Metal Losing Matches

[Guest Korgath]

I'm really proud of this match.

 

The show is back as we pan around the Chrysler Arena, focusing at various signs brought by the audience.

 

“CAGE MATCHES SUCK!”

 

“FROST ANSWERED MY LETTER!”

 

“MANSON FOR PRESIDENT!”

 

Ejiro: “Hmmm. The production crew of the Smartmarks Junior Leagues does not take responsibility for the way these morons are exercising their right to free speech.”

 

Judge: “Well put, Eji. Nonetheless, welcome back to SJL Metal! It’s been one helluva card so far!”

 

Annie: “We’ve just witnessed a rare cage match between Brian Bowers and Jay Morrison, with the Television Title on the line!”

 

Judge: “Yes, I thought it was about time the cage got utilized.”

 

Ejiro: “But even that didn’t compare with the brutal match between a revived Jimmy Liston and former World Champion Spike Jenkins!”

 

Judge: “Exactly, ever since becoming part of a new faction in the SJL, simply named “The Decay”, Liston has been on a roll!”

 

Annie: “Bill, it’s just been one victory.”

 

Ejiro: “Did someone just say something? No? Anyway, up next, we’ve got the other half of The Decay, cashing in his European Title shot against the current title holder, Todd Royal!”

 

As always, the exquisitely dressed Funyon is in the ring to announce the next match.

 

Funyon: “Ladies and Gentlemen! The following match is scheduled for one fall and is for the SJL European Title!”

 

“You sit alone in lightless chambers, all the love you had is gone

No one there to catch your fall, you never felt so alone

Blackened thoughts in lonely ruins, lifeless eyes an empty gaze

Death is but a promise now, life is just an empty phrase!”

 

The opening lines of Grave Digger’s “Demon’s Day” hit as the massive form of Dominic Korgath emerges from behind the curtain. The audience raises their volume as they rain curses, insults and SoBig email worms while the Big Demon simply stands, motionless at the top of the ramp. Then, the bigger half of The Decay raises his iron staff high above his head in a sign of defiance as he starts making his way down to the ring.

 

Funyon: “Introducing first, the challenger, weighing at 350 lbs, he is one half of The Decay, DOMMINNNNNICCCCCCCCCCCC KOOOORRRGAAATTTTHHHHH!!!!”

 

The big man climbs over the top rope as he gets into the ring and awaits his opponent, still clutching his iron staff.

 

Suddenly the lights go out and a piercing spotlight emits from the rafters. A choir of angelic voices raise a lyricless hymn before the music of Motley Crue's “Livewire” hits and blue and white strobes appear. From behind the curtain appears Todd Royal, carrying his European Title across his shoulder. Beside him, the self-declared “Toddess” Megan Skye walks, her lithe form almost floating behind her man.

 

Funyon: “Now making his way to the ring accompanied by Megan Skye, weighing at 220lbs and hailing from San Diego, he is the SJL European Champion, TODDDDDDD ROYAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!”

 

Royal keeps the ropes open for Megan to climb through, before he too enters the ring, much to the crowds’ unhappiness. Megan hands him a microphone, which naturally resounds in feedback in the presence of its Lord, Todd.

 

Todd: “Dear faithful of the Kingdom of Todd, I enjoyed myself so much in Buffalo earlier last week that I’ve decided that the people in… where are we again? Michigan? Right! The lovely people here in Michigan should receive an UNDESERVED public service from yours truly! This is TRULY a special day to all of you. So please, for those in the delightful Chrysler Arena with FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY, and ONLY flash photography, I’ve decided to give you all a photo opportunity!”

 

The European Champion only manages to pose for several seconds before his opponent Korgath threatens to begin the match, like it or not.

 

Todd: “Hold it there just one second, big guy. To show that I’m a Todd-fearing man, I’m going to offer you a gesture of my goodness.”

 

Todd sticks out his hand for a “friendly” handshake. Dominic Korgath looks around at the booing crowd, who are having trouble deciding who’s the more evil of the two.

 

Todd: “I’m offering you a sign of goodwill, Todd Dammit! Shake my hand!”

 

The Big Demon looks back at Todd, and finally making a decision after a while, reaches out his hand too. The two men shake, but it is quickly broken when Korgath lunges forward and beheads Todd with a massive clothesline!

 

Ejiro: “Beautiful move! Dominic showing that he’s hardly the “lesser” of the two evils.”

 

Korgath stomps hard on the fallen Todd, before picking the European Champion up and whipping him into the corner. Todd staggers as the wind is knocked out of his lungs and before he can regain his breath, the Big Demon slams a huge shoulder into the gut of Todd. Trapped in the corner, Royal can only remain helpless as Korgath sends that shoulder into the body of Todd over and over again.

 

Judge: “Dominic Korgath looking to wear out the champion early on in the match.”

 

Todd Royal, desperate to fight back, lands a left hook on the face of Korgath, followed by a quick jab from his right hand. The challenger seems stunned for a while, as if surprised by the retaliation, but then shakes his head and simply cuts off the budding comeback with a hiptoss out of the corner. Again, Royal feels the air exiting his system with unnatural speed and lays on the canvas, spent.

 

Korgath shifts his weight towards the ropes, and rebounding off them, leaps and sends an elbow crashing into the fallen body of his opponent!

 

Annie: “Ooh! 350 pounds of muscle focused at one elbow joint in the challenger. It’ll take a Todd damn miracle to save him now!”

 

Ejiro: “Do you not believe in the power of Todd?”

 

Annie: “No, not really.”

 

Dominic Korgath motions for the referee, Ced Ordonez to count the fall as the Big Demon covers Todd with a lateral press.

 

 

ONE!!!

 

 

 

TWOOOOOOOONOOOOOO!!!!

 

Judge: “Todd Royal barely getting the shoulder up in time! Korgath should know better than to go for such a quick pin.”

 

The Big Demon shows his obvious dissatisfaction as he attempts to irish whip the European Champion into the corner for another barrage of offense. But wait! Todd counters the move and grabs Dominic Korgath! The Royal legs bend and with strength previously unseen, Todd manages to plant the 350 lbs monster with an overhead suplex! The crowd goes wild as the challenger, stunned by that unprecedented move, rolls out of the ring to catch his breath.

 

Ejiro: “The European Champion demonstrating exactly why he should retain the title tonight as he proves that he’s no pushover! I love it!”

 

The Big Demon thinks twice about getting back into the ring at this point in time, so a newly fired-up Todd Royal decides to run towards the ropes and, using the momentum, aims both feet at the head of Korgath with a baseball slide! The challenger turns around to see the European Champion hurtling towards him feet-first, but manages to duck out of the way in time!

 

Annie: “That’s the same move which caused SJL World Champion Andrew Rickmen to be eliminated in the main event at Crimson!”

 

Judge: “Korgath was ready for a move like that, and was somehow able to move out of the way despite his massive size. It looks like Todd’s in for it now.”

 

With both men out of the ring, the referee begins the count.

 

ONE!!!

 

Dominic Korgath clobbers away at the Champion with a barrage of fists. Todd Royal tries to block the first few, but the strength of the Big Demon proves to be too much for him.

 

TWO!!!

 

Korgath then picks up Royal, and rams him into the post! The European Champ clutches his back in agony as the Big Demon picks him up and whips him into the steel steps! Todd goes flying over the steps, landing awkwardly on the ground, still clutching the injured back.

 

THREE!!!

 

Ejiro: “Ladies and gentlemen, please pause now for a moment of silence as we remember the passing of our Lord Todd.”

 

Annie: “Don’t be so quick to give up on him. He IS the European Champion!”

 

Ejiro: “So? Who’s he representing? Spain? Italy? The UK?”

 

Judge: “Probably not. They still haven’t forgiven him for beating former World Champ English Dragon.”

 

FOUR!!!

 

Dominic Korgath picks up Todd Royal and throws the Champion back into the ring. Ced Ordonez, our resident official stops the count and gets back into the match. The Big Demon grabs Todd for a powerbomb attempt, but it is foiled when Royal’s valet Megan Skye jumps onto the apron for a much needed distraction. Dominic tries to grab Megan by her hair, but the lithe lady simply leaps back to the ground, ignoring the trash-talk from the challenger.

 

Annie: “I’ve always wondered about Dominic and his ‘needs’.”

 

Judge: “What are you talking about, woman?”

 

Annie: “He doesn’t have a valet, has always attached himself to ‘powerful’ men and of late, has been running around with Jimmy Liston and Tyler Sullivan.”

 

Ejiro: “Did you have a point in all that crap you spouted?”

 

Annie: “Well… No.”

 

Judge: “Thank you.”

 

The match almost comes to a quick end, when Todd Royal, taking full advantage of the unsuspecting Korgath, rolls the big man up with a schoolboy pin! Ced Ordonez quickly hits the mat before the Big Demon has any idea what’s happening!

 

 

ONE!!!

 

 

 

T… NOOOOOO!!!!

 

Ejiro: “I almost thought Korgath was a goner there.”

 

Judge: “You seem agitated, Eji.”

 

Ejiro: “Nah, I just don’t like people winning with cheap moves like that.”

 

When the Big Demon breaks the hold, he is more enraged than ever, and Korgath begins to take out his frustration on Todd. Adjusting his demon mask, the challenger proceeds to stomp specifically on the Champion’s right knee, once, twice, three times! The pain simply builds up and Todd seems unable to break out of the hold. Still unsatisfied, the Big Demon gets to his feet and, picking up the 220 lbs Euro Champ as if he weighed nothing, dumps him unceremoniously in the corner.

 

Korgath slowly climbs over the top rope and goes to the outside, where he reveals the next part of his MASTER PLAN! The Big Demon grabs the leg of Todd, pulling it hard for good measure, and then throws it hard against the ring post! Todd Royal screams in pain, but before the European Champion get regain the use of his leg, Korgath has picked it up and again, leg meets steel post!

 

Annie: “If Todd can walk again after that attack, it will be a small miracle.”

 

Ejiro: “This is Todd we’re talking about! All miracles come from Todd!”

 

The Big Demon then wraps the leg in question around the lower rope and then, leaping into the air, Korgath’s big ass connects as he plants his whole weight on the limb. This time, the sheer response of Todd is unmatched as he European Champion rolls around the ring, clutching his leg in pain. Megan Skye starts to slap the apron in an attempt to gain support for the European Champion, but she too is silenced when Korgath catches her with a swift Yakuza kick!

 

Judge: “You may have a point, Annie. Korgath seems to take great pleasure in destroying both wrestler AND valet.”

 

Annie: “Yes! My poor Janet Quinn!”

 

Climbing back into the ring, Korgath again picks up the European Champion’s leg, but this time, wraps it around his own and, spinning it around, puts Todd Royal in a figure 4 leglock!

 

Ejiro: “This is priceless! Simply amazing! Astounding!”

 

Judge: “Korgath has put Royal in his own submission move, the Wrath of Todd!”

 

Annie: “It’s gotta be all over for the European Champion now!”

 

Todd Royal, a former Television Champion, looks set to become “a former European Champion” as his consciousness begins to slip due to the excruciating pain from the leglock. The monster Korgath, able to taste victory already, applies more pressure to the injured leg of Royal, causing him even more suffering.

 

Referee Ced Ordonez drops to the mat, hoping to catch Todd Royal surrendering, but Royal has experienced more pain than this before and he’s not going to tap out just yet. The hardy submissions master tries to reverse the hold, but any attempt to twist the move is simply prevented by the huge mass named Korgath.

 

The Big Demon, unhappy about Todd’s resilience, tries to reach forward and slap the taste out of the European Champion’s mouth. The move works, and Korgath tries again, with further success. Royal, now at the end of his tether, simply allows himself to be beat down like a rag doll.

 

This back and forth rocking motion of Korgath, turns out to be a big mistake, however, as Royal, suddenly sensing a shift in the weight, bites down on the pain, exerting with superhuman strength, and manages to flip the 350 lbs monster onto the mat!

 

Ejiro: “Brilliant reversal by Todd Royal!”

 

Annie: “I must admit that it was very impressive of Todd not to tap out to his own submission move.”

 

Judge: “Korgath’s now feeling the pain that he was giving just a moment before!”

 

The Big Demon roars out his frustration, a mix of anger and anguish. However, Todd is way too weak to hold on to the big man, and Korgath simply drags both of them across the mat, until he makes it to the ropes…

 

…and gets it! The referee quickly signals to Todd to break the hold, which the European Champion does, reluctantly.

 

Royal rolls out of the ring and is helped by a dazed Megan Skye get to his feet. For a short while, the Champ forgets about the pain in his leg as he raises his arms, taunting both Korgath and the audience. The crowd, half of whom were cheering for the amazing show they were being treated to, now jeer in unison when they realize that Todd isn’t going to change his egoistical attitude anytime soon.

 

Suddenly refueled by the adrenaline boost from the crowd’s antagonism, Todd marches back into the ring and up to Korgath and picks the big man up, before grabbing him around the neck and, once again with that superhuman strength he displayed earlier, hits a snap vertical suplex!

 

Ejiro: “I’m seeing it, but I’m not believing it.”

 

Judge: “I thought you had great faith in the Almighty Todd!”

 

Annie: “None so blind as those who would not see, or see and would not believe, or… uh… something like that.”

 

Todd’s not done yet, and rolling both bodies around, lifts Korgath up again for another vertical suplex, both men hitting the canvas hard. Seconds pass, but Todd’s arms are still wrapped around the neck of the Big Demon. Then, summoning up all his strength, Todd lifts Korgath up for the finale, but suddenly, Todd’s injured knee gives way and the two men come crashing back down to earth.

 

Judge: “Todd foolishly attempting his patented Trinity move, despite having that dead leg.”

 

Ejiro: “I don’t know, if he’d pulled it off properly it could have sent Dominic Korgath back to the locker room empty handed.”

 

Annie: “If, Eji. If.”

 

The two men are down and out, and the referee Ced Ordonez starts the count.

 

 

ONE!!!

 

 

 

TWO!!!

 

 

 

THREE!!!

 

 

 

FOUR!!!

 

 

Annie: “Still no movement from either man. Not even a twitch!”

 

 

FIVE!!!

 

 

SIX!!!

 

Ejiro: “They’re dead!”

 

NO!!!

 

Todd slowly gets to his feet, then Korgath follows, both men panting heavily now. Todd attempts to whip the mighty Korgath into the ropes, but it is easily countered and it is Todd who comes hurtling back towards the Big Demon. Korgath extends his arm to deliver a massive clothesline, but Todd ducks under it, the momentum carrying the European Champion to the other set of ropes! Dominic Korgath simply turns around and prepares to behead Todd again, but…

 

*CRACK*

 

Judge: “Superkick! Superkick!”

 

Ejiro: “Todd Royal has knocked his challenger out cold!”

 

Annie: “He’s going for the pinfall! Ced Ordonez drops for the count!”

 

 

ONE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!!

 

 

 

Suddenly, Jimmy “The Demon” Liston begins to run down the ramp! But he won’t get there in time!

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

 

 

Korgath manages to throw his massive girth to one side in a quick motion to break the fall! Todd clutches his ribs, as if the sudden jerk of the monster has hurt his ribs. Nonplussed, but running on automatic pilot now, Todd covers Dominic again and attempts another pin.

 

 

ONE!!!!

 

 

 

 

TWO!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Jimmy Liston picks out the leg of Korgath and puts it on the ropes!

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENOOOOOOO!!!!!!

 

 

Annie: “And it seems Jimmy Liston is helping out his partner in crime!”

 

The referee notices the leg on the ropes and refuses to award Royal the victory. The European Champion is visibly pissed and starts to argue with Ordonez, who still sticks to his decision, insisting that it was the right thing to do. Royal continues to get into the face of the official, until Ced threatens to disqualify the European Champion.

 

At this, Royal keeps quiet, for now, but turns his attention to the partner of his opponent, “The Demon” Jimmy Liston. Todd begins to trash talk to Liston from within the ring, while “The Demon” simply stays out of reach and returns the insults. In the other corner, Megan Skye is not too happy with the situation and jumps onto the apron to get the ref’s attention. When Ordonez doesn’t react, Skye tries to get into the ring, but it is at this point that the official turns around to confront the lovely valet.

 

Unfortunately, with the referee distracted by Skye, Liston picks up Korgath’s iron staff and clocks the European Champion with it! Todd goes down as Megan Skye continues to point at the double team of Liston and Korgath, taking advantage of the situation. Korgath picks up Todd with a single grip and chokeslams Royal all the way down to the mat!

 

Judge: “This must be it. This is the end of the road for Todd.”

 

Korgath goes for the cover, and finally Ced turns around.

 

 

ONE!!!

 

 

 

 

TWOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEENNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

 

 

But the referee doesn’t start the count in time and Todd barely manages to kick out of the pinfall attempt in time.

 

Ejiro: “What a close shave for the European Champion. He almost had it back there.”

 

Korgath picks up Todd and sends him to running towards the corner. The big man then rushes towards the Champion, crushing him against the turnbuckle. A mighty lariat sends Royal over the ropes and to the outside, where he is quickly followed by the Big Demon.

 

The challenger whips a dizzy Todd into the announcers’ table, before bouncing his head off the surface. The knock seems to have brought Todd back to reality though, and in a swift motion, the Champion irish whips Korgath, sending all 350lbs of him into the steel steps. Liston tries to interfere, but out of nowhere, Megan Skye leaps off the apron and plants “The Demon” with a superbly executed Tornado DDT!

 

Annie: “Mmmmmmm…. She can do the Skye Lyte to me anytime.”

 

Ejiro: “If she’s not already busy toweling off her man after this match!”

 

With Korgath’s partner out, there’s no one to stop Todd from ramming the Big Demon’s knee into the steel post! A annoyed Todd repeats the move again and again, until the referee once again threatens to disqualify the Champ.

 

The threat hits home, and Todd is forced to send his opponent back into the ring or face being counted out. Korgath clutches his knee as he rolls back across the canvas, and Todd capitalizes, putting the Big Demon in a single leg Boston crab! Korgath roars in pain, but refuses to tap.

 

Judge: “That move must be sending a billion and one hurt signals into the brain of Dominic Korgath! Why isn’t he tapping?”

 

Ejiro: “For the very same reason Todd wants to win this match cleanly. They both have their prides on the line.”

 

Frustrated by the iron will of his opponent, Todd switches to a knee bar, applying even more pressure to the joint of Dominic Korgath. Still the Big Demon resists the pain and the urge to submit, his cries heard throughout the stadium.

 

Finally, the challenger summons up all his strength and manages to break the hold. Both men get up to their feet, but the limp on the Big Demon is more than apparent. Todd runs towards the ropes and dives at the knee of Korgath, sending the big man down one more time.

 

Ejiro: “Todd is making full use of the fact that his opponent’s knee is about to break at any time.”

 

Judge: “Most likely building up for the Wrath of Todd!”

 

As if in response to Judge’s comments, Todd indeed signals for his finishing move and, picking up the injured leg of Korgath, twists it as he turns around to complete the figure 4 leglock.

 

But wait! Korgath uses his good leg to push Todd away, the force of which sends the European Champion crashing into the corner turnbuckle! In fact, the impact is so great that Todd bounces off, and collapses as the wind is knocked out of him.

 

The Big Demon sizes his fallen opponent up and then limps over to the corner.

Annie: “What the hell does he think he’s doing?”

 

Slowly, Dominic Korgath ascends to the bottom rope, then the middle. He winces audibly as he puts some of his body weight onto the injured leg. Nonetheless, nothing will prevent the Big Demon from claiming his prize.

 

However, as Korgath prepares to leap off the second rope, the pain in his leg becomes too great and he slips, falling awkwardly on his side.

 

Judge: “The fool! He should never have attempted the move!”

 

Ejiro: “But wait! Look at where he landed! He may not have meant it, but that crazy fellow’s head connected with the groin of Todd!

 

Annie: “Heh. It’ll be a while before they call him Todd the Father.”

 

Justice and Rule: “Do you mind?!!”

 

Referee Ced Ordonez checks to see if Todd’s shoulders are off the mat. They aren’t, and he begins the count for the pinfall!

 

 

ONE!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Megan Skye tries to get into the ring to prevent it!

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOOOOO!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

But Jimmy Liston is there! He’s caught her by the leg!

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

 

 

 

*DING DING DING*

 

Judge: “He did it! The Big Demon really did it!”

 

Funyon: “The winner of this match by pinfall and the NEW European Champion, DOMINIC KORRRRRRRGATTTTTTHHHHHH!!!!!!!”

 

Annie: “It was a glorious reign of Todd, but the European Title is now in the hands of The Decay!”

 

Ced Ordonez lifts the arm of Korgath to signify the victory, but the Big Demon is way too weak to bask in his triumph. All he can do is simply hold tightly onto his new belt as he lays there on the mat, breathing hard.

 

Judge: “Don’t go away just yet, ladies and gentlemen, up next is a match which may well decide who Korgath’s first opponent will be!”

 

Ejiro: “Aecas! Landon Maddix! Stay tuned to SJL Metal!”

 

<fade to commercials>