Post by Ana Valentine on Aug 23, 2017 14:06:05 GMT
Monday Night Delirium
August 21st 2017
SEGMENT
The scene opened up with Jade Night standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone in hand and a devilish grin on her face.
Jade Night: It appears that I’ve gotten under a few people’s skin. Cass Baumer has been having a meltdown ever since I took the Hardcore Championship from her. Then we have poor Gabriel Laroux. He’s so fucking salty that I called him out for being a little bitch.
Jade walks around the ring and laughs.
Jade Night: Oh Gabriel, do you really think you intimidate me? You’re literally nothing but trailer trash. A few years from now, you and Lyric will be living in a one bedroom trailer, beating the shit out of each other in front of that little devil spawn that Lyric will end up giving birth to.
Jade pauses to laugh.
Jade Night: Lyric… You’re pathetic and weak. It’s why your mother kept you away from our family. It’s why she sheltered you. Because you’re not really a Night. You’re a failure. A pathetic fucking failure and you don’t even deserve to have the same last name as me and Chris. You’re almost as much of a failure as Gabriel Laroux.
Jade pauses and shrugs.
Jade Night: As for Gabriel, isn’t everyone tired of seeing his tired act? His drama with his sister, his drama with his brother, his drama with Lyric and with Phoenix. Oh and you can’t forget Lennox too.
Jade rolls her eyes.
Jade Night: SImply put, their little soap opera has gone on FAR too long and I’m fucking sick of it. But you know what? Xavier isn’t so bad and I can’t wait to team with him to destroy Baumer and Gabriel. Now, let’s talk about one last person…
Jade pauses and an evil grin crosses her first.
Jade Night: Ana Valentine… Whoops, I mean Ana Hardy. I keep forgetting you’re Robb’s new wife, also his fourth one.
Jade grins.
Jade Night: You know, me and him were married for a decade before I decided to leave him for something better because he’s been nothing but a failure. He failed me… He failed his children and eventually, he’ll fail you too. I bet you’ll last as long as Cassandra and Veronica did… Because deep down, he still loves me. It’s why he was still searching for me until I finally told him to give up… I told him that I found someone new and that I didn’t want him. So he moved onto a rebound and what did he do? He got that rebound pregnant. That’s you Ana.
Jade laughs as she leans up on the ropes.
Jade Night: You’re pathetic. You’re using me to try and make yourself relevant again. You married my ex husband and now you’re trying to fuck with me. You want to fuck with me? You want to fuck with my loved ones? You want to make threats? Then go ahead but let me tell you something, Ana… I will destroy you. But right before I finish you off… I’ll end Robb and make you watch it and you’ll know that it was your fault. And once again, you’ll be alone. Like you should be. Like you were meant to be.
Jade glares sickeningly into the camera before she drops the microphone and rolls out of the ring, heading up the ramp as the scene fades.
SEGMENT
“No End in Sight” by Killswitch Engage plays and Melissa Reeves makes her way out, microphone in hand. She enters the ring and poses a little, before her music dies down.
Melissa: “Hello Las Vegas!”
The crowd loudly cheer.
Melissa: “Usually I’d come out here, brimming with enthusiasm, but I just can’t do that tonight. No, tonight I have to face someone who I’d really rather not. Tonight I take on Corey Grimes.”
She shrugs and shakes her head.
Melissa: “And the part that sucks is I actually like Corey. He’s one of the few here who actually take me seriously. He has potential, but he’s not ready for this. And you know, I can’t help but think this match exists because Corey dated my sister and remains close to her. Is this a weak attempt to cause strife in my personal life? Is this yet another hoop I must go through?”
The crowd boo a little, unhappy at the idea.
Melissa: “Truth is that it feels a lot like management are drawing this out. They don’t want me to walk out as the champion. They’d rather have that mute puppet Noah Nakamura as their figurehead. And this? This is just another tactic to delay and distract.”
She looks angered, her brows furrowed.
Melissa: “That’s been my entire run in FAW, honestly. And the sad part is that all I want to do is help the company grow, to thrive. But I can’t do that from anywhere but the forefront of things. This ship needs a strong captain, but right now we have one who could be dead for all he’s worth.
“So I suppose it all comes down to this; tonight I’ll take Corey on. I’ll jump through the damn hoop. I’ll succeed, again, as I always have before. And that is one step closer to dethroning Nakamura. One step closer to a worthwhile champion. One step closer to improving FAW.”
She drops the microphone and leaves without stopping for her fans as she normally would.
SEGMENT
The scene cuts backstage to the recently defeated Corey Grimes, his shoulders slumping as he heads towards his locker room. Before he gets to the door, Sophie Grimes, Corey’s cousin, cuts him off.
Sophie Grimes: Hey, Corey… You okay?
Corey looks up at Sophie and sighs.
Corey Grimes: I’m fine but I don’t know if I’m in the mood for an interview. I’m pretty bummed.
Sophie bumps her shoulder into Corey’s and shakes her head.
Sophie Grimes: Does it look like I’m here to interview you? I don’t have a microphone, do I?
Corey smiles slightly and nods.
Corey Grimes: I guess not. Then what’s the deal?
Sophie Grimes: I just wanted to tell you that I’m proud of you. You gave Melissa a hell of a match out there and that you’ll learn from the loss… Just like Gavin always does. You’ve always had the same drive as him. So don’t give up on yourself, okay?
Corey laughs and shakes his head.
Corey Grimes: I think comparing me to Gavin is pretty high praise. Maybe too high. But thanks, Soph.
Sophie Grimes: No problem. I gotta go do some work still. But I wanted to check on you first. You’ll get them next time.
Sophie grabs Corey and gives him a tight hug before letting him go and starting to walk away.
Sophie Grimes: See you later!
Corey Grimes: Right. See you around, Soph!
The scene cuts away.
The scene cuts backstage to the recently defeated Corey Grimes, his shoulders slumping as he heads towards his locker room. Before he gets to the door, Sophie Grimes, Corey’s cousin, cuts him off.
Sophie Grimes: Hey, Corey… You okay?
Corey looks up at Sophie and sighs.
Corey Grimes: I’m fine but I don’t know if I’m in the mood for an interview. I’m pretty bummed.
Sophie bumps her shoulder into Corey’s and shakes her head.
Sophie Grimes: Does it look like I’m here to interview you? I don’t have a microphone, do I?
Corey smiles slightly and nods.
Corey Grimes: I guess not. Then what’s the deal?
Sophie Grimes: I just wanted to tell you that I’m proud of you. You gave Melissa a hell of a match out there and that you’ll learn from the loss… Just like Gavin always does. You’ve always had the same drive as him. So don’t give up on yourself, okay?
Corey laughs and shakes his head.
Corey Grimes: I think comparing me to Gavin is pretty high praise. Maybe too high. But thanks, Soph.
Sophie Grimes: No problem. I gotta go do some work still. But I wanted to check on you first. You’ll get them next time.
Sophie grabs Corey and gives him a tight hug before letting him go and starting to walk away.
Sophie Grimes: See you later!
Corey Grimes: Right. See you around, Soph!
The scene cuts away.
Singles Match
Melissa Reeves v Corey Grimes
Melissa took the upperhand in the match straight away with a serious and no-nonsense attitude that kept her quick and stern in her strikes, after taking Corey down to his knees, she nailed some hard strikes to his midsection that all but echoed across the arena. Despite the severity of the kicks, as she backed off, Grimes was back to his feet. He called out for more with a serious look in his eyes and when Reeves charged him, side stepped her with a drop elbow to the back of her head, causing her to stumble.
The pair then traded blows, despite Melissa getting a considerable higher amount of strikes in, Corey just absolutely refused to go down. The frustration becoming a little apparent on Mel's face as she wanted to keep the match as quick and relatively painless as possible. Driving her knee into his gut, she slammed her elbow into his throat before finishing off the combination with a second elbow to the back of the neck, dropping him to the mat. Mel stomped down on his throat, getting cautioned by the official for her actions she backed off.
Getting back to his feet again, Corey speared Mel into the corner this time, drawing back to ram his shoulder into her stomach before taking another knee to the gut, this time you could literally hear the air leave his lungs as he dropped to his knees in front of the waiting Mel who all but kicked his head off with a spinning heel kick that left him flat out on the mat, mercifully Melissa dropped to the mat to hook the leg for the three count.
Winner: Melissa Reeves
SEGMENT
As the scene opens to just outside of Zooey Anderson’s office just as Rafael Cruz steps out from it. He has an agitated look on his face as he closes the door behind himself.
Rafael Cruz: That's nothing but horseshit. I go to the boss lady and tell her how fucked it was that my foot was in the ropes last show and you know what she tells me? That she wants to see my damn hunger tonight.
Rafael shakes his head with a look of disbelief in his eyes.
Rafael Cruz: Sure give Cece a title shot but make me prove myself when I was the one cheated out of the match? Fine… You want me to prove myself? I'll fucking prove myself…
Rafael moves past the camera, shoulder bumping it in the process as he leaves the area.
As the scene opens to just outside of Zooey Anderson’s office just as Rafael Cruz steps out from it. He has an agitated look on his face as he closes the door behind himself.
Rafael Cruz: That's nothing but horseshit. I go to the boss lady and tell her how fucked it was that my foot was in the ropes last show and you know what she tells me? That she wants to see my damn hunger tonight.
Rafael shakes his head with a look of disbelief in his eyes.
Rafael Cruz: Sure give Cece a title shot but make me prove myself when I was the one cheated out of the match? Fine… You want me to prove myself? I'll fucking prove myself…
Rafael moves past the camera, shoulder bumping it in the process as he leaves the area.
SEGMENT
The scene cuts backstage to Sean Callaghan standing in front of the camera with a smirk on his face.
Sean Callaghan: So look at this, I’m booked against Rafi Cruz. How cute, right? The guy who’s brother is dating my ex-wife. Am I supposed to care? Is Rafi supposed to care? Honestly, I don’t give a fuck about what Rafi thinks but when it comes to me, I don’t give a shit. Rafi is just someone who’s standing in my way at Delirium.
Sean shrugs.
Sean Callaghan: SImply put, this is just a match for me. A match for me to show that I don’t need Liam, Michael or any of my brothers to pick up a win. Liam and I might be the tag champs, but we’re also great on our own. Look at Liam, he’s the top guy in PNW and soon enough, I’ll get my chance to be like him as well.But let’s not get distracted.
Sean nods confidently.
Sean Callaghan: Tonight, I make Rafi my bitch. He can’t hang with me. He can’t hang with a Callaghan. Wrestling runs through my blood but most of all? Fighting runs through my blood. I’m a fighter, through and through. It’s the Southie inside of me. And that’s why Rafi can’t hang with me. And let me say, when I beat Rafi, there won’t be any questions about it like when he was beaten two weeks ago.
Sean chuckles.
Sean Callaghan: But you never know, the moron will probably find a reason to complain since he’s a fucking bitch. See you in the ring, Rafi.
Sean winks at the camera and walks away and the scene fades out.
The scene cuts backstage to Sean Callaghan standing in front of the camera with a smirk on his face.
Sean Callaghan: So look at this, I’m booked against Rafi Cruz. How cute, right? The guy who’s brother is dating my ex-wife. Am I supposed to care? Is Rafi supposed to care? Honestly, I don’t give a fuck about what Rafi thinks but when it comes to me, I don’t give a shit. Rafi is just someone who’s standing in my way at Delirium.
Sean shrugs.
Sean Callaghan: SImply put, this is just a match for me. A match for me to show that I don’t need Liam, Michael or any of my brothers to pick up a win. Liam and I might be the tag champs, but we’re also great on our own. Look at Liam, he’s the top guy in PNW and soon enough, I’ll get my chance to be like him as well.But let’s not get distracted.
Sean nods confidently.
Sean Callaghan: Tonight, I make Rafi my bitch. He can’t hang with me. He can’t hang with a Callaghan. Wrestling runs through my blood but most of all? Fighting runs through my blood. I’m a fighter, through and through. It’s the Southie inside of me. And that’s why Rafi can’t hang with me. And let me say, when I beat Rafi, there won’t be any questions about it like when he was beaten two weeks ago.
Sean chuckles.
Sean Callaghan: But you never know, the moron will probably find a reason to complain since he’s a fucking bitch. See you in the ring, Rafi.
Sean winks at the camera and walks away and the scene fades out.
Singles Match:
Rafi Cruz v Sean Callaghan
Sean and Rafi were locked up from the start; Sean was initially able to over power Rafi and took him down to the mat with a bulldog, grinding his face into the canvas as he gets up with a stomp to the back of his head for good measure. Rafi pushes himself up from he canvas and charges Sean who's back is turned, leveling him with a hard smack to the back of the head, tossing him through the ropes with a cocky smirk.
Sean charged back into the ring with aplomb and the pair went at it once again, trading blows until Sean bounces Rafi off the ropes and took him down with a lariat and went for the pin, only managing a two count before Rafi kicked out. Rafi then nailed Sean with a suplex, going for a second only to be countered out with a couple of hard elbows into a bear hug. Rafi fought out of the hold and drove Sean down into the mat, after a leaping complete shot he scooped the leg for the pin.
Sean's foot slid under the ropes but the action was out of the sight of the referee.
Winner: Rafi Cruz
SEGMENT
The scene cuts backstage to Liam Callaghan putting some tape around his wrist when he notices the camera in front of him.
Liam Callaghan: Tonight, I get to team with my brother, Michael Callaghan. We go up against the random as hell team of Ciara and Cecily. CeCe might be pretty good and Ciara has done some things to impress but they don’t have a great background with each other. MIkey and I? We’ve fought together and most of all, we’re family!
Liam smiles and nods.
LIam Callaghan: I am completely confident that Michael and I will win this one. Then I’ll be going into CWC Worldwide to become the undisputed PNW Champion. It’s a big week for me and I need this momentum. I need this victory.
He nods confidently.
Liam Callaghan: Needless to say, I need this win to show that I’m better than Ciara and to also keep my momentum going. I’ve had a rough couple of weeks and I’m going to change that tonight. You can count on it!
Liam nods confidently and walks away and the scene fades out.
The scene cuts backstage to Liam Callaghan putting some tape around his wrist when he notices the camera in front of him.
Liam Callaghan: Tonight, I get to team with my brother, Michael Callaghan. We go up against the random as hell team of Ciara and Cecily. CeCe might be pretty good and Ciara has done some things to impress but they don’t have a great background with each other. MIkey and I? We’ve fought together and most of all, we’re family!
Liam smiles and nods.
LIam Callaghan: I am completely confident that Michael and I will win this one. Then I’ll be going into CWC Worldwide to become the undisputed PNW Champion. It’s a big week for me and I need this momentum. I need this victory.
He nods confidently.
Liam Callaghan: Needless to say, I need this win to show that I’m better than Ciara and to also keep my momentum going. I’ve had a rough couple of weeks and I’m going to change that tonight. You can count on it!
Liam nods confidently and walks away and the scene fades out.
SEGMENT
We cut to the back where Michael Callaghan is sitting in his locker room. He looks over his hands and slowly closes his fists.
Michael Callaghan: Tonight is my first night back in the ring since the night Tinsley got injured. Now, I take a big part of the blame on that one since I was there when I all happened but I'm not the only one at fault. But it would seem… That I'm the only one that feels bad about it.
He slowly draws in a breath.
Michael Callaghan: So you could say there's a lot on my mind coming into this match up. But I know I need to focus on Cece and Ciara. They are both tough competitors and despite my teaming with Liam again, we need to do our absolute best to take them down. So Ciara and Cece? Get ready for our best shot!
Tag Match
We cut to the back where Michael Callaghan is sitting in his locker room. He looks over his hands and slowly closes his fists.
Michael Callaghan: Tonight is my first night back in the ring since the night Tinsley got injured. Now, I take a big part of the blame on that one since I was there when I all happened but I'm not the only one at fault. But it would seem… That I'm the only one that feels bad about it.
He slowly draws in a breath.
Michael Callaghan: So you could say there's a lot on my mind coming into this match up. But I know I need to focus on Cece and Ciara. They are both tough competitors and despite my teaming with Liam again, we need to do our absolute best to take them down. So Ciara and Cece? Get ready for our best shot!
Tag Match
Liam Callaghan & Michael Callaghan v Ciara Barten & Cecily Bell
The match started off with Michael and Ciara in the ring. Ciara clearly wanted some revenge for Tinsley Reed and was quick to slam Michael to the mat, mericless in her attacks and strikes until she was pulled back and cautioned by the official. Liam called to his brother to get his head in the game, as Mikey appeared to be distracted; this only distracted him further as Ciara charged him again but this time Michael flipped her and landed a few shots of his own before tagging in Liam.
Ciara jumped across the ring to tag in Cecily, who was blasted by Liam as soon as she got into the ring, after a series of hard strikes he threw her over and onto the mat with a backbreaker; hooking the leg for an easy three count that Ciara was just too late to break up.
Winners: Liam & Michael Callaghan
SEGMENT
Cameras cut to the backstage area of the arena, the locker room of FAW Showcase Champion “YOUR Favorite Drug” Xavier Laroux. He sat upon a black metal folding chair, currently in the process of taping his hands up for the fight ahead of him. Suddenly, a backstage worker emerged into the room, almost shocked to see Xavier sitting in that chair.
Backstage Worker: “We’ve been lookin all over for you. It’s time for the interview with Sophie.”
Turning his head to look to the man, Xavier shook his head, scoffing as he turned away to continue taping his fists.
Xavier Laroux: “Do you know the kinda shit I’ve been goin through as of late? I got Laina tryinta hit up Ales and now I gotta look over my shoulder in case her twin fuckboys get ballsy. They ain’t gonna get me like they got Gabe. I honestly don’t feel like answering Sophie’s stupid ass questions right now. Everythin I needa say, I’ll say it out there with my fists. So unless you have somethin more important to say get the fuck outta my locker room.”
Without another word, that worker made his way out of the locker room, not wasting a moment in doing so. Going back to taping his fists, it seemed like almost no time later before that door swung open again. This time, in walked The Antagonist Gabriel Laroux. Rising up from his chair, Xavier turned his head to look at Gabriel as he walked up to Xavier.
Gabriel Laroux: “Have you talked to her?”
He shrugged a little bit in response.
Xavier Laroux: “I’ve tried to. She’s still..I don’t know..”
Gabriel Laroux: “Stupid? Begging to get her head stomped in?”
He shot Gabe an almost annoyed look as he sighed, shaking his head.
Xavier Laroux: “Manipulated. Taken advantage of. Out of her head. That’s more what I was goin with.”
Gabe shook his head, a look of disappointment on his features.
Gabriel Laroux: “How many times does she have to slap you in the face for you to realize she doesn’t want help. She wants a fight]. I thought that’s what you were all about?”
He stepped forward, chest to chest with his older brother.
Xavier Laroux: “Wanna see what I’m] about? Wait ‘till that bell rings. Now, if you don’t mind..”
He waved Gabriel off towards the door, going back to the taping of his fists.
Gabriel Laroux: “Maybe you’re the one manipulated..taken advantage of..out of your head.”
Not another word spoken, Gabriel turned and made his way out of that locker room. As the door closed, Xavier ripped that tape before throwing the roll at the door, yelling out in anger as the scene cut back to ringside.
Cameras cut to the backstage area of the arena, the locker room of FAW Showcase Champion “YOUR Favorite Drug” Xavier Laroux. He sat upon a black metal folding chair, currently in the process of taping his hands up for the fight ahead of him. Suddenly, a backstage worker emerged into the room, almost shocked to see Xavier sitting in that chair.
Backstage Worker: “We’ve been lookin all over for you. It’s time for the interview with Sophie.”
Turning his head to look to the man, Xavier shook his head, scoffing as he turned away to continue taping his fists.
Xavier Laroux: “Do you know the kinda shit I’ve been goin through as of late? I got Laina tryinta hit up Ales and now I gotta look over my shoulder in case her twin fuckboys get ballsy. They ain’t gonna get me like they got Gabe. I honestly don’t feel like answering Sophie’s stupid ass questions right now. Everythin I needa say, I’ll say it out there with my fists. So unless you have somethin more important to say get the fuck outta my locker room.”
Without another word, that worker made his way out of the locker room, not wasting a moment in doing so. Going back to taping his fists, it seemed like almost no time later before that door swung open again. This time, in walked The Antagonist Gabriel Laroux. Rising up from his chair, Xavier turned his head to look at Gabriel as he walked up to Xavier.
Gabriel Laroux: “Have you talked to her?”
He shrugged a little bit in response.
Xavier Laroux: “I’ve tried to. She’s still..I don’t know..”
Gabriel Laroux: “Stupid? Begging to get her head stomped in?”
He shot Gabe an almost annoyed look as he sighed, shaking his head.
Xavier Laroux: “Manipulated. Taken advantage of. Out of her head. That’s more what I was goin with.”
Gabe shook his head, a look of disappointment on his features.
Gabriel Laroux: “How many times does she have to slap you in the face for you to realize she doesn’t want help. She wants a fight]. I thought that’s what you were all about?”
He stepped forward, chest to chest with his older brother.
Xavier Laroux: “Wanna see what I’m] about? Wait ‘till that bell rings. Now, if you don’t mind..”
He waved Gabriel off towards the door, going back to the taping of his fists.
Gabriel Laroux: “Maybe you’re the one manipulated..taken advantage of..out of your head.”
Not another word spoken, Gabriel turned and made his way out of that locker room. As the door closed, Xavier ripped that tape before throwing the roll at the door, yelling out in anger as the scene cut back to ringside.
Singles Match
Sawyer Reed v Fiona O’Dalaigh
Sawyer made quick and easy work of Fiona, taking out the frustrations from the previous show on the young woman and knocking her from pillar to post, several hard strikes to the body forced her into the corner where Sawyer choked her with a solid forearm until he was cautioned off. He then returned to throwing her off the ropes and into a hard kick that snapped her head back, before rolling her up for the pin.
Winner Sawyer Reed
SEGMENT
Lex Collins sits on the concrete break-wall in front of the Luxor's Sphinx, hands resting on his knees. The area's deserted, a hush in the night as he stares forward.
Lex Collins:
Well, it happened. The sun got blotted out by the moon. The world kept spinnin'. The dog got thrown a bone. I mean, I wanted to beat a Laroux an' walk out last show as a champion, but, y'know, Grimey "The Rookie" Grimes had to pull off that upset, prove his last name isn't how he weaseled his way in. Nope. He's got... talent? Moxie? Annoying relatives already on payroll? Tick all the fuckin' boxes, why don'tcha? The Callaghans had to prove they weren't just wastin' space. So hey, it just wasn't my night. Shit happens.
He shrugs.
Lex Collins:
I don't claim to understand the inner workings of a wrestlin' company. I don't give a fuck about buyrates an' ticket sales an' all that jazz. I leave that kinda thing to my girl – much as people wanna throw shade at her, she's good at it. My problem is that I can't just go out there an' dog it. I can't just show up, collect a check an' call it a day. I… can't do things halfway. Every night I leave a piece of myself in that ring, each time in a different place. Leavin' marks on myself, hollowing out all the garbage bit by bit. Suppose that's a bit of a blessing. I run my mouth, people get pissed off an' I actually get what I want. Every time my music hits, I go out there an' chip away somethin' of myself. Fragments of heart an' soul, shreds of my marrow. The cool thing is I'm like that dude chained to the rock in that myth... the parts grow back an' I got them in plentiful supply so the night after I just do it again 'cause that's what I know. I bleed... I sweat... I fuckin' exist 'cause of them. This business changes you in little ways, at first. For better, or worse, it does.
He sniffs, shaking his head.
Lex Collins:
No lie. I was pissed when I saw the bookin' sheet. Course I was. See, poor former champ Cass gets to dance with the guys I had my sights on in that Showcase rumble. Disappointment is a real thing, kids. I wanted that revenge trip. Instead I get...
A hint of a smile quirks his lips.
Lex Collins:
I get to feel out the big guy himself. Feels like a consolation prize. Didn't win the trip, but I go home with more lumps an' a toaster oven! Hot damn! Seriously though? This' the worst kinda rando tag – too many movin' parts for my liking. An' I suppose I come off like a dick for implying I can't count on Alex Parker to have my back but let's not split hairs here. I don't know him. Never trained with him. True tandem wrestlin' isn't a thing you can fake by mashing two similar guys together. What else can I say? I mean I beat the kid in a match an' it's not like it was real competitive, but hey, last time I called someone out on bein' a lazy shit, I got buried in the pile-on game. Let's just say I feel this is more like Nakamura needed to keep limber an' I drew the short straw. Gonna make the most of it. Kinda have to, right?
He chuckles, that half-smile there and gone in an instant.
Lex Collins:
I'm sayin' all this shit an' I'm thinking how awesome it'd be to be able to go invisible at will. Maybe the memory'd fade too, so that you'd be right there in front of me with that blank look on your face. Suddenly you wouldn't know why you were slated to fight me – who the hell's this guy? If I had a dollar for every time I've gotten that 'who are you' loada shit over the last couple years, I'd have enough to treat everyone on the roster to Waffle House after the show. This week's about showin' the world, showin' the powers that be how I can hang with the big dogs. I ain't no wannabe 'army of one', no cliched Headliner. Got no desire to bleed buckets out there – I wanna actually wrestle, no gimmicks.
He stares into the camera in silence for a few seconds.
Lex Collins:
I know who I am. I've been talkin' for months about settin' the world on fire. Not this week. This week I'm gonna refrain from my plagiarized bullshit punk mantras. Strip it down, plain an' clear. I'm gonna be direct. Honest. Like the moon today, I'm here to blot out that blinding glow, take back a measure of glory for the little guy. See, a new legacy is bein' written, an' it's about the righteous an' virtuous. It's not about the sadists an' the shitheads who continue the vicious cycle. It's not about the machinations an' conflagrations… it's about what you got in your heart. It's about lookin' the other guy in the eye so he knows. My moment is on the horizon. Undisputed. Uncontested.
That smile is back, growing slowly before he utters one more word, deadly calm.
Lex Collins:
Fearless.
Winner Sawyer Reed
SEGMENT
Lex Collins sits on the concrete break-wall in front of the Luxor's Sphinx, hands resting on his knees. The area's deserted, a hush in the night as he stares forward.
Lex Collins:
Well, it happened. The sun got blotted out by the moon. The world kept spinnin'. The dog got thrown a bone. I mean, I wanted to beat a Laroux an' walk out last show as a champion, but, y'know, Grimey "The Rookie" Grimes had to pull off that upset, prove his last name isn't how he weaseled his way in. Nope. He's got... talent? Moxie? Annoying relatives already on payroll? Tick all the fuckin' boxes, why don'tcha? The Callaghans had to prove they weren't just wastin' space. So hey, it just wasn't my night. Shit happens.
He shrugs.
Lex Collins:
I don't claim to understand the inner workings of a wrestlin' company. I don't give a fuck about buyrates an' ticket sales an' all that jazz. I leave that kinda thing to my girl – much as people wanna throw shade at her, she's good at it. My problem is that I can't just go out there an' dog it. I can't just show up, collect a check an' call it a day. I… can't do things halfway. Every night I leave a piece of myself in that ring, each time in a different place. Leavin' marks on myself, hollowing out all the garbage bit by bit. Suppose that's a bit of a blessing. I run my mouth, people get pissed off an' I actually get what I want. Every time my music hits, I go out there an' chip away somethin' of myself. Fragments of heart an' soul, shreds of my marrow. The cool thing is I'm like that dude chained to the rock in that myth... the parts grow back an' I got them in plentiful supply so the night after I just do it again 'cause that's what I know. I bleed... I sweat... I fuckin' exist 'cause of them. This business changes you in little ways, at first. For better, or worse, it does.
He sniffs, shaking his head.
Lex Collins:
No lie. I was pissed when I saw the bookin' sheet. Course I was. See, poor former champ Cass gets to dance with the guys I had my sights on in that Showcase rumble. Disappointment is a real thing, kids. I wanted that revenge trip. Instead I get...
A hint of a smile quirks his lips.
Lex Collins:
I get to feel out the big guy himself. Feels like a consolation prize. Didn't win the trip, but I go home with more lumps an' a toaster oven! Hot damn! Seriously though? This' the worst kinda rando tag – too many movin' parts for my liking. An' I suppose I come off like a dick for implying I can't count on Alex Parker to have my back but let's not split hairs here. I don't know him. Never trained with him. True tandem wrestlin' isn't a thing you can fake by mashing two similar guys together. What else can I say? I mean I beat the kid in a match an' it's not like it was real competitive, but hey, last time I called someone out on bein' a lazy shit, I got buried in the pile-on game. Let's just say I feel this is more like Nakamura needed to keep limber an' I drew the short straw. Gonna make the most of it. Kinda have to, right?
He chuckles, that half-smile there and gone in an instant.
Lex Collins:
I'm sayin' all this shit an' I'm thinking how awesome it'd be to be able to go invisible at will. Maybe the memory'd fade too, so that you'd be right there in front of me with that blank look on your face. Suddenly you wouldn't know why you were slated to fight me – who the hell's this guy? If I had a dollar for every time I've gotten that 'who are you' loada shit over the last couple years, I'd have enough to treat everyone on the roster to Waffle House after the show. This week's about showin' the world, showin' the powers that be how I can hang with the big dogs. I ain't no wannabe 'army of one', no cliched Headliner. Got no desire to bleed buckets out there – I wanna actually wrestle, no gimmicks.
He stares into the camera in silence for a few seconds.
Lex Collins:
I know who I am. I've been talkin' for months about settin' the world on fire. Not this week. This week I'm gonna refrain from my plagiarized bullshit punk mantras. Strip it down, plain an' clear. I'm gonna be direct. Honest. Like the moon today, I'm here to blot out that blinding glow, take back a measure of glory for the little guy. See, a new legacy is bein' written, an' it's about the righteous an' virtuous. It's not about the sadists an' the shitheads who continue the vicious cycle. It's not about the machinations an' conflagrations… it's about what you got in your heart. It's about lookin' the other guy in the eye so he knows. My moment is on the horizon. Undisputed. Uncontested.
That smile is back, growing slowly before he utters one more word, deadly calm.
Lex Collins:
Fearless.
SEGMENT
Noah is backstage holding the FAW Championship in one hand and a picture of his family in the other. His eyes move from one to the other as a smile comes to his face.
Noah Nakamura: Beautiful aren't they? My top prized possessions in this entire world. My beautiful family and then the FAW Championship Title. Both mean the everything and both are worth fighting for.
His eyes slowly move up towards the camera.
Noah Nakamura: Every night I have a match, I'm fighting to keep this title and to keep food on the table for my family. So anyone… Anyone across the ring from me trying to stop me from doing either of these things are in for a sad and painful outcome. People say that when a man has nothing left, he is a very dangerous man.
Noah lets out a small laugh.
Noah Nakamura: That's nothing more than a foolish notion. How can a man be dangerous when they don't have anything to lose? Nothing to drive them or keep them up and worried. Some might think the want, the hungry for something is the biggest motivation but you don't know what you're missing until you actually have it. My family, this Championship? I know what I would be without them… Nothing. And THAT… Is the biggest motivation of all.
Noah is backstage holding the FAW Championship in one hand and a picture of his family in the other. His eyes move from one to the other as a smile comes to his face.
Noah Nakamura: Beautiful aren't they? My top prized possessions in this entire world. My beautiful family and then the FAW Championship Title. Both mean the everything and both are worth fighting for.
His eyes slowly move up towards the camera.
Noah Nakamura: Every night I have a match, I'm fighting to keep this title and to keep food on the table for my family. So anyone… Anyone across the ring from me trying to stop me from doing either of these things are in for a sad and painful outcome. People say that when a man has nothing left, he is a very dangerous man.
Noah lets out a small laugh.
Noah Nakamura: That's nothing more than a foolish notion. How can a man be dangerous when they don't have anything to lose? Nothing to drive them or keep them up and worried. Some might think the want, the hungry for something is the biggest motivation but you don't know what you're missing until you actually have it. My family, this Championship? I know what I would be without them… Nothing. And THAT… Is the biggest motivation of all.
Tag Match
Noah Nakamura & Seth Lawless v Lex Collins & Alexander Parker
At the sound of the bell Nakamura and Collins lock in the middle of the ring both fighting for the advantage. Collins gets an early advantage on the Champion but Noah uses his superior speed and striking to battle back, forcing a tag to Parker. Noah continues to look strong against Parker before Lawless is tagged in. Seth and Parker match up well with Seth pushing the moment until Collins is tagged back in.
Lex takes control as he outworks Seth and keeps him grounded. Collins and Parker work well tagging in and out, keeping Lawless down in their corner. But a slight miscommunication between them allows Lawless to make a hot tag to Noah who clears the ring. Nakamura is then able to hit his flip DDT and cover Parker for the win as Lawless throws himself at Collins to stop the break up.
Winners: Noah Nakamura & Seth Lawless
SEGMENT
At the sound of the bell Nakamura and Collins lock in the middle of the ring both fighting for the advantage. Collins gets an early advantage on the Champion but Noah uses his superior speed and striking to battle back, forcing a tag to Parker. Noah continues to look strong against Parker before Lawless is tagged in. Seth and Parker match up well with Seth pushing the moment until Collins is tagged back in.
Lex takes control as he outworks Seth and keeps him grounded. Collins and Parker work well tagging in and out, keeping Lawless down in their corner. But a slight miscommunication between them allows Lawless to make a hot tag to Noah who clears the ring. Nakamura is then able to hit his flip DDT and cover Parker for the win as Lawless throws himself at Collins to stop the break up.
Winners: Noah Nakamura & Seth Lawless
SEGMENT
Show me, how you justify, telling all your lies like second nature.
Listen, mark my words, one day
You will pay..you will pay.
Karma’s gonna come collect your debt
The uproar of boos from the crowd alongside the sounds of Set It Off’s Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing signaled the arrival of Alaina Laroux. The youngest Laroux stepped out onto the stage to that negativity raining down upon her. Standing still for a moment, she let her head fall back, almost basking in their hatred. A look of enjoyment broke out across her face as she looked towards the ring, making her way down towards it. Stopping to be handed a microphone, Alaina climbed up onto the apron before ducking into the ring and walking towards the middle of the ring.
Alaina Laroux: “Once more, I come out here...in front of you all..to grace you with my presence..to add something more to the mediocrity of this show..of this promotion in and of itself. And what do I get for it? You people scream obscenities at me. You people show just how classless you are. But it’s okay, I don’t expect more from a group of people willingly buying tickets to watch this trash. You people want to see a real show? Come to a Proving Grounds show. But I’m not out here to talk about how much better we are..oh no. I’m here to talk about order.”
A hint of deviousness grew out across her features as she reached up, brushing a few stray strands of hair out from her line of sight. Turning her body, she looked towards the entrance stage, that deviousness remaining plastered to her features.
Alaina Laroux: “From what I’ve seen, there is nothing but a lack of order around here. The inmates running the asylum..so to say. Which is why I have done something you all should get down on your knees and thank me for. While I have no interest in signing my name upon the toilet paper that is a FAW contract..my family have no such qualms..”
Iiii seeeee your face before my eyessss..
I’m falling into darkness.
Whyyyy must I fight to stay aliveeee..
Heroes falling.
The arena fell into a dark blue hue as the eerie sounds of Cryoshell’s Creeping In My Soul drowned out the negative reaction received as two young men walked out from the back. Completely identical to one another facially, the two men began making their way down the ramp before sliding into the ring in unison. Getting to their feet, they stopped once they got in front of Alaina. They dropped into a kneel in front of her as she leaned down, placing her microphone upon the canvas. She brought the both of her hands up, resting them on the faces of the ones in front of her.
Alaina took a step back, nodding her head in acceptance to the two newcomers. One of them wore a pair of tattered denim jeans and a skin tight white tank top. Picking up the microphone up, he rose to his feet at the same time as his twin brother did. That brother was dressed in a pair of loose fitting black leather pants while his torso was covered with the airy black mesh shirt. The one with the microphone raised it to his mouth, speaking up.
“I am Vincent Anker.”
Lowering that microphone, a broad grin broke out across his features. His free hand coming up, he placed that hand upon the shoulder of his brother who slowly nodded his head.
Vincent Anker: “Tall, dark, and brooding over here is my brother, Leonard Anker. Say hi to everyone, Len.”
The one known as Leonard Anker stood entirely still, not a shift in expression at the slightest, upon his emotionless face. Shrugging his shoulders, Vincent turned away from Leonard, focusing back upon the task at hand.
Vincent Anker: “Together, as our Alaina informed you, we are The Anker. We are the newest Tag Team to emerge onto the scene here in FAW and let me assure you..we are going to grab the division by the throat with both hands and choke the life out of it. We are going to be everything that’s right about this company. Complete unity. Ready to bend to the will of our sister Alaina.”
Turning his head, he looked towards Alaina in almost adoration, Alaina smiling back as she nodded her head.
Vincent Anker: “With her at our side, there is nothing we can’t do. No goal too big. No dream too farfetched. FAW, this is your courtesy call. After tonight? We will climb those ranks, decimating everyone in our path before finally? We hold those Tag Team Championships high above our heads as you all watch in awe as you finally realize..the Anker has dropped.”
A bit of arrogance in the light hearted expression of Vincent, he looked to Alaina for guidance. A nod of approval was given from the youngest Laroux as Vincent tossed his microphone off to the side. Moving to stand next to Leonard, the twins lowered themselves into a kneel at the feet of Alaina. As she did previously, she brought her hands up, placing them both against the faces of her Anker. With that, the scene faded to a commercial break.
SEGMENT
As the vocals of Queens Of The Stone Age burst out of the speakers. the crowd stands to their feet. Cass Baumer makes her way out of the gate with her fists held high while tremendous jeers rain down on the New Zealand-born social media mogul. Clad in a Twitter blue cropped leather jacket, the reporter smirks to the crowd as she struts down the FAW aisle steadily. Spotting the camera aimed directly at her, she turns and begins walking backward, gesturing to the black #BaumerReport logo at the back of the leather jacket with her thumbs as a form of shameless advertising.
Flippantly turning once again to face the ring, she continued walking down towards the ring with a subtle smile. Playfully tipping her snapback flat-rimmed cap to the camera that adorned the logo as well, she tosses it to the crowd. A small amount of the crowd cheers, reaching out to grab the hat within the mass of humanity as Cass slid underneath the bottom rope. Bouncing back to her feet with ease, she swiftly tosses the jacket out of the ring to be retrieved by an official as the boos continue to be rained down on her. As the music dies down, she makes her way to her corner and impatiently gestures towards a man at ringside to hand her a microphone.
Cass Baumer: A couple weeks ago... Jade Night defeated me. She took the championship I worked so hard to attain and single-handedly pissed all over every single person who signed up for the FAW Hardcore Invitational thinking I would be the opponent to the person lucky enough to win the whole thing.
Shaking her head, she gripped the top rope with one hand while she held the microphone with the other, eyes scanning the crowd who hung on her every word.
Cass Baumer: In the span of six months, I managed to carefully cement myself as one of the most recognizable names in wrestling today. And sure, you could deny facts. You could bitch and moan, glossing over everything I achieved in such a short time but what's the point? Everyone knows I transformed the FAW hardcore division from the pathetic #DivisionOfOne into a juggernaut. 48 people signed up in order to compete with each other — not to mention the countless others who wanted to sign up after the fact — just so they could get a piece of me and attempt to take the FAW Hardcore Championship from my possession. I was advertised on the poster, I became The Voice Of FAW and The Headliner in everything I did, and while I was the most popular FAW Hardcore Champion BY FAR according to an absolutely unbiased poll I tweeted out to the world, Jade Night suddenly craps all over everything I set out to build in one foul swoop!
Strutting with a confident aura, boos rained down on Cass as she walked back and forth in the middle of the ring.
Cass Baumer: Do you know what it's like to spend six months bringing something to prominence just to have it ripped away by someone who doesn't even matter? Do you know what's like to work at building a brand just so you can watch it collapse under someone else's weight that shouldn't have even been involved in the first place?
She shook her head back and forth.
Cass Baumer: No... You'll never know what it's like to build a brand. You'll never know what it's like to build something worth a damn. The best you've ever done is stacking a few Lego bricks together and watching your parents knock it down before your abyssmal creation was done.
The crowd booed at the insinuation, powerful boos as she continued to pace.
Cass Baumer: You're not creative like me. You'll never know what it's like to innovate a goddamn thing 'cause you're too busy towing the company line like good boys and girls — and that includes every single person in the back right now. I brought FAW to prominence while you were too consumed with yourself to even give a fuck and you know damn well that includes Jade Night!
Cass nodded at the thought while the crowd continued to jeer even louder, climbing the turnbuckle and sitting down at the top like it was an office chair.
Cass Baumer: The 48 people who joined the tournament have grown disappointed that I wasn't the one who stood at the end like it was advertised! People rioted in the streets when they heard the news and the FAW stock plummeted further than it ever had! Jade Night capitalized on a distraction that wasn't even meant for me and now nobody gives a damn about the hardcore division I spent MONTHS dragging out of obscurity! It was the most talked about thing in FAW as a whole, maybe one of the most talked about things in the wrestling community as a whole, and Jade just smashed all the charitable work I did for FAW over her knee in a match that shouldn't have been made in the first place!
As she exaggerated the situation with her loud mouth against the microphone, the crowd continued to show their displeasure for The Headliner.
Cass Baumer: I hope you liked it when the hardcore division was called #DivisonOfOne again 'cause at this point, I don't even give a fuck anymore. I did what I could to make the entire division as relevant as I could and it all fell to pieces in a move outside of my control. Here's hoping the winner of the FAW Hardcore Invitational gives as much of a fuck as I did and helps elevate the division back to even greater heights in my absence but as things stand right now... I'm done! I'm moving on towards greener pastures and you have the vile FAW Hardcore Champion Jade Night to blame for it!
With a sly smirk, she gestured towards the crowd to get louder as she proudly defamed one of her upcoming opponents.
Cass Baumer: I heard Jade even said unspeakable things about a certain unborn baby as well. Disgraceful, right?! Repugnant. And you thought I was the bad guy.
The crowd wasn't afraid to show Cass what they were feeling.
Cass Baumer: So while I could teach Jade a lesson on how to properly congratulate a woman by punching Jade squarely in the skull until she gets the message that she fucked up big time and I could win the FAW Hardcore Championship for an unprecedented third time without even giving it 100%, I decided I would rather move forward towards becoming the first EVER Unified Champion in FAW!!
Still perched effortlessly at the top of the turnbuckle, she continued her explanation.
Cass Baumer: Enough about that, though. Let's back up and talk about tonight, shall we? Let's talk about the way Jade couldn't beat me without a distraction and let's talk about the fact that tonight... It's The Headliner and The Voice Of FAW Cass Baumer teaming up with the one and only... The Face Of SAP Gabriel Laroux versus... FAW Showcase Champion and YOUR Favorite Addiction Xavier Laroux and the woman who nonchalantly threatened the death of Xavier's unborn nephew... FAW Hardcore Champion Jade Night!
Cass shook her head back and forth at the thought.
Cass Baumer: So while Jade Night couldn't beat me without a distraction, Xavier Laroux wouldn't have been able to beat me in the special guest referee match without his sister Alaina putting matters into her own hands either. And tonight, I have the luxury of proving that fact right here and right now!!
The excitement began to coat her words.
Cass Baumer: With Gabe on my side — The Face Of SAP and The Voice Of FAW on one team in a can't miss contest — we're going to beat the new Showcase Champion and the new Hardcore Champion in a match that'll overshadow the main event in one foul swoop! I'm going to prove that without Alaina and Lennox interfering and without distractions catching me for a loop, Gabe and I can beat two of the best sons of bitches in this whole damn company! And let me make something else clear...
She searched the crowd and spotted Alaina Laroux. Pointing in her direction, Cass' expression turned serious.
Cass Baumer: Remember what I told you, Alaina. I wasn't bluffing... You decide to interfere in this match in any way possible and I'll make sure you're leaving this arena in handcuffs, understand me?
Cassandra glanced back at the camera.
Cass Baumer: I'm sick of talking. Get out here, Jade. Xavier, Gabe, all three of you! It's time to show FAW why I'm The Headliner once and for all... And as Xavier and I talked about before I walked out here tonight, I'm all out of mercy!
With that, she threw the microphone over her shoulder and watched the curtain to see who would come out next.
As the vocals of Queens Of The Stone Age burst out of the speakers. the crowd stands to their feet. Cass Baumer makes her way out of the gate with her fists held high while tremendous jeers rain down on the New Zealand-born social media mogul. Clad in a Twitter blue cropped leather jacket, the reporter smirks to the crowd as she struts down the FAW aisle steadily. Spotting the camera aimed directly at her, she turns and begins walking backward, gesturing to the black #BaumerReport logo at the back of the leather jacket with her thumbs as a form of shameless advertising.
Flippantly turning once again to face the ring, she continued walking down towards the ring with a subtle smile. Playfully tipping her snapback flat-rimmed cap to the camera that adorned the logo as well, she tosses it to the crowd. A small amount of the crowd cheers, reaching out to grab the hat within the mass of humanity as Cass slid underneath the bottom rope. Bouncing back to her feet with ease, she swiftly tosses the jacket out of the ring to be retrieved by an official as the boos continue to be rained down on her. As the music dies down, she makes her way to her corner and impatiently gestures towards a man at ringside to hand her a microphone.
Cass Baumer: A couple weeks ago... Jade Night defeated me. She took the championship I worked so hard to attain and single-handedly pissed all over every single person who signed up for the FAW Hardcore Invitational thinking I would be the opponent to the person lucky enough to win the whole thing.
Shaking her head, she gripped the top rope with one hand while she held the microphone with the other, eyes scanning the crowd who hung on her every word.
Cass Baumer: In the span of six months, I managed to carefully cement myself as one of the most recognizable names in wrestling today. And sure, you could deny facts. You could bitch and moan, glossing over everything I achieved in such a short time but what's the point? Everyone knows I transformed the FAW hardcore division from the pathetic #DivisionOfOne into a juggernaut. 48 people signed up in order to compete with each other — not to mention the countless others who wanted to sign up after the fact — just so they could get a piece of me and attempt to take the FAW Hardcore Championship from my possession. I was advertised on the poster, I became The Voice Of FAW and The Headliner in everything I did, and while I was the most popular FAW Hardcore Champion BY FAR according to an absolutely unbiased poll I tweeted out to the world, Jade Night suddenly craps all over everything I set out to build in one foul swoop!
Strutting with a confident aura, boos rained down on Cass as she walked back and forth in the middle of the ring.
Cass Baumer: Do you know what it's like to spend six months bringing something to prominence just to have it ripped away by someone who doesn't even matter? Do you know what's like to work at building a brand just so you can watch it collapse under someone else's weight that shouldn't have even been involved in the first place?
She shook her head back and forth.
Cass Baumer: No... You'll never know what it's like to build a brand. You'll never know what it's like to build something worth a damn. The best you've ever done is stacking a few Lego bricks together and watching your parents knock it down before your abyssmal creation was done.
The crowd booed at the insinuation, powerful boos as she continued to pace.
Cass Baumer: You're not creative like me. You'll never know what it's like to innovate a goddamn thing 'cause you're too busy towing the company line like good boys and girls — and that includes every single person in the back right now. I brought FAW to prominence while you were too consumed with yourself to even give a fuck and you know damn well that includes Jade Night!
Cass nodded at the thought while the crowd continued to jeer even louder, climbing the turnbuckle and sitting down at the top like it was an office chair.
Cass Baumer: The 48 people who joined the tournament have grown disappointed that I wasn't the one who stood at the end like it was advertised! People rioted in the streets when they heard the news and the FAW stock plummeted further than it ever had! Jade Night capitalized on a distraction that wasn't even meant for me and now nobody gives a damn about the hardcore division I spent MONTHS dragging out of obscurity! It was the most talked about thing in FAW as a whole, maybe one of the most talked about things in the wrestling community as a whole, and Jade just smashed all the charitable work I did for FAW over her knee in a match that shouldn't have been made in the first place!
As she exaggerated the situation with her loud mouth against the microphone, the crowd continued to show their displeasure for The Headliner.
Cass Baumer: I hope you liked it when the hardcore division was called #DivisonOfOne again 'cause at this point, I don't even give a fuck anymore. I did what I could to make the entire division as relevant as I could and it all fell to pieces in a move outside of my control. Here's hoping the winner of the FAW Hardcore Invitational gives as much of a fuck as I did and helps elevate the division back to even greater heights in my absence but as things stand right now... I'm done! I'm moving on towards greener pastures and you have the vile FAW Hardcore Champion Jade Night to blame for it!
With a sly smirk, she gestured towards the crowd to get louder as she proudly defamed one of her upcoming opponents.
Cass Baumer: I heard Jade even said unspeakable things about a certain unborn baby as well. Disgraceful, right?! Repugnant. And you thought I was the bad guy.
The crowd wasn't afraid to show Cass what they were feeling.
Cass Baumer: So while I could teach Jade a lesson on how to properly congratulate a woman by punching Jade squarely in the skull until she gets the message that she fucked up big time and I could win the FAW Hardcore Championship for an unprecedented third time without even giving it 100%, I decided I would rather move forward towards becoming the first EVER Unified Champion in FAW!!
Still perched effortlessly at the top of the turnbuckle, she continued her explanation.
Cass Baumer: Enough about that, though. Let's back up and talk about tonight, shall we? Let's talk about the way Jade couldn't beat me without a distraction and let's talk about the fact that tonight... It's The Headliner and The Voice Of FAW Cass Baumer teaming up with the one and only... The Face Of SAP Gabriel Laroux versus... FAW Showcase Champion and YOUR Favorite Addiction Xavier Laroux and the woman who nonchalantly threatened the death of Xavier's unborn nephew... FAW Hardcore Champion Jade Night!
Cass shook her head back and forth at the thought.
Cass Baumer: So while Jade Night couldn't beat me without a distraction, Xavier Laroux wouldn't have been able to beat me in the special guest referee match without his sister Alaina putting matters into her own hands either. And tonight, I have the luxury of proving that fact right here and right now!!
The excitement began to coat her words.
Cass Baumer: With Gabe on my side — The Face Of SAP and The Voice Of FAW on one team in a can't miss contest — we're going to beat the new Showcase Champion and the new Hardcore Champion in a match that'll overshadow the main event in one foul swoop! I'm going to prove that without Alaina and Lennox interfering and without distractions catching me for a loop, Gabe and I can beat two of the best sons of bitches in this whole damn company! And let me make something else clear...
She searched the crowd and spotted Alaina Laroux. Pointing in her direction, Cass' expression turned serious.
Cass Baumer: Remember what I told you, Alaina. I wasn't bluffing... You decide to interfere in this match in any way possible and I'll make sure you're leaving this arena in handcuffs, understand me?
Cassandra glanced back at the camera.
Cass Baumer: I'm sick of talking. Get out here, Jade. Xavier, Gabe, all three of you! It's time to show FAW why I'm The Headliner once and for all... And as Xavier and I talked about before I walked out here tonight, I'm all out of mercy!
With that, she threw the microphone over her shoulder and watched the curtain to see who would come out next.
Main Event:
Xavier Laroux & Jade Night v Gabriel Laroux & Cass Baumer
As the bell rang, it was decided that Xavier and Gabriel would begin the match for their respective teams. The brothers and former Tag Team Champions circled one another in the middle of the ring, Xavier showing that ego as he smirked arrogantly, running his mouth at Gabriel, showering him with insults. Stoic as per usual, Gabriel showed no reaction to what Xavier was saying before suddenly lunging forward and taking his younger brother down with a clothesline.
Xavier was quick to recover to his feet only to catch sight of Gabriel rebounding off of those ropes and nailing another quick clothesline. A bit slower to get back up this time, Gabriel continued to put the pressure on the Showcase Champion, backing him into the corner with a few well placed right hands. Once in the corner, Gabriel turned his back to Xavier, snapping back with a Back Elbow to his face. Turning back around, he ran across the ring to the opposing turnbuckle only to storm across that canvas. As soon as he got close enough, Xavier threw himself out of the way, letting Gabe crash into the turnbuckles.
Gabriel stumbled out of that corner as Xavier bolted over towards him, taking him up and over with a Kitchen Sink. Not giving his older brother a second to breathe, he began stomping at the ribs of Gabriel, forcing him into a defensive position. Leaning down, Xavier grabbed the right wrist of Gabriel, grabbing his right knee as well, dropping into a kneel as he did so. Drawing that right knee back, he swung it forward, driving it into the exposed ribs of Gabriel with great force. Once released, Gabriel rolled back and forth on that canvas, nursing his side.
Rising back to his feet, Xavier stood next to the downed Gabriel, shouting down at him to tag in Cass. With each inch that Gabe covered, trying to make that tag, Xavier was there with his usual trash talk. As Gabriel got close enough to dive for the tag, Xavier threw himself into Cass with a forearm shot, knocking her off of the apron. Seeming to be extremely proud of his work, Xavier walked away from the fallen Gabriel, taking a bow to the negative reaction given off by the crowd. Rising back up with a smirk, he turned around to catch a Big Boot right between his eyes from Gabriel, the crowd cheering loudly at that. Stomping down onto the fallen Xavier, Gabriel bent down to pull him up. Shoving him back into the ropes, Gabriel caught him on the rebound as he spun around and snapped down, driving the spine of Xavier into the canvas with a Double A Spinebuster!
Quick to make the cover, Gabriel only received a two count for his efforts. Not letting himself get frustrated, Gabriel pulled himself and Xavier back to their respective feet. Before he could get a word in edge wise, Xavier was quick to rake the eyes of Gabriel, sending him stumbling back. Throwing himself back into the ropes, Xavier ran towards Gabriel only to be tossed up in the air, landing down onto the shoulders of Gabriel as The Antagonist fell back into a Toss-Up Samoan Drop!
The face paced, high impact offense of the brothers took their toll and it showed as they struggled to drag themselves across the canvas, trying like hell to reach their corner. During this, Cass Baumer recovered herself enough to get back up on the apron. They dove to their corners, tagging in Cass and Jade! Night was taken off guard by the sudden burst of offense from Cass, those right hands staggering her back. Cass went for another as Jade ducked underneath it. Without turning around, Jade flipped backwards, catching Cass in the side of the head with that Pele Kick!
Back to her feet, Jade leaned down, pulling Cass up by the hair of her head. Whipping her off into those ropes, she patiently waited for Cass to rebound. Just as soon as she did, Jade leapt up, showing off that incredible vertical leap. Her legs wrapping around the head of Cass, she fell back, trying for that Hurricanrana Driver but Cass managed to stop the momentum, not letting herself flip over. She swung Jade up before falling back with her knees elevated, driving Jade’s spine down across them.
Jade rolled over onto her front, clutching the middle of her back as Cass got back to her feet. She leaned down, pulling Jade back to her feet. Applying a rather tight Hammerlock, she spun Jade out before jerking her back into a Short Arm Lariat. She covered Jade, getting the count of two before the bottom of Xavier’s boot landed across the back of her head. As Cass rolled off of Jade, Xavier made his way back to the corner.
Cass got back to her feet as she turned her attention to Xavier, clearly not all too happy with what had just happened. While they shouted back and forth, Jade was able to recover enough to get back to her feet. Seeing the distracted Cass, she caught the unsuspecting former Hardcore Champion in the back of the head with an Enziguri! As she dropped like a sack of bricks, Jade waved off the booing crowd, dragging Cass over and making the tag to Xavier. Stomping down onto the fallen Cass, Xavier played it up to the crowd, almost belittling Cass as he pushed at her head with the sole of his boot.
He leaned down to pull Cass back up before launching her across the ring with an Irish Whip. As she rebounded, he bent down to toss her up and over but Cass was ready, rolling across the back of the doubled over Xavier. As he stood back up, Cass stomped onto the back of his right knee, dropping him to a kneeling position. She ran back into the ropes before bouncing off of them. Flipping forward, she caught the head of Xavier and spiked him with that Somersault Cutter! Quickly, she rolled him over, making the cover. As the official reached the count of two, Jade was there to break up the pin.
Once back out onto the apron, Cass and Jade shouted back and forth at one another as she previously did with Xavier. Out of nowhere, tired of the interference, Gabriel ducked into the ring and ran across the mat. Diving through the middle and top set of ropes, he caught Jade around the waist as the two of them crashed to the outside. Cass leaned down to pull Xavier up while Gabriel and Jade fought up that ramp, only for Xavier to hook the waist of her bottoms, falling back, and spiking her face into the middle turnbuckle.
Getting back to his feet, Xavier developed a look of malice as he stalked the fallen Cass from a distance, waiting for her to get back up. As she did, Xavier stormed forward, going for that Bicycle Knee Strike. Cass managed to move out of the way, Xavier crashing into the turnbuckles. Quickly, Cass slipped up behind Xavier, pulling him down into a School Boy. The official dropped and made the three count!
Winners: Cass Baumer and Gabriel Laroux.