1 . 08 . 2008
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When FX changes its footage over to LEGACY’s event, we don’t get music and highlight clips which usually begin the STRIFE broadcast. Instead, we get a black and white image of Ray Willmott on the screen. Slowly, the image of a newspaper clipping appears underneath the picture from a London newspaper with the headline “Wrestler Found Dead In Home; Pulmonary Embolism The Cause”. The broadcast then changes over to the recap position where we see the regular trio, each of them is wearing all black with solemn looks on their faces. Alan Ducard: It is with a heavy heart that we bring to you our STRIFE broadcast here tonight. As our graphic showed, on Boxing Day – December 26th - we lost one of the beloved members of our roster, my fellow countryman, Ray Willmott. Jimmy Yates: Having competed just a few days before in the main event at ELEVATED TENSIONS, there were no indications that anything might’ve been wrong with Ray. In fact, he competed at such a high level during that match, there were a couple of times that I thought he had the best chance of anyone of taking home the World Title. Bryan Harris: He was never one of my top favorite guys, but I’ll definitely miss Ray Willmott. He’s from the United Kingdom, I’m from Texas, so obviously we don’t have a ton of background in common, but I could always respect just how hard the guy worked, no matter how out-matched he might’ve been in any given match. He didn’t win them all, but he did really well in the big matches, especially here in LEGACY. Alan Ducard: Just before the show began tonight, I received word from the front office that the upcoming SuperCard at STRIFE 31 will be dedicated to the memory of Ray Willmott, and leading up to that event we will, I’m sure, be hearing from various individuals regarding how they felt about Ray Willmott, their memories of him, and the like. Jimmy Yates: I’m sure that our production crew will put together a fantastic video montage with the high points of Ray Willmott’s time in LEGACY. Pomp and Consequence
We are live and in vibrant technicolor inside the arena as the lights drop out, Gold Spotlights hit the ramp, and out comes the Legacy World Title inside Loco Martinez's trophy Case. It is taken to the side and angled towards the ring, as T.Rex and Arch Angel flank it looking incredibly official in their matching black tuxedoes and white gloves. The soft heavenly harp music that's been playing fades away, but the crowd's boos do not. There's a beat and a half when the Von Bondies "C'mon C'mon" erupts. The gold spots move to the entrance as Loco Martinez steps from the black. Loco's in his silver "You can't spell Main Event... without ME" t-shirt, faded jeans, and a pair of black and red converse low top basketball sneakers. Loco stops observing a moment admiring HIS trophy case with a cocky smirk before turning and strolling to the ring, oozing cockiness, but not his usual cockiness. He seems "off" as he slides into the ring. Like a holiday hangover, or malaise...SOMETHING. Alan Ducard: Is it me or does Loco just seem a bit off? Like for all the pomp and grandeur he always enjoys... Like, he's forcing it tonight? Bryan Harris: He looks fine to me. He looks like the champion he is!! Loco slides into the ring, bouncing to his feet, he gets tossed a mic. He smiles huge over the crowd who's oozing hatred towards Legacy's champs. Loco Martinez: If you hadn't realized. If you had your head UP your ass? Let me state, once again. For the record. I am THE best this industry has to offer. Crowd boos mercilessly and Loco shrugs it off. Loco Martinez: Every opponent. Every hurdle. Every thing Legacy Management throws MY way? Gets tossed aside. Gets passed. Gets chewed up and spit out. He lets the truthiness of it sink in before he continues. Loco Martinez: Once again Loco Martinez with the odds mounted against me. Back to the wall. Came out and successfully DEFENDED MY title. Kept MY prize. Showed the world... one more time, why I am -- THE -- Legacy Superstar. El Capitan. Loco throws his arms out to the side dramatically closing his eyes and pointing his face skyward, which only further infuriates the crowd... and he seems to relish in it. Bathing in their hatred. Loco Martinez: I stand before YOU as I stand before Legacy as a whole and say... what can you do next? You've put me in title match after title match. Making me the MOST fighting-est Champion in Legacy's history- Crowd starts up a "Bullsh-t" chant. Which Loco rolls his eyes. Loco Martinez: I have fought the good fight and defended MY title at Supershows. Strifes. Pay Per Views. Bah Mitzvahs. Wherever! The *oozing sarcasm* Legacy "Trinity" of Cartwright, Savage, and Belote put me in match after match after match. Attempting to soften me up. To screw me what is rightfully MINE. He pauses very briefly, then continues. Loco Martinez: Yet? Here I am. Standing tall. Standing alone. When I can't trust my employees. *Loco points to the two men who lower their heads guiltily* When I can't trust my employer. I fight. I strive. I survive. I succeed. So I stand here and DARE you... Legacy. Management. I f'n DARE you to continue humiliating yourselves. To continue to prove me right. That I am all I say I am. THE Legacy Superstar. And nothing... NOTHING you can put in my way will stop me. Nothi- Loco's microphone shuts off in mid-sentence, causing Loco to pull it away from his mouth and bang on it a couple of times. Then, the lights in the arena flash out on Loco and the crowd turns in unison to see what the deal is. Alan Ducard: I can't get over the difference from Loco's last promotional video and him in front of these people tonight. Bryan Harris: He's found his holiday cheer... Now, who would dare to interrupt Loco's best speech in Legacy - ever? Jimmy Yates: I'm not sure if its fair to call that Loco's best speech ever...maybe his most self serving speech... A single guitar rift is played and drags on for at least 30 seconds, causing the crowd to start to get a little antsy. Then, four chords played over and over...the voice of Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters starts to blare through the arena... "Can you hear me... Loco rolls his eyes slightly knowing immediately who it is. The rest of the crowd jumps out of their chairs as recognition of "In Your Honor" begins to blast on. Jimmy Yates: Heeeee's baaaaack.... A word appears on the jumbo-tron and the crowd explodes... "STELLAR" Seconds later, Rocky Stellar appears at the top of the ramp, dressed in black dress pants and a white button down shirt. He walks a little slower, he looks a little older, but he's still moving with a spring in his step. He smiles at the crowd and waves as he makes his way to the ring, climbs the steps, and steps through the ropes to enter the ring. Stellar walks across the ring to where the announcer is normally located and is handed a microphone. As the music starts to die down, he starts to put the microphone to his lips...but the chant "STEL-LAR...STEL-LAR...STEL-LAR" causes him to stop for a second and listen. He smiles and nods a thank you before putting a hand up to quiet the crowd. He then puts the microphone back to his lips and smiles across the ring. Stellar: What's up freak show? Happy Holidays. Loco nods and shares a little - almost forced - laugh back at his former tag team partner, looking uncomfortable for a few moments before his cocky bravado returns. Stellar: What, Loc? Did that bother you? I mean, sure...you laughed at my little joke, but that twinkle you normally have wasn't in your eye. In fact, now that I think about it... there hasn't been a twinkle in that eye for, what... six months now? Stellar just shakes his head at his former buddy. Stellar: You seem like you aren't… Rocky pauses briefly, trying to find the right word. Stellar: …I don't know… happy. What happened to that guy that did nothing but goof off? That guy that used to make me crazy because he would never be serious...but made me crazy in a good way? What happened to that guy who - ha ha - we sat in the middle of this ring and actually created a Christmas poem? Now... now you're flanked (he points at Loco's enforcers at the entrance) by Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumber over here...walking around with that belt, acting like you are - I don't know - acting like you're the cock of the walk. While, these great fans here... (cheap pop)... these great fans look at you like you're just a - um - just a cock. The crowd roars as Loco just glares his mouth agape. He pulls the mic to his mouth and his voice is strained... and cracks a bit as he starts. Loco Martinez: Happy?! Psht... How CAN'T I be happy? I'm THE Legacy World Champion. I'm on top of the world. As for that "clown"... that juvenile HACK? He's dead and buried, Rock. Like your career. Crowd boos. Stellar's eyes narrow angrily. Loco Martinez: I find it amazing that right now, at this moment, you decide to dust yourself off and make a triumphant comeback. These people see an ICON… The crowd roars and Loco pauses, letting it pass, but an "ICON" chant starts up and Loco decides to continue. Loco Martinez: These people see an ICON… but I don't! The crowd’s chant turns into a huge chorus of booing. Loco Martinez: I see someone, like all those guys in the back... like my two employees... like Legacy Management... I see someone who knows where the spotlight rests these days. Who's one of the biggest opportunists in this industry. Who KNOWS how to make an entrance... but MORE than that KNOWS how to leach off someone more successful than he is. Be it a Jayde a Sexton... or most importantly, and notoriously... Stellar looks irate, and Loco smirks annoyingly. Loco Martinez: ME! Stellar nods his head, a fake smile on his lips, but an angry fire in his eyes. Stellar: I see. So, now you're saying I...LEACHED...my success off you. I rode YOUR coattails to the top and took the opportunities YOU created? Hmmm... Stellar paces around a bit, trying to control what looks like anger. Stellar: You know, I had a feeling this would come up one day. So, I made a little tape for you to remember exactly WHO leached off WHOM...I kept that little tape in my gym bag for YEARS and dragged it from arena to arena, waiting for this little conversation to take place...its about time I played it. He turns to the back. Stellar: Roll it!!! The tron turns on and the words "AWA World Championship Match...December...1997". The scene changes to a tag team match between Stellar Insanity and the Corporate Alliance...The world championship, the tag team belts and the european championship was on the line in a one match - winner take all. Alan Ducard: For anyone wondering, we have the rights to show this video tape because Rob Belote owns the AWA video archive. Mike Sexton is down in the ring, groggy, as his tag partner Ozone comes in. Stellar gives him a right hand to stall him, then a standing drop kick sending him into the ropes. He falls strange and gets his arms pinned between the top and second rope. Stellar gets back to his feet and sees the prone Sexton. Announcer Damien Dockrill: Stellar has Ozone trapped in the ropes...he's got Sexton, this is it!!! Stellar nails a Stellar-plex on Sexton and the crowd roars...Sexton is out cold...Stellar climbs to his feet. Stellar (in the ring): Freeze the tape!!! The tape pauses... Stellar: Now, right there, I had Sexton out cold in the center of the ring, his partner tied up in the rope...all I had to do was lay there for the three count and a third AWA world championship was mine. But, instead, freakshow... well, lets roll the footage... The scene starts up again and Stellar walks over to his partner - a young Loco Martinez - and tags him in. Stellar drops to his knees as he points to the sky as Loco climbs and comes off the top rope and lands "Happiness" on Sexton in the middle of the ring. Loco floats over and makes the cover, the ref counts to three, and Loco rolls off. Stellar nods his head and claps as he runs to the timekeeper table, grabs all four belts, he climbs back in the ring, hands Loco the world championship...he then grabs Loco's right arm and holds it up while the crowd goes ape-sh!t insane...Loco clutches the title in his left arm, looks at it, then drops to his knees and clutches it with both hands...the tape freezes again on Loco holding the belt in awe. The camera shifts back to Stellar staring at Loco, pissed off. Stellar: I had him Loc...I could have pinned Sexton and been the world champion again. But, instead...I let MY LITTLE BUDDY walk away with his first world championship...I let the little freak show that could be the big choo-choo...and now, years later...you claim I RODE your coattails... Stellar just shakes his head with a smirk. Stellar: Well, lets just say, if I didn't let you ride MY coattails for all those years, if I didn't LET you in that match...well, I have a feeling you'd be in a Wal-Mart stocking the shelves full of douches, instead of standing out here and being a douche!!! Loco Martinez: One time... ONE TIME you did something that was NOT for the benefit of YOU. But let me be the FIRST to say, the "I let you win a World Title" card is PLAYED. There is a huge difference between that 19 year old kid from that video and the grown ass man standing before. That kid idolized you. That kid cared what these people thought. That kid was a clown. A clown you kept around cuz he amused you... and he was a star on the rise. Loco shakes his head. Loco Martinez: I don't blame you for that. Hell I've even thanked you for that... But this is NOT the late 90's. I'm not a 19 year old spaz. YOU coming out NOW? You deciding to show up after MONTHS at home? Loco sizes Stellar up with a smirk Loco Martinez: Well... if it looks like a leach. And it SUCKS like a LEACH? By GOLLY... we have a leach. So congratulations. You've gotten the "sheep" *Loco gestures grandly* to remember that you exist. And to maybe even think you're something important. Now how about you step the hell out of MY ring, and head to the back. I will not allow you to continue to "tag along". You're a non entity in Legacy, Rocky.... Hell for the past YEAR you've been a non-entity in my LIFE. So please... You're boring these people... but more importantly. He gets right in Stellar's face, an almost hurt look in Loco's eye. Loco Martinez: You're... BORING... ME! Stellar stares at him with a straight face, not moving, not flinching, not smirking. Nothing. Just stares straight ahead at the smirk of Loco Martinez, sizing up Loco not sure what to make of things. Stellar: Well, Loco...it looks like... Stellar just reaches out and smacks Loco with an open hand as hard as he can across the face. It was hard enough to cause Loco's head to snap quick to the side revealing a red hand print. The crowd roars their approval as Stellar snarls at Loco. Stellar: You egotistical bastard. You need a wake up call. A reminder of good times past. You need to find your "fun", Loco. If you don't? SO help you... and ME, god.. I WILL!!! Loco stares angrily rubbing his cheek as Stellar tosses the mic to his long time tag team partner and best friend. Alan Ducard: I don't know what Stellar means when he says he's going to help Loco find his "fun"... but I know this. Loco Martinez does not look happy about the prospect. Bryan Harris: And why should he? Stellar's just looking to mooch off of Loco Martinez's heat some more, and it's a damn disgrace! THE LEGACY Superstar shouldn't have to let some former tag team partner of his ride his coat-tails, and I'm sure that's exactly what Rocky Stellar is going to do. Jimmy Yates: With everything Rocky Stellar has done in this business, all the titles he's won, he doesn't have to ride anyone's coat tails. If Stellar and Loco end up entrenched in something together, instead of complaining about it, Loco should remember that Stellar was one of the biggest reasons he got where he is today - whether Loco wants to openly admit it or not! Katsuro Yoshida vs
Jerry Starr
Alan Ducard: Our first match is about to start and already this show has been a rollercoaster… Jimmy Yates: Thing got off to a somber start as we talked about the tragedy surrounding Ray Willmott and his death on Boxing Day, but then we got the big return of Rocky Stellar just moments ago. Bryan Harris: And now we get a match between two guys from the tag division trying to prove themselves in a singles match? Well that just kinda mellows out the emotion… Alan Ducard: There’s not necessarily any dislike or ill-will between the Canuckin’ Cowboy and the Bushido Buntai member, but I thought this was a fantastic opening match to begin STRIFE 30, as both of these individuals are highly talented competitors. Jimmy Yates: There doesn’t need to be a high level of tension due to personal dislike between two individuals to make a match fun to watch, and I think thus far LEGACY has done a great job of showcasing the fact that two talented individuals can get into the ring with a pride in their craft and the desire to advance themselves professionally as their only motivation and have an enjoyable match. Bryan Harris: Say what you will, none of those type of matches are on the list for Match of the Year. Alan Ducard: You’re right, Bryan, I don’t believe this match is going to end up on that list, however, what it does nicely is to get Jerry Starr and Katsuro Yoshida used to one another’s in-ring styles, and that way when these two meet down the road in a tag team match, those matches will be better than they might’ve been had this match never taken place. Jimmy Yates: Which one of these guys was able to come out of the match with another tally in the WIN column? Let’s take a look. Start : Footage from the Match As Katsuro Yoshida rebounds off the ropes and charges back towards his opponent, Jerry Starr takes a step forwards and executes an armdrag takeover, immediately rolling to the side across Katsuro’s chest and hooking the leg as soon as Katsuro’s back is on the mat, going for the pinfall attempt. The referee spots it, gets himself into position and then starts the count… One… Two… KICKOUT!! Jimmy Yates: Instead of complaining about a slow count, maybe Jerry Starr should get up off his knees and try to continue this match! Alan Ducard: Katsuro Yoshida’s going to get there first… As Jerry Starr works his way up to his feet, Katsuro Yoshida moves in behind and wraps him up around the waist, looking for a suplex of some sort. Before he can do anything, Yoshida is rocked with a back elbow from Starr, and then Jerry reaches back and throws him forwards with a snapmare. Backing up a few steps Jerry Starr jumps and hits a stalling dropkick that rocks Katsuro in the back. Alan Ducard: Spectacular bodily control on display there by Jerry Starr, waiting until he was completely in line with his target before he thrust out his legs. Jimmy Yates: Good hang time on it, too. Bryan Harris: He rolled backwards into the corner after hitting that move, and I think he’s got a follow up in mind. Getting to his feet back in the corner, Jerry Starr runs forwards and does a flip over his opponent, reaching down and trying to grab Katsuro by the head to snap his head forwards, but as Jerry gets his hands close enough, Yoshida throws up a block with his forearms, causing Jerry Starr to hit the mat in front of him, having not completed the intended move. Alan Ducard: Tremendous block by Katsuro Yoshida as Jerry Starr goes for that very athletic flip-over neck snapper! Both men get to their feet as quickly as possible, and Yoshida is there first. Jerry Starr takes a step forward and is rocked with a forearm shot to the face, then taken down swiftly with a snap suplex from the Bushido Buntai member. Katsuro spins his legs around and gets back to a vertical base, then almost immediately dives forward and connects to the sternum of Jerry Starr with a standing falling headbutt. Planting his knee underneath him, Katsuro grabs Jerry Starr by the head and lifts him up off the mat, maneuvering in behind him as they get to a standing position. Pulling both of Jerry’s elbows backwards, Katsuro gets a standing double underhook butterfly position and then throws Starr backwards in an attempted belly to belly suplex. Jimmy Yates: What a move by Katsuro… but Jerry lands on his feet!!! Bryan Harris: Talk about athleticism! Taking a very brief moment to clear the cobwebs, Jerry Starr measures up his opponent. A moment later Katsuro is on his feet, but as Jerry Starr steps in to try to get back on the offensive, Katsuro levels him with a spinning roundhouse kick which connects to his jaw, flattening the Canuckin’ Cowboy. Jerry Starr rolls sideways a couple feet, going under the bottom rope and out onto the apron. As soon as he gets to his feet, Jerry Starr is met by an on-coming Katsuro Yoshida and grabbed into a vertical suplex position. Katsuro attempts to bring Jerry back into the ring with a suplex, but Starr blocks the move, breaks the tie-up and sends a shoulder between the top and middle rope, connecting with the midsection of his opponent. Alan Ducard: Fortunately for him Jerry Starr gives himself an opportunity to come back into the ring on his own terms… Bryan Harris: And it looks like that’s going to be with a slingshot sunset flip! Jimmy Yates: Executed nicely, he flips Katsuro backwards… but Yoshida rolls through and gets to his feet! After avoiding a pinfall attempt, Katsuro Yoshida turns and runs into the ropes. Jerry Starr starts to get back up but sees how fast his opponent has rebounded and drops back down onto the mat. Katsuro hops over his opponent and keeps running towards the opposite side of the ring. As Katsuro hits the ropes, Starr hops up onto his feet, grabs Katsuro as he charges in and flips him backwards into a modified hiptoss suplex, and Jerry Starr rolls backwards on top of his opponent, hooking their knees together into a modified small package. One… Two… Three. Josephina Colbert: Here is your winner as a result of a pinfall… “Elite” Jerry Starr!! Jimmy Yates: This might’ve been a singles match, but this win is a good thing for Jerry Starr and the Canuckin’ Cowboys, giving him confidence any time he steps back into the ring with Katsuro Yoshida, which I have to think could be coming up sometime in the next couple months. Alan Ducard: Katsuro Yoshida might still be without his regular tag team partner Osamu Hayashi, but seeing the chemistry building between Katsuro and Kevin Oppenheimer, I believe we could be seeing them tag up to take a try at the tag team division. Bryan Harris: Now I realize that Katsuro Yoshida had a great career over in Japan, and he started things off well here in LEGACY, but since then I haven’t seen anything impressive out of him. Alan Ducard: It’s a commonly held belief that the lack of success the Bushido Buntai experienced here in LEGACY was primarily due to Osamu Hayashi’s inability to adjust to competing in the United States… Jimmy Yates: I haven’t seen any adjustment problems with Kevin Oppenheimer, and if he and Katsuro Yoshida do end up teaming up, which it sounded like they were alluding to at ELEVATED TENSIONS when talking to Diego de Cardenas, they could be a very formidable pairing. The New Mexican Standoff
With a grin on her make-up coated face, Hannah Perez saunters down the hallway backstage in the arena, wearing a short, short skirt which appears to be made of dark denim, and a low-cut, golden orange shirt showing off plenty of cleavage. Walking behind her is Diego de Cardenas and Hector Rodriguez, each of them wearing a pair of jeans and a faded old tshirt with some Spanish writing on it. Hector Rodriguez: So you know where to find this guy, right? Diego de Cardenas - Oh I know exactly where he’s going to be… and more importantly I know exactly where those two meatheads are right now, too. Hector Rodriguez: Just like old times, amigo. Diego de Cardenas - Exactly. Turn left up here. Listening to her man, Hannah turns a corner and slows up a bit, Diego passing by her and knocking at a locker room door. Waiting a second, Diego opens the door and walks on in and we see Trent Logan seated on a steel chair, wearing his suit as per usual. He spots the trio walk into his locker room and he stands up, aware of their presence. Diego de Cardenas - How’s it goin’, Trenty Boy. Trent Logan: Gentlemen … its going rather well. Diego de Cardenas - Thought you might be getting a little lonely, what with your boys being off doing an interview without you. Hector Rodriguez: Aren’t you a little afraid of what they might be saying without your guidance? Hector lets out a quick laugh. Hector Rodriguez: Not that with three brain cells between them they could actually put together anything that makes sense anyway… Trent allows the insult to slide off his back, and addresses the trio. Trent Logan: As much as I’m sure this little chat might be slightly amusing, I’m afraid I’ve got some phone calls to make, so if we could cut this short and cut right to it … Diego looks over at Hector and both men look a little surprised. Diego de Cardenas - Can you believe it? Hector Rodriguez: It almost sounds like he doesn’t want to hang out with us. Hector turns back and looks at Trent Logan. Hector Rodriguez: It’s not because we’re Mexican, is it? Trent looks moderately amused. Trent Logan: No, it’s because I’m sure you have more on your minds than to just sit around and chat. So what is it, gentlemen? Diego shrugs. Diego de Cardenas - I guess if you don’t want to hang out and drink a beer with us, we’ll stop taking up so much of your precious time. Hannah, you want to do the honors? Hannah Perez: Sure. She turns her attention to Trent Logan with a bit of a smirk. Hannah Perez: It’s become tradition for most of the champions to put their belts on the line at Super Cards, and since that’s what the next show is, we want a shot at your boys in the ring with the tag straps on the line. What do you say? Logan, realizing what they are wanting, hits “end” on his cell conversation and gives the situation his full attention. Trent Logan: I have no problem with that, no problem at all because we will take on all comers. Domination plans representing the division as fighting champions, I don’t make those decisions. That’s for Belote and the rest of the brass to decide who we are going to be fighting, but I’m sure a fresh match-up would peak their interest. I’ll certainly be there for the tag team champions, and I’ll tell you what, I’ll try and put in a good word with Belote for you. I would much rather be at ringside locking eyes with a fine female specimen like you Hannah, then staring at Calgary Carl again. Diego and Hector seem a bit agitated at Trent’s flirtation but Hannah plays it cool. Hannah Perez: We appreciate that Trent, and we appreciate your willingness to defend the titles against such talented challengers. We’ll let you get back to that call, and I hope to see you at ringside next week… With that Trent nods and get back to his call as the trio begins moving away with Hannah speaking just out of earshot. Hannah Perez: … if not before. Fame. Coin-Flips. Opportunity
The crowd sits in excitement as they wait to see what’s going to happen as the show continues, and suddenly the lights darken slightly and "Famous" by Puddle of Mudd blares through the PA System as "The Incredible One" Eli Storm walks out onto the stage. He pauses at the top of the ramp. As the red and white Canada colored pyro bursts explode upwards, Storm makes his way down the ramp, headed to the ring. Reaching the ring, Eli slides under the bottom ropes and hops up on the nearest turnbuckles and raises his hands to a strong chorus of boos, with a few people cheering mix around the crowd. Storm is handed a mic as the crowd dies down. Eli Storm: Now normally I would use this time to increase the ratings just a little bit before the lack of talent comes out. But a good friend of mine asked for this time to address a certain matter. So without farther waiting here is one of the most talked about men in this sport….MATTHEW KANYON!!!!! Kanyon walks out from the back wearing a “RIP Ray Willmott” shirt. Kanyon pauses at the middle of the rampway and pyros explodes behind him. Kanyon thrust his fist in the air and is given the same reaction that Storm got. Kanyon saunters to the ring, and slips in. He shakes hands with Storm. Kanyon then reaches over the ropes and is handed a mic of is own. Matthew Kanyon: Let me just first say congrats to all the smarks who cheered when I stepped out of the back just now. You have been paying attention, you know what talent is. You’ve been following my career, and you know what kind of a competitor I am. You know what I’ve been doing…. And where I’ve been doing it. Matt pauses for a moment, then continues. Kanyon: August 10th, 2004. A show called Uprising. That began what should have been a Hall of Fame career. That’s where it started, and not long ago, as some of you know, my time in that organization ended. It should of ended with the company doing the right thing and giving me what I deserve…something I earned… a spot in their Hall of Fame. But if you have been watching as the company closes its door, they once again find a way to slap me in my face. Kanyon walks around for a moment as the fans grow a bit restless and his frustration grows. Kanyon: I had a damn near career ending injury, and yet I went back to that organization, and I risked the ability to move in order to end my career on the same terms on how I started in this squared circle. I came back and wrestled young talent and worked programs with the guys that supposedly represented the future of the company. I’ve bleed and given my life for that company and they repay me by telling me that once again, that isn’t enough. You can see the heat flowing from Kanyon as his friend watches on. Kanyon: Then I come here and I see Greyson Blade, the beloved Outlaw, Secure in his place in Outlaw history. I see him and in my mind I see the company that disrespected me. And it pisses me off so much that I would give anything to smack his mouth right off his f*cking face!!! As the words come from Kanyon’s lips, the entire crowd that was watching in stunned fashion reacts violently to this statement. There’s a torrent of jeers as Kanyon almost seems to be enjoying the reaction. Everyone was against him anyway, why not these fans too? Kanyon: But at this point in my career, I can’t take the abuse of a normal ring schedule. Eli looks shocked. Storm: WHOA!!! Kanyon looks confused. Kanyon: What!?! Storm: Now I was with ya…I was following you up until you gave your reason for not smacking Greyson Blade. Matt looks almost offended. Kanyon: Are you saying that I’m lying? Storm: No, I’m saying that you left out a reason. Matt looks a little confused. Kanyon: You aren’t talking about…. Eli nods. Storm: You bet your ass I am. Matt sighs. Kanyon: Fine, another reason why I can’t face Greyson is because I lost the coin toss. You happy? Storm: Why yes…yes I am. Which brings me back onto the mic. You see I’ve been screwed by this company since getting here. It seems as if Rob and his crew doesn’t respect me. And as you can tell from Kanyon’s speech… its all about the respect. So Blade, I know you are in the back somewhere. If Rob can remove his lips long enough from your ass, why don’t you come down here so we can handle business? There’s a smattering of boos and a bit of an “asshole” chant going up across the arena, but soon “Outlaw Torn” hits the PA system, asses are no longer in seats as people across the crowd stand waiting to get a glimpse of a true champion, the man who first established the LEGACY World Title as the elite belt in the industry, and the man who walked out of the Opportunity Ladder match victorious and a shot at the No Limits Title (or so it seems he’s chosen that path). Alan Ducard: After the harsh words from Eli Storm and Matthew Kanyon, it appears that Greyson Blade wants to say his piece. Jimmy Yates: They’ll be luck if all he does is talk. Bryan Harris: Please, Jimmy. There’s two of them, one of him, Greyson Blade better just keep himself at the top of that ramp. Greyson Blade steps out to the top of the rampway with a microphone in hand. He raises his arms to the crowd who roar back in approval, giving him a huge reaction, just like the one he received at Elevated Tensions. Kanyon and Storm look on from the ring in disgust as Blade smirks at them from the rampway. Finally, he motions for the music to be cut and there’s quite the cheer revealed in the absence of the music as The Outlaw brings the microphone to his lips. Greyson Blade: Now, when I came out here just now I was expecting to see Matt Kanyon, a guy who - love him or hate him - was one of the better fighters I’ve met in this business, and Eli Storm, a guy that in spite of his recent in-ring performances did somehow pick up a win over Rocky Stellar. However, what I’m looking at right now are the two of the whining, crying BITCHES in this entire industry. The crowd pops for The Outlaw’s thoughts, and begins a “Blade” chant. Greyson Blade: Bitch, whine, complain. Bitch, whine, complain. Seriously, it’s absolutely pathetic. Just listen to yourselves: Oh OPW screwed me. Oh LEGACY screwed me. Maybe you should take the time to shut your mouths and think before you start flapping your gums like two disgruntled old women. Maybe it’s not the federations or the industry that are the problem. Maybe the problem is you two ego-maniacs. Kanyon? When push comes to shove, when did you bring your “A-game” on the big stage? Blade turns his gaze slightly, looking towards Eli Storm. Greyson Blade: Eli Storm? You damn sure beat Rocky Stellar, but then what the hell happened? You drifted off, losing match after goddamn match. Hell, son, I think I beat more guys in that Opportunity Ladder match, yourself included in that bunch, than you have in your entire LEGACY career. Blade pauses for a second, then continues. Greyson Blade: You say you want respect, but it sounds like you really just want glory handed to you on a silver platter without actually getting the job done to earn it, and with all the complaining and moaning you’ve done in the past few minutes, I’d bet Ray would be rolling over in his grave, and the fact that you would wear that shirt and bitch is a disgrace to his memory. There’s a gasp from the crowd and then another cheer. Eli wants to fire back, but Kanyon glares at Blade and holds Storm back from interjecting. Greyson Blade: Now I wasn’t close to Ray Willmott, but I know for a fact that every accolade he received he earned it, and when he failed, he took personal responsibility for that failure. He didn’t blame the industry, the federation, the fans or anyone else. The reason you look at me with hate and anger isn’t because I represent OPW, but because I’m everything you wish you could f*cking be. I’ve been a cornerstone of not one but three federations. Yes I was a leader in DIWF, and I was one of the first fighters and champions in OPW, but I was also here when LEGACY opened its doors, and I was the guy who took the LEGACY World Title to a position of prestige and respect. Letting it all sink in, Greyson pauses briefly. Greyson Blade: The fact is that I’m more of a man than both of you crybabies put together, and although I have a date with the No Limits Title, I have no problem shutting up and coming down there and taking care of the nuisance of some locker room raiding bitches right now … With that the fans cheer, and Blade drops the microphone and is headed to the ring when he gets about half way there, he’s stopped by Smith Cartwright’s voice. Smith Cartwright: Before this goes any further… Smith Cartwright steps out onto the stage, and Greyson Blade stops walking halfway down the ramp. Smith Cartwright: We’ve got enough going on tonight without having the three of you brawling in that ring, so don’t take another step, Greyson. Smith points up towards the ring. Smith Cartwright: And to the two of you… don’t even think about leaving that ring until Greyson Blade is backstage, or you’ll be facing fines and suspensions. Inside the ring, both Eli Storm and Matt Kanyon roll their eyes. Smith Cartwright: Eli Storm, Greyson Blade, you two want to fight? Eli you’ve got something to prove? Greyson you want to make Eli shut his mouth? Fine. We’ve got a SuperCard coming up as our next show and the front office would love to see the two of you lock up. Eli’s eyes light up and he raises the microphone to his mouth, but Smith Cartwright cuts him off. Smith Cartwright: Eli, I know exactly what you’re thinking, and it’s not going to happen. That Title Shot Contract Greyson Blade won? Not going to be on the line… it’s non transferable, but I tell you what…. If you can beat Greyson Blade? We’ll give you a shot at the Tao of Valor Title at the upcoming pay per view. Eli starts to raise the microphone again, but again Cartwright cuts him off. Smith Cartwright: Whatever you’ve gotta say, I don’t want to hear it. You think you’re getting screwed around here? You want to talk a lot of crap about the front office? Well it’s put up and shut up time, Eli. You’ve got your opportunity, make the most of it. The speakers all over the arena start playing “Toreador” and Smith Cartwright heads backstage, and Greyson Blade, who looks rather impressed with how Smith Cartwright just handled himself, follows. Hardcore Ramifications
The camera fades to a makeshift office where Chris Turner and Landon Savage are in the middle of a discussion. Chris Turner: Please? Landon Savage: No, No no! You cannot have a No Limits
Title shot. Savage sighs. Allen Franks vs Kevin
Oppenheimer
Jimmy Yates: The second match of the night puts two young competitors across the ring from one another, both of whom are relatively new to the organization and still trying to carve out their niche. Bryan Harris: When I saw this match booked, the first thing that came to mind was that the front office is obviously pushing to have Kevin Oppenheimer team up with Katsuro Yoshida more and more, because why else would they book Oppenheimer vs Franks on the same show as Yoshida vs Starr? It’s not a coincidence, I can tell you that. Alan Ducard: I think there’s certainly some validity to that, Bryan. At Elevated Tensions we heard Katsuro Yoshida state that he’s open to the idea of being in a tag match again with Kevin Oppenheimer in his corner, and the front office is probably just booking things to give them an opportunity to make some strides to becoming a more cohesive team. Jimmy Yates: Because of these two matches, they can talk more about strategy with how they’d approach a tag match against the Canuckin’ Cowboys. Bryan Harris: I don’t know whether it’s my accent or what, but I can assure you, I’m not an idiot! I know what’s going on here, I don’t need it explained out to me like most of these fans do. I’ve been in the ring before, I’ve been part of a tag match before, I know what it takes to win tag matches. Hell, in my day I was one of the better tag team wrestlers. Jimmy Yates: A day that has obviously come and gone… Bryan Harris: You know what, Jimmy? You need to take a few lessons in how to conduct yourself professionally while you’re at work, because comments like that just show your inexperience in a job like this… and if you don’t step it up a level, I wouldn’t be surprised if you got replaced. I could’ve sworn you had a few years of experience back in Rob Belote’s former organization, but it doesn’t show. Not. At. All. Alan Ducard: I believe at times there are some comments that James might want to keep to himself, but then again, I’m sure that a lot of people out there find his honesty refreshing and often times hilarious. On the whole, I’d say he’s doing a good job. Now instead of bickering any longer, let’s get to the match between my fellow countryman and The Montreal Kid. Start : Footage from the Match We start the match footage with Allen Franks whipping Kevin Oppenheimer into the corner. Oppenheimer then flips himself into a head-stand on the top rope. Franks looks on in confusion and tries to knock him down, but is met with a modified mule kick to the sternum. Alan Ducard: What an excellent display of balance from the young Englishman! Bryan Harris: Someone needs to tell him this ain't ballet! The marquee says WRESTLING! If they want to see "The Nutcracker", they can buy their tickets for when that comes to town! Jimmy Yates: Excuse him fans, he appeared to be having an Ole Anderson moment there! Bryan Harris: Don't go there, Jimbo! Oppenheimer then grabs Franks' wrists, proceeding to lift him off his back. He then stomps on his sternum, sending him back first on the canvas hard. The Englishman repeats this a few times before finally stopping after five of these stomps to the sternum. Oppenheimer then goes for the pin, but Franks surprises him with a small package. Alan Ducard: Franks certainly caught him off-guard there! But will it be enough? One... TWO... Bryan Harris: He was close, but close only counts in horseshoes, boys! Jimmy Yates: Now the question is can Franks capitalize on this opening? Franks then runs against the ropes and lands a picture perfect spinning heel kick, knocking Oppenheimer down to the ground. With the adrenaline still flowing, Franks goes for a Gutwrench Suplex on Oppenheimer. Despite the weight disadvantage and a bit of a struggle to flip him over on his back, Franks manages to do so before hooking on a Dragon Sleeper. Alan Ducard: Definitely some very fluid and crisp moves there by Franks, trying to wear the much larger Oppenheimer down. Bryan Harris: He's doing exactly what he's got to do against a much larger opponent and that is not give them an inch to move because if you give them any breathing room, it'll come back to haunt you. Jimmy Yates: Franks is hanging on for dear life, will Oppenheimer tap out? Franks notices Oppenheimer stomping his foot on the ground in an effort to get the crowd behind him as it appears to be working. The fans start rallying behind the Englishman who manages to get to his feet and push Franks back-first into the corner before turning it into a Northern Lights Suplex, bridging it into a pinning combination. Alan Ducard: Great Northern Lights Suplex by Oppenheimer as he goes for the pin. One... TWO... Bryan Harris: Franks manages to free himself, but my hat goes off to Oppenheimer. I may not like this kid's fun-loving approach, but damned if he doesn't get things done in the ring. Jimmy Yates: He certainly appears to be having fun right now, doesn't he? Oppenheimer then picks up Franks in a Fallaway Slam position, before doing a backflip, landing on top of Franks as he sits up with a smile on his face following the move. Alan Ducard: What a jolly good display of athleticism by Oppenheimer! Bryan Harris: You Brits are all alike, only sticking up for yourselves there, Big Al! Jimmy Yates: Being told in my earpiece that the move we just saw is called "The Beefeater"! And whatever the name of the move is, you have to admit it was a damn impressive move! Oppenheimer then picks up Franks and begins to set up into a Double Underhook position, cinches the arms in, but as Kevin lifts Allen up into a powerbomb position, Franks counters with a Hurricanrana. Oppenheimer lands on his back and is released from the grip of Allen's legs and then stumbles back to his feet, but he is immediately met with a beautiful standing dropkick by Franks. As both men get back to their feet, Oppenheimer is taken down by a second standing dropkick, just as perfectly executed as the first. The young Canadian lifts the Brit up off the mat by his wrist and whips Oppenheimer into the ropes, hitting a Belly To Belly Suplex on the return. Getting to his feet, Franks points to the fans and plays to the crowd a bit before heading out onto the apron. Jimmy Yates: Nice display of strength there by the much smaller Allen Franks! Alan Ducard: Franks definitely with a bit of steam built up here, can he finish him off here? Bryan Harris: He's taking too much time playing to the crowd when he should be going in for the kill! Franks then slowly climbs the top rope and takes a moment to try and get his balance when out of nowhere, Oppenheimer knocks him off the top rope, down onto the top turnbuckle. Jimmy Yates: I wouldn't be surprised if Allen is singing falsetto for a few days after that impact! Alan Ducard: It certainly appears that Franks too much time and Oppenheimer is primed to capitalize here. Oppenheimer then pulls Franks' feet on the ropes before hitting him with a European Uppercut and in one fluid motion, turns it into a Swinging Neckbreaker as Franks is down like a ton of bricks. Oppenheimer then hooks the leg for the pin. Bryan Harris: Ha! I knew Franks wasting time would come back to bite him! Jimmy Yates: And Oppenheimer has the leg hooked! One... TWO... THREE!!! Josephina Colbert: Ladies and Gentlemen, here is your winner of the match... KEVINNN... OPPENHEIMERRRR!!! Alan Ducard: And just like that, what seemed like a smashing defeat for Kevin Oppenheimer turns into a thrilling victory! Bryan Harris: I guess a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while! Jimmy Yates: This was a huge win tonight in an absolutely impressive showing for Oppenheimer! Kevin has his hand raised in triumph as he looks at the fans, appearing to be out of breath after his encounter with Allen Franks, who is still down on the mat holding his neck. Oppenheimer then looks at the fans again and rolls out of the ring, making his way to the back with his arms raised in triumph. Making Their Own Opportunity
Red Nike high top shoes, black Swoosh, red and black laces. Fading out, zooming up, we see a black terrycloth pair of pants with a thin red stripe going up the outside of the leg. Getting to the top of the pants, the waistband is thick and red and mostly covered by a black terrycloth jacket, underneath which there is a red shirt worn tightly against a muscular chest. Still moving upwards, we see the G logo that most sports fans recognize to be emblematic of the University of Georgia. On the shirt it’s black, but on the jacket it’s red. Proud of his outfit and the way his team performed in their NCAA football bowl game against Hawaii, Ron Bailey has a smirk on his face that hasn’t gone away since he got his money from his bookie. Turning a corner, Ron looks at the names on the locker room doors and after finding one which says “Cartwright”, he knocks and backs up a few steps, leaning on the wall on the opposite side of the hallway. A couple moments later Smith Cartwright answers the door and steps out into the hallway when he sees Ron Bailey standing out there. Smith Cartwright: Hey, Ron, did you knock? The smirk still plastered on his face, Ron nods. Ron Bailey: Oh that was me alright. Looking slightly intrigued, Cartwright doesn’t waste any time as he helps move the conversation along. Smith Cartwright: You need help with something? Ron Bailey: Yeah, you could say that. Now, I know that the whole point of that Opportunity Ladder thing back at Elevated Tensions was all about puttin’ somebody into a spot to take home championship gold, and I realize that Greyson Blade went in there, did his thing, got the contract… Smith nods. Smith Cartwright: That’s right. Ron Bailey: Well ya see, Smith, that was a fantastic match. Made the pay per view. It got my vote for Match of the Year and I know that a lot of other people felt the same way. I heard the buy rate for “El Ten” was pretty high, and I know that match had a lot of somethin’ to do with it. Smith looks a bit confused. Smith Cartwright: “El Ten”? Ron Bailey: Yeah. And I’m feelin’ like not only was that match a big win for Greyson Blade, but it’s also a big win for LEGACY. So big, in fact, that it seems silly to only reward one of us from that match. I mean, Greyson gets a title shot on a pay per view, and trust me, I know how big that is. It’s way bigger than just some title shot on a regular show because there’s a lot of eyes watching eagerly to make sure they get they money’s worth… Ron lets out a chuckle. Ron Bailey: Hell, I ain’t gotta explain all this to you, you a smart man, and it’s kinda your job to understand it… But basically what I’m sayin’ is that I realized that I’m goin’ about things in LEGACY the wrong way, and I wanna do something different… something that’s gonna make me as big as I can be… let me take things to the top of my potential, helpin’ you guys get your money worth on my contract. Smith appears a little more intrigued. Smith Cartwright: So what are you asking for, Ron…? Ron Bailey: Simply put, I think at the Super Card in a couple weeks that I need to get my shot at stepping into the ring with Cronos Diamante with his No Limits Title on the line. A voice calls out from down the hall and the cameraman turns first
and we see camo pants, black combat boots and a black KoRn shirt. It
is none other than Legacy's own psycho, Tyrone "Crazy Boy"
Smith. Crazy Boy walks up to Cartwright and turns and sees Ron Bailey
standing right next to him. Smith nods. Smith Cartwright: Yes, That is correct. Crazy Boy - Now, I think that besides Blade, hard
work should not go unnoticed. I think I should be rewarded for my showing
at the match. Ron’s eyes get big and he gives Smith a look like “I can’t
believe you’re giving him any credibility”. Ron Bailey: I don’t deserve a shot?! What the hell you been watchin’ when I’ve been in that ring bustin’ my ass, winnin’ matches? Huh? Ron shakes his head. Ron Bailey: Hell, I won a match to qualify for that Opportunity Ladder Match, I wasn’t just put there like SOME people. And before that? I put Mike Dexter on the shelf because he couldn’t take everything I was throwin’ his way. Suddenly the frame of Cronos Diamante turns the corner with his newly won No Limits Championship belt strung over his shoulder. He's wearing a pair of combat boots of his own, with the exception of the crucifixes. He's wearing a jungle camouflaged "Honor Above All" t-shirt and matching fatigues. Cronos Diamante: Seems to me you're having a slight problem, Smithy. Cronos walks up to Smith Cartwright from behind and lays his large hand on Cartwright's shoulder. Smith turns only his head toward Cronos as he is soon at Cartwright's side. Smith Cartwright: You could say that. Ron feels he's been going about things the wrong way in Legacy and wants a No Limits title shot at the upcoming Supercard. Crazy Boy feels he deserves a title shot because had it not been for Eli Storm, he would have won the Ladder Match. Cronos adjusts the belt over his shoulder and takes a look at Ron Bailey and his attire then at Crazy Boy and his attire. Cronos Diamante: Pride for the 'Dogs, eh, Ron? Probably made a ton of money too, didn't you? Ron nods, a big grin on his face. Ron Bailey: Enough to buy myself a version of that belt with a half dozen diamonds on the faceplate. Cronos looks almost impressed, then he turns to the other competitor who is hoping to get a shot at the No Limits Title. Cronos Diamante: Killer threads, Crazy Boy. I can't say I like the t-shirt but whatever cracks your whip. Cronos turns his attention more broadly at all three individuals. Cronos Diamante: Look guys… Smith Cartwright interrupts Cronos before he can finish his sentence. Smith Cartwright: Greyson Blade will… Cronos Diamante interrupts Cartwright before he can finish the sentence that interrupted his and pats Smith on the back while looking at him. Cronos Diamante: …Get his shot, should he decide that the No Limits Division is what he truly wants, at the next pay per view on a big stage like you would expect from a guy of Greyson Blade’s standing and history with this organization. Cronos focuses his attention once again on the two Legacy Superstars in front of him: Crazy Boy and Ron Bailey. Cronos Diamante: In the meantime, I believe we can settle this dispute right here and now, real quick and easy like. You both have valid arguments for your respective cases. So what I propose is I take both of you on at the Supercard and it goes without saying that the No Limits Championship will be on the line. Both Crazy Boy and Ron Bailey look excited to get their title shot but disappointed all the same that it's not going to be a one on one shot. Cronos turns his head toward Smith Cartwright. Cronos Diamante: I'm sure the front office will approve of that deal. Mr. Cartwright, do we have an accord? Smith raises an eyebrow slightly and tries not to roll his eyes at the Pirates of the Caribbean quote but nods his head nonetheless. Smith Cartwright: We do. At the Supercard we'll see you defend your championship against Crazy Boy and Ron Bailey. Cronos smiles and pats Smith on the back again as if to say "atta boy." Cronos Diamante: I'll see you two at the Supercard and be sure to bring your A game boys. Cronos then walks off in the direction he had intended before he overheard the conversation between Crazy Boy, Ron Bailey and Smith Cartwright. Good Guys, Bad Guys
The camera switches to the locker room area, where the Tao of Valor
Champion, X-Calibur, is seen slowly unwrapping his injured right shoulder.
As the topaz colored gauze becomes thinner and thinner across the curve
of his shoulder, purple and yellow splotches of discoloration become
visible, signifying evident bruising. X looks at the discoloration at
first, and like a mouse curious at the sight of peanut butter, he investigates
with some light touching. But like a mouse trap going off, his face
fills with pain grimaces as the tenderness of his injury remains. "Oh man, that looks bad. Cover it up." The voice says playfully. As X-Calibur looks up, he sees Crash walking in the door. Crash is dressed in a pair of baggy blue jeans, a black short sleeved button-up shirt with a big red "D" on the back and a pair of black Timberland boots. He's all smiles as he takes a sip from the red plastic cup in his hand. Crash: Just kidding with ya. What's up, bro? Looking taken aback by the fact that Crash decided to pay him a visit, X-Calibur stops poking at his bruises and looks at his counterpart. X-Calibur: Um, not a whole lot. Getting ready for my match later on. X stops there and looks at Crash. X-Calibur: What are you doing here? Isn’t there some type of unwritten code that states members of a “faction” aren’t allowed to associate with people outside of it? Crash smirks and laughs a dry laugh. Crash: That’s very funny. I can see your old wit is still there. Why can't I visit you? Gryffin has paid JT visits in the past. So why can't I come bother you? X smirked. X-Calibur: Well, they’re both “bad guys” I think... so it’s probably okay for them. You and I, though? With you being on the other side of that “fence”? I’m not so sure.. He pauses, and then chuckles. X-Calibur: In all seriousness though. Don’t bullsh*t me, man. Is THIS the moment where you turn on me like you did Jake? ‘Cause I mean, the timing seems appropriate... with one of your running buddies getting an undeserved shot at my f*ckin’ title and all. ‘Cause really, if it IS that point in time... maybe we can speed this along a bit. X walks a little closer to Crash, even rotating his injured shoulder a bit, trying to get used to the painful feeling in preparation for a fight. X-Calibur: Of course, if I’m being unfair, and you're not here on business... do say so. Crash isn't taken off the guard the least by X-Calibur's comments. He's more hurt than anything. Crash: Well since we're going to get down into this, yes, I'm here on business. He pauses a second. Crash: I'm here also, because I'm your friend and I'm going to warn you, but first... don't ever bring that sh!t up with me and Dominion again. Ever. Ya dig? Before X can say anything, Crash continues. Crash: I'm here because I know you've gained your third token. Now you need to win by submission for that fourth one and gain a World Title shot, right? X-Calibur nods. Crash: So if you plan to lock James Win in a submission hold, remember he's got a partner watching his back. Gryffin Anselm. I'm sure ol' Jake'll have your back if Gryffin interferes, but we both know if Jake decides to attack my boys, I gotta put him down hard. Don't worry, though. I might be down with the D right now, but you’re still my boy. I promise you I will not lay a hand on you and I will not cost you that match. X reaches back to the locker room bench and picks up his Tao of Valor
Championship. Draping it around his uninjured shoulder, there was a
slight second when Crash’s eyes met the gold face plate before
he focused back on X-Calibur. Crash squints his eyes momentarily to try and figure out the meaning behind that statement, but before he says anything, X continues. X-Calibur: First of all, you were misinformed. ‘Cause this match with Win isn’t even for a token... unless of course, you know something I don’t. As it stands, it’s just a normal championship match slash retaining session for me. Secondly... and you listen good, man. ‘Cause I don’t want to have to say this again since you’re my “boy” and all... X narrows his eyes. X-Calibur: It’s not my fault that your conscience goes into a seizure every time someone mentions Jake... but out of respect for your contributions to this business, I won’t mention him again. The real fact of the matter is this: you of all people should understand the situation I’m in, Crash. I’m a champion. Brief pause. X-Calibur: I’m a FIGHTING champion. But above all, I’m a successful champion... and with that comes the ability to have eyes in the back of your head. Lately, with Greg Allocca, John Thomas, and the rest of these locker room hyenas trying to take a chunk out of my ass... I’ve looked like a motherf*ckin’ mutant. X gets even closer, almost confrontational. X-Calibur: But I said it before, and I’ll say it again. If anybody in the Soprano family wannabe’s wants to get involved in my affairs... (X holds up his hand with an open palm.)... whether it’s James... (X folds down his pinky.)... Gryffin... (His ring finger.)... Giovanni... (His index finger.) ... Big Lou... Upon mentioning Big Lou, X folds down his thumb, which leaves just his middle finger standing straight up mere inches from Crash’s face. X-Calibur: ... or you. Someone’s gettin’ spiked on their f*ckin’ head. X charges in for a second like he’s going to strike, but stops himself, causing Crash’s reflexes to flinch the slightest bit. Then, he whispers right beside Crash’s ear. X-Calibur: You dig? Crash smirks, almost as if he’s delighted by X’s invitation, and then Crash raises a hand like he’s going to do something when all of a sudden, a voice calls from behind them. “What’s going on here, guys?” Crash stops himself, and X looks past Crash’s large frame to see Landon Savage standing there. X-Calibur: Nothing. Crash and I were just catching up on old times. Trying to schedule a night out to the movies with one another. I heard Juno’s playing... Crash can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of them going to see a movie like that with one another. Landon Savage: I don’t buy this “catching up” thing. I think I’m going to call security. I don’t need our main event jeopardized tonight by you two hot heads brawling up and down the hallways. Crash shakes his head. Crash: Not necessary. Like X said, I was just leaving... ‘see you ‘round, X. Staring a hole through the Tao of Valor Champion, Crash turns and walks away, shaking his head and trying to keep himself laughing the whole time. Watching Crash walk away, X then shrugs. X-Calibur: Well there goes that idea. X pats Landon on the shoulder. X-Calibur: How about it, Landon? You like Ellen Page? J.K. Simmons? Tell you what, man... you buy the tickets, I’ll buy the popcorn. Landon looks over at X-Calibur, very confused by X-Calibur. Geordie Aggro
We go backstage and see what can only be described as an irate John Iley storming through the corridors, slamming doors open, looking in and then heading on. Dressed in his wrestling attire and his t-shirt with "Brilliantly Technical..." on the front, and on his neck, what look like bruises of some sort. He's face is full of rage as he continues his journey through the corridors. He finally reaches a door and just as he goes to open it, it opens from the inside and steps Mirage. John just glares at him with Mirage looking indifferent. John points a finger right at him, his voice sounds a little raspy. John Iley: "Now you listen to me bonnie lad. I've just about, had enough of your sh!t! First, you try to disrespect me, then you and one of your F*BLEEP*ING CRONIES DO THIS TO ME!" He coughs as he points to the bruises on his neck, obviously shouting hurt him slightly, Mirage seems to smirk at his misfortune. Iley: "Now, if it wasn't for the fact that I've got a match coming up, I'd knock you spark out, right here and now. You're scum, you hear me, you're nothing to me! I don't care for you, all I want, is you, in that ring, one on one. Keep your little groupies out of it and prove to me your worth. John’s eyes narrow. Iley: As I've said before, respect is earned in this business, and until such time, I won't be respecting you unless you can prove to me you can get in that ring and face me without interference." John spits at Mirage's feet then storms off, Mirage just watches him leave. Greg Allocca vs Crazy
Boy vs Lucien Gray
Jimmy Yates: As much as I am looking forward to the technical chess match coming up between John Iley and Devastation, this next match is more to my personal taste. Bryan Harris: Before we can get "order" in that match, we have to go through chaos, the third match of the night booked as a triple threat match featuring three of the more unpredictable guys on our roster. Alan Ducard: All three of these men competed in the Opportunity Ladder
Match, all of whom came up short and are coming into this match, hoping
to prove something. Jimmy Yates: I believe Crazy Boy has beaten Lucien Gray once before, so I knew there was a chance he could do it again. Alan Ducard: And I do believe that Greg Allocca also holds a victory over Lucien Gray... it just depends on what effect each of those competitors is going to have on one another. Bryan Harris: Let's not forget that Lucien Gray is a big monster of a guy, so he might get the right opportunity and throw both of them through the mat. Alan Ducard: Let's get to the footage and find out. Start : Footage from the Match Lucien Gray is on the outside, Greg Allocca on the Apron, he looks backwards,
jumps to the middle rope and launches himself back with an asai moonsault
to the outside... Lucien CATCHES HIM! The crowd "ooooh's",
impressed. One... Two... Greg shoulders out. Crazy gets up quickly dragging Allocca up to his
feet. He then picks him up into a standing Fireman's carry... Jimmy Yates: Lucien just dragged Crazy out of the ring! He takes a step back and charges with a clothesline. But Crazy quickly
ducks and sends Gray down with a drop toe hold. Gray smashes his upper
torso into the apron. He slouches there. The wind knocked out of him,
and Crazy begins to deliver stiff kick after stiff kick into the back
of Lucien Gray. Majority of the Crowd: LETS GO CRAZY! Clap Clap Clap-Clap-Clap Majority of the Crowd: LETS GO CRAZY! Clap Clap Clap-Clap-Clap Lucien sneers and lunges but Crazy ducks and bounces off the far ropes
and launches himself driving a flying shoulder that rocks Lucien back,
but doesn't take him down. Crazy hops up and hits a beautiful standing
drop kick that sends Lucien down hard. On the far side of the ring we
see Greg has finally gotten back in the ring and takes a breather watching
the action. Waiting his moment. Crazy pops up jumps to the top rope
and nails a huge splash and hooks the leg for the cover. Two... Bryan Harris: This is absurd! This isn't a handicapped match. These
two are teaming up, and it shouldn't be allowed! Two... Josephina Colbert: Here is your winner by pinfall... Grreg... Allloccaaa!!! Alan Ducard: A frenetic and hard fought triple threat sees Greg Allocca
come away with a huge win over Lucien Gray and Crazy Boy, Tyrone Smith. Quiet Intensity
We go from the arena to the backstage area where our cameras find Devastation standing in front of a backdrop dotted with the LEGACY logo and alongside interviewer Avery George. Avery wears a pair of black slacks along with a red button down shirt underneath a black sport coat while Devastation is clad in a pair of light blue loose fit jeans and a green and white striped long sleeved button down shirt. Devastation is looking down for the time being while Avery looks at the camera and open the segment. Avery George: I’m here with Devastation who is fresh off his loss at Elevated Tensions to Stephen Rawlings. Devastation smirks at that as he rocks ever so slightly back and forth, his hands behind his back, as he awaits the question from Avery George. Avery George: Devastation, I wanted to get a word with you before your match tonight with John Iley. You’ve had some time now to go over the tapes of that aforementioned match with Stephen Rawlings and I’m sure you’ve thought a great deal about it, specifically how it ended. I’d like to get your thoughts on the finish and your opinion on Mr. Rawlings in particular. Devastation looks up now and eyes the camera for the first time. He stops rocking back and forth now, standing straight up with his arms still behind his back. After a few seconds, he addresses Avery George. Devastation: Well first of all to call that a loss to Stephen Rawlings would be ridiculous. He might have gotten the win in that match but he didn’t beat me. He looks briefly down after that for only a split second before eyeing the camera once more. Then he picks up where he just left off and addresses what else Avery George had to say. Devastation: As for the ending of our match at Elevated Tensions, it just proves what I’ve said about Stephen Rawlings before. The man is a hypocrite. He talks about being a great technical wrestler and wanting to beat me in a classic. Then he goes out and cheats to win. He takes the easy way out. He knows that he can’t go toe to toe with me and so he uses the ropes to win like a coward. He may be a good wrestler but he showed at the pay-per-view just how big of a pussy he really is. Devastation pauses for a second or two, looking down from the camera as he does so, before moments later he continues where he left off. Devastation: Stephen Rawlings might have thought that he could cheat his way out of our match, and then be done with me. Well he’d be sadly mistaken. I’m not through with him. We’ll meet again some time and when we do lock up once more, I’m going to kick his ass. After that, Devastation walks off the interview set as the camera focuses completely on Avery George now. Avery George: All right wrestling fans you saw it, Devastation with some strong words for Stephen Rawlings. I for one cannot wait for that potential rematch somewhere down the line. 14:59
The lights in the arena go out and after a few moments of silence the crowd start to murmur as nobody's theme music comes on. Alan Ducard: Looks like someone forgot to pay the electric bill again. Suddenly a deep voice of an older man can be heard. Voice: In a World where writers have put down their pens, In a Land where good does not always conquer evil In a Time where the future looks bleak One Man can not save us, but he can entertain us. In the ring a light shines down and 14:59 appears on the mat. "Beverly Hills" by Weezer hits the speakers and Derek Shane strolls out to a chorus of boos. Shane is wearing a classic black and yellow 14:59 4 Life t-shirt with blue jeans and his body guard Shadow is three and a half steps behind him as he makes his way to the ring. Shane climbs into the ring and grabs a mic. Derek Shane: At Elevated Tensions Derek Shane crossed the picket line and added that much needed spark back into your life. He gave you back what you were lacking and what do i get in return? Not only did I not get booked for a match this week I get an angry letter from the Writer's Guild of America. These guys are jealous of the money the Derek Shane's of the world are making and now they are trying to take money out of my pocket and food out of my mouth. Derek Shane won't be held back. I will continue to entertain you peons, and continue to line my pockets with your money. I would have wore the suit like at the ppv, but i figured I would dust off the classic Derek Shane t-shirt that you can own for only $19.95. On to other more important matters another one of my many blockbuster movies was released on DVD right before the holiday, you may have head of it. I co-starred with Matt Damon and Julia Stiles in a little movie called the Borne Ultimatium. I was CIA operative #6 Taylor Shank and there was talk of me getting my own spin off film franchise, but because of the damn strike it's been scrapped. Shane paces around the ring brushing the hair away from the scar above his eye. Derek Shane: Now since they were going to give me my own movie some of my better scenes were deleted from the Borne Ultimatium to save them for the new movie, but I just so happen to have one of those deleted scenes with me here today to show on the big screen. Let me give you some background. My character has gone undercover in a maxium security prison in Russia to get some information to help Jason Bourne. Roll that beautiful bean footage. Shane gestures to the tron and some cheesy James Bond style music plays and then we see some opening credits flash across the tron. Big Jimmy Smith is CIA Operative Tyler Spanks in the Porne Ultimatium, Also featuring Lianna Bust, Rachel Rack, and introducing Cumilla Jones. We see a clip of Big Jimmy as Tyler Spanks breaking into all female maxium security prison, where he gets caught and is "tortured" by three busty female security guards. Derek Shane: What the hell is that. CUT! Get that off the screen. The video stops and the crowd boos loudly. Shane paces around the ring quite annoyed, as Big Jimmy Smith appears in the entrance aisle and starts making his way to the ring. Derek Shane: What the... who the hell are you, and what gives you the right to impersonate Derek Shane? Jimmy enters the ring with his own mic and Shadow eyes up the porn star as he starts to speak. Big Jimmy: With the writer's strike going on, I'm hard up for work to. They just don't write the plots they used to. There's only so many times you can play the pizza guy with the extra big sausage. Derek Shane: Extra big sausage? I'd say little pepperoni...not that I've seen many of your movies. Some of the crowd on hand laughs, and Jimmy just shrugs. Big Jimmy: Hey no hard feelings Derek, can I call you Derek? Derek Shane: No. The porn star looks a bit confused. Big Jimmy: I thought you'd be flattered? They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery. Besides we have something in common, we both do our own stunts. The crowd laughs, but Shane is pissed. Derek Shane: You might be some sort of star in your genre of so-called "movies", but Derek Shane is a mega-star and you won't make a buck off of polluting my image. Mr. Smith your fifteen minutes are up. Before Big Jimmy knows what's going on Shane grabs him and levels him with a stiff lariat. Then pulls him to his feet and hits him with a swinging neck breaker. Shane drops and hooks the leg motioning to Shadow who drops and makes the three count. Shadow then tosses Big Jimmy out of the ring as Shane gets back on the mic. Derek Shane: Mr. Smith you shouldn't have crossed the picket line, because you just struck out. Derek Shane is 1-0 in his return to LEGACY. Shane then drops the mic and exits the ring with Shadow following two and a half steps behind him giving Big Jimmy a stiff kick to the ribs on the outside to make sure he doesn't try and follow and attack them from behind. The two men make their way up the aisle and disappear behind the curtain. The Tag Champs Speak
Alan Ducard: Ladies and Gentlemen, as all of you now know, we have new LEGACY World Tag Team Champions, as Domination took home the gold at Elevated Tensions. Jimmy Yates: It was great match Alan, and Domination picked up the pinfall on Gryffin Anselm to finally end the historic reign of The Diabolik atop the Tag Team Division. Bryan Harris: I still say it’s a shame for that reign to end! You have a team with both power and technique with excellent chemistry showing week in and week out how a great tag team works, and they lose the straps to a couple of meatheads! I mean look at them! They can't even talk for themselves ... Jimmy Yates: What do you know about them Bryan? Nothing. You don't know anything more about them than the rest of the fans or Alan or I know about them. Alan Ducard: Well, we are about to know a little bit more about the new tag team champions here in just a few minutes gentlemen. Trent Logan promised that should Domination bring home the gold, they would be given a chance to speak for themselves and they are going to do just that in a sit-down interview with Intern Avery here on Strife. Let's take you now to that interview, and hopefully we'll learn just a bit more about our World Tag Team Champions. The scene shifts from the announcers to an interview set where Intern Avery is seated across from the new champions, Ben "Rage" Murdock and Steve "Venom" O'Reily who are dressed in long-sleeved "Logan's Guns" t-shirts with jeans, and each man appears rather confident still basking in their victory at Elevated Tensions. Intern Avery: *With a hint of nervousness* Welcome ladies and gentlemen to this very special interview with the new LEGACY World Tag Team Champions, Domination. Welcome Rage and Venom or should... Ben Murdock: Ben and Steve will be just fine man, Rage and Venom is for the marketing and the in-ring stuff. Steve O'Reily: Sure, and you don't have to sound so nervous man. You aren't in the ring with us, and last I checked The Outlaw seemed to be on pretty good terms with you, which means you probably aren't trying to pull a Ron Bailey on us. Ben Murdock: So ask away man, we've been looking forward to this. Intern Avery: Sure, I guess my first question is why has it taken so long for you to have an interview and "be heard"? Steve O'Reily: I'll just say now that I'm not one much for all the talk to begin with here in the business, but I understand it’s a part of the process, and Trent had it in mind that doing an interview now would be part of that process. Ben Murdock: Trent had a plan coming in with us to keep us quiet and focus on what was going on inside the ring while he dealt with a lot of the "out of ring" stuff, which included doing interviews. There's only so much you can take in and learn when you start out. Also, there was an element of the "unknown" that he wanted to keep to his advantage as we moved up the ranks to becoming champions. The fact that we were seen as "generic" and the fact that people were stereotyping us I think was to our advantage, but once you become champions? People are going to pay attention to the details, and all eyes are going to be on you. At that point people are going to dig up whatever they can on you. Intern Avery: I guess then we might as well start filling in some of those missing details on your LEGACY Bios and let the LEGACY fans know a bit more about both of you. So where are you guys from and what was your life like before getting into the wrestling business. Steve O'Reily: I'm originally from Vermont but I moved and grew up in the Pittsburgh-area as a child so that's where I would call "home". Ben Murdock: I'm originally from the mid-west and the Chicago area but like Steve I moved as a child to an area in the Cleveland area, so about the only thing we really split on is our sports allegiances. As for our lives before wrestling? Ben shrugs. Ben Murdock: I would say we're both pretty typical guys growing up and I guess the best way to describe those lives is "normal". Both of us played football in high school and did the jock thing, and we both headed to college for some time. Steve O'Reily: I was at University of Pittsburgh for a bit and I know Ben was taking some classes at Ohio State and we actually met while on a break when we both got jobs working as "muscle" at some night spots in the Pittsburgh area, and that's actually where we met Trent Logan while at work. Ben nods. Ben Murdock: Yes, Trent was passing through working for another client, and he happened to spot us and strike up a conversation, and the rest is now history. Intern Avery: So what was your initial impression of Trent and his offer? Steve O'Reily: A snake. Intern Avery looks a bit surprised by the response, but Steve continues. Steve O'Reily: No lie, I thought the guy was a snake in the grass waiting to screw both of us over. No one comes up to you like that with that kind of offer or those kinds of credentials. Ben Murdock: Well, I thought some of the same, but the guy checked out. He sure made us a hell of an offer, and a good enough of one that we both quit school to train for this opportunity. Steve O'Reily: We did quit school, but it’s not like either of us was terribly happy. That lifestyle just wasn't fitting either of us. There was just something missing and... Ben Murdock: Trent with his offer to break into the business helped give us what we were missing, and he's a smooth operator to be sure. He had the plan. He had the connections. There's honestly no reason we should be in the position we are right now, so we owe a lot of the opportunity to him. We see a shot of Steve O'Reily, who is nodding his head in agreement. Ben Murdock: We don't have a real history in the business where you could say it was our time and we toiled away in gyms somewhere for years upon years. Intern Avery: So what is your wrestling experience and background? Steve O'Reily: Very little. Very little to be honest. Ben nods, verifying what Steve just stated. Ben Murdock: After we quit school and took up Trent on his offer we went into training with some of the connections Trent had made, and we had our first match on the "independent" scene after about four months, and only spent about two to three months working outside of LEGACY before we signed contracts to work with the company. From talking to Trent the company was very interested in building up the tag team division and was looking for new blood instead of tossing together make-shift teams or doing the retread of big singles stars holding the straps. They wanted a new commitment to great tag action, and we were happy to be a part of it. In spite of our lack of experience, Trent convinced the top brass to take a chance on us, and now here we are the champions, and it feels damn good. Intern Avery: Now that you've joined the ranks of tag team champions, did you guys look to anyone in patterning your wrestling style as you trained? Steve O'Reily: We looked for power and athleticism. We aren't going to be tossing around submission holds or be models of technical "wizardry". Ben shakes his head, sharing Steve's obvious disinterest in that kind of wrestling. Ben Murdock: Take a look at us Avery. You have raw athletes here with great speed and the strength that comes with guys 280-300 pounds. We are going to take a style that relies on that power and unusual quickness to get the job done inside that ring, and number one on the list of teams we took at look at while training has to be the Road Warriors. Now, this doesn't mean we're out to emulate them or be some cheap copy, but that style of hard hitting power with some quickness like using a big man coming off the top rope is something we believed we could incorporate into our ring work. I also have a bit of a soft spot for the Steiner brothers, and I'm not sure that either of us has quite the quickness to do moves like a "frankensteiner" look for us to begin to utilize our speed more in the coming months. Avery looks impressed. Intern Avery: So what do you think will be your keys to success in the coming months in LEGACY, things like you mentioned with the increasing "speed" attacks? Steve O'Reily: Continuing to learn the business and not becoming frustrated by any sort of setbacks. Ben nods. Ben Murdock: We realize that we have a lot of potential, and we also realize we are still very young in this business. We are still learning. We are still getting better and we already have a title win on our resume, but on that same note, we can still make mistakes, and we realize that this reign could end next Strife or we could go on a run like the Diabolik had. We really want to keep learning from Trent because he truly was a key to this success both in opportunity and in-ring strategy, and hopefully someday he will be totally handling the business end while we are handling the in-ring work and strategy on our own. Intern Avery: You just mentioned The Diabolik, what are your thoughts on that team and the state of tag wrestling in general in LEGACY? Steve O'Reily: I think it’s still developing, but it has a ton of potential. Ben Murdock: You definitely have a great team in The Diabolik. And yeah, we don't like them. Yes, we beat them, but we realize that they are still very dangerous. Then you have the Canuckin' Cowboys, who - while we wrecked them once - showed a hell of a lot of improvement in that match at Elevated Tensions. Add to that some of the budding partnerships possible like Bailey and Thomas, Yoshida and Oppenheimer, Diego and Hector, or even say some surprise team like Derek Shane and that big dude he's got following him around... or say Jake and Cronos and you have a hell of a lot of talent out there. Intern Avery: So what are your goals for LEGACY in the coming year? Ben Murdock: We really have two big goals, and those are to keep improving as fighters, but to stay in the championship picture in LEGACY. We want to get better and we want to be leaders of the tag team division, and to do that we need to be fighting the best with the titles on the line. When someone says who is or who could be tag team champions? We want "Domination" to be at the top of that list. Steve O'Reily: Bottom line is that in 2008 we want to dominate. Intern Avery: Well, that's about all we have time for here guys, thank you very much for being my guests and letting the fans get to know you a bit, and we look forward to seeing you both again in a LEGACY ring. With that the scene heads back to the announce position. Devastation vs John
Iley
Jimmy Yates: At Elevated Tensions, everyone was expecting to see a technical wrestling clinic put on by Devastation and Stephen Rawlings, but that’s not exactly what we got. Bryan Harris: Oh here we go again… More complaining about how Stephen Rawlings won the match. Alan Ducard: A win is a win and Stephen Rawlings might not have gone about things to meet the expectations of the masses, but he did get a victory in the end. What I believe Jimmy was about to say is that with our third match of the night, we could very well be getting an opportunity to see a technical wrestling clinic which people expected at Elevated Tensions. Jimmy Yates: Yeah, that’s sorta what I was going to say, but I was going to complain about the disrespectful shortcut taken by Rawlings, too. But nevermind that, this match could be fantastic. From what I’ve seen of John Iley so far, I believe he might be every bit as good at technical wrestling as Stephen Rawlings is. Bryan Harris: Whoa, hold on, now, don’t get ahead of yourself. We’ve had the chance to see Stephen Rawlings in a ton of different matches over the past two years where he has shown just how great he can be at technical wrestling. Don’t go and discredit all of that just because you don’t like how things went down at the end of his match with Devastation at ELEVATED TENSIONS. We’ve seen John Iley in not even a half dozen matches yet, and you want to say he’s better than Stephen Rawlings? Give me a break, all I’m hearing is sour grapes!! Jimmy Yates: That’s not what’s going on here at all, Bryan. And to be perfectly frank, I’ve seen several dozen matches of John Iley’s because I’m not lazy like SOME people, I went and did some research! Bryan Harris: All right, Jimmy, calm down, that’s no way to talk about our respected colleague Mr. Ducard… Alan Ducard: I don’t believe I’m the one he was talking about, but nevertheless, John Iley and Devastation put on a fantastic match for our viewing pleasure, so let’s get down to the footage, shall we? Start : Footage from the Match Devastation and John Iley remain tied up in the middle of the ring, palm to palm in a mercy-like death grip. Bumping chests to try to gain the advantage with one another proves to be futile on Iley’s part due to the mismatch in height. Iley makes an attempt for a go behind, but Devastation simply applies more pressure which momentarily drops Iley to his knees. Making like he’s going for another attempt at a go behind, Iley quickly changes his direction and ducks down beside Devastation’s waist. Then, with great strength, Iley uses all the strength in his upper body to lift Devastation up and over with a back body drop. Iley is taken down too however, and screams out in pain as Devastation was able to hang on. Alan Ducard: Impressive strength by the Newcastle native! Bryan Harris: Looks like Devastation was able to hold to his palm grip, though. Iley’s back drop only furthered the damage being done to the tendons in his hands and arms. Jimmy Yates: The torque Devastation put on Iley’s hands when he landed looked really painful. You can see it in Iley’s face now. With both men on their backs in the middle of the ring, Devastation continues to hold onto Iley’s hands, trying to crush them and ground Iley’s offense. With great awareness though, Iley rolls backward, landing on top of Devastation with a mount position. The referee immediately begins a count as Devastation’s shoulders are on the mat. One! Two! Devastation gets both shoulders off of the mat, and uses his superior upper body strength to heave Iley forward onto the canvas again back first. Alan Ducard: That was quite the pinning attempt. Iley’s agility enabled him to make an innovative attempt at getting out of this tricky situation. Bryan Harris: It was an innovative attempt sure, but it was ineffective. Devastation has Iley right where he wants him. You can’t do anything to someone when your hands have been rendered useless. Jimmy Yates: I gotta agree with Bry, here. Bryan Harris: It’s Bryan, not Bry. Jimmy Yates: If you can call me Jimbo and Alan Al, I can call you Bry. Unless there’s something else you’ve got in mind? Bryan Harris: How about announcing GOD? Alan Ducard: If you’re a God, then we’re Atheist. Alan Ducard: Bloody marvelous! What an elbow drop! Jimmy Yates: That was a hell of a move. I think he cut Devastation’s lip with that one. Bryan Harris: Interesting counter, I will admit. With Devastation rocked a bit and bleeding from the mouth from the high impact shot, Iley buys himself some time to get some feeling back into his hands. Shaking them a bit, Iley paces back and forth for a few seconds before focusing back on the former World Champion. Devastation meanwhile, rolls onto his stomach and shakes away the cobwebs. Slowly getting onto all fours, Iley decides to pick his spot to strike and dives forward, catching the hind part of Devastation’s right leg and Devastation’s neck on the roll through, and rolls to his right with an Oklahoma roll. One! Two! Devastation kicks out, and Iley quickly gets to both feet, ready to strike again. Devastation gets to his feet as well, but as soon as he does, Iley is waiting. Iley steps to the side of Devastation, hooks his arm around the big man’s waist, looking for a side suplex. Devastation catches Iley though with an elbow shot to the temple, which reels Iley back a bit. Devastation turns around to face his opposition, but Iley pulls a high angled dropkick out of nowhere that drops Devastation to one knee. With the follow up, Iley hooks his arm around Devastation’s head, snaps backwards, and DDT’s Devastation’s face across the point of his own knee. Bryan Harris: OW! That one looked pretty damn rough.. Jimmy Yates: What a wicked DDT! The referee slides into position as Iley makes another cover. One! Two! Devastation gets a shoulder up, and Iley pounds the mat with frustration. Alan Ducard: You’ve got to give it to Iley, here. For the last six or seven minutes or so, Devastation had been going to town on him, but all of a sudden Iley has found the guts and determination to bring the pain to the big man. Jimmy Yates: Three consecutive near falls is definitely a statement that Iley is in this to win. Bryan Harris: Ridiculous, Jimbo. A nearfall isn’t a statement.. A PINFALL is a statement. And by the looks of things, Iley is about all dried up and ready to drop. Alan Ducard: I don’t know about that, Bry. Bryan Harris: Stop. Bringing Devastation up to his feet, Iley rears back for a shot to the head. Devastation sees it coming though and blocks it, countering with one of his own. Sending Iley back a bit, Devastation gives himself enough room to scout his opponent for the next move. Pushing the offense, Iley wastes no time to strike back and runs at Devastation with his arm outstretched. However, Devastation is ready and uses great strength combined with Iley’s own momentum to lift John Iley up high up into the air, causing Iley to land hard with his full body weight across the top rope. Crowd: Ooooooohhhhh!!! Following up the desperation move, Devastation walks up behind Iley who hasn’t moved from the position he landed on the top rope. Grabbing Iley’s legs, Devastation lifts up, spin around, and drives Iley down to the mat with crushing sit down reverse powerbomb. Jimmy Yates: I don’t know what the hell you would call that! Alan Ducard: Well, it was almost like a wheelbarrow suplex, only instead of falling backwards, he spun around and drove him down on the mat face first. So I guess you could call it a sit-down wheelbarrow powerbomb. Bryan Harris: I prefer calling it “nasty and effective”. Much shorter, in my humble opinion. Jimmy Yates: There’s not a humble bone in your body, Bry. Devastation turns Iley over and hooks both legs deeply with all of his body weight on top of Iley. One! Two! Thr- NO! Alan Ducard: He got a shoulder up just in time! Jimmy Yates: Iley is certainly showing some desire to succeed here tonight. Devastation is a former world champion and he’s having no problem taking it to the man. Bryan Harris: What are you TALKING about, Jimbo? Iley just got drilled! He’s seconds away from defeat! How can you say with a straight face that Iley is on the same level as Devastation?! Alan Ducard: Probably because they’ve been fighting for ten minutes, and Iley has put on a strong showing? Devastation brings Iley to his feet, who appears to be on spaghetti legs. Whipping Iley into the ropes, Devastation side steps slightly, catches Iley with his arm, and then drives him forward back down to the mat with a devastating STO takedown. Immediately hooking a leg, the crowd counts along as they feel the match is over after the high impact move. Bryan Harris: STO! Say goodnight, Iley! One! Jimmy Yates: Iley isn’t moving! Two! Alan Ducard: This one’s over.. THR- NO! Alan Ducard: ... no it’s not! Iley kicks out! Jimmy Yates: Iley’s still in this thing! Devastation brings Iley to his feet, who can barely get up even with help. Holding Iley up by the underside of his chin, Devastation reaches back and slugs Iley square in the jaw. Iley reels back into the ropes where his arms hold onto the top rope, keeping himself from falling to the mat. Devastation moves forward, and unleashes a hellacious chest slap. Crowd: OOOOOOOOH!!!!! Devastation rears back, and delivers another that resounds through out the arena. Crowd: OOOOOOOOH!!!! Once again, Devastation backs up a bit, and SLAMS his chest down across Iley’s, the smack even louder than the previous two. Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOOH!!!! Again, Devastation slaps Iley on his chest, which has started to bruise from the bursting of blood vessels. Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!! One more time, Devastation reaches back and CHOPS Iley with his gigantic open palm. Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH!!!!! Iley falls forward a bit, but Devastation catches him and delivers a thunderous overhead release belly-to-belly suplex. Immediately, Devastation hooks both of Iley’s legs. ONE! TWO! THR- NO! Bryan Harris: What does it take to beat this man?! Alan Ducard: Unbelievable! Jimmy Yates: This man is not human. Those fists of Devastation are like bowling balls! Crowd: LEG-A-SEE! LEG-A-SEE! LEG-A-SEE! Alan Ducard: Blimey! Listen to this crowd! They love the action these guys are bringing! Showing signs of frustration for the first time in the match, Devastation argues with the referee for a moment that he just made a three count. Adamant that he didn’t, the referee scolds Devastation and warns him to focus with the match or risk a disqualification. Meanwhile, this buys John Iley a bit of time to recover from the vicious onslaught, and as soon as Devastation turns around to face Iley, he is scooped up in a small package! The crowd counts along... ONE! TWO! THR- NO! Bryan Harris: I can’t believe this! With all of the devastating offense brought on by Devastation, Iley will not stay down! Alan Ducard: He almost had this match won, too! Devastation is the first one to his feet, despite the near fall. He then lays in a couple of stomps out of frustration from Iley’s near three-count. After a couple of stiff shots, Devastation brings Iley to his feet. He goes for a shot to the head, but Iley ducks, and delivers a knee shot to the big man’s abdomen. Doubling over, Iley then grabs Devastation’s head, somersaults forward, and connects with a modified flipping neckbreaker. Iley makes the cover with a leg hooked... ONE! TWO! THR- NO! Alan Ducard: I honestly don’t know what it’s going to take for either of these men to beat the other. They’ve tried just about everything. Bryan Harris: Use a chair! Iley stands up off the mat, and signals out to the crowd for something. Then, tucking his head underneath Devastation’s arm, he wraps his arms around his waist. John Iley then lifts Devastation up off of the mat with incredible strength and connects with a bridging Northern Lights suplex! Alan Ducard: Tyne Bridge! Bryan Harris: And there it is... Jimmy Yates: It’s over! ONE! TWO! The bell sounds. Alan Ducard: Iley did it! He got him! Jimmy Yates: I don’t believe it! Bryan Harris: Not so fast guys. How come I didn’t see a three count? Alan Ducard: Devastation kicked out, but it looked like the referee stopped counting after two… but the bell sounded anyway. Getting up off the mat, John Iley stands tall with his arms raised high in the air. But suddenly, the referee pulls Iley’s arm down and waves off to the crowd that John Iley got a three count. The referee looks over at the time keeper and Josephina, where Josephina is set to make an announcement. Josephina Colbert: Ladies and gentlemen... the fifteen minutes allotted for this match has expired. Therefore, this match has been declared... a TIME... LIMIT... DRAW! The crowd boos mercilessly as John Iley argues with the referee in the middle of the ring, slapping his own palm three times as if he was positive he had gotten the three count. At this point, Devastation is up off the mat and looking on at his opponent as well as the referee. Jimmy Yates: What a classic! John Iley and Devastation taking each other to the limit, going the entire fifteen minutes without a winner! Bryan Harris: Wait, you're actually happy with how things ended?! Don't you want to see a winner? Alan Ducard: Actually I agree with Jimmy, it doesn't matter that neither man scored a fall over the other, we got to see some great competition. I think that if John Iley had hit that move one second sooner, he might've gotten the three-count in before the bell, but the fact of the matter is that neither man gets credit for a victory here tonight, but it was sure fun to watch. Contenders Tournament
We cut backstage where Landon Savage and two security guards are standing in between Stephen Rawlings, Jake Dominion, Crash, and Gryffin Anselm. In one hand, Landon is holding a microphone, and in the other he’s holding two clipboards. He’s looking right into the camera. Landon Savage: I’ve assembled these four men together at this moment because I’m about to make an announcement which affects the entire organization, but most specifically the four of you. As you saw earlier tonight, Rocky Stellar showed up and had an encounter with Loco Martinez, and just moments ago the front office met and HAS DECIDED to book the two members of Stellar Insanity against one another at SuperCard STRIFE 31 in two weeks time, so Rocky Stellar will step into the ring as challenger against Loco Martinez with the LEGACY World Title on the line. In the background you can hear the fans in the arena cheer loudly. Landon raises up his hand that has the two clipboards on it, motioning for one of the security guards to hold one of the clipboards, then turns and hands the other security guard the other clipboard. Landon Savage: On each of these two clipboards there is a contract. One of the contracts is for a match between Stephen Rawlings and Crash based on Stephen’s win at ELEVATED TENSIONS against Devastation, and Crash because he is the only person from the World Title Match at that same pay per view event who was not involved in the match’s decision who is still with us. Landon pauses for a moment, looking a little sad. Landon Savage: The winner of that match will face the winner of the match set up on the other clipboard, which, as you might have guessed, is between Jake Dominion – who the front office decided was robbed of a fair finish to his World Title Shot at our last SuperCard – against Gryffin Anselm, who the front office is rewarding for such a long and proud reign with the World Tag Team Titles. Landon pauses again and looks at all four men. Landon Savage: Both of those matches will take place at SuperCard STRIFE 31, with the winners meeting in the ring at a future STRIFE to determine the Number One Contender going into our next pay per view. All three matches should be enjoyable to watch, all three of the matches will have special guest referees since the front office wants to ensure we get fair outcomes, and I’m looking forward to seeing which two of you advance to the final round of this mini tournament, as are many other people. Having just heard about the match, Stephen Rawlings gets a partially satisfied smirk on his face and begins walking away, straightening his "Good Enough Isn't; Perfect is! Tshirt. He takes a sip out of his water bottle, but when he is about to swallow, a hand pounds Stephen in the shoulder and Stephen chokes on his water. Carter Franklin: I just heard about the tournament thing starting at the SuperCard. That's awesome! You and Crash... That should be an awesome matchup there. Good luck! Stephen composes himself, puts the cap back on his water bottle and stares at the road agent. Stephen Rawlings: Who are you? Carter Franklin: Carter Fra- Stephen Rawlings: Nevermind, I don't care. The point of the matter is that I don't know you, and you touched me. THEN you sat there babbling about a little tournament. About a match with Crash... Whoopidee doo! I get to wrastle! And if I beat him, and then beat either Gryffin Anselm or Jake Dominion.. I GET A SHOT at the World title. Excuse me while I jump up in joy to show my enthusiasm. He begins to walk away. Carter Franklin: Why so coy? Are you nervous? About wrestling in another tournament? Stephen stops and turns back to him. Stephen Rawlings: My problem is the fact that there IS another tournament. That's all there ever is in this damn federation. Loco didn't have to win a tournament... Devastation didn't have to win a tournament when he was a champion... And God... Marion didn't even have to have wrestling ability to get his shot... Rawlings sighs. Stephen Rawlings: And yet, whenever I go to the front office, GET on my knees and beg for shot, they decide to throw me in a tournament with a bunch of undeserving nobodies, that everyone knows I'm going to win. They should just give the shot instead of wasting everyone's time. Wait, didn't I already beat Jake in the last tournament we had? The road agent thinks for a second. Carter Franklin: No, I do believe that was Justin Moreno. Stephen shrugs. Stephen Rawlings: It doesn't matter. When are you going to realize this.... Jake Dominion, Greyson Blade, Crash.... NONE of them matter... This tournament doesn't really matter. To me this isn't a tournament, but simply a warm up for my Title shot! And nobody.. And I mean nobody will stop me. That is a cold hard fact, and I have everything you need to back it up. Now if you don't mind, I don't think I like you, so I'm going to leave... Please don't follow me, and don't go bragging to your little friends that you got to touch me. Stephen walks away leaving Carter all alone. Tao of Valor Championship
Match
James Win vs X-Calibur © Alan Ducard: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for us to bring you footage from the STRIFE 30 Main Event, and what a main event it was with the Tao of Valor Championship on the line! Jimmy Yates: X-Calibur has never been one to back down from a challenge, and The All Star James Win, a former Tag Team Champion definitely presented a huge challenge for the Tao of Valor Champion... despite having to buy his way into the match. Bryan Harris: At the end of the day, Jimmy, it doesn't matter how James Win got this match. True, Big Lou talked to the front office and made a donation that helped them decide to give James Win a shot at the Tao of Valor Championship, but it's not like the gu's some undeserving rookie. Jimmy Yates: Why, because he helped Gryffin Anselm by holding one of the World Tag Team Championship belts, or because he held a few singles championship belts half a decade ago? Bryan Harris: Look, get over it. James Win is a great competitor, and Big Lou probably just needed a tax deduction for 2007 and decided to let the LEGACY front office pick where his money went. If X-Calibur is not one to back down from a challenge, Jimbo, then why does it matter who got the shot, so long as the person's deserving? Over the course of his career, X-Calibur has proven that he’s never been smart enough to pick his battles, so what's to say he wouldn't have chosen to fight James Win if he were given the choice? Alan Ducard: He did just go through hell with John Thomas in a Last Man Standing Match, the bruising from which is still very visible as we saw earlier tonight... Bryan Harris: And the next show he’s going to try and defend the belt against a former champion, an amazing athlete, a true “All Star” of this industry? He’s a moron. Jimmy Yates: Well, the match was booked and X-Calibur is a fighting champion, and I think he’d rather lose the belt in a fight than to be called a coward or ever forfeit a title. So, X-Calibur did indeed step into the ring with The All Star, and it was a hotly contested battle with X-Calibur showing some true resiliency and The All Star showing that we just might have underrated his in-ring tenacity. Let’s roll that footage! Start : Footage from the Match When the footage begins we see both combatants headed for the center of the ring, and X-Calibur is the first man to strike, delivering a stinging right hand to Win, dropping him to the canvas. James tries to pull himself to his feet, but he gets another right hand, and this one staggers him back towards the ropes. X-Calibur then grabs Win and sends him off with the Irish whip to the ropes, and on the rebound he catches The All Star and takes him up and over with a vicious overhead belly-to-belly suplex! Win crashes into the mat and rolls on impact to the buckles, but immediately after the throw, X-Calibur’s hand goes instinctively down to his lower back. Alan Ducard: The Tao of Valor Champion just took down the challenger with that amazing suplex, but it seems that the damage done in the past couple of contests is finally catching up with the champion. Jimmy Yates: He’s been through hell wrestling and being attacked by Greg Allocca, and then everyone saw the Last Man Standing match he had with John Thomas. James Win has just picked up in this match where the other two had stopped, working over that lower back, and now even some of X-Calibur’s best offensive moves are going to be painful for him to execute. Bryan Harris: The All Star is just doing what any wrestler of his “caliber” pun intended would do. He’s working over the champion as his past two challengers have and is also looking to take away those suplexes and moves like a piledriver that would require some effort and lift from that lower back. Alan Ducard: He might be hurting yes but X-Calibur is still in control of the match and he pulls James Win up to his feet and the he delivers an elbow to the jaw in the corner. Now he’s taking Win up the turnbuckles! Jimmy Yates: I don’t know what he’s going to try but I think he’s going to try and take The All Star down right here, right now! Bryan Harris: He’s definitely got guts, but he traded his brain for them Jimmy. His back is killing him, and he’s going up the turnbuckles? X-Calibur follows James up and hooks him as if to go for a superplex, but Win delivers a punch from each fist to the side, and then reaches under and punches X-Calibur in the throat, sending him off the buckles and down to the canvas on to that injured back. Win moves to the top rope then and leaps off the top and hits a leg drop down on X-Calibur’s throat and goes for the immediate pin attempt, trying to take advantage of ToV Champion’s mistake! Alan Ducard: The cover from Win! One Two Th-NO! The champion’s shoulder is off the canvas and this match is going to continue, but the challenger remains in control here, pulling X-Calibur to his feet and there’s a bodyslam from Win. It’s not a move you often see from a guy his size. Jimmy Yates: No its not Alan, but X-Calibur isn’t much bigger than James Win, and that’s something we could be forgetting after seeing James Win next to Anselm or the monsters in Domination. Win follows up the body slam with a stomp to the chest, and he then pulls X-Calibur up, to a seated position, only to come off the ropes and drive his foot into the champion’s lower spine. There’s a cry of pain from the champion that ends abruptly as its cut off by a kick to the head from The All Star. Win then pulls X-Calibur up and sends him hard into the buckles with a shot that hits the back and sends X-Cal down to the canvas. James then moves in after the brutal impact and pulls the champion up and slams him face first into the buckle, and then drapes him over the ropes. The All Star moves back for a running start and leaps up and hits a knee into the lower back. Finally, Win grabs X-Caliber in the inverted facelock, but instead of hitting the DDT, he drops back and drives X-Cal into the knee with the wicked backbreaker! Bryan Harris: What intensity from James Win who fought a hell of a match even in losing at Elevated Tensions. Through this match we’ve seen almost a “mean streak” developing from Win, and I for one like it. Just look how tenacious he’s been going after that injured back, and now he’s dropping to make the cover! Count it Al! Alan Ducard: One Two THREE-NO! X-Calibur kicks out after that devastating assault from The All Star. Jimmy Yates: It’s that heart of a champion showing up again guys. He showed it battling Allocca, and then he exemplified what it means to be a champion as he gutted out an amazing win against John Thomas and was the last man standing, and he’s not about to fall here tonight! Bryan Harris: Can it Jimbo! Just because you have a man-crush on X-Calibur doesn’t mean you can ignore the fact that The All Star is a former champion, and he’s about to just do what you said he wasn’t going to do … he’s going to become the new ToV Champion! The former LEGACY World Tag Team Champion pulls the current ToV Champion to his feet and delivers a series of chops before booting him in the gut, and pulling him into a standing headscissors. Win heaves up and manages to take X-Calibur up and powerbomb him down. Immediately he rolls up the legs, and as the referee goes down for the count, he puts his feet on the ropes for leverage! Jimmy Yates: The referee is making the count but Win has his feet up on the ropes! He’s going to cheat X-Calibur out of the title! Come on ref! Bryan Harris: THAT’S TWO! NEW CHAMPION! Alan Ducard: THRE-NO! The official sees the foot on the ropes and he’s stopped the count! Win is up now and he’s not happy one iota that the official stopped the count! Jimmy Yates: He’s getting right up in the official’s face here guys, and that’s something that could dearly cost him! He better not channel any more of that mean streak! Bryan Harris: Look Jimbo, that official wasn’t looking at the shoulders! He was looking at Win and that means he was out of position! Win continues jawing with the official, that is until he feels two arms wrap around his waist, and he goes up and over with a release German suplex! The fans roar in approval as X-Calibur dropped the challenger on his head, and proceeds to use the ropes to pulls himself back to a standing position. His back feels as if it’s been ripped to shred but he will keep going. Win tries to get to his feet, but he turns right around into a boot to the gut from X-Calibur who puts him in the butterfly hold and drops backwards, spiking The All Star with the double arm DDT or as the ToV Champion would call it, “The Trouble Arm DDT”. The fans begin cheering as X-Calibur backs off from the challenger’s prone body, and then looks to the turnbuckles, and motions. Alan Ducard: X-Calibur is looking to go to the top rope, and the climb is underway. Jimmy Yates: The ToV Champion has been known to go to the top rope for a couple of signature moves guys, let’s see what he can pull off here! Bryan Harris: He better hurry. The All Star recovers quickly, and this could end with X-Calibur meeting the canvas and The All Star meeting gold! X-Calibur reaches the top turnbuckle, and sizes up Win on the canvas. X-Calibur then taking aim, leaps off the top rope and soars through the air only to drop the elbow into Win’s chest, connecting with the Hang Time Elbow (Flying Elbow Drop). X-Calibur then rolls over on Win and hooks the leg, going for the pin! Alan Ducard: One... Two...! THR-NO! James Win somehow, someway lifted the shoulder off the canvas! Jimmy Yates: Those fans loved that high flying move and had an “X-Cal” chant going, and that stopped for some quality “booing” as that pin just barely failed. Frankly, I think just as much as they love X-Cal and want to see him win; they despise that snake James Win and don’t want to see him hold LEGACY gold again anytime soon. Bryan Harris: That’s because the morons jeering Win simply have no clue what championship material really is. Alan Ducard: X-Calibur is still in control here and he pulls James Win to his feet and there’s a boot to the gut and the quick DDT! X-Calibur stepping back now and he’s stalking Win! He’s going to go for the X-Terminator! The fans rise up in anticipation as X-Calibur charges in and looking to wrap Win and hit the X-Terminator, but Win bails and slips outside the ring. X-Calibur tries to go after him but is impeded by the official. Win is quick on the outside and he grabs a steel chair, and the fans at ringside know business is about to pick up as he slides back in the ring! Win charges and X-Calibur pushes past the referee to try and attack as well, but Win is just a bit quicker and the steel collides with X-Calibur’s skull, dropping him immediately. Jimmy Yates: What cheap and despicable tactics from James Win! The referee has signaled for the bell and Win will be disqualified for his actions! Bryan Harris: Cheap and despicable? I’m loving this mean streak he’s showing. Hit him again James. Make a statement! Josephina Colbert: Your winner by disqualification and STILL Tao of Valor Champion... X-Calibur!! Alan Ducard: Well he is hitting him again and … there’s another shot to the head, and now that X-Calibur is down he’s hitting him in the back edge first with that steel chair! The bell continues to sound as the referee tries to get Win to stop his assault but to no avail. Win drives the chair down again and again into the spine. Finally he holds the chair up to the crowd before pulling X-Calibur to his feet who can barely stand as his back spasms. Win boots him and hits the Starburst (Pedigree) on X-Calibur on the chair, only to then immediately wrap him up into the second part of the move - a Boston crab! The fans are livid, screaming “Asshole” at Win who will not stop the submission hold as X-Calibur claws the canvas in agony unable to free himself. Alan Ducard: Some permanent damage might be done here, and LEGACY officials are finally getting to the ring here to put a stop to this assault! Jimmy Yates: It’s about time someone came out here to stop this! Look at Win they are finally getting him out of the ring and he’s actually looking proud of what he just did! Bryan Harris: He should be Jimbo … he sent a statement that The All Star is a man to be feared! Win on exiting the ring looks back at the damage done as the camera pans up from Win inside the ring where X-Calibur lays unable to stand and in sheer agony as the scene fades. |
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