Sin City Underground Ep 113: High Stakes Pre-Show comes to you taped in front of a sold out crowd at the Whittemore Center Arena, Durham, New Hampshire. This episode will air on WGN and the Sin City Network at 1:55pm PST on Sunday, November 7th, 2021.

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<<< Recorded earlier in the day >>>

The scene opens backstage, where we see Amy sitting at one of the tables in the catering area. The GRIME championship sits on the table and opposite Amy sits Dev Khatri with a notepad in front of him and his camera man just off to the side.

Dev:  Hi Amy. Thank you for this sit-down interview about your match later on. How are you doing?

Dev asks opening the interview.

Amy: I am good thank you.

Amy smiles as she appears to be relaxed.

Dev: Great. Before we focus on tonight’s match. Let’s go back to last week and your match against Halo Annis.  Your thoughts on this match and the stipulation.

Dev takes his notepad and makes a mark.

Amy: It was disgusting… and truth be told I felt sick just touching some of those juices. But I just got on with it. Halo seemed to enjoy the match and she did try but her best wasn’t enough. Sorry about the loss Halo. Maybe next time.

Amy shrugs.

Dev: You said that you crave these unknown matches that you have never been in before. Have you been in an ultimate X match?

Dev slowly moves to High Stakes.

Amy: No. Never been in an ultimate X match. It’s amazing that SCU has given me these opportunities and I am enjoying it. So the ultimate x match… I’ve enjoyed watching the many matches that have been on TV and here in SCW. It’s certainly going to be a test of strength and stamina, especially with four other competitors in this match.

Amy shifts in her seat as she gets comfortable.

Dev: Are you excited about this match?

Dev asks as Amy takes a moment…

Amy:  That is a silly question. However, I am excited about this. As I said a new one for me but also the unpredictability of it but a little apprehensive because of the number of competitors in this match.

Amy shakes her head.

Dev: Well speaking of your competitors.  In this match you have Veronica Di Luca, Ariana Angelos, Kelli Torres and Linnea LaCroix. Who do you think is the biggest challenge?

Dev queries.

Amy: 3 out of the 4 are my biggest challenge. Veronica Taylor I have faced her numerous times over the years, and it was the same old outcome. I beat her. I am actually surprised that Veronica is in this match.  She doesn’t like hard and overly strenuous matches like this. I wouldn’t be surprised that she goes to Gianni and bitch and moan about being this match. But if she actually does participate… then I would be very surprised. But unfortunately, she is the weak link of this match. Sorry Veronica but I don’t see you making any impact in this match aside from being a nuisance to everyone else.

Amy shrugs before continuing on.

Amy:  Next would be Ariana Angelos. We met several weeks back in one of my successful championship defences. You did a good job in that match, but it wasn’t a match winning performance, however, I can see why people rave about you and your future here in SCW. I can see you causing a few issues in this match and maybe even get close to winning this match. MAYBE because like I’ll say to Kelli and Linnea… you may win but I will be climbing those ropes and shimmying across them and successfully defending this.

Amy reaches out and lightly touches the GRIME Championship.

Amy: Now Kellie Torres and Linnea LaCroix. To be honest, I have never met either of you. Well I tell I lie… when I unveiled myself and we were beating on Omasa for being a little bitch.  Linnea and a few came out to I guess make a save and failed.  That’s the one and only meeting we had.  But you two are the biggest threats in this match and truth be told… I am worried that I will lose this championship to one of you. I don’t know much about either of you two, however, I know that you two have been around for a while so have a pretty decent reputation and held championships.  This is why I am worried about you guys.  But I have taken the opportunity to watch old promos and old matches and while they don’t provide the real thing… I might just sit back inside the ring and watch you guys at work and learn that way.  Afterall this is a learning experience for us all.

Kelli and Linnea I know that you two will be hungry for the win and will be everything and anything to get your hands on this championship.  But as I said I will be defending this championship anyway I can… and if someone does win this championship they will have to prize it from my cold dead hands.

Amy grabs the championship and drags it across the table into her lap.

Dev: Well very insightful.  Thank you Amy.

Dev smiles.

Amy: No thank you.

Amy smiles at Dev and the camera, as she makes her way to her feet as the scene fades out on Dev making notes in his notepad and exchanging a few words with his camera man.

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Grudge Match
Azurine Vebbins vs Katta Pult

The match starts with both ladies going at each other in a tie up.  Azzy backs Katta up a bit with some surprise aggression.  However, Katta knees her in the gut and begins clubbing her back.  She sends her into the opposite corner and charges in with a Clothesline, but Azzy ducks and rolls her up, getting a near two.  Katta kicks out, and Azzy scrambles to her feet.  She beats Katta, grabbing onto her head and dropping her with a DDT… or so she thought.  Katta nails a Northern Lights Suplex with relative ease.  She scores a two count and tells the referee to do her job.  She lifts Azzy up and nails a Belly-to-Belly Suplex, and then keeps latched on for a second one.  She goes for a third one, but Azzy hits an elbow to the side of Katta’s head and then gets the DDT she was looking for.  She picks Katta up and sends her into the ropes.  She hooks arms with Katta, trying for a Double Underhook Suplex, but Katta lifts her back, landing her hard on the mat.  Katta waves her fingers in front of her throat, letting everyone know that this match is over.  She sets Azzy up for the BPE.  The crowd gets ready to admire the perfection, but Azzy sweeps Katta off of her feet.  She puts Katta on her back.  After driving a knee into Katta’s forehead, she lifts her up and Katta spins Azzy around, nailing her in the back with a few elbows.  Azzy ducks behind and nails Katta with a German Suplex, bridging into a pin that gets a 2.5.  Katta is angry, screaming as Katta managed to nail a suplex on her yet again.  Azzy smirks, and this drives Katta nuts.  She swings at Katta, missing each time as Azzy backs up.  Katta rushes her into the corner and nails several shoulderbutts.  However, Azzy rams a knee into Katta’s face and  lifts her up.  Azzy gets behind Katta and gets her up and drops her but holds on as she turns it into a jawbreaker! The Pearly Gatekeeper!!! (Dragon Suplex into a Double-Handed Jawbreaker) Azurine Vebbins wins via pinfall.  The crowd cheers Azzy on as she throws her arms up and down in celebration.

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The High Stakes pre-show cuts backstage to Chelsea LeClair who looks like she has some mixed emotions on her face. On one hand, she is definitely happy to be there. However, the fact that she is not on the card in any capacity: pre-show, or main show, seems to disappoint her some. Chelsea is definitely soaking in the sights and sounds of the environment around her as she begins to express her thoughts.

Chelsea: I know I haven’t been in Sin City Underground for very long. But the thing of it is, it is still an honor to be at the biggest show of the year. It is still great to see the entire universe of SCU and SCW come together for one big night. Here we are, in New York City, Madison Square Garden of all places, and the stage couldn’t be any bigger or any brighter. Yet, I have to be honest with you. I am coming here feeling a little bit disappointed. I am also feeling some emptiness and I am also feeling some sadness based on the fact that while I am here and while it is a great honor, I am not going to be a part of any match in any capacity. I was hoping I would at least have a match on the preshow right now, but I guess the disappointment of tonight is a microcosm of what I can only say is the disappointment of my career here in SCU so far. Now, I’m not saying I should be in the bright lights and all of the main events or anything. But, this disappointment goes both ways. I feel like SCU can do more with me and that I only need one opportunity to really prove my worth here. But at the same time, I also acknowledge that I should be doing so much better than I am right now. I know that I haven’t been here long and that to a degree, I should be patient. But, I know what I am worth and I know that I am more than capable of shining in a brighter spotlight than I am right now…

And see, the thing of it is, I HAD a chance to make that happen in my last match here against Veronica Taylor… and I won that match… by DISQUALIFICATION!

She took the time to try to choke me out and to make me suffer. It’s like she wanted to send a message at MY expense! ME! Is that how IRRELEVANT I have become since joining this company? Am I just going to be treated like chopped liver? For fuck’s sake, if it’s not Morgan Clark, it’s Veronica Taylor. Do I LOOK like a fucking pushover to you? Because I’m NOT!

I’m a two time world champion in my own right so I KNOW that I can do SO much better than what I am doing right now and yet, people like VERONICA FUCKING TAYLOR want to act like they can use ME as a message BITCH? FUCK that and FUCK YOU Veronica Taylor. Let me tell you something you plastic faced, shallow bitch, I don’t give a shit if you’re considered one of the big girls around here. I don’t give a crap if some people around here worship you as a damn legend. That does not give you a reason nor does it give you an excuse to do what you did to me and that is NOT something I am going to stand for. You think I am going to just let it stand like that? Hell no I am not going to let it stand like that.

What you did in our match a few weeks ago is where I am going to draw the line with me being considered the Sin City Underground message and whipping bitch around here and if you don’t think I am serious about that, then you have ZERO idea of how pissed I am that I am on the sidelines for the biggest event in this universe! The way I see it Veronica Taylor, I am FAR from done with you. Enjoy your little match. Ignore this all you want. Treat me like I am irrelevant. But if I were you, I’d watch your back. From this moment forward, Chelsea LeClair isn’t going to hang around on the sidelines and have a 24/7 happy go lucky attitude. I know that my fans deserve to see more of me and deserve to see me at my best. I haven’t been that here and that kills me. But, by the time I am done with you Veronica and by the time I settle this my way, this company is going to see what I can do at my best.

I didn’t come to this company just to be another pretty face, I will tell you that right now!

Watch your back, Veronica…

Chelsea expresses some anger on her face before she turns and exits the scene, leaving the audience to take in the intense words that she just spoke out of sheer frustration regarding how her run in SCU has gone so far.

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N.F.G. (Omasa Tazu & Javi Gonzalez) Vs Jerry Cann & Kandy Kaine

Jerry and Javi start things off, going back and forth with a series of punches.  Each one rocks the other, and the fans cheer for the exchange.  However, Jerry buries his knuckles into Javi’s stomach, and nails a headbutt that drops him to his knees.  He pokes fun at Javi, hinting at losing to Rory a few weeks ago.  He then spins an elbow right to Javi’s face.  He sends Javi into his corner, following up with a Clothesline, but Javi ducks, causing Jerry to nail Kandy.  He tries to slow down, but he can’t stop himself fully.  Javi nails a Dropkick to Jerry’s back, sending him onto the apron.  Kandy slides inside as Omasa climbs in.  The two circle each other as Kandy dives at Omasa for a tie up.  Omasa shoves Kandy’s hands to the side and nails her with alternating kicks to the ribs, followed up by a Yakuza Kick.  Kandy rolls to the outside as Omasa grabs Jerry and drags him in through the ropes.  She places him in the Tonga Grip, but the referee calls it off.  She lets go just before the 5 count.  This gives Kandy enough time to slide back inside and she hits a German Suplex.  She then hits a Split Leg Moonsault and gets a two count.  Omasa rakes Kandy’s eyes and then drags her to her feet.  She goes for a Spinning Heel Kick, but Kandy dives through it and tags Jerry back in.  Omasa tags Javi in.  Javi dives at Jerry, but Jerry moves.  Javi swings Jerry into the corner.  He hits a few Shoulderbutts, but as he tries for the Backspring Elbow, Jerry moves.  He drags Javi to the center of the ring and locks on the Cobra Clutch.  Javi doesn’t have much time to react before Omasa gets inside of the ring.  She nails Jerry with the Omasa Punch, and Javi dives down for the cover while Omasa holds Kandy back. N.F.G. wins via pinfall.  Omasa hits Kandy with the Omasa Punch, and the two of them leave the ring.

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Joshua is in the backstage area of Madison Square Garden holding his GRIME Championship.

Joshua: I told you last week you would see me here as your GRIME Champions still.  Now I am in Madison Square Garden.  The history of this place is great.  You have the NHL’s New York Rangers, four time champions.  You have the NBA New York Knicks two time champions.  The numbers hanging in the rafters up there.  So much history has been made here and after tonight I will be holding two championships.  My GRIME Championship and soon to be my SCU Combat Championship.

Joshua sits down on a bench.

Joshua: Over this last week I have been training and getting ready for this kick boxing match and it brings up memories from a past fed I was in.  I was in a Lion’s Den match where I was in a MMA rules match and instead of the regular cage there was razor wire all over and it has left scars on me, from being wrapped up in the razor wire.  So this match I will have fun with.  I have been training with Amy and she has given me some pointers as what to do and I will say she can kick box and not even give up, I had to stop her because I was tired from all the work she had me doing.

Joshua stands up and starts to stretch out.

Joshua: Now I get to become SCU’s only current double champion.

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Ultimate X Match - GRIME Championship
Amy Santino(c) Vs Ariana Angelos Vs Linnea LaCroix Vs Kelli Torres Vs Veronica Taylor

As soon as the bell rings, Veronica steps onto the apron and instantly begins climbing the poll.  She makes it to the x’d ropes, but Linnea gives Kelli a boost, and she jumps, grabbing Veronica by the waist.  She climbs in Veronica’s way, and the two struggle against each other.  Meanwhile, Amy kicks Ari in the guts and lands her with a DDT.  Linnea grabs Amy and spins her around, throwing punches at the champion.  The two go back and forth as Ari sneaks her way to the opposite corner.  She climbs up the pole and jumps onto the ropes.  She flips herself on top of the ropes and shimmies her way toward the center.  Coming from the opposite way, Kelli and Veronica fight over one another to get to the title first.  Ari is nearly there when Linnea climbs onto Amy’s back and jumps onto the ropes.  The four ladies fight closer and closer to the belt, while Ari and Linnea swing by one arm.  Amy looks at this and sees her title in trouble.  She climbs outside of the ring and finds a Kawaii stick under the ring.  She rolls back inside of the ring and begins striking rapidly.  She gets Linnea, then Ari.  She goes back and forth between the two until Linnea drops down.  Ari tries to swing back up, but Amy catches her leg and yanks her back down.  Kelli and Veronica drop down on their own accord, knocking each other down.  Amy steadies the stick in her hand, waiting for anyone to get up as she slowly turns.  Ari rolls to the outside to catch her breath as Amy nails Linnea with the stick.  She goes after Kelli, but Kelli rips the stick from Amy’s hands.  She swings, but Amy dodges to the best of her abilities.  Ari slides a table inside of the ring and begins setting it up.  Veronica comes up behind Ari and begins choking her with her diamond necklace. Kelli cracks the stick over Veronica’s head, breaking up the choke early on.  Linnea gets back up and begins climbing the pole.  She makes it to the ropes and climbs across them.  She gets halfway through when she sees Kelli trying to jump off the table at Amy.  Linnea drops down and plants Kelli through the table with the Bourbon Street Blues (Future Shock DDT)!  Ari spins Linnea around and drops her with a Shooting Star DDT!  Veronica jumps up and hits the Exed Out (Roll of the Dice)!  As Veronica sets her eyes on the title hanging right above her, Amy kicks her in the gut and nails the Bad Girl (Double Knee Facebreaker)!  Amy climbs the ropes slowly, and then she swings onto the x’d ropes.  She swings over as best as she can.  Ari grabs onto Amy’s feet, but Amy drags her along to the title.  Ari tugs harder, but Amy comes down with the belt in her hands! Amy Santino retains the GRIME Championship by retrieving the belt.  Amy kicks Ari away and rolls outside to celebrate on her way up the rampway.  She turns around and raises the belt high in the air once halfway up the rampway.

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We find our way to the backstage area to spot Liam Gagnon standing by with the High Stakes XI banner behind him, alongside a “What’re You Gagnon?” logo to the right.  He has the microphone ready as he looks at the camera.

Liam:  Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of “What’re You Gagnon?”  with your host… Liam Gagnon.  This night is a special night, and I would love to conduct an award winning interview with someone very special…

Liam smiles uncharacteristically sweet at the camera.  He then sighs.

Liam:  But, unfortunately, my guest for this evening is Andrey Azarov.  Please be polite and fake a clap for the SCU Combat Champion facing Joshua Acquin later tonight.  Andrey?

Liam lightly claps as the crowd gives off a mixed reaction.  Andrey walks up to the makeshift area and looks up at the banner for High Stakes.  He admires it for all of three seconds before he turns his attention to Liam.

Andrey:  Liam, is good to see you old buddy!

Andrey’s thick Russian accent makes it a bit harder to understand what he’s saying at first.

Liam:  I wish I could say the same.  So now that you’ve got a championship to your name, does it make it easier for people to forgive the constant marbles in your mouth?

Andrey:  Marbles?  More like… golf balls.  But, nyet.  No one forgives the accent.  And here, I think Americans like forgeign accents.

Liam:  Only attractive ones, like French, Spanish, English, and Schwarzenager.  That pretty much blocks out Eastern Europe, like it’s God’s blind spot.

Andrey chuckles as he looks at Liam.  He pats Liam on the shoulder.

Liam:  Oh, come on.  Your cooperation makes this so much less enjoyable.  Kinda like sex with your wife, huh?

Andrey gives Liam a death glare, and Liam takes note, for better or for worse.

Liam:  I’ll talk about how easy it is to bang your wife later.  But for now, let’s talk about your match later tonight against GRIME Champion, Joshua Acquin.  How does it feel knowing that you don’t stand a goddamn chance in that match?

Andrey:  What do you mean?

Liam:  Well, not many have beaten Stewart Mason, but Joshua has a clean win over the Underground Champion.  With a track record like that, it’s hard to believe that you might actually stand a chance.

Andrey holds his hand up to stop Liam.

Andrey:  Hold phone, Liam.  Joshua has win over Stewart in hardcore style match.  Stewart has win over Joshua in standard match.  It’s very different from each other.  Just as Combat Championship is different from both.  Before I was wrestler, I was PBC Heavyweight Champion.  I know how to fight in combat style matches.  I study wrestling second.  Hell, I come to SCU for Combat Championship.  It was made for me, I think.

Liam:  So you’re saying that you’re better than they are?

Andrey:  In Combat Division, yes.  It is why I am Combat Champion.  Joshua might be better in GRIME Division than me.  Stewart might be better Underground Champion than me.  And then again, this might not be so true.  No division is better than another to me.  I respect all fighting styles.  Is why I love being in Sin City Underground.  And with all the disrespect we get in SCU, I must say that it must feel good to say that away from threat of fighting any one of us champions, either side of roster.  Come challenge any one of us champions and see.  Or take look at how many of us came up there to take belts from you guys.  Mark Cross, O’Malley, Brother David, Krystal Wolfe, just to name few.

Liam nods his head as he listens to Andrey speak.

Liam:  Well that answers a lot of questions that nobody asked.  So here’s one for you.  Do you have any last words for Joshua tonight?

Andrey:  Be ready, Joshua. Will be only way you stand a chance against me in my own world.  See you soon.

And with that, Andrey props his belt on his shoulder and he walks away, leaving Liam to sign off.

Liam:  Well, there’s another “What’re You Gagnon?” special take!  Enjoy the rest of the show.

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Roppongi Street Fight - GRIME Tag Team Championship
Kawaii Dragons(c) Vs 2 Broke Chicks

The cameras go to the parking lot area.  Off in a far corner, we see the barbeque grill going, and Over The Edge are partying it up like they always do.  However, this time there are four RVs parked in front of them, and a couple to the sides.  Another one pulls up sideways to block off part of the fighting area so that it is now squared off.  Referee Dylan Roberts stands in the center as 2 Broke Chicks enter the large squared area from one of the RVs.  On the other side of the square, from the RV that just pulled up, we see the Kawaii Dragons, carrying a trash can and setting it down in front of their RV.  They bring their titles to Dylan, who raises them up and calls for the bell.

Instantly, Jane grabs onto Winter, and Chi Chi grabs onto Tatsu.  They whip the Kawaii Dragons right at each other, but the two cartwheel apart, rushing to the trash cans opposite from one another.  Winter pulls out a bong and holds it up in 2 Broke Chicks’ direction.  They shrug as Winter checks on it.  She pulls a lighter out and lights it up before bringing it with her to the middle of the square.  Tatsu brings out a broomstick and swings it wildly as she shouts out in Japanese.  She goes after Jane as Winter passes the bong to Chi Chi.  Chi Chi is about to take a rip when she turns and smashes it right against Winter’s face.  She stomps on Winter before picking her up and dragging her over toward one of the RVs.  She goes to bash Winter’s head into it, but Winter sticks her foot up to reverse it, bashing Chi Chi’s face into a window a few times until it cracks.

Jane backs away from Tatsu, and then kicks her in the gut to stop her from swinging the broomstick.  She grabs a nail gun out of the nearby trash can and she aims it right at Tatsu.  Tatsu backs away as Jane chases her, shooting it at her.  Tatsu takes one to the leg and trips down.  Jane stands over Tatsu and aims it down at her, but Tatsu kicks it out of Jane’s hand and pulls the nail out of her leg.  She picks up the nail gun and shoots Jane in both legs.  She then cracks the butt end of it over Jane’s head.  Tatsu goes for the cover, but only gets a two count.  Tatsu picks Jane up and sends her toppling into the trash can.  As Tatsu leans down to pick Jane up, Jane stabs Tatsu in the arm with a pair of chopsticks.

On the other side of the space, Winter has a tow chain wrapped around Chi Chi’s neck.  She has the other end over a flagpole from 2 Broke Chicks’ RV.  She pulls down on the chain, raising Chi Chi up.  Chi Chi grabs at the chain, trying her best to at least relieve the pressure around her neck.  Winter latches it onto one of the retractable steps.  She picks up a 2x4 and begins bashing Chi Chi with it.  Jane rushes over and bashes Winter over the back of the head with a trash can lid.  She pulls Chi Chi down and checks on her.  Tatsu rushes over with a water hose and she jumps onto Jane’s back and chokes her with it, while also clawing at Jane’s face.  Winter hits an elbow to Chi Chi and jumps on her back.  2 Broke Chicks move around, trying to get the Kawaii Dragons off of their backs.  They finally whip them right onto the retractable stairs.  Tatsu shouts out in pain as she holds her back, rolling off of the stairs.  Winter slides down to the ground.  Chi Chi steps over Winter and opens up their RV.  She brings out a decorated teapot.  She dumps some of the water onto Winter before cracking it over Tatsu’s head.

Jane whips Tatsu with the water hose.  Once she’s satisfied, she goes for the cover, but Tatsu kicks out.  Chi Chi picks up a tire iron and goes to smack Tatsu with it, but she moves, and Chi Chi hits Jane with it.  Winter trips Chi Chi up as Tatsu rips the chain down and whips Chi Chi with it.  Winter and Tatsu stomp on her for a moment before they dogpile pin her, nearly getting the three count.  However, Chi Chi is able to kick out just seconds before.  Jane is back up, but the Kawaii Dragons drag Chi Chi over toward their RV.  Winter throws open the storage compartment, tossing out a fishing pole, baseball, traffic cone, bow and a bag of arrows, and a few lawn chairs, and last but not least, two Kawaii Sticks.  Tatsu picks up the fishing pole and casts it right at Chi Chi, snagging her lip.  However, Chi Chi bites at the line, leaving the hook in her lip as she picks up one of the lawn chairs.  She smacks Tatsu with it, breaking it on impact.

Winter sees this and shoots a flare off right at Chi Chi, blinding her.  However, Jane rushes at Winter with her infamous Louisville Slugger.  Tatsu smacks Chi Chi with the Kawaii Stick.  Winter uses the other to smack the bat out of Jane’s hand.  She smacks Jane a few times to put her down.  Chi Chi comes at Winter, but Tatsu winds up the pitch and Winter smacks the ball right into Chi Chi’s face, putting her out cold.  Winter goes for the cover, but Jane breaks it up at two by shooting Winter with the bow and arrow, catching her in the shoulder.  Winter shouts out in pain before Jane does a quick curb stomp.  Tatsu shrieks as she comes over and begins throwing rapid strike attempts at Jane, but Jane rams an arrow into Tatsu’s side.  She drags Tatsu over to the barbeque grill.  She picks up a large foil wrapped potato from next to the grill and she beats Tatsu in the face with it until it busts everywhere.  She also points this out to “Uncle Dax”, who is about to get involved in the match himself until Eyesnsane, Rory, and Mrs Right hold him back.  Jane grabs onto Tatsu’s face and tries to smash it into the grill, but Tatsu pushes back, bringing Jane down to the ground with her.  Eyesnsane stops the grill from knocking over.  Jane picks Tatsu back up, but Tatsu spins and nails a punch to the back of Jane’s head, sending her face into the side of the grill, bouncing off.  Eyesnsane holds up the bottle of Jack Daniels to get a cheap plug.

Jane is seeing red… from the cut on her forehead, so she grabs Tatsu and presses her face against the grill, causing Tatsu to scream out loud.  Jane then sends Tatsu through the table.  She is about to get the cover, but Winter breaks it up at the very last possible second.  She clubs at Jane a few times before whipping her into the grill, tipping it over as she rolls over it.  Winter goes for the cover, but Chi Chi stumbles over, kicking Winter.  She kicks at Winter, sending her toward the Kawaii Dragons’ RV.  She finds a set of fluorescent light bulbs racked up.  She goes to drop Winter, but Winter lands on her feet.  Tatsu rushes at her, but there is a back body drop, right on top of the bulbs, smashing them all.  Meanwhile, Winter has connected the battery cables to the RV.  Tatsu barely kicks out as Winter starts up the RV.  She comes out, ready to shock Chi Chi with them, but she elbows Winter in the face.  She picks Tatsu up, but Tatsu kicks her in the stomach.  She whips her toward Winter, who is holding the cables out, waiting.  But Chi Chi reverses it and Tatsu catches the mega zap.  Jane grabs Winter by the hair as Chi Chi puts a boot on Tatsu’s chest. 2 Broke Chicks win via pinfall to become the GRIME Tag Team Champions.  They practically collapse rather than celebrating, blood all over them as the medical team rushes to check on both teams and the show goes off the air.

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We go backstage to see Jenifer Lacriox getting her wrist taped up by Linnea Lacriox. Jenifer faces a tv screen showing Merlot Ayano vs Melissa Ruin for the Combat Championship a few months back. A knock is heard at the door before it opens up. We see Celeste North enter the locker room. 

Celeste: In about 90 minutes Merlot will be in the ring ready for you, you ready for this match?

Jenifer nods with a smile that screams, Fuck Yeah.

Celeste: I know, I’m happy for you Jenifer. We came a long way together. In that ride you set your eyes on the Combat title. For years, and every goddamn time you earned a shot. Someone attacked you. First it was SCU stars hating and then GRIME with the shit they pulled. I tried to help fight them off, but failed. The fucked up thing is. You joined SCU soley to watch my back for the same fucking reasons. What happened when I got my match? I became the Underground Champion while undefeated and held the title for a year. That whole time you too sat undefeated. I mean this whole time as here you are still undefeated. Waiting to take the title from Merlot and do what I did. Only I did it better, I was the underground champion. LIke everyone else, I do it better, I took you under my wing, to groom you for this match. The rest of the Mean Girls seem to be doing the same. You at least are better than their projects. But I know how to pick them. I’m that good, the best actually. It’s what I do. Alright now back to this shit. Jenifer, I don’t need to give you a game plan, you don’t need no pep talk from me. All you need to do is show everyone why I brought you here to begin with. You are the big bad wolf in a small package. Now it’s time to prove it.

Jenifer gets pumped up as if it was a pep talk anyways. Linnea is done tapping Jenifer up. Jenifer punches her fist together as she hypes herself up.

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Tune into the Sin City Network for High Stakes XI Main Show! https://www.scwrestling.net/events/ppvcard.php

Whittemore Center Arena, Durham, New Hampshire.


Sin City Underground Ep 112 comes to you taped in front of a sold out crowd at the Whittemore Center Arena, Durham, New Hampshire. This episode will air on WGN and the Sin City Network at 11:55pm PST on Sunday, October 31st, 2021.

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The scene opens backstage, where we see GRIME champion Amy Santino with the GRIME championship sitting on her shoulder as she approaches the office of Gianni Di Luca, dressed like a devil, where she lightly knocks on the door before entering his office, where she sees Gianni sitting at his desk with Veronica Di Luca sitting nearby on her cell phone as she tuts and rolls her eyes.  She looks up from her cell phone and gives Amy a look suggesting she is better than her.

Veronica: What do you want?

Amy shifts the belt.

Amy: Fuck off out of the office… I need to speak to Gianni.

Amy smiles, as Veronica looks to protest but Gianni speaks up.

Gianni: Babe, it's business. We need to get some things straight.

Veronica lets out a air of disgust and moves to her feet and barges past Amy, which Amy just smirks not being at intimidated by her.  The door slams shut and Amy turns to Gianni.

Amy: Now that we are alone.  My question is.. Are we in the 90’s?

Gianni looks a little confused, even though he is aware of the issue. He still tilts his head to the side as if to ask what Amy is talking about.

Gianni: Ya might've dressed like a Coney Island reject tonight, but it don't mean we did the Time Warp.

Amy: ha ha.

Amy shakes her head and glares at Gianni. Gianni plays it off like a joke, but Amy doesn't seem to find the humor in it. Gianni straightens up his posture to get serious.

Gianni: Look, all match stipulations was pulled at random outta a hat, payin' tribute to SCW's Halloween shows of days past. Someone was gonna hafta do it.

Amy: I suppose it could be worse. But I am not happy with this stipulation, hell the very description made me gag.  Can we add weapons or something just to spice it up?

Amy queries as she shivers at the very thought of the description of the match. Gianni thinks about it for a second. He rubs his chin and then begins to slowly nod.

Gianni: Yeah… I could see that. Great idea. Then, we could add safety nets to the graves in the Graveyard Match. And an escalator to the Jack-O-Lanterns on the pole. Man, I wish you woulda came in sooner. I woulda thought to give the Lights Out Match participants flashlights…

The sarcasm is not lost on Amy as she glares at him and shakes her head.

Amy: Remind me to grab a cup full of those pumpkin juices once Halo Annis and I are finished and make you gargle with it.  Also do not appreciate the sarcasm… I was just trying to see if it can be changed or amended. But obviously not.  Thanks for the help.

Amy shakes her head at the lack of assistance from Gianni. Gianni shakes his head as well.

Gianni: C'mon, Ames. Lighten up a little. It's Halloween. There's enough doom and gloom runnin' around this place. You are the GRIME Champion. Sometimes that means things get a little dirty. Of anyone, I would expect you to understand that. You are one of the top attractions in SCU. The star power that keeps ratin's up with WGN and the Sin City Network subscribers.

Gianni leans forward in his seat to look Amy directly in the eyes.

Gianni: Look, you and me might not be best buddies, but I respect the hell outta ya. We was cut from the same cloth.  SCW superstar talents, former Team Erik crusaders, more championships than most of these young bucks runnin' around here like they own the place. Sometimes we gotta pay our dues. But if it helps, I can throw in a No Holds Barred stip.

Amy lets out a sigh as she takes in what Gianni said as she rubs her forehead as the cut from her match last week continues to heal.

Amy: I hate you.

Amy shrugs but she knows that he is right.

Amy: I’m sorry.  I was just expecting something more hardcore following my last few matches and I felt the pumpkin jello thing was a little beyond me. But I guess pumpkin juices won’t kill me.

Amy says with a small smile before continuing.

Amy: For what it’s worth…  you aren’t that bad of a boss… just a little tough to work with. Oh and i’ll take the no holds barred stip.  It’s better than nothing.

Amy smirks as her plan to storm in and storm out with a plan went out of the window as she switches the title over to her other shoulder. Gianni offers an uncharacteristic smile to Amy and nods.

Gianni: What can I say? Other than to keep a lookout for future matches. Title or not, fans like to see violence and blood, and you got that down to an art. Now get outta here before Mercedes makes up more stories about us…

Gianni does his signature laugh, lightening the mood a bit.

Amy: Or Veronica starts getting twitchy.  But thank you and enjoy the rest of the show.

Amy smiles and turns and opens the door and heads out, as Veronica barges past once more and slams the door behind her.  The scene fades out with Amy disappearing down the corridor as she prepares for her match against Halo Annis.

---

The crowd breaks out to a cheer as the lights in the arena go out. Scary noises are heard over the arena speakers. The noise intensifies then cuts off. A loud scream is heard coming from the rampway area. A spotlight hits the rampway for us to see Delia Darling dressed as 80’s Madonna looking frightened. Alex Rush as Micheal Jackson’s Thriller outfit and a  Micheal Jackson face mask.

Alex: it’s safe here. You don’t need to be scared anymore.

Darling: I wasn’t that scared.

Over the arena speakers we hear.

“Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorise y'alls neighborhood
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the Hounds of Hell
And rot inside a corpse's shell”

The beat of Micheal Jackson’s Thriller starts to play. A spot light brightens up next to the rampway. The crowd pops as they see the Kawaii Dragons dressed as zombie Monstimals. Tatsu as a zombie Sam Mcpherson and Winter as a Zombie Lord Raab. Delia sees this and gets scared. Alex removes his Micheal Jackson face mask to reveal himself as a zombie Micheal Jakson. He and the Kawaii Dragons begin to reenact the Thriller music video. Delia turns to Alex and sees Alex is undead and slowly runs towards the ring. Another spot light turns on. We see Kelli Torres and Mz Holly Wood dressed as the undead bride and groom. From the curtain we see Linnera Lacroix and Jenifer Lacriox dressed as zombie versions of Street Fighter’s Ken and Ryu. Delia slides in the ring. A spotlight turns on in the ring. We see OTE flexing and pop locking dressed as undead marines. Delia runs out the ring and jumps the barricade. The crowd cheers on as they enjoy the show. Delia disappears to the back as cameras focus on everyone dancing. One camera stays on Alex Rush as he leads the dance routine. A second camera shows those behind Micheal Jackson, zombie Monsitmals, and undead bride and groom. Behind them are the undead street fighters. The split screen for those watching on WGN shows Micheal Jackson on the left and the dancers behind him on the right. The right side switches between the dancers and the breakdancing zombie marines in the ring. This goes on for three minutes. The undead turn to make their way to the back. The crowd claps as cameras go backstage.

---

The camera shot reverts to the backstage area of the Whittemore Arena, where Marissa Henry is shown to be searching for something, or to be more precise in this instance - someone. She happens upon a backstage worker and she flags him down.

Marissa: Have you seen Carter and Ariana anywhere?

Worker: No, I’m sorry Ms. Henry. I haven’t.

Marissa briefly looks to be exasperated, hands on hips and she looks to and fro across the hallway and rec areas.

Marissa: Their match against the Jeckels is not that far off and I need to get a word with them. Where on earth could they b-?

But her question is cut short as the door she and the poor worker is standing in front of swings open, clobbering said worker and pinning him between it and the wall…

HBCarter: Marissa! DAHLING!

And there stands none other than HBCarter, clad from head to toe as classic Cruella DevIl! No, not that ghastly Emma Stone version, but the classic animated look with a touch of Victoria Smurfit from Once Upon A Time. The wild black and white wig. A sleek, black bodysuit with one full-length leg and one cut short, shoulderless but with matching sleeves and a faux fur coat. Marissa looks with wide eyes as Cruella-Carter storms from out of the room and walks around eagerly, looking for something.

Marissa: C-Carter?

HBCarter: Yes dahling?

Marissa: Um - wow? How are you?

HBCarter: Oh I had HOPED you would ask that! I am MISERABLE dahling! Perfectly wretched!

Marissa glances at the poor worker who is massaging his nose and trying to work his way out from behind the door.

Marissa: I suppose I asked for that. Um, Carter?

HBCarter: Yes, dahling?

Marissa: What-who… are you looking for?

HBCarter: Where are they? Where is she!?

Marissa: Who-?

HBCarter: For heavens sake, where is she!?

Marissa: WHO, Cruel-er, Carter?

HBCarter: My puppy, of course! I just had her a moment ago! Oh wait…!

Heads turn and there stands a bright eyed and smiling Ariana Angelos wearing a black and white dalmatian style one-piece outfit, matching boots and ears atop her head with the nose done in makeup. Marissa is completely surprised at the extravagant costumes, looking back and forth between the two best friends.  HBCarter moves a step closer to Ari, leaning in and beckoning her with his finger.

HBCarter: Here dog, here!

And Ari plays right along, baring her teeth and playfully growling at her best friend and tag team partner.

HBCarter: Oh bother! Never mind, we don’t have time for theatrics! It’s time to handle business! Bash them in the head!

Ariana: Eep!

HBCarter: Drown them!

Ariana: Woof!

HBCarter: Do you have any chloroform!?

Ariana: BARK!

HBCarter: Be CAREFUL, Ariana! Do you want to be spoken to by the police!?

Dalmatian Ariana whimpers and whines as Carter sashays the way, fake extended cigarette holder in his fingers and she hurries after him! Marissa waves a hand in their wake.

Marissa: Best of luck in your match!

Marissa then turns to the worker and frowns.

Marissa: I forgot to interview them… damn!

---

Opening Match
Lights Out Match
Katta Pult vs Mrs Right

It doesn’t take long for the lights to shut off.  We see the shadows of both ladies moving around the ring, but only due to the glowsticks around the ropes.  When the lights come back on, Katta is behind Mrs Right, lifting her up into a German Suplex, going for the cover.  Mrs Right kicks out instantly.  She rolls back and kicks Katta hard in the face and rips her up by her hair.  She picks Katta up for a Military Press Slam, but Katta slides out, and the lights go back out again.  When they come back on, Mrs Right has Katta’s throat in a Chokeslam hold, lifting her up and planting her down.  She gets a two count before Katta kicks out.  She goes to lift Katta up again, but Katta swings down into an elevated DDT, and a two count.  However, she is able to lift Mrs Right up and deliver the Best Plex Ever, as the crowd is awestruck.  Katta Pult wins via pinfall.  She sneers at the crowd, who boo her as her music plays.

---

The scene opens backstage at Underground where we see former Pride Tag Team Champion Ariana Angelos ready for an interview with Dev, however she is in a happier mood than usual and for good reason, as today is her 21st birthday.

Dev: Ari, first off, I’m happy to see you back on your feet after the Char attack at Climax Control 314, second, happy birthday!

Ariana: Thanks Dev! Just wish that I didn’t have to spend my first morning as a twenty one year old having sixteen stitches removed!

Dev: Understandable, now tonight Team Go is returning to action against The Jeckels in a Transylvania Fun House Match, what are your thoughts?

Ariana: Aside from wondering why GRIME still have jobs?

Ariana rolls her eyes.

Ariana: The Jeckels are jokes and this week Team Go will prove it when I pick up the win on my birthday because……..

Ariana gets cut off when her bestie and tag team partner HB Carter runs on screen.

HBCarter: Ari, there you are! You need to come with me, now!

Ariana: What? Why!?

HBCarter: Just come!

Ariana and Dev chase after Carter as they run through the hallways, they enter a darkened room when:

Everyone: SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARI!

The lights come on and Ari’s worried expression is turned into a big grin as Krystal stands up alongside the 2021 Go Gym Class and Makayla, it soon transpires that Dev was in on the surprise party as the interviewer puts a party hat on the birthday girl’s head.

Dev: Sorry, I had to delay you long enough for the party to start, happy birthday! You want to finish the interview?

Ari grins as Carter stands alongside her.

Ariana: Because fortune favours the bold and Team Go…….

HBCarter: Will Go the Distance!

Carter blows into a party whistle as the scene fades.

---

Cameras cut to the rampway where we see Linnera Lacroix and Jenifer Lacriox wearing their Ken and Ryu outfits.

Linnéa: Jenifer will have her biggest match ever at High Stakes. A long time coming, Jenifer has been preparing for this match long before Merlot even became the Combat Champion. Jenifer has been training since Shannon Middlebrooks held the title.

Jenifer throws a left and right then does the Ryu trademark uppercut.

Jenifer: Shoryuken!

Linnéa: Merlot is one of the best in this biz. I've seen her in other places and she’s just as deadly no matter the company. She knows I’m rooting for Jenifer, nothing against Merlot as she has proven to be the greatest Combat Champion in SCU, but Jenifer is family.

Jenifer jumps up and does a 720 in the air while performing Ryu's hurricane kick.

Linnéa: The longest reigning Combat Champion vs the undefeated number one contender. It writes itself, this could be match of the year, best match ever in SCU, top five ever at High Stakes. So much on the line for both ladies.

Jenifer looks at the camera and begins to shadow box.

Jenifer: Merlot, seven days, seven days from now, we dance. We dance like we never danced before. Looking forward to facing you in the ring. Much respect to Merlot and what Merlot done. Will do everything possible to become new Combat Champion but Merlot do everything she can to not let that happen. Not speak for Merlot past opponents in other companies but can say that in SCU Merlot may win or may lose but will for sure be put to her limit like never before.

Linnéa: Well said. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, I’m looking forward to this one.

---

Raisa leads the SCU camera crew through the Jeckel Family Freak show, then reaches a set of steps that leads to an open door, above the door are Two words Fun House.

Raisa leads  them inside to finding Jack , Jake and Helena.

Helena: Welcome, to our friendly fun house, we would give you a tour, but we are preparing it for our next show, it will be a very fun scary adventure.

Jack: But not for you HB, nor for you Ariana, our fun house will be no fun for you.

Jake: Imagine every fear you’ve ever had, imagine every monster under your bed or in your closet, it will not compare for the fear you will feel inside our very special Transylvania fun house specially designed for you.

Helena: You will be scared to death, maybe.

Jack: Team Go, welcome to the fun house.

Jake: Survive if you can.

---

The scene opens up with Hitamashii backstage talking with his friends in Dying Breed Andrew Garcia and Ivan Darrell. They are talking about Hitamashii’s upcoming match with Stewart Mason in a Jack O Lantern on a pole for the SCU Underground Championship.

Andrew-I am looking forward to seeing you take the Jack O Lantern off the pole and hit Stewart in the head with it, and obtain the SCU Underground Championship.  You deserve it.

Hitamashii-There is nothing I would rather do than destroy him with the Jack O Lantern and become champion once again.  My waist has felt naked without the gold around it.

The trio drink from their water bottles before talking more.

Ivan-I know. It is weird not seeing you having gold here in SCU with how successful you have been.  I am kind of disappointed that Andrew and I are not booked this week, but at the same time, we can watch your back during the match, and make sure nobody will interfere during the match and you can win cleanly.

Hitamashii-I know you guy will watch my back.  I am not the one who needs to watch his back.  If anyone needs to watch their back, its Stewart.

Andrew-I totally agree.  There is nothing to worry about, and you will emerge victorious at the end of the night, Ivan and I will make sure of it.

The scene ends with them talking about other non wrestling things while Hitamashii gets ready for his match.

---

Transylvania Fun House Match
Team GO vs The Jeckels

The tron comes on to show Cruella and her “dalmatian” (Ari) entering the funhouse.  Carter lets Ari off of the leash and the two go further inside.  The lights flash as the American Horror Story: Freakshow theme plays through the speakers inside.  Inflatable clowns wave around as Team GO moves past them, looking out for their foes.  Once through it, they find their way to a spinning tunnel.  As they get inside, Jack Jeckel rushes up behind Carter and brings him back with a Belly-to-Back Suplex.  Ari goes after him, but he ducks a Clothesline and lifts her up into a High Angle Suplex on the bridge.  Carter wobbles as he tries to get back up.  He is quickly taken down with a Hip Toss as Ari moves to the other side of the tunnel.  She sees Helena standing there, waving at her with the painted smile of the half mask etched on.  She waves at Ari, who charges right into her… or rather, the mirror reflection.  She turns around to see several depictions of Helena, including some distorted versions.  She hears Helena giggle, and she tries to listen for where it’s coming from.  However, Jake finds himself drop kicked through one of the mirrors.  Carter waits for him to get back up and hits a Superkick, then sends him into another mirror.  Helena comes out of nowhere and grabs Ari and spins her right into a mirror.  The two roll around on the ground, getting cut up by pieces of glass.  They go further, and roll into a ball pit.  After tussling around in there for a few moments, Helena pulls her mallet out of the balls and hits Ari with it. The Jeckels win via pinfall.  And with that, Jack and Jake join Helena and Raisa as they leave the funhouse.

---

The audience is introduced to a shot of the floor as the picture comes to life. The camera pans over to the left. A massive wooden production crate stands tall. The camera tilts upward just a bit. Seated atop the crate is a woman decked out in an elaborate Spider-Gwen costume. She gives the camera a wave.

? ? ?: How doing?

That voice rings out loud and clear. Merlot Ayano lets her right leg dangle off the edge a little bit.

Merlot: Please give moment of time. Just want to chat.

A second passes before she continues on.

Merlot: Merlot have been wrestling for long time now. Seen many things. Experienced many things. Professional wrestling is dynamic; things are always changing. And yet, some types of behaviors and tropes are everlasting.

She lets out a sigh.

Merlot: Merlot no ignorant; Merlot pick up on many things. One thing always pick up is how people treat Merlot when intimidated. When person scared of fighting Merlot, always try to cheat. Has been that way since took Exit Exam. Chanelle can give any excuse she wants. But fact of matter is, she was frightened us fighting Merlot one-on-one. Frightened of getting embarrassed and outclassed. Is shameful.

Merlot shakes her head.

Merlot: Wish people would do things differently. Wish would fight with integrity―

Merlot: Is why am looking forward to match with Jennifer. Jennifer not like most in Sin City Underground. Jennifer’s heart is filled with honor; is reason why Merlot respect.

She nods her head.

Merlot: Have tried to have this match a few times in past. But every time, has gotten messed. But this time? Will finally go down. Will finally get to have match we have wanted. Will finally make fans proud.

A moment passes.

Merlot: Jennifer? Merlot will not hold back. Can’t hold back. And will hope you will do the same. Hai.

Merlot then pushes off the crate and flips off the screen. The camera begins to fade to black.

---

Graveyard Match
2 Broke Chicks vs Mz Holly Wood and Kelli Torres

2 Broke Chicks walk toward the center of the graveyard. They meet up with Holly and Kelli, who are dressed as a dead bride and groom.  They exchange some trash talk before Holly pulls a shovel from behind her and whacks Jane with it, sending her right into the grave.  Holly continues to pelt her with it as Kelli grabs onto Chi Chi and goes to fling her into the grave, but Chi Chi is able to stop herself from going in.  She gets away and jumps on top of a gravestone and leaps off with Body Press, knocking Kelli into the grave.  She turns around and goes to Dropkick Holly into the grave, but Holly maintains her balance.  She turns around and begins brawling back and forth with Chi Chi.  Kelli grabs onto Chi Chi’s ankles, but Chi Chi kicks backward.  She pulls the bokken out of the samurai sheath and begins bashing Holly with it.  Holly falls to the side and crawls around, trying to avoid the strikes.  Holly ducks a shot, and it hits Kelli right in the forehead, knocking her back.  Holly trips Chi Chi up, and plants a DDT on top of a mound of dirt.  She goes to roll Chi Chi into the grave, but Jane reaches up and drags Holly into the grave and crawls out.  2 Broke Chicks win by placing both opponents into the grave at the same time.  Jane helps Chi Chi up and they celebrate their win as Holly crawls out to check on Kelli.

---

The scene opens backstage once more, where we see Amy a little while after her visit to Gianni. She sits on a packing crate with her cell phone in hand as she messages someone before tucking her cell phone away and then shifts the GRIME Championship from her shoulder to her lap.

Amy: Oh look favoritism at play… I asked for a change in the stipulation of this pumpkin jello thing, but I was denied with a whole lot of sarcasm but what I got was a no holds barred instead. So there goes your favoritism.  Sorry Halo Annis… your hope for an easy night in pumpkin guts and juice just went out of the window.

Now last week, I faced off against Esther Azarov and that was perhaps the toughest match of my career. Sorry Esther but you weren’t the tough part of the match it what the cage. I can confirm that cage was no joke and that shit hurt as Esther also found out. Also aside from a small cut… there wasn’t no lasting effects of that cage.

So moving onto this week’s Halloween show and the interesting stipulations. So the GRIME champion gets a pumpkin juice match. When I first read this match my first reaction was to gag at the description. Just sounds so vile. But them my second thought was - are we stuck in the 90’s and those bullshit matches?  That’s why I asked Gianni if I can change it or even add weapons. Unfortunately, my request was denied and instead after a brief discussion it was changed. I am not happy about it but it better than it was.

Now Halo.  We have met before… long before I was champion and to be brutally honest. You lost and I won.  I will do it all again and successfully defend my championship. It may not be the most conventional match and it’s going to be messy, but I will be focused as normal and being the ever professional I will do what I need to do no matter how degrading it feels.  Hopefully though the addition to this match being no holds barred makes things slightly better.

So Halo… be thankful that I’ve done this… but also be thankful that you are in this match and be thankful that this isn’t like the match from last week.  Tonight, as I said I will be defending my championship and I will be winning.  I am a dominant champion for once and I will continue being so… 100 plus days flies by and that I can’t wait to make it 200 days and so on.

Tonight you have a chance in the limelight but I will snuff that out just as easily you got this championship opportunity.

I will see you soon.

Amy hops off the packing crate as the spots Joshua Acquin walking past with his championship belt.

Amy: Hey Joshua.

Joshua stops and Amy catches up.  The scene fades out on Amy and Joshua talking and walking down the corridor.

---

Costume Battle Royal - GRIME Tag Team Championships
Kawaii Dragons Vs Dying Breed Vs Jamie Staggs and Shorty Vs Ass N Clazz, Vs Andrey and Esther Azarov Vs Kandy Kaine and Jerry Cann vs N.F.G.

As the bell rings, Jamie Staggs (dressed as Despayre) and Shorty (dressed as Angel the teddy bear) begin spinning with fists out, knocking into people.  They first take a set of Vulcans (Dying Breed), as they fall to their knees.  Shorty throws hard punches at Ivan as Jamie hits rapid knees to Andrew.  Andrey and Esther (Soviet werewolves) square off with Jerry Cann and Kandy Kaine (a chocolate bar and a lollipop).  Disco Dancers (Azz n Class) are moving around, trying to avoid NFG, dressed in shadows, but wind up getting instantly taken down by the Kawaii Dragons, dressed as zombified Monstimals. Azz n Class is eliminated at 2:07.  The Kawaii Dragons find their way back in the frey as NFG attempt to grab onto them.  Javi picks Shorty up instead, and nails an Atomic Drop as Omasa whips her sword at Jamie, using the momentum to dump him over the ropes. Jamie Staggs, and partner Shorty, are eliminated at 2:43.  Kandy and Esther are jockeying for position against the ropes, each other nearly eliminating their opposition.  Jerry kicks Andrey in the gut and tries to flip him over the ropes, but Andrey holds on.  Esther lets go of Kandy to try to save Andrey by nailing a Low Blow to Jerry.  She uses her force to lift Jerry up and onto the apron.  Kandy tries to break it up, but Esther ducks, and Kandy knocks into Jerry, eliminating their team in the process. Jerry Cann, and partner Kandy Kaine, are eliminated at 6:17.  Dying Breed attempt to come at Andrey and Esther, but the two duck and lift Ivan onto the ring apron with Andrey.  Esther ducks punches as Andrew stalks her, backing her into a corner.  Esther ducks outside under the bottom rope and shouts at Andrew.  Andrey and Ivan continue trying to knock each other off of the apron.  Andrey finally nails Ivan in the nose, and then shoves him to the outside floor! Dying Breed is eliminated at 8:33.  Andrey finds himself lifted over the ropes by Javi and Omasa, and he hits the floor just seconds later. Andrey, and partner Esther, The Azarov’s are eliminated at 8:38.  Javi and Omasa look around as they hear scurrying under the ring.  Omasa goes to the outside, lifting up the apron to try to find the Kawaii Dragons, but they are just a little too quick.  They slide inside as Javi watches Omasa closely.  Tatsu McPherson and Winter Raab dump Javi over the ropes, jumping up and down. Javier Gonzalez, and partner Omasa Tazu, are eliminated at 10:03.  Therefore, Kawaii Dragons win and retain their titles as the last team standing.  Dirt covered Jane and Chi Chi come rushing after them and their titles, as the Kawaii Dragons meet them with fire extinguishers, blinding them.  When the dust settles, the Kawaii Dragons are gone.

---

Marissa Henry enters the locker room of Team Canada who are definitely in the Halloween spirit, Earl is dressed in the style of James Bond, Dahlia and Sarah, his Bond girls. Earl walks over to Marissa and takes her hand and in a cheesy english accent introduces himself.

Earl: Good evening Ms. Henry, allow me to introduce myself, the name Lockyer, Earl Lockyer.

Marissa smiles and nods then turns to Stewart and Gail dressed and notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde.

Marissa: Cool costumes everyone, but I still have a job to do and I’d like to ask Stewart about tonight's match.

Stewart: great costume right, I catch criminals for a living, so Gemma thought it would be a great to dress as two of America’s most famous criminals,  now about tonight match a jack-o-lantern on a pole match, goes well with tonight’s theme, but I still intend on giving the fan here tonight a great title defense, Hitamashii the guy is tougher than a two dollar steak for sure and tonight isn’t going to be an easy title defense by any means, but tonight I’ll retrieve the jack -o- lantern smash it over his head and retain my title.

---

Pumpkin Juice Match - GRIME Championship Match
Amy Santino vs Halo Annis

The moment the bell rings, Halo catches the champion off guard by leaping across the juice and pulp filled pool and spearing her with a wet splash! Champion and challenger roll around in the wet much, completely immersing themselves in the wet mess, while trading blows to each other's faces and heads! Halo ends up on top and chokes Amy with both hands until the champion gouges her eyes and throws her off! Amy slides into Halo with a quick shining wizard strike for a count of two! Amy pulls her into a front chancery and delivers repeated Muay Thai knee strikes into her trapped and exposed head until Halo sweeps her legs out from under her. Halo then catapults her across the pool, slamming her face into the near corner! Amy staggers back and Halo comes from behind with a one handed bulldog! Halo then straddles the champion’s back and forces her head under the pumpkin juice/pulp combo! Amy’s arms flay and legs kick as Halo feigns indifference to the referee’s requests to break! Halo tortures the champion, pulling her up for a gasp of air before shoving her head back under! Amy rolls her over but Halo counters with a body scissors! Amy turns around and stands up, picking Halo up BY THE HAIR and throws her down! Before Halo can begin to get up, Amy delivers a superkick to the face! Amy then locks in the Punk Lock! Halo holds out for as long as she can before she ultimately taps out! Winner by submission and STILL GRIME Champion: Amy Santino! Amy stands up and wipes the juice/pulp from her hair and flicks it on Halo.

---

Joshua is seen in the back with his GRIME Championship belt.

Joshua: Last week I got to watch who would face me in the ring for this championship that I have so well defended week in and out.  This week the man that thinks he will take this championship from me is none other than Rory Rockerfeller.  I really hope they have cleaned up around the ring after the pumpkin juice match, because I don’t want to have good old Rory claiming he slipped on some liquid or that he had an allergic reaction to the pumpkin.  I want him to have no excuse when I win.

Joshua walks around what appears to be a table but when he comes around to the front you can see it is a casket.  He opens up the lid.

Joshua: Rory you better get used to seeing the inside of this casket because that is where I am going to put you.  When I do that I will be on to High Stakes to defend the GRIME Championship again. Also I will have a SCU Combat Championship match.  After High Stakes I will be SCU’s first double champion.  Now if you don’t mind I have some work to do and I must get ready.

Joshua takes the golden mask and puts it on and ties it before heading out.

Joshua: I remember wearing a gold mask before and winning the TV championship before I merged it and became the GRIME Championship.  I will use this mask to win and since a rule is I have to be in costume so I am going back to wearing this mask for one night only.  Time to go.

In the distance you can hear Judas playing on the arena’s PA system

---

Casket Match - GRIME Championship
Joshua Aqcuin vs Rory Rockerfeller

The bell rings and the men meet in the center of the ring in a lock up, each attempting to over power the other! The slightly heavier Rory gains the upper hand and backs the champion into the ropes where he begins a barrage of forearms and fists! Joshua isn’t the champion for nothing however as he reverses their positions, turning Rory into the corner where he buries his shoulder into his midsection over and over before landing an uppercut to the chin! Joshua goes for an Irish whip but Rory reverses it and Acquin comes off the ropes with a float-over DDT! Acquin rolls the challenger toward the ropes and attempts to force him into one of the open caskets but Rory grabs hold of the ropes and puts on the brakes! Fighting back, Rory literally sinks his teeth into Joshua’s nose until Acquin has to back off! Rory stands up and Acquin comes charging but Rory catches him by surprise with a flying cross arm breaker! Joshua tries to roll out but Rory turns that into a Kneeling Fujiwara! Rory drags him up and brings him right back down with a Hangman’s neck breaker, followed up by an Implant DDT! Now Rory tries to shove Acquin through the ropes and into a casket but the champion braces himself, placing his arms against the casket interior! Rory moves over and grabs his trademark cocktail shaker, paying no mind as a shaken Acquin has a rag and sprays something into it. Rory turns around and Joshua shoves the rag into his face! Rory drops the cocktail shaker and struggles but soon succumbs to the ether and sinks to the mat, a sleeping lump. Joshua then drags him over to the ropes and dumps him into an open casket, latching it behind him! Winner and STILL GRIME Champion: Joshua Acquin! Joshua parades the ring and holds aloft his belt. He then makes the mistake of wiping the sweat from his face with the very same rag and falls into the ropes, dazed and chloroformed!

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Before Krystal can respond she is blindsided from behind by Char Kwan and her bodyguards causing her to let go of Mr. Chalmers’ tie in the process! As Char’s manager readjusts his tie the three Asian women put the boots to the Australian Champion before Char directs traffic and they drag her out to the stage, with Mr. Chalmers in hot pursuit.

Mr. Chalmers: Kiara, get the table! Char, you know what to do!

The two Asian women nod as Kiara sprints down to the ring to retrieve a table from under it, she sprints back up the ramp table in hand and they set it up off the side of the ramp. They drag Krystal down there and get ready to put her through with a Triple Powerbomb.

Ariana: HEY!

The crowd goes wild as Ariana Angelos appears from out of nowhere from atop the ramp and Char discards Krystal just as Ariana drives off and hits all three with a diving Cross Body wiping them out! Mr. Chalmers uses the confusion to get Char and the rainbow haired woman to safety but……..

Krystal: Hey Super Nintendo Chalmers, you forgot someone!

Krystal calls out to them, and we see that Krystal has Kiara by the hair! Without hesitation Krystal puts Kiara between her legs and drives her through the table with the Down Under Thunderbomb! Char quickly charges down the ramp and brawls with her opponent for High Stakes XI whilst the Rainbow Haired woman exchanges blow with Ariana until security pours out to break up the brawl.

Krystal: I’LL SEE YOU AT HIGH STAKES XI BITCH!

Char: I’m coming for that title Krystal!

The four bombshells are dragged backstage by security whilst Mr. Chalmers helps Kiara to the back.

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Jack-O-Lantern On A Pole Match - SCU Underground Championship
Stewart Mason vs Hitamashii

The bell rings and the Main Event of the evening is underway! Both champion and challenger immediately run for the corner and make to climb and retrieve the Jack-O-Lantern but neither are able to make it! They both reach the middle rope of the corner before they begin to fight, throwing punches to drive the other off! Stewart then swings wide for a clothesline to knock him off of his perch but Hitamashii ducks and Stewart clotheslines the pole instead! The blow almost sends him toppling over to the floor but Hitamashii grabs him by the hair and slams his head into the pole, then throws him back to the canvas below! Crash landing! Hitamashii then begins to scale the corner himself but a resilient Stewart ducks up behind him and brings him crashing from the corner with a B-I-G German suplex! You can hear the chants of “HOLY SHIT!” from all over the arena! Both men slowly recover and roll over to face one another. They start to rise and once on their knees, the fight begins! Stewart throws a gist and Hitamashii answers back with his own! Stewart! Hitamashii! Blow after blow until the training by the challenger takes control and Hitamashii lays in a number of open handed palm strikes, stunning the Underground Champion! Hitamashii stands and one right after the other, begins to lay in rapid fire kicks to the kneeling champion’s sternum with the fans calling out “YES!” after each one! Hitamashii then races into the ropes as Stewart stands up and Hitamashii jumps for a Hurricanarana but the quick thinking on the part of the champion allows him to counteract that with a sitout powerbomb! Stewart fights to recover and he drags the challenger to his feet and scoops him up for a running powerslam, only for Hitamashii to slip down behind him and trap him in a standing Asuka lock! Hitamashii takes him down to the mat but there are no tap outs! No submissions! Finally Hitamashii releases the hold, leaving the champion choking and gasping! Stewart is a fighter and forces himself to stand but as he does so, Hitamashii comes flying off the ropes with a Kansasha knee strike, laying the champion out! Beaten and exhausted, Hitamashii stands up and turns to the corner when a barely there champion kicks a boot up between his legs, dropping him! Hitamashii clutches himself and slowly sinks down to his knees as now both champion and challenger struggle to recover in time! Hitamashii is the first up and he stumbles to the corner and climbs! But again Stewart is right behind him and grabs him by the back of the tights! Stewart pulls himself up behind him and in the corner, perched on the top turnbuckle, Stewart locks in the Payday! Hitamashii struggles but to no avail! Stewart lets go and returns the favor from the beginning of the match and slams his head into the pole! Stewart then reaches up - and he gets the Jack-O-Lantern! He turns and brings it crashing down on Hitamashii’s head, sending it and its contents exploding all over both men! Hitamashii falls back as the bell rings! Winner and STILL Underground Champion: Stewart Mason! Stewart celebrates on the top turnbuckle, holding up the Underground Championship belt while below, Hitamashii struggles to recover from the loss!

---

Walking on Broken Glass)
Mandarin Oriental Luxury Hotel; Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. 10/6/2021


The invitation had been received in no certain order.  I was given an address, and a rough time estimate of when to arrive.  I had barely just unpacked everything for the few days I would be in town.  They found their temporary home, and I had kicked my feet up on the bed in the most comfortable of fashions.  But, some things take priority over rest.  Action is necessary.  At least that’s what Dr. Liddel had said in our last session when we discussed the topic.  The jury is still out on that one.  But, I made sure I was half way presentable before leaving for what seemed like a very long journey, even though it was just a few miles away from where I was staying.

I arrived, and with no certain hesitation, I knocked on the door.  I waited as I could hear the soft talking within the suite.  I even checked my phone to make sure I had the right room, and it most certainly was.  I could tell by the hallway alone that this hotel was leaps and bounds above where I was staying.  The grey was so clean that it almost sparkled like silver.  The whites were crisp and almost glowed under the fluorescent lighting.  And the tasteful mahogany tables periodically spread through the hallway with fresh floral arrangements made evident by the sweet smell permeating from the buds added just a touch of colorful pop.  Needless to say, I was quite envious.

The banter proceeded once the door opened, and I found myself standing there impatiently.  It took little time before my cheeks started to burn, showing that my annoyance was going to escalate.

Me: Well? …  I’m not the pizza guy. Are you letting me in or leaving me standing here?

And just like that, Kristjan steps aside, and I get the most wonderful view of the room.  Needless to say, it puts the hallway to shame.  The floor to ceiling windows shrouded by shimmering grey curtains are letting in light to show off the perfectly pressed sheets upon the bed in the distance.  A chair is next to the main window, with the most exquisite view of the water.  It’s almost mesmerizing.  I can see a small end table next to the chair, with a book turned over as if I had somehow interrupted him.  It felt almost passive-aggressive.  But then I remind myself that he is not my mother, and I walk further in, feeling Kristjan’s eyes glued to my backside.  I take a certain level of joy from the ego boost.  But as I begin to take in the details of the family room I’m in, envy starts to show.

Me:  Wow.  You’re living large. How the hell is it that you have a suite like this and I end up in a room looking more like Motel 6??

Fenris:  What can I say? My manager likes me more than your manager.

I simply roll my eyes, unbeknownst to my host.  After an offer of alcohol and some unpleasant small talk, I sip on the honey infused scotch and continue to look around.  The small glance of the bathroom was enough to make me want to live there.  Yes.  In the bathroom.  The conversation turns to what is going on now.  Sure, “the talk” hasn’t been brought up yet, but this man’s constant need to keep everything private has me certain that we will be alone soon.  And that is when Kyssa is brought up.

Me:  Who is Kyssa?

Aron:  This is Kyssa.

And instantly, my heart melts a little.  Yes, this cold, dead heart finds a way to become alive again, even if only just a little.  The white husky who I swear has some wolf in her, comes running from the room.  Aron attempts to keep a firm lead, but I come down to my knees, and my arms fly wide open.  For a moment, I am human again as Kyssa gives me a thousand fast, excited kisses.  I start to stand, but she is not finished, and she lets me know it by jumping up.  I take her paws in my hands and we share an instant bond.  My face almost hurts from smiling, but I can’t help it.  Now, this… this I would hate to gather the attention of TMZ, because I have a reputation of being an asshole to uphold.  I dance around with Kyssa before realizing that I may have just fallen into a trap.  I gently release her paws and I straighten myself out, returning to a state of resting dick face.  Aron has seen through this, and so has Kristjan.

Aron:  There is plenty to see, so we may be gone for quite some time.

Fenris:  That’s fine. We may need every bit of that time.

Me:  Maybe…

I let the uncertainty hang in the air as the two brothers have a bit of a silent conversation between themselves.  Aron pleasantly excuses himself, and Fenris motions to the couch.  One that I can already tell will not let me get up without some sort of a nap first.  Hesitantly, I accept the invitation and have a seat.  Another sip of the rich scotch, and I detect the notes of honey much stronger with the second taste.  Fenris puts his glass down on the glass top coffee table, but I choose to swirl mine around a bit with a few solid flicks of the wrist in just the right motion and frequency.

Me:  I don’t really want to beat around the bush here, Kristjan.  We both have questions, and we both have answers.  I’m just a bit shocked that you care so much about where I’ve been, considering my phone never rang once other than my sister checking on me.  Not FUCKING once, dude.

There is a bit of regret on Kristjan’s face, and the tinge of pain requires a sip of scotch, from both of us.  Almost in unison, we drink.

Fenris:  As you said.  Communication is a two way street.

Me:  Oh don’t you dare act all high and mighty all of a sudden.  I’ve had enough of that in my life, let me tell ya…

Fenris:  What is the saying?  What’s good for the goose is good for the gander?

I feel my teeth grinding inside of my mouth, yet somehow it makes no discernable sound.  I can tell my nostrils are flaring up, and that red heat in my cheeks is swelling up.  Of course, part of that last one could be from the potent scotch.

Me:  If you only knew what I was going through, then you might understand why I didn’t feel the need to call you.  I’ve never had a shoulder to lean on in my entire life.  I don’t need it.  But that doesn’t mean I’m required to bend to the every whim of others.

Fenris:  By calling me to let me know how you are doing?

Me:  And tell me why the HELL would I do that when our last exchange was you practically denying my existence?  Telling people that we are nothing?  Shaming me for being proud to be with you, and not being afraid to shout it to the world?  If it wasn’t clear, Kristjan, you fucking hurt me.  You mortally wounded me.  You reached into my soul, found every little fucking thing that I was insecure about, and you threw them at me, all at once.

The audacity; it seems to be stored in the balls.  I can’t even concentrate on Kristjan in front of me, not even enough to hear his next words.

Fenris:  You’re right.

Me:  You humiliated me in front of a bunch of strangers.  You made me out to be a piece of shit just because I have the unfortunate condition of having feelings for you.  That’s fucked up.  It tore me in half!  It made me feel two inches tall, and in the very worst ways possible.  We had a rocky start, but I am the one who is new to this lifestyle.  I’m the one who admitted I screwed up by projecting on you.  I’m the one who made an effort to come to you to apologize, and make things right.  That should have been a sign.  A big red flag, waving around, repeatedly smacking me in the face.

Again, I don’t hear his words.

Fenris:  You’re right…

Me:  I took responsibility for my actions.  I’ve owned up to them, and I think I’ve proven myself to you that I am loyal, despite the many, many advances I’ve gotten since coming out.  Yet, you’re still ashamed of me?  On social media, denying me.  Denying us.  That would be hurtful to the most loud and proud homosexual.  But considering I’ve just stepped out of that closet built by religious extremist conversion therapy…

The tears are not coming.  My pride won’t allow them, even if they are attempting to well up in my eyes.  Instead, I grit my teeth, trying not to show my anger anymore, because at this point, it just doesn’t seem worth it.  I turn my head and then knock back the remainder of the scotch in the glass.  With this small distraction, Fenris moves over to the couch beside me and forces me to turn my head.  He looks right into my eyes with his own ice blue eyes.

Fenris:  You’re right!  David!  You’re right…

Me:  You… wait, what?  Did… did you just say…?

Fenris:  Three times now.  Maybe you should get your ears cleaned out.  Or at least settle down.  You have to understand where I was coming from.

I take a second to regulate my breathing and calm myself down, but I rebound quickly.

Me:  And you have to understand that I am not Kris Ryans.  I am not Ty West.  I’m not going to get us caught on security surveillance and I’m not going to parade you around like some token boyfriend, forcing you to go to parties with my besties.  And you have to know that I could never do the last part, because I’m a miserable bastard who has no friends.  And I’m not exactly girly.  I’m happier going out for a few beers, watching a Sooners game, four wheeling at the sand dunes…

I’m pretty sure that I’ve reassured him of a few things, but the apprehension is still there.

Fenris:  I have always been a private person.  I do not like the details of my personal life, be it familial or even romantic, being broadcast to the entire world.

Me:  You do realize that I am an anti-pastor for an anti-church, right?  We did some very filthy things in that cabin on that ship.  Sometimes I have to lead by example.  You unlocked something carnal within me.  And I can’t promise I won’t do it again.  But not every detail is meant to be spread. I am not trying to be persuasive, but I do want you to know that I’m not going to air our business on a regular basis, because I’m not a drama queen.

With a nod, Fenris seems to understand where I am coming from.  Whether he agrees or not is an entirely different story.  He sighs and looks away from me for a moment, giving a long pause before turning back to me.

Fenris:  I told you I was a toxic boyfriend.

Me;  Yeah, well, I’m not exactly the most sane person myself.  That’s got to count for something, I guess… I mean, who asks someone out by beating them down in the name of “God”?

Kristjan looks at me, and I swear I almost saw a smile on his face.  You know, one that isn’t taunting or smartassed in any way?  But, it could be the lighting, I guess.  Despite his best efforts to unwittingly push me away, I pick up his hand and hold it in mine.  He doesn’t so much as squirm, but instead he holds my hand tighter.  We sit there in silence for a good long moment, just staring out of the window at the water outside.  And for a moment, I feel completely at peace.  Until he turns and looks at me again.

Fenris:  You still never answered my question.  Where have you been, and why did you just randomly disappear?

I think about it for a moment, and then I smirk as I tilt his chin up just a touch with my free hand.

Me:  Are you going to sit there and ask questions, or are you going to kiss me?

With little to no thought, Kristjan leans into me, that cold burning Icelandic passion nearly knocking me through a loop.  My hands go up in surrender as Kristjan continues on, making my eyes flutter back behind my eyelids.


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Where Have You Been?!?
Water Taxi near the Wharf; Washington D.C. 10/7/2021

“Are you sure?”

The smoky cloud brushes past my face, interrupting the view of the water.  My concentration is broken as I turn to look at my sister.  Her husband is looking down at his phone, but is proudly displaying the SCU Combat Championship on his shoulder.  He does a duck lip selfie, making me snigger a bit.  Esther raises her eyebrows, holding her arms out to the side as if to remind me that she asked me a question.

Me:  Why wouldn’t I be? I’m tired of sitting at home anyway.  Plus, I had a match last week.

She rolls her eyes and flicks her ashes into the water as we fly by.

Esther:  Yeah, against The Troll.  That’s like fighting Sheldon Cooper on massive amounts of Twinkies.

Me:  It was a match.  It helped me shake off what little ring rust I had during my absence.  I’m ready for a real match.  It’s just unfortunate that I have to go up against the spawn of Christina Rose…

Esther takes another drag, refusing to give in to talking about that one.  Instead, she leans on the railing of the boat taxi.

Esther:  Are you just going to ignore the entire reason that you’ve been gone for two months?  There’s a reason, and it’s a pretty serious one at that.

Me:  Really?  You’re going there with me?

Esther:  You were asked by your bosses to take a mental health leave.  I came and visited you in a psychiatric ward back in Vegas for two weeks.  It’s not like you were on some sort of soul searching sabbatical or whatever bullshit.

Me:  And that’s my business.  You didn’t have to come and visit me.  You chose to.  And honestly, I’m surprised that you didn’t need to take leave also.

Esther looks at me with an expression that asks “Are you fucking serious?”  She lets it hang there for a very, very long minute.  Almost uncomfortably long.  Even when I return my gaze to the water, I can feel the stare on me.

Me:  We lost grandpa.  That took a real toll on me.  I’m sorry if I’m just more of a loving grandchild than you are.

Esther:  Fuck you for that one.  No, there’s more to it.  A lot more.  And if you had spoken to Dr. Liddel sooner like I asked you to, then you might not have been forced to take a leave of absence and risked actually getting fired.

Me:  For all you know, I could’ve just been trying to duck Senor Vinnie.  Did you ever think of that?

Esther:  Oh, yeah… I’m so sure that’s what it was.  Not that he couldn’t kick your ass if loverboy wasn’t around to protect you, but you’re too damn stubborn to ever let that enter your mind.  Plus, your bosses checked in with me regularly.  Christian even gave me a list of medications that wouldn’t cause soft peter syndrome.  But, thinking back on that, it might have been for other reasons… But Mark also checked in like every few days.  We talked about what was going on.  You got drunk and got into a fight with a catering guy because he didn’t have vegan sausages.

I smirk, because I remember that situation, even though I make it a point to deny remembering it to anyone who asks.

Me:  Shit happens.  The important thing is that I got my head screwed back on a bit, and I’ve been hitting the gym to stay in shape.  Your lovely husband over there has helped me with sparring sessions.  I am ready to get back to business as usual.  Plus, I think me and “loverboy” worked things out a bit.  We seem to be on the same page for once.

Esther:  For now… You two like imagine what would be the best thing to do in regards to your relationship, and then you do the opposite.

Me:  Says the one who got married after like a month of dating someone.

Andrey looks away from his phone, scowling at me.

Andrey:  Nyet. Me and your sister have very passionate relationship, da.  We get each other.  Like peas in pod.  You and Kristjan are, as you say, water and oil.

Me:  So, you’re saying that you don’t think he and I are meant to be?

Andrey:  This is not what I say.  I say, right now, both of you find ways to fight and be mad at each other.  Unlike with me and Esther, you two get violent, or refuse to talk.  Strong skulls.  Thick is maybe right word?

Esther laughs and points at me.

Esther:  Yeah, we communicate.  Ya know, because we’re not infantile.

I don’t say anything.  Instead, I look out into the water, wondering if Kristjan and I are just a messy timebomb, waiting to explode.  The salty sea air stops me from getting too deeply into that thought.  Esther smacks my shoulder playfully.

Esther:  Oh, come on.  I’m just busting your balls, bruh.  Truth is, after what you went through, I don’t blame you for not knowing up from down.  And your breakdown was just proof that there was way too much damage done by that “conversion therapy” than even I realized.

Andrey:  It is not good for psyche to suppress one’s true nature.  Growing up in Russia, I understand hiding sexuality.  As a bisexual man, I too had to hide in shame.  This part, I understand.  Conversion therapy, not so much mon capitaine.

Me:  Oh my dog, please don’t.  It’s hard enough to understand you with the Russian accent, but then you go and throw another language in there?

Andrey cracks a smile of his own.  He rubs my shoulder in a brotherly manner.

Andrey:  You have full support from me as well as your sister.  We are family, and despite rough start, we support each other.  And it is one reason I cannot trust Gerald fully, ever.  What he did to you both is disgusting.

Esther:  Hey, enough about our piece of shit parents.  Why don’t we go back to making David squirm.  It’s my favorite pastime.

Esther begins poking me in the side, trying to stir something up.  I try not to let it do anything to me, but eventually I start to laugh.  I hate it when people try to cheer me up, and I hate it even more when it works.  However, that can only last a moment before my phone rings with a number I don’t quite recognize.  I answer it.

Me:  Hello?

There is a cackling in the phone speaker, along with the sound of squeaking.  Without a second’s hesitation, I cut the caller off from the beginning.

Me:  Skag… and here I thought I only had to deal with you at shows and at my church…

Skag:  Hallo herr David.  Wie Gehts?  Did you miss meeeee?

Me:  No…

Esther:  What the fuck is that weirdo doing calling you?

Skag:  Hallo Esther!  We miss you.  Somebody had to take the falls and make the rest of us look good, ja?

Me:  She can’t hear you, and I’m not repeating that.

Esther:  What?!  Tell me what that prick said!

I turn away from Esther and Andrey and I start walking away so that I can have a private conversation.

Skag:  Liebchen, are you there?  Have we been disconnected?  Oh bother…

Me:  No, I’m still here.  Look, what do you want?  I’m trying to visit with my family before they have to leave.  Not to mention, I don’t really want to talk to you as it is.

Skag:  Mein heart.  Ouch.  Filth wonders if you have received her pledge because she has not heard from you.  And I still look to pledge mein mund to dein glied, herr Shepherd.  Mmmmm…

Sigh, eyeroll that he cannot see, and the threat of vomit tickling at the back of my throat as I wretch a little.

Me:  I’m still thinking it over.  The pledge to the church, anyway.  Mein glied will go nowhere near your mund, I promise you.

Skag:  Your loss, liebchen.

Me:  Look, I’m not trying to be on the phone longer than I have to be.  Tell your boss that I’m astounded at the fact that her pockets seem to be bottomless, and that could be very much of value to me.  And your methods have proven to work, somehow.  I’m going to say yes to the proposal.

Skag:  Wunderbar! We shall see you on Sunday, David.  Auf wiedersehen, zucht!

Before I can finish shuddering from that statement, he hangs up the phone.  I stand there, almost shocked with myself for agreeing to work with those two.  No amount of money is quite worth all of that mess.  But, my thoughts are interrupted by Esther as she stands on the tips of her toes to look at my phone.

Esther:  What the fresh hell was that all about?

I could answer the question, but I’m not in the mood to hear about it.  I slide the phone back into my pocket.  I take the cigarette from her fingers and take the last drag before flicking it out into the ocean.  I hold it in for a few seconds longer than intended before blowing it right in Esther’s face.

Me:  You reeeeeeeeeeeally don’t want to know.

And with that, I turn and take a seat out of the sun.  Esther stomps, throwing a bit of a fit as she tries to get me to speak, but I take the hat off of my head and put it over my face as I act as if I’m about to take a nap, which I wind up actually doing just out of spite.


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Revelations (Part 10)
Church of Heathenous Shepherds; Las Vegas, NV 10/8/2021

Me: My duties as Brother Shepherd have certainly changed over the years.  In fact, I became Father Shepherd about a year ago when I opened the Church of the Good Shepherds Las Vegas Chapter, but it just didn’t feel right to take on the same alias as my father, Gerald.  So instead, I stuck with the pseudonym.  And before you try to tell me “David, don’t you mean ‘alias’?”  No, I do not.  See, also in the last year, I’ve learned that religion is bullshit.  Christianity is a farce far greater than any other “faith”.  Pious, indignant, arrogant, judgmental, and a whole lot of blood on their hands.  I hear you thinking “But David, can’t you say that for just about any major religion?”  Yes.  But, what group holds the most power in their hands in the Americas, most of Europe, a large percentage of Africa, Australia, and even Asia?  As a matter of fact, this blind skydaddy cult is in the lead worldwide by point four BILLION.  So, ever since I took on the name of “Brother David Shepherd”, it was all based on lies, fiction.  So I’m sticking with the word “pseudonym”.

As I was saying, my path in life has changed drastically.  And it is all part of a plan.  Not God’s, but of my own.  I was snapped back to reality while somehow also being flung into insanity.  I attempted to burn down my church.  The one that I built independently of my family.  I tried to fix it, but it was not in me.  Instead, I let it be a shadow of what it used to be.  I embraced that darkness.  For, in the darkness, you are protected.  The darkness tells no lies.  It is the light where the real monsters roam freely.  It is in the light where narcissism was born, where people’s vanity is most present.  In the darkness, they shake and their insecurities come to light.  In order to find peace in the darkness, you must face yourself.  You must overcome your demons.  I never said it would be easy, but it’s the honest truth.

I have a duty to my congregation to be there for them.  Even though my bread and butter is wrestling, and we’re currently on the road up the east coast, I still make time every Friday night to come and preach to them.  The ones deemed most foul by society, damned by traditional religion for being run by their “demons”, which I call their impulses that make them who they are… they all gather before me.  The rich and the poor.  The well and the sick.  All different backgrounds and orientations gather before me to hear me speak to them.

And yet, I don’t know a single member of my church personally.  I look out at the faces, and not one of them brings me comfort.  It has occurred to me that I have never taken the time to go out amongst my people, and why?  I travel over a thousand miles to speak to them, to stir something inside of them that other religions have made them repress, oppress.  Sins that harm no one, that are second nature to them, and my heart aches for each of them, as a survivor of conversion therapy.  Instead of standing behind a podium, I take the microphone with me and I walk down the steps from the altar and into the aisles.

Me:  While we don’t owe this world a fucking thing, we must distinguish ourselves from those who do not organize their madness, or their “perversions”.  Just because we don’t believe in the word “excess” does not mean that we do not have some sort of a moral compass.  If you don’t, then you’re probably not in the best place.  But, we celebrate your happiness anyway.  That is why, last week, I encouraged you to lean on one another, form a community to go along with this congregation.  It never occurred to me that I was preaching something I was not practicing.  I invited you all to request counsel with me when needed, and that offer still stands.  Those who are struggling with something, anything, I will do everything I can to be a shoulder to lean on.  And I vow to be an inspiration through my performances as well as my sermons.

I begin slowly walking to people randomly, shaking hands with them as I go along.  Surely it isn’t the wisest thing right now, but I have plenty of Purell on my person.  Each member is elated to make my personal acquaintance.

Me:  I find myself going up against many people who, despite my trash talking, are great competitors.  If they weren’t, I wouldn’t be there.  Sometimes, I am not impressed with my competition, and I don’t keep that a secret.  I’m looking right at you, O’Malley, ya sonuvabitch.  Bitching and whining isn’t very becoming.

I look out into the crowd around me, and they laugh as if I had cued them to do so simply by looking at them.  Perhaps it was the unimpressed look on my face that prompted them.  Either way, it was too perfect.

Me:  Sometimes, I just don’t care.  It’s another ass to kick. *cou-Caleb Storms-gh! Cough!*  You know, the type of guy who makes a backhanded comment like that, and then asks for a cough drop like he’s sly or something.  He’s about as impressive inside of the ring as a blow up doll.  And let us not forget his shitty taste in music.  He’s about as bad as Jessie Salco.

Wink, wink.  More laughter from the crowd.

Me:  Now, as is customary, when I am competing, I like to give a little attention to my opponent for the week.  Something this guy is just begging for.  He’s got serious “pick me” vibes.  But, I’m sure you are wondering where he lies on my radar.  Do I respect him?  Do I think he’s a joke?  Could I care less?  That’s a tough spot to pinpoint.  It really is…

I tap my chin as I begin walking up and down the aisle, pacing.  It really is a tough question.  I mean, I barely know the guy.

Me:  By process of elimination, I can say that I do not respect this young man.  He hasn’t paid his dues in the business.  Hell, I barely have, but I’ve done enough to earn my spot at High Stakes, going for the Internet Championship more so than this guy.  I mean, for fucks sake, he’s still a child.  A little boy, who has somehow done less than his sister, which is a hard thing to accomplish when you have parents like they do.  I have some respect here.  I really do.  Being a third generation star is something that I have always admired.  I could say plenty about his parents, but I cannot take away accomplishments that they have made over the years.  Especially mummy dearest.  A Triple Crown Champion.  2018 Hall of Fame inductee. Blast From the Past winner.  Woman of the Year… I mean, the accolades are just so impressive.  And papa bear is not one to snub your nose at either.

The crowd looks at me questioningly, as I seem to be explaining the opposite of what they would expect based on my ruling out respect.

Me:  But the one thing that gets second, third, and further generation stars is that they think they can ride on their parents’ coattails.  They fade into obscurity because they don’t do anything of actual note.  People such as Tim Staggs.  His father was the first to be inducted into SCW’s Hall of Fame.  He carried the brand on his shoulders, and, despite his own arrogance telling him that he deserved more and more, he very well might have done more than just set a standard for SCW.  But his son?  A tag title reign or two?  Whining and crying about not getting what he deserves, when really, he was getting more than he deserves?  The parallel is uncanny.  The entitlement is coming from inside the house…

I say the last part in a spoopy type of voice to add effect to the sarcasm of the statement.  I turn and start to walk back toward the altar, and then the podium.

Me:  I have to at least give Brayden credit for the fact that he is so confident in his skills that he changed his last name to Hilton.  After the circus show his mother has turned this sport into, that’s a brave choice.  I mean, come on!  Even she changed her name because of the embarrassment!  She got so full of herself and screwed the pooch so hard that she had to try putting on a mask, and then taking it off months later without the previous name to hold her back.  Unfortunately, she underestimated people’s ability to remember, as if we were all babies falling for the old peek-a-boo trick.  Not so smart.

I shrug and stop to look at the graffiti on the walls, enjoying it and drawing inspiration from it.

Me:  But you?  You’re an academic of the highest quality up in Michigan State.  A star athlete, Division 1 in Baseball.  Holy wow!  On paper, this kid is a bright, promising young man.  He has everything going for him.  He even has a “hot wife” from Colombia, and a brand new baby.  Simply amazing.  So, why would he risk all of that, week in, and week out?  Why would he put his health, his life, and his future on the line in this sport?  This sport is very unforgiving, afterall.

The crowd begins to ponder as I pause to give them time for it.  I look around, wondering if anyone will be able to solve this riddle, but no one does.  The sly smirk on my face says that the ball is about to drop, and the crowd quiets down.

Me:  It’s because he came from the rotten split in the earth between Crystal Hilton’s legs!  The moment she shat him out into the hands of the doctor, the second he turned Brayden upside down and slapped that ass, Brayden was a Hilton, and god forbid a Hilton knows what humility is!  Just look at his mother.  Not only is she a fucking idiot, but she cannot stand not being the center of attention.  That’s right.  She’s an attention whore of the highest order.  And that worm filled apple didn’t fall far from the tree.  It’s not enough that he got his father’s intelligence, or at least escaped his mother’s lack thereof.  No.  It’s not enough that he’s been gifted with the ability to one day play ball in the big leagues.  He has to selfishly squander it away by literally sticking his neck out on the line, and his shitty attitude is practically begging people to break that neck!

The conversation amongst the congregation picks up some, while some members simply laugh.  Others cheer in agreement with me.  I flip the page of the sermon dialogue, but I’ve gone off the rails already.

Me:  It’s proof that being an asshole is genetic.  Granted, I already knew that, given that I, too, am an asshole.  But Brayden?  He’s a selfish asshole who believes that the world owes him something.  I hate to break it to the kid, but I know at least half of you here know the cold, hard fact that the world doesn’t owe anyone shit.  Privilege is the number one way to make me want to break a face.  And I would hate for Brayden to have to look down at his child and have his child scream in horror for what’s been done to his mug.  That’s why I’m going to leave his face alone as much as I can.  But, nothing else is safe.  Arms, legs, neck, spine, ribs, ass, or pelvis.  Everything else is fair game.  But, trust me when I say that I’m not doing this because I hate the kid.  Hell, in some ways, I kinda admire his tenacity.  But the attitude is the wrong one to have in this business.  Maybe I’m looking out for him, because his genetics are to blame for the asskickings he’s going to get as he tries to rise up the ranks.

I look up, because I’m in his same position, and barely so.  I begin pointing as if pointing to the stars as I name them.

Me:  Jack Washington.  Fenris. Mac Bane. Austin James Mercer. Top tier performers, and none of them are going to deal with that attitude.  Honestly, they’re going to look at it for what it is; pussy ass shit.  Now, I’ll talk shit on any of them, but that’s because I’m going to back it up.  I’m going to bring the fight to them without any hesitation.  I don’t need my sister at ringside to tug my opponent off of me to break up a pin, or to distract the referee, or to put my foot on the rope.  Not that I’m fully above it, and not that it’s never happened, but tell me this… when has it not happened with Brayden?  That’s not skill.  I’d say it’s not smart, but here you are with an SCW contract, so it is what it is.  I don’t get upset when the fans boo me, but I damn sure don’t need help from the outside.  And the fact that I know that this is the tactics he relies on, I may just have my sister come out to keep your sister out of my hair.  It’s bad enough that I have Senor Vinnie to worry about.  I don’t need a snot-nosed, entitled princess added to the list of who I need to watch my back over.

I look behind me, and then dust off my shoulder.  I see the camera phone recording this, and I wave them in closer.  They zoom in on my face, very closely, very seriously.

Me:  So, allow me to say this directly to Brayden.  At the end of the day, you are a mistake.  You are unwanted, unloved.  Not fully and truly loved or wanted, anyway.  Your mom might be an idiot, but the fact that she threw you to the wolves is proof enough that you don’t need to be mixed up in grown folk business.  Go on and live the American dream, finishing up college in Michigan, playing ball for the many scouts.  But don’t do what your incubator did, and split the focus in too many directions.  You’re supposed to be smarter than that.  Lean into your dad a little more.  Drop the “Hilton” and pick up the “Williams” if you want people to take you for someone with an IQ in the triple digits.  Or hell, fuck them both and go back to the name “Matthews” and have a fresh start.  Don’t try to cash in on someone who obviously didn’t want anything to do with you.  Of course, there’s the sob story about your mommy giving you up because she was so young and didn’t know how to raise a child on her own… except she fucking did.  She chose the “Brat Princess”, and she gave her everything she could ever want from a natural parent.  Materialistic things.  Support.  Love.  She didn’t leave sissy with an emotional Napoleon Complex.  And that’s very evident by her attitude.  The fact that you even want to be in the same hemisphere as either of those two really makes me question your ability to make good decisions.  Therefore, I can tell that you’re not ready for a shot at the Internet Championship.  I’m sure you’re a little raw about what I’m saying, but the truth is that I don’t care.  I’m not saying anything that isn’t true.  I’m simply saying that you don’t belong in this match, and probably not even this company.  Definitely not this sport.  If you don’t like it, fight me.  Make me eat those fucking words, kid.  I’ll die on this hill, I promise you.  But hey, maybe one day, you’ll thank me?

I shrug.

Me:  Anyway, that’s enough about that.  I hope you all enjoy your weekend.  Please stay safe, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.  Trust me, that leaves a loooooooooooot of room…

I wave as if I were signing off.  The crowd cheers for me, and I can’t help but smile.  Not just because of the crowd, but because of how much I’m going to enjoy taking Brayden Hilton down, and moving toward my next goal… the SCW Internet Championship!