EXP 9 Results - June 22, 2021 (Indianapolis, IN)
Jun 22, 2021 22:49:29 GMT -5
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Post by Boss Joe on Jun 22, 2021 22:49:29 GMT -5
Before the show can properly start, we open to a shot backstage, as E.A. Blizzard exits the office of The Developer. He smiles to himself as he starts walking away from the door. He looks up, and his smirk slowly fades away. He adjusts his suit jacket and tilts his head down to look at Eli Goode quickly approaching him.
EAB: What do you want?
Eli walks up to get as close as he can to him. Eli is wearing his ring gear and leather jacket. He has to look up just to look at his eyes.
Eli Goode: Why were you just in there?
EAB: I was settling some business, Mr. Goode.
Eli Goode: No one is allowed to see The Developer in person, and I mean nobody.
EAB: Well, let’s just say that I have special circumstances protecting me from any harsh treatments. If you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for our match.
EAB tries to pass Eli, but Eli moves to stay in his face.
Eli Goode: Like hell you do, you’ve been allowing yourself to get special privileges for too long. Now, I demand that you admit that you’re pulling strings to get what you want and that you’re not earning any of the matches and privileges you’re getting, or I’m going to have to do something that you’re not going to like.
There is a slight pause. EAB backs up a few inches and looks down at Eli.
EAB: Like what, Mr. Goode? Are you going to attack me? That’s not very sportsmanlike of you.
Eli Goode: I don’t care what it’s like. All I know is that you should get what you deserve.
EAB: Ah, a challenge to a match. I accept. However, if you want this, they have to be under my rules. Call it a… Business Rules match.
Eli pauses and looks away from EAB. EAB smiles and lowers himself to Eli’s eye level.
EAB: What’s wrong? You don’t want to fight me if it’s not your way?
Eli looks back at EAB.
Eli Goode: Screw you, I accept.
EAB smiles.
EAB: Good. I can’t wait to see you suffer.
EAB shoves Eli to the side. Eli trips and holds himself up against a wall. Eli looks back and takes in a deep breath holding in any anger he has.
The video wall turns on revealing the smiling face of Mr. Rad, welcoming everyone to the show.
Mr. Rad: Did you guys hear the big news! Level Up is going ON THE ROAD! Finally, I can infect my virus...of FUN, across the world! Anyway, it’s the final show before Dead by Daylight and things are going to get crazy! Let’s go to those loveable announcers!
The camera indeed cuts, now, to the announce table, where Arthur La Forge and Mary DeSue are trying their best to maintain their calm in the middle of a June heat wave.
Arthur La Forge: I absolutely hate summer.
Mary DeSue: I don’t! Beach weather! Well, I guess YOU would hate it.
Arthur La Forge: What’s that supposed to mean?
Mary DeSue: You don’t exactly have a beach body, Artie.
Arthur La Forge: Ugh, can we just talk about the show and not my pasty skin?
Mary DeSue: I didn’t say you were pasty. You did.
Arthur La Forge: Anyway, it should be a wild night as we have two gigantic tag team matches, plus a triple threat main event, with Bert McAlroy attempting to prove himself against a giant and a skilled technician ahead of Dead by Daylight!
Mary DeSue: Okay, and did I read that right over the weekend? He’s in a BLOODWEB match?
Arthur La Forge: Yeah, the Final Boss Championship between McAlroy, Antonio Ricci and champion Magdalena Lockheart will be in a Bloodweb match. The match starts on platforms about fifteen feet above the ring. A barbed wire web is hanging in the ring, latched onto all four turnbuckles. You can pin your opponents anywhere, and you can throw them into the barbed wire at any time...but if you do, you’ll have to join them to pin them.
Mary DeSue: Well that just sounds gross. Although Bert might die, so…
Arthur La Forge: Your compassion for your fellow human beings is astounding.
Mary DeSue: And what about what we saw before the show started? EAB and Goode?
Arthur La Forge: Yeah, in a ‘Business Rules’ match, whatever that means.
Mary DeSue: You think EAB knows anything about STONKS?
Arthur La Forge: I barely know about stonks.
Mary DeSue: Gotta get that Dogecoin, Artie!
Arthur La Forge: Right...anyway, let’s throw it to the ring.
---
The fans start giving Sidroy some chanting before the bell rings with a “Curtain Jerk! Curtain Jerk '' chant which Sidroy yells at them and Barnabus wags a finger telling them off as Dude Waluigi takes the moment to rush Sidroy and kick Sidroy in the gut. Floatover DDT aka The Dude Abides from Dude Waluigi as for the first time ever DW has hit his finishing move! He is ecstatic and starts cutting and strutting in the ring. DW keeps on dancing without going for the pin though as Sidroy gets up and rubs his nose for a moment. Blood. Oh no. We’ve seen what happens when this occurs. Sidroy gets up and yells as DW. DW turns and gets a jumping knee strike to the face!
Arthur La Forge: Am I losing my mind because of the heat or was Dude WaLuigi putting up a fight?
Mary DeSue: Don’t think it matters much now, Siddy just murdered him.
Sidroy gets up and grabs DW and tosses him into the ropes. Kick to the gut. DW catches it. Enzuigiri! Sidroy gets up and picks up DW and gets behind him. German suplex, Roll, German suplex, Roll. TRIPLE GERMAN SUPLEX WITH A RELEASE FROM SIDROY! Sidory gets up and yells at the fans “How’s that for a Curtain Jerk!” which he gets told he’s number one...by everyone in the audience...with their middle fingers. Sidroy keeps yelling at the fans for a moment as Barnabus motions for Sidroy to pay attention as DW pulls himself up in the turnbuckle. Sidroy glares at Barnabus and back at DW. He yells at Barnabus for a moment as he rushes up to DW and kicks him in the gut. Setup for “Penalty Kick”! He connects! Followed by “The Covington Cave-In!”
Arthur La Forge: Killed him dead.
Mary DeSue: Super dead. Sidroy can wrap this one up.
The opening line of “Queen Machine” Jenny’s theme suddenly hits the PA system, causing Sidroy to get distracted and turn towards the entrance ramp while Barnabus reacts by starting to advance up said ramp as well.
Arthur La Forge: Barnabus means well but..what exactly is he going to do if Jenny actually comes out?
Mary DeSue: Be a human shield? It’s why he gets paid handsomely. Might as well earn it.
While Sidroy’s attention is divided, Dude Waluigi stirs and sees an opportunity, grabbing Sidroy from behind and rolling him up!
One!
Two!!
THREE!!
Mr. Rad: Here is your winner…. Dude Waluigi?
Arthur La Forge: WHAT.
Mary DeSue: [BLEEP]ING WHAT?
As Dude Waluigi celebrates his unlikely win by shucking and jiving all over the ring while Sidroy stares in disbelief, the lights go out in the arena.
Arthur La Forge: Dude WaLuigi just got the upset of the century and now...the lights are out? What is going on?!
Mary DeSue: Mr. Rad stop screwing around! Siddy needs to kill that weirdo!
After a few moments the lights come back and Dude Waluigi has vanished, replaced by a burlap sack infront of the confused Sidroy, and behind him the paint-faced femme fatale Jenny herself, with the Wisdom-title neatly strapped around her waist.. She taps Sidroy on the shoulder and as he turns, he blows the Wisdom-champion a kiss and drops him down with “The Crowning”!
Arthur La Forge: Jenny once again proves herself one step ahead of the Wisdom champion!
Mary DeSue: She’s driving poor Siddy crazy! It’s not fair!
She then turns to Barnabus, planting her heel on Sidroys nether-region and wagging her finger at the champion's butler. Barnabus gets the hint and hesitantly backs off as Jenny goes to get a microphone.
Jenny: Hey everyone! I felt a bit sad that I wasn’t booked on this show so I decided I’d make an appearance anyway! Especially since I have something important to do!
She picks the burlap sack up and sits on her knees next to Sidroy, taking his head on her lap while keeping an eye on Barnabus, who is currently having an internal battle about which course of action risks his master's health more, trying to intervene or not trying to intervene. With a mischievous grin Jenny pets Sidroys unconscious head like she was comforting a little child.
Jenny: See, I realized that taking Goldie away from you was painful Siddyboo, so I figured that before I take it officially at Dead by Daylight, I’ll offer you an olive branch so you won’t feel so sad and lonely.
She reaches over to the burlap sack and fishes out a replica of the Wisdom-belt, the kind you can buy from Levelupshop.com. She gently places it on Sidroys chest and wraps his arms around it before standing up.
Jenny: I mean, it’s not Goldie… but I hope she can soothe some of the pain you will undoubtedly go through as at Dead by Daylight I’m going to take FULL custody.
She leans down and plants a soft kiss on Sidroys forehead, caressing his cheek affectionately.
Jenny: Don’t feel bad Siddyboo, sometimes life just sucks.
She chuckles, curtsies to the crowd and Barnabus before the lights go down again for a moment, before coming back up with Jenny nowhere in sight.
Arthur La Forge: Sidroy Covington has to be reaching his wit’s end at this point.
Mary DeSue: Yeah well, she’s gonna get hers at the PPV, you just wait and see!
---
Before any music can even hit, Walink comes flying through the curtain and lands like a sack of meat onto the entrance ramp. The fans murmur in confusion then erupt in disapproving boos and screams as Brandon Hendrix steps out onto the ramp.He looks out over the crowd from behind his mask, before throwing his head back and bellowing out a roar that slowly devolves into a sick kind of laughter.
Arthur La Forge: Well…that’s disturbing.
Mary DeSue: Can we please stop hiring creepers every damn time they try to sign up? What’s next? Another clown?
Arthur La Forge: You uh...might want to avoid looking at recent roster announcements.
With unnatural quickness, Hendrix is back on Walink and rips them up from the floor! They lift them in a stalling suplex before dropping Walink directly on their head with a vicious brainbuster! Hendrix isn’t done though, as he hop off the side of the ramp and begin rummaging through the equipment. They pull out a lead pipe and return to Walink as refs spill out trying to stop Hendrix..BUT HE SWINGS THE PIPE AT THE REFS! HE CLOCKS ONE RIGHT IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!!
Arthur La Forge: This isn’t even a match at this point! It’s a mugging!
Mary DeSue: Or a sacrifice…
Arthur La Forge: Great, now you had to put that idea in my head.
Walink has gotten to his feet, and turns to see Hendrix. They put their hands up, begging for mercy as Hendrix lifts the lead pipe above his head. The lights dim, a maddening cackle booms from the PA and suddenly lightning strikes the lead pipe and its ON FIRE!!! The laughter booms up an octave as Hendrix swings for the fences and Walink crumples as blood flies from the wound! Security rushes out with some superstars, including ELI GOODE and DUNCAN SHEPARD, among others...BUT THE LIGHTS GO OUT...When they come back on, a couple more refs have been leveled and the burning lead pipe lay at the bottom of the ramp until a stage hands runs over to put it out.
Arthur La Forge: That was one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen since Eli Goode got his arm broken.
Mary DeSue: You think he’s mad about Lord Raab targeting him?
Arthur La Forge: I think Lord Raab is going to have a tougher fight at Dead by Daylight than he might think.
---
Giant Waluigi backs away once the bell rings as Johnny Fringe tilts his head at this large man in front of him and we hear a slight laugh as they circle and get near the cameras. Fringe jumps forward for a moment and GW backs away. Fringe does this again and GW tries to cower away again, this time pulling the ref in front of him. Fringe stops and holds out his hand like he wants to be friends. The fans boo at this idea but GW is kind of an idiot. Handshake followed by a POKE TO THE EYE FROM FRINGE! Fringe gets behind GW and quickly hits a German Suplex on the big man. Fringe gets up and heads to the top rope and goes for diving headbutt to the chest of GW! GW howls for a moment as Fringe gets up and grabs GW lifting him up. Toss to the ropes, bounceback, followed by a devastating spinebuster from Fringe!
Arthur La Forge: I’m not even sure the poke to the eye was necessary. I think Fringe did it just to be a jerk.
Mary DeSue: Yeah, I would say a WaLuigi couldn’t possibly win a match but..well, we just saw that happen.
After taking a moment to put his hand to his ear, Fringe hears a chorus of boos from the fans who have kind of taken a liking to the scared giant idjit dressed like a Waluigi. Fringe gets up and motions to GW as there is a cheer, and then Fringe punt kicks GW in the head! The chorus of boo's seem to excite the masked maniac as he reaches down and picks up GW again. He chucks him into the ropes and charges forward. On the bounceback Fringe leaps up and hits a flying throat punch to GW's throat and sends the big man down to the mat. The audience is hating on Fringe like he's Tom Brady and he's loving every minute of it. He picks up GW and just starts chopping the big man with chops, one after another. Each time the crowd boo's he hits GW harder and harder till GW just collapses on his knees and hits "Crit!" on GW! GW falls backwards onto the mat as Fringe just walks over and slaps GW in the face and laughs.
Arthur La Forge: You can pin him at any time, Fringe.
Mary DeSue: I think that’s the point. He’s playing with his food. Hopefully not literally, I think we’ve had enough of that.
The fans keep booing Fringe who poses and licks his lips for a moment as he watches. He's getting excited. He's almost running in place getting ready to hit something as GW takes a moment to get up...GW turns and..."TPK"! A superb sensational superkick just knocks GW so hard he just falls down like a chopped down tree. Lazy cover by Fringe…
ONE...
TWO...
THREE!!!
Mr. Rad Here is your winner..."The Demon of NOLA"...Johnny Fringe!
Arthur La Forge: What a shock, the guy that could beat Giant WaLuigi at any time beat Giant WaLuigi.
Mary DeSue: They should have sent Dude after him.
Fringe gets up and then turns GW over, slapping him into a dragon clutch! "CON SAVE"!! He has the submission hold locked in. The ref calls for the bell again and tries to pull Fringe off. More officials rush to the ring as Johnny Fringe finally lets go of the hold after holding GW in it for a few moments. He acts like he's gonna hit the refs who back away and he smiles again. The masked man slides out of the ring and heads up the ramp as “The Man” by Small Town Titans starts to play.
Arthur La Forge: And then he beat him after the bell! I think you’re right. We have too many wackos signing up for this place.
Mary DeSue: We need a damn screening process! If we had one, Bert wouldn’t be on the roster!
Arthur La Forge: Speaking of…
Mary DeSue: What? Oh nooo…..
---
“True Survivor” blares forth as the fans pop! Bert McAlroy steps out on the stage in his street clothes...that honestly are identical to his ring gear. He raises his hands up, absorbing the love before he starts walking down to the ring. He slaps outstretched hands as he passes them before rolling under the bottom rope and popping up! He goes to a corner, requesting a microphone and waiting for his music to fade out. As it does, he lifts the microphone up and begins to speak.
Bert McAlroy: So..What up, Indy?
The crowd pops.
Bert McAlroy: I guess, like...after really thinking about it, I figure I owe ya’ll an apology. See, after the last EXP I went and cleared my head. Got the fuck out of dodge and away from all this drama..See, I lost my head last EXP. I shouldn’t have hit Maggie with the brass knucks so..Champ. My bad. Feel free to gimme a receipt whenever.
Bert pauses, pacing the ring a moment before he picks a corner and climbs it, sitting on the top rope and facing the entrance.
Bert McAlroy: Far as Ricci, and his deep as a puddle but convinced he’s the fucking Pacific ass? I’d do what I did again, every fuckin show. But It ain’t gotta come to that. Because in two weeks, at Dead by Daylight? I put him to bed, I put Maggie back out to pasture and suddenly the guy no one wanted to have the belt..is gonna be the fucking FACE of this company.
A Pop with some cheers and some jeers from the bitter, older fans who prefer their champions ripped and oiled up.
Bert McAlroy: But on some real, I’m not even out here to talk that match up. I’m not even gonna talk about Larry Tactless and his bullshit ‘let me tell you something’s. Or the Masked German Douchebag who obviously hasn’t watched a single match of mine. Hell, I’m not even here to talk about how Mary DeSue is just here to keep the horny neckbeards interested...I came out here, to introduce ya’ll to the newest DLC on this roster, yo.
The fans murmur as Bert hops off his perch, and motions to the back.
Bert McAlroy: So here she is, and here’s me looking to get a recruitment bonus….a former Chaos Champion in Carnage Wrestling, The one..The Only...Ahmya!!
The announcement generates a decent pop, with more surprise than anything else, the fans look on in anticipation as the uplifting tune of “Fighter” by Mika Nakashima begins to play. As the spoken intro gives way to the beat kicking in, the cheers grow louder as Ahmya makes her way out onto the stage, clad in the alluring casual attire of a black summer dress and matching knee high boots. The young woman takes in a moment to soak in the adulation before heading down to the ring, a bright smile on her face. As she reached the apron, Ahmya gave it a gentle couple taps before hopping up and stepping in under the middle rope. Giving a pleasant wave upon standing, she sent a smile Bert’s way and motioned for a microphone herself. Allowing the fans some time to get their cheers out, Ahmya bowed in appreciation, now ready to express her thoughts on her big return.
Ahmya: Thank you for the warm welcome R.. Bert, and thank you everyone for greeting me with such kindness! I’ll admit I was a little nervous about this moment, but again I was shown that while seen by many as odd and crazy, this world is one that can truly be a home.
Pausing as she receives a pop from the crowd, she couldn’t help giggling a little before continuing.
Ahmya: This was some time in the making and honestly, I never really thought I’d be back here, but now that I am back, trust me when I say that I will be making the most of the opportunity. However, as I know you all love and deserve some wonderful in ring action, unless this awesome dearest has anything to say, I will leave you with that promise and get ready to return to what I love.
Bert smiles from his spot, walking toward her he raises the mic one last time.
Bert McAlroy: So there it is, Level Up. You’re on notice. Don’t let the smile fool ya..or do, Either way, you’re all SO boned!
With that, Bert drops the mic and raises Ahmya’s hand in his best ref cosplay, pointing at her as the fans pop. The two then depart the ring, heading toward the back as “Fighter” by Mika Nakashima plays them out
---
James Wilcox starts out for the faction after conferring...or rather, lecturing his two giant partners. Teddy Warren holds the ropes open for his partner to step out onto the apron to stand with Boris before he turns around to face The Wizard himself.The bell rings and the two begin to circle one another as their teammates beat on the top turnbuckle pad and stomp on the apron. Warren and JW lock up with Warren getting the upper hand and driving JW into a corner.
Arthur La Forge: Teddy Warren has been at odds with the Faction for months now and it seems he finally has some backup.
Mary DeSue: Yeah, but The Faction aren’t exactly WaLuigis so let’s see how well his new partners do. Hopefully not as bad as Adam Miller.
Arthur La Forge: Show some respect! The man was viciously assaulted!
Mary DeSue: I said HOPEFULLY NOT.
The ref begins to count Warren off to break the hold with Warren breaking at three just to start laying right hands into JW’s face! He climbs the second rope and begins to rain down right hands! The audience begins to count them off! One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Si--NO! JW has snatched Warren’s legs and barrels out of the corner, dropping Warren on his back with a thunderous spinebuster!!
Arthur La Forge: James Wilcox has beat Warren before, to get into the Skeleton Key match, and he’s showing why he earned that win.
Mary DeSue: Like I said, the Faction are not WaLuigis. They’re dangerous.
JW lifts Warren and whips him into his corner. He tags in Drake Wilcox before driving his forearm into Teddy Warren’s throat, holding him in place and choking him as his brother steps into the ring. James Wilcox relents the hold at 4, only for Drake to take over by snatching Warren by his throat. He shushes the audience..then hauls back a big paw and slaps Teddy Warren right in the middle of his chest! Warren almost flies from the corner yelling in pain but Drake shoves him back into place before tagging in Isaac!!
Arthur La Forge: Teddy is fighting his heart out but size is counting for a lot right now.
Mary DeSue: I think Drake may have actually punched his heart out.
Boris and Jennifer are going nuts in their corner, yelling for the ref to do something s Isaac steps in over the top rope! Drake Wilcox steps out, reaching in to hold Warren in place as Isaac follows suit by hauling his had back and slapping the reddening welt forming on Teddy Warren’s chest! He steps back and lets Teddy crumple. Isaac yells out to the audience, raising his arms to the chorus of boos. He sneers and waves a mocking hand at them before turning his attention back to Teddy who notices the ref has had to turn to his own corner, yelling at Jenifer to stay out of the ring. Seeing the opportunity, Teddy nails Isaac with a low blow!!
Arthur La Forge: Well, that’s one way to turn the tide!
Mary DeSue: You mean by CHEATING?
Arthur La Forge: He’s doing what he has to do to survive!
Isaac Yells out and crumples to one knee! Drake and James both try to snatch Teddy but he slips past them, rolling forward and diving for the outstretched hand of Boris! Teddy rolls out of the ring and onto the floor, trying to recover. Jennifer goes to join him as Boris charges Isaac and begins to rain rights and lefts down onto the head of the big man! He steps back and runs forward with a big boot that levels Isaac!! Boris yells out to the crowd and dives at the corner, bashing Drake off the apron first before nailing James with a spinning backfist that sends him to the floor!
Arthur La Forge: Boris Forstora is the powerhouse of his team and he’s proving it right now!
Mary DeSue: They should have tagged him in sooner!
Boris lifts Isaac to his feet and whips him into the ropes..but Isaac reverses! He turns Boris inside out with a clothesline as he bounces back! On the outside, James and Drake Wilcox are attacking Teddy and Jennifer...Isaac lifts Boris up before dashing to the ropes, bouncing off and..SPEAR!! HE NEARLY CUTS BORIS IN HALF!! ISAAC PLACES A HAND ON HIS CHEST!!
Arthur La Forge: Or maybe not.
Mary DeSue: They just broke him! Get it? Broke? Because his nickname is ‘Breaker’?
Arthur La Forge: Ugh...
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Mr. Rad: Here are your winners… “THE FACTION”!!!
Arthur La Forge: The Faction continue their winnign ways and prove unbeatable as a complete unit.
Mary DeSue: And don’t Teddy and Jennifer face them AGAIN at Dead by Daylight?
Arthur La Forge: Yeah, they’ll just have to come up with a different game plan and hope they can put an end to the rivalry this time.
---
As the crowd buzzes in anticipation of the next part of the show, “Pieces” by Hoobastank suddenly fills the arena. For the first time in his tenure with Level Up, Larry Tact steps out onto the entrance ramp for a non-match related appearance in the arena. The crowd, who have so far not been on one side or the other with him, give Tact a dedicated chorus of boos as he outstretches his arms, receiving their reaction with a smirk on his face. The lights focus on him as he slowly rotates around in a circle, then pounds his chest and takes a leisurely walk to the ring.
Arthur La Forge: Larry Tact has shown up in the arena ahead of his match tonight, and the crowd is really letting him have it.
Mary DeSue: Serves this geezer right, coming out here after what he’s done!
Arthur La Forge: He has been having more success in the ring of late, but something tells me that’s not what you’re thinking.
Mary DeSue: Are you kidding? Have you seen what he’s been tweeting at my Don Thicci this week??
Arthur La Forge: Sorry, I’ve been preparing for this show and, you know, the big PPV we have, Dead By Daylight?
Mary DeSue: Shut up, Artie. Just admit you wouldn’t know how to start a Twitter if the blue bird flew right in your face. This jerk has been talking trash to my Thicc Boi, and he will pay for it. That’s all you need to know.
Larry ignores the fans as he ascends the ring steps and enters, calling for a microphone as he paces around. He snatches a mic from the production member who reaches out with one, then waves him away.
Larry Tact: I wouldn’t be out here unless there was a matter of tactfully pressing importance, so make like a Zoom meeting and mute yourselves.
The booing continues and Larry shakes his head, scoffing.
Larry Tact: Of course, you don’t know what I’m talking about. This city, if you can call it that, is infested with slobbish, uneducated Midwesterners. Let me put it in New York terms: stop flapping your gums before I staple each and every one of them shut!
Arthur La Forge: Larry not exactly taking the soft approach with the audience to get to his point.
Mary DeSue: He probably isn’t far off about these people. He’s still a bitter old man.
Arthur La Forge: Because of Don—
Mary DeSue: Yes! He messed with my Don Thicci and even caused him to be on the losing side of the tag match last week! Honestly, you aren’t far off from these people’s intellect, Artie. Even I have trouble explaining things to you most of the time.
Tact dramatically sighs into the mic.
Larry Tact: Nevertheless, I shall persist. Persist and persevere, in fact. Because Dead By Daylight is just around the corner, and that means I will be stepping into the Skeleton Key match, with the winner becoming the inaugural Power Champion of Level Up Wrestling. Some of you may believe that I am the absolute worst fit for this match. After all, I’m a wrestling technician, and would be miscast in the division all about extreme tendencies. The tactful choice would be to include me in the Wisdom division.
He wave a finger in the air at the audience.
Larry Tact: That’s where you all reliably show your ignorance. With two decades of experience, I would never in a million years pigeon-hole my career by stopping at being a master wrestling technician. Don Tirri? A man who has also spent decades in this industry; yet learned as much as someone with half his ring time— if that. If you listen to Duncan Shepard sugarcoat it for Donnie, though, he’ll empathize with how tough a life Donnie’s had. The black-and-white kicked out of him, or as I would say, the black-and-blue beat into him. Duncan, if you want to sit next to Tirri on the WAAA-mbulance right out of the Skeleton Key match, I’m sure I can arrange a couple WaLuigi’s to help you with that, once I tear the stripes off your decorated ass. A man who thinks driving on backroads and passing through backwater towns is the ‘wrestling experience,’ while he tries to discover something, anything… interesting about himself. If ever there was a mission DOOMed to fail.
He chuckles at what he deems cleverness, while the crowd begins a “You Suck!” chant. Larry walks to the ropes, trash talking a fan in one of the rows near ringside, but the mic is held away and cannot pick up the exchange. He then turns away back to walking around the ring.
Larry Tact: Speaking of which, how about the FACTION? James Wilcox, their leader, ready to enter the Skeleton Key match with his… hammer in hand. No, I refuse to take the bait. Far from it, since as James said, they prey on fear! Anguish! SUFFERING! If you didn’t know any better, you would think he confused the Skeleton Key match for some BDSM initiation. Don’t even think of ‘tickling me under there,’ James! (Smacks his forehead) Ah, damn, that low-hanging fruit… wait, no, that only makes it worse! Let’s get back on track. This entire group, they are really a collection of misfits, rogues. They have qualities that make them stand out – for the worse – but when it comes to stepping in the ring, they have not demonstrated versatility. They’re all very, what’s the word? Oh, right. Basic. While the lot of you would be overwhelmed and incapable of it, I have managed to transcend the very core of the craft that I was trained in. Beyond pure technical wrestling mastery, I have assimilated other pieces of styles into my proprietary skill set. Or, to put it in a way “y’all” out in this arena can understand…
He puts on a thick, and obviously fake, midwestern-style accent.
Larry Tact: AH CAHN BAY HERD-CORRRRE TOO, Y’ALLLL! HERP DURRR—
As Tact continues mocking the crowd, who are getting riled up, he is silenced by the arena lights cutting out. A moment later, pyrotechnics shoot from the ring posts, and we catch sight of Larry stumbling against the ropes. We hear his mic drop against the ring canvas, and when the pyro stops and the lights come back on, Sister Sin is standing across from Larry in the ring and picks up the mic. He watches her cautiously and does not let her close the distance between them.
Sister Sin: It’s rude to not give everyone a chance to speak for themselves, Larry. I thought it was about time I came out here and took my turn, whether you were done or not. This Skeleton Key match is going to be one to remember for all of Level Up. It’s the first Dead By Daylight, and the first Power Champion will be crowned. But that’s not all, Larry. See, when that bell rings, I don’t know if I will be able to stop what is inside of me from coming out. If that happens, then for the first time in Level Up, you and the other members of this match will be utterly helpless to stop the version of myself that will be in the ring that night.
Tact has gotten another microphone and looks at Sister Sin with slight disdain.
Larry Tact: Sister Sin, I’ve heard about you lately. Nothing of much use, but here we are. I suppose you fancy yourself special, right in line with the rest of this gruesome foursome I’m stepping into the Skeleton Key match with. The problem is, you can talk all you want about unleashing hell on the ring, but what do you think I was expecting to find at a show called Dead By Daylight? We aren’t here to do a song and dance. We’re in this match to become Power Champion, and that doesn’t come without a cost. The Developer, or big D as I’ve dubbed them, won’t have it any other way for us.
Sister Sin begins laughing at Larry, who looks puzzled.
Sister Sin: I bet you have it all figured out, eh Larry? You’ll come in with your plan, step all over us, and take your place as Power Champion. Nice and tidy, organized, sensible. I thought I had that. With Opal at my side, I felt like I had control over where I was heading. I knew what I wanted to do. Then I had everything come crashing down around me and found out I’ve been alone this entire time. How do you think that is going to affect me heading into the Skeleton Key match, Larry? How are you going to predict someone who has just experienced a change to their very core? Any bright ideas, pretty boy??
Larry looks like he is expecting Sister Sin to launch at him, but instead she reaches out her hand. He looks around as she slowly approaches.
Sister Sin: There is another option for both of us. You have some potential, Larry Tact. Your attitude gives me the impression that you are someone who will not stop until he obtains what he wants, no matter what it takes. I may not believe your plans are foolproof, but I don’t doubt you have another side of you that could take you to another place. Another level. If we join together, we could do away with the others in the match.
She stops in front of him, hand still outstretched.
Larry Tact: You think we should team up against the others? And if it works?
Sister Sin: We find out which of us has the better plan, of course. Your organization or my monster. Moreover, my Covenant will grow, and you would be smart to get in now, while you have the chance. We could build Level Up to be far more than what it is today. We could make it one of the most dominant destinations in wrestling, with us at the top.
She looks at Larry for a few moments, but he then brushes her hand aside and walks to the opposite turnbuckle, leaning on it.
Larry Tact: No thanks, Sister. It doesn’t do much for me to commit to teaming with someone who I have no doubt would jump on an opportunity to take me down before we are the final two, if it looks promising enough, much less stick with afterwards. Groups are rarely my aesthetic, in this cesspool of an industry. I’ll create my own brand of changemakers. Pass.
Sister Sin: You don’t know what you’re saying. You have no idea what you could help to hold back, if we join forces. If you don’t, then you could easily be the first victim to what lies within me. Remember how I appeared to you this night, and know those fires burn brightest from within me.
Narrowing his eyes, Larry considers her words when “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead hits the PA system. The man Tact had been reaming on Twitter, “Old School Cool” Don Tirri appears on top of the entranceway with a microphone in hand. He vibes with his theme for a few moments before raising his hand to ask for silence and speaks up.
Don Tirri: Boy, Larry, you sure love the sound of your own voice don’t you? I’ve been told that old guys tend to ramble, mostly when taking digs at me but fucking hell man, it does seem to ring true for you.
[i[Tirri walks down the aisle, throwing haphazard high-fives with the few fans that like him, his eyes never leaving the pair in the ring.[/i]
Don Tirri: Honestly, I was debating whether I should even bother to show up right now, since I have better things to do than engage in a pointless penis-measuring contest with a prissy prancing (former) pretty boy like you but eh, fuck it. Not like the match later on really counts for anything, so might as well get some entertainment out of this evening.
The Finn stops in the aisleway, not bothering to get any further. Tact glares at Tirri, a sneer plastered across his face, while Sister Sin sits on one of the top turnbuckles.
Don Tirri: So, Tact. I’ll make a concession. I’m not a hardcore wrestler. Never have been. Thought I never would be. But if there is one thing that is consistent across my career is that I won’t back down from a challenge. Sure, I might choose to fight another day or take the easy way out of a throwaway match with no stakes, but when the lights are on bright and there is something more than pride at stake, I give it my best regardless of the match or the opposition. “You don’t need to win all the matches, just the right ones” like I keep saying.
Arthur La Forge: He uses that as an excuse for bad performances! Not like he can win the right matches either!
Mary DeSue: You’re just jealous you aren’t as smart as he is Arty!
Larry Tact: Oh, right, here we go. Why don’t you take a page from real Old School, and eat your losses?
Don Tirri: Sure. My record ain’t nothing to write home about. But that’s what you get when you pit yourself against the best this company has to offer. I’ve fought Lex Collins. Maggie Lockheart and Antonio Ricci. You? You seem to be locked in a best of eternity-series with Eli Goode. Now that right there is a matchup where nobody wins and the audience loses. So Larry-boy, if I was you I’d zip my piehole and focus on getting out of DbDl alive.
The crowd pops at this and Tact stomps around the ring, even kicking the bottom rope. He yells at Tirri, who walks over to the announce table and sits on the edge of it, sending Mary into a small giggling fit as he winks at her before continuing.
Don Tirri: As far as the rest of you in the match. Sister Sin? I admit I haven’t really kept too many tabs on you. Couple of good wins. Unique presentation. Passable in-ring skills. I’m looking forward to wrestling you at DbDl, but I think I’ll leave most of my talking for later on when it comes to you.
He fishes out a signed 8x10 and tosses it to Mary before standing up and waltzing back up the entrance way.
Don Tirri: Wilcox, you are one messed up dude. I guess loss after loss has gotten under your skin and you keep trying to reinvent yourself. Your boys ain’t gonna bust you out of harms away at DbDl, so you might as well take your licking and do the only thing you can do. Keep on ticking. This ain’t your moment kid. But who knows. Another day, another time might be.
Getting midway up the ramp, Tirri turns to face the ring one more time.
Don Tirri: And Shepard? I like what I’ve seen. Can’t say I get the full gist of your presentation but you seem respectable and a stand-up dude. Once I grab the power-belt.. I don’t mind giving you the first shot at it. You’re tons better than prissy prancing pretty boy here. But that’s all I gotta say, peace out and see you later.
“Ace of Spades” begins to play, and then is abruptly cut off by “Commander Shepard.” Tact throws his arms up in exasperation and Tirri turns, expecting someone to walk about behind him, but no one appears. Sister Sin is on the ball, following spotlights around the arena that scan the crowd, who are now buzzing about what’s going to happen next, and pick out Duncan Shepard leaning against a railing at the front of the second level of seating, holding a microphone. The crowd quiets down to hear him.
Duncan Shepard: By the Goddess. I once heard a news story about someone producing a rendition of Hamlet with an all Elcor cast. I never saw it but I imagine it was a lot like this.
There is zero reaction from the crowd apart from one person who finds this hilarious.
Duncan Shepard: Tough crowd. That would have killed on the Citadel.
Mary DeSue: What's the Citadel?
Arthur La Forge: A space station that forms the centre of galactic society.
Mary DeSue: How do you know that!?
Arthur La Forge: Research. It's what good announcers do.
Mary DeSue: It's what nerds do.
Duncan Shepard: What I'm trying to say Larry, is that you're boring. Heartfelt insult, I didn't think anything could be more wooden than your face but now I've heard you speak.
Tact glares at Shepard in the crowd, pointing at himself and slashing his arm through the air, saying something we cannot hear.
Duncan Shepard: It's a weird flex, to come down to the ring two weeks out from a shot at a no holds barred title and tell everyone you're not hardcore. All I'm hearing is that I'm the best prepared for the Skeleton Key match so you'd better start checking that ego of yours at the curtain Larry, or I'm going to have to come down there, hit that renegade interrupt and knock your ass into next week.
Duncan points at Sister Sin.
Duncan Shepard: Don't think I've forgotten about you Sister Sin. The way you're spouting off, I'm ninety percent sure you're Indoctrinated. Luckily for everyone here I've dealt with bigger and scarier Reaper threats than you. You may have given me a run last week but remember that I was the one with my hand raised when it was all over.
Sister Sin looks curiously at Shepard, placing her hands palms-down under her chin as she sits on the turnbuckle.
Duncan Shepard: Both of you should be thanking Don for coming out here when he did and shooting some life into this, otherwise we were on the brink of the greatest collective restroom break in Level Up history.
Arthur La Forge: Shepard is selecting all the renegade dialogue options tonight.
Mary DeSue: What are you even saying?
Arthur La Forge: Research!
Duncan Shepard: And Tirri, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the kind words but you've got it backwards. You see, when the galaxy needs something to be claimed and secured, I'm the one they go to. Whether it's a conduit, a catalyst, an obelisk or even a Power Championship, I'm the one that walks out with it. But hey, I'll match your offer and give you the first shot at my new title.
Tirri smirks at Shepard.
Duncan Shepard: And as for... wait. Who am I forgetting?
The main lights in the arena go out and a dim, dark green light replaces the new found darkness at the entrance to the arena. Smoke beings to cover the floor. “Breathe” by Prodigy hits.
Arthur La Forge: Who’s this?
Mary DeSue: The Faction, with new music.
Standing at the top of the ramp microphone in hand is James Wilcox.
James Wilcox: Look at all of you in that ring. You make me sick.
Drake Wilcox and Isaac now emerge to flank James on both sides.
James Wilcox: Vying with each other for the attention of these SLOBS in the crowd. It’s pathetic.
The crowd’s hatred towards The Faction intensifies and boos echo around the arena.
James Wilcox: You’re all so interested in each other and your pathetic arguments with each other you’ve all forgotten about…..ME! That suits me just FINE! Regardless of the result at Dead by Daylight you will ALL remember who I am.
James turns to his left and ISAAC steps forward handing him the Wand. James points it directly at the ring.
James Wilcox: When I win the Skeleton Key match you will alllllllllll have to go to the back of the goddam queue. You have all underestimated me, disrespected me. I will remember it ALL WHEN YOU COME KNOCKING FOR A TITLE MATCH!
James sits on the floor now, legs crossed. He looks up to the Faction.
James Wilcox: In the meantime. I think I’ll sit here and enjoy the show.
---
James Wilcox is sitting at ringside, near the commentary table, but has elected not to actually put on a headset and join commentary. The match starts out with Lockheart going up against Ricci, picking up where they left off last show. Lockheart goes for a standard lockup and Ricci makes her pay with a kick to the stomach. He then begins to hit her with a series of clubbing blows to the back before backing her into the corner. He takes a step back and charges in, but she climbs up quickly and hops over him, then rolls forward. She turns and runs in herself, catching him in the corner with a step-up enziguri. She attempts to make a quick cover...
One!
No! It's only a one count. She hooks the arm and reaches out to a waiting Don Tirri, who is looking to get another piece of Ricci after they fought in May.
Arthur La Forge: Tirri and Ricci are no strangers to one another and if Maggie can get the tag, we’re gonna see some fireworks go off.
Mary DeSue: Just like before, I don’t want to be made to choose? Who do you like better, James?
Arthur La Forge: I don’t think he’s going to answer.
Mary DeSue: Jerk...
Lockheart extends the arm to make the tag, but Ricci thinks quickly and pulls her in to a knee to the gut, then moves to his own corner and tags in Kylie Moore. He holds Lockheart in place for 'The Boss Lady' to get in a right hand and then lets her take over. Moore clubs away at the champion then Irish whips her to the opposite side of the ring, but as Maggie comes back, she surprises Kylie with a leaping forearm! She then gets a front facelock and has an easier time dragging the similarly-sized Moore to her corner, where Tirri tags himself in.
Mary DeSue: Yes! Get ‘em Donnie!
Arthur La Forge: That signed 8x10 is going on your nightstand, isn’t it?
Mary DeSue: Stop trying to get details about my bedroom Artie, it’s not going to happen.
Lockheart holds Moore in place and looks at her Combat Evolved opponent, who doesn't even acknowledge her as he goes into kick Moore in the ribs. Lockheart lets go and returns to the apron while 'Old School Cool' gets his chance to work over the newer talent. He twists Moore's arm and then drives his shoulder into it, knocking her to her knees. She gets up and tries to strike, but he yanks the arm down to force her down again. Tirri then pulls her arm up behind her back and runs forward, driving Kylie shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. She bounces off and tries to use the momentum to make the tag, but Tirri steps in front and delivers a right hand to Ricci to prevent him from making it. He then yanks her forward and into a sidewalk slam!
One!
Two!
Sister Sin jumps in and breaks up the count.
Arthur La Forge: Sin wants to make up for the loss she suffered last show and isn’t going to let another happen so easily.
Mary DeSue: I still don’t know what to make of her yet. But apparently she’s a witch so that’s cool. I liked the Charmed reboot.
Arthur La Forge: I don’t think that’s the same thing…
Mary DeSue: It certainly wasn’t the same as the original. It was BETTER.
The referee admonishes Sin and in the meantime, Tirri drags Kylie to his corner and Eli Goode tags himself in. Goode lurches forward and hits a punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of the Boss Lady. He grabs her by the head and charges into the turnbuckle with it, slamming her face first, before turning her around and hitting a massive chop. He then grabs her with his good arm and Irish Whips her, but when he lowers his head, anticipating a back drop, she stops in her tracks and kicks him right in the bad arm. As he spirals away in pain, she quickly moves over to her corner and tags out to Sister Sin.
Arthur La Forge: Tirri’s in trouble now and his opponents are trying to now keep him in their half of the ring.
Mary DeSue: [inaudible]
Arthur La Forge: Folks, if you heard that, I’m sorry. I just hope our censors caught it.
Kylie holds Goode down while Sin proceeds to stomp away at him. Kylie adds a few of her own before the referee makes her leave. Sin tosses Goode at the ropes and tries for a clothesline but Goode slides underneath, bounces off the other side and hits a Sling Blade! Sin gets up quick and backs into a neutral corner, and as Goode runs in she quickly throws a back elbow that hits him in the jaw. With Goode stunned, she grabs him by the head and moves to her corner, where EA Blizzard is more than happy to make the tag and go after his Dead by Daylight opponent.
Arthur La Forge: Well look at that, Blizzard is just fine facing Eli with the odds against him.
Mary DeSue: It’s not like he asked to be tagged in. Gotta come in when you’re tagged. Not his fault.
Arthur La Forge: Sure, sure...or maybe he doesn’t think he can beat Eli straight up?
Mary DeSue: He’s facing him at the PPV!
Arthur La Forge: With match rules that no one but EAB knows! That’s my entire point!
EAB wastes no time attacking the arm of Eli Goode, then hitting him in the face relentlessly against the ropes until the referee forces a break. He throws Goode into the nearest turnbuckle and charges in, but Goode, like Maggie earlier, hops over him. He spins around and attempts a kick, only for Blizzard to catch it, and Goode then leaps up and connects with a enziguri of his own! With the large businessman stunned, Goode crawls to his corner and reaches up for the tag, allowing Duncan Shepard to enter the match for the first time. He nails Blizzard with a stiff clothesline but the big man doesn't go down, so he bounces off the ropes and hits a dropkick instead and that does the job.
Arthur La Forge: Duncan Shepard is on fire here, taking the fight to the larger EAB!
Mary DeSue: You sure you can call the match without referencing your dorky Gears of Halo game?
Arthur La Forge: There were so many things wrong with that sentence I don’t know where to begin. I’m sure our fans will let you hear about it on Twitter, though.
Duncan tosses EAB into the nearest turnbuckle but the big man stops himself from hitting. However when he turns around, Commander Shepard rushes forward and takes him down with the Biotic Charge! While that might flatten a normal man, Blizzard is much bigger so he's already starting to get to his feet in the corner, Shepard runs in and Blizzard gets the boot up to the face, stunning him. Blizzard rushes out with a lariat of his own but Shepard ducks and then reaches behind him, catching the head and hitting a neckbreaker! Kylie Moore has apparently seen enough and she runs in, only for Shepard to lurch at her with the Krogan Handshake! Sister Sin is in and she gets one as well! Finally Blizzard turns around and HE gets the third headbutt, and the Commander begins to play to the crowd, which is going crazy.
Mary DeSue: Stop taunting and start fighting!
Arthur La Forge: That’s what he was doing! Maybe he’s earned the breather!
This proves to be Shepard's undoing, as Blizzard is already back to his feet and connects with a massive big boot that flattens the Commander in one shot. He picks him up and launches him into the ropes, but it's close enough to Shepard's corner that Lockheart is able to reach over and tag herself in! She comes charging in at EAB, opting to jump up in the air and catch him with a Meteora right away! Blizzard is up and she jumps up and hits a SECOND Meteora, as the big man is proving impervious to many strikes tonight. With EAB finally down, she jumps up to hit a diving knee drop to the head, then waits for him to rise. Lockheart grabs the head, attempting the Lockheart Liberation, but the big man is easily able to swat the Final Boss Champion aside, before staggering to his corner and tagging in Antonio Ricci.
Arthur La Forge: Not even the champion can keep EAB down for long. Sometimes I wonder if that guy knows how powerful he is.
Mary DeSue: I’m sure he does. What a dumb question.
Arthur La Forge: What I mean is, if he gets a chance to challenge for a title again, there may be no stopping him.
After being tossed down onto the back of her head by EAB, Ricci jumps in and dives onto the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Th--NO! The champ kicks out. Ricci tries again in frustration.
One!
Two!
NO! Another kickout. He scoops her up and begins to club at her back, not giving the champion a moment to breathe and eventually beating her down to the canvas. He tries for a cover off that but Tirri comes in and breaks things up just because he can. Ricci gets up and glares at Tirri, but is surprised with Sister Sin reaching over and tagging herself in to get a piece of the champion.
Arthur La Forge: Here’s a unique matchup.
Mary DeSue: Yeah, let’s see who the queen of the goths really is!
Arthur La Forge: Why in the world would you think...it’s the tattoos, isn’t it?
Mary DeSue: She looks like a tagged railroad car!
Sin punches Lockheart in the head and then rams her into the nearest turnbuckle. As Lockheart tries to recover, Sin nails her with a dropkick that puts her back onto the mat. She goes for a quick cover of her own..
ONE!
TWO
Only two. Sin lines up the champion and gets a front facelock, before jumping up in the air to attempt Sinful Prayer, but Lockheart uses Sin's momentum against her and hits a back body drop! She drops to her knees and looks out towards her teammates halfway across the ring. Before she can even think about going over to make the tag, Kylie Moore is already back in and drops an elbow to her back.
Arthur La Forge: I may not like the character of some of the people on that team, but they’re doing a good job isolating the champion.
Mary DeSue: Yeah but she wont’ STAY DOWN.
Arthur La Forge: No one’s been able to pin Maggie yet, I’d be shocked if it happened tonight.
Moore begins to kick away at the champion's spine before forcing her up and hitting her with a right hand to knock her back down. Over to the neutral corner now and Moore starts kicking away at the torso of the champion. Lockheart drops down and Moore pulls her away, before climbing up. She attempts Darkness Falls, her split-legged moonsault, but when Lockheart rolls inward to avoid it, Moore impressively lands on her feet! Instead she waits for the champion to get to her own feet on the apron and then lunges forward with a superkick that knocks Lockheart to the floor! Ricci demands the tag and gets it, and he jumps down to the outside to join the champion.
Arthur La Forge: Speaking of people who want to pin the champion…
Mary DeSue: He’s wanted to beat her almost since the beginning! And now he’s got her right where he wants her!
Ricci lifts Lockheart up and drops her face first onto the apron, before rolling her back inside. He tries for the cover...
ONE!
TWO!
No! She kicks out again! Ricci presses Lockheart into the corner in frustration and begins to wail away on her with a series of strikes, but the referee intervenes when he ignores the five count. Ricci has words with the official before going back on the attack, but the momentary breather allows the champ to get a quick kick to the jaw to knock him backward. He runs in again and she hits a back elbow to protect herself. She then runs forward at Ricci only for Ricci to HIT A CYCLONE KICK! HE drops down to cover the champion!
ONE!
TWO!
THR---NO! Lockheart kicks out!
Arthur La Forge: More fighting spirit from Lockheart, proving why she deserves the belt she’s holding!
Mary DeSue: She’s too stubborn for her own good!
[]Ricci is beside himself but opts to do the smart thing and tags in EA Blizzard. He holds Lockheart in place so that EAB can hit a kick to the spine before returning to his corner. EAB continues to kick and stomp away at the champion, before lifting her to her feet and driving the point of his elbow to the back of her head, knocking her back down. He then lifts her up and puts her in the Crunch Time bearhug! He starts to apply the pressure and squeeze the life out of Lockheart, who is getting encouragement from Goode, Shepard and, halfheartedly, Don Tirri. Just when it looks like Lockheart may fade, she springs to life and begins to jab away at the head of EAB, then an uppercut and he loosens his grip enough that she spins around with a back elbow. That makes him let go, so she spins around again with a roaring elbow that knocks him down![/i]
Arthur La Forge: Somehow, someway, Magdalena Lockheart managed to complete Beat Rush while locked in a bearhug!
Mary DeSue: For all the good it did her, she’s just as out of it as EAB is! He nearly crushed her!
Arthur La Forge: We’ll see if she’s able to make the tag, because she desperately needs one.
Being in the bearhug and fighting her way out took all the energy she had left, but she begins to stir and crawl to her corner. Blizzard realizes the position he's in and rolls over, tagging in Antonio Ricci, but Maggie gets the tag to Don Tirri! 'Old School Cool' is the proverbial hosue of fire, striking anything in the opposing corner that moves or even if they don't move. Ricci is up in a corner and Tirri runs in to hit him with a corner clothesline. Kylie Moore attempts to put a stop to Tirri's momentum, and gets THE BOOT for her trouble! Moore is knocked to the outside but it allows Ricci to get to his feet. But that's just fine for Tirri, as he bounces off looking for another BOOT, only for EAB to grab his leg from the outside! Tirri is stuck as Ricci starts to stir, and suddenly ELI GOODE charges in and hits Blizzard with a tackle that KNOCKS HIM THROUGH THE BARRIER!
Arthur La Forge: Eli Goode just sacrificed himself to take out EA Blizzard!
Mary DeSue: Probably broke his arm again, the idiot.
Arthur La Forge: It’s about time someone stands up to him!
Goode and Blizzard are out around the timekeeper's area and Moore is still out of it from Tirri's boot. Sister Sin slides in the ring and attempts to go after Tirri, but Shepard is in first and runs at her, clotheslinining them both up and over the top rope! Ricci takes advantage of the distraction and grabs Tirri around the throat, hoping to land a sitout chokeslam, but Don slaps his hand away and gets a kneelift to put him back down. He backs up to bounce off the ropes, but James Wilcox leaves the commentary booth and hops up onto the apron! As the referee goes to get Wilcox to leave...THE FACTION APPEARS AND PULLS TIRRI OUTSIDE! They each grab him by the throat and lift him up, hitting a DOUBLE CHOKESLAM ON THE APRON! Both Faction members then roll Tirri into the ring, at the behest of Wilcox, who smirks and jumps down from the apron.
Mary DeSue: Foul! BOOOO! FLAGRANT FOUL!
Arthur La Forge This isn’t basketball..
Mary DeSue: Those two giant jerks shouldn’t be touching his royal thiccness! And now they handed Ricci the win!
Ricci is up and seemingly has the match in the bag, but suddenly a hand reaches over the ropes and tags the out-of-it Tirri, and Magdalena Lockheart is valiantly re-entering the fray after the beating she took. She climbs up top as Ricci runs in and jumps over him, landing on her feet and rolling forward. She is up and spins around, baiting Ricci in and hitting a drop toehold to catch him in the ropes. Then she runs in and hits an ENTROPY BLADE! She runs off the ropes and tries to come in for another, but SISTER SIN grabs her leg! That doesn't last long, as Duncan Shepard charges over and hits a BIOTIC CHARGE ON SISTER SIN! That seems to knock him loopy as well on the floor, but it's enough to free the champion. She turns around and aims at Ricci again, running in for her Entropy Blade...ONLY FOR RICCI TO SPIN AROUND AND HIT COMA-TOES!!!
Arthur La Forge: Oh my God, HOW? Ricci was out of it!
Mary DeSue: Haha, those reflexes of his are killer! Maybe literally this time!
Arthur La Forge: Lockheart had him where she wanted him and Sin gave him time to recover. He only needed that little bit!
Ricci drops down and immediately covers the champion, hooking both legs!
ONE!!
TWO!!
Shepard tries to get in to save the match but Sin holds him back!
THREE!!!
Mr. Rad: Here are your winners: Sister Sin, EA Blizzard, Kylie Moore and 'Count Coma' ANTONIO RICCI!
Arthur La Forge: Ladies and gentlemen...if you had any doubts about Antonio Ricci being in the main event of Dead by Daylight...I think he just squashed them.
Mary DeSue: What’s that you said, Artie? No one has pinned Maggie since day one?
Arthur La Forge: I did say that. And now it seems Ricci is the one who was able to do it. And if he can do that at the PPV…
Mary DeSue: NEW CHAMP, BABY!
Ricci gets to his feet and smiles after managing to be the first person in Level Up history to pin Magdalena Lockheart. The Skeleton Key combatants continue to brawl around the ring, while EMTs are checking on Goode and EAB after their crash. The camera feed cuts to the back, away from all of the chaos.
---
We cut backstage where we see a familiar black Mercedes Benz S-Class car pulled up near the exit of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The driver has the window rolled down, and suddenly Barnabus enters the scene. His always pristine suit is disheveled, his always sunny demeanor darkened, and he walks with a slight limp to the driver.
Barnabus: The trunk please.
The driver nods and pops the trunk, and Barnabus painstakingly walks to the back of the car and tosses a few duffle bags and a suitcase into the trunk. With a slam he closes it, and walks to the drivers side back seat and opens the door. Sidroy Covington the Fourth enters the scene, in dress pants yet shirtless, with his black and gold towel draped over his neck. Sidroy is clearly worse for wear with a dour expression on his face. He glares at Barnabus before getting ready to enter the car before suddenly Lenny Brasco enters the scene cautiously.
Lenny Brasco: Mr... Mr. Covington I know it's been a rough night, but I was wondering if I could get a word in with you and see how you're feeling after earli-
Sidroy Covington IV: A rough night? A rough night you buffoon? Have you even been watching the product? It's been a rough month for me. I won this Wisdom Championship fair and square. I won a tournament with the absolute best talent Level Up had to offer, including beating a man previously thought to be infallible in the finals. I did it all because I'm the absolute best. Now people think it's fun to defecate all over me, all over the Covington name? It's an embarrassment. I had my title stolen. Not won from me, not stripped of me due to any breaking of the rules... STOLEN from me. And not a single one of you suited cowards on the Level Up payroll has lifted a single fat finger to make this right. The Developer sits in their hiding spot and watches as week after week as the actions of Jenny gets more and more appalling. Interrupting my championship celebration wasn't enough. Costing us a main event because she's too big of an air head to hold up her end of a team wasn't enough. Attacking myself wasn't enough. Attacking my servitor, who isn't even on the active roster and therefore should NEVER be allowed by you spineless directors to be the target of violence... Wasn't enough. Now she wants to mock me? Poke fun at the fact she stole MY title belt? At every turn, everytime I open my eyes there she is, waiting to attack me from behind.
Sidroy’s fury finally reaches a boiling point.
Sidroy Covington IV:SHE COST ME MY MATCH TONIGHT. I LOST TO A FUCKING WALUIGI. AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO ASK ME HOW I FEEL? I feel exactly how I've been treated Leonard, like absolute shite. Everyone but myself is failing me. The Developer and whoever else has a filthy finger on Level Up, has failed me. The security who are supposed to be protecting the stars of Level Up but instead sit and spin on their thumbs, are failing me.
Sidroy turns to Barnabus with a look of disdain and disgust.
Sidroy Covington IV: The people who are supposed to have my back... are failing me. I'm at an all time low Leonard, and if nobody else is going to do their part to make this right? Then I'm going to have to do what the Covington's have always done. I'm going to fix this myself. Get out of my face Leonard.
Sidroy drops into his seat, and Barnabus closes the door behind him. Barnabus turns to Lenny who looks as a child who's been scolded.
Barnabus: It's been a rough couple weeks, Sir. Brasco. Master Covington has grievances that have not been adequately addressed nor resolved. Therefore -
Sidroy Covington IV: Go.
Sidroy leans back in his seat, and the driver pauses for a second, and Barnabus turns to the car.
Barnabus: Master Covington I -
Sidroy Covington IV: GO!
The driver reluctantly hits the gas, leaving both Barnabus and Lenny behind.
Barnabus: MASTER COVINGTON. MASTER COVINGTON COME BACK.
With a painful limp Barnabus looks to go after the ride that has left him behind, but instead just let's out a defeated sigh and watches as the car exits the arena.
---
Bert McAlroy is making his way down when Larry Tact comes down and pulls him aside and starts arguing with him. They look towards the ring at Raab, as the Masked German Monster stares both of them down. Tact and Bert run towards the ring and dive in, hoping to get some sort of two-on-one advantage and take out the bigger man as the bell rings.
Arthur La Forge: I don’t know how long a Bert-Larry alliance will last but it’s the smart play.
Mary DeSue: The smart play is to take out Bert. Just, in any situation.
Bert starts to walk towards Raab and Tact nails him from behind. Tact starts punching McAlroy's back to get him to go down and finally Tact takes him down with a clothesline to the back of the head. Raab slides out of the ring during Tact's betrayal and creeps around, before sliding back in and getting behind him. He then latches his arms around Tact's waist and tosses him behind him with a German Suplex! He then rolls out of the ring to go after Bert, but the smallest wrestler in the match is wise to the plan and hits a quick dropkick to Raab's knee, before rolling back inside and going after Tact. Tact throws a wild swing but McAlroy ducks it and gives him a dropkick. Raab, meanwhile, has no issue exploiting the 'anything goes' rules of a triple threat and reaches for a chair on the outside.
Arthur La Forge: Okay, if there’s one guy that does NOT need a weapon it’s Lord Raab. He’s dangerous enough without it!
Mary DeSue: No kidding! He’s the guy who took out LEGION, after all!
The referee warns Raab not to pick up the chair but is completely ignored. Raab carries the chair with him as he stalks around the ring, watching the other two fight. McAlroy grabs Tact in a front facelock and attempts to drag him to a corner, where it's easier said than done given the size difference. However Bert exploits the lack of rules too, grabbing Tact by the nose and making the trip easier. Once Tact is in the corner, Bert begins to hit a series of strikes that can best be described as 'unorthodox'. Raab continues to watch and the two eventually lock eyes, with the Monster almost daring McAlroy to come outside and try to face him.
Mary DeSue: Yeah! Go on Bert, you think you’re so tough! Go out there and face the monster!
Arthur La Forge: I don’t think it would be in Bert’s best interest to do that but you know he won’t back down.
Mary DeSue: I’m hoping he won’t.
McAlroy goes low and says something to Tact that the cameras can't quite pick up, but Tact, still a little groggy, nods his head. The two roll outside on opposite ends and begin to stalk Raab, who raises up the chair. However he can't hit them both at once and when he swings at Bert, McAlroy ducks and that allows Tact to hit Raab with a chop block from behind. McAlroy gets the chair away from possibly the most dangerous wrestler in the match, and the two begin to assault Raab with the coordinated effort they attempted earlier. With Raab sufficiently pummeled, they roll him back inside.
Arthur La Forge: Well Tact ruined their attempt earlier but it seems they finally smartened up and decided to go after the biggest threat.
Mary DeSue: Bert must be sober today. A rare accomplishment.
Tact runs and bounces off the ropes and then comes back and gives Raab an elbow to the chest. Bert starts kicking him in the chest and then grabs onto the ropes for leverage as he puts a boot to Raab' throat. Tact sees the opening and tackles Bert and starts punching him with rights, immediately ruining the sound strategy just to get a cheap shot. Raab gets to his feet and decides to join Tact in the assault as a new alliance is formed just as quickly as the last one ended. They both get a front face lock and lift McAlroy high in the air, before dropping back with a double suplex! It's Raab that attempts the cover..
ONE!
TWO!
Tact breaks it up, angry that Raab would attempt to win the wrestling match.
Arthur La Forge: Well, there went that alliance.
Mary DeSue: Come on guys, you’re so close! Don’t let a little thing like wins and losses stop you from achieving the greater good!
The two put their differences aside to continue to beat up the fan favorite, Raab even dropping down to apply a blatant choke. Tact pulls Bert to his feet and connects with a backbreaker, and Raab follows that up with an elbow drop. As Raab starts to get to his feet, he's suddenly grabbed from behind by Tact and hit with a swinging neckbreaker! Tact covers!
One!
Two! No! Raab powers out. McAlroy starts to get to his feet and Tact is up quickly to kick him in the head. He then goes back to Raab, but the momentary hesitation is enough for the monster to regain his composure and he hits Tact in the throat with a chop.
Arthur La Forge:That’ll stop any man, especially with the power of Raab delivering it.
Mary DeSue: I’m surprised Tact still has a trachea!
Tact drops to his knees, clutching his throat and coughing, so Raab picks him back up and drops him with another German suplex. McAlroy is back to his feet and scales the turnbuckle, and as Raab gets up from dropping Tact, Bert dives off with a flying crossbody attempt...but Raab catches! McAlroy lets out an expletive that is swiftly bleeped, and Raab attempts to toss Bert behind him, only for McAlroy to latch on and apply a poorly done Katahajime! He does his best to choke out Raab, when he's hit with a clubbing blow to the back by Tact.
Arthur La Forge: I don’t know if Bert could have choked out Raab there, but Tact wasn’t going to let the win slip by him that easily.
Mary DeSue: If Bert choked out Raab. I would have quit. On the spot. I can’t live in that kind of world.
Tact yanks Bert off of Raab and pulls him forward, but McAlroy ducks his head and gets a headbutt to the sternum of Larry Tact, then a DDT! McAlroy then begins to lay into Tact with grounded punches, which is just enough to allow Lord Raab to recover, who gets up and hits Bert with a simple kick to the face. Simple from anyone else, but from Raab it's enough to nearly punt Bert across the ring. He raises his arm like he wants the Chokeinator, but Tact spins him around and grabs him to attempt 'Humbling'. Raab gets a kneelift and hooks both of Tact's arms, before lifting him up and DROPPING HIM WITH THE KILLERBUSTER! With Tact out of the way, he reaches down with a hand across the throat of Bert! He lifts him high in the air for the Chokeinator, but Bert slips out of his hoodie!
Mary DeSue: WHY IS HE ALLOWED TO KEEP WEARING THAT THING?!
Arthur La Forge: Bert McAlroy may not be the biggest, he may not be the strongest, but he’s proving to be the most resourceful wrestler on our roster!
Mary DeSue: I can’t believe Raab was thwarted by a WARDROBE MALFUNCTION.
Raab is dumbfounded as he stands there holding the hoodie of Bert McAlroy, which enables the smaller fighter to hit him with the BONG WATER! However Raab is still standing! Bert moves to the apron and springboards up and attempts to dive in with GIVE HER THE B....RAAB CATCHES HIM BY THE THROAT
Mary DeSue: YES! FINALLY! DO IT RAAB!
Arthur La Forge: Raab has him right where he wants him this time! And Tact is still out! We might be approaching the end here...
Raab lifts McAlroy high up in the air, when suddenly the lights go out and a video appears on the screen!
Suddenly, the video wall displays a message from the monster that just made an appearance.
".... The place where the Devil rested. Grow a set human. Open the door."
"... Ugh."
"Raab. Allow me to show you my playground…. Also known as your resting place."
"Beautiful… isn't it? Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and oftentimes we call a man cold when he is only sad. My sorrows allowed me to be distracted. Distracted from the real goal, being the one everyone feared.."
"You will be next. Someone so… Decrepit, to challenge Diablo's new favorite Demone. Your history does your early life justice. Let's begin…. With how you weren't a monster. You began your life… a mortal. You were the case of schizophrenia that has you believing you can truly handle the dark side. How you were just like any man who stood in front of me…. Ignorant… foolish… and soon defeated. How you needed… Twitter…. To make a platform for yourself.. when I need pain afflicted on each and every person who dared step in the ring with me. Ask Maggie Lockhart… who truly doesn't have the heart in it anymore since facing me. How she barely escaped, and couldn't even keep me down past three seconds with her best move in her arsenal. How Sister Sin hasn't been the same, how even with dropping me on my neck and skull ten fucking times with the same move, couldn't keep me down past three seconds, which was also her best… move. But, you thought a Chokeslam would be enough? Why?
Because you're a monster?"
"Let's talk about…. Your twin brother… Let's talk about Konrad, let's talk about Henry Losak, Samuel McPherson…. The Monstimals. Heh…. How you need them… to continue this persona. How you needed them to make you feel like a monster you wish to be portrayed as? How as soon as you take one big loss, the Monster quits? Quit… until he found that he needed someone to rely on. You're no monster Raab. You're merely… a man… with a mask to hide the reality."
"TAKE A LOOK AT ME! I'M REAL! I'VE ALWAYS BEEN REAL! I WAS NOT MADE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUS! I CAME FROM THE SOULS OF TLAHUICOLE, GALVARINO, SPARTACUS, MARCUS CASSIUS SCAEVA, LU BU, AND MIXED THAT WITH THE FIRE OF THE DEVIL! I WILL CREATE A PLACE IN HELL FOR YOU THAT WILL EAT AWAY AT YOUR DECAYING SOUL AND WILL MAKE SURE YOU NEVER GET THE PEACE YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD TO BELIEVE COMES ON THE OTHER SIDE!"
🎵🎵 "Take the corpse to the bathtub and drain the blood out of the bastard
Strip ya self nude first so you don't get blood on ya new shirt
And cut the fuckin' corpse up like a butcher to meat kid
And put the pieces inside trash bags
So she'll be reeking like a fags ass with flesh covered in leeches" 🎵🎵
"This… is where the battle ends. Me and you Raab, we start our war inside that house… and we finish it here. Winner of the battle must keep their opponent down for a three count. Unfortunately here, you won't be leaving. In battles… I'm undeniable. Your career will be laid to rest in hell."
I Am Hell
I AM MESSIAH!"
Mary DeSue: What...in...the actual..f….
Arthur La Forge: For all my time in Level Up that was one of the strangest things I ever...HEY LOOK IN THE RING!
Raab is confused by the clip that just aired, and he's suddenly pulled backward by Bert McAlroy into a roll-up!
ONE!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!
Mr. Rad: The winner of the match is BERT MCALROY!!!
Mary DeSue: NO!!! DAMN IT! How can he keep doing this!?!
Arthur La Forge: Bert McAlroy just beat another giant! He caught Raab sleeping and handed him his first defeat in Level Up!
Mary DeSue: Life isn’t [bleep]ing fair. It just isn’t.
McAlroy knows better than to stick around and gets the hell out of the ring, as Raab sits up and looks absolutely furious at what transpired. Tact holds his neck on the outside but he too decides he's had enough and not to fight unless he's getting paid. Tact leaves through the crowd while Bert is moving up the ramp. McAlroy turns around...INTO THE COMA-TOES FROM ANTONIO RICCI!!!
Mary DeSue: AND ALL IS RIGHT WITH THE WORLD.
Arthur La Forge: Where in the heck did Ricci come from? He just flattened Bert just like he did Maggie earlier in the night!
Mary DeSue: New champion in two weeks, I’m calling it RIGHT NOW.
Arthur La Forge: With as impressive as he’s looked tonight...I’m afraid you might be right.
Ricci, having just pinned the Final Boss Champion earlier in the night and proving why he belongs in the match at Dead by Daylight, stands over the fallen Bert McAlroy as the chaotic show fades to black.
EAB: What do you want?
Eli walks up to get as close as he can to him. Eli is wearing his ring gear and leather jacket. He has to look up just to look at his eyes.
Eli Goode: Why were you just in there?
EAB: I was settling some business, Mr. Goode.
Eli Goode: No one is allowed to see The Developer in person, and I mean nobody.
EAB: Well, let’s just say that I have special circumstances protecting me from any harsh treatments. If you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for our match.
EAB tries to pass Eli, but Eli moves to stay in his face.
Eli Goode: Like hell you do, you’ve been allowing yourself to get special privileges for too long. Now, I demand that you admit that you’re pulling strings to get what you want and that you’re not earning any of the matches and privileges you’re getting, or I’m going to have to do something that you’re not going to like.
There is a slight pause. EAB backs up a few inches and looks down at Eli.
EAB: Like what, Mr. Goode? Are you going to attack me? That’s not very sportsmanlike of you.
Eli Goode: I don’t care what it’s like. All I know is that you should get what you deserve.
EAB: Ah, a challenge to a match. I accept. However, if you want this, they have to be under my rules. Call it a… Business Rules match.
Eli pauses and looks away from EAB. EAB smiles and lowers himself to Eli’s eye level.
EAB: What’s wrong? You don’t want to fight me if it’s not your way?
Eli looks back at EAB.
Eli Goode: Screw you, I accept.
EAB smiles.
EAB: Good. I can’t wait to see you suffer.
EAB shoves Eli to the side. Eli trips and holds himself up against a wall. Eli looks back and takes in a deep breath holding in any anger he has.
The video wall turns on revealing the smiling face of Mr. Rad, welcoming everyone to the show.
Mr. Rad: Did you guys hear the big news! Level Up is going ON THE ROAD! Finally, I can infect my virus...of FUN, across the world! Anyway, it’s the final show before Dead by Daylight and things are going to get crazy! Let’s go to those loveable announcers!
The camera indeed cuts, now, to the announce table, where Arthur La Forge and Mary DeSue are trying their best to maintain their calm in the middle of a June heat wave.
Arthur La Forge: I absolutely hate summer.
Mary DeSue: I don’t! Beach weather! Well, I guess YOU would hate it.
Arthur La Forge: What’s that supposed to mean?
Mary DeSue: You don’t exactly have a beach body, Artie.
Arthur La Forge: Ugh, can we just talk about the show and not my pasty skin?
Mary DeSue: I didn’t say you were pasty. You did.
Arthur La Forge: Anyway, it should be a wild night as we have two gigantic tag team matches, plus a triple threat main event, with Bert McAlroy attempting to prove himself against a giant and a skilled technician ahead of Dead by Daylight!
Mary DeSue: Okay, and did I read that right over the weekend? He’s in a BLOODWEB match?
Arthur La Forge: Yeah, the Final Boss Championship between McAlroy, Antonio Ricci and champion Magdalena Lockheart will be in a Bloodweb match. The match starts on platforms about fifteen feet above the ring. A barbed wire web is hanging in the ring, latched onto all four turnbuckles. You can pin your opponents anywhere, and you can throw them into the barbed wire at any time...but if you do, you’ll have to join them to pin them.
Mary DeSue: Well that just sounds gross. Although Bert might die, so…
Arthur La Forge: Your compassion for your fellow human beings is astounding.
Mary DeSue: And what about what we saw before the show started? EAB and Goode?
Arthur La Forge: Yeah, in a ‘Business Rules’ match, whatever that means.
Mary DeSue: You think EAB knows anything about STONKS?
Arthur La Forge: I barely know about stonks.
Mary DeSue: Gotta get that Dogecoin, Artie!
Arthur La Forge: Right...anyway, let’s throw it to the ring.
---
Sidroy Covington IV vs. Dude WaLuigi
The fans start giving Sidroy some chanting before the bell rings with a “Curtain Jerk! Curtain Jerk '' chant which Sidroy yells at them and Barnabus wags a finger telling them off as Dude Waluigi takes the moment to rush Sidroy and kick Sidroy in the gut. Floatover DDT aka The Dude Abides from Dude Waluigi as for the first time ever DW has hit his finishing move! He is ecstatic and starts cutting and strutting in the ring. DW keeps on dancing without going for the pin though as Sidroy gets up and rubs his nose for a moment. Blood. Oh no. We’ve seen what happens when this occurs. Sidroy gets up and yells as DW. DW turns and gets a jumping knee strike to the face!
Arthur La Forge: Am I losing my mind because of the heat or was Dude WaLuigi putting up a fight?
Mary DeSue: Don’t think it matters much now, Siddy just murdered him.
Sidroy gets up and grabs DW and tosses him into the ropes. Kick to the gut. DW catches it. Enzuigiri! Sidroy gets up and picks up DW and gets behind him. German suplex, Roll, German suplex, Roll. TRIPLE GERMAN SUPLEX WITH A RELEASE FROM SIDROY! Sidory gets up and yells at the fans “How’s that for a Curtain Jerk!” which he gets told he’s number one...by everyone in the audience...with their middle fingers. Sidroy keeps yelling at the fans for a moment as Barnabus motions for Sidroy to pay attention as DW pulls himself up in the turnbuckle. Sidroy glares at Barnabus and back at DW. He yells at Barnabus for a moment as he rushes up to DW and kicks him in the gut. Setup for “Penalty Kick”! He connects! Followed by “The Covington Cave-In!”
Arthur La Forge: Killed him dead.
Mary DeSue: Super dead. Sidroy can wrap this one up.
The opening line of “Queen Machine” Jenny’s theme suddenly hits the PA system, causing Sidroy to get distracted and turn towards the entrance ramp while Barnabus reacts by starting to advance up said ramp as well.
Arthur La Forge: Barnabus means well but..what exactly is he going to do if Jenny actually comes out?
Mary DeSue: Be a human shield? It’s why he gets paid handsomely. Might as well earn it.
While Sidroy’s attention is divided, Dude Waluigi stirs and sees an opportunity, grabbing Sidroy from behind and rolling him up!
One!
Two!!
THREE!!
Mr. Rad: Here is your winner…. Dude Waluigi?
Arthur La Forge: WHAT.
Mary DeSue: [BLEEP]ING WHAT?
As Dude Waluigi celebrates his unlikely win by shucking and jiving all over the ring while Sidroy stares in disbelief, the lights go out in the arena.
Arthur La Forge: Dude WaLuigi just got the upset of the century and now...the lights are out? What is going on?!
Mary DeSue: Mr. Rad stop screwing around! Siddy needs to kill that weirdo!
After a few moments the lights come back and Dude Waluigi has vanished, replaced by a burlap sack infront of the confused Sidroy, and behind him the paint-faced femme fatale Jenny herself, with the Wisdom-title neatly strapped around her waist.. She taps Sidroy on the shoulder and as he turns, he blows the Wisdom-champion a kiss and drops him down with “The Crowning”!
Arthur La Forge: Jenny once again proves herself one step ahead of the Wisdom champion!
Mary DeSue: She’s driving poor Siddy crazy! It’s not fair!
She then turns to Barnabus, planting her heel on Sidroys nether-region and wagging her finger at the champion's butler. Barnabus gets the hint and hesitantly backs off as Jenny goes to get a microphone.
Jenny: Hey everyone! I felt a bit sad that I wasn’t booked on this show so I decided I’d make an appearance anyway! Especially since I have something important to do!
She picks the burlap sack up and sits on her knees next to Sidroy, taking his head on her lap while keeping an eye on Barnabus, who is currently having an internal battle about which course of action risks his master's health more, trying to intervene or not trying to intervene. With a mischievous grin Jenny pets Sidroys unconscious head like she was comforting a little child.
Jenny: See, I realized that taking Goldie away from you was painful Siddyboo, so I figured that before I take it officially at Dead by Daylight, I’ll offer you an olive branch so you won’t feel so sad and lonely.
She reaches over to the burlap sack and fishes out a replica of the Wisdom-belt, the kind you can buy from Levelupshop.com. She gently places it on Sidroys chest and wraps his arms around it before standing up.
Jenny: I mean, it’s not Goldie… but I hope she can soothe some of the pain you will undoubtedly go through as at Dead by Daylight I’m going to take FULL custody.
She leans down and plants a soft kiss on Sidroys forehead, caressing his cheek affectionately.
Jenny: Don’t feel bad Siddyboo, sometimes life just sucks.
She chuckles, curtsies to the crowd and Barnabus before the lights go down again for a moment, before coming back up with Jenny nowhere in sight.
Arthur La Forge: Sidroy Covington has to be reaching his wit’s end at this point.
Mary DeSue: Yeah well, she’s gonna get hers at the PPV, you just wait and see!
---
WaLink vs. Brandon Hendrix
Before any music can even hit, Walink comes flying through the curtain and lands like a sack of meat onto the entrance ramp. The fans murmur in confusion then erupt in disapproving boos and screams as Brandon Hendrix steps out onto the ramp.He looks out over the crowd from behind his mask, before throwing his head back and bellowing out a roar that slowly devolves into a sick kind of laughter.
Arthur La Forge: Well…that’s disturbing.
Mary DeSue: Can we please stop hiring creepers every damn time they try to sign up? What’s next? Another clown?
Arthur La Forge: You uh...might want to avoid looking at recent roster announcements.
With unnatural quickness, Hendrix is back on Walink and rips them up from the floor! They lift them in a stalling suplex before dropping Walink directly on their head with a vicious brainbuster! Hendrix isn’t done though, as he hop off the side of the ramp and begin rummaging through the equipment. They pull out a lead pipe and return to Walink as refs spill out trying to stop Hendrix..BUT HE SWINGS THE PIPE AT THE REFS! HE CLOCKS ONE RIGHT IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!!
Arthur La Forge: This isn’t even a match at this point! It’s a mugging!
Mary DeSue: Or a sacrifice…
Arthur La Forge: Great, now you had to put that idea in my head.
Walink has gotten to his feet, and turns to see Hendrix. They put their hands up, begging for mercy as Hendrix lifts the lead pipe above his head. The lights dim, a maddening cackle booms from the PA and suddenly lightning strikes the lead pipe and its ON FIRE!!! The laughter booms up an octave as Hendrix swings for the fences and Walink crumples as blood flies from the wound! Security rushes out with some superstars, including ELI GOODE and DUNCAN SHEPARD, among others...BUT THE LIGHTS GO OUT...When they come back on, a couple more refs have been leveled and the burning lead pipe lay at the bottom of the ramp until a stage hands runs over to put it out.
Arthur La Forge: That was one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen since Eli Goode got his arm broken.
Mary DeSue: You think he’s mad about Lord Raab targeting him?
Arthur La Forge: I think Lord Raab is going to have a tougher fight at Dead by Daylight than he might think.
---
Johnny Fringe vs. Giant WaLuigi
Giant Waluigi backs away once the bell rings as Johnny Fringe tilts his head at this large man in front of him and we hear a slight laugh as they circle and get near the cameras. Fringe jumps forward for a moment and GW backs away. Fringe does this again and GW tries to cower away again, this time pulling the ref in front of him. Fringe stops and holds out his hand like he wants to be friends. The fans boo at this idea but GW is kind of an idiot. Handshake followed by a POKE TO THE EYE FROM FRINGE! Fringe gets behind GW and quickly hits a German Suplex on the big man. Fringe gets up and heads to the top rope and goes for diving headbutt to the chest of GW! GW howls for a moment as Fringe gets up and grabs GW lifting him up. Toss to the ropes, bounceback, followed by a devastating spinebuster from Fringe!
Arthur La Forge: I’m not even sure the poke to the eye was necessary. I think Fringe did it just to be a jerk.
Mary DeSue: Yeah, I would say a WaLuigi couldn’t possibly win a match but..well, we just saw that happen.
After taking a moment to put his hand to his ear, Fringe hears a chorus of boos from the fans who have kind of taken a liking to the scared giant idjit dressed like a Waluigi. Fringe gets up and motions to GW as there is a cheer, and then Fringe punt kicks GW in the head! The chorus of boo's seem to excite the masked maniac as he reaches down and picks up GW again. He chucks him into the ropes and charges forward. On the bounceback Fringe leaps up and hits a flying throat punch to GW's throat and sends the big man down to the mat. The audience is hating on Fringe like he's Tom Brady and he's loving every minute of it. He picks up GW and just starts chopping the big man with chops, one after another. Each time the crowd boo's he hits GW harder and harder till GW just collapses on his knees and hits "Crit!" on GW! GW falls backwards onto the mat as Fringe just walks over and slaps GW in the face and laughs.
Arthur La Forge: You can pin him at any time, Fringe.
Mary DeSue: I think that’s the point. He’s playing with his food. Hopefully not literally, I think we’ve had enough of that.
The fans keep booing Fringe who poses and licks his lips for a moment as he watches. He's getting excited. He's almost running in place getting ready to hit something as GW takes a moment to get up...GW turns and..."TPK"! A superb sensational superkick just knocks GW so hard he just falls down like a chopped down tree. Lazy cover by Fringe…
ONE...
TWO...
THREE!!!
Mr. Rad Here is your winner..."The Demon of NOLA"...Johnny Fringe!
Arthur La Forge: What a shock, the guy that could beat Giant WaLuigi at any time beat Giant WaLuigi.
Mary DeSue: They should have sent Dude after him.
Fringe gets up and then turns GW over, slapping him into a dragon clutch! "CON SAVE"!! He has the submission hold locked in. The ref calls for the bell again and tries to pull Fringe off. More officials rush to the ring as Johnny Fringe finally lets go of the hold after holding GW in it for a few moments. He acts like he's gonna hit the refs who back away and he smiles again. The masked man slides out of the ring and heads up the ramp as “The Man” by Small Town Titans starts to play.
Arthur La Forge: And then he beat him after the bell! I think you’re right. We have too many wackos signing up for this place.
Mary DeSue: We need a damn screening process! If we had one, Bert wouldn’t be on the roster!
Arthur La Forge: Speaking of…
Mary DeSue: What? Oh nooo…..
---
“True Survivor” blares forth as the fans pop! Bert McAlroy steps out on the stage in his street clothes...that honestly are identical to his ring gear. He raises his hands up, absorbing the love before he starts walking down to the ring. He slaps outstretched hands as he passes them before rolling under the bottom rope and popping up! He goes to a corner, requesting a microphone and waiting for his music to fade out. As it does, he lifts the microphone up and begins to speak.
Bert McAlroy: So..What up, Indy?
The crowd pops.
Bert McAlroy: I guess, like...after really thinking about it, I figure I owe ya’ll an apology. See, after the last EXP I went and cleared my head. Got the fuck out of dodge and away from all this drama..See, I lost my head last EXP. I shouldn’t have hit Maggie with the brass knucks so..Champ. My bad. Feel free to gimme a receipt whenever.
Bert pauses, pacing the ring a moment before he picks a corner and climbs it, sitting on the top rope and facing the entrance.
Bert McAlroy: Far as Ricci, and his deep as a puddle but convinced he’s the fucking Pacific ass? I’d do what I did again, every fuckin show. But It ain’t gotta come to that. Because in two weeks, at Dead by Daylight? I put him to bed, I put Maggie back out to pasture and suddenly the guy no one wanted to have the belt..is gonna be the fucking FACE of this company.
A Pop with some cheers and some jeers from the bitter, older fans who prefer their champions ripped and oiled up.
Bert McAlroy: But on some real, I’m not even out here to talk that match up. I’m not even gonna talk about Larry Tactless and his bullshit ‘let me tell you something’s. Or the Masked German Douchebag who obviously hasn’t watched a single match of mine. Hell, I’m not even here to talk about how Mary DeSue is just here to keep the horny neckbeards interested...I came out here, to introduce ya’ll to the newest DLC on this roster, yo.
The fans murmur as Bert hops off his perch, and motions to the back.
Bert McAlroy: So here she is, and here’s me looking to get a recruitment bonus….a former Chaos Champion in Carnage Wrestling, The one..The Only...Ahmya!!
The announcement generates a decent pop, with more surprise than anything else, the fans look on in anticipation as the uplifting tune of “Fighter” by Mika Nakashima begins to play. As the spoken intro gives way to the beat kicking in, the cheers grow louder as Ahmya makes her way out onto the stage, clad in the alluring casual attire of a black summer dress and matching knee high boots. The young woman takes in a moment to soak in the adulation before heading down to the ring, a bright smile on her face. As she reached the apron, Ahmya gave it a gentle couple taps before hopping up and stepping in under the middle rope. Giving a pleasant wave upon standing, she sent a smile Bert’s way and motioned for a microphone herself. Allowing the fans some time to get their cheers out, Ahmya bowed in appreciation, now ready to express her thoughts on her big return.
Ahmya: Thank you for the warm welcome R.. Bert, and thank you everyone for greeting me with such kindness! I’ll admit I was a little nervous about this moment, but again I was shown that while seen by many as odd and crazy, this world is one that can truly be a home.
Pausing as she receives a pop from the crowd, she couldn’t help giggling a little before continuing.
Ahmya: This was some time in the making and honestly, I never really thought I’d be back here, but now that I am back, trust me when I say that I will be making the most of the opportunity. However, as I know you all love and deserve some wonderful in ring action, unless this awesome dearest has anything to say, I will leave you with that promise and get ready to return to what I love.
Bert smiles from his spot, walking toward her he raises the mic one last time.
Bert McAlroy: So there it is, Level Up. You’re on notice. Don’t let the smile fool ya..or do, Either way, you’re all SO boned!
With that, Bert drops the mic and raises Ahmya’s hand in his best ref cosplay, pointing at her as the fans pop. The two then depart the ring, heading toward the back as “Fighter” by Mika Nakashima plays them out
---
The Faction vs. Jennifer Williams, Teddy Warren and Boris Forstora
James Wilcox starts out for the faction after conferring...or rather, lecturing his two giant partners. Teddy Warren holds the ropes open for his partner to step out onto the apron to stand with Boris before he turns around to face The Wizard himself.The bell rings and the two begin to circle one another as their teammates beat on the top turnbuckle pad and stomp on the apron. Warren and JW lock up with Warren getting the upper hand and driving JW into a corner.
Arthur La Forge: Teddy Warren has been at odds with the Faction for months now and it seems he finally has some backup.
Mary DeSue: Yeah, but The Faction aren’t exactly WaLuigis so let’s see how well his new partners do. Hopefully not as bad as Adam Miller.
Arthur La Forge: Show some respect! The man was viciously assaulted!
Mary DeSue: I said HOPEFULLY NOT.
The ref begins to count Warren off to break the hold with Warren breaking at three just to start laying right hands into JW’s face! He climbs the second rope and begins to rain down right hands! The audience begins to count them off! One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Si--NO! JW has snatched Warren’s legs and barrels out of the corner, dropping Warren on his back with a thunderous spinebuster!!
Arthur La Forge: James Wilcox has beat Warren before, to get into the Skeleton Key match, and he’s showing why he earned that win.
Mary DeSue: Like I said, the Faction are not WaLuigis. They’re dangerous.
JW lifts Warren and whips him into his corner. He tags in Drake Wilcox before driving his forearm into Teddy Warren’s throat, holding him in place and choking him as his brother steps into the ring. James Wilcox relents the hold at 4, only for Drake to take over by snatching Warren by his throat. He shushes the audience..then hauls back a big paw and slaps Teddy Warren right in the middle of his chest! Warren almost flies from the corner yelling in pain but Drake shoves him back into place before tagging in Isaac!!
Arthur La Forge: Teddy is fighting his heart out but size is counting for a lot right now.
Mary DeSue: I think Drake may have actually punched his heart out.
Boris and Jennifer are going nuts in their corner, yelling for the ref to do something s Isaac steps in over the top rope! Drake Wilcox steps out, reaching in to hold Warren in place as Isaac follows suit by hauling his had back and slapping the reddening welt forming on Teddy Warren’s chest! He steps back and lets Teddy crumple. Isaac yells out to the audience, raising his arms to the chorus of boos. He sneers and waves a mocking hand at them before turning his attention back to Teddy who notices the ref has had to turn to his own corner, yelling at Jenifer to stay out of the ring. Seeing the opportunity, Teddy nails Isaac with a low blow!!
Arthur La Forge: Well, that’s one way to turn the tide!
Mary DeSue: You mean by CHEATING?
Arthur La Forge: He’s doing what he has to do to survive!
Isaac Yells out and crumples to one knee! Drake and James both try to snatch Teddy but he slips past them, rolling forward and diving for the outstretched hand of Boris! Teddy rolls out of the ring and onto the floor, trying to recover. Jennifer goes to join him as Boris charges Isaac and begins to rain rights and lefts down onto the head of the big man! He steps back and runs forward with a big boot that levels Isaac!! Boris yells out to the crowd and dives at the corner, bashing Drake off the apron first before nailing James with a spinning backfist that sends him to the floor!
Arthur La Forge: Boris Forstora is the powerhouse of his team and he’s proving it right now!
Mary DeSue: They should have tagged him in sooner!
Boris lifts Isaac to his feet and whips him into the ropes..but Isaac reverses! He turns Boris inside out with a clothesline as he bounces back! On the outside, James and Drake Wilcox are attacking Teddy and Jennifer...Isaac lifts Boris up before dashing to the ropes, bouncing off and..SPEAR!! HE NEARLY CUTS BORIS IN HALF!! ISAAC PLACES A HAND ON HIS CHEST!!
Arthur La Forge: Or maybe not.
Mary DeSue: They just broke him! Get it? Broke? Because his nickname is ‘Breaker’?
Arthur La Forge: Ugh...
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Mr. Rad: Here are your winners… “THE FACTION”!!!
Arthur La Forge: The Faction continue their winnign ways and prove unbeatable as a complete unit.
Mary DeSue: And don’t Teddy and Jennifer face them AGAIN at Dead by Daylight?
Arthur La Forge: Yeah, they’ll just have to come up with a different game plan and hope they can put an end to the rivalry this time.
---
As the crowd buzzes in anticipation of the next part of the show, “Pieces” by Hoobastank suddenly fills the arena. For the first time in his tenure with Level Up, Larry Tact steps out onto the entrance ramp for a non-match related appearance in the arena. The crowd, who have so far not been on one side or the other with him, give Tact a dedicated chorus of boos as he outstretches his arms, receiving their reaction with a smirk on his face. The lights focus on him as he slowly rotates around in a circle, then pounds his chest and takes a leisurely walk to the ring.
Arthur La Forge: Larry Tact has shown up in the arena ahead of his match tonight, and the crowd is really letting him have it.
Mary DeSue: Serves this geezer right, coming out here after what he’s done!
Arthur La Forge: He has been having more success in the ring of late, but something tells me that’s not what you’re thinking.
Mary DeSue: Are you kidding? Have you seen what he’s been tweeting at my Don Thicci this week??
Arthur La Forge: Sorry, I’ve been preparing for this show and, you know, the big PPV we have, Dead By Daylight?
Mary DeSue: Shut up, Artie. Just admit you wouldn’t know how to start a Twitter if the blue bird flew right in your face. This jerk has been talking trash to my Thicc Boi, and he will pay for it. That’s all you need to know.
Larry ignores the fans as he ascends the ring steps and enters, calling for a microphone as he paces around. He snatches a mic from the production member who reaches out with one, then waves him away.
Larry Tact: I wouldn’t be out here unless there was a matter of tactfully pressing importance, so make like a Zoom meeting and mute yourselves.
The booing continues and Larry shakes his head, scoffing.
Larry Tact: Of course, you don’t know what I’m talking about. This city, if you can call it that, is infested with slobbish, uneducated Midwesterners. Let me put it in New York terms: stop flapping your gums before I staple each and every one of them shut!
Arthur La Forge: Larry not exactly taking the soft approach with the audience to get to his point.
Mary DeSue: He probably isn’t far off about these people. He’s still a bitter old man.
Arthur La Forge: Because of Don—
Mary DeSue: Yes! He messed with my Don Thicci and even caused him to be on the losing side of the tag match last week! Honestly, you aren’t far off from these people’s intellect, Artie. Even I have trouble explaining things to you most of the time.
Tact dramatically sighs into the mic.
Larry Tact: Nevertheless, I shall persist. Persist and persevere, in fact. Because Dead By Daylight is just around the corner, and that means I will be stepping into the Skeleton Key match, with the winner becoming the inaugural Power Champion of Level Up Wrestling. Some of you may believe that I am the absolute worst fit for this match. After all, I’m a wrestling technician, and would be miscast in the division all about extreme tendencies. The tactful choice would be to include me in the Wisdom division.
He wave a finger in the air at the audience.
Larry Tact: That’s where you all reliably show your ignorance. With two decades of experience, I would never in a million years pigeon-hole my career by stopping at being a master wrestling technician. Don Tirri? A man who has also spent decades in this industry; yet learned as much as someone with half his ring time— if that. If you listen to Duncan Shepard sugarcoat it for Donnie, though, he’ll empathize with how tough a life Donnie’s had. The black-and-white kicked out of him, or as I would say, the black-and-blue beat into him. Duncan, if you want to sit next to Tirri on the WAAA-mbulance right out of the Skeleton Key match, I’m sure I can arrange a couple WaLuigi’s to help you with that, once I tear the stripes off your decorated ass. A man who thinks driving on backroads and passing through backwater towns is the ‘wrestling experience,’ while he tries to discover something, anything… interesting about himself. If ever there was a mission DOOMed to fail.
He chuckles at what he deems cleverness, while the crowd begins a “You Suck!” chant. Larry walks to the ropes, trash talking a fan in one of the rows near ringside, but the mic is held away and cannot pick up the exchange. He then turns away back to walking around the ring.
Larry Tact: Speaking of which, how about the FACTION? James Wilcox, their leader, ready to enter the Skeleton Key match with his… hammer in hand. No, I refuse to take the bait. Far from it, since as James said, they prey on fear! Anguish! SUFFERING! If you didn’t know any better, you would think he confused the Skeleton Key match for some BDSM initiation. Don’t even think of ‘tickling me under there,’ James! (Smacks his forehead) Ah, damn, that low-hanging fruit… wait, no, that only makes it worse! Let’s get back on track. This entire group, they are really a collection of misfits, rogues. They have qualities that make them stand out – for the worse – but when it comes to stepping in the ring, they have not demonstrated versatility. They’re all very, what’s the word? Oh, right. Basic. While the lot of you would be overwhelmed and incapable of it, I have managed to transcend the very core of the craft that I was trained in. Beyond pure technical wrestling mastery, I have assimilated other pieces of styles into my proprietary skill set. Or, to put it in a way “y’all” out in this arena can understand…
He puts on a thick, and obviously fake, midwestern-style accent.
Larry Tact: AH CAHN BAY HERD-CORRRRE TOO, Y’ALLLL! HERP DURRR—
As Tact continues mocking the crowd, who are getting riled up, he is silenced by the arena lights cutting out. A moment later, pyrotechnics shoot from the ring posts, and we catch sight of Larry stumbling against the ropes. We hear his mic drop against the ring canvas, and when the pyro stops and the lights come back on, Sister Sin is standing across from Larry in the ring and picks up the mic. He watches her cautiously and does not let her close the distance between them.
Sister Sin: It’s rude to not give everyone a chance to speak for themselves, Larry. I thought it was about time I came out here and took my turn, whether you were done or not. This Skeleton Key match is going to be one to remember for all of Level Up. It’s the first Dead By Daylight, and the first Power Champion will be crowned. But that’s not all, Larry. See, when that bell rings, I don’t know if I will be able to stop what is inside of me from coming out. If that happens, then for the first time in Level Up, you and the other members of this match will be utterly helpless to stop the version of myself that will be in the ring that night.
Tact has gotten another microphone and looks at Sister Sin with slight disdain.
Larry Tact: Sister Sin, I’ve heard about you lately. Nothing of much use, but here we are. I suppose you fancy yourself special, right in line with the rest of this gruesome foursome I’m stepping into the Skeleton Key match with. The problem is, you can talk all you want about unleashing hell on the ring, but what do you think I was expecting to find at a show called Dead By Daylight? We aren’t here to do a song and dance. We’re in this match to become Power Champion, and that doesn’t come without a cost. The Developer, or big D as I’ve dubbed them, won’t have it any other way for us.
Sister Sin begins laughing at Larry, who looks puzzled.
Sister Sin: I bet you have it all figured out, eh Larry? You’ll come in with your plan, step all over us, and take your place as Power Champion. Nice and tidy, organized, sensible. I thought I had that. With Opal at my side, I felt like I had control over where I was heading. I knew what I wanted to do. Then I had everything come crashing down around me and found out I’ve been alone this entire time. How do you think that is going to affect me heading into the Skeleton Key match, Larry? How are you going to predict someone who has just experienced a change to their very core? Any bright ideas, pretty boy??
Larry looks like he is expecting Sister Sin to launch at him, but instead she reaches out her hand. He looks around as she slowly approaches.
Sister Sin: There is another option for both of us. You have some potential, Larry Tact. Your attitude gives me the impression that you are someone who will not stop until he obtains what he wants, no matter what it takes. I may not believe your plans are foolproof, but I don’t doubt you have another side of you that could take you to another place. Another level. If we join together, we could do away with the others in the match.
She stops in front of him, hand still outstretched.
Larry Tact: You think we should team up against the others? And if it works?
Sister Sin: We find out which of us has the better plan, of course. Your organization or my monster. Moreover, my Covenant will grow, and you would be smart to get in now, while you have the chance. We could build Level Up to be far more than what it is today. We could make it one of the most dominant destinations in wrestling, with us at the top.
She looks at Larry for a few moments, but he then brushes her hand aside and walks to the opposite turnbuckle, leaning on it.
Larry Tact: No thanks, Sister. It doesn’t do much for me to commit to teaming with someone who I have no doubt would jump on an opportunity to take me down before we are the final two, if it looks promising enough, much less stick with afterwards. Groups are rarely my aesthetic, in this cesspool of an industry. I’ll create my own brand of changemakers. Pass.
Sister Sin: You don’t know what you’re saying. You have no idea what you could help to hold back, if we join forces. If you don’t, then you could easily be the first victim to what lies within me. Remember how I appeared to you this night, and know those fires burn brightest from within me.
Narrowing his eyes, Larry considers her words when “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead hits the PA system. The man Tact had been reaming on Twitter, “Old School Cool” Don Tirri appears on top of the entranceway with a microphone in hand. He vibes with his theme for a few moments before raising his hand to ask for silence and speaks up.
Don Tirri: Boy, Larry, you sure love the sound of your own voice don’t you? I’ve been told that old guys tend to ramble, mostly when taking digs at me but fucking hell man, it does seem to ring true for you.
[i[Tirri walks down the aisle, throwing haphazard high-fives with the few fans that like him, his eyes never leaving the pair in the ring.[/i]
Don Tirri: Honestly, I was debating whether I should even bother to show up right now, since I have better things to do than engage in a pointless penis-measuring contest with a prissy prancing (former) pretty boy like you but eh, fuck it. Not like the match later on really counts for anything, so might as well get some entertainment out of this evening.
The Finn stops in the aisleway, not bothering to get any further. Tact glares at Tirri, a sneer plastered across his face, while Sister Sin sits on one of the top turnbuckles.
Don Tirri: So, Tact. I’ll make a concession. I’m not a hardcore wrestler. Never have been. Thought I never would be. But if there is one thing that is consistent across my career is that I won’t back down from a challenge. Sure, I might choose to fight another day or take the easy way out of a throwaway match with no stakes, but when the lights are on bright and there is something more than pride at stake, I give it my best regardless of the match or the opposition. “You don’t need to win all the matches, just the right ones” like I keep saying.
Arthur La Forge: He uses that as an excuse for bad performances! Not like he can win the right matches either!
Mary DeSue: You’re just jealous you aren’t as smart as he is Arty!
Larry Tact: Oh, right, here we go. Why don’t you take a page from real Old School, and eat your losses?
Don Tirri: Sure. My record ain’t nothing to write home about. But that’s what you get when you pit yourself against the best this company has to offer. I’ve fought Lex Collins. Maggie Lockheart and Antonio Ricci. You? You seem to be locked in a best of eternity-series with Eli Goode. Now that right there is a matchup where nobody wins and the audience loses. So Larry-boy, if I was you I’d zip my piehole and focus on getting out of DbDl alive.
The crowd pops at this and Tact stomps around the ring, even kicking the bottom rope. He yells at Tirri, who walks over to the announce table and sits on the edge of it, sending Mary into a small giggling fit as he winks at her before continuing.
Don Tirri: As far as the rest of you in the match. Sister Sin? I admit I haven’t really kept too many tabs on you. Couple of good wins. Unique presentation. Passable in-ring skills. I’m looking forward to wrestling you at DbDl, but I think I’ll leave most of my talking for later on when it comes to you.
He fishes out a signed 8x10 and tosses it to Mary before standing up and waltzing back up the entrance way.
Don Tirri: Wilcox, you are one messed up dude. I guess loss after loss has gotten under your skin and you keep trying to reinvent yourself. Your boys ain’t gonna bust you out of harms away at DbDl, so you might as well take your licking and do the only thing you can do. Keep on ticking. This ain’t your moment kid. But who knows. Another day, another time might be.
Getting midway up the ramp, Tirri turns to face the ring one more time.
Don Tirri: And Shepard? I like what I’ve seen. Can’t say I get the full gist of your presentation but you seem respectable and a stand-up dude. Once I grab the power-belt.. I don’t mind giving you the first shot at it. You’re tons better than prissy prancing pretty boy here. But that’s all I gotta say, peace out and see you later.
“Ace of Spades” begins to play, and then is abruptly cut off by “Commander Shepard.” Tact throws his arms up in exasperation and Tirri turns, expecting someone to walk about behind him, but no one appears. Sister Sin is on the ball, following spotlights around the arena that scan the crowd, who are now buzzing about what’s going to happen next, and pick out Duncan Shepard leaning against a railing at the front of the second level of seating, holding a microphone. The crowd quiets down to hear him.
Duncan Shepard: By the Goddess. I once heard a news story about someone producing a rendition of Hamlet with an all Elcor cast. I never saw it but I imagine it was a lot like this.
There is zero reaction from the crowd apart from one person who finds this hilarious.
Duncan Shepard: Tough crowd. That would have killed on the Citadel.
Mary DeSue: What's the Citadel?
Arthur La Forge: A space station that forms the centre of galactic society.
Mary DeSue: How do you know that!?
Arthur La Forge: Research. It's what good announcers do.
Mary DeSue: It's what nerds do.
Duncan Shepard: What I'm trying to say Larry, is that you're boring. Heartfelt insult, I didn't think anything could be more wooden than your face but now I've heard you speak.
Tact glares at Shepard in the crowd, pointing at himself and slashing his arm through the air, saying something we cannot hear.
Duncan Shepard: It's a weird flex, to come down to the ring two weeks out from a shot at a no holds barred title and tell everyone you're not hardcore. All I'm hearing is that I'm the best prepared for the Skeleton Key match so you'd better start checking that ego of yours at the curtain Larry, or I'm going to have to come down there, hit that renegade interrupt and knock your ass into next week.
Duncan points at Sister Sin.
Duncan Shepard: Don't think I've forgotten about you Sister Sin. The way you're spouting off, I'm ninety percent sure you're Indoctrinated. Luckily for everyone here I've dealt with bigger and scarier Reaper threats than you. You may have given me a run last week but remember that I was the one with my hand raised when it was all over.
Sister Sin looks curiously at Shepard, placing her hands palms-down under her chin as she sits on the turnbuckle.
Duncan Shepard: Both of you should be thanking Don for coming out here when he did and shooting some life into this, otherwise we were on the brink of the greatest collective restroom break in Level Up history.
Arthur La Forge: Shepard is selecting all the renegade dialogue options tonight.
Mary DeSue: What are you even saying?
Arthur La Forge: Research!
Duncan Shepard: And Tirri, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the kind words but you've got it backwards. You see, when the galaxy needs something to be claimed and secured, I'm the one they go to. Whether it's a conduit, a catalyst, an obelisk or even a Power Championship, I'm the one that walks out with it. But hey, I'll match your offer and give you the first shot at my new title.
Tirri smirks at Shepard.
Duncan Shepard: And as for... wait. Who am I forgetting?
The main lights in the arena go out and a dim, dark green light replaces the new found darkness at the entrance to the arena. Smoke beings to cover the floor. “Breathe” by Prodigy hits.
Arthur La Forge: Who’s this?
Mary DeSue: The Faction, with new music.
Standing at the top of the ramp microphone in hand is James Wilcox.
James Wilcox: Look at all of you in that ring. You make me sick.
Drake Wilcox and Isaac now emerge to flank James on both sides.
James Wilcox: Vying with each other for the attention of these SLOBS in the crowd. It’s pathetic.
The crowd’s hatred towards The Faction intensifies and boos echo around the arena.
James Wilcox: You’re all so interested in each other and your pathetic arguments with each other you’ve all forgotten about…..ME! That suits me just FINE! Regardless of the result at Dead by Daylight you will ALL remember who I am.
James turns to his left and ISAAC steps forward handing him the Wand. James points it directly at the ring.
James Wilcox: When I win the Skeleton Key match you will alllllllllll have to go to the back of the goddam queue. You have all underestimated me, disrespected me. I will remember it ALL WHEN YOU COME KNOCKING FOR A TITLE MATCH!
James sits on the floor now, legs crossed. He looks up to the Faction.
James Wilcox: In the meantime. I think I’ll sit here and enjoy the show.
---
Magdalena Lockheart, Don Tirri, Eli Goode & Duncan Shepard vs. Antonio Ricci, Kylie Moore, Sister Sin and EA Blizzard
James Wilcox is sitting at ringside, near the commentary table, but has elected not to actually put on a headset and join commentary. The match starts out with Lockheart going up against Ricci, picking up where they left off last show. Lockheart goes for a standard lockup and Ricci makes her pay with a kick to the stomach. He then begins to hit her with a series of clubbing blows to the back before backing her into the corner. He takes a step back and charges in, but she climbs up quickly and hops over him, then rolls forward. She turns and runs in herself, catching him in the corner with a step-up enziguri. She attempts to make a quick cover...
One!
No! It's only a one count. She hooks the arm and reaches out to a waiting Don Tirri, who is looking to get another piece of Ricci after they fought in May.
Arthur La Forge: Tirri and Ricci are no strangers to one another and if Maggie can get the tag, we’re gonna see some fireworks go off.
Mary DeSue: Just like before, I don’t want to be made to choose? Who do you like better, James?
Arthur La Forge: I don’t think he’s going to answer.
Mary DeSue: Jerk...
Lockheart extends the arm to make the tag, but Ricci thinks quickly and pulls her in to a knee to the gut, then moves to his own corner and tags in Kylie Moore. He holds Lockheart in place for 'The Boss Lady' to get in a right hand and then lets her take over. Moore clubs away at the champion then Irish whips her to the opposite side of the ring, but as Maggie comes back, she surprises Kylie with a leaping forearm! She then gets a front facelock and has an easier time dragging the similarly-sized Moore to her corner, where Tirri tags himself in.
Mary DeSue: Yes! Get ‘em Donnie!
Arthur La Forge: That signed 8x10 is going on your nightstand, isn’t it?
Mary DeSue: Stop trying to get details about my bedroom Artie, it’s not going to happen.
Lockheart holds Moore in place and looks at her Combat Evolved opponent, who doesn't even acknowledge her as he goes into kick Moore in the ribs. Lockheart lets go and returns to the apron while 'Old School Cool' gets his chance to work over the newer talent. He twists Moore's arm and then drives his shoulder into it, knocking her to her knees. She gets up and tries to strike, but he yanks the arm down to force her down again. Tirri then pulls her arm up behind her back and runs forward, driving Kylie shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. She bounces off and tries to use the momentum to make the tag, but Tirri steps in front and delivers a right hand to Ricci to prevent him from making it. He then yanks her forward and into a sidewalk slam!
One!
Two!
Sister Sin jumps in and breaks up the count.
Arthur La Forge: Sin wants to make up for the loss she suffered last show and isn’t going to let another happen so easily.
Mary DeSue: I still don’t know what to make of her yet. But apparently she’s a witch so that’s cool. I liked the Charmed reboot.
Arthur La Forge: I don’t think that’s the same thing…
Mary DeSue: It certainly wasn’t the same as the original. It was BETTER.
The referee admonishes Sin and in the meantime, Tirri drags Kylie to his corner and Eli Goode tags himself in. Goode lurches forward and hits a punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of the Boss Lady. He grabs her by the head and charges into the turnbuckle with it, slamming her face first, before turning her around and hitting a massive chop. He then grabs her with his good arm and Irish Whips her, but when he lowers his head, anticipating a back drop, she stops in her tracks and kicks him right in the bad arm. As he spirals away in pain, she quickly moves over to her corner and tags out to Sister Sin.
Arthur La Forge: Tirri’s in trouble now and his opponents are trying to now keep him in their half of the ring.
Mary DeSue: [inaudible]
Arthur La Forge: Folks, if you heard that, I’m sorry. I just hope our censors caught it.
Kylie holds Goode down while Sin proceeds to stomp away at him. Kylie adds a few of her own before the referee makes her leave. Sin tosses Goode at the ropes and tries for a clothesline but Goode slides underneath, bounces off the other side and hits a Sling Blade! Sin gets up quick and backs into a neutral corner, and as Goode runs in she quickly throws a back elbow that hits him in the jaw. With Goode stunned, she grabs him by the head and moves to her corner, where EA Blizzard is more than happy to make the tag and go after his Dead by Daylight opponent.
Arthur La Forge: Well look at that, Blizzard is just fine facing Eli with the odds against him.
Mary DeSue: It’s not like he asked to be tagged in. Gotta come in when you’re tagged. Not his fault.
Arthur La Forge: Sure, sure...or maybe he doesn’t think he can beat Eli straight up?
Mary DeSue: He’s facing him at the PPV!
Arthur La Forge: With match rules that no one but EAB knows! That’s my entire point!
EAB wastes no time attacking the arm of Eli Goode, then hitting him in the face relentlessly against the ropes until the referee forces a break. He throws Goode into the nearest turnbuckle and charges in, but Goode, like Maggie earlier, hops over him. He spins around and attempts a kick, only for Blizzard to catch it, and Goode then leaps up and connects with a enziguri of his own! With the large businessman stunned, Goode crawls to his corner and reaches up for the tag, allowing Duncan Shepard to enter the match for the first time. He nails Blizzard with a stiff clothesline but the big man doesn't go down, so he bounces off the ropes and hits a dropkick instead and that does the job.
Arthur La Forge: Duncan Shepard is on fire here, taking the fight to the larger EAB!
Mary DeSue: You sure you can call the match without referencing your dorky Gears of Halo game?
Arthur La Forge: There were so many things wrong with that sentence I don’t know where to begin. I’m sure our fans will let you hear about it on Twitter, though.
Duncan tosses EAB into the nearest turnbuckle but the big man stops himself from hitting. However when he turns around, Commander Shepard rushes forward and takes him down with the Biotic Charge! While that might flatten a normal man, Blizzard is much bigger so he's already starting to get to his feet in the corner, Shepard runs in and Blizzard gets the boot up to the face, stunning him. Blizzard rushes out with a lariat of his own but Shepard ducks and then reaches behind him, catching the head and hitting a neckbreaker! Kylie Moore has apparently seen enough and she runs in, only for Shepard to lurch at her with the Krogan Handshake! Sister Sin is in and she gets one as well! Finally Blizzard turns around and HE gets the third headbutt, and the Commander begins to play to the crowd, which is going crazy.
Mary DeSue: Stop taunting and start fighting!
Arthur La Forge: That’s what he was doing! Maybe he’s earned the breather!
This proves to be Shepard's undoing, as Blizzard is already back to his feet and connects with a massive big boot that flattens the Commander in one shot. He picks him up and launches him into the ropes, but it's close enough to Shepard's corner that Lockheart is able to reach over and tag herself in! She comes charging in at EAB, opting to jump up in the air and catch him with a Meteora right away! Blizzard is up and she jumps up and hits a SECOND Meteora, as the big man is proving impervious to many strikes tonight. With EAB finally down, she jumps up to hit a diving knee drop to the head, then waits for him to rise. Lockheart grabs the head, attempting the Lockheart Liberation, but the big man is easily able to swat the Final Boss Champion aside, before staggering to his corner and tagging in Antonio Ricci.
Arthur La Forge: Not even the champion can keep EAB down for long. Sometimes I wonder if that guy knows how powerful he is.
Mary DeSue: I’m sure he does. What a dumb question.
Arthur La Forge: What I mean is, if he gets a chance to challenge for a title again, there may be no stopping him.
After being tossed down onto the back of her head by EAB, Ricci jumps in and dives onto the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Th--NO! The champ kicks out. Ricci tries again in frustration.
One!
Two!
NO! Another kickout. He scoops her up and begins to club at her back, not giving the champion a moment to breathe and eventually beating her down to the canvas. He tries for a cover off that but Tirri comes in and breaks things up just because he can. Ricci gets up and glares at Tirri, but is surprised with Sister Sin reaching over and tagging herself in to get a piece of the champion.
Arthur La Forge: Here’s a unique matchup.
Mary DeSue: Yeah, let’s see who the queen of the goths really is!
Arthur La Forge: Why in the world would you think...it’s the tattoos, isn’t it?
Mary DeSue: She looks like a tagged railroad car!
Sin punches Lockheart in the head and then rams her into the nearest turnbuckle. As Lockheart tries to recover, Sin nails her with a dropkick that puts her back onto the mat. She goes for a quick cover of her own..
ONE!
TWO
Only two. Sin lines up the champion and gets a front facelock, before jumping up in the air to attempt Sinful Prayer, but Lockheart uses Sin's momentum against her and hits a back body drop! She drops to her knees and looks out towards her teammates halfway across the ring. Before she can even think about going over to make the tag, Kylie Moore is already back in and drops an elbow to her back.
Arthur La Forge: I may not like the character of some of the people on that team, but they’re doing a good job isolating the champion.
Mary DeSue: Yeah but she wont’ STAY DOWN.
Arthur La Forge: No one’s been able to pin Maggie yet, I’d be shocked if it happened tonight.
Moore begins to kick away at the champion's spine before forcing her up and hitting her with a right hand to knock her back down. Over to the neutral corner now and Moore starts kicking away at the torso of the champion. Lockheart drops down and Moore pulls her away, before climbing up. She attempts Darkness Falls, her split-legged moonsault, but when Lockheart rolls inward to avoid it, Moore impressively lands on her feet! Instead she waits for the champion to get to her own feet on the apron and then lunges forward with a superkick that knocks Lockheart to the floor! Ricci demands the tag and gets it, and he jumps down to the outside to join the champion.
Arthur La Forge: Speaking of people who want to pin the champion…
Mary DeSue: He’s wanted to beat her almost since the beginning! And now he’s got her right where he wants her!
Ricci lifts Lockheart up and drops her face first onto the apron, before rolling her back inside. He tries for the cover...
ONE!
TWO!
No! She kicks out again! Ricci presses Lockheart into the corner in frustration and begins to wail away on her with a series of strikes, but the referee intervenes when he ignores the five count. Ricci has words with the official before going back on the attack, but the momentary breather allows the champ to get a quick kick to the jaw to knock him backward. He runs in again and she hits a back elbow to protect herself. She then runs forward at Ricci only for Ricci to HIT A CYCLONE KICK! HE drops down to cover the champion!
ONE!
TWO!
THR---NO! Lockheart kicks out!
Arthur La Forge: More fighting spirit from Lockheart, proving why she deserves the belt she’s holding!
Mary DeSue: She’s too stubborn for her own good!
[]Ricci is beside himself but opts to do the smart thing and tags in EA Blizzard. He holds Lockheart in place so that EAB can hit a kick to the spine before returning to his corner. EAB continues to kick and stomp away at the champion, before lifting her to her feet and driving the point of his elbow to the back of her head, knocking her back down. He then lifts her up and puts her in the Crunch Time bearhug! He starts to apply the pressure and squeeze the life out of Lockheart, who is getting encouragement from Goode, Shepard and, halfheartedly, Don Tirri. Just when it looks like Lockheart may fade, she springs to life and begins to jab away at the head of EAB, then an uppercut and he loosens his grip enough that she spins around with a back elbow. That makes him let go, so she spins around again with a roaring elbow that knocks him down![/i]
Arthur La Forge: Somehow, someway, Magdalena Lockheart managed to complete Beat Rush while locked in a bearhug!
Mary DeSue: For all the good it did her, she’s just as out of it as EAB is! He nearly crushed her!
Arthur La Forge: We’ll see if she’s able to make the tag, because she desperately needs one.
Being in the bearhug and fighting her way out took all the energy she had left, but she begins to stir and crawl to her corner. Blizzard realizes the position he's in and rolls over, tagging in Antonio Ricci, but Maggie gets the tag to Don Tirri! 'Old School Cool' is the proverbial hosue of fire, striking anything in the opposing corner that moves or even if they don't move. Ricci is up in a corner and Tirri runs in to hit him with a corner clothesline. Kylie Moore attempts to put a stop to Tirri's momentum, and gets THE BOOT for her trouble! Moore is knocked to the outside but it allows Ricci to get to his feet. But that's just fine for Tirri, as he bounces off looking for another BOOT, only for EAB to grab his leg from the outside! Tirri is stuck as Ricci starts to stir, and suddenly ELI GOODE charges in and hits Blizzard with a tackle that KNOCKS HIM THROUGH THE BARRIER!
Arthur La Forge: Eli Goode just sacrificed himself to take out EA Blizzard!
Mary DeSue: Probably broke his arm again, the idiot.
Arthur La Forge: It’s about time someone stands up to him!
Goode and Blizzard are out around the timekeeper's area and Moore is still out of it from Tirri's boot. Sister Sin slides in the ring and attempts to go after Tirri, but Shepard is in first and runs at her, clotheslinining them both up and over the top rope! Ricci takes advantage of the distraction and grabs Tirri around the throat, hoping to land a sitout chokeslam, but Don slaps his hand away and gets a kneelift to put him back down. He backs up to bounce off the ropes, but James Wilcox leaves the commentary booth and hops up onto the apron! As the referee goes to get Wilcox to leave...THE FACTION APPEARS AND PULLS TIRRI OUTSIDE! They each grab him by the throat and lift him up, hitting a DOUBLE CHOKESLAM ON THE APRON! Both Faction members then roll Tirri into the ring, at the behest of Wilcox, who smirks and jumps down from the apron.
Mary DeSue: Foul! BOOOO! FLAGRANT FOUL!
Arthur La Forge This isn’t basketball..
Mary DeSue: Those two giant jerks shouldn’t be touching his royal thiccness! And now they handed Ricci the win!
Ricci is up and seemingly has the match in the bag, but suddenly a hand reaches over the ropes and tags the out-of-it Tirri, and Magdalena Lockheart is valiantly re-entering the fray after the beating she took. She climbs up top as Ricci runs in and jumps over him, landing on her feet and rolling forward. She is up and spins around, baiting Ricci in and hitting a drop toehold to catch him in the ropes. Then she runs in and hits an ENTROPY BLADE! She runs off the ropes and tries to come in for another, but SISTER SIN grabs her leg! That doesn't last long, as Duncan Shepard charges over and hits a BIOTIC CHARGE ON SISTER SIN! That seems to knock him loopy as well on the floor, but it's enough to free the champion. She turns around and aims at Ricci again, running in for her Entropy Blade...ONLY FOR RICCI TO SPIN AROUND AND HIT COMA-TOES!!!
Arthur La Forge: Oh my God, HOW? Ricci was out of it!
Mary DeSue: Haha, those reflexes of his are killer! Maybe literally this time!
Arthur La Forge: Lockheart had him where she wanted him and Sin gave him time to recover. He only needed that little bit!
Ricci drops down and immediately covers the champion, hooking both legs!
ONE!!
TWO!!
Shepard tries to get in to save the match but Sin holds him back!
THREE!!!
Mr. Rad: Here are your winners: Sister Sin, EA Blizzard, Kylie Moore and 'Count Coma' ANTONIO RICCI!
Arthur La Forge: Ladies and gentlemen...if you had any doubts about Antonio Ricci being in the main event of Dead by Daylight...I think he just squashed them.
Mary DeSue: What’s that you said, Artie? No one has pinned Maggie since day one?
Arthur La Forge: I did say that. And now it seems Ricci is the one who was able to do it. And if he can do that at the PPV…
Mary DeSue: NEW CHAMP, BABY!
Ricci gets to his feet and smiles after managing to be the first person in Level Up history to pin Magdalena Lockheart. The Skeleton Key combatants continue to brawl around the ring, while EMTs are checking on Goode and EAB after their crash. The camera feed cuts to the back, away from all of the chaos.
---
We cut backstage where we see a familiar black Mercedes Benz S-Class car pulled up near the exit of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The driver has the window rolled down, and suddenly Barnabus enters the scene. His always pristine suit is disheveled, his always sunny demeanor darkened, and he walks with a slight limp to the driver.
Barnabus: The trunk please.
The driver nods and pops the trunk, and Barnabus painstakingly walks to the back of the car and tosses a few duffle bags and a suitcase into the trunk. With a slam he closes it, and walks to the drivers side back seat and opens the door. Sidroy Covington the Fourth enters the scene, in dress pants yet shirtless, with his black and gold towel draped over his neck. Sidroy is clearly worse for wear with a dour expression on his face. He glares at Barnabus before getting ready to enter the car before suddenly Lenny Brasco enters the scene cautiously.
Lenny Brasco: Mr... Mr. Covington I know it's been a rough night, but I was wondering if I could get a word in with you and see how you're feeling after earli-
Sidroy Covington IV: A rough night? A rough night you buffoon? Have you even been watching the product? It's been a rough month for me. I won this Wisdom Championship fair and square. I won a tournament with the absolute best talent Level Up had to offer, including beating a man previously thought to be infallible in the finals. I did it all because I'm the absolute best. Now people think it's fun to defecate all over me, all over the Covington name? It's an embarrassment. I had my title stolen. Not won from me, not stripped of me due to any breaking of the rules... STOLEN from me. And not a single one of you suited cowards on the Level Up payroll has lifted a single fat finger to make this right. The Developer sits in their hiding spot and watches as week after week as the actions of Jenny gets more and more appalling. Interrupting my championship celebration wasn't enough. Costing us a main event because she's too big of an air head to hold up her end of a team wasn't enough. Attacking myself wasn't enough. Attacking my servitor, who isn't even on the active roster and therefore should NEVER be allowed by you spineless directors to be the target of violence... Wasn't enough. Now she wants to mock me? Poke fun at the fact she stole MY title belt? At every turn, everytime I open my eyes there she is, waiting to attack me from behind.
Sidroy’s fury finally reaches a boiling point.
Sidroy Covington IV:SHE COST ME MY MATCH TONIGHT. I LOST TO A FUCKING WALUIGI. AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO ASK ME HOW I FEEL? I feel exactly how I've been treated Leonard, like absolute shite. Everyone but myself is failing me. The Developer and whoever else has a filthy finger on Level Up, has failed me. The security who are supposed to be protecting the stars of Level Up but instead sit and spin on their thumbs, are failing me.
Sidroy turns to Barnabus with a look of disdain and disgust.
Sidroy Covington IV: The people who are supposed to have my back... are failing me. I'm at an all time low Leonard, and if nobody else is going to do their part to make this right? Then I'm going to have to do what the Covington's have always done. I'm going to fix this myself. Get out of my face Leonard.
Sidroy drops into his seat, and Barnabus closes the door behind him. Barnabus turns to Lenny who looks as a child who's been scolded.
Barnabus: It's been a rough couple weeks, Sir. Brasco. Master Covington has grievances that have not been adequately addressed nor resolved. Therefore -
Sidroy Covington IV: Go.
Sidroy leans back in his seat, and the driver pauses for a second, and Barnabus turns to the car.
Barnabus: Master Covington I -
Sidroy Covington IV: GO!
The driver reluctantly hits the gas, leaving both Barnabus and Lenny behind.
Barnabus: MASTER COVINGTON. MASTER COVINGTON COME BACK.
With a painful limp Barnabus looks to go after the ride that has left him behind, but instead just let's out a defeated sigh and watches as the car exits the arena.
---
Bert McAlroy vs. Larry Tact vs. Lord Raab
Bert McAlroy is making his way down when Larry Tact comes down and pulls him aside and starts arguing with him. They look towards the ring at Raab, as the Masked German Monster stares both of them down. Tact and Bert run towards the ring and dive in, hoping to get some sort of two-on-one advantage and take out the bigger man as the bell rings.
Arthur La Forge: I don’t know how long a Bert-Larry alliance will last but it’s the smart play.
Mary DeSue: The smart play is to take out Bert. Just, in any situation.
Bert starts to walk towards Raab and Tact nails him from behind. Tact starts punching McAlroy's back to get him to go down and finally Tact takes him down with a clothesline to the back of the head. Raab slides out of the ring during Tact's betrayal and creeps around, before sliding back in and getting behind him. He then latches his arms around Tact's waist and tosses him behind him with a German Suplex! He then rolls out of the ring to go after Bert, but the smallest wrestler in the match is wise to the plan and hits a quick dropkick to Raab's knee, before rolling back inside and going after Tact. Tact throws a wild swing but McAlroy ducks it and gives him a dropkick. Raab, meanwhile, has no issue exploiting the 'anything goes' rules of a triple threat and reaches for a chair on the outside.
Arthur La Forge: Okay, if there’s one guy that does NOT need a weapon it’s Lord Raab. He’s dangerous enough without it!
Mary DeSue: No kidding! He’s the guy who took out LEGION, after all!
The referee warns Raab not to pick up the chair but is completely ignored. Raab carries the chair with him as he stalks around the ring, watching the other two fight. McAlroy grabs Tact in a front facelock and attempts to drag him to a corner, where it's easier said than done given the size difference. However Bert exploits the lack of rules too, grabbing Tact by the nose and making the trip easier. Once Tact is in the corner, Bert begins to hit a series of strikes that can best be described as 'unorthodox'. Raab continues to watch and the two eventually lock eyes, with the Monster almost daring McAlroy to come outside and try to face him.
Mary DeSue: Yeah! Go on Bert, you think you’re so tough! Go out there and face the monster!
Arthur La Forge: I don’t think it would be in Bert’s best interest to do that but you know he won’t back down.
Mary DeSue: I’m hoping he won’t.
McAlroy goes low and says something to Tact that the cameras can't quite pick up, but Tact, still a little groggy, nods his head. The two roll outside on opposite ends and begin to stalk Raab, who raises up the chair. However he can't hit them both at once and when he swings at Bert, McAlroy ducks and that allows Tact to hit Raab with a chop block from behind. McAlroy gets the chair away from possibly the most dangerous wrestler in the match, and the two begin to assault Raab with the coordinated effort they attempted earlier. With Raab sufficiently pummeled, they roll him back inside.
Arthur La Forge: Well Tact ruined their attempt earlier but it seems they finally smartened up and decided to go after the biggest threat.
Mary DeSue: Bert must be sober today. A rare accomplishment.
Tact runs and bounces off the ropes and then comes back and gives Raab an elbow to the chest. Bert starts kicking him in the chest and then grabs onto the ropes for leverage as he puts a boot to Raab' throat. Tact sees the opening and tackles Bert and starts punching him with rights, immediately ruining the sound strategy just to get a cheap shot. Raab gets to his feet and decides to join Tact in the assault as a new alliance is formed just as quickly as the last one ended. They both get a front face lock and lift McAlroy high in the air, before dropping back with a double suplex! It's Raab that attempts the cover..
ONE!
TWO!
Tact breaks it up, angry that Raab would attempt to win the wrestling match.
Arthur La Forge: Well, there went that alliance.
Mary DeSue: Come on guys, you’re so close! Don’t let a little thing like wins and losses stop you from achieving the greater good!
The two put their differences aside to continue to beat up the fan favorite, Raab even dropping down to apply a blatant choke. Tact pulls Bert to his feet and connects with a backbreaker, and Raab follows that up with an elbow drop. As Raab starts to get to his feet, he's suddenly grabbed from behind by Tact and hit with a swinging neckbreaker! Tact covers!
One!
Two! No! Raab powers out. McAlroy starts to get to his feet and Tact is up quickly to kick him in the head. He then goes back to Raab, but the momentary hesitation is enough for the monster to regain his composure and he hits Tact in the throat with a chop.
Arthur La Forge:That’ll stop any man, especially with the power of Raab delivering it.
Mary DeSue: I’m surprised Tact still has a trachea!
Tact drops to his knees, clutching his throat and coughing, so Raab picks him back up and drops him with another German suplex. McAlroy is back to his feet and scales the turnbuckle, and as Raab gets up from dropping Tact, Bert dives off with a flying crossbody attempt...but Raab catches! McAlroy lets out an expletive that is swiftly bleeped, and Raab attempts to toss Bert behind him, only for McAlroy to latch on and apply a poorly done Katahajime! He does his best to choke out Raab, when he's hit with a clubbing blow to the back by Tact.
Arthur La Forge: I don’t know if Bert could have choked out Raab there, but Tact wasn’t going to let the win slip by him that easily.
Mary DeSue: If Bert choked out Raab. I would have quit. On the spot. I can’t live in that kind of world.
Tact yanks Bert off of Raab and pulls him forward, but McAlroy ducks his head and gets a headbutt to the sternum of Larry Tact, then a DDT! McAlroy then begins to lay into Tact with grounded punches, which is just enough to allow Lord Raab to recover, who gets up and hits Bert with a simple kick to the face. Simple from anyone else, but from Raab it's enough to nearly punt Bert across the ring. He raises his arm like he wants the Chokeinator, but Tact spins him around and grabs him to attempt 'Humbling'. Raab gets a kneelift and hooks both of Tact's arms, before lifting him up and DROPPING HIM WITH THE KILLERBUSTER! With Tact out of the way, he reaches down with a hand across the throat of Bert! He lifts him high in the air for the Chokeinator, but Bert slips out of his hoodie!
Mary DeSue: WHY IS HE ALLOWED TO KEEP WEARING THAT THING?!
Arthur La Forge: Bert McAlroy may not be the biggest, he may not be the strongest, but he’s proving to be the most resourceful wrestler on our roster!
Mary DeSue: I can’t believe Raab was thwarted by a WARDROBE MALFUNCTION.
Raab is dumbfounded as he stands there holding the hoodie of Bert McAlroy, which enables the smaller fighter to hit him with the BONG WATER! However Raab is still standing! Bert moves to the apron and springboards up and attempts to dive in with GIVE HER THE B....RAAB CATCHES HIM BY THE THROAT
Mary DeSue: YES! FINALLY! DO IT RAAB!
Arthur La Forge: Raab has him right where he wants him this time! And Tact is still out! We might be approaching the end here...
Raab lifts McAlroy high up in the air, when suddenly the lights go out and a video appears on the screen!
Suddenly, the video wall displays a message from the monster that just made an appearance.
"...... So this is the place?"
~The scene begins, the ice cold chills shivering down the spine of anyone who even sees the house, whether it be in person, or even on the titantron in the Level Up arena this very night. Brandon Hendrix, "The Messiah", walks in view of the house. Thunder roars through the sky and lighting strikes, adding dim lights to showcase the eerie and… well frankly uneasy building. One that would be showcased in a horror movie. Brandon Hendrix walks up to the door of the place, placing his hand on the wood door, his arm hairs raising up, goosebumps up and down his body, forcing him to pull away.~
"... what the hell is this place?"
~An uneasy sigh comes from Brandon as he slowly reaches in, his hand reaching the door handle, twisting the knob and slowly pushing the door open, the hinges squeaking loudly as the door opens up to a trashed up inside of the house. Spider webs everywhere, holes in the floors, walls, paintings ripped and shredded, and in the middle of the room is a pentagram in some kind of red paint or… something evil with candles at different ends. The presence of evil surrounds hits Brandon at once, sending him into a state of panic. He bolts over to a corner of the room, drops down to the ground, curls himself up into a ball and rocks back and forth.~
"No.. no no no no no please don't make me do this please don't make me do this I beg of you!"
"... Ugh."
~The lightning outside stops, forcing the inside of the house to go pitch black. Suddenly, from the corner that Brandon was just in starts glowing red. Then, one massive lighting strike brings the room to light up, showing no more Brandon Hendrix, but The Messiah. He immediately pops up to his feet.~
~Messiah steps forward and the lighting starts striking again, filling the house back up with lights. He steps in the middle of the pentagram, embracing the feeling of the negative energy that comes from it. He slowly raises his arms up, causing every candle in the house, bottom to top, each and all floors. Messiah steps out before walking over to a door in the kitchen. He turns the knob and lets it swing open, revealing a staircase heading downward. He then slowly walks down each step, each stair, instead of squeaking, lets out a blood curdling scream, which sounds like the lost souls the house contains seeking for guidance. He makes it to the bottom, turning his head to what's in front of him. Slow turn shows a room… filled with weapons. Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, barbed wire, baseball bat, steel chair, a metal spike, and something that's covered up hanging up in the middle of the wall.~
"LORD RAAB!"
"You will be next. Someone so… Decrepit, to challenge Diablo's new favorite Demone. Your history does your early life justice. Let's begin…. With how you weren't a monster. You began your life… a mortal. You were the case of schizophrenia that has you believing you can truly handle the dark side. How you were just like any man who stood in front of me…. Ignorant… foolish… and soon defeated. How you needed… Twitter…. To make a platform for yourself.. when I need pain afflicted on each and every person who dared step in the ring with me. Ask Maggie Lockhart… who truly doesn't have the heart in it anymore since facing me. How she barely escaped, and couldn't even keep me down past three seconds with her best move in her arsenal. How Sister Sin hasn't been the same, how even with dropping me on my neck and skull ten fucking times with the same move, couldn't keep me down past three seconds, which was also her best… move. But, you thought a Chokeslam would be enough? Why?
Because you're a monster?"
~A small, yet demonic laugh fills the room, with the thunder outside ripping through the sky at a faster rate.~
"Let's talk about…. Your twin brother… Let's talk about Konrad, let's talk about Henry Losak, Samuel McPherson…. The Monstimals. Heh…. How you need them… to continue this persona. How you needed them to make you feel like a monster you wish to be portrayed as? How as soon as you take one big loss, the Monster quits? Quit… until he found that he needed someone to rely on. You're no monster Raab. You're merely… a man… with a mask to hide the reality."
"FRAUD!"
"TAKE A LOOK AT ME! I'M REAL! I'VE ALWAYS BEEN REAL! I WAS NOT MADE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUS! I CAME FROM THE SOULS OF TLAHUICOLE, GALVARINO, SPARTACUS, MARCUS CASSIUS SCAEVA, LU BU, AND MIXED THAT WITH THE FIRE OF THE DEVIL! I WILL CREATE A PLACE IN HELL FOR YOU THAT WILL EAT AWAY AT YOUR DECAYING SOUL AND WILL MAKE SURE YOU NEVER GET THE PEACE YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD TO BELIEVE COMES ON THE OTHER SIDE!"
~The thunder roars even louder in the skies above. The Messiah grabs it's head before looking up. He quickly tilts his head before the scene fades. Next shown is The Messiah, walking down a long dirt road, and he's…. Singing?~
Strip ya self nude first so you don't get blood on ya new shirt
And cut the fuckin' corpse up like a butcher to meat kid
And put the pieces inside trash bags
So she'll be reeking like a fags ass with flesh covered in leeches" 🎵🎵
~He continues singing as he walks down the road as this scene now fades. Next shown are graves, some named and some unnamed. Next, the lower body of someone walking through the cold, hard soil of the ground where many souls are laid to rest. The Messiah wonders through the cemetery, before approaching a empty grave. He sits on the ground beside it.~
"NO MORE!"
~Messiah grabs the cloth covering the tomb saying "Lord Raab 1967-2021"-
"I Am Reality
I Am Hell
I AM MESSIAH!"
~A lightning bolt strikes inside the grave, creating a fire inside the grave. A evil laugh comes from The Messiah as he sits besides the fire, ending the segment.~
Mary DeSue: What...in...the actual..f….
Arthur La Forge: For all my time in Level Up that was one of the strangest things I ever...HEY LOOK IN THE RING!
Raab is confused by the clip that just aired, and he's suddenly pulled backward by Bert McAlroy into a roll-up!
ONE!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!
Mr. Rad: The winner of the match is BERT MCALROY!!!
Mary DeSue: NO!!! DAMN IT! How can he keep doing this!?!
Arthur La Forge: Bert McAlroy just beat another giant! He caught Raab sleeping and handed him his first defeat in Level Up!
Mary DeSue: Life isn’t [bleep]ing fair. It just isn’t.
McAlroy knows better than to stick around and gets the hell out of the ring, as Raab sits up and looks absolutely furious at what transpired. Tact holds his neck on the outside but he too decides he's had enough and not to fight unless he's getting paid. Tact leaves through the crowd while Bert is moving up the ramp. McAlroy turns around...INTO THE COMA-TOES FROM ANTONIO RICCI!!!
Mary DeSue: AND ALL IS RIGHT WITH THE WORLD.
Arthur La Forge: Where in the heck did Ricci come from? He just flattened Bert just like he did Maggie earlier in the night!
Mary DeSue: New champion in two weeks, I’m calling it RIGHT NOW.
Arthur La Forge: With as impressive as he’s looked tonight...I’m afraid you might be right.
Ricci, having just pinned the Final Boss Champion earlier in the night and proving why he belongs in the match at Dead by Daylight, stands over the fallen Bert McAlroy as the chaotic show fades to black.