CONFLICT - SPOKANE - 05/30/2021

[Robert Daniels]

Battleground Network Presents

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING
CONFLICT
SUNDAY - 5/30/2021
MCCARTHY ATHLETIC CENTER
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING IS LIVE FROM SPOKANE, WASHINGTON AND WE’RE INSIDE THE MCCARTHY ATHLETIC CENTER...HOME OF THE GONZAGA BULLDOGS!

TAG TEAM MATCH

★★★ HEROES FOR HIRE ★★★
[MARK STORM & MITSUO SHIMADA]
vs
★★★ THE GRAHAM LEGACY ★★★

The bell rings and immediately Shimada rolls to the outside of the ring, Shimada walks around whilst Gregory Murphy talks into his ear, trying to rile him up as he nonchalantly walks around the ring. Shimada then hops onto the apron and as Steven Graham goes for the attack, Shimada quickly hops off and instead continues to walk around the outside of the ring, whilst Steven and David complain to the official. Shimada rolls himself back into the ring, having to counter a running attack from Steven, delivering a low dropkick to the knee to stop him in his tracks.

Shimada delivers a flurry of boots to the grounded Stevens, leading him over to the ‘Heroes for Hire’ designated corner where he makes the tag to Storm. Shimada Irish whips Steven into the ropes, who bounces back and is lifted up and slammed down to the mat with a swift flapjack by Storm, which is quickly followed up by a basement dropkick from Shimada! Mark Storm wastes no time making the tag to Shimada who is on fire, he explodes back into the ring, waiting for his opponent to stand he rolls under the extended arm of Steven! Shimada looks for a flying forearm smash to Steven, who ducks under and rebounds off the ropes!

Shimada turns and realizes that Steven is running right at him, quickly grasping the ropes and pulling it down, sending Steven out to the outside too. Shimada has a look at both of the men recovering on the outside. He explodes into the ropes, bouncing off of them before performing a suicide dive through the ropes to the outside! Shimada doesn’t stop to bask in his glory as the fans start to applaud, instead he’s straight back to work, grabbing Steven by his hair and throwing him into the barricade!

Shimada then rolls him into the ring and before entering himself, walking around nonchalantly as a struggling Steven attempts to make it to his feet. Steven spins round and delivers a rolling forearm to Shimada, forcing him to stumble backwards. Shimada falls back into the ropes and explodes back into action, booting Steven in the stomach and lifting him up onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry position. He runs towards the turnbuckle, performing a rolling fireman’s carry slam, and follows the move with a swift springboard moonsault from the turnbuckle and hooks the leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Shimada lifts Steven up to his feet but is met with a kick to the mid section, forcing him back towards the turnbuckle and pressing him against it. The referee tries to intervene by beginning the count, but Shimada evades from a tactical poke to the eye of Steven. Steven yelps out in agony as David tries to enter the ring, with the referee having to quickly go over and block his path. Shimada looks towards Storm who stands on the apron, shrugging his shoulders as Shimada turns to face the staggering Steven. Steven runs towards Shimada in a pit of rage, but a quick sidestep evades any harm and instead Steven runs into the back of the referee, who bumps into David who falls off of the apron.

Steven turns and is met with a sweet superkick that sends him falling back onto the ropes. Shimada delivers a lariat to the outside, with Steven falling on top of a recovering David Graham. Shimada then points towards Storm, who clasps his hands together before pointing back towards him, Shimada runs at the ropes, bounces off of them and looks as if he’s about to leap over the top rope which forces Steven and David to flinch and prep themselves - but he doesn’t, and instead he bounces off of the ropes and rolls into a lying position in the center, pointing towards the ceiling.

Storm then slingshots into the ring, leaping over the top rope and performing a tope con hilo onto the Graham brothers on the outside! Whilst Shimada remains posing from his seated position in the ring, Storm strikes a pose from the outside - smashing the barricade as he tries to rally up the crowd, who applaud them!

Mark Storm makes his way around the ring post and back up the steps in his corner. The official begins the count on Steven Graham who is in the outside of the ring.

…1!
…2!
…3!
…4!
…5!
…6!
…7!
…8!
…9!

Shimada rolls under the bottom rope grabbing Steven and rolling him under the bottom rope. He goes to slide back into the ring under the bottom rope but David grabs him by the foot. He pulls him out to the ground and runs him head first into the ring post! Shimada grabs his forehead and David rolls him into the ring. David cuts the corner fast and climbs up on the ring apron begging for Steven to make the tag. Steven crawling towards bis brother David who is outstretched over the top rope waiting for the tag. Meanwhile Shimada makes the tag to Mark Storm but so does Steven with his brother David Graham!

David Graham and Mark Storm start from opposite sides of the ring, glaring at one another with Storm smirking arrogantly as he swaggers his way around the ring. They meet in the center, engaging in a tight collar and elbow tie up that Storm to attain the advantage from, pushing David back against the ropes. The referee begins a count but Storm is quick to compose himself, slowing himself down as he breaks the hold - faking the strike, before patting David on the chest. He smirks, walking backwards and pointing his imaginary gun in the direction of David, mouthing “boom” as the fans applaud his showmanship. David runs towards Storm, slightly agitated but is caught further off guard as Storm drops him to the canvas with a drop toehold.

Storm swivels around the canvas and on top of the grounded body of David, who struggles to get up as Storm locks him in a side headlock. Bringing him back up onto his feet, Storm makes his way over to Shimada who slaps him on the back for the tag. Storm then flips David into a grounded position and delivers a stiff kick to the spine, forcing David to arch his back and wince a little from pain. Shimada then slingshots his way over the top rope from the canvas, landing a sling-shot lariat to the back of the head of David who crumples to the canvas.

Another quick tag from Shimada and Storm is back in the mix, grabbing David and cornering him by the turnbuckle, delivering several high intensity open palm strikes to David before finishing it off with a spinning back kick to the mid-section. David holds onto his stomach, winded, and
Storm is quick to deliver a forearm strike to David, who takes it well and invites him to strike him again. Shimada hits him once again, this time a lot harder, forcing David to stagger backwards a little but he isn’t too affected, smirking arrogantly.

Storm charges towards him, rolling underneath his extended arm before springing back to his feet, bouncing off of the ropes and going for a flying forearm smash, but David evades! He wraps his arms around the waist of Storm, trying to lift him up and over with a German suplex! Storm elbows his way out of his predicament, forcing David to loosen the hold and stagger back. David tries to wrap Storm into a headlock, but Your Hero and Mine is quick to get out of the hold, using his agility to quickly reverse the hold. Storm tightens his grip and lowers himself to a knee, as David struggles to break free. Storm slams him to the canvas with a side headlock slam, with David scurrying to the ropes to wrap his leg over it for the rope break.

Storm then brings David back over to his corner, where Shimada makes a quick tag on the back of Storm. Storm then Irish whips David into the ropes, bouncing off of them - and is met with a tandem dropkick from the duo. Storm then grabs a grounded David from the canvas, deadlifts him up and drops him with a gutwrench powerbomb, before Shimada makes the cover for 1…2…BREAK!

Steven with the desperation double axe handle across the back of Shimada to end the pin fall attempt. It’s on now with all four men inside the ring. Mark Storm and Steven Graham exchange strikes in the center of the ring, forearm for forearm, elbow for elbow, they don’t let up as the fans cheer them on for their efforts. Storm gains the upper hand from a stiff rolling elbow that sends Steven falling back towards the ropes. He bounces off of them and charges towards Storm, stunning him with a huge lariat. Steven picks Storm up by his hair and attempts a German suplex, lifting him up and over but Storm flips over and lands.

Steven turns around and Storm greets him with a hard shoot kick to the thigh, which forces him to a knee. He delivers three consecutive knee strikes to the face before the two men are separated by the official warning them to return to their respected corners. Meanwhile David is back up and he looks to Irish whip Shimada into the turnbuckle. He charges towards David, connecting with a hard back elbow to the head, with his back against David - he drives each elbow back into David several times, taking a step forward as David stumbles out of the corner where Steven Graham re-enters the ring. Shimada delivers blows to both Steven and David as they try to attack him. Storm gets in on the action, taking care of Steven as he clotheslines him to the outside of the ring. Meanwhile, Shimada has David on the ropes, staggering from taking repeated hits, Shimada bounces off of the ropes and leapfrogs over him which transitions into a one handed bulldog.

CHARLES HUDSONE: And he calls that one handed bulldog ‘the Canvas’!

Shimada points towards the ceiling whilst posing in the center of the ring, only for a second or two before getting back to business, grabbing David by his hair and dragging him back up to his feet. Shimada throws him into the ropes before popping him upwards, and delivering his coveted Destiny Call’s Pop Up Powerbomb, which he transitions into a pin for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winners by pin fall is Mark Storm and Mitsuo Shimada…HEROES…FOR—HIRE!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Watch out Euphoric! We’ve got some Heroes for Hire and they looked impressive…tonight!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  No question about that Charles. The Graham Legacy is a staple here in Mainstream Wrestling but Mark Storm and Mitsuo Shimada looked like a stud tandem!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Mark Storm was a finalist in the inaugural Emerald City Classic primarily known for his singles career but Mitsuo Shimada brings a new dynamic to his skillset!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Violent Intent we’re the heavily favored number one contenders but the Heroes may have something to say about that now!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
In the interview area, Samantha Kinsley stands with a smile etched on her face and a microphone to hand. 

SAMANATHA KINSLEY: Ladies and Gentlemen joining me at this time are the Heroes for Hire, Mark Storm and Mitsuo Shimada. Gentlemen, you've just managed to get your first win as a team here in Mainstream Wrestling and what an impressive display, how are the both of you feeling? 

The camera pans to Storm and Shimada who stand side by side, exhaling heavily from the battle moments earlier. 

MARK STORM: We're feeling good, Samantha! A debut win for the Heroes for Hire, so we can't complain. The Graham Legacy gave it their all and we have to respect them for that, but it wasn't enough to beat us, so that's one team down and crossed off the list. Now, we're going after the rest of them. Last time I was here, Edwards and I tore the roof down and produced one of the matches of the year. But I lost that match and had to reflect on what was next. My time here in Mainstream Wrestling as a whole has been a roller coaster that I've enjoyed and endured a lot of pain and heartbreak. Missed opportunities, near falls  and what ifs. There's too many unanswered questions that need addressing and that's why we're here. This right here, the Heroes for Hire - it isn't just about adding accolades and becoming a mainstay in this industry, don't get me wrong, that's exactly what we'll be doing but it's more than just that. We're about elevation. We're about taking this company to the next level. We're about cleansing this promotion from the assholes and the egomaniacs, and changing this business in the process. We're ready to take out the trash and clean up the mess, so keep them coming because we're as hungry as ever and itching for a chance to leave our mark! 

Storm finishes his sentences and Kinsley nods her head in acknowledgement. 

SAMANATHA KINSLEY: Well you certainly made a statement tonight with that showing. Are the tag team titles the goal for the both of you at the moment? 

MARK STORM: The Mainstream Wrestling World Tag Team titles has long been the most coveted tag team title belt in the business. Of course we have our eyes on the titles Samantha but we're long way from being in the conversation. This is only just the beginning and if Euphoric were watching, well then now they know that they have a target on their backs and it isn't just another scrub team they can roll over. We're the main event and we'll be hunting those tag team titles until their ours! From Your Hero and Mine...

Shimada chuckles and pats Storm on the shoulder.

MITSUO SHIMADA: (And the Starblazer,  Man, Myth and Legend... until next time!)

The scene fades to black as the two men walk off into the distance.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
The scene shifts to the backstage area inside of the locker room… Tara is seen leaning over, and fastening her boots in preparation for her upcoming match. With satisfaction, she stood to her feet and began doing some light bounces inside of the locker room in a way to get the blood flowing back through her body; a way of warming up. She cracks her neck. She clenches and unclenches her fists several times, but she also draws in a deep breath; there is a hint of exhaustion in that one breath… She had to rush herself into the building, and there were still bloodstains she tried to clean up from several hours earlier.

TARA FENIX: I had hoped that the Emerald City Classic would have brought out the best of me, and you all would have seen something magical. But it was not meant to be, but with that being said; I also… do not… dwell on the past. But I do not let it go unavenged.

Tara reaches into her bag to unveil some black tape, and begins wrapping it around her wrist. She hesitates at first as the memory comes to her; how she used to be unstoppable, despite her body being broken… the memory does bring a smile to her face.

TARA FENIX: The last time Mainstream saw me in their ring, they saw me defeated… they saw me… merciful… they saw me giving a damn for Trixie, and trying to show her respect. That was my mistake, and let me just say that it is not going to be a mistake that I will make twice! Respect. Is. Earned. Many of you would argue that Trixie did earn that respect, and perhaps she did… with that victory… but Ethan: you are not Trixie. You are not a champion. You are not worth stepping into the ring with, and more importantly: you are not worth my time.

She had begun and wrapped her wrist successfully while speaking, and upon finishing, turned her head toward the camera with a slight tilt to her head.

TARA FENIX: You have hopes. You have ambitions. You have… desire… to step foot into that ring and make a name for yourself. All of us have that same hope, that same ambition, that same desire; to stand out as the best. To be world renown as the best! Many people start the race, but few finish. Few have what it takes. But then you look at someone like me, and as JC Keeton implied during the Emerald City Classic - I’m… what? “Over the hill”? But do you know what I’ve accomplished before being accused of such?

There is a moment of silence as Tara gestures for the viewers to listen. There is a chant that does resound throughout the corridors of the arena, which brings a smile to Tara’s face: the fans chanting her name.

TARA FENIX: The world… knows me. The world… respects me. The world… loves me. Granted, I do not need their respect - I will take it. I do not need their love - but I have it. I made sure that I left a mark on this industry that would never be forgotten, and it never has been! Within the first five years of me stepping into the ring for the very first time, this world knew that it would never be the same. This world knew that it had changed for the better. This world…

She clenched her fist, and squeezed tight.

TARA FENIX: Became mine.

The tension was slowly eased from her hand.

TARA FENIX: When the day came that I wanted to call it a day, which I thought would last, there were many people who stepped forward and wanted to… replace me? There were many people who thought that they could do what I do, do what I did, and then my name slowly faded because people barked at my name. They challenged me. They enticed me. They tried to drag me out of retirement because they had the desire that all have had: to beat the best. But I would not give them such an honor… Although, here I stand, so obviously something did drag me out of retirement. That something…

She said with a nod.

TARA FENIX: … that something is extremely important, and it is a matter I will tend to in due time. But in the meantime: I rise to the challenge. I have been enticed! What I did in this industry, for this industry - will never be forgotten. But like a fine wine, age does not decay me… it merely makes me better. Trixie… yeah, she got me, there’s no denying that, but Ethan: you have to deal with the aftermath! You have to deal with the carnage! You have to deal with the Tara who now has something to prove, and I am going to prove it tonight! With everyone in attendance, everyone watching, I will do everything that I must… and beyond… to send a message to everyone in the back that I am coming for everything that they think I can’t have!

Her voice had risen, filled with fire and determination to make true every statement she made.

TARA FENIX: Ethan, you are about to step into the ring with vengeance. There will be no handshake. There will be no respect. There will be pain. You will be broken. I want you to go to the ring tonight with the best that you have to offer; I want everyone at Mainstream to look at you in the ring and say that you are the best you have ever been… before I break you. Because I want them to know that no matter who it is that is standing opposite of me, they can bring their best. They can up their game. But it will never be enough. Because I am simply… better.

At that, Tara walked toward the door and began her long walk toward the ring. Ready to compete.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ ETHAN LUCAS ★★★
vs
★★★ TARA FENIX ★★★

The bell rings and this match is officially underway! The two combatants circle the ring looking for the right opportunity to strike. The two come together with a. Collar and elbow tie up that quickly turns into Ethan Lucas lifting Tara up and driving her into the corner then setting her into a seated position on the second turnbuckle before Tara comes to her senses; she drives in a headbutt which seems to do more damage to herself, but enough to Ethan to knock him back a few paces. She shakes out the cobwebs, and Ethan charges; Tara kicks her leg forward at a precise moment to send him back a few paces again. Ethan quickly recovers but Tara has leapt from the second rope and connects with a missile dropkick!

Tara wastes little time and goes right after her opponent executing various strikes -- mixing it up with chops, palm strikes, and elbows until she has Ethan against the turnbuckle. Ethan reaches forward for an elbow of his own, but Tara catches his arm and pulls it over before driving in devastating kicks against Ethan’s midsection. She takes his arm and uses an Irish-whip to send him to the opposite corner; she stays back for a moment before charging in and landing a Stinger Splash! She takes his arm a second time to send him back to the original corner, but he reverses in the middle - Ethan charges to blindside her, but she runs up the corner and back flips behind him. Ethan turns, and is met with a swift Genocide Kick! Fenix makes the cover for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Ethan Lucas kicks out hard and rolls over to a knee where he and Fenix are exchanging strikes with each other, until Ethan finally seems to gain an edge over Tara; she switches to a defensive stance, and just tries to cover herself up but it can be seen that she is still looking for an opening. She is backed against the ropes, and Ethan tries to clinch with her to drag her away; Tara delivers a stomp to his foot which causes him to stumble. Tara follows up with a kick to the inside leg, and a second, and a third. Ethan’s leg gives and he falls to one knee, but quickly stands up; he goes for a clothesline, but Tara ducks under it and drops for a chop block against the back of his leg. Tara takes his leg and places it against the bottom rope before springing up from the middle rope and coming down with an elbow drop on his knee but he gets the foot up catching her on the shoulder blade! She retreats in pain towards the corner.

When the wind is knocked out of Tara, she raises her head to see an oncoming Ethan; she kicks her legs up and is able to get them wrapped around Ethan’s neck; he tries to free himself, but to no avail; Tara draws him in and leans over the top rope to use the illegal figure four neck lock! The referee is giving her the typical count, and she releases at the last possible moment. She lands on the apron while Ethan is inside the ring. He is trying to regain his breath as he rolls toward the center of the ring and finally up to his feet.

The moment he does get to his feet, Tara has already sprung to the top rope, and springboards off looking for a diving cross body but a simultaneous wild kick comes from Ethan, but Tara catches it; she trips him up and begins to deliver some hard stomps all along his leg before attempting to lock in the Phoenix Lock! Ethan is able to prevent it by shoving her off with his foot, and she rebounds off the ropes. He immediately goes to roll her up, but she continues the momentum backward and is to her feet while Ethan is still to his knees. She takes a quick jolt forward and connects with a shining wizard and makes a desperation cover for 1…2…NEARFALL!

Tara Fenix can’t believe it! She crawls over into the corner taking a moment to catch her breath. The two are leaning against opposite ropes, both glaring across at the other. Each one trying to regain their composure. Tara is the first to get herself off the ropes but is followed quickly by Ethan who tries to fire with Lights Out, but Tara is able to avoid the encounter that would have sealed the match. She manages to stop on a dime behind Ethan, and awaits him to turn around… and the moment he does…FALLEN PHOENIX!

The impact from the move causes Ethan to fall backward and land flat on his back; Tara grabs his leg and drags him just a bit closer to the center of the ring before locking him into the Phoenix Lock! Ethan pounds the mat with a clenched fist several times as Tara applies more and more pressure the longer the hold is locked in. Ethan is looking for the ropes, but they are out of reach and he finally has no choice but to submit!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by way of submission is the Goddess…TARA—FENIX!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Ethan Lucas has been in Mainstream Wrestling for over a year now and this in my opinion was his very best match in a losing effort. Tara Fenix now has a split record of 1 - 1 following this match but in both matches she’s had good chemistry with both competitors.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Sometimes wrestlers with the roughest histories have the best matches just because of good chemistry in the ring despite bad chemistry out side of it.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Tara Fenix has signed a deal with Mainstream Wrestling so we’ll be seeing more from her here on out!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I’m excited. She caught a lot of heat for taking a spot of someone who may have been here longer than her in the ECC but in my opinion she performed well and showed she deserved it. Wait a minute I’ve just learned we’re going to go backstage where Samantha Kinsley is with Euphoric the Mainstream Wrestling Tag Team Champions…

BACKSTAGE...
Samantha Kinsley stands by in the interview area with the Mainstream Wrestling Tag Team Champions Dayna Barrett and Caroline Clarke of Euphoric. Both ladies are dressed in denim jeans and Euphoric t-shirts with their Tag Team Championships across their shoulders.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: As you can see I am joined by the Mainstream Wrestling Tag Team Champions Euphoric. Dayna, two weeks ago you and Caroline defeated the undefeated tag team Violent Intent. With them in your rear view who do you see as your next challengers?

DAYNA BARRETT: Sam, it’s very good to see you. Violent Intent was a talk task and perhaps our toughest opponents here in Mainstream since the likes of Thot Chocolate or Children of the Moon. They were very deserving of the opportunity and we’re sure they’ll be back down the line. As for our next challenger it’s hard to say because earlier tonight Heroes for Hire made a strong case for it.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: I was just about to ask you both about that. Caroline, you’ve never been in the ring with Mark Storm or Mitsuo Shimada before. Are you familiar with their previous work?

CAROLINE CLARKE: Absolutely. Heroes for Hire are a legitimate threat in our tag team division.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Well, I have a bit of a surprise for you and actually everyone watching from home tonight. In one week from tonight we’re going to make our first international trip since the before the pandemic began last year. MAINSTREAM 68 will emanate from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo Japan in one week from tonight! And this will be the first time the Mainstream Tag Team Championships will be defended outside the United States thus deeming the winners of ‘World’ status!

DAYNA BARRETT: That’s awesome! I guess our next question is, who will it be against…

Dayna Barrett and Caroline Clarke are blindsided by Violent Intent. A high knee from Sage Lowry sends Caroline Clarke up onto a box cart. Emma Douglas double Dayna Barrett over with a kick to the stomach and follows that up with a power bomb to Barrett across her tag team partner Caroline Clarke whose laid across the box cart. Both members of Euphoric rolls off onto the floor as Violent Intent back away and exit outside the frame.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: I need some help over here…somebody get a medic….

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
The feed picks up Kevin Bombay as he talks with members of the Conflict production team in one of the rear hallways of the arena. After the brief meeting wraps up, Bombay begins to slowly walk towards his designated office but comes to an abrupt halt as music can be faintly heard. He approaches slowly and then places his hand on the door as he listens closely.

If you like piña coladas
And gettin' caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga
If you have half a brain
If you like makin' love at midnight
In the dunes on the cape
Then I'm the love that you've looked for
Write to me and escape

KEVIN BOMBAY: Alright… What’s the big…

After he pushes the door in furiously, Bombay stops dead in his tracks and lets out an exasperated sigh. Chris Madison is sitting comfortably in the large office chair behind Kevin Bombay’s desk. He’s leaning back with his bare feet on top of the desk, wearing an open Tommy Bahama shirt, a pair of board shirts, and black sunglasses. He’s holding a foil tanning reflector in one hand with a drink in an old fashioned glass in his other. Bombay continues to stare at Madison but can’t tell if he’s looking back at his direction. Bombay looks around the room and sees the speaker that the music is coming from, grabbing it and quickly turning it off.

CHRIS MADISON: Hey! What’s the problem Bombay? I’m just tryin’ to enjoy my forcecation!

KEVIN BOMBAY: Your what? This is my office, not a resort!

Madison swings his feet off of Bombay’s desk and slowly stands up. He places his drink down on the desk and lifts the sunglasses up above his eyes.

CHRIS MADISON: Would you look at that. Guess that’s why this thing isn’t workin’…

Madison tosses the foil tanning reflector to the side. Bombay watches as it bounces on the floor. Madison grabs his drink again and raises the glass into the air.

CHRIS MADISON: White russian?

KEVIN BOMBAY: No, I don’t want a white russian. I want you out of my office. Now!!

Bombay points to the door and Madison begins to tiptoe past him with his hands held up innocently. He made it a step away from the door before stopping and turning back around towards Bombay.

KEVIN BOMBAY: Not a word…

Chris waves his finger in the air like a parent reprimanding their child.

CHRIS MADISON: Maybe if I had been booked for a match I wouldn’t have had all this free time to just loaf around. But since I have your ear, where are we with that Gareth Prichard contract?

KEVIN BOMBAY: You’re not going to let this go, are you?

The smirk on Chris’s face extends from ear to ear as he shakes his head no.

KEVIN BOMBAY: Luckily for you, I have some good news. I spoke with Gareth and we came to an agreement on a short term contract.

The excitement cannot be contained and Madison claps his hands together while he grits his teeth.

KEVIN BOMBAY: But…

CHRIS MADISON: But what? You got him to sign with Mainstream Wrestlin’. Now you can book us in a match against each other and I can settle the score.

KEVIN BOMBAY: That’s the thing Chris. We know what we have invested in you. You’re an integral part of the Mainstream Wrestling roster. I don’t know what we have in Gareth just yet. I just don’t feel comfortable putting you two in a match against each other without seeing what he brings to the table first.

CHRIS MADISON: You are somethin’ else. I told you that nothin’ was goin’ to stand in my way. One way or another, I’m goin’ to get my hands on him. Sanctioned, unsanctioned, here, there, it doesn’t matter!

A couple of taps on the door break the flow of Bombay and Madison’s argument and without even a hint of hesitation, in comes Gareth Prichard Jr. Wearing a three piece suit, his look contrasts with the more casual look Madison has. As soon as he enters, Madison squares his shoulders and looks to be ready for a fight. Gareth just puts his arms up and smirks.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: Hold your horses there, mate. I’m not here to fight you, not today at least. Given that to me this is more of a gentleman’s game, I thought it would be beneficial to come here to this office and have a nice little chat with Mr. Bombay.

Gareth extends his right arm towards the direction Bombay is standing, before he shifts it towards Madison and continues talking.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: But since this seems to be a party of three, and seeing the current situation…

He points towards Madison and moves his arm up and down.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: … and how it contrasts with the noble, samurai-like notion I had of you… I think this is a perfect opportunity for me to offer my services to Mr. Bombay for the next show. I overheard you being overly excited and eager to have this match with me, but Bombay having his reservations about what I might bring to the table. So, let’s compromise. Next show, I promise to be right here, ready for a fight… whatever fight you throw at me. Could be one on one, could be a tag-team match, could be a submission only match, hell in a cell, cage, tables, ladders… hell I could be teaming up with you Madison, for ol’ times sakes…

Gareth turns his attention towards Bombay and gives him a wink as he continues talking.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: At the end of the show, you’ll see that even in the short term, I’ll bring something to this brand that no one else can bring.

Madison holds his hand up in between Gareth and himself, extending his index and middle finger upwards

CHRIS MADISON: Twice… You want to act like this is a gentleman’s game, yet twice you’ve made your presence known while dancin’ around this match that you clearly want. Maybe there’s a reason FGA put me against Mighty Sparrow instead of you for the Past Versus Present show. You want to slow play this?

He nods his head.

CHRIS MADISON: Fine. We’ll slow play this. But at some point, before this little pet project wraps up, you and are goin’ mix it up. You’re goin’ to get exactly what you’re clamorin’ for. It won’t matter what you bring to this brand because at the end of the day it won’t be enough!

Gareth chuckled and bowed and turned around almost leaving, yet he stopped right on his tracks. He turned around, with his index finger up, and remarked.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: See, that’s the thing; Chris. I don’t care if it’s enough, I just care about dragging myself to do it… see you on the next one.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
The light sounds of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" were playing in the background as cameras turned on inside the locker room of Bryan Ford. He was squatting down to take a seat in a nice recliner as his hands held tightly to a wrapped Subway Footlong. It looked as if he was in a hurry. He had his phone rested between his ear and neck talking on the phone

BRYAN FORD: I'm telling you… Echo has a Taylor Swift obsession not me love… I like a song or two… Ohhh this is gonna be delicious AND nutritious! I'm not giving that hillbilly bastard the chance to take my sandwich! Not today!

As he peels the sticker off where it seals the wrapping paper, he hears a shrilling scream for help just outside in the hallway.

BRYAN FORD: The hell?!

Like the good guy we all know Bryan Ford to be. He puts his sandwich down on a cooler next to his feet. Still wrapped and ready to be devoured shortly. Getting up from the chair, he hurries to the door and rips it open. Much like a superhero, you see Ford race over to an Elderly Woman who has taken a spill backstage. Nobody is to wonder why an Elderly woman would be backstage.

BRYAN FORD: Are you alright Ma'am?

An old white woman, she was probably old Testament hateful. Still the better man for his speedy assistance.

OLD LADY: I've fallen and I can't get up! Help!

A little taken back by her words. Hands for anyone who has actually heard an old person use that sentence outside of those commercials? Ford gave her a grin as he asked himself those same questions. With his back to his locker room door, Bryan Ford fails to see Jason Cashe sneaking into the scene.

BRYAN FORD: Here, give me your hand.

He leans down to help her up as Cashe is slowly scooting along the wall like a master spy in some parody movie. In Cashe's head, there is theme music playing. Probably some classic Pink Panther type shit. Moving into the locker room, Cashe disappears from sight.

BRYAN FORD: Almost.. A little more, I got you!

Helpful and a great way to increase your "good" alignment points. Talking to you there Keeton.. The old woman looks behind Ford to see Cashe emerge from the locker room. In his hand and lifted in the air like a trophy, he has the subway sandwich! Getting a little too excited causes Ford to feel something moving behind him and he goes to turn and look.

OLD LADY: Ohhhh my hip!

She starts to fall which snatches up Ford's full attention. Cashe cuts out his celebration and once again puts his back to the wall and scurries along it until he is out of view. As if her pain had been removed, the elderly woman stands to her feet. She nods and brings her purse in front of her before digging into it's depths.

BRYAN FORD: Oh no! That's not necessary at all…

He was expecting an offered tip or reward for his help. If not for him, she might have been stuck there for a while. She pulls out something from her purse and offers it to Ford. He opens up his hand to accept the offer and into his palm drops a single butterscotch hard candy.

OLD LADY: You've been so kind to me! Thank you Young Man!!

Waddling down the hallway, Ford watches her get to the corner and disappear around it. He tosses up the candy and catches it with the same hand.

BRYAN FORD: Weird… oh well… Lunch time!!

Slapping and rubbing his hands together. Ford turns and races back into his locker room. He stumbles to a stop as the camera gets around him not only to see that the sandwich was gone but in its place was a book. Ford reads the title out loud as he lifts it up from the cooler.

BRYAN FORD: Checking The Blindspots: How to be Honest With Yourself… Is this some kind of joke?! My sandwich is gone!

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

His echoed cry could be heard throughout the backstage area. Some now feel the building is haunted as it sounds like a tormented soul indeed.

Ford throws the book on the ground and begins stomping it out like it owes him money then begins ripping page after page out and throwing them in the air.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ BOBBY LARSON ★★★
vs
★★★ BRYAN FORD ★★★

The bell rings and this match is now underway! Bryan Ford and Bobby Larson meet in the center of the ring and the crowd begins to rile up as we hear a few "BFord! BFord! BFord!" Chants. Bryan smirks having not heard the name in a minute as Larson shakes his head at the praise. Ford smiles wide and points up to the sky as Bobby looks up confused for a bit. Ford shrugs at Hard cam before blasting Larson with a Discuss Forearm! Ford begins stomping away at Larson as each stomp warrants a "Ford!" Chant from the crowd. Larson manages to fight up and deliver a big shot to the ribs of Ford which backs him up.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Timely counter by Bobby there. Ford was stomping him clean!

Larson unloads a barrage of lefts and rights causing the ref to separate the two. Larson moves around the ref and drops a boot to Bryan's gut doubling him over and hits a nice placed elbow to the back of the neck! As Ford holds his neck in pain, Bobby follows up by running towards the ropes and delivering a Running Knee Lift into a Neckbreaker combination, The Power Outage! He goes for an early cover, 1...2...KICKOUT!

Bobby keeps his cool, pulling Ford up by the head, but on the way up, Ford gives him a hard punch to the midsection, and explodes upwards to Clothesline Bobby! Ford runs through the Clothesline to the far ropes, and as Bobby gets up, he’s greeted with a Running Clothesline! With Bobby on the mat, Ford is quick to attack with a Standing Moonsault, hooking both legs, 1...2...KICK OUT!

CHARLES HUDSON: What an athletic maneuver by Ford there! It may have only been good for a two count, but it sets the tone for the rest of this matchup!

Ford pulls Bobby back to a vertical base, and gives him some punches to the face as he backs him up into the corner, firing off a few Knee Strikes to Bobby’s ribs, hopping up onto the bottom rope after the third strike for a Springboard Knee Strike to Larson’s chin! Bobby’s head snaps back, his eyes glaze over, and Ford muscles Bobby up into a seated position on the top turnbuckle. Climbing up to join him in the High Rent District, Ford grabs a hold of Bobby’s waistband, hooks Bobby’s head, and goes to lift him for a Superplex! Bobby grabs the rope to block the attempt, and punches Ford in the gut to break the hold. Bobby then Headbutts Ford right in the chest and shoves him off! Ford lands on his feet and stumbles backwards a bit as Bobby comes roaring off the ropes for a Flying Crossbody! He has Ford’s shoulders pinned to the mat, 1...2...KICKOUT!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: These two are going back and forth! With all the shifts in momentum so far, I wouldn’t be surprised to see our heads spinning by the end of this one!

“Blue Lightning” grits his teeth, but stays focused, popping Ford with a Short Forearm Strike to the face before pulling him up to his feet. Larson attempts an Irish whip but Ford plants his feet staying right where he is. Larson tries again but same result. Ford shakes his head and says "Third times the charm Situation." And Larson's face visibly twitches as he goes for a third Irish whip this time Ford goes with it and runs towards the opposite ropes. "There ya go bud!" Larson bends overfor a back body drop but Ford leaps straight up into the air and crashes with a double foot stomp to the spine!, telegraphing the Back Body Drop, which Ford makes him pay for with a Bicycle Pump Knee! The force of the knee pops Bobby up, allowing BFord to pull him in for a Release Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex!

Ford stares at the laid out Larson and then runs towards the ropes jumping onto the middle one with one foot and moonsaults onto him crashing down hard!

Bryan Ford stalks Bobby, motioning for him to get up. As Bobby slowly makes his way up, Ford gets behind him, attempting to lock in a Full Nelson, but Bobby counters with a Snapmare Takedown followed up with a Short Dropkick between the shoulder blades! A grimace forms across Ford’s face as Bobby drives his knee into Ford’s spine, and slaps on a Reverse Chinlock!

CHARLES HUDSON: This match has been a whirlwind of action, so Bobby applying this hold will allow him to gather his bearings and get back to his game plan instead of just reacting to Ford’s offense.

Bobby grinds his forearm across the chin of Ford, and as he keeps the hold on tight, he transitions into a Side Headlock and pulls Ford down to the mat. Ford tries to get his hand in between Bobby’s arm and his chin to loosen the hold, but Bobby allows no room for Ford’s attempted escape. The crowd is getting restless, but Bobby keeps the hold on. Ford pounds his fist on the mat and the crowd starts clapping in time with it. Ford begins to push himself on, willed on by the fans, while Bobby tries to keep him down! The two men begin to rise up off the mat, and once they’re up, BFord elbows his way out of the hold! He goes to whip Bobby, but BL reverses it, catching Ford with a Standing Hurricanrana off the rebound, rolling through into a pinning combination, 1...2...KICKOUT!

Bobby stands up in frustration but Ford shows his quickness as he sends Bobby to his back with a school boy pin. It gets a two count But forces Bobby to roll backwards to his feet. Ford is in a better position to get on hi feet first and Flys at Larson connecting with a vicious shining wizard! Ford now tries for another pin, 1…2…KICKOUT!

Bryan slaps his hand together in a bit of frustration thinking that was it. He then yanks Bobby up by his hair gaining a complaint from the official but let's go before being issued further warnings. He spins Bobby around getting behind him. Ford grabs a hold of Larson’s arm and pulls him in for a Ripcord Knee, but Bobby ducks it! As Ford lands, Bobby gets him in a rear waistlock and throws a Release German Suplex! Ford lands on his feet, and sends a Side Kick towards Bobby, who catches it, but Ford follows up with an Enziguri!

Bobby stumbles into the ropes as Ford pops back up and charges at him. Bobby sends Ford up and over the ropes, with Ford landing on the apron! Bobby goes to Clothesline him, but Ford ducks it and pulls off a rope assisted Enziguri! Bobby’s on spaghetti legs as Ford grabs the top rope and slingshots himself up to top rope, springing off for a Springboard Flying Clothesline, but Bobby catches him in midair and nails a Rolling Death Valley Driver, popping the crowd! Bobby goes cover 1...2...KICKOUT!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Amazing counter from Bobby Larson there! I swear, Charles, each and every time we see this kid wrestle, he shows us something amazing!

CHARLES HUDSON: It’s hard to believe he doesn’t have a win on Mainstream television yet!

Bobby gives Ford a couple of hard stomps before pulling him up and spiking his head into the mat with a DDT! With Ford laid out, Bobby climbs to the top turnbuckle, looking back before he leaps into a Moonsault Leg Drop right across the throat of the Ford! Ford is coughing violently as Larson hooks the legs, 1...2...KICKOUT!

CHARLES HUDSON: Bloody hell, Lou! How did that not put Bryan Ford away!

Bobby slams the mat in frustration, but as he begins to pull Ford up, “The Innovator of Greatness” punches up, knocking Larson back! Bobby throws a punch of his own, and it’s not long before both men are trading punches fast and furiously! Dueling chants of “LET’S GO BOBBY! LET’S GO FORD! LET’S GO BOBBY! LET’S GO FORD!” get going, while the two men keep on trading blows! Ford eventually gets the advantage, chaining together three punches in a row as he starts backing Bobby back into the ropes!

The pressure of rapid strikes proves to be a bit too much for Larson as Ford Irish whips him towards the opposite ropes! Ford connects with a sickening dropkick and backflips off of Larson landing on his feet! The impact is so great Larson's head goes back and his arms go up as he is in a daze and begins stumbling around as if he were a zombie! Ford waists no time as he then connects with an even more devastating superkick to the face as Larson finally gets his head to droop back down! Larson is laid out on the floor as Ford grabs his legs and intertwines his own as he applies a sharpshooter. The F-150! The submission is in tightly as Ford is shouting for Larson to tap out! Larson is conscious enough to scream in agony but he begins army crawling to the ropes and manages to grab onto the bottom ropes breaking the hold! Ford huffs an exasperated expression.

Bryan Ford steps out onto the apron motioning for Bobby to get up. As Bobby slowly rises, Ford wraps both hands around the top rope, and slings himself up, going for another attempt at the Springboard Clothesline! From out of nowhere, Bobby connects with the Lightning Strike Super Kick before collapsing to the mat himself! Bobby is slow to crawl over and drapes his arm over Ford’s chest for 1...2...NEARFALL!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Had Bobby Larson even been half a second quicker on that cover, you have to think he would have had this match!

CHARLES HUDSON: Those are the breaks, though. Bobby Larson and Bryan Ford have put each other through hell tonight, and both have shown extreme resiliency.

Bobby Larson is beside himself. He rolls over onto his back and kips up to his feet. He’s ready to put Bryan Ford away for good and move forward. Larson lifts Bryan Ford up off the mat and Ford nails him in the stomach with a right hand, just as he does Larson comes down hard with an elbow to the shoulder blade of Ford! The two men begin trading strikes until Larson corners Ford. He grabs him by the wrists and leans into his pressing Ford against the top turnbuckle pad. He Irish whips Ford but Ford reverses it sending Larson across the ring. Larson puts up both hands grabbing the ropes to slow down before crashing chest first into the turnbuckle. Larson turns and runs back towards Ford looking for a splash…No! Larson is leveled with a a running ‘Bford & After’ Bicycle Kick! Ford scrambles to make the cover for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall is…BRYAN—FORD!

CHARLES HUDSON:  I’ve heard it for weeks in the back and all over social media. Was Bobby Larson ready to graduate from Squires Wrestling Academy. Probably not but he has and here he is—there’s one thing they can’t teach you in school and that’s experience.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  You’re right Charles but something has got to give here very very soon.

CHARLES HUDSON:  I know Lou. The losses are piling up for Larson meanwhile Bryan Ford is scratching and clawing at any kind of momentum he can manage. A former United States and World Television Champion will definitely celebrate this victory.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Deservingly so. When we return from the commercial break we’ll have more Mainstream Wrestling!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

EARLIER TODAY...
Biggs is seated behind a table at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane. There's a stack of his books on the table next to him, and a cardboard cutout of himself in his ring gear set up behind the table. He has a tweed jacket with a light blue shirt, dark blue bow-tie, and black slacks, along with a navy blue facemask. There's a large line, spaced six feet apart, and he's signing copies and chatting it up with the fan in front of him, a young man, probably around 20 or 21, with close cut blonde hair and thick framed glasses, who seems a bit starstruck.

BIGGS: No need to be nervous, man, I'm just a regular guy like you who happens to be a professional wrestler and a best-selling author. What's your name?

FAN: Jack, sir...

Biggs continues to speak with Jack as he signs the title page inside the book.

BIGGS: No need to call me sir, “Sir” is my father or grandfather. I would say sir could also be my boss, but the fact is I don't respect my boss enough to call him sir, so there's that. But that's neither here nor there. I just gotta thank you for getting my book, dude. I sincerely hope it helps you.

JACK: Thank you sir, I mean Biggs!

All of a sudden, a loud voice is heard from outside the camera's view.

VOICE: BIGGS! You dumbass latte drinkin’ hipster! I got somethin’ for you!

Everyone turns to see Cartier strut up, dressed to the nines, looking fly as all get out. She has her Mainstream World Television Championship belt slung over her shoulder. Biggs looks perturbed as she makes her way to the front of the line, slamming both her fists on the table while staring daggers at him.

CARTIER: I got beef wit’ you for puttin’ your hands on me last week during my match wit’ your little houseboy, Bobby Larson. That Wonder Bread was below me, not worth my time, an’ you knew that. You had no business rollin' me inside that ring! I was makin’ a statement an’ you decided to clout chase.

Biggs furrows his brow and replies to Cartier in a firm manner.

BIGGS: Cartier, I know you're an intelligent woman, so I already know that you know why I rolled you back into the ring. That being said, I have no quarrel with you, and ask that if you'd like to talk with me further, you would please either get in line and purchase a copy of my book, or we can further discuss things at the arena tonight. Now is neither the time nor the place to hash things out.

CARTIER: Oh no, bitch, now is definitely the time an’ the place! I’mma knock you from the biographies to the magazine rack, then I’ll sign my autograph on these books so that they actually end up worth somethin’. You can thank me after I beat that ass!

Cartier drops her belt before jumping over the table, tackling Biggs in his chair, knocking him down to the floor! She wallops him across the face with one of his hardcover books, and the fans in line gasp with shock. Biggs shoves Cartier off of himself and gives her a quick upwards kick to the face. He then tries to create some distance by crawling away hurriedly, but Cartier quickly recovers from the kick to the face, and she’s right on him as he reaches a nearby bookshelf. As he’s on all fours, the Mainstream World TV Champ gives Biggs a series of soccer style kicks to the ribs before grabbing a hardcover copy of Walden off of the shelf, and lifts it high above her head before tossing it down onto Biggs’ back with all her might! The impact is loud, and knocks the wind out of Biggs, causing him to collapse completely. Cartier is absolutely stomping a mudhole into Biggs as she taunts him.

CARTIER: I’m puttin’ a Henry David Thoreau beatdown on that ass, bitch!

Biggs covers up to try to defend himself and reaches up, grabbing a hold of the waistband of Cartier’s pants, and yanking as hard as he can, driving her face first into the shelf! This opening gives Biggs time to get to his feet, and he grabs a hold of Cartier’s head, spinning her around to gain momentum and rams her head into the shelf again! Cartier falls straight back onto the floor as Biggs calls out for help.

BIGGS: Can we get some security here to take care of this!?

An overweight security guard with thin white hair steps in to pull Cartier up, but she drills her forearm into his wedding tackle, falling the guard! Biggs comes in to deal with Cartier himself, but gets taken to Dick Kick City! As Biggs doubles over in pain, Cartier gets a handful of hair and drags him down the aisles of book shelves until they reach the Children’s Section. There’s a set of brightly colored circular leather stools set up to look like The Very Hungry Caterpillar[/u]. Cartier has a devilish grin on her face as she lays Biggs out on the stools and gives him a couple of stiff clubbing blows to the chest before she climbs on top of a bookshelf that’s roughly 5 feet tall. People are recording the fight with their cell phones, and a loud cheer erupts as The Brooklynn Baller leaps off for a Supa Dupa Fly Splash!

She crashes and burns though, as Biggs rolls off the stools at just the last moment! Biggs reaches down to pull Cartier up, and once he has her up, he pulls her in for a Side Headlock! Leading her along, Biggs drags Cartier towards a staircase. He releases the headlock and grabs a hold of the back of her head, pressing Cartier’s face into the railing and scraping her face along it on the way upstairs! On the second to last step, Cartier gives Biggs a hard elbow to the midsection, doubling him over again! She follows up by giving him a hard knee to the side of the head, and Biggs falls to the right, hitting the second floor with the upper half of his body.

CARTIER: How you like that, son!?

With the advantage now completely hers, Cartier notices a nearby table full of graphic novels, and pulls Biggs up, punching him in the face a couple of times before dragging him towards the table. She swipes all the books messily off the table and climbs up onto it, dragging Biggs up with her! She pulls him in position for a Piledriver, but Biggs pumps his legs and struggles against it, reversing the attempt into a Back Body Drop off the table! He goes for a Diving Elbow Drop, but Cartier rolls out of the way! Biggs screams in pain, holding his right elbow as Cartier begins to push herself up.

CARTIER: You done f*cked up now, Spaceman!

Cartier grabs at Biggs’ injured arm and starts to apply her Ballin’ Brutalizer hold. Biggs wails in pain, but luckily the hold is only applied for a few moments before a bunch of baristas from the nearby Starbucks flock over and pull them apart. Green aprons fly everywhere as both competitors flail and try to claw at each other more. Biggs puts his hands up to show that he’s not resisting, but Cartier breaks free of the baristas on her and tackles Biggs to the floor once more!

The Starbucks workers realize they are not well equipped for the task of breaking them up, and back off, while Cartier unloads some fierce punches towards Biggs. She pulls the dazed “Spaceman” up, and takes him near the railing of the overhang for the second floor, coincidently above where Biggs was signing books earlier! The crowd below gasps as Cartier tries to hoist Biggs up and over, but his instincts of self-preservation kick in, and he jabs his elbow hard into Cartier’s ribs! Cartier is undeterred, though, and fires back with a stiff short elbow that hits right under Biggs’ chin! She rams his head a couple more times on the banister before hoisting him up and over, tossing him over the railing and crashing through the table 14 feet below! Biggs is laid out, not moving, but still breathing as people rush in to check on him.

STAFFER: We need an ambulance here!

Cartier’s eyes get wide as she laughs at her handiwork.

CARTIER: Hahaha, you plummeted just like your book sales, bitch…

With the sound of sirens heard in the distance, Cartier gets out of dodge while Biggs continues to lay motionless in the pile of books and splintered wood.

[Robert Daniels]

“CHOCOLATE STARFISH!
KEEP ON ROLLIN’ BAYBAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!”

“Rollin’ by Limp Bizkit hits the P.A. system, and out comes Mariano Fernandez, dressed casually in his trademark leather jacket and jeans, into the ring.

GRAHAM STEVENS: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the winner of the 2021 Emerald City Classic, DA #TROLL GUY… MARIANO-FERNANDEZ!!!

The crowd receives him with a huge pop as he walks towards the ring, and once he climbs up, he takes the microphone from Graham Stevens.

FERNANDEZ: Hey yo.

One more time the crowd pops huge at the trademark salutation from DA #TROLL GUY.

FERNANDEZ: I think there should be no overtly long explanation as to why I’m here, mang. But now that I’ve finally won the Emerald City Classic, there remains one question - but a big question nonetheless. As you know, I now have an opportunity to go at the World Heavyweight Championship, and the question that remains is WHEN.

The crowd murmurs as he pauses, but Mariano raises a hand.

FERNANDEZ: And so I-

“I’m only happy when it rains…
I’m only happy when it’s complicated…”

Before he can continue, the iconic voice of Shirley Manson blasts throughout the arena, as “I’m Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage begins to play.

GRAHAM STEVENS: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the United States Champion… SKYE-HEALY!!!

Skye struts down the ramp with the United States Championship on her shoulder. She’s staring a hole through Manny as she climbs into the ring.

HEALY: Hold on… Hold on… Hold on. I’m sorry, it just sounded like you were going to announce when your championship match was. And I’m not letting that happen. I’m not letting another “has been'' skip me in line for a championship opportunity. You walked down here with a smile on your face, but let’s get some things straight here, “mang”. You only won that tournament because *I* wasn’t in it. Hell, if I was in there, you wouldn’t make it past round one. Trust me, I have no issue putting you into an early retirement so you can go home and play your video games for the rest of your miserable life.

Manny scoffs as he looks at the younger talent. Skye isn’t as light hearted. She’s deadly serious as she stares daggers through Fernandez.

HEALY: You think I’m joking? Let’s be honest here, Manny. Brutally honest. Your body is starting to give out. You’re starting to slow down, you’re only getting older and I… well... I’m the Next Big Thing here in Mainstream. I’ve beaten everyone that steps up to me. So you want to know when your championship match is going to happen? After mine…

Mariano, still all smiles, makes a blah-blah motion with his hand.

HEALY: I am the only person in this ring that’s beaten Julianna. I beat her for this title. And now I’m going to beat her for another…

“I can’t get
Away with murder...
I am bound
To take it further…”

“Deal with the Devil” by Pop Evil booms through the arena as it signals the arrival of World Champion Julianna DiMaria.

GRAHAM STEVENS: The MAINSTREAM World Heavyweight Champion, JULIANNA-DIMARIA!!!

The fans come alive when she appears at the top of the stage. She raises her title in the air, full of confidence, as she walks down the ramp. She does greet the occasional fan along the way as she enters the ring. Before even looking at the two people in the ring, she grabs a microphone from ringside and walks back in their direction. Julianna looks at Mariano, acknowledging him with a nod then glares at Skye, noticeably rolling her eyes at her as her music dies down. She soaks in the reaction she’s getting before expressing her thoughts.

JULIANNA DIMARIA: If this conversation is going to happen, it’s sure as hell not going to happen without me. The first thing I want to get out of the way? I’m not afraid of either one of you. I’ve faced you both before. I’ve beaten you both before. Regardless of whether it’s one or the other, or even BOTH, whoever my next defense will be against, I’ve already proven since I’ve won this title that I am THE true workhorse of MAINSTREAM Wrestling! Ever since I’ve won this, all I’ve done is defend this title show after show against ALL comers: Eli, Billy, AJ, hell the entire I.A! I even went through my own BOYFRIEND to make sure this title has stayed with me! I’m having the time of my career right now having busted my ass to win this title and having busted my ass again to retain it again and again! Mariano…

Julianna takes a pause to address him as she gives him a bit of a warm expression.

JULIANNA DIMARIA: Good on you for winning the Emerald Classic! Even when you had gone through your slumps a few months ago, I never doubted that you would find a way to climb back up and that’s exactly what you have done. Yeah, the last time around that we faced each other, it went my way but you’ve improved so much more since then and you have become an even bigger threat for this championship. Yet, while YOU have grown and evolved, so have I. I just continue to get better and better. I beat AJ and Billy back to back, on two consecutive nights. Would you have done that? I’m not so sure. You’re coming back and all, but I’m on top of my game. Still… I respect you as a pillar of what this company is all about. You represent what MAINSTREAM is all about… which is more than I can say for… YOU…

Julianna at this point turns her attention toward Skye Healy.

JULIANNA DIMARIA: Yeah, you beat me for the United States Championship. You’ve had a stranglehold on that title for a while. Yet, at the Emerald Classic, you want to know who showed who was the biggest, hypocrite on the roster? YOU! YOU are talking about how I used that title you have as a stepping stone, but now YOU are demanding a shot at the world title. Isn’t that NOT using YOUR title as a stepping stone? Yeah, I thought so! While I’ve been busting my ass proving myself as the best wrestler in this company, while I’ve been grinding my hardest to be and remain World Champion, YOU on the other hand, became the biggest, whining, most annoying CRYBABY on the whole roster! Yeah, I kept up with all the CRYING you did over Chris Madison. I remember how much of a SORE LOSER you were when he beat you for the title. You won the title back from him and that STILL wasn’t good enough for you. Now you’re crying some more, wanting a shot at THIS, feeling like you’re entitled to a shot just because you beat me for the title you have now. I guess it never ends with you…

“You talk about making peace… but really, I ‘ignored you’ because we go waaaay back…. And I know JUST how much of a two face you really are. You’ve always had the talent, but you’ve NEVER had the attitude of a champion. All YOU’RE about is ME, ME, ME… everything has to be around ME! I’m flattered by your jealousy, I really am. You wouldn’t have won the Emerald Classic because you’ve never had “IT” in you… and even my parents knew that which is why they wouldn’t allow you anywhere near their wrestling school and why I had to sneak behind their back to even have any interaction with you at all! They warned me that you were toxic. They were right. So, the way it’s going to go if you want to go there comes down to the reality of what your career has always been and always will be: ONE… STEP… BEHIND… ME!!!!”

Julianna raises the title right in Skye’s face for emphasis before she lowers it and steps back. It’s at this point that Mariano takes the microphone again.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: Alright, alright, alright. Let’s all calm down a second, mang, okay?

He simulates a deep breath, before he resumes speaking.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: First, Skye. You wanna call me a “has been”? I “have” been World Heavyweight Champion. I “have” been Television Champion, and Tag Team Champion, and I beat Bryan Ford for that title that YOU carry. But while I “have” been title-holder in this company, what I AM now is the Winner of the Emerald City Classic, and that means that I EARNED a shot at the World Heavyweight Title

He turns towards the World Heavyweight Champion as the crowd roar their approval.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: Now. Julianna. You’re right in saying that I’ve had my slumps. And I won’t lie - it nearly drove me insane. I’ve waited an entire YEAR just to finally win this tournament, and I’ve had that in my thoughts since the SECOND after you finally pinned me back then. And I will not deny that you continue to get better every time. You’ve beat A.J. Knight and Billy Danielson back to back, I don’t know if I’ve ever done that. But one thing I do know, mang.

Mariano points to himself.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: I am now here. Throughout everything, I am now here, I’ve earned my shot, and I WILL have it. Whether it is YOU-

DA #TROLL GUY points at Julianna, before turning to Skye Healy.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: Or YOU-

He takes out both fingers now, to point at each of them.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: Or BOTH of you together. It matters not. The only thing that matters here is that I have EVERY right to be here, as the two of you have, and one way or another, as Alexander Hamilton once said, I AM NOT THROWING AWAY MY SHOT!

Another uproar from the fans as all three competitors size each other up, almost as if we were about to have an impromptu match right here and now!

[Robert Daniels]

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING
WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

★★★ CARTIER (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ AMARA JO ★★★

The bell rings and this World Television Championship match is now underway! Cartier looks like she isn’t taking the threat from Amara Johnson very seriously. Johnson, sticking to the fundamentals she learned from the Squires Academy, makes attempts for lock ups and takedowns, but Cartier keeps slipping away and circling. At one point, she even sends a light slap right across Amara’s face, seeming to dare her to come at her like a fight rather than a test of wrestling acumen.

Amara sticks to the plan though, eventually grabbing Cartier from behind in a rear waist lock… Cartier sends a back elbow HARD into Amara’s jaw though. Johnson is sent to one knee and Cartier doesn’ waste any time hitting the ropes to nail her with a scissors kick! Cartier flips Amara onto her back and pins her with a forearm driven into her cheekbone, shouting at her the whole time the official counts 1…2..KICKOUT!

CARTIER: They aint taught you that shit in class, did they?

Cartier laughs and swats at the back of Johnson’s hair, standing up and waiting for the challenger to rise.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier does even seem to mind that Johnson kicked out...

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier isn’t putting any thought into Amara as a real challenge here tonight. She thinks she’s already got it won!

As Amara regains her footing Cartier is right there to lock on a Muay Thai clutch around her head. She then buries a series of hard knees into Amara Johnson’s torso, folding the girl up with every impact. Johnson is in a bad way, but she gets lucky and catches one of Cartier’s legs as she delivers a knee. Johnson then stands and quickly shifts her weight, pulling Cartier overhead in a textbook fisherman’s suplex!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: That looks like it would have gotten an A-plus at Squires!

CHARLES HUDSON: Coach Van der Roost is proud of that one for sure, but Cartier looks angry!

Cartier is up quick after the suplex while Amara is still feeling the effects of the knees. Cartier charges Amara and tackles her with a Thesz Press, staying mounted on her and raining down hard elbow and forearm strikes all the way through a five count from the ref, who then physically pulls cartier off of Amara Johnson!

McKAYLA LEWIS: She could have been disqualified right there for ignoring the count, but I think Cartier’s more angry at the official for putting his hands on her!

Cartier glares at the ref and screams at him with her back turned to Johnson, giving Amara Johnson ampe opportunity to roll Cartier up from behind in a perfect schoolgirl pinning combination for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Cartier goes berserk, running at Amara with a wild clothesline that misses by a mile as Johnson continues to stick to her learning and keeps a steady head. Amara pulls Cartier over in a backslide but Cartier rolls through, taking Amara down with a low dropkick before Johnson can fully get to her feet. With the challenger down, Cartier hits the near ropes and hits a splits legdrop right across Johnson’s clavicle! She stays on her and points to the mat, demanding a quick count from the official for 1…BREAK!

Cartier pulls Amara up!

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier is still playing games with Amara here, she might have just given away a win by breaking her own cover. Maybe a little hard feelings from 2020?

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Amara would have kicked out of that move, Charles, but Cartier is out to prove a point apparently… when they crossed paths in 2020 it was a slap in the face to the TV Champ - it looks like Cartier is giving her a receipt.

Cartier grabs a handful of Amara’s hair and presses the blonde’s eyes right into the laces of Cartier’s boots, dragging her leg downward to really burn those laces across Amara’s eyes. The ref gives her a warning but Cartier just shrugs it off and leans in to grab Amara again…Small package from Amara Johnson! Cartier’s shoulders are down for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Cartier gets free right before the ref’s hand hits the mat again!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier is FUMING at how close she came to losing just now, but a tight cradle is always a good way to sneak a win!

Cartier seems angrier now and seems to want to prove to Amara that she can wrestle on a technical level just as well as any Squires graduate. She locks up violently with Johnson and roughly slaps a side headlock onto Amara, and Amara looks stuck for a moment before managing to free herself by popping out behind Cartier and tripping up the Television Champion with a double ankle pick.

Cartier swiftly rolls onto her back as Amara moves in on her though, and she pulls Amara into a full guard position while slipping her arm around her head into a guillotine position. She takes a one count from the ref before rolling herself and Johnson over onto their knees, still holding the guillotine on. Cartier hauls Amara up for a suplex, but Amara kicks and pumps her legs, throwing it off balance. Amara falls back onto her feet and immediately reverses into a vertical suplex of her own! Cartier crashes to the mat hard and the guillotine is broken, letting Amara catch her breath while Cartier grabs her spine.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The basics once again coming in clutch here. Champion or not, a suplex is always going to work!

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier is a solid technician when she wants to be but it isn’t her bread and butter. It’s a mistake for her to try to prove herself against a Knight of the Squires Academy like this!

Cartier leaps to her feet but is caught right away in a hiptoss, followed by the same thing happening again with an armdrag takeover that sends Cartier skidding across the ring. Cartier slams the mat in frustration and gets up, once again moving for a lock-up with Amara… but she goes downstairs with a kick to the midsection instead! Amara is then lifted in an inverted atomic drop, before Cartier spins her around and locks her arms for an unprettier… AMARA REVERSES IT! Amara Johnson drops Cartier hard with an unprettier of her own, and Cartier’s eyes look blank as she’s rolled over onto her back for 1…2…KICKOUT!

CHARLES HUDSON: That’s as close as they come, even Cartier is making sure it was only a two count. I think for a second there she thought she’d lost the match!

Cartier looks for a whip to the ropes but gets it reversed and ends up being thrown into a corner, her back rattling the turnbuckles. She gets a boot up when Amara rushes in, though, and pulls herself up to the top rope, leaping off with a nice meteora that spikes Johnson down to the canvas.

Rolling off, Cartier eyeballs Amara and decides to go risk again, climbing back up to the top and standing atop the corner ringpost, slightly higher than a usual top rope attempt. With Amara still reeling from the meteora, Cartier takes a deep breath and flies from the post in a huge Supa Dupa Fly Splash! But Amara rolls away!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier wanted to hit something big and put this match to bed, but she ended up eating canvas!

CHARLES HUDSON: If Amara Johnson can recover and take advantage here we might be looking at a new Television Champion!

Johnson sees Cartier in trouble and pulls the champion to her feet, looking to put and end to the match. She sends Cartier into the ropes… EAT THIS ASS!

Cartier nails the high impact move from out of the blue, and Amara is sent down onto her own rear end in the center of the ring. Cartier backs up into a corner and licks her lips, then waits for Amara to look right at her before she runs in and delivers the Empire State of Mind right on target! Amara is on dream street and Cartier makes the cover for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall AND STILL Mainstream Wrestling World Television Champion…CARTIER!

Cartier rushes to grab her World Television Championship, returning with it to the center of the ring and dressing it into the face of Amara Johnson while heckling her before Amara has even regained consciousness!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Harder fought win for Cartier than she was expecting but a win all the same!

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier is on a roll and does not look like she’ll be letting go of that title any time soon, but Amara Johnson is going to be someone to watch!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
We see Mainstream’s newest masked guy, The LuchaVillain Reo Raijin. He’s standing off to the side away from everyone else near some pallets and cases of equipment that Mainstream uses for the shows. The footage of the camera begins to shake a bit as the camera guy walks over to the masked man.

In a perfect world Raijin knew he wouldn’t have to waste his breath on selling himself to the Mainstream audience. That would have to come later, if at all. In this moment he realizes that he’ll have to swallow his reluctance and speak. He mentally clears his throat but physically he just comes off and arrogant and irritated.

LUCHAVILLAIN: John Wick, that’s a movie that most of this audience can probably easily recall. I bring this up for one reason only and that’s to put a stamp on my name verbally, from the beginning. If you plebs haven’t realized it yet I’m telling you that I’m the boogeyman; the guy that hides in the shadows.

“I don’t say this to be alarming or even scary. I say this because in a lot of ways it’s true. I hide behind a mask knowing that this shields my identity which in ways means my accountability of the things that I do to others in this sport. I’m not always proud of that but I just change into something a bit more dark when I’m between those ropes.”

“My manager, valet, whatever you want to refer to her as. She likes to joke that I’m 51% villain and 49% percent babyface. She says this with a tone of giddy laughter but there’s always a bit of seriousness in a joke.”

In this moment as if cued Vivian Rae Jade walks up beside him, smiling.

VIVIAN: Has he talked about his opponents yet?

The camera man just stands there without responding.

VIVIAN: He comes across as a bit arrogant at times only talking about himself. He’s got to be pushed to be honest with his thoughts when the camera is pointed in his direction. This is the part that he hates, talking. That’s why he has me.

Raijin stands there smirking as she speaks but he does shake his head once in agreement.

VIVIAN: We’ve been thrown into an unexpected predicament for his first match in Mainstream. It’s something that wasn’t expected but not surprising. Since he’s started wrestling in the states word has gotten around about his talent. I think it’s pretty obvious that management would want to test him early on.

LUCHAVILLAIN: Let’s not be disingenuous or miss represent the truth of my thoughts. Viv puts it nicely but I’m not the kind of guy that's going to dance or waltz around the subject. I’m facing two former World Champions? That’s the byline from Twitter.

“James Edwards held onto it for seventy five days. He was the inaugural Champ and successfully defended it three times. James Edwards, a former Champion, that’s an understatement. He helped build this place and helped user in an entire company.”

“Jashon Cashe? He held onto it for fifty three days and he also had three successful defenses. He lost the title to Hammerstein one of the best in recent memory.”

“What I’m getting at here is the insurmountable odds that I’m facing in this match. You could even go as far to say that this isn’t just the biggest match for the LuchaVillain for Mainstream; but in the entirety of my career at the moment. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

Raijin’s words begin to fade as Vivian's begin to pick up.

VIVIAN: Management apparently either gets the LuchaVillain or they’ve already set about trying to destroy him. I guess that motives will eventually play out, either way he doesn’t back down. Not now. Not ever.

“The record books show Edwards as the inaugural United States Champion as well. That wasn’t mentioned on Twitter. I’m here to make sure that Raijin knows these things. That every opponent is well scouted and that every little factoid of a career is known before he ever sets into the ring. That’s how winning is done. You ensure that you’re the most prepared in the room.”

Her voice tails off into silence as LuchaVillain has one simple phrase before he’s done talking as well.

LUCHAVILLAIN: G.K. Chesterton said it best “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” I don’t hate Cashe or Edwards. I just love what I do and what I do; I do it well. I hurt people and then I go home and I sleep comfortable. I’ll see you around Mainstream.

With his final words the pair turns their backs and walk away.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Once more the Elderly Woman is seen scooting along backstage. A gentle creature at the final sprint of her life and she had a smile on her face like she had found the fountain of youth! She comes to a corner and turns it, jolting and almost taking a fall as she collides with one Jason Cashe.

OLD LADY: Ohh good heavens you scared me!

His pinky picking at some food at the back of his top row of teeth. Signs that he had already eaten the sandwich he stole earlier from Bryan Ford.

JASON CASHE: No Ma'am, not me. You'd know if I put the fear of Gawd in you!

Blowing air through his teeth, he chews whatever it was that came loose as he stares into the eyes of an old soul in an older bag of skin.

JASON CASHE: So I saw you had yourself a fall earlier tonight? You okay?

The woman pulls her purse in front of her and begins to dig inside. Cashe waves her off as his nose crinkles.

JASON CASHE: I don't want your damn butterscotch.. I want to know if you're ok!

She gives him a crazy cockeyed glare before looking around to see who else was nearby.

OLD LADY: Cut the crap! Where is my money?

JASON CASHE: Whoa! Such hostility!

OLD LADY: You're a moron!

Cashe stands, jaw dropped and shocked at her rudeness.

JASON CASHE: Whaaa?! You can't prove that!

OLD LADY: You paid me 50 bucks to distract someone so you could sneak into his room and STEAL a sandwich you can get for 5 dollars! That's a moron..

Again he was almost shocked by her crassness. As he pulls a single fifty dollar bill from his pocket and slaps it into her open palm, he responds.

JASON CASHE: If I wasn't booked tonight..

OLD LADY: You'd what? Harm a harmless little old lady? I saw you checking out my goodies before..

JASON CASHE: What?! The hell I was!!

OLD LADY: Please! It's just you and me here sweet pea.. You can be honest.

Taking a step back, Cashe gives her that one big eye, one squinted stare. But then he sees it. She has a very Betty White look about her and Jason Cashe loves him some Betty White.

OLD LADY: Tell you what.. I'll give you this money back if you want to show me a good time? Remind me of what it feels like to be young again! Think you can handle that?

You as a viewer could believe most things said or seen from Cashe but this was a weird line for even him to approach. Yet you could see in his eyes that he was considering it. Newly single after a mutual split with Josslyn Spencer and maybe this was as close to the Golden Girls Survivor as he was going to get.

JASON CASHE: Why don't we go in the ba--

THADDEUS: Sorry I'm late. Traffic was crazy and try finding a parking spot AFTER a sold out show has already started! Ohhh.. Hello Miss!

Being interrupted by Thaddeus changed Cashe's whole expression. From giving her that Southern Sexy stare he is known for to his more tough guy/caveman glare.

JASON CASHE: Yeah, so Bombay's office is down this hallway and to the right.

She smiles and slightly shakes her head at Cashe. As she shrugs and begins to move past them, she musters out one final line before moving on.

OLD LADY: Missed Opportunity…

It gave him a chill as he turned and watched her walk away. Thaddeus leans in closer to him, nudging Cashe against the shoulder.

THADDEUS: Say.. I think she was flirting with you right there…

JASON CASHE: Don't be gross. Let's go, I have things to do.

Leading the way, Jason Cashe heads the opposite way of the Elderly Woman as Thaddeus follows behind him.

[Robert Daniels]

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH

★★★ JAMES EDWARDS ★★★
vs
★★★ LUCHAVILLAIN ★★★
vs
★★★ JASON CASHE ★★★

The bell rings and this triple threat bout is officially underway! LuchaVillain storms from the corner, beelining straight for Jason Cashe who also comes out ready to throw down. They meet in the middle as Cashe throws a big haymaker. Lucha ducks it and pops Cashe to the ribs. Giving each other space, they get into a fighter's stance. Lucha throws a leg kick to the outside calf of Cashe.

Popping forward, Cashe checks Lucha to the masked chin with a straight. Lucha stumbles back as Cashe scurries forward and dishes in a quick combination of punches. Left Jab, Left Jab, duck a hook, Right Body Hook catching LuchaVillain as he flinches in pain at his side. Cashe snatches Villain by the back of his head and runs him through the ropes as he dumps to the outside.

CHARLES HUDSON: I love it when we get to see a striking start to a bout! Feels like London Prize Fighting! No gloves, just a Bloody Good Time!

Turning back to the ring, Jason Cashe locks eyes with James Edwards who has gotten comfortable in the corner watching his two opponents fight. Cashe moves in and as he reaches Edwards, "The Burning Heart" pops Cashe to the throat with a stabbing shot. Cashe coughs and grabs the ropes as Edwards circles out of the corner and shoves Cashe into his place.

CHARLES HUDSON: I do say.. When you catch someone directly to the air tunnel, that is the throat, it doesn't feel good.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: And the sky is blue and the grass is green, yes we all understand the obvious..

A stiff punch to Cashe's stomach jolts him as he puts his back against the turnbuckles. Edwards snaps back and sharply cuts across Cashe's open chest with a Knife Edge Chop! Cashe curls out a groan of pain. Edwards shoves his arms down and delivers another! Cashe runs in place as if throwing a fit as he grabs and rubs at his chest. Edwards goes to give him another but Cashe thumbs James to the left eye. Just like with Lucha, Cashe grabs James Edwards behind the head, spins around before throwing him through the ropes to the outside.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: It would appear that Edwards caught Cashe where his right nipple USED to be!

CHARLES HUDSON: Does it hurt LESS because there are none of the nerves that a nipple otherwise has?

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The talk of nipples is over...

Again the "DiOGee" rubs at his chest. Giving Edwards a stink eye stare before turning around and being met with a slapped knee Superkick right to the chin! LuchaVillain nails it flush as it stiffens Cashe up and he timbers back like a cutdown tree.

CHARLES HUDSON: POW! RIGHT IN THE KISSAH!

Quickly Lucha leaps over Cashe, springboards off the near ropes, twisting around and landing with a Leg Drop across Cashe. Lucha slides into position and makes the first cover for 1…2…KICKOUT!

From outside the ring, James Edwards pulls Lucha's legs and drags him out from under the ropes. Villain drops at ringside and as he pushes up, James Edwards grabs him from behind, lifts and drops the newcomer with a Back Body Drop.

CHARLES HUDSON: Ohhhh!

LuchaVillain grabs the back of his head as he rolls on the floor. Edwards props himself up on the apron as Cashe pushes to a knee. As Edwards sees Cashe, Cashe is launching himself from a knee and diving at Edwards, spearing him through the ropes as they both crash into the ringside floors!

CHARLES HUDSON: Ahhhh!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Please stop..

Grunting and holding his shoulder, Cashe pushes to his feet using the side of the ring. LuchaVillain leaned against the railing shoves off as Cashe and him step forward to continue the fight. Cashe, open palm slaps LuchaVillain across his masked face. Lucha turns from the slap and cuts back with a deep rising Throat Thrust that sends Cashe flailing back against the ring skirt. Choking from the second throat attack, Cashe spits out as he gags from the hit. Lucha lifts a knee into Cashe's face as he is bent over, Cashe pops up standing only for Lucha to jump up and hit a Jumping Flatliner on Cashe, planting him into the ringside floor!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Excellent execution by LuchaVillain!

Rolling into the ring, LuchaVillain had the ring to himself and the crowd gave him a cheer as James Edwards, who looks much more focused now, climbs up onto the apron. Lucha nods and gives him space, wanting that test against one of the two former Mainstream Champions. They go to lock up, Edwards drops to a knee as he slides around behind Lucha. A tight grapple from behind and Edwards drills a forearm into Lucha's lower back. As Lucha arches from the shot, Edwards yanks him back and applies a reverse Headlock. Lucha rolls around, his stomach now facing the floor, he lifts Edwards up but the former Champ locks a leg to stay on his feet. Lucha goes to lift again but Edwards drops back and plants LuchaVillain with a sound DDT. He rolls him over and hooks the leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

CHARLES HUDSON: I thought he had that!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: That's what you get for thinking..

CHARLES HUDSON: Oi.. Someone is bloody rude tonight!

Pulling Lucha up as he rises, James Edwards has control of the present. Then he loses it as Lucha breaks off the loose grapple and cracks Edwards with a Throat Thrust! Edwards stumbles back and looks wobbly from the surprise attack. LuchaVillain does a two step sprint before hitting a Bicycle Knee into Edward's chest, putting him on his back into the canvas! Instead of trying for another pin, Lucha looks to his right at the nearby corner. He darts over to it, runs up each pad and shoots backwards into a high Moonsault! He lands in full, bouncing off of James Edwards. Hugging his own gut as he gets up, Lucha falls into the ropes.

CHARLES HUDSON: LOOK OUT!

Jason Cashe scrambling to his feet after sliding back into the ring from the far side. Rushes at LuchaVillain and clotheslines him over the ropes! Lucha dumps out onto the ring apron, saving himself from hitting the floor as he holds onto the middle rope.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: He can't hear you..

Cashe reaches through the ropes and pulls Lucha up and over the middle rope. Cashe grabs the top rope and yanks on it to catapult himself up and over the ropes, looking for a Sunset Flip to the outside. Cashe lands on his feet and pulls Lucha for the Powerbomb portion of the move but Lucha changes it up and turns it into a Hurricanrana! Cashe slaps hard upside down and back first into the guardrail!!

MCLAYLA LEWIS: OHHH! Sunset Flip turned into a DEVASTATING Hurricanrana! I like this LuchaVillain! That was nicely done!

CHARLES HUDSON: I would guess that Cashe doesn't care too much for him currently..

Rolling back into the ring after admiring his own work, LuchaVillain is attacked before he can rise. James Edwards pounding away at him with a double axe handle to the back and vicious short punches to the face. He stomps down against LuchaVillain's knee as he tries to stand and the newcomer buckles to his knee. Edwards hits a downward elbow into the forehead of Lucha's mask, steps back and drives forward with a huge forearm that crumbles Lucha down to the canvas. Sliding his fingers under the neckline of Lucha's mask, Edwards gets Lucha to his feet. He pulls his head down and drives two right knees somewhere in the face of his opponent before whipping him into the far corner.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: This is where experience comes into play! Every ring has a different feel, a different cushion to the canvas and James Edwards knows this cushion!

Lucha slumps against the turnbuckles. He was fighting an experienced commodity inside of a Mainstream ring and James Edwards was legitimately a true to nature Ring General. Lining up his next move, James measures the balance of Lucha's stance. Will he fall over or stumble from the corner. It wouldn't matter because Edwards didn't wait.

Rushing in, he leaps up and connects with a huge Shining Wizard he calls "Kill Up". Lucha now stumbles from the corner and slaps down into the canvas face first! As James pushes to get over to Lucha for the pin, he is snatched up by a recovered Jason Cashe. His head shoved between Cashe's legs and the "DiOGee" lifts, turns and spikes James Edwards with a sitdown Piledriver!

CHARLES HUDSON: BOING! Edwards bounces like a slinky! Remember those?

As Edwards lays on the canvas, Cashe rolls him up as he hooks both legs for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Pushing to his feet, Cashe turns as LuchaVillain kicks out his left knee, Cashe drops down onto it. Lucha bounces off the ropes nearby and clobbers Cashe with a massive Running Big Boot to the side of his jaw! Cashe spins out and crumbles to the canvas. James Edwards was getting up now and LuchaVillain was ready to react as he races to the opposite ropes, leaps up and springs off them, turning in midair with his hands together in a Double Axe Handle. James Edwards ends it with a Toe Kick to the stomach as Lucha lands on his feet, missing his attack altogether.

Across the ring, Jason Cashe crawls to the corner and uses the turnbuckles to get back to a standing. He puts his back against the corner as he watches Edwards hook under Lucha's left arm and steps to launch Lucha with a classic Hip Toss. Cashe pushes out of the corner and as if trying to catch Lucha, he instead gets hit with a Front Dropkick as Lucha counters the hip toss and sends Cashe flying right back to the corner where he came from!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Beautiful Counter!

Lucha kips up but James Edwards is right behind him. Arms wrapped around his waist, Edwards lifts and launches LuchaVillain with a Release German Suplex but ONCE again, Lucha lands on his feet, counting the move. Edwards hurries to his feet, turns around and runs right into a Flying Knee that is heard in the nose bleeds!

CHARLES HUDSON: And another one! Counter that is and it too was pretty sweet! Falling over Edwards, Lucha makes the cover without the need to hook a leg for 1…2…BREAK!

Cashe snatches Lucha up off Edwards! Shoving Lucha back, Cashe pulls him back and just KNOCKS the bejezzus out of LuchaVillain with a STIFF "Mark of JASON" Elbow! Lucha flies back and slides. He leg and arm hang over the ring apron and as a few seconds pass, the rest of his body follows and he falls to the outside. Cashe roars out and presses himself against the ropes, full of energy and fighting spirit! He backs up and trips, thinking it was over Edwards body but James Edwards was the cause.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Ohhh no!

He grabs Cashe's leg and as Cashe hits the canvas, Edwards has his leg, ankle and heel locked tightly in a Heel Hook! A move that James Edwards calls "Foxfire" and it was locked in as tight and as right as anyone could secure it! Cashe fought, kicked, screamed and reached but couldn't get free and the ropes were too far away. The pressure was piling up, the heat that the twisting was providing did not come with comfort and it left Cashe with no other option. Slapping at his leg and then against the canvas, Cashe submitted. The referee signals for the bell as James Edwards releases the hold.

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by way of submission is the Burning Heart…JAMES—EDWARDS!

CHARLES HUDSON: That SUCKS for Cashe but what an opportunistic victory for James Edwards!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  LuchaVillain with ad impressive debut as he could have asked for.

CHARLES HUDSON:  He didn’t win but then again…he didn’t lose.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Congratulations to James Edwards on a huge win here tonight!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
The scene opens with Blake O'Reilly standing backstage with a towel around his neck. He seems a bit agitated.

BLAKE O’REILLY: My name... is Blake O'Reilly... and I'm standing put here because I came to a roster full of intimidated wannabe stars... see a lot of the people here say my attitude is unpleasant... I'm not allowed in the locker room with the boys and girls back there... but let me ask you this... how many of you are honest with yourselves?

“How many of you genuinely know your worth in a business where most can be replaced at the drop of a dime? Ain't no replacing the Real Deal Blake O'Reilly.”

“My father could buy every single one of these tools contracts and rip it up in front of them. That's how much power the O'Reilly name holds... but father never had the balls to step in the ring... I'm a first generation bad ass in my family... and I proved that when I beat Bryan Ford in my debut on Mainstream months ago.”

“Everyone's hyping up my fellow Squires graduating and getting little stints here and there. I'm gonna be the one who makes history and etch my name into the books as the first ever Squire to come back to the academy as United States Champion.”

“Skye Healy I don't give a damn about your reign up until now and I don't give a damn about your chihuahua Maureen yapping her mouth about you beating me into the ground. Tonight you see why I'm The Real...Deal."

Blake flexes his chest muscles and winks as he walks off camera.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
“What's the difference between a spectacle and what you just saw?"

The syrupy twang of Charlene Tilton-Everson echos off the walls of an empty warehouse.

CHARLENE TILTON-EVERSON: One man.

CTE struts into the picture, a coy grin on her face.

CHARLENE TILTON-EVERSON: That's all it takes for a fight to become a spectacle.

A bird's eye view reveals that the warehouse is mammoth.

CHARLENE TILTON-EVERSON: See, James Edwards bared no ill will towards his opponents tonight. Jason Cashe was a decorated fighter at one time. LuchaVilliain was simply looking to make an impactful debut. No James Edwards’ grudge is with…MAINSTREAM Wrestling.

She points an accusatory finger.

CHARLENE TILTON-EVERSON: A fight between two combatants is a duel of honor; a contest where each man or woman gives their best to their opponent and the very best of them receives the victor's crown of laurels. Spectacle, is forcing three fighters to dishonor the ring to eliminate one just to dance with the other. There is no honor in that, just meaningless violence for the sake of profit. James Edwards wanted no part in this, but he fought an unnecessary battle.

She spreads her arms wide.

CHARLENE TILTON-EVERSON: Repent, MAINSTREAM Wrestling, for the Kingdom of Violence is at hand!