Post by David Slayton on Oct 6, 2020 21:36:46 GMT -6
September 28, 2020
Alison James: Seventeen years after the very first BWF Retribution saw Bam defeat Ricky Daniels to become the first-ever BWF World Champion, we once again crown a new titleholder as five of the finest wrestlers alive today enter Hellbound... but only one can survive! My name is Alison James...
Liam Stewart: ...I'm Liam Stewart, and we are live on the air for BWF Retribution 2020! We've got a Sovereign Title Championship Scramble tonight, we've got the International Title on the line, and so, so much more!
Alison James: But enough waffling, let's get right into tonight's events as we witness the highly-anticipated debut of Super Tiger against a certifiable BWF legend, Stryker Cloud!
DING!
The match starts with both Cloud and Super Tiger in the ring. The pair are obviously raring for this fight, both being the overly eager to get a good match in types. Tiger is, however, unafraid to show the BWF crowd her playful side, ducking and dodging Cloud’s attempts at swings, as she slides around him in one smooth motion and locks a rear waistlock on. Tiger growls and mock shakes Cloud around a bit, though she is a tiny tig compared to Cloud’s relatively stocky, if not too much taller, body. Cloud rolls his eyes beneath his mask and goes for a float over but Super Tiger wisely blocks him, by leaping up and planting him with a backstabber!
Alison James: Super Tiger having some fun in her BWF debut, but Stryker Cloud is learning not to let his guard down regardless!
Cloud rolls up to his hip and takes Tiger down with an arm drag. Super Tiger rolls across the ring, kips up and hits a hip toss on Cloud of her own! Cloud kips up and the crowd ripples with a chuckle! Cloud dashes up to the ropes and hits an old school axe handle on Super Tiger when she tries to confront him. Tiger, however, has the wherewithal to hit a textbook mule kick on the way down that crashes into Cloud’s chest and bounces him on the ropes! Cloud leaps over Super Tiger who pops up on his second pass and brings him down again with a snapdragon suplex. Cloud’s getting a bit frustrated at this point, and thus in his next opportunity, he comes off the ropes and catches Super Tiger with a diamond dust that puts Tiger on her face!
Liam Stewart: Oof, the veteran there showing Super Tiger why he is a former BWF World Champion.
Cloud follows that up with an offensive series of rolling suplexes. It’s Super Tiger's turn to get whipped around like a chew toy, but that doesn't keep our Tiger down, no sir! She pops right back up with a slingblade that sends Cloud flying across the ring. The pair get back up, both far too enthused to stay down, even though both are painting and showing the signs of their exertion in this match up. Tiger and Cloud trade blows, chops and stiff shin kicks until Cloud whips Super Tiger into the ropes and hits her with a vicious atomic drop! Tiger’s a bit slow to her feet, but she seems to be done playing, opening up her arsenal, and that can of whoop-ass now.
Alison James: Something just clicked in Super Tiger, and the entire composition of this match has shifted!
Super Tiger hits back with a Japanese arm drag, that quickly leads into a school girl powerbomb! Tiger cases Cloud across the ring when he tries to create some distance, she practically tackles him into it. Cloud slams off the turnbuckle, and the pair scuffle, Cloud gets ahold of Super Tiger’s mask and goes to slam her into the turnbuckle. Instead, Super Tiger backs Cloud up a bit, gets her feet on the ring post, and walks up it, she floats over Cloud to hit the Superchick (Shiranui), one of her mentor FM Young’s moves! Instead of going right into the pin, Tiger drags Cloud back enough and hefts him up to nail him to the mat with her own Starlight Express (Bridging Dragon Suplex)! Tiger bridges into the pin! 1... 2... 3!
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner... SUPER TIGER!!!
"Legends Never Die" by Halocene hits the BlazenTron as Super Tiger bounds up to her feet, elated by her victory. She bows in respect to Cloud, a Japanese wrestling legend in his own right, before making her way around the ring, celebrating.
Alison James: That's how you kick off a premier pay-per-view event, Liam! High flying, hard hitting action featuring the best up-and-coming talent in the industry.
Liam Stewart: And also Stryker Cloud, apparently. Ha ha!
Alison James: Speaking of competitors of another age, coming up momentarily, Liam, your father is going to be in action as he faces an unknown challenger with a BWF contract on the line.
Liam Stewart: Oh god. Don’t remind me.
Openly Challenging
The camera moves backstage, where we see BWF Owner Emily Corlen sitting in her office. She seems to be deep in thought, staring at the vacant BWF Tag Team Championships, when someone knocks on her door. Before she can acknowledge it, the door opens and former BWF Color Commentator Rayne walks into frame, looking, well, like an old, retired wrestler.
Rayne: Em! Baby! What's shakin'?
Emily raises an eyebrow.
Emily Corlen: Um. Yeah, no. Miss Corlen, please.
Rayne: Aw, come on! We go way back!
Emily sighs.
Emily Corlen: Yeah, yeah. What's up? Your match is next. You should be making your way to the ring.
Rayne: Oh, I just figured you'd want me to sign on the dotted line before I go out there and put on a show! You know, gotta insure that money maker and what not! HA!
Rayne poses. Everyone watching can feel Rayne's son, Liam, cringing, from ringside.
Emily Corlen: Yeah, I have the contract right here. You can sign it... AFTER you win your match. You're the one who suggested an open challenge for a contract, am I right?
Rayne: Oh, you thought I was being serious? Naw, Em. I'm here for the long haul! I just said all that for drama before you serve me up a softball over the center plate out there and make me look good. I mean, future World Champ here and all that, I'm an investment!
Emily furrows her brow.
Emily Corlen: .............right. Look, I don't have time for this. You asked for an open challenge for a BWF contract, I went and found you a challenger. Someone else who wants a BWF contract. And unlike you, apparently, they're seriously willing to fight for said contract. The match is made. I suggest you go out there and get your wrestle on, or else I'll just award the contract right to your opponent. Your call.
Rayne seems stupefied.
Rayne: I... but... ugh! FINE, MISS CORLEN. I will go out there, I will put on the GREATEST performance in BWF history, and I will FINALLY begin the BWF run I was robbed of way back in 2003 when Dave decided I would be better on commentary than I would in the ring!
Rayne's eyes bulge as he finishes his rant. Red in the face, he turns and exits the office, slamming the door behind him. Emily sighs and turns her attention back to the Tag Titles sitting on her desk.
Emily Corlen: I've got some work to do if I'm gonna pull this off.
She pats one of the belts, and gets up from her desk as the camera fades back to ringside.
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an Open Challenge Match for a BWF contract! Whoever wins this match will officially become a member of the BWF roster. Introducing first, you know him as one of the classic voices of BWF... RAYNE!!!
"You're The Best" by Joe "Bean" Esposito plays on the BlazenTron as Rayne makes his way out to the ring. Most of the crowd, surprisingly, is indifferent to him as he hams it up on the stage.
Liam Stewart: Oh god. I can't. I just can't.
Alison James: Hey now. Your dad DID used to wrestle. This could be something special!
Liam Stewart: He hasn't wrestled in almost TWO DECADES. This can't be over soon enough!
Rayne makes his way into the ring and motions for a mic as the music fades.
Rayne: HELLO, MILWAUKEE!
Cheap pop from the crowd in attendance, but not much else.
Rayne: So, I know you all agree with me that this match is absolutely unnecessary. But, the boss is STILL the boss, so whatever. Go ahead and send out whatever jabroni you managed to dig up and let's ring that bell so I can get that contract and start making some green! Seriously, I got bills to pay. It's... not a great situation.
A few crowd members laugh as Liam buries his head on the desk.
Scott Benjamin: And introducing his opponent...
The crowd goes quiet in anticipation as Rayne eyeballs the ramp, awaiting his adversary. Scott Benjamin reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope, breaks the seal and opens the paper inside. His instant grin is unmistakable.
Scott Benjamin: She hails from Lincoln, Nebraska... weighing in tonight at 140 pounds... she is... ZOE... COOPER!!!
"Renegade" by Cimorelli hits the BlazenTron and the fans in attendance jump to their feet as the former BWF World Champion walks onto the stage. She smiles and strikes a confident pose before chuckling and making her way down the ramp.
Alison James: WHAT?! WOW! Zoe Cooper! The woman who held the Sovereign Title for a record-breaking 401 days! The 2014 Happenstance Queen has returned to BWF!
Liam Stewart: Well, she MIGHT return to BWF... IF she can beat my father tonha ha ha ha, I'm sorry, I can't. My dad's going to die tonight.
Zoe enters the ring and goes to shake Rayne's hand, but Rayne pulls his away and runs it through his hair instead like an 80s cool guy. Zoe shrugs and crouches down in her corner as the music fades and the bell rings.
DING!
Rayne holds his hands up as Zoe exits her corner, asking her to wait. He motions to her, then points at his cheek and says "you can have the first hit, little lady!" Zoe ponders this for a moment, and then charges Rayne as fast as she can, leaping up and hitting him square between the eyes with The Face Replacer (Busaiku Knee Kick)! The crowd cheers as Zoe sits up, mouthing "I missed this!"
Alison James: Oh my! The Face Replacer! That's the move that won Cooper the BWF World Title!
Liam Stewart: And tonight, it's the move that's going to put my father in the hospital!
Zoe goes to cover, but pauses, a sly smirk crossing her face. The gears turn for a moment, and she slides into position quickly, tying Rayne up in a new submission finisher, the Z-Trigger (Texas Cloverleaf)! Rayne flails madly and almost immediately begins tapping out!
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner as the result of a submission... ZOE COOPER!!!
"Renegade" by Cimorelli hits the BlazenTron as Zoe breaks the hold and rolls to her feet. She grins happily as she leans against the ropes, soaking in the moment. Rayne, still coughing, flops out of the ring and screams "THIS ISN'T FAIR! FAKE NEWS! I DEMAND A RECOUNT!"
Liam Stewart: This is so incredibly embarrassing.
Alison James: And mercifully over.
Liam Stewart: You said it.
Alison James: What would you have done if he'd won and gotten a contract?
Liam Stewart: Seen if Empire, OATH or Pioneer were hiring.
Alison and Liam both laugh as the camera gets one more shot of Zoe celebrating before fading out.
Opportunity Knocks Twice
Anaru Kalua is standing in the back when Toshi Yang approaches him. Anaru looks at her and shakes his head, pulling an earbud out of his ear.
Anaru Kalua: Before you say anything I looked for you to finish our interview at the last Havok.
Toshi Yang: We must have just missed each other. It’s not a big deal, and I won’t hold it against you. The big story is tonight. You’re in another match that you could conceivably call a rare opportunity, where you will face four other competitors for the Sovereign Title.
A beat.
Toshi Yang: Thoughts?
Anaru Kalua: Oh, yeah. That. Definitely a great opportunity. I haven’t put too much thought in it until recently though, I’ve just been doing my training normally to prepare for another day in the office.
Toshi Yang: Okay. That’s one strategy, I guess. So, do you have any “recent” thoughts?
Anaru Kalua: I do, actually. I actually think I’m a favorite to win this match. It’s weird, but think about it. From what I’ve seen this title has a tendency to end up in the hands of newcomers, and I’m honestly about as new as they get.
Toshi Yang: That’s certainly true. But you are in there against some accomplished veterans as well.
Anaru Kalua: True. Gabe Shelley and Katie Shelley are great competitors and both have storied careers. I would certainly hate being entered in this match against my own spouse though.
Toshi Yang: You’re married?
Anaru chuckles a bit.
Anaru Kalua: No. I don’t have to be to know that.
Toshi shrugs in agreement.
Anaru Kalua: And you can’t discount Azurine Vebbins or Jaxon Taylor, either. Both of them are surely going to be doing their best to win as well. But again, I do like my chances being in a match like this. The chaos can overcome the experience factor, I think.
Toshi Yang: So, about the last event. Do you have anything that you want to say about your match with F.M. Young?
Anaru Kalua: I’m afraid not, Toshi. The past will kill us all with the stress. Best not to dwell on it. But I do promise that I’ll look for you again so you can get your post-match interview.
Toshi Yang: Fair enough, Anaru. Good luck tonight.
Anaru Kalua: Thanks, Toshi.
Anaru walks away, putting his earbuds back in his ears.
DING!
20:00
The bell rings and 20 minutes begin ticking down on the BlazenTron as the five competitors eye each other from across the ring. Both Gabe Shelley and his wife instinctively sidle up next to one another and seemingly prepare to start this match off in an almost 3-on-2 handicap situation.
Liam Stewart: I can't imagine that's the smartest strategy right off the bat, basically creating an "us versus them" situation. Besides, isn't this supposed to be every man and/or woman for themselves?
Alison James: I mean, they're husband and wife. I'm sure they talked strategy before this match and walked into Retribution with a game plan between the two of them. Gabe doesn't seem like the type to turn on his wife for a championship belt.
Liam Stewart: And what about Katie?
Alison James: Oh, if I know my sister, she'd sell our grandmother for a corn chip, and do a lot more for a championship. I can't say with any certainty that she'd necessarily do that to GABE, but I wouldn't put it past her, especially after her weak start a few weeks ago against Finale.
Liam Stewart: You actually bring up a fantastic point. Might Katie be the weak link in this match as viewed by the other competitors? I mean, all of them lost matches to get here, but nobody lost quite as bad as Katie did on the return episode of Havok.
Sure enough, Gabe and Katie work together in the opening minutes of the match, essentially clearing the ring of their competitors. After a few tense moments of eyeing one another up, they begin circling one another, nodding before tying up in the middle of the ring.
Alison James: Oh, brilliant. They're making sure this match is between the two of them! That's some smart thinking on their part.
Gabe rolls behind Katie and goes for a German suplex, but Katie blocks it before Judo throwing Gabe onto the ground and following it up with a leg drop. She quickly transitions into a leg lock, but before anything further can happen, Jaxon Taylor reappears in the ring and boots Katie in the face. He goes for a cover, but Gabe breaks the pin up and quickly begins punching him in the face. By this time, Anaru and Azurine have returned to the ring as well and basically pile on Gabe and Katie, before throwing both of them out of the ring in retaliation for earlier.
Liam Stewart: Well, you know what they say. What goes around, comes around. Especially in professional wrestling!
15:00
Alison James: Five minutes have gone by so far, and we don't even HAVE a Sovereign Champion yet! This one is highly competitive thus far.
In the ring, Kalua and Taylor face off. They each hit each other as hard as they can with some of their toughest moves, with Kalua coming out on top after hitting a giant F3 (Springboard Flying Forearm Smash) off the top rope. When he stands up, he turns to look for Taylor to go for the pain and Azurine comes out of nowhere with the Sweetheart Sock Hop (Two knees into the sternum, followed by a Superkick into a Pulled-In DDT)! She covers Kalua and gets the three count!
CURRENT SOVEREIGN CHAMPION: Azurine Vebbins
Alison James: And just like that, we have a new Sovereign Champion! Well, provided she can hold on to the championship for the next... oh, 12 minutes or so? Only the person who wins the match will be recognized as champion, of course. But if this match ended right now, Vebbins would be walking home with the gold.
Liam Stewart: I mean, she probably would be taking a plane home with the gold or something. It's an awful long way to walk.
Azurine stands up and takes a moment to celebrate, then turns around, walking right into the Jax Smash (Clothesline From Hell)! Jaxon covers and gets the three count!
CURRENT SOVEREIGN CHAMPION: Jaxon Taylor
Alison James: Oh no! You have to have eyes in the back of your head for a match like this! Let's hope Az can get back in this match after that devastating hit.
Gabe and Katie make their way back into the ring and Jaxon motions for them to make a move, but he doesn't see Anaru getting up behind him. While Gabe and Katie distract Taylor, Anaru runs the ropes and hits Jaxon with a Blindside (Pounce). Unfortunately, Taylor rolls out of the ring from the impact… but that isn't about to stop Gabe, Katie, and Anaru. They roll to the outside of the ring and work together to get Taylor into the ring, but once inside, they can't decide who actually gets to pin him. Gabe shrugs… before hitting Anaru with the Jersey Cutter (Twist of Fate)! Gabe then says something to Katie and the husband and wife duo immediately begin a heated round of rock-paper-scissors. Katie wins the exchange (with paper, no less), but when she goes to cover Taylor, he kicks out after only one.
10:00
Katie sits up and Gabe says something inaudibly to her, then pulls her to her feet. He points her to the corner, then makes his way onto the apron himself before jumping up and hitting Taylor with the I'm a Bird, Mother F**ker! (Springboard Leg Drop From Apron). Katie immediately follows up Gabe's move with the R.R.O.D. [Red Ring of Death] (Swanton Bomb) and covers Taylor, this time, getting the three count!
CURRENT SOVEREIGN CHAMPION: Katie Shelley
Katie rises to her feet and Gabe is right there to give her a big hug. He immediately follows that hug up with the The reVolt (Cradle Shock) into a pin. One three count later, Gabe is the new Sovereign Champion!
CURRENT SOVEREIGN CHAMPION: Gabe Shelley
Liam Stewart: So much for wedded bliss! Hahahaha!
Alison James: Methinks Mr. Shelley may be spending the night on the couch after that underhanded maneuver.
Liam Stewart: Underhanded my foot! EVERY. WRESTLER. FOR. THEMSELVES. ALISON.
As the clock continues to tick down, Gabe begins fending off attacks from all sides. He dodges a Jax Smash from Taylor, catches an intended Springboard Double Axe Handle from Azurine into an Exploder suplex, and even punts Kalua in the head, preventing an intended Third Degree (Military Press GTS).
05:00
Indeed, Gabe manages to outsmart his opponents (and his wife) for the next several minutes. As the clock reaches one minute remaining, it seems as though the former three-time BWF World Champion will be leaving with the belt that first made him famous in BWF.
Alison James: Gabe Shelley's veteran instincts are on full display here in the House of Blazenwing. I don't think there's anybody in this ring that can stop him at the top of his game.
Almost as if on cue, “Half Lit” by Single Mothers begins playing over the sound system. Gabe, shocked, immediately turns his attention to the stage. He motions for Finale to come, but nobody comes out. The music fades and a confused Gabe turns around... right into the Jax Smash! Jaxon goes to cover Gabe, but right before he can, Anaru Kalua comes off the top rope with a Shot in the Dark (Springboard Shooting Star Press)! The impact knocks Taylor out of the ring and Kalua quickly covers Gabe. There's nobody else in the ring, and Anaru gets the three count mere moments before the clock reaches zero!
CURRENT SOVEREIGN CHAMPION: Anaru Kalua
00:00
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner... and the NEW BWF Sovereign Champion... ANARU KALUA!!!
"Ka Mate" by Nagual hits the BlazenTron as Anaru stands up and is handed the brand-new BWF Sovereign Title belt. After soaking it in for a moment, he goes to the nearest corner, holding it up in celebration as the fans in attendance cheer the newcomer on.
Alison James: Gabe Shelley commanded most of that match, but in the end, thanks to an assist from who we can only assume was Finale, it is Anaru Kalua who is leaving Milwaukee with the Sovereign Championship.
Liam Stewart: Oh man, he better send Finale, like, a cake or something.
About Freaking Time
The camera moves backstage, where we see Krista May Williams sitting near concessions, munching on a ham roll. She seems quite content to sit back and just collect a paycheck tonight, despite the original plans for her to wrestle Super Tiger. Those plans got changed when Josh McKlick, originally set to return to BWF for one night to team with old rival Stryker Cloud against Mark Magnum and Justin Hunt of the Milwaukee Stretching Crew, pulled out due to COVID-19 concerns. Cloud, now without a partner, requested to face Super Tiger instead, leaving Krista without a match, but still demanding to be paid for her services.
Anyway. Ham roll. Krista continues enjoying it, until someone in her periphery catches her attention. Krista turns a bit and the crowd pops as Empire Wrestling's Kayla Taylor (and Krista's old tag team partner) is standing there, looking absolutely livid.
Kayla Taylor: Are you absolutely kidding me?
Krista May stands up, clearing her throat.
Krista May Williams: Kayla, hey. I meant to -
Kayla Taylor: MONTHS, Krista. You and I sign up to compete for Empire Wrestling, and out of nowhere, you ghost me, Empire, the whole shebang. I haven't heard from you for M-O-N-T-H-S. Are we still dating? I couldn't honestly tell you! I thought maybe you DIED! So you better have a god damn good excuse for disappearing on me, or I swear to god, I will -
Kayla's train of thought is interrupted by a loud exclamation of relief. Both women turn to see Emily Corlen approaching.
Emily Corlen: Oh, thank goodness. Krista, I was hoping you were still here. And Kayla? Could my luck BE any better?
Krista May Williams: Um...
Kayla Taylor: Yeah, this is a private conversation, so if you wouldn't mind -
Emily Corlen: Look, I'mma level with you two. I need a team for Hunt and Magnum to fight tonight. I was looking for Krista because she and I used to team in eWo, I thought "hey, if I need to gear up tonight to send these fans home happy, I will", but... oh man! The Freaks With Benefits! This is PERFECT!
Krista May Williams: I...
Kayla Taylor: ...we're not really...
Emily Corlen: And, to sweeten the deal, since I didn't think Krista would agree otherwise, I was going to offer to make the match for the vacant BWF Tag Team Titles. Is that something you two would be interested in? FWB vs. MSC for the... BWFTTs? Yeah, that last one doesn't really work.
Kayla Taylor: I don't think -
Krista May Williams: The Tag Team Titles? You bet your sweet ass we're in, Em.
Emily beams.
Emily Corlen: Awesome! Your match is up next. So... I guess wrestle in your street clothes or whatever. I don't really care. Good luck, ladies!
Emily runs back to her office to retrieve the Tag Team Titles as Kayla glares at Krista May.
Krista May Williams: Don't look at me like that. We can hash all this out later. AFTER we win those belts.
Krista slaps Kayla on the back playfully.
Krista May Williams: C'mon, Kay! Let's go teach those boys what it's like to FREAKING lose.
Krista grins, walking off towards the ring. Kayla huffs for a moment.
Kayla Taylor: DON'T YOU THINK THIS IS OVER, KRISTA MAY!
She tilts her head for a moment; she can't help admiring Krista's booty. But, she quickly shakes it off, huffs again and races off, following her partner(?) toward the ring.
DING!
The bell sounds and Kayla Taylor and Justin Hunt kick off the match, Freaks With Benefits getting immediate control with an eye rake and a dropkick. Justin comes back up and looks for a criss cross, but Kayla steamrolls him with springboard lariat. Popping back up her feet, Kayla knocks Mark Magnum off the apron, getting huge heat from the crowd in the process. Before she can turn back to assaulting Justin, Mark pulls Kayla to the floor for some payback. Krista cuts off the whip into the apron and Justin bails out to help as well before they all regroup back in their respective corners. Justin makes the hot tag to Mark and Kayla dives into her corner to bring Krista into the match and then turns around to level Mark with a Plan A (Shining Wizard) just as Krista springs over the ropes. Williams lands on the downed Mark with a leg drop to the back of the neck and Kayla applauds as she gets back on the apron.
Alison James: If these two are at odds, they're certainly not letting it affect their match performance here tonight.
Krista kips back to her feet, beckoning for Mark to make the first move and he falls for it, going for a shoulder block. Krista counters with a leap frog, hooks his arm as she lands and takes him over with a Revertigo (Tilt-A-Whirl Armbar)! Mark nails her in the back of the head with an elbow and looks desperate to reach his corner for a tag but Krista catches him again as he breaks out of the hold, pouncing on his back and making him choke himself on the bottom rope.
Liam Stewart: These women are seriously violent! Remind me not to hit on either of them. I'm not sure I can afford the medical bills.
Alison James: It's probably okay, the BWF medical plan accounts for blatant stupidity.
Liam Stewart: Oh, good. HEY!
Krista stomps a mudhole into Mark before helping him up and she immediately whips him at the corner. She follows him in, he tries for another back elbow but she sees it coming a mile off. She dodges, blocks a flapjack attempt and sends him at the corner where Kayla awaits – he gets caught and Kayla hooks his arms, leaving him open for the hard crossbody impact. Mark falls and Krista drops down, hooking his arms and locking him into Better Than You (Cattle Mutilation)! Mark taps out before his partner can even try to intervene and it's all over!
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners... and the NEW BWF Tag Team Champions... Kayla Taylor... Krista May Williams... the FREAKS WITH BENEFITS!!!
"We Got The World" by Icona Pop plays as Krista May breaks the hold. Hunt and Magnum roll out of the ring, defeated, as the referee hands each woman one of the BWF Tag Team Titles. After a little hesitation, the two embrace in the ring, clearly reveling in their surprise Championship victory.
Alison James: The Freaks With Benefits pick up a huge win over the Milwaukee Stretching Crew! We have new BWF Tag Team Champions!
Liam Stewart: See, this is why you don't miss a single BWF show! Who KNOWS what's going to happen? Krista May Williams went from having a singles match, to having no match, to having a Tag Team Title match... that she WON... with a partner that wasn't even advertised for this event! What a whirlwind night for the FWB!
Alison James: And now that they have the titles, we're going to be seeing a lot more of these two ladies, that much is for certain.
Against The Wall
Two hot-pink armchairs sit in the middle of the backstage area of the House of Blazenwing, a little white table resting between them that has a bucket full of ice and a few bottles of water on it. That blank setting doesn't stay unoccupied for long as a petite blonde walks into view, sitting down in the chair to the viewer's right. Dressed to kill in a black pencil skirt and a pale pink blouse, Nessa Wall looks absolutely stunning as she sits down and reaches for one of the bottles of water. Stalling, she opens it and then takes a sip before putting the cap back on and setting it down on the table.
Nessa Wall: Some of you may recognize these chairs. Once upon a time, they were part of my set for an interview show called Against The Wall. Those were the days before the blog, before social media was getting so much traction and poisoning this business in the worst way.
She manages a thin smile.
Nessa Wall: It seemed appropriate to take a step back in time -- after all, isn't that what the revival of BWF is all about? All jokes aside, I couldn't think of a better way to make myself known to the unwashed masses who may just be tuning in for the first time than to revive an old classic. So welcome to Against The Wall, where only the best questions get asked. No softballs here. Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to the only person qualified to interview a star of my calibre.
There's a pause as Nessa looks over at the empty chair, tugging at the hem of her skirt against her thighs.
Nessa Wall: Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to my dearest and oldest friend… Matt Stone.
The former BWF star walks on set with a big smile on his face, no stranger to the venue he was now occupying, or the set he was now on for that matter. Nessa Wall had done many interviews with him, but now the proverbial tables were turned and it would be he who asked the questions. Matt took a seat opposite the star of the show and nodded his head in gratitude.
Matt Stone: I could go on and on signing the praises of you Nessa, we both know that, but we also both know these people want answers. They demand answers and it's my sole responsibility to get those out of you any way that I can, and I know the most important question they all want asked of you so I'm just going to come out with it.
He pauses for a second, dramatic effect not a lost artform on Against the Wall.
Matt Stone: Where did you get those shoes?
The smile on her face is brilliant enough to light up a room as she lifts her foot and shows off the sparkly Jimmy Choos with the peep-toes and the glimpse of her painted toenails that seem to match the furniture.
Nessa Wall: These old things? They're my lucky shoes. Such a magical find in that store in Tokyo, weren't they?
There's almost some inside joke being shared between the two before Nessa reaches for her water again, attempting to wash that smirk off her lips.
Matt Stone: Well there you have it, folks, if you want to even come close to replicating the beauty emanating from Miss Wall here, you're going to need to shop in Tokyo. Good luck with that!
Matt flashes a cheesy smile before proceeding with the interview.
Matt Stone: Now my next question is going to be a little more relevant to your upcoming match, but before we get too far into the weeds, I should ask why did you decide to sign with the BWF this time around?
Nessa Wall: At the risk of sounding cliché, I'm glad you asked, Matt. I'm sure some folks wonder why I didn't simply don a mask and change my hair and gear and try to reinvent myself elsewhere after a long break from the business. It's a little simpler than that, really. This was the last place I worked before jetting off to Australia…
There's an expression of disgust on her face for a moment at the mention of the country.
Nessa Wall: This was the last place where my choice in careers made sense… well, outside of that nasty business with Danny Hall, of course. But let's not talk about those rather 'chaotic' times.
She rolls her eyes.
Nessa Wall: This company holds a very special place in my heart. Don't you remember? This is where we first met.
Matt's nodding along as she speaks, taking a sip from his own water as well.
Matt Stone: I do remember that, way back in 2013 if I can date our friendship like that. Been a long time and yet, you've still got unfinished business here, am I right? All you've accomplished in your illustrious career and yet there's something you want, dare I say need that you haven't held yet, am I correct in that assessment?
She nods and grins, tapping her nose as if to indicate he'd gotten it absolutely accurate.
Nessa Wall: The pinnacle. I mean, finally getting one over on AJ Adams would be awesome as well, not going to lie. There's some very old resentment there, after all. But holding that gold, finally being not only a legend but getting to hold it before those returning Hall of Famers, before someone who's held plenty of gold already this year like FM Young? I can't begin to tell you how sweet that victory would be. I'm not just looking to fill an empty spot in my trophy case or complete a collection. This was the one thing that eluded me in my last two runs with the company.
Matt Stone: Well you know what they say Nessa, the third time's the charm. And a little tip about AJ Adams, coming from someone who holds a victory over him: dude couldn't escape a submission to save his life, literally. I have all the confidence in the world that you'll come away with championship gold before long, Nessa. You're destined for greatness and everyone is soon going to find out why!
She reaches over and takes his hand, giving it a squeeze before smiling warmly.
Nessa Wall: Thank you, Matt. I couldn't have said it better myself.
The camera view pans out, some bright little instrumental kicking into gear as the petite blonde laughs at something we can't hear. The final view is that of a very confident and poised Nessa Wall and the legendary Matt Stone, two of the brightest stars in the business, reunited under the roof that had once gone a long way towards making them both household names.
The next contest is for the BWF International Championship as Enforcer stands in the ring ready to put in the work that this big bastard knows like the back of his hand. The spunky Talia Areano stands across from him and to the casual observer -- this looks like a mismatch.
Liam Stewart: Enforcer clearly has over one hundred pounds on his opponent, but this is pro wrestling. Anything can happen, baby!
DING!
Areano is cautious at first, she knows that she can’t just run at this mountain of a man because he’d squash her like some kind of insect. You decide what kind. Enforcer stomps forward, the ring shaking beneath his feet. A lesser competitor would be terrified, but not Talia. She’s ready to “Turn up the heat!” She rushes Enforcer and slides through his legs, the big man reaches down to try and grab her hair but she is much too quick. Areano hits Enforcer with a dropkick to the lower back that sends him careening toward the ropes. Enforcer caught himself on the top rope and shot a glare back at the challenger.
Alison James: I don't know how much that hurt Enforcer, but it certainly angered him.
Enforcer paces around the ring, nodding his head like he knew that this would be Areano’s gameplan. Areano on the other hand, gives chase! Enforcer swipes at her, trying to grab her, but she is far too quick. Areano peppers Enforcer’s legs with quick kicks and then back pedals across the ring. It’s evident that the champion is growing tired of this nonsense but Areano’s expression gives us the impression that she is just getting started. Areano shoots in again but Enforcer grabs her by the hair. He roars in her face and then sends her across the ring with an Irish whip.
Liam Stewart: Oh my! Enforcer demonstrating just why he became the International Champion back on the August 31 edition of Havok. The man is a force to be reckoned with!
Areano comes darting back across the ring and once again slips through Enforcer’s legs. She instantly shoots off the second rope with a springboard and drives Enforcer into the mat with a bulldog! The fans can’t believe it -- she took him off his feet! Knowing that she has to keep this pace up, Areano springboards off the second rope yet again and comes crashing down on Enforcer’s lower back with a moonsault. Clearly she has a target. Following a series of sudden stomps to Enforcer’s spine, he stood up.
Alison James: This is Talia's best chance at victory; keeping Enforcer off his feet and peppering him with as much damage as she can, when she can.
Enforcer grabs Areano by the throat and pulls her in close but she grabs his hand, applies a hammerlock, and then hits a dropkick to the back of his left knee. The audience loves it! Enforcer drops to one knee and Areano takes off for the ropes yet again. She comes back looking for another bulldog but as she flies forward, Enforcer plants his feet and tosses her across the ring. Areano lands with a thud. Enforcer stomps towards Areano and she does her best to get out of harm’s way but he grabs her by the hair again.
Liam Stewart: This is not where Talia Areano wants to be right now!
There is a sense of general fear in the audience as Areano flails in a sad attempt at freeing herself. Enforcer finally had his hands on her and he was not going to let her go. That is until he sent her across the ring with a perplexing Irish whip. This was clearly a bad call because Areano hit yet another springboard off the second rope and came back with a flying cross body but Enforcer is ready for it. Enforcer catches Areano horizontally and then tosses her over the top rope with a fallaway slam to the outside! Areano sails through the air and lands with a thud on the thin ringside mats. She is hurt and like some sort of predatory sea creature (a shark perhaps), Enforcer could smell the blood in the water.
Alison James: As much as I want to see Talia overcome the odds here tonight, this one might already be over.
Liam Stewart: Is Enforcer just one mountain Talia Areano can't climb?
The International Champion slowly exits the ring and stalks his opponent. Areano stands but immediately falls against the guardrail -- her shoulder is on fire. The agony is written all over the challenger’s face and that seems to amuse the giant champion. Enforcer approaches Areano and hits her with a few clubbing blows to the head and then whips her hard into the guard rail. Areano actually leaves her feet and collides with the steel barrier back first! She lands hard again on that bad shoulder and all over her supporters in the arena have grown quiet. Areano is in a bad, bad way.
Alison James: This is starting to become troubling. If Enforcer had any moral fiber, he'd end this now before things get too far gone.
Liam Stewart: I agree, but this isn't about winning for Enforcer. It's about sending a message. To the BWF locker room... and to Talia.
Enforcer picks Areano up and lays her on the apron. He hits her with several big shots to keep her there and then walks up the steel steps. Enforcer gets Areano up to her feet and now they are both standing on the apron (which is the hardest part of the ring). Enforcer hits a few big gut shots on Areano and then lifts her up for a suplex and brings her down on the apron with a brainbuster! The audience is horrified and Areano is just wearing a blank stare now. She’s done. Enforcer rolls the challenger into the ring and applies a lackadaisical cover.
Alison James: This match is finished.
1... 2... 3-NO! The challenger Talia Areano is able to get her foot on the bottom rope. Enforcer can’t believe it and let me tell you, this guy is pissed off about it.
Liam Stewart: Oh man! All the guts in the world from Talia, but maybe that was the wrong call. Live to fight another day!
Enforcer lifts Areano up off the mat and sends her across the ring with an Irish whip. On her return he lifts her up and attempts to drive her through the mat with a spinning spinebuster! Luckily the canvas did not give way and Areano is just very hurt by the move. We do need the ring for the rest of the matches tonight. Enforcer stands up and calls for the end. He applies a front face lock and tries to put Areano down for the count with Death Penalty (DDT) but at the last moment she comes back to life!
Alison James: Areano still has some fight left in her!
Areano slips behind Enforcer and although dazed, she cracks him with an enziguiri to the back of the head! Enforcer stumbles forward and catches himself on the ropes. He charges across the ring at her but Areano hits him right in the chin with a dropkick that sends him back into the ropes! Enforcer rebounds one more time and this time she puts him on his back with a hurricanrana! The crowd has become unglued. Areano then stands above the prone Enforcer and hits him with an incredible standing 450 splash. She covers! 1... 2... NO!
Liam Stewart: Oh man! I honestly thought she had him right there!
Enforcer kicks out but Areano is already ascending to the top rope. She points down at him and leaps off the top with the Solar Shower (Double Foot Stomp) right to his chest. He absorbs it and although that little number hurt him, he starts to get up again. Enforcer sits up but Areano is right there to meet him with Rush Hour (Sliding Forearm Smash)! Enforcer rolls over and starts to stand but his legs are jelly! Grape jelly! Areano sees her opportunity and she takes it, she grabs him in a ¾ facelock, steps off the middle turnbuckle and puts him down with Slice of Heaven (Sliced Bread #2)! Areano covers and the crowd counts along with the referee. 1... 2... 3!!!
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner... and the NEW BWF International Champion... TALIA AREANO!!!
"Say You Will" by Evanescense hits the BlazenTron as Talia slowly stands, soaking in the reality of the moment. The official hands her the BWF International Title and she embraces it, dropping to her knees and tearing up.
Alison James: The Artist Formerly Known as Ursula Areano returned to BWF with one goal in mind; become a Champion here. Tonight, she has fulfilled that destiny!
Liam Stewart: Now she needs a new goal, right? Well, Talia, I'm just gonna throw this out there -
Alison James: PLEASE don't tell her you're single.
Liam Stewart: ...n-no! I was gonna say that she should put her eyes on the BWF World Title next! (quickly under his breath) and also call me, I'm so very, very lonely.
Alison James: What was that?
Liam Stewart: I said HERE'S A LOOK AT WHAT'S COMING DOWN THE PIKE FROM BWF NEXT... THE RETURN OF THE VAUNTED GAUNTLET RUN PAY-PER-VIEW!
Coming Soon on the BWF Network
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There is a stage.
Upon that stage is a grand piano.
Upon that piano are roses.
Someone sits at the piano. They begin to play a melody. Clare De Lune.
It is wrong. The timing is off. Sour notes. Bad finger placement. The camera focuses only on the hands on the keys. We pan out to see the shadows of the audience. We hear boos.
Then suddenly there is a third hand and SLAM. The fall board of the piano closes on the hands of the player and the screen goes black. We hear bones crunch. We hear a scream. We hear the audience laugh like a sitcom laugh track. We hear several more slams followed by the sound of something being dragged away.
The camera comes back and we are greeted by the tune of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’. The camera follows a trail of rose petals and then...red fluid on the ground. Trails in the fluid as if something had been dragged through it. The camera follows the trail of blood and rose petals to a pool of blood at the seat of the piano from before. Climbing up the side until again it finds itself focused on the hands of the player… clad in a pair of skeleton gloves. The audience applauds the perfect performance of the Moonlight Sonata as the camera pans out to where the roses once were atop the instrument, only to find thorny stems and a skeleton mask.
The screen goes black again.
The audience gives a stirring round of applause.
And from the perspective of the stage we now see the audience.
Nothing but mannequins. Broken, rotting, defaced with graffiti. Unmoving. Yet the sound of the applause continues. The camera zooming back until we are behind the figure onstage, bent at the hip in an appreciative bow.
And then just one word in red letters.
SOON.
DING!
The bell rings and all five competitors inside the hell in a cell structure eye each other warily. For a brief moment, it seems like nobody is willing to make the first move. That is, until Finale darts across the ring and hits Johnny Maverick with a lightning-quick superkick. From there, the action is on, as Nessa and AJ tie up while FM goes after Finale herself. They scuffle for a bit, but Johnny recovers and shoves FM out of the way to get his hands on Finale. This angers Young, who gets into a shoving match with Johnny. Finale takes advantage of this by hitting a double clothesline, taking out both competitors.
Alison James: Finale kicking things off with a bang.
Liam Stewart: Literally! Ha ha ha.
The match continues like this for a while, keeping the action fairly sanitary despite being inside the cell structure. At one point, after throwing him out of the ring, Nessa jumps to the outside apron and tries to hit Adams with a leaping knee off the apron, but Adams catches her and powerbombs her against the side of the cell wall. He covers, but Nessa kicks out at two.
Alison James: Oh man! Nessa is gonna be feeling that one in the morning.
Back in the ring, Finale has found himself in a two-on-one situation fighting off both FM Young and Johnny Maverick. For the moment, Johnny and FM seem to be on the same page; eliminating Finale from the match. But, Finale isn't going to go down that easily and after goading Johnny in, he rolls out of the way of Johnny's OFMF (Running Shotei strike to face), leaving Young to take the full brunt of the hit. Johnny turns around and Finale immediately catches him with the Parts Well Known (Feigns a superkick and then hits a Spinning Back Elbow) before going for the cover on Young. She kicks out at 2 and Finale seems just a little bit irritated.
Liam Stewart: Finale with a nasty hit, but FM is far from finished.
Adams and Wall are still fighting at ringside, utilizing the cell wall and anything else they can get their hands on as a weapon. After both competitors search under the ring, Adams comes up with a sledgehammer, while Nessa comes up with a steel chair. They both run at each other and AJ swings the sledgehammer wildly above his head, nearly caving Nessa's head in with the swing, but the Snarktopus dodges at the last second, possibly saving her own life in the process. Before Adams can recover from the swing, Nessa lays into the back of his head with the steel chair in her hands. AJ collapses against the steel steps and before he even has a chance to brace himself, Nessa runs at him and catches him square in the head with the Kissy Kissy (blown kiss into a Boma Ye), leaving his head sandwiched between her knee and the steel steps! Nessa covers... 1... 2... 3!
Scott Benjamin: AJ Adams has been eliminated!
Alison James: Wow! Nessa just eliminated a former Hellbound winner with maybe one of the nastiest attacks we've seen in one of these matches!
As Nessa takes a breather on the outside of the ring, Johnny and Finale have continued to fight inside the ring. Young, who had previously rolled out of the ring after taking a rough beating from Finale, searches under the ring and comes up with a table. She then goes back under and searches again... this time emerging with a bottle of lighter fluid!
Liam Stewart: OH YES! THE FLAMING TABLE! A HELLBOUND CLASSIC!
Young has fire in her eyes and on her mind as she shouts at Johnny, directing him to bring Finale onto the apron near her as she sets up the table. Johnny does so, and Finale struggles to get away from him as Young begins coating the top of the table with the lighter fluid. Johnny attempts to subdue Finale by hitting him with the Third Eye Opener (Ripcord bicycle Knee strike), but Finale blocks it and shoves him forward into the apron, just as Nessa and her steel chair are making their way onto it. The chair inadvertently catches Johnny in the face, the impact knocking Nessa backward into the cell wall and back to the outside, and Finale catches Johnny on the rebound with One Foot In The Grave (Sick Kick). As FM goes back under the ring to find something to light the table on fire with, Finale covers Johnny and gets a 2 count.
Alison James: Finale almost shocked Johnny with that one.
Finale sits up, looks at Johnny, looks at the chair, and something crosses his mind. He stands up, pulls Johnny to his feet and drags him to the corner. Finale lifts Johnny up onto the top rope, grapples Johnny into position and then jumps off the top rope, crashing Johnny down onto the steel chair head-first with the Stripper's Real Name (Jumping 180 Vertebreaker)!
Alison James: Oh my god! Johnny's neck!
Liam Stewart: Holy shit!
He goes to cover Johnny, but pauses as he watches FM start the table on fire. A sick smile spreads across his face as he looks at the motionless Johnny, then the flaming table on the outside of the ring.
Alison James: Oh no. No no no. I don't like this one bit. Get someone in there! He's going to CRIPPLE Johnny!
Liam Stewart: Then Johnny shouldn't have agreed to be in this match! He knew the stakes going in.
Finale exits the ring, runs at FM and hits her with the running shotei. With her momentarily out of the equation, Finale rolls back into the ring and starts to drag Johnny toward the corner. He starts to pull Johnny up to the top rope again, this time near the flaming table, but he doesn't see Nessa rolling back into the ring. As he tries to get Johnny hooked up for the second Stripper's Real Name, Nessa runs at the corner and shoves with all her might, sending both Johnny and Finale through the flaming table!
Alison James: AHH!
Liam Stewart: THEY JUST GOT FIRED!
FM, who has recovered on the outside, seems momentarily disappointed that she wasn't the one who got to put somebody through a flaming table before sucking it up and pulling Finale into a cover. 1, 2, 3!
Scott Benjamin: Finale has been eliminated!
Liam Stewart: Good god! Finale is OUT?! I don't believe it!
Alison James: And it looks like Johnny won't be far behind, leaving this between Nessa and FM for the title!
FM then crawls over to Johnny and covers him as well. 1, 2, 3-NO! At the last possible second, Johnny weakly kicks out and FM young is positively shocked as the limited crowd in attendance roars. As she stands up, Nessa comes off the top rope with a suicida, bringing both women collapsing to the outside. All around the ring, bodies are lying. Finale & AJ are still out and honestly, the fans can't believe Johnny isn't unconscious either. As Johnny slowly drags himself over to the stairs and tries to sit up to recover his bearings, a risen Nessa spots him in nearly the same position Adams was in minutes earlier and can't resist going for a second Kissy Kissy.
Liam Stewart: Another one bites the dust!
Alison James: NO! HE MOVED!
Liam Stewart: WHAT?!
Unfortunately, the second time is not a charm, as Johnny has just enough wherewithal to roll to the side, leaving Nessa to crash knee first into the steel steps. Young gets back to her feet as Nessa rolls around in pain, grabbing her knee. Before Nessa has a chance to recover, FM is there to lift her up and hit her with the Heart of a Phoenix (Lumbar Check). She quickly drops to cover and scores the three count, eliminating Nessa Wall.
Scott Benjamin: Nessa Wall has been eliminated!
Alison James: Whoa! I don't believe it!
Liam Stewart: We're down to two... which means the belt is now fair game, and Johnny can barely move! Congrats FM Young, you just won the BWF World Title!
Alison James: Don't count Johnny Maverick out yet!
As soon as the third elimination occurs, the cell door swings open and referees swarm inside to tend to the eliminated competitors. FM looks down at a still beat-up Johnny and says something inaudible to him before making her way outside of the cell and beginning to scale the side.
Liam Stewart: What did she say to him? I couldn't hear it.
Alison James: Likely about him being a worthy competitor or something along those lines. I'm sure she considers this match over as well.
Johnny, now bleeding noticeably, begins to pull himself to his feet using the cell wall as FM Young reaches the roof. She makes her way over to one of the two ladders lying on the roof and sets it up directly underneath the World Championship hanging high above the cell. She starts to climb the ladder as Johnny makes his way toward the cell door, wounded but determined. FM makes it to the top rung of the ladder and places a hand on the BWF World Championship... before letting go of the title and simply waiting at the top of the ladder.
Alison James: ...wait, what's happening? Why isn't she grabbing the title?
Liam Stewart: Oh, for the love of... IS SHE WAITING FOR JOHNNY?!
Alison James: Is that what she said to him in the ring? Does FM Young want to give Johnny Maverick a fighting chance to win this contest?
Liam Stewart: Oh my god, moron of the year 2020 right here, and this is a country that elected Donnie Trump. WE AIN'T SHORT ON MORONS IN AMERICA IS ALL I'M SAYIN'. Jesus Christ, FM, GRAB THE BELT!
Slowly but surely, Johnny makes his way up to the roof of the cell, his face now a crimson mask of blood. He slips once, but catches himself, before continuing his trek, Young waiting the entire time. Johnny reaches the roof of the cell and pulls himself up, and then looks at Young already waiting at the top of the ladder. He nods at her, then begins making his way up the other side of the ladder. He reaches the top, FM says something else to him, Johnny nods again and out of nowhere, the two begin throwing furious punches at one another!
Alison James: And there they go! It does seem as though FM gave Johnny the opportunity to vie for the title despite his condition.
Liam Stewart: What, did she have to make it more exciting or something?
Alison James: Maybe... or perhaps she wanted to make sure she EARNED the title if she wins it. Of course, when Johnny Maverick is in the mix, the outcome is ALWAYS an "if". She may yet regret this act of bravado.
Johnny stumbles a few times, having trouble holding on with the blood in his eyes, and nearly falls off after a flurry of punches from Young, but a quick spinning backfist catches Young right between the eyes and causes her to fall off the ladder! Even Johnny can't seem to believe it as he reaches up and grabs for the BWF World Championship.
Liam Stewart: OH MY GOD! I DON'T BELIEVE IT! FM YOUNG, YOU PLAYED YOURSELF!
Alison James: GRAB IT, JOHNNY! GRAB THE TITLE! MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY!
Liam Stewart: AREN'T WE SUPPOSED TO BE UNBIASED?
Alison James: THIS IS TOO EXCITING TO STAY UNBIASED!!!
FM, however, is able to rebound quickly from the stumble and goes for a Hail Mary, pushing the entire ladder over. Johnny tries to grab onto the belt, hangs there for a moment, but can't quite get his arm up to pull the strap open and slides off, falling fast. Young is able to catch him mid-fall and hit him with the Human Error Processor (Pop-Up Powerbomb)!
Liam Stewart: HOLY...! THIS MATCH IS INSANITY!
While Johnny does not go through the roof of the cage, his body does make quite a dent in the steel mesh. Young, content to finally wrap this match up, pulls the second ladder over and sets it up quickly. She scales the rungs of the ladder even as Johnny tries in vain to pull himself back to his feet using the feet of said ladder. FM reaches the top of the ladder, puts one hand on the BWF World Championship and uses the other to undo the strap, officially ending this contest and crowning her the new BWF World Champion.
DING DING DING!!!
Scott Benjamin: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner... and the NEW BWF World Champion... FM YOUNG!!!
"Helix" by Amaranthe hits the BlazenTron as FM sighs, putting her face against the belt and closing her eyes. At the feet of the ladder, a bloody Johnny closes his own eyes, unable to hide his disappointment at coming so close, only to fall just short of total victory.
Alison James: Oh man, you have to feel for Johnny Maverick here tonight. He took a hellacious beating, survived things no mortal man should, and STILL came within fingertips of finally holding the BWF World Championship for the first time.
Liam Stewart: I have to think Finale was ultimately the kingmaker here tonight. He's the one who busted Johnny open with that nasty Stripper's Real Name onto the steel chair. Hell, if he had covered Johnny right then, I'm not so sure he would have kicked out. Maybe we'd be looking at Finale holding that title up right now.
Alison James: I mean, that's very possible. Any one of these five competitors could have easily won here tonight. AJ Adams, despite the early elimination, is a Hellbound Survivor, and won the title in this very match back in 2013. Finale, former BWF World Champion. Nessa Wall, former MWE World Champion. Johnny Maverick, one of the most decorated competitors in professional wrestling history. But tonight ultimately belongs to one woman... a One Woman Army, to be exact. FM Young is the new BWF World Champion!
Liam Stewart: Where's Kurt Hullum with the briefcase when you need him?
Alison James: Really, Liam?
Liam Stewart: Ha ha ha... relax, I'm just kidding! Congratulations, FM. A hell of a match - pun intended - and a hell of an effort from all five competitors tonight!
Alison James: And that will wrap up the 2020 edition of BWF Retribution! We have a new Sovereign Champion, a new International Champion, new Tag Team Champions AND a new World Champion! BWF is officially back in full swing!
Liam Stewart: It absolutely is!
Alison James: We'll see you all on the next episode of Monday Night Havok! Good night from Milwaukee!
We see one final shot of FM Young, still atop the ladder, holding the BWF World Title as high as she can, before the shot fades to the BWF logo, and then to black.
© Blazenwing Wrestling Federation 2020
Quick Results:
Super Tiger def. Stryker Cloud
Zoe Cooper def. Rayne
Anaru Kalua def. Gabe Shelley, Katie Shelley, Jaxon Taylor and Azurine Vebbins; NEW BWF SOVEREIGN CHAMPION
Kayla Taylor & Krista May Williams def. Mark Magnum & Justin Hunt; NEW BWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS
Talia Areano def. Enforcer; NEW BWF INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION
FM Young def. AJ Adams, Finale, Nessa Wall and Johnny Maverick; NEW BWF WORLD CHAMPION