Post by Ampersand on Mar 20, 2022 2:12:32 GMT
You're like an Empress
You've got fire running down your cheeks
You burn everything you see
Gold are your fingers
Leaving traces everywhere you go
Diamonds in your skin, my blood flows
You've got fire running down your cheeks
You burn everything you see
Gold are your fingers
Leaving traces everywhere you go
Diamonds in your skin, my blood flows
We see the backstage area of the Colosseum, the walls fairly vibrating in anticipation of the upcoming show. Montana Jack, the newest prospect of the company, stalks the halls with the impatience of a hungry predator; quiet, intent, and deadly. He’s here to make an impression and let the Ascended Army know exactly who he is and what to expect if they cross him. Nearby, another freshly minted Gladiator is psyching himself up. The diminutive Boar Knight is here to show big things come from small packages, and as we pass him by, we see the shadow he casts is anything but little. SKUP9 provides an extreme contrast, the big man checking his gear as he moves backstage, not ready to let another title shot slip him by. Mara Lang, meanwhile, is still getting ready, sitting in the locker room and taping up her hands. As she finishes up with one, her phone on the bench beside her vibrates. As she looks at it, smiling slowly, eyelids heavy, we see the initials, ‘L.P.’ on the caller ID. She doesn’t notice the shadow of Loki Synn lurking in the locker room doorway, black-ice eyes fixed on the good doctor. Her expression is unreadable, but the intention in her eyes and posture are clear, a faint jingle from her jester’s hat the only hint Lang gets that anyone was there at all. By the time she looks up, however, Synn has departed.
Bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
Bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
Bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
As Loki glides down the hallway, she passes by a broom closet with its door open, the words, ‘MOXIE GOLIGHTLY PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR,’ written across a piece of paper stuck to it with tape. Viola Williams sits across a desk from Moxie, the latter of whom is going over notes on their upcoming fight, talking a mile a minute and animatedly describing strategies to her partner. There’s amusement in Viola’s expression, but it doesn’t mask the concern on her face. She seems distracted for a moment, picking up her phone and looking at an incoming text message from Silvio Leon. Opening it, the camera catches a quick flash of his words: “Ax is stable. On my way home.” There is visible relief on Viola’s face, but she can’t let herself relax too much. And the reason for that is currently discussing things together just down the hallway. Thorne and Logan look like avatars of defiance, the pair decked out in leather and steel discussing their own strategies for the upcoming tag match. Thorne’s manager, Ivy Thistledown, provides a rather startling contrast with her pink braids and pastel knit clothing, seeming at any given moment, two seconds away from offering someone a scone with jam and a cozy sweater. But she smiles pleasantly as the pair discuss the finer points of dismemberment.
Sound of the water
Beads drippin' down your face
Calling out, calling out my name
You were December
Eyes cold, freeze my blood
Somehow, somehow not enough
Beads drippin' down your face
Calling out, calling out my name
You were December
Eyes cold, freeze my blood
Somehow, somehow not enough
Sebastian Hawke is in his dressing room, rolling his shoulders, eyes closed, hopping lightly from one foot to the other. On a chair nearby is the Emerald City Championship belt. Opening his eyes, he focuses on its central plate; the silver relief of Mt. Rainier. He has people relying on him. He’s an inspiration. He can’t afford to lose. He’s defended this title before, he’ll do it again. But the man looking to clip his wings isn’t too far away. Kyle Beckett sits alone in the locker room, elbows on his knees, eyes focused directly in front of him. He’s had chances before and failed. But not again. Not now. Everything seems to be crumbling away from him. Everyone’s leaving him out of the loop and treating him like he belongs at the kid’s table. He’s going to show everyone just how wrong they are about him. That if this world is going to treat him this way, then he’s just going to make a new one for himself. From there, the camera moves away to uncharted territory; the parts of the map that used to claim, ‘Here there be monsters.’ Frater Perdurabo lurks in the alleyway outside of the Colosseum, bathed in the fluorescent and neon of the SoDo industrial district. He has Rat on the menu tonight, but the real meal he wants is something a little less tangible though potent enough. Submission, realization, obedience, faith. Just not for Kane King. The Lab Rat King himself is seated in some dark corner of the Colosseum, pet rats Noose and Switchblade perched on his shoulders, whiskers flickering. He holds the Ascended Underworld Championship in his hands, staring at its slick, black centerpiece. His valet and wife, Grace King, stands nearby. Reaching over, she places a hand gently upon his shoulder. She knows his spirit is willing; the Big Guy is proof enough of that. But how long will his body hold out? When does it all get to be too much? And when that time comes, will he have the option of an, ‘after,’ on the other side of that fateful match, or will he just die with his crown on, sword and scepter in either hand?
The King is dead. Long live the King?
Bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
Bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
Bring the lion out
Bring the, bring the lion out
The camera swoops over a packed Colosseum, the Ascended Army roaring as a few signs stand out among them.
SUPLEX ME, ANNIE! <3
TIME FOR THE BOAR KNIGHT TO GO WHOLE HOG
SEND THE KING TO THE DARK DEPTHS
TIME FOR THE BOAR KNIGHT TO GO WHOLE HOG
SEND THE KING TO THE DARK DEPTHS
At the commentary table, Hiro Suzuki is dressed in a smart black suit, Artemis Direction in a gold and turquoise maxi dress patterned with paisley, her blonde braids swept up in a matching scarf, and Del Ramos is wearing leather pants, red high-tops, and a black t-shirt patterned with white spiderwebs.
Del Ramos: Welcome to Conquest, you rabid, violence hungry freaks. Come back for the slaughter, have you? Heh!
They grin malevolently.
Del Ramos: Good. Because we’re serving it up hot tonight. Joining me on commentary are drag mother of House La Lune and living middle finger to the status quo, Artemis Direction.
Artemis winks and blows a kiss to the camera.
Del Ramos: And living middle finger to the very concept of humor, Hiro Suzuki.
Hiro Suzuki: You know I broke my finger the other day! It was kind of a bummer, but on the other hand, I was alright!
Del Ramos: I swear to the Ninth Circle when I go to court after I murder you, I’m just going to show them your comedy ‘highlight’ reel and not only will they acquit me, your next of kin is going to deal with a civil suit from everyone who’s ever had to hear your stand-up sets suing for emotional damages.
Artemis Direction: We’re kicking off this show with two debuts! The first is from a bit of a mystery man, Montana Jack. We’ve not heard from him yet, but darlings, he certainly has an aura about him.
Hiro Suzuki: And then there’s Boruk the BoarKnight! Another person I wasn’t able to find a lot on. But he made it clear in his promo he’s here to make a name for himself.
Del Ramos: I’m looking forward to the triple threat. I wanna know who’s up next for a shot at the Underworld belt, and any three of those fuckers could take it, as far as I’m concerned.
Artemis Direction: The Eliminator SKUP9 has shown us he’s someone to look out for. One of our most dominant fighters, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he walks away victorious tonight.
Hiro squirms in his seat.
Hiro Suzuki: Maybe, but Mara Lang has shown us she’s got some creepy psychology up her sleeve that might prove insurmountable to the competitors. If you can beat your opponent in their head before they even step into the ring, your fight’s half done for you.
Del Ramos: If you’re talking ‘creepy’ and ‘psycho,’ then you better not forget to mention Loki Synn. Synn has shown us she’s got a commitment to violence and a lack of morals that equal Underworld Champion material, as far as I’m concerned. I could see any of them winning this thing, but if I were a bettin’ type, I’d put my money on Synn.
Artemis Direction: Betting on sin! Del, darling, we may be soul mates.
Hiro Suzuki: The next fighters had better hope they have that kind of connection with each other. We have the team of Annie Logan and Thorne going up against ‘Legacy’ Viola Williams and Moxie Golightly, Girl Detective!
Artemis Direction: I do simply adore every fighter in that match and I cannot wait to see them face off against each other! Moxie has such a delightful energy, and Legacy has shown us she is a fierce competitor in the ring!
Del Ramos: So fierce she almost got herself suspended. I’m all for a little of the old ultraviolence, but you gotta know where and when to use it. Logan seems to know, and I’m eager to see that power bitch in action again. Her and Thorne might not have come out with a decisive victory against each other last time they were in a ring, but they might have found something better than a single win as individual competitors. They might have just found a tag team worthy of heading the division and going after those belts.
Artemis Direction: We shall see, darling! I imagine the match afterward is one your devilish little heart is eager for.
Del rubs their hands together, licking their lips.
Del Ramos: A cage match featuring two competitors with the kind of bad blood O’Toole and Valentine have? If this is a dream, I’m going to tear out the throat of anybody who wakes me up.
Hiro Suzuki: Their feud is one to go down into the history books of Ascended, and it looks like they’re aiming to write the final chapter tonight. I guess you could say they’re looking to get to the root of the matter!
Del Ramos: I swear to Mammon if you ruin that match with your attempts at humor, I will make a new Gordian knot out of your tongue.
Artemis Direction: After that, we have our Emerald City Champion Sebastian Hawke defending against the ‘Culture Clash’ Kyle Beckett!
Hiro Suzuki: Kyle’s had opportunities to win gold in the past, but in spite of some stellar performances, has never been able to seal the deal. Do we see him continue that pattern, or is tonight his breakthrough?
Del Ramos: After everything Hawke’s been through, you can bet he’s gonna fight tooth and nail to hang onto that title. So it comes down to who will go further for their motivation? Hawke in holding out and writing another chapter as champ, or Beckett finally breaking free of who he was and taking his first steps as who he’s going to be?
Artemis Direction: Speaking of cementing legacies, the Lab Rat King might be writing the last few pages of his own. We’re finally getting the fight he and Perdurabo have been spoiling for, but with Kane showing more clearly than ever that his body just isn’t keeping up with his will, is tonight going to decide how this all plays out, once and for all?
Del Ramos: And if that’s the case, who’s going to stand in Frater’s way when he decides to make good on all those ominous threats he seems to be leveling at our World Champ, Silvio Leon?
Artemis Direction: We won’t know until we get this show underway, darlings, so let’s take it to Kevin Kim already in the ring with Brawn Johnson and ‘The Murder Weapon’ Montana Jack!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, kicking off our Conquest PPV is a debut for our latest signing!
The assembled crowd roars in anticipation, eager to start the show and see what the newest Gladiator can do!
Kevin Kim: Already in the ring with me is Brawn Johnson! And introducing in his Ascended Wrestling debut, hailing from the Crazy Mountains, Montana, he is ‘The Murder Weapon,’ MONTANA JACK!
In spite of the warm welcome from the crowd, Jack remains stoic, eyes trained on his quarry, something dangerous seething just beneath the surface.
DING DING!
The bell rings and Brawn Johnson advances, raising his hands for a clinch. The Murder Weapon pauses, eyeing his opponent dispassionately. Brawn shouts a challenge, with Montana simply shrugging in response. Eventually he resigns himself to his fate and steps up to meet his opponent. The two competitors tie up with a classic collar-and-elbow. Montana Jack gains the upper hand and locks Brawn into a side headlock! Then he released him, stepping away from Brawn with his arms outstretched.
Del Ramos: Jack does know how to win right? I mean he has wrestled before, hasn’t he?
Artemis Direction: Maybe he’s just giving Brawn Johnson a fair chance?
Hiro Suzuki: Maybe his plan to kill us all from boredom?
With a sigh from the Murder Weapon, the two meet once again, locking back up, and before long Montana Jack has Brawn pushed back into a nearby corner! Referee Godric Smith rushes over to break up the clinch, but needn’t have bothered as once again Montana Jack releases his opponent. The Murder Weapon waltzes nonchalantly over to an opposing corner. Brawn Johnson had enough and yells at Montana once again before charging!
Del Ramos: Maybe the Murder Weapon's been dulled?
The Murder Weapon catches Brawn by surprise, grabbing him as Brawn charges with a leaping double stomp on the chest! Both Brawn and the very ring itself are rocked by the impact! Montana leans back against the ring ropes, sighing once again and looking to a watch that doesn’t exist. Brawn began to stir. Montana rolls his eyes then connects with a swinging neckbreaker! He hooks the leg for a pin attempt!
1…
2…
Brawn kicks out!
Artemis Direction: Finally, some actual action! I was worried for a moment.
Before Montana can capitalise on his offensive, Brawn catches the Murder Weapon by surprise with a dropping jawbreaker! Montana staggers back, giving Brawn Johnson the separation, he needs to charge forward and take Montana Jack down with a vicious clothesline! An Irish whip has Montana sent into the corner, Brawn only a few steps behind. The Murder Weapon quickly steps to the side and Brawn collides with the corner post! As he recoils back from the impact Montana Jack has him up for the Skewer!
Del Ramos: What a brutal move! I’ll give him this, when Montana Jack gives a damn, he knows how to go!
Hiro Suzuki: The coffee must have finally kicked in!
Montana Jack watches and waits, setting up his opponent in the crosshairs. He has Brawn Johnson dead to rights. The Murder Weapon charges forward and clocks his hapless opponent in the head with the devastating knee strike he calls the Kneerosurgery! Without an extra effort Montana drapes his arm over the shoulders of his fallen opponent for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, your winner via pinfall, ‘The Murder Weapon,’ MONTANA JACK!
Artemis Direction: Despite a strange start Montana Jack secured himself quite the PPV victory tonight! Keep an eye on him.
As the bell rings and the match comes to a close, Montana Jack is seen stepping over to one of the corners. Briefly he rests his forearms upon the turnbuckle and the cameras pick up his expression: annoyed, disappointed. A few moments later just as the camera begins to pull away, we see Jack's hands move and his fingers dig into the lacing behind the top turnbuckle pad.
Hiro Suzuki: Now what’s going on here?
Jack completely unlaces the top pad, letting it drop to the canvas below. Behind him, Brawn Johnson is only new getting to his feet with a little assist from the ropes and doesn't seem to have any idea what Jack is up to. Jack strides over and catches Brawn by the forearm just as Johnson is standing on his own two feet again and whips him into the corner! Johnson's spine impacts so hard onto the exposed steel that he bounces off of it and collapses to the canvas in agony, his spine arcing! Montana Jack stands over him, that same cold expression of irritation on his features.
Del cackles with delight as Hiro and Artemis let out gasps of sympathetic pain.
Del Ramos: HA! There we go! Looks like we got another mutilator on our hands! Excellent.
Before Brawn can even think about what just happened, Jack is hauling him back to his feet by his hair. Once again Jack whips him into the corner, but this time Jack kick's Brawn's feet out from under him, causing him to plummet face-first into the exposed steel! Somehow Brawn is still on his feet but utterly dazed, maybe even half-unconscious. He stumbles backwards away from the corner and a quick clothesline from Jack lays him out back first on the mat again. Jack rolls out of the ring, retrieves a steel folding chair and a microphone from nearby and rolls back into the ring. He sets it up in such a way that he can sit over top of Brawn's prone body. Then he rests his elbows on his knees and lifts the microphone to his lips.
Montana Jack: It's story time, everyone.
Artemis Direction: Well now! I can’t say I’m pleased at going after an opponent you’ve already defeated, but I certainly can’t fault Montana for knowing how to capitalize on his presence to make an impression. Thumbs down for fair play, but full marks for style!
Montana Jack: Sixteen years ago... that's when I got started in this business. And in the beginning nobody knew who I was. That's a pretty common thing, and back then it suited me just fine. I was and in some ways still am, a pretty private person. I like being left well enough alone -- I don't think that's a hard position to understand. Eventually word got around, and who I was became more of a known quantity. But only in my immediate vicinity, you know? I tore it up all over the midwest but nobody on the coasts gave a damn about 'Montana Jack', or had probably even heard my name. And that was fine... for a time. But you see, not being a known figure on that level can eventually morph into an excuse others can use to show a lack of respect. And eventually it gets tiring and aggravating to not be recognized for your efforts... for your accomplishments. And no man should ever tolerate a lack of respect.
Del Ramos: If he demands respect by putting motherfuckers in the ground, I can roll with that. As long as he lets us get to watch.
Montana Jack: Which is what brings me here... I never signed with a company like this in all of my first sixteen years in this business and that was on purpose. But I got to thinking a few months ago that maybe it was time that Montana Jack became a recognized name... maybe after nearly two decades in this industry it was time for my name to become synonymous with it. That maybe after sixteen years I was done being a myth and a ghost story in locker rooms across this country... and maybe it was time I show you all who I really was. So tonight, that's what you people are gonna get. We're gonna get past this awkward phase we're in, where none of you really know what to think yet about the new face in the company, and we're gonna do it in grand fashion. We're gonna cut straight to the point... and I'm gonna show you all exactly who Montana Jack is.
Jack looks down at Brawn Johnson, only now beginning to stir.
Montana Jack: It's nothing personal, Brawn. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Jack drops the microphone and picks up the chair, folding it back up in his hands. He steps aside and leans on the ring ropes as Brawn slowly gets to his hands and knees, then makes it to his feet. As he turns to face the other man in the ring, Jack immediately drops him with a vicious chair shot to the skull! Jack is seen telling Brawn to get up, who to the surprise of no one is extremely out of it. After a minute or so Jack rolls his eyes and once again pulls Brawn to his feet by his hair. The lights are on behind Brawn's eyes but nobody is home... but that fact doesn't stop Jack. Again, Jack cracks Brawn over the head with the chair! This time when Brawn goes down, blood begins to leak down his features and stain the canvas below him.
Artemis Direction: Good heavens! Are we going to have to call security?!
Jack discards the chair and rolls out of the ring. He snags Brawn Johnson by the hair and drags the bleeding man out and on to his feet as well. Unceremoniously, Jack hurls Johnson directly into the crowd barricade, where Johnson crumples to the floor. Jack ignores the jeering and protesting crowd and simply pulls Brawn slowly to his feet again. This time, Jack slam's Brawn's skull into the ring steps and grinds his forehead into the steel. Brawn's face is completely covered in a red curtain of his own blood by this point, and as it leaks it's beginning to stain the rest of his body and his ring gear. Jack doesn't seem to mind the literal blood on his hands as he rolls Brawn back into the ring, and sets the ring steps on the apron too.
Del Ramos: Can we have this fucker in every match?
Back in the ring, Jack hauls Brawn to his feet one last time, even slapping him to force him into enough consciousness that he can stand.. though he needs the ring ropes to support himself. Brawn is so out of it that he has no hope to defend himself, and so when Jack sends the ring steps flying into his face and body like a cruise missile the results speak for themselves. One more time Brawn crumples to the canvas. Jack retrieves the steps and the microphone from earlier. He sets the steps down near Brawn's head and takes a seat, staring at the man now lying unconscious in a pool of his own blood. though there's hair curtaining his face, the camera can still make out his expression... still cold. Unfeeling. He lifts the microphone up again.
Montana Jack: I think that about does it for tonight, Seattle.
Jack lifts his eyes to the crowd.
Montana Jack: Now I think you know exactly who I am.
With that, Jack stands, drops the microphone and rolls out of the ring, heading backstage to the sound of the disapproving crowd.
Artemis Direction: I think it’s safe to say that Mr. Murder Weapon has certainly made an impression. Though at the moment it seems to be a negative one. As our crew cleans things up and gets the ring ready for our match featuring a debut by ‘The Boar Knight’ Boruk, it sounds like there’s some action taking place backstage with Mara Lang and Kyle Beckett! Our cameras are taking us there now!
The backstage of the Colosseum buzzes with the activity of the pay-per-view. Wrestlers double check their gear, stage crew go over safety routines, make-up artists make little tweaks and finishes. Through all of this in her smooth, gliding gait, moves Mara Lang, her focus singular. She’s spent enough time working with one subject on behalf of her new employer. Now to move on to the personal project that was all hers.
Kyle Beckett was such an angry young man.
Mara Lang: Mr. Beckett, pardon my lateness, but congratulations on your title shot this evening. I’m sure your friends are thrilled for you.
Kyle Beckett: Sure…let me know when you find them.
Mara raises a brow, surprised.
Mara Lang: What about O’Toole or Williams? I would think they’d be in your corner. I was under the impression O’Toole was something of a mentor.
Kyle Beckett: Then we've both come a gutser. So you got a point?
Mara Lang: I’m just surprised that he would call you his brother… uncle… cousin… whatever familial role he assigned you… and then all of a sudden this old associate of his rolls into town and he seems to have forgotten about you completely.
Kyle Beckett: Yeah. Alright, struth. So you the sheila who gets into others bizzo and states the bloody obvious? Cause high-key I've got a ripper match coming up and don't need to deal with this cheugy crap.
Mara Lang: That’s exactly why I bring it up. You’ve an opportunity tonight that doesn’t come along very often. Anyone would covet it; including Williams. She’s already taken O’Toole away from you, she sabotaged your tag match together, and now? Don’t be surprised if she tries to trip you up in your pursuit of the title. Williams already disrupted David’s training, even after he showed how effective it’s been in making him a better fighter, and now she’s cozied up to the world champion to raise her own status.
Mara sighs, shaking her head.
Mara Lang: Some people can’t rise to the occasion, so they drag down everyone else around them to their level. Just be careful tonight.
Despite himself Kyle can’t help but pause to think about the thing's Mara had said. Ideas coursed through his mind, possibilities.
Giving him a little smile, Mara starts off again down the hallways.
Mara Lang: Good luck, Mr. Beckett.
The Boy from Aus furrows his brow as he turns and watches Mara leave.
What if she was right…
Artemis scowls, crossing her arms.
Artemis Direction: I swear Lang does nothing but cause trouble. If she’s trying to sink her claws into this poor boy and drag him down the same path she did Hawke, I may have to have words with management.
Del Ramos: Good luck there. Afsah’s priority is entertainment; not functional relationships and safety. If doing the right thing means kneecapping a fun story, he’s not gonna. Don’t let that intervention with LRK fool you - he did that because someone was threatening his investment. If he’d gotten it into his head it would have been more fun and profitable for that Rose jackass to make off with LRK, he would have let it happen. So if Mara’s got Beckett in her sights and Afsah thinks that’s money, don’t expect anybody to step in. And if you think lawsuits are gonna scare the guy, you haven’t met his legal team.
Artemis sighs, shaking her head.
Artemis Direction: I hate to say you’re right about this, my violent delight, but I can’t say it doesn’t sound exactly like him.
Hiro Suzuki: Well, while he’s definitely let us know who he is, Montana Jack isn’t our only debut tonight. Next up we have BoarKnight, Boruk! Now, Jack mentioned he’s a private person, but I gotta say BoarKnight seems to be even moreso! I could barely find anything about him and his history.
Artemis Direction: Maybe we should employ the services of our resident Girl Detective.
Hiro Suzuki: Ah, so you’re saying she could make him, squeal about where he’s from?
Del Ramos: I swear to Satan if Kim doesn’t get this match underway soon I’m going to spit and roast you, Suzuki.
Kevin Kim: This next match is set for one fall, with a 30-minute time limit. Already with me in the ring is Big McLargeHuge—introducing his opponent!
A dramatic timpani strike and roll swells, ushering in bold, commanding low brass.
Kevin Kim:From frontiers unknown, weighing in at 105 pounds, making his Ascended Wrestling debut, the Pint-Sized Powerhouse—BOARKNIGHT!
A broad-shouldered figure all in black, complete with a black boar’s mask, appears at the top of the ramp. He takes a moment to survey the crowd, then begins his descent, striding down the ramp with all the confidence of a well-seasoned fighter. He continues to look over the crowd as he goes, but as he reaches the floor he only has eyes for the ring—and his opponent within.
He hauls himself up onto the apron and rolls under the bottom rope. McLargeHuge openly stares, not quite able to believe his eyes that his opponent is two feet shorter than him. BoarKnight is clearly unfazed—as he comes to the center of the ring he looks McLargeHuge up and down, then gives him a deep nod. Big is still in complete disbelief, looking at Godric Smith with bafflement—are they serious? Godric nods, and Big starts laughing as he comes to one knee to peer at BoarKnight, who has not moved an inch.
Artemis Direction: McLargeHuge had better be careful. That kind of dismissive attitude can get you in real trouble.
DING DING!
The second strike of the bell hasn’t totally faded when BoarKnight surges forward and headbutts McLargeHuge square in the chest! Big wobbles awkwardly to keep from toppling over, but BoarKnight is right there with an astonishing swinging neckbreaker! He goes for the cover, but McLargeHuge shoves him off before Godric Smith can start a count!
Artemis Direction: Case in point!
Del Ramos: HA! Eat shit, McLargeHuge!
BoarKnight is quick to recover, and just as quick to charge down McLargeHuge as he stands, throwing himself in a battering ram—but it’s slightly mistimed, and Big catches BoarKnight, scoops him up, and hurls him back down in a sidewalk slam. Undaunted, the masked fighter rolls aside, then scrambles on all fours to headbutt McLargeHuge in the side of the knees! He staggers into the ropes, but whips around to try and find BoarKnight—and finds him already standing on the second rope in the nearest corner. He springs off the rope headlong into McLargeHuge, and hurls him to the floor in a wild DDT! The Ascended Army is cheering wildly!
Artemis Direction: BoarKnight’s speed is just something McLargeHuge can’t seem to overcome! If he wants to win this thing, he’s going to have to figure out a way to slow his opponent down!
Hiro Suzuki: I’d say he should go for BoarKnight’s legs, but I don’t think that’s going to be possible with the height difference. Hey, what do you call a pig with no legs?
Artemis Direction: I don’t know, darling, what?
Hiro Suzuki: A groundhog!
Leaving no space to breathe, BoarKnight descends on McLargeHuge’s shoulders for a chinlock. But Big has just enough wits about him to throw his shoulders to try and shake BoarKnight loose—he doesn’t get to root the footing he wants, but he still holds tight. Another shake, but still he won’t let go. After one more shake Big throws himself at the ropes and barely manages to grab the bottom one. [[Ref]] starts the count, and BoarKnight begrudgingly relents at the count of four. McLargeHuge turns on the mat to lunge—but BoarKnight leapfrogs over, and Big collides with the ring post!
BoarKnight lands a decisive double axe handle, forcing Big out of the corner—and before Big can find his feet, BoarKnight leaps to deliver a staggering shining wizard! He goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO–!
McLargeHuge kicks out! Immediately BoarKnight rolls back to make space. Big staggers to his feet with a growl—but it quickly turns to a choked yelp as he’s walloped with a full-force Boar Gore!
Del Ramos: PUT HIM AWAY, LITTLE MAN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, your winner via pinfall, Boruk, BOARKNIGHT!
The Ascended Army pops huge, the entire crowd behind this pint-sized pinnacle of power as he raises his arms in victory!
Hiro Suzuki: Looks like the crowd here is eager to see more of this guy! I can’t blame them, though. Pigs always have the most interesting stories.
Artemis Direction: Oh? Why is that, dear heart?
Hiro Suzuki: There’s always a twist in the tale!
Artemis Direction: Ascended Army, the showdown we have coming up next has the potential for some real blood!
Hiro Suzuki: I dunno if I’m ready for more violence. I’m still recovering from the unexpected blood in the first match! Montana Jack has shown us he means business. I don’t envy whoever he has as his opponent next!
Del Ramos: I can’t wait for him to show us another bout of that intensity. But we got an opportunity to whet our appetites and our blades now with Synn, SKUP, and Lang.
Artemis Direction: This will be the second time Lang is sharing a ring with SKUP, and the first time she’ll be sharing one with Synn!
Hiro Suzuki: Wait a minute, didn’t Synn and Lang fight each other once before at the Jingle Bell Bash?
Artemis Direction: Not quite, darling! Same house, different occupant. Mia Rayne was the one in the ring back in December. Synn is a completely different personality - and a completely different person at the wheel!
Del Ramos: One I’m pretty damn happy is showing themselves. Rayne’s fine - got a healthy respect for blood and guts - but Synn? Heh!
Del grins darkly.
Del Ramos: Synn worships in the House of Gore. Her match with Frater at Collision #13 definitely showed us that.
Artemis Direction: She’s going to need every ounce of that gumption and bloody resolve, my violent delight, because Synn has her work cut out for her in that ring tonight!
Hiro Suzuki: She was able to triumph over Frater, which means she knows how to fight opponents who are significantly bigger than she is. That’s going to come in handy when dealing with SKUP9. He’s had some bumps in the road, but overall he’s one of our most dominant fighters.
Del Ramos: The Eliminator better show some bloodlust this time around. That goody two-shoes role model crap isn’t gonna cut it in an Underworld match against two motivated opponents. Lang didn’t seem to be much of the Underworld type, but she seems to keep finding herself moving in those circles.
Artemis Direction: Maybe she’ll lose a few teeth this time around…
Del Ramos: Lang’s all about pain. If you’re sincere about that kinda study, you gotta crack open the book of hardcore every now and then. Maybe she’s finally getting a taste for it.
Artemis Direction: I don’t like the way she’s getting close to Kyle Beckett. She’s shown she has no compunctions about doing unspeakable experiments on members of the roster. Especially ones that are in vulnerable emotional states.
Del Ramos: Well that’s definitely Beckett. The kid’s seriously hot under the collar lately. Sooner or later, it’s gonna come to a head in a big way and I cannot fuckin’ wait to see it.
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army the following Underworld Rules contest set for one fall or 60 minute time limit is a triple threat for a shot at the Ascended Underworld Championship!
The Ascended Army lets out a bloodthirsty roar!
Del Ramos: Hnnn the people know what they want and what they want is violence.
Kevin Kim: Introducing first!
The lights on either side of the entrance rotate, flashing white beams in an almost hypnotic pattern as Mara steps through to the top of the ramp. As the sharp whistling sound of Mara’s entrance music cuts through the air, the crowd is quieter than would be expected. There is something unwholesome about the way she strides to the ring, not a motion wasted. The only thing that would suggest any distraction from her destination is the motion of her eyes; casting back and forth among the assembled as if assessing them.
Kevin Kim: Weighing in at 185 pounds from Bellevue, Washington, she is MARA LANG!
Del Ramos: Hmm. If Lang wins this, we could see her have another shot at King. She’s got more hardcore experience under her belt, and having fought him once, she can adjust her strategy. To say nothing of what’s going on with King’s health right now. Hell, we might be looking at a Perdurabo championship by the end of this show.
Kevin Kim: And our next competitor!
The lights go out, leaving the Ascended Army in darkness as "Be My Friend," by One-Eyed Doll, echoes creepily around the arena. The lights flicker back on, the smoke machines around the entrance wreathing a figure backlit with a profusion of colors from the tunnel behind her. Loki Synn steps out of the fog like a lunatic sylph emerging from a stained glass miasma. Her jester’s hat jingles as she skips toward the ring, her eyes cold and sharp as her knife-like smile. The big screen behind her takes the viewer on a tour through a cathedral whose insides have been converted into a series of padded cells, each one appearing to hold some version of Mia, Loki, or other members of the Menagerie within them.
Kevin Kim: Hailing from Parts Unknown, she is the Forsaken Psychotic, LOKI SYNN!
Artemis Direction: If you ask me, darling, I like the chances of our Mad Menagerie against our Rat King or Perdurabo! Loki has proven she can beat Frater, and Mia has shown she can hold her own in a fight. I’d expect nothing less from Zephyr Quinn’s family, though!
Kevin Kim: And our final competitor!
Escobar’s season has returned.
The violin intro to ”Hate Me Now” by Nas ft. Puff Daddy pumps through the stadium.
“It’s been a long time, been a long time comin’
It’s life or death for me now
But you know, there’s no turning back now
This is what makes me, this is what I am
Feel me
Let’s go”
It’s life or death for me now
But you know, there’s no turning back now
This is what makes me, this is what I am
Feel me
Let’s go”
The chorus kicks in and a spotlight appears from behind the entrance, creating the large, looming silhouette of the man in front of it. The lights come up and he raises his arms in the air.
Hiro Suzuki: Now if you ask me, I think SKUP’s got the best chance no matter who leaves our main event victorious tonight. He definitely has the size advantage, and he never backs down! He’s out there fighting for his neighborhood; trying to be an example for the kids back home! A title would do a lot for not just him but his friends and family, too.
Kevin Kim: On his way to the ring from Grand Junction, Colorado, weighing in at 369 pounds… he is ‘The Eliminator’–SKUP9!
As he stalks down the ramp, The Eliminator beats a fist against his chest, and points a finger at a group of fans pumping their fists in the air and chanting along with the music.
All three competitors eye each other around the ring, each readying themselves in their own way. Mara gazes at the other two dispassionately, Loki’s sharp smile seems almost painted on her face, eyes heavy-lidded, and the Eliminator is rolling his shoulders, eyes hardening as he focuses on the match ahead.
DING DING!
All three competitors fall in toward each other at once! Mara swiftly ducks forward, rolling between the legs of SKUP9, who locks up with Loki Synn!
Hiro Suzuki: Looks like Lang’s playing a round of human croquet! That roll was wicket!
Del Ramos: Suzuki none of us is WASPy enough to be making croquet jokes here. You fucking apologize for subjecting my ears to that.
Artemis Direction: Lang may be looking to let her opponents wear each other out and take the win when they’re winded!
If Loki or SKUP think this is Mara’s plan, they don’t do anything to stop it. Loki lets out a shrill laugh, reeling back to headbutt SKUP right in the center of his forehead! The Eliminator’s head snaps backward, loosening his grip and allowing Loki all the clearance she needs to grab the sides of his head and bring him down hard in a sit-out jawbreaker! SKUP arches backward, reeling away from his opponent who springs back to her feet and flies at him with a Superman punch! Finding his wits before it can connect, SKUP9 steps forward instead of retreating, catching Loki around the waist and swiftly locking in a bear hug! Loki squirms, shrieking as the Eliminator squeezes tight with a mighty roar echoed by the Ascended Army! Seeing no other way out, Loki’s eyes spark angrily before she snarls and sinks her teeth into SKUP’s forehead! Letting out a cry, the Eliminator releases Synn, who rolls away into the opposite corner, panting and gripping her ribs.
Del is cackling as Artemis and Hiro both wince.
Del Ramos: HA! This is fucking fantastic! All that muscle is fine and dandy, but how does it stand up to a fucking human caltrop like Synn?
Mara seems ready to try her own hand at the giant, taking advantage of his distraction to deliver a super kick to the back of his head! SKUP staggers forward a step, but as Mara closes in to capitalize, he snaps around and grabs her by the throat! The doctor’s eyes bug out as her hands snap up to lock around SKUP’s wrist, but he’s already lifting her off the mat! She kicks her feet, struggling but cannot stop him from hurling her back down to the canvas in a vicious chokeslam! Lang writhes for a moment, stunned, and SKUP makes the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
TH–
Synn dives in to break up the pin!
Artemis Direction: There’s no love lost between Synn and Lang, but if SKUP made that pin, Synn would have kissed her title shot good-bye!
Loki seems to prove this as she drags Mara to her feet by her hair! Lang lets out a yelp as Synn Irish-whips her by the hair into the ropes! As Lang comes flying back, Loki hits her with a cyclone kick that sends her slamming down to the mat! Loki tries to go for a pin, but gets caught from behind by the Eliminator who has brought a steel chair to the party and laid it out on the mat!
Artemis Direction: Underworld rules means anything goes, darlings! I think we’re about to see the true brutality begin!
Del Ramos: Let it flow.
Before Synn can do anything, SKUP executes a swift and brutal Fisherman’s Buster on the member of the Madness Menagerie directly onto the chair! The Ascended Army half groans in sympathy and half roars for more, which SKUP9 seems happy to give them! Dragging Synn by the back of her gear, he hauls her up with him onto the nearest turnbuckle and the crowd goes wild as he sets up the Riddance! Loki is only just starting to come back around, realizing the danger, when they find themselves hurtling back into the mat again! The ring shakes with the impact, the crowd roaring as the Eliminator makes the pin!
Hiro Suzuki: Yeesh! This reminds me of that scary article they published recently about an asteroid colliding with Seattle!
Artemis Direction: Really, darling?
Hiro Suzuki: I couldn’t bring myself to read it. It hit too close to home.
Del Ramos: Sweet Satan, I wish.
ONE!
TWO!
Lang musters the strength to shove SKUP off of Loki to break up the pin!
All three competitors are slowly beginning to stir again. SKUP9 finds his feet first, leaving the ring and flipping up the apron to fish around beneath it for some goodies. He yanks out a table, setting it up just outside the ring apron as Lang and Loki still attempt to gather their wits. Acting quickly, the Eliminator gets back into the ring. His opponents are dazed but on their feet, so SKUP begins the lay into each one! Lang is first, finding herself on the receiving end of a discus lariat that slams her back onto the mat, and Loki is soon joining her courtesy of a reverse STO! The Ascended Army is chanting SKUP’s name as he takes his competitors and hangs them up by their arms on the top rope, lined up for the table that sits on the outside!
Artemis Direction: Ohhh the Eliminator may be about to finish this!
Del Ramos: C’MON, LET’S SEE YOU GET THOSE HANDS DIRTY, ROLE MODEL!
SKUP9 runs at the opposite rope, bouncing off of it to gain some momentum, looking to double lariat his opponents over the side into the table below! Just as he’s about to connect, however, both women manage to pitch forward, somersaulting out of the way! Taking advantage of the momentum that’s already sending him onward, Loki and Lang spring up and shove at SKUP with all their might, sending him hurtling down through the table below in an ear-shattering crunch of splintering wood! The Ascended Army comes unglued, screaming its disbelief! Loki looks over the side of the ring at the carnage outside, shrugs, grabs the steel chair still on the mat and tosses it over into the broken mass of SKUP9 and the shattered table below.
Always double tap, right?
Immediately, Synn looks at Mara, and her expression is positively homicidal.
Del Ramos: Heh heh heh… I don’t think Synn is going to let anybody take the easy way out here. If Lang thought she could get a win by pinning SKUP, she’s got another thing coming. Whatever they do, they better do it fast before he recovers.
Artemis Direction: Mara said some… things during her promo I believe Ms. Synn may have taken exception to. She may be about to pay dearly for them.
Loki and Mara begin to circle each other; Lang with her uncannily smooth gait and Loki with her sudden, erratic motions. Lang moves first, going for a European uppercut, but Synn ducks out of the way. As Mara snaps back around, she’s met by a drive by big boot from Synn! Reeling, Mara drunkenly tries for a short-arm lariat, but Loki is firmly in control of the situation. With a skirl of laughter, she grabs Mara’s arm, switching up the momentum and hitting the doctor with her Smile! finisher! Synn goes for the pin, Jill Kincaid sliding in for the count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, your winner of this match and a shot at the Ascended Underworld Championship - LOKI SYNN!
With a sinister cackle, Synn surveys the havoc she’s wreaked, licking her lips as she strides through the chaos, the medical staff parting like the Red Sea before her as they go to tend to Lang and SKUP.
Del lets out a contented sigh.
Del Ramos: Whatever I did to deserve this feast I’d gladly do it again.
Artemis Direction: We do have another Underworld match on our hands and it will surely be one for the history books. I certainly hope Marcus has an ambulance at the ready.
Hiro looks uncomfortable, tugging at his fingers distractedly.
Hiro Suzuki: Hey, you know, we got other matches before that! Including our next tag match that doesn’t include horrifying monsters ripped from the depths of my nightmares going at each other like they get a bonus check for every body part they remove from their opponent!
Del Ramos: I’m fuckin’ into it. A buncha chicks beating the shit out of each other in the ring? Why isn’t this every night of my life, goddamnit? I’m a good fucking person. I deserve nice things.
Artemis Direction: I really am intrigued by all of our competitors! First of all, Thorne is just a delight to watch. She’s an absolute firecracker of a fighter! Whenever she’s in the ring, I just know I’m going to see something explosive.
Del Ramos: Logan’s somebody I know we’re gonna see violent things from. She commands in the ring and I can tell she’s just getting started.
Hiro Suzuki: Let’s not forget the other side of this fight! We’ve got Viola Williams in this, too, and she’s shown she’s every bit as strong as any other fighter in this match. Heck, she’s proven herself as strong or stronger than most of the folks on the roster regardless of gender.
Del Ramos: That might be, and trust me - I like the work Williams delivers - but her tag team track record isn’t great. She’s too much of a blood letter to be a team player.
Hiro Suzuki: Reminds me of when they kicked Cinderella off the soccer team.
Del Ramos: Suzuki I’m in a good fuckin’ mood after that match. Do not tempt me into homicide because I do have knives on me.
Hiro Suzuki: Turns out she kept running away from the ball!
Artemis Direction: Remember, Del, darling, that was then and this is now! Viola’s with a new partner and she’s had more time to get used to working as a wrestler; not just a back-alley brawler. And something tells me Moxie Golightly might have been just the shot of sunshine that Williams needed to get her head on straight!
Hiro Suzuki: Looks like we’re about to find out!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, the following tag team match is set for one fall with a thirty minute time limit! Introducing first! Accompanied by Ivy Thistledown, hailing from Astoria, South Dakota, weighing 130 pounds: She. Is. THORNE!
The wild and unmistakable guitar riff of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” thunders through the arena and Tessa Thorne flies out of the entry tunnel onto the stage. Her energy is contagious—she bounces from foot to foot, waving to the fans, riffing air guitar, apparently hungry to get to the action. When her manager Ivy Thistledown finally catches up to her, they bump fists, both exploding their hands backwards, and Thorne rushes down the ramp, clapping hands with as much of the screaming audience as she can in a complete circuit around the ring. After she hops up to the apron and rolls under the ropes, Thorne paces in her corner with a wry smile, eyes pinned to the stage.
Kevin Kim: And her partner!
Jinjer's "Just Another" blasts onto the PA, accompanied by strobe lights that pulsate to the beat of the intro.
Just another bruise earned
One more lesson learned
Just another kick from behind
Just another punch in the eye
Another broken tooth
Against the bitter truth
Over and over again
I say: "No pain, no gain"
Kevin Kim: From Boston, Massachusetts, weighing in at 143 pounds, ANNIE LOGAN!
Just as the first verse kicks in, Annie Logan tears through the curtain. She ricochets from one side of the stage to the other while making a point to stop and will the crowd to get into the upcoming match - and behind her - with inaudible calls to action mixed with physical signaling and a handful of horns being thrown up. After a few back-and-forths, Annie takes to the ramp with her attention locked on the ring.
Once at ringside, Annie slides herself under the bottom rope facing the ramp, hops to her feet, then heads to the ropes closest to the camera, then gets her feet on the second rope and uses the top rope to brace her. Again, she yells out a few words to the audience that go missing to the fans at home under the music. She eventually hops down and takes to a corner while the "Just Another" is cut, grinning as she fist bumps Thorne, the pair of them focusing on the entrance.
A heavy beat begins reverberating through the arena.
Kevin Kim: Introducing one half of their opponents: From Baltimore, Maryland, weighing in at 160 pounds, she is Viola Williams—LEGACY!
Viola enters with a bright, self-assured smile. She starts making her steady way down the ramp, nodding her head to the beat and letting the crowd’s reactions pump her up, pausing only once to give a small salute as she passes a camera on her way.
She picks up the pace, jogging, then running until she gets to the ring, rolling under the ropes and springing to her feet. She follows the stomp-stomp-clap beat that starts up in the chorus, breaking into a grin as the crowd joins in, then spins to soak in the entire arena’s energy, arms thrown wide.
Kevin Kim: And her partner!
As the emphatic opening brass and percussion of Tank! by Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts blasts from the sound system, the big screen flashes with jagged washes of black, white, and red. The screen divides into white on top and red on the bottom, the thin red line that runs between them pulses and vibrates along with the impatient thrum of the bass, smoke billowing around the entrance like fog rolling in.
I think it's time we blow this scene
Get everybody and the stuff together
Okay, three, two, one, let's jam!
Get everybody and the stuff together
Okay, three, two, one, let's jam!
Kevin Kim: Hailing from Spokane, Washington, weighing 150 pounds, she is Girl Detective, MOXIE GOLIGHTLY!
As the rest of the band kicks in, ‘MOXIE’ appears in black letters in the white division of the screen, ‘GOLIGHTLY’ in white text in the black division. Moxie strides out onto the ramp, emerging from the fog in a film noir detective style overcoat and fedora. The images on the big screen shift to ones of a steamy Seattle right out of a Raymond Chandler novel - all sharp silver angles awash in neon rain. Moxie watches the ring as she approaches as if trying to replay the scene of some mystery she's trying to solve, mounting the stairs and hanging her hat and jacket on the turnbuckle to reveal a bodysuit done in Art Deco style lines of black and white with red highlights, fishnet stockings, knee pads, and kick pads. She raises a fist to the ceiling to the approving roar of the crowd before extending a hand to Viola, which she shakes with a grin.
Artemis Direction: You know, Thorne and Logan may have some undeniable chemistry between them, but if you ask me, Williams and Moxie certainly had a certain something together with that good cop, bad cop, bit in their promo.
Del Ramos: You gotta watch out for the cute ones. They’ll get you every time.
DING DING!
The match starts off with Thorne and Viola in the ring. Before things get underway properly, Thorne takes a step forward, offering Viola a hand to shake. Williams hesitates for a second before smiling and obliging, much to the crowd’s approval.
Artemis Direction: Always nice to see some sportsmanship!
Del Ramos: Aw, fuck that nicey nice shit. This is a fight! RIP OUT HER THROAT WITH YOUR TEETH, THORNE!
The pair break apart to circle each other briefly only to fall back in on one another, tying up in the middle of the ring! They exchange holds before Viola’s strength begins to make the difference, Williams locking in a bulldog choke on Thorne!
Del Ramos: Williams using that freaky strength to her advantage.
Thinking quickly, Thorne hooks her foot around Viola’s ankle, pulling with all her might to send them both slamming into the canvas! Williams takes the worst of it, Thorne springing to her feet and taunting Viola to do the same. Viola is glad to oblige, getting to her feet with a grin and wiping her mouth. Smirking, Thorne lets out a cry, going in for a Superman punch which Williams rolls under to avoid! As Thorne lands, Vi is getting back to her feet! Williams charges at her opponent, who acts with shocking speed, getting vertical in time to defend herself with a super kick that sends Viola sprawling back onto the canvas! Thorne goes in for the pin, but as she gets close, Williams suddenly comes to life again, grabbing her opponent and scrambling around her to tangle her up in a reverse figure-four leglock!
Artemis Direction: Williams changing up the tempo of the match!
Grimacing, Thorne begins to make the determined crawl back to her corner! In spite of Viola trying to keep her locked up, Thorne manages to tag in Annie Logan!
Del Ramos: FUCK HER UP, LOGAN!
As Vi gets to her feet, she finds herself rising to meet a smirking Annie Logan who delivers a headbutt to send Viola staggering back to the center of the ring! Logan stalks after Viola, her pace picking up as she comes in with a running high knee! Vi slams back onto the mat, but as Annie looms over her to start in on a new pathway of punishment, Williams reaches deep to surge up and connect with a European Uppercut! It’s not enough to put Annie down, but it does give Viola the room she needs to turn and tag in her partner, Moxie Golightly, who bounces into the ring and immediately hits her opponent with a Dry Gulch! Logan stumbles back into the ropes behind her, Golightly quickly transitioning into a Chicago Typewriter, peppering Annie’s upper body with rapid-fire blows! Grimacing, Logan finally gets her wits about her, hands snapping up to catch hold of Moxie’s forearms!
Moxie Golightly: Drop the bracelets, Logan!
Annie Logan: Whatever you say, private dick!
Logan immediately yanks Moxie’s arms out hard to either side, causing the gumshoe to cry out in pain! Annie then gives her a swift palm strike to stun her, before cinching in a neck lock and laying in with knee strikes! Wobbling once Logan releases her, Moxie is helpless to stop Annie from setting her up with the Car Bomb, colliding to the mat with authority! Logan goes for the pin, Godric Smith sliding in!
ONE!
TWO!
Kick out from Golightly!
Artemis Direction: Determination from one of our newest signees!
Logan actually raises a brow at that, looking more amused than anything else. Moxie is shaking off the cobwebs, starting to pull herself back up, but Logan is only too happy to help, dragging her smaller opponent to her feet and whipping her into the ropes. Annie looks to be going for a clothesline, but Moxie finds her groove again, hitting the mat and tripping Logan up with a drop toe hold! Logan lands hard against the ropes, winded as she bounces off and rolls back onto the canvas. Before she can recover, Golightly hits her with a leg drop and goes for the pin!
ONE!
TW–
Kick out from Logan!
Del Ramos: Huh. Well, maybe there’s more to this Moxie chick than meets the eye.
Hiro Suzuki: Say, did you know that crocodiles make great detectives?
Del Ramos: You’re giving me ideas about body disposal again, Suzuki. That ain’t in your best interest.
Hiro Suzuki: They’re great investi-gators!
Both opponents get up again, each looking a little worse for wear. Undaunted, Moxie lets out a war cry, using the nearby ropes to get a little extra elevation on a Superman punch! Annie grunts as it connects, staggering backward into the ropes behind her! Instead of letting herself get tangled up, however, she uses the momentum to bounce back at Golightly and hit her with One to the Head! Moxie is sent crashing back down and skidding across the mat! Golightly is dazed and can only struggle in vain as Logan grabs her bodily, lifting her and flipping her around like a rag doll before slamming her into the canvas with a power bomb! Golightly arches, crying out and clutching her back as Logan flexes one arm, leaning over her prey and jawing at her while the Ascended Army goes banana! Logan goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THR–
Kick out from Moxie!
The Ascended Army is on its feet in disbelief!
Moxie is panting heavily, turning to eye a surprised-looking Logan.
Moxie Golightly: I ain’t… no pansy!
Artemis Direction: Moxie is definitely demonstrating her resiliency, but I don’t think she has much left in the tank.
Williams clearly recognizes this, slamming one hand into the top turnbuckle and reaching for Moxie with the other. Golightly reaches for her, but is stymied by Logan grabbing the back of Moxie’s head and dragging her stumbling back to the opponent’s corner. Annie tags in Thorne, who steps into the ring. The pair lock up Golightly between them and go for a double Russian leg sweep! The crowd groans and Logan steps out of the ring to let Thorne do her thing. Thorne pulls Golightly upright and seems to be setting up for a Fisherman suplex! As she starts to bend backward, however, Moxie manages to break free, landing on her feet and springing forward to tag the outstretched hand of her partner! Viola steps into the ring, eyes locked on Thorne as the Ascended Army screams for more!
Del Ramos: BITE EACH OTHER’S FACES OFF!
Williams is regarding Thorne with an uncharacteristic sort of wariness; something turning behind her eyes. Thorne doesn’t seem to have the same calculation going on, just smirking, sticking out her tongue and beckoning Viola forward with two outstretched hands, fingers flicking inward. Narrowing her eyes, Williams closes the distance between them, going for a Juggernaut Punch that Thorne ducks to avoid! As she comes back up, she goes for a super kick that Williams catches, but Thorne swiftly turns it into an enzuigiri! As Legacy hits one knee, Thorne comes back with a Fall from Zenith, but Viola rolls away in time to avoid it! Thorne is still recovering when Viola comes in to grab her bodily and set her up for a Hulk Smash! But as she begins to rotate her upper body, something in the audience catches Viola’s attention. Making his way through the crowd is Kyle Beckett, a rueful smirk on his face. As he gets closer he begins a slow, sarcastic clap directed at Williams.
Kyle Beckett: Oh, now you’re a team player? Glad I could help with your learning curve, Williams!
Del Ramos: Looks like Beckett’s still pissed about Williams apparently screwing him over in their last team-up. I heard she was nowhere to be found in the weeks leading up to their match, giving them no time to practice or strategize.
Legacy’s eyes narrow, and before she can stop her, Thorne gives a wild thrash that catches Viola off balance! Williams staggers, narrowly avoiding pitching backward, and soon both opponents are on their feet again, facing each other. Instantly, the pair are trading blows, neither willing to give up! They find each other locked together, rotating and using their grip as the fulcrum before releasing simultaneously, each sending their opponent charging into opposite sides of the ring! As they come back, both with lightning in their eyes, they hit each other with synchronized lariats that send them both crashing into the mat! Godric Smith hurries in, checking each fighter for a response. Getting none, he begins the ten count!
Artemis Direction: Oh, my stars and garters! It looks like our opponents got a little overzealous here!
Del Ramos: Heh! Workin’ at the concussion concessions tonight.
...FIVE!
...SIX!
Scowling, Logan starts to step into the ring, but seeing her opponent’s intent, Moxie follows.
Moxie Golightly: Ah, no ya don’t!
Smith snaps up, looking between both of the opponents now in the ring and pointing to each of their corners, but Golightly and Logan seem so to be having none of it, Moxie stalwartly standing over her fallen partner. Frowning, Smith turns to the time keeper and calls for the bell!
DING DING DING!
Kevin Kim: Ascended Army, this match has been ruled a NO CONTEST!
Del groans, slamming a hand against the commentary table.
Del Ramos: AW, C’MON, SMITH! LET THEM DRINK EACH OTHER’S BLOOD!
Artemis Direction: It looks like we may need to wait to see a rematch between these two teams to figure out the deadlier pairing!
Del Ramos: AND MAKE IT A NO DQ NEXT TIME, NGUYEN! LET THESE POWERFUL FUCKIN’ SHE WOLVES SHOW EVERYONE THE KIND OF GORE THEY CAN SPILL!
Hiro Suzuki: Viscera or no, I think all four of our Gladiators showed they can be a threat in any fight they might find themselves in!
Artemis Direction: Absolutely, darling! Mother must admit she was getting a bit flustered seeing so many powerful women showing off their fighting prowess at such close range! Is it getting hot in here or is it just our incredible pantheon of fighters?