Countdown to Genesis Losing Matches

[King Cucaracha 0]

[spotty as hell, overbooked...but here nonetheless...congrats to Todd, feedback me if ya want. Cheers.]

 

 

Coming back to Madison Square Garden, the crowd is buzzing, as they should be ahead of the biggest event of the SWF and SJL calendar. Currently SJL referees Sexton Hardcastle and Eddy Long stand in the middle of the ring, Hardcastle holding the SJL European Championship as Eddy is trying to sort out the hook which will hold the belt, and raise it high above the ring for our upcoming match. While this goes on, we go up to the announce table situated at ringside where Annie, Ejiro and Judge sit ready to call the match, a steel ladder standing ominously in front of the table.

 

Judge- Welcome back to The Countdown to Genesis, live from Madison Square Garden...the biggest night of the year for the SWF, and subsequently the SJL too. A big night for me as well...but that's another story. Folks, this match is the perfect example of how big of a night this is to the SJL...the European Title on the line, between two sworn enemies, in a match designed to separately suit both. It promises to be a scorcher guys.

Annie- Ahem...

Judge- Sorry...guy...and Annie.

Ejiro- I want to know who sent these brain surgeons out here to set the belt up. This could take a while. But yeah, it should be a great match, hopefully great for my Saviour, Todd.

 

The two referees continue to try and sort out the belt, as ring announcer Funyon steps in front of them, catching the attention of the fans instantly. The crowd break away from their separate conversations slowly, as Funyon raises the microphone to his lips...

 

 

Funyon- Ladies and gentlemen...this 'Ladders and Submissions Match' is for the SJL...European...Championship!!!

In this match, victory can be attained in one of two ways...either by climbing the ladder and claiming the belt, or via a submission.

 

Funyon just manages to finish his sentence before the opening chords of "The Fight Song" by Marilyn Manson ring out around the arena, which brings the crowd to their feet. The noise from the MSG crowd almost manages to drown out the powerful P.A system, as former SJL TV Champion Landon Maddix steps out from behind the entrance doors.

 

Funyon- Introducing first, the challenger this evening. From Huron, South Dakota...weighing 206 pounds...Landon..."LAAAAA CUUUCAAARAAACHAAA" MAAADDIIIX!!!

 

Looking around he salutes a few of the cheering fans and takes a deep breath, soaking up the atmosphere before suddenly breaking into a sprint. Charging down the aisle, Landon slides into the ring as slowly the European Title is now being hoisted into the air. Landon joins the two referees in watching the belt moving ever closer to the roof of the Garden. As it stops at the right position, Maddix continues to look on, seemingly transfixed by the sight of the belt...

 

 

...until a soft "ahhhhhhh" sound catches his ear. The lights dim, and a single white spotlight shines down on the entrance way. This breaks Maddix's gaze, the challenger now glaring down the rampway. The house lights snap back on, as Motley Crue's "Livewire" hits, the crowd's boos beginning to intensify even though there is no sign of Todd.

 

Funyon- And his opponent…Accompanied to the ring by Megan Skye. He is from San Diego, California and weighs in at 220 pounds…the reigning and defending SJL…EUROPEAN CHAMPION….TODD ROYAL!!!!!

 

Funyon's announcement is greeted with heavy boos from the New York crowd, boos which only increase as the entrance doors open, and 'The Toddles' Megan Skye steps through them. Moments later the SJL European Champ himself walks through, looking slightly smug as he hears the widespread boos. The smug look disappears as he catches sight of Maddix...Megan meanwhile goes to take off Todd's robe, but he just shrugs her off.

 

Ejiro- Here comes the champion of Europe...which by default makes him the fightingest Frenchman around.

Annie- Ooh, a French joke...that's real original Ejiro.

Ejiro- Ah shut up. It's my duty as US Champion.

 

Royal slowly saunters down the aisle, making Maddix wait a little longer for his opportunity for revenge. Pacing back and forth, Maddix is slowly becoming more and more impatient, as Todd has now stopped to argue with a nearby fan clutching a large 'ROYAL ASS' sign. Eventually Megan manages to pull Todd away, and the two carry on down the aisle and get to the ring. Seeing Maddix waiting for him, the ever-intelligent Todd decides to take more of a walk around the ring. His music now stopped, Todd is able to hear the mixed chants of 'Landon' and 'Todd Sucks', which just cause him to take even more time.

 

Judge- Todd taking his time here...remember, Todd says he's looking for the submission win here tonight to 'prove a point'...Landon just wants that European Title either way. But don't expect Todd to be climbing that ladder very often.

Ejiro- Exactly...Todd doesn't want a cheap win like Landon got on him in the 'Hand of Todd Match'. He wants a 'real' win.

 

Having enough of the mind-games, Royal finally enters the ring, disrobing on the apron beforehand. With Todd finally ready, he steps into the middle of the ring, as Landon responds by doing the same. The bell rings, referee Sexton Hardcastle in the ring and Eddy Long on the outside. A brief staredown is stopped as Landon takes a glance up at the prize hanging above the ring. Todd however just glares at Maddix, before suddenly swinging forward and slapping the youngster, to 'ooohs' from the crowd. It seems Royal is not stalling anymore, now unleashing a verbal tirade towards Maddix, yelling about how the belt is hi...

 

SMACK!

 

Landon fires back with a slap of his own! Royal clutches his reddened cheek, as suddenly Landon starts to fire away with a flurry of right hands, rocking Todd back against the ropes. The crowd respond with cheers and shouts of encouragement, clearly liking what they're seeing. A quick knee stops Landon's momentum though, and allows Todd to fall backwards, out through the ropes to catch a breather.

 

Judge- Todd's stuck on the back-foot from the get go here, and I must say he's surprising me with these negative tactics.

Ejiro- Give it time buddy...Todd has a plan, I know he does.

Judge- Well that 'plan' isn't working too well right now.

Ejiro- Like I just said, just give it time.

 

Bounding over to attend to her man, Megan quickly takes the towel from her pocket and starts to towel off Todd. Meanwhile Landon has recovered, and rolled out of the ring, coming out after Todd. The European Champ sees this though, and grabbing his 'Toddess' by the arms, he turns her around and uses her as a human shield, much to the dislike of the fans.

 

Annie- Look at that coward! Having to hide behind the gorgeous Megan like that!

Ejiro- He's not...'hiding' behind her. It's more like 'taking advantage of your surroundings.'

 

Landon stops, and balls up his fist, as Megan is begging off...until suddenly she aims a kick at Landon, only for it to be caught. Again Megan screams to Landon to spare her...as suddenly Todd breaks away from behind Megan, and shoves the nearby ladder...

 

 

...which comes crashing down across Landon, freeing Megan and possibly weakening the already weak neck of Maddix!

 

Judge- OH! That ladder coming into play early...

Ejiro- And it was all thanks to Todd's cunning plan...I told you he had a plan. Todd Damn he had a plan.

Annie- Oh, please don't start that Todd Damn crap again.

 

Royal heaves the ladder back up from off of Maddix, pushing it to the side before landing a couple of stomps to the back of Landon's neck. Todd then grabs a hold of Maddix by the waist, pulling him up and dumping him onto the apron in one movement, before rolling back in himself. Landing another stomp, Royal stops his offence, sticking his head out through the ropes, giving Megan chance to towel him off again. The pompousness of Royal brings out more boos from the crowd, to which he responds with a smug grin.

 

Maddix slowly begins to pull himself up using the ropes, but Todd sees him before he can get back to a vertical base, and hits a stiff forearm to the ribs of the challenger. With Landon doubled over, Todd drapes him throat first across the top rope, and starts to choke him with rare intensity. Todd releases after a few seconds, as Landon's head stays hanging across the top rope. Quickly grabbing the top rope, Todd jerks it back, which whiplashes back, sending Landon crashing backwards into the center of the ring.

 

Ejiro- Todd's doing what he said he would...looking for a submission, by working on the neck.

Judge- Yes, the same neck that has bothered Landon throughout his SJL career.

 

With Landon laid flat out on the mat, Royal gives a big smile towards Megan, before grabbing a hold of Landon's right leg and giving the signal for the Wrath Of Todd! Maddix obviously sees it, as Todd goes for the figure four but he gets a foot to the ass to block. Maddix thrusts the foot forwards, pushing Todd forward and into the ropes. Royal comes back, and jumps over Maddix's now raised feet, carrying on to the opposite ropes as Maddix gets back up. Coming back Royal gets ready to hit a clothesline, but Landon sees the outstretched arm coming, and uses it to take Royal over with an armdrag. Todd gets back up a little surprised looking, as Maddix charges across the ring and dives forward looking for flying forearm...which is ducked, causing Maddix to crash into the ropes, falling to the outside after hitting the ropes a couple of times.

 

Annie- OH...that looked bad. Maddix's head got snapped back at least twice there...

 

 

Royal takes a quick look up at the belt, before looking out at Landon...and the ladder...

 

 

Shaking it off, Todd rolls out of the ring, and walks over to Maddix, who is trying to get back to his feet. From the smile on Todd's face, he almost looks over-confident...that possible overconfidence allowing Maddix to catch Todd in the gut with an elbow to the gut. Landon then quickly grabs Royal by the head, and throws him headfirst into the announce table!

 

Judge- Hey!

Ejiro- Watch it!

Annie- Oh please...I hope you're not this easily scared later tonight.

Ejiro- Why, what's happening lat...oh.

 

With the Euro Champ draped over the announce table, Maddix takes the chance to grab the ladder from the floor, and hoist it up into the ring as quickly as possible. Seeing Todd beginning to stir, Landon again throws Royal's head into the table to buy himself a little more time. With Todd suitably hurt, Maddix rolls back into the ring and quickly starts to set up the ladder.

 

Judge- First attempt at the win for the challenger...Landon's going for the belt right now!

 

With the ladder set up, Maddix quickly tries to position the ladder underneath the belt...as Royal begins to crawl back towards the ring with Megan verbally encouraging him on. Landon meanwhile starts a-stepping, making good progress as he's already halfway up by the time Todd manages to roll back into the ring. All Maddix is focused on though is the belt, so he doesn't see Royal lunging forward and grabbing onto the bottom rungs of the ladder, trying to find any way to stop Landon. This is enough to disrupt Landon's climb. The challenger abandons the belt, and as Todd gets back up, Maddix jumps off with a double axehandle...

 

...which Todd sidesteps. Maddix jolts his knee on the way down, and Royal sees this, hitting a chopblock to follow it up. Royal then turns towards the ladder...but instead of making a climb, Royal folds up the ladder and drops it to the mat.

 

Judge- What...what's Todd doing. He should be going up for the belt! This is bad strategy!

Ejiro- Todd wants a submission remember Judgey. He's a man on a mission in this match...not just to retain his belt, but to prove he can beat Landon Maddix fairly.

 

Grabbing a handful of hair, Royal pulls up Maddix and throws his arm over into a back suplex position. Popping his hips, Royal raises Landon up, but doesn't fall back...instead, he grabs a hold of Landon's ankle, and brings Maddix back down knee first across the ladder! Royal keeps a hold of Maddix, picks him up and hits a second kneebreaker across the ladder, as all the while the confident Megan stands outside the ring, applauding her man. Lifting Landon up again, Royal drops him knee first across the ladder a third time, before releasing the grip he had, and pulling Landon up by his injured knee.

 

Ejiro- Todd is relentless...this is great guys!

 

With Maddix hopping on one leg trying to get his balance, Royal is easily able to hook around the held leg and take Maddix over with a dragon screw. With an almost sick smile, Royal grabs the leg and pulls Landon up again, the boos intensifying as he does so. Again, Royal snaps the increasingly lifeless Maddix over with a dragon screw, only to pull him up again for a third!

 

The crowd start to try and get behind the challenger, as with a cocky smile Todd signals that he's ready for one more...

 

 

LANDON! LANDON! LANDON!

SMACK!

 

To an eruption of cheers, Maddix swings his free leg around and nails an Enziguri, sending Todd crashing forward, and face first into the middle turnbuckle!

 

Judge- What a counter...and it needed a counter for Maddix to escape, because Royal is intent on weakening that knee for a submission.

Ejiro- Plus, how can Maddix climb the ladder with only one leg?

Judge- That's a good point.

Ejiro- Of course it's a good point, I said it.

 

 

Todd has to use the rope to pull himself up, as over hops Landon, firing with a right...

 

 

...and another right...

 

 

...and a flurry of more rights to the jaw, until Todd is slumped against the turnbuckles. Landon measures the Euro Champ, and nails an elbow to the jaw. A second one follows, before Maddix gives Todd an insulting crotch chop, and hits a third.

 

Maddix then stops, and looks up at the belt, limping over to the ladder. Hauling the ladder up, Landon stops, and having a change of plans he drags the ladder over to the corner. Todd tries to stagger out of said corner, but Landon pushes the ladder forward, the middle metal rungs smashing him in the face.

 

OOOHHHHH!!!

 

 

With Todd back in the corner, Maddix props the ladder up against Royal, as the Garden crowd are suddenly hit with a wave of anticipation. Quickly, Landon rolls to the outside of the ring, and takes a steel chair from the timekeeper's table, bringing it back in and setting it up in front of Todd, who is still behind the ladder.

 

Judge- Oh...Landon Maddix about to take a big risk...

Annie- He doesn't care Judge...he's crazy!

Ejiro- Yeah...a crazy idiot!

 

Maddix backs up to the opposite corner, trying to shake off the pain in his leg, and charges forward...using the chair as a springboard...

 

 

...as Todd suddenly pushes the ladder forward...

 

 

 

..WIPING LANDON OUT IN MID-AIR!!!

 

 

The sound of Landon hitting ladder brings shocked sound from the crowd, as Maddix himself lays flat out underneath the ladder. A relieved Todd drags the ladder away, putting it back against the corner, before pulling Landon into the middle of the ring, and grabbing his injured leg. Too hurt to put up a fight, Landon is easy pickings for the Wrath of Todd, which the Euro Champ quickly locks in!

 

Judge- Wrath of Todd! This may be it...this is what Maddix tapped out to last time...

Ejiro- Wait, no...this is the Reykjavik of Todd...he's European you know.

Judge- The wha...

Ejiro- Reykjavik...capital of Iceland...look it up!

 

Both Maddix's legs are in pain from Todd's devastating version of the figure four, as Eddy Long is quickly over to check for a submission. Todd is clearly in no mood for waiting, repeatedly cinching up on the leg. The challenger is trying to withstand the pain, as Todd sneakily reaches backward...as from the outside Megan grabs his arms, and wrenches back, adding more leverage.

 

Annie- Ah...smart AND beautiful!

Ejiro- Well...I try.

 

Judge and Ejiro exchange a childish laugh and high-five, as back in the ring Landon is on the verge of tapping. Referee Hardcastle comes over and sees Megan...but she happily tells him it's no DQs, so there's nothing he can do. Suddenly, the chants start up again...

 

 

LANDON! LANDON! LANDON!

 

 

Royal hears them, yelling at the crowd to shut up, as Maddix is trying to draw some energy from them.

 

Ejiro- I can't believe this...most men would have tapped out by now.

Judge- Well...maybe he put it on too early...

Ejiro- But still...this is the Wrath of Todd. This kid is surviving the Wrath of Todd!

 

With a surge of energy, Landon suddenly starts to try and turn Todd, much to the champ's shock. The crowd get louder seeing this, as Landon is fighting to turn the hold...

 

 

...but a tug from Megan pulls the hold over before Maddix can get the turn.

 

 

BOOOOO!!!

 

Still Maddix tries to fight...but slowly begins to raise his hand, possibly ready to tap. The smile is back on Todd's face now, confident the end is moments away. But, instead of tapping, Landon begins to turn towards the right. Todd pushes his weight to the left, and the 206 pound frame of Landon is not enough to turn Royal. The kid thinks quickly though, and using his head turns quickly left...Todd's own weight used against him...

 

...as Landon turns the hold over!!!

 

Ejiro- OH NO!

Judge- The hold is reversed...if Todd taps, we've got a new European Champion!

 

Megan's grip is broken, as in almost an indian deathlock, Royal is in trouble now. Todd starts to drag himself towards the ropes, getting to the open chair first, and trying to pull himself up using it. Pulling himself up only wrenches on his legs more, so he shoves the chair to one side and continues his crawl. From the outside, Megan grabs the chair and quickly folds it up...

 

 

...as Todd raises his hand ready to tap out...

 

 

...he tries to hold on for a little longer, but it seems to be all over...

 

 

 

 

 

...suddenly, Megan hurls the chair forward, smacking Landon in the face with it!!!

 

This causes Landon to release the hold, just in time for Todd. Boos rain down on 'The Toddess' from all corners of the arena, as Todd looks more than relieved as he slowly gets to his feet.

 

Judge- Oh come on! Again Megan Skye having to save Todd!

Annie- She should be European Champion, instead of that cowardly jerk.

Ejiro- Ah, you're just saying that because you fancy her.

Annie- And you're just saying that because you fancy him!

 

On his way up, Todd gives a couple of sharp kicks to Landon's right knee, before dragging the ladder slightly away from the ropes. A groggy Maddix starts to get to his feet too, but is stopped by Todd halfway, and irish whipped to the ropes. As he comes back off, Royal hooks Landon by the waist, and hits a vicious spinebuster ACROSS THE LADDER!

 

OOOOOHHH!!!

 

Ejiro- What a Spainbuster!!!

 

Maddix lays across the ladder for just a few moments, as Todd quickly pulls it from underneath his now weakened back. Looking up at the belt, Royal begins to set the ladder up underneath...but sees Maddix stirring, so abandons this and hits a snap legdrop across Landon's throat. The champ then goes back over to the ladder, setting it up...but then stopping. Almost in two minds, Royal stands looking from the belt, to Landon, to the belt, to Landon's knee. With a last look at the belt, Royal again sees Landon trying to get up, and gives him a helping yank. A knee to the gut follows, before Todd throws Landon into the corner. Taking a step he goes to follow in, only for Landon to raise his left boot into the face. With Todd staggered, Landon hops up to the middle rope, and quickly hooks Todd's head over his shoulder...

 

Judge- Crash Landon. If he hits this, he can go up for the belt...

 

Landon springs off the rope, but the power in his right knee has all but gone, and the weak push-off allows Royal to easily counter into another spinebuster! Landon is down again, as Todd looks over to the ladder...and slowly walks over. With a look back to Maddix, Todd raises his leg and slowly places it on the bottom rung of the ladder...

 

Judge- Wait...what's Todd doing now? I thought he wanted to win by submission Ejiro.

Ejiro- Err...well, so did I. I don't know why he's going for the belt. But who cares, as long as he wins the belt...

Judge- Yeah, but what about his mor...

Ejiro- I already said, I don't know!

Annie- He's scared, because Maddix escaped the Wrath of Todd.

Ejiro- He's not scared...he's Todd Royal! Lord Todd...champion of Europe! No fear Todd Damn it!

 

The crowd are now turning their attention to encouraging Landon on, who still lays underneath the bottom rope holding his back...neck...knee. Meanwhile Todd is already halfway up the ladder, with the belt in sight...but he seems to be having second thoughts again. His Toddess isn't however, yelling at Todd to just go up. Slowly Landon begins to stir, as eventually Todd continues his climb...

 

Ejiro- Yes...he's gonna do it! He's so close, and Maddix is so far away!

Annie- Not that far away now...

Ejiro- Wha...damn, he's not. TODD...COME ON TODD, SPEED UP!

 

Todd is on the top quarter of the ladder, but Landon is close to the ladder too. Reaching up, Todd can't quite reach the belt, so he goes to take another step...only for Landon to shove the bottom of the ladder...

 

...causing it, and Todd, to crash down to the mat...prompting big cheers from the New York crowd.

 

Ejiro- Todd Damn It!!!

Judge- That was almost too close for Landon Maddix...but it looks like we're back at square one now, because both men are down and hurting.

 

Both men are indeed down, and seeing this Megan Skye decides to take action, rolling in with a hold of the steel chair. Landon is first to start getting to his feet, not seeing Megan stood behind him with the chair ready to swing. Eddy Long tries to step in the way, but the threat of a chair shot from The Toddess scares him off.

 

 

By now Maddix is back to his feet...Todd meanwhile weakly tries to set the ladder back up. Turning around Landon hears the warning shouts from the crowd, and sees Megan out of the corner of his eye, giving him time to react with a duck as Megan wildly swings with the chair. The chair flies to one side of the ring, as Landon grabs Megan by the hair...

 

Judge- Here comes some revenge...Megan has been a constant thorn in Landon's side recently...

Annie- I've said it before, and I'll say it again...tear her damn clothes off!

 

 

...meanwhile behind Landon's back, Todd is now hauling himself up the metal rungs of the ladder. Still Landon is oblivious to this, and he reels back to possibly hit Megan...seeing Todd's climb one of the big screens out of the corner of his eye. He shoves Megan away, and quickly turns and dives...grabbing Todd by the foot. This clearly comes as a surprise to The Toddster, who starts to try and kick Landon off. After a few thrusts of the foot, Todd sends Landon back into the ropes, and starts to climb again. Seeing the champ getting ever closer to his title, Maddix quickly grabs the steel chair...

 

...and CRACKS Todd across the back with it. This obviously stops Todd, who clutches his back...Maddix meanwhile rolls out of the ring, and starts to route underneath the ring.

 

Ejiro- Oh Todd...come on Todd!

Annie- (mockingly) Oooh Todd, oooh Todd...please, you're pathetic.

Ejiro- ME!?! (also mockingly) Oooh Megan, I love you Megan, I'm a lesbian Mega...(breaking off) HEY!

Judge- Another ladder!?!

 

Maddix emerges from under the apron skirt with another ladder in his clutches, which brings a big pop from the crowd, and a look of increased urgency from Megan. Shoving the second ladder into the ring, Landon rolls in afterwards, as meanwhile Todd is slowly trying to climb the original ladder again. A grab of the tights by Maddix puts pay to that though...Royal unable to struggle free before Landon fires a series of forearms into the ribs of the champion.

 

With Todd again too weakened to climb the ladder, Landon quickly picks up the second ladder and begins to set it up next to the ladder Todd is clinging to. With the second ladder set up, Maddix climbs to Todd's level, and reaches out with a roundhouse kick to the back of the head. Royal clutches onto the ladder to avoid falling off, as Maddix smashes his boot into the head of Royal a second time, before placing said foot onto Todd's ladder.

 

Judge- Wait a minute wait a minute...what's Maddix going to do here?

Ejiro- I hate to think...no doubt it'll be stupid and flashy.

 

Maddix then hits a couple of right hands to the back of Royal's head, but catches an elbow into the ribs...followed up with a second. Maddix is now close to falling from the ladders, but manages to nail a couple more right hands to halt the momentum of Todd. Taking his foot off Todd's ladder, Maddix decides to go for broke, and climb for the belt...as from the outside Megan hurls something into the ring...

 

...Todd manages to catch whatever it is, and SMACK Landon in the lower back with it!!! Throwing the object to the mat, Todd reaches up to Maddix, and hooks the kid's arm over his shoulder.

 

Judge- Oh no...

Annie- Here comes one for the highlight reel!

 

Todd wraps his arms around Landon's waist, and falls back...which causes Landon to crash down with him...

 

 

...WITH A BACK SUPLEX OFF THE LADDER!!!

 

 

 

HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

 

 

As the MSG crowd chant away, Landon lays clutching his neck in immense pain, as Todd too is also looking hurt...laying right next to The Hand of Todd, the weapon he obviously used moments earlier!

 

Ejiro- Beautiful...that wasn't just an awesome visual, that was an intelligent move too. Another move which will injure the neck of Landon Maddix...Todd is so damn smart!

Annie- Obviously not too smart, because he's hurt himself too.

 

As both men lay down and hurt in the ring, the crowd rise to their feet in respectful applause...unfortunately, the two men are probably unable to hear it.

 

Judge- This is a gut-check now...whoever gets up first has the advantage...

Ejiro- State the obvious why don't you partner.

Judge- Well...I'm just explaining to the people watching like I'm supposed to.

Ejiro- But still, of course whoever gets up first has the advant...

Judge- Just drop it man.

 

 

Slowly, both men begin to stir...Maddix clutching his neck in pain as Todd looks more than a little dazed. He is however first to his feet, and waiting on Landon with a stomp to the neck. Grabbing Landon by the wrist, the European Champ pulls the kid up and irish whips him into the corner. Fatigued, Maddix isn't able to stop himself crashing into the corner, nor stop Royal charging in with a clothesline. The force of the clothesline causes Maddix to stagger out of the corner, as Todd takes a step back and suddenly launches forward with a superkick attempt...

 

...Landon desperately rolls underneath though, and as Todd tries to gain his balance, Landon hits a spinkick to the back of the head. Royal crashes to the mat face first, whilst Landon wearily steps out to the apron...possibly looking for the Fah-Laming Fury Moonsault. Before he can initiate the move however, Todd is pulling himself up using the ropes, so the kid has to think again. Patiently, he waits for Todd to get up, before sticking his leg through the middle rope, and aiming a roundhouse kick at Todd's gut. The Champ sees it from the corner of his eye though, catching the leg across his side, as Maddix quickly steps back into the ring. Todd is waiting for this however, and dragon screws Landon over...

 

 

...holding onto the leg and quickly hooking on a single leg boston crab.

 

Judge- Another submission attempt by Todd.

Ejiro- This has got to be it...

 

Todd sits back as far as he possibly can, trying desperately to retain his title. Instinctively, Maddix starts to crawl, even though grabbing the ropes would not actually save him. The New York crowd start clapping their encouragement, and this seems to send a rush of adrenaline flowing from "La Cucaracha"'s body...

 

...which is stopped by Todd turning to the left, grabbing Maddix's head and hooking on an STF!

 

 

Ejiro- And that's an even better move...great wrestling by Todd, because this hurts the knee AND neck of Maddix.

Annie- Way to state the obvious Ejiro...

Ejiro- Don't start with me little lady!

 

With the STF hooked in, Todd looks suddenly more confident, even managing a smile as he pulls back on the neck. Referee Eddy Long is down looking for a tap, as meanwhile Todd turns his head and yells at Megan to come into the ring! She obeys 'her Todd', and rolls in to a fair few wolf whistles from the crowd, as Todd then yells at her to towel him off.

 

Annie- Oh come on...what a pompous ass! She's not your slave...

Ejiro- Although you wish she was yours...

Annie- Yes, although in a different way probably.

 

 

Again, she does as she's told...but as she finishes, she decides she's not actually finished...

 

...spitting in the face of the helpless Maddix!

 

Judge- Oh come on...that's no way for a woman to act.

Annie- What do you mean? I did stuff like that all the time...

Judge- Yeah...but you're a...you're not...you're...different!

Ejiro- You sure dug yourself out of that hole partner.

 

 

Seeing this, Eddy grabs Megan by the arm, and tells her to get out of the ring...but Megan decides to put up a fight...

 

 

 

 

...as behind Eddy's back...

 

 

 

 

 

...MADDIX TAPS!!!

 

 

Royal immediately releases the hold, as boos ring around The Garden, but Long doesn't know why Royal has his hand raised.

 

 

Ejiro- Oh...he didn't see it!?! What the hell!?!

Annie- He was distracted by Megan...which is understa...

Ejiro- Shut up with the Lesbo crap...TODD SHOULD HAVE WON!!! What the hell was Hardcastle doing?

Judge- I don't know, but he obviously didn't see it either.

 

A furious Todd starts to argue with referee Long, as meanwhile Maddix is getting up. Royal sees it and stomps over towards Maddix...only to get lifted in the air and dropped throat first across the top rope. Royal stumbles backward, and gets leg tripped by Maddix, who then grabs Royal's legs for a boston crab. He tries to turn the Champ over, unable to do so from fatigue...so instead, he simply falls back...

 

Todd gets slingshotted towards the ladder, but manages to land his feet on a rung before a head-on collision! Hardly able to believe his luck, Todd quickly starts to scamper up the ladder. Maddix is quickly up to his feet too, and able to kick Royal hard in the kidneys not once, but twice. With Todd hurt on the ladder, Maddix reaches up between the European legs of Royal, and tug him down off the ladder, into a sitout powerbomb!!!

 

Judge- Sitout Powe...

Ejiro- Todd should have won by now. All this is just wrong...

Judge- Please Ejiro, don't whine. You're supposed to be a champion, so act like one.

 

 

Suddenly, back in rolls Megan Skye, who seems to be looking up at the European Championship. Quickly checking that Maddix is down and hurt, a slightly nervous looking Megan quickly kicks off her boots...

 

 

...and starts to slowly climb the ladder!!!

 

Ejiro- Ok...what the heck is this?

Judge- Err...beats me.

Ejiro- Wait, she's going for the belt. She's gonna get the belt for Todd...genius! Ingenious!!!

Annie- Where the hell is up-skirt cam...I DEMAND UP-SKIRT CAM!!!

 

Being bare footed, Megan is slow to climb the ladder, as she's only about halfway up as Todd is almost to his feet...Landon also using the ropes for help in getting up. The Euro Champ has to shake his head as he gets up, unable to believe what he's seeing...as from behind, Landon manages to weakly trip up Todd, and step over with both legs, sitting back to lock in a Boston Crab! Yelling at Megan to help him, Todd is still in pain from the fall from the ladder. Maddix seems to be too, not able to sit fully back on the move. Megan meanwhile is stuck in two minds, whever to help Todd escape, or grab the belt for him.

 

Ejiro- What happens if Megan grabs the belt? Does Todd win...don't tell me Landon wins...

Annie- Megan wins?

Ejiro- Huh?

Judge- It may not matter, because Todd may be about to tap out!

 

Long is in perfect position waiting for a tap, as meanwhile Megan is close to the belt...

 

...but instead steps back down, and starts to climb back down as quickly as she possibly can. Todd now has his hand raised a few inches above the mat, the hand shaking, caught between tapping and staying raised. The crowd are YELLING at Todd to tap, as eventually Megan gets down from the ladder, and the crowd's screams fail to alert Maddix. The Toddess grabs a hold of The Hand of Todd and gets ready to smack Landon in the back of the head...but is held back by referee Long. Out of anger she smacks Long in the head with the slugger, which brings Hardcastle into the ring!

 

Judge- What is this women doing...she's crazy.

Annie- But she's also hot, so it doesn't really matter.

Judge- Doesn't matter!?! She just knocked out Eddy!

 

As Hardcastle tries to restrain Megan, Landon releases one of Royal's leg, and spins around the other and grabs the head with an STF!

 

 

Judge- STF! Just like Todd did to Landon earlier, Maddix turns into an STF...

Ejiro- Oh no...come on Todd!

 

 

Todd is near tapping, as Landon wrenching back on the head furiously...

 

 

 

 

 

 

...TODD TAPS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUT HARDCASTLE IS STILL DETAINED!

 

 

Judge- It's over...it should be over!!!

Ejiro- But it's not Todd Damn it! It's not over, the ref didn't see Todd...err...Landon...tapping Todd's hand.

Annie- Ejiro, we should have a new champion, and you know it!

Ejiro- WE SHOULD HAVE HAD ONE EARLIER!!!

Judge- Well...I guess this is 'turn about is fair play' time.

Ejiro- No, it's 'serves you right for trying to screw with Todd' time!

 

Thinking he's the new champ, Landon releases the hold and raises his hands up victoriously...as Megan now decides to get out of the ring. Walking over to Hardcastle, Maddix tells him to bring the belt down, but the no from Hardcastle brings a questioning look from Landon. The crowd start booing wildly having seen the tap, but Hardcastle didn't.

 

 

Landon holds his head in disbelief, as a profusely sweating Todd is up to the middle rope, reaching his head out to allow Megan to towel him off. Maddix sees it, and charges to the ropes, swinging himself around using the top and middle ropes, and going to swing back with the Whiparound, but Todd grips onto the middle rope to block. Landon however does swing back around, crashing to the mat hip first as he does so.

 

Judge- Desperate counter from Todd...this is a gutcheck right now.

Ejiro- And we all know, Todd has more guts...and he's got more desire, because he's got it all to lose tonight.

 

Slowly Todd rolls away from the ropes, and starts to claw his way over to the ladder, as Maddix is seemingly knocked silly.

 

TODD SUCKS! TODD SUCKS! TODD SUCKS!

 

The chants echo around The Garden, not halting Todd's crawl, as he now within touching distance of the ladder. However, he's so worn out, the ladder is used as much for pulling himself up as it is for retrieving the belt. Slowly he manages to grab hold of the rungs, and start to inch up the left ladder, the crowd now trying to will Landon up.

 

Ejiro- Come on Todd...come on, come on get up there!

Judge- Please Ejiro...calm down would you. He climbing as fast as he can.

Ejiro- But it's not fast enough, because Maddix is getting up...COME ON TODD!!!

 

Slowly inching closer to the gold, Todd takes a look up, thinking he's far enough up. A reach and a miss tells him he's not, so he adjusts and keeps going...but Maddix is now back up. Almost falling over from exhaustion, Maddix makes a dive...pushing the ladder...

 

 

...the ladder tips to one side...

 

 

 

...Royal manages to get his fingertips on the belt...

 

 

 

...but the ladder is tipping...

 

 

 

 

...and Royal goes crashing down with the ladder, and flying OVER the top rope, and TO THE FLOOR!!!

 

 

HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

 

Ejiro- Oh no...TODD!

Annie- Like a bug into a windshield...someone needs to scrape Todd off the floor!

Ejiro- Heh, very funny...TODD!

 

Maddix is too weak to capitalise, and collapses to the mat, still able to look up at the European Title above the ring, but a good 15 feet from it. The crowd stand applauding both men's efforts, as in near pathetic desperation, Maddix reaches up his arm, as if reaching for the belt from the mat. Todd meanwhile is laid flat out on the concrete floor, Megan standing over him desperately trying to revive him.

 

 

It's now a race to get up, as Maddix is slowly doing so, pushing the fallen ladder into the corner before crawling for the standing ladder. A frantic Megan grabs herself a bottle of water and pours it over Todd, but even though he comes around quickly, still he lays flat out in the aisle of MSG as Landon is now climbing the ladder towards immortality.

 

 

The crowd's excitement is causing near-deafening noise, as the kid is so close...SO CLOSE...to being the European Champion. Todd is back to his knees now, Megan frantically trying to shove him into the ring.

 

Judge- This may be it...this'll save any controversy, if Landon can just climb a few more steps!

 

Landon is halfway up, as Todd is rolled in...but he looks too dazed to do anything about it...

 

 

 

...until a sudden burst of adrenaline pushes him on, climbing the ladder behind Maddix.

 

 

Reaching up, Maddix gets his fingertips on the belt...

 

Annie- HE'S INCHES AWAY!

Ejiro- SO'S TODD!

 

Maddix stops, and takes another step...but Todd grabs a hold of his foot, and pulls...

 

WOOOAAAHHH!

 

...Landon falls forward, and almost topples over the top of the ladder...

 

...but stays hanging across the middle of the ladder, as Todd grabs Maddix's foot...

 

 

Ejiro- ANKLE LOCK ON THE LADDER! BRILLIANT MOVE BY TODD!!!

Judge- Indeed it is...Maddix was inches away, but an Ankle Lock can end it!

Ejiro- I KNOW THAT!

 

Todd twists the ankle to the right, as Maddix is yelling out in pain. Knowing he's still close to the belt, Maddix tries to block out the pain, and gain his balance. Todd though is relentless on the ankle, referee Hardcastle now looking up to see if Maddix will tap on the ladder.

 

Judge- Todd's got two choices...wait for Maddix to tap, or shove him off and grab the belt...

Ejiro- He wants to make Landon tap! Todd Damn he wants a tap!!!

 

 

Gritting his teeth, Landon again tries to rise up and grab the belt, but the pain is too much...

 

 

...he raises his hand, ready to tap, ready to give up his dreams of being Champion of Europe...

 

 

...Todd has a huge grin on his face, clearly believing it's all over...

 

 

 

 

...MADDIX'S HAND HITS THE LADDER...

 

 

 

...BUT NOT AS A TAPOUT!!!

 

Instead, Landon clutches onto the ladder, and rolls forward...

 

...Todd is sent flying forward...CRASHING TO THE MAT BACK FIRST!

 

 

The crowd ERUPT, as Maddix tries gain his breath, hanging inches from the mat. After a few second he drops to the mat, and begins to climb again, as Royal lays in the corner of the ring, unable to move.

 

Annie- WHAT A COUNTER!!!

Judge- Maddix is going up...TODD'S OUT! MADDIX IS GOING UP!!!

Ejiro- NO!

 

Maddix slowly takes step...after step...after step, up to the top of the ladder. He gets within reaching distance of the belt...but for some reason, he doesn't grab the belt. It seems the cheers of the crowd have taken over his head, as he balances on the very top of the ladder. Megan is screaming at Landon to think again, although even she would be hard pressed to hear herself, as the crowd are going crazy...

 

...Landon stands atop the ladder, looking down on the motionless Todd...

 

 

 

...AND DIVES OFF...

 

 

 

 

 

Judge- FROG SPLASH FROM THE LADDER!!!

 

 

 

THE FROG SPLASH HITS!!!

 

 

 

 

HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

 

 

 

Judge- OH MY GOD WHAT A FROG SPLASH!!!

Annie- THAT'S...THAT'S...CRAZY!!!

 

 

The crowd respond with deafening cheers and chants, as Royal holds his gut as if he's just been shot in it. Maddix too holds his gut in pain, but he's now crawling desperately back towards the ladder.

 

 

Judge- Now he's going for the belt...and Todd is in no condition to recover...

Annie- We're gonna have a new champion right here, no doubt about it.

Ejiro- No, no...Todd's ok. He's just...playing possum. A Todd damn possum...

Annie- Give it up Ejiro, it's over.

 

 

Using the rungs to drag himself to his feet, slowly Maddix starts to climb the ladder. With the crowd 100% behind him, 'La Cucaracha' clambers up the ladder as fast as possible with his all-round weakened body. With every step Landon advances to, the crowd somehow seems to get louder...

 

 

 

...as he gets halfway however, Todd is beginning to crawl towards the ladder with every ounce of strength he has left...

 

 

Ejiro- SEE!?! COME ON TODD!!!

 

 

 

...Maddix keeps on dragging himself up the ladder regardless...

 

 

 

...and reaches up for the belt...

 

 

 

 

...his fingertips brush the belt...

 

 

 

 

 

 

...ONLY PUSHING IT TO THE SIDE!

 

 

Judge- SO CLOSE!

Ejiro- Come on Todd...COME ON TODD! Think of France...think of Spain...THINK OF LEICHENSTEIN!!!

 

 

 

Landon has to stop, and wait for the belt to swing back, as Todd is now at the foot of the ladder...

 

 

 

...slowly, Todd starts to try and climb the ladder...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...BUT IT'S TOO LATE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...AS LANDON GRABS THE BELT!!!

 

 

 

Judge- NEW CHAMPION...WE HAVE A NEW EUROPEAN CHAMPION!!!

Ejiro- NOOOOO!!!!!

 

 

Landon sits atop the ladder, overcome with a mixture of elation and exhaustion, his new piece of gold draping itself over his shoulder. All the energy has now been sapped from Todd too, as he slumps from off the bottom of the ladder, holding his head in his hands. The crowd meanwhile are on their feet, applauding the new champion, almost drowning out the sound of "The Fight Song" playing in the background.

 

Ejiro- I don't believe it...we have a new SJL European Champion. Landon Maddix, not only now two and 0 over Todd Royal...but the new European Champion...on his first attempt!?! This can not be happening!

Judge- Well it is Ejiro...it is.

Annie- And listen to this crowd...it's deafening in here.

 

The exhausted Maddix stands up on the ladder again, weakly raising his newly won title belt in the air. Todd meanwhile is already being dragged from the ring and helped backstage by Megan, obviously not wanting to hang around to see Landon's celebration.

 

 

Funyon- Here is your winner...and NEEEEEWWW ESS JAY ELL EUROPEEEAAAN CHAAAMPIOOON...LAAANDOOON "LAAAAA CUUUCAAARAAACHAAA" MAAAAADDIIIX!!!!!

 

 

RRRAAAAAHHH!!!

 

 

Judge- Landon Maddix has done it! After two tapouts, both unseen by the referees thanks to Megan Skye, who might as well have been in the match considering everything she did, Maddix has won. And I guess you could say that the two taps cancelled each other out...

Ejiro- Ha...no way Judge. You haven't heard the last of this. Todd got the tap first, Todd should be the champ. Believe me, this isn't over...there'll be an inquiry, an inquest, inquisitiveness...this isn't over Todd Damn It!

 

Slowly Maddix makes his way back down the ladder, and his hand is immediately raised in victory by Sexton Hardcastle. Hardcastle attaches the belt around the new 'King of Europe's waist before leaving the ring. The outstretched hands of the fans are waiting for him, but Maddix doesn't tag them...instead rolling over the protective barrier, and making his weary way into the crowd.

 

Ejiro- Where's he going...he should watch out that someone doesn't steal his new belt...this is New York after all.

Judge- Ejiro, please.

Annie- Yeah Ejiro, shut your damn hole.

Ejiro- How about you kiss my a-hole...

Judge- Please guys...history has been made in Madison Square Garden, as Landon Maddix has captured the SJL European Title on the first attempt...congratulations to him, and hopefully it's a sign of things to come as far as title matches go tonight.

Ejiro- Ahem...

Judge- Oh...well, except yours Ejiro.

 

 

Maddix disappears into the sea of humanity, only the now held high European Title belt visible as he goes out of sight.

 

Judge- Well folks...more to come from us SJLers still, so stay tuned...and we're roughly under two hours from Genesis, live on Pay Per View...and if you've got half a brain, you won't miss that. Stay tuned...man what a battle that was!