MAINSTREAM 87 - KNOXVILLE - 07/17/2022

[Robert Daniels]

Battleground Network Presents

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING 87
SUNDAY - 07/17/2022
THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING IS LIVE FROM KNOXVILLE AND WE’RE INSIDE THE THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA. HOME OF THE TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS!

"Judas" by Septogram blares throughout the arena as the new Mainstream World Heavyweight Champion Emma Douglas slowly walks out onto the stage to a bit of a mixed response. We see she has both the Mainstream Wrestling World Television and World Heavyweight Championships flung over each of her shoulders. She pulls down the gas mask to reveal a very smug smile across her lips. She nods to herself as she makes her way to the ring, obviously making a bit of a show of it all. Emma struts her way up to the ring, sliding her belts I to the ring and rolls herself into the ring. She picks back up those titles and rearranges them back into her shoulders. There in the ring she motions for a microphone and her music does out. She keeps that smug smile on her face as she begins to speak.

EMMA DOUGLAS: It has been a long time coming. A long long time coming. It took way too long to get to this point. But here I am. With not one but two Championships. I am not the sappy type so I won't be thanking everyone who made it possible and such, but yeah, I'm not entirely convinced I would have done it without Sage Lowry, her sacrifice and her never-ending support…

Douglas shakes her head as she continues to speak.

EMMA DOUGLAS: It was what though? Two years, over? Something like that. And in that time, I had a few bumps in the road including my fair share of missed opportunities, where I always seemed to fall short. But then I took control of my own narrative, set my sights on Chris Madison and the World Heavyweight Championship. And well...

She shrugs her shoulders.

EMMA DOUGLAS: Chris Madison, I don't know if it's true or not, it felt like he didn't quite take me seriously. That I was just another challenger looking to try and take a swing at the king. That my legacy was going to be like Bryan Ford's. To be left doubting myself time and time again. No, that's not me. And well, you see how wrong he was to underestimate me.

Emma raises her World Heavyweight title over her head.

EMMA DOUGLAS: I'm not going to discount Chris Madison too terribly much though. As you know, he is one tough son of a bitch. And he had one hell of a reign. But that is water under the bridge and behind me. It’s MY TIME NOW!

“Welcome to the Age of Chaos, proclaimed by yours truly…the Mistress of Mayhem—the new World Champion!

Emma places the World Heavyweight title back on her shoulder and brings the World Television Championship up, giving it a once over.

EMMA DOUGLAS: First of all, it brings me great pleasure to disappoint each and everyone of you hicks but tonight—there will be no World Television Championship Main Event!

“See what you all seem to forget is the fact that I’m the top of the pecking order now. I am the Champion of both Television and the entire World. On this journey to the World Heavyweight Championship that started back in December when I won the Chase for the Crown becoming the Queen that I am. Your beloved Cartier was just another casualty when I took the only thing she had going for her in the World Television Championship. My focus is utter domination. In fact..I have a slight confession to make. But Greed has consumed my soul. And maybe I am glutton for punishment, but I don't believe it's in my best interest to try and defend both championships simultaneously.

Kevin Bombay is seen walking through the curtain out onto the stage. Wasting no time he walks straight down to the ring and walks up the ring stairs and steps into the ring. He’s handed his own microphone from the stage hand.

She raises the Television title again.

Emma Douglas : That's right, I'm vacating this championship so I can put all of my focus on being the most chaotic, the most sadistic, the most violent Heavyweight Champion in all of this World!

“So Bombay, do what you must but it’s time to crown a new Television Champion of this World…”

KEVIN BOMBAY: First of all we here at Mainstream Wrestling want to thank Chris Madison for an amazing three hundred plus day World Heavyweight Championship title reign. Secondly, Congratulations to Queen Emma Douglas on your World Heavyweight Championship victory. But more importantly regardless of how you rephrased your relinquishing of the World Television Championship. Thank you for this selfless act to not hold back anyone from furthering and bettering themselves. Ladies and Gentlemen tonight’s Main Event is cancelled…

“Revolt” by Wild Fire blasts the sound system and out comes the King of Failure himself… Gareth Prichard Jr, sporting a trench coat over his ring gear: the usual, black boots, burgundy and navy blue squares tights, and a white shirt; it’s clear the announcement was kind of a surprise for him but he welcomes it with open arms. The smile on his face widens as he gets closer to the ring with a microphone in his right hand. The Welshman smiles and extends his left hand while he turns to the crowd.

GARETH PRICHARD JR.: Ladies and Gentlemen…your former dual champion! Let’s give her a big round of applause!

Gareth waits for the crowd to calm down a bit before turning his attention directly to the ring, without getting in – for now. Yet the “nice” gesture took Emma Douglas by surprise as she tilts her head to the side and stares a hole into Gareth’s soul.

GARETH PRICHARD JR.: See, don’t get so pissy, Emma. Has no one ever been nice to you before? I mean, you’re truly the people’s champion around these parts; you overcame my old friend Chris Madison in an awesome match… but, what did it bring you?

Gareth rolls inside the ring as Emma taps on the World Heavyweight Championship draped over her shoulder. Prichard gets close enough to Emma as he’s allowed to, he takes a look at the title and then stares at Bombay holding the World Television Championship.

GARETH PRICHARD JR.: You’re scared… I can smell it. You’re scared because you are now wondering “now what?” you gave up the TV Title because you know you can’t handle two targets on your back. You can’t handle the unpredictability I bring breathing down your neck for one belt, and then having all sorts of Mainstays breathing down your neck for the other. I was right last time when I said the only difference between the two of us is… you’re afraid of failure, while I thrive from it!

Gareth scoffs and backs away from Douglas who looks at him as if wanting to rip his head out of his shoulders.

GARETH PRICHARD JR.: What? Don’t you want to kill me as you said a couple of weeks ago? You had your chance to do so tonight… and you gave it away… why? I wonder…

Prichard shrugs and turns his attention to Kevin Bombay who is holding the now vacant World Television Championship. Gareth walks towards him and puts his fingers over the belt and smiles.

KEVIN BOMBAY: Tonight’s originally scheduled Main Event was cancelled but with the World Television Championship relinquished by now former champion Emma Douglas and I, Kevin Bombay now holding up the vacant championship, we will waste no time deciding the next World Television Championship. Tonight, Gareth Prichard Jr. you will face off against this man to determine a new World Television Championship…

The curtain is drawn back as RM Tapp walks out onto the stage smiling clasping his hands together thinking about another shot to take down GPJ following their last match in the Finale of the Grand Prix.

GARETH PRICHARD JR.: You, Mr. Bombay…are a smart…smart man. Knowing one of the parts you HAVE to put in a match for this belt; you chose the one man that can bring a worthy TV Title match to your show. Tapp and I will put on a match you won’t regret.

After that, Prichard flicks the microphone at Bombay’s feet with Emma Douglas exiting the ring and the cameraman moving in behind GPJ looking up the aisle way at RM Tapp standing on the stage as the show goes to commercial break.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Wow what a change of events! Emma Douglas relinquishes the World Television Championship to Kevin Bombay!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Then Bombay announces tonights new main event of RM Tapp versus Gareth Prichard Jr for the vacant World Television Championship!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
SAMANTHA KINSLEY: I'm excited, why? Because my guest is "Greatness" herself, Alexandria Monroe! One half of Team Madness!

Alexandria Monroe & Echo Layne walked into the picture. Of course dressed in their signature, pink & black gear. They both flashed a smile at Samantha.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: We're super super glad to be here, Samantha!

Samantha smiled happily more so it was a fake smile because she knew how Team Madness was.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Tonight, Alex, you face one half of the tag team champions, Team Sexy's own Blake O'Reilly.

Alexandria laughed.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: How irrelevant is Blake without Bobby & Daddy Biggs? Huh, what was he doing before they took him in? That's right, JOBBER STATUS. You see, unlike Team Sexy, we've been together since DAY ONE. Yeah yeah they beat us, but trust the process. Because in life you have your ups and downs and you learn from those mistakes and trust me we have.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: You tried to help Echo cheat in her match with Biggs? Why?

Alexandria rolled her eyes slightly.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: It's only cheating if you get caught and correct me if I'm wrong here? Blake got caught? Not me. I got my girls back ALWAYS. Unlike Team Sexy - we're completely focused on the task. That being sooner or later when they are least expecting, WE will take those titles off their hands and make them relevant again. Because let's face facts here? Those titles haven't been the same since Children Of The Moon left.

Alexandria laughed.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: It's time we make Tag Team Wrestling great AGAIN.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: What's your plan for tonight?

Alexandria smirked.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: The perfect villain never shares their plan, Sami. And when they do, they always end up failing. Just watch tonight, it's my night and I will walk out one way or another the winner.

ECHO LAYNE: The Reign Of Madness is just getting started!

Echo & Alexandria laughed very loudly as the skipped off.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ BLAKE O’REILLY ★★★
vs
★★★ ALEXANDRIA MONROE ★★★

The bell rings and tonight’s match between Alexandria Monroe and Blake O’Reilly is now officially underway! Blake O'Reilly showcases his superior strength lifting Alex with a bearhug up and down before throwing her back with an overhead fall away belly to belly. She rolls over onto a knee and O’Reilly shoots in, trying to grapple Monroe for a takedown. Monroe drops down, taking them both down to the mat with her on top of O'Reilly’ back.

Blake O’Reilly reaches back with his hand and whips her over his shoulder and shows his athleticism jumping straight up and drives her into the middle of the ring with a mushroom stomp! He looks at her and dusts his hands off with a smirk. This was a mistake, though, as Monroe pulls him in and gives him a rake across the eyes with her free hand, sending O'Reilly stomping about, clutching his eyes! He stumbles into a Drop toe hold from Monroe, who floats over into a Side Headlock on the mat! As O'Reilly tries to wriggle free, Monroe raises her right fist in the air, appealing to the crowd before giving O'Reilly repeated right hands to the head!

CHARLES HUDSON: Alexandra Monroe and Echo Layne want a shot at the World Tag Team Championships at all costs!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: If Team Madness wants a shot at the tag titles then a win here tonight will go along way!

Monroe releases the headlock and gets to her feet as the two come together with a collar and elbow tie up, with O'Reilly switching levels and getting behind Monroe, wrapping his arms around her waist to perform a Release Overhead Belly-to-Back Suplex! Monroe much like her sister, fully lands on her feet and in one fluent motion lands a standing Dropkick to his head! O'Reilly rolls away to create some distance between himself and Monroe, but she closes the gap, rushing in for a Running Knee Strike that knocks O'Reilly silly. Monroe immediately runs to the opposite ropes, gaining momentum and slingshots over the top rope with a flying lariat! She rolls under the bottom rope and exits to the time keepers table and retrieves his World Tag Team Championship title belt.

Echo Layne comes down to ringside grabbing a hold of the United States Title draped across the shoulder of Bobby Larson and she looks at it with ill intent. Larson turns and Echo Layne levels him with his own World Tag Team Championship. She walks around the ringside area and holds up the title alongside her sister as the official is counting inside the ring and demanding Monroe to re-enter the ring.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Echo Layne and Bobby Larson have been tossed out on this one!

CHARLES HUDSON:That’s right Lou, the official has just requested Echo Layne to leave the ringside area and as soon as Bobby Larson comes to he’ll be instructed to leave by security as well.

Alexandra Monroe slides into the ring to join a very upset Blake O’Reilly who throws a clothesline purposely overshooting it as he psychs her out throwing his opposite arm hitting a lariat from behind! Showing no mercy for her. He gets down on all fours yelling at her "You're no team sexy! You're no Smokin' Aces! I like ya...but we like being the Tag Champs better!"

Blake is holding his jaw after Alex blasts him with a forearm! He staggers just a bit as she hits the ropes he bursts forward sending her spinning with a snap power slam! Blake O’Reilly is climbing the turnbuckles as he looks to go up top, he takes a moment to look around the arena as the fans boo heavily then he leaps off with shades of his mentor Biggs—he crashes down on the mat when Monroe rolls out of harms way with a Spaceman Frog Splash and nobody home! Blake bounces up holding his midsection and pushing himself up with his hand he winces in pain followed up by a school boy for the 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall is...ALEXANDRIA--MONROE!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: She’s done it! Alex Monroe and Echo Layne have a legitimate argument for a shot at the World Tag Team Champions!

CHARLES HUDSON: Blake O’Reilly is beside himself. Amazing job by Alex Monroe, she saw an opportunity and she took it!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

TWO WEEKS AGO AT MAINSTREAM 86...[/font]
Biggs is seated in the locker room at the United Center. He’s still in his ring gear, sullen, dejected, and sits on the bench in a pensive manner. Conspicuous by their absence are Blake and Bobby, nowhere to be seen. He looks into the camera and begins to speak.

BIGGS: Tonight showed exactly why I did not wish to face my friend, Echo Layne, in defense of my United States Championship. Not because I feared her, not because I didn’t respect her, because I very much do, but because I knew that if she cheated, I would not be able to control myself. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself since my match with Bryan Ford in Tokyo, it’s that I have a dark side, it is that I have a volatile temper. For as calm, cool and collected that I am, if I get triggered in just the right manner, I become a monster. I pride myself in my ability to be above the fold, to always be in control of my emotions. For me, wrestling is clinical. I go in there, I execute my game plan, and I come out on top. But there's been at least three times in the past year where that wasn’t the case. Echo, tonight when you stooped to using my own United States Championship against me, not only was I severely disappointed that you felt you needed to go that route, but it made me see red. I’m not proud of what I did tonight, I’m not proud of the fact that I made you pass out, but I’m also not proud of you trying to cheat your way to a title. YOU DIDN’T NEED TO, ECHO! You absolutely didn’t!

Biggs’ voice cracks and tears can be seen forming in his eyes. He’s visibly upset.

BIGGS: Echo, I know that we said that no matter what happened out there, we’d still remain friends, and while I’d like to believe that, after my actions tonight, I’m not sure how I can look you in the eyes, at least not tonight. For now, let’s do a raincheck on the pizza and cupcakes. I’m gonna need some time to get over this one.

Biggs wipes his eyes and sniffles before continuing.

BIGGS: Which brings me to you, Robert Zodiac. Listen, I know you’ve been trying to play the tough guy, trying to say that I’m afraid of you. First off, bullshit. You have had just as much an opportunity to answer my United States Championship Open Challenge as anyone else, except for Bryan Ford, who has forfeited that right, so you trying to frame this whole thing as me ducking you, well it comes off as incredibly disingenuous at best, and flat out delusional at worst. Have you taken to many shots to the head, Robert, or did all the methamphetamines you used to get through your sad, pathetic existence really f*** you up in the head before the chair shots? Now I will give credit where credit is due and agree that you’ve never given up in your life, be it in a match or partaking in drugs to haze over the fact of what a pathetic piece of trash human you really are. I don’t fear you, Robert, I pity you. But beyond that aside, the fact is, I am a better wrestler than you in every sense of the word. I beat you at your own match! Was it a ref’s decision because you couldn’t intelligently defend yourself? Absolutely, and that’s even giving you the benefit of the doubt that you can do anything intelligently, but the fact is Robert, the only thing that I am afraid of when it comes to you is how far I’m willing to go to put you down. I mean I broke your freakin’ ankle! If I can cross that line with you before you started goading me and telling these lies to prop yourself up at my expense, imagine where I’ll be willing to go now that you’ve made this personal. There’s no doubt in my mind that after this match, Robert, that I’ll need to sign myself up for an anger management course. I don’t like who I become when I’m pushed to the darkside. But I’m gonna wait until after I’m done with you first. This time, I won’t need a chair to break you.

Biggs gets up off the bench and walks off as the scene fades to black.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ CARTIER ★★★
vs
★★★ DAYNA BARRETT ★★★

The bell rings and this match is now underway! Dayna Barrett looks for a collar and elbow tie up with Cartier. Barrett moved around the ring in control with her eyes locked on her opponent, Barrett quickly forces Cartier down onto one knee with repeated strikes. Stepping back Barrett would look to drive the point of her knee right into the side of Cartier’s temple but she stands up just in time to hit the ropes bouncing off gaining momentum and looks for her world famous “EAT THIS ASS” but Barrett lock on from behind with both arms around Cartier’s waist then snaps a German Suplex!

While Holding on she twists her hips and legs to pull herself back up looking for ANOTHER! She holds her grasp on tight around the waist of Cartier and she hits a THIRD GERMAN SUPLEX! Dayna Barrett pops up and would taunt the fans at ringside! Boos from all over the arena would rain in on Dayna Barrett in support of their beloved Cartier. Barrett would grabs the legs of Cartier and flip over with a bridge for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Cartier would kick out just in time but Dayna Barrett would laugh it off. She would stand then grab Cartier by the back of the head slightly pulling her up by the hair. Following a warning from the official Cartier would catch Dayna by surprise. Cartier began throwing hands in retaliation, she would step back into her corner then run out and drop Dayna Barrett with a clothesline!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier looks like she wants to prove a point here tonight.

CHARLES HUDSON: She lost some face when she dropped the World Television Championship to Tara Fenix, McKayla, and now she’s opening the show against a recent Squires grad… you know she’s got to feel disrespected!

Cartier lays in a few forearm shots while talking to her protege Nefertiti Jackson on the outside, as if she’s giving a lesson to her pupil. She pulls Dayna up and whips her to the ropes before attempting a spine buster, but Barrett holds on and snaps Cartier’s head to the mat in a float over DDT! Barrett hooks a leg for a 1…2…KICKOUT!

Cartier kicks out violently, with a dazed look on her face. Dayna Barrett keeps the pressure on Cartier, lifting her into a series of slams and suplexes that knock the wind out of the former World Television Champion and keep her on the ground. She follows up with a shining wizard, and then she pulls Cartier into a delayed vertical suplex, showing off her strength while holding the Brooklyn Baller high up in the air and letting the blood rush to her brain before dropping her to the mat.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Dayna Barrett has NEVER missed leg day… not once!

CHARLES HUDSON: That was impressive! But can she keep the heat on long enough to take a win here tonight, McKayla? Cartier is no slouch!

After dropping Cartier in the suplex, Dayna wipes her hands dramatically as if to show the match is over. She heads to the top and waits as Cartier slowly rises. Cartier looks dizzy and befuddled, and she turns in a semicircle looking for Barrett. When she sees Barrett at the top, Barrett leaps off for the RELAPSE! But Cartier thinks fast and jumps up, catching Barrett right on the chin with a leaping EAT THIS ASS!!! Barrett hits the canvas hard and Cartier hops on top of her for 1…2…NEARFALL!


Dayna Barrett is rolling around on the mat wiping off her face and mouth following her unexpected ass to face meeting with Cartier. Now the former two-time World Television and three-time Tag Team Champion, Cartier has taken control and uses her fists to do the talking for her, pummeling Dayna Barrett with some street fighting tactics. She boxes Barrett’s ears and stomps on her toes before spinning her around and hooking her by the arms for a ‘GOT DAMN SLAM’!

She waltzes around the ring pointing at Barrett, telling Nefertiti “this is how you do it!”

CHARLES HUDSON: In my opinion this is a bad move by Cartier. She has her opponent down and she should stay focused on winning the match rather than showboating!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: You just hate strong women, Charles!

Cartier once again decides to whip Dayna to the ropes, but Dayna holds onto Cartier’s hand and stop dead in her tracks, then yanks Cartier into a ripcord knee strike! Both women collapse to the mat and the referee starts to count.

…1!
…2!
…3!
…4!
…5!
…6!
…7!
…8!

Each are up and beginning to stir before the match gets tossed out, but both ladies look worn down. Dayna Barrett whips Cartier to the ropes and then leap frogs her when she rebounds. On the second return, she sends a bicycle knee right into Cartier’s mush that has her stumbling backward! A side kick to the guts gets Cartier bent over, and Barrett pulls her head between her thighs and jumps up for the HEARTBREAKER! But Cartier puts on the brakes and stands tall with Dayna dangling over her shoulders…STATEN ISLAND SLAM!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: I felt the arena shake on that one!

CHARLES HUDSON: Barrett got her bell ring right there, she’s barely awake!

Cartier climbs the ropes and stands up, jaw jacking to the crowd once more. She flies off the top and crushes Dayna Barrett with a SUPA DUPA FLY SPLASH!!! She goes for a cover but Barrett is too close to the ropes. Barrett gets a foot across the bottom rope at two! Cartier can’t believe it!

Dayna Barrett rolls over onto her back staring at the lights inside Thompson-Boling Arena in disbelief. Cartier pushes herself up off the mat, dazed but still she turns her head noticing Barrett on the mat. Barrett’s the first to her feet and Cartier is holding her Abdomen with both hands. Dayna backs into the far corner, crouching down she looks for her patented V-Trigger and she rushes out of the corner LEVELING Cartier! Dayna Barrett on all four crawls in desperation, hooking one leg in the process for 1…2…BREAK!

Dayna Barrett is confused. She gets up and looks over at the official with Aria Price pointing at Cartier’s foot on the bottom rope she smiles. Dayna continues to argue with the official about the rope break, meanwhile motions for her trainer from her time in Squires Wrestling Academy in Vancouver to step in the ring for a word. AP Declines but Dayna waves off her former coach and now looks to pull one of the pads off of the center rope.

Cartier is getting back to her feet but Dayna Barrett wastes no time scooping her up and tries to whip her into the exposed turnbuckle! Cartier puts a foot out to keep herself from crashing in, and when Barrett races toward her Cartier falls into a drop toe hold that bonus Barrett’s forehead off of the exposed steel!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Looks like what goes around comes around!

Dayna Barrett is left cradling her jaw as she shuffles out to the middle of the ring on her knees, trying to shake off the cobwebs…EMPIRE STATE OF MIND!!! Cartier dropped her with the big running strike and Barrett is staring at the rafters while Cartier leans across her for the 1… 2… 3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall is...CARTIER!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Good back and forth between these two wrestlers.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  For them not to like each other they have a lot of chemistry inside the ring. But looking at Dayna Barrett right now she wants a word with her former coach Aria Price.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Congratulations to Cartier--Dayna Barrett was on a bit of a win streak but this is two losses in a row for her. It's amazing how quickly things can turn for the worse.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: We're going to take a commercial break but when we return we're going to hear from United States Champion Biggs and his challenger Alexandria Monroe before they face off!  

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Biggs and Team Sexy are walking backstage, obviously heading towards the gorilla position, when they’re stopped by Samantha Kinsley.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Biggs, I know you’re getting ready to head out to the ring, but may I please have a moment of your time?

BIGGS: Ms. Kinsley, you should know by now that the answer to that question is almost always yes! You’re always so professional and polite to me, so it would be my pleasure.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: So tonight, you are defending your Mainstream United States Championship against Robert Zodiac, and even though he challenged you to a No Disqualification Match, tonight’s match will be contested under normal rules. Some have accused you of being afraid of Robert Zodiac by not granting him the No DQ Stipulation.

Biggs has a perturbed look on his face as he removes his signature shades and tucks them into the front pocket of his ring jacket.

BIGGS: Well I know that you certainly aren’t one of them, Ms. Kinsley, that you are simply the messenger, and I’m not one to shoot the messenger. That being said, the reason I did not grant Robert Zodiac his wish of a No Disqualification Match is due to the fact that he already had his chance in a match of that nature, and he failed to get the job done. As the champion, it is my prerogative as to whether I want to expose myself to such conditions again, and quite frankly, I don’t. I have nothing to prove to Robert Zodiac about my hardcore prowess, as ashamed of it as I am, but he has everything to prove to me about his wrestling prowess. I may be giving out title opportunities for free, but lord knows I’m not giving out favors for free. Also, considering I have friends and he doesn’t, it would have been well within the rules for me to have Bobby and Blake fight by my side, and nobody wants to see a 3-on-1 mugging, least of all myself. I wouldn’t be proud of winning that way, but it would still be within the rules.

Bobby and Blake are hyped up behind their mentor, with Blake slapping him on the back.

BLAKE O’REILLY: You tell him Poppa Biggs!

Bobby shakes his head at his tag team partner, and Biggs just rolls his eyes at the nickname being uttered. Samantha begins to speak again.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Well I wish you the best of luck in your match tonight…

BIGGS: Well I appreciate that, Ms. Kinsley, though while you have me here, if you don’t mind, I’d like to say a little somethin’ to Lex Collins! Now Lex, you know that our invitation to join us still stands, and I don’t want to rush you or anything, but I don’t like being left in limbo. We feel as though we have given you adequate time to make your decision, and whether you decide to become a member of the most dominant faction in Mainstream Wrestling today, the Smoking Aces, or not, there’ll be no hard feelings. But still, we’d love to have you. If you can please give us your decision by Mainstream 88, we’d be much obliged.

Bobby does the “Call Me” hand motion.

BIGGS: Well boys, it’s time to go kick some ass! Thank you again, Ms. Kinsley!

Biggs and his boys saunter off, Team Sexy hootin’ and hollerin’ like a couple of drunken frat boys. Samantha turns to the camera and signs off.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Biggs defends the Mainstream United States Championship after the break!

[Robert Daniels]

“The Pot” by Tool begins to play inside Thompson-Boling Arena and the lights slowly fade out until everything is left pitch black, save for a lone light shining on the stage entrance way.

“Who are you to wave your finger?”
“You must have been out your head.”

“Eye hole deep in muddy waters,
“You practically raised the dead.

“Rob the grave to snow the cradle
Then burn the evidence down.

Robert Zodiac comes out through the curtain carrying a kendo stick in both hands to a huge pop as he takes a few steps out onto the stage and stops, slowly looking around the audience before slowly nodding his head. He starts to make his way down the ramp when Biggs runs up and clubs him from behind on the entrance ramp!! The audience erupts in boos, cuss words are heard being yelled at Biggs but he just chuckles and shakes his head before turning to Zodiac and grabbing him by the head. Biggs drags Zodiac back to his feet before quickly driving his knee into Zodiacs ribs and then stepping back to boot him in the side of the head, but Zodiac catches his foot and looks Biggs dead in the face before shouting "f**k Larson, f**k O'Reilly AND F**K YOU!" and kicks him square in the groin!

Zodiac smiles as Biggs crumbles to the ground holding his groin and the crowd eats it up as they let out a huge pop!! Zodiac then goes over to the two Kendo sticks he was carrying previously and picks them both up before turning them to reveal scotch tape on both of the sticks, written on the tape are the names "Blake" and "Bobby"! He walks over to Biggs and starts wailing away on him with both kendo sticks as the crowd cheers after each shot. Biggs desperately tries to scramble away and block the shots, but Zodiac is in hot pursuit and continues to swing like a mad man! Biggs finally rolls in the ring as Zodiac follows him.

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

★★★ BIGGS (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ ROBERT ZODIAC ★★★

The bell rings and finally this Mainstream Wrestling United States Championship bout is officially underway! Zodiac laughs as Biggs rolls onto his back, trying to beg Zodiac to stop! To everyone's surprise, Zodiac actually stops. He smiles and slowly puts one of the Kendo sticks on the ground and slides it towards Biggs who scowls and immediately kicks it away before leaping up and delivering a massive slap right across Zodiacs face!! Zodiacs head whips sideways as his face goes from a smile to serious. Zodiac drops the kendo stick as he turns back to Biggs and grabs him by the head before he begins firing off with a series of forearms directly into the jaw and cheekbone! He backs Biggs into the ropes with said forearms before he grabs him by the wrist and shoots him off the ropes before quickly turning to meet him in the middle with a flying back elbow that takes Biggs off of his feet. Biggs rolls out of the ring to create space but as soon as he turns around, he gets caught by Zodiac diving through the ropes with a suicide dive! He rolls over onto Biggs and starts raining down shots anywhere he can. He quickly stands up and grabs Biggs by the hair, dragging him up and well before shoving him into the barricade!

Zodiac quickly grabs Biggs by the head and drags him over to the steps where he throws him shoulder first into the base of the steps! Zodiac quickly walks over and grabs Biggs by the head again before he slams it into the steps repeatedly! He throws Biggs to the ground and rolls back in, grabbing the kendo stick before rolling back out and measuring Biggs up. He raises the kendo stick over his head with one hand and, with a guttural roar, swings it down with such force that it breaks in half over Biggs' spine!! Biggs lets out a howl of agony as Zodiac picks up one of the broken halves before walking over to him. He grabs Biggs under the chin with his free hand and pulls his head back before he starts literally stabbing Biggs in the forehead with the broken end!! Biggs screams in pain as he is thrown to the ground by Zodiac. He tosses the broken piece off to the side before he grabs Biggs and rolls him in as he slides back in himself. He rolls Biggs over and hooks the leg as the referee drops down for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Biggs gets his shoulder up as Zodiac quickly grabs him by the head and drags him back up to a vertical base before he kicks him in the midsection and grabs him by the head, Zodiac grabs Biggs by the trunks and lifts him up vertically but Biggs drops down the back with a reversal and stops his momentum dead! The fists are coming fast and furious, and Biggs gets rocked with a right hand from Zodiac that snaps his head back and allows Zodiac to pull him in for a Belly-to-Belly Suplex! Robert mounts the champion, raining down rights and lefts, but Biggs throws up an Open-Palm Strike right to the Adam’s apple of the challenger and bucks him off, sliding out behind Zodiac and clocking him with the stiffest of kicks to the back of the head, dropping Zodiac face first to the mat! Biggs is immediately on Zodiac’s back, delivering a couple of rough Forearm Shots to the neck before slapping on the Camel Clutch! He has his hands in an S-Grip hooked right underneath Zodiac’s nose, and is pulling back with all his might!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Biggs normally uses the Camel Clutch to slow the tempo of the match, and with the way that this started out as a hockey fight, definitely a sound strategy by the champ!

CHARLES HUDSON: Yeah, he’s not going to out-brawl Robert Zodiac, but it appears that he’s targeting the head and neck of the challenger early in this contest.

Zodiac’s face is already a bright red, as is Biggs’ as he strains to put as much pressure on the hold as possible! “GIVE UP, YOU SON OF B****!” Biggs can be heard yelling before letting out a yowl of pain as Zodiac bites his hands! This prompts Biggs to pull back even harder, which in turn prompts Zodiac to bite down even harder still! Biggs slides his left hand under the chin of Zodiac while using his free arm to club Zodiac with a series of brutal Crossface Forearms as blood runs down his right hand! With Biggs’ grip loosened, Zodiac manages to power his arms off of Biggs’ legs, eating the Crossface Forearms as he pushes himself up and bucks Biggs off his back! Both competitors scramble to their feet and Biggs throws a kick that Robert catches! Zodiac then drives his elbow into Biggs’ right knee a couple of times before following up with a Dragon screw Leg Whip!

CHARLES HUDSON: A technical wrestling hold from Robert Zodiac! Who knew!?

Robert Zodiac keeps a hold of Biggs’ ankle, holding his leg up as Biggs’ back is to the mat, and attacking the knee and thigh with rapid fire volley of Clubbing Blows! Biggs tries to kick Zodiac off with his other leg, but Zodiac is clamped on like a junkyard dog, absorbing the kicks to his chest as he continues to pummel Biggs’ leg!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The challenger is trying to hobble the champ! So much of Biggs’ high speed and aerial offense depend on him springing off his legs, and this plan of attack by Zodiac will greatly hinder Biggs’ ability to do so!

After what must have been two-dozen blows from Zodiac to Biggs’ leg, Robert falls to his back with a Leg DDT, hyperextending the joint! Biggs howls in pain and goes to clutch his knee as Zodiac pulls him up by the hair and hoists him up across his shoulder for a Running Power slam!

Robert Zodiac remains firmly in control, pulling Biggs up to his feet and whipping him into the far turnbuckle! Zodiac steamrolls him with a Running Splash in the corner! Biggs falls to a seated position, and Zodiac takes a few steps back, rushing in for a Face Wash! Biggs rolls out of the way and slides out of the ring in one fluid motion, and as Zodiac catches himself in the ropes, Biggs sweeps out Zodiac’s planted foot from beneath him and scurries up onto the apron to grab a hold of Zodiac’s leg that’s hung up on the second rope, twisting it around the ropes in an angle that quite frankly the human leg shouldn’t be able to bend! The ref reaches the four count and Biggs lets go, holding his hands up and yelling, “I got til four!” before he reaches right up and wraps Zodiac’s leg around the rope once more! Again, he lets go on the four count, and the fans are letting him have it, chanting, “F*** YOU BIGGS! F*** YOU BIGGS!” before transitioning into a “LET’S GO ROBERT!” chant!

CHARLES HUDSON: As promised, we are seeing a darker side of Biggs tonight. He let Robert know that he wasn’t going to hold himself to his normally high moral standards. Robert should have been careful what he wished for!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Never in my life did I think I’d hear a crowd chant for Robert Zodiac! But I guess anyone is a fan favorite when they face off against Biggs!

Biggs walks gingerly towards the apron and rolls back into the ring, grabbing a hold of both of Zodiac’s ankles and dragging him to the middle of the squared circle before turning him over for a Single-Leg Crab! “The Unstable One” grits his teeth, not giving Biggs the satisfaction of any sort of scream of pain, and contorts his body to turn on his side, which not only increases the torque on the hold, but also allows Zodiac to clobber Biggs’ right knee with a volley of Hammerfists! Biggs has no choice but to release the hold and hobbles a bit. Biggs grabs Zodiac by the head but Zodiac manages to shove him off before delivering a dropkick that knocks Biggs square to the mat! Zodiac rolls back over onto his feet and stands up, waiting for Biggs to stand up as he catches him with a running calf kick right to the jaw that knocks Biggs straight back down! Zodiac wastes no time in capitalizing as he gets back up to his feet and delivers a running knee drop across the forehead of Biggs, then turns around and follows up with a standing leg drop!

Zodiac quickly rolls backwards and up onto his feet, opting to once again leave the ring. He gets outside and he lifts the skirt on the apron before searching underneath, he then pulls out a table as the crowd gets riled up at the thought of Zodiac putting Biggs through the table. Zodiac lifts the table up onto the apron and slides it in as far as he can. He then climbs up onto the apron and up to the top turnbuckle as he waits for Biggs to get up. Biggs makes it back to his feet and turns around straight into a flying tornado DDT from Zodiac straight onto the table before its even set up!! The crowd pops for this as both men are down but Zodiac quickly shows signs of life as he slowly gets back to a vertical base, already lining Biggs up for his next move as he grabs Biggs in a double under-hook and quickly launches him backwards with a snap tiger suplex directly onto the back of Biggs' head and neck! Zodiac wastes no time in lifting Biggs up to his knees and grabbing him in a Muay Thai Clinch before bringing his right knee into the forehead of the defending champion! Zodiac repeats the process with the left knee and then the right again until Biggs begins to go limp, he then turns around and runs towards the ropes before he bounces off them and uses the momentum to deliver a sickening knee strike directly to the forehead!! Zodiac hooks both legs as he quickly goes for the pin, the referee quickly getting into position as the count of 1…2...KICKOUT!

Biggs throws his shoulder up again as Zodiac smiles and slowly turns around to grab Biggs by the head when Biggs hits a low blow on Zodiac to take advantage! Biggs goes to shoot Zodiac off with an Irish whip but Zodiac holds onto his hand and pulls himself back in to deliver a jumping knee directly under Biggs' chin! Biggs drops to a knee as Zodiac keeps hold of his wrist and delivers another knee to the side of his head before quickly grabbing him by the head and dropping with a neck breaker. Zodiac floats over into the pin as the referee slides in to make the count of 1…2...KICKOUT!

Biggs pops his shoulder up off of the mat as Zodiac shakes his head and rolls out of the ring. He goes and gets the other kendo stick and slides back in, walking over to Biggs before he begins to pummel away at him with strike after strike anywhere he can hit him! Biggs is flailing and attempting to cover up any way he can but it only makes more targets for Zodiac to beat with the kendo stick! Zodiac smirks and raises the stick as the crowd cheers in approval of his beat down on Biggs, Zodiac takes one last overhead swing down across the lower back before tossing the kendo stick to the side again. He walks over to Biggs' prone body and delivers a stomp directly to the back of Biggs' head before rolling out and checking under the ring for another weapon. Zodiac tosses in a stop sign, a metal trash can with the lid, a steel chair and a second table!! The crowd is going absolutely crazy seeing Zodiac pulling all of this stuff out before he reaches underneath one last time and pulls out a black drawstring bag. He reaches inside and pulls out a stapler!!! He holds it up for the crowd to see before rolling back in and immediately starts slamming staples into Biggs' back and arms!!! Zodiac bends down to grab Biggs by the head but Biggs grabs Zodiac and drives both of his thumbs into Zodiacs eyes as he stands up!! Biggs takes the stapler and throws it up the ramp before taking advantage of a blinded Zodiac!

Biggs knows that the only way he can win this match is inside the ring so he rolls his challenger back into the ring under the bottom rope. He follows him inside but even a blinded Zodiac drops Biggs with a jawbreaker out of no where! Zodiac peels Biggs off the mat and violently whips him sternum first into the near turnbuckle, nailing him with a Running Clothesline to the back of the head immediately thereafter! Zodiac takes the dazed Biggs and sets him up on the top turnbuckle facing outwards towards the crowd, and begins to climb up behind him!

CHARLES HUDSON: We don’t see Robert go to the top rope that often!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: He may be thinking of an Avalanche Belly-to-Back with the way they’re positioned!

Zodiac gets to the top rope and pulls Biggs up, but Biggs throws a couple of back elbows that stun the challenger, giving him the chance to lock in a ¾ Side Headlock. Biggs presses his boots into the top of the post and flips up and over Zodiac, taking him down with a Super Bigg Time! Biggs screams in pain on impact, as the maneuver drives his own knees into the mat as well, and he grasps his knee in pain as he uses his other arm to drag himself towards Zodiac, draping his arm over his chest for 1…2…KICKOUT!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: That was obviously a desperation move from Biggs, as he may have hurt himself even more than he hurt Zodiac!

CHARLES HUDSON: Zodiac’s early work on Biggs’ leg paid dividends, because normally Biggs would have popped up for a UFO Frog Splash, and that would have finished the match!

“The Spaceman” has a very noticeable limp as he uses the ropes to pull himself up, and Zodiac lunges for Biggs’ hurt leg, tackling the champ to the mat! “The Unstable One” Robert Zodiac measures Biggs up, motioning for him to get to his feet. Biggs is slowly rising up, using the ropes to assist himself. Once Biggs is almost up, Zodiac charges in, but Biggs low bridges him, sending Robert flying over the ropes to the arena floor, with enough momentum that he rolls back first into the announce table!

CHARLES HUDSON: HELLO!

Arching his back in pain, Zodiac grits his teeth while in the ring, Biggs sits on his bottom, slapping his knee to try to get blood flow back to it. The ref exits the ring to check on Robert Zodiac, but the challenger is full of piss and vinegar, grabbing the official by his shirt collar and pulling himself up, yelling, “I’m fine, ref!” He gives the official a slight shove before sliding back into the ring and making a beeline for Biggs!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Honestly, Zodiac is lucky the referee didn’t disqualify him for putting his hands on the official. With the United States Championship on the line, it appears that the man in charge is being a little bit more lenient.

CHARLES HUDSON: Well Robert Zodiac did want this to be a No DQ match, but Biggs, as the champion, vetoed that condition.

Biggs tries to get to a vertical base, but his leg gives out on him, and Zodiac tackles him to the mat, mounting him and raining down rights and lefts with reckless abandon! Biggs has his hands up to defend himself, but Zodiac is so heavy handed that really all that succeeds in accomplishing is Biggs hitting himself with Zodiac’s assistance. Zodiac finally lands with a haymaker that cleans Biggs’ clock, and the challenger transitions into a lateral press, hooking the good leg, 1…2…Biggs just gets his shoulder up! Zodiac pummels Biggs some more before going for another cover, 1…2…KICKOUT! Showing signs of anger and frustration, Robert gets to his feet and reaches down to pull Biggs up, but no, inside cradle for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pinfall AND STILL, Mainstream Wrestling United States Champion…the Spaceman—BIGGS!

“Leather Teeth” begins to blare over the speakers as Zodiac sits up in stunned silence. Biggs is crawling towards the ropes to try to get out of there as the ref goes to raise his arm and hand him the belt, but Zodiac snaps out of his stupor and gets a hold of the champ! The music stops as Zodiac gets behind Biggs for his Backstabber into a Dragon Sleeper Combination, The Void! The ref is calling for the bell and more officials run out to the ring to try to break things up! Biggs’ eyes are rolled back into the back of his skull and his face is an interesting shade of purple as Zodiac continues to wrench at the hold like a pitbull! Blake O’Reilly and Bobby Larson run down the ramp, and try to help the officials pull Zodiac off, but he’s a man possessed!

CHARLES HUDSON: C’mon, this just isn’t right!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: While I would say that if anyone deserves this, it would be Biggs, this is just too much! Robert Zodiac is not letting go at all!

Team Sexy has resorted to violence, kicking and stomping at Zodiac, but to no avail! Biggs is long past knocked out, his only movements coming from Zodiac ragdolling him! Finally, Zodiac lets go, and Team Sexy immediatly turns their attention to their mentor, getting between Biggs and Robert. The team of officials escort Zodiac from the ring as the fans cheer for the Unstable One! “ZO-DI-AC! ZO-DI-AC!” they chant as he spits back in the direction of the champion and medical staff arrives.

CHARLES HUDSON: Listen, I’ll be the first to admit that by all rights, Biggs stole this match! He flat out survived it, and caught Zodiac off guard for just 3 seconds. And that was enough for him to leave as champion! But Zodiac showed extreme poor sportsmanship in the aftermath.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Zodiac kicks out a millisecond too late! And it may have been poor sportsmanship, but the crowd loved the tenacity and grit Robert Zodiac showed here tonight!

CHARLES HUDSON: Oh bloody hell, Lou! They were just happy to see Biggs getting his ass kicked! And yeah, Zodiac did kick Biggs’ ass here tonight, but Biggs leaves as he entered, still United States Champion!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Well not quite as he entered, as he’s leaving on a gurney.

Medical staff are loading Biggs on a backboard, while Blake and Bobby stand there concerned. From the stage, Zodiac looks back and appears to be chuckling as the refs escort him backstage.

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[Robert Daniels]

DURING THE BREAK
The crowd's already restless when "One Finger and a Fist" by Drowning Pool erupts over the sound system. Lex Collins steps out at the top of the ramp in street clothes: a denim vest covered in metal patches worn over a threadbare Black Flag tee, a pair of black skinny jeans and black-and-white checkerboard Vans slip-ons.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: And here comes Lex Collins!

The Outsider pauses for a moment, seeming almost overwhelmed by the wall of noise that greets him even before his music fades out abruptly. Still, he stands there in silence a few seconds longer, a muscle flexing in his jaw as though he's trying to fight some urge. Finally, he lifts the microphone in his hand up to his lips, taking a few steps down the ramp before stopping.

LEX COLLINS: Biggs. Hey. Great match. Kudos on another successful defense.

He shifts his weight from one foot to the other but doesn't move any closer to the ring.

LEX COLLINS: Hey, so... remember how I kinda shone you on earlier in the week when you hinted 'bout that answer you're waiting on? Think I'm almost there, but first I wanna preface it with something, alright? Feel like I've paid enough dues around here to buy a few minutes of your precious time. Is that fair? Promise I'll be quick.

On cue, the crowd pops and the ghost of a smile crosses Lex's lips.

LEX COLLINS: See, I've been watching, man. Been keeping a tally, tossin' every last thing on the scales to be weighed an' filed accordingly – the trouble is, we're no closer to a fair answer there, least not when I'm viewing it all through my own jaded lens without the benefit of wearing some tread off the soles of your shoes. So, here's my proposal... you an' me, Biggs. In that ring. Clean fight – hardware on the line if that's how you wanna roll, but I ain't asking for that. I want you. Between those ropes, standing where I can look you in the eyes while I see the circles intersect. I want you to look me in the eye. Want you to throw everything you got in the tank, honestly with nothing held back. You can do that, and I'll throw in with the Smokin' Aces. Regardless of the outcome, stakes or not... you got me. How's that sound?

In the ring, Biggs is leaning against the top rope, his eyes locked on Collins.

CHARLES HUDSON: Did Lex Collins just accept that standing open challenge?

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The better question is: is Biggs going to accept?

Lex lowers the microphone, hands held out to his sides expectantly. For a moment, they hold each other's stares while the crowd gets louder before the champion nods slowly.

CHARLES HUDSON: I think we've got an answer to your question! Lex Collins just bargained for a shot at the United States Championship! This is gonna be a hell of a match!

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Standing in front of a long black backdrop with the Mainstream Wrestling log on it is Samantha Kinsley and Dayna Barrett.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: I am joined at this time with former two-time World Tag Team Champion Dayna Barrett. How are you?

Dayna Barrett snatches the microphone from the hand of Samantha Kinsley.

DAYNA BARRETT: Samantha, how do you think that I am?

Barrett lowers the microphone wanting a response from Samantha Kinsley.

DAYNA BARRETT: On second thought, don’t answer that.

Barrett pulls back the microphone and Samantha Kinsley steps out of the frame allowing Dayna the spotlight.

DAYNA BARRETT: How am I? I’ll tell you exactly how I am. I f**king lost tonight against somebody who didn’t need any help to beat me. You know what really pisses me off—is the real workhorses around here like Cartier who bust there ass, work horses like Bryan Ford, Lex Collins and even Emma Douglas who bust there asses time and time again trying to keep up with the ‘status quo’. Only for somebody like Aria Price who hasn’t done a thing for her career in the last five years but ride the coattails of people like Caroline Clarke, myself and most recently Cartied and that bitch Bianca Reed!

“People are sitting by idly, waiting for what they expect they have coming to them. Showing up to work late and some not even showing up at all. Then there are the ones who ‘phone it in’ that are over the hump! It’s fine for a change!”

Dayna Barrett runs her fingers through her hair.

DAYNA BARRETT: So let’s dance. AP—I’m calling you out. Let’s me and you fight one on one!

Barrett spikes the microphone and walks out of the frame as the scene fades.

[Robert Daniels]

MAIN EVENT
MAINSTREAM WRESTLING
WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

★★★ EMMA DOUGLAS (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ GARETH PRICHARD JR ★★★

The bell rings and tonight’s Main Event for the vacant World Television Championship is now underway! Gareth Prichard Jr and RM Tapp start circling each other with a smirk on each other’s faces. Both opponents know the other has some tricks up their sleeve and are wary of being trapped early on. Tapp shoots first and Gareth is able to deflect Tapp’s attempt at grabbing his wrist, locking in a bulldog choke; that Tapp quickly turns into a hip toss that sends Gareth to the mat while Tapp applies a sleeper on the ground. Gareth struggles to get up, but he does and quickly drops down making Tapp’s jaw hit his shoulder, thus making Tapp release the hold. Gareth puts his left hand on his neck, and Tapp touches his chin with his right hand.

Tapp backs GPJ into the corner with some repetitive elbow strikes. Once in the corner, he raises a hand in the air, bringing it down on Gareth’s chest. He then uses a back elbow, landing a stiff shot to his opponents neck, before running forward with a bulldog planting GPJ and covering for two. He slaps the mat out of frustration, and immediately scrambles over to Gareth trying to lock in a cross face. But Gareth is well within reach of the ropes and the referee enforces a break!

Tapp has gained the upper hand over Gareth, but it’s fairly obvious that he believes it’s too early to start implementing a mat-based game over Gareth; opting instead for a striking game-plan that keeps the Welshman at bay. A series of chops follow as Gareth is now trapped in the corner and Tapp unleashes a series of chops that redden Gareth’s chest; before grabbing his head into a Snapmare and hitting Prichard in the back with a stiff kick!

Tapp, now fired up, hops to his feet nodding his head. The crowd begins to boo, but he doesn’t pay them any attention as he lifts Gareth by the nostrils, and then Irish whips him into the ropes. He looks for a lariat off the rebound, but GPJ hooks an arm and spins around. He lifts Tapp up in a half Nelson suplex. The ever resilient Tapp lands on his feet, and immediately grabs GPJ’s arms. He runs forward, pushing them both off the ropes, looking for some extra impact to his signature “PHF Wingsnapper”! Tapp is running away with the match up as he sends Gareth against the ropes; but that’s all the momentum Gareth needed to turn things around as he jumps over Tapp and hits a bridging Leg Trap Sunset Flip power-bomb for the 1…2…NEARFALL!

A smile appears on Gareth face as he arranges his loose boot after the move and then begins stomping Tapp’s arm and shoulder, no doubt softening up the key areas for the Tudor Rose to work on his opponent. Tapp gets up defiantly, but Gareth slaps him and drives his right hand onto the shoulder/neck area he has been attacking in a clawing manner that sends Tapp knees to the mat. Tapp rushes to the ropes and the referee orders Prichard to let go of the hold and he does so in the very last second.

A few moments later Gareth goes for a soccer kick, but Tapp evades it and grabs a hold of Gareth’s leg sending him to the ground for a Single Leg Boston Crab… Gareth squeals in pain as Tapp twist his ankle in a combination he calls ‘Tapped Out’! All seems bleak for Gareth who moves his arms frantically; but the loose boot comes into play as Gareth moves and the boot flies off of his feet distracting Tapp enough that he lets go of the hold. Gareth, with one boot, gets on his feet and hits Tapp with a “Simple Twist of Fate”, he hooks the leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!
The official slides around checking on TM Tapp following the unsuccessful pinball attempt by Gareth Prichard Jr. but Tapp Shoves the official away on his way to his feet, Tapp shoves GPJ away creating space between the two. A kick to the thigh of GPJ creates enough of a separation for Tapp to regain some momentum. He punt kicks him in the stomach, then Garvin stomping GPJ paying extra attention to his legs as he does. The Grapmason then picks him up for yet another PHF, but Gareth elbows the younger man causing some separation between the two. Gareth starts firing away with punches now and Tapp returns the favor. It’s an all out slugfest at this point, up until Gareth gets the upper hand with a European uppercut.

GPJ follows up with a spinning back fist that staggers Tapp, and the King of Failure doesn’t let up. He tries to get Tapp down to the ground for a Fujiwara Armbar, but RM Tapp uses their position to send GPJ into the ropes throat first. From there, he lifts and hits Gareth with a German Suplex of his own before rolling through to his feet bringing GPJ with him. He grabs ahold of his arms, dropping down with another PHF, but instead of covering this time he looks for his patented ‘Tapp Classic’ in the center of the ring. GPJ out of desperation rolls under the bottom rope getting out of harms way. Tapp grabs him by the foot but he pulls it in close to his chest and kicks Tapp in the chest taking his breath. Tapp backs away just momentarily but just long enough for GPJ to roll over to a knee. He rushes Tapp but DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!

…1!
…2!
…3!
…4!
…5!
…6!
…7!

Tapp and Gareth are spent after the lengthy match up they’ve had. RM Tapp is now on his feet but so is Gareth Prichard Jr., both wrestlers have had to pull every single trick out of their bags and they’re now trading forearm shots in a battle of attrition. It is Tapp who gets the upper hand and gets behind Gareth grabbing him and trying a German Suplex; that Gareth manages to – somehow – escape and land a Shinning Wizard on Tapp! Prichard then grabs Tapp by the wrist and hits him with a Ripcord Jumping Knee Strike. The Welshman knows this is not enough to finish the match so he goes to the top of the turnbuckle…for the first time in a long while…and hits Starlight! GPJ makes the cover for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall AND NEW Mainstream Wrestling World Television Champion...GARETH--PRICHARD--JUNIOR!

CHARLES HUDSON:  I didn't think they could do it again but not only did they do it but I think they topped their last encounter in the Finale of the Governor's Cup Grand Prix!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  You're absolutely right Charles. RM Tapp come up short here tonight but I hope this is not over...we need a third installment of this feud!

CHARLES HUDSON:  GPJ two and RM Tapp zero. End of story it's over McKayla, I know you love an underdog story and I do too but Gareth Prichard Junior is the brand new World Television Champion, he earned it, he deserved it and he did it fair and square!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  We kicked off tonight with Emma Douglas the new World Heavyweight Champion relinquishing the World Television Championship to Kevin Bombay the Head Booker of Mainstream Wrestling only for a blockbuster rematch to be immediately announced for later tonight. RM Tapp is revealed as Gareth Prichard Junior's opponent and those two men did not disappoint! Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for joining us here at MAINSTREAM 87 in Knoxville, Tennessee!

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