Losing Matches Thread

[Guest Powerplay]

Oi. I know exactly why I lost. Way WAY too much crooked referee. I really abused it, but I just couldn't think of anything else. I guess I'm a bit uninspired at the moment. But anyways, I think the match was still pretty good for what it's worth.

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

We fade in on the sold out Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, we are greeted to a massive pop as the words “VELVET HAMMER VS. JUSTICE” appear on the bottom of the screen. We quickly move down to the announcer’s table, where “Grand Slam” Mark Stevens and Bobbie Riley are ready to give their pre-match spiel.

 

“And welcome back to Smarkdown! This is the last show before one of the big ones, Ground Zero, and that PPV is already shaping up to be something special! You have to wonder if it’ll top last year’s showing.”

 

“Hmm…” says Bobbie, looking at his hands as though he’s weighing something, “Flesher beating ELM via tapout…. or Flesher beating Frost by putting him through a pane of glass.... That’s a tough one.”

 

“… I was thinking more about Wargames, the classic Boston Strangler/Erek Taylor Street Fight, but yes, Flesher vs. ELM was great, if heart-rending, match to watch.”

 

“Yes, I was in tears. Watching Flesher win so decisively was so overpowering that-“

 

“ANYWAYS,” interrupts Grand Slam, cutting off the soliloquy before it can start, “Up right now we have Frost battling Flesher’s own Lieutenant, William Hearford. While the two haven’t ever faced off in singles competition, they’ve seen themselves a lot in the Tag Division.”

 

“Yes sir, Frost has taken beatings from the Judge with three different partners and in a few 6 man tags as well.”

 

“But he did beat the pair in a Handicap match and a 6 man tag with Déjà Vu and ELM. While it’s obvious that he’s been unlucky in the tag division, singles is something completely different.”

 

*DING DING DING*

 

The ring bell is told as Funyon steps into the ring, quieting the crowd down a little.

 

“The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL! Entering first…”

 

The arena lights turn to a deep red as a faint yet steady drumbeat carries across the place. A few of the fans start booing preemptively, but not too many as the drumbeat gets louder and louder, finally reaching a peak-

 

“NOW TESTIFY!”

 

Rage Against the Machine’s “Testify” blares across the PA as three sets of red pyros shoot up form the sides of the entrance as “The Judge” William Hearford steps out to a hail of jeers. The old man gives a few taunts some of the fans near the ramp.

 

“Now entering the ring, weighing 242 pounds and hailing from Royal Oak, Michigan, he is a member of the Magnificent 7 and one half of Justice and Rule. He is “THE JUDGE” WILLIAM HEAAAAAAAAAFOOOOOOOOORD!”

 

“The Judge is coming off a paid break after Strangler showed up a mere 3 minutes late to Lockdown.”

 

“Well, that’s what you get for sloppiness.”

 

Justice goes up the steel steps and goes through the ropes, walking over to his corner and performing his normal pre-match stretching ritual. The crowd calms down a bit as the lights go down again, but this time we hear a few early cheers.

 

“Entering second…”

 

A silverish pyro lights off in the rafters as Black Sabbath’s “Snowblind” begins playing over the PA while a pale blue spotlight shines down on the entrance. Faux snow seems to fall down as the massive Velvet Hammer steps out, hand raised and cigar in mouth as he walks down the ramp to a great crowd reaction.

 

“Now entering the ring, weighing in at 296 pounds and hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, he is the Velvet Hammer and the Iceman from Iceland. He is FROOOOOOOOOST!”

 

The big man strides up to the ring and steps onto the apron, looking over at his enemy, who has stopped stretching out to watch him get into the ring. He takes his cigar and contemptuously flicks it away as he steps through the ropes and into his corner.

 

“Frost looks ready to destroy Flesher’s lackey tonight. He wants to go into their match at Ground Zero with the momentum. If he does that tonight, it might give him an advantage against the rested Flesher.”

 

“Yeah, right, Grand Slam. Momentum or not, Frost is still getting his ass sent through a pane of glass. Secondly, the Judge is going to school him tonight. He’s not just the same old grappler or mat-wrestler. The guy has some size, strength, and a ton of experience behind him.”

 

Eddy Long looks over at the two men, and calls them over for a brief explanation of the rules before the match. He looks at both of them, asking them if they understand, to which the Judge replies a courteous “Yes”, while Frost only gives a silent, stoic nod. Stepping away from the two, Eddy points back to the timekeeper’s table and the match is on!

 

*DING DING DING*

 

Hearford quickly backs away out of Frost’s reach, making sure to avoid any quick strikes from the giant man. He stands back, looking for an opening as the big man paces and waits for the first strike.

 

“Frost is just waiting for Hearford to make the first strike here. This is definitely a good warm-up for the PPV match here. The Judge and Flesher share similar styles and move sets. If he can keep the larger Hearford at bay, that’s definitely means good things for his PPV match.”

 

Trying to draw Frost off his guard, Hearford steps back and forth,, making feints, but the big man is not even phased. Knowing this, Hearford finally decides to engage, locking up with the Velvet Hammer. For a few brief moments, it looks as though the Judge is holding his own against Frost, but that’s quickly shattered as the former Magnificent 7 Lieutenant tosses him to the canvas! The crowd cheers massively, and Hearford rolls back up to his feet and tries again, struggling with all his strength, but his ass lands on the mat again as the Velvet Hammer tosses him back down. This time, though, he follows up, hitting the rising ‘Judge Mental’ with a hard right hook! The Judge stumbles to the side as Frost moves in hammering him with a few sharp jabs. A little dazed, Hearford can’t do anything Frost lines up a haymaker…

 

 

 

 

….But is stopped by Eddy Long! The referee pulls him away, pointing at his hands and obviously angry.

 

“God DAMN it, I said no closed fists! I just told you this! Do you want a DQ?”

 

Frost looks at him as if to say “You’re shitting me, right?” while the crowd boos, but the ref is dead serious as he warns Frost to watch out and not do it again. Despite his reservations, the Icelandic giant turns back to the Judge. With the old man still sitting on the ground, stunned from the punches, and he goes over to pick him up. But he quickly finds that the Judge isn’t as stunned as he thought as Hearford drops and puts his shoulder into Frost’s stomach, his arms grabbing the giant’s legs for a two-legged takedown!

 

“Frost starts off strong, but the Judge is able to recover after the ref apparently stopped Frost for using closed fists,” says Grand Slam, a touch suspicious, “You know, generally that’s one rule that you don’t see called very often.”

 

“But it’s still a rule, and the rules have to been enforced, damn it.”

 

The Judge quickly tries to grab a leg and turn it over into a Half Crab, but the big man kicks Hearford right off of him. Frost gets back up, but the Judge doesn’t let up, going for another two-legged takedown…. that’s blocked! The big man braces himself well enough that the takedown fails, and he quickly gives a sharp knee to the old man’s gut, allowing him to lock in a front facelock. He lifts the old man up into the air and falls backwards, hitting him with a Vertical Suplex. The Judge holds his neck in pain, but only for a moment as he quickly gets back up to his feet. Of course, Frost is already up and waiting for him and as the old man reaches his feet he charges forth, only to have his target bail from the ring. The silent giant just glares down at the veteran from the ring as the ref starts a count out.

 

“Brilliant tactic by Hearford there,” says Riley in a know-it-all fashion, “He’s stopping his opponent’s momentum and get some rest from the action.”

 

“More like stalling and delaying the inevitable, Bobbie.”

 

“Of course, someone like you (With the technical prowess of a Potato) wouldn’t understand how strategic it is…”

 

Frost backs away from the ropes, allowing some breathing space for the old man to get back into the ring, which he promptly does to stop the count. Hearford gets back into his grappling stance, looking for an opening. He quickly finds it, dashing in for yet another grapple. Once again, he’s quickly over-powered, but this time Frost keeps the grapple going, pushing him back towards the nearest corner. Before he can push him into the turnbuckle, though, Justice uses all his power to swing himself around, forcing Frost into the corner instead. Hearford pulls himself away, and instantly fires off a brutal knife-edged chop!

 

WHOO!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

CHO-But Frost catches the arm! He quickly pulls the Judge in and flings him into the turnbuckle, firing off a knife-edged chop of revenge!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

Each chop nearly bats Hearford over the top of the turnbuckle, and Frost finishes up. The Judge listlessly wanders out of the corner a few feet, but the Velvet Hammer gives no rest to the wicked as he grabs his wrist and flings him at the other corner! The Judge hits it front first, and the old man staggers back holding his chest in pain, allowing Frost to come up from behind and lock in an inverted facelock and fall backwards for an Inverted DDT! The big man quickly makes a cover…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THNO! The Judge shoots a shoulder up, and Long holds up two fingers in the air. Frost doesn’t even notice, not surprised that the old man got out of a simple combo like that.

 

“Frost gets a two count, but more so trying to put pressure on Hearford. Getting the first pin in a match can be a real factor in the match. This is gonna put pressure on the Judge to respond.”

 

Justice shakes his head, getting up a little slower than he normal does, but Frost instantly goes on the attack, deciding to use backhands instead of his normal punches after what happened earlier. He bats the veteran into the ropes, and again he grabs his wrist and bounces him towards the other side. Lining up Hell Freezes Over, Flesher’s arch-enemy waits for the lackey to return, and he sweeps his arm down… for nothing! The old man ducks and grabs the arm, and in a surprising move leaps up and puts on an arm scissors, pulling out a Crucifix Pin! The giant falls backwards, and Eddy Long quickly hits the canvas for a count!

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THRENO! A strong kickout by Frost and the force flips himself over onto his belly. The crowd cheers as the big man pushes himself off the mat while the Judge scrambles to get to his feet first.

 

“An excellent pinning maneuver by Hearford there. He doesn’t pull many surprise pins like that one, but I think he realizes that’s probably his best shot at getting a win.”

 

“Pfft. He’s just trying to strike back. He’s showing that he can pin him any where off any move.”

 

The Judge does get back up first, but he’s quickly followed by Frost. He starts backing away, not quite ready to attack yet, but the Velvet Hammer sure is, and he instantly charges forwards, catching the Judge in a lockup. He instantly starts pushing the Judge back…

 

*DING~!*

 

But takes a blatant knee to the gonads! The big man wobbles and withers under the groinal pressure, but apparently it was well hidden enough because Long doesn’t make any attempt to reprimand Justice. This draws out the crowd’s ire, but the ref doesn’t pay much attention as he watches the Velvet Hammer begin to crumble like the Sickle and Hammer.

 

”Damn it, I think the Judge used Frost’s own body to hide a low blow. Of course, I can’t say I’m surprised…”

 

“Oh, of course assume that Hearford did something. These big guys are walking medical bills. I wouldn’t be surprised if Frost tore a quad or two.”

 

With Frost out of it for more than a few moments, the Judge is able to take control of the lock-up, and he quickly puts on a front facelock. He grabs a handful of tights as he lifts Frost into the air, straining a bit, but still doing in, and actually holds him vertical! The crowd boos as the Judge showboats a little, holding him for one…. two….. three full seconds before bringing him down! The Judge pants at the feat of strength, but it’s still early in the match and he gives a slightly confident grin as he gets back up.

 

“A Delayed Suplex there by the Judge, maybe not the smartest of moves. It’s showy, but it looks like it took a lot out of him.”

 

Hearford pulls up Frost again, who is still suffering from the aftereffects of the lowblow, and he quickly whips him at the ropes. The big man travels like a freight train, bounding towards the ropes and coming back with even more momentum. Hearford gets ready, and immediately drops to the ground, hitting him with a Drop Toe Hold. The big man falls to the ground face-first, and the Judge quickly gets back up to his feet grabbing hold of Frost’s legs and pulling back for a Boston Crab!

 

“Ha! Frost gets put onto the mat and right into big trouble!”

 

“I wouldn’t call it big trouble, but it’s certainly trouble nonetheless. The Boston Crab isn’t a match-ender, but it’s a tiring hold. Hopefully Frost can get out of this before it causes too much damage to his legs…”

 

The Judge literally sits down on the big man’s back, grinning big as the big man grits his teeth, saying “No…. No….” to Eddy Long, who flutters around his head and face like a hummingbird round a feeder. Frost, though, is obviously more concerned with the ropes, only a scant few yards away. He puts his hands on the mat and begins to crawl towards the ropes, the crowd getting behind him the closer he gets. Planting his feet against the ground, the Judge tries to slow his progress as much as possible, trying to keep the hold on as long as he can. It doesn’t do much, though, as Frost’s determination keeps him moving steadily closer the ropes, and he finally gets a hand on bottom rope, to the jubilation of the crowd!

 

“Frost obviously still has tons of fight left in him; Hearford didn’t even slow him down as he made his way to the ropes.”

 

“Whatever. The Judge just didn’t want to exert himself on a basic hold like that. Why fight back much if you know it’s gonna be broken.”

 

Eddy Long begins a five count on the hold, but the Judge doesn’t bother holding on. He instantly releases it, and he pulls Frost up by the back of the head. He quickly spins him around, and locks on a front facelock for a Thunderous DDT!....

 

 

…. That never touches the ground as the Velvet Hammer grabs him ‘round the waist before he can fall back, pulling him off the ground and over his shoulder he takes a few steps forwards before flinging him to the ground with deafening force, sparking an equally deafening pop from the crowd! Frost drops down and hooks a leg for the count!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREENO! Hearford just barely gets a shoulder up on, and the crowd gives a slightly disappointed sigh as Frost gets up to his feet, a bit slower than he was earlier.

 

“That was a Spinebuster that would have made Arn shed a tear,” says Grand Slam as Frost pulls up the still stunned Judge and hammers him with a European Uppercut, “That certainly took the smile of the Judge’s face, and maybe a bit of his beard as well. He really planted him.”

 

“You mean that weak thing? Justice is just playing possum. In a second he’s just going to explode on Frost-“

 

*WHAM!*

 

“Yes, he really exploded there, Bobbie. Right into Frost’s forearm…” chuckles Grand Slam as the Judge is literally leveled by a short-arm clothesline.

 

Picking up the pancaked prosecutor off the ground yet again, the big man quickly leans under and picks up the old man into a fireman’s carry, and he begins spinning around in a circle! The crowd watches as the man spins and spins… and spins… and spins… until finally he can barely stay up on his feet. He tosses the Judge off his shoulders, and the old man hits the ground with a resounding “Oof” with his eyes spinning in his head. Frost doesn’t stop there, though, and he keeps spinning around, dropping a whirling legdrop on the back of the old man’s head! The crowd goes bonkers as Frost falls on his own back, shaking his head as he tries to stop the dizziness for a second. Though he’s admittedly better off than the Judge, who turns over holding his nose and the rest of his face after getting smashed into the mat. The giant man recovers after a few seconds, and gets up to make a cover on old man!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEENO! The crowd boos as Eddy Long holds up two fingers, to which Frost grumbles but accepts.

 

“That count seemed a bit slow to me…” says Grand Slam, a red light going off in his head like a police siren. Bobbie, though, doesn’t seem to notice anything.

 

“Whatever, Grand Slam. You’re just trying to cover up for the fact that Hearford has kicked out of two of Frost’s big moves in the last few seconds.”

 

“No, I’m serious. This is Eddy Long we’re talking about; he’s not above taking some liberties with the rules.”

 

“I can’t believe you!” says an incredulous Bobbie, “You are willing to besmirch the reputation of a respected referee just because your pathetic favorite isn’t playing up to your expectations?! What proof do you have of wrongdoings?”

 

“Would you like to hear it from me, or do you want me to call Chris up to explain it to you?”

 

In the ring, Frost has picked up Hearford and fires off a hard punch to his head! The Judge stumbles back, and Frost looks at Long with a grim face, to see if he approves. The much smaller referee nods, obviously not wanting to get him too angry. The Velvet Hammer turns back around and winds up another punch… and gets his face raked as the Judge counter-attacks! Long doesn’t seem to see the illegal maneuver past Frost’s bulk, and the giant holds his eyes and nose as the Judge moves forwards and grabs the big man’s leg with both hands. He quickly executes a one-legged takedown, and steps backwards, a bit closer to the ropes with Frost in tow. Once he thinks he’s close enough, the Judge spins himself around Frost’s leg, and drops back for a classic Figure Four Leglock! The crowd boos as the Judge pulls on the straightened leg, and the big man bellows in pain!

 

“Figure Four Leglock! He’s pretty close to the ropes, though. I wonder why the Judge dragged him over like that…” notes Mark, but his question is soon answered as Eddy Long faces Frost, asking him if he gives up, allowing Justice to grab the ropes for leverage, putting even more pressure on Frost’s trapped legs. “I can’t believe it, but the Judge is cheating even worse than before!”

 

“What? He’s not cheating at all!” refutes Bobbie as the Judge lets go as Eddy Long turns around, “Mark, are you from Lincoln, Nebraska, or Salem, Massachusetts, because you certainly like hunting witches.”

 

“I’m serious, Bobbie-Look, he’s doing it again!”

 

“Oh, yeah, Mark, ‘Burn him, BURN HIM!’” says Bobbie, mocking the irritated play-by-play man, “How ‘bout calming down a little. Next thing you know you’ll be accusing him of being a Communist or something.”

 

Meanwhile, the Judge continues to play a game of “Now you cheat, now you don’t” with the clueless Eddy Long while the crowd literally begins yelling at the ref to look at the old man. Of course, this causes the Judge to smile a bit, and he makes sure to wave at the crowd with one hand to rile them up even more. But he just can’t seem to get the submission out of Frost, who remains tight-lipped to Eddy Long’s requests to “Give up”. The big man plants his hands against the mat and tries to pull away. With Hearford holding on, he’s unable to move, but as soon as the Judge latches himself on he begins yelling for Eddy to turn around. The referee looks a little puzzled, but Frost is literally screaming at him, and, not wanting to incur the wrath of a 6’8”, 303 pound man, Long quickly turns around to find the Judge red handed. He immediately begins berating the old man, but doesn’t tell him to break up the hold!

 

“Stop yelling at him and break the hold, ref!”

 

“Please, don’t tell him how to do his job, Mark. Frankly, I think you’ve been way too critical of Eddy tonight. He’s done a superb job, in my opinion.”

 

Finally, much to the crowd’s relief, the zebra finally orders the hold to be broken. The damage is done, though, as Frost clutches his leg in pain while the Judge slowly clamors to his feet. Swaggering around confidently, Hearford hits and elbow drop on the downed man! The crowd boos, and Hearford gets back up for another one! More boos, and Justice goes to drop a third…. And Frost moves out of the way! The Judge holds his elbow in pain as the crowd EXPLODES into cheers! The weary Velvet Hammer shakily gets to his feet, followed by the Judge, who fires off a hard knife-edged chop!

 

WHOO!

 

But before he can hit another, Frost strikes back with a punch! The Judge staggers back, but fires off another knife-edged chop!

 

WHOO!

 

Frost strikes back again, and as the Judge winds up for another chop the Velvet Hammer knocks him another one right in the jaw! The Judge stumbles back but gets nailed with another punch, and another, and ANOTHER as the crowd begins getting behind their hero. He backs him against the ropes, and gives him one farewell punch before hurling him at the other side of the ring. Frost walks out to the middle, and he catches him on the rebound, putting him right up into the air. His bad leg shakes and wobbles, but holds as Frost presses the Judge once… twice…. thrice before tossing him to the ground to a massive pop! He falls to his knees, and with a heavy breath he lays himself over the Judge for a pin!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THRENO! The Judge gets a shoulder up, but the count definitely was more than three this time, and everyone outside of Bobbie Riley noticed it!

 

“That’s it!” exclaims Grand Slam, pounding his fist against the announcers table, “I don’t know if it was King, or if it was Flesher, or if it was both, but someone was definitely told Eddy Long to give the Judge some help here.”

 

“Um…” says Bobbie, trying to think up an excuse for that count, but not even he can hide it.

 

Frost isn’t in the mood for hiding anything either, at the moment, making his anger very known to Eddy Long. He begins yelling at the frightened Long, telling him that he’d better start officiating this fairly or he’ll be meeting Frost outside his car after the show. Long puts up his hands in defense, obviously not wanting to risk his personal well-being for someone he barely knows. But the Judge saves his bacon, finding enough strength to come from behind Frost and pulling him backwards in a school-boy rollup! The Judge gets a handful of tights while Eddy hits the mat like a lightning bolt to make the count!

 

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THREENO! Frost kicks out with everything he has, throwing the Judge backwards and even surprising Eddy Long! The crowd goes wild as the enraged European pounds his fist against the mat and thrusts himself off the mat, ignoring any pain he had before. Hearford, meanwhile, scrambles up like a frightened cat and fires off a few punches, but he can’t stop the rampaging monster, who quickly gives him a kick to the gut and puts on a Head Scissors! He grabs the old man by the waist and pulls him perpendicular to the mat before falling backwards, hitting a massive Piledriver that shakes the ring! He quickly makes a cover…

 

 

….

 

 

….

 

 

….

 

But Eddy Long is in the corner, backed away from the pin! Almost about to burst, the monster yells out with all his might:

 

 

“MAKE THE DAMN COUNT!!”

 

 

That’s about all the encouragement Eddy Long needs.

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THREENO!

 

“It’s Flesher! He pulled Long out of the ring!”

 

“Yes! He just saved Long from a terrible beating!”

 

“That he rightly deserves!”

 

“So? He still saved him.”

 

That’s it. That’s all Frost is willing to take. The big man gets off the body of the Judge and slides out of the ring, going right for Flesher. But Flesher is fresh and Frost most certainly isn’t, and the Superior One fires off a shotei that hits the big man right in the jaw! He keeps it up, nailing him with palm strikes and pushing the big man backwards… but Frost swings around with a right hook that send Flesher reeling! The former World Champ falls over the barrier and Frost is following right along. The two begin fighting through the crowd, exchanging blows…

 

 

*DING DING DING*

 

“What the hell?” says a confused Grand Slam.

 

“The Winner of the match via countout… “THE JUDGE” WILLIAM HEEEEEARFOOOOORD!”

 

Some of the crowd boos, but most of them are too taken up in the brawl, that quickly begins heading out one of the exits. In the ring, Eddy Long goes over to help the Judge up, telling him what happened. He immediately begins running out of the ring and up the ramp for reinforcements.

 

“Well, Frost loses one crooked match match, but I don’t think that’s what’s on his mind at the moment,” says Grand Slam as he listens to his headset, “Damn it, we have to go to commercial. We’ll be RIGHT back!”

 

*FADE OUT*

[Guest Edwin MacPhisto]

Pretty good assumption, Judge. Your wrestling and all the usual was stellar, but storytelling was a bit off. The referee hijinx actually weren't that bad--I'm normally not a fan, but you did commit to them, didn't half-ass it, and largely made it work. Problem is, Frost then came in and did the wonderful business with Flesher at ringside and the great interactions between all three men.

 

The only other overall thing that was kinda irritating was the constant Riley-Flesher dicksuckery. It's very funny, but I think it gets old a little fast when used in the majority of exchanges. I marked very hard, though, for a few things: Frost switching to backhands to get past the closed fist, and the rude roughness with which Judge applied the figure-four. They weren't very flashy, but they were excellent, subtle touches that really gave the match a good bit of meat below the referee games.

 

I have more feedback on my computer at home if you'd like, but I think you're pretty much on track in your current line of thought.

[Guest Ash Ketchum]

Not to sound pessimistic; I'd post mine, but it sucks REAL hard, and I don't know if you guys would read it. I might post it later if I feel like it, but I'm not sure.

[Guest Edwin MacPhisto]

Post it, Ash. I'll give it a look, at least. Regardless of the loss you still have great momentum off the balls-to-the-wall promo from Lockdown, and the ICTV contendership at the PPV could be very big. No sense stopping while you've still got a good thing going.

[Guest Ash Ketchum]

And here we gooooooooooo...

 

----

 

SWF Smarkdown rolls back into Cheese Country! We see several signa s the camera pans, including “NOBODY EXPECTS THE BLACKWELL EXPERIMENT!!” before it finally comes to rest on the (in)famous SWF announcers, sitting as usual at ringside.

 

Stevens: Welcome back to SWF Smarkdown, LIVE from the SOLD-OUT Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin!! Joined as usual by Bobby Riley, I’m “Grand Slam” Mark Stevens!

 

Riley: ...Minnesota sucks. There’s nothing to do here.

 

Stevens: We’re in Wisconsin, Bobby.

 

Riley: Eh, it’s all the same to me.

 

Stevens: In any case, we’ve still got some great matches tonight, including the continuation of a Best of 5 series between Janus and Crow! But next, it’s a singapore cane match, and... well... I think I know the outcome of this one already.

 

Riley: It’s Nathan Kibagami versus Michael Craven in what could best be descirbed as another way to kill a man. Craven, fresh out of the U.S. Title division, saw fit to challenge the winner of the ICTV Title match on Lockdown to a match here on Smarkdown. However, Mak is busy later in the show, so Nathan Kibagami was more than happy to step up in his place. Craven made some pretty disparaging remarks about the man formerly known as Silent, and now he might just have to pay the price...

 

Stevens: Ladies and gentlemen, if you are the least bit squeemish about seeing blood and violence, change the channel NOW. This match will not be for the feint of heart.

 

The lights cut out, the majority of the crowd beginning to boo like crazy while a cursor pops up on the SmarkTron, which seems to be in DOS mode. Keystrokes can be heard in the background as someone types:

 

C:\>dir/SWF

 

This is followed by the distinctive sound of the Enter key being hit. Popping up is the following short list.

 

Directory of C:\SWF\Superstars

 

VelvetHammer.exe

TheSuperiorOne.exe

TheDoggah.exe

KingOfNightmares.exe

HellMachine.exe

Franchisable.exe

MaoriBadass.exe

 

The typing continues on as whoever is typing types in:

 

C:\>Run "KingOfNightmares.exe"

 

The typer hits Enter again, but the screen stays, the little cursor beginning to flash brightly and rapidly for several seconds before...

 

“BOOM!”

 

A huge blast of blue and white pyro kicks up, the smoke lingering on stage for quite some time. Strobe lights pulse to the beat of the guitar and drums in the background as Saliva’s “King of My World” kicks in while the crowd really begins to boo. As the first words kick in, the strobes cut out, a single, blinding light shines from the entryway, piercing through the smoke. The light illuminates the figure of Michael Craven, his body shadowing most of his front side. He stops to look at the fans before he spins around twice, finishing by pointing to himself as the crowd begins to boo louder. Holding his pose for a second, he releases as the chorus ends for the first time, walking down to the ring. The lights are now a deep blue, Craven focused only on the match at this point. It’s also noted he is carrying a Singapore cane of his own down to the ring.

 

Funyon: The following is a Singapore Cane match, scheduled for one-fall! Introducing first, from Tampa, Florida, weighing in at 280 pounds... ladies and gentlemen... “The King Of Nightmares”... MICHAEL CRAAAAAAAVENNNNN!!!

 

He enters the ring by hopping over the top rope, landing on his feet. He climbs the turnbuckle closest to the crowd, opening his arms wide and soaking in the crowd’s response, a chorus of heavy boos except for The Craven Section, as a white spotlight shines down upon him, casting shadows across his face. Mike then hops off the turnbuckle, turning to stare at the entryway, crouched down, prepared to strike Kibagami with the cane as soon as he gets into the ring.

 

Stevens: This is suicide! I don’t believe he’s actually stepping into the ring!

 

Riley: I don’t know if Craven has brains, but he’s sure not lacking in the balls department!

 

Stevens: And you sure know about balls, don’t you?

 

Riley: Enough. Focus on the blood and gorefest that his about to take place!

 

The arena goes completely dark, save for the SmarksTron, where a red ankh, surrounded by flames, dominates the screen. For about five seconds, there is total silence – only the low buzz of the crowd can be heard. The entrance lights, now colored a dark red to match the ankh above them, slowly begin to rise as “Forty-Six and Two” begins:

 

“I’ve been crawling on my belly,

Clearing out what could’ve been,

I’ve been wallowing in my own confusing

Insecure delusions

For a piece to cross me over,

Or a word to guide me in…”

 

At this point, the entrance lights are fully up and focused on the curtains…

 

“I want to feel the changes coming down,

I want to know what I’ve been hiding…”

 

A brilliant explosion of white pyrotechnics momentarily blinds the audience and obscures the top of the ramp. As the pyrotechnics fade, Nathaniel Kibagami comes striding the through the smoke left in their wake, his signature steel-tipped singapore cane in his hands.

 

Funyon: And from Phoenix, Arizona, weighing in at 268 pounds... NATHANIEL KIBAGAAAAAMIIIII!!!

 

Nathaniel makes his way to ringside, nodding to a fan here and there as he passes by, and slides into the ring. As he rises up, Craven swings his cane at him, but Kibagami ducks the blow, sliding up onto his feet, cane clutched tight as Craven turns around. He swings his cane at Nathan, knowing he’s there, but his reaction is not quick enough, and he meets the steel-tipped cane for what will be the first of many times during this match.

 

“CRACK!”

 

Craven drops down hard onto the mat, a thick red line of impression from the cane beginning to form as he slowly rises back up, but an enraged Kibagami swings down at Craven as the ref signals for the bell to start...

 

“DING DING-CRACK!”

 

Nathan’s second cane shot to Craven drowns out the last ring of the bell, Mike once more dropping hard to the mat. The King of nightmares slowly rises up, but Kibagami is not the pateint type as he brings the cane quickly back up-

 

“CRACK!”

 

Smashing the cane across the back of Craven’s head as he rises back up!

 

Stevens: An almost impromptu start to this match as both men try to go after each other, but Kibagmai gains the definitive upper hand!

 

As he recovers from the last blow, Craven crawls into the corner, possibly the worst thing he could do against Kibagami, allowing Nathan the opportunity to just WAIL away at Craven with boots and cane shots a plenty.

 

Stevens: Nathan Kibagami has gone nuts on Craven! The King of Nightmares is defenseless to try and stop him!

 

Riley: And just look at those stomps! you gotta believe that he’s pissed off just by how he’s dismantling Craven!

 

Craven cries out as Kibagami lays in a few harsh kicks to his face before turning back to the cane.

 

“CRACK! CRACK!”

 

Two sharp, quick blows from the weapon are followed by one to the chest, causing several fans in the front row to cringe.

 

“CRACK!”

 

Stevens: Oh my God! What a loud shot to the chest from Nathan Kibagami! He’s just tearing Craven apart with that singapore cane!

 

Craven lurches over forward, trying to catch his breath after the assault by Kibagami, but Nathan grabs him by the hair and drags him out of the corner, laying him out across the canvas before he rolls him over and pins him to the mat, referee Matthew Kivell running over to Nathan before dropping to count:

 

One!

 

T-Craven gets the shoulder up!! With proof the King of Nightmares is still alive, most of the crowd sits in a stunned silence, amazed that Kibagami only managed to get just barely under a two-count!

 

Riley: A two-count? Tell me my eyes were deceiving me. I thought that was at least two and a half, if not three!

 

Stevens: I don’t think he’s hoping to pin Craven down yet. He’s got to have some sort of plan, and I believe he’s going to wear him down for that Demonstar Driver he wants to hit on Craven!

 

As Kibagami pulls Craven to his feet, he peppers Craven with a few hard knees, causing cries of pain to echo from the chest of the Gulf Coast Hurricane. Keeping Craven in a bent-over state, Kibagami grabs him around the head, and grabbing his tights, whips Craven back into a hard snap suplex! However, he holds onto that headlock, using to pull Craven off the mat as he rises. Kibagami doesn’t hit a second snap suplex, but instead falls back, planting Craven into the mat with a DDT!

 

Stevens: And yes, it does look like he’s aiming for Craven’s head as he wears that neck of Craven’s down for his most devastating move! But wait! He’s going for a cover on Craven! Here’s the count from Kivell!

 

One!

 

 

Two-Craven gets the shoulder up again! Once more the crowd cannot believe it, turning their heads towards each other as they look for an answer. In the meanwhile, Kibagami slides over Craven’s chest, sitting up from his knees before he draws his arms back and begins to pummel Craven across the face with mounted blows! The King of Nightmares cries out as the blows lash across his face, bringing his forearms up as he tries to block them.

 

Stevens: Nathan Kibagami has not let up on Craven, and it looks like he’s still going for Craven’s head and neck

 

Craven manages to successfully block the assault, forcing Nathan to stop his offensive. However, as he gets to his feet, Kibagami makes his way back over to his cane, but instead of hitting Craven with it, he sets it on the middle ropes in the closest corner as Mike slowly rises to his feet.

 

Riley: What is he doing here?!?! You’re supposed to hit him with the cane, you idiot!!! Not set it down!

 

Kibagami grabs Craven by the arm as he ascends, whipping him towards the corner, but Craven counters, sending Kibagami flying into the corner instead. Nathan hits the turnbuckle padding, collapsing into a sitting position while Craven charges in after him. Unfortunately for Craven, he’s been drawn into Kibagami’s trap, Nathan quickly dropping down and grabbing Craven around the ankles, throwing him forward into the cane via a drop toe hold!

 

“CRACK!”

 

Stevens: Unique strategy by Nathan Kibagami, and I think it may have paid off for him big!

 

Craven’s head bounces off the cane, his body falling to the mat as Nathan releases the lock on Mike’s legs and rises to his feet. Grabbing Craven by the legs, he drags him out of the corner and rolls him over, hooking his leg as he pins him to the mat for yet another pinfall attempt!

 

One!

 

Two!

 

Kickout by Craven! Nathan looks up at Kivell, who holds up two fingers, before he slams his fist into the mat, not satisfied with the refereeing. The crowd boos as well, feeling as if the count should have been for more than that, but Kivell insists that it was only a two-count. Nathan releases Craven, slowly rising to his feet as he formulates the next part of his offensive.

 

Stevens: Once again only a two-count for Kivell! Craven’s somehow managing to absorb Kibagami’s punishment just enough to keep him in this match. It’s amazing!

 

Riley: He’s a former four-time Hardcore champion, Mark. He’s probably not gonna go down just yet.

 

Stevens: But with those cane shots from Nathan Kibagami, it sure looked like it!

 

As Craven gets to his feet, Kibagami reaches for and grabs hold of his trusty steel-tipped singapore cane, holding it firm as Craven rises to his feet. When Mike reaches that point, Kibagami swings down at his head with the cane-

 

 

“WHOOSH!”

 

 

“CRACK!”

 

 

But hits the mat instead! Craven, realizing Nathan unusually missed, reacts the quickest he can, grabbing Nathan around the head and dropping back, throwing Nathan Kibagami into a neckbreaker!

 

Stevens: A big miss by Kibagami wiht that cane, and Craven takes him down with a neckbreaker! It looks like he’s going after Nathan’s neck!

 

Riley: Kibagami has had a history of neck problems, so I don’t see why he shouldn’t go after it!

 

Kibagami and Craven both rise to their feet, but Craven quickly grabs Nathan around the head from behind, and dropping down, throws Kibagami into a jawbreaker! Nathan’s neck whips back as he falls down onto the mat, rising quickly back up onto his feet along side Craven, both men grabbing their necks in some degree of pain. As both men rise to their feet, though, Craven delivers a swift knee to Kibagami’s gut as the momentum starts to shift in his direction. With Nathan doubles over, Mike joins his hands together over his head and swings down, double axe handling Nathan Kibagami right in the neck and sending him to the mat!

 

Riley: This is very much Craven’s style. I’m surpised he hasn’t used the cane much, but he’s really more of a move-based wrestler now, I guess.

 

Kibagami hits the mat face-first, meaning Craven has to roll him onto his back before he can cover him for his first pin-fall attempt of the match, Kivell dropping to count...

 

 

One!

 

 

Tw-Kibagami kicks out! The crowd pops loudly as The Craven Section boos while their namesake gets to his feet. Spotting his cane, Craven grabs it, wielding it without mercy as he turns around to the sitting up Nathan Kibagami and swings at him.

 

“CRACK!”

 

Kibagami drops to the mat, Craven mocking him as Nathan rolls onto his back, The King of Nightmares unable to resist the temptation of bringing the cane down into the exposed neck of Nathan Kibagami.

 

“CRACK!”

 

Nathan cries out in pain, grabbing his neck as he rolls onto his back and arches it because of his pain, which is not significant yet, but enough to cause him discomfort.

 

Stevens: It looks like your theory was proved wrong, Bobby! He’s definitely using that cane on Kibagami’s neck more so than any move!

 

Riley: So what? I was wrong. You’re acting like you just won the World Series or something. Get a grip.

 

Craven smiles as he sees Kibagami arch back in pain, dropping the cane to bend over and pull Nathan to his feet slowly. As he pulls him up, Craven turns around, whipping Nathan over his shoulder and into a snap mare! Nathan lands on his tailbone from the move, but Craven is now easily able to grab him around the head with both arms, locking in a sleeper hold on Kibagami’s neck!

 

Riley: And Craven now has Nathan Kibagami in a sleeper hold! He’s continuing to work that neck as best he can, and I know Craven’s got the know-how and moves to do it!

 

Stevens: But the question is how long can he keep Kibagami in such a hold before he breaks out and all hell breaks loose again?

 

The ropes are of no use to Kibagami at this point as Craven holds on, a smirk across his face as he continues the hold on Nathan. As he holds Nathan to the mat, a “LET’S GO KIBS!” chant fires up from the crowd, prompting Kibagami to try and break out of the hold. With his free arm, he plants it on the mat and pushes upwards, forcing himself up against Craven’s wishes. Craven attempts to send him back down by using his own strength, and though he manages to hold him down for a second, it’s not enough, allowing Kibagami to get to his feet. As soon as he gets to his feet, Nathan begins to jab his free elbow both hard and into the ribs of Michael Craven. Craven takes the first with a grunt, the second with a small cry, the third with another cry, but on #4, he releases the lock on Nathan’s neck, allowing Kibagami to turn around. Now facing Craven, Kibagami cracks him across the face with a hard right elbow strike, following up with a hard left to the neck! Craven cries out, grabbing the right side of his neck, but Kibagami hits him in the left side of his neck with a right elbow smash!

 

Stevens: I guess the answer is he couldn’t keep him down long, as Kibagami breaks the hold and pelts Craven with a few elbow smashes to his neck!

 

Craven spins around from the last blow, staggering away from Kibagami as he sees Craven’s cane lying on the mat. Taking a few steps and reaching over, he grabs it, lifting it up just as Craven turns around. Mike can only watch as Kibagami wields the cane with brutality, swinging it right into Craven’s face yet again!

 

 

“CRACK!”

 

 

The blow is hard enough to splinter the cane, making it useless to Nathan as Craven drops to the mat. Kibagami chucks the broken cane outside the ring, looking around for his steel-tipped cane as he mutters something about a cheap cane to himself.

 

Stevens: HOLY COW!!! DID YOU SEE THAT BLOW?!?! The cane just snapped in two! And Craven’s out!

 

Riley: No, he’s not! He just moved a little! I think he might be trying to get back up, but he’s not doing too well at that...

 

Stevens: I don’t know how he can still be moving after that shot, but he is just a little!

 

Riley: Well, duh. He’s Craven! He can do anything!

 

Stevens: ...What exactly are you on again, Bobby?

 

Nathan’s eyes scan the ring for something as Craven rises VERY slowly, bleeding slightly from a cut across his right forehead and from a busted-open bottom lip as he sits up. Finding his steel-tipped cane, Kibagami moves towards it, grasping it in both hands as he picks it up off the mat, looking back over his shoulder at the dazed, rising, bleeding Craven, and smiles. His grip tightens on the cane as Craven grabs his head, staggering forward towards the crouched-down Kibagami, who suddenly surprises Craven as he swings the cane up at the King of Nightmares, aiming dead-on at his head!

 

...

 

But Craven barely notices the cane, ducking down as the steel tip flies over the back of his head by mere centimeters! The lucky Craven gets another break, as the force of the swing throws Kibagami into a slight spin, but just enough for him to spin halfway away from Craven. Mike makes up the difference as he reaches out, clasping Nathan from behind in a waistlock. He stalls for a second as he regroups, but eventually lifts Kibagami up and drops him on his neck with a German suplex! Nathan lands square on his neck, crying out as he hits the mat. Craven, though, holds on, his back lying on the mat for several seconds before he brings it up into a bridge, pinning Kibagami’s shoulders to the mat!

 

Stevens: Craven ducks the blow and hits a bridging German suplex! Here’s the count from Matthew Kivell!

 

 

One!

 

 

Two!

 

 

Kibagami breaks the bridge! The crowd pops loudly, happy to see that Kibagami is still in the match. As Kibagami lands on the mat following the break, Craven rolls out of the way, rolling all the way off the apron and to the outside of the ring.

 

Riley: Hey! Where ya goin’, Craven?

 

Stevens: I don’t know. Maybe he’s retreating?

 

Riley: Retreat? Retreat is not in Craven’s vocabulary, Mark.

 

Craven drops onto his feet outside the ring, shaking his head as he recuperates while Matthew Kivell begins the mandatory ten-count on Mike. Craven, though, slowly turns around as he recovers, throwing up the ring apron.

 

Stevens: Sure looked like he was retreating when Kibagami started going after him with the cane at the beginning of the match-

 

Riley: That was strategy.

 

Stevens: That’s pretty bad strategy then, Bobby. He ended up taking a beating?

 

Riley: Ever hear of Rope-A-Dope?

 

Stevens: Craven’s no Muhammad Ali, Bobby.

 

Going underneath the ring, Craven searches for something as Nathan Kibagami recovers in the ring, noticing that Craven is distracted and his cane is nearby. Looking at it as he gets up from the mat, Nathan begins to slide his body towards it as Craven pulls a brand-new cane from under the ring. He looks up, and spotting Kibagami sliding towards his steel-tipped cane, slides back into the ring, smearing some of the blood from his lip on the canvas before bringing his head up.

 

Stevens: Kibagami’s going for his cane! If he gets it, Craven’s in trouble!

 

With his cane in his right hand, he jabs it hard into Kibagami’s neck to distract him as he reaches out and grabs the steel-tipped cane from out of Kibagami’s reach, slowly rising to his feet. While rising, he notices that Kibagami has one hand on his neck and that the other reaches out for the cane. Craven looks at the cane, and smiles as the blood contnues to drip down his face, holding the cane out in front of Kibagami’s face. Nathan reaches up to snatch it, but Craven pulls back, instead kicking Kibagami in the face to force him down onto the mat. Craven purposely steps on Kibagami’s head as he steps over him, grinding his face into the canvas before he grabs him by the head and pulls him up. Resting Nathan’s arms on his knees, Craven grabs Kibagami under the chin and pulls back, locking Nathan in a camel clutch!

 

Riley: Camel clutch! Kibagami’s gonna be in a world of hurt! Craven has this won!

 

The crowd boos loudly as Kibagami’s eyes flutter shut in agony, his neck being pulled back, feeling like it’s being ripped apart. Craven just sits there, a glowing smile across his reddend face. He feels as if the match is in his control now, and nothing could possibly stop him. Nathan tries to wiggle out of the move, but Craven is quick to pull back, causing Kibagami to cry out in pain.

 

Stevens: Look at Kibagami’s face! He’s in pain, but he is valiantly trying to fight through it!

 

Riley: He should just submit to the truth: Craven’s better than him! I mean, who bettah than Craven?

 

Stevens: I could think of a few people, Bobby. Strangler, Thoth-

 

Riley: You’re not supposed to answer that question, smartass.

 

Deciding that he could cause Nathan further hurt, Craven holds on with one arm as he uses the other to grab the steel-tipped cane and slide it in front of Nathan’s throat in such a manner that the cane interferes with Kibagami’s airway, causing him to start to choke. Referee Matthew Kivell notices the choking sound, and checking the hold, sees that Craven is applying a choke on Kibagami, thus beginning the five-count...

 

Kivell: One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Break the hold Craven! Now!

 

However, Craven still holds on, prompting boos from the crowd and a warning from Kivell...

 

Stevens: He’s not breaking the hold on Kibagami!

 

Riley: Why should he?

 

Kivell: Break it or you’re disqualified, Craven!

 

Craven finally releases the hold, slamming Nathan down face first onto the mat. The side of the cane jams down into Kibagami’s throat as he hits the mat, but Craven pulls it from underneath him, dripping blood onto the cane from his face as he leans down, waving the customized weapon in front of its owner’s face. Kibagami looks up, reaching out for it, but as he does, Craven pulls it just out of his reach. The crowd hollers at Craven as he taunts the slowly rising Kibagami with the cane, wagging it in front of his face and pulling it out of his grasp each time.

 

Stevens: What the hell? He’s taunting Kibagami with his cane! What an asshole! Craven has no respect for Kibagami!

 

Riley: And why should he? Has Kibagami won as many matches and titles as Craven?

 

Kibagami pushes himself onto his knees, reaching out for the cane, but as Craven pulls back this time, he brings the cane over his head, driving the steel end of the cane down onto Nathan’s neck!

 

“CRACK!”

 

Kibagami screams out in pain, dropping flat to the mat, grabbing his neck as Craven grabs the other cane, holding both in one hand while he pulls Kibagami up using the other.

 

Stevens: What does Craven have planned here for Kibagami?

 

Riley: Duh! Pain!

 

Once Nathan has been pulled up, Craven backs off, making a throat-slitting motion across his both with the canes before he spins them at his side, further humiliating the dazed Kibagami. The Craven Section cheers for their hero as he smiles, the crowd chanting “CRAVEN SUCKS!” as Mike stops twirling one cane, swinging at Nathan’s head!

 

“CRACK!”

 

Kibagami, however, blocks the shot, putting both forearms up in the way of the cane, stopping it from hitting his face! Craven swings with the other cane-

 

“CRACK!”

 

But Kibagami slides one forearm over to block the other cane shot! The crowd pops as Mike tries to force his way through, Kibagami trying desperately to hold his ground!

 

Stevens: Kibagami blocked it! He blocked the cane shots! I don’t believe it! But he’s barely holding on! Who will win this struggle?!?!

 

As Craven tries to force his way through, Nathan pushes the canes out to the side, pulling them further apart from each other. Then suddenly, hebrings his arms up and around, enveloping the canes undr his arms, and jerking back, rips the cane out of Craven’s grip! The crowd absolutely goes nuts as they see this take place, The King of Nightmares stunned as Nathan grabs a cane in each hand, quickly swinging one into the side of Craven’s face!

 

“CRACK!”

 

Craven’s neck whips around, but Kibagami already has the other cane swinging, cracking it across the other side of Craven’s face!

 

“CRACK!”

 

Craven’s head whips back as Kibagami withdraws both canes, bringing them out to his side and swinging them in at Craven’s neck, resulting in one thunderous sound of canes, cheers, and cries of pain.

 

“CRACK!”

 

Riley: What the hell was that?

 

Stevens: I dunno, but I can only describe it as a cane conchairto to Craven’s neck! The King of Nightmares is in danger now!

 

Craven drops to his knees as Nathan drops the canes, grabbing his neck and crying in pain, allowing Kibagami the opportunity to slowly run back and hit the ropes, still recovering from that camel clutch as he leaps into the air upon return, swinging his knee into the side of Craven’s head, sending Mike to the mat in a hurry as the sound of knee hitting skull echoes through the arena!

 

Riley: SHINING WIZZZAHHHHHHHH!!!

 

Stevens: Shining Wizard from Kibagami to Craven! Craven is down once again!

 

As Craven hits the mat, Kibagami falls as well, both men landing hard on the canvas, but Nathan slowly crawls on top of the Gulf Coast Hurricane, hooking his leg as Kivelll drops to the mat to make the count!

 

Stevens: COVER! This has to be it! Here’s the count!

 

One!!

 

 

Two!!

 

 

 

THREE-KICKOUT BARELY BY CRAVEN!!! The crowd boos as Kibagami cups his face with his hands, unable to believe that Craven managed to kickout of the hard blow!

 

Stevens: SO CLOSE! I THOUGHT KIBAGAMI HAD HIM FOR SURE!!!

 

As Craven lies on the mat and Nathan Kibagami slowly sits up, he does not grab Michael Craven. Instead, he reaches down into his wrestling boot, and pulling something out, staggers towards the middle of the ring. The camera swings around to get a better shot of the foreign object as Kibagami pulls the cap off, revealing it to be a black marker. Bending over in the center of the ring, he draws one big “X” with the marker, causing the crowd to go completely nuts.

 

Riley: He isn’t... he wouldn’t dare!

 

Stevens: I don’t think it matters anymore, Bobby! No one will tell him otherwise!

 

As Nathan does this, Craven has slowly tried to rise to his feet, face covered in his own blood, but has barely been successful. Worn down and extremely tired, he staggers forward, barely able to walk. Kibagami, though, grabs him, hooking his arms as he bends him over, setting him up for the Demonstar Driver!

 

Stevens: HE’S GONNA CRIPPLE CRAVEN WITH A DEMONSTAR DRIVER!! CRAVEN’S CAREER IS ABOUT TO END!

 

Kibagami gets ready to lift Craven into the air, but Craven, with the very last of his strength, starts to lift Kibagami up off the mat, stalling just as he pulls Nathan a few inches up. Nathan releases Craven’s arms and tries to force him back down, but Craven doesn’t let him, instead pulling up and sliding him onto his shoulders! Craven holds Kibagami for a second before he helicopter spins him, dropping him down into a stunner before he collapses back onto the mat!

 

Riley: GULF COAST CRUNCH!!! GULF COAST CRUNCH BY CRAVEN! BOTH MEN DOWN!!!

 

Kibagami and Craven lie on the mat near each other, neither moving, but slowly, Craven rolls over, leaving a red line as he drags his bloodied face across the canvas, struggling to throw an arm/shoulder on top of Kibagami’s chest, the best he can do to cover him as Kivell drops to make the count.

 

Stevens: THIS MIGHT BE IT! HERE’S THE COVER!

 

 

 

 

ONE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREE!!!

 

 

 

DING DING DING!!!!

 

 

Funyon: The winner of the match... MICHAEL CRAAAAAVEN!!!

 

The crowd boos loudly, neither man moving as Riley jumps out of his seat in joy. Kivell checks on the condition of both men, signaling for help from the back for both men, who remain collapsed on the mat, unable to move.

 

Stevens: Michael Craven barely wins this match over a dominatiing Nathan Kibagami, but at what cost? We’ll find out more on the condition of these two men as we get word, but there’s more SWF action coming up following this quick commercial break!

[Guest Ash Ketchum]

Ka-bump.