Post by Ana Valentine on Sept 12, 2017 23:53:43 GMT
Fucking Awesome Wrestling Presents:
Purgatory
Monday September 11th
We open the show with Sage Morgan standing in the middle of the ring, she is flanked on one side by Markos Jimenez and on the other stands Maddux Kingcade, GM for Proving Grounds.
Sage Morgan: Tonight marks a change, not just for the people backstage but for all of you as well. A few weeks ago, you were addressed and informed that FAW and PGW would be combining as to one company, that is where the facts of what you were told, end.
I have personally purchased both companies and all assets have been liquidated, whilst I have retained several roster members to contract, FAW and PGW as you know them, are at an end. Instead I shall be rebranding and refocusing the entire companies to a new horizon.
Sage smiles and looks out at the crowd.
Sage Morgan: Pay close attention in the coming weeks and you will discover exactly what is in store for you all… Some faces will remain, some will go and some new faces will be joining us as well - starting with the newly appointed team of staff you have witnessed come into your screens these past few weeks.
All of these employees have been contracted under me, under this new regime and I intend to offer you all the highest quality product money can buy.
Sage turns on the spot and smiles again.
Sage Morgan: I promise each and every one of you, this is not only what is best for the company, but it is what is best for you, the fans, as well!
SEGMENT
Phoenix Quagliaterre: It's finally here... Purgatory. And only fitting that the Sauce Goddess is involved with something that reminds me of hell once that word rolls off my tongue.
Phoenix is walking down one of the hallways of the arena while backstage workers hurry past her with their tasks and objectives on their minds, wanting to make sure that everything is going on well without a hitch. Calmness seems to settle on the Firebird from the expression on her face as her green eyes roam across each person that rushes past her.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I always say that if knowing thousands of eyes are going to be centered on you inside that ring doesn't get that adrenaline pumping through you then without a doubt, a little backstage stroll should do the trick for ya. All these people... scrambling around to make sure that the show goes perfectly, speeding past you as quickly as life when it passes you by.... just seems to give me that rush. Because it reminds you that you should be taking the night as seriously as these workers do with them doing their jobs... and in return reminding you that you as well have a job to do.
She pauses so that a rather nervous man can wheel some cardboard boxes past her, the guy almost bumping into the wall with him casting that third look behind him just to catch the sway of her hips and ample derriere before entering into the nearby storage closet while Phoenix chuckles with a roll of her eyes.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Watching a backstage worker hard at work can even make a jobber or a ring rat feel like a King or Queen. Anything to boost that courage for an upcoming match where you have to yet again prove to the world and the roster why you are one of the best that they have ever seen. The best that their rough little hands have ever gotten their hands on and if you are lucky, maybe even that damn good? The best challenge they will ever set off to face against.
Phoenix continues her little stroll as she flicks her long red neon hair behind her shoulders and waves at the passing and awe struck workers as if she were the first lady. It occurs to all finally that this is her giving herself an ego stroke from all the eyes backstage falling on her when she passes by, never missing an opportunity to show herself off. She smiles back at the camera again as if she is selling something for a commercial as she finally cuts the corner into a nearly empty hallway and leans against the wall with a sly smirk.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I often wonder how many of my opponents tonight could just... captivate people as well as I do? I feel that is one of the important things of being a champion... being able to hold attention. Because if you are a snorefest and people are taking their piss breaks whenever you are set to wrestle or have words live on television, then maaaaaybe you are not... champion material. The three men i am facing tonight... i respect them all. I already knew I would be facing off against Tanner... I just never expected it to come in a form of a fatal four elimination match...
She pauses to take that deep inhale before exhaling out a sigh, raking her fingers through her wavy locks as her eyes settle on the floor before she lifts her chin to stare back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Many would say that Tanner is most likely the underdog in this match in comparison to Ace, Jay and I... and I know better than to overlook underdogs. Hell, Cass was considered the underdog in the tag match with Jade and X versus her and Gabe... and she ended up rolling X up in a school boy just to capture the win. Underdogs will pull off absolutely ANYTHING to conquer a win and to be honest, can ya really blame them? I mean... who wouldn't use every trick up their sleeve and ace in mind to capture that big W. Even though i think i traded banter only with Ace concerning this match, i do not want my other two opponents to think that me not mentioning them as much the past few weeks is me simply ignoring them... for i am not ignorant. After what I did to Scion as well as my other opponents, I am sure that Tanner would very well love to get his hands on me. It would be salivating to not only be the one to eliminate me from the match but to also win this whole damn thing and head off to face Jade for the Hardcore Championship. Well... let me assure you that is nothing but a dream that will not come true. You may be flying high off your lightweight of a match against Katie and Trixie in round three but this is now where your journey ends. Unfortunately, you will not be getting that beer filled celebration afterwards.... unless you're trying to crack one open for me and congratulate me with not being a sore loser... but allow me to inform you that your future Hardcore Champion is not much of a beer drinking so you would have to come better with presenting me with something of my liking.
She leans her head against the wall as her eyes seem to light up from all the courage she's almost bursting with.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I am very excited that I have a challenge on my hands tonight, that although I view Tanner as the underdog, he is one that will be coming into the match ready to throw down and throw around. You know what I really like about Tanner? His... openness. The ability to speak his mind and not bite his tongue. I have to say that watching the things he has said about his opponents have been so... entertaining. Especially about the whole wanting to leave Katie and Trixie scissoring each other. I also noticed how impatient you were with the camera taking all day and it shows me that you don't have quite alot of patience... which will be your weakness in this match against me and the other two opponents. Wanting the match to hurry up and finish just so you can go get a piece of Jade... don't you wish you could just.. snap your fingers and this all be over?? That you are crowned the winner of the tournament and then soon to be NEW Hardcore Champion? If it was alllllll that simple.... well too bad it isnt. And your impatience may prove to be your downfall in the match. Rushing around, your eyes all over the place with three opponents looking to take you out of the match? Maybe not calculating your moves out thoroughly or rushing on impulse instead of planning out a strategy? I'm going to have so much fun with you and I will make sure I take it nice and slow... as if time is stopping and standing still once I get my hands on you and have the match drag out to see just how sloppy your impatience pushes you...
A backstage official suddenly approaches Phoenix as she looks to him and stops talking. He leans in and whispers that her special guest has been escorted to her locker room and the Firebird's face lights up with pure excitement as she thanks the worker and turns back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: See, Tanner... when you get to my level, YOU can have special guests ALSO come to personally fly in to take in your matches.. I do want you to remember my words though... impatience. If you show up in that match with it, you're only going to be a sloppy mess and I will have to be the one to clean you up.
Phoenix flicks her hair cockily at the camera in departing form before she walks away, heading down the hallway with excitement to see the special guest.
SEGMENT
The scene cuts backstage and Sean Callaghan is finishing up putting on some tape on his wrist. He soon glances over at the camera and nods.
Sean Callaghan: Things changed tonight. Liam is gone and now I’m on my own, no longer the tag champion of this company. That being said, I do wish my brother, Michael, luck tonight on his quest for the titles with Corey Grimes.
Sean nods confidently and then continues on.
Sean Callaghan: So instead, I get an opportunity against Parker and Fiona tonight. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to show off my singles abilities in an FAW ring. Everyone thinks I’m the Callaghan in the background. That I’m lower than the likes of Liam, who’s the PNW Champion and Ryan, who’s been over at Rebellion fighting for their championship. But nah, I’m just the loyal one. The one who continued to team with Liam in FAW, the one who continues to join his father’s company and not be given opportunities but instead, get pushed into the family drama between my dad and Brendan that I want no part off.
He scoffs before his gaze narrows.
Sean Callaghan: I’m done with that. I’m done having everyone’s back. I love my family but now it’s time to take care of me. It’s time for all of you to see who the real Sean Callaghan is. It’s time for me to step out of the shadows and show that I’m not only as good as the rest of my family, but that I’m as good as anybody in this business. And if you get in my way, I won’t hesitate to fuck you up. Count on it.
He steps towards the camera and he glares into it.
Sean Callaghan: That fucking you up for getting in my way part? That starts tonight with Parker and Fiona. See you two soon.
He nods and walks away from the scene.
SEGMENT
EARLIER TODAY
The shot fades in on a relatively empty car park to the arena which will later host FAW Purgatory.
The camera follows a Black Range Rover as it enters the car park, it's windows tinted so you can't see inside. The car comes to a stop neatly in a parking spot. The camera moves in closer, and watches as the door opens and Hardcore Invitational Finalist Ace Watson steps out. He spots the camera, and smirks at it momentarily before closing the door he just got out of and walking round to the passenger's side.
He shoots the camera a quick look before opening the passenger door, allowing Tuck to jump down, causing the fans in the arena who were watching it on the big screen, to cheer loudly.
Watson kneels down, to fuss the previously missing retriever dog, while pulling out a lead/leash to attach to his red collar. He hooks it on and stands up.
Ace Watson: Come on, boy.
He smiles again, before the pair walk off towards the arena, the camera watching from a distance before fading to black.
Triple Threat Match
Alexander Parker v Fiona O’Dalaigh v Sean Callaghan
Sean started the match strong from the get go, making light work of both opponents who at the start seemed determined to take out sean as a team. Sean was able to beat them both easily though and picked up the three count on Fiona.
Winner: Sean Callaghan
SEGMENT
The scene cut to the parking lot of the jam packed arena. Obviously not a planned entrance, ‘YOUR Favorite Drug’ stood next to his black Jeep Wrangler, his phone held to the side of his face, immersed in a conversation with a lit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth.
Xavier Laroux: Nah, I get it. That was totally fucked up of both of’em and I promise you that it’ll get handled sooner or later.
At that moment, Xavier turned to take a long hit off of his cigarette only to notice the man pointing the camera at him. A soft sigh slipped free from between his lips, he shook his head slowly.
Xavier Laroux: We’ll talk more bout it later, I gotta deal with cameras.
Ending that call, he shoved his phone back into his pocket before taking the final hit off of that cigarette, flicking the smoldering butt off to the side.
Xavier Laroux: Since you came out here and interrupted my fuckin phone call, Ima assume that you wanna hear somethin bout tonight. You wanna hear somethin bout..
Reaching into the back of that Jeep, Xavier grabbed up and pulled out his Showcase Championship. Raising it high into the air, that oh so arrogant smirk plastered to his face.
Xavier Laroux: MY FAW Showcase Championship. By hook or crook, I walked away with this belt. And just the same, I'll defend it. Y’know, I've been around the block a few times, but you ain't gonna catch me out there preachin bout honor and respect. Fuck all that. I'm out for me. I don't care if I lose the match as long as I walk away with what's mine..
He slapped the front plate of that title for emphasis.
Xavier Laroux: Doesn't matter who I gotta go through or what I gotta do to keep it. Nobody is takin this from me. I will be the Showcase of Fuckin Awesome Wrestling.
Flinging that championship up onto his shoulder, Xavier flashed that oh so arrogant smirk before turning away and making his way back into the arena.
SEGMENT
Rusty Halo" by the Script fills the arena, prompting cheers from the fans as the wait for Ace Watson to step out from behind the curtain. A few moments pass, and eventually, Ace steps out.... alongside Tuck! Which brings out even more cheers for everyone's favourite dog, as the pair walk down the ramp and to the ring.
Ace guides Tuck up the steps, and the retriever then hops into the ring underneath the second rope and sits down in the middle of the ring, Ace chuckles and points at Tuck, and can be seen saying "That's my spot!" while laughing and looking at same fans at ringside.
Watson then steps into the ring himself, after taking a microphone from a ring-tech.
Standing off centre in the ring, Ace starts to speak.
Ace Watson: So... Shortly we have the final of the Hardcore Invitational!
He leaves a break so the fans can cheer, which they do.
Ace Watson: Weeks and weeks of brutal, harcore wrestling come to an end in a fatal four way match featuring myself, Phoenix Quagliaterre, Jay Gallagher and Tanner Halsey. We've all fought out many other wrestlers to get to this final. I'm sure winning this tournament would mean the world to each of us, so I'm not expecting any slack from anyone in this match tonight. And that's good, it means there won't be any excuses when I win.
He smirks, before speaking again.
Ace Watson: See, the other three may have their reasons for wanting this tournament to be theirs, but I don't think they're fighting for what I'm fighting for. I don't think I really need to go over it again, but winning this will help solidify the new Ace Watson, the new version of me. A version of me that is free of drama, free of all the stupid tabloid reality TV style nonsense that goes on in my life. Winning will prove to everyone that my focus is where it should be. Wrestling. And winning. That's where it was before, before all the drama. And back then I won. A lot. I became the VoW Zero Gravity Champion back then, and technically I still am, seeing as the company closed before I could have lost it.
He pauses.
Ace Watson: Yes I'm being very confident right now, perhaps you could say arrogant or cocky... But while yes maybe I am, I still respect my opponents tonight. I know they're good wrestlers. They have to be to have gotten through what we all did in the matches leading up to this final. Belittling them would be stupid. I'm looking forward to facing all three of them tonight. I've never faced any of them before, but I've watched plenty of their matches in the past couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure there's nothing they can do that I haven't seen them do already, though I will be happy to be surprised if any of them pull something new out.
Watson takes another pause, giving Tuck a ruffle behind the ear.
Ace Watson: Now this could be the part where I list off all the weaknesses and strengths of Phoenix, Jay and Tanner and how I'm going to strategise around them... But I'm not going to. See, this is a hardcore match. Regardless of who is the fastest, strongest, smartest... It could all be stopped by a steel chair, a bat, table, a ladder... There's not much you can do when any of those are coming towards you at speed. I'm not going to shy away from using the weapons that will be at our disposal tonight. Like I said, I'm in it for me, and I'm willing to give it everything I have to win this match.
Watson pauses again. His face tightens up, looking intent.
Ace Watson: And after I do... I'll be coming for that Hardcore Title.
He holds a look down the camera lens for a moment, before turning and leaving the ring, Tuck beside him.
SEGMENT
Laughter of two women fills the locker room as cameras cut to Phoenix Quagliaterre and Persephone Marquis set on the couch and are deep in conversation. Phoenix seems to hang onto her every word as she slides her finger down her cell phone screen to check something out, frowning when she shakes her head with disappointment.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Noooo clue where they even are going to be this week. Luckily for them, I have a baby shower and that pool party to go to Saturday... you should definitely come to the pool party. I am bringing my new intern there... you know, the Kai look alike? You need to finally meet him.
Phoenix's eyes return to the cell phone screen as that frustration crosses her face once more.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Seriously... where in the HELL are the Bangtan Boys going to be?! I NEED to see if they would be at least watching when i face off against Jade... matter of fact, i should snap Kai and ask to see if he can get in touch with him and tell him to watch that show. Ugh... I would need a translator though, Kai's english is as good as Jimin's... and we BOTH know that is not good enough. I wish i had Taemin's snap, I know he's real cool with Jimin so I would have that message delivered sooooo quick. He seems like the type to try to play matchmaker for his friends, even though I just want Chimchim to watch me be epic in the ring. Everytime I think of Taemin, I think of the 'Ace' video...
Persephone Marquis: Just calm down.. and be lucky it's Kai you're snapping because I still say Jimin would try that 'you tryna have this baby' shit on you if you had his snap. Then you're going to try to risk it all and X is gonna risk breaking that ass.
Phoenix begins blushing and joins in on the laughter with Marquis until the brunette nods her head towards the camera and clears her throat, remembering that they were being filmed and wanting to save her friend from a future death since Xavier would be watching this.
Persephone Marquis: Look at us, just admiring WEDDING dresses and shit
Persephone says rather loudly as if to play off their conversation as she takes Phoenix's phone from her and tosses it behind the couch so that Phoenix could focus and possibly save her ass tonight. Phoenix sits up tall and tries to get concentrate on the priority of the night with the big match coming up.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Just sitting here uh.... looking at wedding dressing with my girl, Q and talking about the other competitors I'm facing off against tonight. Like uh... for example, I was saying something about uh.... well uh... Ace..
The Firebird is so distracted from being flustered she couldn't find where BTS would be this week or next that Marquis is scrambling around trying to help her out, dipping behind the couch to retrieve Phoenix's phone as she scrolls through it before waving her hand at Phoenix to abort the mission of trying to speak so she could help her out with Phoenix thinking about the 'Ace' music video.
Persephone Marquis: Ace Watson! You were talking about ACE Watson!
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Oh yeaaah... Ace!
The Firebird needs a moment but she quickly gathers her thoughts and seems to calm down as she gets her head back in the game.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I was talking about... Ace's missing dog and how... although it's so sad because pet napping is just, rude... I feel that his love for Tuck and the hurt he is feeling for the pet napping will overshadow his ability of being able to concentrate on the match at hand. While he moving around in the ring, his mind will accidentally drift off to Tuck and what the Pretty Committee could be doing with his precious pooch... which will cause him to be off his game. I am already looking forward to a hopeful impatient, impulsive Tanner but a distracted Ace? Anything to help even up the odds and push to closer to victory. I guess I am rather nervous a bit because I have been breaking my diet, because a Queen should NOT be eating like a damn bird... and you all are probably thinking, okay breaking a diet is nothing to be nervous about especially when you have been hitting the gym and training as you should... but I mean people like Kai-
Marquis coughs to throw Phoenix off what she was saying as Phoenix tries to save herself.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I TOTALLY meant to say Kaelan. People like Kae's beautiful self might be watching me and I just want to make sure that I dont disappoint tonight. What amazes me that I haven't really seen alot of people voice their opinions on me possibly losing just because I am the only female in the match. Now... I am not entirely sure if it's because I beat those odds as the only female in the round three triple threat match orrrrrr because everyone knows that it doesn't matter if you have lady parts... male parts... or possibly both, i am still considered a threat once i step inside that ring.
Phoenix pauses to look at Marquis who gives her two thumbs up to indicate that she's doing well which hypes up Phoenix as she smiles broadly and returns her attention back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Jay Gallagher survived his match against Court Kivisto and Jacob Daniels... and I use the word 'survive' because I honestly thought I would end up facing that beast. Daniels was one of the biggest threats in this tournament and the simple fact that Jay emerged from that match the victor has me slightly shook. Now, don't get me wrong.... Jay is definitely a formidable opponent.. I just expected Daniels to try to tear through them like a Mack truck. I am glad to be able to face off against him in a match though and I am pretty sure he will not let me down. I think he is the one to keep my eyes on the most because if he can get past Daniels then I know he is more than confident that he can get past me and the others. I could easily say that all three are going to be gunning for me because eliminating me would get them over SOOOOO quick but allow me to check my ego at the door and to genuinely say that this is not only THEE final match of the tournament but THEE biggest match as well of it. A grand finale to have us four talented stars facing off against each other for that Hardcore Championship contender spot and I have to say I am mighty grateful... that I will be securing a W over three men who will certainly prove a challenge for me.
Phoenix smirks over at Marquis before turning back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Oh what, were you counting on me saying that any one of THEM could possibly beat me? I am still walking out of that ring as the number one contender... hell maybe even limping out of there because I know those three are not going to make this easy on me. But who doesn't love the chance to overcome challenges and get that necessary ego boost when you defy odds and make everyone that's counting on you, proud? Who doesn't yearn for that chance in the spotlight to continually steal the show and please every single person that is counting on them to not just win it but to win it all?? It's been quite touching that ever since the beginning, I have been the top pick to win the tournament and being able to prove myself week in and week out as i advanced closer and closer to the finals with so much support has been a bit... overwhelming. I expected to be ridiculed and looked at as the underdog in this just because of my two year retirement from the ring. Scion, rest in piss, had been out of the ring alot shorter than me but yet people unanimously counted on me chucking her right out of the tournament and well.. i ended up doing alot more than that. I have to say... for someone who has as big of an ego as I do... being able to make the people that count on me and support me happy is what truly keeps me going. It's not the fame... it certainly is not the money because lord knows I have plenty of that. It is the support I receive from everyone and me wanting to make everyone proud as well as not let them down. I am sure that those other three want it but I selfishly feel as if I want it alot more. The chance to prove to myself that I truly still do got 'it' by beating a champion and making that title mine? And of course, being able to wrestle in the same company as my fiance would be great as well with not just being here to provide support but to also show off in the ring a bit as i tirelessly and successfully defend that Hardcore Championship over and over again until me being announced continuously that i have successfully retained has become a broken record. I think that's what it will be tonight... me feelings that I need this more than the others and me pushing myself even harder than I have in the other rounds to guarantee that I am the one who ends up with my hand raised high in the air as the arena is filled with the lovely sounds of BTS from my music playing.
Marquis has found something on Phoenix's phone that causes her to become animated as Phoenix's attention turns to her. All it took was Phoenix seeing something about BTS on her phone screen for Phoenix to become disengaged from talking to the camera and to start shooing the cameraman to go away so she could talk to Marquis in private.
FAWHI Final
Phoenix Q v Ace Watson v Jay Gallagher v Tanner Halsey
The Fatal Four Way Elimination Match is ongoing in the ring right now as the four competitors work hard to try to best the other in this final round of the tournament. While Tanner and Jay trade aggressive blows outside of the ring, inside the ring is where the lack of seriousness for the moment seems to be as the audience laughs at Phoenix playfully on Ace's back as he tries to get her off while also showing a hint of amusement at his friend's actions. She finally jumps off his back and ducks his clothesline just as Jay is sliding into the ring after irish whipping Tanner into the barricade, catching Phoenix in the back with an elbow when she ducks Ace's arm. She goes down on her knees while Ace blocks Jay's punches before he manages to land a successful one of his own to Jay's jaw.
Jay stumbles back just in time for Tanner to slide into the ring and begin to work him over, seeming to make light work of him from Jay being in a daze and Tanner able to build his momentum up during his time outside the ring. Ace and Phoenix have returned their attention on one another as they trade blows before Ace gets the upper hand and lifts Phoenix in the air, hoisting her up and ready to slam her when her legs wrap around his neck and she falls back to hurricanrana him. Jay is trying to break out of the figure four that Tanner has him in, his hand wavering in the air but refusing to tap out as he holds on much longer. Ace and Phoenix are tussling around the ring until Ace shoves the aggressive Phoenix away and is able to keep her at bay when he picks up a steel chair from the corner of the ring and swings it at her, catching the right side of her head which has her stumbling back into the turnbuckle.
Jay finally ends up tapping out, being the first eliminated from the match as Tanner untangles himself from Jay with a cocky smirk, raising his hand in the air to taunt and showboat while Jay looks far from pleased about the elimination. Ace is working Phoenix over in the corner until her forearm smashes into his face, causing him to stagger back into the awaiting arms up Tanner, who starts to lift him up into the air when Phoenix dropkicks Tanner's legs for him to drop Ace. As Tanner falls back onto the mat, Ace returns back to his feet and he and Phoenix resume their bout. Tanner sits up to rub his legs when he catches sight of Ace and Phoenix going hard, having taken the fight outside of the ring. But... instead of joining them, he just sits back and relaxes, watching and wanting them to tire themselves out to make it easier to take them out one by one.
Moments go past and weapons have fully entered into the fight with Ace swinging a baseball bat and Phoenix going at him with her steel pipe. The two miss some hits but land some successful ones to the point where the left side of Ace's head is busted open and Phoenix is leaning on the barricade, nursing an injured right leg. Ace grabs Phoenix by the hand, irish whipping her into the steel pole and although she protects her face with her hands, her chest isn't protected as she falls down on the ground and winces in pain while holding her itty bitties. Tanner laughing at everything unfolding outside of the ring catches Ace's attention as he looks over at him and raises an eyebrow before climbing up onto the apron. But Tanner is jumping to his feet from his comfortable, seated position and rushing towards Ace with the intent to knock him off the apron when Ace sidesteps and karate chops Tanner in the neck. Tanner takes a few steps back away from the ropes, holding his neck which gives Ace time to safely enter the ring.
Ace and Tanner try to out maneuver each other, keeping the audience well captivated with their great performance and not disappointing at all. It gets to the point where Ace gets the upper hand and is going for the Anglian Driver when Phoenix makes her presence known by moonsaulting off the turnbuckle to take down both men. With Phoenix back in the game, all three final competitors seem to amp up their speed and power, trying to take the other out but to no avail as the three toss and drag each other all around the ring, making sure to break up major moves and step in if the other even thinks about going for a pin. With Phoenix resting against the ropes from an attack, Ace is able to finally land the Anglian Driver on Tanner and is about to go for the pin but the sudden excited screams of the audience catch his attention as he turns around and is taken out by the Firebird Kick. Phoenix drops to her knees, ready to cover Ace for the pin when Tanner grabs Phoenix by the ankles and drags her off of Ace as he slides out of the ring and takes her with him. Once he pulls Phoenix out of the ring, he gives a charming smile which irritates Phoenix even more since he ruined her chances at pinning Ace... so she shows her gratitude by punching him in the face and then kicking him in the gut.
He stumbles backwards as Phoenix charges him and they take their fight up the ramp as the audience watch closely and cheer with excitement. Ace is still down but he is moving on the mat as he blinks his eyes several times and notices that the mat doesn't seem to be shaking with any movement from his opponents fighting in the middle of the ramp. While sitting up and trying to get himself together, he notices the audience becoming even louder but doesn't realize it is not because of his opponents. Cause and Effect are sneaking over the barricades, stalking the ring with the downed Ace as their target while Phoenix is busy trying not to get taken out by the aggressive Tanner and has no idea what her fiance and goldenboy are up to. Xavier and Gabriel Laroux slide into opposite sides of the ring as Ace is finally on his feet and ready to fight again when he takes a step forward from rubbing his eyes and finally notices Gabriel standing in front of him, arms crossed with that signature grin of his. Gabriel suddenly shoves Ace so that he falls down on his ass and quickly steps out of the way so that Xavier, who had been waiting by the turnbuckle, sprints forwards and BAM! that knee drives into Ace's face as The Addiction is connected. Ace is knocked out while the Laroux brothers slap high fives before exiting the ring.
Tanner is enjoying trying to knock Phoenix off the stage as the two seem to be fighting to the death now on the stage while the audience cheers them on and chants, the two unaware of what had just occurred in the ring to poor Ace. Tanner is focusing his attention on Phoenix's injured leg as he has her on her stomach and is seated on her back, pulling up on her right leg as she screams out in pain. The camera zooms in on his grinning face as he tries to pull on her leg again when Phoenix suddenly reaches back to dig her nails into Tanner's leg. He howls out, his position on her shifting to the point where she is able to get him off of her and roll over on her back. An enraged Tanner tries to stomp Phoenix's face in as she rolls out of the way from his foot before she's able to kick him in the gut to the point he can stumble back a few steps and allow her time on her feet. She ducks his clothesline and punches him in the face before shoving him off the stage. The ref is making his way to the stage as he looks down at an out cold Tanner down below before slowly making his way down to check on him. He checks him out and determines that he is unable to go on in the match and declares that an elimination.
Applause is given as Phoenix bows to the fans before slowly limping back down the ramp for the ring, remembering that Ace hadn't appeared on stage at all and wondering what he was up to. Phoenix slides into the ring and sees Ace knocked out, which has her a bit confused because she figured he'd be somewhat up now from the Firebird Kick. Not dwelling much on it, she covers him when she sees the ref slide into the ring as he pounds the mat for the three count for Phoenix to win the watch. The audience is going insane as her theme music blasts and Phoenix seems to be choked up with emotion as the ref helps her to her feet. She happens to look over to see Xavier and Gabriel sitting on the barricade, applauding her and for some reason, she gets this strange feeling.
When Gabriel winks at her and Xavier blows her a kiss, her suspicions are raised and she can't even pay attention to the ref raising her hand up. It's only when the ref looks up to the titantron that she does as well to the playback of the attack on Ace which leaves Phoenix shocked and outraged. She turns to look at the brothers as she cuts her eyes at them, yelling at them from the ring while pointing up at the titantron while Xavier glares at her reaction and Gabriel shrugs with a smirk. Phoenix then turns to look at Ace finally coming to it as she drops on her knees to check on him much to the displeasure of Xavier. Concerned about her friend, she holds up a few fingers to ask Ace how many is she holding up and when he answers correctly, she smiles with a bit of relief before helping him to his feet while apologizing to him and telling him she had nothing to do with the attack on him. She then pays her respects to him and raises his hand in the air for the audience to go wild with applause and begin a "Tuck!" chant.
SEGMENT
The scene opens to the back where Rafael Cruz is getting ready for his match. A smirk is on his face as he looks over his shoulder at his new manager, Haidyn Jordan who is watching him get ready. Rafael looks to the camera.
Rafael Cruz: Tonight, I take on a former this, a former that. Someone full of ability that for the most part has cashed in on his chances he's been given. Key word in that is they were given, not earned. While I've been busting my ass beating people that are given matches for title opportunities or to lead to opportunities. Where's my break huh? I've beaten everyone in my path except one and she clearly needed the official’s help to win.
Rafael shakes his head and sighs.
Rafael Cruz: But I'm not here to whine and cry about it. I'm not like Cass Baumer whining about people making fun of her online or Lex Collins wanting a prime spot despite having a shitty record. Hell, I'm not even Xavier Laroux that needs to constantly go at management to get his name out there despite his balls being firmly in his lady’s handbag. But that's all for another time. Tonight… I'm focused on you Gabriel. You kept saying how you are not thinking about this match and how your mind is elsewhere? That's fine by me. Cause tonight? Tonight I'm going to beat you Gabriel… On the very last Fucking Awesome show, I'm going to leave Gabriel with a fucking awesome going away present…
Rafael holds up his hand to make an L to the camera. He smirks as he starts to walk out of the locker room, giving Haidyn’s ass a smack as he passes her
SEGMENT
The scene cut backstage to Corey Grimes and Michael Callaghan in their locker room, preparing for their match for the tag team titles. Corey looks over at Michael and speaks up.
Corey Grimes: How’re you feeling, man? You ready for this? We’ve been preparing two weeks as a team but we had no idea we were getting this opportunity. This is huge.
Michael nods his head as he laces up his boots.
Michael Callaghan: Yeah, I won't lie this.. This is unexpected. Honestly, I thought I'd be teaming with my brothers but Grimes is one hell of a name to team with.
Corey smiles and nods before he raises his brow and starts to think.
Corey Grimes: You know what? Tonight isn't about those name. Callaghan family? Grimes family? Fuck that. Let's make this about Corey and Michael.
Michael finishes lacing up his boot and smirks at Corey.
Michael Callaghan: Hell yeah man!
SEGMENT
Get up off your knees girl..
Stand face to face with your God..
Find out what you areeee.
The crowd rose to a primarily positive mixed reaction as Highly Suspect’s My Name is Human played across the p.a. system. The lights dimmed down before a spotlight shone on the entrance stage, revealing ‘The Antagonist’ Gabriel Laroux. That black sports jacket over his bare torso, black slacks hanging securely from his waist, he raised a microphone, speaking into it.
Gabriel Laroux: One of the biggest problems with people I’ve seen..not only in this company..but this business as a whole is the pathetic need for attention. A whole generation of ‘please look at me, give me validation, tell me I did a good job.’
He let his head hang, shaking it back and forth ever so slowly before bringing it back up with a look of disappointment upon that usually stoic expression.
Gabriel Laroux: My opponent is one of those..the self entitled. My intentions here tonight do not involve him and that bothers him. It’s like an insect crawling beneath his skin. Despite my personal feelings, I have a contractual obligation to give him exactly what he’s looking for. Attention. Attention in the form of twisting him into a human pretzel. Attention in the form of inflicting so much damage with one of my several submissions that he slaps his hand down on the mat. Attention in the form of making him give up.
The hand clutching the microphone dropping to his side as he listened to the reaction given off by the crowd. Nodding his head slowly, a look of appreciation showing on his features as he brought that microphone back up.
Gabriel Laroux: I was okay with pretending you don’t exist. I was okay with not even making my entrance for this match and letting you walk away with some sort of count out victory. But that wasn’t good enough for you. Now..you face my wrath. Now..you will be a warmup as for what Jade can expect when the time comes that I get my hands on her.
The rising and falling of his chest began to speed up noticeably. His features tightened into a look of growing anger.
Gabriel Laroux: And I assure you..the both of you..I'm going to show you why you two should have just..walked away. Now bring out the boy.
The lighting in the arena returning to normal as Gabriel dropped the microphone, making his descent down the ramp. Pulling the jacket off of his torso, he tossed it the side before rolling into the ring under the bottom ropes and getting back to his feet. Gabriel began loosening up as he waited.
Singles Match
Rafael Cruz v Gabriel Laroux
As soon as Rafi is into the ring with Gabriel, he extends a hand to him and smiles. Gabriel smirks at him and shakes his head only for Rafi to smack the taste out of Gabriel’s mouth, staggering him slightly. Gabe then charges in only to have the much faster Rafi duck him and connect with a stiff leg kick. Cruz connects with a few more before Gabe finally gets ahold of him and starts to work Rafi over in the corner. Gabe takes Cruz down with a big powerslam but only gets a two count. He continues the pressure with twisting Rafi’s neck in a vice.
But Cruz is able to work back to his feet and fight off the grip of Gabriel. Once back to his feet, Rafi connects with a series of body kicks and a big seated dropkick to the side of Gabe’s head but only gets a near fall. Rafi takes Gabe down with a flying headscissors and a snap DDT but Gabe still kicks out. Cruz then goes to the top rope but takes knees to the chest when he tries for a frog splash. Gabriel slowly gets to his feet and throws Rafi into the corner with a buckle bomb followed up by a huge clothesline. But just before the three count, Rafi gets his foot on the bottom rope.
Gabriel slaps the canvas in frustration just before Haidyn Jordan gets on the apron and yells at Gabriel. This draws the attention of Laroux who grabs Haidyn by the hair and looks to level her off the ring apron but instead, Gabriel gets leveled by Rafi’s ‘Anda Perra’ Superkick, leveling him. Cruz then winks at Haidyn, who jumps down, and makes the cover for the win.
Winner: Rafi Cruz
SEGMENT
The picture cut to the backstage area, revealing Alaina Laroux as she stood in front of a door, her arms crossed at her chest. A light smile danced across her features, clearly in a good mood.
Alaina Laroux: Do you know what Corey and Michael have in common? They’re part of a family. Just cogs in a mass produced machine. Their names are their greatest asset. They think that the names built by the ones before them will lead them to victory. They think Twitter banter already has this in the bank for them.
Laughing out, Alaina shook her head.
Alaina Laroux: While Corey and Michael are moveable parts, easily swapped in and out, in their respective families, the three of us are the family. There’s no swapping out. There’s no increased numbers. There’s just the three of us. That’s all we need. That’s the only thing we need for victory.
She pushed off of that door, letting her arms come uncrossed before falling to her sides.
Alaina Laroux: Corey and Michael, they won’t be able to keep their eyes off of me at ringside. It will constantly be in the back of their mind if I’m going to get involved in the match.Their focus will be divided and it’s going to show when my family makes them look like the expendable faceless bodies that they are.
Those features relaxed as she took that step back, returning to her original position only this time keeping her arms down at her sides.
Alaina Laroux: As if that wasn’t enough, they have to deal with the perfect synchronicity shared by my Anker. There is no clashing personalities, no alternative ideals or goals. They share one mind and that makes them much of a bigger threat than Corey and Michael could ever hope to be.
Almost on cue, the door behind Alaina opened up as stepping out from the room behind her would be none other than Vincent and Leonardo, The Anker. The twins stood on either side of Alaina as she hooked her arms in them, a look of comfort growing across her soft features.
Vincent Anker: Tonight is just the start. The start of something FAW will never forget. Tonight, Corey and Michael, you’re going to be apart of something much..much bigger than yourselves. When Alaina drops her Anker on you, it will be something you’ll never recover from. It will eat away at you in the back of your heads until it consumes you. Tonight will begin your Purgatory.
She looked back and forth between the two Anker brothers, all smiles as she nodded her head in agreement.
Alaina Laroux: Now let’s go get that last workout in.
They nodded in unison as the three of them walked away arm in arm.
SEGMENT
An upset Phoenix Quagliaterre is backstage as she storms the hallways of the arena. She turns the corner and nearly collides into Persephone Marquis as she reaches out to grab Phoenix by the shoulders to avoid them running into each other.
Persephone Marquis: There she is! Kicked all that ass out there, Jimin would have been proud-
But she stops talking immediately when she notices the displeased look on her red headed friend's face.
Persephone Marquis: Whats up??
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I could have had that match won on my own but like.. now i just feel like... I don't know. Final match in the tournament and i don't want it to seem like I won only because of interference. I mean, I killed Ash Scion, I fared well in the triple threat and pinned both Manny and Gray. Now i just feel... not as accomplished.
She sighs as Marquis pulls Phe by the hand to lean against the wall with her to get out of the way of the people passing by who were being extreme ear hustlers.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Didn't X and Gabe believe in me? I thought... i thought they had faith in me. Maybe they... maybe they felt that I couldn't have done it myself...
Persephone Marquis: I mean, that's one way of looking at things or... I mean, maybe they just wanted to lend a hand and show that they had your back by doing this. Phe, you won. You WON the tournament and you should be like, happy about that shit. I see what you mean but like now's your chance to REALLY prove yourself. You went through hella people in the tournament and i honestly don't think that one interference in the final round when you haven't needed help any other time will have people feel like you didnt deserve to win the tournament.
She pauses to look over Phe who is hanging onto every word while trying to calm down.
Persephone Marquis: It's time for you to get that title and trust me, if you put in all that work that you've been putting in then no one can say that you only won the tournament because of your fiance and your special boy. And hell if they do and if any of them try to say thats the only reason you beat them? Tell them meet you in the ring one on one to solve it and show them.
Phe begins grinning at that, nodding her head as the words of encouragement really is being to turn her mood around a bit. Gone was the discouragement and now the Firebird was feeling that confidence and certainty of herself once more. She smiles brightly and appreciatively at Marquis before wrapping her arm around her shoulder and leading her down the hallway.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Come on... let's see what else I can get into tonight...
SEGMENT
As the two-time former FAW Hardcore Champion Cass Baumer walks down the hallway with her eyes glued to her phone, she suddenly glances towards the camera ahead of her. Like it was on cue, the #BaumerReport marquee stretched across the bottom of the screen with a clean transition and began to show the text of the most recent FAW related reports Cass Baumer tweeted out recently. Most of them were in regards to her opponent Lex Collins, however, and as she stuffed her smartphone in her pants pocket, she smirked.
Cass Baumer: So I have the oppotunity to become the Unified Champion, huh? The one and only. The top of the food chain. And all I’ve got to do is defeat Lex Collins to do it?
With a wide smile, she shrugs her shoulders.
Cass Baumer: That shouldn’t be too hard, yeah? I mean, sure. He’s a legend but— Oops! I’m not allowed to call him a legend until his career is over, as per Lex’s recommendation.
The Headliner pointed to the bottom of the screen with two hands as the ticker showed Lex Collins’ tweet in question.
Cass Baumer: I’m fighting a dude who got his ass kicked by one guy with brass knucks when he was supposed to fight the whole roster elsewhere. I’m fighting a man who glorifies a painting of the Bibical Massacre of the Innocents of Bethlehem on September 11th — someone flippantly enlightened by the slaughter of innocent people, and fuck… Does that sound like a man you want to see as your Unified Champion?!
The crowd cheered for Lex Collins, obviously knowing Cass had twisted the facts to her own benefit like she always did.
Cass Baumer: Nah. Let’s be real. Lex Collins is a man so consumed with fighting that he’s always blindly charging into battle without regard to the body he’s been carrying around for fourty-something years. He’s so unfamiliar with what it means to self-preserve himself in the ring and so lost in his personal life that he’d rather commit every ounce of himself to what he does in the ring without even thinking about what the people who care about him seem to think about it! He’s addicted to the sport like Phe’s addicted to her favorite drug — Xavier Laroux — and now I’m the one who needs to look face to face with the man who doesn’t seem to give a fuck about his body anymore and tell him…
Shaking her head back and forth, she’s content with herself as she smirked.
Cass Baumer: I’m giving you a favor, Lex. You don’t need the Unified Championship. Fuck, you’ve done it all. Hell, I’m pretty sure you’ve held more championships in your career than most have even dreamed of earning. And you know what? That’s damn commendable. No matter what bullshit I throw at you on a constant basis, nothing is going to be able to cover up the fact that when you care in that ring, you might just be one of the best in this whole damn federation right now. To tell the truth… Even when you don’t care, you’re STILL one of the best! It’s just a shame fortune hasn’t been smiling on you, though. No sarcasm. No lies. I’m telling the truth here!
With her hands on her hips, The Headliner tilted her head slightly.
Cass Baumer: The thing is… You haven’t reached your full potential in FAW yet. Neither have I. You saw what happened, didn’t you? I lost to Jade Night for the prized FAW Hardcore Championship on a live show and I’m not gonna kid myself. That disappointed me. It was frustrating to watch my throne at the top of the Hardcore Invitational come crashing down at her hand because of a mistake I made. Whether it was because I underestimated Jade or I was distracted by Gabe coming to ringside, I can’t tell you. I don’t know. All I know is… It sucked. That’s the honest truth.
She looked down slowly.
Cass Baumer: Everything I tried to accomplish, everything I worked so hard to achieve when I promoted the fuck out of that tournament and made myself the most relevant FAW champion BY FAR… It was all gone. It fell into the ether and it was all taken away in an instant. So what next? What does someone like me do next to pull themselves out of this grave?
Cass’ eyes grew more confident again.
Cass Baumer: I beat Jade Night and I pinned Xavier Laroux with Gabe Laroux on my side in the main event!
Her smirk disappeared again.
Cass Baumer: You think that’s what it takes, huh? You figure one win’s going to erase the embarressment from my record? Nah. No, I’m sure Lex Collins agrees with me too. He knows winning this match against me isn’t going to automatically signal the fact that he’s the best despite his less than stellar entrance into FAW. That’s something we’ve got in common.
Cass Baumer: I know winning against Lex Collins isn’t going to wipe what happened from the books. It happened. We have to live with the failures in the past but the one thing that might fill that hole in our chests is hanging over our heads tonight!
The ticker below announced the match between Lex Collins and Cass Baumer for the chance to win the new FAW Unified Championship, as per tweeted by the official FAW Twitter account.
Cass Baumer: I’ve been trying to get Lex to care about this match ever since it was announced because I knew he needed to give a fuck about this match as much as I did. Hell, I’ll be honest... I knew that the match wouldn’t matter in anybody’s eyes if I could beat a Lex Collins who just went with the flow and accepted everything given to him, no matter his bad fortune. I needed to fight the legend— er, the man who could fill an entire Hall Of Fame with his best matches alone. I needed to look Lex Collins — the one and only — in the eye and tell him…
With the tilt of the head, she leaned in closer to the camera as the ticker continued to show more of Cass Baumer’s FAW reports.
Cass Baumer: I’m giving you a favor, Lex. You don’t need the Unified Championship.
She smirked again.
Cass Baumer: You want it but nothing is going to grow your brand more than it’s already grown. You’ve reached your peak… And me? Well…
Tilting her head back, she rised her nose at the camera and looked down into the lens with the utmost disrespect.
Cass Baumer: My brand is constantly rising. I’ll beat Lex Collins. I’l become a three time champion quicker than ANYONE could have ever predicted and to top it all off… I’ll be the FIRST FAW Unified Champion to EVER step into a wrestling ring!
As she smiled wider than she ever had on camera, The Headliner neared the end.
Cass Baumer: I NEED IT LIKE I NEED THE BLOOD IN MY VEINS!
Cassandra shouted.
Cass Baumer: And if Lex Collins became the Unified Champion… He’d just grow closer to being called a legand. Understand?
With that, Cass Baumer tossed the microphone over her shoulder as the ticker on the bottom of the screen came to an end. The graphic was pealed away with a similiar transition as it appeared and The Headliner herself walked down the long stretch of hallway away from the video camera.
Tag Team Championship
Sawyer Reed & Ciara Barten v Corey Grimes & Michael Callaghan v The Anker
The referee went to work to gain order as the bell rang. It was decided that Sawyer and Leonard would start things off. Sawyer quickly got the advantage by using his impressive strength to keep Leonard at bay. Sawyer powered his opponent down with a nasty belly-to-belly suplex, but the younger Anker brother was fully aware of his surroundings and was able to get his foot on the ropes. Leonard began to fight back a bit as soon as he got back to his feet. Leonard peppered his opponent with forearms before her hit the ropes and nailed Sawyer with a starch kneelift. He shot himself into the ropes and then connected with a running boot that floored Sawyer. Leonard received a two count for his troubles. The younger Anker brother dragged Sawyer into the corner before he tagged in his brother Vincent.
The Ankers maintained control of the match for a while by employing the use of quick tags. Eventually Vincent found himself back in the ring. He dropped Sawyer with a German suplex and received a two-count. The two began to battle it out some more before Sawyer hit a huge discuss clothesline, which allowed him to crawl over and tag in Ciara. Ciara came in like a house of fire and knocked Vincent down with a running forearm; she then knocked Leonard off the ring apron with a swift dropkick. As Vincent rose to his feet, he was caught with a spinning kick to the face. Ciara then rolled him through with a small package. She nearly got the a three-count, but Vincent kicked out at the last second. Vincent then felt a tap on the back as he rose to his feet and stumbled into the ropes—Michael had tagged himself in.
Ciara’s speed proved most useful as she and Michael duked it out. She got him with a basement dropkick that sent him down to a knee; she rebounded off the ropes and clocked him with a hip-attack. She went for the cover, but it was broken up as Vincent entered the ring and kicked her in the gut. The referee admonished him and sent him back into his corner. Michael then took control by planting Ciara to the mat with a snap suplex. He popped his hips, rolled back onto his feet, and then dropped her brainbuster. He received a two-count after the pin. Micahel then tagged in Corey, who immediately sprang off the ropes and connected with a 450. Fortunately, Sawyer entered in and stopped the three-count.
Corey maintained control for his team by upping the aggression just a bit. Corey battered Ciara with strikes before following up with a wicked slingblade. She got her shoulder up before the three-count. Corey then hopped over the top rope and waited for her to get to her feet. As she did, he sprang off the top rope looking for his “Flyin’ Grimes” elbow. But Ciara lept up and caught him with a dropkick to the face, which caused the crowd to go wild. Ciara then rolled to her corner and tagged in Sawyer.
The referee lost what little he had as the match came to a close. Vincent had been tired of sitting on the sidelines and entered to the ring to beat on Sawyer and Corey. This lead to everyone entering the ring and brawling. The brawling caused Michael, Leonard, and Vincent to spill to the outside. In the meantime, Ciara regained some strength. Seeing the three men fighting on the outside, climbed to the top rope. After sizing them all up, she lept of the top rope with a crossbody, taking them all out and allowing her partner to focus solely on Corey. The end of the match occurred when Sawyer attempted to hit Corey with a release German suplex. Corey landed on his feet instead of his neck. He shot himself into the ropes and connected with his “Sac-Town Explosion” single-leg dropkick to Sawyer’s dome. Corey quickly dropped to the mat and went for the pin—he earned the three-count.
Winners: Corey Grimes & Michael Callaghan
SEGMENT
Cameras cut to the backstage area, specifically upon Jade Night as she prepared for her Hardcore Championship defense. She was finishing up that last minute workout, confidence showing on her features, confidence that she would walk away, still Hardcore Champion. That was until she made her exit from that locker room. Like a freight train, the body of Gabriel Laroux exploded into the scene, crashing into the unsuspecting Jade as she was sent colliding into a large rolling crate.
As she slid off of it and dropped to the floor, it was revealed that Gabriel wasn’t alone, Xavier joining him for this measure of revenge. The Larouxs began raining down stomps onto the prone body of Jade, the attack clearly being premeditated. It was like Gabriel could hear everything bad she ever said about himself, his family, the mother of his child, and his child himself. This drove him further than almost anything else has before. Leaning down, he grabbed Jade by the head, dragging her up to her knees only to kneel down, looking down into her eyes.
Gabriel Laroux: I TOLD YOU, JADE! I FUCKING TOLD YOU WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO!
This was a side of Gabriel rarely seen, emotional, out of control, his facial expression twisted with raw anger, hate even. Thrusting to the side, he bounced the head of Jade off the side of that crate, the impact sickening as she dropped down to the floor once more. Emerging back to a standing position, he slammed the palms of his hands onto the chest of Xavier, shoving her back.
Gabriel Laroux: PICK HER UP!
No reasoning, no thought other than solving this rather personal problem his way. Xavier nodded his head, that oh so arrogant smirk plastered to his face as he turned his head to look at the camera pointed at them.
Xavier Laroux: Good thing security is too busy makin sure nobody looks at Sage the wrong way, amirite?
Winking once those words left his mouth, Xavier leaned down, dragging Jade back up to her feet, holding her up as she couldn’t on her own. Gabriel took a few steps back down that hallway before rushing forward. As soon as he got close enough, Xavier moved out of the way, Gabriel throwing his leg up before nearly taking the head of Jade off with a Running Big Boot. He spun around to bend over, looking down at her fallen figure.
Gabriel Laroux: YOU DIDN’T BELIEVE ME! I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU OVER MY FAMILY, LITTLE GIRL!
Pushing past Xavier, Gabriel grabbed that crate, pulling it back away from its former position against the wall. Turning his attention back to the fallen Jade, Gabriel drug her up to a seated position, pulling her back against the wall in a forced seated position. Moving to latch his grip onto that rolling crate, he put every pound of weight he had behind it as he ran forward, slamming that crate into the defenseless body of Jade, sandwiching her between it and the wall. Stumbling back a few steps, he took in the sight before him.
Gabriel Laroux: I AM THE FUCKING REAPER, JADE! I WILL PERSONALLY DRAG YOUR SORRY ASS TO HELL AND SPEND THE REST OF ETERNITY TORTURING YOU!
In his uncontrollable rage, Gabriel began to stomp kick at the side of that crate, continuously smashing it into the body of Jade against that wall. Unable to take it anymore, Xavier walked forward, placing a hand on the shoulder of Gabriel, trying to get him to stop his assault.
Xavier Laroux: Hey man..we’re go..
Before he could finish that thought, he ate a back elbow, sending him staggering back. His brow lowering, Xavier spit a wad of blood off to the side. Knowing better than trying a second time, he just shook his head, walking away. Without the distraction, Gabriel grabbed that crate, pulling it back off of Jade. Moving around behind it, he dropped down to a kneel, leaning to eye level with her, digging his own forehead into hers.
Gabriel Laroux: DO YOU BELIEVE ME NOW!?
Thrusting the both of his hands forward, he wrapped them around the throat of Jade, squeezing with every ounce of strength in his body, literally trying to choke the life out of her.
Gabriel Laroux: DO YOU!? DO YOU!? DO YOU!?
Before he could do too much damage, Xavier returned to the scene with Lyric Night in tow. Her eyes shot open in terror as she saw the sight before her, quickly yelling out.
Lyric Night: GABRIEL!
And just like that, he stopped. Almost frozen in place, he looked at Jade and then down to his hands around her throat. Blinking a few times, realization set in about what had just went down. Loosening his grip on her throat, he rose back up to his feet, unable to pull his gaze away from her. Slowly, he shook his head as Lyric walked up to him. She reached up, letting her opened palm rest against the side of his face, the act seemingly bringing Gabriel back to his senses. It wasn’t that he couldn’t find the words, it was more that he didn’t want to say anything. Xavier was more than willing to although.
Xavier Laroux: C’mon, let’s get out of here.
Audio became inaudible as the three of them walked away from the motionless Jade Night, the scene returning to ringside.
Hardcore Championship
Jade Night v Cecily Bell
Layne Malone: Due to being unable to compete, Jade Night forfeits this match… ladies and gentlemen, your NEW! FAW Hardcore Champion, Cecile Bell!
Before Cecily has time to celebrate, Layne is called over by a production assistant, the pair exchange a few words and then Layne walks back to the middle of the ring.
Layne Malone: Please help me in welcoming to the ring, the challenger, the Firebird herself… PHOENIX Q!
Cecily looks confused for a moment before realising she will be defending the belt right here, right now against the FAWHOI2017 winner!
Before the bell sounds Phe levels Bell with a big elbow and quickly follows up with a full mount, punching her repeatedly in the face. Bell is able to kick her off her and roll out of the ring but Phe has a pissed off look to her as she quickly follows and throws the staggering Bell shoulder first into the ring steps with a sickening thud. Phe doesn't let up as she pulls Cece up and snap suplexes her back to the floor outside of the ring.
Instead of continuing the pressure, Phe starts looking under the ring and pulls out a kendo stick that brings a sinister smile to her face. Cece is slowly getting to her knees but is leveled when Phe cracks her in the side of the head and face with the kendo stick. Cece screams out in pain, holding her face but that doesn't last long as Phe starts to beat the crap out of Cece’s back until the kendo stick is nothing but splinters. She throws the broken stick at Cece and lets out an almost primal scream. She paces a bit, regaining her composure, she goes to pick up Cece but gets a fire extinguisher shot in her face, staggering her back. Bell charges out of desperation and spears both of them through the ringside barrier, leaving them in a heap outside the ring.
The official check on both of them as they start to stir in the wreckage. Cece is first out, crawling on her hands and knees, a big welt on her face that has swollen her eye shut. Phe starts to pulls herself to her feet, holding the back of her head. Phe grabs Bell and tosses her into the ring. She goes to follow but grabs two metal folding chairs and tosses them in the ring. As Phe enters the ring, Cece grabs one of the chairs and tries to swing it at Phe, only Phe has the second chair and rams it into the stomach of Cece Bell. Phe then slams the chair across Bell’s back, dropping her flat. Phe pulls Cece’s head up, puts a folding chair until the skull of Bell and sets her face down on it. Phe then pulls back the other chair and slams it against the back of Bell’s head in a as a one-woman con-chair-to. Phe then makes the cover for the win.
Winner & New Hardcore Champion: Phoenix Q
Footage of her celebration is cut short as cameras move backstage to show Gabriel and Xavier Laroux, standing with Lyric Night close by a monitor. Sage Morgan approaches, accompanied by the head of her personal security team and a couple of other guards.
Sage Morgan: I warned you both there would be consequences to your actions. Again and again the pair of you have seen fit to disobey and create chaos in these halls, well I am not Zooey and I am NOT Ana and this ends here.
Sage sighs and shakes her head.
Sage Morgan: Tonight, you will face each other in a retirement match…
Sage holds up a hand before either can speak.
Sage Morgan: Tonight Gabriel will face Xavier, with the winner becoming the final Showcase Champion as the championship will be retired when the bell rings for you both…
The pair look ready to celebrate but Sage quickly shakes her head.
Sage Morgan: The winner of this match will indeed be considered the last Showcase Champion… and the loser, will be fired.
The pair start to angrily protest but Sage looks past them both to Lyric with a shake of her head.
Sage Morgan: And as for you Miss Night, based on tonight's actions and your complete lack of ethical conduct in regard to Jade’s well being…
Sage pulls out a pink slip from her back pocket and pushes it into Lyric’s hand.
Sage Morgan: You're also fired.
Before any of them can really react Sage has already turned away and is escorted off by her security team.
SEGMENT
The shot begins with Lex Collins walking down Fremont Street in a Brutal Apparel hoodie, hands stuffed in his pockets and the hood up to partially hide his face. His words are soft-spoken, coming across as a voice-over while he weaves his way through the crowd of tourists, seemingly invisible.
LEX COLLINS:
Cass Baumer'd have you believe I'm unfit to appear this week. She'd have you believe that I'm spreadin' myself thin, that I'm not takin' my health, this business, hell THIS COMPANY seriously. She's so passionate with this sales pitch that she could prob'ly sell oceanfront property in the middle of the desert. But hey, let's not let reality interfere with a good yarn, right? The Headliner… always chasin' that next big story. Trouble with that's pretty simple: won't find any dirt here. No skeletons in my closets.
He sidesteps around a couple that are mugging for a camera, making sure not to photo bomb their shot.
LEX COLLINS:
Oh but it gets funnier, y'know? She thinks I'm store brand peanut butter over here, spread too thin to cover. Spent a good four months on the sidelines, makin' sure I was ready to dive back in. An' dive's what I meant. I don't dip toes. I don't tread carefully 'cause that ain't livin', that ain't no way to fight. You go in hard. All or nothin'. You think, as a FORMER champion, you'd get that mindset. You think you'd wanna pour everything you got into reppin' your company, puttin' the best version of yourself out there. An' I mean, let's be clear here. This ain't no meal ticket for me, no passin' fad 'cause I couldn't hack it as Clark Kent. This is my career. My livelihood. My damned LIFE we're talking 'bout.
He mumbles an apology to someone who bumps shoulders with him, barely sparing him a passing glance.
LEX COLLINS:
But hey, y'know, I don't expect anyone to give a rip 'bout how it makes me feel. I used to be a big deal in Vegas. Name on the marquee, poster boy on Wildcard Wednesdays. Fought all these big names, beat most of 'em too. Where are they now? I dunno… but I'm right here, still truckin' an' Cass fuckin' Baumer's got the balls to come at me, say I love gettin' my ass handed to me like I'm some bullshit has-been, some scrub who can't win a match to save his life… some guy who's too obsessed with makin' that comeback to ignore the mountin' damage. That ain't me.
He passes a group of adults as they get off one of the shuttles, pointing and winking at a tween boy that looks like he's about to call out in recognition.
LEX COLLINS:
I bet Cass thinks I'm angry now, like all those social media notifications were gonna trigger some deep-down dislike. Prob'ly thinks I'm jealous, thinks I'm ready to discount her, dismiss an' mock 'cause that's the style these days. Nope. I don't hate. Not a single person on this planet I'm willin' to waste that level of energy on. I'll hit harder, sure, 'cause you earned that. Physics, y'know, kinetic energy builds up… has to release somewhere. An' these stupid insults, these suppositions're nothin' to a guy like me - that ain't punk rock. I don't care what Cass thinks, those regurgitated thoughts of greater people don't make ripples in my pond. She can't burn me 'cause her spotlight burned out the moment that title left her waist. She's scramblin', desperate not to fall. Who's the real also-ran here? Who's the one who keeps comin' back to fight? You said it, Cass. You made sure the whole world knew, like my TENACITY, like my FEROCITY is somethin' to be ashamed of? Nope.
He stops, looking at The Luxor in the distance, shaking his head slowly before resuming his walk.
LEX COLLINS:
I fight, Cass. Certain things go along with that life. I bleed. Sometimes I break. Sometimes the fight gets stopped. Sometimes I go the distance. When there's a pause, I take a breath, find the circles again. Maybe it takes four seconds. Maybe it takes four months. Doesn't matter. Eventually, I get back up an' keep swingin'. That's what makes me a fighter. Not a bunch of knowledge crammed in an inflated head or a mouth that won't quit. Education came early an' now it's just muscle memory. That's what makes me a CHAMPION. Undisputed. Unified. Unequivocally. In the words of those ghosts I beat who you wanna emulate… be seein' ya, Cass.
Sage Segment
Unified Championship #1 Contender
Cass Baumer v Lex Collins
After a couple rather heated exchanges on Twitter, this match had a bit of a personal vibe to it. Right out the gate, Cass started running her mouth, talking down Lex. Collins proved to have the cooler head as he was quick to shut Cass up with a right hand, sending her staggering back into the ropes. As she rebounded, he caught her with a quick Hip Toss.
From there, it moved to a more back and forth pace. Neither one able to keep the offense long enough before the other was able to counter. Cass was surprisingly successful in keeping up with the smashmouth style of Collins while Lex showed that experience will always play a factor, more than a few times using this to his advantage.
The first big momentum shift came when Cass launched Collins across the ring into the turnbuckles with an Irish Whip. As she ran in, Lex threw himself forward, driving his right elbow into the face of Cass, halting her instantly as she dropped to a kneeling position. Pushing himself up to the second rope, while Cass was regaining her standing position Lex had made his way up to the top rope. Once Cass regained her bearings, Lex leapt off only to catch the head of Cass and drop into the Indestructible Diving DDT!
He was a bit slow to make the cover and because of this, Cass was able to kick out at two. Taking a moment to try and collect himself, debating where to go from here. Rising back to his feet, he pulled Cass up with him. A near deathgrip on her arm, he pivoted around, launching her with an Irish Whip of his own. Yelling out, Lex stormed forward as he left his feet, aiming for that Corner High Knee. At the last second, Cass was able to drop down, Lex crashing and burning in that corner.
Both competitors were slow to get back to their feet but Lex was able to get back to his first. He moved in to grab Cass only for her to spin around, driving the sole of her boot into the gut of Lex, sending him down to all fours. Without wasting a moment, Cass used everything she had left in her, running to the corner opposite Lex. Bolting across the canvas, she threw her leg up, the top of her boot colliding with the side of Collins’s head, sending him collapsing to the mat. Quickly, she rolled him over and made the cover successfully becoming Number One Contender to the Unified Championship!
Winner: Cass Baumer
SEGMENT
The scene opens on Melissa Reeves, stood backstage by herself - microphone in hand. She is wearing her ring gear with a too-big “#FreeBrit” t-shirt, plus a pair of shades. The fans cheer as she looks to the camera, and she waits for that to die down a little before speaking.
Melissa: “Purgatory. Oh how fitting the name of the show is.”
She pauses again as the fans chant her name.
Melissa: “Do you know what purgatory means? One definition I particularly enjoy is ‘any condition or place of temporary punishment’. And that’s why the name of the show is so fitting. See, Noah Nakamura’s title reign has been exactly that - a place of punishment.”
She shakes her head.
Melissa: “What use is a silent champion? What use is the top man in our company if he’s a void of personality? How is he marketable? Who is paying to see him fight? How does he represent FAW out there in the world? I mean...the answer is simple - he doesn’t. He can’t.”
She scoffs, her face one of almost disgust.
Melissa: “But me? Just look at who I am. I’m on TV shows. I’m on the radio. Magazine covers. Heavy social media presence. I’m going to bring eyes onto this company. I’m going to put butts in seats when people pay to come and watch me defend that gold from any and all who deserve the chance to try me. I’m going to make the title matter again.”
She nods and smiles again.
Melissa: “Tonight Noah Nakamura’s reign of mediocrity, of silence, of nothingness all comes to an end. Tonight he steps into the ring with me and tonight he loses.”
She smirks a little at that, and some in the audience cheer it.
Melissa: “Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think this is academic. I expect a challenge...after all, he didn’t win the title by accident. But I rise to challenges. I know I will overcome the threat. I know that no matter what he brings to the table, I have more weapons to use against him.”
She takes a second before speaking on further.
Melissa: “This is the opportunity that I’ve been training for, that I’ve been waiting for. Now that it’s here, I will not let it go. I will walk in as the challenger...and I will walk out as your newwwwww FAW Champion!”
With that she smiles to the camera one last time, before leaving the shot.
Loser gets FIRED
Xavier Laroux v Gabriel Laroux
Both men fully understood the magnitude of this match. One of them would no longer be employed to FAW. Rather than circle one another, looking for the upper hand, in true Laroux fashion, the two met one another in the middle of the ring, each trading a flurry of lefts and rights between one another.
Rather than try to control it, the official simply chose to let this match devolve into a knock out drag out fight. There was little to no wrestling involved as the two siblings seemed to work through any and all issues they had with one another with their fists and knees in Xavier’s case.
At one point in the match, the two spilled out into the ringside area. Gabriel had Xavier backed up into the crowd railing, staggered. The Antagonist ran in, looking to take his head off with a Big Boot, only for Xavier to duck, letting Gabriel get hung up on the crowd railing.
The younger Laroux was quick to capitalize and in a rather uncharacteristic move, stepped up onto the railing and launched himself up, catching the prime Gabriel with a Leaping High Knee! Both of them crashed back to the ringside mats with a thud.
Xavier drug himself and Gabriel back into the ring as he began to look for the ending. Stalking the fallen Gabriel, Xavier watched as the man slowly got back to his feet. Running towards him like a streak of lightning, Xavier swung for the fences, aiming for that Bicycle Knee Strike. Instead, Gabriel threw himself to the side, Xavier colliding with the official.
Looking down at the fallen man, Xavier nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders before turning his attention back to the fallen Gabriel. Before he could continue his offense, the crowds shocked reaction caught his attention. Turning around, Xavier’s eyes narrowed, his features twisting into anger as Alessandro Quagliterre slid into the ring, the two men locking eyes.
Xavier walked towards him as he was quick to hold up a single finger. Confusion flashing across his features, Xavier watched as Ales pulled out that cellphone. His confusion growing, Xavier kept his focus on Ales as he turned that phone so Xavier could see the screen. With swipes of his finger, Ales began showing Xavier images of himself and Phoenix in rather sexual situations.
That extreme anger returned to the features of Xavier but before he could react, Ales caught him in the stomach with a sharp kick. Hoisting him up onto his shoulders, Ales tossed Xavier up before throwing his knee up and catching Xavier flush in the skull with that knee, absolutely leveling him with his Bedtime finisher!
As Gabriel was getting to his feet, Alessandro dropped down, rolling out of the ring. Pulling Xavier up, Gabriel held him in that Gutwrench position and for the slightest moment, hesitation, possibly even regret showed on the elder Laroux’s face before he brought Xavier up and drove him down with that Gutwrench Powerbomb!
The official finally managed to collect himself as he got back to his feet right as Gabriel made the cover, hooking both legs. Still clearly groggy, the official dropped to make the count!
Winner: Gabriel Laroux
SEGMENT
Backstage the cameras caught sight of Rafi Cruz heading into the office of Sage Morgan, the newly minted owner of the company sat behind her desk, Maddux Kingcade sat just off to her side, resting on the corner of her desk, both turned to look at Rafi who entered the room commanding their attention. He was followed by his newly appointed manager Haidyn Jordan.
Rafi Cruz: Again tonight I have proven my worth, I have beaten the ‘last’ showcase champion! I have beaten Lex Collins! I have beaten almost every single person put before me!
Sage Morgan: Your career here with the company has been impressive Mr. Cruz I will grant you that, but why the history lesson?
Rafi appeared irritated, throwing his arms up and muttering in Spanish, causing Haidyn to step forward with a coy smile.
Haidyn Jordan: Rafael would like to see rewards that match his results- you seem like a fair person Miss. Morgan, but Rafi has not been given a fair shake…
Maddux was quick to intervene.
Maddux Kingcade: If I may, I have an idea that I believe will please everyone… Leave Miss. Morgan and I to talk it over and I'm sure you'll be very happy with the results.
Rafi looked as though he were about to argue but Sage held up a hand.
Sage Morgan: You will be taken care of Rafael, I assure you.
SEGMENT
Cameras focused in on ‘The Antagonist’ Gabriel Laroux as he was in the locker room area. His arms rested against the cold metal as he had his head lowered against them. For a few minutes, there was silence from the eldest Laroux until he finally acted, pushing off of that row of lockers only to turn around and face the camera.
Gabriel Laroux: Do you still doubt me?
Those eyes closing for a moment as an almost incredulous laugh rolled free from behind his lips.
Gabriel Laroux: I walked out of The Tower with a future WCS Championship opportunity..
He held up a single finger.
Gabriel Laroux: I ended the FAW career of my own brother..
A second finger was raised.
Gabriel Laroux: I regained what was mine and I secured my place in history as the last holder of the FAW Showcase Championship.
After those words rolled free, he raised a third finger.
Gabriel Laroux: And last..but certainly not least..I showed Jade Night just what happens when you cross that line with me.
That fourth finger was raised, revealing the mysteriously absent pinky finger on that hand.
Gabriel Laroux: I have showed, time and time again..that I am the most dangerous man in this company. When someone has wronged me..I handle it on my own. When I want something, I don't sit and cry on Twitter because I want opportunity given to me. I go out and I take it.
Seriousness showed on the features of The Antagonist.
Gabriel Laroux: A lesson so many of you would be lucky to be able to learn. Ones such as Larissa Jackson. That is one of the biggest examples of how not to be successful. Crying on Twitter because she’s not given an opportunity, crying because she was ‘screwed out of a win.’
Disgust showed in his features as he shook his head slowly.
Gabriel Laroux: I can remember back to when I was a mere boy. When you cried, you were asked..’Do you want me to give you a reason to cry?’
A slight tilt of his head as those features relaxed into that stoic, almost blank expression.
Gabriel Laroux: So now I ask you, Larissa. Do you want me to give you a reason to cry?
And with that, the scene returned to ringside.
FAW Championship
Noah Nakamura v Melissa Reeves
Noah and Melissa stare one another down as they await the bell, as soon as it sounds Mel is quick to charge Noah and she takes him down to the mat with a spear, having him grounded she mounts him with several open handed shots about his head and shoulders. Noah brings his arms up to defend himself with a loud yell. Pushing up her forces her off of him and onto her back but Noah does not mount her in response, instead he pulls up to his feet and calls for Mel to do the same, demanding she get to her feet and stamping his foot on the canvas as Mel rolls up and to her feet. This time, the pair lock up and Noah takes the advantage but Mel drops and rolls out of it, popping up behind Noah she takes him down with a belly to back suplex.
The pair lock up a second time and this time Noah is able to slip around Mel and wraps his arms up and under her diaphragm for a tight bear hug, after a few moments she looks as though she may wane but instead pulls it up from her boots and kicks back, leaning into Noah and forcing him to stumble back, he doesn't release but is far enough back that with a twist, Mel is able to grab the ropes and Noah is forced to release her. Mel springboards from where she is standing and uses the ropes to swing into a feint kick, her foot connects with Noah's head and he goes down hard. Mel is quick to follow up with some body stomps, Noah catches her foot and twists, bringing her down into an ankle log he grape vines his legs around Mel in a reverse style and yanks up on the ankle causing Mel to shout out.
Mel shows her ring awareness though and lands a couple of hard boots to the face and shoulders of Noah forcing him to release the hold, Mel comes off the ropes with a running lariat and all but takes off Noah's head!
1
2
Noah kicks out and Mel immediately protests the count, the official confirms it was only a two court t and Mel turns back to look down at Noah, as she bares down to grab him Noah springs up and head buts Mel in the face, her nose busts open on impact and a little blood trickles down to her bottom lip, something in mel’s eyes change when she tastes the blood and she swarms down on Noah with closed fist punches connecting with a few before she is warned off.
As soon as she can be back on him, Mel takes Noah down to the canvas hard, pushing her knee into his back she uses a converted Indian Deathlok to stretch and contort his spine. Noah is able to break the hold and nails a hard kick to the back of Mel’s head, she drops forward but catches herself. The pair lock up for a final time and Mel breaks away, running Noah into the turnbuckle and bringing him back out to drop him headfirst onto the canvas, for good measure she brings him back up and takes him down with a code breaker before hooking the leg for the pin.
Winner and New FAW Champion: Melissa Reeves
As the bell rings, Melissa pulls herself to her feet via the ropes. The referee hands her the newly won FAW championship. She takes it in both hands and looks down at it for a few moments, before moving to the turnbuckle to raise it in one hand above her head.
The crowd cheer - even above the volume of her music - and Melissa smiles wide. She moves across the ring, to the opposite turnbuckle, and poses again. She then jumps down and spots Noan struggling up. She hoists the title up onto her shoulder and offers a hand to help him up. He accepts and the crowd again cheer. The two exchange a few words before Noah raises her hand in victory.
As Noah heads to the back, Melissa moves to ringside where she’s greeted by some of her friends, and she hugs them. She stands on the wall around the ring, again raising the title high into the air.
Purgatory
Monday September 11th
We open the show with Sage Morgan standing in the middle of the ring, she is flanked on one side by Markos Jimenez and on the other stands Maddux Kingcade, GM for Proving Grounds.
Sage Morgan: Tonight marks a change, not just for the people backstage but for all of you as well. A few weeks ago, you were addressed and informed that FAW and PGW would be combining as to one company, that is where the facts of what you were told, end.
I have personally purchased both companies and all assets have been liquidated, whilst I have retained several roster members to contract, FAW and PGW as you know them, are at an end. Instead I shall be rebranding and refocusing the entire companies to a new horizon.
Sage smiles and looks out at the crowd.
Sage Morgan: Pay close attention in the coming weeks and you will discover exactly what is in store for you all… Some faces will remain, some will go and some new faces will be joining us as well - starting with the newly appointed team of staff you have witnessed come into your screens these past few weeks.
All of these employees have been contracted under me, under this new regime and I intend to offer you all the highest quality product money can buy.
Sage turns on the spot and smiles again.
Sage Morgan: I promise each and every one of you, this is not only what is best for the company, but it is what is best for you, the fans, as well!
SEGMENT
Phoenix Quagliaterre: It's finally here... Purgatory. And only fitting that the Sauce Goddess is involved with something that reminds me of hell once that word rolls off my tongue.
Phoenix is walking down one of the hallways of the arena while backstage workers hurry past her with their tasks and objectives on their minds, wanting to make sure that everything is going on well without a hitch. Calmness seems to settle on the Firebird from the expression on her face as her green eyes roam across each person that rushes past her.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I always say that if knowing thousands of eyes are going to be centered on you inside that ring doesn't get that adrenaline pumping through you then without a doubt, a little backstage stroll should do the trick for ya. All these people... scrambling around to make sure that the show goes perfectly, speeding past you as quickly as life when it passes you by.... just seems to give me that rush. Because it reminds you that you should be taking the night as seriously as these workers do with them doing their jobs... and in return reminding you that you as well have a job to do.
She pauses so that a rather nervous man can wheel some cardboard boxes past her, the guy almost bumping into the wall with him casting that third look behind him just to catch the sway of her hips and ample derriere before entering into the nearby storage closet while Phoenix chuckles with a roll of her eyes.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Watching a backstage worker hard at work can even make a jobber or a ring rat feel like a King or Queen. Anything to boost that courage for an upcoming match where you have to yet again prove to the world and the roster why you are one of the best that they have ever seen. The best that their rough little hands have ever gotten their hands on and if you are lucky, maybe even that damn good? The best challenge they will ever set off to face against.
Phoenix continues her little stroll as she flicks her long red neon hair behind her shoulders and waves at the passing and awe struck workers as if she were the first lady. It occurs to all finally that this is her giving herself an ego stroke from all the eyes backstage falling on her when she passes by, never missing an opportunity to show herself off. She smiles back at the camera again as if she is selling something for a commercial as she finally cuts the corner into a nearly empty hallway and leans against the wall with a sly smirk.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I often wonder how many of my opponents tonight could just... captivate people as well as I do? I feel that is one of the important things of being a champion... being able to hold attention. Because if you are a snorefest and people are taking their piss breaks whenever you are set to wrestle or have words live on television, then maaaaaybe you are not... champion material. The three men i am facing tonight... i respect them all. I already knew I would be facing off against Tanner... I just never expected it to come in a form of a fatal four elimination match...
She pauses to take that deep inhale before exhaling out a sigh, raking her fingers through her wavy locks as her eyes settle on the floor before she lifts her chin to stare back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Many would say that Tanner is most likely the underdog in this match in comparison to Ace, Jay and I... and I know better than to overlook underdogs. Hell, Cass was considered the underdog in the tag match with Jade and X versus her and Gabe... and she ended up rolling X up in a school boy just to capture the win. Underdogs will pull off absolutely ANYTHING to conquer a win and to be honest, can ya really blame them? I mean... who wouldn't use every trick up their sleeve and ace in mind to capture that big W. Even though i think i traded banter only with Ace concerning this match, i do not want my other two opponents to think that me not mentioning them as much the past few weeks is me simply ignoring them... for i am not ignorant. After what I did to Scion as well as my other opponents, I am sure that Tanner would very well love to get his hands on me. It would be salivating to not only be the one to eliminate me from the match but to also win this whole damn thing and head off to face Jade for the Hardcore Championship. Well... let me assure you that is nothing but a dream that will not come true. You may be flying high off your lightweight of a match against Katie and Trixie in round three but this is now where your journey ends. Unfortunately, you will not be getting that beer filled celebration afterwards.... unless you're trying to crack one open for me and congratulate me with not being a sore loser... but allow me to inform you that your future Hardcore Champion is not much of a beer drinking so you would have to come better with presenting me with something of my liking.
She leans her head against the wall as her eyes seem to light up from all the courage she's almost bursting with.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I am very excited that I have a challenge on my hands tonight, that although I view Tanner as the underdog, he is one that will be coming into the match ready to throw down and throw around. You know what I really like about Tanner? His... openness. The ability to speak his mind and not bite his tongue. I have to say that watching the things he has said about his opponents have been so... entertaining. Especially about the whole wanting to leave Katie and Trixie scissoring each other. I also noticed how impatient you were with the camera taking all day and it shows me that you don't have quite alot of patience... which will be your weakness in this match against me and the other two opponents. Wanting the match to hurry up and finish just so you can go get a piece of Jade... don't you wish you could just.. snap your fingers and this all be over?? That you are crowned the winner of the tournament and then soon to be NEW Hardcore Champion? If it was alllllll that simple.... well too bad it isnt. And your impatience may prove to be your downfall in the match. Rushing around, your eyes all over the place with three opponents looking to take you out of the match? Maybe not calculating your moves out thoroughly or rushing on impulse instead of planning out a strategy? I'm going to have so much fun with you and I will make sure I take it nice and slow... as if time is stopping and standing still once I get my hands on you and have the match drag out to see just how sloppy your impatience pushes you...
A backstage official suddenly approaches Phoenix as she looks to him and stops talking. He leans in and whispers that her special guest has been escorted to her locker room and the Firebird's face lights up with pure excitement as she thanks the worker and turns back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: See, Tanner... when you get to my level, YOU can have special guests ALSO come to personally fly in to take in your matches.. I do want you to remember my words though... impatience. If you show up in that match with it, you're only going to be a sloppy mess and I will have to be the one to clean you up.
Phoenix flicks her hair cockily at the camera in departing form before she walks away, heading down the hallway with excitement to see the special guest.
SEGMENT
The scene cuts backstage and Sean Callaghan is finishing up putting on some tape on his wrist. He soon glances over at the camera and nods.
Sean Callaghan: Things changed tonight. Liam is gone and now I’m on my own, no longer the tag champion of this company. That being said, I do wish my brother, Michael, luck tonight on his quest for the titles with Corey Grimes.
Sean nods confidently and then continues on.
Sean Callaghan: So instead, I get an opportunity against Parker and Fiona tonight. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to show off my singles abilities in an FAW ring. Everyone thinks I’m the Callaghan in the background. That I’m lower than the likes of Liam, who’s the PNW Champion and Ryan, who’s been over at Rebellion fighting for their championship. But nah, I’m just the loyal one. The one who continued to team with Liam in FAW, the one who continues to join his father’s company and not be given opportunities but instead, get pushed into the family drama between my dad and Brendan that I want no part off.
He scoffs before his gaze narrows.
Sean Callaghan: I’m done with that. I’m done having everyone’s back. I love my family but now it’s time to take care of me. It’s time for all of you to see who the real Sean Callaghan is. It’s time for me to step out of the shadows and show that I’m not only as good as the rest of my family, but that I’m as good as anybody in this business. And if you get in my way, I won’t hesitate to fuck you up. Count on it.
He steps towards the camera and he glares into it.
Sean Callaghan: That fucking you up for getting in my way part? That starts tonight with Parker and Fiona. See you two soon.
He nods and walks away from the scene.
SEGMENT
EARLIER TODAY
The shot fades in on a relatively empty car park to the arena which will later host FAW Purgatory.
The camera follows a Black Range Rover as it enters the car park, it's windows tinted so you can't see inside. The car comes to a stop neatly in a parking spot. The camera moves in closer, and watches as the door opens and Hardcore Invitational Finalist Ace Watson steps out. He spots the camera, and smirks at it momentarily before closing the door he just got out of and walking round to the passenger's side.
He shoots the camera a quick look before opening the passenger door, allowing Tuck to jump down, causing the fans in the arena who were watching it on the big screen, to cheer loudly.
Watson kneels down, to fuss the previously missing retriever dog, while pulling out a lead/leash to attach to his red collar. He hooks it on and stands up.
Ace Watson: Come on, boy.
He smiles again, before the pair walk off towards the arena, the camera watching from a distance before fading to black.
Triple Threat Match
Alexander Parker v Fiona O’Dalaigh v Sean Callaghan
Sean started the match strong from the get go, making light work of both opponents who at the start seemed determined to take out sean as a team. Sean was able to beat them both easily though and picked up the three count on Fiona.
Winner: Sean Callaghan
SEGMENT
The scene cut to the parking lot of the jam packed arena. Obviously not a planned entrance, ‘YOUR Favorite Drug’ stood next to his black Jeep Wrangler, his phone held to the side of his face, immersed in a conversation with a lit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth.
Xavier Laroux: Nah, I get it. That was totally fucked up of both of’em and I promise you that it’ll get handled sooner or later.
At that moment, Xavier turned to take a long hit off of his cigarette only to notice the man pointing the camera at him. A soft sigh slipped free from between his lips, he shook his head slowly.
Xavier Laroux: We’ll talk more bout it later, I gotta deal with cameras.
Ending that call, he shoved his phone back into his pocket before taking the final hit off of that cigarette, flicking the smoldering butt off to the side.
Xavier Laroux: Since you came out here and interrupted my fuckin phone call, Ima assume that you wanna hear somethin bout tonight. You wanna hear somethin bout..
Reaching into the back of that Jeep, Xavier grabbed up and pulled out his Showcase Championship. Raising it high into the air, that oh so arrogant smirk plastered to his face.
Xavier Laroux: MY FAW Showcase Championship. By hook or crook, I walked away with this belt. And just the same, I'll defend it. Y’know, I've been around the block a few times, but you ain't gonna catch me out there preachin bout honor and respect. Fuck all that. I'm out for me. I don't care if I lose the match as long as I walk away with what's mine..
He slapped the front plate of that title for emphasis.
Xavier Laroux: Doesn't matter who I gotta go through or what I gotta do to keep it. Nobody is takin this from me. I will be the Showcase of Fuckin Awesome Wrestling.
Flinging that championship up onto his shoulder, Xavier flashed that oh so arrogant smirk before turning away and making his way back into the arena.
SEGMENT
Rusty Halo" by the Script fills the arena, prompting cheers from the fans as the wait for Ace Watson to step out from behind the curtain. A few moments pass, and eventually, Ace steps out.... alongside Tuck! Which brings out even more cheers for everyone's favourite dog, as the pair walk down the ramp and to the ring.
Ace guides Tuck up the steps, and the retriever then hops into the ring underneath the second rope and sits down in the middle of the ring, Ace chuckles and points at Tuck, and can be seen saying "That's my spot!" while laughing and looking at same fans at ringside.
Watson then steps into the ring himself, after taking a microphone from a ring-tech.
Standing off centre in the ring, Ace starts to speak.
Ace Watson: So... Shortly we have the final of the Hardcore Invitational!
He leaves a break so the fans can cheer, which they do.
Ace Watson: Weeks and weeks of brutal, harcore wrestling come to an end in a fatal four way match featuring myself, Phoenix Quagliaterre, Jay Gallagher and Tanner Halsey. We've all fought out many other wrestlers to get to this final. I'm sure winning this tournament would mean the world to each of us, so I'm not expecting any slack from anyone in this match tonight. And that's good, it means there won't be any excuses when I win.
He smirks, before speaking again.
Ace Watson: See, the other three may have their reasons for wanting this tournament to be theirs, but I don't think they're fighting for what I'm fighting for. I don't think I really need to go over it again, but winning this will help solidify the new Ace Watson, the new version of me. A version of me that is free of drama, free of all the stupid tabloid reality TV style nonsense that goes on in my life. Winning will prove to everyone that my focus is where it should be. Wrestling. And winning. That's where it was before, before all the drama. And back then I won. A lot. I became the VoW Zero Gravity Champion back then, and technically I still am, seeing as the company closed before I could have lost it.
He pauses.
Ace Watson: Yes I'm being very confident right now, perhaps you could say arrogant or cocky... But while yes maybe I am, I still respect my opponents tonight. I know they're good wrestlers. They have to be to have gotten through what we all did in the matches leading up to this final. Belittling them would be stupid. I'm looking forward to facing all three of them tonight. I've never faced any of them before, but I've watched plenty of their matches in the past couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure there's nothing they can do that I haven't seen them do already, though I will be happy to be surprised if any of them pull something new out.
Watson takes another pause, giving Tuck a ruffle behind the ear.
Ace Watson: Now this could be the part where I list off all the weaknesses and strengths of Phoenix, Jay and Tanner and how I'm going to strategise around them... But I'm not going to. See, this is a hardcore match. Regardless of who is the fastest, strongest, smartest... It could all be stopped by a steel chair, a bat, table, a ladder... There's not much you can do when any of those are coming towards you at speed. I'm not going to shy away from using the weapons that will be at our disposal tonight. Like I said, I'm in it for me, and I'm willing to give it everything I have to win this match.
Watson pauses again. His face tightens up, looking intent.
Ace Watson: And after I do... I'll be coming for that Hardcore Title.
He holds a look down the camera lens for a moment, before turning and leaving the ring, Tuck beside him.
SEGMENT
Laughter of two women fills the locker room as cameras cut to Phoenix Quagliaterre and Persephone Marquis set on the couch and are deep in conversation. Phoenix seems to hang onto her every word as she slides her finger down her cell phone screen to check something out, frowning when she shakes her head with disappointment.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Noooo clue where they even are going to be this week. Luckily for them, I have a baby shower and that pool party to go to Saturday... you should definitely come to the pool party. I am bringing my new intern there... you know, the Kai look alike? You need to finally meet him.
Phoenix's eyes return to the cell phone screen as that frustration crosses her face once more.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Seriously... where in the HELL are the Bangtan Boys going to be?! I NEED to see if they would be at least watching when i face off against Jade... matter of fact, i should snap Kai and ask to see if he can get in touch with him and tell him to watch that show. Ugh... I would need a translator though, Kai's english is as good as Jimin's... and we BOTH know that is not good enough. I wish i had Taemin's snap, I know he's real cool with Jimin so I would have that message delivered sooooo quick. He seems like the type to try to play matchmaker for his friends, even though I just want Chimchim to watch me be epic in the ring. Everytime I think of Taemin, I think of the 'Ace' video...
Persephone Marquis: Just calm down.. and be lucky it's Kai you're snapping because I still say Jimin would try that 'you tryna have this baby' shit on you if you had his snap. Then you're going to try to risk it all and X is gonna risk breaking that ass.
Phoenix begins blushing and joins in on the laughter with Marquis until the brunette nods her head towards the camera and clears her throat, remembering that they were being filmed and wanting to save her friend from a future death since Xavier would be watching this.
Persephone Marquis: Look at us, just admiring WEDDING dresses and shit
Persephone says rather loudly as if to play off their conversation as she takes Phoenix's phone from her and tosses it behind the couch so that Phoenix could focus and possibly save her ass tonight. Phoenix sits up tall and tries to get concentrate on the priority of the night with the big match coming up.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Just sitting here uh.... looking at wedding dressing with my girl, Q and talking about the other competitors I'm facing off against tonight. Like uh... for example, I was saying something about uh.... well uh... Ace..
The Firebird is so distracted from being flustered she couldn't find where BTS would be this week or next that Marquis is scrambling around trying to help her out, dipping behind the couch to retrieve Phoenix's phone as she scrolls through it before waving her hand at Phoenix to abort the mission of trying to speak so she could help her out with Phoenix thinking about the 'Ace' music video.
Persephone Marquis: Ace Watson! You were talking about ACE Watson!
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Oh yeaaah... Ace!
The Firebird needs a moment but she quickly gathers her thoughts and seems to calm down as she gets her head back in the game.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I was talking about... Ace's missing dog and how... although it's so sad because pet napping is just, rude... I feel that his love for Tuck and the hurt he is feeling for the pet napping will overshadow his ability of being able to concentrate on the match at hand. While he moving around in the ring, his mind will accidentally drift off to Tuck and what the Pretty Committee could be doing with his precious pooch... which will cause him to be off his game. I am already looking forward to a hopeful impatient, impulsive Tanner but a distracted Ace? Anything to help even up the odds and push to closer to victory. I guess I am rather nervous a bit because I have been breaking my diet, because a Queen should NOT be eating like a damn bird... and you all are probably thinking, okay breaking a diet is nothing to be nervous about especially when you have been hitting the gym and training as you should... but I mean people like Kai-
Marquis coughs to throw Phoenix off what she was saying as Phoenix tries to save herself.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I TOTALLY meant to say Kaelan. People like Kae's beautiful self might be watching me and I just want to make sure that I dont disappoint tonight. What amazes me that I haven't really seen alot of people voice their opinions on me possibly losing just because I am the only female in the match. Now... I am not entirely sure if it's because I beat those odds as the only female in the round three triple threat match orrrrrr because everyone knows that it doesn't matter if you have lady parts... male parts... or possibly both, i am still considered a threat once i step inside that ring.
Phoenix pauses to look at Marquis who gives her two thumbs up to indicate that she's doing well which hypes up Phoenix as she smiles broadly and returns her attention back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Jay Gallagher survived his match against Court Kivisto and Jacob Daniels... and I use the word 'survive' because I honestly thought I would end up facing that beast. Daniels was one of the biggest threats in this tournament and the simple fact that Jay emerged from that match the victor has me slightly shook. Now, don't get me wrong.... Jay is definitely a formidable opponent.. I just expected Daniels to try to tear through them like a Mack truck. I am glad to be able to face off against him in a match though and I am pretty sure he will not let me down. I think he is the one to keep my eyes on the most because if he can get past Daniels then I know he is more than confident that he can get past me and the others. I could easily say that all three are going to be gunning for me because eliminating me would get them over SOOOOO quick but allow me to check my ego at the door and to genuinely say that this is not only THEE final match of the tournament but THEE biggest match as well of it. A grand finale to have us four talented stars facing off against each other for that Hardcore Championship contender spot and I have to say I am mighty grateful... that I will be securing a W over three men who will certainly prove a challenge for me.
Phoenix smirks over at Marquis before turning back to the camera.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Oh what, were you counting on me saying that any one of THEM could possibly beat me? I am still walking out of that ring as the number one contender... hell maybe even limping out of there because I know those three are not going to make this easy on me. But who doesn't love the chance to overcome challenges and get that necessary ego boost when you defy odds and make everyone that's counting on you, proud? Who doesn't yearn for that chance in the spotlight to continually steal the show and please every single person that is counting on them to not just win it but to win it all?? It's been quite touching that ever since the beginning, I have been the top pick to win the tournament and being able to prove myself week in and week out as i advanced closer and closer to the finals with so much support has been a bit... overwhelming. I expected to be ridiculed and looked at as the underdog in this just because of my two year retirement from the ring. Scion, rest in piss, had been out of the ring alot shorter than me but yet people unanimously counted on me chucking her right out of the tournament and well.. i ended up doing alot more than that. I have to say... for someone who has as big of an ego as I do... being able to make the people that count on me and support me happy is what truly keeps me going. It's not the fame... it certainly is not the money because lord knows I have plenty of that. It is the support I receive from everyone and me wanting to make everyone proud as well as not let them down. I am sure that those other three want it but I selfishly feel as if I want it alot more. The chance to prove to myself that I truly still do got 'it' by beating a champion and making that title mine? And of course, being able to wrestle in the same company as my fiance would be great as well with not just being here to provide support but to also show off in the ring a bit as i tirelessly and successfully defend that Hardcore Championship over and over again until me being announced continuously that i have successfully retained has become a broken record. I think that's what it will be tonight... me feelings that I need this more than the others and me pushing myself even harder than I have in the other rounds to guarantee that I am the one who ends up with my hand raised high in the air as the arena is filled with the lovely sounds of BTS from my music playing.
Marquis has found something on Phoenix's phone that causes her to become animated as Phoenix's attention turns to her. All it took was Phoenix seeing something about BTS on her phone screen for Phoenix to become disengaged from talking to the camera and to start shooing the cameraman to go away so she could talk to Marquis in private.
FAWHI Final
Phoenix Q v Ace Watson v Jay Gallagher v Tanner Halsey
The Fatal Four Way Elimination Match is ongoing in the ring right now as the four competitors work hard to try to best the other in this final round of the tournament. While Tanner and Jay trade aggressive blows outside of the ring, inside the ring is where the lack of seriousness for the moment seems to be as the audience laughs at Phoenix playfully on Ace's back as he tries to get her off while also showing a hint of amusement at his friend's actions. She finally jumps off his back and ducks his clothesline just as Jay is sliding into the ring after irish whipping Tanner into the barricade, catching Phoenix in the back with an elbow when she ducks Ace's arm. She goes down on her knees while Ace blocks Jay's punches before he manages to land a successful one of his own to Jay's jaw.
Jay stumbles back just in time for Tanner to slide into the ring and begin to work him over, seeming to make light work of him from Jay being in a daze and Tanner able to build his momentum up during his time outside the ring. Ace and Phoenix have returned their attention on one another as they trade blows before Ace gets the upper hand and lifts Phoenix in the air, hoisting her up and ready to slam her when her legs wrap around his neck and she falls back to hurricanrana him. Jay is trying to break out of the figure four that Tanner has him in, his hand wavering in the air but refusing to tap out as he holds on much longer. Ace and Phoenix are tussling around the ring until Ace shoves the aggressive Phoenix away and is able to keep her at bay when he picks up a steel chair from the corner of the ring and swings it at her, catching the right side of her head which has her stumbling back into the turnbuckle.
Jay finally ends up tapping out, being the first eliminated from the match as Tanner untangles himself from Jay with a cocky smirk, raising his hand in the air to taunt and showboat while Jay looks far from pleased about the elimination. Ace is working Phoenix over in the corner until her forearm smashes into his face, causing him to stagger back into the awaiting arms up Tanner, who starts to lift him up into the air when Phoenix dropkicks Tanner's legs for him to drop Ace. As Tanner falls back onto the mat, Ace returns back to his feet and he and Phoenix resume their bout. Tanner sits up to rub his legs when he catches sight of Ace and Phoenix going hard, having taken the fight outside of the ring. But... instead of joining them, he just sits back and relaxes, watching and wanting them to tire themselves out to make it easier to take them out one by one.
Moments go past and weapons have fully entered into the fight with Ace swinging a baseball bat and Phoenix going at him with her steel pipe. The two miss some hits but land some successful ones to the point where the left side of Ace's head is busted open and Phoenix is leaning on the barricade, nursing an injured right leg. Ace grabs Phoenix by the hand, irish whipping her into the steel pole and although she protects her face with her hands, her chest isn't protected as she falls down on the ground and winces in pain while holding her itty bitties. Tanner laughing at everything unfolding outside of the ring catches Ace's attention as he looks over at him and raises an eyebrow before climbing up onto the apron. But Tanner is jumping to his feet from his comfortable, seated position and rushing towards Ace with the intent to knock him off the apron when Ace sidesteps and karate chops Tanner in the neck. Tanner takes a few steps back away from the ropes, holding his neck which gives Ace time to safely enter the ring.
Ace and Tanner try to out maneuver each other, keeping the audience well captivated with their great performance and not disappointing at all. It gets to the point where Ace gets the upper hand and is going for the Anglian Driver when Phoenix makes her presence known by moonsaulting off the turnbuckle to take down both men. With Phoenix back in the game, all three final competitors seem to amp up their speed and power, trying to take the other out but to no avail as the three toss and drag each other all around the ring, making sure to break up major moves and step in if the other even thinks about going for a pin. With Phoenix resting against the ropes from an attack, Ace is able to finally land the Anglian Driver on Tanner and is about to go for the pin but the sudden excited screams of the audience catch his attention as he turns around and is taken out by the Firebird Kick. Phoenix drops to her knees, ready to cover Ace for the pin when Tanner grabs Phoenix by the ankles and drags her off of Ace as he slides out of the ring and takes her with him. Once he pulls Phoenix out of the ring, he gives a charming smile which irritates Phoenix even more since he ruined her chances at pinning Ace... so she shows her gratitude by punching him in the face and then kicking him in the gut.
He stumbles backwards as Phoenix charges him and they take their fight up the ramp as the audience watch closely and cheer with excitement. Ace is still down but he is moving on the mat as he blinks his eyes several times and notices that the mat doesn't seem to be shaking with any movement from his opponents fighting in the middle of the ramp. While sitting up and trying to get himself together, he notices the audience becoming even louder but doesn't realize it is not because of his opponents. Cause and Effect are sneaking over the barricades, stalking the ring with the downed Ace as their target while Phoenix is busy trying not to get taken out by the aggressive Tanner and has no idea what her fiance and goldenboy are up to. Xavier and Gabriel Laroux slide into opposite sides of the ring as Ace is finally on his feet and ready to fight again when he takes a step forward from rubbing his eyes and finally notices Gabriel standing in front of him, arms crossed with that signature grin of his. Gabriel suddenly shoves Ace so that he falls down on his ass and quickly steps out of the way so that Xavier, who had been waiting by the turnbuckle, sprints forwards and BAM! that knee drives into Ace's face as The Addiction is connected. Ace is knocked out while the Laroux brothers slap high fives before exiting the ring.
Tanner is enjoying trying to knock Phoenix off the stage as the two seem to be fighting to the death now on the stage while the audience cheers them on and chants, the two unaware of what had just occurred in the ring to poor Ace. Tanner is focusing his attention on Phoenix's injured leg as he has her on her stomach and is seated on her back, pulling up on her right leg as she screams out in pain. The camera zooms in on his grinning face as he tries to pull on her leg again when Phoenix suddenly reaches back to dig her nails into Tanner's leg. He howls out, his position on her shifting to the point where she is able to get him off of her and roll over on her back. An enraged Tanner tries to stomp Phoenix's face in as she rolls out of the way from his foot before she's able to kick him in the gut to the point he can stumble back a few steps and allow her time on her feet. She ducks his clothesline and punches him in the face before shoving him off the stage. The ref is making his way to the stage as he looks down at an out cold Tanner down below before slowly making his way down to check on him. He checks him out and determines that he is unable to go on in the match and declares that an elimination.
Applause is given as Phoenix bows to the fans before slowly limping back down the ramp for the ring, remembering that Ace hadn't appeared on stage at all and wondering what he was up to. Phoenix slides into the ring and sees Ace knocked out, which has her a bit confused because she figured he'd be somewhat up now from the Firebird Kick. Not dwelling much on it, she covers him when she sees the ref slide into the ring as he pounds the mat for the three count for Phoenix to win the watch. The audience is going insane as her theme music blasts and Phoenix seems to be choked up with emotion as the ref helps her to her feet. She happens to look over to see Xavier and Gabriel sitting on the barricade, applauding her and for some reason, she gets this strange feeling.
When Gabriel winks at her and Xavier blows her a kiss, her suspicions are raised and she can't even pay attention to the ref raising her hand up. It's only when the ref looks up to the titantron that she does as well to the playback of the attack on Ace which leaves Phoenix shocked and outraged. She turns to look at the brothers as she cuts her eyes at them, yelling at them from the ring while pointing up at the titantron while Xavier glares at her reaction and Gabriel shrugs with a smirk. Phoenix then turns to look at Ace finally coming to it as she drops on her knees to check on him much to the displeasure of Xavier. Concerned about her friend, she holds up a few fingers to ask Ace how many is she holding up and when he answers correctly, she smiles with a bit of relief before helping him to his feet while apologizing to him and telling him she had nothing to do with the attack on him. She then pays her respects to him and raises his hand in the air for the audience to go wild with applause and begin a "Tuck!" chant.
SEGMENT
The scene opens to the back where Rafael Cruz is getting ready for his match. A smirk is on his face as he looks over his shoulder at his new manager, Haidyn Jordan who is watching him get ready. Rafael looks to the camera.
Rafael Cruz: Tonight, I take on a former this, a former that. Someone full of ability that for the most part has cashed in on his chances he's been given. Key word in that is they were given, not earned. While I've been busting my ass beating people that are given matches for title opportunities or to lead to opportunities. Where's my break huh? I've beaten everyone in my path except one and she clearly needed the official’s help to win.
Rafael shakes his head and sighs.
Rafael Cruz: But I'm not here to whine and cry about it. I'm not like Cass Baumer whining about people making fun of her online or Lex Collins wanting a prime spot despite having a shitty record. Hell, I'm not even Xavier Laroux that needs to constantly go at management to get his name out there despite his balls being firmly in his lady’s handbag. But that's all for another time. Tonight… I'm focused on you Gabriel. You kept saying how you are not thinking about this match and how your mind is elsewhere? That's fine by me. Cause tonight? Tonight I'm going to beat you Gabriel… On the very last Fucking Awesome show, I'm going to leave Gabriel with a fucking awesome going away present…
Rafael holds up his hand to make an L to the camera. He smirks as he starts to walk out of the locker room, giving Haidyn’s ass a smack as he passes her
SEGMENT
The scene cut backstage to Corey Grimes and Michael Callaghan in their locker room, preparing for their match for the tag team titles. Corey looks over at Michael and speaks up.
Corey Grimes: How’re you feeling, man? You ready for this? We’ve been preparing two weeks as a team but we had no idea we were getting this opportunity. This is huge.
Michael nods his head as he laces up his boots.
Michael Callaghan: Yeah, I won't lie this.. This is unexpected. Honestly, I thought I'd be teaming with my brothers but Grimes is one hell of a name to team with.
Corey smiles and nods before he raises his brow and starts to think.
Corey Grimes: You know what? Tonight isn't about those name. Callaghan family? Grimes family? Fuck that. Let's make this about Corey and Michael.
Michael finishes lacing up his boot and smirks at Corey.
Michael Callaghan: Hell yeah man!
SEGMENT
Get up off your knees girl..
Stand face to face with your God..
Find out what you areeee.
The crowd rose to a primarily positive mixed reaction as Highly Suspect’s My Name is Human played across the p.a. system. The lights dimmed down before a spotlight shone on the entrance stage, revealing ‘The Antagonist’ Gabriel Laroux. That black sports jacket over his bare torso, black slacks hanging securely from his waist, he raised a microphone, speaking into it.
Gabriel Laroux: One of the biggest problems with people I’ve seen..not only in this company..but this business as a whole is the pathetic need for attention. A whole generation of ‘please look at me, give me validation, tell me I did a good job.’
He let his head hang, shaking it back and forth ever so slowly before bringing it back up with a look of disappointment upon that usually stoic expression.
Gabriel Laroux: My opponent is one of those..the self entitled. My intentions here tonight do not involve him and that bothers him. It’s like an insect crawling beneath his skin. Despite my personal feelings, I have a contractual obligation to give him exactly what he’s looking for. Attention. Attention in the form of twisting him into a human pretzel. Attention in the form of inflicting so much damage with one of my several submissions that he slaps his hand down on the mat. Attention in the form of making him give up.
The hand clutching the microphone dropping to his side as he listened to the reaction given off by the crowd. Nodding his head slowly, a look of appreciation showing on his features as he brought that microphone back up.
Gabriel Laroux: I was okay with pretending you don’t exist. I was okay with not even making my entrance for this match and letting you walk away with some sort of count out victory. But that wasn’t good enough for you. Now..you face my wrath. Now..you will be a warmup as for what Jade can expect when the time comes that I get my hands on her.
The rising and falling of his chest began to speed up noticeably. His features tightened into a look of growing anger.
Gabriel Laroux: And I assure you..the both of you..I'm going to show you why you two should have just..walked away. Now bring out the boy.
The lighting in the arena returning to normal as Gabriel dropped the microphone, making his descent down the ramp. Pulling the jacket off of his torso, he tossed it the side before rolling into the ring under the bottom ropes and getting back to his feet. Gabriel began loosening up as he waited.
Singles Match
Rafael Cruz v Gabriel Laroux
As soon as Rafi is into the ring with Gabriel, he extends a hand to him and smiles. Gabriel smirks at him and shakes his head only for Rafi to smack the taste out of Gabriel’s mouth, staggering him slightly. Gabe then charges in only to have the much faster Rafi duck him and connect with a stiff leg kick. Cruz connects with a few more before Gabe finally gets ahold of him and starts to work Rafi over in the corner. Gabe takes Cruz down with a big powerslam but only gets a two count. He continues the pressure with twisting Rafi’s neck in a vice.
But Cruz is able to work back to his feet and fight off the grip of Gabriel. Once back to his feet, Rafi connects with a series of body kicks and a big seated dropkick to the side of Gabe’s head but only gets a near fall. Rafi takes Gabe down with a flying headscissors and a snap DDT but Gabe still kicks out. Cruz then goes to the top rope but takes knees to the chest when he tries for a frog splash. Gabriel slowly gets to his feet and throws Rafi into the corner with a buckle bomb followed up by a huge clothesline. But just before the three count, Rafi gets his foot on the bottom rope.
Gabriel slaps the canvas in frustration just before Haidyn Jordan gets on the apron and yells at Gabriel. This draws the attention of Laroux who grabs Haidyn by the hair and looks to level her off the ring apron but instead, Gabriel gets leveled by Rafi’s ‘Anda Perra’ Superkick, leveling him. Cruz then winks at Haidyn, who jumps down, and makes the cover for the win.
Winner: Rafi Cruz
SEGMENT
The picture cut to the backstage area, revealing Alaina Laroux as she stood in front of a door, her arms crossed at her chest. A light smile danced across her features, clearly in a good mood.
Alaina Laroux: Do you know what Corey and Michael have in common? They’re part of a family. Just cogs in a mass produced machine. Their names are their greatest asset. They think that the names built by the ones before them will lead them to victory. They think Twitter banter already has this in the bank for them.
Laughing out, Alaina shook her head.
Alaina Laroux: While Corey and Michael are moveable parts, easily swapped in and out, in their respective families, the three of us are the family. There’s no swapping out. There’s no increased numbers. There’s just the three of us. That’s all we need. That’s the only thing we need for victory.
She pushed off of that door, letting her arms come uncrossed before falling to her sides.
Alaina Laroux: Corey and Michael, they won’t be able to keep their eyes off of me at ringside. It will constantly be in the back of their mind if I’m going to get involved in the match.Their focus will be divided and it’s going to show when my family makes them look like the expendable faceless bodies that they are.
Those features relaxed as she took that step back, returning to her original position only this time keeping her arms down at her sides.
Alaina Laroux: As if that wasn’t enough, they have to deal with the perfect synchronicity shared by my Anker. There is no clashing personalities, no alternative ideals or goals. They share one mind and that makes them much of a bigger threat than Corey and Michael could ever hope to be.
Almost on cue, the door behind Alaina opened up as stepping out from the room behind her would be none other than Vincent and Leonardo, The Anker. The twins stood on either side of Alaina as she hooked her arms in them, a look of comfort growing across her soft features.
Vincent Anker: Tonight is just the start. The start of something FAW will never forget. Tonight, Corey and Michael, you’re going to be apart of something much..much bigger than yourselves. When Alaina drops her Anker on you, it will be something you’ll never recover from. It will eat away at you in the back of your heads until it consumes you. Tonight will begin your Purgatory.
She looked back and forth between the two Anker brothers, all smiles as she nodded her head in agreement.
Alaina Laroux: Now let’s go get that last workout in.
They nodded in unison as the three of them walked away arm in arm.
SEGMENT
An upset Phoenix Quagliaterre is backstage as she storms the hallways of the arena. She turns the corner and nearly collides into Persephone Marquis as she reaches out to grab Phoenix by the shoulders to avoid them running into each other.
Persephone Marquis: There she is! Kicked all that ass out there, Jimin would have been proud-
But she stops talking immediately when she notices the displeased look on her red headed friend's face.
Persephone Marquis: Whats up??
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I could have had that match won on my own but like.. now i just feel like... I don't know. Final match in the tournament and i don't want it to seem like I won only because of interference. I mean, I killed Ash Scion, I fared well in the triple threat and pinned both Manny and Gray. Now i just feel... not as accomplished.
She sighs as Marquis pulls Phe by the hand to lean against the wall with her to get out of the way of the people passing by who were being extreme ear hustlers.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Didn't X and Gabe believe in me? I thought... i thought they had faith in me. Maybe they... maybe they felt that I couldn't have done it myself...
Persephone Marquis: I mean, that's one way of looking at things or... I mean, maybe they just wanted to lend a hand and show that they had your back by doing this. Phe, you won. You WON the tournament and you should be like, happy about that shit. I see what you mean but like now's your chance to REALLY prove yourself. You went through hella people in the tournament and i honestly don't think that one interference in the final round when you haven't needed help any other time will have people feel like you didnt deserve to win the tournament.
She pauses to look over Phe who is hanging onto every word while trying to calm down.
Persephone Marquis: It's time for you to get that title and trust me, if you put in all that work that you've been putting in then no one can say that you only won the tournament because of your fiance and your special boy. And hell if they do and if any of them try to say thats the only reason you beat them? Tell them meet you in the ring one on one to solve it and show them.
Phe begins grinning at that, nodding her head as the words of encouragement really is being to turn her mood around a bit. Gone was the discouragement and now the Firebird was feeling that confidence and certainty of herself once more. She smiles brightly and appreciatively at Marquis before wrapping her arm around her shoulder and leading her down the hallway.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Come on... let's see what else I can get into tonight...
SEGMENT
As the two-time former FAW Hardcore Champion Cass Baumer walks down the hallway with her eyes glued to her phone, she suddenly glances towards the camera ahead of her. Like it was on cue, the #BaumerReport marquee stretched across the bottom of the screen with a clean transition and began to show the text of the most recent FAW related reports Cass Baumer tweeted out recently. Most of them were in regards to her opponent Lex Collins, however, and as she stuffed her smartphone in her pants pocket, she smirked.
Cass Baumer: So I have the oppotunity to become the Unified Champion, huh? The one and only. The top of the food chain. And all I’ve got to do is defeat Lex Collins to do it?
With a wide smile, she shrugs her shoulders.
Cass Baumer: That shouldn’t be too hard, yeah? I mean, sure. He’s a legend but— Oops! I’m not allowed to call him a legend until his career is over, as per Lex’s recommendation.
The Headliner pointed to the bottom of the screen with two hands as the ticker showed Lex Collins’ tweet in question.
Cass Baumer: I’m fighting a dude who got his ass kicked by one guy with brass knucks when he was supposed to fight the whole roster elsewhere. I’m fighting a man who glorifies a painting of the Bibical Massacre of the Innocents of Bethlehem on September 11th — someone flippantly enlightened by the slaughter of innocent people, and fuck… Does that sound like a man you want to see as your Unified Champion?!
The crowd cheered for Lex Collins, obviously knowing Cass had twisted the facts to her own benefit like she always did.
Cass Baumer: Nah. Let’s be real. Lex Collins is a man so consumed with fighting that he’s always blindly charging into battle without regard to the body he’s been carrying around for fourty-something years. He’s so unfamiliar with what it means to self-preserve himself in the ring and so lost in his personal life that he’d rather commit every ounce of himself to what he does in the ring without even thinking about what the people who care about him seem to think about it! He’s addicted to the sport like Phe’s addicted to her favorite drug — Xavier Laroux — and now I’m the one who needs to look face to face with the man who doesn’t seem to give a fuck about his body anymore and tell him…
Shaking her head back and forth, she’s content with herself as she smirked.
Cass Baumer: I’m giving you a favor, Lex. You don’t need the Unified Championship. Fuck, you’ve done it all. Hell, I’m pretty sure you’ve held more championships in your career than most have even dreamed of earning. And you know what? That’s damn commendable. No matter what bullshit I throw at you on a constant basis, nothing is going to be able to cover up the fact that when you care in that ring, you might just be one of the best in this whole damn federation right now. To tell the truth… Even when you don’t care, you’re STILL one of the best! It’s just a shame fortune hasn’t been smiling on you, though. No sarcasm. No lies. I’m telling the truth here!
With her hands on her hips, The Headliner tilted her head slightly.
Cass Baumer: The thing is… You haven’t reached your full potential in FAW yet. Neither have I. You saw what happened, didn’t you? I lost to Jade Night for the prized FAW Hardcore Championship on a live show and I’m not gonna kid myself. That disappointed me. It was frustrating to watch my throne at the top of the Hardcore Invitational come crashing down at her hand because of a mistake I made. Whether it was because I underestimated Jade or I was distracted by Gabe coming to ringside, I can’t tell you. I don’t know. All I know is… It sucked. That’s the honest truth.
She looked down slowly.
Cass Baumer: Everything I tried to accomplish, everything I worked so hard to achieve when I promoted the fuck out of that tournament and made myself the most relevant FAW champion BY FAR… It was all gone. It fell into the ether and it was all taken away in an instant. So what next? What does someone like me do next to pull themselves out of this grave?
Cass’ eyes grew more confident again.
Cass Baumer: I beat Jade Night and I pinned Xavier Laroux with Gabe Laroux on my side in the main event!
Her smirk disappeared again.
Cass Baumer: You think that’s what it takes, huh? You figure one win’s going to erase the embarressment from my record? Nah. No, I’m sure Lex Collins agrees with me too. He knows winning this match against me isn’t going to automatically signal the fact that he’s the best despite his less than stellar entrance into FAW. That’s something we’ve got in common.
Cass Baumer: I know winning against Lex Collins isn’t going to wipe what happened from the books. It happened. We have to live with the failures in the past but the one thing that might fill that hole in our chests is hanging over our heads tonight!
The ticker below announced the match between Lex Collins and Cass Baumer for the chance to win the new FAW Unified Championship, as per tweeted by the official FAW Twitter account.
Cass Baumer: I’ve been trying to get Lex to care about this match ever since it was announced because I knew he needed to give a fuck about this match as much as I did. Hell, I’ll be honest... I knew that the match wouldn’t matter in anybody’s eyes if I could beat a Lex Collins who just went with the flow and accepted everything given to him, no matter his bad fortune. I needed to fight the legend— er, the man who could fill an entire Hall Of Fame with his best matches alone. I needed to look Lex Collins — the one and only — in the eye and tell him…
With the tilt of the head, she leaned in closer to the camera as the ticker continued to show more of Cass Baumer’s FAW reports.
Cass Baumer: I’m giving you a favor, Lex. You don’t need the Unified Championship.
She smirked again.
Cass Baumer: You want it but nothing is going to grow your brand more than it’s already grown. You’ve reached your peak… And me? Well…
Tilting her head back, she rised her nose at the camera and looked down into the lens with the utmost disrespect.
Cass Baumer: My brand is constantly rising. I’ll beat Lex Collins. I’l become a three time champion quicker than ANYONE could have ever predicted and to top it all off… I’ll be the FIRST FAW Unified Champion to EVER step into a wrestling ring!
As she smiled wider than she ever had on camera, The Headliner neared the end.
Cass Baumer: I NEED IT LIKE I NEED THE BLOOD IN MY VEINS!
Cassandra shouted.
Cass Baumer: And if Lex Collins became the Unified Champion… He’d just grow closer to being called a legand. Understand?
With that, Cass Baumer tossed the microphone over her shoulder as the ticker on the bottom of the screen came to an end. The graphic was pealed away with a similiar transition as it appeared and The Headliner herself walked down the long stretch of hallway away from the video camera.
Tag Team Championship
Sawyer Reed & Ciara Barten v Corey Grimes & Michael Callaghan v The Anker
The referee went to work to gain order as the bell rang. It was decided that Sawyer and Leonard would start things off. Sawyer quickly got the advantage by using his impressive strength to keep Leonard at bay. Sawyer powered his opponent down with a nasty belly-to-belly suplex, but the younger Anker brother was fully aware of his surroundings and was able to get his foot on the ropes. Leonard began to fight back a bit as soon as he got back to his feet. Leonard peppered his opponent with forearms before her hit the ropes and nailed Sawyer with a starch kneelift. He shot himself into the ropes and then connected with a running boot that floored Sawyer. Leonard received a two count for his troubles. The younger Anker brother dragged Sawyer into the corner before he tagged in his brother Vincent.
The Ankers maintained control of the match for a while by employing the use of quick tags. Eventually Vincent found himself back in the ring. He dropped Sawyer with a German suplex and received a two-count. The two began to battle it out some more before Sawyer hit a huge discuss clothesline, which allowed him to crawl over and tag in Ciara. Ciara came in like a house of fire and knocked Vincent down with a running forearm; she then knocked Leonard off the ring apron with a swift dropkick. As Vincent rose to his feet, he was caught with a spinning kick to the face. Ciara then rolled him through with a small package. She nearly got the a three-count, but Vincent kicked out at the last second. Vincent then felt a tap on the back as he rose to his feet and stumbled into the ropes—Michael had tagged himself in.
Ciara’s speed proved most useful as she and Michael duked it out. She got him with a basement dropkick that sent him down to a knee; she rebounded off the ropes and clocked him with a hip-attack. She went for the cover, but it was broken up as Vincent entered the ring and kicked her in the gut. The referee admonished him and sent him back into his corner. Michael then took control by planting Ciara to the mat with a snap suplex. He popped his hips, rolled back onto his feet, and then dropped her brainbuster. He received a two-count after the pin. Micahel then tagged in Corey, who immediately sprang off the ropes and connected with a 450. Fortunately, Sawyer entered in and stopped the three-count.
Corey maintained control for his team by upping the aggression just a bit. Corey battered Ciara with strikes before following up with a wicked slingblade. She got her shoulder up before the three-count. Corey then hopped over the top rope and waited for her to get to her feet. As she did, he sprang off the top rope looking for his “Flyin’ Grimes” elbow. But Ciara lept up and caught him with a dropkick to the face, which caused the crowd to go wild. Ciara then rolled to her corner and tagged in Sawyer.
The referee lost what little he had as the match came to a close. Vincent had been tired of sitting on the sidelines and entered to the ring to beat on Sawyer and Corey. This lead to everyone entering the ring and brawling. The brawling caused Michael, Leonard, and Vincent to spill to the outside. In the meantime, Ciara regained some strength. Seeing the three men fighting on the outside, climbed to the top rope. After sizing them all up, she lept of the top rope with a crossbody, taking them all out and allowing her partner to focus solely on Corey. The end of the match occurred when Sawyer attempted to hit Corey with a release German suplex. Corey landed on his feet instead of his neck. He shot himself into the ropes and connected with his “Sac-Town Explosion” single-leg dropkick to Sawyer’s dome. Corey quickly dropped to the mat and went for the pin—he earned the three-count.
Winners: Corey Grimes & Michael Callaghan
SEGMENT
Cameras cut to the backstage area, specifically upon Jade Night as she prepared for her Hardcore Championship defense. She was finishing up that last minute workout, confidence showing on her features, confidence that she would walk away, still Hardcore Champion. That was until she made her exit from that locker room. Like a freight train, the body of Gabriel Laroux exploded into the scene, crashing into the unsuspecting Jade as she was sent colliding into a large rolling crate.
As she slid off of it and dropped to the floor, it was revealed that Gabriel wasn’t alone, Xavier joining him for this measure of revenge. The Larouxs began raining down stomps onto the prone body of Jade, the attack clearly being premeditated. It was like Gabriel could hear everything bad she ever said about himself, his family, the mother of his child, and his child himself. This drove him further than almost anything else has before. Leaning down, he grabbed Jade by the head, dragging her up to her knees only to kneel down, looking down into her eyes.
Gabriel Laroux: I TOLD YOU, JADE! I FUCKING TOLD YOU WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO!
This was a side of Gabriel rarely seen, emotional, out of control, his facial expression twisted with raw anger, hate even. Thrusting to the side, he bounced the head of Jade off the side of that crate, the impact sickening as she dropped down to the floor once more. Emerging back to a standing position, he slammed the palms of his hands onto the chest of Xavier, shoving her back.
Gabriel Laroux: PICK HER UP!
No reasoning, no thought other than solving this rather personal problem his way. Xavier nodded his head, that oh so arrogant smirk plastered to his face as he turned his head to look at the camera pointed at them.
Xavier Laroux: Good thing security is too busy makin sure nobody looks at Sage the wrong way, amirite?
Winking once those words left his mouth, Xavier leaned down, dragging Jade back up to her feet, holding her up as she couldn’t on her own. Gabriel took a few steps back down that hallway before rushing forward. As soon as he got close enough, Xavier moved out of the way, Gabriel throwing his leg up before nearly taking the head of Jade off with a Running Big Boot. He spun around to bend over, looking down at her fallen figure.
Gabriel Laroux: YOU DIDN’T BELIEVE ME! I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU OVER MY FAMILY, LITTLE GIRL!
Pushing past Xavier, Gabriel grabbed that crate, pulling it back away from its former position against the wall. Turning his attention back to the fallen Jade, Gabriel drug her up to a seated position, pulling her back against the wall in a forced seated position. Moving to latch his grip onto that rolling crate, he put every pound of weight he had behind it as he ran forward, slamming that crate into the defenseless body of Jade, sandwiching her between it and the wall. Stumbling back a few steps, he took in the sight before him.
Gabriel Laroux: I AM THE FUCKING REAPER, JADE! I WILL PERSONALLY DRAG YOUR SORRY ASS TO HELL AND SPEND THE REST OF ETERNITY TORTURING YOU!
In his uncontrollable rage, Gabriel began to stomp kick at the side of that crate, continuously smashing it into the body of Jade against that wall. Unable to take it anymore, Xavier walked forward, placing a hand on the shoulder of Gabriel, trying to get him to stop his assault.
Xavier Laroux: Hey man..we’re go..
Before he could finish that thought, he ate a back elbow, sending him staggering back. His brow lowering, Xavier spit a wad of blood off to the side. Knowing better than trying a second time, he just shook his head, walking away. Without the distraction, Gabriel grabbed that crate, pulling it back off of Jade. Moving around behind it, he dropped down to a kneel, leaning to eye level with her, digging his own forehead into hers.
Gabriel Laroux: DO YOU BELIEVE ME NOW!?
Thrusting the both of his hands forward, he wrapped them around the throat of Jade, squeezing with every ounce of strength in his body, literally trying to choke the life out of her.
Gabriel Laroux: DO YOU!? DO YOU!? DO YOU!?
Before he could do too much damage, Xavier returned to the scene with Lyric Night in tow. Her eyes shot open in terror as she saw the sight before her, quickly yelling out.
Lyric Night: GABRIEL!
And just like that, he stopped. Almost frozen in place, he looked at Jade and then down to his hands around her throat. Blinking a few times, realization set in about what had just went down. Loosening his grip on her throat, he rose back up to his feet, unable to pull his gaze away from her. Slowly, he shook his head as Lyric walked up to him. She reached up, letting her opened palm rest against the side of his face, the act seemingly bringing Gabriel back to his senses. It wasn’t that he couldn’t find the words, it was more that he didn’t want to say anything. Xavier was more than willing to although.
Xavier Laroux: C’mon, let’s get out of here.
Audio became inaudible as the three of them walked away from the motionless Jade Night, the scene returning to ringside.
Hardcore Championship
Jade Night v Cecily Bell
Layne Malone: Due to being unable to compete, Jade Night forfeits this match… ladies and gentlemen, your NEW! FAW Hardcore Champion, Cecile Bell!
Before Cecily has time to celebrate, Layne is called over by a production assistant, the pair exchange a few words and then Layne walks back to the middle of the ring.
Layne Malone: Please help me in welcoming to the ring, the challenger, the Firebird herself… PHOENIX Q!
Cecily looks confused for a moment before realising she will be defending the belt right here, right now against the FAWHOI2017 winner!
Before the bell sounds Phe levels Bell with a big elbow and quickly follows up with a full mount, punching her repeatedly in the face. Bell is able to kick her off her and roll out of the ring but Phe has a pissed off look to her as she quickly follows and throws the staggering Bell shoulder first into the ring steps with a sickening thud. Phe doesn't let up as she pulls Cece up and snap suplexes her back to the floor outside of the ring.
Instead of continuing the pressure, Phe starts looking under the ring and pulls out a kendo stick that brings a sinister smile to her face. Cece is slowly getting to her knees but is leveled when Phe cracks her in the side of the head and face with the kendo stick. Cece screams out in pain, holding her face but that doesn't last long as Phe starts to beat the crap out of Cece’s back until the kendo stick is nothing but splinters. She throws the broken stick at Cece and lets out an almost primal scream. She paces a bit, regaining her composure, she goes to pick up Cece but gets a fire extinguisher shot in her face, staggering her back. Bell charges out of desperation and spears both of them through the ringside barrier, leaving them in a heap outside the ring.
The official check on both of them as they start to stir in the wreckage. Cece is first out, crawling on her hands and knees, a big welt on her face that has swollen her eye shut. Phe starts to pulls herself to her feet, holding the back of her head. Phe grabs Bell and tosses her into the ring. She goes to follow but grabs two metal folding chairs and tosses them in the ring. As Phe enters the ring, Cece grabs one of the chairs and tries to swing it at Phe, only Phe has the second chair and rams it into the stomach of Cece Bell. Phe then slams the chair across Bell’s back, dropping her flat. Phe pulls Cece’s head up, puts a folding chair until the skull of Bell and sets her face down on it. Phe then pulls back the other chair and slams it against the back of Bell’s head in a as a one-woman con-chair-to. Phe then makes the cover for the win.
Winner & New Hardcore Champion: Phoenix Q
Footage of her celebration is cut short as cameras move backstage to show Gabriel and Xavier Laroux, standing with Lyric Night close by a monitor. Sage Morgan approaches, accompanied by the head of her personal security team and a couple of other guards.
Sage Morgan: I warned you both there would be consequences to your actions. Again and again the pair of you have seen fit to disobey and create chaos in these halls, well I am not Zooey and I am NOT Ana and this ends here.
Sage sighs and shakes her head.
Sage Morgan: Tonight, you will face each other in a retirement match…
Sage holds up a hand before either can speak.
Sage Morgan: Tonight Gabriel will face Xavier, with the winner becoming the final Showcase Champion as the championship will be retired when the bell rings for you both…
The pair look ready to celebrate but Sage quickly shakes her head.
Sage Morgan: The winner of this match will indeed be considered the last Showcase Champion… and the loser, will be fired.
The pair start to angrily protest but Sage looks past them both to Lyric with a shake of her head.
Sage Morgan: And as for you Miss Night, based on tonight's actions and your complete lack of ethical conduct in regard to Jade’s well being…
Sage pulls out a pink slip from her back pocket and pushes it into Lyric’s hand.
Sage Morgan: You're also fired.
Before any of them can really react Sage has already turned away and is escorted off by her security team.
SEGMENT
The shot begins with Lex Collins walking down Fremont Street in a Brutal Apparel hoodie, hands stuffed in his pockets and the hood up to partially hide his face. His words are soft-spoken, coming across as a voice-over while he weaves his way through the crowd of tourists, seemingly invisible.
LEX COLLINS:
Cass Baumer'd have you believe I'm unfit to appear this week. She'd have you believe that I'm spreadin' myself thin, that I'm not takin' my health, this business, hell THIS COMPANY seriously. She's so passionate with this sales pitch that she could prob'ly sell oceanfront property in the middle of the desert. But hey, let's not let reality interfere with a good yarn, right? The Headliner… always chasin' that next big story. Trouble with that's pretty simple: won't find any dirt here. No skeletons in my closets.
He sidesteps around a couple that are mugging for a camera, making sure not to photo bomb their shot.
LEX COLLINS:
Oh but it gets funnier, y'know? She thinks I'm store brand peanut butter over here, spread too thin to cover. Spent a good four months on the sidelines, makin' sure I was ready to dive back in. An' dive's what I meant. I don't dip toes. I don't tread carefully 'cause that ain't livin', that ain't no way to fight. You go in hard. All or nothin'. You think, as a FORMER champion, you'd get that mindset. You think you'd wanna pour everything you got into reppin' your company, puttin' the best version of yourself out there. An' I mean, let's be clear here. This ain't no meal ticket for me, no passin' fad 'cause I couldn't hack it as Clark Kent. This is my career. My livelihood. My damned LIFE we're talking 'bout.
He mumbles an apology to someone who bumps shoulders with him, barely sparing him a passing glance.
LEX COLLINS:
But hey, y'know, I don't expect anyone to give a rip 'bout how it makes me feel. I used to be a big deal in Vegas. Name on the marquee, poster boy on Wildcard Wednesdays. Fought all these big names, beat most of 'em too. Where are they now? I dunno… but I'm right here, still truckin' an' Cass fuckin' Baumer's got the balls to come at me, say I love gettin' my ass handed to me like I'm some bullshit has-been, some scrub who can't win a match to save his life… some guy who's too obsessed with makin' that comeback to ignore the mountin' damage. That ain't me.
He passes a group of adults as they get off one of the shuttles, pointing and winking at a tween boy that looks like he's about to call out in recognition.
LEX COLLINS:
I bet Cass thinks I'm angry now, like all those social media notifications were gonna trigger some deep-down dislike. Prob'ly thinks I'm jealous, thinks I'm ready to discount her, dismiss an' mock 'cause that's the style these days. Nope. I don't hate. Not a single person on this planet I'm willin' to waste that level of energy on. I'll hit harder, sure, 'cause you earned that. Physics, y'know, kinetic energy builds up… has to release somewhere. An' these stupid insults, these suppositions're nothin' to a guy like me - that ain't punk rock. I don't care what Cass thinks, those regurgitated thoughts of greater people don't make ripples in my pond. She can't burn me 'cause her spotlight burned out the moment that title left her waist. She's scramblin', desperate not to fall. Who's the real also-ran here? Who's the one who keeps comin' back to fight? You said it, Cass. You made sure the whole world knew, like my TENACITY, like my FEROCITY is somethin' to be ashamed of? Nope.
He stops, looking at The Luxor in the distance, shaking his head slowly before resuming his walk.
LEX COLLINS:
I fight, Cass. Certain things go along with that life. I bleed. Sometimes I break. Sometimes the fight gets stopped. Sometimes I go the distance. When there's a pause, I take a breath, find the circles again. Maybe it takes four seconds. Maybe it takes four months. Doesn't matter. Eventually, I get back up an' keep swingin'. That's what makes me a fighter. Not a bunch of knowledge crammed in an inflated head or a mouth that won't quit. Education came early an' now it's just muscle memory. That's what makes me a CHAMPION. Undisputed. Unified. Unequivocally. In the words of those ghosts I beat who you wanna emulate… be seein' ya, Cass.
Sage Segment
Unified Championship #1 Contender
Cass Baumer v Lex Collins
After a couple rather heated exchanges on Twitter, this match had a bit of a personal vibe to it. Right out the gate, Cass started running her mouth, talking down Lex. Collins proved to have the cooler head as he was quick to shut Cass up with a right hand, sending her staggering back into the ropes. As she rebounded, he caught her with a quick Hip Toss.
From there, it moved to a more back and forth pace. Neither one able to keep the offense long enough before the other was able to counter. Cass was surprisingly successful in keeping up with the smashmouth style of Collins while Lex showed that experience will always play a factor, more than a few times using this to his advantage.
The first big momentum shift came when Cass launched Collins across the ring into the turnbuckles with an Irish Whip. As she ran in, Lex threw himself forward, driving his right elbow into the face of Cass, halting her instantly as she dropped to a kneeling position. Pushing himself up to the second rope, while Cass was regaining her standing position Lex had made his way up to the top rope. Once Cass regained her bearings, Lex leapt off only to catch the head of Cass and drop into the Indestructible Diving DDT!
He was a bit slow to make the cover and because of this, Cass was able to kick out at two. Taking a moment to try and collect himself, debating where to go from here. Rising back to his feet, he pulled Cass up with him. A near deathgrip on her arm, he pivoted around, launching her with an Irish Whip of his own. Yelling out, Lex stormed forward as he left his feet, aiming for that Corner High Knee. At the last second, Cass was able to drop down, Lex crashing and burning in that corner.
Both competitors were slow to get back to their feet but Lex was able to get back to his first. He moved in to grab Cass only for her to spin around, driving the sole of her boot into the gut of Lex, sending him down to all fours. Without wasting a moment, Cass used everything she had left in her, running to the corner opposite Lex. Bolting across the canvas, she threw her leg up, the top of her boot colliding with the side of Collins’s head, sending him collapsing to the mat. Quickly, she rolled him over and made the cover successfully becoming Number One Contender to the Unified Championship!
Winner: Cass Baumer
SEGMENT
The scene opens on Melissa Reeves, stood backstage by herself - microphone in hand. She is wearing her ring gear with a too-big “#FreeBrit” t-shirt, plus a pair of shades. The fans cheer as she looks to the camera, and she waits for that to die down a little before speaking.
Melissa: “Purgatory. Oh how fitting the name of the show is.”
She pauses again as the fans chant her name.
Melissa: “Do you know what purgatory means? One definition I particularly enjoy is ‘any condition or place of temporary punishment’. And that’s why the name of the show is so fitting. See, Noah Nakamura’s title reign has been exactly that - a place of punishment.”
She shakes her head.
Melissa: “What use is a silent champion? What use is the top man in our company if he’s a void of personality? How is he marketable? Who is paying to see him fight? How does he represent FAW out there in the world? I mean...the answer is simple - he doesn’t. He can’t.”
She scoffs, her face one of almost disgust.
Melissa: “But me? Just look at who I am. I’m on TV shows. I’m on the radio. Magazine covers. Heavy social media presence. I’m going to bring eyes onto this company. I’m going to put butts in seats when people pay to come and watch me defend that gold from any and all who deserve the chance to try me. I’m going to make the title matter again.”
She nods and smiles again.
Melissa: “Tonight Noah Nakamura’s reign of mediocrity, of silence, of nothingness all comes to an end. Tonight he steps into the ring with me and tonight he loses.”
She smirks a little at that, and some in the audience cheer it.
Melissa: “Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think this is academic. I expect a challenge...after all, he didn’t win the title by accident. But I rise to challenges. I know I will overcome the threat. I know that no matter what he brings to the table, I have more weapons to use against him.”
She takes a second before speaking on further.
Melissa: “This is the opportunity that I’ve been training for, that I’ve been waiting for. Now that it’s here, I will not let it go. I will walk in as the challenger...and I will walk out as your newwwwww FAW Champion!”
With that she smiles to the camera one last time, before leaving the shot.
Loser gets FIRED
Xavier Laroux v Gabriel Laroux
Both men fully understood the magnitude of this match. One of them would no longer be employed to FAW. Rather than circle one another, looking for the upper hand, in true Laroux fashion, the two met one another in the middle of the ring, each trading a flurry of lefts and rights between one another.
Rather than try to control it, the official simply chose to let this match devolve into a knock out drag out fight. There was little to no wrestling involved as the two siblings seemed to work through any and all issues they had with one another with their fists and knees in Xavier’s case.
At one point in the match, the two spilled out into the ringside area. Gabriel had Xavier backed up into the crowd railing, staggered. The Antagonist ran in, looking to take his head off with a Big Boot, only for Xavier to duck, letting Gabriel get hung up on the crowd railing.
The younger Laroux was quick to capitalize and in a rather uncharacteristic move, stepped up onto the railing and launched himself up, catching the prime Gabriel with a Leaping High Knee! Both of them crashed back to the ringside mats with a thud.
Xavier drug himself and Gabriel back into the ring as he began to look for the ending. Stalking the fallen Gabriel, Xavier watched as the man slowly got back to his feet. Running towards him like a streak of lightning, Xavier swung for the fences, aiming for that Bicycle Knee Strike. Instead, Gabriel threw himself to the side, Xavier colliding with the official.
Looking down at the fallen man, Xavier nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders before turning his attention back to the fallen Gabriel. Before he could continue his offense, the crowds shocked reaction caught his attention. Turning around, Xavier’s eyes narrowed, his features twisting into anger as Alessandro Quagliterre slid into the ring, the two men locking eyes.
Xavier walked towards him as he was quick to hold up a single finger. Confusion flashing across his features, Xavier watched as Ales pulled out that cellphone. His confusion growing, Xavier kept his focus on Ales as he turned that phone so Xavier could see the screen. With swipes of his finger, Ales began showing Xavier images of himself and Phoenix in rather sexual situations.
That extreme anger returned to the features of Xavier but before he could react, Ales caught him in the stomach with a sharp kick. Hoisting him up onto his shoulders, Ales tossed Xavier up before throwing his knee up and catching Xavier flush in the skull with that knee, absolutely leveling him with his Bedtime finisher!
As Gabriel was getting to his feet, Alessandro dropped down, rolling out of the ring. Pulling Xavier up, Gabriel held him in that Gutwrench position and for the slightest moment, hesitation, possibly even regret showed on the elder Laroux’s face before he brought Xavier up and drove him down with that Gutwrench Powerbomb!
The official finally managed to collect himself as he got back to his feet right as Gabriel made the cover, hooking both legs. Still clearly groggy, the official dropped to make the count!
Winner: Gabriel Laroux
SEGMENT
Backstage the cameras caught sight of Rafi Cruz heading into the office of Sage Morgan, the newly minted owner of the company sat behind her desk, Maddux Kingcade sat just off to her side, resting on the corner of her desk, both turned to look at Rafi who entered the room commanding their attention. He was followed by his newly appointed manager Haidyn Jordan.
Rafi Cruz: Again tonight I have proven my worth, I have beaten the ‘last’ showcase champion! I have beaten Lex Collins! I have beaten almost every single person put before me!
Sage Morgan: Your career here with the company has been impressive Mr. Cruz I will grant you that, but why the history lesson?
Rafi appeared irritated, throwing his arms up and muttering in Spanish, causing Haidyn to step forward with a coy smile.
Haidyn Jordan: Rafael would like to see rewards that match his results- you seem like a fair person Miss. Morgan, but Rafi has not been given a fair shake…
Maddux was quick to intervene.
Maddux Kingcade: If I may, I have an idea that I believe will please everyone… Leave Miss. Morgan and I to talk it over and I'm sure you'll be very happy with the results.
Rafi looked as though he were about to argue but Sage held up a hand.
Sage Morgan: You will be taken care of Rafael, I assure you.
SEGMENT
Cameras focused in on ‘The Antagonist’ Gabriel Laroux as he was in the locker room area. His arms rested against the cold metal as he had his head lowered against them. For a few minutes, there was silence from the eldest Laroux until he finally acted, pushing off of that row of lockers only to turn around and face the camera.
Gabriel Laroux: Do you still doubt me?
Those eyes closing for a moment as an almost incredulous laugh rolled free from behind his lips.
Gabriel Laroux: I walked out of The Tower with a future WCS Championship opportunity..
He held up a single finger.
Gabriel Laroux: I ended the FAW career of my own brother..
A second finger was raised.
Gabriel Laroux: I regained what was mine and I secured my place in history as the last holder of the FAW Showcase Championship.
After those words rolled free, he raised a third finger.
Gabriel Laroux: And last..but certainly not least..I showed Jade Night just what happens when you cross that line with me.
That fourth finger was raised, revealing the mysteriously absent pinky finger on that hand.
Gabriel Laroux: I have showed, time and time again..that I am the most dangerous man in this company. When someone has wronged me..I handle it on my own. When I want something, I don't sit and cry on Twitter because I want opportunity given to me. I go out and I take it.
Seriousness showed on the features of The Antagonist.
Gabriel Laroux: A lesson so many of you would be lucky to be able to learn. Ones such as Larissa Jackson. That is one of the biggest examples of how not to be successful. Crying on Twitter because she’s not given an opportunity, crying because she was ‘screwed out of a win.’
Disgust showed in his features as he shook his head slowly.
Gabriel Laroux: I can remember back to when I was a mere boy. When you cried, you were asked..’Do you want me to give you a reason to cry?’
A slight tilt of his head as those features relaxed into that stoic, almost blank expression.
Gabriel Laroux: So now I ask you, Larissa. Do you want me to give you a reason to cry?
And with that, the scene returned to ringside.
FAW Championship
Noah Nakamura v Melissa Reeves
Noah and Melissa stare one another down as they await the bell, as soon as it sounds Mel is quick to charge Noah and she takes him down to the mat with a spear, having him grounded she mounts him with several open handed shots about his head and shoulders. Noah brings his arms up to defend himself with a loud yell. Pushing up her forces her off of him and onto her back but Noah does not mount her in response, instead he pulls up to his feet and calls for Mel to do the same, demanding she get to her feet and stamping his foot on the canvas as Mel rolls up and to her feet. This time, the pair lock up and Noah takes the advantage but Mel drops and rolls out of it, popping up behind Noah she takes him down with a belly to back suplex.
The pair lock up a second time and this time Noah is able to slip around Mel and wraps his arms up and under her diaphragm for a tight bear hug, after a few moments she looks as though she may wane but instead pulls it up from her boots and kicks back, leaning into Noah and forcing him to stumble back, he doesn't release but is far enough back that with a twist, Mel is able to grab the ropes and Noah is forced to release her. Mel springboards from where she is standing and uses the ropes to swing into a feint kick, her foot connects with Noah's head and he goes down hard. Mel is quick to follow up with some body stomps, Noah catches her foot and twists, bringing her down into an ankle log he grape vines his legs around Mel in a reverse style and yanks up on the ankle causing Mel to shout out.
Mel shows her ring awareness though and lands a couple of hard boots to the face and shoulders of Noah forcing him to release the hold, Mel comes off the ropes with a running lariat and all but takes off Noah's head!
1
2
Noah kicks out and Mel immediately protests the count, the official confirms it was only a two court t and Mel turns back to look down at Noah, as she bares down to grab him Noah springs up and head buts Mel in the face, her nose busts open on impact and a little blood trickles down to her bottom lip, something in mel’s eyes change when she tastes the blood and she swarms down on Noah with closed fist punches connecting with a few before she is warned off.
As soon as she can be back on him, Mel takes Noah down to the canvas hard, pushing her knee into his back she uses a converted Indian Deathlok to stretch and contort his spine. Noah is able to break the hold and nails a hard kick to the back of Mel’s head, she drops forward but catches herself. The pair lock up for a final time and Mel breaks away, running Noah into the turnbuckle and bringing him back out to drop him headfirst onto the canvas, for good measure she brings him back up and takes him down with a code breaker before hooking the leg for the pin.
Winner and New FAW Champion: Melissa Reeves
As the bell rings, Melissa pulls herself to her feet via the ropes. The referee hands her the newly won FAW championship. She takes it in both hands and looks down at it for a few moments, before moving to the turnbuckle to raise it in one hand above her head.
The crowd cheer - even above the volume of her music - and Melissa smiles wide. She moves across the ring, to the opposite turnbuckle, and poses again. She then jumps down and spots Noan struggling up. She hoists the title up onto her shoulder and offers a hand to help him up. He accepts and the crowd again cheer. The two exchange a few words before Noah raises her hand in victory.
As Noah heads to the back, Melissa moves to ringside where she’s greeted by some of her friends, and she hugs them. She stands on the wall around the ring, again raising the title high into the air.