The Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, Nevada is alive with energy as the fans of Sin City Wrestling stand and cheer, the cameras pass along the fans, recording and airing them for those watching at home on their televisions.
Crowd: SCW! SCW! SCW!
Justin Decent, announcer for Sin City Wrestling, stands up with the house microphone raised to his lips and he starts to speak;
Justin: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Henderson, Nevada, and welcome to Climax Control!
The crowd cheers!
Justin: Please welcome – accompanied by Holly Wood and Helluva Bottom Carter - the Hostess With the Mostess for "Climax Control" -- Miss Amanda Hugginkiss!
The fans cheer as Amanda along with Holly and Carter, emerge from a wall of fog, with cackling in the background. They are dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus! Amanda as Winnie! Holly as Sarah and Carter as Mary! The music starts and Amanda, Holly and HBCarter starts their performance!Amanda: Whoo!
Now, listen up
We were running wild, and so reviled
Raisin' kind until we got exiled
But times are Changing
Now we're on the attack
Yeah the spell is gonna hit 'cha
Cause the witches are back
Who-oh-oh
Sistasth!
Yeah the witches, the witches
The witches are back
Stone cold sinner as a matter of fact
I'm a witch
(I'm a witch)
But i'm better than you
Watch the way that we fly
The way that you'll die
Who-oh-oh
Oh!
Yeah the witches, the witch?s
The witches are back
Ston? cold minners as a matter of fact
Yeah the witches, the witches
Are coming for you
With the spells that we cast
My, this tempo is fast
Who-oh-oh
All together now girls
Witch, witch
The witches are back
We're back wo-ho-ho
Witch, witch
Singing it to me
The witches are back, back
The witch, witch, witch, witch
The witches are back
Oh, we're killing em'
Witch, witch
Ha-ha!
The witches are back, back
The witches are back!
Winnie/Amanda slaps Mary/Carter and elbows Sarah/Holly before posing to the roaring cheers of the crowd as the spotlight winks out with a flash of thunder and a clap of lightning.
The camera then turns back on at ringside with Belinda Simone and Jason Adams.
Simone: Hello everyone and welcome to Climax Control! On behalf of my colleague Jason Adams...
Jason winks and clucks a tongue while pointing a 'bang bang' salute toward the camera.
Simone: I am Belinda Simone and THIS is the Road To High Stakes XI! Tonight we determine two fresh challengers for the Grand Prix of Professional Wrestling!
Adams: And we kick it off with a fond farewell to Todd Williams...
Simone: What??? Todd Williams isn't going anywhere!
Adams: Well he's going to wish he was when Mac Bane gets through with him in tonight's opener!
Simone: Hm, touche'! Following that, we have a match that has been literally years in the making! The reigning Roulette Champion Miles Kasey FINALLY steps inside of the six-sided ring against 'the White Wolf' Fenris!
Adams: Then we have a Triple Threat Roulette Rules match to determine the challenger for High Stakes XII when it's Jessie Salco, Mercedes Vargas and Bea Barnhart! The last woman standing challenges for the gold!
Simone: Then a grudge match with High Stakes...
Adams: Pun intended?
Simone: No, happy coincidence. But Avalon Blackthorn has challenged Masque to a non-title match on behalf of Amber Ryan. If Avalon wins, Amber gets a shot at the World Championship, currently held by Masque! But if Masque wins, then Avalon is forced to become her protege!
Adams: And in the Main Event! It's the Fatal Fourway High Stakes XII match! Four of the very best compete to see who will challenge "Godly" Ken Davison for the championship on October 30th! Austin James Mercer! Finn Whelan! Chris Page! And Goth! The man who scores the win gets the chance of a lifetime!
Simone: All this and more on SCW Climax Control!
"Like A Phoenix" begins over the PA, and a determined-looking Keira Fisher-Johnson power walks through the curtain, slapping a few fans five, but is not in her usual good mood. She enters the ring and asks for the microphone from Justin Decent and motions for her music to be cut. She takes a moment to collect herself, before she begins.
Keira: Hello.
There is a cheer for her, causing her to pause again, taking a deep breath and exhaling.
Keira: I wanted to do this a couple of weeks ago, and it just wasn't the time. And after last week, I wasn't sure if I was going to be here tonight. But I am. And I'm not here to talk about last week. It happened, it wasn't pretty on any side of this. Things happened. Emotions ran high. And to top it off, I'm not the Bombshell's Internet champion anymore.
Boos.
Keira: but, that's okay. Because I couple of weeks ago, I was planning on simply giving the championship up. I did what I wanted to do. I won the grand slam, and there's no taking it away from me. I checked it off my list. And I am damn proud of that.
Cheers.
Keira: Having said that, after all these years, and all this time, I have no desire to chase after any more titles, anymore in SCW. You will never hear me ask for any other title match, no number one contender matches, nothing. I no longer need championships here. I won them all. So, anyone who dislikes me, you won't have to deal with me asking for anything anymore regarding titles.
There's some shock and some applause, mostly confusion.
Keira: I don't have any need for it anymore. In fact, I really don't need to wrestle anymore, period.
More confusion.
Keira: I gave it a lot of thought. I have completed 99% of my bucket list in this business. I have a wrestling school, training even more folks that can come to places like this and entertain you in the future, and most importantly, I have my family. I have a lot of things brewing in the future.
Cheers.
Keira: Now, all I want to do, is complete my bucket list. One more thing left to do, and then, I have say that I've had my fill, and I can ride off into the sunset.
Boos, some cheers.
Keira: And to do that, I need my wife to come to the ring, and join me.
There is a brief moment of silence and then "Limelight" by Rush begins and Roxi soon part the curtain, looking on with a small smile, but she too is also confused by Keira's words. She enters the ring, and she then hugs Keira.
Keira: Roxi, I want you to know that I love you, and if it hadn't been for you, I don't know what would have happened to me. You have been with me through the happiest of times, and the darkest of times. There is only one thing I want. Only one thing I have left, and no, it's not taking on competitive eating challenges. That was a joke, and I think you knew that.
Roxi nods, a smile and a chuckle escape her.
Keira: I've only got one thing and I need your help. I want to have one more match. At High Stakes. After that, it can be over. You don't have to worry about me or try and carry me anymore or whatever people wanna say. I just need you, to do me one last favor.
Keira points the microphone at Roxi.
Roxi: Keira, you know I would do anything for you. So, if you want to do the Team Hero thing one more time at High Stakes, then you can bet I'm there. That would be amazing.
Keira smiles, then shakes her head.
Keira: As fun as that would be, that's not what I meant. No Roxi, I want a match, at High Stakes.
Dramatic pause.
Keira: Against you.
Roxi is taken aback for a moment, lowering her head and nodding to herself. She walks over to the ropes and is handed her own microphone.
Roxi: Keira, we don't have to -
Keira: Yes, we DO. There has to be one last encounter between us. There is nothing left but that. You know it, I know it, everybody knows it. You, and me, with NOTHING held back. I'm talking about the all-out fight to end all fights. After that, it ends, and that's how the story ends for me. That's all I want.
Roxi stares at Keira shaking her head.
Roxi: Keira, you know there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. and I want you to end up happy. But what you're asking for, is something that -
Keira: IT'S SOMETHING I NEED! I NEED IT! Don't sit here and give me the talk, like you feel sorry for me, and you're looking down at me! I NEED THIS MATCH.
Roxi closes her eyes and sighs.
Roxi: I'm not talking to you like that. I told you, the last time we wrestled, that I was letting you go. I wasn't going to be an anchor, I wasn't going to watch over you like a parent. I said I was letting you swim in the deep end, and you did. And I'm proud of you for being your own person. You have performed exactly as I thought you would. And you should be proud.
Cheers.
Roxi: Now, if you don't interrupt me, I can get this out. You are asking for a match with nothing held back. I need you to understand something from me. Okay? Just listen. I need you to understand the position you are putting me in, and what you are really asking for. You are asking for an ending. And if you are serious, I... I will give you what you ask for.
Cheers.
Keira: I'm serious.
Roxi: Then I need you to understand that this may not end the exact way you think. You are putting this in a spot where if you lose, then everybody says that I was always better. If you win, then there's going to be people who think I let you win. If you are okay with that, if you can come to terms with that, then... I will give you what you want.
Keira shakes her head.
Keira: I don't care what they think about this. This, for me, is the end. I need to know this, Roxi. I need to know, for myself, if I am everything that I ever said I was. I've always been looking for a fight, the next great challenge, and I don't need to look anywhere else, then right in front of me. YOU. You are the ultimate test. This is all I want. One last thing, and one last match.
Roxi sighs, nods, and places a hand on Keira's shoulder.
Roxi: I'm going to give you what you need. I'm going to give you what you want. You want this challenge, you want this fight? Fine. I'm going to give you everything, and more.
Cheers
Roxi: I just hope, then when it's all said and done, that you can live with the result.
Keira: You bet your sweet ass I can live with it!
Keira extends her hand to Roxi.
Keira: High Stakes?
Roxi looks down, and shakes Keira's hand.
Roxi: High Stakes.
Cheers as the couple turn the handshake into a hug, before they both depart.
The scene opens in the parking lot where we see two familiar Australian women entering the arena, namely former Bombshell Roulette Champion Krystal Wolfe and her younger cousin Cassie.
Krystal: Okay Cass, remember what I said on the way over!
Cassie: Yes, I know, I'll be on my best behaviour! I mean I was on my best behaviour last week before Carter started yelling at me unprovoked!
Krystal: True as that may be, you're my guest and Carter's a contracted SCW talent, as it stands he has more sway in this situation than you!
Cassie: This is because I signed with the wrong SCW isn't it?
Krystal: Let's not jump to conclusions, let's just head inside and look forward to a great night of action!
The two Aussies walk up to security and Krystal presents her performer's pass to be let in, however when Cass goes to follow her cousin in security stops the teenager.
Cassie: Err, hello? Earth to rent-a-cop? I'm Krystal's guest!
Security: Sorry ma'am but you can't come in.
Krystal looks up upon hearing this and gets in the guard's face.
Krystal: Check with your boss, I sorted this out with the bosses last week.
Security: Mr. Ward and Mr. Underwood have given me strict instructions after another member of the roster complained about her being a bad influence.
Cassie: Who?!
Security: I can't say!
Krystal: If you can't say then I'm going to assume that your full of shit and will take my cousin into the arena with me!
The guard sighs before another passes him a picture of Cassie with the words "banned from all further Sin City Wrestling events until further notice" sprawled across the top, Krystal takes it and her frown deepens.
Krystal: HB Carter was the one who filed the complaint?!
Security: He claimed to get a contact high from Ms. Wolfe following last week's argument.........
Cassie: I HADN'T TOUCHED WEED ALL DAY YOU FU.........
Krystal quickly covers her cousin's mouth to stop her from cussing out the guard.
Krystal: Look, I know you are just doing your job but I was with Cassie for most of the day last Sunday, she didn't touch marijuana once all day!
Security: Look lady, I'm just doing my job, you'll have to take it up with your employers but they may make Ms. Wolfe take a drug test to prove her innocence!
Krystal: And I will! But I've got an angry teenager to calm down first!
Krystal leads Cassie away from the entrance and removes her hand.
Cassie: FUCKING IDIOT!
Krystal: Feeling better?
Cassie: What do you think?! That was the first time I've been banned from an SCW event since we met up last December, my marijuana use was never an issue before now!
Krystal: I know it wasn't but my hands are tied until I sort this out with the bosses, call your mom and have her pick you up, I have a show to attend but I will try to get this straightened out by the night's end!
Cassie: This is fucking bullshit! What's stopping me from sneaking in?!
Krystal: The possibility of being banned from SCW events for the rest of your life for breaking and entering into a show?
Cassie sighs as she realizes her cousin has a point.
Cassie: I'll call my mom and watch the rest of the show from home!
Krystal: Smart move! And don't worry, I'll get this sorted!
Krystal enters the backstage area leaving Cassie to call her mom as the scene fades.
LIVE! October 30th from the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada!
LIVE! It's....!
Justin: The following contest is scheduled for one fall...Introducing first...
Roc Boys by Jay Z begins to blast all across the speaker system and as it does Todd Williams along with his wife Hope emerge from behind the curtain to the sound of loud boos. Todd cracks a very wicked grin as he grabs his wife and gives her a long sloppy kiss to even more boos. He slowly walks down to the ring hand and hand with his wife. He stops at the ring and she slowly walks up the steps and into the ring. She stands by the turnbuckles and spreads her legs open. He slides through the bottom of the ropes underneath her legs and into the ring. He dips her down and kisses Hope again before he flips off the booing crowds.
Justin: From the Bronx in New York...he is Todd Williams.
Simone: Todd Williams is looking very confident tonight Jason. But he is facing a former champion. And speaking of...
The opening guitar riffs of "The Enemy" by Godsmack play as the big man makes his way out. By his side is his manager, Kat Jones and Godly Ken Davison. The crowd is giving them a mixed reaction from the first sounds. The booing is almost thunderous. He laughs as they make their way toward the ramp. They only get louder as the pair make their way towards the ring, they walk slowly, jawing with the occasional fan who's decided he's a tough guy. Mac simply laughs and continues down towards the ring.
Justin: And his opponent...
Finally, they reach the ring steps and make their way into the ring. Mac approaches the center of the ring and raises both arms into the air. Then extending the middle fingers on both hands he laughs as the boos reached a crescendo.
Justin: From Port Arthur Texas, he is former champion, Mac Bane!
Adams: Mac Bane with a change of management it looks like. Jones and Davison coming out with the former champ.
Simone: Makes one wonder what is going on?
In the ring, Jacob Summers motions for the two wrestlers to come to the middle of the ring.
Simone: And we are getting ready to throw down.
Adams: There is the bell...
DING DING DING!
Todd Williams moves into the middle of the ring with swagger as Davison leaves the ring and Mac moves to the center of the ring. The two men begin to circle with Mac lunging to lock up but Todd ducks it and taunts the crowd on the opposite side of the ring. Bane growls as he turns and then reaches for Williams who is grabbed by the shoulder and spun around into a clothesline that drops him to the mat quickly. Bane moves towards him as Todd rolls to the ropes quickly and slides between them. Summers moves into the corner where Williams is telling him to save him from Bane. Jacob gets between them and motions for Bane to back away. Reluctantly, Mac backs up as Todd brings Jacob closer to tell him that Bane was cheating. Summers shakes his head and motions for Williams to get back into the ring. On the outside, Davison moves to where Todd is leaning out of the ring which forces Williams back into the ring. Todd advances towards Mac Bane and the two lock up with Williams turning Bane into a headlock that he grinds his taped wrist into the ear of the former champion. Williams then takes him off his feet with a hip toss to the mat and continues to grind the ear of Bane with the headlock.
Adams: Todd Williams is a ring general with that sneaky tactic of slowing the match down.
Bane forces himself to his hands and knees and then to his feet to pick Williams up and hits a back body drop that lands Todd on the back of his head. Bane stumbles forward slightly as Todd grabs the back of his head and kicks at the canvas. Mac turns back to reach for Todd and pulls him to his feet and then whips him into the ropes where he rebounds with speed as Bane levels him with a big boot in the middle of the ring. Todd is sent to the mat once more and Mac drops to make the pin but Williams is able to kick out in a two count. Williams rolls away as Bane checks with Summers who motions for only a two count. Angrily Bane gets to his feet in an effort to once more reach for Williams who smartly rolls to the outside. Bane heads towards the ropes as Williams gets to his feet and then moves to head around the ring only to be stopped by Davison who smirks. Todd backpedals and then is stopped by Mac Bane who has rolled out of the ring. Todd quickly looks between both men and then scrambles into the ring. Bane and Davison share a nod then Bane rolls into the ring only to be attacked by Todd who kicks him in the ribs after he is getting to his hands and knees. Todd sends him rolling to the middle of the ring.
Simone: Todd Williams took advantage of the pause that Bane took. Mac had better realize that Todd is very opportunistic.
Todd Williams follows Bane and as he is getting to his hands and knees, he straddles the slowly rising man and jumps to land on the small of Bane's back to drive him back into the canvas again. Mac gets to his hands and knees only to have Williams once again jump to land on the small of his back. Williams taunts Davison who is slamming his fists on the canvas as Bane once more starts to rise. Todd leaps to once more land on the small of Mac's back but Bane quickly rolls and brings up his knees which catches Williams and sends him to the mat clutching himself in pain. Bane rolls to the ropes where Kat is standing as Jacob checks on Todd then moves to Bane to check on him too. Davison moves around the ring and leans against the ring apron offering him advice. Mac nods and then turns to move towards Todd who grabs Jacob to save himself. Mac stops suddenly as Todd pushes Summers into the former champion.
Adams: Todd Williams looking for any way to stop the former champion.
Simone: But using him as a weapon isn't a good thing Jason.
Bane catches Summers and straightens him only to have Todd reach over the referee and slap the side of Bane's head that sends him stumbling slightly. Jacob turns and admonishes Todd who just brushes off the warning from Summers. He moves towards Mac Bane who is rising by the ropes. Ken Davison moves away from the apron and leans back against the barricade. Across the ring, Kat is motioning to Davison who looks at her questioningly. Behind him, Masque slowly rises and then grabs Davison from behind, a white cloth held over his face. As he begins to slump, Masque pulls him over the barricade while Todd Williams waves goodbye with a rather smug grin. As he turns around, Bane is there to drop him with a lariat that sends him to the mat. Kat rushes around the ring trying to get to Davison but the pair have disappeared into the crowd. Kat turns to Mac who gives her a questioning look. She shrugs with a concerned glance behind her. Angrily, Mac turns back to Todd who is rising slowly holding his head.
Simone: My god, Masque just snatched Ken Davison from ringside. What is going on?
Mac Bane pulls Williams to his feet and then begins to hammer him with hard stiff strikes and kicks that drives him across the ring. Bane keeps punishing Todd who is fighting to save himself but can't. Mac Bane drives him into a corner where Todd is finally able to cover enough as Jacob Summers moves into the corner to break the pair apart. Bane only moves back far enough to gather a head of steam as Todd moves out of the corner. Charging in, Mac sends Todd out of his boots with a vicious lariat that Williams can't avoid. Todd slumps to the mat. Mac rolls him over and mounting him, rains down hard right hands against the head of Williams who fights desperately to cover his head. Summers moves to stop Bane and when he can't, he begins the count. Bane stops at four then gets to his feet and pulls Williams up as well. Williams staggers as he takes wild swings at Mac Bane who avoids the contact. Catching the arm of Williams, Bane sends him into the ropes and catches the rebounding man with a spinebuster. Getting to his feet, Mac Bane pulls Todd into a headlock that he holds for a moment.
Simone: Is this the last few minutes before Bane ends the match with what I suspect is his fade away finisher?
Pulling Williams into a vertical position, Mac Bane brings him to the mat with a headlock driver that lays Williams out on the canvas. Bane gets to his feet and then looks down at Williams who is stirring slightly. Picking him up again, Bane sends him to the mat for a final time with a slingshot lariat that knocks out Williams. Bane drops to the mat and then rolls up Williams for the pin.
ONE!
Adams: Williams is out.
TWO!
Adams: Call the EMTs, this match is over but for the fat lady singing.
Simone: I think she just hit her high note Jason.
THREE!
Adams: I think so too. Summers is calling for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Justin: The winner of the match, Mac Bane!
Bane tosses the feet of Todd to the side and then gets to his feet where he moves to the ropes where Davison had been pulled away from the ringside area by Masque. Kat Jones moves to talk to him as Bane drops to the mat and then rolls to the outside. Together the pair move up the ramp as Summers checks on a slowly moving Williams.
Adams: What a match Belinda. And the fact that Masque made her presence known...but why?
Simone: That is something only she can tell us Jason. But tonight, Mac Bane wins the match.
Not looking back, Mac Bane and Kat Jones disappear backstage as the fans chant out the name of Mac Bane. In the ring, Todd rolls to the side and then drops to the floor before staggering up the ramp with one hand on his head.
WORLD BOMBSHELL CHAMPIONSHIP
Masque © v Diamond Steele
The screen above the stage comes to life and the crowd cheers as they see 'the White Wolf' Fenris along with Aron walking through the backstage area. Mac Bane is standing there, chatting with Kat Jones and Bane spots him and offers up a knuckle bump to both Brothers Baltasarsson, of which they readily accept and continue their way, Kat patting Fenris on the arm as they pass.
Pussy Willow: Excuse me, Fenris?
Fenris pauses and closes his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he is approached by the comely head reporter for Sin City Wrestling.
Fenris: Ó tíkarsonur...
Pussy Willow: I beg your pardon?
Fenris: Nothing! What do you want?
Aron: K...
The more even tempered of the two brothers turns to Pussy Willow with a charming smile.
Aron: Sorry about him. I think he might be in need of a Pamprin.
Pussy Willow covers a smile to smother a laugh, while Fenris looks at his brother with an inquisitive frown, clearly not understanding.
Aron: Can we help you with anything?
Pussy Willow: Well I was hoping we could get a word with Fenris here about his upcoming match against the Roulette Champion, Miles Kasey. A lot of people are really excited to FINALLY get this match!
Fenris smirks.
Fenris: Naturally.
Pussy Willow: But we've heard it from reliable sources that this was meant to be a championship match and you turned it down. Is that true, and why?
Fenris turns to Aron.
Fenris: Didn't I already go through this with everyone in my promo?
Aron shrugs but with an affirmative nod. Fenris sighs in annoyance and turns back to Pussy Willow.
Fenris: I am not accustomed to repeating myself, but what the hell? It's as simple as J2H clinging to his past glories. I have absolutely NO interest in the roulette division. Zero! Zilch! Nada! Do you GET IT now!?
Pussy Willow nods with Fenris right in her face.
Fenris: Good. Thanks.
He starts to move past her but she's not quite finished.
Pussy Willow: But, what do you think of finally getting the chance to face Miles Kasey in a match?
Fenris: Finally, a competent question.
He turns back to her.
Fenris: I am legit excited. I am! Miles is a once in a lifetime competitor. A man with a true fighter's heart. He gives it his all every time and even in defeat, he doesn't take the low road. He just stands up, dusts himself off and keeps going! And it obviously paid off because he's a champion! And I say it's about damn time! Now, was there anything else or can I go take part in this match that – as you say – has everyone excited?
Pussy Willow: No, I – thank you. That's all.
Fenris nods and moves past her off camera, Aron gifting her with a smile as they continue their way. Pussy Willow turns to the camera and shakes her head.
Pussy Willow: I still think Rocky cheats when we draw straws for that one.
The scene cuts backstage to where Bea has moved to an area where fans in the arena can walk up to, and meet, with wrestlers. When Bea turns the corner and the fans see her they scream, screech, giggle, smile, and reach out so they can shake Bea's hand, hug her, get Bea to reach out and touch them, and take photos with them. Bea turns her head to speak into the camera. Bea's adoring fans anxiously await to see what Bea will say.
Bea: It's nice to be loved, respected, admired, and adored, by the fans. Too bad Jessie Salco has seen better days and Mercedes Vargas is one step from walking into a retirement home. Kinda like watching a SpongeBob Squarepants episode where the over-the-hill Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy who retired from crime fighting and hang out all day in the retirement home drooling slobber down their chins.
The fans burst out in cheers, laughter, and screeches at Bea's comments.
Bea: Before I take off to the staging area to be ready for my match I have a gift so you so that you will have something from me for you to remember our meeting today.
Bea reaches down and picks up a box and she starts pulling out small plastic spray perfume bottles that have her signature on them and today's date.
Bea: I was falsely accused of spraying a wrestler in the face with my perfume. Most of the wrestlers in Sin City Wrestling tried to blame me for doing it. I was able to clear my name because I crammed the truth down their throats. So I thought you might like to have one of these autographed small plastic spray perfume bottles to remind you of me. They also have today's date printed on them. ENJOY!!!
Bea starts handing out the signature plastic spray perfume bottles to her adoring fans. After Bea is done handing out the spray bottles she glances at her watch and sees the time for her match is approaching. She informs her fans that she needs to get to the staging area to be ready to make her entrance for her match then she turns and heads off down the hallway.
The scene opens backstage where we see the reigning Bombshell Roulette Champion Ariana Angelos standing by with Pussy Willow.
Pussy: Ari, last week you retained the Bombshell Roulette Championship over Seleana Zdunich in a Submission Match, how do you feel now that the first defence is out of the way?
Ariana: Like a massive weight is off my shoulders, I've seen way too many champions to count fail to get past the first defence hurdle and I was determined to not fall into that trap! Especially since Keira became the latest one to fall into it!
Pussy: The bosses have said that you will defend that title again before High Stakes XI, any idea who against?
Ariana: If I knew that I'd be talking about it already but I know as much as anyone else as to who I'm defending the title again, all I know is that I want to enter my first High Stakes as champion after Krystal did the same last year.
Pussy: That reminds me, will you be repeating what Krystal did last year?
Ariana: Retain the title? Off course!
Pussy: Err, no, but I'm glad that you believe in yourself at least! I meant..........
Ariana: Contact Matthew Kennedy's company? Even if it didn't go bankrupt that would be a firm no!
Pussy: And I'm glad that you've learned from Krystal's mistakes! But what I meant was, will you be proposing to Francisco? Or the other way around?
Ariana blushes like a madwoman before shaking her head.
Ariana: I know I caught the bouquet at Krystal's wedding but me and Francisco feel like we're too early into our relationship to even think about that! Besides, just because I'm potentially entering High Stakes XI as champion doesn't mean I had the same goal a Krystal.
Pussy: Now that that's out of the way, your potential High Stakes XI opponent is being determined tonight in a Triple Threat Match between Bea Barnhart, Mercedes Vargas and Jessie Salco, out of those three, who do you see as the most likely challenger?
Ariana pauses as she considers her answer.
Ariana: Bea is the least likely to win the match, we all know her reputation as a choke artist, so it's between Jessie and Mercedes and honestly? I think it could go either way!
Pussy: What do you mean?
Ariana: If Mercedes brings the same fire that she brought against Alicia Lukas this past Summer then it'll be her challenging me, but Jessie has made it clear that she isn't about to lay down for anyone and if she keeps that up? It'll be me vs. my friend at High Stakes XI!
Pussy: How do you feel about that?
Ariana: I had a feeling it could happen because Jessie had that famous best of three series against Amy Santino a few years ago for this very title! But I don't know how to feel about it! What I do know is that I'm joining commentary for the match so I'll have a front row seat!
Pussy: It should be a hell of a match! Back to you guys at ringside!
Ariana walks off as the scene fades.
Justin: This match is scheduled for one fall and is a non-title match... introducing first... hailing from Manchester, England and he is the current Sin City Wrestling Roulette champion... Miles Kasey...
"Throne" by Bring Me The Horizon starts pumping through the speakers as Miles Kasey bops out onto the ramp in rhythm with the beat. 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!
Justin: and his opponent...
"If I Had a Heart" by Fever Ray begins to play across the building and the crowd turns with anticipation towards the entrance as "the White Wolf" Fenris emerges from behind the curtains with his younger brother at his side. As Aron looks on, Fenris stands stoically, looking out towards the capacity crowd before dropping to one knee with head bowed. He symbolically crosses his heart and looks 'up' in homage before standing upright and beginning his journey toward the ring with his brother following close behind.
Justin: Making his way toward the ring! Accompanied by Aron Baltasarsson, from Iceland, weighing two hundred and four pounds -- Fenris!
Despite the fans that reach out toward him, Fenris does not reciprocate, and his attention is solely on the ring, whereas the smiling Aron good naturedly slaps a hand or two that extends toward him. Fenris climbs the ring steps and walks along the apron, turning towards the fans and extends his arms up and begins the 'Viking Clap.' Slowly but surely, despite any potential misgivings towards the young man, many fans join along with him in the Viking Clap. Aron holds the ropes for his brother, and Fenris steps through and continues the clap from one corner to the next, drawing in the energy of the crowd. Joined by Aron, Fenris returns to his own corner and paces like a wolf stalking his prey, kicking off his slippers to compete barefoot as the claps slowly subside.
The ref goes to ask for the bell to be rung but Fenris steps forward and tells the ref to wait before moving to the corner and grabs a mic...
Fenris: Wait...before you ring the bell... let me introduce my special guest...
Fenris' music hits over the p.a once more as the fans look around confused as Kat Jones appears and comes down to ringside, where Fenris quickly bails from the ring and digs out a chair from underneath the ring and sets it down, as he takes Kat's hand and sets her down for a ringside view of the match.
Fenris climbs back into the ring and chuck the mic back to ringside and nods at the ref who then nods for the bell to be rung...
DING DING DING
Kasey and Fenris move in and shake hands before backing up as Kasey prepares to lock up but Fenris has other ideas and rushes in and tries for a running high knee but Kasey sees it and dodges out of the way and as Fenris turns back around he is met with a kick to the gut, which Fenris doubles over, as Kasey grabs his hand and pushes him against the ropes as looks to Irish whip Fenris across the ring but Fenris quickly counters and Irish whips Kasey into the ropes. Kasey bounces off the ropes, which Fenris looks to send Kasey up and over, But Kasey rolls over him and Fenris quickly turns and goes for a wild swing, but Kasey dodges the swing but rolling underneath it before rolling backwards and grabbing Fenris between his legs and then hits a headscissors take down before kipping up back to his feet.
Simone: Good show of respect between the two, as Fenris aims to kick things off as he tries for a running knee, but Kasey has it scouted and fires in a mule type kick to Fenris' stomach, which double him over and Kasey looks to send Fenris across the ring but Fenris counters and sends Kasey into the ropes instead.
Adams: Good opening exchange here. As Fenris tries to send Kasey up and over with a back both drop but Kasey rolls over Fenris and Fenris tries for a wild swing, but Kasey dodges it and then rolls backwards and grabs Fenris and hits a headscissors take down.
As he kips up, Fenris makes his way to his feet and turns back to Kasey only to be met with a standing dropkick and drops Fenris down to the mat, who then rolls himself from the ring, he then struggles a little before getting to his feet. Meanwhile inside the ring, Kasey is quickly back to his feet, where he steps backwards and then rushes forward and drives through the ropes and hits a plancha onto Fenris. Kasey is quickly back to his feet as he takes a moment before moving to Fenris, who is struggling a little as Kasey grabs him and pulls him up and throws him back into the ring. Kat Jones looks on as she cheers on Fenris.
Adams: The fans enjoyed that back and forth, as Fenris gets back to his feet, he is met with a standing dropkick, which sends him down to the mat and he bails from the ring.
Simone: Kasey doesn't allow a chance to breath, and as soon as Fenris gets unsteadily to his feet, Kasey dives through the ropes with a plancha through the ropes and catches Fenris and floors him once more.
Kasey slides back into the ring and quickly approaches Fenris and looks for a standing shooting star press but Fenris quickly adjust himself to avoid but catch Kasey and locks in a triangle choke and grabs Kasey's arm at the same time. Kasey begins to thrash about and kicks his legs about as he looks for a way out of the move.
Simone: Kasey quickly slides back into the ring as then looks for a sanding shooting star press, but Fenris grabs him and locks in a triangle choke.
Kasey quickly moves to his knees as seeks a way out of the choke hold, as Fenris keeps his grip tight as possible as Kasey slowly moves to his feet and then begins to lift Fenris, which forces Fenris to release his hold and lands back on his feet and knees. But with the position he is in, he grabs Kasey around the legs and lifts him up but Kasey wriggles free and slides down the back of Fenris and grab Fenris' legs and drags him back, but Fenris rolls backwards and back to his feet before moving in and attempting a kick, which Kasey dodges and Fenris tries for a standing moonsault but Kasey dodges again and rolls away and Fenris lands on his feet before quickly following up with a senton onto Kasey. Kat Jones claps and nods at Fenris and Fenris nods back at Kat.
Adams: Kasey manages to free himself from the triangle choke, as Fenris' grip fails him but from where he is, he grabs Kasey's legs and lifts him up on his shoulders but again Kasey finds a way out and he slides down Fenris' back and tries to roll him up into a pin.
Simone: But that doesn't work out and Fenris' rolls backwards and tries for a kick but Kasey dodges and Fenris tries for a standing moonsault but Kasey dodges again, but he can't dodge the senton.
Kasey rolls away into the corner, as Fenris spins around and watches where Kasey moves to and climbs to his feet, which was the corner. Fenris rises to his feet and moves to a corner opposite Kasey and rushes in, where he looks to hit the Kaio Kick but Kasey dodges it and Fenris hits nothing. Fenris with his leg on the top of the turnbuckles doesn't get any time to remove it as Kasey moves in and begins to unleash kicks to Fenris' standing leg before moving to punches and forearm shots to Fenris' back. He then grabs a handful of hair and drags Fenris backwards before grabbing his head and moves to the ropes, where he hits tornado DDT and then goes for a pin...
Simone: Fenris looked to hit the Kaio kick, but Kasey once more dodges another move and Fenris ends up against the ropes, which Kasey takes advantage of and kicks and punches Fenris before dragging him backwards and hits a tornado DDT and into a pin...
ONE!
TWO!
THR...KICKOUT!
Adams: Fenris barely kicks out, but he looks shocked.
Kasey looks to the ref shocked and tries again... Kat looks on also shocked that Fenris kicks out from that.
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Kasey lets out a heavy sigh, as he make his way to his feet, where he grabs Fenris by the hair and pull him up and places him between his legs and hooks his arms as he looks for the Hail to the queen, but as soon as he gets him onto to his shoulder to finish the move, Fenris wriggles free and slides off Kasey's shoulders and drops down to the mat but can't capitalise on anything and Kasey turns around and tries for a punt kick but Fenris grabs his foot and pulls Kasey down to the mat and he scrambles onto Kasey and goes for a pin...
Simone: Kasey tries for another pin but again Fenris kicks out, as Kasey looks to totally finish Fenris and tries for the hail to the queen, but Fenris manages to wriggle free and slides off Kasey's shoulders but can't do anything else, as Kasey tries to punk kick Fenris, but Fenris grabs his foot and drags him down to the mat and goes for a quick and cheap pin...
ONE!
KICKOUT!
Kasey kicks out easily, but quickly has to cover up as Fenris begins to unleash a series of forearm shots before moving to a ground and pound before climbing off Kasey, who tries to roll away, but Fenris grabs him by the hair and pulls him up, but Kasey shoves him away and tries to turn but Fenris grabs Kasey arm and spins him around and follows up with a muay Thai knee strike, which sends Kasey stumbling into the corner. Fenris then follows up with a running hip attack and then follows up with a scorpion kick, which drops Kasey down to the mat. Fenris backs up and then rushes in and hits a facewash boot. Kat smiles and claps the facewash boot but also the build up to it.
Adams: Kasey kicks out with ease but has to quickly cover up as Fenris begins to pound on Kasey with forearm shots and then punches.
Simone: Still very open this match.... As Fenris looks to keep things in his favour as he pulls Kasey up, but he is shoved away, which Fenris responds with a muay Thai kick. Fenris isn't done from there and continues to punish Kasey.
Fenris removes his foot and bends down and grabs Kasey's foot and drag him away from the corner, he then flips Kasey onto his stomach and then proceeds to lock in an ankle lock, Kasey pushes up off the mat, as he grimaces from the pain of the lock as he reaches out and tries reach out for the ropes but can't touch them and using his feet foot, he pushes off and manages to grab the bottom rope and Fenris releases.
Simone: You could see Fenris think for a moment there before deciding on the ankle lock, but Kasey fights right away and using his free leg to boost himself forwards and grabs the bottom rope and Fenris releases.
Kasey rubs his ankle and rotates it a bit before grabbing the middle rope and pulls himself up, as Fenris rushes in but Kasey dodges and sends Fenris up and over the ropes onto the apron, Kasey goes for a wild swing but Fenris dodges and instead drives a shoulder into Kasey's shoulders and Kasey stumbles back and Fenris leaps onto the ropes and leaps off looking for a flying axe handle, but Kasey hits a superkick and catches Fenris.
Adams: Kasey gets to his feet and Fenris rushes him and Kasey sends him over the ropes and onto the apron. Kasey tries to catch Fenris but Fenris ducks it and drives a shoulder into Kasey's torso. Kasey stumbles back and Fenris looks for a flying axe handle, but Kasey catches him with a superkick.
Kasey drops down and goes for a pin...
ONE!
TWO!
THR...KICKOUT!
Fenris gets a shoulder up, as Kat Jones claps and cheers on Fenris, as Kasey shakes his head and sits up and as he looks to move to his feet, Fenris sits up and grabs Kasey by head and arm and locks in an Asuka Lock, Kasey thrashes his legs about as Fenris wraps his legs around Kasey body as he tightens his grip around Kasey's neck.
Simone: Kasey goes for a pin, but Fenris just gets his shoulder up and Kasey takes a moment but it's a moment too long and Fenris grabs Kasey and locks in the asuka lock.
Adams: Kasey is fighting.
Kasey continues to try and find away out of the move as he twist and turns but Fenris follows the moves as Kasey doesn't want to give up and Fenris further tightens his grip on Kasey's neck and Kasey begins to fade but still refuses to tap.
Adams: Kasey is beginning to fade.
The ref moves in and takes Kasey hand and raises it once and it drops.
ONE!
The ref raises Kasey's arm once more and it drops...
TWO!
And the ref raises it once more and drops and the ref indicates for the bell to be rung before moving to ringside to speak to Justin.
Simone: Kasey is done.
DING DING DING!
Justin: Kasey is unable to continue this match and therefore the winner of this match is Fenris.
Adams: Fenris makes a case tonight for being in the frame for the roulette championship.
Fenris music hits over the p.a and he releases Kasey from the lock before slowly moving to his feet, as he looks to Kat Jones who claps for him, as the ref raises his arm in victory.
Simone: A great win by Fenris...
Before anymore words can be spoken, "Lights Out" by P.O.D blasts throw the speakers.
Adams: Uh oh.
Simone: Seems like J2H is in the building!
The fans burst out in cheers of anticipation as Fenris, Miles and Kat share a look, but Fenris urges them out of the ring and his eyes focus towards the top of the ramp.
Adams: Where is he?
Jason's question is soon answered as J2H jumps the barricade behind Fenris and in to the ring. J2H stands behind Fenris with a smirk on his face, Fenris' eyes still looking up the ramp. J2H taps Fenris' confidently on the shoulder, and Fenris spins around, only to get kicked low and hard.
Simone: That was a cheap shot by J2H!
As Fenris doubles over, J2H puts his finger under Fenris' chin, smirking in his face. He lifts him up and spins around, catching Fenris with a straight kick to the head!
Adams: Wolf's Bane! J2H just hit Fenris with his own move!
Fenris slumps to the ground as the crowd look stunned and J2H walks over to Justin, yelling towards him till he is given a microphone. Eventually he does and J2H moves back towards Fenris, standing over him.
J2H: Oh yeah, I can see why that move has knocked the fuck out of pretty much everyone.
He smirks as he leans down.
J2H: When your goofy looking ass wakes up, I want you to ask someone in the back to show you what happened, and I hope you appreciate the fact I didn't drag your cuckold looking bitch of a brother in the ring and made sure he spent a night in the hospital.
J2H looks around before looking back at Fenris.
J2H: You can go back there and tell people you got jumped from behind, something people like Kris Ryans and some other feminine looking bitch used to do to you in a completely different context but oh not Fenris, in this context, it's not me attacking you from behind, open your eyes and see this is a warning. I don't give a fuck who you used to be, I don't give a fuck who you claim to be now, I will always be better then you and you know why there pigtails?
J2H leans down closer to Fenris.
J2H: Cause every little person you've made friends with, has made you soft as fuck!
Adams: Wow!
Simone: Not many people would make that claim.
J2H: You heard me, you've gone soft, you've gone weak, you've let everyone around you pull you to their shitty level because you're not who you used to be. You're not fucking scary anymore Fenris, you're an embarrasment to this company, you're an embarrassment to your country, you're an embarrassment to yourself.
J2H puts his free hand around Fenris' face, but he is still woozy from the kick.
J2H: I don't need women in my corner like Kat Jones who isn't even good enough to win a SCW World title, I don't need to play friends with anyone, because these people make you weak, and believe me, you'll gonna think this match you had tonight was damn easy cause I am a million times better then Miles Kasey.
J2H's voice turns serious.
J2H: I'm not scared of the big bad wolf Fenris. You're days of being feared are over, you're done, you're finished. You're over and that's real talk bitch!
J2H stands up and drops the mic next to Fenris before walking to the ropes and stepping through,
Adams: If people still use the term shots fired, then bazookas have been fired here.
Simone: I think J2H should find a safehouse because we're gonna have one pissed off Fenris when he gets up!
OPEN CHALLENGE
J2H v Fenris
Backstage, SCW Hall of Famer Mercedes Vargas graces our screen as backstage interviewer Ms. Rocky Mountains stands by for an on-the-spot interview.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Mercedes, coming off a tough loss at CC 341 two weeks ago for the Bombshell Championship, tonight you have another chance to compete in another championship match, but you have to go through two familiar names in order to do so: Bea Barnhart and Jessie Salco. After tonight, one of you will challenge Ariana Angelos for the Bombshell Roulette Championship at High Stakes in four weeks.
Mercedes: That's right, Rocky. Whoever walks out tonight becomes next in line to challenge Ariana for her newly won championship. Here's the thing: Bea has beat me a grand total of never, and the last time Jessie beat me was four years ago. Gotta say those are pretty tough odds for my opponents.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Maybe so. But Bea and Jessie did win their most recent matches while you did not. Don't you think this gives Bea and Jessie some advantage heading into tonight?
A shrug follows as she adds a rueful smile.
Mercedes: Oh, Rocky. It's just like you to state the obvious. While it had to feel good for Bea to finally get a win and as somewhat impressive as Jessie's win was in a division where there's no nights off, it's difficult to imagine the good feelings lasting for long because their victories says far more about their opponents being terrible than it does about Bea or Jessie being any good.
Mercedes raises her index finger in a wait-a-minute gesture.
Mercedes: Even if either of them were lucky enough to win tonight, would it matter if they lost at High Stakes? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Speaking of High Stakes, Krystal Wolfe has been seemingly calling you out for weeks for a match at the supercard. What's your thoughts on that?
Mercedes: Krystal Wolfe? You're serious?
Mercedes shakes her head in mock pity.
Mercedes: There's only one practical reason why Krystal wants a match against me at High Stakes.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Because she's never lost to you in SCW?
Without warning, Mercedes lightly slaps Rocky on both sides of her face then points in the direction of the hallway.
Mercedes: Get out.
Rocky gets the hint and scatters holding her face as Mercedes looking after her before turning towards the camera.
Mercedes: Krystal, you want a match against me at High Stakes? Fine by me. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. Do your worst and bring your best, mamita, because I'll be right here waiting.
Mercedes spreads her arms wide, obviously a clear invitation and challenge.
Mercedes: You want me, come and get me.
The scene opens backstage at Climax Control where we see one of the three women competing for a chance at the Bombshell Roulette Championship at High Stakes XI Jessie Salco getting ready for an interview with Ms. Rocky Mountains.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Jessie, before this interview gets started, do you have a picture?
Jessie: A picture of what?
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Your new puppy!
Jessie nods before she gets her iPhone out and goes to the camera app, once she finds the picture she's looking for Jessie shows Rocky the picture of Titan, Jessie's new Chow-Chow puppy.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: OH MY GOD! He's cute and fluffy!
Jessie: And that's the twentieth time that I've heard someone say that since I got him! Anyway, don't we have an interview to conduct?
Rocky regains her composure before she nods.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Jessie, you didn't spare any good will that you may have had with Mercedes Vargas and Bea Barnhart when you cut your promo earlier this week, do you regret your choice of words?
Jessie: Why would I regret telling the truth about a washed up has been and someone who has never amounted to anything on her own?! Mercedes was a force in the Bombshell Division once upon a time but those days are long gone and all she has left is her past accomplishments!
Jessie says before scoffing.
Jessie: Which is a lot more than I can say for Bea! When she finally retires, she won't be remembered for anything she did on her own, she'll be remembered for one short Mixed Tag Team Title reign with her husband!
Ms. Rocky Mountains: You realize that winning this match might mean being Ariana's challenger at High Stakes XI right? It's well established that you two are friends!
Jessie: We are but it won't be the first time I've had to set aside a friendship for the sake of a title, Ariana has never had to face such a dilemma before but the only way she'll learn is through experience.
Jessie lets out a deep breath as she folds her arms.
Jessie: And unfortunately for Ari, I teach at the School of Hard Knocks!
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Well good luck in your match tonight Jessie! Back to you guys at ringside!
Jessie walks off as the scene fades,
The scene opens backstage at Climax Control where we see the three women vying for a shot at the Bombshell Roulette Championship at High Stakes XI, Jessie Salco, Mercedes Vargas, and Bea Barnhart are watching closely waiting to hear their fate.
Simone: Quite a star-studded line-up vying for a shot at the Bombshell Roulette Championship, all three of these women are former champions.
Adams: That being said, Bea is the only one who's never held that title between the three women but that could change if she wins tonight!
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Ready ladies?
The three women nod and Rocky spins the wheel, it goes past several different stipulations at as it starts to slow down, Falls Count Anywhere, Evening Gown, Santa's Grove Brawl (?) and even Hell in a Cell but it eventually settles on.........
Ms. Rocky Mountains: A Ladder Match!
Simone: I'm receiving word that the contract for the match at High Stakes will be suspended above the ring, first one to climb a ladder and grab it wins!
Adams: This match type definitely benefits the high-flying styles of Jessie and Mercedes, but Bea's at a serious disadvantage!
Indeed, Jessie and Mercedes seem to be happy with the outcome whilst Bea has a massive frown on her face.
Ms. Rocky Mountains: Good luck ladies!
The three women walk off to prepare as the scene fades.
Simone: Welcome back to Climax Control and we have a real barn burner of a match ahead of us! Jessie Salco, Mercedes Vargas, and Bea Barnhart are about to fight for a chance at the Bombshell Roulette Championship at High Stakes XI in a Ladder Match!
Adams: And we have the current champion joining us!
Ariana: Hi guys!
The camera pans over to show Ariana waving to the crowd with a big grin on her face and her title on the desk in front of her.
Simone: Ariana I know you said your peace about this match and its participants in that interview with Pussy but has that changed now that it's been made a Ladder Match?
Ariana: It definitely brings a different dimension to this match, and I'm not going to lie, I probably would've preferred this to the Submission Match for my first defence, but the lack of pinfalls in this match will make things interesting!
Adams: You have a point but it should be said that this benefits Jessie and Mercedes a lot more than Bea!
Ariana: True but I proved last week that it is possible to adapt your wrestling style to whatever the wheel stops on! Let's take to Justin!
Simone: THAT'S MY LINE!
Justin: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THIS IS A TRIPLE THREAT ROULETTE RULES MATCH WHERE THE WINNER WILL CHALLENGE FOR THE BOMBSHELL ROULETTE CHAMPIONSHIP AT HIGH STAKES XI SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL! AND THANKS TO A SPIN OF THE WHEEL, WE KNOW THAT IT'LL BE A LADDER MATCH!
The crowd cheers in response before The arena cuts to black as the slow guitar intro of "Blood Lightning" by Lutharo is heard over the PA System, right as the song launches into the opening guitar solo the lights start to flash across the arena before a single spotlight shines on Jessie headbanging to the song.
Justin: Introducing first! From Miami, Florida, please welcome Jessie Salco!
Jessie poses at the top of the ramp just as the clean vocals of Krista is heard over the PA before she makes her way down the ramp, Jessie rolls into the ring and poses for the crowd again as the song fades.
Simone: Jessie's first ever title reign was with the Bombshell Roulette Title nine years ago, she may use this as an opportunity to get the title reign she's been repeatedly denied!
Ariana: Jessie's been more motivated than ever since her beef with Melissa started back in May, it could happen!
Adams: She's a veteran of the ring but the same can be said for Mercedes and Bea!
Justin: And her opponents!
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, 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. Mercedes stops at the entrance to the ringside area, glaring daggers at Jessie as she waits for Bea!
Simone: Mercedes Vargas and jessie Salco, one of the oldest rivalries in SCW!
Ariana: Have they ever tried to get along? I can't remember that happening in all my years as an SCW fan/wrestler?
Adams: If they have, I can't remember it!
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 meets up with Mercedes and talks strategy with her as Jessie watches on.
Simone: I think Bea and Mercedes are conspiring against Jessie!
Adams: She didn't have many kind things to say about her opponents in her promo!
Ariana: This is Jessie we're talking about, if she doesn't like you she'll tear right through you like paper!
Dawn tries to get the two Bombshells to come into the ring but Bea and Mercedes aren't listening, Jessie eventually gets fed up and hits the pair with a Suicide Dive kickstarting the match in the process!
Ariana: That's one way to start the match!
Simone: They were probably going to jump Jessie anyway!
Adams: Unfortunately for Bea and Mercedes, Jessie isn't going to fall for that!
DING DING DING!
Once the bell rings Dawn leaves the ring to check on the three competitors but as Jessie is quick to get to her feet first she shifts her attention back to Bea and Mercedes until Jessie grabs a large ladder and slides it into the ring! Dawn spots this and joins Jessie in the ring as the veteran Bombshell sets up the ladder underneath the contract neither of them realizing that Bea and Mercedes have recovered and entered the ring with their own ladder in hand until said ladder gets rammed into Jessie's back right as she starting to climb the ladder!
Ariana: Jessie's going to feel that in the morning!
Simone: No doubt about that Ari, Bea and Mercedes have clearly taken exception to Jessie's comments towards them!
Adams: But they'll have to remember that this isn't a two on one ladder handicap match and that there can only be one winner!
Jessie drops from the ladder whilst clutching her back in pain but the other two Bombshells in the match clearly aren't done with her as Bea sets up the ladder they brought into the match in between one of the lower ladder rungs and the middle rope before Mercedes picks up Jessie and powerbombs her through the ladder breaking it in half! Mercedes takes a moment to admire her handiwork as Jessie squirms in pain not realizing that Bea used the distraction to start ascending up the ladder until Bea is halfway up the other side of the ladder! Mercedes kicks aside the remains of the ruined ladder and starts climbing after Bea until they meet at the top of the ladder and start exchanging punches.
Simone: Jessie seems to be out of commission after that Powerbomb and now Mercedes and Bea are duking it out on top of the ladder!
Adams: Out of those two, who would you like to face at High Stakes XI Ari?
Ariana: Are we really assuming that Jessie's out of the match because of one Powerbomb through a ladder? Setting aside how much she's put her body through since her debut, if I had to chose between Mercedes and Bea it would be Mercedes because she'd give me a much better fight than Bea but we all know how stubborn Jessie is!
Jessie has rolled to the outside of the ring following the Powerbomb through the ladder to try to recover and regain her bearings, back above the ring Bea is trading punches with Mercedes like there is no tomorrow and manages to knock the wind out of the Hall of Famer with a solid punch to the gut and thinking that neither of her opponents are in any position to stop her, Bea makes a grab for the contract! Unfortunately for her, Bea neglected to push Mercedes off the ladder and it comes back to bite her as Mercedes leaps up and hits Bea with a Hurricanrana sending Bea off the ladder and to the outside causing Bea to land on Jessie who had just gotten back to her feet!
Ariana: This really isn't Jessie's night, is it?
Simone: Seems that way, but now Mercedes is in a prime position to grab that contract!
Adams: Except that she took herself off the ladder to hit that Hurricanrana so whilst she is in a better position than Bea or Jessie, that's just by virtue of the fact that Mercedes is the only competitor still in the ring!
Dawn can only look at the carnage around her as Bea and Jessie recover on the outside of the ring and Mercedes recovers inside the ring and because of the rules of the match, she can't do anything about Bea, Mercedes or Jessie seemingly being out for the count! After a few minutes Mercedes uses the ring ropes to pull herself back to her feet and seeing that the ladder that she and Bea had previously climbed is still up and underneath the contract she grins thinking that she has the match in hand even pointing to Ariana at ringside and making a belt motion with her hands.
Ariana: Maybe concentrate on the match rather than me?!
Ariana calls back but Mercedes either ignores the Greek American Bombshell or can't hear her, instead she starts climbing the ladder eyes firmly on the prize! So firmly in fact that she doesn't notice Jessie setting up an extra-large ladder in a way that she can use it as a springboard to get up on the ladder inside of the ring from the outside until Jessie does just that running up the extra-large ladder and leaping from it and onto the ladder inside the ring!
Simone: Mercedes should've listened to you Ari, otherwise she would've seen Jessie's parkour stunt coming!
Ariana: Mercedes has been wrestling longer than I've been alive and yet I'm the one calling out her mistakes, what does that tell you?
Adams: That you make me, Belinda, Mercedes, Bea, and Jessie feel old every time you step into the ring!
Jason's comment does get a let out of Ariana but back inside the ring Jessie has caught up with Mercedes and the two veteran Bombshells are duking it out high above the ring whilst Bea regains her bearings on the outside! After a few minutes Mercedes misses a punch causing Mercedes to lose her balance long enough for Jessie to ram her head several times into the ladder's top rung (busting Mercedes open in the process) and finally shoving her off, Jessie grins thinking that she has the match won and the title shot at High Stakes XI in hand but before she can reach for the contract Bea rams the extra large ladder into the small of Jessie's back doubling over the Miami native and giving Bea time to roll the ladder into the ring and join Jessie up top.
Ariana: Good thing that Jessie, Bea, and Mercedes aren't afraid of heights!
Simone: I'd hate to be their shoes otherwise!
Adams: Either that or they have the world's best poker faces!
Initially Bea and Jessie are trading blows up above the ring whilst Mercedes recovers but things take a turn when a missed punce allows Bea to lock in the sleeping pill on Jessie from atop the ladder and swings her in such a way that Jessie has nothing beneath her to support her weight leaving her dangling above the ring in Bea's Sleeper Hold!
Ariana: That's how Bea won her match against Candy last week! Well, not the exact way but you know what I mean!
Simone: True on both counts Ari but Bea can't win the match by submission, Jessie's in trouble but there's also a third Bombshell in the match!
Adams: And I doubt Jessie ever expected Mercedes to come to her aid but there she is, trying to free Jessie from the Sleeping Pill by grabbing onto her legs.
Once Mercedes gets a good grip on Jessie's legs the Floridian wrestler is able to free herself from the sleeper hold with some elbows to Bea's gut only to drop down into a Powerbomb! Mercedes then goes to hit Jessie with the Black Rose Overdrive but the moment she gets the metalhead wrestler onto her shoulders Bea leaps off the ladder with a Cross Body wiping out Mercedes and causing her to drop Jessie in something of an inverted Samoan Drop! Jessie rolls to the outside of the ring whilst Bea and Mercedes lie inside the ring, neither of the three Bombshells in any condition to fight on.
Simone: Bea, Mercedes and Jessie are seemingly out! Whoever gets up first will be in a great position to earn that shot at High Stakes XI!
Adams: I bet as the champ; you are loving seeing your potential challengers go through hell!
Ariana: Absolutely not! I want my challengers to be at their best when they face me for the title, not beat up because the wheel landed on a stipulation with No DQ!
Dawn checks on all three women and despite how long and brutal the match has been they can continue the fight even if none of them can get up at the moment! That changes in no time as Bea and Mercedes get up within seconds off each other and start the slow climb up the ladder not realizing that Jessie is getting to her feet as well but she isn't returning to the ring just yet instead making a grab for the extra-large ladder and positioning it between the barricade and the ring apron whilst Bea and Mercedes duke it out above the ring!
Simone: What on earth does Jessie have in mind?
Ariana: Something painful for Bea and Mercedes I bet!
Adams: Well yeah, but that goes without saying, also Jessie's risking the chance that either Bea or Mercedes will make a grab for the contract as she messes around with that ladder! Where did they find that huge ladder anyway?!
Mercedes goes to hit the Black Rose Overdrive from atop the ladder but Bea fights out of it and returns to her previous position, but this gives Jessie the opportunity she needs to return to the ring and start to tilt the ladder towards the propped extra-large ladder.
Jessie: Hey ladies? TIIIIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMMMBEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRR!
Bea and Mercedes: Oh shi..........!
BEA AND MERCEDES GO CRASHING THROUGH THE EXTRA-LARGE LADDER FROM ATOP THE REGULAR LADDER!
Simone: OH MY GOD!
Ariana: I think Jessie just won the match!
Adams: I think your right, neither Bea nor Mercedes are in any shape to continue after that!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Jessie takes a moment to observe the carnage she just caused before she rights the ladder in the ring and starts to climb it, once she's up top though Jessie notices that against all odds, Mercedes and Bea are starting to stir, Jessie shakes her head before pointing to Ariana AND HITTING THE WALL OF DEATH FROM ATOP THE LADDER AND ONTO BEA AND MERCEDES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING!
Simone: OKAY! THAT WAS EXCESSIVE!
Adams: OR A MESSAGE TO ARIANA TO SHOW HOW FAR JESSIE WILL GO TO WIN!
Ariana: If that was her message, received loud and clear!
Crowd: THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
It takes Jessie a good few minutes to get back to her feet but that's more than can be said for Bea and Mercedes as they are out cold! Jessie rolls back into the ring, climbs the ladder, and grabs the contract to win the match!
DING DING DING!
Justin: Here is your winner and the #1 Contender for the Bombshell Roulette Championship at High Stakes XI, JESSIE SALCO!
Simone: Well, there you have it! Jessie vs. Ariana for the Bombshell Roulette Championship at High Stakes XI if she gets that far!
Adams: Jessie just went to war to win that opportunity Ari, but can you match that?!
Ariana: I know I can!
Jessie eases herself off the ladder and goes up to Ariana contract in hand, the twenty-one-year-old wrestler stands up to face her older challenger after removing the headphones and Jessie grabs a pen before signing her name on the contract!
Jessie: See you at High Stakes Ari, keep the title warm for me!
Jessie shoves the contract into Ari's hands before she heads to the back, Ari looks at the contract before grabbing her Roulette Title and following Jessie to the back whilst Dawn and the medical staff check on Bea and Mercedes.
THE SCW HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022
(FREE SEG)
Worn converse sneakers slap softly on the gouged concrete and the scuffed leather of a jacket that's seen better days shines underneath off-white fluorescent strips, as the familiar form of a former World Bombshells' Champion in the shape of Amber Ryan turns the corner somewhere backstage. Those with something to do in her path find something better, someplace else. Frustration writ all across tight eyes and clenched fists, she stops in front of a beaten door bearing a name scrawled in black sharpie on smeared white tape.
MASQUE.
Left arm still cradled protectively in her gut, she reaches for the handle with her right but pauses with her palm hovering over the bronze handle; gold finish worn to matte yellow by a decade of blood, sweat and tears. Reluctantly, Amber settles on wrapping her knuckles against the chipped varnish.
Silence greets her in response, and the redhead gives it fully four seconds of tolerance before she reaches for the handle, pushes it down and moves inside.
Stepping in from the adjacent bathroom, the reigning World Champion turns towards the interruption and cocks her head to the side – face once again hidden by a familiar, if damaged facsimile. Bright blue eyes stare out from eyelets riven with cracks.
Masque: Hello, My Resplendent Hurricane. It is so good to see you again.
The taller woman crosses over to the bench running along the far wall, the bright blue material of her summer dress billowing with each languid, elongated stride. She walks on the tips of her toes, heels raised clear of the dusty floorboards.
On her way she steps over the familiar shape of the Championship itself, apparently dropped unceremoniously to the floor and abandoned where it lay.
Masque: Have you come to wish me good luck against your protege?
Amber: What in the fuck do you think you're playing at? I went out there and held up my end of the deal – this isn't what we agreed on.
Those bright blue eyes narrow almost imperceptibly, a challenge brewing as she watches Amber.
Masque: Are you in confusion regarding the events of last week? Were you fed some false narrative, a twisted mirror of actual events?
She moves closer to the other woman, head pushed out inquisitively.
Masque: Did you know she struck me first? Tell me, what would you have done in my place if someone had so brazenly challenged your authority, while you were still Champion? Would you have simply turned the other biblical cheek? Or would you have taught an upstart like Miss Blackthorn a lesson long overdue and very, very hard-learned?
The current Champion shakes her porcelain face from side-to-side.
Masque: No ... You would have brought utter ruination on her. You would not have allowed such a slight to stand. She came to me, and I will give her what she obviously so desperately wants.
Amber exasperatedly runs a hand through her hair, a small snort of disapproval escapes between them.
Amber: I don't give a fuck what she sought out; she's a goddamn hot-headed rookie trying to act like a hero. That doesn't mean you get to crucify her for it–
A single extended plastic forefinger cuts the redhead off in mid-flow.
Masque: That is exactly what I get to do. I bring the consequences of the actions taken by her free will. She is merely exercising something so hard won back after her previous indiscretions and incarceration. Unless, of course, she is doing this less due to the spontaneous, driven, naive foolishness of youth and more because she is being manipulated by age and experience. Tell me, My Hurricane ... Is this all some elaborate deception to earn yourself relevancy once more?
Amber: I'm not here to fuck spiders. I'm here to make sure this match doesn't happen.
Masque: And to achieve that end, you would have me embrace weakness? To tell all my potential challengers, my enemies, that I can be cowed and turned about through force of words, with nothing more potent to give them an edge? Today it is Miss Blackheart and her liberties, tomorrow it is another blue-rinsed iteration of a Zdunich come calling. Why should I relent now? For you? Because you think we share something special, perhaps ...
Amber: Listen to yourself, you're not even interested in defending the belt... MY belt... so don't you dare stand there and make yourself out like a champion. It's not about looking weak – I'm not stupid, Masque, this is about sending a message. I mean lets be real here: you're a placeholder, a paper doll occupying a space until people realize how truly fragile you really are...
The taller woman says nothing for several moments, the plastic fingers of her prosthetic grasping thin air with a serpentine wriggle.
Masque: Weak like you turned out to be? This is not your belt, because you were too poisoned with compassion and riven through with weakness borne from morality to do what needed to be done, and it was taken from you. This is your heart however, plucked from your chest by my thorn-painted hand after I took your body and broke it. Your self-sure, caustic disagreeability is becoming tiresome, Amber. You are nothing; the last shining shard of something that was resplendent when it was whole. But no longer.
Turning about, she fishes the SCW Bombshells' World Championship up and steps closer – dangerously close – into Amber's guard. She holds it up so that the shining plate swings like a lazy pendulum beside both their faces.
Masque: This will never crush your shoulder with the weight of expectation again. You are a historical marker, a bygone era. A spent force. You ran out of wind to keep your storm turning. I on the other hand ...
Blue eyes roll closed for a few moments. She takes a deep breath.
Masque: My passion is not only undimmed, it burns even more brightly after taking yours and making it mine. It is such a joy to know I have something that means so much to you, it brings me immense pleasure. What else could possibly compare? Could make me feel so alive?
Amber: This match isn't happening – not while I'm around. Name your price and be done with the flowery bullshit already.
Masque unceremoniously drops the title belt down onto the scuffed concrete with a clutter. She takes another long breath, her eyes close and stay shut.
Masque: I want you to bring me back to life, not simply feel as if I am. I desire something more than trinkets, accomplishments. I want feelings. I want desire. I want to be loved. Make me feel like I am loved. If you are so determined to earn Miss Blackthorn freedom from another prison of her own making, you can liberate her. With a kiss.
Amber: Are you actually out of your goddamn mind? Did you just step off the deep end?
The redhead takes a step back, but the taller woman mirrors it forward.
Masque: Kiss me and make me feel like you love me. Love me like you do with Mac; love me like you dream of doing with Terryl. In return, I will give Avalon the opportunity to avoid another serious life error.
Amber vehemently shakes her head, determinedly emphatic.
Amber: Not this way.
Cocking her head to the side, Masque offers a slight shrug.
Masque: Then I will destroy your future like I did your present, leaving you with nothing but some dimly-remembered past. I will take such pleasure in welcoming her to the Rapture. Remember ... You could have stopped this. Thank you for visiting, My Resplendent Hurricane. I do hope you will come to see me again someday soon.
Amber: Wait. There must be ... Are you ... Is this serious?
The Champion says nothing, but the intensity in her eyes answers the question. Dropping her head towards the floor for a few moments, Amber roughly shoves a handful of hair out from her features, looks up and sighs.
Amber: If that's what it takes.
Reaching up, Masque tugs free the fabric bands securing the porcelain face over her real one. Eventually, as the last one flutters free, she slides the mask down and lets it drop to the floor. Impossible for the camera to see from behind the shoulder, Amber stares into a face no other person in the whole of the company has so much as glimpsed.
Masque: This is your singular opportunity. Your one chance. Make me believe it. Love me, Amber.
Blowing her cheeks out hard and swallowing, Amber reaches out with a single finger and gently cups the taller woman's head by her chin. She steps forward. even as the camera pans away ...
Jessie: SON OF A BITCH! THAT HURTS!
It is with those words from Jessie Salco that we cut to the medic's office where the veteran Bombshell and current #1 Contender for the Bombshell Roulette Title Jessie Salco is getting checked out following her win in the Roulette Rules Ladder Match against Mercedes Vargas and Bea Barnhart.
Medic: Mrs. Salco, I'm sorry but you will be under the effects of painkillers soon, why you chose to take such a dangerous risk is beyond me.
Jessie: Adrenaline? Wanting to send a message to Ariana? Take your fucking pick! It could be either one of those things!
Ariana: You realize that there are less painful ways to send messages to future opponents, right?
The camera pans over to show Ariana walking into the medic's office with the Bombshell Roulette Title around her waist, the young wrestler walks up to Jessie and sits on a bed opposite hers.
Jessie: What? Did you break a nail whilst doing guest commentary?
Ariana: Funny! But no, I stopped by to check on my current #1 Contender!
Jessie shakes her head as she glances over at the medic.
Jessie: I'll be at 100% for High Stakes XI, right?
Medic: Off course, your wounds from tonight's match will have long healed by then!
Jessie grins before she turns her attention back to Ari, but Jessie's grin quickly turns to a look of confusion as she sees the look on Ariana's face as the champion is grinning broadly.
Jessie: I would've thought that you'd be disappointed, knowing that your next challenger is going to be fit and ready for High Stakes XI!
Ariana: I'm not the kind of competitor Jessie, I want to face challengers when they are at their best, last week's match with Seleana just reaffirmed that want! And guess what? That counts for you too Jessica!
Jessie's eye twitches at being called by her full first name but she shakes her head.
Jessie: Kid, you are way to fucking pure for this fucked up business! Wait until you've been wrestling as long as I have and we'll see if you feel the same way!
Ariana: I guess we will, won't we? But I do have one thing that's been on my mind since you won, what's going to happen to your final match with Melissa?
Jessie pauses as she thinks back to the seg that kicked off the potentially final cycle of her feud with Melissa.
Jessie: I'll admit, in all the excitement, I had completely forgotten about that!
Ariana: I guess some things never change with age!
Jessie: Guess so!
Jessie chuckles before easing herself out of the bed and Ariana stands up allowing the veteran to go nose to nose with the taller Bombshell.
Jessie: Kid, we both know the bosses want you to defend that title for a second time before High Stakes XI, do me a favour and make it to High Stakes as champion because I'd rather take the title from someone I respect than someone who I potentially don't!
Ariana: I plan on it! Only your not taking this from me either!
Ariana says before she makes her way out of the medic's office.
Ariana: I already broke the Alicia Lukas curse when I won this title at Violent Conduct VIII, at High Stakes XI? I'll break another recent curse, the curse of champions losing their titles at the Supercard after they won it!
Jessie: That curse's title needs work, A LOT OF WORK! And what? Are you going to call yourself "The Cursebreaker" now?
Ariana pauses as she reaches the door to the medic's office.
Ariana: I'll admit, it has a nice ring to it!
Jessie: I'll be expecting royalties if you decide to run with its Ari!
Ariana: I'll keep that in mind! See you at High Stakes!
Ariana leaves the medics office as the scene fades.
Simone: I'm not really sure how to feel about our next contest–
Adams: That's because it's a grudge.
Simone: Whatever it is, we're about to see Avalon Blackheart – trained by the legendary Amber Ryan – follow-through on an apparently self-appointed mission to make herself a thorn in the side of our Bombshells' World Champion–
Adams: Suicide mission.
Simone: ... Not sure what it is, but I know what it means. If Avalon can somehow win, she'll earn her one-time mentor a title shot. If she can actually get cleared to take it up ...
Adams: If she loses, though ... She gets to take up her one-time mentor's former role as Masque's ... I don't even know what to call it. Protege?
Simone: ... Victim.
Justin: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one-fall!
The echoing strings of lone guitar strings echo out in that familiar, languid plucking as the opening refrain of "WIll the Circle be Unbroken" begins, accompanied by an intense reaction from the arena crowd who drown out the first few bars in voracious noise. Mostly negative, mostly angry ... Although a few do seem to be enthusiastically welcoming the Rapture.
Sporting a plastic face badly fractured, chipped and gouged, the familiar form of Masque steps onto the top of the rampway, World title held loosely in her prosthetic so the leather strap trails against the metal floor.
Justin: Introducing first, your Bombshells' World Champion, Masque!
Adams: Crowd didn't like that.
Simone: I don't like that.
Masque gets no further than a few steps forward when the onrushing form of her opponent, Avalon Blackheart, crashes in from behind by way of the flat of a folded steel chair which she drives down against the Champion's back. Masque stumbles forward and down to her knees, title clattering to the ground. As she stands, Avalon drives the flat of her boot in hard to the ribs, spinning the taller woman around on the floor as she drops down and piles in.
Adams: Now that's a strategy. Who said the youth of today had nothing about them?
Simone: More than a shade of a Painted Hurricane there.
Avalon drags Masque towards the ring, keeping the enigmatic Bombshell under relative control with judicious application of fist, boot and the edge of the chair still held in her free hand. The referee, looking particularly loath to interfere, makes vague cutting gestures with his arms but otherwise watches from the temporary safety of the ring.
With a grunt of effort, Avalon sends Masque careening into the ringside steps to crash spine-first against the steel. As she rebounds forward the taller woman takes a stiff knee to the shoulder that sends her spinning down onto concrete. The Challenger follows up with a flurry of stomps against an exposed ribcage.
Simone: Can't fight if you can't breathe. Smart.
Adams: If she even does.
Simone: She's Human, you know.
Adams: Ask yourself if that even feels right to say.
Simone: ... Guess not.
After working the taller woman over with cooperation from ringside steps, the apron edge and that same hard-working chair, Avalon looks up and takes a second to soak in the roar of approval from the crowd. With a potential title match in the offing for her one-time trainer if she's successful, a smattering of chants break out for Amber Ryan. Avalon rolls her eyes, looks down and meets Masque's rising head with a hard fist that cuts another crack into the composite.
Avalon: Ring the fucking bell.
DING DING DING!
The referee hesitates until she takes a single threatening step towards him, gesticulating with an outstretched hand that ends in a dented folding chair, and he nods with a signal to ringside.
Adams: And we're on.
Tossing the chair over the top rope, Avalon seats herself down and delivers a series of hard shots, poised over the prone form of the Champion. Retreating for a moment, she gives the latter enough recovery time to sit up only to receive a crashing shin to the throat as Avalon bounces against the ropes and uses all her momentum to drive in.
Simone: Cartilage-crushing impact. She might just do this.
Avalon rolls onto a knee, but doesn't move to make a cover. Instead, she looks up at the baying crowd, down at the still Masque, and reaches down. With increasing urgency, she starts to tug at the straps holding the Champion's pretend-face over her real one. Forcing her fingers underneath the bands, she begins to break them one-by-one.
Adams: Hold me down. Are we going to see her real face, right here, right now?
The noise around the arena punches up an order of magnitude as Avalon tugs and twists until only a single strap is left around her opponent's head. Even the referee steps in close, curiosity getting the better of him ... At least until a pair of bright blue eyes snap open.
Masque moves too quickly for anyone to react to. Her prosthetic shoots up and plastic fingers snap in tight around Avalon's throat. Rearing back, the referee is at least close enough to hear the servomotors whine as they squeeze then compress the younger woman's windpipe. Desperately reactive, Avalon rains down heavy blows but in her fury she concentrates them on that pseudo-face which absorbs every one with the odd rewarding crack or split. It holds.
With the Challenger flailing on the end of her artificial arm, Masque slowly climbs to her feet as the arena reverberates with boos. She squeezes tighter.
Simone: Do your job, Ref!
Apparently shaken out of his reverie, the Official begins his much-overdue count to five, which the Champion releases only at the last possible moment. Stumbling back, doubled over, eyes and chest burning and struggling for air, Avalon looks up in time to be on the receiving end of a brutal spinning heel kick courtesy of momentum provided by the ring ropes.
Adams: Terrorfex, she's done.
Coiling and uncoiling the plastic fingers of her prosthetic, Masque stands over the stirring form of her Challenger and drops down to one knee.
Simone: I think I know where this is going.
Savagely, she drives two of those fingers between Avalon's lips and under her tongue, compressing the soft palate in an agonizing nerve hold. The young woman thrashes, eyes flashing open. She struggles, landing a few heavy blows that make the World Champion's head snap left and right ... But she doesn't let go. Doesn't let up.
Adams: Here comes the Rapture.
The referee gets about as close as he dares, asking Avalon if she wants to give it up but she doesn't, either. She just keeps fighting, keeps punching. Slowly, Masque lowers her own head until it is only just above Avalon's. Piercing eyes find defiant ones.
Still, Avalon doesn't give up.
Her blows get slower, less coordinated. The power of the punch gets sapped and while the defiance in Avalon's eyes doesn't erode, the eyelids get heavier. She jerks her head, but those plastic fingers follow her every move. The Challenger coughs, burbles and a trickle of red spills over her lip.
Simone: Referee has got to step in here!
Adams: Not until she gives up, or she can't go on ... And she's still moving. Still fighting.
Avalon fights for a few more uncomfortable minutes, longer than anyone has endured the Rapture for. The referee does his job, more or less, and when she loses the power of angry grunting, he shakes her nearby wrist which jerks out to catch him in the chest and cheek.
Eventually though, even that stills. Defiant eyes get glassy, and those eyelids droop closed.
Adams: That's enough.
The referee agrees and with one final check, jumps up, waves his arms and calls for the bell. Still, Masque doesn't let go.
DING DING DING!
Turning back, the official takes a hesitant step towards the two combatants and stops. At ringside, Adams stands up.
Adams: Do your job!
Spurred into action, he moves in, takes a hold of the Champion's shoulder and pulls her back. For several moments, nothing happens and the Rapture stays locked in. Eventually, Masque withdraws but pauses long enough to cup Avalon's cheek with a bloodied plastic palm.
Justin: Here is your winner, the Bombshells' World Champion, Masque!
SCW's most enigmatic Bombshell rolls underneath the bottom rope and begins to make her way back up the ramp. She pauses for a moment at the top, bending down to retrieve the forgotten title belt before turning back toward the ring. Championship held out, she runs those same stained fingers down the centre plate drawing a crude, oozing, crimson-coloured heart.
Adams: I know a message when I see one.
Giving a wide berth around her, arena medical personnel make their way down to ringside as the referee checks over the still form of Avalon.
SCW YEAR END AWARDS
The paramedics backstage are having a difficult time getting Fenris to remain still so that they can check on him, following the attack earlier this evening at the hands of J2H. And by difficult, we mean damn near impossible because...
Fenris: GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME!!!
The sound of crashing is heard as the camera turns a corner and just BARELY ducks under a chair being thrown right in its general direction! Fenris is on his feet, holding an ice pack to his crotch from the low blow, despite the head medic trying to restrain him, holding onto his arm.
Medic: Fenris, please! We need you to sit down so that we can...
Fenris turns quickly on his feet and grabs the man by the hand, bending it back at the wrist!
Fenris: The only thing you need to do is take your fucking hand off of me!
Aron: K...!
Fenris looks around at the rest of the medical team in the first aid station.
Fenris: I swear to god the next person to put a hand on me, I swear they won't find enough left to reattach!
But his own brother calls his bluff as he steps right in his path and places both hands on his chest to stay him in place! Fenris looks down at Aron's hands, then up at him to which Aron raises a daring eyebrow.
Aron: Just, stop. Alright? They need to check you out for a possible concussion!
Fenris: From what!? I've seen better kicks from American football players!
Fenris forcibly brushes Aron's hands from hsi chest and pushes hima side as he goes straight for the door.
Aron: K! Where are you going!?
Fenris spins around.
Fenris: Where the hell do you think!? I'm going to find that candy ass has been and put him on permanent disability benefits! He wants to talk shit about me and call me a disgrace!? Notice the little bitch only had the BALLS to do it when I was down! Well fine!
He nods, his blue eyes as cold as ice as he nods.
Fenris: he wants the 'old Fenris'? He wants the 'scary Fenris'? Scrawny bastard is going to regret EVER stepping back into MY yard!
Fenris turns and storms out, with Aron rushing after him!
Just outside of the office being utilized by SCW Co-Owners Christian Underwood and "Hot Stuff" Mark Ward, we see Helluva Bottom Carter approach the closed door, still clad in his Mary Sanderson costume from tonight's opener. He looks quite hesitant for whatever reason before he reaches up and raps his knuckles on the door frame. He then pauses, and quickly reaches up and pulls the wig from his scalp, as if that is really going to accomplish much where his colorful costumed appearance is concerned. After a brief moment's pause, the door is opened and the fans react negatively as Christian Underwood answers, stepping into the open frame.
Christian: Hey Mary.
Carter frowns.
HBCarter: Mary... is that a gay crack?
Christian rolls his eyes.
Christian: Okay, one? I'm gay so... no. And two, I was referring to your outfit.
Carter colors at the ears and neck, looking thoroughly chastised.
HBCarter: Oh. Sorry.
Christian: Yeah, I thought so. Now, is there something you wanted because Mark and I are busy.
HBCarter: Yeah, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment? It'll just take a moment.
Christian: I thought that's what we were doing?
HBCarter: No, I mean... it's about what happened last week.
Christian's brow rises inquisitively.
Christian: Ahhh! About you having a snit with Krystal's cousin in front of everyone?
Carter nods and Christian smirks, stepping aside and beckoning him into the room. Carter does as told and enters, with Christian following and shutting the door behind them.
Backstage, near catering we see Alicia Lukas and Zoey Lukas. Alicia has a bottle of water in her hand looking over at Zoey who has a paper plate in her hand and a fork..
Alicia Lukas: The hell is that?...some kind of pesto pasta?
Zoey nods slowly popping another forkful into her mouth.
Zoey Lukas: Something like that...I dunno..theres some cheese in it...and I....
Alicia pokes Zoey in the arm and points passed her as Aron Baltasarsson steps to them with a small nod and a sigh.
Zoey Lukas: Hey Aron!....hows it goin?
Aron: Alicia...Zoey....uh....I wanted to catch up with you, say hi and also congratulate you...Zoey...
Zoey Lukas: What for?
Zoey looks at Alicia, confused as Alicia just shrugs, Aron looks a little awkward and adjusts his suit jacket
Aron: You and Miles...
Zoey Lukas: Me and Miles?
Aron nods and gives her a small smile
Aron: I think you two make an excellent couple, and he has had some success and so have you, seems like a great move personally and professionally
Zoey Lukas: Uh..wait...hold up...Miles and I aren't together...I mean I like Miles, alot, he's hot as a ghost pepper pi
a being thrown into the sun but we ain't a couple. He's just got out of a serious relationship and I don't think I'm ready for that...Aron blinks a few times looking at Alicia who nods and kind of shrugs confirming the "news".
Aron: Oh, well, my mistake then...
Zoey Lukas: It was really sweet of you to come over and say that though...but...I gotta say...you're kind of cute when you're jealous
Zoey winks and looks at Aron as she passes, Aron opens his mouth but has no idea what to say. Alicia goers to follow her sister and stops looking at Aron.
Alicia Lukas: Smooth...you know it might be an idea, instead of congratulating her...ask her out?...
Aron: Oh but I don-
Alicia Lukas: Bzztutut....stop....A blind man sitting in a village deep in the congo with no cell reception can see it Aron...
Alicia pats him on the shoulder and keeps walking, leaving him alone in catering, looking bewildered and confused.
Simone: It's time for the Main Event! Two weeks ago, we determined Masque's challenger at High Stakes XI in a Fatal Four Way Match and tonight? It's the men's turn as Chris Page takes on Austin James Mercer, Goth, and Finn Whelan!
Adams: Any one of those men could be a worthy challenger to "Godly" Ken Davison when that show rolls around and you know that Ken will be watching this closely!
Adams: This should be a hell of a match, let's take it to Justin!
Justin: Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is your Main Event of the Evening scheduled for one fall and it will determine "Godly" Ken Davison's challenger at High Stakes XI!
The crowd cheers as "Judas" by Fo
y hits the speakers and Chris Page comes out ready for action as he slowly walks down to the ring.Justin: Introducing first, from Detroit, Michigan, weighing in tonight at 248ibs "Chronic" Chris Page!
As the song progresses into the chorus Chris marches down to the ring ready for the Main Event, he slides into the ring and poses for the crowd as his theme fades.
Simone: Chris has wrestled all over the world and for a number of different promotions, now he seeks to take the SCW world by storm!
Adams: And with a win over SCW Stalwart Ben Jordan under his belt he's already done that!
Justin: And his opponents!
The lights dim down and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The drum riff opening that carries into an aggressive rhythm of guitar chords breaks out as "Black Lungs" by Architects blares out over the P.A. System. This brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed.
Justin: First, from Seattle, Washington, weighing in at 201ibs, Finn Whelan!
The spotlight doesn't fall upon the stage, instead flowing across the crowd as the lyrics describe more than just a time in the world. Finn Whelan appears not from the curtain, but from one of the visitor entrances with a semi-cocky swagger written into his denim jeans. He stops at the top of the steps for a moment, a slight smirk on his face as he glances down at the people around him, blockaded off by the typical burly security guards. The crowd is not booing, but they're not exactly cheering either. He sets his eyes upon the ring below, and then makes his way down slowly, ignoring the people around him though a few of them clap him on the shoulders as he descends.
Simone: Finn is a former Roulette Champion setting his sights on the top gold!
Adams: But he has three other top tier competitors to deal with in Chris, Austin, and Goth!
At the barrier, he slings himself over and slides immediately underneath the bottom rope and leaps to his feet in the centre of the ring. He heads directly for the ropes in front of him, and hops up onto the bottom one, bouncing slightly as he looks back at the crowd, choosing a few choice words to share with them. he drops down from it and pulls of his vest as he heads to his place against the turnbuckle, leaning into it and looking upwards at the stage (or conversely, at his opponent) past his brow as his music fades out, as Finn and Chris wait for the next participant to come out we hear Justin's voice through his mic!
Justin: About to enter the arena, standing in at 6'4 and weighing in at 239 pounds!!!
The words fade as we hear the Church bells cling before the guitar riff starts playing along with the choir singing. The music builds up to where finally Corey Taylor can be heard. The name Goth emerges upon the titan tron, but the man only walks out after Corey Taylor can be heard screaming the words: "I'm finally holding on to letting go!!" As explosions go off on the side of the entrance stage. Goth stares at the crowd as his fiancé Melissa emerges behind him.
Justin: Currently residing from Manhattan, New York!!! He is the King of Kings!! Goth!!!!
Goth lifts his head upwards to the ceiling while extending his arms, a smirk emerges upon his face as he listens to the mixed reactions. After a few seconds he looks back ahead of him towards the ring walking slowly, totally ignoring the fans who are trying to touch him as he walks to the steel ring steps. He gets on the ring apron before opening up the top and middle ring rope for his fiancé Melissa as she steps through them. He then steps in the ring and stares down his opponent/awaits his opponent as his music slowly fades.
Simone: Goth lost the Internet Championship at Violent Conduct VIII to Lachlan Kaine, earning a shot at fellow Saviours member Ken Davison would be a hell of a way to get back on track!
Adams: Especially since Melissa lost the Bombshell Roulette Title on the same night!
The lights shut off as "Medusa" by Times of Grace kicks in, as it builds different lights flash around the arena. As the song builds into the refrain and the guitars kick in a spotlight forms on the stage with Austin standing in the middle. He makes his way down to the ring before moving around to the steps, he makes his way up and walks across the apron before stepping between the ropes, he stands in the centre of the ring as the music shuts off.
Justin: And finally, from Manhattan, New York, weighing in at 265ibs and representing Wolfslair, Austin James Mercer!
Simone: Austin returned in dramatic fashion at Violent Conduct putting Dying Breed out of action and going on to criticize Ken for making a joke!
Adams: Let's not forget what he did last week, he attacked Alexander Raven after Raven unsuccessfully challenged Ken for the World Title all because he called Austin by name, I think it's safe to say that Raven will be looking for a taste of revenge!
Jasmine tries to call all four men to the middle of the ring to go over the rules but it doesn't take long for things to break down as the four men start brawling, Chris with Austin and Goth with Finn prompting Jasmine to call for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Simone: Four big personalities, one ring, I'm not surprised it broke down this quickly!
Adams: Finn and Austin have gone out of their way to avoid each other in the early going instead going after Goth and Chris respectively, maybe that was their plan?
As the match breaks down into a pair of wild brawls between the four participants Jasmine can only stand back and watch as the four men duke it out for a shot at the World Title! Chris Page and Austin James Mercer vie for the advantage near the ring ropes whilst Finn and Goth go back and forth with their punches but eventually one of the brawls is broken up and that happens to Austin and Chris as Austin backdrops Chris over the ropes and to the outside! Rather than join Finn in his brawl with Goth Austin follows Chris to the outside of the ring where the two wrestling veterans continue to brawl.
Simone: Interesting that Austin didn't go after Finn or Goth after dumping Chris out of the ring!
Adams: Did they come to some kind of agreement before the match? Finn stays out of Austin's brawl with Chris and Austin does likewise with Finn's brawl with Goth?
Jason can only speculate off course but back in the ring Finn has taken the advantage on Goth after ducking a wild right hand and drilling the wrestling veteran with a Brainbuster! Chris and Austin are seemingly oblivious to this as Finn goes for the first pin of the match!
ONE!
TWO!
And Goth kicks out right as Austin sends Chris over the barricade taking him out of the match for the moment! Austin returns to the ring just as Goth turns the tables on Finn with an eye rake sending the former Roulette Champion stumbling back towards the ring ropes and allowing Goth to send Finn to the outside with a clothesline! Austin sees the opportunity to strike and he takes it as soon as Goth thinks he's alone nailing him with a release German Suplex that sends Goth flying across the ring!
Simone: Goth had better check his air miles after that German Suplex from Austin!
Adams: And with Chris and Finn seemingly out of the picture for now, Austin's in a prime position to try for a pin on Goth!
Austin realizes this himself as he goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
And Goth kicks out! Austin shakes his head knowing that it was far to early in the match for a decisive pin to be made but that doesn't stop the New Yorker from locking in a Triangle Choke on Goth! Jasmine gets into position to ask Goth if he wants to submit but Melissa on the outside grabs onto her fiancé's leg and places it on the ring ropes before pointing it out to Jasmine, there's just one problem with her plan though!
Simone: Big mistake from Melissa there, trying to help her man in full view of the ref!
Adams: I'm surprised Jasmine didn't send her to the back from the word go but I guess the wild brawls between Goth, Finn, Austin, and Chris diverted her attention away from Melissa!
Chris has just returned to the ring after being dumped over the barricade and Finn is regaining his senses on the outside right as Jasmine ejects Melissa from the ringside area! Melissa tries to argue with Jasmine's decision but quickly realizes that she isn't going to budge and leaves the ringside area reluctantly! Unfortunately for Austin, Chris takes advantage of this by hitting him with a running low blow from behind causing Austin to double over in pain before Chris hits him with a Reverse DDT! Austin rolls out of the ring before Chris can go for a pin but Goth takes advantage of this by hitting Chris with a Reverse Atomic Drop and following that up with a Goth Plex! Goth goes for the pin not realizing that Finn has just slid back into the ring!
ONE!
TWO!
And Finn breaks up the pin!
Simone: If the past five minutes of action have proven anything, it's that you really need to have eyes in the back of your head for a match like this!
Adams: No kidding! Between Chris's low blow on Austin, Goth's attack on Chris and Finn breaking up the pin on Chris you really can't get complacent in a match like this!
Chris retreats to a corner to regain his bearings whilst Finn and Goth restart their earlier brawl! Austin has recovered from the low blow by Chris but whilst he has returned to the ring he is biding his time waiting for either Goth or Finn to slip up and give him the advantage, however a spanner is thrown into those works when Finn takes both Goth and himself over the ropes and to the outside so Austin turns his attention to Chris before going for a running corner kick to Chris! Chris gets out of the way at the last second though causing Austin to kick the lower turnbuckle instead and leaving Austin open to a Rolling German Suplex! Chris holds on for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!
And Austin gets the shoulder up! Chris wastes little time in keeping the offense up though as he grabs Austin's arm and transitions it into a Triangle Choke!
Simone: Chris has that Triangle Choke locked in tight!
Adams: Finn and Goth had better return their attention back to the ring because Austin looks ready to tap!
Goth sends Finn shoulder first into the steel steps before he notices Jasmine getting into position to ask Austin if he wants to submit to Chris's submission hold! Realizing that his chances of winning the match are fading fast Goth quickly returns to the ring and right as Austin seems ready to tap out to Chris's Triangle Choke Goth drops an axe hammer onto Chris and Goth breaking up the submission hold and saving the match for himself, Finn, and Austin! Austin rolls out of the ring whilst Goth and Finn go nose to nose!
Simone: If that's not a dream match, I don't know what is!
Adams: As much as I'm salivating at the thought of a match between Goth and Chris Page, that dream could turn into a nightmare for Finn and Austin if it ends with either of them taking the pin or submission!
The crowd in Henderson, Nevada are going crazy as Chris and Goth start trading punches in the middle of the ring whilst Finn returns to the ring (clearly favouring his shoulder) but like most brawls in this match, the one between Goth and Chris spills to the outside where Austin eagerly joins in on the action between the two men turning it into a three-way brawl! Back in the ring Finn is trying to decide on a course of action as he watches the three men go at it on the outside before he makes a decision, namely, to charge at the ropes and nail all three men with a Suicide Dive bringing the crowd to their feet!
Simone: Finn going out of his comfort zone to get the advantage with that dive on Chris, Austin, and Goth!
Adams: What that'll do to his supposed alliance with Austin is anyone's guess but he's throwing Goth back into the ring and going for a pin! He'd better watch out though as Chris is following them into the ring!
ONE!
TWO!
And Chris BARELY manages to break up the pin in time to save the match for himself! Chris picks up Finn and goes for a Judas Effect but Finn catches Chris's arm and counters it with a Kimura Lock in the middle of the ring!
Simone: Finn has the Underdog locked in tight!
Adams: Goth is in no shape to break it up and Austin's coming back into the ring, will Austin break up the Underdog in time?
After a moment's hesitation Austin breaks up the Kimura Lock before Chris can tap out! Finn gives Austin a shocked look but Austin just shakes his head before hitting Finn with a Double A Spinebuster! Austin doesn't go for the pin on Finn though, instead dragging Chris to the middle of the ring and going for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
And Goth breaks it up!
Simone: It seems you were right about the alliance between Finn and Austin, that dive sent it out the window!
Adams: And now it's anyone's game between them, Chris, and Goth!
Chris retreats to the ring ropes whilst Finn retreats to a corner leaving Goth and Austin to exchange blows in the middle of the ring, however as they are duking it out a familiar face appears in the crowd glaring at the four competitors.
Simone: That's Alexander Raven! But is he here for revenge on Austin or is he out to mess with Chris, Goth, and Finn as well?
Adams: That's the million-dollar question but for now the former Roulette Champion seems content to just observe the action!
Neither of the four competitors seem to notice Alexander in the crowd right now, largely because Goth has nailed Austin with a knee to the midsection followed by a Swinging Neckbreaker and a Snap Suplex! Goth goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
And Chris breaks it up! Goth rolls away from Chris and Chris takes the opportunity to go for a pin of his own on Mercer!
ONE!
TWO!
And Austin kicks out just as Alexander hops the barricade on the outside! Chris notices Raven stalking around the ring and tries to get Jasmine to eject him like she did to Melissa earlier in the match but whilst Austin pulls himself up using the ring ropes Goth spins Chris around and nails him with the Chaos ADDT!
Simone: CHAOS ADDT! DID GOTH JUST BOOK HIS TICKET TO HIGH STAKES?!
Adams: I DON'T THINK SO BECAUSE AUSTIN LOOKS READY TO STRIKE!
Chris rolls out of the ring before Goth can capitalize on the situation and Austin seizes the opportunity to hit Goth with the Legacy Bomb!
Simone: LEGACY BOMB ON GOTH!
Adams: But Finn's back on his feet!
Goth joins Chris in rolling to the outside but before Austin can even realize what's happening Finn surprises him with the Fennian Rising!
Simone: FENNIAN RISING ON AUSTIN! AND NO-ONE'S AROUND TO HELP AUSTIN THIS TIME!
Finn goes for the pin but it seems that Austin still has a lot of fight left in him and is ready to kick out, unfortunately for him Alexander grabs Austin's legs from the outside just out of view of Jasmine as she counts the pin!
Adams: JASMINE LOOK! RAVEN'S ABOUT TO COST AUSTIN THE MATCH!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
Justin: HERE'S YOUR WINNER AND THE #1 CONTENDER TO THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AT HIGH STAKES XI, FINN WHELAN!
Simone: FINN JUST SCORED THE BIGGEST MATCH OF HIS CAREER BUT NOT WITHOUT CONTROVERSY AS ALEXANDER POTENTIALLY COST AUSTIN THE MATCH!
Adams: There's going to be hell to pay next week!
Finn celebrates his win whilst Austin glares daggers at Raven whilst Raven retreats up the ramp.
Simone: What a night, but it's that time again Jason.
Adams: For milk and cookies?
Simone: Ugh sure, but it's also time to end. What a night it has been, and there so much to talk about next week as it's confirmed Finn Whelan is off to the High Stakes co main event! Join us next week for more action. For Jason Adams, I'm Belinda Simone saying good night everybody!
The scene fades as Finn Whelan celebrates.
THANK YOU! to everyone who wrote for this show and to Annie for the match graphics.