The crowd is alive with energy inside of the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California. The camera scans around the capacity crowd, cheering and waving while holding up signs for their favorites.

A spotlight begins to shine and the crowd cheers as ring announcer Justin Decent steps out onto the stage, clad in his sexy 'Chippendales' uniform of black spandex pants and matching boots, white collar with black tie and white cuffs. The handsome exhibitionist jogs out to the ring, slapping hands to the fans who reach out to him.

He is handed the microphone by Jason Adams as he runs up the ring steps and climbs inside of the six-sided SCW ring and walks around, pumping his fist in the air to the tune of the crowd's chants;

Crowd: SCW! SCW! SCW!

Justin then hops up onto the corner turnbuckle and smiles, looking out around at all of the fans filling the stands and the rows of seats around the ring itself. He drops back down and takes his place in the center of the ring and brings the microphone up to his lips.

Justin: Hello everyone and welcome to the Walter Pyramid , in Long Beach, California, and welcome to Sin City Wrestling and 'CLIMAX CONTROL'!

The crowd cheers!

Justin: Now please help me welcome the Hostess With the Mostess for "Climax Control" -- Miss Amanda Hugginkiss!

The crowd applauds and cheers as Amanda steps out onto the stage, dressed in a classic disco catsuit and old fashioned bouffant wig! With a skip in her step, she begins the performance. Amanda goes to speak but it is at that moment that she realizes that her microphone isn't working. She tries to sing into it but nothing seems to be going on.

Simone: I think we might be having technical difficulties.

Adams: I don't know what is going on but this just doesn't seem good.

Amanda tries to speak but nothing comes out instead we are treated to the sound of some Brits on microphones, as soon as the crowd hears them there are boos all around.

Ruby: This is a travesty! This is ridiculous! This stupid woman in the ring singing is truly OUTRAGEOUS!!!

Sapphire smirks as she yells into the microphone.

Sapphire: Amanda please excuse yourself OUT of the ring. A boxing Carnie from New Jersey cannot be a queen, she has no royal blood in her. However I give to you a true monarch! A woman who is of English and Scottish blood, a woman whose middle name represents her being named after the Queen. Ladies and gentlemen all hail Diamond Steele!

With that Diamond enters the ring. She has a microphone in her hand and she begins to speak.

Diamond: That is right yours truly is here! What that means is Amanda your performance is cut short! So with that being said you can get out of my ring!!!

With that the Gem Stones all escort Amanda out of the ring as the crowd just roars with nonstop booing. Diamond smirks as she raises the microphone to her mouth and begins to speak.

Diamond: Tonight you all are in for a real treat because tonight is about us performing so...

Diamond grins as her band all get instruments and begins to play.

Diamond: I AM HOLDING OUT FOR A HEROTO THE END OF THE NIGHT! He's gotta be strong he's gotta fresh from the fight!!

Diamond chuckles.

Diamond: You know what you people aren't worth listening to a true rock star!!! Let's go ladies and we a certain Alicia Lukas to address later!

With that the ladies all grin taking their leave as the crowd boos. The camera switches to the broadcasters table where sits Belinda Simone and Jason Adams, both with shell shocked expressions on their faces.

Adams: What the bloody hell was THAT all about!?

Simone: Diamond and the Gemstones just upstaged Amanda's opening performance and didn't even ... perform!

Adams: Small miracles!

Simone: They completely ruined the opening act of Climax Control and for what! The fact they can't stand for anyone else BUT them to have the spotlight!?

Adams: oh you can just bet Mark Ward and Christian Underwood are going to have something to say about THIS!

Simone: Indeed so but let's forget about those rock star wannabes for now! Tonight it is all about the Queen For the Day and I mean Queen Amber Ryan and her 2022 Reign! Tonight's opening match is indeed decreed by Queen Amber as she has usurped Christian Underwood's mandate of Chloe Benton's suspension, and she has given Chloe a fair shot at a match against the debuting Melissa, the ladyfriend of Hall of Famer Goth!

Adams: Some 'chance'! But speaking of chances, former Underground Champion Hitamashii is up against Miles 'Milo' Kasey one on one and this match could have something to do with the Summer XXXTreme X Supercard aboard the Sun Princess cruise!

Simone: I have no idea WHAT has gotten into the Barnharts, Bea or the Bulldog! As now both are denying any involvement in the blinding of Fenris even though the WORLD saw it! Now Bea is talking trash about none other than Samantha Marlowe and these two will find themselves up against one another in singles competition!

Adams: Then two of the Greats in the Bombshell division go at it when we have Mercedes Vargas going against Alicia Lukas!

Simone: Queen Amber has decided to get some payback for the situation King Mark Cross put her in last week, as she has booked "the Dragon" to step inside of the ring against "Godly" Ken Davison!

Adams: Another Queen For A Day match is next! Queen Amber is looking to make amends with Christian for the Chloe Benton spot by taking two of the Bombshells that have annoyed him most lately and putting them against each other! Diamond Steele against Krystal Wolfe! The catch??? The stipulation is being left entirely up to Christian Underwood!

Simone: Which is never a good thing! But the highlight Main Event tonight sees Queen Amber doing what so many wondered if she would, and that is grant herself a shot at the World Bombshell Champion Roxi Johnson with the championship on the line! All this and more on Climax Control!




The show opens up with Slipknot's Unsainted. This brings out the threesome of Goth, Melissa and Ken Davison walk out to the ring to a reaction of mostly boos by the fans.

Adams: Big week for two of these three Saviors this week! With Melissa in her in ring debut against Chloe Benton.

Simone: Indeed Jason, plus "Godly" Ken Davison will face former World Champion Mark Cross.

Adams: He will have his hands full with "The Dragon" Tonight!!

All three step the ropes, Melissa asfinal participant as Goth opens up the ropes for her beforewalki ng over Justin Decent and asks for the microphone as his music dies out

Goth: Tonight is going to be a special night, where not only our friend Ken Davison will show how much of a failure Mark Cross truly is. It will also be the debut of my fiancé Melissa, when she steps foot inside this very ring against Chloe Benton.

The camera moves over to the blonde woman for a moment, who is calm and collective as the shot moves on to the "Godly" Ken Davison with a reassuring smile on his face as Goth continues.

Goth: Tonight is going to be their night, where WE The Saviors will make you realise that the succes of our group wont be limitedto just the title reigns that Mac Bane has had as well as our current Bombshell Roulette champion. But that we want more.

He smiles as he listens to the chorus of boos from the crowd,

Goth: I know you fans have been dying to hear the sweet voice from my soon to be wife, but she prefers to let her actions speak louder than words. So you just have to wait a little bit longer for that.

He says as he and Melissa share a smile before nodding over to Ken Davison.

Goth: But I know someone who has some Godly things to say.

As he hands the microphone over to Ken.

Davison: I came into this company with an agenda. I had things that said I was here to do. One of those things was to be an avenging angel. Matt Knox, you need to recognize that I will avenge your choice of inaction. I will avenge the things you've said. Most importantly, I will avenge the things you have done to disrespect my brethren.

Davison, unlike Goth, does not smile. He stops for a moment to allow his statement to breathe before continuing.

Davison: However, the more immediate focus is Mark Cross.

Davison unzips his priest robes to reveal his Mark Cross t-shirt, the Anne one he was wearing in his promo. Now he smiles.

Davison: I'm not going to sit here and promise all of you that I am going to "slay the Dragon." I don't care if Mark Cross is a king or a dragon. I care about the fact that Mark Cross is a man of flesh and bone. I care about the fact that Mark Cross said a number of things that he needs to take penance for. I care about the fact that he is standing between myself and Matt Knox. I am not here to talk. I am here to make an example of if you. You are the sacrificial lamb that has been led to the slaughter. May Ken have mercy on your soul.

Ken hands the microphone back to Goth, who stares into the camera with a sickening smile on his face as he lifts the microphone to his lips.

Goth: And to all of you out there in the back, don't think I don't have an agenda of my own. Jack Washington may have gotten off with a fluke win over me. But I am positive down the road we will meet again, but he isn't the only one that I have got in my sights... But all will be revealed shortly..

With that Goth drops the mic as his music hits once more and the three members of the Saviors walk off to the back




The scene opens backstage where we see Jessie Salco watching the action on a monitor waiting for the opening match to start.

Jessie: Chloe's a poor little lamb being thrown to the slaughter if Melissa's grip is anything to go by.

Jessie comments as she watches Chloe get in the ring.

Jessie: If nothing else, this will be a good test to see if Melissa is as good as her fiancé.

Jessie adds as the scene fades.




Justin moves into the ring and brings the microphone to his lips.

Justin:The following match is scheduled for one fall...Introducing first...

Standing in the ring, Chloe Benton looks over the crowd with a smile as she waves to the fans before moving to her corner where she begins stretching for her match.

Justin: From Las Vegas, Chloe Benton!

Chloe then once more waves to the fans as she is introduced.

Adams: Chloe is already in the ring and she looks like she is prepared for this match.

Simone: Well she better be because she is facing a newcomer to SCW and this woman is...

Adams: About to be introduced Belinda.

Justin: And her opponent...

We hear a violin and a piano playing softly in the background before the dark voice of Pete Steele can be heard softly singing until he utters the Beast is Going to get ya yeah.... This causes flames to shoot out from the entrance ramp as Melissa walks out to the arena accompanied by her man Goth.

Justin: Coming down the ring accompanied by the Hall of Fame Legend Goth!! Standing in at five foot nine and weighing in at one hundred and thirty pounds!! Hailing from Manhattan, New York!! Lady Goth!! Melissa!!!!

The two walk to the ring, totally ignoring the crowd until they reach the middle of the ramp way. Melissa extends her arms as we Pete Steele sing Your wish is my command, causing Goth to take off her robe that she is wearing as that reveals her in ring wrestling gear. She walks towards the ring, slides underneath the bottom rope and stares at the crowd for a moment before turning her gaze towards Goth as we hear the chorus softly start to swing Let me Love you .... To death... as the two blow a romantic kiss towards each other. Melissa then stands up and walks over towards her corner staring Chloe down.

Simone: Lady Goth is making her debut this week and I can see that she is looking ready to kill from the looks she is giving Chloe.

Adams: Those looks would frighten me too. But there is Summers motioning for the bell and this match is underway.

DING DING DING!

Chloe moves out of the corner as Melissa smirks before stepping forward to join her in the middle of the ring. Chloe holds out her hand which only gains her a glare from Melissa who starts to pace in a circle around Chloe. The two women circle each other before locking up in a collar and elbow tie up that Melissa, using her height and leverage pushes Chloe back into the corner. Summers follows them in and warns Melissa to let go of Chloe and let her out of the corner. Melissa glares at Jacob but moves back with her arms up. She turns to look at Goth as Chloe climbs to the middle turnbuckle then leaps off to catch Melissa with a dropkick to the back that sends her to the mat. Melissa looks over at Chloe who has sprung to her feet. Melissa starts to rise as Chloe rushes the ropes then leaping on the bottom rope, she hits a springboard leg drop that takes Melissa to the mat again. Chloe rolls away as Melissa grabs at her head. Rising slowly to her feet, Chloe looks at Melissa to see if she is getting to her feet before rushing towards her and trying to roll her over. She pins her for only a one count before Melissa easily kicks out.

Adams: Chloe going for the quick pin Belinda. I don't think she did anything but make Melissa mad.

Chloe gets to her feet quickly as Melissa rises and then stalks towards the young woman. Chloe backs away but this time Melissa follows her before slamming a knife edged chop into the chest of Chloe who doubles over with the pain. Melissa pulls her back up and delivers another chop that drives Benton into the corner where Melissa starts to use right and left strikes which force Chloe to the mat fighting for breath. Melissa moves back slightly then charges in with a running knee to the head of Chloe who sags to the mat. Melissa backs away once more as Summers checks on Benton who is lying on the bottom rope catching her breath. Melissa moves towards her once more but Summers motions her back as Chloe uses the ropes to pull herself to her feet. Chloe moves towards Lady Goth who is motioning her forward. Chloe attempts a clothesline that Melissa ducks under. Catching her from behind, Melissa locks in an armbar that forces Chloe to one knee. Pulling Benton back to her feet, Melissa turns the armbar into a hammerlock as Chloe rises on her toes and reaches out for the ropes. Melissa tries to keep her in the middle of the ring but luckily, Chloe manages to make it to the ropes to force the break. Melissa holds the hammerlock in and Jacob is forced to make a five count but Lady Goth releases the hold at four. Letting Chloe go, Melissa moves back with her arms in the air, taunting the fans. Chloe looks at Lady Goth with fear and surprise in her eyes as she walks along the ropes, shaking her arm to get feeling back into it.

Simone: Melissa looks like she is dominating this match tonight Jason. She is learning a lot from her partner Goth.

Melissa stalks towards Chloe who ducks under a grab from Lady Goth then rushes to the other ropes and springboards off with a forearm to the head of an advancing Melissa who staggers away and shakes her head to fight off the affect of the forearm. Chloe watches her for a moment wondering what she should do as Melissa turns to look at her then charges towards her. Chloe ducks under another strike attempt however, Melissa quickly turns and catches Benton in the head with a spinning heel kick that sends the young woman through the ropes and to the floor. Melissa moves to leave the ring but Jacob Summers stops her and motions her to go back as he turns to begin a ten count. On the outside, Chloe is using the ring apron to pull herself to a vertical base. Lady Goth moves to the other side of the ring and drops to the mat and rolls to the outside. Benton sees that and quickly rushes towards the ringsteps that are between her and Melissa. Using them as a launching pad, Chloe jumps at Melissa but is caught in mid air then ragdolled in a bear hug that has her screaming in pain. Jacob is at seven in his count as Chloe manages to escape the bear hug with forearm strikes on the face of Melissa who then drops her. Chloe manages to roll under the bottom rope to break the count and then Melissa rolls under the rope herself only to have Chloe jump on the bottom rope and drop on the back of Melissa who flops to the mat.

Adams: Chloe has Melissa on the mat.

Simone: That is all well and good but she has to pin her shoulders to the mat for the win Jason.

Chloe quickly rolls her over and attempts a pin but Melissa is close enough to the ropes, so she puts her foot on the bottom rope to break the pin as well as keeping a hold on Benton as she gets to her feet. Chloe attempts to clothesline Melissa who ducks then locks her into an abdominal stretch. Chloe cries out in pain as Summers checks on her. Melissa reaches back and pulls on the top rope adding more pain to the shoulder and side of Benton. Jacob looks up but Melissa had let go of the top rope and placed her hand on the hip of Chloe. Jacob moves back to check on Benton who is screaming in pain. With Summers checking on Chloe, Melissa again reaches for the ropes and pulls back. She is checking on Goth and doesn't see Jacob rising and seeing her hand on the rope. He warns her to let the hold go then begins to count. After the four, Melissa drops the hold and then grabs the arm of Chloe and whips her across the ring. Benton rebounds off the ropes only to be caught by Lady Goth with a kick to the midsection. Chloe drops to the mat clutching her stomach as Melissa catches her head and pulls her into a dragon sleeper hold but the pair are close to the ropes and as Chloe is flopped on the mat, her leg is under the ropes and Summers doesn't make the count. Melissa looks at him in surprise then sits back on her heels.

Simone: I think that Lady Goth thought she had this match won with that sleeper but Choe was close to the ropes and that is what saved her.

Melissa gets to her feet and pulls Chloe up to her feet. Whipping Benton across the ring, Melissa catches her in the middle of the ring and slams her down violently with her shade of Black finisher. With Benton laid out on the mat, Melissa lay back on her and grabbing her leg, she rolls up Chloe as Summers drops to the mat to make the count.

Simone: Lady Goth with the pin.

ONE!

Adams: Chloe isn't moving

TWO!

Adams: It looks like a debut win for Melissa tonight

Simone: And a strong message sent to the bombshell locker room

THREE!

Adams: That is it for Chloe, she still isn't moving.

Summers gets to his feet and motions for the bell.

DING DING DING!

Justin: The winner of the match, Melissa!

Melissa tosses the leg of Chloe to the side and rises to her feet. Goth rolls under the bottom rope and joins his lady in the ring where he lifts her arm in victory while Jacob checks on Chloe who is coming around

Adams: What a powerful win for Melissa here tonight abd it just proves that being trained by Goth just adds to this woman's natural talent.

Simone: She may have natural talent but will that be enough considering some of the bombshells we do have here in SCW?

Adams: I guess we will see won't we Belinda!

Melissa and Goth exit the ring as Chloe is slowly helped to the back by Jacob Summers.




Spiritbox's "Circled with me" hits as Alicia Lukas steps out on stage, she smiles and moves down to the ring, wearing street clothes and a mic in her hand. She runs up the steps and leans on the ropes before hooking her leg around the middle rope and gets in the ring. She moves around looking at the fans before the music dies down

Alicia: Well, I told you all I was going to call out Kate St-..sorry DIAMOND Steele tonight. And, as promised, here I am. Later on tonight I will be getting in the ring with Mercedes Vargas, and Diamond has her match with Krystal....so...as a gesture of sportsmanship on MY part...I promise, I will not lay a hand on Diamond....so please...Kate...come on out

Diamond and the Gem Stones begins to blare all across the sound system and as it does we are able to see the likes of the Gem Stones playing on a tron. Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire are all playing various instruments as we are able to see Diamond Steele emerging from the curtain with a microphone in her hand. She sings as loudly as she can to the sound of booingcrowd. Kate smirks as she just sings loudly which results in even more jeers. Diamond finally makes it to the ring and she quickly runs up the ring steps as she grabs the turnbuckle as hard as she can. She immediately leap frogs over the ropes and bounces about before she begins to motion to the curtain. As soon as she does that is when Ruby Steele, Sapphire Taylor, and Emerald McAdams all make their way down to the ring. She smirks as she opens up a pocket mirror and takes a moment to admire how beautiful her hair is as she looks at Alicia.

Diamond: I just love the sounds of boos, it just reminds me that all of these people are a bunch of haters out of. It is quite insulting. It actually is...

Ruby: TRULY OUTRAGEOUS!!!

Diamond smiles as she paces around keeping her eyes locked on Alicia.

Diamond: Now as far as last week goes, let's be honest for a minute. Do you think for one moment that I am actually afraid of being in the ring with Masque or Amber?! No that couldn't be further from the truth. Truth be told the GemStones all get married the week of Into The Void minus that of Emerald because she doesn't know where she stands with Adrienne. We were busy in the Bahamas getting our tan on and making some music underneath those bedsheets. We deserve to spend some time with our significant others and SCW just wasn't in the plans.

Diamond shakes her head in disgust as she speaks some more.

Diamond: If I truly was a Bitch who wanted to run I would have complained like a Bitch or left the company just because I couldn't past whoever stood as the World Bombshell Champion but I am not out here to cry me a "Rivers" oh no I am ready to fight and ready to beat the unholy hell out of whatever wanker is in front of me. Judging by you standing out here right now I am going to go on a limb and say that is you correct?!"

Alicia looks like she is going to say something but Diamond quickly cuts her off.

Diamond: Don't say anything I wasn't done. The fact is I am the SHINING STAR! I am the SPARKLING SENSATION! I am the MISTRESS of the MICROPHONE! I am the SADISTIC SIREN! The SORCERESS of SUBMISSIONS and most importantly after training with my good friend Cat Riley's father in Manchester I am of course the CONQUEROR of CATCH WRESTLING! It may sound really pretentious that I have nickname upon nickname but I know who I am and what I am capable of. So before you say another word the answer is YES!

Ruby opens her eyes in amazement as she speaks.

Ruby: Yes to what my cousin?!

Diamond: Yes to the part where Alicia was going to somehow lead this into trying to straighten me out and a match at Summer XXXtreme. I will beat you on that cruise ship. Last year you launched an attack on Jet City South. You hurt Courtney Pierce's leg, and you sent my cousin Ruby through some glass. It was a bloody situation but the fact is you should have been facing me! I have held a grudge since London Brawling where I didn't successfully cash in my briefcase against you. You retained your title and I respected that. I was also naive at that point. I was willing to be respectful and humble, but those days of Kate steele are dead. I don't need to respect anybody!

Diamond laughs as she keeps her eyes on Alicia.

Diamond: And this whole thing about being a locker room leader I really don't care. You see nowadays I really don't give a flying fuck what is right and what is wrong. I just care about getting ahead and showcasing why Jet City South is the best school on the planet. You must be an idiot for being here alone. My Gems will make sure that Vargas will have an easy time with you tonight!

Alicia chuckles looking at the four women in front of her shaking her head while twirling the mic in her hands.

Alicia:: Jesus Kate....people say I talk to much but you, you just love the sound of your own voice. And looking at your girls behind you, I don't think tweedle dumb, tweedle dumber and tweedle dipshit paid any attention to what you just said....

She pauses letting the crowd react before continuing.

Alicia:: I absolutely think you were and are terrified of Masque and Amber, cause unlike me, you are terrified of people who are...better than you. And if you have to face them in an even match you just...quit...and go home. And if you can put the odds in your favor..by say..bringing back up you will....but....I have a question for you...

Alicia steps forward.

Alicia:: Who said I was alone?

Diamond tilts her head as the fans react to something. Someone has jumped the guard rail and has slid in the ring behind Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. Emerald is the first to turn around into this person who seems to dwarf them all. This person in a black hoodie with the hood pulled up hits a big boot to Emerald, headbutts Sapphire and as Ruby runs forward she steps sideways and dumps her out of the ring. Diamond looks stunned, Alicia moves around and reaches out grabbing the large person by the shoulder and pulling them back.

Alicia:: Next time...come alone...cause...I always got family...

Alicia looks over and the figure unzips the hoodie and takes it off revealing a tall, muscular blond woman who very slowly smiles.

Adams: That's....Zoey Lukas?

Simone: The younger sister of Alicia Lukas..this is the first time they've been in the same company...

Adams:: Look at the size of Zoey...she looks like she could give Tempest a run for her money...and Alicia has brought her younger sister to SCW to even the odds...

Simone: This could be a war brewing...




The scraping of metal dragged along concrete rattles and reverberates against the walls of the corridor, as one of SCW's more unusual Bombshells makes her way through the backstage area. Internet Championship unceremoniously pulled along in a tow, its lacquered plates gouged and scored where the rough floor bites, Masque comes to a stop before a door marked MAC BANE in scrawled, black marker pen.

Cocking her head to the side, she lifts a plastic hand and raps against the faded green wood. When it swings open, Masque lets the title belt in her flesh-and-blood fingers drop to the floor – forgotten for a while.

Masque: Hello Mister Bane. I do not think we have been formally introduced.

She extends out her prosthetic. Warily he accepted the handshake.

Mac: Miss de Lune, nice to finally meet you.

The cutout across her chin leaves enough of her face exposed to reveal a smile. Bright blue eyes study the powerful man opposite.

Masque: I have heard so very much about you – your wife, my Resplendent Hurricane, talks so very highly of you. My Songbird, Mister Knox, less so but ...

She turns her head aside.

Masque: He is something of an acquired taste ...

After a while, she looks back up at him

Masque: Tonight is the culmination of so many distinct and powerful things. She will regain her heart, I think ... Have you missed it? Have you missed her?

Mac returns the smile and nods.

Mac: You mean who she was before? No, because despite everything I know that she's still there. I see you Miss.

Despite the size and strength difference, Mac takes a cautious step back.

Mac: What I don't know is why?

She muses on his words, her lips pursed thoughtfully.

Masque: I am far more interested in what she could be – does the idea not intoxicate you? Stripped of so many drag factors like fear, regret, morality ... Compassion.

The last word was practically spat, her mouth twisting into a grimace; as if she could taste the unpleasantness of the concept.

Masque: Imagine her liberation; free to do as she pleases to whomever she pleases. Oh, would that not be a beautiful sight?

Raising a plastic forefinger, she traces a line down Mac's shoulder.

Masque: Would you not give anything to see such a hellfire unleashed, and stand in its detonation, and be dissolved in its rage? It will be the very epitome of Rapture ...

Mac measures her words carefully. Having been in a viper pit a time or two, he recognizes the sweet words of manipulation and smiled at her.

Mac: Such sweet words, is that how you turned a raven into a songbird complete with a gilded cage?

Mac studies her reaction, or lack of.

Mac: Of course it is. As to your question... I want for her, what makes her happy. The idea you've presented is very much like what Matt wanted for her. His technique is lacking but it's essentially the same.

He pauses briefly

Mac: Essentially you want to strip away everything that makes her human. As for your rapture, I prefer oblivion myself.

At the mention of Knox, something flashes across her face – difficult to interpret, but it interrupts the smile for a few moments. She looked away.

Masque: I thought it might have been love ... But I was not sure, because I did not know what to look for ...

She shakes her head.

Masque: But I know now what it is not. Ironically, it was my Songbird's attempts to control and subjugate me that led him to end up hopelessly ensnared in all of this. He could have walked away, but he had to attempt to put me where I did not want to be. Back in bondage; constrained. Suppressed. No, I will not go back there again.

Masque frowns, her finger continuing to make a crease against the other man's arm.

Masque: Tell me, why are there so many heroes lined up to save her, when she is more than capable of saving herself? I am unable to move for those who would take up her virtue and protect her fragility – ironic, given she is more than capable of putting down any one of these would-be suitors and saviours.

Masque: ... But you are wrong about one thing. What I wish for my Resplendent Hurricane is not what my Songbird wanted. Or you. Or anyone else. It is so very ironic that with the best of intentions and such fine nobility, each of you have lied to Amber in their own way. Except me. I have only ever spoken truth to the monster that lurks underneath all that ambiguity and sarcasm and beautiful red hair. You all seek to save her from herself; I only wish to give her the freedom to be who she really is.

The smile returns.

Masque: Unassailable. Unleashed. Untouchable. Tonight, she will finally take that lingering step over the threshold and be changed utterly. Forever.

Mac shrugs in indifference.

Mac: It doesn't matter what anyone else wants Miss de Lune, it only matters what she wants. This is the reason I've not interfered. I know full well what she is capable of and how well she can defend herself. Matt was warned many times about sticking his nose in business not his own. So, I have no sympathy for self-inflicted wounds. As for why so many would line up to protect her? That's easy, she is one of the most respected athletes in this business. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that because of that, she has many haters as well. As for her change, I hope it will be for the better and not the worse. I also hope that if we have a conversation again, it won't be less civil than this one has been to this point.

She laughs, her voice a sing-song lilt.

Masque: Of this we both agree wholeheartedly. My Songbird deserves everything that is coming to him ...

Her prosthetic squeezes Mac gently on the same shoulder that once held a World Title.

Masque: Both the good and the bad and the awful ... And please believe me, Mister Bane ... He has so much more awful owed.

Masque: On the subject of our beloved Miss Ryan - I am so pleased to have found a kindred spirit who believes as I do that no Person, no King, no God, has ever made her do anything she did not want to do. She is free to make her own choices and live with those consequences as she sees fit. As for our next conversation ...

Stepping back, the Bombshell lowers herself down to snatch up the forgotten Internet Championship.

Masque: I promise to continue to be nothing but civil. Even after the events of tonight have at last come to pass and we are all finally allowed to lay our burdens down, and take a brief rest from all our worries. Or, perhaps, a very long rest indeed ...

She turns, but pauses for a moment and looks back.

Masque: Have you ever met a man named Terryl Fexxfield? There is more to him than meets the eye. A deep well of poisoned history. Be careful.

Mac: I know of him, he was at one time a great champion. Hadn't heard much of him in several years

Another smile.

Masque: I think you will be hearing much more about him – and your wife.

And with that, the sound of metal dragging on concrete resumes its clattering echo as the Internet Champion languidly wanders back down the corridor, around a corner and out of sight.




Justin: Ladies and gentlemen this next match is a Singles Match Standard Rules with winner by pinfall, submission, or count out. First to make his way to the ring, he hails from Las Vegas, Nevada, and he stands in at five feet eight inches and one hundred ninety two pounds, please give a great Long Beach welcome to HITAMASHII!!!

The opening riffs of Fire In Our House by Astral Doors hits the speakers and Kingingiseisha "Hitamashii" Shirasu comes out of the backstage area and stops on the landing just short of the ramp to the ring. He has a smug look on his face as the crowd gives him boos. Hitamashii walks from one side of the stage to the other with a swag in his step. He looks around the crowd before he starts down the ramp and slowly walks toward the ring. He stops half way down the ramp where he turns his head with his nose in the air to stir up the crowd. The looks he gets from the crowd shows they don't like they way he is looking down upon them. Hitamashii lowers his head slowly, then turns to face the ring, and he walks down to ringside toward the ring apron. He then climbs up to the apron and steps between the top rope and the middle rope, looking around at the fans as they continue to boo him. After walking around the ring he leans back in a corner to await the arrival of his opponent Miles Kasey.

Justin: Next to make his way to the ring, he hails from Manchester, United Kingdom, and he stands in at six feet one inch and two hundred fifteen pounds, please give a great Long Beach welcome for MILES "MILO" KASEY!!!

Throne" by Bring Me The Horizon starts pumping through the speakers as Miles Kasey bops out from the backstage area and onto the landing at the top of the ramp moving to the rhythm with the beat. This has the crowd erupt in loud cheering for him. He bounces in place twice before bolting towards the ring, sliding under the bottom rope, running into the adjacent ropes, and handstand spring boarding backwards into a superhero pose as the fans go crazy! Miles then walks to the opposite side of the ring from where Hitamashii is located where he looks across the ring at Hitamashii and smiles at him.

Adams: I see Miles Kasey with an easy win here. I feel Hitamashii is too arrogant and cocky and that will be his downfall in this match. When you add into the equation that Miles has a five inch height advantage and twenty-three pounds of weight, and you have a winning combination in Miles Kasey.

Simone: *sigh* You never cease to amaze me Jason. Hitamashii has proven, again and again, that he can take on, and defeat, larger opponents and this match is no exception to that rule.

Adams: Dream on Belinda.

Simone: I always dream of you losing bets on wrestling matches. Ha ha ha!!!

Referee Jasmine St. John calls Hitamashii and Miles to the center of the ring where she lays down that this is a standard rules match with winner decided by pinfall, submission, or disqualification. She reminds the two she is extremely strict on the rules and violations will be punished and she will not hesitate to call a disqualification if needed. Referee St. John then checks both wrestlers to ensure they are clean of foreign objects and substances and she finds them both clean. She instructs the two to return to their corners and come out fighting when they hear the Timekeeper's bell to officially stars the match. Once the two are in their corners Referee St. John motions to the Timekeeper and he rings the bell.

DING DING DING!

This match is officially underway and both wrestlers quickly come out of their corners and slam into each other in the center of the ring. They start trading blows and then Miles grabs the arm of Hitamashii and goes to whip him into the ropes but Hitamashii reverses it and whips Kasey into the ropes and hits him with a calf kick to the head on the rebound. Hitamashii goes after Miles but Kasey rolls to the ropes and grabs them causing Referee St. John to tell Hitamashii to get back until Miles Kasey comes off out of the ropes.

Simone: In that first action of the match it appears Miles Kasey got the wrong end of it.

Adams: Sheesh, Belinda, the match just started. Stuff like that happens at the start of nearly all matches.

Hitamashii obeys he Referee's order to stay back until Miles Kasey comes out of the ropes. When Miles comes out of the ropes both wrestlers start trading blows again. This goes on for a time until Miles Kasey spins and lands a hard kick to the face of Hitamashii. As Hitamashii is getting up Miles rebounds off the ropes and hits him with a Standing Spanish Fly driving Hitamashii hard into the mat and he covers for the pin.

ONE!

TWO!

Hitamashii gets a shoulder up before Referee St. John can drop her hand for the three count. Miles slaps the mat with his hands as he thought he had the win there.

Adams: That was some nice moves Miles put on Hitamashii. I thought he had the win.

Simone: A two count isn't a win it is only close to a win. Remember the saying is closies only count in horseshoes and hand grenades and this is neither of those as this is wrestling.

The two confront each other again and again start trading blows. Hitamashii grabs the arm of Miles and whips him into the ropes catching him with a drop kick on the rebound. When Miles gets to his feet Hitamashii again grabs Kasey by the arm and whips him into the ropes. When Hitamashii goes for a clothesline Miles ducks it and waits and when Hitamashii turns around Kasey kicks Hitamashii in the stomach and when he doubles over Miles executes a DDT on him. When Miles turns Hitamashii on his back to go for the pin Hitamashii reaches up and grabs the head of Kasey and pulls his head close to his then he head butts Miles. Kasey rolls to the side and works on getting back on his feet while Hitamashii starts to get to his feet also.

Adams: Nice back and forth there off the ropes. Both put some good moves on but in the end it ended up in nobody's favor.

Simone: I notice that when the wrestler you are partial to misses a move or maneuver you always try to make it look like the exchange came out even. If you lay a few good moves or maneuvers on your opponent but fail to get a pinfall or submission that is not something to be proud of.

Both wrestlers appear to be getting frustrated that they haven't been able to take the other out yet. They stand facing each other and staring each other down for a bit before Hitamashii extends his hand to Miles in an offering to shake hands then continue with the match. When Miles extends his hand Hitamashii pulls Kasey toward him and hits him with a short clothesline. Miles doesn't go down but he does take a step back and responds with a hard forearm smash to the face of Hitamashii. Hitamashii responds by grabbing the arm of Miles and pulling it behind his back with a hammer lock. He cinches up on the hold but Kasey is able to get to the ropes and place his leg through the ropes causing Referee Jasmine St. John to call for a break. Hitamashii refuses to release the hammerlock so she begins a break count on Hitamashii.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Hitamashii release the hold at a four count and Referee St. John tells him to stay back to allow Miles Kasey to come off the ropes. Hitamashii doesn't remain back as he rushes in on Miles Kasey landing more blows while Kasey is still tied up in the ropes. Referee Jasmine St. John steps in and she pulls Hitamashii off Kasey and she gets in his face and issues a warning to him. Referee St. John informs Hitamashii that if he interferes again to deny Miles Kasey to come out of the ropes she will issue a disqualification on him. This warning appears to be enough to cause Hitamashii to remain back this time.

Adams: Gee, Belinda, for a wrestler you claim is very confident of his abilities he sure seems to need rule breaking to try to gain an advantage.

Simone: Nice play on words Jason but Hitamashii is just being his normal self in the wrestling ring.

The look on the face of Miles shows he's upset at Hitamashii stretching the rules. When he extracts himself from the ropes he quickly maneuvers to a corner where he leans back against the corner ropes. Hitamashii charges him but Kasey holds the ropes and lifts his lower body up and slams Hitamashii in the face with both feet. Although this slows Hitamashii down he still charges Miles again. Hitamashii manages to get his feet on the ropes and he is landing punches on Miles. Kasey grabs Hitamashii around the body and walks him out of the corner where he drops him on his knee in a reverse atomic drop. Hitamashii drops to the mat and Miles follows up on him with several knee drops to the abdomen and chest. Miles then grabs the legs of Hitamashii and then flips over Hitamashii in a pin while pulling hard on Hitamashii's legs to keep his shoulders on the mat.

ONE!

Adams: Yes!!!

TWO!

Simone: No!!!

THREE!

Referee Jasmine St. John calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!

Referee St. John orders Miles Kasey to release his hold on Hitamashii and he does. She then confers with Justin Decent and Justin gives the official decision on this match.

Justin: The official decision in this match is the winner, by pinfall, MILES KASEY!!!

As the decision is read, and Referee St. John raises the hand of Miles Kasey for the win, the crowd erupts in cheering for the win by Miles. After the Referee drops his hand Miles exits the ring thanking the crowd for their support and then he disappears into the backstage area. Our attention is returned to the ring where Hitamashii is up and getting out of the ring to return to the backstage area and he is greeted by a chorus of mostly boos.

Adams: Oh, Belinda, I TOLD YOU SO!!!

Simone: Please shut up!!!




Sam Marlowe can be seen backstage sitting on an equipment box, her foot tapping at the air to a silent song. Dressed and ready to wrestle, she is listening to earbuds as she is approached by a cameraperson looking for soundbites from the superstars and bombshells. Reaching up to pull the small white earbuds from her ears, Sam offers a cheeky look before she begins to speak.

Sam Marlowe: I am pretty sure that y'all are here to listen to me, excuse my language but 'bitch' out my opponent because she has talked about it. Well, I hate to disappoint Bea Barnhart but she probably thinks that she isn't even going to be mentioned by me...

The cameraman tells Sam that he just heard her mention Barnhart which only has Sam laugh and blush.

Sam Marlowe: Okay, you got me. But you didn't let me finish. Tonight, I want everyone to see that what I say is what will happen as opposed to what my opponent is going to say either today or tomorrow, I suspect that if she loses, she will say that she took a dive because she had pity for me. Or she will try to make as many denials as possible that she can so she will not be at fault for losing. I only have to tell you that I an and that is I am going to go out to that ring and I am going to snap her back to reality.

Sam moves to lean forward, all pretense of cockiness fading as she addresses the camera directly.

Sam Marlowe: I am not lying when I say that I am sick and tired of having a false narrative presented to explain away what happens. So, I want you to pay close attention when watching the match and filming it. Men and women can lie, and Bill and Bea Barnhart can lie even more but there is one thing that can't lie and that is video. Make sure that whoever is capturing the match for broadcasting will capture what really happens.

Sam leaps down to stand in front of the camera and then she smiles as she brushes her red curls behind her shoulders.

Sam Marlowe: And Bea, I want you to know that if you try to lie about what happens tonight when I beat you in the middle of the ring, I won't hesitate to expose you as the fraud you are. My promise to you.

With that, Sam moves away from the cameraperson as she heads towards the gorilla press area.




Bea Barnhart's match against Samantha Marlowe will take place shortly. We get a shot of the dressing room area assigned to Bea and we watch as she walks out into the hallway and stops in front of the camera. We also notice she's holding her plastic spray bottle of perfume which she holds up in front of the camera.

Bea: This is the real plastic spray bottle of perfume and water that everyone claimed blinded Fenris in his match against Senor Vinnie. I just now filled this spray bottle with one-fourth perfume and three-fourth water. When you compare the potency of this mixture against one hundred percent perfume you find that the damage it could cause might just maybe make your eyes water for a few seconds. Watch this.

Bea turns the bottle on herself and generously sprays the mixture of one-fourth perfume and three-fourths water on her upper body, her face, and yes even in her eyes. We don't see Bea flinch or blink and her eyes don't water but for one or two seconds. Bea then tosses the plastic spray bottle of perfume into her dressing room area.

Bea: There you go you non-believers. There you go you liars. There you go punks. Either I'm tougher than Fenris when it comes to my face and eyes or that was a really great performance during his match with Vinnie. Now if you'll please excuse me I need to get to the staging area to be ready for my match where I will soundly destroy Samantha Marlowe!

Bea turns away from the camera and starts to walk down the hallway toward the staging area. Once she turns the corner where the staging area is located the camera person cuts their feed and the screen goes dark.




Justin: This match is scheduled for one fall introducing first... hailing from Lawrenceville, Georgia... Bea Barnhart...

Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar starts to play and we see Bea Barnhart exit from the backstage area dancing to her entrance music. She is dressed in black leather pants, a white pullover type tee-shirt, and a black leather jacket, which is basically a tough street girl look. As the music continues Bea makes her way down to the ring where she climbs the ring steps then ducks through the ropes into the ring. She plays the crowd for a bit before running across the ring leaping up into the corner then after playing the crowd she jumps down and settles into the corner to wait for the match to start.

Justin: and her opponent...

The soft twang of an electric guitar begins to play as "She's Country" blasts out over the arena. A familiar redhead walks out onto the stage of the show dressed in white and gold hotpants, matching halter, short jacket and a pair of lace up wrestling boots that look like cowboy boots where she stops and looks over the crowds who begin to chant her name as Justin brings the microphone to his lips.

Justin: Introducing from Houston Texas, she has been known as SCW's sweetheart, she is Sam Marlowe!

Sam raises her arms as she is introduced. Heading to the ring, she plays to the fans, slapping hands and posing with others. Finally she climbs the stairs to the ring apron and lays herself across the middle rope and blows a kiss to the camera and then rolls inside the ring. Walking towards the corner, she unzips her short jacket and pulls it off. Handing it to ringside staff with Marlowe's back turned as she hands off her jacket, Barnhart charges in and pushes Marlowe into the turnbuckles and Marlowe drops down to the mat as the bell rings...

DING DING DING!

Adams: Barnhart doesn't waste any time and jumps Marlowe as the ref has no choice but to ring the bell.

Barnhart begins to club Marlowe's back over and over and over again, before climbing back to her feet, where she grabs Marlowe and drags her against the ropes and proceeds to choke her against them as the ref quickly moves in and yells at Barnhart to cut it out and break the choke but ignores it until the ref begins to count and gets to three and Barnhart releases the choke and backs away and mocks Marlowe as Marlowe rolls to the corner and sucks in some air before grabbing the ropes, where she sits down for a moment on the bottom turnbuckle, while Barnhart stands across the ring and warms up.

Simone: Marlowe had no chance, as Barnhart clubs Marlowe back over and over before illegally choking her against the ropes.

Adams: The ref quickly intervenes to stop Barnhart and Marlowe moves away and to get air and recover.

Marlowe climbs to her feet and as she does, Barnhart rushes in and attacks Marlowe as she throws several forearm shots into Marlowe before moving to boots as Marlowe covers up the best she can, before straightening herself up and Barnhart grabs Marlowe and leans her up against the ropes before sending her across the ring, where Marlowe bounces off the ropes and Barnhart goes for a wild swing, which Marlowe ducks and bounces off the ropes again and as she comes back she leaps up and hits a hurricanrana and sending Barnhart across the ring and she stumbles to her feet and into a corner.

Adams: Marlowe takes her time, but Barnhart seems too impatient and attacks Marlowe again with forearms shots and then boos. She continue by attempting to whip her across the ring but Marlowe ducks the wild swing and as she comes back she hits a hurricanrana.

Marlowe hypes herself up, as she moves to a corner before charging in, but Barnhart dodges and helps use Marlowe's momentum to go chest first into the turnbuckle. Marlowe leans on the ropes as Barnhart charges back in but Marlowe is ready for her and she sends Barnhart up and over to the outside, where she lands on the apron. Marlowe turns and leaps up and catches Barnhart with a kick to the face and Barnhart crumbles down on the apron into a seated position, where Marlowe turns and bounces off the ropes and charges and hits a dropkick to the back of Barnhart and sends her off the apron onto the mat below.

Simone: Marlowe gets surge of adrenaline as she rushes Barnhart, but she dodges and Marlowe hits the turnbuckle, Barnhart herself attempts to trap Marlowe in the corner but as she rushes in Marlowe sends her over the top rope to the apron. Marlowe catch Barnhart with her boot before hitting a dropkick to the back of Barnhart and sending her off the apron.

Barnhart sits on the mat in discomfort, while Marlowe gets to a knee and smirks as she stretches a little before rising back to her feet. Barnhart makes her way to her feet before moving back towards the ring as she takes a moment, while Marlowe watches Barnhart and climbs through the ropes onto the apron. Marlowe stalks Barnhart, who turns and Marlowe runs and hits a punt to Barnhart's chest, Barnhart stumbles away holding her chest as she moves to the barriers and leans against them before moving on, as Marlowe climbs from the ring and follows Barnhart.

Adams: Barnhart who had jumped Marlowe at the beginning of this match, is now on the back foot, as Marlowe stretches a little while Barnhart moves around the ring to avoid any further attack but that doesn't work out to well and Marlowe deliver a punt kick to Barnhart's chest.

Catching up with Barnhart, Marlowe grabs Barnhart by the hair and drives her face first into the apron. The who had been asking to bring the action into the ring begins to count...

ONE!

Barnhart holds her face as she takes a step back, but Marlowe does it again...

Simone: Marlowe climbs from the apron and almost chases after Barnhart, but she is quick to get her and she grabs handful of hair and drives Barnhart's face into the apron a couple of times.

TWO!

Barnhart walks away from Marlowe as she holds her nose and checks for blood, as Marlowe quickly follows.

THREE!

Marlowe catches up with Barnhart and grabs her and rolls her back into the ring, Marlowe leaps up onto the apron, but Barnhart rolls herself from the ring, as Marlowe reluctantly climbs back int the ring as the ref firmly demands Barnhart come back into the ring, while Marlowe paces a little but stays Patient. Barnhart climbs onto the apron and Marlowe charges forward and tries for a boot but Barnhart dodges and grabs Marlowe leg and drops down off the apron and bounce her leg off the middle rope. Marlowe drops to the mat holding her leg as she tries to move away but Barnhart is quickly back in the ring and as Marlowe gets to her feet, Barnhart hits a shoulder block to the back of the knee.

Adams: Smart thinking there from Barnhart, as she gives herself that extra time to avoid Marlowe.

Simone: Perhaps, as Marlowe patiently waits for Barnhart get back into the ring, but as Barnhart gets onto the apron, Marlowe charges and unfortunately Marlowe Barnhart grabs the failed boot of Marlowe and she drops it across the middle rope and slows the match down into her favour.

Marlowe shuffles away towards the ropes and grabs them, as Barnhart climbs to her feet and heads back towards Marlowe where she grabs her leg and Marlowe is forced to her feet as she clings onto the ropes. Barnhart pulls Marlowe away from the ropes, which Marlowe has to follow as she takes wild swings at Barnhart but none of them connect and Barnhart merely smirks before hitting a dragon screw.

Simone: Marlowe tries to move away from Barnhart but Barnhart just follows, and grabs Marlowe's leg and Marlowe tries to battle out of it but nothing connects and Barnhart his a dragon screw and simply inflicts more pain and continues to ground Marlowe.

Marlowe goes down holding her leg, as Barnhart is back to her feet with a smirk as she approaches Marlowe and grabs Marlowe attacked leg and she boots the back of her leg before letting go and them goes for a stomp. Grabbing her leg again, she again kicks the back of the knee and thigh before grabbing her leg once more and tucking it under arm and throws herself backward as it puts pressure on the knee.

Adams: Barnhart works on the knee and hamstring area, as she kicks and stomps ensuring the Marlowe can't move freely. As she drops down for a pin...

Barnhart turns and grabs Marlowe and rolls her onto her back for a pin...

ONE!

KICKOUT!

Marlowe kicks out, as Barnhart shakes her head and she climbs to her feet, where she grabs Marlowe and pulls her up to feet, where she Irish whips her into the corner and she quickly rushes in but Marlowe leaps up and over but as she lands her knees gives out and she crumples and Barnhart steps forward and she stomps on Marlowe a couple of times before going for a pin again...

Simone: Marlowe kicks out with ease much to Barnhart's annoyance, but she quickly refocuses and she whips Marlowe into the ropes and as she charges in, Marlowe dodges but her part injured knee stops her from progressing and Barnhart goes for a pin...

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Barnhart slaps the mat, as she climbs to her feet, and she grabs Marlowe legs once more and ties up and locks in a figure four lock. Marlowe cries out in discomfort, as Barnhart grins and yells at Marlowe to tap. Marlowe begins to look around and she reaches out towards the ropes, but she is just a little too far away. Marlowe begins to shuffle the best she can towards the ropes and reaches out once more and gets her fingertips to on the ropes and she gives one more effort and she manages to latch onto the rope and the ref moves in and tells Barnhart to release. She doesn't straight away but the ref gets to three and then releases.

Adams: Another kick out and again Barnhart unhappy about it but she turns her focus back on Marlowe's legs and locks in a figure four leglock, but Marlowe doesn't tap out but instead she manages to get to the ropes and force the rope break.

Marlowe pulls herself closer to the ropes, as Barnhart climbs to her feet as she approaches Marlowe, but the ref forces her to stay back. Marlowe rubs her knee and stretches her leg in and out, as Barnhart continues her attempts to get close but fail each time. Marlowe grabs the middle role and pulls herself up to a single knee before getting to her feet, where she does one last stretch and hobbles away from the ropes.

Simone: Good ring awareness from Marlowe, and she stays against the ropes as the ref keeps Barnhart back, while allow Marlowe to partially recover.

Barnhart rushes in and she and Marlowe begin to trade shots back and forth before Marlowe shoves Barnhart backwards and then drives a knee into Barnhart's stomach. Barnhart doubles over and Marlowe bring a knee up into Barnhart's face and then hits a roundhouse kick that sends Barnhart down to the mat. Marlowe slowly climbs to her feet and then hits a standing moonsault onto Barnhart.

Adams: Marlowe turns the tables on Barnhart after a short brawl. Before hitting a roundhouse kick and then a standing moonsault.

Marlowe slowly climbs to her feet, where she grabs Barnhart and pulls her up, where she whips her into the corner before following up with a splash. As Barnhart drops to the mat, Marlowe backs up a little and moves in and hits a bronco buster. Marlowe backs away and grabs Barnhart's leg and drags her away from the ropes. Marlowe moves to the ropes, where she climbs them slowly before getting to the top, where she leaps off and hits Sammisault (Air Bourne) and goes for a pin...

Simone: It's all over... Marlowe hits the Sammisaut.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

Adams: Marlowe picks up the win.

DING DIGN DING!

Justin: winner of this match via pinfall... Sam Marlowe.

Marlowe music hits over the p.a as she climbs to her feet and limps backwards away from Barnhart as the ref raises her arm in victory.




Backstage, SCW Hall of Famer Mercedes Vargas stands by backstage interviewer Ms. Rocky Mountains stands by for an on-the-spot interview.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Mercedes, congratulations on your win at into the Void. Tonight you're on the Queen for a Day show made by Amber Ryan and you're set to go one-on-one with a name that needs no introduction, the Strong Style Southern Belle and former three-time World Bombshell Champion, Alicia Lukas.

Mercedes: Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday night, huh, Rocky?

Just as Rocky starts to answer, Mercedes cuts the interviewer off with a curt raise of her hand.

Mercedes: Don't answer that. Answer this: Who does Alicia Lukas thinks she is belittling me like that last week on Climax Control?

Ms. Rocky Mountains: I'm thinking part of it has to do with her frustrations as of late, especially with how the card to last week changed when you and Diamond Steele decided not to compete last week.

Mercedes: Oh, was that supposed to be a 'shots fired' moment? Seems like Alicia forgot to take the gun off the safety lock. If Alicia felt so bad about last week, then why didn't she find challenge Masque and Amber with one of her Wolfslair friends? If you seriously thought I was going to face Masque and Amber on my own, by myself? You're sadly mistaken. First off, this was the second time Kate bailed when she found out her name was across from Masque on the card. Even if Christian Underwood found a new partner to replace Kate last week, I still wouldn't have done the match.

She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes. When she opens them again, Mercedes runs a hand through her hair and swallows down her irritation.

Mercedes: Rocky, I'm an SCW Hall of Famer. I do what I want. Alicia can run her mouth like she's some big something, like she's some big shot around, namedropping my name as if I'm not going to say anything. Um, excuse me, Mercedes Vargas is in the building. If Alicia thinks her words are going to faze me, then she's going to have to do better than that.

Mercedes now turns her full attention to the camera.

Mercedes: Alicia, I'm going to be honest because I have no problem saying this: Whether I'm loved or hated, cheered or booed, understand that I've worked hard for what I have and I will continue my legacy, and there not a damn thing you can do about it. As far as tonight goes? Win or lose, you're not leaving this arena in one piece because before the night is done, I'm going to beat the hypocrisy out of your body.

She smiles, but the expression fades as she narrows her eyes and a serious again, a determined stance in her voice, a redemptive fire in her eyes.

Mercedes: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. And may the odds be ever in your favor.




The scene opens backstage at Climax Control 332 where we see the Australian Bombshell Krystal Wolfe ready for an interview with Ms. Rocky Mountains.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Krystal, tonight you are facing Diamond Steele in a Christian's Rules match, that stipulation still hasn't ben revealed, what are your thoughts on that?

Krystal: Well, I doubt that he'll bring back the 12 Labours of Hercules Match for this one.........

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Too soon!

Krystal: How is it too soon? That match happened at the beginning of the Greece Lightning Tour, that was at the beginning of April, two months ago!

Ms. Rocky Mountains: My arms still ache from spinning that wheel twelve times in one night! Anyway, you were saying?

Krystal: Right, but I have no doubt that whatever match Christiaan has cooked up for me and Diamond will be something that makes Jigsaw go "dude, that's too far!", and if it means me finally getting my revenge on Diamond for costing me the Bombshell Roulette Title then so be it!

Ms. Rocky Mountains: So, if you beat Diamond, you'll move on from your grudge against her?

Krystal: I seriously doubt I'll ever drop that grudge against Diamond and her squad of idiots but at the same time I'll consider the debt repaid and move on with my life, at least until the bosses decide to book a tie breaker but given how slow they've been to book a tie breaker match between me and Keira? I'm not holding my breath on that! And after that? Aside from representing SCW in the Cannabis Cup, I'll be focusing on rebuilding myself from a long string of losses.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: I had heard about that, your facing Latina Submission Machine in the first round whilst Jessie Saco is facing Gerard Angelo, any thoughts on that?

Krystal: I don't know a lot about Latina Submission Machine but I will be doing research during the week, I spoke with Jess earlier and she doesn't know Gerard Angelo either but we'll be out to represent SCW to the best of our abilities, anything else?

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Nope.

Krystal: Good! I've got a score to settle.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Back to you guys at ringside!

Krystal walks off as the scene fades.




Justin Decent stands inside of the six-sided ring with referee Drew Patton just behind him and to the right, waiting to officiate.

Justin: The following contest is scheduled for one fall to a finish! Introducing first...!

Suddenly, the arena lights turn off and the crowd is hyped up for what was in store. As the opening of "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" by U2 blares across the PA system, the mood of the crowd changes instantly and the arena is under the subtle glowing of the lights. As the lyrics finally kick in, a figure emerges; the highlight of their attire is being under the illusion. Mercedes Vargas stops short of the entrance ramp, hands on waist, and overlooking the crowd.

Justin: Making her way to the ring (or depending on where Mercedes is when the ring announcer begins the introduction, Coming down the aisle, About to enter the ring, or Currently in the ring), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, weighing in at 125 pounds, MERCEEEEEDEEEES VAAAARGAAAAS!

Cheers, boos and catcalls soon greet her. Oblivious and yet satisfied with their reaction for several seconds, she flips her long hair, then makes her way to the ring. As she goes up the steps and walks to the end of the ring apron, she climbs to the turnbuckle, then turns her head back as the camera shows her determined expression-perhaps a message that her opponent will be in for a tough fight. Mercedes vaults into the ring and walks over to the opposite corner where she relaxes along the corner ropes while waiting for her opponent to arrive.

Simone: Mercedes Vargas is already a Grand Slam Champion and twice over an SCW Hall of Fame honoree. But she will go down as one of the most successful women in SCW history.

Adams: Except where Alicia Lukas is concerned! Alicia has won every match they've been in together and she's never let Mercedes forget it!

Justin: And her opponent...!

"Circle with me (SCW Edit)" By Spiritbox hits as Alicia steps out with a black hoodie over her upper half with the hood up over her long blond hair. She stands on the stage and reaches up flipping the hood back and looking down at the ring before pointing her finger guns with a smirk. She makes her way down to the ring and runs up the steps before climbing the ropes on the outside, she flips the hood back before putting her arms out , she smiles at the crowd before leaping into the ring from the outside and taking off the hoodie.

Justin: From Atlanta, Georgia! Alicia! LUKAS!

Alicia throws her hoodie down toward her corner and marches right up to the center of the ring where Mercedes is already standing and both women get in one another's faces and the verbal exchange begins!

Simone: Oh my! The things these two women are saying could get us fined!

Adams: Thank god for the edit button! I mean, tape delay! Oh you know what I mean!

Drew tries to separate the two hellcats but Vargas and Lukas are nose to nose when suddenly Mercedes BITCH SLAPS Alicia! But right away, Alicia answers back with her own back handed slap! Mercedes with a slap! Alicia with a slap again! And suddenly the fists start flying! Drew tries to get them separated!

Adams: Get out of the way Drew and let them fight!

Simone: And that is EXACTLY what he's doing!

Drew, knowing discretion is the better part of valor, calls foe the official start of the match!

DING DING DING!

Alicia straight away sweeps the legs of Mercedes out from under her and pounces down on top of her, pinning her beneath her body weight as she throws right hands down into the exposed head of her opponent! Mercedes however is a ring veteran and no slouch when it comes to a fight as she counters their position, switching them out and she ends up on top of Alicia, straddling her waistline as she throws rapid lefts and rights down into the head of Alicia while Lukas attempts to shield herself from harm with her upraised forearms! Drew starts to step in to pry the two apart but the two rivals roll right into the referee's legs, causing Drew to fall to the mat and both Bombshells are ON TOP of the official as they continue their brawl on the mat!

Adams: Drew really needs to learn not to try to physically separate two Bombshells who hate each other as much as these two do!

Simone: Perhaps he thought it was safe to do so given his gender but these two women are showing that he had best simply stay out of their way!

The fans are cheering wildly, loving the predicament that the official finds himself in as he is pinned face-down with Mercedes and Alicia on top of his back, throwing down! They finally fall off over his back and Drew scrambles up to his feet and falls back against the ropes, now a disheveled mess! Alicia and Mercedes fight their way back to a standing base and fall against one another, grabbing each other in dual side head locks! They stumble as both fight to gain the upper hand and fall against the ropes where Alicia has Mercedes pinned back and Drew steps forward but only close enough to administer his mandatory count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

Alicia lands a forearm into Mercedes's sternum and steps back, breaking the count! Alicia then moves in again to continue her attack but Mercedes swings her around, pinning Lukas back against the ropes and Mercedes begins to bury her fist into Alicia's midsection, one blow right after the other!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

But this time it is Mercedes who breaks before the count of five and avoiding a disqualification! Drew tries to reprimand her but Mercedes brushes the referee aside and moves in as Alicia falls back against the near corner, coughing from having the wind knocked out of her. And Mercedes continues the onslaught to keep the air from her lungs as she presses a boot up against her throat, choking her out! Drew starts to count against her but as he does, she holds a hand up and all but mocks the official's authority by counting along in Spanish!

ONE! "UNO"

TWO! "DOS"

THREE! "TRES"

FOUR! "QUATRO"

Mercedes again breaks and Drew is all over her about the flagrant rule breaking! Mercedes moves back in but Alicia sweeps a leg out from under her and drops down, scissoring her into a leg scissors and working over her leg! Mercedes yells out as both her knee and ankle are under threat of injury but she shakes her head wildly, refusing to give in to Drew's repeated requests to submit! Mercedes manages to roll over onto her stomach, putting Lukas face-first to the mat as well. but rather than reach for the ropes, Mercedes counters their positions by locking Alicia into a single-leg crab!

Simone: Beautiful reversal there by the Hall of Famer!

Adams: Turnabout and all that! Now Mercedes is working over Alicia's ankle and knee!

Alicia's face is a testament to the pain she is in as she props herself up onto her hands to alleviate the pressure of the hold! Alicia then reaches forward with one hand and manages to grab hold of the bottom rope! Drew calls for the break but Mercedes is obviously reluctant to do so! So the official is forced to count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

And finally Vargas does indeed let go of the hold and Drew backs her away as Alicia rolls to the outside of the ring for a moment's breather! Mercedes tries to go after her but Drew ushers her back and turns to begin his count against Alicia!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

Mercedes almost shoves Drew aside to go after her opponent! She reaches out through the ropes to grab Alicia by the hair but Alicia pulls hr legs out from under her and drags her out of the ring!

Adams: HERE we go! NOW the fight begins!

Indeed as no sooner is Mercedes's feet on the floor then both Bombshells are again throwing down, exchanging lefts and rights right there on the ringside floor! Alicia grabs Mercedes by the hair and whips her back hard against the barricade, Mercedes's back slamming back and arching in pain! Alicia then grabs her by the arm and pulls her off but this time Mercedes turns it around and she slams Alicia's head right into the ring apron! Mercedes rolls Alicia back inside of the ring and quickly follows her in. Mercedes drags her back up to a vertical base and sends her into the ropes with an Irish whip! Mercedes swings for a clothesline but Alicia ducks under the blow and grabs her around the waist from behind and brings her over with a German suplex!

Simone: Right on the back of Mercedes's head!

Alicia holds onto the rear waist lock and pulls Vargas back up to her feet for a second German suplex!

Adams: And Alicia isn't finished!

Indeed not as Alicia drags her up one final time and a third German suplex, this time arching her back into a bridge and pinning combination!

ONE!

TWO!

Mercedes kicks out!

Simone: No! Not yet!

Alicia lets go of her and Mercedes rolls over onto her hands and knees, where Alicia is waiting and she lets loose with a stiff martial arts kick right to the upper body of Mercedes! Followed by a second! Alicia then dashes into the ropes and comes off with a sliding Muay Thai knee strike right to the head! The blow knocks Vargas to her back and Alicia with another cover!

ONE!

TWO!

Mercedes gets her shoulder up!

Alicia rests her hands on her knees and stares accusingly toward the referee but Drew reiterates that it was only a two count! Alicia points a finger toward Drew as she stands up and slaps Mercedes across the back of the head! Alicia then drags Vargas up into a front face lock! She attempts a DDT, but the veteran Mercedes blocks it with a boot behind the leg! Mercedes then counters from out of nowhere with the Gannosuke Clutch!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-Kick out by Alicia!

Adams: Ohh! Almost! Mercedes almost caught her by surprise!

Mercedes tries to get to her feet but Alicia moves in for a spinning heel kick, but Mercedes suddenly has her by the boot and in an ankle lock!

Adams: Where did THIS com from!?

Simone: Mercedes may love a good fight but she is as technically sound as the very best of them!

Alicia is hopping on one boot, trying to reach the ropes when Mercedes pulls her back into her waiting arms and whips her over with a snap German suplex! Alicia rolls over and Mercedes grabs her to deliver a hair pull curb stomp, planting her face right into the mat! Mercedes backs off a step as Alicia slowly recovers, but as she begins to rise to her hands and knees, Mercedes comes running right into her with a high impact knee strike! The blow sends Alicia sprawling to her back and Mercedes hooks the inside leg!

ONE!

TWO!

Alicia gets her shoulder up!

Simone: No! This one is still so far from being over!

Mercedes drags her to her feet and attempts an Irish whip but somehow Alicia holds on and reverses it, sending Vargas into the ropes instead! Alicia swings for a clothesline but Mercedes counters with a float-over DDT! Mercedes with another cover!

ONE!

TWO!

TH-Kick out!

Adams: No! Alicia is still not done!

Mercedes drags her up and tries to send her into the near corner but Alicia again shows great resiliency by reversing it! Alicia runs in after her but Mercedes kicks her back with both boots! Alicia falls back several steps and Mercedes charges forward but Alicia suddenly catches her with a Double A spine buster!

Simone: neither of these women are able to maintain an advantage over the other! They simply know one another too well!

Drew stands over both women to count them out...

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

And they're both up to their feet! Alicia delivers a right hand, one in which Mercedes returns in kind! Alicia then whips her head forward and head butts Vargas right between the eyes, stunning her! Alicia ducks behind her, grabs her by the arms and brings her over with a dragon suplex! However she does not go for the pin! Alicia instead climbs back up the turnbuckle with her back to the fans! Once on top, Alicia LEAPS for a frog splash elbow drop... Mercedes rolls out of the way and Alicia rolls through and back to her feet! Alicia comes off of the ropes and Mercedes catches her with a Tilt-A-Whirl but Alicia lands on her feet! Alicia ducks behind Vargas and schoolgirls her with a handful of tights!

ONE!

TWO!...

Adams: Drew sees! He sees the handful of tights!

Drew breaks the count much to Alicia's fury! Alicia has her finger right in Drew's face as she openly and brazenly argues with the referee! She then turns back around and goes after Mercedes and runs her into the ropes, rolling her back into a Backlund cradle!

ONE!

TWO!

Mercedes rolls back and now has Alicia down in the Backlund cradle!

ONE!

TWO!

Mercedes grabs the ropes for leverage!

THREE!

DING DING DING!

Justin: Here is your winner! MERCEDES VARGAS!!!

Mercedes rolls right out of the ring to avoid Alicia who is ENRAGED! Alicia shoves Drew and tries to tell him about the use of the ropes on Mercedes's behalf but to no avail!

Adams: Oh sure! When Mercedes does it, suddenly it's wrong!

Simone: Mercedes fought fire with fire and her history of a losing streak against Alicia Lukas has come to an end!




Adams: Well joining us right now via satellite from New York, we have the popular SCW Bombshell, Bella Madison. Bella, first of all, thanks for joining us.

The screen splits as we see Bella Madison sitting in a studio, looking a little sad but she waves and gives a small smile.

Bella Madison: Hey everyone, sorry I couldn't be there in person, but I'm sure there are a lot of people that understand why.

Adams: Well when word got around this past week in regards to an injury you sustained recently, and of course we wanted to reach out to you so you can give the fans an update and breakdown as to what happened.

We see that Bella shifts uncomfortably in the chair, fidgeting with her ponytail, clearly trying to not get emotional.

Bella Madison: Yeah, I wish I could tell you exactly what really happened. Last weekend I was involved in a match for PWS:Apex and well, needless to say I don't have any memory of this match whatsoever. I have sat down with Mal, as part of a way to try and jog any sort of memory from it and basically it's a blank slate.

Simone: There were reports that you had lost consciousness following this match.

Bella nods.

Bella Madison: And those reports are 100% correct. From what I was told, because once again I do not remember any of this, following the match we got to the gorilla position and they aren't sure if it was just on pure instinct but I was able to finish the match, got to the back and once all the adrenaline wore off I was told I collapsed.

Adams: Oh my..

Bella Madison: They rushed me to the hospital and as of right now they say that I sustained a severe Level 2 concussion. I've spent the last week at home, trying to heal. Which if anyone has ever had concussions, it's not an easy feat even with the smallest of concussions. It has taken me several days to realize that this isn't going to be something as simple as healing a bone or twisted ankle. I'm going to have to take my time to come back like I want to not only in Apex but also in Sin City.

She sighs, pushing her glasses up her nose a little bit.

Bella Madison: I'm not going to be goaded into coming back too fast, if I want to have a long career I know that I need to take my time and make sure that I am ready. But I want to make myself crystal clear, when, not if, WHEN I DO come back, there will be no stopping me. I'm mad, but not at anyone. I'm mad at myself. I'm mad that once again I find myself on the outside looking in. I know I'm better than this and there are others out there, namely the Queen herself that knows I am better. I promise you this, I will be back as soon as I possibly can and when I do, all hell is about to break loose.

Adams: Thank you Bella so much for your time. We wish you all a speedy recovery and a quick return.

Bella Madison: Thanks guys! I'll be back before you know it!

She blows a little kiss to end it.




Justin: The following contest is another match assigned by our Queen for A Day Amber Ryan!!

Justin: The following contest is scheduled for one fall to a finish!

The lights in the arena go down and the sounds of organs fill the arena. After few moments, the first guitar rifts of Deep Purple's "Bad Attitude" fill the arena and the house lights come up and "Godly" Ken Davison stands at the top of the entrance ramp with his arms extended. The arena fills with boos, but Davison soaks them in as though they were the adulation of the masses and he was a returning war hero.

Justin: From Baltimore, Maryland! Weighing two hundred and nineteen pounds - he is "Godly" Ken Davison!

Davison marches down to thing right with a sense of self righteous pomposity. He ignores the crowd, taking the most direct path to the ring steps, pausing to wipe his boots before getting in the ring. He stands in the center of the ring with his arms extended as the music cuts out.

Justin: And his opponent...!

The arena lights dim as the bassline to "Blood" begins to rumble around the arena. As the guitar riff hits, so does the lights, revealing Mark "The Dragon" Cross standing, one fist aloft, at the top of the aisle. Receiving recognition from the crowd, he strides purposefully to ringside, taking a moment to survey the scene as he reaches the apron.

Justin: Introducing first! From Canterbury, England, standing at 6'1" and weighing in at 225lb, he is... THE KING OF SIN CITY WRESTLING!!! Mark "The Dragon" Crrrrrrrrrosssssss!!!

DING DING DING!

The bell has rang as both Ken and Mark Cross circle each other, seizing each other up in the middle of the ring before locking arms. Mark gets the upper hand with a standing side headlock, but Ken Davison pushes him in the ropes and sends him into the other side of the ring before delivering a knee in the midsection of Cross before setting him up for a Spinning Neckbreaker, only to have Mark quickly slide out of the ring as he had recognized the danger that Davison had set him up for.

Simone: Good tactical move from Cross, to take a breather and get back in the ring.to restart the match

Jacob Summers had started the ten count while Cross was on the outside, but that eventually stopped when Mark Cross had entered the ring at the count of four. The two men nod at each other, circling each other once again and once more lock arms. This time Ken Davison manages to get Mark Cross in a standing side headlock, tosses Cross over his hip to the canvas and maintains the headlock on Cross as the former champion attempts to break out of the hold that Ken Davison has got on him but fails. He quickly pushes himself back to his feet, still locked in the headlock as he pushes Ken Davison into the ropes and sets him up for an Irish Whip.

Adams: That's one way to break out of a side headlock

Indeed as he whips Ken Davison to the opposite side of the ring, prepares himself for a clothesline on Davison. But Davison ducks the clothesline, runs to the other side of the ring where Cross already is awaiting the arrival of the former Internet champion with another clothesline. Ken once again ducks, but this time catches Cross by the extended arm, uses his own momentum lift his legs up high in the air before wrapping them around the other arm of Cross and uses his momentum to drop the former champion backwards into a pinning position.

ONE!

TWO!

Cross kicks out, both men get up to their feet at the same time, Davison is about to continue his momentum by grabbing Cross his head for another move. But once again Cross slides out of the ring and regroups, staring at the face of Davison who is smiling back at the former champion.

Simone: So far it is all Ken Davison that has the upper hand on Mark Cross.

Adams: True Belinda, but we all know that a momentum can change in an instance

Ken places his hands on his knees while staring at Cross, who is getting a little bit annoyed. We hear Jacob Summers reaches the count of three as we see Mark Cross put his left hand on the top rope as he pulls himself back on the ring apron while not taking his eyes off Ken. Slowly he steps foot back in the ring as Ken charges in on him and delivers a double axhandle to the back of Cross, causing him to drop to the canvas on hands and knees. Ken Davison follows it up by pulling the head of Cross up with one hand while driving blows to the side of the head with his other hand using a closed fist. Causing Jacob Summers to use the five count on the member of The Saviors, who stops at the count of four as we see Cross drop to the canvas.

Simone: Cross was clearly surprised by the sudden charge of aggression by Ken Davison

Adams: That is a rookie mistake upon his part Belinda, you can't take your concentration off your opponents even if it is just for a moment.

Ken turns around, he grabs Cross by the head and lifts him back to his feet as he locks his head between his arm and his upper body, pushing the right arm around his neck before setting him up for a Snap Suplex, but Cross manages to block it by wrapping his leg around the inner thigh of Ken Davison. Ken let's go off the hold he had on Cross and bashes a few times across the lower back before setting him up once more for his second attempt for a Snap Suplex. And once more we see Cross blocking it by repeating the same move as he did the first time. This time he is the one that surprises Ken by locking him in a Snap Suplex position after Ken had let go off his head. Cross executes the move and immediately goes for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

But Ken Davison manages to kick out, boht men get to their feet and Cross drops Ken with a clothesline as he runs to the other side of the ring. Ken gets up once more, gets knocked down with another clothesline as Cross runs to the opposite side of the ring. There he turns and seizes up Ken Davison as he sees the member of the Saviors slowly rise to his feet. Measuring him for a Superkick, but Ken catches the foot of Cross just at the final moment when he executes the Superkick. Spins Cross around before wrapping his arms around the waist of Cross when his back is turned to Davison and executes a German Overhead Released Suplex before going for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

THR...

But Cross manages to kick out at the final moment as Ken gets to his knees, looks at Jacob Summers in the hope that the official would alter his decision and award him the three count, but doesn't. He then shrugs his shoulders and stares at the former champion, who is holding his head in pain as he had landed awkwardly when we witness the replay on the split screen. Ken smiles as he turns his attention back to Cross, grabs a handful of his hair as Jacob Summers warns him to let go, but the member of the Saviors ignores his warnings as he pulls him back to his feet and pushes him into the corner. There Ken executes an Irish Whip to the opposite corner before watching Cross drop down to the canvas because of the impact that Davison had send him into the turnbuckles.

Adams: Have you ever seen anyone manhandle former champion Mark Cross like that??

Simone: I can't say I have, but I do believe as long as the match is still on that he can somehow force a comeback.

Ken Davison slowly walks towards the man that tries to push his upper body off the canvas, he grabs the head of Cross, who surprises him with a Small Package as he was clearly playing possum

ONE!

TWO!

But Ken kicks out at two, not going to allow Cross to steal a victory like that. Both men get to their feet, Cross sets Ken up for an Irish Whip, lowering his head for a Back Body Drop, but Ken stops in his tracks. He knees Cross in the face, causing the former champion to rise up and stagger backwards as Ken goes for his finisher.

Simone: Hands Of God!!!

Ken applies the Claw combo of the Iron Claw and Stomach Claw on Cross, who falls backwards and struggles to break free from the hold that Ken Davison has put on him. But ultimately the pain is too much as he finally taps out to it as Jacob Summers calls for the bell

DING DING DING!

Justin: The winner of the match by submission!! "Godly" Ken Davison!!!

Ken finally lets go after a few warnings and stares at Cross as Jacob Summers lifts his arm in victory before rolling out of the ring and walk to the back.




The scene opens backstage where we see SCW's resident Greek Bombshell Ariana Angelos pacing around backstage.

Ariana: So far my career in SCW has been a real roller-coaster.

Krystal: Yeah but sooner or later the ride comes to a stop.

Ariana looks up and sees fellow Go Gym Graduate Krystal Wolfe waiting for her.

Ariana: You mean the losing streak on Climax Control, right?

Krystal: Right, we both know how rocky my start in SCW was during the last few months of 2022 and into the first half of 2021, I bounced back from that and whilst your luck's been better, you will bounce back as well.

Ariana: True, though the last thing I want to do is end up like Adrienne.

Krystal: Adrienne wasn't ready for the big stage like SCW, she freely admits that you spent the first three years of your career in SCU so you've had time to prepare yourself for this.

Ariana: Good point! Have you spoken to her much since she left?

Krystal: I know she still lives in Vegas, but I haven't seen her at the Go Gym, plus her next match in CU:LT is taking her down to Miami.

Ariana: Maybe you've just been training on different days! Well, good luck against Diamond and whatever crazy idea Christian has.

Krystal: And good luck in your next match!

Ariana nods before the two women go their separate ways and the scene fades.




Simone: Welcome back to Climax Control: Queen for a Day edition! Krystal Wolfe has held a grudge against Diamond Steele ever since Diamond cost her the Bombshell Roulette Championship back in March and now they are going to settle their differences in a stipulation chosen by Christian Underwood!

Adams: I don't know if this is a sign that Amber hates Krystal and Diamond or not because as Krystal has pointed out on her Twitter page, the last time Christian came up with a match type we got the infamous Scaffold over the Piranha Tank Match! A match that still haunts Milles Kasey's nightmares to this day!

Simone: We now take you to the back where Krystal and Diamond are standing by with Ms. Rocky Mountains to hear their fate.

We do indeed cut to the back where Ms. Rocky Mountains is standing by with Krystal and Diamond, and Krystal is glaring daggers at Diamond whilst Cassie is watching on from the background eating some popcorn.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Thanks Belinda! We will find out momentarily what match type these two former Bombshell Roulette Champions will compete in!

Krystal's eye visibly twitches when Rocky says that but she's too busy receiving word from the Christian to notice.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Err, are you sure? Okay, it's a scaffold over the piranha tank match! Only upgraded!

Krystal: Upgraded?!

Ms. Rocky Mountains: It'll be surrounded by fire, and the railings will be wrapped in barbed wire, and they'll be weapons hanging from above the scaffold!

Cassie nearly chokes on her popcorn in the background when she hears that, Krystal and Diamond meanwhile exchange uneasy looks.

Krystal: Have I done anything to piss him off lately? I think I'd remember pissing him off that badly.......

However, Krystal's monologue to herself gets cut off when Diamond sucker punches the Aussie Bombshell and they brawl to the scaffold in question where Jasmine waits for the two Bombshells to reach the ladders leading up to the scaffold before she calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!

Simone: Yeah, I have to agree with Krystal on this, what did they do to piss off Christian this badly!?

Adams: Well, in the case of Diamond, it would be just being herself!

Krystal reaches the top of her ladder first and waits for Diamond to reach the top of hers before charging across the scaffold and going for a spear, however Diamond blocks the attempt and snap suplexes Krystal into the barbed wire causing the Aussie to cry out in pain! And Diamond tries to get the match over and done with quickly by grabbing Krystal's leg and flipping her over into the piranha tank but Krystal gets her arm free from the Barbed Wire and rocks the British Bombshell with a hard punch to the jaw! When Diamond tries again Krystal kicks her away before getting the rest of her body free.

Simone: I think it's safe to say that Diamond just ensured that Krystal won't be able to lay on her back for the rest of the month!

Adams: Which is very unfortunate news for her wife!

Seeing that Diamond is doubled over from her kick Krystal looks around the rafters for a weapon she can use and spots a steel chair right above her hair, she reaches up and grabs the chair before whacking it over Diamond's back several times in a row until the chair breaks in two and Krystal drops it! Changing up her strategy Krystal grabs Diamond by the hair and starts raking it across the barbed wire.

Simone: That hurts me to watch!

Adams: This is two months of pent up anger that Krystal is taking out on Diamond! And Diamond is now a crimson mask!

Krystal sees that Diamond is bloody from having her face raked across the barbed wire and goes to end the match by way of grabbing Diamond by her hair and waist band and throwing Diamond over the scaffold and into the tank! However Diamond puts a stop to this by firing some elbows into Krystal's midsection before returning the favour by ramming Krystal's face into the barbed wire and rubbing it against her face!

Adams: You know Belinda, I just realized something, why did Christian bother with the fire? It's nowhere near the competitors!

Simone: Huh, you've got a point there, the flames ignited once the bell rung but Krystal and Diamond are far away from WAIT! There's a commotion near the match's location!

As Diamond is working over Krystal we cut to Ruby and Emerald of the Gem Stones standing outside the flames, they share a look before asking.

Ruby: Do we get paid enough to set ourselves on fire for Diamond?

Emerald: NOPE!

At which point they run off.

Adams: Welp, there's my answer!

Simone: And let's be honest, that's probably the smartest decision they've ever made! Anyway, let's get back to the action!

Back at the Scaffold Krystal has only just been able to break Diamond's grip on her head by catching her with a European Uppercut sending the British Bombshell stumbling back across the scaffold, Diamond just manages to avoid the barbed wire directly behind her but Krystal gets an idea before leaping up the railing and using that to execute a Hurricanrana knocking both Bombshells down in the process!

Simone: And here I was about to say that you shouldn't expect to see many wrestling moves in this match but Krystal proved me wrong there.

Adams: That was certainly some creative thinking from Krystal and Diamond paid the price for it!

Krystal is the first one to get back to her feet and she reaches out for another weapon, this time a Kendo Stick, and when Diamond gets back to her feet Krystal swings for the fences with the Kendo Stick only for Diamond to duck under it causing the stick to get caught in the barbed wire in the process! Seeing an opportunity Diamond grabs another steel chair from the rafters and wraps it in barbed wire before whacking it across the back of Krystal!

Simone: Krystal's more than proven herself to be a tough cookie but even she can't withstand this attack from Diamond for long!

Adams: I just hope that Krystal's daughter isn't watching this!

Krystal drops to her knees and Diamond doesn't let up, whacking the chair across the Aussie's back until it breaks at which point Diamond takes the barbed wire and starts choking Krystal with it, after a few minutes of struggling Krystal gets her feet on the railing before kicking off it to try to break Diamond's grip by backing her into the barbed wire on the other side but despite the obvious pain that Diamond is in, she keeps her grip firm, that is until Krystal realizes that she freed the kendo stick in the process and finally manages to break the grip Diamond has around her throat by whacking Diamond in the forehead with the kendo stick!

Simone: My god, what will it take for this match to end! It looks like Krystal and Diamond are re-enacting a horror movie out there!

Adams: And all this because Amber Ryan wanted to give Chloe Benton a match! What a crazy sport we live in!

Krystal drops to her hands and knees but keeps her grip firmly on the kendo stick as she uses her free hand to check her throat for blood, Diamond on the other hand is struggling to get free of the barbed wire but after a few moments Krystal gets back to her feet before letting loose with the Kendo Stick whacking Diamond over the head with it until it breaks at which point Diamond has gotten free off the barbed wire, however Krystal knees Diamond in the gut once she is free and calls for the Down Under Thunderbomb!

Simone: Krystal can't be serious?! There's no way that she can execute the Down Under Thunderbomb on that scaffold, it's too narrow!

Adams: I think Krystal's out to end this match against Diamond in any way she can!

Krystal manages to get Diamond up for the running Powerbomb but Diamond manages to stop the Aussie's momentum by grabbing onto the rafters and pulling herself up off Krystal's shoulders, Krystal is nearly frustrated by this development but spots a baseball bat hanging from the rafters that's within reach of both women goes to grab it! However as soon as Krystal turns her back on Diamond the British Bombshell lets go off the rafters and executes a Poisonrana onto Krystal knocking the Aussie loopy! Thinking that she has the match well in hand but wanting to make sure that Krystal is down and out Diamond grabs the baseball vat and wraps it in barbed wire.

Simone: They do remember how they are supposed to win the match right? That much blood going into the piranha tank?!

Adams: I can't watch!

Diamond whacks Krystal in the ribs with the baseball bat several times before it breaks, each hit causing the Aussie to cy out in pain (and more than a few swear words from Krystal's mouth) and once it breaks Diamond tosses it aside before declaring the match over and picking Krystal up, clearly intending to send the Australian Bombshell over the railing and into the tank bellow, however Krystal has a lot more fight left in her than Diamond initially thought and hits Diamond with an uppercut, Krystal doubles over to catch her breath before she gets an idea and grabs several strands of barbed wire.

KRYSTAL STARTS WRAPPING HER ARM IN BARBED WIRE!

Simone: WHAT ON EARTH IS KRYSTAL UP TOO?!

Adams: WHATEVER HER IDEA IS, IT'S BAD NEWS FOR DIAMOND!

Once Krystal is satisfied she grabs Diamond from behind AND USES THE BARBED WIRE WRAPPED ARM TO EXECUTE THE LONG REST!

Simone: LONG REST WITH KRYSTAL'S DOMINANT ARM WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE! WE'RE NOT EVEN IN THE VIOLENT CONDUCT CYCLE, WHAT THE HELL?!

Adams: I don't think Diamond's getting out of that, stick a fork in her, she's done!

Diamond instinctively taps out but due to the rules of the match it doesn't end and Krystal keeps the Long Rest locked in until Diamond starts to fade, once the British Bombshell is out Krystal lets go off her finisher and picks Diamond up.

Krystal: See you in hell bitch!

KRYSTAL HITS THE DOWN UNDER THUNDERBOMB SENDING DIAMOND INTO THE PIRANHA TANK!

DING DING DING!

Justin: OH GOD NO! OH, THE HUMANITY! Err, I mean, the winner of the match, KRYSTAL WOLFE!

Simone: Big win for Krystal but good god, GET THE PARAMEDICS OUT THERE!

Adams: For both Krystal and Diamond!

The flames are shut off and the paramedics rush onto the scene with Emerald, Ruby and Cassie joining them, the Gem Stones assist in getting Diamond out of the piranha tank as soon as they are able too (and thankfully before the piranhas can do any life threatening damage) and Krystal descends down the ladder on her own, in spite of the pain! Cassie embraces her cousin before the paramedics tend to them.




We cut to the backstage area and it is there where Crystal Zdunich. She is clad in a Kat Jones t shirt. She runs her hands through her long blue hair as Pussy Willow is standing in front of her.

Pussy: Hello everyone standing next to me is a woman who just issued an open challenge last week which was accepted by her Seleana Zdunich. I give to you all my special guest Crystal Zdunich.

Crystal nods her head with a grin as she looks at Pussy.

Crystal: Thank you for the warm welcome. First and foremost I just want to give my friend Kat Jones a special birthday shoutout. I am happy that she is excited with her giff. Anyway yes last week I did offer a challenge and I want to let everybody know that the challenge is still out on the table. I am ready to fight ANYBODY that answers that challenge.

Pussy: But last week Seleana accepted that challenge and

Crystal shrugs her shoulders as she looks back at Pussy.

Crystal: I don't care what Seleana did. The fact is I am not going to fight my wife. She can accept whatever she wants but it just isn't happening. I really don't have any idea what she wishes to accomplish but like I said I went down that path before. It didn't end well the first time and...

Seleana approaches Crystal backstage. She looks at her wife before she shakes her head at her.

Seleana: Why are you afraid Estrellita?! Every week you sell yourself short. You act like you not good but I always found you good. If I have to bring the old Crystal Hilton out of you for you to see it so be it.

Crystal opens her eyes as she looks at her wife.

Crystal: Are you sure that is what you want?! I don't want to hurt you...

Seleana: You not hurt me. You taught me to stand strong and to fight . I am a Lionness, I know how to hunt for myself. I no longer in your shadow but I am your equal. So it's time I show you that we are equals and I show you in the ring. No more worrying about me or about trying to be nice for our marriage. It is time for you to focus on your career and bring back that spirit of Crystal Hilton.

Crystal nods her head as she looks back at her wife.

Crystal: Do you know what you are asking for?! Crystal Hilton wasn't that nice. Her attitude was really bad and the summer of Crystal was me at my best. 212 days of a World Bombshell Reign. Woman of the year and most improved. I accomplished so much that year and turned back many challenges! Are you sure that is what you want?!

Seleana nods her head looking into her wife's eyes.

Seleana: Ja! If it means you are confident and show that confident competitive attitude yes that's what I want.

Crystal looks at her wife sighing as she looks right into her eyes.

Crystal: Fine... You will get what you ask for. Summer

Xtreme you and me one on one. Don't expect me to hold back!

With that Crystal walks away as we go elsewhere.




Justin: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest, is for the SCW World Bombshell's championship!

The opening guitar riff of Rush' "Limelight" begin on the PA system. The cameras pan around the arena, and as the lyrics begin, Roxi Johnson rushes through the curtain and stops, a huge smile on her face and Bombshell's championship strapped tightly around her waist. She soaks in the cheers and treks onward, seemingly greeting every fan, before climbing up on the apron and looking out at the cheering crowd, before entering the ring and climbing the turnbuckle and raising her arms in the air to massive cheers. She jumps down from the top turnbuckle and lands in the ring, turns to the hard camera side and dropping to a knee, and giving the "I love you" in sign language pose. She stands and begins jumping up and down in an exercising manner as the music cuts out.

Adams: Roxi looks ready.

Simone: She's going to have to be. She knows what lies ahead for her.

"Cry Sister" begin on the PA. The music plays, as Roxi looks patiently, but determined for her opponent Amber Ryan. But after about 45 seconds, there is no Amber. Roxi looks around, looking for perhaps a sneak attack from Amber, but it never comes. The music stops, and there's confusion.

Adams: Where is Amber Ryan?

Simone: Perhaps there is a bigger mind game being played?

Roxi motions for the microphone and Justin hands it to her.

Roxi: Are we really playing this game, Amber? You want to fight me? I'm not going anywhere. We're past this. Let's go.

Roxi hands the microphone back to Justin, unstraps the championship from her waist and puts it over her shoulder and then "Cry Sister" starts again.

Adams: Okay, maybe this time?

Roxi continues to wait, but nothing happens. The music plays for another minute, before cutting out. There are boos.

Adams: Did...something happen to Amber Ryan?

The lights go out in the arena and the screen cuts to static before a video plays.

Under a bright summer sun, the sloping geometric sides of Walter Pyramid shone in polished glass and steel trim; a brilliant, squat obelisk cutting a sharp hole in the cloudless sky over California State University's campus. A beacon of reflected light made impossible to ignore, drawing attention from all across the city of Long Beach.

Underneath the Pyramid and buried deep in its concrete foundations, not so magnificent and deserving of less attention, its myriad service corridors and supply halls weaved and criss-crossed. Thick clusters of pipes, ringed orange with rust and girt by weeping leaks, carried steam and drinking water and wound their way in kilometre-long loops. Bundles of electrical cables bu

ing with high voltage fought for what little room was left, snaking up and along the free wall in wide, sweeping curves.

Squeezing between at least three different ways to die horribly, a former Bombshells' World Champion inches her way along one of the service corridors – hand sweeping a damp red mane of hair out from her irritated face as the hot pipes and claustrophobic surroundings worked together to make the space stifling.

Amber Ryan: Could have just met in a park ...

Pipes diverted left and right and suddenly, Amber emerged into a wide open chamber dominated by an enormous cylindrical mass of metal. Some kind of boiler, she guessed, judging by the large circular valves cut into its body, pressure gauges and heavy countersunk rivets holding its skin together like a button-up jacket.

The heat was unbearable, and she could hear the powerful thrum of superheated water as it pressed and railed against the boiler's containment. Metal groaned under the assault and more than a few of the gauges began to inch out of their assigned green bands, wandering into curiosity-piquing yellow ...

Something scratched against the concrete floor behind; almost imperceptible above the grumbling and rumbling but Amber heard it, and she moved to counter without thinking. She threw her standing leg back, pivoting her entire body while her good – better – punching arm reared back–

To come face-to-face with a recoiling Cassiopeia Mearns.

Amber Ryan: For a talent manager who's supposed to know their client inside-out, you don't seem to grasp all that thoroughly what happens when people sneak up on me. Especially unannounced.

The shorter woman stepped back, hands still up but dropping from her face to cup the sides of her neck. She looks in an exaggerated circle around Amber.

Cassieopia: Were you followed?

Amber shrugged, sweeping a tangled mass of hair back over her head.

Amber Ryan: By high-pressure water and a couple of thousand volts, maybe. Isn't this a bit cliched–

Cassieopia: I wanted to make sure we weren't overheard.

Amber Ryan: That's what meeting rooms, parks, changing rooms, cars are for ... Literally anywhere with space and/or privacy.

The redhead pauses for a second, something else on her lips before some impulse control uncharacteristically rears its head and exerts a little restraint. She changes tact.

Amber Ryan: I've got a lot on tonight, Cassie. The small matter of reclaiming what's mine, so if you don't have some planet-shattering revelation for me – in fact, even if you do, I'd rather hear it after I put everything back right like it should be–

Cassieopia: She saw you two.

That gives Amber pause and something that might have looked like concern flutters across her face, like the transient pressure spike that makes the boiler nearby hiss and snort, before passing into passiveness once again. She just raises her eyebrows in silent encouragement.

The blonde begins to knead her fingers together.

Cassieopia: The Private Investigator, Mister ... Fexxfield? Masque knows, more than knows. It's like she ...

The shorter woman trails off, lost for words. Her eyes squeeze shut, fingers protectively cupping her own shoulder.

Cassieopia: I've never seen her so–

Stepping forward, Amber pulls Cassie in with another slightly forced, if genuine enough attempt at showing the closeness so obviously needed in the moment.

Amber Ryan: I told you before, it'll be fine. It has to be–

Cassieopia: No!

She pulls away, but only because the redhead allows it given the strength and height differential.

Cassieopia: This is different! You don't understand, if you'd seen her afterwards ... You'd know–

???: You would know that at last, you have finally come to the end of your usefulness.

The boiler room is cloaked in shadows made from overhanging gantries, ducting, pressurisation equipment and ancillary drives and from one such rusting canopy the familiar form of SCW's Bombshells' Internet Champion emerges ... Accompanied by the new World Champion in Matt Knox. Both wear stone-cold faces; the former because her true one is hidden and the latter because he is about to undertake a test that cannot be passed successfully.

Kicking up clouds of grit with a flick of the toe after every step, Masque slowly circles closer until she stands beside Amber, facing the blonde opposite who takes a faltering step back.

Amber swallows, and dares to take her eyes off the taller woman and towards the new World Champion. He doesn't need to carry the title for her to feel that powerful wave of nausea at the thought of where it rested, only a few short weeks ago. Something animalistic from the depths of her hindbrain forces clarity, demands focus on the here and present. Preternatural unease – the fight part before flight – makes her skin prickle.

Amber Ryan: Matt?

His expression doesn't change but he grips the black cloth sack in his hand tighter until the knuckles blanche white.

Matt Knox: I'm sorry, Red. I ... I'm sorry.

Masque continues to press forward as Cassie retreats, until the latter comes up against the side of the boiler. Hot metal burns the shoulders exposed in her flower-patterned summer dress and she levers forward in pain reflex. With a savage thrust, Masque drives the composite of her plastic forehead into Cassie's and sends her toppling backwards to the concrete.

The cutout across her chin makes her smile clearly visible.

Masque: I am so pleased that both my Resplendent Hurricane and my Songbird can be here to witness this. The conclusion of the story of the second Flower Girl Named After the Stars. You have done so well, Cassiopeia. Without you, Amber would never have been ready to assume her mantle and embrace her true nature. It is time for you to finish the job you have so competently begun ...

Extending her prosthetic back behind her, Masque motions.

Masque: Songbird, the final lesson, please.

For a few moments his face relents in its stony portrayal of nothingness and he hesitates. Lips part, words threaten to form. Maybe if he could just–

Masque: You would not want to keep Marika waiting, would you?

Mouth shuts. Eyes harden. He reaches into the bag and pulls free a blackened tyre iron, curved end stained bright cherry red by a misshapen mass of molten plastic.

Feeling its weight, the taller woman runs a flesh-and-blood finger along its end, gathering soot under her thumb and revealing shining metal underneath. Lowering herself onto one knee, she presses a stained fingertip hard against Cassie's temple and draws a dirty cross.

An aiming point. A target.

Pawing ineffectuallyl at her pinkening shoulders, Cassie scrambles onto her knees and looks up at Amber and Masque, tears beginning to spill from equally-reddening eyes. The taller of the two cocks her head, looking in the direction of the former Bombshells' World Champion. She holds out the tyre iron, offering it.

Almost as expressionless as the man standing a distance behind, Amber doesn't take her eyes away from the Flower Girl Named After the Stars again, even as the weapon enters her periphery. Instead she just stares ... Not at, but through. To something else. Somewhere else. Her hand nearest the tyre iron flexes.

Masque: This is still not the test ...

Reverie shattered, Amber jerks her head to face Masque.

Amber Ryan: What?

That smile, that lilting, sing-song voice.

Masque: Would you do it? Stove her face in until her convulsions turned to shudders and then stillness? I admit, it would be so beautiful to offer you such a choice ...

The smile abruptly cancels, slips snapping back to neutral.

Masque: But a choice requires at least two possible options, and we – you – only have one. You would decline, because while you have crossed the threshold between what you were and what you might be, you are still in mid-step; a foot left in the world before and behind. The potential to turn around ...

Masque: Unacceptable. So this is not your test. Would you like to know what it is?

She hefted the tyre iron, drawing slow circles in the hot air that made clouds of dust drift out where soot flaked free from the fire-damaged metalwork.

Masque: In a delicious irony – one I did not plan but I enjoy so much more immensely because of its happenstance – it is the same test as my Songbird.

Looking behind, she smiled at the World Champion who remained expressionless.

Masque: All you have to do is nothing. Just watch as all the compassion that would otherwise have poisoned you, all the kindness and feeling here represented on her knees, is put down in the shit where it belongs. I have made it such a very simple lesson, because you have done so very well until now ...

She glanced down at the blonde who is still sitting on her knees, eyes glassy as the subtle brain fog of a concussion began to settle in.

Masque: Cassieopia?

She blinked, chin swaying.

Cassieopia: ... Yeah?

Masque: Are you ready?

The blonde frowned, head drooping for a few moments. When it came back up, she looked at Amber and smiled.

Cassieopia: Only if ... Miss Ryan is ...

Masque: Oh, I think she is ready.

Stepping forward, Amber lowered herself down until she was face-to-face with Cassie's wandering, waking-dream gaze. She took a shaking hand in hers and squeezed, another cupping the ridged scar tissue running up underneath the blonde's arm, under the fabric image of embossed flowerheads and petals. Her voice dropped to a whisper.

Amber Ryan: Time to get it right. A man I knew once told me that God loves a tryer ...

Brushing a lock of hair back behind Cassie's ear, the redhead offered the rarest of all things: a smile produced by wherever her heart currently sat while apparently permanently relocated outside of her chest, and ferried directly to her lips with nothing in-between to add subtlety, ambiguity or hidden meaning. Amber didn't bother looking back; only raising her voice to convey the intended recipient.

Amber Ryan: I've made my decision. Do it.

Masque: Oh, my Resplendent Hurricane ...

Her voice dripped black like the bilgewater spilling free from nearby, overwhelmed sump pumps.

Masque: ... I thought you would never ask.

The first blow sent her tumbling forward as low-carbon steel met the meat of a prominent, posterior deltoid and instantly tenderised. Instinctively, Amber pushed Cassie away and raised up on her right arm – the left rendered numb and useless by the resultant nerve-shredding white noise of the impact. As she reared Masque stepped through, thrust the bar under her chin and pulled back with savage force. Cartilage competed with the boiler to groan and creak under pressure. The taller woman pushed a knee into the small of Amber's back, forcing forward as she wrenched back in an impossible competition the redhead's spine could never win.

Masque: You are pathetic ...

Suddenly, the knee withdrew and Amber found herself hauled up and onto her feet. Something in her throat cracked under intolerable, incredible load and she tasted iron.

And then, she was free – pushed forwards to fall against the rutted concrete and dust and grit.

Masque: This will end with you on your knees, but why not get to your feet and fight another pointless fight? That is your way. Unwinnable battles, unwinnable wars. What is another one?

Amber is already launching forward, bloodstained teeth bared as her lungs somehow draw enough air through a ruined throat to fuel the coming rage. She shifts and avoids a lethal plastic battering ram, subtly twisting underneath until she can shift behind and wrap her left arm around the taller woman's neck. She squeezes, right arm clamping down against the prosthetic at her side, restraining it.

The body underneath stiffens, but doesn't immediately resist. She struggles, numbness from the first impact to the shoulder making it hard to keep her arm locked in tight. The hard plastic of Masque's face makes it impossible to lock in tight underneath the chin, instead digging painfully into Amber's exposed forearm and drawing more blood.

Amber Ryan: Matt! Don't just fucking stand there!

But he does.

Matt Knox: Red ... I ...

Distracted, struggling to force the words through her crumpled larynx, Amber doesn't feel a subtle shift in Masque's centre of gravity that gives her the swing to break her prosthetic free. It thrusts up, taking a rough composite handful of red hair and pulling hard.

On some level, Amber is dimly aware she's screaming but holds on. Pulls tighter. Something hot and slick spills across her temple, tickling the sweat-slick skin as it slides down. The numbness in her left arm reaches the elbow and continues on uninterrupted and instantaneously, she loses grip.

Red strands flutter down from on-high as Masque tears her prosthetic from Amber's scalp, takes a hold of the wrist under her jaw and levers it away. She continues, forcing the arm straight before ducking underneath the elbow and forcing the entire limb back against the shoulder blade.

Masque: Kneel.

Amber Ryan: Fuck you!

She wrenches further back, as far as the battered musculature will allow, to the mechanical stop of the shoulder girdle itself.

Masque: Kneel, or I will take it from you to replace my own.

Her legs ache. Burning. Blood runs free from her speckled lips, she sways. Amber bunches her right fist–

Suddenly, the redhead is spun around a fraction of a moment before initiating that desperate swing. Carried by Newton's First Law, her haymaker is still half a metre from impact when Masque's plastic fist crashes into her jaw, courtesy of Newton's Second. Amber's head snaps back, something else cracks, and she takes a single underwater step backwards.

Masque: Exhaust yourself. Spend all your wind and fire and rage. Kneel.

Amber spits clear her mouth, unable to raise her head back to level. Back arched she finds enough strength, stooped, legs so heavy as to be made from some trans-uranic element, to look up.

Amber Ryan: ... Got plenty more rage ...

The taller woman nods, bending over to retrieve the tyre iron. She spares a glance over at Knox.

Masque: You have done so well tonight, Songbird. I think you will hold that Championship for a very long time with such ruthlessness. You have learned a lesson neither Miss Ryan or her husband would, or could ...

Feeling the weight of it in her pseudo-hand as she walks forward, before shifting to a flesh-and-blood grip, the Internet Champion cocks her head and beams a truly radiant smile at Amber. The other woman's hands come up limply, fingers splayed, tracing odd patterns in the air. She sways.

Circling Amber, Masque kicks out with the flat of her boot against an unprotected hamstring.

Masque: Kneel.

The former Bombshells' World Champion sinks, right knee almost touching concrete before, somehow, she rises back up again with a shuddering grunt.

She kicks again.

Masque: Kneel.

This time, Amber uses the flat of her palm to keep her knee a scant inch from contacting the grit and holds it there; body shaking and shuddering with all-consuming effort.

Masque: Kneel.

In an irresistible swing, the tyre iron crashes against Amber's hip. Something cracks and she topples over, agonised cry cut up into a series of chest-rattling coughs as blood fills her mouth faster than it drains out over slack lips.

Masque: Very good. Does it not feel liberating to submit?

AMBER RYAN ... Fuck ... You ...

Sinking down, Masque straddles the other woman and runs a plastic forefinger down her face, smearing the white paint with soot, sweat and red. Amber resists, bringing her good arm up but an artificial backhand sends her further into the twilight between consciousness and unconsciousness. Positioning the end of the tyre iron against the left shoulder, Masque pushes down.

Masque: I would like to make a confession to you, My Resplendent Hurricane.

She thrusts the sharp point down. Skin splits.

Masque: I think I might have been in love with you. It is hard to say, because I am not sure what love looks like ...

Glancing over her shoulder at Knox, her voice climbs another octave.

Masque: But I think I know what it is not.

Pressure increases. The molten red of the iron becomes indistinguishable from the haemoglobin red of the wound it sinks inside.

Masque: Not like him; Fexxfield. Not what he feels for you. More like an infatuation, an obsession. Powerful, intense, but ultimately fleeting and meaningless. I did enjoy it however, even if it has outlived its usefulness.

All air now requisitioned for the simple act of surviving, Amber's lips flex uselessly in response until the tyre iron pushes through musculature and then a scream finds enough resource to tear free from her ruined throat. Finally, resolve and clarity bleed away from that hard stare and her eyes lose focus.

Reaching up with a free hand, Masque releases the tensioner on the back of her head and lets the plastic fall free to clatter against the floor. Leaning down, she presses her lips against Amber's ear; voice a low whisper.

Masque: I have something special for you, something I have made. Crafted. Purposed. It will live with you long after we part ways ...

Something sharp cuts into Amber's neck from the tip of the taller woman's prosthetic forefinger, and it is on fire before it has even reached her heart.

Masque: There are so much worse things than death ...

Delicately, Masque plants a soft kiss on Amber's lips and pulls back, giving the steel rod a final sickening twist and thrust before letting it drop from her grasp as she stands. It clatters loudly against rutted concrete.

Blood oozes between her thumb and forefinger where she squeezes them together, and retrieving her mask and setting it back into place, she turns towards Knox.

Left in pieces nearby, Amber gurgles something unintelligible and wet. Masque pauses, looks back and shrugs.

Masque: God loves a tryer. Shall we, Songbird?

Scraping bloodied knees across the concrete, Cassie pulls up over Amber and cradles her head in a lap decorated by fabric flowers and small, imprinted stars.

The video cuts out from the violent imagery, leaving Roxi standing there shocked, confusion and a little horrified. She stands there, hands on hips with her head bowed, unable to really process all that happened.

Adams: That was... that was one of the most brutal things I've... I've ever seen.

Simone: I don't even know what to say.

Justin: L... Ladies and gentlemen, I must inform you that this match will not be taking place due to injury.

There's boos as Roxi looks disgusted and shakes her head, before she goes to exit the ring, but a figure parts the curtain, causing Roxi to pause.

Adams: It's Masque!

There are loud boos as Marque, despite her features being hidden, gives off the body language of someone both pleased with their actions, but also a demeanor of menace and malice. Masque makes her way to the ring, as Roxi back up. The taller woman enters the ring, approaching Roxi who stares at her in disgust, but not fear. Masque gazes at the champion up and down before reaching out with her prosthetic hand, and touching the Bombshell's championship. Roxi looks at the hand, and then back to Masque, neither saying a word, just staring into each other's eyes.

Adams: I think Masque just made her intentions clear.

Simone: I shudder to think what Masque is capable of after what happened tonight.

The two champions continue to intense staredown to end the show.




THANK YOU! to everyone who helped with this show!