Post by @whirlwind_LLC on Jul 16, 2018 15:17:47 GMT -8
Alice in Chains “Rooster” was just starting to fade with Jan van der Roost in ring to a much appreciated round of respect from the Whirlwind faithful right here at this special VIP exclusive match. But who was he fighting?
Thatcher: Hello and welcome everyone to Whirlwind Wrestling's Triple Threat, where every match is a triple threat!
Mynx: Except this one, we're live here with accomplished veteran Jan van der Roost in his debut with us. We had heard rumors that after impressing last month with his performance against Jose Sanchez, RUIN would be making a return but...
Thatcher: Oh, you don't know either? I had heard lead-project designer Toby Knight had secured some last minute changes, but it seems he's been more tight-lipped about this that not even the most prominent of dirt sheet writers have been able to pry it out of him.
A thick, thick layer of fog rolls out of the entrance area, piled on top by more layers of fog as Pierce the Veil's “Don't Fear the Reaper” strikes the hearts of the thousands in attendance for the fifth pay-per-view extravaganza, including illiciting a raised eyebrow from the Rooster himself!
Mynx: No way, what did Toby do?!
Thatcher: I heard she was recently released by the Global Wrestling Association's subsidiaries, but no way could Toby have brought the former three-time Liberty Pro Champion all the way to Mexico...
Mynx: So, you do know her...
Thatcher: Yeah. Who doesn't know The Society's creator, bringer of controversy everywhere she goes, Becky Balfour?!
Indeed, as Thatcher alluded to (or, more accurately, outright said), it didn't take more than two steps onto the entrance stage for this crowd to go into a frenzy for, arguably, one of the top free agents in months, even years, to appear right here in the heart of the Whirlwind over any other place she could have chosen.
Mynx: This is surreal. Truly a huge moment for us as a company to have brought such a huge star into our home.
Becky spent an inordinate amount of time on stage as she trudged her way through the fog, zig-zagging down the aisleway. Rooster watches her carefully, like a teacher over their student until Becky finally makes her way to the ring.
Thatcher: Becky sure is taking in the moment here.
Mynx: She's probably nervous. She's never worked Mexico has she?
Thatcher: It looks more like she's in shock at the smaller crowd we have than such a globally recognized conglomerate. You don't think she's bitter do you?
Mynx: If you got released from a large corporation, and went to work for a smaller one, wouldn't you be bitter?
Thatcher: That doesn't matter. The show must go on, a man (or woman!) has to eat. You do what you have to do to keep the money coming in.
Mynx: If you insist.
Becky took her sweet time on the outside, then in the ring, hanging over, through the ropes, almost taunting at the front row fans. All the while Rooster kept his unblinking eyes trained on Becky.
Becky appeared distracted her attention scattered on the crowd even after the bell rang. It took a whistle from Rooster to get her attention. She turned to Rooster's direction just as he took her by the arm, slinging her to the mat with an awkward hip toss. Rooster sat up and shook his head. “That wasn't right”, he thought, as Becky landed awkwardly with her arm under her body.
Thatcher: Maybe she's adapting to the Whirlwind style.
Mynx: She's a renown, world-class athlete all over the globe. I don't know what the hell that was, but that wasn't a hip toss I'd expect of a three-time world champion.
Becky sat up and turned toward Rooster, sticking her tongue out at him, almost mocking him, daring him to do his worst. With a steady mind and a low tolerance for bullsh**, Rooster takes her arm again in his hands, and forces her up to her feet. Becky starts to step away from him, but Rooster clubs her back with his free hand, and pulls her back. He whispers something inaudible in her ear, then lets her go. She takes off into the ropes, rebounding back toward him, where he stops her with a kick to the midsection, winding her, doubling her over in pain. Rooster takes a step back to size her up, curiously she hasn't stood back up from the kick. It was then he knew something was wrong. But the show must go on, and with that he took Becky by the back of her head and pulled her in, arms stretched out as he called for the “Dutch Death Strike” (Canadian Destroyer). He flipped over her to start the move, but on the landing Becky failed to make the full rotation, instead landing firmly on her back a la a sunset flip powerbomb. Rooster stood back up, he was now visibly annoyed.
Thatcher: I don't think he got all of that...
Mynx: I don't think WE'RE getting all of this match!
Becky looks up into Rooster's eyes with a plastered half-smirk. He did not look amused. He took Becky by the hair and pulled her back to her feet, transitioning to a front facelock position. He whispers something to her once again, that might have sounded something like “stay down”, before dropping her hard on the mat with a shoot DDT. On the landing, Roost hooks her near leg in a shoot pin as Ace Vincent drops down to make the count;
1!
2!
3!
Alice in Chains' “Rooster” plays as Ace Vincent gets on the mic.
Ace Vincent: Your winner as a result of a pinfall...Jan van der Roost!
But the scene wasn't one of a happy one. Rooster stayed staring down at Becky, whether that was in disgust, disappointment, or a combination therein while Becky lay on the mat with her arms out-stretched. The Gimnasio on the other hand, had other opinions of this match.
Rooster, now walking backwards up the aisle, looks out to the fans and especially back to Becky, mouthing only “I agree...I agree.” as he headed back to the back.
Thatcher: What...what was that all about?
Mynx: I'd say that was why the Global Wrestling Association released Becky Balfour in the first place...what was Toby ever thinking to sign someone that. What? I don't. I just can't wrap my head around this.
Thatcher: Well, we're all human, we're allowed to have off nights. I just, well I'm disappointed. I don't know what I expected, but I didn't expect this. These two are highly respected, well polished veterans, and while the Rooster did his part flawlessly, Becky...I just don't get it, Nikki. I just hope this isn't the last time we see Becky around the Whirlwind.
Mynx: After a performance like that, what a disappointing end to a young career that was otherwise filled with promise. I'd hope she can look herself in the mirror and find herself after this wake up call.
Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy” kicks off Triple Threat with a bang when perhaps the largest Whirlwind athlete MAX Danger steps into the aisle to a warm pop from the Monterrey faithful! It was never gonna get old to listen to these chants egging him on. With a deep breath he begins making his way to the ring.
Thatcher: Welcome everyone to our fifth pay-per-view extravaganza, Triple Threat: where every match is a triple threat!
Mynx: No, that line isn’t going to get old to listen to you spout off all night. Course not…
Thatcher: Anyway, folks, what a show we have for you tonight, VIP preshow notwithstanding as we’ll be looking forward to Leon Tyrell battling with Mr. Athleticism Terrance Knight later on and a thrilling challenge to Joe Jones’ run as Whirlwind Champion when he takes on Pendragon and Stephen Callaway!
Mynx: That’s not all, we’ve also got Baldwin Knight back to host The Knightline with guests Sam Tolson and Bryan Blaze to talk about what’s next after sending The Upper Class packing. Speaking of The Upper Class, they are not here tonight so we should have a peaceful show...you can send your thank you notes to Sam and Blaze. Or money, I hear everybody likes getting checks in the mail!
Thatcher: But up next, we’ve got the MMA icon MAX Danger looking to rebound from his close loss by judge decision last month, in a big way with a pair of W’s over two hot signings; the veteran Maria Montez, and the as some would call him “hot head”, Kendrick Kross.
Mynx: Yeah, and we all know where Kendrick is, that Britney Anders is surely somewhere close by...I hope she isn’t planning to interrupt this match.
Thatcher: Right? I think that Kross has got all the talent in the world...and I’d like to see him become more than “Britney’s boyfriend”, if I can be so bold.
At the end of the aisle, MAX makes one massive vertical leap from the floor to the apron, eliciting a series of ooh’s and ah’s over the athleticism shown as he finally enters the ring over the top rope. There wasn’t anything flashy about his dress; he was clearly here for one reason, and one reason only. He was ready for a fight.
MAX Danger: I ain’t bouta eat up much of your time now, I mean look at this place! Every single one of you didn’t come to watch me blow smoke at Kendrick, and you damn sure ain’t come to see Britney Anders pussy out of another big fight...so I’ma make this simple. First, Maria Montez is gonna come out, and she’s a real great chick, she knows her stuff, and I got all the respect in the world for her...her daughter may be ‘nother story, but Maria is cool in my book. We bouta light this damn ring up, then tell ol boy Leon to try and follow us! But then we get to Kendrick Kross…
Thatcher: Kendrick and MAX have been at each other’s throats all month, in a bit of a rivalry that stretches back even further than that. Since before Kendrick signed with the Whirlwind, as I recall.
Mynx: Some people just mix like oil and water, and Kendrick plus MAX may be one such example of that. Can’t like everyone.
Thatcher: I’m not implying that you can. But would a little bit of professionalism between them hurt? Look at the tweets exchanged between them..
Mynx: Can’t be helped, really. MAX and Kendrick, it’s like sticking a square peg into a round hole.
MAX Danger: So, “pal”. Buddy. K double...get yo sorry behind out here, and let’s do this thing right NOW! Bouta beat some dang respect into you the hard way, even if I gotta make yo face match yo girl’s…
Five Finger Death Punch’s “Under and Over It” plays almost immediately following the remark, shortly after Kendrick Kross comes sprinting straight from the entrance area and into the ring! Kendrick immediately went nose-to-nose, forehead-to-forehead...then it happened. K2 threw the first punch, rocking MAX right on the jaw! MAX reeled back, then buried a fist deep into K2’s abdomen, leveling him under the pressure! MAX alternates the left and the right and K2 looks a little worse for wear as MAX backs him up into the ropes. MAX takes a step forward, then rears his fist back, the Gimnasio rallying behind him with a “singalong” of sorts;
K2 had other inclinations as he leapt from the ropes to catch MAX hard with a STIFF knee strike to the face, a strike so hard and fast it took MAX right off his feet! K2 stood over MAX as if he were a standing over a hunting trophy when…
Rihanna’s “Hard” barely begins before Maria Montez appears at the entranceway with a sprint down to the ring, bravely getting between the two to break it up!
Thatcher: Maria isn’t about to let these two make this fight about themselves.
Mynx: Why, though? Just let them beat the stuffing out of each other, make it an easy night for yourself…
Thatcher: Maria isn’t the type to take it easy though. She’s a long time veteran, but she’s not here to coast on her name. She’s here to prove that she can go just like she did at day one, right here, in her hometown and ours - Monterrey, Mexico!
Mynx: That kind of sounded like a commercial for a Monterrey vacation resort, but you know what, I think I understand you.
While Maria checked on MAX, that gave enough time for Ace Vincent to come down to the ring and call for the bell to start this opening contest.
Just as soon as the bell rang, Maria was between both MAX and K2 in a separation attempt but it was to no avail as these two fighters were destined to clash right out the gate! K2 throws Maria aside to charge straight into MAX with a hard left buried deep into the big man's abdomen, while MAX replies in kind with a STIFF knee into K2's ribs! Both men let out a wheeze but neither let it slow them down. K2 took MAX by the arm, whipping him into the ropes, but MAX put the brakes on and sent K2 into the ropes instead! K2 rebounds off the ropes, with MAX greeting him with a high elevation spinebuster – but K2 punches the MMA icon right in the face! MAX stumbles back into the opposite ropes but doesn't leave his feet! K2 dashes forward to press the advantage with a back elbow to MAX' face...when Maria returns from behind to take advantage of K2's momentum, dumping BOTH of them over the top rope and to the floor!
Thatcher: These two have so much pent up animosity with each other that they haven't even focused on Maria for a moment...
Mynx: And Maria just made them pay for it!
Before K2 or MAX could even get back to their feet, Maria stepped back to get a running start before hurling her own body over the top rope to nail the two of them with a corkscrew plancha, much to the approval of the entire Gimnasio! Maria stood up to take a bow, only to be greeted by a single request.
Never one to leave a crowd hanging, the gorgeous twenty year veteran bombshell jumped up on the ring apron, then to the second rope, springboarding off with a corkscrew moonsault onto the two, receiving a massive pop for her efforts!
Thatcher: Maria Montez delivering everything here in the early going!
Mynx: Was there ever any doubt?
MAX had started to stir, prompting Maria to grab him by the ear and drag him back up to the ring, pushing with all her might to roll him under the bottom rope. She slid in right behind him, pressing her chest to his in a firm lateral press, while Ace Vincent counted the fall;
1!
2 – K2 grabs her foot and pulls her out of the cover!
Thatcher: Kendrick saving the match up for himself! And, probably the only time he'd ever save MAX Danger from anything.
Mynx: See, that's the problem with these triple threat matches, you gotta keep your head on a swivel...
Maria kicks her foot at K2, forcing him to release it before he could pull her out of the ring. She steps out on the ring apron as he climbs up on it, catching her with a kick to the midsection, doubling her over in pain as he takes the opportunity to climb into the ring. From inside, he grabs her by the hair and the top of her attire and lifts her up into a vertical suplex, holding her for a moment before dropping her hard on her back with a ring shaking impact!
Mynx: And just like that, Kendrick Kross takes control of the match!
From the suplex, K2 floats over her into a cover off the lateral press, Ace dropping down to count the fall;
1!
2!
K2 lifts her shoulder up!
Thatcher: What?!
K2 lifts her shoulder up, breaking his own pinfall. He takes her by the hair and pulls her up to her feet with him. He mouths something inaudible at her, then checks her face with a hard forearm strike that dazes her point blank. Unopposed, he whips her hard into the corner, following through with a high knee to her face on arrival! Just as she stumbles out of the corner, K2 takes her by the hand and whips her across to the other corner, once more meeting her face with a high knee upon arrival! Maria began to slump down when K2 grabbed her by the arm one more time, whipping her across the ring. K2 follows her in – AND RIGHT INTO A HUGE SPEAR BY MAX, BREAKING HIM IN HALF!
Thatcher: Where the hell did he come from??
Mynx: Nevermind that, did you see the impact on that spear?!
K2 folded up like an accordion in the center of the mat as MAX laid across him, hooking the near leg;
1!
2!
Maria stumbles out of the corner, falling over the pinfall to break it up!
Thatcher: Bit of an unexpected assistance there.
Mynx: I don't even think Maria knows what just happened there, Kendrick rocked her pretty good with those high knees...
With MAX the only one up, he grabs K2 by one arm and Maria by the other. Slowly, he begins to lift the two and their deadweight to their feet, his hands locked around their attire as...
Thatcher: No way. MAX can't suplex both of them at the same time...
Mynx: He's strong, but c'mon now, that's two people at once!
With a loud grunt MAX tries to lift them, but he can't get them all the way up. He takes a deep breath, and another grunt, lifting them again, but again he only gets them about halfway up. A hush of anticipation fall over the Gimnasio as every one waits to see his feat of strength. Finally, he takes a long deep breath, exhaling as he lets out a real guttural, primal grunt, finally lifting the two up and bringing them quickly to the mat with a...not-so-pretty double snap suplex. Awkward looking, really. But he pulled it off. The Gimnasio offered up a round of applause for MAX' persistence in pulling off the huge maneuver!
Thatcher: I knew he was strong, but holy damn that may be the biggest feat of strength we've witnessed inside of the Whirlwind!
Mynx: My hero.
MAX holds his back briefly like he pulled something, then drops down into a cover over Maria. He reaches out to hook her near leg, but cries out from the sharp, pulling pain in his back so he's unable to cover all the way. Ace drops down to make the count;
1!
2!
Maria kicks out!
MAX rolls over to K2, his back pressed against his chest as Ace counts the new pinfall;
1!
2!
K2 kicks out!
Thatcher: Looks like MAX Danger might have hurt himself doing that suplex.
Mynx: Impressive as it was, he may have tried too hard there and it could cost him now.
MAX climbs up to his feet, albeit still holding his back. K2 is much slower to his feet while MAX rears his fist back, calling for the end of the match to be near. He lifts his right hand up – when K2 blasts MAX with a spinning heel kick to the face, impact sending him reeling back into the ropes! K2 motions with his hands “time to fly”, a clear reference to his “Mountain Rain” (Phoenix Splash) signature as he moves by MAX and approaches the turnbuckle.
“Approached” would be the proper syntax though, as MAX sprung back off the ropes, clocking K2 right on the jaw with the “Let's Get Dangerous” (WMD)!! K2 took the punch square before flopping face first onto the mat! MAX stood over K2, a measure of personal vindication washing over him surely when all of a sudden MAX was pulled back – it was Maria with her hands around MAX' neck, the “Monterrey Meltdown” (Coquina Clutch) was applied and MAX was fading fast!
Thatcher: We saw this last month at Day of Judgment!
Mynx: The veteran instincts of Maria are live on display here, she waited her time after MAX took care of Kendrick..and there's no way Kendrick is getting up in the immediate future after that shot.
Thatcher: I agree, nobody has gotten up feeling like their brains weren't scrambled after that punch...just like nobody has figured out the combination to the Monterrey Meltdown.
Just as Ace bent down to check on MAX, the pressure of her hands around his neck was too much, forcing him to submit to the pain.
Rihanna's “Hard” plays as Ace Vincent helps Maria back up to her feet to lift her arm in victory.
Ace Vincent: Your winner, as a result of a submission, and the first qualifying entrant into the Dangerous Wager main event...MARIA! MONTEZ!!
Maria took the time to celebrate with fans ringside while MAX lay in the ring face up and K2 lay facedown.
Thatcher: That Monterrey Meltdown scores another victim.
Mynx: That might be the secret weapon of the Whirlwind, I'm glad I'm on this side of the announce table.
Thatcher: Maybe even the secret weapon of Dangerous Wager...whatever that is.
Mynx: Why is Toby being so tight-lipped about that, anyway?! I wanna know!
Thatcher: Some things in wrestling have to be kept a secret from everybody, this match must be one of those things. I'm looking forward to his explanation next month, at Wildfire, then we can finally know what this thing is Maria just qualified for.
Mynx: For now though, let's take you to earlier today as one of our hottest new potential talent acquisitions arrived at the Gimnasio!
“Wow...that looks really, really great. You know I’m the kinda cat that’s gonna need to check this show out…”
The voice could belong to only one man. As the camera pans around, we see none other than the notorious...or should we say infamous, social media intern for Whirlwind Wrestling, Monte “The Python”. He was wearing a dark hoodie with an abstract red design over the front of it and stood in front of a television set playing a live feed of Triple Threat back in catering. In his hands? A plate loaded to the brim with breadsticks, pasta, and sauced to the gills - meatsauce that is - with something that looked like it could have come straight from the Olive Garden. I mean it didn’t, but it could have.
Monte the Python: Hmm. “Liberty City Survivor” you say? I’m hooked. This is my new number two favorite show, as of right now, this moment.
Monte finished the statement with a smug grin, before finally sitting down to to eat with his wannabe Olive Garden special.
Outside of the Gimnasio Nuevo Leon, a black Chevy SUV thing pulls up and comes to a stop in a section that is reserved for the stars of WhirlWind Wrestling LLC. Behind barricades are fans who haven’t gone inside yet and are ready with their phones to get a few pics of/with their favorite stars, maybe some auto’s as well. The driver’s side door opens and stepping out of the SUV adjusting his custom made suit is Nanook!
He is heckled and made fun of. Nanook buttons his jacket up and waves to the “fans” but a second later they erupt in cheers and screams and those barricades don’t stop a hoard of kids from jumping them and running towards the SUV whenBester...errr Orgulloso Guardian Del Arcoiris steps out from the SUV sporting a nice suit of his own and his white mask.
The kids, they bum rush him, incircling him and start chanting his name. Nanook rolls his eyes while Bester high fives each and every kid that rushed over to see him.
OGDA: “Ah Si! Si! Si! Have no fear! Orgulloso Guardián Del Arcoiris is here! Here to save the day!”
Which is meet with cheers and more high fives, and some hugs. Security is on the scene to escort the kids back to their parents, Whirlwind Wrestling LLC does not believe in ripping their kids away from their parents.
OGDA: “Don’t worry children! I am only a call away! I will never let any danger come to any of you! Ever!
Nanook is leaning up against the vehicle. As the kids make their way back behind the fence, Nanook shakes his head.
Nanook: Are you done Bester? All done playing this, whatever it is?
OGDA: Who’s Bester? You keep calling me Bester Mr. Nanook, but I don’t know who he is. I am Orgulloso…
Nanook: Yeah yeah! I know, you’ve only repeated it to me 19 times in the last hour. But look.
Nanook pushes himself off of the car and gets in Bester’s mug.
Nanook: All of these fun and games are done with. Time to get serious. Fucking Joe has the belt, the only belt.
OGDA: I know Mr. Nanook! My good buddy Joe Jones has the belt. Do you know he is Mister Whirlwind Wrestling! Boy! He must be really really good to be called Mister Whirlwind Wrestling!
Nanook: Bester….hold on.
Nanook reaches out and snatches the mask off of Bester’s skull! Much to the surprise of Bester who then tries to hide his face. Nanook tosses the mask on the ground and spits on it! Bester’s face shows the horror he is feeling. Tears start to welt up.
Nanook: We’re going in there and they want you, Bester! The guy who was just about to tear it up on San Fran, who should have been a huge star in Knoxville. Bester, the cult like hero on the indies right now! They don’t want Bester in a mask!
Bester: But….
Nanook: No buts! No more silly games Bester! It’s time to get real! It’s time to get mad! It’s time to leave your mark in that fucking ring in there, beat people down, bust open their skulls and spill their brains out on that mat! It’s time to stand up to Joe Jones and take that championship from him! That belt should be yours! You should have beaten Bryan Blaze, NOT HIM! He STOLE your spot Bester!
Bester is on the verge of crying….
Nanook: This is the toughest and hardest promotion on the face of the planet to get signed to! They are picky Bester, and they only want guys who can draw! Like you! People love you. I mean, they really love you. You can’t teach that, what you have. These fans, those kids, they are drawn to you like a moth to a flame. You’re money! Money Bester!
Nanook points with his thumb over his shoulder towards the arena.
Nanook: I have this meeting set. It’s ready to go. I got them to add 2 zeros! 2 zeros to show you how much they want you, how much they love you. It’s time to put you name on the dotted line.
Bester looks down, all depressed.
Bester: I don’t know….
Nanook: Look, listen. This is one of the biggest contracts in this company. More money than what their paying Joe. More money than they gave Kendrick Kross and Britney Anders. Bryan Blaze….you remember him?
Bester perks up.
Bester: Yes! I remember Mister Blaze. He was always nice to me.
Nanook: More than him. Stephen Callaway…..yeah? Remember him?
Bester: Yeah I do!
Nanook: He’s making minimum wage compared to you!
Bester: Really?
Nanook: Best! I got them to pony up, big time! Now, forget about that Guardian nonsense and let’s whoo them and get this deal done. Think of Spartacus.
(Bester’s cat, his best friend and allegadelly a murdering cat. It’s a long story.)
Nanook: Think what this money will do for him. You love Spartacus right?
Bester: I do! With all of my heart! He is a best friend in the whole wide world! I really wish he could come here with me….
Nanook: Well, sign this contract and you know, use the money to get him to be allowed in Mexico.
Bester: We could do that?
Nanook: We could. That and much much more.
Bester sighs.
Bester: I guess.
Nanook slaps Bester on the shoulder.
Nanook: Thataboy. Come on, let’s get going.
Nanook turns and starts to waddle towards the door. Bester glances down at his white mask. His face grows long and sad.
Bester: Why can’t I get Orgulloso Guardian Del Arcoiris? <sob>
Baldwin Knight: Ladies and gentlemen, last month we witnessed, what I personally believe to have been a misguided mistake at-best, when an impromptu match between new signing Maria Montez and Jacob Hotstuff at Day of Judgment was ended prematurely after my guest at this time threw a white towel into the ring on Jacob’s behalf. Francine, it’s a pleasure to have you here with me of course, you’re looking well as usual.
He stood up to extend his hand to the wife of the MMA legend, MAX Danger, which she daintily accepted, before taking her seat across from the seasoned reporter.
Francine Danger: Thank you, it’s good to be here.
Baldwin Knight: I’m gonna jump right down to business, Francine. The question we’ve all been wanting an answer to since last month is “why’d you do it?” Jacob, for as good as he believes himself to be, has been anything but endearing to fans and athletes alike since his posh arrival to the company. Even you, you scolded him for his unsporting attack toward Lisa Lightning ahead of their match. I know I can’t speak for everyone, but most of the people on this roster were surely enjoying watching that actor turn forty shades of blue as Maria choked him out. Most of our roster...except you. He’s been nothing but disrespectful toward you on social media, he’s been downright aggressive toward your husband specifically, so you of all people I’d assume would gain the most satisfaction to watch Jacob “pay the piper”, so to speak, yet, it was you that showed him the reprieve to make the punishment stop. I, along with everyone watching at home...would love to know why.
Francine Danger: What, so because someone is a rude jerk to me and my loved ones that means I’m supposed to just accept and watch them struggle? I know I’m not a fighter, so maybe I don’t get the culture and all...but is it not more correct to turn the other cheek?
Baldwin Knight: Is that how you really feel? A man that has your husband so angry he’s ready to unload many right hands on him. A man that, from this reporter’s vantage anyway, is the sleaziest man in wrestling today. A man that hit another woman in the back of her head with a lead plate, and you would ‘turn the other cheek’? No, I don’t buy that Francine. You’re too nice of a woman for me to believe that you’d feel that way. All due respect, but I don’t think that’s what you really feel. Try again.
Francine’s face turned visibly red, she was clearly getting upset and she wasn’t even trying to hide it.
Francine Danger: I know you’re a freelance reporter...but who are you to even tell me what I’m thinking and am not thinking?! Like you can just sit across from me and try to put suggestions in my head based on what the societal norms are?
Unlike Francine, Baldwin kept a straight, cool, wall of stone demeanor.
Baldwin Knight: Hmm. You’re awfully defensive over something that was just a simple unbiased observation. But if you insist…
Francine Danger: Look, okay, I get it. Jake is a bit much at times, sure he comes on strong…
Baldwin leaned in, listening intently as it seemed his stern demeanor was enough to crack her open.
Francine Danger: And, I mean sure, like I said I do understand what you mean. But, Jake and I, and MAX, we have a history. We’ve been friends for over ten years now, so while I can’t approve of what Jake does...he’s still a close friend at the end of it.
Baldwin offers a sympathetic nod.
Baldwin Knight: That has to be really hard for you. To be stuck in the middle between the man you swore you’d spend the rest of your life with, and a close friend, knowing the husband and friend will probably never get along...I wish I could offer you advice there, but I can’t say I’ve really found myself in a similar situation.
Francine Danger: So now you’re a shrink? You ask me a tough question and then try to dig inside my head for some kind of inner conflict I’m wrestling with? And who made you a psychology expert? Where’d you get your degree?
Baldwin Knight: Francine, I -
Francine slammed her hands on the table, pushing herself up out of her chair.
Francine Danger: No. You know what, I thought you were different, Baldwin. I thought you weren’t gonna judge me but you’re just the same as any other news outlet. This interview is over.
With one fluid motion, Francine spun on her heel and turned out through the door,
Baldwin Knight: Francine, I didn’t mean to -
But she was already down the hall, leaving Baldwin Knight to himself, his scoop over before it could really begin…
Whirlwind cameras fade in to the sight of Terrance Knight in the backstage area, poised for a pre-match interview. Nikki Mynx greets the camera with a cheerful smile before presenting her guest.
Nikki Mynx: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest had a dominant debut at Day of Judgment, and is looking to ride that momentum into his triple threat match tonight. He is the young, the gifted, the hungry; Terrance Knight.
Knight takes a breath, rolls his shoulders to relax and leans into the mic before answering.
Terrance Knight: Thank you, but don’t call me that.
Nikki Mynx: I’m sorry?
Terrance Knight: “Gifted.” People call me “gifted” like it’s a compliment. Like I got done any favors.
Nikki Mynx: I… I don’t understand.
Terrance Knight: You will.
Knight gently reaches for the mic, which the interviewer reluctantly surrenders. With the mic… with control… in his grasp, Knight’s grip tightens as he stares a fiery hole into the camera.
Terrance Knight: …You will, too. “Gifted”? You wish I was gifted. You wish it was that simple. Leon Tyrell and Jose Sanchez, my opponents tonight, wish I was just given what I’ve got. I was given a name to live up to. I was given a mentor whose career eclipses everything I’ve ever done. But this? *pounds chest* All this? *slaps well-developed arms and chiseled abs* I had to earn that. I had to earn my place here. And I’ve gotta earn every damn bit of respect I get out here. Pfft, “gifted…” You think Donnie Mac gave me his arm at DOJ? Naw, man. I earned the right to put him down and make him tap… which reminds me. You know why I call it the Separator? Not just ‘cuz it separates your shoulder. It separates this “gifted” fiction from reality. It’s what separates me from the competition. And Leon, Donnie, and everyone else in that locker room…
Knight’s eyes wander momentarily, behind the camera, to the locker room door, and his thoughts go to the words of his mentor. With that, he returns his gaze to the camera, narrowing his eyes to an intense stare.
Terrance Knight: …it’s what separates the kids from the men.
Nikki Mynx: I see. Ladies and gentlemen, Terrance Knight, the athletic separation of fiction and reality. And he's coming to you. Next!
At the bell, Leon offered a sarcastic yawn, as if he couldn't even be bothered to know what he was getting into. Jose stood in the corner doing jumping jacks to warm up, while TK side-eyed Leon and his arrogance. “Just what did he have to be arrogant about, anyway? No way he's better than me!” He must have thought. Then he shakes his head at a smiling Jose as he steps out of the corner to approach the recently dubbed “Mister Athleticism”. TK shook his head before catching the rookie with a swift kick to the gut followed by a transition to a side headlock. TK wrenches it before Jose pushes him off into the ropes, while TK comes back and SLAMS into Jose with a shoulderblock that sent him off his feet! TK flexes and offers a cheap grin while Leon dives over Jose and a fast lateral press;
1!
2 – TK quickly stomps the back of Leon, breaking the count!
Thatcher: Terrance took a bit too much time there with the showboating, but can Leon not try to steal matches like that?
Mynx: Dreamy Leon is just being smart and picking his spots. It is a triple threat after all, remember that Derrick? Stop trying to paint the future as the bad guy all the time, geez.
Leon rolled out of the cover while he reached for his back. Just as he sat up on his knees, TK caught him in the back of his head with a low dropkick, sending him face first to the mat. TK was fast up to his feet to greet a just standing Jose. Cockily, TK approaches Jose, clearly not taking the kid seriously as he slaps him across his face. “This the best they go -” he shouted before Jose sprang to life, dropping TK with a drop toe hold to a mild pop from this somewhat-but-not-really-favorite-rookie. Jose takes him, with wobbly, nervous hands, and grabs TK by the ear to pull him to his feet, ending up behind him with his hands locked around the waist. Jose starts to heave him back – before TK answers with a back elbow smash, cracking Jose across the nose! TK ducks around behind Jose, this time applying a rear waistlock of his own. Effortlessly, he heaves Jose back with a belly-to-back suplex, finishing the sequence with a beautiful, fantastic bridge to which Ace Vincent drops down to make the count;
1!
2!
Jose kicks out with all of his might!
Perhaps even more impressively than his crisp suplex, TK kips up to his feet – and right into a huge waiting forearm from Leon!
Thatcher: Where did he come from?!
Mynx: Based future dreamy champion knows exactly what is going on all the time.
Thatcher: Oh Nikki.
The shot rocked TK back, but not down. He reached up to feel his chin, rubbing it. “Aight fam,” he muttered, not about to let the wily veteran keep getting the better of him. TK bowed up to Leon, he wasn't scared or intimidated at all, to which Leon held his hands up “okay, easy, easy, let's not get too -” that's when TK roared forward with a forearm of his own, reeling Leon back! TK kept up the assault with a back elbow to match the one Jose took earlier, with the thunderous impact sending Leon into the ropes! Leon hangs on though, taunting TK to come finish the job, which he does – but Leon pulls the rope down, low bridging TK to the apron! Leon stands up straight and dusts his hands off like a job well done...except it wasn't a job well done.
Thatcher: Look out!
TK quickly jumped onto the top rope, springing right into the back of Leon's head with a set of double knees, the impact sending him right to the mat face first! On the landing, TK flips Leon over and makes the cover, hooks the far leg, as Ace counts;
1!
2!
…
Jose breaks it up!
Mynx: See, not everybody hates Leon.
Thatcher: Think that was more for himself than for Leon...
Jose, looking far worse for wear after that elbow, had a trickle of blood coming from his nose, it actually looked kind of courageous to see him there, standing above the two far more experienced grapplers. TK stood back up, shaking his head at the rookie. “You just don't learn, do ya kid?”
Stepping forward, Jose makes the telegraphed attempt at the grapple, but TK and his strikes are far faster as he catches him with a left kick then a right almost setting Jose's hamstrings on fire, then with a right slap and a left to the face. Jose was reeling as TK took him into a front facelock, lifting him up and over with a lightning snap suplex! Quickly, TK drops the outside of his leg down across he throat of Jose, demanding a count from Ace Vincent;
1!
2!
Ace waves he count off, as he determines TK's pinfall had deteriorated into a blatant choke!
1!
2!
3!
4!
TK finally stands up, offering a cheap chuckle and a head shake as Jose is gasping for air.
Thatcher: Terrance is kind of cruel, if you ask me. I wonder how he'd behave against a more seasoned opponent though.
Mynx: Yeah, well this is sometimes a cruel business. Can't get ahead if you're roasting marshmellows together. It's dog-eat-dog, kill or be killed...but you already know this.
TK picks Jose up off the mat, tossing him towards the corner, meeting him there with a high knee to the face! Jose's eyes roll in the back of his head and he is clearly on dream street after. TK slowly picks Jose back up, planting him on the top rope in a seated position, then from the mat he jumps up on the second rope, then up OVER Jose to a massive pop, landing behind him when it's all said and done.
Thatcher: A leap like that is why I started calling him Mister Athleticism!
Mynx: With moves like that, it's a wonder we don't call him “Pure Alpha”... you could almost hear the wink in her voice.
Gingerly from the top rope, TK turns around – then crotches himself up there! Panning back, we “coincidentally” find Leon who just happens to be hanging on the same rope leading to TK's turnbuckle!
Mynx: All the alpha moves, but the beta thinking.
TK's face tells the story of pain, shock, incoherency, while Jose slumps off the rope and to the mat in a heap. Casually, Leon strolls to the body and drops down to make a cover, hooking the near leg emphatically as he does;
1!
2!
3!
Godsmack's “Bulletproof” kicks off in celebration of Leon's big win, with Ace Vincent raising Leon's arm despite the fact he barely broke a sweat...
Ace Vincent: The winner of the match as a result of a pinfall, and qualifying for the Dangerous Wager main event...Leon! Tyrell!
Thatcher: Ridiculous. Terrance did all the heavy lifting in that match, only for Leon to swoop in for the kill? What do you have to say about your 'future' now, Nikki?!
Mynx: 'Work smarter not harder'? Leon used his years and years of experience to let Terrance beat himself, and when he had the opportunity, it was all elementary...
Ace turned to help TK off the top rope while Leon took the time to make a victory lap around the ring like he had just won the Olympics...
Thatcher: Disgusting. After we just saw him go all out versus MAX, he turns it down for this match.
Mynx: Don't be jelly based Dreamy Guy did what had to be done. You know you wouldn't do any more work than you had to either, to get a job done...
Thatcher: Whatever. Bet he doesn't try that against Samantha Tolson. Or Pendragon. Or Blaze. All three of those athletes would make him pay for short cutting a match!
Mynx: Well I guess Terrance should take better notes then. He could have done the same thing if he remembered he's not getting paid by the hour...
Thatcher: You're a real piece of work, you know that Nikki?
Mynx: But you still love me.
Thatcher: Barely
.
The last shot is with Leon halfway up the aisle and TK finally off the ropes, merely staring a hole through Leon knowing he wasn't going to let him get away with that twice.
Outside of the Gimnasio Nuevo Leon, a red Kia Stinger pulls up and comes to stop next to a black SUV……
The fans behind the barricades, they begin to boo almost instantly, even before anyone climbs out of the car. These boos, these hecklers, naysayers and haters, they boos and sneer louder when our Whirlwind Champion, Mr. Whirlwind Wrestling himself, Double J, Joe Jones steps out of the Kia Stinger. Joe takes a second to slind the belt over his shoulder and basically rub it in their faces that he won it. A Bryan Blaze BAY BAY chant breaks out and this makes Joe laugh. He closes the door behind him and makes his way around the car as James Kelloggs, all 4 feet for him gingerly climbs down from the passenger side seat.
Joe Jones: Sounds like it’s going to be one hell of a night James.
James Kelloggs: Yup! House full of haters and crybabies.
Joe chuckles.
Joe Jones: Just wait until I beat…
Joe pauses as something on the ground catch his eye. Joe looks down at it.
James Kelloggs: There won’t be enough diapers in the country for them. What?
James noticing that Joe is squatting down and picking something up.
James Kelloggs: What the fuck is that?
Joe holds it up for James.
Joe Jones: Isn’t this the mask that Best has been wearing?
James Kelloggs: huh…..I think so? To be honest Joe, I have been ass deep in some fine Mexican booty. I’m not really paying attention to anything else.
Joe Jones: I think it is. This is Besters’. He was wearing this when he saved that dude from RUIN.
James Kelloggs: What’s it doing out here?
Joe Jones: If I know fat ass, speaking of asses, has been trying to get him signed. Perhaps he finally convinced Nikki and Derrick? Knowing Kim….(Nanook’s given first name)... he most likely made Bester take this off.
James Kelloggs: Why? Even Helen Keller can hear those kids losing their shit over him, whatever he’s calling himself.
Joe Jones: hmmm
Joe stands up still holding the mask.
Joe Jones: I bet he’s here.
James Kelloggs: Yeah? So.
Joe Jones: Knowing Bester like we do, no doubt he has fallen in love with this thing and truly believes he’s, the whatever he’s calling himself. I think we should return it to him.
James smiles.
James Kelloggs: Fuck tubby will freak the fuck out.
Joe Jones: Yes, yes he will. Let’s go find him.
Joe says with a smile. The two of them begin to head on inside the building when Joe stops.
Joe Jones: Oh shit! Hold up! We forgot something.
James Kelloggs: What?
Joe jogs back to the Kia Stinger, opens the trunk and pulls out a tennis racket, complete with a airbrushed Whirlwind Wrestling padded cover.
Joe Jones: I promised Derrick I would get him one of these.
James Kelloggs: Seriously?
Joe Jones: A promise is a promise.
James Kelloggs: Does he even play?
Joe Jones: He didn’t believe me that some shop downtown was making these things, so I got him one.
James shakes his head.
Joe Jones: Come on little man, let’s find Best, give him back his mask.
James’ face turns red as Joe chuckles and stuffs the mask in his back pocket of his shorts…..
To be Continued…
We cut backstage to find Jan van der Roost with field reporter Baldwin Knight. The two looked to be engaged in deep conversation, most likely concerning the performance at our special VIP preshow event with Becky Balfour. Roost, being the professional he is had helped bring the fight to a safe conclusion, which both were grateful for. The two were interrupted however, by the arrival of a new - albeit incredibly beautiful - face to the Whirlwind.
Julliet Brooks.
The conversation came to a screeching halt as Rooster looked like he had saw a ghost. Julliet however, simply laughed and offered him a sarcastic wave to her longtime rival.
It was clear things were about to get real interesting for the long time veteran.
Continuing on down the hall, Baldwin Knight stops for a moment.
“Huh, what was that?” He thought to himself, ”Let’s just hope for ...ooh, I know.” As he turned his head to the side, he read the name on the door aloud.
“Maria Montez.”
He thought for a moment, ”Hmm. There’s our resident veteran, I should go see how she’s holding up after such a clinic of an opening match...and mentally after a run in with Jacob Awful last month…” Without a second to think it over, he drags his knuckle across the door, to his surprise getting greeted just as he finished knocking.
“It’s open!” The female voice called to him. He turned the knob and pushed the door open, stepping inside.
Baldwin Knight: Uhh, Maria? You around?
Maria Montez: Yeah, sorry, I was just cleaning up after my match.
Maria steps out from behind a curtain that lead to the personal shower in her locker room, the perks of being a veteran. The 44 year old beauty had a towel wrapped around her body, showing off her legs. Her hair was still dripping.
Maria Montez: Hey, what’s going on? Did you enjoy the match?
Baldwin stares, his mouth wide.
Maria Montez: I was kinda hoping for a little more than that.
The veteran giggles quietly, taking pleasure in catching the reporter off guard.
Maria Montez: If you want something on the record, both of those guys are tough. They didn’t hold back, and Max hits like a truck. Kendrick is smart. For such a young wrestler, he wrestles like a veteran. I had a lot of fun out there. I’m sore, but that comes with the territory.
Baldwin Knight: I-I-I uhh, ye-yes I mean that’s why I cam-came by…..
He spoke the words, though his eyes betrayed his true feelings as he stared at the Latin American bombshell. She knew. Oh, did she ever.
Baldwin Knight: Uhh, is this a ba-ba-bad time? Should I come bac….
He turns his head, averting his eyes from her out of respect. The image of her was likely not going to leave his memory for the foreseeable future, though.
Maria Montez: No, no, it’s fine. If it were anyone else, I probably would ask them to come back, but…
Her voice was calming, attempting to reassure him. She walks up to him and places a hand on his shoulder.
Maria Montez: Take a deep breath, okay? I’m the one who just wrestled and I’m in my 40’s. I should be the one gasping for air.
Her jokes were playful in nature, meaning no harm.
Maria Montez: You good now?
His face began to turn a couple shades of red even as he tried to regain his composure.
Baldwin Knight: Yea-yeah. Yeah...I’ll be………...okay. You uhh...wow, I mean, I just can’t get over this. I’m standing here in the presence of THE Maria Montez, and we’re just like, talking. And she’s so...so…
What was the word he was looking for? Down to earth? A regular person like anybody else?
Baldwin Knight: ...Stunning.
Did his forwardness startle her? Was he forgetful the cameras were rolling?
Baldwin Knight: I mean uhh, Miss Montez, please understand, I’m not trying to -
Maria Montez: Why don’t we talk in private?
Maria looks over Baldwin’s shoulder to the operator of the camera.
Maria Montez: You know I appreciate the work ethic, but this is probably more of a private moment, not one that we want to share with the world. If you don’t mind?
Baldwin Knight: Ye-yeah I mean…
Slowly he backs up, not removing his eyes from the bombshell as he approaches the door, dragging the cameraman with him. Briefly he turns to him.
Baldwin Knight: Sorry buddy, go ahead and wait for me here though.
He finishes gently pushing him out of the room, then closes the door, leaving the camera to stare at her nameplate on the door.
Baldwin knight: Now, where were we… the camera could overhear faintly as he walked away.
Mynx: Look at him go! Go get yours, Baldwin!
Thatcher: Nikki! Come on, how you gonna go there, we’re still live! Besides, we don’t know that’s what is actually going on. They could be comparing notes…
Mynx: Yeah, I always step out of a steamy shower and...compare notes. She said with an almost audible eye roll.
The scene opens up inside a sensitivity training session where we see a group of ten people in a circle. Most seem actively engaged with the session and the host who was sitting in the middle, looking like she was happy with the group. But two people out of the group look as bored as possible, and these two are none other than Wrestling's Prettiest Tag Team, and the women who have been forced to attend none other than Veronica Taylor, and Bianca Davis. Veronica is dressed in a pink mini skirt, black Pretty-Committee t-shirt, and black high heel boots. Next to her is her Chanel handbag. The Queen B from Malibu is dressed in black leather pants, black high heel pumps, and a black top showing off her midriff. As the smug arrogant duo look as bored as possible. With them looking at their nails, the host begins to speak.
Host: Very well, let us hear from Shelia, so Shelia anything you want to say about yourself?
A heavyset woman raises her hand, as Veronica looks at Bianca who looks back at her. They look disgusted at the woman who was middle-aged and about to speak, she looked like she was working class.
Sheila: Hello everyone my name is Shelia.
Everyone but PC: Hi, Shelia.
Host: Now, tell us about yourself.
Sheila smiles softly and begins to speak.
Sheila: Well, I am a medical assistant and looking to be more sensitive to the needs of my patients and while here I hope to learn more about how to be more sensitive. But a cause that is dear to me is antibody shaming, or fat acceptance if you will. Now while society has come a long way toward accepting healthy at any weight it seems some people still are having trouble accepting it, and honestly, I have struggled with my weight my whole life but once I accepted myself and started loving myself well it changed everything for me. And now, I want others to have the same joy to have that we need society to really get on board with this.
The group besides of course the Pretty Committee who look shocked and almost disgusted at the woman speaking about fat acceptance. Are clapping for her to show her support, as another this time a heavy set man says.
Heavy Man: May I speak?
Host: Certainly, feel free this is a time for support.
The man begins to speak as the Pretty Committee are looking at Veronica’s phone seeing pictures on her Instagram account. As well as checking on the Pretty Committee Instagram account, they smile looking at themselves not paying attention at all to what is going on.
Heavy Man: My name is Jason, and I agree with her. I have also struggled with my weight since I was a child, and I was picked on by guys and girls during my school years for it. I never had a date or many friends. But now, it seems things are starting to change that people seem to be much more accepting.
Jason is cut off by the sound of giggling coming from the Pretty Committee who are laughing at a post on twitter. Which causes the entire group to shoot them a death glare. As they seem oblivious to interrupting the training as a young girl with acne speaks up.
Girl with Acne: These two have been just rude honestly why are they even here?!
Host: Now Tiffany, some take longer to get used to this setting. Bianca, and Veronica I have to ask that you pay attention and listen. You may learn something.
Soon enough Veronica Taylor says in a fake tone.
Veronica Taylor: Oh, right we are so sorry right B?
Bianca Davis: Oh right, we're so sorry everyone we will listen as well promise…
Though as they say this they have their hands behind their backs with their fingers crossed. And as the host seems relieved the rest still seem not to trust these two. As she says in a nice tone though he's oblivious to their intent.
Host: It is okay, I appreciate you apologizing, you are already getting better and learning to show sensitivity.
Veronica Taylor: Thank you we are trying so hard right B?
Bianca Davis: So hard to try and be so nice.
Though, if anyone believes these two at this point they might be blind and deaf. As the ladies seem to have pleased the host, now the host looks at Jason before saying in a sweet tone.
Host: Okay, now that is cleared up Jason you want to continue?
Jason smiles at the Pretty Committee who give him a fake smile but as he looked at the rest of the group Bianca does the finger down the throat gag, as Veronica and her share a soft bitchy giggle.
Jason: I accept their apologies, but as I said earlier no one wanted to date me but the world has become a more accepting place and I have high hopes seeing all of the brave people in this room who have taken this training on.
The room claps loudly, except the Pretty Committee who are back to looking at their nails looking as uninterested as possible. As the host stares at them they said they were sorry but were acting the same way.
Host: Okay, well now let us hear from our special guest now I know this may be a punishment from your boss but try and not think of it that way. Veronica, and Bianca, why don’t you two tell us about yourselves a bit?
Veronica lets out a bitchy sigh.
Veronica Taylor: Okay, it's our turn now B?
Bianca smiles before nodding giving Veronica the floor.
Veronica Taylor: Hello, my name is Veronica Taylor and I have learned a whole lot, for example. Like I am seeing the world in such a brand new way like B, I think we have been wrong on a lot of things like so wrong.
Bianca Davis: I am seeing the same thing, Vero, I am seeing the errors of my ways, we're sorry everyone and we're sorry that…
Pretty Committee: You’re all basic, ratchet, ugly, fat, disgusting, wretched, freaks, and losers.
They then share aloud bitchy giggle everyone looks shocked and confused. But, the true colors of the Pretty Committee were coming out in full force. The Queen of Mean continues in her trademark way as Bianca does a fake cry with her hands.
Veronica Taylor: Like I have never been around so many crybabies in my life. Like oh boo hoo I am fat well lose weight than Sheila, and quit eating all that cake in your car. And maybe, just maybe you could attract a man but no not even then because we can smell you from here ugh!
Bianca sprays some Veronica’s Secret perfume around them, before taking her shot at someone casuing her eye blue eyes to light up seeing Jason.
Bianca Davis: She could date Jason, they are both fat losers who can’t stop picking up the fork like seriously you both should try my Queen B exercise and diet plan. I mean you won’t look like me or even that acceptable but you won’t die at forty-five either.
They look shocked Shelia begins to shed a tear as The Committee has an evil laugh with each other.
Host: Ladies…
Bianca Davis: Don’t address us we will get to you. Right now we got Pizza Face Tiffany.
Veronica Taylor: Like girl your what forty-five and still have acne.
Tiffany: I’m twenty…
They share a laugh.
Bianca Davis: Girl, you need some serious skin problems like luckily my girl Veronica here is an angel and has the perfect skin cream it's for sensitive skin like yours. It will make you look much more acceptable but you still be a loser though.
Veronica throws a sample tube of her new skin scream at Tiffany laughing as she looks visibly upset.
Host: Ladies that is enough!
Veronica looks at her with a glare as she says.
Veronica Taylor: Oh look who is all big and bad now the host I mean the rest of you are just so boring ugh like what you're here for what, acceptance? And try and make us feel bad for being better than you all? Ugh like pathetic what a group of basics here. Almost as bad as the Whirlwind fans.
Bianca Davis: So the rest of you just hide your faces with our trademark Pretty Committee paper bags because we're sick of looking at your faces.
She grabs her supply of paper bags from her handbag and throws them in the middle of the circle for everyone to grab as the duo laugh some more hysterically. As Veronica then eyes the host.
Veronica Taylor: And you’re the worst disgusting, uggo and guess what because your the least basic you judge these morons silently I know you go home and tell your husband you have had the worst day listen to fatties blame society for them eating to much cake, or that you had to stare at a face so ugly it would be a modern art masterpiece. At least were honest that none of you can sit with us your host here? She would kick you down to better herself like how pathetic?!
Bianca Davis: You know you have potential but you’re also to basic to sit with us, in fact, Veronica it’s almost time for our spa day. I am getting the heebie-jeebies being around all of these freaks and that's not good for my skin.
Veronica Taylor: I know doll face I know, and now we are leaving this dump and getting out of here ugh I need some shopping on Rodeo Drive so I don’t have to think about being subjected to looking at your faces. So bye-bye basics.
They do the cry motion before blowing smug kisses out as they leave the entire circle was in tears and upset, even the host. Though some were glaring at her like this was her fault for having the Pretty Committee in the group. As they saunter out pleased with themselves the scene then fades to black. What would Toby have to say about his “lesson” he was looking to teach the Pretty Committee.
“Baby!” This big chested, big booty Mexican beauty wearing next to nothing says as The Bad Ass James Kelloggs is standing in front of a full length mirror, which he can only use half of. Cuz he’s tiny….
“El Chapulín Colorado is a national hero. The people will love this. I swear baby. It’ll be okay! I kinda find it sexy.” She says as she wet her lips and twirl some of her hair around her finger.
James, as you can imagine, is pissed. Management pitched a idea to him, seeing he swore to never play Scrappy doo ever again. The idea is to dress up as El Chapulin Colorado, a national TV icon from the 70’s, their version of Mr. Rogers? Anyways, James is wearing the suit, a red bodysuit, “alien ears”, bright yellow trunks, and a big yellow heart on his chest with the letters CH in red. It’s quite the get up. James is glaring at himself in the mirror. His lady friend leans forward flashing even more cleavage.
“Baby? You okay?”
James rubs the side of his face as he mumbles to himself.
“Kick me again Steve. Yeah….go ahead bitch. Kick me again and see what happens. I’ll beat you with your own severed foot….Steve. Fucking bastard….fucker….go ahead! I dare you.”
James’ lady friend leans back on the big oversized couch and looks at her nails.
Fade out.
The long, soothing sounds of Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” (sax solo) can be heard as Whirlwind field reporter Baldwin Knight steps out of the entrance area as a crew of stagehands scurry about the ring in preparation of the second episode of “The Knightline”. In the ring there was a white Persian rug being rolled out over the mat followed by a fold-out coffee table with a giant Knightline logo on it. A female stagehand came into the ring with a trio of white coffee mugs, with - you guessed it - a Knightline logo on those as well. Completing the set was a trio of steel barstools with a black vinyl cover over the top of them and, yes, a Knightline logo stretched over the top of those too.
Baldwin steps up to the ring steps and briefly closes his eyes, then on the longest note from the sax he opens them again and jogs up the steps, his head held high and confident! A pair of stagehands held the ring ropes open for him as he climbed inside the ring before taking the mic as the best saxophone solo of all time faded away.[/i]
Baldwin Knight: How’s everyone doing tonight?!
The Gimnasio roared to life, clearly in a good mood without the sight of The Upper Class anywhere to be seen!
Baldwin Knight: Welcome everyone, thank you for welcoming me back into your homes again, how are we doing tonight?!
Baldwin Knight: Ha! I see you’re enjoying the show tonight! I’m glad for that, because tonight is historic. Tonight, is the first night without Veronica Taylor, Bianca Davis, and Jacob Hotstuff - The Upper Class - running around this Gimnasio, our HOME, like they own the place! And that wouldn’t be possible without my guest this evening, the former Whirlwind Champion...
Baldwin Knight: ...I see you guys are really passionate tonight. As you are every night, but especially on this night. Anyway without further ado, I present to you...Bryan Blaze!
“Indestructible” by Disturbed booms through the Gimnasio as Bryan Blaze walks through the curtain donning a “Whirlwind BAYBAY” Tee which is over his usual ring attire. Blaze is greeted with a resounding chorus of cheers. Blaze can’t help but smile at this welcome. He briskly walks down to the ring, and climbing inside to join Baldwin.
Baldwin shakes his hand and hands him a microphone. Both men sit.
Baldwin Knight: Welcome to the Knightline, Bryan.
Bryan Blaze: Happy to be here, Baldwin.
Baldwin Knight: So, let’s get down to it. Last month, you helped beat the Pretty Committee, and presumably ridded yourself of the Upper Class, which is exactly what you wanted to do; exactly what you said you were going to do. With that out of the way, what is next for Bryan Blaze?
Blaze took a drink out of the coffee mug to his right. His smile was still present. His confidence had never wavered. It had been there since day one.
Bryan Blaze: Well Baldwin, that’s pretty simple. Two months ago, the Whirlwind Championship was stolen from me. The Upper Class HANDED the Championship to Joe Jones. He has even admitted that very thing. He has survived by the skin of his teeth ever since that day. I have gotten my pound of flesh from the Upper Class and it is now time to do the same with our...Champion.
Thatcher: Bryan clearly talking about Threads of Disloyalty here.
The Gimnasio once again roars with approval!.
Blaze sits back in his chair.
Baldwin Knight: Are you formally calling out our Whirlwind Champion, “Double J” Joe Jones?!
Bryan Blaze: Well, first of all, Joe Jones may be THE Whirlwind Champion at this moment, be he certainly isn’t MY Champion.
Again, the Gimnasio come to life!
Mynx: Joe certainly isn't going to like this.
Thatcher: I don't think Joe cares. In his mind, he already beat Bryan. He has nothing more to prove to him...
Bryan Blaze: But with that said, there is no guarantee that Joe walks out of the Gimnasio here tonight, still the Whirlwind Champion. In fact, there’s a distinct possibility he will not. So, this isn’t about Joe Jones. This isn’t about the Upper Class or anyone else. It’s about Bryan Blaze; it’s about me. I was robbed of the Whirlwind Championship and I wasn’t given my rightful chance for redemption. I was never given my opportunity to reclaim MY Championship. That’s what this is about. It’s what it has always been about. I want the Whirlwind Champion. I don’t care who it is. Joe Jones, Pendragon, Stephen Callaway...it truly does not matter. I came to Whirlwind to show everyone that I never lost “it”. On the first ever show under this brand, I proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Other than the disgusting display of Joe’s title “win” I have not lost here. I’ve never been pinned and I have not submitted. I deserve to be next in line. It’s as simple as that, Baldwin.
Baldwin Knight: Hard to argue with that.
Thatcher: Bryan Blaze making his case known, he wants his title back and he doesn't care who he has to go through to get it!
Mynx: I know one person who shares his desire…
Thatcher: Everybody. Because if you don't want to be THE champion, why are you even here?
Mynx: Right you are Derrick.
Both men shake hands as the crowd once again cheers on one of their favourites of the Whirlwind, and The Knightline fades to...
We're joined in a circle of all manner of people. Short, tall, big, and small. Some dressed appropriately, some not. Some dressed in ostenious furs with blonde white boy braids...of course, we're speaking of one-third of The Upper Class, Jacob Hotstuff himself. Light chatter fills the air until the door swings open and in walks the man of the hour - clad in a pair of brown slacks and a Mister Rogers esque sweater vest, his name was Dr. Beafriend; sensitivity counselor extraordinaire.
Dr. Beafriend: Welcome everyone, I hope you're having a good afternoon. Does everybody know why we're here today?
The doctor's voice was calm and soothing, it would have been enough to sedate a raging bull, probably. Not that we're speaking from experience here though. Anyway, just as the doctor finished speaking, a man raised his hand to answer his question. He was a heavy man, and with a hairline receeding such that he could have been the top customer of Just For Men.
"My boss sent me here. Said I 'hit on Debra in the cubicle next to mine too much'. Whatever that means...she was clearly interested."
The heavy, balding man was clearly facing down a sexual harrassment allegation, and this sensitivity training course was a way to "remove the strike" from his record, so to speak.
Dr. Beafriend: Well, if she truly was 'interested' as you say, why do you think you're here with us today?
The man stared blankly at the doctor with a look that said "I'm concentrating being a deer in the headlights", clearly dumbfounded and mind blown at the suggestion from the doctor.
Dr. Beafriend: Who else knows why they're here?
A younger woman, maybe twenty-one, twenty-two years old stands up next. She had long black hair and wore a leather jacket and ripped jeans. The chipped black polish on her nails suggested she wasn't here as a fashionista.
"My family says I'm anti-social. I don't engage in activities outside my group of friends and I don't respond to anything they say. But I was given an ultimatum to be here or move out, so here I am..."
Dr. Beafriend: Don't you think your family cares about you so much that they'd show such care for your future that they'd help you get help? Anti-social behavior is the fastest track to making bad decisions both professionally, and criminally. Do you want to keep making bad choices? Or would you like to learn to be a more functioning member of society?
The young woman lets out an exasperated sigh as the doctor lectures her. She probably knew he was right but...she wasn't in the mood to admit that.
Dr. Beafriend: Who else knows why they're here?
Right on cue, Jacob Hotstuff stood up, kicking the chair out from behind him, knocking it over. It was the most badass Jacob probably ever appeared to-date, ha.
Jacob Hotstuff: Yeah, I know why. My boss sent me here after we lost a wrestling match down in Monterrey. Whirlwind Wrestling, the hottest thing out of Mexico to-date.
Dr. Beafriend: Wait, you're here because of wres -
Jacob Hotstuff: Don't interrupt me. Gosh so rude. We are The Upper Class, the social superiors of people like you, people that watch OUR every move like the common people we are, and especially, especially...the social betters of those that would claim to be our peers like Sam Tolson...or that masked ugly dragon, Pendragon.
Dr. Beafriend: I think I get why you're boss sent you here...
Jacob Hotstuff: Jealousy. Pure jealousy by our alleged contemporaries. What Sam Tolson, and her little inferior playmate Bryan Blaze did last month at Day of Judgment was a travesty. A culmination of sheer, dumb luck, by taking advantage of my dear, dear friends and partners in the Pretty Committee, Bianca Davis and Veronica Taylor, during a moment in which I was vulnerable following a surprise attack by some new 'star' our boss signed in Maria Montez. We suffered...and yet here we are as the ones getting punished! And then, to add insult to injury, that fuggo dragon, he -
Dr. Beafriend: I'm not trying to doubt you, Jacob, but as I understand it there's always two sides to every story. Surely you're not just an angel...
Jacob Hotstuff: We've been nothing but model employees, but then all of these people, jealous of us because we're smarter than them to keep the Whirlwind Championship, the richest prize in our company, out of their grasp! They're so jealous they would make my friends bleed, and don't get me started on that dragon FREAK and his allusions to burning things.
Dr. Beafriend: Jacob, you sound like a very angry man. And this obsession you have with 'everyone else', you sound defensive. If you want my help, you're going to need to let the shields down some. Everyone, stand up. We're all going to take each other's hands and -
Jacob Hotstuff: Don't you dare touch me with your filthy lower class hands! Sit down, all of you, you're all my audience now. You will bare witness to what I'm about to say;
The camera does a slow, intense zoom to only Jacob's face.
Jacob Hotstuff: Pendragon, my role in the Whirlwind is to offer leadership to the less fortunate through the benevolence of my own good will. But clearly, clearly you are not fit to receive such leadership. No, failure, burning out, fading away, these are your only useful acts. And there is no place within the Whirlwind for such failure. Next month, at Wildfire, I will have that chance to show you just what a failure you are, because next month, you are hereby tasked with the heaviest challenge of your career to date; Jacob Hotstuff, one-on-one. The B-List Sensation, Hollywood Jesus himself, the one and only Michael Bay of Pro Wrestling is knocking at your door. You have raised your sword against the lineage of the very future of this sport, and now it is time to accept the consequences of your actions! I will destroy you. Your history. Your legacy. All will hail the name Jacob Hotstuff in the streets of Monterrey, and even the world, for my heroic deeds! You want to rob me of the hair that defines who I am? I will rob you of your very identity, and I will burn it to ash.
Wildfire.
Jacob Hotstuff versus Pendragon.
My hair versus your mask.
And if by some miracle you manage to change the course of history and steal the Whirlwind Championship tonight? You had better bring that too. Bring the Whirlwind Championship to me, and lay it at my feet as the king that I am!
Survive if you can...
Slowly, the scene fades to one single, solitary, stationary image...
Backstage and the door to Joe’s dressing room opens up and your Whirlwind Wrestling LLC really awesome Champion comes walking out into the hallways wearing a big fluffy white fur coat. With the Whirlwind Wrestling championship peeking out around his waist, Joe spots the camera, kinda hard to when it’s your face. Joe leans in towards the camera a tad and starts to play with his hair. After a second or two he smirks.
“Time to go disappoint.” Joe says. He winks, pucker his lips before pushing the camera out of his way. The camera swings around and gathers itself to capture Joe in all his glory walking towards the curtain area……..
“Greed, some can say it's a powerful ally while others lament it as the darkness that drives humanity towards self-destructive decadence. It makes good men become wicked and the wicked drunk with arrogance, wrapped up in their own all consuming megalomania.”
Pendragon stood backstage near the curtain, his mask accented by gold matching the black and gold color scheme his attire has adopted tonight.
“There's no depths to which Joe won't stoop to hold onto the one thing that validates his ego and masks the crippling self-loathing and doubt that rests within his soul. Right now he believes he's invincible and that he can commit no error but yet a confidence so fragile that he remains a mere three seconds away from falling like a shooting star in the sky.
Stephen... Stephen believes this is a zero sum game; either he wins or he doesn't. Despite some very questionable math giving himself 50/50 odds he's mostly correct. Yet all it took was the span of a week to see a man flip between extremes, he went from being unwilling to give his all and only what he can to saying he'd light me on fire if it meant winning the championship – a very disappointing development. I'm not going to stay Stephen and I were the best of friends or even friends for that matter but I thought that despite differences in philosophy that we were ultimately fighting on the same side. Fighting for this - “
He points behind him to a big Whirlwind Wrestling banner.
“Fighting for what's right, fighting for a brighter future so that The So-Called Upper Class and Joe Jones of the world don't cannibalize our way of life and deny those yet to come the same opportunities that we often take for granted. Instead whether out of fear or doubt or... some other motivation... Stephen has decided to play rather loose with his morals for a shot that may never come back around to him. Those who use evil to fight another evil ultimately become evil themselves. A victory by such means outside the proper environment and circumstances is a tainted one and ultimately makes you no better than the man you're trying to replace at the top. To lose yourself is ultimately a sentence far worse than death. Give it your all but never sell your soul.
I know where this dark path leads, the dark side is seductive; it offers you a quick path to power and success. But it always comes with a price and karma always collects on her debts. It's easy to see this match as just another title match in a fledgling company; just another main event. But we're at a crossroads, as a company, as a society, and as individuals. Do we remain divided by what makes us different, do we allow greed to replace our moral compass, or do we decide to stand up for to fight for what we believe in? As a professional there is nothing more than I want to personally be the last man standing with my arm raised high with the Whirlwind Championship. But I want to do so the right way, I want to win this on my own ability alone and without any shortcuts; to remove all doubt with a decisive victory. But... if I lose I'll be okay; it's not the end of the world. I don't need accolades to validate my sense of self; I know who I am. There will always be other opportunities to be seized, if there's anything I've learned on my voyage of a career it's that. If I fall I will get back up until I reach the mountaintop.
But that's not the only reason why I'm fighting tonight.
I want to restore a sense of honor to the championship and the company that Joe Jones stole from everyone else. I want to bring a sense of hope back that has been hidden away in the same shroud of darkness and desperation that Stephen Callaway has given himself away to.
I want the Whirlwind Championship to belong to the people again.
And while I refuse to make a promise unless I know I can keep them I'm not going to promise victory. But, I will promise you this; I will go out there and pour my heart and soul into that ring tonight. I will take a stand and reject Option A and B in favor of a better way forward, I'll choose to represent Option C. I promise to give it my all until the final bell rings. And if by the grace of God I win it all tonight I will be a fighting champion and hold myself to the highest standard; to give any less would be disrespectful to everyone who pays their hard earned money to be entertained by us.”
Pendragon slowly lifts his left hand upwards revealing a Skipper's hat as he places it onto of his mask as Karma by Kamelot begins to play.
“Who knows, after it's all said and done a three hour tour just may be in order.”
Ace Vincent stepped into the center of the ring armed with a microphone to make the prematch announcements official.
Ace Vincent: Introducing first, standing an even six feet tall, he weighs in tonight at two-hundred-thirty pounds, the masked strategist extraordinaire. This. Is. Peeenndddrrrraaagggoooonnnn!!!!
The camera cuts to the masked man with ears engulfed by rabid cheers and approval by the Gimnasio!
Ace Vincent: And his opponent, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, standing six feet two inches tall and weighing in tonight at two-hundred-four pounds, this is the man who ALWAYS has an angle...Stephen! Calllllaaawwwaaayyy!!
Initially the Gimnasio appears more mixed for Callaway than they did for Pendragon, but even the undecided fans turn to cheers at the sight of the third participant in this match...
Ace Vincent: And their opponent! He is the reigning, defending, Whirlwind Heavyweight Champion for the past, record-setting seventy days, the incomparable, the irresistible...hailing from Sin City and standing at six foot one inches tall, he weighs in at two-hundred pounds! Double J! Jooooeeeee!!! Joooonnnneeeessss!!
Joe steps up into the center and demands all the lights to go off, save for a single spotlight over his chiseled, incredibly athletic frame, a frame made only more chiseled by the appearance of the Whirlwind Championship fastened securely around his waist! Slowly, Joe unfastened the title, raising it above his head with both of his hands – when Pendragon and Callaway joint-blasted him with a superkick to the face!! The lights return to normal with the two “partners” standing over the champion, this crowd already on their feet in anticipation.
Thatcher: Is anyone really surprised? Honestly now.
Mynx: I don't even think Joe is surprised, to be honest.
Almost immediately on impact, Joe held his face and crumpled to the mat, rolling under the bottom rope and to the floor below. Pendragon motioned to Callaway to “go around” which Callaway nodded to as he slipped out the other side to come up behind Joe. He “helped” Joe up, smacking the back of his head while Pendragon stepped forward and jumped up over the top rope, fully clearing it and twisting his body in mid-air before coming down onto Joe with a corkscrew plancha! Before Joe can even think about the impact of the pain, Callaway grabs Joe, throwing him into the steel security barricade! Callaway and Pendragon share a collective nod of satisfaction, their eyes then catching a glimpse of the Whirlwind Championship cast aside by Joe after the abrupt kick that ruined his night. Callaway motions around his waist, while Pendragon slowly points at the ring – a symbol that you can only win the mantle of champion from inside the ring.
Thatcher: These two took out the champion and now they want to settle it the old fashioned way. The honorable way!
Mynx: Honor, in wrestling? That's an oxymoron on the level of military intelligence.
But, perhaps surprisingly, the two cordially return to the ring, ready to start this match the right way. Callaway starts with a hiptoss to Pendragon, with an armbar follow through to which Pendragon slides his arm out of knocking Callaway with an elbow strike to the head on his way out. Pendragon, first to his feet here, nestles Callaway just under the ear lobe with a low kick that sends the Scotsman face first to the mat. Pendragon flips him over, covering him with a hook of the near leg as Ace counts;
1!
2 – Callaway kicks out, but Pendragon stays on top of him with a lateral press and a forearm in his face!
1!
2!
Callaway kicks out!
Thatcher: A very game Pendragon here tonight.
Mynx: Pendragon styles himself as a student of the game, a judicious study of master warcraft, among other things...like boating. Of course I'd expect nothing less than for him to be incredibly on his game.
Callaway rolls through to his feet, utilizing the roll-through momentum to carry himself into the ropes and rebounding off them into a waiting Pendragon who hoists Callaway up for a spinebuster – but Callaway steps over and hits the other ropes. On his way back, Pendragon spins around, just in time to catch a big claymore kick to the jaw! Quickly, Callaway drops down into a cover and a deep hook of both legs while Ace counts the fall;
1!
2!
…
Pendragon kicks out!
Thatcher: Cutting it pretty close there, but this fight continues.
Callaway brings Pendragon to his feet by his mask, but it's Pendragon that lights up Callaway's chest with a stinging knife-edge chop! Again, and a third chop comes in, before Callaway returns the favor with a chop of his own, albeit not nearly as effective what with Pendragon's padding over his body.
Mynx: Kind of an unfair advantage there, no? It's like what if someone wrestled with a Kevlar vest on...
Thatcher: Don't be ridiculous, no company is stupid enough to consider actually putting any athlete out there in a match like that.
Thatcher & Mynx: awkward silence but you just knew that somehow, the two were giving the other a blank stare, even if it wasn't on screen.
Pendragon returns in kind with another chop, this time of the open hand variety, dazing Callaway as he winces in pain in rhythm of the echo through the arena. Quickly Pendragon steps forward to close the gap, takign Callaway's head into a front facelock as he does so. He kicks one foot out, then drops him with the “Dragon's Descent” (Double Arm DDT) – except that Callaway, utililizing his tall vertical base, firmly planted his feet on the mat which leaves Pendragon to be the only one that drops to the mat. Before he could get back up, Callaway moved up and took Pendragon into a rear waistlock, hurling him back to the mat shoulders first, with a textbook belly-to-back suplex! He maintains the hold, pinning Pendragon's shoulders to the mat while Ace counts;
1!
2!
Pendragon rolls the shoulder off the mat!
Callaway wasn't done though. He got back to his feet, bringing the masked strategist with him. He started to hurl him back again, but this time it's Pendragon to wrap his leg around Callaway's ankle, blocking the throw. Callaway tries again, but eats an elbow to the face for his efforts, allowing Pendragon to move around behind the taller Callaway to apply a rear waistlock of his own. With a grunt, he lifts Callaway off his feet, and throws him back in a release belly-to-back suplex! Pendragon quickly scampers into the pinfall, hooking the near leg as Ace counts;
1!
2!
…
Joe pulls Pendragon right out of the cover!
Thatcher: Here we go, Joe Jones blatantly ruining a nice, even back and forth match.
Mynx: Yeah, our champion should have just let these two beat up on each other more...
Pendragon looked mad. I mean, maybe...we're not sure, since he does wear a full face mask after all. But we assume so. Joe didn't seem the least bit concerned over it though, as he leveled him with a hard right hand, then an inverted atomic drop that brought him to his knees. He stops to take a moment with his thumbs pressed into his chest, proclaiming he is the best, the only, Whirlwind Champion that matters – just in time to receive a baseball slide from Callaway, sending him about two inches from the steel barricade! Joe breathes a sigh of relief once, before hopping over the barricade with a passing wave to his challengers.
Thatcher: Hey, where is the champion going?!
Callaway is fast on his heels as he also hops the barricade, with Pendragon a bit slower behind him. Callaway catches up to Joe and grabs him by the arm, whipping him into the next section of fans – but Joe reverses the momentum and Callaway ends up abdomen first over a steel railing, tens of fans leaning over the barricade to tap him on the back as he reels in pain. Joe smirks – but then eats a spinning wheel kick to the back of the head by Pendragon, a memoir to never turn your back on an opponent, though the kick took almost as much out of Pendragon with his hard landing on the concrete floor. All three athletes lay on the concrete, a stern reminder of this war they've started with each other.
Mynx: This...this is how much the Whirlwind Championship means to them.
Callaway was the first to [slowly] get up, followed soon after by Pendragon, with the two of them “helping” pick Joe up...only to toss him him back over the barricade and to the thinly padded ringside floor.
Thatcher: Poor guy, he's having a pretty rough night...
Mynx: All this because he interrupted a pinfall.
Together, again, Callaway and Pendragon pick up Joe, only to whip him into the ringpost face first. Only his nose broke his fall, sending him to a heap on the floor. Callaway folded his arms across his chest and nodded, while Pendragon once again pointed to the ring. Satisfied, they wanted to continue their fight to be the best. Callaway slides in on one side, while Pendragon on the other. Pendragon restarted with another open palm chop to the chest, Callaway once again wincing in pain, but not enough to fail to fight back. For every chop to the chest, Callaway trades him a punch to the face, chop, punch, chop, punch with Callaway getting the upper hand to send Pendragon into the ropes. On his return, Callaway catches him, planting him firmly with a spinebuster! Callaway floated over into a cover, this time not grabbing a leg to hook as Ace drops down to count;
1!
2!
…
…
…
Pendragon drapes his foot over the bottom rope!
Callaway sat up, the frustration now apparent on his otherwise calm face.
Thatcher: You have to feel for him, that could have been all.
Mynx: When was the last time we saw a match end on a spinebuster though? Really. And your answer can't start with 'Anderson'.
Thatcher: Hmm…then it was probably a leviathan-sized spinebuster.…………
Callaway turns and pulls Pendragon away from the ropes, this time even holding his leg and arm down as he went for another cover;
1!
2!
Pendragon kicks out!
Right about that time, Joe slowly begins to stir and crawls under the ring just as he does. Meanwhile, Callaway starts to pull Pendragon up to his feet, but the ever-cunning strategist drop toe holds him down onto the second rope, guillotine style, right on his neck! The Gimnasio pops for the certain deliberate set up by Callaway's landing as Pendragon goes to the opposite side to hit the ropes, then comes back, he grabs the top rope and swings his legs around, right to Callaway's face!
Thatcher: Looks like Pendragon had to...make a call!
Mynx: With what, his coconut phone?
Thatcher: Yeah. And he left Callaway with the bill.
Pendragon folds up Callaway as he drops down into a tight jackknife cover;
1!
Joe slides out from under the ring, steel chair in hand...
2!
Joe bangs the chair against the ring apron, the noisy distraction breaking Ace's cadence! By the time he turns back to restart the count, Joe slides into the ring to drive the edge of the chair down right to Pendragon's spine, breaking the count as well as his back! With a sly grin then, Joe throws the chair down and sheepishly covers Callaway himself now;
1!
2!
Callaway kicks out!
Mynx: I can't believe Stephen Callaway kicked out of Pendragon's Eight-One-Ex!
Thatcher: ...You don't think that has to do with the fact Callaway had a good twenty seconds of recovery time first? Because he looked Dee-Oh-A when Pendragon made contact.
Joe slapped the mat, then turned his attention to a still writhing Pendragon...and the nearby chair. You could almost see the light bulb appear over his head…
Thatcher: Oh c'mon Joe, don't do it…
Mynx: Triple Threat rules though. He's gotta do whatever he can to retain what he believes to be his!
Frantically, Joe gets back to his feet, then grabs Pendragon and drags him over the chair. He pulls him up, placing him in a reverse headlock formation. Just as he starts to spin him to the mat wih the “Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am” (Cross Rhodes), in a last ditch effort Pendragon hooks his ankle around Joe's, tripping him! Joe hits the chair with the back of his head on the way down, and Pendragon...is left with Joe's ankle at his mercy. Pendragon takes it into his hands, applying a seated legbar, pulling, torquing at the older champion, while Joe squirms and shouts “let go!” Ace drops down to check on the submission, just as Callaway swooped in to wrap Joe's head and neck up in a modified choke, the “Calsmission” (Tazmission), really. Under the combined choke and leg pressure, Joe has no choice but to furiously tap out, leading to a massive pop by the Gimnasio to see the villain vanquished!!
Mynx: They did it! They used teamwork to overwhelm Joe's under-handed tac –
Thatcher: Not so fast, Nikki. Waitaminute.
Ace watches Pendragon and Callaway stand up, each insisting that their arm be raised but Ace waves BOTH of them off, insisting “there can only be one champion, match continues”. Callaway turned to argue with Ace some while Pendragon turned the other way, toward the ropes, he stepped one foot on the ropes, just as an “explosion”, or sparks, came out of the top turnbuckle, followed by a flame…with Jacob Hotstuff's face embedded in the flame. No sound, just the certain dumb smile of your favorite resident Hollywood B-Lister. Pendragon stared for a moment or three before, finally, shaking it free and going back to the ropes. Effortlessly he springs off the ropes, rotating his body such that the “Turning Tides” (Disaster Kick) will make full contact!
Something did. But it was not that. Instead, Pendragon finds himself face first with a mouthful of “Calsi Kick” (Superkick), with nowhere for the masked strategist to go but down to the mat!! Quickly, Callaway pounces onto the cover, hooking both legs deeply as Ace makes the count;
1!
2!
…
…
…
You could count to a thousand, because Pendragon wasn't moving after that sudden surge into his face.
3!
Cold's “Remedy” begins to play as Ace Vincent helps Callaway up…
Ace Vincent: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the match, and NNNEEEEWWWWW Whirlwind Champion!! STEEEPHEENNN!! CAAALLLLAAAAWWAAAAYYYY!!!!!!
Thatcher: Whoa he, he did it! He made the most of an opportunity that might have been his only shot, and he dug down deep!
Mynx: Dug deep, or got lucky? Pendragon is a master strategist that made a small miscalculation in execution…
Thatcher: Sometimes that's all the opening you need. The closest matches are won of the back of the most minuscule of errors. Pendragon got caught tonight, and Joe…
Mynx: ...Is going to be pissed off that he was never even beaten for his title.
Thatcher: Our, Nikki. That Whirlwind Championship is all of ours, and these people's. Not just Joe’s.
Back in the ring Ace is fitting the title around Callaway's waist as Kid Rock’s “American Badss” sounds, prompting Callaway's attention to the entryway. But there was no one there. Just music…
Thatcher: I don't like this…
Mynx: Look!
Suddenly, the ring canvas behind Callaway behind to shift and rip as James Kelloggs climbs his way out from underneath the ring! The positive crowd reaction shifts to negative promoting Callaway to turn around and discover the biggest little badass this side of the Whirlwind!
Thatcher: This can't be good.
James stops like a deer caught in the headlights as the new Whirlwind Champion is on to his sneak attack! James tries to scurry back down the hole, but he's stuck! He starts to climb the rest of the way up, but Callaway is faster as he moves in, and STOMPS on James’ head like a goomba in Super Mario Bros 3!! The impact of James’ head under Callaway's boot is more than enough to send him plummeting back to wherever the hell he was living under the ring. Cold’s “Remedy" goes back to playing as our new champion celebrates with his title and perhaps the biggest accolade of his career.
Thatcher: Aww, a happy ending. My favorite kind.
Mynx: It's a bit too soppy for me, if I'm being honest. But I'm at least glad James wasn't able to ruin Callaway's moment.
Thatcher: Folks, we want to thank you for watching, we hope you had a good time, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone next month when we make our debut in Philly's own landmark, the historic 2300 arena!
Mynx: With a new champion going into Wildfire, there's no telling what to expect. We can't wait for you to join us on this adventure! Good night everybody!
Thatcher: Hello and welcome everyone to Whirlwind Wrestling's Triple Threat, where every match is a triple threat!
Mynx: Except this one, we're live here with accomplished veteran Jan van der Roost in his debut with us. We had heard rumors that after impressing last month with his performance against Jose Sanchez, RUIN would be making a return but...
Thatcher: Oh, you don't know either? I had heard lead-project designer Toby Knight had secured some last minute changes, but it seems he's been more tight-lipped about this that not even the most prominent of dirt sheet writers have been able to pry it out of him.
A thick, thick layer of fog rolls out of the entrance area, piled on top by more layers of fog as Pierce the Veil's “Don't Fear the Reaper” strikes the hearts of the thousands in attendance for the fifth pay-per-view extravaganza, including illiciting a raised eyebrow from the Rooster himself!
Mynx: No way, what did Toby do?!
Thatcher: I heard she was recently released by the Global Wrestling Association's subsidiaries, but no way could Toby have brought the former three-time Liberty Pro Champion all the way to Mexico...
Mynx: So, you do know her...
Thatcher: Yeah. Who doesn't know The Society's creator, bringer of controversy everywhere she goes, Becky Balfour?!
Indeed, as Thatcher alluded to (or, more accurately, outright said), it didn't take more than two steps onto the entrance stage for this crowd to go into a frenzy for, arguably, one of the top free agents in months, even years, to appear right here in the heart of the Whirlwind over any other place she could have chosen.
Mynx: This is surreal. Truly a huge moment for us as a company to have brought such a huge star into our home.
Becky spent an inordinate amount of time on stage as she trudged her way through the fog, zig-zagging down the aisleway. Rooster watches her carefully, like a teacher over their student until Becky finally makes her way to the ring.
Thatcher: Becky sure is taking in the moment here.
Mynx: She's probably nervous. She's never worked Mexico has she?
Thatcher: It looks more like she's in shock at the smaller crowd we have than such a globally recognized conglomerate. You don't think she's bitter do you?
Mynx: If you got released from a large corporation, and went to work for a smaller one, wouldn't you be bitter?
Thatcher: That doesn't matter. The show must go on, a man (or woman!) has to eat. You do what you have to do to keep the money coming in.
Mynx: If you insist.
Becky took her sweet time on the outside, then in the ring, hanging over, through the ropes, almost taunting at the front row fans. All the while Rooster kept his unblinking eyes trained on Becky.
VIP Exclusive Preshow Match
Whirlwind Wrestling: The Next Stop on the #BeckyVsTheWorld Tour
Jan van der Roost vs Becky Balfour
Whirlwind Wrestling: The Next Stop on the #BeckyVsTheWorld Tour
Jan van der Roost vs Becky Balfour
Becky appeared distracted her attention scattered on the crowd even after the bell rang. It took a whistle from Rooster to get her attention. She turned to Rooster's direction just as he took her by the arm, slinging her to the mat with an awkward hip toss. Rooster sat up and shook his head. “That wasn't right”, he thought, as Becky landed awkwardly with her arm under her body.
Thatcher: Maybe she's adapting to the Whirlwind style.
Mynx: She's a renown, world-class athlete all over the globe. I don't know what the hell that was, but that wasn't a hip toss I'd expect of a three-time world champion.
Becky sat up and turned toward Rooster, sticking her tongue out at him, almost mocking him, daring him to do his worst. With a steady mind and a low tolerance for bullsh**, Rooster takes her arm again in his hands, and forces her up to her feet. Becky starts to step away from him, but Rooster clubs her back with his free hand, and pulls her back. He whispers something inaudible in her ear, then lets her go. She takes off into the ropes, rebounding back toward him, where he stops her with a kick to the midsection, winding her, doubling her over in pain. Rooster takes a step back to size her up, curiously she hasn't stood back up from the kick. It was then he knew something was wrong. But the show must go on, and with that he took Becky by the back of her head and pulled her in, arms stretched out as he called for the “Dutch Death Strike” (Canadian Destroyer). He flipped over her to start the move, but on the landing Becky failed to make the full rotation, instead landing firmly on her back a la a sunset flip powerbomb. Rooster stood back up, he was now visibly annoyed.
Thatcher: I don't think he got all of that...
Mynx: I don't think WE'RE getting all of this match!
Becky looks up into Rooster's eyes with a plastered half-smirk. He did not look amused. He took Becky by the hair and pulled her back to her feet, transitioning to a front facelock position. He whispers something to her once again, that might have sounded something like “stay down”, before dropping her hard on the mat with a shoot DDT. On the landing, Roost hooks her near leg in a shoot pin as Ace Vincent drops down to make the count;
1!
2!
3!
Alice in Chains' “Rooster” plays as Ace Vincent gets on the mic.
Ace Vincent: Your winner as a result of a pinfall...Jan van der Roost!
But the scene wasn't one of a happy one. Rooster stayed staring down at Becky, whether that was in disgust, disappointment, or a combination therein while Becky lay on the mat with her arms out-stretched. The Gimnasio on the other hand, had other opinions of this match.
”THAT WAS WEAK!”
”THAT WAS WEAK!”
”THAT WAS WEAK!”
”THAT WAS WEAK!”
”THAT WAS WEAK!”
Rooster, now walking backwards up the aisle, looks out to the fans and especially back to Becky, mouthing only “I agree...I agree.” as he headed back to the back.
Thatcher: What...what was that all about?
Mynx: I'd say that was why the Global Wrestling Association released Becky Balfour in the first place...what was Toby ever thinking to sign someone that. What? I don't. I just can't wrap my head around this.
Thatcher: Well, we're all human, we're allowed to have off nights. I just, well I'm disappointed. I don't know what I expected, but I didn't expect this. These two are highly respected, well polished veterans, and while the Rooster did his part flawlessly, Becky...I just don't get it, Nikki. I just hope this isn't the last time we see Becky around the Whirlwind.
Mynx: After a performance like that, what a disappointing end to a young career that was otherwise filled with promise. I'd hope she can look herself in the mirror and find herself after this wake up call.
Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy” kicks off Triple Threat with a bang when perhaps the largest Whirlwind athlete MAX Danger steps into the aisle to a warm pop from the Monterrey faithful! It was never gonna get old to listen to these chants egging him on. With a deep breath he begins making his way to the ring.
”LET’ GET DANGEROUS!”
Clap, clap, clapclapclap
Clap, clap, clapclapclap
Thatcher: Welcome everyone to our fifth pay-per-view extravaganza, Triple Threat: where every match is a triple threat!
Mynx: No, that line isn’t going to get old to listen to you spout off all night. Course not…
Thatcher: Anyway, folks, what a show we have for you tonight, VIP preshow notwithstanding as we’ll be looking forward to Leon Tyrell battling with Mr. Athleticism Terrance Knight later on and a thrilling challenge to Joe Jones’ run as Whirlwind Champion when he takes on Pendragon and Stephen Callaway!
Mynx: That’s not all, we’ve also got Baldwin Knight back to host The Knightline with guests Sam Tolson and Bryan Blaze to talk about what’s next after sending The Upper Class packing. Speaking of The Upper Class, they are not here tonight so we should have a peaceful show...you can send your thank you notes to Sam and Blaze. Or money, I hear everybody likes getting checks in the mail!
Thatcher: But up next, we’ve got the MMA icon MAX Danger looking to rebound from his close loss by judge decision last month, in a big way with a pair of W’s over two hot signings; the veteran Maria Montez, and the as some would call him “hot head”, Kendrick Kross.
Mynx: Yeah, and we all know where Kendrick is, that Britney Anders is surely somewhere close by...I hope she isn’t planning to interrupt this match.
Thatcher: Right? I think that Kross has got all the talent in the world...and I’d like to see him become more than “Britney’s boyfriend”, if I can be so bold.
At the end of the aisle, MAX makes one massive vertical leap from the floor to the apron, eliciting a series of ooh’s and ah’s over the athleticism shown as he finally enters the ring over the top rope. There wasn’t anything flashy about his dress; he was clearly here for one reason, and one reason only. He was ready for a fight.
MAX Danger: I ain’t bouta eat up much of your time now, I mean look at this place! Every single one of you didn’t come to watch me blow smoke at Kendrick, and you damn sure ain’t come to see Britney Anders pussy out of another big fight...so I’ma make this simple. First, Maria Montez is gonna come out, and she’s a real great chick, she knows her stuff, and I got all the respect in the world for her...her daughter may be ‘nother story, but Maria is cool in my book. We bouta light this damn ring up, then tell ol boy Leon to try and follow us! But then we get to Kendrick Kross…
Thatcher: Kendrick and MAX have been at each other’s throats all month, in a bit of a rivalry that stretches back even further than that. Since before Kendrick signed with the Whirlwind, as I recall.
Mynx: Some people just mix like oil and water, and Kendrick plus MAX may be one such example of that. Can’t like everyone.
Thatcher: I’m not implying that you can. But would a little bit of professionalism between them hurt? Look at the tweets exchanged between them..
Mynx: Can’t be helped, really. MAX and Kendrick, it’s like sticking a square peg into a round hole.
MAX Danger: So, “pal”. Buddy. K double...get yo sorry behind out here, and let’s do this thing right NOW! Bouta beat some dang respect into you the hard way, even if I gotta make yo face match yo girl’s…
””MAX!”
””MAX!”
””MAX!”
Five Finger Death Punch’s “Under and Over It” plays almost immediately following the remark, shortly after Kendrick Kross comes sprinting straight from the entrance area and into the ring! Kendrick immediately went nose-to-nose, forehead-to-forehead...then it happened. K2 threw the first punch, rocking MAX right on the jaw! MAX reeled back, then buried a fist deep into K2’s abdomen, leveling him under the pressure! MAX alternates the left and the right and K2 looks a little worse for wear as MAX backs him up into the ropes. MAX takes a step forward, then rears his fist back, the Gimnasio rallying behind him with a “singalong” of sorts;
”LET’S GET DANGEROUS!”
”LET’S GET DANGEROUS!”
”LET’S GET DANGEROUS!”
K2 had other inclinations as he leapt from the ropes to catch MAX hard with a STIFF knee strike to the face, a strike so hard and fast it took MAX right off his feet! K2 stood over MAX as if he were a standing over a hunting trophy when…
Rihanna’s “Hard” barely begins before Maria Montez appears at the entranceway with a sprint down to the ring, bravely getting between the two to break it up!
Thatcher: Maria isn’t about to let these two make this fight about themselves.
Mynx: Why, though? Just let them beat the stuffing out of each other, make it an easy night for yourself…
Thatcher: Maria isn’t the type to take it easy though. She’s a long time veteran, but she’s not here to coast on her name. She’s here to prove that she can go just like she did at day one, right here, in her hometown and ours - Monterrey, Mexico!
Mynx: That kind of sounded like a commercial for a Monterrey vacation resort, but you know what, I think I understand you.
While Maria checked on MAX, that gave enough time for Ace Vincent to come down to the ring and call for the bell to start this opening contest.
Triple Threat Match
Maria Montez vs Kendrick Kross vs MAX Danger
Maria Montez vs Kendrick Kross vs MAX Danger
Just as soon as the bell rang, Maria was between both MAX and K2 in a separation attempt but it was to no avail as these two fighters were destined to clash right out the gate! K2 throws Maria aside to charge straight into MAX with a hard left buried deep into the big man's abdomen, while MAX replies in kind with a STIFF knee into K2's ribs! Both men let out a wheeze but neither let it slow them down. K2 took MAX by the arm, whipping him into the ropes, but MAX put the brakes on and sent K2 into the ropes instead! K2 rebounds off the ropes, with MAX greeting him with a high elevation spinebuster – but K2 punches the MMA icon right in the face! MAX stumbles back into the opposite ropes but doesn't leave his feet! K2 dashes forward to press the advantage with a back elbow to MAX' face...when Maria returns from behind to take advantage of K2's momentum, dumping BOTH of them over the top rope and to the floor!
Thatcher: These two have so much pent up animosity with each other that they haven't even focused on Maria for a moment...
Mynx: And Maria just made them pay for it!
Before K2 or MAX could even get back to their feet, Maria stepped back to get a running start before hurling her own body over the top rope to nail the two of them with a corkscrew plancha, much to the approval of the entire Gimnasio! Maria stood up to take a bow, only to be greeted by a single request.
”ONE MORE TIME!”
”ONE MORE TIME!”
”ONE MORE TIME!”
”ONE MORE TIME!”
”ONE MORE TIME!”
Never one to leave a crowd hanging, the gorgeous twenty year veteran bombshell jumped up on the ring apron, then to the second rope, springboarding off with a corkscrew moonsault onto the two, receiving a massive pop for her efforts!
Thatcher: Maria Montez delivering everything here in the early going!
Mynx: Was there ever any doubt?
MAX had started to stir, prompting Maria to grab him by the ear and drag him back up to the ring, pushing with all her might to roll him under the bottom rope. She slid in right behind him, pressing her chest to his in a firm lateral press, while Ace Vincent counted the fall;
1!
2 – K2 grabs her foot and pulls her out of the cover!
Thatcher: Kendrick saving the match up for himself! And, probably the only time he'd ever save MAX Danger from anything.
Mynx: See, that's the problem with these triple threat matches, you gotta keep your head on a swivel...
Maria kicks her foot at K2, forcing him to release it before he could pull her out of the ring. She steps out on the ring apron as he climbs up on it, catching her with a kick to the midsection, doubling her over in pain as he takes the opportunity to climb into the ring. From inside, he grabs her by the hair and the top of her attire and lifts her up into a vertical suplex, holding her for a moment before dropping her hard on her back with a ring shaking impact!
Mynx: And just like that, Kendrick Kross takes control of the match!
From the suplex, K2 floats over her into a cover off the lateral press, Ace dropping down to count the fall;
1!
2!
K2 lifts her shoulder up!
Thatcher: What?!
K2 lifts her shoulder up, breaking his own pinfall. He takes her by the hair and pulls her up to her feet with him. He mouths something inaudible at her, then checks her face with a hard forearm strike that dazes her point blank. Unopposed, he whips her hard into the corner, following through with a high knee to her face on arrival! Just as she stumbles out of the corner, K2 takes her by the hand and whips her across to the other corner, once more meeting her face with a high knee upon arrival! Maria began to slump down when K2 grabbed her by the arm one more time, whipping her across the ring. K2 follows her in – AND RIGHT INTO A HUGE SPEAR BY MAX, BREAKING HIM IN HALF!
Thatcher: Where the hell did he come from??
Mynx: Nevermind that, did you see the impact on that spear?!
K2 folded up like an accordion in the center of the mat as MAX laid across him, hooking the near leg;
1!
2!
Maria stumbles out of the corner, falling over the pinfall to break it up!
Thatcher: Bit of an unexpected assistance there.
Mynx: I don't even think Maria knows what just happened there, Kendrick rocked her pretty good with those high knees...
With MAX the only one up, he grabs K2 by one arm and Maria by the other. Slowly, he begins to lift the two and their deadweight to their feet, his hands locked around their attire as...
Thatcher: No way. MAX can't suplex both of them at the same time...
Mynx: He's strong, but c'mon now, that's two people at once!
With a loud grunt MAX tries to lift them, but he can't get them all the way up. He takes a deep breath, and another grunt, lifting them again, but again he only gets them about halfway up. A hush of anticipation fall over the Gimnasio as every one waits to see his feat of strength. Finally, he takes a long deep breath, exhaling as he lets out a real guttural, primal grunt, finally lifting the two up and bringing them quickly to the mat with a...not-so-pretty double snap suplex. Awkward looking, really. But he pulled it off. The Gimnasio offered up a round of applause for MAX' persistence in pulling off the huge maneuver!
Thatcher: I knew he was strong, but holy damn that may be the biggest feat of strength we've witnessed inside of the Whirlwind!
Mynx: My hero.
MAX holds his back briefly like he pulled something, then drops down into a cover over Maria. He reaches out to hook her near leg, but cries out from the sharp, pulling pain in his back so he's unable to cover all the way. Ace drops down to make the count;
1!
2!
Maria kicks out!
MAX rolls over to K2, his back pressed against his chest as Ace counts the new pinfall;
1!
2!
K2 kicks out!
Thatcher: Looks like MAX Danger might have hurt himself doing that suplex.
Mynx: Impressive as it was, he may have tried too hard there and it could cost him now.
MAX climbs up to his feet, albeit still holding his back. K2 is much slower to his feet while MAX rears his fist back, calling for the end of the match to be near. He lifts his right hand up – when K2 blasts MAX with a spinning heel kick to the face, impact sending him reeling back into the ropes! K2 motions with his hands “time to fly”, a clear reference to his “Mountain Rain” (Phoenix Splash) signature as he moves by MAX and approaches the turnbuckle.
“Approached” would be the proper syntax though, as MAX sprung back off the ropes, clocking K2 right on the jaw with the “Let's Get Dangerous” (WMD)!! K2 took the punch square before flopping face first onto the mat! MAX stood over K2, a measure of personal vindication washing over him surely when all of a sudden MAX was pulled back – it was Maria with her hands around MAX' neck, the “Monterrey Meltdown” (Coquina Clutch) was applied and MAX was fading fast!
Thatcher: We saw this last month at Day of Judgment!
Mynx: The veteran instincts of Maria are live on display here, she waited her time after MAX took care of Kendrick..and there's no way Kendrick is getting up in the immediate future after that shot.
Thatcher: I agree, nobody has gotten up feeling like their brains weren't scrambled after that punch...just like nobody has figured out the combination to the Monterrey Meltdown.
Just as Ace bent down to check on MAX, the pressure of her hands around his neck was too much, forcing him to submit to the pain.
Rihanna's “Hard” plays as Ace Vincent helps Maria back up to her feet to lift her arm in victory.
Ace Vincent: Your winner, as a result of a submission, and the first qualifying entrant into the Dangerous Wager main event...MARIA! MONTEZ!!
Maria took the time to celebrate with fans ringside while MAX lay in the ring face up and K2 lay facedown.
Thatcher: That Monterrey Meltdown scores another victim.
Mynx: That might be the secret weapon of the Whirlwind, I'm glad I'm on this side of the announce table.
Thatcher: Maybe even the secret weapon of Dangerous Wager...whatever that is.
Mynx: Why is Toby being so tight-lipped about that, anyway?! I wanna know!
Thatcher: Some things in wrestling have to be kept a secret from everybody, this match must be one of those things. I'm looking forward to his explanation next month, at Wildfire, then we can finally know what this thing is Maria just qualified for.
Mynx: For now though, let's take you to earlier today as one of our hottest new potential talent acquisitions arrived at the Gimnasio!
“Wow...that looks really, really great. You know I’m the kinda cat that’s gonna need to check this show out…”
The voice could belong to only one man. As the camera pans around, we see none other than the notorious...or should we say infamous, social media intern for Whirlwind Wrestling, Monte “The Python”. He was wearing a dark hoodie with an abstract red design over the front of it and stood in front of a television set playing a live feed of Triple Threat back in catering. In his hands? A plate loaded to the brim with breadsticks, pasta, and sauced to the gills - meatsauce that is - with something that looked like it could have come straight from the Olive Garden. I mean it didn’t, but it could have.
Monte the Python: Hmm. “Liberty City Survivor” you say? I’m hooked. This is my new number two favorite show, as of right now, this moment.
Monte finished the statement with a smug grin, before finally sitting down to to eat with his wannabe Olive Garden special.
Outside of the Gimnasio Nuevo Leon, a black Chevy SUV thing pulls up and comes to a stop in a section that is reserved for the stars of WhirlWind Wrestling LLC. Behind barricades are fans who haven’t gone inside yet and are ready with their phones to get a few pics of/with their favorite stars, maybe some auto’s as well. The driver’s side door opens and stepping out of the SUV adjusting his custom made suit is Nanook!
He is heckled and made fun of. Nanook buttons his jacket up and waves to the “fans” but a second later they erupt in cheers and screams and those barricades don’t stop a hoard of kids from jumping them and running towards the SUV when
The kids, they bum rush him, incircling him and start chanting his name. Nanook rolls his eyes while Bester high fives each and every kid that rushed over to see him.
OGDA: “Ah Si! Si! Si! Have no fear! Orgulloso Guardián Del Arcoiris is here! Here to save the day!”
Which is meet with cheers and more high fives, and some hugs. Security is on the scene to escort the kids back to their parents, Whirlwind Wrestling LLC does not believe in ripping their kids away from their parents.
OGDA: “Don’t worry children! I am only a call away! I will never let any danger come to any of you! Ever!
Nanook is leaning up against the vehicle. As the kids make their way back behind the fence, Nanook shakes his head.
Nanook: Are you done Bester? All done playing this, whatever it is?
OGDA: Who’s Bester? You keep calling me Bester Mr. Nanook, but I don’t know who he is. I am Orgulloso…
Nanook: Yeah yeah! I know, you’ve only repeated it to me 19 times in the last hour. But look.
Nanook pushes himself off of the car and gets in Bester’s mug.
Nanook: All of these fun and games are done with. Time to get serious. Fucking Joe has the belt, the only belt.
OGDA: I know Mr. Nanook! My good buddy Joe Jones has the belt. Do you know he is Mister Whirlwind Wrestling! Boy! He must be really really good to be called Mister Whirlwind Wrestling!
Nanook: Bester….hold on.
Nanook reaches out and snatches the mask off of Bester’s skull! Much to the surprise of Bester who then tries to hide his face. Nanook tosses the mask on the ground and spits on it! Bester’s face shows the horror he is feeling. Tears start to welt up.
Nanook: We’re going in there and they want you, Bester! The guy who was just about to tear it up on San Fran, who should have been a huge star in Knoxville. Bester, the cult like hero on the indies right now! They don’t want Bester in a mask!
Bester: But….
Nanook: No buts! No more silly games Bester! It’s time to get real! It’s time to get mad! It’s time to leave your mark in that fucking ring in there, beat people down, bust open their skulls and spill their brains out on that mat! It’s time to stand up to Joe Jones and take that championship from him! That belt should be yours! You should have beaten Bryan Blaze, NOT HIM! He STOLE your spot Bester!
Bester is on the verge of crying….
Nanook: This is the toughest and hardest promotion on the face of the planet to get signed to! They are picky Bester, and they only want guys who can draw! Like you! People love you. I mean, they really love you. You can’t teach that, what you have. These fans, those kids, they are drawn to you like a moth to a flame. You’re money! Money Bester!
Nanook points with his thumb over his shoulder towards the arena.
Nanook: I have this meeting set. It’s ready to go. I got them to add 2 zeros! 2 zeros to show you how much they want you, how much they love you. It’s time to put you name on the dotted line.
Bester looks down, all depressed.
Bester: I don’t know….
Nanook: Look, listen. This is one of the biggest contracts in this company. More money than what their paying Joe. More money than they gave Kendrick Kross and Britney Anders. Bryan Blaze….you remember him?
Bester perks up.
Bester: Yes! I remember Mister Blaze. He was always nice to me.
Nanook: More than him. Stephen Callaway…..yeah? Remember him?
Bester: Yeah I do!
Nanook: He’s making minimum wage compared to you!
Bester: Really?
Nanook: Best! I got them to pony up, big time! Now, forget about that Guardian nonsense and let’s whoo them and get this deal done. Think of Spartacus.
(Bester’s cat, his best friend and allegadelly a murdering cat. It’s a long story.)
Nanook: Think what this money will do for him. You love Spartacus right?
Bester: I do! With all of my heart! He is a best friend in the whole wide world! I really wish he could come here with me….
Nanook: Well, sign this contract and you know, use the money to get him to be allowed in Mexico.
Bester: We could do that?
Nanook: We could. That and much much more.
Bester sighs.
Bester: I guess.
Nanook slaps Bester on the shoulder.
Nanook: Thataboy. Come on, let’s get going.
Nanook turns and starts to waddle towards the door. Bester glances down at his white mask. His face grows long and sad.
Bester: Why can’t I get Orgulloso Guardian Del Arcoiris? <sob>
Baldwin Knight: Ladies and gentlemen, last month we witnessed, what I personally believe to have been a misguided mistake at-best, when an impromptu match between new signing Maria Montez and Jacob Hotstuff at Day of Judgment was ended prematurely after my guest at this time threw a white towel into the ring on Jacob’s behalf. Francine, it’s a pleasure to have you here with me of course, you’re looking well as usual.
He stood up to extend his hand to the wife of the MMA legend, MAX Danger, which she daintily accepted, before taking her seat across from the seasoned reporter.
Francine Danger: Thank you, it’s good to be here.
Baldwin Knight: I’m gonna jump right down to business, Francine. The question we’ve all been wanting an answer to since last month is “why’d you do it?” Jacob, for as good as he believes himself to be, has been anything but endearing to fans and athletes alike since his posh arrival to the company. Even you, you scolded him for his unsporting attack toward Lisa Lightning ahead of their match. I know I can’t speak for everyone, but most of the people on this roster were surely enjoying watching that actor turn forty shades of blue as Maria choked him out. Most of our roster...except you. He’s been nothing but disrespectful toward you on social media, he’s been downright aggressive toward your husband specifically, so you of all people I’d assume would gain the most satisfaction to watch Jacob “pay the piper”, so to speak, yet, it was you that showed him the reprieve to make the punishment stop. I, along with everyone watching at home...would love to know why.
Francine Danger: What, so because someone is a rude jerk to me and my loved ones that means I’m supposed to just accept and watch them struggle? I know I’m not a fighter, so maybe I don’t get the culture and all...but is it not more correct to turn the other cheek?
Baldwin Knight: Is that how you really feel? A man that has your husband so angry he’s ready to unload many right hands on him. A man that, from this reporter’s vantage anyway, is the sleaziest man in wrestling today. A man that hit another woman in the back of her head with a lead plate, and you would ‘turn the other cheek’? No, I don’t buy that Francine. You’re too nice of a woman for me to believe that you’d feel that way. All due respect, but I don’t think that’s what you really feel. Try again.
Francine’s face turned visibly red, she was clearly getting upset and she wasn’t even trying to hide it.
Francine Danger: I know you’re a freelance reporter...but who are you to even tell me what I’m thinking and am not thinking?! Like you can just sit across from me and try to put suggestions in my head based on what the societal norms are?
Unlike Francine, Baldwin kept a straight, cool, wall of stone demeanor.
Baldwin Knight: Hmm. You’re awfully defensive over something that was just a simple unbiased observation. But if you insist…
Francine Danger: Look, okay, I get it. Jake is a bit much at times, sure he comes on strong…
Baldwin leaned in, listening intently as it seemed his stern demeanor was enough to crack her open.
Francine Danger: And, I mean sure, like I said I do understand what you mean. But, Jake and I, and MAX, we have a history. We’ve been friends for over ten years now, so while I can’t approve of what Jake does...he’s still a close friend at the end of it.
Baldwin offers a sympathetic nod.
Baldwin Knight: That has to be really hard for you. To be stuck in the middle between the man you swore you’d spend the rest of your life with, and a close friend, knowing the husband and friend will probably never get along...I wish I could offer you advice there, but I can’t say I’ve really found myself in a similar situation.
Francine Danger: So now you’re a shrink? You ask me a tough question and then try to dig inside my head for some kind of inner conflict I’m wrestling with? And who made you a psychology expert? Where’d you get your degree?
Baldwin Knight: Francine, I -
Francine slammed her hands on the table, pushing herself up out of her chair.
Francine Danger: No. You know what, I thought you were different, Baldwin. I thought you weren’t gonna judge me but you’re just the same as any other news outlet. This interview is over.
With one fluid motion, Francine spun on her heel and turned out through the door,
Baldwin Knight: Francine, I didn’t mean to -
But she was already down the hall, leaving Baldwin Knight to himself, his scoop over before it could really begin…
Whirlwind cameras fade in to the sight of Terrance Knight in the backstage area, poised for a pre-match interview. Nikki Mynx greets the camera with a cheerful smile before presenting her guest.
Nikki Mynx: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest had a dominant debut at Day of Judgment, and is looking to ride that momentum into his triple threat match tonight. He is the young, the gifted, the hungry; Terrance Knight.
Knight takes a breath, rolls his shoulders to relax and leans into the mic before answering.
Terrance Knight: Thank you, but don’t call me that.
Nikki Mynx: I’m sorry?
Terrance Knight: “Gifted.” People call me “gifted” like it’s a compliment. Like I got done any favors.
Nikki Mynx: I… I don’t understand.
Terrance Knight: You will.
Knight gently reaches for the mic, which the interviewer reluctantly surrenders. With the mic… with control… in his grasp, Knight’s grip tightens as he stares a fiery hole into the camera.
Terrance Knight: …You will, too. “Gifted”? You wish I was gifted. You wish it was that simple. Leon Tyrell and Jose Sanchez, my opponents tonight, wish I was just given what I’ve got. I was given a name to live up to. I was given a mentor whose career eclipses everything I’ve ever done. But this? *pounds chest* All this? *slaps well-developed arms and chiseled abs* I had to earn that. I had to earn my place here. And I’ve gotta earn every damn bit of respect I get out here. Pfft, “gifted…” You think Donnie Mac gave me his arm at DOJ? Naw, man. I earned the right to put him down and make him tap… which reminds me. You know why I call it the Separator? Not just ‘cuz it separates your shoulder. It separates this “gifted” fiction from reality. It’s what separates me from the competition. And Leon, Donnie, and everyone else in that locker room…
Knight’s eyes wander momentarily, behind the camera, to the locker room door, and his thoughts go to the words of his mentor. With that, he returns his gaze to the camera, narrowing his eyes to an intense stare.
Terrance Knight: …it’s what separates the kids from the men.
Nikki Mynx: I see. Ladies and gentlemen, Terrance Knight, the athletic separation of fiction and reality. And he's coming to you. Next!
Triple Threat Match
Terrance Knight vs Jose Sanchez vs Leon Tyrell
Terrance Knight vs Jose Sanchez vs Leon Tyrell
At the bell, Leon offered a sarcastic yawn, as if he couldn't even be bothered to know what he was getting into. Jose stood in the corner doing jumping jacks to warm up, while TK side-eyed Leon and his arrogance. “Just what did he have to be arrogant about, anyway? No way he's better than me!” He must have thought. Then he shakes his head at a smiling Jose as he steps out of the corner to approach the recently dubbed “Mister Athleticism”. TK shook his head before catching the rookie with a swift kick to the gut followed by a transition to a side headlock. TK wrenches it before Jose pushes him off into the ropes, while TK comes back and SLAMS into Jose with a shoulderblock that sent him off his feet! TK flexes and offers a cheap grin while Leon dives over Jose and a fast lateral press;
1!
2 – TK quickly stomps the back of Leon, breaking the count!
Thatcher: Terrance took a bit too much time there with the showboating, but can Leon not try to steal matches like that?
Mynx: Dreamy Leon is just being smart and picking his spots. It is a triple threat after all, remember that Derrick? Stop trying to paint the future as the bad guy all the time, geez.
Leon rolled out of the cover while he reached for his back. Just as he sat up on his knees, TK caught him in the back of his head with a low dropkick, sending him face first to the mat. TK was fast up to his feet to greet a just standing Jose. Cockily, TK approaches Jose, clearly not taking the kid seriously as he slaps him across his face. “This the best they go -” he shouted before Jose sprang to life, dropping TK with a drop toe hold to a mild pop from this somewhat-but-not-really-favorite-rookie. Jose takes him, with wobbly, nervous hands, and grabs TK by the ear to pull him to his feet, ending up behind him with his hands locked around the waist. Jose starts to heave him back – before TK answers with a back elbow smash, cracking Jose across the nose! TK ducks around behind Jose, this time applying a rear waistlock of his own. Effortlessly, he heaves Jose back with a belly-to-back suplex, finishing the sequence with a beautiful, fantastic bridge to which Ace Vincent drops down to make the count;
1!
2!
Jose kicks out with all of his might!
Perhaps even more impressively than his crisp suplex, TK kips up to his feet – and right into a huge waiting forearm from Leon!
Thatcher: Where did he come from?!
Mynx: Based future dreamy champion knows exactly what is going on all the time.
Thatcher: Oh Nikki.
The shot rocked TK back, but not down. He reached up to feel his chin, rubbing it. “Aight fam,” he muttered, not about to let the wily veteran keep getting the better of him. TK bowed up to Leon, he wasn't scared or intimidated at all, to which Leon held his hands up “okay, easy, easy, let's not get too -” that's when TK roared forward with a forearm of his own, reeling Leon back! TK kept up the assault with a back elbow to match the one Jose took earlier, with the thunderous impact sending Leon into the ropes! Leon hangs on though, taunting TK to come finish the job, which he does – but Leon pulls the rope down, low bridging TK to the apron! Leon stands up straight and dusts his hands off like a job well done...except it wasn't a job well done.
Thatcher: Look out!
TK quickly jumped onto the top rope, springing right into the back of Leon's head with a set of double knees, the impact sending him right to the mat face first! On the landing, TK flips Leon over and makes the cover, hooks the far leg, as Ace counts;
1!
2!
…
Jose breaks it up!
Mynx: See, not everybody hates Leon.
Thatcher: Think that was more for himself than for Leon...
Jose, looking far worse for wear after that elbow, had a trickle of blood coming from his nose, it actually looked kind of courageous to see him there, standing above the two far more experienced grapplers. TK stood back up, shaking his head at the rookie. “You just don't learn, do ya kid?”
Stepping forward, Jose makes the telegraphed attempt at the grapple, but TK and his strikes are far faster as he catches him with a left kick then a right almost setting Jose's hamstrings on fire, then with a right slap and a left to the face. Jose was reeling as TK took him into a front facelock, lifting him up and over with a lightning snap suplex! Quickly, TK drops the outside of his leg down across he throat of Jose, demanding a count from Ace Vincent;
1!
2!
Ace waves he count off, as he determines TK's pinfall had deteriorated into a blatant choke!
1!
2!
3!
4!
TK finally stands up, offering a cheap chuckle and a head shake as Jose is gasping for air.
Thatcher: Terrance is kind of cruel, if you ask me. I wonder how he'd behave against a more seasoned opponent though.
Mynx: Yeah, well this is sometimes a cruel business. Can't get ahead if you're roasting marshmellows together. It's dog-eat-dog, kill or be killed...but you already know this.
TK picks Jose up off the mat, tossing him towards the corner, meeting him there with a high knee to the face! Jose's eyes roll in the back of his head and he is clearly on dream street after. TK slowly picks Jose back up, planting him on the top rope in a seated position, then from the mat he jumps up on the second rope, then up OVER Jose to a massive pop, landing behind him when it's all said and done.
Thatcher: A leap like that is why I started calling him Mister Athleticism!
Mynx: With moves like that, it's a wonder we don't call him “Pure Alpha”... you could almost hear the wink in her voice.
Gingerly from the top rope, TK turns around – then crotches himself up there! Panning back, we “coincidentally” find Leon who just happens to be hanging on the same rope leading to TK's turnbuckle!
Mynx: All the alpha moves, but the beta thinking.
TK's face tells the story of pain, shock, incoherency, while Jose slumps off the rope and to the mat in a heap. Casually, Leon strolls to the body and drops down to make a cover, hooking the near leg emphatically as he does;
1!
2!
3!
Godsmack's “Bulletproof” kicks off in celebration of Leon's big win, with Ace Vincent raising Leon's arm despite the fact he barely broke a sweat...
Ace Vincent: The winner of the match as a result of a pinfall, and qualifying for the Dangerous Wager main event...Leon! Tyrell!
Thatcher: Ridiculous. Terrance did all the heavy lifting in that match, only for Leon to swoop in for the kill? What do you have to say about your 'future' now, Nikki?!
Mynx: 'Work smarter not harder'? Leon used his years and years of experience to let Terrance beat himself, and when he had the opportunity, it was all elementary...
Ace turned to help TK off the top rope while Leon took the time to make a victory lap around the ring like he had just won the Olympics...
Thatcher: Disgusting. After we just saw him go all out versus MAX, he turns it down for this match.
Mynx: Don't be jelly based Dreamy Guy did what had to be done. You know you wouldn't do any more work than you had to either, to get a job done...
Thatcher: Whatever. Bet he doesn't try that against Samantha Tolson. Or Pendragon. Or Blaze. All three of those athletes would make him pay for short cutting a match!
Mynx: Well I guess Terrance should take better notes then. He could have done the same thing if he remembered he's not getting paid by the hour...
Thatcher: You're a real piece of work, you know that Nikki?
Mynx: But you still love me.
Thatcher: Barely
.The last shot is with Leon halfway up the aisle and TK finally off the ropes, merely staring a hole through Leon knowing he wasn't going to let him get away with that twice.
Outside of the Gimnasio Nuevo Leon, a red Kia Stinger pulls up and comes to stop next to a black SUV……
The fans behind the barricades, they begin to boo almost instantly, even before anyone climbs out of the car. These boos, these hecklers, naysayers and haters, they boos and sneer louder when our Whirlwind Champion, Mr. Whirlwind Wrestling himself, Double J, Joe Jones steps out of the Kia Stinger. Joe takes a second to slind the belt over his shoulder and basically rub it in their faces that he won it. A Bryan Blaze BAY BAY chant breaks out and this makes Joe laugh. He closes the door behind him and makes his way around the car as James Kelloggs, all 4 feet for him gingerly climbs down from the passenger side seat.
Joe Jones: Sounds like it’s going to be one hell of a night James.
James Kelloggs: Yup! House full of haters and crybabies.
Joe chuckles.
Joe Jones: Just wait until I beat…
Joe pauses as something on the ground catch his eye. Joe looks down at it.
James Kelloggs: There won’t be enough diapers in the country for them. What?
James noticing that Joe is squatting down and picking something up.
James Kelloggs: What the fuck is that?
Joe holds it up for James.
Joe Jones: Isn’t this the mask that Best has been wearing?
James Kelloggs: huh…..I think so? To be honest Joe, I have been ass deep in some fine Mexican booty. I’m not really paying attention to anything else.
Joe Jones: I think it is. This is Besters’. He was wearing this when he saved that dude from RUIN.
James Kelloggs: What’s it doing out here?
Joe Jones: If I know fat ass, speaking of asses, has been trying to get him signed. Perhaps he finally convinced Nikki and Derrick? Knowing Kim….(Nanook’s given first name)... he most likely made Bester take this off.
James Kelloggs: Why? Even Helen Keller can hear those kids losing their shit over him, whatever he’s calling himself.
Joe Jones: hmmm
Joe stands up still holding the mask.
Joe Jones: I bet he’s here.
James Kelloggs: Yeah? So.
Joe Jones: Knowing Bester like we do, no doubt he has fallen in love with this thing and truly believes he’s, the whatever he’s calling himself. I think we should return it to him.
James smiles.
James Kelloggs: Fuck tubby will freak the fuck out.
Joe Jones: Yes, yes he will. Let’s go find him.
Joe says with a smile. The two of them begin to head on inside the building when Joe stops.
Joe Jones: Oh shit! Hold up! We forgot something.
James Kelloggs: What?
Joe jogs back to the Kia Stinger, opens the trunk and pulls out a tennis racket, complete with a airbrushed Whirlwind Wrestling padded cover.
Joe Jones: I promised Derrick I would get him one of these.
James Kelloggs: Seriously?
Joe Jones: A promise is a promise.
James Kelloggs: Does he even play?
Joe Jones: He didn’t believe me that some shop downtown was making these things, so I got him one.
James shakes his head.
Joe Jones: Come on little man, let’s find Best, give him back his mask.
James’ face turns red as Joe chuckles and stuffs the mask in his back pocket of his shorts…..
To be Continued…
We cut backstage to find Jan van der Roost with field reporter Baldwin Knight. The two looked to be engaged in deep conversation, most likely concerning the performance at our special VIP preshow event with Becky Balfour. Roost, being the professional he is had helped bring the fight to a safe conclusion, which both were grateful for. The two were interrupted however, by the arrival of a new - albeit incredibly beautiful - face to the Whirlwind.
Julliet Brooks.
The conversation came to a screeching halt as Rooster looked like he had saw a ghost. Julliet however, simply laughed and offered him a sarcastic wave to her longtime rival.
It was clear things were about to get real interesting for the long time veteran.
Continuing on down the hall, Baldwin Knight stops for a moment.
“Huh, what was that?” He thought to himself, ”Let’s just hope for ...ooh, I know.” As he turned his head to the side, he read the name on the door aloud.
“Maria Montez.”
He thought for a moment, ”Hmm. There’s our resident veteran, I should go see how she’s holding up after such a clinic of an opening match...and mentally after a run in with Jacob Awful last month…” Without a second to think it over, he drags his knuckle across the door, to his surprise getting greeted just as he finished knocking.
“It’s open!” The female voice called to him. He turned the knob and pushed the door open, stepping inside.
Baldwin Knight: Uhh, Maria? You around?
Maria Montez: Yeah, sorry, I was just cleaning up after my match.
Maria steps out from behind a curtain that lead to the personal shower in her locker room, the perks of being a veteran. The 44 year old beauty had a towel wrapped around her body, showing off her legs. Her hair was still dripping.
Maria Montez: Hey, what’s going on? Did you enjoy the match?
Baldwin stares, his mouth wide.
Maria Montez: I was kinda hoping for a little more than that.
The veteran giggles quietly, taking pleasure in catching the reporter off guard.
Maria Montez: If you want something on the record, both of those guys are tough. They didn’t hold back, and Max hits like a truck. Kendrick is smart. For such a young wrestler, he wrestles like a veteran. I had a lot of fun out there. I’m sore, but that comes with the territory.
Baldwin Knight: I-I-I uhh, ye-yes I mean that’s why I cam-came by…..
He spoke the words, though his eyes betrayed his true feelings as he stared at the Latin American bombshell. She knew. Oh, did she ever.
Baldwin Knight: Uhh, is this a ba-ba-bad time? Should I come bac….
He turns his head, averting his eyes from her out of respect. The image of her was likely not going to leave his memory for the foreseeable future, though.
Maria Montez: No, no, it’s fine. If it were anyone else, I probably would ask them to come back, but…
Her voice was calming, attempting to reassure him. She walks up to him and places a hand on his shoulder.
Maria Montez: Take a deep breath, okay? I’m the one who just wrestled and I’m in my 40’s. I should be the one gasping for air.
Her jokes were playful in nature, meaning no harm.
Maria Montez: You good now?
His face began to turn a couple shades of red even as he tried to regain his composure.
Baldwin Knight: Yea-yeah. Yeah...I’ll be………...okay. You uhh...wow, I mean, I just can’t get over this. I’m standing here in the presence of THE Maria Montez, and we’re just like, talking. And she’s so...so…
What was the word he was looking for? Down to earth? A regular person like anybody else?
Baldwin Knight: ...Stunning.
Did his forwardness startle her? Was he forgetful the cameras were rolling?
Baldwin Knight: I mean uhh, Miss Montez, please understand, I’m not trying to -
Maria Montez: Why don’t we talk in private?
Maria looks over Baldwin’s shoulder to the operator of the camera.
Maria Montez: You know I appreciate the work ethic, but this is probably more of a private moment, not one that we want to share with the world. If you don’t mind?
Baldwin Knight: Ye-yeah I mean…
Slowly he backs up, not removing his eyes from the bombshell as he approaches the door, dragging the cameraman with him. Briefly he turns to him.
Baldwin Knight: Sorry buddy, go ahead and wait for me here though.
He finishes gently pushing him out of the room, then closes the door, leaving the camera to stare at her nameplate on the door.
Baldwin knight: Now, where were we… the camera could overhear faintly as he walked away.
Mynx: Look at him go! Go get yours, Baldwin!
Thatcher: Nikki! Come on, how you gonna go there, we’re still live! Besides, we don’t know that’s what is actually going on. They could be comparing notes…
Mynx: Yeah, I always step out of a steamy shower and...compare notes. She said with an almost audible eye roll.
The scene opens up inside a sensitivity training session where we see a group of ten people in a circle. Most seem actively engaged with the session and the host who was sitting in the middle, looking like she was happy with the group. But two people out of the group look as bored as possible, and these two are none other than Wrestling's Prettiest Tag Team, and the women who have been forced to attend none other than Veronica Taylor, and Bianca Davis. Veronica is dressed in a pink mini skirt, black Pretty-Committee t-shirt, and black high heel boots. Next to her is her Chanel handbag. The Queen B from Malibu is dressed in black leather pants, black high heel pumps, and a black top showing off her midriff. As the smug arrogant duo look as bored as possible. With them looking at their nails, the host begins to speak.
Host: Very well, let us hear from Shelia, so Shelia anything you want to say about yourself?
A heavyset woman raises her hand, as Veronica looks at Bianca who looks back at her. They look disgusted at the woman who was middle-aged and about to speak, she looked like she was working class.
Sheila: Hello everyone my name is Shelia.
Everyone but PC: Hi, Shelia.
Host: Now, tell us about yourself.
Sheila smiles softly and begins to speak.
Sheila: Well, I am a medical assistant and looking to be more sensitive to the needs of my patients and while here I hope to learn more about how to be more sensitive. But a cause that is dear to me is antibody shaming, or fat acceptance if you will. Now while society has come a long way toward accepting healthy at any weight it seems some people still are having trouble accepting it, and honestly, I have struggled with my weight my whole life but once I accepted myself and started loving myself well it changed everything for me. And now, I want others to have the same joy to have that we need society to really get on board with this.
The group besides of course the Pretty Committee who look shocked and almost disgusted at the woman speaking about fat acceptance. Are clapping for her to show her support, as another this time a heavy set man says.
Heavy Man: May I speak?
Host: Certainly, feel free this is a time for support.
The man begins to speak as the Pretty Committee are looking at Veronica’s phone seeing pictures on her Instagram account. As well as checking on the Pretty Committee Instagram account, they smile looking at themselves not paying attention at all to what is going on.
Heavy Man: My name is Jason, and I agree with her. I have also struggled with my weight since I was a child, and I was picked on by guys and girls during my school years for it. I never had a date or many friends. But now, it seems things are starting to change that people seem to be much more accepting.
Jason is cut off by the sound of giggling coming from the Pretty Committee who are laughing at a post on twitter. Which causes the entire group to shoot them a death glare. As they seem oblivious to interrupting the training as a young girl with acne speaks up.
Girl with Acne: These two have been just rude honestly why are they even here?!
Host: Now Tiffany, some take longer to get used to this setting. Bianca, and Veronica I have to ask that you pay attention and listen. You may learn something.
Soon enough Veronica Taylor says in a fake tone.
Veronica Taylor: Oh, right we are so sorry right B?
Bianca Davis: Oh right, we're so sorry everyone we will listen as well promise…
Though as they say this they have their hands behind their backs with their fingers crossed. And as the host seems relieved the rest still seem not to trust these two. As she says in a nice tone though he's oblivious to their intent.
Host: It is okay, I appreciate you apologizing, you are already getting better and learning to show sensitivity.
Veronica Taylor: Thank you we are trying so hard right B?
Bianca Davis: So hard to try and be so nice.
Though, if anyone believes these two at this point they might be blind and deaf. As the ladies seem to have pleased the host, now the host looks at Jason before saying in a sweet tone.
Host: Okay, now that is cleared up Jason you want to continue?
Jason smiles at the Pretty Committee who give him a fake smile but as he looked at the rest of the group Bianca does the finger down the throat gag, as Veronica and her share a soft bitchy giggle.
Jason: I accept their apologies, but as I said earlier no one wanted to date me but the world has become a more accepting place and I have high hopes seeing all of the brave people in this room who have taken this training on.
The room claps loudly, except the Pretty Committee who are back to looking at their nails looking as uninterested as possible. As the host stares at them they said they were sorry but were acting the same way.
Host: Okay, well now let us hear from our special guest now I know this may be a punishment from your boss but try and not think of it that way. Veronica, and Bianca, why don’t you two tell us about yourselves a bit?
Veronica lets out a bitchy sigh.
Veronica Taylor: Okay, it's our turn now B?
Bianca smiles before nodding giving Veronica the floor.
Veronica Taylor: Hello, my name is Veronica Taylor and I have learned a whole lot, for example. Like I am seeing the world in such a brand new way like B, I think we have been wrong on a lot of things like so wrong.
Bianca Davis: I am seeing the same thing, Vero, I am seeing the errors of my ways, we're sorry everyone and we're sorry that…
Pretty Committee: You’re all basic, ratchet, ugly, fat, disgusting, wretched, freaks, and losers.
They then share aloud bitchy giggle everyone looks shocked and confused. But, the true colors of the Pretty Committee were coming out in full force. The Queen of Mean continues in her trademark way as Bianca does a fake cry with her hands.
Veronica Taylor: Like I have never been around so many crybabies in my life. Like oh boo hoo I am fat well lose weight than Sheila, and quit eating all that cake in your car. And maybe, just maybe you could attract a man but no not even then because we can smell you from here ugh!
Bianca sprays some Veronica’s Secret perfume around them, before taking her shot at someone casuing her eye blue eyes to light up seeing Jason.
Bianca Davis: She could date Jason, they are both fat losers who can’t stop picking up the fork like seriously you both should try my Queen B exercise and diet plan. I mean you won’t look like me or even that acceptable but you won’t die at forty-five either.
They look shocked Shelia begins to shed a tear as The Committee has an evil laugh with each other.
Host: Ladies…
Bianca Davis: Don’t address us we will get to you. Right now we got Pizza Face Tiffany.
Veronica Taylor: Like girl your what forty-five and still have acne.
Tiffany: I’m twenty…
They share a laugh.
Bianca Davis: Girl, you need some serious skin problems like luckily my girl Veronica here is an angel and has the perfect skin cream it's for sensitive skin like yours. It will make you look much more acceptable but you still be a loser though.
Veronica throws a sample tube of her new skin scream at Tiffany laughing as she looks visibly upset.
Host: Ladies that is enough!
Veronica looks at her with a glare as she says.
Veronica Taylor: Oh look who is all big and bad now the host I mean the rest of you are just so boring ugh like what you're here for what, acceptance? And try and make us feel bad for being better than you all? Ugh like pathetic what a group of basics here. Almost as bad as the Whirlwind fans.
Bianca Davis: So the rest of you just hide your faces with our trademark Pretty Committee paper bags because we're sick of looking at your faces.
She grabs her supply of paper bags from her handbag and throws them in the middle of the circle for everyone to grab as the duo laugh some more hysterically. As Veronica then eyes the host.
Veronica Taylor: And you’re the worst disgusting, uggo and guess what because your the least basic you judge these morons silently I know you go home and tell your husband you have had the worst day listen to fatties blame society for them eating to much cake, or that you had to stare at a face so ugly it would be a modern art masterpiece. At least were honest that none of you can sit with us your host here? She would kick you down to better herself like how pathetic?!
Bianca Davis: You know you have potential but you’re also to basic to sit with us, in fact, Veronica it’s almost time for our spa day. I am getting the heebie-jeebies being around all of these freaks and that's not good for my skin.
Veronica Taylor: I know doll face I know, and now we are leaving this dump and getting out of here ugh I need some shopping on Rodeo Drive so I don’t have to think about being subjected to looking at your faces. So bye-bye basics.
They do the cry motion before blowing smug kisses out as they leave the entire circle was in tears and upset, even the host. Though some were glaring at her like this was her fault for having the Pretty Committee in the group. As they saunter out pleased with themselves the scene then fades to black. What would Toby have to say about his “lesson” he was looking to teach the Pretty Committee.
“Baby!” This big chested, big booty Mexican beauty wearing next to nothing says as The Bad Ass James Kelloggs is standing in front of a full length mirror, which he can only use half of. Cuz he’s tiny….
“El Chapulín Colorado is a national hero. The people will love this. I swear baby. It’ll be okay! I kinda find it sexy.” She says as she wet her lips and twirl some of her hair around her finger.
James, as you can imagine, is pissed. Management pitched a idea to him, seeing he swore to never play Scrappy doo ever again. The idea is to dress up as El Chapulin Colorado, a national TV icon from the 70’s, their version of Mr. Rogers? Anyways, James is wearing the suit, a red bodysuit, “alien ears”, bright yellow trunks, and a big yellow heart on his chest with the letters CH in red. It’s quite the get up. James is glaring at himself in the mirror. His lady friend leans forward flashing even more cleavage.
“Baby? You okay?”
James rubs the side of his face as he mumbles to himself.
“Kick me again Steve. Yeah….go ahead bitch. Kick me again and see what happens. I’ll beat you with your own severed foot….Steve. Fucking bastard….fucker….go ahead! I dare you.”
James’ lady friend leans back on the big oversized couch and looks at her nails.
Fade out.
The long, soothing sounds of Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” (sax solo) can be heard as Whirlwind field reporter Baldwin Knight steps out of the entrance area as a crew of stagehands scurry about the ring in preparation of the second episode of “The Knightline”. In the ring there was a white Persian rug being rolled out over the mat followed by a fold-out coffee table with a giant Knightline logo on it. A female stagehand came into the ring with a trio of white coffee mugs, with - you guessed it - a Knightline logo on those as well. Completing the set was a trio of steel barstools with a black vinyl cover over the top of them and, yes, a Knightline logo stretched over the top of those too.
Baldwin steps up to the ring steps and briefly closes his eyes, then on the longest note from the sax he opens them again and jogs up the steps, his head held high and confident! A pair of stagehands held the ring ropes open for him as he climbed inside the ring before taking the mic as the best saxophone solo of all time faded away.[/i]
Baldwin Knight: How’s everyone doing tonight?!
The Gimnasio roared to life, clearly in a good mood without the sight of The Upper Class anywhere to be seen!
Baldwin Knight: Welcome everyone, thank you for welcoming me back into your homes again, how are we doing tonight?!
”ROOOOAAAARRRRRR!!”
Baldwin Knight: Ha! I see you’re enjoying the show tonight! I’m glad for that, because tonight is historic. Tonight, is the first night without Veronica Taylor, Bianca Davis, and Jacob Hotstuff - The Upper Class - running around this Gimnasio, our HOME, like they own the place! And that wouldn’t be possible without my guest this evening, the former Whirlwind Champion...
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
Baldwin Knight: ...I see you guys are really passionate tonight. As you are every night, but especially on this night. Anyway without further ado, I present to you...Bryan Blaze!
“Indestructible” by Disturbed booms through the Gimnasio as Bryan Blaze walks through the curtain donning a “Whirlwind BAYBAY” Tee which is over his usual ring attire. Blaze is greeted with a resounding chorus of cheers. Blaze can’t help but smile at this welcome. He briskly walks down to the ring, and climbing inside to join Baldwin.
Baldwin shakes his hand and hands him a microphone. Both men sit.
Baldwin Knight: Welcome to the Knightline, Bryan.
Bryan Blaze: Happy to be here, Baldwin.
Baldwin Knight: So, let’s get down to it. Last month, you helped beat the Pretty Committee, and presumably ridded yourself of the Upper Class, which is exactly what you wanted to do; exactly what you said you were going to do. With that out of the way, what is next for Bryan Blaze?
Blaze took a drink out of the coffee mug to his right. His smile was still present. His confidence had never wavered. It had been there since day one.
Bryan Blaze: Well Baldwin, that’s pretty simple. Two months ago, the Whirlwind Championship was stolen from me. The Upper Class HANDED the Championship to Joe Jones. He has even admitted that very thing. He has survived by the skin of his teeth ever since that day. I have gotten my pound of flesh from the Upper Class and it is now time to do the same with our...Champion.
Thatcher: Bryan clearly talking about Threads of Disloyalty here.
The Gimnasio once again roars with approval!.
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
”F*CK JOE JONES!”
Blaze sits back in his chair.
Baldwin Knight: Are you formally calling out our Whirlwind Champion, “Double J” Joe Jones?!
Bryan Blaze: Well, first of all, Joe Jones may be THE Whirlwind Champion at this moment, be he certainly isn’t MY Champion.
Again, the Gimnasio come to life!
”BRYAN BLAZE BAY BAY!”
“BRYAN BLAZE BAY BAY!”
“BRYAN BLAZE BAY BAY!”
“BRYAN BLAZE BAY BAY!”
“BRYAN BLAZE BAY BAY!”
Mynx: Joe certainly isn't going to like this.
Thatcher: I don't think Joe cares. In his mind, he already beat Bryan. He has nothing more to prove to him...
Bryan Blaze: But with that said, there is no guarantee that Joe walks out of the Gimnasio here tonight, still the Whirlwind Champion. In fact, there’s a distinct possibility he will not. So, this isn’t about Joe Jones. This isn’t about the Upper Class or anyone else. It’s about Bryan Blaze; it’s about me. I was robbed of the Whirlwind Championship and I wasn’t given my rightful chance for redemption. I was never given my opportunity to reclaim MY Championship. That’s what this is about. It’s what it has always been about. I want the Whirlwind Champion. I don’t care who it is. Joe Jones, Pendragon, Stephen Callaway...it truly does not matter. I came to Whirlwind to show everyone that I never lost “it”. On the first ever show under this brand, I proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Other than the disgusting display of Joe’s title “win” I have not lost here. I’ve never been pinned and I have not submitted. I deserve to be next in line. It’s as simple as that, Baldwin.
Baldwin Knight: Hard to argue with that.
Thatcher: Bryan Blaze making his case known, he wants his title back and he doesn't care who he has to go through to get it!
Mynx: I know one person who shares his desire…
Thatcher: Everybody. Because if you don't want to be THE champion, why are you even here?
Mynx: Right you are Derrick.
Both men shake hands as the crowd once again cheers on one of their favourites of the Whirlwind, and The Knightline fades to...
We're joined in a circle of all manner of people. Short, tall, big, and small. Some dressed appropriately, some not. Some dressed in ostenious furs with blonde white boy braids...of course, we're speaking of one-third of The Upper Class, Jacob Hotstuff himself. Light chatter fills the air until the door swings open and in walks the man of the hour - clad in a pair of brown slacks and a Mister Rogers esque sweater vest, his name was Dr. Beafriend; sensitivity counselor extraordinaire.
Dr. Beafriend: Welcome everyone, I hope you're having a good afternoon. Does everybody know why we're here today?
The doctor's voice was calm and soothing, it would have been enough to sedate a raging bull, probably. Not that we're speaking from experience here though. Anyway, just as the doctor finished speaking, a man raised his hand to answer his question. He was a heavy man, and with a hairline receeding such that he could have been the top customer of Just For Men.
"My boss sent me here. Said I 'hit on Debra in the cubicle next to mine too much'. Whatever that means...she was clearly interested."
The heavy, balding man was clearly facing down a sexual harrassment allegation, and this sensitivity training course was a way to "remove the strike" from his record, so to speak.
Dr. Beafriend: Well, if she truly was 'interested' as you say, why do you think you're here with us today?
The man stared blankly at the doctor with a look that said "I'm concentrating being a deer in the headlights", clearly dumbfounded and mind blown at the suggestion from the doctor.
Dr. Beafriend: Who else knows why they're here?
A younger woman, maybe twenty-one, twenty-two years old stands up next. She had long black hair and wore a leather jacket and ripped jeans. The chipped black polish on her nails suggested she wasn't here as a fashionista.
"My family says I'm anti-social. I don't engage in activities outside my group of friends and I don't respond to anything they say. But I was given an ultimatum to be here or move out, so here I am..."
Dr. Beafriend: Don't you think your family cares about you so much that they'd show such care for your future that they'd help you get help? Anti-social behavior is the fastest track to making bad decisions both professionally, and criminally. Do you want to keep making bad choices? Or would you like to learn to be a more functioning member of society?
The young woman lets out an exasperated sigh as the doctor lectures her. She probably knew he was right but...she wasn't in the mood to admit that.
Dr. Beafriend: Who else knows why they're here?
Right on cue, Jacob Hotstuff stood up, kicking the chair out from behind him, knocking it over. It was the most badass Jacob probably ever appeared to-date, ha.
Jacob Hotstuff: Yeah, I know why. My boss sent me here after we lost a wrestling match down in Monterrey. Whirlwind Wrestling, the hottest thing out of Mexico to-date.
Dr. Beafriend: Wait, you're here because of wres -
Jacob Hotstuff: Don't interrupt me. Gosh so rude. We are The Upper Class, the social superiors of people like you, people that watch OUR every move like the common people we are, and especially, especially...the social betters of those that would claim to be our peers like Sam Tolson...or that masked ugly dragon, Pendragon.
Dr. Beafriend: I think I get why you're boss sent you here...
Jacob Hotstuff: Jealousy. Pure jealousy by our alleged contemporaries. What Sam Tolson, and her little inferior playmate Bryan Blaze did last month at Day of Judgment was a travesty. A culmination of sheer, dumb luck, by taking advantage of my dear, dear friends and partners in the Pretty Committee, Bianca Davis and Veronica Taylor, during a moment in which I was vulnerable following a surprise attack by some new 'star' our boss signed in Maria Montez. We suffered...and yet here we are as the ones getting punished! And then, to add insult to injury, that fuggo dragon, he -
Dr. Beafriend: I'm not trying to doubt you, Jacob, but as I understand it there's always two sides to every story. Surely you're not just an angel...
Jacob Hotstuff: We've been nothing but model employees, but then all of these people, jealous of us because we're smarter than them to keep the Whirlwind Championship, the richest prize in our company, out of their grasp! They're so jealous they would make my friends bleed, and don't get me started on that dragon FREAK and his allusions to burning things.
Dr. Beafriend: Jacob, you sound like a very angry man. And this obsession you have with 'everyone else', you sound defensive. If you want my help, you're going to need to let the shields down some. Everyone, stand up. We're all going to take each other's hands and -
Jacob Hotstuff: Don't you dare touch me with your filthy lower class hands! Sit down, all of you, you're all my audience now. You will bare witness to what I'm about to say;
The camera does a slow, intense zoom to only Jacob's face.
Jacob Hotstuff: Pendragon, my role in the Whirlwind is to offer leadership to the less fortunate through the benevolence of my own good will. But clearly, clearly you are not fit to receive such leadership. No, failure, burning out, fading away, these are your only useful acts. And there is no place within the Whirlwind for such failure. Next month, at Wildfire, I will have that chance to show you just what a failure you are, because next month, you are hereby tasked with the heaviest challenge of your career to date; Jacob Hotstuff, one-on-one. The B-List Sensation, Hollywood Jesus himself, the one and only Michael Bay of Pro Wrestling is knocking at your door. You have raised your sword against the lineage of the very future of this sport, and now it is time to accept the consequences of your actions! I will destroy you. Your history. Your legacy. All will hail the name Jacob Hotstuff in the streets of Monterrey, and even the world, for my heroic deeds! You want to rob me of the hair that defines who I am? I will rob you of your very identity, and I will burn it to ash.
Wildfire.
Jacob Hotstuff versus Pendragon.
My hair versus your mask.
And if by some miracle you manage to change the course of history and steal the Whirlwind Championship tonight? You had better bring that too. Bring the Whirlwind Championship to me, and lay it at my feet as the king that I am!
Survive if you can...
Slowly, the scene fades to one single, solitary, stationary image...
Backstage and the door to Joe’s dressing room opens up and your Whirlwind Wrestling LLC really awesome Champion comes walking out into the hallways wearing a big fluffy white fur coat. With the Whirlwind Wrestling championship peeking out around his waist, Joe spots the camera, kinda hard to when it’s your face. Joe leans in towards the camera a tad and starts to play with his hair. After a second or two he smirks.
“Time to go disappoint.” Joe says. He winks, pucker his lips before pushing the camera out of his way. The camera swings around and gathers itself to capture Joe in all his glory walking towards the curtain area……..
“Greed, some can say it's a powerful ally while others lament it as the darkness that drives humanity towards self-destructive decadence. It makes good men become wicked and the wicked drunk with arrogance, wrapped up in their own all consuming megalomania.”
Pendragon stood backstage near the curtain, his mask accented by gold matching the black and gold color scheme his attire has adopted tonight.
“There's no depths to which Joe won't stoop to hold onto the one thing that validates his ego and masks the crippling self-loathing and doubt that rests within his soul. Right now he believes he's invincible and that he can commit no error but yet a confidence so fragile that he remains a mere three seconds away from falling like a shooting star in the sky.
Stephen... Stephen believes this is a zero sum game; either he wins or he doesn't. Despite some very questionable math giving himself 50/50 odds he's mostly correct. Yet all it took was the span of a week to see a man flip between extremes, he went from being unwilling to give his all and only what he can to saying he'd light me on fire if it meant winning the championship – a very disappointing development. I'm not going to stay Stephen and I were the best of friends or even friends for that matter but I thought that despite differences in philosophy that we were ultimately fighting on the same side. Fighting for this - “
He points behind him to a big Whirlwind Wrestling banner.
“Fighting for what's right, fighting for a brighter future so that The So-Called Upper Class and Joe Jones of the world don't cannibalize our way of life and deny those yet to come the same opportunities that we often take for granted. Instead whether out of fear or doubt or... some other motivation... Stephen has decided to play rather loose with his morals for a shot that may never come back around to him. Those who use evil to fight another evil ultimately become evil themselves. A victory by such means outside the proper environment and circumstances is a tainted one and ultimately makes you no better than the man you're trying to replace at the top. To lose yourself is ultimately a sentence far worse than death. Give it your all but never sell your soul.
I know where this dark path leads, the dark side is seductive; it offers you a quick path to power and success. But it always comes with a price and karma always collects on her debts. It's easy to see this match as just another title match in a fledgling company; just another main event. But we're at a crossroads, as a company, as a society, and as individuals. Do we remain divided by what makes us different, do we allow greed to replace our moral compass, or do we decide to stand up for to fight for what we believe in? As a professional there is nothing more than I want to personally be the last man standing with my arm raised high with the Whirlwind Championship. But I want to do so the right way, I want to win this on my own ability alone and without any shortcuts; to remove all doubt with a decisive victory. But... if I lose I'll be okay; it's not the end of the world. I don't need accolades to validate my sense of self; I know who I am. There will always be other opportunities to be seized, if there's anything I've learned on my voyage of a career it's that. If I fall I will get back up until I reach the mountaintop.
But that's not the only reason why I'm fighting tonight.
I want to restore a sense of honor to the championship and the company that Joe Jones stole from everyone else. I want to bring a sense of hope back that has been hidden away in the same shroud of darkness and desperation that Stephen Callaway has given himself away to.
I want the Whirlwind Championship to belong to the people again.
And while I refuse to make a promise unless I know I can keep them I'm not going to promise victory. But, I will promise you this; I will go out there and pour my heart and soul into that ring tonight. I will take a stand and reject Option A and B in favor of a better way forward, I'll choose to represent Option C. I promise to give it my all until the final bell rings. And if by the grace of God I win it all tonight I will be a fighting champion and hold myself to the highest standard; to give any less would be disrespectful to everyone who pays their hard earned money to be entertained by us.”
Pendragon slowly lifts his left hand upwards revealing a Skipper's hat as he places it onto of his mask as Karma by Kamelot begins to play.
“Who knows, after it's all said and done a three hour tour just may be in order.”
**Whirlwind Championship**
Triple Threat
Joe Jones© vs Stephen Callaway vs Pendragon
Triple Threat
Joe Jones© vs Stephen Callaway vs Pendragon
Ace Vincent stepped into the center of the ring armed with a microphone to make the prematch announcements official.
Ace Vincent: Introducing first, standing an even six feet tall, he weighs in tonight at two-hundred-thirty pounds, the masked strategist extraordinaire. This. Is. Peeenndddrrrraaagggoooonnnn!!!!
The camera cuts to the masked man with ears engulfed by rabid cheers and approval by the Gimnasio!
Ace Vincent: And his opponent, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, standing six feet two inches tall and weighing in tonight at two-hundred-four pounds, this is the man who ALWAYS has an angle...Stephen! Calllllaaawwwaaayyy!!
Initially the Gimnasio appears more mixed for Callaway than they did for Pendragon, but even the undecided fans turn to cheers at the sight of the third participant in this match...
Ace Vincent: And their opponent! He is the reigning, defending, Whirlwind Heavyweight Champion for the past, record-setting seventy days, the incomparable, the irresistible...hailing from Sin City and standing at six foot one inches tall, he weighs in at two-hundred pounds! Double J! Jooooeeeee!!! Joooonnnneeeessss!!
Joe steps up into the center and demands all the lights to go off, save for a single spotlight over his chiseled, incredibly athletic frame, a frame made only more chiseled by the appearance of the Whirlwind Championship fastened securely around his waist! Slowly, Joe unfastened the title, raising it above his head with both of his hands – when Pendragon and Callaway joint-blasted him with a superkick to the face!! The lights return to normal with the two “partners” standing over the champion, this crowd already on their feet in anticipation.
Thatcher: Is anyone really surprised? Honestly now.
Mynx: I don't even think Joe is surprised, to be honest.
Almost immediately on impact, Joe held his face and crumpled to the mat, rolling under the bottom rope and to the floor below. Pendragon motioned to Callaway to “go around” which Callaway nodded to as he slipped out the other side to come up behind Joe. He “helped” Joe up, smacking the back of his head while Pendragon stepped forward and jumped up over the top rope, fully clearing it and twisting his body in mid-air before coming down onto Joe with a corkscrew plancha! Before Joe can even think about the impact of the pain, Callaway grabs Joe, throwing him into the steel security barricade! Callaway and Pendragon share a collective nod of satisfaction, their eyes then catching a glimpse of the Whirlwind Championship cast aside by Joe after the abrupt kick that ruined his night. Callaway motions around his waist, while Pendragon slowly points at the ring – a symbol that you can only win the mantle of champion from inside the ring.
Thatcher: These two took out the champion and now they want to settle it the old fashioned way. The honorable way!
Mynx: Honor, in wrestling? That's an oxymoron on the level of military intelligence.
But, perhaps surprisingly, the two cordially return to the ring, ready to start this match the right way. Callaway starts with a hiptoss to Pendragon, with an armbar follow through to which Pendragon slides his arm out of knocking Callaway with an elbow strike to the head on his way out. Pendragon, first to his feet here, nestles Callaway just under the ear lobe with a low kick that sends the Scotsman face first to the mat. Pendragon flips him over, covering him with a hook of the near leg as Ace counts;
1!
2 – Callaway kicks out, but Pendragon stays on top of him with a lateral press and a forearm in his face!
1!
2!
Callaway kicks out!
Thatcher: A very game Pendragon here tonight.
Mynx: Pendragon styles himself as a student of the game, a judicious study of master warcraft, among other things...like boating. Of course I'd expect nothing less than for him to be incredibly on his game.
Callaway rolls through to his feet, utilizing the roll-through momentum to carry himself into the ropes and rebounding off them into a waiting Pendragon who hoists Callaway up for a spinebuster – but Callaway steps over and hits the other ropes. On his way back, Pendragon spins around, just in time to catch a big claymore kick to the jaw! Quickly, Callaway drops down into a cover and a deep hook of both legs while Ace counts the fall;
1!
2!
…
Pendragon kicks out!
Thatcher: Cutting it pretty close there, but this fight continues.
Callaway brings Pendragon to his feet by his mask, but it's Pendragon that lights up Callaway's chest with a stinging knife-edge chop! Again, and a third chop comes in, before Callaway returns the favor with a chop of his own, albeit not nearly as effective what with Pendragon's padding over his body.
Mynx: Kind of an unfair advantage there, no? It's like what if someone wrestled with a Kevlar vest on...
Thatcher: Don't be ridiculous, no company is stupid enough to consider actually putting any athlete out there in a match like that.
Thatcher & Mynx: awkward silence but you just knew that somehow, the two were giving the other a blank stare, even if it wasn't on screen.
Pendragon returns in kind with another chop, this time of the open hand variety, dazing Callaway as he winces in pain in rhythm of the echo through the arena. Quickly Pendragon steps forward to close the gap, takign Callaway's head into a front facelock as he does so. He kicks one foot out, then drops him with the “Dragon's Descent” (Double Arm DDT) – except that Callaway, utililizing his tall vertical base, firmly planted his feet on the mat which leaves Pendragon to be the only one that drops to the mat. Before he could get back up, Callaway moved up and took Pendragon into a rear waistlock, hurling him back to the mat shoulders first, with a textbook belly-to-back suplex! He maintains the hold, pinning Pendragon's shoulders to the mat while Ace counts;
1!
2!
Pendragon rolls the shoulder off the mat!
Callaway wasn't done though. He got back to his feet, bringing the masked strategist with him. He started to hurl him back again, but this time it's Pendragon to wrap his leg around Callaway's ankle, blocking the throw. Callaway tries again, but eats an elbow to the face for his efforts, allowing Pendragon to move around behind the taller Callaway to apply a rear waistlock of his own. With a grunt, he lifts Callaway off his feet, and throws him back in a release belly-to-back suplex! Pendragon quickly scampers into the pinfall, hooking the near leg as Ace counts;
1!
2!
…
Joe pulls Pendragon right out of the cover!
Thatcher: Here we go, Joe Jones blatantly ruining a nice, even back and forth match.
Mynx: Yeah, our champion should have just let these two beat up on each other more...
Pendragon looked mad. I mean, maybe...we're not sure, since he does wear a full face mask after all. But we assume so. Joe didn't seem the least bit concerned over it though, as he leveled him with a hard right hand, then an inverted atomic drop that brought him to his knees. He stops to take a moment with his thumbs pressed into his chest, proclaiming he is the best, the only, Whirlwind Champion that matters – just in time to receive a baseball slide from Callaway, sending him about two inches from the steel barricade! Joe breathes a sigh of relief once, before hopping over the barricade with a passing wave to his challengers.
Thatcher: Hey, where is the champion going?!
Callaway is fast on his heels as he also hops the barricade, with Pendragon a bit slower behind him. Callaway catches up to Joe and grabs him by the arm, whipping him into the next section of fans – but Joe reverses the momentum and Callaway ends up abdomen first over a steel railing, tens of fans leaning over the barricade to tap him on the back as he reels in pain. Joe smirks – but then eats a spinning wheel kick to the back of the head by Pendragon, a memoir to never turn your back on an opponent, though the kick took almost as much out of Pendragon with his hard landing on the concrete floor. All three athletes lay on the concrete, a stern reminder of this war they've started with each other.
Mynx: This...this is how much the Whirlwind Championship means to them.
Callaway was the first to [slowly] get up, followed soon after by Pendragon, with the two of them “helping” pick Joe up...only to toss him him back over the barricade and to the thinly padded ringside floor.
Thatcher: Poor guy, he's having a pretty rough night...
Mynx: All this because he interrupted a pinfall.
Together, again, Callaway and Pendragon pick up Joe, only to whip him into the ringpost face first. Only his nose broke his fall, sending him to a heap on the floor. Callaway folded his arms across his chest and nodded, while Pendragon once again pointed to the ring. Satisfied, they wanted to continue their fight to be the best. Callaway slides in on one side, while Pendragon on the other. Pendragon restarted with another open palm chop to the chest, Callaway once again wincing in pain, but not enough to fail to fight back. For every chop to the chest, Callaway trades him a punch to the face, chop, punch, chop, punch with Callaway getting the upper hand to send Pendragon into the ropes. On his return, Callaway catches him, planting him firmly with a spinebuster! Callaway floated over into a cover, this time not grabbing a leg to hook as Ace drops down to count;
1!
2!
…
…
…
Pendragon drapes his foot over the bottom rope!
Callaway sat up, the frustration now apparent on his otherwise calm face.
Thatcher: You have to feel for him, that could have been all.
Mynx: When was the last time we saw a match end on a spinebuster though? Really. And your answer can't start with 'Anderson'.
Thatcher: Hmm…then it was probably a leviathan-sized spinebuster.…………
Callaway turns and pulls Pendragon away from the ropes, this time even holding his leg and arm down as he went for another cover;
1!
2!
Pendragon kicks out!
Right about that time, Joe slowly begins to stir and crawls under the ring just as he does. Meanwhile, Callaway starts to pull Pendragon up to his feet, but the ever-cunning strategist drop toe holds him down onto the second rope, guillotine style, right on his neck! The Gimnasio pops for the certain deliberate set up by Callaway's landing as Pendragon goes to the opposite side to hit the ropes, then comes back, he grabs the top rope and swings his legs around, right to Callaway's face!
Thatcher: Looks like Pendragon had to...make a call!
Mynx: With what, his coconut phone?
Thatcher: Yeah. And he left Callaway with the bill.
Pendragon folds up Callaway as he drops down into a tight jackknife cover;
1!
Joe slides out from under the ring, steel chair in hand...
2!
Joe bangs the chair against the ring apron, the noisy distraction breaking Ace's cadence! By the time he turns back to restart the count, Joe slides into the ring to drive the edge of the chair down right to Pendragon's spine, breaking the count as well as his back! With a sly grin then, Joe throws the chair down and sheepishly covers Callaway himself now;
1!
2!
Callaway kicks out!
Mynx: I can't believe Stephen Callaway kicked out of Pendragon's Eight-One-Ex!
Thatcher: ...You don't think that has to do with the fact Callaway had a good twenty seconds of recovery time first? Because he looked Dee-Oh-A when Pendragon made contact.
Joe slapped the mat, then turned his attention to a still writhing Pendragon...and the nearby chair. You could almost see the light bulb appear over his head…
Thatcher: Oh c'mon Joe, don't do it…
Mynx: Triple Threat rules though. He's gotta do whatever he can to retain what he believes to be his!
Frantically, Joe gets back to his feet, then grabs Pendragon and drags him over the chair. He pulls him up, placing him in a reverse headlock formation. Just as he starts to spin him to the mat wih the “Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am” (Cross Rhodes), in a last ditch effort Pendragon hooks his ankle around Joe's, tripping him! Joe hits the chair with the back of his head on the way down, and Pendragon...is left with Joe's ankle at his mercy. Pendragon takes it into his hands, applying a seated legbar, pulling, torquing at the older champion, while Joe squirms and shouts “let go!” Ace drops down to check on the submission, just as Callaway swooped in to wrap Joe's head and neck up in a modified choke, the “Calsmission” (Tazmission), really. Under the combined choke and leg pressure, Joe has no choice but to furiously tap out, leading to a massive pop by the Gimnasio to see the villain vanquished!!
Mynx: They did it! They used teamwork to overwhelm Joe's under-handed tac –
Thatcher: Not so fast, Nikki. Waitaminute.
Ace watches Pendragon and Callaway stand up, each insisting that their arm be raised but Ace waves BOTH of them off, insisting “there can only be one champion, match continues”. Callaway turned to argue with Ace some while Pendragon turned the other way, toward the ropes, he stepped one foot on the ropes, just as an “explosion”, or sparks, came out of the top turnbuckle, followed by a flame…with Jacob Hotstuff's face embedded in the flame. No sound, just the certain dumb smile of your favorite resident Hollywood B-Lister. Pendragon stared for a moment or three before, finally, shaking it free and going back to the ropes. Effortlessly he springs off the ropes, rotating his body such that the “Turning Tides” (Disaster Kick) will make full contact!
Something did. But it was not that. Instead, Pendragon finds himself face first with a mouthful of “Calsi Kick” (Superkick), with nowhere for the masked strategist to go but down to the mat!! Quickly, Callaway pounces onto the cover, hooking both legs deeply as Ace makes the count;
1!
2!
…
…
…
You could count to a thousand, because Pendragon wasn't moving after that sudden surge into his face.
3!
Cold's “Remedy” begins to play as Ace Vincent helps Callaway up…
Ace Vincent: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the match, and NNNEEEEWWWWW Whirlwind Champion!! STEEEPHEENNN!! CAAALLLLAAAAWWAAAAYYYY!!!!!!
Thatcher: Whoa he, he did it! He made the most of an opportunity that might have been his only shot, and he dug down deep!
Mynx: Dug deep, or got lucky? Pendragon is a master strategist that made a small miscalculation in execution…
Thatcher: Sometimes that's all the opening you need. The closest matches are won of the back of the most minuscule of errors. Pendragon got caught tonight, and Joe…
Mynx: ...Is going to be pissed off that he was never even beaten for his title.
Thatcher: Our, Nikki. That Whirlwind Championship is all of ours, and these people's. Not just Joe’s.
Back in the ring Ace is fitting the title around Callaway's waist as Kid Rock’s “American Badss” sounds, prompting Callaway's attention to the entryway. But there was no one there. Just music…
Thatcher: I don't like this…
Mynx: Look!
Suddenly, the ring canvas behind Callaway behind to shift and rip as James Kelloggs climbs his way out from underneath the ring! The positive crowd reaction shifts to negative promoting Callaway to turn around and discover the biggest little badass this side of the Whirlwind!
Thatcher: This can't be good.
James stops like a deer caught in the headlights as the new Whirlwind Champion is on to his sneak attack! James tries to scurry back down the hole, but he's stuck! He starts to climb the rest of the way up, but Callaway is faster as he moves in, and STOMPS on James’ head like a goomba in Super Mario Bros 3!! The impact of James’ head under Callaway's boot is more than enough to send him plummeting back to wherever the hell he was living under the ring. Cold’s “Remedy" goes back to playing as our new champion celebrates with his title and perhaps the biggest accolade of his career.
Thatcher: Aww, a happy ending. My favorite kind.
Mynx: It's a bit too soppy for me, if I'm being honest. But I'm at least glad James wasn't able to ruin Callaway's moment.
Thatcher: Folks, we want to thank you for watching, we hope you had a good time, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone next month when we make our debut in Philly's own landmark, the historic 2300 arena!
Mynx: With a new champion going into Wildfire, there's no telling what to expect. We can't wait for you to join us on this adventure! Good night everybody!
