Losing Matches

[Guest Pa|adin]

Where did I go wrong? It seems everytime I lose it's to a more 'exciting' match.

 

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...

 

“The following match is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Smarks Junior League, WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!”

 

The fans let out a mighty cheer as Funyon clears his throat, waiting. He doesn’t have to wait long however, as “Natural Born Chaos” by Soilwork kicks up, and Crow works out shortly after. Even if it his a title match, Crow still smokes his ciggy, flicking it onto the ground and grinding it into the steel as he begins to walk down the ramp way, the response is loud, very loud, but very indecisive…

 

“The biggest match we’ve had in a long time…” Axis remarks. “This one won’t be for the weak or heart, or the weak of stomach.”

 

Damn right it won’t Axis, there’s so much more than just the title on the line here tonight, NO man wants to lose this contest and cede defeat to the other…”

 

“… Introducing first, from Adelaide, Australia. Standing six foot two and weighing two hundred and thirty one pounds, he is the Anti-Christ Superstar, he is… CRRRRRRROOOOOWWWWWWW!”

 

The Bird slides into the ring, stepping up onto the turnbuckles and holding his arms out in the crucifix position as always, drawing an even bigger response from the fans. The noise escalates even further as NBC fades out, as do the lights, “Three Libra’s” by a Perfect Circle soon starting up, the crowd turning to the entranceway, as does Crow, watching as a low mist envelops the entrance way, and Christian Blackwell slowly stalks out from behind the curtain, flames sparking to life beside him as he walks down the ramp…

 

“His opponent, from Rosslare, Ireland. Standing six foot four and weighing two hundred and thirty seven pounds, he is the Smarks Junior League EUROPEAN CHAMPION… please welcome… CHRISTIAN BLLLAAAACCCCKWWEEELLL!”

 

The Irishman climbs the steps, looks to the crowd, then slowly enters the ring, completely ignoring Crow, instead, he goes to his own corner of the ring, looking down at the canvas, breathing slowly, thinking deeply…

 

Even his eyes dart to the entranceway as without warning, the arena suddenly goes dark, just as “Polyamorous” by Breaking Benjamin blares over the sound system. Simultaneously, strobe lights from the ceiling flash and just a few seconds in, right before the heavy drums hit...

 

* BOOM! *

 

A colossal explosion rocks the stage, leaving behind a haze of smoke. White light poring down from the entranceway illuminates the smoke as is dissipates, while the silhouette of Sean Atlas appears from within. As he steps out in plain sight, a sustained chorus of boos welcomes him. Funyon, who by now has cautiously stepped out to ringside, introduces the masked man.

 

“… Making his way to the ring, from Chicago, Illinois. Standing six foot three and weighing in at two hundred and thirty pounds, he is the Smarks Junior League WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, ladies and gentleman, he is… SEAN AAAATTLLLLAASSS!”

 

Atlas arrives at ringside, staring at his two opponents, a slight smile escaping as he unhooks his belt and gives it to the referee, climbing up onto the ring apron and entering, Crow and Blackwell both taking a step back as the referee raises the title to the crowd, drawing a HUGE response.

 

“These fans have been waiting all week for this moment, and now it’s finally here! This match is about to begin!” Axis exclaims.

 

“They’ve been waiting for this? I’VE been waiting for this! Can Atlas further his legend and build on his impressive record, or will Crow finally reach the top of the JL Mountain? Or maybe it will be Blackwell, who will become the first double champion in months…?”

 

“We’re about to find out!”

 

“Ding, Ding, Ding!”

 

The men focus as they hear the bell ring, figuring out the best plan of action. Before any moves can be made though, Christian Blackwell steps forward in front of the Anti-Christ Superstar, Crow, extending his hand. Crow thinks, looking down at Blackwell’s hand, but simply turns away. Blackwell is determined however, and turns to the World Champion, Atlas, extending his hand for a friendly handshake, only having the kindest intentions in mind. The crowd applauds this act, but are suspicious of Atlas, who just stares back at Blackwell, then looking down to his neck… the Christian cross dangling across his chest. Atlas looks back up, sneering at Blackwell, ripping the chain from his neck and throwing it aside, taking him by his outstretched hand and pulling him into a Clothesline!

 

“Great, great sportsmanship shown by Atlas,” King reports with a chuckle. “What was Blackwell thinking wearing that cross to the ring!?”

 

“Now, now, we shouldn’t judge someone by their beliefs King, but forget that, did you see what Atlas did!? That was just atrocious, Blackwell was just looking for a friendly handshake! And Atlas had the audacity to knock him to the canvas, there’s no excuse for such behavior…”

 

“Now, now Axis, we shouldn’t judge someone by their actions…”

 

“Oh go to hell.”

 

Crow suddenly turns around as Atlas approaches, ducking a Standing Side Kick. The Bird traps Atlas from behind, first giving him a knee to the kidney, hooking his arm over his neck with a reverse face lock. Atlas easily spins himself around, hooking his arm under Crow’s, attempting a Hip Toss. Crow manages to block it, Atlas not able to make the Bird budge. The Anti-Christ Superstar spins around Atlas, grabbing his opposite arm and hitting a Hip Toss, taking Atlas down to the mat. Crow stands over Atlas who sits on the canvas, but before Crow can hook his arm around his neck, Christian Blackwell hurries over, hitting a diving dropkick to Crow’s knee, which strikes Atlas in the back!

 

“Smart move from Blackwell!” Axis exclaims, obviously impressed. “Using one move to strike two opponents, something which we may see a lot of as the match progresses.”

 

Humph…” King grunts. “Blackwell better hopes he can keep both men down, because the way I see it, he’s the odd man out here, being Mr. God boy and all…”

 

“But I thought you were a-Ahhhh!”

 

King stomps on Axis’ foot before he can finish that sentence, while in the ring, Crow stumbles around the ring, losing the feeling in his leg for just a second. Blackwell tries to gain a definite advantage early, reaching down, trying to lock a Dragon Sleeper onto Atlas! The World Champion counters easily once more, reaching up and flipping Blackwell over his head with a Snapmare. Atlas jumps back onto his feet, taking a step back, bringing his leg back and striking Blackwell across the back of the head! Sean rears back for another kick, but Crow cuts him off before he can, grabbing his leg from behind and flipping him face first onto the mat! He drops his knee across Atlas’ back once, twice, but the World Champ won’t stand for this treatment, rolling onto his back and kicking Crow in the face!

 

As Crow spits the taste of boot from his mouth, Atlas climbs to his feet, hoping to follow up, but Blackwell reaches down, rolling Atlas up in a School Boy pin!

 

“Blackwell must be absolutely hammered if he thinks a simple school boy will bring down the mighty Atlas!”

 

“Stranger things have happened King…”

 

“That’s true Axis… you won a title didn’t you?”

 

 

… O – n – But barely a one count is reached before Atlas forces himself free! Both men are quick to their feet, but Atlas manages to retaliate, hitting Blackwell with right hand after right hand, forcing the Irishman to the ropes. Atlas attempts to whip Blackwell, but the European Champ smartly holds onto the ropes, holding himself in place. Determined, Atlas tries again, cursing as Blackwell refuses to budge. Crow suddenly comes charging across the ring, Atlas rolling out of the way in time to avoid Crow’s dropkick! Blackwell isn’t so lucky though as the force from the kick forces him over the top rope! Blackwell arms are still hooked around the top rope though and the groggy Irishman lands on the ring apron! Crow looks back up in time to see Atlas charging his way, and the Aussie lowers his head, ready to Backdrop Atlas! The Champ spots this, putting his hands on Crow’s back and playing leapfrog, using Crow to boost himself into the air, hitting Blackwell across the jaw with a flying forearm, knocking him out onto the floor!

 

“Just when you think you’re safe…” King says with a smirk. “One thing I’ve noticed Axis, each man is around the same size, so they won’t have superior speed or strength to fall back on, just their wits.”

 

Turning back around, Atlas is met with an elbow to the jaw from Crow! The Anti-Christ Superstar grabs Atlas by the hand and tries to whip him across the ring, but Atlas reverses it with an unreleased whip, grabbing Crow around the waist for a belly-to-belly Suplex! Crow grips his hands over Atlas’, releasing himself from his grasp, taking Atlas by surprise, countering with a Roundhouse kick! Atlas meets the canvas as Crow drops to his knees and hooks the Champ by the leg.

 

 

… O – n – e! But Atlas kicks out strongly once more, climbing right back onto his feet. Another elbow smash in mind, Crow swings his arm around, but Atlas blocks it, connecting with a few right hands before whipping Crow into the ropes. As the Aussie hits the ropes, Blackwell reaches into the ring, yanking Crow down by the ankle! Crow hits the mat face first, rolling onto his back as he cradles his arm as it numbs. Atlas charges across the ring as Crow lies prone, but he manages to stick his feet into Atlas’ stomach, using a Monkey Flip to throw Atlas over the ropes, landing on top of Blackwell in a somersault!

 

“Absolutely chaotic!” King shouts. “A spectacular move from Atlas! With help from the Bird of course…”

 

“Again, we see two men get taken out by only one! I see that as the ONLY way they’ll score a pin fall in this match…”

 

Blackwell assumes the fetal position after having the World Champion cannon into his stomach. Rolling away, Atlas slowly gets back to his feet as Crow looks up at the lights, thanking his lucky psychedelic rainbow as he climbs back onto his feet, looking behind him at the carnage he’s caused. Atlas approaches the apron, still slightly groggy as Crow runs across the ring, rebounding off the ropes and running back, gliding across the canvas with a baseball slide! Atlas steps to the side however, and the Bird lands on his feet. Atlas slides back into the ring, and Crow jumps up onto the apron. Atlas swings wildly with a right hand, missing Crow’s head, and is speared in the gut as a result! The Bird places his hands on the top rope, flipping over and grabbing Atlas by the waist, trying to bring him down with a Sunset Flip pin!

 

Atlas keeps his feet easily, dropping to his knees, trying to bury his fist into Crow’s forehead, but the Bird slips away like the greasy ethnic minority that he is, whirling back onto his feet but is met with a…

 

* Slap! *

 

… Knife-edge chop from Atlas!

 

* Slap! *

 

Atlas hits another for good measure, whipping Crow into a nearby corner. The champ charges, slamming into Crow with a hard-hitting clothesline. Blackwell slips into the ring unnoticed as Atlas continues hammering on Crow, only spotting the Irishman at the last second as he jumps on top of Atlas with a Body Splash! Atlas rebounds off of Crow, stumbling around as Blackwell lies in wait, kneeing the Champ in the stomach and throwing his arm over his shoulder and grabbing him by the waist, lifting him into the air and… slamming him with a Vertical Suplex!

 

“Beautifully executed,” Axis comments. “Blackwell and Crow targeting Atlas’ midsection together it seems, obviously holding the man in a high regard.”

 

Blackwell holds onto Atlas, climbing back to his feet, but Crow stops another Blackwell Suplex attempt, striking him in the back of the head with a forearm, forcing him to let go. The Bird grabs Blackwell by the waist, but the Irishman easily spins around Crow, ready for a German Suplex! But the World Champion is back on his feet almost instantly, Crow ducking his lariat attempt, and Blackwell taking the hit and falling to the mat! Crow spins back around to meet Sean, but instead eats a Superkick to the jaw! Atlas falls on top of Crow, pushing his arms into his chest, pinning his shoulders to the mat.

 

“Atlas cleans house and scores a sweet Superkick!” King yells happily. “Even if Blackwell AND Crow were teamed against him, he could take them down.”

 

“Please, remove your lips from his arse King, thank you.”

 

… O – n – e!

 

 

 

 

… T – w – o! But the Bird…

 

“… Gets a wing off the mat!” King shouts, laughing hysterically.

 

“Bra – freaking – vo…” Axis answers with a depressing sigh.

 

Atlas also sighs as he climbs to his feet, hitting Crow in the jaw with a forearm shot once, twice, whipping Crow into the ropes. As the Bird returns, Atlas hits a simple Shoulderblock, knocking him back onto the mat. Atlas bounces off the ropes beside him, falling on top of Crow with an elbow drop. He hits another and another in quick succession, climbing back to his feet for a third, but Blackwell puts a halt to those plans, targeting Atlas’ midsection again as he kicks him in the side. Atlas doubles over as Blackwell grabs him around the waist, lifts him into the air with a German Suplex! Blackwell sends him flying into the air, falling on top of Crow with a release German Suplex turned into a Body Splash!

 

“Whoa!” Is all Axis can utter. “Blackwell thought quickly, saw where Crow was positioned and turned the move into TWO moves! Brilliant work.”

 

“Who’s lips did you mention, Axis…?” King answers, shaking his head.

 

Atlas rolls away, clutching at his ribs as Blackwell grabs Crow and lifts him onto his feet, twisting his arm around before whipping him into the ropes. As Crow returns, Blackwell lowers his head, and his guard, leaving himself open for a kick to the head from Crow! The Bird latches onto the Irishman, locking him in a front face lock, wrenching his neck around. Blackwell falls onto one knee and Crow follows in suit, attempting to wear down the rather dazed Blackwell. The Irishman fight back, grabbing Crow around the waist and attempting to pick him up, but Crow sinks the move in further, stopping the Northern Lights attempt from Christian. Crow reverses the move, swinging back and shifting his weight, nailing Blackwell with a DDT!

 

Crow floats over and pins, but Atlas is nearby and not too happy…

 

 

… O – n – e!

 

 

 

 

… T – w – o! Another two count is reached before Atlas rudely interrupt’s, stomping on Crow’s arm!

 

“There it is again,” Axis points out. “Atlas attacks Crow’s arm, and so has Blackwell. The psychology can get so complex sometimes…”

 

The Bird rolls away, but Atlas turns his attention to Blackwell instead, stomping on his head, getting dirty looks from the referee and the crowd. Atlas lifts Blackwell onto his feet, whipping the Euro Chap towards the ropes. Christian locks his arms around the top rope once again, but instead of attacking, Atlas waits for Blackwell to retaliate. The Irishman builds up a head full of steam as he tries to knock the World Champion’s head off with a lariat, but Atlas ducks, reaching behind, grabbing Blackwell by the neck and slamming him down!

 

“Speaking of psychology, is it just me or is Blackwell taking a lot of hits to the head?” King asks. “I know he did last week, and he already seems groggy. Each man must have planned thoroughly before this match, knowing each man’s weakness.”

 

“That’s how coveted a prize the world championship is, and much of that has to do with Sean Atlas, raising not only his stature but the stature of the championship.”

 

Crow sees Blackwell hit the mat and rolls back to his feet, charging across to the ropes, jumping to the second tier and using it as a springboard, flipping back toward Blackwell with a Lionsault! Atlas simply steps over Blackwell and grabs Crow as he comes back down, plucking him from the air! The Bird lands on Atlas’ shoulder but isn’t able to escape in time as Atlas turns around and literally dumps Crow on top of Blackwell!

 

“Atlas made that seem so simple! He could have let Crow go and deal with him in turn, but he decided to kill two ‘birds’ with one stone and slam Crow on top of Blackwell!” King laughs, as Axis does as well.

 

Axis suddenly stops and glares, “You know, that might have worked if Blackwell was a bird as well.”

 

King stops laughing.

 

Atlas grins as he lifts Blackwell up, whipping him into a corner, repeating the process with Crow, and whipping him into the opposite corner. Atlas stands in the center if the ring, charging across to Blackwell and smacking him across the face with a forearm smash! Blackwell stumbles out from the turnbuckles as Atlas turns to Crow and runs toward him, only to eat a boot to the face! Crow bursts out from the corner, Trying to leap onto Atlas’ shoulders, but Sean drops his head and puts his hands underneath Crow as he leaps, throwing him over his head and onto Blackwell’s shoulders!

 

The Irishman, obviously not expecting this, stumbles around as Crow lays into him with some right hands, Blackwell falling back into the corner as Crow keeps pounding on him, the crowd getting involved!

 

“One!”

 

“Two!”

 

“Three!”

 

“Four!”

 

King shouts, “Crow doesn’t care who he’s facing, he’ll beat the hell out of them no matter what!”

 

“Five!”

 

“Six!”

 

“Seve-“

 

But Atlas rudely interrupts once again, putting his head underneath Crow and lifting him onto his shoulders! Atlas takes Crow to the center of the ring, but Crow spins himself around on Atlas’ shoulders, attempting a Hurricanrana! Atlas grabs Crow instead, slamming him down with a Powerbomb! Atlas grabs hold of Crow’s legs for the pin!

 

“OOH!” Axis cries. “The momentum of the match can change so quickly, with only one move!”

 

 

… O – n – e!

 

 

 

 

 

… T – w – But Blackwell intervenes, diving across and knocking Atlas away. Blackwell rolls back onto his feet, as does Atlas, who attempts to kick Blackwell in the gut but the Irishman grabs his foot, spinning him around on one leg, grabbing him around the waist from behind for another German Suplex! Atlas counters this time however, hitting Blackwell across the head with a few back elbows, knocking the Irishman away. The World Champ spins around and charges at his opponent, head down, ready to spear! But Blackwell leapfrogs over the top of Atlas and the World Champ hits the ropes, bouncing back towards Blackwell. The Irishman doesn’t bother turning around, hitting Atlas with a mule kick to the stomach! Blackwell now turns around, hooking his arms under Atlas’, lifting him into the air, slamming him down on his knee with an under hook Backbreaker!

 

“He is a true ring general,” Axis admires. “Sensing Atlas was taking control, and Blackwell took his momentum away, attacking his injured midsection.”

 

“I bet he does it to take pleasure out of injuring his victims. Ooh, these mysterious types Axis, always some underlying mental problems!”

 

“OR…” Axis snaps back. “He’s just doing what he has to do to win, and one thing’s for sure, it works for him.”

 

Blackwell dives to the mat, scissoring Atlas around the stomach and grabbing him by the leg! As Blackwell clamps down on Atlas’ midsection and turns his leg into impossible angles, Crow calmly walks over, standing over the top of Blackwell, who looks up at Crow, then at Atlas, shaking his head, not about to let go of the Champ. Crow just shrugs as he grabs Blackwell around the head, pulling back on his neck with a Dragon Sleeper!

 

“Holy…!” King shouts, at a loss for words. “Blackwell has the submission on Atlas… and Crow has the submission on Blackwell! This is a sure win-win situation for Crow!”

 

The crowd erupt as they watch Atlas and Blackwell writhe in pain, Crow with a sick grin on his face as he pulls back on Blackwell, sending pain running down his spine, causing Blackwell to tense up and tighten his grip around Atlas!

 

“The more pain Crow delivers to Blackwell, the more Blackwell delivers to Atlas!” Axis shouts in reply. “This is amazing action from these three men, each of them having fantastic ring presence!”

 

Blackwell finally lets go of Atlas’ leg, crawling towards the ropes as Crow cinches the move in tighter, only spelling more pain for his two opponents. Blackwell finally lunges across, gripping onto the bottom rope and the referee is finally able to intervene, instructing Crow to let go, and then Blackwell, who releases himself from around Atlas’ waist. Blackwell uses the ropes to climb to his feet, as Atlas works his way on to one knee. Crow grabs Blackwell, hitting him with right hands, whipping him into a corner, continuing the beating as he climbs into the second rope beside the Irishman and hits in the face with a kick to the face, followed by another, followed by yet another! Blackwell falls and sits against the turnbuckles as Crow jumps down and aims for Blackwell’s head again, stomping him in the face, stopping only to brush the hair away from his eyes, continuing to boot Blackwell in the head until the referee interjects, physically forcing Crow away.

 

Crow’s eyes grow wide as he turns to the referee, thinking about smacking the man in black and white out, but he restrains himself, turning back to the World Champion, trying to boot him in the stomach. Atlas catches Crow’s foot and pulls him close, giving him a manly hug as the fans smile and sigh, but Atlas completes the move, throwing Crow over his head with a capture Suplex! Atlas hooks Crow by the leg as the referee slides across the canvas…

 

 

“…O – n – e!”

 

 

 

 

 

“… T – w – o!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“…… T –“ But Blackwell makes the save, kicking Atlas away with a boot to the stomach. Atlas growls, climbing back to his feet, Blackwell trying to knock him back down with some forearm shots, but Atlas answers with some elbows to the side of the head, almost instantly knocking Blackwell silly. Atlas takes Blackwell and runs him across to the corner, slamming his head on the turnbuckle pad, keeping hold as he runs to the next corner and does the same. Atlas rounds third as he slams Blackwell’s head on the third turnbuckle, running into home, stopping just before the last turnbuckle, bringing the Irishman’s head back and putting the icing on the cake, Blackwell’s head rebounding off of the turnbuckle and he falls to the mat!

 

“Atlas hit a home run there,” King says with another chuckle. “And yet again, Blackwell suffers more head trauma. You can already see the toll it’s taking on his state of mind.”

 

Atlas just grins as the fans boo and boo loudly, his eyes peering through his mask, showing contempt for each fan in the arena who would boo him. Those eyes suddenly look back, noticing motion from behind. Crow runs toward Atlas, but he’s too slow and Blackwell catches his arm and throws him over his back with a judo hip toss! Atlas holds onto Crow’s arm, grabbing his other arm and neck, locking on the Triangle hold!

 

“This could do it right here!” Axis yells. “How much can Crow’s arm take!?”

 

“Oh come on Axis, you’ve been out of the ring FAR too long! You’d have to literally paralyze these guys to get them to give up!” King looks down at Axis’ leg. “Know what I mean?”

 

“I hate you, I really do.”

 

Crow holds on, making hardly a sound as Atlas pulls back on his arms, his right arm in particular feeling the most pain. Crow grits his teeth, cringing as pain surges down his arm, Atlas knowing where to apply the most pressure as he locks in the hold even further. Atlas, finding pleasure in his enemy’s pain, does not see Christian Blackwell, back on his feet, slowly climbing the top rope. The fans begin to rise from their seats, the noise inside the United center growing as Blackwell climbs every tier, finally reaching the top rope as Atlas makes Crow whimper in pain, shutting his eyes as he tries to endure the pain.

 

Blackwell steadies himself, his eyes glazing over just a little, but he shakes out the cobwebs and positions himself on the top rope, standing tall as the fans cheer as he flies through the air, curling into a ball as he falls to the mat…

 

… Crushing Atlas’ ribs with a Senton Splash! Atlas cries out as he lets go of Crow, rolling away, holding his ribs in immense pain as the fans cheer wildly, canting “Christ! Christ! Christ! Christ!”

 

“What the hell are they chanting ‘Christ’ to!? As in, ‘Christ, what a move!’ or, ‘Go Christ-tian Blackwell!?”

 

“I have no idea King, but what a move!” Axis shouts, jumping out of his seat. “Dick Togo plus Christian Blackwell equals carnage! Blackwell came down hard, and Atlas could do nothing! Now all three men are down!”

 

And Christ rose once again, receiving applause from the fans as he blinks a few times, trying to gain his bearing, as Crow climbs to his feet. The Bird turns around, trying to strike Blackwell, but he’s too slow, his right arm losing it’s sting as Blackwell easily counters, simply grabbing Crow’s arm and twisting it around, lowering his head and grabbing Crow around the waist, throwing him over his head with a Northern Lights Suplex!

 

“Subtle use of psychology there, but extremely effective..” Axis notes.

 

“… O – n – e!”

 

 

 

 

 

“… T – w – o!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“…… T –“ But Atlas dives on top of Blackwell’s chest, knocking him away with a forearm. Atlas, for some strange reason, takes offence to the “Christ” chants and starts laying into Blackwell with right hands. The Irishman tries to roll over to repay the favour, but Atlas buries his feet into Blackwell’s chest before he can, pushing him away and climbing back to his feet. Blackwell hits back quickly kicking Atlas in the ribs, forcing the Champion away. Blackwell suddenly rushes forward, grabbing Atlas around the chest, putting his foot behind his and pushing him forward, taking him down with an S.T.O!

 

Blackwell slowly climbs to his feet, looking over Atlas, the sudden rush of speed throwing the Irishman off balance as he looses his vision for a second. Suddenly, Crow grabs Blackwell from behind, hooking his arm under his. Blackwell knows this move all too well and lowers himself, flipping Crow over his back, the Bird landing back on his feet. Crow spins around, but Blackwell drives his knee into his chest, sending Crow stumbling backwards. Atlas sits back up in time to grab Crow around the waist, pulling him down to the canvas with a pin! Crow manages to keep rolling through, landing back on his feet. Crow backs into the ropes and dives across, dropkicking Atlas in the stomach!

 

“Now matter how much punishment they take, they still know to attack their opponents weak points!” King shouts.

 

The force from the blow sends Atlas flipping backwards, flipping over his head, but Blackwell is there to grab his legs and pull him upward, gripping his hands around the Champion’s waist and falling backwards, hitting a German Suplex!

 

“WOW! Great chain move, ending with a MASSIVE Suplex from Blackwell!”

 

“…O – n – e!” Crow climbs back to his feet, shaking his arm, trying to get the feeling back after landing on top of it.

 

 

 

 

 

“…T – w – o!” The bird literally flies across the ring, as fast as he can, bouncing off the ropes nearest to his opponents, charging back towards Blackwell as the referee lifts his hand again…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“…T

 

…H

 

 

…R –“ NO! Crow leaps into the air, landing on top of Blackwell with a somersault splash!

 

“HOLY!” King yells, as excited as Axis. “The momentum of the match, switches so fast! It’s hard to keep up with the action!”

 

“If you’re gonna break up a pin, that’s the way to do it! Crow hurt himself in the process, but that’s what these men are willing to do to gain even the slightest advantage!”

 

The crowd pops loudly for the chain of events they’ve just seen, chanting along with the pin as Crow falls back on top of Blackwell, weakly reaching back and hooking his leg!

 

 

“… O – n – e!”

 

 

 

 

 

“… T – w – o!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“…T

 

…H

 

 

…R –“ But Blackwell rolls a shoulder off from the mat!

 

“OOH! SO CLOSE!” Axis shouts. “You’re right King, it’ll take A LOT more to keep these three men down.”

 

Crow sits back up, cringing as he holds his arm, banging it on the mat, trying to get the feeling back. Atlas attempts to get to his feet, his arm firmly clutching his ribs, coughing up a lung in the process. Crow finally climbs to his feet, taking Atlas by one hand, throwing him into a corner, kicking him in the midsection over and over again, while still holding his arm. Atlas manages to counter, grabbing Crow and throwing him into the turnbuckles, aiming his punches to Crow’s shoulder, weakening it further. Atlas grabs Crow by the hand and tries to whip him across the ring, but the Bird somehow reverses the whip! The strain on his shoulder is too much though, and Crow suddenly lets go, crying out, allowing Atlas to kick the Anti-Christ Superstar in the stomach, grab his injured arm and fall backwards, hitting an Armbar DDT!

 

“Crow only has himself to blame there,” Axis says. “He should keep off his arm as much as possible!”

 

“And as a result, Atlas just did more damage to that arm!”

 

Atlas takes a few deep breaths, composing himself as he gets back to his feet, finding Blackwell on his feet too, shaky feet, but back on his feet all the same. The World Champion hits a few right hands and then attempts to whip Blackwell towards the ropes, but it’s reversed! Blackwell counters with a short arm knee lift! As Atlas hits the mat, Crow climbs back to his feet, courageously charging at Blackwell, spearing him into the turnbuckles! Crow puts the pain out of his mind, if only for a small while, lifting himself up onto the top rope, grabbing Blackwell around the head, applying a front face lock…

 

Crow closes his eyes as he jumps off from the top rope, turning his body ninety degrees, falling to the mat, driving Blackwell’s head into the mat with a DDT! The crowd erupts, not believing what they’re seeing, as Crow sits up, just looking dead ahead. Blackwell has been literally folded up, his eyes shut, his body finally tipping over into a ball, the Irishman not moving a muscle.

 

“HOLY SHIT!” Axis shouts, as many of the fans do. “That has to be it for Blackwell, how many more hits to the head can he take!? He HAS to be concussed!”

 

“Forget that Axis, he IS concussed!”

 

Atlas coughs up a little blood, the fluid trickling down his chin and falling to the mat. The Champion begins to breath heavily, taking his arm away from his ribs, standing tall once more as Crow gets to his feet, running straight into Atlas who lifts Crow up onto his shoulders…

 

“THE SAINT’S DEMISE!” The Suicide King literally screams.

 

… But the psychotic Aussie counters, slipping behind Atlas! Crow grabs Atlas around the head from behind, driving his knee into Atlas’ kidney! The crowd, after all this time, know how much pain Atlas is in as Crow digs his knee into his midsection, suddenly spinning him around, grabbing him by the waist and lifting him into the air!

 

“NO, NATURAL BORN CHAOS!” Axis shouts in return.

 

The crowd literally gasps as Crow lifts Atlas into the air, but it’s clear to see as soon as he gets him vertical, that he can’t hold him up. Crow struggles, holding on for as long as he can, but the pressure is just too much and Atlas lands safely back on his feet behind the drained Bird!

 

“He countered! Crow’s arm gave away and he had to let go!”

 

“Quiet Axis, we can see that, just shutup and watch!”

 

Atlas wastes no more time, grabbing Crow around the neck and the arm, pulling him down to the mat in a Tazzmission! Atlas locks his legs around Crow as he pulls back on Crow, focusing on the arm, the crowd breaking a sweat just watching, waiting, and fearing. Crow cries out in pain as it builds and builds, the referee right in his face, asking the question again and again as the camera focuses on Sean Atlas, his eyes wide once more, his body shaking as he puts everything into the submission…

 

“KATAHAJIME CHOKE! Look at the torque Atlas is putting on Crow’s arm! This has to be it!”

 

The referee asks one more time as Crow desperately tries to grab the bottom rope with his free hand…

 

… But it’s too much for him as he yells, “I give!” The referee climbs to his feet, pointing to ringside as Atlas lets go of his prey, and Crow falls outside of the ring.

 

“The winner of the fall via submission… SEAN ATLAS!”

 

The crowd cannot believe it, but the worse is still to come.

 

“… Crow will now be barred from participating for THREE MINUTES!”

 

“Atlas has eliminated Crow!” Axis cries. “This can’t happen!”

 

“Oh but it is Axis! Atlas doesn’t need three minutes to take care of Blackwell, look at him, he can barely stand up!”

 

A smile comes across Atlas he lifts himself back to his feet, scanning through the crowd, then finally fixing his eyes on… Christian Blackwell. The Irishman is totally at Atlas’ will as he lifts Blackwell to his feet, the clock counting down…

 

“2:27”

 

Atlas fires a straight right hand at Blackwell. The Irishman stumbles away, his eyes glazed over, unknowingly bouncing off the ropes back to Atlas…

 

“1:52”

 

Crow, clawing his fingers into the ring apron, tries to get onto his feet, his eyes fixed on the two men in the ring, wanting to get back in there no matter what. There’s a rumble through the crowd as they slowly part, a man jumps over the side railing, chair in hand…

 

“IT’S DACE NIGHT!” Axis cries. “What’s he doing out here!? He has no business being here!”

 

“You saw him earlier tonight Axis, he’s angry, and someone is going to feel that anger, and that man is Crow!”

 

Dace lifts the chair above his head, Crow utterly defenseless as the steel comes crashing down, crashing into his skull, and laying him out of the concrete! Dace doesn’t stop as he hits Crow again and again, yelling out incoherently as the steel hits Crow over and over again!

 

“1:19”

 

Night escapes back through the fans as the referee’s check on Crow, who leans against the ring apron, wiping blood away from his nose. Atlas, just witnessing the carnage on the outside of the ring, is confused, but turns his attention back to Blackwell, kicking Christian in the stomach…

 

“Crow has been beaten by Dace Night, who showed NO REMORSE! Time is ticking down, and Atlas is approaching victory…”

 

Atlas lifts Blackwell onto his shoulders, spreading him out in a crucifix position! The fans are livid, they cry out their objections, but they fall on deaf ears as Atlas prepares himself…

 

Blackwell does anything he can, putting himself through pain as he reaches back with his legs, kicking wildly at Atlas, enduring the pain just to escape Atlas’s grasp…

 

 

 

“0:45:”

 

… Which he does!

 

“HE ESCAPED!” King shouts. “DAMNIT! This should be Atlas’ night!”

 

Atlas lets his guard down for a second, unable to hold Blackwell in place, allowing the groggy Irishman, his arms still lock around Atlas’, to spin around and push Atlas into the mat, laying on top of him, trying to flip over!

 

“NARCOSYNTHESIS!” Axis cries, almost loosing his voice. “Atlas gave away under the strain!”

 

“DAMN! Damn that Blackwell! He countered just in time by kicking at Atlas’ ribs!”

 

“He didn’t forget the game plan, even if his vision, and his mind are cloudy, he didn’t forget!”

 

Blackwell jumps into the air, bringing his knee down across Atlas back! The World Champion cries out at the same moment as Blackwell flips over with the bridge!

 

“0:22”

 

“It’s locked on!” Is all Axis can say as he and King watch on.

 

Crow watches on unable to move, almost convulsing, and his battered and bruised body giving up as Blackwell locks in the Cattle Mutilation!

 

The fans are on their feet, cheering, just waiting, hoping, and praying that that Atlas gives up.

 

“0:15”

 

Crow mutters incoherently, sliding back into the ring, holding his arm against himself as he climbs back to his feet…

 

Axis cries, “CROW IS UP! BU TIME IS RUNNING OUT!”

 

“0:8”

 

Blackwell, almost ready to pass out himself, puts everything he has and more into his finishing hold, as Atlas yells out, not wanting to give up!

 

“0:5”

 

Atlas keeps shaking his head as the referee asks, but he finally stops, the referee leaning closer…

 

“0:3”

 

“0:2”

 

…

 

“I give up…”

 

“NO!” King shouts, slamming his fist on the announce table.

 

“NEW CHAMPION!” Axis cries joyfully.

 

The referee leaps back onto his feet as Crow drops to his knees, Blackwell finally letting go, his head dropping to the mat as from ringside, Funyon announces…

 

“The winner of this match and the… NEW! SMARKS JUNIOR LEAGUE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION… CHRISTIAN BLACKWELL!”

 

“Christian Blackwell has finally dethroned Sean Atlas and become a double Champion!” Axis shouts. “He’ll never forget this moment, like none of us will!”

 

“Just watch me…” King mumbles. “I can’t believe he won! Only TWO SECONDS TO GO and the match could have continued! I guess even the best have their limits…”

 

Blackwell rolls out of the ring, hitting the concrete with a thud, trying to stand back up, but swaying and falling onto the guard rail, where fans welcome him with pats on the back and numerous cups of beer. Blackwell can’t even drink right now as he stumbles away, up the ramp way, the referee rushing up to him, throwing the title across his shoulder and lifting his hand to the crowd as they let out one more all mighty cheer.

 

“What a match! What a night! Each man will remember this match for a long time to come as they nurse the wounds, but each can hold their heads up high. What will happen next…? Find out on Metal!”

 

Blackwell somehow reaches the top of the ramp without falling over, and once again, the mystery man meets him, approaching Blackwell and bringing him close, hugging him as the screen finally fades the black…

 

SJL Crimson, April 24th, 2003

© 2003 Dufflecoat Supreme Productions

All Rights Reserved

[Atlas 0]

My version. It was very close, as I'm told. I understand why I lost though, since my logic breaks down towards the end, and the flow seems a bit awkward.

 

I still blame it on the last of the obligatory SJL © 2003 message at the end. Stupid details.

 

“The following contest is a Three Minute Three Way Elimination Match for the SJL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!!! One a competitor has been eliminated, he is out of the match for three minutes. If, during that time, another elimination is made, the match will end and a winner declared! The waiting man may not interfere, under penalty of disqualification, or hold up the match by failing to re-enter the ring.”

 

 

[Axis] Some sick mind must have thought up the rules for this one.

 

[King] Sure did. He creates crazy stipulations and still whoops your ass at online fighting games.

 

[Axis] Huh?

 

 

“Natural Born Chaos” by Soilwork blasts through the arena. The fans come rising to their feet to greet the Antichrist Superstar as he emerges from behind the curtain, customarily smoking his cigarette. As he walks down the ramp, a mixed reaction greets him, many booing but his cult followers cheering him on. As usual, he is introduced by Funyon:

 

“Introducing first, on his way to the ring, from Anchorage, Alaska, weighing in at 231 pounds, The Antichrist Superstar... CROW!”

 

Arriving at ringside, Crow quickly slides into the ring. Taking the cigarette out of his mouth, he rushes up to the far turnbuckle and stands on the middle rope, arms stretched out in a crucifix. Fans in front of him applaud and snap photos, hoping to walk away with a picture of Crow on the night he wins the World Championship.

 

 

[Axis] Too bad that match against Tryst didn’t go down on Wrath. I’d have liked to see what The Fable would do to Crow.

 

[King] More like what Crow would do to him. Do you know what it feels like to get shot with an arrow in the groin?

 

[Axis] Well, as a matter of fact, this one time behind the shed...

 

[King] Axis, please! There are children watching...

 

 

We are given nary a moment before Crow’s music fades out, and the opening strums of “Three Libras” by A Perfect Circle resonates through the United Center, as the fans who haven’t yet come to their feet now stand up to cheer in the darkness. Small bursts of fire on the stage shoot up, illuminating the Irishman between them. He walks down the ramp, lighting up more flames on his way while Funyon, reading from his card, announces him.

 

“And his opponent, making his way to the ring from Rosslare, Ireland, weighing in at 237 pounds, he is the SJL European Champion... CHRISTIAN BLACKWELL!”

 

Lighting up the last flame of the fiery line, Blackwell steps off the ramp and calmly and patiently walks around the ring. Taking off his belt, Christian hands it to the timekeeper, then walks up the steps and steps into the squared circle. He takes his position in a corner adjacent to Crow’s and stands in as they exchange glances, both knowing the challenge that lies ahead.

 

 

Before the house lights can return to their normal brightness, they start to flash to the beats of “Polyamorous” by Breaking Benjamin. Seconds later...

 

*BOOM*

 

A colossal explosion goes off on the stage, leaving behind fumes of smoke. Soon after, the champion, the masked man, the inexplicable one himself, Sean Atlas, makes his way through the smoke, across the stage and down the ramp. Wearing the title he’s about to defend, Sean struts down to an immense chorus of boos, so loud that Funyon has to speak up just to be heard over them.

 

“And their opponent, on his way to the ring, supposedly from CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, weighing in at 230 pounds, he is the SJL World Heavyweight Champion... SEAN ATLAS!”

 

Once the hometown pop dies down, the jeers once again return for Sean Atlas. He gets to the ring and while stepping through the ropes, Atlas tries to keep an eye on both of his opponents. After giving the title to Ced Ordoñez, who raises it above his head to resounding applause, Sean, Crow and Blackwell slowly approach one another...

 

 

[King] Despite this place being Sean’s city, supposedly, mostly everyone here is against him.

 

[Axis] That’s right, in the champion’s hometown, in front of a crowd twenty thousand strong, the Three Minute Three Way War is on!

 

 

*DING, DING, DING*

 

 

Before the sound of the bell echoes away, Crow and Blackwell lunge at the champion, throwing hard punches directly at his covered face! As Ced hands his belt over to the timekeeper, Sean is forced back against the ropes by both opponents...

 

*SMA-SMACK!*

 

“Whoo!”

 

 

[Axis] Double Knife Edge Chops to the champion!

 

 

*SMA-SMACK!*

 

“Whoooo!”

 

 

[King] They’re teaming up on him! Bastards!

 

 

*SMA-SMACK!*

 

“Whooooooo!”

 

 

[Axis] Nothing wrong with that, King...

 

 

*SMA-SMACK!*

 

“Whooooooooooo!”

 

 

[Axis] Eliminating the champ first makes it easier for one of them to win!

 

 

*SMA-SMACK!*

 

“WHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

The fifth chop, or tenth, however you’re counting, end the barrage. Crow and Blackwell each pick up one of Sean’s arms and after pushing him off, send him running across the ring to the ropes. He bounces off, watching his opponents as they come at him with double clotheslines... which he ducks! Atlas runs at the other ropes, and coming off those, catches Blackwell and Crow as they turn around. He speeds it up, to try and get the first... but as lunges at the two men, they catch him and...

 

 

[Axis] ...SLAM Atlas down with authority!

 

[King] Sean tried tackling them both, but got caught with a double powerslam from the guys who should be fighting AGAINST each other!

 

[Axis] Let it go.

 

 

After bringing Sean down in the center of the ring, Christian and Crow shift to stand laterally to him and both leap up in the air, Crow hitting a Leg Drop to Sean’s midsection while the Irishman drops a knee to the head! Atlas’s body jitters from the impact as he curls up, but isn’t given much time to rest when the two attackers bring him back to his feet.

 

Tugging on his arm, Blackwell whips Sean off towards the ropes... He bounces off, watching Blackwell set up while Crow stands off to the side. Meanwhile, Sean reaches the Irishman, but his momentum carries him right into an Arm Drag from Blackwell! Atlas pops right back up after being carried over, and heads right back for Christian... only to be met with a second armdrag! Back up, and the champion sprints at him again, expecting another arm drag...

 

But they hardly touch, as Atlas stops short to avoid an Arm Drag while Blackwell sidesteps, not going for an Arm Drag at all. Instead he shifts over, hooking Sean’s other arm from the side, trying a Hip Toss... While on Atlas’ other side, Crow steps up and hooks his other arm, and together they lift, bringing Atas down with a double Hip Toss!

 

Making the first move now is Crow, who brings Sean up and quickly throws on a front face lock, then lifts Sean in the air, then Snaps him back down with a quick Suplex. While he comes back up, Blackwell takes over and pulls Sean to his feet again, standing behind him. He shifts to the side and while keeping one arm behind Atlas, he uses his other to lift Sean’s leg off the mat, the strains to lift his entire body up... and brings it back down with a Backdrop Suplex!

 

 

[Axis] Looks like Christian and Crow are slowly working Sean’s back with basic Suplexes. And while the teamwork is there, I’m not sure if it’s premeditated or is just coming together as we watch them.

 

 

Taking control of Sean once again, Crow gets him standing, then shoots him off into the ropes. Atlas bounces, and on his way back sees a doubled-over Crow waiting for him, arms outstretched to grab. Atlas quickly slows down and sends a kick to his chest, knocking the Antichrist Superstar back! As the noise in the arena changes to complete antipathy for Sean, he grabs on to Crow’s head, setting him up for a DDT...

 

 

[King] About to see Atlas’ first offence here...

 

 

But it’s delayed when unexpectedly, Christian Blackwell catches Sean from behind, wrapping his arm around Atlas’ neck with an Inverted facelock, then falls straight down... taking the champion out with an Inverted Facelock DDT which Atlas himself drives Crow’s head to the mat with a DDT!

 

 

[King] DDTs for everybody!

 

[Axis] Like a domino effect, Blackwell takes down Sean Atlas while he consequently gets Crow!

 

[King] And now Blackwell’s going for the cover...!

 

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

NO! Getting his shoulder off the mat in time is Sean Atlas, kicking out shortly after two!

 

 

To booing, hissing and disappointment, Blackwell gets to his feet. Taking Sean by his head, he stands the champion, then scoops him off his feet and flips him upside-down... slamming Atlas across his knee with a Backbreaker! The crowd oohs as Blackwell stands up while Sean holds on to his back as the pain increases. He’s soon forced to his feet by Blackwell however, while off to the side, Crow finally stands as well.

 

Taking Sean by the arm, Blackwell whips him off to the ring ropes, then follows for a step and just as Sean hits the ropes, the Irishman leaves his feet, trying a standing Dropkick... But Atlas holds on to the rubber covered iron, recoiling back and fourth but avoiding Blackwell’s offense. Crow, meanwhile, sees the opportunity and charges at Sean by the ropes... only to receive a kick to the face!

 

 

[King] Atlas is fighting back now, using a defensive strategy.

 

[Axis] But how long can it last?

 

 

Working on borrowed time, Atlas quickly throws a front face lock on Crow. Sean lifts him straight up in the air, holding him vertically while walking closer to the downed Irishman. When close enough, Sean leaves his feet and falls forward, bringing the Antichrist Superstar down with a Front Suplex across the upper body of Christian Blackwell! He doesn’t let the Front Face Lock go, however, holding Crow down across Blackwell’s shoulder...

 

 

[King] That’s a cover! Ced should be counting...

 

[Axis] And there he goes...

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

...NO! Realizing how he’s been pinned, Blackwell kicks out.

 

 

[Axis] Desperate but creative offense from Sean Atlas, trying to eliminate one guy using the body of another.

 

[King] If only Atlas could have done more to Blackwell before. Had he done that, we could have seen an elimination.

 

 

Frustrated but adamant, Atlas keeps the front face lock on as he stands up, bringing Crow with him. With Blackwell in between the two, Sean lifts Crow again and holds him vertically while Christian, fearing a repeat of the front suplex, rolls away. As a result, Sean turns around and facing the ropes, brings Crow down across them.

 

 

[Axis] Seems like Sean is working on Crow’s midsection, particularly his abs. Otherwise he would have simply used a vertical suplex.

 

 

Meanwhile Christian makes it to his feet, and darts towards Sean... Atlas feels the ring shake beneath his feet, knowing it’s not his own doing and immediately sidesteps... Causing Blackwell to run into Crow, hung up on the top rope! The bird bounces on the rope, balanced between the ring mat and the apron, while Blackwell looks for Atlas to his side, and finds him setting up for a Russian Leg Sweep. He instantly slides away and turns to face Sean, then wraps his arms around him in a Belly-to-Belly.

 

With his back to the center of the ring, Blackwell lifts Atlas, but finds that Sean’s leg is still trapped between his, blocking the move. Instead, Atlas locks his arms behind the Irishman, pops his hips and lifts... releasing him in mid-motion...! Completing the suplex as Blackwell collides with the hung up Crow!!!

 

 

[King] What the...??

 

[Axis] Sean Atlas powered Christian Blackwell with a release overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex into Crow! He landed on the bird instead of the mat!

 

[King] That’s why he’s the champ, folks. They don’t teach you that in training.

 

 

Blackwell crashing onto Crow finally brought him off the rope and down to the mat, where the two lie next to one another; Christian on his chest while Crow clipped over onto his back. Taking him by hand is Atlas, who brings him up to his feet and pushing off the ropes behind him, Atlas whips him to the other side. Crow staggers over and bounces, then comes back to run under a leapfrogging Sean Atlas...

 

Bouncing off the ropes again, next to a downed Blackwell is Crow, watching Sean as he attempts a clothesline... and ducks it! Both men stop and turn around, Crow doing so a bit faster as he slides his arms around Sean’s waist and goes for a Northern Lights Suplex... and hits it! He bridges for the pin, despite the toll taken on his abdominals...

 

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

Sean tries to power out of it, bridging himself...

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

And he does, lifting his shoulders off the mat and rotating, positioning himself over Crow, arms around his waist. Putting on a standing head scissors, Atlas locks his grip tightly and lifts, flipping Crow up onto his shoulders...

 

 

[King] This looks like...

 

 

*SLAM!*

 

[King] A Powerbomb!

 

[Axis] What a move by the champion! Pulling out a Powerbomb for only the second time in his SJL tenure!

 

 

To louder loathing from the crowd, Atlas leans forward, bending Crow in half to make the cover...

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...THREE!!!

 

 

[King] The bird’s eliminated! He’s gone! For three minutes, anyway.

 

[Axis] And Blackwell wasn’t even there to stop it.

 

[King] Why would he? Crow getting eliminated helps him anyway. That’s why their teamwork here wasn’t completely thought out.

 

[Axis] Ah, I get ya, mate.

 

 

*DING*

 

 

“Eliminated from the match for three minutes.. Crow!”

 

 

Immediately after the pinfall, a counter appears on the smaller Smarktron, counting from 2:59 and down. Atlas, though winded, realizes the urgency and rolls Crow out to the edge of the ring. He comes towards Blackwell, who by now is on his way up, using the ropes. Sean takes his hand and pulls him off, trying an Irish whip... but Blackwell, the Irishman, holds on to the top rope near him and sends a stiff kick to the gut of Sean Atlas.

 

Doubled over, Sean gets caught with a snapmare, bringing him down near the ropes. From behind now, Blackwell wraps his arms around Atlas’ waist and forcefully gets him standing. Popping his hips, Blackwell lifts Sean over his head and goes for a German Suplex...

 

But Atlas flips over and lands on his feet! Standing mid-ring behind the Irishman, Sean bends down to his feet and grabs on, pulling back and taking Christian’s legs out from under him with a rear leg takedown. Floating over to his upper body, Atlas binds Blackwell around the hips and boosts him off the mat, setting up what looks to be a Wheelbarrow Suplex. He lifts Blackwell off the mat and tries, in one motion, to carry him over...

 

Yet he can’t do it when Christian loosens Sean’ grip escapes, holding on to one arm as he lands back on his feet. He swings around, locking that arm in a chickenwing and tries doing the same to the other....

 

 

[King] Is he looking for the Narcosynthesis now??

 

[Axis] There’s still a good minute and a half left before Crow can come back in. If he does it now he can win this whole thing.

 

[King] Aha, but he can’t!

 

 

Getting away from the Cattle Mutilation attempt is Sean as he falls forward, keeping a grip on Blackwell’s arm while he slides down and between his legs. Standing back up behind Blackwell, Sean locks Christian’s other arm, in addition to the one already maneuvered between his legs... and lifts, going for a Stretch Suplex on the Irishman...

 

But just as Va’aiga did on Wrath, Blackwell floats over the top of Sean’s head, escaping the move and landing on his feet yet again! The force of Blackwell landing and still holding on to Sean’s arm turns him around, and Blackwell immediately thrusts his leg out to kick Atlas’ side, but Sean catches it, holding on to it with his free hand.

 

 

[King] These two just keep countering, matching each other move for move!

 

[Axis] Whoever manages to his something first will definitely have an advantage...

 

 

Hobbling on one foot, Blackwell is pulled closer to Sean who lets the arm go to wrap his hand around Christian’s neck. Finally, he lifts Blackwell off his one foot and carries him through the air until his back meets the ring, hitting the Leg Capture Suplex!

 

 

[King] And there it is!

 

 

Atlas goes to cover...

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

...NO!! Blackwell gets a shoulder up before Ced’s hand hits the mat a third time!

 

 

Atlas checks on the clock ... 0:40 ... and quickly brings Blackwell up. Taking him by the hand, Atlas spins the Irishman around sothat his arw wraps around his own neck...

 

 

[King] Immaculate Neckbreaker coming!

 

 

Atlas turns around, back-to-back with Blackwell, preparing to hit the move but Suddenly, and unknown to Sean, Christian slips out of his own arm and rotates back around, then hooks both of Atlas’ arms...

 

 

[Axis] Double Chickenwing...!

 

 

As the roar of the crowd grows, Christian slips his foot between Sean’s and takes his legs out, driving him forward into the mat.

 

 

[King] Noo... not with half a minute still left...!

 

 

Making sure he’s got Atlas’ arms hooked tightly, Blackwell finally pushes himself over and flips forward, bridging in front to complete his sibmission finisher...

 

 

[Axis] Narcosynthesys! Blackwell locks on the Cattle Mutilation with less than half a minute remaining in this eliminaton!

 

[King] Come on Sean, you can do it... Just last a little bit longer...

 

 

With the crowd looking on, leaving many of the seats empty as they stand, Blackwell struggles to hold the bridge in position. Meanwhile, Crow, who by now recovered but hasn’t shown it, pulls himself up to stand. Ced Ordoñez dives down near Sean, looking to hear him quitting over the loud roar of the crowd...

 

 

[Axis] If Atlas gives up here, Blackwell’s going to win it. Crow can’t even interfere, risking disqualification!

 

[King] Obviously he doesn’t want him to tap... He’s got to root for Atlas here!

 

[Axis] What’s he doing??

 

 

Crow walks over to where the action is and takes the same position as Ced... as the referee asks for a submission, Crow cheers Atlas on, motivating him to last for the next 15 seconds... Above all of this, Blackwell yells out in pain, watching the countdown clock upside down, hoping to become champion in the next few moments... Through all this, Sean Atlas can’t even hear himself screaming as he listens to the noise coming from the ref, his opponents, and the fans, who begin to count down...

 

 

“Ten!”

 

“Nine!”

 

“Eight!”

 

 

[King] Just a little more, Sean...

 

 

“Seven!”

 

 

“Six!”

 

 

“Five!”

 

 

[Axis] Wait for it...

 

 

“Three!”

 

 

 

“Two!”

 

 

 

“One!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“AAAAHHHHWWWWW......”

 

 

[King] He outlasted it! The match keeps going!

 

 

The fans let out a unanimous groan as Blackwell prepares to let the hold go... but Crow tells him to stay! He quickly jumps over Sean and picks up his legs, crossing them around his own and pulling back with a Sharpshooter!!!

 

 

[King] What???

 

[Axis] A Sharpshooter! The Antichrist Superstar, who moments ago was begging Atlas to survive is now helping to eliminate him!

 

[King] That prick! He’s in it for himself!

 

 

The fans cheer once again to the sight of a Sharpshooter and Narcosynthesys locked in at the same time... Ced resumes the questions to Sean Atlas, asking is he wants to quit, to be eliminated... to give up and lose control of the fate of his championship... Crow tugs back... Christian pushes forward... Sean’s body gets bent out of shape, and suddenly, Ced Ordoñez jumps up and signals to the timekeeper...

 

 

*DING*

 

 

“Eliminated from the match for three minutes... Sean Atlas!”

 

 

[Axis] He’s gone! Sean Atlas is gone!

 

[King] For three minutes, numbnuts...

 

[Axis] Nevertheless, it’s up to the challengers, Crow and Blackwell, to decide the fate of the SJL World Championship!

 

 

The timer appears once again on the Smarktron, counting down from 2:59. Letting got of their respective holds, Crow and Blackwell take a few moments to recover and while the Irishman gets his wind back, Crow rolls Atlas out to the apron on out of the ring altogether, pushing him to the ringside mat. Well rested from his own three minutes, Crow returns to Blackwell and lets loose with punches to the upper back.

 

He brings Blackwell to his feet and whips him off to the far ropes. Christian bounces and on his return meets the outstretched leg of Crow... Avoiding it, he stops short and grabs onto his boot, then throws his leg to the side, spinning Crow around. The bird finally comes back to face Blackwell, and is instantly locked in a Belly-to-Belly...

 

But still slightly quicker, Crow steps back and prevents Christian from locking his hands together, and traps the Irishman’s arms under his armpits. Latching on from under them, Crow stomps his feet, snaps his hips and gets Blackwell into the air... then SLAMS him down with an Entrapment Suplex!

 

 

[King] Quick thinking by Crow, taking advantage of the fact that Blackwell hasn’t had a rest yet.

 

[Axis] Well, he’s got about two minutes to get something conclusive done.

 

 

Crow gets to his feet, trying to get as much offence in during the allotted time. Bringing Blackwell back up, Crow uses the back of his fist to attack the woozy Irishman, groggy from physical punishment rather than alcohol, for a change. He then gets behind Blackwell and wraps his arms around him for a German Suplex... lifts... and hits it! He bridges for a cover...

 

...But Blackwell quickly shifts his weight to the side, falling over. Crow, keeping the rear waistlock on, gets back to his feet, bringing Christian up as a result. Planting his feet and lifting him up again, Crow DRIVES Blackwell down with a second German Suplex! He bridges for the cover...

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

...But again, Blackwell rolls over, getting out of the bridge. His anger growing, Crow drags him up again. He stands, and forces Blackwell to do the same, then follows up with another lifts... and a THIRD German Suplex! He bridges for the pin...!

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...NO! Blackwell gets a shoulder up, escapes the bridge, the waistlock and even rolls over into his chest!

 

 

[Axis] The Australian from Alaska takes a page out of Blackwell’s technical book, hitting three rolling German’s in the Irishman.

 

[King] Axis, please don’t confuse our viewers like that.

 

[Axis] Couldn’t help it.

 

 

The frustrated Crow comes to his feet, yanking on Blackwell’s hair to get him standing. He pulls on his arm and send him running into the near ropes, by the still-downed Sean Atlas on the outside. Christian bounces and comes back to the bird, who waits for him and then uses a perfectly times Roundhouse kick to the head... which Blackwell ducks! He catches the leg in mid motion, forcing Crow to desperately keep his balance... but then saves him the trouble by flipping him over with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip!

 

Floating over near Crow’s head, Blackwell takes the bird’s arm and slides it between his legs, putting on a Cross Armbar...

 

 

[King] What, this submission? Now? With just over a minute to go?

 

[Axis] It’s not a resthold King. He’s probably doing it to weaken Crow’s arm for the Cattle Mutilation.

 

[King] Oh. Alright then, carry on.

 

 

Blackwell gives the arm several good tugs before letting go and standing up again. He leans down to get Crow off the surface of the mat... But suddenly finds his head caught by Crow’s arm, his leg caught by the other, and his body tossed over into its shoulders...

 

 

[Axis] Small Package! Small Package!

 

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TTHHHNNNNOOOO!!! Blackwell rolls out of it just in time!

 

 

[King] Goddammit, that was close!

 

[Axis] In a scene reminiscent of a recent SWF title match, Crow nearly won it with an Small Package! And just under half a minute left, King. You think we’ll see a winner here?

 

[King] I... gah! Who knows?!

 

 

Checking on the clock, and on Atlas’ position - which hasn’t changed - Crow gets Blackwell standing. He quickly puts on a Front Face Lock and lifts Blackwell off his feet... he holds him vertical for a few moments and prepares to bring him down for the Brainbuster...

 

But Blackwell pushes his weight forward, landing on his back, desperately trying to avoid the move! Crow gets up again, setting up the Front Face Lock again for the Natural Born Chaos... but Blackwell slips out and rams his shoulder into Crow’s gut while throwing his arms around him. IN all his desperation and despite the non-stop wrestling, Blackwell manages to get Crow off his feet and as the clock nears twn seconds, he bring Crow down with a Northern Lights Suplex!

 

 

“Ten!”

 

 

 

[Axis] We saw this from Crow earlier...

 

[King] And I hope he learned from that experience.

 

 

“Nine!”

 

 

Blackwell bridges for the cover...

 

 

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

“Eight!”

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

“Seven!”

 

 

 

 

...NO! Crow lifts his shoulders off the mat the same way Atlas did earlier on, forcing Blackwell to break the bridge!

 

 

 

“Six!”

 

 

 

 

The Antichrist Superstar scrambles to his feet, trying to win the SJL World Championship in the next...

 

 

“Five!”

 

 

 

 

...seconds! He brings Blackwell to his feet, putting on a Front Face Lock...

 

 

 

 

“Four!”

 

 

 

He prepares to lift him off his feet, in hopes of having enough time to complete the move and win the match...

 

 

 

 

“Three!”

 

 

 

But as he lifts, he suddenly realizes there isn’t nearly enough time left and instinctively hits a measly Snap Suplex...

 

 

 

“Two!”

 

 

 

And bridges for the cover...!!

 

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

...ONE....

 

 

 

 

“YYYEEEAAAAAAHHHH!”

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TTTHHHRRRRREEEEENNNNNOOOOOO!!!!!!

 

 

[Axis] Blackwell kicks out! He still kicks out! The European Champion is one resilient bastard!

 

[King] He could have won! Sean wasn’t back in yet and if he hit the NBC he would have been Champion by now!

 

[Axis] Who are you rooting for, anyway? He clearly reacted on instinct to the chanting, overbearing crowd.

 

[King] Well screw them, and screw these confusing rules! Crow should be the champion by now! Come on, bird, you’ve still got time...

 

 

But alas, the masked champion has begun to move on the outside, in response to countdown from the crowd. Feeling somewhat rested but still incredibly hurt, Sean slowly gets to his feet on the outside while in the ring, Crow gets himself and Blackwell standing. Rushing to hit his finisher, Crow lifts Blackwell off his feet, holding him straight up in the air... Gazing upon this sight, Atlas immediately jumps back in the ring, adrenaline rushing through his body...

 

He gets to the two before Crow can finish out the move and pushes the Antichrist Superstar out of the way... Blackwell falls back-first again as the Spear to the back of the bird gets Sean back into the match, but stops Blackwell from suffering any punishment. Thus, Sean immediately stands up and rushes over to the less vigorous Blackwell. He brings Christian up from the mat and ducks down, allowing Blackwell to fall across his shoulders. Standing straight up, Atlas secures his grip on the Irishman...

[King] Saint’s Demise! The Champion of the World is about to finish off the champion of Europe!

 

 

Charging from behind Atlas, just as Sean starts to lean over is the bird, the Antichrist Superstar, Crow! He tackles the champion from behind, taking him down off his feet and causing Blackwell to fall, once again, onto his back!

 

 

[Axis] Why the hell would he do that? Blackwell getting eliminated only helps him!

 

[King] Some things, like revenge for messing up your own finisher, are more important. Sean Atlas stole the opportunity, stole the glory and stole the body of Christian Blackwell away from Crow, trying to hit his own finishing maneuver. But not with the bird around!

 

[Axis] Whose side are you on, anyway?

 

 

Shifting his focus from Atlas to the nearly knocked out Blackwell, Crow walks over and brings the European Champion to his feet. Taking him by the arm, Crow whips him towards one of the corners, which Blackwell eventually reaches and hits face first. Meanwhile, Sean Atlas stands up and goes after Crow, pulling him away from Blackwell.

 

By his arm, Atlas whips Crow out of the corner... and holds on, snapping the bird back to him! With his back to Blackwell in the corner, Atlas tries to do an encore performance of his earlier feat and tries to get throw Crow into Blackwell with a Belly-to-Belly... but Crow stops him! He locks on a Belly-to-Bellyl of his own and pops his hips, reversing Atlas’ own move!

 

 

[King] Come on, you’re supposed to get rid of the weaker guy first, then fight each other! Stop with the masculine pissing contest, guys!

 

 

The bird quickly stands up and returns to Blackwell, trying to take him out first. He gets him out of the corner and lifts, sitting him atop the turnbuckle. Crow then steps onto the second rope, holding on to Blackwell for support. He hooks his arms around Blackwell and clasps them together...

 

 

[Axis] Kingk I think we’re about to see a Spider German Suplex!

 

[King] Top Rope Action, baby!

 

 

But suddenly, Sean Atlas comes up behind Crow, latching on to him with a Belly-to-Back hold as well! He pulls back, trying to his a German Suplex of his own on the bird... but as he pulls back, Crow drags Blackwell with him, and in one massive, enormous chain linked slam, Atlas lifts Crow into the air with a German Suplex while Crow does the same to Blackwell from the top rope...

 

 

[King] AAAAAHHHH!!!

 

 

 

!*SLA-SLAM!*!

 

 

[Axis] German Suplexes for everyone!

 

[King] And Crow somehow bridges it!!!

 

 

 

 

..ONE...

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TTTHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

 

 

*DING*

 

 

[King] Blackwell’s gone!

 

 

“Eliminated from the match for three minutes... Christian Blackwell!”

 

 

[Axis] A massive chain German Suplex finally got rid of Christian Blackwell and King, three minutes may not be enough for this guy to come back.

 

[King] You might be right. But now it’s up to my two favorites here, Crow and Atlas to settle the score. You guys have three minutes... let’s go!

 

 

“HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”

 

 

Once again, the countdown clock has appeared, as the fans chant for the incredible spot they just witnessed. Crow then stands and takes Blackwell’s limp body, rolling him out of the ring. He turns his attention to Atlas, who by now is standing up as well. His back to the ropes, Sean takes a step away and springs off them, charging towards the Antichrist Superstar as he gets his wind back. Sean lowers his shoulder as he gets near Crow, but the bird leaps up in the air and flies over him as Sean charges by!

 

Atlas reaches to ropes and bounces off, going after Crow again. He Australian turns around, ready for whatever Sean’s got for him... but gets caught as Atlas leaps in the air and lands on him with a Lou Thesz Press!!!

 

Sean Atlas goes wild with punches and forearms to the face! A right! A left! Another right! More rights! He doesn’t let up until referee Ordoñez warns him, and then stands up. Bringing Crow up with him, Atlas hits several kicks to the knees before throwing on a Front Face Lock and hooking Crow’s leg... then lifts the him in the air and brings him back down with a Fisherman’s Suplex! Atlas holds on and bridges for the cover...

 

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...NO! Crow kicks out!

 

Without giving himself or his opponent even a single moment to rest, Atlas gets back up and brings the Antichrist Superstar to a standing position too. Pulling on his arm, Atlas sends Crow running towards the far ropes. Crow bounces, and as he runs tries to read Sean’s movements for a hint as to what he’s trying... but then decides to attack himself and extends his arm for a clothesline...

 

But Sean catches it and reverses the attempt into a Single Arm DDT! The fans show their hatred for him, starting to favor Crow a bit more.

 

 

[Axis] Just over two minutes and Sean Atlas has not let up with the attacks...

 

[King] Meanwhile, this Chicago crowd can’t even have the decency to support their hometown boy!

 

 

Atlas stands and gets Crow up as well. He doubles Crow over at the waist and gets his head under his near shoulder, while maneuvering his arm through his own legs, grabbing it from behind. Reaching across Crow’s chest, Atlas hooks his neck with his other arm. Then, extending his body, Atlas lifts Crow’s feet off the surface...

 

 

[King] Exploider ’98!!

 

 

*SLAM*

 

 

[Axis] Sean Atlas catches Crow with the Expoider ’98, another rarely used maneuver!

 

[King] Only a minute and a half left, according to... what the hell, who is that?

 

[Axis] It’s.... It’s

 

[King & Axis] Dace Night?!

 

[Axis] Horrorcore is here!

 

[King] But why? To screw Atlas over? You can’t be serious...

 

[Axis] He couldn’t... Dace doesn’t cheat...

 

[King] He did earlier tonight!

 

 

To much commotion from the crowd, Dace runs down to ringside staring right at Sean Atlas. Crow, meanwhile, rolls to the side, trying to see what the uproar is about while Atlas backs away, unsure of what Dace is about to...

 

But suddenly, Dace walks to the side and finds Christian Blackwell at the base of the ring... He gets the Irishman standing, holding him so he doesn’t fall back down. “You see this?” He yells out, as he gets Blackwell to double over, then gutwrenches him onto his shoulders....

 

 

[King] What the HELL??

 

 

And SLAMS him down onto the hard floor of the United Center with the Dark Star Driver!

 

 

[Axis] What’s Dace doing?!?

 

[King] I have no clue but I fucking love it!

 

 

The crowd’s excitement suddenly turns to shock as they send jeers toward Dace night for attacking a fellow fan favorite in Blackwell. Dace, meanwhile, ignores them as he backs up the ramp, leaving behind a limp European Champion. He points to himself repeatedly, then points to Atlas...

 

 

“Me and You, Sean. Me and You.”

 

 

[Axis] What does he mean by ‘me and you’??? Don’t tell me they’re working together...

 

[King] Maybe they are... maybe Dace just wants to make sure that the title stays on Atlas, so he can get a rematch. Or maybe he just wanted to get Blackwell for costing him a title shot on Wrath.

 

[Axis] Or maybe he’s gone off the deep end, King!

 

[King] You lose five matches in a row, and you might too...

 

 

Back in the ring, Atlas walks closer to the ropes, tilting his head to the side in a sign of uncertainty at Dace Night’s Actions. But under him Crow slowly crawls over and slides in, throwing an arm between Atlas legs and pushing him down, pinning him to the mat...!

 

 

[King] School Boy!

 

[Axis] Inside Cradle!

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNOOOOOO!!!!!

 

 

[King] YES! ATLAS KCIKS OUT!

 

[Axis] And Dace Night is... relieved?? He was about to come back down but stopped when Sean kicked out...

 

[King] That’s... odd.

 

 

In the ring, Crow brings himself up. He checks the clock – 1:01 – Not wanting to risk it despite Blackwell’s current state outside the ring, he instantly brings Sean Atlas to his feet, then throws on a Front Face Lock... He tries to lift, but Sean prevents it!

 

 

[King] Crow’s trying an NBC!

 

 

He tries to lift again, but Atlas prevents it a second time! This time, Crow gives it up and lets the face lock go, then lowers his shoulder and drives it into Atlas’ gut... He hooks Atlas’ neck with a different arm now, then slides his other between Sean’s legs, hooking one. Lifting him off his feet, Crow gets Atlas across his shoulders in a Fireman’s carry, then quickly leans to the side...!!!

 

 

[King] A Saint’s Demise from Crow????

 

 

!*SLAM*!

 

 

[Axis] YES! The Antichrist Superstar steals Sean Atlas’ finishing move!

 

 

Dace Night stands atop the ramp, stunned...

 

 

[King] This isn’t happening... Not with his own move... Not in his hometown...

 

 

Crow covers....

 

 

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TWO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TTTTTTHHHHRRREEEENNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! IT’S NOT ENOUGH!

 

 

 

[King] HE KICKED OUT! HE KICKED OUT! SEAN ATLAS CANNOT LOSE TO HIS OWN MOVE!!!

 

[Axis] What’s it going to take, dammit?!?

 

 

A stunned Crow gets to his feet again. Standing up, he checks on the timer – 0:38 – plenty of time, and Blackwell’s still out. Crow quickly rushes over to the corner after giving Sean one last look. He climbs to the middle rope, standing there looking at Dace Night... he points to Dace, then to himself, telling Dace who he should get ready to meet... Looking out into the crowd, Crow, stretches his arms out in a Crucifix, signaling for the EVENFLOW MOONSAULT!

 

 

[Axis] Evenflow, King! Evenflow Moonsault!

 

[King] No... No... No... YES!

 

 

But as Crow takes a step up onto the tope rope, arms extended to the sides, he suddenly feels another set opf hands slide up beneath him... It’s Sean Atlas! Barely recovered from the poorly executed Saint’s Demise, Atlas gets his arms around Crow’s back-to-back, pulling him off the turnbuckle and holding him in a Crucifix...

 

 

[Axis] The Champion holds the Antichrist in the image of Jesus himself!

 

[King] Oh the IRNOY! And there’s only ten seconds to go! Can someone actually manage to beat two men in three minutes??

 

Charging forward, with the challenger on his back, Atlas reaches the middle of the ring and stops short.

 

 

“Ten!”

 

 

He flips Crow forward, and as his body becomes perpendicular to the mat...

 

 

“Nine!”

 

 

...Atlas bends his arm around Crow’s neck and slams him down with a DDT!!!

 

 

“Eeeiiiyyyeeahhhhh!”

 

 

[King] ANGEL’S PUNISHMENT! ATLAS HITS THE ANGEL’S PUNISHMENT ON CROW!

 

 

“Seven!”

 

 

[Axis] Can he do it?

 

 

“Six!”

 

 

Atlas makes sure that neither Dace, nor Blackwell, nor anyone else interfere with him now...

 

 

 

“Five!”

 

 

And no one will. Dace Night smiles and nods from the stage, standing besides the clock...

 

 

 

“Four!”

 

 

 

Atlas covers...

 

 

 

...ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

“Three!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....TWO....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Two!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“One!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TTTTHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

“Ladies and gentlemen... The winner of this match... and STILL SJL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION... SEAN ATLAS!”

 

 

[King] Atlas wins!

 

[Axis] Unbelievable.

 

[King] He didn’t even need Dace’s help! Blackwell could have been up and it wouldn’t matter! Sean Atlas still won the match!

 

 

As Atlas, exhausted from the battle, rolls off Crow, “Polyamorous” blasts up on the house speakers. Dace Night stands on the stage, clapping along.

 

 

[Axis] But why, King? Why did Dace Night come down to attack Blackwell? And why did he point at Sean? What is their relationship, King?

 

[King] I have no idea. And Personally, I don’t care. All that matters is that in his hometown, to a crowd dead set against him, Sean Atlas came out the winner. This has been a war, but now another challenge presents itself as the masked man in that ring has to defend his title again, and this time, on Pay Per View. Can he hold on to it once more? You’ll just have to wait and see.

[Guest 5_moves_of_doom]

I felt that the winning match was much more exciting and logical than the losing matches, respectively.

[Guest The Superstar]

I really MUST know where I went wrong. Tod, you MUST HAVE HAD ONE TOO MANY BEERS BEFORE MARKING MY MATCH~!!!1111

 

Seriously, I really don't care that I lost because it was just a fun match to write.

__________________________________

Fresh off of the TV Title match between John Duran and David Blazenwing, the camera focuses on the RABID SJL Crimson crowd. Various signs are shown, such as “Crow – Next SJL World Champion!”, “I want Spike Jenkins…IN BED” and then, surprisingly, a man in pigtails and tight bicycle shorts, holding a sign that says “Where’s -CUTTHROAT- when you need him?” This fan is immediately tackled by security and carted away, as the fans cheer loudly. The camera zooms around to the announce desk, where we once again see Axis and Suicide King.

 

Axis: Heh heh…so King, what do you think about this next match, a No-DQ contest between Viktor Tarakanov and Charlie “Grappler” Matthews?

 

Suicide King: Well, Tarakanov is a MACHINE, and has been on a roll lately, defeating Kaine last week. This man will not stop until he’s declared the winner. And the no-DQ stipulation seeming directly caters to his wrestling style.

 

Axis: And what about Charlie Matthews? There seems to be opposing agendas in that camp, as manager James Matheson wants to do whatever it takes to win, but Charlie Matthews wants a clean, old-school contest.

 

King: I’m looking forward to seeing how Grappler handles this no-disqualification environment. Here’s a man that just won’t cheat, in a match where it’s encouraged? This should be VERY interesting.

 

The house lights dim, and the crowd begins to jeer, knowing who is approaching. Sure enough, out of the curtain walks Charlie “Grappler” Matthews. Following behind him closely is manager James Matheson, with an uneasy look on his face. Today he is dressed in a vibrant periwinkle-blue suit with matching bowtie.

 

King: Don’t you just LOVE Grappler’s theme music?

 

Axis: Heh…truly “old school” in every sense.

 

Funyon brings the microphone to his lips, and noticing the cold glare in the eyes of James Matheson, remembers what he was told to do on Wrath.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a no-disqualifications match, and it is scheduled for one fall. Entering the ring, accompanied by his manager, James Matheson, he weighs in at 299 pounds and hails from Kansas City, Missouri, he is Charlie “Grappler” Matthews.”

 

Axis: It’s so different hearing the usually-boisterous Funyon announcing in such a boring monotone.

 

The house lights remain dim, and all is silent until…

 

BOOM!

 

BOOM!

 

BOOM!

 

Shots of red pyro shoot off as the Soviet National Anthem blares through the speakers, and Viktor Tarakanov gaits through the curtain. The crowd boos heavily for the Russian-born and Russian-bred wrestler.

 

Axis: Here he is, ladies and gents, the man deemed “too brutal” for shoot fighting. He’s willing to use every dirty tactic and every weapon in the book.

 

King: The thing is, he doesn’t even NEED those things to beat his opponent. He just does it because he wants to.

 

Funyon: “And, approaching the ring, he hails from Astrakhan, Russia, and he weighs in at 280 pounds, he is The Red Rage, Viktor Tarakanov.”

 

Viktor stops at the entrance to the ringside area, sneers at the fans, and walks up the metal steps before wiping his feet on the apron and entering the ring. With both men inside of the squared circle, Grappler commands referee Matthew Kivell to check Viktor Tarakanov for foreign objects, but Kivell refuses, stating that this is a no-disqualifications match!

 

Axis: Good! Smart decision there, and quite frankly, you can tell that the crowd wants to see Grappler get pummeled in this contest!

 

The crowd cheers at the announcement, but before Grappler can argue the decision, Tarakanov charges from the corner…

 

WHAM!

 

Grappler gets knocked hard by a Red Rage fist, and Kivell signals for the bell!

 

*DING DING DING*

 

Viktor immediately sends Grappler into the corner and lands some HARD punches into the midsection of Charlie Matthews.

 

BAM!

 

BAM!

 

BAM!

 

BAM!

 

Matthews quickly tries to beg off in the corner, and the Red Rage backs off, but only to run into the corner with a splash. However, as he begins running, Matthews ducks low into the corner, hooks his legs around the left leg of Viktor, and brings him down in a drop toehold, which sends the face of Tarakanov into second turnbuckle!

 

Axis: Smart move there by the Grappler, using Viktor’s own momentum against him.

 

King: Of COURSE it was a smart move. This guy knows everything there is to know about wrestling. Every hold, counter hold, and transition.

 

Axis: And look at this! He had the opportunity to hit Viktor with his back turned to him, but instead, Grappler turns him around!

 

Now with Viktor facing him, Charlie lifts his leg and drives his knee into the midsection of the Russian, and then hooks his right arm under the left arm of Viktor, flipping him over in a hiptoss. With Tarakanov laying on his back on the canvas, Charlie backs into the ropes, pushes off of them, and once he is next to Viktor’s body, he leaps into the air, and brings his knee down right onto the forehead of the Red Rage.

 

Axis: Simple moves executed in the early stage of this contest by Charlie Matthews.

 

King: But when they’re done by a 300 pound strongman, there’s a little bit of extra “oomph” added.

 

The Grappler brings Viktor up to his feet, and then latches his arm over Rage’s head in a front face lock, and then hooks his arm over his own head, in an attempted vertical suplex. However, when he attempts to lift Viktor up into the air, Tarakanov wraps his left leg around the right leg of Grappler, preventing any movement. Viktor then elbows Matthews in the gut three times, finally breaking the stronghold that Grappler had around him. Tarakanov then grabs hold of the left hand of Grappler, and pulls him into close quarters, before extending his left arm out, catching Charlie in a big short-arm clothesline. Grappler falls to the canvas thanks to the power of the Red Rage, and Viktor slides to the outside of the ring.

 

Axis: And after a total of two wrestling maneuvers in this match, Viktor Tarakanov is already heading to the outside for some weaponry!

 

King: Is he crazy?! Going to the outside of the ring with “Cheatin’” James Matheson out there?

 

Axis: I think it’s the other way around. If I was James Matheson, I’d get the hell away from a man like the Red Rage.

 

Once Viktor reaches the ringside area, he looks under the ring apron for some extra muscle to fight Grappler with. When he comes back from his seeking under the ring, he produces a STEEL CHAIR! He briskly slides into the ring, as Grappler has already returned to a standing position. Trying to catch Matthews off guard, Tarakanov takes a quick swing with the steel chair, but Charlie puts his hands up and GRABS the chair in mid-swing, and he steals it away from the iron grasp of the Red Rage!

 

Axis: What strength and strategy by Charlie Matthews!

 

King: Yeah, but what’s he going to do now? He has a WEAPON in his hands, something he’s completely against!

 

James Matheson begins excitedly pounding on the canvas, shouting “DO IT!” to Grappler, who looks forlorn with the chair in his hands. He kicks Viktor hard in the midsection to double him over, and lifts the chair high above his head. Matheson is now jumping up and down at ringside, cheering wildly.

 

King: He’s really going to do it! Matthews is going to break his own honor code!

 

Charlie then brings the chair down…to the ground, setting it up, and sitting down in it! He wraps his massive arm around the head of Viktor Tarakanov, and holds him in an excruciating headlock!

 

Axis: What the…? Can you believe this? Is that as hardcore as Charlie Matthews will get?

 

King: I haven’t seen that in about ten years!

 

James Matheson begins to audibly yell expletives, shocked at what his entourage is doing. Viktor himself is quite humiliated at this, and begins to punch Matthews in the ribs, before breaking out of the headlock. As quick as Rage can, without Matthews getting up out of the chair, Tarakanov wraps his arm around the throat of Grappler, and using his tights to help pull him, Viktor lifts Charlie out of the chair, spins him around, and sends him crashing into the opened chair, and falling to the canvas!

 

Axis: THE SOVIET JUDO THROW! On a steel chair, no less! Can you imagine the pain that Charlie Matthews is in right now?

 

King: Of course I can. But Matthews is far from giving up at this point. As much pain as he may be in, Charlie won’t quit this easily.

 

Instead of going for the expected pin cover, Tarakanov roughly brings Matthews to his feet, via the hair. With Charlie still woozy, Viktor spins around and lifts his arm up, sending the back of his fist into the face of the Grappler! Charlie staggers back, and Viktor, facing the same direction as Charlie, wraps his arm around the torso of Grappler and lifts him up perpendicularly, before dropping to a knee and sending Matthews hard down, back first, across the knee of the Red Rage.

 

Axis: Hard backbreaker drop by Tarakanov and here comes the first pin of the contest!

 

Viktor wraps his arms around the far leg of Matthews and hooks it, with full body-on-body contact for the pinfall, and Kivell falls into position!

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

KICKOUT~!

 

Axis: Now I know Matthews is tough, but after taking two high-impact moves one after another, I had my doubts about him kicking out.

 

King: Oh, please. You saw his impressive debut last week. Don’t get me started on how tough this guy is.

 

Slightly frustrated, Tarakanov brings Matthews up into a sitting position, before driving a knee hard into the spine of Grappler…and once more. He then spies the somewhat-bent chair lying in a corner of the ring, and Viktor goes to retrieve it. At this point, James Matheson is sweating bullets, shouting encouragement to his client. Viktor, now holding the bent chair in his hands, brings the weapon high over his head to bring across the skull of the idle Grappler…but as soon as he brings the chair down, Grappler rolls out of the way, moves behind Viktor, and grabs his ankles, tripping him up, sending him face-first onto the canvas. Charlie crosses the legs of Viktor in a deathlock, and leans into the head of Tarakanov to attempt a modified STF. However, the Red Rage still has the steel chair in his hands, and he brings it up, sending it right into the face of Grappler!

 

SMACK!

 

Axis: Ooh! A hard chair shot and sound strategy by Tarakanov.

 

King: If there’s one way to stop the pure wrestling of Charlie Matthews, it’s with the aide of a solid steel chair. Brilliant strategy shown by the fighter Tarakanov.

 

The force of the shot, however, doesn’t send Charlie to the ground, as it instead sends him up to his feet, and staggering back, into the ropes, where he is ‘hung up.’ Tarakanov sets the chair down, stands side-by-side with Grappler, wraps his arm around Charlie’s head, and grabs his other arm, before falling backwards, sending Matthews down HARD onto the steel chair.

 

Axis: OUCH! A Russian Leg Sweep on a steel chair! Viktor is getting more and more violent as this match progresses!

 

Viktor Tarakanov grabs Matthews by the hair and lays in one solid right hand to the forehead, before picking him up completely. He walks Matthews over to the corner, and then, while holding onto the rope, he extends his leg out, with his boot placed right against the throat of Charlie, choking him. Matthews tries to fight out of this predicament, but he can’t remove the boot away from his throat, so he instead targets the free leg of Red Rage, and he begins kicking it. Frustrated, Viktor finally lets go of the choke, throws a forearm cross to the face of Charlie, and brings him to the center of the ring. Viktor then rushes to the ropes, bounces off of them, and when he comes back, he leaps into the air, landing on Matthews in a Lou Thesz press, but Grappler grabs him in mid-air, locking his hands across his chest on his back, and spinning him around, throwing him to the mat with a side belly-to-belly suplex!

 

Axis: What a counter by Charlie Matthews! He may finally be regaining the advantage!

 

King: I certainly hope so. James Matheson looks like he’s going to have a heart attack at ringside. Poor guy.

 

Tenaciously, Matthews does not let go of the belly-to-belly lock he has on Viktor Tarakanov, and instead brings him to his feet, drops to one knee, and squeezes with all of his might!

 

Axis: It’s THE BEARHUG~! A dreaded maneuver, but how much is it going to affect a man who’s nearly the same size as Charlie Matthews?

 

King: I don’t know, but you know what happened the last time Grappler executed a bearhug. The fans REALLY got on his case.

 

Sure enough, the fans instinctively begin chanting “Boring!” at the death-grip Charlie Matthews has on Viktor Tarakanov. Viktor tries to escape with hard right hands to the head of Grappler, but like a pit-bull, Charlie Matthews will not relinquish the hold. The fans are growing VERY uneasy at the length of the bearhug, as the “Boring!” chant becomes ear-splitting in volume. James Matheson begins covering his ears, shouting at the fans to “appreciate true wrestling, would ya?!” Even Matthews himself is angered, shouting at the fans to shut up.

 

Axis: I feel like joining in on this “Boring” chant. I mean, c’mon…he’s had the hold locked in for nearly a minute and a half!

 

King: Would you shut up? This is exactly why Charlie Matthews hates the fans of this new-generation of wrestling. Too unappreciative.

 

Viktor Tarakanov seems to be fading out, closer and closer to unconsciousness. Referee Matthew Kivell notices this, and begins to check for the submission. He raises the hand of Viktor, and…

 

THE ARM DROPS ONCE!

 

 

THE ARM DROPS TWICE!!

 

 

 

 

THE ARM DROPS THR…NO~!!!

 

Seemingly feeding off a new level of adrenaline, the Red Rage begins throwing punches at the face of Charlie Matthews with shocking velocity and power.

 

BAM!!

 

BAM!!

 

BAM!!

 

BAM!!

 

BAM!!

 

BAM!!

 

Finally weakened by this offensive flurry, Matthews loosens his grip on the bearhug, and Viktor forces him into the ropes, and shoves him off, sending him towards the opposite side of the ring.

 

Axis: The fans are cheering, but it’s not for Viktor Tarakanov…it’s because the bearhug was finally broken!

 

Grappler comes charging back off of the ropes, but as Viktor swings mightily with a lariat, Matthews ducks, waits for Viktor to turn around, and hits a massive shotei fist-thrust to the chest of Red Rage, knocking the wind out of him! With Tarakanov doubled over, Matthews reaches around his back, clasps his hands across his stomach, and lifts him into the air, sending him over with a big gutwrench suplex!

 

King: Oh YEAH, Grappler is cooking now! Just look at this: how many times has Matthews used illegal tactics in this match? Never. He just doesn’t need them.

 

Axis: And there he goes, bringing Tarakanov to his feet, without a pull of the hair or anything!

 

Charlie Matthews whips Viktor into the ropes once again, but this time, Tarakanov spins around, reversing the whip, but when he faces Matthews, he lets it all go and brings his leg back, sending it forward and punting Grappler in the testicles with all of his might! The mighty cry of Matthews echoes throughout the arena…

 

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!”

 

Axis: I’d have to agree with him there. That was quite the kick.

 

King: Once again, the Red Rage, disqualified from many a shoot fight in Russia because of his brutality, takes control and uses his smarts in this NO-DQ match.

 

With Grappler doubled over, Viktor sets him up straight, bends down and grabs the upper legs and lower midsection of Charlie, lifting him high into the air, spinning around, and bringing Matthews crashing down to the mat with a loud thud.

 

Axis: SPINEBUSTER with SICKENING VELOCITY! My God, I haven’t seen such a vicious spinebuster since the days of Arn Anderson.

 

With Charlie down on the mat, Viktor mounts him, and begins to unleash a series of shootfight-like punches right to the face of Matthews.

 

LEFT!

 

RIGHT!

 

LEFT!

 

RIGHT!

 

LEFT!

 

RIGHT!

 

LEFT!

 

RIGHT!

 

LEFT!

 

RIGHT!

 

King: Yeah~! Ten sickening punches right to the face! I love the violence!

 

Without missing a beat, Tarakanov switches positions and hooks a leg of Charlie Matthews, as Kivell begins the count!

 

ONE~!!!

 

 

 

TWO~!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

THR-KICKOUT~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Axis: WOW! What a close call that was! And would you look at James Matheson? The guy’s light blue suit is dark, he’s sweating so much!

 

Viktor Tarakanov turns Charlie Matthews onto his stomach, and grabs a waistlock on him. He uses this to pull the Grappler to his feet, and once he’s there, Viktor uses the waistlock to bring Matthews over Viktor’s head, and he then releases the waistlock, causing Charlie to be dropped directly on his head in a beautiful release German Suplex! The impact sends Grappler rolling all the way out of the ring, and after he hits the concrete, Tarakanov remains in the ring and unties one of the turnbuckle pads, exposing the solid-steel bolt beneath it!

 

Axis: WHAT A MANEUVER BY VIKTOR TARAKANOV! And what plans does he have with that steel turnbuckle bolt?

 

King: What do you think he’s going to do? Eat it? What if Grappler unwillingly uses the buckle to his advantage?

 

Axis: Wouldn’t he notice and be able to differentiate between steel and black padding?

 

King: Maybe the shocking impact from the release German suplex threw him through a loop…I don’t know. Either way, we may see Matthews break his honor code tonight!

 

Once Matthews re-enters the ring, Viktor charges and raises his right leg, sending his knee crashing into the gut of the Grappler. He then grabs the hand of Charlie and whips him into the exposed turnbuckle…but Grappler, not knowing that the turnbuckle has been exposed, spins around, reversing the whip, and Viktor goes crashing into the steel turnbuckle bolt! Still not noticing what just happened, Grappler grabs the doubled-over Tarakanov, grasps his hands together across his chest, and brings him up into the air, back-first across his shoulder. Grappler then drops down to one knee, which causes Viktor’s back to splat against the shoulder of Matthews, and he falls to the mat.

 

King: What did I tell you?! Charlie Matthews just cheated, and he doesn’t even know it!

 

Axis: This is true, but he follows it up with a crushing Canadian Backbreaker! Viktor Tarakanov may be completely out of this match now.

 

James Matheson is nearly partying at ringside, as not only does his client have the advantage, but he followed Matheson’s advice in cheating, even if he hasn’t noticed it yet.

 

Charlie Matthews immediately jumps at the opportunity for a pin, as he hooks both of Viktor’s legs in almost a cradle-like pin as Kivell counts:

 

 

O – N – E ~!

 

 

 

T – W – O ~!!!!!!

 

 

 

T – H – R – E – E~!!!!

 

 

 

Axis: NO! Wait! The Red Rage kicked out at the VERY last moment! Unbelievable!

 

King: This just shows you the toughness of BOTH of these men.

 

Without hesitation, Matthews brings Tarakanov’s head up into a sitting position, and Grappler sits down behind him, wrapping his massive arm around the throat of his opponent. Then, to add to the pressure, he wraps his legs tightly around the midsection of Viktor, trying to take the life out of him!

 

Axis: Wow! A chinlock with body scissors! You can tell that this is a last-ditch effort to finally choke the life out of Tarakanov for a pinfall.

 

King: Is it? I just figured he was trying to showcase his pure WRESTLING ability.

 

Viktor, doing all he can to escape this predicament, uses his arm strength to unwrap the legs of Matthews from around his torso, and he then rolls onto his stomach to prevent it from occurring again. Now he fights the chinlock by rising to a knee, hitting some elbows to the gut of Charlie, and he finally reaches his feet and is able to break the hold with an eye rake! He grabs Matthews by the hand, pushes him off of the ropes and whips him, but Grappler spins around to reverse this, but Tarakanov REVERSES THE REVERSAL by spinning around himself, sending Matthews into the ropes, and…

 

Axis: JAMES MATHESON GRABS THE LEG OF CHARLIE MATTHEWS?! What’s going on here?

 

King: It must be pure miscommunication! I mean, why else would he do this?

 

Matthews turns around, facing his manager, and looks ready to destroy him. However, Matheson is on the apron, pleading with Grappler, saying it was a complete accident. Viktor Tarakanov takes advantage of this, though, and spins Grappler around, measuring him up for the VICTORY BY KNOCKOUT!

 

King: This will most definitely be it! Once Viktor lands that punch on you, there’s no way you beat the referee’s ten-count.

 

Tarakanov swings with all of his might…but Grappler sidesteps it, and the fist of Red Rage goes sailing…right into THE FACE OF JAMES MATHESON~! Charlie’s manager goes flying off of the apron, hitting the steel guardrail in the process.

 

Axis: What the…? Grappler ducks the Victory by Knockout, and Tarakanov hits James Matheson!! Serves him right for trying to interfere…now he can’t do ANYTHING!

 

With Tarakanov sidetracked, Matthews turns him around and kicks him hard in the midsection, doubling him over. Charlie then puts Viktor’s head between his legs, and raises a double fist into the air, signaling for his dreaded finishing maneuver!

 

King: Speaking of deadly finishing moves…here comes THE POWERBOMB!

 

The Grappler locks his hands around the midsection of Viktor, hoists him into the air, and with all his might, brings him down to the mat, nearly folding him in half with the Powerbomb! Charlie Matthews wraps his left arm around the far leg of Viktor, and rolls back into a pin as Matt Kivell moves into position:

 

 

ONE~!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOOOOO~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

*DING DING DING*

 

Funyon brings the microphone to his lips and slowly and without emotion, announces the winner.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this contest, Charlie ‘Grappler’ Matthews.”

 

Axis: What an AMAZING contest! I’m actually surprised that Matthews went through an entire no-disqualification match without cheating!

 

King: Oh, but he did! Unfortunately he didn’t notice, but let’s hope he watches the tape of this match.

 

Matthews rolls off of the fallen Tarakanov and raises his hands high into the air, rubbing in his win to the fans, which are none-too-pleased. Noticing James Matheson lying motionless on the concrete outside of the ring, Matthews rolls out of the squared circle and helps his manager to his feet. Seeing him knocked unconscious, Charlie lifts Matheson onto his shoulders, and in a fireman’s carry, walks him to the back.

[David Blazenwing 0]

Like everyone else here, I don't understand why I lost my match. It was great! I totally think my match was better... SJL marks, this is the BEST you're gonna get from me. If that's STILL not enough to win, then I guess I'm just not cut out to being here.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------

 

The United Center in Chicago, Illinois is electric as the awesome opening contest, Leo Breslin vs. Syndicate, finishes up.  The camera shifts to Axis and Suicide King in the broadcast booth.

 

.:Axis:.

That was an incredible opening contest between Breslin and Syndicate, wouldn’t you say, King?

.:Suicide King:.

Eh, it was okay… but I’ve seen better.

.:Axis:.

Can’t you ever say anything nice?

.:Suicide King:.

What fun would that be?

.:Axis:.

Well, whatever.  Now let’s show all you what happened during the break, as our resident interviewer Ben Hardy caught up with the challenger in tonight’s TV Title match-up, David Blazenwing.

 

On the SmarkTron, Ben Hardy suddenly appears, mic in hand.  The camera shifts over to reveal David Blazenwing next to him.

 

.:Ben Hardy:.

David.  You returned to the SJL last week and defeated Syndicate in a #1 Contender’s match to earn this title shot.  How are you feeling right now, just moments before your title match?

.:David Blazenwing:.

Actually, Ben, I’m feeling pretty good right about now.  I’m very confident that I can win this match-up.

.:Ben Hardy:.

I see.  But you do know that Duran has been on quite a streak as of late?

.:David Blazenwing:.

Yeah.  I also know that he’s never felt the Full Effect.  You dig?

.:Ben Hardy:.

So you think you can win the TV title tonight?

.:David Blazenwing:.

Oh yeah, I’ll win.  (Gets close to Hardy’s face) By any… means… necessary.

 

The lights in the arena black out as David Blazenwing’s voice booms over the arena speakers, saying “It’s Time to feel the Full Effect!”  Motorhead’s “The Game” hits the SmarkTron as David Blazenwing appears on the stage to a huge pop, holding something in his hands.

 

Ding ding ding!

 

.:Funyon:.

Ladies and gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the SJL Television Championship!  On his way first to the ring, the challenger, weighing in at 270 pounds, from Oak Creek, Wisconsin, he is the Full Effect… DAVID BLAAAAAAAAAZENWING!!!

 

.:Axis:.

This youngster here pulled out an impressive win over Syndicate this past Sunday on Wrath to earn this title shot at the current TV Champion, John Duran.

.:Suicide King:.

It’s a shame he went to all that trouble defeating Syndicate, since he has no chance of beating John Duran here tonight.

.:Axis:.

I think he has a chance.

.:Suicide King:.

You think a lot of things, Axis, and none of them matter.

 

David walks onto the ramp and tosses his hands above his head, then drops them, igniting the stage in an explosion of green flames.  As David walks down the ramp, he spots a teenage girl holding up a Blazenwing sign.  He walks over to her and hands her what he is holding, which is revealed to be the new “I Am The Full Effect” David Blazenwing T-Shirt, then hugs her.  She holds up the shirt proudly as David continues down the ramp.  He slides into the ring, then leaps up and plays to the crowd by climbing onto each of the ring’s four turnbuckles and posing, each spot garnering a bigger pop from the Chicago audience.  After all that, David sits down against a turnbuckle and waits for his opponent.

 

.:Axis:.

The crowd is REALLY behind Blazenwing tonight.

.:Suicide King:.

They feel pity because they know he has no chance of winning.

.:Axis:.

He beat Syndicate, didn’t he?

.:Suicide King:.

Correction: he got LUCKY against Syndicate.  He’ll actually need SKILL to beat John Duran, along with brains… two things he seems to be lacking.

 

The crowd’s wild cheers quickly turn to loud boos as Drowning Pool’s “Sinner” hits the SmarkTron.  John Duran, TV Title snapped securely around his waist, comes onto the stage, intensely staring at the crowd, grimacing in anger at them as he goes.

 

.:Funyon:.

And his opponent, he is the SJL Television Champion, weighing in 265 pounds, from Champaign, Illinois (home state pop)… JOHN DURAAAAAAAAAN!!!

 

As Duran is walking down the ramp, he spots the teenage girl that David had given the t-shirt to a short time ago.  He walks over to her and grabs the Blazenwing sign that she is holding and, as the crowd loudly boos the man, he rips it in half, then tosses the two halves back at the girl, whose eyes have begun to tear up.

 

.:Axis:.

Oh, now that is just reprehensible behavior.

.:Suicide King:.

Ha!  That’s what she gets for not bringing a John Duran sign!

.:Axis:.

Do you even hear yourselves sometimes?

 

Duran gets up on the apron and enters the ring, going to the center of the ring and raising him arms, then BAM!  David Blazenwing starts off the match with a bang by spearing Duran from across the ring.  The bell rings as David brings Duran to his back with the spear, then begins repeatedly punching Duran in the face.

 

.:Axis:.

And David Blazenwing explodes from the corner with a spear that went undetected by the champion Duran.

.:Suicide King:.

See?  Look at that cheap shot!  Would a superhero do that?  Now THAT’S reprehensible behavior!

 

The referee for the match-up, Matthew Kivell, races over and forces David off of Duran.  As David argues with Kivell, Duran gets up and spears David forcefully right into a turnbuckle as Kivell jumps out of Duran’s path.  Duran follows up with a folly of hard punches and body shots to David, ramming his body even further into the turnbuckle.  Duran then backs up a bit and lifts his leg high in the air, choking David in the throat with his boot.  As David struggles to escape the choke, Kivell begins counting for Duran to break the choke.  Duran lowers his leg after four, then goes back to more body shots.  David collapses out of the turnbuckle from the pain and Duran goes for a cover.

 

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Kickout!

 

David kicks out of the pinfall attempt.  Duran grabs David’s ponytail and lifts him up, punching him in the face as he lifts.  He whips David into the ropes and, on the rebound, catches him with a hard powerslam.  Another cover on David.

 

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Two

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Kickout!

 

Still not enough to put Blazenwing down.  Duran picks up David and tucks his head underneath Duran’s left arm and signals for a DDT, which gets the crowd angry.  Suddenly, however, David grabs Duran’s left leg and flips him onto his ass, then turns Duran over and sets in the anklelock!

 

.:Axis:.

What a counter!

.:Suicide King:.

Meh… so he managed to counter ONE measly move… he’s STILL gonna lose.

 

Duran quickly scrambles over to the ropes, forcing David to break the hold before any real damage can be done.  While Duran is still on the ground, David begins kicking him repeatedly on the sides and back.  He then reaches down and picks up Duran as the crowd cheers him on.  David puts one arm on Duran’s shoulder and the other on his ass, then lifts him up in a scoop slam right on his back.  He goes for a pin.

 

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Two

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Kickout!

 

Duran easily powers out of the pin attempt and rolls himself into a standing position as David catches his breath.  The crowd respectfully applauds the efforts of these two men thus far.  The two men look at each other and stare from across the ring.  Duran walks to the center of the ring and extends his hand in respect.  Grinning, David takes Duran up on the handshake.  Out of nowhere, however, Duran kicks David hard in the chest, then grabs his head, tucks it underneath his arms, lifts him up and hits the double underhook DDT.  He goes for a cover.

 

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Kickout!

 

David barely kicks out once again as Duran wonders what else he can do to put David away.  He picks up his adversary and whips him into the ropes, then hits a hard running shoulderblock on the rebound.  Duran then begins kicking David much like David did to him earlier in the match.

 

.:Axis:.

John Duran with hard kicks to the midsection of the challenger.  One can only imaging that all this body work is going to come into play later if Duran can get the “Break Point” locked in.

.:Suicide King:.

No, he has a body-directed submission finisher, so he’s gonna work on the kid’s feet.  Thank you a lot, Captain Obvious.

.:Axis:.

Ahem… John Duran, now picking up David Blazenwing by his hair once again.?

 

Duran picks up Blazenwing and whips him into the ropes.  On the rebound, Duran goes for another running shoulderblock, but David leapfrogs it and, on the second rebound, jumps into the air and pounces onto Duran with a Lou Thesz Press, then begins punching Duran in the face again, much like the beginning of the match!

 

.:Axis:.

Hard punches to the face of John Duran, courtesy of one David Blazenwing.

.:Suicide King:.

Come on Duran!  Counter something!  Don’t let this washed up superhero wanna-be get the best of you!

 

David rolls off of Duran and, sensing a possible end to the match, puts a thumb to his throat and rakes it across, signaling the “Full Effect Leg Drop”.  The crowd rises to their feet and cameras all over the arena start to flash as David runs to the ropes and bounces off.  He races towards Duran’s head, jumps, and sticks his leg out, only to hit nothing as Duran rolls out of the way at the last moment.  The crowd boos as David lands flat on his ass and rolls onto his back in pain.  Meanwhile, Duran grabs the ropes and struggles to pull himself up.  He finally does and looks over to see his opponent lying on his back.  His mouth curves into a sardonic grin as he mocks David Blazenwing by doing the same “cutthroat” taunt that David does before he drops the big leg.

 

.:Axis:.

He’s not going to.  Oh, this is sacrilege!

.:Suicide King:.

This is BRILLIANT!  What better way to defeat your opponent than to steal their finishing move?

 

Duran runs to the ropes and bounces off, then leaps up and successfully delivers the leg drop to Blazenwing.  As the crowd shows their disgust for what they just witnessed (quite loudly, in fact), Duran goes for a pin.

 

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Thr – NO!  David kicks out at the last possible moment as the crowd goes WILD!

 

.:Axis:.

David Blazenwing still has some life left in him.  He’s not finished yet!

.:Suicide King:.

Oh, come on, Duran!  What’s taking so long?  He should have easily been finished off by now!

 

Duran gets up and cracks his knuckles, then puts his right hand in the air and begins flexing his fingers while motioning for David to get up with the other hand.

 

.:Axis:.

I believe John Duran is signaling for a chokeslam.  But his opponent weighs more than him… can he lift Blazenwing?

.:Suicide King:.

Axis, there’s a 5 pound weight difference… moron.

.:Axis:.

Quiet, you.  Anyways, Blazenwing is rising to his feet now, and he’s about to get a nasty surprise from his opponent.

 

David rises to his feet and groggily turns to face his opponent, only to receive a hand to the throat.  Duran tightens the grip on Blazenwing’s neck as David struggles to break the hold.  Duran is about to lift David up and land the maneuver when David reaches out and catches Duran with a chokeslam of him own!  The scene is actually quite comical, as the two superstars stand in the ring, hands to each other’s throats, neither wanting to lose this test of strength.  Each punches the other with their free hands as the crowd claps wildly.  Finally, after about 30 seconds of struggling, Duran’s knees begin to buckle and he starts to struggle as he realizes that he is losing this showdown.  David grins as Duran’s hand slips off of David’s throat and Blazenwing delivers a huge chokeslam to his opponent.  He goes for a cover.

 

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Thr – Kickout!

 

Duran kicks out! David pounds the mat in frustration, not knowing what to do next.  Suddenly, he gets a huge smile on his face, like he just got a great idea.  David leans down and picks up Duran, then whips him into the ropes.  David then nails Duran with a big boot, sending him flying backwards… right into referee Matthew Kivell!  With both men down, David’s face widens into another grin, as his plan falls perfectly into place.  He rolls out of the ring and looks underneath the ring apron for something.  Meanwhile, in the ring, Duran has crawled to the ropes and begun pulling himself up.  After a few seconds of searching, David finally finds what he is looking for and pulls out… a sledgehammer!

 

.:Axis:.

Oh no.  He’s got a sledgehammer!

.:Suicide King:.

Come on ref, disqualify his ass!

.:Axis:.

He hasn’t done anything yet!

.:Suicide King:.

Oh, and I suppose he just pulled out the sledgehammer to look at it?

.:Axis:.

Well, I have to admit… even I don’t approve of the usage of this sledgehammer… David!  You don’t need to stoop to this level to win!

.:Suicide King:.

Exactly!  Come on Kivell, do your job and call for the DQ!

.:Axis:.

Kivell is still knocked out, King.

.:Suicide King:.

Oh yeah… come on Kivell!  Wake up, then do your job and call for the DQ!

 

David, sledgehammer in hand, slides back into the ring as Duran makes it to his feet.  Both men’s eyes meet and, after what seems like an eternity, they run at each other.  David swings the sledgehammer at Duran’s chest, but in a miraculous move, Duran ducks and slips behind Blazenwing.  Almost instinctually, he tucks his arms underneath David’s and drops him to the ground, then locks the body scissors submission around David’s midsection.  The “Break Point” is locked in!

 

.:Suicide King:.

The “Break Point”!  It’s all over for David Blazenwing now!

.:Axis:.

This long match has taken it’s toll on both superstars… I doubt even Blazenwing can escape this move now.

 

As much as Axis wants to believe that David can survive the “Break Point”, his gut instincts are right as, after a few moments of struggling, David’s hand begins rapidly hitting the canvas.  The former superhero has tapped to the “Break Point”.

 

.:Suicide King:.

Yes!  Look Axis!  Your “superhero” is tapping like a little bitch!  What do you have to say now?

.:Axis:.

The match isn’t over yet!

.:Suicide King:.

Yes it is!  The loser tapped!  Blazenwing tapped!  He’ll have to change his name to David “Tap”enwing!

.:Axis:.

But if there is no official to see the submission, then it doesn’t count!

.:Suicide King:.

But there’s – Oh DAMN!  Kivell’s still out!  Can we please get a new official out here!?

 

As David Blazenwing continues tapping, Duran notices that Kivell is still out.  Angry because he knows he had this match won, he breaks the hold on Blazenwing and turns his back on his opponent as he walks over to the fallen Kivell and tries to get him up.  He slaps Kivell in the face several times and yells at him until he comes to.  What he doesn’t see is David Blazenwing slowly crawling up behind him.  In an act of desperation, David grabs Duran’s leg and rolls him up into a school boy pin, then grabs onto the tights as the groggy Kivell starts the count.

 

.:Axis:.

A school boy pin!

.:Suicide King:.

REF!  HE’S GOT THE DAMN TIGHTS!!!

 

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Three!

 

The bell rings as David Blazenwing quickly rolls out of the ring and an angry John Duran jumps after him, but stays in the ring.

 

.:Funyon:.

Ladies and gentleman, your winner and NEW SJL Television Champion… DAVID BLAAAAAAAAAZENWING!!!

 

.:Suicide King:.

Dammit!  If he’s such a “good guy”, how is he going to live with himself after that clearly tainted victory?

.:Axis:.

Well, he said before the match even started that he was going to win by any means necessary, and that’s just what he did.  Looks to me like he beat Duran at his own game!

 

As David stands on the outside of the ring holding his ribs in pain, Kivell slides out of the ring, grabs the belt from the timekeeper, and hands it to Blazenwing, then raises his hand in victory.  Duran shouts obscenities at David, but they go unheard over the incredibly loud crowd as David hobbles up the ramp, one hand clutching his midsection, the other holding his newly-won Television Title up in the air for all to see.

 

.:Axis:.

Everyone, stay tuned.  After our next commercial break, we’ll see Charlie “Grappler” Matthews taking on Viktor Tarakanov in a No Disqualification match.  You’re not going to want to miss it!

 

(Fade to commercial)

[Guest Tod deKindes]

Aw man, Charlie. You have NO idea how torn I was in selecting a winner between you and Vik.

 

Both of you guys used both wrestlers VERY well and adapted perfectly to the match rules, according to your respective gimmicks.

 

I can't say there was something Vik did better than you though, as both matches were great, in my opinion. And no, I don't drink.

 

PS: Don't be hatin'.

[Guest The Superstar]

PS: Don't be hatin'.

Seriously, I really don't care that I lost because it was just a fun match to write.

 

Did you miss this part?

[Guest Evolution]

Like everyone else here, I don't understand why I lost my match.  It was great!  I totally think my match was better... SJL marks, this is the BEST you're gonna get from me.  If that's STILL not enough to win, then I guess I'm just not cut out to being here.

Maybe Thoth himself can weigh in on what factors made my match the better match.

[Guest Thoth]

While I understand the word limit was fairly small, I felt that first and foremost, John Duran packed more "match" into his match. I'm the last guy who grades on length, but there has to be a point where a match just feels to short. Yours just felt so hurried.

 

Also, I feel that matches are more than just descriptions of what's going on in the ring, with commentary on top. I truly believe what we do is a work of fiction, and as such, it should be treated that way. Don't be afraid to take literary risks.

[David Blazenwing 0]

I'm the last guy who grades on length, but there has to be a point where a match just feels to short. Yours just felt so hurried.

Okay, I took over ten hours writing this match on PAPER.... over 12 pages on College ruled paper

 

to say it was HURRIED... is to say that Big Show is the greatest technical wrestler in the world

[Guest Ace309]

You could spend days on a match. If it feels rushed, it feels rushed.

 

You were nearly 700 words short of the limit, and while I didn't read the whole match, I noticed the parts that I did read lacked description in important parts. Stuff you can fix on a read-through. Conversely, you spent proportionately a lot of words describing things like Axis and Suicide King when you could have better spent that effort describing the match and maybe adding to the flow or psychology.

 

Also, it's just me, but I'm not a big fan of a promo in-match.

[Guest Chuck Woolery]

Blazenwing, a couple of pointers.

 

- Like Thoth said, I understand it was a short word limit, but you have a 3:1 ratio of match to entrance, which is one of those "get to the damn match" things. Try to pack more wrestling into your match next time, and less of the entrance.

 

- Your opening seems a bit inconsistent, as you go from you spearing Duran in the middle of the ring, to him taking you out with a spear of his own and shoving you into a corner. This is something a lot of people have trouble with, is maintaining where they are in the ring. If you can get that down you're already a leg up on a lot of people.

 

- Another minor thing, but you have David collapsing out of the corner right into Duran making the pin. Just throw in a little "Duran rolls Blazenwing over onto his back and" deal - that doesn't cost you a lot of words, and it doesn't leave a hole in the action.

 

- Don't have such long kickouts throughout the match. Early on, have short two counts, and then as the match progresses have them get longer.

 

- You put in the rope break on the anklelock, but then you kick him while he's still on the ropes. Again, a minor thing, but those add up.

 

- Don't use the indy applause stance except at the very beginning, as it no-sells the effects of all the moves prior.

 

- I did, however, like how you explained Duran's use of the kicks while he's down because Blazenwing did it earlier.

 

- Another thing I liked is the use-the-other-dude's-finisher spot. As cliched as it is it still works often, so long as it's not over-overused.

 

- Another thing on your pin counts - instead of doing this:

 

"ONE!

.

.

."

 

Try this:

 

"O

N

E

!

 

T

W - KICKOUT!"

 

Gives a better feel for the exact moment of kickout.

 

- The ref bump probably hurt you big time, here. Don't use too many wrestling cliches in one match - you've got the ref bump and the opponent's finisher deal. Another thing with the ref bump is that the fans are cheering you for blatantly cheating. Try to avoid that.

 

- "David swings the sledgehammer at Duran’s chest, but in a miraculous move, Duran ducks and slips behind Blazenwing." I can't envision this - maybe have Blazenwing swing for the head?

 

- You use the tights for the pin, yet another cliche. Maybe you want to try writing a heel guy, as you've definitely got writing the heel tactics down, but you're applying them to a face character, which is a big no-no.

 

Overall your match was good, just a few inconsistencies here and there. I liked the flow of the match, however it was hampered by Blazenwing being cheered despite cheating... a lot. You have a lot of promise, just rid your writing of the few flaws it has and you'll be beating Atlas in no time.

[David Blazenwing 0]

so just because I'm a face, I can't cheat?

 

Hell, Austin cheats sometimes and the fans cheer him. Look at Benoit at Unforgiven 2002... he beat Angle by putting his feet on the ropes and the fans cheered the hell out of him! During Triple H's face run, he used the sledgehammer to HUGE pops from the crowd. That's kinda what I was going for. A face that isn't afraid to break the rules to win.

 

I can understand where you're coming from with many of your points, though.

[Guest Thoth]

It's not that you can't cheat. But it didn't seem to fit your character. The points everyone made sum up my feelings.

 

And actually, I really don't like the

 

O

N

E

 

T

W

O

 

Thing. I dunno, I jus' don't like it.

[Atlas 0]

Even doing the

 

O

 

N

 

E

 

 

 

T

 

W

 

O

 

 

bit is pointless. All you're doing is giving yourself less words to work with, sicne every letter is it's own word. Try saving up by doing something like this:

 

 

.....ONE......

 

or

 

 

...O...N...E...

 

 

As long as the word connects. It might not seem like a problem now, but later on when you're past the limit and have to cut down, it'll come in handy.

[Guest Crowe]

I drag out my pinfalls a bit, as many of you have probably noticed. It works nearing the end of the match and for close falls, but I think I should cut it down for the earlier pinfalls.