Salvation 159: Gold Edition (07.04.21)

[Donnie]

Preshow

Casey Holliday vs Willow
- Casey Holliday made quick work of Willow and won via Stock Plunge

Chance Field vs Tommy Flannigan
- Chance Field wound up winning after he feigned an injury, distracting the referee while Ares Bones hit the Bone Breaking Lariat. Chance then pinned to win.

Jake Mason vs Johnny Paradise
- Good back and forth that saw Mason win via Prophecy Fullfilled.

Opening Match
Tag Team Championship
Rikers Demolition Squad (c) vs 2X

This match was an all out brawl to start off, as the referee could barely maintain control. Eventually things smoothed out and the match became more orderly. 2X maintained control, often resorting to distraction techniques, resulting in cheap shots from the two members of 2X while they isolated Jupiter.

The tide turned when Jupiter got a hot tag to Zeus, who came in and cleaned house. This led to Zeus hitting Hard Time on Xavier Cross, but the count was broke up when Xander Maxwell pulled the referee out of the ring. The referee stood outside the ring and argued with Xander. As he did this, Chance Field, Mercy Payne, and Ares Bones rushed down the ramp. Mercy slipped up behind Jupiter and cracked him on the head with a tonfa. While she does that Ares hits Zeus with a Bone Breaking Lariat. Then Chance drags Xavier on top of Zeus and all three leave the ring.

After this is done, Xander urges the referee to look at the ring. When he does he slides back in and counts the three count. As the referee gives 2X the tag titles, the newly crowned champions celebrate with Chance, Mercy, and Ares while the crowd litters the ring with boos.

[Donnie]

Why I Walked Away

JJ Adams: Sandman kicks out just in time. Draco Dragotta was almost the champion. Fate was nearly his.

Jayden Skiles: And it still will be. Sandman is acting proud and it’s not something that suits him.

Johnson McConnell: Dragotta does seem to be in Sandman’s head.

Sandman gets to his feet and looks furious at what just happened. Sandman charges at Dragotta who kicks the champion in the gut and hits the Dragon Stunner. Dragotta doesn’t waste any time and gets himself set up on the top ropes and dives off with the Money Shot. Dragotta feels the momentum going his way and waits for Sandman to stand before attempting the Smash Hit only for his knee to give way again. Sandman doesn’t waste any time. Sandman grabs hold of Dragotta and plants him into the mat with Death Awaits You. The Champion picks Dragotta up and plants him back into the mat with another Death Awaits You holding for a pin this time.

1…
2…
3

Jason Sandman gets up to his feet and rolls out of the ring grabbing his belt, and heading up the ramp as the show fades to black.

Salvation opens up with Full Circle playing over the speakers. The lights in the arena are down as the only light visible is a spotlight pointing to the center of the ring where Jason Sandman sits Indian style and has his arms crossed. Mummering can be heard coming from the crowd as they wonder what Sandman has on his mind in such an isolated environment. Sandman’s arm barely moves, but does enough to reveal he has a microphone.

Jason Sandman: There is something wrong within this company. I know I am just as guilty of it in the past as people are today. Maybe that’s the problem. I don’t feel special anymore. Maybe I’ve just grown wiser. Every person here seems to have a dark personality that they seem proud to let out to play when the time calls for it.

Jason pauses for a moment as it comes to a realization.

Jason Sandman: Maybe that’s it. You people are proud that you have a double personality or several others. I was never proud of The Angel. I never wanted Death to take over my body. In times of being lost I would give in. I always regretted the decision the next day. That’s why Battle at The Beach ended so anticlimactic. I knew I had the match won, but it wasn’t enough. I needed to humiliate Draco Dragotta. I needed to claim his soul. The spirit of the dragon flowing through me with what’s already there was an enticing offer that's hard to resist.

Jason again pauses.

Jason Sandman: I don’t want to be that person anymore. I need my destruction of my own will. Too often people seem to live by but since I have a double personality it wasn't me. So I just took my belt and I went home. Now I face Lyric tonight in a match to prove she wasn’t worthy of a shot during Payne Project, and shit hasn’t changed. Just another win and another victim. Deal with it bitches.

The spotlight goes out and when the lights come back on, Sandman is gone.

Pip Pip Cheerio

The view opens up to show Henhouse Slaughter seated in their usual spot at the coffee house they had taken up as their standard gathering point. The pair are watching the broadcast of Salvation 159: Gold Edition live from a laptop that Penbrook holds in his lap, the titlematch between Rikers Demolition Squad and 2X having seemingly just ended. Having pre-arranged for the cameracrew to be filming them at the conclusion, Penbrook pauses the broadcast after seeing himself and turns to look at the camera.

Eddie: Evening chaps and chapettes. Now. You must be thinking, “Why are you sitting in some darn coffeehouse instead of being in Phoenix and taking part of the proceedings at Salvation”? Well, to answer that question, my good pals, is that me and Rupert didn’t want to. We wanted to prove a point. A point by not being there when 2X had their shot at the tag team titles.

We see Rupert E. Fox seated across Penbrook, hesitantly trying to “enjoy” whatever it was that the locals in St. Louis considered tea. Penbrook saw that he wasn’t done cringing at the drink and continued.

Eddie: So. Here we are. 2X got what they wanted. The Tag Team Titles. And we proved the fact that we are superior men by not stooping down to their level and get involved. See, that has been the running theme through the time we have been tied up 2X. We try to do things the right way and they take every shortcut they can. Well. You could argue that the results speak for themselves but I don’t know about you, but a man is only as good as his conduct. And 2X have proven to be the lowest of the low. Cheap, lying and cheating bastards. A stain in the fabric of professional wrestling. But now. Now the situation is this. 2X… It’s time to put up or shut up. You’re the top dogs now. Put those shiny belts of yours on the line against us. Right Rupert?

Young master Fox tilts his aviator sunglasses down the bridge of his nose standing up leaning against the table.

Rupert: Yeah you pompous ponce wankers, put them bloody belts on the line and we’ll see who’s who, yeah? You think you are so bloody special with them belts, the way you won them and all, but you ain’t nothing but a pair of tits trying to cover your lack of manners, skill and talent with some disgusting lowgrade trash garments! And..

We see Penbrook glance at the young master, his voice low as a growl.

Eddie: Rupert, be nice.

Snarling, Fox looks at the camera.

Rupert: So…fancy giving your pals a shot them, chaps? Good ol’ fashioned donnybrook to prove just how much of champions you really are, yeah?

Nodding along to the young master, Eddie pipes up not soon after

Eddie: See, here’s the thing, 2X. You owe us a fair fight. For months, you’ve been ducking and dodging and bobbing and weaving us. Avoiding us. Doing everything you can to NOT fight us. Well, now you are in a position where you cannot avoid it. That is part of being a champion. Fighting those who make a claim for your gold. No more hiding behind that broad back of the big lug for the little guy. No more loudmouthing us from behind a cover, men. The young master fox will be getting our hands on you two sooner than later. And for your sakes, it would better by voluntarily giving us what we want. Because if we have to go the long road to get that shot… then you will be in a world of trouble. Pair of damn ponces, you are.

Fox gulps down the swill of tea and shudders with disgust.

Rupert: Piss! That’s what you two are if you think that we are just going to keep asking nicely till the end of time. Because even a right pair of knob-monkeys such as yourselves HAVE TO realize that if we have nothing to lose, we can get just as dirty as you did, or worse. The reason we have behaved like the gentlemen we are is because of what we have been taught, born into and raised in, but if that does not do the trick, bare in mind you utter pair of bellends, that the great Empire was also very fond of colonization. If it wasn’t for good ol’ England, who knows if you two or your ancestors would have ever landed here. This could be a completely different scene, lads. We can go that route if you so choose, but if you choose to partake, the road of utter bloody chaos, mayhem and bloodshed. There will be no way to stop it, there will be no emergency brakes or “sorry lads, I think I’ve changed my mind, could we be cordial instead?” No sunshine, if you want to keep fucking with us, then you pay for the conesquences too.

Penbrook is almost taken aback by Foxe’s intensity, but after a moment, gives a soft chuckle.

Eddie: Yeah. To borrow a local saying… 2X, you dun goofed. You owe us a debt, gentlemen. And an Englishman ALWAYS collects. The choice is up to you, really. We can do it the easy way, at which point we’ll keep doing what we have done. Fight fair and square. Be gentlemen and cordial. Or we can do this the hard way, at which point we throw the rulebook out of the window and teach you just how many dirty tricks exist in the minds of those who come from a long line of ruthless imperials. And how many dirty tricks can be learned and taught by someone forced to make a living in conditions that would make your poncy ass shudder at the mere thought of. Simply put… Henhouse Slaughter versus 2X for the Redemption Tag Team Titles is inevitable… and no fingersnaps are involved.

Fox tips his shades.

Rupert: Pip Pip Cheerio, you cunts.

He stomps off and we see Penbrook shrug.

Eddie: He did try to be at his best behaviour, honest! Give the poor boy a break, must be some long term jet lag or culture shock..good luck to 2X because if you don’t have it by now, I’d suggest you find it sharpish because once we come for them shinys, luck is something only for the losers.

With that,we fade to black as Penbrook chuckles for his clever quip only to realize Fox wasn’t even around to hear it anymore.

Sorry, Lux

In a pre taped bit, a restored yellow Mini Cooper comes tearing into the parking lot. The windows are down while Social Distortion blares on the radio. The camera catches the backside, littered with bumper stickers: Sex Pistols, Black Flag, The Misfits, Dropkick Murphy’s, Bikini Kill, and much more.

The car squeezes into a tight spot between a luxury Rolls Royce and a Cadillac Escalade. As the brakes screech to a halt, both doors open, with the driver's side slamming into the passenger’s door of the Rolls Royce. Lux Haze climbs out of the driver's side while Scarlett Payne climbs out of the passenger side.

Lux Haze: Told ya. Social D is killer music. Mike Ness is killer!

Scarlett laughs as she steps out, and nods reluctantly before closing her door.

Scarlett Payne: I hate ta admit when you’re right, Hazy, cause ya never let me hear the end of it but you’re right, bro.

Scarlett takes notice of the Rolls and lets out a low whistle of appreciation.

Scarlett Payne: Whoa, someone dropped some serious coinage there. A little pretentious and douchy on a wrestler’s salary if ya ask me.

Lux looks at the ding and nods her head.

Lux Haze: And I think I added a lil character to it.

Lux opens the driver’s door, again hitting the door to the Rolls Royce. She digs in her car and eventually comes out with a piece of paper and pen. Then she sits on the hood of the Rolls Royce and starts to scribble.

Lux Haze: So someone rich, someone eager to flaunt it, whatcha think? Field or Dalmon?

Scarlett makes her way around to check out the damage before turning to Lux with a Cheshire grin. She gives it a swift kick, leaving another dent.

Scarlett Payne: That’s not Field’s style. He’s more of a Bugatti sports guy. This has Dalmon written all over It. I can practically smell the incest, can’t you?

Lux sniffs.

Lux Haze: Dalmon. Definitely. Hey, do I need to leave my insurance information on the note or not?

Scarlett crinkles her nose and shakes her head.

Scarlett Payne: Nah, let the whiny, little brats come ask for it. I wanna see if they’ll sack up or not. Something tells me they’ll bitch and moan to themselves for a while first. I doubt they’re used to face to face confrontation.

Lux Haze: Simple note then. Here, I’ll read it to ya. “Sorry about the door. You can afford to fix it. If you need anything, find me. ~ Lux”. Sound good to you?

She simply nods her head and smiles.

Scarlett Payne: Sounds good ta me, bro. Ya know, I think this could be exactly what we need ta finally get their attention. I think tonight just got interesting. C’mon, we gotta jet, bro.

As Lux slides down off the Rolls, joining Scarlett, the scene fades to black.

Tag Team Triple Threat
BRATS vs Cattle Drive Crew vs Sorelle Della Tempesta

The match format was similar to a triple threat match, but with three tag teams. The early match saw the Dalmons and Sorelle Della Tempesta working the match while the members of Cattle Drive Crew stood outside the ring trying to stay fresh. Eventually Lizzy and Landon hit a double superkick on Noelle Jansen but the count was broke up by Boomer Johnson. After this the Dalmon siblings just walked out on the match, not caring.

With the match now unofficially down to two Cattle Drive Crew were forced into action. Being the fresher duo, they took control of the Jansen siblings, who the crowd started to get behind due to their tenacity. The finish came when Ryan Samuels went for The Midwest Express (lariat) and Isidora ducked it and countered with an inverted DDT. Boomer rushed in but Noelle hit him with a springboard cutter. Then the Jensen’s hit la tempesta (Powerbomb (Isidora) / Neckbreaker (Noelle)) and picked up a big win in their debut.

[Donnie]

In The Beginning

**** PRE RECORDED SEGMENT ****

The camera pans slowly across what appears to be the burned out remnants of a Catholic church. The pews are black and crumbled. The sterling silver and brass cross has melted to an almost unrecognizable symbol. Tapestries are hanging in tatters, not only from the heat but the obvious attempts to save the relics.

There’s a lone lit candle standing in the remains of the confessional that illuminates a surprisingly large figure with his back to the camera seated within. When the shot closes in, the black and red patchwork leather vest with an inverted red cross painted on it moves in the flickering light, accenting the obscenely large and muscular shoulders.

Voice: This is where it all started. And this is where it all ended. For the baby that was handed over to the rampant, sadistic perversion that walked these halls, it was the beginning of an awakening.

The shot moves closer as the head turns slightly, finally revealing the side of the speaker’s face, Bael.

Bael: I wasn’t born as the creature you know, I was made. From the moment my parents dropped me off into the care of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament”s orphanage, I was known as Sebastian De La Cruz.

The big man scoffs in disgust.

Bael: Really, Sebastian, as in Saint Sebastian, patron saint of athletes who was tied to a tree and shot with arrows. He’s a fucking “champion of Christ and guardian of heaven” for fuck’s sake. Who were they trying to fool?

He waves his hand dismissively.

Bael: Useless human beings were all they ever were. Much like the sisters that beat me mercilessly, the priests that couldn’t help but touch me. I tried for years to “conform” to their expectations and demands but I was met with nothing but abuse, pain, and suffering. I bore these betrayals in silence, burying my emotions deeper and deeper until I had none.

He turns fully towards the camera, a grim expression on his face, slowly letting his lip curl in satisfaction.

Bael: With no emotions left to weaken me, I struck the match to watch the entire diseased entity burn. That was the day Sebastian De La Cruz died. Only Bael remained. Bael, one of the seven princes of Hell, the first and principal king in Hell and the leader of 66 legions of demons - appropriate if you ask me. I wear that name with pride because there is no God, no Heaven, no Hell, only this life, our final death, and the suffering in between.

He takes a deep breath as the anger swells in his chest.

Bael: If God and the rancid religion that fills his churches are real, they’ll exorcise your figurative demons and leave you with very real nightmares. That’s when I met my awakening, in Jinx, and the purpose she gave me. Together we have built an army and together we lead them. She serves my purpose as I serve hers.

Bael rolls his massive shoulders nonchalantly.

Bael: Your God is a fraud and religion is nothing but utterly useless bullshit. A complete hoax that I suffered endlessly for. Now it’s my turn to inflict the pain and suffering.

With that, he blows out the candle, drowning the scene in complete darkness and the scene cuts.

Ruthless

The one and only Toby Keller is standing by backstage with the new tag team champions, 2X. Xander and Xavier are also joined by the crew who helped them win the belts; Chance Field, Mercy Payne, and Ares Bones.

Xander Maxwell: Do it, Keller, ask the question.

Toby Keller: What happened out there?

Xander Maxwell: What happened? What happened is we made some friends a few weeks ago. We were just waiting for the right time to reveal it to the world. And now we are the new Tag Team Champions, not to mention members of what looks to be a new super stable…but I don’t want to steal Field’s thunder. Chance likes to talk.

Chance Field: Hey, if I recall our previous conversations, you talk as much as I do.

Xavier Cross: I know how to talk.

Xander Maxwell: I know you do, but times like this you are better off if you just stand there and look good.

Xavier shrugs his shoulders.

Xavier Cross: Fair enough.

Chance Field: What you’re looking at, dear old Toby, is something I’ve been working since we returned a few months ago. If there’s one thing my father taught me, it’s if you want to be the best, you surround yourself with the best. That’s just what I’ve done. Look at us. I mean, I need no introduction. I’m a Field after all. Then there’s Ares, who could be the most dominant force in wrestling if he chose to be. Jinx’s monster, Bael couldn’t even slow down Ares. Then you have 2X, the best damn tag team in the world. Then to finish it off you have the bitch who was too bad even for UFC, the person I’m calling the Creator of Violence, Mercy Payne. Does it get any better than this? And that’s rhetorical, Toby. I’ll tell you when you can speak.

Mercy laughs at the way they kept shutting Toby down. She slowly lowers her black aviator glasses and smirks.

Mercy Payne: Creator of Violence? I can definitely get used to that.

She motions to the entire collective.

Mercy Payne: What you have here is the best of the best. And I love the fact that none of you fucking mouthbreathers had a clue. We’re phenomenal in every aspect of the game and from where I’m standing - pretty fucking untouchable.

Xavier Cross: I know I’m supposed to stand here and look good, which I’m doing a good job of, but I must say, after what she just said, if I wasn’t gay I’d so be in love right now.

He looks to Ares.

Xavier Cross: You on the other hand, you ever get curious….

Ares Bones: Thanks for the offer, but I’m good. It’s much appreciated though.

Mercy nudges Ares playfully.

Mercy Payne: You’re gonna get his hopes up, love. Back off my playground, Cross, we’re supposed to be friends. That’s my kool-aid. But ya know I love ya too.

Xander Maxwell: Hello, Xavier! I’m right here. I’m all the man you need.

Xavier Cross: Sorry, it’s just I dig the man bun.

Chance shakes his head.

Chance Field: Come on, we are supposed to be Ruthless. Like, that’s our name. Why the love fest? We strike fear in people, remember?

Mercy laughs, shaking her head.

Mercy Payne: True, true. I mean, janitorial is gonna be on overtime cleaning up after everyone else wetting their pants.

Xavier looks confused.

Xavier Cross: Why are we pissing ourselves? If Rawlings is a part of the group I’m out. That dude sets back all the L’s, G’s, and every other letter back to the stoned age.

Mercy Payne: No, no sweetie. They piss their pants at the mere sight of us. Got it?

Xavier Cross: Ohhhh. I see. Like golden showers. We tried it once. Hated it. Did you know piss is warm? Disgusting!!

Xander Maxwell: Really, Xavier, not our sex life on TV. Just…take selfies.

Chance Field: Yeah, I think that’s a cut.

Xavier Cross: Can we edit out that golden shower bit?

Toby Keller: This is live TV. Can I ask any kind of question here or am I just a prop?

Mercy Payne: You’re a glorified mic stand right now but if you really think you’ve got a good one that won’t get your teeth knocked down your throat - go on.

Toby Keller: Uhh, Xander, Henhouse asked for a title shot.

Xander Maxwell: Denied. We’ve already beat those two. Back of the line. We’ve been there, done that. Bored with it. One more question. Make it good.

Toby Keller: Okay. Can. Will. How.

He clears his throat.

Toby Keller: Can I touch the man bun?

Ares groans.

Ares Bones: This once. But so help me God if your hands are dirty I’m shoving your head right up Rawlings’ ass lube free.

Xavier Cross: We got plenty of lube. You can use ours.

Toby reaches for the man bun, but Chance slaps his hand away.

Chance Field: Are you really that stupid? Don’t you understand what Mercy would do to you? Or have you not been paying attention to what she’s done to Rosie the last two weeks. I think you better get out of here before you get yourself hurt.

Mercy Payne: Dammit Chance! You just cockblocked my excuse to break his fingers. You suck right now.

That’s when the scene begins to fade out.

Bael, Lucky Keenan as Drake, & Pride
vs
Haze of Payne & Slade

Though this match was booked at the behest of Jinx to build unity, Drake came out alone. Drake stood outside the ring and watched the bulk of the match. Despite this ultimately making the match a 2 on 3 affair, the controlled brutality of Bael kept his team in the match. The crowd really lit up when the two behemoths, Slade and Bael went head to head.

Eventually, At the orders of Bael, Drake joined the match. When he was tagged in, he simply laid down while Scarlett Payne pinned him, a pin attempt that was broken up by Bael before Pride tagged himself in. That’s when Drake went under the ring and grabbed a kendo stick covered in glass shards. He slammed the stick across the back of Bael and then DDT’d him on the apron then walked out of the match.

This left Pride alone. Lux and Scarlett hit Header (double springboard DDT) on Pride. Then to add to it, Slade hit Last Trip to finish the match off as Scarlett pinned Pride to win the match for her team.

[Donnie]

We Are Legion

The camera pans in on the back hallway where Redemption talent has taken over. Intrepid interviewer, Suzy Donnelly is standing by with the former Tag Team Champions, Zeus and Jupiter.

Suzy Donnelly: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m backstage with Riker’s Demolition Squad, who just moments ago.

Jupiter pulls the microphone away.

Jupiter: We know. Moments ago we lost our tag titles. We’d love to stand here and tell you it doesn’t bother us.

Zeus leans in to the mic.

Zeus: It does. I want to rip off theirs heads….

Jupiter puts his hands on his chest and eases him down.

Jupiter: Here’s the thing. I’m not an overly prideful man. Pride can be a killer. I can handle a loss. It’s impossible to win every match. I said when we won those titles, we would defend them until we couldn’t. But I also spoke of respect. Respect is a big deal where we come from. Win or lose, one thing I, we, can’t abide by is a lack or respect. Had 2X beat us, took our titles, and walked away, I could deal with that. But rather than beat us they resort to gang warfare. Instead of facing us like men, they bring 3 other people into our match, took the cowards way out, and walked away with our titles in a manner that just doesn’t sit well with me. It’s like that petulant child who always has to take things one step beyond…

A clanging of coins is heard after the fact, following the end of Jupiter’s words. A woman is walking along the hallway as she approaches the interview. She places her hand on Jupiter’s shoulder as she looked up at him, with her broken mask. She flips up the coin, holding it to him wtihout saying a word to him. Then she snaps her fingers, and the two men are immediately jumped by two other women who were waiting in the wings. They begin brawling as the woman in the mask steps back. Danae and Kassandra grab the bigger of the two men, and throw him against a crate. Legion goes over to him, and smirks as she tosses a coin at him, as the other two girls go after Jupiter.

Legion: You might not know us now, but you will remember the name, we are the Hive, we are the reckoning. Too bad you have such a pretty face, reminds me of the one guardian of the Hive. But… Alas…

Legion turns to Jupiter, and hits a double superkick on Jupiter with Kass. Once Jupiter stumbles back Danae manages to slowly scoop him up onto her shoulder then drops him back to the ground with a power slam (Titan’s Slam). Legion removes her mask placing it on the chest of the man whom Danae just dropped as well as two gold coins. She then looked at the Camera with her red eyes…

Legion: That was the coin for the ferryman…

Crazy Doesn’t Cut It

The fans are elated as they get a full shot of the flashing LED lights interwoven into the familiar angel wings on the back of AK. They POP for her as she turns around to face them, the camera panning outward to show off her new purple corset and half tights combo.

J.J Adams: The challenger to the Redemption Television champion is looking good tonight!

Arley Kirk: YUH, Phoenix!

Crowd: YUH, GRRRRL!

Arley grins proudly. She definitely appreciates that the Redemption fans have taken to her catchphrase so quickly.

Arley Kirk: Y'all wanna know something? I'm dead set fakkin' honored that I get to take on the TV champion tonight!

The fans start to cheer for this, but AK quickly motions for them to chill, tilting her head to the side and pulling a slightly sheepish grin.

Arley Kirk: I just hate that she's my friend! I don't love the idea of depriving my friend of an accomplishment that she cherishes, yo. She's a gotdang great champion!

There's an awwww as AK mentions not liking the idea of wrestling her friends. There's a huge POP for Rosie Sinn as Television champion.

Arley Kirk: Don't take that for a weakness, y'all. I've been sayin' it since I got here. I love being a champion. I feel naked without it. I ain't gon' look too damn cute afterwards, because Rosie is a freakin BEAST in that ring. But the void I've been feelin' these last few months is sure as heck gon' be filled! I'ma do what it takes to bring that thang home with me in front of you peoples tonight..

The fan excitement rises as AK states her true intentions.

Arley Kirk: And then I'ma drag my grrrl back to her feet, give her a big ol' hug and hope she don't YEET my ass!

Arley gets a laugh for this suggestion, but the fans also strangely cheer for it at the same time.

Arley Kirk: Rosie? Let's fakkin' slay each other and give the Phoenix folk the most batshit insane Television title match on the gotdang books! Ya down?!

The screen quivers as Arley up and fist bumps the camera lens.

Arley Kirk: C'mon, I know you ain't leavin' me hangin' Sinn. You're fist bumpin' that screen right now! Let's do dis!

The scene slowly fades on AK as she throws up her trademark taunt and pumps her fist before we cut to another scene.

Hey Jealousy

Stephen Rawlings is pacing back and forth in his locker room. Cross Delaney is sitting, watching Stephen pace.

Cross Delaney: What do you have planned for 15 minutes of Rawlings today?

Stephen Rawlings: I didn't plan one today...

Cross Delaney: Why not?

Stephen Rawlings: Because there are more important things right now than a stupid segment on a show no one is going to appreciate anyway.

Cross Delaney: I always appreciate your spots, Stephen

Stephen Rawlings: Well, I appreciate it, but that’s neither here nor there right now....

Cross Delaney: What's more important?

Stephen Rawlings: Lyric has a shot at the world title.

Cross Delaney: Oh... Are you jealous?

Stephen Rawlings: What? That they picked her instead of me to wrestle for it? No, just pissed off... But it's not an issue. I will do what I always do. Take care of it myself.

Cross: What? Are you going to make sure she loses?

Stephen Rawlings: As much as I would love to see that look on her face, no... I think I will make sure that she wins.... Then my match will become a title match.... And boom... I beat her and I win the World Title for the second time.

Cross Delaney: What are you going to do?

Stephen Rawlings: I am not sure.... It needs to be something that wont get Lyric Dqed.... Hmmm....

Cross Delaney: Distraction?

Stephen Rawlings: Possibly... Turn the camera off... I don't want to anyone hear what we plan.

Cross looks around.

Cross Delaney: What camera?

Stephen Rawlings: Never mind....

He walks into the bathroom.

Stephen Rawlings: Come one... There's no cameras in the bathroom.

Cross cautiously follows him and the camera fades.

Too Easy

Eric and Emily are back in her dressing room as the camera opens up. Eric is laughing but Emily is quite serious.

Eric: I cannot believe that actually worked! How did you know what to do?

Emily: I told you, the idea came to me when I tried that mask on and I got the zap! I figured what could it hurt? It also helps that I know how to speak some Spanish too!

Eric: Whatever but, you know what this means right?

Emily: You bet I do Eric, this means that I now am in complete control of Suicida and the possibilities are endless! With her under my control I can go through this company like a hot knife through butter.

Eric: So no more qualms about doing this?

Emily: None what so ever Eric...I've been doing the best I can here in this fed and I feel like nobody has taken stock of that. Well they certainly will now.

Eric: A woman after my own heart! That's my girl!

The scene fades away with Eric and Emily hugging.

Main Event Hour One
Television Championship
Rosie Sinn (c) vs Arley Kirk

The crowd was abuzz even before our hour one main event had even begun! They knew what to expect, and as you are about to see, the Suicide Blonde and the Queen of Punk far exceeded their expectations. For a good long time during this scrappy, flippy affair, neither Rosie Sinn not Arley Kirk could find an opening. It was the experience factor and the intelligence of the Television champion which finally put Sinn in control of this encounter. That is, until..

J.J Adams: Rosie Sinn with that headlock on Kirk nice and snug, she's looking for that bulldog..

The fans perk up as AK manages to free herself and shove Sinn forward into the ropes, trying to roll her into a bridging pin, but Rosie manages to roll through an extra time, nailing Arley in the face with a basement dropkick for good measure!

Johnson McConnell: Sinn ain't stopping here. You really need to stay on Arley Kirk and keep her grounded, and Rosie knows that!

Rosie quickly shuffles down and tries to lock Kirk up in the Fujiwara, yet Arley initiates a head stand to free herself and bridges before kipping up and taking Sinn in an arm wringer..

J.J Adams: The agility on display by these two is nothing short of breathtaking.

Arley attempts to send Rosie for a hard Irish whip into the corner, yet Sinn reverses and the fans eat it up as AK crashes into the corner and Rosie immediately follows up with a handspring back elbow, AK falling forward and Sinn getting the cover..

1
2
Arley kicks out!

Johnson McConnell: Smart move on the part of Sinn. Again, she refuses to allow AK a second to collect her thoughts, she's dragging her right back to her feet. Irish whip by the TV champion..

The crowd perks up again as Arley hits the ropes, comes back and matrix evades a huge discus forearm from Sinn before kipping up and sending Rosie spilling under the bottom rope with a chaotic looking..

J.J Adams: HURRI~CAN~RANA!

AK throws up the signal and the crowd POPs as she takes a run up and leaps to the top rope and dives onto Sinn with a picturesque tope tornillo!

Crowd: YOU SICK BITCH! YOU SICK BITCH! YOU SICK BITCH!
J.J Adams: OH MY GOODNESS!

Arley slams into Rosie with velocity, and the two crash into the barricade wall hard, both writhing on the concrete in pain as the referee starts the count.

1
2
3
4

Johnson McConnell: Every. Damn. Time. She can't help herself.

5
6

It's Arley who gets to her senses first, taking an arm of Rosie and dragging her groggy opponent back up before rolling her back under the ropes.

7
8

J.J Adams: Arley with the impromptu springboard legdrop back to the inside!
Johnson McConnell: Would have been worth it if Sinn didn't roll outta the way, buddy.

Arley lands hard and her eyes shoot open wide. As Arley contends with the shock running through her body, Rosie seizes the opportunity to launch to the top rope and come off with a beautiful looking split legged moonsault, yet AK rocks back and pops up her knees!

J.J Adams: OOF. That's never good.

As Rosie writhes around in agony, clutching her stomach, AK gets the crowd excited as she zones in on Rosie, giving the signal for the cartwheel cravate driver as she drags her back to her feet..

J.J Adams: Arley has that cravate! New Television champion right here?! AK-9~

The fans are on their feet as Rosie frees herself, swinging Arley around and breaking her in half with her straight jacket double knee backbreaker!
Johnson McConnell: LIBERTY SPIKE! LIBERTY SPIKE! Arley is DONE!

ONE
TWO
THREE

[Donnie]

Career Suicide?

Coming back from an ad break for FightFest 5, Rosie Sinn is still in the ring, sitting on the top turnbuckle. The Queen of Punk has her Television Championship belt draped over the top rope and a microphone in hand.

Rosie Sinn: Hey Boston, give it up for Arley Kirk. She put on a hell of a match.

The crowd pops at her gimmicked calling them the wrong city.

Rosie Sinn: This has been a long road for your girl. A decade. It took me a decade to win a major singles belt. It took me ten years to be seen as more than a tag team specialist or a hardcore wrestler. And you know what? I did it to the beat of my own drum. I took my own path, did things my way. You know why?

Crowd: That’s punk!

Rosie Sinn: That’s right. And while things haven’t always panned out, I’ve fared pretty well. I say this because what I’m about to do, some may call stupid. Others may call it career suicide. Me? I’m just being the best me I can be. So, Mercy Payne, wherever you’re lurking at, get your ass out here.

“Apex Predator “ by Otep hits and the stage lights begin to beat in time to the heavy drum beats. The blonde, newly dubbed “Creator of Violence” steps out from behind the curtain, mic in hand. She’s decked out in a pair of low slung, shredded designer jeans and a black tank with “Ruthless” written in metallic green script. Mercy smirks at Rosie as she lowers her aviator glasses.

Mercy Payne: You rang? I mean, it saves me the time looking for ya later, but I’m not at your beck and call, bitch. Don’t waste my time. In case ya missed it, I have much better things to do - like making sure Ruthless takes everything we want.

She looks down at her watch.

Mercy Payne: Tick tock.

Rosie Sinn: Tick tock huh? Why, you got something better to do? Oh, wait, this is Gold Edition. It takes a championship to get booked in a match tonight so you’ve been benched.

The crowd “ooohhs” and start to chant.

Crowd: You’ve been benched!

Rosie Sinn: See, that’s part of why I called you out here. Last week, after the way our match ended, I was pissed off. But as the week went on, I realized something. Twice now, you and I have climbed into the ring together, and twice now, you’ve gotten yourself disqualified due to no one's fault but your own. Now you’d like these people to believe you’re some crazy bitch, a “creator of violence” but I don’t think that’s the case at all. I think the truth of it is, you know you can’t beat me in a straight up wrestling match, so you’re trying to save face in front of these fans, the locker room, your husband…and you’re so called “friends” in Ruthless - oh, and I’m not impressed. I gotta little group myself. So get over it.

Mercy scrunches her nose, smiling as she points at Rosie.

Mercy Payne: Ya know how adorable you are when you get your hackles up?

She turns to the crowd.

Mercy Payne: That’s why ya love her, isn’t it? She’s like a cute little bunny the way she bounces around.

With no pause for their reaction, she rolls her eyes at Rosie.

Mercy Payne: Seriously? This is why you called me out here? Here’s some facts for ya sweetie. I had you beat both times we’ve met in that ring. I could’ve taken your precious title anytime I chose. But that’s not what’s more important to me at this moment. I’m having more fun watching the lights fade out of those big brown eyes of yours.

Mercy takes the remaining steps down the ramp, leaping up to the apron in one fluid movement. She steps calmly through the ropes and smiles.

Mercy Payne: There isn’t a better technical wrestler or submission specialist on this roster. I’ve never claimed to be crazy or, as Chance put it, a “Creator of Violence”. You made that distinction on your own. I just enjoy my job, admittedly a little more than I should at times, but that’s it. When this stops being fun and actually becomes a job, I’ll be back home with my amazing husband and I’ll find something else to do. Right now, at this moment, this is fun for me - plain and simple. And when I get bored of you, I’ll make sure you know it. Your little ragtag group of Misfits doesn’t affect my plans for you, one way or another. I’ll tell you just like I told that waste of space cousin of mine - stay out of my face before I put you on the shelf next to her. Now, just get to the goddamn point before you actually piss me off, princess.

Rosie yawns.

Rosie Sinn: Speaking of bored; that was almost as bad as 15 minutes of Rawlings…ALMOST. Speaking of your “waste of space cousin”, she tried to talk me out of this, but I’ve grown bored with you. So sometimes you just gotta do the punk thing. You like your labels. Best technical wrestler. Best submission wrestler. Creator of Violence. The Hurricane. Bitch to a Field. So I have a label. No Mercy rules. You and I. TV Title on the line at FightFest. Whatcha say? Take away all your excuses, take away rope breaks. Let’s end this.

Mercy just smiles as she nods her head.

Mercy Payne: Kinda funny cause that’s exactly what I was thinking about too. No rope breaks - just pinfall, submission, or my personal favorite - unconscious and unable to defend. You good with that, then you’re on. Whaddya say?

Rosie Sinn: Sounds like it’s time we finish this!

Rosie drops the mic. The two stare each other down as the camera cuts away.

So…What Now?

***RECORDED EARLIER TONIGHT***

The camera opens up on the backstage area, hours prior to the kickoff of Salvation 159. The backstage crew works tremendously hard to set up cameras, set pieces, and everything that goes on to bring Salvation to millions every week. The view changes to inside the arena, where more ring crew and production teams continue to get things ready. Sitting near the top of the lower bowl of seating is the pair of veteran wrestlers, Slade and Roxy. Slade is watching the crew in the ring setting up, while Roxy is half watching him, and checking her phone at random intervals.

Slade: I used to do this all the time, back in Tradition.

Roxanne Spaulding: So? It's just guys setting up the ring; it's grunt work.

Slade: No, there's so much more to everything than there seems to be on the surface. One screw out of place--one rope too tight or not tight enough--could all spell disaster. Everything has to be exactly right.

Roxanne Spaulding: I say again: so? These guys do this every week. I mean, it's not hard to follow a schematic, right?

Slade: You're missing the point.

Woman's voice: Must be a Smith thing.

Slade's eyes light up as he turns to greet the presence of his sister, Bobbi, decked out in Midland Lee maroon. The chestnut haired beauty just giggles lightly. The big man rises to his feet and wraps her up in a hug that causes her to leave her feet.

Slade: You made it!

Bobbi: My big brother calls, it's gotta be important, yeah?

Slade spins her around, unable to hold back a chuckle.

Slade: Can't a brother just miss his sister?

Bobbi: No.

She winks at Roxy.

Roxanne Spaulding: Hey, Bobbi. How's the Smith household holding up?

Bobbi: A lot quieter, especially on Sundays.

Bobbi smiles at Roxy.

Bobbi: I miss you too, sis.

Slade lets his sister go free and she instinctively hugs Roxy. who stiffens at first.

Roxanne Spaulding: I... do miss you, Bobbi.

Bobbi lets her go and turns back to her brother.

Bobbi: So, what is it, really? You didn't call me down to Mexico City for fun during a pandemic.

Roxanne Spaulding: I really think he just missed you. Been a while since he's been without you. And we both know what kind of family man John Smith III has become.

Bobbi offers a very warm smile to Roxy that even brings a smile to the veteran's eyes.

Bobbi: Wasn't ME that turned him around.

Roxanne Spaulding: Wasn't all me, either.

Slade: Do... I need to go get a drink so y'all can catch up?

Roxy slugs Slade in the arm.

Roxanne Spaulding: Shut up. So can we go do something else now?

Bobbi: I could eat.

Slade just chuckles.

Slade: This must be something that really only interests me. Too many years in tiny promotions where I actually had to HELP set things up.

Roxanne Spaulding: Thank God we're not still there, eh?

The three start making their way to the concourse, Slade putting an arm over Bobbi's shoulder and the other around Roxy's waist.

Slade: Yeah... Thank God for that.

The camera fades to black as Bobbi leans in for a hug on one side.

Oh My Car!

The current episode of Salvation isn't even over but the B.R.A.T.S. can't be bothered with sticking around. They make their way through the private parking garage that's only for Redemption staff. Landon comes to an abrupt halt which almost causes his sister to bump into him.


Landon: You've got to be kidding me!


The look on his face is one of disgust.


Lizzy: Oh wait...I see it…


The camera follows their gaze and notices an automobile unfit for a Dalmon parked a little too close for comfort next to their 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn.

Landon: I can feel the value depreciating every moment it's next to hunk of scrap.

He starts to rush over to the luxury vehicle.

Landon: Don't worry baby, I'll get you somewhere safe.

Lizzy: I told you dear brother, we should have had our driver drop us off like usual.

As he gets closer to the car he can see a folded up piece of paper under the windshield wiper.

Landon: Oh my God! Someone touched her. They deviled my baby with their peasant hands!

As Landon begins to angrily pout, Lizzy reaches for the note. She reads it and she too becomes filled with rage.

Lizzy: Those trashy bitches!

He grabs the note and reads it. He then races to the driver's side door where he sees what can only be described as a minor dent.

Landon: Those trashy bitches!

Lizzy: You know they did it on purpose brother. They are just rubbing our noses in it now.

As he continues to check the damage looks up to his sister.

Landon: Haze of Payne has no idea what they've done. They want to escalate things? We'll show them what happens when you mess with the Dalmons.

Lizzy smiles wickedly at her brother.

Dominion Championship Contenders Match
Four Way Eliminator
Azurine Vebbins vs Eddie Money vs Emily Simms vs Red Dragon

This match was nonstop action with all four competitors giving it their all in a match that had a lot of false finishes and high spots. At one point every wrestler hit their finisher on someone else, but the pins were broken up by someone.

Eventually Red Dragon came into the ring with a chair and crowned Eddie Money with it to get himself DQ’d and first person eliminated from the match. This saw Vebbins, looking conflicted, pinning Money while he was still down to eliminate him.

With just Simms and Vebbins, they wowed the crowd with a series of reversals and chain wrestling that eventually led Vebbins hitting Pearly Gatekeeper (Dragon Suplex into a Double-Handed Jawbreaker). She pinned but the referee didn’t count. When she looked, Eric Winters had the official distracted from the count. Vebbins leapt over the top rope taking out Winters. When she rolled back in the ring, Simms took her out with loaded punch with a veiled roll in her hand. Then she picked up the pin to become the new number one contender for the Dominion Championship.

[Donnie]

The Real Endgame

**** PRE RECORDED SEGMENT ****

The camera pans across a dark, desolate outcropping of gnarled trees and dead brush. A slow, eerie fog rolls low across the ground as a blazing fire becomes visible - several robed figures surround it with their hoods pulled down, obscuring their faces. At the center of the throng stands a strikingly beautiful woman in a crimson dress that clings to her abundant curves. Shadows accent the curve of her lush bosom and svelte hips, making her white blonde hair shine even brighter as it flows over her shoulders and down her back. A deep, throbbing drumbeat echoes through the air, moving all eight robed figures in a swaying rhythm as a low chant begins.

As the view draws closer, the reflective glint of the flames bounce off the silver masks that have become signature to The Nameless - the woman in red, their High Priestess, the Reaper herself, Jinx. She raises her hands to the sky, drawing her Nameless to her back and sides in reverence as she begins her ceremony. With the moonlight bathing her in its luminous light, she thrusts her hands into the fire. When she draws them back, each one is aflame. She motions for silence, her face a portrait of serenity as she maintains the flickering flames on them.

Jinx: The Fates foretold of a warrior unsurpassable in strength and rage and conviction. Unstoppable destruction to roam across the lands. A true plague of devastation and retribution ripe for the taking.

She casts her black eyes to the moon and raises her hands. Several black-gloved hands flare out in front of her, their fingers splayed protectively. They retreat in sync with the lowering of hers.

Jinx: Courage and fortitude would be needed if he was to realize his full destiny. Not just his - mine. You see, I have been tasked with ensuring that his awakening is all encompassing. The warrior I speak of is Bael. My perfect creation. So many pieces fell into place without a whisper of complaint, building a ferocious monster capable of burning down the world around him. My phoenix rose from his ashes, more terrifying than the darkest nightmares, a true believer in every way. Righteous indignation poured from his soul, screaming for a cause that would bring down a broken system. A system that tortured and abused him, seemingly at whim. From the moment of his birth, Sebastian de la Cruz was destined to become the beast you now know as Bael. And I was destined to cultivate and nurture him. I have awakened the devil within him, barely scratching the surface of his brutality. But that’s what you fools don’t understand. Every single move I’ve made since we met has been plotted and planned down to the last detail, all in preparation to help him transcend. Did you really believe that I, the Harbinger of Fate, would lower myself down to your level by stepping back into that ring to entertain the ungrateful masses?

A cynical smile curves her full, black painted lips.

Jinx: Of course you did, because that’s exactly what I wanted you to think. I wanted you all to believe that Bael was nothing more than my second-in-command, my lackey. Do you know why?

She laughs gently as she maneuvers the flames on her fingertips.

Jinx: Because, my simple-minded children, I knew you’d never see him coming. I knew you would assume that he would be nothing more than a means to an end - a sidekick to ensure my victory. And he played his part brilliantly, always showing deference to me as well as keeping my Nameless in line.

Her dark eyes sweep over the shadows of her Nameless briefly as she smiles.

Jinx: Even they will serve a purpose for him eventually. Just like Lucky is…well, Drake is. Drake is the key. I never needed Lucky Keenan to serve me, you see. I needed to force his servitude in order to bring Drake to the forefront. Only a fool would try to make him submit, and I am no fool. I’ve seen our path and Drake is the final piece to Bael’s awakening. Drake will force the beast to his final transition, making him completely unstoppable.

She turns the flames over and over, shifting them from finger to finger before clenching her fists, extinguishing them.

Jinx: As with these flames, only I can handle the pain enough to keep his Devil from unleashing complete and utter destruction upon the Redemption landscape. Bael and I survived the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament’s torture separately. We emerged stronger; forged in blood and sacrifice. Now we’re united - a bond the likes mere mortals can never comprehend. It never wavers, never breaks , and only serves to make us stronger.

She leans closer to the fire, her dark eyes glowing with its reflective fury as a sadistic smile curves her lips.

Jinx: Only I know what Fates have in store for you all and I can assure you, it’s going to be bloody. So sayeth the Reaper.

She leans back, eyes and hands to the sky as she begins to laugh maniacally as the scene fades to black.

The World Is A Vampire

The camera fades in on the dressing area of Slade, in the moments following his match teaming with Haze of Payne. Roxy and Bobbi are sitting at the lockers, discussing something amongst themselves, while Slade changes from his gear into his street clothes... which look remarkably similar.

Slade: Not a bad night in Mexico...

Roxy looks up from her discussion, smiling.

RS: I've had worse. Also had crazier ones, too.

Bobbi: I don't know what to think of this. This is my first time leaving the country.

Slade: On the 4th, no less!

He slings his gear bag over his shoulder and smiles at the two of them.

Slade: You ready to go, ladies?

Bobbi: You're serious?

RS: I'm even surprised. You're never the first to leave.

Slade: Not sure there's anything to stick around for.

The pair get up as Slade makes his way to the door. As soon as he cracks the door open, Toby Keller is on the other side, smiling his most hopeful smile.

Slade: What do you want, Keller?

RS: Oooh... this might be good.

She sits down again, suggesting Bobbi do the same. The Midland native follows suit.

TK: Uh, hey there, Slade. It's, you know, it's been a while--

Slade: Your point, Keller?

Toby stumbles over his words for a moment, but catches himself.

TK: My POINT is, the last time we spoke, you hadn't won a televised match since your return. You've turned the corner and won a couple in a row. You think this has the potential to be a real career resurgence?

RS: Here we go.

Bobbi: (whispering to Roxy) What'd he say?

RS: You'll see.

Slade looks at Toby with his most disapproving look.

Slade: You're saying that my career was in some sort of holding pattern?

TK: Not--

Slade: That I NEEDED to start winning?

TK: But--

Slade: That I'm somehow different than I used to be? That I lost a step? That I'm somehow less of a god-damned threat than I was before? THAT what you're trying to tell me, Toby? That this old man needed a career resurgence?!?

RS: See?

Bobbi: Holy crap, he's really angry, huh?

RS: More than he has been in MONTHS.

Toby looks at Roxy and Bobbi, searching for help. Roxy just grins. Bobbi can only shrug.

Slade: Eyes here, snapperhead. You haven't answered my question.

Toby whips his focus back to Slade, a look of fear in his eyes.

Slade: Do you... think... I don't have what it takes anymore?

TK: I never said that--

Slade: Are you saying it now?

He shakes his head 'no'.

Slade: Good. Now, I'm going to ask you one last question, and I really want you to think about how the answer will affect our relationship in this company.

He pauses for dramatic effect.

Slade: Are you going to barge into my dressing room uninvited ever again?

Toby just shakes his head again.

Slade: You'll be going now.

TK: But I didn't get to ask you about--

Slade: Good BYE, Toby.

He pushes the young reporter out the door, watching it close in Toby's face with a great deal of satisfaction.

Slade: You guys ready?

Roxy jumps to her feet, but Bobbi is slower to move.

Bobbi: Did you have to run the kid out of here like that?

Slade: He's gotta learn.

RS: Toby's used to this. Otherwise, he'd go through the proper channels.

Bobbi: Proper channels? He's just trying to get an interview...

RS: He's a blood-sucking leech. He feeds off of chaos and misery.

Slade: And what kills leeches?

RS: Salt.

She wraps her arms around his waist.

Slade: Seemed pretty salty, didn't I?

Bobbi rises to her feet, a big smirk on her face.

Bobbi: John David Smith III, that's diabolical.

Slade:That's the business, Roberta Jo Smith. Gotta love it.

The camera fades to black.

Have You Seen Her?

Earlier in the Day
“Enforcer” Anthony Cross is pacing through the backstage area looking around. He sees a Redemption road agent.

“Enforcer: Anthony Cross:Have you seen Trixie?

Road Agent:I haven’t seen her all day.

“Enforcer” Anthony Cross:God, you’re worthless.

Anthony walks away from the road agent and stops a trainer.

“Enforcer” Anthony Cross:You’ve seen Trixie?

Trainer:No.

Anthony throws his hands in the air.

“Enforcer” Anthony Cross:What do you fools do back here? Straight useless.

Anthony continues to look around backstage.

“Enforcer” Anthony Cross:(Shouts) Has anyone seen Trixie?!?!?!?!

Anthony continues walking around looking to see if he sees Trixie.

Dominion Championship
Trixie Decker (c) vs Pandora Ravencraft

The Co-Champs came out together, but it was Trixie Decker who fought the match. Pandora came to the ring escorted by fellow Misfit member, Scarlett Payne, to level the odds.

The fans ate up this title match from the get-go, loving the high energy of both Pandora and Trixie, with the crowd split down the middle as to who to root for. Pandora, at one point, hit her signature move, Pact Boon (Canadian Destroyer) and looked to maybe have the match in hand when Cross put Decker’s foot on the ropes. This brought Scarlett over to get in Crosses face. Decker didn’t look to pleased either as she looked at what was brewing outside as the refere got involved.

With all parties distracted, Belle Laveneu was able to slip in the ring undetected and hit a FullNelson Suplex on Pandora on to the turnbuckle, then she left the ring. When Trixie turned back to Pandora she looked confused, but still hit Chaos Theory for the win to retain the title.

[Donnie]

Flawless

PRERECORDED

The camera view starts off with an aerial shot. The scenery is magnificent. A gothic style mansion made of gray brick with green ivy snaking up and down in what’s a stylistic choice. Ten foot hedges wrap around the property serving as a natural fence. The camera moves around to the back to show an Olympic size pool. Beneath the pool, across the center on the bottom is gothic lettering of LCV in glittering gold with the Van Court family crest below it: A three pointed shield with a stag centered on it and a three leaf clover in each point. The top half of the shield is halved. The top half green with the stag and two clovers white. The bottom half is white with the stag and one clover green. Resting atop the shield is a knight’s helm with the head of a stag. Both sides of the shield are surrounded by green and white strands of leaves.

The camera starts to pull in on a figure in the swimming pool. She has on an all crimson one piece, a competition style bathing suit, with a matching cap with the name “Van Court” on it. She backstrokes to the end of the pool, grabs the edge, pulls her elbows to the side, then removes the cap, shaking out her golden locks.

Lynn: I know what you’re wondering. Yes, it’s real gold on my initials. How much did it cost? More than you’ll see in a lifetime. People talk about arrogance like it’s a bad thing. They treat the confident and arrogant like some kind of antagonist - or worse - they try to call them a sociopath. I’m no sociopath and I’m only the antagonist depending on your perspective.

She climbs out of the pool and wraps a towel around herself.

Lynn: As if I’d stand here and let you ogle at me. Let the talentless hacks sell themselves with their bodies because they lack any type of personality or talent to get them noticed. Back to the point. Look at me; if you were me you’d have every right to be arrogant. I’m beautiful, but don’t have to carry myself slut like most women in this industry to gain the attention or reassurance. I’m brilliant. Harvard educated with a PhD in psychology and a most beautiful mind. I’m rich ten times over - I don’t mean just a little rich, I mean my bloodline can live on for generations as leeches and not have to worry about money. To dumb it down for you - I’m everything you’re not.

She strides over to a lounge chair sitting poolside and lays back on it while adding her sunglasses to her attire.

Lynn: Most of you wrestle because it was a childhood dream, or because you’re all muscle and no brain with life throwing you no other options. I should feel bad for you, but let’s be a realist; I don’t. Me, I’m doing this because it’s another mountain to climb and I’ve already conquered everything else I’ve done. I’ve dominated to world of pageantry. I’ve swam in the Olympics. Harvard was a breeze. Psychology was a easy as putting on a mask and pretending to care. Point is I’ve done it all so it’s time for a new challenge. Not the roster. That don’t challenge me. It’s a challenge to myself to see just what can achieve and how quickly. Should not be an issue, because I’m flawless.

Hellish War Talk

The feed transitions fluidly to the locker room of the intrinsically undefinable enigma, Lyric. The former Television Champion is decked out in her red and black gear along with a black half shirt that reads “Demons Make Great Roomies” in metallic red script. Her long blonde hair is pulled high in double buns, one streaked red, the other black.

Lyric paces back and forth, animatedly talking.

Lyric: It would actually be a lot easier to focus if you two would either try to get along or shut the hell up! I’m done with the bickering and you know how important tonight is!

Her stature shifts to a more confident, dominant bearing and her voice drops lower.

Lyric (as Abbadon): I love the attitude, sweetie, but you’re mistaken. I’m the only alpha in residence. Besides, you have to admit that I at least get shit done around here. What’s sphincter boy here for? Your new Jiminy Cricket or what?

Again there’s a visible change in her, her hands clutching in front of her, shoulders drooping.

Lyric (as Xaxis): Someone’s gotta keep us from total anarchy. It’s not necessarily the most fun thing to do but you bitches have left me no choice. I came to have a good time and raise a little hell, but then you decided that I needed company and summoned a Knight from Hell!! That’s not exactly what I meant, shortcakes.

Lyric continues to pace, only this time slower. As she passes the full length mirror, her reflection shows an opalescent greenish blue mottled together softly instead of Lyric’s normal alabaster.

Lyric (as Xaxis): What’s gotten into you two lately? We don’t take shortcuts and we sure don’t attack them from behind with a steel chair. Granted, he deserved it but that’s not the point. That’s not exactly our normal style, is it?

Her stature shifts back to confident and domineering almost instantly. When she strides by the mirror again, her reflection has an orangish-red hue with striking yellow eyes.

Lyric (as Abbadon): Rawlings deserved a lot more than what he got, so go back to your corner and let the adults talk. If you’re a good demon, I’ll make sure you get to take a bite out of his hide…with barbecue sauce. Sounds good, doesn’t it? (she pauses briefly before smirking) That’s what I thought. Now listen to me carefully, my dearest vessel. Rawlings is bound to make an appearance tonight and for once, it’ll be to our benefit.

She stops, cocking her head to the side curiously.

Lyric: - I’m listening for now but if you’re headed where I think you are, save your breath.

Rolling her eyes, she sighs heavily.

Lyric (as Abbadon): Really, sweetie? I haven’t even started yet and you’re already against it. You know as well as I do that he won’t be able to resist an opportunity to turn our sanctioned match into a World Championship match. What’s the harm? You get your championship while Rawlings gets his pipe dream. He’s gotta be on the up and up during our match, especially after they announced Noah Field as the special guest enforcer. You don’t honestly think that I would let that little opportunity pass by without some thought, did you? (she laughs, shaking her head in amusement) You did, didn’t you? Oh come on?! I couldn’t leap at the prospect in front of Lucky! He offered him up so why not use it to our advantage? They HATE each other - have for years. Rawlings will let his hatred overplay his hand and he’ll be sloppy. Easy pickings. Strategy One-Oh-One. See?

Lyric struggles to regain control, her face warring for a few moments before relaxing into her normal, easy countenance.

Lyric: I don’t think that’s exactly what Lucky had in mind when he offered Noah’s help. I’m not gonna take advantage of that or any help from Rawlings tonight. That’s not how I am. You’ve been here long enough to know that. I wouldn’t feel right about winning my first major title that way and I’m damn sure not doing that to Sandman. He’s got enough on his plate after what Dement pulled. Tonight needs to be on the level - for everyone involved. No funny business, Abby. I mean it…

She opens the door and heads out as the scene fades away.

Where

The show cuts backstage to Casey Holliday who is working out in a gym. Even with the fact that she had wrestled a match on the pre-show earlier, she is not showing any signs of slowing down as she’s really working on that pull up bar that she’s putting some great intensity into. She finally exhausts herself after a while and lets go of the bar, making sure to fall on the floor as gently as she can. She gathers herself and quickly grabs a bottle of water that is waiting for her below, opening it and drinking half of it. It’s when she looks up and ahead that she notices the camera and while she seems to be annoyed by its presence, she is taking it in stride nevertheless.

Casey Holliday: I figured the camera was going to have to come on me at some point considering the emotional talk I had with my dad that went out in front of the world last week. Yeah, I had a pre-show match. Most wrestlers would just hit the showers and go home. However, I am not like most wrestlers. Despite what some may think, I have always been one of the hardest working wrestlers in ANY promotion that I have been a part of and that’s not going to change regardless of the circumstances. I’ve got something to say though, and this is just me expressing some frustration. Where the hell has Jake Mason and his little master been lately? I’ve been standing by waiting to see if either one of them have something to say since the confrontation that we had a few weeks ago and NOTHING. Here I am, busting my ass, doing whatever I got to do to get to the top of this business and Jake Mason is WHERE? I don’t see him. Is this just another mind game by his MASTER or something? The thing is, I am running out of time and I am running out of patience for this nonsense.

I’m sick and tired of playing the waiting game.

I’m tired of waiting for Jake Mason and his little puppet master to make a move. I didn’t come here for that. This thing between Jake Mason and I needs to be settled because I’m not going to stand for leaving that whole situation unresolved. I’m not going to stand for this waiting game much longer. So, I’ve got a little proposition for Jake and his master. I KNOW that they’re going to be out there watching this and hanging onto my every word. Meet me face to face and I’m going to have a little challenge to offer you, how about that/ I’ll be in that ring next week and I’m going to be waiting for you. I’m going to see if you actually have the BALLS to stand up to me face to face. The last time we crossed paths, you clearly didn’t want much to do with me.

Well guess what?

No more damn games. I’m starting to get impatient with other things of a smaller nature too… you know, like the nights off and the preshow matches. The longer the last match I fought on television in this company is that bullshit that Slade pulled in the company, the more pissed off I get. Trust me, I AM going to avenge that soon enough, but I’ve got a Jake mason problem to deal with and that’s precisely what I am going to do. So, let me reiterate exactly what I WANT here, Jake Mason.

What I WANT is for you to stop being a coward.

What I WANT is for you to actually step up and face me. Can you do that, Jake? Are you capable of that? Or is your MASTER going to keep holding you by the balls until kingdom come? What’s it going to be Jake? Because I’m not playing anymore. I’ve had ENOUGH with people thinking they can fuck with me and get away with it without any damn comeuppance. It’s time for you to get yours Jake, because all in all? I’m done with this bullshit and I can’t WAIT to be done with YOU!

Are we CLEAR on that, JAKE? Are you scared? I bet you are. Because I bet somewhere deep down in your empty pit of nonsense that you call a soul, you know that when the dust settles, the one that’s REALLY going to be your master is ME!

Casey turns away from the camera and focuses hard on an exercise bicycle. She quickly gets on it and gets right back to work, as intense as ever, as the scene fades out.

Main Event
World Championship
Jason Sandman (c) vs Lyric

The crowd was torn on this match with split cheers between “Sandman” and “Abby”. This match was anything but a wrestling match, with the more brutal version of Lyric going toe to toe with Sandman in what would be more defined a long brawl than a wrestling match with both beating the hell out of each other.

Late in the match both took a nasty fall from the top rope, taking out the referee. While the referee was out, Rawlings rushed to the ring with a chair, but much to the shock of everyone went to air Lyric, but as he swung it back about to crown Sandman while he’s on the mat Lyric jerked the chair away and shouted “not that way” then she tossed the chair away. Rawlings started to shout and point while he could be heard saying “you had the belt won”. Eventually the two start to brawl ending when Lyric clotheslined Rawlings over the top rope.

When she turned back around Sandman caught her spinebuster she wasn’t prepared for. Then he followed it up A Spin Around Hell(Blackhole slam. He covered and the referee made the slow three count for Sandman to pick up the win and retain the title.

One Last Demand

Sandman has won the match. Just as it seems the show is about to go off the air the voice of Christian Dement is heard.

Christian Dement: Hey Sandman..

All eyes turn to the tron where Christian Dement is at a remote location.

Christian Dement: It seems I’m still suspended. I tried to show up at Battle by the Beach, but Teresa had me taken out of the parking lot in cuffs. That’s no way to treat the rightful champion. But that’s okay though, because while you’re defending my belt in Phoenix on this 4th of July, I’m back here in Norfolk, Virginia on vacation. You might recognize this place.

The camera pans back to show a playground down the road from Sandman’s house.

Christian Dement: Here’s what I want. On August 1st is an event called FightFest, I’m sure I’ll still be on the barred list, so a regular match just won’t due. We have to think outside the box. So here’s what I’m proposing. We set up a ring in the parking lot and have us an unsanctioned match. If I win, you will WILLINGLY relinquish the title to me and declare me the rightful champion. You got one week to make up your mind. And I’d be mindful of what your answer is because I’ve grown awfully bored in my time off.

Dement points the camera in a direction on the playground where a young preteen girl talking to a boy while both are on the swings.

Christian Dement: That does look an awful lot like Brandy Sandman.

A crackling is heard and Dement holds up a taser.

Christian Dement: From what I recall, she had a thing for tasers. So like I said…choose carefully. Because if you say no, there’s no telling what I might do.

Dement laughs as the feed goes out. Jason Sandman hops over the ropes leaving his belt behind. Sandman heads up the ramp with a fire in his eyes. As he gets to the top of the ramp Slade and Roxy come out the entrance. Slade wraps his arms around Jason as Roxy can be seen saying something to the champion. As the cameras move in closer Slade can be heard saying “When we get to the back give me your gun.” The three of them slowly move to the back as Slade and Roxy try to keep Jason Sandman from running off.

[rhiannon04]

Credits:
Why I Walked Away - Paul
Pip Pip Cheerio - T and J
Sorry, Lux - Mikey and Sunshine
Match 1 - Donnie
In The Beginning - Sunshine
Ruthless - Tommy, Donnie and Sunshine
Match 2 - Donnie
We Are Legion - Jet and Tony
Crazy Doesn’t Cut It - Sara
Hey Jealousy - Turner
Too Easy - April
Main Event 1 - Sara
Career Suicide? - Mikey and Sunshine
So…What Now? - Drew
Oh My Car! - Moo
Match 4 - Donnie
The Real Endgame - Sunshine
The World Is A Vampire - Drew
Have You Seen Her? - Carlos
Match 5 - Donnie
Flawless - Abby
Hellish War Talk - Sunshine
Where - Casey
Main Event - Donnie
One Last Demand - Donnie