Post by David Slayton on Jan 16, 2015 5:25:32 GMT -6
Gauntlet Run - November 12, 2014
After a flash of the BWF logo, the screen pops to life with classic BWF footage - the first-ever Gauntlet Run Match, dated November 30, 2003. The match, which only featured 14 competitors in its first incarnation, is down to two men, X and Grandtheft. Grandtheft tosses X over the top rope, but X holds on, then jumps back into the ring. Grandtheft has already begun celebrating and doesn't see the future Hall of Famer swoop up behind him. X grabs Grandtheft, throws him over the top rope, and before his opponent even realizes what just happened, X is awarded the first-ever Gauntlet Run trophy - and a ticket to the main event of the first-ever WrestleFest.
X: That match changed everything for me. I wouldn't have gotten where I was without the Gauntlet Run.
The screen shifts to November 28, 2004 - one year later. The final two men in the ring, Bam and The Big O, are no strangers to one another. Bam, dominating the Gauntlet Run up to this point, lifts Big O onto his shoulders to deliver his patented Bam Drop (F-5) over the ropes to win the match. Big O swings off of Bam's shoulders, but he manages to land on the apron to the surprise of the crowd. Bam, furious, charges, but Big O drops down and pulls the top rope as he goes, using Bam's momentum to eliminate the beast and achieve victory against all odds.
The Big O: Winning the Gauntlet Run, even now, is probably the biggest achievement in my entire career. I'll never forget that night.
From there, the scene changes to October 30, 2005 - the third Gauntlet Run Match. Once again, X finds himself in the final two, but his opponent this year is a man he knows all too well - his protege, Kimek. Kimek, on the roll of his career, nearly puts the Alliance, Ohio native down and out, but the winner of the first Gauntlet Run turns the tables on his young ward, coming out on top to the cheers of the crowd for the second time in his career - and to date, the only BWF competitor in history to do so.
X: Winning the 2003 Gauntlet Run required me to best 13 other wrestlers. Winning it in 2005 saw a full field of 30. If anybody doubted that I had what it took to win this thing for real, I shut them down after 2005's event.
The following Gauntlet Run, which took place on November 26, 2006, saw the match format change for the first and only time. While still featuring 30 wrestlers, this year's match was dubbed an "International" Gauntlet Run, pitting six teams of five against one another in the battle royal setting, with the final two competitors only able to achieve victory via pinfall or submission. The match ultimately came down to Team USA's "Stutterfly" Starla Gardevoir and Team Japan's Stryker Cloud. After Starla kicks out of Cloud's Storm Stryke (Reverse Suplex into a Stunner), he argues with the referee. Starla recovers and leaps up behind him and catches him with the Blow Pop (Lungblower Backbreaker), then proceeds to scramble onto the top rope. With all the energy she has left, she soars off with the Aerotica (Swanton Bomb) and lands it perfectly! The cover, and a three count later, Starla Gardevoir is the winner of the 2006 Gauntlet Run!
Starla Gardevoir: That night in Sydney, Australia, Starla Gardevoir became a household name. Winning the Gauntlet Run was better than beating every Elder Scrolls game combined!
The following year, on November 26, 2007, the Gauntlet Run returned to its standard 30 man rumble setting for what was perhaps the most unpredictable outcome yet! The match would come down to Raizzor, well-known as the brother of Chamelion, and Eliminator, a future Hall of Famer and former World Champion looking for another run at the top. Eliminator came close to living up to his name, but on this night, the Krymson Dragon (nobody's ever taught these guys how to spell, apparently) would not be denied, taking out Eliminator and becoming the victor in the fifth Gauntlet Run in BWF's history.
Raizzor: And that is how it's done.
From there, the screen cracks and shatters, showing flashes of the BWF stars of today: Casey Campbell, AJ Adams, Gabe Shelley, Akemi Hayashi, Omen IV, The Rejects and many more.
Announcer: Tonight... for the first time in seven years... the Gauntlet Run returns to BWF.
Shots of the wrestlers in BWF in action, hitting their signature moves and posing.
Announcer: Thirty competitors... one ring... only one winner... with a ticket to the main event of WrestleFest VIII in London hanging in the balance.
The screen shifts to the WrestleFest VIII logo, sparkling over a British flag.
Announcer: The time is now. The wait is over. The road to WrestleFest... begins... NOW.
Quick flashes of The Justicars of Illium, The Ultimates, Fenryr Wulfsson, Van Biafra, Logan Havoc, Jay Blazenwing, Chris Maverick, Johnny Maverick and Zoe Cooper. The screen pauses on Zoe before the image tears in half, the unmistakable maniacal laugh of BWF C.E.O. Emily Corlen echoing over the black screen.
Announcer: And now, the Blazenwing Wrestling Federation, in association with the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, presents... GAUNTLET RUN 2014!!!
The camera cuts from the intro to the arena in Chicago, where a massive pyro show goes off on the stage. After the pyro show ends, the camera zooms around the ring, highlighting the many fans in attendance before finally settling on the BWF announce team of Nick Webb and Rayne.
Nick Webb: WELCOME, ONE AND ALL! We are live in Chicago for the highly anticipated return of one of BWF's greatest events, the Gauntlet Run! Tonight, thirty superstars will put everything on the line, all for the opportunity to main event the BWF's biggest pay-per-view of the year!
Rayne: And that's just the tip of the iceberg, Nick! Four Championships will be decided tonight, as Chris Maverick challenges his brother from another zip code Johnny Maverick for the Crisis World Title, Fenryr Wulfsson defends the Sovereign Title for the first time against three other men in a Fatal 4-Way, and BWF World Champion Zoe Cooper puts her title on the line against a mystery challenger that our C.E.O., Emily Corlen, won't even announce until the match is set to begin!
Nick Webb: And the first of those title matches begins now, as The Justicars of Illium defend the BWF Tag Team Championships against Hardcore Mike and Stone, The Ultimates! Let's kick off this show with a bang!
Hardcore Mike and Destiny start out the match for their respective teams, with Mike holding the upper hand for the opening minutes of the contest. Destiny stuns him enough to tag out, and soon, Alison has The Ultimates on the defensive. After a referee bump takes Jeff Stinson down, an inactive Mike drops Destiny with one of the Tag Titles, then tosses the smoking gun to Stone to do the same to Alison. Having better morals than his partner, Stone refuses to cheat to win, which forces Mike into the ring to get in the face of his partner.
Nick Webb: Oh, my! The Ultimates are on the verge of exploding here!
While Stone and Mike argue, Alison and Destiny recover. Alison dropkicks Stone from behind, which sends him flying into Mike. Mike stumbles backwards and Destiny, still hurting but back on the apron, pulls the top rope down, leaving Mike to tumble helplessly out of the ring. With Stone still seeing stars after his head-first collision with his partner, Alison is able to catch him with the Surface of Revolution (Corkscrew Neckbreaker). Alison covers, Mike starts to come to and Destiny leaps off the apron, hitting Mike with a cross body even as referee Stinson finally comes to. He counts - 1... 2... no! Stone kicks out!
Rayne: The Ultimates are still in the ball game! HA!
Alison and Stone rise to their feet, engage in a brief scuffle and Stone gains the upper hand. He tries to hit her with the New Face (Big Boot into a Flapjack), but Alison ducks underneath it, propels herself off the second rope and catches Stone on the return with the Zero Matrix (Slingshot Dragonrana)! She leans forward into the pin and Stone is unable to kick out before the 3!
WINNERS AND STILL BWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: The Justicars of Illium, via Pinfall [8:34]
"Word Crimes" by "Weird Al" Yankovic hits the sound system and the fans start cheering as Alison rolls out of the ring, breaking the pin. Stone, stunned, tries to argue that he wasn't pinned as Destiny reaches her partner, still holding her head and wincing, and hands Alison her Tag Team Championship. The two girls make their way up the ramp, holding their titles up in victory, as Hardcore Mike stares into the ring at his partner, just shaking his head in disappointment.
Nick Webb: I can't believe it! I thought The Ultimates had this match won when Hardcore Mike introduced the Tag belt into the mix, but his partner refused to cheat to win -
Rayne: - and look what happened! They LOST! Bet Stone feels like a real doof right about now.
Nick Webb: It's better to stay honest and lose than to cheat and win, Rayne.
Rayne: Sounds like a real loser sentiment to me, brother. What good is honor if it don't get you nothin'? HA!
Taste of Honor
Cut to the backstage area where Van Biafra is stretching, preparing himself for the Sovereign Title match to come. He appears to be a bit irked when BWF backstage correspondent Don McMichael approaches him.
Don McMichael: Ladies and gentlemen I am here with Havok wrestler 'The Hound of Hell's Kitchen' Van Biafra. How are you tonight Van?
Van Biafra: I was doing just fine. What do you want?
Don McMichael: Uh…sorry. I just wanted to get your thoughts on your upcoming fatal four way match for the BWF Sovereign Championship.
Van Biafra: What would you like me to say McMichael? I am not exactly a man of words, I am a man of action. Anything I could tell you would not be an apt description of what I am going to do in the ring.
Don McMichael: I see. Is your advocate Ellis Straker not available to comment for you?
Van Biafra: I have instructed Ellis to stay home, he will not be at this event. His…outlook is not conducive to what needs to be done tonight. People need to be humbled.
Don McMichael: Are you referring to the champion, Fenryr Wulfsson.
Van Biafra: Very good McMichael. Of course that is who I am referring to. Both Logan Havoc and Jay Blazenwing are afterthoughts in this match. To become a champion, you have to beat a champion. I will become Sovereign Champion tonight and I will do so by brutalizing Wulfsson. He showed me great disrespect the last time we were in the same ring and this time he will pay for it.
Don McMichael: Do you have anything to say about his comments following Havok? He believes that you are not realizing his potential and that he can help you to become the best version of yourself.
Van Biafra: A bold statement. An untrue statement. Fenryr believes that if I allow myself to stop worrying about honour that I will become a truly unstoppable force. I do not believe that and tonight I will show him why. I will defeat him and I will do it in the same way that I have been since I started here in BWF. I will do it with hon-
Before Biafra can finish his sentence he is struck from behind! Biafra staggers forward, catching himself on a road case as the camera whips back to show Fenryr Wulfsson wielding a led pipe. Biafra turns backwards to face his attacker and gets cracked over the head! Biafra falls backwards but still does not go down.
Fenryr Wulfsson: EVERYTHING WITH HONOR!
With that Fenryr swings the pipe upwards and catches Biafra under the chin. The latter shoots a mist of blood into the air and falls back into a wall. He holds himself up, bleeding profusely from his mouth as Fenryr advances.
Fenryr Wulfsson: I used to think golf was boring. I'm kinda liking it.
Fenryr grabs Biafra by the cheeks with one hand, then grabs the back of his head with another and sends him sailing through an office window! The frame coughs glass all over a desk inside as Biafra's body lands hard on its surface among papers and writing utensils. Fenryr goes to finish the job but referees crowd around him to stop the onslaught.
Fenryr Wulfsson: How does your honor taste, Van? Huh? Metallic, I bet. Like an old coin? Get that damn camera out of my face!
The Sovereign Champion walks off as EMTs and referees enter the office to check on Biafra. He is bleeding from the mouth and from a large gash on his forehead. Blood begins to pool on the desk and drip off like something out of a horror film before the scene cuts to a commercial for the BWF ShopZone.
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is now a triple threat match scheduled for one fall and it is for the BWF Sovereign Championship!
Nick Webb: It appears that Van Biafra is unable to compete in this match following the brutal attack from Fenryr Wulfsson just a few moments ago.
Rayne: He deserved it! Wulfsson proved his point, Biafra isn't man enough to make it here in BWF, he doesn't know how to play the game!
The audience boos the fact that Van Biafra will not be in the match but it quickly dies down and Scott Benjamin is able to continue.
Scott Benjamin: Introducing first from Milwaukee, Wisconsin weighing in at 207lbs., JAY BLAZENWING!!!
PUT ON YOUR WAR PAINT!
The lights in the arena all cut to black and the Tron comes to life, pulsating with an ice blue light as a quiet beat gets louder with every flash. It gets faster and faster, and louder with each pulse, until the pulsating light explodes into the words "Blazenwing Rises" and “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy blares across the arena sound system.
You are a brick tied to me
that's dragging me down
Strike a match and I'll burn you to the ground
We are the jack-o-lanterns in July
Setting fire to the sky
He-here comes this rising tide
So come on
PUT ON YOUR WAR PAINT!
The stage fills with smoke and the crowd rises to their feet, cheering loudly, as the smoke clears on the stage and a man in a black and silver clamped trench coat stands, head down, facing the Tron. He raises his hands and snaps his fingers, causing four loud bursts of pyro to ignite, two on each side of him, before spinning around Y2J style to reveal Jay Blazenwing!
Cross walks and crossed hearts
and hope-to-dies
Silver clouds with grey linings
So we can take the world back from the heart-attacked
One maniac at a time we will take it back
You know time crawls on when you're waiting for the song to start
So dance alone to the beat of your heart
His sunglasses shining with the glare from the arena lights, Jay looks to the left, then to the right, nodding towards the crowd before walking down the ramp. After stopping to slap hands with a few fans, Jay moves towards the ring steps and hops up and down a few times in front of them before quickly racing up the steps to the apron side facing the stage. He stops and pulls his sunglasses off, then tosses them behind his head into the crowd before leaning down and stepping through the ropes to enter the ring.
Hey young blood
Doesn't it feel like our time is running out?
I'm gonna change you like a remix
Then I'll raise you like a phoenix
You're wearing our vintage misery
No, I think it looked a little better on me
I'm gonna change you like a remix
Then I'll raise you like a phoenix
Jay walks across the ring and leaps up onto the second rope in the corner nearest the timekeeper, then pulls off his trench coat and tosses it towards the timekeeper. Jay smirks and points to the fans, then slaps his chest a few times and points up towards the sky, closing his eyes and saying a short prayer much like his brother is known for. Jay leaps down from the corner and immediately turns to sit down in the same corner, ala Raven. Jay then rests his head on the second turnbuckle pad as his theme fades and the crowd continues cheering.
Scott Benjamin: Introducing second, from Voorhees, New Jersey by way of Cincinnati, Ohio, weighing in at 180lbs., LOGAN HAVOC!!!
As the intro to "Bad Things" by Wednesday 13 plays, the crowd starts booing loudly. As the song's lyrics kick in, Logan Havoc walks out onto the stage. He looks around the arena before cupping his hands around his mouth and yelling "HAVOC HAS ARRIVED!" He then walks down to the ring. Havoc slides into the ring and makes a gun with his hand, pointing it up to the roof and beating his chest, then sits down in a random corner of the ring, awaiting the start of the match.
Scott Benjamin: Introducing third, from Columbia Falls, Montana by way of Reykjavik, Iceland, weighing in at 335lbs., he is the BWF Sovereign Champion, FENRYR WULFSSON!!!
All lights go out. "Wolfpac (Instrumental Rock Cover)" by VMP begins with a wolf howl. Once the actual music starts, red lights brighten slowly until the entire arena is red. Fenryr Wulfsson walks slowly towards the ring to the taunts and jeers of the crowd. Occasionally, he will single a group out and do a threatening display towards them before resuming his walk. Once he reaches ringside, he dives under the ropes, advances menacingly towards the announcer and takes the microphone.
Fenryr Wulfsson: Cut the music!
DING!
The match begins with all three men staring each other down. Logan Havoc begins the mayhem as he charges and starts laying into Fenryr Wulfsson with hard forearm shots to the face. Wulfsson uses his power advantage to shove Havoc back he rolls over and gets up on all fours. Jay Blazenwing sees an opportunity as he runs, steps off of Havoc's back and lays Wulfsson out with a jumping knee to the jaw.
Nick Webb: What a move from Jay Blazenwing! Ever the opportunist.
Rayne: I really hate this kid. I don't care what his last name is.
Wulfsson falls back into a corner and Blazenwing is on him, hitting him with big kicks to the knees and body. He then attempts an arm drag but Wulfsson blocks it, clubbing Blazenwing in the back of the head. Blazenwing stumbles forward right into a lariat from Havoc.
Nick Webb: No friends in this match Rayne.
Rayne: No shit Webb. There is a title on the line!
Wulfsson and Havoc begin to go at it with Wulfsson tossing Havoc into a corner. He follows that up with a big clothesline that has Havoc's head snapping backwards. Wulfsson then lifts Havoc up in a military press but Blazenwing is there to hit him with a spin kick to the mid-section. Wulfsson falls to his back and Blazenwing lands on top of him in a pin.
Rayne: This could be it!
Nick Webb: Havoc with the cover, for the title!
Before the referee can get a one count Wulfsson powers out with authority. He gets up and as Blazenwing charges at him but Wulfsson catches him with a two handed choke and lifts him in the air. Blazenwing's legs kick back and forth before Wulfsson tosses him clean over the top rope! Blazenwing lands with a thud on the outside and the crowd collectively winces.
Nick Webb: Did you hear that Rayne? What a thud!
Rayne: That's what he gets for pissing off the champ.
Nick Webb: Blazenwing may be hurt, officials are checking on him.
Havoc comes from behind and takes Wulfsson down with a chop block. He then begins stomping away on the champion before hitting the ropes. He leaps in the air and drops a big elbow across Wulfsson's sternum. The champion angrily gets to his feet and charges at Havoc but the latter sidesteps the former and sends him shoulder first into the ring post! Havoc then drops to his back and rolls Wulfsson up. The referee counts.
Nick Webb: This could be it!
Rayne: Unlikely.
1..
2!
Rayne: Kickout!
Wulfsson starts to get up as Blazenwing begins to stir on the outside. Havoc runs and knees Wulfsson in the face and then mounts him, nailing the champion with big shots to the face. Blazenwing gets up on the apron as Havoc gets Wulfsson up and sends him into the ropes with an Irish whip. Blazenwing is there to hit Wulfsson with a high kick to the back of the head.
Rayne: Cheap shot! Cheap shot!
Nick Webb: All is fair in a triple threat match.
Wulfsson stumbles forward and Blazenwing hits a springboard into the ring, nailing Wulfsson with a missile dropkick to the back of the head. The champ falls forward right into a quick ddt from Havoc. Before Havoc can cover he notices Blazenwing and charges at him. Blazenwing catches him with a swinging scoopslam into a backbreaker and then hits a quick lariat off of his knee.
Nick Webb: Great move from Blazenwing.
The champion is angry now and he has his sights on Blazenwing. He gets up and stomps towards him but Blazenwing is there to meet him. He starts lighting the champion up with kick after kick but gets flattened with a clothesline. Wulfsson then gets Blazenwing up and hits him with the Gravedigger! Blazenwing is planted and Wulfsson arrogantly covers.
Rayne: The champion is going to retain!
1..
2!
Havoc breaks up the count and mercilessly starts clubbing on the back of Wulfsson's head. He then hits a big kick to the back of Wulfsson's head that causes the champ to get up. He charges at Havoc but Havoc drops to his stomach. Wulfsson leaps over him, hits the ropes and comes back right into a standing cutter! Wulfsson is laid out but wisely rolls out of the ring to safety. Blazenwing gets back up and spins Havoc around. He goes for a high leg lariat but Havoc ducks under it and drops Blazenwing with a cutter as well! The audience boos but Havoc doesn't care, he screams at them to "Shut the hell up!" before he turns his attention back to Blazenwing.
Nick Webb: Logan Havoc has put both of these men down. He is hell bent on winning his first championship here in BWF.
Rayne: Anyone is better than Baby Blazenwing.
Nick Webb: I…disagree.
Havoc trash talks Blazenwing a big before getting him up. He hits him with some punishing forearm shots to the face and then sends him across the ring with an Irish whip, however, Blazenwing has other plans. He leaps over the top rope with a front flip senton and lands on Wulfsson on the outside, taking him down. Blazenwing gets up and calls out to the crowd before getting up on the apron. Havoc charges at him but Blazenwing catches him with a high kick to the face. Blazenwing then steps through the ropes, launches off the bottom rope and takes Havoc down with a tornado DDT!
Nick Webb: Jay Blazenwing is a human highlight reel. He is poised to take the title here!
Blazenwing is on fire (no pun intended) as he gets Havoc up. He calls out to the crowd and then lays him out with a wrist-clutch exploder suplex. Wulfsson gets into the ring and grabs Blazenwing from behind, sending him into the ropes! Blazenwing falls through the ropes and comes back with a pendulum lariat! Wulfsson eats it and it dazes him but he doesn't go down. Blazenwing then falls back, falls through the ropes again and comes back with a second pendulum lariat! Wulfsson drops to a knee but still isn't down so Blazenwing hits the ropes a third time and this time the lariat drops the champion! Blazenwing covers.
Nick Webb: Three big lariats finally put down the champion, this could be out!
Rayne: Kick out champ!
1…
2...
…!
Rayne: Yes! Nothing can keep the Icelandic Devil down.
Havoc breaks up the pin before Blazenwing can get the win. Blazenwing gets up and charges at Havoc but gets caught in a Fireman's carry which Havoc spins out into a cutter, Thy's Command! Blazenwing is down but Havoc chooses not to cover. He turns his attention to Wulfsson and gets the big man to his feet. He boots Wulfsson in the mid-section and lays him out with an even flow ddt! Havoc gets up and screams with ferocity, he feels a win within his grasp.
Nick Webb: Logan Havoc is about to prove all of his neigh sayers wrong!
Havoc stalks Wulfsson as the champ gets up. Havoc waits until the last possible moment and hits the ropes. He goes for the Disaster Stroke clothesline but Wulfsson side steps it and Havoc turns Blazenwing inside out! Havoc turns and eats a boot to the gut and then a double undertook power bomb! Havoc is driven into the mat like a small child and Wulfsson covers, snarling as he does so.
Rayne: Good. Night. Bitch.
1…
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Here is your winner and STILL BWF Sovereign Champion... FENRYR WULFSSON!!!
WINNER AND STILL BWF SOVEREIGN CHAMPION: Fenryr Wulfsson, via Pinfall [12:44]
The Stand
The referee goes to hand Wulfsson the title and it is snatched out of his grasp. Wulfsson head fakes the ref which causes the latter to fall backwards out of fear. With a feral expression Wulfsson raises the championship high in the air. He glares into the hard camera until "White Flag Riot" cues up. His attention snaps to the stage.
Nick Webb: No way!
Rayne: How the hell is he still alive?
Sporting a bloody bandage around his head and a red stained shirt, Van Biafra gingerly walks out onto the stage. He does not stop, walking with purpose down the ramp. He quickly enters the ring and stares Wulfsson in the face.
Fenryr Wulfsson: Come on. Do it. Hit me.
Biafra says nothing, he just glares at him.
Fenryr Wulfsson: You know you want to. Hit me. Strike me down, Hound.
Biafra doesn't move, he just stares at the champion. Moments feel like hours as the tension rises until finally Biafra steps back. He then spits a glob of blood at Wulfsson's feet.
Fenryr Wulfsson: You disappoint me. You really do not have what it takes.
Without taking his eyes off of Wulfsson, Biafra backs up. He exits the ring and drops off of the apron.
Van Biafra: Soon enough. Soon enough.
That being said, Biafra turns and walks up the ramp. Wulfsson eyes him from the ring, laughing as he holds up the Sovereign Championship once more to a chorus of boos from the audience.
The Letter 'M'
We see a picture of Johnny Maverick next to a picture of Chris Maverick. This is followed by Johnny's voice.
Johnny Maverick: Maverick meets Maverick.
We see applauding fans.
Johnny Maverick: Many make merry.
We see a shot of Johnny posing with his title.
Johnny Maverick: Most mention mainly my meteoric matriculation, marvelous mat moxie, and my manly, macho, magnetic, mesmeric magnificence. Maverick. Me. Merciless Master of (sub) Missions. Maiming many mainly for merriment.
We cut to a shot of Chris Maverick. One of the times he was beaten by Axel probably.
Johnny Maverick: Mimic Maverick. Modern? Maybe. More a misleading mountebank mocking my moniker. Misguided miscreant must match my miraculous machinations. Manageable? No. More likely Mr. make-believe Maverick meets misfortune.
We see a shot of Johnny holding up his title belt in victory surrounded by attractive female fans.
Johnny Maverick: My mission managed? Merrymaking! Massaging many mammaries! My mischief makes many madams moan. My massive man-mallet makes most maniacal. The massacred mark misappropriating my moniker must miserably masturbate, moistened mitt manipulating his micro-meat mound.
We cut to a shot of Johnny and Chris facing off from Crisis.
Johnny Maverick: Mimic my moniker? Mock my mastery? Many make mistakes. Messing with me may be your most moronic.
The pictures go away and we see Johnny with his title slung over his shoulder in front of a microphone. He removes his glasses and looks at the camera.
Johnny Maverick: Motherfucker.
The first World Title Match of the evening starts off with Chris going after Johnny, wasting little time in attempting to assert his dominance and prove himself deserving of his position. Johnny, meanwhile, just remains on the defensive, taking everything that Chris throws at him and refusing to exert much in the way of offense.
Rayne: What the hell is Johnny doing? He looks like a rookie out there! This match has been all Chris so far!
As the match wears on, Chris' moves start to lose a bit of their edge. His punches start coming a little slower, his pace decelerates and he starts to look just the slightest bit winded. No matter how hard he tries to finish off Johnny, the Crisis World Champion refuses to die, always kicking out at 2 despite several cover attempts. Finally, Chris calls for the end of the match and pulls Johnny up to his feet to hit him with the Hook and Ladder (Elevated Double Chickenwing Wheelbarrow Facebuster)...
...and that is when Johnny strikes. Breaking free of the attempted finisher, Johnny explodes with a furious offense the likes of which haven't been seen since perhaps his Victory Wrestling days. He starts leveling Chris with everything he has, and the tired challenger struggles to counter any of it.
Nick Webb: Oh my God! He's Homer Simpson!
Rayne: What?
Nick Webb: Remember the episode where Homer became a boxer?
Rayne: Of course I remem-oh my God he's Homer Simpson. SON OF A BITCH.
Nick Webb: What's wrong?
Rayne: I BET ON CHRIS! DAMMIT!
Johnny weakens Chris further with his one-sided assault, gaining a near fall with the Maverick Special (Two Rolling German Suplexes, followed by a Bridging Dragon Suplex). Not wasting a moment of time or a single movement, Johnny rolls to his feet and launches himself at Chris the moment the challenger stumbles to his feet. He turns... right into the Crucial Velocity (Johnny nails his opponent with a Devastating Spinning Backfist; as they fall to the ground, he quickly lunges forward and nails them in the face with a Superman Punch. It's fast, devastating, and an instant KO.). The fans pop loudly as the move connects, and they rousingly count along as the referee drops to count the 1... 2... 3!
WINNER AND STILL CRISIS WORLD CHAMPION: Johnny Maverick, via Pinfall [21:55]
"Revolution" by Pennywise plays throughout the arena and "The Sadistic Sex Symbol" Johnny Maverick rises to his feet, grinning like a jackal. The referee, Jenni Flynt, hands over the Crisis World Title to the Champion and he takes it, but not before pulling the ref close and kissing her on the cheek. When she blushes, Johnny smirks and says "Don't think you're too special. Kosiboski got tongue." before winking at her. He heads to the corner and poses with the title as the fans continue cheering.
Nick Webb: What a brilliant match by the Crisis World Champion! It showcased just why Johnny Maverick is the top man on Crisis.
Rayne: Dammit, Chris. Bitch owes me 2,200 dollars.
Nick Webb: You really have a problem.
Rayne: I know. Shut up.
Corlen's Choice Revealed
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall and it is for the BWF World Championship! Introducing first, she is the current and reigning BWF World Champion... hailing from Billings, Montana... weighing in tonight at 140 pounds... she is the Promise Keeper... she is ZOE COOPER!!!
"Happy" by Pharrell Williams starts playing in the arena and the fans rise to their feet cheering as Zoe Cooper walks onto the stage and points out at the fans, BWF World Championship around her waist.
It might seem crazy what I’m about to say
Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way
Zoe walks down the ramp, taking a pause to high five a few kids sitting along the ramp in the crowd. She reaches the ring and walks around it once, high fiving more kids as she goes.
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
After Zoe finishes her trip around the ring, she walks up the steps and climbs the nearest corner, pointing out to the fans again and smiling. She climbs over the top rope and jumps down into the ring, then leans against the corner.
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do
The song starts to fade as Zoe walks out to the middle of the ring and points at the crowd with both hands. She winks and grins happily before returning to her corner and waiting for the beginning of the match.
Nick Webb: Well, our C.E.O. has been trying to get the BWF World Title off of Zoe Cooper for some time now. Zoe beat back the challenge of Emily and Alli Taylor at Retribution, thanks to Akemi Hayashi and Austin Scott. Tonight, though, Corlen has vowed to see Cooper's reign end by any means necessary, and that can only mean bad things for Zoe.
Rayne: What's the phrase... best for business? Been hearing that a lot lately. Well, this totally is! Right? Go Emily!
The cheers of the fans quickly turn to boos as "The Look" by Roxette hits and Emily Corlen walks out onto the stage, dressed in a snappy suit. She looks quite pleased with herself as she stares down Zoe Cooper.
Emily Corlen: Cut the music. Zoe, dear, your reign ends tonight. Allow me to introduce you to the next BWF World Champion...
As quickly as the words leave Emily's mouth, "Goin' Down" by the Pretty Reckless hits the speakers and Alli Taylor makes her way to the stage with a swagger in her step and a grin on her face. She quickly darts down to the ring and slides inside, tackling the BWF World Champion as the bell rings.
Alli gains the upper hand quickly as she lays into Zoe with stiff punches. Zoe manages to reverse, ending with her on top, as she begins swinging punches of her own at Alli's face.
Nick Webb: These two women hate one another!
Rayne: Of course they do, they're women!
The rolling continues, with Alli and Zoe both jockeying (literally) for position. They finally roll to their feet and charge at one another; Alli goes for the Lipstick (Superkick), but Zoe ducks under it, runs the ropes and comes back at Alli. The 'Beauty' turns to face her opponent... only to wind up eating the Face Replacer (Running Bryan-Style Knee)! The fans pop and Emily covers her mouth in surprise on the stage as Zoe quickly covers... 1... 2... 3!
WINNER AND STILL BWF WORLD CHAMPION: Zoe Cooper, via Pinfall [1:33]
Corlen's Choice Revealed?
The crowd cheers as "Happy" kicks up on the sound system. Alli rolls out of the ring as Zoe grabs the BWF World Title, grinning happily. Emily motions for the music to cut and smiles.
Emily Corlen: Congratulations, dear. Quite a compelling two-minute title defense you just had. Absolutely riveting.
Nick Webb: They're not paid by the hour. A win's a win!
Emily Corlen: But, um... well, you see, the thing is, Alli wasn't your opponent tonight.
Zoe mouths "What?" as the fans in attendance boo the C.E.O., who is smirking.
Emily Corlen: Yeah, Alli just... came out in the middle of my announcement. No idea why. Guess she wanted to beat you up a little more. Ha! Imagine if she'd beaten you and I had to inform her that the title change wasn't even legitimate. I mean, in your case, I probably would have made an exception, but I digress.
Zoe angrily tosses the belt back out of the ring and motions for Corlen to bring it on.
Emily Corlen: Okay, okay, calm your lady bits, princess. You want to fight? I'll happily oblige. Allow me to introduce your ACTUAL opponent for tonight's Championship match... ELIZABETH DAVIS!!!
"Acapella" by Karmen plays throughout the arena as Liz Davis makes her way out to the ring. She flips her hair back as she brushes past the fans cheering for their favorite wrestlers, not her. Walking up the steps, she gets in the ring under the middle rope, walking around the ring, waiving to the crowd despite their reaction.
Not choosing to waste any more time (and frustrated with Emily's actions), Zoe grabs Liz on the apron and flips her into the ring, causing the bell to ring. The Champion immediately goes to work on her second challenger of the night, but a swift kick to Zoe's temple as the Champ grabs Liz by the hair puts the First Lady of BWF on the offensive. Liz, desiring to make Zoe submit for her second BWF World Title, immediately goes to work on Zoe's leg, spending several minutes working it over as she weakens it for the eventual Maple Leaf Lock.
Rayne: Thatta girl! Give Zoe what for! Yes!
Nick Webb: You really condone all this?
Rayne: I did before Liz was Corlen's choice, but putting my Lizzie back at the top where she belongs is just icing on the cake!
After sufficiently weakening Zoe's leg, Liz finally locks her in the Maple Leaf Lock (Figure 4 Leg Lock). The fans clap in unison, trying to keep the Champion in this fight, though she struggles not to submit. After nearly a minute of barely surviving the hold, Zoe finally begins dragging herself along the mat with her arms, desperately trying to get within range of the ropes. Liz tries to stop her, but Zoe manages to barely get her right hand on the bottom rope, forcing the ref to break the submission.
Nick Webb: And Cooper survives the Maple Leaf Lock!
Rayne: Not to worry, this one's already over! Zoe's just delaying the inevitable!
The crowd cheers loudly as Liz breaks the hold, but begins stomping on Zoe's leg again in frustration. Zoe is still grabbing onto the ropes, so the ref counts - 1, 2, 3, 4 - and finally, Liz relents before the disqualification. She grabs Zoe by her wounded leg and drags her (with authority) out to the center of the ring, then motions for a second Maple Leaf Lock. She starts to spin around to apply the move, but from out of nowhere, Zoe grabs her by the tights and pulls her down into a small package! 1... 2... 3!
WINNER AND STILL BWF WORLD CHAMPION: Zoe Cooper, via Pinfall [14:22]
Trump Card
"Happy" begins playing again and the crowd explodes as Liz jumps up in shock. She begins arguing with the ref that there's no way that was a three, her foot was under the ropes, anything; but the ref says it was a pinfall. Liz exits the ring, seething, as Zoe pulls herself to her feet, favoring her stronger leg, and leans against the ropes as her BWF World Title is handed to her again. She gingerly hops out into the center of the ring and holds the title up high, her face filled with joy.
Nick Webb: Elizabeth Davis may have once called herself the Disney Princess, but tonight's real Cinderella Story belongs to Zoe Cooper! She beat back not one, but two strong opponents to hold onto her spot as the BWF World Champion!
Rayne: Nooooo! Lizzie!
Nick Webb: Well, folks, it's just about that time... coming up next, 30 BWF superstars will enter one of the most exciting matches in the entire company, the Gauntlet Ru-HEY!
Zoe's theme cuts out quickly as, from out of nowhere, the C.E.O. appears in the ring with a sledgehammer and cracks Zoe across the back with it. The Champion falls to her knees, wide eyed, as Emily walks around her to look her in the eyes.
Emily Corlen: You're not done until I say you're done, bitch. Do I make myself clear?
Zoe, grimacing from the pain, spits at Emily in an act of defiance. Emily wipes the spittle off of her face, grins evilly, and then brings the hammer down hard against Zoe's skull, knocking the BWF World Champion unconscious. She tosses the hammer aside and grabs a mic as the crowd boos loudly.
Emily Corlen: There will be one more BWF World Championship Match this evening. Zoe Cooper defends the Championship against... me!
The boos get louder as Emily tears off her suit to reveal her emerald and gold wrestling gear underneath.
Nick Webb: Are you kidding me? This was her plan all along!?
Rayne: I... she's a genius, Nick. Genius.
Nick Webb: Are you actually serious right now?
Rayne: Did I stutter?
Emily tosses what's left of her business suit out of the ring and picks up the mic again.
Emily Corlen: Someone get me a referee down here now!
She tosses the mic aside and waits until senior referee Mike Kosiboski heads out from the back. He looks uneasy as he steps into the ring, but knows that he cannot disobey the C.E.O. of the company.
Emily Corlen: Ring the bell.
Mike looks at Zoe, sighs, and then calls for the bell.
As soon as the bell rings, Emily picks up the still unconscious Zoe and holds her between her legs. She hooks Zoe's arms, then leaps up and hits the Champion with the Down in Flames (Pedigree), leaving Zoe to flop onto the mat like a ragdoll. Emily rolls Zoe over and covers, hooking the leg.
1!
2!
3!
WINNER AND NEW BWF WORLD CHAMPION: Emily Corlen, via Pinfall [0:13]
"The Look" by Roxette starts playing as Emily stands up and demands that Kosiboski straps the BWF World Championship around her waist. Frowning, he does so, and Emily walks around the ring, taking it all in, as the fans boo the now three-time BWF World Champion unmercifully.
Nick Webb: I may literally throw up right now. This is disgusting.
Rayne: Emily promised that we would see a new BWF World Champion tonight. All I see is a woman who keeps her promises. Ironic considering she took down "The Promise Keeper" to do so. HA!
Nick Webb: Unbelievable.
Rayne: Aw, lighten up, will ya? Emily's a great C.E.O., a great wrestler and now she'll be a great BWF World Champion! Besides, it's time for the Gauntlet Run! That's awesome!
Nick Webb: ...
Rayne: Eh, Nick'll be fine. Congrats, Emily, you deserve it! Enjoy this moment, boss!
We see one more shot of Emily parading around the ring while officials tend to Zoe, who still hasn't moved, before fading out to a "Do not do this at home" commercial.
Number One (With a Bullet)
The cameras move to the back to Casey Campbell's personal locker room and there we can find him getting ready with his Manager MC the Midget. After throwing on a few more layers of baby oil Casey looks up at the cameras just quirking a confused brow.
Casey Campbell: I didn't ask for room service.
MC: Well I decided to do a pre-celebration interview for you.
Casey Campbell: Sounds good!
Then from behind the cameras Crisis Interviewer Will Irwin steps out with a microphone in hand.
Will Irwin: Hello! So Cas..
Before he can get another word out Casey just stands up hitting Will upside the head with the bottle of oil and starts pouring it over his face.
Casey Campbell: Get the hell out! Damn it MC! What were you thinking bringing that Nerd in here?
MC: Well I figured you hadn't had an interview with any of the actual interviewers so..
Casey Campbell: You could have at least got me Yoshi Tang.
MC: I think its pronounced Toshi Yang.
Casey Campbell: Doesn't matter! She just has a nice pair of tits to stare at for an Asian. Well since the cameras are here I just want to give my thanks to our General Manager Serena Miller for that "punishment" she gave me.
MC: Thanks? You're going up first against twenty nine other people in the BWF. We don't even know if any surprise people will be coming back. Besides that you haven't really made any friends as of late to help you out.
Casey Campbell: I don't need friends to help me out! When I beat all other twenty nine people and win the Gauntlet Run that will give me my spotlight here and onward to WrestleFest! Nothing shows dominance like destroying almost the entire roster! It's just what I've needed to get back on top in this company since it has been ignoring me since I lost my belt.
MC: It doesn't help you haven't been getting booked a lot.
Casey Campbell: That too I guess they feel since I'm a hall of famer I need to take more time off than the new kids on the block. Well I'll show everybody in that ring, at home, and streaming illegally from the internet just how I can hang with everybody else! Now MC get the cameras out of my face I have to finish getting ready for my victory.
MC nods and just motions for the cameras to leave as the two of them go over their game plan for tonight.
Coming Soon on Pay-Per-View
WrestleFest VIII
~ Live from Wembley Stadium in London, England ~
December 31, 2014 - Only on Pay-Per-View
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in seven years... IT IS NOW TIME FOR THE THIRTY-MAN GAUNTLET RUN MATCH!!!
The Chicago crowd goes nuts.
Nick Webb: They're hyped!
Rayne: You're damn right they are, and so am I!
Scott Benjamin: The rules are as follows. Two competitors will start the match, with another joining the contest every ninety seconds. This will continue until all thirty participants have entered the match. Eliminations can only occur when a participant is sent over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. The Sole Survivor of this year's Gauntlet Run will earn the right to main event WrestleFest VIII and compete for their choice of either the BWF World Championship or the Crisis World Championship!
Nick Webb: Wow! That means that a Crisis Superstar can win and jump ship to Havok and challenge for our World Title if they wish!
Rayne: And challenge the C.E.O./new BWF World Champion? After what we saw happen to Zoe Cooper tonight, I would put money on the winner of the Gauntlet Run going as far away from the BWF World Title as possible!
Scott Benjamin: Introducing first, the individual who was given the #1 entry by Crisis General Manager Serena Miller... CASEY CAMPBELL!!!
The lights go out as LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" starts kicking up through the arena. Bright rainbow neon lights start flashing all through the arena as smoke starts to fill up the entrance.
When I walk in the spot (yeah), this is what I see (ok)
Everybody stops and they staring at me
The smokes start to part in the middle revealing a god like figure standing at the entrance. Hands on his hips and wearing a pair of purple camo pants.
I got passion in my pants and I ain't afraid to show it, show it, show it, show it
Casey then rips away the pants and throws them onto the ground as bright explosions start going off behind him.
I'M SEXY AND I KNOW IT!!!
Casey then makes his way slowly down the entrance ramp all the while flexing off his muscles and rotating his hips for the ladies. All the women erupting almost drowning out the music from such an amazing physique gracing them with his presence.
Ah... Girl look at that body
Ah... I work out
Ah... Girl look at that body
I work out!
Casey moving up the steps to the ring he would stop at the last one doing a Captain Morgan pose. Both hands on the back of his head and pelvic thrusting for just a few seconds but for the female audience it felt like eternity in heaven. Finally stepping into the squared circle Casey would stand in the middle with his arms extended out, letting everybody finally embrace and take in the presence of a true Superstar.
Nick Webb: Casey Campbell has been outspoken lately about his desire to main event WrestleFest for one of BWF's two World Titles, going to great lengths to get the attention of management. On the last episode of Crisis, this finally backfired, as Casey forced Serena Miller's hand. She reprimanded him by "awarding" him the #1 entry in this year's Gauntlet Run.
Rayne: I think it'll just be that much sweeter when Casey finally wins the whole thing and goes on to WrestleFest!
Scott Benjamin: And, introducing the individual who drew #2...
A few moments pass as everyone stares out at the stage, waiting for the #2 entrant to make his or her appearance. They're not expecting what happens, but everybody knows what to do the moment that "Spirit of the Radio" by Rush hits the BlazenTron.
Scott Benjamin: .........."GRADE A" ALEX WILKIE!!!
The crowd pops as Casey's old Can-Am Connection (and BWF Tag Title co-holder) Alex Wilkie makes his way out to the ring, looking better than he did the last time he stepped into the ring earlier this year against Toco. Wilkie rolls into the ring and immediately starts jawing off to Casey as the music fades.
Nick Webb: Wow! The match hasn't even started yet and we have a huge surprise entrant!
Rayne: And you aren't even just talking about his waistline! HA!
DING!
Nick Webb: And the 2014 Gauntlet Run is UNDERWAY!
Casey and Wilkie tie up, just like old times, as the Gauntlet Run match begins. The former Tag Team Champions continue fighting as International Champion Mike Mox (Entrant #3), the returning Austin Scott (Entrant #4) and Akemi Hayashi (Entrant #5) all make their way into the match at each ninety second interval. At this point, the first elimination of the match occurs, as Casey, Austin and Akemi all team up together to eliminate Wilkie from the match.
Alex Wilkie has been eliminated (by Casey Campbell, Austin Scott, Akemi Hayashi).
Just a moment after, Casey and Akemi lob Austin over the top, who was likely still somewhat distracted over his girlfriend, former BWF World Champion Zoe Cooper, being screwed over by Emily Corlen earlier in the evening.
Austin Scott has been eliminated (by Casey Campbell, Akemi Hayashi).
Ashby Lynn Daza (Entrant #6) heads out to the ring next, followed by the year's next special surprise entrant... former World Champion and BWF Hall of Famer X (Entrant #7)! Mike Mox steps up to the face-painted Hall of Famer, but X puts him in his place, planting the International Champion with the Straight Jacket before tossing him over the top rope, eliminating him.
Mike Mox has been eliminated (by X).
Casey and X, no strangers to one another, begin brawling as Alex Richards (Entrant #8) and Kristy Jackson (Entrant #9) arrive in the ring. Ashby Lynn is the next superstar to be eliminated, following an impressive dropkick/clothesline combo from Akemi.
Ashby Lynn Daza has been eliminated (by Akemi Hayashi).
The buzzer sounds for #10 to make their entrance and the crowd comes to their feet as another surprise entrant and former Hall of Famer appears; "The Real Deal" Rob Torborg (Entrant #10)! Torborg, making his first official BWF in-ring appearance in nearly eight years, storms the ring, taking out everyone that moves. He nearly eliminates Casey, and does manage to eliminate Alex Richards. By the time he's done, Torborg is the last man standing, to rapturous applause.
Alex Richards has been eliminated (by Rob Torborg).
Torborg stands ready for #11 to make their appearance, but when the buzzer sounds, even he isn't prepared for the explosion of cheers as fan favorite Gabe Shelley (Entrant #11) races down to the ring. No stranger to one another from the old days, Shelley and Torborg waste no time getting into it. Torborg looks strong, but Shelley won't be denied and ends up eliminating his fellow Hall of Famer to a smattering of boos.
Rob Torborg has been eliminated (by Gabe Shelley).
X is first to his feet in the ring, with Casey following. Both men start in on Shelley (and each other) as Akemi and Kristy return to their feet and throw down themselves. Justin Ryder (Entrant #12) and the debuting Indy standout Sabrina Scott (Entrant #13) are out next, and Sabrina makes a quick impact by eliminating Kristy Jackson, who was nearly about to eliminate Akemi.
Kristy Jackson has been eliminated (by Sabrina Scott).
Not one to waste time, Sabrina also finishes the job Kristy started with Akemi, dropkicking the Asian sensation off of the apron and sending her crashing to the floor.
Akemi Hayashi has been eliminated (by Sabrina Scott).
Moments after she eliminates Akemi, Justin Ryder tries to surprise the newcomer with a quick elimination, but Sabrina spins into the toss, reversing the momentum and tossing him out instead!
Justin Ryder has been eliminated (by Sabrina Scott).
Sabrina flashes a peace sign to the crowd, and Nick Webb comments on how on-fire this rookie is - only for her to turn around right into a PWNED!!! (Point-Blank Spear) from Casey Campbell! Sabrina crumples to the mat, but Casey isn't able to capitalize on it as Gabe and X are quickly back on him. The next few entrants enter without an elimination between them - Allen Chaney (Entrant #14), GQ Money (Entrant #15), Mike Ryder (Entrant #16), Calvin Coolman (Entrant #17) and surprise returning entrant Johnny Spumoni (Entrant #18), though that quickly rectifies itself as Allen eliminates Spumoni nearly as quickly as he enters the ring.
Johnny Spumoni has been eliminated (by Allen Chaney).
Allen uses his size and power to dominate the ring, quickly eliminating GQ Money...
GQ Money has been eliminated (by Allen Chaney).
...and Mike Ryder.
Mike Ryder has been eliminated (by Allen Chaney).
As the wild brawl continues, the debuting Percy Jacobson (Entrant #19) and Jonathan Cage (Entrant #20) make their way into the Gauntlet Run Match. Gabe Shelley, having finally broken away from X and Casey, eliminates Calvin Coolman with a quick clothesline as Coolman moved to the ropes.
Calvin Coolman has been eliminated (by Gabe Shelley).
Allen quickly attempts to eliminate Gabe, but Gabe skins the cat and stays alive in the match. Allen, angry, responds by clotheslining Gabe hard, laying him out. At this point, Allen is the only man standing. He looks around the ring, licking his lips like a lion ready to devour its prey, as the countdown clock starts ticking down. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... BUZZ!
"STAND BACK... BLAZENWING'S COMIN' AT YA!"
The crowd (and Allen) can't believe what they're seeing as "Eye of the Hurricane" by Jim Johnston starts playing and the superhero known as Blazenwing (Entrant #21) makes his way out to the ring.
Nick Webb: Are you kidding me?!
Rayne: What's HE doing here? That idiot is under contract to EWS!
Nick Webb: You might be confusing "Blazenwing" with David Slayton. Totally not the same guy.
Rayne: Oh god, you're a freaking moron.
Blazenwing slides into the ring and faces off with Allen, who can't stop himself from laughing. He mutters "Spykeman! did it better, fucktard" and Blazenwing quickly responds with a quick right, knocking the big man backwards. They start to brawl, with Allen's power proving too much for the hero wrestler. He goes for the kill and tosses Blazenwing over the top rope, but the hero lands on the apron, saving himself from elimination. Allen realizes this, but before he can finish Blazenwing off, Sabrina Scott comes out from nowhere, bounces off the corner and hits a dropkick, sending Blazenwing down to the floor!
Blazenwing has been eliminated (by Sabrina Scott).
She stands up and yells "Sorry Dave! Um, I mean Mr. Hero guy!" while Allen stares at Sabrina incredulously and mouths "Kill stealing bitch!" He goes after Sabrina, but X cuts him off and the two start fighting as Percy and Sabrina start going back and forth. The buzzer starts counting down again as Rayne sighs.
Rayne: Finally, we can get back to some real action. Get that superhero bullcrap out of our ring!
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... BUZZ!
"STUTTERFLY-A-GO-GO!"
The lights explode into purple hues and "Buttercup (I'm A Supergirl)" by Shonen Knife starts playing as Stutterfly (Entrant #22), complete in her own superhero attire, makes her way onto the stage to a big pop.
Rayne: OH COME ON!
Nick Webb: This is the best thing ever.
Rayne: SHE'S UNDER CONTRACT TO EWS, TOO!
Nick Webb: Who is? Katie James? Sure. But I know I've never seen Stutterfly on Las Vegas Fury!
Rayne: *grumble grumble*
Stutterfly (who is totally not 2006 Gauntlet Run winner Starla Gardevoir wink wink) slides into the ring and immediately goes to work on Jonathan Cage. On the other side of the ring, Allen hoists X over his head and lobs the legend out of the ring, eliminating him from the match.
X has been eliminated (by Allen Chaney).
Omen IV (Entrant #23) heads out to the ring next, followed by Elena Simonova (Entrant #24) to a massive pop, making her first in-ring appearance since January 2014. Any ring rust the former BWF and Crisis World Champion might have had is not evident, as she eliminates Percy Jacobson and Jonathan Cage in short order.
Percy Jacobson has been eliminated (by Elena Simonova).
Jonathan Cage has been eliminated (by Elena Simonova).
Before the next entrant comes out, Omen IV surprises everyone when he catches the big man Allen Chaney off guard, hitting a leaping dive that eliminates the big man from the match!
Allen Chaney has been eliminated (by Omen IV).
Corey Killer (Entrant #25) and Spyke Gein (Entrant #26) make their way to the ring next. Spyke and Stutterfly (who, were she Katie James, would be Spyke's ex-wife who broke his heart by asking for a divorce) have a brief moment with just the two of them in the center of the ring... which ends unceremoniously as Spyke rears back and cracks Stutterfly across the side of the head with The Norris (High-Impact Roundhouse Kick to the Head; Instant KO). He picks Stutterfly up and casually dumps her over the top rope, eliminating her.
Stutterfly has been eliminated (by Spyke Gein).
Nick Webb: Given their history, boy, I bet that would have been awkward if Stutterfly was Katie.
Rayne: Jesus H. Christ. Listen to you. Just... go. Go away.
Blake Myles (Entrant #27) comes out next, and Nick spouts the fact that, "in the other big company, #27 is one of the most successful numbers in their Gauntlet Run ripoff match". Blake proves this isn't the case for BWF as he is nearly immediately eliminated by Entrant #1, Casey Campbell, who is somehow still going strong in this match.
Blake Myles has been eliminated (by Casey Campbell).
The lights go screwy as The Crimson Ghost (Entrant #28) makes his way out to the ring next, followed by the surprise return of the first-ever BWF World Champion, Bam (Entrant #29). Rayne laments that Allen Chaney was already eliminated as he would have loved to see what would happen if he and Bam came face to face. Bam makes up for it by demolishing and eliminating the man who took Allen out, Omen IV.
Omen IV has been eliminated (by Bam).
The Crimson Ghost removes his perceived rival, Corey Killer, from the equation with a huge chokeslam to the masked horror...
Corey Killer has been eliminated (by The Crimson Ghost).
...while on the opposite side of the ring, Elena Simonova and Sabrina Scott work together to eliminate Bam, who underestimates the strength of the two women working together.
Bam has been eliminated (by Elena Simonova and Sabrina Scott).
The six remaining in the ring still - Casey Campbell, Gabe Shelley, Elena Simonova, Sabrina Scott, The Crimson Ghost and Spyke Gein - continue fighting among one another with a few close calls as the final buzzer of the match starts to count down. The timer reaches zero (BUZZ!) and "Lights Out" by P.O.D. hits as former BWF World Champion AJ Adams (Entrant #30) makes his way out to the ring. Instead of entering it, though, AJ chooses to pace outside the ring, waiting for his moment to strike. He gets it a few seconds later as Casey Campbell backs Gabe into the ropes. He lobs Gabe over, but the marVel hangs on, landing on the apron. He fights Casey back, but before he can jump back in, Adams comes out of nowhere, running past Gabe on the outside and yanking his leg, causing the former 3-time BWF World Champ to lose his balance and fall to the outside!
Gabe Shelley has been eliminated (by AJ Adams).
The Chicago crowd boos loudly as Adams laughs and finally slides into the ring, going toe to toe with Sabrina. Spyke and Elena are fighting, while Casey and The Crimson Ghost are battling on the other side of the ring. Spyke goes for The Norris again, this time aiming at Elena's head, but the former Champion dodges the kick, grabs Spyke and hoists him over her with an exploder suplex over the top rope and to the floor!
Spyke Gein has been eliminated (by Elena Simonova).
On the other side of the ring, Crimson Ghost is attempting to overpower Casey, but the former World Champ isn't about to be overpowered, despite how long he's been in the match. He dodges a Blood Spit (The Ghost lifts his mask slightly and spits a stinging/temporarily blinding red mist in his opponent's eyes) and hoists the Ghost onto his shoulders, hitting him with a modified BROMAGEDDON!!! (Shell Shock) over the top rope and to the floor.
The Crimson Ghost has been eliminated (by Casey Campbell).
Nick Webb: And then there were four! One of these individuals - Casey Campbell, Sabrina Scott, Elena Simonova or AJ Adams - will be moving on to the main event of WrestleFest VIII in London for either the BWF or Crisis World Title!
Rayne: Barring those wrestlecrap "superheroes", it's been a wild match so far... I can't wait to see who takes the trophy!
AJ Adams zeroes in on the rookie Sabrina Scott, while Casey and Elena, no strangers to one another, went to war. Each individual scores some close calls, but none of the four are willing to break. The tide finally turns when Sabrina and AJ wind up on the apron, and then begin duking it out. AJ gains the upper hand and prepares to hit the final strike to eliminate the bubbly youngster, but before he can, Gabe Shelley comes out through the crowd and jumps onto the barricade! He yells "HEY, ASSHOLE!", which catches Adams' attention. With AJ distracted even for a moment, Sabrina reacts quickly, kneeing him in the junk before shoving him off the apron and down to the floor!
AJ Adams has been eliminated (by Sabrina Scott).
Sabrina turns to Gabe and yells "Thanks!", then turns around - only to get caught with a PWNED!!! (Point Blank Spear) that sends her off the apron and into the barricade with authority.
Sabrina Scott has been eliminated (by Casey Campbell).
Gabe nearly falls off from the impact. He quickly hops down to check on Sabrina as Casey leans back into the ring, grinning. He yells "I STARTED THIS MOTHERFUCKER... NOW IT'S TIME TO END IT!" before motioning for gold around his waist.
Nick Webb: We're down to the final two! Against all odds, the man who entered this match at #1, Casey Campbell, is still alive! If he can survive Elena Simonova, we may bear witness to the most unlikely Gauntlet Run victory of all time!
Rayne: If anybody can do it, it's "The Cool Factor"! HA!
Elena rises to her feet, worse for wear after taking the BROMAGEDDON!!! prior to Casey eliminating Sabrina. Casey wastes no time in grabbing her and attempting to toss her over the top rope, but Elena counters with a wicked kick to the head. Casey stumbles back and Elena dropkicks him, sending him over the top rope, but he saves himself on the apron. Elena bounds off the second rope near the corner and leaps over the top, throwing herself at Casey (Jericho style), but Casey catches her and hoists her into a press slam position!
Nick Webb: Elena is at Casey's mercy!
Rayne: This match is over!
Casey goes to toss Elena away and end the match, but against all odds, Elena counters, coming down on Casey and catching him with a tornado DDT on the ring apron! Both individuals fall off the apron to the floor, but Elena manages to snag the bottom rope with her right arm as she falls; Casey's entire body slumps onto the outside, while only one of Elena's feet touches the floor! Her other foot hovers a few inches above and she lets out a massive sigh of relief as the bell rings!
Casey Campbell has been eliminated (by Elena Simonova).
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 2014 Gauntlet Run Match... ELENA... SIMONOVA!!!
WINNER: Elena Simonova [55:12]
"Centuries" by Fall Out Boy starts playing over the BlazenTron as Elena pulls herself back into the ring, overcome with emotion. She stands up and poses as pyro goes off on the stage.
Nick Webb: Ten months ago, at Survival of the Sickest, Elena Simonova was taken out backstage by a vicious assault that forced her to be stripped of the BWF World Championship. Tonight, she returned to action in the grandest way possible, winning the first Gauntlet Run Match in seven years to punch her ticket to the main event of WrestleFest for the second year in a row!
Rayne: That match was Casey's to win! What a waste!
Nick Webb: We witnessed a hell of a Gauntlet Run, Rayne. That was hardly a waste.
Rayne: Bleh.
Nick Webb: Now who's being a sourpuss? Elena, do us all a favor: go to WrestleFest, challenge for the BWF World Title and take Emily Corlen down once and for all! Please!
Rayne: I said BLEH!
Nick Webb: Ha ha... anyway, folks, thank you so much for tuning into this very special event! Congratulations to Elena Simonova on a well-deserved victory... and we'll see you all again very soon! Good night from Chicago! Good night from Gauntlet Run!
We see Elena Simonova in the ring, receiving the winner's trophy for becoming the Sole Survivor in the Gauntlet Run. More pyro goes off over the ring and Elena holds the trophy high, grinning proudly with tears in her eyes, as the pay-per-view feed fades to the BWF logo, and then finally to black.
© Blazenwing Wrestling Federation 2014
QUICK RESULTS
Destiny Figgins & Alison James def. Hardcore Mike & Stone; BWF TAG TEAM TITLES RETAINED
Fenryr Wulfsson def. Logan Havoc and Jay Blazenwing; BWF SOVEREIGN TITLE RETAINED
Johnny Maverick def. Chris Maverick; CRISIS WORLD TITLE RETAINED
Zoe Cooper def. Alli Taylor; BWF WORLD TITLE RETAINED
Zoe Cooper def. Elizabeth Davis; BWF WORLD TITLE RETAINED
Emily Corlen def. Zoe Cooper; NEW BWF WORLD CHAMPION
Elena Simonova won the 2014 Gauntlet Run Match