each other’s skill sets. We understand where the other is coming from. A while ago, I extended a challenge to him in a singles match and he accepted. I’m still holding out for it. That would be one hell of a match, don’t you agree?”
She straightens out her ring attire and walks up to the camera. Jessica looks into the lens, at the people watching, and flashes a grin.
JESSICA SEARS: “It’s game time, ladies and gentlemen. In this ‘French Toast Revolution’, who levels up and who shuts up?”
Raising her right hand, she covers the lens and the entire scene fades to black.
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Mariano Fernandez vs. Terrence Tillman
These two were more than willing to go at it right from the bell. Last shows incident and Manny’s pranks were enough fuel for both sides as both sides were trading early and often. It was kept even for nearly all of the match. Then Vince Steel made his presence known at ringside. Not long after that Trixie made her way out. The match continued for a few minutes but as soon as Manny took the lead Vince jumped up onto the apron. Trixie slid right into the ring and ran over to Vince and hit him with a superkick to the knee that dropped him off of the apron. As she turned around Terry went after her so she nailed him with a superkick right in the gut. Vince came back into the ring and Manny tried to insert himself between Steel and Trixie and paid the price for it as he leveled him with a lariat. Security was sent down and forced the two sides to separate.
Winner: Terrence Tillman by DQ
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The screen began shaking and vibrating ... thanks to the hands of one-half of the SAP World Tag Champs, PW Duos Champs, Masaru Inoue, as his partner Aurora was a couple feet behind him. He was drastically trying to forcibly correct the camera onto them as he smiled after setting it. The shaking and vibrations stopped and Masaru stepped back as his hand motions were like “Voila!”
MASARU INOUE: And there we have it, rightfully set on us. You know I am anxious for our match tonight with BGTL. After that loss to Cardiac Cardinal and Wildcat Alliance, this match tonight is needed! A nice little bounceback defense before we slay that happy couple in PW. Or am I selling these two girls short of a Starbucks Latte? Hm.
As if asking his partner and mentor, Maz was mainly asking himself as Olly made his sighting known, landing right on his usual spot on Maz’s shoulder. Aurora, reached over, petting Olly before feeding it something, hard to tell but Olly wasted no time in accepting and devouring.
MASARU INOUE: I shouldn’t be so disrespectful. They have been here for a while, working hard, trying to reach enough levels to gain some respect. They earned a shot tonight and well, what awful timing! One is a body-builder who chose this life thanks to her reluctant friend and they’ve built this great bond and this great company to showcase their talents but they never ever, ever, ever, e-v-e-r thought they would run into two people who enjoy teaming up and torturing souls. They thought there would be a happy ending in their story but they are sadly mistaken!
Masaru looked over at his partner who seemed just as prepared, still but fired up, looking ahead.
MASARU INOUE: You think those girls are prepared for such storm?
AURORA: Is anyone?
It’s a rhetorical question to be sure, a slight twitch of her plush lips shows that Aurora is vastly amused by something. Knowing her it's likely more than just a few things.
AURORA: Everyone likes to say that they ‘aren’t like everyone else!’ as if that’s surprising. We’re not all Stormtrooper clones, no matter what the pundits like to banter about on Twitter. The facts are the facts though, we have done more apart and together than they have. We’re not the types to be anything but what we are. It’s… a balance. I do a lot of good in this industry. I always have. I donate to charity, I train the next bunch over at RISE, I am everything they say about me in that ring and more. They aren’t ready for us, but I believe they’ll bring us what we want - a real fight. Those are precious, and to be treasured. Aren’t they Olly, what a perfect little owl you are.
Masaru, nodding while rubbing his hands together gently.
MASARU INOUE: I can feel it the negative energy that tries so hard to disrupt us, Rori. I know they hate the fact that Hell Is Waiting is collecting gold like IRS. We are the most dominant tag team today...all thanks to you! We made that promise and we’ve kept it. Our levels of Stamina are bar none and I bet BGTL thinks that we may be weak because of our hectic schedule.
Maz shook his head as Aurora went to say something.
AURORA: Everyone has to find their own comfort. If they want to believe that we are running hot and hard, and putting the race car into the red? Let them. It won’t matter in the end, it never does. The facts are, We ARE… as long as we say we are. Learn what you can from us while we’re here, that’s the best thing we can give you. All we want from you is the best fight you have. It’s that simple.
And with that said by the two, they both slowly wave their hands, a slow “Goodbye!” aimed towards their opponents as things fade to darkness.
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The Reeds vs. Cause and Effect vs. Outkasts vs. Sadboiz
The crowd was electric for this one as all four teams were bringing the heat from the get go. All of them knew a big win here could bring them closer to a title shot and none of them wanted to waste the opportunity. Sadboiz were the first team to get the ball roll for themselves as they sent Iris and Ollie out of the ring and then went right after The Reeds. The Laroux brothers then jumped into the mix and quickly started to turn things into their favor. The Outkasts then made their way back into the ring and the referee finally got order in the match. The tags were frequent and the action fast paced as each team was able to hit big moves but there was always someone to break it up. The Reeds and Sadboiz spilled out to the outside leaving Gabe and Xavier to deal with Ollie and Iris. Xavier had Ollie in the corner and worked him over before tossing him outside. Gabe went for a gutwrench powerbomb but then Charlie slid into the ring and went after Xavier. Gabe dropped Iris and headed towards Charlie. Both the ref and Gabe were looking at Charlie and Xavier and didn’t notice Lilah as she slid into the ring and caught Gabe with a low blow. Gabe dropped to the mat and Lilah then hit “Kiss The Ground” (sit out face buster) on Iris and made the pin getting the three count.
Winners: The Reeds
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Samuels, Celeste, Sears, Cartier vs. Carlson, Stanton, Gamble, Cruz
This match started out hot as each member of both teams wanted hands on their rivals. Tags were frequent in this one as everyone got multiple times in the ring against the others. The crowd was particularly interested in Brendan and Eli as Carlson seemed to be a slight step ahead of Samuels during their encounters. Stanton looked impressive while dealing with Celeste and Gamble was holding his own against Sears. Cartier and Cruz found themselves brawling on the outside more than once. Sears and Cartier started to gel as a team and it soon found a rhythm with Brendan and Celeste. Eli looked to be a bit frustrated with his team as time went on. Carlson thought he had the win after he hit “Your Coronation” (Pele kick) on Gamble but Samuels broke it up. From there things got more hectic and everyone was in and out of the ring. After a series of dives from both teams it was just Samuels and Cruz. The two had a short back and forth before Samuels connected with “Mac Lir” (Millennium suplex). Samuels made the cover and got the three count. Elijah stepped up on the apron and exchanged some words with the North American champ before dropping down and heading to the back.
Winners: Samuels, Celeste, Sears, Cartier
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World Tag Team Title Match
Hell is Waiting vs. BGTL
This was a main event people were clamoring for as two of the top teams in SAP were clashing for the titles. The match started off slow as each team was trying to figure out the other. Masaru soon changed that as he went from 0 to 100 in seconds and started bringing the heat. Ximena fought him off for a bit before tagging in Claire. They lured Inoue to their side of the ring and started using quick tags to wear Inoue down. Claire and Ximena kept up the pressure and had a few near falls. At one point Masaru broke free from Claire with a hard knee to the gut but Ximena ran into the ring and cut him off before he could make the tag. Masaru was starting to fade but refused to give in. BGTL tried to mount another attack to get the finish but Inoue was able to nail Ximena with a roundhouse kick that dropped her. Inoue made his way over and tagged in Aurora. Rori came in on fire and dropped each of BGTL with forearms and then when they came back up she went with her signature DDT’s. Masaru caught Claire with “Kill shot” (running knee strike to neck) and she went rolling out to the floor. This allowed HIW to set up “Hellfire” (tower of londrick) and they picked up the victory.
Winners: Hell is Waiting
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