Sign in to continue
I just did my quick read through to read some segments and match winners. Obviously my review will follow.
But I just wanted to say that this PPV did not disappoint! What a stacked card that delivered! And some truly shocking results! I loved it!
Former 4CW Champion
4CW Hall of Fame Class of 2019
4CW 2019: Champion/Wrestler/Moment
Gallows Pole, Cain vs Phoenix
Wrote parts of it. Just wanna say it's been a joy working with Paige on this match and the feud in general. I feel like we've done something special here, even if I do say so myself.
Ultimate X Custom Cup match:
This was a fun match that told a good story with Glock's alliance with the Crows falling apart, just as most would have probably expected it to. Young retains and quite frankly is on a hell of a roll.
Torando Tag Team match:
Wrote it.
Dubois segment:
I thought it was awesome to see Dubois back in the action, both in ring and in promos. It's been far too long since we've had Compy grace 4CW with his presence and this is a welcome return.
Dubois vs Moxie:
The match was pretty brutal, and it seems that Marie has a long way to go if she wants to be able to keep up with the stars of today. I look forward to seeing what's next for her though.
Supreme vs McGroin:
A simple story for this feud, one of pride and championships and revenge, and it works. Lots of great action in this one. LHeat, great job. McGroin is unsuccessful this time, but I'm sure this isn't the last we've heard of him, considering he always has something to say.
Valentine interview:
Valentine being his naturally true heel self in all it's glory. Great stuff. His interview is great too because everything he brags about is true, and people may not like him, but they can't deny the facts of his success.
Total Elimination Tag Title match:
Great job from Stingmon providing us with an awesome showcase of our tag division. Subverted expectations with Elfan going early and continued on to be a fantastic match. Exciting things are coming for the tag division, that much I know.
Valentine vs White, Last Man Standing:
This was wild. Total mayhem. The plunge at the end - jesus, that's good shit. That's Undertaker/Foley level shit right there. Interesting finish, without a clear victor, which begs the question, where do we go from here? Technically, Valentine is still undefeated vs White, but he didn't beat White when it mattered on this show. Awesome job from Gorgrim and LHeat for providing us with a superb co-main event and a spot we'll likely not forget anytime soon.
13 Ghost Gauntlet:
Wrote it.
Match of the Night:
Valentine vs White
MVP of the Night:
Has to be Elfan Simtul, though there could be an argument made for Madeline Phoenix too.
Graphic of the Night:
Silent Sorcery graphic is on point.
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!
Whooo boy! now that was an experience! Well worth the wait!
Gallows Pole, Cain vs Phoenix: Ok, I'll just start with HOLY CRAP! What a match to start the show! The back and forth, the tension between the competitors, the spots and finally the finish! Was an insane match. Really setting the bar high there Rhys, thanks for that... :-P
Ultimate X Custom Cup match: Wrote it.
Torando Tag Team match: Hard hitting, tense, again, great feud work for these two teams, and a cool stip that doesn't get an airing often. Good job. And it's not often the Liberation come off with a victory! :-P
Dubois segment: I'll be honest, I read this with the New Orleans accent, and it was so great! Dark, brooding, atmospheric. Great stuff, and amazing to see Compy writing again!
Dubois vs Moxie: Ouch, poor Marie! Moxie went for it and Marie just was not ready. Ring rust is all very well, but going strait into this level of hardcore against a young, hungry competitor like Moxie was never gonna end well for Dubois!
Supreme vs McGroin: This was a fun match, both getting good offence in, good story telling. I think we could have a fun feud here between these two, especially considering how different they are! ANd it would be nice to see something other than the Hardcore Belt around Phill's wait, I will admit!
Valentine interview: What a way for Valentine to introduce himself in this PPV, smarmy git that he is! Nice work playing the interviewer, good job there.
Total Elimination Tag Title match: This was an unexpected match to say the least! As Rhys said, knocking Simtull out early was quite the shock, but also extremely effective as I feel that Yesgill get's lost in his larger partners shadow a lot, so great to see Yesgill get some real time. Good team work even between the teams, heavy action, and a great finish! It seems that right now there is only one team in 4CW that has Umbra Maxima's number.
Valentine vs White, Last Man Standing: Wrote it. Just gonna say, it's experiences like that that make me realise why people become authors! Finishing that match was a rush! (adrenaline based, not time based! :-D)
13 Ghost Gauntlet: This was quite the epic marathon. Some amazing showings from various wrestlers, not least of all Paige, Carstein and Maddie Phoenix. And speaking of Carstein, what a way to make your comeback! I was rooting for him to win the whole thing, I'll be honest, but having Simtull come out at the end, well, that was all she wrote for the Lord of the Night! I really enjoyed the various allusions to events earlier in the night, really gave a sense of continuity that was very pleasing to read. Great job again here Rhys.
Match of the Night: Gallow's Pole. I kinda wanna say the Last Man Standing match, but I'm not that narcissistic! :-P
MVP of the Night: I think Maddie Phoenix just comes ahead for me!
Graphic of the Night: The 4-Chi-W graphic. That last one about Roberts had me tickled.
Amazing show. Now to see where we go from here!
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
Gallows Pole, Cain vs Phoenix:
This has to be by far the best opening match AND Gallows Pole match, that I can ever remember reading. My God this feud. I almost forgot that Rhys had a victory over Phoenix at Revival because of that whole Willow stuff. But the beginning of this match, I thought Phoenix might take a serious beating and lose. But as it went on, I thought this match was going to end about 4-5 different times for either opponent. This match told an amazing story, was methodical, viciously brutal, even the commentary was on point.
“the bell has yet rung—or the noose has yet swung”
This line. Idk, it just made me laugh lol
I wasn’t sure where I’d put Madeline Phoenix on the card based on ability. I felt she was mid-card that happened to be in an upper-card feud. But between her entrance, her father in commentary, this massive win, and this ridiculously good feud. Would not at all surprise me if she’s pushing for World Title contention as soon as Revival. That just elevates this feud for me tenfold. What a joy to read, what a great decision to open the show with this masterpiece. Again, I can not wait to see what happens next. It can’t be over, these two are knotted up at 1-1. But holy fuck, way to draw the audience in guys.
Ultimate X Custom Cup match:
So I mentioned that I’d only seen this match with multiple participants when there was a one on one at Rumble in the Storm. That was a really nice solid match with some awesome spots.
Now we got 4 man match and I like the aspect of Murder of Crows being involved. Looks like Tommy is screwed but you know the betrayal is coming. Will it come right away? At the very end? It’s a trope that I don’t think gets old, because it makes sense for someone, for anyone to turn at some point. Title is on the line. That dynamic combined with the dynamic of the unique match, back and forth action. Will Tommy break the record for longest reigning Custom Cup Champion soon? Awesome job.
Tornado Tag Team match:
A good old tornado tag match! Synth City with all the momentum having beaten each member of The Liberation in singles competition. Also, The Black Flame off time a rough start with their leader taking a pretty big “L”
I honestly thought Synth City would take care of business here. Very quick match, albeit vicious. I did not know Tornado Tag matches were no DQ, maybe it was just this one. Either way, the fact that the announcers made it clear was a smart move, I appreciated it. The Shooting Star Press breakup of the pin was cool, I’m trying to imagine it in real life. Man the timing would have to be PERFECT. I like that he didn’t mind taking out his own partner to keep the match alive. I actually really liked the finish, how Drummond ate those shots and retaliated with a Headbutt, powerbomb onto the chair and the 3 count. Very good for them and very good for the Black Flame. We all know what Rhys Cain is capable of but his lackeys have been lacking. Well not anymore. Good stuff.
Dubois segment:
“4CW is on Fire. Order is up in flames'' it's a simple line, almost a throw away. And yet, I wish I used it first lol. Seriously, I can totally see Valentine doing something with that in a more complaining manner. Point is I’m jealous.
The analogies are phenomenal in this short segment before the match. A little history, a state of 4CW, and a declaration. I really liked this. This was very well written and I’m glad it was directly before the match.
Dubois vs Moxie:
This match is a good example of using nicknames or a combination of full names, first, and last throughout the match. I say this because, there were times where I’d read Moxie and the Marie a few times in short span and get confused for a moment. But I have to say, Compy did a good job in switching up the names (like the Maiden of Darkness) to make it easier to follow. Nice.
The match itself was almost what I expected but just written better then I imagined. Dubois hasn’t fought in so long, came out strong yet reckless, and the seasoned professional basically beats the crap out of Dubois. After the short brawl in the crowd (which is rarely seen, so I liked it) and Dubois took that rib shot. I started to see the writing on the wall. But the continuation backstage and the ultimate end to the match was done very well.
“Jeffrey: Erica Moxie takes Manhattan”
This made me LOL.
If you’re going to do something of a squash match. This is how you do it. This match still told something of a story, it still left future opportunities for a rematch or some kind of redemption. It also legitafies Moxie and combined with the Liberation’s win, The Black Flame as a whole. This was short for a PPV match sure, but I don’t think that matters. I really enjoyed this. Even the post match kicking her into the dirty sewer water just further painted the picture for me. You really did a lot with very little. This is an underrated match if you ask me. Great Job dude!
Supreme vs McGroin:
Wrote it. So strange to write a match with Supreme and not have myself involved.
Valentine interview:
Wrote it. Good God I love doing these!
Total Elimination Tag Title match:
God bless you for writing this match, so much to keep track of. I’d argue even writing the WAR match is easier. Still two teams and still two guys in the ring at one time lol
In retrospect, the early elimination of Elfan still didn’t make me a believer that they would lose the titles. I thought Maximillian would find a way, honestly. But seeing as how some other things turned out. This was a smart way to get the titles off of this dominant Tag Team. And it also does make sense that it be Silent Sorcery (I personally wanted S&M but I’m a mark for the oldies) as they do seem to be the only team to take them down. But at the same time I wouldn’t be sold on them successfully defending 2 on 2 regular Tag Match rules against Umbra Maxima.
It seems like a basic trope but I was ok with it. With one member from each team being eliminated first. If the match is entertaining, then I truly don’t mind.
One thing that did stick out that normally doesn’t in tag matches for me, was there was a lot of communication between teams and even enemies about handling the third man and other such scenarios. This is a wild match and we see this kind of stuff happen in the rumble and other similar matches. I like this dynamic, especially with enemies.
“*Maximilian and Oki-Kira stand up and nod at each other and then in a surprise move, Maximilian offers his hand to Oki-Kira! Oki-Kira looks at it for a moment and the audience is unsure if he should accept it or not but eventually he does and the two shake hands!*
Roberts: Surprising bit of respect there from Maximilian. He knows he needed Oki-Kira to put away Senecca or neither of them would walk out champion.”
The hand shake mid title match with the final two did surprise me here for sure. I get it, but the timing is a little odd to me. However, I appreciate the respect given to Senecca here. Now that I mention it, the commentary here was pretty on point throughout this match up.
It’s a bit of a shame to see a tag match come down to a one on one like this, but it was entertaining and how else could you end this match. Great back and forth and I liked (to me) the surprise victors! I have mixed feelings with the show of respect afterwards. We just saw something with Max and Kira and now this. I’ll hold off on saying much more, I need more context. Let’s see what happens with everyone involved going forward. Kudos for a nice write up post match, especially with the titles changing hands.
This had to be tough to write but you did a really nice job. I can’t remember being this invested into the tag team division like this before. The best thing about this division, is I truly never know what’s going to happen next. What team will get involved, what unique matches will we see, and now, who will challenge the new champs!
Very very entertaining title match with a surprise finish and obviously more surprises to come that only add to the story of this match. Well done sir!
Valentine vs White, Last Man Standing:
“Jeffrey: A No. 1 Contenders match win against Pilgrim Paige saw White gain this next opportunity at gold, and last month, he pretty emphatically told us all he was gonna get it. Hmmm, much like me when I meet up with your Mom after the show, Roberts! Hahahah!”
Deep burn! Lol nice history lesson write up. And I don’t say that like it’s nothing. I like these, I need these. This stuff helps with immersion like you wouldn’t believe and it’s fun!
Onto the match and Jesus H. Christ!
It’s at this time that I’m going to let everyone know that Gorgrim gets full credit for this match. Yes we discussed what we wanted to do, but that’s where my contribution ended. He wrote every word and brought it to life.
“Roberts: Umm, I think I see some brown still on your nose Ray....”
Lol nailed it!
Followed by how Valentine makes Carson hold the ropes open for him. Jesus you write Valentine better than I do!
I like the way this match was written. In the sense that for this to be believable. The smaller competitor (Valentine) is going to have to dish out considerably more damage to the bigger guy. And while Valentine sure took a lickin, he doled out a ton of punishment. That Kendo stick, an early Flea Shot, the ladder shots, all among a ton of smaller maneuvers. And I could almost perfectly visualize Miss Teri screaming “Get up!” and it working on White, much like Paul Bearer’s urn would work on Taker.
One thing you added that I don’t see a lot of, and I tend to forget myself, is showing the signs of fatigue, not just hurt or injury. Especially on Valentine’s part, who obviously has so much more to do, if he stands a chance at retaining. This also really empathizes “Last Man Standing”. Fight til one guy has literally nothing left.
Then wham! Poor Miss Teri. Ok I knew we were gonna do this, but still. Seeing White react to this and having my character in his crosshairs was still unnerving. How much do I actually trust Gorgrim with my character lol. When White grabs the chair after Miss Teri is hit, I felt like Valentine was the Joker in Batman 89.
Valentine: Hey man, come on! She jump in the way... Heheh, you know, it's like, her fault.... Right?'
Joker: I was a kid when I killed your parents. When you say I made you, you gotta say, you made me! I mean how childish can you get? Hey, you wouldn’t hit a guy with glasses? Would ya?”
Ok maybe not perfect but both me and the Joker are bad guys essentially pleading with the protagonist knowing we’re fucked. And what do you know…...we both took a big fall.
The commentary on the climb was fantastic, just further illuminating on how high they were going and how infuriated White is. Which is necessary considering he doesn’t just throw Valentine off, he goes with him!
“All semblance of wrestling skill has gone from Valentine by now” - Awesome line, so true
I love the fact that Tommy Young even comes out, almost as if the fall was like the Owen Hart fall. But Jesus man, for knowing what was going to happen, you still did a masterful job of building the suspense. And ultimately the payoff. Great job my man.
13 Ghost Gauntlet:
This match had the biggest shock value for me. I'm reviewing this the same way I reviewed the Rumble in the Storm match. You may have thought I did it that way bc I was in the match and won. Well HA! I’m not even in this. Honestly, taking yous through the match with me and my honest feelings is just the best way to go. So without further ado:
Right away I have an idea of how this is going to end. And right away I’m surprised to see Paige come out first. So my feeble mind goes to “has anyone won the Gauntly entering in at 1? Is that even feasible??” I hang with this idea for basically the first half of the gauntlet.
Paige makes quick work of Glock Nine, albeit he had a pretty touch match earlier in the night. And the same would go for Phil McGroin, they did both do a little bit of damage to Paige but nothing severe. See the narrative is there to see her go all the way. Insert Tommy Young, same story, tougher to put away but Paige does so. Our of 13, including Paige, we are already at 5.
I see Moxie and think, she really didn’t take too much damage, what could we see here? Ah, the swift roll up pin. Get em Paige! Enter Witch Hazel! Ok this could be tough, she’s fresh, she’s a former Custom Cup Champion, but Paige is on the road to get her title ba…...Paige eliminated. Wow!
So firstly, I love the fact that the person I thought without a shadow of doubt would win the whole thing, has been eliminated and eliminated early. So…...who is my top pick now?
Supreme next! Ok maybe I could see this. Hazel and Supreme have a good back and forth before Supreme shows why he’s a Hall of Famer. Stills. Good showing for Witch Hazel. Supreme then makes quick work of the Janitur.
And then boom! Out comes Carstein at #9! What a name to come out and back after a devastating attack, former World Champion. This makes all the sense in the world. This is my new pick. A really nice back and forth but Supreme going through a hell of a night, Carstein puts him away. Out comes Justice and as quickly as he comes in, he taps out. This feeling I got about Carstein, looking really strong now.
Maximillian now, this back and forth went longer than I thought it would. Max really put up a good fight against a Hall of Famer, AFTER defending the Tag Titles to the very end. If Umbra Maxima is really this good (Tag or Singles) then the writing could have been on the wall for me. But I didn’t catch it. Carstein looking strong.
Madeline Phoenix. This almost threw a wrench into the gears turning in my head. The match was super brutal. But it was the beginning of the night and Valentine did something similar at Rumble in the Storm. However, eliminating someone is more than an over the top rope maneuver away. Still raised my eyebrows. What a great matchup between these two here. I thought Carstein really was gonna be put away, but he sneaks up Phoenix (what a force she’s becoming) but Carstein inches closer to the finish line and my “prediction”
At this point I thought unless some legend were to walk out next, I thought it was a foregone conclusion. Even thinking to myself, why not have Phoenix and Carstein finish it, maybe even a screw job. But nope. Elfan comes out, essentially fresh, last entrant, and pulls it off clean. I would have never guessed. Honestly. Truly the shocker of the night for me. And then my head explodes with various different ideas.
I used to skim through these matches years ago. But now I truly look forward to them, I love the characters, I love the crossover with storylines, it reminds me of the height of the attitude era. This was the most entertaining match for me in regardless of potential storylines and what not. Fantastic job.
What a show guys.
Match of the Night:
This was really tough. By a really small margin, I gotta go with The Gallows Pole match. Whole card was great, but I feel like I just couldn’t go White v Valentine bc of my “involvement”. Both were award worthy. Gauntlet even deserves some serious praise. Gallows Pole by the slimmest of margins.
MVP of the Night:
Madeline Phoenix - Monumental win
Honorable Mentions:
Elfan - Biggest career win/did lose tag titles
Silent Sorcery - New Tag Champs!
Tommy Young - Domination of Custom Cup division
Graphic of the Night:
Makeup Tips With Madeline Phoenix, legit made me laugh out loud
Former 4CW Champion
4CW Hall of Fame Class of 2019
4CW 2019: Champion/Wrestler/Moment
Total Elimination Tag Title match:
God bless you for writing this match, so much to keep track of. I’d argue even writing the WAR match is easier.
On Paige's behalf:
You should see my 10, 000 word War match from 2017, then. 😋
Yes, I keep forgetting which account I'm logged into on which device. D'oh!
Last edited by Witch Hazel (Tue-18-Feb-2020 22:41:39)
~*~So says Hazel~*~
Former Custom Cup Champion
Winner of 2018 Soul Survivor
Nothing beats the challenge of writing Rumble in the Storm. That's a right bitch.
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!
Lol serious praise all around
Former 4CW Champion
4CW Hall of Fame Class of 2019
4CW 2019: Champion/Wrestler/Moment
Gallows Pole, Cain vs Phoenix
- Co-wrote it with Rhys.
Ultimate X Custom Cup match
- The Rey Mysterio entrance parallels are turned up to 11 tonight!
- Was waiting for that moment when the alliance ultimately fell apart, as it was a sure thing. Such is the nature of a big four-way.
- Tommy continues to reign over his division and looks good doing it. Who will prove to be the next big threat to his title run?
Tornado Tag Team match
- Just a good old-fashioned knock-down drag-out hardcore match right here.
- Gone Fischerin'.
- Doing a shooting star press with a bloody head wound is not advised by any still-practicing doctor.
- Liberation having their own takeaway from the crowd noise—faction consistency.
Dubois segment
- I wasn't around to really see Dubois' role as Carstein's "right hand", so this seg was a bit of a surprise. I find it kinda funny how strong the Coven vibes are, considering the aforementioned lack of familiarity. From what I know of Carstein though, it makes sense. Solid little talk piece/statement of intent, this. I like the imagery, the atmosphere, the drama. Good stuff.
Dubois vs Moxie
- Well, then. This is a match that quite literally goes everywhere!
- Moxie Takes Manhattan. Sounds like a limited edition Black Flame merch item. T-shirt, methinks.
- There's something about the way the brick wall spot was written.. I dunno. It didn't read like something that would wreck Marie to the point she can't really even defend herself, let alone get no offense in. I read it as though it was meant to be a simple push, but with the phrase "squashed against the wall" being used, I guess it's some kind of ramming attack.
- It's bizarre to me that no one is in utter horror and worry after a DDT on pavement. This absolutely should have yielded a bigger overall response, including things like calling for medical personnel, an update later in the night about Marie's condition, etc. The fact this basically just gets brushed over kinda takes me out of it.
Supreme vs McGroin
- I get a kick out of Supreme's ego. His overconfidence is far from unearned, mind. But aggravating opponents is always gonna get him in trouble.
- The pace of this one is really well done. The early goings feel kind of like Bulldog vs HBK at One Night Only.
- An odd little thing: I always like that move where a wrestler is on the mat/floor and in trouble, but suddenly grabs their opponent by the waist and hauls them into the corner/staircase/whatever. No exception in its use here.
- As nice as it is to see Phil hits his 360 splash, it's even nicer to finally get certain clarity on what the move actually is! 😋
- The many apparent three-counts felt a bit much to me, especially spread out as they are and written in full prior to the reveal rather than with fake-out tactics.
- Enjoyably competitive match, overall.
Valentine interview
- I like when, for all his confidence, Valentine's armour of egotism shows its cracks. He acts as though he's only obsessed with himself, but beneath that is a deep dark place where he can't hide his frustration with others' perception—about himself as well as about his competition. This interview displays that duality very well.
Total Elimination Tag Title match
- The joint effort to eliminate Senecca is pretty cool, and makes a lot of sense here.
- This one turned into a pretty decent cruiserweight singles match at the end. Didn't see that coming.
- Aaand Silent Sorcery is back on top! Wow. Two-time champions.
Valentine vs White, Last Man Standing
- Right off the bat, a small thing I enjoyed was Valentine making Carson hold the rope up for him. Just such a Valentine thing to do.
- "Jeffrey: When you're 2 for 0 against your opponent, I think you can afford to be! Hahahah!" Yeeeaaah... when that opponent is Brian White, one needs to be more concerned with being able to afford all the reconstructive surgery costs. xD
- The power dynamic between these two is really well-represented in this match.
- Probably just a typo or autocorrect issue here, but I assure you that "paraphilia" means something wholly different from "paraphernalia", heh.
- I like Freight Train going full bear mauling mode. It just works really well, especially in the Last Man Standing environment.
- "Recumbent" is a good word. Not one I've ever really used, myself, though I know it and like it.
- "Valentine rises like a phoenix from the ashes." Hey, that's my shtick! 😋
- Teri taking the chair shot is a really wild bit of this one. Intense.
- And then a freight train jumps a shark! xD Legit though, that's quite the spot.
- This was quite an 1-on-1 match that became an all-out war. Very engaging and intense contest. Real good stuff!
13 Ghost Gauntlet
-
Match of the Night
-
MVP of the Night
-
Graphic of the Night
-
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Mon-30-Mar-2020 23:16:47)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
4CW Presents... Gallows End
October 31, 2019
Live from Madison Square Garden
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
**PYRO**
Phoenix: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to 4CW Gallows End 2019!! I am Scott Phoenix, joined of course as always by Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts. Fellas, tonight we have one for the history books!
Jeffrey: No doubt! We have a stacked card tonight! Absolutely must-see from beginning to end.
Phoenix: In our main event this evening, 13 Ghosts will compete in the traditional Gauntlet match and earn themselves a 4CW World Championship match!
Jeffrey: Last year, it was Phil McGroin that made history by winning the Gauntlet! And speaking of McGroin, tonight he will go one on one with the 4CW Universal Champion Supreme, one on one!
Roberts: Supreme won the belt after opening his Lightning in the Bottle, but Phil McGroin is out for revenge for Supreme throwing him through the sea of tables in the match itself that Supreme won the Bottle.
Phoenix: Of course, it’s not the only Championship match tonight! 4CW World Champion Jack Valentine faces his first challenger, Brian White, in a Last Man Standing match!
Roberts: White and Valentine have been going at it all year, but White is still yet to pick up a victory when it matters! Will tonight finally be the night for The Freight Train?
Jeffrey: Umbra Maxima have reigned as 4CW Tag Champions for one whole year, and tonight, they defend the belts against Silent Sorcery and S&M in a Total Elimination match! That means BOTH members of every team have to be eliminated until there is a winner!
Phoenix: I’m not sure if anyone can stop Umbra Maxima at the moment, but the two competing teams in Sorcery and S&M tonight are some of 4CW’s elite! This will be Umbra Maxima’s biggest test to date!
Roberts: There will be a Falls Count Anywhere match tonight as Marie Dubois returns to in ring action for the first time in over five years to take on The Black Flame’s Erica Moxie!
Jeffrey: Carstein may be out of action with his burns sustained recently, but Dubois is here and fighting for the cause! The question is, having been inactive for so long, is she ready for such a challenge in the vicious and merciless Moxie?
Roberts: And speaking of The Black Flame, members The Liberation will take on former Rhys Cain students Synth City Thrillers in a tornado tag team match!
Phoenix: But of course, the biggest story coming from The Black Flame is what will open the show tonight. Their despicable leader Rhys Cain will go one on one with my daughter, Madeline Phoenix, in the dreaded Gallows Pole match. I am not going to pretend; I am scared for my daughter tonight. But I’m also excited; because I know she has it in her to take Rhys Cain to the absolute limit and beat him.
Roberts: I have to, for the sake of objectivity, point out that Cain beat Madeline at Revival, and unmasked her to reveal her identity.
Phoenix: well, to that I say, with all due respect James, fuck objectivity.
Jeffrey: HA!
Phoenix: This is a personal matter for me. I don’t care about being impartial. I hope Rhys Cain gets his comeuppance tonight and it will feel extra vindicating to see my daughter being the one to deliver it. Regardless of my feelings, I will say to you fans that this will be a thrilling, but brutal affair. It may get uncomfortable. You may want to consider sending the kids to bed early. Viewer discretion is advised.
DING!
The single ring of the starting bell sounds off, serving as a foreboding signal of things to come. Michael Carson enters the ring.
Roberts: And now, the time has come to get into the action, as the bell tolls for Rhys Cain and Madeline Phoenix to face down the Gallows Pole!
Jeffrey: Holding up, Scotty?
Phoenix: Well I'm here, aren't I, Ray?
Carson stands at centre ring, mic in hand.
Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is the GALLOOOWS POLE MAAATCH!! This match will be contested with no disqualifications. A fall is scored when a competitor successfully raises their opponent by the neck until loss of consciousness, utilizing the Gallows Pole pulley structure to do so. At General Manager Sery's insistence, in the event of outside interference, this and any potential future contest will be barred from going forward, and the offending party or parties will be suspended indefinitely.
"Nocturnal Strains" takes over the PA system, complemented by dimmed lighting and dancing red spotlights. Madeline Phoenix steps out onto the stage to a deafening roar from the crowd. The spotlights encircle her, then give way to just one, which centres itself over Phoenix herself. She's wearing her new black-and-red ring gear and messy facepaint, looking like her mascara's been riding streams of tears down both sides of her face. Across her shoulders and extending down her arms to the wrists is a pair of scarlet "wings", made of well-tailored fabrics with an intricate feather formation. Lit from above, The Mad Phoenix throws her head back and spreads her wings wide—an action that is immediately met with blasts of colourful pyro going off on either side of of the Tron, leaving two columns of red-hot flames licking at the steel frame of the structure.
Jeffrey: Maddie sure knows how to make an entrance, huh guys?
Phoenix: I don't know where she got it from. Definitely didn't learn it from me, I'll tell ya that much.
Like we saw in September, Madeline's entrance video glitches and freezes. It's immediately replaced by a live feed of the mysterious hacker, complete with red demon mask and black hoodie, worn up.
Carson: Making her way to the ring, from—
Masked Stranger (on the PA system): NOPE!! NOT TONIGHT, MY DUDE!! Now, would you be a dear and just piss right off?
Carson, looking a little ruffled, sighs and exits the ring. The stranger then paces from side-to-side on the screen with both hands behind their back, then abruptly halts and dramatically rushes in, closer to the screen.
Masked Stranger: Tonight is the night, folks! Yes, yes, yes—tonight is the night Cain is punished for his sins! And don't we have just the thing for him, Madz? Yes indeed, the Gallows Pole awaits! And as sure as the Phoenix rises from the ashes, The Black Flame is bound for the noose! So without further ado, let me to introduce to you, the interminable ember that will start a conflagration so immense... the Black Flame shall pale and dwindle away: she is... THE MAAAD PHOEEENIIIX!!!
The Tron returns to normal as Madeline Phoenix runs down and slides into the ring. In one smooth motion, she spins on hands and knees to face the opposite direction—back toward the stage area.
Roberts: Another uh, unusual appearance of this mask-wearing mystery, serving tonight as a mouthpiece for Madeline.
Phoenix: Dramatics aside, it's sending a pretty clear message of intent and the weight of the situation. This is far from just a match to be won or lost. This is fighting fire with fire on a level field, plain and simple.
Phoenix remains in her low, cat-like stance while "As I Am" by Dream Theater bellows through the arena speakers. This is met with immediate, deafening scorn at the hands of every 4CW fanatic packed into the legendary Madison Square Garden.
Jeffrey: Y'know, if I didn't know any better, I'd swear I just showed up at a Jeffrey family reunion.
Roberts: Not popular with the relatives, Ray?
Jeffrey: They're jealous, James. Jealous of my success. You'll find I'm much more popular at your mother's Halloween parties.
Roberts: But.. she told me she wasn't having one this year!
Jeffrey: Ha! Oh, James. James, James, James...
As James contemplates his mother's many extramarital affairs, Rhys Cain steps out onto the stage.
Carson: And her opponent, from Swansea, Wales, weighing in at 225lbs, he is THE BLACK FLAME ... RHYS ... CAAAAAIN!!
Cain dashes down the ramp, followed all the way by crowd noise only comparable to that of a town mob. But as Cain rushes down to the ring, Madeline coils up and springs forth, propelling herself into a short, hunched jog that sees her leave her feet and dive through the ropes onto her oncoming opponent! Cain's own momentum works against him here, making up the difference for The Mad Phoenix's condensed dash-and-dive approach: Cain hits the floor at high velocity, finding his lungs bereft of air before the bell has yet rung—or the noose has yet swung. The younger Phoenix scrambles to her feet, slides back into the ring and rises to her feet with the fans firmly behind her!
Jeffrey: Boom! Now that's what I call an explosive start.
Phoenix: That's my girl! Always innovating, always finding a way to change the game.
Referee Anna Molly is standing by, waiting to get this match officially started. Phoenix is utterly unaware of this, electing instead to slip out onto the apron as Cain finds his feet, at which point she runs the apron and kicks her enemy square in the chest. Cain reels, turning away with both hands at his chest. He ultimately does an off-balance 180 and nearly stumbles into a diving double axe-handle, but manages to duck and fall forward, out of harm's way. Both competitors recover at roughly the same time, but Cain bursts into a short run and turns The Mad Phoenix inside-out with a merciless clothesline! The crowd is immediately on Cain's ass, and at ringside, Scott Phoenix struggles to contain himself.
Jeffrey: Man, that was some hit. And so early on in the—well, I mean to say—the match hasn't even started yet!
Roberts: We all knew coming into this that nothing would be held back, and sure enough, this already promises to be a hellish ride.
Cain dumps Madeline into the ring and slides in after her. After a bit of breath-catching from having the air knocked out of him twice already.
DING-DING-DING!!
Cain scowls at Anna Molly for no clear reason, then looses a wry laugh from his bastard lips and lays into Phoenix with a slow series of stomps, all spaced out seconds apart, put to random points of his opponent's body. The Black Flame revels in each and every one. With no intention of trying to bring this match to a quick close, Cain pulls Phoenix onto her feet and shoves her aggressively into the nearest corner. He proceeds to kick away at her midriff, then props her up to a seated position on the top rope. Cain moves to ascend the ropes himself, only to suffer a boot to the head instead.
Roberts: Cain's gonna need to lay way more groundwork to get that kind of opening.
Cain's brief stagger grants Madeline just enough time to hop down from her perch, but not enough time for her to follow up; Cain swiftly closes the distance, leaves his feet and catches Phoenix behind the ear with a skull-rattling enzuigiri! With no wasted movement, The Black Flame gets Phoenix up off her hands and knees, props her up on the turnbuckle and runs his way up to step off the middle rope to deliver another brutal enzuigiri!! The fans gasp at the sight of Madeline Phoenix crumbling off the top turnbuckle and onto the apron, awkwardly rag-dolling the whole way down, until she finally ends up lying at ringside, insensible.
At the commentary table, Scott Phoenix is on his feet, ignoring his monitor in favour of the real deal.
Phoenix: Madeline!
Cain slips out onto the apron and just sits there, observing his handiwork and mocking Scott Phoenix's agonized shout.
Jeffrey: Don't stoop to his level, Scott.
Scott Phoenix begrudgingly sits back down and Cain chuckles to himself. He then turns to Madeline, lifts her onto her feet and sends her into the barricade with a hard Irish whip. Madeline hits the barricade with some force, and Cain comes after her with a clothesline that sends her right over the barricade and into the crowd!
Cain leans over and grabs Madeline, swinging her back over the barrier so that she crashes hard at ringside on her back. Madeline tries to get up, but Cain is in a prime position and lifts her up and takes her out with a neckbreaker.
Phoenix: I don't know how much more of this I can watch.
Jeffrey: Get it together, Scott. Madeline is a competitor and a damn tough one at that!
Cain goes to the apron and flips it up.
Phoenix: Dammit...
Cain comes out from under the apron a moment later with a dustbin and the lid. Grinning, he tosses aside the bin and keeps the lid. As Madeline struggles to get to her feet, Cain runs at her and takes her down with a dustbin lid shot to the head, right in front of Scott Phoenix! Scott can only sit there, transfixed and seething.
Roberts: That was a nasty shot there by Cain!
Cain grabs Madeline and lifts her up. Once she is on her feet, groggily swaying, he pie-faces her away, with blatant disrespect. Madeline snaps and pushes Cain back, sending him back a couple of steps. Instantly, his face turns to one of rage and as he charges for Madeline, she ducks and hits a drop toe hold. Cain gets caught up and hits the hood of the table face-first, while also whacking his left knee on the edge of the table. When he falls to the ringside mats, he grabs his knee, writhing in agony.
Jeffrey: Well, that was unfortunate! Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Roberts: What a major opening created by Phoenix there. She just needs to stay on top of him!
Madeline snaps to attention in seeing the damage inflicted to her rival. With her target in sight, The Mad Phoenix, acting quick, stumbles over to Cain and repeatedly stomps away on the knee! Cain screams as he tries to turn his legs away from Phoenix, to no avail. Once Maddie has had her fill of stomps, she grabs the dustbin lid and mirrors Cain's targeted stomps, bashing the hell out of every limb and body part she can find in a hurried frenzy!
Phoenix: Go on, girl!
Roberts: Madeline giving as good as she got! Things really heating up now!
Jeffrey: She's just gotta hone in on that knee. Cut that little bastard even more down to size!
Cain crawls away from Madeline in an attempt to gain some space, and she drops the heavily dented dustbin lid, instead opting for the actual bin. As Cain limps to his feet, Madeline dumps the dustbin over his head, trapping and blinding him! She then gives herself some distance and dives low, taking down Cain from behind with a chop block, further damaging the knee while the dustbin bounces his face off the floor! The heavily invested crowd is loving this turn of the tide.
Madeline pulls the dustbin off and tries to lift Cain to get him back into the ring, but she has a little trouble. She re-positions her feet and hauls Cain onto his own, but he's ready with a comeback, abruptly grabbing Madeline and taking her out with a Side Effect!
Jeffrey: Side Effect out of nowhere! Both competitors are down!
Roberts: But of course that means nothing in this match. There's only one way to win - someone is getting hanged tonight!
Despite the throbbing knee, Cain stumbles back up to his feet. Though still limping, he is able to lift Madeline up and bash her face on the apron. He attempts to do the same on the corner post, but Madeline lifts a boot up and blocks it. She throws an elbow blindly behind her, which catches Cain on the ear. She spins around to follow up and Cain simply slaps her across the face to delay her momentarily. He then attempts to drop Phoenix with a Superkick, but she sidesteps Cain and avoids the strike!
Cain's missed kick and hurt knee leave him momentarily off-balance. Before he knows what's what, Madeline grabs Cain's arm and wraps it around his own throat, before driving him down with the STRING CUTTER!
Phoenix: Caught Cain with a Regal Cutter there, what she calls the String Cutter! Fortunes are definitely changing for this brutal bastard.
Jeffrey: He's pretty out of it, too! Maddie just needs to focus on getting him back in the ring and into that noose!
Madeline is already on the case. She grabs Cain and, using the steps for leverage, gets his dead weight onto the apron and rolls him in under the ropes. Her gaze turns to the pole structure. With some effort, she manages to pull the downed and dazed Cain over to the relevant corner. The next part of her task is no easier, as she works to get him up onto his feet to get the noose down over his head. Phoenix manages this, then quickly heads out onto the apron to grab the slack rope from an advantageous position. When she grabs a hold of it, however, Cain is up and out of the noose, so Madeline's pull of the rope has her find that there's no weight to it. She turns in time to duck a clothesline attempt and immediately uses the middle rope to slingshot herself shoulder-first into Cain's ribs. Cain buckles, falling to hands and knees on the mat. Seizing the opening, The Mad Phoenix slingshots herself in via the top rope, turning sidelong and rotating in mid-air to flatten Cain with a crushing corkscrew splash! The Phoenix fans all "ooh" in response.
Roberts: What a breathtaking Firebird Splash! Perhaps literally—Madeline may have just knocked the wind out of Cain's lungs.
Phoenix: Always thinking on her feet, always fighting to get back on them when she's down. Whether she likes it or not right now, that's the Phoenix in her. Cain may be cruel and cunning, but she's as tough as they come and nobody can outclass my Maddie!
Madeline gets back up and catches a glance at the sea of people in attendance, then turns back to her task. Cain is trying to get himself back up with the help of the ropes, but Madeline shuts this down with a well-placed boot to the back of his wounded knee. She follows this up by wrapping up Cain's left leg in a step-over toe hold/standing leg grapevine and dropping to her own knees, forcefully sandwiching Cain's leg at the knee joint! Unrelenting, Phoenix stays right where she is and rains down hammer fist after hammer fist on her tormentor's leg, never slowing down!
Jeffrey: Daaamn! Talk about bringing the fight to 'em!
Phoenix: That's how you do it, right there. No wasted time or movement.
Eventually, Cain manages to catch her with a few desperate, awkward kicks to the thigh. The last one hits hard enough to throw Madeline off-balance and off Cain's knee, halting her offense for the moment. Cain hobbles away from Phoenix, trying to shake off the pain and get his breath back. Phoenix is quick to her feet, however. She approaches warily and Cain stands in a defensive state, leaned up against the ropes. She throws a pair of kicks forward, aiming for Cain's knee, but with the aid of the ropes, he scrambles out of the way, using the ropes to haul himself aside. Phoenix continues the chase, not letting up. Soon enough, she manages to land a kick, but doesn't catch her target as squarely as intended. Cain falls back against the rope and lets it push him away, earning a little extra oomph as he lashes out with a knife edge chop that surprises Phoenix and knocks her on her ass. The arena fills with groans as the slap echoes through the stands.
Roberts: Ouch! That's a stinger she'll feel in the morning.
Jeffrey: Nevermind tomorrow, she's feeling it now, idiot! In case you didn't notice, there's a match going on and if Cain has his way, she'll have a lot worse to suffer through yet.
Madeline scrambles back up to her feet, but Cain is ready this time around. He kicks her in the gut with his good leg, then sets Phoenix up and hits a snap suplex! Cain limps back up and grabs Phoenix, pulling her back to her feet and this time setting her up for a second Side Effect. Suddenly, Phoenix throws back an elbow, which catches Cain on the ear, causing him to release his hold. Phoenix creates some space with a knife edge chop of her own and then bombards Cain with a flurry of forearm smashes. The fourth one rocks him, and he falls to one knee. Phoenix approaches him and grabs him by the head to set up her next move, when Cain very intentionally—and proudly—rakes her eyes! Phoenix screams out as she stumbles away from Cain, clutching at her eyes, temporarily blinded.
Phoenix: That son of a bitch!
While Phoenix is reeling in pain over the eye rake, Cain recovers and grabs her from behind, driving Maddie down with a quick back suplex. Phoenix writhes around on the mat, but it seems the fact she is still moving means The Black Flame isn't yet happy, so he grabs her again and sets her up for a second back suplex. He hits it with aplomb, Phoenix landing at a sharp angle that makes the crowd groan again.
Phoenix: Jesus, I don't know how much longer I can watch this.
Jeffrey: I know you're a born worrier, Scott, but your girl's a born warrior and absolutely still in this thing! I'm sure of it.
Cain has noticed she is still moving too and, with an exasperated sigh, possibly exaggerated, Cain—almost begrudgingly—sets Phoenix up for a third back suplex. He lifts her up high—but Phoenix lands on her feet! While Cain is finding his up from down after the move not going how he'd planned, Phoenix bounces off the ropes and delivers a basement dropkick, right to Cain's injured knee! Cain collapses and cries out loud, clutching his knee!
Phoenix: Yes, Maddie!
Jeffrey: She has a very specific game plan and you can't argue with it—it's been working fantastically well so far!
Roberts: Cain is gonna have to find a way to deal with that knee if he doesn't want it to fail him at a critical moment.
To make sure Cain is down for the count, just as he is sitting up, Phoenix launches herself forward and takes him out with a running enzuigiri! The crowd roars as she jumps back up, full of adrenaline, and stares right at the Gallows Pole in the corner!
Roberts: She knows what she has to do, but has she got the strength to do it?
Phoenix grabs Cain under the arms and pulls him toward the corner. When she arrives, she stops for a second, then stomps him two or three times in the gut for good measure. With Cain propped up against the bottom buckle, Phoenix runs at him and breaks into a slide to hit a big forearm smash to the face!
Jeffrey: Madeline's not here to play games! This is outright brutality!
Phoenix works on lifting Cain up to his feet, where he's dazed and barely able to stay up. She then hoists him up so that he's sitting on the top turnbuckle. Phoenix climbs up the ropes to meet Cain at the top, and then grabs the noose to try to wrap it around Cain's neck! Instinctively, Cain fights back. He struggles with the noose and manages to pull it away from his throat, before grabbing Phoenix and HEADBUTTING her! Phoenix falls back off the top turnbuckle and hits the mat hard.
Roberts: Phoenix is down! Can Cain clear the cobwebs?
Phoenix: Well damn, can he, Roberts? Let's all hope so!
Roberts: I recognize the situation, Scott, but frankly someone out here has to maintain some modicum of impartiality on the play-by-play.
On the top turnbuckle, a seated Cain slaps himself in the face in an effort to rouse his senses. He takes a few deep breaths, and then slowly—and very awkwardly—he stands on top of the turnbuckle! Despite the injured knee, he is able to hold himself there for a few seconds and just as Phoenix gets to her feet, he jumps off and hits the Blaze Kick!
Roberts: What a diving dropkick from Cain! And look, he's right back up!
Jeffrey: He's gotta be running on pure adrenaline by now. Getting a thick rope around your neck would push anyone's fight-or-flight response into overdrive. Just ask your mom.
Roberts: What?!
Jeffrey: Oh you know—sometimes she plays the doomed lowlife and I play the executioner, other times we flip it. Never heard of sexual roleplay, James? Geez, go read a book sometime! Hell, go read one of mine. Paperbacks on sale now through Amazon!
Cain grabs Phoenix, seemingly with a second wind well under his sails, and plants her with the Side Effect! He then wastes no time in grabbing Phoenix and picking her right back up! Cain underhooks her arms and spikes her with the double-arm DDT!
Phoenix: Dammit!
Roberts: Cain hits the Atonement DDT! If this was a regular match, this one might have been over! But Cain has to hang Phoenix to win!
Cain seems to have no intention of going to the gallows-shadowed corner, though. He grabs Phoenix and hauls her right back up on her feet. He then hoists her up, scoop-style, and moves her to the adjacent turnbuckle, locking her up in the tree of woe!
Roberts: I think we all know what's coming next!
Cain takes a step back, then hits a superkick right to Phoenix's gut! She gasps for air as Cain steps back further again. With a head of steam, Cain runs at Phoenix and rings her bell with a dropkick to the face!
Roberts: The Whomping Willow! Devastating and succinctly named, on this occasion.
Jeffrey: Oh, like you know anything about it, No-Maj!
Roberts blinks a few times.
Jeffrey: What? I'm an author, y'know. I do read.
Roberts: I didn't know you could read.
Madeline falls from the turnbuckle finally and crumples in the corner. Cain scrambles forward to grab her, but Phoenix moves on instinct and rolls under the bottom rope and out of the ring, falling to the ringside area. Cain immediately exits the ring and lands a clubbing blow across Phoenix's back, wisely allowing no time for her to recuperate. Madeline tries to stand, but Cain grabs the back of her top and lands another hard shot, then another. Standing over his wounded prey, the villain laughs.
Cain: You want up, Maddie?! I'LL HELP YOU UP!!
Cain yanks Phoenix up, wraps his arms around her waist, hoists her up and rams her into the nearest ring post, spine-first! Enjoying the results, he repeats this action once more, rendering Madeline Phoenix all but motionless on the floor! This succession of moves (and Cain's revelry) has the fans absolutely livid.
At the commentary table, Scott Phoenix is now standing; he wears a mask of rage over his usual visage while Ray Jeffrey pours unheard words in his ear. Cain spots this little scene as it unfolds, making his sinister smirk grow only wider. He turns back toward Madeline in time to block a wild right hand, then sends her crashing into the steel steps with a quick irish whip! Phoenix's right shoulder takes the brunt of the impact, leaving her nursing it in a seated position with her back against the steps. The Back Flame's eyes light up like hellfire burns deep within them. He throws a quick look in Scott's direction—a look that conveys his evil intentions without needing a single word to aid it. Before Scott can register what's happening, Cain takes off like a shot, leaves his feet and rattles the younger Phoenix's skull with an unholy DRAGON RAGE!!!
For a few seconds, no one quite knows what to do. For many more seconds, what seems to be entire audience forms a massive wall of sound that can only be described as a cacophony of unbridled anger. At the commentary desk, Scott Phoenix fights with all his might to get to his daughter, but he is held back by both Ray Jeffrey and James Roberts.
Jeffrey: Come on, Scott! Use your brain! It's the biggest one here, and this is a bad idea.
Phoenix: *struggling to break free* I - let me - go -
Roberts: Scott, please. Don't do this.
Phoenix: If you don't let me get to my daughter, so fucking help me, I will -
Jeffrey: *sighs heavily* You know what, Scott? I tried to warn you. Have at it.
Jeffrey lets go of Scott Phoenix and James Roberts is unable to hold him on his own. Scott breaks free and moves away from the commentary desk, as Cain watches from a distance, resting against the apron, smirking with amusement. Scott runs towards Madeline and kneels down beside her. After a few moments, she opens her eyes and meets her father's gaze. Though it isn't audible what Scott is whispering to his daughter, she finds enough strength to lift her arm and lightly push her father away.
Madeline: I - don't need any help. This... is my fight.
Scott tries to continue to convince his daughter to let him help her up, until Cain gets bored with the entertainment, and steps forward. He grabs Scott and pulls him up, then launches him into the barricade with a sickening THUD.
Roberts: Aw, geez...
Jeffrey: I tried to tell him! Dammit, Scott!
Roberts: You can't blame the man - that's his daughter!
Jeffrey: You think I don't know that, dipshit? I understand why he did it, doesn't make it any less stupid!
Cain looks down at the crumpled body of Scott, and he's not smirking anymore. An angry, glazed look reflects over Cain's eyes and he moves his attention back to Madeline, who is leaning against the steel steps, seemingly still pretty out of it. Cain takes another few steps back, lining himself up.
Roberts: Oh no...
Cain charges forward and flies into the air with a second Dragon Rage - suddenly, Madeline comes to life, she rolls over and out of the way, and Cain crashes bad knee-first, into the STEEL STEPS!! There's a loud "CLUNK" as flesh and bone hits steel and Cain collapses on the floor, screeching in agony, clutching his knee, as the crowd both gasp at the impact and then cheer wildly as they see Madeline slowly crawling towards the announce table to drag herself up.
Jeffrey: Madeline Phoenix avoids the second Dragon Rage! Cain is a wounded animal right now!
Roberts: Come on, Madeline! Up on your feet!
Jeffrey: So much for your impartiality, eh, James?
Woozy and disorientated, Madeline Phoenix pulls herself up with the hood of the announce table to get to her feet. She stumbles over to Cain, lurches him up on to the apron and rolls him into the ring. The crowd break into raucous support, chanting "LET'S GO MADDIE" *clap clap clapclapclap*
Phoenix doesn't go into the ring herself though, instead she grabs Cain by the leg and pulls him towards the steps-less corner, pulling his legs either side of the corner post. Then, she wraps Cain's legs around the post, jumps up and locks in the Figure Four Leg Lock!! Instantly, Cain's limp body jumps to life, writhing and screaming in agony, as Madeline uses gravity to torque on the knee! Cain slaps his hand against the mat repeatedly, unable to sit still for more than a second from the pain!
Roberts: Cain is tapping out!
Jeffrey: But as we both know, that won't be enough tonight! Madeline Phoenix is doing this for one reason and one reason only: to deal damage!
Eventually gravity gets the better of Madeline and she's forced to release the hold, landing on the floor, while Cain rolls away from the corner, silently seething and whimpering as he clutches his knee. Phoenix jumps up to her feet and rolls into the ring. She gets up and stands over the fallen Cain, before using some strength that just wasn't accessible in the early going of this match and lurching him up to his feet. Viciously, Phoenix unleashes a flurry of knife edge chops, sending Cain stumbling back into the gallows corner.
By the time Cain reaches the corner, his chest is red and blistered, with a big handprint in the middle of his chest. Madeline then jumps up and hooks Cain's beck for a hurricanrana - but Cain holds on to the ropes! Madeline hangs on his neck in a precarious position, and Cain steps forward and half-collapses into a sitting position with all he has left, to deliver a powerbomb!!
Jeffrey: I fucking hate the guy, but you gotta acknowledge the resilience of Cain to deliver that bomb!
Roberts: I think that's all he had left in him though, as both competitors are down!
Both competitors lay, unmoving except for heaving chests. The crowd is electric. The feverish atmosphere ripples through the arena. Cain is the first one to move, after almost a minute of no movement, but Phoenix isn't far behind him. As he gets to his knees, Phoenix rolls on all fours. As Phoenix gets to her knees, Cain manages to stand up. He limps sheepishly towards his opponent. Cain hooks up Phoenix and lifts her up, hitting a suplex. On impact, he keeps the hold tight, rolls over and lifts up Phoenix for a second suplex.
Roberts: There’s two, one more to go!
Cain again keeps the hold tight and with a bit of struggle, gets back up, bringing Phoenix with him a third time. This time, Cain stumbles slightly, but still manages to lift Phoenix into the air. However, gravity and some fighting back from Phoenix lands her on her feet. Cain attempts to lift her a second time, but his knee gives out and he releases the hold.
Jeffrey: Cain may have reached his breaking point right here!
Free from the heat of The Black Flame, Madeline Phoenix regroups. She shakes off the cobwebs and grabs Cain, and lifts him into the air for a suplex of her own... however, she doesn't land it. She keeps Cain lifted in the air with a delayed vertical suplex. The crowd bring more and more noise, the longer she holds it.
Roberts: Wow! Madeline Phoenix has Cain in the air, look at that! Extraordinary strength from The Mad Phoenix!
The crowd are roaring at this point, up on their feet and in awe of the incredible showing from Madeline. The crowd explode in a huge pop when finally, after at least ten seconds, Phoenix lands the vertical delayed suplex. Soon, the entire arena is giving a standing ovation to the astounding feat of strength.
Roberts: Wow! That was absolutely incredible!
Jeffrey: I don't know how much that took out of her, but Cain is ripe for the taking if she can just find something inside her to carry on!
The crowd cheer Phoenix on, clapping quickly to try and encourage her to her feet. There's a few moments of her laying there, and then suddenly, SHE KIPS UP! THE CROWD EXPLODES AGAIN!
Roberts: THE MAD PHOENIX RISES FROM THE ASHES!
Jeffrey: Phenomenal! What a warrior!
Madeline Phoenix screams, not in pain, but rather outright determination, as she lurches Cain up to his feet, then half-tackles, half-pushes him into the gallows-clad corner with significant force. Phoenix unleashes a series of slow, brutal forearms, each one smashing Cain in the mouth, to the point where he is spitting blood after the third and final forearm. Phoenix ducks under Cain and lifts him up on to the top turnbuckle, and climbs up after him. She grabs the noose and tries once again to wrap it around Cain's neck. Cain's hand flies up and grabs her arm. They each struggle, shaking with force, as they glare into each others eyes with pure, burning hatred between them.
Roberts: A battle of strength and wills right there on the top rope!
Cain uses his other arm to punch Phoenix in the ribs, and she falls back down to the mat, but remains on her feet. Cain jumps down and rocks Phoenix with an elbow smash. Cain leans over the apron and grabs the pulley rope, which is so long that it reaches over easily. Cain sees the back of Madeline Phoenix as the unmissable target and whips the rope with a CRACK that is the most disturbing sound to come from this match so far. Phoenix collapses, unable to scream due to being winded and losing her breath from the pain.
She rolls away, gasping and making noises not unlike a fatally wounded animal. Cain's face changes, for a moment, expressing something complicated... guilt? Remorse at going too far? It's there - and then it disappears, and he whips her A SECOND TIME RIGHT ACROSS THE BACK! The crowd are IRATE, jumping up and down on the verge of a riot.
Jeffrey: Jesus fucking Christ, Cain! Stop! STOP!!
Roberts: This is... this is just inhumane. He's not human! He's a wild animal!
Jeffrey: Fucking hell.. this... I'm glad Scott is too out of it to see this. Jesus...
Cain decides, even in his sociopathic rage, that two whips with the gigantic rope is probably enough and throws it back over the apron. Cain grabs Phoenix and lifts her to her feet and the crowd gasp and groan as the two bloody, raw welts on Phoenix's back become apparent. The blood smeared across her back, with the welts looking deep in parts. Cain looks satisfied with his handiwork and grabs Phoenix by the chin, roaring in her face.
"It's time to fucking burn, Maddie."
Cain launches Phoenix towards the gallows corner, and she lands with a thud near the bottom turnbuckle. He roughly pulls her up by her hair and, not letting go of her hair, viciously slaps her repeatedly in the face. She flails and tries to cover up and defend herself, but Phoenix is simply too beat up at this point to really stop the onslaught. After ten or so hard and fast slaps, Cain releases her hair and lifts her up to be seated on the top turnbuckle with relative ease. He begins to climb up himself.
Roberts: She's fought a warrior's fight... but I think this is it for The Mad Phoenix.
Jeffrey: *muttering* Come on, girl... come on...
Cain doesn't go for the noose, instead he lifts Phoenix up so that she is, very groggily, standing on the top rope. Then, he wobbles as he takes his position on the top ropes as well.
Roberts: No, no, no... don't do this Cain!
Jeffrey: Fuck, he's not going to hang her until she's dead is he?
Cain hooks up Phoenix, setting her up for the Avada Kedavra (C4) from the top rope! Cain takes a breath before taking off, but Phoenix jerks weirdly and suddenly, slips under him, landing on her feet. Cain is quick enough to spin around on the top rope, and remarkably not losing his uncertain balance. They stare at each other for just half a second, then Phoenix throws her arm into Cain's injured knee, crashing him down into a slump with a thud on the top turnbuckle!
THE CROWD ROARS! The commentary team are on their feet.
Jeffrey: Get up there, Madeline! GET UP THERE!
Madeline Phoenix does exactly that. She climbs up the first buckle, then the second, leaning over Cain, grabbing the noose and securing it around his neck! Phoenix jumps down, grabs the top rope and leaps over to the apron. She then grabs the pulley rope, inhales and exhales a very deep breath, and BEGINS TO PULL!!
Roberts: Come on, Phoenix! You gotta pull him up!
Phoenix falls to her knees as she pulls on the rope, inch by inch threading it behind her. Cain clutches onto the noose around his neck panicking, but it's already been tightened!! Phoenix falls backwards, using the rope to keep herself in the air, leaning back with her knees on the apron. With gravity as her assistant, as well as pure strength and willpower, she pulls and pulls and pulls!! Phoenix finally ends up leaning back on the second steel step, with enough rope behind her that CAIN IS LIFTED INTO THE AIR!!!
Roberts: CAIN IS HANGING! CAIN IS HANGING!!
Anna Molly waits no more than two seconds of Cain dangling in the air before calling for the bell, ending this brutality once and for all. As soon as she hears the bell ring, Phoenix screams as she releases the rope. Cain falls fast and crashes into a lump on the mat with a sickening thud. Phoenix falls from the second steel step to the floor. "Nocturnal Strains" blares through the PA system and the crowd go wild, but neither Cain nor Phoenix are moving.
Carson: HERE IS YOUR WINNER.... MADELIIIIIINE ... PHOEEEEEEEENIIIX!!
Roberts: SHE DID IT! MADELINE PHOENIX HAS DONE IT!
Jeffrey: What an incredibly brutal and savage affair! It made me sick to watch it but holy fuck, Madeline Phoenix just hung Rhys Cain from the gallows!
Roberts: This was a spectacle we are likely never to forget! What an amazing, hard-fought victory for The Mad Phoenix!
Jeffrey: I'm just so happy that my friend Scott can finally put this behind him. It's over. Yes, it was an entertaining viewing for all you fans, I don't doubt, but the toll it has taken on the best damn commentator on this planet is astounding. Finally, it's over.
Roberts: Madeline Phoenix's flame burns brightest tonight and The Black Flame has seemingly been extinguished to a pile of ashes!
Immediately after the match, a lot of things happen. The other members of The Black Flame run down to the ring and slide in. They have no interest in Madeline Phoenix on the outside. As far as they are concerned, the war is over. Instead, they all grab Cain and roll him out of the ring. Rigg and Fischer carry him on their shoulders, with Zephyris and Erica Moxie following behind, seemingly as a guard. The commentators abandon their post to see to Scott Phoenix, who is dazed and groggy, but seems otherwise alright, resting against the barricade. He seems to realise what music is playing and a ghost of a smirk appears on his face. Madeline Phoenix slowly crawls up to her feet and rolls into the ring.
The crowd continues to roar in approval for their victor, Madeline Phoenix, as she sits on her knees in the middle of the ring. She looks around the arena, verging on being overwhelmed by the emotion of her victory and the frenetic, electric atmosphere around her. Eventually, her eyes make contact with her father, Scott, being held up by both Jeffrey and Roberts, who each have an arm around their shoulder.
There is an intense stare between them both. And then, Madeline Phoenix curtly nods to her father. Scott's lip quivers but he holds his own, and nods back. A small token of closure for them both, for now. The crowd notice the subtle moment and cheer loudly for the Phoenixes, with some fans in the crowd tearing up or just straight blubbering. With no commentators to lead us into the next segment, we cut away and head to a quick break.
The camera pans across the full to bursting Madison Square Garden, screaming fans waving banners and posters as the camera finally rests with a view on the ring, now surrounded by the steel Ultimate X structure, the belt already hanging in the centre of the ring from the cross ropes. Camera cuts to the smiling announce team.
Phoenix: Welcome back to Gallows End, and boy have we got an action packed match ahead of us!
Roberts: You've got that right Scott. Next we've got the Custom Cup champion, 'Top Gun' Tommy Young will be defending against the sinister Glock 9 and the frankly dangerous Murder of Crows!
Jeffrey: And of course they're doing all that under the ten tonnes of steel we call the Ultimate X! I don't care if he's got the stip advantage, 'Top Gun's' gonna crash and burn!
Phoenix: It's true, on paper Tommy Young has an uphill battle, but even with the famed teamwork of Murder of Crows, this fight is every man for himself, and as you alluded to Ray, that structure is a serious leveller!
Jeffrey: That's right, and Glock 9 is still smarting after his humiliating defeat back in August, and he's after blood tonight! Glock 9 is by far the favourite here in my mind.
Roberts: But Tommy's proven he's one of the most resilient competitors in 4CW. If anyone has a chance of retaining tonight, it's Top Gun!
Jeffrey: If you've stopped fan girling like some teenager with a crush Roberts, there's one rebuttal I need to say...
Roberts: What?
Jeffrey: Shut up Roberts! HAHAHAHAhaahah!
Roberts glares at the laughing Jeffrey as the camera cuts to Carson, styanding directly under the Custom Cup belt in the middle of the ring.
Carson: This match is an Ultimate X match and is for the Custom Cup Championship!
The lights go out and a crow is heard over the PA. The titantron lights up with a black birds eye, zooming out to show a crow sitting on a dead branch. It takes off with a caw as several more birds do the same as Cowboys From Hell by Pantera hits the PA as the picture on the titantron continues to pan out to show a dreary landscape. As the full band hits, pyros go off as the two brothers come through the curtain onto the stage. The crowd pop appreciatively with a mix of cheers and boos as a video package begins showing the two destroying their opponents with hard hitting moves and a multitude of weapons. Jason is in black, lose fitting tracksuits and black t-shirt with the crows eye emblazoned on the chest (available at seryshop.com!). His arms are thrown high in the air and his face radiates confidence. Robert is in a black leather jacket, frayed jorts and rippes black t-shirts, also with the crows eye on it. He doesn't react to the crowd, instead looking over the ring and the structure that surrounds it with a slight smile that doesn't reach his dead eyes.
Carson: Introducing first, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at a combined weight of 519lbs, Murder of CCCRRROOOOOOOOOWWWWWSSS!!
Jeffrey: These boys are looking ready to do some damage!
Roberts: This is also their first time in an Ultimate X match before..
Both men climb into the ring, still ignoring the crowd for the most part
The music fades for a few seconds, allowing the crowd noise to fill the gap. Jason is testing the rigidity of the scaffolding, letting Robert be in the corner.
Suddenly, “Am I Savage?” by Metallica hits and the crowd roar their dislike as the apparent mastermind behind the attack on Tommy Young the month before comes onto the stage. With a sneer at the crowd, he slowly makes his way down the ramp, nodding to the beat of the song blasting through the arena.
Jeffrey: And there's my man of the match, full of confidence, knowing full well what's gonna happen here!
Roberts: Now who's fan girling Ray!
Carson: Next, on his way to the ring, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, He stands at 6'6 and weighs 275lbs, the Hollow Point Bullet, GLOCK NIIIIIIIIIINNNNEEE!!!!!!
Still sneering, Glock Nine reaches the bottom of the ramp, climbs up the apron and steps through the middle rope into the ring. Jason nods to him, but Glock completely ignores him. Jason's eyes narrow as he stands next to his still seated brother. Glock meanwhile has shed his massive leather jacket and dropped it over the ropes into the waiting arms of one of the ringside assistants.
The three challengers are left in the ring, the noise of the crowd growing in excitement as the wait lengthens.
Jeffrey: Hah, looks like our champ may have got cold feet!
Suddenly, the lights go out and the classic “We shall fight!” speech from Winston Churchill comes over the PA.
Phoenix: You were saying...
“We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France,
We shall fight on the seas and oceans,
We shall fight with growing confidence in the air,
We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be,”
An air Raid siren can be heard in the background as the crowd noise intensifies
“We shall fight on the beaches,
We shall fight on the landing grounds,
We shall fight in the fields and in the streets,
We shall fight in the hills,
We shall never surrender!”
As the last word dies, “Aces High” by Iron Maiden begins with it's video package depicting World War II air raids, grainy footage of falling bombs and flashes of AA fire. The crowd roar with Delight as the package transitions with a burst of pyro and the main riff kicks in. Tommy flies through the curtain as if catapulted by an air ram off an aircraft carrier and makes a perfect three point landing. Standing, he smiles and does his target lock taunt, aimed squarely at his belt hanging 15 feet above the canvas. Dropping the pose, Tommy bounces on his heels, runs to one side of the stage and throws his arms in the air to a great pop from the crowd. Laughing, he then runs to the other end of the stage and does the same.
Roberts: Tommy looks just as confident as Glock! And given this show, I'd say he's right in his element!
Carson: And finally, from Barry, South Wales, weighing in at 195lbs. He is the 4CW Custom Cup Champion. 'TOP GUNNN' TOMMYYY YOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUGGGGNNNN!!!!
The crowd go wild as Young makes his way down the ramp, bomber jacket open revealing his bare chest and aviator shades covering his eyes, smiling, taking in the crowd noise, slapping as many hands as he can reach. Coming near the bottom, he spots a young boy at the front wearing a Top Gun t-shirt and smiling, he hops over, takes off his shades and puts them on the boy, who's practically quivering with excitement at this point. Tommy reaches out and high fives the kid and then does the same to his father who's standing behind, a look of pure proud joy for his son on his face.
Tommy heads back to the centre of the ring, taking in the three big men already there, two of which had been watching, one very impatiently, this all go down whilst the third is still sitting, staring at nothing. With a sudden burst of speed, Tommy crosses the final few feet to the apron before launching himself over the top rope and barrel rolling onto one knee. Looking at the mostly impassive faces of his opponents, Tommy climbes up to the top rope on the left side facing the hard cameras, using the scaffold for support and plays to the crowd a bit before jumping down, taking off his jacket and handing it down to another runner. With that his music fades and referee Jude O'Cater takes the centre of the ring, eyeing up the competitors. Jason taps Robert on the shoulder and moves off to the side as his younger brother hauls himself up. With a sudden wave of his hand, the reff calls for the bell.
DING! DING!
Roberts: Here we go!
Immediately, the three larger men all charge at Young, who suddenly has a look of being caught in a very large trucks headlights. The effect is pretty similar as he tries to defend but is quickly beaten to the ground with multiple punches, elbows and kicks. Tommy finally manages to curl onto a ball, having never even left his corner as blows come raining down upon him.
Roberts: This seem totally unfair!
Jeffrey: Hah! You'd think that would you! But he's the champ, and he has the target. Therefore he gets the lumps.
Glock finally motions his allies to back off a little, and Jason Crow takes a spot near the middle of the ring. Glock grabs an arm and hoists Tommy to his feet and launches him into the waiting arms of Jason Crow, who in turn launches Tommy over his shoulders with a picture perfect belly to belly suplex. Jason regains his feet as Tommy tries to crawl for cover. Glock decides to lean back against the turnbuckle with a sadistic smile and motions to the Crow brothers to go ahead.
Phoenix: Looks like Glock is going to sit back and enjoy the show with the rest of us!
Roberts: Glock's just letting his cronies do all the work...
Jeffrey: We know he wants Young to pay, and this is as good a way as any! HAHAHA!!
Jason smiles as he sees Glocks invitation and motions to his brother. Roberts dead eyes fall on the slumped champion. Leaning down he grabs Young around the head and pulls him up to a vertical base. Cradling the young man almost gently, he looks into the dazed face with a detached kind of curiosity, before throwing the young man towards the ring ropes.
Roberts: This looks bad...
As Tommy comes back with speed, Robert makes a grab for Youngs head, and jumping forward himself, pulls the young man into a devastating bulldog. Young grabs at his face in pain as Robert just sits next to him, staring off into space. Jason comes around and taps him appreciatively on the shoulder As the crowd boo heavily at the treatment of their champion. Glock meanwhile just applauds. Robert looks up at his big brother, who smiles and nods towards a ring corner. Roberts smile goes a little sickening as he gets up and begins to climb the ropes to sit on the top turnbuckle.
Phoenix: Murder of Crows are looking to put the champ away for good!
Jason again hauls the near comatose body of Tommy Young back to his feet, dragging him over to the corner where Robert is perched. The crowd are cheering madly to try and get their champ into the fight, but to no avail. With another heave, Jason lifts Young up into the waiting arms of Robert, who places the young man on his shoulders in a powerbomb position.
Jeffrey: Murder of Crows are gonna Throw the Dead Crow! WOOO!!!
And with that, accompanied by an agonized grown from the capacity crowd, Murder of Crows drop Young to the mat with a devastating 3D! Young is practically out cold as h is two attackers regain their feet and begin to kick and push the limp body of the champ under the ropes and off the apron to the floor.
Glock finally comes forwards again, chuckling and applauding the efforts of his minions.
Roberts: Glock looks very pleased with himself.
Jeffrey: When you got a winning strategy, you have a reason to!
Suddenly, Glock leaps forwards towards his allies and hits a massive double clothesline, dropping both men over the ropes to sprawl onto the floor.
Phoenix: Looks like Glock has terminated his contract with Murder of Crows!
Looking up to the ropes above him, he runs to the closest corner and begins to climb the scaffolding.
Jeffrey: I told you this was a winning tactic! New Custom Cup champ on the way!
Glock gets to the top rope and reaches up to the hanging rope above. With his impressive height he's able to grab hold and begin the laborious trek to the centre where the belt is hanging. Before he gets halfway though, Glock feels hands on both his ankles and he's yanked down between the Crow brothers, Robert seething with barely controlled anger, Jason much calmer and more calculating. Raising his finger in an admonishing fashion at Glock he shakes his head in disappointment, before landing a stinging forearm into the surprised Glock, spinning him around into a hard jab from Robert, followed by two more gut punches finished with a crushing discuss clothesline! Jason then followes up, dropping the bigger man with a lariat.
Phoenix: You should've read the small print Glock! These guys don't like double crossers!
Amidst the many stomps raining down on Glock, he still manages to make it back up to one knee and begins throwing his own strikes at the two brothers. Robert comes in for another strike to Glocks head, but Glock counters with a sudden headbutt, finally raising to both feet at the same time and throwing Robert back, clutching at his face. Glock blocks another strike by Jason and throws a Lariat of his own. Distance gained, he runs the ropes, bouncing back to knock Jason to the matt with a heavy shoulder tackle, running through and bouncing off the opposite ropes to clothesline Robert.
Glocks eyes widen in shock at the same time the crowd roars and Tommy bounces off the top rope to soar through the air, hitting a flying forearm smash into the face of his tormentor!
Roberts: OUT OF NOWHERE! Aces High out of nowhere! Top Gun is not out of this yet!
Tommy looks up at his belt with a look of consternation as he sees Jason Crow regain his feet and goes to confront the bigger man. Jason is dazed, but brings his arms up in a fighting stance. Tommy dodges the first strike, then the next before lashing out with a stinging kick to the thigh. Jason hops slightly but gamely tries to strike out again, only for Tommy to dodge again and kicks Jason again, dropping him to his knees.
Phoenix: This looks bad for Jason Crow, Tommy's out for some revenge now!
Taking up his position, Tommy delivers a stinging kick to Jason's chest. Gioving himself a half second to rebalance, he delivers a second. By this time the crowd start counting.
TWO!
Again Tommy kicks.
THREE!!
And again, starting to speed up.
FOUR!!
FIVE!!
SIX!!
SEVEN!!
At about eight Tommy is striking so fast the crowd lose count and Jason finally falls back. Looking round Tommy almost panics as he sees Robert over halfway to the belt, going hand over hand along the rope in an effort to reach it. As an act of desperation, Tommy launches himself at the second Crow brother with a missile drop kick, knocking him back to the mat, but not off his feet.
Quickly recovering, Tommy and Robert begin battling it out in the middle of the ring, each dishing out massive right handed blows. Roberts larger mass and strength begin to show and he manages to throw the smaller man to the ropes. As Tommy rebounds, Robert drops him onto the matt with a drop toe hold. Tommy bounces, holding his face in pain as Robert begins to stalk him. Moving up and straddling his back, Robert grabs the younger man's head and drops some hard elbows before locking in the cobra clutch.
Phoenix: Young's definitely in a difficult situation there. Roberts Crow has the cobra clutch in hard in the middle of that ring!
Glock by this point is climbing the scaffold, intent on the belt hanging from the rope. Jason Crow manages to get to his feet as well, and seeing as how his brother has Tommy squirming trying to get to the ropes, Jason begins to climb the scaffold as well. Soon both men as dangling from the fifteen foot high ropes stretched across the ring. Hand over hand both these big men laboriously make their way towards the prize. Soon they come into range of each other, having effectively chosen two sides of a triangle to traverse, and Glock tries to throw a kick. The effect has less impact than he would've liked though as it just glances off at an awkward angle, and Jason tries to throw one of his own with similar results.
Tommy after much fighting manages to inch his way towards the ropes and manages to make a grab at the bottom rope. Robert just chuckles, knowing full well that rope breaks aren't a thing in this type of match, so he cinches in harder. Tommy however then reaches for the second rope, using the elevation to lessen the tension on his back.
Roberts: Smart moves and ring awareness by the champ!
With a final tug, Tommy is able to lift himself up the ropes high enough to get a knee under him and break the hold. Robert jumps back in surprise as Tommy slumps again, grasping at his back. Jason and Glock meanwhile are throwing kicks and punches at eachother in a desperate attempt to knock the other off the rope. Jason, hanging by one arm at this point throws in a headbut, landing it squarely between the eyes of the larger man, making him lose his grip and drop. This also rattles Jason who's already precarious grip fails and he drops next to his former boss. Robert, feeling the impacts on the matt, turns to see both his brother and Glock back on the matt and decides his work done with Tommy as he charges his former employer.
Assaulted from both sides, Glock goes onto the defensive, lashing out as much as he's able, but the Crows are relentless. They both manage to get Glock down to a knee and Jason runs the ropes, putting his big boot right in to Glocks face just before Robert Takes the bigger man down with a modified bulldog.
Jeffrey: Ouch, what a combo from Murder of Crows!
Phoenix: Yeah! Just goes to show, you do not break rule number one when you hire the Crows!
Jeffrey: You got that right, 'Don't screw them over!' Noted and received...
Glock is out cold on the matt and both brothers begin looking up at the belt. Jason quickly says something to Robert, who nods his head and follows his big brother to a corner. Jason climbs amid a hollering of boos from the crowd, but he's focused and doesn't let them get to him. Grabbing the rope above, he steps onto the shoulders of his brother, and both begin precariously making their way to the belt.
Jeffrey: Hey! This is meant to be every man for himself!
Phoenix: This is a level of teamwork I was not expecting in this match. It seems brotherly love transcends even championship gold!
Robert slowly walks under the rope as Jason does his best to keep balance, but this is not something either of the brothers are well suited for. Never the less, Jason does get within reaching distance and stretches out a hand towards the coveted title, just to have Robert stumble back as he is impacted with a desperate dropkick from the defending champion, again making Jason fall, this time more awkwardly to the matt and landing on his ass. He grimaces in pain as his tail bone seems to take the entirety of the impact. Tommy runs the rope again and hits a low drop kick the the back of Jason's head, dropping him to the matt. Jumping back up, he dodges a wild clothesline from Robert, runs the ropes then takes Robert down with a slingblade. Tommy looks around at the carnage as all three big men are down for the count. The crowd go wild as Tommy makes his first climb.
Roberts: Considering the beat down he received at the beginning of the match, Ttommy Young has certainly managed to take control here!
Jeffrey: Hmph! Get up Glock! You got this!!
Tommy climbs the ropes, but without his usual speed and dexterity, the match having definitely taken a toll on him, given his serious weight disadvantage against the three other competitors! Still, he manages to stand on the top rope and jump up to catch the rope above a few feet further along. The men on the matt start to regain composure as well as their vertical base as Tommy resolutely makes his way along the rope. As he gets close he sees all three now standing under him, slightly groggy, but also starting to reach for him. With a la-she and twist, he lets go of the rope and drops onto all three with a suicide dive of sorts! The crowd groan as their hero was so close.
Tommy sits up among the wreckage of humanity again and shakes his head. Jason reaches the ropes and begins to haul himself up, clearly tired and hurting. He barely has time to take stock as Tommy launches a new attack on the bigger man, quick left and rights to the gut followed by an enziguri to the back of the head that echoes throughout the arena. Clearly having dazed the bigger man, Tommy takes a step back and super kicks Jason Crow hard enough to again echo through the arena and send the big man toppling over the ropes to land on the this safety matt at the bottom of the entrance ramp!
Jeffrey: How is this kid still going?!
Roberts: He's found his second wind for sure, or maybe his third!
Jeffrey: Oh god... It's times like this I wonder why I keep coming back to sit next to you Roberts...
Tommy leans against the ropes, looking down at Glock before suddenly dropping down, pulling the top rope with him, leaving a shocked Robert Crow to fly over the top rope and land awkwardly on top of his brother. With only Glock 9 in the ring, Tommy decides to go for the climb again and quickly climbs the corner closest to him. Glock decides to go for the opposite corner and begin his own climb.
Tommy makes it to the top rope and again, jumps up, giving himself more of a lead to the belt than his rival. The crowd chant their support for Top Gun as he swings hand over hand like a monkey, but Glocks longer reach means he's able to make the difference and they both reach the middle at the same time. Glock tries to use his larger frame and strength to rip Tommy down, but he's not suited or very experienced at this kind of acrobatics and can't land a solid blow. Tommy on the other hand is very comfortable in these situations and lands some solid kicks on Glock 9's thighs, sending shivers up the larger man's frame. His grip stays strong though and he lashes out with a wild punch, socking Tommy in the jaw, nearly dislodging the smaller man. In a quick defensive action, Tommy raises his legs up and over his rope and locks his ankles together before dropping down to hang upside down, now leaving his arms free to fight off the bigger man.
Glock doesn't have much left in the tank as he takes stinging blow after stinging blow from the smaller man, but he resolutely hangs on for dear life, the belt less than a foot from him. He tries to make a grab for it, but swings wildly as Tommy slaps his arm away. Tommy tries to grab the belt himself, but Glock manages a solid knee strike to Tommy's exposed head. Tommy quickly shakes off the slight daze as Glocks swing makes him unable to take advantage, and Tommy reaches up to the ropes and untangles his legs so he's dangling right way up again. With an almighty last effort, Tommy raises both his legs up to his chest and kicks out with a massive push kick, finally toppling Glock 9 from the rope with such force that he even falls through the ring ropes to land in front of the commentary desk! With an almost audible sigh of relief he reaches for his belt, tugging it free and drops to the matt.
DING!
DING!
DING!
Carson: Here is your winner and still 4CW Custom Cup Champion, Top Guunnn, TOMMYY YOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUGGGGNNNN!!!
Tommy hugs the belt too him as he laughs in relief, taking in the crowds adulation.
Phoenix: Well here we are, a hard fought victory for our champion, Top Gun Tommy Young!
Roberts: This young man is full of grit and determination, it's going to take something special to beat him in this match stipulation! Not even Glock 9 and his hired goons could manage it!
Jeffrey: As much as I hate to admit it, you're right there. Glock thought he had it all sown up and went for the backstab too early.
Phoenix: As the Crows have said before, money talks, but not this time! Stay with us for more action than you can swing a black cat at! We'll be right back!
"Black Flame" by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system. As Garret Fischer and Bruce Rigg step out on stage with their black trunks, boots and jackets, emblazoned with a silvery-black flame on the back, the crowd erupt in boos filled with disdain.
Carson: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Tornado Tag Team match! Introducing first, representing The Black Flame, weighing in at a combined weight of 530lbs, the team of Garret Fischer and Bruce Rigg... THE LIBERATION!!
Phoenix: The Liberation have had trouble with their opponents tonight for months. In August, Reuben Kojo shocked Bruce Rigg by defeating him with one kick in a matter of seconds. After the match, The Liberation took out Synth City Thrillers with steel chairs. This led to a no disqualification match in September, between Devon Drummond and Garret Fischer. Once again, Synth City came out on top as Drummond defeated Fischer. So now, it's a tornado tag team match, no tagging in and out, just two teams duking it out to once and for all determine who the better team is. Fischer and Rigg will be chomping at the bit to get some momentum back with a victory tonight.
Roberts: That's true, but it seems two times out of two Synth City has their number!
Jeffrey: In singles action, it should be pointed out! Entirely different ball game in a tag team match. You count out the Liberation, and that's when they'll get you!
Phoenix: And one has to consider that given Cain's humiliating loss to Madeline Phoenix earlier tonight, The Liberation want to try and get some momentum back into The Black Flame's corner!
Rigg and Fischer slide into the ring, remove their jackets and make some last minute discussions in the ring as they await their opponents.
"Roadgame" by Kavinsky hits the PA system. The crowd erupt as the synth heavy beat hits and despite the bad blood between the two teams, Kojo and Drummond come out on stage as excited as ever, showing off their dance moves for the entertainment of the 4CW Universe. Then, they stop dancing, and make eye contact with their opponents. Kojo and Drummond share a glance, simultaneously shrug, and break into a sprint right to the ring!
Phoenix: It looks like Synth City are not wasting any time tonight!
Phoenix's words ring true as Kojo and Drummond slide into the ring and dive into a frenzied brawl with The Liberation! Somewhere among the chaos, the ref calls for the bell and it rings to signal the start of the match.
The brawl spills out to the outside as Kojo clotheslines Rigg over the top rope, but Rigg grabs him and brings Kojo over to the outside too. Inside the ring, Drummond and Fischer exchange lefts and rights which quickly turns into forearms and then elbows, fierce shots, back and forth, until Drummond rocks Fischer with a particularly nasty forearm and then hits a European Uppercut!
Phoenix: And there's the Beat of the Drummond! Synth City aren't here to play games!
On the outside of the ring, Kojo whips Rigg into the steel steps. He doesn't stop there though, as he follows it up with a whip into the barricade. Kojo grabs Rigg, who fights back with a few right hands, but Kojo quickly gets back on top and smashes Rigg's head into the announce table. Rigg goes down and Kojo looks around to the crowd, buzzing in anticipation, and then pulls the hood of the table and starts to strip it down!
Roberts: Things just went from bad to worse for Rigg, and from good to great for the fans!
Jeffrey: Your mom's night went from good to great after I showed up! Now stop being so biased! Come on, Rigg, fight back!
Inside the ring, after taking down Fischer with one Japanese Arm Drag, Drummond tries another, but Fischer is ready for him and simply stops his own forward momentum to kick Drummond in the face. Drummond stumbles, and Fischer takes him out with a spinning neckbreaker!
Fischer then looks to the outside, where Kojo is lifting up Rigg from the floor to try and get him on the table. Fischer climbs the turnbuckle and whistles, which gets the attention of Kojo. Fischer then dives off with a SHOOTING STAR PRESS, taking out the Knockout King!!
Phoenix: The Rotterdam Raven flies! Can The Liberation get back into this now?
Outside the ring, Fischer stumbles to his feet and throws up the apron, pulling out a steel chair.
Phoenix: *Of course*
Jeffrey: The Liberation know all too well there are no disqualifications or countouts in this match, and they plan to take full advantage.
Fischer runs at a recovering Kojo and slams him in the back with the steel chair. Rigg recovers from his assault and stumbles over to get a steel chair of his own. Fischer unleashes a second shot on the back of Kojo. Drummond rolls out of the ring and chases after Fischer, but Rigg pops up with his steel chair and cuts off Drummond, hitting him square in the face!
Roberts: The Liberation are two of the most dangerous men in 4CW with weapons in their hands.
The Liberation throw their steel chairs into the ring, and then drag their opponents, one each, back into the ring under the bottom rope. The Liberation enter after. Rigg takes down a rising Kojo with a clothesline, then picks up a chair and sets it up in the middle of the ring in a seated position. Rigg then says something to Fischer which the camera doesn't quite pick up, and Fischer nods and grins, grabbing Drummond and lifting him to his feet.
Phoenix: What does Fischer have planned here?
Fischer grabs Drummond's head and runs with him, before releasing him into a bulldog onto the seated chair! Drummond's chin hits steel and he falls to the mat. Fischer and Rigg laugh with eachother and bump knuckles at their destruction, when suddenly, Kojo is back on his feet! Kojo slaps the shit out of Fischer with several shots and he quickly goes down, until Rigg comes in with an elbow to the back of Kojo's head that rocks him. Rigg sends Kojo to the corner.
Rigg then grabs Fischer, lifts him to his feet and whispers something to him. Fischer nods groggily, and Rigg lifts him up, runs at Kojo and launches Fischer at him! Kojo thinks fast however and grabs Fischer in the air! Rigg runs at Kojo but he barges Rigg using Fischer's body and before Rigg can come back again, he throws Fischer BACK at Rigg! RIGG ALSO CATCHES FISCHER! The crowd POP.
Roberts: Looks like they've gone Fischering!
Phoenix: ...
Jeffrey: ...
Roberts: Ahem, carry on...
Rigg places Fischer back on his feet, but Kojo takes the moment to charge at Rigg and take him out with a humoungous Reubenage!
With a moment of breathing room, Kojo grabs the steel chair! Fischer gets too close and eats a shot right in the top of the head, busting him open instantly!
Phoenix: Oh wow! Kojo is not messing about and Fischer has been busted wide open!
Rigg tries to recover but he eats three hard chair shots too, falling back to the mat. Kojo gets down and turns Rigg over on his back, before covering him! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Rigg kicks out! Kojo frowns as he decides to up the ante, waking up Drummond and rolling him out to help him bring out a table! Together, Synth City bring a table into the ring and roll back in. The Liberation are at the ropes, recovering, when Synth City strike again. Drummond takes out Fischer with a clothesline over the top rope!
Kojo then grabs Rigg and hits a European Uppercut. Rigg rocks on the spot and turns, only to fall into another European Uppercut from Drummond! The impact sends him reeling back to Kojo and Rigg eats a third European Uppercut! This continues for another three uppercuts, before Kojo grabs Rigg and hits the REUBENAGE THROUGH THE TABLE!!
Phoenix: They Bang The Drums and a Reubenage through the table! What a brutal combination!
Kojo gets down and hooks the leg of Rigg in the remnants of the broken table, this one seemingly over!! The referee counts! ONE ... TWO ... NO!! Fischer springboards from the top rope and launches in with a SHOOTING STAR PRESS for the second time, breaking the pinfall and even hitting Drummond in the fall!
Phoenix: This is absolute chaos! Shooting stars, broken tables and bloody faces!
Jeffrey: That's because there's something on the line more important than championships! PRIDE!
All four men roll around on the mat, trying to find the strength to get back up and continue the fight. Surprisingly, Fischer is the first man up to his feet, but the second is Kojo, who spins out of nowhere and hits a spinning head kick that knocks the sense out of Fischer!!
Phoenix: KOJO KICK! FISCHER IS OUT!
Before Kojo can cover however, Rigg is right behind him! Rigg hits a release German Suplex and Kojo lands on a steel chair before rolling out of the ring! Drummond spins around Rigg and delivers some right hands, but Rigg absorbs the shots and relaliates with a HEADBUTT!! Drummond falls back and Rigg kicks him in the gut. Rigg lifts up Drummond and hits the POWERBOMB on the second steel chair!!
Phoenix: Rigg with the FREEDOM BOMB! THAT COULD BE IT!
Rigg kneels down and makes the decisive cover! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Here are your winners, THE LIBERAAAATION!!
"Black Flame" by Bury Tomorrow hits the PA system. The crowd erupt in boos as The Liberation huddle together and celebrate their brutal victory.
Phoenix: Well, Cain lost - and I can at least hold some comfort in that. But The Liberation winning this match will no doubt be a huge momentum boost for The Black Flame tonight!
Jeffrey: And let's not forget it definitively proves The Liberation are the better team. You don't have to like it, but that's just how it is.
Synth City roll out of the ring on either side, barely conscious, as they try to nurse their injuries. Inside the ring, The Liberation stand up and celebrate. The crowd boo them in response, but they don't care. To them, it's a victory roar.
---
We open up to a black room, with Marie Dubois sat cross-legged on the floor. From what we can see in the darkness, she's wearing a plain black hooded robe, with the hood up over her head. Around her are a few lit candles, their flickering flames casting dancing shadows across her face. She stares into the camera, her normally warm brown eyes now looking steely cold.
Marie: 4CW is on fire. Order is up in flames. Destruction as far as the eye can see. No one is safe, from the humblest of backstage crew to the greatest of legends. All is burning. It is a merciless, remorseless, brutal fire. It has complete and total disregard for rules, for structure, for order. A disregard for history, for tradition, for legacy. A disregard for morals, for ethics, for justice, for what’s right and wrong. And a complete and total disregard for human life. This fire will not stop burning until everything is destroyed. Not just the wrestlers of 4CW, not even the entire company, but reality itself. This all-consuming raging inferno of the Black Flame must be stopped.
For the last few few years, I’ve been working as a backstage interviewer, staying away from the action and keeping out of trouble. But those flames have burnt me. I’ve been threatened and made a target for lurid, disgusting actions and comments. Then I was brutally assaulted with a steel chair, the fire attempting to destroy me.
But no more. Now I’m taking a stand. I’m laying down my microphone and taking up arms once more. I have dug down deep, into the blackness where I once dwelt, that defined me and my entire life. Tonight, Marie Dubois the interviewer is gone, burned away. Tonight, rising from her ashes, is Marie Dubois the Maiden of Darkness, the right-hand of the Night’s Dark Master himself. This is where I normally start making predictions, but I don't need any tarot cards, palms, stars or crystal balls for this. Tonight, the fight back begins as Erica Moxie will fall, the first domino that will lead to the burning path of destruction wrought by the Black Flame being extinguished.
Tonight, 4CW will be saved.
---
Roberts: Coming up next is the Falls Count Anywhere No DQ match between Marie Dubois and Erica Moxie. Scott, Ray, what kind of match do you think we're going to see?
Jeffrey: This is pretty much going to be a story of two matches. Let's look at Erica Moxie first. She didn't ask for this match, hell she probably doesn't even want it. It's an inconvenience and a distraction to her. So she's going to want to end it quickly. So from Moxie, we're going to see a lot of hardcore brutality to put Marie down early.
Roberts: And Marie?
Jeffrey:Geez Roberts, gimme a chance. As for Marie Dubois, she wants to hurt Moxie. She wants to punish her and hear her scream. Marie's going to keep this match going as long as she can to inflict as much pain as possible.
Phoenix: That's a good point Ray, and that could cost Marie as she lets her hatred for Moxie get the better of her.
Jeffrey: But then, Marie can use that hatred to her advantage. It can fire her up, and makes it hard to keep her down. And that could frustrate Moxie, and she could start making mistakes and cost her the match.
"Break and Dominate" by The Charm The Fury hits the PA system. The crowd turn into a cesspool of boos at the arrival of the first competitor in this match.
Carson: The following contest is a Falls Count Anywhere match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Omaha, Nebraska, weighing in at 147lbs, representing The Black Flame ... ERICAAAAAA ... MOXIE!!
Moxie marches to the ring, a hunger to cause destruction glistening in her eyes. Her face is stoicly angry as she rolls into the ring and jumps to her feet. Wanting to waste no time, she beckons her opponent as her music cuts. The arena's plunged into darkness as the lights go out.
Jeffrey: Urgh, I'm fed up up with these lights going on and off all the time. Could give me epilepsy.
Phoenix: Oh please.
Jeffrey: Hey, I'm not a spring chicken anymore! People need to treat me with care!
The sound of organs and synths fill the arena as Ozzy Osbourne's "Mr. Crowley" plays, and a circle of fire lights up on the stage.
Miissssteerr Crowwwley
A figure rises up from the fire circle, her head bowed down, arms outstreched and back towards the crowd and camera.
What went down in your head?
Oh Mister Crowley
Did you talk to the dead?
She's wearing black mid-shin-high boots, dark blue denim shorts, a black t-shirt and a black leather jacket with "Maiden of Darkness" on the back.
Your lifestyle to me seems so tragic
With the thrill of it all.
You fooled all the faithful with magic
Yeah, you waited on Satan's call.
Carson: And her opponent, from New Orleans, Louisiana, MARIE DUBOIS!!
Mister Charming
Did you think you were pure?
Mister Alarming
In nocturnal rapport.
Marie spins around, and we can see that her t-shirt has a large "Nightmare on Elm Street" graphic on the front and she has black make-up around her eyes like Alice Cooper.
Uncovering things that were sacred
Manifest on this Earth
Oh, conceived in the eye of a secret
Yeah, they scattered the afterbirth.
Marie steps over the fire, and makes her way down the ramp, the fans cheering.
Phoenix: We heard Marie earlier tonight say that the old her is back, and that tonight will see the beginning of the end of the Black Flame.
Roberts: It looks like the old Marie's back, with the music, the fire and the Alice Cooper style make-up.
Marie reaches the bottom of the ramp, and slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Taking advantage of the darkness, she lunges straight at Erica Moxie!
Roberts: Woah, the ultimate sneek attack!
The lights come back on, the music stops and the ref calls for the bell.
Jeffrey: Ah man, I was enjoying that solo.
DING! DING! DING!
Roberts: Marie Dubois’ so desperate to fight Moxie, she hasn’t taken her jacket off yet.
Moxie's flat on her back with Marie on top of her, pounding away. Moxie tries to raise her arms in defence, but it doesn't help. Marie grabs a handful of Moxie’s hair, and slams the back of her head down hard on the mat.
Roberts: Ah jeez, Moxie might have a concussion with that.
Phoenix: Good, it’s the least those Black Flame shits deserve.
Moxie’s eyes glaze over, so Marie attempts a pin.
1
2
Kick out
Marie frowns, then decides it’s play time! She gets up to her feet, slides out of the ring in under the bottom rope in front of the commentators’ then takes off her jacket, tossing it over to the ringside crew by the timekeeper’s bell. She throws a quick glance at Moxie, who's stirring and slowly getting up, then lifts up the ring apron, and pulls out a trashcan.
Jeffrey: Oh boy, here we go!
Marie slides into the ring under the bottom rope, and is met with a boot to the face by Erica Moxie. Marie drops the trashcan, which is picked up by Moxie. She swings the trashcan at the Maiden of Darkness, but Marie has enough where with all to slide out of the ring quickly, landing out beside the ramp. She looks back into the ring in time to see Erica Moxie fly through the air over the top rope, holding onto the trashcan, hurtling towards her. Marie blanks, trying to figure out what to do, but it's too late. Moxie and the trashcan crash into her, and they both fall into a heap.
Moxie moves first. She gets up onto her knees, throws the trashcan away, then falls down onto Marie, who's sprawled out on her back. The ref, who was checking on them both, counts the pin.
1!
2!
Kick out!
Moxie shrugs, then slowly gets up to her feet. Once up, she looks around, trying to find a new weapon to keep Marie down. Then she sees the cold hard steel of the ramp, and smiles.
Roberts: Uh oh, this doesn't look good.
Phoenix: C'mon Marie, get up!
Moxie grabs the back of Marie's t-shirt collar, and drags her up the ramp. But her hold on Marie's shirt isn't strong, and Marie manages to escape. She rolls onto her knees, then sprints into Moxie. Erica Moxie stumbles and sobbles at the impact, and falls sideways off the ramp and into the crowd barricade. Marie doesn't give her a chance to breathe as she leaps off the ramp and onto Moxie. But the larger woman catches Marie, and throws her backwards over her head into the crowd. Marie lands onto some fans, and they all fall onto the ground, knocking over chairs and other people in the crowd.
Jeffrey: It's not every day a hot chick just lands on your lap like that!
Roberts: What about that floor? All sticky and disgusting.
Security rush over to the mass heap of humanity, but Erica Moxie, who's leaped over the crowd barricade, grabs them and throws them out of the way.
Phoenix: Piece of shit, let them do their job.
Marie spots Moxie storming towards her, wading through security, fans and fallen chairs. She rushes up to her feet and hurries away through the crowd. Moxie snarls slightly, and follows.
Jeffrey: What's she doing? Why is she running away?
Roberts: She's drawing Moxie away from the fans.
Marie reaches an empty space beside an entrace to the backstage area, and stops, turning around to face Moxie. Moxie charges through the crowd towards Marie, who stands her ground. But Moxie is too much for Marie. She runs into the smaller Marie Dubois, and pushes her into the brick wall by the backstage entrance. Marie lets out a gasp as she's squashed against the wall, the breath being squeezed out of her.
Satisfied, Moxie steps backwards, and a smug little smirk crosses her face.
Phoenix: Sickening.
Marie falls doen onto her knees, gasping for breath and clutching her side.
Roberts: She might've cracked a rib against that wall.
Moxie runs at Marie again, and this time kicks her hard where she was clutching at her side. Marie screams out in pain.
Roberts: Oh now c'mon.
Jeffrey: In fairness, Marie asked for this.
Phoenix: For Christ's sake Ray, don't say such shit.
Jeffrey: It's true! She knew it could've back-fired like this.
Almost in tears, Marie lies on the ground, still clutching at her side. Moxie grabs the back of her shirt, and lifts her up onto her knees. She looks at the entraceway to the backstage area, and drags Marie with her as she walks to the back.
Roberts: And where does she think she's going?
Moxie drags Marie down a corridor and spots an office.
Moxie: Let's see how you like going through a window Dubois!
Marie feebly elbows Moxie. It's not much, but enough to get Moxie to let go of her shirt. Marie stumbles away, leaning against a wall.
Moxie: You're not going to get away that easy you bitch.
Marie backs off, going down the corridor, her eyes fixed on Moxie, and hand feeling the wall behind her. Then she reaches a fire exit. She clumsily spins around, pushes open the door and stumbles outside onto the cold streets of New York City. And Erica Moxie stalks her out the door.
Jeffrey: Erica Moxie takes Manhattan!
Marie reaches the end of the pavement, and turns around to face her foe.
Moxie laughs as she slowly walks over towards Marie.
Moxie: What were you saying about extinguishing the Black Flame Dubois? About how tonight you'll end us?
She walks over to Marie.
Moxie: It's over Dubois. We'll win this war.
Marie coughs, and spits some blood at Moxie.
Marie: Over my dead body.
Moxie shrugs.
Moxie: Sounds good to me.
Moxie is close enough now for Marie to swing a punch, but Moxie ducks it. She throws a punch if her own into Marie's stomach, causing her to keel over and cough again. Moxie straightens up, and grabs Marie, setting her up for a DDT. Holding her head tightly, she knees her hard in the stomach. Moxie walks over the side of the pave,ent and turns around, with the road behind her. She then falls backwards from the edge of the pavement, driving Marie's head onto the road.
Roberts: Jesus!
Moxie knows this one's over. She rolls the unconcious Marie over onto her back and covers her for the pin.
1!
2!
3!
DING! DING! DING!
Carson: Here is your winner, Erica Moxie!
The crowd in the arena boo as Moxie stands straight up, and looks down at the fallen and beaten Marie Dubois. She kicks her hard the shoulder, kicking her into the dirty water running in the gutter.
Smirking, she steps over Marie, and heads back into the building.
Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is for one fall! And it is for, the 4CW Universal Championship! Introducing first the challenger!
"Numb" by Linkin Park suddenly blasts through the PA system.
Carson: From Helston, England, weighing in at 14 stone, he is the man who once made a cow tap out and he has held the 4CW Hardcore Championship too many times to count! PHIL ... MCGROOOIN!!
McGroin strolls down to the ring full of confidence, with Camera Man lagging behind, filming from the back to get the scope of the full arena. He casually strolls down to the ring, chin up ignoring all the fans. They boo, they cheer, no one can decide whether they really like him, but McGroin doesn't care. He takes the steps, climbs through the middle ropes and yells out to his camera man. He looks out to the crowd and motions that the belt will be around his waist.
Phoenix: A surprisingly strong reaction here for McGroin!
Roberts: McGroin isn’t just attempting to win the Universal title. This is revenge. For the Sea of Tables at Revival!
Jeffrey: If I were McGroin, I would have hoped someone else besides Supreme, tossed me into those tables. I don’t think little ole Phil has any idea what he’s in for!
Carson: And his opponent! Hailing from Supremeville, USA, he wants to be referred to as The Best Damn thing to ever happen to Pro Wrestling, he is a former 2x Custom Cup Champion, Former Tag Team Champion, Former 4CW World Heavyweight Champion, current Hall of Famer, and current 4CW Universal Champion!!! Ladies and Gentlemen welcome … SUPREME!!!!!
The lights in the arena turn to black as the mellow beginnings of "Good Times" by Finger Eleven start to play over the P.A. system. As each ping of the opening instrumentals pierce through the arena, small flashes of lights are triggered one after the other, each one representing a note of the song. As the drums kick in hot and heavy, the flights all flash bright in a rapid motion then die out again. This keeps up with each beat of the drum. The lights come on full blast and Supreme is standing at the top of the entryway, arms stretched out in anticipation of the boos from the crowd. His shiny Universal Championship around his waist. He saunters down to the ring as the song continues to play.
Phoenix: Supreme looks right in his element.
Jeffrey: And not a care in the world. Hope you’re ready Phil!
Roberts: McGroin is going to be just fine, you’ll see. New champion tonight fellas!
Supreme walks up the steps and motions for McGroin to back up and give him some room as he enters through the ropes. Both men lock eyes as Supreme reaches behind himself with one hand, and detaches the belt from his waist. He holds it up to the crowd and McGroin and then starts mouthing off. Both men go at it verbally before the official takes the title and holds it up to the crowd. He hands it off to an official outside the ring and signals for the bell.
*Ding* *Ding* *Ding*
The two men slowly start to get closer as they continue to spat with one another. Before you know it, they are face to face and Supreme slaps the taste, right out of McGroin’s mouth! He turns his whole head and body sideways. Supreme watches and then chuckles to himself. He looks out to the crowd, pointing at McGroin. Suddenly, McGroin swings with a big right hand and connects! Supreme is sent sprawling backwards into the corner, but McGroin is right on top of him! McGorin unleashed a fury of blows to the head and body. Eventually, Supreme shoves McGroin in the chest with all his might and he flies backwards. McGroin does a quick somersault backwards and is right back up! He charges Supreme, but runs right into a big boot! McGroin stumbles sideways and actually falls through the ropes to the outside. A visibly annoyed Supreme collects himself. Then he motions for the official to start the damn count!
Phoenix: Wow! What a fast start to this one! McGroin already on the outside!
Roberts: McGroin was teeing off on Supreme, but you saw that size advantage from the Supreme One. The head on assault may not be in McGroin’s best interest, if he hopes to come out Universal Champion.
The official gets to “4” before McGroin gets to his feet. Supreme yells for him to get back into the ring and he obliges. Supreme allows him to stand and the two circle each other before locking up. Supreme pulls back and then launches McGroin backwards. McGorin slaps the mat in frustration as Supreme grins. McGroin comes in and they lock up again. Wait! McGroin slips behind Supreme and swiftly elbows him in the back of the head before running the ropes and returning to drop kick Supreme in the back! Supreme stumbles forward and drops to a knee. McGroin wastes no time as he runs the ropes adjacent to Supreme. He flies in with another dropkick, but this time it’s to the side of Supreme’s head! McGroin quickly slides in and covers the dazed Champion!
1….
2…..
Kickout!
Jeffrey: Nope. No way.
Phoenix: A near fall early in the matchup!
Jeffrey: Supreme is way too good for that Scott. As a matter of fact, Supreme may have invented that.
McGroin, knowing the pin attempted was feeble, is quickly on his feet, with Supreme not far behind him. He runs the ropes again and swiftly ducks under a Supreme clothesline attempt. He bounces off the adjacent ropes and flies right off of them and connects with a Cross Body! But Supreme has caught him in midair! Supreme holds him for a second before flipping him backwards over his head and falling back for a Fallaway Slam! McGroin hits the mat hard, but tried to get back to his feet quickly. He uses the ropes for help and stands, only to see Supreme coming running and clothesline him over the top rope! McGroin spills out onto the floor below! Supreme decides to join him this time and he moves through the ropes while staying on the ring apron. He waits for McGroin to get back up and immediately jumps off and connects with a Double Axe Handle to the back of the head! McGroin stumbles away towards the ring post. Supreme takes a moment to mouth off to the crowd while grinning. He walks over to the downed McGroin casually. Suddenly, McGroin reaches up and grabs a hold of Supreme’s singlet near the waist and pulls him forward! A surprised Supreme flies forward and his face eats steel!
Phoenix: McGroin with an opportunistic maneuver! Supreme is hurt!
Roberts: Supreme did exactly what Ray was doing. Underestimated the man, who once made a cow…..
Jeffrey: Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!
McGroin is getting to his feet and sees the official shout out “7!” McGroin shakes the cobwebs out and gets Supreme up and connects with a right for good measure. He then rolls him into the ring and follows himself. McGroin stands and then immediately starts kicking the body of Supreme. After a few good shots he forces Supreme to his feet, who is still struggling after going face first into the ring post. McGroin forces him into the turnbuckle and takes a few quick shots to his face. He then attempts to whip him across to the adjacent corner, but Supreme only goes halfway before spinning McGroin around and sending him instead! Supreme follows behind, but once McGroin reaches the corner, he grabs the ropes and perpells himself up and Supreme runs underneath him and hits the turnbuckle! McGroin lands and quickly shoulder thrust Supreme in the gut! And again! And again! He grabs Supreme’s head under his arm and runs forward slamming Supreme into the mat face first with a Bulldog! McGroin quickly stands and drops a quick elbow to the chest! He swiftly gets up again, runs the ropes, and backflips onto the body of Supreme! He hooks the leg for the cover!
1!!!!
2!!!!
Kickout!
Phoenix: Supreme gets a shoulder up! McGroin laying it on the champ!
Roberts: Guess I was wrong about the head on assault tactic…..
McGroin stands and hears the crowd starting to get behind him. He motions with his hands to bring it on and they get more fired up. Supreme begins to stir and gets on his hands and knees. McGroin bounces off the ropes and towards Supreme. Suddenly, Supreme is on his feet and he whallops McGroin with a vicious clothesline! McGroin’s body flips backwards from his own momentum and he lands flat on his stomach, immediately grimacing in pain. Supreme looks out to the crowd angrily. He shouts out and then viciously yanks McGroin to his feet by his head. He thrust his opponent’s head into his armpit and sets up for a Suplex. He lifts McGroin and holds him straight up in the air. One second, two seconds, three seconds, and finally he falls backwards and slam McGroin’s body into the canvas! McGroin immediately sits up and shouts out in agony, nursing his back. Supreme is back up and takes the opportunity to kick him in that hurting back. He shouts at McGroin and then grabs his head and forces him to his feet. He pulls him over near the turnbuckle and scoops him up and Bodyslams him. Supreme exits through the middle ropes and climbs the turnbuckle.
Phoenix: Supreme going for the high risk maneuver!
Jeffrey: He’s not messing around anymore!
Supreme leaps high into the air and comes down hard with a vicious elbow to the chest of McGroin! Supreme stands over McGroin, contemplating what to do. He decides to grab McGroin and lift him up again in the Suplex position. Instead of going for the maneuver, he sets McGroin down on his groin, on the turnbuckle! Supreme pulls back and connects with a right to the jaw of his opponent for good measure. Supreme then ascends the turnbuckle as well, he swiftly sets McGroin up for what looks like a Superplex! He starts pulling McGroin up but there’s resistance! And then there’s a few shots to his ribs! McGroin wriggles free and puts his hand on Supreme’s face and shoves him violently backwards! He quickly stands and leaps in the air spinning! He comes down hard onto the body of Supreme for a 360 Splash! He holds for the pin!
1….
2….
3…...New Champion!!!
NOOOO! Supreme’s foot is on the bottom rope!
Roberts: Bah God! So close boys!
Jeffrey: Don't ... don't do that ...
Phoenix: A foot onto the bottom rope away from McGroin grabbing some serious 4CW gold!
Jeffrey: Supreme is fine. He could have kicked out if he wanted too. The foot on the rope was nothing but a head game tactic.
Phoenix: Well he’s lucky the official saw it, or it would have cost him dearly!
McGroin sits up and sighs heavily. McGroin stands and brings Supreme with him. He sets him up against the turnbuckle. He pulls back to connect with a right, but is suddenly hit with a thumb to the eye! McGroin grabs his face and remains stunned! Supreme swiftly stands on the middle ropes at the turnbuckle and leaps forward and clotheslines McGroin to the mat hard! Supreme rolls over towards the ropes and using them to stand. McGroin scrambles to get to his feet and is still dealing with the Eye Rake. He swings wildly at Supreme, who ducks and wraps him up around the waist! Supreme quickly lifts and flips him over his head for a quick Belly-to-Belly Suplex! McGroin then forces himself back up as Supreme runs the ropes! He comes running in and as McGroin finally focuses on Supreme and gets hit with a Roaring Elbow! He drops to the mat hard!
Phoenix: Supreme Annoyance!
Supreme quickly hooks the leg!
1….
2…..
Kickout!
Phoenix: Didn’t think that would do it, but Supreme is heating up!
Roberts: And it is annoying alright!
Jeffrey: Oh my god James…..
Supreme is quick to his feet and grabs McGroin’s legs, pulling him to the center of the ring. He sticks his foot in between McGroin’s, but he quickly realizes what’s about to happen and begins squirming. He grabs Supreme’s foot and manages to fight off the bigger man. Supreme struggles to get McGroin’s legs back under control and then is finally shoved with both feet away. Supreme flies back into the mat. He is quickly to his feet as a groggy McGroin uses the ropes to get up slowly. Supreme comes running in and swings for a clothesline! McGroin sucks and propels Supreme up and over the top rope!
Supreme manages to hang on, McGroin turns and swings but Supreme is too quick and thrusts his shoulder into McGroin’s midsection! Supreme flings himself over the top over and McGroin! He lands underneath of him and piles him backwards and holds for the pin!
1!!!
2!!!
3…..Kickout!
Both men scramble to their feet and Supreme swings but is blocked! McGroin manages to kick him in the gut, grab his head, twist, and bring him down for a Swinging Neckbreaker! Both men are down with McGroin taking a moment to recuperate.
Phoenix: Back and forth nonstop action in this title bout folks!
Roberts: McGroin is giving it his all! He’s going to do it!
Jeffrey: It pains me how much you constantly underestimate Supreme. He is so far ahead in this match, you have no idea! He is fine! All is in control.
Roberts: If this is “in control”, I don’t wanna see out of control!
McGroin gets to his feet and starts motioning by flapping his arms upward for Supreme to get up and the crowd rallies behind the challenger! Supreme is slow to stand but does! He’s groggy and facing away from his opponent, but he slowly turns and McGroin comes rushing in and BAM! Supreme spins and reveals an elbow that McGroin runs directly into! His head snaps back and he is completely vertical before falling down to the mat. Supreme looks out to the crowd and can’t conceal his laughter, as it forces its way through his grinning face.
Jeffrey: That’s what I’m talking about James Roberts! That right there! Did you see it! He was just playing possum!
Phoenix: Absolutely brutal!
Supreme gets McGroin up and harshly kicks him in the gut and forces him in between his legs. He lifts him up and holds him for a Piledriver. Supreme leaps up and brings down McGroin’s head hard! McGroin is laid out right in front of the turnbuckle. Supreme signals to the crowd that the match is over. He climbs the turnbuckle and turns his back to his opponent. He shouts out to the crowd and even flips them off before he backflips off the top turnbuckle for a Moonsault! He completes the flip and slams directly into the canvas! Nobody home!
Phoenix: McGroin’s Camera Man just pulled him by his foot out of the way!
Jeffrey: That idiot! He put down his camera, Phil is gonna be pissed! He just missed a big highlight!
Roberts: Supreme is hurt Ray! No faking that!
McGroin, unbeknownst to him what just happened, nurses his head and rests in the corner. The crowd starts chanting for the CameraMan! A confused McGroin starts to get to his feet, and Supreme is crawling to the adjacent corner. The official gets to a count of “6” before McGroin manages to get up. He leans back against the turnbuckle and looks over to Supreme. Supreme is nearly up himself and after a moment turns and falls back against the turnbuckle, yet standing. Both men stagger out of their respective corners and meet in the center of the ring. They weakly lock up and hold the position, neither man getting the upper hand. Supreme uses his strength advantage and forces McGroin down to a knee. He fights with all his might, but he’s too hurt and Supreme is too strong.
Phoenix: Supreme has a startling demonic look in his eyes! Phil McGroin is in trouble!
The crowd suddenly starts to get behind McGroin, a clapping that was maybe a section or two, has now infected the arena! They start to scream and yell! McGroin begins to fight back and forces himself back to his feet. He starts backing Supreme up! The crowd goes wild, they can’t believe it! And BAM! Supreme breaks the hold and slaps McGroin’s hands away! He reaches down and grabs his legs, forcing him on to his back! Supreme holds his legs up and steps through, then flips McGroin over! McGroin screams out in agony!
Phoenix: Supreme Demise! McGroin is in serious trouble!
Jeffrey: Looks like the Texas Cloverleaf to me, Scott!
Roberts: The ropes are right there Phil! Reach for em! Reach!!!
The official slides in and repeatedly asks if McGroin wants to call it quits! He shakes his head, sometimes not answering at all. He takes a quick look back and Supreme, just as he wrenches back on the hold! McGroin yells out and then locks his eyes into the nearest ropes. Luckily the two competitors are not in the center of the ring and he starts crawling towards the ropes! He closer than Supreme realizes! Supreme looks back and sees McGroin grab the ropes! Supreme refuses to release the hold anyway! The official starts counting and finally Supreme let’s go. He stands and is visibly angry. He heads over to his downed opponent and starts stomping coordinated shots to the legs of McGroin. He then forces him to his feet and centers him against the nearest ropes. He whips across the ring, but McGroin manages to hold on and send Supreme for the ride instead. He hits the ropes and returns to McGroin bent over. Supreme Sunset flips over him and pulls him down! But McGroin continues the roll and quickly grabs the leg of the flat on his back Supreme! He starts locking in The Eggcutor submission and Supreme frantically fights it! It’s nearly locked in, but Supreme desperately kicks McGroin in the side of the head, rolls away, and escapes under the ropes. He stands in the apron as McGroin scrambles to get to his feet.
Phoenix: McGroin! Oh so close to locking in that devastating maneuver!
Roberts: And they were in the center of the ring. There’s no doubt in my mind McGroin would have been crowned new Universal Champion had he locked it in!
Jeffrey: There was doubt in my mind……
Supreme reaches over the rope at McGroin but he thrusts himself into Supreme’s midsection and starts unloading a barrage of rights into Supreme’s head and face! Supreme eats a few shots before he can’t mount any kind of defense! Supreme wildly throws out his hand and a finger catches McGroin’s eye! Supreme then grabs McGroin for a maneuver! He has McGroin by both of his arms and BOOM! McGroin drives his forehead into Supreme’s face! Before he can eve react, McGroin pulls Supreme through the middle ropes and holds him there in a DDT position! Supreme’s feet still on the middle ropes! McGroin drives Supreme’s head into the canvas! He covers him!
1….
2…..
3!!!!!
Nooooo!
The official stands holding only two fingers up and an exhausted Phil McGroin can’t believe it.
Roberts: Oh come on! That’s was 3!!!
Jeffrey: It appears not, James.
Phoenix: McGroin with a huge Rope Hung DDT! But Supreme got his shoulder up at the last possible second!
A groggy McGroin gets to his feet and you can see the pain on his face as he is still nursing his right knee. He grabs Supreme by the head and slowly gets him to his feet. Supreme barely looks conscious. McGroin pulls back and connects with a right! And then another on the jaw! Supreme stands in place but his body is leaning backwards. McGroin goes for a third, but Supreme throws up his left arm and blocks it! He then delivers his own right! The two men start trading slow but vicious shots to the face!
Supreme’s rights are picking up steam! McGroin is now on full defense mode. Supreme backs him up into the corner! He then gets onto the middle ropes and starts pounding down on McGroin! The crowd does not do its usual count and so Supreme stops and looks out to them. He yells out a “What?” “Let’s go morons!” Suddenly, McGroin comes back to life and reaches up catches Supreme with an off guarded strike! He struggles to keep his balance and McGroin sneaks between his legs! Supreme quickly turns around to stand on the top rope, but McGroin seizes the opportunity and grabs Supreme by his head so he can’t stand! McGroin rears back and connects with a right! He tries for another but Supreme manages to dodge the attack! A desperate McGroin swing so hard he spins himself into the corner facing away from Supreme! Supreme reaches down and hooks his head around his throat and leaps off the turnbuckle flipping forward! He lands as if he just hit the stunner!
Jeffrey: Supreme Impact!!!!
McGroin’s body falls lifeless to the mat! Supreme rolls him over and confidently hooks the leg!
1!!!!
2!!!!!
3!!!!!
*Ding* *Ding* *Ding*
Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match and STIIIIIIIIIIIIILL 4CW Universal Champion! SUPREME!
Supreme stands and demands his title from the official who scurries over and grabs it from someone on the outside. Supreme shouts out angrily to the crowd and then rips the title out of the referee’s hands. He holds it up in the air with one hand, points at it, and then himself with the other.
Roberts: God damnit! So close!
Jeffrey: He was never close. Supreme was never in any danger of losing his title tonight.
Roberts: Did we watch the same match!? Oh forget it, I momentarily forgot you’re a moron.
Phoenix: I have to side with James here Ray. That match looked as if it could go either way, right up until the finish! However, Supreme with a beautiful victory in his first title defense as Universal Champion!
---
We shoot backstage and see 4CW interviewer Michael Carson standing in the frame, microphone in hand, and dressed as if attending a black tie only event. The 4CW Gallows End logo covers the backdrop.
Carson: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight you will see two of 4CW’s headliners fight for the precious 4CW Championship in a Last Man Standing Match! The challenger, Brian White and the champion, Jack Valentine. This will be Valentine's first title defense as Champion, and boy is it going to be a hell of a test.
Suddenly, Jack “Mad Dog” Valentine himself walks into the scene and next to Carson. He’s in full wrestling attire, greased up, hair braided back in a ponytail, sunglasses, his championship draped over his shoulder, and chew gum obnoxiously.
Valentine: Let me stop you right there Carson. This may be Jack Valentine’s first title defense as 4CW World Champion, but this is by no means his first title defense! I am a multiple! Universal Champion. And multiple! Hardcore Champion! I also always bring my game to the next level come Pay Per View time! And not too mention Michael! I am also a silky smooth and clean 2-0 against the challenger.
Valentine is furiously chewing his gum as he looks directly into the camera lens after his speech. He chews with his mouth open and is clearly grinning through, with all the confidence in the world.
Carson: That may be true Jack, but Brian White has also been able to raise his game come……
A hand goes up right in Carson’s face, causing him to pause. Valentine steps in closer, intimating Carson, and he closes his mouth. Valentine slowly takes off his sunglasses.
Valentine: Need I remind you. It was on the grandest stage of em all, that I defeated Brian White for his Universal title, at Revival! It was at the landmark Storm Front Super Show, that I successfully defended MY Universal Championship, in a steel cage! Rumble in the Storm! And good old Jackie Boy, wasn’t done yet! Defending his title wasn’t enough! After being completely screwed out of my Universal Championship by new 4CW cockamamie rules! I did not doubt! I did not falter! I walked into the Rumble in the Storm, severely overworked and nursing multiple serious injuries! And I walked out 4CW World Heavyweight Champion! And I took out the former champion, as well as The Freight Train, to do it! So if you want to get technical Michael Carson! Jack Valentine is actually 3-0 against Brian White!
Carson: Of course Jack, that is all true. But Brian White is a former 4CW Champion himself. He has been known to raise his game, not just at the big shows, but more so when that title on your shoulder is on the line! And if you don’t believe me then look back at his impressive victory over former champion Pilgrim Paige, in the number one contesner’s match for your championship. I do not believe that you have faced that Brian White…..yet!
Valentine’s face shows signs of concern with every word Carson says. He suddenly looks to get very angry and then suddenly relaxes. He puts his hand on Carson’s shoulder. It looks aggressive and makes a slap noise. Carson’s one leg buckles for a second. Valentine leans in and spits his gum out in a random direction.
Valentine: Michael Carson. If you think I worked 15 years of my life, to finally capture the grand prize this company has to offer, only to lose it the first time it’s on the line. Then after all this time, you just don’t know Jack “Mad Dog” Valentine. Look at me. Look and listen, Michael. I am the top dog. I am the best of the best. I am this company. I am the past! The present! I am the future! I am Four Corners Wrestling! The prophecy has finally been fulfilled! And the ride is just getting started, Michael. Don’t you see? Can’t you? I’ll make you see. I will make all of you nonbelievers see that everything I’ve been spewing this past year, for the last 15 years, is not malarkey! It is truth! And the truth hurts! That’s why these idiots who call themselves fans, won’t accept me. That’s why they want The Freight Train to carry the belt. Or Paige. Or Wolfbaine. Or anyone who will bow down to their bidding! Anyone but ME!
Carstein looks to be frozen in fear or awe, it can’t be deciphered. Maybe just waiting with uncomfortable anxiety. Valentine’s voice becomes soft again.
Valentine: You’ll see.
With that Valentine puts his sunglasses back on, pulls out another stick of gum, and promptly placed it into his mouth. He starts chewing obnoxiously again, as it can be heard as clear as day in the silence. He looks down at his belt, smiles, and walks away grinning. Carson sports a befuddled look and stays silent for a moment. He looks down and then back to the camera, raising the microphone to his lips. Suddenly, Valentine pops back into view from the left side, startling Carson!
Valentine: And Michael……..Happy Halloween.
Valentine disappears again and Carson watches him walk off. He finally looks back to the camera after just too long.
Carson: Ba-back to you guys…...
---
Carson: This is a Total Elimination Match…and it is for the 4CW Tag Team Championships!!
“Head like a Hole” by Miley Cyrus begins to play through the loudspeakers and Senecca and Dirk Meyer make their entrance alongside Marquis the Moose! The two look at each other and look at Marquis and decide, for his sake, to send him backstage before they head to the ring.
Phoenix: S&M beat Silent Sorcery to get here but now they must not only beat Silent Sorcery, they must beat Umbra Maxima if they wish to be champions again.
Jeffrey: S&M are so serious they didn’t even leave Marquis out here. They’re ready to regain the tag team titles.
Roberts: I’m kinda surprised these guys have stuck together this long. Isn’t it time for them to break up again?
*S&M get in the ring and immediately start talking as their music dies out and is quickly replaced by “Eternal Lotus” by Rude! Silent Sorcery come out and look raring to go, but they take the time to schmooze a bit with the fans before they get into the ring.*
Phoenix: Silent Sorcery is the only team that has managed, in the past year and a half, to take the titles from Umbra Maxima.
Jeffrey: These two are weird.
Roberts: They probably have the best chance to take the titles tonight. They know Umbra Maxima is beatable!
*Silent Sorcery get in the ring and, like S&M, start discussing strategy. As their music fades out “Taking You Down” by Egypt Central rips through the arena and the tag team champions make their way onto the stage. The boos rain down on them but the duo does not care as they march to the ring.*
Phoenix: This match is going to be held under triple threat rules the entire time. If one of your team gets eliminated the other member must immediately replace them.
Jeffrey: Umbra Maxima haven’t held the titles all this time for nothing. Don’t forget that if they win then neither S&M nor Silent Sorcery can challenge them again so long as they hold the belts.
Roberts: This is the truest test for the teamwork of all three of these teams. What duo, between the two of them, can take out four other competitors?
Carson: Introducing first, the challengers, weighing in at a combined weight of 570 lbs…Senecca, Dirk Meyer…S&M!
*The duo briefly play to the crow to a mixed reaction and then Dirk steps out onto the apron, indicating that Senecca will start the match.*
Carson: The next pair of challengers, weighing in at a combined weight of 332 lbs…Tsukiko and Oki-Kira…Silent Sorcery!
*The eclectic duo get mostly cheers from the sellout crowd as they taunt and then Oki-Kira steps to the apron, leaving Tsukiko in the ring.*
Carson: Finally, they are your 4CW Tag Team Champions, weighing in at a combined weight of 485 lbs…Elfan Simtul and Maximillian Yesgill…Umbra Maxima!
*The boos pick up again as the champions raise their belts high. They hand them to the referee who raises them high again and shows them to everyone as Maximillian steps to the apron, leaving Simtul to start the match.*
Phoenix: We see now how each team will start.
Jeffrey: What matters is how you finish Scott.
Roberts: … I got nothing.
*The bell rings. Simtul looks between the other two, daring one of them to move. Tsukiko looks at Senecca and when he looks back she gestures towards Simtul. He gets the idea and the two start slowly moving towards him.*
Phoenix: Looks like the pair of challengers have decided to try and work together to eliminate Umbra Maxima first.
*Tsukiko charges in and Elfan knocks her to the mat with a shoulder, but before he can reset Senecca charges in and knocks him down with a shoulder! Elfan tries to quickly get back up but Senecca starts laying in clubbing shots to the back and as she gets to her feet Tsukiko joins in on the attack, trying to keep Elfan on his knees. Elfan, with surprising speed, grabs Tsukiko’s arm and slings her against Senecca, knocking him slightly off balance momentarily. Senecca proceeds to shove the young woman and says “Watch it!” and Tsukiko does not look pleased.*
Jeffrey: Elfan is already causing friction between these two. If he can keep at it this alliance won’t last.
Roberts: It can’t last forever anyway. Eventually they must take each other out to determine a winner.
*In the ring Elfan headbutts Senecca in the gut as he turns back to him after yelling at Tsukiko. Senecca doubles over, having the wind knocked out of him, by Elfan’s bulbous head, and Elfan regains his feet, despite more strikes from Tsukiko. Tsukiko throws a punch and it’s caught by Simtul who pulls Tsukiko in quickly and presses her above his head! As Senecca straightens up, Simtul launches Tsukiko from the Gorilla Press position right into the big man. Senecca catches her though and chucks her aside!
Phoenix: Simtul tried to use a variation of the Falling Satellite there to take out both Tsukiko and Senecca but it backfired as Senecca is still way too strong and managed to catch Tsukiko and chuck her aside like a ball of paper. Now these two monsters can really clash.
*Indeed the two big men do start to clash, throwing staggering right hands, but with his slight weight advantage, Senecca does start to overpower Simtul and he knocks him around the ring towards the dangerous S&M corner. He manages to knock him into the corner as a war Tsukiko watches on and Senecca tags in Dirk Meyer. Dirk steps in and Senecca hooks up Simtul and Dirk delivers a clothesline as S&M perform a Hart Attack! Senecca exits and Dirk waves over Tsukiko as he starts stomping on Simtul. Tsukiko makes her way over, warily, and starts also putting the boots to Simtul. Dirk pauses and then stops Tsukiko, who pouts, and he grabs Simtul’s foot and DDTs it into the mat!*
Jeffrey: Dang, that’s gonna make it harder for Simtul to get up and tag in Yesgill.
*Dirk waves in Tsukiko again and the two talk for a moment and then start working to pull Simtul up to his feet. They run the ropes for a dual dropkick, but, the 6 inch height difference means Meyer crosses the ring faster and he dropkicks Simtul in the chest, while Tsukiko is still running in. Simtul doesn’t fall, but finally does with the second dropkick from Tsukiko! Meyer gets up and shoves Tsukiko and asks “Where were you?!” She responds “What does it matter?!” Meyer makes an inappropriate gesture and Tsukiko’s eyes widen.*
Roberts: Hey look Meyer is causing problems, what a surprise.
*Meyer has gone back to stomping on Simtul, but Tsukiko grabs his arm and spins him towards her and lets loose with a swift slap! She then starts laying in chops and strikes to the chest! Senecca, on the ring apron, is having a fit. Tsukiko batters Meyer until he’s leaning against the ropes and she grabs him and presses him against them and then whips him across the ring with the momentum and he runs back into a dropkick! Tsukiko gets up and yells “I’m right here!” at the downed Meyer and then she notices Simtul getting up and moving towards his corner. She runs over to stop him but he sees her coming and sidesteps her attack. He decides to take the opportunity presented to him and he quickly picks up Tsukiko from behind and plants her with a back suplex. Meyer has gotten up and comes over and starts clubbing Simtul as he gets up. Simtul powers through Meyer’s blows though and drops him with a powerful lariat.*
Phoenix: The big man of Umbra Maxima looks like he’s finally woken up and I think Silent Sorcery and S&M are in trouble in this moment.
*Simtul kicks Tsukiko from the ring and uses one hand to drop Meyer back to the mat with a ferocious blow to the back. He roughly picks up Meyer and raises him in the Gorilla Press position and instead of dropping him as per normal Elfan chucks him towards Umbra Maxima’s corner. Meyer crashes into the mat hard and Elfan runs towards Senecca on the apron and hits a big tackle, sending the big man to the floor! He runs back towards his corner, as Meyer is using the turnbuckle to pull himself up and hits the Stinger Splash!*
Jeffrey: The Total Eclipse! He just engulfed Meyer! Looks like he’s going for the Shadow Hammer…but why’s he tagging Max?
*In the ring Simtul has indeed tagged Maximillian Yesgill while holding Meyer in position for the Shadow Hammer. Maximillian jumps on the rope and comes off with a Superman Punch while Simtul holds Meyer and then Simtul drives Meyer to the mat with the Shadow Hammer!*
Phoenix: Elfan let me know they were going to debut a new tag team move tonight, a combination of the Shadow Hammer and the Booster Descent that they have dubbed Cometes Devestatio, or in English, Comet Devastation!
*Maximillian makes the cover as Elfan stands guard!
1!
2!
3!*
Carson: Dirk Meyer of S&M has been eliminated!
*Elfan rolls to the apron and stands up and Maximilian tags him in, making him legal again, as Senecca slides into the ring looking furious. He charges Elfan as he gets in and hits both men of Umbra Maxima in his wake, sending Max to the floor and knocking Elfan down. Tsukiko finally gets back in as well and tries to attack Senecca, but to no avail as the biggest man shoves her off. Senecca briefly looks at Elfan and then back at Tsukiko, and a smile spreads across his face, and like Elfan did earlier, he grabs Tsukiko and lifts her in a Gorilla Press position!*
Jeffrey: The action in this match is fast and furious. Senecca knows he needs to re-even the odds now with Meyer gone.
Roberts: Looks like Senecca is gonna try to do to Elfan what Elfan tried to do to him earlier.
*Indeed, Senecca lobs Tsukiko at Elfan. Elfan does manage to catch the young woman however! He thinks for a moment and then sets Tsukiko on her feet, but both fall moments later as Senecca charges in again with reckless abandon. He kicks Tsukiko away and quickly hauls Elfan to his feet! He braces himself and then lifts the large man onto his shoulder!*
Phoenix: Senecca looking for The Dark Plunge!
*Senecca hits his Samoan driver but before he can make the cover, Tsukiko dropkicks him in the face! She scrambles to her feet and hits Whirlpool, her standing 450 splash, on Simtul! Cover by Tsukiko!
1!
2!
3!*
Carson: Elfan Simtul of Umbra Maxima has been eliminated!
Jeffrey: Half of the tag team champions gone just like that. Maximilian has his work cut out for him to retain the belts now!
*Speaking of Maximilian he’s finally pulled himself back in the ring as a pissed off Senecca marches straight for Tsukiko. She heads right for him and unleashes a Siren Song! Senecca is forced to briefly cover his ears before he manages to clamp a hand on Tsukiko’s mouth! From behind though, Maximilian hits a chopblock on the big man! Senecca drops to a knee and Tsukiko looks at max and Max nods at her and the two start swinging away on the big man. Senecca doesn’t go down though and powers up, tossing aside both Max and Tsukiko! He walks over to Max and deadlifts him with a rear waist lock before launching the remaining member of Umbra Maxima with a German Suplex! He goes back to Tsukiko and roughly pulls her up by her hair.*
Roberts: Senecca really being kinda rough and tumble here. The early elimination of Meyer has made him desperate.
*Senecca pulls Tsukiko up on his shoulders! The Dark Plunge connects! Senecca locks eyes on Oki-Kira as he covers Tsukiko!
1!
2!
3!*
Carson: Tsukiko of Silent Sorcery has been eliminated!
Phoenix: Admittedly smart tactic there by Senecca, keeping his eyes on Oki-Kira to make sure the pin wouldn’t be broken up, especially since had already briefly put down Maximillian Yesgill.
Jeffrey: It’s back to one person apiece for each team, but Senecca may as well be two people. Oki-Kira and Maximilian give up a lot of size to him.
Roberts: They’re both still fairly fresh though and all these big moves and this running around by Senecca has got to be taking its toll.
*Maximilian slides back into the ring as Oki-Kira steps through the ropes and both of them have their eyes locked on Senecca as he gets to his feet while Tsukiko is ushered from the ring.
Phoenix: This is it. If you’re pinned here your claim to the 4CW Tag Team Titles is wasted. If Senecca or Oki-Kira pull this out they have beaten the most dominant team in 4CW in the past year and a half. If Maximilian can retain he eliminates both of these teams from future contention. There’s a lot on the line here.
*Maximilian looks at Oki-Kira and nods towards Senecca but Senecca doesn’t wait for them to confer and he charges at Maximilian and starts wailing away on him in the corner! Oki-Kira runs in and starts clubbing Senecca’s back and Senecca turns around and picks up Oki-Kira and slams him against Maximilian in the corner! Senecca then backs up and charges in, crushing both men in the corner! He peels Oki-Kira off of Maximilian and biels him out first, sending him to the left, then he peels Maximilian off the turnbuckles and biels him out, sending him to the right!*
Jeffrey: Yeesh! Scary strength by Senecca. Oki and Max are gonna need to do something else so Umbra Maxima can retain.
Roberts: Or so Silent Sorcery can win.
Jeffrey: Shut up Roberts.
*Senecca goes to the fallen Oki-Kira and picks him up and places him in a corner and drives his shoulder into his gut. He then goes to Maximilian and picks him up and puts him in the opposite corner and rams a shoulder into his gut as well! He looks back at Oki-Kira and charges in, and Kira moves at the last second and Senecca rams the steel post, shoulder-first! He stumbles out and Maximilian runs by with surprising speed and rebounds off the ropes and catches Senecca with his Slingblade, the Lunar Lasso! Senecca starts getting back up and Oki-Kira responds with a Running Famouser! Oki-Kira glances at Maximilian as he gets up and points to the top rope! Maximilian nods and goes up top, aiming at Senecca! Maximilian comes off with a Swanton Bomb! It connects! Oki-Kira jumps up to the top rope as Max lands! He turns around and flies off looking for the Shiga Stomp! It connects! Both men make the cover!
1!
2!
3!*
Carson: Senecca has been eliminated! Therefore, S&M are totally eliminated!
Phoenix: What a series of maneuvers there! Maximilian and Oki-Kira worked together in their most desperate hour and put away the much larger Senecca!
Jeffrey: We’re down to two! Umbra Maxima can still get this win!
Roberts: Don’t count out Silent Sorcery. Maximilian has never battled Oki-Kira one-on-one.
Phoenix: Both of these men are fast and agile. Who wants it more tonight? Which team walks out champion?
*Maximilian and Oki-Kira stand up and nod at each other and then in a surprise move, Maximilian offers his hand to Oki-Kira! Oki-Kira looks at it for a moment and the audience is unsure if he should accept it or not but eventually he does and the two shake hands!*
Roberts: Surprising bit of respect there from Maximilian. He knows he needed Oki-Kira to put away Senecca or neither of them would walk out champion.
*Maximilian and Oki-Kira lock up in the ring and Max gets a headlock on Oki-Kira. Kira shoves him towards the ropes and Max runs the ropes and comes back with a shoulder tackle! Oki-Kira struggles back up afterward and Max goes for a second shoulder tackle but Oki-Kira presses himself to the mat to avoid it! Max runs off the ropes and comes back and Kira leapfrogs over him! Max comes off the ropes yet again and Oki-Kira goes for a monkey flip! Maxmilian lands on his feet! He charges back towards Oki-Kira who jumps up and hits a hurricanrana! Max is on the second rope, facing the crowd! Oki-Kira goes for a Tiger Feint Kick! Maximilian dodges out of the way and tries to roll up Oki-Kira! He doesn’t keep hold though and Kira just rolls through and goes for a shining wizard! Maximilian catches him as he runs in and looks for a powerbomb! Kira tries to counter with a hurricanrana, but Max sees it coming and simply shoves his legs off! Kira is in handstand position for a moment before he flips to his feet and he and Max both go for a superkick! They connect! Both men drop to the mat! A “That was awesome!” chant erupts from the crowd, most of which is giving the duo a standing ovation.*
Phoenix: What an amazing sequence from these two titans of tag.
*The ref is counting both men down, and they both crawl to the same rope and start pulling themselves up. Max charges in and Kira jumps up and ends up on his shoulders. Victory Roll by Kira.
1!
2!
Max kicks out! He immediately stands up and goes for Kira again only to get caught with a small package!
1!
2! Max rolls it over!
1!
2! Kira rolls it back the other way!
1!
2! Max kicks out!
Kira gets up and begins stomping on Max, forcing him towards the corner. Max starts to pull himself up, but he struggles as Kira peppers him with kick after kick! He readies himself and then catches Max in the face with a wicked spinning kick! Max slumps to the ground and Kira drags him out of the corner and looks to be setting up another Shiga Stomp! Kira comes off the top and Max just manages to move out of the way! Kira lands on his feet and looks to catch Max with another superkick as he gets up, but Maximilian ducks underneath it and grabs Kira’s tights and uses the momentum to drive the back of his head all the way down into the bottom turnbuckle. Max sits up Kira and then backs up before charging him and nailing him with the Crater Creator! As Kira lies slumped in the corner, Max heads to the apron.*
Jeffrey: How did Kira end up in the corner? I blinked.
Roberts: Max looking for another Booster Descent. If this connects Umbra Maxima retain!
*Max jumps on the top rope as Kira gets up and does go for Booster Descent, but Kira ducks it! Max rolls through as he hits the ground but he’s not ready as Kira charges in with a Kinshasa! Kira with the cover!
1!
2!
NO! Max gets his foot on the bottom rope! Kira looks devastated, realizing he misread Max’s ring position. Kira gets up and drags Max up with him and puts him in a front facelock and slings him over the middle rope, and leaves him hanging! Kira looking for the axe kick! Max moves! He catches Kira with a forearm and immediately jumps to the top rope for Booster Descent! And he hits it! YESGILL HOOKS THE LEG!
1!
2!
NO!! Kira kicks out!
Phoenix: Wow! Oki-Kira kicks out of Booster Descent! What a performance here tonight!
Yesgill slaps the mat in frustration but doesn't yield. He grabs the groggy Kira and pulls him to his feet, then sends him to the corner with an Irish whip. Yesgill charges at his opponent and hits a brutal corner clothesline! Yesgill then runs back away from Kira, and goes in for a second clothesline - but Kira gets a boot up! Yesgill rcovers to face his opponent, but Kira comes out of nowhere with a SUPERKICK!!
Phoenix: THERE'S THE KADO KICK! THAT COULD BE IT!
Kira falls on top of Max and covers him!
1...
2...
THREE!!
The bell rings, the crowd go nuts!
Phoenix: And they've done it!! Silent Sorcery have defeated Umbra Maxima!!
Carson: Here are your winners and the NEEEEEEW 4CW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS.... SILEEEEEENT SOOOORCERY!!
"Eternal Lotus" by RUDE. hits the PA. Kiko rolls into the ring to celebrate with her partner. The referee comes in with both tag belts and hands them to Kiko and Kira respectively.
Jeffrey: Wow! I think it's an undisputed fact that in these two teams, the former and longest reigning champs Umbra Maxima, and the now two-time, brand new champions Silent Sorcery - we have the two best tag teams in 4CW right now!
Phoenix: And let's not forget about S&M - unsuccessful tonight as they might have been, they are both veterans of the industry and will be a challenge on any day to any tag team!
Roberts: Tonight marked one entire year since Umbra Maxima defeated Silent Sorcery to capture the titles for a second time. Tonight, the exact reverse of that happened!
Kira and Kiko embrace and then celebrate with the fans, raising their titles high into the air and thanking the fans with bows. Outside the ring, Umbra Maxima look devastated at their loss. Together, they both roll into the ring and line up against the victors. The music cuts.
Phoenix: Now, now - what's going on here?!
Kira and Kiko look ready to go another round, but Umbra Maxima surprise everyone by extending their hands. Silent Sorcery shake them, and Umbra Maxima pull their hands away at the nearest opportunity and leave the ring, clearly wanting no part in extending the celebrations.
Phoenix: Well there is no love lost between these teams - and you can tell Maxima hated every second of that - but they begrudgingly offered their respect to the team that finally bested them - and if you look historically, has bested them twice!
Roberts: Tonight was a fine example why our tag division is the best it's ever been! Don't go anywhere, we've got so much more to come tonight!
The camera fades in onto the smiling faces of the broadcast team. Music is blaring out of the PA, the crowd is amped and cheering and those stood behind the broadcast team are waving banners, pulling faces and generally making asses of themselves on live television... but hey, what's new!
Phoenix: Welcome back to Gallows End! Up next we have a match that on any other show would have been the main event. Yes, it's the 4CW World Champion, 'Mad Dog' Jack Valentine, defending against the powerhouse that is Brian, 'The Freight Train' White. And boy have these two had a storied rivalry this past year.
Roberts: That's right Scott. It all started at Revival last April when Jack Valentine ended a record breaking run for The Freight Train as Universal Champion. He then successfully defended a couple months later at Rumble in the Storm II, in a steel cage no less. Valentine then went on to win the rumble match to win his first ever 4CW World Championship, though not before immediately losing the Universal Championship to Supreme, who cashed in his Lightning in a Bottle contract.
Jeffrey: A No. 1 Contenders match win against Pilgrim Paige saw White gain this next opportunity at gold, and last month, he pretty emphatically told us all he was gonna get it. Hmmm, much like me when I meet up with your Mom after the show, Roberts! Hahahah!
Pheonix: *sigh* That's right Ray... It looks like Mad Dog Jack Valentine has been in White's head all year, but last month, we may have seen a crack that defence when White announced to us all that the stipulation will be a Last Man Standing match! On paper, you really have to give the advantage to White here!
Jeffrey: Hey, hey, hey! Never mark down our Champion like that! Mad Dog is a near 20 year veteran, has been on the run of his life and has viscousness and cunning on his side.
Roberts: But he's also only just won his first World Championship. White's already been to the top of that mountain and looks to be itching to reach it again. Not to mention the fact that he's nearly twice the size of the champ!
Phoenix: Be that as it may, let's go to Carson in the ring.
The camera turns towards the ring before jump cutting to the hard cameras focused on 4CW's veteran ring announcer.
Carson: This match is a Last Man Standing match for the 4CW World Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger. He weighs in at 403lbs and comes from Barry, South Wales. Being accompanied by Miss Teri, Brian, 'The Freight Train', WHIIIIIIIIIIITTTEEEEE!!!!
The crowd roar as the opening riff of Metallica's 'Wherever I may Roam' hit's the PA and the lights dim, the titantron showing a landscape with a train line going through, puffs of smoke gradually coming closer. The band kicks in full as White comes out with Miss Teri to a flashing on lights and exploding pyro along the front of the stage and a stylised flaming skull fronted steam train roars into view to the delight of the fans. White is wearing his combat trousers, black wrestling boots and sleeveless jacket whilst Miss Teri is in a denim mini skirt, black blouse with the steam train logo, black faux fur coat and high healed knee high boots. She smiles as White takes in the adulation of the crowd, clapping her hands as White raises his unusually empty hands into the air.
Roberts: The Freight Train looks confident tonight!
Jeffrey: *panting* And Miss Teri looks hot, no, gorgeous tonight! Wowza!
White and Miss Teri march down the ramp towards the ring, White actually slapping outstretched hands as he walks by, looking as though he's really enjoying himself rather than just looking dour and mean all the time. White steps up onto the ring apron as Miss Teri walks up the steps. Stepping on the bottom rope and pulling on the middle, he allows his partner and manager to enter the ring first before showing off his impressive size and height by just stepping over the ring ropes. Inside the ring he continues to play to the crowd, climbing up to the second rope and shouting out his trademark train whistle call. The music fades as he bounces down, making the entire ring shudder a little and goes to stand by Miss Teri in the top corner facing the ramp, his eyes finally beginning to harden at the prospect of his rival entering the arena.
“Supernova Goes Pop” by Powerman 5000 hits the PA and Jack 'Mad Dog' Valentine saunters onto the stage, the 4CW World Championship around his waist and a sneer visible on his face.
Carson: And introducing, from Atlantic City, New Jersey, weighing in at 220lbs, 4CW Hall of Famer and 4CW World Heavyweight Champion, JACK ... MAD DOOOOOG ... VALENTIIIINE!!
Mad Dog steps to the top of the ramp and raises his arms wide, taking in the crowd reaction as they crow and boo their champion. Valentine closes his eyes and let's the noise wash over him, his tightly braided ponytail hanging down his back, and with a laugh he opens up and starts berating the crowd from the top of the ramp before making his way down to the ring, right down the centre where no one can touch him.
Jeffrey: And here comes the champion of champions! Look how ready he is for this battle.
Roberts: Umm, I think I see some brown still on your nose Ray....
Valentine makes his way up the stairs to the apron where he stands for a second and starts berating Carson. With sullen shock, Carson moves towards the ropes and sits on the middle rope, pushing up the top rope over his shoulder allowing for a larger area to access the ring. With a sneer, Mad Dog enters the ring, smiling and holding his arms out wide to show off. Carson meanwhile takes this opportunity to exit the ring and makes his way round to the timekeepers area, sitting down in a huff.
Valentine continues to pose as head referee Jason Trent moves in to take the belt. Valentine begrudgingly hands it over before throwing a rude gesture at White and a leering wink at Miss Teri. Miss Teri sends her own sneer his way before giving some final words of encouragement to White and stepping through the ropes and down off the apron.
Jason Trent meanwhile raises the belt above his head and hands it off to the timekeeper. Quickly checking with each competitor, he calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!!
Both competitors move to the centre of the ring, though Valentine's movements are more sauntering that ready. White relaxes his stance and stands tall, forcing Valentine to stand on tip toes as he goes chest to chest and starts mouthing off to White. The crowd boo this behaviour and Valentine turns away, chuckling, before swiftly turning back and slapping White hard across the face!
Phoenix: Some serious disrespect there from the champion!
Jeffrey: When you're 2 for 0 against your opponent, I think you can afford to be! Hahahah!
White slowly raises his hand to his face in shock as Valentine smirks. The camera mics even manage to pick up some of Valentines vitriol.
Valentine: What's the matter Freight Train? Been derailed already? Hahaha! You should just lie down before I hurt you!
As an emphasis, Valentine swings a second slap, but White catches his wrist in a vice like grip. Valentine's eyes suddenly go wide as White slowly shakes his head, any semblance of fun and happiness gone from his eyes. With almost preternatural swiftness, White strikes Valentine with a backhand slap to the face, not letting go of the arm.
Roberts: You were saying Ray?
Jeffrey: Shut up Roberts....
Valentine shakes his head and tries to pull his arm free, but White instead yanks on the arm, pulling the smaller man towards him and knocking him down with a chest block. Finally free, Valentine rolls away and regains his feet. White hasn't moved, though has tilted his head slightly to keep his eye on his rival. Valentine shakes his head in slight frustration and runs the ropes, hitting White in the back with a clothes line, though it's Valentine who bounces back, seemingly taking the brunt of the impact. White just stands there stoically. Valentine moves around the big man again and shouts more vitriol, pointing his finger into the big mans face for emphasis before spinning and delivering a stinging spinning heel kick. This does rock the big man slightly and Valentine runs the ropes once more, returning with a double drop kick to the side of Whites head that forces the big man to recover his balance.
As if this were a signal, White finally moves into action himself and dodges around the follow up clothesline, throwing Valentine on into the opposite ropes and downing him with a clubbing clothesline. White then grabs the champion around the head and hauls him back up to a standing headlock position before throwing him over his shoulder with a vertical suplex. Valentine lands heavily and arcs his back in pain before quickly rolling out of the ring.
Phoenix: White's power seems to be too much for the champion in these early stages.
White confidently moves to the ropes and leans over to grab the champion and haul him back into the ring, except Valentine has other ideas.
THWACK! The ring of kendo stick meeting skull rings throughout the arena and the crowd groans as Valentine begins chucking all sorts of weaponry and paraphilia into the ring; steel bins, kendo sticks, steel trays, baseball bats, steel chairs. He even begins hauling out a ladder, but seeing White recovering among the littered ring, he decides to leave in and climbs back in, grabbing his kendo stick again. Valentine advances, swings his weapon again and impacts on Whites shoulder with a stinging blow. The big man recoils and Valentine advances, swinging a third time, this time hitting White in the chest.
Jeffrey: You were saying Scott? Hahah!
White lifts his arms up to defend himself as he backs into the ring and Valentine continues his assault, punctuated with shouts of “Go down! Go down you freak!” Red welts begin to come up over Whites body as he drops to a knee. Keeping one arm up to protect his head, White manages to swipe out Valentines legs, dropping him heavily to his back and giving White time to recover and find a weapon of his own, a baseball bat.
Valentine smirks when he sees the bat in Whites hand and moves forwards like a fencer. White tries to defend, but more welts appear across his upper arms and shoulders and Valentine lands blow after stinging blow.
Roberts: Didn't realise this was a fencing match...
Jeffrey: Oh, just because it's a hardcore match and someone actually knows how to use some of these weapons... Geez, I swear my IQ drops every time a have to sit next to you!
White tires of this stinging repartee quickly and decides to go back to what he knows best. Ducking down he goes in for a classic take down, earning an extra welt on his back, but he finally has Valentine down on the ground and within easy reach. White starts whaling on the smaller man, dropping punches and forearm strikes to Valentines head and upper body in a punishing manner, even through Valentines up turned arms. The smaller man tries to wriggle free, but Whites greater size and strength are finally wining through. Smash after smash, White draws on his anger and frustration that this man has brought on him, as well as the encouragement of the crowd, and most importantly, his manager at the side of the ring. White Regains his feet and stomps a couple times for good measure before moving away from the now somewhat limp, battered and bruised form of Mad Dog Jack Valentine. Referee Jason Trent moves in to begin the count.
Phoenix: What a punishing attack from White. Any normal human being would be out after that!
Jeffrey: Our champ ain't no normal human, I can promise you that!
1!
2!
Valentine stirs and turns over.
3!
Valentine gets top a knee.
4!
5!
Valentine, with a shake of his head, regains his footing, slaps himself in the face and levels a deadly stare at the challenger. Jason Trent moves away to watch the carnage unfold.
Valentine charges him with renewed fury, delivering swift punches and strikes to any part of White he can reach before stepping back and hitting a picture perfect super kick to White jaw! The crowd groan audibly as white drops to a knee, visibly shaken. Valentine Runs back to the ropes and on the rebound delivers another double drop kick to Whites head. Sneering down at Miss Teri, who is standing near to them on the floor with a worried expression on her face, Valentine grabs the back of Whites head and pulls him back to the matt with an inverted DDT. The crowd roar as the reff again moves forward to see if a count is needed.
Phoenix: Valentine hit the Flea Shot! Will it be enough?
Jason Trent starts to count.
1!
2!
3!
Valentine smirks and raises his arms in a victory pose.
4!
White's eyes flutter open as Miss Teri tries to get him to wake up.
5!
6!
White shifts his bulk and grabs a nearby rope.
7!
White hauls himself up to his feet in a single movement.
Valentine looks furious and shouts “You shoulda stayed down ya big clown!” He picks up a steel tray and slaps it across a meaty shoulder, bending the piece of steel severely. Chucking it away Valentine pushes the bigger man into the corner and delivers a mighty knife edge chop, the sound reverberating around the arena. He delivers another, then a third before sauntering away, turning and charging back to deliver a devastating European Uppercut!
Jeffrey: I told ya! Jack Valentine has Whites number, always had, and always will!
White slumps to the corner, dazed by the attack. Valentine takes this opportunity to taunt Miss Teri as Jason Trent checks on White. Heated words are exchanged as Valentine leans down to be heard. Miss Teri doesn't give him too much opportunity and balls her fist to strike up at Valentine, who just barely manages to dodge out of the way, a look of relief just escaping before being covered up with his usual bravado. He then realises that there has been no count and turns to face an upright and angry Brian White.
Quick as lightning, White slams his hands on either side of Valentine's head, rattling his senses before giving Valentine a huge lariat, knocking him over the ropes to sprawl on the floor where Miss Teri hops out of the way with a laugh and a clap. White smirks and climbs through, dropping down next to the recumbent Valentine. Leaning down, he grabs Valentines arm, pulls him up , blows a quick kiss to Miss Teri and throws the champion into the steel steps. The crowd roars in appreciation and encouragement as Valentine calls out in pain.
White stalks towards his fallen victim, watching as Valentine begins to pick himself up. Clutching his back, the champ decides on discretion for a little bit and makes his way around the other side of the ring, forcing White to follow.
Roberts: So much for a fighting champ!
Stumbling a little, Valentine falls into the next corner to brace himself, looks over his shoulder to see While relentlessly pursuing him. With a grimace of consternation, Valentine drops out of Whites field of vision. A few seconds later White comes round the corner with the confidence of a man who knows his opponent is on the run, only to receive a ladder to the midriff from Valentine!
Jeffrey: There ya go! The Mad Dog had a plan all the time!
Valentine rises like a phoenix from the ashes, holding the ladder like a spear and a look of fury and vengeance on his face. With a shout, Valentine charges forward again and slams the ladder into Whites temple, knocking him back. With a snarl, Valentine doubles up on the assault, this time slamming the ladder into Whites left shoulder, knocking him down. Advancing like an avenging daemon, Valentine lifts the ladder above his head and slams it down across Whites chest and arms, eliciting a grunt of pain from the big man. Valentine quickly jumps up to the apron, giving himself some room before running forward and jumping into a diving senton onto the ladder, driving it further into Whites chest, though he grabs at his back in pain from the manoeuvrer. The crowd, who's noise has been near deafening throughout the contest, magnifies into a 'THIS IS AWESOME' chant as referee Jason Trent starts his count.
Phoenix: A high risk manoeuvrer from the champ, but could be high reward too.
1!
2!
3!
White manages to push the ladder off as Miss Teri is standing behind him shouting at him to get up.
4!
5!
A meaty paw raises and grabs the side of the apron.
6!
White hauls himself to his feet as Valentine, who was leaning against the dividing rails, curses and gets back up to a fully vertical base.
Roberts: Both men have dished out some serious punishment, it can only be a matter of time by now...
Phoenix: True, but I doubt we have tougher athletes in 4CW right now, or athletes who want it more!
Valentine, looking visibly tired by now, again charges forwards, jumping up to land a hefty forearm smash to Whites already bruised face and forcing him back towards the ramp. White tries to defend, but the blows from the ladder seem to have addled him and even Miss Teri's shouts and encouragement don't seem to shift the glassy confusion in Whites eyes. Valentine presses his attack with blow after blow, aiming as much for the head as he can, but landing blows to the gut and chest as well. Valentine forces the bigger man halfway up the ramp before White seemingly trips over and lands awkwardly on his backside.
Jeffrey: The champ has White rattled! He's got it in the bag!
White tries to shake out the cobwebs, tries to focus on the sound of Miss Teri's voice above the sound of the crowd, but it all seems to be a blur. Miss Teri Drops down on a knee to check on White as Valentine saunters back towards the ring and the mess of weapons still littering the canvas and grabs out a steel chair. Miss Teri desperately tries to bring White back into the match, but he seemingly just sits there on the ramp, dumbfounded!
Phoenix: Oh boy, I've seen this before! That blow to the head with the ladder may have done more than just rattle the Freight Train!
Valentine, weapon in hand, slowly saunters back to his fallen victim, enjoying the feeling of victory that is already coursing through him and mouths 'Three and Oh!' to his opponent. He lifts the chair up over his head, ready to bring it down like and executioners axe. Out of no-where, Miss Teri jumps up in defence, arms raised and takes the blow herself, falling unconscious onto the ramp beside White!
Roberts: Oh My God! Miss Teri just took the hit for White! She's down and out!
Jeffrey: That crazy bitch!
Phoenix: Damn! What a sacrifice by White's manager and partner, but it might be in vain I fear!
Valentine looks down at the fallen woman in shock, then laughs as he turns his attention back to White. White looks down on Miss Teri's unmoving form, his eyes wide, fear and shock intermingling over his face. Valentine slowly lifts the chair again. 'This time, you stay down!' And brings the chair down towards the top of White's head. The crowd screams in desperation for their hero, even the broadcast team takes a collective intake of breath, but the sickening thud doesn't come.
White's big meaty hand catches the chair and holds it still. Valentine tries to pull it free but it's a useless gesture against the vice like grip White currently has on it. His face begins to contort as the fear is slowly overtaken by a mad berserker rage and his glare suddenly shifts onto Mad Dog Jack Valentine! Slowly he stands, still gripping the chair along with Valentine. Slowly they start to circle and Mad Dog begins to stammer slightly under the furious gaze of the big Welshman.
'Hey man, come on! She jump in the way... Heheh, you know, it's like, her fault.... Right?'
White gives off a deep throaty growl in answer, ripping the steel chair away from Valentine's grip with ease and throwing it back down the ramp. Valentine stands there for a second, a look of awe and fear crossing his face, and legs it up the ramp! White thunders after the smaller man, who decides to go in search of the high ground. Turning away from the entrance to the gorilla position, Valentine instead makes his way to the edge of the stage and the Titantron's heavy steel scaffold. Risking a glance behind, Valentine begins to climb!
Phoenix: What in the name of all that is holy is Valentine thinking?!
Jeffrey: I think he just poked a sleeping grizzly, and that grizzly just woke up! I don't think I've ever seen White like this!
White reaches the scaffold and makes a grab for Valentine's foot, but is kicked off by the smaller man. With a look of unholy rage on his features, White begins to climb himself. The crowd are beside themselves as they watch the two competitors make their way up the highest structure in the arena.
Roberts: I... I can't believe it! They must be, what, 30 or 40 feet up in the air at the top?!
Valentine makes it to the top and scrambles up to the narrow walkway at the top of the titantron, looking around with relief when he doesn't see White. This is shortlived however as Whites large form comes into view and clambers up to the top with Valentine. White advances, eyes laser focused on the champion, seemingly ready to rip him limb from limb!
Jason Trent meanwhile is kneeling next to the fallen Miss Teri, both trying to keep an awe filled eye on the proceedings up the top of the titantron, and to rouse the recumbent woman to consciousness again. She slowly begins to open her eyes and sits up, quickly following everyone's gaze to the madness above.
All semblance of wrestling skill has gone from Valentine by now, just the thought of survival being paramount. He ducks a vicious swipe from White and lands a hard forearm of his own. He jumps back again, narrowly avoiding a second swipe, and tries for a kick to the knee. It lands, but again it barely phases the big man! He grits his teeth as he's unable to avoid a third clubbing blow from White, but does manage to keep his balance. Some screams from the crowd foreshadowing what might have been.
Valentine curses loudly and steps in, delivering a stunning super kick to Whites face. Miraculously, the big man doesn't go down, but just rocks backwards slightly, the dreadful grimace still in place. Valentines shout can be heard even from the top! 'Why the fuck won't you stay down?!' And with that, he goes in for a second super kick.
White is ready for it this time, dodges slightly and grabs the smaller man's leg. To the shock of everyone, not least of all Jack Valentine, White pulls him up and onto his shoulder in a powerbombing situation. Valentine looks down into the crazed eyes of Brian White, feeling the big man turn to face the arena. Realisation slowly dawns on him.
Valentine: No no! No, you crazy mother fucker!
The whole crowd is almost silent in that second. Little more than a murmur as White holds the champ up, 30 feet above the stage. Miss Teri is shaking her head in disbelief, muttering under her breath. Jason Trent beside her is looking on with dread. You could almost hear a pin drop as the tension in the arena builds.
White grins manically up at his tormentor...
White: Going down!
And jumps!
An ear splitting scream erupts from the ramp as Miss Teri freaks out! The crowd screams and roars in sympathy as the two men hurtle through the air. The broadcast team all shout and swear in unison.
CRUMP!!
The two men land on and go through the stage into the shadowy depths below. Miss Teri frantically crawls to the edge, followed by Trent.
Phoenix: MAH GAWD!! THEY'RE DEAD! THEY'RE BOTH DEAD!!
Jeffrey: WHITE JUST DROPED THE TRAIN CRASH FROM 30 FEET IN THE AIR!
The crowd are chanting 'HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!' by now as medics and agents come rushing out to the impact crater and a camera finally gets into position to look down. Miss Teri is beside herself as the broken bodies of Brian 'The Freight Train' White and 'Mad Dog' Jack Valentine are shown on the titantron screen, laying over various cardboard boxes and other sundries stored under the stage. Sery runs out from the gorilla position to inspect the mess before looking down at the stunned referee.
Sery: Jason, you have a job to do! Start the count!
Miss Teri, tears streaming down her face, stares in disbelief at the general manager as Jason Trent nods slowly and begins his count.
1!
2!
Phoenix: There's no getting up from that! This is just a formality...
3!
4!
5!
The crowd are still chanting, but a stunned silence is beginning to take hold.
6!
7!
8!
9!
10!
Jason Trent signals for the bell and Carson quickly climbs into the ring.
Carson: As a result of a double count out, this match is a DRAAAAWWWWW! And so, still 4CW Heavyweight Champion, 'Mad Dog', JAAACK VAAALLLEEENTIIIIIIINNNEE!!!
Sery looks around at the clustered staff around him.
Sery: Let's get these men out of there. Someone get the ambulance!
Various members of the stage crew, agents and medics jump down to clear out some space and try to check on the two men. Tommy Young even comes out, shock etched on his face as he kneels down by Miss Teri and puts an arm around her, trying to console her.
Sery looks down at them.
Sery: Miss Teri, you can go with White, we'll talk about this later! Tommy, you got another match to prepare for!
With that, he stalks back to the curtain, having a quick word with one of the senior stage hands before heading backstage.
The camera finally pans back to the broadcast team, who are still looking shell shocked, but professionalism does come to their rescue.
Phoenix: Well... ahem, there you have it! Jack Valentine retains his championship by default...
Jeffrey: I... Hah, for once, I don't know what to say!
Roberts: I don't know what's more shocking, what we just witnessed or that Jeffrey's speechless....
Jeffrey: ...Shut up, Roberts....
Carson: The following contest is our MAIN EVENT of the evening! It is time for the 13 Ghost Gauntlet! The rules of this match are as followed: the competitors who drew #1 and #2 will start this match. Elimination will occur by pinfall, submission, countout or disqualification. Once thirteen competitors have entered, the final match will determine the winner. The winner will receive a 4CW World Championship opportunity at 4CW Storm Front: WAR III in December!
"The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch hits the PA system. The crowd erupt in cheers as the first competitor is confirmed as The Lunar Pilgrim herself!
Carson: Introducing the participant who drew #1, from The Dark Side of the MOOOOOON, weighing in tonight at 134lbs, PILGRIIIIIIIIIM ... PAAAAIGE!!
Pilgrim Paige gets another big pop as she appears on the stage, looking determined for the challenge ahead of her. On her way down to the ring, she acknowledges her girlfriend Kinsey in the front row.
Phoenix: It's all business tonight! The 2019 13 Ghost Gauntlet is upon us! And Pilgrim Paige will have to go through twelve opponents if she wants to get that shot at the 4CW World Championship at Storm Front: WAR III.
Jeffrey: It's a tall task! I don't think anything is impossible for Pilgrim Paige, but I dunno if tonight is really gonna be her night. The level of competition here is unreal, and she has to beat them all.
Roberts: She does have the advantage of being fresh though - some of the competitors in this match will have already competed tonight.
"Am I Savage?" by Metallica hits the PA system. The cheers from Paige are instantly converted into boos for the opponent.
Carson: And introducing her opponent, the partipant who drew #2, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, standing at 6'6 and weighing in tonight at 275lbs, GLOCK ... NIIIINE!!
Glock Nine storms down to the ring, clearly in a bad mood from his loss earlier. He isn't even wearing his coat and rolls into the ring.
Phoenix: Glock was unsuccessful in trying to capture the 4CW Custom Cup Title earlier tonight, but now he has the chance to elevate himself higher than ever before if he can run the Gauntlet! And here we go! The bell has rung! It’s Pilgrim Paige vs Glock Nine to open the 2019 edition of the 13 Ghost Gauntlet!
Jeffrey: This is gonna be a rocket buster!!
Roberts: I’m sure you mean an explosive affair, and not any copyrighted catchphrases that may get us sued!
Jeffrey: Shut up, Roberts!
Paige and Glock circle each other in the middle of the ring. They know each other well, but it’s been a while. Each gauging the others body language and stance, they eventually lock up in the middle, and Glock quickly takes control, overpowering Paige and charging forward, taking her to the corner.
Glock slams into Paige’s gut with several shoulder barges. He then pulls her out of the corner and whips her to the opposite turnbuckle. Glock runs after Paige, taking her down with a corner clothesline!
Phoenix: Glock has come out of the block firing! Can he maintain this momentum against the former World Champion?
Glock picks up Paige and slaps her in the face, laughing. This entices a rage in Paige, who responds with a forearm smash that stumbles Glock.
Paige follows up with a second forearm smash, which sends Glock to one knee. She then runs to the ropes for some running attack but Glock recovers and takes out Paige with a Big Boot upon her return!
Roberts: Paige caught right in the mouth!
Glock once again lifts up Paige and hits a standard suplex. He tries a cover... 1...2... but Paige kicks out!
Glock grabs Paige and lifts her up again, this time setting her up for a whip but switching into a short arm clothesline. He keeps hold of Paige for a second short arm clothesline! Glock lifts up Paige and attempts a third, but Paige ducks. Paige kicks Glock in the knee and he relinquishes his hold.
Paige gathers some distance, reeling from the attacks. Before Glock can come back for another attack, she comes back and kicks him in the knee again. Paige then runs up and uses Glock’s knee as elevation for the Enziguri! Paige covers Glock! 1...2...no! Glock kicks out!
Phoenix: A clear battle of strength vs speed here! Which will prevail?
Paige positions herself in front of Glock as he gets into a standing position and takes him back down with a snapmare before following it up with a drop kick to the back of the neck! Another cover! 1...2...no! Glock kicks out!
Paige gets back to her feet, the crowd cheering her on as she does so. She looks up at the turnbuckle and makes a beeline for the corner!
Jeffrey: The Lunar Pilgrim is going up top!
Pilgrim Paige climbs up to the top and signals she is going for Footprints on the Moon! She jumps off - but Glock rolls out of the way! Paige lands awkwardly and cries out loud when she tweaks her knee on the landing.
Phoenix: A miss from Paige and it seems she is hurt!
Glock is quick to his feet and spots the injured Paige instantly. He comes from behind with a chop block to the knee which sends Paige flopping to the mat.
Glock then grabs Paige throws her around like a ragdoll, launching her across the ring. Glock laughs as if he has a little play thing.
Glock approaches Paige again to continue his assault as she reels, curled up near the centre of the ring. As Glock grabs her, she springs to life! Paige cradles Glock and the ref counts! 1...2...3!!
Carson: Glock Nine has been eliminated!
Phoenix: Well, I wouldn’t say Paige was playing possum exactly, but she did manage to get leverage for three seconds and that’s all she needed! Paige beats Glock, but who is next?
“Numb” by Linkin Park hits the PA system. Camera Man comes out, followed by The Man Who Once Made A Cow Tap Out. Though McGroin looks a little worse for wear from his earlier match, he is still focused enough to make sure Camera Man gets the perfect shot of him heading down to the ring.
Carson: On his way to the ring, being accompanied by Camera Man, from Helston, England, weighing in at 16 stone, PHIL ... MCGROOOOOIN!!
Jeffrey: Alright! Here comes last years winner, the undefeated PHIL MCGROIN!
Roberts: Well, one of those statements is true. McGroin lost earlier tonight against Supreme!
Jeffrey: Well, one of these colour commentators are actually good at their job, and it ain’t you, so shut your trap!
McGroin slides into the ring and immediately begins stomping at Paige’s tweaked knee. She writhes and screams as she tries to avoid the blows, but McGroin is vicious and accurate.
Immediately, he grabs her leg, twists into position and locks in the Figure Four Leg Lock!
Phoenix: This could be it for Paige! Figure Four with the pressure high on that knee!
Paige continues to writhe and scream as she slaps the mat in agony, trying to concentrate enough to get out of the hold.
After a few more seconds, she suddenly lurches sideways with such velocity that McGroin goes over with her, and she successfully reverses the hold!
Roberts: And now McGroin is in trouble! This is madness!
McGroin lurches himself forward and clutches on to the bottom rope, much to the disappointment of the crowd, who were red-hot for the reverse submission. The submission is released and both competitors take a moment just to breath and compose themselves on the mat.
McGroin is first up to his feet now hobbling slightly. He grabs Paige roughly by the hair, pulling her up to a standing position. He tries to whip her but Paige surprisingly stands tall and reverses.
McGroin goes to the ropes and comes back running. When he reaches Paige, she ducks under and lifts him up and over with a back body drop!
Paige then turns to face McGroin, and launches herself into a standing shooting star press!!
Phoenix: Paige with the standing Pilgrimage to the Stars! That was truly out of nowhere!
Paige covers McGroin! ONE... TWO... THREE!!
Carson: Phil McGroin has been eliminated!
Phoenix: Pilgrim Paige has done it again! Two opponents down, ten to go!
Jeffrey: As impressive as The Lunar Pilgrim is, I’m not sure how much she has left in her!
“Aces High” by Iron Maiden hits the PA system as the 4CW Custom Cup Champion steps out on to the stage.
Carson: On his way to the ring, from Barry Island, Wales, weighing in at lbs, he is the 4CW Custom Cup Champion, “Top Gun” ... TOMMYYYYY YOOOOOUNG!!
Phoenix: Here comes the Custom Cup Champion, Tommy Young! Earlier tonight he won a fatal 4 way Ultimate X match to retain his belt! Now he looks to win the Gauntlet and earn a ticket straight to the main event!
Jeffrey: The more I see Top Gun, the more impressed I am. This midget has really come a long way since he debuted here, and this could be a big stepping stone for him!
Young hands his belt to a ringside assistant and slides into the ring, as Paige uses the ropes to pull herself back to her feet on the opposite side of the ring. The two share a glance and an acknowledging nod, then charge at each other like a pair of raging bulls.
Phoenix: Paige and Young going at it!
Young, looking like he has a lot on his mind, delivers a flurry of hard forearms which rock the former World Champion Paige. Young whips Paige into the corner, then chases after her and hits a corner clothesline. He then follows this up by pulling Paige out of the corner and hitting a bulldog! Quick cover!
1...2... no! Paige kicks out! Young gets back up, holding his ribs clearly reeling from the effects of his earlier match tonight. He repositions himself as Paige stumbles up to her feet and runs at her, taking Paige out with the Slingblade!
As Paige stumbles up by instinct more than measure, she falls into a drop toe hold, falling into the middle rope. Young runs at her and hits the Tiger Feint Kick!
Phoenix: There goes Paige! It’s time for Aces High!!
Young adjusts his position on the apron, then springboards off the top rope for a Flying Forearm Smash... but Paige sidesteps him and Young tumbles into a roll, recovering fairly well.
Roberts: Swift thinking from Pilgrim Paige!
Young tries to run at Paige but she lifts him up and over with a back body drop! Paige then flips backwards in the air, hitting a standing moonsault! ONE ... TWO ... TH—NO!! KICK OUT!
Phoenix: Tommy Young showing incredible resilience!
Roberts: Paige, too! This is her third opponent!
Paige gets back up to her feet, as Young lays clutching his ribs. Paige notices this and flicks her eyes to the turnbuckle - and begins to climb!
Jeffrey: The Lunar Pilgrim going up top!
Paige raises her arms in anticipation, then jumps off and hits the double foot stomp right into Young’s ribs!
Paige covers her opponent. ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Tommy Young has been eliminated!
Phoenix: And that’s three opponents Pilgrim Paige has put away!
Jeffrey: She’s in the fight of her life if she wants to go all the way and win this thing!
Roberts: Who will her next opponent be?!
"Break and Dominate" by The Charm The Fury hits the PA system. Immediately, the crowd are reminded of Moxie's brutal victory over Marie Dubois earlier tonight and begin booing immensely as Miss Moxie steps out on to the stage. She looks at the opponent in the ring like a lion on wounded prey and marches down to the ring.
Carson: On her way to the ring, from Omaha, Nebraska, weighing in at 147lbs, ERICAAAAA .... MOOOOOOXIEEE!!
Moxie rolls into the ring and pounces on Paige, who was still recovering by the ropes. Moxie unleashes a flurry of quick strikes; jabs and elbows and forearms, until Paige slumps into the corner of the ring. Moxie steps back to the opposite side, then runs at full pace towards Paige, hitting a cannonball in the corner! Paige rolls away, reeling from the move and Moxie continues her offense, moving quickly to the turnbuckle and up to the top rope. Paige tries to stumble up to a seated position, and Moxie jumps off with a somersault senton from the top, taking out Paige!
Phoenix: Moxie Go Round FROM THE TOP ROPE! WOW!
Moxie hooks the leg!!
ONE ... TWO ... THRE-- NO!!
Phoenix: Paige kicked out!! I thought it was over for her right there!
Jeffrey: How the hell is she still going right now?!
Moxie slaps the mat in frustration and grabs Paige's face, squeezing it aggressively as she mumbles threats the cameras don't pick up. Moxie them violently SLAPS Paige's exposed face and Paige crumbles.
Roberts: Just blatant disrespect!
Moxie grins as she picks up Pilgrim Paige, setting her up for a signature move. Moxie ducks in between Paige's legs and pulls her up on her back in position for the Nebraska Slam! Moxie looks ready to execute - when suddenly, she seems to have lost her grip! Paige on the other side uses her momentum to pull Moxie over and roll her up as the referee counts! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Erica Moxie has been eliminated!
Jeffrey: Paige gets lucky there! What a steal!
Phoenix: Was it luck? Or was it simply Pilgrim Paige's superb instincts for this sport!
Erica Moxie argues blindly with the referee that she kicked out, but Jason Trent demands she leave right now. Frustrated, Erica Moxie kicks the rope and leaves the ring, storming back up the ramp.
Phoenix: That's four opponents down for Paige, so the sixth competitor will enter the match momentarily! You gotta wonder though, does Paige have it in her to go much further?
"Inked In Blood" by Sigh hits the PA system.
Jeffrey: Ho, ho! This is an interesting development!
Carson: On her way to the ring, from Everywhere... and Nooooooowhere, weighing in at 128lbs, WIIIIITCH .... HAAAAAZEL!!
Witch Hazel grins widely, Licky held tightly in her arm, as she absorbs the crowd adultion. She excitedly jumps on to the barricade and weaves down to the ring, jumping off at the bottom to a big pop. Hazel props Licky on the steel steps and rolls into the ring.
Phoenix: Very interesting indeed! This is, in some ways, perhaps Paige's biggest challenge in this match so far! Witch Hazel vs Pilgrim Paige, storied rivals and friends, only one can advance in the Gauntlet!
Witch Hazel waits for her respected opponent to get to her feet and compose herself. Hazel offers her hand, which Paige groggily and quickly shakes (more of a light slap) and the two circle each other to continue this gruelling journey. Paige and Hazel clash in a middle of the ring grapple. Hazel quickly adjust into a headlock on Paige and then swiftly after sends her to the ropes.
Paige flies back on her return but Witch Hazel leap frogs her with serene grace. Paige continues, rebounds off the ropes, comes back and eats a Big Boot!
Phoenix: Witch Hazel with Sole Sorcery! Enough to knock out the biggest adversary!
Witch Hazel quickly covers Paige! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Kick out from Paige!
Phoenix: But not enough to put away The Lunar Pilgrim!
Paige gets up to a seated position and looks to recover quickly, but Hazel doesn't let her. Hazel goes to the ropes and comes back to hit a dropkick on the seated Paige. She covers again! 1...2... NO! Paige once again kicks out!
Hazel attempts to set up the Nilswitch, but Paige pushes her away. Witch Hazel spins around, but Paige grabs her and hits a DDT, giving herself a moment of respite! Paige rolls away, trying to gain some space and a breather from her opponent. She uses the ropes to pull herself up slowly. The crowd cheer along her resilency.
Hazel gets back up slowly but Paige is ready this time; Paige launches herself at her opponent and takes out Hazel with a snapping Enziguri that echoes around the arena. Hazel falls to her knees as Paige moves quickly to the corner. Paige climbs the top rope as Hazel tries to recover from the kick.
Phoenix: This could be the opening Paige needs!
Paige launches off with an attempt at The Lunar Eclipse - but Witch Hazel scouts it well and uses her momentum to throw Paige away, who crashes to the mat hard. Hazel grabs her fallen opponent before she can recover, turns on the spot and delivers the NILSWITCH! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Pilgrim Paige has been eliminated!
Paige rolls out of the ring as Hazel gets back to her feet, delighted with her victory, but also exhausted after that flurry of a battle and knowing her night is far from over.
Phoenix: Well, it's an important win there for Witch Hazel, and Paige just didn't have enough left in her, after four opponents already beaten.
Roberts: And Hazel knows her better than most, she finally met her match tonight! But what a performance!
Jeffrey: Absolutely, but you know what's more important? Who's coming next?!
"Good Times" by Finger Eleven hits the PA system. The crowd are loud and mixed as Supreme comes out on to the stage, his 4CW Universal Championship alongside him.
Jeffrey: Look who it is! Universal Champion, baby!
Carson: On his way to the ring, from Supremeville, USA, weighing in at 240lbs, he is the 4CW Universal Champion ... SUPREEEEEME!!
Phoenix: And the Universal Champion was already indeed successful earlier tonight, retaining the title against Phil McGroin. Now he has another challenge ahead of him, with momentum on his side!
Supreme drops the belt at the bottom of the ramp and slides into the ring, wasting no time as he grabs Hazel and hooks her into a suplex, lifting her up and executing one perfectly. Quick cover! 1... no! Kickout! Supreme grabs Hazel and lifts her to her feet, before whipping her into the corner. Supreme follows this up with a corner clothesline, and when Hazel stumbles out of the corner, he catches her, and hits a belly-to-belly suplex! Supreme rolls over and hooks the leg! ONE .. TWO ... NO! Kickout!
Roberts: Supreme is looking downright impressive tonight!
Jeffrey: Gee, great insight there, Roberts. I always wondered why his name was Supreme.......
Roberts: ...that was sarcasm, wasn't--
Jeffrey: Yes it was sarcasm, you absolute muppet! Shut up!
Supreme grabs Hazel and pulls her back up. He sets her up for another suplex, but she gives him some trouble this time. Supreme punches Hazel in the gut quickly, which allows him to lift her up and execute the second suplex. Supreme wastes no time in lifting Hazel up for a third suplex set-up, but she suddenly snaps out of his grasp, and delivers a forearm which rocks the Universal Champion.
Before Supreme can shake off the shot, Hazel delivers a second forearm. She then kicks Supreme in the gut and takes him out with a DDT! Hazel quickly pops back up, and Supreme is not much further behind her. Hazel runs at Supreme, and grabs him, spinning on the spot for a Facebuster!
Phoenix: HOLD ON TO YOUR IQ! Witch Hazel with the spinning facebuster!
Hazel continues the assault by smashing Supreme's face into the mat repeatedly, before relinquishing and rolling backwards up and to her feet. Hazel grabs Supreme in a Straitjacket position as he gets back to his feet, setting up for a backstabber - but suddenly, Supreme jerks his arms forward, breaking the grip. Hazel stumbles, and Supreme takes her out, driving her head to the mat with a very vicious Lariat!
Roberts: Ow! That looked concussion-worthy right there!
It seems to have rocked Hazel indeed as she clutches her head, as if the room is spinning, and tries to gather her bearings, stretching out her arm and clutching air while looking for a rope. Supreme wipes his bloody nose from the repeated face smashes, and grabs the wounded Hazel. Once he gets her to her feet, he pushes her a step back, then spins on the spot and hits the Roaring Elbow!!
Phoenix: BOOM! Supreme Annoyance!! I don't think Hazel is getting up from that!
Supreme covers Hazel and the ref counts! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
.
Carson: Witch Hazel has been eliminated!
Supreme stumbles up to his feet and beckons the next opponent. He looks determined and ready.
Phoenix: The adrenaline is flowing in the Universal Champion and he's ready for his next opponent! But who will it be?!
"Ding Dong Song" by Gunther hits the PA system and the crowd explode in levity as their favourite custodian steps out on to the stage, complete of course, with a mop and bucket.
Phoenix: It looks like it's Janitur's turn to prove himself!
Jeffrey: Look, I find Janitur as hilarious as the next guy, but this is Supreme on a serious mission. I wouldn't want to be Janitur right now!
Phoenix: But you have to accept that in 4CW, underestimating ANYONE will nearly always be a mistake.
Leaving his cleaning tools at the top of the ramp, Janitur heads down to the ring. Supreme stands in the middle of the ring, with his arms on his hips, looking exasperated. Janitur enters the ring and lines up against Supreme. Supreme takes one look at him and chuckles. Janitur responds with a SLAP!
Jeffrey: Woah!
Before Supreme can even react, Janitur ducks and rolls him up! ONE ... TWO ... TH-- NO! KICKOUT BY SUPREME!
Phoenix: Janitur almost had him!
Supreme jumps to his feet, as does Janitur, but Supreme simply grabs the mask and pulls it around Janitur's head! Now blind, Janitur stands no chance of protecting himself when Supreme flies in with another ROARING ELBOW! Supreme Annoyance crumples Janitur and Supreme covers! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Janitur has been eliminated!
Supreme rolls Janitur out of the ring with his foot and once again, beckons his opponent daringly.
Roberts: Let's see who's next!
The lights dim to a dark and cold blue, with mist flooding the stage and ramp.
Jeffrey: Brrrrr, it feels like the temperature's dropped in here.
The opening notes of "Egypt" by Dio begin to play.
Jeffrey: Sweet, some Dio!
Some fans cheer the song, though the majority of the crowd is silent, as they're not sure who's coming. Then the sound of a guitar blasts through the sound system, and a light erupts from the entraceway. Against the light, we can see someone sillouetted.
Roberts: Who is that?
The figure raises his head, and the crowd can see the shape of a familiar individual.
Phoenix: Wait, that can't be!
Roberts: It is, it's CARSTEIN!!
Carstein, wearing his traditional wrestling attire and long black frock coat, marches through the mist down the ramp.
Carson: Making his way to the ring, weighing in at 225 lbs, the Lord of the Night, CARSTEIN!!!!
Jeffrey: How's he even here? He was burnt to a crisp!
Phoenix: It looks like Carstein is another fine example of 4CW resiliency! The Lord of the Night is here! And he's here to raise hell in this match!
Rather than climb into the ring, Carstein walks to his right, walking around the ring. As he walks, he continues to stare at his opponent in the ring, until he reaches the commentators' table. He pauses, and looks over at the table.
Jeffrey: What's he looking at?
He stares at the table for a few seconds and then, as if snapping out of a trance, Carstein looks back at his opponent Supreme. He throws off his frock coat, and slides into the ring under the bottom rope.
Supreme and Carstein stare daggers at each other, with the high stakes of this match looming over them in the atmosphere.
Phoenix: A match-up for the ages here - but only one of them can advance to the next round of the Gauntlet! Who's it going to be?
Supreme and Carstein break from their staring contest with an exchange of right hands. Both land some significant shots, until Carstein gets the upper hand. Carstein grabs Supreme and lifts him into a suplex of his own. Carstein goes behind Supreme and lifts him right back up, hitting a German Suplex! As Supreme refuses to give up and gets up again, Carstein finishes with a DDT and hooks the leg! 1...2... NO! Supreme kicks out!
Roberts: Carstein is bringing it to Supreme!
Jeffrey: But Supreme is showing it isn't enough!
Carstein lifts Supreme to his feet again and whips him to the ropes. Carstein attempts a clothesline, but Supreme ducks and continues his run. Supreme comes back from the ropes and hits a clothesline of his own, knocking Carstein down. A moment later, Carstein is back to his feet, but not before Supreme grabs him and hits an Atomic Drop! Carstein stumbles away, reeling from the move, and Supreme pounces with a Fisherman Suplex which he bridges for the count!
Phoenix: Supreme Compromise!! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Carstein kicks out!
Supreme rolls over and gets back to his feet. Carstein slowly but surely gets up, only for Supreme to take him down with a snapmare. Supreme then runs to the ropes and comes back with a dropkick, taking down Carstein again! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Carstein kicks out again!
Supreme once again gets to his feet, getting more significantly tired each time he does so and once again prepares to strike Carstein. This time he steps behind him, winding up his elbow for a Supreme Annoyance. Supreme spins and launches but some kind of sixth sense triggers in Carstein who ducks the blow. Supreme is momentarily thrown off and it's enough for Carstein to grab him and hit the double-arm DDT!
Phoenix: There's the Blood Drinker!
Carstein kneels down and hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Roberts: Looks like after that brutal match with McGroin earlier, and his matches with Hazel, Janitur and finally Carstein was Supreme's limit!
Phoenix: What a showing from the Universal Champ, but it wasn't to be tonight!
Jeffrey: And you know what that means? There's only four more competitors left to enter! Who will Carstein's next opponent be?
"Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco hits the PA system.
Phoenix: Looks like it's going to be someone from The Supergroup - but who?!
Jeffrey: I think there's only one person it can be - yep! The leader himself!
Cornrow-and-shades-clad Zak E Justice comes out, with a hawaiian shirt that reads "THE 13 BHROST GAUNTLET WINNER" which he shows off gleefully.
Carson: On his way to the ring, from Los Angeles, California, representing The Supergroup, weighing in at 225lbs, ZAK E JUSTICE!!
Roberts: That abomination on the back of Justice's shirt is the biggest stretch of a pun I've ever seen.
Jeffrey: I don't think he cares what you think, Roberts.
Justice rolls into the ring and charges at Carstein. Carstein simply spins into a heel kick that seems to shatter Justice's jaw in an instant! Carstein gets to his knees and locks in the modified sleeper he calls the Lahmian Clutch, complete with pressure to the shoulder nerve!
Phoenix: Look at that! Brutal! Carstein has the Lahmian Clutch locked in and I think it's only a moment before - yep, Justice has tapped out! Wow! Carstein is dominating right now!
Carson: Zak E Justice has been eliminated!
Jeffrey: Very impressive, but there's only three left and you know they aren't going to be any pushovers! Who's next?!
"Taking You Down" by Egypt Central hits the PA system. The crowd boo as one half of the former 4CW Tag Team Champions, Maximillian Yesgill, steps out on to the stage. He looks like he has put his loss behind him tonight as best he can, and focuses not on the crowd or the bright lights, but only on his opponent in the ring. Carstein eyes his next opponent with curiosity.
Carson: On his way to the ring, from New York, New York, weighing in at 205lbs, MAXIMILLIAAAAAN .... YESGILL!!
One half of Umbra Maxima comes to the ring at a steady pace and doesn't break his gaze at Carstein the entire time.
Phoenix: Umbra Maxima dominated the tag team scene until their loss earlier tonight. Now Yesgill enters this match as a singles competitor, looking to achieve something only a handful of people have! But he has to go through the 4CW Hall of Famer Carstein first!
Jeffrey: And two opponents after that, should he be successful!
Carstein and Yesgill stare each other down in the centre of the ring. The crowd are excited at the prospect of this clash and the buzz gets louder as the two start to circle eachother. They clash and almost immediately, Carstein locks Yesgill into a side headlock. Yesgill finds some momentum to push Carstein to the ropes, but Carstein returns with a vengeance and takes down Yesgill with a savage clothesline. Yesgill, dazed, slowly tries to make his way back to his feet. Carstein helps him do this by propping him up on his feet, only to whip him towards the ropes with such force that Yesgill flies over the top and crashes at ringside!
Carstein looks down at his opponent and then gets a brain wave. He runs at the opposite ropes, bounces off and zooms back, launching himself up and over the top rope and taking out Yesgill on the outside with a HUGE suicide dive!
Phoenix: THE VAMPIRE WARRIOR FLIES! What a collision!
On the outside, Carstein recovers first as the crowd chant "THIS IS AWESOME!". Carstein grabs his fallen opponent and throws Yesgill back into the ring, before rolling in after him. Carstein grabs the former tag champion and takes him out with a German Suplex, before covering him. ONE .. TWO ... NO! Yesgill kicks out!
Jeffrey: Yesgill isn't just good in a team you know! Considering how small he is, he's a tough nut to crack!
Carstein attempts a second German Suplex on Yesgill and releases this one, but Yesgill lands on his feet. Carstein notices a second too late and spins around right into a running dropkick from Yesgill, which launches Carstein into the corner. Yesgill hits a corner clothesline and Carstein stumbles away. Yesgill jumps up on to the second turnbuckle and uses the height advantage to take out Carstein with a crossbody! Yesgill covers the Hall of Famer! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Carstein kicks out!
Carstein tries to recover and gets to his knees, but Yesgill continues his offence with an Enziguri, taking down The Midnight Aristocrat! Yesgill goes to the corner and climbs the turnbuckle! When he gets to the top, Yesgill turns around and LAUNCHES off with a Moonsault! He sails through the air magnificently - but Carstein gets his knees up and bone hits bone as Carstein's knees crush Yesgill's ribs. Yesgill yelps in agony as he rolls away, gasping for air.
Jeffrey: The Hall of Famer scouted that perfectly! Yesgill could be in trouble now!
Gasping for breath still, Yesgill is picked up by Carstein and taken out with The Blood Drinker!! Carstein covers Yesgill! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Maximillian Yesgill has been eliminated!
Yesgill rolls out of the ring, clutching his ribs as Carstein expells laboured breaths, trying to get the wind back in his sails.
Phoenix: Carstein survives! There are two opponents left, who will be next?!
"Nocturnal Strains" by Eternal Tears of Sorrow hits the PA system. The crowd UNGLUE as the saviour of the beginning of the night, The Mad Phoenix herself, steps out on to the stage!
Phoenix: Madeline!
Jeffrey: Oh yeah! After her magnificent victory earlier tonight, Madeline Phoenix is here to win it all!
Roberts: She has an advantage coming in at the tail end of this Gauntlet, but she was in an absolutely brutal affair with Cain earlier tonight! Who knows how much she has left in the tank?
Carson: On her way to the ring, from Nara, Japan, weighing in at 125lbs, MADELIIIIIINE ... PHOOEEEEEENIX!!
Madeline Phoenix is clearly not 100%. She has some bandages around her torso, mainly for the butchered back from earlier tonight. and a swollen lump on her head, but she pushes forward down the ramp with a kind of wild determination. She rolls into the ring, gets right back up and stands off with Carstein. The two, having worked together the last time they saw each other, and taken an incredible beating from The Black Flame, seem to share a lot of unsaid words in their stares. Carstein gives her a respectful nod, after no doubt witnessing her vanquish their shared arch rival at the start of the show and Phoenix responds with a nod in kind.
Phoenix: Alliances mean nothing in this match. It's every man and woman for themselves, and despite these two having a common enemy, tonight it's about the 4CW World Championship and how much either of these two wants to be the one to chase it!
Madeline Phoenix surprises everyone when she is the one to open the striking, launching forward with a savage forearm which hits Carstein right in the chin and rocks him. He stumbles but recovers well and retaliates with a stinging knife edge chop, which echoes around the arena and gains a groan from the crowd.
A red hand mark is almost instantly revealed on Phoenix's chest, but she simply takes it in stride and returns with a collosal elbow for her size! Carstein falls to one knee, and Phoenix leans in on her opponent with another forearm. She follows this up with a dropkick from her position and quickly covers Carstein! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Carstein isn't done yet!
Jeffrey: I wouldn't want to take a shot from either of these two, damn!
Carstein fights off Phoenix as she tries to pick him up and shoves her away. Phoenix comes right back after Carstein, but this time he's ready for her and delivers a rocking elbow of his own. Phoenix looks dazed for a moment, and when she "wakes up", she only has time to blink before getting hit with a clothesline that knocks her to the mat. Carstein waits for Phoenix to get to all fours, before grabbing her up and setting her up for the Blood Drinker!
Phoenix senses danger and shakes herself out of Carstein's grip, ducks a right hand and delivers a kick to the gut of Carstein, before hitting a Blood Drinker of her OWN!! ONE ... TWO ... TH--NO!! CARSTEIN KICKS OUT!
Roberts: Madeline took out Carstein with his own finisher - and she almost beat him!
Jeffrey: Key world being ALMOST! Carstein is still in this!
As both Carstein and Phoenix rise, Phoenix wastes no time in getting momentum by running to the ropes. Carstein finds her but only in time for her to jump up and take him out with a hurricanrana! Carstein takes the brunt of the move, but tries to roll through and land back on his feet. He does so, but groggily, and stumbles forward. Phoenix hits a forearm, but Carstein comes back twice as hard with his own. Carstein grabs hold of Phoenix for some kind of move set up, but we never find out what it is, because Phoenix reverses and hits the INVERTED SNAPMARE DRIVER!!
Phoenix: MARE DE LUNE!! MADDIE'S GOT THIS! PIN HIM, PIN HIM!
Carstein falls and Phoenix quickly covers! The referee slides in and counts! ONE .... TWO ... THRE-- NO!!
Roberts: CARSTEIN KICKS OUT!
Jeffrey: WOW! THAT WAS UNREAL!
Phoenix: Damn, I thought she had it!
The two competitors simply lay next to each other, exhausted. The crowd chant "FIGHT FOREVER!" with a bunch of claps to go along with it, and the atmosphere is electric as the referee starts the ten count for both competitors.
1...2....3....
No movement yet...
4...5....6....7....
Carstein starts to stir.
8...9...
Phoenix starts to stir, as Carstein gets to his feet. Carstein looks like he's going to get to attack first, but as he steps forward, the impact of the Mare De Lune starts to take effect and he almost falls back over. Phoenix sees the opportunity to strike, grabs Carsteins arm and wraps it around his own neck before slamming him down with the STRING CUTTER!!
Phoenix: That's it! She has him now, surely!
Phoenix falls to the mat with the intention of covering Carstein - BUT CARSTEIN ROLLS OUT OF THE RING!!
Jeffrey: Wow, superb! Pure INSTINCT by Carstein has just saved him from elimination!
Roberts: Madeline was so close!
Not ready to lose her big chance, Madeline Phoenix rolls out right after Carstein and grabs him. Slamming his head into the barricade for good measure, Phoenix rolls Carstein back in under the bottom rope. Carstein rolls to the middle of the ring and Phoenix goes after him. On all fours, Carstein attempts to get back to his feet and Phoenix grabs him to set up another Mare De Lune - but Carstein spins Phoenix around - BLOOD DRINKER DDT!!
Carstein only has enough energy to fall and cover Phoenix, and the ref counts! ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!
Carson: Madeline Phoenix has been eliminated!
Roberts: Carstein pulls off another victory here tonight after his unexpected return! He could go all the way and win this - but there's one competitor left!
Jeffrey: And as we can clearly see, Madeline Phoenix just took Carstein to the limit DESPITE her brutal match earlier tonight!
Phoenix: I'm an incredibly proud father, tonight, but we are down to two! It's Carstein and one last opponent! Who will it be?!
"Taking You Down" by Egypt Central plays across the PA for the second time in this match, and the crowd boo as they realise who the opponent is.
Carson: On his way to the ring, from New York, New York, weighing in at 280lbs ... ELFAAAAAN ... SIIIIMTUL!!
Elfan Simtul steps out on stage. The much larger man points at Carstein in the middle of the ring, who is so exhausted after that last contest he isn't even looking at his final opponent.
Phoenix: Wow! Elfan Simtul is here as the final competitor! It's Carstein vs Simtul to determine the winner of the 2019 Thirteen Ghost Gauntlet!
Jeffrey: Let's not forget, Elfan Simtul has proven to be a viable singles competitor! He was in the final four of the 2018 Rumble in the Storm and finished 3rd in last year's Gauntlet match!
Simtul arrives at the ringside area and takes his time as he climbs the steel steps and enters the ring. Carstein is still on all fours as Simtul approaches him. Simtul decides to get straight into it as he roughly grabs Carstein and lifts him up to his feet and then lifts him on his shoulders for the Shadow Hammer! Carstein's instincts kick in and he comes to life, wriggling himself free from Simtul's shoulders. Simtul turns to face his opponent and Carstein delivers three consecutive forearms... however, Simtul eats them all pretty well and roars in response before grabbing Carstein and body slamming him! Simtul covers Carstein!
ONE ... TWO ... NO! Carstein kicks out!
Phoenix: Frenetic action here! But Simtul ate Carstein's shots like they were breakfast! Carstein is in a bad position here!
Simtul looks somewhat brudgingly impressed by Carstein's resiliency but that doesn't stop him immediately continuing the punishment by grabbing Carstein and lifting him up in the air with both arms outstretched. After holding him for a moment or two, Simtul steps forward and drops Carstein behind him, sending him freefalling to the mat!
Phoenix: Simtul hits the Falling Satellite!
Simtul picks up Carstein and less-whips-more-throws Carstein into the corner. Carstein lands roughly and reels and Simtul runs at him delivering a brutal Stinger Splash!
Phoenix: There's the TOTAL ECLIPSE!
Simtul doesn't stop there; he whips Carstein to the opposing corner.
Roberts: It looke like Simtul is going for one more!
Simtul charges at Carstein for another Total Eclipse, but Carstein is able to slip away, sending Simtul crashing into the empty turnbuckle. From the apron, Carstein manages to deliver a punch right into Simtul's nose, which sends him stumbling backwards, clutching his face. Carstein launches himself forward, clasps on to Simtul, and takes him out with a belly-to-belly!! Simtul doesn't stay down long, but Carstein is right on top of him, delivering a second belly-to-belly! Carstein hooks the leg! ONE ... TWO ... NO! Simtul kicks out!
Once again Simtul is quicker to his feet, so Carstein has to rush at the last moment to get the first shot in, and he does so, taking down Simtul with the BLOOD DRINKER!! Carstein covers Simtul! ONE ... TWO ... THR---NO!! SIMTUL KICKS OUT!
Phoenix: The Blood Drinker is dangerous and comes out of nowhere, but it still wasn't enough to put away Simtul!
Jeffrey: At least Carstein has managed to keep Simtul down for more than a second here!
Simtul is indeed stunned, so Carstein decides it's time to fly! He goes to the turnbuckle and makes the climb to the top! With one deep breath, Carstein suddenly flips off into a SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Carstein covers Simtul amongst an eruption of support from the crowd who all chant along!
ONE ... TWO ... THRE---UGHH!!
Phoenix: Simtul kicks out AGAIN! Unbelievable, Jeffrey!
Jeffrey: Amazing! What's it gonna take to put away Simtul?!
Carstein takes a moment to regain his breath, then despite all the exhaustion, forces himself back up to a standing position and grabs Simtul!
Phoenix: It looks like Carstein is going to try and put Simtul away for good!
Carstein hooks up Simtul for another Blood Drinker DDT - he attempts to unleash the move - but Simtul roars as he lifts Carstein up and over, freeing himself from Carstein's grasp! Carstein jumps to his feet and meets Simtul in the middle, who quickly grabs Carstein, throws him up onto his shoulders AND HITS THE SHADOW HAMMER!!
CARSTEIN CRUMBLES. ELFAN COVERS!!
ONE ... TWO ... THREE!!!
Carson: Here is your winner of the 2019 THIRTEEN GHOST GAUNTLET ... ELFAAAAAN ... SIIIIMTUL!!
"Taking You Down" by Egypt Central blasts over the PA system. The crowd applaud an incredible match, although the boos due to their disdain for the winner are audible. Simtul gets up and rests against the ropes, breathing heavily and sweating profusely.
Phoenix: IT'S ALL OVER! What an incredible Gauntlet, and ELFAN SIMTUL is our winner!
Roberts: I thought Carstein had it just before that, wow! What a rollercoaster!
Jeffrey: This man, Elfan Simtul, is an absolute behemoth in that ring, and tonight, he deserved the biggest prize for the most dominant performance!
Phoenix: Elfan Simtul wins the Gauntlet, and he will receive a shot at the 4CW World Championship at Storm Front: WAR III in December! Thank you for joining us on what has been an incredible night ladies and gentlemen, we'll see you in November for Storm Front! Goodnight!!
The last shot of the show is Elfan Simtul celebrating with Maximillian Yesgill, who had run down to the ring to congratulate and support his partner. The 4CW logo appears on the lower third and the screen fades with Yesgill holding up Simtul's arm in victory.
Quick Results:
-Madeline Phoenix defeated Rhys Cain in a Gallows Pole match
-Tommy Young (c) defeated Glock Nine, Jason Crow and Robert Crow in an Ultimate X match to retain the 4CW Custom Cup Championship
-The Liberation defeated Synth City Thrillers in a Tornado Tag Team match
-Erica Moxie defeated Marie Dubois in a Falls Count Anywhere match
-Supreme (c) defeated Phil McGroin to retain the 4CW Universal Championship
-Silent Sorcery defeated Umbra Maxima (c) and S&M in a Total Elimination tag team match to win the 4CW Tag Team Championships
-Jack Valentine (c) vs Brian White in a Last Man Standing match for the 4CW World Championship ended in a draw. Jack Valentine retains the title.
-Elfan Simtul defeated 12 other competitors in the 13 Ghost Gauntlet to win a 4CW World Championship match at Storm Front: WAR III
Writing Credit:
Open: Rhys
Gallows Pole, Cain vs Phoenix: Paige/Rhys
Ultimate X Custom Cup match: Gorgrim
Tornado Tag Team match: Rhys
Dubois segment: Compy
Dubois vs Moxie: Compy
Supreme vs McGroin: LHeat
Valentine interview: LHeat
Total Elimination Tag Title match: Stingmon
Valentine vs White, Last Man Standing: Gorgrim/LHeat
13 Ghost Gauntlet: Rhys
Review Sheet:
Gallows Pole, Cain vs Phoenix:
Ultimate X Custom Cup match:
Torando Tag Team match:
Dubois segment:
Dubois vs Moxie:
Supreme vs McGroin:
Valentine interview:
Total Elimination Tag Title match:
Valentine vs White, Last Man Standing:
13 Ghost Gauntlet:
Match of the Night:
MVP of the Night:
Graphic of the Night:
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!