EXP 22 Results - March 29, 2022 (Atlanta, GA)

We pan around Atlanta GA as the opening theme stops and finally stop over the area. We cut into the drone cam view as it flies around Center Stage and we see the Level Up Fans chanting "LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP!" as we also see various signs. "I'M HERE FOR A WANK!", "THE THICCNESS IS FOREVER!", "WE'RE TAKING WAHHHHVERRRRR!!!", "Where's the pause button on Mary?", "Game Changers more like Game Lamers? Am I right? High Five. (My Dad wrote this.)", and "Mr. Rad is Super Bad!". As we spin around the arena for a while taking in the ambiance we finally stop in front of the announce table where we see Arthur La Forge and Mary DeSue. Arthur is dressed with his Captain N letterman's jacket and Mary is cosplaying as Princess Peach, but looking like a Southern Belle.

Arthur La Forge: WELCOME EVERYONE TO EEEE XXXX PEEEEE Episode Twenty Two here at Center Stage here in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia!

Mary DeSue: HOWDY YA'LL...

Arthur La Forge: No. Not for the whole show.

Mary DeSue: What ya'll not liking my hospitality.

Arthur La Forge: Mary. We're actually in the South. The natives might get "ideas"...

Mary DeSue: Like what?

Arthur La Forge: Ya got a pretty mouth cosplayer...

Mary DeSue: Yeah. You got a point. Thanks for looking out Artie. So what joyous wrestling matches do we have to sit thru this week?

Arthur La Forge: Well as...

Static starts to take over the feed and Arthur pulls out a remote and stops it.

Arthur La Forge: Nuuu Uhhh Uhhh Uhhhh Uhhhhh...

Mary DeSue: Smooth move, now we gotta run down the card.

Arthur La Forge: That's our job.

Mary DeSue: No. That's your job. I am here for other things...

Arthur La Forge: Avoiding that hot take. Speaking of the Waluigi World Order. They're working double duty tonight as Victoria Salinas is taking on Dude Waluigi in our opening contest. Followed by Riley Heart taking on WaLink!

Mary DeSue: Why are there two guys taking on two women? Isn't that kinda...

Arthur La Forge: Do you really wanna see Princess Waluigi wrestle?

Mary looks over and see's Princess Waluigi off the rampway holding a butcher knife making a slicing motion.

Mary DeSue: Nah I'm good.

Arthur La Forge: Ohhhh kay. Then we got Jason Ryan taking on Chelsea Skye in solo competition, following that is Paul Freedom taking on Diamond Steel, and then "Final Boss" Champion Joey Crash taking on Guy Mason in a non-title singles bout.

Mary DeSue: So far nothing dangerous.

Arthur La Forge: You never know with this bunch. Following that is Duncan Shepard squaring off with Kat Jones. Then we have a triple threat non title match between E.A. Blizzard, Amhya, and Dionysus.

Mary DeSue: That match is gonna be brutal and I love it!

Arthur La Forge: Then you're going to love this. Three Tag Teams. One title. That's right. Multiplayer Gauntlets are on the line as Don Tirri and Donny Mason defend against ISSAC and Drake Wilcox and the team of Eli Goode and Brody Adams.

Mary DeSue: THOU SHALT FALL TO THE THICCNESS!!

Arthur La Forge: And in our Main Event, Power Champion Larry Tact will take on Serene Holmes!

Mary DeSue: Wait...No Bert? FREEDOM!! I DO DECLARE FREEDOM!!!

Arthur La Forge: On with the show folks…

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The arena lights cut out and have fans speaking in hushed tones as they wait to see what comes next. "In the Face of Evil" by Magic Sword begins playing through the arena sound system. About 30 seconds in, spotlights shine down on the ring, one by one, all in a lateral row.

The first spotlight shines down upon “EAB,” Emmanuel Armitage Blizzard, with the Courage Championship secured around his waist.
A second spotlight illuminates ISAAC.
The third spotlight brings Drake Wilcox into view.

The crowd has already started to jeer the three in the ring and look to direct it to the final entrant. They don’t need to wait long as a fourth spotlight shines down onto the entrance stage. Larry Tact stands with the Power title in one hand and The Wand in the other. Larry raises them both in the air while walking down the ramp, to the disgust of the fans. Tact smirks as he steps up the stairs to the apron and continues holding the title and sledgehammer in an X position. The other three pose around him.

Mr. Rad: Listen up, meatsacks! It’s time to introduce the Level Up Wrestling Courage Champion, EAB… ISAAC… Drake Wilcox… and the Level Up Wrestling Power Champion, Larry Tact… THE GAME CHANGERS!

Balloons and confetti fall from the rafters! Ring crew throw streamers into the ring! Pyro bursts from the turnbuckle posts! The fans are thoroughly displeased by the 'celebration' they are being forced to attend, and they're not afraid of making their voices heard over the fanfare. Larry has entered the ring and grabs a mic from a ring attendant as he gives forearm bumps to ISAAC and Drake, then ‘toasts’ title belts with EAB before addressing the heat lathered crowd.

Larry Tact: Enough with the booing! Look at us, gathered together. Don’t you see? Your reactions do nothing to stop us. No one can!

The crowd only boos louder and Larry tries waving them off, irritation showing. Eventually, they do quiet down.

Larry Tact: I didn’t come to Level Up to curry favor with anyone. I never set out to be someone you would adore and revere. I came to Level Up because I wanted to challenge myself with the unexpected. New opponents, new matches, to find out what I would do. I didn’t know what was coming my way, but I stuck with it and continued to battle. I didn’t do it to impress any of you, or anyone in the back. I did it for myself, and I’m proud to say that.

The crowd doesn’t appreciate the sentiment and begins a “You Suck!” chant to which Larry briefly holds up the Power title.

Larry Tact: Here’s the thing… you may say that, but look where my fight has brought me to. Not only am I YOUR Power Champion, but I have assembled a group that sees and understands the bigger picture and why it matters. These three men behind me want to elevate Level Up Wrestling, rather than allow the leeches, scavengers, and clout-chasers to campaign for opportunities. That isn’t what the Game Changers do. We take matters into our own hands.

They all nod in agreement with each other.

Larry Tact: Before we get down to business, we want to take time to celebrate. Before we begin, though, there is an elephant in the room, and I don’t mean each and every one of you here in Atlanta. Between stuffing gravy biscuits down your gullets and singing in Redneck, you even may notice something’s not quite right in this picture. Someone is missing. Maybe a very few of you here even learned how to use the internet and read rumors on your primary news sources: TMZ and dirtsheet tabloids. Nevertheless, let’s rip the band-aid off. Thinking back to The Last Of Us, Part II, we had a lot going on and our fingerprints were all across that show, Victoria Salinas included. She’s someone with an abundance of fire and determination to reach the top. Sometimes those traits burn too hot and risk being detrimental, when we are working towards a common goal in addition to our individual ones. As a result, we had to come to a tough decision of parting ways. No, it has nothing to do with an errant and accidental chair shot. It would have been a success for us all had Victoria become Wisdom Champion. Instead, it’s Level Up’s loss, but we move on and so must Victoria. I still believe she’s on the right path, but it’s hers to walk. The Game Changers are forging our own.

The crowd buzzes at this announcement, and looking around, Larry smacks the mic several times, creating reverberations.

Larry Tact: I WAS NOT FINISHED!

This instantly lights the crowd up with animosity. Drake goes to the ropes and yells at fans to shut the hell up!

Larry Tact: Victoria is our past and we cannot dwell upon it. Our present and future are only beginning. The Game Changers dominated The Last Of Us. I successfully defended the Power title against Lord Raab, and gave a snapshot of what that division will look like, going forward. ISAAC gave a breakthrough performance in The Last Of Us gauntlet, making many-a-wrestler regret setting foot into that match and putting a spotlight on The Game Changers all on his own. If that wasn’t enough, we have a new Courage Champion, and the latest to join our collective association… Mister Emmanuel Armitage Blizzard… E.A.B!

Larry motions for EAB to take center stage.

EAB: Thank you Mr. Tact. Now for all of you dilletants in attendance. Don’t pretend that what happened in that Courage Championship match was a shock or an upset. Since my debut in last year's LAST OF US BATTLE ROYALE, I have made my intentions clear: I am here first and foremost to fulfill my vision for this great company, to elevate the level of talent and the company as a whole. I’ve said it time and time again that those who end up facing me come out better for it. Yet somehow so very few of you seemed to agree with me that our common goal would be for the company. Even fewer of you wanted to share my vision despite having more than a few chances to change your mind and see the error in your ways. Well now I am part of a collective that is about just that. Lawrence here already made it quite clear what we are about and for anyone with trouble following eloquent speech or comprehension issues we have ISAAC who delivers it home in the very fluent international language of violence leaving no room for misinterpretation. Sometimes actions speak louder than mere words and as the age old Finnish saying goes and Don Tirri would attest to it “totuus ei pala tulessakaan” which roughly translates to: “truth will not burn even in the fire” suppose you could say that truth outlasts the fire, don’t believe me? Have a look at that Inferno match again and see just who came out of it without as much as a singe.

We see that eerie pearly white smirk Blizzard is known for as he polishes up the Courage Championship much to the dismay of the crowd. Larry laughs at the joke and gives EAB a pat on the back.

Larry Tact: It goes to show that when you effectively communicate in this industry, you can find diamonds in the sea of mediocrity. With that, I want to circle back to someone whom everyone seemed to think was a lump of coal, but under the pressure of The Last Of Us gauntlet, he truly shined like the diamond he is… ISAAC!

Isaac lifts the microphone to his mouth.

Isaac: Thank you Tact! At The Last Of Us gauntlet you saw the TRUE Isaac! You saw what happens when I wrestle for myself! There’s one person I would like to send a message to. Look here.

Isaac points the index and middle finger of his left hand at his eyes and stares directly into the camera.

Isaac: Tonight, After my brother and I walk out of tonight’s show as one half each of the NEW Multiplayer Champions… CENTURION I’m coming for you! You have prodded the stick at the sleeping animal. The Man Beast is now awake and has his eyes set on you. The hunt begins.

Tact nods and gives ISAAC a fist bump in solidarity. The crowd begins a “CENTURION!” chant and Larry shakes his head.

Larry Tact: Centurion did nothing but foolishly draw the ire of my compatriot here. He had better tread very carefully. People have yet to see how dangerous the Game Changers can even be – individually, and most certainly together. In tonight’s Main Event, you all will be treated to Serenity Holmes making her debut in Level Up. Your will be gifted a Champions’ Exhibition to satiate your gluttony for quality matches, as Level Up has fattened you up on. For Serenity, she’s coming into Game Changers territory. She thinks she can use her youth and grit to make it through, but the reality is, we hold the cards to her destiny tonight… and her health. She’s going to give it the old college try, but she’ll realize she’s not ready for the Advanced Ass Kicking class I host. It’s all the more reason why Level Up–

The lights cut off. The crowd murmurs trying to find out what is happening. Larry and the other Game Changers can be heard talking to each other trying to find out who interrupted their celebration, and just like that, “Carry On Wayward Son” starts blasting over the PA system. The crowd explodes with cheers. Once the guitar solo hits, the lights shoot back on and Eli Goode stands at the top of the entrance ramp. He has his ring gear and leather jacket on. In his right hand, he carries a crowbar and in his left hand, a microphone. Larry glares at Eli with all the anger a person could muster.

Larry Tact: Cut the music! CUT HIS MUSIC!

The music fades out as the crowd starts chanting, “ELI GOODE!” Eli smiles, staring down at Larry. ISAAC and Drake start exiting the ring, but Larry holds an arm out ahead of them. EAB whispers to Larry, trying to ease his seething. Larry takes a few deep breaths and looks back at Eli.

Larry Tact: Eli, what a coincidence. I’m a bit shocked that you’ve decided to come out after what happened at The Last of Us gauntlet. You remember? You called us out, and I cost you the match. I facilitated your loss firsthand. I–

Eli Goode: Oh my God, Larry, just shut the HELL UP! You’ve been going on and on and on about what you’ve done recently, and what you hope to accomplish in the future, but it’s so boring. I’m not seeing accomplished wrestlers. I’m seeing a circle-jerk right now, and the audience wants you to clean up and get out of the ring.

The crowd cheers as Larry’s face turns visibly red. EAB tries to calm him, but Larry steps around. Eli slightly chuckles.

Eli Goode: What’s wrong Larry? Am I getting you a bit angry? Your face is matching your title. Look, you can talk about all of your accomplishments all you want, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’ve been attacking every single person that’s opposed to you. I called you out when I had no backup. Some may call that a stupid decision, but I don’t care what people, like you, think. I heard you on LUSG. I’m just a small guy. Well, ask EAB how he felt when he lost to a small guy.

The crowd cheers as EAB shakes his head disagreeing with a true statement. Eli laughs and points at Drake and ISAAC.

Eli Goode: Ask those two morons how it felt losing, TWICE, to a small guy.

Drake and ISAAC start moving closer to the ropes, but EAB pulls them back. Eli lifts up the crowbar and points at Larry.

Eli Goode: Larry, you may have that Wand, but I have this crowbar to even the odds. I may be busy tonight, but maybe EXP 23, or EXP 24, or maybe Doom. Wherever The Developer decides to make it happen, I’m going to take this crowbar and treat you like Jason Todd.

Larry laughs and shakes his head. He looks back at Eli with a small smirk on his face.

Larry Tact: Speaking of boring, that comic story is as tired and old as your hopes of being a champion here. Eli, you can talk all you want about your victories, but guess who you haven't beaten? Me. Now, I've created a force for change, driven by our collective talent. What makes you think you can beat me all by yourself?

Eli nods and lowers the crowbar.

Eli Goode: You’re right. I haven’t beaten you, but tonight, after Brody and I win the Multiplayer Championship, you’re going to realize I’m not alone either. You’re going to see a different side of me. And, I’m not saying you have to put the title up for grabs. I could care less about taking that belt off of you. What I care about is humbling you. And I promise, when we meet in the ring again, one-on-one, you’re going to regret what you did at The Last of Us.

“Carry On Wayward Son” plays over the PA system, and Eli raises the crowbar above his head. Larry just keeps smirking back, holding up the Power title. He can’t be heard over his microphone, but the camera microphone picks up his voice.

Larry Tact: You, humble me?! Eli, you just signed the deed to your own Doom, courtesy of the Game Changers!

“Nasty” by Squirty Leflow makes its way through the PA system as Brody Adams now joins his multiplayer partner on the stage to a warm reception from the crowd. He turns to Eli, mic in hand.

Brody Adams: Real quick. I had ONE MORE name suggestion. The Really Goode Guys. It makes so much sense. Let me know what you think and get back to me.

Brody then turns to the ring to address The Game Changers.

Brody Adams: Well look at this big pile of crap.

He gestures at the group in the ring, the crowd encouraging the critique as Larry’s smirk melts into a look of disgust. Brody then motions to himself and Eli.

Brody Adams: Tonight WE beat ISAAC and Drake. Then the rest of you can get some. Just be patient. Everyone will get their turn.

Larry is ready to respond when the lights cut out again. We hear static from a mic slamming onto the ring mat. Even without it, Larry’s swearing is audible enough to be muted by Twitch until a voice calls out and cuts him off.

Paul Freedom: Okay, Atlanta, I think that’s enough time in the spotlight for these guys.

The PA plays the four quick clacks of drumsticks that signal the beginning of “Walking Is Still Honest” by Against Me! The live crowd reacts with scattered cheers and modest applause. Paul raises his voice slightly to talk over the music and the fans in attendance.

Paul Freedom: Um, I want to thank the production team for recognizing my voice and playing my music. You folks are great, and I really appreciate what you do here. I’m hoping that, over time, I can give you enough footage to put together one of those amazing entrance videos you do. In the meantime, what I meant to say, though, is that it’d be great if you could please bring the house lights back up. It’s really hard to see out here.

The arena lights cut in and reveal Paul Freedom standing at the top of the entrance ramp, framed by a black screen and holding a microphone as his theme music continues to play. He’s traded in his typical ring attire for street clothes that somewhat contrast with his spiked cheetah marking hair. He’s wearing a somewhat loose Vivid White pique polo with no visible logo and both buttons of the placket left open. His pants are Odessa work jeans from the Wrangler 20X collection, specifically in the vintage bootcut style known as No. 42. For footwear, it’s difficult to say for sure but he appears to be wearing his simple black wrestling boots. All in all, his wardrobe isn’t going to get him on any best-dressed lists, but he wears it with confidence.

Paul Freedom: Thanks! I just wanted to say- um, I don’t mean to be rude, but could you please turn off my music, too? It’s kind of hard to talk over and I’d prefer not to yell.

Once Paul’s done speaking, the music plays until the end of the current bar and abruptly stops.

Paul Freedom: Thanks again! So, as I was saying, I just wanted to say congratulations to the Game Changers for their performance at The Last Of Us!

The crowd’s light murmuring immediately transforms into passionate boos and jeering.

Paul Freedom: Okay, yeah, I get why that’s how you’re reacting, Level Up fans. I would appreciate it if you could please hear me out, but I also understand if you don’t. Like, sure, they may be mean, arrogant, and disrespectful to you, the very people who put food on their tables. They may downplay the achievements of others and make excuses for their own indiscretions. But hey, folks, those sure are some fancy belts, aren’t they?

Larry holds up the Power title, nodding emphatically while EAB keeps his hands securely around the Courage title. While the boos largely continue, they occur over an undercurrent of confused murmuring.

Paul Freedom: That reminds me, Level Up fans, I bought some new clothes before tonight’s show. Do you like them?

A lone fan near the entrance stage yells “You suck!” and Drake gets a kick out of that, pointing and laughing.

Paul Freedom: Well, I think they look good, but it’s okay if you don’t. I just appreciate the recognition you folks have given me. Nobody seemed to recognize me when I got them at the Walmart Supercenter over on MLK right here in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia–

The audience reflexively cheers for the mention of its hometown, then cuts itself off and returns to the frenzied babbling of a thousand people having hundreds of conversations at once.

Paul Freedom: Because it was the closest one to the Center Stage and I was in a hurry. In fact, I was in such a hurry that I forgot something important.

He lifts the hem of his shirt, exposing the low rise of his jeans and some of his midsection to a baffled response from those in attendance.

Paul Freedom: I forgot to get a belt. That’s what matters to wrestlers, right? Belts?

He lets his shirt fall back into position.

Paul Freedom: So I figured maybe I should see about getting one soon, Level Up fans. But as I understand it, unlike at the Walmart Supercenter, I’m not going to be able to just buy one. I guess I’ll have to earn it, and to do that I guess I’ll have to win. But which belt? I know I’m not at a stage of my game where I’m ready to face the Final Boss, and even if I had a partner the Multiplayer Champions have a different kind of accessory entirely, but there are three that make up the Tri-Force. I wonder which champion I would target? Now, Ahmya–

The Roundest Robin’s name gets a cacophonous response, ranging from outpourings of support for the Wisdom Champion to shouted threats to the impetuous upstart who dares to mention her name.

Paul Freedom: Is clearly off the table. That isn’t just because she’s popular with you folks here in Atlanta and those watching from home, though she is. Just mentioning her name got a well-deserved reaction that I hope someday I can earn as well. It isn’t just because she seems like a kind person, though she does. From almost everything I’ve seen, she’s brought a pleasantness to the ring that seems at odds with the unpleasant business of what we’re expected to do in said ring. It isn’t even just because of the way she wrestles, though it seems in tune with the Wisdom Division style. As those of you who saw me in The Last Of Us Part 2 may remember, my approach to things isn’t exactly, uh, deliberate and methodical.

He grins awkwardly and the crowd rewards him with a few moments of light chuckling and another scream of “You suck!” Larry slings the Power title over his shoulder and shakes his head while Drake and ISAAC pace around. EAB observes as things unfold.

Paul Freedom: It’s because that title is for the Wisdom Champion, the wrestler in Level Up who most embodies the ideal of that portion of the Tri-Force, and that just isn’t me. When I entered that gauntlet, the wise thing to do probably would have been to stay away from Amber Bane-Ryan and let her be someone else’s problem. I couldn’t do that. When Mac Bane got angry and hit me like a truck loaded up with bricks, the wise thing to do probably would have been to let my night end there and hope for better luck next year. I couldn’t do that. When the Game Changers came out tonight and tried to portray themselves as some dominant force with two champions who are exemplars of their divisions, the guys who embody their portions of the Tri-Force, the wise thing to do probably would have been to stay in the back and let them do their thing. And guess what, Level Up fans?

A momentary hush falls over the audience.

Paul Freedom: I couldn’t do that, either. In fact, when it came down to it, coming out here and saying what needs to be said was more valuable to me than any belt in my price range. I’m not just talking about the ones you can get at the Walmart Supercenter, either. The fact is, Level Up’s belts all represent something, or at least they’re meant to. Now, I’ve already mentioned that I’m as aware as anyone that I’m not ready to face the Final Boss, not yet, maybe not ever. I don’t know much, but I do know I don’t have the Wisdom to represent that division appropriately. Then how about the other two? Well, that’s tough to say. One option would be the Power Division, but at The Last Of Us, Larry Tact proved that he has Power.

Even at the compliment, Larry looks with disdain at Paul and the others on stage. Once again, there is an eruption of boos as this roller coaster of a segment continues.

Paul Freedom: He proved that he has the Power to shrug off the symptoms of the Green Disease… well, except for a sore throat, persistent bleeding, and general aches. He proved that he has the Power to put down the Masked German Monster single-handedly… well, so long as that single hand is wearing brass knuckles and being helped out by his associates. He proved that he has the Power to convince himself that the ends justify the means… well, unless he disagrees with the ends. Maybe someone will come along with the Power to stand against him, and his weapons, and his associates, and his manipulation, but I’ll be honest with you, Atlanta. I don’t think it’s going to be me. So what about the Courage Division?

The audience’s rumbling picks back up. Drake is quick to approach EAB and enthusiastically pat his back and talks up the fellow big man to the crowd. EAB chooses to remain calm and observe the stage.

Paul Freedom: Well, at The Last Of Us, I saw a man put on a display of everything I believe a Courage Champion should be. I’m talking about a man with the Courage to walk into that title match with his head held high even though some people said his way of wrestling had no place in that division. I’m talking about a man with the Courage to endure a trial by fire to prove his mettle. I’m talking about a man with the Courage not to give up, even bloodied and in need of medical attention. I saw it. You saw it. We all saw it, Level Up fans.

Paul has managed to draw more boos his way, but seems unfazed.

Paul Freedom: And then that man had his beard set on fire by EA Blizzard with a little help from Larry Tact.

There is some modest laughter.

Paul Freedom: Don’t get me wrong, folks. I’m not telling you I have what it takes to become Courage Champion. I’m not telling you that if I were to go head to head with EA Blizzard I would win. I’m not even telling you that I’ve earned my place in those kinds of matches. I’m just telling you that fans of Level Up, and especially of the Courage Division, deserve a champion they can point to with pride, and I would be honored if someday you folks are pointing my way. Until then, I’ll keep fighting wherever Level Up goes, whenever they’ll let me, against whomever they put me up against, and even if I’m not Powerful enough to win or Wise enough to have a plan, I’ll fight anyway. Until next time, Atlanta.

Paul and his microphone make their way backstage to a mixed reaction. A few moments later, Paul’s voice comes over the PA.

Paul Freedom: Oh, um, production folks? If you could, please turn the arena lights back off. You know how the Game Changers love their spotlights.

The arena lights begin to dim, but suddenly we see a scuffle in the ring! The lights come back on and it is Dionysus having left Drake rolling around on the outside! He gets on the apron and ISAAC comes roaring at him – Dionysus pulls the top rope down and ISAAC goes tumbling over and meeting Drake on the floor! He then goes back down to the floor and reaches up the ring to pull out a GAUNTLET and Singapore Cane! He puts on the gauntlet just as EAB grabs him and pulls him onto the apron… DIONYSUS SLUGS HIM WITH THE GAUNTLET!! EAB GOES DOWN TO THE MAT! Dionysus and Larry are locked in a stare down when suddenly ISAAC pulls Dionysus down to the floor. Dion lands on his feet and ducks a Clothesline from ISAAC. He brings the Singapore Cane squarely into ISAAC’s midsection to double him over. Dion with repeated Cane shots to the back! GAUNTLET SHOT TO THE FACE OF ISAAC SENDS HIM DOWN!! Larry reaches over to grab Dionysus and he takes a shot of the Singapore Cane to the head that sends him to a knee… ELI GOODE IS IN THE RING AND HITS THE GOODE DEAL ON TACT!! Dionysus was grabbed by Drake, who tried to wrestle the gauntlet off of him and took a Singapore Cane shot to the head, himself! ISAAC is back up and Dion ducks as Eli Goode FLIES INTO ISAAC AND DRAKE WITH A TOPE SUICIDA! Eli, Brody Adams, Drake, and ISAAC then begin brawling into the crowd. Dion remained crouched as this happened. When he stands back up we discover he was SETTING THE SINGAPORE CANE ON FIRE! He enters the ring and finds EAB getting up between Dion and Larry. The Lord of the Vine doesn’t hesitate to attack with the Cane! He leaves black marks on the midsection and back of Blizzard, forcing him out of the ring.

Tact drops the Power title and comes at Dionysus with the Wand. Dionysus sidesteps and Larry whirls back around… DIONYSUS USES THE SINGAPORE CANE TO BLOW A FIREBALL AT TACT! LARRY’S OWN HAIR CATCHES FIRE!!! EAB is back in the ring and smashes the Courage title into the back of Dionysus! Dion goes down and the ring crew uses fire extinguishers to put out the burning Cane and Tact's hair. Larry gets back up, wiping foam off his face, and looks at his hair to find burnt ends. His face contorts into a scowl but EAB is a step ahead. He yanks the big man Dion up and puts him in CRUNCH TIME!! Dion yells out in pain from the Bearhug as Larry shouts obscenities in his face. He then takes a couple steps back as EAB holds Dion snugly… LARRY HITS DIONYSUS WITH THE WAND! Dion's head rocks back from the blow but EAB keeps him in Crunch Time. Larry backs up again and HITS ANOTHER BLOW WITH THE WAND! Dionysus drops down to the mat as EAB releases him. Dion can't even clutch his back because he's prone on the mat.

Larry, meanwhile, has gone outside the ring. With EAB's help, they tear off the protective covers from the guard railing and push a section of it into the ring. EAB picks up a helpless Dionysus, who to his credit still attempts to punch weakly at the Courage Champion's midsection. EAB flashes his pearly whites at the ineffective strikes and drags Dion to his feet by the beard. INDUSTRY STANDARD ON THE GUARD RAILING!!! Dionysus is left with his arms splayed across the railing. Larry tells EAB to lift the guard railing, which Blizzard does only after delivering a swift kick to the ribs of Dion that propels him off with a grunt. Larry entangles Dion's arms and legs between the guard railing gaps… HE LOCKS IN THE TACTFUL SURRENDER!!! Dion is barely conscious… yet he is still audibly fighting and moving his limbs, even as his body is bent the wrong way against the cold steel. He remains that way until officials rush to the ring and pry Larry off of him. Tact and Blizzard retrieve their belts and the Wand before exiting the ring. At the top of the stage, they 'toast' their title hardware in celebration, even as EMTs rush by with a backboard to the ring, where Dionysus has yet to move.

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Victoria Salinas vs. Dude WaLuigi

The bell rings, and Salinas immediately charges at Dude Waluigi, who does the one intelligent thing he’s ever done in his life and jumps outside the ring. As the ref tries to push her back out of the corner, Dude starts taunting on the outside, confident that he’s avoided any sort of punishment. He doesn’t see Victoria slide out of the ring, though, and the realization that he’s still in danger doesn’t happen for a few seconds until Salinas simply drills him in the back of the head with a Busaiku knee! The impact sends Dude staggering forward, adding injury to further injury as he slams into the ring post face-first. Salinas doesn’t let up, grabbing Dude by the scruff of his neck and this time slamming him shoulder-first into the post. Dude staggers away from the impact, and scrambles back into the ring to escape harm, as Salinas returns to the ring with eyes never leaving her target.

Arthur La Forge: Salinas looks like she’s gotten some new determination since last week and is taking Dude Waluigi seriously. Not giving the so called “Leader” of the Waluigi World Order a moment to catch his breath.

Mary DeSue: Not surprising since he is the only Waluigi with a real win on his record. Also #BringBackSC4!

Salinas times it just right, and catches Dude turning around with a jumping yakuza kick, sending the would-be violet villain to the mat. Barely a moment later, she yanks hard on the left arm two…three…four times, doing further damage to the shoulder of Dude Waluigi while all the while moving him away from the ropes he was close to. After about a half-dozen further pulls—admittedly, the last three just to weaken her target that much more rather than for ring positioning—Victoria locks in Unbreakable Victory and Dude has no choice but to tap out in a hurry.

Mr. Rad: Here is your winnerrrrr…Victoria Salinas!

Salinas holds up her own arm instead of the referee doing it with her and gets out of the ring heading to the back. Dude Waluigi shakes his head for a moment trying to figure out what the hell just happened.

Arthur La Forge: What a great victory for Salinas to get her back on a roll after “The Last Of US”!

Mary DeSue: Atta Girl!

---

Riley Heart vs. WaLink

Unlike his counterpart a few moments ago, WaLink approaches his opponent a little more cautiously, not sure what to make of the newcomer to Level Up. That changes a moment later when Heart paintbrushes WaLink across the face with a right-handed slap!WaLink takes a step back, stunned at the temerity of this woman, and now charges in looking to bull rush her into the corner. A knee to the gut stops this, then a second and third follow before she snapmares him to the mat. WaLinkhops back up but can’t get any momentum as he walks right into a swinging neck breaker to send him down again. Riley is in total control here as Walink rolls outside for a moment to gather his thoughts and possibly any extra Rupees lying outside the ring.

Arthur La Forge: Riley Heart is giving WaLink a run for his money…err ruples…emm gill…what do we actually pay them in.

Mary DeSue: Do not start an IRS investigation Artie. Shut it!

The referee tries to keep Riley within the ropes, to no avail as she steps out onto the apron and then cannonballs into an unsuspecting Walink! Heart is quickly back up, giving the crowd no acknowledgement at all (mainly because the area she’s standing in front of is all women on the front row) as she hauls WaLink up by his tunic and throws him back into the ring, following moments later. WaLink stumbles into a roundhouse kick, that’s chained into a northern lights suplex! Strangely, Riley does not hold the impact for a cover, instead using the momentum to flip herself back onto her feet at the legs of Walink, in perfect position to lock in the Setting Sun! Stuck in the center of the ring, with no hope to make it to the ropes, WaLink is forced to tap!

Mr. Rad: Here is your winner, in her debut…Riley Heart

Arthur La Forge: Riley Heart pulling off her first match with a win over WaLink!

Mary DeSue: Good for her, but can she keep it up?

---


The lights go out. An electric guitar plays before a single word appears on the Jumbotron. “BUSTER”. Then another guitar riff and the word ”GLOVES”. The lights return to the arena and Buster Gloves emerges from the tunnel. Guile’s theme song from Street Fighter II is being shredded on the guitar and Buster Gloves burst from the tunnel full of energy.



Wearing dark blue jeans and a tight black shirt reading the words “Good Guy” is The Bull of the North, Buster Gloves. He’s not wearing his signature black leather gloves tonight. It appears he’s not ready for a fight. Normally full of energy, his steps seemed measured as he meanders down the ramp, clearly favoring the damage he suffered at The Last of Us.

He’s calls for a mic and is handed one before climbing the ring steps. The crowd gives him an overwhelming positive response and he takes a moment to soak in the love.

Buster signals to cut the music and begins to talk.

Buster Gloves: “Wow, quite a reception. Thank you, Atlanta. The southern hospitality is appreciated. You’ll may be happy to hear that I’m doing just fine since The Last of Us 2. Sure, I broke a couple ribs, but it was a good night for wrestling. Right?

The Gauntlet match at The Last of Us was one hell of a match, wouldn’t you say? I pinned a champion, Ahmya. One of our best. I was pinned by a rookie, Paul Freedom. One of our brightest. And I was betrayed by two of my closest friends, Emily Simms and Duncan Shepard. Two people who I held close to my heart, just to have them stab me right in the back.

Let’s be completely transparent. The bad guys won at The Last of Us. It was four hours of well-choreographed heel brutality with a brief moment of Ahmya-joy sandwiched in the middle. Larry Tact. EA Blizzard. Duncan Shepard. Joey Crash. They are the people representing our company now. And what does that say about us? Does it say that evil always wins? No. What it says is that we have way too many bad people taking shelter under our roof. It’s a den of vipers. Seriously. You can count on one hand, the number of good men and women we have left.

We’ve all known it was this way. It has been for a while. And I need to apologize, because they started to rub off on me. Before The Last of Us, I wasn’t acting like myself. I acted out of character. But if you want to swim with the sharks, you need to become a shark. I lashed out. I said horrible things. And I felt myself becoming something that I’m not, just for a taste of championship gold. I let the opportunity go to my head. Getting put through that time-keeper’s table and taken directly to a hospital gave me time to think about what I’ve done.

To Emily Simms, who kicked me in the balls at the worst possible time, I want to say, I forgive you. You did what you thought was the right thing to do. To Paul Freedom, who pinned an injured man in the ring, I forgive you too. You saw an opportunity and did what you thought was the right thing to do. And to Ahmya, who had already won the Wisdom Championship before the gauntlet match and took that spot away from another wrestler. I hope that we can forgive each other. You were being a fighting champion, and I respect that. You all have my respect. But respect isn’t enough.

I came out here today, because I just wanted to say that... it’s ok to be a good guy. I know that’s not a cool thing to say. Regardless of what the movies might tell you. The good guys don’t get the girls in the end. They don’t come out on top. They end up alone, abused, and unhappy. Because doing the right thing is the path of most resistance and it takes a lot more character to go that way than to bend the rules, and take shortcuts to meet your own selfish needs.

I'm here tonight to stand up for the rights of other good guys. The ones that still care about integrity. The ones that are willing to sacrifice for the greater good. All our lives, we've been laughed at and made to feel inferior for trying to do the right thing. We just want to be loved. And at The Last of Us, those bastards in the Game Changers, they trashed our house. Because it was clean and pretty, and they crave to degrade anything that isn’t as rotten and ugly as they are. They are aroused by our pain. They want us to be powerless. And at times, so do the fans.

Why? Because we're weak? Because we’re easy targets? Because we look different? Well, we're not. We’re more the same than we are different from you. We’re just much more self-aware. We’re harder on ourselves. We want to be perfect even though we know perfection is unattainable.

I’m a good guy, and… I’m pretty proud of it. I sleep very well at night. Even when my body hurts, and my teeth are loose. Because I’m proud of the work I do and what it means. I stand by the decisions I’ve made. And I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong. I’m not smart enough to live a lie.

I think some of you in this crowd, some of you watching at home are good guys too. Maybe you’ve known it for a long time. Maybe you’re just finding out. Doesn’t matter. You, me, all of us, we’re in this together. And we have news for the bad guys.

To all the cheaters, and bullies, and thieves at Level Up. To all the morally corrupt people in the world. Listen up. Your dominance and arrogance won’t last forever. There are a lot more of us than there are of you.

To anybody listening that has ever felt stepped on… left out… picked on… put down… Whether you think you’re a good guy or not. If you want the humiliation and punishment to end. Why don’t you come and join me in my cause? Just raise your hand, say the words, ask for help, because you can’t do it alone. No one's really gonna be free in this company until we correct the injustices that are happening.

You know, it’s time for the good guys to rise up in this company while the bad guys brood in their house of lies. It’s time for us to shine for a while. During the next few weeks, I’m putting together a group of wrestlers. Because when the virtues of truth and love and courage fight alone, they fail. It’s only when they fight under the same banner that they can gain an advantage. It’s time for the good guys to gain the advantage.”

With that, Buster soaks in the cheers of an approving crowd as we cut to black for an ad break.


Arthur La Forge: Strong words from Buster Gloves! Calling out all the “bad folks” here in Level Up Wrestling. He’s putting them on notice.

Mary DeSue: He’s just whining because he lost and he got played. Boo f’n Hoo.

---

Jason Ryan vs. Chelsea Skye

DING! DING! DING!

Almost milliseconds after the bell rings Ryan and Skye charge at each other and just starting beating the ever loving hell out of each other with rights and lefts. Ryan gets a bit of headway after a while by ducking a shot from Skye. Skye turns and Ryan takes her to the mat with a short armed clothesline. He starts stomping away at the "Nightmare Angel" right in the ribs. He grabs Skye and drags her over to the ropes, placing her right leg on the bottom rope. Ryan actually goes up to the second turnbuckle closest to Skye and he leaps off. PINPOINT ELBOW TO THE KNEE OF SKYE! Skye is grabbing her leg as Ryan starts talking trash down to her as Referee Pliskin tells him to back off. Ryan responds by grabbing Skye's right leg and dropping another elbow into her right knee! Ryan picks up Skye and tosses her into the ropes...SPINEBUSTER!!

Arthur La Forge: What a power move from Jason Ryan! "The Dreamkiller" is definitely trying to make an impression tonight.

Mary DeSue: Yeah, and it looks like Chelsea's face is gonna be what he uses to make that impression.

"The Dreamkiller" gets up and slams his fist into his chest a few times and mouths to the camera as he picks up Skye and gets behind her. One German Suplex...TWO German Suplexes...THREE ROLLING GERMAN SUPLEXES IN A ROW! Ryan gets up and starts talking trash as Skye crawls over to the ropes and pulls herself up. Ryan charges forward going for a superkick, but Skye pulls the top rope down and Ryan gets hung on the top rope. Skye rolls on the mat and gets back up. She charges forward as Ryan gets off of the ropes...SPEAR! Both wrestlers are down!

Arthur La Forge: Smart thinking and a quick Spear gets Skye back in the game.

Mary DeSue: At this point if this were a game I'd put in a cheat code.

Arthur La Forge: Doesn't that ruin your streamer cred?

Mary DeSue: Look at me. Does it look like my audience watches me to "git gud"?

Skye gets up and tries to work out some of the stiffness from the pain of the shots inflicted on her right knee as Ryan gets up and charges at her. Drop toe hold and...SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB! Ryan starts using his arms to try to crawl to the ropes and Skye, due to the attacks on her knee, can't really get her footing till Ryan grabs the ropes. Skye isn't putting up with this. She goes up top before Ryan can stand. Top Rope Hurricanrana sends Jason Ryan down to the mat! Skye takes a few moments to get up, still struggling a bit with her knee. Ryan gets up, shaking off the cobwebs. Skye goes for a flying clothesline but..."PINK EYE"! SUPERKICK TO THE EYE BY RYAN!

Arthur La Forge: That marksman like superkick is a thing to behold.

Mary DeSue: And a thing to avoid!

Ryan gets up and grabs Skye. He goes to set her up for "Dreamkiller" but Skye blocks it. He tries to go again and Skye drops like a sack of potatoes. Ryan reaches down...JAWBREAKER! Skye leaps up, holding her knee, and climbs the turnbuckle…"Skye's The Limit"! Cover!!!

One...

Two...

THREE!!

DING! DING! DING!

Ryan kicks out just right after as Referee Pliskin tells him that it's a three!

Mr. Rad: Here is your winner..."Nightmare Angel" Chelsea Skye!

Arthur La Forge: Skye gets an impressive win...Look out!

Skye rolls out of the ring quickly as Ryan keeps yelling at her that that was a quick count. Referee Pliskin tells him to calm down and Ryan says "Okay...I'm calm"...KICK TO THE GUT..."PERCULATOR"!! Ryan drops the ref and starts heading towards the back, looking damn pissed off!

Mary DeSue: DAMN! That'll teach Pliskin to stick his nose into stuff won't it!

Arthur La Forge: Someone's gonna get fined or worse for that. It just got personal up in here!

Mary DeSue: That's still a good catchphrase for you.

---

Diamond Steele vs. Paul Freedom

DING! DING! DING!

Paul Freedom and Diamond Steele circle each other for a moment. Freedom reaches forward and holds out a hand to Steele. Steele looks to the crowd for a response and they cheer out as she and Freedom shake hands before locking up and Steele takes down Freedom with a legsweep! Freedom grabs the back of his head, still sore from TLOU 2, as Steele picks Freedom up. Brainbuster! She picks up Freedom again and sets him up for a German Suplex where he lands square on his neck!

Arthur La Forge: Diamond Steele is going for that injured neck and head area of Paul Freedom!

Mary DeSue: Well…she’s not gonna damage anything.

Freedom rolls out of the ring trying to shake the cobwebs out, but Steele follows by heading to the ropes and coming off with a suicide dive, but Freedom actually falls down avoiding it at Steele slams into the barricade! The referee, Kirby, starts making his count...

One...

Two...

Three...

Freedom breaks up the count by sliding in and then going over to grab Steele and slide her in under the bottom rope. Freedom goes to the top rope and comes off with a moonsault onto the downed Steele!

Cover...

One...

Tw...NO! Kickout by Steele

Arthur La Forge: It’ll take more than that to put away Diamond Steele!

Mary DeSue: Does he have anything else? I’ve seen better wrestling on 8-bit

Freedom isn't frustrated as he gets up and does a picture perfect kick to the face of Steele sending her back down onto the mat. He picks up Steele and puts her into a side headlock and quickly hits a running bulldog. Freedom points to the turnbuckle post and suddenly a strange chant starts by the fans...

Fans: "USA! USA! USA!

Arthur La Forge: The fans want the USA Drop!

Mary DeSue: The fans also want my top to come off, but they aint gonna see that here.

Freedom decides to listen to the crowd and picks up Steele into a fireman's carry. He shakingly gets up to the top turnbuckle and with a bit of a wobbly start hits the "USA DROP" into the center of the ring...hitting his own head on the fall!

Mary DeSue: Is it too late to get him lessons with the rest of the rookies?

After hitting the USA Drop, Freedom puts his hand weakly over Steele...

ONE...

TWO...

THREE!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Mr. Rad: Here is your winner PAUL FREEDOMMMM!!!

Paul Freedom acts like he's just won the world title trying to celebrate, but then grabs his head and starts to get out of the ring. Thinking, for once, it's better to go get checked out.

Arthur La Forge: Well…A win is a win. Score one for the good guys.

Mary DeSue: And you wonder why I pull for the other side.

---

Joey Crash vs. Guy Manson

The match begins with Guy Manson grinning at Joey Crash from his spot in the ring. Referee Iroquois Pliskin doesn't even bother asking them to shake hands to avoid any potential weirdness. The bell rings and as it does, Manson comes charging at the Final Boss Champion, similar to how he did against Ziggy Morgan. However, Crash will have none of it and immediately flattens him with a hard lariat, knocking Manson to the canvas almost instantly. He then picks Manson up and begins to lay in punch after punch, not giving his opponent a chance to do much of anything.

Arthur La Forge: Joey Crash might have ended one career and it looks like he's going for two.

Mary DeSue: Look, I know everybody's all sad about Bert and everything I don't think anything of value has been lost!

Arthur La Forge: That's disgusting.

Crash hits another right hand that knocks Manson down to the mat. He then picks him up, grabbing the hair as he does so and ignoring the referee's count, only to whip around and hit Manson with a spinning backfist! Manson again is knocked back down and Crash covers.

ONE!

TWO!

THR--Manson kicks out this time!

Arthur La Forge: Well, look who finally learned what kickouts are.

Mary DeSue: And the one time he really should have stayed down. Our champion has a point to prove here, Artie.

Crash hits Manson with a kick to the ribs and picks him up again before hitting another signature, an Armtrap Neckrbreaker! After spiking Manson hard on his head, Crash covers again.

ONE!

TWO!

Th--Manson kicks out again!

Arthur La Forge: Maybe now he needs to learn when to stay down.

Mary DeSue: Or Crash just needs to make him stay down. Which I'm fine with, by the way.

Crash allows Manson to get to his feet on his own before he hits him with a right hand to knock him back down. He then picks him up, hooks the leg and hits the THUNDER CRASH! The fisherman's buster drops Manson right on his head. Crash rolls his eyes at the odd Guy and covers.

One!

Two!

Thre--MANSON AGAIN KICKS OUT.

Arthur La Forge: Okay, this is absurd.

Mary DeSue: Crash doesn't get paid by the hour and I think all these kickouts are just making him angry.

Crash gets to his feet and walks over to the turnbuckle, immediately loosening the pad. Referee Crash Cortex, unfortunately named the same as one of the wrestlers, runs over to stop him. Joey lets Cortex put the turnbuckle back, and as he does, Crash reaches into his tights and pulls out a pair of brass knuckles.

Arthur La Forge: Oh come on, is that necessary?

Mary DeSue: If Guy doesn't want to stay down, Crash is going to put him down!

As the referee fixes the turnbuckle pad, Crash moves over to the prone Manson to pick up him for the Loaded Glove...but Manson raises a leg and kicks Crash with a low blow! Crash clutches at himself and Manson slithers up to his feet, staring at Crash and tilting his head. Once he gets the chance (as the referee is still occupied), he blatantly reaches out and pokes the eye of Crash! Crash turns around in pain and Guy takes advantage with a back rake! He then grabs the back of Crash and hits a headbutt, before dropping down with a roll-up! AND THE TIGHTS! The referee turns around and sees the pinfall!

ONE!

TWO!

NO! Crash gets up immediately!

Arthur La Forge: I think the rollup was the only legal move Guy Manson used!

Mary DeSue: That was a master class in cheating...and I don't even know if he knows he was cheating.

Crash is still trying to see and walk straight, and that allows Manson to kick him right in the kneecap. Crash begins to hobble and Manson hits a throat punch! Crash goes down! But Guy doesn't cover right away, instead, grabbing the Final Boss Champion and pulling him toward the turnbuckles. He climbs up to the bottom one and then leaps off with a Vader Bomb from the bottom rope! But once again, Manson doesn't cover...he instead gets up and goes over to the referee, asking him if he saw what just happened.

Mary DeSue: This guy's an idiot.

Arthur La Forge: And somehow very dangerous.

With Guy Manson distracting himself, Crash takes an opportunity for a breather and rolls outside of the ring. Manson turns around and seeing Crash escaping, he runs out to follow. He runs all the way around the ring and Crash turns around right into a STAR PUNCH! The rising uppercut connects flush and Crash drops to his knees and then falls on his back. Manson, seeing an opportunity, immediately climbs up to the apron....and then the top rope!

Arthur La Forge: What.

Mary DeSue: He doesn't know he's gotta pin him in the ring!

Arthur La Forge: He's about to kill our champion!

Guy Manson LEAPS OFF THE TOP TO THE FLOOR WITH THE DEATH STAR......AND CRASH ROLLS UNDER THE RING TO ESCAPE IT! Manson hits the floor with a loud SPLAT and doesn't appear to be moving. Crash slides out, points at his head to indicate intelligence, then slides back into the ring. He demands that the referee count and Referee Cortex does he's told.

One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

Seven!

Eight!

Nine!

Guy still isn't moving....TEN!

Mr. Rad: Here is your winner as a result of a countout...the FINAL BOSS CHAMPION, JOEY CRASH.

Arthur La Forge: Are we sure Guy Manson isn't dead?

Mary DeSue: Are we sure we care?

Arthur La Forge: He's creepy but no, I don't want to witness a death at a wrestling show.

Crash is in the ring, irritated by getting Guy as an opponent, but gets up and accepts the victory. Manson is finally moving, somewhat, on the outside, mainly attempting to roll onto his back with little success. Crash rolls outside and looks at him...he slips the brass knuckles on his hand....but shakes his head. He collects his championship belt from the referee and goes backstage.

Arthur La Forge: Well, I don't know what to make of that, but it seems Joey Crash has granted mercy to Guy Manson.

Mary DeSue: Maybe he appreciated Guy's ability to cheat.

EMTs rush out to attend to Manson...who suddenly pushes himself up and pops up to his feet. Even though his face is swelling up and a lump has formed on his forehead, he's smiling. He tries to take a step forward, but his legs go wobbly beneath him and he falls backward into the arms of the medical personnel, who drag him backstage.


---

Kat Jones vs. Duncan Shepard

The crowd is firmly behind Duncan Shepard as the match kicks off, and he soon gains the upper hand, overwhelming Kat Jones with his superior striking ability. Kat manages to latch onto his arm and apply a wristlock, but Shepard immediately fights out of it, pulling her to him and sending her head over heels with a belly-to-belly suplex! She staggers back to her feet only to stumble right into another suplex from Shepard, this time a German! Kat looks to have her bell rung for that one, she’s slow to her feet after being dropped directly on her head. Shepard capitalizes, bouncing off the ropes and clobbering her with a clothesline that spins her inside and out! Cover!

ONE

TWO

Jones kicks out.

Arthur La Forge: Not enough to put Jones away this quickly!

Mary DeSue: Well what do you expect from this soon to be choke artist.

The Commander applies a sitting chin-lock, wrenching Kat’s neck back up against his knee. Slowly but surely the WildKat proves her resolve and battles back to a standing base. Duncan transitions to a hammer lock, and then to a side headlock, showing off his technical prowess! Kat shoots Shepard off the ropes, on the rebound Duncan ducks under a clothesline, bounces a second time and DRILLS HER WITH A BIOTIC CHARGE! Instead of going for the cover he decides to inflict some more punishment on Kat. He pulls her up by the hair and applies the NEURAL SHOCK! Shepard works the standing dragon sleeper as Kat flails around. Unfortunately for her the grip of Duncan is too overwhelming, and she begins to fade! Like a shark smelling blood, Shepard pounces, drilling her with OVERLOAD! Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-NO!

Jones just manages to get a shoulder up, BUT SHEPARD TRAPS HER IN THE BEST LOCK IN THE CITADEL!

Arthur La Forge: That Koji Clutch is locked in tight and Kat has no where to go!

Mary DeSue: Yes, she does! The back!

Smack-bang in the middle of the ring with the 246-pounder choking the air out of her lungs with a koji clutch, things look bad for Kat Jones! Her hand hovers above the mat, threatening to concede a very one-sided affair. But instead the open palm turns into a fist, trying to rally! She tries to inch towards the ropes, but can’t quite grab it with her hand…BUT SHE CAN REACH WITH HER FOOT! Ref Crash forces Duncan to break the hold, finally freeing Kat. Shepard though doesn’t lose focus, instead he begins stalking Kat, looking for another spear. Jones finally makes it to her feet, and turns around … BIOTIC SHOCK…TO THE REF?! At the last moment Kat moves out of the way and Duncan accidentally spears Ref Crash! Stunned, Duncan stands up, then turns around right into DICK KICK CITY! She follows it up with FREAKED OUT! Kat is slow to make the cover, but just as she does a new ref charges out from the back! She slides into the ring and makes the count!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-NO!

Shepard kicks out!

Arthur La Forge: So close, yet so far away. That win was just in the grasp of Kat Jones!

Mary DeSue: Yeah, but it slipped right thru her fingers.

Kat can’t believe she didn’t get the three count, but Ref Pliskin holds up two fingers! Shepard is still clutching his groin after that brutal testicular assault, and Kat turns her attention back to him. She grabs his legs and nails a few stomps that land just above the previously affected area, drawing a caution from Ref Pliskin. Kat steps through and hooks Shepard’s legs, turning him around into a Texas Cloverfleaf! Shepard grunts in pain as Kat steps back, putting further pressure on his ankles. Duncan starts crawling towards the ropes, his size allowing him to drag Kat along. Instead of trying to keep the hold locked in, she briefly breaks it to stomp on Shepard’s back! Then she pulls him back to the centre of the ring, and re-applies the Texas Cloverleaf … but this time she reaches forward and pulls back Shepard’s arms, LOCKING IN THE PTO!!

Arthur La Forge: PTO! PEEE TEEE OHHHHHH!!!

Mary DeSue: What does the Parents have to do with…ohhh the finisher move.

Kat wrenches back on Shepard’s arms, trying to force an immediate tap out! His hand hovers above her thigh…but he doesn’t tap! Instead he grits his teeth and holds on, despite his body being ridiculously contorted. As much as Kat wants to keep the hold locked in, the enormous stress it places on the rest of her body proves too much, and she eventually loses her grip on Shepard’s arms and drops him to the mat. Taking the chance to escape, Duncan rolls to his back and kicks Kat off of him. Shepard gingerly gets back to his feet and Kat charges at him, but catches a KROGAN HANDSHAKE FOR HER TROUBLES! Kat stumbles back, then Duncan hits her with a kick to the gut … REAPER’S BANE! Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!

DING DING DING!

Mr Rad: Here is your winner … DUNCANNNN SHEPPPARDDD!

Kat Jones rolls out of the ring as Duncan’s music starts to play. He stands triumphant in the middle of the ring briefly then walks to the ropes and asks for a microphone.

Arthur La Forge: Looks like our top contender has something to say.

Mary DeSue: Really? What gave you that idea?

Duncan’s music fades down and the Commander returns to the center of the ring.

Duncan Shepard: Joey Crash. Just like I broke the cycle of Reapers harvesting all advanced organic life in the galaxy I just broke the cycle of mediocre title challengers losing right after they’ve earned their shot too. The other part of this cycle though, I’m going to make sure happens, the part where you’re a one a done champion. Enjoy that belt while you have it Crash because at Doom, I’m going to rip you apart and tear that title right out of your hands.

Commander Shepard starts to play again and Duncan rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope and heads back up the ramp.

---

EA Blizzard vs. Ahmya

EA Blizzard and Ahmya are standing in the ring, waiting for the bell to ring. Suddenly, the visage of Mr. Rad appears on the tron.

Mr. Rad: Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that after the attack from the Game Changers, Dionysus will be UNABLE to compete tonight! Therefore, this match is now a solo contest!

EA Blizzard can barely hold back his grin, as the camera catches him saying, ‘that’s a shame. The bell rings and Ahmya immediately seeks to wipe the smile off the face of EAB with a pump kick to the face! The move staggers Blizzard, and the Roundest Robin bounces off the ropes for another attack, only to get caught with a LARIAT from the Courage Champion! He then lifts Ahmya to her feet and hits a large forearm to the face, before throwing her into the ropes. However, the Wisdom champion uses some of that wisdom and stops herself from bouncing off by grabbing the top rope! EAB turns around and sees she's not coming back, so he charges at her. Ahmya pulls down the top rope and EAB goes flying over the top to the apron! The Wisdom Champion then leaps up to the middle turnbuckle and leaps off with a dropkick to EAB, knocking him down to the floor!

Arthur La Forge: It seems Ahmya is not at all happy with the Game Changers for what they did to Dionysus! Or Sidroy Covington! Or anyone else!

Mary DeSue: She should mind her own business before ends up the same way!

Ahmya then climbs out onto the apron and leaps over the grip of EAB, before hitting him with a kick that stuns him and diving off with a Meteora! She gets up, holding her knees, but as she sees EAB also getting him, she hits another kick to the head for good measure. She tries to recover, as does Blizzard, who uses the skirt of the ring apron to pull himself to his feet. The Roundest Robin won't let him and immediately hits him with a chest kick! EAB tries to create some distance, but she screams at him, turns him around and hits another chest kick!

Arthur La Forge: I don't think we've ever seen Ahmya like this!

Mary DeSue: Somebody woke something up in her, maybe it was the Game Changers? They're so inspiring!

Arthur La Forge: They're something, alright.

She climbs up onto the apron, runs off for another meteora, but EA BLIZZARD CATCHES HER....POWER BOMB ON THE RING APRON! In a scene reminiscent of earlier, Ahmya's body looks bent in half on the edge of the apron before she slips off and falls to the floor.

Arthur La Forge: Oh...oh no.

Mary DeSue: Good! She should stay out of Game Changer business! Go join her husband on the shelf!

Arthur La Forge: This is not good, Mary! Hopefully she's okay!

EAB rolls Ahmya into the ring, ignoring the referee's wishes to check on her, and goes inside himself. It seems he thinks the pin is now academic, but suddenly Ahmya reaches up and hits a hard slap to Blizzard before falling back to the mat! Blizzard actually stares down at her for a moment, not believing what he's seeing. She starts to push herself up, screaming at him, and EAB responds with a HARD BOOT TO THE CHEST that sends his smaller opponent sprawling across the ring. Blizzard then scoops Ahmya up and tosses her behind him with a fallaway slam!

Arthur La Forge: This is going to get hard to watch. After that powerbomb, it looks like EAB is gonna try to break her back.

Mary DeSue: It's about time people start taking the Game Changers seriously. Who else do they have to beat? They have two titles. They took out former champions. It's time to show them respect!

Arthur La Forge: Or maybe they should stop being such [BLEEP]ers.

Mary DeSue: ARTIE!

Ahmya pushes herself up the corner and EAB immediately turns her around before hitting a series of shoulder thrusts to the lower back. He then scoops her up on his shoulders and simply lets go, allowing her to fall straight down on the back. Blizzard reaches down again, starts to drag Ahmya up, but she fires up again and hits a shotei palm strike! Blizzard takes a step back and Ahmya follows up with a discus forearm! She runs off the ropes, attempts to strike Blizzard, who responds with a shoulder block that sends Ahmya flipping through the air and landing in a heap on the mat! Blizzard, angry that she dared to fight back, immediately drops down and apply a choke!

Arthur La Forge: Oh come on! That's not necessary!

Mary DeSue: She should stay down! She's hurt. Stay down and go get help.

Arthur La Forge: Ahmya is not gonna back down and you know that.

Mary DeSue: And that's why she's being choked.

The referee admonishes EAB, who finally lets go to avoid being DQ'd. Ahmya takes advantage of the distraction and tries to hit a kick, but Blizzard catches her foot and pulls her out of the ropes, allowing her to fall hard on her back. He then grabs her by the face with a fishhook and pulls her to her feet, before picking her up for another fallaway slam. Ahmya starts hitting elbows to try and get him to let go, so he instead hits a pendulum backbreaker...and holds on, flinging her backward and across the ring with another fallaway slam! However he decides again, not to go for the pinfall.

Arthur La Forge: Blizzard knows he's hurt Ahmya and I think he's avoiding covers to keep hurting her.

Mary DeSue: That's slander! He should sue you!

Arthur La Forge: Why else would a man that never flies join the Courage division? He's a bully and wants to hurt people!

With Ahmya in the corner, struggling just to stand, EAB runs and actually leaves his feet, leaping in the air to hit a splash in the corner. He takes a step back, smiles at the booing crowd and runs on for another, only for Ahmya to jump up and out through the middle ropes! EAB crashes into the turnbuckle and Ahmya adds a gamengiri! Blizzard staggers backward and the Roundest Robin climbs to the top, leaping off with a hurricanrana! The move sends EAB stumbling and he is flung into the middle rope, where he's draped. Ahmya runs off the ropes and lands a 619! Blizzard is down! Ahmya begins climbing to the top!

Arthur La Forge: Blizzard waited too long to pin and Ahmya might be able to take him out!

Mary DeSue: How?! WHY?!

Ahmya jumps off for HAIL'S BLESSING...but EAB moves out of the way! Ahmya lands on her feet and rolls through, slowly getting back up. Blizzard immediately grabs her by the hair and yanks her down backfirst across his knee! He then grabs her by the throat...THE INDUSTRY STANDARD! Cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Mr. Rad: HERE is your winner...EA BLIZZARD!

Arthur La Forge: He may not have needed the illegal hair pull, but of course EAB is nothing more than a bully.

Mary DeSue: More slander. SMH.

Arthur La Forge: That doesn't really work when spoken.

Blizzard stands over the fallen Wisdom champion and has his hand raised, before grabbing his Courage title and going to the back.


---

Don Tirri & Donny Mason vs. The Game Changers vs. Eli Goode & Brody Adams

The match kicks off with Donny Mason squaring off against Drake Wilcox, with Eli and Brody watching on from the apron. There’s an uneasiness between Goode and Adams, the two having clashed with one another in recent weeks, and they keep their distance from one another. Mason and Wilcox stare one another down in the middle of the ring, trading words back and forth. Wilcox, having enough of the jawing, shoves Mason, who comes back immediately, grabbing Drake by the head and flinging him into the turnbuckle. He lays into him with a few stiff punches before whipping him to the Tirri corner. He charges in and spears him into the turnbuckle! As Mason lays into Drake with shoulder charges, Tirri tags himself in! Los Tirris whip Wilcox off the ropes…DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Cover!

ONE!

Wilcox kicks out.

Arthur La Forge: It’ll take more than that to take out Drake Wilcox!

Mary DeSue: But that double spinebuster did shake the ring. Woof!

Watching on a large monitor backstage is The Bull of the North, Buster Gloves. He’s surrounded by several young athletes wearing t-shirts for Champions Advantage Performance Center, the wrestling gym where Buster Gloves is the Head Submission Coach. The group of students includes Cassie Wolf, Jessica Anderson, Brittany Bond, Daniel Wolf, Jaxton Matthews. The most recognizable is the face of Level Up rookie, Riley Heart, looking a little spent after her match earlier in the night. She stands immediately to Buster’s right as the action continues in the ring. Buster makes a comment to her and she giggles, but the comment can’t be picked up by the mic. Other students grunt and cheer as the action continues in the ring.

Arthur La Forge: Some of the new recruits are watching and taking notes with Coach Gloves it looks like.

Mary DeSue: Watch and learn losers! YO! THICC TIRRI!! SHOW ‘EM HOW IT’S DONE!

Stunned that the double team didn’t put the big man down for more than a one count, Tirri keeps on him, clubbing him with blows to the back. Leaning back, Tirri slaps Drake across the chest with a knife-edge chop! Wilcox seems barely phased however, rather than being hurt, he just seems angrier! Tirri tries another chop, the crowd WOOOing along with it, but the big man just stares at him, eyes bulging! Tirri, not wanting to be on the end of a Faction beatdown, instead tags in Brody Adams. He yells “you deal with it!” then backs away to the corner with his son.

Mary DeSue: Get going Big Boy!

Arthur La Forge: LOOK OUT BRODY!

Brody doesn’t have a chance to get into the ring himself, as he’s instead hauled over the top rope by Wilcox. Drake stomps on Brody, then grabs the ropes and chokes him out with his huge boot! He breaks the choke at the 5 count of Ref Kirby, then tags in ISAAC. Drake pulls Adams up into a full nelson, and lets ISAAC tee off on him! ISAAC connects some punches to the gut, and Wilcox follows it up, DUMPING HIM ON HIS HEAD WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! ISAAC bounces off the ropes, then leaps into the air, connecting with a seated senton! The impact of the 285-pounder landing directly on his stomach drives the oxygen out of Brody’s lungs, and he starts choking! ISAAC hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

Brody kicks out.

Arthur La Forge: It Brody Adams had not found the intestinal fortitude to get out of that pin this match would have went for “The Game Changers” getting another title.

Mary DeSue: Not from my two Thicc Theives!

The Tirris were about to interfere to save their championships, but paused only halfway into the ring as Adams managed to kick out. ISAAC sees this, and beckons them to get into the ring, but they slowly retreat back to the apron. He turns back to Brody, pulling him up by the hair. Adams tries to fight back, slogging ISAAC in the stomach with some elbows, but the brute sends him back to his knees with a clubbing right hand! He sinches in a rear waist-lock then sends Brody headfirst into the canvas with a German suplex! ISAAC keeps his hands locked around Adams’ waist, and rolls through, hitting with another German! He rolls through once again, looking to complete the trifecta, but Brody resits. He stomps on ISAAC’s foot, trying to avoid being dumped on his head again. He grasps at ISAAC’s arms, but can‘t loosen them from around his waist…ENZIGURI BY GOODE! Adams ducks at the last second as his partner saves him with the perfectly executed kick. This staggers ISAAC and breaks his grip, allowing Adams to capitalize, hauling the big man up and over with a T-BONE SUPLEX! Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

ISAAC kicks out.

Arthur La Forge: Brody almost got ISSAC from that T-Bone!

Mary DeSue: Phew! My boys still got their gloves.

Backstage, Buster and the CAPC students cheer as Brody Adams and Eli Goode look like they are finally starting to gain the upper hand. Buster has a huge smile on his face as he claps. One of the female students (Brittany Bond) jumps forward as Brody Adams lands a big move and Riley Heart shoves her to the side, accidentally bumping into Buster Gloves before touching his arm to apologize. Buster dismisses the infraction and stays focused on the match, as Brittany Bond gets back up from the floor.

Arthur La Forge: Seems like Buster is pulling for Goode and Adams.

Mary DeSue: STOP DISTRACTING ME! COME ON TEAM THICCNESS!!

Eli, back on the apron, calls for Adams to tag him in. Brody is almost completely exhausted after taking two German’s right on the head, but he slowly makes his way over to Goode. He reaches out and…IS GRABBED FROM BEHIND BY DON TIRRI! Tirri, who managed to tag himself in before Adams, pulls him by the leg back to the middle of the ring. He drops the leg then slams him to the mat with a savage clothesline that even makes Eli wince! Tirri stomps on Adams’ previously damaged stomach, then lifts him up and drives his knee right into his spine with a devastating backbreaker! But he’s not done! Tirri lifts Brody up and flings him across the ring with SACK OF SHIT! Don is about to tag in Donny when he’s suddenly dragged out of the ring by The Faction!

Arthur La Forge: Tag denied!

Mary DeSue: Look at all the beef!

They start beating down “Old School Cool” on the outside, but they’re soon joined by Donny who makes the save! The four big men are trading shots outside the ring, and they don’t see Eli Goode making his way to the top rope! Goode leaps off and connects with a moonsault, taking out The Faction! Los Tirris, who managed to avoid the moonsault, start stomping on all three men. But that means they take their eyes off the ring, where Brody Adams is! ADAMS CHARGES AND LEAPS OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A FLYING SENTON! Adams takes out father and son and lands on his feet! He raises his fists in front of the crowd who are going wild after that series of moves! Adams rolls Don Tirri back into the ring and covers him.

ONE!

TWO!

Tirri gets a shoulder up.

Arthur La Forge: Almost! So…F’n…Close!

Mary DeSue: You can’t keep a THICC man down! No no no no!

Goode is back on the apron, and Adams finally manages to tag him in! Goode is a house of fire when he comes in, dropping Tirri with consecutive forearms before landing a clean cannonball dropkick to knock him to the mat! Eli charges to The Faction’s corner and sends ISAAC to the floor with a clothesline! Wilcox swings at him but he ducks, pele kick knocking him off the apron! Eli turns back to face Tirri , who is on his knees in the centre of the ring. Goode pulls down his knee pad then charges forward, GOODE DEAL…NO! DONNY BLINDSIDES HIM WITH A BIG BOOT TO SAVE HIS FATHER!

Arthur La Forge: Boot to the face to save Tirri from “The Goode Deal”!

Mary DeSue: That’s what teamwork is all about Artie. Take notes backstage ya rookie rejects!

Donny stands up, but is immediately hit with a BRODYLINE FROM BEHIND! The discus lariat nearly decapitates him! Adams and Eli then grab Mason together, and send him flying through the middle rope and onto Drake and ISAAC on the outside. As they turn around, Tirri tries to clobber them both with a double clothesline, but they duck it, run to the opposite ropes, and take him out with stereo spinning heel kicks! Ref Kirby finally shoos Adams out of the ring, but Eli is already up to the top rope, FROG SPLASH! Adams acts as an enforcer on the apron, trying to keep The Faction from interfering. Eli lifts Tirri up into a fireman’s carry…GOODE BYE! Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

Mr Rad: Here are your winners...ANNNND NEW! LEVEL UP MULTIPLAYER CHAMPIONS…ELIIII GOODE AND BRRRROOODY ADAMS!!

Arthur La Forge: NEW MULTIPLAYER CHAMPIO…Mary…Mary…You need to breathe Mary…

Mary DeSue: YOU [BLEEP]ING SONS OF [BLEEP]ING UGLY A[BLEEP] ( Mary keeps mouthing but TWITCH has blocked the audio because it is so bad you’re seeing Artie blush deep red.)

Eli clutches the Multiplayer gauntlet in his hands, and looks up at Brody with wild eyes. Adams, similarly thrilled, puts his gauntlet on and raises it in the air! Goode slips his on and puts his fist out for a fist bump. Adams accepts, and the two celebrate in the ring.

Mary DeSue: YOU TWO WILL PAY FOR THIS!! MARK MY WORDS!! THICCNESS WILL BE AVENGED!!!

Arthur La Forge: Someone get some of Bert’s gummies out here before she loses it!

---

Larry Tact vs. Serenity Holmes

We come back to our main event, as Larry Tact is making his way to the ring. But suddenly, Serenity Holmes DIVES OUT THROUGH THE ROPES to hit him with a Heat Seeking Dive through the middle and bottom ropes! She gets to her feet and seems to have immediately won over the Level Up faithful, who roar with approval!

Arthur La Forge: The upstart from Action Wrestling immediately wipes out the Power Champion!

Mary DeSue: Lucky shot. Pfft.

Arthur La Forge: Larry Tact made this challenge, now he may live to regret it.

Serenity stomps on Tact on the outside, even though the bell has not rung yet. Then, just to wake him up, kicks him right in the ass. Tact gets up to his feet, angered, and Holmes smiles mockingly before hitting him with a hard chop to the chest. She grabs the Power Champion by the head and throws him face first into the ring apron. Then, she hits Tact with a superkick! Tact is on wobbly legs, using the steps to keep upright, and Holmes grabs him and gets him inside the ring. Tact rolls away from her, to a neutral corner. He informs referee Kirby that he can still go and the bell officially rings.

DING! DING! DING!

Mary DeSue: This is SO unfair.

Arthur La Forge: Larry Tact says he can still go. He could have had the entire match thrown out after the attack.

Mary DeSue: Yeah, he wouldn't do that. Tact is a role model.

Serenity runs at Tact and begins to fire away with a series of chops, hoping to make the most of what might be the biggest match of her career so far. She then switches up to Kobashi Chops, turning the test of Tact beet red. She goes from that to chest kicks in the corner, one after another after another. Tact tries to absorb the kicks but it's too much. She allows him to stumble out before grabbing him and turning around, hoping to hit the Exploder in the corner to complete the Dancehall Party, but when she tries to lift, Tact brings an elbow down to the back of her head before we can see if she can do it. She backs off and he tries for a wild haymaker, but she ducks it and catches him with another superkick! This one knocks Tact off his feet! Holmes with the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

Th--NO! Tact get the left shoulder up.

Arthur La Forge: Win or lose, Serenity Holmes is BRINGING IT to the veteran tonight!

Mary DeSue: Yeah yeah, I'm sure she's so proud of attacking him before he's ready.

Arthur La Forge: I see it as karma.

Mary DeSue: For WHAT?

Arthur La Forge: We don't have enough time, Mary.

Tact pulls himself up in the corner and Holmes charges in at him to hit a corner lariat! Tact slumps down from the Impact and Holmes wheels around, coming in with a corner knee! After Tact has been Trapped in the Corner, Holmes pulls him out and covers!

ONE!

TWO!

Th--no! Tact gets his foot on the rope!

Arthur La Forge: A tactical mistake there from Holmes. So excited to get the win that she didn't pull Larry away from the ropes.

Mary DeSue: Oh sure and I'm sure Tact being a ring veteran who knew where he was had NOTHING to do with it.

Holmes gets Tact to his feet and tries for an Irish Whip to the corner, but Tact stops himself before he hits it. She runs in after him and catches a back elbow to the face! Tact then grabs her and maliciously throws her shoulder first into the turnbuckle post! He then grabs her and yanks her out of the corner, throwing her back with a gutwrench suplex! But Tact isn't done, immediately getting to his feet, climbing up to the top rope....then he JUMPS OFF WTH DIVE TO BLUE! And the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR--NO! Serenity Holmes kicks out!

Arthur La Forge: She's still fresh but that was a series of impactful moves that might have evened things up a little bit.

Mary DeSue: Come on, Lare-bear! You've got this!

Tact seems angry that Serenity dared to kick out, so he hits a knee drop to the face and covers again.

ONE!

TWO! No! Holmes kicks out more forcefully this time! Tact gets to his feet and grabs her for another gutwrench, only to lift her to her feet. He transitions into a full nelson and then the slam! And he covers again!

ONE!

TWO!

Th--NO! She kicks out! Tact is beside himself now and gets up in referee Kirby's face. Kirby assures him that yes, Holmes is still in it. Holmes gets to her feet and then gets RIGHT in Tact's face, demanding he pay attention to her and not the ref! She then hauls off and hits a HARD slap that is sure to rattle the teeth of the Power Champion.

Arthur La Forge: You have to admire the fire in Serenity Holmes, but that is just gonna upset Tact.

Mary DeSue: Such disrespect. They should have the Game Changers come out here and Dionyze her.

Arthur La Forge: Seriously?

Mary DeSue: What, too soon?

Tact responds to the slap with a hard forearm to the face, knocking her back a couple of steps. She responds with a huge open hand downward chop to the chest, almost a heart punch that makes Tact pause for a moment. He shakes his head and then runs off the ropes, only to get caught with a spinning heel kick from Holmes! Tact scrambles to his feet and Holmes runs off the ropes, and Tact kicks her right in the abdomen with a boot. He grabs Holmes, lifts her up and hits THE HUMBLING! Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THr---NO! SERENITY HOLMES KICKS OUT AGAIN!

Arthur La Forge: That's two of Tact's signatures moves that Holmes kicked out of!

Mary DeSue: STAY. DOWN.

Holmes rolls to the outside to create some distance. Tact sees a golden opportunity and slides out the other side, before breaking off in a sprint to hit something. But he's suddenly caught dead in his tracks when Serenity hits a superkick! Tact slumps against the ring apron and Holmes throws him inside after suckering him in! She climbs up top as he's trying to get up and LEAPS OFF FOR RED BOTTOMS...but TACT PULLS THE REFEREE IN THE WAY AND HOLMES COLLIDES WITH KIRBY! The referee slumps down and Tact grabs Serenity from behind, going for the Tactilizer...but as he spins her out, she reverses with a hurricanrana! Tact flies into the turnbuckles and bounces off...INTO THE MOVING HOLMES SHINING WIZARD! Serenity makes the cover....


BUT THERE'S NO REFEREE!

Fans: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Mary DeSue: SHUT UP! You aren't referees!

Arthur La Forge: Point remains, Serenity might have had this thing won TWICE now, but Tact maneuvered Kirby into getting taken out!

Mary DeSue: Accidents happen! She should have watched where she was going!

Holmes gets off of Tact and moves over to Kirby, attempting to revive him. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we see ISAAC strolling down to ringside, and he slides Tact's stolen "wand"! He then goes to the back.

Arthur La Forge: Oh come on! No!

Holmes doesn't see it as Tact grabs the sledgehammer, and turns right around to a SHOT RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES! Tact gets rid of the evidence as ISAAC returns, basically muscling referee Pliskin down to the ring....who gets inside to make the count...

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-----NO!!!! SERENITY HOLMES KICKS OUT!

Mary DeSue: WHAT IN THE [BLEEP]!

Arthur La Forge: It's not over yet! Tact used a foreign object and she won't die!

Tact begins cursing and demands that ISAAC get in the ring and ISAAC starts to climb up...only for CENTURION TO COME OUT OF THE CROWD AND YANK HIM DOWN! Centurion and ISAAC begin brawling and it spills over the guardrail into the crowd. Tact is beside himself and turns right around to pick up Holmes, only to get pulled into a small package!

ONE!

TWO!

THRe--NO!! TACT KICKS OUT!

Arthur La Forge: Give Tact credit, Holmes nearly got him there and he's still in it!

Mary DeSue: I'm going to have a damn heart attack.

Tact gets to his feet, swings wildly at Holmes, who ducks it and grabs a waistlock. It takes some doing, but Holmes manages to muscle the larger Tact behind her with a German Suplex! She holds the bridge and BOTH referees get down to count the pin!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!

Arthur La Forge: She did it! Serenity Holmes beat Larry Tact!

Mary DeSue: Then where's the announcement? huh?

Holmes gets to her feet as Pliskin raises her hand, but Kirby waves it off. He then points out something to Pliskin...then opens up an app on his phone to contact the AI. Tact has started to get to his feet and Holmes goes from joy to confusion. The AI, Mr. Rad, then appears on the video wall.

Mr. Rad: Ladies and gentlemen...I've just been informed by senior referee Kirby that ALL FOUR shoulders were down on the pin attempt...therefore this match IS A DRAW.

Arthur La Forge: WHAT?

Mary DeSue: WHAT?

Arthur La Forge: That's extremely disappointing, and these fans are not happy.

The crowd begins booing as Tact is up to his feet. He doesn't appear to be happy, but definitely relieved. He turns around and reaches out to shake hands with Holmes. She seems upset, but actually accepts it! The two shake hands...UNTIL TACT PULLS HER IN FOR THE HUMBLING! He lifts her up and HOLMES LEAPS OUT OF IT! She bounces off the ropes with a Yakuza Kick! Tact falls to the mat and Serenity goes up top....DEADLINE TRAP!

Arthur La Forge: Thatta girl!

Mary DeSue: What was all that for?

Arthur La Forge: He tried to attack her!

Mary DeSue: Oh please, he was clearly going for a hug!

Arthur La Forge: Yeah, right...

She gets up to her feet to the cheers of the crowd, cursing at Tact. She holds up a hand in victory, albeit a moral one, as the show cuts out to an ad break.

---

“True Survivor” hits the PA and the fans come alive for the day 1 theme of Robert James McAlroy. Before long, the man himself steps out on stage which only causes the decibels to rise. Bert looks like hell, face still scuffed up as he stares out over the fans with a crooked smile. He begins making his way down to the ring, slapping hands on the way. He walks up the ring steps, then steps into the ring. He heads to the side, asking for and getting a mic. He nods his thank you before motioning for his music to be cut.

Bert McAlroy: so…that could have gone better, huh?

A small rise only to be cut off as he raised his hand to quiet it.

Bert McAlroy: Before I get going, I want to take a second to congratulate the new Champ. I talked shit, I picked a fight and by god Joey brought it. I ain’t gonna twist shit or get mad about the knucks. Makes me a hypocrite, considering how much I hit him with that chair and shit so…Joey Crash, congrats champ.

Bert shoves the mic under his armpit and begins applauding, despite the mixed reaction from the crowd. He retrieves the mic and begins again, pacing from one side of the ring to the other as he speaks.

Bert McAlroy: I spent 2021 shifting between the spotlight, and being that thing off in the distance barreling toward everyone, ready to mow shit down. I won The Power Gloves with my wife, I won the Courage title by putting Jenny in a coffin - also beating the coffin for what it did to me at the first Last of Us in the process - I beat Duncan Shepherd and Sidroy Covington IV, two of the absolute best in the biz, to become the first and only Triforce Champion.

He came to a stop in the middle of the ring, gaze cast down toward his nikes.

Bert McAlroy: Then…I beat Maggie. And like Thanos….it cost everything.

He looked up, finding the hardcam and taking a serious tone if only to hold off the emotion that lies under his voice.

Bert McAlroy:That match ruined my body. I still got a chunk of razor wire under the skin in my bicep..I’m not trying to cop the ‘oh i was injured, i wasn't ready for Joey Crash’ card but…I am here to tell you all that I am hurt and…

Bert pauses, the emotion on his face evident as he lowers the mic to compose himself. He seems to chuckle, then smile as he lifts the mic.

Bert McAlroy: I’ve been advised by my doctor that if I continue wrestling, the wrong bump could leave me paralyzed or dead…see there’s these two vertebrae. C1, C4….and I managed to fracture them at the Last of Us…just hairlines though but, the prep..the tag match..the war with Joey? Stunted the healing, and worsened the injury all at once so…

A pause, he drops the mic and looks up toward the sky, then back over the audience. For a moment, he really didn’t want to be here. For the first time in his life. Eventually, he lifts the mic to his lips.

Bert McAlroy: This is Goodbye, Level Up…

Boos reign down, but only half those in attendance. Others seem to absorb how serious the situation is.

Bert McAlroy: I did a lot of thinking, these past couple weeks in the hospital. About purpose, fate, what mine was and all that…and for a long time I thought, and we all thought ,that I was going to run this place. Be the top dog and the man who sits atop the mountain but…but I think I got it wrong.

He sniffs once, moving to the ropes and leaning over them to speak directly to one row of the audience.

Bert McAlroy: See, I’ve come to realize that…my purpose was something else. The path I carved, the people I beat….beating Maggie? It was to blaze a trail like I blaze a dooby, run a path to the top and chase off all those old ghosts to make Level Up it’s own damn company. One that has a homegrown face at the top, and not some fucking ghost from a dead place no one gives a fuck about….

A pop for that as he shifts and moves over to another section, speaking to them now.

Bert McAlroy: So, while it sucks that I won’t be able to see it be all it can be…I’m good, yo. I came in green as hell, wet behind the ears, way too small…and I did it. I did everything I said I would…well, no, eff that…I did everything WE said we would. Level Up, i like to think even if its arrogant, is way better off for having had me in it…

One more move, to the final grouping of people.

Bert McAlroy: So hey….all you others out there with dreams like me, dreams to be more than what everyone says you are? Go for it, yo. You only got the one life so make sure that Obituary is a long one. Be yourself, Be great….Be Undeniable…Pe—

“Cheer up London” interrupts Bert’s promo, as the laughter signaling Joey Crash’s imminent arrival sours the mood in the arena. Crash walks out onto the stage in full gear, including his trademark fisherman’s beanie and a long coat. He pops the coat open with a flick, revealing the Final Boss Championship sitting around his waist. He schmoozes his way to the ring, forcing Bert to wait as long as possible. He climbs the turnbuckle, takes the belt off his waist and lifts it high into the air, closing his eyes and soaking in the moment. He looks back down at Bert who looks disappointed but not surprised to be interrupted. Crash jumps down and a technician hands him a mic from the outside. The pair stand across the ring from each other, Crash eyeing Bert up as if they could scrap again any second. Crash removes his hat and dashes it out of the ring before laying the belt on the floor. The ring split in two with either man on opposing sides of the championship they fought for at The Last of Us Part II.

Joey CrashBert, you don’t look surprised to see me out here. I don’t think anybody else is surprised to see me out here. And I don’t want to rain on your parade or anything.. But there’s only one parade that the people pay to see now and you’re looking right at him!

Bert stomachs Joey’s goading and averts his eyes to the crowd and down to the floor.

Joey Crash My eyes are up here, sunshine. You look at me when I’m talking to you! Now I don’t want to waste your time Bertie Boy, so I hope you can allow this minor intrusion but… You know why I’m here don’t you? I’m not here to gloat, I’m not here to say I told you so - but I did bloody tell you didn’t I?

Bert McAlroy: Yeah, you told me, why don’t you finish telling me, yo? People are gettin sick of you already so get to the point.

Joey Crash I needed to come out here, Bert. I needed the whole world to know that whatever you decide to do next isn’t because of me. It’s because of you. I’m not responsible for driving you out of Level Up… Like you were with Maggie. Wherever she is now, probably wandering through the woods foraging berries or something. Whatever you do next is down to you. I can wash my hands of what happens to you because it’s not my fault. And look – everyone here knows what happened at The Last of Us. I did what I did because I could see the toll this championship was taking on you. You needed a kindness. And buddy, I KILLED you with kindness. But there’s still one thing you owe me. I’ve come to collect what is owed.

Crash mouths something to Bert off-mic, Bert argues back as the crowd rising murmurs build in volume around the crowd. Crash picks the belt up from the floor and re-attaches it around his waist.

Joey Crash In the run-up to The Last of Us I made you a promise. I told you that I was going to leave with the championship and you would thank me for it. And I’m a man of my word. I’m a man of honor. So Bert… If you’re the man I think you are then I don’t think you can refuse me. I know you’re not going to say “thank you” in front of all these people… But what you are going to do… is shake my hand.

Crash extends his hand with a serious, calm look on his face. Bert sizes Crash up and looks around to the crowd who are vehemently against the idea.

Arthur La Forge: I can’t blame Bert here, he’s injured and came out here to say goodbye! And now the man who beat him for the belt is demanding a handshake? After everything he did at The Last of Us?

Mary De Sue: Don’t shake his hand, Joey! You don’t know where it’s been!

Crash says some words of reassurance off-mic. Bert grimaces and slowly reaches out… And Crash grabs his hand firmly and shakes it. They pull each other into the handshake, clearly more aggressive than friends just meeting. Both men look like they’re waiting for the other to pull a cheap shot… But it doesn’t happen. Just as the handshake looks to have finished, Bert walks away but Crash keeps doesn’t let go. Keeping control of his hand, Crash walks closer.

Joey Crash You have to promise me this, Bert! No matter what happens from here, people are going to say what they want about how I forced you out of the business. That I’m a hypocrite for doing to you, what you did to Maggie. I’m not a fan of that story so here’s my proposal... Get fixed up. Heal your bones and mend your wounds and don’t come back until you’re 100%. But when you do come back… I want to kick your arse again!

Bert stares up defiantly at Crash at for a moment, it looks like things might boil over before Bert rips his hand from Joey’s. He lingers a moment, eyes falling to the Final Boss title before he shakes his head and steps out of the ring, hopping off the apron and slowly making his way up the ramp as the show fades to back.

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