MAINSTREAM 97 - SEATTLE - 12/4/2022

[Robert Daniels]

Battleground Network Presents

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING 97
SUNDAY - 12/4/2022
CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING IS LIVE FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON AND WE’RE INSIDE THE CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA FOR MAINSTREAM 97!

"The Queen is Dead."

"Long Live the Queen."

In a long hallway, dozens of black muscular men line the walls wearing nothing but loincloths and standing with their hands clasped in front of them.

The men stare straight ahead, their oiled bare torsos nearly identical to one another. All bald headed. All the same height. All the same dark skin tone.

At the far end of the hallway, such larger black man stands next to a throne. The Freight Train himself, standing stoically with a gilded oversized pal frond in his hands.

The throne is immaculate. The seat itself is several feet off the ground. The entire thing is solid gold, polished to gleaming perfection. Gems adorn the edges from top to bottom.

And of course, sitting in the throne itself is the new Queen of Mainstream herself. Destiny's Diamond, Cartier.

Her girls are nearby as well. Sitting on the opposite side of her throne from Train, Aria Price, Nefertiti Jackson, and Bianca Reed. They are reclining and relaxing on a pure white chaise lounge, barefoot in sheer silk togas, eating berries and drinking wine.

Finally, after the lingering camera shot has finally made its way fully down the corridor and tightened on the throne and its occupant, Freight Train uses one hand to pull back the extra long golden veil that is cascaded over the head and upper body of Cartier.

Once the veils is moved away, Cartier smiles and takes an inhalation from the large hookah set between her throne and her friends' bench. The gold chains linked from her ears to her nostrils jingle as she exhales, and then she begins to speak.

CARTIER: I want to say a word about the legacy of a monarchy. Right now, the world has been absorbed with the pageantry and the spectacle of the British Royals. The death of Queen Elizabeth. The ascension of her oldest son, Charles, to the thousand year old throne. Even before this year, all eyes were on the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I watched it myself. I cheered internally for sis. I was thrilled to see a woman with dark skin getting that Cinderella treatment. To witness the largest and longest lasting empire of planet Earth, the poster child for colonization and oppression, bring a woman of color into their fold was a once in a lifetime occurrence. I was hypnotized by it. A crown is more than just jewelry. It's more than just an heirloom passed down from generation to generation. It has a meaning and a history and a legacy, one that transcends the centuries. The jewels locked in London Towergo back to the times of the middle ages. The blood in the veins of King Charles is that same blood that beat through the heart of King Henry VIII. It's more than a family tree… it's history itself. And now, in Mainstream, so am I.

Cartier motions for Train, who stops fanning her with the palm frond and reaches behind the throne.

Train pulls an exorbitant crown from behind the throne. Massive and bejeweled, the crown looks as though it could weigh twenty pounds.

CARTIER: This is my coronation, Mainstream. I ascended to my throne the moment I walked in your doors… but today? Today you are going to recognize my place at the very top of the food chain in Mainstream. Last year, when Emma Douglas won the crown at the five year show, she ended up rising to the Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship. She's the number one target in this company, and it started by being crowned. Now, Queen Emma is gone. You can kiss the ring of Queen Cartier instead… and by this time next year? You can call me the Mainstream Champion as well. My legacy knows no other direction than up. All I do is rise. I rose to the top of the ladder in the Chase for the Crown, and I will rise to the top of the ladder in Mainstream next. And someday, my life will be in stained glass windows. I transcend. I am the crown. I am Mainstream. Now… do the honors, Train.

Cartier closes her eyes and leans back a tad as Freight Train lowers the heavy crown onto her head.

She waits a moment and then takes a deep breath before opening her eyes once more.

CARTIER: This is the dawn of a new era in Mainstream. The reign of Cartier I, the Black Queen. All hail.

The show fades to Commercial Break.

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for joining us here at Mainstream Wrestling 97! Our champions retained at the Six Year Anniversary but also Cartier won the Chase for the Crown Ladder Match!

CHARLES HUDSON: Hood Ratchet is now the royal family of Mainstream Wrestling and Cartier is our Queen!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: I’ve received word that “Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is standing by backstage!

BACKSTAGE…
Tiffany Lynn Page is in her dressing room preparing for her match against RM Tapp.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: I have thus far have had my ups and downs in Mainstream Wrestling but the depth of talent I have stepped into the ring with has been nothing less than stellar. That continues tonight when I step into the ring with the moniker of…

Tiffany holds up a piece of paper and unfolds the paper. The bottom of this long paper smacks the floor as Tiffany looks at the paper.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: Tapp Addams, Tapp, Tapp Wrestling, Mr. Wrestling, Mr. Wrestling4K…

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I really hate to do this but we have to take a Network mandated commercial break. We’ll be right back after this message…

---

---

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I do apologize for the interruption of the broadcast but as you can see Tiffany is still going…

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: …the Symbol, the Palladium Cardinal, and Tapson Peace & Love.

Tiffany takes a deep breath.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: That is a lot. Mighty impressive list of nicknames you got there, Tapp. I can appreciate that. I get it. You love to talk and talk about yourself so why not give yourself countless monikers. When You are a multi time World Heavyweight Champion I suppose you can do that. I’m getting a very Prince meets Stu Hart vibe from you, Tapp. Someone who is eccentric but can stretch anybody he wants.

Tiffany sits back and smiles devilishly.

TIFFANY LYNN PAGE: We both want to win for the sake of winning. It feeds our very healthy egos. But the difference between you and I is that I have yet to fully prove myself as Mainstream Wrestling’s upper echelon. Someone like you is already there and it is well deserved but can you truly say that you will go to the lengths that I will to get there? I don’t think you will. I’d suggest in the midst of your talking about yourself is to keep your head on a swivel. Better yet…don’t.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
RM Tapp is seen walking in the back hallway towards the stage for his match but he suddenly stops. Julianna DiMaria walks into the frame.

JULIANNA DIMARIA: Good Luck in your match out there...

RM TAPP: I never thought I would ever see you back here of all places.

JULIANNA DIMARIA: Honestly, I didn't either but Robert Daniels can be very convincing and money talks.

Tapp scoffs.

RM TAPP: Congratulations on the Hall of Fame nod but I have to get going, my match is up next...

JULIANNA DIMARIA: You know we had our differences in NVR. And I've never really saw eye to eye with you but this is Mainstream Wrestling. I know you signed here on your own merit, and done your thing while I was gone but this will always be my house.

RM TAPP: You were gone for a long time Julianna and a lot has changed since then--maybe we'll have to get in the ring and find out just exactly who runs this place now?

JULIANNA DIMARIA: Sometimes our fate is sealed before we even know it. But with that said maybe you are correct. Maybe we will have to get in there and find out just who belongs here because if one things for sure. This place--just like NVR will never be for both of us to co-exist...Good Luck Tapp.

DiMaria exits the frame as RM Rapp looks over his shoulder as the show fades to commercial break.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ RM TAPP ★★★
vs
★★★ TIFFANY LYNN PAGE ★★★

The bell rings and this match is now underway! Tiffany Lynn Page and RM Tapp are in the middle of the ring standing face to face. Tiffany pokes Tapp in the eyes. Tapp looks to cover his face squinting both eyes in a natural response allow Tiffany the opportunity to roll him up with a school boy for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Tiffany Lynn Page steps back with a smile on her face planning her next move. She looks around the ring then climbs up to the top rope as Tapp is staggering up to his feet. As Tapp stands up Tiffany leaps off and executes a perfect sunset flip while holding on tightly for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Another two count to start this one off early on. RM Tapp with an angry look across his face rolls over to a single knee with only one eye open. She rushes at him and he cleanly executes an arm drag, dropping down and immediately locking in a hammerlock. He transition into a chicken wing Camel Clutch combo, but Tiffany Lynn Page makes it to the ropes forcing a break! Tapp releases the hold, and opts for a few stomps to her lower back and shoulder blade before snatching her arm up for a wrist lock knee strike then follows with a hook of the leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Tapp sits up before pushing himself up off the mat. He doesn’t go after Tiffany Lynn but instead positions himself between her and the official. With the officials vision obstructed, Tapp pokes Tiffany in the eye returning the favor, then whips her into the ropes. Off the rebound Tapp hits a clothesline, and instead of covering, he picks her up by the hair, spins her around and plants her with his Proximal Humerus Fracture. He then scrambles to his feet, jumps into the air, and comes down with a knee drop to the spine. He rolls her over for the cover of 1…2…KICKOUT!

RM Tapp becomes unhinged and looks around the ring in desperation. He undoes the bottom turnbuckle pad, and then shoves past the ref, grabbing hold of Tiffany. He drags her over to the corner as the crowd boos. He smiles at the crowds objection but sets Page up for his Tapp Drastic. He aligns himself evenly with the turnbuckle and brings down his foot connecting with the modified surfboard curb stomp combo but Tiffany pulls herself out of harms way. With his foot hitting the steel rung awkwardly it allows Tiffany to step up behind him, she goes for her patented “All Eyes on Me” onto the back of his head. Tapp crumbles to the mat and she rolls him over and makes the cover for 1…2…BREAK!

Tapp places his foot on the bottom rope! Tapp whips Tiffany across the ring and she bounces off the opposing ropes. Tapp pops Tiffany up into the air but as she is coming down she goes for “Sex in the City” Codebreaker but NO! TWFKA Tapp Addams grabs ahold of Tiffany’s leg. With a sense of urgency, she starts crawling to the ropes, getting there just as RM Tapp locks in his “Achilles REAL” stretch muffler with head kicks. Tapp begins driving the sole of his boot down onto Tiffany Lynn’s head.

…1!
…2!
…3!
…4!

RM Tapp is forced to let her go as the official reaches the count of four. Tapp falls over to the side, leaning on the ropes to support himself, and runs his fingers through his hair while staring at Tiffany Lynn Page. The crowd boos heavily and Tapp stares looks on with a blank expression on his face. He then walks over to Tiffany rolling her over and setting her up in a modified surfboard for a “Tapp Drastic Finisher”. The crowd boos louder until Page finally gives up!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by way of submission is...RM--TAPP!

CHARLES HUDSON:  We've seen an inspired RM Tapp here tonight! After what was said prior to the match backstage he knew that everyone was watching.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Julianna DiMaria was either going to get under his skin enough to make his blood boil or deflate his ego. Looks like she added some fuel to his burning fire.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Tiffany Lynn Page is in a slump. She is not finishing out this calendar year on a strong note.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I have just received word that in two weeks RM Tapp will go one on one with Julianna DiMaria at Mainstream 97! This is huge news given there long history dating back to their time in NVR Wrestling. When we return we'll have more Mainstream Wrestling.

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

A video pops up on the video screen, obviously filmed on a cell phone in portrait mode, with the tell-tale black bars on either side of the film. It shows the view from atop the Great Wall of China, scanning the surrounding countryside a bit before turning back towards the walkway of the wall itself. The camera briefly focuses on Biggs’ wife, Chelsea, peering off the wall, as she holds onto a small child, wrapped up and bundled up for the mid-40 degrees Farenheit weather. The child’s face is not visible, though it is wriggling quite a bit. The camera then flips to selfie mode, showing Biggs clad in a navy blue windbreaker and a Seattle Mariners ball cap.

BIGGS: It’s just breathtaking, isn’t it? Ladies and gentlemen, Mainstream fans, I do apologize that I was unable to be there tonight. I know some of you will view that as a positive, but I truly regret disappointing any fans in attendance who were excited to see me. I will be back stateside for Mainstream 98. That being said, my wife Chelsea and I are having a once-in-a-lifetime experience here in China, and that is all thanks to our new baby girl Meiying. Her name means “beautiful flower,” and let me tell you, she is just that! She’s just over a year old, and a little ball of energy! Chelsea and I have made the decision that we will not be showing her on video or posting any photos to social media at this time, though we may revisit this policy when she’s older. I cannot thank Mainstream Management enough for allowing me to take this time off to meet and bond with our baby girl, and I have never been happier!

“This is the single biggest change in my life, and it’s been a whirlwind, but the good kind. It has also put a more clear picture on where I need to be headed with my career. Simply put, for the benefit of my family and my health, I must move on from AJ Knight. While we are in a combat sport and always hurt, AJ Knight’s actions at the Six Year Anniversary Show were reprehensible and jeopardized my trip to China. While it went against the principles of what the Smokin’ Aces stand for, I am grateful to my friend Bobby Larson for interfering when he did and saving me from a Knightfall DDT when I was by all rights already knocked out cold.

Furthermore, I do not like the person I become when I’m in the ring with AJ Knight. My disdain, and if I’m being honest with myself, my pure hatred of AJ Knight led me to make the unfortunate decision to attack him while he was being checked by the doctors. It was unsportsmanlike of me, and I am truly sorry for my actions.

Taking both of these factors into account, I will not be seeking a third match with AJ Knight, nor will I be accepting a rematch with him should Mainstream Wrestling management ask me to fight him. Not only do I need to be a better example for Meiying, but I actually need to be able to be there for Meiying. I feel that things have escalated too far between AJ Knight and myself to guarantee either one of us not attempting to permanently injure the other should we meet again. Professional wrestling is a sport, not a hit-job, and just as I do not wish to end AJ Knight’s career or have his blood on my hands, I don’t want my blood on his hands either. I’m man enough to admit that you had me beat at the Six-Year Anniversary Show, so let's move on with our lives.”

Biggs pauses for a moment and looks towards the direction of where his wife and child are before facing back to the camera and continuing to speak.

BIGGS: With all that said, the irony is not lost on me that moving on means stepping up and taking my shot at Emma Douglas for the Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion. Since she defeated Chris Madison on July 3rd, she has been an absolute force of nature, utterly destroying anyone and everyone who has stepped up to her. I attribute the fact that she only has four title defenses to date to the fact that quite frankly, a lot of people are afraid to step up to her. I won’t claim to know Emma all that well, as we’ve never really interacted. Needless to say, we’re not on each other’s Christmas Card lists, yet there’s no personal animosity on my part towards her. I won’t speak for her, as I know I have been on her radar since winning the Emerald City Classic, but it is my intent to challenge Emma Douglas for the Mainstream World Heavyweight Championship at Mainstream 100! Emma, I respect your reputation as a stone cold killer, I respect what you are able to do in the ring. But I will beat you, and I will be the next Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion!

Of course, this all changes if my boy Bobby can best you! I have all the confidence in the world in Bobby, he knows that I love him like a son. He has been training for this moment ever since I met him, and while it's safe to say that he still isn't at his prime, I know he'll give Emma everything he's got! Bobby, I'm proud of you for earning the title match, and it would be an absolute honor to wrestle you at Mainstream 100. I just know that you're going to have to have the match of your life, but I know you are capable of pulling off the upset!

That being said, Emma, I know you well enough to know that you're going to try to harm my boy to send a message to me. I fully expect to see that on the tape when I'm back stateside. I said earlier that I have no sort of animosity towards you in the slightest, but that changes the moment you take liberties with my star student. So wrestle the match that you need to in order to defend your championship, but don't you dare take things too far. Because doing so will awaken a righteous rage inside me the likes of which Mainstream Wrestling has never seen, and you will face the direst of consequences at my hand if you even dare try to put Bobby on the shelf! Professional Wrestling is a combat sport, the key word being sport. Don't try and kill my boy. 

The video comes to an end and the camera switches to the announce table.

CHARLES HUDSON: HOLY SMOKES, LOU! Biggs has called his shot, and will wrestle the winner of Emma Douglas and Bobby Larson!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: He had some ominous words for Emma Douglas at the end there, but honestly, I don't think that she will care. If there's one thing Emma has shown during her reign as Mainstream World Heavyweight Champion it is that the word mercy is nowhere in her vocabulary.

CHARLES HUDSON: I wouldn’t be surprised if twenty some-odd years from now, Meiying was wrestling for the Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship herself!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, Charles!

---

JANUARY 2023

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Julianna DiMaria is seen in deep thought. Probably about her Hall of Fame induction, the way the ladder match went for her and the match that is coming up. Needless to say, she is not in a happy mood at all. The vibe is completely different with her not following the ladder match, but also from the last time she was a part of the Mainstream Wrestling roster. She seethes in her anger for a bit before she begins to express her thoughts.

JULIANNA DIMARIA: You know, it’s pretty damn funny, if not outright sad that officially, the last two matches that I’ve had here haven’t gone the way they were supposed to. I’m not going to beat my last match in my first run to death anymore because at this point, there’s nothing I can do to change that. But the one that I just had? That was SUPPOSED to be my moment. That was SUPPOSED to be THE moment where I announced myself as being back. The way the script was supposed to go was that I was to win that match and regain the title that I should’ve never lost to begin with. But no, someone else had to fluke their way to it. To me, that ladder match is a completely unacceptable result. When you won the Pinnacle Battle royal like I did back in 2021, you KNOW what you’re capable of. But alas, someone else gets a title shot that should be mine and here’s a spoiler: either they fluke their way to victory again and actually win the world title only for them to lose it to me in the end or they just straight up lose when they get their shot.

Julianna rolls her eyes, showing that she is far from happy or even impressed.

JULIANNA DIMARIA: So now, I’ve got this match coming up tonight against… Mark Storm. Okay, who? Why does his name sound familiar? I swear, I’ve seen this guy somewhere before. Oh right, I’ve seen him in some other companies a time or two and more often than not, he’s on the wrong end of things. What are you even about, Mark Storm? Huh? You’re talking about being… what’s that silly little nickname that you have going on? Remind me… oh right… “your hero and mine”...

“What the HELL does that even mean? I’ve heard some really shoddy, horrible nicknames in my time in this business, but “your hero and mine” has to be the absolute worst. You’re definitely not my hero, you glorified vanilla scone. So does the worst nickname in the history of professional wrestling happen to think that he’s his own hero too? I seriously don’t get it. It’s literally the stupidest phrase I’ve ever heard. But, I SUPPOSE you’ve got the talent to be on this roster so that counts for something. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, you haven’t done a damn thing in MAINSTREAM that outright impresses me. You seem to be a guy that just seems to go through the motions thinking that with all the hard work and dedication, all of his precious dreams are going to come through.”

“What the hell ever! I went through that phase once. Hell, I will even admit that toward the end of my world title run, I was even going through those same motions for a bit and look what that got me. I’ve been saying since I’ve come back that I wasn’t going to let my story in Mainstream Wrestling end the way it originally did. I’m rewriting the whole damn book here, Mark. There’s no way I am going to let you walk into MY damn company, walk into my damn house and “Echo Layne” me because literally, that’s the only way you can even win this thing. You want to run around and play ‘hero’? Sorry, but the truth is, in this business? Those with the hero complex like you have more often than not end up being victims in the end. You focus so much on ‘doing good’ that you forget that this business is about getting to the top and doing whatever the hell you have to do to get there. Tonight, Mark Storm? You’re the first step on my path back to the top. You’re the example that I’m going to make one out of because these people in this company need to remember who the one true, dominant woman is around here. Emma Douglas? Placeholder. Cartier? Fluke. Skye Healy? She’s already peaked. And then you have ME, Storm! You won’t be able to handle me. But don’t worry, you’re not the first man that couldn’t…”

Julianna scoffs before she exits the scene, still angry yet fully confident that she’s going to accomplish exactly what she’s setting out to do.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ JULIANNA DIMARIA ★★★
vs
★★★ MARK STORM ★★★

The bell rings and this match is now underway! Mark Storm and Julianna DiMaria both circle the ring scouting one another. DiMaria looks for the collar and elbow tie up but Mark Storm simply kicks her in the stomach to start this one off catching her by surprise. Storm picks up Julianna and tries to give her a suplex, but Julianna lands right on her feet behind him. Storm turns around and Julianna nails him with a side kick right to the temple. Storm staggers down to a knee and then Julianna follows up with a running knee to the chest. Storm looks uncomfortable as he falls down to the mat and Julianna is relishing in his pain.

She gives him a few stomps before he gets back up. Julianna knees him in the gut, bringing him down to a knee again. Julianna rears back and nails him with a double knee to the chest. Again, Storm goes down to the mat but the Hall of Fame member is far from satisfied. Julianna turns him over and doesn’t cover. Instead she steps through the apron. She then uses the apron and the top rope to somersault herself back into the ring, nailing Storm across the throat with a somersault leg drop. Julianna rolls away while Storm rolls on his stomach. He begins to crawl toward the corner and Julianna runs up to him and gives him a running punt to the chest. She finally drops down to turn him over and cover for the 1…2…KICKOUT!

Julianna DiMaria is the first to her feet but not far behind her is Mark Storm. In fact he comes back to try to nail her with a clothesline, but Julianna counters with an arm drag and then stays on him with a cross face submission. Storm is struggling with the move as he drags himself to the bottom rope. He’s able to grab it. Julianna isn’t happy about this as the referee starts a five count. Julianna reluctantly lets go at four and then drags Storm back to the center of the ring. She locks in a cross arm breaker on the left arm.

She says “you’re no hero” at him, completely mocking him. Storm is able to use his free arm to drag himself close to the bottom rope. He’s able to grab it and Julianna lets go. She lets out her frustration as she pounces on him and then continues to stomp his left arm. Storm is able to tough it out and get to a vertical base using the ropes. Julianna drags him back to the center of the ring and nails him with a double knee arm breaker. Storm rolls away holding his left arm while wincing. Julianna enjoys his suffering while she drops down and hooks the leg for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Julianna is using the ropes to get back to her feet when Storm comes back toward her. She instinctively elbows him right in the face before she pulls the rope down and dumps him over and out onto the floor. Julianna then climbs to the top rope, leaps and takes a rising Storm down with a diving cross body. Julianna fires away with some right hands as she gets him up and rolls him back into the ring. Julianna climbs back to the top rope and then waits for Storm to get back to a vertical base.

Once he does so, Julianna leaps off of the top rope again and this time, she takes him down with a seated senton. She doesn’t go for the cover at this point as she stands up. Storm is up himself and Julianna kicks him in the gut and throws him shoulder first into the corner. Julianna steps through the ropes and she springboards into a sunset flip that takes down Storm again. Storm looks like he’s dazed and confused as Julianna runs to the ropes, springboards off of them and then connects with a springboard moonsault right into a cover 1…2…KICKOUT!

Moments later Mark Storm watches as Julianna DiMaria gets up near the corner. Julianna is able to stand but Storm kips up fast and runs at her with a splash. Julianna though, moves out of the way and Storm eats nothing but turnbuckle. Julianna leaps on him and manages to lock in a dragon sleeper. Storm struggles to breathe, but he is able to get to the ropes to grab them. Julianna breaks the hold, but then gives him an arm drag into a cross arm breaker. Storm winces in pain having taken some damage to the arm already. He drags himself over and grabs the bottom rope. Julianna reluctantly breaks that hold as well but not before stepping through the ropes and delivering a somersault knee drop from the apron right onto the arm she’s been targeting. Storm holds the arm as he rolls away.

Julianna doesn’t care as she gets him to his knees and gives him another arm breaker. Storm again tries to roll away but Julianna keeps stomping at the arm over and over again. Storm gets to his knees and then Julianna rears back, coming back with a running knee lift right in the chops that takes him straight down to the mat. Julianna looks for the cover but inside cradle by Storm for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Storm waits for Julianna to get back to her feet. Once she does, he grabs her and tries to make a move, but she elbows him in the face, then reverse kicks him in the gut and plants him with a running bulldog. Julianna starts to get mad as she turns him over. She doesn’t cover him, but she drapes Storm’s arm over his own chest before she stands above him and then delivers a standing double knee moonsault right in the arm.

Storm again writhes in pain as Julianna then grabs him and pulls him back up. She wraps his arms around his throat and nails him with a straight jacket neck breaker slam, again targeting the arm. Julianna drags him to the corner and then steps back. She runs up to the corner and nails him with a reverse corner slingshot splash right in the arm and chest. Julianna steps back as Storm slowly gets up grabbing his arm. Julianna runs up to him and nails him with an arm drag right into the Mercedes Bends! Julianna bridges over to complete the bridging Fujiwara arm bar and Storm is in the center of the ring. Julianna pulls back some more. Mark doesn’t move much and at this point, he has no choice but to submit!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by way of submission...JULIANNA--DIMARIA!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Your Hero and Mine? Absent Minded and perhaps he ever bit off more than he could chew this time with the former World Heavyweight Champion.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Julianna DiMaria defeats Mark Storm here tonight putting him in the rear view meanwhile she's on a collision course for Mainstream 97!

CHARLES HUDSON:  You said it best Lou. NVR Wrestling produced two of the biggest future signees of Mainstream Wrestling in Julianna DiMaria and RM Tapp. These two rivals will face off for bragging rights.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I can't wait both failed to win the Chase for the Crown but both had something more to prove here tonight with their victories.

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

EARLIER TODAY...
The parking structure's a block and a half from the arena, silent and mostly deserted. Sunlight can be seen shining down the ramp in the distance but the midnight blue vintage El Camino is parked a few feet away, all alone in the row other than the support pillars. Lex Collins leans against the front corner panel, arms folded across the threadbare Suicidal Tendencies tee he's got on under that unzipped black hoodie.

LEX COLLINS: Got a little fired up last show, ran my mouth a little. Said I wanted a bigger challenge, something more to sink my teeth into than a ladder match for a prize I wasn't interested in. Ain't never been vain enough to try for coronation… for deification or any of that nonsense. This day an' age, that kinda stance makes me the odd one out, but I digress.

A ghost of a smile crosses his lips.

LEX COLLINS: Hello again, old friend. I mean, at this point I feel like I can go there. We're on a first name basis. Intimately acquainted.

He drops a cheeky wink.

LEX COLLINS: I know I've already been disappointing by comparison. No words flung around on social media. No bs posturing. I wanna be clear, on the level when I say I don't wanna do you – or the fans by extension – dirty here. You deserve 100% of my focus. You deserve an opponent who's not chasing clout on the platform that's been mostly broken since ol' Muskrat took charge. Tonight, we're gonna light this place up. We're gonna set the bar for this coming season so high that when they go back in a year's time, they're still gonna be singing our praises. And hey, that ain't no diss on my brother Biggs. He conducts his business how he sees fit – I'd never deign to take that away from him. I just…

He trails off and that awkward silence spills out as Collins looks away from the camera for a few moments.

LEX COLLINS: Three successful defenses. Four worthy opponents. No pressure, right?

Sniffing, he shifts that steely gaze back to the camera.

LEX COLLINS: The torch got passed from a guy I definitely consider the best damn wrestler in the company. Last thing I'm gonna do is stumble, fall. Drop it. Let the fire go out – that ain't never gonna be something I'm comfortable even entertaining the thought of. I know Biggs'll be watching. I know I'm ripe for the picking, teetering on the edge of the pedestal and ready for the fall. I know that everyone loves to take a pound outta my flesh… you know most days I'm keen to just let 'em.

His shoulders rise and fall in a dismissive shrug as his hand steals up to his face, fingers rasping over the few days worth of stubble that cover his cheeks. A sigh escapes his lips as he tilts his head back.

LEX COLLINS: I know I'm walking dead, livin' on borrowed time. Just waiting for that last shot that's going to finish me off. Who's it gonna be? Who's going to put me outta my misery? Is it gonna be you? We gonna pick up where you left off with Biggs? Keep the beef with the rest of the members of Smokin' Aces until we all got to beat you from pillar to post an' back again?

He falls silent again, looking into the distance as though listening really hard to some inner voice.

LEX COLLINS: The thing is, I'm not runnin' scared here. I've accepted my own defeat a thousand times over. Every night I dream up new and creative ways for the world to screw me and every day I wake up and the sun shines, it's all gravy, man. I'm pretty intimate with the terms of my own demise.

Those dark eyes slide back to the camera, narrowed and intense.

LEX COLLINS: Left off the card for 95. Shoved into a match they all knew I wasn't gonna perform at my best in for 96. You better believe I'm gonna make this one count. Means everything to be standin' here right now, to be competing against the best of the best in this business?

He stuffs his hands deep in his hoodie's pockets. His expression shifts to one of anger mixed with fierce determination as he says nothing once more. After another awkward pause, he shakes his head, rousing himself from his reverie.

LEX COLLINS: See, I keep a running tally. Every slight. Every rotten thing guys like you try and pull. I might not be mashing keys day and night, but you best believe I've been watching like a fly on the wall, taking it all in. I watch. I wait. I don't forget. Seldom forgive. Leave that for the guys who give a rip what other people think. I'm not in this for likes, to win friends and influence people. I just wanna fight for the right reasons… for a good cause.

He turns to go before stopping, turning back with a rueful smirk on his lips.

LEX COLLINS: I guess what I'm trying to say is pretty simple: tonight means more than just you putting another hashmark on the wall against Biggs and company. Means more'n another defense for me. More than business. Doesn't have to be personal unless you cross that line – just be forewarned. The moment you do, there's no goin' back. Not with a guy like me.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Returning from the commercial break we are shown Mainstream Wrestling World Tag Team Champions Team Madness standing by.

ECHO LAYNE: Nefertiti Jackson? You're cordially invited to step into my PLAYGROUND tonight. It's really really fun. It's exciting and I can guarantee satisfaction and a good freaking time.

Echo giggled.

ECHO LAYNE: Nefertiti? I've been watching you, you've been doing amazing things around here. However, you've never been inside the ring with someone like me.

Echo and Alexandria laughed.

ECHO LAYNE: We've been on a roll lately, and you're nothing more than a roadblock? And all roadblocks must come to an end.

ALEXANDRIA MONROE: The Valkyr? Pay close attention. Watch Echo destroy this bitch, watch TEAM MADNESS prevail and come out on top LIKE WE ALWAYS do. Because we are the best, we are the tag team specialists and the only team that matters here.

Echo and Alex hold the tag titles up and hit them together and did a few crazy poses.

ECHO LAYNE: Embrace The Madness!

Echo and Alex kick the camera over before the skip off.

[Robert Daniels]

SINGLES MATCH

★★★ ECHO LAYNE ★★★
[with ALEXANDRIA MONROE]
vs
★★★ NEFERTITI JACKSON ★★★
[with BIANCA REED]

The bell rings and this match is now underway! Nefertiti Jackson gets a little separation following a failed collar and elbow tie up with Echo Layne. Echo looks to apply a standing front face lock, but gets lifted off her feet and tossed into a corner. Nefertiti chases her in with a running clothesline, but Echo gets her feet up into Jackson’s face!

Echo Layne takes advantage with a double foot stomp dropkick to the chest and goes for a quick cover of 1… 2…but Nefertiti kicks out! Nefertiti begins to rise, groggy but still focused. As she gets to her feet, Echo Layne leaps up in front of her, raising up both her knees looking for her "Echo Effect" Codebreaker but Nefertiti Jackson blocks it. Echo falls on her back and quickly Nefertiti leaps up over her, coming down knee first to her face! Echo grabs at her face as she rolls away. Nefertiti big eyed almost has regret as Echo removes her hands from her mouth and shows that her lip is busted open!

Nefertiti seems sympathetic as he hurries to her to check on her but as he reaches down to her, Echo pulls her in and locks in a Triangle Choke! Nefertiti is locked in, hands and arms scrambling to find the ropes or proper placement to defend. Using her strength over her, Nefertiti drags Echo to the ropes so he can get a clean break. The referee pushes her arms to break the hold and she does before sliding out of the ring. Now Nefertiti looks irritated. Echo smiling up at her from ringside, blood has trickled down over the bottom of her lip and onto her chin. She makes her way to the steel stairs and casually walks up them and gets onto the ring apron. Nefertiti waves her in and gives her space to get in.

As Echo enters the ring, Nefertiti snaps at her with a super kick but Echo drops down and sweeps her standing leg. Nefertiti falls back becoming unbalanced but shoots a left kick up that catches Echo to the face. Moments later both get to their feet and charge one another. Nefertiti hugs Echo and snaps her up, launching her overhead with a Belly To Belly! Echo slams into the canvas but slides positioning herself on a knee. She springs to her feet as Nefertiti comes at her. She leaps and spins with a Wheel Kick, Nefertiti steps out of the target zone. She hits the canvas but like her personality, she pops back up and runs into an Arm Drag by Nefertiti Jackson.

Again, she pops up and runs into another Arm Drag. She pops up for a third time and as Nefertiti hooks the arm for another Arm Drag, Echo lays into her with an open palm slap to Nefertiti's chest! Echo drives a knee into her midsection before grabbing her head and spinning her for a twisting neck breaker then makes the cover 1…2…KICKOUT!

Despite the kick out Echo maintains control and begins drilling Nefertiti with short punches and side elbows. He bucks her and shoves her away as he stumbles to her feet. She comes up fast behind her as she stands and she leaps up and latches onto Nefertiti's back, applying a Rear Naked Choke. Nefertiti keeping her feet under her reaches back to try and pluck her from her back. She was wrapped around her head and neck like a belt and as she could feel the life draining from her, he lunges forward and spikes Echo into canvas head first.

Nefertiti was amazed at how she wouldn't stay down and as she pushed back to her feet, she pulled her head in and look for a suplex but Echo wiggles and falls back to her feet, pulling Nefertiti into a huge DDT and she keeps it, locking in her Guillotine Choke! Nefertiti again finding herself in a submission, she puts her feet under her. Her butt is high in the air as Echo holds on as tight as she can. Lifting her off the canvas, she keeps the Guillotine but Nefertiti lifts her up by the waist and throws her back. She looses the Guillotine but lands on her feet. She tries to rush back to her but Nefertiti lowers a shoulder and Echo flops into a side roll, her right leg falling under the ropes and dangles over the edge of the apron. Nefertiti drags her into the center of the ring, drops to her knees and covers for the 1…2…KICKOUT!

Nefertiti slaps the mat in frustration. Echo is moving, fighting and hanging on to stay in the fight. Nefertiti Jackson bursts out of the corner as Echo pushes to her knee, she springs from a sprinter's stance. Nefertiti jolts in a flinch and Echo uses her pause to twist around, snatch her by her head and drop her with her "Sugar Rush" Stunner! Nefertiti stiffens and spins out before landing on the canvas. She dives from a seated position to cover her for the 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall is...ECHO--LAYNE!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Impressive win by one half of the World Tag Team Champions.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Nefertiti Jackson continues to grow and grow as a performer. Just being around her fellow Hood Ratchet stablemates adds knowledge, experience and support to her bright future.

Samantha Kinsley joins Echo Layne and Alexandria Monroe inside the ring for a post match interview.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Congratulations Echo! Huge singles victory for you tonight. But I am not out here to talk about what you did here tonight. As a matter of fact I am out here to talk about what you and your sister Alexandria have done this year. The people have spoken and Team Madness was voted the Tag Team of the Year for twenty twenty-two. Congratulations!

ALEXANDRA MONROE: Thank you so much Samantha! We really appreciate the vote of confidence and our fans for supporting us year around.

ECHO LAYNE: We are the World Tag Team Champions, the Tag Team of the Year, I got the win here tonight. Does it get any better than this?

The lights dim throughout the Climate Pledge arena as the sound of Raven can be heard. The lights come up with Willow Dorn and Reagan Marek standing on the stage applauding.

REAGAN MAREK: Congratulations. Allow me to "echo" our sentiments. You had a very good year. But all good moments become memories, records are broken and championships do change hands eventually...

WILLOW DORN: Just like Reagan said--all good things do come to an end even if it's at the hands of the Valkyr...

Total darkness once again before the lights come back up again but this time Echo Layne and Alexandria Monroe have Reagan Marek and Willow Dorn standing behind them. They turn and the two teams are nose to nose. Samantha Kinsley exits the ring.

CHARLES HUDSON:  We have a volatile situation on our hands here Lou.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I've just learned that the date is set for these two teams to face off and on New Years Day at MAINSTREAM 100: Inception IV the World Tag Team Championships will be on the line!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Samantha Kinsley is in the backstage interview area with “Blue Lightning” Bobby Larson. He’s already in his ring gear, sharp looking navy blue trunks with red and white accents and a matching ring vest. He’s amped up as Samantha begins the interview.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Tonight, Bobby, you have not only the biggest match of your career, but arguably your biggest test to date since joining the Mainstream roster when you face Emma Douglas for the Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship! Are you at all intimidated heading into your match with the Mayhem Mistress?

BOBBY LARSON: First off, I want to give a shout-out to my new baby sister Meiying, I can’t wait to meet you, sweetheart! Secondly, I want to acknowledge the fact that while I in no way feel like I have earned this title opportunity simply on the virtue of my win over Penelope on Obsidian, I will not look a gift horse in the mouth, and will do everything I can to shock the world and become the new Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion! Now Miss Kinsley, you asked me if I was intimidated by Miss Douglas, honestly, I don’t think intimidated is the right word at all! I prefer to think of it as having a healthy respect for Miss Douglas’ skill and accomplishments. You don’t get to carry the Big Gold Belt by being a punk, ya know what I’m saying?

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Absolutely…

BOBBY LARSON: So yes, I respect the fact that Emma has about a decade more experience than me. I respect the fact that she has wrestled more high stakes, big time matches than total matches I’ve even wrestled. I respect the fact that since winning the World Heavyweight Championship, hell, since she started wrestling here in Mainstream Wrestling, that Emma Douglas has been a literal wrecking ball, capable of utterly destroying anyone and everyone in her path. But she needs to respect that I have been trained and mentored by not one, but two of the absolute best wrestlers this business has ever seen in Biggs and Lex Collins. By the way, Lex, kick AJ’s ass! She also needs to respect that what I lack in experience, I make up for in being willing to grind it out day in and day out, constantly improving my craft. I may still be a work in progress, but I’m making progress each and every day! But she especially needs to respect the fact that no matter what advantages she may have, I always have that puncher’s chance where I hit that one big maneuver that puts her out for three seconds! I am not arrogant enough to think that I’m at the level of Emma Douglas. I am more than aware that I am not. But I only have to be better than her for three seconds! The right three seconds is all it will take for me to make history and become the youngest Mainstream World Heavyweight Champion and set up a date against my friend and mentor, Biggs, at Mainstream 100, baby! I’m not here to just be another win on her resume! If Emma Douglas wants to remain champ, then I guarantee that she’s going to have to earn it! If she thinks I’m going to be an easy out, then I’m just gonna have to take her out! Don’t nobody count out Momma Larson’s baby boy!

SAMATHA KINSLEY: Well good luck to you tonight, Bobby!

BOBBY LARSON: Thank you kindly, Miss Kinsley!

Bobby walks off as Kinsley turns to face the camera.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: We’ll see if Bobby Larson gets lucky later tonight in our Main Event!

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE…
Samantha Kinsley is with AJ Knight who is aggressively pacing the floor.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: AJ, obviously the Anniversary show did not turn out how you'd hoped. You scored a victory over Spaceman Biggs, but not the way you'd hoped.

AJ scratches the back of his head.

AJ KNIGHT: Yeah, and now the asshole's ducking me.  Look, Biggs you want to pussy out and not fight me again? Fine. Go ahead, but do NOT pretend you can take a moral high ground on this one! "Oh, I don't want to get hurt" Then choose a new line of work! See you're afraid to get back into the ring with me, because your ego can't take the reality of me pinning you clean. Let me tell you something: Even if you somehow dethrone Emma, even if you somehow become the new World Champion, you can't call yourself the best. You might do it still, but you'll just be what you always are. A liar. Until you can beat me, until you can say 100% you are the better man by putting my shoulders to the mat, it's going to be a hollow victory for you. Because you know that I'm just better than you.

Samantha Kinsley presses on with the interview.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Now tonight you have another opponent in the form of Lex Collins for the United States Title. 

AJ KNIGHT: Can we look at that for a second? On the last show I beat the #1 Contender for the World Title. Now in my mind that puts me at the front of the line for a WORLD title shot tonight. But instead they give to Biggs' dumbass protege who has done precisely nothing to earn such an opportunity. Just got some buzz around his name for sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. By the way kid, if Emma leaves anything of you tonight, you've got a receipt coming kiddo.

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Now what about your actual opponent tonight Lex Collins. Obviously some history given the timing of your return.

AJ shrugs

AJ KNIGHT: I think that's a mountain out of a mole hill. He's never really brought an issue with it. But since he's the only member of the Smokin' Aces willing to share the ring with me. He's the only one who actually deserves respect. And really that wasn't personal, I wanted to make an impact when I came back throught the door, and that seemed like a good pick. Lex Collins is a veteran of the sport, I'm sure he gets that. It wasn't anything to do with him. So Lex, you and I should just go out now and have a barnburner for that US Title. Let's burn it down bro!

AJ storms out of the room, all fired up!

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: And back to ringside.

[Robert Daniels]

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

★★★ LEX COLLINS (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ AJ KNIGHT ★★★

The ring of the bell halts a brief staring contest and Collins explodes into action, charging at Knight and driving him into the corner with a spear that turns into a knee strike to the midsection on impact. Knight fires back with an elbow strike that catches the champion square in the face, forcing a break! Knight retaliates with shots to the midsection but Collins takes him over nicely with a side slam. He doesn't get to follow up at all since Knight's on his feet in an instant. The two square up again and back to trading strikes with Collins getting the better of the exchange. Knight slings him off to the ropes, looking to repay the knee strike in the corner but Lex has that scouted and he dodges – reversal into a backspin DDT and the crowd's getting into it now! He looks for a quick rollup but Knight reverses and rolls right through and out the other side!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: No surprise to see Lex Collins dipping into his MMA arsenal.

CHARLES HUDSON: Absolutely unbelievable match so far and we're only thirty seconds in!

Lex Collins hits his feet first and he sends AJ Knight off at the ropes, nailing him with a running bulldog on the rebound. Knight rolls away and gets back up with the help of the ropes. Collins charges in, looking for a crossbody block, but Knight dodges and fires off a kick – NO! AJ shoots across the ring for a single leg takedown, but Lex quickly stuffs the takedown and takes side control and begins throwing hammer and anvil elbows, before AJ rolls over to his back, pulling Lex into full guard. Lex leans in trying to grab ahold of AJ's wrist for an Anaconda Vice, but giving up the posture like that gives AJ the needed leverage to roll into top position, looking to grab an arm triangle. Lex grapevines AJ's ankle and begins extending his legs in order to stretch AJ's ankle! AJ breaks his triangle attempt to deal with Lex's hold on his ankle. Lex rolls over, breaking AJ mount as both come to their feet in a stand off. AJ returns to the corner as Lex gets up via the ropes.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Great technical display from both men. Neither man giving up an inch just yet.

CHARLES HUDSON: Both men are like finely crafted watches! Every move is so precise and well calculated. Ring IQ of the highest level from both men. It's why they're Mainstream's finest!

Lex now shoots in for the double leg, AJ sprawls and immediately takes Lex's back trying to secure a hammerlock. Lex immediately knows what's coming and reaches back to grab AJ around the back of his head. Collins snapmares AJ and slaps on a rear chin lock. AJ nods looking impressed at Lex's prowess. AJ then grabs his wrist and rolls Lex over to his back for a one count. AJ locks in a front face lock. Lex pushes up and AJ captures the arm! Lex sensing Knightfall coming scrambles to the ropes!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Well scouted by Lex.

CHARLES HUDSON: He'd be a fool not to know that was coming, and Lex Collins is no fool.

Collins backs up to the ropes, and sends Knight to the canvas with a running spear into a modified spine buster that shakes the ring and sends the crowd surging to their feet. Collins scoops Knight back up, but he immediately squirms away and drives Collins back against the ropes with a series of alternating punches and chops, catching him by surprise. Collins ducks and weaves with the best of them, but somehow Knight is still there, managing to stand amid the retaliation. Finally, Knight locks his hands around Lex's neck and pulls him in close, smashing him with a head butt and then an elbow across the face. The crowd goes nuts as Knight knees Collins in the gut and tosses him at the ropes again. Knight goes for a dropkick to the knee but misses. Instead, Collins takes him down with Bricks, that deadly punch leaving Knight reeling. To his credit, he doesn't fall but Collins circles and then launches with an old-fashioned football tackle that drives him to the canvas! Rolling him over, Collins drops his shin across the back of Knight's neck and grabs his arm, pulling back for a cruel version of an arm bar, getting a mixed reaction from the crowd.

CHARLES HUDSON: I think Lex Collins just decided things are personal after all!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: And I'm betting AJ Knight's regretting getting out of bed this morning!

Knight tries to reach up with his free hand, looking for a handhold to throw Collins off. He finally catches hold of the bottom rope, and Collins releases his grip, popping back to his feet. He sends Knight packing back into the ropes, and nails a perfect shoulder block to the face. Knight staggers back up and charges at Collins. He breaks a collar and elbow tie up with a forearm to the chin! AJ staggers back before returning fire with a European Uppercut! Lex falls into the ropes, stretching his neck out before throwing a chop at AJ's chest. AJ grits his teeth and returns fire. Another exchange of chops as it gets more and more intense eventually leads Lex to pop AJ right in the nose with a jab! AJ holds his nose as his eyes begin to water.

MCKAYLA LEWISIt may be a tactical error for AJ to trade strikes with Lex Collins. AJ's no slouch in the striking game, but this is Lex's wheelhouse.

CHARLES HUDSON: Pride is one of AJ's biggest weaknesses that Lex will be sure to exploit.

Lex opens fire with some rapid fire palm strikes overwhelming AJ who tries to cover up! AJ rams a shoulder into the gut of the US Champion! Lex blasts AJ with a 12 to 6 elbow to the back of the neck and a jumping knee strike! AJ drops to a knee and Lex nails his challenger with a shotgun dropkick to the chest and makes the cover for 1…2…KICKOUT!

AJ scrambles to his feet and swings for a lariat, but Lex drops AJ with a Backspin DDT he hooks the leg again for 1…2…KICKOUT!

AJ Knight looks at his hands and holds up three fingers. He pushes himself up off the mat and leads the United States Champion to his feet. He comes in hard with some chops, looking to keep Collins at bay, only to get caught in the process and taken down to the canvas with a Fujiwara arm bar. Knight breaks out and they exchange tombstone reversals until Collins nails a stiff-looking shoulder breaker out of it. The crowd pops huge at the offense, getting deafening when Knight spins around and catches the United States Champion with a boot to the face. Like Taylor Swift, he shakes it off and grabs Knight by the ankle as he falls, wrenching him off his feet and right into an awkward high angle Boston crab, working on the still-tender back of his opponent. Rope break and immediate release! Knight elbows his way free from Lex's clutches and heads out of the ring for a breather. He flips off the booing crowd as Collins pulls himself upright using the ropes. The two men lock gazes again, and then, surprisingly, Collins springs over the top rope, launching himself at AJ. Knight tries to duck, but somehow misjudges Collins's momentum as Collins sails over his head, catching the back of his neck for a DDT on the outside. Knight slams into the floor, and Collins pops back up, grabbing Knight by the back of the head. They battle back to the apron, and then Collins forces Knight back between the ropes.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: There's some clear evidence of his teammates' influence right there, tightening up his technical game—

CHARLES HUDSON: That's exactly what we don't need going on here. The combined talents of Lex Collins and "Spaceman" Biggs? No thank you.

Back inside again, Knight connects with a diving head butt to Lex's right shoulder; smart move trying to strip the power from those dangerous strikes. Collins dropkicks him to the floor, but Knight reverses a whip and sends him into the steel ring steps. Knight sets up the stairs, but Collins drops his knee on them instead. Back in, Collins nails Knight in the face with a forearm and then they chop it out again. Collins misses a charge, smashing his already-injured shoulder into the ring post. Knight tosses his shoulder into the buckle a few more times before attempting to take him over with a belly to back suplex only to have Collins resist with a back elbow that connects solidly. Collins tries to chop his way back but Knight looks for a snap suplex but NO! AJ finds himself in a Kimura lock right in the center of the ring! AJ puts himself on his toes for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Lex uses the momentum of the kick-out to turn into the ropes! Lex comes forward and goes for another collar and elbow tie up, but AJ forces Lex back down to the mat, grabbing a Fujiwara Arm bar on Lex! Lex starts shouting in pain as he runs his hand over his face, leaving it hovering over the mat! He goes to roll forward but AJ turns it into a cross arm breaker! Lex roll AJ into a schoolboy for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Lex immediately captures AJ's arm! WRECKAGE!! AJ shouts in pain and grabs at his own hair, trying to keep his hand occupied so he doesn't tap. AJ gets his knees underneath him, and turns towards the pressure, breaking the grip of the US Champion. AJ rolls across Lex's back! Into the Templar Stretch- No! Lex escapes the ring before AJ can get it in!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: He saw what that hold did to Biggs when he was in it and wants no part of it!

CHARLES HUDSON: AJ stole his moment winning the title, he's not about to let him steal the title too!

AJ Knight exits the ring to the floor going after the United States Champion but Lex Collins slides back into the ring on the other side of the ring post. As Knight slides back in Lex goes for the Systematic Breakdown! AJ ducks the shot causing Lex to nail the top turnbuckle with the knee strike! AJ goes behind and nails a release German suplex! Both men are down! AJ gets back to his feet first as Lex pulls himself up in the opposite corner. AJ charges in but takes a boot for his trouble! Lex hops up to the middle rope- WRONG WAY KID- AJ dropkicks him in the chest sending him out of the ring! 

MCKAYLA LEWIS: So much at stake! These two are pulling out all the stops!

CHARLES HUDSON: AJ's coming out after him look out!

Sure enough AJ clubs Lex square in the back and whips him hard into the rail! AJ goes to follow up but Lex cracks him with a head butt before backing him up with kicks to the chest! AJ catches the boot and gives him a dragon screw on the floor! Lex holds the knee as he uses the apron to drag himself to his feet. AJ blasts him with a super kick to the back of the head before rolling him back into the ring! 

MCKAYLA LEWIS: The United States Champion is in trouble! We could be seconds away from a new champion!

CHARLES HUDSON: I know Lex has more in the tank than that! Come on Lex!

As AJ rolls in he finds himself the victim of a super kick from Collins! AJ goes down, and Lex falls back first on AJ's chest for the 1…2…KICKOUT!

AJ Knight as he rolls it over into a crucifix for 1…2…KICKOUT!

AJ comes to his feet and Lex instantly tries to take his head off with BRICK! But AJ ducks it! Roaring forearm! Lex spins around on his heel from the impact! AJ drops him with an Inverted DDT and a cover for 1…2…KICKOUT!

AJ is beside himself! He pulls Collins back to his feet and attempts to whip him off into the corner. Collins counters, only to block the whip off with a high knee along the gut of his opponent. Collins swiftly positions himself behind Knight before taking him down with a reverse Twist of Fate! Collins takes to the top rope as Knight is momentarily down!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: It's rare to see Lex Collins scaling those ropes, but both of these men are reaching deep into the bag of tricks tonight!

Collins attempts a diving elbow that doesn’t connect as Knight rolls out of the way. He drops a knee across the champ's throat and then rolls him up for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Lex Collins looks like he's got some serious damage done to that right elbow now as he's cradling that arm close, crawling towards the corner. The moment he makes it, Knight nails him in the back of his head, bouncing Lex's face off the ring post! Knight stands the US Champion up in the corner, trapping him with alternating kicks to the abs and knife-edged chops to the chest that leave huge welts. Hip tossing Collins to the center of the ring, he gets tripped up with a drop toe hold and then blasted with an elbow strike. For good measure, Collins nails a knee in the back of Knight's neck before having a seat on his back, and pulling his arms away from him! Camel Clutch in the middle of the ring and the crowd's all for it!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: AJ Knight's in trouble now! I don't know HOW he's gonna get out of this!

CHARLES HUDSON: The official's in there now, looking for that submission—

The crowd erupts in boos as Knight flails, muttering something under his breath. The official leans in closer to try and hear over the roar of the crowd and Collins adjusts his position, causing Knight to inadvertently head butt the official, sending him sprawling back. Collins doesn't seem to notice, still working on punishing his opponent and keeping them away from the ropes. After what seems like an eternity, Knight finds the strength to roll over slightly. Lex tries to adapt but the shift in position is all Knight needs to roll all his body weight over on the champ and his shoulders are down for a few seconds.

The official's still shaking off the cobwebs, missing what might have actually been a three-count. By the time he drops into position, Lex has broken free. They're both up at the same time, the crowd fired up as they collide and start trading chops. Knight gains the upper hand when he kicks Lex in the guts, snatching him for a snap brain buster suplex. He goes for the cover. 1…2…BREAK!

CHARLES HUDSON: FOOT ON THE ROPE!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: We were just a nanosecond away from having a new United States Champion!

AJ Knight gets up first, checking on the referee after that slow count. The crowd's booing as Collins drags himself upright with the help of the ropes, almost as though they've turned on him for that accidental ref bump that seemed to have turned the tide back in his favor. A few rowdy fans in the front row catch Lex's attention and proves to be enough of a distraction as Knight rushes up from behind and attempts a school boy pin 1…2…KICKOUT!

Collins rolls backward and right back to his feet and he's ready for Knight when he makes it up. HE nails a hard elbow strike to the face and then hooks Knight by the neck, pulling him in for that headlock! AD HOMINEM! OH NO! AJ KNIGHT IS DOWN AND LEX COLLINS HOOKS BOTH LEGS 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall AND STILL Mainstream Wrestling United States Champion...LEX--COLLINS!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Wait a second…Did he have a handful of tights right there?

CHARLES HUDSON: It’s hard to tell from our angle but with the way he's positioned—it sure looked that way.

CHARLES HUDSON:  You have to feel bad for AJ Knight here because with all the close calls this is just an oversight.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Nobody wants to play the blame game but the official just didn't have the best angle and what he saw was a three count without the added leverage. Lex Collins may have won this battle but knowing AJ Knight he'll be back.

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
EMMA DOUGLAS

TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR
TEAM MADNESS
ALEXANDRIA MONROE & ECHO LAYNE

FEUD OF THE YEAR
EMMA DOUGLAS vs BILLY DANIELSON

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
LEX COLLINS

MOMENT OF THE YEAR
EMMA DOUGLAS defeats CHRIS MADISON TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION

MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
GARETH PRICHARD JUNIOR

MOST POPULAR WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
BIGGS

MOST HATED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
CARTIER

EVENT OF THE YEAR
8/28/22 - MAINSTREAM 90: EMERALD CITY CLASSIC FINALE

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Samantha Kinsley is standing by with World Television Champion Gareth Prichard Junior.

GARETH PRICHARD JUNIOR: I don't know whether I should be honored or offended being named the 'Most Improved Wrestler of the Year'. And while we're at it was I really that terrible the year prior or do you bloody Americans just not recognize talent when you see it?

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: It's definitely a recognition of honor based on your accomplishments this year.

GARETH PRICHARD JUNIOR: First off there was the World Television Grand Prix leading to the Governor's Cup then the World Television Championship title reign itself. Not to mention not once but twice nearly winning the big one. I am a fighting champion, dammit. I'm not just the Most Improved, I should be the Newcomer and the Wrestler of the Year. I am an Icon and a National Treasure. That's why here tonight when I beat Billy Danielson, down. I'm not going to just beat the man, I'm going to be the self-proclaimed Greatest of All-Time. I am going to beat his ass and succesfully defend MY World Television Championship once more because I am a man of my word and a fighting champion!

SAMANTHA KINSLEY: Ladies and Gentlemen you've heard it here first. In what was originally a one on one match now will be for the World Television Championship!