Sign in to continue
-Marie Dubois/Madeline Phoenix/Silent Sorcery segment: I enjoyed this segment, was a nice fun way to start the show and was an interesting piece of character development for Kira as to why he has sticky fingers. He should just be glad White never caught him in his dressing room cus those fingers might have been broken! :-P
-S&M vs Silent Sorcery: Oh that moose! Good match and I'm actually glad that S&M won as the triple threat match will be interesting. Who's gonna take Umbra Maxima down? The match itself, while short was effective, good story telling and some fun spots. Good work.
-Umbra Maxima post-match promo: These guys are showing off, who even speaks Latin these days!
-Supreme open challenge issued: Awe poor Phil! I think I could really enjoy a feud with these two! Will be interesting to see how long it'll be before we see Supreme's alter ego show up too...
-White vs Justice: HAH! Lol... Justice was lucky White didn't go hardcore on his ass, otherwise the crew would've beeded to scrape him off the mat with a shovel and probably replace the mat itself too!
-Paige interview: I enjoyed this. Some nice character moments coming through. It's nice to see her in a relaxed place. And yeah, the year has been pretty crazy with some big ups happening. I especially liked the word association at the end. Nice way to finish off this piece.
-No DQ: Fischer vs Drummond: Let the bad blood flow. This was a good, quite even match. Could've easily gone either way, but I am also very happy to see a member of the Black Flame get humiliated. Was good too to see not too much in the way of hardcore style wresteling even in a No DQ, as I feel it could get very wearing and far too gimmicky (gonna have to keep an eye on that when I write my next matches...) but here it was used well and effectively for the characters involved and the story they're telling.
-Marie/Moxie seg: Enjoyed this seg! I guess I've always liked the Marie Dubois character and to see her get stuck in and dish it out against Moxie was very satisfying. And by the looks of things, Marie still knows how to do just that!
-Young attacked: Meh, it is what it is... Not much to say really except that as a way of moving the story forward it was fine. But then it was a very short segment.
-Marie/Sery seg: Hmm, what was Sery watching there? Has he found Skywolfs old private files I wonder... :-P Carrying on from the previous segment, again I'm enjoying this more fired up and aggressive Marie. If she were to come out of retirement completely, I would be down with that!
-Cain/Maddie/Hazel seg: Now this was interesting! This whole feud has been a wild ride and I've enjoyed it, even when Cain was riding the top of the wave. Here I can see a few cracks in his armour and resolve. The way he was played here was very impressive (though I gotta say, poor Moxie for having the crap kicked out of her for the second time! :-P ) and I'm still very interested in who this hacker actually is! I also like the fact that Maddie is picking up those allies she needs. On a slightly more personal note, I find it funny that the Black Flame haven't tried it against White or Tommy (story wise). It obviously shows a modicum of intelligence as having White actively hunting you or your group is a sure fire way to shorten your life expectancy to almost zero! :-D
And topping the whole thing off with a challenge for the Gallow's Pole? Perfect! I really hope we see Rhys Cain swing!
-White/Valentine Contract Signing: Whilst I didn't write this, I did proof read it and make a few small changes, but either way writing credit should go to LHeat.
On that note, this was a good segment, really showed the confidence that Mad Dog has gained over this year, but as they say, the stronger the pride the greater the fall!
Match of the Night: Gonna give this to Drummond vs Fischer
Moment of the Night: Not sure actually... I think I'll go with Madeline Phoenix outsmarting the Black Flame!
MVP: Gotta be Madeline Phoenix!
Really good show here, even with the lack of actual matches. A lot of meat to get into with all these story threads coming through and a really good show to propel us towards Gallows End!
Well Done peeps!
4CW Hall of Fame Class of 2018. Triple Crown Champion 2020. 2 times Universal, 2 times Tag team and 1 Time World Heavyweight Champion.
Wrestler of the Year 2017, Champion of the Year 2017, Most Improved 2017
Marie Dubois/Madeline Phoenix/Silent Sorcery segment
- Wrote it.
S&M vs Silent Sorcery
- Good back-and-forth match with a unique finish, to say the least.
- Even when he's costing SS a match, I still pop for Marquis.
Umbra Maxima post-match promo
- Not much to say, just a characteristically verbose statement from Maximilian.
- Looking forward to the elimination tag match.
Supreme open challenge issued
- Sweet. I've been missing Phil's presence of late, and a title match between these two should be fun.
- Like Gorgrim, I imagine Reamer will come out to play at some point. I mean, come on. It practically writes itself, right? I'd probably be into that, too.
White vs Justice
- More of a beating than a match, really. Amusing enough.
Paige interview
- Wrote it.
No DQ: Fischer vs Drummond
- Decent little contest with a cool finisher bit at the end.
Marie/Moxie seg
- Brutal.
- Huzzah! 😋
Young attacked
- Serves its purpose.
Marie/Sery seg
- Further Gallows set-up.
- Pretty sure Sery only looks at footage of his own matches on that laptop of his.
Cain/Maddie/Hazel seg
- Co-wrote it.
White/Valentine Contract Signing
-
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
no comments on the contract signing Paige? :-P
4CW Hall of Fame Class of 2018. Triple Crown Champion 2020. 2 times Universal, 2 times Tag team and 1 Time World Heavyweight Champion.
Wrestler of the Year 2017, Champion of the Year 2017, Most Improved 2017
She hasn't finished reading it yet. Review shall yet be updated and you shall be notified. 😋
Last edited by Witch Hazel (Mon-4-Nov-2019 17:07:00)
~*~So says Hazel~*~
Former Custom Cup Champion
Winner of 2018 Soul Survivor
On Paige's behalf...
I finished reading the contract signing. It's a good one. There's a really palpable tension between champion and challenger here. Valentine's personality definitely shines here, as does White's. Freight Train does a good job of sending a message so clear that even the always self-obsessed, seemingly unflappbale Jack Valentine has to hear it.
I also find it to be a glorious coincidence that I did a "Last Man Standing-esque" ending for the #1 contender's match last month, and now White has decided on that stipulation for the title match. Maybe it played an influential part, heh.
So yeah. Good stuff, guys.
~*~So says Hazel~*~
Former Custom Cup Champion
Winner of 2018 Soul Survivor
I’m so sorry this took me so long. November is a rough month for me!
Marie Dubois/Madeline Phoenix/Silent Sorcery segment:
Interesting opening segment here. I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but Gorgrim is right, it’s solid character development. I liked the whole card thing, it kind of reminded me of the card Joaquin Phoenix has in Joker. I was thinking there might have been a “Please Return to Owner” at the bottom lol. Some of our 4CW competitors are such softies in their free time. I had a feeling Witch Hazel might be seen again…...
S&M vs Silent Sorcery:
I am glad S&M, I would have been surprised if they didn’t, but you never know. This really sets up the PPV very nicely. So much riding on it. Nice finish to this match too.
Umbra Maxima post-match promo:
I really like that this segment started with the champs cutting off S&M’s victory celebration. Umbra Maxima have been THE team for quite awhile now, but I can’t help but think maybe they are a bit worried about S&M.
The stipulation has been selected and I think the name of the match says it all. “Total Elimination”. This match is almost guaranteed to have a nail biting finish and I’m looking forward to it. Segment was short but that’s all that’s needed. Umbra Maxima gotta be the heavy favorites here, but there is just a thread of doubt.
Supreme open challenge issued:
It’s like reading a segment I wrote. Our characters are so goddamn similar. Just oozing confidence. I was racking my brain to see who was going to walk out from behind that curtain. A newcomer? Another competitor trying to get that Grandslam Champion achievement? A legend? And boom! Good old Phil McGroin has decided to step up! And I love it!
Phil ain’t playin around here either. It’s about the title, it’s about revenge, and it could be Phil’s time! A win over Surpeme at Gallow’s End would do wonders for McGroin. I had almost forgotten about the seas of tables incident so I love that other factor to this here. And it’s true, Phil did not relieve a fair one in on match for the title either. I was actually hoping for a little more back and forth, but I still like it. Yet another match I’m looking forward to.
White vs Justice:
Squashed! Yeah White just annihilating Justice here in defense of his Hardcore title. Not much else to it except he’s now 2-0 since falling to the hands of Jack Valentine. Winkface.
Paige interview:
I really enjoyed this. Paige addressee everything after a few tough weeks. She’s calm in examining everything that’s transpired. The match with Brian White sticks out most. Since I came back in August of 2018, Paige was the first name I associated with 4CW, then getting the strap only cemented that. That spotlight has taken a detour momentarily, but the confidence hasn’t left her. Paige really gets across that, if I can fight, if I can stand, I’ll be there at the finish line. This is what a lot of people in America look for with their QBs and what not in sports. We may be done right now, but we’ll back there’s no doubt. Aaron Rodgers “R-E-L-AX” tweet a few years ago comes to mind. I actually think her comment about feeling a sense of relief, not being the hunted, only proves this. It may not seem like it on its surface, but it tells me she’s taking everything in stride and will be back.
The word association at the end was my favorite part. Something so simple yet so satisfying when done right. She is clever with her word choices. “Black Flame” = “Extinguish“ lol nice. But I can’t help but love:
“Jack Valentine”
“Soon”
If I come out of Gallows End still Champion. Meta and Kayfabe, the 4CW universe expects our paths to cross.
Awesome Segment.
No DQ: Fischer vs Drummond:
First off, I love that this match is NO DQ. Hardly see that when the tag team members square off one on one. Huge opportunity here for each competitor getting some time to shine. Brutal match, but a nice one to split up the segments and add some flavor to this feud. Great stuff.
Marie/Moxie seg:
Nice backstage brawl here. Had a feeling these two were gonna go at it eventually after what happened to Carstein. And I also couldn’t help but think this might affect certain scenarios going on later in the night. Things are getting violent in 4CW. Nowhere and no one is safe!
Young attacked:
Speaking of no one being safe, a very quick shot of a Young beat down. While I’ll agree it moves the story along, I do like that it gives credence to Murder of Crows always following the almighty dollar. I wouldn’t call it character development, but rather character status quo.
Marie/Sery seg:
I wish I remembered more of Marie Dubois as a wrestler and Women’s Champion. I’m struggling to fit her to the wrestling roll. I guess I’m intrigued (the the match itself will tell) on how good Marie actually is. I could see a scenario where she gets squashed, but I also can see a completely different one where she wins clean and strong. Sery is such a pushover lol.
Immediate Segway! Lol. The match announce was sudden, but interesting. Did Sery actually help or hurt Young? If either Crow walks away champion I’ll shit a brick! But all in all, this is a very interesting plot twist and element to the Young/Glock feud. Young has had that strap for quite some time. Does it change hands?????
Cain/Maddie/Hazel seg:
This is hands down one of the most fleshed out interesting storylines that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading from (at least I think) the very beginning! The whole creation and turn of the Black Flame. The revealing of Madeline Phoenix. The inclusion of long time ring announcer Scott Phoenix. The return of Carstein. I hope when you guys read any of my stuff, you get the slightest bit excited as to when I read this storyline. Especially, whatever crazy shit happens to top of the night.
Cain’s words are just dripping hate for anyone who isn’t Black Flame. The sadistic satisfaction Rhys get over mutilating his enemies and then boasting about the next week. God what a turn from the Rhys I remember.
Then the “Mad” Phoenix arrives and what unfolds next is like watching the Joker take over Gotham with Plan A, B, C, and D going off beautifully! Madeline is not only evening the odds by recruiting some friends, but finally getting the upper hand on Rhys. All this and to finish it off with the challenging and accepting of the match between these two. And it is none other than the Gallow’s Pole match. How perfect. I do remember my jaw dropping just a tad as a few realizations hit me. The execution throughout this entire segment is fantastic. This probably should have closed the show, that’s just how good it was.
White/Valentine Contract Signing:
This was fun to write, awesome input from Gorgrim. Gallows End here we come!
Match of the Night: This was close bc I love that S&M won but I’m going Drummond vs. Fischer. I love that No DQ
Moment of the Night: Black Flame/Madeline/Hazel, although Paige’s interview gave it just a bit of a run for its money in my opinion
MVP:Madeline The Mad Phoenix
Gallows End:
Absolutely stacked Card. Haven’t seen anything like it in quite a bit. 8 matches, 2 gimmick matches (1 big one), 4 titles on the line, and sorts of stipulations. I love it!
Last edited by LHeat87 (Sat-23-Nov-2019 03:59:31)
Former 4CW Champion
4CW Hall of Fame Class of 2019
4CW 2019: Champion/Wrestler/Moment
4CW Presents... Storm Front
From Full Sail University - Orlando, Florida
September 29, 2019
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
"Never Back Down" by Hyro the Hero plays through the Full Sail University, as the camera pans the local and passionate crowd. The famous voice of Scott Phoenix graces out ears.
Phoenix: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a cosy edition of 4CW Storm Front, live from Full Sail University, in Orlando, Florida! I'm Scott Phoenix, joined as ever by my ineradicable broadcast partners, Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts!
Jeffrey: Ooh, big words. I like big words.
Roberts: Fantastic contribution as always, Ray.
Jeffrey: Shame the same can't be said about when your mother gave birth. What a show we've got tonight, people! Tell us all about it, Scott!
Phoenix: My pleasure! Devon Drummond of Synth City Thrillers will take on Garret Fischer of The Liberation in a No Disqualification match! These two teams have been at each other's throats for a while now, and it continues tonight! Not to mention, Brian White is scheduled to defend his 4CW Hardcore Championship!
Jeffrey: But that won't be all White is doing tonight, as he also will have a contract signing with Jack Valentine for their 4CW World Championship match at Gallows End, and we will find out what stipulation the two of them will do battle for the third time in!
Roberts: And we will also hear from Madeline Phoenix, who has promised to address Rhys Cain's actions of last month. Speaking of which, how are you holding up, Scott?
Phoenix: I'm doing just fine. It's gonna take more than a beating to keep me down, mark my words.
Roberts: And I admire you for it, Scott - now, let's get this show on the road! We have tag team action coming right up!
Phoenix: But first, wait! It seems we have an unscheduled interview. Marie Dubois is standing by with Silent Sorcery. Marie?
In Silent Sorcery's atmospheric locker room, we see Marie Dubois sitting across from Tsukiko Mizuno, looking a little puzzled. Kiko's face, rather, reads as a mixture of concern and frustration.
Dubois: Uhh.. where's Kira? This was supposed to be a package deal, right?
Kiko pops the top on a bottle of her patented Anti-Bitch Juice™ and takes a swig.
Tsukiko: It was, but here we are. Part of me wants to say, "Oh geez Marie, I don't know!" But another part of me—
The door bursts open and none other than Madeline Phoenix enters, dragging Kira along by the ear. She enters the room without a word and stands Kira in front of his tag team partner. He's holding a sparkly, girlish tote bag. It looks new.
Tsukiko lets out an exasperated sigh.
Tsukiko: Aaand there it is. What's the damage, Mads?
Madeline finally lets go of Kira's ear, only to nudge him in the ribs.
Madeline: Go on. Show her.
Tsukiko: What? Show me what?
Hesitantly, Kira unzips the tote and produces a plush toy. The plush toy. Kiko goes pale for a moment, then shakes her head in disbelief.
Tsukiko: LICKY?! I mean... the Licky?! Oh Kira, no...
Kira's head hangs in shame and frustration. He signs in JSL a bit. When done, Kiko's own frustration slowly melts away in favour of sympathy.
Tsukiko: It got that bad, huh? And there was really nothing else around of interest, you just saw Hazel's door open and took her tote?
Kiko's kleptomaniacal compatriot nods weakly. With another sigh, Tsukiko stands and embraces her best friend, who weakly leans into the hug with his arms hanging at his sides. Marie lets out an audible "aww" nearby.
Tsukiko: Okay. Uhh.. let's just go make this right, I guess.
Madeline drapes an arm over Kira's shoulder when his hug with Kiko ends.
Madeline: No worries, Kiko—I've got this one. Just thought I should put you in the loop. I know you're good to take care of the aftershock, anyway, but this hit is a big one.
After a moment, Tsukiko nods. Marie, meanwhile, looks unsatisfied.
Dubois: Sooo... what about the interview?
Kiko chuckles.
Tsukiko: Yeaaah, that's gonna be a big ol' raincheck, Ma—
Madeline: How about you and your cameraman follow me, instead?
Dubois' eyes light up like a kid on Christmas.
Dubois: You mean—
Madeline: Nope! Tonight, it'll just be my own words, on my own time. But if you dig the drama, you can come see if we get a happy ending to this story. Call it a favour for a favour.
Phoenix doesn't wait for a response and just heads out the door with Kira trailing close behind. Marie's response is to usher the cameraman into the hallway. Soon enough, the duo reaches Hazel's (now closed) door, which abruptly swings open before Madeline can even finish rapping against it with her fist. Hazel lays eyes on Kira first—mainly because Madeline nudges him toward the door—and finally, Marie hanging out in back. Stepping up to the threshold, the light shows that her eyes are puffy from crying. Kira stands with his hands behind his back.
Hazel: Hei, Oki-Doki. [she turns to Madeline] You're the Phoenix girl, oikea?
Madeline smiles.
Madeline: Madeline Phoenix. Nice to finally meet you; I've seen some of your work, plus Kira here sang your praises many times when I trained with him.
Madeline's careful focus on Kira and omission of Kiko's name leaves Hazel confused.
Hazel: Kira sang?!
Madeline: Well, in a manner of speaking.
Hazel: Kira spoke?!
Madeline opts for the direct route.
Madeline: Kiko's mentioned some stuff over the years and said how proud Kira is of how far you've come. And when he was around, Kira would nod pretty hard in agreement.
Hazel grins at Kira.
Hazel: Really?
Kira nods pretty hard, but can't quite look Hazel in the eye.
Hazel: Aww. That makes Hazel feel oh-point-one percent better. You see, Hazel is super sad because she can't find her best friend anywhere!
Her eyes scan her room for the hundredth time tonight, eyes tearing up once more as she hopes that this time, Licky will magically appear. Still facing Hazel, Madeline angles her head and clears her throat in Kira's direction. Kira's eyes search too long for an escape route for Phoenix's liking, so she lightly elbows his ribs for good measure.
To his credit, by the time Hazel turns back to face her unexpected visitors, Kira is down on one knee, holding the half-unzipped tote bag aloft with Licky 1.0's head sticking out. Hazel squeals in delight and immeasurable relief, hastily unzipping the tote completely and pulling her faithful companion out of it.
Hazel: LICKY!!
Hazel hugs Licky tight to her chest for a long moment before the pieces start fitting in her head. Kira picks up the discarded tote bag, stands back up and offers it to Hazel. When she tries to take it back, Kira's already tense grip momentarily tightens further, but he ultimately lets go of it. Hazel tries to lock eyes with Kira, eventually finding success. She begins to tear up again.
Hazel: Why did you take Licky away from Hazel, Oki?
Kira's heart seems to break right in front of her. He holds up an index finger in a "one minute" gesture, then darts off down the hall.
Madeline: Um.. I guess he'll be back shortly.
Hazel's attention turns to Marie, who's as dolled up as ever.
Hazel: OooOOoOOoooh! You look so pretty, Marie! What brings you here? Are you friends with Madeline?
Marie's composure is visibly thrown off for a split second, but she makes a quick recovery.
Marie: I heard about Licky, so I was just coming by to offer my condolences when I bumped into Ms. Phoenix here.
Hazel ponders this, then shrugs.
Hazel: That's so sweet of you! For a moment there, Hazel thought you were just desperately chasing a story.
Before Marie has to drum up some more expert bullshit, Kira returns and passes a wallet-suitable card to to Hazel; it has some typed text on it. Hazel holds it up to her face, then looks at Kira.
Hazel: Um.. sorry, but Hazel can't read Japanese!
Kira gestures for her to flip it over, so she does. A little ways away, Marie ushers her cameraman to get a good angle on it.
Beneath this, hand-written in poorly formed Latin lettering, are two words, reading "Sorry, Hazel."
When Hazel finishes reading the card, she takes a moment to compose herself before speaking. Kira stands with his palms pressed together, hands held vertically in a distinctly Japanese gesture of apology. Hazel looks Kira in the eyes once more.
Hazel: Hazel accepts your apology.
Madeline turns to Kira.
Madeline: Alright. You're free to go if you like.
Kira offers one last gesture of apology to Hazel, then heads on back to his room. Satisfied, Madeline turns her attention to Marie and the cameraman, still lingering around.
Madeline: There ya go—all wrapped up with a nice little happy ending. It's been emotional, and I could really use a coffee. [she turns to Hazel] Hey, would you like something from catering? I can bring something by while you chill out with Licky.
Hazel: OooOOoooOOOooh. Maybeee... green tea with milk? Aaand... maybe something sweet? Something with caramel?
Madeline: Hell yes, now you're talkin'!
Madeline turns her head toward Marie.
Madeline: Marie, would you politely excuse us?
Marie's intense journalistic instincts take over.
Dubois: Madeline, are you sure you won't do just a short int—
Madeline holds up her open palm in a "Stop!" gesture before Marie can finish her question, then moseys on down the hall to find the catering table.
"Eternal Lotus" by RUDE." hits the PA system, to a respectable pop from the crowd. The former tag team champions, Silent Sorcery, come out on to the stage.
Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall ... and if S&M win, they will be added to the Tag Team Title match at Gallows End! Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan, weighing in at a combined weight of 332lbs ... OKI-KIRA ... TSUKIKO MIZUNO ... SILEEEENT SOOOORCERY!!
Kira and Kiko do their usual schtick, showing respect to one another, then head down to the ring together as an unbreakable unit.
Phoenix: Silent Sorcery have already earned a 4CW Tag Team Championship match for Gallows End - however, due to the dodgy circumstances surrounding Umbra Maxima's victory against S&M, S&M have a chance tonight to be added to that match - however, to do that, they have to beat Silent Sorcery!
Roberts: And let's not forget, Silent Sorcery are the ONLY other tag team to wear those championships since they were revived in 2016 - and beating them is not something you can just do easily. Sorcery are arguably the most experienced tag team in this company, knowing each other so well and having been together for a very long time.
Silent Sorcery get into the ring and acknowledge the fans, which gets a big pop from the Full Sail crowd.
"Head Like A Hole" by Miley Cyrus hits the PA system. Out comes, to a big pop, the one and only Senecca and the effervescent Dirk Meyer step out on to the stage. They walk to the edge of the stage, then stop and look at each other. Then, they both whirl their arms dramatically and point back to the curtain - and OUT COMES MARQUIS THE MOOSE!! The moose gets a humongous pop as he towers over S&M. Meyer smooths Marquis' face and they all come down the ramp confidently.
Carson: And their opponents, being accompanied to the ring by MARQUIS THE MOOSE ... weighing in at a combined weight of 570lbs ... SENECCA ... DIRK MEYER ... S AAAAAAND M!!!!
Phoenix: And here come said challengers, S&M. S&M are of course three-time Tag Team Champions, more than any other team in history! They also have a very... unique .... history, as a tag team. But they are back and better than ever, accompanied by the wonderful Marquis the Moose, and they want to take the tag division by storm once again!
Senecca and Meyer keep Marquis the Moose at ringside with a ringside assistant, giving him a handful of carrots to feed the moose, then slide into the ring together and face their opponents. Senecca and Meyer then pose for the fans, and take their corner. The referee checks over both teams and when satisfied everything is sound, he calls for the bell! Meyer and Kira start the match, with Senecca and Kiko on their respective aprons.
Meyer and Kira collide in a grapple to start the match and Meyer quickly turns it into a headlock. Kira quickly slips out and locks in a headlock of his own. Kira applies some pressure, but soon it's Meyer who gets the advantage, pushing Kira away towards the ropes. Kira comes back and Meyer goes for a clothesline, but Kira avoids with a low bridge and sweeps the legs, sending Meyer crashing to the mat. Meyer recovers quickly, but Kira pounces, whipping him to the ropes. Meyer comes back and Kira hits a Japanese Arm Drag!
Meyer gets back up and falls victim to a second Japanese Arm Drag immediately after. Kira then hits a standing moonsault and hooks the leg! 1...2... no! Meyer kicks out! Kira jumps back to his feet and takes out the recovering Meyer with a baseball slide dropkick! Another cover. 1...2...no! Kickout! Kira grabs Meyer and lifts him up, then attempts a Pele kick. Meyer swiftly avoids and slips behind Kira. He locks in the Full Nelson, with the intention of transitioning into a neckbreaker, but Kira sees it coming and slips down to a seated position, escaping the hold and monkey flipping Meyer down to the mat. Both Kira and Meyer get back to their feet at around the same time, and Kira takes out Meyer with a hurricanrana! Kira hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Kickout!
Phoenix: A thrilling back and forth here to open this match! Meyer and Kira are very evenly matched!
Jeffrey: Yeah, but eventually, something's gotta give!
Kira lifts Meyer up again, but Meyer fights out of his grip with a couple of right hands, then hooks up Kira and takes him out with a suplex! Meyer then grabs the leg of Kira and hits a DDT to the foot! He follows this up, with a launching catapult - but unexpectedly, Kira flies extremely close to his corner and TAGS in Tsukiko!
Roberts: Smooth! And now Kiko is the legal competitor!
Kiko runs into the ring and takes out the taken aback Meyer with a knee strike! With Meyer down, Kiko wastes no time in lifting him up and hitting a suplex of her own. She follows this up by climbing the top rope!
Phoenix: The Sea Witch is going up top! What will we see here?!
Kiko flies off the top rope, flipping in the air for Whisper in the Wind - but Meyer gets his knees up, which smash into Kiko's back! She collapses on to the mat and reels from the impact and Meyer takes the opportunity to roll over and tag in his partner! Senecca enters the ring, all fired up!
Roberts: And now Senecca joins the fray!
Kiko tries to get to her feet, but Senecca is ready and positions himself behind her, hitting a German Suplex! Senecca doesn't stop there! He repositions himself and, as Kiko once again tries to get to her feet, takes her out with another German Suplex! Senecca then turns and hooks the leg! ONE .. TWO .. NO! Kiko kicks out!
Phoenix: Those Germans from Senecca are no picnic, but Kiko has resiliency in spades!
Senecca decides to slow things down by grabbing Kiko and lifting her up in his arms, squeezing her into a bear hug! As Senecca applies the pressure, Kiko tries desperarely to wriggle free, or get some air in her lungs, but to no avail!
Jeffrey: The bearhug will take the breath out of anyone quickly if they can't get out of it!
Phoenix: The Sea Witch will have to find a way out of this quickly, that's for sure!
Kiko doesn't know what else to do, and only has a little bit of breath still left in her lungs, so she leans into Senecca's face and unleashes a SCREAM with all she has left!
Phoenix: The Siren Song! It's not typically how it's done, but it'll do the job!
Having his ear drum essentially burst is enough for Senecca to release the hold and drop Kiko to the mat. As he recovers from the discomfort, Kiko struggles to her feet, trying to get the air back into her lungs. She ducks under a clothesline attempt from Senecca, stops on the spot, and flips over with a Pele Kick! Senecca takes the direct hit and falls to one knee. Kiko takes full advantage, using his bent knee as leverage to jump up and execute a modified hurricanrana! With Senecca finally down on his back, Tsukiko suddenly jumps into the air and flips ridiculouslty, hitting the standing 450 splash!!
Phoenix: Wow! Tsukiko whips up a WHIRLPOOL! No doubt that took a lot out of Senecca!
Kiko hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Senecca throws Kiko off of him with such force that she is launched halfway across the ring! Senecca growls as he stumbles back to his feet. Kiko is right back on the offense, running at him with aplomb and jumping up for another hurricanrana - but this time, Senecca stops Kiko's momentum and reverses into a sitout powerbomb! ONE ... TWO ... NO! KIKO KICKS OUT!
Phoenix: Tsukiko kicks out! I thought for sure this one was over!
Both Kiko and Senecca lay on the mat, recovering from the craziness that just ensued. They both decide a tag is neccesary and head for their respective corners. While this is happening, outside the ring, Marquis the Moose is getting a little restless and the ringside assistants, who are clearly not trained to deal with him, decide to take a step back and leave him to his own devices. Senecca and Kiko get closer to their respective partners, and Kiko stretches her arm to tag in Kira - when suddenly, and unseen by the referee, Marquis the Moose has got a hold of a loose lace from Kira's boot! Marquis happily strolls across ringside with the lace in his mouth, causing Kira to suddenly lose his balance and come crashing to the outside of the ring!
Jeffrey: Look at that! Marquis wirth the assist! That's cheating, surely!
Phoenix: Are you suggesting S&M trained Marquis to do this?
Jeffrey: Of course not, that's preposterous! But it's a good reason why wild animals shouldn't be out here!
Roberts: Not scared, are you, Ray?
Jeffrey: I swear to fucking God, Roberts, you'd better SHUT UP!
Unable to tag in her partner, Kiko attempts to get back up and face her opponents. In the meantime, Senecca DOES tag in his partner! Meyer takes full advantage of this opportunity, and as Kiko gets back up to her feet, takes her out with the Downward Spiral.
Phoenix: And there it is! Meyer hits THE ECLIPSE!
Meyer kneels down and hookd the leg!! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Here is your winners, S AAAAAAND M!!
"Head Like A Hole" plays again as Senecca and Dirk Meyer celebrate their victory.
Phoenix: Well, there ya have it! Argue all day about whether it was fair or not, but S&M have won! This means they will be added to the 4CW Tag Team Championship match at Gallows End, and Umbra Maxima will now defend against BOTH these teams in a triple threat match!
Jeffrey: Marquis looks awful proud of himself!
Roberts: ... you can't be serious, surely?
Jeffrey: I am serious, and who the fuck is Shirley?
*S&M’s music cuts out and is replaced by "Taking You Down" by Egypt Central of Umbra Maxima! The 4CW tag team champions stand atop the stage all smiles. Maximilian has a microphone, and as the music fades out he begins to speak, despite the boos of the crowd.*
Maximilian: Congratulations. You actually managed to pull out the win. Et stulti aliquando etiam felix. Heh. But now onto other matters. We have been allowed to pick the stipulation for Gallows End as a result of your win. So my brother and I thought hard and we decided on a match that would suit our goal of destroying the tag team division. It is a Total Elimination Tag Team Match. To eliminate a team from contention you must pin or submit both members. The match is not over until at least, all four members of the two teams opposing you have been eliminated. You see, I have complete and unshakeable trust in Elfan. Should I fall, he will pick up where I leave off, as I would he, and we will do, what we always do. We will walk in champions, and we will walk out champions.
*He passes the microphone to Elfan*
Elfan: Cadas tu et luna sub umbra est scriptor.
*The champions drop the mic and leave.*
Roberts: What did Maximilian say at the beginning? Was that latin?
Phoenix: Even fools are lucky once.
Jeffrey: Lol nice burn on Roberts.
Phoenix: No, that’s what Maximilian said, one would assume talking about S&M. This Total Elimination Tag Match…I guess we’ll see which of these three teams truly is the best at Gallows End!
"Good Times" by Finger Eleven hits the PA system. The crowd give a relatively favourable response when 4CW Universal Champion Supreme steps out on to the stage.
Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, a former 4CW World Champion, 4CW Custom Cup Champion, two-time WAR match winner, 4CW Tag Team Champion, 4CW Hall of Famer, third-ever 4CW Grand Slam Champion and the current 4CW Universal Champion, SUPREEEEME!!
Supreme stands on the ramp with his title held in the air as some pyro explodes behind him on the stage. He drinks it all in, and then head down to the ring.
Phoenix: And love him or hate him, those accomplishments Carson just reeled off are all in fact legit. We know why he's here tonight - but who will accept his open challenge?
Roberts: I've been thinking about it and I just don't know! It could be anyone!
Supreme rolls into the ring and grabs the microphone from Carson, who then steps out of the ring. Supreme looks around with the title on his shoulder, smirking as his music cuts and he just absorbs the atmosphere.
Supreme: It had been so long since my last proper championship run I had almost forgotten what it feels like to be champion - and it feels AMAZING.
Pop from the crowd but Supreme continues onwards.
Supreme: And I don't see the point in wasting any time. I've given everyone a month's notice that I was going to issue this challenge and the time has come. So who in the back has the passion, the drive and the balls to square off with me at Gallows End and elevate themselves in a match against the Supreme One?
There is a tension in the air as the crowd await a response.
Phoenix: Who's it gonna be?
Jeffrey: I can't wait any longer!
"Numb" by Linkin Park suddenly blasts through the PA system. First comes Camera Man, and then, the unmistakable, the incomparable, PHIL MCGROIN steps out on to the stage. The crowd are happy with this proposed match up and cheer.
Supreme: Congratulations, Phil! You've just reached a new level of awesomeness, being associated with me. But let me tell you something - -
McGroin: NO! It's my time to talk!
Supreme raises his brow, but lowers the mic anyway.
McGroin: For a long time, I was happy where I was. I have become a 14-time Hardcore Champion here in 4CW, but last year at Gallows End, I made HISTORY when I WON the 13 Ghost Gauntlet! That's something not even Hall of Famers like YOU have been able to accomplish! Did I get the one-on-one title shot I was promised though? No. I got a triple threat, and I left empty handed! After that, the world seemed to forget about me! Until Revival, when I was taking part in the Lightning in the Bottle match. Now I know you remember that match, Supreme, given that you walked out the winner - but do you remember what else happened?
Supreme: I assume you're talking about when I sent you plunging into the sea of tables?
Big pop from the crowd.
McGroin: So you do remember... and I bet you are feeling pretty smug about it, right?
Supreme silently shrugs and nods to confirm he is indeed smug about it.
McGroin: Good. I'm glad you are smug. I want you to feel as smug as you possibly can, and I want you to think you are as untouchable as you think you do - because at Gallows End, I'm going to beat you for that 4CW Universal Championship. And not only will it put you in your place and bring you humbly crashing back down to Earth, but it will also show everyone that I, The Man Who Once Made A Cow Tap Out, am someone that you all should take VERY. SERIOUSLY. I'll see you on Halloween, champ.
McGroin drops the mic and clips Camera Man across the head, tellnig him to "hurry up" as they head backstage. Supreme nods in the ring, mentally preparing for his next challenge.
Phoenix: And there we have it! The match is official! Supreme defends the Universal Championship against Phil McGroin at Gallows End!
Roberts: And it seems there's a lot of ego and bad blood between the two, so this one is sure to be a rocket buster!
Jeffrey: Don't.... don't ever use that term again, Roberts.
"Wherever I May Roam" by Yashin hits the PA system. The crowd pop as Brian White heads out on to the stage, with the 4CW Hardcore Championship over his shoulder.
Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the 4CW Hardcore Championship! Introducing first, from Barry, South Wales, weighing in at 400lbs, the 4CW Hardcore Champion, BRIAN ... THE FREIGHT TRAAAAAIN ... WHITE!!
Phoenix: Well, it looks like we're getting an impromtpu Hardcore Championship match!
Roberts: Absolutelty! Brian White is nothing if not a fighting champion!
White gets down to the bottom of the ramp and enters the ring, then he leans over the ropes, waiting to see who his challenger will be. When "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco hits the PA system, The Freight Train grins widely. The crowd boo as Zak E Justice steps out on to the ramp, accompanied by a (smoking) Brad Croft.
Jeffrey: Hey, no cigarettes inside, asshole!
Phoenix: I'm not sure he heard you, Ray.
Roberts: Or he's simply choosing not to hear you.
Croft makes some notes on a notepad in between his puffs, while Zak E Justice goes ahead and walks down the ramp. Tonight, he's sporting star-shaped shades, several dangling sharkt-tooth necklaces and a pair of brass knucks on one hand.
Carson: And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 225lbs, ZAK E ..... JUSTICE!!
Justice rolls into the ring and begins to take off his shades and necklaces, but White isn't here to mess around! He grabs Justice and throws him across the ring, ripping his colourful shirt in the process. The referee calls for the bell for this match to begin! White lifts Justice and throws him into the corner. He tells the crowd to "shhhhh" and then instead of chopping Justice in the chest, simply punches him in the face!
Jeffrey: HA!
Justice stumbles out of the corner and falls into a belly-to-belly suplex from The Freight Train. White approaches Justice and notices for the first time the brass knucks he is wearing. Grinning, he props Justice back up to his feet, then points at the brass knucks and points at his own face. White then puts his own hands behind his back and leans forward.
Roberts: Look at this! White is telling Justice he can have a free shot with the brass knucks!
Jeffrey: What a generous champion!
Justice, still slightly groggy, assesses the situation, then shrugs and throws the hardest punch he can muster. White seems to react to it, "falling back" into the ropes, but then he comes back at double the speed and wipes out Justice with a huge CLOTHESLINE that sends him flipping 270 into the air and flat on his face.
Jeffrey: Justice's punch was so strong, it caused White to come back with double the power! What a tactic!
White's smile has now faded. Play time is over. He stands in the corner, and positions himself. As Justice stumbles back up to his feet, The Freight Train is unleashed, and he takes out Justice with a crippling SPEAR!
Phoenix: And there's the Runaway Train!! It's time to say goodnight to Zak E Justice!!
ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Here is your winner and STILL the 4CW Hardcore Champion, BRIAN ... THE FREIGHT TRAAAAAAIN ... WHITE!!
"Wherever I May Roam" hits the PA system again and White is handed his Hardcore title, which he holds up high.
Phoenix: Later tonight, we will see the contract signing between this man and Jack Valentine for the 4CW World Championship match at Gallows End! Don't go anywhere, ladies and gentlemen!
Back from the break, we're up close and personal at the commentary team. James Roberts and Ray Jeffrey are wearing their winning grins, while Scott Phoenix's face struggles to manage any better than being a mask of frustration and stress, as has become quite common of late.
Roberts: And now we take you live to Paige's locker room, with Gabriel Crowe standing by. All yours, Gabriel.
On the Tron, we see Gabriel Crowe sitting on a small chair across from Pilgrim Paige and Kinsey Kane, who are seated side-by-side on a sofa in Paige's atmospherically lit locker room. The girls have adorned the walls with strings of tiny bulbs that give off a soft purple light Instead of using the harsh white ceiling lights of the room, Paige and Kinsey have gone with softer tones, provided by incandescent bulbs in two all-black lamps. On the small table between Crowe and his interviewees is an essential oil diffuser that is lit from within by colour-changing LED lights. Crowe first addresses Roberts, then Paige.
Crowe: Thanks, James. And thank you Paige—and Kinsey—for allowing me this opportunity to—uh—to speak with you.
Paige chuckles.
Paige: No need to be nervous, Gabriel. I'm not gonna give you any grief. I had you come to me, so take comfort in knowing you're in no danger of having your journalistic efforts go up in smoke. You can ask whatever you like, I'm a pretty open book.
Crowe tries and fails to covertly breathe a sigh of relief. He also fails to hide how giddy he is about the situation, garnering some laughter from the Orlando crowd. For a long moment, he doesn't seem to know what to do with his hands—forgetting in the meantime that he's holding a microphone.
Crowe: (inaudible/indistinct)
More laughter. Paige grins, quietly amused. Kinsey, on the other hand, attempts to stifle a giggle—fails—and ends up letting out an loud guffaw instead. She covers her mouth with her hands, but the damage is already done: Crowe's cheeks begin reddening at a rapid pace. Recovering fairly quickly, Gabriel clears his throat, leans toward Paige, raises his mic and plants his free hand on his thigh.
Crowe: At last month's Storm Front, you and Brian White took each other to the absolute limit in a #1 contender's match that saw Freight Train pick up one of the hardest-earned wins of his career. How do you feel about that stellar match—and Freight Train's odds at Gallows End?
Paige grins a little.
Paige: I doubt it'll come as a surprise to anyone when I say Big Bri's odds are damn good. He's no stranger to success, no stranger to gold, and no stranger to dealing with strategic opportunists like Mad Dog. Trust me, I know!
This gets a nice little crowd response.
Paige: As for the match, well, I gave it all I had. In the end there, I didn't even know if I was up or down, that's how loopy I got knocked by that big bastard of a powerbomb! I pulled off one last little trick with the Spellbreaker on the way down, and I wouldn't be surprised if White's still feeling it—but it wasn't enough to keep him down for a ten-count. Valentine's quick and clever, but there's always something to be said for the Freight Train's abilities and endurance, and he's been on top of his game all year. I'm gonna be watching that match very closely; you can bank on that, Gabriel.
Crowe: Noted!
Gabriel's delight in how swimmingly things are going is totally transparent for a moment; then, he collects himself once more.
Crowe: *ahem* Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't touch on this year's Rumble in the Storm match, when your reign as 4CW World Champion ended. I'm a "glass half full" kind of guy, and was delighted to hear that your reign bears the distinction of being the second-longest World Championship run in 4CW history. How does it feel to accomplish such a feat? In your first reign ever, no less!
Kinsey: Hell yeah!
Still-antsy Crowe nearly jumps out of his seat at this outburst of enthusiasm from hitherto silent Kinsey. She laughs.
Kinsey: Sorry, dude!
Paige: As you may have noticed, you're not the first person to hype that fact. It's pretty wild, and seeing all the comments about it online is almost as surreal as when I won the belt in the first place. The loss itself stung, and damn I would've loved to be the one to break Wolfbaine's record, but that's the way the cookie crumbles some—
Kinsey's eyes light up and bulge out.
Kinsey: Cookies! Do they have cookies at catering, Gabriel?
Crowe: Uhhh... maybe?
Kinsey makes a speedy exit, off on a cookie quest. Crowe is bewildered.
Crowe: What was that all about?
Paige: I accidentally said the magic word. Can't mention cookies around Kinz; the girl's a fiend. It's her one weakness—and an endearing quality, if you ask me.
Crowe's eyes light up, much like Kinsey's did moments ago, at this segue opportunity.
Crowe: You've experienced some changes in your personal life this year. Your fans—myself included—are keen to hear anything you feel like commenting on. Penny for your thoughts?
Kinsey returns with a few colourful cookies in her hand. She merrily stuffs one in her mouth.
Kinsey (mouth full): Shogud!
Paige: Yeah, it's been one crazy ride so far. Reconnecting with Hazel, burying the hatchet with Freight Train, Revival with Scharff, and being with Kinsey. Champion, not champion.. all of it this in under twelve months. I'm very grateful for the journey. It's good to be busy; it's great being so active this year after so many past injuries; and having Kinz in both my personal life and right here with me in 4CW is absolutely invaluable. When I really think about it all, I wouldn't change a thing.
Crowe: Not even the outcome of the Rumble?
Paige: Nope. It's great being at the top and mark my words, I'll get back there again. There's also a lot of pressure and everyone's gunning for you when you're the champ, so there's actually a measure of relief I've been feeling lately. Now, with all that said—how about we switch things up a bit to finish? Let's go off-the-cuff altogether!
Poor Gabriel is all thrown off, but nods his head nonetheless.
Crowe: Uhh... hmm. Maybeee... word association? Rapid-fire questions?
Paige smiles.
Paige: Alright. Let's combine the two. Bring it on!
Crowe: Okay, uh... Tommy Young?
Paige: Future.
Crowe: Supergroup?
Paige & Kinsey: Bro!
Crowe: Supreme?
Paige: Ego.
Crowe: Black Flame?
Paige: Extinguish.
Crowe: Madeline Phoenix?
Paige: Resilience.
Crowe: And just one more—Jack Valentine?
Paige: Soon.
Crowe looks pretty pleased with how this little game turned out. He addresses Paige's last bit of word association.
Crowe: I was gonna ask what the future holds for Pilgrim Paige, but I think I just got my answer. Any closing thoughts you'd like to share with the 4CW Universe?
Paige's eyes meet Kinsey's.
Paige: Just one.
The camera follows them as they stand and move in close.
Paige & Kinsey: WOOOOOO!!
Carson: The following contest is No Disqualification match, scheduled for one fall!
"Eye of the Storm" by Killswitch Engage hits the PA system. Boos fill out the arena as one half of The Liberation comes out through the curtain. The younger, smaller Liberation member comes out and marches right to the ring, giving the fans no acknowledgement.
Carson: Introducing first, on his way to the ring, from Rotterdam, Netherlands, weighing in at 220lbs, The Rotterdam Raven, GARREEEEEEET ... FISCHER!!
Roberts: Last month, Reuben Kojo humiliated Fischer's partner Bruce Rigg in a matter of seconds, but The Liberation went to town on Synth City after with the help of some steel chairs! Tonight, Fischer is in action against Kojo's partner, Drummond, and The Keeper of the Keys has revenge on his mind!
Jeffrey: And it looks like Fischer is in no mood to mess about, either! This should be a downright fight!
Fischer slides into the ring and goes to the corner. "Wayfarer" by Kavinsky hits the PA system. The crowd jump to their feet in approval at the sign of Devon Drummond breaking out on to the stage, and despite the bad blood in this situation, Drummond never lets down the crowd by grooving on the stage with some robot-style dancing and shades. Then, he throws the shades, points at Fischer in the ring, and makes his way down.
Carson: And his opponent, from Leeds, England, weighing in at 215lbs, the Keeper of the Keys, DEVOOOOON ... DRUMMOND!!
Phoenix: And here comes Devon Drummond, tremendously talented in his own right and - well, it looks like he's not waiting around!
Drummond breaks into a run and slides into the ring. The referee sees this and calls for the bell. Fischer and Drummond clash in the middle of the ring with a flurry of fists and elbows. Drummond gets the advantage with a few good elbows and whips Fischer into the ropes.
On his return, Fischer ducks under the clothesline attempt. On his return from the other side of the ring, he knocks Drummond down with a clothesline of his own. Fischer then runs to the ropes and jumps on to the middle one, spring boarding into a moonsault and hooking the leg. 1...2...no! Kickout from Drummond.
Phoenix: Frenetic action to kick this one off!
Fischer gets back to his feet and whips Drummond into the corner. Fischer runs at Drummond, but Drummond gets a boot up. Fischer eats boot and stumbles back, and Drummond grabs him and launches him up and over the top rope, crashing to the outside!
Roberts: And there goes Fischer!
Jeffrey: But Drummond isn’t finished here!
Inside the ring, Drummond launches himself through the middle rope, crashing into Fischer with a mean elbow smash!
Phoenix: What a dive through the ropes! And a nasty elbow to boot!
On the outside, Drummond jumps to his feet and pulls out a steel chair from under the apron. The crowd pop as he brings it down on the back of Fischer!
Drummond throws the chair back into the ring, and then Fischer after it, before rolling back in himself. Drummond then jumps on the ropes, and hits his own springboard moonsault!
Phoenix: Rage Against The Dying Light! Drummond showing Fischer how it’s done!
Drummond hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... Kickout!
Roberts: And this match continues!
Drummond lifts Fischer to his feet, then knocks him down again with a European Uppercut!
Phoenix: Gotta love the Beat of the Drummond!
Drummond motions it’s time for the end! He kneels down, grabs Fischer’s wrist, and locks in the grounded top wrist lock!
Phoenix: Drummond locks in The Damned, United! This could be all she wrote for Fischer!!
Jeffrey: He’s gotta get out of this, fast!
Fischer reels in his stuck position, writhing around trying to escape the hold. His wrist bends in a nauseous way when suddenly - he’s free! Fischer slips behind Drummond. Drummond stands back up and Fischer lunges in with a LOW BLOW!!
Phoenix: Ah, what the hell!
Jeffrey: It’s no disqualification, Scott! This is completely legal!
Phoenix: Doesn't mean I have to like it!
Drummond collapses to the mat in agony as Fischer stumbles to his feet, still clutching his hurt wrist. He shakes it off and then climbs to the top rope!
Roberts: The Rotterdam Raven is going up top!
Fischer flies off the top rope with an elegant Shooting Star Press, crashing on top of Drummond!
Phoenix: Quote the Raven! I hate to say it, but this one is likely over!
Fischer hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... NO!! Drummond kicks out! The crowd respond with shockwaves of electricity!
Phoenix: I was wrong! Drummond isn’t done yet!
Fischer grabs Drummond and attempts a swinging neckbreaker, but Drummond slips out of the hold! Drummond lifts Fischer on to his shoulders, and it’s the cross legged Samoan Driver right on top of the steel chair!!
Phoenix: It’s Coming Home!!
Drummond hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Here is your winner... DEVOOOOON ... DRUMMOND!!
"Wayfarer" by Kavinsky hits the PA system and Drummond rolls out of the ring, raising his arms in victory. Inside the ring, Fischer recovers groggily and once he realises what happened, looks furious.
Phoenix: It seems like Fischer got his comeuppance tonight - but this rivalry isn't over! At Gallows End, Synth City Thrillers will take on The Liberation in a Tornado Tag Team match - and having both teams in the match at all times will provide a whole new aspect to this collision! Gallows End is shaping up to be one hell of a show. Don't go anywhere - we'll be back!
The camera cuts to the commentators' table, and Scott Phoenix, Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts all look serious at the camera.
Roberts: On our last show we saw the shocking return of 4CW Hall of Famer Carstein, and all hell broke loose as Rhys Cain and the Black Flame -
Phoenix: Let me re-phrase that for you James. That mother-fucking piece of shit Rhys Cain and those bastards in the Black Flame.
Jeffrey looks at Phoenix, equally shocked and impressed.
Jeffrey: Woah careful Phoenix, we're not R rated.
Roberts: Anyway, Cain powerbombed the returning Carstein from the ring apron and through our own table, which the Black Flame had set on fire. We've since learned that Carstein was rushed to a local hospital and was diagnosed with severe burns. He's currently in an internationally renowned hospital to treat his burns, and for his safety, the exact location is being kept a secret. Whether we ever see Carstein here in 4CW again, we just don't know.
Jeffrey: I wasn't always his biggest fan, but I don't want his career to end like that. He had a lot of big moments here in 4CW, and deserves a lot better if this is indeed the last we see of him.
Phoenix: Not just that, but you don't throw another human being into fire. Period.
Roberts: Carstein's long-time manager, and our own backstage interviewer Marie Dubois, was also involved in the chaos, and suffered a concussion as the result of a chair shot to the head by Cain.
Phoenix shakes his head in disgust, unable to find the words.
Jeffrey: Marie is here tonight, though we've been told by General Manager Sery that she won't be resuming her duties as an interviewer until she's better. Apparently he didn't approve the Silent Sorcery interview that almost opened the show tonight, and it would also explain why Madeline Phoenix refused an interview with her.
Roberts: We hope to hear from Marie later on tonight.
We head over to the commentators' table, but before anyone can say anything, Roberts looks away, listening to his head set.
Jeffrey: What are you doing, dweeb?
Roberts throws Jeffrey an annoyed look.
Roberts: I'm being told that there's a fight going on backstage.
Jeffrey: All right!
Roberts: We don't know who's fighting yet, but we've got a camera crew backstage now to see what's going on. And I think -
On the tron, we see a corridor backstage. The video is shaking as the cameraman is running.
Roberts: Yep, we've got a live feed.
Shouting, screaming and loud bangs can be heard as the camera crew, along with some refs and backstage officials, rush into a loading bay area, where Moxie of the Black Flame and Marie Dubois are beating the living hell out of each other. They're both in their street clothes: Moxie wearing jeans, sneakers, plain black t-shirt and leather jacket, and Marie in ripped jeans, black boots, plain black tank top and her hair tied back in a pony tail.
Jeffrey: Woohoo!
Phoenix: Go Marie! Teach that bitch a lesson or two!
Roberts: For once I actually feel safer down here by ringside!
The refs shout at the two to stop, and runs towards them to break it up. Moxie smashes Marie in the face with her right elbow as the refs reach them. Some of them push Moxie away, whilst others crouch down to check on Marie.
Roberts: Oh God, is she alright?
Marie sits up and touches her mouth. She looks at her fingers and sees blood, then a look of pure poison spreads across her face as she looks at Moxie. Before the refs can react, Marie's on her feet and charges at Moxie, screaming. The refs pushing Moxie away, turn around in time to see Marie colliding into them. She knocks the refs out of the way and grabs at Moxie, smacking her with punches. Moxie backs away and the refs grabs Marie's arms and waist, pulling her away from Moxie.
Marie: GET! OFF! ME!
Marie elbows a ref in the head, and manages to wriggle out of their grasp. Moxie runs at Marie, grabbing her and throws her into a brick wall. SMACK! Moxie grabs Marie by the back of the neck, and rams her into the wall again. Marie, slightly groggy, elbows Moxie in the stomach. With the wind knocked out of her, Moxie lets go of Marie and staggers backwards. Marie spins around, then hits her foe with a clothesline, causing Moxie to fall to the ground. As she falls, Moxie grabs Marie by the arm and pulls her down with her. Marie lands on top of Moxie, and drives her elbow into Moxie's chest, then following up with a flurry of fists to Moxie's face.
The refs grab Marie, and pull her off of Moxie. Smirking, Moxie spots what looks like a pipe. She grabs it, and runs at Marie and the refs. She swings the pipe, taking out a ref. In the confusion, they let go of Marie, who crouches and rolls out of the way. Moxie turns and runs at Marie, brandishing the pipe. But Marie's ready. She springs up to her feet, and kicks Moxie right in the mouth with a super kick.
Before she can tumble to the ground, Marie grabs Moxie and throws her into the wall. Moxie bounces off the brick, back into Marie, who grabs her again, and this time throws Moxie right through a glass window into an office! SMASH!
Roberts: Marie c'mon, this is going too far!
Some refs grab Marie, stopping her from carrying on the attack, and order her away. Marie spits some blood to the floor, and walks off, pleased with her handiwork. Other refs run into the office to check on Moxie.
Ref: Get some medics, we need help!
We cut back to the commentators, who look shocked.
Phoenix: I'm - I'm being told that Marie's been ordered to her locker room and GM Sery has cancelled her interview time with us tonight. And -- wait a minute -- there's MORE chaos backstage, I'm being told right now!
We cut backstage to a locker room where Tommy Young, who was clearly preparing for action tonight, is being attacked two on one by the Murder of Crows! Jason and Robert Crow stomp the hell out of him. Eventually, Robert picks up Young and whips him hard into the nearby lockers! Young falls on the ground and reels, as Jason and Robert Crow laugh as they head out of the locker room.
Jeffrey: Well, what the hell was that about?
Phoenix: Well, it's no secret that Murder of Crows can be bought by literally anyone!
Jeffrey: But who would even buy them to attack Young?
Roberts: Oh yeah, it's a total mystery. I can't think of anyone who has recently been bested by Young, who might not take it well.
Jeffrey: Shut up, Roberts! And while you shut up, we're going to take a small break. Don't go anywhere!
Roberts: We're heading backstage where, I'm being told, Marie Dubois is on her way to the GM's office. Apparently Sery wants a word with her.
Jeffrey: Ooooh, summoned to the principal's office. Or is it a case of Sery wanting a "word"? *wink*
Phoenix: *Trying not to smile* Will you stop?
Jeffrey: You're right, Sery's probably under-aged anyway.
The video changes to the backstage area and we see Marie Dubois, dressed the same as earlier but with a light blue denim jacket on, walking up to General Manager Sery's office. She reaches the door, and instead of knocking, just walks inside. Sery's sat behind his desk, his back to the camera and is watching something on his laptop. He turns his head, sees Marie and the camera crew, then frantically closes his laptop in a panic before we can see what he's watching.
Sery: Oh Marie, umm, hi!
Marie looks at Sery's laptop and raises and eyebrow.
Sery: Nevermind about that *clears throat, and speaks a bit deeper* Look Marie, I can't be angry at you for fighting with Moxie earlier, after what she and Rhys did to you. I'd do the same in your shoes.
Marie: Then why am -
Sery: You're not a wrestler Marie, you're our backstage interviewer. You can't go putting yourself in danger like that. You've already got a concussion.
Marie: Ex-wrestler Sery. I've wrestled plenty of times, and don't you forget that I'm a former 4CW Women's Champion.
Marie thinks for a few seconds.
Marie: Let me have a match with Moxie, lets do this officially. Me and her, Gallows End.
Sery: Marie, when was the last time you wrest-
Marie: I've been training, even while I've been interviewing.
Sery: *Sigh* Alright.
Marie: Hardcore match, with falls count anywhere.
Sery: Wait what?
Marie: It's not just last time. For weeks and months they've been pushing me around backstage, trying to intimidate me and not to mention Cain trying to have it on with me every time I interview him. I've had enough, and I want to end the whole fucking lot of them, starting with her. I want to punish her, destroy her.
Sery tries to argue, but Marie's cold heartless look makes him think otherwise.
Sery: Fine, you and Moxie in a hardcore match at Gallows End. I suggest though, that unless you want to be a 5-on-1 victim, you stay away from them for the rest of the show.
Marie smirks then leaves Sery's office. Sery turns to the camera man.
Sery: And since you're here, I need to address something. Earlier tonight, Murder of Crows attacked Tommy Young. Now I'm fairly certain someone paid them to do it, and I'm fairly certain that someone was Glock Nine. So at Gallows End, there will be a 4CW Custom Cup Championship match. Young will defend in a fatal 4 way against Glock Nine, Jason and Robert Crow. That way Tommy Young can get all the revenge he wants, and those lot will have to go against each other to win the match. I'm a genius. Now get out of here.
Sery dismisses the camera man and we cut back to the ring.
"As I Am" by Dream Theatre hits the PA system. The crowd are venomous in their toxic gas of boos that fills the arena almost instantly. The boos only intensify when the man himself, The Black Flame, walks out from the curtain, with a LED panels on the stage showing black flames and a smoky fog filling the arena.
Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, THE BLACK FLAME... RHYYYS ... CAAAAIN!!
The crowd welcome him, alright - with an array of boos and venomous shouts, even trash being thrown over the barricades as he heads down the ramp. Cain takes it all in with a shit-eating grin, then rolls into the ring and grabs a mic from someone at ringside. The music cuts out and Cain waits for the crowd to finish their tantrum before starting to speak.
Cain: Let me take you all back to last month! CARSTEIN RETURNED!!
Big pop from the crowd.
Cain: The Midnight Aristocrat, THE Carstein was back! It was an incredible moment in 4CW history, right? So that's why I KILLED HIM! DEAD! GONE!!
A huge eruption of boos from the crowd. A "FUCK YOU BLACK FLAME" chant breaks out. Cain acknowledges it with a raised brow.
Cain: Fuck me? Oh, no, no, no. Fuck you, you hypocritical pricks!
Phoenix: What the hell is that all about? Those people are the ones paying for your contract, you ungrateful asshole!
Jeffrey: Shush, Scott! Just let the man talk, will you? I don't want a repeat of last month.
Cain: You were all cheering for me five years ago when I was going to war with Carstein, but now ... now, apparently, that sick fuck is your hero? And you all wonder why the world is going to hell? Why we have world leaders who are as stupid as your ugly, fat mothers? This world is run by idiotic, moronic imbecils and when I say this world, I mean the world as a whole, but also the 4CW world. The people who run this show? Morons. The people who watch this show? Morons. The people who COMPETE on this show? MORONS. The only people with any semblance of intelligence, the only people with any slither of morality, the only people who see this for what it really is are THE BLACK FLAME. So, last month, we did what we had to do. We took Carstein, and anyone associated with him, and burned them all to ashes! Carstein got destroyed, Marie Dubois got the beating that bitch deserved, and precious Maddie Phoenix and her daddy over there learned who the real DADDY is and his name is RHYS CAIN.
At ringside, Phoenix is silent and steaming. Cain sees this and leans over.
Cain: Why don't you try and get fighty again, Scotty boy? I dare you to step into this ring with me, but I warn you, you'll get whipped like a bitch, just like you did last month, old man. You and your scrawny little rat of a daughter are like that nasty smell that invades a room when some fat slob has defiled the bathroom. That's you and your daughter. Skid marks of a fat loser. But don't worry, The Black Flame burns everything, including folicles of shit - and rest assured, by the time your daughter has been purged, there will be nothing left. And I will them come for you - and make sure you never utter another word across the airwaves again.
Phoenix is red-faced, seething, being held back by Jeffrey again. Cain bursts out laughing on the microphone, happy with the shit he's thrown into the fan.
Every voice in the arena—including Cain's—goes momentarily dead silent when the lighting changes and "Nocturnal Strains" hits the speakers!! Cain practically salivates at the prospect of getting Madeline Phoenix right there, in-person with him after a full day of anticipation. Madeline's entrance lighting is somewhat similar to Willow's, but with red spotlights dancing on the stage and then giving way to just one at centre stage. At ringside, Scott Phoenix can't help getting up out of his seat. His face seems to exhibit a complex range of emotions. Ray Jeffrey tries as best he can to settle his tormented friend down. All the while, Madeline's new entrance video plays: a highly stylized clip package that prominently highlights last month's brawl with Cain and his allies.
Jeffrey: Let's just wait and see what happens, Scott.
Phoenix: Wait? Wait for what? An ambush?!
In contrast, Cain gets a steel chair from a ring attendant and sits on it in the middle of the ring with a shit-eating grin on his face.
Cain: Come on down to the ring, Maddie! Let's have a chat, just you and me.
Phoenix's theme cuts out and in the low lighting, so too does her entrance video. This is soon replaced by a live video feed. Seen on the 4CWTron is a dimly lit room; at the centre, there's a black folding chair with a prop ring set upon it. Hanging above the ring is a Rhys Cain marionette with of all of its control strings wrapped tightly around its neck. The collective "rope" sways now and then, causing the marionette's head and limbs to loll to and fro. After a moment, scissor blades appear at the top of the screen and snip all the strings at once, sending the Cain marionette crashing down into the ring. With that, the Tron goes black. The real Cain watches on in mock horror, nearly falling out of his seat laughing when the marionette falls.
Cain: Is that the best you can do, Maddie?
From the darkness above, a knotted mass of ropes into the ring, causing Cain to jump out of his seat. He looks around wide-eyed, momentarily thrown off—much to the crowd's amusement. Cain recovers quickly and dumps the knot of ropes out of the ring, but can't help pacing the ring, visibly annoyed. At ringside, Scott stands, shouts to get Cain's attention.
Phoenix: Ha! She got one over on ya, huh Cain?
The Black Flame glares at Scott for a moment, then lowers his head and chuckles derisively to himself before turning his focus back to the Tron/entryway.
Cain: Cute trick. Can't wait to see what's next!
The Tron feed resumes and this time, Madeline Phoenix is right there, wearing her now-familiar slapdash, partial corpsepaint. It's hard to tell if she's still in the same room as before due to her use of minimal, candle-based lighting. She takes a couple steps forward, getting up close and personal with the camera. The crowd is all in for this.
Cain: Afraid to come down in person, Madeline? What a shame.
Madeline: Oh, I'm closer than you think. Don't you worry—I'll be with you shortly.
A wave of anticipation ripples through the stands.
Madeline: For now though, I have some things I'd like to say. First and foremost, I want to do something that's long overdue, and that's to thank the 4CW Universe for rallying behind me all year. It means a great deal to me.
The fans pop big in reply.
Madeline: Second matter to address is the sorry excuse for a man standing in that ring right now.
Cain laughs this off as well.
Madeline: When I came to 4CW, there was no way I could've ever predicted the way things have gone down. I came here to entertain people and try to make it in this business, and do it all my own way. Enter Rhys Cain: A man so insecure as to take a puppet show as a personal affront. A violent man who will escalate a situation without context, and then explain his vile actions away as if he's doing some greater good around here. A vile man who surrounds himself with like-minded or just plain mindless cronies, talking like he's the leader of some great cause.
She addresses Cain directly.
Madeline: The truth, of course, is that you're an insidious bastard who needs to be shut up and taken down. And you know what, Cain? I'm the one who's gonna do exactly that! You think you have some notion of what you're dealing with? You don't. See that's the thing about Phoenixes. Every attempt you make at burning us up, we just keep rising anew from the ashes. So the Black Flame can rage all it wants. When it comes down to it, there is absolutely no stopping The Mad Phoenix from rising! Every atrocious thing you've done to me has only made me stronger, and everything from now will be returned to you tenfold.
Cain starts to shout something back at her, but his mic suddenly cuts out. He raps on it a few times, to no avail. The tron goes dark. Everything goes dark. The lights then begin flickering at random intervals. In lieu of a functioning mic, Cain shouts out into the darkness.
Cain: More parlour tricks, Maddie?
Cain can barely be heard over the dull roar of crowd chatter. Naturally, his query receives no reply.
Jeffrey: Light. Bill. Now.
Scott Phoenix: No. This is something else entirely.
Jeffrey: Eh?
Phoenix: Call it a hunch.
In the darkness, ripples of lightning appear overhead, each strike preceded by a crackle of thunder. This, too, abruptly ceases, and back into total darkness we go.
Jeffrey: For just about anyone else I'd say watch your back, but in Cain's case I hope it gets ripped to shreds, so..
"Nocturnal Strains" takes over the PA system once more, complete with Madeline's new entrance lighting. As we get into the meat of the song, she steps out onto the stage to an overwhelming crowd response. The dancing red spotlights encircle her, then give way to just one, which centres itself over Phoenix herself. The Mad Phoenix throws her head back and spreads her "wings" wide; this is immediately met with a pair of pyro blasts going off on either side of of the Tron, leaving two columns of flames licking at the steel frame of the structure.
Roberts: Madeline Phoenix is making a hell of an entrance!
Phoenix: Something doesn't feel right here. Not right at all. And I bet it has to do with the rest of the Black Flame not being here to flank their lunatic leader.
Cain seeks out a working microphone, barking at anything at ringside that moves. He receives one from a jittery attendant.
Cain: NOW! NOW!
"Eye of the Storm" invades the sound system, met with a huge change in the atmosphere of the Full Sail arena. From the front row to the cheap seats, everything behind the barricade turns into a chaotic realm of fierce rage.
Roberts: Shock and awe, Cain's calling in his goons!
Phoenix: Dammit!
A stretch of time goes by with just the music playing. All the while, though, Madeline Phoenix's entrance lighting has remained, as has her entrance video. Eventually, The Liberation's theme song cuts out, replaced by only the crowd noise.
Cain: RIGG!! FISCHER!!
Madeline's entrance video glitches the hell out, then freezes. It's immediately replaced by a live feed of someone who's wearing a red demon mask and a black hoodie, shoving their face up close to the screen.
Roberts: Could this individual be our Tron hacker, one and the same?
Phoenix: Good thinking, James. May well be.
The stranger speaks using a voice masking device, producing a tinny, eerie rasp. They also use body language, talking with their (gloved) hands in greatly exaggerated fashion. In the background, of what can be seen of it at either side of the stranger's head, there are stacks of small computer monitors. They seem to be displaying the stranger's current feed.
Masked Stranger: Ooooh! What's this now? Oh where, oh where, could your faithful minions be?! Let's see if we can't find out.
The mask-wearer's feed is now swapped out with footage shot backstage sometime earlier. It lacks audio, but shows Madeline Phoenix talking with the Synth City Thrillers at the catering table. Then we get a smash-cut to Garret Fischer and Bruce Rigg laid out cold somewhere in the arena, which yields a very positive crowd reaction. In the ring, Rhys Cain is absolutely livid. He kicks the bottom rope in frustration. The stranger comes back on screen, grinning at Cain from under the mask.
Jeffrey: Ahaha! Whaddaya say to that, Scotty boy?
Phoenix: Yes! Hell yes!
Masked stranger (mocking): "Oh, shit! Now what am I gonna do?! Hmmmm. I guess it's all up to Moxie now!"
More footage—a little cleaner and with audio this time—shows Marie Dubois belting Erica Moxie across the back with a steel chair in one of the hallways in the back, earning a mass of cheers from the hot Orlando crowd. She then produces a pair of handcuffs from her purse. Marie locks one cuff around Moxie's left wrist and the other around a support beam of some nearby scaffolding. Marie then turns and looks right into the lens of the camera, revealing that this is happening as she flips Cain the bird. Satisfied, she struts away, and back to the stranger's feed we go. In the ring, Cain is losing it. The only coherent thing he manages to splutter is...
Cain: ZEPH—
Masked Stranger: Zephyris, right. Where could dear brother possibly be? Hmmm...
No cut to footage. Calm as can be, Madeline Phoenix begins sauntering down the ramp, haloed by the demon-masked stranger on the Tron. Instead, the stranger simply backs away from the camera and stands to one side, revealing the unconscious form of Zephyris propped up and tied in place on a black office chair. He, too, is wearing a mask: the all-too-familiar Willow the Widow gas mask. Spray-painted in red across his chest are the words, "Oh noes!" Beneath the message is a grinning red demon head. Back in the arena, Madeline reaches ringside.
Masked Stranger: Woo! Good times. Good times, indeed!
Cain: Damn you! What is this?! Who are you?!
The stranger just stands there, silent and unmoving. Cain throws down his mic in anger.
When Madeline climbs up the steps and onto the apron, Cain heads straight for her and... everything falls into utter darkness and silence, other than some barely audible ranting and raving from Cain.
Jeffrey: What now? I mean, what could possibly happen next?!
After a long, tense moment, everything seems to be back to normal: The lights are all up; the Tron is displaying the usual cam feeds; Madeline is still standing calmly on the ring apron; and Cain is—
THWACK!!!
—stalked and struck in the back by a chair-wielding Witch Hazel!! The Full Sail arena is electric!
Jeffrey: What a shot!
Roberts: It's Hazel! Where the hell did she come from?!
Phoenix: Oh, this is a thing of beauty! I don't know where Maddie gets her genius from—it sure as hell wasn't me—but my baby girl has spun a masterful web with no way out for that bastard Cain!
To his credit, Cain manages to keep his feet, partly by reeling away to the far corner and leaning against the turnbuckle. Hazel shrugs, drops her chair and heads out onto the apron. She then climbs up the ropes and nimbly seats herself on the top turnbuckle behind Cain, making room for her legs by pushing his shoulders slightly forward. From here, Hazel pulls Cain's shoulders back toward herself; raises her legs up; tucks her thighs beneath Cain's underarms; sways back and to the left; and, using the momentum, throws herself down over the ropes, crossing her ankles around Cain's neck in the process. For extra leverage, Hazel grabs the bottom rope, which in turn makes for an even more extreme angle! The crowd barely knows how to process this hellish Flytrap variation, but are going berserk nonetheless. At one point, unsurprisingly, a "HOLY SHIT!!" chant breaks out.
Jeffrey: WOOHOOHOOOOO, BEH-BEH!!
Roberts: I've never seen anything like this before! Absolutely brutal.
Scott is on his feet again, absolutely loving every second of this unexpected measure of comeuppance.
Good ol' J.R. Phoenix: That's gotta the the damnedest Flytrap I've ever seen, and it couldn't be locked in on a nicer guy!
Cain is in absolute, unbridled agony. Madeline Phoenix soon enters the ring and crosses it to where Hazel has Cain all bound up. Maddie calls Hazel off, but ultimately has to help her untangle herself from Cain and the ropes. Cain collapses in the ring, unmoving, while Hazel bumps lightly on the apron and rolls herself into the ring, exhausted in her own right. Lying on the canvas, she can be heard alternately breathing heavily and giggling over Cain's discarded microphone.
Hazel: Hazel was under the ring the whoooooole tiiiiiiiiime! 😄
The crowd bursts into laughter, and Madeline can't help herself from doing the same as she helps her new friend up off the mat. Pleased with her handiwork, Hazel slides out of the ring and goes skipping away up the ramp to the sounds of a very pleased audience. Madeline now finds herself alone in the ring, staring down at her arch-enemy. She bends down, picks up the mic and stands up straight, tossing her hair back in the process. On the canvas, Cain shows signs of life, but is ultimately down for the count.
Madeline: If you can hear me, Cain, then listen up. You want to play games? Fine. Know what I say? I say game on! Until tonight, you've managed to keep the table tilted in your favour. But now? Now we're on the same level—something I wasn't sure was possible to achieve when all this began. And make no mistake about it: I'm playing the long game. When this shit is all said and done, you can look back on this night and recognize it for what it really is: a small preview of what's yet to come. And where better to change the game than at one of the top game design schools in the country?
The fans go hard for the cheap pop. Madeline chuckles.
Madeline: Always wanted to do that. *ahem* Now. Let's get down to brass tacks: On October 31st, 4CW is going straight to the Gallows End! And I've put forward a special request to Sery to hold off on the booking of one match in particular. A match that one might call a Gallows End tradition. We talked about it a bit and we both agreed that there was one person who we'd love to see, uh—swing by for this one.
The crowd knows what's coming but delights in the anticipation nonetheless. In spite of himself, so does Scott Phoenix.
Madeline: Cain... I challenge you to a Gallows Pole match!!
Maddie drops the mic, kicks it over to her barely alert adversary and exits the ring, taking the steps just as she did when entering it. With her head held high, she walks up the ramp.
Cain: PHOENIX!!
At the top of the ramp, Madeline turns on her heel and faces Cain, who's managed to prop himself up into a seated position against the ropes.
Cain: I ACCEPT!!!
Madeline grins in satisfaction. Cain sneers through gritted teeth. And "Nocturnal Strains" booms through the speakers for the final time tonight.
Jeffrey: What a turn of events! Holy shit.
Roberts: You wanna call it, Scott?
Phoenix: For the first time since this insanity started, hell yes I do! *ahem* The Black Flame. The Mad Phoenix. The Gallows Pole. Who will prevail?
We shoot the ring which is now engulfed in red carpet, expanding to all 4 corners. A long dark wooden table sits in the centre of the ring with two leather conference room chairs on each side. Each side of the table is providing with its own wireless microphone. A clipboard with several white pages sits in the middle. 4CW Commissioner Sery stands in the ring with his own microphone in hand and dressed in a nice corporate suit and tie. He awaits the crowd chatter to die down before slowly bringing the microphone to his lips.
Phoenix: It looks like it’s now time for the contract signing!
Jeffrey: You figure that our all by yourself Scott? We watched them set up during the break.
Roberts: He’s pulling the audience in Ray, come on already.
Jeffrey: Let’s not insult their intelligence. The red carpet has been laid out for only one man. And that is none other than your 4CW Champion, Jack “Mad Dog” Valentine. Guess Scott is still feeling the effects from that beatin he took last week from Rhys Cain and the Black Flame.
Phoenix: Thanks for the reminder Ray. You are without a shadow of a doubt, an asshole. Anyway folks! Onto the ring and 4CW Commissioner…..Sery! What will that stipulation be!?
The camera focuses in on Sery and he picks up the clipboard with his free hand.
Sery: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for the official Gallow’s End 4CW World Heavyweight championship match, contract signing! Before this document can be signed, the two competitors will have to come to a verbal agreement on a stipulation to the match. It will be added to the official contract, and they will both add their signatures. So without further ado!
“Supernova Goes Pop” by Powerman 5000 hits and the crowd reigns down their usual mixed reaction, with the jeers overcoming any cheers. After a few moments two bald 6 foot 4 jacked men dressed in the same black turtlenecks, suit jackets, and sunglasses, one clean shaven and one with a goatee. They stand at the top of the ramp, leaving room in between them. Eventually Jack “Mad Dog” Valentine emerges on stage. He’s actually got his hair flowing freely onto his shoulders and he’s clean shaven. He’s wearing black dress pants with a black belt and shiny dress shoes. No jacket or vest tonight, but a plain white dress shirt that is 3 buttons open revealing some skin and chest hair. His signature sunglasses are resting hooked just below the chest hair on the first buttoned part of the shirt. And his 4CW Heavyweight Championship, looking very recently shined, rests comfortably on his shoulder. He looks out to the crowd almost laughing, as he’s in all his glory. Chewing a piece of gum obnoxiously, he stops at the top of the ramp, in between his “security” for a moment, and then makes for the ring.
Phoenix: Valentine looking as confident as ever. Not a care in the world.
Roberts: And he’s a fool for it. Whether I like it or not, he’s our World Champion. And that means he’s become the hunted. He’s looking completely loose and mark my words. It will bite him in the ass one day. And I think that day will be Gallow’s End. Don’t roll your eyes Ray. You’ll see soon enough.
Valentine reaches the bottom of the ramp and signals for his cronies to remain on the outside of the ring. He climbs the steel steps, enters the ring, doesn’t bother to pose to the crowd, and flips his title down onto the table, letting it slides a bit, nearly falling off. Sery gives him an odd look. Valentine doesn’t notice and instead sits on the far side, so he can view the entrance ramp. He leans back and kicks his feet up as his music cuts out. Sery glances at Valentine before raising the microphone to his lips again, Valentine acting as if Sery might as well be speaking from a press box.
Sery: And the challenger!
Yashin's cover of "Wherever I May Roam" hits and the Orlando crowd goes wild. The “Freight Train” Brian White steps out onto the stage with Miss Teri not far behind. He is in full wrestling attire, but is wearing a “Freight Train” shirt. He stops at the top of the ramp eyeing up Valentine and then the two goons at ringside. Miss Teri walks up beside White and glares as well. She says something and White’s focuses in on Valentine. Valentine can be seen grinning from ear to ear and chewing that piece of gum, moving it around in his mouth. White marches down the ramp with purpose, leaving Miss Teri to scramble to keep up.
Phoenix: The Freight Train looks angry.
Valentine’s smiling freely and carelessly says it all. He’s mocking him without saying a word.
Jeffrey: Valentine knows he’s already in his head. White can be as angry as he wants, he’s outclassed!
Roberts: I wouldn’t sell him short just yet, Ray. The overconfidence on Valentine’s part is going to bite him.
Jeffrey: You told us that’s already.
White reaches the bottom and the two guards take a step forward but White only encourages them, to Miss Teri’s dislike. White points at one and whips around to motion for the other to bring it on. The goons look to Valentine and he gestures for them to back off and allow White to enter the ring unopposed. White cautiously makes this way to the steel steps and after a moment, heads up. He walks along the apron and puts his foot on the bottom rope, while pulling up the middle rope. Miss Teri, who followed him up the steps, enters the ring. White steps over the top rope and stands before the gleeful 4CW Champion. Sery and Valentine signal for him to take a seat, to which he decides to remain standing. There’s a hint of dissatisfaction on Valentine’s face.
Sery: Brian. If you could, please? You’re making everyone uneasy.
Valentine drops his legs to the floor, swiftly leans forward, and swipes his own microphone up.
Valentine: Yeah sit down! Show your champion a little respect.
White’s face turns a shade of red as Sery looks increasingly agitated.
Sery: That’s enough Valentine. I have this under control. I don’t need any of your help.
Valentine: I want him seated! This is a negotiation! How about a little class!?
Sery: Enough! Enough already! Everyone relax!
Valentine glares at Sery for a moment, then back to White before he leans back again. Then the legs slowly go back onto the table and he chews his gum softly, not taking his eyes off of The Freight Train.
Sery: He does have a point Brian. So if you could compose yourself, please. Take a seat, we’ve got a lot to talk about.
White looks around the ring at everyone, but reluctantly moves for the leather chair. He pulls it out while focusing on Jack Valentine. He sits and slowly grabs his microphone.
Sery: Thank you. Let’s get through this nice, quick, and easy.
Sery holds up the contract to the competitors and the crowd.
Sery: The contract I hold is nearly complete. It only misses the stipulation to your match, as well as your signatures. So first things first gentlemen. What have the two of you brought to the table tonight? What will the match be? I will allow the current champion to speak first.
Valentine grins at that comment, reaching out and sliding his title closer to his side of the table. He calmly raises the microphone to his lips.
Valentine: Before we make that decision tonight. I gotta say, I was impressed last week. I think a lot of people were. Did you guys watch Storm Front last month?
Valentine gestures to the crowd and they cheer back, acknowledging the great show and most importantly, White’s huge win.
Valentine then points at White.
Valentine: This guy right here, this guy across from me. He defeated the most recent former 4CW Champion and he did it fair and square, all by himself.
The crowd cheers, Valentine then softly claps, mocking him. White can be seen just seething.
Valentine: It blew my mind! Paige was taking 4CW by Storm. Until I came along that is. But let’s give credit where credit is due. Because there’s not a soul out there, who expected YOU to be sitting across the table from me tonight!
The crowd boos loudly, Miss Teri sports a look of disgust, but Brian White seems to begin to be mellowing out.
Valentine: The fact is Brian, even with your impressive size and athleticism, even with all your strength, it’s not gonna make a damn bit of a difference. I’ve owned your ass in all of 2019 and on the grandest stage 4CW has to offer. So Gallows End, regardless of the stipulation, the result is going to be the same. This is all just a formality. Because there are three things in life that are certain. Death, taxes, and Valentine over White!
The crowd boos and Valentine waves Sery over to hand him the clipboard containing the contract. He takes it and sets it up in front of him, flips over a few pages and grabs a pen. He finds the page he wants and glances up at White.
Valentine: So Brian. I don’t give a damn what the stipulation is at Gallows End. Because it is a foregone conclusion. It is a fact! That the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship will be coming home with its rightful owner!
The crowd pours down with a mixed reaction, but mostly excitement for the match, as Valentine signs the contract before the stipulation has been added. He then disrespectfully tosses the clipboard in White’s direction.
Jeffrey: Power move right there boys! White should just throw in the towel now and save everyone some time!
Roberts: Brian White is the Number One Contender for a reason Ray. Valentine made a big mistake handing over the rights to name the stipulation.
Brian White grins and even chuckles before reaching out and grabs the microphone. He leans into it, instead of raising it to himself.
White: That was cute Jack. Sounded a little rehearsed, but nevertheless cute. I’ll admit, you beat me at Revival clean. You beat me at Rumble in the Storm fair. The difference between then and now? You got the drop on me Jack. I’ve never seen you before. I never took you seriously. I honestly barely heard of you. For being a 4CW original, for doing this for 15 years. You’ve only just been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Only just won your first 4CW Championship. I’ve already accomplished what took you 15 years to do. I’ve accomplished more.
White holds up one hand.
White: And I can count on just this hand, how many years it took me to do it. There’s something you can’t do Mad Dog.
There’s a small reaction from the crowd backing White, but it’s only when they see Valentine get visibly annoyed that they rev up the noise. Valentine’s face gets beat red and he bites his lip.
White: You got two early victories off of me. But what you’ll learn is that The Freight Train will adapt. I will get better. I’ve seen what you’re capable of now. I’m ever evolving and I will show everyone that this run of yours is nothing but a lucky streak. A blemish on the history books. There’s no doubt that you’ll revert back to your losing ways, you’ll start to whine again, and when things don’t go your way, you’ll run away again. Everyone knows it. It’s only a matter of time. And when I take that title from you at Gallows End, it’ll just move up that timeline. But I don’t just want to get that title back around my waist! I want and I will beat the living hell out of you!
The crowd roars for White. And Valentine’s angry face changes to concern. White is now standing and looming over Valentine. Suddenly, leaning back with his feet up, seems unsafe. Valentine sits forward.
White: While you were training yourself to come back for the 12th time, I was carrying the banner. I’m one of the main reasons 4CW is still afloat! I will still be here after you’re long gone again! And this time we do it for the greatest prize this company has to offer, so you will see a different Brian White! This time the Freight Train, the Unstoppable force, will annihilate the Immovable object! That’s why this match is going to a Last Man Standing match!
The crowd explodes as Valentine abruptly stands up and knocks his chair back into the ropes. A glimmer of fear flashes across his face, but he quickly frowns to cover it up. White ignores Valentine and starts filling out the contract. Valentine looks around widely and then reaches into his pocket pulling something out. He slips it onto his hand!
Roberts: Valentine just slipped those brass knuckles onto his right hand!
Phoenix: White, Miss Teri, and Sery all have their eyes on the contract!
Miss Teri glances up as the crowd begins to lose it with a barrage of mixed reactions, mostly just loud noises. She yells and covers her face. White and Sery looks and see the incoming swing! Sery flinches, but White steps back avoiding the attack! Valentine stumbles forward and White grabs him and starts pulling him over the table! Valentine’s nice dress shirt starts to rip right off of him! Suddenly, White is grabbed by each arm! Valentine’s security team has Brian White!
Roberts: This was a set up!
Jeffery: He knew they were there! Stop crying!
Phoenix: What’s Miss Teri doing!?
Miss Teri comes up behind the security guard with the goatee and low blows him! He releases White and grabs his groin! White uses his free hand and coldcocks the other guard! He stands dazed, but White grabs him around the waist and lifts him up! He turns and slams him in and through the table! Valentine just rolls out of the way. He grabs his title and slides out of the ring. He starts walking backwards towards the ramp, keeping his eye on White. The Freight Train looks and grins, nodding his head. He shouts something out to Valentine and then grabs the security guard who is holding himself, by the back of his head. He takes a big step and then forcefully tosses the big guy over the top rope! The security guard flies over the top rope and spills out onto the floor!
Phoenix: And Brian White, is cleaning house!
Roberts: Ha! So much for that security!
Jeffrey: Worthless! Valentine just get out of there!
White grins and bends down to pick up the contract. He flips to the back page, he glances up at Valentine. Mad Dog back peddles up the ramp with his jaw dropped. White signs the contract and tosses it behind him. He yells out to Valentine and his music hits! Miss Teri by his side and mayhem in the ring. Sery just shakes his head and picks up the clipboard with the contract. Valentine’s attire looks as if he were attacked by a group of stray dogs. He holds up three fingers and mouths 3 and 0, although his timid facial expression doesn’t back up his confidence. White mouths a “we’ll see” and then motions as if the title is already around his waist. Valentine holds his title close and heads up the ramp. White holds his arms up to the crowd and they respond to his every move.
Phoenix: And there you have it folks! A Last Man Standing match at Gallows End! And it’s for the 4CW Championship!
Roberts: And just like that, White is in Valentine’s head!
Jeffrey: Don’t get too excited. Valentine bested White not once, but twice! In a singles match and in a cage. To win the Universal title and to defend it!
Roberts: But you heard The Freight Train! You will see a different Brian White. The stakes are higher and White now has the playbook on Jack Valentine!
Phoenix: I think it’s safe to say fellas, this is going to be a toss up! I’d be surprised if Valentine still felt as confident as he did before the turn of events we just witnessed! We'll be back on Halloween, for 4CW Gallows End! Goodnight, ladies and gentlemen!!
Quick Results:
-S&M defeated Silent Sorcery to enter the 4CW Tag Team Championship match at Gallows End
-Brian White defeated Zak E Justice to retain the 4CW Hardcore Championship
-Devon Drummond defeated Garret Fischer in a No Disqualification match
Writing Credit:
-Marie Dubois/Madeline Phoenix/Silent Sorcery segment: Paige
-S&M vs Silent Sorcery: Rhys
-Umbra Maxima post-match promo: Stingmon
-Supreme open challenge issued: Rhys
-White vs Justice: Rhys
-Paige interview: Paige
-No DQ: Fischer vs Drummond: Rhys
-Marie/Moxie seg: Compy
-Young attacked: Rhys
-Marie/Sery seg: Compy
-Cain/Maddie/Hazel seg: Rhys/Paige
-White/Valentine Contract Signing: LHeat/Gorgrim
Review Sheeet:
-Marie Dubois/Madeline Phoenix/Silent Sorcery segment:
-S&M vs Silent Sorcery:
-Umbra Maxima post-match promo:
-Supreme open challenge issued:
-White vs Justice:
-Paige interview:
-No DQ: Fischer vs Drummond:
-Marie/Moxie seg:
-Young attacked:
-Marie/Sery seg:
-Cain/Maddie/Hazel seg:
-White/Valentine Contract Signing:
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!