Toxxic 0 Report post Posted May 11, 2004 “Welcome back to Smarkdown!” Cyclone Comet’s voice rings out across the nation as the cameras sweep around the Indio Polo Field. It’s dark, the stadium lights are UP~ and the crowd are still red hot on this balmy Californian evening. Making brief appearances on-camera are signs reading “The Section Behind Flesher’s Ego Can’t See”, “I Miss Grappler” and even two guys who have clearly worked together as one holds a sign reading “Duran Was Screwed” and the other clutches one bearing the words “Why Leave Megan Skye Out!?”. Cutting away before the FCC can start proceedings the production team return to Cyclone Comet and Bobby Riley, seated as always at their announce table and ready to go once more as they prepare to call the night’s main event. “I hate this job sometimes,” Riley muses, peering up at the sky. “It’s a wonderful evening and here I am stuck inside... well, kind of inside... behind a desk, anyway.” “Robert, your smooth and seamless words are an inspiration to commentators the world over,” Comet replies gravely. “Truly none of us can hope to compete with such a masterful vocabulary and immaculate delivery.” “Up yours, spandex monkey,” Riley retorts. “I may not be a cunning linguist, but-” “It’s time for the main event, Citizens!” Comet hurriedly cuts him off. “We’ve seen an amazing show so far, but now it’s time to see who faces Danny Williams for the World Title! The date of the title shot has not been confirmed, but Commissioner Zenon has told us that the winner of this match WILL face Citizen Williams for the title at some point down the road!” “Well I think we all know who it’s going to be, don’t we Comet?” Riley asks, still annoyed at being interrupted. “And don’t think it’s going to be Mr. Headlock, because I know someone who’ll have something to say about that!” As if in response to Bobby Riley’s words the Smarktron suddenly blacks out before the words ‘Prepare To Be Proved Wrong’ flash up in jagged white letters as the crunching guitars of Lostprophets’ ‘We Still Kill The Old Way’ ring out over the stadium. The crowd comes to their feet, a raucous chorus of disapproval echoing up into the starry California sky... but the man the Smarktron shows taking Mike Van Siclen off a balcony and through a table with the Toxxic Shock Syndrome doesn’t care what these people think. GO! BOOOM!! The stage erupts in red pyro and a slim figure with spiky black hair emerges through the smoke. Toxxic stares out at the stadium, lopsided grin on his face, before turning and beckoning behind him. Jet emerges a second later, the Intercontinental-Television Championship wrapped around her waist, and together the pair start the walk to the ring. “Ladies and gentlemen, the following non-title contest is scheduled for one fall and is to determine the Number One Contender to the World Heavyweight Title!” Funyon booms. “Introducing first, from Nottingham, England; accompanied to the ring by his girlfriend Jet; weighing in at 218lbs, he is the SWF Intercontinental-Television Champion; the ‘Straight-Edge Sensation’... TOXX-XXIIIC!!” Toxxic rolls under the bottom rope into the ring and ascends the nearest turnbuckle, glaring at the capacity crowd through his eyeliner before throwing his arms out, palms flat, in his straight-edge pose. The reception to the ICTV champ is less than warm and Toxxic drops back to the ring before cracking his neck from side-to-side... then wincing and clutching it with one hand. “This young man put in an impressive performance at Battleground,” Comet admits, “and you have to respect anyone who is able to win the ICTV Title - but he is evidently still feeling the effects of the Pay-Per-View!” “Of course he is, Comet!” Riley splutters. “Aecas dropped him on his head through a table! That doesn’t heal overnight, you know! The crowd here are lucky that Toxxic is chancing his health by coming back so soon, in my opinion.” “Believe me Robert, I think the crowd here would’ve been quite happy if Citizen Toxxic had played it safe,” Comet comments dryly. “Nevertheless he is here, and now he will have to reap what he has sown.” “...Eh?” “Toxxic challenged Nathaniel Kibagami, now he has to face him,” Comet explains patiently. “I know you’ve made some questionable decisions in men over the years Robert, but would you want to go up against an annoyed Kibagami?” As Riley splutters the arena lights abruptly cut out, and words come into focus on the flickering Smarktron. Of old the skilled first made themselves invincible to await the enemy’s vincibility. Invincibility lies in oneself. Vincibility lies in the enemy. Thus the skilled can make themselves invincible. They cannot cause the enemy’s vincibility. Thus it is said, “Victory can be known. It cannot be made.” -the Sun-Tzu, Chapter Four.” Speak of the devil. The haunting opening melody of “The River Dragon Has Come” lilts out of the speakers, lulling the audience ever so slightly... BAM! The distortion hits, and the arena lights up – every available spotlight is trained on the entrance ramp. White blasts of pyrotechnics streak up, down, back and forth along the ramp, sending sparks spiralling everywhere. The Smarktron flickers one final time, and the image changes – the burning ankh, gigantic, red, consumed by flames, towers over the audience, three stories tall...and the first line of the song echoes out over the crowd. Today, the warning came in the floooooooood... A final burst of white pyro shoots up from the centre of the entrance ramp, temporarily blinding the audience to the curtains behind...and through the sparks... ...comes Nathaniel Kibagami. “And his opponent...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “...weighing in at two hundred and sixty-one pounds...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “...hailing from Phoenix, Arizona...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “...NA-THAN-IIIEEELLLL... KIBAGAAAAAAAMMMIIIIII!!” Kibagami strides down the entrance ramp, eyes fixed on the man awaiting him in the ring. Last time they met the River Dragon came off worse, but Kibagami is back into his rhythm. He defeated Alex Zenon at Battleground, and then he beat newcomer Todd Cortez on Lockdown. Now a chance at the World Title is on the line, and Kibagami rarely lets a chance go to waste. Besides, he has some personal issues with Toxxic that need addressing. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” And he knows just the man to do it. The Slaughterer climbs into the ring and mounts the turnbuckle, arms spread wide in his crucifix pose. Across the ring Toxxic leans back against the ropes, a smirk playing around his mouth. For his part, the Straight-Edge Sensation has yet to see anything in the man he is about to face to convince him that the outcome of this match will differ from before. “Toxxic certainly looks confident,” Comet notes as the ICTV Champion grins down at Jet on the outside. “And with good reason, Comet!” Riley asserts. “He’s possibly the hottest commodity in the SWF right now!” “Perhaps,” the superhero admits, “but while confidence is good, over-confidence can be fatal.” *DING-DING!* “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” The chants rise around the two men in the ring as they size each other up. Toxxic shifts from one foot to the other, shaking his shoulders, twitching his neck, loosening everything - but Kibagami just stands there, a watchful statue with the hint of a smile playing around his lips. Toxxic starts to move in... then stops, as Kibagami makes absolutely no reaction. Confused, the Straight-Edge Sensation starts to move in again... but still the River Dragon doesn’t so much as twitch. “Citizen Kibagami certainly unsettling his young opponent here,” Comet muses. “Even though he was defeated by Toxxic a few weeks back, Kibagami is definitely not intimidated.” “It’s more than that, Comet,” Riley replies, apparently deciding to do his job for once. “Many of Toxxic’s moves are based around sudden shifts of weight and momentum to catch larger foes off-guard - if Kibagami doesn’t move, there’s no momentum to work with!” Apparently deciding to see how far he can push this, Toxxic’s stance relaxes and the rookie approaches his opponent openly. With the manner of a tourist trying to break the concentration of a Buckingham Palace guard the straight-edger proceeds to wave his hand in front of Kibagami’s face... to no reaction. Shrugging, Toxxic turns away - only to bring his hand back round in a vicious bitchslap! *WHAP!* And Kibagami catches it. “Uh-oh...” Comet mutters. The smile creeps across Kibagami’s features as Toxxic’s eyes widen in shock... and NOW the River Dragon moves. With a precise motion the former Clansman twists Toxxic’s arm over his head, wrenching in a basic armwringer before starting to UNLOAD elbows into his opponent’s limb. The blows jar Toxxic’s arm right up to the shoulder and the Straight-Edge Sensation cries out in pain - but if there’s one form of wrestling that Toxxic’s well-versed in, it’s arm work. The Brit swiftly rolls forward, releasing the pressure, before twisting own body to trap Kibagami’s arm in a similar predicament. His inferior strength means that Toxxic needs both hands to keep the limb trapped, but that doesn’t stop him from blasting the River Dragon’s bicep with kicks. Nathaniel’s features show more discomfort that actual pain, but Toxxic knows how to work with that. He slams his boot into his opponent’s gut to discourage any thought Kibagami may have had of escaping in the same way, then uses his advantage to lead the River Dragon towards a turnbuckle. Pausing for a moment to set himself Toxxic literally runs up the buckles and then jumps back into the ring - but on the way down he traps Kibagami’s arm underneath his leg... *WHAM!!* ...causing the River Dragon to land on his face and crushing the arm with a legdrop! “Another innovative move from the Hot Commodity!” Riley laughs while Toxxic retains his grip on his opponent’s arm. “You won’t see a headlock out of this man, Comet!” “Oh believe me Robert, I doubt we’ll see many headlocks out of Citizen Kibagami tonight,” Comet assures his partner. “They don’t inflict nearly enough pain.” Toxxic starts to pick himself up, fingers still locked around Nathaniel Kibagami’s wrist. Eager to return to a vertical base where he can start to retaliate Kibagami follows up to his knees - but then Toxxic screws himself sideways through the air, torquing the arm in its socket and driving the River Dragon’s face back into the mat one more time. The Straight-Edge Sensation still has his grip locked in, and he looks out at the crowd as if expecting to hear the familiar “Toxxic Sucks!” chant... but there is only one sound to be heard inside the Indio Polo Field. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Rolling his eyes with a “you’ll learn” expression on his face, Toxxic starts to rise again. Kibagami follows once more, but this time Toxxic simply starts running in a circle around his opponent. With his arm trapped the bigger man can do little more than pivot on the spot, unable to use his greater strength to slow the cruiserweight down, and as he runs Toxxic manages to bring Kibagami closer to the turnbuckles. The Straight-Edge Sensation seizes his moment and runs up the buckles again - but this time drops clear down to the stadium floor, whiplashing Kibagami’s trapped arm off the top rope! The Slaughterer staggers backwards across the ring, clutching his arm despite himself. He instinctively turns away from the source of his pain for a moment, but the rising crowd noise clues the former Clansman into the danger and he starts to turn - only to be met with a springboard spinning heelkick from the ICTV champion, who had quickly clambered back up to the apron! Toxxic grabs the right arm again and locks in a Magistral Cradle, rolling forward to bring the River Dragon’s shoulders into contact with the canvas and sending Anthony Michael Hall down to make the count... ONE! TW-Kickout! “Citizen Kibagami out before the count of two, but the first cover goes to Toxxic!” Comet calls from the announce table. “I’d say that might give him the psychological advantage - but that’s Nathaniel Kibagami he’s in the ring with...” It’s obvious from the lopsided grin on his face that Toxxic never expected the pin to get the win, and that it was just for the sake of making a point - but Kibagami knows how to make a point too. *CRACK!!* The River Dragon came to his feet smoothly after kicking out, and as Toxxic regained his feet the Slaughterer landed a vicious kick in his opponent’s midsection. The Brit staggers back, partially winded, and Kibagami moves in. *CRACK!!* One to the left arm. *CRACK!!* One to the right. *CRACK!!* One more to the ribs. *CRACK!!* Another to the right arm. ... *SMACK!!* “Gamengiri!” Comet calls as Kibagami launches himself into the air before slamming his foot into the side of Toxxic face. “Toxxic will need more than a bit of eyeliner to hide that in the morning!” Kibagami eyes his prone opponent, appearing to be thinking about going for a pin himself - but instead reaches down and pulls Toxxic up again. The dazed straight-edger tries to take evasive action... *CRACK!!* ...but a lightning-fast kick to the gut doubles him over before he can take two steps. The smile on Kibagami’s lips is clearly visible now, and it is not a pleasant sight as the Slaughterer unceremoniously drags his opponent to the middle of the ring, places him in a standing headscissors and reaches down to hook both arms up behind the straight-edger’s back. “He’s going for the Demonstar Driver already!” Comet gasps. “With the state of Toxxic’s neck after Battleground, this could be lethal!” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” The arms are hooked, and Kibagami braces himself to hoist Toxxic up and end this right now... but the prospect of imminent cranial damage galvanises the Brit into action, and he starts to struggle. Kibagami frowns and attempts to tighten his grip but his right arm is slightly less than one hundred percent from Toxxic’s earlier assault, and with a tremendous amount of squirming the Straight-Edge Sensation wriggles his left arm free. Now with room to manoeuvre Toxxic manages to extricate his right arm from his opponent’s clutches as well, and grabbing the River Dragon behind his knees he pushes forward with all his might! *THUD!!* Unable to balance, Nathaniel Kibagami topples gracelessly backwards to the mat. Almost before he’s even made impact Toxxic somersaults forwards, taking Kibagami’s legs with him into a bridging pin! ONE! TW-Kickout! But it will take more that a hard landing to put Kibagami down, and the River Dragon kicks out powerfully once more. “Ha!” Riley yells. “That double underhook is how Toxxic sets up the Toxxic Shock Syndrome, of course he’s going to know how to counter it!” Toxxic rolls off and come to his feet first, and with his head starting to clear from the River Dragon’s attack he decides it’s time to return the favour. Standing side on to his opponent the Straight-Edge Sensation measures the distance with narrowed eyes, waiting for Kibagami to turn... *SMACK!!* ...and scores with a superkick! Kibagami goes back down to the mat, but Toxxic isn’t content to leave him there. He grabs the River Dragon’s long black hair and hauls him up to his feet, then takes his opponent’s right wrist and attempts to whip him into the turnbuckles. Even after the superkick Kibagami still has enough wits left to counter the move and sends the straight-edger in instead - but then again, that was exactly what Toxxic planned. The grinning Brit vaults upwards, then comes flying back at his opponent with a diving clothesline... ...and Kibagami hits the deck, leaving Toxxic to sail harmlessly overhead as the Role Reversal misses! Toxxic tries to adjust in mid-air to land rolling, but only half succeeds and skids clumsily across the mat before pulling himself up by the far ropes. He turns around, trying to draw a bead on his opponent... *WHAM!!* “YAAAAKUUZZZZAAAA KICK!” Comet yells as Kibagami’s boot nearly decapitates the arrogant British punk. The cruiserweight’s body bounces limply off the canvas, causing Jet to shriek in alarm at ringside, but she is the only person in California who seems to care. The smile is back on Kibagami’s lips, and the Slaughterer drops down to cover his opponent. ONE! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” TWO! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” TH-Kickout! Toxxic’s shoulder fires off the canvas - and Kibagami looks anything but displeased. Instead the sinister grin slides back across his features, and as he hauls the Straight-Edge Sensation up by his hair he clearly and sarcastically mouths the words “Oh dear,” to a surprised Michael Hall. “Citizen Kibagami is apparently glad for the opportunity to inflict more pain on Citizen Toxxic,” Comet says with mild concern. “Far be it from me to question the actions of such a great athlete, but he would be well-advised not to take this man lightly!” “Oh, let him take Toxxic lightly,” Riley pleads. “Please let him take him lightly...” Still with that disconcerting grin, Kibagami applies a front facelock to his hapless opponent. Before Toxxic can even think about trying to wriggle free the Slaughterer fires off a knee to the ribs, driving the wind out of his opponent. Not satisfied, Kibagami nails the Brit with another, and then one more. Toxxic almost drops to his own knees from the impact, only the choking grip around his neck preventing him. Kibagami reaches forward and grabs his opponent’s left wrist, bringing it up behind Toxxic’s back in a hammerlock - then falls backwards, spiking the Straight-Edge Sensation down with a DDT! Kibagami appears to be considering a cover again, but once more the River Dragon decides against it and pulls Toxxic upright. And it is very clear what is on his mind. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “You’ve already seen that he’ll counter it, you moron!” Bobby Riley yells. “Try something else!” “Ah, but Toxxic might not manage it this time,” Comet tells him. “And then the match will be over-” “Shut up, you’ll only encourage him!” Once more the Straight-Edge Sensation gets put in a vertical headscissors, and once more Kibagami hooks both arms up behind his opponent’s back - but this time Toxxic sticks a leg out and hooks it around a rope. Irritated, Kibagmi tries to pull Toxxic clear, but Toxxic desperately holds on, then actually drops his weight down and reaches out with his other leg as well. Both legs are locked around the middle rope and Kibagami’s efforts to untangle his opponent merely cause the straight-edger’s body to be stretched out horizontally. He sets himself for another heave, but is cut off by the hand of Anthony Michael Hall on his shoulder and the referee’s count! Hall starts to chastise the River Dragon for maintaining the hold while his opponent is in the ropes - and is completely unprepared for Kibagami to drop Toxxic and round on him, a dangerous light in his eyes. No-one can hear what is said to the SWF’s head official as he backs away across the ring, but despite his insistence on repeating the rules it is clear that Hall is rattled. Hall is no longer sure if he is in the ring with Nathaniel Kibagami. He has the worrying suspicion that he may actually be refereeing Silent. Unheeding of the referee’s concerns, Kibagami turns back to Toxxic who is pulling himself up in the ropes. Reluctantly, the River Dragon concedes that it is pointless to try for the Demonstar Driver just yet, but he has other weapons in his arsenal that should prove perfectly suitable for putting the rookie down. Nathaniel measures his opponent - then fires off a spinning back chop- “WHOOO!” -and continues the spin to hit another! “WHOOO!” “Am I missing something?” Bobby Riley asks, looking around at the crowd. Toxxic staggers back into the turnbuckle, clutching at his chest. Grabbing his arm, Kibagami wrenches backwards and hauls the straight-edger out, then twists whilst retaining his grip so that Toxxic is stopped in his tracks and brought to face him once more. A swift kick to the gut bends the Brit over, and Kibagami places him in a standing headscissors yet again - but this time he reaches down, locks his hands under the rookie’s torso and hoists him up onto his shoulders! “Fall From Grace!” Comet calls as the River Dragon places one hand under each of Toxxic’s arms. “This will do the job just fine!” But in order to a move to do the job, it has to hit. And when threatened with being dropped on his head, Toxxic can be a slippery little bastard. The Straight-Edge Sensation twists in Kibagami’s grip, freeing himself and dropping down behind the River Dragon... *WHAM!!* “Reversed into the Underkill!” Riley chortles in delight as Toxxic snares Kibagami’s head on the way down. The back of the former Clansman’s head bounces off the canvas, and Toxxic leans forward to hook a leg... ONE! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” TWO!! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” TH-Kickout! Toxxic rolls away from the rising Kibagami, ribs stinging and head swimming. There is something different about Kibagami this time; most notably his determination to break Toxxic’s neck, and with that foremost in his mind the Brit isn’t really in the mood to quibble over minor details. Regardless, this needs to end soon. Preferably now. Kibagami gets back to his feet, rubbing his head. That drop wouldn’t have troubled the Silent One of old, but he isn’t here. Kibagami is however, and he turns to seek revenge on his opponent- *KERR-RRACK!!* -but Toxxic launches himself at the River Dragon’s shins with a sliding soccer tackle! The impact sends Kibagami flipping forward, blazing pain shooting up his legs. The Slaughterer still rises, but he isn’t quick enough to avoid Toxxic snaring his arms and wrenching them up behind his back as the Straight-Edge Sensation sets up the Toxxic Shock Syndrome. Bracing himself, Toxxic prepares to hoist Kibagami off the ground - but the River Dragon’s superior strength allows him to free his arms, before hitting a back bodydrop on the straight-edger! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “Ha!” Comet celebrates as Toxxic writhes on the mat clutching his back. “If Citizen Kibagami should know better than to try for the Demonstar then Toxxic shouldn’t go for the Toxxic Shock Syndrome! As you said Robert, the similar setup means both know how to counter it!” Nathaniel Kibagami calmly considers his options. The Demonstar is not yet appropriate. Toxxic has countered the Fall From Grace twice, once tonight and once in their prior meeting. But Kibagami is a man of many methods. Applying a rear waistlock, the River Dragon hoists Toxxic back to his feet and then quickly shifts his position until he is alongside the rookie. He wraps his leg around Toxxic’s, then snaps his whole body backwards- *WHAM!* -taking Toxxic down to the canvas with a Russian Legsweep! Calmly, methodically, Kibagami turns his opponent over onto his stomach, wraps his arms around the straight-edger’s waist again, bring him to his feet... *WHAM!* ...and delivers a brutal gutwrench suplex! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Now the Slaughterer smells blood. Grabbing Toxxic off the canvas in another rear waistlock the River Dragon tucks his head underneath Toxxic’s arm and hoists the straight-edger up as if for a backdrop, but at the apex of the lift he instead spins his opponent round into a powerbomb! Toxxic starts to go down... ...but locks his legs around Kibagami’s neck... ...and brings him over with a hurricanrana! “Toxxic counters the Rough Redemption!” Comet calls, amazed. “Try as he might, Citizen Kibagami cannot land a telling blow!” Caught off-balance, Kibagami stumbles forwards and falls through the ring ropes! He manages to catch hold of one and prevents the fall to the floor, but his balance is precarious. The Slaughterer grabs the top rope and pulls himself upright on the apron - only for Toxxic to run to the turnbuckles, vault off the second rope, fly over the top and snare him with a hurricanrana that takes both men out to the floor! “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” For the first time the crowd are inspired to chant something different as Kibagami lands HARD on his neck and back. Toxxic staggers up and cracks his neck from side-to-side, wincing at the momentary pain that shoots through it as a result. Glancing around he sees Kibagami already stirring and slides back into the ring before getting to his feet and running clean across it. The crowd start to boo, thinking that the Straight-Edge Sensation is turning chicken - but Toxxic hits the far ropes, rebounds and charges back towards Kibagami, then flies over the top rope once more and drives the River Dragon back down with a running somersault plancha! “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “HO-LY SHIT!” “Toxxic is really putting his body on the line here Citizens!” Comet says. “So far neither man has had enough sustained offence to really gain a real advantage but although it makes me shudder to say it, the so-called ‘Straight-Edge Sensation’ may be able to get the upper hand now.” “I love it when men put their bodies on the line,” Riley observes. Toxxic knows that Kibagami can take more punishment that him, so he makes himself grab the River Dragon by the hair and haul him up. Kibagami will win a war of attrition, and he knows he has to keep the pressure on if he’s to survive this. Setting himself firmly the rookie hauls on his opponent’s arm and sends the Slaughterer towards the ring post- *THUNK!!* -then grabs Kibagami as he staggers backwards from the impact, locks in a rear headlock and drops to one knee, driving the other into the back of his adversary’s neck. Toxxic then pops back up and twists round, driving the River Dragon down with a Diamond Cutter! “Detoxx!” Riley calls jubilantly as Kibagami’s jaw bounces off Toxxic’s shoulder. “A count-out win is as good as any other!” Toxxic rolls slowly back into the ring, feeling the effects of the match so far. Anthony Michael Hall’s count is well underway- “FIVE!” -but the River Dragon is starting to move on the outside again. “SIX!” Wearily, Toxxic watches as Kibagami starts to push himself up. It seems that it’s going to take something special to put this man down. “SEVEN!” And the chants are starting to rise again. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “EIGHT!” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “NINE!” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” And with a half-second remaining, Nathaniel Kibagami slides back into the ring. Before he can rise Toxxic starts to rain down boots on the back of his head, still targeting the neck. Michael Hall pulls him away momentarily and gives Kibagami the second he needs to stand, but the Straight-Edge Sensation weighs back in again with a right hand that snaps the River Dragon’s head round. Still slightly dazed, Kibagami offers no response as Toxxic whips him across the ring - but then the Slaughterer reverses the momentum and sends Toxxic into the ropes instead. As the Brit rebounds towards him Kibagami drops his head, looking for the back bodydrop - but you never, ever lower your head in front of Toxxic. *CRUNCH-WHAM!!* Kibagami’s head bounces first off the Straight-Edge Sensation’s knee, then off the mat as Toxxic takes him down with the facebuster/DDT combo known as the Sobering Thought. The River Dragon rolls over onto his back, stunned by the impact, but Toxxic doesn’t cover him. Breathing heavily, the Brit walks over to the ropes and steps out onto the middle of the apron. Michael Hall starts counting, but Toxxic takes only a second to gather himself before vaulting up to the top rope - then launching into the Shooting Star Legdrop known as the Inglorious! *THUD!!* But Kibagami moves, and the outstretched leg hits only canvas! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Kibagami starts to push himself up again as the Californian crowd chant his old name towards the stars. It’s no longer the name he goes by, but he has it tattooed above his breastbone. It’s close to his heart in more than one way. Toxxic is also starting to rise, limping slightly from the jarring impact in his hip but still fast enough to avoid the Slaughterer. He’s going to have to time this just right. The straight-edger turns and Kibagami lashes out... *Whoooosh!* ...but Toxxic ducks the Burning Lariat! The Brit straightens, turning to check on his opponent’s position... *WHAM!* ...and Kibagami reverses direction and nails him in the back of the head with a left-arm Burning Lariat instead! The Straight-Edge Sensation tumbles forward to land in an untidy heap by a turnbuckle as Kibagami drops to one knee, neck burning and head swimming. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” But they’re calling his name. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” And unbidden, the smile creeps across his lips again. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” The River Dragon slowly rises, but in his hand is a small, thin object he just plucked from his boot. Bending down, Kibagami extends one hand to the canvas... and uses the black marker to draw an “X” in the exact middle of the ring. As the crowd noise starts to rise again he turns to stalk towards his fallen quarry, and the referee, the stadium, even the ring itself begin to fade into the background. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Only the chant is left. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Kibagami stands over Toxxic, who stares up at him with a dazed expression. The Slaughterer reaches down, stretching out a hand to pull the rookie up. He won’t be able to block the Demonstar this time. But hurt as Toxxic is, he’s not quite as hurt as he appears. So when Kibagami leans down he reaches up, grabs the River Dragon’s tights and pulls. Off-balance, Nathaniel Kibagami stumbles forwards, his head slips between two turnbuckles, and the top of his skull slams into the steel ringpost. *THUNK!!* “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” It seems to Nathaniel that the chants come from a long way off now. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” As he staggers back, vision swimming, he feels his body being lifted slowly off the floor. Finally he is supported on the shoulders of his opponent. Toxxic stares out at the crowd, who continue, as they have done for virtually all the match, to chant that name. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Face creasing up in anger, Toxxic starts to walk. The burden over his shoulders is heavy, but not unmanageable. He takes one step, then another, and then another... and then stands in the middle of the ring, directly over the “X” that Kibagami has just drawn. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Toxxic lifts his left arm, and as well as he can with 260lbs over his shoulders in a Fireman’s Carry, he mimes taking a swig from a can. “Caffeine Bomb!” Comet gasps. “This is the move that put Kibagami away last time!” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Toxxic is going to teach Kibagami the lesson that Edwin MacPhisto should have taught him a long time ago. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” You don’t fuck with a Brit. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Toxxic hooks his left arm behind Kibagami’s left knee and takes a deep breath... then jerks and lifts, spinning the River Dragon off his shoulders and down... ...Down... ...DOWN... *WHAM!!* ... ... And the crowd, appropriately enough, fall silent. Toxxic retains the cradle for the pin as Michael Hall drops to the mat. This move wouldn’t have troubled the real Silent - but the Silent One is no more. ONE! The River Dragon has gone. TWO!! And all that is left now is Nathaniel Kibagami. THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Mind you, that’s still more than enough. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! “RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!” “He kicked out!” Comet yells in disbelief as Kibagami’s shoulder jerks off the canvas. Michael Hall’s hand actually hits the mat for the three and the SWF’s Head Official has to tell both Toxxic and the timekeeper that it was only a two, much to Toxxic’s displeasure. “I know he’s only been here three months, but this is the first time anyone’s ever kicked out of the Caffeine Bomb!” the superhero continues, clearly shocked. “NO!” Riley shouts. “He can’t have kicked out, Comet! That should have ended it!” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Toxxic is back up to his feet, arguing furiously with Michael Hall. He doesn’t want to believe that Kibagami kicked out either. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “My only theory is the manner of delivery, Robert,” Comet speculates, still sounding shaken. “Toxxic prefers a sheer-drop version of that move but Nathaniel is a little heavy for it; the version he just performed allows him to hit it on heavier opponents, but at some cost to its efficiency!” “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” “But that beat Kibagami last time!” Riley protests. “How did he kick out this time?” “Your guess is as good as mine, Robert. No-one knows what drives this man.” Toxxic ceases his fruitless argument with Michael Hall and turns to look at his opponent. Kibagami is still on the ground, but starting to push himself up on his elbows. He has either countered, avoided or just plain kicked out of everything Toxxic has to offer, and for the first time an unfamiliar emotion starts to penetrate the wall of anger and frustration that the straight-edger has surrounded himself with. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Kibagami is up to all fours now, and Toxxic is beginning to feel afraid. “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Shakily, Kibagami tries to get to one knee - and Toxxic moves. Doing his best to ignore the aches in his own body, the Straight-Edge Sensation grabs Kibagami’s long black hair again and hauls him up, then slams his forearm into the River Dragon’s jaw with a brutal European Uppercut. *WHAM!* Toxxic is feeling scared. *WHAM!* Being scared makes Toxxic feel weak. *WHAM!* And feeling weak makes Toxxic feel angry. *WHAM!* Very, VERY angry. *WHAM!* *WHAM!* *WHAM!* Kibagami’s had his head driven into the ringpost and then been dropped on it. The blows snap his neck back and make his vision blur - but Nathaniel Kibagami will be damned if this rookie is going to lay into him with no reply. *CRACK!* “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” *CRACK!* “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Toxxic is amazed that his opponent can still fight back, and with his eyes narrowing he fires off a RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! Windup... DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! But Kibagami catches the arm! “SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-LENT...” Summoning his remaining strength Kibagami simply shoves Toxxic into the corner. The straight-edger’s eyes dart around looking for an escape route, but there is none available. *CRACK!* Kibagami fires off a kick to the ribs. *CRACK!* Another. A little shakily, to be sure, but Toxxic isn’t exactly steady either. As the breath shoots out of the Brit’s lungs Kibagami grabs the top rope by his side, springboards off the second and whips his right foot round in a gamengiri... *Whooosh!* ...ducked! Kibagami completes the circle, coming back to face his opponent - and Toxxic grabs the River Dragon’s head in both hands, places his skull under his opponent’s jaw and sits out! Kibagami staggers away, clutching his ringing head as Toxxic rolls under the bottom rope to the apron. The ringpost, the Caffeine Bomb, the uppercuts and now the jawbreaker all conspire to mean that Nathaniel Kibagami is doubled over in pain - and Toxxic slingshots his body from the apron over the River Dragon’s broad back, hooking him around the shoulders as he does so and bringing him over in an Oklahoma Roll. And all of Nathaniel Kibagami’s weight bears down on his own neck. ONE! TWO!! THRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! *DING-DING!* “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!” “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner,” Funyon booms over the guitars of Lostprophets and the deafening roar of a Californian crowd who are shitting all over what they’ve just seen transpire, “and Number One Contender to the World Heavyweight Title... TOX-XIIIC!!” “After all that it comes down to a simple matter of weight and momentum, just as Citizen Riley said,” Comet breathes disbelievingly. “Citizens... we have a new Number One Contender, but I cannot believe that this is Justice.” The crowd are furious. In the ring in the middle of the Indio Polo Field Toxxic rises unsteadily to his feet, one hand clutching at the back of his neck. The Straight-Edge Sensation is breathing heavily, but Danny Williams’ title is now within his reach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cuban Linx 0 Report post Posted May 11, 2004 Here's the rare sighting of Stryke actually writing for once. I wish i could have used the 1000 words i had left to flesh things out a little more, but i plain ran out of time and absolutely had to send it in when i did. = = = = = The wrestling world’s eyes are again fixated on Indo, California as Smarkdown returns from commercials! The crowd are still buzzing after hearing from the latest SWF Heavyweight Champion, but their good mood is quickly ruined by the sounds of Cypress Hill’s “How I Could Just Kill A Man”. A massive eruption of pyrotechnics envelops the stage, the crowd on their feet booing the arrival of Stryke! Comet: “Welcome back one and all! We have just heard from “Deathwish” Danny Williams on climbing to the top of the SWF mountain a second time, and now we waste little time in getting right into the action, our first match of the evening pitting impressive newcomer Todd Cortez against SWF veteran Stryke!” Stryke purposely strides towards the ring, his recent succession of losses clearly sapping his usual arrogant attitude as he slides into the ring, Funyon beginning the introductions. Funyon: “The following contest is set fort ONE-FALL! Entering first, weighing 219lbs from Sydney, Australia, this is STRYKE!!!” Stryke gets to his feet, paying no mind to the jeering fans surrounding him as he leans back against the ropes, awaiting his opponent’s arrival. He doesn’t have to wait long, Delinquent Habit’s “Tres Delinquentes” blaring over the sound system as Todd Cortez steps out onto the stage, arms crossed in the straight-edge X as he walks down the ramp. Funyon: “Now making his way to the ring, weighing in at 226lbs, he is the “URBAN LEGEND”, TODD CORTEZ!!!” The crowd gives Todd a mixed reaction, some booing the Mike Van Siclen-associate while others cheer, California preferring just about anybody to Stryke. Comet: “Todd Cortez has certainly impressed since arriving to the SWF, becoming a World Tag Team Champion in his debut! Those titles now rest around the giant waists of Janus and Aecas now though, and Todd is coming off a hard loss at the hands of Nathaniel Kibagami and the Demonstar Driver, so you know Todd will be doing everything in his power to get back on the winning track.” Riley: “Well that will certainly be easier said than done. Stryke won a title in his debut too, hell, he’s had more titles than Cortez has had matches in his brief SWF career. One thing for sure is both men have been on hard times as of late, but someone will be getting their name back in the win column tonight. I just hope its Stryke, ever since Coy West STOLE his USJL Title things have been going terribly for him.” Comet: “With both men no strangers to taking flight across this very ring we should be looking at one hell of a contest to kick off one hell of a Smarkdown!” Cortez rolls into the ring, standing and pointing to the sky as he holds his gold cross. This proves to be a mistake though, Stryke exploding off the ropes as he clotheslines Cortez down from behind! DING DING DING! Kivell has no choice but to call for the bell as Stryke pounds away on Todd Cortez, stomping away and dropping hard knees to his opponent’s body. The crowd boos Stryke’s actions vehemently, but the Australian pays no attention to it as he brings Cortez up and sends him into the ropes. Cortez rebounds back, but before he can even think to react Stryke leaps in the air, meeting Cortez with a sharp Dropkick! Cortez hits the mat with a thud, but Stryke keeps the pressure on, bringing Todd to his feet and taking him into the turnbuckles. Stryke sets Cortez in position, rears back, and… SLAP! Crowd: “WHOOOO!” …lashes the Urban Legend across his chest with a hard Knife-Edge Chop! Another WHOOO! Echoes around the stadium as Stryke delivers a second blood vessel-bursting chop, following this one up with a stiff Forearm to the face! The crowd again get on Stryke’s back, but he’s solely focused on his opponent, taking Cortez by the arm and whipping him across the ring to the opposite turnbuckles. Cortez’s back impacts against the turnbuckle pads, Todd looking up to see Stryke charging in full-pelt after him! Todd still has the sense to react, at the last second getting his feet up and leaving Stryke to run into the bottom of his boots! Stryke staggers back, Cortez taking the chance to step through the ropes and out onto the ring apron. Before he can try anything Stryke comes back at him though, looking to knock him to the floor with a right hand. Cortez sees it coming however and blocks it, before ducking between the ropes and stunning Stryke with a shoulder thrust right into his mid-section. Stryke again stumbles back, allowing Cortez to swiftly grab the top rope and spring up onto the top, cameras flashing as he leaps at Stryke, locking his feet around the Australian’s head and flinging himacross the ring with a Springboard Hurricanrana! Comet: “Stryke tries to take a shortcut by attacking Todd before the bell, but an incredible acrobatic maneuver from citizen Cortez puts Stryke down. So far Todd Cortez is matching it with his far more experienced foe.” Stryke slowly pushes himself up following the move, holding his head slightly as he locates Cortez, angrily charging back after him, not about to let some rookie upstage him. Cortez easily ducks the incoming Lariat, and Stryke’s reckless charge just gets him in more trouble as Cortez catches him on the rebound, lifting him up and over and slamming him into the canvas with a Snap Powerslam, holding on for the first pin of the match! ONE… TWO… THR… Stryke kicks out, not about to be finished with a mere Powerslam. Riley: “So Cortez gets a few lucky moves early, who cares? No one, that’s who. I’m sure Stryke’s just lulling him into a false sense of security.” Cortez brings Stryke to his feet, quickly whipping him into the ropes. Stryke bounces back, and Cortez lifts him high into the air, preparing to send him crashing back into the mat with his Sitout Spinebuster! The crowd cheers in anticipation of seeing Stryke split in two, but the Australian has other ideas, catching Todd’s head mid-lift in position for a DDT! Stryke comes down, but Cortez plants his feet, blocking any chance of Stryke hitting the move. Cortez doubles Stryke over as he drills a knee to the gut, and looks to capitalise as he hooks Stryke for a Vertical Suplex, quickly lifting him into the air. But just as he reaches the apex Stryke displays his agility, slipping out of Cortez’s grasp and landing on his feet behind him. Stryke instantly grabs a half-nelson, the crowd jeering as Stryke goes for his Half-and-Half Suplex, but Cortez senses it coming and quickly elbows his way out with his free arm before Stryke can get the chickenwing. Stryke is temporarily stunned as a result of an elbow landing right between his eyes, and that’s all the invitation Cortez needs, the former Tag Champion spinning and sweeping Stryke’s legs out from under him in one smooth motion as he slams him to the canvas with an STO Takedown!! Comet: “Both these men’s styles mesh together well, reversing and countering out of nearly half a dozen moves before Cortez gets the STO!” Foregoing a cover Cortez climbs back to his feet, looking down on Stryke for a moment before looking at the ropes, an idea clearly popping into his head as he runs at the ropes, jumping up onto the middle rope and soaring back with a Quebrada Moonsault! Cortez elegantly flies towards Stryke, but his landing is anything but as Stryke gets his knees up! Todd staggers onto the ropes holding his chest and mid-section in obvious pain, his under-estimating the damage the STO had done giving Stryke a chance to get back intothe contest! Stryke gets up to one knee favoring his back slightly, but seeing his opponent prone against the ropes he puts all thoughts of pain out of his mind, charging towards Todd and clotheslining him over the top to the hard floor outside! The crowd once again get the chance to voice their dislike of the Australian, but Stryke only seems to feet off that, standing and looking out at Cortez on the floor with a smile on his face. As Cortez starts to stand Stryke explodes off the opposite ropes, his intentions clear as he runs at the ropes and dives clear over the top, coming crashing down on Todd Cortez with a TOPE CON HILO~! Stryke rises back to his feet on the floor, getting into it with the front-row fans as he stands over the crumpled body of Todd Cortez. Riley: “Listen to this crowd, how dare they boo a spectacular move like that! Cortez had his few minutes of fame, now it’s time for Stryke to take this one home.” Leaving the increasingly agitated crowd Stryke grabs a handful of Todd’s hair, throwing him back under the ropes into the ring, casually rolling in afterwards and covering for the pin. ONE… TWO… THREE… NOOO! Cortez gets a shoulder up, helped by Stryke’s lazy cover. Stryke is hardly bothered by the kickout though, rising back to his feet before dropping down again, a hard kneedrop impacting with Cortez’s head. Another kneedrop follows, and with Cortez seeing stars Stryke moves in for the kill, dragging Todd up off the mat and whipping him full force into the nearest turnbuckles. Cortez hits chest-first and stumbles back, right into the waiting grasp of Stryke who hooks a half-nelson and a chickenwing simultaneously, the boos of the crowd doing nothing to deter him as he snaps back, folding Cortez up like an accordian with the HALF-AND-HALF SUPLEX!! Comet: “A VILE suplex by citizen Stryke, I felt that one down here! Cortez avoided the first attempt but felt all of that one, I don’t know if Cortez can fight on after that.” Stryke takes a second to admire his handiwork, before draping himself across his opponent for the pin. ONE… TWO… THREEEEE… NNNOOOOO!!! Cortez finds the strength to kick out, a cheer going up as the rookie refuses to go down! Comet: “Looks like I may have under-estimated the fight of citizen Cortez, though another lazy Stryke cover helps matters out. Stryke best not get too over-confident, or he may find himself on the losing end of this match very quickly.” Stryke gives an indignant glance at referee Kivell as he gets back up, before just toying with his opponent, a few light kicks to Cortez’s face attempting to provoke him into action, Stryke running the base of his boot across Todd’s face. Cortez starts to push himself up, but Stryke doesn’t wait for him as he brings him up himself, whipping him into the ropes and on the rebound lifting Cortez up into a Fireman’s Carry! Stryke holds Cortez across his shoulders, taking great joy in the packed stadium booing him relentlessly, but the boos quickly disappear as Stryke swings Cortez out, the time wasting by Stryke allowing Cortez to recover and latch onto Stryke’s arm, snapping him over with an Arm Drag! The shocked Stryke stands quickly, but Cortez is already barrelling off the ropes and takes Stryke down with a picture-perfect Spin Wheel Kick, Cortez not wasting a second with the pin! ONE… TWO… THREEE… NNOOO!! The fresher Stryke gets his shoulder up in time, but the momentum of the match has shifted in Cortez’s favor! Riley: “A lucky move, Stryke will be back on top in no time, I’m sure of it.” Cortez gets to his feet slowly, shaking out the cobwebs as he moves to the nearest turnbuckle, starting to scale his way to the top. The time he takes allows Stryke to push himself back up as well though, and as Cortez reaches the top Stryke charges, looking to trip him up on the top. But just before Stryke can hit Cortez leaps off the corner, over Stryke and landing on his feet behind him! Stryke turns, only to walk right into a Todd Cortez Superkick! The kick sends Stryke flying back against the turnbuckles, and Cortez wastes no time in following it up, running back to the opposite corner before running forward, executing a handspring and slamming into Stryke with a Handspring Elbow!! The Australian staggers forward, but there’s nowhere to go as he collapses to the mat, much to the pleasure of the California crowd, Cortez again going for the pin. ONE… TWO… THREEEEEE… NNNNOOOOO!!! Stryke JUST rolls his shoulder off the mat, suddenly the rookie is right in control of the veteran! Comet: “What did I tell you, Stryke had a chance to possibly finish citizen Cortez off, but his over-confidence and time wasting gave Todd the chance to fight back, and he is making the most of it!” Riley: “Shut up, so it’s a lucky three or four moves now, this is all part of Stryke’s plan, it has to be!” Cortez brings Stryke up in a front face lock, keeping him in place before turning and bending Stryke across Todd’s back, setting him in place for his across-the-back neckbreaker the Cereal Killer! Cortez goes to hit the maneuver, but before he can Stryke throws his weight back, flipping over Cortez’s back and landing safely on his feet, quickly snatching on a Side Headlock before Cortez can react! Riley: “A HA! See, I told you Stryke knew what he was doing. We ALL saw how effective Nathaniel Kibagami was in controlling Todd Cortez with the headlock last show, if that’s any indication then he’s in a lot of trouble!” Even in an outdoors arena the air is filled with the sounds of the crowd booing their lungs out, Stryke holding onto the hold with all he’s got as Todd Cortez struggles to escape. Stryke wrenches away on Cortez’s head as he tries and stops the momentum the rookie had built, but Todd Cortez has learnt from his experience against Kibagami and isn’t about to let it happen again. He wraps his arms around Stryke’s waist, and before the Australian knows what’s going on Cortez snaps back with everything he has, lifting Stryke over and SPIKING HIM RIGHT ON HIS SKULL with the BACKDROP DRIVER!!! Comet: “Stryke went to the headlock to slow down the match in his favor, but I don’t think that was what he had in mind! Citizen Cortez drops him on the top of his head, if he can make the cover Cortez might score the upset!!” The crowd is on their feet in cheers, counting along with the pin as Cortez hooks Stryke’s leg, putting his whole body into the cover!! ONE… TWO… THREEEEEEEEEE… STRYKE KICKS OUT!!! Stryke barely gets his shoulders off the mat in time, mere milliseconds separating him from defeat! Riley: “OH MY TODD, that just about gave me a heart attack! I don’t think even Stryke can take much more of this, he needs to come up with something, and quick! Cheat, take advantage of a mistake, ANYTHING!” The crowd is deflated by the kickout, but there’s soon reason to cheer again as Todd Cortez signals to finish things off, reaching down and clamping his hand around Stryke’s throat, pulling him to his feet for his Chokeslam to Powerbomb, the Miracle Ecstasy Bomb he calls the Urban Assault! Comet: “Cortez getting ready to hammer the final nail in Stryke’s coffin, I don’t think Stryke can kick out of another high-impact move like this!” The crowd is rabid as Cortez gets Stryke on his feet, taking a second to draw all the strength he has left to lift Stryke high into the air! The Australian has one final roll of the dice however, and as he starts his descent manages to get his arm around Cortez’s head, using the momentum of the move against him as he DRILLS Todd into the mat with a savage Tornado DDT!! Riley: “YES! I never doubted him for a second, the DDT counter didn’t work earlier, but it sure as hell paid off there!” Stryke knows this may be his only chance, and so puts any thought of pain out of his head, pushing his tired body up inch by inch as he stands up by the prone Todd Cortez. Stryke’s expression has lost any hint of cockiness, Stryke very serious as he pulls Cortez up and puts him in position for the Pumphandle Piledriver! The crowd know what’s coming, but there’s nothing they can do to stop it as Stryke gets his opponent up into the air, before VIOLENTLY sitting out and crushing Cortez’s cranium into the canvas with the LOW END THEORY!!! There’s no getting up from that one, Stryke draping himself over Cortez for the pin!! ONE… TWO… THREEEEEEE… YES!!! DING DING DING! “How I Could Just Kill A Man” hits, Strkye rolling off Cortez and out of the ring, not even waiting to have his hand raised as he storms to the back, obviously not happy a rookie was able to take him so close to the brink of defeat. Riley: “A famous victory for Stryke, I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off a Smarkdown then this. I can think of a good way to continue it though, and that’s with three men killing themselves in a Hardcore Tables match, up next!” Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
