As Aftershock officially goes live on The XWLNetwork signaling the start of XWL's first Special Event of the decade we don't witness an extravagant display of pyrotechnics...no, instead, we see Mauro Ranallo, Corey Graves, and Beth Phoenix standing in front of their announce booth with mics in hand welcoming us to the evening ahead.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, and WELCOME to XWL...AFTERSHOCK!
[[Beth Phoenix]] We are live tonight thanks to The Rogers Arena in beautiful Vancouver located in the British Columbia of Canada and we are SOLD OUT! A huge thank you to everyone in attendance tonight as XWL climbs its way back on top of the professional wrestling mountaintop.
[[Corey Graves]] No thanks to a certain someone...
[[Beth Phoenix]] I appreciate your sentiment, Corey but tonight isn't about the man that threatened the very existence of XWL as we know it...it is about the incredible Men and Women within that locker room right now gearing up to present us a fantastic show.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Speaking of fantastic, that is one of the many words I would use to describe the card from top to bottom.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Absolutely, FOUR Champions will be crowned, one of which might even be someone we currently aren't even aware is in the position to become Champion...and one match featuring bad blood between former allies turned enemies as they clash in a First Blood Match!
The graphic promoting The First Blood Match between Seth Rollins and Jon Moxley appears on the titantron as the announce team discuss this first advertised match.
[[Corey Graves]] The Shield was a long time ago, and Jon Moxley's loyalty now lies with two Men not named Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. As a part of The Enterprise alongside Robert Roode and Daniel Bryan the three of them are quite a unit and his allies deal with their own individual tasks tonight he's left to deal with one of his own in a match against Seth Rollins.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Seth of course came to Moxley's aid after a beatdown courtesy of The Dirt Sheet's leading acts The Miz & John Morrison. But instead of his aid being met with gratitude it was met with ATTITUDE!
[[Beth Phoenix]] My husband tried to mend the broken bridge between the two by putting them in Tag-Team action last week on Octane against The Miz & John Morrison but unfortunately, our efforts only aided Moxley in rubbing even more salt in the wounds as Jon hopped off the apron and left Seth to the proverbial wolves ultimately losing to The Miz's Skull Crushing Finale and in turn setting up the finality of any hopes of them rekindling their bond.
[[Corey Graves]] Moxley upgraded, and tonight Seth's blood might be on Moxley's hands by the end of this contest but ultimately the blood is on Seth's for starting this to begin with.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Speaking of starting things, a certain someone has started really messing with the head of Robert Roode as they've concealed their identity up until their clash tonight as they battle for the vacant Intercontinental Championship.
Just like the previously announced match the graphic with Robert Roode and his mystery opponent pops up on the screen as they prepare to hype up The Intercontinental Championship ahead of us this evening.
[[Beth Phoenix]] An interesting tidbit for both of you and those at home on the insight of the new management team at XWL...this actually wasn't even originally the plan. My husband informed this person they would be Roode's opponent and they were supposed to come out and reveal themselves to Robert on the Series Premiere of Octane. However, they took matters into their own hands and went a different route with it and actually it's taken on a whole life of its own and really brought even more intrigue into this upcoming match. Adam believes in the creative freedom of the talent and so yes originally Roode was going to know his opponent...however his reaction, along with the reaction of The XWL Universe...and the cryptic messaging from his opponent? Completely shifted the entire course of this match.
[[Corey Graves]] So you're just letting them run rogue and do as they please?
[[Mauro Ranallo]] It's not that they're letting him do what he wants but a huge part of this business is having your finger on the pulse and being open to different directions to go in at any moment.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Exactly, the mystery has opened the door for so many interpretations and predictions. Not that this match wouldn't be talked about if it had been previously revealed in its full form, but by going this direction because of their input and what they've brought to the table with it...it's honestly set itself up as the dark horse match of the evening. Especially after that chilling reveal on Octane when Roode barged into a mysterious and darkroom and was left with a bloody "B" on his back, as he was declared a "marked man."
[[Corey Graves]] Is the "B" for Bastard? Because it takes a bastard to attack a man that can't even see to defend himself and simply just wants to know WHO they are.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Well, we may not who Robert Roode's opponent in The Intercontinental Championship Match may "B" but what we do know is that you are not going to want to miss this one!
The current graphic fades off screen and a new one replaces it reminding us of the upcoming Women's Championship Strap Match between two Women that can't decide if they love, hate, love, hate, or love each other as if they're plucking petals from a daisy that just keeps regenerating petals before they reach the end of the classic childhood game.
[[Corey Graves]] Meanwhile the next phase in the never ending are they or aren't they relationship between Sasha Banks and Liv Morgan takes center stage when they clash tonight in a Strap Match for the vacant Women's Championship. At this point I can say with the utmost honesty that I have absolutely no idea what is going through either of their heads after all they've been through for them to now be reunited and Sasha basically admit in a sit-down interview with Michael Cole that she's giving Liv the title.
[[Beth Phoenix]] It's been very difficult waters for all us to navigate, Corey...they seemed to be completely broken up this time but time seems to have healed those wounds when Morgan had Sasha in captivity during XWL's hiatus and now...they've put myself and my husband in a very difficult position because we never want to put forth a match like this on a night like this. A match where it's basically a forgone conclusion what's going to happen. But due to the threats of a lawsuit for not honoring the contractually signed match they had already agreed to before everything went down...our hands ultimately were tied. Much like they'll be tied together with a strap tonight.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] They've been through a great deal together for the past 2 years. All going back to when Sasha Banks took her frustrations out on a plucky newcomer in Liv Morgan that left her with memory loss which led to the two of them becoming friends...until the truth came out and it did NOT set either of them free as the rest of history shows.
[[Corey Graves]] They made up, then Liv Morgan and Sasha Banks BOTH advanced to The Finals Of Queen Of The Ring where Sasha trying to make amends for how their relationship began laid down for Morgan. However, what happened after was even more insane because Liv had been misleading Sasha all along, used her to take possession of the crown and then took The Boss out of action for quite some time. All the while Liv flourished on her own, becoming Women's Champion thanks to that crown.
[[Beth Phoenix]] I've seen fans refer to their on again off again relationship to The Joker and Harley Quinn. It's toxic, they're clearly better apart but all roads seem to always lead back to each other no matter what they go through. I'm not sure what happened during the time Sasha was held hostage by The Former Women's Champion but she seems to have undergone a more "real" transformation herself and now the formerly dubbed Boss and "Brat" Connection are again a unified unit.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] We either learn from history or we are doomed to repeat it, and in tonight's case...unfortunately history indeed is going to repeat itself.
[[Corey Graves]] Speaking of dysfunctional relationships...The North American Championship will be at stake when Alexa Bliss AND Kairi Sane clash with Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match.
As Corey said, from one match featuring friends to another match featuring friends the graphic for The TLC Match featuring Kairi Sane and Alexa Bliss taking on Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan. The friends find themselves fighting together against a rivaled team but there's personal stakes on the line in this unique match-up.
[[Beth Phoenix]] The Women of XWL always deliver and then deliver again so personally when my husband made the announced change to this match I was over the moon. This story is so captivating, so ever-changing that you truly do not know what is going to happen next and that includes WHO will climb the ladder and ultimately retrieve The North American Championship for themselves. This IS a Tag-Team match due to the participants in this match because if we named it a Fatal Four Way it still would have ultimately been two versus two due to the allegiance each side shares. But ultimately only ONE Woman will pull The North American Championship down.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Ruby Riott and Alexa Bliss have been embroiled in a truly hatred filled rivalry for a year and a half and in their case...time may have healed the wounds but the scars have been ever present. These two Superstars were apart for most of 2019 but as Alexa ended her rivalry with Mandy Rose overcoming HELL to become North American Champion? Ruby Riott overcame the partner who failed her in their last encounter at Final Stand last year and became Alexa's Number One Contender. Alexa won Kairi's job back, meanwhile Ruby's best friend Sarah finally earned herself a contract here and thus this once centered rivalry began to expand in recent weeks.
[[Corey Graves]] You skipped over the part of the story where Kairi took Alexa's Female Superstar Of The Year trophy to the back of her head on her first night back.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Again, friendships do have their own hardships...we haven't specifically heard from either of them about their reconciliation but judging by their actions that do speak louder than any words could, they are back by each other's sides to aid one another against the devil-some duo of Riott and Logan.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] A lot of factors come into account when speaking of this match, including the fact that Ruby Riott has only beaten Alexa ONCE and that was due to the sudden betrayal by her best friend Nia Jax. Ever other match they've had has ended with Bliss as the LAST WOMAN STANDING, including their infamous clash at last year's Final Stand when they met in a Last Team Standing Match.
[[Corey Graves]] And again literally 1 week before Anarchy's cancellation when they met in an Extreme Rules Match which saw Alexa successfully defend against Ruby.
[[Beth Phoenix]] That kind of factor alone eats at a competitor. We all have that one person we can't seem to beat, and that is what fuels us until the moment we do. Tonight with Sarah Logan in there to even things up? That makes this match completely different from their other encounters previously because not only does Ruby have help? She doesn't even have to pin, submit, or knock Alexa out for a count of ten. She merely needs to climb the ladder and pull the North American Championship down.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] But let us remember the other two Women in this match, Kairi Sane and Sarah Logan. Kairi defeated The Woman that ended the reign of The Longest Reigning Women's Champion and had a very competitive showcase of her talent last year. She was a dark horse then, and tonight you could argue she is in this match as well. She thrives when the focus isn't solely on her, and it's clear her eyes have been on The North American Championship since returning so I seriously doubt she's in this match to just play keep away for Alexa Bliss to seize the victory for herself.
[[Corey Graves]] I think Kairi's been studying tapes of Sasha Banks and Liv Morgan and she's luring Alexa into a false sense of safety before she drives that knife right back in and really thrusts it in DEEP.
[[Beth Phoenix]] I mean I can't stand here and say you're wrong but I certainly hope you are...they're just so sweet and adorable together, I'm rooting for their friendship.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] The other Woman involved is a woman of Viking grit Sarah Logan. She is a brute force the likes of which we've yet to truly experience. Seeing the way she carried herself in last week's Main-Event? That was unexpected, not that I doubted her ability or her fire...but I think being out there on her own in her own big moment really showed what she's made of, and it did score her a big time victory over a former Champion.
[[Corey Graves]] Absolutely, defeating Kairi Sane without interference from the outside coming into play that was the start of her arrival, and with weapons a plenty at her disposal tonight? I'm not going to be shocked if she's the one that emerges from this as The NEW North American Champion.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Ultimately what I love about this match is that any of those four Women could win, and when you add that factor with the usual unpredictability a TLC match has? That's a win for everyone and I cannot wait to watch it all go down tonight.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] After all the dust settles and THREE Champions have been crowned that will just leave one last Championship up for grabs, The World Heavyweight Championship in tonight's Main-Event.
The FINAL match on this evening's card flashes on the tron as The World Heavyweight Championship will be determined in a match between Daniel Bryan and Keith Lee as they clash in a rematch from their previous encounter.
[[Corey Graves]] Daniel Bryan already beat Keith Lee to retain what was once his title before, but the question is can he do it again after Keith's massive boost in momentum since that encounter?
[[Beth Phoenix]] One of the things that appeals to my husband is his mindset, the very concept of being LIMITLESS. You lose your shot? You work hard to prove you deserve another which is what he did when he defeated The Enterprise in a Handicap Match, and then later became the only Superstar in the last 6 months to hold a victory over Robert Roode. Even his very ability in the ring speaks to that mindset because of the things he does that he SHOULDN'T be able to do.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Not to mention his incredible victories the last two episodes of Octane one of which saw him and Kevin Owens tear the roof off and the other against Brian Pillman Jr. a Superstar that previously couldn't defeat Daniel as well.
[[Corey Graves]] Don't get me wrong he's been impressive, but when I look at Daniel Bryan? I see a man that saw something wasn't working and he changed one thing and it led to LIMITLESS success. The fans held him back, but the second he stopped giving them the time of day? He did things like defeat The Titanium Tyrant Drew McIntyre...and then defeated him AND The Demon King Finn Balor in the same match...and then, came up with the brilliant idea to dupe the fans into supporting Jon Moxley to vote him in as his challenger just to throw the biggest middle finger up in professional wrestling history. He is a brilliant man through and through from his mind to his ability and I'm sorry but Keith Lee? Size doesn't matter when Daniel Bryan can chop you down like a redwood with his precision strikes.
[[Beth Phoenix]] It's a battle of striking power versus pure power...and going back to an earlier point made by you Mauro...we do say that we either learn from history or we're doomed to repeat it. So my final question on the matter is this...what did these men learn from their last encounter with one another when The World Heavyweight Championship was on the line?
[[Mauro Ranallo]] An excellent point...Daniel knows he CAN beat Keith Lee...but is this the same Keith Lee that he defeated? Or has Keith Lee learned from what happened and done everything within himself to ensure that doesn't happen again? Who will leave tonight as The NEW World Heavyweight Champion, and who will have their world come crashing down from an Aftershock that will threaten to rip the very fabric of their careers as they currently know it?
Following that last word, all three sit their mics down, grab their headsets off the table, and then proceed to sit down as Aftershock is ready to officially begin. The question is what will we witness first, an opening contest or a word from one of tonight's scheduled talents...or even a word from a talent not previously scheduled on the show looking to claim a bit of the spotlight for themselves?
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As Aftershock begins, we cut backstage to a locker room, where Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan stand with their backs to the camera, obviously preparing for war as they're donned in matching green and gray colored versions of their trademark attires. They continue to keep their backs to the camera as Ruby begins to speak.
[Ruby Riott] People seem to think that this is the end of an era tonight. For over a year, Alexa Bliss, Kairi Sane and I have been battling. In fact...this was supposed to be a rematch of our Triple Threat Match last year. And, hey, Sarah, who won that match?
[Sarah Logan] You did, Rubes.
[Ruby Riott] Yeah...I did win that match, didn't I? And you know what? Tonight? Tonight will be no different. Tonight is just another in the long line of battles between Alexa Bliss, Kairi Sane and myself. But this time? My best friend has my back.
To further emphasize her point, Ruby reaches out, patting Sarah on the back.
[Ruby Riott] Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane want everyone to believe that their little lovers' quarrel is just water under the bridge. But that's the difference between the two of them and the two of us. See, they spent the last few months crying over how each of them had betrayed the other's friendship. But Sarah and I? We've been UNITED since day one. We are a team. Those two? They aren't a team. They're two completely different people from two completely different backgrounds who became friends out of necessity. Sarah and I became friends out of a common bond. And unlike Kairi and Alexa, our bond will never...ever be broken.
To further emphasize her points, Ruby reaches down before grabbing two matching sleeveless hooded leather jackets. The word "UNITED" spray painted in green clearly visible across the backs of both of the jackets as both Ruby and Sarah each put one on, the duo still keeping their backs turned to the camera.
[Ruby Riott] And as for Liv Morgan and Sasha Banks...don't think we forgot about you.
[Sarah Logan] Y'all really think y'all can get away unscathed for what ya' did to Rubes last week? Y'all got another thing comin'.
[Ruby Riott] See, we'll be watching your little title match tonight, too. We'll be watching to see if you two lovebirds finally decide to love it or leave it. And when you do...we'll be waiting to pounce. After all...I'm sure both of you have seen what we've done to Alexa Bliss. How we nearly snapped her neck on that concrete floor two weeks ago. I'm sure you've seen what we've done to Kairi Sane. Broken her time and time again to the point she nearly wanted to give up on Alexa Bliss and slammed a Slammy Award into the back of her skull...and then we kicked her ass, too.
[Sarah Logan] Now...ya'll should think about what we've done to them...and then y'all should think about what we'd do to you once we get our hands on you.
[Ruby Riott] We're more than glad to let the two of you join Alexa and Kairi in the hospital, but we'll be saving your receipts for after we're done ending their careers tonight. The two of us have been scratching, clawing and fighting our entire lives, and tonight will be no different. The only difference is? Tonight we finally climb the ladder we've been clawing our way up. And tonight, I'm going to be the one walking out as North American Champion.
[Sarah Logan] Anything less is failure...and with the two of us, UNITED? We ain't gonna' fail. Failure just ain't an option. Tonight...it's gonna' be table for two in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs.
Again to emphasize their points, Ruby and Sarah each lift up two chairs beside them. Ruby's spray painted with Alexa's name, Sarah's with Kairi's.
[Ruby Riott] Tonight is all about settling debts. Debts that Kairi and Alexa have owed me for over a year. And together, we're going to collect those debts with broken bones and broken homes.
[Sarah Logan] Tables are gonna' be broken by driving Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane through 'em. Ladders are gonna' be used to break their bones and send them crashin' to their doom. Chairs...these chairs are gonna' be broken over their bodies. And the two of us will breaking their spirits...breaking their hearts...and breaking through to cement our place on the top of the world.
[Ruby Riott] There's not a goddamn thing that's going to stop us from breaking the two of you in half.
[Sarah Logan] That's right, Rubes. Tonight, nothin' is gonna' stop the two of us. Nothin' is gonna' stop you from becoming champion.
[Ruby Riott] And the thing is...people actually think tonight will be the end between Alexa and myself. No, no, no...not quite. Alexa, this doesn't end until one of us is in the ground...
Sarah and Ruby each turn around, both revealing matching black and green Viking-inspired warpaint. A dark smirk on Ruby's face as Sarah stands behind her, gripping her shoulders while glaring over one towards the camera.
[Ruby Riott] And I'll be sure to leave a nice black rose on your grave.
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Subject: Re: XWL AFTERSHOCK: 2/26/2020 - 3/11/2020 Sat Feb 29, 2020 4:56 pm
The crowd get off their feet at the sound of Seth Rollins theme! The crowd look for any sign of him. finally Seth walks out through a side entrance. Seth raises his arms high to the crowd as they roar with a sign of approval! Seth walks down the steps through crowd Armed with a microphone Seth hops over the barricade after reaching the bottom of the steps and slides into the ring and walks around slowly
Seth Rollins: Moxley, For weeks we've kicked each others asses, but the truth be told He doesn't care about anyone or anything but himself, take this past Wednesday for example he walked out on me in our damn tag team match. Wednesday night he said something that caught my attention."Seth had Changed." is that so Mox? You know what changed in me? You Stupid Son of Bitch! you don't think I can be aggressive, you want to dirty deeds my face in the mat..you want an aggressive Rollins.
the crowd gets behind him. Seth soaks in his fans, enjoying the positive reaction he's getting the camera zooms on Seth's Face- Seth's face seems to he different as he is letting out all his fire and anger out
Seth Rollins: I'm SETH FREAKING' ROLLINS! and I'm going to end you! Tonight I become the hunter and you will know why all your blood is on my hands! Moxley TONIGHT I WILL BURN THIS PLACE WITH YOU IN IT! Get your unhinged insanity ass down to this ring so we get this damn fight started you piece of shit!
Seth tosses the microphone as The crowd are chanting "ROLLINS! ROLLINS! ROLLINS!" as the Architect eagerly awaits Moxley
The crowd lets out a deafening boo as the theme of The Unhinged Member of The Enterprise begins to play.
Corey Graves Finally!! I couldn’t take much more of Seth’s Freakin’ Rambling!!!
Mauro Ranallo Speak for yourself Corey!! I love listening to Seth Rollins. But I’m going to love watching him beat Jon Moxley even more!!
Corey Graves You can’t be serious? There’s no chance that Seth can beat Moxley in a First Blood Match!! Jon Moxley is one of the most hardcore wrestlers in the buisness, he probably dreams about different ways that he can make his opponent bleed, and now he’s going to get the chance to do it tonight!! Seth stuck his nose where it didn’t belong two weeks ago, and now he’s going to pay for it in the worst way possible!!
Mauro Ranallo Stuck his nose where it didn’t belong? Jon Moxley was getting beaten down by The Miz and John Morrison. Seth Rollins did Moxley a favor by going out to the ring and fighting The Miz and Morrison off.. And how did Moxley repay him? With a Dirty Deeds!!!
Corey Graves Did Moxley ask Seth for help? No.. If Moxley really needed help he would have signaled to the back and Robert Roode or Daniel Bryan would have came to his aid.. But he didn’t need help, as a matter of fact, he had The Miz and John Morrison right where he wanted them!!
Mauro Ranallo It sure didn’t look that way.. All I’m saying is that a Dirty Deeds isn’t a great way of saying thank you.. Right Beth?... Beth? Who are you looking at?
The camera cuts to the announce table where we can see Beth looking out into the crowd with a confused look.
Beth Phoenix No one… And that’s the problem.. Where is Jon Moxley?
Moxley’s theme comes to a close, but The Lunatic Fringe is nowhere to be seen..
Jon Moxley Hey asshole… Up here..
The titantron lights up, and we can see Jon Moxley staring back at us.
Jon Moxley Five and a half Liters… One and a half Gallon.. That’s how much blood is in your body Seth… Now, if you were to lose half of that, you would die.. So, tonight I plan on spilling just under two liters of your blood all over that ring, just enough to keep you from passing out.. Because I want you to remember tonight.. I want you to remember what it felt like when I ran this…
Moxley pulls out a barbed wire bat.
Jon Moxley Up and down your face.. I want you to remember the look on my face as it happened… I want the sound of the crowd, begging me to stop, I want that ingrained in that thick skull of yours so that next time.. NEXT TIME THAT YOU THINK ABOUT FUCKING WITH ME... You remember tonight…. And you think twice about it..
Moxley tosses the barbed wire bat across the room.
Jon Moxley I’m not your “Shield Brother” anymore. I’m not “Dean Ambrose” anymore.. Nah, fuck that guy. He was a push over. He let this company, he let these fans, he let everyone walk all over him and dictate his life.. He was just like you are now…. But me? Jon Moxley?.. Oh man.. Seth, remember all those things that I wanted to do back in the day, but I wasn’t allowed to? Remember all of my “crazy”, “violent”, “dangerous”, “irresponsible” ideas that I always came up with, but was never allowed to try… Well, no one’s telling me what to do, not anymore, not ever again… I’m Jon Moxley now Seth, do you know what that means?... That means that you’re about to experience the definition of Unsanctioned Moxley Violence...
Seth Rollins picks back up the Microphone laughing at Moxley for a few moments before walking back and forth before standing in the center of the ring looking at Moxley
Seth Rollins: Mox this is funny to me, I'm laughing because i invited you to this ring to go face to face and you yet intrigue me, instead of coming to this ring you choose to hide behind a damn titantron saying all this, Mox i damn sure know what your capable of but listen to me I'm Equally as dangerous when you push me to that point and you have driven me to that place I dont want to be in tonight there's no dout we will not be walking out on our own to feet because when its said and done well.
Seth Rollins pauses for a few moments while the fans cheer for him Mox goes to speak but is cut off by Seth
Seth Rollins: I'm far from a Hero, I've turned people against me in the past but you know what annoys me Mox, when Assholes like you fuck someone over like this past Wednesday, well people want a story this story book ending isn't going to end with you standing over me it will end with me standing over your broken body watching you suffer in aganie, Mox there's only one thing I have to say stop hiding behind a freaking titantron.
Rollins shrugs his shoulders before awaiting to hear from Moxley and the fans roaring the roof off this place
Jon Moxley Motherfucker I’m not hiding. I’m just trying to decide what to use to cut you open. You see, I have that barbed wire bat over there... I also have these..
Moxley gives off a devilish grin as the crowd “ohh”’s at the sight of the bag of thumbtacks that Moxley is holding up.
Jon Moxley And this..
The camera zooms out showing a table with barbed wire next to Moxley
Jon Moxley I have so many options Seth. I just want to make sure that I make the right choice. I want to make sure that I choose the most painful option for you... You see Seth, after tonight you’re going to be afraid to step back into a ring. Every time that your theme hits and you begin to walk down that ramp you’ll have PTSD from tonight. You’ll remember the pain, the feeling of no hope, the desperation.. Simply put, after tonight, after I am done with you, you’re career is going to be over. You’re going to be physically and mentally unable to compete in an XWL ring... THAT’S why I’m not out there right now. I want to milk this Seth.. Because a quick demise is too good for you.. No.. I want to make this last..
Seth Rollins shakes his head and looks down at the match pointing at it and than looking up back up to the titantron at Moxley
Seth Rollins: Your Milking it? that's exactly someone who is hiding would say, bring all your damn toys to this ring I dont give a damn. i didn't come alone, I've already brought something with me.
Seth Rollins rolls out of the ring and lifts up the apron grabbing some barbedwire and a kendo stick with barbedwire wrapped around it he in gets into the ring with both and than leans the barbedwire kendo stick into the corner and wraps his the single barbedwire piece around his left hand
Seth Rollins: Like I've Said Moxley, I'm going to Burn it down tonight with you in this place if I'm going down your egomaniac ass is going with me tonight it's not about a match it's about survival, can you survive Mox? Let's find out not shut the hell up and get your ass down to this Asshole so I can beat it, understand!!!! actually if you dont come down to this ring I will come back there and find and we can start the god damn there the choice is yours Mox!
Rollins had enough and Tosses the microphone down and picks up the Kendo stick wrapped in barbedwire and awaits for Moxley to say something or do something
Jon Moxley You really want to do this huh? You really want me to come down to that ring right now? You really want to get this fight started? Is that what you want? Is that what all your precious fans want, huh Seth? They want to see us fight, right here, right now?
The crowd begins to chant “yes!” as they clearly want Moxley to go down to the ring just as bad as Seth Rollins wants him to.
Jon Moxley Yeah? Well that’s too damn bad.. I’m not in The Shield, Seth. I’m in The Enterprise, and although you’re Opening Match material, I’m not… I’m in the top faction in this company. Alongside the likes of Bobby Roode and Daniel Bryan.. Do you really think that I would demean myself with the first match of the show? The one that these people end up forgetting? Seth, if you really want to fight so bad, then go find someone on your level who is willing to open the night with you.. Maybe Darby Allen, or that other guy who knocked himself out two weeks ago... But not me. No. I would never do that to Daniel Bryan or Bobby Roode. We are The Enterprise. We have an image to uphold. We aren’t like you, Seth. There’s a reason that I’m in that group, and not you, or Roman… Daniel and Bobby knew what all of your fans are too proud to admit.. I was the best member in The Shield..
Moxley smirks
Jon Moxley So, take all of that pent up energy you got going on there and do a few push ups, or do that stupid air punch thing that you do, or find Becky and bang one out, I don’t give a fuck what you do.. But what you’re not going to be doing right now, is fighting me.. We fight when I say we fight… That’s one of the perks of being in The Enterprise.. Oh and speaking of which, I have something special planned for when our match is going to happen.. Another perk of being in The Enterprise.. So go run a lap or something, you’ll know when our match is going to happen, everyone will.. And once you see it, once you see what I mean, once you see what my surprise is for you… Well Seth, I’ll be surprised if you have the balls to walk down that ramp and step into the ring with me..
The titantron goes black… Seth angrily slams the kendo stick against the mat and shouts; “It looks like I’m going to have to go back there and get you out here myself!” The crowd cheers as Seth storms up the ramp and into the back. We are then shown a video package hyping up the World Title Main Event Match.
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We cut backstage where we see Seth Rollins walking the XWL halls shouting “WHERE IS HE”!!
Mauro Ranallo Errhh.. Hey folks, we just got word that Seth Rollins is backstage looking for his opponent for tonight. I guess he wasn’t happy with the answer Moxley gave him.. He wants to fight, and he wants to fight now!!!
Seth slams his barbed wire kendo stick against the wall as he shouts “WHERE’S MOXLEY!!”.. He stops when he sees a door with the words “Enterprise” written on them. He slams open the door. The cameraman quickly follows him into the room where we can see Moxley sitting on a steel chair, legs kicked up on a bench, barbed wire bat in hand.
Jon Moxley Holy shit...Fuck, Seth you really want to fight that bad huh?
Seth Rollins Hell yeah.. And if you don’t get your ass out to the ring right now.. I’ll make you!!!
Jon Moxley Listen asshole.. You want to fight? Fine.. I’m not one to walk away from a fight.. But if we’re going to be the first match of the show, we’re going to have to make it so that no one can forget about what we do out there tonight.. So, that being said I just need…. Five.. Five minutes okay? Remember that surprise I told you about.. All I need is five minutes to set that up.. Can you wait five minutes Seth? You’re familiar with that number right? After all, I heard that’s how long you last with Becky… Five minutes Seth, and I’ll meet you in that ring then… It’s the best offer you’re going to get, I recommend you take it…
Seth glares at Moxley but doesn’t say a word… He then turns around and leaves..
Mauro Ronallo Wow.. I guess we’ll be seeing Jon Moxley and Seth Rollins’ First Blood Match earlier then we thought!!!! What a treat!!!
The cameraman goes to follow Seth out..
Jon Moxley Hey you.. Cameraman… Stay here..
The camera focuses back on Moxley.
Jon Moxley This is live TV Mister Cameraman, can I call you Jerry? I’m going to call you Jerry... It’s a pay per view Jerry, there’s no commercials... What the hell do you expect them to do for five minutes? Cut to the commentators so that they can hype up the matches again? No. Try to find a five minute video package laying around? No.. And I don’t want them to cut back to the ring and ruin my surprise that’s being set up right now.. Hint, hint, and no it’s not a Punjami Prison.. So, keep that damn camera on me, we got four more minutes of airtime to kill Jerry…
Moxley clears his throat and looks at the camera
Jon Moxley Where do I start.. I already said what I needed to say about my buddy Seth earlier, so how about…. Keith Lee… Listen here you Limitless Piece of Shit, if you think for one second that you’re going to be walking out tonight as the new World Heavyweight Champion then you’re either high or just plain stupid, my money’s on the latter.. Daniel Bryan is the best wrestler that this company has ever seen, a few pounds of blubber and a stupid catch phrase is NOT going to be enough to defeat The Coorporate Dragon.. And Keith, even if you do win, how is it going to feel knowing that these people don’t even WANT you as their champion!!! They voted for ME at Cyberslam to face Daniel Bryan, not you.. Your own fans didn’t even want you in the World Title Picture!!... After Daniel Bryan beats you tonight, I’d advise you to stay far away from him, and any Enterprise member for that matter….. Bask in your glory??... Bask in this bitch...
Moxley gives the camera the finger and grabs his crotch with his other hand.
Jon Moxley And as for whichever one of you bastards that was too much of a bitch to show your face the past few weeks to Bobby Roode… The biggest surprise that’s going to happen during your Intercontinental Title Match is the surprise of the crowd when they see Bobby Roode do what he does best with a finesse that’s never been seen before… Simply put, Bobby Roode is going to kick the shit out of your punk ass… And there’s nowhere that you’re going to be able to hide tonight… You were smart to keep your identity a secret until tonight, because if I had known who you were, I would have found you and broken every bone in your body, so that Bobby Roode could try to find a more worthy opponent of his Glory… Because it doesn’t matter who you are, there is no way in hell that you are anywhere near as Glorious, as Bobby Roode…
Jon Moxley And for the rest of you chumps back there thinking that you’re going to use The Enterprise to make a name for yourself.. Fucking try… I’ll put you down without a moment's hesitation… I’ll make you my bitch, just like I’m about to go out there and make Seth my bitch.... Has it been five minutes yet Jerry?.... No? Shit.. How much longer do we have?.. Two minutes? Fucking… Cut to a video package or something, I’m done….. I said I’m done!!!
Moxley grabs the camera and all of a sudden the screen goes black. We quickly cut to the announce table.
Mauro Ranallo Uhh.. Err.. Okay, uh ladies and gentlemen if you’re a fan of wrestling then it’s common knowledge to you that The Shield was one of the most dominant stables in this business. But I wouldn’t expect a Shield reunion anytime soon. Especially not after tonight’s First Blood Match between Jon Moxley and Seth Rollins!! Let’s take a look at how we got here…
We are shown a video package starting with Jon Moxley’s match with The Miz. We are shown The Miz and Morrison ending the match in DQ by double teaming Moxley and beating him down, only to be thwarted by Seth Rollins. We are shown the Dirty Deeds that Seth received as a “thank you” for his troubles. A few clips of Seth’s match with John Morrison is shown, also ending in a double beatdown by Morrison and The Miz. This time we see Moxley come to the ring and fight off Seth’s attackers, and before he is able to turn his attention to Seth we are shown him getting Super Kicked and Curb Stomped by his former stable mate. We are then brought to a recap of last week's tag match featuring The Miz and John Morrison against Jon Moxley and Seth Rollins, where Moxley left Seth to fend for himself. Finally we are shown a clip of Moxley challenging Seth to a First Blood Match…
We are brought back to the ring where a dozen crew members with the words “Property of The Enterprise” written on their shirts are setting up an array of contraptions in and around the ring.
Mauro Ranallo Well it looks like this is what Jon Moxley meant when he said that he had a surprise for Seth, and that it would be obvious when their match was about to start.. While that video package was playing these Enterprise crew members have been.. Well, look for yourselves! This is insane!!
The camera shows different angles of the ring. We can see barbed wire wrapped around the entire bottom rope of one of the sides of the ring. We can also see one of the ring posts with barbed wire wrapped around it. There are thumbtacks scattered around one side of the outside, mousetraps scattered around another, and a table set up on the third side of the ring, of course the table has barbed wire attached to the top of it. The crowd “ohhh’s and ahh’s” as the camera shows each deadly modification The Enterprise Staff made to the ring and outside.
The crowd lets out a loud boo as Jon Moxley makes his way out to the stage, barbed wire bat in hand. He looks directly into the camera and shouts “Hey Seth, are you ready to get fucked up by yours truly?” He then marches down the ramp and slides into the ring. He climbs a turnbuckle and gives the crowd a double middle finger as he shouts vulgar words at them.
The crowd goes wild as Seth Rollins theme blasts from the PA speakers. The cheers grow as The Architect makes his way out to the stage, barbed wire kendo stick in hand!!! He shouts at Moxley but it can’t be heard over the chants and cheers from his adoring fans. He puts the Kendo Stick on the ground so that he can properly thank the fans for their support
Rollins picks his weapon back up and makes his way down the ramp, high fiving his fans along the way. He then looks up at the ring, at the barbed wire, and then at the outside where the mouse traps, thumbtacks, and barbed wire table is sitting. He smiles and nods his head before looking at his barbed wire kendo stick that he’s holding, pointing it at Moxley. He then climbs the ring steps and enters the ring.
The two circle each other, Moxley holding his barbed wire bat, and Seth with his barbed wire kendo stick!! The crowd is buzzing in nervous anticipation as the two competitors look for an opening. They swing their weapons at each other, but neither man is able to connect with their deadly weapons..
After a few moments of circling Moxley says something to Seth that the camera can’t pick up. The Architect stands still for a few moments before nodding his head. Moxley holds out his bat looking like he is about to drop it as Seth does the same with his Kendo Stick. They say “one, two, three” in unison, and both men pretend to drop their weapon…
Mauro Ranallo It looks like there is no trust at all left between these former stable mates…
The two begin to exchange heated words as the crowd buzzes, nervous as to what’s about to happen next. Moxley points the bat at Seth and shouts “Fuck it!!”. He tosses the bat outside of the ring and points at Seth.
Seth tosses the Kendo Stick out of the ring as well and the crowd cheers, ready for the two to fight!! Moxley smirks and goes into his back pocket, pulling out brass knuckles, causing the crowd to “ohh”.
Mauro Ranallo What!! This is why you can’t trust Jon Moxley!!
Moxley charges at Seth, throwing a right hook with the brass knuckles. The Architect is able to duck under the punch and grab ahold of Moxley’s hand, forcing the knuckles off of him. Moxley curses as the brass knuckles fall to the canvas and bounces out of the ring onto the floor.
Moxley pushes Seth and shouts a few more choice words, which causes Rollins to shove Mox back. The Lunatic Fringe gives Seth the finger and connects with an elbow to the face! Seth answers back with a knife edge chop, causing the crowd to cheer. The cheers turn to boos as Mox connects with a stiff punch to the bridge of the nose!! The two exchange hard hitting blows back and forth as the crowd cheers for Seth and boos when Moxley connects with a strike.
Moxley gets the better of the exchange by kicking Seth in the gut, followed up by a cheap shot punch to the throat!! The crowd boos as Moxley grabs Seth and goes to toss him into the barbed wire covered ring post!!
Mauro Ranallo Moxley’s trying to end this early!!
Seth grabs ahold of the middle ropes and puts his foot on the padded turnbuckle, stopping himself from colliding into the barbed wire ring post!! He elbows Moxley in the gut and tosses him over the ropes!! Moxley is able catch himself, preventing himself from falling to the outside. He is now standing on the apron outside of the ring, he looks behind him at the barbed wire table!!
Mauro Ranallo Moxley’s about to fall victim to his own barbaric idea!!
Seth connects with an elbow to the jaw, but Moxley is able to hold on to the ropes. Moxley grabs ahold of Seth’s hair and drops down to the floor, causing Seth to slam throat first into the top rope!!! Moxley quickly hops back onto the apron and jumps into the ring.
Mauro Ranallo Moxley has to jump into the ring like that because of the barbed wire on the bottom rope…
Moxley kicks Seth a few times, before dropping to his knees and grabbing hold of Seth’s head, trying to force it towards the barbed wire bottom rope!! The crowd tries to cheer Seth on as he struggles to keep his head as far away from the barbed wire, which could easily cut him open and end the match!!
Seth’s cheek is inches away from the razor sharp ropes!! Moxley is clawing at Seth’s face as he pushes it even closer to the barbed wire!! Seth bites down on Moxley’s finger out of desperation!! Moxley doesn’t budge for a few moments before realizing that if he doesn’t let Seth go, The Architect’s teeth could break skin. Moxley let’s go of Seth’s head and elbow’s Seth in the back of the neck, forcing Rollins to let go of Mox’s finger.
Moxley rolls away from Seth, and the ref checks to make sure that his finger isn’t bleeding, which it isn’t. Moxley pushes the ref out of his way and walks over to Seth, only to be hit with a hard kick to the torso. Seth follows the kick up with a snap suplex. He quickly mounts Moxley and begins to deliver ground and pound punches. Moxley reaches out and gouges at Seth’s eyes, kicking him off.
The two scramble to their feet and charge at one another. Moxley swings at Seth, looking to hit a huge lariat, but Rollins is able to duck it. The two run the ropes and Seth leapfrogs over Moxley this time. They hit the ropes once more, and when they reach the middle of the ring Seth is able to connect with a Slingblade, causing the crowd to cheer. Moxley slowly gets to his feet only to be hit by a kick to the gut, Seth follows it up with a powerbomb right into the corner!! Moxley rebounds off of the turnbuckles right into Seth who grabs him and tosses him over the ropes, where he lands on the apron. Moxley is now standing outside of the ring on the apron, behind him is the mousetraps scattered across the floor!!
Seth charges at Moxley and goes to spear him off of the apron and onto the mouse traps!! But Mox is able to dodge out of the way and connect with a knee to Seth’s temple!! He grabs Seth and puts him in position for a suplex, looking like he is going to suplex Seth over the ropes and onto the mousetraps!!
The crowd “ohh’s” as Moxley lifts Seth off of his feet!! Seth’s feet hit the canvas once more as Moxley didn’t have enough leverage to fully get him up and over the ropes. Moxley delivers a few stiff punches to the gut and goes to lift Seth once more, causing the crowd to “ohhhh” once again as Seth is lifted high into the air!!! Seth drives his knee down hard on the top of Moxley’s temple, and falls back down to the canvas, inside the ring. He then connects with an elbow to the jaw of his former tag team partner before grabbing ahold of Moxley’s head and puts him in position for a suplex of his own!! He plants his feet and lifts Moxley high into the air, suplexing him from the apron all the way back into the ring with a loud thud!!
The crowd goes wild as Seth gets to his feet and pulls the hair out of his eyes. He slowly turns around and looks outside the ring, towards the barbed wire baseball bat that Moxley brought. The crowd cheers as Seth carefully exits the ring and grabs the bat.. Moxley crawls to the corner of the ring as Seth methodically enters, barbed wire baseball bat in hand.. Moxley uses the corner ropes to pull himself to his feet, his back against the turnbuckle. He then looks up and sees Seth walking towards him, barbed wire bat in hand. Moxley puts his hands in the air pleadingly and begins to shout at Seth; “Hey, brother.. Don’t do this.. You don’t have to do this.. Remember what we once were Seth?!??”.. Seth stops in the middle of the ring, glaring at Moxley as The Lunatic Fringe pleads with his former Shield Brother. The crowd is on their feet, yelling at Seth, pleading with him not to trust Moxley.
Moxley stumbles towards Seth, still pleading. He shouts “Remember The Shield, Seth?!?”.. Moxley puts his fist out towards Seth, just like they did back in The Shield Days.. Seth looks at Moxley’s outstretched hand, then looks at the crowd.. He shakes his head, causing the crowd to cheer and Moxley to drop to his knees and begin to plead. Seth looks down at Moxley, then looks at the barbed wire bat. And that was all the distraction that Moxley needed!! As soon as Seth took his eyes off of him, Moxley hits The Architect with a low blow, causing Seth to drop the bat!!
Seth drops to the canvas, clutching his groin in pain!! Moxley grabs the barbed wire bat and places it in the middle of the ring. He then walks over to Seth and pulls him up by his hair and trunks, positioning him for a Dirty Deeds right on the barbed wire bat!!!
Mauro Ranallo Oh no!! This is crazy!!
Seth is able to drive his knee into Moxley’s ribs, and slip behind Mox. He gets Mox in a wrist lock and transitions it into a short arm high knee!!
Mauro Ranallo Ohh!! He calls that the Ripcord Knee!!
The crowd goes wild as Moxley stumbles to his feet, clearly disoriented, he begins swinging punches wildly, but nowhere near his target.. Seth connects with a Super Kick to the gut, causing Moxley to fall to his hands and knees, his head hanging right over the barbed wire bat!! The crowd goes wild as Seth charges to the corner and stomps his foot on the canvas, gearing up for the most barbaric curb stomp of his career!!!
Mauro Ranallo He’s going to end his career!!!!
The crowd boos as Moxley has the wherewithal to roll out of the ring.. Seth slams his foot on the canvas once more, this time out of frustration, before sliding out of the ring. Seth walks over towards Moxley, but before he can take two steps Moxley springs up to his feet and charges at The Architect. Moxley football tackles Seth right over the barricade!!! The crowd goes wild as the two brawl on the floor!!
Mauro Ranallo It looks like these two got a second wind!! From both anger and adrenaline!!
Moxley kicks Seth off of him and the two scramble to their feet! Seth charges at Moxley only to have his head grabbed and smashed into the top of the barricade!! The crowd boos as Moxley tosses Seth back over the barricade, dusting off his hands as if he just took off the trash.. Seth slowly uses the barricade to get to his feet only to be dropped down to the floor again as Moxley dives over the barricade and right into Seth!! Moxley delivers a few ground and pound elbows before dragging Seth to his feet and setting him up for a Dirty Deeds!!! Moxley looks behind him, where we can see the thumbtacks scattered across the floor! He carefully backs up, dragging Seth with him, so that the Dirty Deeds will send Seth’s head into the thumbtacks!!
Mauro Ranallo This has to be it!! But at what cost!!
Seth uses all his strength, fueled by the crowd’s cheers, and is able to Dragon Suplex Moxley, sending the two clear of the thumbtacks!!! Seth grabs Moxley and slides him into the ring. He jumps onto the apron and climbs a turnbuckle, perching at the top. Moxley slowly gets up and turns around right into a flying knee from Seth!! The ref checks Moxley, making sure that the knee didn’t cut him open, which it didn’t. Seth picks Moxley up and puts him in position for a powerbomb, looking around at the cheering crowd.
Mauro Ranallo Seth has Moxley exactly where he wants him!!!
The crowd goes wild as Seth powerbombs Moxley into the corner turnbuckle!!! Their cheers quickly turn to boos however as Moxley charges out of the corner and spins Seth around with a huge Lariat!!! The boos grow even louder as Moxley crawls over to the barbed wire bat and grabs it. He uses the ropes to get to his feet and glares down at Seth. Moxley slowly climbs the top turnbuckle and shouts at the booing crowd; “YOU did this to him!! YOU PEOPLE made him soft!!!”.. Seth slowly begins to get to his feet at the crowd is chanting his name, encouraging him on every bit of the way. Moxley holds the bat high above his head, intent on diving down from the turnbuckle and swinging the barbed wire bat down upon Seth’s head!!!
Mauro Ranallo Ref!! You can’t let him do this!!
Seth stumbles to his feet and turns to face his former tag team partner.. Moxley slowly points his finger into the air..
He then lowers it until it is pointing at Rollins.. This taunting gives Rollins enough time to get his bearings, and he charges at Moxley connecting with a flying elbow!! He then delivers a huge knife edge chop to Moxley, before climbing up and positioning Moxley for a Suplex from the top rope!! The crowd cheers as Seth sets his feet and tightens his hold on Mox.. Moxley is able to connect with a punch to the ribs, and follows it up with another one, causing Seth to release him!! The crowd lets out a loud boo as Moxley bites Seth on the bridge of the nose!!!
Mauro Ranallo That’s disgusting!!
Seth quickly grabs ahold of Moxley’s head and drives his finger into Mox’s eye!!! Moxley struggles to hold on to his bite, but the pain in his eye is too much and he finally lets go, grabbing at Seth’s hand, tearing it away from his eye!! Seth punches Moxley square in the jaw and looks behind his left shoulder where the barbed wire table is laying on the outside. Seth yells at Moxley; “You crazy bastard!!!”.. Moxley answers back by spitting right in Seth’s face!!! The crowd boos as Seth angrily wipes the spit off of his face and lashes out with an array of punches!!! He then sets Moxley up in a suplex variation and stands on the top rope. He shifts his feet so that he is standing on top of one side of the rope in the corner, and Moxley is standing on top of the other. The crowd is going wild as the two men stand on the top rope, barbed wire all around them!!!
Mauro Ranallo He’s not going to…?
Seth Falcon Arrow’s Moxley down to the outside!!! RIGHT THROUGH THE BARBED WIRE TABLE!!!!!!!!!!
Mauro Ranallo WHAT THE-...
Both men are down, barbed wire and splintered wood all around them. The ref is running over to check to see if either man is bleeding, but he doesn’t need to tell us what we can all clearly see. There is blood gushing out of multiple body parts of both Moxley and Rollins.. Moxley’s left arm is cut to the bone, and one of his eyes is covered with blood. Seth’s back is dripping with blood, and a patch on his head is soaked red… The ref signals for the bell to ring, calling the match a draw!!
Mauro Ranallo Wow.. That’s all I can say… Is just… Wow…..
Medics rush to the scene and try to slowly and carefully remove the barbed wire and splinters from the two superstars. They then begin to remove the bloodied bodies off of the remains of the barbed wire table. Both men are put on stretchers as we are brought to a video package hyping up the IC Title Match between Bobby Roode and his unknown opponent..
P.R Son Legend
Posts : 6977 Likes : 97 Join date : 2011-02-03 Age : 32
The graphic promoting Robert Roode's Intercontinental Championship Match against a yet to be revealed opponent pops up onto the screen signaling that it is NEXT. Soon it fades away and we're taken ringside where Mauro Ranallo, Corey Graves, and Beth Phoenix are seated at their desk ready to watch this mystery unfold like the rest of the world.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Coming up next, The Intercontinental Championship finds its home, but is that around the waist once again of Robert Roode? Or is it around the waist of a man that has taken great pleasure in playing mind games with Roode in the week leading up to tonight?
[[Beth Phoenix]] The Intercontinental Championship has a rich and storied history, a lot of incredible Men have held this title a lot of Men who would go on to become World Champions in fact. For Robert Roode this title has essentially been his World title. It's been the very thing that fuels him, because he hasn't had an actual full reign with it. Something always seem to go awry and he never "loses" it. Of course the first time he did lose it to Chad Gable but it was an unscheduled match that he's gone on record many times stating he felt pressured into competing in so he views the title as "stolen" not lost. While recently of course he like the other Champions did have to vacate their titles due to the soft reboot of XWL.
[[Corey Graves]] This man simply wants to give all of himself to The Intercontinental Championship and yet somehow someway it always is taken from him before he can join the countless Superstars that have brought that title to the next level. Robert Roode could easily be the greatest Intercontinental Champion if he ever actually got a fair shot at being Champion to begin with.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] While yes we're talking about his history with the title, we must focus on WHO may be standing in the way of his continued redemption story. In just a matter of moments we will that out but before we do, I understand Charly Caruso is standing by backstage waiting to get one final word with Roode before he makes his entrance.
The camera pans out showing the titantron light up as Robert Roode is shown walking through the halls, likely trying to mentally prepare himself for the challenge ahead. A challenge that he doesn't even know the full extent of. This could be ANYONE, and the reality of not knowing has driven him up the wall.
His momentary trance as he walks however is quickly broken when he finds Charly Caruso standing in between him and the curtain to head out to the ring.
[[Charly Caruso]] Pardon me, Robert? I was hoping to get a quick word from you before you head out there and compete for The Intercontinental Championship against a man you don't even know you're about to compete against. What's going through your head in these final moments?
[[Robert Roode]] What? Oh, no no no...it is not what, it is WHO! Who is the cowardly bastard that has turned this into some twisted little game as if he's Wrestling's incarnation of JIGSAW! This isn't some crappy horror movie franchise! You don't just get to play "games" with me, to assault me in the shadows and leave me a "marked man." Do you know how difficult it was to go home and try to explain to my wife, to my children why Daddy has the letter "B" engraved into his back? My boys literally begged me not to go back to work because in their fragile little innocence they've convinced themselves that this actually is a horror movie brought to reality and they don't want to lose me.
[[Robert Roode]] Do you have any idea how heartbreaking that is to see them so concerned about me heading into this night? Even my wife who has been through ALL of this with me was afraid what might happen out there. This psychopath quite frankly...earmuffs kiddos...is fucking with me.
Robert pauses, letting the very severity of his word choice sink in because it is not something he ever says on camera...but due to the emotional context he clearly felt like there was no other way to describe his situation.
[[Robert Roode]] I will NOT tolerate this anymore...what hides in the shadows will ALWAYS be brought into the light and whenever I lay my eyes on this prick? Heaven help the poor unfortunate soul that tried to stand between me...and MY Intercontinental Championship!
He turns away from Charly, then steps through the curtain as she stands there letting out a deep exhale as his powerful words have clearly left her concerned for what might be about to happen.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Whoa, that was intense...
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Normally there is no "earmuff" warning when his fellow Enterprise brethren Jon Moxley makes great use of that word choice but it is a testament to his state of mind right now after the trying two weeks he has dealt with this mystery man.
[[Corey Graves]] Words hold power sometimes, and you wonder what his opponent might be thinking knowing that they brought that out of him. Is it proof that they've gotten to him, or is it a warning that they've pushed him too far too quickly and this might be about to blow up in their soon to be revealed face.
The lights in the building momentarily shut off as the flashes from phones being held up utilizing their "flashlight" feature serve as the only light to breakup the darkness. Following several seconds of silence, followed by audible anticipation from a crowd that isn't exactly fans of Roode but are certainly excited for this upcoming contest...his "GLORIOUS" anthem finally breaks up the silence.
A singular spotlight casts down at the top of the stage, revealing Robert Roode glistening in the midst of the darkness with a stoic look on his face as if he's trying to truly channel his emotions knowing his important this moment is in more ways than one.
He's determined, and one thing that's been very evident about Robert Roode ever since ditching his relationship with the fans and joining The Enterprise? His determination is capable of achieving great things. Which he's certainly going to need to harness perhaps better than he ever has if he hopes to overcome whomever is going to share that ring with him tonight. Roode hates being surprised, but his misfortune has been our joy as we've seen him truly go off the deep end whenever those moments arise. Is tonight going to be another moment like that? What happens if whoever comes out here not only amplified the fear that's been brought within him, but also absolutely destroys his hopes of regaining what he never lost, again? The lights come back on and Roode steps forward with a bit of a strut as he does his best to give off the impression of confidence.
Which while he may be a confident man, or more so arrogant...we're not exactly buying what he's trying to sell given how he's acted out at the mystery that he's been enthralled by.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Judgment day is upon us, WHO is the obstacle standing in the way of Robert Roode's quest to regain The Intercontinental Championship?
[[Beth Phoenix]] He may be strutting down that ramp, but beneath it all I see a man that is concerned about what he might be walking into.
[[Corey Graves]] Well of course he's concerned, he's been left in the dark meanwhile his opponent has known they were going to face him.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] As he said what hides in the shadows will always be brought into the light and soon that will be the case for his opponent in a matter of minutes.
The Former Two Time, hoping to be a soon THREE TIME Intercontinental Champion struts down to the ring, ignoring the fans heckling him on the way, including one witty sign held up that reads "You're going to "B" defeated" making a reference to the mark left on his back by the person in question. But he doesn't let it get to him, he simply passes by it not even giving it the acknowledgement it's so clearly seeking. Robert Roode is a man on a mission, and that mission may seem "impossible" given the factors at play against him...but in his mind he is capable of anything...in his mind he will be VICTORIOUS...but in reality, no one truly knows what is about to happen. With his journey taking him up the steel steps and onto the apron walking along it you know that under his bravado...there is doubt, there is uncertainty, and that is what makes all of this so difficult for him to deal with.
He wants to seem in charge, he wants to look like he's got it all figured out...but despite the clues that have been thrown out, he doesn't know who is waiting to come down to this ring and threaten his chances of leaving as Intercontinental Champion.
[[Beth Phoenix]] We've talked a lot about the unknown when it comes to this upcoming Championship Match..but let's talk about what we do know. We do know that Robert Roode is an accomplished competitor, so what does he need to do to be successful when heading into a situation such as this?
[[Corey Graves]] Besides have the knowledge prior of WHO his opponent is?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Someone that is at a top level is capable of rolling with the punches and sometimes dealing with the unknown so yes...besides the knowledge of who his opponent is, what does he need to leave this arena as Intercontinental Champion?
[[Mauro Ranallo]] One thing is probably the ability to stay calm, to hold a level head despite who walks out onto the stage. He can't let them get into his head more than they already have been.
[[Corey Graves]] I suppose too he needs to hone the ability to adapt and change his approach to how he takes on this match.
[[Beth Phoenix]] It's easy to allow yourself to lose to something you don't even know you're about to deal with. Like let's go back to the first Final Stand. I became Divas Champion, and literally seconds later Kelly Kelly came down that ramp ready to cash in her Money In The Bank contract. I couldn't focus, I couldn't deal with the shock and awe, and it led me to lose my newly won title. I know somewhat how he's feeling or how he might feel in just a little bit. The key is trusting in himself as an athlete and not allowing himself to lose the match before the bell even rings.
At last he wipes the bottom of his boots on the apron, then steps through the ropes and walks to the center of the ring where he throws both hands into the air as he shouts right along with his theme as it perfectly says "GLORIOUS! NO I WON'T GIVE IN, I WON'T GIVE IN, 'TIL I'M VICTORIOUS!"
P.R Son Legend
Posts : 6977 Likes : 97 Join date : 2011-02-03 Age : 32
Roode's theme comes to an end, and he starts to shift his focus to the stage knowing that within the next several seconds...his answer to WHO has been "fucking with him" in his words. Soon the arena goes pitch black as the very same timer we've seen since this all began appears on the titantron. It's down to it's final 10 seconds...
9...
8....
7.....
6......
5......
4......
3......
2......
1......
Days: 0 - Hours: 0 - Minutes: 0 - Seconds: 0
The clock reaches it's end, and the very second that it does...
BOOOM!!!!
A massive pyrotechnic blaze temporarily obscures our view of the stage as everyone, including Roode can't help but flinch from the unexpected fiery wave. But who is about to step through the gates of hell to meet Robert Roode in this match? As the fire begins to die down...finally a theme drowns out any other sound in the building.
[[Corey Graves]] What?!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Is that who I think it is?
We head right to the stage where the cameras have lowered to the ground, and what we see confuses us greatly, the Superstar presumed to be Kane is shackled in chains from his feet up and he doesn't seem to be alone?
As the arena becomes overwhelmed by a red light the camera slowly raises as the once mystery man is being escorted out by what appear to be police.
Momentarily we cut to a shot of Robert Roode standing in the ring as he literally begins to mouth "What the f-" before the camera reverts back to its previous view, still slowly lifting up as more of the figure is revealed, confirming that he is indeed shackled by his hands as well.
[[Corey Graves]] So let me get this straight, Robert Roode's mystery opponent, is having to be escorted out by half a dozen of Canada's finest...and in chains no less? This was your husband's bright idea, Beth?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Um, safety first?
With the arena's roar growing louder by the second as we're teased by WHO this character is, the camera finally rises above the menacing figures chest and our assumptions are proven to be true because they are wearing Kane's infamous mask from early in his career. IT IS KANE, and as the police escort him further down the ramp, bound by chains...we can hear the audible screaming coming from Roode within the ring as he's beside himself.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] That's gotta be Kane, and INDEED IT IS! The Former Intercontinental Champion accompanied by a police escort as he has been away for quite some time. Clearly that time has not been spent into better himself and becoming a mayor somewhere in a southern state...no, it has been returning to his monstrous roots and going back under the mask that terrified all of our childhoods.
[[Beth Phoenix]] He is known as The Devil's Favorite Demon and that is because he is truly a monster that has been transported from your most chilling horror movies and brought into the world of professional wrestling.
[[Corey Graves]] So what you're saying is Robert's children were right to worry whoever this was might kill him because a being like Kane is certainly not just here to 'wrestle" him.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Kane is known for his torturous past, and yes Corey...while I don't think it will reach a level of severity quite like manslaughter...Robert Roode is certainly not going to be having a mat classic with KANE!
Slowly The Monster Kane is brought to the end of the ramp where he stops in his tracks and gives a nod to the police that it's time to free him from his restraints. Cautiously one of them pulls a key out of their pockets and kneels down to the ground with the camera following their every move.
His shackling from around his ankles is released first, and from this view we can't help but notice how large the chains that bound him were...like, seriously this was designed to prevent him from getting free before he was allowed to be. You can even notice there seems to be some kind of bracelet attached to his ankle as if he's been in captivity and not allowed to venture outside of wherever he's been.
[[Corey Graves]] Beth, serious question for you...WHY THE HELL IS THIS MONSTER BEING ALLOWED IN THIS ARENA TONIGHT MUCH LESS INSIDE THAT RING WITH ONE OF THIS COMPANY'S TOP ATHLETES?!
[[Beth Phoenix]] Dark, brooding, and dangerous competitors like Kane have always been a staple of this business. Is he a liability in a sense, yes...but if you would listen to this crowd, and if you were paying attention to social media right now? Everyone is absolutely loving it. Moderation with everything, even when it comes to the types of people or beings in Kane's case...
[[Mauro Ranallo]] That is true, look at the likes of his brother The Undertaker...not exactly a traditional competitor himself but a legend the likes that very few come close to.
[[Corey Graves]] Can we at least know why he's been escorted out in chains?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Well, when Kane went back under his infamous mask...he couldn't quite control himself as much as he used to be able to. He was seemingly, more possessed by his rage than ever before and precautions needed to be taken until he was able to better adjust to his new state of mind.
[[Corey Graves]] That doesn't sound very assuring that he's not going to kill Robert Roode in a matter of minutes...
[[Beth Phoenix]] I can assure you we've had the finest psychiatrists working with Kane and he's really made a lot of progress. He's much more in control than he was, and given that we are in Canada they just wanted to take extra preventative measures to ensure that his travel here went as smoothly as possible.
The final officer unlocks the handcuffs from around his wrists then quickly steps back as they fall to the floor and immediately Kane pushes forward past them and uses his large size to grab the top rope from outside of the ring, and use it to pull himself up onto the apron where again you see Robert Roode with his jaw hung open and his eyes widened as if he can't quite process this moment right now. The Devi's Favorite Demon steps OVER the top rope, then marches into the center of the ring where he raises both hands up, then THRUSTS them down as all four corners erupt in a pyrotechnic blaze that immediately makes Robert Roode jump from left to right and slightly hunch down with his hands covering his head. Startled and frightened and unable to hide that. The ring announcer Greg Hamilton cautiously steps into the ring after the flames subside and begins to pre-match introductions.
[[Greg Hamilton]] The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for The Intercontinental Championship!!
The official in charge of this upcoming match stands to the side with the title at stake in his hand as Robert Roode tries to collect himself...and Kane...well, he just stands there his emotions hidden by his mask.
[[Greg Hamilton]] Introducing first, from Toronto, Ontario Canada...weighing in at 235 lbs...The GLORIOUS...Robert Rooooode!!!
With one last gulp, Roode throws his robe aside and throws both hands out shouting "THAT TITLE'S GOING HOME WITH M-" but he stops as his eyes magnetically are drawn back to Kane and he loses the ability to speak.Not wanting to acknowledge this he steps back into his corner lowering his gaze to the mat to avoid making further eye contact.
[[Greg Hamilton]] And his opponent, from Parts Unknown...
Roode looks back up with a "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN" expression on his face.
[[Greg Hamilton]] Weighing in at 323 lbs...The Devil's Favorite Demon...KAAAANE!!!
Unlike your usual title match introductions where each competitors does some sort of show when introduced...Kane literally just stands there, not moving an inch, or making a single sound. His mere presence does enough to stake his claim as to why he's leaving this match the winner. The official steps forward as Greg Hamilton leaves the ring, and he raises the title up high reminding us of what the winner of this upcoming contest will be leaving with.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] It's been over 9 years since Kane last held The Intercontinental Championship is that about to change?
[[Corey Graves]] Is this even the same Kane? He looks far more menacing and destructive than I remember him being back then.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Well with the mystery revealed, now there's only one thing left...to find out which of these two men is the next Intercontinental Champion.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] The bell is about to ring, and Kane might be about to ring Robert Roode's bell as soon it does.
The Intercontinental Championship is passed through the ropes to the time keeper, and the official gives a nod once he's in position and the bell rings! Robert Roode knows time is of the essence so rather than waiting for Kane to make the first move? Within the very second the match officially begins he charges at Kane leaping off the mat to use all of his force and momentum to deliver a clothesline to his larger foe..and he connects! Except it literally does nothing, Kane doesn't budge, he doesn't slightly stagger back...he was physically un-phased in any way by that clothesline. Roode looks up at his masked foe with a mix of concern and confusion then goes back to the well one more time running off the ropes as Kane remains motionless and he comes back around with another clothesline...that again, literally leaves Kane unaffected. Roode literally trying to process what is going on turns toward the stage and shouts "WHAT THE HELL KIND OF THING DO YOU HAVE ME IN HERE WITH?!" As he says that, Kane's gloved hand suddenly reaches forward as The Devil's Favorite Demon wraps his fingers around the throat of a literally terrified Robert Roode. However through his terror he goes into flight or flight mode and stomps on Kane's foot, which even for a monstrous being someone stomping on your foot will elicit some type of reaction which is enough to cause his grasp of Roode's throat to release and Roode turns back to the ropes and hopes the third time will indeed be the charm. He bounces off the ropes rushing back with momentum fueled power however this time Kane simply steps out of the way and Roode unable to stop himself goes barreling through the ropes and crashes to the outside.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Goodness gracious, Roode just took a nasty spill.
[[Corey Graves]] And that's without Kane's doing imagine what the hell he's going to go through when Kane's the one dishing out the pain.
[[Beth Phoenix]] While I rarely faced someone larger than myself back when I was competing I don't know if this is a wise strategy by Robert. Going heavy and fast can be successful but it's going to take more than that against this version of Kane.
The Glorious One on his hands and knees looks up after only 30 seconds of actual action thus far and he looks utterly defeated. Not a single bit of what he's done has done him any favors, and it's almost like he's competing with someone who doesn't feel pain. The imposing Kane not waiting for Roode to get back inside the ring steps over the top rope onto the apron then jumps down to the floor and Roode goes back into fight mode. He throws a punch, then another, then a jab to his chest, his abdomen, then another hook...all of these strikes against a normal opponent would leave some impression...but against Kane? Again, it's like he's a small child trying to pummel an adult, futile. Kane not playing with his food grabs a hold of The Former Intercontinental Champion with both hands around his throat then tosses him with great force into the ring post! Roode lets out a bellowing wail as his spine comes into contact with the very unforgiving steel post. But matters are about to get even worse because he didn't fall...and therefore, he's right in the crossfire of an oncoming Big Red Machine who lifts his boot up to potentially drive his very large boot into the side of Roode's skull INTO THE POST! As he's inches away Roode throws himself out of the way and Kane's foot collides with the post! He stumbles back feeling that pain a great deal and Roode like a shark seeing blood infested waters goes right on the attack. He charges at Kane sliding down into a front chop block which staggers Kane but doesn't drop him. Then he pops up to his feet and connects with a chop block from behind, again it takes advantage of Kane's "weakened" limb but it doesn't topple the massive threat to his hopes of leaving as The New Intercontinental Champion.
[[Corey Graves]] Brilliant work going after the leg but it's not really doing much is it?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Not as much as he would hope but I will say it is smart. I'm someone that's had knee injuries throughout my career, and while you can push through it in some cases...it ultimately is a matter of when not if your knee is going to give you trouble.
The Former Champion surveys his surroundings but as he tries to figure out what can be utilized to aid him in further dissecting The Monster's leg...he can't help but hear the official shout "5!" Forgetting that a count was going on, and if it reaches ten? Neither man will leave with the title, so Roode rushes into the ring rolling under the bottom rope then just as quickly rolls back out much to the official's chagrin. "BRING HIM BACK IN HERE!" The referee shouts. Roode feeling really annoyed shouts back "CAN'T YOU SEE I'M TRYING TO FIGHT FOR MY LIFE OVER HERE?! I'LL BRING HIM BACK IN WHEN I'VE RIPPED HIS BIG UGLY LEG O-"
Again, as Roode lost focus for a moment, Kane still on his feet even if he's hurt slightly grabs Roode by the waistband of his trunks then swings him around like a helpless animal caught in the teeth of a predator and throws him back first into the apron as the official steps back and backs away realizing that there's no use in yelling for Kane to do what he just asked of Roode. Robert yells out in agony but that agony is not over with. Kane lifts Roode up off of the floor, chucks him over his shoulder then looks back at the ring post he previously threw him into and rushes forward ramming his spine back into the post! But unfortunately for Roode? He's not done...not even close. He turns around toward one of the protective railings blocking them from the crowd then charges full speed ahead ramming Roode THROUGH IT! AGAIN THOUGH, INSTEAD OF ROODE FALLING TO A HEAP OF DESTRUCTION HE'S STILL WITHIN KANE'S GRASP!
Roode cries out as Kane turns back around then eyes the steel steps on the other side of the ringside area. The crowd not in any form of a fan of Roode, are literally screaming in excitement and joy at seeing Roode being manhandled rally Kane on to go for what he's got in mind next. He runs toward the steps, Roode trying to pummel Kane's back in hopes he'll get free but it's no use...he's trapped and he's eventually drilled back first into the steps as he screams out!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Kane is DEMONHANDLING ROBERT ROODE!
[[Beth Phoenix]] I understand the referee is intimidated by Kane but he needs to bring these two back into the ring, this is not how this is supposed to go.
[[Corey Graves]] Oh I'm sorry is the seven foot monster not playing by the rules you thought he would be? Gee I hate when my demon doesn't want to play nice with others.
A demolished Roode falls to the floor as he's released from Kane's grasp and again the referee's hands are somewhat tied. He wants to order Kane back in, but...well he's got a front row view of what's happening to Roode and he's understandably afraid that might happen to him if he tries to order around a being like Kane. The Big Red Machine steps over Roode then LIFTS the steel steps off of their placement and effortlessly chucks them over the ropes and into the ring, barely missing the official who has to step out of the way. His mouth instinctively opens to condemn his actions but his fear causes not a single sound to follow. With Roode trying to recover he starts to crawl in hopes he can get some breathing room from Kane. But again, Kane isn't finished with him. He grabs him by his trunks and lifts him up off the floor then chucks him onto the edge of the apron literally rag-dolling him. Then Kane rolls him forward back into the ring and steps up onto the apron to get back into the ring as well. Once he lifts his leg up to step over the ropes...Roode pushes through the pain and screams out with a battle cry as he grabs Kane by his previously hurt knee and does a baseball slide back under the bottom rope tripping Kane up, crotching him onto the top rope, and using the momentum of his slide to FINALLY DROP KANE ONTO HIS BACK IN THE RING!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Kane may have his power but Roode does possess a cunning mind which allows him to think on the fly and come up with things like what we just saw there.
[[Beth Phoenix]] He's no doubt in tremendous pain but Champions push through the pain which is what he's doing now.
[[Corey Graves]] Can the referee please just get those steps out of the ring because I'm really scared of what's going to happen if he doesn't.
Knowing that there's no time to waste Robert Roode slides back into the ring then begins to stomp EXCESSIVELY onto Kane's leg! One stomp after the next until he physically tires himself out and has take a breather...except, as he takes that breather, Kane sits up suddenly and Roode lets out an audible "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Then thrusts his boot forward kicking Kane in the face. However, Kane sits back up, so he kicks him again, then he sits back up and he kicks him again..."STAY DOWN!" Roode shouts but Kane sits up, AGAIN...and this time he's done with Roode's antics as Robert goes for another boot Kane catches his foot within the palm of his gloved hand then starts to stand up with Roode hopping in place as his foot remains within Kane's grasp. Robert tries to throw a punch at Kane but his arms are too short to box with this god like being and Kane pulls Roode forward transitioning into a carry position as he turns toward the steps he once threw into the ring. The referee tries to intervene, knowing he needs to do his job but turns out threatening a monster isn't really all that successful. Kane ignores his warnings then looks to slam Roode on the steps...however Roode does some grade A struggling and manages to slip out of his grasp with a well placed elbow to the side of his head then kicks him in the gut and pulls his head close locking him up for...THE GLORIOUS DDT? Roode against anyone's better judgment pauses to shout "GLORIOUS!" then tries to lift Kane up for The Glorious DDT...however instead of him lifting Kane up, Kane LIFTS HIM UP! "PUT ME DOWN!" He immediately screams and Kane decides to be a friendly demon and give him exactly what he wants. He chucks him forward and Roode gets "put down" courtesy of gravity itself as he goes splat onto the mat!
[[Beth Phoenix]] A bit overzealous in his attempt at delivering a massive Glorious DDT and Kane certainly made him pay for it.
[[Corey Graves]] He literally just pancaked him to the mat.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] A for effort as they say, but an F for execution.
Roode rolls over onto his back almost stunned, and Kane sees this as an easy opportunity to end his suffering rather that's his intent or not...and he simply places his boot over Robert Roode initiating a very nonchalant pin.
1....
2......
No Robert Roode might be trying to figure out what day it is after his impact with the mat but he's certainly not down and out, not with the motivation of reclaiming what he never lost, again.
[[Corey Graves]] The fact Kane got within a second of winning right there leaves me very concerned for Roode's chances of leaving tonight as he intended to as The New Intercontinental Champion.
[[Beth Phoenix]] To a degree yes, but back to a competitor's perspective...it's very easy to be rocked and temporarily lose your bearings. That is a crucial challenge that anyone can face at any point in a match. Him not popping his shoulder up until the last second isn't to say he wasn't able to prior to that...it's more so a mental preparation for what is going to happen after he does.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] So from a competitor's view...what does Robert Roode need to do now that he's avoided Kane's first attempt at victory?
[[Beth Phoenix]] He needs to dust off the cobwebs, and just stop looking at Kane as this immovable object. Is he thus far looking super human? Absolutely, however...this business is very familiar with characters like Kane. They seem impossible to overcome until they are. Roode is a tremendous wrestler and what he needs to do is remember that and get out of his head.
Kane reaches down with his hand to resume delivering the punishment to Roode but as he does...Robert raises his hand and pulls Kane down unexpectedly into a cradle pin!
1....
But Kane powers out and immediately Roode rolls backward back to his feet and rushes back at Kane with a makeshift neck snap that attempts to deliver a serious dose of whiplash to The Big Red Machine. However just as soon as he does he doesn't stop there, he turns right back around and rolls forward with a blockbuster to the seated Kane which drives his neck into the mat with a lot of force behind it. Not wanting to allow Kane a single second to breathe he runs over to the corner and jumps up onto the second rope shouting "GET UP YOU BIG RED SON OF A BITCH!" Ready to continue his onslaught and indeed he does. Once Kane stands up Roode leaps off the middle rope flipping over him and delivering another blockbuster that drives Kane's neck into the canvas with even more momentum!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Roode is mounting a comeback!
[[Corey Graves]] On their own each move isn't enough but with their combined strength they are delivering crucial offense that is slowly but surely turning the tide.
[[Beth Phoenix]] This is why Robert Roode is one of the men competing for The Intercontinental Championship tonight. When he focuses he is second to none no matter how big they might be.
Having gotten the big man down, Roode backs himself into the furthest corner and starts to stalk Kane as if he were his prey. Motioning with one hand for him to get up as he nearly jumps out of his skin with anticipation for the moment that he follows through with whatever he has in mind. Kane quickly gets up, turns around and Roode launches himself forward like a speeding bullet ready to shoot through Kane with a SPEAR! But as he hastily charges ahead, Kane simply throws his hand out and catches Roode by his throat stopping him in his tracks and and BAM! Slams him to the canvas with a quick and sudden chokeslam!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] And just like that...Robert Roode might be done for!
[[Beth Phoenix]] Kane's put away a lot of people with that maneuver, and you're right that might very well be it.
What follows though isn't a hook of the leg, it's a simple hand dropped down onto Roode's chest initiating again another very confident pin that says I don't even have to put any effort into this because this is a formality at this point. The official drops to the mat, more than Kane himself does and goes right into the count
1....
2....
T- TWO IS ALL HE GETS BECAUSE ROODE SHOOTS HIS SHOULDER UP MUCH TO THE CROWD'S DISMAY AND SHOCK!
[[Corey Graves]] I want to give a lot of credit to Roode there but Kane certainly didn't put his all into that pin and it's likely why this match isn't over.
[[Beth Phoenix]] When you're big and scary like Kane you can sometimes think you are a lot bigger and scarier than you are and I'd say that's where he currently is right now. If he followed a proper cover, would Roode have gotten his shoulder up? I can't say yes or no but when you don't put effort into the cover? You leave yourself open to that possibility of them not staying down.
We can't see the expression on Kane's face due to his mask, but he's likely taken a back given how his demeanor seemed quite certain that this was over. With a glance at the official who assures him it was just a two count, the crowd before he does anything starts to shout "ONE MORE TIME!" Kane's not exactly a crowd favorite on most nights because well, there's nothing "good" about him especially in this form...but Robert Roode made such a point to distance himself from the people that despite being in his own homeland...he is the most disliked man in this ring and that by proxy makes Kane the "good guy." Kane's not one to follow orders but he reaches down, grabs Roode by his throat and yanks him up off of the mat to his feet and throws his arm over his shoulder looking to do as he's encouraged to, and deliver a chokeslam...one more time. But as he attempts to hoist him up, Roode finds life within himself and kicks Kane in his shin with all of his might, then when Kane's grasp starts to wain he does it again, and again and again and AGAIN UNTIL KANE FALLS TO HIS KNEE! Fired up and ready to make sure he doesn't wind up back on the mat Roode looks to the ropes then bounces off of them and delivers a SPEAR!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Yet again, he may be glorious but he's also quite TENACIOUS in this moment!
[[Corey Graves]] What a spear but it looks like Kane's already getting back up.
Roode was on his knees after delivering the spear but imagine his surprise when he sees Kane starting to stumble back up barely seconds later. He nods to himself then pops back up and creates some distance between himself and Kane ready to knock him back down. He charges forward with the intent to deliver a lariat...however, as soon as he gets within range Kane simply side steps him, then picks him up like a child with ease and swings him down with a side slam that knocks the wind right out of the once hopeful Roode. But that isn't the end of things, no...Kane pulls Roode up by his hair, then starts to chuck him up into his arms, maneuvering him around until a light bulb goes off in everyone's heads and we realize he's looking for THE TOMBSTONE! As he tries to handle the squirming Roode who seems to realize the same thing...his efforts fail and Roode flips out of his grasp, falling behind him and pulling both knees together as he does to deliver a brutal backstabber!
[[Beth Phoenix]] That was an excellent counter right there.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] That tombstone could have left him in a state of unrest later tonight without The Intercontinental Championship but he persevered and kept himself in this fight for his life as he knows it.
[[Corey Graves]] Somehow Kane's only down to his knees after that, seriously Beth what the hell is Kane right now?
[[Beth Phoenix]] To put it bluntly...a very tough individual standing in the way of Roode's quest to reclaim The Intercontinental Championship.
Kane snaps forward after Roode's knees are driven into his back but he's not snapped into a fallen position on the mat he's on his hands and knees stunned but only stunned. The irritated Roode sees this and again nods, he seems to talk to himself not loud enough for us to hear what he's saying but it's like he's working through a game-plan with himself. Once he nods a couple more times he charges ahead, bouncing off of the ropes as Kane started to rise up and TEARS THROUGH HIM WITH A SPEAR!
Immediately he follows into the cover and uses both arms to try and hook both legs, even if it's not entirely successful he's putting his all into this cover.
1.....
2....
NO! Roode shouts out "OH COME ON!" as Kane kicks out and turns his ire to the official slapping both hands together as he sits there somewhat defeated. "COUNT FASTER!" is all he says before his face falls into both of his hands becoming more frustrated.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Roode with a two count but unfortunately The Devil's Favorite Demon didn't earn that status easily.
[[Beth Phoenix]] He certainly did not and while Roode is mounting a lot more offense now he needs that extra something to really seal the deal.
Cracks in The Glorious One's confidence are evident as he sits there trying to figure out how he can achieve victory in this match against a monster like Kane. He sits up on his knees, both palms pressed against the mat and sweat dripping off his forehead. This is going better than it was but it's not enough yet...and he's probably questioning if anything he does will be enough. He rises back up to his feet which by this point Kane has pulled himself to a knee so Roode grabs his arm and looks to try to Irish whip him into the corner. The strength needed to achieve that isn't quite there especially with Kane's resistance so instead of him being whipped into the corner, Kane turns the tables against him and powerfully whips Robert into the corner. The force causes Roode to shoot back off of the buckle unwillingly right into a massive big boot that just instantly drops him to the mat. Stunned by Kane's boot which is bigger than his face...he's helpless to when Kane bends down and lifts him up off the canvas and looks to showcase his power unlike how he previously has in this encounter. He brings him up into a military press above his head, Roode suspended high into the air and instead of dropping him down right there...he starts to rush towards the ropes. Roode's life flashes before his eyes as he shouts "WHOA WHOA WHOA!" Fearing the worst he squirms, he shakes, he wiggles and slips out of his grasp falling behind him, but rather than falling to the mat he latches onto him like a howler monkey attempting to subdue his big red foe with a Sleeper Hold!
He tries to wrap his legs around Kane's massive frame and at first Kane stumbled back as if he were caught off guard, but Kane reaches around and starts to yank Roode out of his hold. Pulling him off of his back, Robert starts to be spun back around within Kane's full reach and instead of panicking he throws his arm around Kane's neck and with a sudden vice grip like hold applies a guillotine choke. Again he starts to try and wrap his legs around Kane's waist hoping to put him to sleep or at least lessen his senses enough to better his chances but despite his wily antics his hopes are crushed when Kane simply uses his power to his advantage one more time and throws Roode off of him. But unlike before when Roode's Glorious DDT attempt went disastrous...Roode overcomes gravity enough to land on his feet and emphatically shouts "NO YOU DON'T!" rushing back at him refusing to be dispose of that easily again. But as he recklessly charges at him he's met by a wicked thrust to his throat that buckles him upon impact!
[[Beth Phoenix]] I don't care who you are but a chop to your throat is about as debilitating as it gets. Thankfully I never dealt with one personally but just seeing it happen you can truly notice the moment where someone goes from fine to the exact opposite within one split second.
[[Corey Graves]] You can hear Roode gasping for air and I wonder how much longer this match can possibly go at this rate.
As Roode struggles on the mat grasping his throat as he coughs uncontrollably, Kane's next step is one that is kind of surprising...he doesn't opt to go for a pin or attempt to grab Roode to attempt a chokeslam or tombstone. No, he starts to walk over to the ropes and step out onto the apron. Intrigue and excitement build as he starts to climb the turnbuckle, something he's been known to do throughout his career but just the mere sight of it still takes us back a bit. He slowly climbs the second rope, being somewhat ginger with his knee that's been targeted by Roode showing that some damage has indeed been done..but it's not enough to hamper his ability to bring himself up onto the top rope as he watches Roode squirm back up to his feet. Perched and ready to deliver perhaps the biggest diving clothesline in all of professional wrestling...Kane launches himself off, DELIVERING A DEVASTATING DIVING CLOTHESLINE TO THE REFEREE?!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] MAMA MIA THAT REFEREE'S HEAD WAS NEARLY KNOCKED CLEAN OFF!
[[Beth Phoenix]] What just happened? Can we get another angle of that please?
We were so focused on Kane's ascent to the top rope and his leap that a quick replay follows upon Beth's immediate request showing another angle of the scene where the very moment Kane leaped off Roode in a state of desperation grabs the official by his shirt and throws him in the line of fire as he himself leaps out of the way causing The Demon Kane to absolutely obliterate the official turning him inside out as Roode sacrifices his well being to protect his own.
[[Corey Graves]] Looks like the official got too close to the action.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Did we just watch the same footage? Roode threw him in front of himself...
[[Corey Graves]] Clearly not because what I saw was a man nearly collapsing as he still gasped for air and by sheer human instinct reached out to the nearest thing to him for support and unfortunately the official he seems to have tripped forward when he did that and it led to that horrific accident.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] I'm not so sure I'd call that an accident...
[[Beth Phoenix]] You know I've heard you weave some many twisted tales sitting at home on the couch but seeing it live and in person is truly another experience.
We don't really see Kane's reaction to his accidental beheading of the official, but it's fair to say he probably isn't broken up about it...after all, with the official down? Those steel steps in the ring now can legally be used, and for Robert Roode? That's bad news for the would be Champion hopeful. Roode's crawled his way to the corner to attain solace within it unaware that Kane's walked over to the steps and lifted them up turning toward Roode with bad intentions in mind, or in Kane's case...even worse intentions than normal. Ready to reduce Roode to smithereens he barrels towards him steps in his hands...but Roode pushes up thanks to the aid of the corner kicking both feet in front of him as the steps bounce off of his soles and back into Kane creating almost a road block that doesn't do that much damage but it does allow him salvation from this current situation. The steps bounce off Roode's boots cause them to fall to the mat and that's when Roode props up onto the second rope to launch himself onto Kane perhaps for another blockbuster, or maybe a clothesline...but before he can follow through with his plan Kane's all too familiar hand reaches forward grabbing Robert Roode by his throat. Having his opponent trapped within his clutches he looks down to see the steel steps perfectly in place and the gears turn even more as a sinister laugh follows...
[[Mauro Ranallo]] When the referee is out of commission the competitors will throw the rule book out of the equation and Beth it looks like Kane's about to chokeslam Roode from the second rope ONTO THE STEPS!
[[Beth Phoenix]] Certainly not behavior that is normally acceptable...but with the referee in charge temporarily down...I'm afraid there's nothing stopping him from doing so.
[[Corey Graves]] Can't we have another referee on standby I feel like this situation happens all too often...
[[Beth Phoenix]] Well Corey typically each referee has their allotment of matches for the evening and when they're not in action they're off eating or getting mentally prepared for the task ahead...I've receiving word in my ear that they're trying to get another referee out here if the original one isn't recovered in time but it's a lot easier said than done to actively try and have multiple referees standing around in the event this happens.
Panic and terror overcome Robert Roode as he sits on the top turnbuckle shaking his head, eyes bulging out as if his life is flashing before his eyes for real the third time in this match...and unfortunately for him he is utterly helpless to what's about to come next. His hands have wrapped around Kane's wrist trying to pry his palm away from his throat but breaking his vice is proving to be a task that Roode is not up for. Kane starts to lift Roode off of his heightened state but suddenly Bobby "to his friends" Roode stops clawing at Kane's wrist and starts to claw at Kane's eyes! He shoves both thumbs into the holes of Kane's mask jamming them into his eyes! No matter how imposing and unstoppable you might be having someone jam their fingers into your eyes will put you into a state of utter displacement and Kane is no exception to that. His prying hand pulls away from Roode as he lets out a bellowing scream clutching his eyes as Robert Roode finally sees his opening to drive this match home, and reclaim what he never lost, AGAIN! He reaches forward wrapping his arm around Kane pulling him into a quick front headlock while seated on the top rope, then with the aid of the ropes propelling him up as he jumps off the corner he's able to bring Kane right along with him as his unwilling passenger and floats over him until both of his feet make contact with the mat. But in one fluid motion as his feet land and then proceed to spring back up off of the mat, with an iron grip of Kane's bodysuit for leverage he's able to FINALLY BRING THE BIG MAN OFF OF HIS FEET AND DRILL HIM...INTO THE STEPS WITH THE GLORIOUS DDT!!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] MAMA MIA!!!
[[Beth Phoenix]] WHAT A MASSIVE GLORIOUS DDT DRIVING KANE INTO SOLID STEEL!
[[Corey Graves]] OH MY GOD...OH MY GOD...HE'S GOING TO DO IT...AGAINST ALL ODDS HE IS GOING TO BE VICTORIOUS OH IT'S SO GLORIOUS!!
The Devil's Favorite Demon's skull bounces off of the steps and for the first time in this match he goes LIMP. Roode's jaw hangs open as he almost can't believe it himself and he quickly shoves Kane's body off of the steps and onto the mat back first...HIS SHOULDERS ARE DOWN AND ROODE IS FRANTIC! The official is down, he knows going for a pin immediately will not yield his desired result so he runs to the referee urgently and pulls him up by his shirt, lightly slapping him in the face and dragging him to where Kane is. "COME ON, COUNT!" The official's clearly dazed but he sees Kane down and with a foggy head he places both hands in front of him for stability and Roode falls on top of Kane hooking his leg as his own feet flail in the air bursting with anticipation.
1.....
2......
3!!!!!!!!
[[Corey Graves]] HE DID IT! HE DID IT! ROBERT ROODE IS ONCE AGAIN THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION!
[[Beth Phoenix]] Not exactly the cleanest victory but given Kane's the one that introduced those steps I suppose I can't fault him for HOW he achieved it.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] It was do or die for Robert Roode and he did as he has done since aligning with The Enterprise...and he dug deep and pulled off a pretty incredible victory.
Despite one of their own becoming the first Intercontinental Champion of the decade...Canada is not screaming at the top of their lungs celebrating as if they just won the title themselves...no, they're booing and booing quite furiously because when Kane walked out here tonight, in chains...they already began to taste the sweet satisfaction that was Robert Roode getting what he's had coming to him ever since betraying the fans and telling them THEY were the reason he hadn't been successful, the reason for his entire downfall to begin with. That wound may not be all that fresh anymore but it is far from healed especially since the now NEW Intercontinental Champion hasn't had a single moment where he felt remorseful of the night he told them all off. The official's still pretty rocked after Kane almost beheaded him but perhaps the adrenaline has brought him back into a state of awareness that he's able to walk over to the ropes albeit staggered and retrieve Roode's newly re-won prize. All while Roode crawls over to the nearest corner and starts to have an emotional breakdown clearly emotionally and physically exhausted.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Love him or hate him you do have to give it up to Robert Roode. He went into tonight without any knowledge of who he'd be in there with and that had a big effect on his mental standing for the past several weeks.
[[Corey Graves]] Kane screwed with his head, played twisted games but in the end...OH HALLELUJAH, ROBERT ROODE IS VICTORIOUS!
[[Beth Phoenix]] The mystery element of this Intercontinental Championship was a major one but as you said Robert Roode survived the unknown and now...he is indeed once again The Intercontinental Champion.
The ref approaches an astonished Bobby Roode sitting against the corner presenting him with his newly regained prize The Intercontinental Championship. But The Champion doesn't immediately yank it out of his hands he just sits there as if he himself is trying to snap back into reality after a Big Red Monster threatened to reduce his hopes of winning to ashes.
[[Greg Hamilton]] Here is your winner, and NEW Intercontinental Champion...Robert...ROOOOOODE!
A few seconds later his eyes realize the official is right there extending The Intercontinental Title to him and reaches out ripping the title out of the official's hands and resting it in his lap as he stares at it overcome with a range of emotions upon having his title finally back within his hands.
[[Beth Phoenix]] You can truly see how much this victory means to him as he sits there drowning out the outside world as it's just he and his title.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] That Championship changed the entire trajectory of his career, he won to get into the position to win it back, and once it was vacated like every other title upon our return...he fought again to reclaim what he never lost within that ring.
[[Corey Graves]] Say it louder, Mauro...he fought to reclaim what he never lost, and that is why he once again reigns as OUR Intercontinental Champion.
An uncontrollable laughter escapes Roode as he raises the title in front of his face, feeling a euphoria crash over him. The building may be saturated with boos but they don't distract him from the pure joy he feels in this moment right here right now.
He's happy, and that's an understatement...he's marveling at what he's once again in possession of, admiring his own reflection within his cherished gold and his love for his title is further expressed when he brings it in closer and plants a big kiss on it.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] I think now as we watch The NEW Intercontinental Champion's celebration the question arises, what's next for him and his beloved?
[[Beth Phoenix]] The locker room is piling up with talent stepping up to the plate fighting for that spotlight, that moment to introduce their name into each and every conversation when it pertains to Championships and his is no exclusion. I think toppling Kane and overcoming the mystery challenge he had here proves he's able to fight for what he wants and the question is...who dares to try to come between he and his Intercontinental Championship this time?
[[Corey Graves]] I think he's shown that doing just that is not a wise idea for any hopeful future Champion. He is willing and able to dispatch whoever threatens to destroy his bond with that title.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Of course this victory does solidify one very important thing when it comes to the future. Robert Roode will face whomever leaves tonight's Main-Event as The World Heavyweight Champion in a Champion versus Champion Match unlike any other ever before. Because the week before High Octane they clash to see who is superior...and who has to prove their worth all over again? Beth would you like to remind us all about you husband and your vision for changing Champion versus Champion matches forever?
[[Beth Phoenix]] We felt they were filler, they were unimportant with the disguise of being important...and we simply gave it a purpose...allowed it to BE important. So going forward you won't see a Champion face another every week just to have a "big" match. No, those matches ARE big and should be treated as such. So Roode will face either Keith Lee or Daniel Bryan and the loser of that match will have to defend their title the very next week against whomever has stepped up to the plate and either shown or proven that they deserve to come for their throne. It's simple, if you cannot beat another Champion? You aren't the best of the best...and you have that title defense the week after to prove that you still deserve to call yourself a CHAMPION!
As we return back to the ring we notice Roode's exited to the outside and opted not to remain within a potentially dangerous situation by being near the man he just defeated. He's made the trek up the ramp and he's turned back around as he reached the top of the stage, once again admiring his handiwork as he gazes longingly at The Championship in his hands.
But this "tender" moment is quickly overwhelmed by an arrogance that surges back through him as he looks up at the booing crowd and takes this sweet opportunity to rub it in ALL of their faces. "I TOLD YOU SO! I TOLD YOU SO! I TOLD YOU, AND YOU, AND YOU AND ESPECIALLY YOU OVER THERE!
He obnoxiously points from one side of the arena, swiping his index finger across to the other side as he continues to berate them. "I TOLD EACH AND EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU THAT THIS WAS MINE, AND THAT I WOULD RECLAIM IT, AGAIN!! AND WHAT DID I DO? I DID IT! I WAS VICTORIOUS AND NOW BASK IN MY GLORIOUS MOMENT! As he finishes rubbing our faces in his victory he brings it one step further as he thrusts his title into the air for all to see whether they want to or not.
P.R Son Legend
Posts : 6977 Likes : 97 Join date : 2011-02-03 Age : 32
Subject: Re: XWL AFTERSHOCK: 2/26/2020 - 3/11/2020 Fri Mar 06, 2020 11:10 am
As a graphic pops up on the screen reading "Earlier this morning" the next sight we see is none other than Renee Young sitting on the right side of the screen as she stares across from her at two chairs on the left side filled by none other than Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane.
[[Renee Young]] Ladies and Gentlemen I'm of course Renee Young the new head of media within The NEW XWL...and I'm here today to present and exclusive interview with two of the women that have been at the forefront of The Women's Division for the past several years...and recently, their story took an entirely different turn, and then...even more recently took another turn. Ladies, I'm sorry for being informal but...given everything that has transpired we can't just ease our way into things because what we're going to talk about today I imagine is very difficult for the both of you to open up about. Simply put, you were best friends...until Kairi you made your return at The Slammy Awards...and as Alexa gave her final speech of the night after having been named The Female Superstar Of The Year...you did something that completely brought all of us to silence. How are you both sitting here now after that? How have you both come to each other's aid the past two weeks after your friendship was said to be over with? It's very confusing for all of us and neither of you have been open about what's going on between you?
Both are casually dressed, sitting beside one another as they nod after Renee's opening dialogue and it's clear that just by looking at the expressions on their faces that this isn't an easy moment for them right now. Alexa looks at Kairi who seems to have an open jaw as if she's trying to speak first but can't quite get there and decides to speak up first.
[[Alexa Bliss]] Let me start by saying that, yes...our friendship was over. And that wasn't my doing...it came out of the left field for not just you, or the people watching at home...but for me as well. I was hurt, I was upset...and I was ready to completely cut Kairi out of my life because I was done being a "victim." I didn't know why she did it, and I didn't care...I was emotionally raw from the loss of my best friend...someone I never believed I deserved to have in my life from the beginning...yet, always was there for me regardless. And I think the reason our friendship resonated with so many people is because this business isn't meant to foster bonds like the one we share...it's meant to destroy them. Even sitting down like this with someone who is purely coming at this with good intentions...can destroy what we have because we're placed under this microscope and everything we do or say is blown into something like right now. So before Kairi speaks I just want to express that ultimately what happened between us, isn't anyone's business but our own. However, we are here to share it now because we want to be an example to other friends in this business how quickly ALL of this can threaten to tear you apart. I ask that anyone watching this keep your opinions to yourselves because as much as I have appreciated the support of the fans throughout the past year with you know who...this entire situation was made far worse because of the public outcry over it. Kairi has never been someone to speak openly or loudly, she's reserved that's who she is...and having to sit down here and have her decisions thrown back in her face after we've already talked it out behind closed doors? That's difficult for anyone to have to do, so in short...whatever is revealed here today? That is where it ends...we are not the latest "dramatic" tale for you to choose sides on...we are real people, and what we went through is very real...so please be respectful of how difficult all of this has been and let us tell our story.
Alexa grabs Kairi's hand for support as she looks at her with a smile essentially letting her know it's okay she's right here so speak your truth.
Kairi Sane Do you remember what happened at Warzone last year? The Three Stages of Hell Match between Alexa and Mandy Rose? You know, the match where the legitimate owner of the company was doing anything and everything within his power to give his golden trollop every possible advantage not only heading into that match but since before her “reign” began. From giving her opportunity after opportunity to just handing her the North American Championship after Shayna was stripped of it, and why? Because she beat Mandy multiple times without much effort? That blatant abuse of power would continue into Warzone, where Mr. McMahon would once again attempt to stack the odds in Mandy's favor and tried to pull off the Cincinnati Screwjob, that was where I decided that enough was enough and intervened. What followed was the most bittersweet moment of my career. Alexa would lock in my submission and force Mandy to tap out. It wouldn't be the first time she used one of my moves to win a match, or in this case, the first fall.
Kairi smiles at Alexa following her comment, briefly reminiscing about Alexa's version of the InSane Elbow winning them the second ever Last Team Standing Match at last year's Final Stand.
Kairi Sane What followed shorty after we embraced is what hurt the most, I did what I believed was the right thing, I did what anybody else would do if their best friend was in that situation and did everything I could to ensure that Alexa wouldn't be screwed out of the Championship she worked so hard to attain. And because of that, I lost my job. Everything I had worked for, everything I had attained, everything I had done to get where I was, well, it was taken from me because I wasn't going to let it happen without at least trying to right a wrong. After I was fired, I went back home to Japan because there was nothing left for me here, at least not while the former owner and his Golden Mistress were in power. For three months, from my firing to my return at the Slammys, I sat at home, waiting for a call or text from the woman I thought was my best friend. It would never come. Instead, I was contacted that I had gotten my job back following Alexa's victory over Mandy at Cyberslam. The woman who had left me in the dark for two months suddenly had gotten my job back. I now had a choice to make: Do I thank the woman that got me my job back or do I expose her for using my firing to gain the sympathy of the crowd? Knowing what I know now, there was only one option to choose, and I chose incorrectly.
The Pirate Princess shifts her focus towards Alexa once more, this time with apologetic eyes, causing the former North American Champion to gently rub the top of Kairi's hand and mouth, “It's okay,” a smile emanating from her face.
Kairi Sane On the final Anarchy, she saw me in the hallway, getting ready to leave the building after I had packed my stuff, and decided to confront me right then and there and asked me, “Why did you really do it?” Words were exchanged, some pleasant, some not, and that's where I learned that she had in fact been messaging me the entire time, attempting to call and receiving no answer. It was then that I realized I had not only made one of the biggest mistakes of my career but I was also targeting the wrong person. We were now in a unique position, for over a year, I was there for Lexi, regardless if she felt she deserved it or not, and now, she was in my shoes and I was in hers, the roles were reversed. As I began my apology and to thank her for getting my job back, she simply hugged me and everything felt right with the world, disregarding the fact that all our contracts were in limbo. It didn't take long for us to find out who the culprit behind it was.
[[Renee Young]] There was a culprit? That's not what I expected to hear...
[[Alexa Bliss]] I don't think it's what ANY of us expected, and yet...shouldn't we have? There's only one person for the past year and a half that has done everything within their power to ruin every aspect of my life...including those who are in it.
[[Renee Young]] No one knows who you're talking about more than considering I was there the night everything began but...that's a pretty big accusation to make.
[[Alexa Bliss]] Kairi isn't the first best friend to turn her back on me, before her was Nia Jax. The woman who had her insecurities over my new budding friendship with a certain pirate...amplified by an outside party looking to destroy every single bit of mental faculties. And at the time you know I thought maybe Nia was never truly my friend...but given the recent development...I think I was harsh to believe that because for all I know she could have very well been under the same evil manipulation that Kairi fell victim to. The night Anarchy was cancelled and I finally confronted Kairi as she said...I asked the question that everyone else asks that I never really asked myself. Why? Why did you do it? And when she flipped it on me and tried to say I was the one who abandoned her, who used her, who was the real master manipulator all along and she refused to be apart of The "Alexa Bliss show." I'm standing there utterly stunned, how had I ever manipulated her? I never even asked for her help to begin with...but as I was ready to just go off on her how dare she play the victim when she's the one that did what she did...
She pauses for a second, almost as if she were going back to that night and needed to recenter herself.
[[Alexa Bliss]] We weren't getting anywhere productive...until I pulled out my phone and said you wanna say I didn't care? That I used you? That I forgot about you? Look at THIS! I shoved my phone in her face showing her an endless log of texts that went unanswered by her. And when she tried to say she never received those I of course was like oh, sure...of course you didn't. And I bet these calls never came either, huh? I went to my call log, to her contact and it showed every call that I made to her from the week after Cyberslam until the very day of The Slammy Awards. Then she went quiet, and I of course by that point was really frustrated by all of this. I was just going to walk off because I mean I proved her wrong she couldn't paint me out to be this friend that never cared about her because I had proof that I DID! But as I start to walk off she calls out to me and she pulled out her phone and showed the last text she ever got from me. It was the day of Warzone. I think I said something like oh how convenient you deleted every text I sent you...nice try. You wanna play this game? Well let's see you pretend you didn't get this one. I typed out "I don't know why you're lying but consider this conversation, like our friendship? Done." I hit send and then stood there arms crossed as I waited for her alert to go off, and nothing did.
[[Renee Young]] What are you ultimately saying?
[[Alexa Bliss]] I'm saying I don't know HOW...but SOMEONE not to name names...because I still refuse to ever call that bitch her name...but someone went into my phone, and changed Kairi's number in my phone and I don't know WHO I was texting all that time, though I have my suspicions...but it wasn't Kairi. In fact she tried calling me right there after the fact and when my phone rang? It said "Blocked Number."
[[Renee Young]] So, Kairi...if I'm understanding things someone went in Alexa's phone and erased your actual number so that nothing she sent ever got to you? That still doesn't explain why you would attack her like you did. I mean, yes it could look like she was ignoring you but...
[[Alexa Bliss]] I mean that's exactly how it looked. She didn't WANT to think that way...but when days turn into weeks and turn into months...even the most level headed can lose their mind and become fueled by that feeling of hurt. She saw me at the top of my career, receiving The North American Championship...and winning three Slammy Awards while she was an afterthought to me. That is enough to make anyone make a rash decision and...I mean Kairi can expand on it herself she felt like you know who was right for the first time since our friendship began and that I really was this horrible person that they described.
Kairi Sane Anger is a powerful motivator, Renee, and redemption an even greater. I've said my side, and Lexi hers. Tonight, we aren't dwelling in the past anymore, now it's about righting the wrongs and making sure Alexa walks out with the North American Championship she never should have been stripped of.
[[Renee Young]] I mean I feel like there's a lot that's still unsaid...
[[Alexa Bliss]] I'm sorry you feel that way, but we're not sitting down with you to go into every little detail. Our friendship is ours, and while we're very grateful to have the fans that we do...we're not going to let anything come between us again including whatever they think about this. I know that's not the nicest response...but it's an honest one.
[[Renee Young]] So let's talk about tonight's TLC Match for The North American Championship...
[[Alexa Bliss]] Actually, I'm sorry but there's nothing to talk about. Typically questions regarding titles and people involved in friendships...aren't exactly handled with the most care. You probably want to ask us what's going to happen if we both find ourselves on top of that ladder given the only person that leaves as North American Champion is the ONE that pulls it down, right? Typical...no thank you.
Not really getting anywhere with Bliss, Renee turns toward Kairi who had already begun to fidget with the mic that was attached to her.
[[Renee Young]] What about you , Kairi? It is kind of a fair question to pose...maybe you feel differently than her?
Kairi looks at Alexa as she yanks her mic off, to which Alexa looks at Renee with a sincere looking smile...
[[Alexa Bliss]] She doesn't speak English, sorry.
Kairi gives her an approving smile as Alexa rips her mic off and tosses it onto the chair. The two walk out of the room leaving Renee almost speechless as to how this interview quickly took an unexpected turn. She certainly expected to get more out of them than she actually did, but Five Feet Of Friendship seem to be far more protective of each other than ever before including against questions about their friendship.
Zack Main Eventer
Posts : 1421 Likes : 9 Join date : 2012-12-04 Age : 30 Location : NC
[Bray Wyatt] Hello there, all my fireflies! It's me...your buddy, Bray! And this...this is my Firefly Funhouse! Isn't it incredible!? This is the place where all of your dreams can come true! The place where you can be whatever you want to be! Oh, we're just going to have so much fun together, you and I! Now, I really, really wish that I could introduce you all to all of my special friends who live with me here in the Firefly Funhouse, but...unfortunately, they're still not used to Daylight Savings Time, so they're still asleep! What a bunch of rascals, huh!? Hahaha! But in the meantime, that just means you and I can have all kinds of fun together! Just...don't get too loud...you won't like my friend Abby when she hasn't had her nap...she gets kinda cranky! And definitely, definitely don't wake up...Him.
[???] Let me in...
[Bray Wyatt] Now...earlier tonight, we saw a very, very bad man...Robert Roode...defeat a very, very good man...the Devil's Favorite Demon, Kane. But...unfortunately...it just seems like Kane just...can't get the job done anymore. And it's really, really such a shame...that someone with as much power and as much love as Kane is just...a shell of his former self...
[Bray Wyatt] Oh...what's that? You want me to WHAT? YOWIE-WOWIE! But...you know that he won't survive that...o-okay, then...
[Bray Wyatt] Kane...I'm going to be at Octane next week. Live, in front of all my fireflies! And I want to join you for a very, very special occasion...because Kane, I'm challenging you to a match. But not just any match. See, when it comes to Bray Wyatt...I'm all about FUN! So I'm challenging the big bad Devil's Favorite Demon...to have some fun with me and all my fireflies! Because yours truly, Bray Wyatt...is hereby challenging Kane to a Fun Counts Anywhere Match! But, for now, my fireflies...I have a match to prepare for...so I'll see you all on Octane! Bye-bye!
[???] Yowie-wowie...
P.R Son Legend
Posts : 6977 Likes : 97 Join date : 2011-02-03 Age : 32
Subject: Re: XWL AFTERSHOCK: 2/26/2020 - 3/11/2020 Tue Mar 10, 2020 10:42 am
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[[Mauro Ranallo]] Good god in heaven Sarah Logan just potato sacked Kairi Sane into the standing ladder!
[[Corey Graves]] She's opened a lot of eyes lately proving she isn't just the best friend of Ruby Riott.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Absolutely not, she isn't here to play around she's here to make a name for herself and the a level of viciousness that exudes within her? That name will soon strike fear into her opponents that face her in matches such as this.
As Sarah surveys the field she sees her friend Ruby recovering on the outside, as both members of Five Feet Of Friendship lay on opposite sides of the ladder feeling worse for wear. Sarah COULD potentially climb right now and end this...but as her eyes drift up to the skies...her eyes soon drift back down shaking her head as if she's not finished with these two yet. She drops down to the canvas fleeing the ring as she tosses up the ring apron quickly finding another ladder which she pulls out then lifts it up onto the apron sliding it under the bottom rope. Maybe she's concerned the previous ladder already standing in the center of the ring might not be secure after a human body was thrown into it? Or...maybe something sinister is at work within her mind because she ventures back under the ring and pulls out ANOTHER ladder.
[[Corey Graves]] I have no idea what she's planning to do with two additional ladders...but if I were Alexa Bliss or Kairi Sane? I'd be saying my prayers because their friendship might be in tact but their careers might not be if her plan succeeds.
Logan slides the second ladder into the ring as well then quickly enters the squared circle and goes right to work lifting up the first ladder she slid in and walking towards the corner as she leans it down against the second turnbuckle and rests the other end of it into the fourth rung of the ladder. She's creating a bridge of some kind...and it's not something the fans are too thrilled to see because while something crazy may be about to happen it's at the expense of the favorites in this match. Right after she has one ladder in place she ducks under the next and grabs the third ladder that's in the ring and starts to pick it up but by this point Alexa has recovered from Sarah drilled both knees into her face and grabs her by her ankle while still on the mat, Sarah gives her a stiff kick for her troubles then stomps over her back as she walks over her to the opposing corner. Much like the first ladder bridge she positions the other ladder in exactly the same way. And as the official outside cringes at the humanity that is about to be left when all is said and done...Sarah drops back out of the ring and finds Ruby helping her up to her feet. She smiles as she points to the ring showing off her evil contraption which brings a similar smile to Ruby's face. She slaps her in the chest expressing her pride in what she's done and then says "Let's end THIS once and for all" in the most calm yet chilling tone imaginable.
[[Beth Phoenix]] If I were at home with my children right now this is where I would send them out of the room so parents exercise your own caution because what's about to happen? Is going to be very graphic and potentially upsetting to not just your little ones but maybe even yourselves.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Beth when your husband was putting together this match did he ever think these Women might go to these lengths?
[[Beth Phoenix]] I think in a place like XWL, there is no line to cross anymore when it comes to what someone will or won't do in that ring. So yes of course he knew with the history and animosity between them that this would certainly live up to what fans have come to expect from a TLC Match. However, it doesn't make it any less unsettling to actually see it.
[[Corey Graves]] Aren't either of you at least concerned that whatever might happen tonight could render all four Women completely unable to pull The North American Championship down?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Mauro this isn't the same regime that once ran things. Matches do not get stopped here anymore, if something is intended to be brutal...everyone knows the risks involved and matches that are without rules are contested until either party achieves victory. Yes the safety of our talent is important but nothing ruins a great match more than management that doesn't know when to leave well enough alone. They are all capable competitors and when you intervene...you not only rob the fans of what they were owed which is a finish to the match...but you rob the talent of what they risked their careers in those wild and crazy moments for. So whatever is about to happen...there is no end to this match until that title suspended above the ring is retrieved and we have a North American Champion.
Riott and Logan scurry into the ring like a pack of jackals pouncing onto their prey. Ruby grabs Kairi dragging her over to one end of the ladder bridge, while Sarah grabs Alexa dragging her to the other. They pull them up to their knees, positioning them in between their legs as if they intend to deliver double trouble powerbombs through the bridges to permanently eliminate their foes from this match. But as soon as they hoist them into the air both Sane and Bliss go right on the defense struggling with punches to the tops of their opponents heads doing anything to avoid their ultimate doom. After enough strikes have followed, and the crowd comes alive cheering on the fan favorites both Alexa and Kairi manage to slip off their shoulders and land on their respective ladders. They sit there for a moment thanking their lucky stars that they survived that attempt at utter brutality but when they start to refocus themselves they've already wasted valuable time and both Logan and Riott climb up onto the unstable bridges not allowing them to get away that easily. Caution goes to the wind as a fist fight breaks out on both sides, lefts and rights being traded, feet carefully trying to avoid slipping through the holes of the ladder while they slug it out. One wrong move could land any of these four Women into a very bad predicament where they are left helpless. Sarah after landing a hard clubbing blow to Alexa tries to lift her up off of her feet but Bliss slips behind her shoving her with all of her fury and might into the turnbuckle causing her to have the breath temporarily knocked out of her.
[[Corey Graves]] Who knows what Sarah was going for but when in a precarious situation like all four of them currently are? Disaster is but one second away so good on her for avoiding it but for how long can that continue?
Bliss falls against the ladder catching her breath as the camera focuses in on Ruby Riott and Kairi Sane having their own slug fest. Ruby tries to shove her fingers forward for a mandible claw, but Kairi having none of that chops her hand away then as Ruby instinctively goes into a defensive position by turning around, The Pirate Princess takes a hold of her opponent's right arm and uses it as her anchor, hopping and flipping into the air for the maneuver that has long since been synonymous with her: The Cutlass. Ruby, not about to become a victim, halts Kairi's momentum and has her in a Powerslam position, taking a hold of Kairi's hair to keep her in place. A sick smile appears on her face as she looks to the thinly layered padding above the concrete on the floor below, knowing full well how she wants to remove The Pirate Princess from this match, permanently. Ruby is only allowed a single step forward as she goes to put her impromptu plan in motion before Kairi begins unloading elbows to her captor's unprotected jaw, a handful is all she needs before Ruby's grip loosens and she's allowed to slip through and land safely behind her on the ladder below. As Ruby's turning around to give Alexa's Pirate Pal her receipt, Kairi plants her foot on the ladder, well, as much as she could on the untrustworthy surface, and spins in place, extending her hand in the shape of a fist and catching XWL's Resident Anarchist across the jaw with a Spinning Backfist, nearly sending her off the makeshift ladder bridge with the impact, but she's able to stop herself and simply fall to a knee, holding her jaw in pain.
[[Beth Phoenix]] I've seen a lot of dangerous battles throughout wrestling but these Women truly have no concern for their own well beings right now. One slip could be catastrophic and I certainly cannot imagine being in their shoes right now.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Champions hold themselves to a higher level and there is no higher level than where all four Women currently are. Those bridges are barely supported between the turnbuckle and the rung of the ladders...
[[Corey Graves]] And with them fighting like they're safely on the floor that's not making it any more stable.
With her opponent dealt with for the time being, Kairi, who had joined Ruby in a kneeling position on the ladder bridge following the strike, turns her back towards Ruby and begins to slowly but surely scale the ladder, this match visibly taking a lot out of her at this stage. On the other side of the ladder bridge, Sarah has gained control and has begun attempting to climb her half of the ladder, causing Bliss to immediately close the distance between them and pull her off, The Viking's foot nearly falling through the rung and ending this poorly for her. Instead, she's able to keep her balance and throws her head forward, connecting with Bliss' skull, sending the smaller woman backwards and nearly off the bridge with the impact alone. With a seated Bliss between her and the North American Championship, Sarah steps over Alexa and places a foot on the rung to begin her ascent.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] We're coming close to a showdown at the top of the ladder between Kairi Sane and Sarah Logan. Is their time coming up? Will Sane or Logan be our NEW North American Champion?
[[Corey Graves]] Ruby's not out of the equation just yet either, so Sane's already perilous journey is only going to get more difficult.
[[Beth Phoenix]] You can see how badly all four want to leave this match as Champion, they're all fighting their own battles to be the one to reach the top and bring that title within their grasp.
A bit higher up the ladder is Kairi Sane, who has been struggling in her climb to obtain the North American Championship, her diminutive stature proving quite the drawback as Sarah is rapidly closing the distance between them. That statement becomes much truer when Ruby reenters the fray, wrapping her arms around Kairi's head for what appears to be a Sleeperhold at first quickly transitions to something much, much worse when her right hand finds its way into Kairi's mouth, Ruby locking in the Mandible Claw on The Pirate Princess. A cruel smile appears on Sarah's face as she takes a second to admire Ruby's handiwork before taking another step up the ladder, but that's all she's able to get when Alexa takes a hold of her foot and pulls her off using all five feet of her fury, Sarah stumbling backwards as she fights to keep her balance and somehow manages it, taking a few steps forward only to walk into a stiff right hand from Bliss, sending The Viking into a kneeling position on the ladder bridge. Alexa hasn't noticed that her best friend is in the deadly hold that made her question who she was when that hold was locked in on her, Bliss' main focus being on preventing Sarah from beating her to the Championship that she was forced to relinquish a couple of weeks ago. With her back still to the other half of this battle, Alexa climbs up a few rungs, positioning herself for something that is currently unknown to us. With Ruby seemingly having gotten the best of Kairi, The Pirate Princess begins to visibly fade as all of Ruby's weight is on her and her brutal hold. When Sarah makes it to a semi vertical base, albeit doubled over, Bliss hops off the ladder, her legs hanging off either side of Sarah's waist while she lands on The Viking's back, forcing her to flip backwards while Kairi, who is virtually out of options at this point, shoves herself off the ladder, sending herself and her opponent on a one way trip to the canvas below.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] MAMA MIA!!!
[[Beth Phoenix]] OH MY FREAKING GOD!
[[Corey Graves]] HOLY SHIT!
With the visually impressive gambit's of both women being on display, Alexa sending herself and Sarah Logan through their portion of the ladder bridge courtesy of a Sunset Flip Powerbomb and Kairi sacrificing herself, and by extension Ruby Riott, as they both crash through the mirrored portion of the ladder bridge, Ruby having no say in the matter, all four women laid out in the ring with both Sarah and Kairi laying on the canvas while Ruby's body remains tangled in with the broken ladder below her and Alexa is in a seated position on her own broken ladder.
[[Beth Phoenix]] I...I'm speechless...
[[Mauro Ranallo]] This capacity crowd certainly isn't, would you listen to them they've completely lost it!
[[Corey Graves]] I mean Sarah Logan and Ruby Riott were just DEMOLISHED THROUGH LADDERS right before our very eyes I'm losing it myself!
[[Beth Phoenix]] While they certainly ate the brunt of things Sane and Bliss did not go unscathed, all four Women are down and...I don't know what to say right now.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] You spoke that matches such as this were not to be stopped because of the sacrifices of The Superstars within them...but Beth, how can this possibly continue after that?
[[Beth Phoenix]] Yes I'm flubbing my words trying to piece together what we just witnessed but in XWL The X has always stood for X-TREME. The Men and Women flocked to a company that would allow their imaginations to be their limits and while they all will feel this in the morning adrenaline will bring them back up that ladder someway somehow and we are not going to rob them of the opportunity to do so.
As a “Holy Shit!” chant breaks out, we're immediately taken to multiple replays of the moment from numerous angles that weren't available to us before, showing every painful and regrettable second of their respective decisions to resort to this but they have and here we are. After about ninety seconds of showing every excruciating detail, we're returned to the center of the ring, where Ruby and Sarah haven't moved since their impacts while both Alexa and Kairi have begun showing signs of life in the form of Kairi crawling to the ladder she needs to scale to become North American Champion for the first time in her career as Alexa struggles to slowly pull herself out of the wreckage and reclaim the Championship she never should have been stripped of, an interesting scenario we've found ourselves in.
[[Corey Graves]] Well for everyone rooting for the friendship of Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane? This is where you're going to want to look away because as the case with every friendship in wrestling since the beginning of time...dating back to times like when Shawn Michaels threw Marty Janettey through a glass window... we're about to see these two throw their "love and respect" for one another aside in the name of being THE North American Champion.
[[Beth Phoenix]] It's been a troubled friendship since late last year when Kairi bashed Alexa's Superstar Of The Year Slammy into the back of her skull...and yes Corey as much as I hate to have to agree with you...speaking from experience myself...friendships just never seem to be stronger than the desire to be Champion. Everyone always believes they're the exception until they're the latest example.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] They were very protective when interviewed earlier today though...
[[Corey Graves]] Of course they were, they're not going to willingly admit what they knew coming into this. They were just enjoying their final moments of friendship until one of them or both for that matter drive that knife back in and snatch the title for themselves.
Being closer to the ladder, Alexa is the first to make contact, placing her hand on the bottom rung and using it to pull herself both closer and upwards while Kairi, who has just reached her destination, places her left hand on the bottom rung and wrapped her right arm around the second rung in an attempt to make up for some lost time, officially signifying that the race to the North American Championship his now underway. It isn't until either woman are around a third of the way up that they recognize that someone else is on the other side of the ladder, both locking eyes inbetween the rungs before they each look up towards the prize that awaits them at the end of the proverbial tunnel, one looking to regain the Championship and the other looking to win it for the first time.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Alexa Bliss went through absolute hell in every possible form from physically to especially mentally to become North American Champion before...you may hate to see her put a Championship above her friend that was there for her so much starting out but you can't blame her for feeling how she does.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] It is a shame though considering the very match where Alexa Bliss was finally free of Mandy Rose and blossomed into her North American Championship reign was the match where she also won the job back of the woman she's about to have to fight to regain that title.
[[Corey Graves]] Hey I agree, but does anyone remember The Men Of Honor? My short-lived stint in XWL's hottest new group? I fought with them to be at the top of this company until I was targeted for an assault and they weren't there for me because of concern for their own well being. We may sound cynical Mauro...but that's just how this business is and everyone learns that sooner rather than later.
Alexa and Kairi's pace quickens, both knowing this was very much a possibility given the unpredictability of a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match, much less one contested under Tag Team rules with a singles Championship involved. The race is now truly on as each woman fights through the pain they have experienced thus far and leading to this match, physically, mentally and emotionally, and their prize for persevering through, but with their reconciliation being so recent, can their friendship survive this impending war that awaits them on top of the ladder?
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Friends can fight and still be friends though, can't they?
[[Corey Graves]] Once, maybe yes...but they're already on a shaky foundation and I'm not talking about the ladder.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Unfortunately I'm still with Corey, Mauro...it's just, the cruelest part of this business. Ultimately only you are the only person you can count on. Just look at Lay-Cool...look at D-Generation X...look at The Hardyz...look at every Tag-Team or collection of friends like The Shield look at the friendship of Sasha Banks and Natalya...that completely was eradicated by their quest for success. One of the greatest rivalries in recent memory that changed the game in The Women's Division...was originally two great friends that were different like Alexa and Kairi...but their differences brought them together until ultimately success tore that apart.
They each reach the top of the ladder at virtually the same time, neither receiving a height advantage since they're essentially the same size, a staredown between best friends ensuing as a hush falls over the arena. Are they really going to come to blows for the North American Championship or is their friendship stronger than this? Both women all their respective right hands into a fist and wind them back, the expressions etched on their faces reading one of visible confliction, do they really want to risk ending the friendship just to have the spotlight on themselves?
[[Corey Graves]] Here we go, grab your popcorn because this one's about to pop off.
- . . . . . . . . . -
It seems we have our answer as both women throw their fists forward, a brawl for the North American Championship is underway as the live audience in attendance grabs their popcorn to see who will emerge victorious but wait, their punches didn't connect. Both their fists remain inches away from their target, the camera zoomed in to get this fist fight in high quality but there isn't a fight to capture, both Alexa and Kairi flashing a smile to one another and embracing on top of the ladder, causing a portion of the crowd to cheer at the importance of friendship while the remainder remain confused at this entire sequence.
[[Beth Phoenix]] Um, what?
[[Corey Graves]] They're HUGGING?! The North American Championship is hanging ABOVE YOU one of you pull the others hair or gouge the other in the eye!
With that out of their systems, both women reach up towards the North American Championship and take a hold of the strap keeping the Championship suspended above the ring and flash a smile at one another before retrieving The Championship TOGETHER! Signaling the end of this brutal match, but whose theme is going to play? The sound of the bell ringing echos throughout the arena but no theme is played immediately after.
[[Corey Graves]] WHAT THE HELL?!?!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Um...
[[Beth Phoenix]] That's not what I thought was going to happen...
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Well Ladies and Gentlemen...technically The Winner is whomever pulls The North American Championship down...and they BOTH were The ONE as we've inherently stated throughout the night that did!
[[Corey Graves]] Beth, that wasn't supposed to happen...they were supposed to rip each other apart...NOT PULL IT DOWN LIKE SOME FRIENDSHIP BRACELET!
[[Beth Phoenix]] I...I don't really know what to say...I mean, wow...I feel pretty foolish right now.
While the sound guy has a meltdown, both Alexa and Kairi stand atop the ladder bright eyed and with a radiating smile across their faces with "THEIR?" North American Championship lifted up with each of their hands. The crowd at first confused by this starts cheering loudly as they realize BOTH Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane have seemingly outsmarted everyone and seized this moment not only for themselves but for THEIR friendship.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Well I don't know about the both of you but I feel like these two just sent a message to anyone that doubted the importance of the bond they share. Championships as referenced many times throughout this contest always seems to drive a wedge between the strongest of friendships...but that fact does not apply to them in this moment!
[[Beth Phoenix]] No one anticipated this happening and I'm sort of at a loss for how to feel. On one hand it's not what was supposed to happen, but on the other...I do admire the commitment the two seem to have to go through with something like this.
[[Corey Graves]] But what does this mean, Beth?
[[Mauro Ranallo]] I think it means BOTH Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane are The NEW North American Champion!
[[Beth Phoenix]] In a technical sense? Yes that is exactly what that means...I'm just not sure how my husband will feel about that.
As Sane and Bliss The NEW North American Co-Champions? Stand high in the air proudly showing off what is theirs, we reflect back on the road to this point. Their bond was forged through struggle and triumph that brought them together...and that bond led to their own individual successes. Together as capable competitors they climbed the mountain of The Women's Division and while not at the same time were they able to be "Bestie Champions" back when Alexa was chasing The North American Championship just as Kairi's reign as Women's Champion began...they proved they were supportive of each other's ventures then and now tonight we see that support despite a rough patch has not waned at all. After soaking in THEIR moment with the belt still extended out within each of their hands they begin to descend down the ladder that brought their friendship literally to new heights.
[[Corey Graves]] How is any of this going to work...they can't BOTH defend it?
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Not to invalidate your feelings but this isn't exactly the first time Superstars have shared a Championship. Most recently Johnny Gargano and Chris Jericho were BOTH recognized as World Champion.
[[Beth Phoenix]] I do remember a time when D-Generation X were Co-United States Champions as well. It's not unprecedented but it is certainly a rarity that you almost don't know how to navigate.
As the only music playing is the chorus that is the cheering fans in attendance both best friends reach the mat and look at their collective destruction of Riott and Logan. While both have rolled out of the ring to retrieve medical attention, the wreckage is still on the mat in the form of ladders snapped in half from the humanity that crashed through them. They waged their own wars, left an impact that brought these fans to a rousing chant in astonishment, then ascended up the ramp bruises and all to achieve this moment they now share TOGETHER. After they share a glance almost a "What the hell happened here?" when staring at the broken ladders, they just laugh and step through the ropes each not letting go of their newly won prize as they leave the ring and begin to head up the ramp passing by fans and slapping their hands along the railing as they receive congratulations and love in all forms until they reach the top of the ramp and then Bliss leans into Sane and whispers something into her ear. As she pulls away Kairi excitedly nods. They raise The North American Championship high up into the air to a louder reaction before facing toward the camera and lowering the title into Alexa's personalized Championship pose, but instead of it being across Alexa's shoulder in her Harley-esque gesture...Kairi wraps her arm around Alexa and leans in close so that it's resting on BOTH of their shoulders and this final moment truly encapsulates the power of friendship and we can't help but have our once iced hearts as we watched the final stages of this match completely melt with the joy that these two share, TOGETHER!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] That's quite a precious sight.
[[Beth Phoenix]] It's very warm and fuzzy here right now after a brutal Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match...but I wonder what awaits them on Octane this coming week because this is not at all what any of us expected.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] They told Renee that their friendship was not a narrative that anyone would tell but them, and I think the narrative they've established here is that they are not like those that came before them...they are friends, they are allies, and THEY are committed to protecting their friendship, and by extension now, THEIR North American Championship!
P1 Upper Mid Card
Posts : 764 Likes : 1 Join date : 2012-10-14 Age : 32 Location : CT
We are shown a video package hyping up the return of The Miz and John Morrison to tag team action. We are shown them beating down Jon Moxley two weeks ago, and then Seth Rollins later that night. A replay of The Miz pinning Seth Rollins last week in their tag team match against the former Shield Members is shown. After a few more clips of The Most Must See Superstar in Sports Entertainment and The Guru of Greatness play we are brought to the intro to The Miz and Morrison’s Dirt Sheet....
“In a world full of winners and losers..
Two men have risen above..
To give you..
The Dirt Sheet!!”
The crowd is booing as the video package comes to an end, showing all of us watching at home the reason for the crowd’s boos.. The Miz and John Morrison are sitting in the middle of the ring, smirking as they look up at the titantron which just finished playing their hype up video.
John Morrison Hi, my name is John Morrison, and I’m not allowed to work out in the XWL gym, because all of the other superstars get jealous….
The Miz An-
John Morrison It’s because of my abs Miz.. It’s because of my abs..
The Miz looks over at Morrison and lowers his sunglasses for a moment, raising an eyebrow…
The Miz Ooooookkkkkaay?... And I am The Most Must See Superstar in all of Sports Entertainment… Including Dwayne… That’s right, the one, the only, The Awesome One….Theeee Miz!!!
John Morrison And we’d like to welcome you to the first Live Episode in 2020 of The Dirt Sheet!!!
The Miz and Morrison begin to thank the booing crowd.
The Miz Thank you everyone for that warm welcome…
The Miz notices Morrison rubbing his jaw in pain.
The Miz What’s wrong John?
John Morrison Eh, just my jaw. That stupid Orge WaLtEr caught me with a sucker punch last week during our brawl..
The Miz and John Morrison look to the titantron as a short replay of a few clips of their brawl last week with WALTER plays.
John Morrison Keith Lee and Daniel Bryan might be fighting over the World HEAVYweight Championship in tonight’s main event.. But WaLtEr is already the World OVERweight Champion of XWL!!!!!
The Miz I don’t know what his problem is!! We were just minding our own business, beating up Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and that dull eyed moron just butted right into our business!! Who even spells their names like that?
John Morrison You know Miz, in the palace of wisdom we have a famous phrase;... “If you write your name in all caps, it means that you’re compensating for having a smal-”
The Miz John!!! My kids are watching!! This is a family show!!
John Morrison Oh, sorry… Someone needs to tell Jon Moxley and Ruby Riott that… Annyyyways seeing as we’re talking about WaLtEr, I have some great news about him!!
The Miz You were able to convince him to go on a diet?
John Morrison Yeah right.. No, but I was able to get in contact with him, and he agreed to be interviewed by us right here live on The Dirt Sheet!!
The crowd cheers at the mention of WALTER, and the thought of having him come out to the ring for the interview..
John Morrison Now unfortunately, he ate too much at the all you can eat buffet we had in catering, so he’s rather bloated and doesn’t want to come to the ring looking like that in front of all of you… So if you’d direct your attention to the titantron, I’d like to welcome, live from backstage, WaLtEr!!..
The crowd cheers as Morrison points to the titantron.. The cheers quickly turn into a boo as the titantron lights up with just a picture of WALTER, where his lips are you can see edited in lips that are moving as a high pitched goofy voice with WALTER’s accent plays through the PA system.
WaLtEr Oh Miz and Morrison!! My favorite tag team of ALL TIME!!! Thank you so much for having me on The Dirt Sheet!!
John Morrison Welcome WALTER!! It’s great to have you on, I hope the bloating isn’t too bad.
WaLtEr I’m sorry! I know that you wanted me to come to the ring for this interview, but when I saw the sign backstage for All You Can Eat Buffet, I couldn’t help myself!!
John Morrison It’s okay buddy, we’re just happy you could join us.. So, my first question for you.. How’s your dating life going WALTER? Any luck recently?
WaLtEr Dating life?... Well, I used to go to the mall and talk to the girl mannequins… Until I got kicked out for touching them in their no no parts..
The Miz Jeez.. Hey WaLtEr, why do you spell your name with all caps?
WaLtEr I have big clumsy fingers, and it’s hard for me to write the lowercase letters...
John Morrison I’ve got another question for you WALTER.. Who do you think is a better tag team? Us or The Trash City Stupid Morons or whatever their name is…
WaLtEr Oh that’s an easy one!! You and The Miz!!! You’re the greatest tag team of the twenty first century!! That’s why I’m your biggest fan!!!
John Morrison Oh, I’ve got one for you WaLtEr… When you wa-
The Miz and John Morrison are interrupted by a very familiar theme…
The crowd goes wild as the real WALTER steps out onto the stage. He is holding a mic in his left hand, and his right hand is balled up in a fist. The crowd begins to chant his name as he glares at Miz and Morrison.
Beth Phoenix It looks like the real WALTER has something to say!!
WALTER raises the mic to his mouth as his theme comes to a close.. He waits for a few minutes for the crowd’s cheers to subside as The Miz and John Morrison look on from the ring…
WALTER looks at the microphone in his hand, then back at Miz and Morrison in the ring. He tosses the mic over his shoulder and begins to walk down the ramp towards the self proclaimed greatest tag team of the twenty first century.
Beth Phoenix It looks like WALTER isn’t here to talk..
He walks down the ramp and climbs into the ring. As soon as he enters The Miz and Morrison are upon him, lashing out with wild elbows and punches. The crowd goes wild as WALTER shoves the two men to the canvas!!
Beth Phoenix Wow!! That’s impressive!!
The Miz is to get back to his feet, only to be hit with a huge knife edge chop, sending him to his knees in pain!! Morrison charges next, also falling victim to a thunderous knife edge chop!!! WALTER drops The Miz with a huge boot to the face. He then lifts Morrison up by his hair and positions him for a powerbomb as the crowd goes wild!! He lifts Morrison high into the air, but before he is able to slam him to the mat, The Miz connects with a shoulder tackle to the back of WALTER’s left knee, forcing him to drop Morrison!!! The Miz and Morrison quickly scurry out of the ring and up the ramp as WALTER throws the stools from The Dirt Sheet set towards the retreating tag team!!! Morrisonand Miz run to the stage, holding their necks in pain. Morrison sees the mic that WALTER threw over his shoulder earlier. The Guru of Greatness picks up the mic
John Morrison In this world there are winners, like us... And losers, like WaLTeR... We are the greatest tag team of the twenty first century... BE JEALOUS!!!
Morrison and The Miz retreat to the back as we are shown a video package hyping up the Main Event.
Austin Main Eventer
Posts : 1612 Likes : 30 Join date : 2011-02-03 Age : 29 Location : Baltimore, Maryland
Sasha Banks' theme begins to play and out from behind the curtain emerges Sasha. It's still the same Sasha that we've seen for the last few weeks now. Her hair is still black and the ring gear she's found herself in is all black as well. While you can see the designs on the gear, the usual of Sasha Banks, it's black and more black on top of even more black.
[GREG HAMILTON] The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!... and it is a Strap Match for the XWL Women's Championship!
And rather than doing her signature entrance, the emotionless woman begins to make her way down the ramp. She doesn't do her normal taunt nor does she do any of her normal theatrics that show off her entrance. Sasha briskly makes her way down the ramp and then over to the steel steps. As she walks up the steps, the Boss pauses for a moment and looks out to the crowd of people who mostly boo her or just pay no mind to her since we already know how this match is going to go. Sasha finishes up the last step before going along the apron and stepping into the ring. Her and Greg Hamilton share a glance before she turns to the stage as she backs into her corner of the ring. Fingers wrap around the ropes as she awaits for Liv to come out next.
The music box-like chime begins to play throughout the arena as Liv Morgan prepares to join her other half, Sasha Banks, in the ring. The crowd is a little torn, but for the most part against the "real" Liv Morgan, who appears out onto the stage shortly after her music hits. Liv twirls out onto the stage, perching the back of her hand up under her chin as she comes to a stop and smiles down at the ring. Her eyes told a much more devious story, however, as she brings her hand back behind the nape of her neck and flicks her long blonde hair back over her shoulder.
She begins her hike down the ramp, all smiles as she passes through the parted sea of opinionated fans, but she pays them no mind at all. Her eyes are on the prize, and her best friend, the new and questionably improved Sasha Banks.
Liv picks up the pace as she reaches the bottom of the ramp in order to propel herself under the bottom rope with a roll. She lands on her knees and perks up, bringing her fingers up for a quick little wriggle towards Banks who is standing across the ring and returning the smile.
After finishing her quirky wave, Liv flashes a sly smirk at her partner and opponent before standing up and walking over to the ropes nearest to the main camera. Liv steps through with one leg, following through but ducking her head down between the middle and top rope. Once she does, she flips her hair back over the top rope and brings her other leg through to cross her thighs over one another while staring wickedly into the camera's lens. The camera dwells on her glare before opting out to an XWL Women's Championship graphic.
Once the image clears, we return back to the ring to see a shot of Liv and Sasha approaching one another from their respective corners of the ring. They give one another a nod, indicating that something premeditated might be going on here. Nonetheless, the referee calls for the bell to kick off this contest.
DING
DING
DING!
The referee officiating this match approaches Liv and makes sure that the strap is securely placed around her wrist before they walk over to Sasha Banks and do the same. They are briefed on the rules of the match: the match will end when one woman is either pinned or submitted. There are no disqualifications except for removing the strap from around your wrist. Removing the strap will result in you forfeiting the match and the championship. Both women seem ready to go - Liv Morgan a little more than Sasha Banks. She’s got a little extra pep in her bounce as she demands for the referee to ring the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
[MAURO RANALLO] This is it, ladies and gentlemen. This match is for the XWL Women's Championship! Both of these women are former champions yet the only difference between them is Liv Morgan was never pinned to lose the championship. She lost the championship when Edge stripped every last champion of their championship and had them earn their places yet again.
[COREY GRAVES] I still don’t think that was fair to someone like Liv Morgan who was a fighting champion that earned her place to begin with.
Liv Morgan is a little too relaxed for someone who’s about to go one-on-one with Sasha Banks right now. It’s like she has a trick up her sleeve… and that trick is revealed as the former champion begins to shout across the ring at the woman who’s attached to her at the other end of the brown leather strap that connects the two of them.
[LIV MORGAN] Just like we planned, Boss… Lay down!
And the fans in the first few rows are able to hear what Liv is saying to Sasha right now which prompts them to boo.
[BETH PHOENIX] What!? You have gotta be kidding me. She’s joking, isn’t she?
It sure doesn’t sound like it as Liv Morgan shouts again.
[LIV MORGAN] Hellooo...? Earth to the Boss! Quit playin’ around and lay down, NOW!
The boos grow louder in the Rogers Arena as it seems like this was the plan that they had come up with when Sasha Banks said that no one deserves this championship more than Liv Morgan, yet seconds pass and the Boss still has gotten down onto the mat so that Liv Morgan could pin her… and the former champion seems to notice this. Why was Sasha Banks wasting time when all she had to do was lay down so that Liv Morgan could once again claim the championship as her own? Sasha Banks stands there with her eyes fixed on her best friend who stands across the ring from her.
[COREY GRAVES] Sasha Banks not listening to orders? No surprise there. She’s never been good at playing with others.
[MAURO RANALLO] I’m not sure what game she’s playing right now. I don’t even know if her and Liv are on the same page. I mean, look at it this way. All Sasha Banks has to do is lie down and the win and the championship belongs to Liv Morgan, right?
Then the look on Liv Morgan’s face shows that something isn’t right here.
[LIV MORGAN] What is WRONG with you?! You’re ruining my moment!
And then it happens…
Sasha Banks reaches her hand up to her black hair, grips ahold of the black locks, and pulls. It’s a wig she’s wearing to cover up the true color of her hair! The black haired wig was tossed to the side and Sasha undid her hair that was tied back into a bun so that those blue locks we got a taste of before could fall freely now which prompts the Canadian crowd to pop. Just about everyone in the arena is cheering for Banks, except for her “BFF,” Liv Morgan. Liv tan skin washes out into a sickly pale shade in the face as she looks like she’s being confronted by her ghost of Christmas past. And for the first time since she returned, the Boss shows a little emotion on her face. Her lips curve into a smirk at the corner.
[BETH PHOENIX] This doesn’t look like it was part of Morgan’s plan, guys. She looks as though she’s seen a ghost!
Beth says and you could hear the smile in her words.
[MAURO RANALLO] Mama Mia! Things are about to get interesting!
[COREY GRAVES] Backstabbing Banks is at it again, Ladies and Gentleman, but yes! Cheer for her!
Liv takes a heavy, obvious gulp as she holds one hand up to try and diffuse the situation. It seems that she’s become fully aware of the situation at hand, and that ultimately, karma had come back to bite her in a big way. Liv Morgan tries to pull away from Sasha but the Blueprint takes a tight grip of the strap to prevent Liv from escaping to the outside of the ring. Sasha shakes her head as she starts to try and pull Liv in but it’s a fight. The former champion seems a little panicked now as she fights back and the two women seem evenly matched as far as strength goes. Neither one of them are able to gain the advantage, but then the always impulsive Liv Morgan tries to gain the upperhand but she fails. She suddenly charges at Sasha and tries to drop her with a clothesline but the Boss ducks the shot, grabs the strap, and swings the leather at the side of Morgan. The leather snaps against her skin and Liv cries out in pain that was inflicted. The sound echoes throughout the arena again while her skin already begins to show just a little discoloration to it where the contact was made.That shot was weeks (perhaps months) in the making and you can bet that it felt good for Sasha to hit Liv with that. Liv then tries to go on the attack but the Boss quickly tackles the former champion down to the ground and punches begin to rain down while Liv kicks at and pushes Sasha away - eventually being successful with it which leads to her escaping from the ring but she can’t go too far with the strap still attached to them. Liv takes this second to compose herself for what felt like the first time this match. She’s able to actually realize what’s going on now and how she was tricked. A glance back into the ring and she sees Sasha there and the look on Liv’s face could kill if looks could kill. Suddenly, she’s having to actually fight for the championship she never lost.
[COREY GRAVES] How is this fair to Liv Morgan? She was under the assumption that this match would be handed to her and we’re supposed to cheer Sasha Banks for this? Because she took advantage of her best friend? This is typical Sasha Banks!
[BETH PHOENIX] I wouldn’t call them best friends and I don’t think these fans or Sasha Banks cares if this is fair or not. The Boss - or the Blueprint should I say - has come to fight Liv Morgan and potentially claim the Women's Championship as her own.
Sasha has joined Liv Morgan on the outside but Liv Morgan caught Sasha as she was making her exit to take advantage. Liv laces her fingers into the blue locks and forces Sasha to look at her before slapping her across the face. Sasha stumbles back against the announcers table before quickly retorting by striking Liv Morgan in the gut before ramming her back first into the apron. The small of Liv’s back arches inward from the blunt force trauma. She groans out from the discomfort caused by the sharp metal support beam to the spine, which buys Banks just enough time to muster up her strength and whip Liv forward with a stern yank of the strap. Liv ragdolls forward, meeting a stiff clothesline that damn near rivaled the stiffness of the ring apron. Liv’s body snaps back onto the lightly padded floor while the fans lean over the barricade and go wild in favor of the Blueprint. Sasha takes a moment to compose herself and catch her breath. As she does, she looks out across the sea of screaming fans that surround her. It seems all but impossible to keep the smile from creeping across her face as she nods, letting all of her supporters know that it’s finally Boss Time.
[MAURO RANALLO] The fans here in Vancouver are on their feet for the Blueprint!
[BETH PHOENIX] This has to feel good for Sasha Banks, we all know this has been a long time coming. To finally be out of the clutches of Liv Morgan and to have the support of all of these fans rallying behind her after all these years!
[COREY GRAVES] Yeah, yeah. That’s great and all, but are we forgetting how this whole relationship started to begin with? You people are talking like Liv Morgan is some manipulative mastermind, when Sasha Banks is the one who used and abused Liv as a talented upstart early into her career! Banks brought this on herself, and Morgan deserves every bit of retribution for what she’s had to endure at the hands of “The Blueprint.”
[BETH PHOENIX] You’ve got a point there, Corey. I think it’s safe to say that nobody’s hands are clean in this situation, but you have to recognize that Liv Morgan has crossed many lines many times. I mean, I’m a firm believer in karma and vengeance, but how many times does Sasha have to pay for what she’s done in the past?
[COREY GRAVES] As many times as Liv wants her to! We wouldn’t even be talking about Sasha if it weren’t for the wrongfully stripped Women’s Champion being gracious enough to offer her a title match! THAT’S what true friendship looks like!
[MAURO RANALLO] But as we’ve seen, that was all a reuse in hopes of a repeat performance of what we saw unfold at Coronation last year between Liv and Sasha. Morgan played her game and exacted her revenge at the expense of Banks, but this time, it seems the roles have been reversed and the Boss has come to collect.
Sasha bends down and grabs a fistful of Liv’s silver-blonde locks, dragging her up to her feet. Liv still seems dazed after the clothesline she took moments prior. Banks uses her other hand to grab hold of Liv’s belt in an effort to toss her back into the ring, but surprise surprise, Liv was playing possum. The former Champion spins around to reverse the hold as she grabs onto the Blueprint and sends her shoulder first into the ring post! Banks goes airborne just before colliding with the LED board on the post, removing any buffer or ability to cushion the blow. Sasha collapses down to the floor as Liv bares her teeth like a rabid animal. Her eyes are set to kill as she takes a few deep breaths and the mental cogs begin to piece together her next move. Liv bends down and grabs Sasha by the roots of her blue hair in order to drag her across the floor towards the steel steps at the next corner of the ring. She drops Sasha just in front of the steps and walks around them onto the opposite side from the Boss. As she does, the nearest camera picks up subtle audio of her mumbling to herself:
[LIV MORGAN] Alright, Boss. You wanna do this the hard way? FINE.
Liv raises her voice as she snakes the leather strap connecting the two superstars through the tiny gap between the steps and the ring post. Liv takes a deep breath to gather her strength while she firmly plants her feet against the base of the steps for leverage.
[LIV MORGAN] AFTER EVERYTHING I DID FOR YOU! AFTER EVERYTHING YOU DID TO ME!
[BETH PHOENIX] Uh-oh! What’s Liv got in mind here, guys?!
[MAURO RANALLO] By the looks of it, nothing pretty! The Boss is about to be in a bad way!
[COREY GRAVES] Some cold hard justice, that’s what this is!
In her betrayed and vengeful state, Liv doubles the strap around both wrists and suddenly drops herself back, extending her legs out against the steps which pulls Sasha full force, face first into the steel steps! The full impact was difficult to gauge, as nearly everyone had to look away for a second there. Liv lays back onto the floor, staring up at the ceiling as she breathes a sigh of relief and lets out a sickening chuckle. She hadn’t seen the full damage that was done, but she knew she was happy with her handiwork.
[MAURO RANALLO] MY GOD! Did you see the angle at which Sasha Banks’s face collided with those steps!
[BETH PHOENIX] I know that there’s apparently no love lost between these two, but this is just nasty. This isn’t trying to win the match, this is trying to DESTROY Sasha Banks!
The fans boo down at Liv, but she seems to have totally blocked them out. She finally pulls herself up and crawls over on top of the steps to look down at Sasha. Liv is perched over the steps on her hands and knees and reaches down to pick the head of Banks off of the floor, revealing a bloody mess beneath! Sasha’s lip appears to have taken the brunt of the blow and was completely busted open as a result, causing a stream of blood to course down her face. While the fans and commentary gasp in horror and concern, Liv erupts into a sick laughter, perhaps showing shades of her old, unstable self. Liv lets go of Sasha’s head and begins to taunt the fans but the cameras continue to focus on Sasha for a moment as she brings her hand to her face and wipes away the blood that trickles down her face and she gets a good look at it staining the skin on her fingers a slight red color. The Boss plants her hand onto the steel steps and begins to push herself up, turning to face Liv in the process. The pain on her face was obvious, but so was the anger that she felt right now - seeing red as she looked at her former best friend. Sasha once again wiped away the blood that fell from the open wound, got to her feet, and approached Liv who started to turn around when Sasha got close and she was greeted by a firm slap across the face with the hand that had a little blood covered it! And the fans react with a resounding ‘oooh’ as Liv stumbles back against the barricade with a surprised look on her face. Quickly having to go on the defense, Liv brings her arms up to try and protect herself as Sasha begins to rain closed fists down onto Liv Morgan which causes the crowd to pop. Somewhere around twelve strikes is all that Sasha gives before she backs off and pushes her hands through her hair. So many weeks, months, even, of Sasha wanting to attack Liv like this and it was all being let out right now. But Sasha can’t get too far given the leather strap that keeps the two of them attached to one another.
[MAURO RANALLO] This isn’t trying to destroy Sasha Banks! This is them trying to destroy each other!
[COREY GRAVES] Sasha looks like a woman possessed right now.
Sasha turns back around and quickly approaches Liv, grabbing her by her platinum blonde locks and dragging her back to the ring. The Boss quickly follows as she slides into the ring as well and stands above the former champion who lies prone on the ground trying to regain her senses. Sasha gathers the strap in her hand and looks at it before her gaze falls back down to Liv. She then swings the leather down and connects with Liv’s back but it wasn’t just once that she did that. Twice. And then a third time as well. Each time Sasha hit Liv’s back with that strap, the former champion cried out in pain.
[BETH PHOENIX] Sasha needs to start going for the win because she’s losing the advantage she had by surprising Liv. I can tell she’s loving this but this isn’t going to get her the win unless this isn’t about the championship to her.
[COREY GRAVES] I’m sure Sasha would love to call that championship hers. Maybe she’d actually hold the championship for longer than a month this time! Let’s not forget how short her last reign with the championship was.
Sasha shortens the length of the strap so that she could start to drag Liv closer to the corner of the ring. She’s pulled to her feet and to assure Liv wouldn’t fight back, Sasha quickly forearmed Liv in the face and then swiftly brought Liv into the corner - propping her feet up on the middle rope and then her upper body on the middle rope so that she was laying across the corner. Sasha then used the ropes to push herself up and drop a double knee onto Morgan before quickly going into the cover.
1
2
NO! LIV MORGAN KICKS OUT!
Sasha Banks doesn’t look surprised, but she definitely doesn’t look happy either. A few glances around the ring are taken as the Blueprint survels her surroundings and begins to figure out what her next plan of action is.
[MAURO RANALLO] You have got to wonder what’s going on in the mind of Sasha Banks right now. There’s so many things she can do but so many of those things involve having to drag Liv Morgan along with her.
She turns to face Liv and crawls over to her. Her fingers once again tangle into her hair as she forces Liv to look at her. That look of anger started to return to the Boss’ face as she shakes her head at Liv.
[SASHA BANKS] EVERYTHING YOU’VE DONE FOR ME!?
Sasha shouts in the face of her former best friend.
[SASHA BANKS] YOU KIDNAPPED ME.
Sasha then slams Liv’s head against the mat.
[SASHA BANKS] I MISSED CHRISTMAS WITH MY FAMILY.
And then she slams her head against the mat once again.
[SASHA BANKS] I CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY ALL ALONE.
Again. Another slam against the ring mat.
[SASHA BANKS] I WAS MISERABLE BECAUSE OF YOU! YOU’VE MADE ME HATE MYSELF!
Heavy breaths of air pass from the mouth of the Boss as she looks to be calming herself down now. For a second there, her emotions were obviously getting the best of her but unlike certain superstars, she was able to control them a little better.
[COREY GRAVES] You know, for once, I actually feel a little sympathy for Sasha Banks. As someone who has children and a family of his own, I would hate to miss out on a holiday like Christmas with them.
[MAURO RANALLO] I do believe that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said about Sasha Banks, Corey.
Sasha Banks has dragged Liv up to her feet against the ring ropes and she holds her there. She’s not going for another attack. Sasha is staring at Liv before she grabs her by the chin and forces the platinum blonde star to look at her. Liv looks to be coming to it and her eyes meet Banks’ own and Sasha shakes her head at Liv.
[SASHA BANKS] You’re MY bitch now.
Sasha begins to charge up to go for her next attack, but before she can, Liv cracks a disturbing smile. Even in all her pain at the vengeful hands of the Blueprint, Liv still manages to almost laugh off the power of Banks. This almost pisses Sasha off more than anything, and catches her off guard just long enough for Liv to inhale and project a large ball of spit right between the eyes of the Boss!
[MAURO RANALLO] Did she just-?!
[COREY GRAVES] I think she did!
[BETH PHOENIX] The audacity of Liv Morgan! That has to be one of the most disrespectful and dirty things that you can do to someone!
Sasha leans back and flinches upon impact, giving Liv just enough time to wipe her lips off with the back of her hand before firmly grabbing Sasha by the back of the head and leaping up into the air. Liv brings up both of her knees, setting up for the move that has put away multiple women in the past and brought the one formerly known as the Juvenile Delinquent a lot of success in her career. As Liv falls back, she brings Sasha’s head down and connects it with both knees at full impact, executing the 201 Facebreaker! Banks snaps back onto the mat, leaving both women out for the count! Liv Morgan’s quick burst was enough to get some important offense in, but not enough to overcome the damage her body has taken. Liv and Sasha both lay on their backs, trying to gather their wits.
[COREY GRAVES] The 201 Facebreaker! This could be it, Liv could be closing in on her second XWL Women’s Championship victory!
[MAURO RANALLO] But she’s got to make it into a cover, she’s losing valuable seconds here to recover!
[BETH PHOENIX] And the Blueprint isn’t going to be an easy one to keep down for the count.
After a few more moments, Liv finally rolls over onto her elbows, army crawling into the cover. She tosses one arm over the chest of Banks as she lays face first by her side…
1
2
BANKS POWERS ONE SHOULDER UP OFF OF THE MAT!
Liv lets out a scream of distress as she feels the Boss’s body fight to stay alive in this match. Morgan raises her head up off the mat and glares over at Banks with eyes that if we didn’t know better, we’d swear were burning red. Liv gingerly pulls herself up to her feet, dragging Sasha up off of the mat by her hair. The twisted little cogs start to turn inside of the platinum-silver head of Morgan, who throws Sasha down against the middle rope. She begins to wind up the slack of their leather strap, balling it into her first. Liv delivers a couple sharp kicks to the gut of Sasha just to ensure that she stays out of the fight for now. Liv grabs Sasha’s wrists and lifts them up, propping them up against the rope as she takes the slack closest to Sasha’s end of the strap and begins to wrap it around Banks’s wrists so that she can form a tight knot around them, binding the Blueprint to the ropes. There was just enough slack left over for Liv to step back and get a good look at her opponent, giving her the time and the place to repay some of that verbal vengeance.
[LIV MORGAN] Oh, I’m YOUR bitch now, huh?
Liv scoffs down at Sasha before winding back her hand and delivering a sharp, stinging slap to the side of her face. The commentary team shudders as the crowd begins to boo Liv out of the building at this point.
[LIV MORGAN] You USED me from the beginning!
Liv plants another harsh slap to the quickly reddening face of Sasha Banks as her emotions begin to take over. Banks’s face is forced to the right from the force behind each open palm.
[LIV MORGAN] You took my MEMORY from me!
Banks turns to stare back into the bloodthirsty eyes of Morgan, facing her penance and atonement for her past with every battering swing.
[LIV MORGAN] You took my CAREER from me!
Liv winds up her arm one more time, gritting her teeth sternly as she looks down at the bloodied and bruised face of Sasha Banks. With a velocity unparalleled to her previous strikes, Liv rains down such a powerful slap that visible blood droplets from Sasha’s previous wound shoot out upon impact. Liv leans down in the face of Sasha, her chest rising and falling rapidly in fury.
[LIV MORGAN] YOU NEVER LOVED ME!
Even though Liv is the clear antagonist here, you can’t help but feel slight sympathy for her. The emotion and venom behind her words is so raw and prevalent as her eyes begin to well up from merely uttering them. The commentary team is silenced at the display, witnessing these two at their most vulnerable, but most dangerous. Both women pouring their hearts out to one another, letting out their rage and scorn onto one another after a journey that has defined their careers for the last couple of years. Liv lowers her head in grief, placing her forehead into the nook of Sasha’s neck as she tries to reel in her emotions. It’s almost as if this was the therapy she always needed in order to get any amount of closure from this defining chapter of her life. Morgan finally takes a deep breath and lifts her head, taking a step back as she sniffs and looks down at Banks, who is in the perfect position to be finished off.
[LIV MORGAN] Sorry Boss, but I’m not your BITCH… I’m your KARMA.
Liv grabs hold of the strap, ready to pull it at just the right angle to unravel the knot she tied. She leans down in position that prepares her for the sprint that’s to come as she looks Banks dead in the eyes before dashing towards her. Liv jumps into the air, swinging her legs up through the ropes and yanking on the strap to undo the knot. She wraps her arm around the neck of Sasha, bouncing back off of the ropes as she looks to close this chapter with the Modified Flatliner that she’s adequately dubbed: “Instant Karma”... but Sasha hooks her arm in the rope to stop the finishing maneuver from being hit and Liv Morgan falls flat on her back instead! Liv is stunned as she’s trying to get to her feet but Sasha quickly connects with a knee to Liv Morgan’s jaw - the B Trigger connecting with the former champion!
[BETH PHOENIX] Sasha Banks hits her signature knee strike but why isn’t she going for the cover?
[MAURO RANALLO] Sasha Banks is cashing her check to Final Stand right now is what she’s doing!
Sasha takes the strap and she positions herself at the head of Liv Morgan. The strap is placed at the mouth of Liv Morgan and Sasha locks in the Bank Statement except with the strap pulling at the mouth of Liv!
[MAURO RANALLO] BANK STATEMENT MAMA MIA SHE HAS THE BANK STATEMENT LOCKED IN!
And Liv Morgan is trying to fight it. She’s trying to pull the strap away from her but the more she fights, the harder Sasha begins to pull against the leather strap. Liv tries to grab Sasha’s legs but Sasha stomps on the hand of Liv Morgan and with no other outcome in sight, Liv Morgan looks like she’s slowly losing it… AND SHE TAPS OUT!
SASHA BANKS HAS DONE IT! SASHA BANKS IS YOUR NEW WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
The submission hold is let go after Liv Morgan taps out and the crowd erupts in cheers for the Boss.
[MAURO RANALLO] Mama Mia! Liv Morgan’s hopes and dreams of recapturing the championship are over! The Boss is back on top!
[COREY GRAVES] This is terrible. Absolutely dreadful. It almost makes me want to throw up.
Sasha Banks pushes Liv away and gets situated on her knees. A glance is taken over at Liv...
… before Sasha throws her head back and starts cackling with glee at what she’s accomplished.
[BETH PHOENIX] Our first Women’s Champion of the brand-new XWL has been crowned and I couldn’t be more proud of Sasha. She came into this match with this gameplan in mind and she clearly outmaneuvered and outplayed the former champion.
[COREY GRAVES] Is it too late to have Edge strip the champions of their titles again?
The referee carries the XWL Women’s Championship over to it’s new holder and Sasha happily takes the championship into her own two hands. It’s been three long years since Sasha has held this championship and so much has happened in that time such as the Boss turning on her best friend to begin what is arguably the greatest series of matches that the XWL Women’s Division has ever seen. Sasha Banks aligned with the Bullet Club during this time period. A toxic relationship began with the woman she beat tonight that culminated in this feel good moment. For the first time ever, women main evented Final Stand as Sasha Banks challenged Natalya to a Hell in a Cell match. So much more happened involving Sasha that could probably be discussed but right now, the past was the last thing on her mind. She was focused on the present because as of right now, Sasha could say that she was your NEW XWL Women’s Championship and she held that championship high above her head with one arm while the other held onto the back of her neck.
[MAURO RANALLO] Whether you like it or not, Corey, that’s our new champion!
The Boss brings her body around to allow every fan in this arena to see the championship shine in the light. The Women’s Championship is then placed on her shoulder as she begins to head out of the ring, stepping through the ropes and then down the steps.
[BETH PHOENIX] Who would’ve guessed a couple months ago that not only would Sasha Banks be beating Liv Morgan for the Women’s Championship, but she’d also be cheered by the fans? It’s not secret Sasha did some terrible things to certain people - things that made me sick to my stomach - but I believe her when she says she’s trying to change and be a better person.
There are a few younger fans who extend their arms out and Sasha responds by giving them a couple high fives as she begins to move up the ramp… but then she stops and looks back… and Liv Morgan is starting to come to it.
[COREY GRAVES] Am I the only one who feels remorse for what Liv Morgan went through?
[MAURO RANALLO] I thi-
[COREY GRAVES] Yes, I obviously am. Liv Morgan wasn’t prepared to actually compete in a match. Liv Morgan was prepared to be handed the championship. While I agree, yes, everyone should earn their accomplishments, I would feel terrible if my friend promised me something and then turned their back on me because they wanted what I was getting. How is Liv Morgan the bad guy here? Why are we not cheering for her? Is it because Canada is too nice to boo for Sasha?
[MAURO RANALLO] Well, she did kidnap Sasha… and she did do other terrible things to the Boss.
The realization has set in and Liv Morgan does not look happy right now. Not in the least. She looks somewhere between betrayed, pissed off, and devastated that her night was ruined by Sasha Banks of all people.
Cameras switch back to the Boss who flashes a smirk down the rest of the ramp at Liv Morgan as she holds HER championship up in the air one last time before we head to the next segment of the night.
KingWolf Upper Mid Card
Posts : 690 Likes : 11 Join date : 2014-10-20 Age : 28 Location : Jersey Shore Bay Bay
We return from a quick advertisement for High Octane and the lights go immediately black before commentary can welcome us back to the broadcast. The lights go into a strobe light effect along with the eerie beat. The words Io Shirai are in bold on the titantron and the EDM type song picks up speed. Out from the back comes a hooded Io who can be seen in between the flashes of the strobe lighting. She moves slowly and raises her one finger to run across her cheekbone. Raising her eyebrows and a piece of her hair covering her eyes, so all you can see is from her lips down.
She’s moving normally but the effect picks it up as slow motion, turning to the side Shirai flips off her hood with her one hand and leans back to take in all of the energies of the surrounding people. The fills of the rhythm are with her head tilting and she starts to take steps down the ramp.
Relaxed as ever, Io rolls her shoulders and her coat falls halfway off baring them. She pouts into the camera and keeps making her stroll down as the fans don’t know how to react, almost in a trance and she’s whimsically strutting to the end, then instantly runs her hands through her hair and paces back and forth, frantically.
Her eyes widened and her hair swung in every direction and she stomps hard into the ground, punching the air into a full 360, and she jumps onto the apron, sliding her knee across it. Hanging into the ropes as her back is pressed into them, scanning the front row. She falls into bottom rope arching her back and backhand springs into the ring through the second gracefully.
Io is looking at herself and admires her gear and runs over to the ropes almost leaping over them and she puts her pointer finger to her lips as if to SHUSH the crowd. Opening her mouth, the camera pans from the left to the right and she jolts off to her respective corner, whichever one she chooses.
Shirai now perching and twisting herself in the corner trying to get herself stretched up, slumps down to sit and holds the ropes in a comfortable position as the lights come back on. She blows air and her hair goes up and then back down, a smile across her face forced, and she does it a few times then sits calmly waiting for her opponent.. Until she remembers she hasn’t introduced anything yet of what this supposed challenge is about.
Shirai puts her hand up and says “Wait, who are you?” to the referee. Then springs herself back up to her feet boosted into a jump to nearly the center, asking for a microphone in the process, obviously.
A silence covers the arena and she is given the mic, tapping it a few times and shaking it, even biting it as if to ensure it’s real.
ﾉの 丂んﾉ尺ﾑﾉ Okay.. OHHHKAY. You want know what I am going to do Eh, Canada? I show you. I collect right? I take, right? I TAKEEEEEEEEEE!
She puts her fist clenched into the air and the microphone along with it, turning it down enough so she can speak into it.
ﾉの 丂んﾉ尺ﾑﾉ Dark.. Collector.. Challenge begins now, I take away from some..body and I take away something they love, something they care about. My choice, your risk.. COME OUTTTTTTT!
Io jogs in place and pretends to shadow box and then drops the microphone as trips herself to go back into her corner once more.
The crowd is up on their feet for the thrill of hearing the interlude of this person’s theme song. A feedback of someone plugging in the electric or bass guitar. Out from the back comes a hyped up.. Candice Lerae! She’s grinding her teeth and looking left and right, rocking out with the crowd. Her arms are wide out and she licks her lips at the satisfaction from the opportunity everyone is seeing her receiving.
Candice runs right to the ring and slides in immediately not wasting any time and Io keeps her eyes on her the entire time. LeRae jumps up to the top of the turnbuckle waving to a fan in the front row and pointing, then spins to drop down and she jostles herself in the corner, going from a smile to a serious more focused expression.
The theme fades out and Candice steps up to the middle ready to take it to Io and Io sizes her up, going in circles and she goes in circles for a repeated time, touching each turnbuckle. The referee rings the bell at some point and LeRae starts to settle in what she’s in for.
Candice is confused by the obscure movements and unorthodox behavior from Shirai and she keeps her fighting stance, turning to her at every chance she can, Io picks up even more speed and then runs the ropes. Candice braces for the impact but it’s too late as Io slides into a brutal kick that snaps back her opponents head to the mat that can be heard with a sudden reverb.
Candice grabs onto her neck and then turns up flat on her stomach, digging her palms into the mat attempting to get up. Io grabs her by the chin and rises her up, only to lick her palm and then smack her in the face with it. Candice stumbles and loses her balance only to send a forearm into the chest of Io lighting her eyes up, another forearm comes afterwards, following with one to the nose.
Shirai screams in her face and asks for more, talking in a low toned Japanese. She’s smacking her own self and then Candice goes to swing, predictability because Io pushed her temper to come out and Io does a calculated SPIN KICK to the side of her chin.
This causes her to rotate and then Io does another from the other side as Candice is on her way down. Not one but TWO SPIN KICKS that make Candice lose her sense of self and she goes limp, Io with so much force that she falls herself because she couldn’t catch her own balance and lands on top of LeRae mounting her with her shoulders down
1..
2..
Candice tries to lift her one shoulder out of guttural instinct.. but Io’s knee presses it down firmly, as if to give mercy to her.
3..
The referee is beckoned over to a now standing Shirai who is fixing her hair as if she barely broke a sweat and tells her to raise her hand, the referee doesn’t understand her, so she says it again slowed down. The referee reluctantly goes to do it because of how rude she’s being and Io screams at her, then the official gives in and raises her hand for a second.
Shirai is so happy with herself, looking down at Candice and pulls out a knife to cut a circle off of her hippie pattern trunks, she rips the threading and then Candice covers herself to not be exposed. Io holds it up high to the air and then rubs it against her face. She’s collecting the fabric of LeRae and then stuffs it into her pocket showing she’s taking something valuable, the lights go off instantly for a couple seconds, back into her theme and the strobe lighting as we fade to commercial break with a statement being made to the entire women’s lockerroom by the Dreamcatcher, A devious gleam in Io Shirai’s eyes is the last thing we see.
P1 Upper Mid Card
Posts : 764 Likes : 1 Join date : 2012-10-14 Age : 32 Location : CT
Subject: Re: XWL AFTERSHOCK: 2/26/2020 - 3/11/2020 Wed Mar 11, 2020 11:51 am
Corey Graves Ladies and gentleman, what a show we’ve had so far!! And it’s not even over yet!!
Mauro Ranallo That’s right!! We’ve seen Seth Rollins and Jon Moxley absolutely destroy each other with fists and barbed wire. Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane were able to surprise the XWL Universe with their controversial finish to their match.. We had a Live episode of the Dirt Sheet featuring WALTER. KO Shirai impressed everyone tonight during her dark collector challenge. Don’t even get me started on Sasha Banks and Liv Morgan’s Match.. Oh, and of course Bobby Roode was given the surprise of his lifetime when his opponent was revealed for his Intercontinental Championship Match!
Corey Graves Speaking of Roode’s opponent, Bray Wyatt challenged the masked man to a match for next week!! I can’t wait!!
Mauro Ranallo Me neither!! And that’s not all that we have planned for next week!! The same day that Edge bought XWL, he sent his best friend Christian to travel the world and find 20 of the most promising young up and coming wrestlers that have never been given a chance to make a name for themselves in the XWL spotlight.
Beth Phoenix He found 10 women, and 10 men. And these past few months on the USA Network, you’ve been able to watch them work with our top trainers and try to convince you that they have what it takes to be the next big thing here in XWL!!
Corey Graves That’s right!! We started with 20, but thanks to all of your votes these past few months, we are now down to four!! Two men, two women… And only two of them are going to be given a shot at making their dreams come true by earning themselves an XWL contract!!
Mauro Ranallo So make sure that you vote!! The polls close this Tuesday, the day before this week’s Octane!! The two male contestants left go by the names of Jimmy Starr and Adam Page. And the two young ladies left are named Britt Baker and Savanna Stone!!
Beth Phoenix And next week we will be announcing the winners, live on XWL Octane!!! You won’t want to miss it!!
Corey Graves That’s right!! So make sure that you go on XWL’s official YouTube page to catch up on all the episodes of “Christian’s XWL Superstar Hunt”!! And don’t forget to vote for your favorite finalist!!
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Posts : 690 Likes : 11 Join date : 2014-10-20 Age : 28 Location : Jersey Shore Bay Bay
The lights dim and everyone starts to get on the edge of their seats. Cameras are flashing and fans can be heard from every section easily. A prelude starts to play along with an echo.. “Do you know what defying limitations truly means? I’m about to show you…” A white spotlight appears on the top of the stage and inside it is a silhouette, everything goes pitch black an in an instant.
Keith Lee stands tall as ever as the lights go from complete darkness to him fully in color with focus beaming in his eyes, his theme song playing through and the commentary weigh in on the match up we’re heading into.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] A monsterous Keith Lee, a prepared and ultimately a newer edition of the Limitless Leader, his legion is taking over it seems.
[Beth Phoenix] One man stands in his way tonight and that one man, happens to be also a dragon. Ready to set fire to anything Lee tries here tonight.
Lee is prespirating already off his skin and he takes a deep breath then sends his fist out pumped up, out of his stoic position. He makes his way down to the ring with a smile. Not just any smile is on the face of the Limitless One, it’s a smile that he’s fulfilling his destiny here tonight, and won’t let anyone stop him. He’s been on a warpath that is only written in stories.
Keith takes a moment at the edge of the ramp to take in all of the cheers, he breathes in the atmosphere and then goes to the steps, flipping his hood on as he leans down by chance and grabbing the steel post, he stomps down on each one getting his motions going, and then slides himself across the ropes epicly. Bending down to get inside the ropes, he marches to the other side of the ring in full swing with the view, and all eyes on him. Keith Lee positions his thumb to the side of his head and bellows out to the live audience.
He shakes his head left and right and then smirks as he returns to the center as he’s got his back arched and his eyes glued to the podium that the World Championship is placed on. He squints his eyes and turns his attention to the stage. The theme dies down with him soaking in the energy from the anticipation.
The second Bryan's theme starts, boos rain down onto the stage, the former World Heavyweight Champion looking forward to continuing the winning ways of The Enterprise tonight following Bobby Roode's victory over his mystery demon opponent in Kane, where he regained the Intercontinental Championship. A few seconds pass before Bryan walks out from behind the curtain, no theatrics and no over the top entrance, tonight, he's all business.
He walks down the entrance ramp with purpose, ignoring the live audience in attendance as his focus remains on regaining the World Heavyweight Championship he never lost while his eyes remain locked on his opponent for the evening. Bryan makes it to the bottom of the ramp without much fanfare while boos continue to pepper The Corporate Dragon as he rolls into the ring under the bottom rope and quickly backs himself into the nearby turnbuckle, dropping down to a knee as his arms wrap around the adjacent middle ropes on either side of him, conserving as much energy as he possibly can for the rapidly impending war ahead.
[[Corey Graves]] Moments make history and this is a big fight feel, i’ve got boosebumps.
(Mauro laughing)
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Boosebumps, Corey?
[[Corey Graves]] I-I’m sorry, i’m so excited I can’t even talk apparently. You know what I meant, if you thought Owens and Lee tore the roof off this building back when we returned under the Octane flag, you’d be remiss to ignore the potential of what can happen here when these two square off.
[[Mauro Ranallo]] You’d be correct in your assessment, Graves.. We are in for a match that creates the future for XWL as a whole, Edge i’m sure is watching somewhere as not only an owner, as a fan.
[Beth Phoenix] My husband is a leader, he knows what it takes to make it in this business and these two have IT, that factor cannot be taught and it’ll be displayed here tonight without question. Overcoming the odds and settling the score against pure domination and knocking down challenge after challenge. Those are the rewards, you reap them by putting your skill.. To the test and in-ring IQ.
[[Corey Graves]] This entire place is buzzing, a match up for the ages is about to shift this entire company on its head.
SPOILERS AHEAD
SPOILERS AHEAD
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What a Moonsault from Keith Lee! The air in Bryan's lungs is visibly knocked out upon impact as the larger man's weight lands across the chest of the former World Heavyweight Champion, swinging the momentum of this match back in his favor and inflicting the much needed damage to put away the ever resourceful Corporate Dragon. Keith pulls himself to his feet from a previously kneeling position, holding his abdomen with his right hand, the maneuver inflicting some recoil damage upon himself, an honorable and worthwhile trade in his eyes. The Limitless One looks over his shoulder, soaking in the positive reaction of the live audience in attendance and spotting the prize he hopes to attain in the form of the World Heavyweight Championship sitting proudly on the pedestal near the timekeeper's area. The distance between them is slowly closed as Keith inches closer and closer to his ultimate goal, extending his hand when he gets within reach and placing it across the golden main plate of the Championship, a confident smile forming on his face as determination fills his face, he knows what he must do to attain it. As Keith Lee turns his focus to the task at hand, he's met with running Dropkick, courtesy of Daniel Bryan, that sends the larger man barreling into the corner portion of the nearby barricade, causing him to collide with it before being sent down to the thinly layered padding below. His momentary distraction costing him dearly and immediately, giving Bryan control of this match.
The Corporate Dragon's anger begins to be unleashed upon a now kneeling Keith Lee, who is using the barricade to keep himself upright, but all he does is leave himself open to the myriad of Bryan's deadly and calculated kicks, each finding their mark with godly precision across Keith's chest. The live audience in attendance begins to chant when each kick finds its mark, letting out a thunderous “NO!” when he makes contact, causing Bryan's pace to subtly quicken with each strike, slowly but surely delivering the strikes faster than the crowd can audibly react to the previous one. As Keith Lee's chest begins to glow red with the growing speed and intensity behind each strike, Bryan lets out his Corporate Dragon's Roar, his eyes lacking any sense of regret or remorse as he looks at his fallen foe, the only think keeping Lee upright being the barricade itself.
Bryan takes a step back and plants his left foot into the ground below and winds back his right before swinging it forward, causing it to cut through the air and find its mark in the shape of Keith Lee's head, damn near scoring a field goal with the precision and power behind the strike, his opponent falling into a heap at his feet. As a lifeless Keith Lee lays on the thinly layered padding below, Bryan simply and remorselessly looks down at the man trying to take the Championship that was stripped from him on the first episode of Octane, his futile attempt at glory being snuffed out by the final kick in Bryan's combination.
Bryan begins to take a step back, that single step becoming two, then three then four and you know the numbers that follow, the distance between them growing at a steady pace, but why is Bryan backing up when he theoretically has this match won? His eyes haven't waned from his target in the larger Keith Lee, finally stopping when his back collides with the barricade on the opposite end of the ringside area, his opponent slowly beginning to show signs of life as he heavily and visibly struggles to pull himself off the ground. Bryan's arms wrap around the top of the barricade, as he slowly leans forward, his eyes narrowing and locking onto his target while his hands hold onto the top of said barricade. Keith Lee is able to fight up to a single knee, causing Bryan to pull himself backwards into the barricade behind him. The second his back makes contact, he charges forward and makes a beeline towards the man that has been a thorn at not only his side, but the side of his Enterprise.
As the distance between them rapidly closes, Bryan looks to put the exclamation point on this match but he isn't the one that strikes first. Keith Lee powers out from his kneeling position, driving his shoulder into an incoming Daniel Bryan, not only halting his momentum in an instant but also reversing it, sending The Corporate Dragon backwards into the ring through the middle and bottom ropes with an earthshaking Pounce. The explosion of cheers for The Limitless One rivals that of the maneuver itself, hope once again being restored to the Canadian crowd.
It is now Keith Lee that's closing the distance between himself and his opponent as Bryan tries to regain his composure following his brush with death. Keith enters the ring with the deceptive speed of a man his size and attempts to capitalize on the opportunity he has afforded himself. The second he enters the ring, however, Bryan is already back on the offensive, throwing a kick to what he believed would be Keith's exposed chest but The Limitless One is having none of it and catches Bryan's kick before it can properly connect, causing The Corporate Dragon to be at Lee's mercy. That lasts for a handful of moments as the duo finds themselves near the center of the ring, Bryan immediately trying to break his hold by delivering forearms to his face, which only seem to tickle the larger man to the point where his smile grows with each strike, infuriating the former World Heavyweight Champion.
A single slap echoing throughout the arena causes a hush to fall around the ring, allowing Bryan to break away and regain control of his appendage. Keith's smile quickly fades and is replaced with a look of anger, causing Bryan to charge forward and attempt to put an end to this but Keith Lee takes whatever Bryan had in mind and tosses him into the air. Bryan, being in this position before, shifts his body to prevent himself from being hit with the Spirit Bomb so easily but instead, he finds himself in another predicament: A Keith Lee sized Bearhug.
SPOILERS AHEAD
SPOILERS
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[[Mauro Ranallo]] He's done it, the limitless one has achieved his destiny!
[[Corey Graves]] After setback and setback, you cannot deny that he is now among the greats. The Enterprise has to be fuming backstage but that doesn't phase Keith Lee for even a second. A devastation of powerbombs into the Big Bang Catastrophe!
[[Mauro Ranallo]] Now after coming up short in their first encounter, we can now officially call him, champion..because that's exactly who and what he is. Title or not, the display of both these athletes prove that XWL is the top company with the top stars.
[Beth Phoenix] The Corporate Dragon vanquished but it wasn't easy, it never ever is. Both of them put up a fight and it could have went any way, at any given time.
Keith Lee off pure adrenaline pops up to his feet and then fall into the ropes with the camera on him in pure shock. His face tells a story, a story of overcoming adversity. Keith immediately rolls out and walks along the apron to the other side of the ring where the announcers are and giving him a standing ovation. He comes off the apron and boosts himself over to the title and winces for a second. Breathing heavy, he yanks the championship off the podium and holds it low, then rolls back into the ring to one knee.
He lets out a huge roar that only he can and then stumbles up to his feet and raises the title high to the sky with the fans reactions lighting up the entire arena, loud as can be. Lee holds his hand out for a microphone and shortly receives it.
[Keith Lee] “GLORIFICATION IN DEMONSTRATION Make no mistake, this is the reality. Say what you want about Daniel Bryan and The Enterprise but that man kicked my ass tonight. We put on a show, and without him.. there would be no evolved, Keith Lee. I'm a changed man, this pay per view promptly named, Aftershock and after that match, I am shocked. I walk out of here tonight as not only The Limitless Leader of the Limitless Legion. I walk out, YOUR NEW
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!
He smacks the belt with one of his hands and puffs out his chest.
[Keith Lee] “GLORIFICATION IN DEMONSTRATION Believe it, you can achieve it. Believe it, you can cultivate your words with actions. The men and the women in the back are putting themselves on the line for you and I plan to do that with each and every defense. High Octane is on the horizon, I'm not planning on staring into the sun. My story ladies and gentlemen, has only..just.. begun. For now however, I'll let you all..
ℬครк
IN.. MY…
Keith drops the microphone and a static sound blends with him raising his thumb up and posing with the world championship in clear view smiling as the show comes to it's end and fades out to black.
Subject: XWL AFTERSHOCK: 2/26/2020 - 3/11/2020 
Wed Feb 26, 2020 5:11 pm
