Post by jay on Sept 8, 2022 21:30:28 GMT -5
A black and white screen greets us as we see shots from previous confrontations on EXP leading up to this show...Combat Evolved. We see highlights of the Unsanctioned Match between Buster Gloves and Amber Payne vs "Dollface" Sarah Wolf and "The Dreamkiller" Jason Ryan. We see highlights of "The Multiplayer Gauntlet Tournament" where it shows us each victory until the last two matches showing a split screen faceoff between CCPE, Mac Bane and "Chronic" Chris Page, versus Avalon Blackthorn and Shane Donovan. We see dejection and anger in the shots of those that lost, but highlights of a boiling pool of goo overtakes the montage. We see Cypher posing with his mirror as suddenly we cut to Lord Raab sitting up and looking damn pissed off. We see a split screen of "The Dreamkiller" Jason Ryan and Amber Payne, both taking a beating and both beating on each other ending with a face to face splitscreen with both looking pissed as hell. We see the split screen shift to a frustrated Larry Tact and Sloane Taylor, who mockingly is smiling at Larry. We shift to a split screen of a frustrated Eli Goode and a smirking Stephen Stratford. We shift again to a split screen of Buster Gloves with "black sh!t" covering his lips as he glares towards "Dollface" with a "black sh!t" covered lips as she blows him a kiss. We shift the split screen to Catalina Cortes posing as Sebastian Everett-Bryce poses as well. Finally the screen splits into thirds as we see Duncan Shepard in the middle getting beat down by Bert and Crash. The left side appears Bert getting beat down by Crash and Shepard. The right side appears Crash getting beat down by Shepard and Bert. The montages end with All three men holding up "The Final Boss" title from their wins since the beginning of the year. All three screens shut off as a figure walks onto the screen. It's Trent Steel. He holds up his pocket watch, looks at it, and then up at the camera. A ticking sound overtakes the audio as we hear from Mr. Steel.
Trent Steel: Time to raise the difficulty here...
We see Trent step out of the way as an explosion overtakes the screen and we are in full color as we see a large sign in the flames that says "Combat Evolved" under a LVL UP Presents sign. We see the outside of the Don Haskins Arena with multiple fans trying to get into the sold out show. We cut to the inside as the RadDrone flies around the arena and we see many of the fans signs.
"THIS ONE IS FOR DUBS!"
"WE LOVE JOE!...JOE MAMA!!"
"I like my Vhodka Black!"
"Hail to the King!"
"Hail to the Queen(s)!"
"CYPH3R L33T!"
"BIG GREEN MONSTER!! RAWWRR!!"
"KILL THE DREAMKILLER!"
"TAP TO THE PAYNE!!"
"CCPE!!"
"Shane Donovan is just a plus one!"
"How black is your thorn?!"
"THICCNESS!!"
"#BANFREEDOMFROMTEXAS!"
"CASH IN THE GENIE!"
"BAM'A'LAMMMMM!!!"
"I'd kiss Skye but I can't afford it on her OnlyFans!"
"Stephen is so Classy!"
"THAT DAMN GOODE!"
"Tri-Force...but I hardly know here."
"I put in the Konami Code, but all I got was cheese!"
"Cat Cortes #1"
"Sebastian Everett-Bryce can barely fi..."
"...on A sign!"
"Sloane hassss the powerrrr!!"
"Smile Larry Smile!"
"TONIGHT! THE GLOVES ARE OFF!!"
"GIMMIE DAT BLACK SH!T!"
"BRING ON THE BANE!!"
"GIVE 'EM THE BERT TWICE!"
"BIOTIC CHARGE 'EM!"
"CRASH 'EM LIKE HE DID RICCI!"
"*A weird greek Omega symbol by someone in the front row with a hoodie*"
The RADDrone finishes it's flight and we land in front of the commentators table, we see a lot of signage around the arena that would normally have sponsors listed are covered up by yellow covers. We cut over to Arthur La Forge and Mary DeSue. Arthur is wearing his Captain N letterman's jacket and Mary is cosplaying tonight as King from "Art of Fighting"/"King of Fighters"!
Arthur La Forge: Welcome LEVELUPDOGS!!! We are here live in El Paso, Texas for "Combat Evolved 2: The Revenge"!
Mary DeSue: It's not really called that is it?
Arthur La Forge: No, but I thought it sounded cool. As always, I am Arthur La Forge bringing you the play by play for the maim by maim tonight at what is looking like one of the most controversial and bloody pay per views yet here in Level Up!
Mary DeSue: I just came here for one reason...To watch Bert get what's coming to him for what he did to Donny Mason!
Arthur La Forge: Well we got a long way to go till we get to that. Let's run down the card for you folks tonight. Kicking things off we are going to have Cypher taking on Lord Raab!
Mary DeSue: This is yet another example of the crap we have to deal with by having Trent Steel as our boss. I wish he wasn't here...
Arthur La Forge: Then we have "The Pool of Cheese" match! Where the winner...
Mary DeSue: What's next a pudding cup on a pole match?!
Arthur La Forge: Easy Rince Vusso.
Mary DeSue: What?
Arthur La Forge: In joke. Don't worry about it ya outsider. But yes the wrestlers will be fighting on a raised platform with melted cheese underneath. The last four eliminated will be getting booked in matches coming up, but the last person standing gets a shot at EXP 31 for one of the single titles in Level Up that make up THE TRIFORCE.
Mary DeSue: Oh no...it's Tri-Force Heroes next isn't it?
Arthur La Forge: YES!
Mary DeSue: Oh no, I need more pepto edibles...
Arthur La Forge: After this harrowing cheesewheel of a match we got a match everyone is wanting to see...Ryan vs Payne Two...NO MERCY!
Mary DeSue: No DQ, and someone has to tap out to win right?
Arthur La Forge: You are correct Mary.
Mary DeSue: I'd like to have one with Bert!
Arthur La Forge: Following that we got a trifecta of singles matches with The Courage Title being defended by Eli Goode against Stephen Stratford, Buster Gloves defends his Wisdom Title against "Dollface" Sarah Wolf, and Larry Tact defends his Power Title against Sloane Taylor!
Mary DeSue: Ugh. I got opinions on these...
Arthur La Forge: And we pay you to extrapolate on those during the matches. So moving on we got the finals of our Multiplayer Gauntlets Tournament. With CCPE aka "Chronic" Chris Page and Mac Bane taking on Avalon Blackthorn and Shane Donovan! This tournament has been a nail biter and the finals are sure to be as well!
Mary DeSue: Then after the battle for the fisting..
Arthur La Forge: No...
Mary DeSue: We got SEB taking on Cat Cortes to determine the number one contender to face the Final Boss next month at "Tri-Force Heroes".
Arthur La Forge: Nice breakdown Mary.
Mary DeSue: I thought I wasn't streaming during that.
Arthur La Forge: Then the final match of the night. A LEVELUPDOG's dream...Three Final Boss champions duking it out for the title. You got Bert McAlroy taking on Joey Crash taking on the champion, Duncan Shepard!
Mary DeSue: Ugh...gag me...
Arthur La Forge: And on that pleasant mental image...ON WITH THE SHOW!!
Mary DeSue: You'd love to see me gag wouldn't you Artie...
Arthur La Forge: No comment here...
_____
A message from our sponsor
Arthur La Forge: Well before things get "Dangerously Cheesey" tonight...
Mary DeSue: Hey! I had that on my pun list.
Arthur La Forge: This is gonna be so much pun!
Mary DeSue: I know!
Arthur La Forge: But before we get to our opening bout, We're getting a special announcement from Lenny Brasco whose going to be talking to Level Up Developer...Trent Steel!
Mary DeSue: Ugh...two dorks...one interview...epic snoozefest.
Arthur La Forge: On that note...take it away Lenny!
We cut back to the parking garage of the arena as Lenny Brasco comes into view on our screens. He smiles real big as we see he is wearing "Combat Evolved 2022" merch. Hat, polo, and carrying a foam finger.
Lenny Brasco: Greetings El Paso!!! I've got great news for everyone involved in tonight's pay per view at home, at the arena, and in the locker room. Inside of the arena you may have noticed a lot of signage that is covered up, and while normally non used ad space would bother the hoe diddly heck out of yours truly, I have been assured by Developer Trent Steel that there is a good reason for it and...oh here he comes now!
We see a white Rolls Royce pull up and out steps Trent Steel, with no escort or entourage, and he smiles at Lenny. Trent's wearing his usual gray suit, gray trenchcoat, and gray gloves. He adjusts his glasses as he walks up to Lenny.
Trent Steel: Mr. Basco...What a pleasantly scheduled surprise.
Lenny Braso: Yes, Mr. Steel...so inquiring minds want to know what's with all of the coverings on the advertisements?
Trent Steel: Why Lenny...don't you like surprises...Do the honors.
Trent hands a remote to Lenny and Lenny happily pushes the big red button. We cut to shots over the arena where the banners fly down and we see..."Level Up Presents Combat Evolved..SPONSORED BY THE NEW EL PASO FLAVORED VELVEETA
Arthur La Forge: Velveeta is sponsoring the whole pay per view!
Mary DeSue: What a sellout.
We cut back to Lenny and Trent with Lenny smiling real big cause he got to push the big button. Trent reaches into his suit pocket and hands Lenny three envelopes.
Lenny Brasco: What's this Mr. Steel?
Trent Steel: Lenny. Don't call me mister. I work for a living. Speaking of working. I worked out a deal with Velvetta. To sponsor, and debut, their new El Paso tex mex mix live here on Twitch and Fite TV...They agreed to my one big demand. A ten thousand dollar bonus check for everyone on staff, crew, and wrestler in Level Up...except me. I don't need it. So everybody just got a bonus check...so make your jokes about the cheese match all you want...just got you jokers some extra pay!
Lenny Brasco: That is awesome...I take it one of these is mine...
Trent Steel: Yeah the other two are for Artie and Mary...and speaking of...
The light suddenly go out in the parking deck.
Lenny Brasco: Oh what a tangled twist...Velveeta forgot to pay the power bill...
Trent Steel: LENNY! Get the hell out of here before you get h...
We hear the sounds of violence in the background, glass breaking, kicks, punches, a horrible multiple person beatdown and when the lights cut back on we see the camera has fallen over as the cameraman picks it back up. He pans over to see Lenny Brasco standing over Trent Steel whose been laid out thru the windshield of his rental car! We see Trent's face is pilfered by glass and debris as a crimson mask is forming on his face that we immediately start to blur out.
Lenny Brasco: CALL THE EMT'S!!
Trent Steel: Watch...where's my wa...
We cut back to ringside...and the shocked faces of our commentary team.
Mary DeSue: WOO! PAYDAY!
Arthur La Forge:{/b] WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU!!!
Mary DeSue: Priorities...speaking of priorities you need to go out and buy you some El Paso Tex Mex Mix from Velveeta...Emmm...Velveeta...it's almost like real cheese!
Arthur La Forge: Folks we will hopefully get an update on Trent Steel's condition as the night goes on but we gotta get this show going...
______
Cypher vs Lord Raab
The electronic intro of "Fortune Days" by the Glitch Mob hits the PA system and the crowd immediately voice their displeasure. After a long pause, CYPH3R finally slowly slinks his way out onto the stage, the TransAtlantic Championship around his waist. He walks down the ramp and smirks from underneath his hoodie as the fans continue to boo him loudly.
Arthur La Forge: The last time Cypher was here didn’t turn out to good for him…
Mary DeSue: Would you have a good time in a funhouse with Ataxia.
Arthur La Forge: Point made and taken…
CYPH3R ascends the steps then walks along the apron, taking a moment to lay back against the ropes and drink in the crowd's hatred. Then he climbs into the ring and awaits Lord Raab.
Mr Rad: Introducing first…from Adelaide, South Australia…weighing in at 125 pounds… CYYYYYPHERRRRR!!
”Monster” by Skillet plays over the sound system as Lord Raab comes out through the curtain wearing his green and black wrestling trousers with his nickname The Masked German Monster on the front of them with Monster Energy logos on the side of his trousers with black gloves on both of his hands and wears a black and green stripey mask.
Arthur La Forge: Here’s someone I wouldn’t wanna be booked against.
Mary DeSue: That’s someone I wouldn’t want to be near ever. That green is unsettling.
Raab ignores the fans as he goes up the stairs before going in-between the ropes and crouches down in the corner moving backwards and forwards, rubbing his hands and moving his neck around while staring at Cypher.
Mr Rad: And his opponent…from Cologne, Germany…weighing in at 260 pounds…The Masked German Monster…LOOOORRRD RAAB!!
Ref Crash checks if both men are ready to begin hostilities. Raab looks ready to tear him apart but Cypher raises his hand as if to say “wait!”. He walks over to the ropes appears to shout something down to ringside. The camera gives us a view of the apron, and we see two metal hands shoot out from underneath the ring. The hands are soon followed by a torso and two legs, and suddenly a female robot is standing tall at ringside! She stiffly raises her hand and waves at the crowd.
Arthur La Forge: Aw…he built a friend…
Mary DeSue: I mean…one less incel.
Ref Crash looks bemused, but shrugs, and calls for the bell!
DING DING DING!!
Completely ignoring the robot, Raab makes a beeline for Cypher! The Superior Design quickly drops down and rolls out of the ring. Raab stomps over to the ropes to follow him, but Cypher jumps up onto the apron and slams his neck down across the top rope! He staggers back and Cypher tries to take advantage, quickly climbing onto the apron and ascending the turnbuckle. He leaps from the top rope, looking for a double axe-handle, but Raab catches him with an uppercut! Cy is dazed and woozy, and Raab manhandles him, grabbing him by the arm and flinging him end-over-end across the ring! Cypher is back on his feet only for Raab to plant him with a sidewalk slam! Cover.
ONE!
TWO!
Cypher kicks out.
Arthur La Forge: Cypher almost bought it right there!
Mary DeSue: Oh I think he spent all his money on “special parts” already.
Raab lifts up Cypher and whips him into the ropes. Cy is about to rebound when his own robot grabs his leg, causing him to faceplant on the mat.The robot drags him out of the ring, and then starts to assess the damage caused to him by Raab…of which there isn’t that much just yet given the match has only just started. Cypher is animated, gamer raging at his robot for yanking him out of the ring. Suddenly Raab rounds the corner and charges towards the duo. Cypher pulls his robot into harm’s way, and Raab drills her with a big boot!
Arthur La Forge: BOOT TO THE BOT!
Mary DeSue: Oooooo…PETR ain't gonna like this.
Arthur La Forge: Who?
Mary DeSue: People for the Ethical Treatment of Robots
Arthur La Forge: You gotta be…oh you have a card and…founded by Android 69…I’m so shocked right now folks…
Taking a moment to look at the floored robot, Raab turns back to Cypher but turns right into a superkick - BOOM, HEADSHOT! The blow staggers Raab but doesn’t floor him due to his massive size. Cypher bounces his head off the apron, then whips him into the steel steps. Raab collides shoulder-first with the steps, sending the top half flying. Cypher rolls back into the ring without checking on his poor robot which took a huge blow for him, and demands that Ref Crash count out Lord Raab!
Arthur La Forge: A good move from Cypher. Count out still counts as a victory.
Mary DeSue: Get in and get out. This is wham, bam, get the hell outta here man match.
Raab’s count only gets to four before the big man is back on the apron. Cypher bounces off the ropes and looks to connect with a running elbow to knock Raab off, but Raab catches him with a forearm, knocking Cypher back. Raab gets back into the ring and picks up Cypher into a bear hug in the center of the ring. Cypher starts screaming in agony as he tries to wail on Lord Raab but it doesn’t seem to have the effect he’s wanting. Raab finally gets tired of holding Cypher and hits a belly to belly suplex on Cypher. Cypher rolls up clutching his ribs and starts begging off Raab, but that aint happening. Raab lunges for Cypher, who rolls between Raab’s legs and elbows both of Raab’s kneecaps from behind! Cypher rolls out of the way as the big man hits the mat.
Arthur La Forge: Creative attempt there by Cypher!
Mary DeSue: Big man can’t stand he aint much of a threat.
Cypher waits till Raab starts to get up on his knees and Cypher hits a running knee to the face of Raab. Cypher runs to the ropes again and goes for it again, but only gets grabbed around his throat for his trouble…CHOKINATOR BY RAAB INTO THE TURNBUCKLE POST! Cypher stumbles forward and flops down onto the mat.
Arthur La Forge: This isn’t good!
Mary DeSue: While I shouldn’t speak ill of the injured…what did Cypher ever do to Trent Steel to make Trent book this match!
Arthur La Forge: Have you hung out with Cypher?
Mary DeSue: Not really…
Arthur La Forge: Then there is your answer.
Raab picks up Cypher into a fireman’s carry and then starts to press Cypher. Showing off his immense strength for the Level Up fans who are cheering and taking photos of this awesome display. However Raab might have took to long on this as Cypher slides down Raab’s arms and goes for a crucifix pin which Raab rolls out of. Cypher rushes to the ropes. The robot is on the other side of the ring. Raab charges at Cypher who hits a jumping “Boom! Headshot” on Raab sending the big man down. Cypher goes for a quick pin…
One…
THE ROBOT GRABS RAAB’S FEET TO KEEP HIM DOWN!
TWO…
THREE!!!!
DING!DING!DING!
The audience is silenced by this upset.
Mr. RAD: Well um…Cypher wins…I think…Reformatting data…
Raab gets up and starts yelling at Crash about the screwy count as Cypher rushes to the outside of the ring into the waiting arms of his robot who…carries him like a bride up the rampway.
Arthur La Forge:...
Mary DeSue:...
Arthur La Forge: Best left unsaid.
Mary DeSue: Yeah…Weirddddddd..
______
Extra Lives Battle Royale: Pool of Cheese (Jana Emily vs Impact vs Kennedy Matthews vs Paul Montuori vs Michelle Riggs vs Peter Vaughn vs Paul Freedom vs Chelsea Skye vs Ataxia vs Drake Wilcox vs Vhodka Black vs The wWo vs
)We see the ring suddenly go through a transformation as it lowers underneath the flooring of the arena. We see technicians runs out and starts putting together the platform, and while they do that, others are filling the hole with hottish melted cheese. By the time they are done we see the platform actually looks like a makeshift ring made out of those mario blocks that fall when you step on them…oh dear.
Arthur La Forge: What kind of weirdo designed this?
We cut to a technician wearing a JC shirt who just giggles as he walks away.
Mary DeSue: I dunno about you but I am in the mood for Caso right now…
Arthur La Forge: You got the tostitos?
Mary DeSue: Of course!
While our two commentators make the most of these dairycatesent the wrestlers make their entrances. We see the wWo (WANK, Dude Waluigi, WaLink, and Giant Waluigi), and Ataxia off to the side talking...with most of the wWo looking horrified. We see Paul Montouri and "Miss" Michelle Riggs in a separate corner while right across we see Vhodka Black smiling at them while "PsyQueen" Kennedy Matthews has her eyes locked on "Miss" Michelle Riggs. We see Drake Wilcox eyeing Peter Vaughn. Jana Emily looks lost for a moment until she spies Chelsea Skye walking onto the platform, she tries to introduce herself but Skye is hesitant to "make friends" . As Paul Freedom walks out the entire audience turns and starts booing the hell out of him. He nods and waves it off, but you can tell it's bothering him...until a hand shows up on his shoulder. It's Jack Sullivan! Paul smiles a bit despite the hometown crowd of El Paso giving him the stinkeye! Impact is standing next to Ataxia and Ataxia looks at him and takes a sidestep away. Mr. Rad's hologram form appears above the group.
Mr. RAD: CAN YOU DIP IT!!!...I SAID CAN YOU DIP IT!!!
A collective groan from most of the wrestlers.
Arthur La Forge: Wahhhriorrssss come out to plaayyy heyyyy
Mary DeSue: This has to be some nerd reference.
Mr. RAD: Alright meatbags! Rules are simple. Stay on the platform the longest and you win a title shot of your choice from the Tri Force Titles. The last four eliminated will move onto more things in the Extra Lives Tournament. And no sour cream faces...you all just earned more money tonight for participating...So enjoy! LET'S GET DIPPED!![/i]
DING! DING! DING!
There is a moment of bubbling silence as this madness is going to kick off...whose going to make the first mo...and it's WANK! who rushes forward to Drake Wilcox and Drake...BACKBODY DROPS WANK UP INTO THE AIR AND WANK FACEPLANTS RIGHT INTO THE POOL OF CHEESE!!
Mr. RAD: WANK! HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: Oh that was splattacular wouldn't you say Mary?
Mary DeSue: I guess he couldn't cut the cheese!
The melee kicks off with Impact running right towards Peter Vaughn who sidesteps and tosses Impact right into the pool of cheese! That's when Paul Montouri charges up and start wailing on Vaughn! As the two pick up on their fighting on and off the past few months out camera picks up on Jana Emily and Chelsea Skye locked up. Jana Emily gets Skye into a headlock and tosses her off. Skye almost goes into the dip, but stops herself. Jana Emily charges forward and Skye leaps up. Hurricanrana sending Jana Emily into the cheese dip! WANK!, Impact, and Jana Emily get up at the same time covered in the hot velveeta...
Mr. RAD: IMPACT HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!! JANA EMILY HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: What a splatterknocker!
Mary DeSue: This match is really a slice above the rest.
Our cameras focus on Kennedy Matthews and "Miss" Michelle who have locked up as Vhodka Black charges forward and dropkicks both women into the dip! Paul Montouri turns just in time to see Michelle hit the dip and screams at Vhodka who just shrugs. Paul turns and gets wailed in the face by Vaughn!
Mr. RAD: KENNEDY MATTHEWS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!! MISS MICHELLE RIGGS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: The Queens have been retired for the night...A ghouda move by Vhodka!
Mary DeSue: I hope this doesn't cause a wedge between them...
WaLink and Dude Waluigi are fighting Jack Sullivan and Paul Freedom respectively as Giant Waluigi charges forward at Drake Wilcox. The Big Men are both going for big boots...BIG BOOT TO THE FACE SENDS GIANT WALUIGI OFF OF THE PLATFORM WHERE HE LANDS FLAT ON HIS BACK FLOATING IN THE CHEESE!! Ataxia rushes in from behind to grab Paul Freedom but Paul slips and Ataxia goes over into the dip himself! The audience boo's loudly at Paul Freedom...
Mr. RAD: GIANT WALUIGI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!! ATAXIA HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: Apparently this hometown crowd remembers Paul's father and do not like him here in Texas!
Mary DeSue: Ahh poor guy...this audience wants to see Paul punctured like SWISS!
Paul Montouri and Peter Vaughn are still fighting as WaLink runs into Vaughn and Vaughn just chucks WaLink off of the platform! WaLink lands with a splat of indignity! Paul Montouri see's Dude Waluigi coming and back body drops DW over the side, but DW LANDS ON GIANT WALUIGI'S FLOATING BODY!! There is a moment of pause as DW looks like he's not eliminated but he's noticing...Giant Waluigi is sinking...DW looks to the crowd and holds up a thumbs up as he slowly sinks into the cheese.
Mr. RAD: GIANT WALUIGI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!! DUDE WALUIGI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: The Dude goes out the way he always does…being Krafty…with a K…eh?
Mary DeSue: He’ll be Brie…
Jack Sullivan and Vhodka Black lock up and Vhodka hits a jawbreaker on Jack. Jack stumbles back into Vaughn who hits "GET OUT OF MY RING" to Jack that sends her into Paul Freedom and they both go toppling off of the platform into the cheese!
Mr. RAD: PAUL FREEDOM HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
THE LOUDEST POP OF THE MATCH!!
Mr. RAD: JACK SULLIVAN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: It's Feta this way...
Mary DeSue:...yeah don't wanna break up a tag team over spoiled cheese.
Now stands the last five. Skye locks up Vhodka. Vaughn and Montouri eye each other and then...DOUBLE KICK TO THE GUT TO DRAKE WILCOX!! DOUBLE DDT!! The platform shakes really hard with that move. Skye chucks Vhodka towards the edge. Vhodka wobbles to try to hang on as Skye charges only to get hit by Paul Montouri's spinning roundhouse kick that sends Skye to the edge. Vhodka rushes forward and dropkicks Skye in the side of the knee sending Skye backfirst into the hot cheese...and many of her fans start taking photos!
Mr. RAD: Chelsea Skye! HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: I think Chelsea’s Onlyfans is gonna get her some more cheddar tonight.
Mary DeSue: Chez-it these jokes are bad…I love this match!
Drake Wilcox has Peter Vaughn up over his head and is about to chuck Vaughn into the cheese, but Vaughn knee's Drake in the side of the head and slides down his back. Drake Wilcox turns...to see Peter Vaughn, Paul Montouri, and Vhodka Black right in front of him. TRIPLE SUPERKICK INTO THE CHEESE!!!
Mr. RAD: DRAKE WILCOX! HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: AND THE BIG CHEESE JUST GOT SHREDDED!!
Mary DeSue: Alas poor Drake…but at least he and Chelsea get to continue from this.
Paul bows to Drake who is screaming at the three who just eliminated him and then Paul turns to see Vaughn hit him with a "REVENGED"! Vaughn picks up Montouri into a dvd and spins around. He launches Paul Montouri into the cheese with a splat! The King is infuriated as he gets covered in hot cheese! Vaughn mockingly bows to Paul Montouri and then turns to see Vhodka Black just smiling at him and waving. Peter Vaughn and Vhodka lock up as the platform starts to tremble...suddenly part of the side starts to come apart and it drops into the cheese!
Mr. RAD: "THE KING" PAUL MONTOURI! HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!
Arthur La Forge: AND THE HEADCHEESE HAS FALLEN! LONG LIVE THE HEADCHEESE!!
Mary DeSue: And his day will come as he moves forward in the Extra Lives Tournament…poor Michelle. I wish she had been able to make it farther.
As the trembling continues on the platform Vaughn tries to go for a haymaker but Vhodka catches it and stomps on Vaughns foot! She spins around hits Vaughn with a Famasser! She picks up Vaughn and grabs him by the arm...JUDO TOSS INTO THE CHEESE!!
Mr. RAD: PETER VAUGHN! HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!! THE WINNER OF THE TITLE SHOT...VHODKA BLACK!!!
Vhodka smiles and just belly flops into the cheese to celebrate!
Arthur La Forge: Vhodka Black wins The Pool Of Cheese Match and gets a shot at a tri force singles title of her chosing!
Mary DeSue: This match was Mozzarella to do about Neufchâtel..
Arthur La Forge: Ohhh nice reference.
The technicians have to basically force Vhodka out of the cheese as they drain the pool of cheese and rise the ring back up, after taking apart the platform.
______
A Message from your favorite Guy!
Arthur La Forge: We are back live in the united center in the great city of El Paso, Texas where we’re told a special announcement is about to be made.
Mary DeSue: Take me to the ring or lose me forever, Artie.
We cut back to a dark arena with the light of Level Up Tron being the only thing illuminating the arena. Camera phone flashlights flutter to life around the arena like stars on a winter sky. On the screen plays stock footage of wheat blowing in the wind.
The music cues, prompting a magnificent laser show of white lights and beams. Sparks flare up as Guy Manson rises from the ground like hologram Tupac at Coachella. He’s dressed unlike we’ve ever seen him before. In a crushed velvet purple tuxedo with a purple top hat. Smiling in amazement, arms dangling lifelessly at his sides. He takes a large step. Then another. Then breaks into a full pimp-walk all the way to the ring in a well-rehearsed performance. Still smiling, he waves at all the Level Updogs who are confused by the weeks of vignettes that have promised the end of days. Just before hitting the ring, Guy stops and points at the steps. For the first time, he enters the ring like a civilized person. Music continues to play as he maintains his smile, stepping up to the bottom turnbuckle, waiving around his stupid hat. Then, with his hands, makes a heart shape symbol to the horrified audience.
Arthur La Forge: After months of ominous threats to end all of civilization and weeks of creepy videos, we’re finally going to hear from Guy Manson. What do you think he has to say Mary?
Mary DeSue: I don’t care. This whole thing is totally sus. I’m low-key skeeved out by everything Manson does and I’m supes uncomfortable.
Arthur La Forge: Fantastic… Let’s hear what he has to say.
The crowd is uneasy and speaks amongst themselves at the return of Guy Manson. The strange fellow he grabs a mic and addresses the audience for the first time in his career.
Guy Manson: Guy Man Son has thought a lot about what to say when this day came. Or what not to say, because I don’t know how to say it, or how you will react. But here we are. El Paso. Planet Earth. Your pain is real. I can feel it too.
Almost complete silence from the crowd.
Guy Manson: Today is the day of the Convergence. You don’t know what that means, and that’s ok. Some of what you’re about to hear is good news and some is bad news. The bad news is that Guy Man Son will no longer be wrestling for Level Up. No more Tuesday night Man Son. No more ‘Creepy’ Guy, stolen dinner mints, and purple vomit in people’s faces.
There are boos coming from the audience, but it’s not clear if they are booing at Guy or booing at the fact that he’s leaving. Is it possible that anyone has grown fond of Guy’s squirrely behavior?
Guy Manson: For anyone in attendance, at home, in the back. If any part of my being in your world has made you feel uncomfortable, afraid, or upset, I understand. For a long time, I didn’t understand my feelings. I was sent here to do a job, to take over the world. Literally. But Guy Man Son was never going to do that. I never wanted to hurt anybody. I only wanted to bring all of you together. As one unity.
Guy Manson: Who’s ready for story time from Guy Man Son, El Paso?
More applause.
Guy Manson: Where I’m from, I am inferior. Expendable. They sent me on a death mission to this beautiful world of sugared treats and cat monsters and wrestling contests to enslave the human race. They didn’t think I would survive. They thought it was a suicide mission. They said that the race of men is evil and filthy and self-centered. And they believe that the cat monsters would hunt me and kill me right away. When I didn’t message home, they believed me dead. As soon as I call them back and tell them the convergence has begun, the invasion will start. I assembled quantum device. I built the beacon. I can call home right now… but I won’t.
There is doubt amongst the crowd.
Guy Manson: I can see the looks on all your faces. You don’t believe me. But I’m telling the truth when I say that I wasn’t sure if I was going to end the human race tonight or if I wanted to start a new life. I know what to do. I’m doing the right thing. The men and women of this federation showed me what it means to be human.
Guy Manson: Larry Tact, Ziggy Morgan, Bam Miller taught me about friendship. They took an interest in me. They groomed me for greater things. They believed in me when nobody else would. But true friendship isn’t about just being there when it’s convenient. The bonds I held with Larry, Ziggy, and Bam were artificial. Those men lied to me. They weren’t my friends, and I learned the meaning of betrayal.
Guy Manson: A young woman in Human Resources taught me about love. So intense and complete that it caused me physical pain when she left me. Love is strong, but eventually turns to dust. Ruin is inevitable and everything else is prelude. Her love wasn’t real. And I learned the meaning of rejection.
Guy Manson: Guy Man Son… WAS…fooled. But I learned so much about real human emotion. I found real friendship in the form of my mentor, my guide, my friend. Johnny Hitmaker. He gave me food and shelter and comradery. He bought me a chocolate volcano at Applebee’s. He is a good man. He is a friend, and I apologize that I can no longer represent him in the ring.
Guy Manson: I also found my true love. And everlasting love that rushes my body and fills me with joy every time my lips touch her. And for this new love, I am abandoning my mission and leaving the wrestling business. I resign my position today, as a happy man, because I am dedicating the rest of my life to my true love. She goes by many names. Sucrose. Fructose. Glucose. My soulmate, by whatever name you give her, is Sugar. And she is forever.
The audience laughs and claps their hands at the ridiculous statement before Guy elaborates.
Guy Manson: Tonight, won’t be the last you’ll hear from me. Mister M’s Konfectionary Kreations is a full-service candy manufacturing company with an established distribution network in the Northeast and Guy Manson: Midwestern United States. My line of delectable treats includes a variety of chocolate drops, bars, and cups. And they will be available to you starting… tonight!
Guy Manson: Oooh… just the thought of all that sugar sends chills are running up and down my spine.
Guy Manson: of you here. The ones that cheered for me. The ones who brought me candy at my wrestling matches. The ones that let me sleep in their barns, and beds, and hearts. You are all… friends.
Guy Manson: So, on your way out of the Don Haskins Center tonight… grab yourself a free chocolate bar on me. It’ll change the way you see the world. Thank you... and goodbye.
Loud applause from the crowd this time. FREE STUFF!!! Guy Manson drops the mic, climbs the bottom turnbuckle one last time and blows kisses to the crowd. Then he returns to the center of the ring, begins to glow purple and explodes into a million bits of dark matter.
Arthur La Forge: Oh wow. You have to give it to him. The creepy little guy knows how to make an exit.
Mary DeSue: Oh. Sad face emoji. I was just starting to like him. Point me in the direction of that free candy Artie.
THIS SEGMENT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
______
NO MERCY Amber Payne vs Jason Ryan
Mr. RAD: The following contest is the NO MERCY Match!
Arthur La Forge: It’s time to see whose the best…arounddddd!!!
Mary DeSue: Jokes like that are why you’re still single nowwwww…
Arthur La Forge: …
Mr. Rad: Introducing first from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania..."The Queen of Strong Style" Amber Payne!
Lights go out…music slowly coming on as Amber steps out from the back and slowly walks down the ramp or isle. Her hands in the pockets of her vest. As the music picks up, she slides in the ring, stands up and stands in the middle of the ring. As the drums hit, she stands there… then puts her arms out, head up looking at the ceiling. As the electronic beats comes, she leans her head down and looks at the hardcam.
Arthur La Forge: Amber looks determined as hell to finally finish this fight she’s been having for months against Jason Ryan!
Mary DeSue: Yeah, but how hard is she willing to go? I mean…it’s Ryan…He’s probably the most extreme jerk in this place…so far.
Mr. Rad: And her opponent from Great Falls, Montana..."The Dreamkiller" Jason Ryan!!
Arthur La Forge: Here comes said Jerk!
Mary DeSue: I didn’t say that Jason! You need to stop bringing stuff up…what if he comes after me?
Arthur La Forge: What? He not THICC enough for you?
The lights all go out for five seconds, then Jason's music begins to play. A single spotlight shines upon Jason on the stage carrying a steel baseball bat. Jason aims a finger gun at the ring and shoots it, causing pyro to erupt behind him...As the pyro goes off we see Amber Payne has gotten out of the ring and has charged at Ryan, who swings with the bat and misses. Punch from Payne. Ryan drops the bat and returns fire with a punch of his own and the melee is on as the Level Up fans start cheering on this confrontation that they have wanted to see for weeks!
Arthur La Forge: And the fists of fury are flying fantastically.
Mary DeSue: Trying to use that English degree there Artie?
As the two continue to battle with fists of fury it finally breaks up as Payne misses with a punch and Ryan gets behind her and grabs her. GERMAN SUPLEX ONTO THE RAMP!! Ryan gets up and picks up Payne over his head and drops her, headfirst, onto the ring barricade. He grabs Payne and irish whips her into the ring apron and as she falls back hits her with a superkick to the back of the head! The fans boo Ryan as he shows them he has mastered one finger of sign language...the middles ones. He walks back up the ramp and grabs the steel baseball bat. He rushes back to the ringside area, getting full speed, as Payne gets up to her knee's and rushes forward. Ryan swings and misses...BACK BODY DROP INTO THE RING APRON!! Payne collapses for a moment as Ryan howls in pain.
Arthur La Forge: Ryan went to the well to many times there and it backfired spectacularly.
Mary DeSue: What well? The Cheesewell??? Also there is a Cheesewell??
The referee, Pliskin, checks to see if either of them are knocked out as Ryan is the first to get up. He grabs Payne and bulldogs her into the ring steps! Ryan kicks the top steps off of the ring steps and places Payne's right arm on the bottom steps. He picks up the steel steps and slams them onto Payne's arm as she howls out in pain! Ryan grabs that arm and whips it where he ends up slamming the right shoulder into the steps as well! Ryan grabs the metal baseball bat and places it in the ring. He picks up Payne and rolls her into the ring. Bodyslam by Ryan. He places Payne's head next to the turnbuckle post, and picks up the bat...
Arthur La Forge: No…NONONONONONOOOO!!!
Mary DeSue: Lenny better get Payne a sponsorship from Aleeve!
CLANG!!
Ryan holds up the bat after hitting Payne upside the head with it and points to the crowd like he's Babe Ruth which gets him a chorus of boos. Ryan then climbs up the top turnbuckle and holds the bat in a stabbing motion...
Arthur La Forge: Somebody stop this guy!
Mary DeSue: Somebody that isn’t an announcer stop this guy! No offense Artie, but he’s out of your league.
The fans keep booing as Ryan leaps down to hit the stab, but Payne gets her knees up and the handle of the bat slides up and hits Ryan in the eye! Ryan stumbles for a moment and hits the mat hard as Referee Pliskin goes to check on him. Payne gets up slowly and grabs the bat. She shoves Pliskin out of the way and smashes the bat right into Ryan's nose! Ryan screams in agony as Payne holds up the blood covered bat and tosses it out of the ring. She puts on a clawhold onto Ryan's face as he screams, kicking his legs, while his shoulders are down, but no pinfalls in this match. He's gotta tap out to end it!
Arthur La Forge: Those two shots to the face seemed to have turned the tide for Payne!
Mary DeSue: Squeezing his face to add insult to injury…I love it!
Payne keeps the clawhold on and then lets go. Slapping the hell out of Ryan's chest, leaving a bloody handprint on his shirt. Ryan's face is already bruising, bleeding, and busted as he tries to get up, but Payne walks over and stands on his left and right hands. Ryan screams as Payne jumps up and down onto the hands! She has a look of determination on her face as she grabs Ryan's arms and rolls him over onto his stomach. She puts her foot to the back of Ryan's spine and lifts his arms putting pressure on the spine with a surfboard like move. Ryan is screaming in agony as Pliskin asks him if he gives up. He shakes his head no. Payne lets him go after a while and makes a throat cut motion signaling for the end of this.
Arthur La Forge: Payne’s calling for the end of this!
Mary DeSue: Then we go check out that Cheesewell…
Arthur La Forge: STOP IT WITH THE CHEESEWELL!!
Payne is signaling for the "Rings of Payne" as Ryan tries to crawl away from her. He reaches into his shorts and wraps his hand with it. Payne reaches down and grabs Ryan and Ryan pops her in the face with a wrapped around silver chain! Payne grabs her face as Ryan uncoils the chain and wraps it around his other hand. He kicks Payne while she's down and gets her onto her stomach. He reaches arounder her throat with the chain and yanks creating a camel clutch position as Payne tries desperately not to get choked out by the chain! Ryan closes his hands more around Payne's throat as Pliskin asks if she gives up. Payne keeps shaking her head no and...eventually Payne stops moving. Ryan wrenches the hold again as Pliskin holds up Payne's arm...
One...
TWO...
THREE!!!
Mr. RAD The winner of this match "The Dreamkiller" Jason Ryan!
Arthur La Forge: With that recliner like choke out finish Jason Ryan wins the match, but it looks like he took most of the damage in the war.
Mary DeSue: Most wrestlers don’t bruise like that this quickly right Artie?
EMT's rush to the ring to check on Payne whose coming around from the choke out. Ryan has the silver chain still on his hands as he grabs his face. For once Ryan let's the EMT's check out his face because he's seriously hurt here.
Arthur La Forge: We’ll have an update on Amber Payne and Jason Ryan hopefully later in the evening folks.
Mary DeSue: Maybe Trent cant get a group rate at the ER.
______
Courage Championship Match Stephen Stratford vs Eli Goode
Arthur La Forge: We’ve arrived at our featured bouts, and the Courage Championship is on the line next!
Mary DeSue: Hmm… I’m pretty torn with this one.
Arthur La Forge: Why is that, Mary?
Mary DeSue: Ya know, on the one hand there’s Eli Goode, the Courage Champ who is right there with Buster Gloves for biggest goody two shoes. I think he helped some old lady crossing the street to the arena.
Arthur La Forge: Going back to late last year, we’ve seen a lot of momentum for Eli, who culminated it by defeating his longtime rival, E.A. Blizzard for the title he puts on the line tonight.
Mary DeSue: I bet you eat it up, but it’s not my type.
Arthur La Forge: Well you’re in luck, Mary. He’s going to go against–
TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF! TURN IT —
Arthur La Forge: This man, who is apparently done waiting for his turn.
The lights in the arena cut abruptly, plunging the fans into darkness with startled gasps floating on the air. The crowd falls into silence only a dull murmur of voices penetrating the uncomfortable darkness until slowly a single dim beam of light penetrates the blackness to shine weakly on the stage. A fine mist begins to form quickly building into rolling clouds falling down the ramp towards the ring, with the stage behind almost completely enveloped. Music begins to thrum through the PA system, a ghastly soundtrack to that hopeless dark and suffocating mist.
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
Drag me down to the hellhole where I come from
I got some unfinished business I can't run from
Send me up to the Devil she want to see me face to face to face
I can hear the dogs are howling my name
Yeah, they're howling for the human race
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•[/div
The dim light lighting the stage suddenly flashes out as the music plays on, an altar of melted candles flashes on to the tron screens. As quickly as it went the light returned, this time two figures stood illuminated in the glow, almost entirely hidden by the creeping mist.
Drag me down to the hellhole where I come from
I got some unfinished business I can't run from
Send me up to the Devil she want to see me face to face to face
I can hear the dogs are howling my name
Yeah, they're howling for the human race
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•[/div
The dim light lighting the stage suddenly flashes out as the music plays on, an altar of melted candles flashes on to the tron screens. As quickly as it went the light returned, this time two figures stood illuminated in the glow, almost entirely hidden by the creeping mist.
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
Bring me up so I can try to I can start all over again
Fill my veins to the brim with you, be a friend
You know that I need it, it's time to choose the door
A think about the Dove and the Serpent and which one of them I need more
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•[/div
The light grows brighter and brighter, almost blindingly revealing Stephen Stratford with Demi Stratford at her side, both surrounded by the stifling mist. He looks out to the ring and at the crowd of people with his arms stretched out by his side and as the music punches up, he starts to bounce from one foot to the other in anticipation. His narrow grey eyes are dusted with smoke shadows, and his lips are outlined in a light red hue. His tattooed torso is draped in a black leather trenchcoat, beneath which he wears a black leather corsage around his waist, black and white striped stockings and torn fishnets. The two glance at one another, maintaining eye contact for a moment before they clasp hands.
The couple begins to descend through the mist down the ramp and towards the ring. Stratford’s Doc Marten boots clinking against the walkway in lockstep with Demi.
Stephen keeps hold of his wife’s hand assisting her up the ring steps before following behind. Demi walks along the apron like a stray cat along the fence top, eyes averted to the floor, one hand absentmindedly trailing along the top rope behind her as Stephen opens the ropes for her to enter the ring. As Demi enters, Stephen Stratford climbs up the turnbuckle from the outside, and scans the audience. A smile curls at the corner of his lips, as he hops into the ring and lands next to his wife, the two standing center under a lone spotlight in the darkness.
Arthur La Forge: Is it safe to say you’re on Team Stratford tonight, Mary?
Mary DeSue: Meh.
Arthur La Forge: A bit vague, would you care to elaborate?
Mary DeSue: Look, Demi Stratford? Big fan. I love her style, her confidence, and how easily she has people twisted around her pinky. Stephen? I just… he’s creepy, Artie. I don’t know this guy thinks or is going to do next.
Arthur La Forge: Stephen has cast away any doubts of his ability to keep up with today’s wrestlers, physically and doubly so, mentally. With Demi by his side, the former Immortal Heavyweight Champion has quickly emerged into championship contention right here, in Level Up. It’s going to be quite a match as he looks to dethrone a champion who embodies courage.
As if on cue, the spotlight over the Stratfords cuts out. The arena goes completely black.
“Carry On My Wayward Son” hits the arena speakers.
The music slowly starts to play the opening chorus at the top. The drums start playing followed by the guitar solo. Once the guitar solo starts, Eli Goode walks out with his leather jacket and ring gear on as the lights flash on. He stands up at the top of the ramp. He looks around the arena.
The moment the heavier rock starts he starts his walk down the ramp. When he reaches the steps, he waits until the chorus starts to play to walk up the steps. He enters the ring and poses to the audience. He takes in a deep breath as he looks around the audience. He closes his eyes for a few seconds. He opens his arms up to his side and a small amount of pyro shoots out around the ring.
After the pyro stops, he opens his eyes and smiles. He takes off the leather jacket as the music starts to fade away. After the music is over, he walks to his respective side of the ring to wait for the match to start.
Mary DeSue: Creepy vibes aside, I hope Stephen can shorten our list of wholesome champions by one.
Arthur La Forge: Don’t let Mary deceive you, Level Updogs. Eli Goode has been as fierce as he has been upstanding. Dethroning EAB of the Game Changers was no easy feat, and we shouldn’t forget that title win was coming off the heels of a Multiplayer Championship reign with Brody Adams, who had taken leave. Eli is running as hot as anyone in Level Up and he’s going to need it tonight.
Mary DeSue: You really missed an opportunity there, Artie.
Arthur La Forge: What do you mean?
Mary DeSue: It was no ‘small’ feat to beat EAB?? That’s a lob!
Arthur La Forge: I guess I don’t see the fun in height jokes, Mary. It’s a little petty if you ask me.
Mary DeSue: Petty schmetty, if the size fits.
Arthur LaForge: Mary’s tact notwithstanding, folks, both competitors are in the ring and we’ll leave it to our esteemed AI, Mr Rad for the intros.
On the LEVELUPtron, we see the digital projection of Mr Rad appear.
Mr Rad: The following contest is set for one fall, and is for the Level Up Wrestling COURAGE Championship! Introducing first, the challenger! He is accompanied to the ring by his wife, Demi Stratford. He weighed in at 185 pounds and comes to us from Estes Park, CO. This is… STEPHEN STRATFORD!
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Mr Rad: And next, introducing the Level Up Wrestling Courage Champion! He weighed in at 160 pounds and hails from Memphis, Tennessee. He is… ELI GOODE!
Eli unfastens the Courage Championship, and holds it up high with a confident smile for the crowd.
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
DING DING DING
As Referee Kirby takes the title and calls for the bell, Eli Goode immediately jets out from his corner to try and get the jump on Stephen. He goes for a Shotgun Dropkick and Stephen evades through the ropes, landing on the outside. Eli hits the turnbuckle pads and rolls back into a crouch, then walks up to the ropes and glares down at Stratford, who stands next to his wife, expressionless. Eli has a few words for him, then goes over to Ref Kirby and demands for Stephen to bring it inside. Kirby explains he cannot, but does put in a count on Stephen.
Arthur La Forge: Stephen not wasting any time with the mind games he’s already made a hallmark of his competitive stylings.
Mary DeSue: He’s not very stylish, though. Like, he needs Demi to work on that wardrobe. It’s a little one dimensional.
Arthur La Forge: It hasn’t affected his success one bit, so I think he’ll stick to what works.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Stephen walks around to an adjacent side of the ring, further from Eli, and climbs back onto the apron.
FOUR!
Eli is there with a Cactus Clothesline causing Stephen to drop back to the floor, only further tweaking the Courage Champion’s ire.
Mary DeSue: Get on Stephen’s level, Eli. You gotta think one, two steps ahead to keep up.
Arthur La Forge: You’re spot on, Mary. Stephen is always strategizing and planning.
FIVE!
SIX!
Mary DeSue: I guess he uses his time on that instead of his hair and makeup. Poor choice, i.m.o.
[Arthur La Forge: “i.m.o.?”
Mary DeSue: Gawd, really Artie?? Get on MY level!
While Eli looks at Stephen, from his blind side we see Demi Stratford slink onto the apron, holding her position between the ropes. Eli does a double take seeing her there, and tells Ref Kirby he needs to do something now! Kirby makes his way over to Demi, telling her to remove herself from the ring. As she is complying, Stephen gets in behind Eli Goode and grabs him from behind with a Bulldog! Eli is planted face first into the mat, and Stephen gets up to stomp him in the middle of the ring. The crowd is decidedly displeased with the tactic, and Stephen pays no mind as he lifts Eli and hooks his arm for a frosty Snap Suplex. He lifts Eli again and flips him to the mat with a Snapmare, adding a kick that sends rattles up and down Eli’s spine. Stephen is still on Eli, bringing the champion to his feet and in fact lifting him onto his shoulder. Having the size advantage in this match, Stephen uses it and attempts an elevated Neckbreaker. Goode is able to push away from Stratford and lands on his feet behind him, then runs to the ropes and springs off with a Flying Forearm Smash as Stephen turns – only for Stephen to duck under! Eli lands on his knees and when he turns, Stephen has exited the ring again.
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Arthur La Forge: Not a move appreciated by the Level Updogs, and I think Eli has had enough of this chase.
Mary DeSue:If your frustrated, Champ, then do something about it.
Eli protests Stephen’s repeated exiting the ring to Ref Kirby, and only receives a shrug in return as the referee is powerless to order Stephen in. He can only put in another count.
ONE!
TWO!
Arthur La Forge: Eli has allowed Stephen to take control of the pace, and that could prove challenging to shift back.
Stephen Stratford is talking with Demi, and seems unconcerned with reentering the ring hastily.
THREE!
FOUR!
Eli Goode looks about ready to chase, but Ref Kirby instructs him to wait, which Eli decides to do as Stephen circles the ring again.
Mary DeSue: It figures, I’m sure Stephen and Demi have lots of practice at controlling their pace. I bet Eli is a Minute Man.
Arthur La Forge: Mary! That’s inappropriate.
Mary DeSue: Wait, you got THAT reference but missed “i.m.o.?”
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
Stephen Stratford gets on the side of the apron furthest from Eli again. The Courage Champion launches towards Stephen, only to be caught in the midsection with a shoulder. Eli stumbles backwards and Stephen smoothly positions himself sitting on the top rope, waiting. As Eli stands upright, Stephen propels off the middle rope with Silencer!
Arthur La Forge: After keeping Eli guessing, the Springboard Dropkick connects and Stephen covers!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT BY ELI!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Mary DeSue: These fans may not like the Stratfords’ plan and cheer for Eli, but you can’t argue with the results.
Arthur La Forge: Hard to argue that, so far Stephen has made the right moves. Let’s see if that continues.
Wasting no time, Stratford stands with Eli’s head in his grasp. Stephen hits a European Uppercut that rocks Eli back towards a corner and the challenger crunches Eli against the pads with a crushing knee to the abdomen. Eli is doubled over and Stephen brings him out of the corner, looking for a Stalling Suplex. Eli lands knees to the head of Stratford and the challenger’s balance falters even as he staggers to try and regain it. Stephen ends up throwing Eli forward with a sort of flapjack and Goode lands on his feet. The Courage Champion shows his trademark agility in immediately tagging Stephen with an Enziguri. Eli didn’t get all of it as Stephen started to backpedal when Goode went for it, and Stratford ends up on a knee and goes to his back, rolling out of the ring again.
Arthur La Forge: Another ‘break’ for Stephen as Eli began to gain mo– MOTHER BRAIN! ELI GOODE WITH A TOPE CON GIRO SOMERSAULT OUT OF THE RING ONTO STEPHEN STRATFORD!!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Mary DeSue: He’s going to a crazy place!
Arthur La Forge: That was high risk defined, but Eli knows his strengths and how it represents the Courage title to a tee.
Mary DeSue:Yeah, but here outside the ring, anything can happen.
Eli gets up and screams at the cheering crowd, who elevate their response. He is quick to bring Stephen to his feet and grabs him around the waist. Goode runs Stratford into the barricade! He then turns Stephen and RUNS HIM BACKFIRST INTO THE RINGPOST! The wounded Stratford drops to his knees and Eli plays to the crowd as he flattens Stephen with a jumping double stomp to his back. The Courage Champion notices Ref Kirby at a count of five and rolls his challenger back into the ring, keen to issue a warning glance at Demi Stratford, who is observing from a safe distance. Eli slides back into the ring and waits on Stephen to get back up before hitting a Sunset Flip Powerbomb! Eli then hops onto the apron and elevates to the top turnbuckle as the Level Updogs chant his name. Eli launches off the top with a signature Frog Splash! ..
IT CONNECTS!! Eli with a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
ONLY TWO!
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Arthur La Forge: Eli getting aggressive by using the ring to keep Stephen on his heels, then hitting a signature Frog Splash back in the ring and almost scoring the win. His high flying style is a refreshing change after EA Blizzard’s reign effectively grounded this division, with its spirit of high flying action.
Mary DeSue: What a nerd, following the rules. EA Blizzard was way cooler.
Arthur La Forge: If you like a package of cheating and deception, I guess.
Mary DeSue: Did you say package? Because I hear Stephen’s rivals EAB’s more than Eli’s.
Arthur La Forge: Mary. Mary. First, please stop. Second, you’re single-handedly going to get us kicked off Twitch.
Mary DeSue: Sorry! I took sativa instead of delta today. My loins are absolutely–
Arthur La Forge: Aaaaand we’re still calling a title match!
The Courage Champion looks reinvigorated after weathering the initial storm of the challenger. He waits on Stephen to rise again, but finds his eye again caught by Demi Stratford, who has apparently taken a few signs from fans in the front rows. Eli watches as she holds them up outside, discarding them to the floor afterwards. One posterboard reads, “ELI LACKS COURAGE” and another, “STEPHEN = DEMIse” with a third saying, “STRAT IF YOU BELIEVE!” Demi tosses them aside with a shake of her head at Eli, who has something to say to Demi about each sign – only for him to be struck from behind by Stephen Stratford! Stephen managed to recover enough while Demi was distracting Eli, and he now lands forearms to the face of Eli, pinned against the ropes.
Arthur La Forge: After Demi did her part with those signs, Stephen capitalized and left Eli in a predicament.
Mary DeSue: Demi is a master strategist, too, and don’t you forget it.
Arthur La Forge: She picked the exact right spot. Wait, here comes Eli!
The Courage Champion fights back with a hook to the ribs of Stratford! Eli battles back with alternating forearms and chops that back up Stephen a couple feet. It allows Eli the space he needs and, after a particularly slicing chop that further reddens Stephen’s chest, Eli springs off the middle rope and lands a Hurricanrana that sends Stephen – TWIRLING TO LAND BACK ON HIS FEET! Demi applauds her husband as he takes a mocking bow to Eli, who sees his opponent still on his feet. He tries to push his attack only for Stephen to once more leave the ring. Eli is fuming as he shoots a perturbed look at Ref Kirby. Knowing the response he will receive from the senior official, Eli decides to go off the ropes as Stephen is deliberating with Demi. ELI WITH A TOP CON HILO! STEPHEN AND DEMI WERE PLAYING POSSUM AND MOVE WELL AHEAD! ELI CRASHES AGAINST THE BARRICADE AND IS FOLDED UP ON THE FLOOR!!
Mary DeSue: HA! Eli dove for the gold and got left with an empty bag.
Arthur La Forge: Yes, a tough break for Eli. He took the fight to Stephen Stratford and this time, paid dearly in falling for the deception.
Mary DeSue: If only these people would shut up and admire the Stratfords’ work.
With chants of his name, the Level Updogs instead try and revive Eli to a standing base. Stephen has other ideas, not allowing time for them to do so. Satisfied with the results of the ploy, he hoists the Courage Champion into Powerbomb position. Not his usual move, but in this case again, Eli is the smaller opponent. Stephen lifts Eli and looks to aim him for the ringpost. Demi Stratford gets onto the apron and begins deliberating with Ref Kirby, interrupting his count at four– and Eli fights back! He lands a strike to the head of Stephen, then a clapping blow to the ears! Stephen allows Eli to drop to the floor… only to kick him in the nads with a LOW BLOW!
Arthur La Forge: Come on, that’s terrible!
Mary DeSue: Maybe Eli is more endowed than the rumors. Stephen even took advantage of that!
Eli immediately drops down to his knees, stunned and agonized by the sudden impact. Stephen recollects himself and resets Eli between his legs and DROPS GOODE ONTO THE BARRICADE WITH A JACKNIFE POWERBOMB! Demi drops down from the apron as Stephen drags Eli up and dumps his unmoving body into the ring. The former Immortal Heavyweight Champion follows into the ring, and stands still as he sees Eli showing great resiliency and already grabbing the ropes to try and pull himself up! STEPHEN LAUNCHES INTO ELI WITH A STRATEGIZER! The Shining Wizard hits Eli squarely and Stephen dives on top!
ONE!
TWO!
…
ELI WITH A BOOT ON THE ROPES!!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Arthur La Forge: Yes! Eli displaying great courage and fortitude, remaining in the match!
Mary DeSue:Whatever, biased Artie. That was one option, and there’s more to come. Eli is about to be lapped by Stephen’s scheming.
Stephen stands slowly, backing up as Demi slaps the mat and gets on the apron, logging her displeasure with Kirby. The senior official reiterates the call of a two count before the champion got a rope break. Meanwhile, Stephen is at work on one of the turnbuckle pads, removing it unbeknownst to Kirby! Eli has rolled onto his stomach, clutching the back of his head and still looking dazed as he gets to his knees. Stephen turns back and lands a seated dropkick to the side of Goode, sending him rolling on the mat and holding his ribs. Stephen then looks to go up to the top rope from inside the ring. Stephen gets Eli upright with a full nelson applied. ELI WITH A MULE KICK ON STEPHEN STRATFORD! Demi was just finishing her discussion with Kirby and the referee didn’t catch it! Eli turns and catches Stephen as he was going down and pushes him back up, solely to land a Pele Kick! ELI KIPS UP!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Mary DeSue: Nothing to say about that blatant illegal move, Artie??
Arthur La Forge: What goes around, comes around!
Mary DeSue:Totally unprofessional, Artie. I hope you’re proud of yourself.
Arthur La Forge: I’m proud that Eli Goode is standing up for himself and the Courage title. Stephen brought this upon himself. Eli’s fire is still burning bright.
The Courage Champion isn’t ready to stay down, nor does he want his challenger escaping. Eli drags Stephen by the arm towards a corner. Goode then backs up and takes aim, charging in with a Cannonball Splash. Stephen manages to get himself out of the corner and onto his knees – where Eli was waiting with GOODE LORD!
Arthur La Forge: That vicious stomp sends Stephen flat on his stomach! Eli rolls him over after Goode Lord and shoots the half!
ONE!
TWO!
THR— NO! STEPHEN WITH A SHOULDER UP!
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Mary DeSue: Move it, Stephen! Doesn’t Kirby see he needs a timeout?
Arthur La Forge: He should find another sport, then. This is a fight to the finish!
Aware of a precious advantage, Eli collects himself after the unsuccessful pin attempt. He looks around at the Level Updogs, fully supportive of his efforts, and decides to send Stephen through the ropes and to the floor. Eli follows onto the apron and as Stephen gets up, hits a sidekick to the face of Stratford. Eli then drops down to the floor and grabs Stephen… WITH AN IRISH WHIP, ELI SENDS STRATFORD INTO THE STEEL STAIRS! On contact, Stephen flips over the stairs onto the other side of the floor, and clutches his knee. Ref Kirby is checking on Stephen while Eli used such force that he fell to the floor, himself. As he begin to get up… DEMI CONNECTS WITH A KICK TO THE BACK OF ELI’S HEAD! Once more, Goode finds himself clutching his head. Demi checks to make sure Ref Kirby is tending to Stephen before… STICKING HER STILETTO HEEL INTO THE MOUTH OF ELI GOODE?? ELI GRABS IT AND TRIES PUSHING IT AWAY!
Arthur La Forge: ] What the hell is she thinking??
Mary DeSue: This is why you should know how to accessorize! Demi has a use for everything, truly a Queen.
Arthur La Forge: I would use another term for– NO! LIKE A BELMONT’S STAKE! DEMI DRIVES THE STILETTO INTO THE MOUTH OF ELI! STOP HER!!
Mary DeSue:Okay, maybe that was too much? Eli don’t look so good.
Arthur La Forge: He may not be able to breath!
Ref Kirby finally receives confirmation that Stephen is able to continue as Demi appears next to him. Whispering and pointing towards the other side of the steel stairs, Stephen nods and is helped to his feet. He walks around to find Ref Kirby racing to check on Eli, who is coughing up blood and feebly sucking wind, his mouth covered in red and droplets falling off him or streaking his neck. Stephen tells Kirby to clear out and the senior official is reluctant. Stephen has no time for him and runs to jump onto and off the apron with a SILENCER! The Springboard Dropkick nearly but does not strike the senior referee, instead finding its intended target in Eli Goode! Even on the offensive, Stephen is wobbly getting up after the punishment he’s absorbed. He gets Eli into the ring but needs to pause at the apron before sliding in and making a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THR— ELI WITH A SHOULDER UP!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Arthur La Forge: That’s right! It won’t end like that tonight!
Mary DeSue: He’s only delaying the inevitable, Artie. More pain for goody two-shoes, which is “Goode” with me.
Arthur La Forge: Boo.
Mary DeSue: Oh Artie, don’t be jealous you didn’t say it first.
Both Champion and challenger are exhibiting signs of fatigue and damage, laying on the mat. Eli is holding his bloodied mouth and gasping for air. Stephen is clutching his side, bruises showing on his midsection as the repeated comebacks and emerged aggression of Eli Goode taking their toll. Both wrestlers reach standing position at about the same time. Stephen lands a forearm shot to the face… Eli checks his jaw, then returns fire with a Backhand Chop to the lobster red chest of Stephen! Stephen comes back with another forearm! Eli with another Backhand Chop!
Arthur La Forge: Neither one budging for control, this could be a turning point.
Mary DeSue: Don’t back down, Stratford!
Forearm by Stephen!
Responded with a Backhand Chop from Eli!
Forearm by Stratford!
Backhand Chop by Goode!
The Level Updogs swing like a pendulum with their reactions towards the ongoing exchange until Stephen reflexively covers his chest, rather than retaliate. Eli catches air with an Enziguri that sends Stephen off the ropes and Eli rolls him up… but allows Stephen to roll through into a crouch… setting up a Shotgun Dropkick! Goode sends Stratford bouncing off the ropes again… SLING BLADE!
Arthur La Forge: The Courage Champion breaks through and makes a cover!
Bring me up so I can try to I can start all over again
Fill my veins to the brim with you, be a friend
You know that I need it, it's time to choose the door
A think about the Dove and the Serpent and which one of them I need more
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•[/div
The light grows brighter and brighter, almost blindingly revealing Stephen Stratford with Demi Stratford at her side, both surrounded by the stifling mist. He looks out to the ring and at the crowd of people with his arms stretched out by his side and as the music punches up, he starts to bounce from one foot to the other in anticipation. His narrow grey eyes are dusted with smoke shadows, and his lips are outlined in a light red hue. His tattooed torso is draped in a black leather trenchcoat, beneath which he wears a black leather corsage around his waist, black and white striped stockings and torn fishnets. The two glance at one another, maintaining eye contact for a moment before they clasp hands.
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
Now I can feel it in my shadow
It's something I can't live without
When I hide from the sun
The darkness keeps catching me out
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
Now I can feel it in my shadow
It's something I can't live without
When I hide from the sun
The darkness keeps catching me out
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
The couple begins to descend through the mist down the ramp and towards the ring. Stratford’s Doc Marten boots clinking against the walkway in lockstep with Demi.
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
So help me out of this mess I'm in
Could it be that we're evil?
So help me out of this mess I'm in
Could it be that we're evil?
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
So help me out of this mess I'm in
Could it be that we're evil?
So help me out of this mess I'm in
Could it be that we're evil?
•─────⋅☾ ✧ ☽⋅─────•
Stephen keeps hold of his wife’s hand assisting her up the ring steps before following behind. Demi walks along the apron like a stray cat along the fence top, eyes averted to the floor, one hand absentmindedly trailing along the top rope behind her as Stephen opens the ropes for her to enter the ring. As Demi enters, Stephen Stratford climbs up the turnbuckle from the outside, and scans the audience. A smile curls at the corner of his lips, as he hops into the ring and lands next to his wife, the two standing center under a lone spotlight in the darkness.
Arthur La Forge: Is it safe to say you’re on Team Stratford tonight, Mary?
Mary DeSue: Meh.
Arthur La Forge: A bit vague, would you care to elaborate?
Mary DeSue: Look, Demi Stratford? Big fan. I love her style, her confidence, and how easily she has people twisted around her pinky. Stephen? I just… he’s creepy, Artie. I don’t know this guy thinks or is going to do next.
Arthur La Forge: Stephen has cast away any doubts of his ability to keep up with today’s wrestlers, physically and doubly so, mentally. With Demi by his side, the former Immortal Heavyweight Champion has quickly emerged into championship contention right here, in Level Up. It’s going to be quite a match as he looks to dethrone a champion who embodies courage.
As if on cue, the spotlight over the Stratfords cuts out. The arena goes completely black.
“Carry On My Wayward Son” hits the arena speakers.
The music slowly starts to play the opening chorus at the top. The drums start playing followed by the guitar solo. Once the guitar solo starts, Eli Goode walks out with his leather jacket and ring gear on as the lights flash on. He stands up at the top of the ramp. He looks around the arena.
The moment the heavier rock starts he starts his walk down the ramp. When he reaches the steps, he waits until the chorus starts to play to walk up the steps. He enters the ring and poses to the audience. He takes in a deep breath as he looks around the audience. He closes his eyes for a few seconds. He opens his arms up to his side and a small amount of pyro shoots out around the ring.
After the pyro stops, he opens his eyes and smiles. He takes off the leather jacket as the music starts to fade away. After the music is over, he walks to his respective side of the ring to wait for the match to start.
Mary DeSue: Creepy vibes aside, I hope Stephen can shorten our list of wholesome champions by one.
Arthur La Forge: Don’t let Mary deceive you, Level Updogs. Eli Goode has been as fierce as he has been upstanding. Dethroning EAB of the Game Changers was no easy feat, and we shouldn’t forget that title win was coming off the heels of a Multiplayer Championship reign with Brody Adams, who had taken leave. Eli is running as hot as anyone in Level Up and he’s going to need it tonight.
Mary DeSue: You really missed an opportunity there, Artie.
Arthur La Forge: What do you mean?
Mary DeSue: It was no ‘small’ feat to beat EAB?? That’s a lob!
Arthur La Forge: I guess I don’t see the fun in height jokes, Mary. It’s a little petty if you ask me.
Mary DeSue: Petty schmetty, if the size fits.
Arthur LaForge: Mary’s tact notwithstanding, folks, both competitors are in the ring and we’ll leave it to our esteemed AI, Mr Rad for the intros.
On the LEVELUPtron, we see the digital projection of Mr Rad appear.
Mr Rad: The following contest is set for one fall, and is for the Level Up Wrestling COURAGE Championship! Introducing first, the challenger! He is accompanied to the ring by his wife, Demi Stratford. He weighed in at 185 pounds and comes to us from Estes Park, CO. This is… STEPHEN STRATFORD!
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Mr Rad: And next, introducing the Level Up Wrestling Courage Champion! He weighed in at 160 pounds and hails from Memphis, Tennessee. He is… ELI GOODE!
Eli unfastens the Courage Championship, and holds it up high with a confident smile for the crowd.
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
DING DING DING
As Referee Kirby takes the title and calls for the bell, Eli Goode immediately jets out from his corner to try and get the jump on Stephen. He goes for a Shotgun Dropkick and Stephen evades through the ropes, landing on the outside. Eli hits the turnbuckle pads and rolls back into a crouch, then walks up to the ropes and glares down at Stratford, who stands next to his wife, expressionless. Eli has a few words for him, then goes over to Ref Kirby and demands for Stephen to bring it inside. Kirby explains he cannot, but does put in a count on Stephen.
Arthur La Forge: Stephen not wasting any time with the mind games he’s already made a hallmark of his competitive stylings.
Mary DeSue: He’s not very stylish, though. Like, he needs Demi to work on that wardrobe. It’s a little one dimensional.
Arthur La Forge: It hasn’t affected his success one bit, so I think he’ll stick to what works.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Stephen walks around to an adjacent side of the ring, further from Eli, and climbs back onto the apron.
FOUR!
Eli is there with a Cactus Clothesline causing Stephen to drop back to the floor, only further tweaking the Courage Champion’s ire.
Mary DeSue: Get on Stephen’s level, Eli. You gotta think one, two steps ahead to keep up.
Arthur La Forge: You’re spot on, Mary. Stephen is always strategizing and planning.
FIVE!
SIX!
Mary DeSue: I guess he uses his time on that instead of his hair and makeup. Poor choice, i.m.o.
[Arthur La Forge: “i.m.o.?”
Mary DeSue: Gawd, really Artie?? Get on MY level!
While Eli looks at Stephen, from his blind side we see Demi Stratford slink onto the apron, holding her position between the ropes. Eli does a double take seeing her there, and tells Ref Kirby he needs to do something now! Kirby makes his way over to Demi, telling her to remove herself from the ring. As she is complying, Stephen gets in behind Eli Goode and grabs him from behind with a Bulldog! Eli is planted face first into the mat, and Stephen gets up to stomp him in the middle of the ring. The crowd is decidedly displeased with the tactic, and Stephen pays no mind as he lifts Eli and hooks his arm for a frosty Snap Suplex. He lifts Eli again and flips him to the mat with a Snapmare, adding a kick that sends rattles up and down Eli’s spine. Stephen is still on Eli, bringing the champion to his feet and in fact lifting him onto his shoulder. Having the size advantage in this match, Stephen uses it and attempts an elevated Neckbreaker. Goode is able to push away from Stratford and lands on his feet behind him, then runs to the ropes and springs off with a Flying Forearm Smash as Stephen turns – only for Stephen to duck under! Eli lands on his knees and when he turns, Stephen has exited the ring again.
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Arthur La Forge: Not a move appreciated by the Level Updogs, and I think Eli has had enough of this chase.
Mary DeSue:If your frustrated, Champ, then do something about it.
Eli protests Stephen’s repeated exiting the ring to Ref Kirby, and only receives a shrug in return as the referee is powerless to order Stephen in. He can only put in another count.
ONE!
TWO!
Arthur La Forge: Eli has allowed Stephen to take control of the pace, and that could prove challenging to shift back.
Stephen Stratford is talking with Demi, and seems unconcerned with reentering the ring hastily.
THREE!
FOUR!
Eli Goode looks about ready to chase, but Ref Kirby instructs him to wait, which Eli decides to do as Stephen circles the ring again.
Mary DeSue: It figures, I’m sure Stephen and Demi have lots of practice at controlling their pace. I bet Eli is a Minute Man.
Arthur La Forge: Mary! That’s inappropriate.
Mary DeSue: Wait, you got THAT reference but missed “i.m.o.?”
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
Stephen Stratford gets on the side of the apron furthest from Eli again. The Courage Champion launches towards Stephen, only to be caught in the midsection with a shoulder. Eli stumbles backwards and Stephen smoothly positions himself sitting on the top rope, waiting. As Eli stands upright, Stephen propels off the middle rope with Silencer!
Arthur La Forge: After keeping Eli guessing, the Springboard Dropkick connects and Stephen covers!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT BY ELI!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Mary DeSue: These fans may not like the Stratfords’ plan and cheer for Eli, but you can’t argue with the results.
Arthur La Forge: Hard to argue that, so far Stephen has made the right moves. Let’s see if that continues.
Wasting no time, Stratford stands with Eli’s head in his grasp. Stephen hits a European Uppercut that rocks Eli back towards a corner and the challenger crunches Eli against the pads with a crushing knee to the abdomen. Eli is doubled over and Stephen brings him out of the corner, looking for a Stalling Suplex. Eli lands knees to the head of Stratford and the challenger’s balance falters even as he staggers to try and regain it. Stephen ends up throwing Eli forward with a sort of flapjack and Goode lands on his feet. The Courage Champion shows his trademark agility in immediately tagging Stephen with an Enziguri. Eli didn’t get all of it as Stephen started to backpedal when Goode went for it, and Stratford ends up on a knee and goes to his back, rolling out of the ring again.
Arthur La Forge: Another ‘break’ for Stephen as Eli began to gain mo– MOTHER BRAIN! ELI GOODE WITH A TOPE CON GIRO SOMERSAULT OUT OF THE RING ONTO STEPHEN STRATFORD!!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Mary DeSue: He’s going to a crazy place!
Arthur La Forge: That was high risk defined, but Eli knows his strengths and how it represents the Courage title to a tee.
Mary DeSue:Yeah, but here outside the ring, anything can happen.
Eli gets up and screams at the cheering crowd, who elevate their response. He is quick to bring Stephen to his feet and grabs him around the waist. Goode runs Stratford into the barricade! He then turns Stephen and RUNS HIM BACKFIRST INTO THE RINGPOST! The wounded Stratford drops to his knees and Eli plays to the crowd as he flattens Stephen with a jumping double stomp to his back. The Courage Champion notices Ref Kirby at a count of five and rolls his challenger back into the ring, keen to issue a warning glance at Demi Stratford, who is observing from a safe distance. Eli slides back into the ring and waits on Stephen to get back up before hitting a Sunset Flip Powerbomb! Eli then hops onto the apron and elevates to the top turnbuckle as the Level Updogs chant his name. Eli launches off the top with a signature Frog Splash! ..
IT CONNECTS!! Eli with a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
ONLY TWO!
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Arthur La Forge: Eli getting aggressive by using the ring to keep Stephen on his heels, then hitting a signature Frog Splash back in the ring and almost scoring the win. His high flying style is a refreshing change after EA Blizzard’s reign effectively grounded this division, with its spirit of high flying action.
Mary DeSue: What a nerd, following the rules. EA Blizzard was way cooler.
Arthur La Forge: If you like a package of cheating and deception, I guess.
Mary DeSue: Did you say package? Because I hear Stephen’s rivals EAB’s more than Eli’s.
Arthur La Forge: Mary. Mary. First, please stop. Second, you’re single-handedly going to get us kicked off Twitch.
Mary DeSue: Sorry! I took sativa instead of delta today. My loins are absolutely–
Arthur La Forge: Aaaaand we’re still calling a title match!
The Courage Champion looks reinvigorated after weathering the initial storm of the challenger. He waits on Stephen to rise again, but finds his eye again caught by Demi Stratford, who has apparently taken a few signs from fans in the front rows. Eli watches as she holds them up outside, discarding them to the floor afterwards. One posterboard reads, “ELI LACKS COURAGE” and another, “STEPHEN = DEMIse” with a third saying, “STRAT IF YOU BELIEVE!” Demi tosses them aside with a shake of her head at Eli, who has something to say to Demi about each sign – only for him to be struck from behind by Stephen Stratford! Stephen managed to recover enough while Demi was distracting Eli, and he now lands forearms to the face of Eli, pinned against the ropes.
Arthur La Forge: After Demi did her part with those signs, Stephen capitalized and left Eli in a predicament.
Mary DeSue: Demi is a master strategist, too, and don’t you forget it.
Arthur La Forge: She picked the exact right spot. Wait, here comes Eli!
The Courage Champion fights back with a hook to the ribs of Stratford! Eli battles back with alternating forearms and chops that back up Stephen a couple feet. It allows Eli the space he needs and, after a particularly slicing chop that further reddens Stephen’s chest, Eli springs off the middle rope and lands a Hurricanrana that sends Stephen – TWIRLING TO LAND BACK ON HIS FEET! Demi applauds her husband as he takes a mocking bow to Eli, who sees his opponent still on his feet. He tries to push his attack only for Stephen to once more leave the ring. Eli is fuming as he shoots a perturbed look at Ref Kirby. Knowing the response he will receive from the senior official, Eli decides to go off the ropes as Stephen is deliberating with Demi. ELI WITH A TOP CON HILO! STEPHEN AND DEMI WERE PLAYING POSSUM AND MOVE WELL AHEAD! ELI CRASHES AGAINST THE BARRICADE AND IS FOLDED UP ON THE FLOOR!!
Mary DeSue: HA! Eli dove for the gold and got left with an empty bag.
Arthur La Forge: Yes, a tough break for Eli. He took the fight to Stephen Stratford and this time, paid dearly in falling for the deception.
Mary DeSue: If only these people would shut up and admire the Stratfords’ work.
With chants of his name, the Level Updogs instead try and revive Eli to a standing base. Stephen has other ideas, not allowing time for them to do so. Satisfied with the results of the ploy, he hoists the Courage Champion into Powerbomb position. Not his usual move, but in this case again, Eli is the smaller opponent. Stephen lifts Eli and looks to aim him for the ringpost. Demi Stratford gets onto the apron and begins deliberating with Ref Kirby, interrupting his count at four– and Eli fights back! He lands a strike to the head of Stephen, then a clapping blow to the ears! Stephen allows Eli to drop to the floor… only to kick him in the nads with a LOW BLOW!
Arthur La Forge: Come on, that’s terrible!
Mary DeSue: Maybe Eli is more endowed than the rumors. Stephen even took advantage of that!
Eli immediately drops down to his knees, stunned and agonized by the sudden impact. Stephen recollects himself and resets Eli between his legs and DROPS GOODE ONTO THE BARRICADE WITH A JACKNIFE POWERBOMB! Demi drops down from the apron as Stephen drags Eli up and dumps his unmoving body into the ring. The former Immortal Heavyweight Champion follows into the ring, and stands still as he sees Eli showing great resiliency and already grabbing the ropes to try and pull himself up! STEPHEN LAUNCHES INTO ELI WITH A STRATEGIZER! The Shining Wizard hits Eli squarely and Stephen dives on top!
ONE!
TWO!
…
ELI WITH A BOOT ON THE ROPES!!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Arthur La Forge: Yes! Eli displaying great courage and fortitude, remaining in the match!
Mary DeSue:Whatever, biased Artie. That was one option, and there’s more to come. Eli is about to be lapped by Stephen’s scheming.
Stephen stands slowly, backing up as Demi slaps the mat and gets on the apron, logging her displeasure with Kirby. The senior official reiterates the call of a two count before the champion got a rope break. Meanwhile, Stephen is at work on one of the turnbuckle pads, removing it unbeknownst to Kirby! Eli has rolled onto his stomach, clutching the back of his head and still looking dazed as he gets to his knees. Stephen turns back and lands a seated dropkick to the side of Goode, sending him rolling on the mat and holding his ribs. Stephen then looks to go up to the top rope from inside the ring. Stephen gets Eli upright with a full nelson applied. ELI WITH A MULE KICK ON STEPHEN STRATFORD! Demi was just finishing her discussion with Kirby and the referee didn’t catch it! Eli turns and catches Stephen as he was going down and pushes him back up, solely to land a Pele Kick! ELI KIPS UP!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Mary DeSue: Nothing to say about that blatant illegal move, Artie??
Arthur La Forge: What goes around, comes around!
Mary DeSue:Totally unprofessional, Artie. I hope you’re proud of yourself.
Arthur La Forge: I’m proud that Eli Goode is standing up for himself and the Courage title. Stephen brought this upon himself. Eli’s fire is still burning bright.
The Courage Champion isn’t ready to stay down, nor does he want his challenger escaping. Eli drags Stephen by the arm towards a corner. Goode then backs up and takes aim, charging in with a Cannonball Splash. Stephen manages to get himself out of the corner and onto his knees – where Eli was waiting with GOODE LORD!
Arthur La Forge: That vicious stomp sends Stephen flat on his stomach! Eli rolls him over after Goode Lord and shoots the half!
ONE!
TWO!
THR— NO! STEPHEN WITH A SHOULDER UP!
LEVEL UPDOGS: BOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Mary DeSue: Move it, Stephen! Doesn’t Kirby see he needs a timeout?
Arthur La Forge: He should find another sport, then. This is a fight to the finish!
Aware of a precious advantage, Eli collects himself after the unsuccessful pin attempt. He looks around at the Level Updogs, fully supportive of his efforts, and decides to send Stephen through the ropes and to the floor. Eli follows onto the apron and as Stephen gets up, hits a sidekick to the face of Stratford. Eli then drops down to the floor and grabs Stephen… WITH AN IRISH WHIP, ELI SENDS STRATFORD INTO THE STEEL STAIRS! On contact, Stephen flips over the stairs onto the other side of the floor, and clutches his knee. Ref Kirby is checking on Stephen while Eli used such force that he fell to the floor, himself. As he begin to get up… DEMI CONNECTS WITH A KICK TO THE BACK OF ELI’S HEAD! Once more, Goode finds himself clutching his head. Demi checks to make sure Ref Kirby is tending to Stephen before… STICKING HER STILETTO HEEL INTO THE MOUTH OF ELI GOODE?? ELI GRABS IT AND TRIES PUSHING IT AWAY!
Arthur La Forge: ] What the hell is she thinking??
Mary DeSue: This is why you should know how to accessorize! Demi has a use for everything, truly a Queen.
Arthur La Forge: I would use another term for– NO! LIKE A BELMONT’S STAKE! DEMI DRIVES THE STILETTO INTO THE MOUTH OF ELI! STOP HER!!
Mary DeSue:Okay, maybe that was too much? Eli don’t look so good.
Arthur La Forge: He may not be able to breath!
Ref Kirby finally receives confirmation that Stephen is able to continue as Demi appears next to him. Whispering and pointing towards the other side of the steel stairs, Stephen nods and is helped to his feet. He walks around to find Ref Kirby racing to check on Eli, who is coughing up blood and feebly sucking wind, his mouth covered in red and droplets falling off him or streaking his neck. Stephen tells Kirby to clear out and the senior official is reluctant. Stephen has no time for him and runs to jump onto and off the apron with a SILENCER! The Springboard Dropkick nearly but does not strike the senior referee, instead finding its intended target in Eli Goode! Even on the offensive, Stephen is wobbly getting up after the punishment he’s absorbed. He gets Eli into the ring but needs to pause at the apron before sliding in and making a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THR— ELI WITH A SHOULDER UP!
LEVEL UPDOGS: WAAAAAAAAHH!!!
Arthur La Forge: That’s right! It won’t end like that tonight!
Mary DeSue: He’s only delaying the inevitable, Artie. More pain for goody two-shoes, which is “Goode” with me.
Arthur La Forge: Boo.
Mary DeSue: Oh Artie, don’t be jealous you didn’t say it first.
Both Champion and challenger are exhibiting signs of fatigue and damage, laying on the mat. Eli is holding his bloodied mouth and gasping for air. Stephen is clutching his side, bruises showing on his midsection as the repeated comebacks and emerged aggression of Eli Goode taking their toll. Both wrestlers reach standing position at about the same time. Stephen lands a forearm shot to the face… Eli checks his jaw, then returns fire with a Backhand Chop to the lobster red chest of Stephen! Stephen comes back with another forearm! Eli with another Backhand Chop!
Arthur La Forge: Neither one budging for control, this could be a turning point.
Mary DeSue: Don’t back down, Stratford!
Forearm by Stephen!
Responded with a Backhand Chop from Eli!
Forearm by Stratford!
Backhand Chop by Goode!
The Level Updogs swing like a pendulum with their reactions towards the ongoing exchange until Stephen reflexively covers his chest, rather than retaliate. Eli catches air with an Enziguri that sends Stephen off the ropes and Eli rolls him up… but allows Stephen to roll through into a crouch… setting up a Shotgun Dropkick! Goode sends Stratford bouncing off the ropes again… SLING BLADE!
Arthur La Forge: The Courage Champion breaks through and makes a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREENO!
STEPHEN WITH A SHOULDER MERE INCHES OFF THE MAT!
Mary DeSue: He nailed it, but didn’t go deep enough!
Arthur La Forge: Ugh…
Mary DeSue: I gave fair warning of my current state.
Arthur La Forge: Did you? I can’t tell who’s thirstier; you generally, or Stephen and Eli for the Courage title.
Mary DeSue: I can go further if…
Arthur La Forge: Nope!
Eli is back on Stephen with a front facelock, slowly bringing his challenger up. Suddenly Eli switches tactics and lifts Stephen in a Fireman’s Carry…
Arthur La Forge: Is this Stephen’s GOODE BYE?!?
Mary DeSue: It is NOT!
Stephen manages to hit Eli in the throat with a series of elbows, causing the champion to grab his bloodied mouth as his challenger drops down. Eli turns into CHIP ON MY SHOULDER BUT ELI SHOVES STEPHEN OFF AND GETS HIM BACK UP FOR THE GOODE BYE AGAIN!
Arthur La Forge: A battle of wills coming to a head!
Mary DeSue:Fun fact, I never made a will until my socials blew up. Gotta protect that sweet affiliate commission keesh.
Arthur La Forge: Wrong type of will, Mary. No, not again with Demi!
Demi Stratford grabs ahold of Eli’s boot! He shakes her off and Ref Kirby admonishes Demi, but it’s precious moments for her husband to reach his fingers into Eli’s mouth, ripping at it! Eli reaches for his harmed mouth while Stephen drops behind the Courage Champion. Stratford shoves Eli into the turnbuckle– ELI’S HEAD RICOCHETS OFF THE EXPOSED STEEL TURNBUCKLE RING! CLUTCHING HIS FACE ELI TURNS AROUND…
Arthur La Forge: Mother Brain! STEPHEN HITS CHIP ON MY SHOULDER!!!
Mary DeSue: Pin him! Pin!! Him!!
Eli flops onto the mat and Stephen is there to hook a leg on the pin attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
Mr Rad: Your winner of this match… AND NEEEEEEEWW LEVEL UP WRESTLING COURAGE CHAMPION! STEEEEPHEN STRATFOOOORRRRD!!!
Demi joins Stephen in the ring as Ref Kirby hands him the Courage title. They barely notice the swarm of medical personnel entering the ring to check on Eli's throat. The new champion and his wife look inconvenienced having to step around the scrum to leave the ring.
Mary DeSue: YAAASS! THANK THE “GOODE” LORD!
Arthur La Forge: You had to get one more in, even when Eli just lost?
Mary DeSue: I am who I am and PROUD of it.
Arthur La Forge: Stephen Stratford. That is a name all of Level Up, and beyond, should be on high alert for. This man entered on a tear, and he’s leaving having added ‘Courage Champion’ to his ledger!
Mary DeSue: Like I said, he’s a Crazy Steve but I’m glad we’re rid of Eli as champ. My moral compass was tingling, and it’s thankfully been put to rest.
Arthur La Forge: Whether you agree or disagree with the methods, there’s no refuting that Stephen Stratford is currently heading for a shot at becoming Triforce Champion! If he wins it, he gets a direct line to the Main Event of Final Fantasy, and a chance to become Final Boss Champion. I can’t imagine what that would look like.
Mary DeSue: You may not have to use your imagination for long, Artie. This guy is making all the right moves.
Arthur La Forge: Indeed. Stephen Stratford with the victory and Courage title, while Eli Goode will need to heal up and regroup fast, after a hard fought match that went sideways thanks to the scheming Stratfords. Level Updogs, our title bouts continue after a quick break!
______
A New Direction….
As we cut backstage, the camera is set on a door marked, “The Game Changers,” triggering the Level Updogs into jeers. When the door opens, and out steps the Power Champion, Larry Tact? The jeering only grows hotter and more venomous. Larry defensively looks to either side, remembering the prop ambush he experienced at Level Up’s most recent Pay-Per-View, Super Adventure Island. Finding nothing in imminent threat range, he gives the title belt around his waist a couple pats and moves out of the doorway. Following behind him is none other than the newest addition to the Game Changers, Ziggy Morgan. At the sight of the cowboy coming out of the villains’ dressing room, the Level Updogs split the jeers with an eruption of cheers, creating a heated clash of distilled ‘reaction.’ Larry turns to Ziggy, slightly behind him.
Larry Tact: Ziggy, let’s get moving. ¡Muévete! I want to get this final pre-match medical check over with. Trent and his damned deck of excuses. They’re aimed to play havoc with me ahead of my matches, ¿Comprende?
Ziggy Morgan: I don’t reckon there’s much I can do to stop the doc, but I’ll sure be a witness Mr. Tact.
As the two move along side-by-side, they unsuspectingly walk through curtains leading into a room surrounded by steel walls and blue tinted glass panes. There’s a railing not far ahead of them, and a spotlight shining down on a pedestal, in what appears to be a lower level beyond the railing. Larry and Ziggy look around and Larry gets an irritated look at him.
Ziggy Morgan: This looks like that bar Arturo almost got hitched in… looked pretty in that dress.
Larry Tact: *muttering* No, no, not again. *regular volume* We’re not part of the circus
entertainment! Hold off whatever you’re—
There’s suddenly a chanting of noise from behind Larry, cutting him off. When he turns, a trio of people dressed in what looks like trademarked HALO™ armors come storming through the curtain. The soldiers rush past Larry, one bumping into him and almost knocking him a step backwards. Sneering, Larry takes on a perturbed countenance, pointing at the group rushing towards a staircase leading to the lower level.
Larry Tact: Did you see that? Who the hell invited ‘Commando’ Dumbking Schlepard’s LARP crew here?!
Ziggy Morgan: I don’t even know what a LARP is, Mr. Tact.
Before Larry can answer, another trio of HALO™ soldiers comes bursting through. They’re heading past Larry and Ziggy, towards the balcony overlooking the lower level. Tact brusquely takes hold of a soldier’s arm, yanking him backwards.
Larry Tact: What do you think you’re doing? This is a professional event, not a dweeb convention.
Soldier #1: Sir! We need to check below to see if we’ve found the Map room. If so, we can
access—
Larry Tact: Shut your disgusting, nerdish mouth! I’m not part of your bullshit fantasy peddling to all the swollen-tongued gamer nerds watching. I want to know who brought you here.
Soldier #1: I’m here to get my check, that’s it. Trent Steel wants us to play a part in a scene, then I collect and go. I dunno what you’re thinking, but I’m just a bit part. Please!
Larry Tact: It becomes clear. Another Trent Steel brainfart, ready to erode the viewership the Game Changers and myself have built for this company. Why is it always two steps forward, one step backwards?
Soldier #1: Uh, mister? Please, I gotta go to my place. If I don’t get there on time, they said Trent hired an extra support cast to replace us if we mess up. Mister, I wanna get paid!
Larry looks down and sees he’s still got a vice grip on the arm of the soldier, who opened his visor to plead. He shoves him away and calls after him.
Larry Tact: Oh, stop your whining! You know, you’re nothing but a part of this event that will
bomb! Chump!
Ziggy taps Larry on the shoulder, and motions they should go back through the curtain. Larry nods and follows only after he removes the Power title and slings it over his shoulder.
Larry Tact: If I see one more soldier, they’re getting a belt shot.
They emerge without incident back from where they came, and head a different direction. Turning a corner, they find one Shane Donovan standing at a table with some refreshments and snacks. Larry and Ziggy exchange a look, and Larry moves towards Shane, with Ziggy following. Shane turns with a cup of coffee in hand, noticing the duo and giving a nod.
Shane Donovan: Well well, look who’s come to haunt my doorstep. Can I help you gents?
Larry Tact: Well, if it isn’t Maimin’ Shane. You’re a real sensation lately on Twitter, aren’t you?
Shane Donovan: Oh, that? Just putting idiots in their places.
Larry Tact: Sure, and how has it worked for you backstage, in the office of the former fraudulent Developer?
Shane Donovan: I signed a new deal. For all his bluster Trent isn’t quite stupid enough to mess with someone who knows where some of the bodies are buried. Why? Having problems?
Shane sipped his coffee, looking between the two. Larry doesn’t look pleased, his sneer from minutes ago making a small comeback. He addresses Ziggy first, then Shane.
Larry Tact: I feel like he thinks he’s somehow better than the rest of us, already. Those Jack Michaels, early 2021 Eli Goode vibes. *towards Shane* I don’t know if you dug a hole in your locker to bury your head in, until your time to shine arrives, buried in the show. But let me tell you, for whatever you know of Trent Steel in the past? He’s become a duplicitous version of his already treacherous self.
Ziggy Morgan: Whoa now, Lar…no need to let the horse’s ass blow hot air int’ ya…
Larry looks away, beginning to get riled up, and controls himself.
Larry Tact: You’re right, why even give him the thought? *towards Shane*I guess you wouldn’t know that Trent has been an insufferable, wishy-washy, gnome-ish stubborn-headed clod to the Game Changers. He’s acting like a live for the moment guy who got rich and doesn’t know how to react. He throws his wealth of influence around here as bait, and I’m about done with it. What suggestion could you possibly have to solve that?
Ziggy Morgan: Now wouldn’ that be a real helper for our cause…maybe Shane here is gon’ be a gem of a find…
Shane waits patiently for Larry to finish saying his bit, drinking his coffee and then tossing the cup away before he offers up his own retort.
Shane Donovan: I think you’re a little tense, Tact. I don’t think I’m better than either of you. In fact, I commend you for not getting trampled too roughly by the out of control antics of our “fearless leader”. The thing you don’t realize with a man like Trent Steel though is that despite all of his posturing that he’s a changed man, deep down he’s a creature of immense habit. Habits I could tell you, if you’d like. Not with those around, of course.
Shane motions towards the camera, lifting a finger and waggling it towards the cameraman.
Shane Donovan: We can at least be civilized enough to not tell the fans about how truly miserable a man Trent Steel is.
Larry sideyes Shane for a moment, then offers a small but still smug smirk.
Larry Tact: I don’t sense you’ve got any moral hesitation. If you’re willing to discuss, I can set aside a few minutes. But if you’ve taken grievances with Trent before, why even show your face in Level Up? Where’s your angle?
Shane Donovan: My angle? If Trent Steel wants to throw around money, why shouldn’t I take my share? Let him pay my mortgage if he wants to show the world he’s a “changed man”. This is having my cake and eating it, Larry.
Larry Tact: It sounds like you’re either claiming to be a fool who’s willing to look past bygone differences in favor of greed. Or, you’re truly bitter to the core, and willing to take money you probably don’t give two shits about, so you can keep up a pretense until your moment arrives.
After looking Shane in the eyes for several seconds, Tact chuckles.
Ziggy Morgan: Oh my…sounds like a clear hard split between those sides. I reckon we may get a nice crystal response one way or the other…
Larry Tact: One of those I could get to know. The other I despise and would take serious issue with.
Shane Donovan: Mm. Well, if you think me the fool, then you truly haven’t been paying attention. There’s rot about, as I’m sure you’d agree, and you can’t fix rot if you’re not inside the house.
Larry Tact: That sounds like someone I could find common ground with. Don’t believe what you hear in the woodwork, they’re just termites looking to tear down what we’re trying to repair… even if that means taking out the core and rebuilding from the pipes.
Ziggy Morgan: That is it right there…Game Changers gonna change the game. Change the game with Game Changers…
Larry looks incredulously at Ziggy, almost offended by the act of promotion he launched into. Shane nods with a laugh, moving over towards the camera and putting his hand over the lens, the scene cutting back to ringside.
______
Wisdom Championship Match Dollface Sarah Wolf vs Buster Gloves
The lights go out. An electric guitar plays before a single word appears on the Jumbotron. “BUSTER”. Then another guitar riff and the word ”GLOVES”. The lights return to the arena and Buster Gloves emerges from the tunnel. Guile’s theme song from Street Fighter II is being shredded on the guitar and Buster Gloves burst from the tunnel full of energy.
Wearing a black hoodie reading the words 'WRESTLING IS FOREVER' on the back, Buster Gloves has a black training mask attached to his face. You can’t see many of his facial features, but it’s undoubtedly him. He wears those black leather gloves that he loves so much, with the letters W.I.F.E. on the left hand.
Mr RAD: Making his way to the ring first, he is the WISDOM CHAMPION looking to set a record for Defenses Tonight…He Is B-Buh-Buh-Buh BUSTER GLLOOOVVVEESSS
Buster descends the ramp high fiving kids and posing for pictures with sign-holding fans. Buster works the crowd and they respond.
Buster climbs the ring apron to enter the ring. He removes his shirt and ascends the turnbuckle to play to the crowd one last time.
The music fades as Buster removes his training mask and shakes hands with the referee.
Arthur La Forge: Buster Gloves has done an amazing job since defeating Amhya for The Wisdom Title months ago and he’s not looking to stop defending that belt till TFH!
Mary DeSue: Yeah, but I don’t think he’s ready for this one…
Mr Rad: And His opponent
“When I’m Queen”by Jack Off Jill hits drawing a mixed but mostly negative reaction from the crowd as the camera pans over them, trying to locate the challenger to the Wisdom title. Eventually, Dollface is seen hopping the barrier. She takes a lap around the ring, staring down the unphased Buster Gloves before sliding in under the bottom rope and taking one more lap, this time inside the ring.
Mr. RAD: From Nowhere, wherever that is..”Dollface” SARAH WOLF!!
Arthur La Forge: Since joining Level Up Wrestling, “Dollface” is probably one of the most unique wrestlers in terms of style compared to others in the wisdom division and beyond!
Mary DeSue: She’s more like “From Beyond” at this point…
Arthur La Forge: Sorry…I had a flashback to eighties Barbara Crampton
DING DING DING
On about the second ring of the bell, Wolf charges in living up to the vicious animal her family is named She drives Buster into a corner and begins peppering him with rights and lefts as Buster does his best to cover up. Wolf snatches Buster by his huge ears and begins laying in a series of vicious headbutts before leaping up and sending him out of the corner with a monkey flip. Wolf isn’t done though as she leaps upon Buster and continue the assault.
Arthur La Forge: And “Dollface” aggressively takes Buster down!
Mary DeSue: Emm…aggressive…
Arthur La Forge: Don’t make me get the squirt bottle.
Mary DeSue: Hehehehe…sq…
Arthur La Forge: (The sound of water being sprayed)
Busters does all he can to cover up while ref Kirby reprimands Wolf for use of a closed fist. He exhausts his five count, reaching four when Sarah disengages and backs the Ref up to a corner.After a brief but vicious verbal assault, Wolf tuns and gets bulldozed by a charging Buster Gloves…but the ref gets smashed into the corner by both competitors! Ref Kirby crumples as Sarah Wolf is dragged from the corner in a plum with Buster firring knees off into her face.
Arthur La Forge: Buster is trying to turn the table, and Kirby became a casualty of friendly fire
Mary DeSue: I think Sarah’s wanting to give Buster some friendly fire if you know what I mean…
Buster takes Sarah over with a butterfly suplex, instantly rolling her onto her back and going for the pin but Ref Kirby remains out. Buster sits up, frustrated. He goes to lift Satah up but lets out a cry as Wolf snatches a handful of Buster’s busters and twists as viciously as she can.She follows this up with yet another headbutt, then a DDT that spikes the Wisdom champ’s head into the mat. Wolf wastes no time, getting Buster up and throwing him to the outside between the top and middle rope.
Arthur La Forge: …
Mary DeSue:...did she just…
Arthur La Forge: (high pitched) yes…
Mary DeSue: (starts to play taps on Kazoo)
Sarah steps out onto the apron, leaping and nailing Buster in the small of his back with a double foot stomp. She begins kicking him in the ribs, following Buster as he crawls away and fights his way to his feet. Buster begins fighting back for real now, forcing Wolf to cover up from the thunderous blows he lands. Sarah uses her superior speed though and ducks a knockout punch of Buster and shoves him as hard a she can into the ringpost, causing his had to bounce off it and opening a cut on his forehead.
Arthur La Forge: Buster is busted open!
Mary DeSue: But I thought busting made him feel good?
Arthur La Forge: Stop being such a…
Mary DeSue: Careful.
Buster stumbles away, wiping at his forehead as Sarah grins. She double checks to find Kirby barely starting to show signs of life and charges after Buster. Sarah Wolf takes him down with a chop block then leaps up and begin bashing Buster’s face into the ring steps over and over again. She then grinds his face and the cut against the diamond plate! Buster reaches back and manages to dig his thumb into her eye and ward her off. He snatches onto the ring steps, bellowing and suddenly swinging them as Sarah charges back in.
Arthur La Forge: I’m glad Buster is taking steps to protect himself.
Mary DeSue:...I am ashamed…that I didn’t think of it first.
The chairs thud on the ground, Buster collapsing over them to catch his breath as Sarah Wolf rolls around grasping her face as blood jets from a likely broken nose. Buster powers to his feet, rolling Sarah into the ring and sliding in after her. Between the two of them, they turn the mat from white to red. Busters snatches one of Sarah’s arms and begins bashing the point of his elbow down onto her head and the crop of her neck. He then goes to lock in a guillotine choke but Wolf shows immense ring awareness, snatching onto the nearby ropes and hanging on as Kirby finally gets to his feet.
Arthur La Forge: Wolf has her foot on the ropes, but no ref to break the hold!
Mary DeSue: Cheat Buster! Come on! Join the Dark Side! We got Tostitos!
Kirby takes a moment to register everything, trying to figure out how suddenly the ring is stained with blood and the two fighters he’s officiating are covered in it. He then, finally, notices Sarah Wolf grasping onto the bottom rope while Buster keeps the choke locked in. Ref Kirby swoops in and begins counting with Buster breaking the hold at 3. He gets up and begins arguing with Kirby who questions him about the blood and the steps. Once more, Sarah Wolf flies in with another chop block and takes Buster down with a short-fall revere DDT! She goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
No! Buster kicks out! Sarah sits up, screaming through the crimson mask at Ref Kirby for counting too slowly. Buster slowly sits up and, prefaced with a sick grin, Sarah dives to met him and BEGINS TO BITE HIS OPEN WOUND!
Arthur La Forge: Safe Word! SAFE WORD!!!!
Mary DeSue: The safe word is crunchy…
Buster begins firing rights into Sarah’s face, desperately trying to free himself but she retaliates by digging in her nails and creating new open wounds. She eventually relents, only to return the favor to Buster’s nose with a solid knee that sends blood jetting all over her. Buster fires up from it however, and nails Sarah with the Falcon Punch! Wolf falls to one knee and the Wisdom Champ signals for the end!
Arthur La Forge: Buster’s calling for The Obliterator!!
Mary DeSue: If this matches goes on longer someone’s gonna be meeting “The Intimidator” from blood loss..
Arthur La Forge: Too soon…
Mary DeSue: Raise Hell…Praise Dale…
Buster yanks Sarah to her feet, paying her another headbutt before lifting her onto his shoulders, going for the Obliterator!! But Sarah Wolf fights out of it, bashing her elbow into the side of Buster’s face. She drags him backward, landing on her feet and..EXOR-KISSED! THE BLACK MIST OVERFLOWS BETWEEN THEIR LIPS, MIXING WITH THE BLOOD! WOLF BREAKS THE EMBRACE AND APPLIES THE BLACKHAND!! Buster kicks and struggles but Sarah shifts, pinning her down to the mat! She begins bashing Buster’s head into the canvas while keeping the hold locked in.
Buster Gloves goes limp, eyes rolling into the back of his head!
Kirby checks his arm…
Arthur La Forge:
Mary DeSue:
One…
TWO…
THREE!!
Ref Kirby calls for the bell!
Mr. RAD: HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND NNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEWWWW WISDOM CHAMPION!!!!! SARAH “DOLLFACE” WOLF!!
Arthur La Forge: After a hard fought bloody confrontation…”Dollface” Sarah Wolf dethrones Buster Gloves and wins The Wisdom Championship! Buster put up a hell of fight but it just game down to who got the submission move in first!
Mary DeSue: The goody goods are gone! Now if only Larry can retain against…Oh crap!
______
Some Inspiration
The scene shifts from ringside to that of a darkened room, where Shane Donovan is seated on a chair, the back of which is facing forward with Shane resting his forearms across the top of it. Standing behind him and off to the side is his multiplayer partner Avalon Blackthorn, who was applying tape around her wrist. Both wrestlers were in their ring gear, clearly getting ready for the fight that awaited them.
Shane Donovan: Hello Level Up. It’s been a while since we talked, hasn’t it? I must apologize, that was my fault. At EXP I needed to make sure I was dialed in and at my best. Not that such preparation was necessarily needed, not when I have Avalon Blackthorn watching my back.
He gestures towards his partner, who gives a nod to the camera while she continued to work on getting ready for the match.
Shane Donovan: Now that we’re here at Combat Evolved, however, I feel that it’s important to inform all of you what is to come. You see, tonight is about making a statement. It doesn’t matter win, lose, or draw—
Avalon Blackthorn: It will be a win.
Shane allows a wicked grin to cross his features at the enthusiastic way in which Avalon voiced her thoughts on the matter, then continues.
Shane Donovan: Up until tonight Level Up has largely been all fun and games, hasn’t it? All these video game trappings, men like Bert McAlroy being apples of the audience’s eyes. The “Commander” himself… It’s a real lot, isn’t it? Hell, we just watched a bunch of poor souls get thrown into a vat of cheese, didn’t we Avalon?
Shane looks back towards Avalon, and the woman breaks off the tape before answering Shane by rolling her eyes and nodding.
Shane Donovan: It’s a joke. I knew it was a joke when Trent Steel slid that contract in front of me a few weeks ago. After some real thought on the matter though, I signed that contract, because whether Trent wants to admit it, Level Up needs me.
Shane stands up from the chair, moving to stand in front of it.
Shane Donovan: Level Up needs the boost to its street cred that someone like me offers it. Level Up needs someone like Avalon Blackthorn, the best young talent in this business today and the woman Trent Steel is going to be begging to carry his company soon enough.
Shane turns, grabbing the chair and holding it in his hands as Avalon folds her arms behind him, a smirk on her face from his voice of approval towards her.
Shane Donovan: What Level Up doesn’t need is all of the silly trappings. It doesn’t need video game themed matches. It doesn’t need championships with cutesy names. It doesn’t need stupid matches involving cheese!
Shane’s voice raises with each statement, and at the end to punctuate how frustrated he was with it he tosses the chair up against a nearby wall, shattering it. Shane then steps in closer to the camera, grabbing the device and looking into the lens to take up the screen with his face.
Shane Donovan: What Level Up needs is… inspiration. It needs direction. It needs someone with real vision. Someone like me. See you in the ring, Level Up. I’ll make sure you’re ready for your closeup.
Shane put his hand over the camera lens before a crash can be heard, which immediately cut the feed and sent things back to ringside.
______
Power Championship Match Sloane Taylor vs Larry Tact
Arthur La Forge: Shane Donovan had some strong words there for our currently injured boss…
Mary DeSue: Strong words I agree with!
“High Hopes” by Panic At The Disco! hits while multi-color lights flash over the stage settling on pink, the challenger Sloane Taylor emerging from the back full of energy and all smiles. She stops on the stage and looks around her at the crowd, taking it all in before starting off down the ramp.
Mr. Rad: The following contest is for the Power Championship, and will be contested under Power Match Rules! Introducing first, the challenger… From Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 121 pounds… SLOANE TAYLOR!
Arthur La Forge: Sloane Taylor is the latest challenger trying to dethrone Larry Tact, but can she succeed where others have failed!
Mary DeSue: I’d like Larry to win only so I can console SEB as Sloane recovers…in a coma…with a convient cord.
She greets the crowd, slapping hands and posing for quick selfies with the fans before rushing towards the ring. Once she reaches the ringside she gestures to an assortment of gift boxes that have been placed around the ring of various shapes and sizes. She turns to the fans, pointing down to the gifts and yelling “these are for Larry-Berry”. Sloane then slides in under the bottom rope and springs to her feet, dancing around the ring and playing to the crowd, hyping them until her music ends.
Arthur La Forge: What is your problem with Sloane? She’d make a great champion.
Mary DeSue: Oh I am sure she would, but she has no vision compared to Larry and The GC.
“Pieces of Man” by Drown plays over the arena speakers as the lights cut out. Royal blue lights flicker on the stage while golden spotlights scan the crowd before focusing on Larry Tact at the top of the stage. He opens his arms and puffs out his chest, soaking in the crowd’s reaction before bellowing and making his way down the ramp, the spotlight following him. As he walks, Larry critiques some fans at ringside with petty insults before arriving at the ring, glaring at Sloane.
Mr Rad: And her opponent… From Manhattan, New York, weighing in at 260 pounds… He is the Power Champion… LARRRRRYYYY TACT!!
Arthur La Forge: The Gruesome Genius hasn’t fared too well in facing Sloane in the past few weeks.
Mary DeSue: Well she had help. This time she’s all by herself!
The Power champion eyes the variety of boxes at ringside suspiciously before he climbs into the ring, his attention returning to Sloane Taylor, his gaze never leaving her as he completes his pre-match ritual of stretches. Crash begins to explain to the combatants the rules of the match, but Larry decides he has no time for such things, unstrapping the belt and tossing it at the surprised referee before making a beeline for Sloane! The more agile competitor ducks under Tact’s attempted grab, performing a handspring off of the ropes before catching Tact with a roundhouse kick as the referee calls for the bell!
Arthur La Forge: And we’re off!
Mary DeSue: Cheap shot!
Larry pounds the mat in frustration at allowing himself to be so careless right away, then pushes himself back to his feet as Sloane continues the offensive by delivering a kick to his ribs. The champ winces in pain as she attempts to hit another, only this time he catches her leg and delivers a dragon screw leg whip to send her down. Still holding onto her leg, Tact using it to roll Taylor onto her back before slamming her knee against the mat. The crowd boos as he took the opportunity to roll his shoulders and get his head more fully into the fight. He then reaches down, attempting to snatch up his opponent by the hair, only for Sloane to roll him up with an inside cradle!
One…
No, Tact powers out with ease!
Arthur La Forge: A little early to get one over on Larry!
Mary DeSue: I admire the hustle though
Both competitors quickly get to their feet, with Tact going for a clothesline that Sloane once again ducks. She goes for another handspring, but this time Larry is ready, catching his more agile opponent and driving her to the mat with a back suplex. After crashing down to the mat Taylor rolls to the outside, denying Larry the ability to press his advantage. Sloane goes for a long, flat box that is laying on the ground, with Tact stopping and waiting to see what she was up to before he commits to following her outside. Once the box is opened she holds up the contents, which is a framed painting of Larry done up to make him look with royalty! The crowd erupts into laughter as Tact rolls his eyes and walks over towards the ropes and reaches down to try to grab Sloane’s hair… which leads to Sloane swinging the painting upwards and smashing it over his head!
Arthur La Forge: All Hail His Lordship!
Mary DeSue: THIS ISN’T FUNNY!
Sloane slides back into the ring, holding up her fingers to “frame” Tact in her sights before she nails him with a drop kick, the frame of the picture still hanging from around his neck as he falls backwards. Taylor then charges forward and drills Tact with a knee strike before pulling back and landing a standing shooting star press! She then goes for a pin:
1…
2…
No, Larry powers out again. He pulls the picture off of his head, taking the frame and driving it into Sloane’s stomach.
Arthur La Forge: Well for once Larry was framed for a crime he did commit.
Mary DeSue:...shut up!
With Taylor doubled over Tact brings the frame down across her back, sending chunks of wood flying as it shattered upon impact. Scooping her up afterwards, the Power Champion delivers a running Powerslam that draws a chorus of boos from the audience. Larry taunts the fans, motioning towards Sloane and giving her a thumbs down before lifting her up and delivering a Tactilizer! The champion covers:
One…
TWO…
No! Shoulder up!
Arthur La Forge: Close but no title defense won!
Mary DeSue: Hit her again Larbear!
Scowling, Tact grabs Sloane and pulls her back to her feet, kicking her in the gut before lifting her up to deliver another powerbomb, but this time the challenger is able to nail Tact across the bridge of his nose with a stiff jab. Tact stumbles forward a bit, and Taylor is able to use that momentum to deliver a hurricanrana that sends both of them over the top rope and tumbling to the outside! Sloane uses the time to grab another box, opening it and pulling out a steel chain that’s been spray painted gold. She quickly wraps it around her hand so that when Tact charges she wallops him with it, laying him out on the floor near the entrance ramp. Taylor then jumps onto the apron, looking back briefly to make sure she has the space before she springboards off of the ropes with a beautiful moonsault that ends in a double stomp. Head in the Clouds!
Arthur La Forge: I feel the chains…will do him good.
Mary DeSue: Hello I’m Artie…I’m an a[bleep]hole. I can’t pick up cause everyone wants to leave me alone!
The champion is left gasping for air after the move knocked the wind out of him, Taylor trying to pull the much larger competitor to his feet in order to get him into the ring. She gets Tact to his feet, but when they reach the apron he cuts her off with a knee to the gut followed by a short-arm clothesline. Deciding he’s had enough of her nonsense with the “presents” Larry decides to use one himself, picking up a box and ripping off the lid. He chose poorly, however, as an eruption of glitter explodes forth from the box directly into his face! Tact is blinded by the cloud of glitter as Sloane jumps onto his back, sliding an arm around his neck to apply a sleeper in the process.
Arthur La Forge:...
Mary DeSue: Don’t do it…
Arthur La Forge: Ga Ga Ga Gah Gah Gah Gahhhh…GLITTER BOMB!!
Mary DeSue: What’s with all the song references with you?!
Taylor held on as she tried to fully apply the hold, but Tact’s flailing to try to shake her off of his back kept her from being able to fully sink in the hold. Once it seemed like she was close he threw himself backwards, slamming the woman spine-first into the ring post and getting her to release the hold. Larry rubbed at his eyes, trying to get the glitter out of them as Sloane got back to her feet. The challenger jumped up onto the apron, flipping forward and grabbing Tact’s head to take him down with a blockbuster. She then reached over towards the ring apron, pulling it up and then pulling out the Wand.
Arthur La Forge: Bippity Boppity Boom…A headshot for you!
Mary DeSue: That’s Larry’s! He stole that fair and square!
The crowd is on their feet as Sloane holds the sledgehammer up for them to see, the fans eager to see the weapon used on the hated champion. Taylor gestures and calls out to Tact, demanding he stand up as she squares him up for a shot from the object. Once Larry gets himself up onto wobbly feet the challenger charges, holding the Wand up to drive the head of it right between his eyes. By this point Tact has blinked enough of the glitter out of his eyes to be able to see the charge, ducking down under the blow and sending Sloane into the air with a back body drop! The Wand fell harmlessly to the ground as Sloane crashed hard onto her back, crying out in pain. The Power Champion grabs the Wand, tossing it into the ring before grabbing Taylor and throwing her back inside as well.
Arthur La Forge: Looks like the challenger is in trouble!
Mary DeSue: Well she’s been goofing off and not taking Larry seriously!
Once back in the ring, Tact grabs Sloane by the head, wrapping an arm around her head before grasping her tights with another hand, lifting her up and delivering a brainbuster! The man wipes more glitter off of his face before he moves to the corner, ascending up the turnbuckles and taking measure before he leaps off for a Dive Into Blue, driving his elbow into the challenger’s sternum! He hooks the leg:
One…
Two…
No, Sloane just barely gets the shoulder up!
Arthur La Forge: Missed it by that’ much.
Mary DeSue: Figures the one time you’d “Get Smart”.
Frustrated with not putting Sloane away there, Tact stands, grabbing the Wand and draping it across the top turnbuckle before yanking Sloane up by her hair. He sets the woman up before lifting her in order to deliver the Starbreaker, but Sloane has enough wherewithal to grab the Wand, driving it into Tact’s face! This causes him to drop her, with both collapsing in a heap to the mat. The crowd begins to chant for Sloane as Crash checks on both competitors. Sloane stirs first, slowly crawling over and covering Tact:
ONE…
TWO…
THREE? No, somehow Tact got his shoulder up!
Arthur La Forge: Win denied! Tact had to summon everything he had left to kick out!
Mary DeSue: Come on Larry. Gotta have the baddy bads win all three…come on!!
The challenger gets to her feet, using the ropes for leverage before grabbing the Wand, calling for Larry to stand as she climbs to the top rope. Tact starts to slowly stir, then lunges to the side before Sloane could take to the air, hitting the top rope and jarring the woman loose and sending her tumbling to the mat. He moves to grab the Wand for himself, examining the weapon for a moment as the crowd boos. After a moment he tossed it out of the ring, moving to grab Sloane and pull her to her feet and looking to set her up for The Humbling. Taylor counters with a low blow kick, sending Tact to the mat!
Arthur La Forge: Well…it’s legal in a power match.
Mary DeSue: FIGURES!
With her opponent down, Taylor goes back to the corner, once more climbing up to the top turnbuckle to try to use one of her patented moves to finish the Power Champion off. He pushes himself up from the mat, and Taylor leaps off, spinning in the air to try to hit the High Hopes! She lands on Tact’s shoulders, attempting to use the momentum to flip him onto his back, but the champion holds his ground. After a blink of an eye he powered her up onto his shoulders before delivering a Starbreaker! Larry considers going for the pin, but instead yanks Sloane back up, lifting her and delivering a second Starbreaker! Now the champion goes for the pin:
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!!
The crowd erupted in boos as the bell rings, with Tact holding up an arm in victory as he looks over the fallen Sloane.
Mr. Rad: Here is your winner…and stillll Power Champion…LARRY TACT!!
Arthur La Forge: A valiant effort by Sloane but Larry retains.
Mary DeSue: Aww…I’ll go console SEB for her…
Arthur La Forge: Why?
Mary DeSue: He’s rich and I’m materialistic…he’s way to not THICC for me.
______
Multiplayer Championship Tournament Finals Shane Donvoan & Avalon Blackthorn vs CCPE (Chris Page and Mac Bane)
Arthur La Forge: Well fans we were going to have a post match ceremony where the power gloves would be presented to the winning team by Trent Steel, but that’s gonna be postponed till next EXP with what happened earlier tonight.
Mary DeSue: I’m sure everyone’s gonna tune in to see a pair of gloves handed off…
Mr. RAD: Introducing first...The team of Shane Donovan and Avalon Blackthorrnn!!!!
"Black Sheep" by Gin Wigmore starts to play as Avalon Blackthorn enters at the top of the ramp followed by Shane Donovan! The two walk down to the ring with purpose and not bothering to react to the fans who are booing the collective duo. Shane and Avalon don’t pose at all as the fans boo them respectively. Shane responds by just smiling like he knows something the fans don’t.
Arthur La Forge: These two are definitely determined to win and make their mark to “change” Level Up!
Mary DeSue: I don’t know who to pull for more. Larry or this guy. Both seem to have a vision that might be for the better.
Mr. RAD: And their opponents…”Chronic” Chris Page and Mac Bane…THE CCPE!
The start of "Zero" by The Smashing Pumpkins starts to play and then it changes over to "Badass" by Saliva as Mac Bane and "Chronic" Chris Page walk out and pose in the entranceway. The two make their way to the ring as fans are cheering and high fiving. Page is taken aback by this, but Bane is more use to this reaction since he turned on The GC earlier in the year. The two get into the ring and pose for a moment as Bane eyes Blackthorn and Page mouths off at Donovan.
Arthur La Forge: A bit of an odd reaction. In other places the CCPE tends to be looked at as more of a problem than here in Level Up!
Mary DeSue: These turncoat fans are just cheering cause of Bane betraying The GC. BETRAYL I SAY!!
Shane and Mac start for their respective teams. In the CCPE corner, Page slaps Mac on the shoulder hyping him up although the motion causes him to grimace in pain from his wrapped ribs. In the opposite corner, Avalon simply nods to Shane and bumps taped fists with him as he steps out of the corner, soon followed by Mac Bane who meets and towers over Shane in the middle of the ring. The two exchange words before Shane decides to be the aggressor and shoves Mac. Mac looks amused and steps back to where he was standing pre-shove, inviting Shane to try it again.
Arthur La Forge: Don’t poke the bear Shane…
Mary DeSue: Maybe his tummy will squeak!
Shane smirks and goes for it only to have Mac snatch his wrist and apply an expert wristlock. He begins applying pressure and walking Shane around the ring before hauling off and nailing him with a big time lariat that turns Donovan inside out. Mac drops down, driving a knee in between Shane’s shoulders and bashing him in the back of the head with stiff forearms while Shane tries alternately to cover up and find a way to force Mac off. Eventually the ref calls for the break and as soon as Mac is up, Shane has flipped over and driven a vicious kick to the inside of Mac’s knee.
Arthur La Forge: OOF! That's a nasty shot to Mac Bane!
Mary DeSue: Like it was when he stabbed the knife in the back of Larbear!
Mac drops down just as Shane springs to his feet. He begins laying into the SCW World Champion with open palm strikes and forearm shivers before snatching his head and driving his knee with the brace into Mac’s face over and over until Mac catches one of the incoming knees! He stands and powers Shane into his corner, before ramming his shoulder over and over. Eventually Mac straightens up and begins alternating elbows and chops in the corner until Shane drops down. Mac tags in Chris Page.
Arthur La Forge: Here comes "Chronic" Chris Page!
Mary DeSue: Like a STD Flare Up...He always shows up when you least need him to.
The two drag Shane up to his feet, whipping him into the ropes and taking him down with a double clothesline, followed by a double elbow drop. Mac peacefully steps out onto the apron as Page mockingly slaps Donovan upside the head before pulling him up and taking him over with a snap german suplex and bridge
ONE
TWO
Donovan kicks out! Page remains undaunted, picking Shane up he stops to flip Avalon the bird! Avalon yells obscenities back and tries to get into the ring which prompts the ref to run over and stop her, turning his back to the action. Page taks advantage and goes to kick Donovan in the dick, but Shane blocks! He kicks Page in the dick! The Dick Kicker has become the Dick Kick-ed! Shane stumbles, turning around and leaps for Avalon’s hand. She gets tagged in and immediately runs up and punts Page in the side of the head! With a yell of effort, she deadlifts Page into a German Suplex of her own!
Arthur La Forge: A tale of two dickkicks...
Mary DeSue: In fair ballrona where we lay our scene...
The Mics catch Ava yelling at Mac “Not bad for a first-year rookie, huh?” Mac just smirks in reply as Avalon goes to lock in a heel hook on Page.Page yells out in pain as he begins making his way to the ropes, eventually latching onto the bottom rope and forcing the break although Avalon hangs on til four and a half. She drags Page up, going for another suplex but he blocks with his leg and twists out, dropping Avalon with a swinging neckbreaker! Page remains down with Avalon, standing and going for the tag but Avalon chop blocks him at the last minute! Mac is barely out of reach![i/]
Arthur La Forge: Bane has been denied a hot tag into the action and Page is feeling the pain of it!
Mary DeSue: Maybe Bane shouldn't be tagging with such an old broken man!
Avalon whips Page into the ropes, but he catches himself on them. She charges in only for Page to drop down, yanking the top rope with him and sending Avalon crashing to the outside. Shane Donovan goes and checks on his partner. Page seizes the opportunity, vaulting over the top rope and taking both out! He grimaces and rolls away from the pair. Page takes his time and Shane Donavon, who took the least of the impact is up quickly and, goes to punish Page. Avalon stands only to be taken back down with a huge lariat from Mac!
Arthur La Forge: And Mac Bane with a shot to Avalon Blackthorn!!
Mary DeSue: Yeah this tough love seems to be bordering on abuse!! He should be ashamed of himself, but , of course, he's not because he's a traitorous hoe!
The ref focuses on getting Mac off of Ava and wrangling him to his corner. With his back turned to them, Shane Donovan takes advantage of the situation. He heads over to the timekeepers area and slips on a power glove and cracks Page in the ribs! Twice! A third time! He discards the glove and rolls him into the awaiting Ava before going and yanking Mac back off the apron, initiating a brawl to distract him while Avalon hits Page with Dance on the blacktop! She goes for the pin, calling the ref! Kirby counts!
Arthur La Forge: Not like this! Shane cheated!
Mary DeSue: Wahhh...wahhh...wahhhhhhhhhh
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Mr. Rad: Here are your winners...The team of Avalon Blackthorn and Shane Donovan!
Mac Bane and "Chronic" Chris Page are arguing with Kirby as Shane grabs the Multiplayer Gauntlets and meets up with Avalon at the entranceway. He hands her one of the gauntlets and she looks overjoyed. He puts it on and holds her gauntleted fist up in the air. Bane and Page glare at Donovan who just smiles pointing to his head with his gauntleted hand.
Arthur La Forge: I think we're seeing the beginning of something really bad here...With Donovan's mind and Blackthorn's athleticism it's gonna take a powerful team to take those Gauntlets off of them!
Mary DeSue: Score another for my side eh Artie...looks like you're running out of heroes...
_______
SEB vs CAT #1 Contenders Match
Mr. RAD The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the number one contendership to the Final Boss Title. The winner will take on The Final Boss Champion at Tri-Force Heroes...Introducing first...from Chicago, Illinois…He is…Sebastian Everett-Bryce!
The lights in the arena dip to black in time with the sirens and beat to the opening of Sweatpants (BattleTapes Remix) by Childish Gambino, the lights then beginning to flash, alternating left and right onto the ramp. In time, the letters "S", "E", "B", and then "Empire" flash one at a time on the big screen until the lights stop flashing as the lyrics hit.
"She askin' “Why you say that?!”
The beat drops and the lights flash on the rampway again. As they do, the screen illuminates with "SEB" and then "EMPIRE" flashing on the screen.
"Rich kid asshole, paint me as a villain"
Sebastian Everett-Bryce flings his arms wide, staring up with his head covered by the hood of his jacket. He stands in the middle of the ramp, the lights beating down on him, before looking out at the crowd. He wears a long jacket with the hood pulled up over his head, zipped to the waist. The jacket, which is cut away at the bottom and only runs down the back of his legs, is patterned with an elongated Union Flag, but it’s in black and white and appears to be cracked and broken. His tights are short, with the initials SEB emblazoned upon the front.
The lights lift, and SEB makes his way to the ring, stretching his neck from side to side as he walks, his eyes focused on the ring. He climbs up the steps and steps through the ropes before standing in the middle of the ring.
"I'm winnin', yeah, yeah, I'm winnin' (What?)
Rich kid, asshole, paint me as a villain"
He extends his arms once more before pulling back his hood and removing his jacket to reveal the back of his tights which read “S.E.B”
"Don't be mad cause I'm doing me better than you doing you
Better than you doing you, fuck it, what you gon' do? (What?!)"
He flashes his arms out to a side, a satisfied and somewhat sneery grin upon his face, he holds the position for a moment, to allow the crowd to take pictures, before moving towards his corner.
Arthur La Forge: A man with a pedigree in and outside of the ring…He has always been a highlight to any Level Up show he’s been on.
Mary DeSue: Yeah…what a dreamboat.
Mr. RAD: And his opponent...from Passadena, California…She is Catalina Cortes!!
An alarm blares through the arena, splitting ears and making faces wince. The RadTron flashes: !!!NEW CHALLENGER APPROACHING!!!
Cat image here
POP/STARS vs MEGALOVANIA by Dj Cutman kicks in, an unholy marriage of club-pop and chiptune, as the flash morphs into the name CATALINA CORTES, the O replaced by a public domain version of Litten for the sake of avoiding legal complications.
Catalina Cortes steps through the curtain, be-hoodied in metallic red, with RUDO emblazoned on the back. Her ring gear is a nightmarish swirl of orange and black, the only decipherable symbols being the URL for @supersmashcat and a C for Carnage Wrestling on the right knee pad(specifically her Kinshasa-ing knee). She fires a knee strike into the air, facing them camera, and yanks the hood down to unleash a mess of bleach-blond hair, the left side tied into braids that meet a ponytail in the back.
Her walk to the ring is quick and eager, ending with a dash up the ring steps. One arm hooks under the top rope, leaving the other free to assist with a dramatic hair flip and accompanying smirk. Bounding off the bottom rope, Catalina backflips over the top to land on her feet in the ring, before dropping to one knee and welcoming any accompanying adulation.
Arthur La Forge: Having already had a chance with the Skeleton Key, Catalina Cortes is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the fight for the “Final Boss” title!
Mary DeSue: Yeah, but this isn’t a clusterf[bleep]. This is one on one with a dreamboat…
DING DING DING
Sebastian Everett Bryce and Catalina Cortes circle one another in the middle of the ring before locking up. SEB has the clear power advantage but Cat is able to out-leverage him, applying a wristlock and backing him into a corner where the ref calls for a break. SEB lashes out with an open palm strike but Cat ducks it and leaps, sending a knee into the side of SEB’s head. She then sends him flying from the corner with a monkey flip, rolling through herself and coming down on Seb’s chest with a double foot stomp!
Arthur La Forge: These two facing off is definitely a fan favorite for tonight. Either one of them would make a great challenger to the "Final Boss" title!
Mary DeSue: I'd rather be in Cat's place...one on one with SEB to pin me...emmm...
Cat pulls SEB to his feet only to have him break her grip and nail her with an exploder suplex! Cat is damn near launching from the ring from the velocity but instead bouncing off the rope, her left leg hooking across the top one and bending awkwardly as she crimples. SEB is relentless though as he pulls her up, nailing another exploder! He stalks Cat and fires off a superkick when Cat gets to her feet, crumpling her back to the mat and leading Seb to pin her!
ONE!
TW-
Cat kicks out with authority.
Arthur La Forge: SEB was going for a quick win here, but Cat still had energy in her power meter!
Mary DeSue: STAHP!!!
SEB is undeterred though, pulling Cat up only to have her roll him up in a small package looing to sneak out a win!
ONE!
TWO
TH–NO!
Arthur La Forge: A small package doesn’t get the job done this early!
Mary DeSue: Oh…I’m not looking at a small package…
Seb scrambles to his feet, beating Cat who still is favoring her knee. He pays her for her efforts with clubbing blows to the back of the head, then dropping her with a swinging neckbreaker. SEB seems on a warpath, deadlifting Cat and going for a german suplex..but CAT LANDS ON HER FEET! She leaps up and nails SEB with an enziguri! Once more, she pops up and nails Sebastian with a backstabber! Cat rolls around on the ground, gripping her knee and unable to capitalize
Arthur La Forge: A beautiful bodacious brutal backstabber but Cat has to capitalize and it looks like her knee got the better of her.
Mary DeSue: I guess she is in AGO-KNEE!
Eventually, Cat is able to drag herself to her feet, holding onto the ropes for support while SEB gets to his feet. He charges Cat, trying to seize another opportunity and going for an EMPIRE KICK! But Cat drops down, giving into her knee’s screams and SEB crotches himself briefly on the top rope before toppling out and bouncing off the apron and onto the floor.
Arthur La Forge: Empires do that.
Mary DeSue: What?
Arthur La Forge: Fall…get it?
Mary DeSue: Nobody gets it. You’re not funny, Artie.
Cat sees an opportunity and charges the ropes, she bounces off them and launches herself to the outside with a gorgeous corkscrew plancha that takes SEB out but once again, she bangs her right knee on impact and instantly takes to favoring it. She powers through however, using the rail to leap up and nail SEB with a Gamengiri just as he gets to his knees, flooring him once more. Cat grimaces, before leaping onto thee guardrail and nailing Seb with a moonsault! She gets to her feet, hobbling and rolling SEB into the ring.
Arthur La Forge: That tweaked knee is costing Cat a lot of time and she’s having to compensate for it!
Mary DeSue: Well SEB doesn’t have to compensate for anything…know what I’m saying.
SEB slowly stumbles up, only to be met with a series of kicks peppering hm. Cat seeming content to power through the pain she’s causing herself for a shot at the Final Boss title! Seb manages to duck a kick, only to turn into a BLAZE KICK! CAT NEARLY TAKES HIS HEAD OFF BUT SHE IS BACK TO FAVORING HER KNEE! Gritting her teeth, she crawls to make the cover on SEB, hooking both legs!
ONE!
TWO
THRE–NO! SEB KICKS OUT!
Arthur La Forge: Cat’s gotta think of a better offense than using that leg or she might not ever keep Sebastian down long enough to score the pin!
Mary DeSue: Cat! Go for the wallet! That always takes a guy down!
Cat is frustrated but shakes her head, getting to her feet slowly and going to drag SEB up…but he rolls Cat up!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Arthur La Forge: A roll up by SEB wins the match!
Mary DeSue: Hey SEB! Lose Sloane and you can roll me up anytime rich boi!
Cat’s leg keeps her from powering out, and SEB stands up out of the pin smirking victoriously as Cat looks shocked, then dejected. Cat turns to try to get up with her bad knee and SEB is standing there with an outstretched hand. Cat begrudgingly takes it and SEB helps Cat up as the fans cheer the display of good sportsmanship!
Arthur La Forge: Well it looks like there isn’t any bitterness here. That’s good to see compared to some of the results of these matchups tonight.
Mary DeSue: Eh…the goody good stuff I could do without, but he makes up for it with cash…
_______
Bert McAlroy vs “Commander” Duncan Shepard vs Joey Crash
Final Boss Championship
Triple Threat 2/3 Falls
Duncan Shepard (c) vs Bert McAlroy vs Joey Crash
As the Melancholy beat of “Patient Number 9” serenades the crowd, Bert emerges from the back wearing black ring pants, boots and a leather jacket with his hair slicked back and wet down. He raises his hands to the air, yelling out to the crowd who scream back. He makes his way to the ring, eyes never leaving it as he seems entranced by what’s to come. He slides under the bottom rope, removing his coat and handing it off before taking to purposefully pacing the ring, waiting for his two opponents.
Arthur La Forge: Bert has been on an odd journey this year. Winning the “Final Boss” title at Final Fantasy only to lose it to Joey Crash, and now, after recovering from many injuries, he’s back on a single sighted mission to get his title back!
Mary DeSue: F[bleep] THIS MOTHER F[bleep]ER!! He injured out “Son of Thiccness” for no reason…
Arthur La Forge: While I don’t agree with the actions of Bert, it could be argued that Mason did help put Amhya on the shelf.
Mary DeSue: Boo Hoo…I don’t care…Screw this guy! Especially after he admitted to hitting Ricci with a freaking car!
The maniacal laughter which introduces 'Cheer Up London' blasts throughout the arena. Joey Crash walks through the curtain and begins to shadowbox on the stage. He goads the fans on both sides of the ramp as he goes towards the ring and feigns a punch at a child. He slides onto the apron with one knee and immediately climbs the turnbuckle, breathing deeply. With a scowl he jumps down to the apron, wipes his feet and climbs into the ropes. As he enters the ring, he’s immediately approached by Bert McAlroy, and the two challengers engage in a staredown until they’re forced apart by Ref Kirby.
Arthur La Forge: There is no love loss between these two. Up until a few weeks ago we didn’t know if Joey Crash was gonna ever be in a Level Up ring again, and here he is with something to prove just like he did against Bert!
Mary DeSue: Crash is my pick tonight between choosing Goody Duncan and…That [bleeped out for viewer discretion but we will tell you it involved a butter churn and a m80!”
Blue and white lights flash around the arena. Duncan Shepard walks out onto the stage with the Final Boss Championship strapped around his waist.. He takes a moment to breath in his surroundings then begins striding purposely towards the ring. He slides in under the bottom rope. When he gets to his feet he uses his hand as a pistol and shoots it at both Bert and Joey. Bert rolls his eyes while Joey motions as if he’s gonna hit him. Duncan doesn’t even flinch, and instead holds his belt aloft.
Arthur La Forge: Speaking of that “Goody” Duncan! He’s been on a streak of his own since winning the “Final Boss” title and he’d like nothing more than to put these two in his rear view mirror and hopefully go onto face SEB at TFH!
Mary DeSue: I don’t care about his accomplishments. All I care about is will he or won’t he go after Buster while he’s down and steal Emily back. This is better than reality TV Artie…
Artie La Forge: Nobody tell her. It’d break her mind.
The three rival wrestlers take their positions in separate corners.
Mr Rad: The following contest in a triple threat, two-out-of-three falls match for the LEVEL UP FINAL BOSS CHAMPIONSHIP!. The first wrestler to score two pinfalls will be declared the winner. There are no disqualifications and no count outs. Introducing first, the challengers…from Carmel by the Sea, California, weighing in at 144 pounds…BERRRRTTT MCALROY!!
Bert smirks as the crowd delivers a large mixed reaction. He doesn’t let this phase him, instead he motions around his waist, suggesting gold will be resting there soon.
Arthur La Forge: Bert’s one focused goal has been on…
Mary DeSue:
Mr Rad: Introducing second…from London, England, weighing in at 225 pounds…”MALADJUSTED” JOEEEEEYYYY CRASH!
Crash takes center stage and fires off a few rights and lefts into the air. The shadow boxing does little to appease the crowd, who boo the former champion loudly.
Arthur La Forge: Joey…doesn’t have a lot of fans…
Mary DeSue: MALADJUST HIS A[BLEEP] CRASH!!
Mr Rad: And finally…from Longdon, England, weighing in at 246 pounds…he is the REIGNING, DEFENDING, Final Boss Champion…THE COMMANDER, DUNCANNNN SHEPARD!!
A huge ovation for Level Up’s world champion. The Commander raises his championship in the air, parading it in front of Bert and Joey before reluctantly giving it to Ref Kirby. Kirby raises it into the air, then hands it off to the timekeeper. He makes sure each wrestler is ready before calling for the bell!
Arthur La Forge: This match is so odd
Mary DeSue:
DING DING DING!
You could cut the tension with a knife as three men who have had their destinies intertwined slowly approach the center of the ring. The crowd are going wild, waiting for the action to break out at any moment. Shepard is tensed, ready to move at a moments notice, his hands raised in front of him. Crash is the same, but somewhat more paranoid, his eyes shifting wildly between Bert and Shepard. McAlroy, however, has a cocky smile on his face, and doesn’t seem phased whatsoever. Instead he starts berating his opponents!
Arthur La Forge: And…no surprise here…Bert starts off by using his best weapon…his mouth.
Mary DeSue: HOW ABOUT HE USES HIS MOUTH TO…
Arthur La Forge: (Spirits Bottle Sound again)
Bert’s shittalking draws the ire of Joey Crash, who swings a fist in his direction, but Bert ducks it! He waves his finger in front of Crash’s face…only for Duncan to chop the absolute crap out of his chest! Bert staggers back and clutches his chest, but he barely gets a chance to catch his breath as Crash one-ups Duncan with an even harder chop! Bert grabs onto the top rope for support as Shepard raises an eyebrow. He shakes his head, then pulls Bert closer to him, before unloading with a huge open-palm chop! Bert falls to his knees and tries to crawl away but a fired-up Crash throws him into the corner, and follows up with a huge uppercut!
Arthur La Forge: Shoryuken!
Mary DeSue: Bless you…HIT EM AGAIN CRASH!!
Shepard isn’t about to let Crash show him up, so he hauls up Bert, reels back and drills Bert with an uppercut of his own! Bert nearly gets airborne after the brutal strike, and Duncan follows it up with some more rights and lefts! He’s had enough of Bert’s constant bullshit on Twitter, and now he’s taking out his frustrations on the stoner. Before he can land a few more shots however he’s pulled away by Crash, who shoves him aside and starts teeing off on Bert himself! Crash jabs Bert’s head then smacks him with a few body shots. He screams at Bert, just before he’s grabbed around the waist by Duncan, who plants him with a German suplex!
Arthur La Forge: MOTHER BRAIN!!! Crash almost got impaled into the canvas!
Mary DeSue: DUNCAN! STOP SCREWING UP MY RECORD TONIGHT AND LOSE!
Duncan, who has brought an end to the temporary alliance, grabs Crash and hucks him out of the ring. He turns his focus to Bert, who is still in the corner. He whips him into the opposite corner and follows him in, connecting with a skull-crushing clothesline. Bert staggers out of the corner and Duncan sends him flying overhead with a belly-to-belly! Bert slams into the mat and Duncan quickly turns around, slowly lowering himself to the mat. He waits for Bert to get up, waiting patiently to land a BIOTIC CHARGE! NO! At the last second Crash intervenes, connecting with a running dropkick on Shepard that sends him rolling out of the ring!
Arthur La Forge: Dropkick to the face! Biotic Charge Denied!
Mary DeSue: YEAH! That’s what you get!
Crash dusts off his hands then turns his attention to Bert, but a second too late as he gets introduced to Bert’s foot - BONG WATER! NO! Crash manages to grab Bert’s foot! He pulls Bert back towards him and clobbers him with a brutal forearm, knocking him to the ground. Bert rolls away to the bottom rope, but Crash catches him before he can vacate the ring, and starts choking him out with the use of the ropes, pressing his foot into Bert’s throat. He then rolls Bert back over, and starts delivering targeted stomps right to Bert’s neck! Bert flails around, the pain immense, but Crash hauls him up and spins him over with a neckbreaker! Cover.
ONE!
TWO!
Bert kicks out.
Arthur La Forge: The first close fall of the match!
Mary DeSue: NO! NO! NO! GET RID OF HIM!
Crash quickly stomps on Bert’s head a couple of times as he tries to make it to his feet. Then he hooks his head and lifts him up, looking for THUNDER CRASH! NO! Bert manages to slide behind him. Landing on his feet, and running pretty much on fumes after all this punishment, Bert clubs Crash from behind before dropping to one knee. Crash stumbles forward…RIGHT INTO A BIOTIC CHARGE FROM DUNCAN SHEPARD! Crash’s body is split in two after hitting the mat hard. Duncan however, doesn’t go for a pin. Instead he’s staring directly at Bert, both men at the other’s eye level. Bert sneers at Duncan…THEN SPITS IN HIS FACE!
Arthur La Forge: Well…that was rude!
Mary DeSue: BREAK HIS JAW!!
Duncan erupts, a fire in his eyes like we have not seen in a long time! He lunges at Bert, throwing fists wildly! A shot connects with Bert’s chin, and another grazes his right ear. The momentum carries both men through the ropes and out onto the outer padding. Both men roll to their feet and continue exchanging blows, Bert managing to block a jab from Duncan and connect with a right hook....only for Crash to suddenly bounce off the ropes inside the ring and take both men out with a double baseball slide! Crash grabs Duncan and lifts him into a back suplex, dropping him back-first onto the crowd barrier! He then rolls Bert into the ring and follows after him. He hooks Bert’s arms and drives him into the mat with a BACKSLIDE DRIVER! Cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
Bert kicks out.
Arthur La Forge: Again Bert barely breaks..
Mary DeSue: HIT HIM HARDER YOU IDOTS!
Crash yells at Kirby to count faster, but LU’s trusted official holds up two fingers. Shepard pops up on the apron but Crash sees him. Crash charges forward but Duncan drills his shoulder into Joey’s midsection! Joey backs away, clutching his gut, to see Bert heading for him! However he manages to dodge out of the way and Bert lands a massive boot right to Duncan’s face! Duncan is sent flying off the arpon and smacks head first into the crowd barrier. Bert, with eyes in the back of his head, spins 180 and roundhouses Crash with the same boot which just took out Shepard! Bert follows it up with a running knee strike that knocks Crash to the ground. He climbs through the ropes, the springs off the top, connecting with a rolling senton! Cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Crash kicks out.
Arthur La Forge: Bert almost got one on Crash!
Mary DeSue: Come on Crash! Don’t ruin my record tonight!
After taking the brunt of the damage in the early going, Bert is finally looking to establish himself in this in this match. Yelling “Come here bitch!” Bert grabs the man who broke his neck and takes him over with a snapmare. Crash now in a sitting position, Bert looks out to the crowd, who all know what’s coming next…THE BITCH KICKS!
McAlroy keels back, steps forward and unloads a brutal kick to Crash’s spine, screaming out -
BITCH!
Kick.
BITCH!
Kick.
BITCH!
Kick.
BITCH!
Arthur La Forge: Well at least the fans like those…
Mary DeSue: F[BLEEP] THE FANS! SOMEONE END HIM!!!
At this point Bert loses all control and instead of timing the kicks into Crash’s now reddening back, he stands over Joey and begins stomping the living hell out of him! But, the moment of madness suddenly comes back to bite Bert, as Crash grabs his leg like a child. Bert tries to shake his leg free, but as he does Crash swings as hard as he can with his foot and KICKS BERT SQUARE IN THE BALLS! Bert doubles over in pain and Crash quickly swings him over into a small package!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!
Shepard dives to break up the pinfall but he’s a moment too late! Crash slithers away to the corner, grinning from ear to ear. Bert is still clutching his groin but shouting at Kirby that it wasn’t three. Regardless…
Mr Rad: Joey Crash needs one more pinfall to win!
Arthur La Forge: And Joey Crash is the first to score a pinfall! One more and he wins the whole match!
Mary DeSue: Yes! Castrate Bert while you’re at it. Don’t want him keeping up a tradition…
Shepard and Bert and arguing back and forth, Shepard blaming Bert for letting Crash get one over him, while Bert replies that the fall was complete bullshit, he had his shoulder up! “And anyway, why weren’t YOU there to save your title?” Bert says, shoving Shepard. He immediately sees that was the wrong move as Shepard drills him with a sudden martial arts chop to the side of Bert’s neck! McAlroy winces and grabs at the site of impact, but as he does Shepard grabs him in a headlock and starts drilling his elbow into Bert’s neck! All while this is happening, Crash is watching from the corner, smiling!
Arthur La Forge: Uh-oh…
Mary DeSue: That’s right boys…keep fighting each other like a couple of frat boys over my digits!
Shepard stings Bert’s neck with a few more elbow strikes then hooks his arm, taking him over with a back suplex which drops him right on his neck! A few people in the front row cringe after that impact, but there’s sheer delight on Crash’s face. Shepard isn’t done with Bert just yet, he lifts him up as if to scoop slam him to the mat, but instead walks over the corner opposite Crash and hangs him up in the tree of woe position. He raises his foot and brings it down on Bert’s head! And again! And again! Bert looks like he barely knows where he is as Shepard climbs up to the top rope with him. Duncan hooks Bert’s arm and prepares for a back suplex off the top rope. As he does so, Crash, seeing an opportunity to potentially get his second fall and win the damn match, slides in under Shepard and…as Shepard executes the suplex, Crash powerbombs both Shepard and Bert…BUT BERT IN MIDAIR REVERSES THE SUPLEX INTO A CROSSBODY ON SHEPARD!
Arthur La Forge: WHAT A COUNTER!
Mary DeSue: DAMN IT!
Bert rolls to his feet grabbing at his sore neck, and Crash stares at him in disbelief. Crash charges at him, but Bert catches him with a kick to the gut! He hooks Crash’s arms, trying to turn him around for the MALDESTROYER! NO! Crash spins out of it and looks to clobber Bert with the brass knucks he secretly put on his fist while chilling in the corner - LOADED GLOVE! NO! Bert ducks underneath! Crash whips around, right into a BONGWATER THAT SMASHES CRASH’S OWN BRASS KNUCKS INTO HIS JAW! Bert hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
Broken up by Shepard!
Arthur La Forge: SAVED BY DUNCAN SHEPARD!!
Mary DeSue: Thanks? I think…I…This is hard to be bias in this match…
At the last moment Shepard grabs Bert and pulls him back up into a STANDING DRAGON SLEEPER - NEURAL SHOCK! McAlroy flails around as Duncan tries to squeeze the life out of him! Duncan is trying to completely subdue Bert, whose head is now turning red. He knows that a rope break won’t save him, but he still tries to reach for them to use them for an escape. He reaches out and is just a finger tip away from grabbing the top rope…BUT DUNCAN PULLS HIM BACK! As he does however, Bert tries to leap up and over Shepard. He doesn’t quite get there…but on the way down he manages to grab Duncan’s arm and take him over with an armdrag! Shepard whips around and charges at Bert, but catches a brutal low kick which knocks him down to his knees! Bert then soccer kicks Shepard as hard as he can right in the face, runs past him, bounces off the ropes and connects with a shining wizard! Still on a high, McAlroy hits the ropes again and connects with a CRUBSTOMP - MND!! Cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!
Mr Rad: Bert McAlroy needs one more pinfall to win!
Arthur La Forge: Calm down Mary…
Mary DeSue: [Something that sounds like Jason Mewes meets the Tasmanian Devil]
Bert is panting hard after that outburst but a smile slowly forms on his face. McAlroy’s look soon hardens however, and it seems he has dark intentions for Joey Crash. Bert whips him into the corner and follows him in with a corner splash! Bert lifts Crash up to the top rope, and heads up there with him. He wraps his arms around Joey’s waist and lifts him up…LOOKING FOR AN AVALANCHE PILEDRIVER ON JOEY CRASH!
Arthur La Forge: This is a dangerous move Bert…
Mary DeSue: FIGHT HIM CRASH!!
McAlroy heaves Joey, but Crash manages to resist, bringing his weight back down. Bert clubs Crash’s back and screams at him that this is what he deserves. Bert lifts him again, but again Joey counters, this time into a back body drop that sends Bert up and over onto the mat! Joey scouts Bert, waiting for him to rise, then leaps off and connects a double-axe handle! Now in the drivers seat once again, Crash stalks Bert, waiting for another LOADED GLOVE! NO! As Joey starts to swing Shepard, out of nowhere, grabs both his and Bert’s head and slams them together!
Arthur La Forge: NOGGIN KNOCKER!!
Mary DeSue: Stop talking about my boobs and focus!
The Commander then kicks both men in the gut, hooks their arms and lifts them up into a double vertical suplex - displaying some fantastic strength! He pauses for a moment, letting the blood rush to both mens’ heads, then leans back, planting them both on the mat! Duncan roars to the crowd who go wild at his outburst! He then grabs both men, and lifts them onto his shoulders in a double fireman’s carry! He parades around the ring with both men on his back, then leans back and drills them with a double Samoan drop! Duncan then grabs Bert, pulls him up, and lifts him right up into a FISHERMAN’S FALCON ARROW! REAPER’S BANE! Duncan covers Bert.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Mr Rad: Duncan Shepard needs one more pinfall to win!
Arthur La Forge: It’s all tied up. The next fall wins the “Final Boss” title and settles this!
Mary DeSue: COME ON CRASH!!
Shepard rises to his feet, confident after a dominant display of physical strength. He sets up in the corner, stalking both men, waiting to spear one of them to victory. He barks at either one to get up, and slowly but surely Crash is the first one to rise to his feet. Duncan charges at him, but Crash quickly rolls out of the ring, backing away. Instead of taking chase, Shepard instead ignores him and instead turns his attention to Bert. The “Chaotic Good” of this triplet is on his hands and knees, about to push himself off the mat…BIOTIC CHARGE! NO! At the last second Crash grabs Bert by the feet, dropping him to the canvas and then pulling him out of the ring. Shepard stops in his tracks and stares daggers at Crash. Without missing a beat, Shepard runs to the opposite ropes, bounces off, and connects with a suicide dive that drives both men into the crowd barrier!
Arthur La Forge: SUICIDE DIVE!!!
Mary DeSue: NO! LET CRASH WIN DUNCAN!
Shepard roars to the crowd who are now pumping in their belief that the champ can outlast his two dogged contenders and retain the gold. It looks like Duncan has more punishment in mind for his challengers as he saunters over to the two announcers tables. He grabs the Spanish announce table and literally heaves it up, lifting it into the air. The announcers scramble as he hauls the table over and sets it up vertically, against the crowd barrier next to the timekeeper’s desk. Bert and Crash are both up as Shepard turns around, and Crash pushes Bert forward, right into Shepard’s arms! McAlroy tries to land a forearm but Duncan ducks it, drives his knee into Bert’s back, then wraps his arms around him, SENDING HIM INTO THE STANDING ANNOUNCER’S TABLE WITH A GERMAN!
Arthur La Forge: WHOA!
Mary DeSue: BREAK HIS SPINE!!
The table bends but doesn’t break, make for an even harder landing for Bert due to the lack of resistance. McAlroy’s body bounces off the table and lands in a heap on the padding, coughing and heaving and clutching his neck in agony. Shepard lands a kick to Bert’s ribs for good measure, sending him rolling away. He turns around right into a CHAIR SHOT FROM CRASH! The metal wraps around Shepard’s head, and the big man falls to a knee. Crash, eager to put the big man down, raises the chair again and brings it down…ONLY FOR SHEPARD TO PUNCH IT BACK INTO HIS FACE!
Arthur La Forge: FALCONNNN PUNCH!!
Mary DeSue: THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR REFERENCES!
Crash drops the chair and staggers away, as a resurgent Duncan takes a moment to get his bearings. He grabs Crash and smashes him head-first into the announcer’s table. He positions Crash facing him, leaning up against the table. Duncan takes a few steps back, braces, then charges forward for a BIOTIC CHARGE! NO! BERT GRABS CRASH’S ARM AND TUGS HIM OUT OF THE WAY AS SHEPARD SMASHES THROUGH THE TABLE AND THE CROWD BARRIER!
Arthur La Forge: BIOTIC CHARGE THRU THE TABLE!!
Mary DeSue: CRASH! GET HIM!
Shepard is left laying in a sea of broken timber and twisted metal after a huge impact. Crash looks at Bert, stunned by his actions, while Bert is staring at Duncan’s remains with his mouth open. Suddenly the two make eye contact and realize, it’s pretty much down to them. Crash quickly runs into the ring and Bert follows, but as he rolls slides under the bottom rope Crash is on him like a bad rash, punching and stomping on his back. Bert fights back, driving his elbow into Crash’s midsection. He drills another one then spins out and catches Crash with a stiff kick to the side of his head. Crash spins around, but keeps spinning, right into a SPINNING BACKFIST! The surprise strike takes Bert by surprise, ringing his bell. It looks like nobody’s home, so Crash hooks his arm, lifts him up and PLANTS HIM WITH A FISHERMAN’S BRAINBUSTER - THUNDER CRASH! Crash hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!!
Bert gets a shoulder up at the last second!
Arthur La Forge: Where is Bert finding the strength to…
Mary DeSue:: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Arthur La Forge: I swear if you go She-Hulk…
Mary DeSue: I WILL TWERK THAT MAN TO DEATH IF IT HAPPENS ARTIE!!
Crash flops like a fish on the mat, unable to comprehend that it wasn’t enough to put McAlroy away and reclaim the Final Boss title. His protests do nothing to waver Ref Kirby, but all of a sudden a sick smile spreads over Crash’s lips, and he seems dangerously calm. Crash rolls out of the ring as Kirby checks on Bert’s condition. Crash roots around underneath the ring…and he finds something he has to pull out with both hands…he pulls with his tired arms and finally manages to pull out…A WHEELBARROW FULL OF WET CEMENT?!
Arthur La Forge: …Mother Brain! This is diabolical!
Mary DeSue: TURN BERT INTO A STATUE YES!!
The crowd are in disbelief as Crash sadistically dips his fist into the cement. He covers his whole hand, balled up into a fist, with the wet liquid, then waits for it to set. His fist now an even more dangerous weapon, Crash climbs onto the apron and then into the ring. His fist now a solid block, he waits for Bert to make it to his feet. But McAlroy isn’t moving. He’s just chilling on the mat. Crash screams at him but he doesn’t move a muscle. Rolling his eyes, Crash leans down to heave up Bert but as he does Bert LOW BLOWS HIM! Crash doubles over and Bert bounces up to his feet, playing possum! He backs up into the corner then charges over, SMASHING CRASH’S FACE INTO THE CANVAS WITH MND!! Cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE...
NO!!
BROKEN UP BY SHEPARD!
Arthur La Forge: They got distracted and the current champ took advan…
Mary DeSue: WHY CAN’T YOU STAY DOWN LIKE A GOOD BOY!
Somehow the bionic commando has pulled himself into the ring and broken up what could have been a decisive fall in this match! Bert is astonished, and is looking at Shepard like he’s superhuman. MAYBE HE IS! McAlroy starts beating on Duncan out of sheer frustration but the Commander lifts him up and carries him into the corner. He starts driving his shoulder into McAlroy’s ribs, then heaves him onto his shoulder. Duncan runs across the ring, looking for a POWERSLAM! NO! Bert manages to slip out and land on his feet…BONG WATER! Duncan groggily staggers away, right into a LOADED CEMENT GLOVE FROM CRASH!
Arthur La Forge: BURNING KNUCKLE!!!
Mary DeSue: I swear you get dumber every damn second…HIT BERT TO CRASH!!
Shepard goes down like a sack of shit, possibly unconscious if not worse after that! Bert is stunned momentarily only for Crash to hit another LOADED CEMENT GLOVE! NO! Bert ducks underneath, and lands another BONG WATER on Crash, sending him over the top rope and out onto the floor! McAlroy then scrambles over to Shepard and hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE...
NO!!
SHEPARD IN HIS STUPOR SOMEHOW ROLLS HIS SHOULDER OFF THE MAT!
Arthur La Forge: Bert just can’t catch a break!
Mary DeSue: BREAK HIM LIKE A KITKAT BAR!!
Bert’s eyes are wide as he slowly backs away from the champion. He can’t believe what he’s just seen, and looks spooked by Shepard’s sheer resilience! Duncan hasn’t moved since he managed to kick out. Bert slowly pulls himself up by the ropes, one battered warrior eyeing off another. Shepard’s face is horrifically bruised after that brutal hit from Crash…BUT SOMEHOW HE’S MOVING! He slowly moves over onto his stomach and begins pushing himself up. As he does, Bert senses his opportunity. He screams “THIS IS IT BITCH!” at Duncan as he grabs his arms and pulls him up…TURNING HIM OVER INTO THE MCALDESTROYER 3.0!! McAlroy hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
CRASH PULLS BERT OUT OF THE RING!
Arthur La Forge: Saved by Crash!
Mary DeSue: YES! NOW SMASH HIS HEAD OFF!
Crash whips Bert right into the steel post! McAlroy bounces off head first, groggily turning around RIGHT INTO A CEMENT LOADED GLOVE!! Crash scrambles into the ring, and hooks Shepard’s leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE...
DUNCAN GETS A SHOULDER UP!
Arthur La Forge: HOW?!!! How can he keep doing this!
Mary DeSue: STAY DOWN!
Crash stares at Shepard, unable to believe what just happened. His eyes are wide, his breathing rapid. He knows it shouldn’t be possible, and yet it is. The champion is still fighting after all the punishment he’s taken! Crash though knows he can’t let up, Bert is out of the picture, it’s just the commander standing in between him reclaiming his title. The one ripped away by this very man. Crash waits patiently as Shepard slowly begins to rise, holding his cemented fist in the air. Shepard finally gets to his feet and Crash GOES FOR A LOADED CEMENT GLOVE! NO! SHEPARD GRABS CRASH’S FIST WITH HIS HAND! He pulls Crash forward and punches him as hard as he can in the face! Crash crumples to his knees and Shepard bounces off the ropes, DRILLING CRASH WITH A MASSIVE LARIAT!! Crash hits the mat and Shepard crawls over to cover him after expending the last of his energy.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!
DING DING DING!!
Mr Rad: Here is your winner…ANNNNND STILL! FINAL BOSS CHAMPION…DUNCANNNN SHEPARDDD!!
Arthur La Forge: And Duncan Shepard retains!
Mary DeSue: DAMN IT!! DAMN IT!!!
Shepard rolls off Crash and lays on the mat, unmoving. His cheek is hugely discolored from the hit he took from Joey, and it looks like there might be some damage to his cheekbone, but he’s alive! The camera zooms in from above as Duncan is handed his championship and clutches it to his chest. He slowly gets to his feet but is unsteady. The EMT’s have to help him up the ramp but as he goes he raises his championship above his head.
Arthur La Forge: What a match!
Mary DeSue: At least I can take comfort that Bert didn’t get the belt…
Bert starts to get up and slams his fist into the mat frustrated. He looks over at Joey Crash. He sees the glove. Bert starts to head over to Crash when someone out of the crowd slides in with a sign. The sign has a weird OMEGA symbol from the Greek Alphabet. Bert turns only to get slammed by the sign with makes a loud metal TWANG!!! It’s a metal sign. Security rushes to the ring as the hooded man picks up Bert and tosses him into the ropes…A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE FACE…but not just any roundhouse kick.
Arthur La Forge: I know that kick…It can’t be…
Mary DeSue: My prayers…
The fans who know it are already chanting something as the man pulls back the hood and we see it’s…”COUNT COMA” ANTONIO RICCI!!!
Arthur La Forge: COMA-TOES! BERT’S LONG STANDING RIVAL IS BACK!!
Mary DeSue: RICCI!!!
Bert is down and Crash rolls out of the ring to not be a part of this but he glares at Ricci as he heads to the back. Ricci points to the “Omega” symbol on his back and points to Bert who is in utter shock that Ricci is back. Both men lunge towards each other as security gets into the ring ot keep the peace.
Arthur La Forge:{/b] What a night folks! Don’t miss the fall out on EXP Thirty One! We are out of time!
Mary DeSue: COUNT COMA IS BACK!!
_________
Credits:
Bert vs. Crash vs. Duncan: Dubs
SEB vs. Cat: Bert
CCPE vs. Shane/Avalon: Bert
Sloane vs. Tact: Matt
Some Inspiration: Matt
Dollface vs. Buster: Bert
A New Direction: Larry/Matt
Eli vs. Stratford: Tact
Amber vs. Jason: Jay
A message from your favorite guy: Buster
Pool of Cheese: Jay
Raab vs. Cypher: Dubs
A Message From Our Sponsor: Jay
Intro: Jay[/b]
