XWL Final Stand IX: 3/6/2017 - 3/20/2017

LIVE FROM: Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
DEADLINE: 4:30 P.M. EST / 9:30 P.M. GMT

As the time arrives for the ninth anniversary spectacle of Final Stand...we're taken to a dark room, a room that has no sound, a room that looks empty. But through the pitch black, a video clip pops up on the screen showing Jeff Hardy standing with The World Heavyweight Championship hoisted into the air, victorious over John Morrison in the very first Final Stand Main-Event back in 2009. The clip continues to replay as another appears beside it. Where The Brian Kendrick brought truth to the feeling that anything can happen on the biggest show of the year as his hand is raised along with The World Heavyweight Championship, standing over the dethroned champion Chris Jericho. His victory along with Jeffs keeps on repeating, as beside it is Chris Jericho one year later, reclaim his lost championship, with MVP and Sheamus lying in defeat. As all the clips continue to replay, the sounds of commentators going wild over the result, the screaming fans whether boos or cheers, a new one plays under the first, showing Justin Gabriel realizing a dream, defeating his long-time partner Wade Barrett to stand at the top of the mountain. With the montage of Main-Event victories flashing along the screen, the next one added is Chris Jericho once again World Heavyweight Champion, this time successfully defending on the grand stage, as his foot rests on the beaten Joey Ryan. A continuous loop of World Heavyweight Champions raising their belts sees another added to its playlist when Dean Ambrose successfully defended against The Mr. Money in The Bank Ted DiBiase who had cashed in for The Main-Event and failed. With the victors of these huge Main-Events celebrating with their prizes, another lights up...CM Punk successful in his defense against Seth Rollins, overcoming The Authority...and as that one continues, the one beside it sees Dean Ambrose, STILL World Heavyweight Champion, locked inside Hell in a Cell over the challenger CM Punk, cementing perhaps the most feel-good moment in Final Stand history when he took everything The Authority had, survived hell itself, and remained our champion.


We then find that a man has been watching all of these clips replay over and over, that man...is the one that now stands with The World Heavyweight Championship over his shoulder. As he watches champions fall, rise, and others born...he wonders what his clip will be, will he be at the feet of another, or the one standing? He turns his head over his shoulder, noticing the camera, then lets out a faint smile.


[Matt Sydal]
Tonight is the night, a night unlike any other, a night where your success...and your failures, are forever cemented in history. Will you rise, or will you fall? Will you be an unrecognized face that lies at someone else's feet, or will they be the one lying at yours? So I'll ask you, what do YOU stand for?


His eyes shift to the left of him, where we see Alexa Bliss doing her best to not tremble in fear as three shadows threaten to consume her. Her hands raised, covered by skull bone bedazzled gloves, a curled upper lip, and fierceness in her eyes. A wet cement plot in front of her, where her signature has been written, and the words "I'm not afraid" drying above her hand prints. When all of a sudden the shadows become much bigger, and Alexa disappears into the darkness, leaving only a high pitched scream behind. As Matt gazes further to the left, he sees R-Truth standing with his Money in The Bank Briefcase, the golden opportunity...in his hands, stroking it to which Matt shifts his gaze to the right, away from the possibility that could await. We now see Leo Kruger, perched over what looks to be a plot of cement Sami Zayn had signed, he wrote "The Hunter Will Become The Hunted" as Kruger kneels, with The Intercontinental Championship around his waist, he starts to draw in the cement with a bloody stick, creating a stick portrait of what's supposed to be Sami Zayn, drawing x's for eyes, and letting out laughter that sends chills down our spines. But his laughter stops, as Sami Zayn appears behind him, shouting "LET'S GO!" with his fists up, and a small cage falls around them, fading to black. 



Where a man beside them clears his throat, and there before us stands The Elite Champion CM Punk, proudly holding his title over a patch of cement that Paul Heyman had written in. "EAT. SLEEP. CONQUER THE SO CALLED "ELITE" REPEAT." Punk kneels down, running his hands along the phrase, then taps his wrist, brings it up to his ear, and smiles. With that, Matt turns back to his left where quite a commotion is being made as Pete Dunne rips apart the planks around the wet cement TJ Perkins had left his prints in.  Pete starts to stomp repeatedly in it, leaving no trace that it ever belonged to Perkins. A gentleman tries to stop Pete, but he's thrown against the wall as Pete shouts "THIS IS MY SPOT NOW!" But stops, as he turns his head, and sees The Undertaker, eyes rolled in the back of his head, performing the signature cutthroat taunt before the lights go out. As they come back on, Pete, and The Undertaker are gone...replaced by none other than Braun Strowman, towering in front of Bad News Barrett...it looks as if they're about to come to blows, when they hear the deranged voice of Matt Hardy repeatedly yelling "DELETE" as he writes it into Jeff Hardy's cement plot. Sydal hears something to the right of him, but before he can see who it is, they disappear...only leaving laughter behind...he turns the other direction and as he does...Sister April stands beside him, whispering in his ear "I stand...for my sisters..."vanishing again.



[Matt Sydal]
Tonight stands for greatness and it will accept nothing less. We stand on the grandest stage of them all, ready to follow in the footsteps of those that have come before us. Some ready for their careers truly begin, others to reclaim fallen glory...this is no ordinary night, it is only for the extraordinary. So do you stand, or do you fall? The choice is up to you, what you do tonight, how hard you fight, WHY...you fight, it decides it all. There are no do-overs, there's no guarantee that you can redeem yourselves next year because this could be, your Final Stand. So I'll ask you again, do YOU stand, or do YOU fall?




We hear a loud "YOU JUST MADE THE LIST!" echoed from the left, where Chris Jericho starts to climb a ladder as his list is hung high in the air. Baron Corbin sits with his arms crossed and a smirk across his face. "NO NO NO YOU CAN'T DO THAT, DEAN THAT ISN'T YOUR PART!" our focus turns to the apparent chaos going on, which sees Dean Ambrose with his back to the camera, pissing in the cement signature Seth Rollins had just made. Things seem to be breaking down in what started as a uniformed introduction to the show, and they continue as Sasha Banks is in focus, with confidence in her eyes she says "I stand THE BOSS"  beside her is Natalya who says "I STAND FOR RESPECT" but as she gets it out, Dana Brooke drops her to the ground and smugly says "I stand tall."  



[Matt Sydal]
I stand, they stand...WE...stand, ready to do whatever it takes. This will not be my Final Stand as World Heavyweight Champion, and that's...THE GOLD'S HONEST TRUTH!




Matt kneels down in front of the replays of all the Main-Events of Final Stand before now, and places his hands in the cement, leaving a gold print, unlike all the others...then he begins to sign it "The Golden Ticket To The Future of XWL." With his name cemented, literally...he prepares to cement his legacy as he Main-Events Final Stand for the first time, against the man that has tried to end his career all in the name of being World Heavyweight Champion. Matt rises up, a grin across his face...as he leaves us with one last statement "I STAND...ready to finally put AJ Styles in his p- Out of nowhere AJ Styles ran in, completely in normal clothes, as if he wasn't a part of this intro, and starts to attack Matt Sydal. The lights flash on, revealing the other superstars staring confused, stage hands start to rush into the frame, the highlights end revealing a green screen that had been in front of us the whole time...AJ shoves Matt's face into his golden hand print and starts to...drown him in the cement? "YOU LITTLE WEASEL, I'M SICK OF YOU, HOW DARE YOU HOG THE SPOTLIGHT, IT'S MINE, THAT TITLE IS MINE, THE FANS WERE MINE, YOU TOOK IT ALL, AND NOW I'M GOING TO TAKE IT ALL BACK!" he angrily screams. Several extras try to pull AJ off of Matt but he elbows them back then yanks Matt up, covered in wet cement, and hurls him through the green screen, ripping a hole in it and causing even more, people to run in from behind the camera trying to stop him.


AJ then rips The World Heavyweight Championship away from Matt, and begins to stare at it...he stares, he seethes in anger, knowing this should be him...this should be his intro, this should be his title, this should be him walking into Final Stand World Champion. Several people try to calm AJ down but he shakes his head, throwing the title down, and pounces onto the slowly rising Matt Sydal pummeling him with shot after shot, possessed, determined, and sending a message that's heard loud and clear. The helpless champion, that had thought all of this was behind him, is in the same place he was in when this all began back in November....AJ Styles battered and beat him, and in what was meant to be a harmless introduction to add hype around tonight's huge show...has now turned into something very real. AJ lets up on his flurry of fists, then starts to grab at Matt's very well known knee injury, an injury he caused, and begins to lock in the calf crusher, to which things turn even more serious, so much so that the camera's view becomes obstructed by the people swarming in, and we're left only with audio. The panic from everyone there, the screams of Matt, the screams of AJ. The introduction abruptly ends as the director yells "THAT'S ENOUGH, CUT, CUT THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR! CUT!" followed by AJ shouting


"THIS ISN'T MY FINAL STAND, IT'S HIS!"



 

The picture fades away to a dark room, the place looks to be an abandoned hotel in a dark and rainy location, we see two cages set up one for each participant in the monsters ball match. The camera moves closer to one cage revealing it to be Alexa Bliss inside, she's curled up in the fetal position having went through the last however many hours of this torture. The camera moves to the next cage revealing Rosemary inside sleeping and smiling as we can only guess the sinister things she is thinking of doing to Alexa in the horrendous Monsters Ball match. Laughing can be heard echoing through out the warehouse as we see Abyss and Crazzy Steve walk into the picture. Steve goes and grabs the bolt cutters as he hands them to Abyss who’s laughing the whole time. Abyss cuts the lock off the cage of Alexa first, she's shivering and looks terrified. Steve walks in to grab her and escort her out to get ready to travel to the arena for her hellacious bout with Rosemary.

Steve then takes Alexa and cuffs her telling her to stay put. Alexa gives off a smirk but stays put, Steve laughs and tells he good girl. Abyss then cuts the lock off as rosemary does nothing but smile. Steve walks into Rosemary’s cage and gives off the maniacal grin  he gave off last week. Steve then cuffs rosemary as they walk toward the door of the warehouse as the screen goes dark once again. The screen  continues to say dark as it appears the cameras are now in the arena at least they appeared to be. The eerie them of decay begins playing but all we hear is silence. After a few minutes of deafening silence Crazzy Steve’s voice can be heard over the speakers from the arena the crowd completely silent as if they are scared to say a single word.

Crazzy Steve
hahahahahahaha, we warned everyone there decay was coming, tonight begins a new chapter in xwl history, final stand, the place where people get the last laugh against whoever they face, but you see decay doesn't work like that, we take what we want only after we feel that we are fit to take. People are going to learn to keep their noses where they belong, Alexa, Scott, Braun, none of you know what your dealing with, Braun, Scott you may think you know because you tried and failed at "taking over" XWL coming from Sool, but you see we are going to succeed in our takeover because we won't stop until we have succeeded.

The Monster Abyss can be heard lightly cackling and after a bit of a loud thud he appears to be ready to speak after years of being gone. He pauses for a moment to take in the atmosphere. The silence is so deafening from the fear that you can almost hear a pin drop. The XWL Universe hasn’t seen the Monster for years up until a few weeks ago. Abyss knows that and embraces the fear in their hearts. He lets out a faint cackle for a few seconds before speaking aloud as his voice echoes throughout the arena

Abyss
Ah. XWL. The XTREME wrestling league. How I’ve missed you so… but you see… it is not these people I’ve missed. Oh no. What I’ve missed. Is the PAIN and the AGONY I make each and every single person feel when I step into this ring. I missed seeing the people cower in fear as I walked passed them. I missed hearing those silent murmurs’ from the people who claim they understand why I am the way I am but.. They truly don’t.. so they simply judge and dismiss me. You see... When you’ve been in this company for as long as I have.. No matter if you take a long break or not.. You realize things and I… I have come to realize.. Some things NEVER change. There’s people in this company who tip-toe around the establishment… who spread gossip behind others backs.. Because they’re too scared to say it to their faces.

[color:9c1e=8B8378]Abyss pauses for a second and begins to breathe heavily. He strokes his hair for a second and pulls out a few strands. He then looks at it and slowly turns his hand the other way and watches as each strand slowly falls to the ground. One lands on the microphone creating a screeching feedback which causes the audience to cover their ears. We hear movement from Rosemary and Crazzy Steve as they watch as each strand falls to the floor. Rosemary begins to laugh as she realizes the significance of the hairs falling. Steve slumps to the floor and looks at the little hairs and begins laughing joyfully before slowly rising. Abyss looks to the other Death Dealers and grins. With a thud Rosemary leans against him as he strokes her hair  and then he turns to the microphone and speaks again

Abyss
I’m sure you’re all wondering why I would rip my own hair out and just let it fall to the ground? Well… heh.. it’s quite simple actually. This signifies that even the smallest thing if pulled hard enough can begin to fall and the drop of a hand… I’ve been stowed away for quite some time.. And.. Well.. I see that this is what XWL has become. There’s no determination. There’s no will to FIGHT. No HUNGER. So you may ask yourselves then why are you here?!?! It’s an easy answer. We’re HUNGRY. There’s far too many people here that are afraid to take risks. Afraid to step outside of their comfort zone. To become the type of person they know.. Deep down in the pit of their souls.. That they should be. Decay.. However… we.. Embrace these fears. We thrive off of these fears. If you want to make it to the top. In a place like this. Sometimes you have to do the unthinkable and we’re here to turn XWL on it’s head. The things you thought you knew are no more. Join us in this darkness and learn to embrace it because there are those of us that can do so and believe.. It.. Is.. Beautiful.

Rosemary giggles aloud as she steps forward

.: Rosemary .
We are here to make XWL rot from the inside... out, and that starts tonight. Let me remind you Alexa asked for all of this... ALL OF IT!!! That night when she somehow got the courage to even walk down the ramp. Well I am sure you all know now that she FUCKED with a person that turned out to be a DEMON, and this demon had friends..

Rosemary grabs the heads of both Crazy Steve, and Abyss then bring them close to hers, and the three laugh creepily together. She slowly pushes their heads away, and again starts speaking.

.: Rosemary .
friends that linger in the darkness just waiting for a chance to make your nightmare come to life, and as you can see Alexa was absolutely petrified of us. She tried to talk her way out of the match, but there was no going back. I bet her body is full of regret, for her unforgivable act, but after our match regret will be replaced with PAIN and SUFFERING, and while you remain on the floor Bliss still trying to recover just know my focus will turn to the Women's Championship, and with time it shall be mine. So to the four women who are fighting over that title tonight just remember WE are just lurking right around the corner. You just never know when we will strike, but I assure you the winner of that match will see us very soon.

Rosemary puts her head down, and laughs creepily then show slowly bring her head up to talk again

.: Rosemary .
Tonight will be the turning point of XWL's Final Decay embrace it, because no one will be able to stop us.

Faint cackling from all of Decay begins to happen and slowly fade out as the screen fades to black. Seconds later an opening video begins to play on the titantron to a rush of pyro





After a massive rush of pyro fills the arena. The camera pans around to see all the thousands upon thousands of fans in attendance for XWL’s biggest show of the year, Final Stand. The fans are on their feet and the sound is deafening from the amount of excitement. As the crowd begins to finally die down we cut to our resident commentary team Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves for a rundown of tonight’s amazing event.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Hello folks and welcome once again to XWL’s biggest show of the year, Final Stand. I’m your host Mauro Ranallo alongside my partner the always energetic Corey Graves and we come to you live tonight from the Memorial Coliseum in beautiful Los Angeles, California. This is always a great time of the year to be a wrestling show because there’s telling what will happen when every single superstar puts everything on the line on XWL’s show of shows, Final Stand.

[Corey Graves]
You hit the nail on the head Mauro. If there’s one thing I look forward to every year it’s Final Stand. For being XWL’s biggest show of the year there’s never any shortage of amazing matches or moments. Just looking at the list here we’re in for one amazing night. I mean look at some of these matches, Mauro. You’ve got Pete Dunne and TJ Perkins battling it out to earn their spot in what’s sure to be an amazing matchup later tonight when we witness XWL’s final Standoff where 10 men will battle it out to become number one contender for XWL’s coveted championship.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Yes indeed Corey. Not only will Dunne and Perkins battle it out but we still will have two spots unknown going into that match. So I advise everyone here tonight to pay close attention to see just who may be the other two contenders and that’s before the match event begins! Next up we also have CM Punk the current Elite Champion defending his championship against the Beast Incarnite Brock Lesnar. One things for sure Corey these two have left nothing but carnage in their wake as they battled it out to show just who deserves that championship. The one question I have to the XWL universe is just who will be the last person standing. Or who will survive and walk out champion in what’s sure to be an amazing match up.

[Corey Graves]
Lets not forget about the women Mauro. We’ve got quite a few sure fire matches that are set to take place tonight. First up, as we’ve seen earlier, it will be the Demon Of DeCaY, Rosemary and she will be facing off against Little Miss Bliss, Alexa Bliss. If I were in Alexa’s shoes, to be quite honest with you, I would not have accepted any match that Rosemary would have issued me. She chose to however and as you saw from earlier today Rosemary has nothing on her mind but putting Alexa through the match of her life. If I were a betting man I would heed the many warnings that she’d given Alexa and be very careful. You never know what goes on in someone like Rosemary’s mind.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Next on tap for the women we also have what’s sure to be one hell of a match when Sister April defends her XWL Women’s championship against three other competitors in Natalya, Dana Brooke, and The Boss Sasha Banks. Tension between all four of these women has been on the rise for weeks. Mind game after mind game by Sister April not to be outdone by Natalya or Dana. Plenty a statement have been made by Sasha. Each week it seems every participant involved in this match only stepped up their game that much more. The question left on my mind is. Just who will walk out champion. Will Sister April reclaim her championship through cunning tactics or will we see another formidable woman walk out with the championship and be crowned the new Women’s Champion.

[Corey Graves]
Speaking of mind games one has to wonder just how clear Sami Zayn’s head is given everything he’s been through with the reigning Intercontinental Champion Leo Kruger over the last few months. If I had to guess I would say Sami wasn’t really in the right frame of mind to keep pursuing a crazed man like Kruger but, if there’s one thing I”ve always admired about Sami, it’s his heart Mauro. When all is said and done and the dust settles. After all the huntings over the only thing left on everyone’s mind is. Just who will walk out the champion. Will Leo Kruger continue on his hunt for destruction or will Sami Zayn do the impossible and put down the hunter in Kruger and capture the Intercontinental Championship. If I had to offer a bit of advice it’d be this. Be careful Sami.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Also on tap we have another street fight and a long time coming in former S.H.I.E.L.D brothers when we pit former World Champions against each other in Seth Rollins against The Lunatic Fringe Dean Ambrose. Both of these men are very familiar with each other. As they have such a rich history together. Seemingly having gone down different paths over time however the question remains when these two clash just what will happen. Will The Architect Seth Rollins best his former colleague or will The Lunatic Fringe Dean Ambrose deliver a Dirty Deeds and come out on top. One things for sure it should be a hell of a match.

[Corey Graves]
We also have two very interesting challenges when The Demon Finn Balor issues an open challenge to anyone in the XWL locker room. As well as R-Truth’s Golden Gauntlet For The Golden Opportunity. Both of these things are vastly different from each other, yet, they have one thing in common. Both superstars are looking for a chance to make a name for themselves and what better place to do so than the show of shows.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Speaking of challenges. We’ve also got two very interesting ones. Brother vs. Brother. Hardy vs. Hardy when Broken Matt Hardy takes on his Brother Nero Jeff Hardy. These two have been all over the world and, if I’m honest, they have one of the most unique relationships I’ve ever seen for siblings who have entered the business together. Matt has set himself apart from Jeff and lives in his own Broken Universe. While Jeff tends to keep to himself and let his actions do the talking. The one thing I am left to wonder is will Broken Matt deliver on his promise of deleting Brother Nero or will Jeff Hardy overcome his Broken brother and defy the will of the seven deities.

[Corey Graves]
Sometimes I don’t know about those two Mauro. That’s not all we have folks. Lets not forget about The Lone Wolf Baron Corbin when he faces off with the originator of the List Of Jericho Chris Jericho in a ladder match. Both of those men are tremendous athletes and I’m sure they’ll leave it all on the table. If I’m honest Mauro that’s not the match I’m looking forward to. I think I speak for everyone else when I say THE match to look forward to is the culmination of months of intense matches between the reigning XWL World Heavyweight Champion Matt Sydal and former champion The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles.

[Mauro Ranallo]
For sure Corey. We’ve got plenty of other amazing matches on tap for our show of shows including the Final Standoff to determine who will be contender for that very championship as well as Daniel Bryan going against Austin Aries, Luke Harper facing off against Roman Reigns and then Braun Strowman The Monster Among Men facing off against DeCaY’s beautiful Monster Abyss but nothing pales in comparison to the reason we’re all here. The XWL World Heavyweight Championship. You mentioned that AJ Styles and Matt Sydal have been on one hell of a war and you couldn’t be more right Corey. For months now AJ just hasn’t had the best luck in the world but he’s hoping to redeem himself here tonight, and what better place to do that on, than Final Stand. Sit back and enjoy folks. For that amazing ride begins now.

After a bone chilling introduction to the grandest stage of Final Stand IX. The clash between these two pivots onto the titantron, TJP in one corner of the ring in what appears to be a simulation video. In bright blue letters with some sort of gaming font has his name on the screen next to him ready for his opponent across the ring. On the other side is The Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne who has been chomping at the bit to get his hands on TJP for many weeks now. His name prompts up with red molten letters to indicate the bad guy in this scenario.



The hero of this story stands at 5”10, and weighing 175 pounds. He’s been the underdog for most of his career and looked down upon. One thing is for sure, TJP is not the type of person to lay down. It’s fight to your last breath, It’s to fight to the finish. The next day after all is said and done, he’ll remain true to his word. He’s not afraid of anyone or anything, he’ll risk it all if he has to. He has something to prove, and that added push to his attitude might help him secure a win over his opponent tonight in the dastardly Pete Dunne.



The subsequent villain of this story stands at 5”10 and has a distinct weight advantage against his opponent weighing 205 pounds. The actions of this man speak volumes, whether inside of the ring or simply being near him at a venue. He’ll prove you wrong with emphasis if you are going to lower his chances of coming out on top. He may not be the biggest dog in the fight but he has that savagery that will put him at the helm of anything he sets his mind to. TJP doesn’t entertain this brutalization Dunne possesses. He’s the final boss for TJP, he’s merely an obstacle to overcome and Dunne will have to keep his head in the game at Final Stand with a prize on the line in the form of an entry into the Battle Royal later on in the night.


WITH PRIDE, INTEGRITY, AND LEGITIMACY ON THE LINE.

Who will be the fallen and who will ascend to the next level?  

We find out..



NEXT





[Corey Graves]
We have been yearning for this match to take place, absolutely hanging on for these two to finally face off.

[Mauro Ranallo]
After many weeks of one upmanship, we’re at Final Stand. What a name of a PPV to show how much heart TJ Perkins has. Will he go down swinging or barely make it out alive?

[Corey Graves]
Enough talk, I want to see it.. I am figuratively jumping out of my seat right now.

[Mauro Ranallo]
These two men will bring the heat for you Corey, don’t you worry about that.







The stage dims for a few seconds and instantly becomes into a videogame themed light show. The entire ramp and stage turn into an animated road graphic symbolizing the journey taken and ahead with PRESS START is zoomed in on by our film crew. The game for TJP has started, it’s time to make Dunne see his special power locked away waiting for a battle like this one. The Freedom Racer TJ Perkins is seen doing his signature pose through the curtains frozen with his hood covering his head and perching on one knee. You can see that he’s taking a moment to feel the crowd’s energ-

Before anyone is able to have audible excitement for this talented ring veteran, he begins to fall over dazed and confused. The crowd goes from withholding excitement to withholding the terror on their faces. TJ is lying motion with half his body in and outside of the curtains. A silhouette appears that outlines standing over TJ and the curtains are flown open. Standing tall over TJ was as we guessed, The Bruiserweight Pete Dunne. Surely you all saw this coming, Pete wasn’t going to let this crucial win become only a dream.

[Corey Graves]
Pete Dunne doing what he does best, hurt people and I am known as a unbiased commentator but Perkins provoked him and this is what he gets.

Pete leans down to the dismay of everyone in attendance, over approximately 50,000 strong in Los Angeles, California. Grabbing onto the hood of Perkins and dragging him down to the area that says PRESS START. He grins and that only means it’s all downhill from here. The car has been stopped and TJ has yet to realize this, but he’s out of gas. Dunne picks up TJ by his head with only Pete’s hands on each side of his temple holding him up. He takes a second to feel the power achieved by dismounting TJ from his leaderboard, and sends him full speed into the PRESS START logo. His head has to be cracked open, a concussion is unavoidable. Does Dunne have zero conscience? It appears so. The Bruiserweight opens his mouth and his eyes light up, unlike TJP. He screams in the face of TJP whilst hovering over him. “The game has begun, you pressed start, come on get up don’t be shy!” Mocking TJP who is unable to even lift his body off the ground even two inches. Swatting at his face, TJP slowly comes to but you can tell he’s not fully there.

[Corey Graves]
I retract my previous statement, this is barbaric and uncalled for. You made your presence known, he’s hurt. Somebody get this maniac out of the arena!

[Mauro Ranallo]
This surely wasn’t what Perkins signed up for when he agreed to put it all on the line, Dunne took it quite literally, as in his entire career so it seems. The worst part I fear hasn’t even come yet.


Pete backs off and points to the ring to give him directions. What is seemingly a miracle, even if taking his sweet time. The video game enthusiast has a heart or two left, he’s not down and out but he should be. No normal man would get up from such damage. TJ is no normal man, he’s finally showing the side of his head that was smashed into the ramp and it does not look good. You can barely recognize him, because you can’t see that side of his face anymore, it’s covered in blood. What a mess TJP is, blood trickling down from just above the ear. A gash that is causing him to have a fight or flight instinct kick in.

[Corey Graves]
TJ PERKINS IS SOMEHOW FIGHTING THE POWER WITHIN, THIS IS AMAZING!

[Corey Graves]
After all he’s gone through in the past couple minutes, he knows it’s the biggest show of the year, he cannot .. will not.. quit.

[Mauro Ranallo]
He follows a strict code but that code can’t help that nasty wound, only a medic can. Oh my god..

This bloody scene that only has one comparison that of Negan on The Walking Dead’s Lucille. You can’t tell me TJ is still trying to find the courage. With every crawl to the ring, Dunne is being his spirit guide, only so he can crush it thereafter. He finally has enough and rushes TJ down the wide and distanced ramp picking up speed about to make TJP’s dreams of flying come true. The Bruiserweight mutilates TJP in a photo finish letting momentum crack his ribcage and flip backwards off the LED board that says Final Stand IX. The LED board got rammed so hard it starts to flicker and IX dies out, then Final begins to fade. The only word left is Stand. TJP can hardly stand, but he turns his attention to it and shakes from the pain. His muscles are stiff yet you can see him raise his one hand up to the top of the apron digging in for dear life. This is survival for TJP, not about winning this match at this point.

[Mauro Ranallo]
This was a mauling, this was something of the likes i’ve never seen before in all of my days as a broadcast journalist.

[Corey Graves]
As a former competitor myself, I would go to any length possible to get the w in the win column but this was too far, even for me.

He’s going to freaking stand up on his own and the crowd cannot believe their eyes. TJ Perkins has made himself back up to his feet with the support of the apron. Dunne shakes his head and makes a menacing turn under the bottom rope. Stalking TJ, he slithers around the ring and waits for him. Perkins unexpectedly rolls into the ring and the referee backs off Dunne who is high off of adrenaline and can’t come down. Huffing and puffing in his own corner, TJP is checked on by the ref who has now pulled out gloves from his pocket to tend to the wound on his head.

[Mauro Ranallo]
Remember when I said the worst was yet to come, well you throw a penny in the wishing well, you have to be specific. Be careful of what you’re going to get.

[Corey Graves]
TJ Perkins embodies what it means to have heart, what it means to come back when the odds are against you. When you’re physically and mentally broken, it’s that voice inside your head that makes you defy those odds.

Biting down on his wrist tape, TJP tears it off and puts the same hand up motioning to Dunne to bring it. TJP leans in the corner with the ropes as some sort of balancing act. Wobbling in and out of the turnbuckle you can hear him mouth something to Pete. He says it a few times muttering to himself and then stands up to his own two feet with his eyes wide. His fist is up and he turns that fist into a middle finger. “IS THAT ALL YOU GOT, MOTHERF*CKER?” Dunne is ravenous after hearing the insult of him being unable to finish the job. Pete waits for the bell to ring and yells at the ref to move after getting most of the blood out of TJ’s vantage point.

[Mauro Ranallo]
WOAH, it looks like we’ve got ourselves a showdown boys.

[Corey Graves]
I’m still amazed by how Perkins is able to stand on his feet, let alone compete in the match.



DING ~ DING ~ DING


Full speed at Perkins goes The Bruiserweight and all you can hear is a loud WHACK. Only this time it’s not Pete Dunne, it’s TJP who somehow was able to get up his feet at the last possible second to knock Pete loopy. Stumbling and blinking all at once. TJP sees the opening and takes it with a fist packing a punch and knowing just where to hit it! Dunne spins through, it’s as if he was infused with Rocky in that very moment. Dunne goes down and laid out on the canvas. TJP is besides himself and goes through the second rope waiting for Dunne to get angry and lose his focus. Pete placing his hand on his jaw and turns from pushing off the mat right over to TJ who is about to fly, for real this time. TJ takes to the sky after bouncing off the top rope and is about to give Dunne everything he has left in the tank.

[Mauro Ranallo]
We’ve witnessed a live horror story in the early goings but TJP is in second gear!

[Corey Graves]
He knocked his clock clean with that right hand and he’s soaring to capture his moment captivating the thousands.

Remember when we said how the car was stopped, yeah.. That plays out in this scenario too. The tank was empty, the pool was empty and all was in there was Pete Dunne’s shock factor. TJP sees that he’s coming down and cannot evade attacks as he usually can in video games. This is it, Dunne with one elbow out of mid air has taken the air out of TJP as he has falls without a way to break it. Other than take the blow, has taken the air out of the crowd as well. What felt like slow motion and overcoming adversity has now been instantly a death blow. There is no other way to explain it, TJP is absolutely beaten, dominated, all by a bitter man. Pete Dunne after making a highlight moment for Final Stand starts to smell blood in the water. Dunne picks up TJP who looks like he just got shot by a tranquilizer. Underhooks the right arm through his and takes TJ’s other forearm and begins to smash it into the face of TJ, making him dab himself in the face repeatedly. Dunne drops the arm and his hair covers his right eye. Yelling with a warrior’s cry, the camera zooms in and out.






DON’T SPOIL YOURSELF.






SPOILERS ON A RACE CAR





SPOILERS ON TARGET





SPOILERS IMMINENT





SPOILERS AHEAD







That concludes the Final chapter in this story, it’s not a story book ending, and although some may be bitter due to the outcome. You cannot deny that in the end, there is always a winner and a loser. TJ fought valiantly and him bringing in the ladder at the last minute was his own undoing. Pete Dunne will have the chance to go down in history. Although he’s set out what he wanted to do here tonight, Dunne with his hand raised by the referee making his way out of the ring. Pete Dunne destroyed TJ Perkins and that can never be disputed he looks forward to the future.

[Corey Graves]
Yeah, a live horror movie as you said before Mauro, I couldn’t agree more with the title reading The Bitter End Is Only The Beginning. This will haunt me for the rest of my life, and that’s not me exaggerating for those watching at home and in the crowd tonight, I know a good licensed therapist if you need one.

[Mauro Ranallo]
This was a lamb being led to the slaughter unknowingly. We will update you on the status and condition of TJ Perkins, multiple lacerations and contusions are what it looks like, but we can’t be sure until he’s checked in the back or a local hospital facility. He hit seriously hard on that ladder, Pete threw his body as if it was weightless.

[Corey Graves]
There you have it, Pete Dunne has submitted his place in the Final Stand Off Battle Royale, he’s got what he wants. In the world of games, mind games have won this battle between two very gamed tough individuals.

Medical staff rush the ring and Dunne shrugs, feeling not a thread of remorse for poor ol’ Perkins. The camera fades with TJP getting lifted onto a stretcher after the EMTs assembly around him. Pete snarls while walking backwards up the ramp. XWL Final Stand IX continues with the crowd still trying to process what went down in our opening contest.

Final Stand continues as we are brought backstage to a locker room that only one man occupied. It was only of the many benefits that came with being the World Heavyweight Champion, right? It was Matt Sydal sitting in there, but given the long night ahead, he's not exactly decked out in his best just yet, no...his upper body is covered by one of his "Find Your Golden Ticket" Hoodies available now on XWLSHOP.Com, and a beanie with just his small golden ticket logo. His tights are as anyone could have guessed, gold....gold in logos, gold in the tights themselves, they're as gold as gold could be. The World Heavyweight Championship sits off to the side of him, and he seems to be deep in thought. most of his upper body was covered by a hoodie and a beanie, almost unrecognizable if it wasn't for the golden attire that he wore and the golden championship that was sat off to his side. The camera stayed focus until another man walked in. At first, we could only see half of a suit but as the camera zoomed out to reveal more, it became known who it was. For the first time since Punk attacked him, enter Paul Heyman.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
Well. Well. Well. Look at what we got here?

The Advocate to the Beast Incarnate wore a wide smirk across his face... but that soon faded away once he was not given a reply. Only ignored by the Golden One who didn't seem to even notice that he was there.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
Umm... excuse me? I don't appreciate being ignored I'll have you know.

Heyman tried again, but still received nothing.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
Okay, listen up, Golden Boy. Do you realize who I am and what I have accomplished? My name is Paul Heyman, in case you have forgotten, and I am not just the Advocate for the Beast Incarnate, but the Advocate for the soon-to-be Elite Champion. Do I deserve to be ignored? No. No. No. I deserve respect, even from a man like you.

His voice grew louder as he spoke, sporting a more annoyed tone rather than the calm one he started with. Matt pulls a gold knee brace up over his all gold tights then stands up, bringing his World Heavyweight Championship over his shoulder, staring Paul straight in the eyes.


[Matt Sydal]
Do you realize who I...am? Not only am I the man that beat your client, and his bitch in a triple threat match, to win THIS! While medically uncleared might I add...I am THE LONGEST REIGNING WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION IN XWL HISTORY! A record, that your "client" nor anybody else, has been able to break in seven years. A record so great that only I, and I alone can break it. See Paul, you? You've accomplished nothing, sure you hitched yourself to a beast, and convincing him to let you ride his coattails to piggyback off of his success is "impressive." His success, is not because of you, because if it was...maybe his opponent tonight wouldn't be another former client of yours, a client that saw you brought nothing to the table, so he got rid of your dead weight.


A very tense silence follows, Heyman irritated by Matt's words, and Matt, well he just stands there letting that sink in, until he continues.

[Matt Sydal]
But hey, don't worry...I wouldn't dream of trying to ruin your meal ticket. Because tonight? I've got a ticket of my own, a GOLDEN TICKET....to The Main-Event of Final Stand. Where I, The World Heavyweight Champion Matt Sydal, defend that championship against AJ Styles. Tonight, I'm going to make him my bitch in ways that will make your client jealous...jealous just like AJ Styles is over the fact that unlike him, I've PINNED your "client." See Paul, we're not friends...you don't make unsolicited visits to my locker room, and if you do? You knock first because your client is the "badass" around here, you're just the ass.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Calm down, sir. I didn't come here to pick a fight.

His hands were raised defensively, not wanting to fight the man. Not just because Matt Sydal could kick Heyman's ass from Los Angeles, California to Baltimore, Maryland either.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
I understand that you have a big match ahead of you, but there is no need to be hostile in the face of a man who's not here to try and hurt you. In fact, I come here as a supporter! I come here as a supporter because I wanted to let you know that I, Paul Heyman, am supporting you going into your match with AJ Styles because there is one giant thing that you have and I have in common, Matthew. Neither of us enjoy the presence of AJ Styles in this company.

Paul paused for a second as he shook the grin from his face.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
He's been a thorn in my Client and I's side for so so long now and I want you to please, do all of us a favor and shut him up once and for all. Even Brock Lesnar couldn't shut him up after all the times he's beaten and victimized him which to this day shocks me still. While Brock Lesnar might not agree with me, I personally feel that if anyone is capable of getting rid of that pest... it's another pest, because it takes one to know one.

And he smirked, of course throwing a little dig at the champion in there.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
And another thing. As long as the locker room is not the women's locker room, I respect the privacy of those who are of the opposite gender, I will enter anyone's locker room I so please. If you have a problem with it? Well, Brock Lesnar is only one phone call away and I don't think you'd want to pick such a fight this close to your big match, now would you?


[Matt Sydal]
Actually, I'd love that. I'm not sure if your heads been shoved so far up Brock's ass for the longest time to notice, but I've kind of made a career off of picking fights I "shouldn't." So if your client would like to walk into his match with CM Punk with a black eye, a busted lip, and a bruised ego courtesy of yours truly...then who am I to deny him that? Well go on Paul, call your beast...and I'll call your bluff. See, everyone else? They might be afraid, but me? No, I know I'm good, not just because I've got THIS...


Matt tilts his head down, staring at the glistening gold of his World Heavyweight Championship...and then he reaches over to the shelve beside him, and turns The Slammy he got for being named Superstar of The Year in the direction of Paul Heyman, pointing at it with a smirk.


[Matt Sydal]
But also because I've got, THAT! For 366 days, I was LEAPS...above ANY other Superstar. There is no threat you could make that would make me flinch, that would curl my tail between my legs because I'm not AJ Styles...I'm not a coward, even when I was public enemy number one, I fought...I fought to be the best, and I fought with everything I had, WHENEVER I had to. I'm not going to run away just because you threaten to call your big bad beast to make my night more difficult, no...because this is the showcase of the immortals, and I won't be stopped tonight. Not by you, your client, OR AJ for that matter.


The determination in his eyes says this isn't just arrogance, this is what he believes, this is Matt Sydal ready to face off against whoever he has to, because that is the type of man he's proven to be through his XWL career. His actions might be questionable at times, but the results don't lie.


[Matt Sydal]
Besides, shouldn't he, and you be more concerned with the possibility that "The Beast" might be slain tonight by your FAR superior former client, CM Punk? I mean I'm no advocate, so you know...you do you and whatnot. But, if my client had only beaten the same guy for six months, and he was heading into a match where his opponent had beaten EVERY guy that had stepped up to the plate for his six months as champion...I'd be just a little worried about the probability that maybe....just MAYBE Brock Lesnar might not be able to "conquer" the man that has been, well...unconquerable.

Heyman was clearly not amused with the man's remarks about his former client. His hand even raising to rub his fingers against his temple in small circles as he spoke to the other.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
I am trying my best to be civil with you. I am trying my best to let you know that I am supporting you.

His hand fell and Heyman lifted his gaze back to Sydal.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
But you, Matt Sydal, make things so much more difficult than they need to be. I do not care how unconquerable CM Punk has been since winning the Elite Championship because CM Punk, as I'm sure you know, isn't really that strong of a man. Now, if he was facing and beating men like you and my Client on the daily, then of course, I'd be impressed... but he's not... he's facing nobody after nobody after nobody after nobody and it's finally time for him to face some real competition. My Client, while he has fallen from the ranks of being a contender for your championship, is still the Beast Incarnate and the most dangerous man on this roster. That hasn't changed, nor will it ever. Now, I'm going to try this one more time so act accordingly, Matt Sydal...

Heyman paused as he brought a hand out for Sydal.

[PAUL HEYMAN]
Good luck in your match tonight, and I hope you keep that championship close. Do not let it fall into the hands of a man like AJ Styles. Do not let it fall into the hands of a man like R-Truth. I do not like you, but if there was ever a man who could be the Heavyweight Champion of the World that is not my Client? Then I think the right man is holding the championship, keeping it warm for the impending return of Brock Lesnar to the ranks of the Heavyweight Championship.


Matt stares at his hand, then a faint smirk forms on his face as he extends his own and meets The Advocate for The Beast. With a firm grip, he shakes Paul's hand.

[Matt Sydal]
I must say, it's always nice to meet a fan, here I've got just the thing for you, I hope you like it...oh who am I kidding? Of course you will!


He lets his grip over Paul's hand go, prompting Paul to hold his hand with a grimace. Then Matt reaches over near his bag, pulling out a baseball cap, not just any cap...his new one from XWL's Golden Ticket collection, which reads "Find Your Golden Ticket" in gold glittery font. A smile appears, and before Paul knows it The Golden One is slipping the cap onto his head. Sydal pulls the brim of it down to cover half of his face, giving it a rough pat.



[Matt Sydal]
Ah, now that's MUCH better! Who woulda thunk it, Paul Heyman is a closet Matt Sydal fan? Wait till Brock Lesnar hears about this! Man, if the two of us ever had an official tussle for The World Heavyweight Championship that'd be like your wildest dream coming true, huh? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, after all, that's sort of Wade's deal nowadays...and unlike R-Truth, I'm not a dirty copycat that lacks any sort of originality...but, keep dreaming! I mean you're no longer playing General Manager, so you can't just organize some mock UFC fight just so your client can beat me...no, should he ever challenge me for this? It'll be the old-fashioned way, you know the way I beat him before and would do so again. Because I EAT, SLEEP, CONQUER THE CONQUERER, AND I'd GLADLY repeat that.

Heyman's breathing grows heavier with each intake of air. It was the only sound that filled the locker room as both men, for once in their careers, were silent. Nothing was said and nothing happened until Heyman violently ripped the hat from his head and threw it down to the floor and he stepped on the hat with his shoe. Words were mumbled under his breath, something along the lines of 'this is why I don't try and be respectful' mixed with a couple of faint swears as he makes his way out of the Golden Champion's locker room, leaving Sydal to ready for his huge main event.

Maruo
Welcome back to Final Stand! We have a good one next as we see The Underdog from the Underground Sami Zayn take on The Hunter Leo Kruger for the Intercontinental Championship.

Graves
We're about to see if Sami's mind games worked or if Kruger will take Sami as a trophy.

A slow beat starts to form as we hear the fans start to cheer. The beat gets a little faster as we see 30 people come out onto the stage and in their hands are flags from Canada , USA, Japan, Germany, England, Italy, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Belgium, Australia, Sweden, Wales, Netherlands, Hungary, Russia, Denmark, Finland, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Saudi-Arabia, Northern Ireland ,Scotland and Malaysia, they line up on the ramp as the beat grows louder. They start twirling the flags then just as the music stops they plant them down. The lights dim....

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The entire arena erupt for the El Generico theme song they know and love! Sami Zayn runs out from curtains and to the fans surprised is dressed in blue and orange wearing the Generico mask with cape around his shoulders! The fans are screaming Ole' as Sami runs down the ramp and into the ring!

The arena grows dark....

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An African war chant begins to grow louder, and louder. Spotlights begin to shine on a large group of South African males playing the drums, and chanting on the stage. They begin to separate as more men follow out the entrance holding torches. They break off into two lines walking down the ramp on both sides. They stop, and turn to face the crowd on the both sides. The crowd begins to cheer loudly. The men with torches take a step towards the crowd then they quickly turn around with the two lines facing each other again, as the chanting and drums fade away.



Leo Kruger walks out slowly with the Intercontinental title around his neck. The chants begins again while his theme music plays again. Kruger squats at the top of the ramp to take in the atmosphere. Kruger begins to look around the arena. A big smile begins to cross his face as he looks into the ring, and sees Sami waiting for him. Kruger stands up, and walks down the ramp with the torches lighting his way. Kruger stops at the apron and looks around at the arena one last time before getting in. Kruger knees first goes onto the apron and sticks his head between the top and middle rope, and rests his torso on the middle rope then putting his hands out wide looking at Sami Zayn. A slight smirk of cockiness appears on the face of Kruger as he gets into the ring. He rubs his right thumb across the right side of his nose as he backs into the corner.

Lillian
The following contest is a STEEL CAGE MATCH with the only way to win is by PINFALL! Introducing first the challenger from Montreal, Quebec, Canada The UNDERDOG FROM THE UNDERGROUND! SAMI ZAAAAAAAYN!

Sami throws his cape off and arm in the air as he yells OLE'!


Lillian
And the Champion.... from Johannesburg, South Africa he is the current INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION! LEO KRUGER!

Kruger just smirks and crouches with the Championship around his shoulder

Spoiler:

We go to commercial
 

The camera switches to Broken Matt backstage laughing to himself with his arms extending looking into the distance.

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
HAHAHAHAHAHA YES! The excitement in the air is extremely INTOXICATING!!!

Broken Matt rubs his chin with a huge grin on his face, and turns to the camera.  

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
This reminds of time in a previous vessel many many many years ago as I did battle in the Roman Colosseum. It was purely GLORIOUS I was the greatest of champions to ever step into that arena. I fought lions with my bear hands, yes. I will channel the energy from my previous vessel to conquer this monumental night for myself, and my broken army. We shall ride into battle together, and DELETE the notorious Brother Nero to render him OBSOLETE, but our night is not OVAH there no it is not...

Broken Matt smiles as the fans cheer with excitement

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
AHAHAHAHA YES! There is more DELETING TO BE DONE, YAAHAHAHAHES.

Broken Matt pauses as he hears the DELETE echo all throughout the arena, and a slight smirk crosses his face as he his broken universe chant in unison.

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
I shall walk down that ramp along with nine other superstars later tonight, and they too shall also be DELETED, YES! This is a WONDERFUL opportunity to start an amazing expedition to obtain GOLD! The Seven Deities have declared for me to prove that I am the best of all space, and time I must obtain GOLD so my expedition starts tonight! Spot monkeys be warn as your deletion draws closer by the moment. Your addiction of heights just to get a pop from the crowd, and putting your body on the line just shows how big of an imbecile Sydal, and Styles really are! When the crowd Absolutely adores myself, and my family for being just us. I never had to resort to such idiotic behavior that was all the doing of Brother Nero, and I want everyone to realize the position he is in right now.

Broken Matt grits his teeth together

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
And that is behind me as where he will stand when I DELETE HIM HERE TONIGHT BEFORE YOU VERY EYES! THERE IS NO MORE JEFF HARDY ONLY AN OBSOLETE MULE THAT WILL FOLLOW MY EVERY WORD, and when I do beat him here tonight... he shall fade away and classify himself as OBSOLETE...

Broken Matt backs away with a look of pure confidence as he slowly walks out of frame.

“Let me tell you, my story.”



Without hesitation, the camera changes to that of a forest. Bright and vivd in imagery as a song begins to play. It just adds to the mood of this forest. The camera begins to move through it, revealing some of the wildlife, until finally getting to a swamp.



“When I was a child, I lived in the Boyou. I lived with my daddy. Funny man, my father. He always had this smug look on his face as though he owned the world when the only thing he ever owned was a fishing boat that caught more boots than fish.  And me. He owned me.”

The camera moves to show a boat in the water, wafting along. On it stands a figure in a white beater.

“He even looked like a woman beater, man. I was too little to understand it then, but I get it now. My mama, she died when I was young. Real young. She used to walk around, covered in marks. Burns, bruises, blood. Whatever the daily dose called for. She was a solider, as she never failed to make me smile, even if she’d never smile herself. She used to sing me a song, and I remember it to this day.”

A woman begins to sing, her voice echoing through the air of the arena which is completely silent. The song sparks a pop, but past that, it stays silent. The other voice comes in, interrupting the song from time to time.

“So…. So you think you can tell….. Heaven from hell…."

“My mother died by the hands of my father. He never meant to, of course. He just hit her too hard one day. He had me carry her to the boat. Told me she was sleeping.”

“Blue skies from pain…. Can you tell a green field, from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?”

“He had me throw her into the water. Then say a prayer for her. He made me get down on my knees and pray to a creature I did not believe in. Someone who he thought would save him one day from himself. He never got saved from me though. In the middle of the prayer I stood up and grabbed one of his tools. A barbed pole he’d use to get rid of the gators and I struck my father down. Struck him down like the lamb he so desperately prayed to become. If there is a hell, he’s rotting in it. That’s for sure.”

“Did they get you to trade….. Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange? Walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage?”

The guitar takes the song away as the other voice comes back over.

“I lived in that little shack on the shore for years after burning the boat. No one knew where I was. No one knew until she found me. When she found me, everything changed. I had meaning, purpose, faith.”



“Faith is the most important part of the game. People place their faith in humanity, in the world, in a higher power. I placed my faith in a sister. A sister who never once led me astray unlike my father, unlike the worldly desires. No. Abigail only ever led me to the promised land and here I stand, taller and more prominent than ever. Abigail saved me. She gave me faith. And I, I gave her my life in return.”

“How I wish, how I wish you were here.”

“Tonight, you all have faith in Roman Reigns to strike me down in the perfect moment, but I have faith that he’ll overcome my challenge and allow me to save him.”

“We’re just, two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year.”

“He will sell his soul to the devil. Or in this case, me.”



“Running over the same old ground, and how we found….The same old fears, wish you were here.”

“Tonight, Roman Reigns will step into a Test of Faith Match. Three tests stand before him. But he won’t be proving himself by facing me. No, he will face another who has saw the light. A sergeant at arms, if you will.”

The voice giggles, and a whistle takes over, killing the music and the imagery. It cuts to a dark room where the whistle echoes until a figure walks into frame. The camera catches it’s feet, until being picked up and pointed at the face of the man whistling revealing an old face, which gets a pop from the crowd.



“Tonight, I test Roman’s Faith. Tonight, I break Roman’s faith. Tonight, I destroy the world you all know. And tonight, we gain a new member, to this humble family. Run.”

With that, the camera falls, turning to black for a moment before clicking to another image, a laugh taking over the arena which turns maniacal fairly quickly.



And then……

The arena darkens and the music goes quiet. After a few seconds, the titantron shows Bad News Barrett standing in a darkened ring.

Barrett slowly looks up to the camera as it ever so slowly begins to zoom in towards him. He looks dejected.

The screen flashes to Barrett walking into a musty looking  room filled with countless people fighting and cheering. Barrett's voiceover continues.

(Corey Graves)
Coming up next is a feud bathed in bad blood. Up next the Architect Seth Rollins, steps into the crazy world of Dean Ambrose

(Mauro Ranallo)
These two have been at each other's throats for two months and it all leads here to a street fight! This won't be for the faint of heart



The crowd boos the lunatic as he makes his way onto the stage. He pays them no mind though. Ambrose has his eyes set on the ring, and on destroying Seth Rollins. Ambrose enters the ring and paces back and forth awaiting his opponent

[youtube]OO_-Xft1yGc[/youtube

Seth Rollins soaks up the crowd admiration for him as he appears. The architect's smile and good mood seems to fade as he lays his eyes on his former Shield mate, Dean Ambrose. Seth waste no time and full sprints to the ring. Right into the waiting arms of a lunatic!





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(Mauro Ranallo)
What a...not sure if I should even call what I just watched a match. That was more like a war

Seth Rollins slowly rises to his feet. The after effects of the match clearly showing on his face. The ref holds his hand high as Seth beats his chest fiercely towards the crowd who roar with approval!

(Corey Graves)
I can't believe Rollins actually won a street fight against Dean Ambrose! Dean was Resiliant in his own right and threw everything at Rollins. Tonight just wasn't his night

Seth rolls out the ring and grabs a microphone

(Seth Rollins)
Look at you now Ambrose! Look at you now! You took me lightly. You acted as if I was trash on the bottom of your shoe and on the the grandest stage of them all in your own match I won! SETH FREAKIN' ROLLINS! Everyone likes to talk about who the best is. Cm Punk, Brock Lesnar, Styles, Roman, Sydal well let me be honest. Those guys are good. Even great. But I've said it once and I'll say it again. I'm the best! Seth Rollins is the best!

Seth walks around the ring and begins to make his way up the ramp

(Seth Rollins)
So now we know who the best in the Shield is! It's ME! For months I have been waiting for my chance to show how good I really am. I don't cheat. I don't use underhanded tactics. I'm a generally nice guy. And where has it gotten me? Absolutely nowhere that's where. But tonight I have a chance to make everything right. To prove that my hard work has paid off

Dean starts to come to. He crawls to the bottom rope and the camera zooms in on the enraged face of Ambrose

(Seth Rollins)
Yeah that's right! I told you Ambrose. After I was done beating you I was entering the Final Standoff! And this match was something to prove not only to myself but to everyone in that match. I'm going to win tonight. And I'm going on to face Styles or Sydal. And next year it will be me headlining Final Stand! Goodbye Ambrose! Watch me steal the show again!

Rollins tosses down the mic and laughs as he backs off the stage. The last scene you see is Ambrose screaming in anger!

The camera pans backstage as we see Renee Young prepare for an interview.

Renee Young
Ladies and gentleman I would like you to please my guest at this time he is the man that settles the score against Daniel Bryan tonight and he is also “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived” Austin Aries.

The crowd boos as Aries walks into frame dressed in slacks a polo and a suit jacket along with his signature sunglasses. Aries pulls the sunglasses off his face before speaking.

Austin Aries
Why thank you for that introduction Renee, I don’t think I could have said it any better myself.


Renee Young
Austin, tonight you settle the score in your rivalry with Daniel Bryan how do you think he will fair tonight?


Austin Aries
I mean honestly, I think I’m going to do great, I mean for one he can’t hook me I that “Yes! Lock” efficiently due to the shoulder injury so that’s one plus, on the other hand I’m great at what I do so I mean when he goes down and that ref. counts to three and raises my arm the world will see just how I faired now won’t they?

Renee Young
Over the past few weeks we have noticed that you have come to the ring alone without your manager Ed Gonzalez, and it seems as if with him being gone you haven’t won a match?

Austin Aries
It’s no secret that Ed has been gone, he told me before he left he had some important business to take care of and of course I haven’t won a match, you win some you lose some, and in my eyes it’s all a part of being great, I mean you can’t get anywhere without winning and or losing so.

Renee Young
While we are on the topic what makes you the greatest? Why do you call yourself “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived”?

Austin Aries
Well you know Renee, it’s the title wins in and outside of the company and being good at what you do. Now I know everyone is good but you have to be a special kind of good to be great or even be called great, so instead of rambling on taking up precious warm up time before my match why don’t I just show you my massive package I have prepared?

Renee stops for a moment and stumbles her words a bit trying to get a grip of what Austin had to say.

Renee Young
You..Your…Your package?


Austin Aries
Video package Renee, I’m married for pete sake just watch.


A video package begins to air on the television screen behind them.





When the video package ends final stand cuts to a commercial.  

.:Corey Graves:.
WHAT!?!?!

.:Mauro Ranallo:.
I can't believe it...

Spoiler:

We go to the back as equipment is being tossed from off camera. Employees run away as Strowman enters enraged. He grabs a table and flips it over to find a stage hand cowering under it. Strowman grabs the man by the neck and lifts him off his feet

STROWMAN
I'm going to call you Dean. Does that sound alright to you?

The guy shakes his head

STROWMAN
Than in that case...TELL ME WHERE HE IS!

Strowman raises his arm higher

WOMAN
Put him down!

Strowman looks behind to see Layla

STROWMAN
Where...is...he

LAYLA
Dean eliminated you fair and square Braun. I don't need my wrestlers destroying property and staff every time they lose! Now, would you please...PUT HIM THE HELL DOWN!

Strowman stares at the man and growls. He releases his grip as the guy bolts out of there

LAYLA
I gave you and Abyss this match tonight to avoid these outbursts, or do I need to suspend you right here, right now and you get nothing?

Strowman walks up to her and towers over her.



Layla backs up a little bit, but holds her ground none the less. Strowman stares down at her breathing hard, and shaking with anger. He grunts and walks away as Layla sighs

We go to the next segment

The cameras turn back to the stage ready for the next contest




Daniel Bryan gets up after an unsuccessful pin fighting to keep Aries down.

Mauro Ranallo
Ladies and gentleman these two have give it there all tonight, one right after another and nobody wants to stay down.

Corey Graves
Mauro your right these two have beaten each other to a pulp, after countless attacks toward each other they finally meet and this is what we get!

Bryan picks Aries up setting him up for something else Aries rakes the eyes of Bryan, Irish whipping him into the ropes runs behind bounces off the ropes and nails him with the roaring elbow.

Corey Graves
There it is, the roaring elbow, this is it, pin him Austin!

Aries covers Bryan

1.....

2.....

Bryan kicks out.

Mauro Ranallo
After all of this Bryan is still getting up and showing his determination, i cant believe it these two have gassed each other and suprisingly enough they still have the strength to fight each other.

Bryan crawls to the corner to help himself up exhausted from the match he is taking part in. Bryan then stands up and begins chanting yes along with the crowd setting up for the the knee strike once again.

Bryan takes off with a full head of steam only to be met by another roaring elbow from Aries leaving Bryan standing there stunned and wobbling about.

Aries grabs Bryan for a Brain Buster picks him up dropping him only to keep hold roll stand pick up Bryan again to drop him for another Brain Buster Aries continues to keep hold as he does the same thing only this time after dropping him he lets go.

Mauro Ranallo
Oh my god! Austin Aries just hit a triple Brain Buster in style of the three amigos, this man is really wanting to put Bryan out.

Aries stands up catching his breath when he realizes Bryan is holding his left shoulder. Aries then kicks Bryan in the gut watching him cringe in pain. Aries then takes Bryan's left arm and slowly places underneath of him knowing exactly what to do.

Corey Graves
My god no he cant be doing this, his arm is hurt already no need to make it worse

Aries gets a look on his face signaling he is officially ending this match, he climbs up to the top turn buckle stand up and launches himself landing the 450 on Bryan and his arm underneath.

Bryan writhes in pain as Aries crawls over for the cover.

              1....

                2.....

                    3......







Aries stands up with a confident smirk on his face as the ref raises his hand.

Corey Graves
Someone get a doctor out here he may have just broke that mans arm.

Mauro Ranallo
Ladies and gentleman there you have it, like it or not Austin Aries made a statement and won tonight on the biggest night of the year, congratulations to this man.

As Aries theme bellows throughout the arena the crowd boos as Aries walks towards the back while the medics run down to check on Bryan.

It takes a Lunatic with a death wish, huh? Ambrose, I give you credit. You were able to catch the Deadman off guard, and you can take pride in that, but I wouldn't get too comfy in that achievement. Ambrose, you forget that the crazed and deranged are very high on the Reaper's List, and trust me when I say this Dean... Your soul will be mine very soon. Fight while you can because I will show no mercy when you beg for your life. And if we are being honest, this defeat doesn't stop me.

The Undertaker breaks out into a loud, evil laugh and stands up. He moves towards the camera who then tries to back away, but as the Undertaker got close stops his retreat. Then as if a night and day difference, a serious tone comes over The Deadman's voice again.

Wait, Did you really think this match would stop me? Win or lose this company will still be haunted by the Reaper as I claim soul after soul, each time I appear. This "loss" doesn't hinder me, HELL, not winning only means MORE SOULS WILL BE TAKEN as I make my ascension. More men will fall by my hand-- more hand will die inside--more men will witness my power until the World Champion remains. And when he falls, and this world knows it has no hope, darkness will once again reign... making Me the God of Death, and the Master among men. So, I put EVERY mortal in that locker room on notice, If you step in my path, I will take your soul and toss your corpse with the pile of bodies that already lie in my wake. And if you think you can stop me, TRY, but only try because every last man who attempts to stop me will perish. RUN you pathetic mortals, this is your only chance, and the only time I will allow it. It is almost time... The rise of the Darkness and, the Ascension of the God of Death is almost upon you and every man, Champion, or attempted Reaper will REST. IN. PEACE.

The Undertaker begins to laugh again as he rolls his eyes into the back of his head. This sinister laugh echoes through the entire arena shaking every last person to their core-- The words of the Deadman had pierced the heart of every person and they knew he meant every last word. After a moment of laughter ...

.:Corey Graves:.
HOW!!!?!?!??!?!??! WHAT!??!?!?!

.:Mauro Ranallo:.
This is just absolutely ridiculous... He is honestly starting to make a believer that he can do anything now. He has the power of teleportation. He can see into the future what else can he do?

Broken Matt stands up to his feet as the chants pour out of the fans

.:Fans:.
DELETE! DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!

A huge smile grows on the face of Broken Matt as he extends his arms out wide.

.:Corey Graves:.
Can you believe that? Jeff Hardy is no more.

Broken Matt yells at Jeff Hardy's unconscious body.

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
I JUST DELETED YOUR ASS! YOU ARE FINISHED JEFF WELCOME BROTHER NERO YOU OBSOLETE MULE! YOU ARE NOTHING, AND I SHALL DISPOSE OF ALL YOUR BELONGINGS THAT MAKES YOU JEFF HARDY! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME BROTHER NERO?

A mic is handed to Broken Matt by the ref, and Broken Matt turns to the ref with a smile upon his back. He puts his hand lightly on the refs back, and begins speaking to him with the mic in hand.

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
Thank you my friend for always being so kind, and bring these microphones so I may bestow my Broken brilliance to all of these people apart of my Broken army

Broken Matt turns his attention to the camera, and begins walking towards it.

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
And now that I have proven to all of you that I back up what I preach so now I ask all of you to march with me onto the battlefield known as Downpour to OBTAIN GOLD, but until then I shall being putting my new acquired OBSOLETE MULE to work, and I am now in charge of his contract with Wrestling League that is Xterme! I will not let him leave and go wrestle anywhere, because that would just be to easy. He could just change is name to Jake Harvey or something stupid like that, and end up in the zone of Impact with that terrible Anthem Owl... as Queen Rebecca says Fuck that owl ahahahahha yes!

Broken Matt looks down up Brother Nero once again

.:A Broken Matt Hardy:.
You are now my mule. My lackey, and you will do as I command Brother Nero. I shall be seeing you very soon..

Broken Matt makes his exit as his theme begins playing, and the camera fades to black as we go to a commercial break.

The cameras go backstage where we Renee Young.



[Renee Young]
Please welcome my guest right now here at Final Stand. Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner!

The camera zooms out where we see Scott Steiner and Bayley behind him.

[Renee Young]
The time for talking is over. Tonight it's Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner vs Goldberg.

[Scott Steiner]
See what everyone needs to understand is. This isn't  gonna be a challenge for me. Im going to embarrass Goldberg. See Goldberg you must of made a deal with the devil to think you wouldn't  have to face the repercussions for attacking me. Tonight it's payback. When I step in that ring tonight you are going to look into the eye of the tiger, and realize you took a fight you should have never started. The  man with the largest arms in the world gave you your worst defeat of your career years ago. But tonight is gonna be worse then that. And I want to finish him off right now.  So Goldberg you bald headed bastard go out to the ring and get ready to be humiliated on the grandest stage of them all Final Stand.

Steiner brings up his bicep and kisses it and walks off camera with a smiling Bayley.

[Renee Young]
Alright it may be coming up next. Take it away Mauro Ranallo!

The cameras cut to the announce table with Ranallo and Graves.

[Ranallo]
This match has the chance to bring the levels of physicality to a whole different level. Let's see if Goldberg comes out.

[Graves]
He hasn't showed his face since Big Poppa Pump attacked him with the lead pipe about a month ago.

[Ranallo]
I am getting word that Goldberg is here and ready to go right now.







Goldberg makes his way to the ring while the arena fills with boos.

[Graves]
The people here tonight sure don't like Goldberg.

Goldberg's music stops as he waits in the ring for Steiner to come out.



The crowd cheers loudly for Steiner.



[Ranallo]
My goodness is that a tiger!

[Graves]
Steiner was not lying when he said Goldberg was going to look into the eye of the tiger.



[Ranallo]
This is a little to literal if I do say so myself.

[Graves]
How about you stick your head in the tiger's mouth. Steiner came prepared.







[Ranallo]
It's over!

[Graves]
That was quick. Goldberg got exactly what he had coming to him. He got embarrassed. Steiner hit Goldberg with his own move. The spear and then the Jackhammer. 1.2.3. It's all over ladies and gentlemen.

Steiner celebrates his win with Bayley and they both head up the ramp and to the back.

I… have… arrived… I have let out the demon inside of me and it feels amazing. I stand here waiting for the one to step up and enter the world of nightmares and taste defeat in the hands of the Demon King. So anyone in the back… be prepared to fail.

The arena goes dark once again as we see smkoke arising from the stage with what look like a white light behind it. As the smoke continues to rise we hear a drum and cymbal pattern play throughout the arena.

Mauro Ranallo
Who could this be? Finn Balor has issued an open challenge and who ever has accepted is definitely giving a suspenseful answer as to who it is.

Corey Graves
I'm not really sure Mauro, the feeling in this arena, we have felt it before, it couldn't be could it?

Mauro Ranallo
I know that you are thinking Corey but there is no way all of Decay have arrived in the arena tonight last I checked Abyss Crazzy Steve and Rosemary are still on the way here.

Corey Graves
That was at the beginning of the show Mauro, I don't like this feeling I'm telling you its decay.

Suddenly a loud screech can be heard bellowing and echoing throughout the arena as the theme of Decay begins to play.



Mauro Ranallo
My god Corey your right, it is Decay but which one?

Suddenly out of the smoke Crazzy Steve appears with his head cocked sideways giving that menacing grin he has recently been giving out.

Corey Graves
There is your answer Mauro, one part of the darkest team to step foot in an XWL ring, I don't know if Finn can call himself "The Demon King" tonight.

Steve appears out of the smoke walking in his fast pace walk towards the ring to meet with Finn Balor tonight.

Steve steps into the ring and as the ref check Steve and Balor getting ready to ring the bell to start the match,




Scott Steiner comes out with a mic in hand and stops at the top of the entrance ramp and begins to speak, and Crazzy Steve and Finn Balor look towards Steiner.

[Scott Steiner]
Cut my music!

Steiner's music stops.



[Scott Steiner]
How about we make this a 3 way match huh!?! I beat Goldberg without breaking a sweat. Now I know you weren't looking for a beat down by me Finn Balor. But Stevey boy there is no opponent. And Crazzy Steve don't think I forgot about what your little group did to Bayley. Tonight I want to make you experience the power and the pain. So Finn how about you make the statement tonight and make Crazzy Steve experience a beatdown of his life.

Finn Balor gives Steiner the go head to come down the ramp into the ring and enter the match.

Steiner walks down the ramp while pointing at Crazzy Steve and shouting "IM GOING KICK YOUR ASS!". Steiner enters the ring as the bell rings and the match starts.

Click Here:

As Final Stand rolls on, we're taken backstage in the halls of The Memorial Collesium where Byron Saxton is standing in a dimly lit arena with one of the women who will challenge Sister April in a Fatal Four Way Match for The Women's Championship. Natalya stares at the ground, her hand almost anxiously rubbing her neck, tonight is a big night, she's not felt the presence of such huge stakes since 7 years ago on this very show when she lost her Divas Championship and had tasted her last taste of what it felt to be champion.




Everything has to be running through her head a mile a minute, the possibilities, the risks, the fact that this is what she's been fighting for, this is what all her training has led to...


[Byron Saxton]
Natalya, I know you've got a lot on your mind, and I appreciate you giving us a few minutes of your time to pick your brain before this incredible opportunity ahead of you this evening.



The weight on her shoulders that comes from what tonight truly means is clearly heavily affecting her. She's not saying a word, she's not smiling, it's almost as if she's lost in thought.


[Byron Saxton]
I'll go ahead and jump right into things, what are you feeling heading into this match tonight?


Her head raises slightly, snapping out of it.





[Natalya]
The better question is, what am I not feeling? My protege has gone rogue, making all my time and effort into nurturing her young career a complete waste...not to mention the tiny little cuts within my scalp from when my head went through a mirror...which, I'd say means seven years of bad luck, but that's kind of already my story, isn't it? There's Sasha, who...we've been through a lot together, it's not been an easy road, but I've seen her grow, and I've been part of that growth. I have so much respect for her, yet at the same time, I almost wish I didn't. When it was just us three challengers in that ring last week, she beat me. So does that mean we're not longer on the same playing field? Does that mean it's going to happen tonight? AND then there's AJ, April, or Abigail, whatever is walking around as Women's Champion...the woman, or being that I've yet to defeat, not from lack of trying mind you, but because she's unlike any opponent I've ever faced.





[Natalya]
I mean will I ever beat her? Can I even beat her? Do I belong in this match? Is this going to be my "Final Stand" honestly I couldn't begin to describe the mental mess within my head right now. Joy, anger, worry, fear...it's all there, and it's all fighting to win, there's an emotional fatal four way running wild within, and just like tonight, where you don't know who is going to win, I don't know what is going to win. Will I feel joyous as I raise The Women's Championship FINALLY above my head? Will I worry as I walk down that ramp, and seal my fate before I even set foot in the ring? Will my anger get the best of me, and will it cost me? Or will April's presence send shivers down my spine at the worst possible moment, and in an instant, cost me my shot at becoming The Women's Champion?  I took great pride in being able to control these feelings for the longest time, but maybe it's the fact I was kidnapped and tortured in ways that haunt me in my dreams...or the pressures of not wanting to fail everyone that has supported me to this moment right now...but everything is not alright. I'm losing control and wondering if I ever even had control.


[Byron Saxton]
What do you mean? Are April's mind games finally getting to you?





[Natalya]
Honestly, Byron, I don't know anymore. She kept saying oh my sister, embrace the darkness, join me...all of these things, and of course you try to be polite, to not believe she's certifiably insane, that this is just a quirk you've gotta love her for...but no, this isn't insanity, this is...there's not even a word to describe what she is, what she represents. She brings out the worst in me, and yet...at the same time? The best. It's, it's just...I don't like the feeling. I don't find joy in causing serious harm to anyone, but...after all she's put me through, all I want to do is cause her as much pain as she's inflicted upon me. Is that bad? Does that make me bad? As bad as her? It doesn't fit who I am, who I try to be, the role model I try to set myself apart as. I'm the woman that has respect and gives this division a much-needed difference. But, she's...taken that away from me. I can't sit by and watch someone like her reek havoc over this division, because while our goals have already intertwined...she's represented the wrong way, yet been so right...whereas my "right" has only gone wrong. I don't like it, you can't torture people into being something, you can't frighten them to their very core just to get what you want...and yet, that's exactly what she's done to me.  


[Byron Saxton]
Go on?





[Natalya]
It's been around seven months, seven months since she became enamored with me...and through that period of seven months, she's tried, so very hard to get me to "join" her. To be her sister, and I have politely declined, agreed to disagree, but she doesn't stop. Our paths kept crossing, I watched as she rose, and...I stayed, still at the back of the line, so far back, in the same spot I've been in for seven years...so long that my name now is engraved in that spot, it's Nattie's spot, because instead of taking someone else's for her own, she sits by respectfully waiting for her time, a time that will never come because everyone else is jerking the seat out from under each other, and the cue resets...while you just stay there. You try to be patient, you try to say, my way will work...I will reach the top and do so respectfully...but you keep seeing everyone walk in, and get what you work so hard for, so easily. Like Eva Marie, I tried so hard to see the good in her being in that position, but where is she now? Filming a movie, designing her own fashion line? My sole focus has been this, and ONLY this. Yet, everyone gets there but me. And I hate to sound like this, to sound ungrateful, jealous, and all of those things, but April, she's awakened something in me. And I can't just sit by and watch everyone do what I want to do, what I've trained my whole life to do. I can't just, be happy for others all the time because my time should come too, right? It's not just about me supporting them, it's about the division supporting me, but it's been a one-way street.






[Natalya]
Speaking of one-way streets, Dana Brooke...she used me, she found someone to get her in the position for opportunity just by simply being by my side, and like a fool...I let her. I believed she just wanted to learn, to be what I envision this division can be, to be that difference...but, she's just like so many others, selfish, and she'll do whatever she has to, just to get ahead. But see, here's the funny thing about that...she didn't listen to a thing I tried to teach her, and that was more than just manners, no...it was the mindset that ANYTHING could happen. You think you're gonna drop me with The Dana Driver and pin me to become champion tonight? Well, what if you do indeed drop me, but as you go for the pin...Sasha Banks drives her knees into your spine and suddenly you're on the verge of tapping out? Dana's not prepared for that, she's only prepared for that perfection vision inside her head, but visions are merely a play that never comes to be as we see it.  And as she so cutely says, playtime is over.



[Byron Saxton]
Indeed it is, huge stakes, so one final question...do you believe you can defeat Sister April tonight, or Dana Brooke or even Sasha Banks to become The Women's Champion tonight for the very first time in your career?



[Natalya]
Yes, I wouldn't be here tonight if I didn't believe I was going to leave this arena The NEW Women's Champion...but it takes more than just belief, tonight's not going to be easy, but I've made it this far, and there's no turning back now. Either my hand is raised, and that championship is around my waist...or, I...


Her mouth remains open, but nothing comes out...after a few seconds pass by, her mouth shuts and she clenches her jaw just shrugging with uncertainty both in her eyes and her entire demeanor.  





[Byron Saxton]
You what?




But her expression doesn't change, instead the silence remains until she just walks away, saying nothing...yet, somehow so much at the same time. It's clear this match means a lot for Natalya tonight. She's often referred to herself as "unbreakable" but...this match could be make or break for The Anvilette.  

The crowd comes to life as the theme starts, signalling the start of the next bout. The curtain parts as Alexa stumbles through, still drained from the time being locked up by Decay. She struggles to make it out onto stage then stops, staring around the arena, her focus locking back into real life. Her attention snaps as she brings her glove up, rolling her fingers and sneering at the camera in front of her before starting down the ramp.

[Corey Graves]
It's time Ranallo! We get to see Bliss! I am beyond excited!

[Mauro Ranallo]
I am too Corey but for the bout, not for the reasons you are.

[Corey Graves]
Just proves I am much smarter than you are!

Alexa comes down the ramp, hands reaching out for her which she responds to with a look of disgust. She then stops as she hits the bottom of the ramp, looking around at all the weapons surrounding the ring, fear coming across her face once again. She slowly looks around her, observing what is to be a Monster's Ball. A deep breath is taken and then she enters the ring, moving across it before turning back to the tamp, setting up a steel face, ready for Rosemary.



Rosemary emerges first from backstage, and walks out zombie like out onto the ramp holding a chain. She stops, and yanks chain twice then turns her head looking behind her as we see Abyss, and Crazy Steve walk out with chains around their necks. Rosemary turns back looking at Alexa Bliss who stands in the ring with a creepy smile on her face as the stage fills with smoke.

.:Corey Graves:.
That is creepy..

.:Mauro Ranallo:.
You can't imagine what is running through Alexa's head as she sees these three make their way down the ramp.

Rosemary begins walking down the ramp still holding the chain with Abyss, and Crazy Steve not to far behind. Rosemary makes it half down the ramp, and then she drops the chain. She then turns to them both gives them a smile as if she was sending them a message, and it appeared to be received as they smile back, and nod at her. They slowly start walking up the ramp backwards.

.:Corey Graves:.
This right here Mauro is a message straight from Rosemary. She is saying she can beat Alexa without Abyss, and Crazy Steve at her side.

Rosemary head slowly turns back will a sadistic smile upon her face, and starts walking down the ramp again. She begins laughing madly, as she spins in a circle, for the moment she has waited for has finally arrived where she can finally get her hands on Alexa. She crawls into the ring looking into the eyes of Alexa. Alexa looks freaked out, and backs up into the corner watches on as Rosemary crawls further into the ring, and raises up on her knees with her tongue sticking out.



.:Mauro Ranallo:.
Alexa is gonna have to bring everything she has to take down the demon assassin herself, Rosemary.

Rosemary slowly comes off her knees, and backs up into her corner the she waves at Alexa.

Spoiler:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Cameras cut to ringside where we see Lillian Garcia about to announce.

[Lillian Garcia]
The following contest is a golden gauntlet match for the golden opportunity. The only way for the match to end is eliminate all 5 competitors in the gauntlet or eliminate R-Truth. So without further ado let me introduce the man with the golden opportunity himself, Mr. Money in the Bank, R-Truth!









R Truth signals a guy at ringside to give him a mic. Truth grabs the mic and begins to speak.


[R-Truth]
So tonight is the big night! Final Stand IX. The night that I prove that I have what it takes to be the best. And what better way to do that then giving 5 guys the chance to beat me and take my golden opportunity away from me. The first man to have a chance is a man that the world champion knows very well like I said on anarchy last week. That very man ended Evan Bourne's career here in XWL. That man is none other that TYSON KIDD!



Tyson Kidd comes out to a reaction of boos as he makes his way down the ramp the announce team of Ranallo and Graves start talking.

[Ranallo]
The man who made Evan Bourne leave XWL for quite some time and come back as Matt Sydal ladies and gentlemen. Tyson Kidd has the chance of a lifetime. I can't believe R-Truth is willing to put this on the line here tonight in a gauntlet match!

Ranallo points at the golden Money in the Bank Briefcase which is on the announce table for whomever wins the match.

[Graves]
Well R-Truth is more then prepared I'm sure. He overcame the odds when he won that briefcase and I'm sure he will do it again tonight.

Tyson Kidd enters the ring as there ref calls for the bell, as the first match of the Golden Gauntlet for the Golden Opportunity gets underway.



[Ranallo]
That's 1 eliminated. I wonder who will get the next chance?

R Truth signals the guy to give him the mic again.

[R Truth]
Alright who's next?

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


Titus O'Neil comes out to a bunch of boos and hecklers yelling "YOU SUCK" as Titus brings the mic up to his mouth to speak but R-Truth speaks first.

[R-Truth]
When I said anyone can come out to have a chance at winning my golden opportunity, I didn't mean someone that has no talent and has no chance in a million years to beat me in this ring.

[Titus O'Neil]
I'm gonna make you eat your words when I get down to that ring.

R Truth laughs and brings the mic up again.

[R-Truth]
Alright you keep thinking that, and make sure your boots are laced up before you step in this ring.

Titus looks down at his boots and starts jogging down the ramp and stumbles and falls on the ground.

R Truth cries out with laughter as the crowd begins to laugh too.

Titus gets back up and enters the ring, as the 2nd match is underway.



The crowd starts chanting "THANK YOU TRUTH!"

[Ranallo]
And the 2nd match is over just like!

[Graves]
R-Truth humilated Titus O'Neil. But what he did say was the TRUTH!

R Truth signals the guy once again for the microphone. Truth looks at the guy who handed him the microphone and begins to speak.

[R Truth]
You may want to just get into the routine of giving me the mic after I eliminate whoever the next guy is my man.

The guy at ringside give Truth a thumbs up. Truth continues to speak.

[R Truth]
Well come on out and don't be a no talent bum like the last guy.

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The crowd pops for Road Dogg as he comes out with a mic in hand. As Truth is in the ring with his jaw dropped.

[Ranallo]
It's Road Dogg! The guy who teamed with R Truth early on in his career. The mentor of Truth in his early years as a pro wrestler.

[Road Dogg]
THAT'S RIGHT LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA, IT'S ME, IT'S ME THE D O DOUBLE G.

Road Dogg makes his way into ring and puts his hand out to shake his former tag team partner's hand. R Truth shakes his hand. R Truth then says to Road Dogg "Good luck dogg."
The ref then rings the bell, as the third match is underway.



[Ranallo]
Look at the agility  of R-Truth!

[Graves]
Doing a backflip then hitting the jumping complete shot. Absolutely incredible. Told you he was ready for everything in this gauntlet Mauro.

R Truth helps Road Dogg up to his feet. Road Dogg then raises R Truths arm and pats him on the back then leaves the ring.

The guy at ringside is ready in position as Truth looks at him and instantly grabs the mic.

[R Truth]
I never thought I would go against one of the guys that has helped me get to where I am at today. With that being said I am ready for my next opponent.

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Goldust comes out and begins to walk down the ramp.

[Ranallo]
The original golden one Goldust. Of course he would be the one to come out for a chance at the GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY.

[Graves]
Yeah he may be the original golden one. A little bit on the weird side. I think Truth won't have an issue eliminating Goldust.

[Ranallo]
Goldust has a seasoned vet, I wouldn't take Goldust lightly if I was R Truth. Shattered Dreams can end a match just like that.

Goldust enters the ring as the 4th match of the Golden Gauntlet for the Golden Opportunity is underway.



[Ranallo]
R-Truth just did Goldust's move the Shattered Dreams to win the match!

[Graves]
See as a former wrestler I know that in that ring you do whatever it takes to win. That is exactly what R Truth did. Now he only has one more opponent to complete the Golden Gauntlet.

[Ranallo]
I wonder if the last opponent will be someone in his past?

[Graves]
You know what they say Mauro. Save the best for last.

The guy at ringside hands Truth the mic. Truth then begins to speak.

[R Truth]
1 more to go!

The crowd chants "LET'S GO TRUTH!" as R Truth waits for his next opponent.

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The arena fills with boos as Triple H comes out.

[Ranallo]
It's Triple H!

[Graves]
This is going to be a big test for R Truth.  AJ Styles had the test of going against The Game 2 anarchys ago. AJ Styles passed that test. Will R Truth do the same?

Triple H brings the mic up to his mouth and begins to speak.

[Triple H]
Now before I come down there and take that golden opportunity of yours I need you to realize something Truth. So you wanna be the man is that right.

R Truth nods his head.

[Triple H]
Well just know this if I was the one in charge around here you wouldn't even be allowed to step foot in this stadium! If I was THEY, as you call them, when you came around, I would have had your ass kicked out of XWL. Then you would probably be living on the streets or in a jail cell. So what do you have to say about THEY now?

R Truth with a frustrated look on his face brings the mic up to speak.

[R Truth]
THEY have played their cards right in the year of 2017 so far. All I ever asked for was fair and equal treatment.

[Triple H]
Well you may be a hero to these lowlife scum here tonight, but here the thing. Heroes come and go. Legends never die.

Triple H drops the mic and runs down the ramp and slides in the ring as the final match of the Golden Gauntlet for the Golden Opportunity is underway.



[Ranallo]
R Truth did it again! He hit Triple H with his own move the Pedigree! R Truth has retained his Golden Opportunity!

The guy at ringside grabs a mic and the Money in the Bank Briefcase aka The Golden Opportunity and hands it to Truth. R Truth raises the briefcase up in the air and begins to speak.

[R Truth]
THIS IS MINE! THE OPPORTUNITY I EARNED! THE OPPORTUNITY I WAITED MY WHOLE LIFE FOR! THE OPPORTUNITY I WORKED FOR!

R Truth lowers the briefcase and begins to speak.

[R Truth]
But sadly the clock is ticking and time is running out. A new era is coming and we are getting close to it.

R Truth's music hits.



R Truth smiles as he drops the mic and holds the briefcase in both hands looking down at it. R Truth exits the ring still looking down at the briefcase as he makes his way up the ramp and to the backstage area.