DOOM Results - May 10, 2022 (Baltimore, MD)

Ahmya vs. Buster Gloves

The lights go out. An electric guitar plays before a single word appears on the RADtron:

BUSTER

Another guitar riff and another word replaces the first on the RADtron:

GLOVES

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As Guile's Theme Street Fighter II Guitar Cover - Family Jules kicks into full gear over the arena speakers, the lights return to the arena and Buster Gloves emerges from the tunnel. Wearing black board-shorts, knee pads, and a black “The Advantage” t-shirt, Buster has a black training mask attached to his face. You can’t see many of his facial features, but it’s undoubtedly him. He has those black leather gloves that he loves so much. After taking a deep breath of focus, he bursts towards one end of the stage, full of energy and the crowd matching it. He then races across the stage to the other side, receiving a similar response from the fans. He then descends the ramp high-fiving kids and posing for pictures with sign-holding fans.

Arthur LaForge: It’s time for our Wisdom Title match, and this will be a battle of two fan favorites!

Mary DeSue: Yay. Whoopee.

Arthur LaForge: Don’t get too excited over there, Mary.

Mary DeSue: If I were any less excited, I’d be comatose.

Arthur LaForge: Speaking of, uh… being put to sleep? Not sure I can save this one for you, Mary.

Mary DeSue: Buzz off, Artie. I’m facing my own DOOM scenario these days… a possible gummy shortage. I can’t imagine having to add color to your dry commentary without them.

Arthur LaForge: Uh, good luck with that? Buster Gloves is making his entrance, then will follow, per Champion’s choice. It would be ‘wise’ of Buster to watch out for Ahmya’s ‘Oyasuminasai’ submission finisher.

Mary DeSue: Something something dumb joke. Buster also has a submission finisher! With a cooler name!

Arthur LaForge: He does bring his ‘Soul Crusher’ submission, although when he eliminated Ahmya from The Last Of Us gauntlet he used his ‘Obliterator’ finishing move. Wait, I didn’t think you cared about this match, Mary? Now you’re pulling out facts about finishers.

Mary DeSue: Yes, but who really wants to see all this strategy when Buster can just knock Ahmya out! How sweet would that be to see, hahaha!

Arthur LaForge: I guess you feel like you fulfilled your information quota for this match.

Mary DeSue: Hey, I know lots!

Buster climbs the ring apron to enter the ring. He removes his shirt and ascends the turnbuckle to play to the crowd one last time. After coming off the turnbuckle, Buster removes his training mask and shakes hands with the referee.

The lighting in the arena switches over to a light shade of blue as the uplifting tune of “Fighter” by Mika Nakashima begins to play, instantly bringing the crowd to its feet with renewed fanfare as they await with great anticipation for the Wisdom Champion. As the spoken intro gives way to the beat kicking in, the cheers grow louder and Ahmya makes her way out onto the stage, clad in her chosen gear for the match, currently cloaked by her gorgeous ring coat.

Crowd: “ROUND-EST! ROUND-EST! ROUND-EST!

More Crowd: AH-MY-A! AH-MY-A! AH-MY-A!

The young woman takes in a moment to soak in the adulation before heading down to the ring, a determined smile on her face. As she reached the apron, Ahmya gave it a gentle couple taps before hopping up and stepping towards the closest turnbuckle to her right. Right on cue with the chorus kicking in, the mysterious young woman climbs up, taking a seat on the top turnbuckle, her gaze focused on the masses who continue to cheer her on. Soon after giving a quick wink, she hops down, now entering the ring and giving a bow of respect in the middle before removing her coat and handing it to the ring attendant. With her mind on the upcoming task, she flashes one final smile, this one filled with confidence, as the lighting returns to normal and her music fades to silence.

Arthur LaForge: The crowd loving on their Wisdom Champion. Really, both she and Buster are excellent strikers in their own right. Don’t underestimate Ahmya, either, who is coming off her first defense of the Wisdom Title at The Last Of Us, Part Two, where she defeated Victoria Salinas.

Mary DeSue: I think if Buster Gloves every underestimated anyone, he would give himself ten lashes.

Arthur LaForge: I think what you’re saying is he takes every match with the utmost importance.

Mary DeSue: Either that, or he has a thing for Cat o’ Ni—

Arthur LaForge: AND TO THE RING! Mr Rad can’t take it away fast enough!

As both competitors do their final preparations in the ring, the RADtron comes to life again…

Mr Rad: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL… and is for the Level Up Wrestling WISDOM Championship! Introducing first, the challenger… currently residing from Vero Beach, FL and weighing in at 245 pounds… he is “THE BULL OF THE NORTH”… BUSTER GLOVES!!

The #1 Contender turns and ascends a turnbuckle once again, throwing up his arms to the crowd who pop in turn.

Mr Rad: Introducing next, she hails from Zushi, Kanagawa, Japan and weighs in at 124 pounds… she is “THE ROUNDEST ROBIN”… the Level Up Wrestling WISDOM CHAMPION… AHMYA!!

Ahmya unfastens the Wisdom Title and delicately holds it with both hands, raising it to the fans with a smile, and receiving an uproarious ovation. She hands the title to Referee Kirby and nods her readiness. The referee shows the title to Buster, who gives a stiff nod of his own. Kirby then turns to the crowd and holds up the Wisdom Championship in display, and the buzz begins to rise again.


DING DING DING!

The crowd begins dueling chants for each competitor as they cautiously meet towards the center of the ring and circle. It’s Buster who suddenly stands upright and holds his hands out as a pause towards Ahmya… then extends a hand. Ahmya is quick to grip it in a handshake to the fans’ approval! The two quickly reset. They each know what’s at stake here: the Wisdom Championship. After a few seconds they lock up in a collar-and-elbow tieup… Buster clutches Ahmya’s arm in a wringer and she reverses it. Buster taps the arm a couple times, testing the tightness of the hold. Ahmya jerks it and Buster uses a clubbing blow to break Ahmya’s grip. The Wisdom Champion is quick to get behind Buster and she brings his arm around with her into a hammerlock… Buster reaches to the side with his free arm and hooks Ahmya around the neck… he forces her to release as she is taken down to the mat and Buster grabs her arm… he applies a hammerlock of his own. Ahmya works her way back to a standing position… then grabs Buster with her free hand around his neck and instantly leaves her feet, dropping to a sitting position. Even with the weight advantage, Buster is moved forward to a crouch, still holding on… Ahmya then uses her agility to roll to one side and Buster is forced to release as she moves behind him and picks his arm for another hammerlock counter! Buster finds some footing as Ahmya stands with him in the hold… he hooks her leg and brings her to the mat, breaking the hold once more… then rolls back and goes to grapevine Ahmya’s leg. The crowd watches as Ahmya rolls over before Buster can do it and instead sits on his chest, grabbing the legs for a pin!

ONE!

Buster rolls Ahmya onto her back for a pinfall attempt of his own!

ONE!

Ahmya uses her legs to clap Buster’s head and rolls to a crouch, leaning in to stack him up!

ONE!

Buster rolls with Ahmya’s shoulders hooked by his legs and pins her down!

ONE!

AHMYA KICKS OUT!

Both competitors roll to a standing guard and the crowd eats it all up as they hoot and holler the opening action!

Arthur LaForge: Both wrestlers taking a methodical approach to begin the match, and tangling each other in an exchange of move and countermove.

Mary DeSue: From what I heard, Buster is pretty familiar with how to get tangled in the women’s locker room.

Arthur LaForge: Mary, we’re the official Level Up commentary team. Don’t go spreading salacious rumors…

Mary DeSue: Spreading? Artie, are you really casting me such easy bait and pretending you’re not?

Arthur LaForge: I don’t know what you’re talking about. Legitimately, I don’t.

Buster momentarily applauds along with the crowd before the two again circle in the center of the ring. Buster goes to his knees and picks Ahmya’s leg… the Wisdom Champion tries to steady herself, but after a brief hop the weight advantage disrupts her base entirely… she falls to a crouch and Buster is instantly leaning in further… but Ahmya slips an arm over his and encircles his head as they both go down to the mat… OYASUMINASAI!!! Before the Peruvian Necktie can be locked in, Buster slips out and backpedals a couple steps for good measure as Ahmya stands. The crowd again cheers loudly for the exchange! Ahmya begins their next tête-à-tête by feinting a lockup and going around Buster to apply a rear waistlock… she runs him to the ropes and rolls him up into a pinfall… but releases before a count and leaping directly onto the second rope! Buster is up only to find Ahmya sailing off with a Meteora… NO! Ahmya instead wraps her legs around Buster’s waist in midair and the force drives him down to the mat with her… she again goes for OYASUMINASAI!!! Buster manages to keep her arms below his and in doing so, prevents her from reaching his neck… but he is still struggling on the mat. While Ahmya is focused on trying to get her arm above Buster’s, she keeps her shoulders arched and off the mat… but Buster reaches underneath her and grabs hold of her upper back… he fights to his feet and, with brute strength, hoists her up and breaks her leg grip, leaving her in Powerbomb position to gasps from the crowd! Buster brings Ahmya crashing down… but she counters into a modified DDT! Buster’s head spikes onto the mat and Ahmya goes for another cover!

ONE!

T— KICKOUT BY BUSTER!

Ahmya springboards off the ropes and as Buster gets up she hits a Meteora. She goes for an Armbar and Buster keeps his hands gripped together… he refuses to allow her to break… then rolls into a possible pinning predicament… but instead lifts Ahmya up and slams her down… Buster doesn’t release and lifts her up again… another slam! Buster still refuses to release… a THIRD slam and he stacks her for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT BY AHMYA!

Arthur LaForge: A hotly contested match being waged for the Wisdom Championship! Plenty in this match for fans of what makes this division unique, it’s technical wrestling.

Mary DeSue: To be honest? Worst division we have. Power? You can wreck people. Courage? You see some flippy shi—stuff. Wisdom? What, you outthink the other? It’s like watching a chess match.

Arthur LaForge: Wait. Mary, are you saying you’ve watched a chess match??

Mary DeSue: Oh, yeah, Queen’s Gambit, baby! It’s not so bad when there’s eye candy around. Anyway, the Multiplayer division is by far the best, hands down.

Arthur LaForge: Well, at least you’re consistent with the eye candy comment.

Buster maintains control of Ahmya’s arm and brings her to standing. Buster brings her in for a Lariat and Ahmya ducks underneath. Buster turns right into a beautiful Crescent Kick that connects with the crown of his head… followed up with a Pump Kick… and finally a Spinning Heel Kick that sends Buster to a knee. Ahmya then sends perspiration flying off of Buster’s chest with a kick…

CROWD: BITCH!

Mary DeSue: NO! STOPIT!

Ahmya nods to the fans and positions herself, landing another kick to the chest!

CROWD: BITCH!

KICK!

CROWD: BITCH!

KICK!

CROWD: BITCH!

Mary DeSue: Shut yer traps, ya Camden chronic cronies!

Ahmya sets for a Roundhouse Kick but Buster ducks under and goes for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!

AHMYA KICKS OUT!

Arthur LaForge: A nod from one Fighter to another by Ahmya with those kicks. The attempt foiled again by Buster, who was a count away from scoring the win.

Mary DeSue: Thanks for not triggering me by saying that lame stoner’s name. Would have served Ahmya right to lose there. She got lucky with those kicks.

Arthur LaForge: Really? With all of them.

Buster looks to reestablish control with a Neck Lock, but Ahmya rolls onto her back before he can get it in tight and brings Buster over with a Snapmare using her legs… she rolls back and to her feet as Buster rolls to his knees… only to be met with another kick that further lights up his reddened chest!

CROWD: BITCH!

KICK!

CROWD: BITCH!

KICK!

CROWD: BITCH!

KICK!

CROWD: BITCH!

Roundhouse Kick… CONNECTS!

CROWD: BITCH!!!

The crowd expects Ahmya going for a pinfall as she mounts Buster… instead she remains there and cradles his head with an arm… she leans her head in next to his, her cradling arm grabs her opposing wrist next to her head… it’s the Ezekiel Choke!

Mary DeSue: Great, just what we need. Another submission.

Arthur LaForge: Ahmya sure would like a submission so she can win the match. This Ezekiel Choke is one of her signature moves, too. Buster is in trouble here.

Mary DeSue: The fans shouldn’t stand for these submission heavy wrestlers. I’d fall asleep and miss the rest of the show, and be pissed at all these submissions.

Buster instantly senses the pressure and tries rolling… Ahmya holds on. Even with her back to the mat, we see Buster is the one struggling as the pressure increases. Ahmya holds on and Buster tries lifting her, but her proximity and grip won’t allow it. He again rolls then reaches out for a rope… but he’s reaching towards the center of the ring! Buster flails around, his hand beginning to waver… and has the ring presence to use his other arm… grabbing the bottom rope! Ahmya releases the hold without a count from Referee Kirby, while Buster gasps for air.

Arthur LaForge: The Wisdom division is one of the most commonly trending topics we have on social media. You’d be surprised how many people clip and retweet or reblog wrestling sequences like the predicament Buster just escaped from.

Mary DeSue: Ugh, Artie, you’re giving me a headache with all your wrestling nerdisms. But also, that sounds illegal? Aren’t you encouraging illegal activity, Artie?!

Arthur LaForge: I… don’t know? Take it up with Level Up Legal. This is great wrestling, a technical showcase. That’s all I’m saying.

Buster gets himself into a seated position in the corner… only for Ahmya to come charging with Jumping Knees to his raw chest. Buster slumps in the corner coughing and Ahmya drags him out for a pinfall!

ONE!

TWO!!

BUSTER KICKS OUT! [/i]

The Roundest Robin sees Buster still coughing as he begins stirring and she goes to the top turnbuckle… Gloves is rising to his feet, and Ahmya positioned herself on a turnbuckle behind him… as he turns she flies off with a Hurricanrana! Buster surprisingly pops back up and Ahmya hits an Arm Drag… Gloves forces himself up once again and evades Ahmya coming in with a Flying Forearm. She spins and he goes for a Swinging Neckbreaker. Ahmya spins out and leaps straight into a Standing Hurricanrana that turns Buster inside out… and he somehow ends up on his feet but dazed! Ahmya goes off the ropes and this time connects with a Flying Forearm. She pops back up to cheers from the crowd and heads to the arpon… then climbs the turnbuckle to the top. She gauges her distance and flies off with HAIL’S BLESSING!!!

Arthur LaForge: Ahmya looking to end it here, with Hail’s Blessing and—

BUSTER ROLLS AWAY AT THE LAST SECOND AND AHMYA SPIKES THE MAT! With the force she came down on the canvas, the Wisdom Champion ends up sprining back into the air like a pogo stick.

SHE SHORT-HOPS BEFORE CRUMPLING TO THE MAT!

Arthur LaForge: Ahmya is hurt!

Mary DeSue: But, what… what the hell is Buster doing? Get her! Take her title!

Ahmya clutches her right knee in noticeable pain and instinctively rolls out of the ring as Buster uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet. He finds Ref Kirby outside the ring checking on The Roundest Robin. Buster goes outside and looks at Ahmya on the ground, then to the crowd. There is a decidedly mixed response sent back at Buster as his face creases in consternation on what to do. Ahmya is trying to get back to her feet using the steps… she falls back down. Kirby asks if she wants to continue and Ahmya fervently nods in the affirmative. She again reaches for the steps… only to have Buster Gloves grab her arms…

HE HOISTS AHMYA TO HER FEET AND THEY LOCK EYES!

BUSTER THEN ROLLS BACK IN THE RING AND TELLS AHMYA HE WANTS TO FACE HER BETWEEN THE ROPES!

Arthur LaForge: What an awesome show of respect from Buster to Ahmya!

Mary DeSue: I’m literally going to vomit on the front row of these cheering idiots!

Buster allows Ahmya to take her time reentering the ring, and the crowd ERUPTS in cheers for the show of sportsmanship! Ref Kirby checks on Ahmya in a corner to make sure she wants to continue. After the Wisdom Champion tests her leg and gets her footing, she nods in the affirmative.

Arthur LaForge: Even in the face of a decided disadvantage for his opponent, with everything on the line, Buster is sticking to his core values. He’s showing enormous respect for the champion to allow her time to get ready.

Mary DeSue: Yeah, I need a bucket… it’s gonna be more than once… maybe projectile vo—ohh, my mic is live, isn’t it?

Arthur LaForge: Indeed it is, Mary!

Ref Kirby gives the go ahead and Buster charges! Even with her guard up, Ahmya is backed into the corner by stiff strikes from the challenger. She manages to get a palm strike to Buster’s swollen chest that backs him up a step or two… Ahmya can only hop to the second rope before Buster again advances and she uses her legs to put a Neckscissors Choke on him… but the angle is awkward and places more pressure on her arms. Buster now targets her right knee and forces Ahmya’s legs up until he can get under her… with a couple pulls he breaks her grip on the ropes and has her in an Inverted Fireman’s Carry… OBLITERATOR!!! NO!! The Roundest Robin manages to elbow Buster’s neck and wriggle free. She lands to his side and… LEVEL UPPERCUT BY BUSTER! The challenger rocks the Wisdom Champion with that European Uppercut from an unconventional angle. Ahmya is falling when Buster holds her up… only to put Ahmya in a clinch… RICHMOND KNEE PArtie! Buster with Muay Thai Knee Strikes… and he aims them at Ahmya’s weakened right knee! One… two… three… four knee strikes connect with precision force before Ahmya collapses and Buster drops for a cover!

ONE![/i]

TWO!![/i]

THRE— AHMYA WITH A SHOULDER UP![/i]

Arthur LaForge: She’s still in this match! The Wisdom Champion under the heaviest fire of the match, with Buster hitting some signature shots that still couldn’t quite put our Roundest Robin away.

Mary DeSue: ‘Our?’ Never. We’re getting closer and closer to having this bird’s wings clipped.

Arthur LaForge: You’ve got issues, Mary.

Mary DeSue: And I know how to use them!

Buster looks undeterred as he grabs Ahmya’s leg and begins landing knees to the back of it. He looks for an Ankle Lock but Ahmya pushes him off with her free leg… Buster bounces off the ropes and comes back with a Sliding Knee… No! AHMYA KIPPED UP INTO A TOE KICK! As Buster was coming in hot, Ahmya sails over him and toe kicks him in the face! Buster goes rolling on the mat grabbing his face while Ahmya crashes back to the ground, unable to support her landing with a bad wheel. Feeling the rush of the crowd’s supportive chants and seeing a chance of her own, Ahmya fights through pain and begins to rise. Both competitors are standing around the same time, and Ahmya comes in with a knife-edge chop that the crowd gasps at! Buster leans down… only to recover and come back with a strong elbow strike! Ahmya and Buster begin a brief exchange of their chosen strike until… Buster goes for a kick to the knee… Ahmya catches his leg! She steps over into a Spinning Wheel Kick that connects with Buster’s face… then is back up and hits a Standing Senton! She bounces off Buster and is impressively back up in a moment. She heads to the apron and begins ascending to the top turnbuckle once more!

Mary DeSue: This didn’t work the first time, chica. Good luck having it fail twice in the same night!

Arthur LaForge: We’ll see, Mary. Ahmya is absolutely showing resilience in the face of a bad landing on her first Hail’s Blessing attempt. If she tries it again, one way or another, it could spell the end the match.

Mary DeSue: Yeah, and I know which way I choose.

Ahmya reaches the top rope… and Buster gets onto the second rope to engage her! The two begin another exchange only after just finishing their previous one. Ahmya with forearms to Buster’s neck/shoulder area as the challenger brings his same elbow strikes as before. It’s Buster who begins to gain an advantage. Buster tries ascending to the top rope… Ahmya slides underneath him to the canvas… Crescent Kick that hits Buster’s back! He is stunned and Ahmya climbs the ropes… she hits a couple of strikes to his ribs… hooks him and… Dragon Suplex FROM THE TOP ROPE! Buster crashes down on his upper back/neck and Ahmya looks noticeably tired as she crawls over to make a cover!

ONE! [/i]


TWO! [/i]


THR— BUSTER WITH A BOOT ON THE ROPES! [/i]

Arthur LaForge: Buster Gloves with a savvy move! There have been multiple back-and-forth exchanges between these two in what has gone from a methodical start to a game of risk/reward for Ahmya, and possibly only a matter of time for Buster, who keeps wearing Ahmya down.

Mary DeSue: We’ve all waited long enough. Ahmya needs to see the writing on the wall and tell the ref to stop the match.

Arthur LaForge: I think that’s the last thing she has on her mind. She’s very much still in the match, even not at full strength.

Ahmya checks with the referee and then nods, slowly making her way to her feet. She goes to grab Buster… and he wisely uses the ropes to pull himself out of the ring! Buster comes down to the floor on his knees and breathing heavily, sweat flying off of him with each breath. He hears the referee counting…

One!!

Two!!

Three!!

Buster takes hold of the apron and begins dragging himself up…

Four!!

Five!!

He stands and finds the Wisdom Champion taking a chance with a Suicide Plancha… it connects! Both competitors slam against the mat and Ref Kirby restarts his count…

One!!

Two!!

Three!!

Four!!

Ahmya begins to get to her knees… and Buster is stirring…

Five!!

The Roundest Robin uses guard railing to pull herself up…

Six!!

Buster crawls towards the ring and again uses the apron to stand…

Seven!!

Arthur LaForge: Ahmya rushes Buster with a Tilt-A-Whirl Headscissors! Buster manages to counter on pure instinct… AHMYA’S BAD KNEE HITS THE RING POST AS SHE WAS BEING COUNTERED!

Mary DeSue: That’s what kind of luck you deserve! The rotten kind!

Arthur LaForge: Mary, how can you say that? This could be very serious…

It is. Ahmya clutches her knee and grits her teeth in agony, but stops herself from vocalizing it. Buster doesn’t see her reaction because he races into the ring and back out to break the referee’s count and not allow his title opportunity to slip through his fingers. With a fresh count, he picks up Ahmya and rolls her in the ring. The referee is again checking on the Wisdom Champion as Buster reenters. Ahmya will not quit as Ref Kirby asks if she wants to continue. Buster watches and you can see a mix of emotions on the face of this warrior. After a few seconds, he gives a short nod… to himself, or perhaps to Ahmya, as she staggers to her feet, arms hardly raised in defense. Her exhaustion is evident, but she still puts on a face radiating her will to compete.

With no pleasure or malice, Buster immediately advances on the Wisdom Champion. He puts her in a grapple and unceremoniously lifts her up in an Inverted Fireman’s Carry.

THE OBLITERATOR!!!

Ahmya lays motionless on the canvas, and Buster immediately goes for a pinfall attempt and hooks a leg!

ONE! [/i]


TWO!! [/i]


THREE!!! [/i]

Mr Rad: Your winner… ANNNND NEEEEEEWWW LEVEL UP WRESTLING WISDOM CHAMPION… THE BULL OF THE NORTH! BUSSSSSTEEEEERRRRRR GLOOOOOOOOVVVEES!!!

Arthur LaForge: MOTHER BRAIN! BUSTER GLOVES HAS WON HIS FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP!

Mary DeSue: OMG! SHE FINALLY LOST I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!

Arthur LaForge: Yes, and congratulations to Buster Gloves, our brand-new Wisdom Champion! Ahmya fought through an apparently serious injury, and she still put up one heck of a fight against a master technician who did what needed to be done.

Mary DeSue: Oh, mother[bleep]…

Arthur LaForge: Mary, what’s wrong?

Mary DeSue: I realized we now have BUSTER GLOVES as our Wisdom Champion. We just went from ‘Pure Goodie-Goodie Era’ to the ‘Bro-Dad Era’ in this division. I don’t actually know if this was a net win for us, y’all.

Arthur LaForge: Mary, stop that. Buster has been nothing but respectful, even admiring, of Ahmya and her title reign. I can’t imagine he’ll want to do anything but maintain the values Ahmya helped define for the Wisdom division.

Mary DeSue: Damn, that’s exactly what I was afraid of.

Arthur LaForge: Whatever happens with both of these two wrestlers, it was an honor to call this championship match tonight. Congratulations again to the new Level Up Wisdom Champion, Buster Gloves!

As more referees and Level Up officials come out and meet Ahmya in the ring, a medical team is called. She won’t be leaving the arena under her own power, this night. As she answers questions and tries to restrain her agony, someone asks the officials to step aside for a moment. It is Buster Gloves. He crouches next to Ahmya, offering a few words, and then extends a hand. Ahmya takes it and Buster helps her ever so gingerly to her feet. Buster shakes her hand and nods. Ahmya looks exhausted but gives a nod in return. He and Ahmya then each place a fist inside their other palm, holding in front of them. They bow to one another and the crowd gives a standing ovation to the two wrestlers. Ahmya becomes unsteady and Buster goes back to support her and helps her out of the ring, where the medical team is arriving. The crowd continues to give a standing ovation as Ahmya is transported out of the arena. Meanwhile, Ref Kirby taps Buster Gloves on the shoulder. When he turns, Buster is being awarded the Wisdom Championship. He allows Ref Kirby to secure it around his waist while Ahmya is being showered with love as she manages a thumbs-up. Afterwards, Buster stands in the ring for a bit longer as the crowd give him their praise and support. The new Wisdom Champion.

---

The Game Changers & Mac Bane vs. Centurion, Dionysus, Paul Freedom, Eli Goode & Brody Adams

The steel cage lowers over both rings as the face of Mr. Rad appears on the RadTron:

Mr. Rad: Ladies and gentlemen, it's now time for WARGAMES! Two men will enter and wrestle for five minutes. Every two minutes after that, a new wrestler will come out. The Game Changers won the coin toss in the back, so they will have the main advantage. Once all wrestlers have entered the match, the only way to win is by submission! Now, let's see who the first entrant will be!

The lights cut out. The arena goes completely black.

The music slowly starts to play the opening chorus at the stop. The drums start playing followed by the guitar solo. Once the guitar solo starts, Eli Goode walks out with his leather jacket and ring gear on as the lights flash on. He stands up at the top of the ramp. He looks around the arena.

Mr. Rad: Introducing first, from Memphis, TN, weighing in at 160 pounds...he is one-half of the Level Up Multiplayer champions....ELI GOODE!

The moment the heavier rock starts he starts his walk down the ramp. When he reaches the steps, he waits until the chorus starts to play to walk up the steps. He enters the ring and poses to the audience. He takes in a deep breath as he looks around the audience. He closes his eyes for a few seconds. He opens his arms up to his side and a small amount of pyro shoots out around the ring. After the pyro stops, he opens his eyes and smiles. He takes off the leather jacket as the music starts to fade away. After the music is over, he walks to his respective side of the ring to wait for the match to start.

Arthur La Forge: Eli Goode has been with Level Up since day one and has wins over some of the best to ever come through this company. He may not always come out on top, but he is far too dangerous to be discounted. Especially in an environment like this.

Mary DeSue: He beat Bert once. I guess I hate him the least of team Not-Larry.

The lights go out and a white spotlight searches the building until it fixes on ISAAC standing at the entrance black hood up with arms out to his side. He then steps forward and a zip line takes him to ringside. He lands just outside the cage, before he climbs the steps and goes inside.

Mr. Rad: Representing the Game Changers, weighing in at 285 pounds...ISAAC!

Arthur La Forge: And here’s one of the heaters for the Game Changers. A man with a win over Centurion which puts him in rare company.

Mary DeSue: And he’s kinda Thicc. I miss Thicc Daddy Don…

Goode shakes the cage as the bell rings, with ISAAC staring daggers at him from across the ring. Goode rushes at him and ISAAC hits a kneelift immediately, then a clubbing blow to the back. He hits another that knocks Eli down to his hands and knees. He lifts Goode up only to hit him with a right hand that immediately knocks him back down. ISAAC begins to shout down at Eli, then grabs him by the tights to lift him up, wanting to throw him into the cage wall, but Goode gets a boot up and blocks it. He then hits a back elbow to create some distance, bounces off the ropes and ducks a clothesline, before bouncing off the opposite end to build a head of steam and hit a shotgun dropkick that sends ISAAC back-first into the cage!

Arthur La Forge: Isaac imposing his will early on, but Eli showing that fortitude and toughness only years in the game can grant you.

Mary DeSue: Or maybe he just doesn’t want to be the first one eliminated? Not everything is super deep, FArtie

Goode grabs ISAAC by the head and rams it into the nearest turnbuckle, before running him face-first along the top rope and then slamming his face into another turnbuckle. He then begins to lay into the behemoth with right hands. Goode then grabs ISAAC and points at the cage, attempting to ram him into it, but ISAAC shoves him off. Eli stops himself from hitting the cage wall, only to turn around and get SPEARED into the cage! ISAAC backs away and lets Goode fall to his knees, clutching his ribs and trying to regain his breath. He lifts Goode up to his feet and delivers another clubbing blow to the back just to knock him back down. He then gets him in a position for a body slam and just tosses him into the cage wall, back-first, and Goode bounces off and crashes hard to the mat, rotating his body just in time to avoid landing on the top of his head.

Arthur La Forge:

Mary DeSue: Yeah, last thing we need is more broken necks around here.

ISAAC scoops Eli up onto his shoulder and plans to ram him face-first into the cage this time, but Eli is able to wriggle free and slide down his back. ISAAC turns around and swings wildly, Eli ducks it and hits the pele kick! The big man doesn't quite go down, but he's wobbly, so Eli catches him with a jumping enzuigiri that does the job. Goode takes a moment to recover, then nails ISAAC with a right hand. He leads him to the turnbuckle and climbs up behind him, before undoing his wrist tape. He then begins to CHOKE ISAAC! As he does so, he slowly climbs up the cage behind him, forcing ISAAC to go into unfamiliar territory and climb to the top turnbuckle!

Mary DeSue: And what is this? Some Goode guy he turned out to be!

Arthur La Forge: You know better than that, Mary. It's war. There are no rules. And since Eli is going to be double teamed in two minutes, he has to do all he can to take out ISAAC now.

Mary DeSue: Excuses, excuses.

Eli then moves along the rope away from ISAAC before kicking at his knees, causing him to fall in between the ropes and the cage! The big man gets to his feet, trying to catch his breath, and Eli is already down. He runs off the ropes and runs back, hitting a shotgun dropkick that sandwiches ISAAC against the cage! He runs back, charges forward and hits another shotgun dropkick! Eli then grabs the massive head of ISAAC and begins to ram it into the cage over and over, with the Baltimore crowd chanting along: One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten! ISAAC finally slumps down after the assault to his cranium and falls back through the ropes into the ring.

Arthur La Forge: Baltimore certainly hasn’t lost any love for Eli Goode!

Mary DeSue: Bet Isaac has, though.

ISAAC crawls away to try to regain his bearings and pulls himself up in the corner, where Eli runs in and nails him with a flying forearm. He then grabs his head and begins to wail on it, and we see why. There's a small cut on the top of ISAAC's head and he wants to work it open. He then backs up and runs in for another flying forearm in the corner, but ISAAC catches him in mid-air, and in one fluid motion, places him up on his shoulder and LAWNDARTS HIM INTO THE CAGE! Eli bounces off and backward into the grip of ISAAC, who starts to lift him up, only for Eli to apply the GOODE NIGHT! The Guillotine Choke is locked in deep on ISAAC and Eli squeezes until the big man is down to his knees, before letting go. He then runs off the ropes jumps up in the air and hits GOODE LORD, a double foot stomp to the bent-over head of ISAAC! Eli then sits up and tries to regain his breath.

Arthur La Forge: Eli Goode looks spectacular tonight, and with this being the main event? Has to be on every man’s mind that they could be next in line for a shot at the Final Boss Title.

Mary DeSue: Or maybe they’re just trying to beat the other guys up and not <bleeping> die? Oh shoot! Here comes the other thicc boi!

Drake Wilcox emerges from the back and begins walking at a fast pace to the ring, Eli gets up to his feet, waving him to come in, even though Drake is bigger than ISAAC was. Eli shows no fear but he fails to see ISAAC getting up, who clubs him from behind! Drake then enters the ring and helps his partner up, before grabbing Eli and hitting him with a series of clubbing blows to the head. Eli tries to fight back with punches of his own, but Drake gets a kneelift, then a huge forearm to the back of the head that knocks Goode down. He lifts Eli up and tosses him into the corner, before charging in, only to get Eli's knees! Eli then runs out and goes for a Sling Blade, but Drake catches him in mid air and tosses him into the cage wall...and ELI LEAPS ONTO IT LIKE SPIDER-MAN!

Arthur La Forge: SPIDER GOODE SPIDER GOODE, DOES WHATEVER A-

Mary DeSue: Stop that. Forever.

But before he can think of what to do next to Drake, ISAAC suddenly appears and hammers him in the back to knock him into the wall and back down to the mat. Drake then begins to hit him with some clubbing shots to the back, with ISAAC going at the head. The two monsters beat down the much smaller Goode, to the point it looks like a mugging. They both then grab Goode with ease and throw him face-first into the cage wall, where he bounces off backwards and lands on the mat. They grab him again and aim at the other side, and launch him into that wall as well with little resistance. Drake then begins to stomp at him on the mat and lifts him up to do more damage, opting to launch him into the cage yet again.

Arthur La Forge: Spidergoode, no..

Mary DeSue: I enjoy how much joy you’re losing over seeing this, Artie.

Goode bounces backward into the grip of Drake, who gets him in position and hits a Jackknife powerbomb! That's normally what he'd use to finish the match, but the match can't end right now. What it can do is hurt Eli, and it seems to do just that when he bounces off the canvas. ISAAC then decides to take his turn, dragging Eli over to the cage and dragging his face across it, trying to draw blood as the countdown begins…

The opening chords of ‘Nasty’ by Squirty LeFlow begin to play faintly. You then hear ‘It’s a bird.. it’s a plane..’ followed by ‘It’s about to get real nasty’ spoken by Brody Adams himself as the music picks up and Big Nasty runs as fast as he can to the cage. He practically leaps inside and it's BIG MEATY MEN SLAPPING MEAT as Adams charges right into Drake Wilcox and ISAAC, hitting each with rights and lefts to give some protection to Eli. Adams gets a leaping back elbow on ISAAC then turns his attention to Drake with a series of strikes and kicks. He grabs Drake by the head and runs him into the cage, before catching him on the way back with a BRODYLINE! ISAAC is back up and runs for a spear, but Adams lifts the knee, then spins around and hits HIM with a BRODYLINE! He then helps up Eli Goode as the fans go wild.

Arthur La Forge: The Power Glove champions stand united after Brody Adams came in and cleaned house!

Mary DeSue: That was pretty cool, even I got to admit. Brody kinda thicc too..

Adams props Eli up in the corner to recover, then grabs Drake and pushes him into another corner. He climbs up and begins to deliver a series of strikes as the fans count along, but suddenly ISAAC charges over with a double axe-handle to the spine to knock him down. He throws Adams into the ropes, but Adams immediately drops down to his hands and knees and Goode runs, leaping off and surprising ISAAC with a sling blade! Drake staggers out and the two hit a double toe kick, then bend him over for a suplex.

Arthur La Forge: No way.

Mary DeSue: Absolutely no way.

With Adams' help and the surprising core strength of Goode, the two actually start to lift Drake up and over with the double vertical suplex! It seems to have exhausted both men but they get back up to soak in the cheers. Goode goes back to the attack on ISAAC with mounted strikes while Adams lifts up Drake and slams his head into the turnbuckle. The force is enough to knock Drake loopy, and he falls through the ropes to the space in between the rings. Adams then turns his attention to ISAAC and works with Eli to hammer him back down when he tries to rise up. With ISSAC back down, Adams goes to the second ring to brawl with Drake some more, and the countdown begins again.

”Man Who sold the world” by David Bowie hits the PA, and the crowd boos as EA Blizzard walks out, carrying his leather briefcase. He walks to the ring, pointing out the embroidered EAB initials on the case as he staves off jeers from the fans. He climbs the steps, wiping his feet on the apron, taking his time, before finally stepping inside. He is greeted by a toe kick from Eli Goode, but shrugs it off and hits him with a haymaker, then a body slam! He then goes to the other ring, where Adams doesn't see him coming as he continues to deliver punches to a prone Drake Wilcox. He gets a clubbing blow to the back and EAB lifts him up, hitting an old school atomic drop to put him back down. The Game Changers have the advantage once again and the multiplayer champions are laid out.

Arthur La Forge: The Game Changers reclaim the numbers advantage for now at least, and they send out another big man to punish the opposition.

Mary DeSue: Tact really has surrounded himself with nothing but muscle. What a POWER move…get it?

Blizzard then moves back to the first ring and renews rivalries with Eli Goode, lifting him up and putting him in the Crunch Time bearhug! Eli can't submit even if he wanted to, as the match can't end yet, but EAB still tries to squeeze the lift out of him anyway. ISAAC gets to his feet and suddenly he moves over and begins to take shots at Eli while EAB applies the bearhug. Adams is back up and hits a quick boot on Drake before moving over to stop the double team. He breaks it up with right hands to both men, and Eli is dropped to the canvas. However Adams doesn't see Drake sneaking up from behind, and suddenly he's SWARMED by three men who all begin to beat Big Nasty down! ISAAC only stops long enough to quickly kick Eli in the head as he tries to stand, then goes right back into hurting Adams.

Arthur La Forge: EAB one more taking out Eli Goode, these two men have had battles in the past and it appears time has not healed those wounds.

Mary DeSue: And Eli’s buddy is gettin the heck kicked out of him! It’s like seeing Godzilla get stomped out by all the movie monster villains before he starts breathing his blue fire stuff on them!

Goode refuses to let his partner get hurt and wills himself back up, jumping on the back of ISAAC and applying a sleeper. That still leaves Adams two-on-one, and he tries to fight them both off. EAB rakes the eyes and then Drake flattens him with a clothesline, before moving over and almost literally peeling Goode form the back of his partner. With Eli in his grip and nowhere to go, Drake drops him right across the knee with a backbreaker. Meanwhile, EAB steps on the throat of Adams and uses the ropes to choke him while ISAAC begins to stomp at him. He gets back up and ISAAC and Drake grab Eli and LAUNCH HIM from one ring to the other!! That takes Eli out of commission and Adams is left three-on-one as the countdown starts again.

Arthur La Forge: Things are not looking Goode for Eli and his team..

Mary DeSue: You corny motherf-

"You're Gonna Go Far Kid" hits, immediately causing a pop from the crowd. Centurion steps out from the back and like Adams, wastes no time with pleasantries and charges down to the ring. However he seems to still have the trademark smile on his face, ready to finally face the Game Changers in a fair fight. He leaps into the cage and springboards off the top with a dive that causes him to land on EAB, ISAAC and Drake all at once! Of the three, EAB is up first and tries to stop Centurion's momentum, who fights from underneath with a series of body shots. He tosses Centurion into the corner and charges in, only to get a boot! Cent then climbs up top and leaps off, hitting Blizzard with a missile dropkick! ISAAC comes in and swings wildly, Centurion ducks it, bounces off the other side and hits ISAAC with a V TRIGGER! EAB is resting against the ropes so Centurion runs, changes direction and hits HIM with a V TRIGGER! Drake is getting up to a kneel and Centurion, still not slowing down, changes direction again and hits HIM WITH A V TRIGGER!

Arthur La Forge: Centurion is cleaning the Game Changers UP right now!

Mary DeSue: One, never try lingo again. Two, TELL CHICKEN LEGS TO LEAVE THE THICCNESS ALONE

Adams gets back to his feet and grabs Drake Wilcox, locking him in a dragon sleeper, taking him out of the match momentarily. Everyone in the match begins to find someone to pair off with, as Centurion and ISAAC resume their feud while Goode and EAB begin to trade shots. Goode batters EAB in the corner while Cent hits a dropkick to the knees of ISAAC to take him down to his level. Centurion then runs and lays out ISAAC with another V Trigger! EAB is hit with a shotgun dropkick from Goode that causes him to fall on the space between the rings, and Goode then STANDS ON HIS HEAD trying to push it down into the crack! EAB's skull is under such pressure that he begins to squirm, so Goode uses both feet to stand on top of his head, using the ropes to steady himself!

Arthur La Forge: Eli Goode getting pay back for all the punishment he’s been dealt

Mary DeSue: Not gonna lie, kinda shocked he can still fight, let alone move.

The opening guitar riffs of "The Enemy" by Godsmack plays as the Mac Bane makes his way out, booed almost instantly. He takes a swig of beer before walking down at a decent clip, climbing inside the ring and taking a moment to choose a target. That target is Centurion, who is waiting for him. Mac swings with a right hand, but Centurion is still running on adrenaline and begins to lay into him with a series of rights of his own. The two seem to be on equal footing, until Mac SPITS BEER INTO THE EYES! He then backs up and flattens Cent with a clothesline, before running over and hitting Goode with hard forearm to knock him off of EAB and into the other ring. That seems to be enough for the Game Changers to turn the tide, as Drake rakes the eyes of Adams to get out of the submission and pulls him down, applying a head vice of his own.

Arthur La Forge: Mac Bane, the SCW World Heavyweight Champion just completely turned the tide back in favor of the Game Changers

Mary DeSue: The Good guys, asterisk indicating i just corrected you.

Drake then applies a headlock on Adams and pulls at the face of Big Nasty, ripping at his nose and eyes. Over in another corner, EAB is back up and seems to have been cut when having his head shoved between two rings, but he's now livid and begins to stomp furiously at Eli in one of the corners. Everyone in the match is spread out and paired off, with Mac helping where he can to make sure the Game Changers keep their advantage. ISAAC is busy delivering clubbing blows to Centurion, who is now on the mat.

Arthur La Forge: Yeah this isn’t looking good. Each team only is running out of fresh members , but at this rate? The Game Changers look fresher to me, especially with the punishment Eli has taken

Mary DeSue: They told you Artie. I told you. WE told everyone. They’re what matters in Level Up. Not the Final Boss Title, Not Eli Goode and his tubby buddy, not Dionysus and his captivating eyes, not Centurion and his veteranyness. The Game Changers RUN Level Up.

Drake continues to rip at the mouth of Adams with a fishhook. EAB tosses Eli Goode into the cage wall just for the hell of it, while ISAAC does the same to Centurion. Mac continues to pace, adding stomps where he can. However he seems more ready to fight whoever is coming out than outright beating up people already being beaten up. He finally gets his wish when the countdown begins.

Arthur La Forge: Here we go…if another non-game changer comes out and can’t go toe to toe with Mac? This is as good as over

Mary DeSue: I’m not repeating my speech.

Paul Freedom, like the rest of his teammates, dashes to the ring with no regard for pomp and circumstance. He however stops when he gets there and reaches under the ring, and grabs a chair! He enters the ring with the chair and swings right for Mac Bane with it! Bane catches the shot on his arm and then Freedom hits another shot to Mac's back! It's payback for what Mac did to him at The Last of Us, and Freedom uses all the strength he has to wrap the chair around Bane's spine. He then moves between the rings and drops the chair through the crack, making sure no one else can use it for the match. He turns back around and begins to lay in fists to the face of Bane, not letting up and letting all of his frustration against the Game Changers out while the crowd goes wild.

Arthur La Forge: Paul Freedom has been something of a revelation since his debut in Level Up. Two PPVs, two Main Events. That’s somethin’ to keep an eye on.

Mary DeSue: or, you know, luck.

EAB comes over and tries to break things up, so Freedom hits him with several kicks to the gut. He back up and bounces off the ropes, then grabs the head of Blizzard and hits a bulldog! He turns around and stops short when he sees Drake, who isn't happy about his loss at EXP 24. Freedom kicks him in the shin, then the knee, then the thigh in rapid succession to bring Drake down, and spikes him with a DDT! EAB is back up and Freedom runs past him, actually manages to run up a turnbuckle and leaps off with a moonsault onto Blizzard! He pops up and spies ISAAC attacking Goode so he runs over and gives him a dropkick that doesn't exactly look pretty, but it connects and that's what counts. Freedom then spots Drake Wilcox and runs over, pressing his face into the cage with his boot before he can get up.

Arthur La Forge: This man obviously does not imbibe decaf.

Mary DeSue: He’s about to imbibe a beating, HERE COMES THE GAME CHANGER HIMSELF

Larry Tact sprints to the ring to save his teammates from having to fight fair. The Game Changers are now at full strength and Tact's first order of business when he gets into the ring is to quickly reach behind him and pull out James Wilcox's wand, which he had hidden under his shirt! With the sledgehammer in hand, Tact runs and hits a glancing blow to the head of Paul Freedom, immediately removing him from the match for now. He turns around and sees Centurion starting to get up, so he gets a shot as well. Brody Adams, who had been busted open at some point, is back up and grabs the 'wand' from Tact, only for Tact to yank it away and hit Adams with a shot to the ribs! He swings back for another one but this time Eli is up and takes the weapon away! He lines up as if to hit Tact, but Mac Bane comes in out of nowhere and flattens him with a TORNADO ALLEY.

Arthur La Forge: Welp, Eli’s dead.

Mary DeSue: Yeah, R I P, E L I.

Tact moves over to Adams and grabs him in a headlock, hitting punches to the head while he does. EAB goes after Goode again, Drake after Centurion and ISAAC after Freedom. They are all trading lefts and rights, with the babyfaces attempting to hold off the Game Changers until the final entrant can arrive. ISAAC runs and clotheslines Freedom with enough force that it knocks him into the cage. Soon after, EAB throws Goode into the cage right next to Freedom. Centurion gets thrown into the ropes and is backdropped into the air by Drake, crashing down hard on his back. It seems most of the people are bleeding in various spots of their body, especially their heads. Mac and Tact have yet to meet the cage yet and are so far not cut open. Tact begins barking orders, and the Game Changers begin picking up their battered opponents and launching them into the cage, one by one. This continues until the countdown begins for the final entrant.

The lights dim as multiple spotlights rotate throughout the arena. As "Musical Castle 2" begins to play, the spotlights all point to the stage, illuminating a velvet red curtain. But Dionysus bursts through the curtain and rushes to the ring, shouting RIP AND TEAR. He decks Mac Bane with a clothesline, then unloads a series of jabs on EAB that leaves him woozy on his feet. He finishes the combination with a right hook that lays him out - HANDS OF AGGRESSION! Dio’s outburst is cut short by Tact and ISAAC who blast him from behind and start beating him down with rights and lefts. They whip Dio off the ropes and look for a double elbow, but Dio ducks under it! Off the ropes, Dio lays both men out with a jumping double DDT! He pops up and roars to the crowd, who are getting into it!

Arthur La Forge: THEY MADE THE GOD OF WINE AND ORGIES MAD DUDES

Mary DeSue: CHEESE IT, Artie!

Dio sets about helping up some of the other members of his team, many of whom are battered and bleeding. He gets Centurion up to his feet…SPEAR BY WILCOX! At the last minute Centurion shoves Dio out of the way, trying to save the fresher man, and gets drilled into the cage by the 400 pounder! The cage wall bends but doesn’t break from the impact, which nearly tears Centurion in half! As Wilcox backs away from his handiwork, Dio leaps onto his back, applying a sleeper hold on the big man. Wilcox tries to shake the bug off of his back but to no effect. Instead he charges forward, then turns at the last minute and SLAMS Dio backfirst into the steel cage! But there’s no give from the Lord of the Vine! AGAIN he slams Dio into the cage, then a third time…BUT HE’S STILL HANGING ON! Wilcox looks to be fading! At the last minute, Tact springs forward and takes out the legs of his own tag team partner, causing him to fall backwards and SPLAT Dio into the mat!

Arthur La Forge: Stuff like that is why Larry Tact is so dangerous. The man is a tactician as much as he is a warrior.

Mary DeSue: The man has wins over just about everyone there is to get wins on in this company, he defeated Duncan Shepherd for the Power Title. He’s the best there is, Artie. Everyone needs to get on board

Tact hauls Wilcox up and slaps him a few times to try and get his head back into the game. He pulls ISSAC over and orders both of them to head to the top rope. The Faction members oblige and start climbing the turnbuckles as Tact stomps on Dio for good measure. ISAAC and Drake are up, ready to SPLAT Dio again…but Goode manages to hit the top rope, causing ISAAC to crotch himself on the turnbuckle! At the same time Adams nails Tact with a BRODYLINE lariat, then climbs up onto the top rope, landing some punches on Wilcox. Goode springs up the other turnbuckle and wraps his legs around ISAAC, connecting with a hurracanrana which spikes his head off the canvas! At the same time Adams hooks the arm of Wilcox, but struggles to try and suplex him off the top rope - he’s too MEATY! But he gets a helping hand from Centurion, who suddenly appears next to him, and together they land a DOUBLE SUPERPLEX ON DRAKE!

Arthur La Forge: JESUS THAT ABOUT BROKE THE RING

Mary DeSue: Thats cheating! Probably! I don’t know i am bl—full of sugary snacks.

Tact quickly runs and strikes down Brody Adams with a tackle into the cage and Mac is back up and knocks down Cent with a forearm. ISAAC and Goode continue to brawl, while Dionysus is getting into a hockey fight with EAB. Paul Freedom is back up and goes on the attack on Drake, or tries to as Mac quickly comes over and shoves him face-first into the cage! He then turns back and Centurion hits the BLOODY SYMPHONY! He then grabs the legs of Bane and starts trying to turn him around into the Fall of Rome! The Cowboy is hard to get over into the hold but Centurion succeeds! Everyone else is currently tied up, and no one seems able to stop it! Mac pushes himself up off the mat to alleviate the pain, so Centurion sits down on it!

Arthur La Forge: Centurion has the SCW champion in no man’s land! His back must be in agony!

Mary DeSue: Come on not-lame Cowboy! Don’t tap!!

Mac lifts an arm in the air, almost as if he wants to tap, but instead pushes himself up again. Then all of a sudden, Tact rips Centurion away from Bane and tries for THE HUMBLING! He lifts Centurion into the air, but Cent hits him with a series of elbows to force the break, then grabs Tact…1000 MILE SLAM! He yells out at the Level Up faithful and turns around to grab Tact, only for Bane to grab him from behind, hitting BRANDED! The headlock driver spikes Centurion into the mat! Larry quickly takes advantage and rolls on top of Centurion, applying ‘Larry’s Throne!’ He hooks in the elevated camel clutch and wrenches backward, almost bending Centurion in half!

Arthur La Forge: Karma, but the bad version, seems to have come for Centurion as now HIS back is being ruined!

Mary DeSue: Get rekt grandpa!

Dionysus sees what’s going on and attempts to break away from EAB, hitting him with a punching combination. With Blizzard stunned, Dio begins moving towards Tact and Centurion, only for Blizzard to pull him back at the last second! With Blizzard clutching Dio’s ankle, and Mac protecting Tact from other threats (including Brody Adams, who is back up and trying to break up the submission), Tact quickly wrenches on the hold and folds Cent backward onto his own legs! The pain is too much and CENTURION TAPS OUT!!!

Mr. Rad: YOUR WINNERS AS A RESULT OF A SUBMISSION…..THE GAME CHANGERS AND MAC BANE!

Arthur La Forge: NO!

Mary DeSue: YES!

The cage begins to lift as the babyfaces all realize what just happened. Referees and security come down to make sure the fighting doesn’t continue after the bell, and the Game Changers begin to celebrate with Tact. Tact allows Centurion to be collected by his teammates. He apologizes to them and is forgiven, but the team doesn’t seem ready to stop fighting. Tact motions for ISAAC, EAB and Drake to stand guard, while Mac helps him to his feet.

Arthur La Forge: This is still an explosive situation, but really what good is it guys? Brawling now sinks to their level!

Mary DeSue: BIG MEATY MEN SLAPPING MEAT! BIG MEATY MEN SLAPPING MEAT!

The babyfaces decide they’ll live to fight another day and agree to go backstage instead of risk fines or suspensions. Tact is up to his feet, while Mac stands behind him…AND MAC BANE SUDDENLY GRABS LARRY TACT AND HITS HIM WITH THE TORNADO ALLEY! Tact doesn’t even seem to realize what happened as he staggers forward into the ropes and turns back around, wobbly. Mac smirks at Tact and HITS HIM WITH THE RIDE! Tact is planted in the center of the ring! The rest of the Game Changers now have realized what’s happened and begin to move to the ring their teammates are in, as Mac immediately slips out of the ring.

Mac Bane: That was for Kat!

He begins to back up and jumps over the rail, with the rest of the team surrounding Tact and seeming entirely confused by the events as we cut to an ad break.

---


As we come back from an ad for Level Up EXP show, We see ISSAC, Drake, and EAB helping Larry back to his feet. Larry is livid as he gets out of the cage and calls for a microphone.

Arthur La Forge: Larry just got a receipt from Mac Bane and doesn't look happy about it!

Mary DeSue: That was a cheap shot! A no good cheap shot from a no good cheap shot artist!

Larry Tact: EVEN TONIGHT! I have a commitment made to my face. I have someone who competes alongside me in War Games, and still. Even then they prove how trash ridden the wrestling industry is. How corrupted it's become. You think the Game Changers are bad for this industry? Take a look at who's running the companies. Here in Level Up, it's even more like you fans are tossing money into a literal abyss. That's because you cannot complain to the top of the chain. I mean The Developer!

Larry Tact: From the very start, over a year ago, I knew this shadow figure bullshit was going to bite me. Throughout the year, I've saved many grievances the Developer had a hand in causing. But tonight, to put the Game Changers in War Games, of all places. I've had more than enough of answering to an office door, a nameless, shapeless authority figure. I may as well work for a goddamn stone golem with flappy gums! In which case I may as well stop working... aka be an employee of the Baltimore Orioles!

The crowd showers Larry with boos.

Arthur La Forge: I don't think the crowd liked that.

Mary DeSue: Honesty hurts.

Larry Tact: Pickles' Pub or Fickle Pub, am I right you bunch of bandwagoners. Just like the Developer, when the going gets tough you... well, actually, they never even showed up.

Larry laughs along with the other Game Changers. Suddenly the holographic form of Mr. Rad appears near the top of the entranceway.

Mr. Rad: You know what meatbag...You-You-You keep complaining to "The Developer" because you don't like to be told what to do. Well guess what...Hu-Hu-Humans always say "Be careful what you wish for"...

Mr. Rad vanishes as the lights go down and the RadTron says "Introducing...The...Developer"...

Arthur La Forge: What? We're finally gonna get to see who the boss is!!

Mary DeSue: Bout time! I need to talk to him about a rai...

"Myyyyy cupp runneth overrrrr..."

The Baltimore Crowd screams out with a pop like no other before the show...because those who know this man know he use to live right here!

"Likeeee blood from a stonneeee..."

Arthur La Forge: No way...

Mary DeSue: Wasn't he just out here...

As the cords of "Bleed The Freak" by Alice in Chains starts to play the lights come on and standing in the center of the entranceway is Trent Steel...The former professional wrestler turned billionaire owner of a multinational corporation. The Game Changers all stare for a moment as the music dies down and Trent holds up a microphone to his lips.

Trent Steel: Well...you've done your bitching...what do you want?

Arthur La Forge: This is insane! The former multitime world champion and ultraviolent icon Trent Steel is the man whose been running Level Up from the start!

Mary DeSue: Wait. He's a billionaire isn't he?

Larry doesn't respond at first, taking a moment to look around at the crowd who have had their fuse reignited by the appearance of Trent Steel. Then, a small smirk forms on Larry's face.

Larry Tact: What... is this it? Wait so. you're telling me that YOU ARE THE DEVELOPER? A reanimated bag of bones? How do I know you didn't just throw some money at a VIP backstage pass? Nah, you wouldn't have thought you needed one, what with your AARP card. This must be a joke...

Trent Steel: You're really gonna waste my time like this after complaining for months to see me?

Larry paces around, glaring at Trent and looking around at each of his group.

Larry Tact: Alright, you want to hear it? Put on your big boy pants. The humble reality is Level Up always deserved to have wrestlers come in and combat, leaving only rare gems at the top. Instead, you served everyone overrated, entitled, outlandish mediocrity. Fighters with bloated egos and not enough talent to actually win matches. Meanwhile, those of us who have stuck around had to hack-and-slash through the bloat and congestion that will choke this place if it continues. The Game Changers are the only ones who have Risen up to make real statements and send a clear message to the Developer. You think you'd have seen the tactful way sooner, but after months you've clearly either enjoyed watching us dissect the competition and collect gold; or you've simply become so out of touch with your company that you don't even have a better answer than allowing some random encountering good boys try to take on an ultimate level quest. In the end, they will not outlast us.

The crowd certainly disagrees and let's Larry and the Game Changers know it.

Arthur La Forge: Well...like it or hate it...Larry at least makes his case known.

Mary DeSue: Yeah and if the boss knows what's best for business he'll listen to Larry!

Larry Tact: We have a mission to carry out, and it's actually pretty cut and dry. You either work with us to make tactful adjustments that will take this company to new levels. Or, you continue to try slowing us, we force our way to all the gold this company has to offer, and we run the locker room the way we know will attract the talent we need to raise the level around here. (edited)

He takes the Power title in hand and drapes it over the top rope, leaning on it. EAB does the same next to Larry using the Courage title. ISAAC and Drake stand on either end, imposing as Larry chuckles.

Larry Tact: If you really are the Developer, then the choice is yours. You know what? Here's something you can do to prove you're the Developer, right here and now. You give myself and Mister Blizzard, here, a rightful shot at the Multiplayer gloves we should have already won. Or, give me the next Final Boss title shot, so I can add to our title count.

He looks quite smug and confident as he continues.

Larry Tact: Unless, that is, you're afraid we're going to entirely wreck this Waluigi Fest you have going on here, and turn this company into the Level Up that the Game Changers envision.

Arthur La Forge: How is the boss gonna react to these demands?

Mary DeSue: If he's smart he'll cave. Just look at that talent in the ring.

Trent reaches into his vest and pulls out a pocketwatch. He looks at it for a moment and then closes it. Adjusting his glasses before he speaks.

Trent Steel: So...you want me to prove who the fuck I am by giving you something. I haven't given you anything since any of you chucklefucks have joined this federation...and I'm not about to start now.

Arthur La Forge: It just got personal up in here.

Mary DeSue: Uh-oh...Not good!

The Game Changers glare at Trent. All of them yelling towards the suited figure at the top of the entranceway. Larry goes to speak but Trent cuts him off.

Trent Steel: I'm not fucking finished, but if you open your mouth again you will be. You demand? Who the fuck are you to demand shit? How about this for a fucking counter offer since your negotiation skills are about as good as your in ring skills. How about I strip you and your bald friend there of both of those titles and fire all fucking four of you right the fuck now?

The fans start chanting "Do It! Do It! Do It!". The Game Changers look pissed off as Larry start to speak again, but the microphone is cut off.

Arthur La Forge: These fans are all for these guys getting fired!

Mary DeSue: Ungrateful cretins! The lot of them!

Trent Steel: You see...I would do that Larry, but that wouldn't be fair because you and EAB have earned your titles and all four of you are good wrestlers...you just have your god damn heads up your asses. So here's what I am going to do. You want that Multiplayer Gauntlets shot...You and EAB can earn it by fighting in multiplayer matches...You want the next Final Boss shot...you can fucking earn it like every other wrestler in the back. If you don't like that. You can quit or you can shut the fuck up. Oh, and you wanted me to prove who the fuck I am Larry...well...if I wasn't The Developer then well these guys wouldn't listen to me...

We see a force of Baltimore's finest police officers walking out behind Trent Steel and heading for the ring.

Trent Steel: Officers. These men have already had their match and are asked to leave the show as to not interfere with MY MAIN EVENT! Escort them from the premises.

Arthur La Forge: OH NO IT'S THE FIVE OH!!

Mary DeSue: Hide my bag Artie!

Larry taps the mic a couple times, shouting into it as his face goes red at the sight of the police. Realizing the mic's audio is still cut, he spikes the mic on the ring canvas and watches as the police enter. The Game Changers stare them down...Larry tells them to not touch the Game Changers. He then leads the group out of the ring and down the steps to the entrance stage, but the officers abruptly block them from the stage. Larry looks pissed.

Larry Tact: You won't let us to the back? Are you being serious?? Our ring gear is back there. MY CLOTHES ARE BACK THERE. I swear if anything is tampered with... DEVELOPER!!! STEEL!!!

Larry begins shouting too many things that Twitch needs to censor, so the audio goes out as The Game Changers are led through the stands to a walkway and a door with an Exit sign. All the while as they walk, the crowd has a special parting song for them...

CROWD: NA NA NA NA... NA NA NA NA... HEY! HEY! HEY! GOODBYE!

Arthur La Forge: Ahh...the sound of joy...

Mary DeSue: I hate this damn song. I hate these damn fans. Most of all I hate cops being this close to me.

Larry looks angry as all hell, and the police officers won't let them stop and jaw at any fans. As the Game Changers make it to the door, they walk into a hallway with fans waiting at the one concession stand. There is a long line, and while fans wait they continue singing off the Game Changers.

FANS: NA NA NA NA... NA NA NA NA... HEY HEY HEY! GOODBYE!

This continues all the way until the Game Changers finally leave the arena. Trent smiles to the crowd as he speaks once more. The Baltimore fans, mostly from Carnage, are cheering and screaming.

Trent Steel: GET READY FOR A MAIN EVENT FROM HELL BALTIMORE!!! HERE COMES THE REAL HEADLINER OF DOOM!!..

"Bleed the Freak" by Alice in Chains starts to play again as Trent Steel exits the ring.

Arthur La Forge: The reveal of a lifetime tonight folks and we're still not even done with the show!

Mary DeSue: That son of a b[bleep] is gonna have hell to pay for pulling that on "The Game Changers"!

Arthur La Forge: Actually his nickname is "The Son Of A B[Bleep]"...

Mary DeSue: Wow. So we've got the definition of a complete a[bleep]hole as a boss...joy!

---

Joey Crash vs. Duncan Shepard

The bouncing electronic beat of “Commander Shepard” by the Miracle of Sound hits the PA system and the crowd are on their feet! Blue and white lights flash around the arena in time with the beat.

FROM OMEGA TO MARS


FROM THE COUNCIL TO THE SEEDIEST BARS

FROM THE REACHES OF SPACE

TO THE PILLARS OF ASARI GRACE

Duncan Shepard emerges from behind the curtain clad in black trunks, black boots and some red and white tape on his wrists. In his hands he clutches a Mass Effect shotgun, which he raises to the air and shoots, sending confetti all over the crowd. The fans in the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena are loving it, and proudly display signs including “DUNCAN WILL YOU MARRY ME?”, “THIS IS THE MASS EFFECT!” and “IF CRASH WINS WE RIOT!”.

Arthur La Forge: What can be said about Duncan that hasn’t already? Back when Magdalena was the top dog around here, there was a time everyone thought of him as the heir apparent to the Final Boss title.

Mary DeSue: That’s the good timeline, the one where that other douche is dead or something.

After a brief moment of celebration, Shepard’s eyes narrow and he makes his way to the ring, completely focused on his goal. Fans reach out for hi-fives on his way down the ramp but he leaves them hanging - he’s happy to be here, but it’s time to get down to business. As he approaches the squared circle, his theme reaches the pre chorus.

THERE ARE BATTLE-WORN BATARIANS LACKING IN HUMILITY

TURIANS A’ BRAGGIN BOUT THEIR REACH AND FLEXIBILITY

THE CLUTTER OF THE CITIES SPREADS TO THE LONELIEST STARS…

Duncan slides into the ring then again shoots his shotgun, sending more confetti into the crowd. He does a full 360, making sure that everyone gets their just desserts, before blowing the imaginary steam off of the barrel.

BUT NO MATTER WHAT SCARS YOU BEAR
WHATEVER UNIFORM YOU WEAR

YOU CAN FIGHT LIKE A KROGAN, RUN LIKE LEOPARD

BUT YOU’LL NEVER BE BETTER THAN COMMANDER SHEPARD!

Shepard tosses his shotgun into the crowd then raises both fists into the air. The crowd scramble to get their hands on the shotty as Duncan sets about doing some stretches on the ropes. He then sits in the corner and patiently waits for the arrival of Joey Crash.

Arthur La Forge: It all comes down to this, all Duncan’s hard work has lead to this moment and this shot.

Mary DeSue: Yeah, but as much as I rag him? He’s trying to take out the guy, who took out the guy no one else could. Not Larry, Not the Thicc bois, not even Maggie. Joey Crash, for my money and bag of candy, is the most dangerous Daddy in the back.

The arena begins to grow restless as Crash is making them wait. Shepard continues to remain seated in the corner, not showing any signs of irritation. Then, finally, the rocking intro of “Cheer Up London” by Slaves bursts through the speakers and the crowd respond with loud boos. The song continues to play out with no sign of Crash, however.

PUT ANOTHER 0 IN YOUR PAYCHECK

ARE YOU DONE DIGGING YOUR GRAVE YET?

Eventually the Final Boss Champion appears on stage, clad in his signature round shades and overcoat. Joey is moving slowly, deliberately, clutching his championship belt to his chest. He’s holding it like his only child as he walks down the ramp, eyes wildly bouncing from one side of the crowd to the other.

YOU’RE DEAD, ALREADY, DEAD, DEAD, ALREADY-READY

DEAD, ALREADY, DEAD, DEAD, ALREADY-READY

Arthur La Forge: You know all those stories, where a McGuffin corrupts a decent guy? Or makes a bad guy worse?

Mary DeSue: No Artie. I’m not a nerd.

As he approaches the ring, Joey swipes at a fan who was maybe getting a little too overzealous in an attempt to touch him. He barks at the fan, and security quickly intervene to ensure the situation doesn’t escalate further. After finally turning his attention back to Duncan, Joey walks up the ring steps and tentatively climbs into the ring. He raises his Final Boss title in the air and soaks in the crowd response. However the moment of zen is broken when he immediately barks at Ref Kirby to keep Duncan away from him. Kirby seems confused as Duncan is still in the corner, staring Joey down but keeping his distance. Joey shakes his head, then turns back to the crowd, again holding his championship aloft.

Arthur La Forge: My point? Joey Crash is unhinged, and looks desperate. And there’s nothing more dangerous than a desperate man.

Mary DeSue: No one buys a premium membership on Onlyfans quicker, either.

Mr Rad: The following contest is a Last Man Standing match for the LEVEL UP FINAL BOSS CHAMPIONSHIP! The match will continue until one man is unable to get to his feet before the count of ten.

Mr Rad: Introducing first, the challenger…from London, England…weighing in at 246 pounds…he is The Last Of Us Part 2 Gauntlet winner…”THE COMMANDER”, DUNCANNNN SHEPARDDDD!!

Duncan raises both arms into the air, then forms a pistol in one hand and aims it at Crash’s head.

Mr Rad: And his opponent…also from London, England…weighing in at 225 pounds…he is the Final Boss Champion, JOEYYYY CRASH!!

Crash continues to nurse the championship in his arms, even as Ref Kirby approaches him to take it away. Kirby beckons for the title, Joey stares at it, then up at the referee. He plants a kiss on it, then begrudgingly hands it over.

Arthur La Forge: No Count outs. No Pints. No Submission. No Rules. The only way to win? Keep the other man down for a ten count.

Mary DeSue:: Joking aside, I don’t think I’ve ever seen either one of these guys beaten to that point once in their entire run here.

Kirby raises the title into the air in front of a capacity crowd eager to see the main event get underway. He passes it off to the timekeeper, then calls for the bell!

DING DING DING!

Both wrestlers remain in their respective corners as the crowd is HYPED for this one to start. Shepard takes a step forward and Crash is instantly out of the ring. He slides under the bottom rope and backs away, putting as much distance between him and the Commander as possible. Shepard approaches the ropes and beckons for Crash to face him like a man. The cowardly champion continues to move backwards,until he bumps into the guardrail. The fans boo him loudly, several giving a thumbs down to the camera as it pans over. From the ring, Shepard shouts something at Crash, who at first seems confused. Then his face lights up. He climbs back into the ring, then produces the brass knuckles from his jeans pocket! Shepard nods, then points right between his eyes, yelling “MAKE IT COUNT!”

Arthur La Forge: The Challenger showing Zero fear and intimidation, he’s waving in the loaded fist!

Mary DeSue: That’s cool. I could clock out early.

The stunned crowd can only watch as, like he promised, Shepard is prepared to give Crash a free shot with the brass knucks! Crash now seems to have all the confidence in the world as he lines up his shot…LOADED GLOVE!! Shepard is laid out by that nasty shot, and Crash is chirping at him now, fearless once his challenger is defenseless. Joey pulls over Ref Kirby and screams at him to start counting!

Arthur La Forge: This isn’t the same Joey Crash that won the Final Boss title. The man who went head on at a champion and took it from him, even retired him!

Mary DeSue: Well…Duncan is a little more intimidating than the runt was, Artie.

Ref Kirby forces Joey to back off and starts administering the count.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Shepard is stirring

FIVE!

Shepard manages to get back to his feet, but Crash, who has pocketed the knucks, sends him back down with a clothesline! He takes a mount and is swinging for the fences, laying into Shepard with rights and lefts. Shepard is still woozy from that early brass knuckle shot and is unable to get his hands up to block any of the shots. Crash realizes this, and takes advantage. He grabs Shepard’s hands and keeps them locked with his as he stands up. Crash starts giving Duncan a FACEWASHER! He drills his boot into Duncan’s head over and over again, the stomps landing flush on the already bruised face of the challenger. Duncan again is defenseless to this, and Joey continues until he thinks he’s done enough damage. He finally lets go of Duncan’s hands and calls on the ref to count again.

Arthur La Forge: Crash is absolutely vicious right now. He doesn’t just want to beat his competition, he wants to wipe them off the board completely!

Mary DeSue: He doesn’t want them to become more powerful after he strikes them down!

Arthur La Forge: Was that…a Star Wars reference?

Mary DeSue: Star what? Someone said it on a Tiktok video!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

As Ref Kirby counts, Crash walks over to the turnbuckle opposite Duncan and starts removing the pad

FOUR!

FIVE!

Shepard rolls over to the ropes, and starts pulling himself up

Crash pulls off the second turnbuckle padding, and then the third, creating a TURNBUCKLE OF DEATH!

SIX!

Shepard pulls himself up by the ropes, and turns around to see Crash, but Joey stands in front of the turnbuckle, obscuring it from his view. Shepard throws a wild punch and his reach is so big that it just glances Crash and knocks him off balance. Shepard combos this with a knee to the gut which doubles Crash over. The Commander looks to get his first true offensive move in, hooking Crash’s head for a suplex. He lifts the champion up, but Crash digs his finger into Shepard’s eye, forcing him to drop Crash back to the ground. Crash then reverses the suplex attempt into a SUPLEX OF HIS OWN, DRIVING DUNCAN INTO THE UNPROTECTED TURNBUCKLE!

Arthur La Forge: Holy! I think I was right! He IS trying to cripple Duncan!

Mary DeSue: I’m sure Bert can give him all sorts of helpful hints on how to live with it!

Arthur La Forge: Stop, that’s not funny.

Mary DeSue: It’s a little funny.

Crash rolls Duncan out of the corner, then heads to the outside. Ref Kirby looks to start the 10 count, but suddenly recoils as a chair comes flying from the outside, landing on top of Duncan. And another. And another! It’s raining chairs inside the ring as Crash obsessively throws them in. Shepard rolls away, trying to avoid the barrage, but there’s too many! CRASH IS BURYING HIM IN CHAIRS! Crash rolls into the ring with a chair and starts hammering down on the metal covering Duncan, over and over! He then throws the chair on top of Duncan and drives his knee into the metal, screaming at Ref Kirby to COUNT! Kirby informs him that he has to get off of Shepard, but Crash doesn’t seem to care. He continues to argue that since Shepard is down, Kirby should count…then SHEPARD’S ARM SHOOTS OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE PILE OF CHAIRS!

Arthur La Forge: GAH! ZOMBIE!

Mary DeSue: He just rose from the dead! Beautiful women out of the arena first!

Shepard wraps his arm around Crash’s throat, GOING FOR THE KOJI CLUTCH!. Crash grabs Shepard’s hand, trying to free himself. In a desperation move, Crash bites down on Duncan’s flesh! Shepard eventually lets go and Crash rolls off of him. Joey sees a black shape heading straight at his face…BOOM! The chair hits its target and Joey is nearly knocked off his feet. Duncan has risen, and he’s got no regard for human life! He flings another chair at Joey, this one aimed low, and it’s spiked off of his gut. LIke shots from a shotgun, the chairs keep flying, and Crash tries to escape by hauling ass out of the ring!

Arthur La Forge: Joey Crash had a clear gameplan tonight but I don’t think he expected Duncan to put up this big of a fight!

Mary DeSue: Of course he did! Crash is a smart competitor! This is all part of his strategy!

Arthur La Forge: Running is a strategy?

Mary DeSue: He’s lulling Duncan into a false sense of security!

Crash though is moving gingerly after collecting two full-force chair bullets, and Shepard easily catches up with him. He grabs him by the belt buckle and pulls him back into a German suplex on the floor! Shepard keeps his arms wrapped around Crash’s waist and lifts him up for a second rolling German! Crash is looking dazed now, but Shepard isn’t done! He hauls Crash to his feet again, this time NAILING A GERMAN WHICH DRILLS CRASH’S HEAD INTO THE APRON! Crash’s brains are scrambled and as he bounces off the apron and crumples to the floor. The crowd are firmly behind Shepard, but there’s something else they’re hoping for out of this match…

“WE WANT TABLES”

[CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP]

“WE WANT TABLES”

[CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP]

Arthur La Forge: Well, the Baltimore crowd wants a little bit of the old ultraviolence.

Mary DeSue: Wargames wasn’t enough?

The chants give way to cheers as Duncan starts rooting around under the ring…eventually producing the object of their desire, the wooden table! Shepard sets the table up in a peculiar spot, at the base of the ramp, a fair distance away from the ring. Crash has made it to his knees, but Shepard is immediately onto him, driving him backfirst into the apron. Shepard then whips him into the steel steps, and Joey slams into them shoulder-first, sending the top half flying. The Commander then flings Crash like a toy into the crowd barrier, coming face-to-face with the crowd who are egging him on.

Mary DeSue: Oh great, he’s getting help from the fans! FIGHT HIM ON YOUR OWN, COWARD!

Arthur La Forge: That’s not what’s happening at all!

Mary DeSue: Isn’t it? Why do you always refuse to see the truth?

Shepard climbs up onto the crowd barrier and lifts up Crash with him, putting him up onto his shoulder. He balances on the crowd barrier, then charges forward, heading for the table! Crash manages to avoid disaster at the last minute, scrambling out of the hold and landing behind Duncan. Shepard whips around and Crash drops down, going for a LOW BLOW! NO! Shepard knew it was coming and he grabs Crash’s wrist, cranking it the wrong way! Crash grips his wrist in agony, opening himself up for a KROGAN HANDSHAKE! The headbutt rocks Crash, and Duncan takes advantage. He hoists him back up onto his shoulder, then charges down the guardrail…LEAPING OFF AND POWERSLAMMING CRASH THROUGH THE TABLE!

Arthur La Forge: MOTHER BRAIN! That might be it!

Mary DeSue: Noooo! Come on Joey, you can get up!

Crash is laid out, his body splitting the table in two and sending splinters flying everywhere. Shepard slowly gets to his feet and backs up as Ref Kirby starts the count.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

Crash is stirring

SEVEN!

Crash Is on his knees now

EIGHT!

As Crash is about to get up Shepard grabs him and hooks his arm. He then grasps Joey’s leg, setting up for REAPER’S BANE! NO! Crash manages to slam his free knee into Duncan’s head! Crash them scrambles out of the hold. Joey flees, running the opposite direction and causing Shepard to give chase. Instead of running directly behind Crash, Shepard decides to go in the opposite direction, looking to catch Crash with a BIOTIC CHARGE! NO! Crash dropkicks the steel steps broken off earlier into Shepard’s legs, and his momentum sends him head-over-heels on to the floor! Crash takes a moment to recover after that sudden burst of energy. Then he picks up the steps and stands over Shepard. He DRILLS them into Shepard’s chest with all his strength!

Arthur La Forge: Crash survives being defeated and he might have just injured Shepard!

Mary DeSue: Hey, remember when Duncan had damage to his lungs?

Arthur La Forge: Yes, I do. And I think Joey does too, because that attack was definitely coordinated.

Crash introduces Duncan to the steps a second time, and a third! His rage threatening to boil over, Crash tosses the steps aside then marches over to the timekeeper’s area. He snatches his Final Boss Championship away from the timekeeper then marches back over to Duncan. He gets down into his face and starts screaming at him:

“THIS IS MINE!”

“YOU’LL NEVER BEAT ME SHEPARD!”

“JUST QUIT NO-

Before he can finish, Shepard SLAPS HIM IN THE FACE!

Arthur La Forge: The Commander refuses to let the Citadel down!

Mary DeSue: I have no idea what you said but KICK HIS ASS JOEY!

Crash recoils and Shepard follows the slap up with a right hook! Shepard slowly rises up, then lifts Crash up into an EXPLODER SUPLEX ONTO THE STEPS! The suplex essentially dumps Crash neck-first onto the steps - a nasty landing! Ref Kirby is back on site to make the count as Shepard recovers from the brutal step-shots, but Shepard waves him off…he’s not finished!

Mary DeSue: Well, Artie?

Arthur La Forge: Well what?

Mary DeSue: Aren’t you gonna whine about Duncan trying to hurt Crash? It’s all you could talk about when Crash was doing it!

Arthur La Forge: Turnabout is fair play, Mary!

Mary DeSue: WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?

Shepard drags the steps closer to the ring, then pulls Crash up into a fireman’s carry. He hauls Crash up with him to the apron, then starts climbing up the turnbuckle! He reaches the top, then steadies himself…what’s he looking for? AVALANCHE SAMOAN DROP! NO! Crash counters by throwing some desperate punches! Crash slides onto the apron, then clubs Shepard from behind. Crash then hooks both of Shepard arms…a backslide? Joey there’s no pins here! Wait, what?! He’s lifting Shepard up on his back, their arms linked…bracing himself, Joey runs forward…BACKSLIDE DRIVER ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!

Arthur La Forge: Oh my GOD! Did you hear the thud when Duncan hit the steps?

Mary DeSue: Did you see him bounce? I think Crash just killed him!

Duncan’s head is driven into the steps from a height, and he bounces off them like a bouncy ball. He’s motionless on the ground, possibly knocked out, as Crash screams at Kirby for the count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Crash holds his Final Boss Championship aloft

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

Shepard looks around at his surroundings, glassy-eyed

EIGHT!

The ref’s count seems to trigger something in Duncan, and he suddenly surges to his feet, pulling himself up with the ring apron!

Arthur La Forge: I don’t believe it! Duncan’s back up like he just found a Medi-gel!

Mary DeSue: Stop being a nerd and tell Duncan to quit while he still can! Eventually Joey’s gonna stop going so easy on him!

Arthur La Forge: The thing you said made WAAAAY less sense than the thing I said.

Crash, who was celebrating with his back turned to Duncan, senses that something isn’t quite right. He turns around to see Shepard groggily propping himself up on the ring apron. Crash stares at him in disbelief, Shepard raises his fists, beckoning Joey to bring it on! He does, swinging for the fences with his title belt! But Shepard ducks it, and starts unloading some high-powered strikes on the champion! Dropping the title, Crash blocks a shot and fires back with some boxing jabs, finishing the combination with an uppercut which rocks Shepard’s jaw…BUT THE COMMANDER DOESN’T GO DOWN! Instead he fires up, unleashing some sizzling chips to Crash’s chest! The chops force Joey back to the guardrail, and Shepard leans back for another chop…but Joey sidesteps it and spins into a SPINNING BACKFIST!

Arthur La Forge: This thing is just a war of attrition! Who knows if there will be anything left to BE Final Boss Champion?

Mary DeSue: Crash just needs to hit him harder! And more often! WRECK HIM!

Both men are out on their feet, having put everything into that exchange. Crash sneakily reaches into his pocket, and pulls out his brass knucks! HE GOES FOR IT…BUT SHEPARD GRABS HIS FIST! The Commander then jabs something into Crash’s hand eliciting a scream from the champion! The camera zooms in to show a SPLINTER OF WOOD JUTTING OUT FROM BETWEEN CRASH’S THUMB AND INDEX FINGER! Shepard sadistically drives it further into the skin, causing blood to spill out from the wound. The Commander pulls the injured Crash forward, hooking his head and then his leg…he lifts him up…REAPER’S BANE ON THE OUTSIDE! He hits it, but both men are down?! On the replay we can see that on the way down, Crash was able to connect with the BRASS KNUCKS!

Arthur La Forge: Of all the…Crash knew he was about to be beaten so he used the only thing he had left!

Mary DeSue: It’s SMART! If this ends in a draw, Crash retains his title!

Arthur La Forge: It’s definitely smart, but I wonder if he thinks he can beat Duncan at this point!

Mary DeSue: Of course he can, but why not keep your belt any way you can?

Shepard and Crash are both laid out on the outside, and Ref Kirby begins the count.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

Both men begin to stir

SEVEN!

Shepard pushes himself up to one knee

EIGHT!

Shepard is nearly up, Crash is lagging behind him…

NINE!

Shepard gets to his feet…and Crash jumps on his back just before ten!

Arthur La Forge: They’re both up…barely…and Joey Crash is trying to will Duncan into staying down!

Mary DeSue: Yeah, by squeezing his windpipe!

Crash desperately clings on to Shepard’s back, trying to choke him out! Shepard looks to be fading…but then he manages to use his strength to drive Crash back-first into the steel turnbuckle post! This forces Crash to break his grip, freeing Duncan. The Commander tosses Crash into the ring and follows after him. He reaches down and rips off the brass knuckles from Crash’s fist, which is now covered in blood from the splinter! The crowd stands up as Shepard slowly slides in the knuckles onto his fist! Payback time!

Arthur La Forge: Now it’s time for Joey to feel what everyone else on the roster has against him!

Mary DeSue: PUT THOSE DOWN DUNCAN, THEY DO NOT BELONG TO YOU.

Arthur La Forge: Don’t worry, he’s about to give them back.

Mary DeSue: You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE UNBIASED!

Shepard sizes up Crash as he makes his way up to his feet. He corks back, going for a LOADED GLOVE OF HIS OWN! NO! Crash takes the impact on his left arm! The impact causes his forearm to bend slightly, almost to the point of breaking! But Crash avoids the shot nonetheless…AND LAYS OUT SHEPARD WITH A SECRET SECOND PAIR OF KNUCKS! The shot causes Crash physical pain as it’s with his bloodied right hand, but the adrenaline is flowing! His left arm already beginning to bruise, Crash knows he has to put away Shepard right now. He drags him over to the corner, then climbs up the turnbuckle. Once on the top rope, he pulls Shepard up with him…then with all his strength lifts him up…CRASH AND BURN! CRASH WITH THE AVALANCHE PILEDRIVER!

Arthur La Forge: That’s the move that broke Bert McAlroy’s neck!

Mary DeSue: That’s it! #AndStill, Artie! I’m calling it!

Both men are down again, Crash is clutching his left arm in absolute agony. Kirby with the count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!


FOUR!


FIVE!

Crash makes his way to the corner, still clutching his left arm, and slowly pulls himself up with his right arm.


SIX!


SEVEN!

Crash is up, Duncan is stirring

EIGHT!

The crowd gets behind Shepard, urging him to rise!

NINE!

TE-

Somehow Shepard gets to his feet…but then immediately falls back down!

Mary DeSue: THAT COUNTS! Joey wins! You all saw it!

Arthur La Forge: It does NOT! Shepard made it up, barely, and the match continues!

Mary DeSue: That’s not fair!

Crash looks at Kirby, who did break the count, and then at Duncan with disbelief. His eyes are bulging out of his head, he can’t believe that wasn’t enough to put the Commander away! Crash yells at Kirby, telling him it was 10, but Kirby tells him that Shepard did make it to his feet, even if only briefly! Crash shoves him away then heads to the outside. He roots under the ring…then pulls out…A LADDER?! He gingerly pulls the ladder up, arm still giving him significant trouble, then slides it into the ring with much effort. Crash follows it into the ring and starts setting it up above the motionless Shepard.

Arthur La Forge: I don’t even want to know what Crash has in mind, here.

Mary DeSue:: Just remember, Duncan did this to himself!

Crash fetches his title, then grabs Duncan by the hair. He delivers him a parting message - “YOU’LL NEVER TAKE THIS TITLE FROM ME.” - before securing the title around his waist. Crash, wearing the title, then starts climbing up the ladder on the side opposite to Shepard. He climbs to the top rung, then places his hands on the very top of the ladder. Crash, knowing it's now or never, climbs onto the top step...ONLY TO SEE SHEPARD CRAWLING UP THE OTHER SIDE! WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?! Crash is stunned, he can’t believe what he’s seeing!

Arthur La Forge: DUNCAN SHEPARD REFUSES TO DIE!

Mary DeSue: Unfortunately! Knock him down, Joey! Hit the Crash and Burn off the ladder! DO SOMETHING!

Shepard is slowly but surely making his way up the ladder, despite the amount of punishment he has already taken in this match! Just like he fought his way to the Power Championship in the early days of Level Up, Commander Shepard is climbing the rungs to the very top! Crash lands a clubbing blow to the back of Shepard, but he reaches up and bounces Crash’s head off the top of the ladder! The two start slugging it out, firing brutal blows back and forth…a forearm from Shepard causes Crash to start to sway off the side of the ladder. He capitalizes…LANDING A KROGAN HANDSHAKE! Crash is about to plummet to the mat below, but Shepard grabs his arm before he can!

Arthur La Forge: Wait, why did he do that?

Mary DeSue: Maybe he’s about to give up?

Arthur La Forge: I really don’t think that’s the case.

Shepard shakes his head then hooks his head. The crowd suddenly go crazy as they’re anticipating what’s coming! The Commander cradles Crash…THEN DELIVERS A REAPER’S BANE OFF THE TOP OF THE LADDER!! THE FANS EXPLODE IN CHEERS AS BOTH MEN ARE DOWN! Kirby with the count!

Arthur La Forge: OH MY GOD! Reaper’s Bane off the top! Duncan may have broken his own back just to take out Crash!

Mary DeSue: Haha, this is great! Duncan just let Crash keep the title via a draw! What a moron!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

Shepard is rising from the mat, Crash is motionless

NINE!

Shepard is up, Crash is beginning to stir…

TEN!

Crash tries to push himself up from the canvas but he has nothing left!

DING DING DING!!

Mr. Rad: Here is your winner…ANNNNND NEW!! FINAL BOSS CHAMPION…”THE COMMANDER”, DUNCANNNN SHEPARDDD!!

The new champion strips the belt off of Joey Crash, and cradles it in his arms in the middle of the ring. Shepard holds it close to his chest, much like Crash was when he made his entrance earlier. The last man is finally standing, and Ref Kirby raises his arm to the jubilation of the fans in attendance.

Arthur La Forge: I don’t believe it! After what HAS to be the match of the year, Duncan Shepard is the last man standing after unleashing hell on Joey Crash. AND, he’s the Final Boss Champion!

Mary DeSue: This is absolutely ridiculous. Crash shouldn’t even have been a last man standing match to begin with! WHO BOOKED THIS CRAP?

Arthur La Forge: Trent Steel, the Developer.

Mary DeSue: GREAT MATCH, TEN OUT OF TEN!

Duncan Shepard then looks down at Joey Crash, who did everything he could to prevent him from taking his title. Shepard plants his foot squarely on Crash’s chest, then lets out a primal roar, holding the title over his conquered opponent as the show fades out.

---

CREDITS:

Opening Video: Joe
Show Intro: Jay
Cheat Code Ladder Match: Jay
Cypher vs. Ataxia: Jay
Introducing The Kingdom: Lu & Michelle
Jack Sullivan vs. Nocturne: Duane
Lord Raab vs. Bryan Ford: Joe
Starting From The Bottom Now That They’re Here: Lu/Michelle/Jess/Amanda
Will and Trent Catch Up: Jay/Duane/Matt
Ahmya vs. Buster Gloves: Tact
Wargames: Joe & Dubs
Be Careful What You Wish For: Jay & Tact
Duncan Shepard vs. Joey Crash: Dubs
Judges: Joe, Jay & Duane