MAINSTREAM 90 - SEATTLE - 08/28/2022

[Robert Daniels]

Battleground Network Presents

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING 90
SUNDAY - 08/28/2022
CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING IS LIVE FROM SEATTLE AND WE’RE INSIDE THE CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA. THE HOME OF MAINSTREAM WRESTLING!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Welcome Everyone to Mainstream Ninety! We're right here in Seattle, Washington the birthplace fo Mainstream Wrestling! Two weeks ago at Mainstream eighty nine it was Chris Madison versus Gareth Prichard Junior in a non-title match. But Alan Envy intervened attacked Chris Madison adding further insult to his unbeknownst injury. Madison we have been aware will be on the shelve for the time being nursing a shoulder injury. At this time it is unknown how much ring time he will miss but we do wish him a speedy recovery.

CHARLES HUDSON: But we do have a message from the World Television Champion Gareth Prichard Junior...

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED…
Sitting on a set of stairs, Gareth Prichard Jr looks intensely into the camera. The TV title extended over one of the steps, right in sight for both him and the camera to know exactly where it was at all times. He smirks and applauds sarcastically.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: Quite the impact you made last time around! Taking out two birds with just one stone, picking up your spot… knowing exactly when and where to attack. I commend you, a lot of thought must’ve gone into planning the whole ordeal – from the surprise of you being in the area at all, to the fact that no one expected you to jump the rail and attack not only my ol’ friend, my ol’ pal… Chris Madison – but attack me for good measure.

Prichard rubs his left hand under his nose as a chuckle escapes him before he snorts and then continues speaking.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: And there was your single most idiotic mistake. Because for all the planning, cunning, and names you might’ve had… that was stupid on your part. I have no horse, no stake, no bearing on your beef with Madison. In fact, I would love nothing more than to have first-row seats for whenever you two ultimately face each other; as I know it would be a sight to behold and a match most will never forget. But you went after me – you included ME into your beef, into your thing… and that was a mistake.

Prichard taps his belt twice before turning completely and facing the camera directly as he speaks.

GARETH PRICHARD JR: You love to play games; a good gambler knows when to stop and you just wanted more. You weren’t just content with attacking your target, you wanted more… like an addict, you love the thrill – you love how it makes you feel, that rush of adrenaline when you leave the ring leaving not one – but two wrestlers laying there looking at the ceiling. I know it, I’ve felt it too; which is why I started this whole thing by commending you. Now, since you couldn’t stop gambling – you’ll have to face what comes after and I don’t think you wanted a pissed off War Machine AND a pissed off welsh kid gunning for you. I hope you have eyes on your back…

CHARLES HUDSON: Chris Madison may not be able to defend himself right now but it sounds like GPJ is ready to stand up to Alan Envy!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  You're right Charles. Alan Envy put his hands on Gareth Prichard Junior as well two weeks ago and whether he had bad intentions or not the World Television Champion has chosen not to let this one roll off his back. After our first commercial break we're going to hear from the brand new World Tag Team Champions...Team Madness!

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[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Samantha Kinsley is standing by with her next guest.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Please welcome at this time, the new Mainstream Wrestling World Tag Team Champions, Alexandria Monroe and Echo Layne—Team Madness!

Echo Layne & Alexandria Monroe strutted into the scene champagne glasses and a jug of Chocolate Milk.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: Congratulations, it's us Team Madness - the tag team champions of the freaking world. Stand up, when we enter the freaking room.

Alexandria & Echo did a few poses with each other and the belts holding them and did a few spins. Echo shook the chocolate milk and sprayed everywhere. Mostly on Samantha.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: Mainstream just got Great again. You're welcome, it's a pleasure and we're glad to be here for your entertainment. We're glad you actually have a reason to tune in now, because let's face it this place has been slowly lacking that.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Congratulations, you fought the match of your life to capture the gold and Team Sexy didn't let you do it easily.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: You know how long it took me to get that mustard out of my hair? I've said it before, we never once doubted Team Sexy. Tough team, but again we're better.

ECHO LAYNE: Especially, Bobby.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: Echo has a small crush on Bobby. But, to be honest, who wouldn’t.

Alex nudged Echo in the ribs

ECHO LAYNE: What I meant was, Bobby how's the back? What did y'all think of our new finisher? Madness Alignment. Shout out to Jason Kash for teaching us that. I really hope you have a good nurse, if you need one call me. (Echo did the phone motion to her ear)

Alex once again nudged Echo I'm the ribs.

ECHO LAYNE: I mean I mean - I really hope you feel better and Mama Biggs takes extra care of you and bakes you lots of cupcakes. Maybe I'll bring you some special cupcakes!

Alex hit Echo again. Echo blinked angrily at Alex before she drank the chocolate milk in her glass.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: What's next?

ECHO LAYNE: Domination. We're going to dominate this tag division like we do everywhere else. And we welcome any team just sitting in the back to come step to us. We'll make you famous, memorable and make you have sweet sweet Nightmares that cause you Madness!

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: If you think you can hang with Team Madness, hit us up and meet us in the ring or wherever. Because we're here to stay and take some names and again be the best.

Alexandria and Echo held the titles up before skipping away as the show goes to commercial break.

[Robert Daniels]

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED…
A portrait of Chris Madison holding the Mainstream Wrestling championship comes into view with ominous like funeral music softly playing in the background. In his preacher robes Alan Envy appears. The crowd boos as with a serious look on his face he begins to speak.

ALAN ENVY: Dear friends we are all gathered here today to pay homage to Christopher Madison. A man that was respected throughout professional wrestling and for a very long time considered the standard in Mainstream Wrestling, arguably considered by many fans and office wise as the greatest champion in company history. A man that carried the name of Mainstream proudly and with honor, until.he was quickly dispensed of. Chris Madison your legacy is forever cemented here in Mainstream and we all thank you.

The lights come back on as Envy smirks, tearing his robe off revealing a custom made Armani suit. He pushes over the Madison portrait and looks down at it.

ALAN ENVY: But like all good things come to an end it leads to something better, and that something better is me. Why did I put Madison out? Because exactly what I said. He was the pillar of this company, only way to replace a broken pillar is to replace it with a stronger pillar. That new pillar is Alan Envy.

“And tonight, I make my in-ring debut against Dionne Miller. You all get to once again see the best wrestler alive apply his well crafted and practiced profession like none other has ever showcased before. You all soon will forget about Chris Madison. All eyes will be on me. Dionne my dear, you should be excited, nervous, knowing that you being defeated by me will launch the new Envy era. One that will soon eclipse anything Chris Madison ever did.”

Envy begins to walk away before he stops remembering something he forgot.

ALAN ENVY: Oh and a word of advice to Gareth Pritchard Jr. You didn't like what I did to Chris well that's tough. You just need to realize the new reality around here. But if you feel froggy and want to play with the big dogs like me? Make that decision after watching what happens to Dionne Miller. You need to understand I am the Dealer, and I hold all the cards and dictate what moves are made.

Envy walks out of the shot as the camera focuses on the portrait of Chris Madison lying on the ground.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ ALAN ENVY ★★★
vs
★★★ DIONNE MILLER ★★★

The bell rings and this match is now underway! Alan Envy and Dionne Miller circle around the ring sizing one another up. The two come together with a collar and elbow tie up! Envy quickly moves into a side headlock. Dionne shoves her opponent off and into the ropes, Envy comes back with a full head of steam and drops Dionne with a shoulder block!

Dionne Miller rolls over and back to her feet and immediately loses her cool shoving Envy in the chest. He tilts his head with a cocky smile then lands a kick to the midsection! With Dionne Miller doubled over Envy steps back and bounces off the ropes for momentum then catches the young squire with a high knee! Dionne Miller lands flat on her back and Alan Envy makes the cover for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Alan stepped over to begin the mounted punches but Dionne kicks both legs up, tucking them under his arms and rolls him backwards for a pinning attempt of 1…2…NEARFALL!

His arrogance nearly cost him the match as the young Dionne Miller was able to capitalize. He would then exit the ring to refocus as the crowd boos him heavily. Miller however makes a mistake as Envy suckered her into exiting the ring and joining him on the outside. Alan Envy would grab her by the back of the neck and put a knee into the abdomen, doubling her over he would pull her in and drop her with a power bomb against the ring apron. Moments later Alan Envy would roll her back into the ring and continue on Miller's back with a backbreaker and he makes the cover for 1…2…KICKOUT!

And again he hooks the leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Alan Envy is frustrated but he pushes himself up off the mat lifting both legs of Miller up and immediately applies a Boston Crab maneuver but somehow Dionne Miller makes it to the ropes for the break! Miller pulls herself under the bottom ropes as Envy turns slowly around from a knee and stands up. She pulls herself up to her feet and she runs at her opponent and he swings with a clothesline but she ducks under! She bounces off the ropes and leaps with a flying lariat but Envy catches her with a belly to belly overhead suplex! Envy kips up and follows with a sliding shining wizard then he hooks the leg for 1…2…NEARFALL!

Alan Envy is on both knees with his hands on his thighs in disbelief. He’s telling the ref the count was definitely a three count but with his guard down Dionne Miller uses her flexibility to lift up her knee while laying on her back and cracks him in the temple! She rolls over to a single knee using her speed, she continues with repeated strikes to gain the advantage on Alan but the damage to her lower back hinders the true effectiveness of her offensive onslaught. Envy with a straight forearm that seemingly puts her out he catches her by by the back of the head, Envy has Dionne and he runs his thumb across his throat and yells at the fans before landing a devastating ‘Envious Demise’ and he makes the cover hooking a single leg for 1...2...3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall is...ALAN--ENVY!

CHARLES HUDSON:  He calls it the 'Envious Demise' for good reason! Do you think he's envious or we're envious? Which is it suppose to me? I'm being serious.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Shut up Charles. Nobody is possibly that ignorant.

Envy stands with both arms in the air looking down at his opponent. He extends the hand and Dionne Miller grabs hold to pull herself up but Envy lets go causing her to fall back first against the mat and possible whiplash from the back of her head slapping off the mat.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Now that's a display of a total lack of respect!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  He put Chris Madison out of action for the foreseeable future but Gareth Prichard Junior plans to settle the score one way or the other. We'll be back with more Mainstream Wrestling!

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[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is sitting in a luxury box in Climate Pledge Arena. She is holding a glass of white wine in her hand.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: As I sit here I can’t help being frustrated that I am not wrestling Robert Zodiac in the Emerald City Classic Semifinals but I am up here watching the show from here…[Sighs]...but it is what it is. So I must move onto the next thing.

Tiffany takes a sip out of her glass of wine.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: As you might imagine I didn’t come to Mainstream Wrestling for a one and done one off where I ended up on the losing effort. That doesn’t sit well with me because I was born into wealth where I got everything I could ever possibly want whenever I wanted. That will not change here in Mainstream Wrestling. So while I am watching tonight’s proceedings cheering on my friend, Alan Envy, I hope the rest of you are enjoying tonight. I for damn sure will be getting mine around here.

Tiffany sits her wine glass on a table next to where Tiffany is sitting.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: What will I do to get what I want? {Laughs} Obviously all of you are savvy enough to know that I am not going to tip my hand until I want to show my hand. When I do decide to show all of you what my intentions are it will be too damn late for any of you to do anything about it. Why do I know that? Because all of you allowed someone like Emma Douglas to become the World Heavyweight Champion of Mainstream Wrestling. In our heart of hearts we know that a cow being the World Champion isn’t what is best for business. But while you Emma are rolling around in your own mediocrity I am going to ascend to the top of Mainstream Wrestling.

Tiffany stands up and looks down at the empty ring.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: See this ring? See the people that come out to a Mainstream Wrestling show? There is an expectation for excellence when you come to a Mainstream show but much like all the pathetic people who eat off their laurels of what they did years ago. You think Robb and Lauren are loving what you have beens and those of you who realized never were doing? So go ahead and keep your heads in your own asses! That won't be me though because I want all the fame and fortune of dominating Mainstream Wrestling. I know I can and will do that because as I look down the Mainstream Wrestling roster all I see is nothing but court jesters. Each of you need a rude awakening to how Mainstream Wrestling will be going from here on out in the future. Because of all of this! All of this shit right here is going to be a mirror image of my great figure.

Page exits the frame as the show goes to commercial break.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Samantha Kinsley is standing in front of a set of golden curtains with a microphone, tapping her foot.

Kinsley sighs and looks at the watch on her wrist. She’s clearly been left waiting for a while and is getting impatient.

Finally, after a few more long moments, the golden curtains part and out walk Bianca Reed, Aria Price, and Nefertiti Jackson - the other girls in Cartier’s group, HoodRatchet.

Kinsley starts to raise the mic to her mouth and Aria puts a finger to her own lips to tell her to shhh. Nefertiti takes the mic from Sam and Bianca grabs Kinsley by the shoulders, turns her around, and gives her a little shove to get her walking out of frame.

The three HoodRatchet ladies all wave in pretend politeness as Sam Kinsley skedaddles from the area. The girls then hold the curtains open as a massive figure looms from behind it. A huge, muscled, black man in a golden loincloth stands holding a glittering royal palanquin intended to be carried by four men over his head.

His muscles gleaming with body oil, the huge man places the palanquin on a platform set just inside the curtain. He then opens the door to the covered litter and reaches in, pulling out Cartier in his rippling arms. Dressed from head to toe in sheer golden veils, like a nearly transparent burqa, Cartier gets set down by the burly hunk, who then reaches to the side and pulls an oversized golden palm frond from behind the doorway, using it to fan cool air onto Cartier as she steps through the curtain.

Cartier smiles and pulls the veil from her face, then reaches for the mic that Nefertiti hands over to her.

CARTIER: Thanks for the lift, Train. Get some rest now, I’m gonna need to wear those big ass muscles out later on at the hotel room after I get done with the ECC tonight.

She cackles and Freight Train smirks, moving the frond a little slower in a compromise to take it easy.

CARTIER: Y’all seen that I promised you I’d be here tonight, ready to win this whole thing. I told y’all that Basic Becky Bitch from last time wasn’t gonna stay in my way for long, an’ what happened? I sent her home empty handed an’ started makin’ plans for a big night in Seattle. That night has arrived. My whole squad is right here to watch as I take what’s mine. What’s been promised to me by God an’ all my ancestors. My moment. My time to rise to the top of Mainstream, after three years of settling for just bein’ in the conversation. Tonight… tonight I BECOME the conversation. An’ ain’t nobody out here about to stop me from makin’ that happen. Not Robert Zodiac. Bro only got this far off a upset, ain’t nobody expected him to make it this far… but that good luck is about to run out once the bell rings an’ he got me standin’ across the ring from him. Cartier doesn’t get tripped up by nobodies havin’ a good day. He can have his BEST day, an’ it won’t be enough. Not when it’s me. Not tonight. Tonight is gospel. Tonight is providence.

Cartier pauses, moistening her lips as she gathers her thoughts. Freight Train continues to fan her, and her girls stand by her sides, nodding and giving the occasional “that’s right” along with her words.

CARTIER: Lex Collins. The US Champ. Big win over Biggs to get that gold. I know Biggs. I been in the ring wit’ Biggs. I know he got what it takes to run wild in Mainstream. I got the dub over him just like you did, Lex, but let me tell you that just because you done it before don’t mean you’ll do it again. If I was you I’d just be thankful that title wasn’t on the line in this rematch you got, because somethin’ tells me Biggs is ready for redemption. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it will be Cartier verse Lex Collins in the finals. If so? If it’s you an’ me, Lex? All I can do is apologize. Because I know what it feels like to come close but not break the tape at the finish line. It’s a heartbreaker. A soul crusher. An’ it’s what’s waiting for you if you get to that ring against me. You on a upswing right now. You ridin’ a high. New United States Champion, that’s a moment. That’s a real strong career trajectory. You must had come into the ECC expectin’ to be the next big thing… but you about to get brought back to reality, bro. If not by Biggs, then by me. Because right now that gold on your hip don’t mean a damn thing, all that matters is walkin’ out of the Classic as the name on everybody’s tongue… an’ that prophecy belongs to me, Lex, not you. Not this year.

She turns for a moment and runs her fingers gently down the eight pack abs of the Freight Train, pausing over his loincloth as if thinking about reaching under it. Instead, she returns her attention to the camera pointed at her face.

CARTIER: Now. Biggs. I expect to see you tonight. If I was placid’ a bet right now I’d go double or nothin’ that you end up in the finals. But you know what? It don’t change a thing. You an’ me we set Mainstream on fire a while back, an’ we can do it tonight right here in Seattle… but at the end of the day, whether it’s Collins gettin’ starched an’ wakin’ up in second place or it’s you, it don’t change my destiny. The ECC belongs to me. It belongs to all of us in HoodRatchet. You, Biggs, you been the golden boy of Mainstream for a minute now… you been hot. You been on the posters an’ all the little boys in the audience wanna grow up to be like the Spaceman. You as big as they come. But the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Go and set a watchman, Biggs, an’ keep your eye on the revelations that come. Alas, Babylon, for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Cartier stops and looks over each shoulder. Nef, Aria, and Bianca come in closer to her on either side and Train looms behind her over her shoulder. Cartier turns her upper lip upward in a cocky sneer.

CARTIER: Take a look, Mainstream. This is the foreseeable future of the company. HoodRatchet, standin’ tall, standin’ strong, arm in arm in victory. This is what a dynasty looks like. A royal family. From a diaspora we came together as one, and we came to take our rightful place… at the top. Now, it’s time to manifest that destiny. Train?

Cartier looks back over her shoulder at the big man, then grabs underneath of his loincloth, giving a squeeze hard enough to get him to raise his brows.

CARTIER: You stay hydrated. It’s gonna be a long celebration tonight.

Cartier and the girls laugh, hugging and high fiving one another as things fade out.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ AJ KNIGHT ★★★
vs
★★★ BRUNO NAVARRO ★★★

The bell rings and this match is now officially underway! AJ leans casually in the corner looking ready for the match at hand while his opponent Bruno Navarro paces back and forth in his corner like a caged lion. Bruno Navarro requests a test of strength by AJ Knight but he shakes his head no. Bruno then motions for him to come on for a collar and elbow tie up but again AJ shakes his head no. Bruno with both arms looks for the tie up but AJ Knight ducks under and out of the way.

AJ Knight shifts his weight back and forth from left foot to right foot then back to left foot. He and Bruno come together for a collar and elbow tie up and AJ quickly transitions into a hammer lock, Navarro tries to turn out of it but AJ keeps ahold of the hammerlock, and grabs a front face lock into Knightfall DDT out of nowhere! AJ Knight hooks both legs of Bruno Navarro for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall is...AJ-KNIGHT!

AJ jumps to his feet raising his arms in triumph and taking bows.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: And just like that, AJ Knight makes a statement in his return, making good on his promise with an 11-second victory!

CHARLES HUDSON: Nobody likes a show off.

AJ Knight goes over to check on Bruno Navarro as his fallen foe asks the referee what happened. He looks frustrated, but AJ on his knees puts a hand on his shoulder. AJ tries to give him some words of encouragement. He can be overheard saying “There’s no shame in getting caught, it happens to the best of us.” He helps the Squire to his feet and gives him a handshake.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: All class by the former World Champion. Knightfall is the most feared finisher in the game for a reason. I still believe that Bruno’s got a bright future ahead of him.

[bCHARLES HUDSON[/b]: I don’t buy it. AJ’s got an agenda. He always does.

AJ asks for a microphone as Bruno leaves.

AJ KNIGHT: Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m back! While I think Mr. Navarro has a promising future, and I don’t want him to get discouraged, and I want him to keep growing, I don’t think you all want to see my comeback spent testing the squires. I think you want to see me take on top talents, and test the new guard against one of the absolute best wrestlers in the history of Mainstream Wrestling.

The crowd pops as AJ nods, mouthing ‘I knew it.’

AJ KNIGHT: And there’s so many people I could have started with. For instance: World Champion, Emma Douglas. Long history there on the indies, but she’s got her hands full with Billy at the moment. So maybe Chris Madison. After all, I beat him before the best run of his career got going, and that win would put me in the world title picture near instantly. But one person had to put himself up front, he needed the spotlight that I’d bring on him. And that man is the “Spacecowboy” Biggs.

Immediate boos.

AJ KNIGHT: Now admittedly, Biggs was probably going to be first anyway. I made a deal with Cashe and I’m a man of my word, so I kind of had to deal with Biggs. But now at least it’s mutual. See Biggs knows I’m the one guy that can push him from the upper midcard, to a genuine main event-

BIGGS: Woah, woah, woah, I’m gonna stop you right there, AJ.

Biggs is shown on the video screen. He’s in the backstage interview area, dressed for his match later in the night.

BIGGS: You know what your problem is, AJ? You live in the past. You aren’t one of the biggest stars in Mainstream Wrestling, you were one of the biggest stars in Mainstream Wrestling. You aren’t one of the best wrestlers in Mainstream Wrestling, you were one of the best wrestlers in Mainstream Wrestling. You’ve been gone for quite some time, AJ Knight, and I’m not sure if you had noticed, but there’s a new sheriff in town, and you’re looking at him! Bell to bell, I am the most complete professional wrestler this company has ever seen. You, AJ, well you’re not quite a one-trick pony, but you do seem to rely pretty heavily on that Knightfall DDT of yours. I can finish my opponents on the mat with my Sharpshooter or Camel Clutch, from the air with the UFO Frog Splash, or from outta nowhere with the Impact Crater! I can chain wrestle with the best of them, and I get to slug it out with the roughest of them. There are no holes in my game!

AJ chuckles a bit at Bigg’s diatribe

AJ KNIGHT: Are you trying to convince me, or yourself? Look I don’t need to tell everybody how devastating Knightfall is. The proof is in the pudding, with my record setting win tonight, which I called by the way! Sure I rely on it. Because it works, it’s one move. It’s one I’ve used since I started. They know it’s coming, but they can’t stop it. That’s skill. How many people do you know who can finish with a basic move like a DDT? Not many. I think you see holes in your game, that’s why you got Bobby Larson, and Blake “the Auto Parts” O’Reilly. So they can cover said holes.

BIGGS: I think somebody’s projecting, AJ. That may have been how things worked in The Franchise, but I can assure you, that’s not how things work in the Smokin’ Aces! We don’t cheat, we don’t play the numbers game, any fighting we do is simply within the context of a match. I could very easily have sent my boys out to say hello while I’m talking to you, having your attention, but we’re not like that. We have too much respect for the sport, for the art of professional wrestling! We have too much dignity, too much honor to want to win in a cheap manner.

AJ gives Biggs an incredulous look and shrugs.

AJ KNIGHT: Oh for the love of god, I said you were projecting last time around, and you’re literally going “I know you are but what am I?” You are literally projecting about projection. It’s Projectionception. But the fact is I know your game, because I’ve played it. You talk shit, you get the attention of a bigger name. You make it so the fans are dying to see it and then you swoop in and make it happen the world’s talking about it, suddenly your name is bigger than ever. So let’s cut to the chase, shall we?

He leans over the ropes and gestures for Biggs to bring it on.


BIGGS: You’re projecting again, AJ. Really, it’s so very egotistical of you to think that everyone is just like you. And as much as I’d love to walk down to that ring right now and settle this little dispute between us, you can appreciate that I cannot jeopardize my match in the Emerald City Classic tonight by engaging in fisticuffs with you.
The fans boo Biggs, letting him have it.

AJ KNIGHT: I’m confused then, if your focus is on the Emerald City Classic, why on earth are you turning your attention to me? I’m not in the tournament. So are you doubting your chances, and just having a back up plan? Because let me tell you going from one big loss to the next? Bad strategy bro.

BIGGS: Your hubris will be your downfall, AJ. I look forward to humbling you.
The video screen switches back to the Emerald City Classic logo, with AJ left standing in the ring. He chuckles to himself and shakes his head a bit as he exits the ring and heads up the ramp.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Things are certainly heating up between AJ Knight and Biggs!

CHARLES HUDSON: AJ is a coward, trying to call Biggs out knowing full well Biggs has prior obligations!

As AJ Knight reaches the stage, Biggs comes walking out from behind the curtain, glaring at AJ right in the eyes. He walks with the coldness and efficiency of a Terminator, with a mic in hand, and AJ stops to stare him down. With his attention squarely on Biggs, AJ doesn’t notice Bobby Larson and Blake O’Reilly come out from the crowd and get behind him. Biggs points towards his allies, warning AJ.

BIGGS: Check your six.

AJ turns around to see Team Sexy standing there, but Blake and Bobby both raise their hands, showing they mean no harm. Biggs has his free hand raised as well. AJ looks uneasy, looking back and forth between Biggs and his proteges.

BIGGS: Don’t worry, AJ, we’re not out here to beat you up or fight. I’m just showing you if we wanted to, we could. Don’t do anything stupid. We’re gonna back away now.

Biggs places the mic on the stage and steps back, almost like he’s slithering away, while Team Sexy walks backwards down the ramp. Once there’s sufficient distance, O’Reilly and Larson hop the barricade and leave through the crowd, while Biggs heads backstage, still keeping his eyes on AJ.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: That’s got to be really unsettling for AJ Knight. Biggs is certainly trying to get in his head!

CHARLES HUDSON: The Smokin’ Aces sent a warning tonight. Question is, will AJ be smart enough to heed it!

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[Robert Daniels]

EARLIER TONIGHT…
Samantha Kinsley is standing in front of the Emerald City Classic backdrop. She’s dressed to the nines on this big night, in a black sparkling evening gown with long white silk gloves, her hair done up in a neat, tasteful updo.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, Biggs!

The fans in the arena can be heard booing as Biggs walks into frame. He is clad in a sparkling Emerald Green ring jacket, with shimmering golden pauldrons on the shoulders, the Tin Man’s Heart Clock over the left of his chest, the Cowardly Lion’s Medal of Courage on the right side of the jacket, and straw sticking out of the sleeves and pockets. His trunks are the same shade of sparkling emerald green, with a yellow brick pattern going down the side. His kneepads echo the yellow brick pattern, and his boots evoke the Ruby Slippers, shining and sparkling underneath the lights. His kickpads match the jacket and trunks. He holds his signature shades in his hand, which are also Ruby Red, and has a serious look on his face.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: First off, I love The Wizard of Oz and your ring gear!

BIGGS: Why thank you Miss Kinsley.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Secondly, tonight, you face your friend and fellow member of the Smokin’ Aces Lex Collins in the semifinals of the Emerald City Classic. If you win that match, you’ll move on to the Finals in this evening’s Main Event. How are you approaching your match with Lex tonight with that in mind?

BIGGS: If you don’t mind, Miss Kinsley, I’d rather address my prospective opponents tonight in the Finals should I get past my good friend Lex Collins, namely Cartier and Robert Zodiac.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: By all means, go ahead!

BIGGS: Thank you Miss Kinsley. Now I’m not here to take away from what either one of you have accomplished thus far in the tournament, nor will I denigrate whomever emerges victorious from your side of the bracket to face me in the finals. Robert, you shocked the world when you defeated Skye Healy in the first round. Everybody and their mother thought that that wicked witch was going to breeze through the first round. But Robert, I’ve fought you a time or two, and I am well aware of just how stubborn you really are. You may be like the Scarecrow and have no brain, but nobody is calling you the Tinman either, cause you certainly have heart. When I think about you, Robert Zodiac, the phrase more guts than brains comes to mind, because even though you aren’t the best at real wrestling, even though your speciality is garbage death matches, like a bad sandwich, you just won’t stay down! In our meeting at the Five Year Anniversary show, you were going to let me break your freakin’ legs before the ref stepped in. You didn’t give up, and I respect that. What I do not respect is that after our most recent match, in which I used my superior wrestling acumen in order to catch you off guard with a flash pin, afterwards, you thought it was an appropriate response to viciously attack me after the match to the point where I had to be stretchered out! And while as humiliating as that was for me, I can only imagine how much more humiliating it was for you to show your ass on national television! Because while I can respect your propensity to take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’, I cannot respect a poor sport. And while I know it’s difficult to beat the same person twice in a row, let alone three times, I also know that I cannot allow a person of your dubious character to achieve the honor of being the winner of the 2022 Emerald City Classic. It would be an affront to the prestige of this tournament, and if Cartier is unable to get the job done against you, well then I’m more than happy to do it myself!

A sly grin crosses the face of “The Spaceman” as he continues to speak.

BIGGS: And speaking of Cartier, there is no doubt in my mind that you think you have the advantage over me due to the fact that in our one meeting, you picked up the W. Now you’ll conveniently forget the fact that that match was contested under No Disqualification rules, and that you had to literally tie me to a table and practically kill yourself by jumping off of a concourse balcony to soften me up enough for your shenanigans to work, but if that helps you to think that you’re in any way better than me, well more power to you. Because tonight, should you and I meet in that ring, it will be contested under standard wrestling rules. No bells. No whistles. Your skill against mine. And while you’re quite adaptable, and have carved out a rather successful career here in Mainstream Wrestling, I’m even more so adaptable than you can ever hope to be! If you try to slow down the pace, I can quicken it. If you try to speed things up to attempt to catch me off guard, I can grind things right to a halt. I am one of the best in the world at controlling the tempo of a match, and while you’re as plucky as they come, you lack the technical skill and refinement that I do. Also, you’re gonna try to smother me with your butt. I know that’s gonna happen. And while you have a phat with a P-H bottom, the way I see it, that just gives me more ass to kick. Your little entourage will not be able to help you while you are between those ropes with me, and should we meet tonight, well guess what, DING DONG THE BITCH IS DEAD!

Samantha Kinsley keeps it professional, but it’s obvious she’s holding back a laugh. Biggs continues.

BIGGS: Miss Kinsley, you made it a point to say if I win against Lex Collins tonight, and while that is a very big if, I’m approaching our match with the mindset that I will be moving on to said Finals of the Emerald City Classic. Now don’t mistake my confidence for ego, because I know that Lex is approaching our match with the very same mindset. And he has every right too, because 28 days ago, he became the first person to pin my shoulders to the mat for the 1, 2, 3 in ten months. Lex Collins is a damn good wrestler, and an even better human being. He does things the right way, no shortcuts. Neither do I. That’s what drew me to wanting to have him as a part of the Smokin’ Aces. Of anyone left in the tournament, I do believe he’s going to be the toughest out of anyone. That’s not to knock Cartier, though it certainly is a knock to Robert Zodiac!

Biggs chuckles, showing a brief sign of levity before getting back to being serious.

BIGGS: Now in a perfect world, Lex and I would have been on opposite sides of the brackets, because then we would have been assured an all Smokin’ Aces Finals. And I am convinced that whomever wins between Lex and myself, and I fully believe it will be me, will go on to win the whole damn Emerald City Classic! This is despite the fact that I know Lex and myself will push each other to our very limits! This is despite the fact that Lex currently has a one-nil advantage over me! This is despite the fact that Lex is the reigning United States Champion! I know for a fact that after I defeat Lex Collins in a tightly contested, technically sound match-up, that I will not be going into the finals with a full bill of health! Again, do not mistake my confidence for ego or hubris, I am fully aware that defeating Lex is easier said than done. But I’ve been saying ever since the field for the ECC was released that I will not be denied! I just need to win two more matches to earn my first opportunity at the Mainstream Wrestling Heavyweight Championship of the World! The stakes are too high, the prize too great for me to falter! Simply put, I am chasing my dream tonight!

Biggs takes a deep breath before breaking out into song.

BIGGS: Somewhere over the rainbow, Skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream…really do come true!

“Well tonight, Seattle, Washington is my somewhere over the rainbow and tonight, my dream of winning the Emerald City Classic and being named the #1 Contender for the richest prize in our sport comes true! And I don’t care who the champion is once I get my shot, just as I won’t be denied the Emerald City Classic, I will not be denied the Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship! Lex Collins, my friend, my brother, you may have proven that you were the better man on July 31st when you defeated me for the United States Championship, and unlike Cartier, you didn’t need bells or whistles to beat me, but that doesn’t mean that you’re the better man every night! I know that I’m in for the fight of my life in the Semifinals, but you know that you’re in for the fight of yours as well! I’m not holding back, you’re not holding back, because if either one of us does, the other is guaranteed a berth in the finals. We’re gonna kick each other’s asses, but iron sharpens iron, and our match will be the crucible in which the champion of the Emerald City Classic will be forged. But I don’t need Professor Marvel’s crystal ball to know that it’s going to be me, in my hometown of Seattle, Washington!”

Biggs does draw the cheap pop, as the fans from the arena can be heard slightly cheering. The camera pans down to show Biggs clicking the heels of his Ruby Boots before panning back up.

BIGGS: There’s no place like home, there's no place like home, and there’s nobody like me in all of wrestling! Tonight, I attack the ECC with all the fury of a tornado and prove why I’m the Wizard of the wrestling ring. Tonight, I win the Emerald City Classic!

Biggs puts his Ruby shades on and walks forcefully off-screen. Samantha turns to the camera to speak.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Biggs takes on Lex Collins tonight in the Semifinals of the Emerald City Classic!

Mainstream 90 fades to commercial break…

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Zodiac is seen in the dressing room alone. He is sitting on a bench, looking up at all the pictures of past world champions. He scoffs quietly to himself and shakes his head.

ROBERT ZODIAC: This is some bull. I've had chance after chance given to me and I've screwed up every time. It's bullsh*t because I'm better than this. I walked into Carnage Wrestling and took the place by storm. I walked into ACCW, took the place by storm. I walked into Legacy Pro and took the place by DAMN STORM! So why the hell can't I get it done here?

He puts his hands on his forehead and slowly runs them backwards. He sighs as he ponders how to get back to his old ways.

ROBERT ZODIAC: There has to be a way to go back...without going back. I can't let this tournament slip through my fingers...I won't waste this opportunity.

He stands up and places his hands in his pockets. He walks over to the door and opens it. He looks back at the pictures one more time as he walks out of the locker room and down the hall. He heads through catering and towards gorilla position. There is nobody there as he walks through the curtains and out onto the stage. He sighs as he looks down towards the ring and takes his hands out of his pockets. He sighs and he looks up towards the ceiling as if he's staring at the sky.

ROBERT ZODIAC: Listen...I don't know if you're alive or dead...but I hope you can hear me. I know what I did can never be undone...everyone I've hurt, be it physical or mental or emotional, they've all dropped off the face of the planet. Part of me was proud of it, and I like to think that part of me is...not going away completely, but it's manageable. I know I've done a lot of messed up sh*t...but the one thing I should've never done was turn on you. Hell, Ford and I don't even talk anymore. You wanna know something funny? Back in the day, it was always us as the team and him on his own. Not saying it should've been different...but you were an uncrowned world champion. You had no idea how I felt when they took that from you. I was beyond angry. I know here the only person keeping me from achieving what none of us did is myself. I made a promise to myself that I was never going to chase the big one...that I was going to save that for one of you, because you both deserve it. You're not here though...and I really wish you were. I know what I want...and I know that it's partially for selfish reasons...but I also feel I need to do this for you. I need to win the Emerald City Classic and go on to challenge for the world title...only this time, I'll win because I refuse to let you down again. Losing here and now would kill me.

Zodiac sighs as he takes his hand out of his pocket and wipes his eyes, he puts his hand back in his pocket and takes a deep breath.

ROBERT ZODIAC: I miss you, Brian. This is for you.

Zodiac turns around and walks back through the curtains as show goes to commercial.

[Robert Daniels]

SEMI-FINAL
EMERALD CITY CLASSIC

★★★ CARTIER ★★★
vs
★★★ ROBERT ZODIAC ★★★

The bell rings as Zodiac approaches Cartier and shoots for a lock-up but Cartier slips underneath and is able to drop step behind Zodiac. She locks in a rear waist lock but Zodiac doesn't let her get the chance to attempt whatever maneuver she was thinking about before he starts firing off back elbows that loosens and eventually break her grip. He spins around and connects with a forearm smash that stuns her long enough for him to break her grip. He runs off towards the opposite side of the ring and bounces off the ropes, Cartier spins around and attempts a but Zodiac manages to duck underneath and bounce off the ropes behind her and catch her as she turns around with a leaping back elbow that ends with both of them on the mat.

Zodiac is quick to recover and he rebounds back to his feet faster than Cartier, which leaves an opening for him to turn and run towards the ropes, but when he turns around Cartier is right thee and delivers a forearm shot of her own! She jumps up and wraps her legs around his neck before she throws herself backwards and sends Zodiac tumbling with a hurricanrana! Cartier smirks as she quickly recovers to one knee, locking eyes with Zodiac who nods in acknowledgment. He springs up from one knee into a full sprint towards her, but she jumps up and sidesteps him before sending him torso first into the ropes and delivers a leaping enzuguri to the back of his head that sends him spilling to the outside!

Cartier wastes no time in capitalizing as she runs off towards the opposite side of the ring and bounces off the ropes. She charges in with a full head of steam before she dives through the ropes straight into Zodiac with suicide dive but Zodiac counter with a bicycle knee that catches her flush in the jaw, sending her crumbling to the ground outside! He quickly grabs her and pulls her up to her feet and rolls her back into the ring. He rolls in afterwards and goes to roll her over but gets caught in a small package for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Zodiac quickly kicks out as him and Cartier both spin up onto a knee only thus time Cartier leaps forwards with a front kick that catches him flush! Zodiac is stunned as she grabs him and pulls him up to his feet. Cartier and Zodiac trade fists in the middle of the ring and Cartier gets her bell rung pretty good on a wild left that she didn’t see coming. Trying to shift gears, she backs into the ropes and pops off with a cross body to the standing Robert Zodiac, who catches her out of the air and drops her ribs hard across his knee, then does it a second time before flinging her haphazardly aside.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Right off the bat, Zodiac is adding some brutality to the match, zeroing in on the ribs of Cartier.

CHARLES HUDSON: She wasn’t expecting to come up on the losing end of a brawl, and her effort to change things up left her wide open!

Cartier stumbles into a corner grabbing at her ribs, and Zodiac flies in with a diving shoulder tackle right to the injured area. He plows his shoulder into her midsection three or four more times before letting her stagger out, bent over. He then hit the ropes himself and smashes Cartier with a combination ax handle to the back and knee lift to the chest, sandwiching her in between his leg and arms.

A stunned Cartier tries to get some air in her lungs and walks away from Zodiac, and it leads to a backstabber! Zodiac looks to grab onto a dragon sleeper afterward but Cartier’s instinct help her scramble to the ropes and grab hold before he can sink it in! Cartier stands up and offer a handshake but she grabs him by the hand and wrist to shoot him off for an Irish whip but Zodiac drops to a knee and manages to counter as he pulls her in and hits a bicycle knee strike that lands under her chin as she drops to both knees! He keeps ahold of her wrist as he wraps her arm around his neck and grabs her by the waist before violently yanking her up and overhead with a snap belly to back suplex!

He quickly rolls through as he keeps hold over her and pulls her back upright before delivering a second snap belly to back suplex! He releases her after the second one and grabs her by the hair and pulls her up to both knees. He grabs her in a front face lock and turns around as he keeps his grip on her neck before he drops straight down with a neck breaker! He quickly gets back up to his feet and grabs her by the head, pulling her back up to her feet. He measures her up as he spins around and connects with a spinning back fist that spins her around before he grabs her by the head and drops her again with a reverse DDT and hooks the inside leg for the 1...KICKOUT!

Cartier defiantly kicks out as he sits up and takes a brief moment to formulate a game plan. He nods to himself as he gets back up to his feet, keeping his eyes locked on Cartier. He lays in a couple of stomps to the back of her head and neck before he backs up to the corner and climbs up to the middle rope. He watches as she begins to get up to her feet, and then he jumps off and places his leg on the back of her head and neck as he drops her with a leg drop bulldog that causes her to clutch her neck! He nips up and takes a couple steps back before he runs up and jumps, dropping down with a knee drop across her throat! He rolls through and scrambles over to capitalize as he hooks both legs for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Barely a two count as Zodiac sits up again, placing his hands on his head briefly before he shakes it off. He turns around and grabs her by the hair, pulling her up but she grabs him around the head and drops down with a jawbreaker that stuns him! Standing Meteora by Cartier as Zodiac rushes her, and she stays perched on top of him shooting down hard right hands after dropping his shoulders back to the mat. She doesn’t stay on him long enough to warrant a pin fall though, choosing instead to stand and then hit a jumping knee drop onto Zodiac’s forehead instead.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier trying to turn the tables a little bit here…

CHARLES HUDSON: Champions learn when to take their shots, McKayla, that’s why Cartier has been as successful as she’s been here in Mainstream.

Cartier gets up again, wincing and pressing a hand into her ribs - she still clearly is feeling the effects of the earlier impacts there. She hits the ropes as Robert Zodiac rises to his feet, and she drops him with a SIZZURP KICK! Cartier rolls Zodiac onto his back and hooks a leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Cartier is stunned. She pushes herself up and begins to lift Zodiac up to a single knee. She grabs him by the head but catches a right hand under the jaw that stuns her just enough to shove himself backwards from her and deliver a thrust kick to her knee that instantly sends her down onto one knee! He takes a step back before rushing in to step up onto her knee and bring his other knee up underneath her jaw as she gets flattened by a step-up knee strike! He grabs her by the hair and aggressively yanks her back up to her feet and lays in a series of vicious forearm strikes as she begins staggering back towards the corner.

He is unrelenting however, as even when she is backed into the corner, he ramps up the intensity as he begins switching between forearm shots and European uppercuts! He continues the onslaught until she is slumped down in the corner. He lets out a roar as he takes off towards the ropes, bouncing off them to add to his momentum as he comes in from the side with a shotgun basement dropkick to the side of her head and neck!! He quickly gets up and pulls her back towards the center of the ring as he hooks both legs for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Zodiac quickly gets back up to his feet and grabs her by the leg, wrapping it around the back of his neck as he stands up and attempts to turn her over for a stretch muffler as he stands up as straight as he can before she begins kicking him with her other foot and is able to break free. She is quick to get back up to her feet before she delivers a kick to the midsection, then an ax kick to the back of the head to drop him to a knee, then delivers a thrust kick to the jaw of Zodiac to send him straight backwards to the mat. Cartier immediately drops down and hooks the leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Zodiac barely manages to get his shoulder up as Cartier stands up and begins stomping away on him before she grabs him by the head and drags him back to his feet to continue her assault. Cartier looks for a whip to the ropes but Zodiac puts on the brakes, then yanks Cartier into a short-arm clothesline that nearly knocks her extensions out. Zodiac pulls Cartier up and then flings her into a corner where her ribs once again take a beating against the buckles. Zodiac meets her there, burying a quick set of forearm strikes into the former TV Champ’s face until she’s sagging in the corner, barely holding onto the top rope to stay vertical. Zodiac backs up and takes a running start, then dives forward with a cannonball! He squashes Cartier between his own body and the turnbuckles, leaving her wilting.

CHARLES HUDSON: Big impact from Robert Zodiac! That’s got to make those aching ribs hurt even worse!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Absolutely, Charles, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s got a cracked rib or two already… and Zodiac isn’t letting up!

Stubborn as always, Cartier pulls herself up to her feet in the corner as Zodiac walks around the ring. When he turns back to her she looks to bury a boot in his midriff, but he catches her! He pulls her out of the corner by her foot, making her hop in place to keep from falling over… and then he eats an enzuigiri! Zodiac doesn’t go down though, just goes loose in the knees. He swings a big lariat at Cartier but she ducks and he spins himself around backward… and Cartier grabs him in the GOT-DAMN SLAM! Zodiac is down on the mat and Cartier wants to get this thing over with, so she heads to the top for the SUPA DUPA FLY SPLASH… and she misses! Cartier hits the canvas hard, hugging her arms to her ribs, and Zodiac pulls her up to her feet then yanks her into the air in a suplex for the Crimson Sunrise! Zodiac smirks and hooks a leg for the 1…2…KICKOUT!

Zodiac can’t believe it! He’s tired of it and he lifts her up looking for another Crimson Sunrise but Cartier reverses! She slips out of his grasp and shoots him off into the corner and charges in to follow up as she delivers a high kick straight to the jaw of Zodiac! He slumps down into the corner as she runs off towards the ropes and comes back in with a running boot to the side of his head, she wastes little time in grabbing him and dragging him towards the center, but Zodiac hangs onto the ropes and uses them to hold himself in the corner. Cartier begins delivering stomps to his face and chest before she runs off towards the opposite corner, only this time it's Zodiac who catches her in the center on her return charge with a leaping calf kick that knocks her flat as Zodiac quickly rebounds to his feet! Cartier gets back up, sensing the urgency of the situation but is met with a rolling elbow strike that staggers her, followed up by a spinning back fist and then an enzuguri!

This drops her to a knee, which Zodiac takes advantage of by stepping to the side and delivering a thrust kick to her other knee to drop her down onto both knees. Zodiac quickly runs off behind Cartier and bounces off the ropes before he leaps up and delivers a sickening double stomp directly to the back of her head and neck as the crowd gasps! Zodiac is not playing around as he gets back up to his feet and quickly climbs out onto the apron and up onto the top rope, keeping Cartier in his sights at all times before he stands up and leaps off towards her, coiling his legs up to his chest before he stomps downward with both feet directly across her head with a brutal DEATH stomp!

Cartier crumbles back to the mat and immediately starts clutching the back of her neck before Zodiac rolls her over and grabs her by both wrists and starts pulling her up onto both knees. He looks her dead in the face and roars at the top of his lungs before he begins delivering knee strike after knee strike that all find their mark, pinpoint underneath the jaw and in the neck area that he has been targeting the entire match! Each time she begins to drop, Zodiac pulls her back upright and continues delivering knee strikes before he his one final knee and lets her go limp and drop to the mat. The crowd is split between cheering and booing Zodiac, but this does not phase him as he grabs Cartier by the hair and pulls her up to the point where he can transition into a front face lock. He quickly yanks her up onto her feet, hooks her inside leg with his inside leg and drops straight backwards with a vicious leg sweep DDT!!

He rolls over so he is positioned above her, still clutching her head. He pulls her up again and once more hooks her inside leg with his, then pulls her back by leaning forward to wind up the DDT before he throws himself off of his feet this time and takes Cartiers legs out from underneath her as he violently plants Cartier directly on top of her head with a wind-up leg sweep spike DDT!! He still refuses to let go of her head as he again positions himself in a way so he can pull Cartier back up to her feet again. This time, however, he quickly turns around backwards into a neck breaker clutch before he turns himself sideways to line himself up. He leaps up as high as he can, practically knees Cartier in the back of the head in mid-air except he holds his knee in place as he yanks her backwards and drops down to the mat! Cartier head whiplashes off of his knee and shin as Zodiac connects with the Crimson Sunrise!

He immediately sits up however and begins shaking his head as he eyes Cartier who is writhing in pain. He springs back to his feet and starts laying the boots to Cartier, not letting her get to her feet at all. When he does finally pull her up, he immediately locks in an abdominal stretch, grinding an elbow into the ribs of Cartier as she shouts in pain. After a bit of time in the hold, Zodiac transitions it nicely into a pump handle fallaway slam!

MCKAYLA LEWIS/: Cartier’s ribs are taking so much punishment. Even if she ends up winning this thing she might not be able to continue in the ECC, Charles!

CHARLES HUDSON: Are we talking about Cartier? She’d have to be dead in order to forfeit a match, McKayla. You think any Mainstream medics are going to risk their lives and tell her no?

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Good point…

Zodiac and Cartier to their feet once more, and Zodiac locks in a deep bear hug, really squeezing at the floater ribs. Cartier is in agony, but she does manage to drive her elbow into Zodiac’s forehead enough that he lets go of the hold. Cartier then jumps and catches Zodiac with a codebreaker out of nowhere! Her hitting the mat gets a yelp of pain from her, and she can’t follow up other than by dragging herself into a corner and sitting up against the bottom buckle, sucking air through clenched teeth.

Zodiac doesn’t stay down long, though it looks like his lip was bloodied by the move. He spits out a gob of red saliva onto the mat and then runs right at Cartier, diving into a low spear aimed right for her ribcage…Cartier slides aside! Zodiac goes under the bottom turnbuckle and his shoulder and head slam hard into the ring post! He looks half unconscious! Cartier slips out to the floor and goes to Zodiac in the corner. She thinks for a second, then pulls the ring steps away from the ring, wedging Zodiac’s head in between the steel and the apron.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: I do not like the look of this at all.

Cartier backs away from the stairs and takes a look, then runs a lap clear around the ring before jumping up and hitting a drive-by EAT THIS ASS onto the steps, crushing Zodiac’s head between them and the ring! Zodiac is left twitching as Cartier slides back into the ring and pulls him toward the middle of the mat, then gets on top of him for the 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall and advancing to the Finale of the Emerald City Classic later tonight...CAR--TIER!

CHARLES HUDSON: Oh my god… she could have killed him!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: I thought his head was going to come off!

Cartier falls off of Zodiac and lays on the mat clutching her sides as the official holds her arm up as the victor.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Robert Zodiac with multiple Crimson Sunrise couldn't put down the leader of Hood Ratchet!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Congratulations to Carter for advancing but don't relax just yet because later tonight Cartier will face off against the winner of United States Champion Lex Collins and Biggs!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

DURING THE BREAK…


“Walk” by Saucy Santana begins to play throughout the arena as the curtain opens and Dayna Barrett walks out onto the stage wielding a microphone dressed in streets clothes. She’s all business.

DAYNA BARRETT: Cut my music!

Barrett walks with a purpose around the official warning her to stay away. She hurries up the ring stairs, and steps through the ropes.

DAYNA BARRETT: First I thought I would wait and get you after you lost your match but that didn’t happen. So now I’m going to keep you from making it to the next one…

Dayna Barrett spikes the microphone off the head of Cartier with a loud thud. It stuns her and the leader of Hood Ratchet stumbles back into the far corner. Dayna Barrett with cheers from the fans in attendance mounts the turnbuckle to begin the punches so they can count along but almost immediately Aria Price, Neferitit and Bianca Reed hit the ring and prevent Dayna Barrett from doing any further damage to the first finalist in this years Emerald City Classic. Aria Price holds Barrett from behind in a full nelson as Bianca Reed begins with the left and right hands to the abdomen. Nefertiti talking as much trash as humanly possible before slapping Barrett.

CHARLES HUDSON: I hate to say it Lou but Dayna knew better. When you play with fire you’re going to get burned.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Without Cartier it’s still a three on one attack! The numbers are not in her favor!

Dayna Barrett is down on the mat as Hood Ratchet is pummeling her. Meanwhile Cartier is up on her feet and she is favoring her side and limping up the aisle. She’s not concerned with Dayna Barrett or her stablemates at this time.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: It appears she’s heading to the back for medical attention.

CHARLES HUDSON: At least she’s able to walk out of here under her own will. Let’s not forget she has another match to compete in later tonight against an opponent that’s still yet to be decided.

Security hits the ring and escorts Dayna Barrett from the ring. Mainstream Wrestling officials are warning the other three members of Hood Ratchet at this time. Kevin Bombay walks out onto the stage.

KEVIN BOMBAY: With the fall out from tonight’s Emerald City Classic Semi-Final bout Cartier will face the winner of Biggs and Lex Collins pending doctors clearance. But as for the four of you—we’ll see you in two weeks because you’re all being escorted from the building and barred from the property for the remainder of tonights event!

CHARLES HUDSON: Wow, Cartier is on her own here tonight!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier defeats Robert Zodiac to advance to the Finale of the Emerald City Classic but right now we have to return to the regularly scheduled commercial break.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
The camera finds the current United States Champion Lex Collins standing in the hallway at the Climate Pledge Arena, his back against the wall. He's wearing an old Bad Religion hoodie and a pair of worn jeans – still in street clothes. Across from him is a steel door and his eyes seem to be riveted on a piece of masking tape that's stuck to it. Printed on that strip of tape are nothing more than the ten letters that spell out his name but he's fixated on it like it holds all the secrets of the universe. There's a rueful smile on his lips as he chuckles, lifting a hand to rake it through his damp hair before that distant look clears and he focuses on the camera instead.

LEX COLLINS: Gotta keep 'em separated…

The words come out in a half-assed singsong, making it clear he's reciting lyrics – that old Offspring song, obviously.

LEX COLLINS: No roomies tonight. All by my lonesome. Feels weird. Emerald City Classic finale tonight and I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a minefield in my head right now. Last week, Samantha asked me what winning this whole shebang'd do for me an' I kinda whiffed on the answer. Mean, sure… nobody laces up their boots with the expectation to lose. Funny part is, I blindsided myself 'cause I was so fixated on Tapp that it didn't even really register what was gonna happen beyond that. So, kudos to me for that epic tunnel vision, I guess.

He sighs, shaking his head.

LEX COLLINS: Hindsight conversations, right? Always have a better answer after the fact. So now we're doin' the eggshell walk on the tightrope. There's... like... this delicate balance right now, like one of them Vegas acts where the guy is spinnin' plates and there's fine crystal stacked on top an' you're just waitin' for gravity to kick in 'fore the crash. Always wince when I hear somethin' break in a restaurant. What do they call that, again? Oh, yeah. Pavlovian conditioning. For a long time, I kept finding myself in those places where I ended up flinching on instinct. Reality is pretty absolute here, though. Stuff breaks. Records. Bones. Trust. Give it enough time, something's bound to go sideways – that's not really pessimism. Been around the block enough times to see cause and effect in action. I've learned to ride it out. Waiting's not that hard when you're at peace with your own company.

A subtle twitch of his shoulders in a lackadaisical shrug punctuates the next pause before he tilts his head back and looks up at the ceiling.

LEX COLLINS: Every week it looms larger as those wins keep racking up in the rearview, though. How far can I go this time until it all falls apart? That's the true question of the hour. Mean, winning the ECC would be incredible – don't get it twisted. Stepping through those ropes tonight against Biggs is gonna be, too. Wouldn't have it any other way, y'know? Owe him that. Every ounce of integrity, right down to the core 'cause the dude was decent to me from the moment I put the ol' Johnny Hancock on the dotted line – that's rare as unicorns.

He lets that self-deprecating chuckle slip, barely there on the heels of a less-than-steady breath.

LEX COLLINS: And I suppose there are worse things to happen than squarin' up against the guy you beat less'n a month ago with another carrot dangling overhead. Accolades and tournaments aside, the respect's what mattered the most. Got a feeling Biggs understands that – had me pegged right off the bat. It's nice to feel heard. To feel seen. I guess a part of me feels like that's delicate 'cause I ain't never had that before. Don't wanna mess this up.

Sucking his teeth, he pauses for a few seconds and then shakes his head.

LEX COLLINS: See you out there, man. No matter the outcome… someone from the Smokin' Aces is headed to that final. No muddied waters. No minced words. No promises piled on top, waiting to be dashed to bits. Nothing but the utmost respect an' the fairest fight I got to give. Owe you that an' for once I'm not sweating over the thought that we're strangers at the tower of Babel, speakin' different languages across some great divide – can't even begin to tell you how refreshing that is. How much better it makes all of this feel. So, no matter what else… thank you, Biggs. From the bottom of my heart.

Without another word, he pushes off the wall and makes his way towards the ring.

[Robert Daniels]

SEMI-FINAL
EMERALD CITY CLASSIC

★★★ BIGGS ★★★
vs
★★★ LEX COLLINS ★★★

The bell sounds and this match is now underway! Biggs and Lex Collins meet in the middle of the ring for a warm handshake. They both take a step back and take defensive postures, circling around the ring a bit before locking up in a Collar-and-Elbow Tie Up! Biggs takes a step forward, putting Lex Collins on the back foot temporarily, before Lex pushes back, regaining ground on the center of the ring. Neither man is giving up an inch, and after a bit of stalemate, they release the tie up and begin to circle again. Biggs shoots off a Calf Kick, tagging Collins’ lower leg, and the brief stumble on Lex’s part gives Biggs the opening to dash in for a Double Leg Takedown! As Biggs tries to move through Lex’s guard, the U.S. Champ clocks him in the side of the head, allowing Lex to spin out. Both men scramble to their feet, and Lex blocks an attempted punch from his friend and responds with a punch in kind, which also gets blocked! The two men engage in a Collar-and-Elbow Tie Up once more!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: These two men met just 28 days ago in a match for the Mainstream United States Championship! Lex Collins won that match and the title, and also joined Biggs’ group, The Smokin’ Aces!

CHARLES HUDSON: These two are used to fighting for high stakes, and it doesn’t get too much higher stakes than a berth in the Finals of the Emerald City Classic!

Lex gets the advantage, and twists Biggs’ arm into an Arm Ringer before driving the point of his elbow down into the crook of Biggs’ arm! As Lex makes another pass at an Arm Ringer, Biggs rolls through, kicking his boot at Lex’s hands to break the grip, and pops up for a Standing Dropkick! Lex swats the kick out of the way, and goes to drop on Elbow on Biggs, but “The Spaceman” rolls out of the way just in the knick of time! As Lex starts to press himself back up, Biggs pounces right on him, knocking the breath out of his lungs, with Biggs hooking both legs, but not even getting a one count! As Biggs is up to his feet, Lex uses his arms to sweep the legs right out beneath him and goes for a quick cover himself, with Biggs kicking out before the one count as well! Both men roll up to their feet and get into defensive stances, the crowd politely clapping for the display of agility they’ve just seen!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: These two are so incredibly familiar with one another in such a short time.

CHARLES HUDSON: Oh definitely, Lou. Not only did they just compete at Mainstream 88, but they train together. They even trained together leading up to this match! I can guarantee you that any tricks they hid from one another during sparring will be utilized here tonight at some point!

Biggs puts one hand in the air, wiggling his fingers and inviting Collins to a Test of Strength. Collins obliges, clasping Biggs’ hand and raising his other one up, which Biggs immediately grabs! The two men engage in a Greco-Roman Knuckle Lock, pressing up to one another chest to chest, neither one gaining an advantage early one! Biggs’ arms are shaking and the strain is evident on his face as he begins to push Collins backwards, but Lex digs down deep, pushing back with all his might and bending Biggs over backwards! As Biggs is arched back, Lex uses his leg to sweep Biggs’ feet out from underneath him, still maintaining the Knuckle Lock and pressing Biggs’ shoulders into the mat for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Biggs gets his right shoulder up! Lex presses back down, pinning Biggs again, 1…2…KICKOUT!

Biggs rolls his left shoulder up! Knowing he needs to get better leverage, Lex makes the move to get mount position on Biggs, but the opening allows “The Spaceman” to tuck his legs in and kick up at Lex’s Chest, flipping Lex up and over onto his back! Their hands still clasped, Biggs manages to roll over as well into a mount position, pinning Lex’s shoulders for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Lex gets his shoulder up! Biggs tries to release the clasp, but Lex won’t let go, pulling Biggs in closer and cracking him across the cheek with swift Forearm Strike! With Biggs dazed, Lex bucks him off, sending Biggs tumbling forward, both men laying head to head, shoulders down, hands locked. The ref begins to count them both for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Both men bridge up to break the count! The fans give another round of applause and get a “THIS IS WRESTLING!” chant going!

CHARLES HUDSON: Lex Collins and Biggs are two of the more experienced competitors we have in Mainstream Wrestling, and exchanges like that show it!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Collins is known more for his brawling ability and stubbornness to just not stay down than his technical skill, but that doesn’t mean he’s a slouch in that category either.

Biggs rolls to his left and contorts his body to kick Lex’s left hand off of his own right hand, breaking the grip and taking control of Lex’s right arm! Dragging “The Outsider” up by said arm, Biggs shoots him towards the ropes! Lex ducks the attempted Jumping Leg Lariat, and on the way back, nails the rising Biggs right in the mush with a Basement Shotgun Dropkick, the impact of which can be heard in the cheap seats! Cradling his face, Biggs is pulled up by the head by Lex, who backs him into the ropes and delivers a couple of Short Forearms to the face to dizzy him up a bit before whipping Biggs towards the opposite ropes! Lex goes for a Clothesline, which Biggs ducks, and “The Spaceman” jumps up onto the second rope, going for a Springboard Crossbody, only to be caught and given a Side Slam Backbreaker! Collins presses his back to Biggs’ chest as he hooks the near leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

CHARLES HUDSON: The Mind Killer! What a counter by Lex!

The frustration is evident on the face of Lex as he rolls back up to his feet and he immediately dives in with some more strikes the moment Biggs makes it back to his feet – big mistake going back to that well so quickly as Biggs shuts that down by ducking under that straight arm punch and waffling Lex with a hard forearm to the face that drives Collins back into the corner. Biggs follows up with some stiff strikes, giving him a little payback tenderization. There seems to be a ghost of a smile on the lips of Collins as he slips out of Biggs' range and takes him over with a hip toss, driving an elbow into his face before rolling away. Back on their feet, the two collide again with yet ANOTHER collar-and-elbow tie up before Collins throws a HUGE uppercut that staggers Biggs, snapping his head back. They're both grinning as they square up like the ending of Rocky III, Biggs mimicking Lex's boxing stance to a huge pop from the crowd!

They start brawling, speedy strikes and reversals going back and forth as the crowd eats it up! Biggs takes control with a knee to the face and a stiff short-armed clothesline. He drops a knee on Lex's midsection, looking for another only to have Lex roll out to the floor. Biggs beckons for Collins to return, getting a huge pop from the crowd before Collins hops back up on the apron and springs over the top rope. This time Biggs shoots Collins into the ropes, catching him with a running knee lift on the rebound. Collins goes down hard and Biggs dives on him, pummeling him with strikes from a Thesz press. The moment Lex shoves him off, Biggs hooks him and rag dolls him into a Camel Clutch, grinding in some forearm cross face shots – no way! Collins rolls back and pins the shoulders of Biggs to the match for a bridging pin reversal of 1…2…KICKOUT!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: They're putting on an absolute wrestling clinic out here!

CHARLES HUDSON: Definitely a different technique than we're used to seeing from Biggs here – it's like going against Lex Collins has taught him a more systematic approach.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The best alliances are the ones that teach you something.

Back on their feet, Collins comes back with another STIFF European uppercut and now grinds a reverse front face lock before transitioning to a half cobra clutch, raking the forearm across the face of Biggs. He's leaning into that MMA background and it seems like Biggs has the answer. He knees Collins in the head, following up with a head butt to the sternum that takes the wind out of the US Champion's sails. Hoisting him up, Biggs tosses Collins to the corner and follows him in for a hard splash that drives Collins's shoulder into the ring post. Collins fires back with a back elbow, getting enough space to get away from the corner. Biggs whirls and smashes Collins in the back of the head with a lariat that sends Collins stumbling forward. Biggs goes for The Bigg Time – Collins drops to his knees and causes a near-miss and then immediately chops Biggs in the back of the knee, dragging him down into a kimura. Biggs powers his way free, tries an up and over but Collins anticipates it and dropkicks "The Spaceman" down, immediately dropping a fist to his face to leave him dazed before a quick leg hook for 1…2…NEARFALL!

Frustrated at another near-fall, Collins miscalculates on a telegraphed strike and Biggs is happy to make him pay with an arm drag to the canvas that he follows with a BRUTAL forearm to the face, going back into working on the shoulder and back of the US Champ with another Camel Clutch. Lex strains to break out, finally catching the rope. Biggs grabs Lex by the scruff of his neck, dragging him upright only to have Collins take him down with a messy roaring elbow. Biggs is faster on his feet, and he manages to keep capitalizing on that mistake of Collins, nailing Lex in the back of the head with a huge forearm shot. Collins falls to his knees and Biggs kicks him in the gut before lifting Lex up and over his head, dropping him with a vertical suplex.

He hauls Collins up into an abdominal stretch, still trying to work over the back but Lex gets the elbows into the guts and breaks the hold before more damage can be done to his shoulder and back. Darting behind Biggs, Lex nails a clubbing forearm to the back of the head before he gets a half nelson locked in, choking Biggs – head butt break that leaves both men dazed. Collins rolls away and they both hit their feet at the same time!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: You can tell just by how well they've gotten to know each other by the tempo and pace of this match!

CHARLES HUDSON: Tell me about it, Lou! This should be a Pay-Per-View caliber match and we're giving it away for free!

Collins pulls Biggs closer by the back of the head, giving him some European Uppercuts and backing him into the corner. Lex continues to smother Biggs, pressing his forearm into the chin of Biggs as he throws some Knee Strikes to Biggs’ gut!

CHARLES HUDSON: It’s very smart of Lex Collins to lean into his striking ability, as I do believe he has the edge over Biggs in that regard.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Lex has been in firm control for a majority of the match thus far. Do you think that the fact he won their last contest is getting in Biggs’ head?

CHARLES HUDSON: Absolutely.

Lex pops Biggs with another European Uppercut and hoists him up onto the top rope. As he climbs up to join “The Spaceman,” Biggs kicks him right in the chest, sending him stumbling backwards, and allowing Biggs to jump off for a Double Ax Handle right between the eyes! It doesn’t down Lex, but it does put him on uneasy legs, and Biggs gives him a kick to the gut, pulling him in, hooking the face and leg for a picture perfect Fisherman’s Suplex! Biggs arches it into a pinning predicament for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Biggs keeps a hold of Lex’s head, rolling him onto his belly into a Front Face lock, giving his friend some brutal Ultimate Knee Strikes to the head! After half a dozen shots, Biggs dizzies Lex some more with some Alligator Rolls, before floating over into a cover, hooking the near leg, 1…2…Kick out again! Biggs keeps the pressure on, pulling Lex up by the head, giving him some body shots on the way up before whipping him into the ropes! Biggs catches Lex with an Arm drag, but Lex lands on his feet and rushes in for a Running Knee to the side of the head! Lex drops down to shoot the half on Biggs, covering him for 1…2…KICKOUT!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Considering the Emerald City Classic Finals are later tonight, it certainly behooves both competitors to try to win this match as quickly as possible!

CHARLES HUDSON: It never hurts to try and make an early cover, because worst case, you force your opponent to expend more energy, best case, you get the win!

“The Spaceman’s” eyes are glazed over as “The Outsider” pulls him back up to a vertical base. Once Biggs is up, Lex gets a running start towards the ropes, bouncing back with a Step Up Enziguri, which Biggs dodges, sending Lex crashing belly first into the mat! Biggs is on him in a flash, draping Lex’s arms across his knees, and locking his hands together in an S-Grip right under Lex’s nose, applying the Camel Clutch! “The Spaceman” really grinds his hands up against Lex’s nose as he pulls back, digging in and covering Lex’s mouth and nostrils!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Biggs has a pronounced mean streak in the ring, but even still, I’m surprised to see him get nasty on his friend Lex Collins here tonight!

CHARLES HUDSON: Oh you know these two talked in the back and told each other to go all out in this match! With the stakes being what they are, I wouldn’t expect any less from Biggs or Lex!

Lex rolls to his right, which puts more torque on his neck, but allows him to slip his left arm off of Biggs’ knee. Rather than just accept that Lex is breaking the hold, Biggs hooks his left arm underneath “The Outsider’s” chin, firing off some Crossface Forearms with his right arm before releasing the hold and shoving Lex’s face into the mat! Biggs gets a running start towards the ropes, and as Lex begins to push himself up, Biggs jumps up to go for a Curb Stomp, but Lex gets a second wind and pops Biggs up high in the air, catching him on the way down with a Sitout Powerbomb! He has Biggs’ shoulders down 1…2…KICK OUT!

The fans are on their feet, chanting “LEX! LEX! LEX!”

CHARLES HUDSON: What a counter from Lex Collins! I can’t recall ever seeing Biggs go for a running Curb Stomp, though he utilized the Surfboard Curb stomp fairly regularly earlier in his career.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The fans are firmly behind Lex Collins at this juncture of the match!

Lex lifts him up and whips Biggs towards the ropes, and dashes towards the opposite ropes himself to gain momentum! Both men leap up for Running Cross body at the same time, knocking into one another and falling to the mat like sacks of potatoes!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: They were thinking the same thing there, and they both paid for it!

CHARLES HUDSON: You know what they say about great minds!

Biggs holds his chest in pain and kicks his legs a bit, while Lex rolls onto his belly and pushes himself up to all fours while regaining his breath. Lex is showing signs of labored breathing as he gets up to one knee, reaching over and grabbing Biggs by the head, pulling him up as he rises to his feet. Biggs gives Lex a couple of punches to the ribs, and hits a Jawbreaker on his friend, popping up as Collins staggers backwards, and taking him down with a Jumping Leg Lariat! As Lex is on the mat, writhing in pain, Biggs is quick to his feet, running towards the ropes and connecting with a Short Leg Drop right across Lex’s throat! Biggs gets up and drops another leg before pressing his chest to Lex’s and hooks the far leg, 1…2…Kick out from the current United States Champ! Undeterred, Biggs keeps the pressure up, rolling Lex onto his belly and launching some hard Knee Strikes into the ribs before transitioning into a Bully Choke! The ref checks to make sure that it’s not an actual choke, and Biggs is applying the hold in a legal manner. Lex’s face turns red immediately, and he scratches and claws at the mat, kicking his feet to try and get some traction to get towards the ropes! Biggs digs his boots harder into the mat, getting more pressure on the neck and chin of Lex, whose eyes appear to be rolling into the back of his head! Lex’s body goes limp, and the ref checks his arm, raising it up for the first time, and it harmlessly falls to the mat. “1!” The fans get a “LET’S GO LEX! LET’S GO LEX!” chant going as the ref raises his arm for the second time, and again, it falls to the mat! “2!”

MCKAYLA LEWIS: One more time, and Biggs would move on to the Finals!

The ref grabs a hold of Lex’s wrist one more time, raising it up and letting go, “3!-NO! NO!” The ref waves off the call as Lex Collins raises his arm high in the air and gets his hands beneath himself to be able to push up and relieve the pressure on his neck! Biggs abandons the hold, and goes to pull Lex back up, but he’s cut off with a series of hard punches to the midsection that back him up into the ropes! Lex goes to Clothesline Biggs over the ropes, but Biggs ducks it and gets behind Lex, wrapping his arms around his waist, and attempting a German Suplex! Lex has a hold of the ropes, preventing the throw, but Biggs keeps his left arm around Lex’s waist and clubs him in the back with right arm a couple of times to break Lex’s hold on the ropes before pulling off a picture perfect German Suplex! Biggs keeps a hold of the waist and rolls over, dragging Lex right up for another German Suplex! Still maintaining his grip around Lex’s waist, Biggs pulls him up once more, and goes for another German, but Lex wraps his foot around Biggs’ ankle to block the hold, and jumps up into a Cazadora, rolling through and pinning Biggs’ shoulders to the mat for 1…2…KICKOUT!

CHARLES HUDSON: Bloody hell, Lou! The counters are coming fast and furious in this match!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Well they do know each other incredibly well and train together!

Both men are to their feet, and Lex shoots in to get a hold of Biggs, but “The Spaceman” counters with a well timed Knee to the midsection, allowing Biggs to apply a Muay Thai Clinch! He backs Lex into the ropes and fires off some Knee Strikes to the head and neck of his opponent! The ref gets to the count of four, and Biggs releases the clinch, but immediately cracks Lex in the ribs with a stiff Round Kick! The small contingent of Biggs fans in the front row get a “BIGGS!” chant going with each kick, and he continues to fire them off, reddening Lex’s chest before the ref steps between them to back Biggs up! As Lex comes from off the ropes, he’s looking pretty punch drunk, but motions to Biggs “come get some!” As the ref backs out of the way, Biggs fires another Round Kick, but Lex catches it with his left arm, and drives his right elbow right into the front of Biggs’ thigh before taking Biggs to the mat with a Dragon Screw!

Both men get into the middle of the ring and lock up before Biggs pulls Collins into a side headlock. Collins reverses the headlock with a devastating Saito suplex, almost dropping Biggs on his head! Collins stays on him, rolling Biggs over and slapping on an STF and he grinds into that crossface, urging Biggs to tap out. Biggs refuses and he rolls to his right, rolling over Collins in an attempt to break the hold. Collins releases it and the two fight over a chinlock LIKE MEN while the crowd goes absolutely insane. Biggs switches to a sleeper but Collins fights off with forearms only to run into a stiff running lariat that almost takes his head off. Biggs pulverizes Collins with forearms to the chest, driving him back against the ropes, looking like he's trying to get Collins primed for The Bigg Time. They jockey for a suplex on the apron before Collins just brings Biggs over the top and DOWN TO THE FLOOR! ELBOW OFF THE APRON!

A few "FIGHT FOREVER!" chants ring out as they both take their time getting to their feet.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: This is sheer carnage here in the Emerald City and the crowd is going insane!

CHARLES HUDSON: I like it! Heck, I love it!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: We've gone from a bar brawl to a technical showcase! This is absolutely incredible!

After the dive off the apron, Collins gives Biggs another STIFF punch without missing a beat before rolling him back into the ring, avoiding the count just as the official starts one up. Back in, Collins peels Biggs' skin off with some hard forearms and a rolling elbow drop off the second rope. Getting cocky, he goes for another, only to crash and burn as Biggs rolls aside. Biggs lays into Collins with lefts and rights as the crowd pops with each successful blow landed for the former United States Champion. Collins takes over with a soccer kick right to the guts. As Biggs doubles over, Collins backs off and nails that springboard knee lift – NO! BIGGS CATCHES HIM AND PLANTS HIM WITH A BACKDROP! As soon as Collins lands, Biggs smashes him in the face with a back elbow and hooks his head, taking him down with a sheer drop brain buster as the crowd goes absolutely insane! Biggs hooks the leg but Collins immediately rolls his shoulder up.

Lex pulls Biggs back up to a vertical base and gives him a hard head butt right to the chest, which sends Biggs stumbling backwards enough for Lex to take him down with a hard Knife-Edged Chop! Biggs gets back up, only to be greeted with another Knife-Edged Chop! Biggs rolls away to try and create some distance, but as he gets up, Lex dashes in for a Running Polish Hammer! Biggs barely gets out of the way, getting behind Lex and as he turns around, Biggs jumps up and catches him with a Hurricanrana that drapes Lex across the middle rope! Getting a running start towards the opposite ropes, Biggs rebounds and crashes right into Lex’s kidney area with Double Running Knees! Lex screams out in pain as Biggs yanks him off the ropes and into a cover for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Biggs responds with some Forearms to the face and hooks the legs again for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Biggs has a wide eyed look on his face as he slithers back towards the corner, motioning for Lex to get up. As Lex begins to push himself up to all fours, Biggs rushes in, going for an Impact Crater, but he gets Back Body Dropped instead! Lex collapses back to the mat, nursing his midsection as Biggs arches his back in pain!

CHARLES HUDSON: With the absolute war these two have had, you gotta wonder how much whoever wins this match will have in the tank for the ECC Finals!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Well we still haven’t seen Robert Zodiac and Cartier fight yet, but if their match ends relatively quicker than this one, then that competitor will have a distinct advantage over Lex Collins or Biggs.

Collins tries a sunset flip but "The Spaceman" cuts him off with a knee curb stomp. Biggs tries an elbow but comes up dry and Collins goes for a basic wrist lock. Collins follows up with more forearms and all of them hit Biggs in the face, leaving him dazed and his mouth bloodied. Fighting through the pain, Biggs gets a second wind for a backdrop and goes for a Boston crab but it's not there. Back on their feet, Collins winds up with a lariat and blasts "The Spaceman" right in the face. Biggs drops to his knees and drives a shoulder into Lex's gut, grabbing his arm and pulling him in – arm trap suplex! Collins staggers back up and so does Biggs. Both men are wounded and weary as they collide yet again as a "THIS IS AWESOME! *clap-clap-clapclapclap* chant breaks out.

Biggs whips Collins into the corner, following him in as Collins springs on the second rope, looking for a reversal only to have Biggs catch him in an electric chair position – REVERSAL! Lex Collins slams a few fists into Biggs's head, trying to get out of the position as Biggs looks to transition into The Impact Crater! Collins keeps peppering him with shots and Biggs staggers back from the corner. Lex Collins slides out the back door, kneeing Biggs hard in the back! He hoists Biggs to the side, looking for Ad Hominem – ELBOW TO THE FACE! Biggs snatches and drops Collins down with a shaky German suplex that he bridges for 1…2…NEARFALL!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: That was messy, but still effective!

CHARLES HUDSON: KICK OUT AT 2.99!

Both men are spent and on wobbly legs as they lean into one another to make their way off the mat. Once they’re to a vertical base, Biggs takes a swing at Lex, connecting! Lex responds with a strike in kind, and before long, a regular ol’ donnybrook is taking place in the center of the ring! The Smokin’ Aces are trading blows, but Lex has the heavier hands, and gains the advantage, stringing together a series of blows that leaves Biggs practically out on his feet! This opening allows Lex to throw his hard right hook, attempting to hit The Bricks, but Biggs just barely ducks it and gets behind Lex, hitting him with a Jumping Knee Strike right to the kidney! This sends Lex down to all fours, and Biggs slides back into the corner, waiting for Lex turn around, and as he does, Biggs runs in and connects with the Impact Crater! He presses his back to Lex’s chest, 1…2…KICKOUT!

Lex catches him in a Crucifix for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Biggs just barely squirms out!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! Lex Collins almost caught Biggs by surprise there!

CHARLES LEWIS: And after an Impact Crater no less!

Collins will not be denied, desperate to win the Emerald City Classic and continue his win streak here in Mainstream! Biggs looks visibly frustrated as he grabs one of Lex's arms, pulling him to his feet. He looks for a pump handle slam, but Collins breaks free from his clutches. He drives the former US Champion back with a few stiff chops before connecting with a vicious European uppercut. Following up before the momentum is lost, Collins connects with the springboard kee – SYSTEMATIC BREAKDOWN 2.0 CONNECTS! Biggs is down and Lex Collins goes for the win 1…2…NEARFALL!

Now it's Lex's time to be denied as Biggs gets the shoulder up with authority! Lex is slow to get to a vertical base. He grabs a handful of Biggs's hair, dragging him up and into a wrenching full nelson choke. However, Collins isn't looking for the submission win; he's stalling to collect himself. Biggs reverses the position, wraps his arms around Collins's waist, pops his hips, and throws Collins on his head with a backdrop driver, hooking a leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: This match is going on forever!

CHARLES HUDSON: This is a classic, Lou! Listen to that crowd!

Biggs has had enough. He grabs Collins, looking to send him to the ropes but Collins drives an elbow into his guts and breaks away. He peppers Biggs with some rabbit punches and jabs, creating some space – TELEGRAPHED BRICKS MISSES THE MARK BUT IT WAS A FEINT! Collins sidesteps and Biggs is heated as he gets up, and he rushes in for a Rising Knee Strike that lands flush on the chin of Lex! As Lex is dazed, Biggs pulls him up and gets behind him for a Backstabber, kicking him up and over and flipping back into the Bully Choke! Lex is fighting with all his might, but his face is purple, his eyes practically bulging out of his head! His body goes limp once more, and the ref gets a hold of his wrist, lifting it up and releasing it. The arm drops.

…1!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Can Lex Collins stay in this one!?

The fans are on their feet, chanting “LEX! LEX! LEX!” trying to will him on as the ref raises his arm again, letting go and watching it fall to the mat once more.

…2!

CHARLES LEWIS: This could be it!

Biggs digs his heels into the mat, increasing the torque on the hold as the ref gets a hold of Lex’s wrist one last time, raising it up and letting it go. Lex’s arm hits the mat.

…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by way of total knock out and advancing to the Finale of the Emerald City Classic…’the Spaceman’—BIGGS!

The fans rain down boos on “The Spaceman” as he immediately releases the hold and sits there, rolling Lex over onto his back and giving him a couple of light smacks to try and bring him to. The ref goes to raise Biggs’ arm in victory, but Biggs waves him off, as Lex slowly begins to regain consciousness. Hearing “Leather Teeth” blaring over the speakers clues Lex off to the fact that Biggs won the match, and he slams his fist into the mat with frustration. Biggs can be seen mouthing to him, “You fought hard man! No shame! No shame!”

MCKAYLA LEWIS: As much as I hate to say this, Biggs is right that Lex Collins has nothing to be ashamed of with his performance tonight! This match was just as evenly contested and hard hitting as their match for the United States Championship a few weeks back!

CHARLES HUDSON: Yeah, but at what cost!? Both Biggs and Lex Collins came into tonight saying that a member of The Smokin’ Aces would win the Emerald City Classic, but with the way they kicked each other’s asses, does Biggs have enough time to recover before his match with either Robert Zodiac or Cartier in the Finals!?

By this point, Bobby Larson and Blake O’Reilly are in the ring, Bobby helping Biggs up and Blake assisting Lex. Once they’re at their feet, Lex grabs a hold of Biggs’ arm and raises it high in the air, telling him, “Go win this whole thing!” Biggs nods in acknowledgement and gives Lex the bro hug of bro hugs as Mainstream heads to a commercial break.

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Camera shot is shaky at first as only a voice can be heard.

VOICE: Are YOU dense??

We see the Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Emma Douglas has gotten herself a hold of a camera and is speaking directly into it, guerrilla style, just took it, damn the repercussions. Maybe Sage Lowry is on the other side of the camera, possibly? Moving on, Emma just shakes her head, obviously frustrated.

EMMA DOUGLAS: Kevin Bombay. Did you hear me? Are you dense or just plain ignorant? You aren't Robb Daniels, so I can't ask if you've been dropped on your head one too many times, but you think going against MY wishes is smart?

She lets out an audible sigh.

EMMA DOUGLAS: You are in MY reign and we aren't going to do things like you have in the past. This isn't "I sit back and wait for you to line up my contenders for me" like so many champions of the past have. No, this is "I'm taking the fight to THEM, whether they are ready for it or not". And if you think you can do what YOU want, oh buddy, you are sorely mistaken. So this is what's going to happen.

Emma clears her throat and smiles a bit smug like.

EMMA DOUGLAS: Because you chose to do business poorly. Because you chose to defy me, Kevin Bombay. Bryan Ford's blood will be on YOUR hands. I'm going to tear him apart. I'm going to make him question his career path even more so than when he came up just short against Chris Madison, make him real familiar with that legacy of his. I'm going to be brutal. I'm going to be be ultra violent. Just because Bryan Ford isn't Billy Danielson. Because you thought you could control MY destiny.

She shakes her head again, just pacing a bit.

EMMA DOUGLAS: So Billy boy gets a reprieve. He gets to reconsider his own life choices before I put him out of HIS misery. Just a little bit longer before I allow his ass to retire. Not before. But when. Maybe he'll get that one last ride off into the sunset? Sounds nice, right?

Emma scoffs.

EMMA DOUGLAS: But I wouldn't count on it. Billy, your story won't be getting a happy ending.  And you know what?  Neither will Bryan's.  Bryan Ford is going to be made an example of, just like Mark Storm was. He isn't the hero you thought we needed, neither is Ford. These men are all going to be found lacking and my reign will continue. And then, maybe, Bombay, you'll understand how things are going to work during my time at the top. Because if you don't...

She rolls her shoulders.

EMMA DOUGLAS: I'm not sure you're going to have much of a roster left by the time I'm through.

She lets out an evil little laugh, pushes the camera aside and walks off, letting the camera focus on the ceiling before it fades to black.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Bryan Ford is seen preparing for bud title shot as he gets himself pumped.

BRYAN FORD: Emma... you found yourself becoming World Champion...I wont deny beating Chris Madison is no easy task... in fact I applaud you. But unfortunately for you, I haven't forgotten what You did to me awhile back...

“Your reign as Champion was destined for sure...but what else is destined is the ‘Innovator of Greatness’ taking that title away fron you. My time is now. Emma I'm going to enjoy putting hands on you. And walking out with what will be MY Championship.”

“Get ready Emma ima WHOOP. THAT. ASS!”